|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Chatham, Clymer,Gaines, Elk and Shippen.
SYLVESTER TREAT, SR., was born in Madison county, New York, April 14, 1802, a son of Peter and Hannah Treat, who were of English ancestry, and settled in Chatham township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1827, locating on the farm now owned by his son, Sylvester, which he cleared and improved from the wilderness. He resided there until his death, October 5, 1866. He first purchased 160 acres, to which he kept adding until he owned 300 acres of good land. He was one of the substantial citizens of Chatham, and was honored and respected by his neighbors. His wife, Lucinda, was a daughter of Abiatha and Alvira (Holt) Gates, of Madison county, New York, and bore him a family of seven children, viz: Mary, wife of Thomas Owlett; Lydia, wife of Dr. William B. Rich; Rufus G., Caroline, wife of L. D. Carl; Darinda L., wife of James H. Carl; Amelia, wife of Leonidas Avery, and Sylvester.
RUFUS G. TREAT, eldest son of Sylvester Treat, Sr., was born on his father’s farm in Chatham township, Tioga county, July 31, 1832, there grew to manhood, and attended the common schools of his district. He owns and occupies a part of the old farm settled by his father, purchased before and since the latter’s death, upon which he has lived since 1853. On August 14, 1853, he married Mary J. Snyder, a daughter of John and Adeline (Baker) Snyder, of Farmington township. They have reared a family of six children, viz: Caroline, wife of Thomas Ransom; Nellie, wife of George Ransom; Jesse, who married Lizzie Bosard; Mary, wife of E. W. Conklin; Ernest, and Ada, wife of Frank Palmer. In September, 1864, Mr. Treat enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was in the battle of Boydstown Plank Road, October 27, 1864, and for six weeks after was on picket duty at Fort Sedgwick, where he was transferred to the Army of the James, under Gen. B. F. Butler, and later under Gen. O. C. Ord. He was mustered out of the service June 28, 1865, and received his final discharge July 8, 1865. Mr. Treat is one of Chatham’s leading farmers, and has been postmaster of East Chatham since 1870. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a member of the G. A. R., and K. of H.
SYLVESTER TREAT, youngest son of Sylvester Treat, Sr., was born in Chatham township, Tioga county, upon the farm where he now resides, December 26, 1846. He was reared to manhood upon the old homestead, and became its owner at his father’s death. This farm now embraces 150 acres of well-improved land. On September 28, 1868, Mr. Treat married Sarah Miller, a daughter of Samuel and Judy (Close) Miller, of Chatham township. They are the parents of eight children, viz: Lewis, Alice, wife of Judd Butler; Burt, Agnes L., Fannie, Claude S., Samuel and Clara. In politics, Mr. Treat is a Republican, and has held the office of school director for six years. He is a member of the K. of H., and one of the progressive farmers of the community.
MATTHEW BOOM was born in Delaware county, New York, in 1798, and was a son of Forgarty Boom. About 1836 he settled in Chatham township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, taking up 200 acres of land, and built a log cabin in the midst of the forest. Here he cleared and improved a farm, upon which he resided until his death. His wife, Caroline Pangburn, a native of Montgomery county, New York, was the mother of eight children, named as follows: John F., William, Mary A., who married James P. King; Sylvester, Phoebe E., wife of Paul Hunter; Darius, Melissa, wife of William Coburn, and Ben. Mr. Boom did service as a guide in the War of 1812. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a very worthy citizen.
BEN BOOM, youngest child of Matthew Boom, was born on the old homestead in Chatham township, Tioga county, April 4, 1842, there grew to manhood, and has always followed farming as an occupation. In 1861 he married Nancy Mattison, a daughter of Gardner and Betsey (Winegardner) Mattison, of Knoxville, Tioga county, and has two children: Carrie E., wife of Myron Reynolds, and Jessie. In politics, Mr. Boom is a Republican, and is a member of the K. of H. He is one of Chatham’s progressive farmers, and owns and occupies the old homestead settled by his father about sixty years ago.
JEREMIAH GARNER was born in Chenango county, New York, October 3, 1804, and was a son of Gideon and Patty Garner. In 1841 he came from Locke, Cayuga county, New York, to Chatham township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and settled on the farm now owned by his son, Delos, upon which he resided until his death, August 30, 1879, in his seventy-fifth year. He cleared and improved this farm through the passing years, and succeeded in making it valuable property. Mr. Garner was a hard-working, honest and industrious farmer, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. He was married to Maria Reynolds, October 2, 1825, to which union were born eight children, viz: Lucy A., wife of Charles Mosher; William J., Daniel W., Betsey J., wife of R. J. Mosher; Martha M., wife of John F. Ackley; Delos, Sarah L., wife of Amason Sensabaugh, and Lucius R. Mrs. Garner died March 5, 1875, in the seventieth year of her age.
DELOS GARNER was born in Cayuga county, New York, July 10, 1838, and came to Chatham township with his parents, Jeremiah and Maria Garner, in 1841, since which time he has lived upon his present farm. He attended the district schools in boyhood, and his entire attention has been devoted to farming. Mr. Garner was married, April 29, 1871, to Josephine Griffin, a daughter of Philo and Jane (Leach) Griffin, of Middlebury township. They have an adopted daughter, Millie E. In politics, Mr. Garner is a Republican, and is recognized as one of Chatham’s leading citizens.
LUCIUS R. GARNER, youngest child of Jeremiah Garner, was born on the old homestead in Chatham township, Tioga county, June 12, 1844. He was reared in his native township, attended the common schools in boyhood, and has always followed farming as an occupation. Since 1880 he has resided on the old Sprague farm in Westfield township. On April 29, 1871, Mr. Garner married Mary Sprague, a daughter of Thomas and Keziah Sprague, of Westfield township, and has one son, Jerrold Paige. Mr. Garner is a Republican, has filled several local offices in the township, and is one of its respected citizens.
SOLOMON COOPER was born in Tompkins county, New York, April 5, 1827, a son of Jason and Maria (Champlain) Cooper. He came with his parents to Chatham township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1844, where his father took up a tract of land, upon which he resided until his death. Jason Cooper was a soldier in the War of 1812, and reared the following children: Solomon, Erastus, Hannah, who married Warren Boom; Winchester E., Betsey, who married Henry Madison; Burdick, Robert, and Esther, who married William R. Freeman. On attaining his majority, Solomon Cooper engaged in farming, on the farm now occupied by W. E. Cooper, cleared and improved a part of it, and there died, January 11, 1856, in his twenty-ninth year. his wife, Urania J., was a daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Stringer) Mack, of Cayuga county, New York. She became the mother of four children, three of whom survive: Eliza, wife of Norman Tremain; Jason and Joseph. Mr. Cooper was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, a Whig.
JOSEPH COOPER, youngest son of Solomon and Urania J. Cooper, was born in Chatham township, Tioga county, March 22, 1853. He left home when twelve years of age, and for five years worked at anything he could find to do. At the age of seventeen he engaged in farming, and so successful have been his efforts through the passing years, that he owns to-day 700 acres of land in Tioga county, principally in Chatham township. For upwards of twenty years Mr. Cooper has been engaged in buying and shipping stock to the New York markets, and also has been more or less interested in general merchandising. He has devoted his attention to various other business interests, and has been generally successful in all his undertakings. Mr. Cooper was married July 9, 1870, to Helen Mosher, a daughter of Charles and Lucy A. (Garner) Mosher, of Clymer township, and has three children: Lelia, wife of Luther Davis; Delos, who married Ada McNinch, and Fred A. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as supervisor of Chatham township for ten years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of H., and takes an active interest in social affairs. Mr. Cooper is pre-eminently a self-made man. Without any school advantages, he made his way in the world from the age of twelve years, and is to-day one of the leading business men of his native county, as well as one of its largest land-owners.
GEORGE FERRIS was born in Locke, Cayuga county, New York, in 1822, and was a grandson of Joseph Ferris, a native of New England. He came to Chatham township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1851, where he cleared and improved a farm, now owned by Lucy Ann Goodwin, and a grandson, Loren Clark. In later life, he purchased another farm near Shortsville, Chatham township, where he died in 1877, in his fifty-sixth year. He married Huldah A. Harris, a daughter of Joseph and Eunice (Boga) Harris, of Massachusetts, who bore him three children: Joseph H., Lucy Ann, wife of William Goodwin, and George A. Mr. Ferris was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an adherent of the Republican party.
JOSEPH H. FERRIS, eldest son of George Ferris, was born in Locke, Cayuga county, New York, December 13, 1844, and was in his seventh year when his parents located in Chatham township, Tioga county. He obtained his education in the common schools and at the State Normal School, Mansfield. At eighteen years of age he began his career as a teacher, and followed that profession during the winter seasons for fifteen years. He was principal of Westfield High School in 1877, and taught his last term at Little Marsh in 1880. Mr. Ferris has also followed the carpenter’s trade to some extent, as well as
farming, and was in the mercantile business at Little Marsh for a year and a half, and for several years was engaged in huckstering on a large scale. On December 28, 1876, he married Emma J. Cady, a daughter of Jerry P. Cady, of Cayuga county, New York. They are the parents of four children, viz: Earl J., Frank A., Sadie Z. and Nellie. Mr. Ferris is a stanch Republican, and was elected sheriff of Tioga county in 1885, and served three years. He has also held nearly all the different local offices in Chatham township, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.
ALVIN H. RICE, a native of Delaware county, New York, born December 2, 1810, settled in Chatham township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania in 1847, on a tract of forest land, where he cleared and improved a farm, built a saw-mill and blacksmith shop, and carried on one of the first stores at Little Marsh. His wife was Sally Faulkner, and their children were as follows: Luther, Orrin, George W., Erastus, Austin D., Chancey J., Amelia A., William A., James M., Reuben H., Sally A. and Charles A. Mr. Rice died March 22, 1869, and his wife, January 27, 1880.
AUSTIN D. RICE was born in Delaware county, New York, June 1, 1839, a son of Alvin H. Rice, and came to Chatham township, Tioga county, with his parents when he was about eight years old. He attended the district schools in boyhood, and learned the blacksmith’s trade, which he followed about seven years. On September 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with his regiment in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. He lost his left leg in the latter engagement, September 17, 1862, and received an honorable discharge in March, 1863. On his return home he learned the shoemaker’s trade, which he followed eight years, but later engaged in general merchandising for five years, since which time he has followed agricultural pursuits more or less. Mr. Rice was married July 11, 1868, to Martha A. English, a daughter of George and Ellen (McEwen) English, of Delmar township. Her father was a native of Ireland, and her mother of Delmar township, Tioga county. Her maternal grandfather, John McEwen, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a pioneer of Delmar township. His wife was Miss Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Riche have two children living: Ellen, wife of Ural King, and Hazel. Mrs. Rice is a charter member of the Woman’s Relief Corps, of Little Marsh. Mr. Rice is a member of the G. A. R., the U. V. L., the K. O. T. M., and the K. of H. In politics, he is an ardent Democrat, and served four years as postmaster of Little Marsh under President Cleveland’s first administration. He was appointed to the same office in 1894, which he now occupies, and has held various local offices in Chatham township, including that of justice of the peace for twenty-four years.
NORMAN A. ASHTON was born in Cayuga county, New York, November 10, 1827, a son of Matthew and Esther (Lewis) Ashton. He was reared in that State, there married Hannah C. Nichols, a daughter of Henry and Electa (Risden) Nichols, of Livingston county, and in 1864 came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming in Chatham township. Here he continued in agricultural pursuits up to his death, May 17, 1890. Five children were born to him, four of whom grew to maturity, viz: Frances, wife of J. M. Swimelar; Catharina, wife of Grant Gleason; Nathan W. and Henry A. Mr. Ashton was a Democrat, and filled various local offices in the township.
BENJAMIN J. FULKERSON, physician and surgeon, was born in Gulich
township, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1855, a son of Daniel
and Eleanor (Stephens) Fulkerson, and is of Welsh and German extraction.
He was educated at Reed Institute, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, and in
1873 began the study of medicine with Dr. W. H. Edwards, of Smith’s Mills,
Clearfield county. In 1874-75, he attended a course of lectures at Bellevue
Medical College, New York, and in 1879-80, and in 1880-81, he attended
lectures at the University of New York City, where he was graduated in
March, 1881. In August of that year, he located at Little Marsh, in Chatham
township, Tioga county, where he built up quite an extensive practice,
and became widely known as a good physician. In 1895 he removed to Tyrone,
Pennsylvania, where he now resides and pursues his profession. Dr. Fulkerson
was married September 1, 1881, to Ida J. Alleman, a daughter of Henry and
Catherine (Shoemaker) Alleman, of Alleman’s, Clearfield county. They are
the parents of three children, viz: Katie, Eleanor and Daniel. In politics,
he is a stanch Republican, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. of
H., and the K. O. T. M. societies.
CLYMER TOWNSHIP.
LUKE SCOTT was born in Vermont, May 11, 1765, and settled at Knoxville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, where he engaged in lumbering. He subsequently lived on Troup’s creek, in Deerfield township, and resided with his son, Rufus, in Clymer township, at the time of his death, September 19, 1828. His wife was Chloe Darling, and their children were as follows: Joanna, who married Julius Seely; Stephen, Luke, Caroline, who married Archibald Knox; Orril, who married John Goodspeed, Sr.; James, Rufus, Charles, and Harriet, who married Orson Pemberton.
RUFUS SCOTT, son of Luke Scott, was born in New Hampshire, July 24,
1802, and was about two years old when his parents settled at Knoxville,
Tioga county. In 1823 he located in Clymer township, where he cleared and
improved the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Eli D., and resided
there until his death, June 4, 1884, aged eighty-two years. His wife, Caroline,
was a daughter of Robert and Hannah (Mattison) Dickens, of Clymer township.
They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity,
viz: Lafayette, Luke, James, Joel, Eli D., Chloe, who married Stephen Dickens;
Lemuel and Winfield.
SILAS S. GRIFFIN was born in Georgetown, Madison county, New York, June 30, 1811, a son of William and Polly (Sweet) Griffin, and was of English descent. His grandfather, Conrad Griffin, immigrated from England to Long Island. Our subject was reared in his native county, and in 1833 settled in Clymer township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he cleared and improved a farm, now occupied by his widow, the wife of Charles F. Bruce, upon which he spent the remaining years of his life. He was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of Bethlehem Thompson, a pioneer of Deerfield and Clymer townships. Two children were the fruits of this union: Mary E., who married Hannibal Ladd, and Lucius. On May 7, 1845, he married Susannah M. Thomas, a daughter of Abial P. and Lydia L. (Pickett) Thomas, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively, and early settlers of Troupsburg, New York. Eight children were born to this marriage, viz: Silas Alvin, William Albert, Lucetta S., wife of Rinaldo Taylor; Maretta L., wife of William Paul; Maletta Lavina, wife of John Southworth; Annie Adora, wife of Eugene Schoonover; Lemual A., and Sarah J., wife of James Kernan. Mr. Griffin was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, and in politics, a supporter of the Republican party.
