History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Part 113

Author: Bell, Herbert C. (Herbert Charles), 1868- ed; John, J. J., 1829-
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1424

USA > Pennsylvania > Northumberland County > History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania > Part 113

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

SAMUEL CALDWELL was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1818, son of James and Nancy (Woods) Caldwell. Robert Caldwell, the grandfather of our subject, immigrated from Ireland to America about the year 1796 and located in what is now Montour county (then Northumber- land), Pennsylvania. The eldest son, Samuel, died at Black Rock, while serving in the war of 1812. James Caldwell was born during the voyage across the Atlantic. He was a farmer, and reared a family of six children: Robert, deceased; John, deceased; Margaret, widow of John McWilliams; Samuel; James, of New Jersey, and Dr. L. T., deceased. Samuel Caldwell was educated in the common schools, and has followed farming all his life. In 1855 he took a contract on the construction of the Catawissa railroad, and after completing this he was engaged ten years in the tanning business. He was one of the charter members of the Watsontown Bank, and was active in securing stock for the same. He became the first president of this bank and continued as such four years. In 1884 he was a candidate for the legislat- ure on the Republican ticket and was defeated by only one hundred sixty- four votes when the county gave a Democratic majority of over eight hun- dred. He was married, February 22, 1844, to Elizabeth A., daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Butler) Gillen, of Montour county, Pennsylvania, and to this union have been born nine children: Thomas G., a merchant of Watson- town; Margaret; Martha A., wife of Ezra Weist, of Fairmount, Florida; Nora A .; James, who was one of the corps of engineers who surveyed the Nicaragua canal; Kate; Rhoda; Ida, and Pansy. Mrs. Caldwell died, March 20, 1876, in the faith of the Baptist church. Mr. Caldwell is a mem- ber of the Reformed church, and one of the best known and most enterpris- ing citizens of Watsontown.

1075

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JACOB KREMER, ex-sheriff and treasurer of Northumberland county, was born in Albany township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1827, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Levan) Kremer. The former was a weaver; he located at Milton in 1829 and thence removed successively to the Stitzel farm near McEwensville and the De Armond farm near Warrior Run church, remaining at each place two years in the pursuit of his trade. He engaged in farming in White Deer valley in 1834, subsequently kept hotel one year in White Deer township, Union county, and five years later removed to Allenwood, Union county, where he opened a hotel and continued at that business the remainder of his life. Jacob Kremer accompanied his parents to this county, and obtained a common school education at the different points where they successively resided. After attaining his majority he embarked in the stock business at Allenwood. In 1867 he removed to Armstrong township, Lyco- ming county, Pennsylvania, and thence in 1869 to Williamsport, where he continued in the stock business and engaged in the raising of thoroughbred horses. In April, 1875, he located at Dewart, Northumberland county, as proprietor of a hotel, and in 1879 he assumed the proprietorship of the Man- sion House at Watsontown. In 1881 he was the candidate of the Repub- lican party for sheriff of Northumberland county, but was defeated; he was again nominated in 1884, and was elected by a majority of two hundred sev- enty-four-the first Republican sheriff in this county for a number of years. In 1887, before the expiration of his term of office, he received the Repub- lican nomination for county treasurer, and was elected by a majority of seven hundred sixty-four, his largest gains being at his home and where he was best known. Three years later (1890) he was again the Republican candi- date for sheriff, but shared in the general reverses of his party in that year. Mr. Kremer married, January 6, 1854, Julia A., eldest daughter of Isaac and Jane (Piatt) Allen, of Allenwood, Union county; of nine children born to them five are now living: Sarah Alice, wife of Charles G. Pursell, of Jersey City, New Jersey; Allen I. and Daniel A., proprietors of the Mansion House at Watsontown; Charles L., who has served as deputy sheriff and treasurer during his father's official terms, and Jennie L.

