Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; genealogy-family history-biography; containing historical sketches of old families and of representative and prominent citizens, past and present, Volume I, Part 10

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers
Number of Pages: 752

USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; genealogy-family history-biography; containing historical sketches of old families and of representative and prominent citizens, past and present, Volume I > Part 10

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Thomas Ferguson was possessed of some means, a fortune for his day, but he lost his money by going security for a friend. Fortunately he had learned a trade in Ireland, but he never followed it until after meeting with this reverse at Minersville. His home was the favorite rendezvous for the most excellent of his countrymen here in the early days, and his descendants have so carried themselves as to merit the same degree of esteem. It was said that those who came from County Mayo would invariably ask where Thomas Ferguson lived. He and his wife were devout members of the Catholic Church. They were the parents of the following children: Stephen, who was a soldier in the Civil war, married Mary Birne, and died in Mexico (he left no children) ; Mary, who died at the age of sixteen years; Patrick J .; Margaret, who died when four years old; Henry J., who married a Miss Gillespie, and lived at Tamaqua, Pa. (no family) ; Thomas J., who married Theresa Tobin, of Shenandoah (three of their children are living, Thomas, John and Theresa) ; Christopher P .; Mary Ellen, born in February, 1856, who died in 1863; and Bridget, who married James J. Franey, a business man of Shenandoah, engaged in the furniture trade and undertaking. Mr. Franey died in 1913, and his widow is living in Shenandoah. They had children as follows : Martin J., Martha, Ella, Fergus (deceased), Irene, one that died in infancy, James J. and Agnes C. Mrs. Franey and her brother Christopher are the only surviving members of the family of Thomas Ferguson. He is buried at Minersville.

Patrick J. Ferguson was born in 1842 in County Mayo, and was a child in arms when the family arrived at Minersville, where he was reared and

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

received his early education in the common schools. Later he had a course in the normal school at Port Carbon, under County Superintendent Newlin, and completed a course in the Quaker City business college at Philadelphia. When a boy he did breaker work at Minersville, but his ambitious spirit was even then active, and he decided to get away from that occupation as soon as possible. So for a time he clerked evenings in a grocery, before long was employed as a regular clerk, and meantime continued his studies with his father's assistance. During his early manhood Mr. Ferguson taught school for three years in Cass township and Minersville, but though his labors in the profession were appreciated he soon found the possibilities of a business career more attractive. John Anspach & Company, of Philadelphia, were then operating a colliery near Ashland, this county, and the young man found a position to his liking there, remaining at the colliery two years. At the end of that connection, in 1864, he settled at Shenandoah, which though but a small town seemed to him to have so promising a future that he was encour- aged to start business there for himself, as a merchant. He was not mis- taken about the possibilities of the place, and continued his store for five years, throughout which period he did well. Meantime Shenandoah had become incorporated as a borough, and the advantages of the new form of government drew men looking for business opportunities. Foreseeing the advancement in property values, Mr. Ferguson bought considerable town property in the early years of his residence here, and set the pace for enter- prise in improving it. It took a number of years for local development to get far enough to help him realize his ambitions in this line, but he held on, and time showed that his estimate of the future of Shenandoah was correct. He not only advocated the erection of substantial and adequate business struc- tures, but put up a number himself, content to wait for his profits as long as he knew that the foundations of prosperity were wisely laid.

