Floyd's Northumberland County Genealogy Pages 373 thru 401 File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Tony Rebuck. Tar2@psu.edu Electronic edition copyright 2001 by Tony Rebuck. All rights reserved. This electronic work may be freely distributed and displayed: (1)without modification, (2) on a strictly non-commercial basis, and (3) retaining this copyright notice. USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. CHARLES M. RISSEL, a retired citizen of East Chillisquaque township, for many years a farmer and previously a well known contractor in that region, was born Jan. 7, 1838, in Montour county, Pa., and comes of a family which has long been established in America. Its founder in this country was Heinrich Ulrich Rishel (as many of the family spell the name), who came to America with his family in 1753 and settled in Bucks county, Pa. He had six sons - Jacob, Leonard, Ludwig, Martin Luther, Michael and William - who served in the Revolutionary war, William holding the rank of captain. After the war two of the sons, Michael and Martin Luther, came to Montour county; Pa., where they took up land and made permanent homes, Martin Luther settling in Liberty township. Among his children were Jacob, John and Henry, of whom we have record, descendants of John Rishel now living in West Chillisquaque township. Martin Luther Rishel had the old German hymn book brought by the family from Germany, and as indicated by this the family were Lutherans. Henry Rissel, son of Martin Luther, was born March 1, 1784, was a farmer, and died in 1830. He and his wives are buried at Chillisquaque Church. By his first marriage, to Leah Sechler who was born April 23, 1792, he had two children John (who lived to be ninety-two years old) and Jacob S. His second marriage was to Sarah Hayes, who bore him five children: William Henry; Martin, who lived to be ninety-six year old; Elizabeth, who married Thomas Keefer; David, and Daniel. William Henry Rissel, son of Henry, was born April 12, 1811, and followed farming all his life dying March 12, 1844. On April 14, 1837, he married Mary Hoover, daughter of George Hoover of Schuylkill county, born April 1, 1815, died Nov. 28, 1871. They were the parents of the following children: Charles M.; Daniel W., born Dec. 26, 1840 who married Amanda Gast and had children, Mary (Mrs. Harry Haas), Luther and John; Elizabeth, born Jan. 23, 1842, who married Thomas Rissel; William, who married Alice Acor and has a son, Edward M.; and M. Luther, who married Sarah Wolfe and had eight children, Daniel, Louis, Myra, George, Elizabeth, Frank, Howard and Carrie. Charles M. Rissel attended public school and as a boy worked on the home farm. When a young man he learned the trade of carpenter, and soon began contracting on his own account, building many houses and barns in the neighborhood of his home. He was a popular and successful business man, and was considered a master in his line, his services being in continuous demand, but in 1876 he discontinued work at his trade, devoting himself thereafter to farming. That year he erected a house on the farm in East Chillisquaque township which he had purchased, and in 1888 he put up the barn. Always a progressive, thrifty and industrious man, he prospered and gained the esteem of his neighbors, and there are many substantial evidences of his mechanical skill still standing. He is now retired from the more arduous work of farming, making his home with his son Jonas at the old place. He was married Nov. 3, 1864, to Mary Ann Koch, who was born Jan. 4, 1838, daughter of Jonas and Leah (Bachman) Koch, who are mentioned fully elsewhere in this work, and died Aug. 29, 1905. In religion she was a Lutheran, as is also Mr. Rissel, holding membership in the church at Pottsgrove. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rissel: Jonas, born June 23, 1865, who now carries on the old home farm, married Margaret Berger, daughter of Levi and Susan (Mack) Berger, and they have had two sons, George Franklin and Charles Levi; Jennie E., born March 12, 1876, died March 8, 1882. On Aug. 9, 1862, Mr. Rissel enlisted in the Union service, becoming a private in Company E, 131st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Capt. I. B. Davis and Colonel Allaboch. He took part in the battles of Antietam (Sept. 17, 1862), Fredericksburg (Dec. 11-14, 1862), and Chancellorsville (May 1-4, 1863), and was honorably discharged at Harrisburg, May 27, 1863. WILLIAM H. FISHER, proprietor of Fisher's Iron Foundry, located at Rebuck, in Washington township, is a member of a family which has been identified with Northumberland county from the early days, though not continuously in this branch. He was born Oct 28, 1851 in Dauphin county, at Gratz, where his father settled and lived for many years. Joseph Fisher, who founded this family in America, was born in Germany in April, 1734, and on June 5, 1764, married Catharine Minegar, also END OF PAGE 373 a native of Germany, born in August, 1746. They were the parents of the following children: Catharine, who married Nicholas Shipman; Henry; Mary, who married Samuel Mutchler; Hannah, who married Caleb Farlee; Elizabeth; John; Moses; David; Jacob, and Joseph. It is claimed that the parents settled near the site of Catawissa, in what is now Columbia county, Pa., some time in the eighteenth century, but prior to that they evidently lived in Bradford county, where their oldest son, Henry, was born July 25, 1767. Henry Fisher, born in Bradford county, Pa., July 25, 1767, lived for some years in Columbia county, thence removing to Northumberland county. He was the father of these children: Jacob, John, Caleb, Clotworthy, Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth and Catharine. He located upon the land later owned by Peter Leisenring, where he built a gristmill and tavern, which he operated many years. He also owned about eighteen acres of land adjacent to the mill and hotel property. His death occurred about 1825, after which all his family except his son John (born Sept. 20, 1800) left that locality. Caleb Fisher, son of Henry, lived at Bear Gap, in Coal township (Bear Gap is now included in Ralpho township), Northumberland county. In early life he learned the trade of miller, which he followed during the greater part of his active life, operating Fishers mill, now known as the Leisenring mill, at Bear Gap for many years, succeeding his father at that place. Later he moved to Sunbury. Caleb Fisher was an able and enterprising business man and at one time quite well-to-do. He died at Sunbury and is buried there. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Bird, had the following children: Clinton, who was a machinist, lived at Danville at one time and was also a resident of Muncy; John I., a molder by trade, lived in Sunbury; Jared is mentioned later; Albert, a printer, lived at Danville; Harrison died at Sunbury; Henry C., a foundry-man, lived at Freeburg; Jane never married. Jared Fisher, son of Caleb, was born at Bear Gap, and died during the eighties, when sixty-five years old, at Gratz, Dauphin Co., Pa., whither he had removed in 1848. He is buried there. Mr. Fisher was a machinist and blacksmith. At one time he lived in Minersville, Schuylkill county, thence going to Gratz, where he had a shop of his own and did general blacksmithing until his death. He was a prosperous man, and owned his own home. Politically he was a Republican, and during the Civil war was an active, Union sympathizer, serving in that war under two enlistments. He was a soldier in Company I, 103d Regiment, for nine months, and reenlisted, serving until the close of the struggle. Mr. Fisher was a member of the Reformed Church at Gratz. He married Elizabeth Hetrich, daughter of Jacob Hetrich, of Northumberland county, and she survived him many years, dying in 1906, at the age of seventy-two. She is buried by her husband's side at Gratz. They had a family of five children: Mary J. (who died young), a daughter that died in infancy, William H., Adam M. (deceased) and Franklin I. (deceased). William H. Fisher received his elementary education in the common schools in his native county. In 1868 he began to learn the molding trade from his uncle, Henry C. Fisher, being located at Rebuck, and remained with him three years. Resuming his studies, he attended Freeburg Academy for three terms, and later was a student at Berrysburg Academy, in Dauphin county, for three terms, after which he was granted a license to teach. He followed the profession for three terms, being engaged in Washington township, Northumberland county, until in 1875 he was taken into partnership by his uncle, Henry C. Fisher, who moved to Freeburg, where they built a shop and established an iron foundry. They did business under the firm name of H. C. & W. H. Fisher for two years, William H. Fisher withdrawing from the association in 1877 and coming to Greenbrier, Northumberland county, where he started the foundry business on his own account. He was in successful business there for four years, in 1882 settling at Rebuck, where he has since remained. During his first four years at that location he rented his place of business and then purchased the property he now occupies, he is a practical mechanic and a foundry man of thorough experience, and is the only man in the business in his section. However, that is not the only reason he has established such a thriving trade. His work is reliable, and there is a steady demand for the products of his plant, plows of all kinds and common agricultural implements, the well known Fisher plow is his specialty and has an excellent reputation. The foundry occupies a half acre of ground. Mr. Fisher owns a tract of six acres which formerly belonged to his uncle Henry C. Fisher, and in 1897 he purchased the old Dr. Fred Tryon farm, consisting of thirty acres at Rebuck, upon which place the first store, hotel and post office were located. The hotel was abandoned by Mr. Fisher. He is a Republican in politics and has served three years as school director. On Dec. 25, 1875, Mr. Fisher married Hannah S. Kieffer, daughter of Peter and Hannah (Welker) Kieffer, of Washington township, earlier of Jackson township, and they have had six children: Elizabeth died unmarried and is buried in the family plot at the Himmel Church; Nellie J. married Ira Mattern and they reside at Ashland; H. Emma married William Brosius and they live at Seven Points; Katie married Henry Hubler, of Mahanoy City, Pa.; Clara S. and Walter H. com- END OF PAGE 374 plete the family. Mr. Fisher and his family are Lutheran members of the Himmel Church, and he is especially devoted to Sunday school work; he has been superintendent of the Union Sunday school of that organization since 1909. WILLIAM P. WENDLE, justice of the peace of Milton, Northumberland county, for more than twenty-five years, was first elected to that office in 1879, and with but one term intermission has held it continuously to the present time. He is one of the most respected citizens of the borough, a veteran of the Civil war and a well known worker in the Republican party. Mr. Wendle was born July 16, 1840, at Muncy, Lycoming Co., Pa., and is of Dutch descent, his grandfather, John Wendle, having come from Holland. He settled near Muncy and followed farming, dying about 1888. He is buried at Muncy. Peter Wendle, son of John and father of William P., was born in 1802 in Lycoming county, Pa., and died in 1868. By trade he was a wagon maker, and about 1838 had a shop at McEwensville, Northumberland county, later removing to Muncy. He was a prominent Democrat and served as county commissioner of Lycoming county, also holding various other offices. In religion he was a member of the Evangelical Church. He married Sarah Buck, who was born in Lycoming county in 1801, and died in 1848, and they were the parents of eight children, namely: Daniel B, who was a merchant in Philadelphia; William P ; Thomas P., who was a carriage-maker in Philadelphia (his only son, George, lives in Williamsport, Pa.); Peter F, a cabinetmaker, who lived in Williamsport; Frances I., who married Alexander Hall and has six children, J. A., P. C., William, Alfred, Mary R. and Etta: Ellen G., who married Joseph Gibson, of Philadelphia and has three children, Alfred and Clara and Millie; Sarah E., who married Jesse Edgar and has four children, Harry, Emily, Harvey and Grant; Jane, who married Silas Axtel, of Iowa, and has two children, Zenis and one daughter; her second husband is a Mr. Lee, of Kansas. William P. Wendle received his education in the schools of Muncy. In 1856 he went West to Indiana, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and there in 1861 he enlisted for three years' service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company H, 20th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he went to the front. He was taken prisoner at Hatteras, N. C., was held at Charleston, S. C., and twice at the notorious Libby Prison, before securing his release. Having been captured in the engagement at Hatteras he was honorably discharged on account of disability, May 26, 1862, and returned to Muncy, where he engaged in business. In 1871 he again moved to Indiana, remaining in that State until l874, since when he has made his home at Milton. For five years after settling in Milton Mr. Wendle followed his trade, and, as previously stated, he was elected justice of the peace in 1879, being honored with reelection again and again; his services are highly valued and he has the esteem of all his fellow citizens. He is a Republican, and has represented his party in many conventions, and socially he holds membership in Henry Wilson Post, 129, G.A.R., the Knights of the Golden Eagle, No. 265, the Knights of Pythias and the P.H.C. He and his family attend the Lutheran Church. In 1863 Mr. Wendle married Ellen J. Blue, daughter of Daniel Blue, and they had three children: Carrie Ida, wife of Reverend J. Bramble, of Milton, Pa.; Nellie T., at home; and Elizabeth, wife of George Bramble, of Cumberland, Md. Mrs. Wendle died March 12, 1910, aged seventy years. DANIEL S. SCHREFFLER, now living in partial retirement at Leck Kill, in Upper Mahanoy township, was for a number of years successfully farming on the south side of Line Mountain, and he is one of the most substantial and highly esteemed residents of that section, where he has passed all his life. The Schreffler family of eastern Pennsylvania claims as its founder in America Heinrich Schreffler, who settled in the borough of Reading, Berks county, at an early date. His will, on record in Will Book A, page 83, in the Berks county courthouse, was made April 25, 1783, he "being old and weak in body," and was probated Sept. 6, 1784. Apparently he died in the summer of 1784. He made his mark on the document, and his sons Christian and Godfriedt (as the name was spelled in the will) were appointed executors. Among the items was one to the effect that George "shall have my fine stocking weaver loom, with all belongings." The son Conrad died before his father, and his son, also named Conrad, obtained his father's share of the inheritance. To Heinrich and Magdalena Schreffler were born the following children: Christian, Henry, Godfried, Carl, George and Conrad. The son Christian lived in the borough of Reading in 1790, in which year he was the head of a family consisting of himself, wife, three sons under sixteen years of age and three daughters. Godfried Schreffler, son of Heinrich (Henry), was a farmer in Bethel township, Berks county. He made his will in 1811 and died in 1812. The executors of his will were his sons John and Godfried, his family consisting of nine children, namely: John, Godfried, Peter, George, Conrad, Catharine (married Simon Smeltzer), Polly (married John Focht), Betsy (married John Groff) and Hannah (unmarried). END OF PAGE 375 Godfried Schreffler, the grandfather of Daniel S. Schreffler, was a farmer in Northumberland county, owning the farm in Washington township which is now. the property of Andrew Adams. He is buried in that township, at the Himmel Church, and was a Lutheran in religious connection. He was a tall man and dark complexioned. To him and his wife Eve (Lebo) were born children as follows: Joseph; Godfried; John; Daniel; Mrs. Michael Dockey; Susanna, Mrs. John Snyder; and Elizabeth, Mrs. Nicholas Adam. John Schreffler, son of Godfried and Eve(Lebo) Schreffler, was born in 1819 in Dauphin county, Pa., and died in 1894. He and his wife, Salome (Rebuck), who died in 1893, aged seventy-three years, are buried at the Himmel Church. He owned an eighty-acre farm situated on the south side of Line Mountain, in Washington township, to the cultivation of which he devoted the major part of his life. In August, 1863, he enlisted for nine months service in the Civil war. His family was a large one, namely: Harry married Hettie Bergner; Lovina married John Falck; Urias married Mary Ferster; Katie married James Seiler; John married Amanda Hetrich; Hiram married Malinda Rebuck; Nathan married Mary Miller; Mary married Joel Mattern; Fietta married Enoch Mattern; Elias is unmarried; Frank married Malinda Rebuck and (second) Lydia Drumheller. Urias Schreffler, son of John and Salome (Rebuck) Schreffler, is a farmer in Washington township, this county. His children are: James, Charles, Levi, Jay and Ida. Daniel Schreffler, son of Godfried and Eve (Lebo) Schreffler, was born Sept. 9, 1827, in the lower section of Northumberland county, and was reared in Washington township, where Andrew Adam now lives. He was a lifelong farmer, for many years living and working in Upper Mahanoy township, where he owned the tract of seventy-seven acres now owned by Malinda Schreffler. He served as supervisor of his township, and was well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the local organizations of the I.O.O.F. and P.O.S. of A. until they were disbanded. He and his family were Lutheran members of St. John's Church, where he and his two wives are buried. His first marriage was to Sallie Schankweiler, who was born Oct. 20, 1825, and died March 19, 1882. His second wife, Dina (Bohner), was born Sept. 22, 1833, and died Dec. 26, 1907. Mr. Schreffler passed away March 4, 1908. All his children were born to his first marriage, viz.: John; William; Lizzie, who married Silas Eister; James S.; Mary, who married Joel Reitz; Andrew, who died young; Daniel S.; Sarah, who married John Kahler, a son that died in infancy; Elias, who died young; and Henry. John Schreffler, eldest son of Daniel and Sallie (Schankweiler) Schreffler, was born in 1851. He grew up on the home farm and attended the Country schools. After his marriage to Caroline Kieffer, in 1873, he purchased a farm in Washington township, and there resided until the time of his death, following agricultural work. He was the father of these children: Andrew, who married Martha Rebuck; Mima, who married Cyrus Moyer; Callie, who married Lewis Rebuck; Samuel, who married Jemima Demmoyer; Etta, married Samuel Kieffer; Katie, who married Adam Drumheller; Dora, who married David Reitz; Jane, who married Daniel Reitz; David, Sallie and Mazy, all three deceased; John and Loy. Mr. Schreffler was a prominent factor in the Himmel Lutheran Church, of which he was trustee for a number of years. He was school director for years, also supervisor for a number years. In politics he was a Democrat. James S. Schreffler, son of Daniel and Sallie Schreffler, was born Sept. 2, 1854, and spent his early years at farm work. When nineteen he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he