SILAS ALVIN GRIFFIN, oldest son of Silas S. and Susannah M. (Thomas) Griffin, was born in Clymer township, Tioga county, January 4, 1846. He was educated in the common schools and Union Academy. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Two Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in all of the battles in which his regiment was engaged until the close of the war. He was wounded in the right leg in the last fight in front of Petersburg, and was honorably discharged from the service May 31, 1865. After his return home, he remained on the homestead until 1868, when he removed to a farm of his own. He has cleared four farms in Clymer township, has resided on his present farm since 1879, and is one of the largest land-owners in this section of the county. On August 11, 1867, he married Sarah E. Hurd, a daughter of Russell and Louisa (Higgins) Hurd, of Gaines township, who bore him seven children, five of whom grew to maturity, viz: Benjamin A., who married Olive Hoagland; Eva M., who married Frank Kernan, and died leaving one son, George Alvin, now being reared by our subject; Maretta A., wife of Clayton Scott; Clark S., and Walter D. Mr. Griffin is one of the prominent and progressive farmers of Tioga county, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. In politics, a Republican, he has held the office of school director several times, and is a leading member of the G. A. R.
ISAAC BEACH, a native of Dutchess county, New York, came from Tompkins county, New York, to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in April, 1836, settling in Clymer township, then a part of Westfield. He cleared and improved a farm, now occupied by his son Burdett, where he also kept a store and entertained the traveling public. He was quite a prominent citizen of his time, and both he and wife died upon the old homestead. Her maiden name was Jane Miller, a native of Tompkins county, New York, and she became the mother of seven children who grew to maturity, viz: Jefferson B., Emily, who married Joshua Rushmore; Clark W., Burdett, Annette, wife of Israel Smith; Almira, who married John Sunderlain, and Miranville K. Mr. Beach was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but her husband was connected with no religious denomination.
JEFFERSON B. BEACH, eldest son of Isaac and Jane Beach, was born in Dryden, Tompkins county, New York, August 25, 1825, and came with his parents to what is now Clymer township, Tioga county, in 1836. He attended the district schools in boyhood, and farming has been his life vocation. He cleared 250 acres of land in Clymer township himself, and is the owner of four fine farms in that township, embracing nearly 400 acres of land. In 1885 he retired from active business life, and has since been a resident of Westfield. Mr. Beach was married October 29, 1848, to Catherine Douglas, a daughter of William and Sally (Redner) Douglas, of Hector township, Potter county. Eight children were born to this union, viz: Wallace D., Augustus C., Ezra G., Charles L., Ida A., wife of Leon Kilbourn; John W., who died aged eleven months; Jenny S., wife of Guy Waterman; Nettie, wife of Frank Bristol, and Elwood S. Mr. Beach and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as steward forty-three years, and is now filling the office of trustee. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and is one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of the county.
EZRA G. BEACH was born in Clymer township, Tioga county, June 21, 1855, a son of Jefferson B. and Catherine (Douglas) Beach. He was educated in the common schools of his township, and on attaining his majority went into the lumber woods jobbing for tanneries, principally for H. H. Crary & Company, of Westfield. He has also been largely connected with lumber operations, and has given employment to a large number of woodsmen. He has followed this business successfully for about twenty-four years, until the forests in his vicinity have been stripped of their best timber. On July 6, 1888, Mr. Beach married Louisa Putman, a daughter of William and Harriet (Campbell) Putman, of Sunderlinville, Potter county, who has borne him two children, viz: Mabel, who died February 26, 1891, and Grace May, who died April 24, 1893. In 1894 Mr. Beach located on the old William Furman farm, on Pine creek, which has since been his home. He is a member of Middlebury Lodge, No. 844, I. O. O. F., of Keeneyville; also of Gaines Encampment, No. 314, of Gaines. In politics, he is a Republican.
ORRIN STEBBINS, SR., a native of Connecticut, came from Madison county, New York, to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and located on the site of Sabinsville, Clymer township, which was at that time covered with forest. Prior to his settlement in this county he had married Nancy Hancock, who bore him three children, viz: Nancy Lorena, born July 3, 1827, and died September 8, following; Elijah H., born August 6, 1829, who died December 18, 1880, and Orrin, born December 11, 1832, who died October 12, 1880. Mr. Stebbins cleared and improved a farm in Clymer township, upon which he spent the remaining years of his life, dying December 5, 1874. His wife survived until July 7, 1884.
ELIJAH H. STEBBINS was born in Lebanon, Madison county, New York, August 6, 1829, and came with his parents to Clymer township, Tioga county, when about eight years of age. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood and followed farming and lumbering after attaining manhood, up to 1872, when his father’s property was divided and he received as his share a general store and a part of the homestead farm. In 1875 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, George Roberts, and built a steam grist and saw-mill, which he continued to operate until his death, December 18, 1880. Mr. Stebbins married Lydia A. Roberts, a daughter of D. D. and Mary A. Roberts, of Clymer township, and reared three children, viz: Milford H., of Wellsboro; George A., of Sabinsville, and Cora L., who resides with her mother on the old homestead. He was a charter member of Westfield Lodge, No. 477, F. & A. M.
ALONZO GILES SABINS was born in Lebanon, Madison county, New York, August 28, 1812, and settled in Clymer township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1838, on the farm now occupied by his widow and son, Luman E. At the time of his settlement Clymer township was an almost unbroken wilderness, with an occasional clearing here and there, and he resided upon his land until his death, which occurred October 30, 1886. He taught school the first winter after his arrival, and was one of the first teachers in his locality. Mr. Sabins was married September 15, 1838, in Lebanon, New York, to Phoebe F. Fisk, a daughter of John and Millie (Stevens) Fisk. On the maternal side Mrs. Sabins is a grand-daughter of Gaylord Stevens, of Lebanon, New York. On the day succeeding their marriage, the young couple took their wedding trip to their new home in the forest of Clymer township, and settled down to house-keeping. They became the parents of two children, John M., deceased, and Luman E. Mr.Sabins was an attendant of the Universalist church. In politics, he was a Democrat, and filled the office of township auditor for a period. He was a thrifty and progressive man, and the village of Sabinsville was named in his honor.
LUMAN E. SABINS, only surviving child of Alonzo G. Sabins, was born on the homestead in Clymer township, Tioga county, August 15, 1845, and has spent his entire life upon the home farm. On October 1, 1882, he married Flora Hewitt, a daughter of George and Martha (Jewett) Hewitt, of Waterville, Oneida county, New York, and has two children, John L. and Bessie A. Politically, Mr. Sabins is a Democrat, has been tax collector, and is now serving his second term as constable of Clymer township. He is a member of Westfield Lodge, No. 477, F. & A. M., and also of the K. O. T. M. and the Grange.
RILEY BURDIC came with his parents, Jesse Burdic and wife, to Clymer township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, where his father died at the age of seventy-eight years, and his mother aged eight years. They reared a large family, and one of their sons served in the War of 1812. Riley was married on Addison Hill, Tuscarora township, Steuben county, New York, June 4, 1830, to Miss Schoonover, a daughter of Jonas and Elsie (Strait) Schoonover. She became the mother of six children, viz: Hiram, George, Sally Mariah, who married Wesley Newton; William R., Emma, wife of John Jenkins, and Peleg. Mr. Burdic owned a farm of 140 acres of land, upon which he resided until his death. In politics, he was a Republican, and in religion, a member of the Free Will Baptist church. His widow resides with her son, William R., in Clymer township, at the ripe age of eighty-four years.
WILLIAM R. BURDIC was born on the old homestead in Clymer township, Tioga county, January 5, 1842, and was reared beneath the parental roof. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Two Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war, participating in the Siege of Petersburg and the charge on Fort Steadman. After the war he returned to the home farm, where he has since resided. In politics, Mr. Burdic is a Republican, and is a member of the Grange and the G. A. R.
FREEMAN WILCOX, a native of New York state, and a son of Hazzard Wilcox, was born in 1810, and grew to manhood in his native State. About 1840 he came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and soon after purchased 100 acres of land, which he cleared and improved, and upon which he resided until his death, in 1884, aged seventy-four years. On March 19, 1843, he married Sophronia Hancock, a daughter of Lyman and Rhoda (Ide) Hancock, pioneers of Clymer township. She bore him three children, two of whom survive, Frank L. and William W. Mr. Wilcox was a quiet, unobtrusive man, and was respected by his neighbors.
WILLIAM W. WILCOX, youngest son of Freeman and Sophronia Wilcox, was born on the Wilcox homestead in Clymer township, Tioga county, January 11, 1849, and has always lived upon the same farm, which he now owns. He received a common school education, and has made agriculture his life vocation. On April 9, 1871, he married Mary Sutton, a daughter of Isaac and Huldah (Seely) Sutton, of Deerfield township. They have three children living, viz: Joseph D., Roba and Arlington. Mr. Wilcox is a Republican, and has been supervisor of Clymer township three years.
THOMAS ELDRIDGE, a native of Vermont, and a son of John Eldridge, came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1847. He settled in Clymer township, and with the assistance of his son, John, cleared and improved the farm now owned by the latter, where he died in 1867. His wife was Elizabeth Graham, of Washington county, New York. She bore him a family of eight children, viz: Joshua, Martha, who married Abner Harding; Thomas, Horace, James, John, Edwin and Hiram. Of these, Martha, John and Edwin are living. Mr. Eldridge was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father was a veteran of the Revolution.
JOHN ELDRIDGE was born in Hartford, Washington county, New York, March 22, 1830, and came with his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Eldridge, to Saratoga and Tompkins counties, New York, where he was reared and educated. The family settled in Clymer township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1847, where John remained one winter. For the nine succeeding years he lived at Groton, New York, where he was employed in buying material for a firkin factory. In 1857 he returned to Tioga county, and lived two years on his father’s homestead, and in 1860 embarked in the hotel business at Sandy Hill, New York. In 1861 he sold out and enlisted in a New York regiment, and served three months, when he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Clymer township, Tioga county, where he has since resided, with the exception of three years that he spent in the hotel business at Addison, New York. In 1865, Mr. Eldridge married Almira Morse, a daughter of Solomon Morse, of Moravia, New York, and has one daughter, Ella E., wife of Charles Brewster. Politically, Mr. Eldridge is independent, voting for the best man, regardless of party creed.
ROSWELL ACKLEY was born in Groton, New York, March 14, 1805, and was a descendant of one of four brothers who came to America with Lafayette during the Revolution. In 1848 he settled in Clymer township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, on the farm now occupied by his son, Chancy C., which he cleared and improved with the assistance of his sons, while at the same time he worked at the carpenter’s trade. His wife, Almira, was a daughter of Beriah Southworth, and bore him eight children, viz: George M., Sally A., wife of Aaron Yale; John, Beriah S., Lovinus B., Henry C., Chancy C., and Mary A., wife of Alvin Sweazey. All of Mr. Ackley’s sons, except John, were soldiers in the Union during the Rebellion. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics, he was a Republican from the organization of the party, but he cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, under whose administration he was postmaster of Groton City, New York, though later he became a Whig. He filled several minor offices in Clymer township, among them justice of the peace. Mr. Ackley died May 31, 1883.
CHANCY C. ACKLEY, son of Roswell Ackley, was born in Groton City, New York, September 6, 1840, and was eight years old when his parents came to Tioga county. He was educated in the common schools and Union Academy and commenced life as a teacher, which vocation he followed for three years. He then engaged in farming, buying and selling stock, and various other occupations at different periods. On August 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, entering the service as a sergeant. In December, 1862, he was honorably discharged. In the fall of 1863, he assisted in raising an independent battery of 180 men, which, however, was afterward disbanded, by order of Adjutant-General Russell. In August, 1864, he recruited forty men for Company D, Two Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was commissioned second lieutenant of said company September 2, 1864. He was mustered out of the service May 31, 1865. During his first term he participated in all the battles of the Peninsular Campaign, as a member of the Eleventh Cavalry, and thence in Norfolk, Virginia, and through to North Carolina. During his second term of service, he was in command of the picket-line along the James river, and received the thanks of his general for giving warning of an expected attack by the rebels in front of Owlett House battery. He was also in the battles of Stony Creek, hatcher’s Run, and fort Steadman. In the last battle he charged ahead of his company, and took five prisoners himself. He was severely wounded in the head, back and right arm at Petersburg, from the effects of which wounds he still suffers. Mr. Ackley was married January 3, 1895, to Mary A. Higgins, a daughter of Thomas Higgins, of Clymer township. He is a member of H. C. Ackley Post, No. 469, G. A. R., of Sabinsville, and in politics, an ardent Republican.
CAPT. REUBEN FISH was born July 11, 1780, and was a son of Capt. Ebenezer Fish, a Revolutionary soldier. He spent nearly all his life in Cortland county, New York, and was captain of a company during the War of 1812. His wife, Betsey, was a daughter of Benjamin Cleveland, and was of the same ancestry as President Cleveland. Their children were as follows: Parmelia, who married Jared Davis; Ephraim C., and Ephraim (2d); Ebenezer D., Stephen P., Sally, who married Holland Wood; Mary, who married Hendrick Nash; Perlina, who married John Luce; Betsey, who married William Rexford; Lydia, John P., Jane, who married Enos Campbell, and Reuben. Many of the descendants of Capt. Reuben Fish are now residents of Tioga county.
JARED DAVIS was born in Rhode Island, September 25, 1795, a son of Daniel and Deborah (Talbot) Davis. He was reared in the town of Butternuts, Otsego county, New York, and spent his early manhood in Cortland county, New York, where he married Parmelia Fish, a daughter of Capt. Reuben and Betsey (Cleveland) Fish. In 1840 he removed to Knoxville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he spent one year, and then returned to Cortland county. In 1846 he located in Gaines township, Tioga county, and engaged in lumbering until 1858, when he removed to Clymer township, where he cleared the land now the site of Davis Station, on the Addison and Pennsylvania railroad, which was named in his honor. He resided there until his death, November 22, 1882. His children were as follows: Wilson, Julia, wife of V. R. Gee; Reuben F., Fanny, wife of Rufus Rice; Jared, John, Betsey, wife of Benjamin Eldridge, and Silas B. Mr. Davis was a veteran of the War of 1812, and in politics, a stanch Democrat.
