Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 13

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 13
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 13

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

mac. Among the numerous engagements in which he took part were the following: Drains- ville (Va.), Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, White Oaks Swamp, Malvern Hill, second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. In the last-mentioned battle he was wounded in the right leg, so severely that amputation then and there, on the field, was deemed advisable. Then, to add to his sufferings and dire misfortune, he was captured by the rebels, and was incarcerated in Libby prison for six weeks, when he was at lengthi sent to Annapolis, Md., and discharged from the service, February 19, 1863.

March 10, 1868, Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Elizabeth Daily, who was born and brought up in Wyoming County. Her grandfather Daily was one of the sons of the Emerald Isle, but crossed the Atlantic to found a home for himself and children in America, at a period prior to the war of the Revolution here. Eight children were born to our subject and wife, but three have been called to the silent land. Those who survive are Alida A., Leonora A., Anna J., Ella and Emra O. Mr. Wright is guar- dian of Julia A. Clark, who has been a member of his family since she was a child of but five summers. Of late years Mr. Wright has been identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, a member of Frear Post No. 323, of Beaumont, Pa. The boys in blue have a warm place in his heart at all times, and he delights to participate in one of the old-fashioned "camp fires." His right of franchise he uses in favor of the Demo- cratic party platform and candidates. He enjoys the respect and friendship of a large circle of neighbors and acquaintances.

G IDEON WINANS. With the exception of the period of his service in the Union army, Mr. Winans spent his en- tire life in the borough and township of Meshop- pen, Wyoming County, where he was well known and universally esteemed. He was born in this township (then a part of Braintrim), De- cember 21, 1841, and was the son of Clark and Martha (Maynard) Winans, natives respectively

of New Jersey and Wyoming County, Pa. His father was quite small when, about 1820, he ac- companied his parents, Matthew and Betsey Wi- nans, from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, set- tling in Meshoppen Township, Wyoming County, of which he was a pioneer. Reared upon a farm, he selected agriculture for his life work, and to it he devoted all his active years. He remained a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church from early manhood until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-two years and six months. His widow is still living, and is quite strong, though eighty-three years of age. They were the parents of seven sons and one daughter, namely: Albert, a carpenter, re- siding in Meshoppen Township; Charles, who is a farmer of Auburn Township, Susquehanna County ; Sallie Ann, wife of Charles Gay, of Sus- quehanna County; Gideon, of this sketch; Frank M., a farmer residing in Meshoppen Township; Gershom, Bentley and Lyman, also residents of this township.

The early years in the life of our subject were spent on the home farm, but as the family was large and other sons could assist their father in the cultivation of the land, he decided to start out for himself. At the age of sixteen he came to Meshoppen, where he learned the wheelwright's trade, and at this he was employed until March 7, 1864, when he enlisted, for three years, or until the close of the war, as a private in Com- pany E, One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment of Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. Among the important engagements in which he partici- pated were the following: Wilderness, Va., May 5-7, 1864; Cold Harbor, Va., June I-12, 1864; Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864; Ft. Harrison, Va., September 29, 1864; fall of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. He was honorably discharged from the service at City Point, Va., January 29, 1866. Returning to Meshoppen, he resumed the work which had been interrupted by his enlist- ment. For several years he conducted an ex- tensive hardware business here, but the building was destroyed by fire in 1893, and afterward he carried on a private banking business. In 1893 he was the Democratic candidate for associate judge, but was defeated by a small majority.

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Firm in his allegiance to the Democratic party, he was elected upon that ticket to many township offices, including that of justice of the peace, which he filled for some years. At different times he was treasurer of nearly all the organiza- tions and societies in the town. October 25, 1873, he was initiated into Meshoppen Lodge No. 520, I. O. O. F., in which he was past grand and held the principal offices. He was also a charter member of Meshoppen Encampment No. 205, and was identified with the Grand Army post in this borough. He died November 18, 1895, after a short illness, and his body was in- terred in the cemetery here.

