Local History: Chapter XLIII - Part III: Biographical Sketches - SHAMOKIN Part III. Bell's History of Northumberland Co PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Tony Rebuck Tar2@psu.edu USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file 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. Transcribed from Bell's History of Northumberland County Pennsylvania CHAPTER XLIII - PART III BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES SHAMOKIN. VERY REV. JOHN JOSEPH KOCH, vicar-general of this diocese, and pastor of St. Edward's Catholic church of Shamokin, was born in the Province of Lorraine, France, February 5, 1840, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Francois) Koch, natives of the same Province. He was educated at the College of Pont-a-Mousson, on the river Moselle, near Nancy, Lorraine, where he graduated, August 1, 1857. He afterwards made his course of philosophy and theology at the Seminary of Nancy. In May, 1862, he came to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and entered the Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo. On the END OF PAGE 918 Page 919 contains a portrait of Peter E. Buck. Page 920 is blank. 28th of February, 1863, he was ordained priest by Bishop Wood of that diocese, and appointed assistant of St. Patrick's church of Philadelphia, and subsequently assistant chaplain of the government hospital in the same city. In November, 1863, Father Koch became pastor of St. Joseph's church at Milton, Pennsylvania, and had charge of five churches and fifteen stations. Under his pastorate the debts of St. Joseph's were paid, the building repaired, and other substantial improvements carried out. While at Milton he had charge of St. Hubert's congregation of Danville, Montour county, and erected its present church. He also built a church at Cascade, Lycoming county, attended the Sunbury and Trevorton congregations, and completed the church and paid off the debt at the latter place. His mission extended from Ralston, Lycoming county, to Georgetown, Northumberland county, and embraced four counties. In August, 1866, Shamokin was organized into a parish, with Trevorton, Locust Gap, and subsequently Mt. Carmel, as missions. Bishop Wood appointed Father Koch its first pastor, and he assumed control the second Sunday in September, 1866. With characteristic energy he applied himself towards building up the spiritual and material interests of his parish. An old place of worship was soon after torn down and erected on Shamokin street, on a corner lot purchased at a cost of three thousand four hundred dollars. In 1869 additional land was bought, and the present parochial residence, costing eight thousand five hundred dollars, was erected thereon. In the meantime the congregation had grown to such proportions that a new church became an imperative necessity. On the 14th of September, 1872, Father Koch laid the first stone in the foundation of the present imposing stone edifice, and May 23, 1873, the corner-stone was laid by Bishop O'Hara, of Scranton. Under Father Koch's personal supervision the work was pushed forward as rapidly as circumstances would justify, and on Christmas morning, 1873, he celebrated Mass in the basement of the new church. Through his persevering and vigorous management the building was brought to a successful completion, was dedicated, June 6, 1880, and stands as a monument to his zeal and devotion in the cause of his divine Master. In September, 1874, St. Edward's parochial school was opened in the old church, which served the purpose until the completion of the present substantial brick school house in the autumn of 1884. St. Joseph's congregation at Locust Gap worshiped in the school building until 1870, when Father Koch erected a church costing seven thousand eight hundred dollars, which was finished and dedicated, August 27, 1871. In 1872 he purchased four acres of land adjoining the village of Springfield for a cemetery, which was consecrated, and has since been used by the Catholics of this portion of the county. Few men, either as priest or citizen, are better known or more universally respected throughout this section of the State than the pastor of St. Edward's. END OF PAGE 921 Possessing unbounded enterprise and commendable public spirit, his aid has always been extended to every worthy object. As a faithful servant of Christ his voice has always been raised against wrong-doing, and its tones have never borne an uncertain ring. By kind words and charitable acts he has impressed himself upon the history of the coal region in a manner never to be forgotten, and from the little child to the gray- haired sire all mention his name with love and reverence. REV. FLORIAN KLONOWSKI, pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic church, was born in West Prussia, August 25, 1845, son of John and Mary Klonowski. He was educated at Kawernik, West Prussia, and at Neustadt, near Danzig, and was ordained by Archbishop Ledochowski, now cardinal at Rome. He emigrated to this country, September 7, 1875, and located in New York City, where he remained a few months. December 20, 1875, he was admitted to the Harrisburg diocese. His first appointment was as assistant of the Lykens Catholic church, where he remained from January 10, 1876, until July 13, 1870, when he took charge of the Shamokin Polish parish, which then included his present church and that at Mt. Carmel. His brother now has charge of the latter. Under Father Klonowski's pastorate many improvements have been made, and the church is in a flourishing condition. Since coming to Shamokin he has labored faithfully for the spiritual and material welfare of his people and his efforts have borne rich fruit REV. JAMES W. GILLAND, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was born in Antrim township, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1853, son of Thomas and Susan (Conrod) Gilland. He attended the common schools of his native township, and in 1871 entered Ursinus College, Collegeville, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he remained one year and a half, taking a preparatory course for his entry into Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, which took place in 1873, and from which he graduated in 1877. He immediately entered Union Theological Seminary, New York City, and graduated in May, 1880. He was ordained and licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, called to Duncannon, Perry county, Pennsylvania, in January, 1881, and installed in June of the same year. He received a call to his present charge, February 20, 1884, and was installed pastor, May 29, 1884. Mr. Gilland married Mary, daughter of Edwin and Mary A. (Davis) Clark, and by this union has six children: Thomas O.; James