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 11
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
Mr. Silliman's next venture was the construction of an iron furnace at New Ringgold, but the time was not auspicious, there being a general depres- sion in the iron market at the time which accounts for the fact that the indus- try did not prosper. The coal fields offered the best promise for the employ- ment of his enterprise and capital, and he began operating in soft coal, having a large mine at Houtzdale, Clearfield Co., Pa., in that district, as at Mahanoy City, being one of the first to engage in the development of coal properties. But his main interests were always in Schuylkill county, where in time he became owner of 1,600 acres of valuable coal lands near Sheppton. Though so thoroughly interested in exploiting one of the most important of the natural resources of this region, Mr. Silliman did not neglect its incidental commer- cial and financial activities, and he allied himself with many of the most ambitious projects undertaken for material betterment, and exercised a friendly influence in the aid of every movement in that direction. Through his efforts the First National Bank of Mahanoy City was established Sept. 27, 1864, and he was one of the most active members of its board of directors until within a few months of his death, serving as president of the institution from 1866 to the close of his life-a period of nearly forty years. It is situated at the
1
61
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
northeast corner of Main and Centre streets. He organized the Mahanoy City Water Company, which furnishes the water supply for many neighboring col- lieries as well as for the city, and served as president of the concern from the beginning, until his death; he was one of the incorporators of thé Mahanoy City Electric Light, Heat and Power Company and of the Mahanoy City Gas Company ( serving as president of both)-all enterprises which needed men of courage and administrative skill to launch them into successful operation. Moreover, his character and judgment attracted local capital, and he never betrayed the confidence thus shown. Even as a young man he showed the traits which when developed made him a trusted leader, and he was taken seriously as one of the forces which were to mold the destiny of the county.
Though practical by nature Mr. Silliman did not narrow his interests to the accumulation of the profits of his industrial operations. While promoting business schemes he did not overlook the importance of establishing high standards of community life, and helped plan its educational and moral insti- tutions, the conservation and protection of all those interests which affected the everyday life of his fellow citizens. He used his large means wisely in his liberal support of public enterprises and his generosity to those less for- tunately situated than himself. Without vanity or undue pride in his personal achievement, he was easily approached and kindly in manner, with no disposi- tion to hold himself aloof from men in any walk of life.
Mr. Silliman was a charter member of the Humane Hose Company, and the organizer, in 1875, of the Silliman Guards (mustered in Nov. 27th of that year), which still continue their existence as Company E, 8th Regiment, P. N. G. He belonged to the Episcopal Church, and on political questions supported the Republican party.
In 1858 Mr. Silliman married Siraha Keller, a native of Berks county, who died in 1894 at Mahanoy City. His death occurred May 1, 1904, and they are buried in the Charles Baber cemetery at Pottsville. Six children were born to this marriage: Mary Ellen, who married George H. Jackson, of Philadelphia ; Edward S .; Howard, who died in infancy; James Keller ; Emily A., deceased in infancy ; and Charles, of Mahanoy City.
James Keller Silliman was born March 29, 1869, in Mahanoy City, where he was reared, receiving his education in the public schools. Except for a brief residence in Reading, Pa., he was a lifelong resident of his native borough, where he attained a position in business and social circles to which he was fully entitled by his personal qualities, irrespective of any advantages attach- ing to the prominence of the gifted family to which he belonged. He was a worthy representative of the name, and though a man of retiring disposition and unassuming habits was thoroughly appreciated by those who had the privi- lege of familiar acquaintance. His business connections' were principally with the institutions his father established, he and his brothers continuing the work which Edward S. Silliman, Sr., laid out so well. When a young man he became a clerk in the First National Bank, and after nine years' service in that capacity became paying teller, in 1896, filling the position until obliged to resign, Aug. 1, 1903, because of impaired sight. He was a director of the bank, and a stockholder in the Mahanoy City Water Company. Mr. Silliman died June 26, 1914, in his forty-sixth year, after a brief illness. Though modest and devoid of pretense in any relation of life, his straightforwardness and sincerity made so deep an impression that he was regarded with feelings of genuine friendship by all who came into personal contact with him, and his death drew impressions of honest regret from every quarter. Sympathetic and
62
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
helpful in his dealings with all his fellows, ideal in his family life, he is held in loving memory in every circle in which he moved. He was laid to rest in the Charles Baber cemetery at Pottsville. He was a member of the Church of Faith, Episcopal.
