Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 14

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 14
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 14

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peaceful channels, and surely this is the least that a grateful nation should render.

The paternal great-grandfather of our subject migrated from his home in Connecticut to Penn- sylvania during the last century, and located in the Wyoming Valley, where he was killed by the Indians in the frightful Wyoming massacre. This event occurred not far distant from the present home of Reuben Hadsall. The latter's father was a native of Luzerne County, Pa., and was a farmer by occupation, also running a dis- tillery in early days. To his union with Betsey Chatfield seven children were born, three of whom survive. In order of birth they were as follows: John (deceased), Nancy, Reuben, Ira (deceased), William, Isaac (deceased) and Sam- uel (deceased).

Reuben Hadsall was born in Eaton Township, Wyoming County, July 28, 1831, and was reared upon his father's farm. He received much less of an education than fell to most of the boys of that period, as he was privileged to attend school but six months in his life. However, his natural quickness of intellect, reading and power of ob- taining and retaining information made up in a measure for his unusual deprivation. Many a man with ten times his chances has not so well improved them, nor would do so much in the long run, as has our subject. He early learned how to carry on a farm properly, and has always been noted for his keen, practical methods. When he was about fourteen years old he left home and went forth to make his living. For nearly nine years he was employed by neighbor- ing farmers, but about 1854 he began lumbering, and kept at that occupation some four or more years. In 1857 he removed to this farm, and has since attended strictly to its cultivation and im- provement.

March 22, 1864, Mr. Hadsall offered his serv- ices for three years, should they be needed that long, to the Federals, and was assigned to Com- pany A, First Regiment of Pennsylvania Artil- lery Volunteers. With his regiment he was then sent southward, and, as it transpired, was an . actor in the great campaign that brought to a speedy close the long and disastrous war. Dur- ing a period of six weeks the light artillery, to

which he belonged, were in almost constant serv- ice between the James River and Appomattox. At length, after such oceans of brothers' blood had flowed for principles held equally sacred on the opposing side, peace was declared, as Lee had surrendered. May 27, 1865, in Portsmouth, Va., Mr. Hadsall was honorably discharged from service, and returned home. Since the organization of the party, he has given his loyal allegiance to the Republicans.

In August, 1858, the marriage of Mr. Hadsall and Huldah Hall was celebrated. She was born in Luzerne County, Pa., in 1840, the daughter of Daniel and Lizzie (White) Hall, and departed this life September 19, 1865, beloved and mourned by all who had come under the sweet womanly influence that she always uncon- sciously exerted. Her four children were Ira, Francis M., James and D. Thomas. Ira and James are both deceased. Francis M. was twice married, his first wife being Josephine Myers, and to this union one daughter, Florence, was born; the second wife was Mary Pinnick, and their only child is a bright boy of three years, George by name. D. Thomas, our subject's youngest son, lives at home with his father.

N EWMAN M. and STEPHEN G. FITCH constitute the well known firm of Fitch Bros., proprietors of the Keeler House in Tunkhannock, one of the most popular and best conducted hotels in this section of the state. The house is fitted with all the modern conveni- ences, and the cuisine is unexceptionable. A visitor is provided with every comfort and his in- terests are promoted in every possible way. The prosperity of the enterprise is due to the fore- sight, energy and business ability of the proprie- tors and in no small degree to their genial man- ners as well.

The Fitch family is one of the most ancient and honorable in America. The line is traced back to Rev. James Fitch, 1622-1702, and his son Maj. James Fitch, 1649-1727; both of whom were conspicuous figures in the early colonial history of Connecticut. The former was chap- lain of the Connecticut forces in the great swamp

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fight in King Philip's War, and the latter was a most noted Indian fighter and also assistant gov- ernor of Connecticut colony for twenty-six years. Rev. James Fitch married Priscilla, daughter of Maj. John Mason, of Pequod War fame; while the wife of Maj. James Fitch was Alice, daugh- ter of Maj. William Bradford and granddaugh- ter of Gov. William Bradford, who came over in the Mayflower and was the second governor of Plymouth Colony, an office which he held for sixteen years.

