Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 17

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 17
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 17

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The founder of the Rogers family in America, Joseph Rogers, was one of four brothers who left England and settled in this country in a very early day, being among the first settlers of Salem, Mass. Ile went to Port Royal, where his death occurred. After he left home a son was born whom the mother named Hope, in hope of her husband's return. For many generations the family resided in Connecticut, and followed the occupation of farming. There the great-grand-

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father of our subject, Josiah Rogers, was born; near the close of the last century he migrated to Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pa., and afterward came to North Moreland Township, in what is now Wyoming County. Here he purchased the farm on which William B. now lives, it having been in the possession of four generations of the family. The grandfather, Ariel Rogers, was born in 1794, probably at Plymouth, and removed with his father to North Moreland Township. With the growth and development of this region the family have been prominently identified, and on the rolls of Wyoming County's most honored pioneers their names will be found among the foremost.

In the common schools William B. Rogers ob- tained a good practical education, and on the home farm early became familiar with agricul- tural pursuits, which he decided to make his life work. With him his mother still resides. Po- litically he is independent, voting for the man whom he considers best qualified to fill the office, regardless of party ties, and he has acceptably served as town auditor. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Farmers' Alliance, and takes an active interest in everything that will advance the wel- fare of the community.

H ORTON WOOD. Among the represen- tative and prominent citizens of North Moreland Township, Wyoming County, none are more deserving of mention in a work of this character than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is not only one of the leading farmers of the community, but was also a brave defender of the Union during the dark days of the Civil War. In the township where he still continues to reside, he was born November 19, 1839, and was reared amidst rural scenes, while his education was obtained in the country schools.

While peacefully pursuing the vocation of a farmer, the dark cloud of war, which had for some time lowered over our beloved country, broke upon our people. Patriotic men from all walks of life thronged to the front in response to the call of the general government to defend our

national life. Hardly had the echoes from Fort Sumter's guns died away when Mr. Wood en- listed at Wilkesbarre, Pa., April 17, 1861, in Company F, Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, for ninety days. Under the command of General Paterson, whose forces were forty thousand strong, he participated in the battle of Falling Water, Va., while close by the battle of Bull Run was being fought at the same time. As a private, he re-enlisted February 25, 1864, for three years. in Company G, First New Jersey Cavalry, and at Vienna, Va., was honorably discharged July 24, 1865. During his second term he was in a num- ber of important engagements, including the bat- tles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Bail- ey's Cross Roads, where the regiment made a successful charge, breaking the rebel line and capturing many prisoners. He was on the Rich- mond raid, which lasted about fifteen days, and was later in the battles of Trevilian Station, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Chapin Farm, Mine Run, and all the principal engagements in front of Pet- ersburg. After the battles at Weldon Railroad and South Side Railroad, the Union troops cross- ed the James River and charged on the rebels, and subsequently took part in the battles of Rich- mond and Five Forks, where they chased the enemy back to Farmville. At Petersburg, Mr. Wood was detailed as escort for General Han- cock and General Humphrey, and remained at the Second Corps headquarters until the sur- render of General Lee. He was with Grant's army in the grand review at Washington, D. C., and rode his own horse from Appomattox to that city.

Mr. Wood was about twenty-six years of age when he returned to his home in Exeter Town- ship, Wyoming County, to resume the pursuits of civil life, and has since given his attention to agriculture, now owning a fine farm in North Moreland Township. In 1866 was celebrated his marriage with Miss Ellen Swartwood, a na- tive of Exeter Township, and to them have been born three children, Lillie E., S. Emogene and Ada H. The grandfather of Mrs. Wood, Alex- ander Swartwood, a native of New York, located upon a farm in Exeter Township, Wyoming County, Pa., at a very early day, and became one

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of the wealthiest men of the community, owning at one time over six hundred acres of valuable land.

In his political views, Mr. Wood is an ardent Republican, having been unswerving in his al- legiance to that party since the war. He is now serving his ninth year as school director, and is a supporter of all worthy enterprises which will in any way advance the interests of the commun- ity or promote the general welfare. Fraternally he is a member of Corporal Rufus Frear Post, No. 323, G. A. R. With his wife and children, he is an active and prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has been recording steward for over a quarter of a century, and has also served as trustee of the church and superin- tendent of the Sunday-school. He is as true to every duty of citizenship in days of peace as when following the old flag to victory on southern battlefields, and is held in the highest regard by all who know him.

