Local History: Chapter LI: Biographical Sketches - Shamokin, Ralpho, Rush, and Gearhart Townships, and Boroughs of Snydertown and Riverside. Part 1: 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 LI. PART 1 Pages 1175 - 1195 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. SHAMOKIN, RALPHO, RUSH, AND GEARHART TOWNSHIPS, AND BOROUGHS OF SNYDERTOWN AND RIVERSIDE. CASPER ADAMS, a native of Craffehaft, Offenburg Langendiebach, was born, April 25, 1755, and died, January 26, 1832, and is buried in the cemetery of St. Peter's church in Ralpho township. Nothing of his early life or the date of his settlement in Ralpho township is known, further than that traditions in the family point to his being one of the early, if not the earliest, settler in Ralpho township. His wife was Elizabeth Hinkle and it is presumed he lived and married her in Berks county previous to coming to Northumberland county. His settlement was made where John Campbell now resides, and he owned a large tract of land embracing many hundreds of acres. His family consisted of six daughters and six sons: Nellie, wife of George Startzel; Susanna, wife of Samuel Startzel; Elizabeth, wife of Gilbert Liby; Polly, wife of Peter Strausser; Maria, wife of Jacob Kreher; Catharine, wife of Samuel Anspach; Frederick; John; Samuel; Casper; Leonard, and Peter, all of whom are dead. CASPER ADAMS, fourth son of Casper Adams, Sr., was born in 1776 upon the homestead farm; he was reared a farmer, and on coming of age his father deeded to him one hundred acres of land, which was situated where his son George C. now resides. He married Susanna, daughter of John Startzel, and by this union they were the parents of the following children: Benjamin; David; Casper, deceased; George C.; Jacob; Samuel, deceased; William; Elizabeth, deceased wife of William Smith; Susanna, deceased wife of William Klase; Pollie, deceased wife of a Mr. Fry; Angelina, wife of William Smith, and Harriet, deceased. Mr. Adams was a life-long member, and elder of St. Peter's Reformed church, and was a liberal contributor towards the END OF PAGE 1175 erection of the church edifice. Politically he was an ardent Democrat. He died in 1882, his wife having died in 1873. GEORGE C. ADAMS was born, August 17, 1826, son of Casper and Susanna (Startzel) Adams. He received such education as could be obtained in the schools of that period. After coming of age he was engaged in railroad work, and for some years in the huckstering business and farming for his father-in-law. In 1863 he purchased the old homestead property, where he has since been engaged in farming. He was married, September 12, 1855 to Susanna, daughter of Valentine Klase, of Shamokin township, and they are the parents of four children: Leanna, wife of Francis T. Burrell; Mahala, wife of Charles Paul; General G., and Alvin A., deceased. Mr. Adams is a member of the German Reformed church, of which he is an elder. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and while he neither sought nor would hold office, he manifests great interest in the success of his party. THE REED FAMILY. Among the pioneers of Northumberland county were Jacob and Casper Reed, natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, who came to Northumberland county as early as 1774. They took up a tract of some five hundred acres of land, which is situated around what is known as Reeds Station, in Shamokin and Ralpho townships, and now in the possession of their descendants. Jacob married, in Berks county, Elizabeth Dreher, and by this marriage they had nine children: John; Jacob; David; Matthias; Salome, who married John Hursh; Catharine, who married George Hower; Magdalene, who married John Smith; Eva, who became the wife of Daniel Haas, and Elizabeth, who married W. H. Muench. Jacob Reed was a natural mechanic, and carried on the blacksmith and carpenter business in connection with farming. He was one of the leading men of his time, and to him is due considerable of the development of the locality in which he settled. He was the promoter of the organization of Jacob's church, which was named for him. In religious belief he was a Lutheran. John, his oldest son, married Eva C. Gillinger, and to them were born two sons and four daughters: Jacob, his second son married Hannah Duttinger, and to this union were born four sons and three daughters; David, the third son, married Catharine Haas, and they were the parents of seven sons and five daughters; Matthias, the fourth son, married Priscilla Farnsworth, and to this union were born three sons and three daughters. JOHN REED, eldest son of Jacob Reed, was born upon the old homestead in Shamokin township. He was reared and resided in his native township all his life, and followed farming as an occupation. He married Eva C. Gillinger, who bore him the following children: Jesse, deceased; Maria, widow of John Lake; Jacob, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Casper Scholl; Hannah, wife of Solomon Martz, and Eve C., wife of William Zuern, of Colorado. The whole family were members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Reed was one of the leading members of that denomination. In politics END OF PAGE 1176 he was a Republican, and an honest, worthy citizen. Both he and wife died in this township, and were buried at Jacob's church graveyard. JACOB REED, second son of Jacob Reed, was born upon the homestead farm in 1795, where he lived until his marriage. He then settled upon the land where his son William now resides in Shamokin township. He was a tanner by trade, and erected a carding mill and saw mill, which he operated in connection with his farm of two hundred fifty-eight acres. He married Hannah Duttinger, by whom he had seven children: Daniel, deceased; Maria, who married George Young; Simon P., of Rush township; Elizabeth, widow of John Deibler; Julianne, Mrs. John Rohrbach; William, who resides upon the homestead, and John Jacob. He was a Lutheran in his religious belief, and politically a Republican. JESSE REED, deceased, was a son of John and Eva (Gillinger) Reed, natives of Shamokin township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was born, March 8, 1808; his death occurred, June 18, 1884. He was a farmer by occupation, but in early life assisted his father, who was tax collector many years for Shamokin township, which at one time included Rush, Shamokin, Ralpho, Mt. Carmel, Coal, and Cameron townships. He also assisted his father, who had a contract for building a portion of what is now the Northern Central railway between Shamokin and Sunbury. By trade he was a brick-maker, which business he followed in his early life. He married in 1884 Charlotte, daughter of Joshua Farley, of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and by this union they had six children: Harriet S., widow of John Shipman; John W., of Ralpho township; Farley, deceased; Catharine, deceased; Oliver, deceased, and William A. Mr. Reed was an extensive farmer, cultivating some three hundred acres, and also carried on the milling business. In religious