followed regularly for about two years, and has continued to work at it off and on ever since. In the spring of 1879 he commenced to farm at his present location in Upper Mahanoy township, having a tract of sixty-six acres along the south side of Line Mountain, at the head of Greenbrier creek. It was formerly the property of Jacob Shankweiler, who built the house and barn in 1852, burning the brick he used from clay obtained in the meadow above the house. Mr. Schreffler has been quite active in the work of the Democratic party in his section, has served as election officer, and was a member of the township school board for nine years. He has been an active member of the Lutheran congregation at St John's Church for a number of years, and is at present serving as trustee; he was formerly a deacon. His family are also identified with this church. On March 9, 1879, Mr. Schreffler married Sarah Jane Falck, and to their union have been born six children, as follows: Daniel O. died in his eighth year; Mazy C. died in her ninth year; Charles M. married Nealla Paul; Katie A. married William Fetherolf; Edward L. is a school teacher in Upper Mahanoy township; Emma A. died in her sixth year. Daniel S. Schreffler was born Dec. 26, 1860, son of Daniel and Sallie Schreffler. He worked with his father until he attained his majority, in the spring of 1882 becoming a tenant farmer in Lower Augusta township, where he remained for six years. Moving across the Line Mountain into Washington township, he farmed near Rebuck for the next three years, in the spring of 1890 purchasing his uncle's farm of 144 acres, good lands where he lived until he retired from the more END OF PAGE 376 arduous work of life. He built the dwelling and summer house now standing on that property and made a number of other improvements which materially added to its value, having a well kept farm, which he sold in the fall of 1909. He then purchased a residence in which his father lived and died, at Leck Kill, and moved there in the spring of 1910. He has given up the more trying labors and is now spending his time in partial retirement. Mr. Schreffler has taken considerable interest in the welfare of his locality, and served efficiently as school director for one term of three years and as auditor for many years. In politics he is a Democrat, in religion a Lutheran member of St. John's Church, to which his family also belongs. In 1881 Mr. Schreffler married Hattie Eister, daughter of Peter and Mary (Bohner) Eister, of Augusta township, this county, and they have four children: Mary E., now the wife of Lewis Snyder; William J., who married Jennie Snyder and lived in Upper Mahanoy township; Daniel E., and Carrie M. RISHEL. Isaiah C. and Joseph C. Rishel, brothers, both now retired farmers living in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, are descended from a family which has long been established in America. Its founder in this country was Heinrich Ulrich Rishel a native of Germany, who came to America in 1753 and settled in Bucks County, Pa. He was the father of six sons, Jacob, Leonard, Ludwig, Martin Luther, Michael and William, all of whom served in the Revolutionary war, William holding the rank of captain. After the war two of these sons, Michael and Martin Luther, came to Montour county, Pa., and took up land, Martin Luther Rishel settling in Liberty township. Two of his sons were Jacob and John, and there were evidently other children. John Rishel, son of Martin Luther, married Esther Swartz, and a little later moved to Columbia county, Pa., where he followed farming. This couple had the following children: Jonathan, Benjamin, Peter, John, Lydia (married Lewis Kauffman), Hester (married Daniel Bloom), David and Jeremiah (who died en route to California in 1849). Jonathan Rishel, son of John,; was born July 14, 1808, and during his boyhood attended pay school in the home locality. When a young man he worked on his father's farm, and later learned the trade of wheelwright which he continued to follow all his life in connection with farming. He died March 28, 1886. His first wife, Ann (Crites), who died May 10, 1837, aged twenty-six years, nine months, twenty-two days, was a daughter of Adam and Susannah Crites, the former of whom died in 1848, at the age of seventy-three, the latter in 1854, at the age of eighty- one. She was the mother of two children, Margaret Ann and Isaiah C., the former of whom became the wife of Franklin C. Pardoe. Mr. Rishel's second marriage was to Rachel Crossley, daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Heinebach) Crossley; Joseph Crossley's father came from England. One child was born to this union, Joseph C. ISAIAH C. RISHEL was born Nov. 18, 1834, in Liberty township, Montour Co., Pa., and there received his education in the public schools. His early life was spent on his father's farm, and in time he purchased the property in West Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, where he has continued to reside to the present time. He is a Democrat and served many years as member of the school board, has been assessor, overseer of the poor and road supervisor. In religious matters he and his family are Lutherans, belonging to the church at Pottsgrove. On Feb. 2, 1860, Mr. Rishel married Christiann Giffen, who was born Nov. 29, 1834, and their union has been blessed with five children: Anna Margaret married M. O. Fairchilds and has children, B. Miller, James Rishel, Elmer Ellsworth and Margaret Christine; Mary married Clarence A. Grove; James Giffen married Maggie Elizabeth Pardoe; Ella May married Hugh Mack, who is now deceased; Sarah Alexander married Clarence Foresman and has one child, Mary Fredrica. James Giffen, grandfather of Mrs. Isaiah C. Rishel, was born in Delaware county, Pa., moved thence to Montour county and later to Northumberland county. He married Sarah Alexander, and they were the parents of seven children, born as follows: Nancy, April 14, 1800 (died in 1861); Robert A., Sept. 23, 1801; Margaret, Oct. 1, 1803; John, Nov. 23, 1805; Mary, Oct. 16, 1807 (married Daniel Kerr); James, Sept. 3, 1809 (died young); Thomas M., Nov. 17, 1812. John Giffen, born Nov. 23, 1805, married Margaret McMahan, and they had the following family: Christiann, Mrs. Rishel; James O., born March 3, 1837, who died Feb. 10, 1906; Jane M., born Nov. 27, 1841, who married Thomas Watson and (second) Rev. Charles Park; Samuel McMahan, born May 2, 1844, who lives in Michigan; and John Robert born May 2, 1849, who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. JOSEPH C. RISHEL was born Jan. 17, 1843, in Liberty township, Montour Co., Pa., and was reared on his father's farm. His education was obtained in the schools of his native township, and he has followed farming all his life. For eighteen years he cultivated his father's land, in 1887 purchasing the place of 103 acres in East Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, which he has since owned and occupied. He bought this property from James Frederick. and it was part of the large tract owned by the latter's family. Mr. Rishel has now relinquished active work, his END OF PAGE 377 son John operating the farm, which is in a high state of cultivation. On May 18, 1891, the dwelling, a fine brick house, was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Rishel immediately rebuilt, upon the old foundation, having a handsome, up-to-date home, which is a great improvement on the property and a credit to the locality. He and his wife have always taken the deepest interest in everything affecting the welfare of the community and its advancement being progressive, intelligent people, and they are consistent and active members of the Lutheran church, in which he has been an elder for some years. When a young man he was elected church trustee, and he served as a member of the building committee when the church at Pottsgrove was erected. He has served his township as school director and overseer of the poor, filling the latter office for sixteen years. Politically he is a Democrat. On Dec. 27, 1866, Mr. Rishel married Sarah Jane Frederick, daughter of Isaac Frederick and member of a prominent family of this section, and they have had two children: (1) Julia married George Fairchild and has five children, Sarah, Pearl, George, Kate and Lester. (2) John married Ellen Morrow and they have one child, Catharine. He farms the homestead and is one of the substantial young citizens of the township, which he has served as school director for one term of three years and was recently reelected for a similar period. LAHR. The Lahr family is one of the old families of Northumberland county, particularly numerous in the counties south of Line Mountain, in that region of Pennsylvania, and well represented among the substantial citizens of this section. But its origin is difficult to trace. It is believed that all the Lahrs mentioned in this article are of common ancestry; at any rate their forefathers in this region seem to have been of the same stock, although it is impossible from the material at hand to ascertain accurately what relation existed between them. There are evidently three distinct branches of the family in Northumberland county, the posterity of Daniel, Paul and George Lahr, who, according to tradition, were related, though how is not quite certain. Daniel and George were probably first cousins, and Paul it appears was the brother of Daniel, but this is not corroborated. Paul Lahr, born July 11, 1781, died April 2, 1847, and is buried in the cemetery of the Stone Valley Church, of which church he was a Lutheran member. He was a farmer, living near Dalmatia, where he owned a tract of 145 acres now the property of Nelson Gayman, of Sunbury. The maiden name of his wife, Elizabeth, was either Bubb or Lenker, and she, too, is buried at Zion's Stone Valley Church. She was born Nov. 2, 1786, and died April 30, 1847. They were the parents of the following children: Michael, Paul, John, Nicholas, Isaac, Benjamin, Susanna (died unmarried) and Elizabeth (who married Abraham Lenker). Of these, Michael Lahr lived in Dalmatia. He was married but had no family. He is buried at Stone Valley Church. Paul Lahr lived near Lewisburg, Pa., where he is buried. He married Molly Bordner, and their children were: Henry, Paul, Nicholas, William, Frank and Kate. John Lahr lived along the Susquehanna, above Dalmatia, on the farm now owned by the Schlegel brothers. His wife's maiden name was Schaffer, and they are buried at Georgetown. They had children: Elizabeth married Benjamin Byerly; Sarah married Josiah Schwartz. Isaac Lahr, born July 7, 1820, died Sept. 4, 1883, and is buried at Stone Valley Church. He lived above Dalmatia, at what is now the home of his son John. His wife, Elizabeth (Michael), born Jan. 26, 1817, died Jan. 10, 1885, the mother of these children: Michael (born 1849, died 1862), John, Sophia (married Isaac Campbell and Isaac. The son John, born in 1851 in Lower Mahanoy township, follows in his father's footsteps, being a farmer, but he also does considerable carpenter work, being an excellent mechanic and in demand as such in his neighborhood. He owns the old homestead, and is identified with the old Stone Valley Church where so many of the name have attended religious worship, being a Lutheran member thereof. To him and his wife Hannah (Boyer) have been born five children: Lizzie, Annie, Susan, Mary and John A. Peter Lahr located in Snyder county, Pa., near Richfield. He had a number of children. Daniel Lahr, a farmer, lived in Jackson township, one mile south of Herndon, owning the farm which is now the property of Robert L. Rieger, but which Mr. Lahr sold to Christian Albert and his son Isaac. The house on the place was used for hotel purposes during the building of the Northern Central railroad, being known as the "Blue Ball Hotel." Daniel Lahr died on this farm Dec. 15, 1844, and is buried at Zion's Stone Valley Church. His wife Sophia (Brosius) born July 1, 1785, died Dec. 29, 1859, and is buried at Dalmatia. They had children as follows: Joseph, born May 20, 1816, lived where Robert L. Rieger now resides, and died Oct. 20, 1855, unmarried; George B., born in 1823, died at Dalmatia in 1906 (his wife Louisa Bordner, born in 1836, died in 1903); Daniel W. is mentioned below; Catharine married George Shaffer; Lydia married Jacob Shaffer. END OF PAGE 378 George B. Lahr, son of Daniel, was born in 1823, in Jackson township, and was brought up on the farm. But when quite young he became a woodsman, and he continued to work at lumbering until about 1880, when he resumed the operation of his youth. When a young man he walked to Jersey Shore, in upper Pennsylvania, where he found work in the lumber woods, and he developed considerable ability in the more skilled branches of the labor, being able with a broadaxe to square trees into shape ready for building purposes. After 1880 he purchased Ash island, at Dalmatia, which he farmed until his death, in 1906. He accumulated considerable property, owning several houses and a farm at Dalmatia at the time of his death, and he was enterprising and thrifty in the management of his affairs. His wife Louisa (Bordner), daughter of Jonathan Bordner, (whose wife was a Kiehl), of Lower Mahanoy township was born in 1836, and died in 1903. They are buried at Dalmatia. Fourteen children were born to this couple: James W., George H., Jonathan, Jacob, Daniel (deceased), J. Michael, Eva Elizabeth (married John Hetrick) Sarah Alice (married George Rutter), Louisa (died young), triplets (one son and two daughters) that died in infancy, and two others that died young. JACOB LAHR, son of George B. and Louisa (Bordner) Lahr, was born Oct. 2, 1861, in Lower Mahanoy township, in the house next to his present home at Dalmatia. He spent his boyhood and youth at home in Dalmatia (then better known as Georgetown), working on the farm for his father until he was twenty-five years old. For another twenty years he continued to engage in farm work, but since 1907 he has devoted himself to shoemaking and repairing at Dalmatia. His home at that place, which he owns, was built by himself and his father in 1894. Mr. Lahr is a respected and industrious citizen, giving all his time to his personal affairs, and taking no part in public life, having always refused official preferment of any kind. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Jr. O.U.A.M. at Dalmatia, and with his family holds membership in the Lutheran congregation of Dalmatia Church, to which his father and mother also belonged. They are buried at that church. On July 18, 1885, Mr. Lahr married Sarah C. Doney, daughter of Israel and Sarah (Campbell) Doney, and eight children have been born to them, namely: Laura L. (married Harvey Geist), Sarah E. (married to Howard Chubb), Alice L., Emma V. (died young), Mary C., Jacob I., George E. (died young) and Ralph M. Daniel W. Lahr, brother of George B. and son of Daniel and Sophia Lahr, was born March 31, 1826, in what is now Lower Mahanoy township, and was reared to farm life. At an early age, however, he became a boatman on the Pennsylvania State canal, which ran between Sunbury, Pa., and Havre de Grace, Md. It was while engaged in this occupation that he contracted rheumatism, inflammatory rheumatism eventually causing his death. After living for a time on the place now occupied by Robert L. Rieger (his father's old homestead), he moved to Snyder county, where he lived for some years, after which he crossed the Susquehanna and lived on the property now owned by Henry A. Carl. He died at that place Sept. 13, 1858, at the comparatively early age of thirty-two years, and is buried at Dalmatia. His wife, Mary (Albert), daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Boyer) Albert, from the neighborhood of Freeburg, Snyder county, died during the seventies, and is also buried at Dalmatia. They were the parents of three children: Franklin A.; George W., an electric light engineer, now of Tacoma, Wash.; and Sophia J., who died when eight years old. FRANKLIN A. LAHR, son of Daniel W., was born March 1853, in Lower Mahanoy township. He received his early education in the public schools of Jackson township, later attended the academy at Freeburg and improved himself considerably by study at home, being a student in fact to the present time. After leaving school he worked in the saw mill where Robert L. Rieger now lives, and followed that kind of work for ten years, in different counties of the State, during which time be had the misfortune to lose the little finger of his left hand, which was sawed off while he was working at Shamokin. He has spent the greater part of his life at Herndon or in the immediate vicinity, and since April 4, 1893, has been engaged as bookkeeper at the Herndon Manufacturing Company, a large industrial concern giving employment to sixty-five men. Besides, he acts as local agent for the Geiser Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of traction engines, threshing machines, separators and portable sawmills, and he has held a commission as notary public since 1900; he was first appointed by Governor Stone, later by Governor Pennypacker. He has been notary public for the First National Bank of Herndon since its organization. Mr. Lahr has always had considerable taste for music, and through his own efforts has become proficient on several instruments, playing the piano, organ, violin and cornet on which latter he was particularly skillful in his younger manhood, when he gave it more attention. In 1902 he organized an orchestra of six pieces, of which he is the leader, and whose services are in constant demand in and around Herndon, furnishing the music at many church and social affairs. Some years ago Mr. Lahr gave much of his time to teaching bands. His proficiency and high standing in this field are highly creditable, for he has END OF PAGE 379 acquired all his knowledge of music out of working hours, having been obliged to support himself during his younger years when he first took up the study. The same may be said of his educational acquirements in other lines, for he has done most of his studying at night, and his library is the best evidence of his inclinations. He is a thorough student of the Bible, and liberal in his religious views. Mr. Lahr has been identified with many phases of the life of the borough of Herndon. Besides his business and musical connections, already noted, he is a member of Washington Camp No. 182, P.O.S. of A., and of Polaris Lodge, No. 765, I.O.O.F., both of Herndon, and was the first noble grand of the latter body. He has served as clerk of the town council since its incorporation and organization. Politically he is not identified with any party, voting independently. Samuel Lahr, grandfather of Prof. M. L. W. Lahr, was a farmer and lived in Little Mahanoy township, owning the place now owned by Gilbert Bobb. He is buried at Little Mahanoy Church, of which he was a Lutheran member, and he held office in his congregation. His wife was Elizabeth Ferster, and they had an only son, Henry. Henry Lahr was born July 7, 1825, and died November 30, 1893, aged sixty-eight years, four months, twenty-three days. He is buried at Uniontown (Pillow), near which place he lived, on a farm in Lower Mahanoy township between Uniontown and Byerly's. He was a lifelong farmer, and during his long and active career had several large farms, one of which, a valuable property, he sold to his son, Prof. M. L. W. Lahr. The place on which he died, previously mentioned, contained some twenty acres. He