Mr. Silliman married Catharine Morscher, daughter of Jacob and Christina (Scherr) Morscher, and they occupied a beautiful home at No. 37 North Main street. The three children of this union survive and reside with their mother in Mahanoy City, viz .: Florence, Edward and Kathryn.
Jacob Morscher, father of Mrs. Silliman, was born June 5, 1844, in Austria, came to America in young manhood, and settled at Mahanoy City, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he died Feb. 5, 1911. He is buried there. Mr. Morscher followed mining, and became very well known. He married Mrs. Christina (Scherr) Weber, a native of Baden, Germany, who was born March 3, 1839, in Baden, Germany, daughter of John and Catherine (Bobarker) Scherr. When seven years old she came to America with her parents, the fam- ily settling at St. Clair, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where Mr. Scherr found employ- ment at the mines. He was killed at the powder works in St. Clair. George Weber, Mrs. Morscher's first husband, was a miner; he died in 1874, and is buried at Mahanoy City. To this union were born ten children: Catherine died when eleven months old ; Mary died when eleven months old ; a son died in infancy; Lewis died when six weeks old; Peter lives in Philadelphia; Lena married Valentine Krauter; Joseph was killed in the mines at Mahanoy City when forty-eight years old; Elizabeth is the wife of Albert Heberley, and resides in Philadelphia ; Frances, wife of Michael Cahill, lives in Mahanoy City ; Christina, wife of Henry Kneib, lives in Mahanoy City. After Mr. Weber's death Mrs. Weber married Jacob Morscher, whom she survives, still making her home in Mahanoy City, at No. 228 East Mahanoy avenue. Though advanced in years, she is very bright. Seven children were born to her second union : Philip, who died when four years old; Barbara, who died when four months old; Catharine, widow of James K. Silliman; Mary; Jacob; a son that died in infancy ; and Michael.
GEORGE W. BROWN, M. D., was a resident of Port Carbon for over forty-five years, and throughout that period a force for progress in the com- munity. Best known in his professional capacity, he also took considerable part in public affairs, and in business as founder of what is still known as the leading drug store at Port Carbon, now conducted by his son, John K. Brown, under the name of the Brown Drug Store Company.
The branch of the Brown family to which he belonged has had a line of professional men who have been noted for intelligence and high citizenship in every generation. The Doctor's grandfather, John Brown, known as Elder John Brown, died in 1818, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife, Mar- garet, died Jan. 24, 1801, aged forty-nine years. They are buried at the Old Stone Church in White Deer valley, Union county, Pennsylvania.
Dr. George W. Brown, son of John and Margaret Brown, was born in 1784, and died at the early age of thirty-five years, April 19, 1819. He was reared on a farm at Allenwood, Union county, and highly educated, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with the degree of M. D. and from Prince- ton Theological Seminary. He preached his trial sermon, but because of ill health he never followed either of the professions for which he prepared. Own- ing a large quantity of land, he was engaged in general farming. At the time of his death he was prothonotary of Northumberland county, at Sunbury, and was
63
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
buried at Milton. For a time he was tutor in the family of Dr. James Dougal, at Milton, and he married the Doctor's daughter Margaret, by whom he had three children: John, who married Lucy Ludwig and had children, Jane, Helen, John, Abram, James and Charles; James, who was married three times, to Helen Wright (by whom he had two children, Lizzie and Margaret), Ann Walker and Mary Groves (by whom he had one daughter, Helen) ; and George WV., the father of John K. Brown. Dr. Brown, the father of this family, was a Presbyterian and a Whig. Dr. James Dougal and his wife, Jane ( Starrett). were from Ireland.
Dr. George W. Brown, son of Dr. George W. Brown and his wife Margaret (Dougal), was born July 2, 1818, at Sunbury, Pa., and received his early educa- tion in the common schools. In his boyhood and youth he lived and worked upon his father's large farm at Allenwood, Union county, later began the study of medicine with Dr. David Hunter, at Tamaqua, and finished the course at Jefferson Medical College, from which institution he was graduated. In the spring of 1844 he settled at Port Carbon, where he practiced medicine and carried on a drug store the remainder of his life. In the year 1847 he built the Brown mansion, now one of the landmarks of the borough, and at this home his death occurred in 1890. Dr. Brown became a Republican on political questions, and in his close connection with public affairs exercised an appreciable influence in the community, leaving a permanent impress for good in the wide circle of his acquaintance. For many years he was a member of the council, and president of that body during most of that time. At one time he was a member of the school board. He founded what is now known as the Mid- vale cemetery at Port Carbon, and is buried there. Like his father he was a Presbyterian in religious connection, and he filled the office of elder in his church.
