History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Part 150

Author:
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Harrisburg : R. C. Brown
Number of Pages: 1454

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ISRAEL BIDDLE was born in Canton, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, July 12. 1838, and is the third in a family of eight children, born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Headley) Biddle. His brothers and sisters are named as follows: Martha, de- ceased; Wallace, a resident of Blossburg; Euphema, wife of Alfred J. Conklin; Fidelo and Almerian, residents of Canton; Hettie, deceased, and Silas, also a resi- dent of Canton. The parents were natives of Montour county, Pennsylvania, and removed to Bradford county early in the thirties, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Israel was reared on a farm and obtained a common school educa- tion. He learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until the breaking out of the war. In April, 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call, he volunteered, but the quota being full his company was not accepted. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered in as first corporal, and participated in the engagements of Ball's Bluff, Big Bethel, Strausburg, Siege of Yorktown, New Kent Court House, Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Fight before Richmond, and Malvern Hill. While building an observatory or lookout, at Yorktown, he had three ribs broken by falling timbers dislodged by shells from the rebel batteries. While engaged on the skirmish line

. at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, his blanket, which was rolled up on his shoulders, was riddled with bullets, and a ball was imbedded in an ambrotype in his pocket, a like- ness of the woman who became his wife. He was honorably discharged November 10, 1862, by reason of sickness arising from his injured side. In June, 1863, he responded to the call for Emergency Men, and enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Pennsylvania Militia. He was made orderly sergeant of his company, and on June 25, 1863, he was promoted to second lieutenant. He was discharged with his com- mand, July 26, following. His brother, Wallace, served in Company C, One Hun- dred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was severely wounded at

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HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

Antietam; while his brother Fidelo was a member of Company D, One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and his brother Almerian, of Company C, Thirtieth Pennsylvania Militia. The two latter re-enlisted in Company D, Fiftieth New York Engineers. Mr. Biddle was married September 3, 1863, to Adelia Den- mark, a daughter of Jesse D. and Emeline Denmark, of Ward township, Tioga county. Seven children have been born to this union, viz: Elmer E., a resident of Kane, Mckean county; Ina E., wife of Isaac H. Cook, of Blossburg; Bert J., Jesse D., Frank I., Elizabeth and Anna. After leaving the army Mr. Biddle re- turned to Canton and resumed work at his trade. In 1871 he removed to Ogdens- burg, Tioga county, and in 1876 settled in Blossburg, where for the past twenty years he has worked as a carpenter. In politics, he is a Republican, and in religion, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has held the office of P. C. of Brown Post, No. 171, G. A. R., of Blossburg, for seven successive terms, excepting the year 1894.

PATRICK DWYER was born and reared in County Tipperary, Ireland, and there married Mary Ryan, a native of the same county. In 1852 he came to Pennsylvania and settled at Blossburg, Tioga county, where he worked as a laborer. When the coal mines were opened up at Morris Run he removed there, remaining four years. He next found employment in the construction of the railroad from Blossburg to Fall Brook, settling in the latter place upon its completion, and died in that borough, March 8, 1888, aged sixty-six years. His widow makes her home with her son-in- law, M. S. Murray, of Blossburg. She is seventy-two years of age. They were the parents of six children, viz: John F., of Antrim; Edward P., who died September 19, 1882; Norah, wife of M. S. Murray, of Blossburg; Michael, a resident of Antrim; Mary, wife of Thomas Howe, of Fall Brook, and Bridget, a resident of Blossburg. In religion, the family are adherents of the Catholic church, and in politics, sup- porters of the Democratic party.

JOHN F. DWYER, eldest son of Patrick and Mary Dwyer, was born in Morris Run, Tioga county, November 6, 1854. He attended the village school until ten years of age, when he commenced working in the mines at Fall Brook. In Sep- tember, 1879, he went to Corning, New York, and found employment as a brakeman until July, 1880, when he returned to Fall Brook and had charge of the shipping of coal for the Fall Brook Coal Company until April 1, 1881. On that date he took charge of the Fall Brook Hotel, which he managed up to May 1, 1888. He then removed to Antrim, where he has since conducted the Antrim Hotel, and is a suc- cessful and popular landlord. Mr. Dwyer was married June 3, 1879, to Catherine Kain, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Kain, of Painted Post, New York, who has borne him seven children, as follows: John F., Edward P., who died August 19, 1893; James K., Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph (twins), and Paul. In politics, Mr. Dwyer is a stanch Democrat, and is regarded as one of the leading members of his party in the county. He is a member of the county committee, and in 1896 was one of the Democratic congressional conferees. In religion, he is a member of the Catholic church, and is connected with Division No. 2, A. O. H. He is essen- tially a self-educated and self-made man, and owes his business success to untiring effort and strict integrity.

