History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Part 151

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

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MACK SCUDDER was born in Prattsville, Greene county, New York, May 22, 1842. His parents, Daniel and Irene (Tole) Scudder, were natives of Delaware county, New York. In 1848 the family removed to Equinunk, Wayne county, Penn- sylvania, where his father built a tannery, which he operated until 1859, and then removed to Middlebury Center, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. In 1863 he settled in Elmira, New York, where he died in March, 1886, aged seventy-six years. His wife died in July, 1873, aged fifty-four years. The subject of this sketch was one of eleven children, six of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Sarah A., widow of Col. J. S. Bates, of Elmira; Aaron A., a resident of New York City; M. E., widow of Solomon Bennett, of Elmira; George P., who was first lieutenant of Company F, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, and Charles T., deceased. In his youth Mr. Scudder received a common school education, supplemented by a course at Knoxville Academy. He acquired a practical knowledge of business as a clerk in Equinunk, where he served behind the counter three and one-half years. He afterwards clerked in Elmira, a portion of which time he was employed by a lumber firm as inspector and accountant. From

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1870 to 1873, he was employed in McIntyre's store at Ralston, Lycoming county, and then until the fall of 1876, with Col. J. S. Bates, of Driftwood, Cameron county, in the mercantile business. In the autumn of 1876 he became yardmaster of the Tioga division of the Erie railroad, at Elmira. On June 19, 1893, he became man- ager of the W. W. Bradbury Company's store at Arnot, Tioga county, as the suc- cessor of W. W. Bradbury, deceased, which position he held until August 1, 1896. Mr. Scudder was married December 20, 1866, to Maria L. Lord, a daughter of Free- man A. and Abbie Lord, of Hancock, Delaware county, New York. Eight children have been born to this union, viz: Sarah Libbie, a graduate of the public schools of Elmira; A. Irene, a graduate of the public schools of Elmira, and of the State Normal School, at Cortland, New York; Maria Lord, a graduate of the public schools of Elmira and the Elmira College; Joseph M., employed in the electric plant at Landrus, Tioga county; Daniel F., a clerk in the office of the Blossburg Coal Company, at Arnot; Theodore, Georgia and Wheeler. In politics, Mr. Scud- der is a Republican, and in religion, a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. He is also a charter member of Driftwood Lodge, F. & A. M., of Driftwood, Penn- sylvania, having been made a Mason of Hancock Lodge, Hancock, Delaware county, New York, in 1865.

THOMAS DRISCOLL was born in Ireland, and came to Canada in 1837, locating near Toronto, where he followed the occupation of a laborer. He married Ellen Connelly, also a native of Ireland, to which union were born eight children, viz: Michael and Patrick, residents of Morris Run; Dennis and Thomas, both deceased; Mary, a sister in St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital, at Erie, Pennsylvania; James, who resides in Morris Run; John, a resident of Blossburg, and Ellen, wife of Daniel Duggan, of Morris Run. In the fall of 1838 Mr. Driscoll removed to Mt. Morris, New York, and two years later to Corning, where he lived four years. He next located at Blossburg, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a coal miner until 1854, when the mines at Morris Run were opened up and he removed to that place. He continued coal mining until 1861, then bought a farm in Ward township, upon which he passed the remainder of his life, dying February 9, 1893, aged eighty-six years. His widow resides in Morris Run, with her son-in-law; Daniel Duggan, and is now in her eighty-third year.

MICHAEL DRISCOLL, eldest son of Thomas Driscoll, was born near Toronto, Canada, July 17, 1838. He received a common school education, and early became an employe in the mines at Blossburg and Morris Run. He has worked in Morris Run since the opening of the mines in 1854. In 1879 he was made foreman of the Jones mine, a position he still holds. It is one of much responsibility, which he has filled to the satisfaction of the company, and at the same time has made him- self popular with the men under him. He is regarded as one of the best practical miners in this section of the State. Mr. Driscoll was married October 17, 1865, to Mary Duggan, a daughter of John and Mary Duggan, of Morris Run, and has nine children, viz: Ella, Mary, Thomas, Hannah, Kate, Anna, Alice, Elizabeth and John. In politics, Mr. Driscoll is a Democrat, and has served four years as township assessor, three as constable, and a number of terms as school director. In religion, he is a Catholic, and is a member of Branch, No. 30, C. K. of A., of Blossburg. Mr. Dris-

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HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

coll is one of the leading citizens of Morris Run, and is known as a man of strict integrity and high character.