faith he was a Lutheran, in which church he was a prominent member and an elder many years. In his political associations he was first a Whig, and subsequently a Republican. JOHN W. REED, eldest son of Jesse and Charlotte (Farley) Reed, was born at the homestead, October 8, 1838. He was educated at the common schools and learned the milling business, at which he has since been engaged. In 1871, in connection with John Shipman, he purchased the mill property known as the Shipman mills, which he operated until l873, when he purchased his present mill. He was married in 1876 to Bethiah, daughter of Robert Davison, of Montour county, and by this marriage they have one daughter, Kate M. Politically Mr. Reed is a Republican, and a member and deacon of the Lutheran church. WILLIAM A. REED, the youngest son of Jesse and Charlotte (Farley) Reed, was born, November 19, 1855, upon the homestead where he now resides. He was educated in the public schools, and was reared a farmer. He is also engaged in the milling business, having purchased the Shipman mill in the spring of 1890. In politics Mr. Reed is a Republican, and is one of the progressive citizens of Shamokin township. END OF PAGE 1177 THE TEITSWORTH FAMILY. Among the early pioneers of Northumberland county was John Teitsworth. It is quite certain by the information in possession of his descendants that his father also came at the same time. They settled on Shamokin creek near Snydertown, prior to the Revolutionary war, and came from New Jersey. John Teitsworth had two sons, and one daughter who married Benjamin Campbell. He subsequently kept a tavern at what is known as Paxinos on the line of Ralpho and Shamokin townships, and also owned about five hundred acres of land. He died about 1800. William, the eldest son, was born in Shamokin township, and served in the war of the Revolution. He was twice married; by his first wife, whose name is not known, he had no posterity. His second wife was Mary Campbell, by whom he had five children: Isaac, deceased; John. B., deceased; Elizabeth, of Ralpho township; Katie, deceased, who married Peter Yocum, and Mary, deceased, who married John Persing. He conducted for many years the tavern that descended from his father, and was also engaged in farming. He died in March, 1836. ISAAC TEITSWORTH, eldest son of William, was born at Paxinos, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1801. He married Catharine, daughter of John Persing. She was born in 1806, and is now living and resides with her son Isaac N. in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. By this union they were the parents of thirteen children: Mary A., wife of J. H. Reed; Lemuel; Rev. William P., of California; Benjamin F.; deceased; Alfred, who was killed at Cedar Mountain, member of the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Harriet, deceased; Susan, wife of Daniel Adams; Isaac N., of Columbia county; Matthias, of Ralpho township; Katie, deceased; John H., of Michigan; Antoinette, wife of H. B. Soult, of Elysburg, and Matilda, wife of Theodore Clayton, of Riverside. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder fifty years. He died in August, 1883. LEMUEL TEITSWORTH, eldest son of Isaac, was born, January 15, 1828. He was reared a farmer, and educated in the common schools of the township and Danville Academy. He learned the trade of tanner, and in 1852 located at Elysburg and erected a tannery, which he operated fifteen years. In 1867 he retired from business, purchased his present farm of one hundred acres, and has since been engaged in farming. He was married in 1854 to Elizabeth, daughter of William H. Davidson, of Catawissa township, Columbia county, and by this marriage they have two children: Alverda C., wife of J. L. Wolverton, and Ellen E., wife of S. C. Wolf, of Iowa. Mr. Teitsworth is a member of the Presbyterian church of Elysburg, and has taken great interest in the erection of the new church edifice erected this year, being one of the building committee. Politically he is a Republican. He is also one of the promoters of the Pine Hill cemetery. END OF PAGE 1178 MATHIAS TEITSWORTH, sixth son of Isaac, was born upon the farm where he now resides, October 25, 1840, and is a farmer by occupation. He was drafted in 1862, assigned to the One Hundred and Seventy-second Pennsylvania Militia, and served nine months. He was married in 1865 to Lena S., daughter of John C. Myers, of Columbia county, and they are the parents of eight living children: Alfred; Harvey B.; William M.; Amos; Maggie M.; Josiah B.; Preston, and Della. Mr. Teitsworth is a member of the Presbyterian church, of the Elysburg Lodge, I.O.O.F., also of the P.O.S. of A., and in politics is a Republican. OBADIAH CAMPBELL, a native of New Jersey, removed to Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1779, and located in Ralpho township. He purchased a tract of land containing four hundred acres, upon part of which the village of Elysburg is built. He built his log cabin upon the site of the present residence of Davis Huff, which was the homestead of the Campbells for several generations. His children were: Benjamin; John; James; Robert; Albert; Jane, who became the wife of Caleb Ely, and Joanna, who married George Ely. He was a Presbyterian in faith, and one of the organizers of a church in his new settlement. Politically he was a Democrat, and a zealous exponent of the principles of his party, of which he was a leader in his locality. OBADIAH CAMPBELL, fifth son of Obadiah, Sr., and father of the present member of the family of that name, was born in New Jersey, in 1776. He was reared upon the homestead in Ralpho township. He purchased a large tract of timber land in Columbia county, to which place he removed, erected a saw mill, and engaged in the lumber business, which he continued until his death in 1865. He inherited from his father strong Democratic principles, and while he would never hold office, he was a power in the local councils of his party. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and held official positions in the same. He married Elizabeth daughter of Nicholas Shipman, one of the pioneer families of New Jersey who settled in Rockefeller township, Northumberland county. She bore him four sons and six daughters: Nicholas; Mary, deceased wife of William Thompson; Hannah, deceased wife of James Hile; Jane, deceased wife of Elijah Yocum; Obadiah S.; Elizabeth, deceased wife of James Fox; Joanna, widow of John McMurtrie; John; Sarah, deceased wife of Shultz Knittle, and James J., of Columbia county. OBADIAH S. CAMPBELL, oldest son of Obadiah, Jr., was born, November 25, 1816. He was reared upon the homestead and educated in the township schools. He followed the occupation of a millwright, and was engaged in the building of grist and saw mills throughout Lycoming, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Schuylkill counties thirty-five years. A part of this time Mr. Campbell was a resident of Columbia county. In 1856 he retired from active business life and settled upon his farm