M. S. MURRAY, proprietor of the Seymour House, Blossburg, was born in County

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Waterford, Ireland, May 15, 1858, and is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Shanna- han) Murray. He is the second in a family of six children, named as follows: John, a resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; M. S., of Blossburg; Mary, wife of M. J. Coyne, a resident of Wisconsin; William, an engineer on the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburg railroad; Maggie, wife of William Daley, of Detroit, Michi- gan, and Patrick, who died October 23, 1896. In April, 1864, the family immi- grated to Poughkeepsie, New York, whence they removed two years later to Barclay, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, remaining there until 1887. They then located in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the father died in February, 1893, and where the mother is still living. The subject of this sketch was married September 28, 1882, to Norah Dwyer, a daughter of Patrick and Mary Dwyer, and has a family of five children, viz: Mary, Edward, John, Genevieve and Francis. Mr. Murray began workng in the mines when twelve years of age. In 1883 he became a clerk in the Fall Brook Company's store, and in 1887 took charge of the Fall Brook Hotel, which he managed successfully until January, 1895, when he leased the Seymour House, at Blossburg, and since taking charge of the latter has largely increased its patronage and proven himself a popular landlord. In politics, Mr. Murray is a stanch Democrat, and in religion, a member of St. Andrews' Catholic church, of Blossburg. He is a prominent member of the A. O. H., has served several years as county president, and in 1896 was elected state vice-president of that order. As a business man, he is energetic and enterprising, and as a citizen, public-spirited and progressive.

WILLIAM F. O'DONNELL, son of Richard and Mary O'Donnell, was born in Clare county, Ireland, April 10, 1845. His parents came to America in the spring of 1854, and settled near Ralston, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. In 1856 his father purchased a farm near Canton, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, which he cultivated for over thirty years. He died February 17, 1890, aged ninety-one years, and his wife in February, 1885, aged eighty-five years. The subject of this sketch is one of nine children, of whom but two beside himself are living, viz: Mary, widow of Daniel Downes, residing in Canton, Bradford county, and Richard, a farmer of Union township, Tioga county. Mr. O'Donnell received a common school education in his youth. At the age of fifteen he went to Fall Brook and secured employment as a woodsman. He afterwards secured the position of superintendent of mule drivers in and about the mines at that place, filling it from 1872 to 1885. For the next three years he was engaged in supplying and conducting a meat market in Fall Brook. In August, 1888, he came to Blossburg, and bought the Yonkin House, previously run by Joseph Yonkin. He changed the name to the O'Donnell House, and carried it on until April, 1895. He then removed to Canton, intending to embark in business. In April, 1896, he returned to Blossburg, purchased the Murray House, and changed its name to the O'Donnell House. This he has since successfully conducted. Mr. O'Donnell was married June 5, 1864, to Catherine O'Donnell, a daughter of John and Nora O'Donnell, to which union nine children have been born, viz: Mary J., deceased; Margaret, Catherine, Elizabeth, Richard, Willie, deceased; John, William F., and one died in infancy. In politics, Mr. O'Donnell is an independent, and while in Fall Brook he served as tax collector, school director and secretary of the school board. Mr. O'Donnell and family are

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HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

members of the Catholic church. He is a member of the C. K. of A. and of the A. O. H., and is looked upon as one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Blossburg.

J. D. CONNERS, son of J. D. and Mary (Sullivan) Conners, was born in Way- land, Steuben county, New York. He received a common school education and when sixteen years of age left home and went to Morris Run, where he was employed in a meat market, continuing there until 1892, when he removed to Blossburg, and embarked in the wholesale liquor business, which he still carries on. He was mar- ried September 22, 1890, to Anna Fogarty, daughter of Daniel and Anna (Blake) Fogarty, to which union one child, May, has been born. In politics, Mr. Conners is a Republican, and in religion, a Catholic. He is a member of the A. O. H. While a resident of Morris Run he filled the office of auditor. He has one brother, D. J., a farmer living near Curtis, New York. His mother died in 1877, and his father in November, 1892.