M ARTIN N. REYNOLDS. Among the leading and representative agriculturists of Clinton Township, Wyoming Coun- ty, stalwart and sturdy tillers of the soil, there is none who stands a more prominent figure than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Throughout his entire life he has been identified with the agricultural and commercial interests of the county, and has been an impor- tant factor in promoting the general welfare. He was born September 1, 1842, in Factoryville, and is a son of Beriah and Laura (Baker) Reynolds, who were also natives of the Keystone State, the former born in Wyoming County and the latter in Susquehanna County. The mother is still liv- ing at the old home in Factoryville, but the father has passed to the unseen world, dying at the age of fifty-three. His parents, Solomon and Frances Reynolds, were natives of Rhode Island, and came to this region in 1800, accompanied by Mr. Reynolds' two brothers. Their father, Robert Reynolds, who served in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, also came to Pennsylvania at a later date. The family became quite prominent in Wyoming County, and took

an active part in the development of this section.

Our subject remained under the parental roof until the dark cloud of war broke over our country, when he offered his services to the government, enlisting May 15, 1861, in Com- pany B, Twelfth Pennsylvania Infantry, under Capt. S. H. Briggs. He served with the rank of sergeant. For three years he faithfully followed the old flag and participated in all the engage- ments in which his command took part, with the exception of the second battle of Bull Run, which occurred during the three months he was con- fined to the regimental hospital. On the IIth of June, 1864, he was honorably discharged near Cold Harbor, and was mustered out at Harris- burg, Pa., returning home with a war record of which he may be justly proud.

In Factoryville, on the 8th of April, 1865, oc- curred the marriage of Mr. Reynolds and Miss Christiana Copwell, a daughter of Abel and Eliza (Chase) Copwell. Her father spent his entire life in Wyoming County, where he died at the age of eighty-two years; her mother was born in Rhode Island, and when ten years of age came to this state with her parents, Gorton and Free- love (Potter) Chase, also natives of Rhode Island, whence they migrated to Pennsylvania about 1800, becoming honored early settlers of Wy- oming County. Mrs. Copwell died in Factory- ville at the age of sixty-eight. She was the moth- er of three children, but Mrs. Reynolds is the only one now living. The paternal grandparents, George and Mary (Gardner) Copwell, were also born in Rhode Island, and spent their last years in Wyoming County. The first of the family to locate in this section was Stephen Copwell, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Reynolds.

Of the seven children born to our subject and his wife one is now deceased, Blanche, who was engaged in missionary work among the colored people at Vicksburg, and died at the age of twen- ty-four years. Those living are Abel L., who married Clarice Reynolds, and has one daugliter ; George B., who married Cleo Reynolds; Freder- ick M., who married Esther B. Proper, and has one son; May M., wife of Bromley Smith; Jen- nie A., and Howard, who reside at home. All of the children were provided with excellent edu-

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cational privileges, and Blanche was a student for a time in Chicago.

Mr. Reynolds began his domestic life upon the farm where he still resides, and in connection with agricultural pursuits also successfully con- ducted a grocery store in Factoryville from 1870 until 1888, but now gives his exclusive attention to his farming interests with gratifying results. His political affiliations have always been given the Republican party since casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and during Presi- dent Harrison's administration he efficiently served as postmaster of Factoryville. He was also a member of that first city council, and has ever taken a prominent and active part in public affairs, giving his support to all worthy objects which will in any way advance the interests of the community. He is a charter member of the Grand Army Post at Factoryville, and also affili- ates with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. With his family he holds membership in the Baptist Church and occupies a place of prom- inence in the community.

A ZOR ROSS has been connected with the history of Falls Township, Wyoming County, during his entire life, a period of almost seventy years. The difference between the past and the present can hardly be realized, even by those who were active participants in the development of the county. How the forests have been leveled, the old log cabins which served for both house and school have been sup- planted by fine, substantial buildings, and fertile farms lie where the dense wilderness stood. The gentleman of whom we write has always been actively concerned in all work of progress and general public benefit, and we are pleased to ren- der him this slight tribute to his sterling worth.

