Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 52

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 52
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 52

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RA J. CLARK, deceased, formerly a promi- nent farmer and the supervisor of Scott Township, was born near Edella, this county, October 14, 1820, the son of Samuel and Rebecca (Stone) Clark. His boyhood years were passed upon the home farm, where he became familiar with all the duties pertaining to the management of a well-regulated estate. His education was limited to a brief attendance at the neighboring schools, which were then of a character far in- ferior to those of the present time.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

About the time of his marriage, in 1844, Mr. Clark purchased a farm in Scott Township and here his remaining years were busily and happily passed. At the time he took possession, there were no improvements on the place, but with the passing years he erected necessary and sub- stantial buildings, brought the soil under good cultivation and planted an orchard that was one of the largest in the township. In the little log cabin that stood on the farm he and his wife began housekeeping and there they made their home for eight years, when a larger house was erected.

The lady whom Mr. Clark married in 1844 and who was his faithful helpmate until his death bore the maiden name of Polly J. Leonard, and was born in Scott Township December 4, 1824. After fifty years of wedded life, during which time their mutual sympathy and helpfulness lightened every sorrow and doubled every joy, they cele- brated their golden wedding, on which occasion they were the recipients of the good wishes of a host of warm personal friends. Three children came to bless their union, but only one is living, Clayton L. The daughter, Jane W., died in 1863. Clayton L. married Geneva Smith, and they are the parents of five children: George, who is married and has a daughter, Helen; Beatrice; Bertha, wife of Frank Lewis; Arthur and Jennie.

At the time of his death, which occurred August 4, 1896, Mr. Clark was the owner of one hundred acres of finely improved land, as good as could be found in the township, and its im- provements bore testimony to his industry and energy. For twelve years he was a deacon in the Baptist Church. He was interested in local affairs and served efficiently as township super- visor one year.

W ILLIAM H. JONES, one of the substantial farmers of Spring Brook Township, may justly be called a pioneer of the town, having resided at his pres- ent location since 1849. He made his way from the Wyoming Valley near Pittston to this place through a dense and unbroken forest, guided on

the journey by blazed trees. With the history of the neighborhood he has since been asso- ciated. He has lived to see what was in years gone by a region of timbered and almost unset- tled land transformed into a prosperous, finely cultivated and beautiful country. Amid the stir- ring scenes of pioneer life he was ever found ready to lend a helping hand to those in want of assistance in any form, and under all circum- stances has so conducted himself as to win the friendship of his associates.

The parents of our subject, Aaron and Sarah (Frantz) Jones, resided upon a farm in Bucks County until they died, the father at sixty-seven and the mother when fifty-four years of age. Of their eight children the sole survivor, William H., was born at Hilltown, Bucks County, Pa., May 3, 1828, and remained on the home farm until the death of his father. He was only eight when his mother died and four years later his father passed away, after which he was taken into the home of relatives near Bethel and lived near the Blue Mountains about four years. In 1844 he removed to Scranton, where he engaged at the shoemaker's trade for four years and then spent a year in the Wyoming Valley.

A gentleman who became acquainted with Mr. Jones, recognizing his worth, honesty and indus- try, persuaded him to come to Lackawanna County and work in a shop where his farm now is situated. Eight years were passed in that posi- tion, where he proved himself a steady, faithful workman. Meantime the earnings which he was able to save were invested in the purchase of the land, then a wilderness and uncleared forest, Determined to make a home, he and his wife went into the forest and in two hours, by their own hands, constructed their first house, moving in it at once. This was the beginning of what has since been converted into a valuable farm. He managed to make the first payment of $125 on the place and when they moved into the house they had the sum of three shillings. The suc- ceeding days were spent in the shop and on his return home at six o'clock in the evening, he began to work at clearing the land and burning piles of logs, continuing sometimes until mid- night. During those early years he did an im-

HENRY J. BRENNAN.

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mense amount of work and had he not possessed a robust constitution he would have been unable to endure the constant overwork. His home farm consists of fifty-seven and one-half acres, in addition to which he owns another tract of eighty acres, all devoted to general farming.

