Bios: From Battle's History of Columbia and Montour Cos: Orange Twp, Columbia Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Sarah Swisher. sarahswisher@webtv.net USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: Printing this file within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ ____________________________________________________ J.H. Battle. History of Columbia and Montour Cos. in Pa., Chicago: A. Warner & Co. 1887 INDEX George W. APPLEMAN Emanuel L. APPLEMAN Wesley BOWMAN Capt. Harrison J. CONNER Joseph CRAWFORD William DELONG Joseph Patton DEWITT Alpheus Moore DEWITT Abram B. DILDINE Isaac K. DILDINE James B. HARMAN George W. HESS George Leonard JOLLY, M.D. ____________________________________________________ GEORGE W. APPLEMAN, farmer, P.O. Welliversville, Orange Twp., was born on the farm where he now resides, Nov. 10, 1840, a son of George and Rebecca (KINNEY) APPLEMAN, the former a native of Montour Co, the latter of New Jersey. To George and Rebecca were born six children that grew to maturity: Matthias, Isaac K, Amanda, David, George W., and Emanuel. Amanda is the wife of Hiram BOWMAN; David resides in Wisconsin; Isaac K. in Mt. Pleasant; Matthias in Bloomsburg; the others in this twp. George W. was reared on the farm. He taught school several years during the winters and remained with his parents as long as they lived. He married, in Jan. 1881, Elizabeth MCHENRY, a daughter of John and Sabina (CONNER) MCHENRY. He has two children: Edith and Arthur R. Mr. APPLEMAN owns 140 acres of land and is a member of the Grange. _____________________________ EMANUEL L. APPLEMAN, farmer, P.O. Welliversville, Orange Twp., was born on the homestead in Columbia Co., June 2, 1848, the youngest son of George and Rebecca (KINNEY) APPLEMAN, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. Feb. 6, 1872, he married Elizabeth J., daughter of Samuel GILLASPY. She was born near Rohrsburg, and to her and husband have been born 4 children: Fannie Udella, Lulla May, Charles Orval and Hubert Harold, the latter dying Sept. 27, 1881, aged 6 months, 6 days. Mr. APPLEMAN has a farm of 100 acres, which is highly improved and one of the best in the township. Both Mr. and Mrs. APPLEMAN are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they have been identified since about 1885. He is a member of the Grange. Mrs. APPLEMAN was born Sept. 14, 1850, in Greenwood Twp, a daughter of Samuel and Charity (VANHORN) GILLASPY. She has 5 sisters and 2 brothers, all of whom are living in the county except Ida, the wife of Ellwood KESTER, of Audubon Co, Iowa, and James, in Montour Co. _______________________________ WESLEY BOWMAN, farmer, P.O. Orangeville, Orange Twp., was born in Mifflin Twp., this county,Oct. 3, 1818. The BOWMAN family came originally from Switzerland, whence Wesley's great-grandfather came to this country and settled near Delaware Water Gap, Northampton Co., Pa, and died near Newberry in 1830. He had 4 sons: Jesse, John, Christopher and Thomas. Thomas was the father of Henry Christopher; John Jesse; Wesley; George; Sophia; Sarah; and Susan. Of these, Henry was the father of our subject, and was born in Northampton Co., Pa, about 1785. He removed with his father to Briarcreek about 1800. His wife was Sarah, daughter of James BROWN, and after marriage they moved to Mifflin Twp, where he engaged in farming. There he also built a mill and passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1828. His widow survived until 1868. They were the parents of 15 children, 13 of whom lived to be grown: Samuel, Christopher F., Thomas, John, George L., Henry, Manassah, Wesley (subject), Mary, Peniniah, Seth, Hiram, Lavinia, and all of these, save John, married and reared families. Wesley remained in Mifflin Twp, until he was 14 years of age. Later he operated a mill for his uncle, and in Nov. 1839, married Mary Ann WILLIAMS, daughter of Samuel and Maria (WHITE) WILLIAMS. In 1844, Mr. BOWMAN located where he now resides, on what was known as the FRUTCHY tract, and in the fall of 1868, built BOWMAN's mill on Fishing Creek. He has about 70 acres in the mill tract.He has had 4 sons and 1 daughter: Righter R., Henry C., Taylor Z., Millard F. and Ana M. Righter