History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 136

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.

where he is yet living. John and Margaret Engler were the parents of nine children, as follows: John; Lena; Jacob, of Dakota; Mary, deceased wife of Barney Nuss; Joseph, deceased; Lizzie, deceased wife of Wendel Doll; Anna, wife of Frank Kentz, and two others who died in infancy.

The subject of this sketch was only five years old when his parents settled in the Nippenose valley. He received a common school education, and was reared to habits of rigid industry. Early in life he entered the lumber business, which he has successfully continued up to the present. He also owns and cultivates a farm of 400 acres near Collomsville, and operates a flour mill and saw mill in that village, besides carrying on a general mercantile business. Mr. Engler was married May 12, 1870, to Lena, daughter of Lawrence Eiswert, and to this union have been born five children: George L .; Maggie A. ; Joseph J .; Harry, and Edward, all of whom are living. Politically he is an earnest Democrat, has served as a delegate to State conventions, and in 1892 was a popular candidate for the legislature and had a large following, but failed to get the nomination because of the late day at which he announced his candidacy. He has served as a school director nine years, and takes a deep interest in the progress of education. Mr. Engler and family are members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic church of Bastress, and he is recognized as one of the successful and enterprising citizens of Lycoming county.

REV. JOHN H. LENFERT, pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at Bastress, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, was born near Munster, in the Prussian province of Westfalia, Germany, on the 19th of February, 1831. He was educated at the Munster Academy, and in September, 1862, immigrated to Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, where he entered the theological seminary of St. Charles Borromeo. On the 26th of February, 1863, he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Wood of Phila- delphia, and the following month was sent as assistant to St. Paul's church, Read- ing, Pennsylvania. He was appointed to the pastorate of the congregation at Bas- tress, Lycoming county, June 21, 1863, and for nearly thirty years he has devoted his life to the spiritual and temporal welfare of that parish.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is the oldest Catholic congregation in Lycoming county. On the 14th of April, 1838, Rev. Nicholas Steinbacher, a Jesuit missionary, purchased of Clement S. Miller a tract of land called "Stanhope," containing 414} acres, for the sum of $250. Upon this land he soon after erected a small two-story church, the lower story being stone and the upper one frame, and, gathering together the Catholic families scattered throughout the Nippenose valley, · he organized the first Catholic parish in the county. He also opened a parochial school in the lower story of the little building, which he conducted several years. These facts becoming known, a part of the tide of Catholic emigration from Ger- many and the older counties of Pennsylvania flowed into the Nippenose valley, from year to year, until the parish contained over 150 families. Father Steinbacher came to the valley with the intention of founding a college of the Society of Jesus, and some five years after the erection of the first church, he built another small stone structure, intending it for a part of a grand church building, which he had in con- templation when his plans were fully matured. His dream, however, came to naught, and this second building was used by his successors until the erection of the present church in 1859. Of his successors Rev. Antonius M. Grundtner, a

John Engler

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-native of Tyrol, Austria, and Rev. Joseph Hamm, of Baden, Germany, are especially worthy of mention. The latter erected the present church, which is a substantial stone building, with an interior 45x90 feet in size, and served the congregation faithfully for many years.

Father Lenfert succeeded Father Hamm in June, 1863, and under his kind and judicious management much good has been accomplished, and peace, goodwill, and harmony have attended all his efforts. In 1872 he built a fine parochial residence, prior to which the first church was used for a dwelling. In 1875 he erected a sub- stantial convent and school building, using the material of the second stone church in a part of the structure. He established a parochial school, presided over by the Sisters of Christian Charity, which has ever since been carried on successfully. In 1883 he purchased and laid out an addition to the cemetery, and has also beautified the interior of the church. Though emigration to the West has reduced the mem- bership to about 100 families, the Immaculate Conception is still one of the flourish- ing country congregations of the diocese. During Father Lenfert's pastorate he had charge of St. Bonifacius church of Williamsport, from October, 1865, until 1869; he also visited Jersey Shore occasionally, and did other missionary work outside of his parish. His fatherly care and kindness have endeared him to his flock, who rever- ence him as their spiritual guide and comforter.

