Floyd's Northumberland County Genealogy Pages 804 thru 827 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. FRANKLIN L. KEHRES, of Rebuck, is engaged as a merchant, hotel- keeper and farmer carrying on a business established by his grand father many years ago. He has the leading story and hotel at the place. Mr. Kehres was born in Washington township, where he has passed all his life, Nov. 30, 1857, son of Nathan F. and Catharine (Hoffman) Kehres. He belongs to an old family of this region, his father and grandfather having lived in Washington township, and, bear a name which, in various forms, is now numerously represented in Pennsylvania. The original form was Gehres, and the branches of the family found in Berks and Schuylkill counties, and in the Shamokin region, still retain that spelling as the variation Gehris; William Kehres, grandfather of Franklin L. Kehres, made the change from "G" to "K" which has been followed by his posterity. John Gehres, the emigrant ancestor of this family, is said to have come from Germany, and at first located in Berks county; Pa., whence be moved across the Blue Mountains into Schuylkill county settling in the Deep Creek Valley, where he owned land. He died in 1820, and his wife, whose maiden name was Catharine Otto, survived him over fifty years, dying in April, 1873, at the advanced age of ninety-three. They were of the German Reformed faith, and are buried side by side at the Deep Creek Church. They had seven children, namely: John is mentioned below; William is mentioned below; Betty married John Bressler and they lived in Deep Creek Valley; Sallie married David Stutzman; Maricha married Michael Stutzman, who was killed in the Civil war; Catherine married a Mr. Warfel and they lived in Deep Creek Valley (their son is a prominent minister of the United Evangelical Association); Mrs. Ossman and her husband were members of the United Evangelical Association and moved to Iowa. John Gehres, son of John and Catharine (Otto) Gehres, located at the upper end of the Deep Creek Valley in Schuylkill county, and was a farmer by occupation. After his retirement, being advanced in years, he made his home with his children for a number of years before his death, which occurred in 1908, when he was ninety-six years old, while he was living with a married daughter in Berks county. He was twice married, and survived both his wives, one of whom was a Reed. Among his seventeen children were: Sarah, Lovina, Carolina, Lydia, Emanuel (of Upper Mahantango Valley), Daniel (of Shamokin, Pa.) and Mrs. Haupt (who lives at Mount Carmel Pa.). A number of the posterity of this John Gehres have lived in Berks and Lehigh counties, some now (1910) residing in Hamburg, Berks county, and one Milton Gehres, who formerly taught school in Berks county, now holds a responsible government position at Washington, D. C. This branch of the family adhere to the original spelling of the name. William Kehres, son of John and Catharine (Otto), born April 5, 1808, was but twelve years old when his father died. He lived in Washington township, Northumberland county, where he was active throughout a long life, in his earlier manhood following farming exclusively and later building the Kehres mill, on Greenbrier creek, which he operated for many years besides following agricultural pursuits. This mill was continued in operation until about 1893. His farm consisted of about 160 acres. Mr. Kehres was an early settler at Rebuck, where he was one of the first merchants, being succeeded as such by his son Nathan. He died March 3, 1891, and he and both his wives are buried at the Himmel Church. Mr. Kehres first married, April 26, 1831, Lydia Erdman, who was born July 4, 1812, and died Sept. 14, 1834. They had four children: George F., born Sept. 19, 1831, whose wife Sarah, born Nov. 1, 1828, died March 21, 1885; Nathan F., born Sept. 29, 1832; William F., born Aug. 1, 1834; and Lydia, who died young. On Oct. 4, 1835, Mr. Kehres married (second) Catharine Erdman (a sister of his first wife), who was born May 25, 1818, and died July 8, 1895. Nineteen chil- END OF PAGE 804 dren were born to this marriage, as follows: Daniel, Oct. 6, 1836; Emanuel, Oct. 20, 1837 (his wife Rosanna, born Aug. 3, 1848, died July 21, 1904); Lydia, Oct. 17, 1838; Maria, Jan. 21, 1840; Henrietta, Feb. 1, 1842; Sarah, May 18, 1843; Catharine, Sept. 30, 1844; Levi, June 3, 1846; a daughter, March 4, 1847 (died in infancy); Paul, March 11, 1848; Lavina, March 9, 1849; twin of Lavina (born dead); Malinda, July 11, 1850; Amanda, Jan. 22, 1853; a son, Jan. 20, 1854 (died in infancy); a son, November, 1854 (died in infancy); Fietta, Aug. 27, 1855; a daughter, 1856 (died in infancy); Jacob Wilson, Jan. 31, 1858. Nathan E. Kehres, son of William, was born Sept. 29, 1832, in Washington township, and died Sept. 10, 1902. He was a farmer until 1873, when he also engaged in the general mercantile business at Rebuck, continuing same until succeeded by his son F. L. Kehres in 1888. He was a successful man and left a valuable estate, owning several farms in Washington township and also one at Klingerstown (of over one hundred acres). He was a useful and respected citizen, served