History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Part 126

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

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ALBERT S. FISHER was born at Bear Gap, Northumberland county, Penn- sylvania, March 2, 1843. He was educated at the public schools. Septem- ber 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, re-enlisted in 1864, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the following battles: Port Royal, Beaufort, Port Royal Ferry, Acquia, White Sulphur Springs, second Bull Run, Centreville, and Chantilly, where he was wounded, September 1, 1862, receiving a gun-shot wound in the left thigh. After recovering he participated in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, siege of Vicksburg, Blue Stone Sulphur Spring, Hughes's Ferry, Tenoir Station, Campbell Station, Knoxville, the Wilderness, Ny River, and Spottsylvania Court House, where he was taken prisoner and sent to Ander- sonville, where he remained four months. He was then transferred to Flor- ence, South Carolina, where he was confined three months. He was paroled, December 13, 1864, and rejoined his regiment in April, 1865, where he re- mained until discharged. At the close of the war he engaged with his father in the mill one year, when he found employment with the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company, where he remained five years. In 1873 he located upon his present place, and has since been engaged in cultivating his farm of one hundred acres. He was married in 1868 to Mary, daughter of David Martz, of Ralpho township; by this union they have two children: William E. and Margie L. Mr. Fisher is a member of Lincoln Post, G. A. R., of Shamokin, and the P. O. S. of A. of Paxinos, and a member of the German Reformed church of Ralpho township.

PETER LEISENRING, SR., was a son of a German emigrant who settled in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, from whom the Leisenrings of Lehigh and Northumberland counties have descended. He was born, February 28, 1770, in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1805, and settled upon a tract of one hundred nine acres two miles south of Sunbury. He erected a tannery, and was also engaged in distilling. He was a pro- gressive man, and carried on a large business for those days. He introduced and raised the first red clover in this section of the country, and planted the first fruit orchard in his locality. He married Susan Schod, who was born in Lehigh county, May 17, 1774, and brought his family with him, consisting of three sons and two daughters: Jacob; Gideon; Peter; Lydia, wife of Christian Baldy, and Kittie, wife of Martin Weaver, all of whom are deceased. Both he and his wife died in this county.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JACOB LEISENRING, eldest son of Peter Leisenring, was born in Lehigh county, July 14, 1794. He learned the tanning trade, and in youth was engaged with his father in the transportation of the products of the tannery, distillery, and farm to the Philadelphia market, which in those days was done by teams. It is said he used to carry to Philadelphia large sums of money to purchase supplies for the surrounding farmers. In the war of 1812 he enlisted under Captain Hummel and served nine months. In 1833 in con- nection with William Cloyd, whose interest he subsequently bought, he pur- chased the Fisher property, where his son Peter now lives, consisting of one hundred five acres, a grist mill, and tavern, where he was the landlord forty years. He subsequently purchased from Benjamin Tillman the adjoining farm and had in one tract five hundred sixty-five acres, and at Paxinos a farm of two hundred acres. He was a man of fine executive ability, and his opinion and judgment was much sought by his neighbors and friends. Politically he was a strong Democrat, and, while not an active politician, he manifested much interest in the success of his party. He gave much time and thought to the cultivation and improvement of his land and management of his other interests, and by industry and self-reliance succeeded in making himself one of the most prominent farmers of the county. He married, June 13, 1819, Mary, daughter of Henry Bucher of Sunbury, who died, June 11, 1873, at the age of seventy-three years and six months. His death occurred, May 11, 1878. In his religious faith he was a Lutheran, of which church he was a life-long member, filling the office of deacon many years. His family consisted of nine children, seven of whom reached maturity: Charles, deceased, who married Maria Haas; Henry, who still survives; Lydia, de- ceased wife of Benjamin Wolverton; Catharine, widow of George Hughwaut; Frank; Mrs. Doctor Mifflin, of Paxinos, and Peter.

FRANK LEISENRING, third son of Jacob and Mary (Bucher) Leisenring, was born in 1835 upon the homestead, educated in the public schools, and is a farmer by occupation. He married in 1861 Angelina Keller, of Ralpho township, and they are the parents of two children: George K. and Laura. Mr. Leisenring has filled many of the minor offices of the township, and is one of the present members of the school board. He is a Democrat in poli- tics, and a member of the Lutheran church.

