Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 81

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 81
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 81

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September 27, 1863, Mr. Hadsall enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment of Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, to serve three years, should he be required so long. He fought in seven im- portant engagements: battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Winchester, Fisher Hill, Cedar Creek and Sailor Swamp. Though shot seven times through his clothes, he came out without a wound, and received his final dis- charge July 15, 1865, at Hall's Hill, Va.

B URT E. BIDLEMAN, M. D., is one of the leading physicians of Wyoming County, and enjoys an extended patronage in Tunkhannock and vicinity. His reputation as a practitioner is not limited to this section, how- ever. In 1892 he was appointed medical inspec- tor for the state board of health, his time to run on indefinitely, and he was also honored by be- ing made one of the attaches of the Medico- Chirurgical department in Philadelphia. In 1890 he was elected to the responsible place of county coroner, and served efficiently in that capacity three years. He was born June 5, 1856, in Tunk- hannock, his parents being Deemer and Evelyn (Whipple) Bidleman. His father was a black- smith by trade, but having accumulated a com- petency, has now retired to private life, enjoying the rest which he so well deserves. He is a na- tive of Columbia County, Pa., while his good wife was born in this county. They are the parents of five children, all but one of whom survive.

From his earliest years it was apparent that our subject possessed a keen, active mind, for he acquired knowledge readily, and was always eager to learn more. After exhausting the re- sources of the local schools, he went to Fort Ed-

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ward, N. Y., and graduated from the Collegiate Institute there in the class of 1876. Deciding to take up the study of medicine, he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor; and at- tended that school two years. He then entered the University of Buffalo at Buffalo, N. Y., and upon completing the prescribed curriculum was awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1883. Some little time he next spent in looking around for a promising place for his fu- ture career, and though he traveled in various parts of the west he finally concluded to locate here. This was in 1883, and he has never seen occasion to regret the wisdom of his choice, for his clientage has steadily increased, and among them are to be found the very best families of the place.

In 1891, the Doctor married Miss Lena Wall, who is a well educated and cultured lady, pre- siding over her pretty home with grace and dig- nity. She was born in Tunkhannock, and is a daughter of Otis M. Wall, a respected citizen of Tunkhannock Township. The Doctor and wife attend the Episcopal Church, the latter being a member of that organization. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. In poli- tics he is an ally of the Democratic party. He was appointed to act on the board of pension ex- aminers under President Cleveland during his second administration. He is very conscientious in his official relations with the public, which could have its interests in no better hands.

A MOS C. CARYL. To a student of hu- man nature there is nothing of greater in- terest than to examine into the life of a self-made man and analyze the principles that he has followed, the methods he has pursued; to know what means he has employed for advance- ment and to study the plans which have given him prominence, enabling him to pass on the · highway of life many who have a more advant- ageous start. In the history of Mr. Caryl there is deep food for thought, and if one so desires he may profit by the obvious lessons therein con- tained.

Our subject was born in Lewisville, St. Law-

rence County, N. Y., October 28, 1830, a son of Jonathan D. and Emily (Clark) Caryl. The birth of the father also occurred in the Empire State, and his parents, Amos and Sally (Dana) Caryl, were natives of Otsego County, N. Y., and Ches- ter, Vt., respectively. They were honored pion- eers of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where the grandfather served as sheriff at an early day, and there both passed their remaining days.

Mr. Caryl, of this sketch, was reared in much the usual manner of farmer lads of his day, assist- ing in the cultivation of the home place and at- tending the district .schools of the locality. At the age of twenty-one he went to Syracuse, N. Y., where he entered the service of a railroad com- pany, laying track for two years and a half. On the Ist of May, 1855, he came to Scranton, Pa., and for about twelve years was employed by the Dela- ware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, laying track, on repair work, and construction and trans- portation, after which he ran a train for five years. During the Rebellion, he served for three years in the construction corps of the United States army, and when the war had ended he re- turned to Scranton, and again entered the rail- road service, remaining in that employ until 1894. About a quarter of a century ago he purchased his present fine farm in Clinton Township, Wyo- ming County, on which he located four years ago, and now gives his entire time and attention to the cultivation and improvement of his land.