Maj. James Fitch's oldest son was John Fitch, whose first son bore his name. John Fitch, sec- ond, also named his oldest son John. . John Fitch, third, came from Connecticut with his family about 1779, immediately after the Wy- oming massacre in 1778, and settled on what is known as Kingston Flats, across the Susque- hanna River from what is now the city of Wilkesbarre and what is now the borough of Kingston. His oldest son was Nathaniel Fitch, who married Sarah Keeler, in Falls Township, August 29, 1803. Sarah Keeler was born June 26, 1785, in Ridgefield, Conn. She was the daughter of Paul Keeler, Jr., born April 9, 1756, and Sarah Burt Cornwell, who were married in Ridgefield, Conn., February 7, 1775. Paul Keel- er, Jr., was a trumpeter in the Revolutionary army in "Sheldon's Light Horse," from the state of Connecticut. His father, Paul Keeler, Sr., was born in 1720, and was the son of Jo- seph Keeler, born 1683, grandson of Samuel Keeler, born 1656, great-grandson of Ralph Keeler. Ralph Keeler was born in England in 1613, came to Hartford, Conn., in 1640. His will is on file at Fairfield, Conn., dated August 20, 1672.

Nathaniel Fitch was the father of twelve chil- dren, Giles, Seymour, Nathaniel, Morgan, Spencer, John, Perry, Allen, Abigail, Sarah, Nancy and Polly. Giles Fitch married Emily Goodale about 1832. They had five children, Asher, Hannah, Giles, Melissa and James. Giles Fitch, Sr., early learned the blacksmith's trade, and, in partnership with his brother Nathaniel, en- gaged in the manufacture of guns, turning every part out by hand, making some very handsome ones, showing superior workmanship. Giles also

became a shoemaker and a carpenter, always making his own shoes, and built the house him- self in which he lived the latter part of his life, on his farm in Falls Township. He enjoyed best the hours spent in his shop, and always took pride in keeping in repair the wagon which his grandfather, John Fitch, drove through the woods from Connecticut. He was a very suc- cessful hunter, and even in his extreme old age would take long excursions in search of deer. He was acknowledged the best rifle shot in his section, and always carried off first honors at the shooting matches gotten up on the old-time training days, never having to experience the chagrin of defeat. He died in 1890 at the age of eighty-six, his death being the result of a broken hip, received in a fall on some ice while returning from his shop.

Asher Fitch, oldest son of Giles Fitch, was born on the old homestead in 1833; went to the gold fields of California in 1855, and returning in 1859, bought the farm adjoining his father. He married Rachel Miller, daughter of Newman Mil- ler, in the fall of 1859. They had seven children, Emily, Newman M., Jenny, Albert, Nelly, Steph- en G., and Martha. Emily married J. M. Sickler in 1882 and lived in Scranton for several years, but afterward moved upon the farm in Falls Township, where she died July 13, 1892, leaving one son, Harry, one year of age, at the time of her death. Jenny taught school in Wyoming County for three years and married Charles Wal- ter in 1889. They live on a farm near Lake Wi- nola. They have two children, Cora and Nelly. Albert attended Wood's Business College in Scranton and embarked in the lumber business with John Swartz under the firm name of Fitch & Swartz; was engaged in this for three years, when he took charge of his father's farm in 1894. He married Miss Sarah Turner in March, 1894, and has one child, Rachel. Nelly died of diph- theria in 1873 at the age of five years. Martha, born April 13, 1874, taught school two terms at DeWitt school near her home, coming to live with her brothers at Tunkhannock, when they went in business here in 1895.

Newman Miller Fitch was born July 7, 1863. Stephen Gerard Fitch was born May 28, 1871.

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Newman attended Keystone Academy at Fac- toryville, after which he went to the state of Ne- braska and engaged in farming. Stephen G. taught school two years in Falls Township, then entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Rail- road Company as telegraph operator and agent, with which company he remained three years, and afterward was with the New York Central Railroad Company until April, 1895, when he and his brother Newman opened the Keeler House in Tunkhannock. They have since given their attention exclusively to the hotel business and have become well-known to the traveling public. In social as well as in business circles they hold a high position and have the confidence of all who know them. Newman married Miss Grace Stark, daughter of Theron Stark of Falls Township, September 6, 1894. Stephen married Miss Ella Kipp, daughter of I. M. Kipp, a native of Pike County, this state, January 8, 1896.