was a progressive man, one of the most esteemed and valuable citizens of his community, interesting himself in everything that concerned the general good. He served a number of years on the school board of Lower Mahanoy township, and was one of its most useful members. A Lutheran member of the Uniontown Union Church, he served as trustee of that church for about a quarter of a century. His wife, Catharine (Wolf), daughter of Michael and Mary Magdalena (Latsha) Wolf, and granddaughter of Henry Latsha, a native of Colebrookdale township, Berks Co., Pa., died Oct. 26, 1906, at Uniontown, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. Three sons and four daughters were born to this worthy couple: Lovina married Clinton Campbell and they live in Uniontown; Sophia married John Lesher and died in 1886 (Mr. Lesher now lives at Reading, Pa.); Samuel died at Valley Falls Kans.; Mary (deceased) married Charles Shadel and lived at Fountain Spring, Schuylkill county; Elizabeth, who died in 1903, married Monroe Wiest and lived at Allentown; Prof. M. L. W. is a resident of Sunbury; Jacob is a resident of Uniontown. PROF. M. L. W. LAHR was born June 13, 1863, and has been a resident of the borough of Sunbury since the fall of 1900. He has been engaged in educational work throughout his active years. Having received an excellent foundation for his education in public and private schools, he attended what was then known as Central Pennsylvania College (now known as Albright College), at Myerstown, Pa., and later became a student at the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, Ohio. When eighteen years old he had begun teaching, in his native township, and he has been thus engaged ever since, at present filling his twenty-sixth term. For seven terms he was at the Dalmatia high school; two terms at the Uniontown high school, and one term at the Mount Carmel high school, before he came to Sunbury. He is now assistant principal of the Sunbury high school, to which position he was promoted in the fall of 1907, and put in charge of the department of modern languages. Professor Lahr is an educator of high standing and proved efficiency, and his success is due to conscientious work and devotion to his duties, in which he is deeply interested. He is a member of the O.U.A.M. at Sunbury, and thoroughly identified with the best interests of the community. In 1890 Professor Lahr married Sevilla Dubendorf, daughter of William and Julianne (Wiest) Dubendorf, who lived in Jordan township, this county. They have a family of five children: Cardella, who graduated from the Sunbury high school in 1909 and is now engaged in teaching public school in this county; Anna; Melvin; Truman, and Helen. Professor Lahr and his family worship at Zion Lutheran Church at Sunbury. George Lahr (also recorded as Johan Georg Lahr), born July 5, 1799, lived in the territory now embraced in Jackson township and followed agricultural pursuits, owning a farm of about one hundred acres now the property of John Riegel. He was a fine wood worker, and his services in that capacity were frequently called for. He made many spinning wheels and wool wheels, coffins, and furniture of different kinds. He died Nov. 1, 1866, and was buried at St. Peter's Church, at Mahanoy (now Red Cross). His wife, Catharine Dressler, daughter of Jacob Dressler, was born April 20, 1798, and died Oct. 8, 1881. Their children are all deceased: Jacob, born Aug. 25, 1824, lived in Jackson township, and died Jan. 6, 1861; Benneville; Rebecca married Samuel B. Smith; Levi, born April 18, 1830, lived in Jackson township, and died Jan. 6, 1896 (his wife Mary Ann, born Sept. 30, 1833, died Sept. 28, 1888); Elias is mentioned below; several died young. END OF PAGE 380 Elias Lahr, son of George, was a farmer and carpenter. He made his home in Washington township, where he followed agricultural pursuits for many years, and he did carpentry in that and surrounding townships, building a number of barns. He was a prominent man in the locality, holding various township offices and serving as deacon and elder of St. Peter's Church, at Mahanoy, in which he held membership. Politically he was a Democrat. He is buried at Herndon (we have record of Elias T. Lahr, who died Jan. 26, 1892, aged sixty-three years, one month, eighteen days, and Mary, his wife, who died Feb. 21, 1910, aged seventy- two years, seven months). His wife Polly, daughter of John M. Snyder, is also deceased. They had seven children: Joriah S.; Catharine, who died in her ninth year; Amanda, who married Joel Rebuck; and four who died young. JORIAH S. LAHR, son of Elias and Polly (Snyder) Lahr, was born Sept. 30, 1856, in Jackson township, and was reared to farm life. He worked with his parents until after he attained his majority, in 1874 commencing to farm the homestead in Washington township for his father, and he was engaged there four years. After that he conducted the "Parrish Hotel," at Herndon, for one year, but with this exception his time has been given to farming. From Herndon he moved to a 106-acre farm in Washington township which he purchased, and lived thirteen years on that place, after which he was a tenant at Hebe for one year and in the Swabian Creek district for one year. He was also in the Lykens valley for one year, after which he purchased the tract of eighty-seven acres in Lower Mahanoy township on which he has since made his home. This place was a Witmer homestead for many years. Mr. Lahr is a thrifty farmer and one of the substantial and respected citizens of his neighborhood. In 1874 Mr. Lahr married Mary Eyster, daughter of David and Hannah (Geise) Eyster, and to them have been born thirteen children: John married Katie Miller; Jane married W. K. Bingaman; George married Susan A. Riegel; Katie married Irwin Lesher; Emma married Charles Riegel; Henry married Bertha Hoffman; Louisa lives in Sunbury with the family of Hon. C. B. Witmer; Edward, Susan and Charles are unmarried; three died young. Mr. Lahr and his family are members of the Lutheran congregation at Pillow, which he has served seven years in the office of deacon. He is a Democrat in political sentiment. DONEY. There are living in Northumberland county many of the posterity of those Hessian soldiers who, having been sold to England to assist in the suppression of the Revolution, had no desire to return to a country and a ruler which had sent them to fight the Colonists against their will, and consequently remained in this country at the close of the war. Among those who settled in this country and here passed the remainder of their lives were the following, who are buried in the old graveyard at Zion's Church, in Stone Valley: Nicholas Bohner, Heinrich Hepner, Adam Dockey, John Bingaman, Johan Lessman, Jacob Allman, one Ossman and one Gessner. The following are buried at Klinger's Church, which is in Schuylkill county near the Northumberland county line: Johan Schwalm (1752-1836), Conrad Dietz, Andraes Schmeltz, Johannes Stang, Peter Stein, and one Yund. Among other Hessian pioneers in this section were Michael Roedel (Radel), a Long, a Dornsife, and others whose descendants are numbered among the best citizens of the Commonwealth. Johan Nickalas Doney, one of the Hessian soldiers who refused to return to his native land after the Revolutionary war ended, was one of the large number captured by Washington at Trenton. Before 1800 he had settled in Lower Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, where he married and reared a creditable family. He was one of the most respected citizens of his section. His children were: Abraham, John Adam and Anna Maria (Mrs. Peifer). Abraham Doney, son of Johan Nickalas, came with his father from Berks or Lebanon county to Northumberland prior to 1800. He married Maria Zerbe, and they lived in Lower Mahanoy township, where they were farming people. They are buried at Zion's Stone Valley Church. They were the parents of a large family, namely: George, Adam, Peter, John, Jacob, Benjamin, Abraham, Israel, Polly, Catharine, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Sallie and Rachel. Israel Doney, son of Abraham, lived in Lower Mahanoy township, where he followed farming. He and his wife Sarah (Campbell) are buried at Zion's Church, in Stone Valley. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom died young, the survivors being: John Adam, George E., Benjamin H. and Sarah C. (wife of Jacob Lahr, of Lower Mahanoy township). DOCKEY. Adam Dockey, one of the Hessian soldiers buried at Zion's Stone Valley Church, also founded a family represented to this day in Northumberland county. He was a pioneer resident of Lower Mahanoy township, and through his son John the name was continued. Elmer Dockey, of Uniontown (Pillow), Pa., is a conspicuous member of this family. Adam Dockey had one son and two daughters: John, Elizabeth (who died unmarried) and Catharine (married Simon Lenker). John Dockey, son of Adam, married Mary Schaffer, and they were farming people in Lower Mahanoy township. They were members of the END OF PAGE 381 Mahanoy church, and both are buried at that church. Their family consisted of thirteen children, all of whom reached maturity: (1) Michael, born March 2, 1813, died Nov. 12, 1889. (Susanna, who died May 26, 1900, aged sixty years, ten months, three days, may have been his wife.) He had two sons and three daughters. (2) John, born March 24, 1815, died Sept. 24, 1887. His wife Elizabeth, born Nov. 27, 1815, died Feb. 2, 1891. They had one daughter. (3) Mary. (4) Jonas, born Dec. 31, 1819, died July 7, 1904. His wife Catharine (Hepner), born June 15, 1819, died Oct. 27, 1891. They had one son and one daughter. (5) Elizabeth. (6) Joseph had two sons and four daughters. (7) Sarah. (8) Catharine. (9) Magdalene married David Underkoffler and they had fifteen children. (10) Benjamin, born April 29, 1829, lives at Pillow. He had two sons and one daughter. (11) Annie never married. (12) Elias, born June 21, 1833, died Dec. 7, 1888. His wife Eliza, born in 1834, died in 1893. They had two sons and five daughters. (13) Nathan, born Dec. 11, 1830, died Oct. 7, 1833. CHARLES H. McMAHAN, of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pa., is a descendant of one of the oldest families in the upper part of the county, which has been located in the Chillisquaque Valley since about 1771. The family originated in Scotland, where the name was MacMahan. In 1650, because of clan disturbances on account of religion, they left their native land and settled in the North of Ireland. There, between 1730 and 1740, an outbreak occurred between the Presbyterians and the Catholics, and the MacMahans, who were stanch Presbyterians, took part in the trouble. At a battle fought about 1732 five brothers were serving, and they were ever after separated. One, in some manner, was carried to France, and he became the ancestor of the celebrated Marshal MacMahon, who served as president of the French Republic. In 1735 or 1736 John McMahan, another of the five brothers, and the ancestor of the family in this country, came to America. with his wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Murray, the Murrays, Hewitts, Irwins, Chenneys and Shaws emigrating from the North of Ireland about the same time. They all settled in Sherman's Valley, in Juniata county, Pa., in the section then known as Leek township, Cumberland county. John and Margaret McMahan brought with them their eldest son, James, then two years old, and the following children were born in the new home: John (the next in the line of descent we are tracing), Elizabeth, Sara, Margaret, Rachel, Agnes, Mary and Benjamin. The family remained at the original settlement during the lifetime of the father, who passed away in Cumberland county in 1767. He was a man of property, as an extract from his will shows: "As to what worldly goods the Lord has blessed me with I dispose of in the following manner: That all my just debts be truly and immediately paid. Next, I leave to Margaret, my beloved wife, and to her four youngest children, the use of my whole estate, real and personal, till said Benjamin is at the age of 21 years, at which time I will that my real estate be equally divided between my two sons exclusive of the place my son James lives on, which I leave to him free of any encumbrance, that to John and Benjamin, they giving to my beloved wife a neat, comfortable house, separate to herself if demanded." John McMahan, being a strong Protestant, helped to lay the foundation of that faith in the Cumberland valley. In 1769 his son James, in company with James, William and John Murray, Thomas Hewitt, Johnson Chenney and William Fisher, traveled over from Sherman's Valley to the Chillisquaque Valley, where they took up land, about three hundred acres on the south side of the Chillisquaque creek, later owned by the Voris family. Hewitt settled on a tract on the north side of the creek, west of the Red Bridge, and Murray on the north side, east of Hewitt's place and north of McMahan's. A little later the latter's younger brothers, John and Benjamin, came hither with their venerable mother and settled to the east of James McMahan's place, on the same side of the creek, on land where Centre church now stands. Here the two brothers and their mother lived together. William Fisher settled near the mouth of the creek, and built a mill, Wilson's mill. Mrs. McMahan was accidentally drowned in the Chillisquaque creek, while accompanying young James, her 12-year-old grandson (who was driving) on the way home from this mill, by the overturning of their wagon. When Benjamin McMahan became of age he removed to Huntingdon county, Pa., where be lived and died. James McMahan, the eldest son in the family, was known as "Major," and performed service in the Revolutionary war, serving under Washington in the Battle of Fort Duquesne. He married Mary Murray, and they were the parents of the following children: (1) John, the eldest son, married Miss Rebecca Reynolds, and built a house on a part of his father's farm. This burned, and he moved to New York State, settling near Lake Erie. His son Thomas married Rebecca Logan and settled in Point township, Northumberland Co., Pa., near Northumberland. (2) Jane married Thomas Murray, eldest son of Col. James Murray, and they were the parents of James Fisher Murray, who married Amelia Housel and moved to Mississippi. (3) James married Mary McCord, and they had one daughter, Sarah Ann, who married Austin Smith, of May- END OF PAGE 382 ville, N. Y. (4) Thomas lived and died at Albany, N. Y. (5) Samuel, born in 1779, married Jane Reed, daughter of William and Mary Reed and granddaughter of William and Jane (Mitchell) Reed; William Reed, the elder, great-grandfather of Mrs. Jane McMahan, married Dolly Letson, and died in Ireland, his widow and five children coming to America. Samuel and Jane (Reed) McMahan were the parents of eleven children, Mary, Jennie (Mrs. James Blair), Rebecca (Mrs. Samuel Blair), James (who married Mary Hawthorn), Margaret (Mrs. John Giffen), William Reed (who married Sara Clark and moved to Bradford county), Sara (who died young), Samuel (who married Margaret A. Deiffenbacher), Eliza Ann (deceased), John (who married Elizabeth Hendrickson and moved to Vineyard, N. J.), and Thomas (who died young). John McMahan, son of John the emigrant, was the great-grandfather of Charles H. McMahan. He took up about four hundred acres of land in Montour county, part of which is still owned by Charles H. McMahan and his brothers and sisters. He served in the Revolutionary war and later married Jane Murray, daughter of John Murray and sister of Thomas Murray, Jr. Six sons and three daughters were born to them, as follows: James, who married Margaret Murray, daughter of "Meeting House" John Murray, as he was called; Peggy, Mrs. Van Zant; John; Hannah; Benjamin, who married Hettie Brailey; Thomas; Polly; William, who married Sara Simington and (second) Effie Kerr; and Samuel. The father of this family was one of the founders of the Chillisquaque Church. John McMahan, grandfather of Charles H., was born on the old homestead in Liberty township, Montour county. He married Mary (Molly) Simington, and to them were born children as follows: Jane, who married Alexander Clark; Robert S.; William; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Durham; John, who moved to Sumner county, Kan. Sara, wife of Joseph K. Murray; and Thomas B., who moved to Sumner county, Kan., and married there. William McMahan, father of Charles H. McMahan, was born March 22, 1832, and died July 29, 1894. He was a prominent farmer of his native township, Liberty, and held in high esteem there. Although the district was strongly Democratic, and he was a Republican, he was long a member of the township school board, serving for over twenty years, and he was secretary and treasurer of that body for many years. He was a stanch member of the Chillisquaque church, and served as elder up to the time of his death. Mr. McMahan married Selina Mack, daughter of Robert Mack, and she survived him several years, dying March 19, 1901. They became the parents of the following children: Anna Mary, born Jan. 20, 1863, who died July 12, 1889; Charles H.; Lizzie Simington, born May 3, 1870, who died June 7, 1890; Robert Mack; Lucy H., and John A., the three last named living in Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania. Robert Mack, father of Mrs. Selina McMahan, was born April 6, 1811, and died Sept. 28, 1884. His wife, Mary A. McFall, born April 16, 1801, died Jan. 10, 1887. Their children were born as follows: Alpheus, April 11, 1832 (died May 31, 1834); Susan P., March 14, 1833 (married Levi Berger); Usiah, Jan. 9, 1835 (moved to Joliet, Ill., and married there); Mary, Nov. 1, 1837; Selina, Feb. 26, 1839 (married William McMahan); William H., March 15, 1841 (died March 15, 1907); Anna, July 24, 1843 (married William Voris); Margaret, Feb. 27, 1848; Elizabeth J., June 22, 1850. Charles H. McMahan was born Aug. 16, 1865, on the old homestead in Liberty township, Montour county, Pa., and there attended the public schools during his early boyhood. Later he was a pupil at the Pottsgrove Academy, and he took the dairy course at the State College, from which he was graduated. For some years after commencing life on his own account Mr. McMahan was a traveling salesman, during this time spending several years on the Pacific coast, traveling from Southern California to British Columbia as agent and manager for W. A. Charles & Co., advertisers. While in California he wired the dining room of the Coronada Beach hotel, which contains over eighteen hundred incandescent lights and some seventy arc lights. Mr. McMahan was called back East by the death of his father, and he has ever since made his home in his native section. He spent some time on the farm, later traveling through the Southern States as representative of a pump company until 1902, when be opened a grain and feed store at Pottsgrove, Pa. He immediately began the manufacture of special feeds, known as McMahan's Milk and Muscle Producer, McMahan's Concentrated Protein Feed, McMahan's Special Pig Grower and Prepared Horse Feed. In 1907 he opened an establishment in Milton, Northumberland county, which he equipped with machinery for the manufacture of his special products. He designed and made the machinery himself. Since locating in Milton he has also dealt in coal, and he has built up an excellent business in both lines; there is a steady demand for his feed preparations. Mr. McMahan married Anna Curry, daughter of William and Rebecca Helen (Lowry) Curry, of Montour county, and granddaughter of Judge Curry, whose, ancestors came to Montour county before the Revolution, taking up a vast tract in Valley township. The farm which Mrs. McMahan's father owns has been in the Curry name for over 125 years. END OF PAGE 383 In polities Mr. McMahan is a Republican, and while in Pottsgrove he served as committeeman and for five years as justice of the peace. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and while located at Pottsgrove served as one of the trustees of the Chillisquaque church, founded so long before by his great-grandfather. MERRITT S. ADAMS, undertaker and furniture dealer at Watsontown, Northumberland county, has been a resident of that place since 1895 and engaged in business on his own account the greater part of the time. He was born Feb. 20, 1874, at Milesburg, Center Co., Pa., son of William Adams and grandson of Matthew Adams. Matthew Adams was for many years during his active life prominently associated with the iron industry, being long superintendent of the Curtin Iron Company and later superintendent of the Valentine Iron Company. Upon his retirement he removed to Howard, Pa., where he died. He married Elizabeth Carpenter, who bore him the following children: Thomas died in Milesburg, Pa.; Wesley died at Milesburg; Mary married Abram Elder, a surveyor; Jane married John Toner and, after his death, B. Liggett; Matthew died in Kansas City, Mo.; William is mentioned below; Sarah married Benjamin Liggett. William Adams was born Aug. 2, 1833, in Milesburg, Center Co., Pa., and died Oct. 18, 1879. He was a contractor, engaged in the sinking of oil wells, and many of the wells in Venango county, Pa., were drilled by him. He married Elizabeth Wright Forrester, daughter of James Forrester, and they had children as follows: Jennie T.; Mary, who died young; Merritt S.; Annie E.; Elizabeth W., who married Marshall Cameron, of Grand Rapids, Mich., where they reside. Merritt S. Adams received his early education in the public schools of Milesburg. He learned cabinetmaking with Alfred Green, and coming to Watsontown March 20, 1895, was for four years after his arrival in the borough employed by the late Enos Everitt, in the furniture and undertaking business, at the end of that period commencing on his own account. In 1903 Mr. Adams erected the substantial building on Main street, in which his business has since been located, and which is one of the finest structures in the town. It is 50 by 70 feet in dimensions, three stories and basement, built of fine pressed brick and furnished in modern style, steam-heated and equipped with electric lights. The third floor is rented to Watsontown Lodge, F. & A.M., which has fine quarters there. Mr. Adams carries a fine stock of furniture and house furnishings of all kinds, and he is well prepared to handle the undertaking branch of the business, having two hearses and a number of carriages as well as all the modern appliances for embalming, etc. He is an energetic young business man, and has prospered deservedly. As a citizen he is held in favorable regard throughout the community, ever ready to assist any movement for the general welfare, for he considers it no hardship to serve his fellowmen and is a disinterested worker in all lines which promise to promote the public good. On Oct. 20, 1903, Mr. Adams married Ella C. Hech, daughter of Rev. Levi Hech, a Methodist minister, of Lock Haven, Pa. Their union has been blessed with one son, William Hech. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Methodist church, and he has for four years been superintendent of the Sunday school. Socially he belongs to the I.O.O.F;, the Jr. O.U.A.M., the K.G.E. and the Modern Woodmen of America. EDWIN L. KEISER, who has carried on a drug business at Milton since 1900, was born Dec. 20, 1872, in Union county, Pa., son of Jacob and Susan (Leinbach) Keiser. The Keiser family has been established in Northampton county, Pa., since before the Revolutionary war. Michael Keiser, the first known ancestor of this line, lived in that county before the war, in which he was a soldier. One of his sons, Jacob, who was born in Northampton county Feb. 26, 1807, came to Union county with his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Flick, and purchased a large tract of land. He was a man of considerable force of character and became a leader in the community, where he filled nearly all the local offices of trust. He was a Republican in politics from the formation of the new party, and in religion he and his wife were consistent members of the Lutheran church. He died Feb. 12, 1867, aged fifty-nine years, and his wife survived him many years, dying Oct. 8, 1892. She was born Sept. 11, 1805, in Northampton county, daughter of Christopher Flick. They are buried in Church Hill cemetery, in Kelly township, Union county. They had a family of eleven children: (1) Susan married Solomon Rauch and they have one son, Harrison. (2) John A. married (first) Sarah Heilman,, daughter of John Heilman, of Lycoming county, and she died in November, 1860; she is buried in Lycoming county. By his second marriage, to Sarah J. Dietrich, he has had two children: Jane Estella, born Feb. 8, 1863, who died Feb. 18, 1869; and Elmer Edgar, born Feb. 7, 1863, now a physician in Tacony, Pa. (3) Caroline died at the age of nineteen years. (4) Harrison married Elizabeth Wise, daughter of John Wise, and they have six children, Laura, Margaret, Ambrose, Annie R., Sarah and Harry. (5) Reuben, twin of Harrison, married Elizabeth Foresman and has four children, Brison, Frederick, Grace and Estella. (6) William married E. Alice Yarger and has had six children, Lewis J., Annie, Morris, Mary, Lester and Hattie. (7) Jacob is men- END OF PAGE 384 tioned below. (8) Aaron M. died young. (9) Samuel married Carrie Ruhl and they have had children, Jennie, Mabel, Elizabeth J., Clara, Clement C. and Grace C. Reese. (10) Benjamin F. married Mary L. Pawling, daughter of John, and they are the parents of James L., George O., John R. and Bertha A. (11) Melancthon married Emma Rothermel. Jacob Keiser, father of Edwin L., was born in 1840, and died May 28, 1904. He married (first) Rebecca Dietrich, who died leaving one daughter, Rebecca, now the wife of William O. Kline. His second marriage was to Susan Leinbach, of Northumberland county, and they are the parents of five children: Edwin L., John W., Ammon H. and Katherine M., all of whom are married; and Earl J., who died in young manhood. Edwin L. Keiser received his education in the schools of his home place and attended high school at Milton. He then took a course in the National Institute of Pharmacy at Chicago, Ill., and in 1900 began business at the location on the corner of Front and Mahoning streets, Milton, where he has since been established. He has proved himself well adapted to his chosen line of work, and is doing well in a business way, being an intelligent manager as well as a careful druggist. He stands well with the substantial citizens of the borough. On Oct. 24, 1898, Mr. Keiser married Anna, daughter of Elam D. and Mary (Goodman) Deiffenderfer, of West Milton, the former of whom is postmaster at that place. Two children have been born to this union, Harold D. and Edwin Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Keiser are members of Trinity Lutheran church at Milton. They occupy the old Dougal home in Milton, which was built more than a century ago. Socially he is a member of Milton Chapter, Royal Arcanum, and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. LAWRENCE L. LEWIS, general manager of the Watsontown Boot & Shoe Company, has been a resident of the borough since 1892 and throughout his residence there associated with the same concern. He has been superintendent since 1902. Mr. Lewis was born in 1866 in Pittsburg, Pa., where his father, Lawrence L. Lewis, settled upon coming to America. The father was a native of Scotland and of Scotch-Irish extraction. He was quite young when he came to this country, and in his earlier manhood was connected with the oil business, but before his death was interested in towboats going down the Ohio river. He had poor health for several years before he died, his death occurring when his son Lawrence was still young. He is buried at Pittsburg. Mr. Lewis was a Presbyterian in religious matters. His wife, Hettie, was born in America, and long survived him. They had quite a large family, namely: William of Pittsburg; May, who married William Cailey, a contractor, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Hettie, unmarried; Margaret, who married Charles Mason, of Steubenville, Ohio; Andrew, deceased; Lawrence L.; and several who died young. Lawrence L. Lewis began to learn the business of shoe manufacturing at an early age in his native city, in the employ of the firm of J. D. Chantler & Co., with whom he remained six years. In 1892 he came to Watsontown, Northumberland Co., Pa., and took a position with the Watsontown Boot & Shoe Company, becoming general superintendent of the plant in 1902. He has since filled that responsible position, and much of the prosperity of the concern during the intervening years is due to his enterprise and excellent management. The business is established on the main street of Watsontown, in a three-story brick building 50 feet wide and 165 feet long, and is one of the principal industries in the borough, giving regular employment to eighty people. The company was established in 1870 and the business has been conducted without interruption since, and a general line of men's, boys' and youths' shoes is turned out, the specialty being a line of heavy shoes in demand among lumbermen and prospectors, sold largely in the south and on the Pacific coast. The concern was incorporated in 1909 with Penn C. Hastings as president, Estella Westley as secretary and treasurer, and L. L. Lewis as general manager. Mr. Lewis has established his reputation as a business man of worth, and he is regarded as a reliable citizen in Watsontown, where he has served the community as a member of the board o£ education. Mr. Lewis married Mabel Derr, daughter of Christopher Derr, of Montgomery, Pa., and they have four children Helen, Delroy, Margerie and Catharine. EDGAR BLUE, a young business man of Pottsgrove, who is taking his place among the enterprising citizens of that community, was born Dec. 24, 1874, in Liberty township, Montour county, Pa., son of Samuel and Clarinda (Murray) Blue. The earliest record we have of the Blue family in this section goes back to 1775, when Frederick, William and Samuel Blue were taxables in Turbut township, Northumberland county. In 1784 we find Peter Blue had removed to Montour county where he paid seven shillings, sixpence tax. Later we find his son Samuel lived in the same township and the latter's son Frederick purchased a farm in Liberty township, that county. For some time he served as sheriff, when Montour and Columbia were one county, and he was also county treasurer during that period, when the two counties were known as Columbia county. He and his wife whose maiden name was Himmelreich, are buried END OF PAGE 385 in the old Billmeyer cemetery. They were the parents of the following named children: Samuel, Martin and George. Samuel Blue, son of Frederick, was born in Montour county and was reared on a farm, meantime attending the public schools of his native township. In his young manhood be was engaged in huckstering there, attending the Shamokin market. Subsequently he purchased a farm, which he cultivated, and he also established a coal yard and grain and hay depot, which he carried on up to the time of his death in June, 1892. He was active in the public affairs of his locality, serving for years as a member of the school board, and in 1877 was honored with election to the office of treasurer of Montour county, which he filled for one term. Politically he was a Democrat and in religious faith a Presbyterian, holding membership in the Chillisquaque church, of which he was an officer for years. Mr. Blue's first marriage was to Mary Wolfe by whom he had one son, Charles, now a civil engineer, located in New York City; he married Josephine Voris. Mrs. Mary Blue died shortly after the birth of her son. By his second marriage, to Clarinda Murray, Mr. Blue became the father of six children: Carrie, who married D. Collins and has two children, Margaret and Willard; Wilfred, who died in Dakota; Frank, who died in Connecticut; George Herbert, who died in Connecticut; Edgar; and Jennie, who lives with her mother at Montoursville, Pennsylvania. Edgar Blue grew to manhood on his fathers farm; was educated in the public schools at Mexico, in Liberty township, Montour county, finishing with a term in the old Pottsgrove Academy. Because of his father's poor health he came to Pottsgrove to take charge of the business; and after his father's death he continued the coal yard and hay business, also dealing at present in feed. Or March 1, 1906, he purchased the mill of the Pottsgrove Milling Company and has since been engaged in the manufacture of high-grade flour one of his special brands being "Our Latest," for which there is a large demand. Mr. Blue is progressive and energetic, and has prospered in the various branches of his business. He has served several terms on the local school board and is at present president of the board. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Chillisquaque Presbyterian church, which he is serving as trustee. On April 25, 1899, Mr. Blue married Eva Bitter, daughter of Solomon H. and Eliza (Miller) Bitter, the latter the daughter of Frederick Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Blue have three children, Florence I., Irene R. and Myron L. DR. FRANK W. BAILEY, who holds a high place among the dental practitioners of Northumberland county, and is a well known and popular citizen of the town of Milton, is a native of Center county, Pa., born there Jan. 16, 1871, son of John G. and Nannie (McWilliams) Bailey. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. John Bailey, his great-grandfather, went from Chester county, Pa., into Center county, and there became the founder of the small town Baileysville, named in his honor. He was a miller and merchant and became one of the very important men of his time. He was energetic and industrious and became very well-to-do. He and his wife had a family of fifteen children. John Bailey (2), son of John, followed farming in Center county, Pa. He married Nancy Goheen, and both are buried in Graysville cemetery. Their children were: Armstrong, who served in the Civil war; Joseph, also a soldier in the Civil war; Samuel; Jane A.; John G.; William; Mary; Scott; Washington Warren and Esther. John G. Bailey, son of John (2), was born in 1845, and died Dec. 26, 1909. He was a farmer, following that occupation in Ferguson township, Center county. He was very active in public affairs as a stanch Republican, and for two years held the office of county commissioner; his funeral taking place the day his second term of office expired. He was a director of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Centerhall, and was very active in his work for the interest of his Company. He was an official member of the Presbyterian church. He married Nannie McWilliams, daughter of Henry McWilliams, and she now makes her home at Pine Grove, Center county. The children born of this union were: Frank W.; John, living on the old homestead; and Mary, who married Hammel Glenn, son of Samuel Glenn, and member of a prominent Center county family. Dr. Frank W. Bailey attended the local schools and Pennsylvania State College, and completed his education in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in the class of 1900. He then bought the office and goodwill of the late Dr. E. E. Clark, at No. 34 Broadway, Milton, Pa., and he has through his skill and his pleasant manner won many friends and has a very large practice. He is a member of the Lycoming Dental Society. Fraternally he is a member of B.P.O.E., and in his political faith he is a Republican. His religious convictions are those of the Presbyterian denomination. He is a member of the Board of Trade. Dr. Bailey married Annie W. (Batdorf) Clark, widow of Dr. E. E. Clark, who died Feb. 25, 1900. She was born Nov. 28, 1868. Mrs. Bailey's father, Adam Batdorf, is mentioned elsewhere in this work. JOHN VORIS KREMER, member of the firm of Kremer Brothers (Harry J. and John V. Kremer), contractors and builders of Pottsgrove, North- END OF PAGE 386 umberland county, is one of the well known business men in his line in that section, where his father was similarly engaged for many years. Mr. Kremer was born Sept. 1, 1870, in Chillisquaque (now East Chillisquaque) township, son of Jacob Braucher Kremer and grandson of Jacob Kremer, who founded the family in this region. Jacob Kremer was born Aug. 24, 1794, in Albany township, Berks Co., Pa., and came to Northumberland county in 1825. He settled near Pottsgrove, and being a skilled cabinetmaker followed the trade all his life with great success many pieces of the fine and well-made furniture he turned out being still found in homes all over this section. He was the pioneer in the undertaking business in his district, and made coffins for a dollar a foot. He died at his home near Pottsgrove, Sept. 13, 1858, and his wife, Catharine (Seaman), who was born in Berks county in 1798 died at her home near Pottsgrove in 1870. They are buried at the Center Church, in Liberty township, Montour Co., Pa. Five children were born to this pioneer couple: Jacob Braucher; Benjamin, who died at Danville, Pa. (his wife's maiden name was Crossley); Daniel who resides at Benton, Columbia Co., Pa. (he was twice married, his first wife being a Foust, his second a Kerns); Lydia, who married Charles Irvin (both are deceased); and Caroline, who married William Fetzer (both are deceased). Jacob Braucher Kremer, born Nov. 27 1827, learned his trade with his father and in time engaged in business for himself following contracting and building for many years. Many of the substantial houses and barns in this section are of his construction. He was active until his death, which occurred Jan. 13, 1909; he is buried in Harmony cemetery at Milton. After buying the old J. M. Bucher farm of eighty acres, in what is now East Chillisquaque township, he improved the property greatly, erecting all the present buildings on the place, and there his widow now resides. He was an energetic man, and not only managed his own affairs well but also took part in matters of general interest to the community, serving as member of the school board of his township, and working zealously in the Center Lutheran church, of which he was a leading member for many years. He served long as a church officer and was also superintendent of the Sunday school. He continued his active connection with this church after its removal to Pottsgrove. Politically he was a Democrat. On Feb. 18, 1851, Mr. Kremer was married in Montour county to Anna Catharine Hendrickson, and they became the parents of six children, namely: (1) J. Wilson, who died in 1905, aged fifty-four years, married Vedilla McGuigan, who resides in Pottsgrove. They had children: Jacob L., Marion C., Joseph D., Eleanor C., Edwin and Charles. (2) George Franklin is a salesman in the employ of the Oliver Chilled Plow Company, whose offices are at Harrisburg. He is unmarried. (3) Catharine married W. D. McWilliams, secretary of the Milton Trust & Safe Deposit Company, and