The lady who was Mr. Winan's faithful help- mate in life and who now survives him, bore the maiden name of Clara A. Sterling, and was born in Susquehanna County, Pa. . Her father, Greg- ory Sterling, was born in Meshoppen Township. and spent much of his life upon a farm, but re- sided in the borough for some time before his death. In 1883 he was run over and killed by a train on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man of sincere Christian life, whose actions were governed by lofty principles of truth and honor. After coming to Meshoppen he con- ducted a furniture and undertaking business. His wife, who was Betsey Osborn, was born in Susquehanna County, and died in Meshoppen in November, 1895, at seventy-one years. Like her husband, she was identified with the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Mrs. W nans is a refined and cultured lady, and has many warm friends in Meshoppen. She owns and occupies a beautiful home, filled with every comfort, and indicating her own cultured tastes. Through the business ability of her husband, she is enabled to gratify her tastes and move in the circle of society for which she is naturally adapted.

H ON. W. H. SWETLAND, of Mehoop- any, was elected to the office of asso- ciate judge in 1886 for a term of five years, and while acting in this capacity won the commendation of the people. Long before this, however, he had most acceptably served his fel-

low-townsmen in various positions of trust, and at all times and under all circumstances he was known to be thoroughly honorable and reliable. He was promoted from one office to another until, his ability and fidelity having stood all tests, he was honored with a judgeship. He is an ardent Republican, and was chairman of the county committee about two years.

The first of the Swetland family to settle in the Wyoming Valley was the great-grandfather of the judge, Luke Swetland, who was born in Lebanon, Windham County, Conn., June 16, 1729. His wife, Hannah Tiffany, was born April 22, 1738, and their marriage occurred April I, 1762, in Windham. In 1776 he took some land in the Wyoming Valley, near Mehoopany, where the family settled after the war. September 17, 1776, he enlisted in an independent company. At the battle of Wyoming, July 3, 1778, he was not present, on account of disability, and was in Fortyfort, three miles below the battle ground. On August 25 following, he went with a neigh- bor to a grist mill near Nanticoke, and while there, both were captured by a party of Seneca Indians. They were taken to what is now the town of Romulus, on Seneca Lake, being pin- ioned and secured each night, and suffered great cruelty from the hands of both Indians and To- ries. He remained in captivity there for more than a year, living principally on grains and nuts, though the grain was exhausted by spring, and roots, buds and weeds were the main suste- nance. In July, 1779, he heard that the army was coming, and when the party decided to set out for Niagara he made preparations to escape, and, after the first day's march, got away at night, traveled during the night and sleeping in daytime. Two days later, September 5. 1779, he was captured, as he supposed, by the Tories, but upon being recognized by an old acquaint- ance, his fear turned to joy. After acting as guide for some time he was given a horse, and at once went back to Connecticut to see his fam- ily, arriving there October 25, 1779, after an ab- sence of fourteen months.

Joseph, son of Luke Swetland, was the first member of the family to establish his permanent home in Wyoming County. About 1818 he set-

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tled in Mehoopany Township, where he pur- chased a large tract of land now owned by Platt Jennings. He was born in Windham County, Conn., and died in 1819, in Mehoopany, Pa. By his first wife, a Miss Hall, he had seven children: Daniel, Artemus, Gordon, Butler, Revello, Han- nah and Julia A. His second wife, who was a Miss Seward, bore him two daughters, Sallie and Cynthia. Gordon, father of the judge, was born in Kingston Township, Luzerne County, and was about sixteen years of age when he came to this county. After his father's death he found employment on the canal making canal boats, but eventually returned to Mehoopany Township, and there passed the remainder of his life. In 1852 he was sheriff of the county, and held the office of supervisor, justice of the peace and other positions. He was an advocate of the principles set forth by the Republican party. His death occurred July 25, 1888, seven months after the demise of his wife, Catherine (Williams) Swetland. . Their seven children were named as follows: Ellen, deceased in 1892, the widow of Judson A. Aumick, who died in the late war; Julia A., widow of Davis A. Dudley, and a resi- dent of Chicago; Minerva and Sophronia, who died in infancy: William H .; Daniel Webster, a Methodist Episcopal minister, now located in Binghamton, N. Y .; and Harry, who died in boy- hood.

