Floyd's Northumberland County Genealogy  Pages 1 thru 23

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	JOHN B. PACKER. The Packers trace their descent from Philip Packer, 
a native of England, who came to America and located in New Jersey, near 
Princeton. He married Rebecca Jones, a native of Philadelphia.
	Philip Packer (2), son of Philip and Rebecca (Jones) Packer, lived 
for a time in the forks of Cooper's creek, opposite Kensington, 
Philadelphia, later removing to the vicinity of Yellow Springs in 
Chester county, Pa.  He married Ann Coates, a native of Ireland. 
	James Packer, eldest son of Philip (2) and Ann Packer, was born 
near Princeton, N. J., on the 4th of the 2d month, 1725, and died Jan. 
10, 1805, in Howard township, Center Co., Pa., whither he had moved 
about 1794.  On Jan. 1, 1752, at East Cain meeting-house, in Chester 
county, Pa., he married Rose Mendenhall, who survived him, dying at Bald 
Eagle, Clinton Co., Pa.; in June, 1824, at the advanced age of ninety-
one.
	Amos Packer, fifth in the family of James and Rose (Mendenhall) 
Packer, was born Jan. 30, 1759, in Chester county, Pa., and married 
Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Joseph and Lydia Jones.
	Samuel J. Packer, seventh child of Amos and Elizabeth, (Jones) 
Packer, was born March 23, 1799, in Howard township, Center Co., Pa.  He 
received a good education for the day, attending a local school of the 
Society of Friends, under the superintendence of his father, and while 
still a boy commenced to learn the trade of printer, serving his 
apprenticeship at Bellefonte, Pa. He was subsequently engaged in 
journalistic work at Harrisburg, this State, and while there reported 
the proceedings of the Legislature. There he formed the acquaintance of 
Hon. Simon Cameron, and the friendship then began between these two 
strong characters lasted through life.  Mr. Packer came to Sunbury in 
1820 and established the paper called the Publick Inquirer, issued at 
that time principally to advocate the reelection of Governor Findlay.  
It was continued for several years.  During his career in the publishing 
business Mr. Packer took up the study of law, under the tutorage of the 
famous Hugh Bellas, and by devoting all his spare time to gaining the 
necessary preparation for the legal profession obtained admission to the 
bar of Northumberland county in 1823, being formally entered Aug. 23d of 
that year. From that time until his death he devoted himself to legal 
practice and to the duties of the various official positions to which he 
was chosen, and though he died at the comparatively early age of thirty-
five years, on Oct. 20, 1834, he left a permanent. impression upon the 
legal and public history of his county and State. He lived at Sunbury. 
By earnest and faithful attention to the law work intrusted to him, he 
soon earned a leading and unassailable position among the noteworthy 
legal practitioners of his time and locality, and he maintained that 
position by the most thorough and painstaking care of every trust 
reposed in him. He was popular as a public speaker, particularly at 
political gatherings, and possessed in a large measure the faculty of 
winning his audience to his view - a gift which made him a potent factor 
in the activities of the Whig organization, with which he allied 
himself.  On Jan. 27, 1824, Mr. Packer was commissioned prothonotary, 
holding that office until 1829.  From April 20th to November, 1829, he 
was deputy attorney general. In 1836 he was elected to the State Senate, 
for a term of four years, and while a member of that body was appointed 
chairman of a special committee on the Coal Field of Pennsylvania. The 
report he presented, the first made on the subject, was remarkable for 
completeness of detail and exhaustive treatment of all its phases, and 
was largely responsible for the rapid development of the mining industry 
of the State.  In fact, his great activity throughout the period of his 
legislative service was directed to the encouragement of enterprises for 
the development of the material resources of Pennsylvania, the Danville 
& Pottsville railroad being
	
	END OF PAGE 1
	
the most important project of this kind in his district which received 
his aid and support.  Its construction from Sunbury to the Shamokin coal 
field was the direct result of a measure introduced by him into the 
Senate and passed through the exercise of his influence. In 1834 Mr. 
Packer was the Whig candidate for Congress from the district in which 
Northumberland county was included. As previously stated, he died Oct. 
20th of that year, having achieved much in his short but active career.  
He married Rachel Black, daughter of James and Catherine (Cochran) 
Black, and they were the parents of five children. viz.: John B., Eliza 
J., Jane B., Samuel J., Jr., and Mary C. (who married Rev. F. B. 
Riddle).
	John B. Packer, son of Samuel J. Packer, was born March 21, 1824, 
at Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa., and received an excellent 
education, principally at Sunbury Academy, then recently established and 
under the charge of two classical scholars, men of thorough culture and 
great ability as teachers. From 1839 to 1842 he was a member of a corps 
of engineers employed by the State in the survey and construction of 
public improvements.  In 1842 he commenced the study of law under the 
celebrated Ebenezer Greenough, and was admitted to the Northumberland 
county bar Aug. 6, 1844.  The year following he was appointed deputy 
attorney general, in which capacity he served three years.  Though he 
attained more than local fame for his ability as a lawyer he was very 
prominent outside of his profession as well as in legal circles. He was 
prominent in the organization of and as counsel for many railroad 
companies launched in his day. In 1851 he assisted in the organization 
of the Susquehanna Railroad Company, since merged into the Northern 
Central, and served many years as counsel and one of its directors. It 
was originally chartered to connect York, Cumberland and Sunbury, and 
was eventually made a part of the Pennsylvania system. Mr. Packer acted 
as counsel for the Philadelphia & Erie, the Pennsylvania, the Lackawanna 
& Bloomsburg and several other railway companies, and was concerned in 
the sale and reorganization of the railroad properties of the Shamokin 
Valley & Pottsville railroad; in fact, there were scarcely any cases of 
the kind of importance in this county - in the litigation resulting from 
contested land titles and in railroad and other cases - with which he 
was not professionally connected.
	In 1855 Mr. Packer became identified with the Northumberland Bank, 
of which he was elected president in 1857, serving as such until 1864. 
That year it was merged into the First National Bank of Sunbury, and Mr. 
Packer was elected president, continuing to serve in that capacity the 
remainder of his life.  He was also connected as stockholder, director 
and adviser with the banks of Selinsgrove and Lewisburg Pa.  He was one 
of the largest owners in the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Packer's public 
services formed an important part of his well rounded career. He was a 
tariff Democrat prior to the formation of the Republican party, and 
represented his county as such in the State Legislature in 1849-50, 
serving on important committees both sessions. In 1868 he was elected to 
Congress, representing the Fourteenth district, and was reelected four 
times in succession, declining a fifth nomination after receiving it.  
He was a member of Congress from 1869 to 1877, during which time he did 
important committee work, the first term as a member of the committee on 
Banking and Currency, the second on Railroads and Canals (of which he 
was chairman); the third term on Post Offices and Post Roads (of which 
he was chairman) and the fourth term on Foreign Affairs. In his public 
life as in legal practice Mr. Packer always commanded attention as a 
speaker, his style being lucid and logical, his arguments strong, his 
eloquence notable on occasion. He died July 7, 1891, honored by all who 
had the privilege of his acquaintance, and mourned as a public 
benefactor whose place was not easy to fill.
	On May 22, 1851, Mr. Packer married Mary M. Cameron, who was born 
July 2, 1831, daughter of William Cameron, of Lewisburg, Pa., and five 
children were born to their union: William Cameron, Rachel (wife of 
Ferdinand K. Hill), James Cameron, Mary and Nellie C.  The mother 
survived until Dec. 6, 1905.  She was the founder of the Mary M. Packer 
hospital of Sunbury, named in her honor, an institution that has proved 
a great blessing to the community, filling a long-felt want. She 
contributed liberally toward its establishment.

	WILLIAM CAMERON PACKER, of Sunbury, is one of the younger element 
prominent in business circles in that borough, where as secretary and 
treasurer of the Sunderland Lumber Company and secretary and treasurer 
of the Sunbury Burial Case Company he is identified with two of the most 
important concerns, in their respective lines, in this section of the 
State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Packer has already demonstrated his right to 
be counted in the same class of citizens as his forefathers for several 
generations have been.  He has all the intelligence, foresight and 
executive qualities for which his ancestors were famous, and he is doing 
honor to a name which has long been considered representative of the 
progress of this region, which in its development owes much to the 
enterprise of the Packers and their business associates.  Public 
education, public improvements, philanthropic projects and all the 
movements which characterize the expansion of the community's interests 
have always received
	
	END OF PAGE 2
	
their encouragement and support.  He is a son of the late William 
Cameron Packer and grandson of John B. Packer.
	William Cameron Packer, son of John B. Packer, was born in Sunbury 
May 1, 1852, and was identified with that borough throughout his life. 
He received his early education in the local public schools, later 
attending the Wilkes-Barre Academy and the Bloomsburg State normal 
school, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1871. He then 
entered upon the study of law under his father's tuition, was admitted 
to the county bar Nov. 5, 1872, and settled in Sunbury for practice. Mr. 
Packer was a thorough student and exponent of the law, for which he had 
a natural predilection, and though a young man at the time of his death 
had long been conceded to be one of the ablest legal practitioners in 
this section. His practice was large and responsible.  Several years 
after his admission to the bar he was appointed solicitor for the 
Pennsylvania Railway Company in Northumberland county, and he retained 
that association until his death.  He was connected with a number of 
important local business enterprises, being a director of the First 
National Bank of Sunbury, laid out the Cameron addition to Shamokin, 
this county, and took an important part in the public administration of 
Sunbury.  In 1875 he became a member of the borough council, in which he 
continued to serve for several years, being assistant burgess in 1876-
78, second burgess in 1879-80, and chief burgess from 1881 to 1883. 
During this period, as a result of his efforts, the river embankment was 
constructed, protecting the town from damage by flood, and the borough 
debt was materially reduced and refunded at a lower rate of interest, 
thus saving the taxpayers considerable. Mr. Packer was a Republican in 
politics. He died June 4, 1886, at the early age of thirty-four.  The 
following was written by one who knew him well: "Running through his 
life was a vein of generosity that formed one of his prominent 
characteristics.  The poor, into whose home his bounteous hand carried 
comfort and assistance, are among those who will miss him most in the 
days to come.  His friends are numbered by thousands, including all 
classes of society. To know him was to love him; and few there are who 
have had that pleasure who do not recall some kindly deed performed or 
some cheering word uttered in the hour of adversity. To the sick and 
afflicted he is endeared by ties which even death can not sever, for his 
goodness supplied many delicacies and attentions otherwise beyond their 
reach. In all relations of life he was the same - honorable, upright 
manly and charitable."
	In 1875 Mr. Packer married Jennie H. Houtz, who was born Dec. 9, 
1852, daughter of Dr. Henry C.  and Harriet (Boob) Houtz, of Alexandria, 
Pa. She died April 1, 1882, the mother of the following children Mary 
C., who is married to Harry C. Blue, of Northumberland, Pa.; John B.; 
born June 14, 1879, who was educated at Bucknell University and Yale Law 
School and is now in the lumber business in Philadelphia (he married 
Oct. 8, 1910, Mary C. Yorks, of Danville, Pa.); and W. Cameron. In 1884 
Mr. Packer married (second) Laura A. Houtz, sister of his first wife. 
She survives him, as do all his children.
	William Cameron Packer was born May 20, 1881, in Sunbury, youngest 
child of William Cameron and Jennie H. (Houtz) Packer.  He received his 
early education in the local schools, graduating from Media Academy in 
1898 and then entering Bucknell College, where he studied two terms.  He 
next became a clerk in the First National Bank of Sunbury, where he was 
employed for six years.  In 1907 he was one of the organizers of the 
Sunderland Lumber Company, of which John L. Miller was chosen president, 
P. R. Sunderland, vice president, and Mr. Packer, secretary and 
treasurer. The offices and yards of this company are at Sunbury.  It is 
engaged in the manufacture and wholesaling of lumber, lath, flooring, 
siding, etc., handling one of the largest, businesses of the kind in 
this portion of the State, and enjoys a trade which is expanding 
steadily. All the members of the concern are live business men, able to 
make the most of the opportunities afforded in this section, and the 
company has every prospect of a successful future.  Mr. Packer is also 
secretary and treasurer of the Sunbury Burial Case Company, which has 
succeeded to the business established by the late Ira T. Clement. His 
achievements thus far entitle him to rank among the leading young 
business men of the borough. He is a director of the First National 
Bank.
	Socially Mr. Packer has been quite active as a member of Lodge No. 
22, F. & A.M., of Sunbury; of Northumberland Chapter, No. 174, R.A.M.; 
of Mount Hermon Commandery, No. 85, K.T.; and of the Temple and Americus 
Clubs. He was president of the Temple Club in 1910-11. He takes an 
active interest in the welfare of No. 1 Fire Company, of which he is a 
member, his uncle being one of its most enthusiastic supporters. He 
attends the Presbyterian Church.
	On March 19, 1905, Mr. Packer was married to Esther Lucretia Seal, 
of Millersburg, Pa., and they had one daughter, Mary Cameron.  Mrs. 
Packer died Feb. 24, 1906.

