Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 16

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 16
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 16

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"Political life has not been one of my ambi- tions and the local offices of the borough of Factoryville comprise my experience in this line. Elected as councilman at the first election fol-

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lowing the establishment of the borough, I have served in that capacity or as burgess a large share of the time until 1895, since which year the honor of presiding over the council has fallen to my lot.

"The commonplace record of a commonplace life; yet assisted by the loving helpfulness of a devoted wife, and cheered by the three lads and little daughter that brighten our home, it may be said that the lines have fallen to us in pleasant places."

D ARWIN KELLY, M. D., deceased, was for twenty years one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Mill City, Wyoming County. Here he was very successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession during that period, and won hosts of warm personal friends, not only among his fellow townsmen and patients, but among his medical brethren, as well. When the news of his sudden death came, the whole community was deeply shocked, and felt it to be a matter of the most profound regret. His memory will long be cherished by those who knew him, for he was a man worthy of all con- fidence and respect.

Dr. Kelly was one of Pennsylvania's native sons, he having been born in Susquehanna Coun- ty, April 4, 1847. His parents were Thomas and Susan Kelly. He spent his boyhood on his fath- er's farm, and received his preliminary education in the schools of the neighborhood, and being en- dowed by nature with a clear, keen mind, learned very readily. When he was about fifteen years old he removed to Olyphant, with the rest of the family, and as was customary at that time, it was deemed best that he begin learn- ing a trade. As he had no special bent in any direction, apparently, he worked with his father at the cabinetmaker's business for some time, but it did not appear to be suited to one of his studi- ous, inquiring intellect, and when a position was offered him in the drug store owned by his brother, Dr. Leonard Kelly, he gladly accepted the place. Necessarily having considerable time at his dis- posal there,' he commenced to read medical works, and finally went to the celebrated Belle- vue Hospital Medical College, in New York

City, graduating therefrom in the class of 1870.

Upon entering the professional world, the Doc- tor concluded to locate first in Nicholson, Wyo- ming County, and remained there until the win- ter of 1873. Then, believing that better opportu- nities awaited him in this place, he came to Mill City, which was his home for two decades. The wisdom of his judgment in removing here was very soon seen, for he at once gained the re- spect of his colleagues and the community in gen- eral, and rapidly won the patronage of the lead- ing families. With real regret, he at length de- termined that for a time, at least, he would set- tle in Peckville, Lackawanna County, and he re- moved thither in 1893. October 23, 1895, he was accidentally killed by a train on the Delaware & Hudson railroad. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Society, and was a stalwart adherent of the Democratic party. In addition to his pro- fessional practice in Peckville, he carried on a drug store.

November 13, 1872, Dr. Kelly and Miss Flor- ence A. Phillips were united in marriage. She was born in Abington Township, Lackawanna Coun- ty, a daughter of Solomon and Eleanor Phillips, and received the benefits of a liberal education, and is a lady of sweet and lovable disposition. She enjoys the friendship of all who know her, and in her deep sorrow and bereavement the earnest sympathy of hundreds of kind hearts was hers. Soon after her husband's death, she came back to Mill City, where she had passed so many happy years, and has such numbers of friends. She is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place, and is always foremost in helping the poor and needy.

I SAAC O. SMITH, for nearly three-quarters of a century a resident of Wyoming County, is therefore justly entitled to be numbered among our esteemed pioneers. From his boy- hood he has been a most earnest, zealous worker for the advancement and development of this lo- cality, and has seen his fondest dreams for her prosperity realized. All honor is due the brave and hardy pioneers who were the advance agents under God's directing hand, of happy homes,

JOSEPH J. ALBRIGHT.

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beautiful farms, thriving towns and villages, churches and schools, and everything that goes to make up a goodly country, where all desire to dwell.

Born in Washington Township, Wyoming County, Pa., March 20, 1817, Mr. Smith is a son of Tilton Smith, who was long a prominent figure in the early years of our county's history. He was born in Orange County, N. Y., and died in Tunkhannock, Pa., May 1, 1863, in his seventy- sixth year. On his arrival in this neighborhood in 1824, he purchased a tract of wild land, now in the possession of Charles Russell, and for years spent his time in clearing and cultivating the place. He married Catherine Draper, and twelve children came to bless their humble home. They were as follows: Truman B., Samuel W., Susanna, Isaac, Oliver, Sarah, James G., Esther, Charles A., Joseph T., Mary J., and Martha. Six of the number still survive.