M.; Edwin C.; William D.; Mary F., and Susan O. During the seven years that Mr. Gilland has been pastor of the Shamokin church, gratifying prosperity has blessed his labors. He is an indefatigable student, a careful, conscientious, and popular pastor, and a fluent, logical, and impressive speaker. The wise and kindly advice has been strongly felt in the various channels of church work, while his denunciation of wrong-doing has been always outspoken and fearless, as becomes a faithful minister of the Gospel. END OF PAGE 922 REV. THOMAS J. HACKER, late pastor of St. John's Reformed church, was born at Lincoln, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1854, son of Levi and Harriet (Yagle) Hacker. He attended the public schools, and afterward took a course at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 1876 he entered the Theological Seminary of the Reformed church at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and graduated, May 10, 1879. He was licensed by the Lancaster Classis, June 5, 1879, ordained by the East Susquehanna Classis, June 17, 1879, and assumed charge of his present pastorate at that time. He was married in 1875 to Susan, daughter of William Meckley, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and by this union they have one child, Oswald W. Mr. Hacker is a member of Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A.M., of Shamokin Chapter, No. 264, and Prince of Peace Commandery, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, and is also a member of the P.O.S. of A., Camp No. 30. Mr. Hacker is a popular divine of Shamokin, and labored here with good results until October, 1890, when he resigned and removed to Allentown, Pennsylvania. When he took charge of his pastorate in Shamokin, the congregation numbered one hundred seventy-six; under his ministration it increased to seven hundred members. WILLIAM F. HARPEL, superintendent of public schools, was born near Freemansburg, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, son of the Reverend Mark and Martha A. (Morgan) Harpel, natives of Philadelphia and Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. His early education was obtained at the public schools of Lancaster county and Reading, Pennsylvania, and subsequently at the State Normal School at Millersville. In 1874 Mr. Harpel commenced teaching in Elizabeth township, Lancaster county, where he remained one year. He then received the appointment of principal of the second grammar school of Shamokin; in 1877 he was appointed principal of the first grammar school, and September 2, 1880, he was elected superintendent of schools, which position he has since filled. Mr. Harpel is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically is a Republican. John B. SAVIDGE was born in Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1840, son of John and Mary (Bloom) Savidge, natives of Chester and Northumberland counties. He was reared and educated in the common schools of the township, and completed his education at Doctor Huff's school in Sunbury, after which he was engaged in teaching in the schools of his native township and the county seat. He studied law with Simon P. Wolverton, of Sunbury, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. He located in Shamokin, and practiced his profession a few years, when he again commenced teaching in the public schools of Shamokin, and taught sixteen years. Since he has been a resident of Shamokin he has served in the offices of assessor and auditor. Mr. Savidge was married, October 13, 1864, to Isabella, daughter of Adam and Rachel (McCurtin) Row, of Lower Augusta township, who died, February 1, 1884. He again END OF PAGE 923 married, January 14, 1886, Harriet, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Marsh) Telford, of Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Savidge is a member of Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. &.A.M., and Shamokin Chapter, No. 264. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically a Democrat. SIMON CAMERON WAGENSELLER, postmaster of Shamokin and a member of the firm of Wagenseller & Haas, merchants, was born in Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1852, son of John N. and Sarah (McVeagh) Wagenseller, natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania, both of whom are dead. Simon C. received a common school education, and spent three years at Holbrook's Military High School, Sing Sing, New York. At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Sunbury, where he remained until the fall of 1877. He then came to Shamokin, and continued in the company's employ until August, 1882, when he embarked in the mercantile business, and has since built up and carried on a successful trade. Mr. Wagenseller was married, April 19, 1878, to Laura M., daughter of Stephen Bittenbender, one of the leading pioneers of Shamokin. Four children have been born of this union: Walter B., deceased; Harriet S.; Sarah McVeagh, and Mary E. The family are connected with Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church. Politically Mr. Wagenseller is a Republican, and has filled the office of assistant burgess of Shamokin one term. On the 13th of August, 1890, he was appointed by President Harrison postmaster of this borough; since taking charge of the office he has fitted it up in a first-class manner, and it now compares favorably with any office in this section of the State. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is a stockholder in the Shamokin Street Railway Company, the Shamokin Industrial Company, and the Home Building and Loan Association. DAVID L. SOLLENBERGER, editor and publisher of the Shamokin Weekly Times and the Daily Dispatch, was born in Silver Spring township, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1853, son of Samuel S. and Mary A. (Lehn) Sollenberger. He is a descendant of a long-lived ancestry. His great- grandfather, John Sollenberger, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1771, and died in Cumberland county in 1855, the subject of this sketch attending his funeral in his mother's arms. His grandfather, whose name also was John, was born in Lancaster county in 1793. Later in life he removed to the farm where his father died, and resided there until his death in 1878. The father of David L. was born in Cumberland county in 1830. He enlisted in the army and contracted consumption, from which he died in 1873, aged only forty- three years. Our subject, who was the only child of Samuel S. Sollenberger, spent his early life upon the homestead farm, and received such advantages as could be obtained in the common schools of the township. In 1869 he was apprenticed to learn the printing business in the office of the Star of the Valley, published