Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 57

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 57
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 57

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Politically Mr. Gardner advocates Republican principles. The fact that he is a man of strict integrity and one to be trusted in any position,

JOSEPH BIRKETT.

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led to his election as a member of the board of special council for the city, and in that capacity he served for two years, being meanwhile a mem- ber of the important committees. In 1883 he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet, daugh- ter of H. B. Curtis, of Wayne County. Two chil- dren were born of their union, but the older, Ray, died in 1892, at the age of five years. The parents and their surviving son, Burdette Curtis, reside at No. 80 Cemetery Street. In religious views Mr. Gardner is connected with the Baptist Church, to which his wife also belongs. Indus- trious and thrifty, possessing good judgment in financial matters, he has not only become the owner of a pleasant home, but in addition has purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Wayne County, all of which he has made by his unaided exertions-a fact that speaks well for his perseverance and ability.

J OSEPH BIRKETT, who is numbered among the prominent citizens of Carbon- dale, was born January 19, 1823, in Cum- berland, a county in the northern part of Eng- land. The family of which he is a member orig- inated in Scotland, but the date of their removal across the border is unknown. His father, John, and grandfather, William Birkett, were both for many years agents for the Dixon Manufacturing Company, and in religious belief were members of the Church of England. The mother of our subject, in maidenhood Ruth Cragg, was born in Cumberlandshire, of Scotch ancestry, and in religious adherence was a Congregationalist, the faith of her family.

At the age of fourteen the subject of this sketch began to learn the carpenter's trade, and this he followed in his native land for some years. In the spring of 1849, accompanied by his wife, whose maiden name was Ann Drummond, he sailed for America, landing in Philadelphia April 4 of that year. He crossed the Alleghany Moun- tains in the rude stage coaches of that day and finally reached his destination, Nashville, Tenn. On his arrival he found the cholera raging, and not deeming it safe to remain, he again crossed the mountains, and on the 6th of July reached

Carbondale. By this time his money was ex- hausted, so he stopped here and secured a posi- tion in the car shops of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad under the late Homer Grinnell, remain- ing here until 1854. He then went to Gibson and followed his trade for two years, at the same time engaging in farming. Since that time Car- bondale has been his home.

After his return from Gibson, Mr. Birkett was made assistant to Mr. Orchard in the car shops, and remained in that position until 1865, when, having purchased a tract of land in what is now the thriving northeast part of the city, he opened up coal mines. These he operated for four years and then leased to other parties, preferring to give his attention to the opening and improve- ment of that part of the city now comprised in the fifth and sixth wards. It is largely due to his efforts that this is now one of the most desirable residence portions of the city. His elegant resi- dence in Birkett Street he sold some years ago, when his wife was in poor health and desired to be nearer the central part of the city. In the building up of the town he has been one of the prime movers. Every worthy enterprise has had his assistance. He is treasurer of the Electric Light, Heat & Power Company, director of the Crystal Lake Water Company, that furnishes the city with its excellent water service; for ten years has been treasurer of the Maplewood cemetery, and is a stockholder in the Miners & Mechanics Bank. For two years he was a councilman, and for one year served as mayor of the city. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and at one time was a trustee. Since 1865 he has been a Mason, is a Knight Templar, was for ten years treasurer of the blue lodge, and belongs to the Veteran Association of Scranton.

In 1843 Mr. Birkett married Miss Drummond, who was born March 13, 1823, in England, of Scotch ancestry. In 1893, after fifty years of happy wedded life, they celebrated their golden wedding. The union was one of those heaven- made alliances that bind together hearts in sor- row as in joy, in adversity as in prosperity. She was fitted to be his companion and helpmate, for she possessed a happy disposition, a noble Chris- tian character and a charity that knew no bounds.

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She dispensed her benefactions with a lavish hand, but with no desire for display in helping the poor and lowly. Her sterling worth was recognized by all, and she had many warm friends. Hers was a beautiful life, and when she passed away, September 19, 1895, there were many, both of the rich and poor, who felt they had lost their warmest friend, but upon none did the loss fall so heavily as upon her companion of fifty-two years, whom her death left alone in the world.