GEORGE DAVIS was born in Old Park, Shropshire, England, and was a son of Mark Davis. He learned the painter's trade in his native land, and in November, 1863, he came to the United States, being accompanied by his parents and other members of his family, and located at Bloomsburg, Columbia county, Pennsylvania. Here he remained two years, during which time his father died. In the fall of 1865 he removed to Morris Run, Tioga county, and entered the employ of the Morris Run Coal Company, working at his trade during the summer and in the mines during the winter seasons. A few years after his settlement in Morris Run, his mother died. For several years he carried the mail betwen Morris Run and Fall Brook. In 1878 he opened a hotel in Morris Run, which he carried on until his death, December 17, 1892, aged fifty-three years. Mr. Davis was married in England, January 27, 1860, to Sarah Ann Tipton, a daughter of Isaac and Susanna Tipton, to which union eight children were born, viz: Julia, wife of W. C. Fairman; Ruth, widow of A. D. Mckenzie; William and Mark, residents of Blossburg; Emma M., deceased; Bertha M., a graduate of the State Normal School at Mansfield, and now a teacher in the public schools; Frederick G., a graduate of the same institution, and a stu- dent in the Philadelphia Dental College, and Ralph T., a student at the State Normal School, Mansfield. In politics, Mr. Davis was a Republican, and served for a number of years as justice of the peace of Hamilton township. He was a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., K. of H., and K. of P. lodges of Morris Run, and of Bloss Lodge, No. 350, F. & A. M., of Blossburg. Mrs. Davis and her unmarried children live in Morris Run, and enjoy a comfortable competence left by a kind husband and father.

JAMES C. HADLEY was born in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, May 26, 1852, immigrated to Pennsylvania, in September, 1873, and located in Morris Run, Tioga county, where he followed the occupation of a coal miner. In July, 1880, he went west, and for the next three years followed coal mining in Ohio, Iowa, Illinois and Wyoming. In April, 1883, he returned to Morris Run, and resumed working in the mines. On November 7, 1893, he was promoted to mine foreman, a position which he still holds. He is one of the valued and trusted employes of the com- pany, and earned his promotion by years of faithful and efficient service. Mr. Had- ley was married October 16, 1870, to Roseanna Bennett, a daughter of Isaiah and Rebecca Bennett, of Dudley, Worcestershire, England. Twelve children have been born to this union, four of whom are living, viz: William, James B., Benjamin R. and Mary Gertrude. Mrs. Hadley died March 18, 1893, aged forty-two years. In politics, Mr. Hadley is a Republican, and has been secretary of the township school board six years. He is a member of Morris Run Lodge, No. 698, I. O. O. F .; Tioga Lodge, No. 304, K. of P., and Bloss Lodge, No. 350, F. & A. M., of Blossburg. Mr. Hadley is not only a practical miner, but is well informed on matters of public in- terest. He has a valuable private library, and is conversant with the standard works of English literature.

EDGAR A. MCENTEE was born January 4, 1857, in Leroy, Genesee county, New York, and is a son of Owen and Kate (Hand) McEntee, natives of County Louth, Ireland. His parents came to Genesee county, New York, in 1851, where his father

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followed farming until his death, March 20, 1895, aged seventy-five years. His mother died August 15, 1891, aged seventy-two. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Mary, deceased wife of Nicholas Clemens; Annie, wife of George Wilson, of Mansfield; Maggie, wife of Henry Priset, of the same place; William and Thomas, both deceased; Edward and Edgar A., twins, the former a resident of Corrunna, Michigan, and the latter a resident of Fall Brook; Frank, who lives in Montana, and Eugene, who resides in Leroy, New York. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and in early manhood engaged in lum- bering, working four years in different saw-mills in Charleston township, Tioga county. In April, 1880, he went to Colorado, and continued the same business between Denver and Leadville. In July, 1886, he went to Arkansas, where he was employed in saw-mills until September, 1887, when he came to Fall Brook, Tioga county, and worked in the saw-mill for a time. He then was promoted to the posi- tion of outside foreman, which he still holds. Mr. McEntee was married June 6, 1888, to Mary Adams, a daughter of Robert Adams, of Charleston township, and has three children: Leone and Ione, twins, and Edna May. In politics, Mr. Mc- Entee is an ardent Democrat, and has served in the council of Fall Brook, and three terms as burgess of that borough. He is a member of Bloss Lodge, No. 350, F. & A. M., of Blossburg. Mr. McEntee is one of the most popular citizens of Fall Brook, and a faithful and efficient employe of the company.

