Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 18

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 18
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 18

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Resuming the peaceful avocations of life, Col- onel Handrick opened a general store in Lynn,

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Pa., and continued to run it successfully until the spring of 1868. Then selling out his interest in that venture, he came to Tunkhannock and em- barked in the same line of business here, but sold out and retired from the world of commerce about four years later. Following his father's example, he voted for George B. McClellan, and has always been firm in his allegiance to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was one of the organ- izers of the post in this place. While he was at home on a furlough in 1863 he took the first de- gree in Masonry, under a special dispensation, working under the direction of the grand master of the state. He is a charter member of Tunk- hannock Commandery, K. P., and belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, the Knights Templar and the Mystic Shrine of Philadelphia.

December 25, 1873, Colonel Handrick and Frances Osterhout were united in marriage in . this place. She was born in Tunkhannock, March 26, 1844, and was a daughter of Hon. P. M. and Eunice (Marcy) Osterhout. Mrs. Hand- rick departed this life November 26, 1886, mourned by a large circle of friends.

D ANIEL W. HERMAN, of Eaton Town- ship, Wyoming County, owns a well improved and highly fertile farm, and takes commendable interest in all things bearing upon the subject of agriculture. He aims to keep thoroughly posted upon modern methods of farming, and to further this end belongs to several of the leading sources of information on this subject. He is a member of the Tunkhan- nock Grange No. 209, is chairman of the Wy- oming County Farmers' Institute and is con- nected with the state board of agriculture. Po- litically speaking, he is a very earnest Democrat, and in the fall of 1896 was a candidate for the office of associate judge, but was defeated by a small majority. For the past twenty years he has held most of the township offices, and is now acting in the capacity of treasurer of Eaton Township.

J. C. Herman, father of the above-named gen- tleman, was born in Monroe County, Pa., and

followed the occupations of farming and tanning leather. In 1841 he married Mary Walter, and ten children were born to this estimable couple. In order of birth they are named as follows: Letitia, Daniel W., Elizabeth, Sarah (deceased), Rebecca, Hannah, Fred L., Anna, Marilla and Edith M. The father of this family lived to be seventy-four years of age, his death taking place in 1893; while the demise of his good wife oc- curred in 1871, when she was in her fifty-sixth year.

D. W. Herman, like his father, was born in Middle Smithfield, Monroe County, Pa., the date of the event being September 20, 1843. His youth passed quietly, his time being divided be- tween working for his father on the farm and in going to school. The rumors of certain coming war commenced to agitate all circles about the time he was approaching to man's estate, and he took great interest in the discussions of the day. As soon as he could leave home he enlisted, in 1864, in Company C, Second Regiment, New York Cavalry, and participated in the raid of Kingston, N. C. He was taken prisoner by the enemy after his horse had been shot and, in fall- ing, had broken his rider's leg. He was made captive December 12, 1864, and did not breathe the air of liberty until March 4, 1865, when he was exchanged. While he was a prisoner, his rations were several times withheld for three days at a time, because he would not disclose where his unfortunate comrades in misery had made tunnels with a view to escaping. Though he now draws a pension of $12 a month, it is a slight recompense for the suffering and anxiety that, he was obliged to undergo in the sad days of our country's peril. Returning home, he resumed peaceful avocations, and has since been devoted to the management of his farm. He now owns one hundred and fifteen acres and engages in general lines of agriculture. It was in 1855 that he came to make his permanent residence in Wy- oming County, and he has ever been numbered among our best citizens since then.

November 30, 1869, Mr. Herman married Kate Ace, who was a faithful, loving wife to him as long as she was spared to share his joys and sorrows. She was summoned to the silent land,

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January 23, 1896. A devoted member of the Baptist Church, and a true Christian in life and precept, she was ready to go, if it were the Mas- ter's will; but she is sadly missed in the home circle and in the church and neighborhood. Her parents were Joseph and Sarah (Smith) Ace, of Monroe County, where she was born in 1845. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Herman are Frank J. and Sarah, who are unmarried and live at home with their father, and Lewis B., who was married July 2, 1896. Mr. Herman is a mem- ber of the Baptist denomination, giving freely of his time and means to the furtherance of church work.