Judge Swetland was born near the village of Mehoopany, January 13, 1836. His education consisted of district school training, supple- mented by a course of study in Wyoming Sem- inary. When eighteen he commenced to teach school, and for several terms had charge of schools. Then, turning his attention to farming, he operated a place until 1872, when he sold out and came to Mehoopany. Here he carried on a mercantile business for fourteen years, but in 1886 relinquished his interests in the commercial field in order that he might give his entire atten- tion to the office of associate judge. With the exception of the five years in that position, he has been justice of the peace since 1865. He be- longs to Temple Lodge No. 248, F. & A. M., and Mehoopany Lodge No. 779, I. O. O. F.

In 1858 Judge Swetland and Miss Mary E.

Bramhall were united in marriage. They have three children: Florence, who is a fine musician and a graduate of Wyoming Seminary, Kings- ton, Pa .; Llewellyn, a graduate of Coleman's College, N. J., and now bookkeeper in a whole- sale grocery; and Judson, who died in 1886. The family occupy a high place in society, and have the esteem of numerous acquaintances, both here and in other places. They are workers in the Presbyterian Church, and are actively interested whenever there is good to be done.

J OSEPH WOOD PIATT, a lifelong resi- dent of Tunkhannock, has been one of the representative members of the local bar for more than twenty years. The family of which he is a member originated in France, com- ' ing from the province of Dauphine, and were Huguenots in religious faith. On the revoca- tion of the edict of Nantes they were forced to leave France, and sought a refuge in Holland, but subsequently came to America. Here many of its members have attained prominence. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Piatt, a nephew of Governor Williamson of New Jersey, was born near Trenton, that state, and became a surveyor, assisting in laying out the boundaries of several coun- ties in Pennsylvania. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of John Brady, a descendant of Capt. John Brady, who defended the fort at Muncy, Pa., and in whose honor has been erect- ed a large monument in the public square at that place. The Bradys were noted for their bravery in the Indian and colonial wars, and it was Samuel Brady who made the celebrated leap while being pursued by Indians. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Thomas and Mercy (Heston) McClintock. The former came to the United States from Ireland when young, and engaged in the mercantile business at Jer- sey Shore, Pa., of which place he was the first postmaster. He died in Washington County, this state, at the age of seventy-five.

It is plainly evident that the subject of this sketch inherited from his father a natural bent toward legal pursuits, for the latter, Hon. Wil-

MOSES SHIELDS, JR.

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liam Mckinney Piatt, was a man of much more than ordinary ability as a lawyer. He was reared to manhood upon a farm, and when about nine- teen years of age started out to make his own way in the world. For years he was a practic- ing attorney of Tunkhannock, where he died, at the close of a useful career, when within a few days of the seventy-fifth anniversary of his birth. His wife, Rebecca Heston McClintock, was born in Jersey Shore, Pa., April II, 1818, and died July 8, 1888. Their four sons were Robert Mc- Clintock, Frank Hammond, James Wilson and Joseph Wood.

Born in Tunkhannock July 6, 1854, Joseph Wood Piatt received good educational privileges and made the best of his opportunities. In 1870 he went to Chambersburg Academy, where he continued his higher studies, preparatory to ta ing up his life work. About 1873 he entered the office of his father and brother at this place, and at the end of three years was duly admitted to the bar in November, 1876. Since then he has stead- ily pressed forward to success, and has risen step by step in the esteem of his fellow-citizens and the members of the legal fraternity. From 1879 to 1885 he was actively engaged in editorial work, being connected with the "Tunkhannock Standard," "The Worker," and "The New Age," and for twenty-five years he has been doing newspaper work. Politically he is an adherent of the Democratic party, his first vote having been cast for Samuel J. Tilden. In religious connections he is a Presbyterian, and his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For ten years he was president of Triton Hose Com- pany, a crack social organization. In 1892 he became connected with the Knights of Pythias, and is still a member of the organization. He has been councilman and held various local of- fices of trust, being at this time a school director.

In Oxford, N. Y., Mr. Piatt was united in mar- riage, September 12, 1877, with Carrie A., daugh- ter of Rev. J. K. Peck. Three children were born of the union: William M., Jr., October 13, 1879; Ruth Peck, January 2, 1882; and Mary Searle, October 10, 1878, now deceased. The son, who is a very promising young man, gradu- ated from the high school of Tunkhannock at

fifteen years of age, and the same year entered Lafayette College, where he is pursuing a course in electrical engineering, but he has also en- tered his name in the office of his father as a law student.