STEPHEN H. WOOD was born in Montgomery county, New York, November 23, 1824, a son of Hezekiah and Mary (Adamy) Wood, of that county. He was reared in his native town, and February 15, 1849, he married Mary Jane Owen, a daughter of Daniel and Rhoda Owen, of Tompkins county, New York. A year after their marriage they removed to Granville, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where they lived until March, 1852, when they came to Tioga county and settled on the farm in Bloss township, now the residence of their son, Harvey D. The land was then . covered with the primitive forest, in the midst of which Mr. Wood erected a frame house, one of the first in that part of the county. Here he lived clearing and tilling his land until his death, September 7, 1887, leaving one son, Harvey D. Three daughters, Rhoda, Elmina C. and Clara Adel, died in early youth. He was a good farmer, owned nearly 300 acres of well-improved land, and was one of the pros- perous, progressive and leading agriculturists of the county. Mr. Wood was a stanch Republican, in politics, and in religion, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He served nine months in Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-first Pennsylvania Militia, and was a loyal, patriotic citizen. His widow resides in Mans- field.

HARVEY D. WOOD was born in Bloss township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1864, and is a son of Stephen H. and Mary J. (Owen) Wood. He was educated in the common schools and at the State Normal School, Mansfield, from which he graduated in 1884, and subsequently taught school a few years. On August 22, 1888, Mr. Wood married Jennie Callender, of Peckville, Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania, and has two children, Stephen R. and Harvey Dwight. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served one term as township assessor. Besides the old homestead on which he resides, he owns a farm of 100 acres across the line in Charleston township, the two making a valuable property of 386 acres. Mr. Wood

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HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

is one of the leading farmers of the township, and is a man of education, enterprise and public spirit.

SELAH PHILLIPS was born in North Wales, October 1, 1836, son of Philip and Elizabeth Phillips. In 1866 he came to Blossburg, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, but soon after went to Brookville, Ohio, where he worked as a coal miner for three years. He then returned to Tioga county and worked in the coal mines at Arnot until 1888, when he moved to his present farm of thirty acres of land in the north- west part of Bloss township, which he bought in 1878. Here he opened a general store, which he has since carried on in connection with the cultivation of his land. Mr. Phillips was married in Wales, March 5, 1859, to Elizabeth Turner, a daughter of James and Ann Turner, to which union have been born six children, viz: Elias and Thomas, who reside at Lemont Furnace, Fayette county, Pennsylvania; Mary Ann, wife of William Powell, of Blossburg, Tioga county; Elizabeth, wife of David Williams, of Edwardsdale, Pennsylvania, and James and David, both of whom reside at home. Mr. Phillips is a stanch Republican, and has served as treasurer of Bloss township. He is a member of the Baptist church, and also of Arbon Lodge, No. 489, I. O. O. F., of Blossburg. He is a quiet, unassuming man, whose life of industry and integrity has won for him the respect of all who know him.

JOHN E. HENRY was born in Charleston township, Tioga county, Pennsyl- vania, June 11, 1833, and is a son of James and Nancy Henry. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and came with his parents to Charleston township, Tioga county, at an early day, where he died in 1849, aged sixty years. His mother died in 1871, aged sixty-seven years. They were the parents of the following children: Lydia J., wife of Jacob Johnson, of Delmar township; Eliza, deceased wife of Venus Crowl, of the same township; Amanda, deceased wife of Tunis Bush, of Gaines township; John E., Rosalie, deceased, who was twice married, first to James Bush, and afterwards to James Hakes; Chloe, wife of Ben Carson; James H., a resident of Prescott, Pierce county, Wisconsin; Orville, deceased, and Richard, a resident of Potter county. John E. was reared in Charleston township, and on March 18, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until May, 1865. His brothers, Orville and Richard, were in the same company and regiment. Mr. Henry was married May 10, 1854, to Hannah Kimball, daughter of Lazell Kimball, of Charleston township, to which union have been born three children, viz: Geraldine, wife of Charles Patterson, of Hornellsville, New York; Josephine, who died in infancy, and Charles M., who lives on an adjoining farm to his father's. In politics, Mr. Henry is a Republican, and has filled the office of school director. He is a member of the Grange at Round Top, and of George Cook Post, No. 315, G. A. R., of Wellsboro. Mr. Henry is the owner of a well-improved farm in Bloss township of 100 acres, and is one of the lead- ing farmers of this section of the county.

LIBERTY AND UNION TOWNSHIPS.

JONATHAN SEBRING, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, settled at Liberty, Tioga county, in 1813, where he became proprietor of the old Block House tavern, succeeding its original landlord, Anthony. He kept this house for many years, entertaining the pioneers and travelers over the Williamson road, and finally erected

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on the same site the Liberty Hotel. Mr. Sebring was a shoemaker and carpenter, which trades he followed while conducting the hotel, and also cleared and cultivated a farm. He sold out and went to Wisconsin in 1856, where he resided until his death, in 1879, at the remarkable age of ninety-six years. To Jonathan Sebring and wife were born thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to maturity. He was one of the real pioneers of Liberty, and endured the privations, hardships and trials incident to that period.