His grandfather Ross was the first one of the family to settle in Pennsylvania. For some years he resided in Oldfield Township, Wyoming County, but later became a resident of this town- ship. Daniel, father of our subject, was born in Lackawanna County, and after his marriage to Jane A. Philo carried on a farm in Oldfield Township, but finally came to Falls Township.

During his career he owned and improved sev- eral good homesteads, and at the same time did much service as a local minister. By all who knew him he was honored and loved, and when death claimed him, in April, 1887, the community felt deep grief, for his place can never be filled. His family comprised thirteen children: Azor, Sterling, Wesley, Mary, Susan, Margaret, Eliza, Olive, Sallie, Alice, Dorcas, Daniel and one who died unnamed.

Azor Ross was born in Falls Township, Febru- ary 23, 1829, and continued to dwell under the parental roof until he was twenty years of age. He learned a trade, as did most of his associates of that day, and is a thorough carpenter and saw- mill machinist. However, his natural talent did not lie in the direction of mechanics so much as it did in that of agriculture, and at last he gave himself entirely to his favorite occupation. Since 1864 he has cultivated and owned the fine farm of seventy acres, whereon he may be found to- day. He has not cared to interfere in public af- fairs, preferring to attend strictly to his own, but as a voter he has always favored the platform of the Republican party.

In 1849 Mr. Ross married Olive Sickler, who bore him two children: Lucy, who married C. S. Dowd, and L. W., traveling agent for the Scranton Globe Store Company. January 16, 1877, Mr. Ross married his present wife, who was formerly Harriet Swartz. She is a native of Salem, Wayne County, Pa., born November 7, 1842, and a daughter of Henry Swartz, of North- ampton County, Pa. His father, Leo B., came from Germany to America, and located in North- ampton County at an early period. His family numbered ten children: · Polly, Elizabeth, Kate, John, George, Lydia, Henry, Leo B., Margaret and Elias. Leo B. Swartz lived at Petersburg, near Scranton, in 1817; was one of the pioneers of that section, where he owned considerable land. Henry Swartz was a molder by trade, but followed farming principally. At one time he owned fifty acres of land, on a part of which the Scranton courthouse now stands. After resid- ing in Dunmore, Blooming Grove (where he was engaged in lumbering), Carbondale, Clarks Green and Milwaukee (where he operated an iron foun-

JOHN B. OVERFIELD.

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dry), le came to Falls Township. Having pur- chased a timbered tract, he put up a sawmill, and was employed in cutting down the forests for many years. He was born in 1805, and died May 4, 1895. From the time that he was twen- ty-five years old he was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Old and young, rich and poor, found in him a true friend, and everybody loved him. His kind and devoted wife was Miss Melissa Miller before their union, and to this worthy couple eight children were born: Lean- der, Mary, George, Oliver, Harriet R., Ellen A., William and Henry.

J OHN BUNNELL OVERFIELD. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Overfield was a young man less than twenty years of age, and, with all the enthusiasm of youth, he enlisted in the Union service and fought for the flag upon many a closely con- tested battlefield. In civic affairs, too, he has an excellent record, and has served efficiently as supervisor of Auburn Township, Susquehanna County; treasurer of Wyoming County, and in other local positions of trust. For some years he has resided in the village of Meshoppen, where he is proprietor of a grist mill and is also engaged in the stone business.

Though not a native of this county, Mr. Over- field is a member of one of its pioneer families. His paternal grandparents were Paul and Lydia (Lacey) Overfield, the former born in Meshop- pen Township, of which his father, Benjamin, a native of Monroe County, Pa., was one of the carliest settlers. William, our subject's father, was born in this township October 10, 1813, and was reared upon the old homestead, where he remained until about twenty-four years of age, removing then to Susquehanna County, Pa., and purchasing a farm there. Upon that place he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has been quite successful in his chosen occupa- tion. In spite of his advanced age, eighty-three years, he is active and well preserved. Political- ly he is a Republican, and has filled the majority of the local offices. In religious connections lie