	REV. JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, whose residence at Northumberland has 
probably given to the place a wider celebrity than any other 
circumstance in connection with its history, was born at Fieldhead, near 
Leeds, Yorkshire, England, March 13, 1733.  His early education was 
obtained under the tuition of Reverends Hague and Kirby and at the age 
of sixteen he had acquired
	
	END OF PAGE 3
	
a fair knowledge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. In September, 1752,  he 
went to the academy of Daventry, where he spent three years, entering 
the ministry as assistant to the Rev. Mr. Meadows, of Needham Market, 
Suffolk, at the conclusion of his academic course.  There he remained 
three years; during this period his first published work,  "The Doctrine 
of the Atonement," was issued. The following three years, 1758-61, were 
spent at Nantwick, where he wrote an English grammar and "Observations 
on the Character and Reasoning of the Apostle Paul." From 1761 to 1767 
he taught elocution, logic, Hebrew and the civil law in an academy at 
Warrington. During this connection he met Benjamin Franklin at London, 
and, as the result of this association, began a series of experiments in 
electricity. He also gave much attention to the subject of political 
economy.
	In September, 1767, he removed to Leeds, having accepted an 
invitation to take charge of Millhall chapel.  Here the first of his 
controversial treatises was written; he also published an "Essay on 
Government," "A Familiar Introduction to the Study of Electricity," a 
"Chart of History," etc.  His house at Leeds adjoined a brewery, and 
observations of fixed air produced in the process of fermentation led to 
a series of experiments upon the nature of the atmosphere, ultimately 
resulting in that discovery with which his name will always be 
associated., He began these experiments with but limited knowledge of 
chemistry, but this apparent disadvantage undoubtedly contributed 
largely to his success, as he was thus thrown entirely upon his own 
resources and led to devise new apparatus and modes of operation. His 
first publication on the subject of air appeared in 1772; it was a small 
pamphlet on the method of impregnating water with fixed air. In the 
previous year he had already procured good air from salt petre; he had 
ascertained the use of agitation and of vegetation, as the means 
employed by nature in purifying the atmosphere for the support of animal 
life, and that air vitiated by animal respiration was a pabalum to 
vegetable life; he had procured factitious air in a much greater variety 
of ways than had been known before, and he had been in the habit of 
substituting quicksilver in lieu of water in many of his experiments. Of 
these discoveries he gave an account in his paper before the Royal 
Society in 1772, which deservedly obtained the honor of the Copley 
medal. In this paper he announced the discovery of nitrous air; he 
showed the use of a burning lens in pneumatic experiments; he related 
the discovery and properties of marine acid air; he added much to the 
little theretofore known of air generated by animal putrefaction and 
vegetable fermentation, and determined many facts relating to the 
diminution and deterioration of air by the combustion of charcoal and 
the calcination of metals. It was not until June or July, 1774, that he 
made the full discovery of dephlogisticated air (oxygen air; the term 
was introduced to scientific nomenclature by Priestley), which he 
procured from precipitate per se, and from red lead. He announced this 
discovery publicly at the table of  M. Lavosier at Paris in October, 
1774, and about the same time repeated his experiments before the 
scientific chemists of Paris.
	In a sketch of this nature it is impossible to pursue his 
subsequent investigations; enough has been said to show that in the 
brief space of two years he announced to the world more facts of real 
importance and wide application in pneumatic chemistry than all his 
predecessors had previously made known. His attention was called to the 
subject purely by the accident of his proximity to a brew-house at 
Leeds, where he had ample opportunity to observe and determine the 
properties of fixed air; one experiment led to another, ultimately 
resulting in the discoveries upon which his philosophical reputation is 
principally founded.
	After a residence of six years at Leeds, he entered the service of 
the Earl of Shelburne, with whom he traveled in Europe. In 1780 he 
became pastor of a dissenting congregation at Birmingham, where, in 
1789, he became involved in a controversy regarding the "test act"; his 
expressed approval of the French Revolution provoked a violent attack 
from Burke in Parliament, and, to such an extent had his political views 
aroused the hostility of the Birmingham populace, that, on the 14th of 
July, 1791, his residence was burned by a mob. This called forth a 
number of addresses, among which were several invitations to become a 
member of the French Convention. During the next three years he resided 
at London and Hackney, but, finding the hostility of his enemies 
unabated, he decided to leave England, and embarked for America April 7, 
1794. The considerations that induced his location at Northumberland are 
thus stated in his "Memoirs": "At the time of my leaving England, my 
son, in conjunction with Mr. Cooper and other English emigrants, had a 
scheme for a large settlement for the friends of liberty in general near 
the head of the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania.  And taking it for granted 
that it would be carried into effect, after landing at New York I went 
to Philadelphia, and thence to Northumberland, a town the nearest to the 
proposed settlement, thinking to reside there until some progress bad 
been made in it. The settlement was given up; but being here, and my 
wife and myself liking the place, I have determined to take up my 
residence here, though subject to many disadvantages.  Philadelphia was 
excessively expensive, and this comparatively a cheap place; and my 
sons, settling in the
	
	END OF PAGE 4
	
neighborhood, will be less exposed to temptation and more likely to form 
habits of sobriety and industry.  They will also be settled at much less 
expense than in or near a large town. We hope,  after some time, to be 
joined by a few of our friends from England, that a readier 
communication may be opened with Philadelphia, and that the place will 
improve and become more eligible in other respects." 
	In the spring of 1795 he began the construction of a large house, 
suitable to his requirements and pursuits, on the estate which he 
purchased to the east of the borough.  It was completed in 1797, and 
still stands in a good state of presentation on North Way, owned by 
Robert Scott, Esq. He laid out a beautiful lawn, sloping to the canal, 
and set out many shade trees, but the effect has been altered by the 
construction of the railroad and canal. Here he had a large library and 
laboratory, and on the roof an observatory, which disappeared some time 
ago, and he resumed his experiments and studies. He was offered the 
professorship of chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania, but 
declined, although he delivered two courses of lectures in Philadelphia.  
He corresponded with Presidents Jefferson and Adams, and, although a 
voluminous writer on political economy, never participated actively in 
the civil affairs of this country, of which he never became a 
naturalized citizen.  In religious belief he was a Unitarian, and 
established at Northumberland the oldest church of that denomination in 
central Pennsylvania; he was also active in promoting the educational 
interests of the community and was one of the founders of the old 
Northumberland Academy, the first school of advanced grade in this part 
of the State. He became the owner of many thousands of acres in what is  
now Sullivan county, which he sold to his fellow countrymen very cheap 
in order to induce them to locate there. The last years of his life were 
free from the controversy and care that entered so largely into his 
experience, and thus he died, in peace and quietness, on Feb. 6, 1804. 
His remains were interred in the little Friends burial ground at 
Northumberland. The "Memoirs of Dr. Joseph Priestley, to the year 1795, 
written by himself; with a contribution, to the time of his decease, by 
his son, Joseph Priestley," were printed by John Binns at Northumberland 
in 1805. 
	The centennial anniversary of the discovery of oxygen was 
celebrated at Northumberland in the summer of 1874, by a meeting of 
about fifty of the most prominent scientists of the United States and 
Canada. David Taggart delivered the address of welcome, and Professor 
Chandler, of Columbia College, New York, presided.  Appropriate memorial 
exercises and scientific addresses were the features of the program. 
Cablegrams were interchanged with the Priestley Memorial Committee of 
Birmingham.  This convention and the demonstrations of a similar nature 
in England attracted wide attention.
	The following is taken from a Sunbury newspaper of April 10, 1910:  
"The old Unitarian Church in Northumberland famed for its connection 
with the Priestley family will remain a memorial chapel and library in 
the future.
	"The steps taken by the American Unitarian Association, of Boston, 
toward keeping green the memory of Dr. Joseph Priestley, one of the 
foremost scientists of his day and one of the founders of 
Northumberland, are now being displayed in the renovation of the old 
Unitarian edifice in Northumberland, where the Priestley family long 
worshipped.
	"The church was rapidly falling into decay, and had not been used 
for a long time.  The trustees, who held possession, secured, an order 
of court to transfer the property to the  association, whose main 
purpose is the preservation of such spots of historic interest.
	"It is the intention to make a memorial chapel and library out of 
the church.  A cellar is being dug, a furnace will be installed, the 
building will be wired for electric lighting, and other improvements 
will be completed."
	Joseph Priestley, a son of Rev. Joseph Priestley, was born in 
England in 1768, and after his marriage came to this country with his 
father. He, too, became interested in land speculations in Sullivan 
county, and the vast wilds which he and his father possessed have long 
since been converted into beautiful homes and farm land. His first union 
was formed in England, April 15, 1792, with Elizabeth Ryland, and they 
were the parents of five children, namely: Joseph Raynor; Elizabeth 
Raynor, born Aug. 28, 1798, who was the wife of Joseph Parker; Lindsay, 
born July 21, 1801; Marian, born July 26, 1803; who married Rev. William 
Bower; and Sarah, born April 28, 1807, who married Robert Wainwright. 
After the death of his wife Mr. Priestley returned to England, where he 
formed a second matrimonial alliance with Lucinda Barton and, as she was 
opposed to coming to America to live; he spent the remainder of his life 
there, dying September 3, 1833.
	Joseph Raynor Priestley, son of Joseph, was born in England March 
23, 1793, and upon reaching maturity succeeded to his father's property. 
Although a man of means he was largely engaged in farming throughout his 
life.  On April 22, 1817, he was united in marriage to Frances Dundas, 
and they had eight children: Jane B., born Jan. 15, 1818; Joseph; 
Elizabeth, born Aug. 3, 1821; Marks John, born Jan. 17, 1823; Lindsay, 
born Feb. 9, 1827; Marianne, born Sept. 22, 1831; Jane D., born May 4, 
1833; and Sarah A., born May 10, 1836.  Mr. Priestley died Nov. 10, 
1863, and his wife survived him until Dec. 18, 1878. He
	
	END OF PAGE 5
	
was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Northumberland and 
for many years served as the cashier.  Dr. Joseph Priestley was born in 
Point township,  Northumberland Co. Pa., Sept. 22, 1819, and attended 
the private school taught by the Rev. David Kirkpatrick of Milton.  He 
then read medicine with Dr. James Dougal of Milton, and was graduated 
from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in March, 
1844. He took up the practice of his profession at Northumberland and 
rose rapidly to a place in the foremost ranks of the physicians of that 
section.  During the forty years of his practice he had a very large 
patronage and was at all times held in the highest esteem. He was an 
extensive owner of real estate possessing several farms.  He purchased 
the grand old brick building known at the time as the "Burr Hotel" and 
remodeled it into a fine home and office, in which his daughters now 
live. This property is at the corner of Market and Front streets, and 
faces Market Square park. He practiced at Northumberland until his 
demise, March 10, 1883. He was a member of the national, State and 
county medical associations, and served as president of the county 
association.  He was an unswerving supporter of the Republican party 
from the time of its organization.  
	On March 4, 1847, Dr. Priestley was joined in marriage with Hannah 
H. Taggart, who was born Sept. 10, 1825, and died Sept. 28, 1894.  This 
union was blessed by the following children: Hannah T., who married 
Hasket Derby Catlin, of Gouverneur, N. Y., by whom she had two children, 
Joseph and Lucy H., deceased; Joseph Raynor, who died in childhood; 
Frances D., wife of William Forsyth, of St. Paul, Minn.; and Annie S. 
and Jean B., who settled at the old homestead in Northumberland.

	ROBERT HARRIS AWL, M. D., was for many years a leading medical 
practitioner of Sunbury, and his influence in the profession was far-
reaching.  But his usefulness went beyond its limits, though they are 
wide, for he was called upon to fill several public positions, and 
displayed such remarkable judgment in municipal affairs that he was 
consulted in various important movements. He lived to be over eighty - 
five and was active until a short time before his death.
	Dr. Awl was born Dec. 27, 1819, on his father's farm along the old 
Reading turnpike, in Augusta township, about a mile east of Sunbury, 
Northumberland county, now owned by W. L. Dewart. He came of notable 
stock, his paternal grandfather having been of the Scotch-Irish race 
whose virtues have had so strong an influence on the development of 
Pennsylvania; his maternal grand-father, William Maclay, one of the most 
important figures in public life in the State in his day and one. of the 
first two representatives of Pennsylvania in the United States Senate; 
while his great-grandfather John Harris (father of Mrs. William Maclay), 
was the founder of the city of Harrisburg.
	Dr. Awl's grandfather, Jacob, who came from the North of Ireland, 
spelled the name Aul, and it was originally spelled Auld in Ireland. He 
was born in the North of Ireland Aug. 6, 1727, and settled in Paxton 
township, Dauphin Co., Pa., before the Revolution, before and during 
which struggle he took an efficient part in Colonial military affairs.  
He was ensign and lieutenant in Colonel Elder's battalion of rangers in 
the frontier wars, from 1756 to 1764, taking part in Colonel Bouquet's 
victory over the Indians at Bushy Run, which prepared the way for the 
capture of Fort Pitt by the British and Colonial forces. When the 
Revolution came on he was active in the organization of the associated 
battalions of Lancaster county, which did much efficient service in that 
struggle.  He was a contemporary of John Harris, mentioned above, and 
was one of the five commissioners who laid out Harrisburg in 1785, and 
Mr. Harris appointed him one of the trustees of the land reserved for 
public uses.  Upon the formation of Dauphin county he was one of the 
commissioners by whom its boundaries were located. Mr. Aul was a tanner 
by occupation. In 1759 he married Sarah Sturgeon, daughter of Jeremiah 
Sturgeon, and to them were born twelve children. Mr. Aul died Sept. 26, 
1793, in Paxton township, Dauphin county.
	Samuel Awl, fourth son and seventh child of Jacob was born March 5, 
1773, at Paxton,  Dauphin county, and was married April 27, 1795, at 
Harrisburg, to Mary Maclay, who was born March 19, 1776, at Harris' 
Ferry, second daughter of Senator William Maclay.  In early manhood he 
was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Harrisburg, and in 1800 removed 
from Dauphin to Northumberland county, where Mr. Awl was to take charge 
of the extensive landed property of his brother-in-law, which included 
numerous tracts, located near Sunbury and in other parts of the county. 
They settled on the farm along the Reading turnpike, near Sunbury, 
already mentioned as Dr. Awl's birthplace, and Mr. Awl was engaged in 
farming there for many years. But he did not devote all his attention to 
agriculture, for he took part in public affairs, officiating in several 
important positions. In 1805 he was elected county commissioner, serving 
until 1808; he also served as county auditor, 1834-37; as justice of the 
peace of old Augusta township, and in other offices.  He was one of the 
first Masons in the county, was a prominent officer of Lodge No. 22,  at 
Sunbury, and was one of the few who remained steadfast to the fraternity 
when it was the object of public obloquy during the Antimasonic move-
	
