Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 10

Author: Chapman Publishing Company (NY)
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1068

USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties > Part 10
USA > Pennsylvania > Wyoming County > Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties > Part 10

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With the hope of benefiting his financial con- dition, Mr. Preston crossed the Atlantic in the fall of 1860, and settled in North Moreland Town- ship, Wyoming County, Pa., where he worked by the month for a year. September 10, 1861, he enlisted for three years' service in Company F, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, and was made corporal, serving under Captains Moody, Hopkins, Whitney and Howell. He participated in many important engagements, including the following: Yorktown, Williamsport, Fair Oaks, Gainesville, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp Bridge, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Charleston, Switcher's Gap, and Fredericksburg. At the last-named place he was severely wounded in the hip by a minie ball passing entirely through his body, and for six months he was confined in Mt. Pleasant Hos- pital, Washington, D. C., unable to be moved. Subsequently he was transferred to Setterlee Hospital in West Philadelphia, where he re-

mained during the summer, and then returned to his regiment, but was unable to perform the ar- duous duties required of a soldier. His term of service having expired, he was honorably dis- charged at Petersburg, Va., November 6, 1864, and was mustered out, with a war record of which he may be justly proud.

On returning to Wyoming County, Mr. Pres- ton was for a time fireman and brakeman on a railroad, but has been principally engaged in farming in North Moreland Township, where he still resides. In Brooklyn, N. Y., November 17, 1868, he married Miss Lavinia Chase Morton, who was born in Etna, Me., the daughter of Daniel and Lavinia (Chase) Morton, of Carmel, Penobscot County, and Monroe, Waldo County, Me., respectively. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Preston was captain in the colonial army during the Revolution. The Morton family believe themselves to be descendants of Cardinal John Morton, of Dorsetshire, England, who after severe suffering and valuable services during the War of the Roses, brought about the union of the houses of Lancaster and York, and died in 1500. In 1850, when Mrs. Preston was three years old, she was brought by her parents to Pennsylvania, where she was reared on a farm and educated in the schools of the neighborhood and Wyoming Seminary. For four years she was a teacher in the public schools. She is a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and holds the office of recording secre- tary for the county. In religious belief she is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, to which Mr. Preston also belongs. They are the parents of nine children, namely: Minnie O., wife of W. H. Perrego, of Harvey's Lake; Mor- ton A., Annie B., J. Harry and Charles A., de- ceased; Marie F., Essie S., deceased; Leo D. and Lee G. (twins), the former deceased. Charles A. and Leo D. were accidentally killed by the explosion of dynamite in digging a well. Mrs. Preston is the niece of William T. B. Morton, who discovered the use of the inhalation of (sul- phuric) ether.

Mrs. Preston had six brothers, who served in the Union army during the Civil War, and also has one sister, Mrs. Orilla Morton Christianson,

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now a resident of Morrison, Colo. Of the broth- ers we note the following: William D. was a member of the engineer corps in the Union ser- vice; Noah C., of Company I, Forty-fifth Penn- sylvania Infantry, was wounded in the battle of South Mountain, and died two weeks afterward at Frederick City from the effects of the wound; Samuel A. was a member of the Sixty-first Penn- sylvania Infantry; Daniel J. was captain of Com- pany G, One Hundred and Forty-third Pennsyl- vania Infantry; Bryant F., of Company F, Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves, served three years lacking a few days, and was then cap- tured and taken to Andersonville prison, where he died August 1, 1864; and Ira C. enlisted at the age of sixteen for three months, afterward re-enlisted and served during the war, and now resides at Harvey's Lake.

For twenty years Mrs. Preston has been en- gaged in taking summer boarders from the city of Philadelphia. She is a lady of estimable char- acter, who has many friends among the people of this locality. The Republican party has ever found in Mr. Preston one of its most ardent ad- vocates, and he takes a deep interest in public affairs, giving his support to all enterprises that will benefit the community. Being a warm friend of our public school system, he has efficiently served as school director in his district. Frater- nally he is identified with Corporal Rufus Frear Post No. 323, G. A. R., at Beaumont, and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the order of Knights of Pythias.