REUBEN F. DAVIS was born in Cincinattus, Cortland county, New York, February 3, 1824, and is a son of Jared and Parmelia Davis. He was reared in his native county, and obtained a common school education. In 1848 he came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and located in Gaines township, where he followed lumbering for ten years. He then exchanged his business for a farm, located in Clymer and Hector townships, in Tioga and Potter counties, respectively, which he cleared and improved. He resided upon it until 1884, then removed to Sabinsville, where he lived until the spring of 1895, when he returned to the old homestead. On March 25, 1846, Mr. Davis married Betsey Hickox, a daughter of Luther and Eunice (White) Hickox, of Cortland county, New York. They are the parents of three children, viz: Helen, wife of C. S. Rushmore; Charles M., and Ida, wife of Myron Barber. Mr. Davis is a stanch Democrat, in politics, and in religion, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
CHARLES M. DAVIS was born in Gaines township, Tioga county, December 31, 1851, and is the only son of Reuben F. Davis. He was reared upon the homestead farm, and was educated in the Westfield High School and Union Academy. Since attaining his majority, he taught school and followed agricultural pursuits up to 1891, in Hector township, Potter county. In the latter year he removed to Sabinsville, Tioga county, where he has since been engaged in merchandising, and has filled the office of postmaster since May, 1894. Mr. Davis was married September 26, 1875, to Francelia, a daughter of Benjamin and Lavina (Miller) Eldridge, of Clymer township, and has three children: Bert E., Bessie L., and Mary H. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, the E. A. U., and K. of H., and politically, an ardent Democrat.
JOHN DAVIS, son of Jared Davis, was born in Cortland county, New York, September 24, 1831. He came with his parents to Gaines township, Tioga county, in 1846, and for a time was in business at Pike Mills, Potter county, where he was appointed postmaster when but twenty years of age. In 1856 he located in Clymer township, Tioga county, where he has since been engaged in farming and lumbering. Since 1882 he has also carried on the mercantile business. He was instrumental in establishing the postoffice of Lansing, located at Davis Station, on the Addison and Pennsylvania railroad. He was postmaster at Pike Mills from 1851 to 1856, and has filled the same office at Lansing from 1856 to the present. He has been postmaster ever since he was twenty years old. Mr. Davis was married April 15, 1859, to Parmelia Larrison, a daughter of William and Sarah (Stryker) Larrison, of Clymer township, and has one daughter, Sarah L., wife of William A. Ritter. Politically, he is a Democrat, has held the office of assessor of Clymer township for many years, and is now serving his first term as justice of the peace. He is a charter member of Westfield Lodge, No. 477, F. & A. M.
CHARLES N. BUTTS was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1851, a son of Michael and Eliza (McCaslin) Butts, and is of English, French and Irish ancestry. He was reared in his native city, and obtained a limited education in the public schools. In boyhood, he drove mules on the canal, and was inured to habits of rigid industry. In the fall of 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Five Forks, Petersburg, and Farmersville, and was present at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He was honorably discharged from the service in July, 1865, and then returned to his home in Williamsport. He commenced learning the mason’s trade, which he worked at up to fifteen years ago, and then embarked in business for himself as a contractor, for the erection of bridge abutments and all kinds of stone and brick work, excavating, etc. He has an enviable record for first-class work in his line, and has carried on quite a successful business. He has lived at Sabinsville, Tioga county, since 1872. On July 3, of that year, he married Adelia Newton, a daughter of Wesley and Sarah M. (Burdic) Newton of Sabinsville. They have five children living, viz: Marcena, Hattie, wife of Wallace Burrell, Charles L., Michael and Rena. In politics, Mr. Butts is a Republican, and is connected with the G. A. R., the K. of H., the K. O. T. M., and the I. O. O. F. societies.
THOMAS A BAIR, physician and surgeon, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, may 21, 1848, a son of Jonathan and Harriet (Brinker) Bair, and is of Holland Dutch and German extraction. His parents were natives of Westmoreland county. His paternal grandfather, Adam Bair, was a Revolutionary soldier, and settled in Westmoreland county in 1783, receiving the deed for his land from John Penn, the elder, and John Penn, the younger. His wife was Catherine Reichard. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Henry Brinker, was also a pioneer of Westmoreland county. Thomas A. was educated in the common schools and at Sewickley Academy. In 1875 he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in March 1879. He practiced at Holton, Jackson county, Kansas, for a year and a half, and in December, 1880, located at Sabinsville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession. Dr. Bair has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah J. Steele, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His present wife was Ellen Rexford, a daughter of William and Betsey (Fish) Rexford, of Clymer township, Tioga county. She is the mother of one son, R. Rexford. In politics, Dr. Bair is a Democrat, and is a member of Westfield Lodge, No. 477, F. & A. M.; also of the K. O. T. M. and the Empire State Degree of Honor. He is medical examiner for the K. O. T. M. and the L. O. T. M.; also for the New York Mutual Life, New York Life, Aetna, Penn Mutual, New England Mutual and other insurance companies.
FRANK L. SEARS was born in Groton, New York, August 4, 1840, a son of Frank and Caroline (Rowland) Sears. He was reared in his native county, and educated in the public schools, and since sixteen years of age he has been dependent upon his own energies and resources. In 1861 he came to Wellsboro, Tioga county, where for two years he was employed in a foundry. He then purchased a half interest in the same, and for four years carried on the business, as a member of the firm of Sears & Brother. Returning to Groton, New York, he purchased a farm, lived there five years, and later spent one year in Wellsboro, Tioga county. In 1880 he located at Sabinsville, Tioga county, where he has since been successfully engaged in general merchandising. Mr. Sears was married September 15, 1869, to Josephine, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Doumaux) Riberolle, both natives of France. Her father settled in Wellsboro, Tioga county, in 1848, and died there in August, 1892. he carried on a tannery in Wellsboro for thirty years, and is one of its well-remembered citizens. Mr. Riberolle was married three times. His second wife was Mrs. Nancy Taylor, nee Brickley, and his third wife, Betsey Titus, who died in Wellsboro, November 9, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Sears are the parents of two children: Walter J. and Eddie R., both of whom are dead. They are members of the K. of H., and in politics, he is a Republican.
EDWIN B. SCHOTT was born in Waterloo, Seneca county, New York, April 9, 1838, a son of Frederick and Miranda (Bellis) Schott, and is of German and Scotch descent. He was reared in his native town, and educated in the Union schools. In 1858 he went to California, where he spent twelve years in mining and ranching. In 1870 he returned to Waterloo, New York, where he engaged in the grocery business. In 1876 he came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, remained in Elkland six months, and then removed to Westfield, where he was engaged in the manufacture of cigars and other pursuits until 1884. In that year he located at Sabinsville, purchasing the Samuel Goodell mill property, which he has since operated as a saw and feed-mill, and also carried on a cheese factory, with a capacity for using the product of 600 cows. Since coming into the possession of this property, Mr. Schott has practically rebuilt and remodeled the mill, and is doing a good business. He was married July 16, 1884, to Flora O. Gill, a daughter of Charles and Eliza (Winchester) Gill, of Westfield. They have four children, viz: Miranda, Frederick, Walter and Ellen. Mr. Schott is a member of the F. & A. M., and the P. of H., and is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party.
ELIHU H. FAULKNER was born in Orange county, New York, January 15, 1814, and was a son of John Faulkner, his mother’s maiden name being Horton. About 1845 he located on Pine creek, in Gaines township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in lumbering some twelve years. He then commenced farming in the same township, and cleared and improved the farm now the home of his widow, where he resided until his death, July 23, 1885. His wife, Anna A., was a daughter of John and Mary Elizabeth (Alberta) Benn, of Gaines township. Her father was the first settler of Gaines village, cleared the land whereon it stands, and resided in the township until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner were the parents of five children, viz: John W., Leonard S., Lemuel M., Amanda E., wife of Edgar Hurlbut, and Pasco N.
LEMUEL M. FAULKNER was born on the old homestead in Gaines township, Tioga county, August 18, 1861, and is a son of Elihu H. Faulkner. He was reared upon the farm, and attended the common schools of the district. On attaining manhood he engaged in farming in Clymer township, on a farm adjoining his father’s place, which he still owns. In 1891 he removed to his present home, upon which he has since resided. Besides farming, Mr. Faulkner has been more or less engaged in the lumbering business. He married Ida Briggs, a daughter of Robert W. and Eliza (Baker) Briggs, of Clymer township, December 25, 1884, and has two children: Lottie A. and Dulcie D. Mr. Faulkner is a stanch Republican, is connected with the P. of H., and is one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of his township.
ANDREW BRIMEGIN was born in County Clare, Ireland, November 20, 1844,
a son of John and Ellen (Halland) Brimegin, natives of the same place.
His parents had two children, Patrick and Andrew. The father died in Ireland,
and the family immigrated to the United States in 1846 and settled in Steuben
county, New York. Here the children grew to maturity and obtained a common
school education. Patrick is now a jeweler in the city of New York. Andrew
turned his attention to farming and lumbering. On July 22, 1862, he enlisted
in Company D, One Hundred and Sixty-first New York Volunteers, and served
through the war. He participated in the battles of Port Hudson, Sabine
Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill and the Siege of Fort Morgan, and later was
on guard duty over the assassins of Lincoln. He was wounded in the battle
of Fort Morgan by a bullet through the left wrist, and was captured at
Sabin Pass and served in rebel prisons at the mouth of Red river from September
8, 1863, to July 22, 1864. After the war he returned home, where he devoted
himself to farming. In 1866 he came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where
he engaged in lumbering and afterwards in agricultural pursuits. He now
resides in Clymer township, where he has two farms, one of fifty and another
of forty acres. Mr. Brimegin has been twice married. His first wife was
Emma Swope, a native of Tioga county, and a daughter of Abiather Swope,
of Shippen township, to which union were born two children: Frank E. and
Nellie E. His second wife was Mrs. Eulalia Metcalf, a daughter of Joseph
Lane, of Brookfield township. Two children are the fruits of this union:
Lloyd E. and Nettie. In politics, Mr. Brimegin is a Republican, and has
held nearly every office in Elk, Shippen and Gaines townships, among them
that of supervisor for ten years. In 1894 he was elected a jury commissioner,
in which office he is still serving. He is a member of R. C. Babcock Post,
G. A. R., of Westfield, and takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining
to the veterans of the war.
GAINES AND ELK TOWNSHIPS.
MARTIN W. FURMAN was born in Gaines township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1829, a son of William and Mary (Waldorff) Furman. His father came from Sunbury, Northumberland county, to Gaines township, Tioga county, about 1806, and settled on the south bank of Pine creek, a mile and a half east of the site of Gaines. He had been in this county several times prior to his final settlement; was a noted hunter and was employed with the surveyors of the Bingham estate. He was the father of ten children, and died in 1861. His widow survived him about two years. Martin W. was reared on the homestead farm, and was trained to habits of frugality and industry. In March, 1849, he married Eunice J. Dartt, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Dartt, of Delmar township. The following children were born to this union, all of whom arrived at maturity before they died: Evelina, who married Daniel Furman, of Delmar; Elizabeth, wife of Fred. Nobles, of the same township; Delphine, who married John Ackley, of Sabinsville; George Hurlburt, who married Julia Weeks; Manning, who married Hattie Dunbar, of Brookland, Potter county; Cyrus, of Cross Forks, Potter county; Julius, of Gaines township; Daniel, who lives in Corry, Erie county; Aurilla, wife of Charles McCoy, of Corry; Annie N., wife of W. Nathan Ladd, of Gaines township; John Norton, of Brookland, Potter county, and Julia, wife of John Behrman, of Gaines township. About 1849 Mr. Furman bought a farm in Delmar, on which he lived up to 1861. He then sold it and returned to the old homestead to care for his parents in their declining years. After their death he took charge of the farm and cultivated it up to 1893, when he sold it and purchased his present homestead. Though farming has been his principal occupation, he has devoted considerable attention to lumber jobbing, in which he has been fairly successful. Mrs. Furman died in 1877, and about three years after her death, he married for his second wife, Viancy Hacket, of Sabinsville. She became the mother of two children who died in infancy. She died and June 30, 1891, he married Sarah J. Strait, a daughter of Stephen and Mabel (Omes) Strait, of Clymer township, Tioga county. In politics, he is a Republican, and is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of his native township.
JOSHUA BERNAUER was born in Gaines township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1827, a son of Conrad and Maria (Zuber) Bernauer. His father emigrated from Germany to Philadelphia in 1814, where he met and married Maria Zuber. They lived in that section of Pennsylvania up to 1817, in which year they came to Tioga county and bought 175 acres of land in what is now Gaines township. Here his wife died, and he married Sarah Smith, who died on October 16, 1865. He cleared and improved his farm, and resided upon it until his death, August 1, 1870, in his eighty-first year. Joshua was reared upon the homestead, and attended the commons schools of his district in boyhood. On attaining his majority he learned the cabinet-maker’s trade, and subsequently the carpenter’s trade, which he has followed more or less up to the present. September 16, 1864, he enlisted in Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, and a month later joined his regiment at Cedar Creek, taking part in that battle. He was soon after sent to the general hospital, Philadelphia, and was finally discharged June 8, 1865. Mr. Bernauer has been twice married. His first marriage occurred June 8, 1854, to Irene A. Smith, a daughter of David and Lomanda Smith, of Gaines township, who bore him two children, viz: Anna Maria, deceased, and Ellen Irene, wife of C. C. Flynn, of West Pike, Potter county. Mrs. Bernauer died June 17, 1856. He was again married February 28, 1857, to Lucy R. Beach, a daughter of Johial and Sally Beach, of Elk township. Four children were born to this union, as follows: Sally Bethana, who died May 4, 1858; Mary Emeline, who died April 20, 1864; Morris John, of Gaines, and Herbert, at home. Politically, Mr. Bernauer is a Republican, and his filled several of the offices in his township. He is a member of the Free Baptist church, and fills the office of deacon in that body. He is also a charter member of Marshfield Grange, No. 1113, P. of H., and is chaplain in the I. O. G. T.
ALEXANDER MATTISON, originally spelled "Matteson," was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1810, and came with his parents, Alexander and Lydia (Cleveland) Matteson, natives of Rhode Island, to the site of Knoxville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1811. His father’s brothers, Jonathan and Solomon, also natives of Rhode Island, and their parents, came at the same time, from Herkimer county, New York, and all settled on the Cowanesque river, where Knoxville now stands. In 1815 Alexander and Jonathan Matteson, and Joshua Colvin, erected a saw-mill on the south bank of the Cowanesque, Alexander’s wife sawing the first board. In 1817 Jonathan built a grist-mill on the north bank of the river, opposite the saw-mill, in connection with which was also a fulling-mill. The Mattesons were interested in the erection of a log distillery about the same period, which stood in the north part of the village. The subject of this sketch was reared at Knoxville, whence he removed to Westfield, and about 1840 purchased a large tract of land in Gaines township, containing a saw and grist-mill, where he later erected a hotel. Lumbering was his principal occupation the greater portion of his life, and he was a man of considerable enterprise and public spirit. He married Clara Potter, who bore him a family of twelve children. Mr. Mattison was one of the best known citizens in Gaines township, and died at his home in March, 1876.