W ILLIAM CORNELL. There is ever interest attaching to the life record of one who enters the competitive strug- gle of life, and overcoming all obstacles and difficulties in his path works his way steadily to the front. The most substantial citizens of our country are the self-made men, who, by their own efforts, have risen from humble surroundings to a position of affluence. Such is the history of William Cornell, who was born in Kent County, R. I., August 10, 1820. During his infancy his parents removed to Otsego County, N. Y., living in Lisbon Township until he was three years of age, when they took up their residence in Abington Township, Lackawanna County. There he spent six years of his boy- hood, and when thirteen returned to his native county. At the age of nineteen he began work- ing at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Rhode Island until twenty-three years of age. In 1843 he became identified with the building interests of Utica, N. Y., and in 1845 removed to Fall River, Mass., where he lived until 1847, after which he spent two years in Nantucket, Mass. The following year was passed in Boston, and he then removed to Middletown, N. Y., be-

ing employed on the Lake Erie Railroad for a year. Returning to Pennsylvania he settled in Factoryville and followed carpentering until 1864, when he moved to his present farm in Newton Township, Lackawanna County.

In 1847 Mr. Cornell married Miss Mary Cap- well, who was born near Factoryville, Wyoming County, in 1828. They became parents of five children. Adelaide is the wife of J. M. Longton, a soldier of the Union army, who enlisted as a private of Company C, Second Wisconsin Cav. alry, September 1, 1861. He was mustered in at Milwaukee for three years' service and partici- pated in the battle of Arkansas Post and minor engagements. He had his horse shot from under him, but he escaped all wounds, although he nearly lost his eyesight during the war. He is now a member of George Fell Post No. 307 of Waverly, and resides in Falls Township, Wyo- ming County. Melvina, the second of the Cor- nell family, is the wife of F. G. Rorick, of Scran- ton; Charles F. lives with his father; M. S. is on the home farm; Mary E. is the wife of Joseph A. Wall.

Mr. Cornell now owns two hundred and twen- ty-five acres of rich and arable land. He carries on general farming and follows the most ad- vanced methods, while the modern improvements upon the place indicate his progressiveness. He is also successfully engaged in the dairy business. He has cleared more than seventy-five acres of his land and has long since replaced the little log cabin, which was their first home, by a substantial modern residence. His life has been one of in- dustry and honorable effort and demonstrates what can be accomplished by determined pur- pose, unflagging industry and good manage- ment.

J OHN R. BRIGGS, who resides in West Ab- ington Township, Lackawanna County, has, throughout his entire life, been iden- tified with the interests of this section of Penn- sylvania. On the 17th of September, 1845, in Clinton Township, Wyoming County, he was born. For seven years he lived in that neighbor- hood, and then, at the time of his father's death,

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went to live with his uncle, Cyrus Dean, in whose home he remained until his country's call for aid aroused the patriotism of his loyal nature and he went to the defense of the Union. Pennsylvania furnished its full quota of brave soldiers, men who, putting aside all personal considerations, faced the horrors and braved the dangers of the battle field in order to perpetuate the republic. In August, 1862, as a private, Mr. Briggs joined Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, and was mustered in at Harrisburg for nine months' service. On the expiration of that period he re-enlisted in the sig- nal corps, in which he served until the elose of the war. He participated in the battles of An- tietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, with the army of the Potomac, and, after De- eember, 1863, operated in the Shenandoah Val- ley. In July, 1865, he received an honorable dis- charge at Winchester, Va., having faithfully served his country for three years, zealously per- forming every duty that was allotted to him.

When hostilities had ended and his services were no longer needed, Mr. Briggs returned to his home in Abington Township, and for three or four years remained with his unele. He then started out in life on his own aecount, giving his attention to agricultural pursuits, with which he had been familiar from his boyhood. After a time he purchased his present farm, and is to-day the owner of ninety acres of rich and arable land, the well tilled fields yielding to him a good re- turn for the care and labor he bestows upon them. In addition to general farming he also carries on the dairy business, and for this purpose keeps on hand a number of high grade cows. The products of his dairy find a ready sale on the mar- ket, and thereby add not a little to his income. His business interests are capably managed with strict regard to the ethics of commereial life, and his fair dealing and untiring industry have made him one of the substantial farmers of the eom- munity.