SAMUEL M. MILLER, retired farmer, was born near Catawissa, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1820. His father, Henry Miller, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1778, was a farmer, and died in 1860. His mother, Catharine Mastellar, was also born in Berks county in 1779 and died in 1840. Her marriage with Henry Miller gave her twelve children: George; Henry; Benjamin; Daniel; Samuel M .; John; Susan; Lydia; Eliza- beth; Catharine; Sarah, and Rebecca, all of whom are dead except Samuel M., John, Sarah, and Rebecca. Our subject was educated in the public schools, and is a farmer by occupation. He came to this county in 1864, and in 1871 settled in Watsontown. He has been largely interested in the tan- nery business, the car shops, the Watsontown Furniture and Table Works,

1076

HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

the Watsontown Boot and Shoe Company, is a stockholder in the Watsontown National Bank, and for several years was one of the proprietors of the Wat- sontown Record; he is also a director of the Watsontown Cemetery Associa- tion. He was one of the trustees of the Union church, the first church erected in the town, and was one of the largest subscribers to the erection of the new Lutheran church, of which he is an active and consistent member. He is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Masonic order. He has served as school director and in various township and borough offices. He was married at Catawissa, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1841, to Emeline Shuman, born at Catawissa in 1821, and a daughter of Jacob, and Barbara Shuman, of Columbia county. To this union have been born the following children: Hulda, wife of John Rarick; Barbara, wife of William Seeman; Miranda and Amanda, both deceased; Francis H., of the firm of Bower & Miller; Emma, deceased; Charles, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Miller and family are members of the Lutheran church, and he is one of the old and respected citizens of the county.

GEORGE BURNS, retired, was born in Sunbury, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1814, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Spees) Burns. His grandfather immigrated to this country from Scotland, and settled in Union county, Pennsylvania. Peter Burns, his father, was a pilot on the Susquehanna river. He helped build one of the first public school houses in the county outside of a borough. This school house was built by four neighbors; Peter Burns gave the ground, gave and hewed the timber, and carried the nails and glass for the building from Harrisburg, a distance of fifty-five miles, on his back. He served in the war of 1812, and was the father of thirteen children, five of whom are living: Peter, of Wisconsin; George, of Watsontown; Christian, of Union county; Mary, Mrs. Jacob Frederick, and Leah, Mrs. William Campbell. The subject of this sketch was educated in the log school house his father helped build, and at the age of twenty-one went to the Arctic ocean on a whaling expedition; he returned in eighteen months and learned the gunsmith trade. In 1841 he accepted the contract to deliver the stone and timber for the Shamokin dam. He then built the bridge across the mouth of Mahanoy creek, after which he went to Indiana and spent nine years in that State farming and wool growing, after which time he returned to near the headwaters of Penn's creek, built a saw mill, and ran it successfully for several years, rafting the products of the mill down Penn's creek to Selinsgrove, thence down the Susquehanna to the dif- ferent markets. In 1862 he removed to Watsontown, and engaged in the mercantile business. He was one of the stockholders of the tannery and shoe factory, has served in the town council, and as president of the Cemetery Association since its organization. Mr. Burns has been married three times. His first wife was Lucinda McMoody, daughter of John R. McMoody, of Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and by her

1077

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

he had seven children, three of whom are living: Samuel P., of Selinsgrove; Lucy A., Mrs. Andrew Hyronimus, and Sarah J., Mrs. Samuel Winkleman. His second wife was Eliza Quinn, and the third Anna Quinn, daughters of Michael Quinn, of Union county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Burns has been a mem- ber of the Masonic order since 1832.

ROBERT BUCK, deceased, was born at New Castle, Delaware, December 14, 1827, son of James and Mary (Thompson) Buck. His father was a native of Ireland, and died in October, 1869; the mother was a native of Delaware, and died in 1872. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are living: David, of Iowa; Margaret, Mrs. Absalom Barben, of Chester county, Pennsylvania; Mary E .; Samuel, of Renovo, Pennsylvania; John, of Driftwood, Pennsylvania; James, of Harrisburg, and William. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and engaged in the boot and shoe business at Loudon Grove, Pennsylvania, and in 1864 embarked in railroading, first as a laborer, and then took charge of construction. In 1871 he was appointed supervisor by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and continued in that position up to his death, January 7, 1890. He was mar- ried in 1855 to Ruth A. John, who died in 1868, leaving three children: Emmaline, Mrs. H. P. McKee; Mary H., Mrs. Edwin B. Hogue, and Jennie, Mrs. William Rossel. He was again married in June, 1870, to Elizabeth A. Seiler, of this county, and to this union has been born one child, Robert M. Mr. Buck was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Watson- town, also a member of Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, F. & A. M., Warrior Run Chapter, and Baldwin Commandery, No. 22, of Williamsport, Pennsyl- vania.