they live in Milton, Pa. (4) Elizabeth V., unmarried, lives at home. (5) Harry J., who is in partnership with his brother John, married Jennie Voris and their children are Franklin H. and Robert. (6) John Voris is living at home. John Voris Kremer attended the public schools at Pottsgrove and later Pottsgrove Academy. With his father he learned the trade of carpenter, remaining with him as long as he lived, and the sons then took up the business, which they have since followed in partnership, under the firm name of Kremer Brothers. They command a large patronage, and a good class of work, having put up many of the fine buildings in this section, notably the First National Bank building at Milton, erected in 1909. They built a large addition to the Schreyer store in Milton. They have done considerable work on contract for the Milton Manufacturing Company, the Shimers and the Clingers, of Milton - all employers of high-class labor, an association which reflects the greatest credit on their work. Mr. Kremer is a man of high standing, an official member of the Lutheran church at Pottsgrove, a member of Milton Lodge, No. 256, F. & A. M., and of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Pottsgrove. Abraham Hendrickson, great-grandfather of Mr. Kremer on the maternal side, was born in Germany, and coming to America first settled in New Jersey. Later he removed his family to Montour county, Pa., where he died. His wife, Antena Vandling, is buried with him at Danville. Their children were: Sarah, who married John Voris; Ann, who married Nichols Shires; Adam; William; John; Margaret, who died unmarried; Abraham; and Elizabeth, who married Thomas Courson. Adam Hendrickson, son of Abraham, was born in New Jersey, and came with his parents to Montour county, Pa., where he died Aug. 10, 1850. He was a blacksmith by trade. His wife, Mary A. (Moore), died in 1870. They had the following children: Elizabeth, Mrs. John McMahan; Anna Catharine, Mrs. Jacob Braucher Kremer; Harriet Mrs. John Singley; William; John; Emily, who was twice married, her first husband's name being Huyett; Jennie, Mrs. Underwood Fisher; Susan, Mrs. Fish; Frank and Marion. WILLIAM T. SUTER, proprietor of the Sunny Side Farm in Gearhart township, Northumberland county, has undoubtedly the finest herd of Holstein cattle in central Pennsylvania and his dairy products are in steady demand. He is a scientific stock breeder and dairyman, and the success of his methods is a distinct triumph for END OF PAGE 387 modern system and sanitary devices. Mr. Suter was born in 1865 in Gearhart township, and has spent all his life there. John H. Suter, his father, was a native of Switzerland, born in 1824, and came to America when a young man, first settling in Berks county, Pa., whence he later moved to Northumberland county. He made his home at the place now occupied by his son William, and there continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife, Jemima (Taylor), daughter of Jacob Taylor, was born in 1834 in Lancaster county, Pa., and died in 1890. She was buried in Mount Vernon cemetery, at Riverside, but Mr. Suter was interred in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Danville, Montour Co., Pa. They were the parents of four children: Jacob R., who lives in Kansas; M. Elizabeth, who married John Deeter and has had children, John S., William T., May, Mary, Bessie (deceased) and Boyd; Ann Adelia, Mrs. Herbert Greenman of McGraw, N. Y., and William T. William T. Suter had the advantages afforded by the public schools of Gearhart township. As a youth he was energetic and willing to work in order to make his way in life, but he had a setback soon after commencing on his own account, fire destroying his home. Though this calamity left him almost without means he started again undaunted, rebuilding without delay, and the beautiful home which he now occupies soon replaced the one which had been laid in ashes. He had purchased the lot of nine acres upon which he was born, and there began the cultivation of small fruits and garden truck, which he still continues, though he has enlarged his operations until he now does a business of considerable magnitude in that line. Being a great reader, and believing that he could improve his knowledge of farming by study as well as by actual experience, he not only made a success of his original branch of agricultural work, but became interested in the raising of horses and cattle and the production of first-class milk, in which field of work he has made his principal reputation. Meantime he had added to his nine- acre lot until he had a tract of eighteen acres, but as that was all required for his gardening he rented adjoining land on which to raise feed for his cattle and horses. When the adjoining farm of 250 acres was for sale, in 1904, he purchased it, and he now has both his places well stocked. He has built large siloes on both places, and there are other evidences of the modern methods he employs to bring the grade of his stock up to the top mark, the healthy appearance and condition of his cattle being the best defense of his up-to-date system. His herd of large Holsteins is considered the finest in central Pennsylvania, and his equipment is regarded as model in every respect. The stables are all planned and cared for in the most sanitary manner, everything in fact that sanitation can do to keep the dairy products particularly pure and sweet being put in practice, and the result is that the products of the Sunny Side Farm, as Mr. Suter has named his property, are in demand among the most exacting class of patrons at the Danville markets, where they are sold. All modern appliances for the cleanly care and handling of the milk are found in the dairy, which had all the advantages to be derived from an abundance of good running water, ice and compressed air devices, and Mr. Suter conveys his products to market in specially constructed wagons. It is well worth any one's time to visit this model farm and have Mr. Suter explain the work in which he has done so well. In his extensive travels he has never neglected opportunities for further study and observation, so that he is not only abreast of the times, but a leader in many ways in his special field. He is a self-made man, in that he has accomplished his success by his own efforts solely, and he is looked upon as an authority on dairy cattle. His home lot is now especially devoted to the raising of small fruits, being planted with plum, peach and cherry trees now in bearing. Mr. Suter married Jennie K. Morrall, daughter of S. H. Morrall. They have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Suter have traveled widely, and being people of keen intelligence have gained much from their opportunities in that line. They are Methodists in religious connection, being members at Trinity Church. GEORGE CALVIN STAHL, of Milton, district manager for the Commonwealth Casualty Company, his territory embracing about seven counties, has been in the insurance business since 1905. His previous experience in business life included several years as merchant several years as special accountant, and service in various local offices. In his earlier manhood he followed teaching for a number of years and also did newspaper work. Mr. Stahl was born Aug. 24, 1858, in Paradise valley, in Lewis township, Northumberland County, son of George Stahl, grandson of Philip Stahl and great-grandson of John Stahl, a native of Germany, born Aug. 18, 1741. The last named came to America when a young man and served under Washington in the Revolutionary war, being quartermaster, captain and at times recruiting officer. He was with the army at Valley Forge during the memorable winter of hardship, and at the crossing of the Delaware Christmas night 1776. Being a skilled mechanic, his services were often valuable in repairing implements of war during the Revolution. After the war he (having already married) moved to Northumberland county, Pa., where he took up four hundred acres of land in what is now Lewis township. He died END OF PAGE 388 Feb. 27, 1809. His wife, Elizabeth, born in 1746 died in September, 1832. They were the parents of the following children: Jacob, born Feb. 16, 1776, who died Sept. 3, 1796; Philip, born Dec. 17, 1781, who died March 24, 1832; and John George, born June 11, 1791, who died Aug. 4, 1820. Philip Stahl, son of John, born Dec. 17, 1781, was a lifelong farmer. He married Elizabeth B. Eshbach, who was born Dec. 15, 1776, and died March 9, 1844, the mother of six children, three of whom, William, Thomas and Sarah, died young; the others were: Elizabeth, born March 9, 1811, died March 17, 1844; George, born Feb. 25, 1814, died in 1894; and Catherine, born Oct. 11, 1816, died May 10, 1844. Anthony Eshbach, father of Mrs. Stahl, made a trip from Northampton county, Pa., with his son Anthony in 1804 to Turbut township, Northumberland county, where he purchased 347 acres of land for $26.50 per acre. Here they built a log house 16 by 20 feet in dimensions, one story high, and hither Mr. Eshbach moved with his wife, Barbara (Romig), and family in 1805. The children were as follows: Jonathan, David, Jacob, John, Anthony, Catharine, Sarah and Elizabeth B. (Mrs. Philip Stahl). George Stahl, son of Philip, was born Feb. 25, 1814, on the farm where he afterward made his home, and received his education in the local public schools. He followed farming all his life, dying there in 1894. He was quite active in the affairs of the day, being a supporter of the Democratic party in political matters and a member of the Reformed Church on religious questions. He served six years as school director and filled other township offices and was an earnest worker in the Paradise church, for which his grandfather, John Stahl, in company with Michael Koons and John Deiffenbacher, had purchased two acres of ground from John Christ for the sum of fifteen pounds, and on that plot the first church of the congregation was erected in 1808. Mr. Stahl was a man of high Christian character, respected by all who knew him. On May 8, 1848, he married Maria Deshler, who was born Sept. 26, 1817, daughter of Jacob Deshler, and died Jan. 16, 1860. Their union was blessed with the following named children: William J., who married Sarah Watt and had two children, Edwin (living in Indiana) and Alma; Thomas P., who died at McEwensville, Pa., in July, 1911; Mary E., of Aaronsburg, Pa.; Levi E., who married Kate Mengis and had a family of five children; Edwin O., born March 4, 1850, who married Mary A. Mengis (born June 21, 1861, died Dec. 9, 1895) and had four children. Fannie, George, Pearl, and Neta; John O., who died young; David F., who died young; and George Calvin. George Calvin Stahl received an excellent education, attending the public schools of his native township and later entering Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., from which institution he was graduated in 1883. He received his A. M. degree from that college in 1886. For several years after the completion of his college course he was engaged in teaching, in the common and normal schools, and for one term as principal of the McEwensville schools. In 1885 he settled at Milton, where he has since made his home. For several years he was editor of the Milton Economist, and meantime, in 1886, he had received the appointment of deputy postmaster, in which position he served until 1890. In the latter year he engaged in the mercantile business, carrying it on until 1894, and during the next five years did special accounting. Having been elected county auditor in 1889, he entered upon the duties of that position, to which he was re-elected in 1902, serving six successive years. Since the close of his services in that incumbency, in 1905, he has followed the insurance business, being now district manager for the Commonwealth Casualty Company. Mr. Stahl has been almost constantly before the public, in one capacity or another, for years, and in all his trusts has proved himself worthy of the confidence he enjoys. In 1990 he was elected a member of the Milton council for one term. He has been a stanch member of the Democratic party, and during his services as deputy postmaster was a delegate to the Democratic state convention. On Dec. 18, 1884, Mr. Stahl was married near Turbutville, to Lillie B. White, who was born in Milton July 9, 1859, daughter of James and Isabella (Frymire) White, the former born Jan. 15, 1819, in Kempton, Bedfordshire, England, the latter a native of McEwensville, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have had one daughter, Isabella D., born Nov. 12, 1885, and married to Daniel L. Smith. Mr. Stahl and his family are members of the Reformed Church at Milton, in which he has been an earnest worker, having served the church as deacon and the Sunday school as teacher. His social connections are numerous, as he holds membership in the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity; the Royal Arcanum; the I.O.O.F. (in which he has filled all the chairs), Encampment and Patriarchs Militant; the Knights of the Golden Eagle, in which he ranks as brigadier general and past grand chief; Milton Lodge, No. 256, F. & A.M.; and Williamsport Lodge of Perfection. JOHN HARRISON CAWLEY, late of Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, was a farmer in the eastern part of that township throughout his active years, and was prominent in the life of the community as a holder of local offices and as an elder in the church. He was a creditable citizen in all respects, and left a name which END OF PAGE 389 will be honored as long as any with whom he had dealings survive. Mr. Cawley was a native of Union county, Pa., born Nov. 14, 1838. The family is of English descent and was resident in Cheshire, England, two brothers, Thomas and James, coming to America in the early part of the eighteenth century. James settled near Berwick, Pa., while Thomas took up land in Northampton county, Pa., where he died in 1806. From a letter written by his son John, which is remarkable for its beautiful English, to his Aunt Anna, wife of Charles Babbington, we learn that the father's name was also Thomas, and that the family were property owners in Winsford, near Middlewich, Cheshire, England. Thomas Cawley, Jr., had one son, John, who lived at Springtown, Bucks Co., Pa., and who was the father of five children: John, Thomas, Jesse, and two daughters. Jesse Cawley, son of John, born in 1786, died Sept. 25, 1840, aged fifty-four years. He married Margaret Rowley (born in 1782, died Sept. 27, 1840, aged fifty-eight years), and in 1836 they moved to Union county, Pa., purchasing a farm of three hundred acres near Winfield. There he continued to follow farming during his active years. He and his wife are buried at Lewisburg, that county. They were the parents of the following children: James (1808-1841), Benjamin (1811-1887), Dubious, John, Charles (1827-1871), Elizabeth (182-1862) and Mary A. (1818-1888). James Cawley, eldest son of Jesse, was born in 1808 in Bucks county, and died at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years, in 1841. He lived near Lewisburg, Union county, where he followed farming. He married Eva Campbell, also of Bucks county, and they were the parents of five children: Elizabeth married Wilson Hoover; Margaret married Henry H. Stout; William C.; John Harrison is mentioned below; Mary died in infancy. John Harrison Cawley came to Northumberland county in his young manhood and purchased a farm of fifty acres in the eastern part of Chillisquaque township. He erected buildings on this property and followed farming there to the end of his active days. Being a progressive and intelligent man, he also took an interest in the welfare of the community, served as school director, supervisor and overseer of the poor. He was an in the Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church for about thirty years, up to the time of his death, which occurred July 19, 1903. On Jan. 12, 1863, Mr. Cawley married Elizabeth Koch, daughter of Jonas and Leah (Bachman) Koch, and they had two children, James Benjamin and Florence Jeanette. The latter received her education in the public schools of the home neighborhood and at Bloomsburg State normal school, also attending the Williamsport commercial college. She is now a very successful teacher. James Benjamin Cawley, only son of John Harrison and Elizabeth (Koch) Cawley, was born in 1866. He received his early education in the public schools of his native township, Chillisquaque, and later attended Pottsgrove Academy and Bucknell University, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1887. He then taught in the Chambersburg (Pa.) Academy and read law with William H. Hackenberg, of Milton, but what promised to be a most useful and successful career was cut short by his early death, July 21, 1891. After the death of her husband Mrs. Cawley left the farm and moved with her daughter to Milton, where they occupy the house built by Mr. Cawley, on East Mahoning Street. Mrs. Cawley is honored and beloved by the many who know her. Jonas Koch, father of Mrs. Cawley, was born in Northampton county Dec. 26, 1807, son of Adam Koch, who lived at Petersville, Northampton Co., Pa., where for many years he served as a justice of the peace. Adam Koch married Elizabeth Strauss, and their union was blessed with the following children: Christianna, Susan, Mary, Elizabeth, Reuben, William, Henry, Jacob and Jonas. In 1828 Jonas Koch moved from Northampton to Northumberland county, purchasing a farm in the eastern part of Chillisquaque township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Feb. 29, 1872, near Pottsgrove, Pa. He married Leah Bachman, who was born Aug. 23, 1814, in Northampton county, daughter of John Frederick and Catherine (Cole) Bachman, the former born Nov. 3, 1783, died Jan. 2, 1845; the latter, born Feb. 22, 1788, died July 16, 1852. Mrs. Leah (Bachman) Koch died Feb. 16, 1899, and she and her husband are buried in Harmony cemetery, at Milton, Northumberland county. They had a family of three children: Elizabeth married John Harrison Cawley; Mary A. married Charles Rissel; William H. is a resident of Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania. DENNIS LEH, an old established business man of Milton, was born Feb. 2, 1846, in North Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., Pa., son of Joseph Leh and grandson of Henry Leh. Henry Leh was a native of Chester county, Pa., and settled in Whitehall township, Lehigh county, when a young man, following farming there until his death. His children were: Daniel, Samuel, Reuben, Sallie, Joseph, Mrs. Herbeling and Susan Wright. Joseph Leh was born in 1811, and died in 1868. He learned boat- building, which he fol- END OF PAGE 390 lowed for about twenty years, making canal-boats, and he was later engaged on the railroad until his retirement some time before his death. He married Polly Rex, daughter of George Rex, and they were the parents of nine children: Sarah, Josiah, Elias, Francis, Dennis, Sabina, Lucy, John and Josephine. Dennis Leh attended school in North Whitehall township, Lehigh county, and after he commenced work was employed at "driving" on the Lehigh canal for nine years. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed thirteen years, in 1880 settling at Milton, Pa., where he has remained to the present time. Here he has been engaged in the slate business, and by good management he has built up a fine trade, now maintaining two yards, one on Broadway, in Milton, and one at the Philadelphia & Reading depot at Sunbury. He takes contracts for slating, and keeps from four to six men constantly busy, most of the churches and public buildings in this district having been slated by him. He is himself a good mechanic, and always endeavors to maintain high standards of workmanship in filling his contracts, a fact which undoubtedly accounts for the steady stream of work which has come his way. Mr. Leh was also for a time the owner of the Milton Paper Box Factory, located on Center alley, Milton, where he employs about ten girls and three men, the product being all kinds of paper boxes, for which there is a good local trade, though large quantities are also shipped elsewhere. This factory he sold in May, 1911. Mr. Leh has given many evidences of his enterprising and progressive disposition since settling in Milton, where he is regarded as one of the valuable and reliable citizens whose prosperity contributes as much to the community as to his own advancement. On Feb. 17, 1873, Mr. Leh married Elmina Friese, daughter of Amos and Polly (Dengler) Friese, and they reside at No. 419 South Front street. They have had four children: (1) Josephine married William Nesbit and lives at Milton. They have two children, Laura and Helen. (2) Mary married Charles Walker and has two children, Dorothy and Catharine. (3) Deborah married Theodore Hendrix and has three children, Dennis, Lewis and Mildred. (4) Harvey married Jessie St. Clair and has one child, Elmer. Mr. Leh is a member of the Reformed Church and in political conviction is a Republican. Amos Friese, father of Mrs. Leh, was born in Lowhill, Lehigh Co., Pa., and died in 1906 in Allentown, that county, aged seventy-eight years. He was a stonemason, and followed that trade for many years, also engaging in butchering during the fall and winter seasons. His wife, Polly (Dengler), died in November, 1910. To them were born fourteen children, twelve of whom are still living: Benjamin, Solomon, James, Uria, Henry, Frank, Amanda (married Willoughby Shoemaker), Elmina, Mary (married Llewellyn Bringer and is deceased), Lydia (married a Mr. Heimbach), Lucinda (married John Fenstermacher), Emma (married John Leh, brother of Dennis), Tewilla, and Isabella (who died young). FRANK E. KIRK, of Watsontown, has been identified with the Watsontown National Bank, of which he has recently been elected president for over twenty years, and is otherwise prominently associated with local commercial and industrial affairs, being president of the Watsontown Brick, Clay & Produce Company, which gives employment to about sixty men. He is a member of a family which was in Northumberland county in the early days, but he himself is a native of Monroe county, N. Y., born Dec. 14, 1858. The Kirk family has been in America since before the Revolutionary period. Its founder in America came from Scotland and settled in Lancaster county, Pa. Moses Kirk, great- grandfather of Frank E. Kirk, was born in Scotland and before 1775 was one of the earliest taxables in what was then Turbut township, Northumberland Co., Pa., having settled near the Warrior Run Church, on the farm later owned by Hiram Dunkel. He died before 1779, as his widow, Mary, was in Fort Freeland with her ten children when it was surrendered to the British and Indian forces that year. She was evidently a woman of character and unusual resource. During the conflict she was one of those who melted pewter and plate, all the metal that could be had, and made it into bullets for the men who were defending the fort. When it was surrendered, the terms were that the women and girls could go free, but the men would be held as prisoners of war, and in order to prevent any of her boys being retained she put dresses on them and passed them out as girls. Her oldest son was sixteen at the time. The mother and her family reached Fort Augusta safely, and after peace was declared returned to the old home. They reconstructed the buildings and under her guidance cleared the land and improved it. Mrs. Kirk died Nov. 1, 1804, at the advanced age of eighty- four years, and is buried in the Warrior Run cemetery. We have little record of her large family, of only two sons, William and James, and the daughter Mary, who died in 1849. Another, Mrs. Himrod, moved to Erie, Pennsylvania. Of the two sons mentioned, James Kirk was born in Northumberland county and there remained. He married Mary Foster, also a native of Northumberland county, and they had a family of ten children, all now deceased, of whom James died in 1851, at the age of thirty-six years; Esther died in 1844, at the age of thirty-two; Silas died END OF PAGE 391 in 1877, at the age of fifty-nine; Catherine married her Cousin, John M. Kirk; Thomas, a farmer, born March 15, 1821, in Northumberland county, died in 1891 (he was a member of the Warrior Run Church). William Kirk, son of Moses, was born in 1763. In 1899 he sold the farm in Northumberland county which he had inherited from his father, and the old deed for which was written on sheepskin and signed by William Penn. Moving to the vicinity of Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., he purchased a farm upon which he passed the remainder of his life, dying June 8, 1842. His wife, Jane (Knox), died in May, 1862. They were the parents of the following children: James; William, of Monroe county, N. Y.; George; Moses, who died in 1829; Sarah, Mrs. Benjamin Keiser; Elizabeth, Mrs. Burnett; Nancy, Mrs. John Marshall; Jane, Mrs. Brooks; John M.; and Mary, who resided in Michigan. All but William and Mary were dead in 1890. John M. Kirk, father of Frank E. Kirk, was born Oct. 14, 1815, in Northumberland county, and received his education in the public schools. When a boy he removed with his parents to Monroe county, N. Y., where he followed farming throughout his active years. On June 8, 1843, he married Margaret Burns, daughter of Torrence Burns, a native of Ireland who came to New York State when a boy, and their union was blessed with five children, Myron B., William T., John F., Frank E., and Etta L. (deceased). Mrs. Kirk died in 1872 in New York State and Mr. Kirk returned to Pennsylvania, where on Oct. 28, 1873, he married his cousin Catherine, daughter of James and Mary (Foster) Kirk. Mr. Kirk died at Watsontown March 30, 1890; Mrs. Kirk also died at Watsontown, where they are buried. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. Frank E. Kirk received his education in the schools of Charlotte, Monroe Co., N. Y., and remained in his native State until 1884, in which year he settled in Watsontown, Northumberland Co., Pa. He engaged in the hardware business, which he continued for three years. In 1887 he became a director of the Watsontown National Bank, in 1900 was elected teller of that institution, and since June 15, 1909, has been president of the bank, succeeding Mr. Dentler, who died May 30, 1909, after a brief service in that position, in which he had succeeded Thompson Bower. He is also the head of the Watsontown Brick, Clay & Produce Company of Watsontown, manufacturers of fire brick and all other kinds of brick, who give employment to about sixty men. Their plant was erected in 1907 and is equipped with all the most modern machinery. This is one of the most important establishments in the place and a leading factor in its industrial welfare. On Nov. 11, 1896, Mr. Kirk married Mary L. Frymeyer, daughter of Potter and Ann (Wolfe) Frymeyer, and to them has been born one daughter, Margaret. The Kirk family are Presbyterians, and Mr. Kirk holds membership in the Watsontown Church. He is a member of Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, F. & A.M. MENGES. The Menges family has a large representation in Northumberland county, whither Peter, the pioneer of the family in this region, came at an early day, settling in that part of what was then Turbut township now known as Lewis township. The tract upon which he settled remains in the family name to this day, being now owned by his grandson, N. Jacob Menges. In the Pennsylvania Archives (2d Series, Vol. XVII) there are five records of emigrations of persons of the name of Menges, viz.: (1) Conrad and John George Menges, the first of the name to arrive in this country, came from Rotterdam in the ship "Albany," Robert Brown, master; qualifying Sept. 2, 1749. (2) Wilhelm Manges (so spelled) came in the "Dragon," Daniel Nicholas, master; qualified Oct. 17, 1749. (3) Peter, J. Conrad, Hans Peter, Adam and John George Menges came in the brigantine "Sarah and Mary," Thomas Broderick, master; from Amsterdam; qualified Oct. 26, 1754. These five were probably brothers or near relatives, and are likely the ancestors of the Menges in York county, Pa., as indicated in the similarity of the names prevailing in the family until the last generation, when the old family names were dropped. (4) Heinrich Menges came in the ship "Chance" Charles Smith, captain, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, and qualified Nov. 1, 1763. (5) John George Menges came in the "Brittania," Thomas Arnot, captain, from Rotterdam, and qualified Sept. 26, 1764. The will of one Conrad Menges, of Turbut township, Northumberland county, on record at Sunbury, was made July 27, 1813, and probated Aug. 17, 1813. The name is signed in German. His son Peter and son-in-law Simon Sim, of Turbut township, were executors. He came hither from Northampton county, where his name appears on the tax lists. The property was divided share and share alike among all his children, namely: Conrad, Margaret, Peter, Jacob, Christian (son), Mary, Elizabeth, John, Solomon, and Catharine, the last named (who was one of the older members of the family) having died in 1813 and left eight children, who received her portion, each getting $133.33. Conrad Menges, of Northampton county, was a soldier of the Revolution, in the 1st Company, 2d Pennsylvania Battalion, Col. Arthur St. Clair. Peter Menges, previously referred to as the founder of the family in Northumberland county, was born in 1771, probably in Germany, and was in Berks county for some time before settling in Northumberland county, about the time of the American Revolution. It is said that END OF PAGE 392 a brother of this Peter Menges settled in Lycoming county, Pa., in the vicinity of Muncy. He was a farmer, and owned a large acreage. Paradise Valley, two and one half miles long and about one mile wide, embraces four thousand acres of very fine agricultural land, originally taken up by Hunter and Patterson, pioneers of Turbut township. Part of this valley is now embraced in Lewis township. The descendants of Peter Menges still retain possession of his lands, about one thousand acres, being clustered in what is known locally as "Menges Valley," which forms the western portion of the fertile and beautiful Paradise Valley. This pioneer died Jan. 6, 1841, aged seventy years, and his wife, Anna Elizabeth (Bausch), died Dec. 29, 1842, aged sixty-one years, seven months. They are buried at Turbutville. Their family consisted of three sons and two daughters, all now deceased, namely: Samuel; Jacob; Peter; Catharine, who married Gideon Beaver; and Elizabeth, who married Hiram D. Dreisbach. Samuel Menges, son of Peter, was born in Northumberland county June 6, 1800, and died Aug. 12, 1888; he is buried in the cemetery at Turbutville. In every respect Samuel Menges was one of the foremost citizens of Turbut township in his day. As a farmer he met with remarkable prosperity, being ranked among the most substantial men of his time, for he acquired possession of eleven farms, giving each of his seven sons a large tract. He was the money lender of his district, possessed unusual foresight and business ability, and showed excellent judgement in all his investments. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as supervisor of the township. In religions connection he and his family were Lutherans, and he was influential and active in the church as in all other things, serving as deacon, elder, trustee and treasurer. All his ten children were born to his first marriage, with Catharine (Rovenold), daughter of John Rovenold, of Lewis township, she dying March 21, 1861, aged fifty-eight years, seven months, three days. His second marriage was to Lucinda Berkestock, of Turbut township. We have the following record of his family: (1) Benjamin, who lived in Lewis township, is mentioned in full below. (2) William lived in Lewis township and died Jan. 1, 1905, aged eighty-one years, ten months, eight days. His wife, Sarah (Carl), died March 30, 1885, aged sixty years, eleven months, twenty-nine days. They had two children, one of whom is deceased, the survivor being Simon Peter Menges, of Turbutville. Susan A. Keller, wife of Simon P. Menges, died June 26. 1893, aged thirty-four years, eighteen days. (3) Isaac, born Dec. 24, 1824, lived in Lewis township, and died June 23, 1907. He married Mary (Polly) Smith, born Feb. 6, 1817, died Feb. 23, 1890, and they had a family of five children: Samuel, John (deceased), Michael (deceased), Catharine (married Levi Stahl) and Mary (married Ed. Stahl). Of this family, Samuel lived on one of the Menges homesteads for over thirty years, engaged in farming, and since 1907 he has been located on his present farm of eighty-five acres in Montour county. He married Elizabeth Helwig, and their children are Fannie, Isaac, Paul, George and Anna. Paul Menges, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Helwig) Menges, was born Jan. 20, 1880, on the homestead his father occupied in Lewis township, received his early education in the local schools, graduated from the Turbutville high school in 1897, and later attended the Keystone State Normal school at Kutztown, after which he taught for two terms in Lewis township. On March 4, 1905, he married Lizzie Troxell, daughter of George and Elmira (Levan) Troxell, of Turbutville. (4) John, who lived in Lewis township before his retirement, is mentioned fully below. (5) Daniel, also a resident of Lewis township, died Jan. 14, 1886, aged fifty-four years, two months, fourteen days. He married Sarah Bender, who died Oct. 29, 1866, aged twenty-seven years, nine months, twenty- nine days, the mother of two daughters, Annie and Emma J., and a son that died in infancy. (6) Peter R. is mentioned fully below. (7) Jacob settled in Seneca county, N. Y., where he obtained part of his father's farm, the whole tract comprising 244 acres; his sister Susan acquired the other part. Jacob Menges married Lucy Ann Ernst, and their family consists of two sons and four daughters, Clymer, William, Flora, Mary, Annie and Carrie. (8) Mary married Charles Rohn and both are deceased. (9) Susan married George Frankenfield and they settled in New York State. (10) One daughter died in infancy. The farms of Benjamin, Isaac, John, Daniel and Peter Menges, and of their sister Mrs. Mary Rohn, adjoin, and all were part of the holdings of their father, Samuel, who owned nearly one thousand acres, in what is popularly known as Menges Valley. Benjamin Menges, son of Samuel, was born March 1, 1822, in Lewis township, on the farm where Levi Stahl now lives. A lifelong farmer, he owned the farm of sixty-seven acres in Lewis township where his son Edward S. Menges now lives, and there built the barn in 1874 and the brick residence in 1876. He died on that farm Feb. 7, 1910, and is buried in the cemetery at Turbutville. Mr. Menges served as supervisor of his township, was identified with the Democratic party in politics, and originally belonged to the Lutheran Church, later joining the Reformed denomination. He held office in the Lutheran Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Fietta Rohn, was born May 25, 1825, and died Sept. 9, 1893, the mother of eight children, six of whom, END OF PAGE 393 however, died young. The youngest two survive, namely: Henry F. (of Bethlehem, Pa.) and Edward S. EDWARD S. MENGES, son of Benjamin, was born Feb. 8, 1859, on the farm in Lewis township which he is still cultivating, making his home on that place. He received his education in the schools of Kiefertown, and he was reared to farming. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account at his present home since the spring of 1888, and has made a success of general farming, having a fertile and valuable tract. As prosperity enabled him he has added to his holdings, being now the owner of 150 acres, and his wife owns 107 acres. He is a worthy representative of the enterprising and industrious family to which he belongs, and is a citizen much respected in his community. In 1887 Mr. Menges married Ida Ellis, daughter of John D. and Uranah (Litchert) Ellis, of Limestone township, Montour Go., Pa., and they have had one daughter, Ella, now the wife of John Plotz, a farmer of Lewis township; Mr. and Mrs. Plotz have one daughter, Grace. Mr. Menges and his family are members of the Reformed Church at Turbutville. In political matters he is a Democrat. JOHN MENGES, son of Samuel, was born May 24, 1827, on the homestead, and began his education in the local subscription schools, later attending the free schools. He was reared to farm life, continuing to work for his parents for a period of twenty-seven years. When he began farming on his own account it was on one of his father's farms near Paradise Church, and he later obtained this property from his father. It consisted of 106 acres of valuable land, which he continued to cultivate until his retirement in 1894, in which year he moved to Turbutville, his son Thomas Franklin Menges taking charge of the farm, which he rents from his father. On Jan. 1, 1856, Mr. Menges married Dianah Amelia Frankenfield, daughter of John Frankenfield, of one of the lower Pennsylvania counties. and they have had four children: Daniel, now Montgomery, Pa., who is engaged in the paper hanging business; John S., who died Jan. 15, 1898, aged thirty-three years, nine months, fifteen days; Susanna, wife of John H. Erdly, of Lewis township; and Thomas Franklin, who farms his father's homestead. Mr. Menges and his family are members of the Reformed Church, in which he is a prominent worker, having served the congregation as elder and treasurer. He was formerly a deacon for six years in the Lutheran Church, refusing to hold office longer. Politically he is a member of the Democratic party. Henry Erdly, grandfather of John H. Erdly was a pioneer resident of Liberty township, Tioga Co., Pa., where he followed farming and milling, building a gristmill on Blockhouse creek which he conducted for a number of years. He died about 1870, at the age of about seventy-two, and is buried at Salem Church in Liberty township. In religion he was a Lutheran. His wife, whose maiden name was Kratzer, died several years before him, and they were the parents of two children, Daniel and Betzy (Mrs. Milton Phelps). Daniel Erdly, son of Henry, was born in 1820 on the homestead in Liberty township, and died there in 1876. He farmed the old place, which consisted of 140 acres, and was an industrious man and a useful member of the community, holding many offices at Salem Church, of which he was a Lutheran member. He is buried at that Church. In political sentiment he was a Democrat. His wife, Barbara (Fick), daughter of John Fick, also of Liberty township, died in 1903, at the age of sixty-nine years. They had a family of six children: Mary, Mrs. Winton Belford; William, who died when eleven years old; John H.; Oscar, of Tioga county; Frank; and Edith (deceased), who married John Haggerty. John H. Erdly was born March 28, 1858, on the homestead in Tioga county, where he was reared to farm life. He began farming for himself in Turbut township, Northumberland county, where he remained for two years, at the end of that time going to Milton, where he lived for several years. He then came to his present place of sixty acres in Lewis township, one mile east of Turbutville, having lived there since 1900. In August, 1882, he married Susanna Menges, daughter of John Menges, and they have had five children, Stella M.. (who died aged fourteen years), Edith F., Mabel A., Raymond and Charles N. Mr. Erdly and his family are members of the Reformed Church. In politics he is an independent Democrat. PETER R. MENGES, son of Samuel, was born on the homestead in Lewis township June 80, 1886,, was educated in the township schools and trained to farm life. Working for his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years, he then married and began farming for himself on a place adjoining the old homestead, which he purchased from his father, continuing to reside there until 1883, when he purchased a property in Turbutville and engaged in the mercantile business. After conducting same about twelve years he sold out and retired, continuing to live, however, on the same premises. Until October, 1890, he was a director in the Farmers National Bank of Watsontown, at that time disposing of his stock and on Nov. 1, 1890, organizing the firm of P. R. & R. F. Menges, returning to the general mercantile business. He was one of the organizers of the Turbutville National Bank, and is one of the heavy stockholders of that financial institution. He has his farm rented. On Aug. 11, 1900, fire totally END OF PAGE 394 destroyed the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Menges, who escaped with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Mr. Menges immediately rebuilt, upon the same foundation, putting up the comfortable home they now occupy. He is a man of broad views, energetic, intelligent and enterprising, and has taken an active part in the lines of interest which engage his attention. He has filled several public positions, having served at least two terms in the borough council; as overseer of the poor many years, and for a few years was post-master at Turbutville, from 1885 to 1888. In political affiliation he is a Democrat. In religious matters he and his wife unite with the Lutheran Church, of which he has long been considered one of the pillars, having served as deacon, elder, trustee and treasurer, and he was treasurer of the building committee that remodeled the church edifice in 1910. On Jan. 1, 1861, Mr. Menges married Mary D. Bieber, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Deisher) Bieber, of Rockland township, Berks Co., Pa., who came to Lewis township, Northumberland county, Mr. Bieber purchasing a farm of almost three hundred acres upon which he lived until his death. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bieber, namely: Gideon; Reuben; Samuel; Benneville, of Iowa; Levi and Joel, twins; Amos, of Watson, Pa.; Annie, who never married; Mary D., Mrs. Peter R. Menges; and Sarah, who has never married. Benneville, Amos, Mrs. Menges and Sarah are now the only survivors. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Menges was born one child, that died in infancy. Jacob Menges, son of Peter and Anna Elizabeth (Bausch) Menges, was born Feb. 15, 1802, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-eight years, dying Aug. 30, 1890. He and his wife Susanna (Rovenolt), who died April 21, 1888, aged seventy-two years, ten months, nineteen days, are buried in the cemetery at Turbutville. He lived on the homestead farm in Lewis township (the tract is now an area of 105 acres), a part of the old Menges holdings, which comprised nearly one thousand acres, and the land is of the best found within the limits of Northumberland county. He was actively engaged in farming on this tract until seventy-five years old, after which he built a house near by his old residence and there lived until two weeks before his death, when he asked to be taken back to the homestead, and there he passed away. He was a carpenter as well as farmer, and handy with all kinds of tools, and in his very last days showed his children and grandchildren how to cut grain with a sickle. The old stone house still standing on his farm is over 125 years old, and was originally used by the pioneer settlers as a fort to protect them from the Indians. The masonry work is very strong, and had an old- fashioned big chimney, the stone wall of which is 18 inches thick from the foundation to the top. The house was remodeled by Jacob Menges, who made an addition to it. The present barn on the place was built in 1822. Mr. Menges was a Democrat in politics and served as supervisor of his township. He and his wife were members of St. James Lutheran Church, of which he served as deacon and trustee, and as member of the building committee, and when the present church was constructed he furnished all the timber as his contribution toward the work. His family consisted of six children: Elizabeth, who died aged six years; Catharine, who married Henry Shell and (second) George Walter; Stephen Peter, now of Turbutville, to which place he moved in 1911 from Montour county, Pa. (his wife Sarah A., born June 16, 1852, died May 28, 1893); Mary, who married William Ernst and (second) Levi Smith; Reuben, of Pittsburg, Pa.; and N. Jacob. N. JACOB MENGES was born Oct. 26, 1853, on the original Menges homestead in Lewis township, where he has spent all his life, being now engaged in farming there. He was educated in the public schools of the locality, and worked for his father until twenty-five years old, after which he carried on the farm work on his own account. The place is now known as Hillside Farm. The land is fertile, well located in what is known as Paradise Valley, and is an ideal farm property, which under the management of its present owner is kept in first-class condition, its appearance being excellent evidence of his thrift and care. He is one of the substantial residents of his township, and highly respected. On Oct. 3, 1880, Mr. Menges married Sevilla Heffelfinger, daughter of John and Mary (Pool) Heffelfinger, who were born in Montgomery county, Pa. Mrs. Menges was born in Reading, Berks county, and came to Northumberland county with her parents when eleven years old. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Menges: Susan, who is the wife of Augustus Reynolds; Francis H., of Lewis township; Hattie R.; Roy J.; Elsie S.; Nora P.; and Paul and Earl, twins, who died when four weeks old. Mr. Menges and his family belong to St. James Lutheran Church at Turbutville, and he has been a trustee of his congregation from 1902 to the present time. Politically he is a Democrat. ANTHONY E. GAUGER, late of Lewis township, resided upon the fine farm near McEwensville now carried on by his widow and daughter He was born Sept. 2, 1834, at the family homestead in Limestone township, Montour Co., Pa., son of Jacob Gouger and grandson of John William Gouger. John William Gouger, the grandfather, married Margaret Follmer, and they reared a family END OF PAGE 395 of seven sons and two daughters, of whom we have the following record: (1) John William Gouger, the eldest, moved with his brother George to Seneca county, N. Y. Soon John William Gouger moved out to Joliet, Ill., where he and his wife made their permanent home and reared a large family. He settled upon a large plantation, which he improved by arduous labor, and as the Indians were likely to appear at any time in those days he and his neighbors often worked with their rifles at the end of the furrow. The nearest flour mill was sixty miles distant. William Gouger was the first postmaster in the vicinity, and he used a store box supplied with pigeon holes for the few papers and letters which went through the mail at that early day. The postage on a letter was twenty-five cents. (2) George Gouger had at least two sons, Daniel and Lewis, and one daughter, Jane, who married Benjamin Lerch. (3) Nicholas Gouger settled on the old homestead farm near Limestoneville. He married Elizabeth Bower and they reared one son and four daughters, John B.(who married Sarah Billmyer), Margaret (Mrs. Daniel Dildine),Nancy (Mrs. John Dildine), Sallie (Mrs. Heitsman) and Moriah (Mrs. William McKee), all deceased but Nancy, who is now (1910) eighty- seven years old; she lives at Horseheads, N. Y. (4) Jacob Gouger and his family are mentioned below. (5) Benjamin Gouger died unmarried. (6) John Gouger, Sr., married Mary Bower and they raised a family of four children, two sons and two daughters: Elizabeth married Jacob Seidel, of Danville, Pa., and had two sons and two daughters (Lizzie married Frank Smith); Susan married William A. Dean, Esquire, and had one child, Ada McFarland; D. F. married Colonel Dean's daughter Ursula (no family); John W. died when about eighteen years of age. (7) Daniel Gouger married Susan Bower, sister of Elizabeth and Mary Bower, his brothers wives, and they had a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters: Nicholas, a carpenter, died at Watsontown, Pa. (he reared a family); Jacob, a tailor, of Milton, also reared a family; Frank married a Gudikunst in Virginia; Rebecca married a Mr. Glace in Danville, Pa.; Kate married a Lowry, of Dewart, Pa.; Emma married Joseph Seidel, of Washingtonville, Pa., and has a family; Ann and Alice are at home. (8) The eldest daughter of John William and Margaret (Follmer) Gouger married Henry Follmer. Daniel Follmer and William Follmer, Esq., were her sons. (9) The other daughter, Mrs. William Tobias, also had a family. Jacob Gouger, son of John William and Margaret (Follmer) Gouger, died at the home of his son Anthony B., near McEwensville. He lived in Montour county, on the farm now owned by his son, John William, his sons conducting the farm which followed his trade, that of blacksmith. After becoming lame in his shoulder he had to abandon his trade, and from that time made his home with his sons. He married Catharine Eschbach, daughter of David Eschbach, and she died when quite a young woman. They were the parents of nine children, two sons and seven daughters: (1) John William Gouger, born March 8, 1827, who lives in the vicinity of Milton, Northumberland county, married Esther Haag, and they have had four sons and four daughters: John A., a lumber manufacturer of Chicago, Ill., had one daughter, now the wife of William Easton; O. J., of Sullivan, Ill., also engaged in the manufacture of lumber, married Minnie Seidel, of Danville, Pa., and had one son and one daughter; W. L., of Danville, Pa., postmaster there, married Isabel Derr, of White Hall (they have no family); E. L., of Mace, Idaho engaged in mining, married a lady of that place and has one daughter, Esther; Mary C. married Frank Irvin, and died at Williamsport, Pa.; Sarah married Daniel Lerch, of Warrior Run, Pa.; Cora A. married Calvin Derr, of California; Gertie H. married Tice Feinour, and died in 1896, leaving one son, John. (2) Anthony E. is mentioned below. (3) Eliza married Nathaniel Wagner and (second) William Shires, and she had two daughters: Mary died when about eighteen; Kittie married D. W. Smith and reared one son, Harry. Mrs. Shires died in her eighty-seventh year. (4) Barbara married Daniel Karchner and had one daughter, Kate, who, married Mr. Emmons. (5) Margaret married Aaron Heckman and had four children, Sallie (wife of Rev. Mr. Bower), Ida, Harry and Luther. (6) Catharine died unmarried. (7) Sarah (deceased) married William Fox and had two children, one son and one daughter. Rosa Fox married Sam. Hagenbuch, of Constantine, Mich.; Clara Fox also married. (8) Martha (Mattie) married William A. Wagner, of Des Moines, Iowa, and has sons Allie (superintendent of the Des Moines railway) and Willie, both of whom are married and have families. (9) Susan (deceased) married A. Miller Waugh, and they raised one daughter and one son, both lawyers of Chicago, Ill., one being the famous Catharine Waugh McCulloch, justice of the peace at Evanston. Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch had a family of four children. Anthony E. Gauger was a lifelong farmer. He settled in Lewis township, Northumberland county, where he owned a tract of fifty-eight acres, a valuable farm and now under excellent cultivation. There he died April 16, 1901. He was a Republican, served his township three years as school director, and was also interested in the work of the Lutheran church, of which he was a member, and which he served some years in the capacity of elder. On Feb. 15, 1857, Mr. Gauger married Mary END OF PAGE 396 Elizabeth Klapp, and to them were born three children: (1) Ella D. resides with her mother on the home farm, which they now carry on. She received her early education in the local schools, later attending McEwensville Academy, and has developed considerable ability as an artist, having painted a number of successful portraits and landscapes which evidence her talent in this line. (2) Curtis C., who lives at McEwensville, married Hannah Seibert and has children, George A., William C. and Helen E. (3) William A., who died Sept. 21, 1900, aged thirty-six years, married Nellie Rogers. He left no children. The Klapp (Klopp or Clapp) family, to which Mrs. Gauger belongs, is one of the oldest and most numerous in Berks county, Pa., and each generation has produced men and women who have lived honorably and usefully in their communities. The Klapp family had its origin near Bingen on the Rhine, Germany, and there in 1906 still stood a castle known as "Schlossklopp." Peter Klopp (Klop or Klopf) was a Reformed member of the Tulpehocken church in 1735. Later he, with Rev. Peter Miller, Godfried Fidler, Conrad Weiser, and others, joined a church at Ephrata, Lancaster county, Pa., and at the home of Mr. Fidler, who had first taken up land in Tulpehocken township, burned the Psalms, catechisms and other good books. Before the house of the Tulpehocken brethren (German Seventh Day Baptists) was finished, Conrad Weiser, Hans Michael Miller, Peter Klopf, Godfried Fidler and several single men and women went to the settlement at Ephrata. Of these, Weiser, Miller and Klopf later withdrew from the Ephrata settlement, but not so the daughter of Peter Klopf, who remained steadfast. Her monastic name was "Thecla" and is so listed on the roster of the Sisterhood. She died Oct. 6, 1748, probably at Ephrata. Peter Klop died in 1753. Of this same family was undoubtedly John Klapp, grandfather of Mrs. Gauger. He was a native of Berks county and came to Northumberland in the early days, farming near Turbutville. He married Elizabeth Kline, and their children were: Thomas, of Muncy, Pa. Daniel, of Muncy, Pa.: Benneville, who died in Kansas; Adam, who lived at White Deer, Pa.; John; Molly, who married John Raup; Maria, who married John Leinbach; Sarah, who married Philip Raup; and Catharine, Mrs. Hoy (she and her husband went west). John Klapp, son of John and Elizabeth (Kline) Klapp, was a farmer in Lewis township, Northumberland county, living near Turbutville, and died in 1880, aged sixty-nine years. He married Maria Glase, who died June 15, 1848, aged thirty-eight years, the mother of the following children: William S., Mary Elizabeth (widow of Anthony E. Gauger), Sarah J., Margaret C., Thomas L., Susan E., Angeline, Emeline and Caroline twins, John D. and Maria (died in infancy). N. THOMPSON MARSH, a prosperous business man of Milton, Northumberland county, was born in that borough in 1862, youngest of the family of Daniel Griggs Marsh. He is a great-grandson of Isaac Marsh, the founder of the family in this county. Isaac Marsh, the great-grandfather, was a native of New Jersey, and there married Ellonanna Griggs. He resided in New Jersey until 1807, when he moved to Pennsylvania with a number of his neighbors, settling in Rush township, Northumberland county, where Mr. Marsh bought a farm. Isaac Marsh, one of the three sons of Isaac and Ellonanna (Griggs) Marsh, was born in New Jersey Jan. 24, 1798, and came to Northumberland county with his parents. In 1841 he moved to Turbut township, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying Jan. 31, 1874. He married, in Rush township, Sarah Gulick, who was born in Huntingdon county, Pa., in 1796, and died in 1867. They are buried in the upper cemetery at Milton. To them were born five children: Minner C., born April 9, 1824, who died in January, 1911; Mary, born in 1825, who married Reuben Klapp; Daniel Griggs, born in 1830; Williamson, born Feb. 12, 1832, who died April 18, 1883; and Ellen, who married Emanuel Haus. Daniel Griggs Marsh, born in 1830, was reared on a farm and in his young manhood learned harnessmaking. In 1859 he opened a harness store in Milton, on Broadway, where Bound avenue now intersects that thoroughfare, and he continued in that line for twenty years. From that time until his retirement, in 1888, he was in the shoe business, establishing a store which his son still conducts and which is one of the most substantial enterprises in the borough. He was an industrious and intelligent worker, and by close attention made his business prosper, accumulating a competence in its pursuits, winning for himself a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. During the Civil war on July 1, 1863, Mr. Marsh enlisted as emergency man, for service in the Union Army, becoming a member of Company I, 37th Regiment. He was discharged Aug. 4, 1863. He was Whig in his earlier manhood, later becoming a member of the Republican party. Mr. Marsh married Lydia A. Myerly, who was born Nov. 3, 1833, at Mooresburg, Pa., and was a resident of Milton for fifty-eight years, dying at her home on Broadway, in that borough, Aug. 20, 1909. She was a lifelong member of the M. E. Church and a woman well known and highly esteemed in the community. She was buried in the END OF PAGE 397 Upper cemetery at Milton, where Mr. Marsh, who passed away Aug. 30, 1905, also rests. They were the parents of three children: (1) Russel, now a resident of Watsontown, married Martha Bellas, and they have three children, May Bellas (wife of Dr. Charles Cooner, of Picture Rocks, Pa.), Curtis M., a dentist (who lives in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) and Margarette. (2) Curtis, who married Frances Waugh, now lives in San Diego, Cal. (3) N. Thompson. N. Thompson Marsh received his education in the public schools of Milton, and was only a boy when he began clerking in his father's shoe store. In 1879, he became a member of the firm, and when his father retired, in 1888, he took charge of the store, which he has since carried on. That the business has continued to expand under his able management is best shown in the fact that it has twice outgrown its quarters. In 1908 Mr. Marsh refitted the large and handsome store room which he now occupies, one of the finest in the borough, commodious and convenient and well adapted to the needs of his extensive trade. He has been untiring in his efforts to keep his business and the store itself up-to-date in every respect, and his standards in dealing with his patrons are as high as his ambitions to have a creditable store and stock - creditable not only to himself but to the community in which it is situated. He is one of the successful men of Milton, and one of the best known, though he has confined his activities strictly to business, having no ambition to enter politics or hold public office. Socially Mr. Marsh holds membership in the Sons of Veterans, Royal Arcanum, Loyal Addition and Masonic