DANIEL DOUGHERTY, son of Charles Dougherty, was born July 23, 1803, in Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania. His father immigrated from Ireland to America at an early day, and located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his death. He was the father of two children: Susan, who married Philip Wert, of Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and Daniel. The latter removed from his native county to Snyder county, Pennsylvania, where he remained for fifteen years, and in 1837 he came to Limestone township, Lycoming county. He was a blacksmith, and followed his trade in connection with farming. Mr. Dougherty married Elizabeth Brant, who was born October 14, 1803, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county about the year 1825. To this union were born thirteen children: Magdalena, who mar- ried Michael Smith; Joseph, a United Brethren minister of Lebanon county, Pennsyl- vania; Catherine, deceased; David; Elizabeth, deceased, who married Jonas Auker; Fannie, who married Augustus Eck; Henry B., deceased; John; Daniel; Abram; Susannah, who married Isaac Auker, and two who died in infancy. Mr. Dougherty died March 8, 1869, followed by his widow, April 14, 1870.

HENRY B. DOUGHERTY was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Brant) Dougherty. He was educated in the common schools, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for eighteen years. He then began the lumber business, which he continued up to his death, March 23, 1892. He filled several of the towuship offices, and came within two votes of being nom- inated county commissioner by the Republican party, of which organization he was an ardent supporter. He was married August 8, 1861, to Susannah Hoffman, and to this union were born five children: Edward, who is a school teacher and married to Jona A. Blattenburger, by whom he has oue child, George B .; Kirk M., who married Alma Righter, and has one child, Calvin; William A .; Eleanor, deceased, and Jeanetta G., wife of William A. Myers, who has one child, Jesse A. Mr. Dougherty was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which denomina- tion his widow belongs.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

PETER J. DENWORTH was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1805, and came to the United States in 1824, when about eighteen years of age. His family were farmers, and the Denworths had resided in County Limerick for many generations. After coming to this country he found employment in the construction of railroads, and was afterwards engaged as a contractor upon the public works of Pennsylvania, with Philadelphia as his permanent home. Through ill health, caused by exposure, he was advised by his physician to seek a home in the country, and he removed with his family from Philadelphia to Limestone township, Lycoming county, in April, 1850, where he died, May 21, 1852. His wife was Mary S. Sheppard, a native of Scotland, who bore him three sons, as follows: James B .; Hugh, and Peter S. The whole family are now residents of Williamsport. The two eldest went into the Union army, and served from 1861 until shot out or mustered out at the close of the war. Both exhibited the true soldier's instinct, and displayed that fearless courage and tenacity of purpose characteristic of the race from which they sprung.

HUGH DENWORTH, second son of Peter J. Denworth, was born in Philadelphia,. Pennsylvania, February 8, 1846, and resides in Nippenose valley, engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, Inmbering, and farming, and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the valley. He enlisted in August, 1861, in Company D, Eleventh Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and although a mere stripling he soon exhibited those essential qualities that make up the ideal American soldier -pluck and pride, and a high sense of honor that characterizes the true patriot. He was a born soldier, with all of the true instincts of a chivalrous race. He was shot almost to death at the open- ing of the Second Battle of Bull Run, August 20, 1862, from which he has never fully recovered. For a man in his disabled condition he has made a creditable busi- ness record and a commendable success. He is a Republican, and a stanch advocate of the measures and principles of that party.

PETER S. DENWORTH, youngest son of Peter J. Denworth, was born in Limestone. township, Lycoming county, July 25, 1850. He was educated in the common schools, and engaged in farming for a few years, and then embarked in the mercantile busi- ness. After nine years spent in merchandising he returned to the farm, and fol- lowed farming and lumbering up to the spring of 1892, when he removed to Will- iamsport. In 1889 he became a member of the firm of Friedel, Denworth & Com- pany, of Lock Haven, dealers in agricultural implements, with which he is still connected. Mr. Denworth was married December 21, 1871, to Rebecca J. Sweir, to. which union have been born six children: Jessie M .; James B. ; Hugh H. ; Emma M. ;. Ruth A., and John W. He is a Republican, and has filled many of the offices in his township. He was mercantile appraiser two terms, school director six years, and overseer of the poor eight years, and also jury commissioner. He is a member of the- Masonic order, and is well and favorably known in the county as a man of honor and integrity.

THOMAS McMURREN was a native of Ireland, and twice married. In 1829 he immigrated from Ireland to America with his second wife and their four children, and located on a farm in Limestone township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where. the balance of his life was spent.

ANDREW McMURREN, son of Thomas McMurren, was a farmer, and married Rebecca Martin, and to this union were born three children: Rebecca, deceased ;.

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Mary, who married Elim Williamson, and David. Andrew McMurren died in 1874, and his wife in 1858.