The wife of our subject was Mary C. Felts, daughter of John P. and Polly (Phillips) Felts, who were pioneer residents of what is now Green- field Township, the father dying there when sixty-two and the mother at forty-one years. Of their eleven children five attained mature years, and two are living, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Hannah Lowe, of Ashford, Banner County, Neb. After the death of his first wife Mr. Felts again married and had five children by that union. At the orga- nization of the Republican party Mr. Jones identi- fied himself with it and lias since supported its principles. His parents reared him in the Bap- tist faith, but there is no church here of that de- nomination, and in former years he was actively identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is a member of the Grange and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. His life has been one filled with hard work and energetic efforts and he well deserves his present pros- perity.

H ENRY J. BRENNAN, the coal operator and promoter of many important enter- prises in Carbondale, was born in this city, November 1, 1850, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza (Brennan) Brennan, who, though bear- ing the same name, were members of different families, between which not the least relationship existed. The former, who was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1816, was orphaned a month before his birth, by the death of his father, Thomas.

In 1838, when about twenty-two years of age, Thomas Brennan came to America and settled in Carbondale, where he engaged to work in the coal mines. In 1847 occurred the greatest mine disaster the United States had ever experienced, and while the majority of the miners lost their lives, he and a few others were released, after three days' confinement, more dead than. alive,

having suffered untold misery. Later he became interested in other enterprises and was the first individual coal shipper from Carbondale. In 1890 he retired from active business pursuits, and thenceforth lived in retirement until his death, July 14, 1895. He was one of the leading citizens of the place, a man of iron will, great determina- tion and force of character, yet kind and con- siderate to all when not antagonized. In 1879 he served as mayor and always bore an honorable part in the enterprises of the city.

The mother of our subject was a sister of the late Captain Brennan and the youngest child of Lawrence Brennan, a wealthy land owner in Ire- land, a man of sterling qualities, and known in his neighborhood as a peacemaker in all local ani- mosities. Capt. William Brennan, his eldest son, was a man of business ability, a civil engineer by profession, but for some time engaged in mer- cantile enterprises. He was a pioneer in the set- tlement of Carbondale. In those days it was thought that there was no coal in the mountains between Carbondale and Forest City, but he was of a different opinion, and endeavored to con- vince the managers of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad that there were coal veins. They, how- ever, would have no part in what they termed his wild cat scheme of prospecting for it. Thor- oughly convinced that he was correct, he started out to make the experiment on his own ac- count and secured possession of a large tract of land. The result proved the wisdom of his opinion. Coal was found in large quan- tities. He raised a large sum of money, opened up a mine and operated it for some time with a large force of men. When it was finally set- tled that there was coal in immense quantities, the Delaware & Hudson were anxious to ac- quire possession of his property, and while he was not desirous of selling, yet he did so on receipt of a large price that was a fortune in itself. He then retired from the coal busi- ness and engaged in stock operations in Wall Street, where he met with some heavy losses. His stately residence in Upper Salem Avenue, Carbondale, is now a part of St. Rosa Catholic parochial school. Having a wide acquaintance in Ireland, the people from that country on emi-

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grating to the United States headed for Carbon- dale, where they were sure to find a friend in him. Through his assistance many found profit- able employment. Of his family two sons be- came Catholic priests and all had the advantage of a higher education.

The mother of our subject had fifteen children, of whom Henry J. is the eldest living. Though now seventy-two years of age, her intellect is as bright as that of many women of half her age. Her son, William L., is an attorney, and her youngest son, John, is engaged in the diamond drill business. Our subject received his educa- tion in the public schools of Carbondale, and as a boy displayed much business tact. His uncle, whom he resembled in energy, took a fancy to him and hired him as a clerk in his store, where determined traits of character were instilled in his life. While employed during the day, he at- tended night school and stored in his mind a good supply of book knowledge and practical business experience. For about two years he was con- nected with the county recorder's office in Wilkes- barre, after which he returned to Carbondale and engaged in the coal business with his father.