C LARENCE A. BROWN, ex-postmaster of Falls, Wyoming County, occupied that honorable position during President Harrison's administration, and is one of the lead- ing citizens here. He is a reliable, strictly just and square business man, enjoying the esteem of every one who knows him. He is the proprietor of the Falls mills, which were established in 1864, and have since been one of the industries of the place. Politically he is a zealous Republican, and though in no sense of the word an office seeker, he accepted the trustworthy place of township treasurer in 1895, in response to the wishes of the people. In all things having in view the general welfare, he takes commendable interest, and, in short, he is a true patriot.

Aaron Brown, father of our subject, was born in Lackawanna, Pa., and was reared there and in Wilkesbarre, Pa. When he was nearly grown, he commenced learning the blacksmith's trade, at which he was employed some five or six years. Going to Exeter, Luzerne County, he next open- ed a mercantile establishment and carried on a farm at the same time. The people there held him in the greatest respect and felt deeply his loss when death summoned him, in October, 1885. For years he had been a justice of the peace and acted in the capacity of postmaster for twenty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Esther Atherton, and to their union five children were born. In order of birth they are as follows: Emma, widow of A. S. Davenport,

of Pittston; Hannah, deceased; Clarence A .; Al- bert, deceased; and Aaron, who owns the Tunk- hannock flouring mills.

The birthplace of C. A. Brown was at Exeter, Pa .; the date of the event being October 12, 1854. Such education as fell to his share was obtained in the common schools until 1868, when he en- tered Lewisberry University. Soon after his fa- ther's death he came to Falls, to take charge of the former's milling interests here. Since then he has concluded to make a permanent home here, and the business has prospered in his hands. The mills are quite profitable for a small place, as a business of about $20,000 is done yearly. He has money invested in real estate, and is making a success of life, from a financial point of view. His chief real estate transactions are in Maltby, a suburb of Wilkesbarre, Pa.

The marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Jeanette King, of Falls, took place in 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Falls, and are actively interested in all worthy and progressive movements. They have hosts of friends and well wishers, and love to ex- tend their gracious hospitality to all.

F RANK M. VAUGHN, who is engaged in the insurance and loan business at Mes- hoppen, is a member of a family long identified with the history of this portion of the state. The first of the name who settled in Pennsylvania was his grandfather, Moses Vaughn, a native of New York, who removed to Lackawanna County in early manhood and engaged in farming there until 1865, then going to Mehoopany Township, Wyoming County, where his death occurred at eighty-three years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martlia Case, died at Mehoopany at the age of ninety-five years and two months, and it is a noteworthy fact that her eleven children were all living at the time of her death, the eldest be- ing then seventy-six.

Our subject's father, Theron Vaughn, was born in Blakely Township, Lackawanna County, May 8, 1812, and his early years were spent upon the home farm there. In 1841 he went to Bradford

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County, Pa., where he remained four years, and then came to Wyoming County, purchasing a farm in Mehoopany Township, where he has since resided. For one of his years, eighty-five, he is remarkably vigorous and energetic, and ac- complishes as much as many men twenty years younger than he. Politically he has always been a Jeffersonian Democrat, and is proud of the fact that his first presidential ballot was cast for the hero of the battle of New Orleans. During the '6os he served as county commissioner for three years, and at different times has filled the major- ity of the township offices. He was, in order of birth, the third of the family of seven sons and four daughters. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Brown, was born in Pittston, Luzerne County, Pa., October 1, 1814, and died March 27, 1886. Their seven children were named as follows: Orrin E., a merchant at Mos- cow, Pa .; Frank M .; John P., who died when about forty years of age; E. M., a farmer residing in Mehoopany Township, Wyoming County; George D., also a farmer of Mehoopany; Flor- ence, who died at thirty-four years, and Case, who died when six years of age.