by J. B. Morrow at Newville, END OF PAGE 924 Pennsylvania, where he remained three years. His first situation after his apprenticeship was completed was upon the New York Tribune, where he remained only one night. He then found employment upon the Philadelphia Age until the spring of 1873, when he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, but remained there only four weeks. He returned to the Philadelphia Age, where he was employed until June, 1873, and then accepted the position to set the advertising matter of the Pittsburgh Post, which place he held nearly four years. In 1877 Mr. Sollenberger settled at Watsontown, purchased the Record from J. J. Auten, and was its owner and publisher ten months, after which he purchased a half-interest in the Northumberland County Democrat, on which he was engaged until June, 1879. In September of the same year he bought the Lewistown True Democrat, which he conducted but a short time. In November, 1879, he purchased a half-interest in the Shamokin Times, and in October, 1883, established the Daily Times, which he conducted eleven months, when its publication was suspended. In November, 1886, he founded the Dispatch, which he has since edited in an able and satisfactory manner. Mr. Sollenberger married Annie A., daughter of John Brown, of Newville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of four children: Erie G.; H. Pearl; Mary G., and Vida C. Politically Mr. Sollenberger is a Democrat; he is a member of the I.O.O.F., and one of the most popular citizens of Northumberland county. W. H. M. ORAM, attorney at law, was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1842. His parents, John F. and Louisa (Farr) Oram, were natives of Philadelphia and Chester county, Pennsylvania, respectively. Our subject received his primary education in the public schools of his native city, and graduated from the Philadelphia high school. He then entered the law office of Daniel Dougherty, the distinguished lawyer and orator, under whom he pursued his legal studies two years, and afterwards spent one year in the office of John Hanna, a leading attorney of the same city. While pursuing his studies, he, in 1862, entered the University of Pennsylvania, and after a thorough course in the law department of that institution graduated in May, l865. In the meantime, having passed a meritorious examination, he was admitted to the bar at Philadelphia, April 15, 1865. In May following he came to Shamokin, where his scholarly attainments and brilliant pleadings soon placed him in the front rank, and won for him a large practice. From boyhood his political affiliations have always been with the Republican party, and up to within the last few years his time and talents were freely devoted to advocating and defending its principles and measures. In 1873 Mr. Oram was elected solicitor of the borough, and re-elected at various times, filling the office in all sixteen years. In 1876 be was the choice of his party in Northumberland county for State Senator, but, through an unfair combination of the other candidates, he was defeated. In 1877 he END OF PAGE 925 was appointed, by the United States comptroller of currency, receiver of the Northumberland County National Bank of Shamokin, and wound up its affairs. In 1881 he was a candidate for president judge, but by mutual agreement with the two other aspirants he withdrew from the contest. He was a popular candidate for Congress in 1884, but was defeated in the county convention. Since that time he has not sought political preferment, but has devoted all his energies to the duties of his profession. Mr. Oram was married, March 4,1865, to Miss Lavina F., daughter of Joseph W. Jones, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Seven children have been born to this union, five of whom are living: Kate A.; Fannie V.; Lavina E.; Clara, and John. The whole family, except the eldest daughter, who is an Episcopalian, are members of the Lutheran church of Shamokin. Following the footsteps of his able preceptor, Mr. Oram has become well versed in the many intricate phases of legal science, and is recognized as one of the most fluent and able advocates at the bar. He is an indefatigable student, and prepares his cases with the greatest care, supporting his conclusions by the strongest precedents and authorities. Gifted with a natural command of language, and a master in analyzing human motives and passions, his great influence over a jury renders him a very dangerous foe in a legal conflict. He is the oldest practicing attorney in Shamokin, and his large and constantly increasing business before the several courts of the State occupies nearly all his entire time and attention. He nevertheless watches and supports the march of public improvement, and is one of the most liberal and enterprising citizens of the county. GEORGE W. RYON, attorney at law and president of the Shamokin Banking Company, is descended from two of the most prominent pioneer families of Pennsylvania. His great-grandfathers, on both sides of the ancestral tree, served in the Continental army throughout the memorable struggle for independence, one of them attaining the rank of colonel and commissary of subsistence in General Wayne's division. The Ryon family had been residents of the Wyoming valley for nearly a century, when John Ryon, grandfather of our subject, removed from his birthplace in Luzerne county to his future home at Elkland, Tioga county. He soon rose to considerable prominence in public affairs. For eleven years he was the Democratic State Senator from the Tioga and Bradford district, and filled the office of associate judge of Tioga county fifteen years. While in the Senate he introduced and had passed by both Houses a resolution favoring the nomination of Andrew Jackson for President. Sixty years ago he was located at Milton, Northumberland county, as superintendent of the Pennsylvania canal, and his name as such may yet be seen cut on a stone in the lock at Shamokin dam, opposite Sunbury, under date of 1829. Our subject is a son of George L. and Hannah (Hammond) Ryon, the latter a descendant of the Connecticut Hammonds who were early settlers of END OF PAGE 926 Pennsylvania. He was born at Elkland, Tioga county, Pennsylvania April 30, 1839. When he was ten years old his parents removed from Elkland to Lawrenceville, in the same county, and engaged in farming, and here George W. grew to manhood. He was educated in the Lawrenceville Academy, the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, Lima, New York, and Eastman's Commercial College, Rochester, New York. After obtaining a good education he accepted a position as civil engineer on the Kenosha, Rockford and Rock Island railroad, with headquarters at Rockford, Illinois, which be