SIMPSON SMITH was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1821, son of Jonathan and Annie (Simpson) Smith, natives of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject built the first grist and saw mill erected on Muncy creek, in Lycoming county. Jonathan Smith, father of our subject, died, April 7, 1854; his wife died, November 18, 1832. They were the parents of nine children: Hannah; Sarah; John; George; Bar- clay; Effie; Mary A .; Thomas, and Simpson, all deceased but the last two named. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools, after which he began business life as a farmer and lumberman. He came to this county in 1867 and located on a farm, and in 1879 removed to Watsontown. At the organization of the Farmers' National Bank of Watsontown in 1886, he was chosen president; and served in that position until January 1, 1891. He was married, March 22, 1855, to Charlotte Opp, of Lycoming county, and to this union have been born four children: George, a cattle dealer, of Kansas; Allison O., a lawyer of Clearfield, Pennsylvania; Clara S., wife of Rev. M. A. Denman, of Schuylersville, New York, and Thomas K., of Watsontown. Mr. Smith was one of the trustees of the Presbyterian church of Watsontown, of which he and wife are members.

1078

HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

SAMUEL DE ARMOND, retired farmer, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1811, son of Samuel and Esther (Wallace) De Ar- mond. His grandfather emigrated from Scotland to Ireland, from there to America, and located in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. The De Armond and Wallace families came from Dauphin county to Northumberland county about 1793, and settled near the present site of the Warrior Run Presby- terian church. Samuel De Armond was the father of seven children, but two of whom are living: Thomas and Samuel. He died in 1818, and his widow in January, 1851. The subject of our sketch was educated in the old log school house, and followed farming as an occupation until 1873, when he removed to Watsontown to live a retired life. He was married in 1842 to Rebecca G. Ferguson, a native of this county, and to this union were born five children: Hadssah G .; William W .; Andrew W .; Thomas D., and Sam- uel E., all of whom are dead except the last mentioned. Mr. De Armond and wife are members of the Warrior Run Presbyterian church.

JOHN M. KIRK was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, Octo- ber 14, 1815, son of William and Jane (Knox) Kirk. His grandfather, Moses Kirk, emigrated from Scotland at an early date, and located at the Warrior Run church, this county. At the time of the surrender of Fort Freeland to the British and Indians in 1779, the treaty guaranteed the women and children freedom, while the men were to remain prisoners. Mary Kirk, the widow of Moses Kirk, with her ten children, was in the fort; she put dresses on her little boys and passed them out as girls, and thus obtained their freedom. William Kirk, father of our subject, sold his farm in this county in 1829, and removed to Monroe county, New York, where he pur- chased a farm. He was the father of eleven children, only two of whom are living: William, of Monroe county, New York, and Mary, residing in Michi- gan. He died, June 8, 1842, and his widow in May, 1862. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and followed the occupation of farmer. He was married, June 8, 1843, to Margaret Burns, who died leaving five children: Myron B .; William T .; John F .; Frank E., and Ettie L., deceased. He was again married, October 28, 1873, to Catharine, daughter of James Kirk. Mr. Kirk was a member of the Presbyterian church up to his death, March 30, 1890, to which faith his widow also ad- heres.

THOMAS KIRK was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1821, son of James and Mary (Foster) Kirk. The grandfather of our subject came to this county before the Revolutionary war, and purchased a farm, the deed of which is written on sheepskin, and signed by William Penn. The parents of our subject were natives of this county, and reared a family of ten children, two of whom are living: Catharine, who married John Kirk, and Thomas. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and has followed the occupation of farming all his life. He is a member of the Warrior Run Presbyterian church.

1079

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

SIMON LANTZ was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 21, 1814, and was a son of Henry and Christiana (Follmer) Lantz. Henry Lantz was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county when a boy. He followed farming, and was the father of ten chil- dren, three of whom are living: Mary, wife of Charles Brown, of Ohio; Christiana, wife of Jonas Fox, of Michigan, and Jonathan, of Goshen, Indiana. Our subject was educated in the subscription schools, and followed farming all his life. He was married in November, 1843, to Harriet, daugh- ter of Griggs Marsh, and to this union were born five children: Catharine, wife of G. W. Rombach; S. Griggs, and three who died when young. Mr. Lantz remained on his farm until the spring of 1889, when he moved to Watsontown to spend the remainder of his life in retirement. He was a consistent member of the Reformed church of Watsontown up to his death January 10, 1890, to which denomination his widow belongs.