M OSES SHIELDS, Jr. The motto "merit always commands its reward" is well exemplified in the career of our subject. He early learned that knowledge is the key with which the poor boy could open the store house of the world and cull its choicest fruits. The re- sult is that he is now one of the most successful business men of Nicholson, and is essentially the architect of his own fortune.

Moses Shields was born in the parish of Llangwm-Isha, Monmouthshire, South Wales, April 24, 1853, and came to America in Decem- ber, 1869. His father, Moses Shields, Sr., had preceded his family six months and settled in Scranton, Pa. He was born in Llantrissent borough, Glamorganshire, South Wales, as were his father, (Moses) and grandfather (Thomas), who was admitted a burgess of the town October 23, 1773. The mother, Martha Williams, was born at Millbrook farm, in the parish of Llanvaches, Monmouthshire, daughter of Wil- liam Williams. She died at Nicholson in 1881. The family in 1869 was composed of the follow- ing members: Moses, William, Marion (now Mrs. Edward L. Day), Nellie, (who died in 1870), Llewellyn, Andrew, and Rowland; the survivors live in Nicholson. On coming to this country the father understood the stone busi- ness, having become thoroughly acquainted with it in all its details in his native land, and he at once engaged in that business.

Our subject secured his primary education in the schools of Wales, but at the age of twelve started out to fight life's battle for himself, stead- ily working his way upward in the stone business until he understood it in every detail. He also gained a good practical knowledge of business affairs, which has been of material benefit to him in later years. From Monroe County, Pa., he came to Nicholson in 1874, and has since been successfully engaged in the stone business at this

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place, quarrying, manufacturing and dealing in the celebrated Wyoming blue stone. He was first in partnership with his father under the firm name of Moses Shields & Son, but in 1888 this connection was dissolved, our subject becoming the sole owner of the plant. The business has steadily increased under his efficient manage- ment. His quarries produce the finest of build- ing stone, which finds a ready market in the larger cities and towns of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. He takes extensive contracts with cities for paving stone. He is also a member of the firm of J. M. Carpenter & Co., dealers in general merchandise, of Nichol- son.

At Nicholson Mr. Shields has a mill equipped with all the necessary machinery for sawing, plan- ing and preparing stone for all purposes, and has different plants at other places, including New Milford, Pa., but he makes his home at Nichol- son, where he has a comfortable and commodious residence at the corner of Oak and Water Streets. He has been eminently successful in his chosen field of labor, is a business man of more than ordinary capacity, and is very industrious, ener- getic and progressive. After coming to the United States, Mr. Shields spent three years in Tallmadge, Summit County, Ohio, and feeling the need of a better education worked on a farm during the summer, while the winter months were spent in attending school. Being very ambitious, he determined to make a success of life, and became thoroughly conversant with everything connected with his business. He also taught school for two winters at Nicholson, and worked in a stone quarry during the summer season in order to obtain a start, and the success that he has achieved is certainly well deserved.

Mr. Shields married Miss Amelia Smith, of Nicholson, a daughter of Ziba and Sarah (Stephens) Smith. Being a young lady of ex- cellent education, she directed his studies during their courtship, and has since been a faithful help- mate to him, aiding him in every possible way. Their home has been brightened by the presence of three children, Nellie, Harold and Cecil, in whom the parents take just pride. The sons are members of the surpliced choir of St. Luke's

Episcopal Church of Scranton. The children have all been provided with the best educational privileges and have made good use of their op- portunities.

Fraternally Mr. Shields is a prominent and honored member of the Masonic Order, having taken the Scottish Rite degrees. He has been master of Nicholson Lodge, F. & A. M., for four years, is also past high priest of the chapter, and past commander of the commandery. Since 1874 he has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is also a member of the encampment, and has served as past grand and district deputy grand master. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian; his wife is a Methodist, and he attends the latter church, and has been a member of its choir for twenty-three years. His - life has been manly, his actions sincere, his man- ner unaffected and his example is well worthy of emulation.