in Ralpho township, END OF PAGE 1179 purchased in connection with his brother-in-law, James Fox, in 1852, and was engaged in farming until the spring of 1889, when he retired from all business, and is now living in Elysburg. In politics Mr. Campbell is a Democrat, and in 1865 was elected justice of the peace, in which office he served ten years. He has been a member of the school board and has served in the various township offices. In his religious faith he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a class leader ten years. He is connected with the I.O.O.F. Mr. Campbell was married, January 9, 1840, to Eliza, daughter of John Teats, and they are the parents of six children: Almira, wife of Samuel Swank; Oliver, of Michigan; John; Clemens M.; Edgar B., of Sunbury, and Iva, wife of Oliver Brady. Mr. Campbell is one of the township's oldest and most respected citizens, and is always ready to assist any enterprise that will tend to the public good, a warm friend of the cause of education, and a liberal contributor to religious and charitable purposes. JACOB PENSYL (Bentzel), a native of Germany, was one of the pioneers of Northumberland county. His first settlement was on the site of what is now the borough of Shamokin, where he took up fifty acres of land, located where the Eagle Hotel now stands. He subsequently abandoned this tract and took up a two-hundred-acre tract, where David R. Pensyl now resides in Ralpho township. He had one son, John, who was nine years of age when his father settled in what is now Shamokin, and from him the Pensyls of Northumberland county have descended. John married Barbara Hinkle, by whom he had five children: Kate, who married Frederick Lebic; Leah, who married John Fisher; John; George, and Leonard, all deceased. He died upon the homestead in Ralpho township in April, 1849. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and was one of the organizers and original members of the old Blue church of Ralpho township. He donated one acre of ground for church purposes, upon which the church edifice stands today. LEONARD PENSYL, deceased, the youngest son of John and Barbara (Hinkle) Pensyl, and grandson of Jacob Pensyl, was born upon the homestead in Ralpho township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1804. He was a farmer by occupation. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick William Kaseman, of Ralpho township, and by this union they were the parents of two sons and one daughter: Daniel, deceased; David R., of Ralpho township, and Sarah A., wife of D. H. Adams, of Ralpho township. Mr. Pensyl's death occurred, October 31, 1884; his wife survived him. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and served as deacon and elder twenty-one years; in politics he was a Democrat. DAVID R. PENSYL, farmer, is a son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Kaseman) Pensyl, and a great-grandson of Jacob Pensyl. He was born in 1835 upon the old Pensyl homestead, and to him has descended the patrimonial estate, END OF PAGE 1180 upon which his progenitor, Jacob, settled over one hundred years ago, where he now resides. Mr. Pensyl was reared a farmer, having over two hundred acres of land, and is still engaged in that pursuit. He received a common school education, and in 1857 engaged in the mercantile business, which he conducted two years. He married in 1859 Carolina, daughter of Joseph Fry, and they are the parents of ten living children: Joseph; Lenora, wife of E. D. Smink; Laura, wife of J. B. Hill; Leonard; David; Lizzie; Hannah; Cora; Oscar W., and Carrie F. Politically Mr. Pensyl is a pronounced Democrat, and while he manifests great interest in the success of his party, he has never sought public office. He is a member of the old Blue church founded by his great-grandfather, is connected with Shamokin Lodge, F. & A.M., and is also a member of the Conclave. GEORGE PENSYL, deceased, was born in Ralpho township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 1, 1799, son of John and Barbara (Hinkle) Pensyl, and grandson of Jacob Pensyl. In his early life he was engaged upon the Centre turnpike, between Northumberland and Reading. He subsequently purchased a small tract of land situated in Ralpho township where Benjamin Adams now resides. He afterwards purchased the Jacob Keller farm, where he lived until the death of his wife, when he took up his residence with his daughter, who married Benjamin Adams; there he died, June 11, 1885. He was a member of the German Reformed church, of which he was an elder, and politically a Democrat. He married Mary, daughter of Jacob Keller, and their children were: Mary, wife of Benjamin Adams; Leonard, deceased; George, deceased; Hannah, deceased, who married David Fry; Leah, wife of Lewis Hoffman; Solomon, of Rush township; Jacob, of Rush township; Jeremiah, of Rush township; Daniel, of Columbia county; John, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; Henry, of Shamokin township; Susanna, deceased, who married Peter Adams, and Elizabeth, who married Cyrus Burkhart. HENRY PENSYL, farmer and insurance agent, is the youngest son of George and Mary (Keller) Pensyl, and great-grandson of Jacob Pensyl. He was born in Ralpho township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1844. He was educated in the common schools, and was engaged in farming upon the homestead and other places until 1873, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, situated one half-mile south of Snydertown. He is also the general agent for Shamokin township for the Shamokin Township Insurance Company. He has filled the office of constable for his township for the years 1883-85, and was elected as supervisor in 1887, 1888, and 1890. He was married in 1868 to Matilda, daughter of Samuel Mutchler, of Montour county, and they are the parents of four living children: Everett C.; Kate M; Lottie M., and Mellie. In politics Mr. Pensyl is a Democrat, and he is a treasurer and one of the board of trustees of the Stonington Methodist Episcopal church. END OF PAGE 1181 WILLIAM PENSYL, tanner and farmer, was born in Rush township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1835, son of John and Mary (Arter) Pensyl. He was reared upon the homestead farm and learned the trade of tanner with Charles Hull, for whom he worked several years. In 1857 he formed a partnership with William Hull in the tannery business situated in Ralpho township, which he subsequently purchased and enlarged, and which now has a capacity of one hundred hides per week. In connection with the tannery he has a farm of two hundred acres. Mr. Pensyl was married, June 28, 1860, to Harriet, daughter of Isaac Hull, of Ralpho township, who died, August 10, 1889, leaving five daughters: M. Laura; Estella V.; Anna M.; Viola, and Carrie B. In politics Mr. Pensyl is a Republican; he has filled many township offices and has served upon the school board of his township. In religious faith he is a member of the Baptist church, and one of the trustees. He is also a member of Elysburg Ledge, F. &.A.M. THE MILLER