J EREMIAH D. KNIGHT, for many years one of the most successful stock farmers of South Abington Township, was born in Sussex County, N. J., July 15, 1826, and is the son of Benjamin and Mercy (Rose) Knight, na- tives respectively of Orange County, N. Y., and Sussex County, N. J. His father, who was a farmer by occupation, removed to this county and settled near Waverly about 1832, purchasing a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of part- * ly improved land. Upon that place, which is now owned by our subject, his remaining years were busily passed. He died in Waverly when ninety- five years of age. The death of his wife occurred when she was sixty-seven. Of their seven chil- dren, four are still living. The paternal grand- father of our subject was Nicholas Knight, a native of Long Island, who removed after his marriage to Orange County, N. Y., and died there when quite aged.

In the district schools of the neighborhood and in Madison Academy, the subject of this sketch gained a practical education, and afterward taught one term of school. On the day before Christmas in 1856 he married Miss Delila Ann Parker, who was born in North Abington Township and died here at the age of twenty-nine years. Of her three children, Elmer W. is engaged in railroad- ing and lives in Dunmore; Myron, an engineer and railroad man, is also a resident of Dunmore; and Charles B. resides in Utica, N. Y. The three sons are married. Mrs. Delila Ann Knight was a daughter of Stephen and Asenath Parker, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively, but early settlers of this county, where both died in North Abington Township.

March 18, 1869, Mr. Knight married Miss Em- ily A. Clark, an estimable lady of beautiful Chris- tian character, who remained his faithful help- mate until her death at fifty-seven years. The family of which she was a member originated in England, where William, a son of Sir James Clark, was born in 1757. Accompanied by two brothers (who it is thought were soon afterward massacred by the Indians) he came to America and settled in Rhode Island. In the spring of 1799, with his eldest sons, Jeremiah and William, he came over the mountain from Providence through the Ackerly notch. Reaching this coun- ty, they found the snow two feet deep in the valleys, but on the hills the snow was not deep, so they found a place there, built a fire, prepared and ate supper, spread their blankets and retired to rest, and in that manner spent their first night in Abington Township. Wolves howled dismally not far away, and the surroundings were all those of the frontier.

Having decided to remain here, the father and sons went to work to prepare a home for the family. For six months they saw no woman, but lived, in solitary splendor, in their log cabin, do- ing their own cooking and sewing. Bedsteads were made of poles, chairs and table were con- structed of plank split from basswood trees. In 1800 Deacon Clark went back to Rhode Island and returned with the other members of the fam- ily. In 1805 Jeremiah married Sophia Hall, and the first year the young wife did her own housework and taught school six months of the time; he sowed wheat, raising one hundred bush- els from four bushels. He dug the first well in the township and kept the first hotel in this sec- tion of country. His wife died in 1877, leaving one son, Jeremiah C., and one daughter, Mrs. Knight.

The first barn in Abingdon Township was built by Jeremiah Clark and was known, from its size, as "Babel Wanting," but he was thrifty and pros- perous and succeeded in filling it to the peak. For thirty years he kept a hotel until the Dela- ware, Lackawanna & Western road was building, when he took five hundred shares in the company. At the time of his death, in 1867, he was probably better known than any man in Abington, except

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perhaps Rev. John Miller, and his name is re- membered with affection as a worthy pioneer.

After his marriage the subject of this sketch continued to reside on the old homestead for four years, after which he removed to his pres- ent home in Clarks Green. As a stock raiser and shipper he was known not only in this state, but also in New York. On his two farms he con- ducted a large dairy business, and was a pioneer in this department of agriculture, which he proved could be carried on profitably. In .ten months, from one of his farms, he sold $4,000 worth of milk, and $5,500 within twelve months. His ex- tensive operations in buying stock, shipping, breeding, etc., brought him a large business ac- quaintance, which he retains, though retired from business for some time past. During one winter he butchered sixteen hundred head of sheep, which he had hauled to Scranton and there sold. In addition to other work, he was a pioneer breeder of fine horses and in his stables are to be seen some steppers as fine as any in this part of the state. Fraternally he has been identified with the Masons for many years. In early years he was a Whig and upon the disintegration of that party identified himself with the Republicans. In 1856 he voted for John C. Fremont and is proud of the fact that he has never missed casting a Republican vote at every presidential election since that time.

