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 84
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In 1880 Mr. Brennan went into business at Forestville, conducting a hotel and saloon for many years. He returned to mine work for about two years after his return from the State Legislature. In the fall of 1891 he became foreman on a branch of the Pennsylvania railroad, then in course of construc- tion, from Pottsville to the Lytle colliery, near Forestville, by way of Miners- ville. His work was so well done that the contractor, Joseph Gorman, engaged him the following year to oversee a piece of the road to Mount Carmel, and he was occupied at that for three months. Mr. Brennan has never lost his interest in the rise of the workingman, which occupied so much of his attention during his earlier years, and his various experiences in business and public life
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have given him opportunities for observation, and the acquisition of a large fund of practical information in this most interesting field. He has for some time made his home at Primrose, a small hamlet in Cass township, and is at present holding the position of truant officer of that township.
Mr. Brennan married Ellen Shortall, daughter of Patrick and Catherine Shortall, of Forestville, and twelve children have been born to this marriage, namely : Mary, who married Thomas Mclaughlin, of Shamokin, Pa .; Kate, wife of Patrick Purcell, of Forestville, this county; Teresa, wife of Patrick Brennan, of Forestville; William John, of Forestville, who married Kate Brennan; Francis, deceased; Richard; Thomas; Albert; Frank; Henry G .; Gertrude ; and James, deceased.
WILLIAM C. RICHARDS is a very well known citizen at Fountain Springs and the neighboring territory in Schuylkill county, and as a business man and farmer has made good in his various undertakings. His lumber business has grown to profitable proportions under his systematic operation. As a farmer he is decidedly up to date, helping to keep up the reputation of his neighborhood by his progressive policy.
Mr. Richards was born not far from his present location, at Centralia, across the line in Columbia county, Feb. 20, 1869. His grandfather, William Richards, was one of the early residents of that place and later moved to Fountain Springs, Schuylkill county, buying a farm which he cultivated until his death. He was engaged at mining all his life.
Thomas Richards, son of William, was born in Cornwall, England, and like his father became a miner by occupation. For a number of years he was engaged in the manufacture of British white oil, used for medicinal purposes, building up an extensive business, which he carried on until his death. His location was at Centralia. There he was married to Matilda Black, who survives him, being now (1914) seventy years old. Her father, David Black, a native of Ireland, settled near Minersville many years ago, and continued to reside in that part of Schuylkill county all his life. He was employed at the mines as a hoisting engineer. His wife's maiden name was Clatchey. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards were born seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom William, the eldest, is deceased; David B. lives with his mother in Schuylkill county; William C. is mentioned below; Thomas B. is farming in Schuylkill county ; Martha is the wife of Archie Kehler, of Mount Carmel, Pa .; Robert is farming in Schuylkill county ; Sarah is deceased.
William C. Richards was educated in the public schools of Centralia. When still young he began work as a breaker boy at the mines, and as soon as he was old enough became employed at more responsible duties in the mines, following this line until he reached the age of eighteen years. At that time he commenced learning the trade of plumber, tinner and gasfitter, at Centralia, and continued to work at it there for five years after completing his apprenticeship. For a time thereafter he was in the lumber business at Fountain Springs with his brother Thomas, whom he eventually bought out, since carrying it on alone, though he has also acquired other responsibilities meantime. Nineteen years ago he bought his farm, a tract of 135 acres in Butler township near Fountain Springs, which has been undergoing steady improvement along modern lines since it came into his possession.
On Dec. 3, 1898, Mr. Richards married Rose Kesselring, who was born at Fountain Springs, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Kissell) Kesselring,
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pioneer settlers at that point. Mr. Kesselring was an old-time railroad man, and was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company when he met an accidental death, at Mahanoy Plane, nine years ago. Mrs. Kesselring died July 26, 1913, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Richards. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have had one child, Catherine E. Mrs. Richards is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Richards has been active in the church at Fountain Springs, which he is serving as trustee.
JOSIAH HOLSHUE, a retired carpenter and contractor, now residing at Gordon, Schuylkill county, was born in Little Mahanoy township, North- umberland Co., Pa., April 1, 1830, son of George and Sarah ( Kramer) Holshue, natives of Northampton and Northumberland counties, Pa., respectively.