is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The mother of our subject was in maidenhood Ann Bunnell, and was born in Washington Township, Wyoming County. She died in 1853 at the age of thirty-six. Of her nine children, three died when young; the others are Mary, Paul J., John B., Martha, Ettaline and Nesbitt. John B. was born in Auburn Township, Susque- hanna County, Pa., January 14, 1844, and grew to manhood upon his father's farm, attending the public schools in boyhood. August 7, 1862, he enlisted as corporal in Company B, One Hun- dred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, and went with his regiment to Washington, where he joined McClellan's forces. His first important engagement was the battle of South Mountain September 13, 1862, followed by the battle of Antietam September 17, after which the regiment crossed the Potomac to Harper's Ferry, and remained on guard duty there until November I. Afterward he was on guard duty at Belle Plain, Va., for thirty days, and then was ordered to Falmouth. December II he crossed the Rappahannock, and two days later fought in the battle of Fredericksburg, where he was wounded through both hips by a musket ball. He was taken to a hospital in Washington, where he was confined until about the Ist of May, and then was given permission to return to his regiment. He was discharged May II, 1863, on the expiration of his term of service.

Returning home, Mr. Overfield spent a few months in attendance at school. But the martial spirit was still strong in him, and the war con- tinued unabated. Again, March 18, 1864, he en- listed in the service, becoming a private in Cou1- pany H, One Hundred and Forty-first Pennsyl- vania Infantry, in which he remained until the close of the Rebellion. His company joined the Army of the Potomac at Braudy Station, Va., in April, 1864, crossed the Rapidan River May I. and went to Chancellorsville, frout there along the plank road to the wilderness, where there were daily skirmishes with the eneniy. May 12 he was at Spottsylvania Courthouse, where he was wounded by a misket ball which passed through his left arm and side, breaking two ribs.

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He was removed from the field and taken to a hospital in Washington, where he spent three months. On recovering, he joined his regiment at City Point, August 12, and remained in serv- ice, though for two months he was forced to carry his arm in a sling. He was at Hatchie's Run in November, 1864, and at Weldon's Railroad in December, also participated in the capture of Petersburg, and was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered. July 3, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Harrisburg, and returned to his home.

Until the fall of 1878 Mr. Overfield engaged in farming in Auburn Township, Susquehanna County, but at that time he built a sawmill there and embarked in the manufacture of lumber, continuing in the business in the same place until February, 1882. He then came to Meshoppen, and, in conjunction with his three partners, built a saw and grist mill, and did business under the firm name of the Meshoppen Manufacturing Company. The mill was burned January 2, 1895, and the company was dissolved. In the fall of 1890 he was elected treasurer of Wyoming County on the Republican ticket, and during his three years of official service rented his milling interests, but since his retirement from office has had charge of the mill personally. He is also interested with the county sheriff, A. G. Greg- ory, in several stone quarries in this and neigh- boring counties, and apart from their own quar- ries they deal very extensively in stone for ship- ment and building purposes.

January 24, 1866, Mr. Overfield married Julia Johnson, who was born in Bradford County, Pa., May 5, 1844. Her father, George Johnson, was born in Bradford County July 4, 1819, and en- gaged in farming there until recently, when he moved to the village of Meshoppen. He mar- ried Sarah A. Carey, who was born in Tunkhan- nock, Pa., and died at the age of forty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Overfield became the parents of four children, of whom one died in infancy, and George, the eldest, at seventeen years. The two daughters, Minnie and Catherine, are well edu- cated and refined, and the former is engaged as a teacher in the grammar school of Meshoppen. Mrs. Overfield is identified with the Methodist

church, which the family attend. Fraternally, Mr. Overfield is connected with the Patriotic Order Sons of America, E. F. Roberts Post No. 419, G. A. R., at Meshoppen; Franklin Lodge No. 263, F. & A. M., at Laceyville; and political- ly is a pronounced Republican, and has been elected upon that ticket to many of the township offices.

W ILLIAM D. FREAR, who carries on a grocery business in Beaumont, Wy- oming County, is one of her best citi- zens. He has been justice of the peace for the long period of seventeen years; has been one of the school directors, town clerk, overseer of the poor, assessor, etc. In each and every one of these offices he has demonstrated the great con- . cern which he has always had in all affairs relat- ing to the welfare of this community, where he has dwelt so long. In short, he is a man who looks not to his own aggrandizement as of first moment, but holds his own good as of secondary importance to that of the public. Such lives are very far-reaching in their influence, and succeed- ing generations enter into the fruits of their la- bors.