On Christmas day of 1860 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Caryl and Miss Melissa H. Carr, one of the thirteen children born to Caleb and Hannah Carr, natives of Rhode Island and early settlers of Wyoming County, where the father cut the first trees felled in the county. Here both spent their remaining days. Mr. and Mrs. Caryl have three children, as follows: Evelyn Gertrude, now the wife of B. T. Jayne, by whom she has two children, Mabel and Lawrence; Bessie, wife of Ernest Bedell, and they have one son, Robert; and Jesse D., who is married and is serving as collector in Green Ridge. The family is held in the highest regard, and occupies a prominent place in social circles. Mr. Caryl is a man of sound common sense, is just and honorable in his business transactions, is very public-spirited,

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and is in every essential a good citizen. He is a pioneer in the Prohibition movement, having supported that party since 1875, and in fact he warmly advocates any measure that will elevate the moral status of the state. An earnest, con- scientious Christian, he and his family are active and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J I OHN IRWIN, of Overfield Township, Wyoming County, follows the quiet occu- pation of a farmer, and is a worthy ex- ponent of advanced methods in agriculture. From the beginning of time farming has been the principal pursuit of the majority of the race, and other lines of business are constantly forced to seek new recruits from the fields. Mr. Irwin is a leading agriculturist of Wyoming County, and is well deserving of representation in this volume. He was born in Newton Township, Lackawanna County, October 8, 1834. His father, who was born near Belvidere, N. J., in 1801, was the first of the family to locate in that county. By trade he was a wagon maker, but in later life followed clock work. His death oc- curred in Overfield Township in 1869. He was married in Newton Township, Lackawanna County, to Margaret Morden, by whom he had a large family: Caroline, Charity, Mary, Marga- ret, Elizabeth, Jane, Charlotte, Sarah, Lydia, George, and twins who died in infancy. Mary, Lydia, George, Sarah and John are the only ones now living.

John Irwin spent the first thirteen years of his life at the place of his birth, and then accom- panied his parents on their removal to Falls Township, Wyoming County, Pa., where he re- sided until twenty-two years of age. At that time he located upon his present farm, which he pur- chased and has since made it his home. At the age of twelve years he began working at the wagon maker's trade with his father, and to that pursuit devoted a portion of his time until his marriage, but farming has been his chief occu- pation in life. In 1854 he married Miss Susan Ross of Falls Township, who was born in 1836. They had three children: Charles, who was born

in 1860, is now the proprietor of a saw mill in Overfield Township; John died in 1885; and Maggie is the widow of Mr. Dickson, a farmer who died in 1895, leaving two children, Cora M. and Stella S., who are living with our subject.

Mr. Irwin owns and operates forty acres of land, which he has acquired through his own earnest efforts. He has continuously and suc- cessfully followed agricultural pursuits since his marriage, with the exception of a period spent in the service of his country during the Civil War. He enlisted in 1864, but ill health largely pre- vented active duty in the field, and for about six months he was forced to remain in the hospital. He was honorably discharged at Washington July 15, 1865, and came directly back to his farm. He is a public-spirited man, who now discharges his duties of citizenship with the same loyalty that prompted his enlistment. At intervals for fifteen years he has served as school director, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Mill City, in which he has filled all the chairs.

L YMAN SWARTZ, one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Overfield Township, Wyoming County, belongs to a pioneer family of this section of Pennsylvania. He was born in the village of Dunmore, Lacka- wanna County, May 28, 1825. His father, Jacob Swartz, was born near Easton, and was a son of Philip Swartz. The grandfather and father lo- cated at Dunmore at a very early day, and the former entering a tract of land built a hotel which he conducted for some time. He reached the ad- vanced age of eighty years, and was one of the best known citizens of the community in which he resided. He had eight children, namely: Jacob, Henry, Charles, George, Peter, Samuel, Isaac and Mary. 1

Jacob Swartz married Maria Coon, and they became parents of six children: Daniel, now de- ceased; John, who followed farming; Sarah, widow of Jacob Depew and a resident of Mill City, Pa .; Lyman, of this sketch; Polly A., wid- ow of Nathaniel Fitch, and a resident of Scran-

US Schoonmaker

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ton; and Margaret, widow of Philip Griffin, and a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. When our sub- ject was only eighteen months old Jacob Swartz removed with his family to Moscow and, pur- chasing a tract of wild land, erected thereon a lob cabin. He made his home there until 1845, when he removed to Scranton, and there passed the following three years, then took up his resi- dence in Falls Township, Wyoming County, and purchased a farm near La Grange. Continuing the cultivation of that land until 1851, he then returned to Scranton, where he made his home until his death, in 1870, at the age of seventy- three years.