R. died in 1871. He and Henry C. served in the Civil War, both in the 6th Reginment Pa. Reserves. __________________________________ CAPT. HARRISON J. CONNER, was born in Orange Twp, Columbia Co., Pa, Dec. 9, 1841, the eldest son of Isaiah CONNER, who was born in Centre Twp, in 1812, son of John CONNER, a Pennsylvanian by birth. Subject's mother's maiden name was Catharine, daughter of Reece MILLARD. Three children were reared to maturity: Harrison J.; Millard R; and William T. Isaiah CONNER died in 1855, his widow is yet living. Harrison J. worked in the tannery with his father when young, and the war breaking out, he enlisted as a private in Co. A., 6th Regiment of Pa. Reserves, for 3 years, served out his time and filled every position up to 2nd lieutenant in his company. After serving out his time, he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant, and was in Co. G, 3rd Regiment U.S. Veteran Volunteers, Hancock's 1st Army Corps; served until the spring of 1866, coming out as captain. After his return home he visited the West; was elected justice of the peace, and is now serving his 2nd term. _____________________________ JOSEPH CRAWFORD, farmer Orangeville, Orange Twp, Columbia Co, is descended from one of the early settlers of Co;umbia Co, and was born in Mt. Pleasant Twp., Sept. 25, 1818. His father, Joseph CRAWFORD, was born in 1778, and was the 2nd white child born in Northumberland Co., in a fort. Joseph, Sr., was a son of Edward CRAWFORD, of Scotch descent, whose ancestors came from Scotland and settled in the lower counties. Our subject's mother was Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew MELLICK. Subject's father was reared to farming, and he and his wife had 11 children, 9 of whom were reared to maturity: Edward, Andrew, John, Joseph, Stephen, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann. Our subject remained on the farm until he was 27 years of age. In 1842, he married Catherine, daughter of Harmon and Anna (EVELAND) LABOUR, and in 1846 loccated on his farm in Mt. Pleasant, where he resided until 1877. He then located in Orange Twp. and there he has since remained. He has been successful; owns several farms, and has a competence for his declining years. To him and wife 9 children were born, 5 of whom are living: Clinton, Harmon, William, Alfred and Anna. All reside in this county except Harmon, who is in Russell Co., Kansas. Another son, Joseph F., was killed in New Mexico in Dec. 1880, and 3 died of diphtheria in 1866. ________________________________ WILLIAM DELONG, retired, Orangeville, Orange Twp, Columbia Co, Pa, was born Mar. 3, 1813, in Orangeville, when there were but a few houses in the place. When 18 years of age he began leaning the shoemaker's trade, and followed it continuously until 1884, since which time has has lived retired. He began poor but by patient industry and economy acquired a competency for his declining years. He married in Feb. 1842, Rebecca LABENBERG, born in Catawissa,daughter of Lew LABEWNBERG, Four children were born to this union: Perry, engaged in the harness business; Mary, wife of Sylvester HUTTON; Jeronme B., and Clement, in the tin and hardware business. Samuel Delong, father of our subject, was an early resident of Sunbury and a son of John DELONG. Samuel married Elizabeth PLANK and they became the parents of Edward, Henry, William, Jesse, Mary and Catherine. Edward and Catherine removed to Northampton Co., where the former died; Jesse moved to Luzerne Co., while William and Henry settled in Orage twp; Mary is the wife of Henry FAUS, and resides in Ohio; Catherine never married. Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church and has been since he was 18 years of age. Politically he is a Greenbacker. __________________________________ JOSEPH PATTON DEWITT, Orange Twp, Columbia Co, Pa, farmer and stock dealer, P.O. Rohrsburg, was born in Orange Twp., this county, Jan. 5 1846, the youngest child of Isaac and Nancy B. (STEWART) DEWITT. Isaac was born in Rush Towp., Montour Co., was a wheelwright by trade and also followed farming. In 1851 he located one mile north of Rohrsburg. He reared a family of 5 children: Amanda, Clinton K., James M., Williamson M.and Josesp. Amanda married Jacob TERWILLIGER of Light Street; Clinton and James are farmers in Fishingcreek; Williamson M. died in Jan. 1885. the father died July , 1875. Joseph P. remained at home until about the age of 25. In 1875, he purchased the property where he now resides, annd which has since been his home. He is engaged in farming and stock raising and also in huckstering. He married, in 1867, Susan A. REECE, daughter of T.J. and Mary (REEDER) REECE. Three children bless their union: Cora B., Thomas E., and Stella M. _______________________________ ALPHEUS MOORE DEWITT, Orange Twp., Columbia Co, Pa, merchant, was born at Light Street, Pa, Feb. 12, 1851, a son of John H. and Caroline (MEARS) DEWITT. John H. was born near Light Street in Orange Township, a son of Isaac and Mary (HAUGHAUAT) DEWITT, and 2 weeks after his birth was taken by his grandfather, Abram MOORE. He lived with him until he was 18 years of age, when he returned to Light Street to learn the trade of a wheelwright. He married in 1849 and died March 11, 1857; his widow survived him until 1881. To him and wife were born 4 children: Alpheus M., George B., Lillie M. and Hester A. Lillie M. died in childhood. Hester A. married Boyd HENRY and located in Light Street; George B. married Jennie LAMON, located in Plymouth and died in Feb. 1881. Alpheus M. is now the only male representative of the family, and was but 6 years old when his father died. He was reared by Abram MOORE in Greenwood until 19 years of age. Later he attended the normal school at Bloomsburg during the summer, and taught school in the winter and farmed in Greenwood. From 1879 to 1881, he clerked in a store, and in May of the latter year set up in busines for himself, in partnership with George S. FLECKENSTINE, under the firm name of Fleckenstine & Dewitt, which association continued until Dec. 1883. Mr. DEWITT then started on his own account in the building which he now occupies. He carries a general stock of merchandise, drugs, hardware, paints, oils, etc. and does a good business. He married in Feb. 1880, Mary S. CONNER, who was born in this township, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (ACHENBACH) CONNER. They have one child living, Mary; Harold C. died at the age of 4 years. Mr. DEWITT is a member of the Reformed Church.. ______________________________ ABRAM B. DILDINE, Orange Twp, Columbia Co, Pa, farmer, P.O. Welliversville, is a son of Andrew DILDINE, who was born near Bloomsburg. Andrew was a son of John and married Ruth BOGART, daughter of Abram and Margaret (CREEGER) BOGART. To them were born 4 sons and 6 daughters: Elizabeth Ann, Abram B., John O., Margaret, Jacob, Isaiah, Amanda, Sarah J., Mary E., and Ruth. Abram B. was born Mary 27, 1816, on the REICHARD farm, and lived here until he was 13 years of age. When 21 years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed several years, and becoming a contractor did an extensive business. His first wife died April 26, 1878, quite suddenly of heart disease. After her death he abandoned contracting, returned to his children and engaged in farming. In June 1883, he married Mrs. Eliaza FREECE, who was born in this county, a daughter of Henry HOOMEL. By his first wife he had 9 children: John A., Ruth C., Celestia A, Sarah M., George W., Dora J., Mary A., Joseph C. and Amanda A. His first wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he and his present wife are also members. Mr. DILDINE is a member of the Grange; politically he is a Democrat. ________________________________ ISAAC K. DILDINE, Orange Twp, Columbia Co, Pa., farmer, P.O. Welliversville, the youngest son of Andrew and Ruth (BOGART) DILDINE, was born in this county June 3, 1826, and when 6 years of age came with his father to this township. He located on the farm now owned by Reece MCHENRY, a part of which tract is now owned by our subject. Isaac remained at home until 20 years of age and farmed for his father. He first married, De. 6, 1853, Angeline B. HUGHES, who was born June 26, 1829 in this county, a daughter of Charles and Mary (RHODES) HUGHES. After marriage he located on the farm he now owns. Mrs. DILDINE died Mar. 20, 1863, the mother of 3 children: George H., Charles H., Anna