FAMILY. George Miller, who is commonly called "Hunter George," immigrated from Germany some time in 1700. He settled near Hamburg, Berks county, Pennsylvania. He had several children, but nothing is known of them by his descendants, with the exception of John Miller, who settled in Shamokin township prior to 1785. He owned about thirteen hundred acres of land situated upon the Centre pike. He built his log house on the south side of the road opposite where George W. Miller now resides. He married, in 1785, Catherine Raber, who was born, September 26, 1769, by whom he had two sons and two daughters: George and David, both deceased; Elizabeth, who was twice married, first to a Mr. Rockefeller, and second to a Mr. Wilhour, and Sarah, who married a Mr. Miller. Before his death John Miller divided his property between his sons, David taking the land on the south side of the valley and George that on the north side. George, the eldest son, was born, June 13, 1794, upon the homestead. He married, December 23, 1820, Mary M., daughter of George and Elizabeth Stezler, and by this marriage they had twelve children: Elizabeth, who married Daniel Smith; Catherine, who married Silas Farrow; Dr. John J., deceased; Rosetta, who married Samuel Lewis; Amandus, of Shamokin township; Russia, deceased, who married Dr. Aaron Savidge; Juliann, who married Ephraim Baker; Allison R., deceased; William J.; Clara L., deceased wife of Dr. Isaac Huff; Emma, who married John Epler, and one who died in infancy. Previous to the construction of the Centre turnpike this locality was not developed to any extent. Mr. Miller obtained a contract for constructing two miles of the pike; he then built the buildings where George Miller now resides, and opened a hotel, which he conducted, in connection with his farm, until the railroad was built. George Miller was one of the enterprising men of his day, and filled many township offices. Politically he was a Democrat. He died, July 24, 1880, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, his wife following three weeks later. END OF PAGE 1182 AMANDUS MILLER, second son of George Miller, was born, September 13, 1828, upon the homestead. He received a common school education and early in life commenced teaching in the public schools, and through life has been a warm friend to the cause of education, having filled the office of treasurer of the school board for years. Mr. Miller is extensively engaged in farming, cultivating some four hundred acres. He married Hannah J., daughter of John Wolverton, of Shamokin township, and by this marriage they have had ten children: Florence V., deceased; Mary I., wife of J. M. Kline; George W.; Silas W.; Laura E.; Julia F., wife of Ellworth Dyer, of Elysburg, Pennsylvania; John A., deceased; Charles A.; Cordelia, and Lulu V. Politically Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and while he has never sought public office, he is a man of influence in his vicinity; in religious faith he is a Lutheran. GEORGE W. MILLER, eldest son of Amandus and Hannah J. (Wolverton) Miller, was born, April 21, 1857, upon the homestead. He attended the public schools and Lewisburg Academy. After completing his education, he leased his grandfather's farm and cultivated it four years, and taught in the public schools eight winters. In 1885 he and his brother, Silas W., purchased their grandfather's farm, containing one hundred thirty-five acres, and divided the land, George W. retaining the homestead. Mr. Miller was married, September 30, 1880, to Rosanna, daughter of Thomas P. Vastine, of Montour county, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of four children: Gussie M.; Florence V.; David O., and Ruth A. Mr. Miller is one of the leading Democrats of the township, and is now filling the office of overseer of the poor. In religions belief he is a Lutheran, and one of the prominent citizens of the township. THE JOHN FAMILY of Northumberland county are a branch of a Welsh family that settled in Chester county in the early colonial days of our State. Their ancestor, Griffith John, Sr., was born in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, in 1683. With many others of his locality, he immigrated to Pennsylvania, taking passage in a slow sailing vessel that was several months in making the voyage. He landed in Philadelphia, February 11, 1709, and went to one of the Welsh townships which was a part of a district then known as the Welsh Barony. This section was principally settled by his countrymen, at that time called "ye ancient Britons." On the 23d of July, 1714, he was married to Ann Williams, daughter of Robert Williams, surnamed "the king of Goshen." About 1715, under the auspices of David Lloyd, the keeper of the Great Seal, Uwchlan township was settled, and among the first purchasers of farms were Griffith John, Sr., Noble Butler, Robert Benson, Cadwallader Evans, and others. The fruits of his marriage were twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all of whom reached mature years except one son that died in childhood. Most of his children settled in other parts of the State, but his son Griffith John, Jr., remained on the Uwchlan farm and took END OF PAGE 1183 care of his parents in their declining years. Griffith John, Sr., united with the Society of Friends soon after his arrival in the colony and became a prominent minister of that sect. He stood well in his church, and after his death a testimony relating to him was published by his monthly meeting. He lived in great simplicity and plainness and was a lover of peace and labored to promote good feeling among his neighbors. At the advanced age of ninety years he was a constant attendant at his church and was a minister of the saints for over seventy years. He died, May 29, 1778, aged ninety-five years. GRIFFITH JOHN, JR., the seventh child of Griffith John, the emigrant, was born in Uwchlan township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1729. He inherited his father's farm and was a farmer by occupation. On the 13th of March, l752, he married Sarah Lloyd, daughter of Humphrey Lloyd, and reared a family of eight children, consisting of one son and seven daughters, one son having died in infancy. During the Revolutionary war, while both armies were for some time within a few miles of his home, he seems to have been fortunate in not suffering any losses thereby. His children, when grown up and married, all migrated to what was then Northumberland county about 1795, and settled at various points. Upon the death of his wife he sold his farm, and a few years afterwards moved to Shamokin township, and lived with his only son, Abia John. He died, August 21, 1811, aged eighty-two years, and was buried at Roaring Creek burying ground. ABIA JOHN, the only son who grew to maturity of Griffith John, the farmer, and grandson of Griffith John, the emigrant, was born on the old homestead in Uwchlan township, Chester county, November 26, 1761. He was reared on the farm, but acquired a good business education. On the 8th of March, 1785, he married