History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II, Part 7

Author: Schalck, Adolf W.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: State Historical Association
Number of Pages: 700

USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 7

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SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

born to Peter and kate ( Burns) Boyle, the father a native of Ireland, and the mother born in Coaldale, of Irish ancestors. The names of the children follow : Neil J., Kate, Peter, Ann, Daniel, Patrick, John, Mary and Margaret. The father of this family was a miner at Coaldale for thirty-two years and still resides in the town of his adoption, in comfortable circumstances, as a result of his early industry and frugality. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools and at the age of eleven years entered upon the usual vocation of the boys in the coal regions. After serving his "apprenticeship" as a slate picker he became a driver and later a skilled miner. Ile is a young man of intelli- gence and public spirit; enjoys the distinction of being the presi- dent of the first school board ever elected in the borough of Coal- dale, and manifests a commendable interest in the cause of uni- versal education. as rendered possible through the wise provision of law. Mr. Boyle is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, the religious home of his ancestors, and is prominently connected with various organizations within the church, both of a beneficial and literary character. He also holds membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, thus perpetuating the ancestral nationality. In political views the father and sons are Democrats on national issues, and support their friends in local matters.

Brady. Father Francis J .. rector of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic church at Tamaqua, was born in the Parish of Drung. County Cavan, Ireland. He began the study of theology in St. Patrick's college, of Cavan, but in 1880 he left the Emerald Isle for the U'nited States. On Jan. 1, 1881. he matriculated at St. Charles' seminary. Overbrook, Pa .. and on Jan. 11, 1885, he was ordained to the holy priesthood. His first charge was as assistant to the Rev. H. F. O'Reilly at the Church of the Annunciation in the Shen- andoah. After a service of four years there Father Brady was appointed pastor of Beaver Meadow and its dependencies, one of the most laborious and difficult parishes to attend in the eastern states, Six and a half years later he was assigned his present charge, assuming his duties on Aug. 30. 1895. His devoted and faithful work in his present field has been a matter of note throughout the county and this section of the state. While pastor of Beaver Meadows, he had the church, which was three- quarters of a mile distant from the center of the town, moved to within a short distance of the rectory. a task both phenomenal and unprecedented, which was a great boon and blessing to the people. Since his advent in Tamaqua he has made many important improvements on church and rectory. They are modernized. up- to-date and second to none in the county. The missions attached are St. Raphael's at Tuscarora and St. Patrick's at Gearytown. The needs of the parish are now such as to demand the services of an assistant priest. This assistant at the present time is Rev. J. J. Graham, a graduate of St. Michael's parochial school, Phila- delphia. Mt. Saint Mary's and St. Charles' seminary, Overbrook, Pa.

BIOGRAPHICAL

Brandon, Lloyd T., an extensive dealer in lumber and timber lands, was born in Brandonville, in East Union township, Schuyl- kill county, Nov. 5, 1855. His ancestors were carly settlers of this county, and the village of Brandonville was named in honor of the founder, Nelson Brandon, father of the subject of this sketch. The village was laid out in 1864 upon lands then owned hy Nelson Brandon, who established the first hotel and store in the place. The mother of the subject was Miss Rebecca Artley previous to her marriage to Nelson Brandon. Lloyd T. Brandon was edu- cated in the public schools of East Union township and at Wyom- ing seminary, in Luzerne county. His early years were spent as a clerk in the office of his father, who, like himself, was a pros- perous lumber dealer. In 1885, Mr. Brandon began his business career, when for a time he was engaged in supplying mine props from his timber lands on Pine creek, in Lycoming county. He shipped the first lumber of this kind ever transported over the Fall Brook railroad, this being now a part of the New York Cen- tral & Hudson River system. Mr. Brandon also had at this time extensive lumber and timber interests at Pine Station, near Lock Haven, and his residence was at Mifflinburg, in Union county. In 1890, Mr. Brandon laid out the town of Sheppton, and dis- posed of the lots for Daniel Shepp and James J. Dull, the pro- prietors. In the spring of 1893 he moved to Hazelton and was en- gaged in contract work of various kinds until 1896, when he came to Pottsville. His lumbering interests are varied and constantly increasing with the purchase of new holdings and the develop- ment of others. His Pennsylvania lands are principally in Clin- ton, Clearfield and Center counties, between which he and his associates operate twenty-three miles of standard gauge railroad, connecting the different tracts. They also own timber lands in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, having very large holdings in the last named state, along the Chickahominy and James rivers. The principal office controlling this southern territory is at Nor- folk, V'a., while the northern field is under the management of the Pottsville office. Mr. Brandon was married in June, 1901, to Miss Helen Osborne, of Scranton, Pa. Himself and wife are members of the First Presbyterian church in Pottsville. The subject of this article is a Republican in political faith, and held the office of school director in Union township from 1888 to 1894. He is prominent in the councils of Free Masonry, having passed through the various branches of the fraternity until he has at- tained the thirty-second degree. His initial membership is with Mifflinburg Lodge, No. 370, Free and Accepted Masons; Hazel- ton Chapter, No. 277, Royal Arch Masons; Constantine Com- mandery, No. 41, Knights Templars, Philo Court and Rajah Tem- ple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Reading, Pa. He sustains local relations with various clubs and minor societies, and is also a member of some of the local insurance fraternities.