ROBERT C. SEBRING, a son of Jonathan Sebring, was born in Liberty, Tioga county, April 5, 1819, and obtained his education in the pioneer schools of his native place. In 1835 he began clerking in his brother John's store, in Liberty. In 1840 his brother removed to Jersey Shore, Robert C. continuing the business at Liberty until about 1856, when he sold a half interest to William Narber, who subsequently purchased the remaining interest. In 1867 he erected a new store building and formed a partnership with Horace Fellows, who a few weeks later sold his interest to Charles A. Miller and the firm became Sebring & Miller. It so continued until the autumn of 1872, when Mr. Sebring bought out his partner and carried on the business alone one year. He then sold out to Charles A., Nathaniel and Ira Miller and took charge of the Eagle Hotel, which he conducted for two years. In 1875 he engaged in farming, and three years later purchased the Liberty Hotel, formerly owned by his father, which he carried on up to within a short time of his death. In May, 1844, Mr. Sebring married Phoebe Reed, of Trout Run, Lycoming county, who bore him eight children, four of whom are living, viz: John, a resident of Lock Haven; Clara F., wife of C. A. Miller, of Liberty; Mattie, wife of Nathaniel Skin- ner, of Williamsport, and Grant, of Liberty. Mr. Sebring died May 23, 1884, and his wife, June 21, 1891. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, he was a Republican, and was also a charter member and Past Grand of Block House Lodge, No. 398, I. O. O. F., of Liberty.

GRANT SEBRING, proprietor of the Sebring House, at Liberty, was born in Liberty borough, Tioga county, March 8, 1865, and is the youngest living child of Robert C. Sebring. After completing a common school course, he attended the Williamsport Commercial College. When but fifteen years of age he and his brother John built and conducted the Coleman House, at Morris, Tioga county, where they also carried on a general mercantile business. In 1885 he sold his interest and en- gaged in farming, which he continued to follow until February, 1888. At that time he purchased his present hotel property, and has since carried on the business suc- cessfully. On April 5, 1888, Mr. Sebring married Emma H. Hartsock, a daughter of John Hartsock, who has borne him one child, Clara Belle, deceased. In politics, Mr. Sebring is a Republican, and is a member of the borough council. He is also connected with Block House Lodge, No. 398, I. O. O. F., and Washington Camp, No. 628, P. O. S. of A., of Liberty. Mr. Sebring is recognized as a genial and suc- cessful landlord, and the Sebring House is not only the leading hotel in the bor- ough, but is patronized by the majority of the traveling trade.

JOHN SHEFFER, SR., was one of the earliest settlers of Liberty, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1779, the son of a Revolutionary soldier, whose ancestors came from Holland. He was reared in his native county and there learned the tailor's trade. Mr. Sheffer was

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twice married, but his first wife lived only a brief period. June 8, 1802, he mar- ried Susannah Reynolds, and soon after removed to Williamsport, Lycoming county. Here he continued working at his trade for several years, or until his appointment as deputy sheriff. While filling that office he became security for a debtor and his property was sold to satisfy the claim. Discouraged and disgusted by such treat- ment he removed with his family to Liberty township, Tioga county, in February, 1814, and bought of John Norris 150 acres of academy land on what has been since known as "Sheffer Hill." Here in the midst of an almost unbroken wilderness he erected a rude cabin and began the arduous task of carving a home from the primi- tive forest. While devoting his principal attention to agriculture he also worked at his trade for the pioneers and did considerable surveying, which business he fol- lowed until his death, August 5, 1841. His wife survived him until September, 1860. They were the parents of the following children: John, William, Samuel, Elizabeth, who married William Harmon; Catherine, who married Peter Lutz; Jacob, Polly, Susannah, who married Daniel Miller; Joseph, Mary, Michael, Julia Ann, who married Nicholas Elter; George R., and Sarah. Of these Mrs. Miller, Michael, Mrs. Elter and George R. survive. Mr. Sheffer and wife were members of the Lutheran church. In politics, he was a Democrat, and served as justice of the peace in Liberty for many years.