William D. Frear is one of fifteen children, only four of whom are now living, whose parents were Abraham and Elizabeth (Williams) Frear. Those surviving besides our subject are Charles, Isaac and Elmira. The Frears originally were French, but have been stanch Americans for sev- eral generations. Great-grandfather Frear was born in France, but in early manhood crossed the ocean, to dwell thenceforth in the United States. His son Abraham, next in line of descent, was born in Connecticut, and followed farming as an occupation. He came to Wyoming County in pioneer days, and several of his children were born here, among these being Abraham, Jr. Elizabeth Williams was likewise a native of this county, coming from a well known old family hereabouts.

The birth of William D. Frear took place No- vember 24, 1827, in Eaton Township, Wyoming County. From his earliest recollections he led the quiet, uneventful life of a farmer lad, helping

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his parents by running errands, doing "chores" and in other ways making himself generally use- ful about the place. When he was about four- teen years of age, he left his father's roof, and, going into an adjoining county, engaged in lum- bering for the next ten years. After his mar- riage, which event occurred when he was in his twenty-fifth year, he settled upon a farm in Mon- roe Township, this county, and continued in the work of an agriculturist up to six years ago. In July, 1854, he married Elizabeth Parrish, a native of Monroe Township; and one of a sturdy race, noted for many most honorable qualities. To Mr. and Mrs. Frear were born six children, viz .: Edwin D., Dana F., Emily, Caroline, Charles and Lewis. The last-mentioned died in 1870. Mrs. Frear was a lady whom all loved and respected, and was a great worker in the Presbyterian Church. She passed away in October, 1876.

For over twenty-five years Mr. Frear has been a member of the Odd Fellows' Order, and is now identified with Ahiman Lodge No. 760, at Beau- mont. Ever since he became a voter he has been either a Whig or a Republican, and is strongly in favor of sound money and protection to American industries. His ancestors were true friends to freedom and equality, and because lib- erty of thought and speech was denied him in the empire of France, as it was then, the founder of the family in America left his friends and the loved associations of his youth to cast in his lot with strangers in a strange land.

C OL. EUGENE S. HANDRICK, a well known and prosperous citizen of Tunk- hannock, has a war record of which he may justly be proud. All honor is due the brave men who left their homes and thrust aside their private interests in order to go to the rescue of our beloved land in her hour of deep distress and dire peril. The gentleman of whom we write was one of the first to respond to her call for help, and from that time onward he stood by her until his services were no longer needed. He has a very warm place in his heart for the boys who wore the blue, and takes great pleasure in attend-

ing the campfires of the veterans of the stirring conflict.

Colonel Handrick is a native of Susquehanna County, Pa., born May 5, 1840. His parents were William and Rebecca (Sherman) Handrick, who were natives of Litchfield, Conn., and Susque- hanna County, Pa., respectively. Their family comprised ten children, of whom eight are living. In his boyhood the colonel received such school- ing as fell to the lot of the youth of the period. Being naturally endowed with a bright, active mind, he readily mastered the three "R's" and was still engaged in the pursuit of knowledge when the dark days of the war came on. He had been trained to a patriotic love of his coun- try, and could hardly be restrained from enlisting in the three-months service. However, he made plans, and arranged his affairs so that he might go to the front at once should there seem espe- cial need. June II, 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany E, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, as a pri- vate, but was soon afterwards raised to be quar- termaster of his regiment. In the spring of 1862 he was made second lieutenant of Company A, same regiment, and when only a few months had elapsed, was promoted to the rank of first lieuten- ant. Sixty days later he was appointed quar- termaster of the Ninth Regiment, and detailed to the brigade headquarters. In this very responsi- ble position he continued to serve until four months prior to the close of the war. The Ninth, dubbed the "Lochiel Cavalry," was a favorite regiment with Simon Cameron, and was consid- ered about the finest sent from this state. The last few months of the war Colonel Handrick was on General Kilpatrick's staff, as quartermas- ter general, and sold all of the army equipments, etc., for the government, when there was no long- er need of them. He was present at the surren- der of Joe Johnston's forces, and loaned his own horse to General Sherman, who rode from Dur- ham Station, N. C., to Bennett's house, where his meeting with Johnston took place. With very few exceptions, the colonel reported for duty every day while he was in the service, and was at last honorably discharged.

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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 17

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