	END OF PAGE 6
	
ment. He died on his farm Jan. 1, 1842.  His wife died in Augusta 
township, Aug. 13, 1823. Samuel and Mary (Maclay) Awl had ten children, 
the first, William Maclay, born before they came to Northumberland 
county. The others were born upon the farm in Augusta township namely: 
Mary Harris, born in 1802, married William C. Gearhart, of Rush 
township, and their surviving children are Maclay Gearhart and Mrs. Mary 
Ann Lenker (the latter is the widow of John B. Lenker and mother of the 
Lenker brothers of Sunbury); Charles Maclay died in childhood; Eleanor 
Maclay married Ezra Grossman, printer and publisher of New York City 
(their only child, John Ira, died of wounds received at the first battle 
of Bull Run); Charles Samuel went out to Illinois in early life, engaged 
in farming, and became a prominent resident of the section in which he 
settled, serving as a justice of the peace and taking considerable part 
in public affairs; George Washington died when nineteen years old; Sarah 
Irwin married Hon. George C. Welker, of Sunbury; Hester Hall married 
William Brindle, nephew of Governor Ritner; Elizabeth Jane married 
Daniel Rohrbach, whom she survived (she was living in Selinsgrove in 
1903 at the age of eighty-six); Robert Harris was the youngest of the 
family. The oldest and youngest became physicians.
	Dr. William M. Awl, the first-born in the family of Samuel Awl, 
studied under Dr. Agnew at Harrisburg, attended one course of lectures 
at the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from Jefferson Medical 
College.  He settled in Ohio, where he gained eminent standing in his 
profession, especially in connection with medical and benevolent 
institutions, he having been prime mover in the establishment of the 
Ohio Lunatic Asylum and the founder of the Ohio Institute for the Blind; 
he served, as superintendent of the asylum from the time it was opened 
until he retired on account of age, and for many years was president of 
the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for 
the Insane. In fact, he was a national leader in his special line, being 
the first person in the United States to propose the training of the 
mentally deficient, at a convention held in Philadelphia in 1844. He was 
a skillful surgeon, and in 1827, when yet a very young man, he performed 
an operation then rarely attempted in America, taking up and tying the 
carotid artery. He died in 1876 at the age of seventy-seven.
	Robert Harris Awl began going to school when about ten years old, 
at a schoolhouse located along the turnpike about a mile from his home, 
a small one-story log building on the Christian Shissler farm originally 
built for butchering, soap and apple butter boiling, and similar 
purposes.  It had one door and two windows, and a large open fire-place, 
none too large, as school was held only in the winter sessions and the 
cracks in the sides made the ventilation too thorough for solid comfort.  
The furnishings and equipment were as primitive as the building itself. 
The younger pupils occupied rough board seats without backs, placed in 
the center of the room, the older pupils sitting with their backs to the 
teacher at a long desk-like arrangement along one side.  A bundle of 
whips within easy reach of the teacher was then as much a part of the 
school equipment as books themselves.  Books, indeed, were expensive and 
therefore scarce.  The beginners often studied their alphabet from 
letters pasted on wooden paddles. The teacher set the writing copies and 
mended the quill pens. When the number of pupils increased this school 
was provided with more commodious quarters, in the stillhouse of Adam 
Shissler, which stood along the creek road leading to Snydertown, on the 
farm recently owned by Lloyd T. Rohrbach.  Dr. Awl's first teacher, 
Aaron Robbins, of Sunbury, was a good arithmetician and an expert 
penman.  A regular schoolhouse was eventually erected in the 
neighborhood, along the turnpike (on Mr. Gideon Leisenring's land), the 
residents of the vicinity sharing the expense, as there were no public, 
school funds at the time, and young Awl attended there for some time, 
later going to a school in Sunbury, and to LeBrun's Academy.  The idea 
of free schooling was highly unpopular in the locality in those days, 
being, in fact but little understood. When the question of free schools 
was first submitted to a vote of the people in the neighborhood Samuel 
Awl, the Doctor's father, was one of the few - eight - who voted in its 
favor. Dr. Awl was very active as a youth; noted for his lively 
disposition and physical agility.  His more ambitious efforts in the 
latter line were summarily stopped by his father when a neighbor boy, 
trying to imitate him, fell off a horse he was attempting to ride 
bareback, in a standing position, and broke his leg.  But his mind was 
alert, too.  When quite young he became interested in phrenology, and in 
the modest little schoolhouse on the Leisenring place, before mentioned, 
where the spelling bees and debating exercises were held, even attempted 
a lecture on that subject.  When about nineteen he chose the medical 
profession for his life work and entered the office of Dr. John W. Peal, 
of Sunbury, who had quite a large class of students at the time.  Later 
he became a student at the Medical College of Philadelphia, of which the 
celebrated Dr. George McClellan (father of Gen. George B. McClellan) was 
then president and in connection with his work there had a year's study 
at the Pennsylvania Hospital.  He graduated in the spring of 1842, in 
the class with Dr. McClellan's son (a brother of the General) and Dr. 
Landis Price, of Sunbury, and soon commenced practice at Gratztown, in 
Dauphin county, where
	
	END OF PAGE 7
	
he remained for about two years, during which he made a fair start. 
Removing then to Halifax, same county, a more promising location, he 
gradually acquired a practice which entitled him to the first rank in 
the neighborhood in his profession, his practice extending for many 
miles over the adjoining territory.  Meantime he also identified with 
the  public affairs of the locality, serving in 1843 as surgeon of the 
16th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, and receiving the nomination for 
the State legislature in 1845; he was defeated by about two hundred 
votes. Politics always interested him and he assisted in establishing 
the Halifax Herald, a Democratic paper. After the death of his wife he 
sold his practice and property to Dr. Brown, from Philadelphia, and 
moved West, settling at Columbus, Ohio. He engaged in general practice 
until he had established a residence in that State, which was necessary 
for his admission as assistant to his brother, then superintendent and 
head physician, at the Ohio Lunatic Asylum. After three years at that 
institution as second assistant he resigned, his health having become 
impaired by the close application to work and the trying nature of his 
duties. This was at the height of the gold fever excitement, and he 
intended to go to California, starting via the overland route.  But he 
was taken sick, and turned back, returning to Pennsylvania in 1849.  
Settling in Sunbury, near his birthplace, he resumed practice, entering 
upon a career of professional and civic usefulness destined to make his 
memory cherished in this vicinity for years to come.  The extensive 
acquaintance of his earlier life, his old friendships, the reputation he 
had gained in his Dauphin county home, his experience in the West, all 
combined to attract patrons, whose confidence and good will were held by 
his faithful and skillful treatment, his manly character and kindly, 
sympathetic disposition.  It would have been difficult for any of his 
friends or patients to decide which held them most, the admiration for 
his conscientiousness and proficiency as a physician or the genial good 
nature which made him so welcome everywhere.  Eight young men pursued 
their medical studies under his instruction.  He had various 
professional associations primarily a recognition of his eminent worth 
and skill.  For fourteen years - between 1855 and 1888 inclusive - he 
acted as physician at the county prison, in the old and new jails, by 
appointment of different boards of commissioners.  He was an expert 
surgeon, performing numerous operations, principally those necessitated 
by railroad accidents, and was highly successful in this branch of his 
work.  For several years he was connected with the surgical department 
of the Packer hospital in Sunbury as general consultant, having been 
elected and re-elected yearly.  He practiced until a few years before 
his death, even after he was eighty, attending to office practice, for 
he enjoyed good health up to within a few weeks of the close of his 
life, and his mental facilities remained unimpaired. 
	Dr. Awl was a Democrat and an influential member of the party for 
years, working zealously in its interests, and he was honored with 
election as county treasurer, which office he held in 1864 and 1865, at 
the time the new courthouse was built, so that he had the handling of an 
unusually large amount of public funds.  He was one of the three 
commissioners to whom was given the task of dividing the borough of 
Sunbury into wards, in 1885. He was also well known in other 
connections, having been president of the Northumberland County 
Agricultural Society, a member of Lodge No. 22, F. & A.M., of Sunbury 
(he was probably the oldest Mason in the State at the time of his 
death), and a member of St. John's M. E. Church at Sunbury for over 
thirty years.
	As an authority and writer on local historical matters Dr. Awl had 
considerable reputation and made a number of valuable contributions to 
that class of literature.  He was instrumental, with other Democrats, in 
the establishment in 1861, of the Northumberland County Democrat.  In 
1859 several party leaders, including Dr. Awl, raised a fund to enlarge 
the plant of the Milton Democrat and remove it to Sunbury and though 
this plan did not materialize Dr. Awl later purchased the equipment of 
the Democrat at sheriff's sale, removed it to Sunbury, and allowed its 
use in the publishing of the German paper, and it subsequently proved 
the nucleus of the equipment of the Northumberland County Democrat 
outfit. His intimate knowledge regarding penal institutions, combined 
with his familiarity with the history of his section of the county, 
makes his history of "Northumberland County Prisons" (beginning with the 
lock-up built for Shikellimy by Conrad Weiser and concluding with an 
account of the present model penitentiary), published in Meginness's 
Historical Journal, an authentic and reliable production; he made 
interesting contributions to other publications of Meginness on subjects 
of local interest, "The Old Cannon," "The First Duel in Northumberland 
County," "The Brady Family," etc., and assisted in preparing other 
material for similar use; and he prepared some "reminiscences" 
concerning social life in the early days for the county history 
published in 1891.  In this connection it might be mentioned that he 
himself was one of the adventurous youths of Sunbury who planned a 
midnight expedition to Selinsgrove to recapture the old Fort Augusta 
cannon which the Selinsgrove boys had stolen. The raid was successful, 
the cannon being restored to its rightful place on the river bank  at 
Sunbury, and was fired the next Fourth of July with proper observances.
	
	END OF PAGE 8
	
 	On March 9, 1843, Dr. Awl was first married, while at Gratztown, 
Dauphin county, to Eliza Bower, of that county, and they had one child, 
which died in infancy.  Mrs. Awl died July 28, 1846, and on Nov. 21, 
1849, shortly after his return to Sunbury, Dr. Awl married (second) 
Rebecca A. Pursell of that place, daughter of Peter and Rachel (Miller) 
Pursell.  She died Dec. 11, 1897, several years before the Doctor, who 
passed away at his home on Market square, Sunbury, March 13, 1905, after 
a week's illness.  He is buried in Pomfret Manor cemetery.  Three 
children survived him:  William Maclay and Ellen Emily, both of Sunbury; 
and Mary P., who married Edward G. Young and lives in Renovo, Pa. (her 
children are John B. Packer and Robert Harris).

	COL. DAVID TAGGART, in his day one of the foremost citizens of 
Northumberland and, indeed, of this section of the State, a public man 
of high standing and influence, came of a family which has been 
identified with what is now the borough of Northumberland since 1775.
	Thomas Taggart, the founder of this family in America and in 
Northumberland county, was born May 10, 1728, in Ireland, of Scotch-
Irish descent, and emigrated with his brother Robert prior to 1750, the 
young men settling in Philadelphia, where Robert became a merchant.  
About 1775 Thomas Taggart arrived at the town of Northumberland, where 
he became a leading merchant. Settling at Queen and Front streets, near 
what was later the site of Morgan's shoe store, he was a well known 
resident of the place until his death, which occurred April 13, 1788. He 
married Mary Vanderbilt a native of Philadelphia, who died in 
Northumberland in 1805.  Their  descendants have been prominent in 
public life, in business matters, and in the wars of the country.  Their 
family was a large one, viz.: Elizabeth, born June 15, 1753, married 
William Bonham, and died about 1780 (her son, Thomas, was for many years 
a tanner at Northumberland, but finally removed to Wabash county, Ill., 
where he died);  Christians, born May 12, 1755, married a Mr. Sample, 
and settled in Allegheny county, this State; Robert was born Feb. 18, 
1757; John, born June 30, 1759, died July 21, 1759; Catharine, born 
Sept. 6, 1760, married Capt. John Painter, and died in 1840; Thomas, 
born Oct. 22, 1762, died Jan. 16, 1780 (he was killed by Indians); Mary, 
born Jan. 19, 1765, married a Mr. Patterson, a noted frontiersman of 
Pennsylvania, and died Feb. 8, 1791; John, born July 11, 1767, died Feb. 
8, 1773; David, born Feb. 21, 1769, died May 17, 1812; William, born 
Oct. 3, 1771, died Jan. 24, 1773; William (2), known as "old Major" 
Taggart, born Aug. 6, 1773, kept store at an early day in Northumberland 
and in the latter part. of his life resided in Chillisquaque township, 
where he died at the age of eighty years; and James was born Jan. 1, 
178_.
	David Taggart, son of Thomas, born in Philadelphia Feb. 21, 1769, 
died May 17, 1812.  He was educated in Northumberland, followed 
merchandising, and was a prominent Democrat in his time.  He married 
Mary McCalla, whose father, John McCalla, was born April 22, 1739, son 
of Andrew and Mary McCalla, and died Sept. 19, 1810;  his wife, Tamar 
(Rich), daughter of John Rich, was born in 1742 and died Sept. 22, 1797. 
Mr. and Mrs. McCalla lived for some years in Bucks county, Pa., where 
some of their older children were born.  They had the following family: 
Sarah, born Dec. 1, 1762; Mary, Sept. 13, 1764 (she was born in Bucks 
county and died in Northumberland county); William, April 20, 1767; 
Elizabeth, April 7, 1769; Ruth, Sept. 12, 1771 (Mrs. Welker); Margaret, 
March 6, 1774 (died March 17, 1798); Tamar, Feb. 7, 1776; Martha, Feb. 
28, 1778; Ann, May 7, 1780; Susanna, June 27, 1782; John, Nov. 21, 1785.  
To David and Mary (McCalla) Taggart were born the following named 
children: John is mentioned below; James, who died in Northumberland 
about 1855, was a merchant and was engaged for some time running packets 
on the canal, and was collector of tolls on the canal at Huntingdon for 
many years (his son, Grantham I., became a coal dealer at Savannah, Ga., 
and another son, John, was a physician, and died at Salt Lake City; his 
two daughters were Mary, who married Marks B. Priestley, and Gertrude, 
who married Solomon Kreegar); Sarah married Samuel C. McCormick;  Mary 
A. married Alexander Colt.
	John Taggart, son of David, born April 12, 1796, in Northumberland, 
was reared and educated in his native county and began his business 
career as a brewer in the town of Northumberland, where he lived and 
died.  His brewery was located near the present steamboat landing. When 
the canal was constructed his brewery was removed to give place to it, 
and he quit the business. He was appointed canal commissioner by 
Governor Ritner, but after holding the position about one year resigned, 
being succeeded by Thaddeus Stevens.  He was a charter member, 
stockholder and director of the Northumberland Bank, of which he was 
president for a number of years, and he was regarded as an enterprising 
man in all his undertakings.  At the time of his death he was a 
Republican in politics.  His death occurred at Northumberland Aug. 23, 
1877, and there he and his wife are buried.  They were members of the 
Unitarian Church. Mr. Taggart married Hannah Collin Huston, a native of 
Philadelphia, born Feb. 22, 1796, on Queen street,  that city, died Nov. 
28, 1870, and they had children as follows: David is mentioned below; 
Matthew Huston, born Feb. 18,
	