April 19, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Briggs and Miss Electa P. Carpenter, a na- tive of Clinton Township, Wyoming County. He has held the offices of supervisor and school di- rector, and is an ardent advocate of advanced ed-

ucational facilities. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and maintains a pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his connection with the Grand Army Post of Factoryville. He also be- longs to the Odd Fellows' lodge at that place, and his estimable wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

J ACOB BILES, M. D., is engaged in the practice of medicine in Meshoppen, where his skill and ability have won him a lib- eral patronage. He was born in Bradford County, Pa., in February, 1858, a son of Jacob P. and Mary (Bunnell) Biles. His father was born in Monroe County, Pa., and was of Welsh line- age, tracing his ancestry back to William Biles, who came to America with the historic little band that erossed the Atlantic in the "Mayflower." He was a Republican in politics and a farmer by occupation, devoting his entire attention to that pursuit. He died at the age of seventy-four years His wife was a native of Wyoming County, Pa., and died at the age of sixty-six, having six years previous suffered a third paralytie stroke. Their children are named as follows: Helen, Mrs. Allen Hover; James M., a farmer near Compton, Brad- ford County; Jacob and John A. (twins), the lat- ter a surveyor by occupation and a Baptist min- ister, residing at the old homestead at Homets Ferry, Bradford County, Pa.

The life and labors of the farm were familiar to Dr. Biles during his boyhood and youth, and his educational privileges were those of the common sehools, supplemented by study in an academy in Towanda, Pa. After attaining his majority he gave his attention to farming, and also taught sehool for one term. When about twenty-seven years of age, he began reading medicine with Dr. B. T. Staunk, under whose direction he continued his studies for three years. In 1888 he graduated from the Eelectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and, loeating in Meshoppen, has since engaged in practice here, He is a elose student of his profession, and his advancement in his chosen calling has been steady and rapid. He possesses a nature that

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could never content itself with mediocrity, and he has, therefore, utilized every opportunity to perfect himself in his calling, until he has long since left the ranks of the many, and stands among the successful few.

The doctor was united in marriage with Miss Ida M. Quick, a daughter of Rev. E. C. Quick, a Baptist minister residing in Compton, Pa. They have two interesting children, Bessie and Ray- mond. In his political views Dr. Biles is a liberal Republican and cares nothing for political prefer- ment. He has served as school director for one term, and is now a member of the board of health. He holds membership in the Free Methodist church, is class leader, and takes a very active interest in its work. His private life is above re- proach, his professional career commends him to the confidence of the profession, and the people of Meshoppen number him among their valued citizens.

D RAPER BILLINGS has long been num- bered among the substantial and pro- gressive business men of Tunkhannock. He has frequently been honored with local posi- tions of responsibility and trust by his fellow- townsmen, and has always fully justified the con- fidence which they have reposed in him. His ability and strict integrity have never been ques- tioned, and we are glad to place the name of so worthy a man with those of the sterling pioneers and commercial men who have built up the pros- perity of this county.

Three brothers by the name of Billings came to the new world to make homes, and settled in Massachusetts in early colonial times. William, a son of one of them (and ancestor of our sub- ject) was born in Massachusetts, was married in March, 1651, and died March 16, 1713. His son, Ebenezer, born in the same locality, January I, 1684, married Mary Noyes, and lived all his days in Massachusetts. Their son, Increase, born in Prescott, Conn., May 13, 1697, was first mar- ried in 1720 to Hannah, daughter of Benjamin Hewitt, and subsequently married Rachael Dickson; he was called to the home beyond in 1777. His son, Increase, Jr.,

was born in February, 1725, in Connecticut; married Phoebe Stark, and came to the Wyoming Valley about 1759. He was a competent sur- veyor, and after the famous massacre, entered land on Lot 21, near Tunkhannock. There he died when about ninety-three years of age. His son, Ransilar, was born April 1, 1767, in Wyom- ing Valley, and married Huldah Shaw. A great- great-uncle of our subject (by marriage) George Cooper, Sr., made his escape at the time of the Wyoming massacre by swimming across a river. Two sons of Increase, Sr., were participants in the Revolutionary War and two great-uncles of our subject were also in that great contest.