C ANFIELD I. LACEY, a representative and prominent citizen of Laceyville, and associate judge, was born in the village where he still resides, August 28, 1828, and comes of a family that has long been prominently identified with the interests of this section of the state, bearing an important part in its develop- ment and prosperity. His father, Ebenezer Lacey, was a native of Vermont, but when only two years of age was brought to Wyoming County, Pa., by his parents, Isaac and Lydia (Pratt) Lacey, who were also born in the Green Mountain State and came to Pennsylvania in 1790, locating near Laceyville, about a mile above where our subject now lives. The grand- father was born in 1754, and died November 2, 1830, while the grandmother was born in Oc- tober, 1764, and died March 6, 1809. He was twice married. On coming to this state he was accompanied by his parents, Ebenezer and Free- love (Canfield) Lacey, natives of Connecticut, who now lie buried near Laceyville.

The first of the family to come to the New World was Ebenezer Lacey, the great-grandfa- ther of our subject, who was born in England and landed in Massachusetts in the early part of the eighteenth century. He also came to Wyom-

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ing County, Pa., with his wife and two children, and here spent his remaining days. The family was among the first to settle in the county, and the village of Laceyville was named in honor of our subject's father, who was one of the most prominent and distinguished citizens of that region. He mar- ried Zuriah Northrup, a native of Connecticut, and both died at Laceyville, the former at the age of eighty-three and the latter at the age of eighty. As an old line Whig he was a leading politician of his locality, and took quite an active part in public affairs. He helped to bury the first child that died in this part of the county.

Mr. Lacey of this review is one of a family of eleven children, of whom three are yet living. His father and grandfather were also one in fam- ilies of eleven. Upon the old home farm our subject grew to manhood, and in the old-time schools of the neighborhood he was educated. He remained under the parental roof until twen- ty-five years of age, but for several years previ- ous had worked for himself upon the canal, and on leaving home he was with his brother George G. in a store in Laceyville. On the 12th of De- cember, 1854, Mr. Lacey married Miss Eliza- beth Norton, a native of Mifflin County, Pa., where her parents, Michael and Mary (Jacobs) Norton, were also born and were married in 1819. In that county they continued to make their home until called to their final rest. Of their eight children, three are still living, and the members of the family have principally fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. The paternal grand- father of Mrs. Lacey was John Norton. Five children were born to the union of our subject and his wife: Juniata H. is married and has four children; Sarah Z. is at home; A. V. is de- ceased; William Norton, who obtained a good academic education, and later was a student for two years in a medical university at New York, is an ex-newspaper man and is now filling a re- sponsible position at the state capitol; and George H., a well-educated young man, was for some time connected with the Western Union Telegraph Company, and is now chief operator at the head office of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, located at Sayre, Pa.

For six years after his marriage, Mr. Lacey engaged in general merchandising and was later a contractor in railroad and canal work for twelve years and a half. The following ten years were passed in farming near the old home- stead, after which he was a contractor on the Lackawanna Valley Railroad for two years. He then operated a grist mill for about four years, and for two years and a half conducted a hotel at Skinner's Eddy. Subsequently, after spend- ing six months in the oil regions he returned to Lacey, where he has since made his home. In 1892 he was elected associate judge, which office he has since acceptably filled, his rulings being marked by fairness and impartiality. His first presidential vote was cast for the Whig candi- date, but since the organization of the Repub- lican party he has been one of its prominent members, and was a delegate to the first Repub- lican convention. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows. The members of his family either belong to the Methodist Episcopal or Presbyterian Church, and they hold prominent positions in social circles.

R EUBEN HADSALL is one of the es- teemed citizens of Eaton Township, Wy- oming County, and is a veteran of the Civil War. Too much praise cannot be given to the brave heroes who gave up their prized dreams of business success, their homes and friends, and perhaps life itself, that they and their children might have a chance to live in a land of united strength, freedom and equality. The numbers of the survivors of the great conflict between the north and south are daily growing less, and it is becoming an earnest desire of the thoughtful ones of the next generation, those who are enjoying the benefits of our glorious country, to render some slight tribute of appre- ciation to the veterans. Many leaders of public opinion believe that every man who fought for the old flag and union should have a regular stipend from the government which they saved for great triumphs and world-wide conquests in

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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 13

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