Lyman Swartz was reared to manhood near Moscow. He obtained his education under dis- advantages, being obliged sometimes to walk three miles to the little log school house, where during the winter months a school was main- tained on the subscription plan. Practical expe- rience and reading in later years, however, have made him a well informed man. He continued under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, and then began farming on his own account on a partially improved tract of land in Falls Township, where he lived until 1869. He then took up his residence on his present farm, and has since made it his home. All the improve- ments upon the place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise, and the greater part of his sixty acres of land is under a high state of culti- vation. His methods of farming are progressive and success has followed his well directed and honorable efforts. Resolute purpose is the key- note of his character, and thus he carries forward to completion whatever he undertakes.

In 1850 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Swartz and Miss Margaret Hunter. They had three children, but the youngest, Selah, is now deceased. William, the eldest, is a resident of Falls Township, and James lives in Overfield Township. January 30, 1861, Mr. Swartz was again married, his second union being with Miss Isabel Fitch, by whom he has three children: John B., a resident of Overfield Township; Lewis, who follows carpentering in Overfield Township; and Margaret, wife of C. L. Smith, of the same township. Mr. Swartz supports the

men and measures of the Democratic party, and has held the offices of assessor, collector and town clerk, discharging his duties with commendable promptness and fidelity. He is a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for twenty-five years has served as its trustee. His life has been well spent, and in all his relations with his fellowmen his honor has won him the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

C OL. U. G. SCHOONMAKER. In the following sketch is strikingly illustrated the success that may be attained by well directed energy, steadfast purpose and never ceasing effort when expended for the accomplish- ment of worthy ends, and it is a pleasure to chronicle here the results that mark such a life of usefulness. Those who give character to the communities in which they reside, are men of broad and comprehensive views, men who have energy and pluck to forward their enterprises, and such a man is Colonel Schoonmaker of Scranton and Elmhurst.

He is a native of Ulster County, New York, and on the paternal side a direct descendent of Capt. Joachim Schoonmaker, the founder of the family in this country, who came from Holland in the seventeenth century, and settled at Kings- ton, Ulster County, N. Y., where he was one of the fifteen farmers mentioned in the provincial record of 1661. He rendered notable service in the terrible Indian battles which raged in Ulster County more than two hundred years ago. There are few families in that county or in New York State who have held more positions of honor and trust than this noted family, and the part that some of its members took in the strug- gle for independence has erected a memorial to their names that will endure as long as a frag- ment of the history of Ulster County shall ex- ist. Some of them were foremost in rising up against the tyrannical government of Great Brit- ain and to-day their honored descendants are sharing the blessings of a free, sovereign and in- dependent government, for which their ancestors pledged their lives, means and honor. Another

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notable characteristic of the family is that nearly every member has been very successful in life, the greater number of them being wealthy, and generally large real estate owners.

Jacob Schoonmaker, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Ulster County, N. Y., where he was a farmer and a large real estate owner. He was a member of the militia who took part in the defense of Kingston during the War of 1812. His son, Alexander, was born in Marble- town, Ulster County, N. Y., July 26, 1820, and engaged in the practice of the law there. April 29, 1842, he married Anna Elizabeth, daughter of Johannas Van Wagenen, a native of Ulster County, and one of the landed proprietors there. Her great-grandfather came to this country from Holland. Alexander Schoonmaker moved to Kingston, the county seat, in 1861, to find a larger field for the practice of his chosen profession, and remained there until 1880, when he went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and there spent the next six years. Failing health made it necessary for him to retire from active work and in May, 1886, he located at Elmhurst, then known as Dunning, and there passed from this life in 1890. His wife survived him but two years. Of their five chil- dren four are still living. One son, J. Tyler, served in Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers until the close of the war and retired a commissioned officer. After the war he took a contract on the Union Pacific Railroad, then engaged in engi- neering and ranching in California, and is still on the Pacific coast. The daughters are Jennie A., now Mrs. H. W. Briggs of Kingston; Addie, who resides at Elmhurst, and Eva A., wife of F. W. Harlow, editor of the "Elmhurst Signal."

