Local History: Chapter XLV - Part II: Biographical Sketches - MT. CARMEL Part II. 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 XLV Part II Pages 1039 - 1067. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES MT. CARMEL RUDOLPH HERB, carpenter, was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1842, son of John and Leah (Reddinger) Herb, natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer and spent his life in Berks county. Rudolph was reared on the homestead farm, and received his education in the common schools. He learned the carpenter trade, which he followed in Berks, Schuylkill, and Northumberland counties seventeen years. He came to Mt. Carmel in 1871, and in 1881 engaged in the dairy business, which he conducted until April 1, 1890, when he sold out and resumed carpentering. Mr. Herb was married, May 20, 1866, to Valeria, daughter of William and Susan (Shipe) Buck, of Schuylkill county. Thirteen children have been born END OF PAGE 1039 of this union, six of whom are living: Alice, wife of Joseph Keiser; Matilda; Emma; Minnie; James, and Bertha. The deceased children are as follows: Willie; Valeria; Harry; Kate; Curtis; Bertha, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Herb is a Republican, and has served as constable of Mt. Carmel five years, and in the council two terms. He is a member of the K. of M. CHARLES E. STECKER, carpenter, was born in West Branch valley, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in April, 1854. In 1856 he came with his father to Mt. Carmel, where he was reared and educated in the public schools. He learned the carpenter trade, but spent many years working in the mines, where he began as a slate picker, and later worked as schute boss and in the carpenter shop. Since 1887 he has followed general carpentering. He married, May 23, 1887, Susan, daughter of Nathaniel and Harriet Reader, and to this union have been born three children: Hattie; Mary A., and Florence. Mr. Stecker is a member of the P.O.S. of A., is a Republican, and has served one term in the borough council. PETER F. KELLY, carpenter, was born at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in 1835, son of John and Mary (McGuire) Kelly, natives of County Monaghan, Ireland, who came to America about 1825, and located in New Jersey. They removed from there to Harper's Ferry, Virginia, where the father worked on the Chesapeake and Ohio canal. He died about 1839, leaving four children: James; John; Peter F., and Bernard. Our subject was reared in Cumberland, Maryland, and removed to St. Clair, Pennsylvania, with his mother and brothers in 1847, where he worked in the mines up to 1856. He then served an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, which he followed up to April, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the three months' service, and was discharged, July 21, 1861. In September following he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until mustered out at Macon, Georgia, August 23, 1865. He was promoted in succession from private to corporal, then to quartermaster sergeant, and was commissioned second lieutenant at Gravelly Spring in the spring of 1865. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Stone River, Shelbyville, and Selma, besides many other minor engagements. At the close of the war Mr. Kelly returned to St. Clair, Schuylkill county, where he worked at his trade up to 1872, and then removed to Mahanoy City. In 1879 he came to Mt. Carmel, where he has since been engaged at the carpenter business in the Reliance colliery. He was married in 1867 to Mary, daughter of David and Julia Gorman of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, who is the mother of five living children: John; David; Mary; Peter, and Alice. The family are adherents of the Catholic church, and in politics Mr. Kelly is a Republican. He is a member of Burnside post, G.A.R., and has held the office of junior vice-commander of his post. CHARLES H. HOBSON, patentee and manufacturer of Hobson's patent lamp carriers, was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England, September 27, 1845, END OF PAGE 1040 son of William and Eliza (Hodgson) Hobson, also natives of England. He grew up in his native land, and there learned the house and sign painter's trade, which he followed in England until February, 1872; he then immigrated to Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he continued working at his trade. In May, 1881, he came to Mt. Carmel and soon after established a business for himself which he conducted until the fall of 1889. Having in the meantime invented a miner's lamp carrier he obtained a patent for his invention, December 3, 1889, and at once began their manufacture, which business he has since prosecuted successfully. It is regarded as one of the best lamp carriers in the market, and is destined to have an extensive and permanent sale. He has also obtained patents on two improvements on the original lamp carrier that renders it still more valuable. He is also the patentee of a railroad frog-switch which dispenses with the old frog-crossing usually employed. He is now working on other inventions from which he hopes to realize good profits in the future. Mr. Hobson was married, November 4, 1873, to Elizabeth Jane, daughter of George and Jane Hodges, of Minersville, Pennsylvania. Seven children have been born of this union: Effeldipha J.; Hettie H.; Charles H.; George W.; Elizabeth E.; Johanna S., deceased, and Stuart J. Politically Mr. Hobson is a stanch Democrat. HUGH M. PHILLIPS, deceased, was a native of England and immigrated to America when a young man. He located in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, prior to 1850, and was subsequently married to Caroline Bickelman, of Pottsville. He worked in collieries at Tuscarora, Middleport, and New Philadelphia, all in Schuylkill county before coming from the last named place to Shamokin, where he was boss of one of the Shamokin collieries until he removed to Mt. Carmel in 1865. He was outside foreman of the Reliance colliery from the time he located at Mt. Carmel up to his death in 1889. He was an honest, upright citizen, a member of the Episcopal church, a Republican, and an Odd Fellow. He was deeply interested for many years preceding his death in the Building and Loan Association of Mt. Carmel. His widow, a daughter of Conrad Bickelman, resides with her son, W. H. Phillips. She belongs to the Methodist church. Her father was a native of Germany, a wheelwright by trade, and for many years a resident of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Phillips and Harriet, wife of Nathaniel Reader, of Mt. Carmel, are the only living children of Mr. Bickelman. He died in Pottsville, but for a year before his death he had spent the most of his time with his daughter, Mrs. Phillips. The children of Hugh M. and Caroline Phillips are: Martin, an engineer; Edward, a blacksmith; W. H, merchant, and Matilda, wife of Myer Kolb, an auditor of the Reading railroad, living in Philadelphia. W. H. PHILLIPS, hardware merchant, was born in Middleport, Pennsylvania, July 6, l859, son of Hugh M. and Caroline (Bickelman) Phillips. He was educated in the public schools, and began his business life as a slate END OF PAGE 1041 picker in a breaker. For several years preceding 1879 he clerked in a store, and in 1889 he was employed to manage a breaker engine at the Reliance colliery. This he continued until 1899, when he opened a general hardware store in Mt. Carmel, which he has since conducted with successful results. He is a member of the P.O.S. of A. and the K. of M., a Republican, and one of the progressive young business men of the community. CLARK B. ZIMMERMAN, yard foreman for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, was born in Shamokin township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1841, son of Ephraim and Priscilla (Campbell) Zimmerman. His paternal grandfather, Michael Zimmerman, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German parentage; he removed to this county, where he engaged in farming, and died in Shamokin township. His maternal grand- father, William Campbell, was a native of Scotland, a wheelwright by trade, and quite an early settler of this county. The father of our subject was a farmer, and resided in this county up to his death at Shamokin in 1854. Two children, Clark B. and Diadem C., wife of K. T. John, are the fruits of this union. Our subject was reared in Shamokin township, was educated in the common schools and at Williamsport Academy, and commenced teaching at the age of seventeen, following that occupation eight years. At the breaking out of the Rebellion in April, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserve, and served three months, when he was discharged from the service and returned to Shamokin. He re-enlisted in the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he served two years and eight months, and was again discharged. He then enlisted as a veteran in Deckerd, Tennessee, and served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out of the service, and the same year located in Mt. Carmel. He clerked in the store of S. A. Bergstresser a short time, and then engaged in mining. In 1883 he was appointed assistant inside foreman at Mt. Carmel colliery, which position he held one year. In May, 1884, he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as car inspector, and was appointed to his present position in October, 1888. Mr. Zimmerman was married, January 21, 1866, to Sally A., daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Keiser) Hoover, of this county. Two children have been born to them: Lorenzo B. and William H. In politics he is a Republican, has served as chief burgess of Mt. Carmel one term, and filled the unexpired term of J. B. Reed as justice of the peace. He is a member of the F. & A.M.. G.A.R., K. of M., and P.O.S. of A. WILLIAM T. BURKERT, car inspector, was born in Minersville. Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1848, son of Thomas and Mary (Koch Burkert, both natives of Pennsylvania, and descended from two of the oldest families of the State. They located in Mt. Carmel in March, 1865, where his father leased the Mt. Carmel House and operated it three years. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living: Sarah; Caroline; END OF PAGE 1042 Mary Jane; William T.; Emma, and Oliver C. The father died in Mt. Carmel and the mother lives in Shamokin. Our subject was seventeen years of age when he removed with his parents to Mt. Carmel. He learned the blacksmith trade in Ashland and followed that business for many years. He traveled in the western States, working at his trade, and returned to Mt. Carmel in September, 1884. For the past five years he has been employed as car inspector for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. Burkert was married, December 22, 1872, to Susannah, daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Simerson) Lerch, of Mt. Carmel. Politically he is a Republican; he was elected burgess of Mt. Carmel in February, 1889, and served one term. He is a member of the K. of M. JOSEPH S. RAMSEY was born at Cornwall Furnace, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1822, son of Daniel and Nancy Ramsey. He was reared in Lebanon and Berks counties, received his education at the academy of Womelsdorf, and began life as a country school teacher, which vocation he followed twelve years in Schuylkill and Northumberland counties; he also taught a select school at Mt. Carmel, where he located in l858, for two terms. He had charge of breakers in the vicinity of Mt. Carmel and Shamokin, and for two years had sole control of the Lancaster colliery breaker near Shamokin. In 1866 he was elected justice of the peace in Mt. Carmel, which office he filled to the satisfaction of the people for a term of five years. In 1841 he married Sarah, daughter of Henry and Martha Houser, of Lebanon county. They are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living Cyrus; Rufus; Lydia, Mrs. William Ewing; Daniel; Samuel; Catharine, Mrs. Abram Markle, and Clara, Mrs. Richard Jones. In politics Mr. Ramsey is a Republican. JOHN KULICK, hotel keeper, was born in the Province of Posen, Prussia, February 20, 1845, and is a son of John and Mary Kulick. He was reared in his native country and came to America in 1867, settling in Mt. Carmel, where he worked in the Mt. Carmel colliery for over sixteen years. He then embarked in the hotel business, which he has since continued with success. He erected his present brick hotel in the spring of 1889. Mr. Kulick was married, May 30, 1866, to Cassie Dix, a native of Prussia, and to this union have been born eleven children, eight of whom are living: Rosa; John; Mary; Anna; Maggie; Josie; Frank, and Florence. The deceased are: Peter; Anthony, and Katie. Mr. Kulick is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, the Kosciusko Guards, of which he is general, and St. Joseph's Society. He is one of the representative Polish citizens of Northumberland county, and in politics is a Republican. ENOCH LUBESKI, proprietor of the Kosciusko Hotel, was born in the Province of Posen, Prussia, in February, l853, and is a son of Michael and Anna Lubeski. He came to America in May, 1872, and settled in Mt. Carmel, where he worked in the mines thirteen years. He was also engaged in the END OF PAGE 1043 grocery trade three years, and in 1886 embarked in the hotel business near Lehigh Valley depot, which, with the exception of one year, he has since continued. In July, 1890, he erected the new addition to his hotel. He was married, October 4, 1874, to Rosa, a daughter of Lawrence Kornaski, of Mt. Carmel, and has the following children: Enoch; Walter; John; Bronie; Frank, and Martha. Mr. Lubeski is one of the popular Polish citizens of Mt. Carmel, is a Republican, a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and St. Stanislaus and Kosciusko societies. BEN WIRT, proprietor of the Valley House, was born in Jordan township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on June 29, 1848, son of John and Judith (Wentzel) Wirt. His paternal grandfather, John Wirt, was a native of Dauphin county and an early settler of Jordan township, where he engaged in farming and spent the remaining years of his life. His children were as follows: John Lydia A., who married David Campbell; Ann, who became the wife of Frederick Snyder; Kate, who married Jacob German; Elizabeth, second wife of David Campbell; Moses; Michael; Daniel, and Mary, who married Martin Horns. His maternal grandfather, Christopher Wentzel, was a farmer of Jordan township and a veteran of the war of 1812. The father of our subject, John Wirt, is a farmer and miller by occupation, and is living in Jordan township, this county, where he was born and reared and has always resided. His family consists of four sons: Ben; William; Daniel, and Michael. Our subject was reared in his native township and learned the milling trade in his father's mill, which he followed seventeen years, the first ten years in the old mill and the remaining seven years at Millersburg, Dauphin county. He then returned to Jordan township and engaged in buying cattle two years, thence removing to Herndon, where he kept hotel one year. In February, 1885, he removed to Mt. Carmel and has since been the successful landlord of the Valley House, which he purchased in October, 1888. Mr. Wirt was married. April 30, 1871, to Mary Malinda, daughter of Isaac L. and Anna (Bubb) Witmer, of Lower Mahanoy township, Northumberland county. Five children have been born to them: Moses, deceased; Alice; Charles Edgar; George, deceased, and Cyrus Webster, deceased. The family are adherents of the Reformed church; Mr. Wirt is a member of the F. & A.M. and K. of M., and in politics is a Democrat. JAMES HARRIS, proprietor of the Harris Hotel, corner of Second and Market streets, was born in South Wales, October 10, 1838, son of John and Elizabeth (Banner) Harris. He was educated in his native country, and in June 1865, immigrated to America, locating at Frostburg, Maryland. In 1869 he removed to Mt. Carmel where he was engaged in mining until 1887. During this period he was inside foreman at Hickory Ridge and Garfield collieries five years; he also opened the latter and put it in good working order, and entered his present business in January, 1887. March 6, 1858, he married Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mary Thomas, natives of Wales. They END OF PAGE 1044 Page 1045 contains a portrait of David Camp. Page 1046 is blank. are the parents of nine children: William; John; George; Lydia; Thomas; Eliza; Frederick; Helena and Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Harris was born a Republican, and still holds the fort. J. B. YOUNG, proprietor of the National Hotel, was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1857, a son of John and Mary Young, natives of Germany, who came to America about the year 1850 and located in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. The subject of our sketch was reared and educated in his native county, and began life for himself in the mines as breaker and slate picket At the age of sixteen he entered a general store as clerk at Locust Dale, Pennsylvania, where he was employed twelve years. In 1882 he located at Ashland, Pennsylvania, where he conducted a store one year; in 1883 he removed to Mt. Carmel and embarked in the general merchandise business, which he conducted successfully until October, and for two years was also the proprietor of one of the leading drug stores of the place. In the fall of 1888 he purchased the National Hotel property, of which he has been proprietor since February 20, 1889, and has built up a successful business. In 1882 Mr. Young was married to Ella M., daughter of Patrick and Mary (Horn) Carey, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, and has three children living: Joseph; Ella, and Frank. Mr. Young is one of the live and enterprising business men of Mt. Carmel, is a member of the Catholic church, and in politics a Democrat. DANIEL F. GALLAGHER, was born at Big Mine Run, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, April 7,1861, and is a son of Anthony and Nancy (McManiman) Gallagher, natives of County Donegal, Ireland, who came to America in 1847 and settled in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where his father engaged in mining. In 1864 the family removed to Mt. Carmel, where Anthony worked as a miner until within a short time of his death, which occurred, February 22, 1883. He had the reputation of being one of the most practical miners in the anthracite coal regions. His children were seven, of whom three survive: Daniel F.; Mary, Mrs. M. J. Carroll, and Anthony. Our subject was reared in Mt. Carmel and educated in the public schools of that vicinity. He began working at the age of eight years in a breaker in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. He worked in the mines at Mt. Carmel from 1870 to 1886, and subsequently kept the Washington Hotel at that place one year. He was active in labor circles from boyhood, and held various positions of trust in labor organizations. In January, 1888, he was appointed deputy sheriff under Jacob Kremer, but resigned four months later to engage in the gents' furnishing business in Mt. Carmel, which he carried on a year and a half. In May, 1888, he was nominated by the Labor Union Party for the House of Representatives, which nomination was endorsed by the Republican party, and he was elected in the fall of 1888 for a term of two years. He was the father of the Anthracite Miners' Examining bill, which became a law. January 27, 1884, he was married to Fannie, a daugh- END OF PAGE 1047 ter of Michael and Mary (Dougherty) McCauley, of County Donegal, Ireland, and has three children: Anthony; Daniel, and Patrick. Mr. Gallagher is a member of the Catholic church, the Father O'Reilly L.S.A.O. of H., and K. of L. He is a Republican in politics, and a young man of much enterprise and public spirit. DANIEL F. HARTLINE, restaurant proprietor, was born at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1842, son of John and Catharine (Mowry) Hartline. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Hartline, and his maternal grandfather, Daniel Mowry, were natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and farmers by occupation. The father of our subject was a farmer who resided near Pottsville for many years and died in that vicinity. Daniel was reared near Pottsville, where he received a common school education and served a twenty months' apprenticeship at the machinist trade. He enlisted at Pottsville, August 22, 1861, in Company A, Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He received four wounds at Spottsylvania Court House, where he was captured and taken to Libby prison. He was transferred to Lynchburg and Salisbury, North Carolina, and after suffering one hundred six days' confinement he at last reached Annapolis, Maryland, and was discharged at Philadelphia, October 21,1864. He located at Mt. Carmel in 1865, where he worked at his trade a few months, followed railroading eight months, as conductor on the Northern Central railway, after which he was station engineer twenty years, and then embarked in his present business. Mr. Hartline married Caroline, daughter of Owen J. and Catharine (Heffner) Owen, of Coal township, this county, by whom he has four children: William; Kate; Thomas, and Guy. The family is connected with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hartline is a Republican in politics, and has served as school director and tax collector. WILLIAM H. STECKER, restaurant proprietor, was born in Cressona, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1855, and is a son of Amelins F. and Mary A. (Beck) Stecker, who settled in Mt. Carmel in 1856. He was reared and educated in Mt. Carmel, and was left an orphan at the age of fourteen, when he began life for himself by working in a breaker, at which he was employed for several years, afterwards working for twelve years as a miner. In the spring of 1881 he was elected chief burgess of Mt. Carmel, and re-elected the following year. In 1879 he was elected to the council and served two years. In 1885 he entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company as a car inspector at Mt. Carmel, which position he filled satisfactorily three years. He opened a restaurant in Mt. Carmel in February, 1889, and has built up a good business. He was married in 1884 to Christiana, daughter of Levi and Sarah (Hawes) Werntz, of Mt. Carmel. To this union have been born two children: Lela, deceased, and an infant. Mr. Stecker is an enterprising citizen, a member of the P.O.S. of A., and politically is a stanch Republican. END OF PAGE 1048 W. C. JAMES, proprietor of the Exchange Hotel, was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, November 16,1849, and is a son of John H. and Charlotte (Cooper) James, natives of Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey, respectively. They settled in Mt. Carmel in 1856, where the father carried on business as a carpenter and contractor up to 1859; during that time he was elected a justice of the peace, and was also the Republican nominee for member of the legislature, but was defeated. He removed to Pottsville in 1859, and died there in 1862. He had a family of twelve children, all but one of whom grew to maturity: Sarah, Mrs. Joel Moore; Jesse M.; Thomas H., who was a member of the First New York Lincoln Cavalry and was killed in action near Alexandria, Virginia, in 1864; David E.; Charles M., who was a member of the Eighth Illinois Infantry and was killed at the battle of Shitch; Annie M., Mrs. A. B. Martin; Harrison, who was a member of the Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, Confederate Army; George W., who was a member of Company E, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded at Spottsylvania, in May, 1864, and at Petersburg, Virginia, in April, 1865; Emily I., Mrs. George Fox; Eliza, and W. C. Our subject was reared in Mt. Carmel from ten years of age. In January, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and on the 12th of May, 1864, was wounded in the right arm at the battle of Spottsylvania. He was shot through the right lung at Petersburg, Virginia, April 2, 1865, and was honorably discharged from service in November of that year. After the war he was engaged as a clerk in the hardware store of S. A. Bergstresser, of Mt. Carmel, with whom he remained six years, after which he engaged as clerk with the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company at Alaska, serving in that capacity nine years. In 1880 he was appointed United States postal clerk, between Mt. Carmel and Penn Haven junction, and after five years' service on that route, he was transferred to the route between Harrisburg and Lock Haven, where he remained two years. In 1886 he embarked in the hotel business at Mt. Carmel, in which he has since continued. In 1888 he erected the building he now occupies, which was opened to the public in April, 1889. Mr. James is one of the charter members of Burnside Post, No. 92, G.A.R., of Mt. Carmel, also a charter member of Camp No. 116, P.O.S. of A., a charter member of the K. of M., and a member of Ivanhoe Conclave. No. 9, S.P.K. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and has always taken an active interest in the success of his party. PETER F. OMLOR, proprietor of the Kozyjesko Hotel, was born in Crow Hollow, near St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1859, son of Frank and Josephine (Beierschmitt} Omlor, both natives of Germany. His paternal grandfather was John Omlor and maternal grandfather, Michael Beierschmitt, both natives of Germany, and for many years residents of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Frank Omlor, father of our subject, settled at Locust Gap, this county, in 1870. He was superintendent of the END OF PAGE 1049 Monitor colliery of that place sixteen years, and died there, February 21, 1888. Prior to removing to Locust Gap, he held the position of mine foreman at St. Clair for several years. He had seven children: Henry J.; Peter F.; Charles N.; Frank J.; Lizzie, Mrs. John Meagher; Mary, and Josephine. By his second wife, Lizzie Reichwein, there are two children living: Joseph and Aloysius. The subject of our sketch was reared in Schuylkill and Northumberland counties; he received a common school education and a course of instruction at the Pottsville Business College. He worked in the mines for several years at St. Clair and Locust Gap, was a shipping clerk for eleven years, and outside foreman at the Black Diamond colliery one year. He has been engaged in his present business since August 19, 1889. Mr. Omlor married, May 23,1883, Lena, daughter of Ferdinand and Mollie (Smeltzer) Tretter, of Shamokin, and has four children: Lizzie; Josephine; Ferdinand, and Franklin P. He is a member of the Catholic church, and politically a Democrat. THOMAS RONEY, miner and proprietor of restaurant, was born at Beaver Meadows, Carbon county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1838, son of Ferdinand and Eleanor (Kelly) Roney, natives of the counties of West Meath and Kilkenny, Ireland, respectively. His father immigrated to Canada about 1834, and there married Eleanor Kelly, and in 1837 located in Carbon county, Pennsylvania. He was one of the first coal inspectors of that county, also one of the pioneer operators in that section of the State. He died there in 1857, and his widow in 1859. They were the parents of three children: Thomas; Mary, deceased, and John. Our subject was reared in his native county, and received a common school education. He began working in the mines as door-tender, and has been connected with the mining interests of the anthracite region nearly forty years. He located in Mt. Carmel in 1861, where he was employed in the mines up to 1889. He then embarked in the restaurant business, and has also recently returned to his previous occupation. Mr. Roney married Catharine, daughter of John and Eve (McQuade) Blackwell, of Carbon county, by whom he has had ten children, seven of whom survive: Thomas B.; Eve E.; Catharine; Margaret; Ferdinand; Sarah, and John. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been a member of the council of Mt. Carmel two terms. In 1885 he was a member of the committee appointed to revise the mining laws of the anthracite region. The whole family are members of the Catholic church. SAMUEL DEITRICH, liquor dealer and bottler, was born in Llewellyn, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1854, son of George and Hannah (Oister) Deitrich, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Mt. Carmel in 1870, where they now reside. Our subject was reared in Schuylkill and Northumberland counties, and received a common school education. At the age of nine years he commenced working in a breaker at the mines, and subsequently followed mining for eighteen years. In the spring of END OF PAGE 1050 1889 he embarked in his present business in Mt. Carmel, which he has continued up to the present. He was married, April 8, 1876, to Margaret Manney, of Mt. Carmel, who has borne him five children Mary; Idella I.; Maud; George, and Ada. Mr. Deitrich is a stalwart Republican, has served one year as constable of the borough, and three terms in the council. He was one of the original members of the fire department, and has always taken an active interest in its prosperity. WILLIAM F. KING was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, April 25, 1854, son of Thomas and Jane (Mitchell) King, natives of St. Austle, Cornwall, England. The latter died in Ireland and the former still resides there. Our subject grew up and received his education in Ireland, and in the fall of 1870 came to Shamokin, where he engaged in mining. In 1878 he located at Mt. Carmel and followed mining until 1882, when he was elected constable, and has filled that position continuously up to the present. He also served as mercantile appraiser of the county in 1889. Politically he is a stalwart Republican, and is one of the original members of the Mt. Carmel fire department. Mr. King was married, July 25, 1880, to Ella, daughter of Henry and Emma Werntz, of Mt. Carmel. Four children have been born to them: Edith; Emma and Ella, twins, the former deceased, and Harriet. DANIEL McCAULEY, wholesale agent for Yeungling & Son, was born in County Londonderry, Ireland, in 1857, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Dougherty) McCauley. He came to America in 1861, first locating at Hazelton, Pennsylvania. At an early age he began work in the mines, and followed mining as an occupation in different parts of the coal regions up to 1880, when he was badly injured in a fall of coal and was laid up for a year. He then embarked in the hotel business in Mt. Carmel, conducting the Washington House five years, and has been in his present business for several years. He has been a resident of Mt. Carmel since 1874. He married Mary, daughter of Thomas Monroe, of Ashland, Pennsylvania. Mr. McCauley is a member of the Catholic church, and in politics is an independent voter. JOHN CARL, superintendent of collieries, Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, was born in Prussia, October 2, 1835, son of Henry and Catharine (Kline) Carl, who emigrated to America in 1853, and settled at St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. There the father pursued the occupation of weaver (although a farmer in Germany) until 1881, when he removed to Shenandoah, where he now resides at the advanced age of eighty-four. Seven children were born to Henry and Catharine Carl: Philopena, Mrs. Peter Bauer; John; Frederick; Anna, Mrs. Adam Bonnesbough; Conrad; Peter, and Henry. John Carl was reared and educated in his native country, and came to America with his parents in 1853. He began work in the mines, continuing at that until the breaking out of the war, when he END OF PAGE 1051 enlisted (April 27, 1861) in Company A, Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. In the following August he entered the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry and served until the close of the war, experiencing the hardships of a protracted military service. He then returned to Schuylkill county and was employed as a miner from 1865 to 1867. In the latter year he became colliery superintendent; three years later he was sent by the company to Berks county to take charge of ore mines, remaining there seven months. The following seven years he was superintendent of a colliery in Schuylkill county, and was then appointed to his present position with seven collieries under his supervision. In March, 1879, he took up his residence at Mt. Carmel, where he has been a member of the local school board. September 26, 1865, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Leonard and Lena (Best) Kline, of Bavaria, Germany, by whom he has eight children: John; Peter; Mary; Joseph; Lizzie; Millie; George, and Alice. Mr. Carl is a Republican in politics; he is connected with the Lutheran church, the F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and G.A.R. JOHN STINE, inside foreman at Reliance colliery, was born in Eldred township, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1831, son of George and Catharine (Eisenhart) Stine. His paternal grandfather, Anthony Stine, was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, a pioneer of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and later a resident of Schuylkill county. He died in what is now Eldred township, and was a farmer and weaver by occupation. He was the father of five children, two of whom were sons: George and David. The former was a farmer and weaver and lived in Schuylkill county many years, dying in Eldred township. He had a family of seven sons and one daughter: Joseph, Jonas L., and Levi, all of whom are dead; William; Elias, deceased; John; Daniel, deceased, and Caroline, who married Elias Yoder. The maternal grandfather of John Stine was John Eisenhart, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and an early settler of Washington township, Northumberland county. Our subject was reared in his native county, received a limited education in the common schools, and began working in the mines at the age of nineteen. In 1859 he removed to Mt. Carmel, and in 1868 was appointed inside foreman at the Reliance colliery, which position he has since occupied. Mr. Stine was married, November 19, 1855, to Amanda, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Fisher, of Branch township, Schuylkill county, who has borne him fifteen children, ten of whom are living: Elizabeth, wife of Robert Camp; William F.; Ira H, deceased; Joseph T.; George W.; David E.; Alfred, deceased; Caroline M.; Sarah J.; John F., deceased; Miriam, deceased; Charles W.; Howard F.; Millard L., deceased, and Edmund J. The family are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Stine has served as trustee He is a member of the F. & A.M. and I.O.O.F., a Republican in politics, and has been connected with the local civil administration in various official capacities. END OF PAGE 1052 JOHN KLINE, assistant inside foreman at Reliance colliery, was born in Bavaria, Germany, near the river Rhine, July 24, 1834, son of Leonard and Mary M. (Baest) Kline. He was reared in his native country and served two years at the baker's trade, at which he worked four years. He came to America in 1852, located in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in mining. He worked in the mines at that place up to 1880, when he removed to Mt. Carmel; he has since been employed at the Reliance colliery, with the exception of one year, and has held his present position eight years. Mr. Kline was married, October 6, 1862, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Catharine (Bosche) Young, of St. Clair, and formerly of Germany. They are the parents of eight children: Mary; George; John; Joseph; Lizzie; Henry; William, and Christian. Mr. Kline served three months in Company F, Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, the first company to leave Pottsville for the front. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service, and re-enlisted, but on account of disability was again discharged before joining the regiment. Politically he is a Democrat and the whole family are adherents of the Catholic church. WILLIAM CAMP, outside foreman, Reliance colliery, was born in the town of Barey, Michigan, November 25, 1855, son of Abraham and Olive (Norwood) Camp. His father is a native of this State and has resided at Mt. Carmel thirty-four years. He is a carpenter by trade and the father of nine children, five of whom are living: William; Frank; Edward; Mary, Mrs. Albert Jefferson, and Lydia. William Camp received his education in the public schools at Mt. Carmel. He learned the carpenter trade, which he followed eighteen years. He has held his present position since 1889. January 19, 1882, he married Josephine, daughter of David J. and Amanda (Hill) Lewis. They are the parents of four children: Helen; Bertha; Stewart, and Walter. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Camp is a Republican in politics. THOMAS MORTON, miner, was born in Renfrewehire, Scotland, June 29, 1830, and is a son of James and Agnes (Connell) Morton. He removed with his mother to America in 1846, located at Brockville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and worked in the mines until 1853, three years of that time in Tamaqua. Catching the gold fever, he went to California in 1853, and was engaged in mining there until 1860, returning to Schuylkill county in November of that year. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, as second lieutenant, was promoted to first lieutenant at Antietam in September, 1862, and to the captaincy in April, 1863. He was mustered out of service, June 10, 1863, on account of wounds received in the left leg above the knee at Chancellorsville, and was a participant in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac from Fair Oaks to Chancellorsville. On his return he was for a short time located in Columbia county, and later removed to Carbon county, where he held the position END OF PAGE 1053 of mine foreman from 1864 to 1866. In June, 1866, he settled at Mt. Carmel, where he has since resided. For a time he held the position of mine foreman and for several years operated on his own account, and has been connected with the mines in various capacities, contracting and otherwise, since his removal to Mt. Carmel. In 1864 he married Jeannette, daughter of John and Jane (Young) Paterick, of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and has four children: Jean L.; Agnes C.; Margaret J., and John R. Mr. Morton is a member of F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and G.A.R. He served one term of three years as councilman of Mt. Carmel. Politically he is a Republican. MORGAN DAVIS, outside foreman at Mt. Carmel colliery, was born in Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1836, son of Reese and Mary (Williams) Davis, natives of South Wales, who came to America in 1829 and settled in Minersville. His father followed mining for a time, and was subsequently superintendent of mines fifteen years. He was a resident of Mt. Carmel eleven years, coming here in 1853, and sunk the first slope in the county. He removed to Centralia in 1864, where he filled the position of inspector for the Lehigh Valley Coal Company until his death in January, 1870. He was the father of eight children: Sarah, who married M. Watkins; Rachel, who married John Lewis; Morgan; Mary, who married William Davis; Isaac; Reese, deceased; Reese (2d), and Elizabeth, deceased. Our subject was reared in Schuylkill and Northumberland counties, received a common school education, and has been engaged in the mines since early boyhood. He was for many years an engineer, and has held his present position since 1868. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, was promoted to first corporal, and served under Generals Buell, Rosecrans, and Sherman. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River twice, but escaped both times. He served three years and two months, and was honorably discharged from the service. Mr. Davis was married, September 7, 1861, to Deborah, daughter of John and Ann (George) Plyer, of South Wales. They are the parents of five living children: Mary A.; Morgan; Reese A.; Deborah, and Lillian. The family are adherents of the Congregational church. Politically Mr. Davis is a Republican, and is a member of the G.A.R. and the Masonic fraternity. CALVIN D. WRIGHT, clerk at Mt. Carmel colliery, was born in Springfield, Chester county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1844, son of Robert and Margaret (Mortimer) Wright. His paternal grandfather, Hugh A. Wright, was a son of John Wright, a native of Cornwall, England, and a pioneer mechanic of Chester county, Pennsylvania. His maternal grandfather, William Mortimer, was a miner of Schuylkill county and a son of William Mortimer, of English and Scotch descent. Robert Wright, father of Calvin D., was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, a millwright by trade, and lived and died in his native county. Our subject was reared in Chester county, and received a END OF PAGE 1054 Page 1055 contains a portrait of John Carl. Page 1056 is blank. common school education. On the 10th of August, 1861, he enlisted in Company L, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served three years and two months, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He served in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac during his term of service, and was wounded at Kelly's Ford and Gettysburg. After the war he located in Schuylkill county, and was clerk in collieries at Donaldson, William Penn, and Shenandoah, and was subsequently employed as brakeman, baggageman, and conductor, successively, on the railroad. In August 1871, he located in Mt. Carmel, and entered the employ of Thomas Baumgardner & Company, of the Reliance colliery, with whom he served as clerk nine years and a half. He then accepted his present position with T. M. Righter & Company, which he has filed in a satisfactory manner ever since. Mr. Wright was married in March, 1866, to Kate, daughter of John and Henrietta (Potts) Gartly of Pottsville, Pennsylvania Six children are the fruits of this union: Margie, wife of C. C. Boyer; Robert; Harry; Calvin, Jr.; Maud, and Gartly W. Mr. Wright is a member of the F. & A.M., G.A.R., and K. of M., and in politics he is a Republican. CONRAD HEISER, engineer and carpenter at Mt. Carmel colliery, was born at Janesville, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1858, son of Charles and Barbara (Lingelbach) Heiser. His parents were natives of Germany, came to America in the '50's, and located in Luzerne county, where his father worked in the mines until his death. Conrad Heiser was reared and educated in his native county, where he began life by working about the mines. Later he served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter trade. Since 1880 he has been employed about the Mt. Carmel colliery as carpenter and engineer. He married in 1881, Amelia, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Dell) Knopp, by whom he has two children: Edward and Charles. The family are Lutherans in faith; Mr. Heiser is a member of the P.O. S. of A and in politics a Republican. JOHN H. REILLY, late inside foreman at Mt. Carmel colliery, was born in Cass township, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1853, son of Terence and Ann (McManus) Reilly, natives of County Cavan, Ireland. They came to America in 1851 and settled in Cass township, Schuylkill county, where they are still residing. They are the parents of four children: John H.; Francis; James B., and Mary, wife of William Reilly. Our subject was reared in Schuylkill county, and at the age of seven years commenced working in the mines. He followed the life of a miner up to 1881, when he embarked in the coal trade at Forestville, where he carried on business one year. He was subsequently foreman for Harrison & Company one year, and afterwards employed about the mines of that section until his removal to Mt. Carmel in 1886. He then became inside foreman at Mt. Carmel colliery, which position he held until his removal to Tennessee in 1890. Mr. Reilly was married in December, 1878, to Mary A., daughter of Francis and Ann END OF PAGE 1055 McCabe, of Schuylkill county, but formerly of Ireland. Five children are the fruits of this union: Annie C.; Kate F.; Mamie; Ella, and Cittia. Politically he is a Democrat, and the family are adherents of the Catholic church. BENJAMIN H. WILLIAMS, miner, was born at Carbondale, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1833, son of David and Sarah Williams. His father was a native of South Wales, and came to America in 1829. He first located at Carbondale, where he remained some time, filling the position of foreman for the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. In 1836 he removed to Pottsville, Schuylkill county; after remaining there for some time he removed to Summit Hill, Carbon county, where he operated a mine known as Spring Tunnel five years. At the expiration of this time he accepted the position of general agent for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, which he filled until his death, November 6, 1848. The subject of our sketch was reared in his native State and received his education in the common schools. In 1852 he went to California, where he remained five years, engaged in mining, after which he returned to Pennsylvania for one year, and again went to California in 1858, where he made his home until 1874. He then returned to Pennsylvania and located at Mt. Carmel, where he has since resided, engaged in coal mining. Mr. Williams is a Republican. JOSEPH BEIERSCHMITT, inside foreman of Merriam colliery, was born at Wartenburg, Germany, May 7, 1843, son of Michael and Catherine (Herman) Beierschmitt, who came to this country in 1846. They first located at Pottsville, Schuylkill county; three months later they removed to St. Clair, where the father was employed in the mines until his death in 1864. His first wife died in Germany; his children by her are: Mary, Mrs. Matthias Kline, and Peter, who was killed in a mine at St. Clair. Those by his second wife are: Katherine Rosa; Josephine; Joseph; John; Lizzie; Lena, and Margaret. The subject of this sketch was reared at St. Clair, where he began work in the breaker at the age of eight years, and when thirteen years old began work in the mines, at which he continued fourteen years. In 1870 he located at Locust Gap, this county, where he was assistant foreman at the mine two years. He was then appointed inside foreman of the Monitor colliery, which position he held seventeen years. In 1889 he was appointed to the same position in the Merriam colliery, and removed to Mt. Carmel. He was married, May 19, 1868, to Mary, daughter of Frank and Magdalena Frey, of St. Clair, a native of Germany. They are the parents of eight children: Lizzie; Mary; Frank; Josephine; Joseph; John; Henry, and Albert. The family are adherents of the Catholic faith, and in politics Mr. Beierschmitt is a Democrat. THOMAS J. WOODSIDE, outside foreman of the Merriam colliery, was born in Upper Paxton township, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, December 29, 1829, a son of Thomas and Mary (Yarger) Woodside. His paternal grandfather, John Woodside, was of Irish descent; he was reared on a farm in END OF PAGE 1056 Dauphin county, in which his father was one of the first settlers. His maternal grandfather was also reared in Dauphin county, of German descent and was a farmer. The father of our subject was also a farmer, and lived and died in Dauphin county. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, where he received a limited education, and before attaining his majority, had served an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1854. He then located at Lykenstown, and had charge of the carpenter work in the collieries of that place three years, after which he entered the employ of the Lykens Valley Railroad Company, with which he remained until the fall of 1862. In November of that year he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was honorably discharged from the service in August, 1863. The following year he built a forge and iron works at Oakdale; in September, 1864, he located at Shamokin, where he held various responsible positions in the collieries until 1869. He then removed to Locust Gap, being employed about the mines in various capacities for the period of eight years. In 1876 he located at Mt. Carmel, and has held his present position nine years. Mr. Woodside married in October, 1859, Kate, daughter of James L. Pell, late of Locust Gap, and has four children: William W.; Josephine, Mrs. Charles Strauss; Mary, Mrs. Robert Benning, and Edith. Mr. Woodside is a member of the F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and G.A.R., and politically is a Democrat MATTHEW P. WARD, engineer, son of James and Margaret (Coleman) Ward, was born in Staffordshire, England, March 16, 1838. He was reared in his native country, where he served a twelve years' apprenticeship as mechanical engineer. He came to America in 1861, locating in Philadelphia, and for over a year was in the employ of Simons & Jenkins, government contractors. In 1862 he located at Ashland, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and for three months was engineer for Bast & Pearson, at Big Mine Run. In the fall of the same year he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months, when he was honorably discharged. Returning to Ashland, he again entered the employ of Bast & Pearson, with whom he remained until 1865. He then settled at Mt. Carmel, where he has since resided, and has been employed as engineer in and outside of the principal collieries of the place. Mr. Ward is the patentee of several of his inventions, and is the inventor, patentee, and manufacturer of the Miners' Safety Tube, to prevent miners from being burned with powder. He is also the inventor of a square and spirit level for truing engines, and a pulley for carrying wire ropes. In 1860 Mr. Ward married Margaret George, a daughter of Edward George, of North Wales. He is a member of the Episcopal church, in politics a Republican and a member of the G.A.R. SAMUEL OWEN, outside foreman of Black Diamond colliery, was born in Staffordshire, England, May 25,1854, and is a son of William and Emma A. END OF PAGE 1057 (Cooper) Owen, who came to America in 1856 and settled in Trevorton, this county, where the father engaged in mining four years. He then removed to Shamokin, where he resided until his death in 1879. The last seven years of his life he was inside foreman of Helfenstein colliery, and seventeen years prior to his coming to America be was inside foreman of a colliery in England. His family consisted of fifteen children; seven of whom grew to maturity: Thomas, a minister of the Methodist church; Sarah, Mrs. Joseph Taylor; Richard, paymaster of the Piedmont Air Line railroad, West Point, Virginia; William, assistant principal of the public schools of Shamokin; John, shipping clerk of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company; Job, a machinist of Shamokin, and Samuel. The subject of our sketch was reared and educated in Northumberland county, and began life in the breakers at Trevorton when nine years of age. He worked as a miner until 1879, when he was appointed assistant outside foreman, which position he has filled to the present time. Mr. Owen has been twice married; his first wife was Ella Willson, of Shamokin, the second, Anna L., daughter of William Salter, of Shamokin. By the latter he has three daughters living: Minnie B.; Hazel S., and Emma A. He is a member of the Methodist church, has served three terms as member of the borough council of Shamokin, and in politics is a Republican. JOSEPH SCHWARTZ, miner, was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 25, 1845, a son of John and Mary Schwartz, who came to America in 1851, locating in Philadelphia, and residing there until 1854, when both parents died of cholera. The subject of this sketch was reared in Philadelphia, where he learned the shoemaker trade. In December, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry. After two years' service he re-enlisted, February 26, 1864, in Company L, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was honorably discharged, August 7, 1865. After his return from the army, he worked at his trade at St. Clair, Pennsylvania, six months, and later at Tremont. In 1868 he located at Excelsior, near Shamokin, and worked at mining three years, and in 1871 located at Mt. Carmel, where he has been employed in the mines ever since. In 1867 he married Mary, daughter of John Harner, of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and has six children living: John; Emma; Clara; Sallie; Ida, and George. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the G.A.R., and was the commander of Burnside Post, G.A.R., No. 92, in 1888. Politically he is a Republican. CHARLES WIGHTMAN, miner, was born in Derbyshire, England, April 3, 1829, and is a son of James and Rebecca (Booth) Wightman. He was reared in England; in May, 1854, he came to America and located at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in mining two years, after which he removed to La Salle, Illinois, worked at mining two years, and declared his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States. He then went to Trevorton, this county, where, with the exception of three months of service in the army, he END OF PAGE 1058 was engaged in mining until 1866, when he removed to Locust Gap, and worked in the mines there six years. He came to Mt. Carmel in 1872, where he has since resided, being employed about the mines in various capacities. Mr. Wightman was married in 1859 to Sarah A. Jones, of Trevorton, Pennsylvania, by whom he had thirteen children, of whom eight are living: Mary B., Mrs. Jacob Reed; James; Charles; John; Sallie; Edith; Warren, and Phebe. The family of Mr. Wightman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He enlisted in 1862 in Company I, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was honorably discharged after three months' service. He is a member of the F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and G.A.R., has held the offices of assessor, councilman, and assistant burgess of Mt. Carmel, and in politics is a Republican. FRANCIS MCCARTHY, deceased merchant and postmaster, Locust Gap, was born in Aughagreagh, County Longford, Ireland, June 4, 1826, son of Michael and Catherine (Farrelly) McCarthy, of the same county, where both spent their lives. Francis passed his boyhood days in his native land, and soon after reaching his majority he immigrated to Pennsylvania and settled at Mine Hill Gap, Schuylkill county, where he engaged in mining coal. While thus employed he met Mary Jane Robinson, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Patton) Robinson, natives of England and residents of Mine Hill Gap, whom he married in Philadelphia, at St. Peter and St. Paul's chapel, January 1, 1862. She was born in Minersville, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1842, and bore him a family of four children: Michael A., of Locust Gap; Elizabeth A., wife of Thomas Donlan, of Mt. Carmel; Francis G., of Locust Gap, and Mary Florence, deceased. In March, 1862, Mr. McCarthy located at Locust Gap, and in partnership with Thomas Scott opened the first regular hotel in the place. He also engaged in mining, which he followed three years in connection with hotel keeping. The firm of Scott & McCarthy then opened a general store, and carried on the hotel and mercantile business three years longer, when Mr. McCarthy purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. In 1875 he abandoned hotel keeping, but continued merchandising up to his death. For a number of years he was in partnership with the late Conrad Graeber, and the firm of Graeber & McCarthy conducted the principal mercantile establishment of Locust Gap throughout its existence. Politically Mr. McCarthy was an ardent Democrat, and took a very active interest in local affairs. On the 14th of February, 1871, he was appointed postmaster of Locust Gap, by J. W. Marshall, first assistant postmaster general, and served