DAVID McMURREN, farmer, was born March 4, 1852, in Lycoming county, Penn- sylvania, son of Andrew and Mary (Williamson) McMurren. He was educated in the common schools, and has followed farming and lumbering all of his business life. He was married to Emma Brown Lee, of Clinton county, Pennsylvania, and to this union have been born two children: Mabel, and Ruth.

WILLIAM WELSHANS, Sr., was born at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, April 24, 1792. He was a gunsmith by trade, but spent the most of his life on a farm. He removed from Dauphin to Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and remained there about ten years, and then came to Hall's Station, Lycoming county, and in 1841 located in Limestone township. He was twice married; his first wife was Elizabeth Griffin, by whom he had seven children: Daniel, deceased; Catherine, deceased; Rebecca; Mary, deceased; Abram; William, and an infant, deceased. His second wife was Margaret Shedunn, and to them were born ten children: James; Joseph; Charles; Hester; George, deceased; Henry; Franklin; Martha; Emma J., deceased, and Thomas, deceased. Mr. Welshans died in 1871, at his home in Limestone township, where he had lived thirty years.

WILLIAM WELSHANS, son of William Welshans, Sr., was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1819, and was educated in the common schools. He has followed farming with excellent success since attaining manhood. In 1848 he was married to Mary Phlegar, who died in 1889; to this union were born four chil- dren: John, deceased; Catherine; Margaret, and David. Mr. Welshans and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

JOHN COPPES, SR., a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, of German extraction, settled in the Buffalo valley at an early date. He was engaged in the saw mill busi- ness and subsequently removed to Muncy, Pennsylvania, where he was also engaged in the milling business. He was married in Berks county, to Catherine Hatt, and to this union were horn the following children: Susan; Mark; Nancy; Daniel; Catherine; Rachel; John, and Elizabeth. Mr. Coppes died in Watson township, in 1852. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church.

JOHN COPPES, youngest son of John Coppes, Sr., was born February 25, 1828, in Buffalo valley. He was educated in the common schools and reared on a farm. He worked for various people until 1853, when he rented a farm for twenty-five years. In 1872 he purchased his present farm of 165 acres, to which he has added forty acres, and is engaged in general farming and dairying. He is a Democrat in politics, and has filled the offices of supervisor, tax collector, and school director. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a steward for twenty years. He was married in 1853 to Rachel, daugh- ter of John Bonnell, and to this union have been born five children: William A .; John A .; Isaac M .; T. B., and Kate, wife of Philip Bluhm.

JOHN BASTIAN was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1797, son of Jacob Bastian, who settled at Newberry, Lycoming county, and was a carder and fuller by trade. He worked with his father for many years, and in 1838 he pur- chased a farm in Susquehanna township, which he cleared and lived upon until his death, July, 27, 1857. He was an old-line Whig, and served as school director.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

He was a Baptist in his religious views. Mr. Bastian married Elizabeth Ault, and to this union were born nine children: Samuel; Elizabeth; Joseph; Susanna; Nancy; Harriet; Catharine; Adam, and Sarah Jane. Mrs. Bastian died some years previous to her husband.

JOSEPH BASTIAN, second son of John Bastain, was born September 17, 1829, in Newberry. He was reared in Susquehanna township, and was educated in the com- mon schools. After arriving at manhood he took charge of the homestead farm, and subsequently purchased the same. He is a Republican in politics, and has filled the office of school director, and is a member of the Presbyterian church of Linden. Mr. Bastian was twice married, his first wife being Johanna Tomlinson, by whom he had four children: Sarah A., and Gibson R., both deceased, Elmer; and Joseph. His second wife was Lydia Brion, and to this union were born four children: Mary; Charles; Norman, and Daniel, who died in infancy.

CHAPTER LIV.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

OLD LYCOMING, LYCOMING, ANTHONY, AND WOODWARD TOWNSHIPS.

DERRICK UPDEGRAFF was one of the early settlers of Lycoming county, whither he came from York county, Pennsylvania, in April, 1789. His paternal ancestors came from Holland towards the close of the seventeenth century and settled at Germantown, Pennsylvania. Derrick was born there in 1731, grew to manhood, and then removed to York county, where he purchased a portion of the Penn Manor. In the spring of 1789 he brought his family to the West Branch valley, and pur- chased several hundred acres of land on what is known as the "Long Reach," a por- tion of which is still in possession of his descendants. He soon afterward bought another tract at Level Corner, upon which he settled his sons Martin and George. He was a Quaker in religious belief, and died in 1815. His wife, Susan, survived him several years. They reared a family of five sons and one daughter, as follows: Harman; Martin; George; Daniel; Samuel, and Mary, who became the wife of a Mr. Morrison and moved to Somerset county. Martin and George sold their farms at Level Corner and went west; while Harman, Daniel, and Samuel spent their lives in this county, and have numerous descendants throughout the West Branch valley.