Brennan, Michael P., deceased, who in his day was one of the best known and most public spirited citizens of Schuylkill county. was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Aug. It. 1849. His father. Patrick I. Brennan, was born in Ireland, about the year 18to, and his mother, where maiden name was Anastasia Purcell, was also a native of the Emerald Ile. In 1853 the family came to America. locating first in case township. Schuylkill county, but later remov- ing to Mount Pleasant, where the father died in 1823. Viter com- ing to this country he followed the occupation of a miner. He was an enthusiastic Democrat, always taking an active part in campaigns, and held the offices of supervisor and school director for several terms. Michael P. Brennan grew to manhood in Schuylkill county. He was educated in the schools of Laws and Foster townships and at the age of nineteen years graduated at the state normal school at Millersville. Upon leaving school he ac- cepted a position as clerk in the office of the prothonotary of Schuylkill county, under Hiram Mover, and remained there for three years under that official. Subsequently he held a similar position under prothonotary Thomas F. Kern, until transferred from that office to the recorder's, under John A. Reilly. After about a year with Mr. Reilly he accepted a position in the audit- ing department of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Com- pany and remained with this corporation from 1880 to 188 ;. He was then elected prothonotary of Schuylkill county and discharged the duties of the office with skill and fidelity, and to the entire satisfaction of the general public. At the expiration of his three years' term in this office he became a traveling salesman for a Philadelphia grocery house, with which he remained for three years, resigning his position to enter the employ of the United States Express Company as a clerk in the New York office, which position he held until his death in September, 1900. In all his relations with his fellow-men Mr. Brennan was affable and con- genial, and as a citizen he manifested a commendable interest in every movement for the moral and material advancement of the community in which he lived. He was a friend to education and served several terms as school director of Mahanoy Plane. On Jan. 21, 1888, Michael P. Brennan and B. Ann Ryan were united in marriage. Mrs. Brennan, who is now living at Mahanoy Plane. is a daughter of John and Bridget ( Boylan) Ryan, both natives of Ireland. She was educated in St. Cecilia's academy, Washing- ton, D. C., a school conducted under the auspices of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. AAfter completing her education she became a teacher in the public schools of Mahanoy Plane, and was for some time the organist in the Holy Rosary church at that place. She is a woman of refinement and culture, and now holds a lucra- tive position. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan had five children, four of whom are still living, viz: Anastasia. Joseph, Edith and Paul.

Brennan. Patrick E., former chief burgess of the borough of Shenandoah, was born in Montreal, Canada. in 1849. a son of Martin and Margaret ( Riley) Brennan. He came to Schuylkill

BIOGRAPHICAL

county with his parents when he was but five years of age: the father located at the Silver creek mines and lived and worked there until his death, at the age of ninety-four years, The mother died at the same place, at the age of seventy-nine. Of the thirteen children born to the parents but two, including the subject of this sketch, are living, the other being Martin, of the borough of Shenandoah. One of the sons, Michael was a private in Company E, 48th Pennsylvania infantry, in the Civil war, and lost his life in his twenty-third year while in the service of his country at the second engagement at Bull Run. James died at Silver creek at the age of sixty-two, and a sister, Mary, departed this life at Roanoke, Va., in March, 1904. Most of the others died in infancy. Patrick E. Brennan received a somewhat limited education in the common schools of New Philadelphia, and at the age of ten years started to earn his own living as a breaker boy in one of the big colleries. From that time until he was elected to his present position, in 1903, he followed mining as a means of livelihood, and his labors were in all branches of that industry. On June 9, 1880, Mr. Brennan married Miss Ellen O'Ncil, who was born in St. Clair in 1851. The only child born to this union is Martin P., who is now a druggist in Shenandoah. He received his educa- tional advantages in the public schools, St. Francis' college and Keystone state normal school at Kutztown. Mr. Brennan is a stanch exponent of the principles of the Democratic party and has always been intensely interested in the success of that organi- zation. For thirty-one years he has been a member of the Total Abstinence Brotherhood society, which is under the Catholic church of the Annunciation, to which all the family belong. Since 1887 he has been a member of the Phoenix Fire Company, and is one of the charter members of Aerie No. 103 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, serving as a trustee and on the house committee. He is well to do financially and is the owner of considerable realty in Shenandoah.