continuously through the several administrations for nearly seventeen years, and at his death was succeeded by his eldest son, Michael A., who has since held the office. He was a life-long member of the Catholic church, and died in full communion with that faith, November 6, 1887. Mr. McCarthy was a careful, honest, and successful business man, END OF PAGE 1059 and was respected by the community in which the last twenty-five years of his life were spent. He was a kind father and husband, and left to his widow and children a handsome estate. MICHAEL A. McCARTHY, merchant, Locust Gap, was born at Locust Gap, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1862, and is the eldest son of Francis and Mary Jane (Robinson) McCarthy. He was reared in Locust Gap and educated in the common schools and at Pottsville Business College. He commenced his business life as a clerk in his father's store, and was admitted to a partnership in 1883, under the firm name of McCarthy & Son, in which name the store is still conducted. He is also interested in the dry goods and millinery store of McCarthy & Donlan in Mt. Carmel, which was established in December, 1888. Mr. McCarthy was married in January, 1884, to Anna, daughter of Thomas and Anna Carney, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. She is the mother of two children, one of whom, Ambrose, survives. Politically he is a Democrat, and has been postmaster of Locust Gap since the death of his father in 1887, who filled the same office nearly seventeen years. Mr. McCarthy and family are adherents of the Catholic church, and he is one of the most enterprising and best known business men of his vicinity. JAMES A. MCCARTHY, dealer in general merchandise, Locust Gap, was born at that place, February 10, 1864, son of John and Maggie (Mahan) McCarthy. The paternal grandparents, Francis McCarthy and wife, were natives of County Longford, Ireland, and came to America prior to 1840. They settled in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. John McCarthy was born in Schuylkill county, was an engineer by trade, and prior to the year 1863 removed to Locust Gap, thenceforth his residence until his death, which occurred in July, 1865. His wife was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, daughter of James and Catharine (McGwyn) Mahan, who immigrated to New Orleans in 1841 and subsequently removed to Pittsburgh, where both died. To John and Maggie McCarthy were born three children Frank; James A., and John. Our subject was reared at Locust Gap, received his education at the common schools, and at the Bryant and Stratton Business College of Philadelphia, and began his business life as door-keeper in the mines. In the year 1841 he became clerk in a store, and on the 26th of August, 1889, embarked in his present business, and conducts one of the leading stores at Locust Gap. Mr. McCarthy married Bridget, daughter of William and Bridget (Cannon) Harvey, December 31, 1885; to this union two daughters have been born: Mamie and Margaret. He is a member of the Catholic church, and in his political affiliations an ardent Democrat. MICHAEL KELLAGHER, proprietor of Locust Summit Hotel, Locust Gap, was born at Forestville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1857, son of Patrick and Jane (Lynch) Kellagher, natives of Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, Ireland, respectively. His parents came to America in 1840 and END OF PAGE 1060 settled in Schuylkill county, where his father began work in the mines; he is still following that occupation, and has resided at Locust Gap for the past twenty-one years. They are the parents of twelve children, two of whom are deceased. Those surviving are: Michael; Mary, Mrs. John McHugh; William; Jane; Robert; John; Anna; Kate; Susan, and Elizabeth. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and at the age of nine years began work in a coal breaker He was engaged at the mines until twenty-one years old, when he established his present business at Locust Gap in which he has been quite successful. April 14, 1887, he married Margaret, daughter of Simon and Mary (Casey) Brown, of Danville, Pennsylvania, and to this union has been born one daughter, Jane. Mr. Kellagher is a Catholic in faith, a Democrat in politics, and has filled the offices of school director and of county commissioner; the latter office he filled for two successive terms, being first elected in 1881. JOHN McDONNELL, proprietor of the National Hotel, Locust Gap, was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1840, son of Peter and Hannah (Patton) McDonnell, natives of Ireland and England, respectively. The father came to America in 1838 and located at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in mining until 1861, when he removed to Locust Gap. Here he worked in the mines for several years, and during the latter part of his life kept the hotel now conducted by his son. He was the father of seven children: John; Thomas; Elizabeth J., Mrs. Thomas Pepper; George; Andrew; Mary, Mrs. Jacob B. Betz, and Hannah, Mrs. Henry J. Omlon The grandfather of our subject, Thomas Patton, was a native of England, and settled in Minersville, this State, in 1838, where his sons opened the first coal mines in that region. Our subject was reared at Mine Hill Gap, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and began life in the mines as a laborer. In 1860 he located in Locust Gap, where he was employed about the mines for nine years. In 1879 he was appointed inside foreman of Locust Gap colliery, which position he held four years, and was then transferred to the position of hoisting engineer, which he filled until 1883. He then engaged in his present business, and has continued it with good success. He was married, May 20, 1865, to Catharine, daughter of Frank and Ann (Lynch) McCarthy, natives of County Longford, Ireland, by whom he has had eight children: Peter; Anna, deceased; Lizzie, deceased; Frank; Mary; Agnes; Catharine, and John, deceased. The family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. McDonnell has served three years as school director, and in politics is a Democrat. CHARLES DUGAN, proprietor of the Harvey House, Locust Gap, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1829, son of Hugh and Bridget (O'Donnal) Dugan. He was reared in his native country and came to America in 1852, locating in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, where he remained twelve years engaged in mining. In 1864 he removed to Locust Gap, where he END OF PAGE 1061 worked in the mines until 1883. From this time to 1886 he was supervisor of the roads of Mt. Carmel township. He then engaged in the hotel business, in which he has since continued with good success. He was married in 1863 to Susan, daughter of Michael and Isabella (Friell) Dougherty, of Ireland. Of the children born of this union, five are living: Charles E., Cassie; Belle; Mary A., and John. He is a member of the Catholic church, and a Democrat in politics. CHARLES H. DOUGHERTY, proprietor of the Locust Gap Hotel, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1856, son of Michael and Mary (Boyle) Dougherty, both of Irish parentage. The father was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and the mother, of Pennsylvania. They settled in Locust Gap in 1866, where the father followed mining sixteen years. He reared a family of five children: Charles H.; James F.; Edward; Michael, and Mary. Our subject was reared in Locust Gap, and was educated in the common schools. He began his business life in a breaker at the age of eight years, and worked about the mines fourteen years. In 1875 he was employed as clerk in the store of Graeber & McCarthy, at Locust Gap, with whom he remained two years, and afterwards held the same position with William Harvey & Son two years. He then became clerk of a hotel and store combined, of which he has been proprietor since 1886. He was married in 1886 to Margaret, daughter of John and Ellen Hogan, of Locust Gap. To this union one daughter has been born, Gertrude. He and wife are members of the Catholic church, and in politics he is a Democrat. PETER BRECKER, mine foreman, Locust Gap colliery, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 5, 1844, son of Peter and Magdalena (Omler) Brecker, who emigrated in 1849, and from that date until 1871 the father was employed in the mines of Schuylkill county. In the latter year he removed to Locust Gap, where he was killed by the fall of an embankment, May 5, 1875. Of his family five children are living: Peter; Nicholas; Harriet, Mrs. Alexander Butt, and Charles. Their maternal grandparents, John and Magdalena (Colby) Omler, natives of Germany, settled near St. Clair in 1851. There Mr. Brecker received his education, and began life as a miner. In 1871 he came to Locust Gap, and assumed his present position in 1875. May 15,1867, he married Mary A., daughter of Peter and Magdalena (Luck) Steinfeld, natives of Bavaria, and to this union seven children have been born: Henrietta C.; Elizabeth; Peter N.; Josephine M.; Joseph J.; Henry W., and George F. In politics Mr. Brecker is a Democrat, and has been intrusted with various township offices; the family is Catholic in faith. MARK WHALEN, engineer, was born at Locust Gap, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1863, son of John and Julia (Brennan) Whalen, natives, respectively, of Counties Queen and Kilkenny, Ireland. His father came