Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 92

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 92
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 92

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now the owner of more real estate than any man in Wyoming County, his property consisting principally of farming lands.

On attaining to man's estate, Mr. Sickler was united in marriage with Miss Nancy J. Alling, a native of Luzerne County, Pa., and their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Burton; Johnty; Cora Y., deceased; Ma- son and Raymond. Fraternally Mr. Sickler af- filiates with the Farmers' Alliance and the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, while politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and takes quite an active interest in public affairs, supporting all worthy objects for the benefit of the community. He has creditably filled all of the township offices, and is now serving as justice of the peace to the satisfaction of all concerned. Public-spirited and progressive, he is recognized as one of the most valued citizens of the com- munity, and his influence is always felt on the side of right.

D ANIEL THEODORE STERLING was for many years closely identified with the history of the borough of Meshop- pen, and is remembered as one of the most in- fluential citizens this place has ever had. He was the first merchant here, and member of a company that erected the first flour mill. For years his name was so familiar to the people in this part of the county, and was so intimately connected with the progress of the borough and township of Meshoppen, that it is only justice to dwell upon what he accomplished, not as empty words of praise, but ~~ ~ just tribute to his mem- ory.

The first of the Sterling family to settle in Pennsylvania was Maj. Daniel Sterling, our sub- ject's father, and a native of Connecticut, who migrated to Wyoming County in the early part of the nineteenth century and settled in Braintrim Township, soon becoming prominent here. He erected a sawmill and employed a force of men in the lumber business, floating the lumber down the Susquehanna River. However, money here was very scarce and times were hard. With the hope of improving his financial condition, he

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took a contract of the United States government for putting a dam across the Rock River at Rock Island, Ill., about 1833, and went west for that purpose, but while there he contracted a fever that caused his death. He was buried in Rock Island. The city of Sterling was named in honor of him. His wife bore the maiden name of Ra- chael Brooks.

In the town of Braintrim (now Black Walnut), Wyoming County, the subject of this sketch was born in 1815, the eldest son of Maj. Daniel and Rachael Sterling. He grew to manhood here, without any of the educational advantages that now fall to the lot of the poorest boy. However, by observation and experience he was enabled in a large measure to overcome the defects in his schooling. A man of resolute will, he deter- mined to secure a financial success and a position of influence among his fellow-men, and, begin- ning without means or wealthy friends, he reso- lutely worked his way to a position of promi- nence. All local enterprises received his co-op- eration when once he was convinced of their ad- vantages. For many years he was connected with the Masonic fraternity. While not a mem- ber of any church, he contributed liberally to re- ligious and philanthropic enterprises. Septem- ber 23, 1841, he married Susan A. Loomis, who was born in Essex County, Mass., the daughter of Jasper and Sallie (Choat) Loomis. She survived her husband twelve years, until May 13, 1895, when she fell from the porch of her residence, re- ceiving injuries that resulted in her death. She was a lady of earnest Christian character, and was greatly beloved. by all who knew her. Her seven children were named as follows: Addison A., George H., Arthur H., Sarah M., Anaria G., Jennie H. and Theodore, who died in infancy.

The eldest son, Addison A., is cashier of the People's Bank of Wilkesbarre, Pa., and an influ- ential citizen of that city. George H., the second son, when in his sixteenth year, enlisted in Com- pany B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, and for a time was colonel's clerk, then received a promotion to adjutant, and later was made lieu- tenant on General Terry's staff. While on his way home on a furlough he was captured by the Confederates and imprisoned in Columbia, S. C.,

for some months, after which he was paroled. Ten days after reaching home he died of typhoid fever. which he had contracted in the prison. Arthur H., who is one of the leading business men of Meshoppen, embarked in the mercantile business in 1872, continuing with his father until the latter's death, when a brother, Addison A., purchased the father's interest, and the firm has since been A. H. Sterling & Co., with Arthur H. as the managing partner. Like his father, he is an enterprising man and excellent financier. He was the leading projector in the building of the new schoolhouse at Meshoppen, which contains all the modern improvements. He also organ- ized the company and superintended the building of the waterworks of the town, which afford the place as fine fire protection as most cities have that are fifty times as large. Of this company, which has a capital stock of $18,000, he is super- intendent, secretary and treasurer.

