Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 73

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 73
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 73

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

By his first marriage Thomas Woodbridge had one son named Theodore, who at the age of nine- teen enlisted as a soldier at the outbreak of the war, and served for three years. On his return he stayed with his parents for a year. He then went to Virginia and subsequently to Murphys- boro, Ill., where he died at twenty-four years of age.

M AJ. JAMES W. OAKFORD, attorney- at-law, of Scranton. The Oakford fam- ily has been identified with the history of Pennsylvania from an early period of its set- tlement, when the first of the name in America crossed the ocean from England and established a home among other Quaker residents of Philadel- phia. Both the grandfather, Joseph, and great- grandfather, Isaac, of Major Oakford, were large importers of china and tea, and in that line carried on one of the heaviest trades in the city, at a time when the merchants of Philadelphia were the most enterprising in the New World. Of the public-spirited citizens whom the family has given to the United States, doubtless the most eminent was Col. Richard A. Oakford, father of the sub- ject of this sketch. He was born in Philadelphia, December 8, 1820, received an excellent educa- tion in the schools of that city and in La- fayette College, Easton. In his student days he showed considerable aptitude in the study of the classics, and after graduation kept up his study of modern languages, reading and speaking Ger- man, French, Spanish and Italian. On the com- pletion of his literary education he studied en- gineering and became a good draughtsman. Owing to failing health he removed to the Wy- oming Valley. Shortly before the outbreak of the war he traveled extensively in the south, through which means he gained a knowledge of the character of the people and knew better than most northerners the serious nature of the approaching civil crisis.

A resident of Scranton at the outbreak of the war, he at once volunteered for three months, and was elected colonel of the Fifteenth Penn- sylvania Infantry, commanding the post at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, until the regiment was or- dered to the front, and then commanding the regiment in the Shenandoah Valley. When the One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered in, August 15, 1862, he was chosen colonel. At the battle of Antietam, Sep- tember 17, 1862, he gallantly led his men into ac- tion and remained at their head until, shortly after giving the command to advance, a bullet from the enemy's ranks killed him instantly. In the official report forwarded to Washington by Brig- adier-General Kimball, the following words oc- cur: "Among the killed and wounded are many brave and gallant officers. Col. R. A. Oakford, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania, was killed while leading his regiment. He was a brave officer and died like a hero." The com- missioned officers of his regiment drew up resolu- tions deploring his loss and testifying to his rec- ord as a brave, gallant and fearless officer, un- blemished patriot and hero, and a colonel whose experience and ability to command, decision of character and kindly deportment to officers and privates inspired all with confidence and cour- age. It was the judgment of his fellow-citizens, voiced by one of the city papers, that "Leaving aside his deserts as a citizen and eminence as a member of the bar, he has well earned for him- self a name worthy to be placed first among the lists of our country's heroes. He was one of the first to respond to the call of his country in time of need, and, when it became necessary to mus- ter the men of Luzerne a second time in defense, he was again at their head to give evidence of his unflinching loyalty to the flag of his country. He sealed his patriotism with his blood."

On his mother's side Major Oakford is a de- scendant of the Slocum family, one of the oldest in Scranton and of English origin. On the rec- ords of Warwick, R. I., appears the certificate of the marriage, February 23, 1758, of Jonathan Slocum and Ruth Tripp, both of Portsmouth, Newport County, R. I. In November, 1777, Jonathan Slocum settled in the Wyoming Val-

616

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ley, where he had purchased land two years be- fore. November 2, 1778, his daughter, Frances, about four years of age, was carried into captivity by the Indians and was not found by her relatives for fifty-nine years, when, after a long search, they found her living near Logansport, Ind. She was visited there by her brothers, but they had to converse with her by the aid of an interpreter, as she had forgotten what little English she had known. She was married and had children, and was held in high esteem by the Indians, who con- sulted her on all important questions. She died near Peru, Wabash County, Ind., March 23, 1847. December 16, 1778, Jonathan and his father-in- law, Isaac Tripp, were both killed by Indians at Wilkesbarre, and were scalped. The former left ten children, of whom William, the third, was born January 6, 1762, served as sheriff of Luzerne County from 1796 to 1799, and on the 9th of March, the year last named, he bought property in Pittston, where he remained until his death, October 20, 1810. January 4, 1786, he married Sarah Sawyer, and they had nine children. The fourth, Laton, was born in Pitts- ton August 16, 1792, became the owner of a beau- tiful farm in Exeter Township, Luzerne County, where he died January 16, 1833. The home- stead is now occupied by his son James.