fraternity, in the latter connection belonging to Milton Lodge, No. 256, F. & A.M.; Warrior Run Chapter, No. 146, R.A.M., of Watsontown; Mount Hermon Commandery, No. 85, K.T., of Sunbury; Williamsport Consistory, A.A.R.S., thirty-second degree; and Irem Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of Wilkes-Barre. On July 3, 1900, Mr. Marsh married Mary Topley, of Philadelphia, Pa., and they have had two children, Elizabeth Ann and Thompson, the latter deceased. Mr. Marsh and his family attend the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. EDWARD D. FISHER, who has been engaged in business at Watsontown since 1892, was born June 16, 1869, at Milton, Northumberland county, son of William Augustus Fisher. The family has been settled in America since the middle of the eighteenth century, having been founded here by one Joseph Fisher. Joseph Fisher was born in Saxony in April, 1734. At the age of thirteen years, it is said, he was apprenticed to learn a trade, and according to the custom of the times went to live in his master's family. This family emigrating to America in 1747, Joseph and his sister Elizabeth accompanied them, and they settled in New Jersey, where the sister died shortly afterward. Joseph Fisher remained in West Jersey and completed his apprenticeship, and on June 5, 1764, he married Catharine Minegar, who was born in Holland Aug. 24, 1746. After their marriage the young, couple located in what is now Warren county, N. J., and during the Revolutionary war be enlisted in the service of his adopted country, from Morris county, that State. The Fisher home was in the midst of the scene of hostilities and was destroyed, the lands being laid waste by the armies, and after the close of the conflict Mr. Fisher determined to try his fortune in a new field. Accordingly he moved with his family to Northumberland county, Pa., in 1788, on April 7th of which year he purchased from Samuel Reeder a tract of 100 acres along the Little Roaring creek. Mrs. Fisher died in 1809, and was interred in the old burial ground attached to the Lutheran Church at Catawissa, Pa. Mr. Fisher died Dec. 29, 1819, after a short illness, and was buried Jan. 1, 1820, beside his wife at Catawissa. They were the parents of the following children: Catharine, born June 29, 1765, married Nicholas Shipman; Henry, born July 23, 1767, married Magdalene Farley; Mary, born Dec. 18, 1769, married Samuel Mutchler; Hannah, born Jan. 27, 1772, married Caleb Farley; Elizabeth, born July 21, 1774, married John Reeder; John, born June 19, 1776, is mentioned below; Moses, born Sept. 23, 1778, married Elizabeth Bear; David was born March 6, 1781; Jacob, born Dec. 18, 1783, married Margaret Kimbpel; Joseph, born May 20, 1786, married Mary Kimbpel. John Fisher, son of Joseph, was born June 19, 1776, in Sussex county, N. J. His wife, Elizabeth (Mauser), was born in 1775 in Bucks county, Pa., and died in 1844 in Noble township, Branch Co., Mich. They had a family of four children: John married Lydia Lazaras; Catharine, born June 13, 1801, married Thomas Shane; William was born Oct. 19, 1806; Elizabeth, born Sept. 19, 1809, married John Ritter. William Fisher, son of John, was married Dec. 25, 1827, to Eleanor Blue, who was born Nov. 22, 1810, in Mahoning township, then in Columbia county, Pa., and died Jan. 28, 1878, in Milton, Pa. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fisher lived for a time at Danville, Pa., where Mr. Fisher was employed in the store of Peter Baldy, thence removing to Milton and later to Lock Haven, Pa., where they remained for seven years. From there they went to Philadelphia, where they resided for three years, during which time they were burned out in the big fire of 1849, losing everything. Later they returned to Milton, where Mrs. Fisher died in 1878, after which Mr. Fisher made his home with END OF PAGE 398 his daughter Margaret, Mrs. Glover. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were the parents of nine children: B. Frank, born June 15, 1829, died Oct. 12, 1867; Samuel J. was born April 8, 1831; William A., born Oct. 21, 1832, was the father of Edward D. Fisher; John K. B., born Sept. 2, 1834, died April 12, 1848; Mary E. was born Oct. 8, 1836; Charlotte J. was born March 25, 1840; Margaret E., born April 24, 1842, married Thomas Glover; Dudley R., born Jan. 8, 1848, died Sept. 21, 1850; Dudley R. (2), born Sept. 25, 1850, married Sept. 25, 1884, Catharine Ebright. Of this family the eldest son, B. Frank Fisher, was engaged in business at Reading, Pa. On Jan. 28, 1858, he married Mary B. Gift, who died Feb. 24, 1878, and they had these children: William W., born Feb. 13, 1860, of Sunbury, Pa.; Flora B., born Feb. 26, 1863; Harry B., who died in 1865; and B. Frank, born Sept. 16, 1866. William Augustus Fisher, son of William, was born Oct. 21, 1832, was a well known butcher, which business he followed several years, and was also a stone cutter. On Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, 131st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Isaiah B. Davis, and was ordered to Virginia, being assigned to the 3d Provisional Brigade, Casey's Division, engaged in the defense of Washington. The command was afterward transferred to the Army of the Potomac, in the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 5th Army Corps. On Sept. 18, 1862, Mr. Fisher was engaged in the battle of Antietam, was in the Rappahannock campaign, and on Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, was severely wounded in the right hip by a shell at the action on Marye's Hill. From April 28 to May 6, 1863, he was in the Chancellorsville campaign, and he was mustered out May 23, 1863. He became a member of G.A.R. Post No. 225, of Watsontown, Pa. Returning to Pennsylvania at the close of his army service Mr. Fisher settled at Milton, whence in 1872 he moved to Watsontown, where he engaged in the restaurant business. He followed this until his death, which occurred in Watsontown Sept. 8, 1885. He is buried at Milton. On Dec. 5, 1853, Mr. Fisher married Christiana Varts, who was born Nov. 8, 1832, and died Oct. 13, 1902. They had a family of seven children, namely: William C., born Aug. 31, 1854, died May 19, 1855; Clarence A., born June 29, 1857, died Feb. 3, 1859; Fred B., born Nov. 28, 1859, died July 27, 1867; Mary E., born Feb. 28, 1862, died Feb. 27, 1866; Tilly S., born Feb. 23, 1865, died Jan. 15, 1866; Robert D., born Dec. 19, 1866, died Sept. 5, 1868; Edward D., born Jan. 16, 1869, is the only survivor of the family. Edward D. Fisher received a public school education and learned the trade of saddler, which he followed as a journeyman for about eight years. In 1892 he engaged in business on his own account as a merchant at Watsontown, dealing in sporting goods and cigars, but making a specialty of the former line, in which he has built up a wide patronage. He gives all his time to business, and is well known and highly respected for his upright methods and ability to hold trade by effective efforts to please. On Dec. 7, 1892, Mr. Fisher married Fannie M. Miller, daughter of William H. Miller, of Watsontown. They have had two children, Edna M. and Florence E. The family are Lutherans in religious connection. Socially Mr. Fisher holds membership in Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, F. & A.M., Warrior Run Chapter, No. 246, R.A.M., Williamsport Consistory (thirty-second degree), and in the Royal Arcanum. He votes independently. GEORGE ROESLER, a retired farmer now making his home at Pottsgrove, Northumberland county, has made his home in this county for over half a century. He is a native of Wittenberg, Germany, born in 1830, son of Wendell and Barbara Roesler. Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Roesler came to America with their family in the year 1844. The voyage was tedious, occupying eleven weeks, and soon after landing they settled in Virginia, where Mr. Roesler followed his trade, that of blacksmith, his sons tilling the soil. The mother did not survive many years after the family came to this country, dying in 1855. Their family consisted of four sons and one daughter, namely: George, Wendell, John, Frederick and Kate, all the sons except George living and dying in Virginia. The daughter married a Mr. Frymutte, and her family live in Baltimore, Md. The father, who was born in Wittenberg in 1802, died in 1889, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, in Northumberland county, Pa. His father was of such small stature that he was known as "The Little Man." George Roesler has led an eventful life. He was in his fifteenth year when he came to America, and he passed the next fifteen years of his life in Virginia, tilling his father's land. In 1860 he moved to Pennsylvania, settling at Milton, Northumberland county, where he worked fifteen years for Mr. Gottlieb Brown, in 1875 purchasing a farm in Chillisquaque township to which he moved. There he followed farming until the year 1890, when he sold his stock and rented the land for two years, in 1892 resuming farming, which he continued until he was seventy-five years old. He has since lived retired, having sold the farm in 1906 and moved to Pottsgrove, where he purchased the home he now occupies. What Mr. Roesler possesses he has acquired by honest well directed labor, and it was by hard, energetic toil that he rose from a humble German apprentice boy, selling cakes in his native land, to a substantial, prosper- END OF PAGE 399 ous landowner in the New World. He is an honorable, upright, conscientious Christian man, and remembering his own early struggles never turns a worthy person in need from his door without help. He is a devout member of the Lutheran Church at Milton, and although past eighty he has missed only two sessions of the Sunday school in over three years, on both of which occasions illness kept him home. He has to drive four miles to attend church and Sunday school. In politics Mr. Roesler is a Republican, and he served two years as supervisor. Mr. Roesler married Eliza Feaster, daughter of Henry Feaster, of Virginia; her paternal grand-father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was given a large tract of land in the Shenandoah Valley in recognition of his services. Mrs. Roesler died Feb. 2, 1900, at the age of sixty-seven, and is buried in the upper cemetery at Chillisquaque. Three children were born to this union: (1) Emma, Mrs. Foust, had two children, Elmer C. and Della E., the former of whom, a telegraph operator at Clearfield, Pa., in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company, married Virginia Beausigneur, and has one child, Jury Foust. They live at Clearfield. (2) Mary died at the age of six years. (3) Ella (deceased) married Jacob Hendrick, and had one child, Luther, who is a telegraph operator for the New York Central Railroad Company at Jersey Shore, Pa. He married Ella Mutchler and they have two children, Roy and Catharine. IRA T. CLEMENT DISSINGER is the eldest child and only surviving member of the happy union of David Connor and Fannie (Clement) Dissinger. His mother was a daughter of the late Ira T. Clement, the man who accomplished probably more than any other one man for the up- building of his community. John Dissinger, his paternal grandfather, was born in Schaefferstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., and his wife Catherine (whose maiden name was Connor) was born in Ireland. They had a family of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters. Of this family David Connor was the youngest. DAVID CONNOR DISSINGER was born in Schaefferstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., March 5, 1840, and was only about eleven years old when his mother died. Being one of a large family he had few early advantages, especially for acquiring an education, and after his mother's death he was apprenticed to learn the trade of tailor, at which he spent five years. When sixteen years old he went to Lebanon, where he hired out for four years to the stone cutter's trade. Just before the expiration of this period the Civil war broke out, and he enlisted for 8 three months term in the Union service, joining Company F, 14th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. At the end of this time he returned to Schaefferstown, and with Capt. John S. Long recruited what became Company F, of the 93d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, at Camp Coleman, Lebanon. Of this company Mr. Long was the captain and Mr. Dissinger first lieutenant. Their first fighting experience was at the battle of Williamsburg, Va., where in the absence of the captain the command fell upon Lieutenant Dissinger. Their next engagement was the battle of Fair Oaks, in which Company F in connection with Company A of the 93d and several other companies served as advance picket guards. These companies were surrounded by the enemy on the first day's fight and stood in great danger of being captured, being saved only by the remarkable daring of Lieutenant Dissinger, who in the wild panic that ensued drew his revolver and with wonderful coolness ordered the terror- stricken men into line; losing no time he himself led the flight, and at night arrived safely at the rifle pits with more than a regiment of men. For this gallant and meritorious exploit young Dissinger received the highest encomiums from General Peck. After the seven days' fight that resulted in defeat for the Union forces at Harrison's Landing Mr. Dissinger, contracting typhoid fever, was taken to the hospital at Washington, and three months passing without much progress toward recovery he resigned his position and returned to his home in Lebanon, where he assisted in recruiting a company for the emergency service. After a year spent in Lebanon in the book and stationery business he went West and was engaged at his trade for about six months in Fort Wayne and Chicago. He was present at the Chicago convention which nominated General McClellan for the Presidency in 1864. Returning to Pennsylvania, he followed his trade for a number of years. On Sept. 24, 1865, he came to Sunbury, opening the first marble business in the town. In April, 1867 or 1868, he formed a partnership with Philip H. Moore in the mercantile business, in which he was later associated with Ira T. Clement, Mr. Clement buying Mr. Moore's interest. In 1871 Mr. Dissinger, in company with Mr. Moore, erected the fine hotel on Third street called the "Clement House," named in honor of Ira T. Clement. In the same year they erected the building at the corner of Market and Third streets known as the Moore & Dissinger block, the finest business block in Sunbury. Mr. Dissinger also put up the row of eight houses known as Dissinger row. A highly successful business man, he was thoroughly admired and trusted by his fellow citizens, and in 1875 he was elected treasurer of Northumberland county by a majority of 857 votes. After his term as county treasurer he was successfully identified with different business and manufacturing projects. In 1881 his name was presented to the State convention held at Williamsport for nomination as END OF PAGE 400 State treasurer. He received the united support of the interior counties of the State and was only defeated by the balance of power held by Philadelphia and Allegheny counties. On April 10, 1866, Mr. Dissinger married Fannie Clement, daughter of Ira T. Clement, of Sunbury, and to them were born four sons and one daughter: Ira T. C., Edward W., Lou Irene, Henry Clement and John, Ira T. C. being the only survivor. David C. Dissinger died April 18, 1882, and his wife Fannie died Aug. 12, 1893. Ira T. C. Dissinger was born in Sunbury Feb. 7, 1867, and was educated in the public schools, completing his high school course and graduating as valedictorian of his class in 1883. This class was the first class to publicly graduate, thus inaugurating the commencement exercises of the Sunbury high school. Mr. Dissinger has been connected in various capacities with the business interests of the late Ira T. Clement, his maternal grandfather, has served as a member and president of the borough council, was city clerk, and secretary of the Board of Trade. He is at present prothonotary and clerk of the courts of Northumberland county, to which honorable and responsible position he was elected in 1907, and which he has efficiently filled. As was his rather before him, he is a Democrat in political connection. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. Socially affiliated, he is a Mason or the thirty-second degree, an Elk, Moose, Son of Veteran, member of the Ruffed Grouse and Temple Clubs, and one of the famous No. 1 Fire Company. Mr. Dissinger is devoted in every sense of loyalty to his alma mater, the Sunbury high school. By reason of this, and because of his membership in the first graduating class, he is and has been president of the Alumni Association, numbering well into a thousand members. This position Mr. Dissinger will probably occupy until the time of his death. On Oct. 8, 1889, Mr. Dissinger married Hattie Cooper, daughter of Thomas O. and Mary Elizabeth (Rohrbach) Cooper. Mrs. Dissinger died July 14, 1899, the mother of four children: David Connor, who died in 1897; Charles Edward; Ira T. Clement Jr., and Mary Elizabeth. On June 7, 1905, Mr. Dissinger married Mary F. Moore, daughter of P. H. and Catherine (Smith) Moore. SIMON P. BEAVER, of Milton, who is engaged in the manufacture of cement building blocks, was born in 1857 in Snyder county, Pa., where the Beaver family has long been settled. George Beaver, his grandfather, lived and died in Snyder county, and was a farmer by occupation. His death occurred in 1860, and he is buried at Kratzerville. To him and his first wife were born the following children: George, Ellis and Michael, all of whom lived in Snyder county; John, who lived in Northumberland county; Nathan, who went west when a young man; and Matthias, father of Simon P. Beaver. He married (second) Anna Hoffman, and they had one son, Henry J. Matthias Beaver married Salome Conkel, and they were the parents of eleven children, namely: George, who went west; Absalom, of Snyder county; Daniel, of New Berlin, Pa.; Edwin, who married Elizabeth McCracken, and lives near Milton; John, deceased; Charles, deceased; Emanuel, who died in the army; Catherine, who married Jacob Parks, of Montandon, Pa.; Sarah, who married Jacob Bower; Salome, who married. Noah Ulrich; and Simon P. Five of the sons served in the Civil war. Simon P. Beaver received his education in the public schools of his native county and spent his early life on a farm. When a young man he learned the trade of pump-making, which he followed until his removal to Milton, in 1902. In Milton he learned the heating business at Shimers mills, but he gave up that line for manufacturing in 1907, when be commenced his present business, the making of cement blocks. There is a growing demand for his product, and his enterprise and judicious management have combined to popularize it and to keep the trade alive. He has shown excellent ability in the upbuilding of his establishment, which has been started upon a substantial basis. On July 4, 1880, Mr. Beaver married Anna Catherine Solomon, daughter of Benjamin F. and Susan (Beaver) Solomon, of New Berlin, Pa., and they have had six children: Maude (who married Elmer Burkey and has one child, Mildred), Mabel (who married Cyrus DeHart and has one child, Harry W.), Cora (at home), Edward, Ernest and Rolliff. Mr. Beaver and his family are members of the United Evangelical church.