to America in 1845 and located at Mt. Carmel, where he labored in the mines fifteen years. Later he removed to Brookville, where END OF PAGE 1062 Page 1063 contains a portrait of Michael Kellagher. Page 1064 is blank. he remained five years, and in 1866 he removed to Locust Gap, where he has since resided. Up to 1887 Mr. Whalen worked as a miner; he then received the appointment of watchman at Locust Gap colliery, which position he still holds. The mother of the subject of this sketch is a daughter of John and Eliza (McCormick) Brennan, who were among the earliest residents of Mt. Carmel. They are the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are living: Mary; James; Mark; Margaret; Bridget; John; William, and Kate. The subject of our sketch was reared and educated at Locust Gap, where he learned his trade, and has occupied his present position eleven years. He is a member of the A.O.H. and the Catholic church, and politically he is a Democrat. JOHN DAVIS, engineer at Locust Gap colliery, was born in Buckley, Wales, November 7, 1849, son of Thomas and Anna (Reed) Davis. He was reared and educated in his native town, and served a six years' apprenticeship at his trade. In 1869 he immigrated to Pennsylvania and located at Mahanoy City, where he found employment at Lawton's colliery. He subsequently went to Colorado, where he spent two years, and returned to Doutyville, Northumberland county, where he remained four years. He then located at Locust Gap and has since filled his present position. Mr. Davis has been twice married. His first wife was Alice, daughter of John and Ellen (Reed) Boyer, natives of England and Scotland, respectively. She bore him four children, all of whom are dead: Anna; Ellen; Sarah, and Thomas. His second wife was Anna, daughter of William and Sarah Rodgers, of Shermanville, of which union four children have been born: Thomas; George; Emma, and Sarah. In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican, and is an adherent of the Episcopal church. PETER SMITH, engineer at Locust Gap colliery, was born, October 16, 1858, in Riley township, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Dennis and Margaret (Wall) Smith, natives of County Cavan, Ireland, who came to America about 1850 and located in Schuylkill county, whence the father, who was a carpenter by trade, removed with his family to Locust Gap in 1865, and resided there until his death in 1882. He had five children: Edward, deceased; Mary, deceased; Ann, who married James Donlan; Kate, Mrs. Robert Broderick, and Peter. The last named was reared from eight years at Locust Gap, and began his active life as slate picker in a breaker. For eight years he had charge of the breaker machinery, and since 1887 has held the position of engineer at Locust Gap colliery. He is a member of the K. of L., an adherent of the Catholic church, and a supporter of the Democratic party. JOSEPH P. WHALEN, outside foreman of the Monitor colliery, was born at Tuscarora, Schuylkill township, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, son of Michael and Bridget (Gormley) Whalen, natives of Ireland and pioneers of Schuylkill county. They were the parents of six children: END OF PAGE 1065 Patrick, deceased; Thomas; Joseph; Michael, deceased; John F., and Mary, Mrs. Thomas Campbell. The father was a miner and died in Schuylkill county. The paternal grandfather was Patrick Whalen, an early resident of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Joseph P. Whalen began his business life picking slate in a coal breaker at the early age of eleven years. He then learned engineering and followed this vocation twenty-five years. In 1885 he was appointed outside foreman at the Bast colliery in Ashland, Pennsylvania. In 1889 he was transferred to the Monitor colliery at Locust Gap, with which he is still connected. In 1873 he married Theresa, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Tracy) Langton, of Ashland, and to this union were born four children: Mary E.; Laura; William, and Theresa. Mrs. Whalen died, October 14, 1890, a practical member of the Catholic church. Mr. Whalen is independent in politics, and is a member of the Catholic church. JOSEPH WATKINS, inside foreman of Monitor colliery, Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, was born in South Wales, May 13, 1854, son of John and Jane Watkins. He was educated in his native country, where he began life in the mines at nine years of age. After following that vocation in Wales fifteen years he came to America in 1880, and located at St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Here he was employed in the mines fifteen months, and two years at Raven Run, same county. He was then engaged at the Hammond colliery, Girardville, where he remained sixteen months, and was then employed at another colliery as inside foreman three years, when he was transferred to Gilberton colliery, where he was employed ten months. In the spring of 1889 he located at Locust Gap, since which time he has filled his present position. In 1876 he married Elizabeth, daughter of William and Anna (Morgan) Morgan, of South Wales, and they are the parents of four children: William; Edward; Albert, and May. He is a member of the Welsh Congregational church, the I.O.O.F., and K. of G. E., and politically he is a Republican. JOHN W. MORRISON, outside foreman, Alaska shaft, was born, September 13, 1854, at St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, son of John and Martha (Hoffman) Morrison. His paternal grandfather, William Morrison, was a native of England and one of the earliest settlers of Schuylkill county. His maternal grandfather, Henry Hoffman, was among the early settlers of Berks county, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch spent his childhood days in Schuylkill county, where he began life as a slate picker on the breaker at the age of nine years. In December, 1889, he removed to Mt. Carmel to accept his present position. In 1876 he married Emily, daughter of Henry and Hannah Heim, of St. Clair, and to them were born six children: Delia; Clara; Hannah; Beulah; Harry, and Robert. Mr. Morrison is connected with the P.O.S. of A., and is a Republican in politics. ALFRED AYERS, inside foreman at Alaska shaft, was born at York Tunnel Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1841, son of Abram and Anna END OF PAGE 1066 (Russell) Ayers, natives of England. His maternal grandfather, James Russell was a pioneer miner of Schuylkill county, and lived and died there. Abram Ayers, father of our subject, was a miner in Schuylkill and Northumberland counties, and at one time a mine foreman, also operating a mine on his own account. He located in Mt. Carmel in 1853, where he resided until his death in 1883. His children were as follows: Mary A., who married Frank Pershing; Alfred; Caroline; Ettie, who married John Bell; Clara, wife of John Shaw, and Sarah, wife of Frank Shoener. Mr. Ayers has been a resident of Mt Carmel since 1853, and is therefore one of its oldest citizens. He began in the mines, worked on a breaker, afterwards worked as loader, and finally engaged as a miner. He was promoted to fire boss, then to assistant boss, and became inside foreman in December, 1888, which position he has since filled in the Alaska shaft. He was married, October 18, 1860, to Caroline E., daughter of James Adams, of Mt. Carmel, and has ten living children: Eliza E., wife of Robert Taylor; Matthew H.; Bessie, wife of Charles Hertzog; S. Matilda; Carrie; James; Alfred; Claude; Howard, and Irvin. Mr. Ayers served nine months in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was honorably discharged at the close of his term of service. Politically he is a Republican NICHOLAS METZINGER, inside foreman, Locust Spring colliery, was born in Bayarn, Germany, March 22, 1835, son of Jacob and Gertrude (Schraier) Metzinger. His parents came to America in April, 1852, and located at St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where they remained until their death. They were the parents of six children: Peter; Jacob; Nicholas; Eva, Mrs. Jacob Yohan; Joseph, and Kate, Mrs. Matthew Drobile. The subject of our sketch began life as a miner, which occupation he followed until 1870. In 1874, he located at Locust Gap and was appointed to his present position in 1885. He married, April 30, 1859, Elizabeth, daughter of Philip and Catharine Diehl, of St. Clair. They are the parents of seven children: Augustus; Lewis; Eva; Catharine; Gertrude; Carrie, and Lottie. Mr. Metzinger is a member of the Catholic church, and is independent in politics. JAMES M. DERBY, clerk at Pennsylvania colliery and postmaster, was born at Dunmore, near Scranton, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1850, son of Chauncey and Esther (Carey) Derby. He received his education at Scranton and began life by learning the trade of tinsmith, which he followed until 1875, when he located at Shamokin. Here he clerked in a general store several years, when he embarked in business on his own account four years. Later he was in business at Mt. Carmel, and in 1887 he removed to Green Ridge, where he accepted the position he has since occupied. Mr. Derby is a member of the F. & A.M., K.T., and I.O.O.F. In politics he is a Republican, and is justice of the peace of Mt. Carmel township. Through his efforts a postoffice named Strong was established in July, 1886, of which he is postmaster. END OF PAGE 1067 and CHAPTER XLV.