DAVID FINK was born in 1784, on the old homestead in Loyalsock township, son of John Fink, a soldier of the Revolution, who settled upon Lycoming creek, Lycoming county, after the close of the war. His children were Jacob; John; David; Michael; Samuel; Betsey, and Susan. David was reared a farmer, and after reach- ing manhood he purchased the farm now in the possession of his son Jacob, in Old Lycoming township. He married Betsey, daughter of William Murray, who bore him a family of seven children: Michael; William; John; David; Jacob; Mary, wife

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of G. J. Mahaffey, and Elizabeth A., wife of Robert Bailey. Mr. Fink died Feb- ruary 15, 1858. In politics he was a Whig, and liberal in religious matters.

WILLIAM FINK, second son of David Fink, was born October 25, 1823, and was - reared and educated in his native township. He remained at home until his twenty- fourth year, when he engaged in lumbering, which he followed until 1855. He then purchased his present homestead, upon which he has since resided. He married Mary Ann, daughter of Abraham Newcome, of Old Lycoming township. They are the parents of the following children: Gohem; Edward; William; John; Frank; Albert; Jane, wife of John Russell; Lizzie, wife of John B. Kinley; Ellen, wife of Joseph Harmon; Margaret, and Gertrude. Mr. Fink has served as constable in his township for twenty-five years. He is a member of the Republican party, also of the Farmers' Alliance, and is connected with the Presbyterian church.

CHARLES CASSELBERRY was the fourth son of Isaiah Casselberry, a Quaker who was born at Catawissa, Pennsylvania, and who came with his father, Jacob Cassel- berry, to Lycoming county, at an early date and settled in the Muncy Hills. Isaiah Casselberry married Hannah Breach, who bore him six sons and five daughters. Charles was born at Catawissa in 1811, and settled in Loyalsock township. He died in December, 1889, at the home of his son Abram. He married Elizabeth Foulkcrodd, daughter of Philip Foulkcrodd, of Muncy township. She survives her husband, and resides with her son Abram. To Charles and Elizabeth Casselberry were born the following children: Barbara, widow of William Stryker; Hannah, widow of Jeremiah Reinhard; Sarah, wife of Peter Bastian; Kate, deceased wife of Benjamin Chapman; Elias; Abram; Thomas; John, and George. Mr. Casselberry was an adherent of the Republican party, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

ABRAM CASSELBERRY, son of Charles and Elizabeth Casselberry, was born, December 9, 1839, in Loyalsock township, Lycoming county. He received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. In 1861 he enlisted in the three-months' service, and served until mustered out. In 1863 he re-enlisted in the First Penn- sylvania Light Artillery, and served over one year. At the close of his service he engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi river, which he followed seven years. He then located in Warren county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the lum- ber business several years. In December, 1884, he purchased his present farm of 100 acres, in Old Lycoming township, and has since been engaged in farming. He married Carrie A. Johnson, a native of Sweden who has borne him three chil- dren: Loretta; Kittie J., and Charles. Mr. Casselberry is a member of the Repub- lican party, and a worthy, enterprising citizen.

JOHN GOLDY, a native of Trenton, New Jersey, and a veteran of the Revolution, came to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1797. He found employment with Judge Hepburn on a farm, and resided in this county until his death. He was the father of four sons and three daughters: Joseph; Samuel; William; John B .; Agnes, who married a Mr. Thorp; Sarah, who married Andrew McMurray, and Harriet E., who became the wife of Joseph Elliott, all of whom are dead.

JOHN B. GOLDY, youngest son of John Goldy, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1791, and came with his father to Lycoming county, in childhood. During his boyhood days and early manhood he worked for Judge Hepburn, but after his mar-

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riage he rented a farm from the Judge, upon which he resided for nine years. He then purchased 100 acres in Woodward township, which is still in possession of his family, where he lived fourteen years, subsequently renting a farm upon which he resided until his death in 1864. He was married in 1819, to Phobe, daughter of . Levi Blair, to whom were born ten children: Samuel; John W., deceased; Mary, wife of Samuel Casebier; Catherine, wife of William Miller; Hepburn; Andrew A .; James, deceased; Elizabeth; Robert, and William. The mother died in 1843. Politically Mr. Goldy was a Democrat, and adhered to the Methodist Episcopal church.