George Holshue was an early settler in Northumberland county, and was a blacksmith by trade. He owned a farm there, and was also engaged in the coal business for some years. He died in that county in 1871, and Mrs. Holshue died the same year. She was a native of Northumberland county, where her parents were among the first settlers; there are many residents of that county who spell the name Kremer, who are probably members of the same German family. To Mr. and Mrs. Holshue were born ten children: Christiana and Matilda, deceased; Josiah, mentioned below; Abbie, Sarah, Emanuel and Ellen, deceased; Joseph; Benjamin; and Carrie, the wife of Daniel Isenhart, of Philadelphia.
Josiah Holshue was educated in the schools of Little Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, and worked on the farm with his father until he was twenty-one years of age. He learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed continuously until his retirement. In 1853 he came to Gordon and found work at his trade, in 1859 entering the employ of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railway Company, with whom he remained for thirty-nine years. He then went into the contracting business in Gordon, but during the last few years has lived retired. Mr. Holshue was married in 1855 to Elizabeth Faust, daugh- ter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Rarick) Faust, old residents of Schuylkill county. Mrs. Holshue died in 1871, leaving five children: Orvella, wife of Alfred Rice, of Gordon, formerly a business man there; George, who married Mary A. Isenhart, of Shamokin, and has two sons, George and Gordon; Ed- ward, deceased; Sallie, wife of H. L. Neff, of Gordon, who has two sons, Luther and Alfred; and Harry, a resident of Tamaqua, who is married to Louisa Reed and has one son, Reed.
Mr. Holshue is a member of the Methodist Church, in the work of which he has been very active, being also interested in the work of the Sunday school. Fraternally he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the Red Men. He has been honored with election as chief burgess of Gordon, has been supervisor of the township, and is now a member of the borough council. He resides in a hand- some home at Gordon which he built himself, and is devoting his time to the betterment of local conditions and to assisting in the development and growth of the town of his adoption.
ELIAS DERR, one of the oldest residents of Barry township, has farmed all his life in that section of Schuylkill county. He was born in this county, in the Mahanoy valley, Nov. 11, 1833, son of John and Sarah Derr, both also natives of the county. They settled in the valley at a very early day and owned a farm there. John Derr died in 1848 and was long survived by his
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wife, her death occurring in 1885. They had a family of nine children, of whom Daniel was the eldest; Elias is next in the family; Kate, Mrs. Stone, is a resident of Williamsport; Elizabeth, Solomon, Lovina and Hester are de- ceased; William is living in Barry township; Isaac is deceased.
Elias Derr was reared and educated in Schuylkill county, attending the public schools. Trained to farming from boyhood, he has always followed agricultural pursuits and has been successful as the result of persevering atten- tion to his work, coupled with thrift and judicious management. During the Civil war he showed his sympathy with the Union cause by entering the serv- ice as a member of Company H, 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the struggle. His regiment was attached to Grant's army. He was mustered out at Philadelphia, and returning to his home at Taylorsville has since been established there. For a number of years he was a member of the G. A. R. post at Ashland, this county, highly esteemed among his comrades in that organization as hehas been wherever known. He is venerated for his upright career, having led a useful, honorable life which entitles him to respect.
Mr. Derr has been twice married and has had three children by each union. To the first were born: Henry, who is a resident of Ashland; Alice, wife of Benjamin Dirk; and John, now deceased. For his second wife he married Ann Dittweiler, of Ringtown, Schuylkill county, daughter of John Dittweiler, an old settler in the county, and she died Jan. 18, 1909, the mother of : Ila, Mrs. Solon Eberhardt, of Butler township, this county; Mary, who lives at home ; and Daniel, deceased. Mr. Derr is a Lutheran in religious connection.
SAMUEL C. WAGNER, late of Port Carbon, was one of the influential citizens of that borough for a number of years, showing his interest in its progress as a private citizen as well as in his official capacity. He was a native of Reading, Berks Co., Pa., son of Benjamin Wagner. The father was engaged for some years as a railroad engineer, and after settling at Palo Alto, Schuylkill county, was foreman in the shops at that place. He died at Palo Alto, and is buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Pottsville. By his marriage to Harriet Cox, of Reading, Berks county, he had the following family: Sam- uel C., Ellen, Emma, Benjamin and William.