FRANK D. ANDREWS was born in Wyoming county, New York, February 18, 1835. He came to Blossburg, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1871, and en- gaged in the wholesale liquor business, which he has continued up to the present time. He has ever taken an interest in the prosperity of the borough, and has done much to promote its general welfare. He has been elected burgess of Blossburg four times, and his previous terms were most successful in all the departments com- ing under his jurisdiction. The streets were permanently improved, the cross walks and culverts made of stone, the fire department well-equipped, the debt of the bor- ough reduced and its affairs placed on an economical and business basis. The sub- ject of water works had been agitated from time to time, without accomplishing the desired purpose. Failing to enlist the council and the people in the enterprise of putting in water works on their own account, Mr. Andrews was largely instrumental in enlisting capital from another locality to accomplish the work, thus protecting, to a large extent, the property of citizens from destructive fires and giving the people an opportunity of securing pure water for drinking and culinary purposes. Mr. Andrews is now filling his fourth term as burgess. He is a public-spirited citizen, and highly respected for his integrity of purpose and for his interest in the public good.

FRANCIS LOUIS VIEL was born in France, about the year 1815, and, while yet a young man, removed to the Isle of Jersey, where he married Duce LeHuquet, who bore him five children, viz: Mary Ann, wife of B. Vaselin, of Blossburg; Ann, wife of Mr. Lamare, a resident of France; Francis A., of Blossburg; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Russell, of Aukland, New Zealand, and Jane, wife of Peter Bruielly, of Blossburg. Mr. Viel, who was a contractor and builder, came to the United States in 1881, and made his home with his son, Francis A., of Blossburg, Tioga county, until his death. He died March 10, 1886, and his wife, in 1884.

FRANCIS A. VIEL, only son of Francis Louis Viel, was born on the Isle of Jersey, August 23, 1847. He received a common school education, and served an apprenticeship to the mason's trade. Coming to Pennsylvania in 1873, he located in Blossburg, Tioga county, where he followed contracting and building until De- cember, 1894, when he bought out the hardware and tinsmithing establishment of Miller & Russell. Mr. Viel was married January 1, 1867, in the Isle of Jersey, to

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Ann LeVesconte, to which union there have been born four children, viz: Anna, deceased; Florence, wife of William Besanceney, of Blossburg; Francis, and Annie. Mr. Viel is a stanch Democrat, and has filled the office of borough assessor. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and is also connected with the Masonic and Odd Fellows' societies. He carried on a general hardware and tin- smithing business up to November, 1896, and is now engaged in contracting and building.

ALBERT BEUTER, son of Frederick and Lena (Plank) Beuter, was born May 21, 1861, in Liberty township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. Two brothers, Wil- liam and Henry, and one sister, Ethel, as well as his father and mother, reside in Charleston township; while one brother, Perry, and a sister, Laura, are dead. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a common school educa- tion. In 1889 he went to Mansfield and worked in the saw-mill of Wilson Day. In 1891 he came to Blossburg, and makes teaming his occupation, devoting himself principally to delivering coal from the mine of Golden Brothers. Mr. Beuter was married in March, 1885, to Anna Clemens, a daughter of Nicholas Clemens, of Charleston township, Tioga county. They have three children: Harry, Lawrence and Frederick. In politics, Mr. Beuter is a Democrat.

NICHOLAS SCHULTZ, son of Andrew and Margaret (Zimmer) Schultz, was born in Prussia, Germany, January 18, 1844, and is the oldest of three children, born to the first marriage of his father, his brother John, an engineer in the Staat- Zeitung building, in Chicago, and himself being the only survivors. His mother died in Germany in 1851, and his father married Theresa Vietchie, a native of Baden, Germany. Jasper, the first-born of this union, and Jacob, the second, are residents of Cohocton, Steuben county, New York. Mr. Schultz came to the United States in 1850, and located in Syracuse, New York, where he was joined by his sons, John and Nicholas, who came from Germany with an uncle, a few years later. In 1861 the parents moved to Cohocton, where they still. reside, the father being seventy-nine years of age. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and began life for himself as a farm hand in Herkimer county, New York, where he worked for two years. He then found employment one year with the Onondaga Salt Company, and later was a watchman for Stiles Rust, of Syracuse, two years. He then entered the employ of Franklin N. Drake, of Cohoc- ton, remaining there until 1866, when Mr. Drake transferred him to Arnot, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where the coal mines were then being opened up. At the time Mr. Schultz located in Arnot there were but three houses in the place. He went to work in the saw-mill as head sawyer and saw setter, continuing there for three years, when he was given the position of saw filer, which he filled until 1881, when he was made outside foreman of the mills at Arnot, a position he has since filled in a satisfactory manner. Mr. Schultz was married in July, 1869, to Margaret Muntz, a daughter of John Muntz, of Cohocton, New York, and is the father of seven children, named as follows: John, a resident of Cohocton; Margaret, de- ceased; Frank, Flora, wife of James Creighton, of Arnot; William, Nora, deceased, and Ray. In politics, Mr. Schultz is a Democrat, and in religion, a member of the Catholic church, of Arnot. He is also a member of the Father Matthew Branch of the C. K. of A., of Blossburg.