We cannot better close this memoir than with an extract from an article written by one who knew Mr. Sterling well: "With a life fully round- ed by good works as by years, Daniel T. Sterling passed away on the 26th of April, 1883. Theo- dore Sterling (for by his middle name he was best known) was born in the town of Braintrim (now Black Walnut), Wyoming County, Pa., in 1815, the eldest son of Daniel and Rachael (Brooks) Sterling. His father was widely known for his business energy and progressive ideas, and his plans for improvement bore good fruit. Theodore was the eldest of twelve children, all of whom grew to useful and honorable manhood and womanhood, several attaining high positions. While still young in years, he became interested and active in the business affairs of his father, which fitted him, not only to sustain the burden that was early thrown on him by the death of his father, but also to gain a large measure of success. On his father's death he found a large family looking to him for support, and with the energy that was characteristic of his nature he cheerfully bent to the task and honorably and faithfully ac- quitted himself of the trust. His life was closely interwoven with and a part of the history of Wy- oming County; he was long and intimately as- sociated with its men and measures, was widely

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known and respected, and his character and in- fluence for good made a marked impression upon those around him. He was modest in everything connected with himself, true to all the finer im- pulses of a manly nature, liberal to a fault, and firm in friendship; his business and home, his am- bition. He was frequently called upon for ad- vice and counsel in private life, and his integrity stood beyond a shadow. No man did more than he for the community in which he lived, and as the years pass on his loss will be felt in every branch of trade and artery of employment."

A LBERT L. VAN GORDER is one of the prominent business men of Nicholson, where he is extensively engaged in stock dealing, also carries a line of agricultural imple- ments, mowers, reapers and wagons. His suc- cess has been the result of persistent, determined efforts in the line of honorable and manly dealing. His aim has always been to attain to the best, and he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. As a public-spir- ited citizen, we are pleased to present to our read- ers a sketch of his life.

The Van Gorder family is one of the old fam- ilies of York State. The subject of this sketch, the only child of Maria R. Van Gorder, was born in Asylum, Bradford County, Pa., December 14, 1848. At the age of eight years his mother mar- ried Peter A. Van Gorder, who was born in Or- ange County, N. Y., and removed to Lacka- wanna (then Luzerne) County, Pa., later to Sus- quehanna County, then to Wyoming County, where he died September 3, 1894, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, who bore the maid- en name of Maria R. Van Gorder, was born in Pike County, Pa., and died in Wyoming County, Pa., September 8, 1896, at the age of seventy-two years. In his early boyhood days our subject ex- perienced the hard side of life. Later he was employed on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, running a train from Scranton to Port Washington and Jersey Junction. The work of the farm was familiar to him from early boyhood. He received fair opportunities for se- curing an education, having been a student in the

schools of Factoryville, Clarks Green and Nichol- son. He continued to make his home with his parents until his marriage, but prior to that event worked as a farm hand for two years, and spent three years in Scranton in the coal department of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. He also spent one year in New York, in the em- ploy of that company, building depots and bridges, and then removed to Nicholson, where he graded and improved a place opposite his pres- ent residence, but later sold that property to the Catholic Church, and it is now used as a parson- age. He bought the land on which his present home is located, and although it was wild and unimproved, he recognized the possibilities of making it an attractive place, and has worked a wonderful transformation. The pleasant, com- modious and modern residence stands as a monu- ment to his thrift and enterprise. Since locating in Nicholson he has accumulated other real es- tate, having property in the town and also valua- ble farming lands. He owns a farm not far from here, and gives to its management his personal supervision. As a dealer in live stock he has been very successful, and his operations have been extensive. His commercial transactions have also been a profitable source of income, and his business is conducted along the lines of legiti- mate effort and guided by a sound judgment which insures success.