JOHN SHEFFER, JR., was born in Williamsport, Lycoming county, February 8, 1803, and was a lad of eleven years of age when his parents settled at Liberty, Tioga county. In 1816-17 he carried the mail on horseback between Williamsport and Painted Post, being thus one of the pioneer mail carriers of this section. He after- wards learned the blacksmith's trade in Williamsport. May 12, 1825, he married Sarah Shaffer, a daughter of John Shaffer, of White Deer valley, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and the same year opened a blacksmith shop in Liberty, where he carried on business continuously forty-five years, retiring in 1870. To John and Sarah Sheffer were born ten children, viz: George, Henry, Martin, and Philip, the last three of whom are dead; Susan, wife of Charles Hagenbach, of Kansas; Sarah, wife of Jonas Artley, of Bradford, Mckean county; George Washington, of Bloss- burg; Alpheus, of Liberty; Elvina, and Ada, wife of Jabez Hancher, of Liberty. Mr. Sheffer and wife were members of the Lutheran church, and died November 8, 1876, and April 4, 1887, respectively. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat, and served as a school director for many years.

ALPHEUS SHEFFER, youngest son of John Sheffer, Jr., and grandson of John Sheffer, Sr., was born in Liberty township, Tioga county, February 15, 1841. He obtained a common school education, and learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, with whom he remained from 1857 to 1870, when he started in business for himself, in which he still continues. March 8, 1863, he married Jennie, a daughter of Daniel Achenbach, of White Deer valley, Lycoming county, who has borne him five children, viz: Leona, deceased; Kate, wife of John Budd, of Williamsport; Harry G., Jennie, deceased, and Carrie. Harry G. was born November 4, 1868, learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, which he followed up to 1891, when he began clerking in the Wilcox House, in Towanda, and remained there until 1894. He then secured a position as brakeman on the Northern Central railroad, but is now working with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Sheffer are members of the Lutheran church,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

In politics, the family is Democratic, and Mr. Sheffer has filled the offices of con- stable and school director. He is also a member of Block House Lodge, No. 398, I. O. O. F.

SAMUEL SHEFFER, third son of John Sheffer, Sr., was born in Williamsport, Lycoming county, January 11, 1806, and was eight years old when his parents set- tled at Liberty, Tioga county. Here he grew to manhood and learned the carpen- ter's trade, which business he followed the greater part of his life. He was also a stage driver between Williamsport and Sunbury, and Elmira and Painted Post for several years. He married Susan Kinsman, a daughter of James Kinsman, of Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, to which union were born eleven children, as follows: James, of Liberty; Harrison, Evan, and Lydia Jane, all of whom are dead; Amanda, wife of George Hartley, of Lycoming county; Theodore, a resident of Decatur county, Iowa; Riland, who lives in Nebraska; Frank, a resident of Mil- lerton, Tioga county; Cornelia and Amelia, residents of Denver, Colorado, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Sheffer died in Liberty, January 31, 1889, while his wife died in Iowa, in 1893. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he was a Republican.

JAMES SHEFFER, eldest child of Samuel Sheffer, and grandson of John Sheffer, Sr., was born in Towanda, Bradford county, February 10, 1837. He was reared in Liberty, and learned the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trades with his father. In 1858 he married Elizabeth Caylor, a daughter of Isaac Caylor, of Lycoming county, to which union have been born eight children, viz: Celestia, wife of John Mitchell, of Blossburg; Emma, wife of Joseph Ridge, of Tioga county; Isaac F., Ella, wife of Frank Bastian; Mamie, wife of George Heyler; Alice, Edith and Lela. Mr. Sheffer served in Company F, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, towards the close of the Rebellion. In 1865 he removed to Iowa, where he lived seven years. He then returned to Tioga county and has since made his home in Liberty borough, where he follows the carpenter's trade. In politics, he is a 'Republican, and in religion, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

MICHAEL SHEFFER is the oldest living son of John and Susannah (Reynolds) Sheffer, and was born on Sheffer hill, in Liberty township, Tioga county, November 17, 1821. He was reared upon the homestead farm, spending his boyhood days in the rugged pursuits of clearing off the forest and tilling the soil, the country at that time being a comparative wilderness. In 1839 he went to Williamsport, where he learned the wagon-making trade, remaining there two years. Returning to Liberty he established a shop, and was engaged in the wagon-making business up to within the last few years. September 28, 1843, Mr. Sheffer married Mary E. Cox, a daughter of William Cox, and a sister of Gen. Robert C. Cox, of Wellsboro. Five children were born to this union, as follows: Francis Marion, the present prothonotary of Tioga county; Sarah J., wife of William Woodruff, of Liberty; Warren, who is in the employ of the Arnot Coal Company; Edgar, who is engaged in business in Clearfield county, and Robert, who died in infancy. Mr. Sheffer is a stanch Republican and has filled several of the local offices. For more than half a century he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has filled the position of teacher and superintendent of the Sunday-school since its organi- zation. He justly enjoys the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and a wide

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History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Part 151

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