In the usual uneventful manner of farmer boys' lives, the first twenty years in Isaac Smith's history passed. He helped his father in the ardu- ous labor of clearing the old farm in Washing- ton Township, and when it was possible, went to the old-time subscription schools, convened in a log house. A love for education seems to be in- herent in the liberty loving Americans, and wher- ever they have gone, in the depths of the forests or on the limitless prairies, on the mountains or in the valleys, there have soon been erected their shrines to the goddess of wisdom, the little "red school house." When he was eighteen years old young Smith took charge of the home farm, and was responsible for its management eight years or more. He taught school in winter and worked on the farm in summer. He has made a business of farming, and has been blessed with a large measure of success. At present he is the owner of a finely improved homestead of one hundred and forty acres, where he has made his home since 1843, and the credit of the thrift and neat- ness displayed all around the place is due him, for he is ever on the alert to make changes for the betterment of buildings, fences, etc.

The lady whom Mr. Smith chose to be the companion of his early manhood was Miss Sarah, daughter of John and Mary (Place) Bunnell, and

they were married in 1842. They had five chil- dren: John D., who was a corporal in the army, died while in the service; Leander, residing in Fremont, Neb., is a graduate of the Keokuk (Iowa) Medical College, and is now a practic- ing physician in Fremont; Melissa remains at home; Larissa is the wife of Robert E. Jayne, of Russell Hill Corners; and H. Cortez is a resi dent of this township. The mother of these chil dren died in April, 1881, and in August, 1882, Mr. Smith married Mrs. Mary L. Goodell, whose death occurred in 1884. March 16, 1887, Mr. Smith married Mrs. Mary J. (Carman) Overpeck. She had previously been the wife of Charles Overpeck, and had two sons, Jesse T. and Silas.

For fifteen years Mr. Smith was a justice of the peace. He deposited his first presidential ballot for W. H. Harrison, and since the Repub- lican party was formed has been one of its most zealous champions. At different times he has officiated as supervisor, auditor or school di- rector, and has always looked out well for the interests of the people. An active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, he has been a class- leader for upwards of thirty years, and is a liberal giver to all worthy charities which come beneath his notice.

OSEPH J. ALBRIGHT, deceased, was one of the leading business men of Scranton and helped to foster many of her infant enterprises in the days when only a hamlet marked the present site of this, one of the most prosperous cities in the state. His life is the oft-repeated history of trial and triumph, of ob- stacles overcome, of hope conquering despair, of the gradual development of a most noble and truly grand character. That he won fame and fortune, as was his due, matters not so much, after all, as that he won in the conflicts with adverse circumstance and gained the mastery over himself.

Mr. Albright was born in Warwick, Pa., Sep- tember 23, 1811, in which pretty town his ances- tors had lived for several generations. They were of the honest, God-fearing German sect, known as Moravians, and though his parents

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were comfortably well off in this world's goods he was early taught to be independent. In 1816, the family having removed to Nazareth, Pa., he was placed in the school called to this day "Nazareth Hall," from which many of the best citizens in this state have graduated. When he had arrived at a suitable age, he decided that he did not care to follow his father's trade, that of making guns, and instead, learned the tinsmith's trade. Not more than three months were requir- ed by him in this enterprise, before he embarked in business for himself, buying tools and sheet- tin from a New York firm. At once he industri- ously set to work, and in a few months found that he had more tinware on hand than the modest population of the town could use in years. Wishing to dispose of this surplus, he went into the adjoining country with his wares, but he soon found this method not at all to his liking.