SILAS B. MATTISON was born in Westfield township, Tioga county, April 26, 1835, a son of Alexander and Clara Mattison. When he was five years old his parents removed to Gaines township, where he assisted his father in lumbering and farming. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, Silas B., enlisted in Company D, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania volunteers, and participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged up to Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, when he was taken prisoner. He was paroled three weeks later at Richmond, Virginia, was sent to Annapolis, Maryland, and was soon after discharged from the service. Returning home he purchased a farm near Gaines, which he later sold and then bought his present home near Marshfield, on which he has since resided. In April, 1865, Mr. Mattison married Miss Lucy Coon, a daughter of Lyman and Lucy Coon. Seven children have been born to this marriage, as follows: Horatio, Grant, Howard, Andrew, Belle, Silas and Clara E., the last being dead. Mr. Mattison is a charter member of Marshfield Grange, No. 1113, P. of H., and in politics, a Republican.
JOHN H. BARNHART was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1817, a son of Adam and Rachel (Anderson) Barnhart, originally from Union county. He was reared on a farm, and learned the carpenter’s trade, which was his principal occupation the greater part of his life. In 1843 he came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and settled on a farm in Gaines township, immediately west of the present Barnhart homestead, on which he located a few years later. At that time Gaines was a comparative wilderness, with very few settlers and little or no improvements. Mr. Barnhart assisted in building the first saw-mill on Elk run, as well as the first house erected in that locality, that of David Smith, which is still standing. By industry and economy he managed to clear and improve his farm, on which he resided up to his death, may 18, 1894, being then one of the oldest citizens in the township. On February 18, 1843, Mr. Barnhart married Sarah Harrison, a daughter of John and Rachel (Freese) Harrison, who became the mother of ten children, viz: Ann Elizabeth, wife of Justus D. Strait, of Gaines; Darwin, of the same township; John M., Rachel O., deceased; Amanda, wife of Oscar Macumber, of Wisconsin; Julia, deceased; Idessa M., wife of N. L. Hanscom, of Marshfield; Justus W., deceased; Otis, and Ambrose B., the last two of whom reside with their mother on the old homestead. Mr. Barnhart took an active interest in the affairs of his township, and served as collector and treasurer. He was a kind husband and father, a good citizen, and an honest, worthy man.
DAVID SMITH, a son of David Smith, Sr., was a native of New Haven county, Connecticut, and came from Chenango county, New York, to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1833. Thirteen years later he and his son, Octavius A., came to the place now called Marshfield, Gaines township, cleared a piece of land, and made other preparations for building a home. In February following he came again and built a log house, which he occupied the following spring. This was the first permanent settlement made on Elk run, though there was at the time a saw-mill in operation about a mile from the mouth of that stream, of which John L. Phoenix, Sr., was proprietor. Mr. Smith lived on this farm up to the fall of 1869, when his feeble health compelled him to take up his residence with his son, Octavius A., at whose home he died March 15, 1870, aged eighty-eight years. His widow, whose maiden name was Lomanda Wright, survived until April 30, 1875. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity.
OCTAVIUS A. SMITH, son of David and Lomanda Smith, was born in Chenango county, New York, May 5, 1833, and was only a few months old when his parents came to Tioga county. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools and Wellsboro Academy. About 1854 he located on a tract of timber land near the site of what is now Marshfield, in Gaines township, and commenced clearing and improving it, teaching school during the winter seasons. He has continued in agricultural pursuits on this farm up to the present, which he cleared principally by his own individual efforts, and now in his riper years is enjoying the fruits of a life of honest, persistent labor. Mr. Smith was married May 26, 1863, to Hannah Kleinhana, a daughter of Carl and Wilhelmina (Hoeppe) Kleinhans, who has borne him two children, viz: Marshall M., a merchant of Gaines, and Wilhelmina, wife of Prof. W. O. Robinson, supervisory principal of the Athens High schools, Athens, Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith has been township auditor for thirty years, has filled the office of county commissioner one term, and that of county auditor for three years, and has also served the people in other capacities. In politics, he is an ardent Republican. Mr. Smith possesses considerable poetic and literary ability, and is the author of quite a number of worthy productions that have been extensively copied in the public press, some of which have been copyrighted.
MARSHALL M. SMITH, son of Octavius A. Smith, and grandson of David Smith, was born in Gaines township, Tioga county, March 7, 1864. He was educated in the common schools and Wellsboro High school, and is also a graduate of Mansfield Business College. He taught in the winter and worked on the farm at home during the summer seasons for several years, and was also employed as a clerk in a store at Leetonia and in the Galeton tannery store. In 1889 he came to Gaines, Tioga county, and formed a partnership with William H. Vermilyea, in the mercantile business. Three years later he purchased the interest of his partner and continued the business alone. He has since purchased the store building and residence, has remodeled the same, and has enjoyed a lucrative trade. On December 4, 1889, he married Nellie E. Watrous, a daughter of William H. and Emma (Williams) Watrous, of Gaines township, who has borne him two children, viz: Sadie M. and Carl W. Mr. Smith is a member of Tyadaghton Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Gaines, and of Gaines Encampment, and has passed the chairs in both lodges. He is also a member of Ossea Lodge, No. 317, F. & A. M., of Wellsboro.
CHARLES B. WATROUS was born at Colesville, Broome county, New York, October 13, 1835, a son of William and Eliza H. (Smith) Watrous. His father, a son of James S. Watrous, was born in Connecticut, December 29, 1798, and removed to Broome county, New York, whence he came to Gaines township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1847, where he resided until his death, March 19, 1883. Charles B. was educated in the common schools, and was twelve years old when the family came to Gaines township. Here his father engaged quite extensively in lumber operations, and subsequently cleared and improved a farm one mile south of the mouth of Elk run. The subject of this sketch has always been connected with the lumber business, principally in Tioga county, though he also spent some time in Michigan. In February, 1861, he married Harriet M. Hurd, a daughter of Stephen Hurd, of Caton, New York. Two children were born to this union, viz: William, deceased, and Robert S., of Watrous, Gaines township. Mr. Watrous married for his second wife, Isabella Brewster, a daughter of Luther H. and Olive (Palmer) Brewster, of Richmond township, Tioga county. Two children are the fruits of this union, as follows: Mary B., wife of Robert Tuton, of New York City, and William H., a resident of Minnesota. Politically, Mr. Watrous is a Republican. He is still one of the active business men of Gaines, and devotes his attention to lumbering.
ETHAN STRAIT, a son of Daniel and Sally (Crowl) Strait, was born in Steuben county, New York, July 13, 1816. He was married September 20, 1838, to Julania Wright, a daughter of Justus and Anne Wright, who bore him one son, Justus D., a resident of Gaines township. Mr. Strait learned the wagonmaker’s trade in early life, and followed it for a number of years. In 1847 he located in Wellsboro, Tioga county, whence he removed to Lawrenceville. In March, 1850, he settled in Gaines township, on the farm now occupied by his son, Justus D. During the old training days, he took an active part in military affairs and served as captain in the militia. He died March 12, 1876, aged sixty years.
JUSTUS D. STRAIT, only child of Ethan and Julania Strait, was born in Steuben county, New York, June 22, 1839. When he was eight years old his parents came to Tioga county, and in March, 1850, settled on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Strait was educated in the common schools and Wellsboro Academy, and has devoted his principal attention to agriculture. He has been a successful farmer and dairyman, and was a merchant in Gaines for a few years. He is the owner of a fine herd of thoroughbred Jersey cows, and his dairy is supplied with the most improved appliances. September 21, 1861, Mr. Strait enlisted in Company I, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and re-enlisted in the field, December 31, 1863. He participated with his regiment in over thirty engagements, besides a number of skirmishes. On September 30, 1864, he was taken prisoner at the battle of Polar Grove Church, and was confined in prisons at Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia, and Salisbury, North Carolina, and was exchanged February 23, 1865. After a short furlough he rejoined his regiment at Alexandria, Virginia, and was discharged at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, July 18, 1865. While in the service he was promoted to corporal and sergeant, successively. April 5, 1865. Mr. Strait was married to Annie E. Barnhart, a daughter of John H. and Sarah (Harrison) Barnhart, of Gaines township. Nine children have been born to this marriage, as follows: Getta O., wife of Harvey Gardner, of Gaines; Ida H., John E., Norman I., Julia, Darwin C., Eugene J., deceased; Sarah A., and Carl C. In politics, Mr. Strait is a Republican, and has served as school director and auditor of his township three terms each. He is a member of Ackley Post, No. 469, G. A. R., of Sabinsville, and a charter member of the Association of Ex-Prisoners of War, of Wellsboro. He is also connected with Tyadaghton Lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., of Gaines; Marshfield Lodge, No. 120, I. O. G. T., and Forest Grove Lodge, A. P. A., of Forest Grove, Oregon. In religion, Mr. Strait is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
DAVID REXFORD was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland county, New York, July 10, 1820, a son of William and Nancy (Blanchard) Rexford. He was reared in his native county, and in 1839 came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in lumbering in Shippen township, which he followed there about sixteen years. In 1855 he purchased 900 acres of timber land in Gaines township, located upon it, and continued in his lumber operations up to 1890, when he sold his mill and retired from active business. Mr. Rexford was married August 27, 1843, to Catherine A. Furman, a daughter of Josiah and Samantha (Grey) Furman, of Gaines township. Ten children were born to this union, as follows: Delos D. and Jesse J., both residents of Gaines township; Henrietta, deceased; William L., who lives at home; Alice L., deceased; Catherine A., wife of R. C. Kelts, of Sheffield, Pennsylvania; Delia, wife of William Larrison, of Gaines township; Charles L., at home; Oscar, and Ida May, both deceased. Mr. Rexford is a stanch Democrat, has held every township office except justice of the peace, and is also a member of Tyadaghton Lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., of Gaines.
DELOS D. REXFORD, eldest child of David and Catherine A. Rexford, was born in Shippen township, Tioga county, November 9, 1844, and was about eleven years old when the family removed to Gaines township. He was educated in the common schools and Union Academy, and was connected with his father in the lumber business from boyhood, though he also devoted considerable attention to farming. On March 22, 1868, he married Emma S. Seagers, a daughter of Henry J. and Almira (Rixford) Seagers, of Westfield, who has borne him six children, as follows: May H., wife of Rupert K. Jones, of Gaines; Satie B., who died at the age of three years; Blanche L., Leon J., Ina A. and Kittie A. In politics, a Democrat, Mr. Rexford has been constable and collector of Gaines township for seven consecutive years, supervisor several terms, and is now filling the office of school director. He is one of the energetic and enterprising farmers of his township.
WILLIAM H. VERMILYEA was born near Addison, New York, July 18, 1847, a son of Horace C. and Ursula A. (Green) Vermilyea. His parents came to the Cowanesque valley when William H. was but seven years old. His father owned and conducted a tavern at Academy Corners and later carried on a hotel at Gaines, where he also filled the office of postmaster for eighteen years. He died June 4, 1878. His wife died in Chicago, Illinois, November 24, 1895. They were the parent of four children, viz: Alwilda, wife of C. H. Rexford; Albina, widow of the late Dr. F. D. Ritter; Adelbert R., and William H. The subject of this sketch graduated at the State Normal School, Mansfield, in 1869. After completing his education he was induced to study chemistry and medicine at Athens, Pennsylvania, with his brother-in-law, Dr. Ritter, and from 1872 to 1877 he was a druggist in Westfield, Tioga county. He then accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company, of New York, and for ten years was in the employ of that firm selling gas and coal oil fixtures. In the meantime he had purchased the hotel at Gaines from his father, and after leaving the road he carried on the business up to his death, by accident, July 7, 1894. The old hotel was destroyed by fire, and with characteristic energy and enterprise he at once erected the present commodious structure now occupying the site and known as Hotel Vermilyea. Mr. Vermilyea was married August 3, 1873, to Miss Alice F. Closson, a daughter of David B. and Julia A. (Stryker) Closson, and a granddaughter of John and Eliza (Beach) Closson. Her father was born in great Barrington, Massachusetts, May 7, 1812, and her mother in Morris county, New Jersey, April 19, 1820. They reside with her in Westfield, to which place she removed in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Vermilyea were the parents of two children, viz: Inez M., wife of W. W. Marsh, and Horace C. The latter died November 20, 1893, aged eight years. In politics, Mr. Vermilyea was an ardent Republican, was postmaster at Gaines under Harrison’s administration, and served as chairman of one of the county conventions. He was a member of the K. of P. and the I. O. O. F., and was a Knight Templar in the Masonic order. He was a man of commendable enterprise and public spirit and his death was a great loss to the business interests of the community in which he lived.
HENRY S. COWBURN was born in Dewsberry, Yorkshire, England, February 3, 1830, a son of Joseph and Mary Ann (Snowden) Cowburn. He was reared in his native land, and attended the public schools of Dewsberry. His father was postmaster at Mirfield, England, for more than forty years and died there April 30, 1871, in his sixty-ninth year. His mother died February 11, 1869, aged sixty-four years. Henry S. learned the blacksmith’s trade in England, and came to the United States when nineteen years of age, and found employment with Silas X. Billings, of Gaines township, Tioga county, for whom he worked a number of years. He was married to Mercy Mattison, a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Brown) Mattison, of Clymer township, July 28, 1853. Six children were born to this union, as follows: Joseph E., of Gaines township; William B., of Ulysses township, Potter county; Charles S., of Perryville, Potter county; James H., of Gaines township; Mary Hannah and Jane Elizabeth, the last two of whom are dead. Mrs. Cowburn died July 5, 1893. In 1871 Mr. Cowburn purchased a farm on Lick run, in Gaines township, upon which he has since lived. He has cleared and improved the land, and erected thereon substantial buildings. In religion, he is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church of Brookfield, Potter county. Politically, a Democrat, he has served as school director in Gaines township, and has always taken an interest in the prosperity of his adopted home.
CHARLES E. DIMMICK, a son of George W. and Caroline M. (Hotchkiss) Dimmick, was born in Shippen township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1856. He was reared on a farm and was educated in the common schools of his native township. He worked at lumbering until he came to what is now Watrous, Gaines township, where he purchased the Conrad Bernauer farm at the mouth of Elk run, on which he has since resided. In connection with his farm, Mr. Dimmick has also continued lumber jobbing. He married Esther S. Putman, a daughter of William and Harriet (Campbell) Putman, of Sunderlinville, Potter county, June 6, 1885, and has two children, Bruce H. and Verl E. The new and rapidly growing village of Watrous is built entirely on the farm of Mr. Dimmick. The first building was commenced in December, 1894, and it is now a thriving hamlet of between thirty and forty buildings, with two stores and a very commodious school house, built by himself. It is on the line of the Buffalo and Susquehanna, and the Addison and Pennsylvania railroads. Here is also located the Maple, Beech and Birch Flooring Company’s plant, which cost $20,000, and was incorporated in July, 1894. In politics, Mr. Dimmick is a Republican, and has filled the offices of supervisor and school director. He has been a member of Tyadaghton Lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., of Gaines, since 1894, and is also a charter member of Gaines Encampment, No. 314, and of Marshfield Grange. Mr. Dimmick is one of the progressive farmers of his native county.