Martha, daughter of his uncle, Reuben John. In 1795 he moved to Northumberland county and reached Shamokin township on May 5th of the same year. He rented rooms from one of the first settlers and went right in the woods and took up a tract of land. He put up a small log house and commenced clearing off his farm. The country was infested with wild animals, and for some years the nights were made hideous by their screams and howls. The scanty products of his place that he had to spare were hauled over miserable mountain roads to Reading, where they were sold and exchanged for articles of food and clothing. But he was a man of determination and succeeded in life. He was a practical surveyor and conveyancer, and soon acquired a very extensive business. In 1809 Governor Snyder appointed him a justice of the peace, which office he held until 1830, and did a very large business. He was a man of integrity and excellent judgment, and his counsel was regarded as safe to be followed. He was held in high esteem by the court and attorneys at the county seat. He became an extensive land holder, and retired from business in his old days in comfortable circumstances. In religious faith both he and his wife END OF PAGE 1184 were Quakers. His wife was a woman of more than common ability and under favorable surroundings would have been noted for her intelligence. He left thirteen children, all of whom reached their majority. They were as follows: Asa T.; Hiram; Emily, who married Levi Hughes, and after his death Abisha Thomas; Griffith; Reuben; Lydia, who married John Wolverton, and after his death Amos Yarnall; Sarah; Jesse J.; Elida; Samuel; Jehu; Eliza, and Perry, all of whom are dead excepting the last mentioned. Abia John died, April 27, 1838, and was buried at Catawissa. His wife died, November 10, 1840, and was buried at the same place. ASA TOWNSEND JOHN, the oldest child of Abia John, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1788, and came with his father to Northumberland county in 1795. He was reared on a farm, and secured a fair education for those pioneer days. In 1810 be married Mary Thomas, who bore him the following children; Abia; Enoch, who died at an early age; Townsend, who died at the age of twenty; Joseph T.; Jesse G., deceased, a late resident of Mt. Carmel, and at one time chief burgess of that town; Ann, who married John Kester, now a resident of Philadelphia, and Amos Y. All of these children are dead. Abia John is noted as the first person who taught school in the town of Shamokin. Joseph T. lived on the old homestead, and his widow is still residing there. Asa T. John was a farmer by occupation, and also a tanner, having started a small tannery on his farm about 1825. The sole leather from this tannery was noted for its enduring qualities, and was in great demand among the pioneers of that vicinity. He was one of the original members of the Society of Friends established in Ralpho township, and died, February 2, 1868, aged eighty years. JESSE JONES JOHN, the fifth son of Abia John, was born in Shamokin (now Ralpho) township, Northumberland county, March 9, 1803. He acquired a good practical education and excelled in mathematical studies. He was a teacher for several years, and subsequently became engaged in surveying and engineering. About 1828 he assisted in making the first experimental survey for a railroad from Pottsville to Danville. At this period he surveyed a number of coal land tracts in and about Shamokin, and acquired an interest in the old forge near Paxinos. In October, 1828, he married Eliza V. Hicks, only daughter of Dr. Gilbert E. Hicks, of Catawissa, a noted practitioner of those times. By this marriage one son was born, Dr. J. J. John, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch died, September 2, 1829, aged twenty-six years, and was interred at Catawissa in the Friends' burying ground. His widow married, in 1839, John Walter, of Chester county, and resided on the old homestead near Bear Gap until her death, February 15, 1889. ELIDA JOHN, the ninth child of Abia John, was born upon the old homestead in Shamokin (now Ralpho) township, Northumberland county, August END OF PAGE 1185 29, 1805. He acquired a fair business education, and taught school during the winter seasons for several years. He served as justice of the peace, was a surveyor, and was much occupied in settling up various estates. While quite a young man he married Sarah Hughes, of the same township, and reared a family of ten children: Palemon, founder of the Bloomsburg Republican: Edwin; Martha; Abia C.; Ruth A.; Hugh; Chalkley, Sallie; George D., and Emma. When the school system was adopted in Shamokin township, Elida John was one of the first directors, and all through life took an active interest in educational matters. About 1840 he commenced taking an active part in the anti-slavery movement, and speakers who advocated those doctrines and were mobbed for so doing were protected by him. On several occasions his home furnished refuge for escaped slaves, and his house was recognized as a station on the Underground railroad. He was always an active temperance worker, was a leading member of the Society of Friends, and frequently represented his society in yearly meetings at Philadelphia. Mr. John was one of the first directors of the Shamokin Bank, and was well and favorably known throughout the county. In 1868 he removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he purchased considerable land, and died there in 1883. Nearly all of his children are residents of that State. PERRY JOHN, farmer, was born in what is now Ralpho township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, the youngest son of Abia and Martha John. He was reared upon the farm, and learned the wheelwright trade with Ezra Hayhurst, of Catawissa, and subsequently purchased the business, which he conducted some years, when he established his business near Paxinos, which he conducted thirty years. Mr. John, like his father, has always been a member of the Society of Friends, and in 1843 in connection with his brothers organized the Friends' society of Ralpho township, and about 1844 erected the meeting house. Mr. John is a minister of the society. has preached in different localities for a number of years, and is the only living representative of the original congregation organized nearly fifty years ago. He was married in 1837 to Annie, daughter of Ezra Eves, of Millville, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, who died in 1859, leaving one child, who is deceased. In 1842 he married Rebecca, daughter of Z. Underwood, of Centre county, Pennsylvania, who died in 1877; by this union there were two children: Griffith and William. Mr. John is one of the oldest living residents of what is now Ralpho township. In the community in which he has spent his life he is much respected for his consistency of character, and beloved for his kind nature. In early life he was a Whig, and since the formation of the Republican party he has been a member of that organization, but has never sought or