filled one year. In 1809 he went to Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he entered the office of his uncle, Judge James Ryon, and commenced the study of law. After two years spent in diligent application, he passed a creditable examination, and was admitted to the bar at Pottsville, September 10, 1861. Soon after his admission he returned to Lawrenceville and engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1869 he located at Shamokin, where he soon built up and has since enjoyed a successful and lucrative practice. Politically Mr. Ryon adheres to the unswerving Democratic faith of his forefathers, and has always taken an active interest in the triumph of Democratic measures and principles. In 1876 he was a delegate to the St. Louis convention which chose Tilden and Hendricks as the national standard bearers of the Democratic party. He was also a delegate to the two State conventions that put in nomination Heister Clymer and Judge Persing for the governorship. His influence in the councils of his party and his prominence at the bar, led, in 1881, to his nomination for the office of president judge of Northumberland county, and out of a poll of twelve thousand votes he was defeated by only two hundred nineteen. Mr. Ryon has always taken a prominent part in the development of the social and material interests of Shamokin. He drew the charter and was one of the corporators of the Shamokin Banking Company. He has also been a director of the bank since its organization, was the first president of that institution, and was again elected to that position, January 20, 1891. He was one of the corporators of the Shamokin Gas Light Company, and has been treasurer of the company since 1874; he was one of the promoters and is now a director of the Shamokin Manufacturing Company, and is also a stock-holder in the water company. He has filled the office of borough solicitor several terms, and at all times exerted himself in the line of progress and public improvement. He was married, April 29, 1869, to Miss Phebe, daughter of the late William Huntzinger, of Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, who has borne him a family of three children: William H.; Lewis H., and Bessie. In religion Mr. Ryon adheres to the faith of his ancestors, that of the Presbyterian church, and in the congregation of that denomination in Shamokin he and his family are constant and regular in their attendance. He has END OF PAGE 927 held the office of trustee for a number of years and was a member of the building committee during the construction of the present handsome church edifice, to which he contributed very liberally of his means and gave much of his time and personal supervision; and to his judgment, careful and intelligent counsel, the Presbyterian church of Shamokin is greatly indebted for the successful consummation of this and other projects of its management, and in whose welfare Mr. Ryon is always keenly interested. He is held in high esteem for his many acts of unobtrusive charity, and the many worthy objects of benevolence which have had his substantial support and encouraging word. In his profession he is recognized as a safe, conservative counselor, well grounded in legal science; a plain, logical, and convincing speaker, a man of excellent judgment, and a diligent student. He is one of the ablest and best known lawyers of the Northumberland county bar. PETER A. MAHON is one of the best known lawyers of the Northumberland county bar. He was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, November 11, 1849, son of Patrick and Catharine (Kelly) Mahon, natives of Ireland and residents of Schuylkill and subsequently of Northumberland county for many years. His father is dead, but his mother resides in Shamokin. His parents moved from Schuylkill county to Trevorton, Northumberland county, in 1850, and our subject received his early education in the public schools of that town. He afterwards attended Fryburg Academy and Wyoming Seminary, and then entered the law office of his brother, James Mahon, a leading attorney of Scranton. He applied himself diligently to the study of his chosen profession, and in February, 1875, was admitted to the bar of Luzerne county. After a short practice in Scranton and Wilkesbarre, he came to Shamokin in 1875 and opened a law office. Mr. Mahon was then comparatively unknown, but with the passing years he has gradually won a practice second to none in his adopted home, and is today recognized as the peer of any of his professional contemporaries. He has reason to feel proud of the fact that while yet one of the younger members of the bar he was chosen to fill the office of district attorney in November, 1883. By close application to the duties of that office he won a high degree of success, and in 1886 was re-elected to the same position, which he filled continuously for a period of six years. During his official career his vigorous prosecution of offenders won for him the reputation of being "one of the best criminal lawyers in this section of the State." He seems to possess the faculty of discovering the strongest possible evidence in a case, weaving a legal network around the criminal, and then presenting the facts to the court and jury with logical precision and crushing force. In his pleadings before a jury he combines eloquence, withering sarcasm, and logical argument while his Celtic mother wit is used with telling effect against opposing counsel and witnesses. He is equally strong in civil practice, and is always a safe, conservative, and honest counselor. END OF PAGE 928 Page opposite 928 contains a portrait of Peter A. Mahon. Page opposite 929 is blank. While devoting his principal attention to his professional duties, Mr. Mahon yet finds the time to take an active interest in the social and material progress of his home. He is a charter member and director of the Shamokin Street Railway Company, the Electric Light and Power Company, and the Market House Company, and is always willing to lend his assistance to every worthy object. Mr. Mahon is one of the stalwart and influential Democrats of this section of the State, and has filled nearly all the political offices in both the county and district committees. Since entering political life he has devoted his time unsparingly to the best interests of his party, and is one of the ablest advocates and most sincere defenders of Democratic measures and principles within the local councils of the party. He was married in 1883, to Kate, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Egan) Maloney, natives of Ireland and subsequently residents of Ashland and Shamokin, Pennsylvania. and both deceased. Five children are the fruits of this union: Paul; Ida; Elizabeth; Catharine, and Leonard. The whole