In 1882 the Democratic party brought for- ward the name of Mr. Brennan as their candidate for clerk of the courts, and after a hotly contested election he was found to be thirty-seven votes short. His personal popularity gave him every vote cast in two election districts, and all but one in another. While he was satisfied that he was elected, he made no contest, but determined then and there not to accept the nomination for another office. In 1883-84 he was postoffice in- spector for St. Louis district. He has had some experience of life in the far west, having in 1877 made a trip to the Black Hills, and engaged in mining there, but did not like the country well enough to remain long. At one time he also made a trip to the Indian Territory, where he took steps toward prospecting for oil and asphalt, some- thing not supposed to exist in that region. Find- ing large quantities of asphalt, he organized a company and developed the great industry. While in that region he gained the confidence of the Shawnee Indians to such an extent that, in the winter of 1895, he was one of their repre-

sentatives in Washington in a claim of $500,000 against the government. It was largely due to his exertions that they were successful in estab- lishing the claim. Much of his time in winter for several years has been spent in Washington, where he has many warm friends. While there, soon after the Chicago convention of 1896, he became president of the first Bryan and Sewall Club of Washington.

In the fall of 1896 Mr. Brennan secured con- trol of some two hundred acres of fine coal land at Shamokin, Pa., in company with other capital- ists, and commenced to open one of the largest coal mines in that section. He is also interested in organizing a large stock company to engage in extensive business enterprises in Old Mexico. He is a man of advanced and original ideas, and undertakes the promoting of great enterprises that less daring men would shrink from. When he undertakes an enterprise he invariably carries it through to a successful termination. If he has not the capital, he has the ability to interest men that have means, and their confidence in him has never been misplaced.

October 5, 1880, Mr. Brennan married Mar- garet, daughter of Patrick McGarry, one of the wealthiest farmers in the vicinity of Carbondale. They have seven children: Lizzie, born Novem- ber 1, 1881; Thomas P., July 26, 1885; Mary, October 20, 1886; Clair, who died in infancy; Margaret Jane, born November 1, 1888; Sa- lome, December 18, 1889; and Harry J., March 10, 1891. The family occupy a fine residence on the hill in Upper Salem Avenue, and directly across the street from the home once occupied by Captain Brennan.

H ON. JOHN S. LA TOUCHE has been for many years a resident of Moscow and is one of the men whose energy and ability have contributed to the development of this place. He was born in Union Village, Wash- ington County, N. Y., February 23, 1837, and is the son of Michael and Catherine (Yeager) La Touche. His father, who was a native of Paris, France, was brought in infancy to America by his parents and at the age of eight years was

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bound out in New York, learning the upholster- er's and paper-hanger's trade. He worked at his trade in New York State until about 1839, when he came to this county and purchased a farm in Covington Township, continuing to reside there until his death at sixty years of age. His wife, who was born in the Mohawk Valley, March 4, 1802, died at the age of eighty-four.

At the time the family came to Lackawanna County, the subject of this sketch was two years of age. His early life was spent upon the home farm and in attendance at the common schools and Stroudsburg Academy. When seventeen years of age he began hauling lumber from Spring Brook to Pittston and Easton, and fol- lowed that occupation about one year. After- ward, for a similar period, he worked on a farm in New York and in the powder mill at Moosic. In 1856 the station was opened at Moscow and he came here as warehouseman. In April, 1859, he was appointed station agent and has since served efficiently in that capacity, and has also been agent for the Hope, Howard, United States and Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Express Companies.

December 29, 1857, Mr. La Touche married Miss Elizabeth L. Depew, of Moscow. They are the parents of three children: Lionne L., wife of M. A. Lyman, assistant agent at this ,place; R. M., who holds a position as bookkeeper for the Elk tannery at Instanter, Pa .; and A. Inez, wife of N. C. Broadhead, superintendent of the Elk Tanning Company's tannery at Instanter, Pa.