Col. U. G. Schoonmaker was born at Marble- town, Ulster County, N. Y., January 31, 1845. He was educated in the Kingston schools and from that city went to Binghamton. For two years he was connected with the Sturrucca Hotel of the Erie Railroad at Susquehanna Depot, Pa. In the fall of 1866 he came to Scranton and in company with his father-in-law, S. J. Reed, pur- chased the Forest House, which was where Hotel Jermyn now stands. Later he became the sole proprietor, and conducted this well known hostelry until 1893, when he sold it to John Jer-

myn. August 14, 1878, he was elected honorary member of Company B, Scranton City Guard, Thirteenth Regiment, N. G. P. He was com- missioned aide-de-camp on the staff of Gov. H. M. Hoyt, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the National Guard of Pennsylvania, January 12, 1880, and is now a member of the Military So- ciety of Pennsylvania.

Colonel Schoonmaker takes great pride in his winter home at Lake Helen, Fla., where he has spent thirteen winters. The spot, however, in which he takes most pride, and in the develop- ment of which he has entered with his whole soul and energy, and which will be a lasting memorial to him here, is that lovely place of surburban homes, Elmhurst. The Schoonmaker plot con- sists of two hundred and fifty acres, and has be- tween seventy and eighty acres set aside for parks, while there are miles of graded streets, with shade trees and shrubs, of which he has set out over fifteen thousand. In 1883 he em- ployed one of the finest landscape gardeners in the country, Mr. Webster of Rochester, and the plan was mapped out with large residence lots, broad streets and parks. About $200,000 has been expended, which with the natural advant- ages of location, scenery and ease with which it is reached, make it the most desirable and attrac- tive place for homes in this part of the country. It is reached by two lines of railroads, and is within nine miles of Scranton. Noticeable among its improvements is the magnificent mountain boulevard which extends from Nay-Aug Falls to Elmhurst, and which was constructed at a cost of $60,000. Here Colonel Schoonmaker has erected his own lovely home, situated in a plot of over seven acres, and known as Oak Terrace. It is rightly named too, as he has gathered here all the varieties of oak trees and has them so planted that their foliage will blend nicely to- gether. Elmhurst without doubt is destined to be the Tuxedo Park of Scranton.

In 1866, at Binghamton, Colonel Schoonmaker married Miss Louise J., daughter of Spencer J. Reed, a native of Sharon, Conn., and she pre- sides over their home with a geniality and hos- pitality that is never forgotten by those fortunate enough to receive invitations there. Colonel

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Schoonmaker served on the board of commis- sioners of the city of Scranton in early days. Fraternally he is a member of Peter Williamson Lodge No. 323, F. &. A. M .; Lackawanna Chapter No. 185, R. A. M .; Coeur de Lion Com- mandery No. 17, K. T., in which latter he is past generalissimo; also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Scranton Club. He was one of the organizers and the first president of the Masonic Veteran Associa- tion of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has al- ways taken an active interest in political ques- tions and gives the best of his assistance to aid the Republican cause, both in city and state elec- tions.

J OHN LOVE, who after the labors of a long and busy life, is spending his later years in ease and retirement in Mehoop- any, is a native son of Wyoming County, his birth having occurred in Mehoopany (then a part of Windham) Township, March 21, 1827. His parents were John and Catherine (Place) Love, honored pioneers of the county, who aided mate- rially in its development and prosperity. The father was born in Philadelphia, and was about nine years of age when brought to Mehoopany Township, Wyoming County, by his parents, Henry and Catherine (Bensley) Love. The pa- ternal grandfather was a native of the north of Ireland, and when a yong man crossed the At- lantic to America, locating first in Juniata Coun- ty, Pa. When the colonists took up arms against the mother country to fight for freedom, he joined their ranks, and at the battle of Yorktown had one leg shot off by the explosion of a shell. His wife was of Holland extraction. The father of our subject never left Wyoming County, where he successfully engaged in farming throughout his mature years, and died at the age of eighty years, respected by all who knew him. His po- litical support was given the Democracy. His wife was a native of Middle Smithfield, Monroe County, Pa., and when a girl came to what is now Meshoppen Township, Wyoming County. She departed this life at the age of eighty.