family are members of St. Edward's Catholic church, in which faith Mr. Mahon was born and reared. U. F. JOHN, attorney and capitalist, was born in Shamokin township (now Ralpho), Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1835, second son of Samuel and Angelina John. He spent his early years on the homestead farm, and obtained such education as the common schools of that period afforded. He was engaged in farming and clerking until 18a4, when he located at Mt. Carmel, and opened the first general store in that place, which he conducted two years. Being desirous of securing a more thorough education, he entered Greenwood Seminary, Columbia county, in 1857, and graduated from the Commercial College of York, Pennsylvania, in 1862. He then entered the law office of John B. Packer, of Sunbury, and was admitted to the bar, August 4, 1863. In the same year, in connection with his father, he located at Green Mountain, Mt. Carmel township, and engaged in the development of a colliery. He followed the coal business until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Shamokin and commenced the practice of his profession. Mr. John was one of the original stockholders of the Shamokin Banking Company, and is one of its present directors. He was married, October 9, 1867, to Agnes, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Dundore, of Reading, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of four children: Howard, deceased; Flora A.; Samuel, and Sarah I. In politics Mr. John is a stalwart Republican, and is a member of Lima Lodge, F. & A.M., of Lima, Ohio. He has been very successful in accumulating property, and can be safely classed as one of the wealthiest citizens of Shamokin. ADDISON G. MARR, attorney at law, was born at Lewisburg, Union county, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1844, son of Rev. Phineas B. and Mary (Graham) Marr. Our subject is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Northumberland county. His paternal grandfather, William Marr, was END OF PAGE 929 descended from the Marr-Erskin family of England, and a pioneer of Northampton county, Pennsylvania. He subsequently settled upon land adjoining Milton, where he died. The father of Addison G. spent his early life upon the homestead, and received his education at Milton Academy and Princeton College, New Jersey, from which he graduated. As a minister of the Presbyterian church he was located at Milton, Shamokin, and Lewisburg, and died at the place last mentioned in 1874; his widow survives him and resides in Lewisburg. His family consisted of eleven children: Mary, wife of Dr. J. E. Barber, of Leadville; William A., attorney, of Ashland, Pennsylvania; Henry S., attorney; Rev. James; Addison O.; Margaret, wife of P. M. Barber, of Philadelphia; Helen W., wife of J. W. Crawford, of the same city; Henrietta, widow of William Lister; Carrie, deceased; Walter, deceased, and Rev. George, of Philadelphia. The subject of this sketch was educated at Randolph Academy, Lewisburg, and in 1862 entered Princeton College, and was graduated in 1866. He then commenced the study of law with J. B. Linn, Secretary of the Commonwealth, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. In August of the same year he located in Shamokin and practiced law three years. He then engaged in the banking business under the firm name of A. O. & J. C. Marr; in 1871 it was merged into the Miner's Trust and Safe Deposit Company, which they operated until 1877, when he resumed the practice of his profession, which he has since followed. Mr. Marr filled the office of city solicitor three years. Politically he is a Democrat, and has served as chairman of the county committee four years. He was married, in 1871, to Maggie W., daughter of John W. Sheriff, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two sons: William P. and A. Graham. WILLIAM W. RYON, attorney at law, was born in Lawrenceville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1857, son of George L. and Hannah (Hammond) Ryon. He received his education at the common schools and the Mansfield State Normal School, where he graduated in 1874. He then entered the law office of his brother, George W. Ryon, of Shamokin, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. He practiced his profession a short time, when he was appointed deputy sheriff for three years, after which he resumed his profession, and has since enjoyed a successful practice. He was married in 1882 to Miss Sue, daughter of Isaac May, Sr., and by this union they have one child, Charles A. Politically, Mr. Ryon is an ardent and influential Democrat, and is a leading member of St. Edward's Catholic church. W. E. ZIMMERMAN, attorney at law, was born at Sunbury, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1857, son of Jeremiah H. and Harriet (Bright) Zimmerman. His early education was obtained at the public schools of Shamokin and the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Zimmerman's early occupation was that of a teacher, filling that position in the schools of Shamokin ten years. In 1881 he commenced the study of END OF PAGE 930 law under George W. Ryon. He was admitted to the bar at Sunbury in November, 1886, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession at Shamokin. Politically he is an ardent and prominent Democrat. He is a member of the Lutheran church, has been a member of its official board, and has charge of a large library connected with its Sunday school. While comparatively a young man Mr. Zimmerman is pushing his way in his profession, and laying the foundation for a successful practice. J. W. GILLESPIE, attorney at law, was born in 1850, in Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, son of Anthony and Sarah (Foye) Gillespie. He received his early education at Shamokin, Trevorton. and at the Lewisburg high school. He then learned the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed as a business until the spring of 1884, when he went to Michigan, and entered the law office of Sawyer & Knowlton, of Ann Arbor, was admitted to the bar the same year, and graduated from the law department of the Michigan University in 1886. He practiced two years in the office of Sawyer & Knowlton, and in 1886 returned to this county and was admitted to practice, but soon after removed to Lincoln, Nebraska. where he remained two years. He then returned to Shamokin, where he has since continued to prosecute the duties of his profession. He was married in 1871 to Valeria, daughter of Silas Farrow, of Shamokin township, Northumberland county. To this union have been born two children: Lillian I. and J. Malcolm Asbury. In 1889 he was elected city solicitor, which office he now fills. Politically he is a Republican. EDWIN S. ROBINS, physician and