The Republican party in the eastern part of Lackawanna County has one of its most promi- nent men and workers in Mr. La Touche. From 1881 to 1884 he represented this district in the legislature and was a member of the extra ses- sion called by the governor. Throughout his en- tire period of service he was a member of the committee on appropriations, which required almost his entire time, and in addition he served as a member of the committees on public build- ings, counties and townships, judicial apportion- ment, printing, railroads, and labor and industry. Since 1887 he has served as township auditor, for a similar period has been school director and since 1893 has served as secretary of the school

board. For years he has been one of the active politicians of Moscow. He is a whole-souled, genial man, with a large circle of friends, and while not a member of any church contributes to religious work. He has accumulated consider- able property during his busy life, owning a sub- stantial store building that he rents and a good residence in this place. This represents his own earnings, for he began without capital and has had to work his way to success without assist- ance.

T HOMAS SMITH. A large farm in North Abington Township is owned and op- erated by the subject of this sketch, who, beginning with no capital save a brave heart and a pair of strong hands, has by unremitting labor accumulated a competence, besides having em- bellished his estate with many improvements of a modern type. He has a substantial barn, a neat residence and all the outbuildings essential to the proper cultivation of a farm. By a course of industry, prudence and good management, he has become well-to-do financially, and his estate indicates to what good purpose he has labored during the years gone by.

The father of our subject, Thomas Smith, Sr., was born in Rhode Island, removed thence to Pennsylvania about 1799, settled in this county and cleared about one hundred and fifty acres in a tract of three hundred acres. Upon this place he remained until his death in February, 1855, at the age of sixty-three. He married Mary Northrup, of Rhode Island, who died here in 1892, at the age of ninety-three. The family of which she is a member is mentioned in the sketch of Henry Northrup, upon another page. Of her eleven children, Thomas and a sister alone sur- vive.

Upon the home farm in North Abington Township, our subject was born October 8, 1833. In boyhood years he had few opportunities for acquiring an education, and he was obliged to work early and late in assisting in the mainte- nance of the family. However, observation and experience have partially made up for his loss in schooling. Working hard in youth, he saved

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what he earned, and by economy and continued perseverance has become well-to-do. He began life dependent upon his own resources and has reached his present position solely by constant labor and good management. He is the owner of three hundred acres, the improvements upon which have been made by himself, and credit should be given him for the manner in which he has labored and the success that has attended him.

In 1855 Mr. Smith married Margaret Bailey, who died in October, 1862, at the age of twenty- six, having become the mother of two children: Frank L., who occupies part of the home farm and has two children; and one that died in in- fancy. The second marriage of our subject united him with Miss Harriet Carpenter, an estimable lady, whose death at the age of forty-seven was deeply mourned. The only child born of this union is Niles J., who is married, has one child, and resides with his father. Mr. Smith cast his first vote for John C. Fremont and since then has never failed to vote for the candidates of the Republican party. Personally he is well dow- ered with shrewdness, foresight and thrift, is straightforward and just in his dealings and is held in high regard by his associates.

J OSEPH P. PHILLIPS. From colonial days until now, the fondest dream indulged in by thousands of dwellers across the sea has been that of coming to America, where mod- erate finances would secure more of the com- forts of life and better opportunities for educa- tional and social progress than in their native land. This dream has been realized by many now recognized as among our worthy citizens. One, now city engineer of Scranton, in boyhood days often thought of the United States as a desirable home and by experience he has learned that our opportunities are greater and our possi- bilities larger than those of his native country.

William, father of our subject, and Henry, the grandfather, were born in Monmouthshire, Eng- land, and were bonesetters by occupation, the. former dying at sixty-nine years. The mother, Jane, who was born in Monmouthshire and died