accepted public office of any kind. Griffith, the eldest son, was born in Ralpho township in 1843. He was educated in the public schools, and at the age of eighteen years commenced teaching in the public and private schools in various parts of the State, END OF PAGE 1186 which was his occupation for more than twenty years. He is also a member of the Society of Friends, and in his political affiliations a Republican. William was born on the homestead and received his education at the public schools, and has followed teaching and farming. He was married in 1875 to Ruth Roberts, who died in 1879, leaving four children: Mary; Rebecca; Rachel, and Ruth. He, like his father and brother, is a member of the Society of Friends, and in his political affiliations a Republican. Mrs. ELIZA V. WALTER was born at Catawissa, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1802, and died at her residence, on Runnymede farm, three miles east of Elysburg, February 15,1889, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, one month, and seventeen days. She was descended from a branch of an old English family that came to America with the Pilgrims. On the 11th day of June, 1621, the ship Fortune arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, direct from London, bringing over the balance of the Pilgrim colony that the Mayflower was unable to carry the year previous. Among the colonists on board of the Fortune was Robert Hicks, the ancestor of the Hicks family in America. His settlement in the new world was only fourteen years later than the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. He was a lineal descendant of Ellis Hicks, who was knighted on the battle field of Poitiers in France by the Black Prince in 1356. Mrs. Walter was the only daughter of Dr. Gilbert E. Hicks, a prominent physician some sixty years ago. She received an excellent education from such teachers as Mrs. Paxson and Ellis Hughes, both noted as instructors. She was not only well versed in the English classics and standard authors of that period, but kept herself posted on the passing events of the times by closely reading the newspapers. She was an occasional contributor to the Shamokin Herald during the time it was published by O. M. Fowler. Mrs. Walter was a lifelong member of the Society of Friends, and on several occasions represented her society at the Philadelphia yearly meeting. She was liberal and conservative in her religious opinions and was firmly settled in her convictions. She was twice married; first to Jesse Jones John, having one son, Dr. J. J. John, of Shamokin; and afterwards to John Walter, of Chester county. By the second marriage she had three children: W. E. Walter, of Ralpho township, now deceased, Mary Emma Walter, of Catawissa, and Anna M. Ormsby, of Philadelphia. She continued quite active and enjoyed good health until a few days before her death. She was buried at the ancient burial ground of the Friends at Catawissa, where a large number of her kindred are at rest. THE MUENCH FAMILY. Charles F. Muench was a descendant of a French family of nobility by the name of Beauvoir. He probably crossed the French line into Germany prior to the French Revolution, and took the name of his patrimonial estate "Munchhofen." He was born at Mellenheim, on the Rhine, January 7, 1769, and was educated at Heidelburg, where he END OF PAGE 1187 spent fourteen years preparing for the ministry, learning five different languages. He inherited a large fortune and a landed estate. Marshall Jourdan under orders of the French Directory (then the ruling power in France), invaded that section of the country, when, in defense of his country, Charles E. raised a company of dragoons, and in an engagement with the French his left arm was so terribly injured that it became partly useless. His portion of Germany being over-run, and in possession of the French troops, he gathered together his personal property, abandoned his landed estate, and sailed for America. On the voyage they were overtaken by a French privateer, and all their valuables taken from them. Penniless he landed in Philadelphia with his wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Bieser, and eldest daughter. Unable to obtain employment he drifted to Shafferstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. Here, February 10, 1799, his eldest son, William Henry, was born. From Shafferstown they removed to different points in Pennsylvania, locating in Lykens valley, near Berrysburg, where Charles E. Muench engaged in school teaching. His family consisted of seven children: Juliana, born in Germany, who married Jacob Wolf; William H.; Charles F.; Susan, wife of Jacob Reigle; Jacob D., all deceased; Daniel A., of Harrisburg, and Margaret, deceased wife of Peter K. Miller. Charles E. died at Lykens valley, Dauphin county, in 1833, and his wife in 1834, both aged sixty-four years. WILLIAM HENRY MUENCH was born a cripple, and his parents gave him as good education as possible, a want of means limiting it to English and German. In 1819 Rev. J. P. Shindel proposed that William H. come to Shamokin valley to teach those branches. He located at Reed's Station, where he taught twenty-four years at the same place. He was appointed by Governor Shultz justice of the peace for Shamokin township, which once included Shamokin, Ralpho, Zerbe, Coal, Mt. Carmel, and Cameron townships, which position he filled thirty years, during which time he married eighty-nine couples, and was known as the "marrying squire." Being an expert and elegant pensman, this opened the way for the use of the pen, and he transacted an immense amount of business, making out deeds and mortgages for the early settlers. He served as county commissioner and in all the township offices, and was a man of extensive acquaintance and the early friend of General Simon Cameron. He married in 1820 Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Reed; his death occurred, September 8, 1885. He was an elder and leading supporter of the German Reformed church. JACOB E. MUENCH was born at the old homestead, September 29, 1823, only child of William Henry and Elizabeth (Reed) Muench. When a young man he taught in the township schools a number of years, but his principal occupation has been that of a farmer, in which business he is extensively engaged. In his early life he was prominently connected with the State militia, serving fourteen years. He was appointed by Governor Johnston END OF PAGE 1188 Page 1189 contains a portrait of Jacob E. Muench. Page 1190 is blank. first lieutenant, subsequently elected major, and in 1853 was appointed brigadier general by Governor Bigler. Mr. Muench is a Republican in his political sentiments; he served in the office of county auditor from 1873 to 1875, and as township auditor several terms. Mr. Muench has always been an earnest friend to the cause of education, filling the office of school director, of which board he was secretary eighteen consecutive years. In 1886 he was elected justice of the peace, and is now serving in that office. He is a member of the German Reformed church, of which he has been an elder five years. He was married, December 3, 1854, to Lavinia Scholl, who died, September 1, 1862, leaving three children: Mary E., wife of Jacob S. Rohrbach, of Shamokin township; William F., deceased, and Emma E., wife of Reuben F. Martz, of Shamokin township. November 28, 1878, he married Hattie S., daughter of John Cooper, of Upper Augusta township. THE VASTINE FAMILY. WILLIAM VASTINE, deceased, was born in Rush township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1810, son of John and Catharine (Osborne) Vastine. He settled at the age of twenty-one years on the farm where Simon Vastine now lives, and was a farmer and distiller by occupation. He was a large land owner, cultivating some four hundred acres. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics was a prominent Whig and Republican. He married in 1832 Elizabeth, daughter of John Hursh, and their children were: Amos; Jacob H.; Hugh; Simon; Ezra; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Joseph Oglesby, and Daniel. He died in 1859; his widow survived him until the spring of 1890. AMOS VASTINE, deceased, was born in Rush township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1813, son of John and Catharine (Osborne) Vastine. In his youth he came to what is now Ralpho township with his uncle, Thomas Vastine, who settled upon the land now in possession of his daughter, Catharine Persing. His principal business was farming, but at one time he was engaged in the mercantile business at Paxinos. His farming pursuits were extensive, as he owned some six hundred acres of land. Mr. Vastine also owned large real estate interests in Mt. Carmel. He was one of the promoters of the Mt. Carmel Savings Bank, of which he was president from its organization until his death. He was also one of the organizers of the Shamokin Township Fire Insurance Company, of which he was treasurer at the time of his death. Politically he was a Republican, and was county commissioner from 1871 to 1874. He married in 1837 Susan, daughter of Felix Lerch, and by this union they were the parents of six children, four of whom are living: John, of Ralpho township; Thomas, of Ralpho township; Catharine, wife of E. S. Persing, of Ralpho township, and Hattie, wife of William Metz, of Mt Carmel. The deceased are Sarah and Felix. Mr. Vastine's death occurred, November 15, 1889, his wife having died, July 12, 1888. He was a self-educated man, and a man of rare shrewdness and sagacity in all business relations. He was well read, END OF PAGE 1191 and kept himself well informed on all current events and important questions of the day. He brought to bear during his active life application, vigor, and fidelity, which brought to him many trusts of a public and private nature. In his religious preferences he was a Baptist, of which church he was an attendant. He was a warm friend to the cause of education, and served many terms upon the school board of Ralpho township. JOHN VASTINE, eldest son of Amos and Susan (Lerch) Vastine, was born upon the homestead farm, November 16, 1844. He was educated at the public schools, and in 1870 settled upon his present farm of two hundred acres, where he has since resided engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married, February 11, 1869, to Kate, daughter of the late John Bird, of Shamokin. Politically Mr. Vastine is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran church. THOMAS VASTINE, second son of Amos and Susan (Lerch) Vastine, was born upon the homestead farm, October 24, 1847. His early education was obtained at the common schools and completed at Dickinson Seminary, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and Lewisburg Academy. He has always followed farming as an occupation. In 1877 he located upon his present place of one hundred fifteen acres. He was married, January 26, 1871, to Lizzie, daughter of William Haas, and by this union they have had five children, two of whom are living: Amos and Hattie. In his political connection Mr. Vastine is a Republican, and always manifests an interest in the success of his party. In religions faith he is a Lutheran. JOHN BOUGHNER, deceased, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and in 1814 removed to Snydertown, Pennsylvania. In the same year he enlisted in a company organized at Snydertown in defense of Erie. He was a tanner by trade, but after his settlement at Snydertown engaged in the carpenter business, which he conducted until his death. He was one of the enterprising men of his locality, and held many minor township offices. He married Margaret Colkie, a native of New Jersey, and they are the parents of six children: Peter; Mahlon, deceased; Charity, who married Jonas Gilger: Susanna, who also married Jonas Gilger; Andrew J., deceased, and William, deceased. Mr. Boughner was a Republican in politics. PETER BOUGHNER, retired. was born, January 23, 1816, at Snydertown, Pennsylvania, son of John and Margaret (Colkie) Boughner. He received such education as the subscription schools of that period afforded, and subsequently learned the carpenter trade with his father. After acquiring his trade he settled in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, entered the employ of the railroad company. and later was placed in charge of repairs and construction from Sunbury to Mt. Carmel. After the road passed into the hands of the Northern Central, and the new road was laid out, Mr. Boughner in connection with Mr. Dunkelberger laid the track from Shamokin to Mt. Carmel, under contract. In 1850 he was placed in charge of grading and construc- END OF PAGE 1192 tion of the streets of Trevorton. With the exception of this period of eighteen months Mr. Boughner was in the employ of the Northern Central Railway Company thirty years. Boughner & Gilger built the first breaker at Luke Fidler mine and Cleaver & Boughner the first two at Locust Gap. Mr. Boughner was married in 1837 to Margaret, daughter of John Repley, who died in 1877; by this union they were the parents of six children Henry; Joseph; John, deceased; Katherine, deceased; Lucy, wife of Hoffman Reed, and Somerfield. Mr. Boughner finally retired from active business and purchased the farm where he now resides. He was one of the charter members of Shamokin Lodges, F. & A.M. and I.O.O.F., and in politics he is a pronounced Republican. SEBASTIAN BOUGHNER, deceased, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He enlisted in the regular army and served at Fort Erie with a company from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and at the close of his term of enlistment he settled at Snydertown, Pennsylvania, and engaged at the carpenter business. He subsequently removed to Sunbury, where he died. He married Abbie Snyder, and to this marriage were born five children: Rebecca; Isaac; Silas; Harriet, and Lydia. SOLOMON MARTZ, farmer, was born in Upper Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1818, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Fagely) Martz. His paternal