On the old homestead in Blakely Township, Lackawanna County, Frank M. Vaughn was born July 16, 1839, and there the first two years of his life were passed. He was a child of six when the family removed to Wyoming County, and here he grew to manhood and married. Aft- erward he moved to Auburn Township, Susque- hanna County, where he engaged in farming about twenty years, and then coming to Meshop- pen, formed a partnership with the late Gideon Winans in the insurance and brokerage business. On the death of Mr. Winans, J. G. Hahn pur- chased that gentleman's interest, and the firm has since continued in the former lines of activity. In addition to the insurance and brokerage busi- ness, loans are made and a private banking busi- ness is carried on, the firm having an enviable reputation among the people of this section for reliability and honesty of methods.

In his allegiance to the Democratic party, Mr. Vaughn has never wavered, and its principles he may always be relied upon to support. Frater- nally he is a Mason, and belongs to Franklin

Lodge No. 263, F. & A. M., at Laceyville, and is also a member of Meshoppen Lodge No. 520, I. O. O. F. His marriage, June 13, 1867, united him with Catherine Love, of Mehoopany. They have one adopted daughter, Vergie, now the wife of B. V. Cole. As a business man, Mr. Vaughn is keen, decisive and intelligent, careful in formu- lating his judgment, but firm in his convictions when once formed. The borough has no resi- dent more interested in its progress than he, and certainly few have done more to advance its in- terests and promote its advancement along the various lines of activity since he has been a resi- dent of the place.

T OM Z. MITCHELL, of Eaton Township, Wyoming County, comes from one of the very oldest pioneer families of this region. They have been noted for traits of char- acter worthy of all commendation, have been honest, industrious workers in life's vineyard, and from their ranks many an individual went forth to take prominent places in the learned professions and in the councils of the nation. However, though these men have won laurels and the world's approbation, that one who acts his own part to the extent of his ability, and who honorably strives to do his full duty toward his fellowmen is as much entitled to credit and just as worthy of emulation. The gentleman of whom we write is at present serving in the capacity of town auditor, and is always deeply interested in the Republican party, to whose nominees he gives his right of franchise.

Born January 4, 1850, Mr. Mitchell is a son of Elisha and Elizabeth (Swetland) Mitchell, then residents of Tunkhannock, Wyoming County. Their other children were named Margaret, Mary, Virginia, and Ben. Their great-grandfa- ther Mitchell was a native of Ireland, but left his island home to seek a fortune and place of abode in the New World, arriving in the United States prior to the war of the Revolution, and in this county not long afterward. His son Thomas, next in the line of descent, married Miss Mary Harding, and had the following-named children : Sarah, Patty N., Elisha, Abner, Esther, Mary,

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Amelia, Thomas, David, and William. From the early days of the young republic all the voters of the family have been loyal in their allegiance to the Whig and Republican parties.

Until he had reached the age of fifteen years, the subject of this sketch resided with his parents at his birthplace, where he studied in the local schools the elementary branches of learning. Then for about four years he worked at the car- penter's trade, at which he became quite an adept. Having a desire to see a portion of his country, and that restless spirit of seeking new openings for business which is natural to every youth of energy and life, he went to the west and eventu- ally took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Pawnee County, Kas. This tract he greatly improved with good buildings, etc., and he continued to engage in its cultivation some ten years. The monotonously level or slightly rolling prairies of Kansas often caused him to long for the beautifully diversified land- scapes of his native state, and it is not strange that he turned his face homeward at length. In 1893 he entered a new occupation to him, that of milling, and has met with success in this line, as well as in the various enterprises which he has undertaken. He has built up a good trade and finds that his profits are annually increasing.

Prior to going west, Mr. Mitchell made the ac- quaintance of the lady who now bears his name. They were married March 17, 1883, at the par- sonage in North Moreland Township. She is Sarah W., daughter of W. A. and Martha Dana, well known and respected citizens of this county. Mrs. Mitchell was born and reared to woman- hood in Eaton Township, and was afforded the benefits of a liberal education. She is beloved by a large circle of friends, and presides over her pleasant home in a most hospitable manner.