Mr. Ferguson's services with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company began when he was a young man. He was one of the early telegraph operators, and in 1868 was appointed ticket agent of the railroad company and Adams Express agent at Shenandoah, and held both positions for nearly forty years, during the latter part of that period also acting as claim agent for the railroad company. He resigned in 1910 because of poor health. As claim agent he settled some of the largest accident claims ever preferred against the Lehigh Company, including those occasioned by the Mud Run catastrophe, in which almost one hundred people lost their lives. These claims were all adjusted without a single lawsuit. Meantime Mr. Ferguson continued his independent business operations, and a number of business blocks (including the "Hotel Ferguson") and residences remain at Shenandoah to show the extent of his activities during those years, as well as the high standards he set and main- tained in the matter of local improvements. He filled a number of public offices, borough and county, but in this line was particularly prominent as a friend of popular educational facilities, co-operating with the best element in this section in securing a school system for Shenandoah which is considered model in every respect and superior to that enjoyed in most towns in the county. He was chosen a school director two years after he settled at Shenan- doah, as one of the first board when the district was organized, and continued to hold the position for twenty-two years. Much of the credit for the high standing of its schools is attributed to his intelligent and zealous efforts and those of the progressive men with whom he was associated.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Mr. Ferguson had valuable holdings of railroad and bank stocks. When the First National Bank of Shenandoah was organized, in 1884, he became its vice president, and upon the retirement of its first president, John R. Leisenring, succeeded him, about twenty years ago, and filled the office from that time until his death. Though of recent years he did not take so active a part in business as formerly, he continued to look after his interests personally and kept in close touch with current operations. To the end of his days he kept large real estate holdings at Shenandoah and also at Pottsville. In his home town, the many structures which testify to his faith in the endurance of local prosperity, as well as his willingness to aid in sustaining it, include the first theatre in Shenandoah. It was he who introduced electric lighting there, long before Reading had that convenience. Committees, in fact, were sent to Shenandoah from various other towns for information regarding the system he installed. The construction of the first electric car line in this part of the State, that laid between Shenandoah and Mahanoy City, was brought about by his efforts. Gas, also, was brought into the town through his exertions, and he was largely instrumental in having the supply furnished to surrounding cities from a central plant at Harwood, near Hazleton. Many other worthy enterprises were made possible by his co-operation and encourage- mment.

Throughout his career Mr. Ferguson held the unqualified respect of the community. His transactions were above reproach, his citizenship unselfish, his dealings with all men characterized by scrupulous honesty and regard for the rights of others. His likable personality made him popular and trusted, and his spirit of good fellowship inspired confidence in all. Devoid of pre- tense, and courageous in advocating what he considered right, he commanded a following large enough to insure the success of anything in which he developed a real interest. He was a Democrat in political allegiance.

Among Mr. Ferguson's properties at Pottsville was the Woolworth build- ing, which was burned Dec. 17, 1914. The illness which ended in his death really began with the trip he made to the county seat to look over the ruins. He would never wear an overcoat, and the severe cold he contracted on that occasion aggravated an ailment of long standing. On Jan. 2d he took to his bed, his physical constitution no longer able to withstand the terrible strain which his strong and active mind imposed upon it. With characteristic vigor he rallied, and his mind was as clear as ever during the three remaining months of his life. He directed all the details of his private business affairs and the conduct of the bank after his partial recovery, bearing his physical sufferings with fortitude and never wavering in cheerfulness and resignation. He passed away April 6, 1915, at his home on the corner of White and Oak streets, Shenandoah, and is buried in the Annunciation cemetery there.

Mr. Ferguson's work will live in the community whose interests were always nearest his heart. His memory will be gratefully cherished by the many whom he aided on life's journey, whether with advice, or encouragement, or pecuniary assistance. Having himself started out as a poor boy, he learned the value of money and its proper use. With remarkable ability and inherited mental qualities of a high order, backed by the physical endurance which enabled him to handle many responsibilities, he made his way by sheer force of character, showing the trust in his own powers which is a true mark of greatness. He had the faculty of communicating this feeling to others, and his sincere confidence in his fellow men attracted friends among all classes.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

His early experience, never forgotten, kept him in sympathy with those who were honestly trying to get on in the world and willing to work for their advancement, and to all such he was a ready and willing adviser. When he is spoken of as the best citizen Shenandoah ever had, the praise has as much reference to the high, example he set as to his actual accomplishments.

In 1874 Mr. Ferguson married Mary Agnes O'Connor, who died in October, 1889, and Daniel J. is the only child of this union surviving. Two daughters died in infancy. Mrs. Ferguson's brother, Father Daniel O'Connor, who died in June, 1911, in Philadelphia, while rector of St. Agatha's parish there, was very well known both in church circles and in this section, having been pastor at Mahanoy Plane and Girardville for many years. On Sept. 6, 1894, Mr. Ferguson married (second) Mary A. Dillon, of Mahanoy City, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Conry) Dillon, who had a family of three children that lived to maturity : Gertrude, who died unmarried June 30, 1915; Margaret, wife of James O'Hara, undertaker and liveryman at Mahanoy City ; and Mary A., Mrs. Ferguson. Mrs. Dillon died July 19, 1905, and Mr. Dillon and his daughter, Mrs. O'Hara, live together. Four children were born to Mr. Fer- guson's second marriage: Joseph T. died when ten months old; Thomas, born Sept. II, 1897, is attending school; Harry died when six months old; James, born May 10, 1903, is attending grammar school in Shenandoah. In religion Mr. Ferguson was a Catholic, he and all the family belonging to the Church of the Annunciation, of which he was one of the oldest members, and all the activities of the church and parish benefited by his generous support.