C HARLES WHEELOCK, now serving his second term as county commissioner of Wyoming County, is making a most creditable showing in the way in which he dis- charges his duty to the people. He is a very enthusiastic Republican, believing that the con- servative policy followed by that party is con- ducive to the highest good of this country. For over sixty years his life history has been inter- woven with that of this locality, and naturally he is deeply interested in all movements tending toward the greater improvement and develop- ment of the resources of the county.

Born, married, died-such, with notably few exceptions and slight variations, is the story of individual man-but between the first and last words of the span of life lies all that goes to make up the character of the person in question. The manner in which sorrows and trials which fall to the lot of all, are borne; the lessons of patience and determination not to be discouraged which may be learned or despised; these and many more experiences develop the character of the individual. The records of our subject's past read like that of many another of his associates, but who can estimate how great a power for good his life, the life of a good and generous soul, has been in the vicinity of his home.

A son of Adin and Eleanor Wheelock, Charles Wheelock was born on the old homestead where he now dwells, November 17, 1836. In order to acquire an education he had to attend the old- fashioned district school, where he became con- versant with the elementary branches and with ' this as a foundation, he has steadily added to his knowledge by reading and observation. His natural taste for farming was fostered by circum- stance, and in his chosen occupation he has been very successful. In his home farm in Eaton Township there are one hundred acres, well im- proved and nearly all of it under high cultiva- tion. In addition to owning this valuable place, he has a half interest in a four hundred-acre tract of fine timberland in Mehoopany Township.

December 12, 1860, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wheelock and Catherine Ney. She was born in Monroe County, Pa., May 1, 1836, be- ing a daughter of John and Sarah (Sasebere) Ney. After she had finished her education in the district and select schools of her home neigh- borhood and Laceyville, she engaged in teaching, and was in charge of a school two terms. Four children, of whom three are yet living, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock. Harry, born March 2, 1875, died December 10, 1878. The surviving children,-Ada, E. B. and Wilford,-are at home with their father. Mrs. Wheelock departed this life August 27, 1883: her death was a great be- reavement to the family.

At various times Mr. Wheelock has filled near- ly all of the township offices, and has given the

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best satisfaction to his constituents. In 1893 he was elected to hold the post of commissioner of the county, and in 1896 was re-elected to the same honorable place. He belongs to no secret orders, but has long been a member of the Grange, No. 209, of Tunkhannock. With his children, he holds inembership in the Baptist Church, and is interested in all its branches of usefulness.

C HARLES PLACE, well known as the contractor who built the Wyoming County courthouse and jail, at the coun- ty seat, Tunkhannock, over a quarter of a cen- tury ago, has resided on his fine homestead in Washington Township over sixty years. As an agriculturist he has been a distinct success, and to-day, after long years of industrious toil, he is himself the fortunate owner of three hundred acres of valuable, well cultivated land. He early learned the lessons of thrift, honest work, well- applied energy and determination, which alone insure prosperity to a young man who starts out to make his own way in the world, and thus he deserves commendation.

William Place, a native of Smithfield, Fayette County, Pa., grew to manhood there, and mar- ried Lena Myers, who bore him thirteen children, seven of whom are now living. In order of birth they were Elizabeth, Mary, Eleanora, George, Sarah, John, Charles, Hannah, Rebecca, Wil- liam, and three who died before receiving names. The father of this large family removed from Smithfield to Wyoming County about 1833, and settled upon a tract of two hundred acres of land, the same now owned by our subject, but he was not long permitted to enjoy the fortune which was gradually accumulating under his wise man- agement. He died in 1841, when in his fifty- seventh year.

Charles Place was born in Smithfield, Pa., Oc- tober 29, 1822, and was a lad of about eleven years when the family cast in their lot with the inhabitants of this locality. His early education was gained in the old-fashioned subscription schools prevalent in his youth, but not satisfied with that, he has always kept up with the times

by wisely selected reading and an unusual power of observation of events coming under his notice. After his father's death, he succeeded him in the management of the old farm, and, save a few years spent at the county-seat, he has given his undivided attention to running the place. At one time he operated several boats on the canal, and in 1867 he took the contract for building the county jail, and five years later that of the court- house. He raises the usual kind of crops on his farm, and also keeps a dairy. In regard to poli- tics he is devoted to the Democracy.