JOSEPH ALBRIGHT, retired, was born at Allentown, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1836, son of Charles S. and Esther (Newhart) Albright. The father of our subject was a tailor by trade, but was engaged in the latter part of his life in farming. He died in 1867, his widow in 1881. They were the parents of twelve children; eleven grew to maturity, and six are now living: George W., of Oregon; John T .; Joseph; Charles F., of Iowa; Esther, and Lizzie. The subject of our sketch received his education at the public schools, and at the age of twenty learned the trade of plasterer. He came to this county in 1856, and worked at his trade until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, and served nine months. He again enlisted in February, 1864, in Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at Petersburg, July 30, 1864, and was confined in Danville and Libby prisons until March 10, 1865. After the war he worked at his trade one year, engaged in the livery business eight years, and returned to his trade until 1881. He was married in December, 1858, to Mary A. Tate, of Milton, and to this union were born four children: David; John S. and Elmer C., twins, and William N. Mr. Albright and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of the G. A. R.

ANDREW M. LOWRY, retired minister of the Presbyterian church, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1820, son of James M. and Sarah (Laird) Lowry. His grandfather emigrated from Ireland and located in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. James Lowry was a farmer; he went to the war of 1812, but was too late for active service. He was born, June 15, 1792, and died, March 17, 1871; his wife died, December 15, 1866. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, Mrs. Samuel Mckean; Margaret, Mrs. Joseph G. Durham; Andrew M .; Jane W., and Mary E. The subject of our sketch was educated

1080

HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

at the common schools, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, and Wash- ington College, now known as Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, graduat- ing from the last named in June, 1850, after. which he spent three years at Princeton Theological Seminary. He spent several months doing the work of an evangelist. His first charge was at Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he remained twenty-one and a half years, and his ministry was crowned with much success. Owing to ill health he has not accepted a charge since 1877, when he removed to Watsontown, where he has lived a comparatively retired, though very far from an idle life. He preaches occasionally, and renders such ministerial service as circumstances call for and the condition of his health will permit.

ISAAC N. MESSINGER, hardware merchant, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1841, son of Aaron and Susan (Royer) Messin- ger. Aaron Messinger was a farmer by occupation, and died, June 7, 1889. He was the father of seven children: Isaac N .; Joe R .; Mary, wife of Kilian Dunkel, of Reading, Pennsylvania; Kate, wife of Samuel Linthurst, of Muncy, Pennsylvania; Susan, wife of Dr. T. H. Fisher, of New York; Ethan A., and Horace A. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and at J. M. Kelso's Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania. He enlisted, April 19, 1861, in Company G, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the three months' service, returned and taught school one term, and re- enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volun- teers, in which he served nine months; he again enlisted in August, 1864, in the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was mustered out in June, 1865. He came to Watsontown in 1867, and, in partnership with Phineas Leiser, engaged in the mercantile business, continuing one year, when he opened a new store composed of hardware, groceries, and wall paper, in which busi- ness he has since continued. He has also been interested in farming since 1879 and has been remarkably successful in both. Mr. Messinger has served as a member of the town council several terms, and at present is the presi- dent of the school board. He was married, September 2, 1869, to Sarah E. Mackey, and to this union have been born seven children, five of whom are living: Rachel; Isaac N .; Bessie; Carl, and Ruth. Mr. Messinger is a member of the G. A. R. and the Masonic order.

JOSIAH STEWART, merchant, was born in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1836, son of Joseph and Maria (Leigh) Stewart the former a native of Berks county, and the latter of Germany. The Stewart family is of Scotch descent. David J. Stewart, the grandfather of our subject, and his mother were the only ones of the Stewart family not killed by the Indians. Joseph Stewart was a farmer of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. He died in 1874, and his wife in 1883. They reared a family of ten children: David L .; Josiah; James; William; Edwin; Hettie; Mary A .; Solomon; George, and Levi, deceased. The subject of our sketch obtained his education by diligent

Jacob Prever

1083

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

self-application, not having the opportunity of going to school when young. He was engaged at farming and the coal mines until he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served ten months. In 1873 he removed to Watsontown and engaged in the coal and grocery business. He was married, November 12, 1863, to Sarah Groe, of Northumberland county, and to this union have been born four children: Harry C., of Shamokin; Gertrude; Oliver, and Emma, deceased. Mr. Stewart and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and he is a member of Bry- son Post, No. 225, G. A. R.