PETER LEISENRING, fourth son of Jacob and Mary (Bucher) Leisenring, was born, May 12, 1842, upon the homestead farm where he now resides. He was educated in the township schools, and at the age of twenty-one en- gaged in the lumber business, which he carries on in connection with his grist and saw mill. He is also extensively engaged in farming, cultivating two hundred eighty acres of land. He was married in 1876 to Mary A., daughter of Joseph Sanders of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and by this union they have two children: Jacob E. and Mary C. Mr. Leisenring is a pronounced Democrat, a Lutheran in religious faith, and is one of Ralpho township's influential and progressive citizens.

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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

JACOB EPLER, a native of Tulpehocken township, Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, settled in Shamokin about the year 1810. He married in Berks county, and his family consisted of ten children. His son Jacob died in Shamokin township in 1845; his wife survived him about five years. Samuel Epler, the youngest son, was born in Shamokin township in 1810. He was reared a farmer, and in 1841 purchased the farm containing one hundred twenty acres of William Walter, where his son, Samuel, now resides. In his political affiliations he was a warm Democrat, and served in the minor town- ship offices. In his religious belief Mr. Epler was a German Reformed, of which church he was a prominent member, and elder for many years. His death occurred in 1887; his wife died in 1871. His family consisted of eight children, one of whom died in infancy; William H., who died at the age of twenty-three; Valentine, of Rush township; Caroline, wife of Solo- mon Pensyl; John, of Point township; Henry J., of Saratoga, New York; Amos, and Samuel M., of Shamokin township.

SAMUEL M. EPLER was born at the homestead farm, April 8, 1852, son of Samuel and Mary (Zimmerman) Epler. He received his education at the township schools and Freeburg Academy, in Snyder county, Pennsylva- nia. In early life Mr. Epler was engaged in teaching in the schools of Shamokin township, and for a number of years has been engaged in farming. In 1888 he established his coal business in the borough of Shamokin, which he operates in connection with his farm. In politics Mr. Epler is a life-long Democrat, and is a leading spirit in his party. He has served in the office of school director five years. He is an earnest friend to the cause of educa- tion, which he is always ready to aid with his means and influence. He has also filled the offices of township clerk, constable, overseer of the poor, and was secretary of the school board five years. He married Hannah E., daugh- ter of the late Charles Hull, in 1881, and by this union they have one son, Charles H. Mr. Epler is a member of the German Reformed church, of Elysburg Lodge, F. & A. M., and is an enterprising and progressive citizen.

WILLIAM FREDERICK KASEMAN was one of the early settlers of this portion of Northumberland county. He was born in Nassau-Dilburn, Germany, June 8, 1760, and came at the age of twelve years to this country, with a brother and sister, landing at Philadelphia. Little is known of his early life excepting that he was a resident of Berks county from 1772 up to the date of his coming to Northumberland county, about 1815. He purchased a tract of land containing fifty acres in what is now Ralpho township, which he cleared, and afterwards added to by subsequent purchases. He was an excellent farmer, and a successful business man. He married, in Berks county, Elizabeth Huntzner, and they were the parents of the following children: Jacob, who died in Ohio; John; Joseph; Daniel; David; Lydia A., who married John Pensyl; Catharine, who was twice married, her last hus- band being Gotleib Fogle, and Elizabeth, who married Leonard Pensyl.

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William Frederick Kaseman was well known throughout the sparsely settled country at that time for his great physical endurance. When he first made his settlement the nearest store was at Sunbury, where he would go bare- footed for the necessary purchases for his family; up to within four years of his death, August 1, 1867, at the remarkable age of one hundred seven, he continued to do his share of the farm work. He was one of the original members of St. Peter's Reformed church, of which he was an elder, and was buried in the old graveyard of that society. His wife died many years be- fore him, and of his family all are dead but one son.

DANIEL KASEMAN, the only living son of William F. Kaseman, was born in January, 1814, in Berks county, and resides upon the old homestead in Ralpho township. He received such education as could be obtained at the old log school houses, and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed a number of years, when he settled upon the homestead farm, where he has since lived. He was married in 1834 to Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick Adams, who died in May, 1888. They were the parents of eight children: David; Joseph, deceased; Lydia, wife of Daniel Camp; Sybella, wife of Thomas Everts; Lloyd, deceased; Joel; Amanda, wife of F. P. Martz, and one who died in infancy. Daniel Kaseman, like his father, has always been a pronounced Democrat. He has filled minor township offices, and is a member of St Peter's Reformed church, of which he has been an elder and deacon. Mr. Kaseman has retired from any active supervision of his farm, and David, his eldest son, in connection with another farmer, is engaged in the cultivation of both places. /