his township faithfully as treasurer, and was an active member of the Reformed congregation of Himmel's Church, in which he held the offices of deacon, elder, trustee and treasurer. Originally a Democrat in politics, he later became an adherent of Republican principles. On June 15, 1856, Mr. Kehres married Catharine Hoffman, who was born Jan. 9, 1835, in Upper Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, daughter of, Henry D. Hoffman, of Berks county, and died Nov. 11, 1895. Children as follows were born to their union: Franklin L. is mentioned below; William H. was born Jan. 26, 1860; John M. was born Jan. 19, 1862; Lydia E. married E. R. Reitz; Mary Etta, born July 18, 1867, died Aug. 10, 1886; C. Reuben was born Sept. 21, 1869; Samuel was born Dec. 12, 1871, and died Jan. (?)9, 1876; Kate A., born Aug. 14, 1877, married David C. Drumheller; Rosie A., born Jan. 21, 1880, married A. J. Schwalm. Franklin L. Kehres received his education in the schools of the home locality and was reared to farm life. At an early age he began running a huckster team to Shamokin and Ashland, with produce, and was thus engaged for seven years, meantime commencing to clerk in the store for his father. Eventually he gave all his time to looking after the store, and in 1888 succeeded his father in the mercantile and hotel business, having moved to the old stand two years previously. Rebuck is an old-established business center in Washington township. Mr. Kehres carries a full line of general merchandise, continues to conduct the hotel, and operates his farm of ninety acres in conjunction with his other interests. He enjoys a large share of the patronage in his section of. the county. He is agent for fertilizers and farm implements, in which line he has built up a good trade, and he has been postmaster at Rebuck since the Harrison administration, having been appointed by John Wanamaker. One of the leading citizens of his district, he is identified with everything affecting its development and progress. On June 23, 1878, Mr. Kehres married Sarah E. Hetrich, who was born in Washington township Dec. 2, 1860, daughter of Daniel Hetrich, and died Sept. 22, 1893. They had three children, John O., Cora A., and Gertie M. (wife of Norman Peifer). On Nov. 30, 1899, Mr. Kehres married (second) Katie E. Reed, daughter of Henry A. Reed. They have no children. Mr. Kehres and his family are Reformed members of the Himmel Church, and he has been joint treasurer of the church since 1903. In politics he is a Republican. John O. Kehres, eldest of the family of Franklin L. Kehres, was born Oct. 11, 1879, and obtained his early education in the local public schools. Later he attended the Interstate Commercial College, at Reading, and he subsequently formed a partnership with William Hetrich, under the firm name of Kehres & Hetrich, engaging, in the lumber business and the manufacture of cider, and also operating a gristmill, in Washington township. They were associated in business for ten years, and since 1904 Mr. Kehres has been in partnership with his father in the general merchandise business. He is an enterprising and respected young man, and is progressing steadily in business circles. He is a member of Lodge No. 355, B.P.O. Elks, at Shamokin, and since 1900 has belonged to Lodge No. 551, I.O.O.F., at Mahanoy. Ephraim H. Gehris, late of Boyertown, Berks Co., Pa., was also a member of the Gehres family of which this, article treats. He was a native of Boyertown, son of Isaac and Sarah Gehris, and passed nearly all his life there. He followed the occupation of tinsmith, and was a faithful employee, having been with Jacob B. Yahn for more than thirty years. In politics he was always an active and enthusiastic Democrat, and held several minor offices in the borough. From early youth he had played in the Boyertown Band, first as snare drummer, later as trombone. He was a charter member of the Keystone Fire Company, in which he was very popular, and served as chief engineer for a number of years. He belonged to the Knights of the Mystic Chain at Boyertown and to the Independent Order of Mechanics at Pottstown. Mr. Gehris died in June, 1910, at his home on Washington street, Boyertown, aged fifty-three years, six months, eleven days. He was buried in Union cemetery. Mr. Gehris married Ada Shaner, who survived him with the following children: Ella, wife of Dewitt Engel; William; LeRoy; Isaac; and Agnes, wife of William Troutman of Boyertown. One END OF PAGE 805 daughter, Florence, died several years before her father. Mr. Gehris's father, Isaac Gehris, survives him, but his mother and sister proceeded him in death. HENRY N. ADAMS, whose home is in Cleveland township, Columbia Co., Pa., just across the Northumberland county line at Bear Gap, is a member of an old Northumberland county family. Casper Adams, his great-grandfather, the first of the family in this country, was born April 25, 1755, at Langendiebach, Offenburg, Germany. Little is known of his early life. On coming to this country he lived in Berks county, Pa., before coming to Northumberland county, where he was one of the earliest pioneers in Ralpho township, owning several hundred acres of land there. He