DANIEL W. RUGGLES was born in Chemung county, New York, March 10, 1833, a son of Homer and Mercy S. (Morse) Ruggles. His father was born in 1793, married Mercy S. Morse, and became one of the first settlers of Elk township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. While a resident of New York state, Homer Ruggles served in the War of 1812. His wife’s father was a soldier in the Revolution. He resided in Elk township from 1854 until his death, in 1865, aged seventy-two years. Daniel W. was reared upon the homestead in Elk township, and assisted his father on the farm up to 1856, in which year he purchased land in the same township and devoted his attention to clearing and improving it. In February, 1858, he married Rosette E. Kelley, a daughter of James and Sophronia (Butler) Kelley, of Charleston township, Tioga county. The following children were born to this union: Arthur A., of Westfield township; Eva M., wife of Jesse Beach, of Wellsboro; James H., who carries on the harness business at Gaines; Mabel, wife Thomas A. Sweet, of Middlebury, and Martha V., wife of A. W. Stickley, of Tiadaghton. Mrs. Ruggles died in August, 1875, and January 2, 1877, he married Zelia O. Colgrove, a daughter of H. L. and Eliza (Rundle) Colegrove, of Elk township. Seven children have been born to this marriage, viz: Charles D., Joseph H., Emma E., Bessie L., Eben E., Hazel R., and Lena A., the last deceased. In February, 1864, Mr. Ruggles enlisted at Wellsboro, in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, his company being in command of Capt. George W. Merrick. They proceeded to Harrisburg, spent three weeks at Camp Curtin, then went to Washington, D. C., and joined the Army of the Potomac at Cold Harbor, Virginia. Mr. Ruggles served with his regiment up to November, 1864, when it was ordered to Philadelphia to recruit and do guard duty. In June, 1865, the regiment proceeded to Harrisburg, and was on guard duty at that place until mustered out of the service in August following. Returning home Mr. Ruggles engaged in farming in Charleston township, but a few years later embarked in carpentering and wagon-making at Wellsboro. In 1875, on the death of his first wife, he entered the employ of C. B. Watrous, of Gaines township, and since that time he has followed farming in connection with operating a wagon shop at Gaines. In politics, a Republican, he has served as constable about six years in Elk township, and as many in Gaines township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, also of Tyadaghton lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., of Gaines, and Babcock Post, No. 258, G. A. R., of Westfield.
CHARLES H. HURLBURT, a son of Alexander and Hannah (Rogers) Hurlburt, of Troupsburg township, Steuben county, New York, was born in Troupsburg, December 9, 1854. He obtained a common school education, and was reared on a farm. Before attaining his majority he came to Westfield, Tioga county, where he found employment as a farm hand for one year, and later entered the employ of Cook & Billings, as a teamster at their tannery on Pine creek. About 1877 he bought a farm on Lick run, in Gaines township, but soon disposed of it and located in the village of Gaines. In 1882 he again purchased property on Lick run, where he has since resided. Mr. Hurlburt is also engaged in lumbering in that locality. On January 1, 1875, he married Lydia Matteson, a daughter of Harris and Emeline (Brace) Matteson, of Westfield township. Nine children have been born to this marriage, named as follows: William H., deceased; George, Ina, Addie May, Walter, Hannah E., Nancy J., Winfred C. and Bessie E. Mr. Hurlburt is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, a Democrat.
WILLIAM NATHAN LADD, a son of Hannibal and Mary E. (Griffin) Ladd, was born in McKean county, Pennsylvania, near Port Allegheny, November 13, 1857. Two or three years later his parents removed to the vicinity of Potter Brook, in Westfield township, Tioga county. Soon afterwards William Nathan took up his home with his paternal grandfather, William Ladd, in Westfield township, with whom he lived until 1866, when he returned to his father’s home in the same township. At an early age he went into the lumber woods, first doing chores or light work, and later taking a man’s place. He was principally engaged on Pine creek, but spent four years in the pineries of northern Michigan. Fifteen years of his life was passed in the occupation of a woodsman, in which business he became an expert. On July 5, 1881, Mr. Ladd married Annie M. Furman, a daughter of Martin W. and Euncie J. (Dartt) Furman, to which union have been born four children, viz: Lola B., born July 28, 1882; Ida M., February 19, 1885; Archie W., April 3, 1889, and Lillian Pearl, October 20, 1894. In October, 1883, Mr. Ladd purchased a farm on the south bank of Pine creek, a mile and a half east of Gaines, where he has since devoted his attention to agriculture, but also spends the winter season in lumber jobbing. In politics, he is a Democrat, and one of the worthy citizens of his township.
SAMUEL WRIGHT was born in Canandaigua, New York, February 5, 1819, a son of Robert and Hannah (Easland) Wright. He grew to maturity in his native place, and March 2, 1839, was married to Miss Sarah F. Farmer, a daughter of James and Deborah (Jewell) Farmer. One son was born to this union, who died in May, 1880, at Bath, New York, and was interred in that town. Mr. Wright lived two years in Canandaigua after his marriage, and then moved to Bloomfield, and later to Rushville, in the same State, whence he returned to Canandaigua. He next went to Penn Yan, where he resided almost twelve years, then removed to Wayne, and afterwards kept a hotel at Bath for twelve years. In 1886 he located in Gaines township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, purchasing a farm near Phoenix Station, on the Addison and Pennsylvania railroad. Soon after this he became an invalid, and continued in failing health up to his death, October 8, 1895. Since her husband’s death Mrs. Wright has made her home with her grand-daughter, Mrs. C. F. Conine, of Prattsburg, New York, though she owns the homestead farm in Gaines township, and spends a portion of her time in Tioga county looking after her property.
JOHN FISCHLER was born in Germany, February 25, 1845, a son of John and Elizabeth (Kalsch) Fischler, natives of Germany. In May, 1856, the family came to Wellsboro, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where the father carried on a boot and shoe store for more than twenty years. John learned the shoemaker’s trade, and followed that business in his father’s shop. He was one of a family of twelve children, eight of whom are living. The Fischler brothers are all accomplished musicians, and, when living in Wellsboro, composed the Fischler orchestra of that place, from 1878 to 1887. Charles is now leader of the Stopper & Fiske Orchestra, of Williamsport, and Edwin is a member of the same organization. In October, 1887, Mr. Fischler purchased the drug store at Gaines, then owned by Dr. F. D. Ritter. On April 21, 1865, he married Louise A. Stickley, a daughter of Henry and Lydia (Watkins) Stickley, of Wellsboro, who has borne him two children, viz: Ernest M., a resident of Auburn, Indiana, and Lillian Louise, who lives at home. They also have an adopted son, Lee, a son of Edwin and Lida (Newton) Fischler, the former of whom lives in Williamsport. Mr. Fischler is a member of Tyadaghton Lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., and of Gaines Encampment, No. 314, both located at Gaines, Tioga county.
HENRY MENGEE, a native of Hanover, Germany, and a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Volmer) Mengee, was born January 23, 1824, and was reared and educated in his native land. He learned the cabinet maker’s trade, and worked at the same seven years after serving his apprenticeship. In 1846 he immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, where he found employment at his trade for three years, and then went to New York City and worked in the ship-joiner’s shop of James H. Cutter. About 1866 he located in Germania, Potter county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm. Since that time Mr. Mengee has worked at his trade in Wellsboro and other towns of the county, while his family carry on the farm. In April, 1845, he married Louise Sittig, a daughter of Fred and Elizabeth (Volmer) Sittig, natives of Germany, who came with him to the United States. Eight children were born to this union, as follows: Henry and Julia, both deceased; George A., a resident of Watrous; William, of Wellsboro; Agnes, deceased; Fred L., of Germania; Emily, wife of Jacob Zoerb, of the same place; Henry F., a resident of Washington, and Herman T., who lives in Prattsburg. Mrs. Mengee died in the autumn of 1881, and was interred in the Germania cemetery.
HERMAN T. MENGEE, youngest child of Henry Mengee, was born in Germania, Potter county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1868. He obtained a common school education, and engaged in lumbering in the employ of Woefel, Zinerty & Company, of Germania. In 1893-94 he was landlord of a hotel in that place, later named the Cottage Hotel. In December, 1895, he purchased a lot at Watrous, one mile south of Gaines, erected a store, stocked it with hardware and general merchandise, and carried on business there until his removal to Prattsburg, New York, where he is engaged in the hotel business. On April 20, 1892, he married Annie Meixner, a daughter of Frank and Catherine (Zengule) Meixner, of Germania, Potter county, and has two children, Clarence F. and Allen H. Mr. Mengee is a member of Abbott Lodge, No. 1015, I. O. O. F., of Germania, and was connected with Germania Tent, K. O. T. M. He is also a charter member of the Schutzen Verin, of Germania.
JOHN MAYNARD was born in Adderbury, Oxfordshire, England, December 5, 1811, a son of Edward and Mary A. (Busby) Maynard. He was reared in his native land, and immigrated to Vermont in 1827, soon after removing to Massachusetts. There he met and married Abigail Whitney, a daughter of Harry and Mary Whitney, of Littleton, New Hampshire, January 1, 1833. Seven sons and six daughters were the fruits of this union, named as follows: Mary Ann, deceased wife of Wheeler Bratton, of Vermont; C. John, who died in childhood; John C., of Gaines township; Martha M., wife of Gustave R. Winkler, of Camden, New Jersey; Marshall M., who died in Kentucky, September 23, 1863, while a member of Company I, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Ede and Edward E., both of whom died in youth; Edwin E., who died in 1885; Ede, wife of Charles Furman, of Camden, New Jersey; Edward E. (2nd), deceased; Reuben G., who lives on the homestead; Carrie E., who first married John C. Trowbridge, and is now the wife of John M. Purhen, of Elk township, and Annie M. I., wife of Herman Perry, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In June, 1847, Mr. Maynard came to Westfield township, Tioga county, and some two years later removed to Shippen township, where he was foreman of the lumbering interests of his brother, a member of the firm of Maynard & White. In 1853 he located in Elk township, where several years before he had purchased over 500 acres of timber land near the head of Elk run. He was the first permanent settler in the township, and built his home in the midst of the primitive forest, cleared up a good farm and reared a large family. Mr. Maynard was a practicing physician in that section, but devoted his principal attention to the cultivation and improvement of the homestead. He planted out large orchards of apples and pears at quite an early day, and furnished his neighbors with abundance of fruit free of cost. At the organization of Elk township, Mr. Maynard was elected a justice of the peace, and filled the office continuously up to the time of his death. He also held nearly every other township office at different periods, and was one of the commissioners chosen to select the site of the county poor farm. In addition to his original purchase, he had bought other tracts from time to time, until he owned and sold nearly every farm for two miles square, in all between 1,600 and 1,700 acres. Mr. Maynard died on his farm, December 9, 1878; his widow survived until September 23, 1886.
REUBEN G. MAYNARD , a son of John and Abigail Maynard, was born in Shippen township, Tioga county, January 29, 1851, and was two years old when the family settled in Elk township. He attended the district school near his home, and worked on the farm and in the lumber woods throughout his early life. He is now the owner of the old homestead, to which he devotes his entire attention, and is one of the leading farmers of this section of the county. He takes commendable pride in the improvement of his property, and has an orchard of 500 bearing trees. On May 5, 1875, Mr. Maynard married Ettie P. Niles, a daughter of E. W. and Catherine (Backus) Niles, of Middlebury township, both of whom are dead. They are the parents of seven children, viz: Edith K., wife of Charles Wheeler, of Farmington township; Wallace, deceased; John w., Floyd and Lloyd (twins), the latter deceased; Reuben R. and Harry. Politically, Mr. Maynard is a Republican, and has filled the office of school director, supervisor, auditor, constable, collector and assessor, and is the present treasurer of the school board. He is a member of Tyadaghton Lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., also of Gaines Encampment, No. 314, and is connected with Marshfield Grange, no. 1113, P. of H. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is one of the most respected and progressive citizens of the community.
CHARLES H. WEST, son of James H. and Catherine (Lull) West, was born in Cortland county, New York, August 24, 1836, and there grew to manhood. About 1865 he went to Vermont, where on December 3, of that year, he married Lura E. Draper, a daughter of Daniel and Huldah (Kimberly) Draper, of West Haven, Rutland county, Vermont. Four children were born to this union, viz: James H., who died October 20, 1895; Arthur, born March 21, 1869; Norman E., born October 7, 1871, and Lettie A., born May 19, 1873. In 1868 Mr. West removed to Westfield, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and the same year located in Elk township, where he purchased the farm, on the headwaters of Kettle creek, on which his family now reside. It was covered by an almost unbroken forest, which has since been cleared off, and here Mr. West died August 14, 1873. On October 9, 1874, Mrs. West married Wilbur Welch, and to this union have been born five children, as follows: Lettie A., widow of Claude Ellsworth, who died at Sunderlinville, Potter county, August 27, 1895; Albert J., born October 6, 1877; Sarah E., April 17, 1880; Huldah L., August 24, 1882; Annie E., march 21, 1885, and Henrietta A., November 28, 1887. Mr. Welch is employed in cutting and stocking logs during the lumbering season, and devotes his attention to farming the balance of the year.
JOHN C. TROWBRIDGE was born in Clymer township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1847, a son of Caleb and Eliza (Losey) Trowbridge. He was educated in the common schools and Union Academy, and assisted his parents on the farm until his marriage. On January 4, 1871, he married Carrie E. Maynard, a daughter of John and Abigail Maynard, of Elk township, who bore him two children, Edward C., and Grace A., the latter deceased. After his marriage Mr. Trowbridge was engaged in lumber operations on Pine creek and its tributaries during the fall and winter seasons, but always returned to the old homestead to assist his parents in the duties of the farm, which he continued to do up to the time of his death.
EDWARD C. TROWBRIDGE, only living child of John C. and Carrie E. Trowbridge, was born in Clymer township, Tioga county, November 21, 1871. He attended the common schools of his native township, and has since devoted his attention to farming and lumbering. He makes his home with his mother, Mrs. John M. Purhen, in Elk township, where he is the owner of a farm and other property. He is a member of Marshfield Grange, No. 1113, P. of H.