DAVID KASEMAN was born upon the homestead in 1836, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Adams) Kaseman. He was educated at the public schools and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1875, when he purchased his place and has since been occupied in farming. He was married in 1857 to Lena, daughter of Jacob Yeager, and by this union they have been the parents of nine children, six of whom are living: Roselda, wife of Lewis Car- roll; James, of Shamokin; Amelia, wife of Lewis Dunkleberger; Clementine, wife of Elmer Lewis; Leah Elizabeth, wife of Amos Driesbach, and Henry. Mr. Kaseman has filled the office of supervisor two terms; politically he is a Democrat, and is a member of the German Reformed church, of which he has served as elder and deacon.

JOHN DUTTINGER, farmer, was born in 1828, son of John and Mary Esther (Reed) Duttinger. His maternal grandfather, Casper Reed, was one of the pioneer settlers of Shamokin township. The paternal grandfather was John Duttinger, a native of Germany who married Elizabeth Leise, and immi- grated, with their son John, to this country about the beginning of the pres- ent century, and settled in Alsace township, Berks county, Pennsylvania. About the year 1819 they removed to Northumberland county and settled in Shamokin township, where Diebler's Station is now located. He purchased

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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

a small tract of land, where they lived until their death. John, their son, was born in 1799. He was a wheelwright and blacksmith by trade, which business he conducted at the old homestead until his death in 1834. He was a prominent member of the Lutheran church, of which he was an elder to the time of his death. In his political sentiments he was a pronounced Democrat. He married Mary Esther Reed about the year 1822, and she bore him five children; Sarah, wife of Daniel Krigbaum, of Ralpho township; John; Lavinia, wife of Solomon Unger, of Columbia county; Peter, and Mary, who died young. Mrs. Duttinger survived her husband, and married John Miller, a resident of Shamokin.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and Dan- ville Academy. He learned the trade of blacksmith, at which he was em- ployed until February 29, 1864, when he enlisted in Company G, One Hun- dred and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. July 25, 1864, at the battle before Petersburg, he was sun-struck, removed to Herwood hospital, D. C., and sent from there to Philadelphia, where he was discharged, December 13, 1864, for disability. After his return he located upon his present farm, to which he has added until he possesses one hundred acres of land. He was married in 1850 to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Kaseman, of Shamokin township, who died in 1858, leaving four children: Emma, wife of George May, of Cameron township; John F., deceased; Florence M., wife of George Biddinger, of Rush township, and Anna R., wife of George Fessler, of Sha- mokin. Mr. Duttinger married for his second wife Elizabeth, daughter of Reuben Rupp, of Columbia county, and to this union were born ten children: William A .; Lorenzo M .; Sarah J .; Harriet M .; Esther C., wife of Jacob Kline; Daniel F .; Flora J .; George E .; Irwin L., and Bertha E., deceased. In early life Mr. Duttinger was a Democrat, but after the war became a Re- publican in politics; at the formation of the Greenback party he was a zeal- ous exponent of its principles, and was the candidate of that party for the legislature in 1879; he was defeated, and has since been an independent voter with Prohibition proclivities.

GEORGE HEFLEY, deceased, was a native of Germany, who immigrated to America about the year 1810, and settled near Bloomsburg, Columbia county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer and distiller by occupation. He married Mary Woomkistle, of Columbia county, and they were the parents of five children: Lucy, Mrs. Worthman; Mary, Mrs. Samuel Bailer; Lavina, Mrs. Solomon Hartley; Sarah, and Charles, all deceased. He died in Columbia county in 1847. Charles Hefley, his son, was born in Columbia county in 1811, and was reared and educated there. At the age of ten years he entered a store, and subsequently engaged in that business in Bloomsburg, where he died. He married Margaret, daughter of Jonathan Vastine, of Rush town- ship, and to this union were born three children: Elizabeth, wife of Harvey Robins; Harriet, deceased, and George W. Mr. Hefley was a prominent

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Democrat, and a member of the Lutheran church. He died in 1848; his wife survived him until 1884.