February 1, 1819, Laton Slocum married Gratey, daughter of James Scoville, and a native of Exeter Township. Her parents were natives of Connecticut and came to the valley before the Wyoming massacre, at which time they escaped unharmed, returning afterward to the farm. La- ton Slocum had three children: Frances Carey, who was born May 23, 1822, became the wife of Richard A. Oakford December 27, 1843, and now resides at No. 332 Jefferson Avenue, Scran- ton; James, on the old homestead; and William, who died there in 1895. Mrs. Oakford became the mother of three children: Mrs. Anna W. Cox, of Philadelphia; Laton S., a business man of Scranton, who died in West Virginia; and James W.

Born in Scranton June 5, 1859, the subject of this sketch attended the School of the Lacka- wanna in boyhood and in 1880 entered Yale Col- lege, from which he graduated four years later

with the degree of A. B. Returning to this city, he began the study of law with Judge Archbald, and when that gentleman was chosen to serve upon the bench he continued to read under S. B. Price. On his admission to the bar he prac- ticed law with Mr. Price for one year, but has since been alone. For six years he was a private in Company A, Thirteenth Regiment, N. G. P. In 1892 he was commissioned quartermaster and the following year became brigade judge advo- cate of the third brigade, with the rank of major, which he has since held. Fraternally he is con- nected with Peter Williamson Lodge, F. & A. M., Lackawanna Chapter, R. A. M., and Melita Com- mandery, K. T. He fills the position of treas- urer of the Lackawanna Law & Library Asso- ciation. Since attaining his majority he has voted the Republican ticket at all elections, and in re- ligious connections he is a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

J. W. HOUSER, M. D. For miles in every direction from Taylor the people are ac-

. quainted with Dr. Houser and can testify as to his skill in the medical science and his up- right character as a man. During the long period of his residence in this village he has gained a valuable patronage and the regard of the people among whom he has lived and labored. In 1875, within a week after his graduation from medical college, he opened an office in this place and has since practiced here continuously, with the sole exception of a vacation of twelve days. His constant devotion to professional duties would have resulted disastrously to his health were it not that he possesses a strong constitui- tion, capable of long endurance.

A lifelong resident of Lackawanna County, Dr. Houser was born in Scranton July 1, 1856, and is a son of Thomas Houser, who for many years has been an employe of the Delaware, Lacka- wanna & Western Company. His education was begun in the common schools of the city, where he was a student until fifteen years of age. Then desiring to further extend his fund of information, he entered Pennington Seminary, where he re- mained a short time. Meantime he had become

RANDOLPH CRIPPEN.

619

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

interested in the study of medicine and this he carried on under the preceptorship of Dr. Allen for some years. Later he entered the Auburn Medical College and graduated from that insti- tution with the class of 1875.

September 23, 1878, Dr. Houser was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Mahoney, of Waver- ly, and they are the parents of five daughters: Edith A., Alida, Christine, Helen and Gretchen. For two years Dr. Houser was treasurer of the borough and for ten years he rendered efficient service as a member of the school board. The Republican party receives his support and his ac- tive co-operation in the promulgation of its prin- ciples. As health officer and member of the board of health, he has done all in his power to promote the physical welfare and health of the people. Since becoming a physician he has held membership in the Lackawanna Medical Society and is one of its charter members.

R ANDOLPH CRIPPEN. It is ever a pleasure to note in history the successive steps by which some nien have risen from a humble position to one of comfort and influence, and perhaps there is no more excellent illustra- tion of the achievements of industry than that afforded by the life of Mr. Crippen, of Dalton. Entitled to respect because of his strength of character and sterling qualities of manhood, he occupies a conspicuous position among the resi- dents of this place, wliere he is now living retired from business cares. Considering the manner in which he labored during his active years, it is not surprising that his fellow-citizens recog- nized in him qualities that fitted him for public office and called him to serve in positions of re- sponsibility. The most important office which he filled was that of sheriff, in which capacity he was signally successful, ranking among the most efficient men in the office that the county has ever had.