A NDREW AGER, an old and respected resident of Overfield Township, Wyom- ing County, has been for thirty-five years or more the "village blacksmith." Since 1885 he has given his time to the manufacture of plows, etc., and, as he runs a foundry in connec- tion with his shop, makes castings. As an ex-

ample of an honest, industrious, straightforward business man, it would be well if our young peo- ple should pattern after him. Too many of the latter, nowadays, have the notion carefully con- cealed in some corner of their brains, that hard, manual work is beneath them, and, therefore, they rush away to the cities to enter upon some clerkship, at starvation wages. All honor to the men who are not afraid of hard work, for of such sturdy stock Americans are descended. Indeed, it has appeared in the past that to have been a "rail splitter," like our beloved Lincoln; a canal boy, as was Garfield, or a farmer lad, formed a great recommendation in the life of any aspirant to public fame, and the judgment of the people in this respect is founded on truth and wisdom.

Andrew Ager was born in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, September 12, 1828. His fa- ther, John, was a native of New York, his birth having occurred in New Baltimore Township, Greene County. He, in turn, was a son of Charles Ager, who settled in Wyoming County about 1822, taking up a tract of wild land in Overfield Township. On his property he erected a log cabin, and this farm is the one now owned by his grandson, Andrew. He died in 1840 at the ripe old age of seventy years. He married Hannah Smith, and the following-named children were born to them: Joshua, John, Thomas, Law- rence, Charles, Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine, Nel- lie, Susan and Deborah, all now deceased. John Ager came to this county about the same time as did his father, and after his marriage to Sally Avery built a house on a portion of the old home- stead. Here they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was born February 7. 1800; the mother November 14, 1806. The death of the first occurred in 1886, while the latter died a few years previously, August 25, 1880. They had but two children, Andrew and Lewis. The younger son, born April 6, 1834, departed this life March 17, 1873.

In his boyhood, Andrew Ager had to endure many trials and privations incident to pioneer life. He was obliged to walk a distance of over a mile to the district school, typical of that time and place, simply a rude cabin of logs and fur- nished with none of the modern pleasant acces-

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sories of learning. On arriving at suitable years, he began the carpenter's trade, and followed this in connection with blacksmithing and general machine work for years. About 1860 he opened a blacksmith shop, and has kept at the forge much of the time ever since. He owns a valuable farm, as before stated, and this tract, consisting of one hundred and fifty-three acres, he rents to responsible tenants. Formerly, however, he car- ried on the place himself, in addition to running his shop. In his political opinions he is a firm advocate of the platform of the Democracy. Sev- eral times he has been township clerk, judge of elections, inspector of elections, poormaster, etc.

C HARLES GARDNER, one of the repre- sentative business men and a justice of the peace of Factoryville, is distinctive- ly a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invinci- ble courage, a most determined individuality have so entered into his make-up as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion. The city may well accord honor to him. He was born in Wyoming County, October 17, 1841, and is a worthy representative of one of the early New England families. His father, Wilber Gardner, was born in Rhode Island, but in 1818 came to Wyoming County, with his parents, Wilber and Mary (Champlin) Gardner, who spent one year in Nicholson Township, and then purchased land in Abington Town- ship, Lackawanna County, where both died, the former at the age of fifty-nine and the lat- ter at eighty-nine years. Wilber Gardner, Sr., was a son of Benjamin and Tabitha (Brown- ing) Gardner. Benjamin Gardner was born in 1746 and died in Kingston, R. I., in 1834, while his wife was born in 1748 and died in 1821. Her father, William Browning, was born in 1693 at South Kingston, R. I., and died in 1773. He was a descendant of George W. Browning, of the same state, who was a son of John Browning, born in Rhode Island in 1633. The ancestors of our subject have taken a prominent and active part in public affairs, and were honored and val- ued members of society. By occupation they were principally farmers. .

Wilber Gardner, Jr., the father of our subject, married Catharine Driesbach, a native of North- ampton County, Pa., where her parents, Adam and Mary Driesbach, were also born. They spent their last days in Luzerne County, where her father died in 1833 at the age of sixty years, and her mother in 1853 at the age of about eighty. He was a miller by trade. In 1830 Mr. and Mrs. Gardner located near Factoryville, and in 1849 removed to the borough, where the father open- ed a general store, which he successfully con- ducted until selling out in 1869. His last days were spent in retirement, and he died at the ripe old age of seventy-nine years, respected by all who knew him. His wife departed this life in . Factoryville at the age of seventy-four. She was the mother of six children, of whom four are still living. Charles Gardner was eight years of age when he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Factoryville, where almost his entire life has been passed. He pursued his studies in Madison Academy at Waverly, Pa., and also at- tended the Wyoming Seminary for a time. In 1861-62 he conducted a store at East Lemon, a branch of his father's business, but at the end of that time returned to Factoryville, with whose business interests he has since been identified, being connected with his father until 1869. Since that year he has been engaged in the mercantile business, until 1890 with A. J. Gilmore, since then alone.

