Local History: Chapter XLVI: Biographical Sketches - WATSONTOWN: 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 XLVI Pages 1068 - 1092. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES WATSONTOWN SILAS RAMBACH was born in Newport township, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1813, son of John and Elizabeth Rambach. His father died, October 17, 1836, and his mother, August 13, 1846. He engaged in teaching in the common schools of his neighborhood, and afterward entered the general store of his uncle, Jacob Rambach, first as clerk, and subsequently becoming the owner of the store. He later formed a co-partnership with Michael Hess, and opened a store at Newport Centre, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1847. During the administration of President Polk, a post-office was established at this point and Mr. Rambach was appointed post-master. He soon afterward sold his interest in the mercantile business, and directed his attention to the management of his farm, which was situated in the immediate vicinity. In 1854 he decided to enter politics, and presented his name to the Luzerne county Democratic convention for nomination to the office of county commissioner. His friends did not indorse him for that office, but the convention voluntarily nominated him for the office of county treasurer. He was elected by a large majority, and made for himself an enviable reputation as a business man and financier. In the spring of 1859 he removed with his family from Luzerne county to Delaware township, Northumberland county, having purchased the Frederick Fox farm, which now forms the northern boundary line of the borough of Watsontown. Here he resided until the village of Watsontown commenced to assume the proportions of a modern town, when he erected for himself a commodious brick mansion, where he resided until his death. At the erection of the first church edifice in Watsontown, St. Bartholomew's Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed, he was the chairman of the building committee, and the treasurer. He declined to serve longer as an elder, but served as trustee and treasurer until his decease. He was one of the corporators and managers, as well as the secretary and treasurer, of the Watsontown Cemetery Association, a member of the Watsontown town council, and borough treasurer a number of years. He took an active part in the organization and placing upon a good business basis of many things pertaining to the town. At the organization of the Watsontown Bank, he at once became identified with its interests, solicited for stock, became a member of the board of directors, and was the END OF PAGE 1068 vice-president, and he succeeded Ario Pardee in the presidency after the institution was made a national bank. He was also for many years a director and treasurer of the Watsontown Building Association. July 14, 1834, he married Sarah Fenstermacher, of Salem township, Luzerne county, and to this union were born three children: Emily, who married George W. Hess, of Watsontown, and died June 19, 1878; George W., cashier of the Watsontown National Bank, and John W., of Milton. He was a man of sterling integrity, and of most excellent business qualifications, and maintained the respect and confidence of the entire community. He died, September 8, 1881. His wife was a consistent member of Trinity Reformed church of Watsontown, and contributed very generously to the erection of the new church edifice built several years ago. She also presented the bell hanging in the tower, which is engraved with the name of the congregation, the date of the presentation, and the name of the donor. She died, May 16, 1887, aged seventy-seven years and ten months. The portrait of Mr. Rambach which appears in this work, was inserted by his son John W., of Milton, as a final tribute to the memory of his father. GEORGE W. ROMBACH, (originally Rambach) cashier of the Watsontown National Bank, is a son of the late Silas Rambach, and was born in Newport township, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of February, 1840. He was educated in the public schools and at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pennsylvania, and soon after the completion of his education, his parents left Luzerne county and located on a farm in Delaware township, Northumberland county, adjoining the borough of Watsontown. Mr. Rombach followed farming until the year 1873, when he accepted a position, first as a clerk, and subsequently as teller in the Watsontown Bank. In the fall of 1876, he was chosen cashier, which position he has filled up to the present. He is a member and one of the trustees of the First Lutheran church of Watsontown, was the chairman of the building committee of the substantial new edifice erected by that church, and was one of the many contributors to the building fund. He is also a member of Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, F. & A.M., has been a member of the town council, and is at this time treasurer of the White Deer Bridge Company, and secretary and treasurer of the Watsontown Cemetery Association. On the 27th of September, 1864, he was married to S. Kate Lantz, only daughter of Simon and Harriet Lantz of Watsontown. To this union have been born three children: Hattie N.; De La. G., and Howard W. PHILIP SHAY was born in Pittston, Kennebec county, Maine, in 1813. His parents were Michael and Anna Shay, who both died in the year 1821, after which the subject of this sketch went to reside with a married sister, Mary, the wife of Abiathar Field, at Brookline, near Boston. Soon thereafter Mr. Field removed to Baltimore, where as a young man, Mr. Shay assisted his brother-in-law in the establishment and management of one of the pioneer END OF PAGE 1069 oyster packing houses of the Monumental City. It was in the interest of this business that Mr. Shay located in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, where he opened a depot for the distribution of this, then, comparatively unknown bivalve to the citizens of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna. While a resident of Northumberland he became connected with the packet company, and by reason of it was known by his many friends along the route as Captain Shay. In 1854 he left Northumberland and located in Muncy, Lycoming county, where he engaged extensively in the mercantile and lumber business; soon after this time, but for one year, however, he resided in Hughesville, in the same county, at the end of the term returning to Muncy, where he continued his mercantile and lumber operations, and in the great flood of 1865, he was one of the heavy losers. During the civil war, Mr. Shay was one of the directors of the old Northumberland Bank, of which Joseph Priestley was the cashier, and John Taggart and John B. Packer were in turn the president. General Simon Cameron, Samuel T. Brown of Milton, and other leading citizens of this part of the State were his associates as members of the board. In 1868 he removed from Muncy to Watsontown, and at once became one of the leading merchants and citizens of the new borough, and was identified in many interests pertaining to the early growth and establishment of the town. In 1871 he was elected chief burgess and for a number of years he served as a member of the school board. He was one of the corporators and a charter member of the Watsontown Bank (now the Watsontown National Bank) and soon after its establishment he was appointed to the office of notary public by Governor Geary, and at the expiration of his term, he was re-appointed by Governor Hartranft. He was also one of the corporators and influential members of the First Presbyterian church of Watsontown, and served many years as one of the trustees. In 1868 he was appointed postmaster of Watsontown, and commissioned by Alexander W. Randall, postmaster general. He held the office under this commission only a short time, but eleven years afterwards he was again appointed, and held the office during several administrations to the date of his death, his last commission being under the hand of President Arthur. Mr. Shay was married three times; first, in 1851 at Northumberland to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Samuel H. Wallis, (son of the pioneer Samuel Wallis); Mrs. Shay died in 1853, and left to survive her an only son, William Field Shay. Mr. Shay was next married on the 22d of November, 1855, at Muncy to Priscilla Minerva Llewellyn. By this union there were four children: Charles P.; Edward E.; Mary V., and Priscilla L. The wife and mother died at Muncy, April 19, 1862. Mr. Shay was again married, March 9, 1865, to Emma J., daughter of the late Leonard Stoughton, of Milton. Their children are