DANIEL J. FERGUSON was born at Shenandoah Sept. 15, 1877. He acquired his early education in the public schools, graduating from the gram- mar school and then attending high school one year, after which he became a student in the Georgetown (D. C.) University, where he took his college course, graduating in 1898 with the degree of bachelor of arts. He then entered the law department of Columbia University, New York City, and on the completion of his course there returned to Shenandoah, where he was occupied as agent of the Adams Express Company for one year and as manager of the Ferguson opera house for one year. For a time thereafter he read law with Guy E. Farquhar, Esq., of Pottsville, and on Oct. 10, 1904, he was admitted to the bar of the State of Pennsylvania, by the Supreme Court. He has since had a law office in Shenandoah. Mr. Ferguson had unusual preparation for his profession, in the way of general education as well as legal tuition. He traveled in Europe for four months before entering college, visiting the British Isles and Continent of Europe, and besides the instruction already mentioned had the privilege of study under Hon. John A. McCarthy, of the Philadelphia bar, in 1904. As an independent practitioner he has had the patronage of the most exacting element in the community, and the fact that his business has increased steadily shows how well he has served his clients. He is a past exalted ruler of the Elks lodge at Shenandoah, and a Catholic in religious connection. In public matters he gives his support where he thinks it is best deserved, regardless of party.

On Aug. 18, 1915, Mr. Ferguson was married to Joanna D. Reese, daugh- ter of Isaiah (Jr.) and Anna Mary (Snodgrass) Reese, who reside in Harris- burg, Pennsylvania.

Mr. P. J. Ferguson was the first vice president of the First National Bank of Shenandoah, which began business April 14, 1884, and is the oldest banking

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

institution in that city. With him were associated as incorporators men of prominence all along the Lehigh Valley, such as the Leisenrings, Wentzs, William Lilly, T. M. Righter, Charles Kaier and others. The bank had almost instantaneous success. On Jan. 15, 1894, Mr. Ferguson was elected president, and served as such until the time of his death. Under his guidance it reached a high standing, and it ranks among the strongest financial organizations in Pennsylvania, having a capital of $100,000 and surplus and profits of over $270,000. Upon his demise, his son Daniel J. Ferguson was elected president to succeed him.

CHRISTOPHER P. FERGUSON was born in Minersville March 15, 1851, and began his education in the public schools there. He later attended at Shenandoah, and had high school privileges. He commenced work in the employ of his brother, as a clerk in the mercantile business. Then he was with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company for a time as telegrapher, first learning the use of the machine and later becoming a sound operator. Follow- ing that he went to learn boilermaking and the machinist's trade, and preferring the former served three years, during which period he became a competent workman. He went as a journeyman to Centralia, Pa., and there became agent for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. A year later he had the western fever and went out to Illinois, living for a year at Peru, Lasalle county. Then he traveled down into Texas and New Mexico for a month, and contracted ague. Returning to Peru for a short time, he came home, and soon afterwards found employment at his trade in Delano, Schuylkill county, where he remained for one year. At the end of that time he went to Albany, N. Y., and enlisted in the regular army, in March, 1882. He was ordered to join the company at Fort Sisseton, in Dakota Territory, where four com- panies were maintained, and during the two years of his service there had a few skirmishes. He was next stationed at Fort Totten, Dakota Territory, on Devil's Lake, and after another two years was transferred to Fort D. A. Russell, near Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, where the company took part in the operations against Sitting Bull, in 1890, at the time he was killed. Prior to this, in 1883, Mr. Ferguson had met and become acquainted with the old chief personally. From Cheyenne he came home after an absence of thirteen years, during which time his family did not know where he was. He has lived at Shenandoah since March, 1893. For a time after his return he clerked with his brother Patrick in the Lehigh Valley railroad office. After three years he gave up these duties to assist his brother in looking after his property and other interests, and he now devotes all his time to caring for the family property. Like all of the Fergusons he is a Catholic, belonging to the Church of the Annunciation at Shenandoah.