Samuel C. Wagner was born Dec. 11, 1845, on Pine street, Reading, Pa., and spent his early life in that borough. When sixteen years old he commenced to learn the trade of machinist, at which he was employed at the time of his enlistment, Feb. 4, 1864, in Company L, 7th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He took part in a number of battles and received his honorable discharge Aug. 23, 1865, after the close of the war. Meantime his parents had removed from Reading to Palo Alto, where he joined them, finding work at his trade in the shops there, where he won steady promotion until he attained the position of general foreman. He was so engaged for a period of nineteen years and stood in high favor with his employers as well as the men under him. Mr. Wagner was very active in public affairs after his removal to Port Carbon, and his good work received special recognition in his election as chief burgess in 1902. He held that office for a term of three years. His religious connection was with the Methodist Church. He died at his home in Port Carbon Oct. 18, 1910, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery there. Socially he belonged to Post No. 23, G. A. R., of Pottsville, and the Masonic lodge at Orwigsburg, this county.
In 1868 Mr. Wagner married Mary A. Thomas, daughter of Abraham
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and Elizabeth (Crawford) Thomas, who were the parents of six children, namely: Mary A. (Mrs. Wagner), Catherine, John, Alberta, Elizabeth and Susan. Mrs. Wagner was born at Orangeville, Columbia county, in which region both the Thomas and Crawford families were early settlers. No chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagner, but they reared a niece, Mary Harris, daughter of William and Catherine Harris, who lived with them from child- hood. She is now the wife of Augustus DeWitt, and they continue to reside with Mrs. Wagner. Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt have three children: Marion, Wil- liam and Albert.
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JOSEPH BENDRICK, late of New Philadelphia, was a man of remark- able and versatile abilities, and his untimely decease was considered a public loss as well as a sorrow in the home circle. A native of Gilberton, Schuylkill county, born in March, 1873, he was of Lithuanian extraction, and by reason of his familiarity with the tongue of his race and allied languages, as well as English, was called upon to perform numerous services, officially and unoffi- cially, which brought him into intimate contact with many foreigners of sim- ilar origin in this region. His high character was the natural basis for a confidence which made him looked up to as a leader. Equally popular among all his fellow citizens, he filled many local offices, was a prosperous business man, and worked for the success of every good movement in his borough. Though he died in his prime, his name is enrolled among the most valuable citizens of his generation.
Matthias Bendrick, father of Joseph Bendrick, was a native of Lithuania, Russia, whence he came to America about 1867. Locating at Gilberton, near Mahanoy Plane, Schuylkill Co., Pa., he was employed at mine work for some time, and later engaged in farming, which he followed to the end of his days. He died in 1900 at Coaldale, this county, when fifty-five years old, and his widow passed away in 1910 at New Philadelphia, Schuylkill county. Her maiden name was Francisca Nedzinski, and she, too, was born in Lithuania. Four children were born to this marriage: Anthony, Domicella, Ellen and Joseph.
Joseph Bendrick was self-educated, for when a youth he had to work hard, on the farm and at the breaker. He was so ambitious that he would study until the last minute, his brother and sisters helping him to dress meanwhile, and all his life he studied up on whatever subjects he found information neces- sary. For ten years during his youth and early manhood he was engaged in clerking, first in the general store of John Bobbin, at Shenandoah, with whom he remained some time. Later he was at Lost Creek and then at Blackwood, this county, finally coming to New Philadelphia, in which borough he passed the remainder of his life. Here he clerked for Mr. Briscoe, and in 1897 em- barked on his own account in the hotel business, which he carried on until 1907. Meantime he had commenced selling fire insurance, and did considerable busi- ness in that line until his death, besides acting as agent. for the principal trans- atlantic steamship companies for over twenty-five years. His connection with the municipal government was long and honorable. From 1904 until May, 1906, he was clerk at the county prison. In 1906 he was appointed to a clerical position as deputy, in the office of the clerk of the courts at Pottsville, the county seat, and filled it until 1909, after which he was in the docket clerk's office until his death. He served six years as borough assessor in New Philadelphia; some years' as member of the borough council, of which body he was presi-
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dent two years, clerk four years, treasurer one year, and he was serving it as secretary at the time of his death; he was a member of the school board; and he was elected justice of the peace a few years before his death, having about two years more to serve.