Dr. Brown married Rebecca Tindall, daughter of Elijah and Rachel Tindall, of near Mount Holly, N. J., in which State the Tindalls were landowners ; the family came to this country from England. Six children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Brown: Annie S. married Dr. W. T. Beach, who was born in Wales about 1840 and died some years ago (they had two children, George B., who married a Miss Uhler, of Gordon, Pa., and William Starrett, who died young) ; Margaret married Dr. T. J. Birch, who was born in Ohio in 1838, and died in June, 1912, aged seventy-four years (they had no children; she resides at Port Carbon) ; Emily W. married Edmund Erdman; George W. married Mary Knittle; Maria H. married T. R. Beddall; John K. married Minnie A. Weaklim.
JOHN K. BROWN was born April 27, 1856, at Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, which has always been his home. He attended school there, and had one winter's tuition at Media, Pa., after which he learned the drug business under his father's instruction. At the time of his father's death he was thirty- four years old, and he then succeeded to the business, which he has continued on his own account for the last twenty-five years. His business and private life has been such as to make him an honored representative of the name he bears, and to maintain the high standards of citizenship it has upheld for the last seventy years in the town. He is a Presbyterian and a Republican, as the members of the family generally have been.
Mr. Brown married Minnie A. Weaklim, daughter of William T. and Caro- line ( Davenport) Weaklim, and to them have been born two children: David B., Sept. 19, 1893, and Margaret D., July 23, 1903.
William T. Weaklim, father of Mrs. John K. Brown, was born on ship-
64
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
board when his parents were coming to America. He settled at St. Clair, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and for many years was engaged in the paperhanging and painting business. He was elected justice of the peace at St. Clair, and filled that office several years. His death occurred at St. Clair in September, 1914, and he is buried there, in the Odd Fellows cemetery. He married Caroline Davenport, who now resides at Pottsville. They had the following children : Laura, Minnie A. (Mrs. John K. Brown), William T., George, Carrie, May, Oscar, Bertha, and Harry (who died young).
COL. DANIEL NAGLE, a venerable resident of Pottsville, has the dis- tinction of being one of the few surviving veterans whose military experience included service in both the Mexican and Civil wars. A youth of eighteen when the Mexican war broke out, he entered the service as a member of a company commanded by his brother James, and subsequently he served over two years in the Civil war.
Colonel Nagle was born April 1, 1828, in Womelsdorf, Berks Co., Pa., and his ancestors were among the early residents of that county. His grandfather, Philip Nagle, was a native of Reading, Berks county, where he died in 1840, at the age of eighty-four years. He served as a drummer in the Revolutionary war. By occupation he was a stonemason.
Daniel Nagle, son of Philip, was born in 1803, and before he reached his majority removed to Womelsdorf, Berks county, and thence in 1830 to Pine Grove, Schuylkill county. Five years later he removed to Pottsville, where . he died in 1851. By trade he was a cabinetmaker, and in connection with that work did painting of various kinds. He voted with the Whig party, and in his religious belief adhered to the doctrines of the Lutheran Church. He married Mary Rorig, and they had eight children who grew to maturity, three daughters and five sons: James, Eliza, Daniel, Ellen, Mary, Philip, Levi and Abraham. Philip enlisted in Capt. D. A. Smith's company for a term of three months, becoming first lieutenant. This company was among the first at Washington, and belonged to the troops known as the "First Defenders." At the expiration of this term of enlistment he was promoted to the captaincy of Company G, 48th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was stationed at Hatteras Island. He died in March, 1891, at the age of fifty-three years. Levi enlisted as a musician in the 48th Regiment band, and after his term of service remained in Washington as a clerk in the pension bureau. Abraham served in Company D, 6th Pennsylvania Regiment, for three months, and afterwards in Company D, 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, for a term of three years; he is now deceased.