	END OF PAGE 9
	
1824,  married Rebecca McCurley, (second) Eliza McCurley and (third) 
Ella G. Royer (in 1888 he purchased the plant of he purchased the plant 
of  C. A. Godcharles & Co., at Northumberland, and on Oct. 1, 1889, the 
establishment became the property of the firm of Taggarts & Howell, 
manufacturers of iron and of iron and steel nails, his interest in this 
business covering a long period); Hannah, born Sept. 10, 1825, married 
Dr. Jos. Priestley and reared four children, Hannah (wife of Rev. H. D. 
Catlin), Fannie D.  (wife of William Forsyth, Jr.), Anna and Jennie; 
Capt. James, born at Northumberland Feb. 4, 1827, married Sarah Cowden, 
daughter of John H. Cowden (he entered the army in 1861, organizing the 
Taggart Guards, of which he was elected captain, and he was killed at 
the battle of Charles City Cross Roads, June 30, 1862); John K., born 
Nov. 12, 1829, was secretary and clerk to his brother David in the pay-
master's department in the army, and died Sept 8, 1868, in St. Louis; 
Mary was born June 13, 1831; Francis A., born Feb. 26, 1833, entered the 
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Philadelphia (he had 
children: John, William, Joseph and Mrs. Anna Christy).
	Col. David Taggart, born at Northumberland May 28,  1822, received 
a good education, attending the common schools and Dickinson and Milton 
Academies. He read law with the famous Ebenezer Greenough, was admitted 
to the bar of Northumberland county Nov. 7, 1843, and was prominent in 
public life for many years. In 1854 he was elected a member of the State 
Senate, in which body he served two years, during the last year of his 
term being speaker. In 1852 he was chairman of the Whig State central 
committee,  and subsequently became a Republican. For some years he was 
president of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society. At the 
outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted  in the Union service, remaining 
to the close of the struggle. He was in the paymaster's department, and 
after the war enter United States regular army as paymaster in the 
quartermaster's department, with the rank of colonel. He was stationed 
in this capacity at different points throughout the country for several 
years. Possessing rare gifts as a public speaker, he was frequently 
called upon to deliver addresses at patriotic and other celebrations, 
and he was popular and influential wherever known. He was prominently 
mentioned for governor, but he was willing to give his time and efforts 
to local affairs as to those which would bring him more fame, and he 
took an active part in the affairs of borough, serving as school 
director and doing duty as a public spirited citizen.  He died at 
Northumberland June 30, 1888, and is entombed in the Taggart mausoleum 
in Riverview cemetery.
	On May 5, 1848 David Taggart married Anna P. Cowden, daughter of 
John H. Cowden and granddaughter of John Cowden who was born  in 
Ireland, and coming to this country settled in Northumberland county,  
Pa., in which section he was one of the earliest merchants. He was 
postmaster from 1795 until Jan. 12, 1837. He sold his store and 
residence in 1836, upon his retirement from business. He married Sarah 
Hopewell, and both lived to old age. They were the parents of children 
as follows: One son died in infancy, unnamed; Elizabeth married Dr. 
Wallace; Deborah  married William McQuhae, a Scotch artist, who painted 
a miniature portrait of Robert Burns, the poet, from life; Sarah married 
Judge Merrill, of New Berlin, Pa.; Mary married Judge Bradford; Rebecca 
married James Hepburn; John H. is mentioned below; Anna M. married Judge 
Donaldson.
	John H. Cowden was born in Northumberland county, became a very 
successful business man, and amassed a large competence. He was a 
merchant, was president of the West Branch Bank at Williamsport, Pa., 
and for some years was owner of the beautiful Packer Island. He died at 
the age of sixty-four years.  Mr. Cowden married Hannah Pleasants, who 
died at the early age of twenty-seven, the mother of four children: 
John, who died at the age of forty-six; Anna Pleasants, Mrs. Taggart; 
Sarah H., who married Capt. James Taggart; and Hannah P., wife of 
William Potter Withington, living in West Virginia.
	After Colonel Taggart's death Mrs. Taggart bought the Martin 
property on Queen street, Northumberland, where she took up her 
residence. To Col. David and Anna P. (Cowden) Taggart were born four 
children: Helen T. is the widow of  David H. Clark and resides in 
Brooklyn, N.Y.; John C. died when six years old; Hanna C. H. is 
unmarried and makes her home in Northumberland; James is also a resident 
of that place. 
	JAMES TAGGART, son of Col. David Taggart, was born Feb. 22, 1862, 
in Northumberland borough, and there received the greater part of his 
education in the public schools. He completed the freshman year at the 
University of Lewisburg  (now Bucknell University), after which he began  
to take an active part in the management of his father's affairs, the 
latter's property including three large farms, gardens, fine herds of 
cattle, etc., and being the only son he was given a large share of the 
responsibility from an early age. Though but twenty-six years old when 
his father died, the care of the large estate fell upon his shoulders, 
but he proved himself equal to the task, and has conducted all the 
details of its management in a most able manner. He is a prominent 
citizen of the borough, a Republican in politics, and influential in the 
various circles in business and social life with which he is identified. 
	On March 8, 1892, Mr. Taggart married Mary E. Gulick, daughter of 
William G. and Ellen (Zer-
	
	END OF PAGE 10
	
fing) Gulick, of Northumberland, but earlier of Rush township, this 
county, where her grandparents, Charles and Hannah (Morgan) Gulick, 
resided. Mr. and Mrs. Taggart have no children.
	Matthew Huston, father of Mrs. Hannah Collin (Huston) Taggart, was 
born July 21, 1759, in Warminster township, Bucks Co., Pa., and on March 
25, 1786, he married Hannah Cox, who was born April 5, 1762, in 
Kingessing township, Philadelphia county.  They lived in Woolwich 
township, Gloucester Co., N. J., for some time, the first two children 
being born there. They had the following family: Andrew C., born March 
27, 1787; Mary L., born Aug. 10, 1788 (died Feb. 26, 1790); Cynthia, 
born July 28, 1790 (died Aug. 31, 1791); Charles A., born Aug. 31, 1793 
(died March 17, 1795); Hannah Collin, born Feb. 22, 1796 (died Nov. 28, 
1870).

	GREENOUGH.  The Greenough family represented at present in Sunbury 
by William H. Greenough, a business man of that borough, has not been a 
numerous one, but its members have been distinguished in local 
professional and financial circles, Ebenezer Greenough and his son, 
William I. Greenough, having been brilliant legal practitioners, whose 
association with the Northumberland county bar covered more than half a 
century. With the legal career of Eben William Greenough, son of William 
I. Greenough, the name was connected with the legal profession for the 
better part of a century.
	Ebenezer Greenough, great-grandfather of William H. Greenough, was 
born Dec. 11, 1783, in Massachusetts, and graduated at Harvard in 1804. 
Soon afterward he left Haverhill on horseback for Pennsylvania, in which 
State he made his first location at Wilkes-Barre, accepting the position 
of principal of the academy at that place immediately after his arrival.  
During his connection with that institution he commenced the study of 
law under Ebenezer Bowman. Removing to Sunbury in the latter part of the 
year 1806, he completed his professional preparation under Charles Hall, 
was admitted to the Northumberland county bar Jan. 19, 1808, and was 
continuously engaged in the practice of the law from that time until his 
death, Dec. 25, 1847. He was a man of large education and high 
intellectual qualities, versatile, forceful, commanding, and he soon 
attained a position of pre-eminence among the legal fraternity which he 
maintained by his superior abilities and acquirements until the close of 
his life. His familiarity with the land laws of Pennsylvania was so 
thorough that he was noted for his skill in the trial of ejectment cases 
for the determination  of titles under conflicting surveys; but though 
concerned in almost every important case of the kind in his home county 
and the adjoining counties he by no means confined his work to that 
class of litigation, being as frequently engaged and equally successful 
in general civil and criminal cases. So noted was he for his clearness, 
logic and force in argument, for self-possession under the most trying 
circumstances, that in his later years he was often asked by attorneys 
of other counties in the Northern district to assist in the presentation 
of their cases before the Supreme court.  No distractions, no unforeseen 
and sudden difficulties, ever disconcerted him or took his mind off the 
issue at stake. In cross-examination he seldom failed to produce the 
desired testimony from a witness; in addressing a jury he appealed to 
their intelligence rather than to sentiment, and he had the faculty of 
making his views appear so logical as to be incontrovertible. With the 
exception of one term in the State Legislature, to which he was elected 
in 1831, on the Whig ticket, he held no public position, his fame 
resting up on his professional achievements, which won him a conspicuous 
p]ace among the notable men of his day.  He was a warm friend of Samuel 
J. Packer, and they worked much together in matters of vital interest 
affecting the public welfare. During his service in the Legislature he 
was a leading advocate of internal improvements in Pennsylvania and 
active in the formation of manufacturing and corporation laws and he was 
the author of the Lateral Railroad law, although this was probably 
written after he left the Legislature; though he was not subsequently 
interested officially in public affairs they interested him none the 
less, and his influence was an appreciable factor for or against any 
cause. He accumulated what in his day was considered a handsome fortune.  
Mr. Greenough married Abigail Israel, a native of Delaware, born Dec. 
12, 1791, and she survived him many years, dying in 1868. Their family 
consisted of one son and five daughters.
	William I. Greenough, son of Ebenezer, was born May 27, 1821, at 
Sunbury. He attended the academy at that place, and later those of 
Wilkes-Barre and Danville, after which he entered Princeton College, 
from which he was graduated in 1839. He studied law for three years 
under his father before his admission to the Northumberland county bar, 
Aug. 2, 1842, and from that time on was a successful attorney and 
counselor at Sunbury. Like his father, though interested in public 
questions and matters affecting the general welfare, he himself avoided 
official responsibilities, giving his entire time to the profession for 
which he proved so eminently fitted.  He was best known as a counselor, 
and throughout his career was associated in the trial of many of the 
most important cases of the county.  His methods in presenting a case in 
court were much the same as those followed by his father.  His arguments 
were noted for the absence of unnecessary verbiage and
	
	END OF PAGE 11
	
irrelevant matter of any kind presented as if they were facts that 
needed only to be stated, not logic laid before a jury to persuade them 
to his use. For a number of years he was selected as master in chancery 
in many of the leading cases in Northumberland county, a tribute to "his 
judicial qualifications no less than a compliment to his sound 
deliberative judgment."  Originally a Whig in politics, he became a 
Republican upon the organization of the party and supported its 
principles the rest of his life. He died in 1893.
	On Sept. 21, 1852, Mr. Greenough was married at Danville, Pa., to 
Mary C. Baldy, who was born there Sept. 16, 1827, daughter of the Tate 
Peter Baldy, of Danville, and died May 20, 1910, at her home on Chestnut 
street, Sunbury.  Mr. and Mrs. Greenough had two sons, William and Eben 
William, the former of whom died in infancy. They settled in Sunbury 
immediately after their marriage, so that Mrs. Greenough had been a 
resident of the borough for almost sixty years at the time of her recent 
death, and during the greater part of that time had occupied the home 
near the First Reformed church, where she died. In her eighty third year 
at the time of her demise, she had been in failing health for some time, 
but was not seriously ill until the last three weeks. She was buried in 
Pomfret Manor cemetery.  A devout member of St. Matthew's Episcopal 
Church, she was one of its most devoted workers and liberal supporters 
and the present prosperity of the parish is due in large measure to her 
generosity.  She built an equipped the parish house on South Fourth 
street as a memorial to her husband. But her interest in her fellow 
beings was not limited to what she could do through the church. Her 
charity and sympathies were broad, extending to all who needed or 
deserved them, and though quietly and unostentatiously performed her 
many good deeds will live in the hearts of the recipients for all time.  
Her kindness and consideration made her benefactions doubly gratifying 
to the poor and distressed. She was a welcome presence among all 
classes. Mrs. Greenough encouraged many material improvements in the 
borough by her influence and support and her name will long be 
remembered with gratitude by all who knew her.