About this time, he then being almost of age, Mr. Albright was offered a position as assistant manager of Henry Jordan & Company's Oxford furnace, at Oxford, N. J., and accepting the same, he remained there three years. From the first his ability was apparent, and it was no sur- prise to those who knew him, that he was next asked to take charge of the largest plant of the kind in eastern Pennsylvania, the Catherine furnace and forges, near Nazareth, this being in the hands of creditors. So well did he manage affairs there during the three years following that the good Moravians were rescued from bank- ruptcy. He introduced successfully the first hot blast applied to making iron in the United States and brought the first magnetic iron ore into this state, from New Jersey. About three years after he had taken the management of the Catherine furnace, he bought what was then known as the Clarissa furnace, forges, etc., situated in Carbon County, and in order to do this, was obliged to borrow $1,000 at three per cent interest.

But the ambitious young man had hardly launched himself upon his new venture, when a sad calamity occurred. The great floods of 1841 along the Lehigh Valley and tributary streams, washed away the Lehigh Coal & Navigation works, canals, etc., and also swept away his own

cherished furnaces and forges, leaving not one stone upon another. Though he was certainly overcome, for the time being, by this disaster, and the fact that a wife and two children were dependent upon him, he soon recovered his hope and courage and bravely started again. Having made terms with his creditors, who gave him ex- tended time, he started to rebuild, and in a year he had things in running order, the furnaces hav- ing a still larger capacity than formerly. The destructive elements seemed determined to try his strength of purpose, for now fire attacked the works, and partially destroyed the plant. Again he rebuilt, this time having a good insurance, and at last was made happy by paying all his debts. As he did not like the name Clarissa, as applied to the furnaces, he changed the title to the Ashland iron works. In 1844 he became financially concerned in several furnaces near Natural Bridge, Va., and soon after a new fur- nace had been erected by the company, it was burned down. Being compelled to sell pig-iron at the ruinous rate of $10 a ton, under the ex- isting tariff, he abandoned the field in Virginia, and returned to his old Ashland iron works, which he yet owned. The manufacture of iron had been so closely associated with disaster in his case, that he was not loath to accept an offer made by the Scrantons (for whom this city was named) to take charge of the entire coal mines of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western. It has been conceded that to his correct judgment and untiring energy while in this responsible position was due much of the company's success. In 1866 he was induced to take a similar place with the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, and was with them until he retired from business, in. 1887. He was one of the founders of the Dickson Manufacturing Company and was a director in it until his death. He also assisted to organize the First National Bank of Scranton, was made its president in 1872, and continued thus as long as he lived. The president of the Scranton Gas & Water Company, a director in the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company and a director of the Weston Milling Company, were some of his other interests.

He was the first to introduce anthracite coal

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into the west. Not only did he show the people how to burn it, but had with him hard coal stoves to demonstrate the superiority of the fuel and so induce a trial. He had much to do with the early development of the anthracite trade not only in Buffalo but through the west.

Mr. Albright and Elizabeth Sellers were mar- ried in 1838. She was a daughter of Cornelius Sellers, a Quaker, of French and English ex- traction. His wife was a daughter of Samuel Roberts. Mrs. Albright died January 21, 1890. Her four children were: Mrs. Rachel J. Ben- nell; Anna M., Mrs. James Archbald; Harry C., of Utica, N. Y .; and John Joseph, a manufac- turer and banker of Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Bennell was engaged in wholesale merchandising in New York City until ill-health compelled him to re- tire. Since then the family, which includes one daughter, have resided in Scranton. Mr. Arch- bald is chief engineer for the Delaware, Lacka- wanna & Western.

The old home of Mr. Albright, on the corner of North Washington and Vine Street, was deed- ed to the city of Scranton, after his death, by the four heirs. The property, now very valuable, was further enhanced by the erection of a beauti- ful structure, known as the "Albright Memorial Library," this having been erected at the expense of John Joseph Albright. It cost over $125,000 and is a fine specimen of modern architecture. The library was stocked by means of subscrip- tions and is maintained by the city, James Arch- bald being one of the board of directors. This is a fitting monument to one who was ever prac- tical and desirous to benefit his fellow-beings, and the liberal education thus placed in the hands of the. poorest boy and girl in the city will exer- cise an untold influence for good.