A NDREW WELLS. It has been sometimes said that anyone can be a farmer, and while it may be true that any one can till the soil after a fashion, it is only the man who possesses energy, industry and thrift that can make the soil yield rich harvests and thoroughly compensate him for the labor bestowed. The sub- ject of this sketch and his brother, James, who own and cultivate a valuable farm in Benton Township, are successful farmers and are also known as experienced breeders of fine trotting horses. In their farm work they have always favored the adoption of new and improved meth- ods in conducting the home place, and this, doubtless, is one of the reasons of their success.

Born in this county March 29, 1829, Andrew

Wells is a son of John and Elizabeth (Hunter) Wells. His father, who was born in Orange County, N. Y., June 8, 1804, was in early life a inason, but afterward abandoned the trade and turned his attention to farming. For a number of years lie was also proprietor of a small store in Factoryville, Pa., and there owned a hall which was rented by the Knights Templar. On being burned out, he left the place and removed to Vineland, N. J., where he died at the age of eighty-three. His wife, who was born in Orange County, N. Y., September 10, 1803, died in Fac- toryville at the age of fifty-two. Of their twelve children all but one attained mature years and eight are yet living. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Wells, who died about 1838. The maternal grandfather, Robert Hunter, was born December 8, 1775, served for three months in the War of 1812, and died September 18, 1864. He married Esther Clark, who was born June 25, 1780, and died January 17, 1843. From Orange County, N. Y., Robert Hunter and his wife moved to Pennsylvania and both died here several years afterward.

Until the age of twenty-seven Andrew Wells remained an inmate of the home of his parents. May 16, 1856, he married Miss Mary Sherrer, who was born in Prussia, September 15, 1839, and was one of a family of four children, all but one of whom are living. After the death of her mother, Margaretha (Feltz) Sherrer, in Germany, her father, Jacob, crossed the ocean and settled in Archbald, Pa., where he died about 1849.' Mr. and Mrs. Wells became the parents of five chil- dren, of whom Willie died at the age of seven- teen years. The living are named as follows: Judson H., who is at home assisting on the farm; Vernon B., who is engaged in the banking busi- ness in Nebraska and is also deputy treasurer; Frank 'A., residing in Benton Township; and Alpha L., who received a good education and is popular in the best social circles of the town- ship.

In connection with his brother James, our sub- ject shortly after his marriage purchased the old homestead, where from time to time he has erect- ed needed buildings, building in 1896 the com- modious and modern house that now adorns the

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place. As already intimated, the brothers are known as breeders of fine trotting horses, being the first men in the township to give attention to this business. As long as thirty years ago, they liad a track on their farm and exhibited their horses at fairs throughout the state, where they invariably attracted attention and won premiums. In political belief both are Republicans, in this respect following the example set them by their father. While the ancestors were Universalists, the family of our subject attend the Baptist Church and are identified with its good works. Early in life he discovered the force of the axiom, "Honesty is the best policy," and having always rigidly adhered to it, he has the implicit confi- dence of the people among whom he lives.

W ILLIAM A. LACOE. The unpreten- tious home of this gentleman is situ- ated in Newton Township and is re- plete with all the comforts of rural life, evidently secured by the hand of persevering industry. The place comprises three hundred acres and is one of the largest dairy farms in the township. The residence is a neat and substantial dwelling, near which are a good barn and other outbuild- ings, and the proprietor has supplied himself with the machinery and other appliances requisite for carrying on agriculture after modern methods.

Though himself a typical American, our sub- ject is of foreign parentage, his parents, Anthony B. and Amelia (DePeu) Lacoe, having been na- tives respectively of France and the Isle of St. Domingo. The former died in this locality when nearly one hundred and four years of age, while the latter died in Pittston about 1843. William A. was born in Pittston Township, Luzerne County, January 31, 1820, and when only about eleven years of age began to make his own way in the world, following any occupation that would pro- vide him an honest living. For a time he was employed on farms by the day or month, also worked as a water boy at the Lehigh dam, carry- ing water for about eight gangs of men.

Under his father, who was a carpenter, Mr. Lacoe obtained a thorough knowledge of this trade, which he followed in Tunkhannock a num-

ber of years. One year after his marriage he re- turned to his old home, where he engaged in farming. About 1856 he located at his present place of residence, where he has since engaged in general farming and dairying. In an early day he engaged in the lumber business in Pittston and built a sawmill in Susquehanna County, where he resided for five years, later selling to Hon. Galu- sha Grow. Since the war he has resided continu- ously in Newton Township.