E., and of these Charles H. is the only one now living. The other children died of diphtheria - George, Mar 31, and Anna E., April 1, 1863 - and were buried in one grave. Dec. 6, 1868, Mr. DILDINE married Mrs. Angeline DRAKE, a native of this county and daughter of Peter KNORR. To this union one child, Cora B., was born, Sept. 12, 1871, and died of diphtheria Dec. 18, 1881. By her former husband, Col. Levi DRAKE, Mrs. DILDINE had 3 children: Winfield Scott, McKindra L. and Laura M., in Ford Co., Kansas, the wife of Frank P. VANDERSLICE. Col. DRAKE was a soldier in the 49th Ohio Infantry and was killed at the battle of Stone River, being in command of the regiment at the time of his death. He also served with distinction in the Mexican War. McKindra L. was killed August 9, 1877, in the Rocky Mountains, at the battle of Big Hole by the Nez Perces Indians. He was an orderly and a brave soldier. Winfield S. served during the Civil War and returned home unscathed, and is a practicing physician in Erville, Muskingum Co., Ohio. Mr. DILDINE is a member of the Methodist Espiscopal Church, and Mrs. DILDINE of the Presbyterian Church at Orangeville. ________________________________ JAMES B. HARMAN, Orange Twp, Columbia Co., Pa., justice of the peace, Orangeville, was born in Orange Twp, Oct. 17, 1833, a son of George and Mary (KNORR) HARMAN. His father was a native of Northampton Co, Pa, a son of Henry HARMAN, of German stock. James B. learned the cabinet-maaker's trade, of which he was master at the age of 20. He then bought out Alfred HOWELL, with whom he had learned the business and has since conducted the same. He married Harriet, daughter of Judge COVANHOVEN. Mr. and Mrs. HARMAN are the parents of 4 children: Lawrence C. and William W., in Leavenworth, Kansas, and George H. and Della. Mr. HARMAN was elected justice of the peace in 1862, and has since occupied that position, and has also held nearly all the other twp. offices. He is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a member of the A.F. & A.M. Lodge No. 460, also of the R.A. and Commandery. ______________________________ GEORGE W. HESS, Orange Twp, Columbia Co, Pa., farmer, P.O. Orangeville, was born July 16, 1845, on the farm where he now resides, and which he owns. His father Jeremiah HESS, was born in Salem, Luzerne Co., and married Maria POE. George W. was reared to agricultural pursuits and took charge of the farm in the spring of 1869. He married Oct. 15, 1868, Sarah SMITH, a native of Luzerne Co., born in 1845, a daughter of Samuel SMITH. Mr. and Mrs. HESS have 5 children: Maria C., Clarence M., Samuel S., Ernest E., and Joseph M. They are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. HESS is a Democrat in politics. _____________________________ GEORGE LEONARD JOLLY, M.D., Orange twp, Columbia Co., Pa, Orangeville, was born in Kingston Dist., Luzerne Co., Pa., Sept. 16, 1855. At the age of 12, he began his self-sustaining career. He received the advantages of the comon schools and afterward attended the high school, and later took a full academic course in Beaumont, Wyoming County. He then came to Orangeville where he studied Latin and Greek under the instruction of Rev. Canfield, and finally nearly completed his course in Lafayette College, and soon expects his degree - A.M. He then returned to this place and taught in the academy for nearly 5 years, during which time he began reading medicine with Dr. O. A. MEGARGELL, and afterward graduated with honors at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., in the spring of 1883, also receiving a duplicate from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. He began to practice at Wapwallopen with Dr. SHUMAN, who shortly after went to Florida to recruit his health, leaving his practice to Dr. JOLLY, who remained 3 years, coming in Feb. 1886, to Orangeville, where he purchased the residence and practice of Dr. C.W. AMMERMAN. Dr. JOLLY is in every respect a self-made man,for which he deserves credit. He has now a large practice which is increasing rapidly. Mar. 10, 1885, he married Sadie J., a native of Luzerne Co., and daughter of Thomas B. CASE. The Doctor and Mrs. Jolly are Christian people. ______________________________