J. A. WEIDENHAMER, merchant, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1836, son of Jacob and Susanna (Dreibelbis) Weidenhamer. His father was a farmer by occupation; he died in 1863, and his wife in 1887. They reared the following children: Wellington, a tanner and justice of the peace in Montour county; Sarah, deceased; William; Daniel, of Milton; John A .; Mary E., and Mouser, of Milton. The subject of our sketch was edu- cated at the common schools, and at the age of fourteen began clerking in his brother's store. In 1867 he bought C. B. Reifsnyder's general store at Dewart, Northumberland county, and in 1882 removed to Watsontown and opened a general store, where he has since been engaged in business. He was married, November 1, 1859, to Sarah A. Deitzman, and they are the parents of three children: Charles D .; Horace G., and Walter L. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has served in the office of deacon.

W. T. RUSSELL, merchant, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, January 31, 1856, son of John and Mary (Tweed) Russell. The Rus- sell family are the descendants of Andrew Russell, great-grandfather of our subject, and his brother, who removed from Delaware to this county. John Russell, father of our subject, was a carpenter by trade, but was engaged the latter part of his life in farming. He was born, February 21, 1817, and died, June 19, 1886. He was the father of ten children: John A .; Albert P .; Mary H .; Sarah T .; Preston W., and John A., all deceased; and Isabel, wife of E. H. Russell; William T .; Ella L., and James H. In politics he was a Republican, and served in various local offices. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and in 1878 began clerking in the gen- eral store of J. E. Durham, and afterwards became a partner. In 1880 he sold his interest, and opened a dry goods and notion store, which he has since conducted. He was married, September 7, 1881, to Maud D. Hunter, of Watsontown, and by this union they have had three children: Helen, de- ceased; Isabel, and Mary. Mr. Russell is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a Knight of the Golden Eagle.

H. W. HAGENBUCH, photographer, was born in Columbia county, Penn- sylvania, March 28, 1834, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Hess) Hagenbuch, natives of Berks and Columbia counties, respectively. The father was a

1084

HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

blacksmith by trade, but devoted part of his time to farming. He died in 1870, and his widow two years later. They reared a family of eight children; Artemus, deceased; Henry W .; Matilda, Mrs. Cornelius Scales, of New Hampshire; Lavina; Hiram; Selicia, Mrs. Daniel Menges; Sarah E., Mrs. Henry Dieffenbach, and Emma E. The subject of our sketch was educated in the public schools, and in 1858 learned the daguerreotype business. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, and served one year. He again turned his attention to photograph- ing, and has continued at it since. In 1870 he settled in Watsontown, where he has devoted his whole time to his business. He is a member of the Lu- theran church of Watsontown.

SAMUEL G. FREY, proprietor of a bakery and manufacturer of confection- ery, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1835, son of Charles and Sarah (Ritter) Frey, natives of Montgomery and Berks counties, respectively. His father was a carpenter, and devoted his whole life to that occupation. He died, July 20, 1888, and his widow, April 21, 1889, leaving a family of five children: Samuel G .; Henry, of Colorado; Francis R., of Lewisburg; Charles A., of Montandon, and John W., of Arkansas. Our sub- ject was educated in the common schools, and his first business venture was at farming and teaching school, after which he kept hotel at Montandon three years, and during which time he started a general store at that place which he conducted five years. He then ran a wholesale store boat for four years on the Pennsylvania canal, afterwards returning to a store in Montandon, where he manufactured confectionery. In 1876 he came to Watsontown, where he conducted his confectionery business in connection with a drug store; he abandoned the latter in 1878. He was elected surveyor of North- umberland county in 1874, re-elected in 1877, and served six years. He was married, January 1, 1857, to Deborah Hackenberg, of Snyder county, Penn- sylvania, and to this union have been born four children: Sarah C., wife of H. M. Knowlton, of Elk county, Pennsylvania; Emma J., at home; Mary E. L., wife of S. B. Hilliard, and William H., who died in infancy. Mr. Frey is a member of the Masonic order, is connected with the Lutheran church, and his family are attendants of the Baptist church.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Part 113

Author: Bell, Herbert C. (Herbert Charles), 1868- ed; John, J. J., 1829- Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1424

Author: Bell, Herbert C. (Herbert Charles), 1868- ed; John, J. J., 1829-
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1424