	EBEN WILLIAM GREENOUGH, son of William I. and Mary C. (Baldy) 
Greenough, was born at Sunbury July 3, 18__, and died there April 4, 
1905; he is buried at Pomfret Manor cemetery. He was a graduate of 
Princeton University, and like his distinguished father and grandfather 
entered the legal profession, practicing until his recent death. He laid 
out the borough of Marion Heights, in Mount Carmel township.  He married 
Elizabeth Swann Hewitt, daughter of Horatio Hewitt a native of England, 
and she died in June, 1889. They had three children, Mary, William H. 
and Suzette Reeves, Mary and William H. living with their grandmother, 
Mrs. Greenough, until her death.

	WILLIAM HEWITT GREENOUGH  was born in Sunbury March 30, 1884.  He 
received his early education in private schools in Philadelphia, later 
attending Trinity College, at Hartford, Conn., and from his youth has 
been in active business in Sunbury.  He has large real estate holdings, 
in the borough, and is associated with various business enterprises.  
Since April, 1905, he has been a director of the First National Bank. 
Since March 20, 1909, he has been president of the Sunbury and 
Selinsgrove Electric Street Railway Company. He is a member of Maclay 
Lodge, No. 632, F. & A.M., at Sunbury, and a member of the Temple Club, 
of which he was the first president. Mr. Greenough has one of the finest 
law libraries in the county, having his father's, grand-father's and 
great-grandfather's libraries, a most complete and valuable collection.

	JOHN McCLEERY, late of Milton, Northumberland county, was among the 
useful citizens whose memory will long be gratefully cherished in the 
borough where his entire life was passed.
	Coming of a family which had for two generations preceding him 
maintained its position among the leading influences for progress and 
good in the community, he lived up to its best traditions, and has left 
a name typical of the race from which he sprang and a credit to the life 
he led. The McCleery family is of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock. The 
early ancestors left Scotland at a the time of the religious 
persecutions and took refuge in the north of Ireland.  Michael McCleery, 
a native of Coleraine, Ireland, came to America when a young man with 
his brother John. The latter served as a captain in the Revolutionary 
war, and was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. Michael McCleery went 
first to Virginia and finally settled on the Conestoga, in Lancaster 
county, Pa. His wife's name was Jeanette.
	John McCleery, son of Michael and Jeanette, born Oct. 13, 1767, at 
the forks of the Conestoga in Earl township, Lancaster county, grew up 
there, attending the subscription schools in his youth. When a young man 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Harrisburg, whence early in the 
nineteenth century he removed to Milton, Northumberland county. He was 
one of the pioneer business men at that point opening a general 
mercantile establishment at the southeast corner of South Front street 
and Broadway, and his business was typical of the times, his dealings in 
produce and grain reaching large proportions. Transportation facilities 
in those days were very primitive, there being neither canals nor 
railroads, and he shipped  his grain and produce down the river to 
market in large arks built for the purpose, trading them for merchandise 
in the larger cities.  Retiring
	
	END OF PAGE 12
	
from merchandising, he purchased a farm south of Milton, which later 
formed a part of the William Cameron estate and is now owned by J. C. 
Packer.  He erected good buildings and followed farming there the rest 
of his days, dying June 21, 1851.
	On Sept. 23, 1802, Mr. McCleery married, at Lytle Ferry, Mary 
Lytle, who was born there  March 16, 1774, daughter of Joseph and Sarah 
(Morrison) Lytle; the ceremony was performed by Rev. Nathan Souden.  
Mrs. McCleery's paternal ancestors were English, while on the maternal 
side she was of Scotch-Irish descent.  Mr. and Mrs. McCleery are buried 
in the Harmony cemetery at Milton.  They had children as follows: 
William; Sarah, born Feb. 18, 1805, who married John L. Watson; Joseph, 
born Jan. 10, 1807; Jane, born Feb. 4, 1809, who married Rev. David X. 
Junkin; Elizabeth, born Sept. 10, 1811; and Mary, born March 16, 1814, 
who married Rev. Nathan Shotwell.
	William McCleery, M.D., eldest son of John, was born July 31, 1803, 
at Halifax, Dauphin Co., Pa.  He was a young child when he came with his 
parents to Milton, where the remainder of his life was passed.  He 
received his early education in the famous old Milton Academy, then 
under the principalship of Rev. Dr. David Kirkpatrick, which excellent 
school was the alma mater of many Pennsylvanians who became prominent.  
His higher literary training was received at Washington College; 
Washington, Pa., and he then took up the study of medicine under Dr. 
James S. Dougal, of Milton. He completed the course at Jefferson Medical 
College, Philadelphia; graduating in 1827, after which he was associated 
in practice with his old preceptor at Milton for several years.  His 
skill and personal qualities brought him wide popularity and patronage 
and he continued in the active practice of medicine until 1857, in which 
year he turned over his professional interests to his son, Dr. James 
Pollock McCleery, who was a prominent physician of the borough for 
almost fifty years, retiring in 1905 because of poor health. Dr. 
McCleery lived in retirement for a time after abandoning his profession, 
taking a much needed rest, but his mind was too energetic to find relief 
in complete inactivity. While practicing he had become interested in the 
lumber business, and in 1844 he erected the first steam sawmill ever 
established on the west branch of the Susquehanna at Milton, on what is 
now the site of the American Car & Foundry Company's plant.  He soon 
turned his attention to the operation of this mill in which he was most 
successfully engaged to the end of his days, dying Dec. 4, 1867.  He was 
man of enterprising and progressive spirit diligent in whatever he 
undertook, and was efficient in business as he had been in professional 
pursuits.  He occupied the brick residence which in time  became the 
home of his son John (whose widow now occupies it) and in which he spent 
his late days. In political sentiment he was originally a Whig, becoming 
a Republican on the formation of the new party.
	On Oct. 2, 1828,  Dr. McCleery married Margaret Pollock, daughter 
of William Pollock and sister of James Pollock, one time governor of 
Pennsylvania, and to this union were born the following children: Mary, 
born Sept. 9, 1830, married Joseph D. Potts, of Philadelphia; James 
Pollock, born Nov. 13, 1832, was for years in successful medical 
practice at Milton; Sarah, born Nov. 5, 1834, is deceased; John is 
mentioned below; William P., born Apr. 27, 1836, was a captain in the 
18th Regiment, United States Infantry, during the Civil war, and later 
served against the Indians on the Western plains, but he resigned his 
commission in, 1868, was for some time in business at Troy, Pa.,  and 
died May 31, 1907, at Milton, Pa.; Julia J., born Oct. 18, 1841, was the 
wife of Gen. Jesse Merrill.  The mother of this family died in, 1842, at 
the age of thirty-six.
 	John McCleery, son of Dr. William, was born April 8, 1837, at 
Milton, and there received his early education, attending the Milton 
Academy. Later he went to Tuscarora Academy, at Juniata, and took the 
classical course at Princeton University, graduating in 1858.  His next 
few years were devoted to teaching and reading law. Immediately after 
graduating from college he became assistant principal of the Milton 
Academy under Rev. W. T. Wylie, and at the same time read law with Hon. 
James Pollock.  Soon after he was admitted to the bar the Civil war 
broke out and although he had entered upon the practice of his 
profession under the most favorable circumstances, with every promise of 
immediate success, he did not hesitate about entering the Union service 
when the calls for troops came.  The Pollock Guards were organized at 
Milton under the first requisition, but were not accepted, the 
complement of the county having been filled. A second effort was made to 
enter the service, and on May 15, 1861, the company left for Harrisburg, 
going by canal boat.  They were again rejected, and returned to Milton, 
but having signified their willingness to enlist for three years they 
were assigned to the Reserve Corps, and on June 1, 1861, again went to 
Harrisburg, where they were mustered in as Company H, 34th Pennsylvania 
(5th Reserve) Infantry, with John McCleery and Harry B. Paxton as 
captains.  Captain McCleery took an active share in all the movements of 
his command, which saw service in the campaigns in Maryland and West 
Virginia in the summer of 1861, and in the summer of 1862 was engaged in 
the seven days fight before Richmond.  He was at Mechanicsville and 
Gaines 
	
	END OF PAGE 13
	
Mill, June 26 and 27, 1862, and in the fierce encounter at Newmarket 
Cross Roads (Glendale), June 30th, where he was twice severely wounded, 
being shot through the thigh and receiving serious injury to his spine 
by a fragment of shell. That day he fell into the hands of the enemy, 
and was confined in Libby prison, where he remained until released on 
parole, in July.  In August he was exchanged, and in September reported 
for duty, rejoining his regiment near Fredericksburg, Md.  But his 
injuries and imprisonment had rendered him quite unfit for field service 
and he was ordered home for further convalescence.  Finding that his 
disability was apparently permanent, he reluctantly resigned on Nov. 25, 
1862.  Later, however, as his health improved somewhat, he was mustered 
in as a lieutenant colonel with the 28th Emergency Regiment at 
Harrisburg, giving valuable service in that capacity during the invasion 
of the State in 1863.
	As a soldier Captain McCleery measured up to the highest standards 
of efficiency, bringing to his duties such intelligence and good 
judgment as to win at once the approving notice of his superior 
officers. Though firm in matters of discipline, he commended himself to 
the members of his command by his strict impartiality and his manifest 
interest in their welfare.  In every engagement in which he took part he 
gave convincing proof of flawless courage. His pleasant relations with 
his fellow officers gave him an enviable reputation for gentlemanliness 
which he well deserved and which won him universal respect.
	His military service over, Mr. McCleery returned home and took up 
the practice of the law, in which he was actively engaged until 1891. 
His energy and intelligence also found an outlet in the promoting and 
pushing of large enterprises, many of which have been a substantial 
foundation for the prosperity which Milton enjoys to-day.  His influence 
and encouragement were sufficient to gather support for a number of the 
most important undertakings in the place, and thus, as early as 1864, he 
was one of the founders of the Milton Car Works, with which he was long 
identified.  He was also among the founders of Milton Rolling Mills, a 
director of the Milton Water Works, and for years president of the 
Milton Trust & Safe Deposit Company, which was organized through his 
efforts Feb. 17, 1887. He continued as president of that concern until 
physically disabled for the duties of the office, his injuries finally 
resulting in paralysis, so that he was compelled to withdraw from all 
such activities.  For the last twenty years of his life he suffered  
continuously, but though dependent throughout this long period upon 
those around him for the slightest office he was patient, never 
murmuring at his affliction or its cause, though he drew comfort from 
the thought that his suffering was for the good of his country.  His 
death, which occurred Dec. 29, 1907, at Atlantic City, was doubtless a 
happy relief to him, but it was a loss to his family, his friends and 
his community which will long be regretted.  Mr. McCleery was a member 
of the Presbyterian Church, and in political faith a Republican.  
Socially he united with the G.A.R. and the Union Veterans Legion.
	On June 6, 1866, Mr. McCleery married Mary Helen Marr, and to them 
were born two children, Edward Heber and Margaret Pollock.  Edward Heber 
McCleery was born July 25, 1867, in Milton, and there attended public 
school and a select school taught by Prof. Elias Schneider.  Later he 
went to Lawrenceville Academy, in New Jersey, entered Princeton, in the 
class of 1888, and then entered upon his medical studies at Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated 
in 1890.  He has since been practicing medicine at Kane, Pa., where he 
has met with the most gratifying success. Margaret Pollock McCleery 
married Hazel Baldwin, and they reside in Corning, N.Y. They have one 
daughter, Mary Shaw Baldwin.
	Mrs. McCleery still resides in the old home at Milton. She is a 
daughter of David and Hettie L. (Davis) Marr, granddaughter of William 
Marr and great-granddaughter of Joseph Marr.
	Joseph Marr was born June 15, 1750, in Northampton county, Pa., and 
in 1793 came up the west branch of the Susquehanna river to Turbut 
township, Northumberland county, where he purchased of the widow of 
Francis Turbut a tract of  739 acres, a portion of the estate known as 
"the  Colonel's reward."  It being a choice piece of land, he paid five 
pounds per acre. In 1793 he settled thereon with his family, and there 
he passed the remainder of his life, dying Sept. 3,  1796. He married 
Susanna Price, who was born April 27, 1754, and died Dec. 27, 1826. They 
had six children: Mary, who married Robert as Martin; Hannah, who 
married William Hull;  David; William, grandfather of Mrs. McCleery; 
Joseph; and Alem, a prominent attorney, who the served two terms in 
Congress.
	David Marr, father of Mrs. McCleery, was born on the old homestead. 
He became a prosperous was farmer, owning two fine farms, but later took 
up railroad contracting and eventually became a woolen manufacturer at 
White Deer Mills, in Union county, Pa. He died at the age of forty-
seven.  Mr. Marr was twice married, his first union being with Hettie L. 
Davis, by whom he had four children: Annie Eliza, who married John A. 
Grier; Mary Helen, widow of John McCleery; and William, who died in 
infancy; and Rebecca, who also died young.  By his second marriage, to 
Harriet Matchin, Mr. Marr had five children: William, Alem, Brainard,  
Alfred, and Jeanette.
	