In 1843 Mr. Lacoe married Sibyl Ash, and they became the parents of eight sons and three daugh- ters, of whom all but one are still living. They are: Lewis S., Wm. K., Henry C., Charles E., James M., John F., Joseph A., Amelia M., Mary A., Addie G., and Ira A. At every presidential election since he became a voter Mr. Lacoe has had the privilege of casting his ballot, and always in favor of Democratic principles and candidates. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, while he is not identified with any denomination, he has been helpful in giving finan- cial assistance when new churches are to be built. It has been his aim to live according to the prin- ciple of the Golden Rule, and he is proud of the fact that he has never sued or been sued by any man.

J ACOB W. WARNKE. After some years of thorough preparation by service in the employ of business men of Scranton, Mr. Warnke opened a grocery store and formed a partnership with A. T. Heiser under the firm name of Heiser & Warnke. Their establishment is located at No. 102 South Main Avenue, cor- ner of Jackson Street, an advantageous situation for the purposes of trade. By their uniform hon- esty they have built up a substantial trade among the people of this locality, and the partnership, formed in February, 1891, has proved profitable to both members of the firm.

Mr. Warnke was born in Scranton June 6, 1863, and has always made this city his home. Of German descent, he is a son of Frederick Warnke, a native of Oldenburg, and a resident of Scranton from the early '50s until his death. Further mention of the family history will be

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found in the sketch of Frederick Warnke, Jr., presented upon another page. Reared in Hyde Park, Jacob W. was educated in the local pub- lic schools, and from an early age began to assist his father in the store, remaining with him until his retirement about 1879. Afterward for three years he was a clerk in the shoe store of G. C. Courtright, in South Main Avenue, and for a similar period was with W. T. Smith, proprietor of a general store. Then, for seven years, he was in the employ of F. W. Mason & Co. While with these different firms he gained a thorough knowledge of business principles and was thus prepared to enter business for himself, which he did in 1891, with the satisfactory results already noted.

In the organization of the Traders Building & Loan Association Mr. Warnke took an active part and has since served as a director. Frater- nally, he is identified with Globe Lodge of Odd Fellows, Schiller Lodge, F. & A. M., Patriotic Order Sons of America, and Hari Gari. In na- tional politics he upholds Democratic principles. He and his father were both for some years mem- bers of the board of trustees of Zion Lutheran Church, Scranton, of which his parents were among the first members. He is one of the ac- tive business men of the city and well deserves the success he has attained. In 1892 he married Miss Katie E. Schnell, of Scranton. They have one son, Philip W., and reside at No. 622 West Lackawanna Avenue.

C HARLES D. SHUMWAY, M. D. Of the numerous professions in which men may rise to eminence, there is none known to the professional world that claims a higher place in the esteem of all than does the science of medicine. From the earliest times down to the present, there has never been a class of men in whom greater confidence has been placed, and who have occupied a higher place in the esteem of mankind than does the physician. No one more successfully proves the truth of this assertion than does Dr. Shumway, .who is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Scranton.

Born in Oswego County, N. Y., September 8, 1853, Dr. Shumway is the descendant, on the paternal side, of French Huguenot ancestors, who, coming to America, settled on the Hudson, in Orange County. His grandfather, Amos Shum- way, who was born there, migrated to Jefferson County and engaged in farming until his death. Amos, Jr., the Doctor's father, was born in Jef- ferson County, and became a railroad engineer, his run being between Troy and Albany. Later he settled in Oswego County and engaged in farming, but after a time went back to Jefferson County, establishing a mercantile business at Theresa, later removing to Plessis, thence re- turning to Theresa, and finally opening a store at Philadelphia, N. Y. His death occurred at Sterlingville when he was sixty-five. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and an active worker in its interests.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Martha Case, and was born of English extraction in Oswego County, N. Y. She was a daughter of Aaron Case, who moved from east- ern New York to Oswego County and engaged extensively in the lumber business and ship building on Lake Ontario, being a man of means. Mrs. Martha Shumway died in Plessis at the age of forty years. Of her five children, the Doctor is the only one now living. He was reared in Jefferson County, where he was educated in the district schools and the high school at Water- town, graduating in 1873. Resolving to become a physician, he earned the money necessary to take a medical course, and under the preceptor- ship of a physician in Watertown, began the study of the science. In 1878 he entered the medical department of Buffalo University and graduated in 1880 with the degree of M. D. Afterward he opened an office in Monroeville, Huron County, Ohio, where he carried on a gen- eral practice. During the two years he spent there he was a member of the County Medical Society and a delegate to the state convention. From that place he went to Norwalk, Ohio, but not finding everything satisfactory there, he re- moved, after eighteen months, to Upper San- dusky, Ohio, where he followed his profession two years. His next removal was to Harrisburg,