April 17, 1845, occurred the marriage of Mr. Place and Miss Elizabeth Pipher, who was born in Smithfield, Pa., January 25, 1820. Of the six children born to this estimable couple, death has claimed all but one, Angeline. Rosette died in 1866, and Caroline, with three others, unnamed, died in infancy. The sympathy and prayers of the hosts of friends of the bereaved parents were theirs, but their home is lonely. Their daughter, Angeline, married Mr. Treible, and has four sons.

P ETER B. WALTER, who is engaged in the livery and express business in Fac- toryville, is widely and favorably known throughout Wyoming County, where he has spent his entire life. The difference between the past and the present can scarcely be realized, even by those who were active participants in the de- velopment of the county. The present genera- tion can have no conception of what was required of the early settlers in transforming the wilder- ness to the well settled and highly cultivated county.

Mr. Walter was born in Falls Township, August 4, 1838, a son of Michael and Esther (Howe) Walter, natives of Warren and Sussex Counties, N. J., respectively. When eight years of age the father accompanied his parents, Henry and Catherine Walter, to Newton Township, Lackawanna County, Pa., where they spent their remaining days. They were also born in New Jersey, and on first coming to this state located in the midst of the forests of Northampton Coun- ty. They traveled with a yoke of oxen and

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drove a small flock of sheep with them. The father of our subject departed this life in Mill City,, Wyoming County, at the age of seventy- eight, and the mother died at the same place about twenty years ago at the age of sixty-five years. She was one of a family of eighteen children born to Thomas and Christiana Howe, who also passed away in Mill City, the former aged sixty-five and the latter seventy.

In the family to which our subject belongs were eight children, and he has two brothers and four sisters, who are yet living. Upon his father's farm he was reared to manhood and ac- quired his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. On the first call for three years' men to put down the rebellion, he enlisted Octo- ber 2, 1861, in the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, and after serving for two years and a half, re-enlisted in the same regiment, serving as commissary sergeant in the Carolinas, during the last year he was in the army. For about a month he was ill in camp, but with the excep- tion of that short period he reported for duty every day, and proved a fearless and faithful soldier, always found at his post. He partici- pated in many hotly contested engagements, was in the advance up to the battle of Fair Oaks, and assisted in the capture of the first rebel battery. The war having ended, he was honorably dis- charged July 23, 1865, and was mustered out at Harrisburg, Pa.

While home on a veteran furlough, Mr. Walter was married on the 20th of March to Miss Mary Patrick, who was born in Falls Township, Wyo- ming County. Her parents, Noah and Catherine Patrick, were natives of Connecticut, and became pioneer settlers of Falls Township, where they passed their last days. Two sons bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Walter. Charles N., the older, is married, and is now the popular burgess of Factoryville. After graduating from the Key- stone Academy, he successfully engaged in teach- ing for six years, and is now principal of the vil lage schools. John F., the younger, resides at home. He is also. a graduate of the Keystone Academy, and has attended the Scranton Busi- ness College.

After the war, Mr. Walter settled upon a farmi

of his own in Falls Township, which he operated for five years and then sold, buying another place. In 1884, however, he laid aside agricul- tural pursuits, and has since rented his farm while he makes his home in Factoryville, where he is now successfully carrying on the livery and ex- press business, and has erected a comfortable and commodious home. Since casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, he has never failed to sup- port every presidential nominee of the Repub- lican party. He has creditably filled a number of local offices, and at one time was candidate for county treasurer, but could not overcome the strong Democratic majority. As a warm friend of our public school system, he has taken an ac- tive part in educational work, and for many years was a valued member of the school board, serv- ing as treasurer for five years, president of the board for five years, and has two years yet to serve. With E. J. Rice Post No. 211, G. A. R., of Factoryville, he holds membership. and has filled all the chairs in the same, being command- er twice. He has also served in almost every office in the Odd Fellows Lodge, of which his son is now past grand, and is a prominent mem- ber of the Patriotic Order Sons of America in Falls Township. He and his estimable wife are consistent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Factoryville, in which he is now serving as president of the board of trus- tees, and for some time he was superintendent of the Sunday-school in Falls Township. In all the relations of life he has been true and faith- ful to every trust reposed in him, and has the con- fidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.