Brenner, Isaac, is a successful business man of the city of Potts- ville, where he has maintained his home for a quarter of a cen- tury, and where he is known as an honest and upright citizen. He was born at Saville, province of Kovno, Poland, Russia, Dec. 22, 1853, and is a son of David and Catherine Brenner, both of whom were likewise natives of Poland. In the excellently conducted gymnasium of his native town Mr. Brenner secured his early educational training. He remained in Poland until 1882, when he came to America, landing in April of that year and immediately afterward came to Pottsville, where he has since resided and where he has attained to success through his own well-directed efforts, having been industrious and frugal and making the most of his opportunities. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in this city until 1894, when he established himself in business as a general dealer in junk, which line of enterprise has since engaged his attention. Mr. Brenner is a Republican in politics and is a Hebrew in his religious faith. On Dec. 25, 1872, he married Miss

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

Fanny Brenner, who was born and reared in the same locality as himself and who is a daughter of Moses and Freda Brenner. (i the children of this umon the following brief record is entered : Susie, Mrs. Harry Schwartz, resides in Brooklyn. N. Y .: Louis resides in Lebanon, Pa .; Ida is the wife of Max Weiner, and re- sides in the state of Mississippi; and at the parental home remain Kathryn. Philip. Mary, Anna, Lena, and Esther.

Bressler, Albert M., a farmer of Ilegins township, was born at Donaldson, Schuylkill county, June 11, 1847, his parents being Abraham and Rebecca (Adams) Bressler, the former a native of Hegins township and the latter of Northumberland county. Abra- ham Bressler lived in Hegins township all his life. He was a farmer, teamster and miner: was one of the leading Democrats in the county in his day; held the office of poor director for several years, and was a member of the Reformed church. He died in 1872, at the age of fifty-four years. His widow survived him for a number of years and died at the age of seventy-eight. They had eight children. Catherine is the wife of C. H. Long, of Reading : Richard is a retired merchant of Fountain, where he was for some time postmaster: Rebecca is Mrs. Aaron Otto, of Hegins town- ship: Sarah is Mrs. William Long, of Reading: Elizabeth lives at Reading as the widow of Richard Kessler ; Susan died in child- hood. and Robert died in 1898 from the effects of a burn received in the mines. Albert M. Bressler lived with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age. On Sept. 17, 1876, he married Miss Lavinia, daughter of Peter and Kate ( Roebuck) Bohner, of North- umberland county, both now deceased. She is one of a family of thirteen children, of whom nine are living, all in Northumberland county with the exception of Mrs. Bressler. Noah is a farmer : Susan is the wife of Elias Tressler; Joel is a farmer and brick- laver : llarriet is the widow of William Furster : John is retired : Peter is a shoemaker : George is a bricklayer at Shamokin ; Cath- erine is the wife of Levi Bohner. After the death of Mrs. Bress- ler's mother her father married Susanna Shaeffer, by whom he had one son, William, who is now living in Northumberland county. After his marriage Albert M. Bressler lived for a while on the old homestead. He then went to Northumberland county. where he remained for six years, when he removed back to the old place, in 1804. and has lived there ever since that time, carry- ing on a general farming business. He has 114 acres of good land, about 40 acres of which is under cultivation. In addition to his farming interests he runs a huckster wagon, selling his produce at Tremont. He is one of the active Republican workers of Hegins township and was for several years supervisor. He belongs to the Grange. the Royal Arcanum and the Reformed church at Hegins. Mr. and Mrs. Bressler have the following children : Charlemagne. J. Claude, William H., Bessie J .. Harry J. and Lloyd H. Charlemagne is a miner at Fountain. He married Ida Eckler and had two children-Burd E. and Gertie May. J. Claude is a farmer and carpenter in Hegins township. He married Mamie

BIOGRAPHICAL

Otto and has one daughter-Naomi E. William H. married Sadie Gable and is a carpenter at Hegins. Bessie J. is the wife of Arthur D. Otto and lives at Fountain. She has one daughter- Elsie Irene. The other children are at home.