Daniel Nagle, second son of Daniel and Mary (Rorig) Nagle, was edu- cated in the public schools of Pottsville, Pa., where his father settled, and learned the painting and paper hanging trade with his father. At this he continued to work until the year 1846, when he enlisted, on Dec. 5th, in Company B (his brother's company), Ist Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. F. M. Wynkoop commanding. He originally entered the service as a drummer, but carried a musket through the siege of Vera Cruz, at Atlixco, Huamantla, Natural Bridge and LaJoya Pass; was in the battle of Cerro Gordo, and on the march to Puebla, and then returned to headquarters at Perote Castle. At this juncture he was compelled to return home on account of some imperative business and family affairs: not, however, until the city of Mexico had been taken and hostilities ceased. He received his discharge at Perote Castle, Mexico, Oct. 30, 1847. During this service he won the
Daniel Nagle
أ
1
65
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
esteem and regard of his officers, and in the engagements in which he carried a musket bore himself bravely. After his return he resumed his former business, which he continued until the beginning of the Civil war. Again he went into the service of his country, enlisting April 18, 1861, at Pottsville, in Captain Tower's company. Upon their arrival at Harrisburg he was ap- pointed second lieutenant. The company, having more than the legal number of men, was then divided, and Daniel Nagle was elected captain of one of the two companies formed. This "Nagle Guard of Pottsville" was Company D, 6th Regiment, under the command of Col. James Nagle. During the first three months he served in the Cumberland valley, and took part in the skir- mishes of that campaign. After the reorganization of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment by Colonel Nagle, his brother, he was elected captain of Company D, of that regiment. He first proceeded to Fortress Monroe, Va., under General Wool, and thence to Hatteras Inlet, N. C., where they relieved an Indiana regiment, there garrisoned, until General Burnside organized an army corps. Daniel Nagle then took part in the capture and reduction of Newbern, having some time prior been promoted to the rank of major of his regiment. The troops remained there until General McClellan arrived in front of Richmond, when they were ordered to reinforce him. Before they reached him hostilities there had ceased, and his command was stationed at Newport News, where he resigned in July, 1862, and returned home on account of sickness and death in his family. During the invasion of Pennsylvania by General Lee he re- enlisted, in September, 1862, and was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the 19th Emergency Regiment. He was out two weeks in service when he was appointed by Governor Curtin as colonel of the 173d Regiment, drafted militia. In this capacity he served the full term of nine months. His com- mand was first ordered to Norfolk, Va., where it was used to guard the approaches to the city-Kempville, Intrenched Lines, Sewell's Point, Indian Pole Bridge, Great Bridge, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Fort Norfolk and Tan- ners' Creek. Their headquarters were at Camp Viele. In May, 1863, he was ordered to Norfolk to relieve a Wisconsin regiment, and then performed pro- vost duty in the city and suburbs. On July 10, 1863, he received orders from General Viele to report to General Meade at Gettysburg, but meeting General Meade at Boonsboro, Md., was sent by him to the IIth Army Corps, under charge of Gen. O. O. Howard. His regiment reached the corps at Berlin, and was assigned to service in Virginia on the Orange & Alexandria railway, with headquarters at Manassas Junction. While stationed here he guarded this road from Broad Run to Manassas Junction. He was stationed at Kettle Run and other points until Aug. 18, 1863, when he was discharged from fur- ther duty, his term of service having expired.
After his return to Schuylkill county Colonel Nagle became a coal agent for a short time and then engaged in the flouring business for a few years. In 1876 he retired from that line of work, and returned to his original business of painting and paper hanging, which he carried on very successfully until his retirement, in 1890.
Colonel Nagle has always been a Republican in politics, and at the breaking out of the Civil war was a member of the borough council, which office he filled until the expiration of his three months' service, but resigned when he reenlisted. He is a prominent member of Pulaski Lodge, No. 216, F. & A. M., of the Mexican Veteran Association, and of the Schuylkill County Historical Society. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. Though in his eighty-eighth Vol. I-5
66
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
year, he is in excellent health and continues his interest in the affairs of the day. He is well known in the borough and has the affection and esteem of a wide circle.