	END OF PAGE 14
	
  	COL. GEORGE B. CADWALLADER, now living retired in the borough of 
Sunbury, was long prominent in the affairs of that community, in his 
earlier years in various business relations, for a number of years 
before his retirement as superintendent of the Sunbury Water Company. 
and for several years in his official capacity of chief burgess.  He 
attained the rank of colonel by brevet during the Civil war, entering 
the Union service as first lieutenant and rising by merit.
	Colonel Cadwallader is a native of Bucks county, Pa., born Oct. 20, 
1830, near Doylestown. His grandfather lived and died in that county. 
Dr. Peter Cadwallader, his father, was also born there, died in 1832 at 
Doylestown, where he was engaged in the practice of the medical 
profession, and is buried there, in Buckingham township. He married 
Hannah M. Magill, like himself a native of Bucks county, and like him, 
also, of Scottish ancestry.  She lived to the age of eighty. Dr. Peter 
Cadwallader and his wife had the following children: Peter died in 
infancy; John, who was a miller and a well known man in this section, 
lived in Montour county, but died in Sunbury and is buried in the old 
cemetery (he never married; he was a well known member of the Masonic 
fraternity here, belonging to Maclay Lodge and to the Knights Templars); 
George B. is mentioned below; Mary died young.
	George B. Cadwallader spent his boyhood at his native place and 
there received his early education.  He subsequently attended the 
academy at Danville, Pa., and having decided to become a druggist went 
to Philadelphia to take the course at the College of Pharmacy there. 
Having completed his preparation he established himself in the drug 
business at Danville, thence in 1857 removing to Shamokin, 
Northumberland county where he carried on business as a druggist until 
the outbreak of the Civil war.  In April, 1861, he entered the Union 
army, and for over five years was engaged in the service of his country, 
his army record being a notable one. Becoming first lieutenant of 
Company A, 8th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, he served 
three months, in August, 1861, re-entering the service with the same 
rank in Company K, 46th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.  
Promotions came rapidly. On Sept. 17, 1861, he became first lieutenant 
and quartermaster of his regiment serving thus until July, 1863, when he 
was advanced to captain and assistant quartermaster, U. S. A. In March, 
1865, he was brevetted major and lieutenant colonel, and subsequently, 
for meritorious service throughout the war, was brevetted colonel, with 
which rank he was mustered out of the service, at Richmond, Va., Sept. 
10, 1866. He served as quartermaster of Williams's Brigade, Army of 
Virginia, of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Corps, Army of Virginia, 
and of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 12th Corps, Army of the Potomac; 
as post quartermaster at Dechant, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga., was in charge 
of transportation during Sherman's memorable march; in charge of 
national cemeteries at Seven Pines (Fair Oaks) and Hollywood; in charge 
of quartermasters depots at Cleveland, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia.
	In 1867, soon after the close of his army service, Colonel 
Cadwallader came to Sunbury, where he has since made his home.  He and 
his brother John embarked in the flour and feed business under the firm 
name of John Cadwallader & Co., and prospered from the start, operating 
three mills at  different points in Northumberland county.  The business 
developed to large and profitable proportions.  In 1869 Colonel 
Cadwallader purchased a drug store in Sunbury from Dr. John G. Markle & 
Co., and continued to carry it on until 1884, at which time he became 
general superintendent of the Sunbury Nail, Bar and Guide Iron Company, 
manufacturers of considerable importance to this region.  He retained 
that position until 1891, resigning to take the position of 
superintendent with the Sunbury Water Company, with which he was 
connected in such capacity until his resignation, over ten years ago. 
Though he has relinquished his more active responsibilities he is still 
associated with local interests as member of the official board of the 
Sunbury Safe Deposit & Trust Company, of which he was one of the 
original directors, having been a leading spirit in its organization.  
He is also president of the Sunbury Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of 
which he was a founder and the first vice president.
	The Colonel has always held public-spirited ideas regarding the 
duties of citizens to protect the interests of the community, and in his 
position as an influential business man has been able to accomplish much 
of benefit to his fellow citizens.  They have recognized his efforts by 
electing him to responsible public office, and his popularity has won 
him the support of the best class of citizens. In 1887 he was elected 
chief burgess, in which office he served two terms, having been re-
elected in 1889.  In other respects he has also been a leader.  For 
several years he was foreman of No. 1 Fire Company. He was first 
commander of the G.A.R. post at Sunbury, is a prominent member of the 
Loyal Legion, and also holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, 
belonging to Lodge No. 22, F. & A.M., and Northumberland Chapter, No. 
174, R.A.M.  He is a Republican  in political sentiment.
	In 1870 Colonel Cadwallader married Mrs. Georgiana (Markle) 
Wolverton, who died May 9, 1885. Two daughters were born to this union: 
Mary C., who is unmarried and at home with her father; and Anna, who 
married Simon P. Wolver-
	
	END OF PAGE 15
	
ton Jr., son of S. P. Wolverton, and resides a Sunbury.  Mrs. 
Cadwallader's mother was Robins, a member of the first family to settle 
at Sunbury. The site of the Colonel's beautiful home, which he erected 
in 1883 at the corner of Fifth and Market streets, was taken up by the 
Robinses, and the property is one of the most attractive residences in 
Sunbury. The General has been active in building up the borough, having 
erected several residences.

	SAMUEL JOHNSTON SHIMER, late of Milton, Northumberland county, was 
a name that stood for leadership in the manufacturing activities of that 
borough for many years.  For almost forty years the name has been 
identified with the most important interests of the place and its 
representatives have shown themselves capable not only in the executive 
work of the enterprises but ingenious in the technical requirements, for 
their most valuable products are devices of their own invention and some 
of their output has probably attained a wider circulation than any other 
industrial products of Milton, certain of their specialties being used 
in practically every country of the globe Samuel J. Shimer, long senior 
member of the firm which still bears his name, was a citizen of Milton 
for thirty years, during which time he did as much as any one citizen of 
the borough has ever done for its business advancement, especially along 
modern industrial lines. The Milton Manufacturing Company has also been 
owned by the Shimers for over twenty years.
	Samuel Johnston Shimer was born Dec. 3, 1837, in Bethlehem 
township, Northampton Co., Pa. His parents, Abram B. and Margaretta 
(Johnston) Shimer, were natives of the same county, Mr. Shimer of German 
descent, Mrs. Shimer of Scottish extraction.  He was reared on the old 
farm in his native township, where he began his education in the public 
schools, later attending an academy at Bethlehem. Upon leaving school he 
engaged in farming. In October, 1871, Mr. Shimer came to Milton, whither 
his brother George had preceded him in 1869, and with George Applegate 
and C. L. Johnston they formed the firm of Applegate, Shimer & Co., 
which purchased a tract of eighteen hundred acres of heavily timbered 
land in Union county, Pa., for lumber operations. They cut the timber 
and manufactured it into lumber, which was hauled to Milton, the nearest 
shipping point. Their operations were continued until over three 
thousand acres of timber had been cut and marketed, when in 1880, after 
the Milton fire, the firm continued under the name of Shimer & Co., 
Messrs. Johnston and Applegate retiring.
	Meantime, in 1873, the Shimer brothers had invented and patented a 
matcher head which proved to be one of the most valuable devices of the 
century. In 1872 the firm had established a sawmill and small planing 
mill at Milton, at the present location, in the Third ward, and the 
necessities of the work there prompted the invention. The plant had been 
intended originally for the manufacture of lumber exclusively, but in 
time a small  machine  shop came to be run in connection, and after the 
destruction of the establishment in the great fire of 1880 it was  
rebuilt  as  a  machine  shop for the manufacture of cutter heads of 
their own invention, and other specialties. The establishment was a 
small one at the beginning, but energy and vigor were back of it, and 
the owners devoted their time and attention to pushing the business with 
such success that it soon needed to be enlarged and became one of the 
most completely equipped plants in this section.  The main building, a 
two-story concrete structure, 72 x 140 feet in dimensions, is thoroughly 
prepared for all kinds of work in this special line, with engine lathes, 
planers, shapers, millers, drills, et cetera, and in another building, 
36 by 315, two-story brick, are the lathes and planers upon which the 
heavier product is manufactured. The plant is equipped throughout for 
electrical transmission of power. The matcher heads made here are used 
in all parts of this country, as well as in Australia, England, Canada 
and elsewhere, having probably become more widely known than any other 
single manufactured product of Milton.
	In 1884 a new plant was erected, in Northampton county, Pa., and 
that year George J. Shimer retired from the Milton business to assume 
control of the new establishment, S. J. Shimer becoming sole proprietor 
of the original plant, which he continued under his own name.  Later he 
took his two sons, Elmer S. and George S., into partnership, the name 
then taking its present form, S. J. Shimer & Sons.  In the fall of 1886 
there was established the Milton Manufacturing Company for the purpose 
of manufacturing certain iron and steel specialties, but the business 
was unsuccessful and in the fall of 1888 the plant was purchased under 
lease by Samuel J. Shimer and his sons; who reorganized and continued 
under the same title, there being then employed about fifty men. This 
company has since developed until at present their employees number 
about eight hundred and their manufactured products are distributed 
throughout the world.
	In 1889 Mr. Samuel J. Shimer originated and patented a device for 
cutting nuts and washers, and its production became the chief work of 
the Milton Manufacturing Company.  After some years the manufacture of 
hot pressed and cold punched nuts was commenced.  S. J. Shimer & Sons 
still continue the manufacture of cutter heads, cutter knives and bits, 
which are favorably known and used throughout the United States and 
Canada.  It has always been the policy of this concern to de-
	
	END OF PAGE 16
	
sign and perfect machinery especially adapted to the manufacture of its 
products, and to maintain the highest possible standards in quality - a 
policy made possible by the inventive genius possessed by the members of 
the Shimer family, and by the interest they have always kept up in the 
perfection of mechanical devices generally.  They are noted for high 
grade products and for irreproachable business standards, a combination 
which has proved effective in winning success of the permanent kind.  In 
the death of Mr. Samuel J. Shimer, which occurred June 18, 1901, Milton 
lost one of her foremost citizens.
	Mr. Shimer was one of the incorporators of the Milton Trust & Safe 
Deposit Company, of which he served as vice-president many years.  A 
gentleman of enterprise, public spirit and the highest integrity, he was 
widely known and universally respected.
	On Sept. 27, 1860, Mr. Shimer married Catharine A. Stout a native 
of Northampton county, Pa., and three children were born to this union: 
Elmer S.; Mary C., wife of William A. Heinen; and George S.  Mr. Shimer 
and all his family united with the Presbyterian Church.  He was a 
Republican in political matters.
	Isaac Stout, Mrs. Shimer's father, was born in Northampton county, 
followed farming there, and died Jan. 5, 1857. He married Catharine 
Clemens, a native of Bucks county, but like himself a member of a 
Northampton county family and of German origin.  They are buried at 
Bethlehem, Northampton county. To them were born the following children: 
Fredericka Amelia, widow of Charles Christian, is now (1911) in her 
ninety-sixth year; Mary married Samuel Reigel; Barbara died in infancy; 
Elizabeth married William Steckler; Anna M. married Jacob Lillie; Louisa 
E. died at the age of twenty-six years, unmarried; Dr. Abraham served as 
a surgeon during the Civil war; Lewis H. was also in the Civil war, in 
the commissary department; Catharine A. is the widow of Samuel J. 
Shimer, and continues to make her home at Milton.

	ELMER S. SHIMER, eldest son of Samuel J. Shimer, was born Sept. 19, 
1862. He received the greater part of his education in the public 
schools of Milton, and at the Milton Academy under Professor Schneider, 
and later attended the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.  
He began work in his father's employ, and remained with him 
continuously, in time becoming a member of the firm. When the Milton 
Manufacturing company was established by his father, in 1886, he became 
treasurer of the new concern, and upon the incorporation of Samuel J. 
Shimer & Sons, in 1903, he was made president.  As the executive officer 
of this company he holds an important place in the industrial life of 
the borough, where the value of his establishment and its influence on 
the prosperity of the community are thoroughly appreciated. He is the 
director of the Milton National Bank, and is at present serving as a 
member of the school board. In politics he is a Republican, in religious 
connection a Presbyterian.
	Mr.  Shimer married Margaret S. Lawson, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Finney) Lawson, and they have had three children: Elizabeth, 
Samuel J. and Harold.

	GEORGE S. SHIMER, younger son of Samuel J. Shimer, was born March 
26, 1866, and received his education in Milton, graduating from the high 
school.  Like his brother, he has always been associated with the Shimer 
interests at Milton, and upon the incorporation of Samuel J. Shimer & 
Sons, in 1903, he became vice president and treasurer.  When the Milton 
Manufacturing Company was established, in 1886, he was made manager, and 
in 1901 became president, and he is also a director of the Milton 
National Bank.  Though a man of large business interests, he has always 
maintained a strong interest in the general welfare of the borough, and 
he is at present serving as councilman.  In politics he is a Republican, 
and like the rest of the family, a Presbyterian in religious connection.
	Mr. Shimer was married to Libba S. Moore, daughter of John Moore, 
of Milton, and their family consists of three children: Miriam C., 
Florence F. and George S.