surgeon, was born in Elysburg, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1832, son of Dr. Joseph and Leah (Shindel) Robins, of that village. He grew up in Elysburg, receiving a common school education, and subsequently attended Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Returning from school in the autumn of 1851, he commenced reading medicine with his father. In 1852- 53 he attended lectures at the University of Maryland, Baltimore; in 1853-54 he attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and was graduated, March 10, 1854. He commenced practice at Elysburg with his father, and in October, 1855, came to Shamokin and entered into partnership with his brother, Galen S. The latter died, October 9, 1856, and our subject continued practice alone. For more than thirty- five years Doctor Robins has been one of the prominent and successful medical practitioners of his native county, and is one of the oldest and best known physicians of this section of the State. His long and successful practice of surgery has given him a wide reputation. He has successfully performed many of the most difficult amputations, and his professional skill in this field of practice has been in frequent demand. Doctor Robins served as surgeon of the Seventh National Guard of Pennsylvania for several years during Hartranft's administration. He has built up a large and lucrative practice, and stands in the front rank END OF PAGE 931 of his profession. Doctor Robins was married, October 10, 1853, to Matilda, daughter of William Gulick, of Elysburg. Eight children are the fruits of this union, five of whom survive: Frank A.; Lizzie, wife of F. A. Thomas; Ella, wife of William Price; Edwin S., and Josephine. The family are adherents of the Episcopal church, and in politics the Doctor is an ardent Democrat. He has been a member of the Masonic order twenty-five years, and is one of the popular citizens of Shamokin. D. S. HOLLENBACK, physician and surgeon, was born in Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, May 26, 1836, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Sherry) Hollenback. His early education was received at the common schools of the township and at Freeburg Academy. He then entered the office of Doctor Eyster, now of Sunbury, and graduated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in April, 1804. He soon after entered upon the practice of his profession at Shamokin, where he has been actively engaged up to the present time, and enjoys a large and lucrative practice. He married Clara, daughter of Isaac Sober, of Shamokin township, and they are the parents of one son, William W. The Doctor is an ardent Republican, but has never held any public office except director of the poor, which position he filled in 1876. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church of Shamokin, and one of the oldest and best known practitioners now in active practice in this part of the county. CHARLES W. WEAVER, physician, was born in Rush township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1840, son of Jesse Weaver, a well known resident of that part of the county. He received his education at the common schools and Sunbury Academy. In 1861 he enlisted in the Ninety-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until 1863, when he was discharged because of physical disability. In the autumn of 1863 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. E. S. Robins, of Shamokin, and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College in March, 1867. He has gradually built up a good practice, but on account of failing health he is unable to devote his entire attention to professional duties. On the 9th of June, 1870, Doctor Weaver married Kate, daughter of George Heckert, a well remembered citizen of Shamokin. By this union they are the parents of five living children: Margaret; Marion A.; Helen; Edith, and Ralph. Doctor Weaver has served in the borough council and on the school board, and is a member of Lincoln Post, G.A.R., Shamokin Lodge, F. & A.M., and the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and in November, 1890, he was the Republican candidate for county treasurer, when, though defeated, he ran largely ahead of his ticket M. H. HARPEL, physician, was born at Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1838, son of Mark and Martha (Morgan) Harpel. He was reared in the city of Philadelphia, Northampton and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania, and received his early education at the public schools. In 1861 he entered END OF PAGE 932 the State Normal School at Millersville, Pennsylvania, where he completed his education. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. Joseph Baker, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Homoeopathic College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1867. In the fall of the same year he commenced the practice of his profession in Shamokin, where he has since continued to reside. He is one of the present members of the school board, with which he has been connected ten years. Politically the Doctor is an independent voter; he is an adherent of the Masonic order, and is a member of the Lutheran church of Shamokin. He married Mary, daughter of Nathan Haas, of Shamokin, and they are the parents of five children: Edward F. and Flora, both of whom are preparing for the medical profession; William L.; Frederick, and Howard. The Doctor is one of the leading physicians of the city, and one of its prominent citizens. R. L. WRIGHT, physician, was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, son of Humphrey and Mary (Cogan) Wright; be attended the public schools until his parents moved to Shamokin township, Northumberland county. A short course of private instruction under a former tutor enabled him to secure employment as a school teacher at Shenandoah, Schuylkill county, where he at once took up the study of medicine under Doctors Reagan and McCrea. At the age of twenty he started for Ann Arbor, Michigan, to pursue a classical course in the university there, but before reaching his destination, an unforeseen event compelled him to retrace his steps and return home. From thence he proceeded to Philadelphia, and entered Jefferson Medical College, graduating in March, 1869. He immediately commenced the practice of medicine at Shamokin, and through energy and perseverance he has established a large and lucrative practice. He was the first physician elected to the office of coroner of Northumberland county, and after serving six years in that office he abandoned politics altogether. In 1881 he was married in Philadelphia to Monica V., daughter of Robert Barr, and by this union they have four children: Alphonse; Vincent; Irene, and Mary. Politically, the Doctor is a stanch Democratic, and both he and wife are members of St Edward's Catholic church of Shamokin. F. A. CLARK, physician, was born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1841, son of Franklin A. and Louisa (Eisely) Clark He attended the public schools, after which he was occupied as a miner twelve years. August 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, second battle of Winchester, Chancellorsville, Antietam, and Gettysburg, and was with Sherman on his march from Atlanta to the sea. After the war he returned to Shamokin and resumed the occupation of miner. In the fall of 1866 he took charge of the drug department of his father's business, where he remained until 1875. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. J. S. Hollenback; in the winter of 1876-77 he took a course of END OF PAGE 933 lectures at Jefferson Medical College, and subsequently studied with Dr. O. M. Robins, of Shamokin. In the spring of 1880 he graduated from Jefferson Medical College and at once began the practice of medicine in Shamokin. The Doctor is a member of Lincoln Post, No. 140, G.A.R., and of the P.O.S. of A., Camp No. 187. Politically, he is a Republican. He married, in 1866, Mary Ellen Raymond, who died in 1870, leaving two children: Louisa, deceased, and Harry. His second wife was Valeria Jacobs, who died in 1878, by whom he had two children, one of whom is living, Charles. He married for his third wife Mary Kerlin. Doctor Clark is one of the leading and respected physicians of his native town. R. A. KENNEDY, physician, was born at Shamokin, August 12, 1853, son of William C. and Maria (Ammerman) Kennedy, natives of Lycoming and Northumberland counties, respectively. His early education was received at the public schools of his native town. In 1869 he entered Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated in June, 1873. He then accepted a position in Mount Pleasant Seminary, Boyertown, Pennsylvania, where he taught three years, and read medicine with Dr. S. M. Todd of the same place. He served one year in the Wilkesbarre hospital as resident physician; in 1881 he graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, and in May of the same year returned to Shamokin and commenced practice, where he has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession. He was married in 1882 to Sallie Magee, of Lycoming county, and they are the parents of three children, all of whom are dead. The Doctor is a member of Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A.M., and politically he is a Republican. F. D. RAKER, physician, was born in Little Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1856, son of C. H. and Susannah (Dornsife) Raker. He attended the township schools and the Elysburg and Freeburg Academies, after which he was engaged in teaching in Washington township. In 1877 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. D. H. Dornsife, of Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in March, 1881. He located at Beaumont, Wyoming county, where he practiced medicine seven months. January 10, 1882, he removed to Shamokin, where he has since been in active practice. In 1889, in connection with Dr. David S. Hollenback, he established the drug business under the name of Hollenback & Raker. He has served as county coroner, and has also been township physician for Coal township. Doctor Raker was married in 1882 to Alvaretta Wirt, who died, June 19,1885. On May 27, 1890, he married M. Ada, daughter of Joseph Deppen, of Mt. Carmel. He is a member of the P.O.S. of A. and of the I.O.O.F. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Lutheran church. JOHN W. BEALOR, physician, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1854, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Weibley) Bealor. He END OF PAGE 934 received his early education at the common schools, and later entered the New Bloomfield Academy, from which he graduated. He then commenced the study of medicine with Doctor Richardson of Newport, Perry county, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Washington Medical College of Baltimore, Maryland, in 1870. He first located at Elliottsburg. Pennsylvania, where he practiced four years. after which he removed to Locust Gap, this county, where he remained one year and a half. In May 1882, he located in Shamokin, where he has since practiced his profession. He was married in 1879 to Mary, daughter of George Albert, and by this union they have three children: Benjamin F.; Florence E., and Quilla. Doctor Bealor is a member of Shamokin Lodge, No. 664, I.O.O.F., and of Camp No. 189. P.O.S. of A. Politically he is a Democrat. KIMBER C. MCWILLIAMS, physician, was born at Elysburg, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1857. He attended the public schools and Elysburg Academy, and completed his education under private instructors. He began the study of medicine with Dr. S. F. Gilbert of Elysburg, and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, in 1884. He first located in Mainville, Columbia county, where he remained two months. He then located in Snydertown, and in January, 1886, removed to Shamokin, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Doctor McWilliams, while comparatively a young man, has the confidence of the public, and ranks among the leading physicians of the county. He married Lizzie J., daughter of Holden Chester, by which marriage they have two sons: Holden Chester and Kimber Cleaver He is an elder in the Presbyterian church, and politically, a Prohibitionist. J. M. MAURER, physician, was born in Eldred, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, June 4, 1802, son of Charles K. and Elimina (Wolfgang) Maurer, natives of Schuylkill county, who settled in Mt. Carmel in 1809, where the subject of our sketch received his early schooling. In 1877 he entered Elysburg Academy, where he remained two years. He then entered Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, and after four years study graduated from the classical department with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in June, 1884. He afterwards entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania and was graduated in April, 1887. In 1886, while pursuing his medical studies, the Doctor was connected one year with the Philadelphia Dispensary. In May, 1887, he commenced the practice of his profession in Shamokin; he is one of the leading physicians, and has won the respect and confidence of the citizens of his adopted home. Dr. Maurer was married, October 1, 1890, to Anna L., daughter of William B. and Anna M. Kutzner, of Shamokin. ALFRED G. SHISSLER, physician, was born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1866, son of H. A. and Rosetta (Kaseman) Shissler. He was educated in the public schools of Shamokin, graduating from the high school END OF PAGE 935 in 1883. He commenced the study of medicine with C. W. Weaver, graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1889, and at once began the practice of his profession. In connection with his practice he is engaged in the drug business with his father. He is a member of Camp No. 72, S. of V., and Camp No. 149, P.O.S. of A., of which he is a past president, and is scribe of Anthony Wayne Commandery, No. 13. Politically, he is a Republican. E. M. EMRICK, physician, son of George and Elizabeth (Myers) Emrick, was born in l855, in Jordan township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. His parents removed to Uniontown, Dauphin county, where our subject was reared and educated. He subsequently entered the State Normal School at Shippensburg, and completed his education under the tutorage of the county superintendent at Uniontown. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. J. Read of that place, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1878. Doctor Emrick then located at Augustaville, Northumberland county, where he remained in active practice eleven years, when he removed to Shamokin, where he has since continued in the active duties of his profession. He was married in l878 to Miss A. Wiest, who is the mother of one child, Clarion W. Doctor Emrick is an adherent of the Republican party, and a member of the Reformed church. Though a resident of Shamokin only a short time he is building up a substantial practice. REUBEN HOLLENBACK, D. D. S., was born in Upper Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 1, 1841, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Sherry) Hollenback. He was educated in the public schools, followed the occupation of farming until twenty-one years of age and taught school one year in his native township. In 1864 he located in Shamokin, and was employed as engineer at the Big Mountain colliery two years, after which he was engaged in teaching the public schools of Coal township and Shamokin until 1868, when he commenced the study of dentistry with Doctor Van Boskirk, of Selinsgrove, Snyder county, Pennsylvania. The same year he commenced practice in Shamokin, where he has followed his profession up to the present, and has built up a successful business. He graduated at the Dental College of Philadelphia, March 1, 1877. He was married in 1865 to Dorcas, daughter of Michael M. Sober, who died, October 24, 1887, leaving three children William S., a piano tuner of Reading, Pennsylvania, and Hudson S. and Edwin E., dentists. He was again married, December 6, 1888, to Savilla, daughter of William Fidler, of Shamokin; by this union they have one child, Harry F. Doctor Hollenback is a member of St. John's Reformed church, of which he has been chorister since 1876. Politically he is a Republican. Dr. U. S. G. MOORE, surgeon dentist, was born in 1863, in Shamokin, Northumberland county. Pennsylvania, son of W. H. and Mary (Wolverton) Moore. His father was a native of Luzerne county, who came to Shamokin END OF PAGE 936 Page 937 contains a portrait of C. Q. McWilliams. Page 938 is blank. in 1853 and engaged in the building business, and for many years was one of the prominent builders of Shamokin, erecting most of the early coal breakers for the surrounding collieries. His family consisted of two children. The subject of this sketch was educated at the public schools of Shamokin, and at the University of Pennsylvania, commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. Edwin Darby of Philadelphia, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1885 and commenced the practice of his profession in his native city. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist church. and politically he is a Republican. IVANHOE S. HUBER, cashier of the Shamokin Banking Company, was born October 4, 1845, at Pine Grove, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, a son of Levi and Margaret (Stackpole) Huber. In l857, his father having been elected recorder of the county, they removed to Pottsville, where he was educated in the public schools. In 1802 he entered the law office of F. W. Hughes, where he was engaged until 1804, when he was appointed teller of the First National Bank of Mahanoy City, which position he filled until 1868, when he became secretary and superintendent of the Ringgold Coal and Iron Company, at New Ringgold, Schuylkill county. He filled this position ten months and resigned to accept the appointment of deputy prothonotary of Schuylkill county, which he occupied until September 4, 1871, when he was appointed cashier of the Shamokin Banking Company, which position he has since occupied. Mr. Huber was a member of the school board from 1882 to 1885, its president in 1883, and its treasurer in 1884, and has been a director and treasurer of the Building and Loan Association of Shamokin since 1883. In 1863 he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Emergency Men. He was married, September 8, 1869, to Mary B., daughter of John W. Houston, of Columbia, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of five children: Levi H.; John H.; Margaret E.; Mary B., and Gertrude S. Mr. Huber is a member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal church; politically he is a Democrat, and has been treasurer of the borough since June, 1881, and is one of the respected and substantial citizens of Shamokin. FREDERICK W. V. LORENZ, teller of the First National Bank, was born at Burgsleinfurt, Westphalia, Germany, December 20, 1853, son of Victor and Augusta (Drost) Lorenz. He entered the University of Halle, situated on the river Saale, and prosecuted his studies until 1873. In 1877 he came to the United States and resided in Philadelphia until January, 1878, when he joined the P. and T. Collins Expedition to Brazil, where he remained until November, 1879; he then returned to the United States and entered the employ of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company as civil engineer, and later was employed as clerk in the construction of the coal docks at Elizabethport, New Jersey, where he remained until January, 1882. He then came to Shamokin, and was in the employ of the same company, as END OF PAGE 939 civil engineer, in the construction of their various roads. In September, 1887, he was appointed teller of the First National Bank, which position he has since filled. Mr. Lorenz was married, June 26, 1884, to Clara, daughter of Christian and Nancy (Lawton) Beury, of Shamokin, and by this union they have four children: Helen B.; Nancy L., and Charles Christian and Frederick Victor, twins. Politically he is a Republican, and is recognized as a worthy, enterprising, and public-spirited citizen.