Frank S. and Emma E. Shay. Philip Shay took part as a good citizen in many of the affairs of life. He was a patriot, END OF PAGE 1070 loved his country, and in all proper ways sought to advance her interests. In his younger days he was an old line Whig, and a great admirer of Webster and Clay, having heard them both speak during his boyhood. He was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the great Bunker Hill monument by General Lafayette in June, 1825, when Daniel Webster pronounced the oration to an immense concourse of people, and he was also present at the dedication of the monument, eighteen years afterwards, when Webster was again the orator. Mr. Shay was temperate in all things, and opposed excesses of every kind. He was a moral and religious man and his neighbors respected him. He loved his family and his home, and he was a kind and affectionate husband and father. His death occurred on the 2d of February, 1885, and his remains repose in the beautiful cemetery at Watsontown. His wife and children survive him. WILLIAM FIELD SHAY was born in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. He is a son of the late Philip Shay and Mary Elizabeth Shay, nee Wallis, who was a daughter of Dr. Samuel H. Wallis and Elizabeth Wallis, nee Cowden, and a granddaughter of Samuel Wallis, the noted pioneer. His paternal grandparents were Michael and Anna Shay, of Pittston, Kennebec county, Maine. Some years prior to his majority, the subject of this sketch entered the law office of Oscar Foust, at Watsontown, who was a leading member of the Northumberland county bar and an able preceptor. After three years of hard study and close application he was admitted to the bar, after a very creditable and satisfactory examination, and soon thereafter he engaged in practice in Watsontown, where he is still pursuing his profession. He has been admitted to all the courts of the neighboring counties, as well as to the Supreme court of Pennsylvania, and to the district and circuit courts of the United States. He has given considerable attention to local historical matters, and a number of leading articles in print are from his pen. He has been closely identified with leading projects in Watsontown, prominently the building of the water works, and the securing to the town the terminus of the Wilkesbarre and Western railway. He has been the solicitor of the road since its inception, as well as for the Watsontown National Bank and the borough of Watsontown for many years. In addition to his legal business, he has for years managed a large and profitable insurance agency. Masonic matters have received considerable attention at his hands. He has served both as secretary and worshipful master of Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, and as secretary and most excellent high priest of Warrior Run Royal Arch Chapter, No. 246, at Watsontown. He is also a member of the council, the commandery, and of the A. & A. Rite, thirty-second degree. He is a member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter, and in the years 1885-86 he was the grand high priest's deputy for the counties of Lycoming, Clinton, Elk, Snyder, Union, and a portion of Northumberland. Mr. Shay is married to M. Alice, the only END OF PAGE 1071 daughter of Charles Hower, the leading member of the Snyder county bar. KILYAN DUNKEL was born in September, 1805, and was the third son of Peter Dunkel, who removed from Northampton to Union county, Pennsylvania, at an early date. Peter Dunkel's family consisted of six sons and five daughters, Kilyan being the third son. When the latter was about thirty years of age his father removed with his family to Northumberland county. In March, 1836, Kilyan Dunkel married Mary, youngest daughter of James Slote, of this county. She was born, August 9, 1815, and became the mother of one son, Hiram, now cashier of the Farmers' National Bank of Watsontown. Her father lived near the Warrior Run church, his farm being the site of Fort Freeland, until his removal to Michigan with his family about 1837. His family consisted of seven sons and three daughters. About one year afterward he returned on a visit to this county, and was taken sick and died. His interment took place in the Warrior Run graveyard. Mr. Slote was active in the rebuilding of the old Warrior Run church, and served on the building committee. Kilyan Dunkel was a farmer all his life, and for thirty- three years owned and cultivated a farm near Muddy run, in Turbut township. He was industrious and energetic, a man of strict integrity and unimpeachable character: The last two years of his life he resided with his only son, Hiram, in Delaware township, and died, March 2, 1878. He was buried in the cemetery at Paradise church. His widow still survives, and is spending her declining years with her son and married grandchildren. HIRAM DUNKEL, cashier of the Farmer's National Bank of Watsontown, was born in Turbut township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1837, and is the only child of Kilyan and Mary (Slote) Dunkel. Up to the age of thirteen he attended the public schools in winter and assisted his parents on the farm in summer. He subsequently prosecuted his studies at the McEwensville Academy until sixteen years of age, when he began clerking in a store at Milton. After spending eight months as a clerk, he commenced teaching a school in his native township, and he continued to teach during the winter sessions and assisted his father on the farm until January 14, 1858, when he married Christiann, eldest daughter of Isaac and Julia (Wolf) Frederick. After his marriage he devoted his whole time to the cultivation of the homestead farm until the spring of 1872, when he purchased and removed to what was known as the old Kirk farm, near the Warrior Run church, and continued to cultivate this farm for several years. In March, 1886, the Farmer's National Bank at Watsontown was organized, and Mr. Dunkel became identified with the enterprise, and was chosen as cashier. Although he had no previous experience in the banking business, he has filled the position up to the present in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. In early life he was a member of the German Reformed denomination, but after removing to Warrior Run he united with the Presbyterian church there, in which he served as trustee and elder. Since locating in Watson- END OF PAGE 1072 town he has been a member of the Presbyterian church in that place, and is now filling the offices of elder and trustee. Mr. Dunkel has always been a conservative Democrat, and has never taken an active interest in politics. He is the father of one son and six daughters: E. K., of Easton, Pennsylvania; Mary J., wife of K. P. Dateman; Ada L., wife of Ambrose Fairchild; Sarah S.; Annie L.; Bessie, and Kate G. SAMUEL BELL MORGAN, general manager and treasurer of the Pardee Car and Machine Works, of Watsontown, was born at Northumberland, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1845, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Housel) Morgan, who were born in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, in 1803 and 1811, respectively. His grandfather, John Morgan, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, whither the great-grandfather of our subject removed from Wales while a single man, and where he married a Miss Bell. John Morgan was a son of that marriage, and on arriving at maturity he married Mary Burns, of County Tyrone, and about 1795 immigrated with his wife and three children to Pennsylvania, first settling at McVeytown, Juniata county. Some two years later he removed to Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, where the father of our subject was born and reared. In 1828 Henry Morgan and wife removed to the town of Northumberland, where both resided until their death, in 1869 and 1890, respectively. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living: Thaddeus G.; Martin Luther; William H.; Celinda J., wife of John Volp, and Samuel Bell. The deceased are: Hamlet H.; Mary E., and John Calvin. The last mentioned died in March, 1865, at Annapolis, Maryland, from sickness contracted in Southern prisons. Four of the sons served in the Union army in the late Rebellion: Martin Luther; William H.; Samuel Bell, and John Calvin. The subject of this sketch was named after the late Samuel Bell, of Reading, Pennsylvania, whose father was a brother of his great- grandmother Bell. He received a common school education in the public schools of Northumberland, attending only the winter terms from 1859 to 1862. From January, 1862, until July, 1864, he clerked in the postoffice of his native town. On the latter date he enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the one hundred days' service, and at the expiration of his term he re-enlisted in the Seventy-fourth regiment, and served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out. In October, 1865, he entered Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York, and on the 23d of December following he graduated with the highest honors in a class of twenty-three. On the 1st of March, 1866, he accepted the position of book-keeper and clerk in the general store of W. T. Forsyth, of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, and in August, 1868, he was admitted to a partnership in the business. In 1874 he sold his interest to his partner and embarked in the planing mill business, from which he retired, April 1,1876, by reason of unsatisfactory results. Mr. Morgan then entered the employ of Cook & Pardee END OF PAGE 1073 (later A. Pardee & Son) at Watsontown, May 1, 1876, and the following June he was appointed manager of the firm's saw mill and match-stick factory business, which position he filled until the sale of the plant, May 6,1890. In March, 1882, he was appointed by Ario Pardee, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, as agent in charge of his personal and real estate in Watsontown and vicinity, and in August, 1883, he was appointed assistant manager of the Pardee Car and Machine Works. Upon the death of H. F. Snyder, general manager, in November, 1883, Mr. Morgan was elected by the firm general manager and treasurer, and at the expiration of the limited partnership, June 1, 1890, when Ario Pardee became sole owner of the works, he was appointed by that gentleman general manager and treasurer, which position he still holds. Mr. Morgan was married, September 18, 1871, to Maggie H., daughter of William and Catherine (Weimar) Leighow, of Northumberland, Pennsylvania. Three children are the fruits of this union: Walter W., deceased; Ione M., and Mae; the last two reside with their parents. Politically Mr. Morgan is a Democrat, and has served as a school director in Northumberland, and in the borough council of Watsontown. SAMUEL CALDWELL was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1818, son of James and Nancy (Woods) Caldwell. Robert Caldwell, the grandfather of our subject, immigrated from Ireland to America about the year 1796 and located in what is now Montour county (then Northumberland), Pennsylvania. The eldest son, Samuel, died at Black Rock, while serving in the war of 1812. James Caldwell was born during the voyage across the Atlantic. He was a farmer, and reared a family of six children: Robert, deceased; John, deceased; Margaret, widow of John McWilliams; Samuel; James, of New Jersey, and Dr. L. T., deceased. Samuel Caldwell was educated in the common schools, and has followed farming all his life. In 1855 he took a contract on the construction of the Catawissa railroad, and after completing this he was engaged ten years in the tanning business. He was one of the charter members of the Watsontown Bank, and was active in securing stock for the same. He became the first president of this bank and continued as such four years. In 1884 he was a candidate for the legislature on the Republican ticket and was defeated by only one hundred sixty-four votes when the county gave a Democratic majority of over eight hundred. He was married, February 22, 1844, to Elizabeth A., daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Butler) Gillen, of Montour county, Pennsylvania, and to this union have been born nine children: Thomas G., a merchant of Watsontown; Margaret; Martha A., wife of Ezra Weist, of Fairmount, Florida; Nora A.; James, who was one of the corps of engineers who surveyed the Nicaragua canal; Kate; Rhoda; Ida, and Pansy. Mrs. Caldwell died, March 20,1876, in the faith of the Baptist church. Mr. Caldwell is a member of the Reformed church, and one of the best known and most enterprising citizens of Watsontown. END OF PAGE 1074 JACOB KREMER, ex-sheriff and treasurer of Northumberland county, was born in Albany township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1827, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Levan) Kremer. The former was a weaver; he located at Milton in 1829 and thence removed successively to the Stitzel farm near McEwensville and the De Armond farm near Warrior Run church, remaining at each place two years in the pursuit of his trade. He engaged in farming in White Deer valley in 1834, subsequently kept hotel one year in White Deer township, Union county, and five years later removed to Allenwood, Union county, where he opened a hotel and continued at that business the remainder of his life. Jacob Kremer accompanied his parents to this county, and obtained a common school education at the different points where they successively resided. After attaining his majority he embarked in the stock business at Allenwood. In 1867 he removed to Armstrong township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and thence in 1869 to Williamsport, where he continued in the stock business and engaged in the raising of thoroughbred horses. In April, 1875, he located at Dewart, Northumberland county, as proprietor of a hotel, and in 1879 he assumed the proprietorship of the Mansion House at Watsontown. In 1881 he was the candidate of the Republican party for sheriff of Northumberland county, but was defeated; he was again nominated in 1884, and was elected by a majority of two hundred seventy- four, the first Republican sheriff in this county for a number of years. In 1887, before the expiration of his term of office, he received the Republican nomination for county treasurer, and was elected by a majority of seven hundred sixty-four, his largest gains being at his home and where he was best known. Three years later (1890) he was again the Republican candidate for sheriff, but shared in the general reverses of his party in that year. Mr. Kremer married, January 6, 1854, Julia A., eldest daughter of Isaac and Jane (Piatt) Allen, of Allenwood, Union county; of nine children born to them five are now living: Sarah Alice, wife of Charles G. Pursell, of Jersey City, New Jersey; Allen I. and Daniel A., proprietors of the Mansion House at Watsontown; Charles L., who has served as deputy sheriff and treasurer during his father's official terms, and Jennie L. SAMUEL M. MILLER, retired farmer, was born near Catawissa, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1820. His father, Henry Miller, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1778, was a farmer, and died in 1860. His mother, Catharine Mastellar, was also born in Berks county in 1779 and died in 1840. Her marriage with Henry Miller gave her twelve children: George; Henry; Benjamin; Daniel; Samuel M.; John; Susan; Lydia; Elizabeth; Catharine; Sarah, and Rebecca, all of whom are dead except Samuel M., John, Sarah, and Rebecca. Our subject was educated in the public schools, and is a farmer by occupation. He came to this county in 1864, and in 1871 settled in Watsontown. He has been largely interested in the tannery business, the car shops, the Watsontown Furniture and Table Works, END OF PAGE 1075 the Watsontown Boot and Shoe Company, is a stockholder in the Watsontown National Bank, and for several years was one of the proprietors of the Watsontown Record; he is also a director of the Watsontown Cemetery Association. He was one of the trustees of the Union church; the first church erected in the town, and was one of the largest subscribers to the erection of the new Lutheran church, of which he is an active and consistent member. He is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Masonic order. He has served as school director and in various township and borough offices. He was married at Catawissa, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1841, to Emelia Shuman, born at Catawissa in 1821, and a daughter of Jacob and Barbara Shuman, of Columbia county. To this union have been born the following children: Hulda, wife of John Rarick; Barbara, wife of William Seeman; Miranda and Amanda, both deceased; Francis H., of the firm of Bower & Miller; Emma, deceased; Charles, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Miller and family are members of the Lutheran church, and he is one of the old and respected citizens of the county. GEORGE BURNS, retired, was born in Sunbury, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1814, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Specs) Burns. His grandfather immigrated to this country from Scotland, and settled in Union county, Pennsylvania. Peter Burns, his father, was a pilot on the Susquehanna river. He helped build one of the first public school houses in the county outside of a borough. This school