While the war was in progress Mr. Albright received a flattering offer through acquaintances in Richmond, to take charge of the manufacture of iron for the Confederate forces, but need it be told that he was of too loyal a nature to be tempted for a moment to assist those who were striving to undermine his country? For years a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, he died peacefully January 12, 1888, mourned by all who knew him. A strong advocate of temper-

ance, purity of life, gentleness and patience, he won the love and esteem of all who journeyed along the highway of life with him, and surely he merited the words "Well done, good and faith- ful servant."

E LIAS TREIBLE. That a young man stands a much better chance of developing a noble character if he is obliged to strug- gle against adverse circumstances, and, in short, if he must rely upon his own individual efforts to acquire a competence and a place of respect in his community, is a fact that has been completely demonstrated in this country thousands of times. In the life record of the worthy subject of this slight tribute we find another example of the self- made man, an example which it would be well if our young men would seek to emulate. For over thirty years he has dwelt in Washington Town- ship, and among the old friends and neighbors of so many years standing, he is thoroughly es- teemed.

A son of Jacob and Jane (Decker) Treible, our subject was born in Monroe County, Pa., Sep- tember 7, 1840. He grew to manhood under the parental roof, and such education as fell to his lot was obtained from the district schools. When he had passed his majority, he commenced work- ing for wages on the old homestead, and was thus occupied some three years or more. It was in the year 1865 that he first set foot in Wash- ington Township, where for three years he worked for Mr. Place, then for two years rented a farm in the same township, and carefully husbanded his resources. In 1870 he purchased the farm whereon he has since lived. His first land consisted of one hundred and twenty-seven acres, partially improved, and to this he after- ward added (in 1876) the Bramhall farmi of one hundred and eighty acres. A few years more slipped away, and he bought a part of the Wil- liam Jayne farin, consisting of seventy acres, and thus, altogether, he is now the fortunate posses- sor of three hundred and seventy-seven acres. With the exception of forty acres of forest and pasture land, the entire tract is under cultiva- tion, and it all lies within Washington Town-

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ship. For twenty years prior to 1895 he made a special feature of raising tobacco, besides carry- ing on general farming.

In his family life, as well as in his financial ventures, Mr. Treible has been most happily situated. The lady whom he chose as his com- panion and helpmate along the highway of en- deavor was Angeline Place, daughter of Charles Place. Their marriage took place August 13, 1868, and they have four promising sons- Charles, Seymour, Otis and Clarence-all living in this township. Though he supports by his ballot the nominees and platform of the Democ- racy, and strives to do what he believes he should as a citizen, Mr. Treible is in no sense a politician, and is not at all desirous of holding public office. In manner he is very unassuming and unosten- tatious, but this modesty is frequently the adorn- ment of great and noble natures, and his friends are not blinded thereby to his ability and merit. Anything pertaining to the better education and opportunities to be given the rising generation meets with favor in his eyes, and he served the community well when he acted as school di- rector. Religiously, he and his amiable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are great workers in every branch of its activity. Some fifteen years he was a steward of the con- gregation, and for nine years has been a class- leader.

G EORGE I. VANDUZER, a respected old pioneer of northeastern Pennsylva- nia, and for half a century a farmer of Falls Township, Wyoming County, has seen great changes hereabouts during his long and active life of over fourscore years. From almost a wilderness the country in this sec- tion has been transformed by the energetic toil of man into fine farms and comfortable homesteads, with abundant facilities for giving the young good educations and religious train- ing. That the whole community may be bene- fited, every man should stand at his post, and honestly strive with all the might and mind which nature has furnished him, to do his share, to work for the general welfare, and in his unas-

suming way our subject has followed out this principle.

While the name would seem to indicate that the gentleman of whom this is a brief history is a descendant of the sturdy, industrious Hollanders who founded the great metropolis, New York City, and helped materially in placing this re- public on a safe financial basis, we have no cer- tain facts in our possession relating to the case. However, in partial corroboration of the suppo- sition, we find that our subject's father, Conrad, was a native of New York State, born in Dutchess County. When he had arrived at maturity, he located in Lackawanna Township, in the county. of the same name, Pa., and dwelt there many. years, employed in farming. About 1846 he came to Falls Township, purchased a tract of wild land, erected a log cabin of two rooms and proceeded to clear his farm. This place was his home dur- ing the rest of his life, which covered, altogether, some sixty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Rebecca Hunt. They were the parents of ten children, who lived to adult years. In or- der of birth they are as follows: Caroline, George, Phoebe, Robert, John, William, Susan, Rachel, Lola, James, and but three-George, Phoebe and James, survive. The mother died when in her seventy-second year.