JOHN M. PURHEN was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, march 3, 1854, a son of Frank and Dorothy (Franck) Purhen, of Elk township, Tioga county, whither the family removed during the childhood of our subject. He remained with his parents until 1883, when he purchased a saw-mill, which he has since operated near his present home. On February 27, 1884, he married Mrs. Carrie E. Trowbridge, widow of John C. Trowbridge, a daughter of John and Abigail Maynard, who has borne him two children, Marshall M. and Martha M., twins, born June 4, 1890. Mr. Purhen is engaged in farming, in connection with the manufacture of lumber. He is a member of Marshfield Grange, No. 1113, P. of H.
JOHN E. FRELIGH was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, April 22, 1841, a son of Moses J. and Harriet (Boughton) Freligh. When he was a child his parents removed to Delaware county, New York, where his father worked at the mason’s trade, though devoting apportion of his attention to farming. John E. was reared on a farm. His mother having died when he was quite young, he was taken by a farmer of Delaware county, with whom he lived many years. After attaining his majority, he purchased a farm in Broome county, New York, and three years later went to Iowa, where he continued in agricultural pursuits. In 1876 he bought eighty acres of land in Floyd county, Iowa, on which he lived up to 1887, when he came to Elk township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and purchased his present homestead. On August 10, 1862, Mr. Freligh married Emma P. Howe, a daughter of Israel and Hannah (Childs) Howe, of Broome county, New York, and has four children, viz: Lillian E., wife of W. H. Brownell, of Elk township; Edgar R., John Wilbur and Elsie M. Mrs. Freligh owns 100 acres of land a short distance from their home, left her by her father. The homestead is nearly all cleared and improved, making a very pleasant place of residence. In 1892 Mr. Freligh became interested with his son, Edgar R., in the Star Washer, and purchased the rights to sell the same in New York and Pennsylvania. A year later they purchased eleven more States. In 1892 they began the manufacture of these machines at Westfield, which they carried on up to the spring of 1894, when they suspended work and Mr. Freligh returned to the farm. The family are all charter members of Marshfield Grange, No. 1113, P. of H. Mr. Freligh is also a member of St. Charles Lodge, No. 442, F. & A. M., of Charles City, Iowa, and in politics, is an ardent Republican.
ROBERT THOMPSON, third son of Samuel and Rachel Thompson, was born
in County Antrim, Ireland, December 23, 1853. His parents were Scotch-Irish,
and reared the following children: Jane, wife of Taylor Quade, a farmer
residing near Buffalo, New York; James, a tannery foreman at Limestone,
New York; John, a farmer of Green county, New York; Robert, of Leetonia;
Rachel, who lives in Canada, and Margaret, deceased. The mother died in
Ireland, and her husband subsequently came to the United States and settled
on a farm near Kingston, Ulster county, New York, in 1862, where he still
resides. The subject of this sketch came to the United States in 1871,
and found employment in a tannery in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania, where he
learned the tanner’s trade. In 1871 he removed to Leetonia, Tioga county,
becoming an employe in the Cedar Run Tannery, which began operations that
year. he has been foreman of the tannery for the past five years, and is
one of the most thorough and practical men in the business. On June 14,
1890, Mr. Thompson married Addie Merrills, a daughter of Clum and Elizabeth
Merrills, of Lycoming county, who has borne him seven children, viz: James,
Effie, William, Nellie, Daisy, Robert and Olive. Mr. Thompson is the oldest
citizen in point of residence in Leetonia, and enjoys the respect and esteem
of his neighbors as well as the confidence of his employers. In politics,
a Republican, he has filled the office of postmaster of Leetonia, and has
served nearly eight years as school director.
SHIPPEN TOWNSHIP.
JOHN ENGLISH was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, June 9, 1809, a son of James and Margaret (McConnis) English, of that place. He was a weaver, and worked at that trade until 1835, when he immigrated to the United States and found employment with Hezekiah Stowell, on Pine creek, in Shippen township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. He worked for Mr. Stowell about six years, most of the time in the grist-mill at what is now Ansonia. About 1841 he bought a farm in Delmar township, located near Dutch hollow, on which he settled the same year. at that time the country was sparsely populated, and the lands were covered by the original forest. He made the first clearing on his farm, and after a residence there of four or five years his wife died, and he then sold out and bought a house and lot in Wellsboro. He continued in agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of his first purchase for a few years, and then located on his father-in-law’s farm in Delmar, on which lived up to 1864, when he purchased a farm in Shippen township, near Delmar postoffice, where he passed the remaining years of his life, dying July 17, 1887. Mr. English followed farming steadily and persistently, but also engaged to some extent in the lumber business. In 1872 he was awarded a contract for the construction of a public road from Antrim to Morris, which is to-day one of the best roads in Tioga county. He was a stanch Republican, and in religion, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He served as supervisor of Shippen township three years; school director nine years, and assessor two terms. Mr. English was three times married. In 1833 he was married in Ireland to Catherine Glass, a daughter of John Glass, who bore him eight children as follows: Eliza, widow of Alonzo Ellis, of Westfield; Mary, deceased wife of Stephen English, of Lycoming county; Sarah, deceased wife of Stephen Campbell, of the same county; James, George, John, Richard and William, all of whom died before they reached the age of ten years. Mrs. English died in April, 1846, and the following year he married Letitia Kelsey, a daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Merrick) Kelsey, of Delmar township. Eight children were born to this marriage, viz: Daniel and Benjamin F., both deceased; Eugene S., of Shippen township; Willis L., of Morris township; John F., a resident of Shippen; Anna C., wife of Frank Watkins, of Wellsboro; Mary L., a teacher in Shippen, and Grant, who has been adopted by Robert Kelsey, of Wellsboro, and has taken his name. Mrs. English died on June 12, 1870, dying as she had lived a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. About a year after her death Mr. English married his third wife, Mrs. Eliza Stevens, of Knoxville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania.
EUGENE S. ENGLISH, oldest living child of John and Letitia English, was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, January 3, 1852, and was educated in the common schools, and Wellsboro High School, later attending Cook Academy at Havana, New York, in which institution he spent three years. He earned money in lumbering and at farm work to use in completing his education. After his return from school, he lived at home and cultivated the farm, caring for his parents and his invalid brother, John. At the death of his father he inherited the old homestead, and has made farming his principal vocation. Mr. English is one of the progressive, enterprising farmers of Shippen, and owns one of the best improved farms in the township. On December 15, 1886, he married Rosetta M. Baldwin, a daughter of Vine and Cynthia D. (Boyden) Baldwin, of Delmar township, and has one child, Lottie M. Mr. English and wife are members of Shippen Baptist Church, and also of Middle Ridge Grange, No. 384, P. of H. In politics, he is a Republican, and has filled the offices of supervisor, auditor, clerk and treasurer in Shippen township.
JOSEPH A. DARLING was born in Otsego county, New York, July 5, 1827. His parents, Joshua and Robay (Millard) Darling, were originally from Rhode Island, and settled in Otsego county, New York, at an early day, whence they came to Shippen township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where they lived from 1850 to 1854. In the latter year they removed to Nebraska, and resided in that state until their death. Joseph A. was reared in his native county, and worked with his father at the carpenter’s trade until he was eighteen years of age. In 1846 he came to Shippen township, Tioga county, and found employment with Hezekiah Stowell, mostly in lumber jobbing. On August 19, 1850, he married Helen M. Swope, a daughter of Abiather and Julia Anna (Sherman) Swope, of Shippen township, who has borne him six children, as follows: Alice E., wife of Vine R. Pratt, of Reynoldsville, Jefferson county; Anna M., widow of Lafayette Wetherbee, of Shippen township; Walter C., a resident of Elk township; May J., who died January 22, 1863; Joseph E,, a resident of Gaines township, and Grace E. M., wife of Byron Ford, of Shippen. About 1855 Mr. Darling purchased a farm on Pine creek, in Shippen township, known as the Pine Grove farm, which he cleared and improved. He lived there up to 1883, when he sold the property and bought 200 acres of land on Darling run, in the south part of Shippen township. It was then covered by the original forest, which Mr. Darling has since cleared off, erected commodious buildings, and otherwise improved the property. In 1890 he purchased 127 acres in the southeast part of Shippen, known as the R. W. Wheeler farm, both of which he still owns. During these years Mr. Darling has jobbed more or less in connection with farm duties, and has been quite successful in his business ventures. In politics, a Republican, he has served as a justice of the peace for twenty years continuously, and has also filled nearly all of the other township offices. He is a member of Middle Ridge Grange, No. 384, P. of H., of Delmar township, and has also been connected with the I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Darling are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is one of the progressive farmers of Shippen township.
HORACE BROUGHTON was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, September 1, 1818, a son of Nathan and Sally (Walker) Broughton, who came from Delaware county, New York, to Tioga county in 1817. He was reared upon a farm and learned the blacksmith’s trade, which occupation he followed the greater part of his life. He also acted as a lumber pilot on Pine creek, in Shippen township, Tioga county, where he resided until his death, July 5, 1893. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Greenleaf) Sly, of Shippen township. They were married August 19, 1838, and were the parents of nine children, as follows: Amelia, wife of Isaac Holmes, of Michigan; Maria, wife of Ambrose Dimmick, of Shippen township; Juliet, wife of George Dimmick, of Shippen; Sarah E., who died in infancy; Lucy, deceased wife of Edwin T. Everett, of Covington; Richard H., a resident of McKean county; Job R., of Westfield borough; Emmet W., of Shippen township, and Rosabella, wife of Matthew Luxenberger, of McKean county. Mrs. Broughton died on January 1, 1877, in her fifty-seventh year. Both she and her husband were members of the Presbyterian church, of Ansonia, and are buried in the cemetery at that place. In politics, Mr. Broughton was a Republican, and filled the offices of supervisor, auditor, inspector and judge of election at different periods. He was also connected with Tyoga Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Wellsboro.
EMMET W. BROUGHTON, a son of Horace and Elizabeth Broughton, was born on the homestead in Shippen township, Tioga county, November 8, 1858, and attended the common schools of the district in boyhood. He has always lived upon the old homestead, assisting his parents in the duties of the farm, which he took charge of at his father’s death. On September 24, 1882, he married Anna M. Britting, a daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Wingerter) Britting, of Germania, Potter co9unty, who has borne him one daughter, Ruth A. They also have reared Maggie Pletcher, a niece of Mrs. Broughton, whose father, George Pletcher, lives in Galeton, potter county. Politically, Mr. Broughton is a Republican and has served as township clerk, treasurer, inspector and clerk of election for many years.
HARRIS DARTT was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, February 11, 1830, a son of John and Betsey E. (Butler) Dartt, early settlers of that township. He was reared upon the homestead farm, and attended the district school of his neighborhood until old enough to earn his own living, when his father gave him his time and he afterwards made his own way in life. He learned the carpenter’s trade, and worked at that business in connection with farming. Soon after attaining his majority, he purchased a farm on East hill, Delmar township, and cleared a portion of it. A few years later he sold it and purchased a tract of timber land in the south part of Shippen township, which he sold about 1858 and bought 138 acres two miles westward, where his widow and son, John B., now reside. This farm was at that time unimproved, and Mr. Dartt began at once the erection of a log house, and devoted his energies toward clearing and improving the land. On September 30, 1860, he married Mary Caroline Wilcox, a daughter of William and Lydia (Buckbee) Wilcox, of Delmar township, who bore him one son, John B. Mr. Dartt enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, February 4, 1864, and served in the Army of the Potomac. He was taken sick with fever while on his way to the front, and was sent to the hospital at Philadelphia. He later rejoined his regiment, but was again returned to the hospital as unfit for duty, and was finally discharged, June 28, 1865. He returned to his home in broken health, to resume the duties of the farm. In 1888 he replaced the old log house with a more modern structure, also erected better outbuildings, and continued to reside on this farm up to his death, December 28, 1895. In politics, he was a Republican, and in religion, a member of the First Baptist church, of Shippen township, to which his widow also belongs. He served as school director nine years, also as collector, judge of election, etc. He was a member of Cook Post, No. 315, G. A. R., of Wellsboro, and one of the respected citizens of the community.
JOHN B. DARTT was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, January 24, 1863, and is the only child of Harris and Mary C. Dartt. He has spent his entire life on the homestead farm, which he took charge of at his father’s death. On July 2, 1889, he married Lillian Wilcox, a daughter of Dennis and Sarah (Wilson) Wilcox, of Delmar township, and has two children, Nora and Harvey. Mrs. Dartt is a member of the First Baptist church of Shippen, and in politics, the family adhere to the Republican party.
ELIHU J. DORT, originally spelled "Dartt," was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, January 15, 1832, a son of John and Betsey E. (Fuller) Dartt, early settlers of that township. Before attaining his majority he learned the blacksmith’s trade, which business he has followed more or less in connection with agriculture. About 1862 he purchased an unimproved tract of 104 acres, in the south part of Shippen township, on which he now resides. There was no settlement in that part of the township at that time, and Mr. Dort was obliged to travel three miles through the woods every night and morning while engaged in clearing a place for his dwelling and in erecting the same. By rigid industry he gradually cleared off the dense forest, year by year, and has lived to see that section thickly settled and converted into productive farms. On January 1, 1858, he married Aurilla Sherman, a daughter of Tile and Lurinda (Babcock) Sherman, of Shippen township, who has borne him three children, viz: Lurinda G., wife of Daniel L. Plumley, of Shippen; Frankie E., wife of Darius Plumley, of the same township, and Porter J. Mr. Dort enlisted in Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, September 15, 1864, and was under Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley until January 1, 1865. The battery was then sent to winter quarters at Maryland Heights, and the following April to Arlington Heights, and was finally discharged in June, 1865, when Mr. Dort returned to his home in Shippen and resumed work on the farm, to which he has since given his principal attention, but has also kept a blacksmith shop for his own convenience, as well as for the accommodations of his neighbors. In politics, a Republican, he has served as school director and assessor of Shippen. He is a member of George Cook Post, No. 315, G. A. R. of Wellsboro. Mr. and Mrs. Dort are members of the Free Baptist church, at Kennedy, Delmar township.
PORTER J. DORT, youngest child and only son of Elihu J. Dort, was born on the homestead in Shippen township, attended the common schools of the district, and learned the blacksmith’s trade with his father, at which he has worked in the lumber woods to a considerable extent. On February 22, 1893, he married Laverne G. Townsend, a daughter of Edward and Jennie (Hastings) Townsend, of Tiadaghton, Tioga county. She was a native of Eau Claire county, Wisconsin, where she was born July 26, 1874. Mrs. Dort died March 20, 1894. In politics, Mr. Dort is a Republican.