	JOHN P. HELFENSTEIN, of Shamokin, who is engaged in the practice of 
law and the management of various important business interests, is a 
native of that borough, born Nov. 26, 1856, son of Charles P. and 
Caroline H. (Perkins) Helfenstein.  In pursuing the legal profession and 
in the prosecution of business he is following in the footsteps of his 
immediate ancestors, the Helfensteins having been identified with both.  
His father and uncle were not only eminent lawyers but among the most 
enterprising leaders in the development of the Shamokin and Trevorton 
coal fields, the introduction of railroads, and the promotion of many 
undertakings which marked the beginning of modern industrial conditions 
not only in Shamokin and vicinity but also throughout this section of 
Pennsylvania.
	After graduating from the Shamokin high school in 1872 John P. 
Helfenstein attended a private school in Shamokin, for three years, his 
teacher the first year being Herbert Lathe (graduate of Yale, 1873) and 
the second year Charles F. Joy (Yale, 1874).  In 1876 he entered Yale 
College, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. A. in 1880, 
with honors, immediately thereafter matriculating at the law school of 
that university, from which he was graduated in 1883. He was entitled to 
practice law in the Superior courts of Connecticut and returning to his 
home in
	
	END OF PAGE 17
	
Pennsylvania was admitted to the bar of Northumberland county the 
following year,  1884. Meantime he had settled down to business at  
Shamokin, becoming superintendent of the Gas Company, which position he 
held until 1886, when he resigned it in order to give more time to his 
professional interests, which were growing to such an extent as to 
demand the greater part of his attention.  However, his time at present 
is principally occupied with the management of his own real estate and 
that of his father's estate, though he retains interests in different 
concerns included in the field of public utilities, including Gas 
Company, the Electric Light Company, the Mount Carmel Gas Company (of 
which he is treasurer), the Telephone Company and various banks.
	Mr. Helfenstein maintains numerous social relations, being a member 
of Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A.M.; Shamokin Chapter, No. 264, 
R.A.M.; Shamokin Commandery, No. 77 K.T.; Bloomsburg Consistory (thirty-
second degree);  LuLu Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., at Philadelphia; the 
Craftsmen's Club of Bloomsburg; the Cresco and Temple Clubs of Shamokin; 
the Livingston Club of Allentown; and Shamokin Lodge of Elks,  No. 355. 
He holds membership in the Episcopalian Church and has served in a 
number of the church offices. Politically he has been active in the 
Democratic party, having served sixteen years as committeeman of his 
ward.  He has availed himself of many opportunities to show his broad 
public spirit on questions of general interest and projects affecting 
the welfare of the community.
	In 1883 Mr. Helfenstein married Carrie Atwood Northall, daughter of 
John Northall, Pottsville, Pa., and they had two children: Esther C., 
now the wife of Roger K. Williams, of Cynwyd near Philadelphia, and the 
mother of one son, Roger; and Gretchen E., who died at the age six 
years. Mrs. Carrie Atwood (Northall) Helfenstein died in 1902.  On Aug. 
12, 1908, Mr. Helfenstein married (second) Helen C. Holl, daughter of 
Thomas Holl,  late of Shamokin, and to this union have been born two 
children: Helen Leonard, on July 28, 1909, and John Philip, on Aug. 4,  
1910.

	HELFENSTEIN. There are few names which have more significance in 
the history of the development and opening of this region than that of 
Helfenstein. The achievements of Judge William Leonard Helfenstein and 
Charles P. Helfenstein, brothers, in the promotion of the early coal and 
railroad companies, the forerunners of organizations and systems of such 
strength and importance that the history of the State and even the 
nation is bound up in their successful and proper administration, may 
rightly be classed as a solid part of the foundation upon which the 
industrial prosperity and fame of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have 
long rested.  He coal fields have constituted one of the most valuable 
resources of her wealth; and their operation is so closely associated 
with the expansion of and progress of railroads that the two can 
scarcely be separated.  From 1849 on through the most trying period of 
their evolution Judge Helfenstein was at the head of many of the most 
ambitious enterprises of the kind set on foot.  As time has proved, he 
was ahead of his generation in his ideas and in the possibilities he 
foresaw. All his hopes were not realized in his own active career in 
this region. But he paved the way for those who took up his work after 
him, and he deserves the praise of the pioneer in any field, the man who 
has the courage to act upon his convictions.  He and his brother 
withdrew from active connection with the  coal interests of this section 
about 1872.

	WILLIAM LEONARD HELFENSTEIN was born in 1801 in Lancaster, 
Lancaster Co., Pa., son of John P. and Elizabeth Helfenstein, and 
grandson of Rev. Conrad Helfenstein, who came to this country from 
Germany as a missionary of the German Reformed Church.  William L. 
Helfenstein was a small boy when he removed with his parents to 
Carlisle, Pa., and there he grew to man hood and received his education, 
graduating from Dickinson College in 1823.  Subsequently he studied 
theology at Princeton, with the intention of entering the ministry, but 
his health failing he was obliged to abandon his studies, and thus the 
whole after current of his life was changed. Shortly afterward his 
parents moved to Dayton, Ohio, to which place he accompanied them.  He 
there entered the law office of Judge Crane, one of the eminent jurists 
of the Miami Valley, was admitted to the bar and practiced his 
profession in Dayton for several years quite successfully. Meantime he 
became prominent in the local councils of the Democratic party, which 
nominated him for Congress against his old preceptor, Judge Crane, and, 
though the district had a Whig majority of over two thousand, his great 
personal popularity cut down the majority to within thirty votes of 
election. After this favorable expression of public opinion he was, in 
1835, elected by the Legislature judge of the court of Common Pleas of 
the Dayton district, which position he filled in a satisfactory manner 
for the full Constitutional term of seven years, until 1842. He then 
removed with his parents to Milwaukee, Wis., but finally settled in 
Chicago, Ill., where he opened a law office and continued the practice 
of his profession for a few years.  About this time his attention was 
directed to the undeveloped anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania, and, 
urged by some of his friends to undertake their development he came East 
in 1849 and commenced the great work with which his name is intimately 
connected.  There
	
		END OF PAGE 18
	
is hardly any other one man who did so much in this special field. He 
was the principal promoter of the company that founded Trevorton the 
following year. He organized from time to time a number of coal 
companies, among them the Zerbe Run, Mahanoy Improvement, Carbon Run, 
Big Mountain, Green Ridge, Locust Gap, Locust Summit and  others, and 
displayed wonderful energy and enterprise in the development of the coal 
fields between Trevorton and Mount Carmel.  As one of the first to 
appreciate their immense value he became largely interested in nearly 
all the best coal land  from Mount Carmel to Trevorton, and these were 
the  basis of the several coal companies by him. He organized and partly 
built the railroad from Trevorton to the Susquehanna river, being the 
leading spirit in this undertaking, and laid out the town of Trevorton; 
he was a leading  member of the company that purchased the Danville & 
Pottsville railroad at sheriffs sale, changed the name to the 
Philadelphia & Sunbury railroad, and organized the company that rebuilt 
the road and laid it with T rails; he was the leading spirit and 
president of the company that rehabilitated the line from Sunbury to 
Shamokin, built the extension from Shamokin to Mount Carmel and the 
branch to Locust Gap; he was a member of the company that laid out Mount 
Carmel, and was proprietor of the towns of West Shamokin, Helfenstein 
and Gowen City.  While president of the Philadelphia & Sunbury road, and 
eager to carry the road through successfully, he risked a large part or 
his personal estate in the enterprise. Being far ahead of the times in 
which he lived, his hopes were not realized, and his coal estate and 
railroad interests were consequently sacrificed. He then united with his 
brother, Charles P., in the Helfenstein coal lands, and during their 
development laid out the towns of Helfenstein, 1868, opening a colliery 
there, Gowen City, and West Shamokin, from which enterprises he realized 
a handsome fortune.
	Judge Helfenstein resided in Shamokin and Trevorton up to 1860 and 
then removed to Pottsville.  In 1872 he removed from Pottsville to New 
York City and purchased a residence at Mott Haven, in the neighborhood 
of the metropolis. He subsequently became interested in silver and iron 
ore mines in the republic of Mexico, and spent the remaining rears of 
his life between New York and Mexico.  He died of Mexican fever at 
Durango, Mexico, in March, 1884, in the eighty-third year of his age, 
and his remains were interred in that distant land.
	Originally a Democrat, the Judge in 1861 united with the Republican 
party and was ever afterward an ardent Republican. He was a member and 
vestryman of Trinity Episcopal Church while at Pottsville, Pa,, and 
superintendent of their mission Sunday school at Fishback, Schuylkill 
county, during his residence in Pottsville. Judge Helfenstein never 
married.  Wherever he made his home he left a wide circle of the warmest 
admirers and friends, and his death was deeply mourned by all who knew 
him. The early impressions made upon his mind while studying for the 
ministry at Princeton influenced his whole after life, and his character 
was deeply imbued with the most sincere religious sentiments.  He was a 
truly charitable man, and was a spontaneous and frequent contributor 
toward the support of religious and charitable objects. He was a fluent 
and logical speaker, and was well versed in the current literature of 
his day.  His lecture on Mexico, its mineral resources, and its people 
and their habits and customs, delivered in Shamokin, Pottsville and 
other places, was an able historical address, highly spoken of by the 
local press, and still favorably remembered by his many friends 
throughout the coal region.

	CHARLES P. HELFENSTEIN was born Sept. 12, 1819, in Carlisle, Pa., 
and spent most of his boyhood in that town.  His family moved from there 
to Dayton, Ohio, whence he went to Yale College, graduating from there 
in 1841.  He subsequently read law for two years in the office of his 
brother-in-law, Judge Benjamin Patton (subsequently of Trevorton), in 
Pittsburg.  In the meantime his family had removed to Milwaukee, Wis., 
and he went to that place and entered the land office of his brother 
Albert. About 1850 he came to Northumberland county to assist his 
brother, Judge Helfenstein, in his Trevorton operations and in the 
development of his coal lands.  While in Trevorton he had charge of the 
lumber interests of the companies which his brother had organized, and 
made the acquaintance of Jeremiah Perkins, who was in charge of the 
lumber interests of another of Judge Helfenstein's coal companies.  Mr. 
Perkins was a native of New Hampshire, was one of the pioneers of 
Northumberland county, and resided for a number of years in Sunbury.  In 
1855 Charles P. Helfenstein married Caroline H., eldest daughter of 
Jeremiah Perkins, and settled in Shamokin, where he built himself a home 
in the belt of woods between the eastern and western portions of the 
village, as it then was. Having in the meantime purchased the interests 
of his brother and David McKnight in the town of Shamokin and 
surrounding country, he engaged for several years in the real estate 
business, and was for several more years in the lumber business.  He 
also turned his attention to the development of the Helfenstein coal 
lands, and, in connection with his brother Judge Helfenstein, laid out 
the towns of Helfenstein and West Shamokin.  After disposing of most of 
his coal lands in 1872 he retired from active business.  He resided in 
the home which he erected in 1855 until his death, which occurred Feb. 
15, 1900, when he was in his eighty-
	
		END OF PAGE 19
	
first year.  He is buried in Shamokin cemetery.  His widow still 
occupies the old home in Shamokin, her daughter and son-in-law, Rear 
Admiral Forsyth and wife, making their home with her.  Four children 
were born to Mr. and Helfenstein: John P., attorney at law at Shamokin; 
William L., president of the First National Bank of Trevorton, also a 
resident of Shamokin; Elizabeth, wife of T. Pershing, of Philadelphia; 
and Carrie A., Mrs. Forsyth.
	Mr. Helfenstein was actively interested in many of the institutions 
of his adopted home.  He was a director of the Northumberland County 
Bank, vice president of the Shamokin Banking Company, a stockholder in 
the Shamokin Water Company, one of the corporators and president of the 
Shamokin Gas Light Company, and one of the corporators of the Shamokin 
Cemetery Company, well as the first president of the institution. 
Although a member of the Reformed Episcopal Church, he was one of the 
leading spirits in the erection of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Shamokin and a liberal contributor to same. He was a Republican from the 
time of the Civil war, but never held any political office except that 
of chief burgess of Shamokin for two terms. He was one of the members of 
the committee of creditors of the Jay Cooke estate.

	REAR ADMIRAL JAMES McQUEEN FORSYTH, U.S.N., retired, has long been 
well known in Shamokin, where he has made his home since 1903.  He was 
born Jan. 1, 1842, on Long Island, in the Bahamas, British West Indies, 
son of James and Catherine Ann (Taylor) Forsyth. His father was a 
planter and magistrate in the Bahamas, where he died in 1855. In 
September, 1853, James M. Forsyth came to the United States, spending 
the following few years in Philadelphia, where he was graduated from the 
Central high school in 1858. He went to sea as a sailor before the mast, 
serving as such from 1858 to 1861, when he entered the volunteer navy, 
with which he served during the Civil war. On Sept. 25, 1861, he was 
appointed acting master's mate. He took part in the capture of Forts 
Clark and Hatteras, Aug. 27, 1861, engagements under Farragut on the 
Mississippi, the engagement with the Rebel ram "Arkansas" and at Sumter, 
Moultrie and other fortifications in Charleston harbor. He was promoted 
to acting ensign, Sept. 5, 1862, and to acting master, Aug. 1, 1864. 
Entering a competitive examination for admission to the regular navy he 
passed as No. 23 of sixty-five admitted out of nine hundred competing; 
was made commanding master March 14, 1868; lieutenant, Dec. 18, 1868; 
lieutenant commander, May, 1878  commander, March, 1889; captain, March 
3, 1899; and placed upon the retired list at his own request, Sept. 25, 
1901, after forty years of service, with the rank of rear admiral. He 
commanded at various times the U.S.S. "Tallapoosa," U.S. protected 
cruiser "Baltimore," U.S. armored cruiser "Brooklyn" and U.S. battleship 
"Indiana;" and was chief of the staff of Rear Admiral J. C. Watson, 
commanding the Philippine fleets, 1899-1900.  Admiral Forsyth is six 
feet, four inches in height, and very erect, a typical officer of the 
naval service.  He is a member of the order of the Loyal Legion, the 
Naval Order of the United States, the G.A.R., the Union League of 
Philadelphia and the United Service; and as a Mason he holds membership 
in Union Lodge, No. 121, F. & A.M.; Shamokin Chapter; Shamokin  
Commandery; Caldwell  Consistory, thirty-second degree,  at Bloomsburg, 
Pa.; and Rajah Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. In 1873 the degree of Master of Arts 
was conferred upon him by the Central high school as at Philadelphia.
	The Admiral's first marriage was to Mary J. M., Perkins, of 
Philadelphia, the ceremony taking place Aug. 1, 1871, and they had one 
son, James Perkins, born Aug. 20, 1878, now living at Concord, N. H.; he 
married Harriet Gilmore, and they have two children, Fores McQueen, born 
June 22, 1905, and James Huntington, born July 17, 1906. On Oct. 7, 
1903, the Admiral married (second) Caroline A. Helfenstein; daughter of 
the late Charles P. Helfenstein, of Shamokin, Pa., and there he has 
since resided. He has made trips to Shamokin since 1873. From 1880 to 
1885 his home was in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