Referring to the history of the Crippen fam- ily, we find that they were represented among the early settlers of York State and were uni- formly men and women of energy and honorable character. The father of our subject, Martin,

was a son of Samuel and Rachel Crippen and was born in Glens Falls, N. Y., in which locality for some years he engaged in farm pursuits. On re- moving to Pennsylvania, he settled in Blakely Township, Lackawanna (then Luzerne) County, where his remaining years were passed in the cultivation of a farm. He died in 1878 at the age of sixty-eight. Politically he was firm in support of the Democratic party, believing that its principles are the safest by which to conduct national affairs.

The mother of our subject, who bore the maid- en name of Polly Potter, was born in Providence Township, this county, and died in Blakely Township, in February, 1848, aged thirty-one years. Her father, Elisha Potter, became one of the first settlers in what is now known as the north end of Scranton and erected the Bristol House, which is still running as a hotel. The Potter family has given patriotic soldiers to as- sist the nation in times of war and energetic farm- ers and business men to extend its commercial and agricultural interests in times of peace.

Upon the home farm in Blakely Township, adjoining the city limits of Scranton on the north, the subject of this article was born April 10, 1838. His boyhood years were passed amid surround- ings common in the earlier part of the nineteenth century. Educational facilities were few and of an inferior order. The schooling obtained by him was limited to a few months' attendance at Hull's school, which entailed a daily walk of sev- eral miles through mud or snow, exposed to the inclemencies of winter weather. At the age of ten he commenced to assist his father in the cul- tivation of the farm, but seven years later took a position with the Pennsylvania Coal Company, where he remained for four years. At the age of twenty-one he secured employment with the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company as fore- man, later was promoted to be division superin- tendent and afterward transferred to the office of the company. In 1863 he resigned this posi- tion and has since given his attention to the management of his real estate interests, which are large and important. When his father died the estate was covered with an indebtedness of $50,000, which everyone said could never be

620

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

paid off; but, through his efforts, not only has this amount been paid, but $80,000 in dividends to the heirs, and the estate is left intact.

In 1861 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Crippen and Miss Celeste F. Brink, who was born in Hawley, Pa., in 1843, and died in Scran- ton in April, 1880. The three children born of this union are Fred H., Herbert L. and Rose M. The second marriage of Mr. Crippen took place November 15, 1892, and united him with Miss Ella Bennett, who was born in Canton, Pa., the daughter of Thomas Bennett, a native of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Crippen reside at their coun- try seat, in Dalton, eleven miles from Scranton.

A firm Democrat in political views, Mr. Crip- pen cast his first presidential ballot for S. A. Douglas and has since been stanch in his advo- cacy of party principles. In 1882 he accepted the almost unanimous call of his party to serve as their nominee for sheriff of the county. In the election that followed he was successful by a majority of more than eighteen hundred. The dutics of the position he discharged in a manner that proved his executive ability, firmness of character and honesty of principle. Again in 1892 he was liis party's candidate for mayor of Scranton, but was defeated. In all the relations of life he has acquitted himself in a manner which has gained the confidence of all who know him. Of character irreproachable, he possesses those qualities which have led him to adjust his con- duct by the principles inherent in his nature. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order.

A SA A. NICHOLS. The farming com- munity of South Abington Township rec- ognizes in the subject of this notice one of its representative men and successful agricul- turists. By a course of unflagging industry and wise economy, he has not only become the pos- sessor of a valuable estate, but has accumulated ample means with which to provide every com- fort for old age. The township where he now lives has been his lifelong home, and he was born near his present abode, September 16, 1838.