BENJAMIN F. KNOWLTON, eldest son of Timothy Knowlton, was born in Sullivan township, Tioga county, December 6, 1822, and remained with his parents until his majority. He afterwards worked in different portions of the county as a farm hand for a few years. On September 10, 1845, he married Lydia Ames, of Sullivan township, and in November removed to Lake county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm on which he lived up to 1850. He then returned to Sullivan township, Tioga county, and bought a part of the old homestead, which he cultivated in partnership with his brother, Andrew J., until 1862. In that year he sold his interest in the homestead farm and purchased 150 acres in the south part of Shippen township, which at that time contained little or no improvements. He has since cleared and improved the property, erected a modern residence, substantial outbuildings, and reared a large family, being to-day one of the pioneer landmarks of Shippen township. Mrs. Knowlton was born November 15, 1820, in Sullivan township, Tioga county, and is the mother of eight children, as follows: George O. and Leander A., of Shippen township; Phoebe A., wife of Abram M. Sherman, of Shippen; Eugene F., of Delmar; Herbert A., of Clymer; Lydia J., wife of Rev. William J. Playfoot, a Baptist minister; Julian P., of Shippen, and Frank H., who lives with his parents. Mr. Knowlton is an ardent Democrat, and has served as supervisor, school director and treasurer in Shippen township. His sons, Leander and Frank, carry on the old homestead farm, and thus assist their parents in their declining years.
SAMUEL SCRANTON was born in Schoharie county, New York, September 27, 1820, a son of Lyman and Elizabeth (Cronkrite) Scranton. He attended the common schools of his native county, and removed with his parents to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, thence to Ralston, Lycoming county. About 1835 they located in Blossburg, Tioga county, where the father engaged in jobbing, clearing land and lumbering. Samuel worked with his father until his majority, and then settled in Union township, Tioga county. From 1844 to 1849 he lived at Tiadaghton, where he was employed by Wilcox & Robinson, of Wellsboro. He then moved to Stony Fork, in Delmar township, where he had purchased a tract of land, and lived there up to 1864, in which year he removed to marsh creek, near the Shippen line. Two years later he purchased 200 acres in Shippen township, on which he has lived up to the present. He followed the lumber business in connection with farming up to a few years ago, but now devotes his entire attention to agriculture. On October 15, 1843, Mr. Scranton married Almira A. Wheeler, a daughter of Joseph B. and Laura M. (Smith) Wheeler, of Delmar township. Seven children have been born to this marriage, as follows: George M., of Shippen; Lauretta, wife of Amasa Gee, of Delmar; Arthur J., deceased; Stephen S., and Chester L., both residents of Shippen; Anna M., wife of Charles L. Baker, of the same township, and Mary I., deceased. Politically, Mr. Scranton is a Republican, and has served as supervisor of Shippen two terms. He is a member of Shippen Grange, No. 902, P. of H., and is also an adherent of the Free Baptist church.
GEORGE M. SCRANTON, eldest son of Samuel Scranton, was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, July 20, 1844; was educated in the common schools, and remained with his parents on the homestead until after his majority. On July 4, 1879, he married Rebecca R. Campbell, a daughter of King Jerome Campbell, of Delmar, to which union have been born three sons: Arthur L., Walter L., and Samuel J. For several years Mr. Scranton worked at different places. In 1875 he purchased a tract of land on Marsh creek, in Delmar township, and lived upon it seven years. He then sold it and purchased an improved farm in Shippen, where he has since resided. In 1881 he was elected constable and collector of Shippen and has held these offices continuously up to the present. He is a member of Shippen Grange, No. 902, P. of H., of Ansonia, and both he and wife are members of the Free Baptist church.
STEPHEN S. SCRANTON, second son of Samuel Scranton, was born in Delmar township August 1, 1850. On April 6, 1891, he married Jennie Hunt, a daughter of William R. Hunt, of Delmar, and has one child: Lyman H. Mr. Scranton owns a part of the old homestead, where he now resides. In politics, a Republican, he has been constable and collector, and also supervisor and inspector of elections.
CHESTER L. SCRANTON, youngest son of Samuel Scranton, was born in Delmar township, January 4, 1854, and lived with his parents until his marriage. He owns a part of the old homestead on which he now resides. On October 28, 1880, he married Luella E. Holiday, a daughter of Delos Holiday, of Delmar, and has two children: Homer L. and Benjamin M. Mr. Scranton has been connected with the lumbering interests more or less since boyhood, and has also worked at blacksmithing and farming. In politics, a Republican, he has been supervisor and inspector of elections in Shippen township.
WILLIAM C. REYMAN was born in Pike county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1833, a son of Jacob and Rachel (Empson) Reyman. In 1834 his parents removed to Bradford county and settled in Ridgebury township, where William C. grew to manhood. He remained with his parents until their decease. His father died November 9, 1853, and his mother, October 14, 1854. He then lived on Bentley creek, in Ridgebury township, where he worked at the shoemaker’s trade up to 1866, in which year he removed to Shippen township, Tioga county, and settled on Marsh creek. He worked in the lumber woods and jobbed at lumbering until 1881, when he bought a small farm on Darling run, in Shippen township, cleared it and erected substantial buildings. He has since given his attention to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. On July 32, 1863, Mr. Reyman married Hattie A. Campbell, a daughter of King J. and Charlotte (Peterson) Campbell, of Delmar township, who has borne him two children, viz: Marian D., wife of J. Munson, of Troupsburg, New York, and William J., of Shippen township. Mr. and Mrs. Reyman are members of Dexter Methodist Episcopal church, of Delmar township, and in politics, he is a Republican.
WILLIAM J. REYMAN, only son of William C. Reyman, was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, January 25, 1868, and received a common school education. He lived with his parents until twenty-two years of age, during which time he worked away from home at different periods. On December 24, 1889, he married Jennie L. Lockwood, a daughter of Charles C. and Carrie A. (Snyder) Lockwood, of Sullivan county, new York, who has borne him one child, Hazel. In May, 1890, he removed to Leetonia, Elk township, and was employed in the tannery at that place up to November, 1895. He then located on a farm in Shippen township, which he had purchased the preceding April, and has since been engaged in farming. He is a member of Middle Ridge Grange, No. 384, P. of H., of Delmar township, and in politics, is an adherent of the Republican party.
CHAUNCEY BAKER was born in Otsego county, New York, February 12, 1817, a son of George and Susan (Nott) Baker. He was reared on a farm, and September 22, 1838, married Abbie Marshall, a daughter of George and Lucretia (Marinus) Marshall. To this union were born fourteen children, thirteen of whom are living and heads of families. Their names are as follows: Eliza L., wife of Edward Reese, of Clymer township; Henry, of Westfield township; Erastus, of Chenango county, New York; George, of Bainbridge, New York; Jonathan O., of North Clarendon, Pennsylvania; S. Harvey, of Knoxville, Tioga county; James N., a resident of Otsego county, New York; Susan L., wife of E. B. Bradley, of Shippen township; Mary J., wife of Warner Thayer, of Otsego county, New York; Charles L., of Shippen township; Elizabeth A., wife of Chester Schoonover, of Clymer township; Alfred R., of Otsego county, New York; Albert C., deceased and Augustus B., of Steuben county, New York. In 1856 Mr. Baker and family came from Chenango county, New York, to Knoxville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he has lived principally the greater portion of the time for the past forty years. His business has been principally that of an agent, dealing in horses, mules, patent rights, etc. He represented Nathan Stockwell, of Broome county, New York, at the Centennial Exhibition held at Philadelphia in 1876, having charge of several exhibits. Mrs. Baker died March 19, 1865, and in 1867, he married Lucy Green, widow of Daniel Green, of Osceola. She died in September, 1890, at their home near Knoxville. Mr. Baker now lives with his daughter, Mrs. Schoonover, in Clymer township.
CHARLES L. BAKER, a son of Chauncey and Abbie Baker, was born in Knoxville, Tioga county, April 3, 1856, and attended the common schools of his native place. At the age of fifteen years he came to Shippen township and found employment in the lumber camps of Samuel Scranton, with whom he remained several years. From 1876 to 1884 he was employed by Erastus P. Deane, and his son, Darius L. Deane, of Wellsboro, surveyors, assisting them in surveying the lands of Phelps, Dodge & company, in Shippen and adjoining townships, also in surveying the Bingham lands. About 1880 he purchased 117 acres on Marsh creek, in Shippen township, one mile east of Ansonia, to which he added 113 acres by purchase in May, 1892, making in all 230 acres, much of which he has cleared and improved. On July 18, 1875, Mr. Baker married Anna M. Scranton, a daughter of Samuel and Almira A. Scranton, of Shippen township. Three children have been born to this union, viz: Homer L., Clarence L, and Stephen C. Homer L. died March 28, 1882. Mr. Baker and wife are members of Shippen Grange, No. 902, P. of H., and he has served as school director of his district.
THOMAS L. WOODRUFF, a son of Morgan M. and Elsie E. Woodruff, was born in Spencer, Tioga county, New York, December 14, 1833. His parents removed to Chemung county when he was a youth, and he lived at home on his father’s farm until the death of his mother, October 28, 1850. About 1855 he went to Nemaha county, Kansas, where he pre-empted a timber claim of eighty acres. Eighteen months later he returned to Chemung county, New York, whence he removed to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and opened a store at Ridgebury. He also purchased a farm there, and resided upon it up to 1872, when he sold out and bought 300 acres of land in Shippen township, Tioga county, about four miles northwest of Ansonia. He cleared up a part of this land and otherwise improved it. Six years later he sold the property and purchased a third interest in 2,100 acres of the Babcock estate, on Long run, in Gaines township, retaining a mortgage on his first farm. Subsequently he sold his interest in the Babcock lands to Silas X. Billings and bought back his former home in Shippen township. He has bought and sold several farms in this vicinity, and is now the owner of three farms aggregating 334 acres. Mr. Woodruff is a prudent, successful business man, energetic and enterprising in whatever he undertakes, and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the township. On February 20, 1861, he married Sarah A. Richardson, a daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Merritt) Richardson, of Chemung county, New York. The following children were born to this marriage: Laura, wife of Rush Culver, United States land agent at Marquette, Michigan; Nellie, wife of Melvin Swope, of Shippen township; William M., deceased; Alvinza, who lives on the homestead farm, and Lafayette, a resident of Chemung county, New York. Mr. Woodruff is a Republican, and has filled the offices of supervisor, auditor, school director and clerk. He is a member of Tyadaghton Lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., of Gaines.
ASA WARRINER was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, September 28, 1842, a son of William L. and Naomi (Chase) Warriner, of that township. He obtained a common school education, and worked at the carpenter’s trade with his father during his boyhood days. At the age of sixteen he began working in the lumber woods on Pine creek and vicinity, which he followed until the breaking out of the Rebellion. On July 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserve, and served with his regiment until July, 1862, when he was transferred to Battery A, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. His command was a part of the Army of the Potomac until July, 1863, when the battery was sent to Norfolk, Virginia. About June, 1864, it joined the Army of the James, at Bermuda Front. Mr. Warriner was wounded October 27, 1864, at Fair Oaks, receiving a gunshot in the left leg, and was sent to Hampton General Hospital. He was discharged from the hospital May 30, 1865, and returned to his home in Tioga county. On March 14, 1866, he married Josephine Hoadley, a daughter of William J. and Eleanor M. (Wheeler) Hoadley, of Delmar township, and has two daughters: Edith D., wife of Arthur E. Hawk, of Shippen, and Ina M., wife of Clarence B. Bradley, of the same township. In April, 1875, Mr. Warriner purchased sixty-four acres of land on Marsh creek in Shippen township, and has since given his attention to its improvement and cultivation. In politics, a Republican, he has served as township assessor two terms. He is a charter member of George Cook Post, No. 315, G. A. R., of Wellsboro; is a member of Shippen Grange, No. 902, P. of H., of Ansonia; also of Washington Camp, No. 640, P. O. S. of A., and of Morning Dawn Lodge, No. 61, I. O. G. T., both of Marsh Creek.
HORACE BUTLER, a native of Massachusetts, was a son of Joseph and Hannah (Cross) Butler, of that State. He learned the carpenter’s trade in early manhood, but later gave it up and devoted his attention to farming and lumbering. On June 24, 1837, he married Polly Ferry, a daughter of John and Polly (Cross) Ferry, of Massachusetts, who bore him seven children, viz: Ira F., Charles, Daniel, Edward H., James M., deceased; Nelson, and Hiram, deceased. In 1855 Mr. Butler and family came to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and purchased a farm in Delmar township. He lived there until April, 1875, when he sold his property and went to North Carolina. He bought a farm in that State, upon which he resided up to his death, February 16, 1876. Mrs. Butler returned to Tioga county, and subsequently purchased a home in Delmar township, where she lived until 1890. She then took up her residence with her son, Edward H., of Shippen township, and died March 17, 1894.
EDWARD H. BUTLER, was born in Munson township, Hampden county, Massachusetts, September 17, 1843, a son of Horace and Polly Butler, and was eleven years old when his parents settled in Delmar township, Tioga county. He was reared upon the homestead, and assisted his father on the farm and in the lumber woods until he was twenty-five years old. He has since been largely connected with the lumber interest, working in the woods during the fall and winter seasons up to within a few years. On April 25, 1868, he married Laura E. Hoadley, a daughter of William J. and Eleanor M. (Wheeler) Hoadley, of Delmar township, who has borne him four sons, viz: Leon M., Clayton W., Leverne J., and Ivan E. They have also an adopted daughter, Mary E. Mr. Butler purchased a farm in Delmar township, near Stony Fork, and later a farm on Stony Fork creek, in the same township. In 1876 he sold his Delmar property and bought a farm on Marsh creek, at the mouth of Asaph run, in Shippen township. This he sold in 1885 and purchased his present homestead, in the same vicinity. He has improved several farms, erected buildings, and has spent his entire life in farming and lumbering. Politically, he is a Republican, and has served as township supervisor five years.
JAMES D. WEBSTER, son of Allen and Thanks (Norton) Webster, was born May 24, 1834, in Sullivan township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where his parents had settled, and he was there reared to manhood. He lived on the homesteaf farm until his majority, and for the five succeeding years worked for Elliot S. Rose, of Sullivan township. About 1861 he purchased a farm near Mainesburg, on which he lived up to 1865, when he sold out and engaged in the grocery business in Mansfield, which he continued to follow some eight years. In March, 1876, he bought a tract of eighty-four acres of timber land in the south part of Shippen township, on which he settled. With the assistance of his sons, Mr. Webster has cleared nearly the whole tract, erected substantial buildings, and otherwise improved the farm. He has been twice married. On March 13, 1861, he married Mary Matteson, a daughter of Solomon and Adaline (McNeal) Matteson, of Dendee, Yates county, New York. She bore him two children, viz: Judd Lew, of Shippen, and Merwin M., who lives with his father. Mrs. Webster died May 21, 1868, and was interred in the Mansfield cemetery. On April 2, 1871, he married Permelia R. Perry, a daughter of Marvin and Laura (Gaylord) Perry, of Richmond township. Three children were born to this marriage, as follows: Walter M., Mary, who died at the age of four, and Allen J. Both the sons live on the homestead farm. Mr. Webster was connected with the lumber business to a considerable extent from 1876 to 1886, not only in marketing the timber from his own land, but in jobbing. Since the latter year he has given his attention to the improvement of his farm. He is a charter member of Mansfield Lodge, I. O. O. F., and also of the I. O. G. T. Since early manhood he has been a member of the Close Communion Baptist church, and is a deacon in the Shippen society.