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MATTHEW A. BLAIR, son of Walter and Elizabeth (Allen) Blair, was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, March 13, 1855, and is one of eight children, three of whom are living. James, the fourth born, is a physician in Groton, New York, and Wal- ter, the youngest, is a clerk in the employ of the Blossburg Coal Company at Arnot, Tioga county. The others died in early youth. In 1869, Matthew A. and his father came to Pennsylvania and settled in Arnot, Tioga county, where they found employment in the mines. In 1870 his mother, with the remainder of the family, joined them. His father died in October, 1876, aged forty-five years, but his mother is still living. Mr. Blair received a common school education in Scotland. At eleven years of age he went to work in the mines, and followed coal mining until September, 1884, when he entered the store of the Blossburg Coal Company, in Arnot, as a clerk, which position he filled until 1888. He was then placed in charge of the company's store at Landrus, where he remained until August, 1893, when he returned to Arnot, and, with Mack Scudder, took charge as manager of the stores of the W. W. Bradbury Company. Mr. Blair was married January 11, 1884, to Nettie Mitchell, daughter of James G. and Mary Mitchell, of Arnot, to which union have been born five children, viz: Walter, James, Nellie, Ethel and Mary. In politics, Mr. Blair is a Republican. During his residence in Landrus he served as postmaster, and also filled the offices of town clerk and school director. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and also of Bloss Lodge, No. 350, F. & A. M., and of Arbon Lodge, No. 489, I. O. O. F. As the result of a practical ex- perience of nearly thirty years, Mr. Blair is thoroughly acquainted with all the details of coal mining, and by industry and an intelligent discharge of the responsible duties of his various positions, has merited his successive promotions.

D. C. WATERS, physician and surgeon, was born in Cortland county, New York, April 26, 1842, and is a son of Aretus and Caroline Waters. His parents had a family of twelve children, named as follows: Eunice and Sarah, both of whom died in infancy; Alexander, a resident of Cortland county, New York; Merton, who died May 22, 1894; Albertus, a resident of Nebraska; Oscar, who resides at Lan- sing, Michigan; Orson, who lives in Truxton, New York; Alvah D., who died May 21, 1870; Henry, a resident of Cuyler, New York; D. C., a physician of Arnot; George, who lives in Australia, and Emily, wife of James Blanchard, of Baltimore, Maryland. The father died November 17, 1869, aged eighty-seven years, and the mother, May 30, 1876, aged eighty-seven years. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and at the State Normal School, Cortland, New York. In the winter of 1859-60 he attended lectures at the Medical College, George- town, D. C. On May 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Twelfth New York Vol- unteers, and on December 9, of the same year, he was transferred to Mt. Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he filled the position of hospital steward until August 1, 1862, when he joined Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers. The following December he was again transferred to Mt. Pleas- ant Hospital, where he filled the position of acting assistant surgeon until discharged, August 28, 1865. He soon after resumed his medical studies, and attended George- town College, from which he graduated March 4, 1867. Sixteen days later he began practice in Scott, Cortland county, New York, where he continued until November 21, 1870, when he removed to Arnot, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he has

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

since resided and practiced medicine. Dr. Waters was married November 1, 1868, at Knoxville, Tioga county, to Miss Sue Brown, a daughter of Rev. J. W. Brown. They are the parents of the following children: Nellie, wife of Seth Palmer, of Baltimore, Maryland; Blanche, who died October 23, 1890; John W., Montgomery, Gladys and Happy, all of whom are dead. In politics, Dr. Waters is a Republican, and is now serving his fifth term as justice of the peace. He has also filled the office of school director. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is connected with the K. of P., of Arnot; Bloss Lodge, No. 350, F. & A. M .; Winter- view Castle, No. 220, K. of G. E., of Arnot, and Brown Post, G. A. R., of Bloss- burg. Dr. Waters has built up a good practice and ranks among the skillful phy- sicians of the county. He enjoys the respect and esteem of the people of Arnot, among whom he has lived and practiced his profession for a quarter of a century.