George I. Vanduzer was born in Lackawanna Township, Lackawanna County, Pa., December 27, 1816, and dutifully gave his time to his father until he had reached his majority. He received many lessons of great practical value during this period, training in all departments of farm work and business management, and was thus fitted for independent life. Renting his father's farm in Lackawanna Township soon after passing his twenty-first birthday anniversary, he carried it on very successfully many years. About 1847, he came to the fine farm of eighty-nine acres, where he is still living. The land is specially adapted for pasturage, and therefore the owner keeps some very good stock, and makes a business of dairying.

In his youth, Mr. Vanduzer experienced diffi- culties common to the period, in the matter of getting an education, and for years, in all kinds of weather, fair or foul, summer and winter, had

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to walk three miles to school. His right of franchise is used on behalf of the candidates of the Democratic party. Though often urged to accept public offices of trust and honor, he has resolutely refused such suggestions, as he pre- fers to attend solely to his own affairs. The only exception to this rule, was when he consented to become one of the overseers of the poorhouse and in that capacity he acquitted himself credit- ably, and to the satisfaction of his neighbors and townsmen. The marriage of Mr. Vanduzer and Cynthia Dolph was celebrated in 1839. Three children were born to them, one daughter and two sons. Rachel, the eldest, widow of George Ross, lives in this township. Benjamin resides at Pittston, and George Franklin is a carpenter in Peckville.

M RS. MARY J. WERKEISER, living on Main Street, Nicholson, is the widow of the late William Werkeiser, who was well known in that place, and had the respect and esteem of the entire community. He was born September 6, 1841, in Tannersville, Monroc County, Pa., where his parents spent their entire lives. There he continued to reside until after the south had seceded and taken up arms against the general government, when he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union, and on the 3d of November, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia, under Capt. Joseph Nichol- son. On the expiration of his term he was hon- orably discharged August 17, 1863, but on the Ioth of April, 1865, re-enlisted under Capt. John O. Pilhemus in Company G, Two Hundred Fif- teenth Pennsylvania Infantry, for one year. The war having ended before that time, however, he was discharged at Fort Delaware, July 31, 1865, and returned to his home in Tannersville.

During carly life Mr. Werkeiser learned the tanner's trade, and on coming to Nicholson in 1868 found employment in a tannery, bringing large experience and good judgment to his work. which were thoroughly appreciated; for, during the last ten years of his life he held the position of foreman. He was a self-made man, as, on

starting out in life, his capital consisted only in a pair of willing hands and a determination to succeed, but he steadily worked his way upward until he had accumulated a comfortable compe- tence.

In 1886 Mr. Werkeiser was united in mar- riage with Miss Jane Shick, whose parents also lived in Monroe County. She is a most estima- ble lady; like her husband, making many warm friends. They held membership in the Lutheran Church in Monroe County, but as there was no church of that denomination in Nicholson they attended the Methodist Episcopal. On the 14th of June, Mr. Werkeiser was called to his final rest, and his death was widely and deeply mourned. He affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was an honored and prominent Mason, having taken the Knight Templar degrees at Scranton a number of years ago, and at the time of his death holding mem- bership in Temple Commandery of Tunkhan- nock. .

W ILLIAM B. ROGERS. Among the young and enterprising farmers of North Moreland Township, Wyoming County, there is probably none more energetic or thorough-going than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. On the farm which is still his home he was born Sep- tember 7, 1867, the son of Henry W. and Clar- inda (Holcomb) Rogers, natives respectively of North Moreland Township and of Luzerne County, Pa. In their family were seven chil- dren, namely: William B .; Cynthia, deceased : Addie; Olin R .; Lydia A., deceased; Ethel L. and Stanley V.

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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 16

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