JOHN D. BERGER, manufacturer and financier, is at the head of two of the leading concerns in Schuylkill Haven, and in his executive capacity has been instrumental in promoting the fortunes of both to an appreciable degree. / He has been associated with the factory now conducted by 'Berger Brothers since its foundation, in 1889, and with the Schuylkill Haven Trust Company as president throughout the four years of its existence. His operations in these connections have been always open to the closest scrutiny, his position among the foremost men of the day being established on a foundation of honor and substantial business qualities which fully entitle him to the esteem and

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

confidence of his fellow men. He is a native of Schuylkill county, born Oct. 17, 1865, at Cressona, son of the late Harrison Berger, and though the family has been in this section for three quarters of a century it is of old Berks county stock.

Heber Berger, the first ancestor of this line in America, came to this coun- try from Germany in company with a brother, and settled among the Blue mountains in upper Berks county, Pa. The brother died unmarried, and both are buried at the Blue Mountain Church. Heber Berger had the following children : Elizabeth, born Feb. 8, 1760; George W., Sept. 20, 1761 ; Tobias, Jan. 21, 1765; Catherine, July 9, 1766; Maria B., April 8, 1768; Johannes, June 24, 1769; Maria M., June 9, 1771 : Diana Maria, April 27, 1773; Maria Magdalena, Sept. 18, 1774: John Christian, Nov. 5, 1777 : Johan Ludwig, Jan. 28, 1779 ; Johan Philip, June 3, 1782.

Tobias Berger, son of Heber, married Catherine Shoemaker, and they lived in the Tulpehocken section of Berks county, where he died when a compara- tively young man. His widow later came to Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county, where she passed the remainder of her days, and she is buried in the old cemetery of that borough.

John Berger, son of Tobias, was born at the homestead in Berks county and was reared in the environments of the farm. Coming to Schuylkill Haven shortly after his marriage, he did hauling for the Mine Hill Railroad Company, having a four-horse team, was also a boatman on the old Schuylkill canal, and later engaged in hauling coal between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven. He married Hannah Bellman, daughter of Jacob Bellman, of Berks county, and they had a family of five sons, namely: Samuel, Harrison, John (who died at the age of fifty-four years, unmarried), Daniel (who married Matilda Schappell and resides at Cressona) and Jacob. Mr. Berger died at Schuylkill Haven when seventy-nine years old, his wife passing away there at the age of eighty-one years, and they are buried in the Union cemetery at the borough. They were members of the Reformed Church.

Jacob Berger, son of John, was born June 28, 1844, and is still a resident of Schuylkill Haven. On March 18, 1876, he married Louisa Buehler, and six children have been born to them: Mamie, who died when twenty-one years old, was the wife of Joseph Michel : Harry died when five and a half years old : Alma married Arthur Gerber; Walter died when three and a half years old : Laura is unmarried ; a son died in infancy.

Samuel Berger, son of John, was born Dec. 24, 1835, in Upper Bern town- ship, Berks Co., Pa., and came with his parents to Schuylkill Haven when but three years old. He has since made his home in the borough. On Jan. 29, 1862, he married Christy Buehler, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Gretzin- ger ) Buehler, and of the seven children born to their union six died young, the only survivor being Alice Amanda, now the wife of George H. Michel, a well known shoe manufacturer of Schuylkill Haven.

Harrison Berger, son of John, was born in Upper Bern township, Berks county, and was a small boy when the family settled at Schuylkill Haven. During his young manhood he was engaged in boating on the Schuylkill canal, following this occupation until about 1867, and then engaging in the general mercantile business at Cressona. He returned to Schuylkill Haven in 1870, and continued in the general store business, on Dock street. On March 4, 1889, in company with his brother Daniel Berger, and his brother-in-law, Elvin Deibert, he organized the Spring Garden Knitting Mills, for the manu- facture of hosiery. Two years later Daniel Berger withdrew, his interest

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

being taken by John D. Berger, son of Harrison Berger. Another three years and Mr. Deibert sold his interest to the Bergers, who then continued it under the name of H. Berger & Son. In the year 1899 the manufacture of under- wear was added to the original line, the manufacture of hosiery being discon- tinued in 1903 to give increased facilities for the later departure, which had proved a complete success. Harrison Berger retained his association with the business until 1907, when he retired from active pursuits, and two of his younger sons then joined John D. Berger, taking an interest in the company, which has since been known as Berger Brothers. John D. Berger is manager, Harry L. and Thomas B. Berger looking after important details of the opera- tion of the factory and the disposal of its product. Harrison Berger died, June 4, 1913, and until then served as a trustee of St. John's Reformed Church of Schuylkill Haven. He was always considered a trustworthy and estimable citizen, and at one time filled the office of councilman. To his marriage with Amanda Deibert, daughter of George and Susan (Reed) Deibert, were born nine children, three of whom died young; Sallie A. is the widow of Milton Butz ; John D. is mentioned below : George A., of Schuylkill Haven, is engaged in the general mercantile business at his father's old stand; Tillie is the wife of Edward H. Borda, of Schuylkill Haven; Harry L. and Thomas B./are members of the firm of Berger Brothers ; the deceased were Hannah, Gertrude and Helen.