N ATHAN J. HARDING has been a life- long resident and farmer of Eaton Town- ship. Wyoming County, having followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in the choice of his vocation. That lie is a practical, thrifty agriculturist no one can doubt who has behield the neatness of everything about his prem- ises, from the farm buildings to the fences. To the traveler in this country few things are more amazing than the difference between the well

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kept, prosperous looking homesteads of the northeastern states, and the tumble down, untidy appearance of the majority of farms in the south and west. It cannot fail to exercise an appalling influence upon the character of all individuals concerned whether the home and farm are man- aged as they should be, or the reverse. One cannot come to the conclusion that the children reared in a house falling to pieces for the want of proper attention, with broken windows stuffed with old hats, leaking roofs and doors hanging by one hinge, can possibly have the same self- respect that one brought up in an orderly home has born and bred in him.

Elisha Harding, father of our subject, was a native of this country, though his father, in turn, was a son of the commonwealth of Connecticut, and a sterling old pioneer of Wyoming County, whither he came in early manhood. Elisha Hard- ing married Amy Jenkins, who was born in this county. They reared a family of nine children, of whom the following are now living: Hugh, Emma, B. F., Elisha J. and Jabez. Mrs. Amy Harding died at the age of thirty-five, and after- ward Mr. Harding was a second time married, his wife being Miss Nancy Jackson. Of this union six children were born, of whom four are living, as follows: Nathan J., Willard, Samuel and Henry. Mrs. Harding died when about seventy-three years of age, and her husband when about eighty-four. They were held in the high- est respect by their large circle of neighbors and acquaintances.

N. J. Harding was born upon a farm in Eaton Township, September 23, 1838, and from the time when he was very small he assisted his father in the care of the garden and live-stock. As soon as he was strong enough he commenced working with the men in the fields, sowing and reaping and doing general farm labor. When he could be spared from the arduous routine of duties at home, he attended the district school and man- aged to gain a fair education, which, supplement- ed by later reading and study, has been ample for his needs. After his marriage he commenced for himself as a farmer, and now owns a good place of one hundred and fifteen acres. He is a mem- ber of the Grange, and is connected also with

the Masonic fraternity. He supports the prin- ciples and nominees of the Republican party by his ballot, and has held most of the township offices.

When about twenty-two years old, Mr. Hard- ing married Miss Mary Benson, who is likewise a native of this township, and comes from good old colonial stock, her great-grandfather having been born in Connecticut. Eight children, four sons and four daughters, have blessed the union of our subject and wife. They are named as fol- lows: William, John J., Sarah H., Nancy, Martha, Walter J., Amy and Arthur. The young people have all been given good educations, and are thus well equipped for the battle of life. The parents may well be proud of such bright, enter- prising sons and accomplished, amiable daugh- ters, and feel that their life work has, indeed, not been in vain, for their "children will rise up and call them blessed."

L AFAYETTE SHERWOOD, who is en- gaged in general farming in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, was born in Falls Township, on the 14th of May, 1825, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of that locality. His parents were Matthew and Eliza (Philo) Sherwood, and they had a family of five children: Polly A. and Philo, both de- ceased; Lafayette, of this review ; Elizabeth, wife of Miles Sickler, a farmer residing near Lake Winola; and one that died in infancy. The father of this family was a native of Connecticut, and when only two years of age was brought by · his parents to Falls Township, Wyoming County, where he lived until a short time prior to his death. He reached the age of ninety-four years, one month and eleven days, passing away on the 19th of March, 1882. He was a member of the Covenanter Church. His wife died in August, 1868, at the ripe old age of eighty-one.

Lafayette Sherwood of this review was reared in his native township, and acquired his educa- tion in the common schools. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which took place July 4, 1852, Miss Melvina Mahan, of Overfield Township, Wyoming County, becoming his wife.

JAMES D. GALLUP.