On July 6, 1848, Colonel Nagle was united in marriage with Hannah Kantner, a daughter of John Kantner, of Pottsville, Pa., and their union was blessed with eight children: Edwin Seculas, who died in Massachusetts, mar- ried Nellie Sicerott, and was chief clerk for Riley & Company, importers of machinery, of Boston, Mass .; Daniel Winfield, who married Valeria Koons, was formerly head bookkeeper in the Lutheran Publication House, of Phila- delphia, and is now living at Auburn, Schuylkill county, with his only daugh- ter; Millard Fillmore, who married Jennie Meck, is in the wholesale lumber business at Shamokin, Pa .; Harry Clay, deceased, married Katie Sterner, and was a clerk in the Lutheran Publication House, of Philadelphia; George W. was next in the family ; Bessie is deceased ; two died in childhood. The mother died Jan. 8, 1877, aged forty-six years, and Colonel Nagle was again married, on July 20, 1880, to Mrs. Rebecca Loose, of Pottsville, Pa., daughter of Joseph Muthard, of Berks county, Pa., and widow of Nathaniel Loose, by whom she had four daughters. Mrs. Nagle died Feb. 14, 19II.
GEN. JAMES NAGLE, eldest son of Daniel and Mary (Rorig) Nagle, was born April 5, 1822, at Reading, Pa. He was given a few years in the public schools at Reading, but most of his education was obtained in the school of experience and through self effort. He usually worked during the day and went to school at night. In his youth he learned the trade of painter and paper hanger, which he followed throughout his active business life, taking his father's business after the latter's death. He showed decided military talent from early manhood, and became a member and later captain of a company of Pennsylvania State militia. In 1844 he organized the Washington Artillery, of which he was captain, and left Pottsville on Dec. 5, 1846, to enter the Mexican war. This company was known as Company B, Ist Regiment, P. V. I., Col. F. M. Wynkoop commanding. During the course of the war he took part in the siege of Vera Cruz, and at the battle of Cerro Gordo was acting major of his regiment. On Jan. 20, 1847, his command routed a force of guerrillas at LaJoya, and on Oct. 14th and 19th he took part in engage- ments at Huamantla, Puebla, and Atlixco, each of which resulted in an over- whelming victory for the United States troops. Subsequently he was with his regiment in the triumphal entry into the city of Mexico and was finally stationed at San Angle until the war formally closed. He was mustered out of the service with his company at Philadelphia, July 27, 1848.
After his return to Pottsville he was, in 1852, elected sheriff of Schuylkill county, and shortly thereafter was appointed brigade inspector of Pennsyl- vania, with the rank of colonel. He remained closely identified with the military affairs of the county and State until 1861, when, at the beginning of the Civil war, he was commissioned colonel of the 6th Pennsylvania, and ordered out for service, taking part in the skirmish at Falling Water. In August, 1861, he organized the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, with a view to serving three years, and commanded same. His regiment did service at Fortress Monroe, Hatteras Inlet and Newbern, and at the second battle of Bull Run General Nagle commanded with gallantry and judgment the Ist Brigade, 2d Division, of the 9th Army Corps. Soon after the battle he was recommended for promotion by General Reno, and was subsequently com-
1
67
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
missioned by President Lincoln as brigadier general. In this capacity he commanded at the battles of Chantilly, South Mountain and Antietam, in each of which engagements his brigade bore itself with credit and distinction. At Antietam his command took an important part in carrying the Antietam bridge, which was considered by General Mcclellan as the one event that saved the day. For this service General Nagle received the highest compli- ments. At Annisville and Fredericksburg his brigade was in the thickest of the fight and sustained heavy losses in both killed and wounded. From this time until 1863 he was stationed in Kentucky. In consequence of heart disease he was compelled to resign his command, much to the regret of his men and General Sturgis, who was chief in authority. While at home, rest and absence from the excitement and arduous duty of war soon acted as a restorative, and his general health improved to such an extent that when General Lee began his invasion of Pennsylvania he organized the 39th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, for the emergency, and was placed in command. The troops were mustered out Aug. 2, 1863, and the next year he organized the 194th Penn- sylvania for one hundred days' service, was commissioned commanding colonel July 21, 1864, and ordered to Baltimore, Md., where he was placed in com- mand of eight thousand troops at Monkin's Woods, to guard the approach to the city. On Nov. 5, 1864, he was finally dismissed, and on Aug. 22, 1866, died of heart disease at his home in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
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.