Mr. Bendrick was an accomplished linguist, using Polish, Russian and Lithuanian fluently, and for a long time he acted as court interpreter, attend- ing many important trials in that capacity. As such he was appealed to on many occasions for assistance, and his unselfish attempts to ease the per- plexities of those who relied upon his knowledge of the language and customs of this country gained him the gratitude and friendship of the beneficiaries, as well as the admiration of all who had the opportunity of realizing how much he helped others. He was a member of the Catholic Church and of the Catholic Slavish Union, a captain of the Knights of Saint Casimir of New Philadel- phia, and a member of Saint Algerd's Society of Shenandoah. His death occurred April 4, 1915.
On Feb. 24, 1897, Mr. Bendrick married Helen Rogers, daughter of John and Anna Rogers, of Pottsville. Her father, a native of Russia, came to Amer- ica when a young man and first settled at Shenandoah, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he followed mining for a time and later engaged in the hotel business. To Mr. and Mrs. Bendrick were born seven children: Blanche, Raphael, Alice, Cyril, Irene, Joseph and Algerd. Mrs. Bendrick is a member of the Catholic Church at New Philadelphia, where she continues to reside in the fine home which Mr. Bendrick established for his family.
HARRY C. MOORE, of Pine Grove, is filling a useful place in the activities of the borough as a prosperous business man and efficient public servant. After a varied experience he took a half interest in the manufacturing busi- ness now conducted by Fox & Moore, of Pine Grove, and has cooperated most effectively in its development. Pine Grove is his native place, and the family has been associated with the life of that section of Schuylkill county for many years.
Enoch Moore, grandfather of Harry C. Moore, was born in Lebanon county, Pa., and coming to Schuylkill county at an early day conducted a mill in Pine Grove township, where he remained until his death. His son, Franklin E. Moore, father of Harry C. Moore, was also a native of Lebanon county and was an iron worker by occupation. During the Civil war he was in the Union service, being one of the first three months' men enrolled, and he was in the ranks throughout his term. After being mustered out he returned to Pine Grove, and he is a member of the G. A. R. post at that place. He is now liv- ing retired, making his home with his sons. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Kantner, was a native of Schuylkill county, and died Oct. 20, 1902. She was a daughter of Jonathan Kantner, who came hither from Berks county, Pa., was a miller in the early days, and died in Pine Grove, at the home of his son-in-law, Franklin E. Moore, when eighty-four years old. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, three still surviving: Clara, wife of Calvin Hikes, of Pine Grove; Franklin, of Lebanon, Pa .; and Harry C.
Harry C. Moore was born in 1871, and was educated in the schools of Pine Grove. His school days over, he clerked in a general store in the borough for a time and then took a position at Pottsville, where he was in the employ of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart for a number of years, being advanced to the responsibility of buyer of wash goods and linens. Then he changed to their
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large store at Reading, where he was engaged for a time as salesman, subse- quently having charge of an extensive establishment there, where he was in business on his own account for two years. He was connected with the George A. Ravel & Co. dry good store. Returning to Pine Grove he purchased a share in the shirt factory, which has since claimed most of his attention, being in an equal partnership with William S. Fox under the firm name of Fox & Moore. Mr. Fox is now a resident of Pine Grove, but he also has a similar establishment in Tremont, Schuylkill county. The product of the Pine Grove factory consists of working shirts, and the output is taken up in the market as soon as completed. The firm has fairly earned its place as a valuable indus- trial asset of the borough, and Mr. Moore has done his part in bringing about its success. The Pine Grove plant is 38 by 120 feet in dimensions, well lighted, and equipped throughout with modern machinery, and employment is given to one hundred hands. Mr. Moore is recognized as an able adviser in the administration of important affairs, and is at present a member of the bor- ough council, in which he has been doing effective work.
In 1895 Mr. Moore married Sallie Spancake, of Pine Grove, daughter of John H. and Mary A. (Greenawalt) Spancake, who are well known residents of the borough. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have one child, Mary Elizabeth. Mr. Moore is a member of the Lutheran Church, and fraternally he belongs to Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., of Reading: to the Masonic Chapter at Tremont ; to the P. O. S. of A., at Pine Grove ; to Mount Penn Lodge, No. 265, K. of P., at Reading; and to the Sons of Veterans.