SAMUEL GOLDY was born March 1, 1820, in Loyalsock township, and is the eldest son of John B. and Phoebe Goldy. He grew up under the parental roof, and at the age of twelve entered the employ of Colonel Stewart, of Woodward township, with whom he remained until reaching his majority. He then worked at various places until 1861, when he rented the mill farm of Wesley Moore, at Newberry, where he remained fifteen years. In 1871 he purchased his present homestead of 130 acres, which he had partly bought in connection with Wesley Moore in 1864. He subse- quently rented the mill farm again, and carried it on in connection with his own. Mr. Goldy was married in 1867 to Mary, daughter of Henry Edder, of Clarion county, Pennsylvania. Four children are the fruits of this union: Stewart; Myra, wife of Andrew Snyder; Wesley, and Albert. Politically he is a Democrat, and is liberal in his religious opinions. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

GEORGE GOOD, deceased, was a son of John and Rachel (Williams) Good, and was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1810. His parents were natives of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and the family were among the early settlers of that county. George Good removed to Northumberland county in 1837, aud settled near Milton, where he was engaged in farming until 1859. He then purchased the mill in Old Lycoming township, Lycoming county, now operated by his son John, which he conducted until his death in 1875. Mr. Good married Mary Smith, daughter of Abram Smith, and by this marriage the following children were born to him: John; Abraham; Elizabeth, who married Jonas Trexler; Margaret, who married David Trexler; Jennie, widow of Daniel Smith; Mary Emma, wife of C. F. Datesman; George S .; Laura, and Josephine, deceased wife of B. Hill. Mrs. Good survived her husband until 1889. In early life Mr. Good was a Whig, but on the formation of the Republican party he united with that organization. He filled many minor offices in his township, and was one of the active business men of his time. In his religious views he was a Presbyterian.

JOHN GOOD, miller, was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1833, and is the oldest son of George Good. He received a common school educa- tion, and was reared a farmer. In 1858 he engaged in the mercantile business in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed to Sunbury, Pennsylvania, where he followed merchandising three years. He then engaged in the milling busi- ness in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, and after his father's death he purchased the old mill property in this county which he has since owned and operated. Mr. Good was married in 1858 to Sarah, daughter of E. Crawford, of Delaware township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Nine children are the fruits of this union: Clara; Mary E .; Grace, wife of Thomas Shriner; Elizabeth; Bertha; Clement; Ossian

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W .; James, and Harry. Mr. Good is a Republican, and has been a member of the Masonic order for many years. He is one of the respected, progressive citizens of Old Lycoming township.

MATTHEW JAMISON was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born January 1, 1792. He was a son of Orrin and Mary Jamison, both of whom died when our subject was quite young. He was reared by his maternal uncle, Moses McElwee, and his early life was spent upon a farm. In 1811 he immigrated to Pennsylvania, and took up his residence in Old Lycoming township, Lycoming county, where he found employ- ment among the pioneer farmers. He afterward was engaged to take charge of a still, and subsequently operated the still on his own account. About 1828 he rented the Dr. Wood farm, where he remained two years, aud then leased and operated for two years what is now known as the Good grist mill. He next found employment on the West Branch canal, as a superintendent of construction. In 1833 he pur- chased the Rody tract, containing 317 acres, which is now in the possession of his son Edward. Here he resided until his death, which occurred September 9, 1879. When he bought his farm very little of it was cleared of the original forest, and there were no buildings upon it. Through the passing years he gradually cleared it up and erected the buildings now upon it. He took an active interest in educa- tional matters, and served for many years as a director of the district school. Mr. Jamison was a member of the Presbyterian church, and one of the organizers of that church iu Newberry, but during the latter years of his life he attended Lycom- ing Centre Presbyterian church. When the Northern Central railroad was built he was one of the superintendents of construction. He accumulated quite a large estate, which his family inherited at his death. In early life he affiliated with the Whig party, but on the organization of the Republican party he united with that organization, and remained steadfast in his political faith up to his death. Mr. Jamison married Mary Rose, a daughter of Edward Wilkerson. The latter was a pioneer of Williamsport, and owned the land upon which the new postoffice building stands. Six children were born of this union, three of whom grew to maturity: Edward; Andrew J., and James, the two last mentioned of whom are dead. Mrs. Jamison survived her husband two years, and died at the old homestead, March 16, 1879.

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History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 136

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