J. W. JACKSON, son of Charles and Elizabeth Jackson, was born in Cornwall, England, September 17, 1859. In 1868 his parents came to Pennsylvania and settled in Burlington, Bradford county, remaining there until 1870, when they removed to Blossburg, Tioga county, where they now reside. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of four brothers. Charles E., resides in Binghamton, New York; David R., in Elmira, and Alfred T., in Blossburg. Mr. Jackson received a common school education, and learned the trade of a painter and paper hanger, under his father. He later entered the drug store of Dr. Williams, of Blossburg, and remained with him and his successor, Stewart Brothers, between one and two years. He also clerked in the drug store of Ingram & Palmer and their successors for several years. In 1880 he embarked in the drug business for himself, in the store now occupied by Schofield & Babcock, of Blossburg. He next went to Spring- field, Illinois, where he followed painting until 1882, then returned to Blossburg, and bought out Stincoman & Company, painters and paper hangers. In 1884 he took charge of the drug store of the late Stephen Bowen, remaining until February, 1886, when he went to Arnot to take charge of the drug department of the Bloss- burg Coal Company's store, now the store of the W. W. Bradbury Company, which position he has since occupied, and has discharged the duties thereof in a capable and efficient manner. Mr. Jackson was married April 9, 1883, to Minnie M. George, a daughter of Griffith George, of Springfield, Illinois, to which union have been born four children, viz: Percy H., Roy W., Edward G. and Alfred J. In politics, Mr. Jackson is a Republican, and has served as a member and treasurer of the school board. He is P. N. G. of Arbon Lodge, No. 489, I. O. O. F. of Bloss- burg; also P. H. P. of Enterprise Encampment, and a member of Bloss Lodge, No. 350, F. & A. M., of the same place.

FRANK H. WELCH, son of Jefferson and Lucy Ann (Palmer) Welch, was born in Sullivan township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, July 18, 1852, and is a de- scendant of pioneer families of the county. He is one of eight children, his brothers and sisters being named as follows: Jane, deceased wife of Horace Scott; Mary, wife of Horace Welch, of Windfall, Bradford county; Stephen, Lanson and Charles, all deceased; Bert, a resident of Blossburg, and Willis, who resides in Mansfield. The father died in April, 1889, in his sixty-ninth year. His widow, who was born November 25, 1821, resides near Mansfield, Tioga county. Frank H. was reared in Sullivan township and attended the common schools of his district. He remained

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HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

on the farm until he was twenty-four years of age, when he entered the employ of the Blossburg Coal Company, as a woodsman, and later clerked in the company's store at Arnot. In 1889 he took charge of the Arnot Hotel, and in September, 1892, bought out the livery stable and undertaking business at that place, both of which he now carries on in connection with his hotel. Mr. Welsh was married December 13, 1876, to Anna E. Months, a daughter of John Months, and a native of Danville, New York, who bore him one son, Clyde. She died November 7, 1896, aged forty- seven years. In politics, Mr. Welch is a Democrat, and is a member of the K. of P., of Arnot, and of Arbon Lodge, No. 489, I. O. O. F., of Blossburg; also of Enter- prise Encampment. Mr. Welch is a genial, affable gentleman, and is well liked both as a business man and a citizen.

GEORGE WATSON, son of Peter and Catherine (Rogers) Watson, was born in Middleton, Orange county, New York, May 27, 1852, and is the oldest of six chil- dren, the other members being as follows: Maggie, wife of Elias Schultz, of Avoca, New York; Kate, deceased; Andrew, a resident of Sayre, Pennsylvania; Agnes, who resides with her mother in Waverly, New York, and Peter, a conductor on the Lehigh Valley railroad, who resides in Sayre. The father died February 20, 1867. Mr. Watson has followed lumbering since arriving at manhood. In 1883 he came to Arnot, Tioga county, and entered the employ of the Blossburg Coal Company. Two years later he was made foreman of the company's saw-mill at Landrus, a posi- tion he has since filled. On October 8, 1873, Mr. Watson was married to Annie Clark, a daughter of Patrick Clark, of Addison, New York, to which union have been born nine children, viz: John, Peter, Edward, Mary, Albert, Bessie, George, Nellie and Curtis. In politics, Mr. Watson is a Democrat, and has served as town- ship supervisor one term. He has also represented his party as a delegate to county conventions. In religion, he is a member of the Catholic church. Years of ex- perience in the woods and in the mill, have given Mr. Watson a thorough knowledge of the lumber business, and has thoroughly equipped him for the discharge of the duties of his present position. He has proven himself capable and competent, and is popular with the men associated with him.

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History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Part 150

Author: Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Harrisburg : R. C. Brown Number of Pages: 1454

Author:
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Harrisburg : R. C. Brown
Number of Pages: 1454