grandfather was David Martz, who, with his brother Jacob, came from Berks county towards the close of the last century, and settled on Shamokin creek, three miles south of Sunbury. David was a blacksmith, and engaged in that business in connection with farming. He married Barbara Miller, and to this union were born five sons and two daughters: David; Henry; Peter; Abraham, and George, all of whom, with the exception of Henry, removed to Dayton, Ohio, where they died. The daughters were Susan, who married John Richstine, and Elizabeth, who became the wife of Abraham Arter. Henry, the father of our subject, was born upon the homestead in Shamokin township, Northumberland county. He was a farmer by occupation, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Christian and Magdalena Fagely, pioneers of Shamokin township. Their children were: Hettie; Katie; Mary Ann, and George, all deceased; Solomon, and Nathan. Both the parents died in Shamokin and are buried at St. Peter's graveyard. When a youth of seven years the subject of this sketch went to live with his uncle, Solomon Fagely, of Shamokin township, with whom he remained until he was eighteen years old, when he entered the employ of his uncles, Amos, George, and Nathan Fagely, as a clerk in their store at Mauch Chunk, where he remained sixteen months, when he returned to Shamokin and entered the employ of William and Reuben Fagely, with whom he remained one year. He then went to Mt. Carmel, and was employed by Solomon Fagely, who kept a tavern there, remaining with him one year. At this period a stage line was started between Mt. Carmel and Shamokin, and END OF PAGE 1193 he was appointed driver and mail carrier, which position he filled a few months. He was then appointed to the same position on the stage line between Pottsville and Northumberland, where he remained one year, and is the last living representative of that useful class in that vicinity. He returned to Shamokin and was elected supervisor of Coal township, having charge of the roads from Mt. Carmel to Trevorton, which position he filled two years. At this time he received a contract from William and Reuben Fagely for hauling coal over the railroad from Shamokin to Sunbury, and was engaged at this seven years, when he settled upon his present farm at Reed's Station. Mr. Martz was married, April 6, 1841, to Hannah, daughter of John Reed, of Shamokin township. They are the parents of seven children: Isabella, deceased; Sophronia, deceased; George; Reuben; John Henry; Jesse, and William F., deceased. In his political affiliations Mr. Martz is a stalwart Republican, and has always taken great interest in the success of his party. He has never desired any public office, but consented to serve in the office of overseer of the poor for one year since he has been a resident of Shamokin township. In religious belief he is a German Reformed, of which church he and family are attendants. When Jacob's Lutheran and Reformed church was rebuilt in 1870 Mr. Martz contributed the necessary amount of brick, one hundred thousand, for that purpose, and his children contributed the money, twelve hundred dollars, to erect the steeple. Mr. Martz's liberal disposition has prompted him through life to extend a helping hand to those in need, and he is respected for his open-heartedness and philanthropic nature, which has contributed in no small degree to his standing as a citizen and success as a man. SAMUEL SOBER, deceased, a native of New Jersey, settled in Shamokin township shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War. He purchased a tract of land containing about seven hundred acres, situated where the Sober brothers now reside. He married a Miss Moore, a resident of Shamokin township. His children were: John; Michael: Susan, who married Morris Smith; Alexander; Isaac, and Aaron. His death occurred about 1820. ISAAC SOBER, deceased, was the fourth son of Samuel Sober, Sr. He was born, February 23, 1814, upon the homestead in Shamokin township. He received such education as the schools of those days afforded, and was reared a farmer, which occupation he followed through life. He inherited the home-stead farm which is now in the possession of his family. Mr. Sober was one of the enterprising men of his day; a warm friend of education, he spent a good deal of time and money in establishing the public school system in Shamokin township and served on the school board many years. In politics he was a pronounced Democrat, and in religious faith a Presbyterian. Mr. Sober married in 1837 Mary, daughter of George Krickbaum, who survives him. By this union they were the parents of the following children: Freeman W., of Virginia; Harriet, wife of Samuel Swineheart, of Shamokin END OF PAGE 1194 township; Coleman K., of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; Clinton D., of Shamokin township; Isabella, wife of Francis Geiger, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania; Barbara A., wife of Mahlon Moyer of Shamokin; Amanda, wife of George Startzel, of Shamokin; M. L., of Shamokin township; Martha S. Adaline, deceased, who married A. J. Campbell, and Clara, wife of Doctor Hollenback of Shamokin. Mr. Sober died in 1882. ALEXANDER SOBER, deceased, was born in Shamokin township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania upon the homestead farm in 1807, son of Samuel Sober, Sr. He was a farmer throughout life, and inherited a portion of the homestead farm. He married Mary Fay, who bore him ten children: Samuel; Beulah; Uriah; Abram; Morris; Isaac; Mary A.; Susanna; Joseph, and William. Mr. Sober died in 1869. SAMUEL SOBER, the eldest son of Alexander and Mary (Fay) Sober, was born in Shamokin township in 183l. He was reared a farmer, which occupation he followed through life. He married, February 10, 1857, Sarah Bloom, and by this union they are the parents of three children: Jeannetta; Ursula, and U. W. Politically Mr. Sober is a Democrat, and one of the respected citizens of Shamokin township. CLINTON D. SOBER, farmer, was born, August 12, 1844, son of Isaac and Mary (Krickbaum) Sober. He was educated in the public schools and reared upon the homestead farm. He married Maggie, daughter of Rev. J. W. Swank, of Lancaster City, Pennsylvania. In 1878, in connection with his brother, Martin L., they formed the firm of Sober Brothers, and are engaged in farming and the lumber business. Politically Mr. Sober is a Democrat and is one of the enterprising business men of Northumberland county. MARTIN LUTHER SOBER, farmer and lumber dealer, was born in 1851, son of Isaac and Mary (Krickbaum) Sober. He received his education at the common schools, and his early life was spent upon the homestead engaged in farming. In 1878 he associated himself with his brother, Clinton D., under the firm name of Sober Brothers, farmers and lumber dealers. He married Sarah A., daughter of John Fisher, and they are the parents of four children: Albert; Zella; Cora, and Gertie. Politically he is a warm Democrat, and one of the pushing and enterprising business men of the county.