GEORGE W. HEFLEY, farmer, was born in Columbia county in 1843, son of Charles and Margaret (Vastine) Hefley. After his father's death the family removed to Elysburg, where he was reared and educated. He was occupied in farming until 1865, when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was with General Grant before Petersburg, and at the fall of Richmond. After his return home, in connection with Harvey Robins, he engaged in the mercantile business in Elysburg, which they conducted three years, when he purchased his farm of one hundred seventy-two acres and has since been engaged in farming. He was married in 1866 to Emma, daughter of Matthias Persing, who died in 1887 leaving two children: Harriet and Harvey. In politics Mr. Hefley is a warm Republican, and manifests great interest in the success of his party. He is the present assessor, which posi- tion he has filled three years. In faith he is a Lutheran, of which church he is a member and an elder. Mr. Hefley is one of the progressive citizens of Shamokin township, and enjoys the respect and confidence of its citizens.

EMANUEL S. PERSING, farmer, was born in August, 1843, son of Matthias and Johanna (Parent) Persing. The paternal grandfather, John Persing, was a native of New Jersey, who settled in Irish valley, upon the land now in possession of Joseph Bird, at an early date. He was a farmer and dis- tiller. He married in New Jersey Ann Larkins, who bore him ten children: Benjamin, deceased; Washington, of Illinois; William, deceased; Alfred, de- ceased; Matthias, deceased; Nancy, deceased, who married Jacob Goss; Catha- rine, wife of Isaac Teitsworth; Mary deceased, who married John Shipman; Susan, deceased wife of a Mr. Willitt, and Sallie, deceased, who married Michael Taylor. John Persing died in 1858, and his wife in 1850. Matthias, the father of our subject, was born in New Jersey about 1814. He was reared upon the farm in Shamokin township, where he remained until his death in 1873. Politically he was a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was a deacon. His wife was Johanna, daughter of Ephraim Parent, who died about 1871, leaving six children: Emanuel; Emma, deceased wife of George Hefley; Hamilton; Edwin; Ida, deceased, who married Adolphus Hartman, and Ambrose, who married Ida Cook. The subject of this sketch spent his early life in Pottsville and upon the farm in Shamokin township. In 1864 he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. After his return he attended school for some time, and engaged in farming, and subsequently in mercantile business. He is now engaged in farming. He was married in 1867 to Catharine, daughter of Amos Vastine, and by this marriage they are the parents of four children: Anna and Sadie, both deceased; Amos, and Susan. Politically Mr. Persing is a Republican, and is a member of the F. & A. M.

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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

JAMES Fox, farmer, was born in Catawissa township, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1813, son of Jacob and Rachel (McIntire) Fox. The paternal grandfather was a native of Berks county, and his family con- sisted of six sons and three daughters. Jacob, the father of our subject, was born in Berks county, and was by occupation a mason. When a young man he obtained the contract for building a church at Catawissa, and after the completion of his contract concluded to remain there. He subsequently bought a farm in Catawissa township, where he resided and worked at his trade for many years. He was the father of seven children: William; Daniel; Hannah, wife of Isaac Irwin; Mary E .; Price; James, and Jacob. His death occurred in 1851, his wife having died fifteen years before. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and spent his early life at the homestead farm. After the death of his father he removed to this county, and in connection with his brother-in-law, John Campbell, purchased a tract of land containing four hundred twenty-six acres, upon part of which he now resides. Mr. Fox was married in 1840 to Elizabeth, daughter of Obadiah Campbell. To them were born eight children: George W. and Isaac N., deceased; Obadiah, of Mt. Carmel; Isabella, wife of William Cherington; Joanna; William; Mary J., and Christopher. Mr. Fox is a member of the Presbyterian church, politically he is a Republican, and is one of the enterprising citizens of the township. In the cultivation of his farm he has paid unusual attention to fruit growing, and has the largest fruit farm in the county.

DANIEL CAMPBELL, a native of New Jersey, was one of the early settlers of Shamokin township, Northumberland county. He located on Shamokin creek near where Jacob E. Muench now lives. He married in New Jersey, and his children were as follows: William; Robert; Daniel; John; Benjamin; Mary, who married William Teitsworth, and Kate, all of whom are dead.

JOHN CAMPBELL, fourth son of Daniel Campbell, was born in New Jersey in 1776. In 1809 he settled on the land where his son Simeon resides, and was extensively engaged in farming. He reared a family of four children: Samuel, deceased; Simeon; Susan, who married John Hooey, and Mary, who married Henry Haupt. Mr. Campbell was a consistent member of the Pres- byterian church for many years. His wife died in 1836, and he survived her until 1855.