HON. J. WILFRED DONAHOE, of Ashland, Schuylkill county, at present representing his district in the State Legislature, belongs to a family whose activities in business as well as public circles have won them prestige among the most valuable citizens of the borough. In the maternal line also he is descended from a family of ability and worth, which has been prominent in the community from early days. Mr. Donahoe was born in Ashland Nov. 21, 1880, son of Michael T. Donahoe, and father and son are now associated in business there.
Thomas and Margaret ( McCormic) Donahoe, the grandparents, were born in the parish of Boyle, in County Roscommon, Ireland, and Michael and Mary Donahoe, the great-grandparents, also lived in that parish, until their emigration to the United States in 1846. The family settled at Broad Moun- tain, near Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and Thomas Donahoe followed min- ing there until 1855. He then moved to Ashland, where he passed the remainder of his life, continuing to work as a miner. He died in June, 1864, when forty-six years old. Of the six children who survived him, ( 1) John J., the eldest, began working at the mines when very young, but later turned his attention to music and had considerable success as a teacher, gaining a special reputation as a vocalist. It was he who established the business now carried on by his brother Michael, with whom he was in partnership for many years. He met an accidental death July 20, 1887, at a colliery near Ashland, where he was then employed. He married, and his family record is given elsewhere in this work. (2) Mary, the eldest daughter, is the widow of Anthony Mur- phy, of Salem, Ohio, where she is still residing. (3) Margaret, deceased, was the wife of Terrence O'Brien, of Decatur, Ill. (4) One son lives in Salem, Ohio. (5) Bridget, deceased, was a resident of Philadelphia, Pa. (6) Michael T. is the father of J. Wilfred Donahoe.
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Michael T. Donahoe was born in 1854 at Broad Mountain, near Pottsville, Schuylkill county, and has lived in Ashland from boyhood. He.received his education in the public schools there and began work as a slate picker in the mines. In 1872 he became associated in business with his elder brother Jolin, and he has been interested in the same line continuously to the present, dealing in stationery, musical goods, wall-paper, pictures and books, and fancy goods. He now has his son Wilfred as assistant in the store. Mr. Donahoe has been very prominent in local musical circles, having done effective work as teacher and director of the Catholic choirs in various places in the county, including Mahanoy City, Mahanoy Plane, Heckscherville and Ashland, having continued in this work for many years. He was musical director of the Holy Name Society of St. Joseph's Church, Ashland. For one year he was vice president of the Ashland Choral Union. Since 1878 he has been associated with public affairs in Ashland. That year he was elected justice of the peace for two wards, and he subsequently became chief burgess, in which office he served for five years, giving the highest satisfaction to all concerned. His excellent judg- ment and absolute fairness in the administration of all the affairs of the town won him the approval of all his fellow citizens regardless of their personal interest. Socially Mr. Donahoe is a prominent member of Father Sheridan Council, Knights of Columbus, being a past deputy grand knight and grand knight, and he and his family have long been members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Ashland. His association with any enterprise in the locality is justly regarded as a distinct gain. The considerable influence he has enjoyed for so long a period has always been directed to the advancing of the best interests of the various organizations with which he has been associated, and his work, particularly in musical circles, has merited and won high favor.
Mr. Donahoe was married at Ashland to Mary Elizabeth Wingert, daugh- ter of Frank B. Wingert. a native of Pottsville, whose father was the first cashier of the First National Bank of Ashland. The grandfather was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary war. The Wingerts are of German descent, and have been settled in Schuylkill county from the early days, having come to this section from Philadelphia. Her parents had a family of seven children : Howard; Albert and Harry, both residents of Elizabeth, N. J .; William, deceased ; Francis, deceased ; Bertha, unmarried, who lives at Elizabeth, N. J .; and Mary Elizabeth, Mrs. Donahoe. To Mr. and Mrs. Donahoe have been born three children: Frances E. is the wife of Charles E. Pett, formerly of New York City, now of Elizabeth, N. J .; J. Wilfred is mentioned below; Gertrude K. is at home.
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