there at the age of sixty-six, was a daughter of Jeremiah James, for some years a coal agent at Cork, Ireland. The parental family consisted of ten children, of whom four sons came to America, and two are living, Joseph P. and Wil- liam, a miner and prospector in Colorado. The oldest son, Hon. Henry Phillips, was the first of the family in Scranton, coming here in 1862, and securing employment with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western as surveyor of coal mines. To him belongs the honor of securing ventilation of mines; he originated the bill, that was afterward passed, securing the proper venti- lation of mines. In 1872 he was elected to the state legislature from the old fifth district of Lu- zerne, now the first district of Lackawanna, and served one term. Interested in the development of Hyde Park, he surveyed and platted lots, which he sold from time to time. Frequently he re- turned to England, on business trips or for the purpose of recreation, and he died in Monmouth- shire, in October, 1896. Another brother, Jere- miah, who was also a surveyor and engineer with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, died in 1892.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed in Monmouthshire, where he was born Decem- ber 30, 1845. At the age of seventeen he secured work in Glamorganshire mines, but, the employ- ment not proving congenial, he made applica- tion to the Great Western Railroad for a posi- tion. However, before passing the examination. required, he returned home and the influence of his parents caused him to decide to learn the civil engineer's trade. After an apprenticeship of fif- teen months under Thomas Marley Williams, in August, 1868, he took passage on the steamer "Nebraska," and spent ten days between Liver- pool and New York. Arriving in the latter city he proceeded at once to Scranton and began to work with his brother Henry, for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, as a civil engineer in the coal department. In the spring of 1884 he resigned, and in May of that year was appointed assistant city engineer under Edward F. Blewitt, with whom he continued until March, 1893. He was then elected by the council to fill the unex- pired term of city engineer, and in April, 1894,

JUSTUS VON STORCH.

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was elected for a full term of three years. Most of the improvements in this line in the city have been made since his first connection with the office, among them being the building of the two bridges across Roaring Brook and the paving of streets.

Miss Esther Hughes, who became the wife of Mr. Phillips in 1870, was born in Summit Hill and educated in Wilkesbarre. Her parents are Thomas and Frances (Slocum) Hughes, the for- mer of Welsh descent, the latter a member of the historic family of Slocums of Slocum's Hollow. Mr. Hughes was quite successful as a mine su- perintendent and died in Wilkesbarre in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of ten liv- ing children: William, a civil engineer with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad; Frank, a clerk in the city engineer's department; Frances J., Mary L., Nellie Beatrice, Geraldine, Joseph, Orissa, Henry, and Esther.

In 1875-77 Mr. Phillips was a member of the select council from the fifth ward and was presi- dent of that body in 1876, when there were twelve wards in the city; before his term expired the number had been increased to twenty-one. He is connected with Hyde Park Lodges of Masons and Knights of Pythias, has been keeper of rec- ords and seals, was district deputy three terms and representative thirteen times to the grand lodge. At one time he was vice-president of the West Side Board of Trade. In political views he is a Republican. He took an active part in the organization of the Engineers Club of Scran- ton, of which he is a member. He was in the Eisteddfod competition at the World's Fair and has been closely connected with the societies that competed at the World's Fair.

J USTUS VON STORCH. There is no fam- ily residing in Scranton that has furnished to the city better citizens or more success- ful business men than has the one of which the subject of this article was an honored member. He was the youngest son of Henry L. C. von Storch, the founder of the family in America, and the subject of a sketch that appears on another page. At the family homestead in Providence, he was

born April 15, 1824, and in that portion of Scran- ton his education was obtained. A practical and successful man, by economy and industry he be- came the possessor of a modest income, and surrounded his family with every comfort, build- ing for them the present family residence on the corner of Mulberry Street and Wyoming Ave- nue.

A lover of progress and good order, a friend to the worthy and unfortunate, an enemy to all schemes of fraud and dishonesty in public offi- cials, seeking and working to improve the condition of mankind, he was able, in his quiet manner, to assist his community and pro- mote its interests. He was well educated, culti- vated in his tastes and a patron of the fine arts. Though richly endowed by nature, he deserved none the less honor that he improved the tal- ents bestowed on him. Tolerant of the opinions of others, he took the broad and comprehensive view of life which is thoroughly indicative of su- perior intellect and sound judgment. Quiet and retiring in disposition, he was nevertheless gen- ial and affable in his intercourse with friends. He died October 28, 1890.

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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 52

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