Bressler, Michael G., one of the well-known residents of Hegins, is a descendant of that sturdy German ancestry that did so much during the eighteenth century to reclaim the great Keystone state from the primeval wilderness. The first member of the family to leave the Fatherland was George Simon Bressler, born at Mann- heim in the old Palatinate, on Feb. 22, 1722, and immigrated to Schuylkill county in 1749. For more than half a century he en- dured the hardships, privations and hard labor incident to a pioneer's life. His demise occurred on Nov. 15, 1802, and his re- mains were buried in Hetzel's churchyard. A son, Michacl Bress- ler, was born to George Simon Bressler in Tulpchocken township, Berks county, on Aug. 15, 1764. Michael grew to manhood in his father's home and in later life married Barbara Hetzel, born Sept. 14, 1771, in Elizabeth township, Lehigh county, and died June 29, 1833, and her husband followed her to the grave on Feb. 22, 1843. They had nine children, of whom a son, John, was born in Pine Grove township, then in Berks county, on Feb. 1, 1800, and died on May 19, eighty years later. This son John was twice married, the first time on Nov. 26, 1826, to Barbara Henn, who died on Dec. 8, 1827, leaving one child. His second marriage occurred on March 22, 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Gehies, born March 28, 1810, and died April 24, 1898. One of the children of the second mar- riage was John H. Bressler, whose natal day was Nov. 29, 1827. The others are Katherine, Barbara, William H., Michael G., Solo- mon G., Simon Nathaniel, Mary Ann, Aaron Joel and Jonathan Peter, all of whom are living with the exception of Katherine, Mary Ann and John H. Mr. Bressler married Miss Susanna Rabuck, daughter of Peter Rabuck of Northumberland county. The family are all members of the Reformed church of Hegins. Mr. Bressler is an independent in politics, and without the aid of party or faction he was once elected to the office of township treasurer. In a fraternal way he is identified with the Valley View Lodge, No. 568, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Washington Camp, No. 109, of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, of Valley View.

Bright, Hunter F., one of the most prominent citizens of Ash- land and a wealthy lumber dealer, was born in that borough on Jan. 18, 1859. The Bright family has been prominently identified with the lumber trade in Schuylkill county for more than half a century. The grandfather was the first member of the family to locate in Schuylkill county. His name also was Hunter F. Bright, and he was born at Lewisburg, Pa. He located first at Minersville and there for many years was engaged in the har- ness and saddlery business. On leaving Minersville he went to Ashland to make his home with a son. His death occurred in 1900 in his ninety-eighth year. His wife was Mary Yeager, and

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

to them were bom tour children-William 11 .. Harrison, Daniel and Carrie. The latter, now deceased, became the wife of Jacob Lawrence, The oldest of the four was born in 1832, and when he grew up learned the saddlers' and harness-makers' trade. 111 1822 he removed to Ashland and there embarked in the lumber business, in which he was actively engaged until the time of his death, in January. 18, For several years he also had extensive interests in timber in l'otter county. l'a. His wife was Anna Barbara Seitzinger, a daughter of Peter and 'atherine Seitzinger, of Fountain Springs, and to them were born seven children, viz .: Kate, wife of Charles Withehn : Ada, wife of Rev. Archie Stewart ; Hunter F., of this memoir; Morton: Eva, wife of H. A. Acker ; John, and David. Hunter F. Bright attended the public schools of Ashland and was reared to manhood within its borders. When he had completed his scholastic training he entered the lumber business with his father and since that time has been continuously and successfully engaged in it. After his father's demise he pur- chased the controlling interest in the retail business and since that time has become financially interested in a wholesale industry in North Carolina. Something of the extent of his vast holdings may be judged when it is known that his yearly business amounts to $125.000. On Jan. 28. 1800, Mr. Bright married Miss Laura Orth, a daughter of Ernest and Dorothy ( Deener) Orth, of Philadelphia. Five daughters have blessed this union, by name Anna, Mar- guerite, Dorothy, Ruth and Laura. The family are all members of the Presbyterian church of Ashland. Politically Mr. Bright is a stanch exponent of the principles of the Republican party, and as the candidate of that party was twice elected a member of the borough council. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is recognized as a man of public spirit, keen business sagacity and thorough honesty in all his dealings.