Mr. Van Gorder was united in marriage with Miss Harletta Quick, of Foster, Pa., daughter of Harlow and Esther (Tiffany) Quick. She was born in Lenox, Susquehanna County, as was her mother, who is now sixty-two years of age. Her father is also living, at the age of seventy-two. They were parents of five children: Devilow, a resident of Foster, Pa .; Mrs. Van Gorder; Jose- phine, wife of J. Sharp Hettis, of Foster; Arthur, who resided in St. Louis, Mo., and is now de- ceased; and Sadie, wife of W. L. Betts, of Scran- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Van Gorder have three chil- dren, Gracie L., Claude L. and Beatrice, aged re- spectively thirteen, ten and three years. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Van Gorder and his wife hold an envia- ble position in social circles. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of Nicholson Lodge

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No. 857, I. O. O. F., of which he has served as secretary. His sterling worth, his genial manner and his social disposition make him a popular citizen. His word is considered as good as his bond. He believes in doing just as he agrees, but in being careful what he agrees to, and al- ways keeps his credit good with the business fra- ternity. He is of a very sensitive disposition, and feels keenly any wrong done to himself or his family.

S OLOMON TAYLOR. Prominent among the self-made men of Wyoming County is the subject of this sketch, a man hon- ored, respected and esteemed wherever he was known, and most of all where he was best known. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born on a farm in Susquehanna County, situated between South Gibson and Smiley, December 26, 1815, the son of Amos and Dorothy Taylor. His father was born February 5, 1718, and was a farmer, follow- ing that occupation for many years in Susque- hanna County, where the son was reared to hab- its of industry and economy. As soon as he was large enough he began to aid in the cultivation and improvement of the farm, and consequently had but little opportunity to attend the public schools of the day, which were much inferior to those of the present time; but he made the most of his privileges, and by subsequent reading and observation, obtained a good practical education, which fitted him for the responsible duties of life. At the age of fifteen he was engaged upon the construction of the Gravity Railroad between Carbondale and Honesdale, the first railroad built in this country. He was temperate in all things, never using intoxicants or tobacco in any form, and was a man of most exemplary char- acter and sterling worth.

September 21, 1837, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Reid, a school teach- er, who was born December 13, 1816, and died March 26, 1863; a woman of genial manners and known hospitality, whose devotion to her family and womanly virtues have left their impress upon the minds of her children. Soon after their mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Taylor settled on a farm near

Smiley, where their five children were born. The eldest, Kendall R. (1839), married Helen Gardi- ner of South Gibson; Josiah (1841) died in in- fancy ; Clara A. E. (1848) is the wife of H. B. Wil- kins; Jane A. (1850) is the wife of Francis N. Boyle, and Harriet M. (1853) the wife of E. F. Johnson.

In 1853 Mr. Taylor, desiring a broader field of labor than the farm afforded, removed to South Gibson, where he engaged in milling and general merchandising. Gibson being some distance from railroad facilities, he was obliged to carry all exchange to Carbondale or Susquehanna, thereby laboring far into the night in order to be able to attend to business throughout the day. Subsequently he moved to a farm situated some two and one-half miles from Gibson, and later settled on a farm about a mile from Gibson. In 1859 he came to Nicholson and built the original Rock Bottom mill.

A man of sound judgment and executive abil- ity, Mr. Taylor prospered in his undertakings and received a liberal share of the public patron- age, people coming from miles around to trade with him, as his universal fairness in business dealings was widely known. He made money rapidly and paid it out to the farmers for grain, buying that product quite extensively. Misfor- tune, however, overtook him, his mill and a large amount of grain being destroyed by fire in Feb- ruary, 1863. As there was no insurance on either mill or stock, the earnings and savings of years were completely wiped out, and he was left com- paratively penniless. A few weeks later his wife died, and about the same time a lum- ber mill was burned. Disheartened and dis- couraged, he was about to give up when his friends and neighbors, with one accord, offered him aid and assistance, which he thankfully accepted on condition that he could repay at his earliest convenience. In 1864 the mill was rebuilt, and by close attention to every detail of the business he soon had the property free from all indebtedness. The mill he last erect- ed is now operated by Walker & Spencer. In 1865 he formed a co-partnership with G. M. and A. B. Walker, adding general merchandise to the milling industry. They did a large and lucrative

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business. Later he sold his interest in the mill and retained the store. In 1868 he married for his second wife Mrs. Paulina Thompson, who now resides in Binghamton, N. Y. July 4, 1888, his store and dwelling was destroyed by fire, in- volving another loss. Subsequent to the third fire, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor made their home with his daughter, Mrs. H. B. Wilkins of Nicholson, and there he died March 6, 1889, at the age of - seventy-three years, two months and ten days.