Daniel, father of Draper Billings, was born on a farm between Wilkesbarre and Pittston, Pa., December 26, 1796. He engaged in farming and lumbering for a livelihood. About 1819 he mar- ried Elizabeth Stark, who was born near this place, and who attained the age of eighty-six years. This worthy couple had a family of nine children, all but one of whom are still living. Draper Billings was born on his father's old homestead near the county seat of Luzerne Coun- ty, July 14, 1835, and was bereft of his father at the early age of eleven years. He continued .to assist his mother in the management of the farm until he had reached his majority. In the mean- time he had made the best of his privileges in an educational way, and was so fortunate as to be permitted to pursue higher studies at Wyom- ing Seminary for some terms. In 1857 he went west and it was eight years before he returned. During this period he was for eight months a member of a cavalry company in Missouri. About 1866 he came back to Tunkhannock and . embarked in general merchandising, and is still in the business. In 1870 fire destroyed his store; however, he was not daunted by that misfortune, but set to work at once to rebuild. In strictly legitimate fields of labor he has made a com- fortable fortune, and may be cited as an example of what may be accomplished by a young man possessing sufficient determination and pluck. He owns a pleasant summer cottage at Lake Carey, this county.

The day before Christmas, 1856, a marriage ceremony united the destinies of Mr. Billings and

ADOLPH SEMON.

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Electa L. Sampson. She has shared with him his sorrows and reverses, lightening his burdens in every possible manner. They are both loyal members and workers in the Methodist Episco- pal Church, giving of their means and time to the forwarding of the great cause of Christianity. Always a Democrat of the old school, Mr. Bil- lings has been placed in official places often by those of his party. He has been in the council, served as assistant burgess, is the present over- seer, and has held many minor offices most creditably. In the Masonic society he is very prominent, being in the thirty-second degree, a charter member of Temple Commandery, No. 60, and associated with the Mystic Shrine of Philadelphia.

A DOLPH SEMON. In past ages the his- tory of a country was the record of wars and conquests; to-day it is the record of commercial activity, and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter, not of man over man, and the victor is he who can successfully establish, con- trol and operate extensive commercial interests. Mr. Semon is unquestionably one of the strong- est and most influential men whose lives have become an essential part of the history of Wy- to every-day common sense, guided by resistless cuting the right thing at the right time, joined honesty of purpose, genius for devising and exe- oming County. Tireless energy, keen perception, will power, are his chief characteristics.

Adolph Semon was born March 6, 1840, in Emendingen, Baden, Germany, and attended the public schools until 1854, when, under the direc- tion of his father, he learned the trades of carving wood and stone, a pursuit which he followed four years. In 1858 he began a two years' pre- paratory course of study in Herenshread, and on the Ist of April, 1860, matriculated in thie col- lege in Karlsruh, Baden. He completed the regular course in the architecture and modeling department, and, after his graduation, in March, 1863, passed the architect's examination under John Hengst, building comptroller in Durlach,

Baden, in May, 1863. Accordingly, he was en- tered on register for a position under the gov- ernment in the fall of 1863, and on the Ist of September was appointed assistant to an over- seer of public buildings, and stationed at Ohs, near the city of Baden-Baden, where he re- mained for a number of years, and had personal supervision of the construction of many public buildings, churches and school houses. The sal- ary, however, was small and the chance for pro- motion was not good, for many had prior claims. In consequence, he resigned his position, and on the 4th of March, 1869, left the Fatherland for the United States, landing in New York on the 20th of March. After a short time he se- cured a position as carver for Mr. Sharky, of Brooklyn, who carried on business near Green- wood Cemetery; but in the fall the work be- came slack, and Mr. Semon left Brooklyn for Saugerties, Ulster County, N. Y. He arrived there December 12, 1869, and accepted a posi- tion in the employ of Albert Stenton, dealer in marble and granite. In May, 1870, he was em- ployed as carver by the Biglow Blue Stone Com- pany, at Malden-on-the-Hudson, N. Y., and while thus engaged did all the carving on the blue stone for the great water fountain in Central Park, New York City, also on the terrace bridge in the same park. On the 10th of May, 1871, the company assigned him to the task of super- intending the construction of the great fountain, which work was successfully accomplished. His next task was the superintendence of the stone work done in connection with Yale College, of New Haven, Conn., including the masonry of the club house. The college was supplied with new Gothic windows, made of North River blue stone, and ornamented with fancy scroll work, carved in the antique style of architecture. On the 14th of June, the company recalled Mr. Se- mon to their home office, and made him superin- tendent of their manufacturing plant at Malden- on-the-Hudson. For twelve years he remained with that company, having charge of all esti- mates on the blue stone work, the handling of the plans, and other important affairs of the com- pany.

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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 14

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