JUDD LEW WEBSTER was born in Sullivan township, Tioga county, June 9, 1862, and is the eldest son of James D. Webster. In 1879 he was employed by the Pennsylvania Joint Land and Lumber Company, of Williamsport, and went to Telfair county, Georgia, where he was engaged in lumbering six months. About 1884 he purchased a farm adjoining his father’s, which he has since cleared and improved. He has also jobbed lumber more or less in the vicinity of Pine creek. On December 2, 1891, he married Clara Miller, a daughter of Lorenzo and Phoebe (Knowlton) Miller, of Delmar township, and the following year located on his farm. They are the parents of two children, Ola A. and Glenn D. Mr. Webster is a member of Castle, No. 23, K. of G. E., of Stony Fork, and is one of the enterprising farmers of Shippen township.
JERRY C. DARLING, a son of Henry and Margaret (Backus) Darling, residents of Covington township, Tioga county, was born in Delmar township, Tioga county, May 9, 1866. When he was ten years old his parents moved to Shippen township, where he attended the common schools of the district in which they lived. After attaining his majority he learned the carpenter’s trade, and worked at that business some four years. On April 4, 1889, he married Annie R. Copp, a daughter of D. L. and Sabrina (Brewster) Copp, of Shippen township, who has borne him two children, viz: Florence A., born June 21, 1892, and Mabel A., March 11, 1895, the latter deceased. After working on a farm in Shippen township for one year, he in 1891, located on his father’s farm on Darling run. He was also engaged in manufacturing lumber with a portable mill for some time. In September, 1895, he purchased a half interest in a farm of 127 acres, located in the northeast corner of Shippen township, known as the R. W. Wheeler farm, which is a well-improved property. Mr. Darling lives upon and cultivates the farm. He and wife are members of Dexter Methodist Episcopal church, of Delmar township.
JAMES C. HAMILTON was born in Holtown township, Penobscot county, Maine, December 25, 1847, a son of George and Roxanna (Farewell) Hamilton, of the same county. In 1866 he went to Cameron county, Pennsylvania, where he worked until the spring of 1867 and then came to Tioga county and found employment with Perry Smith, at that time a resident of Gaines township, and quite an extensive lumberman. The subject of this sketch worked in Potter, Tioga and Lycoming counties for Mr. Smith up to his marriage, which occurred on January 1, 1870, to Susan N. Smith, a daughter of Perry and Louisa (Else) Smith. Five children were born to this marriage, viz: Sadie L., wife of Samuel Gee, of Shippen township; George F., Lydia, Alma and Joseph J. For several years Mr. Hamilton lived on Cedar run, near Leetonia, in Elk township, where he was employed in jobbing. In 1875-76 he was prospecting in Texas, and in 1877 came to Shippen township and purchased a farm on Marsh creek, near Ansonia, where the family has since resided. Mr. Hamilton has cleared and improved the property, by the erection of a residence and out-buildings. In 1884 he went to Oregon, leaving his family on the farm, with a view of settling in that state. He remained in Oregon three years and a half, working in the lumber woods most of the time, and became such an expert in driving oxen, which were the practical teams used, that he readily commanded large wages. Since 1888 he has devoted his attention to cultivating his farm during the summer seasons, and has lumbered in the winter time. In politics, he is a Republican, and has filled nearly every office in the township, being at present supervisor. He is a member of Westfield lodge, No. 477, F. & A. M., of Westfield, and of Shippen Grange, No. 902, P. of H., of Ansonia, in both of which he takes an active interest.
WILLIAM G. MASON was born in Hamden, Delaware county, New York, April 30, 1828, a son of William and Nancy (Harrower) Mason, of the same county. His father was a farmer, and died the day after the birth of our subject, who lived with his mother until his majority. He then went to Colchester, Delaware county, where he married Charlotte Bradley, a daughter of Elijah and Catherine (Williams) Bradley, of the same county. Eight children were born to this union, as follows: Nancy, deceased; William, a resident of Cammal, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, who has charge of the track work on the Black Forest railroad; Catherine, deceased wife of Leander Griswold; Edwin H., of Shippen township; Ida S., deceased; Charles A., of Shippen township; Mary A., deceased, and Phoebe A., wife of Wilbur Butler, of Shippen. At an early age the subject of this sketch learned the carpenter’s trade, which business he has followed a portion of his time. Before coming to Tioga county he was engaged in lumbering, taking the timber from the stump, through the different processes of manufacture, and converting it into dwellings. About 1848 he bought a farm in Colchester, containing a saw-mill, which he operated until 1854, when he sold the property and removed to Lindley, Steuben county. He purchased a farm and saw-mill in that county, which he conducted successfully up to 1877, in which year he sold out and settled in Shippen township, Tioga county, purchasing a farm on Marsh creek, near the mouth of Asaph run. He cleared and improved this property, but sold it in 1892 and removed to Wellsboro, purchasing five dwelling houses, and a small tract of land. He lived there up to March, 1896, when he rented his property in Wellsboro and returned to Shippen township. On September 30, 1861, Mr. Mason enlisted in Company F, First New York Light Artillery, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac. He re-enlisted November 19, 1863, and was honorably discharged June 20, 1865, being mustered out of service at Elmira, New York. Mr. Mason is a member of George Cook Post, No. 315, G. A. R., also of Encampment, No. 105, U. V. L., of Wellsboro. Both he and wife are charter members of Shippen Grange, No. 902, P. of H., and are also connected with Wellsboro Grange, by transfer. They are members of the Free Baptist church, and in politics, Mr. Mason is a Republican.
PETER W. BRADLEY was born in Colchester, Delaware county, New York, June 7, 1834, a son of Elijah and Catherine (Williams) Bradley, of that county. He assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. In September, 1856, he married Maria Rowe, a daughter of Samuel and Emily (Scudder) Rowe, of Delaware county, New York, who bore him one child that died in infancy. Mrs. Bradley died in September, 1857, and on October 20, 1859, he married Calista M. Tilford, a daughter of Daniel Tilford, of Delaware county. Six children were born to this marriage, viz: Louisa M. and Charles S., both deceased; Augusta A., wife of Coleman Chaffee, of Pemberville, Ohio; Clarence B., of Shippen township; Mahlon H., deceased and Florence E., wife of Daniel Douglass of Shippen. Mrs. Bradley died November 9, 1877, and he was again married August 17, 1881, to Angeline Furman, a daughter of Coleman and Mary J. Furman, of Shippen township, who bore him one daughter, Bessie L., and died in November, 1889. About 1879 Mr. Bradley came to Tioga county and purchased a farm in Shippen township, on which Zura Baker now lives. Here he resided up to 1885, when he sold it and purchased sixty-three acres on the east side of Marsh creek, which he has since made his home, having cleared the land and erected substantial buildings. On September 10, 1863, Mr. Bradley enlisted in Company C, Ninety-seventh New York volunteers, which belonged to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, White Oak Swamp, and the assault on Petersburg, June 15 to 19, 1864. Here he was wounded by a minie-ball through the left foot and was sent to Lincoln Hospital, Washington, D. C., and finally discharged on July 9, 1865. In politics, a Republican, he has served as township supervisor. He is a member of Cook Post, No. 315, G. A. R., of Wellsboro, and also of Shippen Grange, No. 902, P. of H., of Ansonia.
ELBRIDGE J. BRADLEY was born in Colchester, New York, June 4, 1857, a son of Isaac and Phoebe (Ryant) Bradley, of Delaware county. When he was two years old his father died, and he then went to live with his uncle, Peter W. Bradley, of Colchester township, Delaware county, with whom he remained until he was eighteen years of age, in the meantime removing to Sullivan county, New York, about 1867, with the family. Leaving his uncle’s home, he lived about a year in Colchester, and then went to Onondaga county, where he learned the carpenter’s trade. He worked at that business in Onondaga and Delaware counties up to 1879, in which year he came to Delmar township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he continued working at his trade. On June 2, 1881, he married Helen Cady, a daughter of Porter and Catherine (Paddock) Cady, of Chatham township, who has borne him one son, Linn N. In 1882 he purchased a farm on Marsh creek, in Shippen township, one mile east of Ansonia, on which he settled soon after. He cleared and improved this property, and has since cultivated the farm, while at the same time he devotes considerable attention to his trade. In April, 1895, he leased and took charge of the hotel at Ansonia, owned by the Pennsylvania Joint Land and Lumber Company, of Williamsport, which he has conducted up to the present. Mr. Bradley is a stanch Republican, and was elected township auditor in February, 1896. He is also a member of the P. O. S. of A.
BENJAMIN F. WHEELER was born in East Hamburg, now Orchard Park, Erie county, New York, July 2, 1834, a son of Joseph B. and Laura M. (Smith) Wheeler, of Hamburg township, Erie county. In the autumn of 1836 his parents removed to Seely Creek, New York, where they lived for six years, and then removed to Oregon Hill, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1850, after the death of his mother, on February 8, of that year, his father came to Delmar township, Tioga county, and purchased a farm near Stony Fork. He was a carpenter, and followed his trade in connection with farming. Benjamin F. was in his sixteenth year when they came to Delmar, and he made his home with Samuel Scranton, his brother-in-law, until 1853. In that year he went to Lynn county, Iowa, where he worked at the carpenter’s trade until 1855 and then returned to Stony Fork, Tioga county, where he was married, January 11, 1856, to Lucy A. Warriner, a daughter of William L. and Naomi (Chase) Warriner, of Delmar township. Five children have been born to this marriage, viz: Willis F., of Washington; Martha A., wife of William Francis of Morris, Tioga county; Metta E., wife of Walter S. Brooks, of Wellsboro; Eva M., wife of Frank L. Beauge, of Landrus, and Maggie E., who died in early youth. Mr. Wheeler bought a farm at Stony Fork, on which he lived until 1886, also working at the millwright’s trade during this period. In 1886 he removed to Wellsboro, lived there up to 1891, and, after a three months’ residence in Petersburg, Virginia, purchased a home on Marsh creek, in Shippen township, where he is now enjoying the fruits of his industry. In politics, a Republican, he has served as assessor, constable and collector. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are members of Morning Dawn Lodge, No. 61, I. O. G. T., of Marsh Creek, with which order they have been connected since 1887.
ELI BARTLE, a son of Jacob C. and Eunice (Bacon) Bartle, and grandson of Augustus Bartle, who settled in Delmar township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1841, was born in Brown township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1854. When he was two years old his parents located near Stony Fork, in Delmar township, where he grew to maturity. He obtained his education in the common schools and at Wellsboro Academy, and lived at home, assisting in the grist-mill and on the farm, until he was twenty-six years of age. He also learned the carpenter’s trade, and about 1880 found employment in Hoytville, Morris township, where he worked two years. Returning to Delmar, he purchased a home in Stony Fork, and followed the carpenter’s trade up to 1886, in which year he settled on his father’s farm in Delmar and devoted his attention to agriculture. Two years later he purchased an improved farm of 100 acres in Shippen township, which has since been his home. Mr. Bartle was married September 14, 1881, to Clara A. Frost, a daughter of Ashabel and Adeline (Morseman) Frost, of Charleston township, and has two children, Charles L. and Edith C. Though Mr. Bartle devotes his principal attention to farming, he occasionally works at his trade, and also does wagon and sled repairing. In politics, he is a Republican, and is connected with the I. O. O. F. Lodge, of Stony Fork.
ALEXANDER EBERENZ was born in Baden, Germany, December 20, 1848, and is a son of Ferdinand Eberenz, now a resident of Delmar township, Tioga county, a sketch of whom will be found in this work. He came to Tioga county with his mother in early childhood, and was reared in Delmar township, where he also attended the common schools. When about fifteen years of age he began working in Hezekiah Stowell’s saw-mill, on Pine creek, where he found employment two years. At the age of eighteen he purchased fifty acres of timber land in Delmar township, and began clearing off the forest. He sold this property a few years later to Loron Nobles, and bought fifty acres in the same township, with thirty acres cleared, on which he erected good buildings. He also owned a farm of forty acres near Wellsboro, which he paid for out of his own earnings. By the sale of these two farms he was able to pay for the last purchase, including improvements, on which he lived about eleven years. He worked at the carpenter’s trade occasionally, but devoted his principal attention to farming. In 1889, after a tour through Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Delaware, he purchased a farm near the mouth of Asaph run, erected a house and other buildings and lived there up to the autumn of 1894, when he sold the property, but has since resided in the same neighborhood. For the past seven years he has been in the employ of Edwin Matson & Son, lumber manufacturers and dealers, as general utility man, looking after the camps, etc. On April 10, 1878, he married Alma Jane Campbell, a daughter of King Jerome and Charlotte (Peterson) Campbell, of Delmar townsip, who has borne him two children, viz: Hattie Jane, who died on July 30, 1895, and Ethel May. Mr. Eberenz is a member of Tyadaghton Lodge, No. 981, I. O. O. F., and of Asaph Tent, No. 183, K. O. T. M., of Shippen township. Politically, he is a stanch Republican.
CHENEY C. MAYNARD, a son of Orville A. and Emily (Gardner) Maynard,
was born in Covington township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1860.
When he was a child his parents removed to a farm near Canoe Camp, in Richmond
township, where they resided a few years and then located near Mainesburg,
in Sullivan township. Cheney C. attended the public schools in Richmond
and Sullivan, and assisted his parents on the farm. His mother died when
he was about fifteen years old, and he was then thrown upon his own resources
and began working out as a farm hand. On January 1, 1882, he married Anna
B. Webster, a daughter of Philander and Mary (Rockwell) Webster, of Sullivan
township. Six children have been born to them, as follows: Hobart, Howard,
Joseph, Julia, Damie and Homer, all of whom are living at home. In 1894
Mr. Maynard located upon his wife’s farm in Sullivan township, which they
sold two years later and purchased a farm at Mainesburg, upon which they
lived until 1889. In that year they sold this property and bought 105 acres
in Shippen township, on which they have since lived. Mr. Maynard has given
his attention to farming and the handling of produce. In politics, he is
a Republican, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
He was also a member of the I. O. O. F. at Mainesburg.
|