house was built by four neighbors; Peter Burns gave the ground, gave and hewed the timber, and carried the nails and glass for the building from Harrisburg, a distance of fifty-five miles, on his back. He served in the war of 1812, and was the father of thirteen children, five of whom are living: Peter, of Wisconsin; George, of Watsontown; Christian, of Union county; Mary, Mrs. Jacob Frederick, and Leah, Mrs. William Campbell. The subject of this sketch was educated in the log school house his father helped build, and at the age of twenty-one went to the Arctic ocean on a whaling expedition; he returned in eighteen months and learned the gunsmith trade. In 1841 he accepted the contract to deliver the stone and timber for the Shamokin dam. He then built the bridge across the mouth of Mahanoy creek, after which he went to Indiana and spent nine years in that State farming and wool growing, after which time he returned to near the headwaters of Penn's creek, built a saw mill, and ran it successfully for several years, rafting the products of the mill down Penn's creek to Selinsgrove, thence down the Susquehanna to the different markets. In 1862 he removed to Watsontown, and engaged in the mercantile business. He was one of the stockholders of the tannery and shoe factory, has served in the town council, and as president of the Cemetery Association since its organization. Mr. Burns has been married three times. His first wife was Lucinda McMoody, daughter of John R. McMoody, of Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and by her END OF PAGE 1076 he had seven children, three of whom are living: Samuel P., of Selinsgrove; Lucy A., Mrs. Andrew Hyronimus, and Sarah J., Mrs. Samuel Winkleman. His second wife was Eliza Quinn, and the third Anna Quinn, daughters of Michael Quinn, of Union county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Burns has been a member of the Masonic order since 1832. ROBERT BUCK, deceased, was born at New Castle, Delaware, December 14, 1827, son of James and Mary (Thompson) Buck. His father was a native of Ireland, and died in October, 1869; the mother was a native of Delaware, and died in 1872. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are living: David, of Iowa; Margaret, Mrs. Absalom Barben, of Chester county, Pennsylvania; Mary E.; Samuel, of Renovo, Pennsylvania; John, of Driftwood, Pennsylvania; James, of Harrisburg, and William. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and engaged in the boot and shoe business at London Grove, Pennsylvania, and in 1864 embarked in railroading, first as a laborer, and then took charge of construction. In 1871 he was appointed supervisor by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and continued in that position up to his death, January 7, 1890. He was married in 1855 to Ruth A. John, who died in 1868, leaving three children: Emmaline, Mrs. H. P. McKee; Mary H., Mrs. Edwin B. Hogue, and Jennie, Mrs. William Rossel. He was again married in June, 1870, to Elizabeth A. Seiler, of this county, and to this union has been born one child, Robert M. Mr. Buck was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Watsontown, also a member of Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, F. & A.M., Warrior Run Chapter, and Baldwin Commandery, No. 22, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. SIMPSON SMITH was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1821, son of Jonathan and Annie (Simpson) Smith, natives of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject built the first grist and saw mill erected on Muncy creek, in Lycoming county. Jonathan Smith, father of our subject, died, April 7, 1854; his wife died, November 18, 1832. They were the parents of nine children: Hannah; Sarah; John; George; Barclay; Effie; Mary A.; Thomas, and Simpson, all deceased but the last two named. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools, after which he began business life as a farmer and lumberman. He came to this county in 1867 and located on a farm, and in 1879 removed to Watsontown. At the organization of the Farmers' National Bank of Watsontown in 1886, he was chosen president, and served in that position until January 1, 1891. He was married, March 22, 1855, to Charlotte Opp, of Lycoming county, and to this union have been born four children: George, a cattle dealer, of Kansas; Allison O., a lawyer of Clearfield, Pennsylvania; Clara S., wife of Rev. M. A. Denman, of Schuylersville, New York, and Thomas K., of Watsontown. Mr. Smith was one of the trustees of the Presbyterian church of Watsontown, of which he and wife are members. END OF PAGE 1077 SAMUEL DE ARMOND, retired farmer, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 22,1811, son of Samuel and Esther (Wallace) De Armond. His grandfather emigrated from Scotland to Ireland, from there to America, and located in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. The De Armond and Wallace families came from Dauphin county to Northumberland county about 1793, and settled near the present site of the Warrior Run Presbyterian church. Samuel De Armond was the father of seven children, but two of whom are living: Thomas and Samuel. He died in 1818, and his widow in January, 1851. The subject of our sketch was educated in the old log school house, and followed farming as an occupation until 1873, when he removed to Watsontown to live a retired life. He was married in 1842 to Rebecca G. Ferguson, a native of this county, and to this union were born five children: Hadssah G.; William W.; Andrew W.; Thomas D., and Samuel E., all of whom are dead except the last mentioned. Mr. De Armond and wife are members of the Warrior Run Presbyterian church. JOHN M. KIRK was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1815, son of William and Jane (Knox) Kirk. His grandfather, Moses Kirk, emigrated from Scotland at an early date, and located at the Warrior Run church, this county. At the time of the surrender of Fort Freeland to the British and Indians in 1779, the treaty guaranteed the women and children freedom, while the men were to remain prisoners. Mary Kirk, the widow of Moses Kirk, with her ten children, was in the fort; she put dresses on her little boys and passed them out as girls, and thus obtained their freedom. William Kirk, father of our subject, sold his farm in this county in 1829, and removed to Monroe county, New York, where be purchased a farm. He was the father of eleven children, only two of whom are living: William, of Monroe county, New York, and Mary, residing in Michigan. He died, June 8, 1842, and his widow in May, 1862. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and followed the occupation of farmer. He was married, June 8, 1843, to Margaret Burns, who died leaving five children: Myron B.; William T.; John F.; Frank E., and Ettie L., deceased. He was again married, October 28, 1873, to Catharine, daughter of James Kirk. Mr. Kirk was a member of the Presbyterian church up to his death, March 30, 1890, to which faith his widow also adheres. THOMAS KIRK was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1821, son of James and Mary (Foster) Kirk. The grandfather of our subject came to this county before the Revolutionary war, and purchased a farm, the deed of which is written on sheepskin, and signed by William Penn. The parents of our subject were natives of this county, and reared a family of ten children, two of whom are living: Catharine, who married John Kirk, and Thomas. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and has followed the occupation of farming all his life. He is a member of the Warrior Run Presbyterian church. END OF PAGE 1078 SIMON LANTZ was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1814, and was a son of Henry and Christiana (Follmer) Lantz. Henry Lantz was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county when a boy. He followed farming, and was the father of ten children, three of whom are living: Mary, wife of Charles Brown, of Ohio; Christiana, wife of Jonas Fox, of Michigan, and Jonathan, of Goshen, Indiana. Our subject was educated in the subscription schools, and followed farming all his life. He was married in November, 1843, to Harriet, daughter of Griggs Marsh, and to this union were born five children: Catharine, wife of G. W. Rombach; S. Griggs, and three who died when young. Mr. Lantz remained on his farm until the spring of 1889, when he moved to Watsontown to spend the remainder of his life in retirement. He was a consistent member of the Reformed church of Watsontown up to his death January 10, 1890, to which denomination his widow belongs. JOSEPH ALBRIGHT, retired, was born at Allentown, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1836, son of Charles S. and Esther (Newhart) Albright. The father of our subject was a tailor by trade, but was engaged in the latter part of his life in farming. He died in 1867, his widow in 1881. They were the parents of twelve children; eleven grew to maturity, and six are now living: George W., of Oregon; John T.; Joseph; Charles F., of Iowa; Esther, and Lizzie. The subject of our sketch received his education at the public schools, and at the age of twenty learned the trade of plasterer. He came to this county in 1856, and worked at his trade until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months. He again enlisted in February, 1864, in Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at Petersburg, July 30, 1864, and was confined in Danville and Libby prisons until March 10, 1865. After the war he worked at his trade one year, engaged in the livery business eight years, and returned to his trade until 1881. He was married in December, 1858, to Mary A. Tate, of Milton, and to this union were born four children: David; John S. and Elmer C., twins, and William N. Mr. Albright and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of the G.A.R. ANDREW M. LOWRY, retired minister of the Presbyterian church, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1820, son of James M. and Sarah (Laird) Lowry. His grandfather emigrated from Ireland and located in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. James Lowry was a farmer; he went to the war of 1812, but was too late for active service. He was born, June 15, 1792, and died, March 17, 1871; his wife died, December 15, 1866. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, Mrs. Samuel McKean; Margaret, Mrs. Joseph G. Durham; Andrew M.; Jane W., and Mary E. The subject of our sketch was educated END OF PAGE 1079 at the common schools, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, and Washington College, now known as Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, graduating from the last named in June, 1850, after which he spent three years at Princeton Theological Seminary. He spent several months doing the work of an evangelist. His first charge was at Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he remained twenty-one and a half years, and his ministry was crowned with much success. Owing to ill health he has not accepted a charge since 1877, when he removed to Watsontown, where he has lived a comparatively retired, though very far from an idle life. He preaches occasionally, and renders such ministerial service as circumstances call for and the condition of his health will permit. ISAAC N. MESSINGER, hardware merchant, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1841, son of Aaron and Susan (Royer) Messinger. Aaron Messinger was a farmer by occupation; and died, June 7, 1889. He was the father of seven children: Isaac N.; Joe B.; Mary, wife of Kilian Dunkel, of Reading, Pennsylvania; Kate, wife of Samuel Linthurst, of Muncy, Pennsylvania; Susan, wife of Dr. T. H. Fisher, of New York; Ethan A., and Horace A. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and at J. M. Kelso's Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania. He enlisted, April 19, 1861, in Company G, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the three months' service, returned and taught school one term, and reenlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he served nine months; he again enlisted in August, 1864, in the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was mustered out in June, 1865. He came to Watsontown in 1867, and, in partnership with Phineas Leiser, engaged in the mercantile business, continuing one year, when he opened a new store composed of hardware, groceries, and wall paper, in which business he has since continued. He has also been interested in farming since 1879 and has been remarkably successful in both. Mr. Messinger has served as a member of the town council several terms, and at present is the president of the school board. He was married, September 2, 1869, to Sarah E. Mackey, and to this union have been born seven children, five of whom are living: Rachel; Isaac N.; Bessie; Carl, and Ruth. Mr. Messinger is a member of the G.A.R. and the Masonic order. JOSIAH STEWART, merchant, was born in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1836, son of Joseph and Maria (Leigh) Stewart the former a native of Berks county, and the latter of Germany. The Stewart family is of Scotch descent. David J. Stewart, the grandfather of our subject, and his mother were the only ones of the Stewart family not killed by the Indians. Joseph Stewart was a farmer of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. He died in 1874, and his wife in 1883. They reared a family of ten children: David L.; Josiah; James; William; Edwin; Hettie; Mary A.; Solomon; George, and Levi, deceased. The subject of our sketch obtained his education by diligent END OF PAGE 1080 Page 1081 contains a portrait of Jacob Kremer. Page 1082 is blank. self-application, not having the opportunity of going to school when young. He was engaged at farming and the coal mines until he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served ten months. Th 1873 he removed to Watsontown and engaged in the coal and grocery business. He was married, November 12, 1863, to Sarah Groe, of Northumberland county, and to this union have been born four children: Harry C., of Shamokin; Gertrude; Oliver, and Emma, deceased. Mr. Stewart and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and he is a member of Bryson Post, No. 225, G.A.R. J. A. WEIDENHAMER, merchant, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1836, son of Jacob and Susanna (Dreibelbis) Weidenhamer. His father was a farmer by occupation; he died in 1863, and his wife in 1887. They reared the following children: Wellington, a tanner and justice of the peace in Montour county; Sarah, deceased; William; Daniel, of Milton; John A.; Mary E., and Mouser, of Milton. The subject of our sketch was educated at the common schools, and at the age of fourteen began clerking in his brother's store. In 1867 he bought C. B. Reifsnyder's general store at Dewart, Northumberland county, and in 1882 removed to Watsontown and opened a general store, where he has since been engaged in business. He was married, November 1, 1859, to Sarah A. Deitzman, and they are the parents of three children: Charles D.; Horace G., and Walter L. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has served in the office of deacon. W. T. RUSSELL, merchant, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1856, son of John and Mary (Tweed) Russell. The Russell family are the descendants of Andrew Russell, great- grandfather of our subject, and his brother, who removed from Delaware to this county. John Russell, father of our subject, was a carpenter by trade, but was engaged the latter part of his life in farming. He was born, February 21, 1817, and died, June 19, 1886. He was the father of ten children: John A.; Albert P.; Mary H.; Sarah T.; Preston W., and John A., all deceased; and Isabel, wife of E. H. Russell; William T.; Ella L., and James H. In politics he was a Republican, and served in various local offices. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and in 1878 began clerking in the general store of J. E. Durham, and afterwards became a partner. In 1880 he sold his interest, and opened a dry goods and notion store, which he has since conducted. He was married, September 7, 1881, to Maud D. Hunter, of Watsontown, and by this union they have had three children: Helen, deceased; Isabel, and Mary. Mr. Russell is a member of the I.O.O.F., and a Knight of the Golden Eagle. H. W. HAGENBUCH, photographer, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1834, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Hess) Hagenbuch, natives of Berks and Columbia counties, respectively. The father was a END OF PAGE 1083 blacksmith by trade, but devoted part of his time to farming. He died in 1870, and his widow two years later. They reared a family of eight children; Artemus, deceased; Henry W.; Matilda, Mrs. Cornelius Scales, of New Hampshire Lavina; Hiram; Selicia, Mrs. Daniel Menges; Sarah E., Mrs. Henry Dieffenbach, and Emma E. The subject of our sketch was educated in the public schools, and in 1858 learned the daguerreotype business. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served one year. He again turned his attention to photographing, and has continued at it since. In 1870 he settled in Watsontown, where he has devoted his whole time to his business. He is a member of the Lutheran church of Watsontown. SAMUEL G. FREY, proprietor of a bakery and manufacturer of confectionery, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1835, son of Charles and Sarah (Ritter) Frey, natives of Montgomery and Berks counties, respectively. His father was a carpenter, and devoted his whole life to that occupation. He died, July 20, 1888, and his widow, April 21,1889, leaving a family of five children: Samuel G.; Henry, of Colorado; Francis R., of Lewisburg; Charles A., of Montandon, and John W., of Arkansas. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and his first business venture was at farming and teaching school, after which he kept hotel at Montandon three years, and during which time he started a general store at that place which he conducted five years. He then ran a wholesale store boat for four years on the Pennsylvania canal, afterwards returning to a store in Montandon, where he manufactured confectionery. In 1876 he came to Watsontown, where he conducted his confectionery business in connection with a drug store; he abandoned the latter in 1878. He was elected surveyor of Northumberland county in 1874, re-elected in 1877, and served six years. He was married, January 1, 1857, to Deborah Hackenberg, of Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and to this union have been born four children: Sarah C., wife of H. M. Knowlton, of Elk county, Pennsylvania; Emma J., at home; Mary E. L., wife of S. B. Hilliard, and William H., who died in infancy. Mr. Frey is a member of the Masonic order, is connected with the Lutheran church, and his family are attendants of the Baptist church. J. F. MCCLURE, physician and surgeon, was born along the west branch of Brandy Wine, Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1850, son of James and Francina (McCalmant) McClure. John McClure, the great- grandfather of our subject, and his brother, Joseph, with a colony of about two hundred persons, were banished from the North of Ireland on account of their religious opinions, in the year 1680. They immigrated to America and John and Joseph purchased a tract of land from the sons of William Penn in Chester county, Pennsylvania, which is still owned by their descendants. James McClure, the father of J. F. McClure, died in 1860 and was buried in the Presbyterian grave-yard at Honey Brook, Chester county. His widow died END OF PAGE 1084 in 1870 leaving four children: Sarah, wife of Wesley Good; Elizabeth, wife of George Prutsman; Hannah, deceased, and John F. The last named received his education at Kingston Seminary. He taught two years in Lawrenceville Academy, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, after which he began the study of medicine with R. B. Smith of Tioga, this State. He then attended Bellevue Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1875, and the following April located at Watsontown where he has built up an excellent practice. He was married, August 18, 1875, to Jennie Mills, of Steuben county, New York. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and one of the censors of the Medico-Surgical College of Philadelphia. He is a member of the Northumberland County Medical Society, has served in the borough council of Watsontown for three years, acting as secretary of that body, has been a member of the school board for six years, three of which he was secretary of the same, and in 1891 was elected chief burgess of Watsontown. FULLER S. DERR, physician and surgeon, was born in Lycoming county. Pennsylvania, November 4, 1860, son of John F. and Sarah (Houseknecht) Derr, natives of Lycoming county. Our subject's paternal great- grandfather immigrated from Germany at an early date and located in Montour county, Pennsylvania, where his grandfather, Christopher Derr, was born, and from whom the present Derr family have descended. Christopher Derr removed into Lycoming county and died there. John F. Derr is a farmer, and in 1871 he moved from Lycoming to Montour county, where he has resided ever since. He has reared nine children: Judson; Alice, wife of John Krumm; Hiram H., deceased; Fuller S.; Phebe J., wife of Albert Muffly Elmer B.; Miles J.; Homer M., and Annie F. Our subject was educated in the common schools and at Bucknell University. He began the study of medicine under Dr. E. H. Horner, of Turbutville, and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, March 29, 1884. He immediately formed a partnership with his preceptor, which continued four years, when he removed to Watsontown, where he has since devoted his entire attention to the practice of his profession. Doctor Derr was married, December 27, 1888, to Annie Schmucker, of Watsontown, and has one child, Woods F. He is a member of the Masonic order, and one of the well known citizens of his adopted home. DR. J. R. HOUSEL, dentist, was born in Milton, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1840, son of Isaac and Mary (Hougendobler) Housel, natives of this county. The Housel family originally came from Holland, but the grandparents came from New Jersey to this county. His paternal grandfather served in the war of 1812, and his great-grandparents on both sides served in the Revolutionary war. Isaac Housel was the father of the following children: J. R.; Annie, widow of William Everard; George, deceased; Miller, deceased; Frances E., widow of Lindsley Priestley; Sallie S.; END OF PAGE 1085 Johnston, of Milton, and Kate C., deceased. He died, August 28, 1872. The subject of our sketch was educated at the common schools of Reading and the Nickson Street grammar school of Philadelphia. He studied dentistry with Dr. H. H. Martin, of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, began practicing in Milton in 1860, and came to Watsontown in 1878. He enlisted in the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Emergency regiment in 1862, and re-enlisted, February 28,1865, as a private, in Company F, Seventy- fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was married, December 31, 1863, to Rebecca J. Smith, of Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, and to this union have been born two children: Edgar L. and Mary B. Doctor Housel and wife are members of the Methodist church, and he is a member of the G.A.R. EDGAR L. HOUSEL, dentist, was born in McEwensville, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, son of J. B. Housel. He was educated at the Watsontown high school; and at the age of sixteen be entered the dental office of his father, and in 1886 the Pennsylvania Dental College at Philadelphia, and graduated in 1888. He located in Watsontown in the same office with his father, where he has devoted his whole attention to his chosen profession. He was married, December 12, 1888, to M. Clemence, daughter of Charles Heilman. Doctor Housel is a member of the Masonic order. LEW C. FOSNOT, editor and publisher of the Watsontown Star, was born, February 8, 1848, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. His father, Jacob Fosnot, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, was a weaver by trade, and died in 1850. His mother, Mary Vanderbilt, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and died in 1872. Her union with Jacob Fosnot gave her twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity: William C.; Mary Jane; Martha M.; John C.; Joshua V.; Edward A.; Lew C., and Henry J. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Cumberland county, and began learning the printer's trade, working at that at intervals until 1864. He began his business career clerking in a country store, following this with labor on the line of the Cumberland Valley railroad for three years; he also drove a huckster wagon and worked upon a farm. June 30, 1864, he enlisted as a private in Battery G, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, and served until January 29, 1866, with the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the James. He was employed in the United States weather bureau for three months, and began the printing and publishing business in 1871, which he has continued to date. He is a member of the G.A.R. and the I.O.O.F., is a Democrat in politics, and somewhat liberal in his religious belief. He was married, January 23,1871, at Newville, Pennsylvania, to Belle Westafer, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, who was born in 1850. To this union have been born the following children: Lula Maud, who died in 1879; Bessie Irene, who died in 1877, and John Clyde. J. WARD DIEHL, editor and proprietor of the Watsontown Blade, is a son of Alfred Diehl, a baker of Watsontown, and was born at Laurelton, Union END OF PAGE 1086 county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1867. He was apprenticed to the "art preservative" in a printing shop at his present home, and on the completion of his trade was tendered