The father of our subject, Hiram Nichols, M. D., was born in Oxford, N. Y., and thence at

fourteen years came to this county, where a brother was a practicing physician in Waverly. Under that brother he carried on the study of medicinc and upon attaining proficiency in the science, at the age of twenty-onc, went to Tunk- hannock, where he spent three years in practice. From there returning to Waverly, he opened an office and continued a general practice until his death in 1886, at the age of seventy-nine. When about twenty-eight, he married Sarah Clark, member of a pioneer family of Abington Township, of whom mention is made in the sketch of J. D. Knight, upon another page. She was born here March 17, 1818, and here passed away, when sixty-nine years of age. Of their thirteen children, five are yet living.

Our subject's grandfather, Ishmael Nichols, was born October 8, 1766, and was one of the early members of the Masonic order, having been made a member of that fraternity in 1788. April 21, 1785, he married Lydia Hall, who was born April 8, 1768, and died in Lackawanna County in 1841. Throughout life he engaged in agricultural pursuits and was one of the most prominent farmers in the vicinity of Oxford, N. Y., where he died in 1820. At that time our subject's father was a boy of thirteen, having been born June II, 1807.

The marriage of our subject, November 27, 1861, united him with Miss Flora A. Newton, who was born in Scott Township, this county, September 27, 1839. Her paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Phebe (Stearns) Newton, came from Rhode Island to Pennsylvania in an early day. Her father, Nelson Newton, was born in this county November 22, 1805, and died in Scott Township, at the age of seventy-four; he married Hannah Burdick, who was born here March 25, 1814, and died when sixty-nine years of age. Of their five children, three are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols became the parents of five children, but only two are living. George H., who was educated in the public schools and Keystone Academy, married Fannic Deacon and has a son, William A. Nelson N., who in boyhood attend- ed Keystone Academy and Wyoming Seminary, married Lydia Perkins, and is living in South Abington Township.

621

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Nichols settled at his present place, and here he has given his attention to the stock and dairy busi- ness, also to real estate interests. From an early age he has been interested in politics. His first presidential ballot was cast for Stephen A. Doug- las, whom his father assisted in nominating in the national convention. Since 1887 he has been a member of the school board, for some time has served as justice of the peace, and has also held the principal local offices. Like his father and grandfather, he is identified with the Masonic fra- ternity, and his elder son is also a member of the order. He is generous in his contributions to the work of the Baptist Church, with which his wife is connected. Among the best people in the town- ship he has an extended acquaintance. He has fulfilled the duties devolving upon him in a credit- able manner, doing good as he has had opportu- nity, and furnishing an example of thrift, industry and honesty well worthy of imitation. The high principles which have characterized him through- out life have given him a good reputation as a citizen, while his intelligence and enterprising spirit and kindly nature give him a still higher place in the esteem of his fellowmen.

H ENRY F. WARDELL. The life of Mr. Wardell has been filled with varied ex- periences as teacher, minister, farmer and soldier, but in every occupation and condition of life he has displayed the integrity of character that is one of his principal attributes. Much that in early manhood he hoped to accomplish he has been unable to do, owing to ill health and the frequent recurrence of a throat trouble that inter- fered with his pulpit work. However, in the other lines to which he turned his attention he has met with success, and is now the occupant of a comfortable home and the owner of a good farm in Covington Township. While at present he has no regular church charge, he officiates at many funerals and weddings and is actively in- terested in religious work.

In the township where he now lives Mr. War- dell was born June 19, 1836, the son of Henry and Isabella Wardell. His grandfather, Ed-

ward Wardell, a native of England, was the first settler in the northern part of Covington Town- ship. At the time he came here his nearest neighbor was four miles away; no roads of any kind had been opened, the entire country was a vast wilderness, and the nearest store was at Nobletown, Wayne County, a distance of about eight miles. This was in 1819. As the years passed by he improved his place and brought it under cultivation, making it one of the valuable estates in this vicinity.