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Their union has been blessed with five children, namely: Alice D., wife of George B. Patterson, a resident of Lemon Township; Eva C., wife of Denton N. Swan, of Tunkhannock; Marian E., wife of Charles Johnson, of Monroe Township, Wyoming County; Edward M., a resident of Lackawanna County and Paul J., an attorney- at-law of Wilkesbarre. Mr. Sherwood remained upon the home farm until 1872, when he removed to his present place in Overfield Township, where he owns and operates seventy acres of good land. Here he carries on general farming, and the va- rious improvements upon the place show his characteristic thrift and enterprise, for the farm was uncultivated, and no buildings were erected at the time he took possession. His life has been a busy and useful one, and his earnest labors have been crowned with that degree of success which ever follows enterprise and good manage- ment when guided by sound judgment.

Mr. Sherwood gives his political support to the Republican party, and warmly advocates the principles of the organization which has ever been an exponent of American progress. He has been honored by his fellow townsmen with local offices, having served as supervisor and as school director. His religious belief is in har- mony with that of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his well spent life has won for him many friends.

A LBERT BUNNELL. The family of which this gentleman is a member has been a potent factor in the development and pro- gress of Meshoppen Township, and has also labored effectively in promoting the educational, moral and agricultural interests of Wyoming County. The homestead upon which he resides has been in the possession of the family since 1812, and the improvements that it bears prove conclusively that the various generations resident here have been active, successful agriculturists. His attention is given wholly to the cultivation of the one hundred and thirty-eight acres compris- ing the farm, and as an agriculturist he is capable, efficient and painstaking.

For the record of the parents of our subject,

John and Laura (Whitcomb) Bunnell, the reader is referred to the sketch of his brother, Henry C., upon another page of this volume. Albert was born May II, 1845, upon the homestead, where he has always resided. In boyhood he gained a thorough knowledge of agricultural work, and naturally chose this occupation for his life calling. On attaining his majority he began for himself, his father giving him a share in the home place, and later he purchased the other heirs' interests in a part of the property. As an agriculturist he is careful in securing the proper fertilization of the soil and rotation of crops, through which means the very best results are secured from every acre of the ground. He keeps the buildings in ex- cellent condition and good repair, and his home is comfortable and well furnished.

September 6, 1866, Mr. Bunnell was united in marriage with Harriet A., daughter of Benjamin Overfield (see sketch upon another page). They are the parents of 'six children, namely: Byron O., who lives in Brooklyn, N. Y .; Fred D., a hardware merchant in Meshoppen; Watson B., whose home is in Scranton; Bradley S., L. Vieve and Lydia L., at home. The principles of the Republican party are those which Mr. Bunnell believes to be the best adapted to secure our na- tional welfare, and he therefore supports them by voice and vote. Among the local offices he has held are those of school director and town- ship auditor, in both of which he rendered satis- factory service. He is a genial, good-natured, whole-souled man, strictly honest in every busi- ness transaction, interested in progressive meas- ures, a liberal contributor to religious enter- prises, though not a member of any church, a man who earnestly strives to secure the progress of Meshoppen Township, the prosperity of Wy- oming County and supports all measures that will advance the welfare of his fellow-men.

J AMES D. GALLUP, a leading agriculturist of North Moreland Township, Wyoming County, needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume, but the work would be incomplete without the record of his life. No man in the community has been more promi-

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nently identified with its history or has taken a more active part in its upbuilding and progress. He has ever cheerfully given his support to those enterprises that tend to public development, and on the rolls of the county's most honored pio- neers, his name should be found among the fore- most.

On the farm where he still resides, Mr. Gallup was born November 25, 1821, a son of George and Electa (Dean) Gallup, natives of Windham, Conn., in whose family were seven children, but only two are now living, the other being Mrs. Sabra Miers. The Gallup family is of English origin, and was founded in this country at an early day, the first members here locating in Connecticut. In that state both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subject were born, and there followed the occupation of farming throughout life. Both were soldiers in the con- tinental army during the Revolutionary War, aiding the colonists in their struggle for inde- pendence, and later the grandfather Gallup served as a guard at Washington's tomb. The father of our subject also manifested his loyalty and patriotism by serving in the War of 1812.

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Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 10

Author: Chapman Publishing Company (NY) Publication date: 1897 Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Chapman Publishing Company (NY)
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1068