the foremanship of the Williamsport Sunday Breakfast Table, which position he accepted and held for eighteen months. He founded the Blade in 1889. During a vacation on the Breakfast Table given him on account of impaired health, he started for Colorado as a special contributor to the Philadelphia Sunday Press, but did not get farther than Kansas owing to sickness en route. Prior to going into the newspaper business, he was employed at the Cook & Pardee match-stick factory, where he earned his first money. His education was very limited, and he is a true specimen of a "print-shop educated man." His first contributions, under the nom-de-plume of Sam Sykes, were of a humorous nature and were "set from the case." They attracted considerable attention, and Sam Sykes soon gained a local reputation. Mr. Diehl was married, January 13, 1891, to Sadie C., daughter of Rev. S. P. Orwig, of Montgomery, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. THOMPSON BOWER, president of the Watsontown National Bank, was born in Washington township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1826, son of John and Sarah (Quinn) Bower, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ireland, both of whom spent the greater part of their lives in Lycoming county. Thompson was reared a farmer, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He lived in Lycoming and Union counties, successively, until 1884, when he came to Watsontown, where he has since resided. He has been president of the Watsontown National Bank several years, and is one of the substantial citizens of the town. Mr. Bower was married, November 15, 1849, to Catharine A., daughter of Christian Gosh, of Northumberland county. She was born in Lycoming county, and is the mother of three children: Laura E., wife of B. M. Griffey; J. G., of Watsontown, and Margaret J., wife of George W. Crane. Mr. Bower is a Democrat, and both he and wife are members of the Lutheran church. WILLIAM BLY, ferryman, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania. His father, Captain John Bly, was born, December 18, 1814, and was married in 1835 to Lydia Rhoads, and to this union were born ten sons, all of whom grew to maturity but Edwin, the youngest, who died at the age of seventeen months. Those living are: Joseph; David, a broker of Williamsport; James, a ferryman of West Milton, and William, all of whom served in the war of the Rebellion; Manoah; Charles; Alem; Phineas, and John A., of Buffalo, New York. Captain John Bly was one of the original settlers of Watsontown, having resided there over fifty years. He was one of the first to establish the ferry at that place, and was captain on a canal boat on the Pennsylvania canal about fifteen years. In 1866 he bought the ferry across the Susquehanna river at Watsontown, and operated it until his death. William, the subject of our sketch, was married, December 23, 1869, to Mary END OF PAGE Bower, who died, February 7, 1884, leaving four children: Elizabeth; John; Minnie, and William. He was again married, February 14, 1887, to Annie Wallize, of Watsontown. Mr. Bly enlisted in Company B, (Captain David Bly's), One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 1, 1862, and served nine months; he subsequently served three months in the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth regiment, and one year in the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. He is a member of the G.A.R. and of the Masonic order. JAMES W. MUFFLY was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1842, son of Samuel and Mary (Kleppinger) Muffly, natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania. His father came to what is now Montour county in 1837, and located upon a farm. He was a leading Whig of his section of the country. He died, July 1, 1873; his wife died in December, 1868, leaving a family of six children: Samuel K.; Catharine Walter; Maria Kamp; George H., of Illinois; Stephen J., and James W. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and at the age of twenty began to work at the carpenter trade, after which he was successively engaged in the coal and lumber business until 1876, when he, in company with Wagner Brothers, built the planing mill, and formed what is known as the Watsontown Planing Mill Company, from which he retired on the 26th of August, 1890. He was married, December 19, 1882, to Sarah E. Caldwell, of Reading, Pennsylvania, and they have two children: Walter C. and William J. Mr. and Mrs. Muffly are members of the Reformed church, and he is a charter member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 401, of Watsontown. J. H. WAGNER, of the Watsontown Planing Mill Company, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, son of Daniel and Catharine (Follmer) Wagner, who were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are living: William, a lumberman of Virginia; G. N. and L. B., lumbermen of Michigan; C. A., living on the homestead in Montour county; J. H. and D. F., both of the Watsontown Planing Mill Company; Lucy, Mrs. William Hackenburg, of Emporium, and Amanda, Mrs. James Caldwell, of Titusville, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of his native county. In 1863 he enlisted in the Twenty- eighth Pennsylvania militia, was mustered out, and then re-enlisted in the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was with Sherman's army from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and took part in Wilson's raid through Alabama. After the war he located in Watsontown, and engaged in his present business. Mr. Wagner was married, December 23, 1880, to Mary, daughter of Mrs. E. H. Follmer, and they are the parents of five children: Elizabeth C.; J. H.; Edith M.; William C., and Ned F. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are members of the German Reformed church, and he is connected with the F. & A.M. and G.A.R. END OF PAGE 1088 D. FRANK WAGNER, of the Watsontown Planing Mill Company, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1849, son of Daniel and Catharine (Follmer) Wagner. He was educated at the public schools, and reared upon his father's farm. He came to Watsontown in 1868 and worked in the planing mill two years, when he bought an interest, and has since been connected with the firm. He was married, November 22, 1882, to Mary I. Cooner, of Watsontown, and to this union has been born one child, Clara C., deceased. Mr. Wagner has served in the town council of Watsontown, and has for years been identified with the fire department, having been a member of Hope Hose Fire Company since its organization in 1873, and serving as the company treasurer for many years, a position he now fills, as well as that of chief of the borough department, which is composed of paid and volunteer firemen. D. C. HOGUE was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 11, 1844, son of Joseph P. and Sarah A. (Caldwell) Hogue. William Hogue, his great-great-grandfather, was banished from Scotland on account of his religious opinions, came to America on the ship Caledonia in 1680, and located at Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Three of his sons went to Cumberland county and located at what is known as Hoguestown, opposite Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; here they separated, one going south, to Virginia, one to Washington county, Pennsylvania, and John located in the West Branch valley. He was a Presbyterian minister, and a graduate of Princeton College. He had four sons and three daughters. Samuel, grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and blacksmith, and owned what is now known as the Rombach farm adjoining Watsontown. He had five sons and two daughters. Joseph, father of D. C., kept a store at White Deer Mills, after which he went to South Bend, Indiana, thence to Logansville, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, and back to White Deer Mills, where he bought a farm. In 1854 he returned to Watsontown, and continued in the mercantile business and as postmaster until his death, March 23, 1868; his wife died, September 9, 1863. Both are buried in the upper cemetery at Milton, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of four sons and two daughters: D. C.; Davis, a physician of Clearfield county; Edmund B.; James H., a physician of Altoona; Grace, and Mary, both deceased. The former is buried at the Milton cemetery, the latter at Logansville, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was educated at the Milton and McEwensville Academies. On the 1st of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months. On the 18th of June, 1863, he enlisted for the emergency in the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers to serve