On the Ist of June, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gardner and Miss Melvina A. Browning, who was born in Benton Township, Lackawanna County, in 1845, and is a daughter of Orrin Browning. She was educated at Fac- toryville in a select school before the Keystone Academy was established, and is a cultured and refined lady. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were born two daughters: May A., who died in 1895, at the age of twenty-eight; and Clara M., at home. Both were given excellent educational privileges, and Miss Clara is a musician of more than ordinary ability. The family is one of the most prominent in Factoryville, holding an en- viable position in social circles.

Mr. Gardner has been called upon to serve in several official positions, including that of jus-

HON. WILLOUGHBY W. WATSON.

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tice of the peace, which office he has now ac- ceptably filled for a quarter of a century. His first vote was cast for General Grant in 1868, and he has ever since been a most pronounced Re- publican in politics. For forty years he has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Masonic fraternity, following closely the teachings of both. During his en- tire connection he has been a trustee of the church, and contributed liberally to the erection of the house of worship. His wife, who is active in all good works, belongs to the same church, and is also a member of the Daughters of the Revolution.

H ON. WILLOUGHBY W. WATSON, attorney and counsellor-at-law and ex- state senator, is interested in many of the most important corporations and enterprises of Scranton, being vice-president of the Traders National Bank, secretary and treasurer of Moosic Mountain Coal Company, treasurer of Mt. Jes- sup Coal Company, Limited, manager of the Florence Coal Company, Limited, secretary, treasurer and one of the managers of the Provi- dence & Abington Turnpike & Plank Road Company, secretary and treasurer of the Leisen- ring Manufacturing Company, that is engaged in the manufacture of grates, secretary, treasurer and a director of the Whitehall Land & Improve- ment Company, and a director of the Whitehall Water Company.

Through a careful observance of the laws of hygiene, Mr. Watson has retained his health and vigor to an unusual degree, and a stranger would not suppose that his life has covered a half cen- tury. He was born October 6, 1842, in New Milford, Susquehanna County, Pa., and is of Scotch descent. His great-grandfather, Walter Watson, was born in Edinburgh, where he grad- uated in medicine and surgery, and where he spent his entire life, with the exception of the period of his service as surgeon in the British army during the Revolution. One of his de- scendants is the most eminent physician in Edin- burgh to-day.

The grandfather of our subject, Walter Wat-

son, was born in New York City while his par- ents were visiting in America, and was taken by them to Scotland, where for seven years he was a student in Edinburgh University, graduating with the degree of A. B. and M. D. He was an excellent scholar in classics and could speak flu- ently seven different languages. After gradua- ting he came to the United States and settled in Cold Spring, N. Y., where he practiced his pro- fession with success. At the age of seventy-five he was accidentally burned to death in his home, through the catching on fire of a bed. John Watson University of Edinburgh is one of the finest institutions of learning in Scotland, was founded by an ancestor, John Watson.

The father of our subject, Walter Watson, Jr., was born in Cold Spring, Putnam County, N. Y., and became a farmer in New Milford, Sus- quehanna County, Pa., where he improved a homestead and resided for more than fifty years. He was active in matters pertaining to educa- tion, and held numerous township offices. His death, which occurred at seventy-seven years, was the result of having been accidentally injured. He married Candace Hammond, a native of Sus- quehanna County, and still a resident of the old homestead there. Her father, Col. Asa Ham- mond, was born in Keene, N. H., and gained his title through service in the militia; he spent his life principally in farm pursuits and in business, and died when ninety-six years of age. His father, Asa, who was a member of an old New England family, died in Susquehanna County when very aged.

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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 18

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