GEORGE WILHOUR, deceased, was a native of Northampton county, Penn- sylvania. He came to Northumberland county with the Klase family, and subsequently married Mrs. Peter Rockefeller, who was Elizabeth Miller be- fore her marriage. Their family consisted of five children: Peter R .; Charles, deceased; Catharine, Mrs. John Campbell; Grace, deceased wife of Henry Coble, and Jane, Mrs. Enoch Taylor. George Wilhour died in 1876, his wife having died in 1865. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, a Baptist in religious faith, and in politics a Democrat.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

PETER R. WILHOUR, farmer, was the eldest son of George and Eliza- beth Wilhour, and was born upon the homestead in 1823. He was reared upon the farm, learned the carpenter's trade, and at the death of his father returned to the homestead and engaged in farming. He was married in 1847 to Harriet E., daughter of Alexander Tharp, and by this union they have eleven children: Andrew C .; Freeman H .; Jane; Rosetta; George W .; Joseph M .; Kate; Mary A .; William F .; Sarah E., and David. Mr. Wil- hour has filled the offices of tax collector and school director. He was in active military service for a short time in the late Rebellion and was honora- bly discharged. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious faith a Bap- tist, of which church he is one of the trustees.

JOSEPH FRY came from Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. His father was a German, who first settled near Leesport, Berks county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed to Schuylkill county, where he passed the re- maining years of his life. His son, Joseph, came to Northumberland county and settled on the land now owned by Peter Bobb, at Paxinos. He was a blacksmith by trade, and about 1845 located upon the farm in Ralpho township where his son Absalom now lives. He married Hannah Boyer, of Schuylkill county, and his family consisted of the following chil- dren: Lydia, widow of P. M. Langton; Maria, widow of Henry Nelson; Margaret, wife of William Lupold; Sabina, widow of Galen S. Robins, M. D .; Caroline, wife of D. R. Pensyl; Mary M., widow of A. J. Kanoble; William, deceased; Absalom, and Jacob, of Nebraska. Joseph Fry died in 1863; his widow survived him until 1878. They were members of the Ger- man Reformed church, and he was a deacon and elder in that denomina- tion. Politically he was a Democrat, and one of the well known citizens of his township. He carried on the blacksmith business forty years and thus became widely known.

ABSALOM FRY, farmer, was born on the homestead at Paxinos, grew up under the parental roof, and learned the blacksmith trade. He worked at various places until 1857, when he purchased the property and business of his father and conducted the same until 1888, when he gave up blacksmith- ing and has since been engaged in farming. He was married in 1862 to Mary, daughter of Casper Adams. She died in 1867, and in 1879 he mar- ried Kate Levan, of Berks county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Fry is a member of the Reformed church, and in politics a Democrat.

WILLIAM S. AMMERMAN, deceased, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1809, and at the age of eight years he went to live with an uncle in Northampton county. In 1841 he returned to this county and settled in Rush township, but subsequently removed to Sha- mokin township and located upon the land where his son Robert B. now re- sides. He later established a store at this place, which he carried on some nine years. He married Juliana Bachman, and by this union they were the

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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.

parents of one son, Robert B. In politics Mr. Ammerman was a Republican and served as school director; he was a Baptist, and served in the office of deacon many years. His death occurred, July 20, 1875; his widow survives, and resides with her son Robert B.

ROBERT B. AMMERMAN, farmer, was born, July 18, 1834, at Lockport, Northampton county, Pennsylvania. He came with his parents to Northum- berland county in 1841. He was educated in the public schools, at an early age commenced teaching, and subsequently engaged in the fruit business. He served in Company F, Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania Militia, from June 29, 1863, until the following August. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was in the following engagements: Petersburg, Straw- berry Plain, Weldon Railroad, Cold Harbor, and Ream's Station. August 25, 1864, he was shot in the left thigh with a musket ball, was taken prisoner, and sent to Libby prison, where he remained about ten days. He was pa- roled and sent to St. John's hospital, Maryland, and discharged, June 12, 1865, at Summit House hospital. He then returned to his home and was engaged with his father in the mercantile business from 1866 until 1875, and then embarked in his present occupation. Mr. Ammerman was married, September 12, 1865, to Matilda, daughter of C. J. Reed, and by this union they are the parents of four sons: Gillman C .; William G .; Joseph C., and Lloyd R. Mr. Ammerman is a member of Bruner Post, G. A. R., and of the Baptist church. Politically he is a Republican.

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History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Part 126

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