so long as the soil of Pennsylvania was invaded. In August, 1864, he again enlisted in Company D, Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged in August, 1865, by reason of the war being over. After the war, in company with others, he started the first planing mill in Watson- END OF PAGE 1089 town. He then served as book-keeper for the Watsontown Lumber Company eleven years, after which he kept a general store seven years. He was secretary of the Watsontown Nail Works at its organization in 1886. Mr. Hogue was first married, June 10, 1869, to Rebecca B. Starr, who died, December 8, 1880, and is buried in Watsontown cemetery. Two sons survived her: Charles J., and Frank, deceased. May 23, 1888, he married Sarah E. Parvin, of Leesport, Pennsylvania. Mr. Hogue is a member of the Masonic order, and of Bryson Post, No. 225, G.A.R. He served in the first council of Watsontown and several terms since, and has also served as burgess and school director. J. P. STARR was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1838, son of John and Sarah (Parvin) Starr. The Starr family is of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents were natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, who came to Lycoming county about 1831 and established a shoe factory at Muncy. The father in company with Enos Hawley bought the Franklin tannery, near Lairdsville, Lycoming county, and operated it until 1849, when he sold out and accepted a position as superintendent of the Madison tannery in Columbia county. In 1856 he removed to Watsontown and served as agent for the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad Company, after which he kept books for Marr & Griffey's woolen factory until his death in March, 1863. His widow died in March, 1884, leaving a family of six children: Mary, deceased; Ellen, Mrs. Clinton Robinson; Jacob P.; Rebecca, deceased; Charles E., of the firm of Starr, Durham & Company, and Henrietta, Mrs. P. Leiser. The subject of this sketch received his education at the common schools, the Academy of Millville, Columbia county, and Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. He began clerking in a dry goods store when seventeen years old, and in 1861 took his father's place as agent of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad Company at Watsontown, remaining in this position until 1880, and had charge of the office at White Deer until 1888. Mr. Starr helped establish and was superintendent of the Electric Light Company of Watsontown, after which he was interested in the planing mill business. He was married, June 5, 1873, to Agnes Sloan, of Lock Haven, and to this union have been born four children: Sarah E.; Margaret A.; John E., and William P. Mr. Starr and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and he was a charter member of the Masonic lodge of Watsontown. T. H. KISTNER, foreman of the Watsontown Planing Mill Company, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1839, and is a son of George and Catharine (Confare) Kistner. The Kistner family are of German ancestry. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty years learned the carpenter trade with James Henderson at Turbutville, Pennsylvania. April 18, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served for three months. At the END OF PAGE 1090 expiration of said enlistment he returned home and engaged in the carpenter business at Picture Rocks, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, for a short time. In August, 1862, he again enlisted, in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and held the rank of second sergeant until mustered out at the end of nine months. He at once entered the United States Militia Railroad department as a carpenter and bridge builder, with headquarters at Alexandria, Virginia, and served in that department until after the close of the war. He was married, June 21, 1864, to Sarah F. Wallize, of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and to this union have been born: Flora I., wife of O. H. Hilliard: Dora E. wife of John L. Fisher; Ambrose P.; Sherman S.; Lewis W., and Loreda M. In l868 he came to Watsontown and accepted his present position. Mr. and Mrs. Kistner are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has served as an active member in the church council. He is a member of Bryson Post, No. 225, G.A.R., and was its commander for l890. He is a Republican in politics, and has served a number of years in the town council, and also as school director. JOSEPH BLY, machinist, was born, January 17, 1836, in Union county, Pennsylvania, son of John and Lydia (Rhoades) Bly. Our subject was educated in the common schools and at the age of eighteen years began to learn the trade of machinist. He was engineer in a saw mill for Seth T. McCormick for some time, after which he assisted his father in running a canal boat. He helped to construct the first saw mill in Watsontown, in which he was employed until he enlisted in Captain David Bly's company, known as Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 8, 1862. After serving out his term of enlistment he again enlisted, September 6, 1864, in Company D, Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and remained in active service until the close of the war. After returning from the war, he, in partnership with the firm of Follmer & Cook, operated a planing mill for one year, when the mill was destroy by fire, after which time he was connected with different lumber companies of Watsontown until 1876, when he was employed by the Watsontown Planing Mill Company, in which institution he is still working. In 1872, when the first fire engine was purchased by the citizens of Watsontown, he was chosen engineer, and in 1875 was appointed chief engineer, and has served as such ever since. He was married, December 30, 1858 to Harriet Slenker, who died, January 17, 1868. To this union were born three children, one of whom is living, Ida, wife of James Findley, of Iowa. He was again married, June 17, 1817, to a Mrs. Hogey, whose first husband died in the army. By this union two children have been born: Irman I. and Minnie, both deceased. Mrs. Bly had two children by her first marriage: Charles and Mary C. Mr. and Mrs. Bly are consistent members of the Reformed church of Watsontown. END OF PAGE 1091 W. A. DURHAM was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1852, son of Joseph G. Durham. He was educated in the common schools and at Dewart Academy. He taught school three years, and then engaged in the mercantile business in Watsontown. Soon after he opened a general store at Coburn, Centre county, Pennsylvania, which still continues in the name of Durham Brothers & Company. From 1880 to 1884 he dealt in farm produce, agricultural implements, etc., in Watsontown. Since 1887 he has been engaged in the lumber business and in manufacturing doors, sash, and blinds. May 31, 1876, he married Mary A. Giffen, of Marion, Iowa, and to this union have been born four children: Joseph E., deceased; Glenn G.; W. Leigh, and James G. Mr. and Mrs. Durham are members of the Presbyterian church of Watsontown, of which church he is a trustee. He is connected with the Masonic order, is secretary of the town council, and in politics is a stanch Republican. ALFRED HOCKLEY, manufacturer and dealer in carbonated drinks, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, son of Clement L. and Elizabeth (Keyser) Hockley, natives of that county. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the first men to vote for the public school system in Montgomery county. He reared a family of nine children: Alfred; Jacob, agent for the Standard Pipe Line Company of Ohio; William, a school teacher, of Lycoming county; Irwin R., who has been principal of the high school at Emporium, Cameron county, ten years, but is now in the general merchandise business; Franklin C., deceased; Theodore; Amelia; Lucy, and Maggie. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Montour county, and worked as a carpenter ten years. He then opened a grocery and provision store in Mahanoy City, and remained there eight years, and three years was at the same business at Eldred, McKean county, Pennsylvania. In 1880 he came to Watsontown, and has since been engaged in the manufacture of carbonated drinks. He was married, December 1, 1870, to Hattie Fox, of McEwensville, and they are the parents of three children: Roscoe L., deceased; Chester F., and George A. Mr. and Mrs. Hockley are members of the Lutheran church; he is a member of the town council, and on the 1st of June, 1890, became chief burgess of Watsontown, being appointed by the town council vice E. Sherman Follmer, resigned. END OF PAGE 1092 and CHAPTER XLVI.