Mr. Taylor always took an active part in poli- tics, and patriotically supported principles and men for the best interests of his country, regard- less of party. He never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to give his undivided attention to extensive business in- terests. His advice was often sought on public · affairs, and he was a recognized leader in his community. In religious belief he was a Univer- salist, being one of the chief promoters in build- ing the first Universalist church. When he came to Nicholson there was no church, the people holding service in the old red schoolhouse. In 1866 or 1867 he took an active part in building the Methodist Episcopal church, also aided in the building the Catholic and Presbyterian churches. He was one of the founders of the Nicholson Cemetery Association, and his influ- ence was apparent in other measures for good. Although his career was not filled with thrilling incidents, probably no biography published in this volume can serve as a better illustration to young men of the power of honesty and integrity in insuring success. His was a noble life, and its memory is a blessed heritage to his children.

J OHN W. REYNOLDS. Among those who followed the old flag upon southern battle- fields was Mr. Reynolds, one of the hon- ored and representative citizens of Factoryville. He has been identified with the interests of this section of the state throughout his entire life. His birth occurred September 17, 1836, in Benton Township, Lackawanna (then Luzerne) County, Pa. The family of which he is a member was founded in Pennsylvania about 1800, when his

grandparents, Solomon and Frances Reynolds, came to this section from Rhode Island. The former was accompanied by two brothers, and later was joined by their father, Robert Reynolds. They did much toward the development and improvement of this region and were numbered among the honored and highly respected pio- neers.

The parents of our subject, Isaac and Rebecca (Pedrick) Reynolds, were natives of Lackawan- na County, and spent their entire married life upon a farm in Benton Township, where the father died at the age of fifty-six and the mother, in 1850, at the age of about forty years. Of their seven children, five are still living, and three of the sons were loyal defenders of the Union dur- ing the Civil War. Of these, our subject, in an- swer to the call for volunteers, enlisted in Com- pany B, One Hundred and Thirty-second Penn- sylvania Infantry, under Capt. S. W. Ingham, August 7, 1862, proceeding to Harrisburg, where the company was formed, and thence to the front. He took part in the battle of Antietam and was under heavy fire for over four hours, being struck once by a spent ball, but suffered no seri- ous injury. He was also at South Mountain, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. For about two weeks he was ill and confined to the hospital. At the expiration of his term of service he was honorably discharged at Harrisburg, May 24, 1863.

Prior to entering the service Mr. Reynolds had followed the carpenter's trade, and on his re- turn to Factoryville he resumed work at the oc- cupation, which he followed until 1890. In the fall of that year he was elected county commis- sioner and served for three years. For many years he has held the office of school director, and has also been constable, town treasurer, judge and inspector of elections, and was a mem- ber of the town council for three years. In poli- tics he is a stanch Republican since casting his first vote for Fremont in 1856. In religious con- nections he and his wife are both members of the Baptist church. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Tent of the Maccabees, American Protestant As- sociation, Phoenix Club and the Mayflower So-

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ciety. For two years he was treasurer of the Winola Oil, Gas Development and Improvement Company of Factoryville. October 14, 1858, he married Miss Ellen F. Shaw, a native of Tunk- hannock Township, Wyoming County, and the daughter of Increase and Phoebe (Oakley) Shaw. The only child born of their union was Eveline R., who died at the age of three years, in 1862, when Mr. Reynolds was in the army.