Mr. Love, whose name introduces this review,

was one of a family of twelve children, of whom five died in infancy. The others are Henry, now deceased; Nelson, deceased; Savana R .; Annie, Emma and Philoma, deceased. Savana R. and our subject are the only ones living. Until twen- ty-four years of age, our subject remained under the parental roof, becoming familiar with the arduous task of clearing and developing a new farm. He then went to Auburn Township, Sus- quehanna County, Pa., which he cleared and cul- tivated for about six years, when he returned to Mehoopany Township and brought what was known as the David Shoemaker farm, which had been partially improved and cultivated from 1857. There he made his home until 1869, when he re- moved on to the old homestead, and from there in 1893 he came to the village of Mehoopany, where he has since lived retired. A thorough and skillful farmer, he met with excellent suc- cess in his undertakings, and added to his origin- al purchase until he had a valuable farm, which is now operated by his sons.

On the 30th of November, 1851, Mr. Love married Miss Elizabeth Ann Lowe, of Auburn Township, Susquehanna County, Pa., who died at the age of sixty years. Two sons were born of the union, Henry and Orrin, now prominent agriculturists of Mehoopany Township. In pol- itics Mr. Love is a thorough Democrat, believ- ing that within this party lie the principles which are the safest guides for our national government. He is now spending the twilight of life quietly at his home in Mehoopany, surrounded by the love, respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances who appreciate his sterling worth and many excellent traits of character.

N ORMAN P. STERLING. One of the finest farms of Wyoming County is that owned and occupied by Mr. Sterling. It lies in the Susquehanna Valley, on the banks of the river of that name, and within a very short distance of the railroad station, where three trains each way stop daily. To the advantages of rural life are therefore added the conveniences of quick transportation and close proximity to the mar- kets. While the farm is well adapted to the rais-

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ing of cereals, it has been found profitable to add the cultivation of fruit, and this Mr. Sterling has done, giving considerable attention to the growing of small fruits, in which he has met with success. In addition to this he is engaged in dairy farming, and keeps in stock about thirty graded cows.

In Auburn Township, Susquehanna County, Pa., June 19, 1836, the subject of this sketch was born to the union of Daniel and Sallie A. (Seeley) Sterling. His father, who was a native of Me- shoppen Township, spent his youthful years here, but afterward removed just across the line into Auburn Township, Susquehanna County, where he engaged in farming until his death at fifty- seven years. He was a well informed man, and in politics advocated Democratic principles. His wife is still living in her native township of Au- burn, on the farm that her husband purchased when that entire country was little more than a wilderness. Though now eighty-three years of age, she is physically and mentally strong and vigorous. Of her nine children all but two at- tained years of maturity and five are still living, namely: Norman P .; Harry, who has traveled extensively ; Arvesta, Cynthia, and J. G., a farmer of Susquehanna County.

The boyhood years of our subject's life were spent in assisting his father to improve and culti- vate the home farm. At the age of twenty-three he purchased a farm lying near his father's prop- erty, but, March 1, 1876, he bought the farm in the Susquehanna Valley that he now owns. Dur- ing the time that has since elapsed he has become well known as a leading citizen of Meshoppen Township, and has gained many warm friends here. With his wife he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the services of which he regularly attends. In politics a firm Republican, he takes an interest in the party's progress and welfare. He has held several of the township offices, including those of auditor and supervisor, and has rendered efficient ser- vice as school director. April 7, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Delphene L. Dun- more, of Susquehanna County, and the following children were born of their union: Llewellyn L., a farmer by occupation, but now engaged in the

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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 81

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