	CLARENCE G. VORIS, late of Milton, was for years one of the leading 
attorneys of Northumberland county, where he was in practice for over 
thirty years.  His professional connections were of the highest and most 
honorable character, and his achievements and methods were of the kind 
that reflect credit on the legal fraternity, his own high standards 
making a permanent impression for good on such procedures generally.
	Mr. Voris was born Jan. 29, 1851, in Danville, Montour county, son 
of Archibald Gray and Rebecca N. (Frick) Voris and grandson of James 
Voris. His father, born Nov. 14, 1817, in Chillisquaque township, 
Northumberland county, died at Danville in 1894.  He was a contractor 
and builder by occupation, and in 1840 moved to Danville, where he 
followed that business to the end of his days, becoming one of the 
prominent citizens of that place. His wife, born in the borough of 
Northumberland Jan. 15, 1815, died at Danville Aug. 25, 1887. Five of 
their children grew to maturity: Elizabeth A. (now deceased), Mary, 
Clarence G., Louisa and John G.  The parents were members of the 
Presbyterian Church, which Mr. Voris served as elder.
	Clarence G. Voris was reared in Danville and there received his 
early education, attending the public schools and the academy. He then 
entered
	
		END OF PAGE 20
	
Lafayette College, from which he was graduated in 1872, after which he 
read law with Silas M. Clark, who later served on the Supreme court 
bench.  He furthered his preparation for the law at the Law School of 
Columbia University, New York City, and was admitted to the bar in 
Indiana county, this State, in the spring of 1876. In 1877 he opened an 
office at Sunbury, this county, was admitted to the bar of 
Northumberland county Oct. 3, 1877, and continued to practice at his 
original location until Jan. 1, 1887, when he removed to Milton. At the 
new location he formed a partnership with Col. John McCleery, under the 
firm name of McCleery & Voris, and the combination proved very 
effective, the firm receiving a large share of the best legal work in 
this section.  The Milton Trust & Safe Deposit Company was among their 
patrons, that institution retaining their services for many years. Mr. 
Voris continued in successful and lucrative practice until his death, 
which occurred at Philadelphia July 2, 1909.  He is buried at Danville.  
In religious connection he was a Presbyterian. He was a Republican on 
political questions.
	On March 28, 1888, Mr. Voris married Mary G. Bruner, daughter of 
Capt. Charles J. Bruner, late of Sunbury, a great-grandson of the noted 
Capt. John Brady.  Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Voris:  Clarence 
Archibald, who is attending Haverford College, Haverford, Pa., and 
Charles William B., who is still a pupil in the public school.  Mrs. 
Voris continues to make her home in Milton. Like her husband she is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church.

	CAPT. CHARLES J. BRUNER (deceased), long a distinguished citizen of 
Sunbury, Northumberland county, was born there Nov. 17, 1820, son of 
Rev. Martin and Mary (Gray) Bruner, the former a native of Philadelphia, 
the latter of Sunbury.  The father, a clergyman of the German Reformed 
Church, came to Sunbury when twenty-one years old, moved thence to 
Hagerstown, Md. and thence to Lancaster, Pa., where he died in 1852. The 
mother lived to the age of seventy-five years. Captain Bruner was 
descended in the maternal line from the celebrated Brady family, having 
been a great-grandson of the noted Capt. John Brady.
	Charles S. Bruner came to Sunbury to live in 1840. He received his 
literary education in Lancaster, and received a thorough training for 
this  profession, studying law under Judge Alexander Jordan. He was 
admitted to the Northumberland county bar Jan. 3, 1843, and at once 
opened an office of his own in Sunbury. For some years in the earlier 
part of his professional career he was associated with Maj. William L. 
Dewart practicing alone. He took a prominent part in the Civil war, 
responding at the first call for troops as the leader of Company F, 11th 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, organized as the Sunbury Guards, his 
command being the first detachment of troops to leave Northumberland 
county for service in the Civil war, April 20, 1861. He served about six 
months, during which time he took part in the battle of Falling Waters 
and was afterward in the emergency service for a short time, when after 
the disastrous second battle of Bull Run the Confederate army moved 
toward the North.  In this service he was captain of Company D, 3d 
Regiment, which regiment was organized Sept. 11-13, 1862, and discharged 
Sept. 23-25, 1862.
	Captain Bruner was appointed collector of internal revenue for the 
Fourteenth Pennsylvania district by General Grant and served 
successively under Hayes and Arthur, holding the office fourteen years 
in all. He died March 15, 1885. Of his legal standing and reputation, we 
have excellent evidence in the resolutions adopted at the meeting of the 
bar held at Sunbury Monday March 30, 1885, for that purpose, which we 
quote:
	The bar of Northumberland county, having convened to take 
recognition of the death, and to pay some seemly tribute to the 
character and memory of the late Charles J. Bruner, Esquire, whose 
relations as a member thereof have always been so honorable, but whose 
untimely decease it has been so suddenly and unexpectedly called to 
deplore, doth resolve,
	First, That his spotless career as a lawyer while in active 
membership of this bar, his exemplary courage when in camp and field, 
while he served his country as a soldier in the early and trying days of 
the late Civil war, his enviable record for efficiency and integrity as 
an officer in the civil service of the Federal government during the 
fourteen years or more he held the important trust of collector of 
internal revenue for the Fourteenth district of Pennsylvania, and his 
fair promise of honorable achievement on his recent return to and 
renewal of active employment in his profession of the law, have made his 
name and character well worthy to be held in active memory, and render 
his fame well worthy of perpetuation among the historical records of our 
bar and his virtues and achievements in public and professional life 
well worthy of righteous emulation.
	Second, That his learning, the high order of his natural abilities, 
his discriminating judgment and quickness of perception, and the noble 
virtues of his public and private life, have largely contributed to 
place him in high rank among the just and honorable of his profession.
	Third, That by his genial manners, his amiable temper, his 
affectionate disposition, his generous impulses, as well by his 
unswerving fidelity in pure and disinterested friendship as by his 
kindly and beneficent influences in social and professional intercourse, 
he has won his way to the strongest feelings and best impulses of our 
hearts.
	Fourth, That a committee of four members of the bar be appointed to 
convey to his family the assurance of our heartfelt sympathy with them 
in this sudden and great bereavement, and to commend them in the great 
depth of their sorrow to the strong staff tendered by him "who tempers 
the wind to the shorn lamb" and fails not to remember the widow or the 
orphan,
	
	END OF PAGE 21
	
but notes in tenderness of mercy even the fall of the sparrow.
	Signed, W. A. SOBER,
	G. W. ZEIGLER, 
	SAMUEL HECKERT,
	P. L. HACKENBERG,
		Committee.
	Though Captain Bruner began life in humble circumstances, and 
accumulated whatever property he had through his own efforts, he left a 
fair competency, and, more than that, he had always been liberal in 
giving to those less fortunate than himself.  His success never 
developed in him a greed for wealth or selfishness of any kind, his 
prosperity being to him a welcome opportunity to gratify the impulses of 
a naturally kind and generous disposition.  He belonged to the Reformed 
Church and was a prominent member of the I.O.O.F. The G.A.R. post at 
Sunbury was named in honor of his brother William.
	Captain Bruner was married June 3, 1852, in Sunbury, to Louisa 
Weiser, a direct descendant of Conrad Weiser, the noted Indian 
interpreter so prominent during the early settlement of the region 
around Shamokin, at what is now Sunbury.  Six children were horn to this 
union: Mary Gray now the widow of Clarence G. Voris, of Milton; 
Elizabeth, who died when less than a year old; Louisa, who died when 
four and a half years old; Charles, who died when one and a half years 
old; William W., who died Dec. 7, 1901, in Sunbury Pa.; and Franklin, 
who died when eight years old.

	AMOS ELMAKER KAPP was one of the leading citizens of the borough of 
Northumberland for over fifty years. In his day he was undoubtedly one 
of the best known men in central Pennsylvania, particularly in the 
period preceding the advent of the railroad, when his connection with 
stage lines and canal packets, as a member of the firm of Kapp & Calder, 
gave him an unusually wide acquaintance. He was one of the most 
enterprising residents of the borough, being the organizer of the First 
National Bank, a director of the Northern Central Railroad Company, a 
member of the lumber firm of Kapp & Co., and in many ways identified 
with important interests of various kinds.
	Mr. Kapp was born Aug. 27, 1809, in Harrisburg, Pa., son, of 
Michael Kapp, one of the pioneers in the mercantile business at 
Harrisburg. Michael Kapp was born Aug. 1, 1770, in Schaefferstown, 
Lancaster Co., Pa., and died at Harrisburg July 1, 1830. He owned 
valuable property in Harrisburg, upon what is now the Square, and there 
did business until his death. He brought his goods from Philadelphia by 
team.  Mr. Kapp married Mary Elmaker, who was born May 13, 1776, 
daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Baker) Elmaker, and died at 
Harrisburg Oct. 28, 1844. Two children were born to this union, 
Catharine and Amos E. The daughter, born Feb. 8, 1799, was the first 
pupil to graduate from Linden Hall Seminary, at Lititz, Lancaster 
county.  She never married, and was very well known in Harrisburg, where 
she remained at the old homestead until her death, Sept. 18, 1880.
	Amos E. Kapp was born in Harrisburg in a building which stood in 
the northwest corner of Market square, adjoining the present "Bolton 
House."  He spent his early years in his native city, which he left Dec. 
30, 1832, for Northumberland, making the journey by stagecoach.  He 
passed the remainder of his life there.  Immediately after his arrival, 
on Jan. 1, 1833, he took charge of the stagecoach business there, 
becoming identified with the famous old line which carried passengers up 
and down the river. Forming a partnership with William Calder (2), under 
the name of Kapp & Calder, he built up a large business. They had two 
offices, one in Harrisburg and one in Northumberland, Mr. Calder looking 
after the Harrisburg office, and in addition to carrying passengers did 
an extensive business in hauling from Philadelphia to central 
Pennsylvania, having as many as one hundred horses, the best that could 
he obtained.
	When Mr. Kapp came to Northumberland the stagecoach was the only 
means of transportation, and he and his partner not only ran stages but 
also packets on the canal, following this business until they were 
bought out by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. There were few men in 
this section who witnessed so much of its progress as Mr. Kapp, and 
there were few who had more to do with its opening up and advancement. 
He organized the First National Bank of Northumberland and served as its 
president; he was identified with the Northern Central Railroad Company 
for many years and served as one of its directors; he was active in the 
lumber business as president of Kapp & Co., and deeply interested in the 
agricultural development of his State, serving as president of the 
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society.
	Mr. Kapp purchased two hundred acres of valuable land in Point 
township, adjoining the borough of Northumberland, and there he made big 
home, dying on that place Sept. 22, 1887.  It is a very fertile tract 
and under his management was kept in a high state of cultivation.  He 
kept registered Jersey cattle, and in many other ways displayed his 
advanced ideas in agricultural lines. The original house on this farm 
known as Hummel's Inn was built in 1799 and repaired in 1852. The barn 
was built in 1851, and at the time of its erection was the largest barn 
in the State, being 100 by 50 feet in dimensions. Mr. Kapp retired from 
active life in 1875.
	On Feb. 16, 1841, Mr. Kapp was married at Sunbury, by Rev. Mr. 
Fisher, to Margaret Wighington, who was born Dec. 10, 1818, in 
Mifflinburg, Union Co., Pa., daughter of George and Catharine (Youngman) 
Wighington, and died
	
	END OF PAGE 22
	
June 13, 1868.  She was the mother of the following named children:  
Clara M., Amos F. (deceased), Horace F. (deceased), William C. 
(deceased), Maggie (living in New Jersey, widow of Samuel Trump; she has 
one daughter, Margaret), Laura (deceased in infancy), Helen, Mary B. 
(wife of Frank L. Sheppard, of New York City, general manager of the 
United Railroads of New Jersey), Bertha (who is married to P. Leisenring 
and has one son, Frank), Annie (living in New York City), Cameron 
(deceased).
	Though over half a century elapsed from the time Mr. Kapp left 
Harrisburg until his death, it was his custom to visit his native city 
yearly on the anniversary of his departure and spend the day with his 
friend, William D. Boas, of Harrisburg, who had accompanied him to the 
coach when he set out to seek his fortune up the river. He was active 
and energetic to the close of his long life and interested in the events 
of the day, the social and political changes which had taken place 
during his mature years affording him much pleasure. He was present at 
the inauguration ceremonies of sixteen different governors of 
Pennsylvania, and as six of them served two terms each he attended 
twenty-two inaugurations - a record which few citizens of the State can 
equal.
	The Misses Clara and Helen Kapp lived upon the home farm just 
outside of Northumberland until July 20, 1909, when they moved into the 
borough, having sold the old place to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, 
the property being very desirable for yards, which were established 
there in that year. The station known as Kapp's, on the Pennsylvania 
road, was named for the family. The Misses Kapp are members of the 
D.A.R. and active and prominent in the social life of the borough, being 
very hospitable and noted entertainers.