M ILES F. NEWBERRY, of Monroe Township, Wyoming County, did valiant service in the Civil War, and bravely de- fended the grand old stars and stripes in many a hard-fought battle of one of the most brilliant campaigns of the great conflict. His army record is a thrilling one, as it falls from his lips, elo- quent with memories of the dreadful past, when brother met brother in deadly strife, but a volume would not suffice to thoroughly chronicle all his experiences. It is well, however, for those who are now quietly and calmly enjoying the peace and freedom and union that was wrought by veterans, such as he of whom we write, should ofttimes lay aside the busy cares of life, and ren- der thanks to the brave men who laid youthful ambitions, fortunes and life itself upon the altar of our country:

The parents of our subject were Chandler and Lucinda (Evans) Newberry, both natives of this county. Of their nine children, Miles was the fourth in order of birth. The others were named: Lovina, A. W., C. M., Oliver C., Almeda and Minerva (deceased), Harriet and Jane. Miles was born February II, 1837, in Monroe Town- ship, and grew to manhood upon his father's farm. He received a good common-school education and became familiar with every department of agriculture. After attaining his majority he worked at the carpenter's trade and was interest- ed in the lumber business some three years.

About this time the war broke out, and Sep- tember 20, 1861, Miles Newberry's name was en- rolled with Company F, Fifty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Among the numer- ous skirmishes and battles in which he partici- pated were the following: Siege of Yorktown,

Fair Oaks, Gaines Mill, Peach Orchard, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Thoroughfare Gap, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Get- tysburg, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, the Sheri- dan Raid, from May 9 to May 26, and the raid on Washington. In November, 1861, he was taken down with typhoid fever and was in the hospital sixty days, but as soon as possible he returned to his company. After taking part in the battle of Williamsburg he was once more obliged to leave the ranks, and, altogether, he was in hos- pitals about five months. In October, 1862, he was transferred, at Harper's Ferry, into Battery A (Cushing's Battery), Fourth United States Ar- tillery. At Gettysburg he was hit in the right shoulder by a piece of a shell, but it did not en- tirely disable him, he being given light duty until his term of service had expired. His honorable . discharge is dated September 20, 1864, Camp Barry, Washington, D. C. Though he has al- ways been a sufferer from his wound since, he has not yet been able to obtain the pension which he certainly deserves on account of not having the necessary hospital records.

For about two years after his return home Mr. Newberry tried to work at his old trade of a car- penter, but his right arm troubled him so greatly that he was obliged to abandon the business. Thenceforth he devoted himself chiefly to farm- ing, though for a few years in the '8os he was employed some as a carpenter again. Recently he has been living on his farm of twenty- two acres near Beaumont. He has been justice of the peace for about a year and has served as township treasurer. He is firm in his allegiance to the Republican party. A member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he belongs to Cor. Rufus Frear Post No. 223. He also is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics.

In 1867 Mr. Newberry and Mary Jane Can- field were united in marriage. The lady was a native of Eaton Township, but her parents were from New York State. Five children were born to our subject and his first wife, and four of the number, Ellen, Irwin, Clara and Ruth, are mar- ried and reside within four miles of their father's home. The mother, who was a faithful com- municant of the Baptist Church, died October

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10, 1888. The present Mrs. Newberry was for- merly Fannie E. Green, a native of Wyoming County. Both she and her husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and give freely toward the support of its many lines of Christian enterprise.

M ILTON L. McMILLAN. With the ex- ception of one year spent in Carbondale Mr. McMillan has since the spring of 1882 resided in Nicholson, where he is actively engaged in the insurance business as representa- tive of several leading fire, life and accident in- surance companies. He was born on Christmas day of 1856, in Bridgewater Township, Susque- hanna County, Pa., and is a son of William Mc- · Millan, a native of New Milford Township, the same county. The grandfather, Daniel, was a native of Scotland, as was his father, John Mc- Millan, the family belonging to one of the High- land Scotch clans. About 1813 they came to America and after living for a few years in the vicinity of Schenectady, N. Y., settled upon a farm at Three Lakes, Susquehanna County. The wife of Daniel McMillan was Margaret McIntosh, of Delhi, Delaware County, N. Y.

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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 92

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