Briscoe, Sidney B., deceased. of Pottsville, was born in County Waterford, Ireland. He came to America in 1856, as a boy of thirteen years, and thereafter traveled in various parts of the country until he attained to maturity. Hle finally became man- ager of a store for the Nelson Furnace Company, near Louisville, Ky .. where he remained until about 1879, when he took up his residence in Pottsville, where he established and became manager of a general store conducted by the Alliance Store Company at New Philadelphia. He continued superintendent of the business until about 1885, when he became the principal owner of the same, with which he continued to be actively identified until his death. which occurred in 1800. He married Sarah Loeser, who was born in Orwigsburg. Schuylkill county, Pa., a daughter of Christopher Loeser, who was one of the leading members of the bar of this county for many years. Mr. Loeser maintained his residence in Orwigsburg for a long period. and when the county scat was removed thence to Pottsville. he took up his residence in the latter place, where he continued to be engaged in the practice of his

profession until his de.1 The first soheitor in the c

for the Philadelphia .. I wload, and was an honor

influential citizen of 0. He vais a man of unbki

character and hell Mid iteem of all who knew

him. He is sury

il luce children, John .l.,

Louise, and

1 ocu lis father at the

head of the F

antile establishment

of S. B. Bu ...

ply 22, 1878, re-

ceivin .. .

: that place,

Her 1 in the Highschool

( nrtment of ivania. ji is ; ng been successfully Honored father, and he is well uphy both as a loyal citizen and an a reliable : 1. The present commodious store bilim 'S and m the same complete and select lines of g p. och department.

1. „ke, lewis Phillips, deceased, for many years a resider er well and a pioneer in developing the anthracite coal fields. w born at Valley Store, Chester county, Pa., March 19, ISIG. I. father, Samuel Brooke, was born in 1789, and died at Potts- the in 1839, his death having been the result of an accident. In 1813 Samuel Brooke married Ass Priscilla Phillips, who was Forn in 1793. Both parents were ja mbers of the Friends' church. 1 ewis P. Brooke received an education in the most advanced schools of that period, and became an accomplished musician. The me to Pottsville while still ; . youth, wrest his father ged in mercantile pursuits. subsequ 1. hoved u i hiladelphia to engage in the wh d goods i ...

ewis P. Brooke and Miss Margar ! l'a., were married in Branchdale. Son ai they remol .. 2

Mhiiladelphia and later returne ! to fre hic became

identified with the opening of t': with Dustry. During the Civil war he served in the i ( i. s. troops, and mì 1865 he went to Lynchburg wears he was in charge of the rolling mills Lynchburg he served as a member of the city he derropstrated his

capacity for handling municipal ma' was recognized as a man of great public spirit. Ahou retired from now: business associations, returned to D'ap of there pas ... lis eternal reward on Jan. 22, 1805. · « of seven:1-10- years. His wife was born in IN? in to the Great Beyond, her death having ocean Il Ini. a or the parents the following children : Col .!!: Via B. George A. Ani V. Walter C. and Henry. Throw. his life Mr. Habe an eutive and energetic citizen. up as he wa-

teaching of his Quaker parcal- a fine perception.

nd wrong, and this teachin: : his every act

BIOGRAPHIICAL

profession until his death. He was the first solicitor in the country for the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, and was an honored and influential citizen of the county. Hle was a man of unblemished character and held the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife and three children, John M., Louise, and Avalon. John M., who succeeded his father at the head of the large and popular general mercantile establishment of S. B. Briscoe & Co., was born in Pottsville, July 22, 1878, re- ceiving his early education in the public schools of that place, where he was graduated in the high school, as a member of the class of 1897. He later took post-graduate work in the high school and for one term was a student in the architectural department of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1899 he took charge of the business which had so long been successfully conducted under the management of his honored father, and he is well upholding the prestige of the name, both as a loyal citizen and as a reliable and able business man. The present commodious store building was erected in 1888 and in the same complete and select lines of goods are kept in each department.

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History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II, Part 7

Author: Schalck, Adolf W. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: State Historical Association Number of Pages: 700

Author: Schalck, Adolf W.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: State Historical Association
Number of Pages: 700