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Pa., where he remained nine years, and was very successful, becoming the owner of a good residence property there and gaining a reputa- tion as a conscientious, accurate physician and surgeon. In April, 1896, he located in Scranton, where he has since given especial attention to the treatment of diseases of the bowels. He has his office at No. 308 Washington Avenue, and gives his attention exclusively to his profession.

In Jefferson County, N. Y., Dr. Shumway married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry Wilson, a farmer of that county. They are the parents of three children, Maude, Jessie and Charles W., Jr. Politically the Doctor is a Republican, and in religion is a Methodist, belonging to the Elm Park Church. He is interested in everything pertaining to his profession, and holds member- ship in the Lackawanna County Medical Asso- ciation. Fraternally he is identified with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined in Upper Sandusky, and is now connected with Lackawanna Lodge and the encampment at Harrisburg: also a member of Peter Williamson Lodge, F. & A. M., of Scranton.

A LRIC BERRY. With the exception of about six years, Mr. Berry has been a life- long resident of Lackawanna County and for a long time he has been engaged in business in Carbondale. He was born in Carbondale Township, but a short distance from the now bustling city, September 19, 1834. His father, Dr. Alric B. Berry, formerly the principal phy- sician of this city, was born in Warren, Litchfield County, Conn., in 1795, and in early manhood went to Dutchess County, N. Y., where his father owned large tracts of land on the Hudson. He and his brothers studied medicine and all became physicians of note. For a time he attended West Point Seminary, becoming well versed in the tac- tics of war, and did service during the second conflict with England. In 1817 he was commis- sioned captain of militia, his commission being signed by Gen. DeWitt Clinton. This commis- sion and his sword are now in the possession of our subject at his home in Carbondale.

After practicing his profession for a time at

Poughkeepsie, N. Y., about 1832 Dr. Berry came to Carbondale, where he continued to be the prin- cipal physician until his death in 1861. He had three brothers, physicians, namely: Cyrus, who died January 7, 1830, at the age of thirty-seven ; Abram, who passed away June 9, 1822, at thirty- one years; and Aretas, who died December 19, 1841, aged forty-seven. The last-named was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was connected with the Rondout Cement Works near Kingston, N. Y., on the Hudson. For young men, the three brothers all attained considerable prominence in the medical world.

Sophronia, a sister of our subject's father, mar- ried Dr. George Sled, and died August 14, 1851, aged sixty-four years. Her daughter, Anna Law- less, had nine children, of whom two sons, Isaac and George, gave up their lives for the cause of freedom in the Civil War. A son, Theodore Sled, is a contractor and builder in Brooklyn, and Al- ban is a dealer in oil cloth in New York City. Phoebe, another sister of Dr. Berry, was born April 1, 1802, and married William Landon, who was born at Salisbury, Conn., June 5, 1795, and died in the same place May 17, 1878. She de- parted this life in Dutchess County, N. Y., May 8, 1849. They were the parents of Judge Judson Landon, of the New York supreme bench and president of Union College, Schenectady, N. Y .; he has one son, a lawyer, and another, a Presby- terian minister. Two brothers of Judge Landon are ministers, one of the Methodist, the other of the Presbyterian Church. The third sister of Dr. Berry, Sibyl, married Weston Marshall and is buried at Mt. Vernon on the Hudson. She had two sons who followed the sea; one, Alfred, was mate on board the United States man-of-war "Shark," and cruising on the coast of Peru was assassinated by a Spaniard at Payta and was buried five miles up the coast from that place.

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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 57

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