John D. Berger attended public school at Schuylkill Haven until sixteen years old. There he clerked in his father's store for several years, at the age of twenty-three joining him in the manufacturing business, with which he has since maintained active connection. Since the present organization, under the name of Berger Brothers, he has been general manager, and under his guid- ance the trade has grown steadily, the output of ladies' and children's under- wear having a regular demand in the market. The concern is now the largest of its kind in the borough, employing at times as many as one hundred and fifty hands, over one hundred regularly. Its expansion has called for increased and improved facilities, economizing time and facilitating operations, and the plant has been altered as necessary, being thoroughly up-to-date in every par- ticular. The Bergers have demonstrated their public spirit and interest in the welfare of the town as well as in the development of their own affairs, which have been conducted along solid lines, having a permanent influence on commer- cial conditions in the locality.

When the matter of establishing the Schuylkill Haven Trust Company was broached Mr. John D. Berger took a live interest in its promotion, served on the organization committee, and was elected first president after the bank obtained its charter, May 19, 1910. It opened for business June 6th, and has a fine banking house on Main street. Though a comparatively new institution it has inspired deserved confidence by the stability of its backers and the con- servative business methods followed. Mr. Berger has usually limited his part in the public affairs of the town and county to exerting his influence in favor of good men and measures, but he served a short time as councilman to com- plete the unexpired term of Robert Jones. Politically he is a Republican. He is a Mason, belonging to Page Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M., of Schuylkill Haven, is also a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., and in religious connection adheres to the church of his forefathers, belonging to St. John's Reformed congrega- tion at Schuylkill Haven.

Mr. Berger married Alice E. Palsgrove, a daughter of C. B. Palsgrove, of

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Schuylkill Haven, and they are the parents of four children: Eugenia A., Clift P., Alice E. and Mary Charlotte.

JAMES KELLER SILLIMAN, late of Mahanoy City, exhibited in his career the distinctive characteristics of a race whose members have been fore- most in the general progress as well as in the development of the material resources of Schuylkill county. The Sillimans came to this section from Berks county, where the early generations were prominent, James Silliman, the grandfather of James K. Silliman, serving as sheriff of that county, to which office he was elected in 1832.

Edward S. Silliman, father of James K. Silliman, was born June 20, 1820, at Bern, Berks Co., Pa., and received a common school education. He spent all his life in this part of the State, coming to Pottsville in young manhood and residing there for a time. His observations and investigations led him to believe that there were rich coal deposits in the Mahanoy valley which could be profitably developed, and he determined to test his ideas. Accordingly he purchased a large tract of land in the vicinity of Mahanoy City from Biddle, Troutman & Dundas, of Philadelphia, and coming to Mahanoy City about the beginning of the Civil war undertook operations on his own account, being one of the first to start mining in this part of the anthracite district. In all he operated seven collieries in this section. In 1861 he sank the first shaft and built the first breaker in the Mahanoy valley, opening what was then known as the Silliman colliery-now the North Mahanoy colliery, and the property of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. The nearest coal operators at that time were ten miles away, at Girardville. The first shipment of coal for the new breaker was made Jan. 14, 1862, and it was also the first shipment sent from the territory within a radius of eight miles around Mahanoy City. The annual production of this mine was 100,000 tons, and three hundred and fifty men were employed; and Mr. Silliman and his father were profitably engaged in its operation for a period of eight years, selling out then to the Crane Iron Company, of Catasauqua, Pa. A little later a strike occurred among the workmen and the breaker was burned, and not long afterwards the present owners acquired the property, which became one of the best paying collieries in the region.

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Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; genealogy-family history-biography; containing historical sketches of old families and of representative and prominent citizens, past and present, Volume I, Part 10

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1916 Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers Number of Pages: 752

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers
Number of Pages: 752