Henry Wardell was born in Yorkshire, Eng- land, and was nine years of age at the time he settled with his parents in what is now Daleville. Upon attaining his majority his father gave him a farm and upon it continued to reside until his death, December 27, 1886, at the age of seventy- one years. In religion he was a Methodist and in politics a Republican. His brother, Edward, who was five years his senior, was justice of the peace in this township about twenty years. The mother of our subject was born in England and died in Covington Township February 17, 1889, when seventy-three years of age. Her ten chil- dren were named as follows: John, who was a sharpshooter in Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was killed by a sharpshooter at Price's Station, April 6, 1865; Thomas, a farmer of Covington Town- ship; Henry F .; Margaret, who lives in this township; Robert E., of Madison Township, and during the war a member of the One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment of light ar- tillery; Mary E., an invalid, whose home is in this township; Clementine, wife of O. B. Megar- gel, of Wayne County, Pa .; Joseph R., deceased; E. E., a resident of Ocean Grove, N. J., and Belle, wife of Robert Jackson, of Carbon County.

In boyhood Mr. Wardell attended the common schools of this township and spent one term in the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston. After attain- ing his majority he taught five terms of winter school. When about twenty-three he entered the ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church, and for one summer filled the pulpit of the church at South Canaan, Wayne County, after which he was at Burlington, Bradford County. While in the latter place he had an attack of diphtheria

622

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the same winter and in consequence his throat was so affected that for ten years he could preach only occasionally. Meantime he taught school at Moscow, this county. In September, 1864, he enlisted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania In- fantry, and on the organization of the company he was appointed sergeant, serving in that rank until the close of the war, principally in detached service.

Shortly after his return from the army Mr. Wardell purchased the farm that he still owns and occupies. In the years that have intervened he has received several calls from the conference of the Methodist Protestant Church. For three years he preached at Sterling, Wayne County, for two years at Spring Brook, for three years was pastor of the church at Daleville, and for four years ministered to the congregation at Fry- town, this township, but poor health finally ob- liged him to retire from ministerial labors. May 25, 1866, he married Mrs. M. H. Wardell, of Daleville. Originally a Republican, he is now allied with the Prohibition party. Twice he was elected county auditor, serving six years alto- gether, and he has also been justice of the peace for twelve years, school director and supervisor, in addition to holding other township offices. He is deeply interested in Sunday-school work and has officiated as Sunday-school superintend- ent for twenty-one years.

D WIGHT S. CHURCH, V. M. D. In pro- portion as the civilization of the world advances constantly increasing attention is given to lines of work neglected in previous ages. This is particularly noticeable in the treat- ment of diseases of the horse. Not many years ago even the most fleet-footed and valuable of steeds, when showing symptoms of serious ill- ness, were immediately shot, but now their lives are often saved and their usefulness restored through scientific treatment. Among the vet- erinary surgeons of Scranton, mention belongs to Dr. D. S. Church. In 1895 he located at No. 154I Dickson Avenue and in the brief period that has since elapsed he has built up a good practice.

Not only is he popular in Scranton, but his ser- vices are frequently called for in Carbondale and other parts of this county, as well as in Wilkes- barre, and even in parts of New York State.

The Church family was founded in America by three brothers who came here from England, one of whom became a seafaring man and captain, and another (our subject's ancestor) was a noted captain in King Philip's War, having command of the company that finally vanquished and cap- tured the old Indian warrior. Of the third brother there is no record. Erastus Church, grandfather of our subject, was born in Rhode Island in 1810, and was the son of a navy sol- dier in the War of 1812. After his marriage he brought his family to Pennsylvania and settled in Green Grove, Scott Township, Lackawanna County, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1880.

H. E. Church, father of our subject, was born in Pawtucket, R. I., in 1826, accompanied his par- ents to Lackawanna County and engaged in agri- cultural pursuits at Green Grove, where he owned a comfortable home. During the war he was a second lieutenant of Pennsylvania Light Artil- lery, but was not called into service. Politically a Republican, he was frequently elected to fill offices of trust within the gift of his fellow-citi- zens. He had many warm friends in Scott Town- ship, where he resided continuously from the age of five years until his death in 1892 at the age of sixty-six. He married Mary R. Thatcher, who was born in Hartford, Conn., and is now living in Scranton. One of her brothers, Thomas, was for years and until his death professor of Latin, Greek and German in Yale College. Her father, Peter Thatcher, was a man of prominence in Hartford, his native city, and one of the streets there was named in his honor. While residing in that place he was employed as a contractor, ar- chitect and builder, but after bringing his family to Scott Township, he settled upon a farm and gave his attention to agriculture.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 73

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