cleared some of his land and followed farming. He died Jan. 26, 1832, and is buried at St. Peter's (the Blue) Church in Ralpho township. Casper Adams married, in Berks county, Elizabeth Hinkle, of that county, and they had a large family, six sons and six daughters, namely: Frederick (1792-1853), John, Samuel, Casper, Leonard, Peter, Nellie (married George Startzel), Susanne (married Samuel Startzel), Elizabeth (married Gilbert Liby), Folly (married Peter Strausser), Maria (married Jacob Kreher) and Catherine (married Samuel Anspach). Casper Adams, fourth son of Casper and Elizabeth (Hinkle) Adams, was born April 10, 1796, on the homestead farm in Ralpho township, and was there reared to farm life. When he became of age his father deeded 100 acres of land in Ralpho township to him, this being the farm afterward occupied by his son George C., near the Blue Church. Mr. Adams was a man of active mind, one who interested himself in the general welfare as well as in the promotion of his own interests, and he was one of the foremost men of his locality for many years, well known as a stanch Democrat and as one of the most liberal supporters of the Blue Church, with which he was identified all his life; he served as elder of that church and was one of the most generous contributors toward the erection of the church edifice. He married Susanna Startzel (daughter of John), who was born March 14, 1800, and died Jan. 22, 1873; Mr. Adams died Jan. 28, 1882, and is buried at the Blue Church. Their children were: Benjamin, who died in 1895, at the age of seventy-four years (Edward, William F. and Lucinda were his children); Daniel H.; Casper, deceased; George C., born Aug. 17, 1826; David, born in 1830; Jacob, born in 1833; who died in 1895; Samuel, deceased; William; Elizabeth (deceased), who married William Smith; Susanna (deceased), who married William Klase; Polly, Mrs. Fry, deceased; Angelina, who married William Smith; and Harriet deceased. Daniel H. Adams, son of Casper and Susanna (Startzel) Adams, was born in 1822 on the old homestead near Elysburg, in Ralpho township. He followed farming all his life, owning a tract of about fifty acres near the Blue Church, and in connection with his agricultural work engaged in lime burning. He died June 20, 1892. Mr. Adams married Sarah A. Pensyl, who was born in 1829, daughter of Leonard Pensyl, and died Jan. 4, 1908. They are buried at the Blue Church. Twelve children were born to their union, viz.: Francis is a resident of Shamokin; John is deceased; Henry N. lives near Bear Gap, in Columbia county; D. Alonzo is on the old homestead in Ralpho township; Leonard M. is a resident of Shamokin; Nathan G. is located at Paxinos; Allison C. is living in Ralpho township; Marietta (deceased) was the wife of Frank Erdman, commissioner of Northumberland county; Emma married George Erdman; Elizabeth married Philip Richard and they live at Elysburg, Northumberland county; Lydia married Thomas Boughner, of Ralpho; Casper died young. Henry N. Adams was born upon the homestead near the Blue Church Nov. 18, 1851, and was raised by his grandfather, Leonard Pensyl, in Ralpho township. He remained with him till about thirty years of age and then left home after the death of his grandfather. He was employed for several years by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Companies, for a few years was section track foreman, and then was employed at the Pennsylvania yard at Weigh Scales. In 1889 he located upon his present farm in Cleveland township, Columbia county, near Bear Gap, which he purchased, having 145 acres of valuable land, among the best in the district. It has an abundant supply of spring water. He is a much respected citizen of his community, having been elected auditor of his township, which office he is filling at present. On Feb. 4, 1888, Mr. Adams married Lydia Dimmick, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Leiby) Dimmick and they have three children, Calvin B., David L. and Clara M., all at home. He is a member of the Reformed (Blue) Church, and in politics is a Democrat. STAMM. The Stamm family has many representatives in Northumberland county, descendants of old Berks county (Pa.) stock, the Stamms having scattered from that region over various parts of Pennsylvania. The name Stamm or Stem is found frequently in the lists of emigrants to America. On the passenger list of the "Hope," Daniel Reed, master, from Rotterdam, qualified Sept. 23, 1734, is the name of Peter Stamm, aged twenty; on the "Samuel," Hugh Percy, captain, from Rotterdam, qualified Dec. 3, 1740, that of Adam Stamm, aged twenty-five; on the "Francis and Elizabeth," George North, master, from Rotterdam, qualified Sept. 21, END OF PAGE 806 1742, those of Johann Adam Stamm and Werner Stamm; on the snow "Charlotte," John Mason, master, from Rotterdam, Sept. 5, 1743, Johann Jacob Stamm; on the "Phoenix," William Wilson, commander, from Rotterdam, Sept. 30, 1743, Johannes Stamm; and on the "Union," Andrew Bryson, captain, from Rotterdam, Sept. 30, 1774, Adam Stamm. The Stamm family is one of the oldest in Berks county. Werner (or Peter) and Johann Adam Stam (or Stamm), brothers, were natives of Switzerland and emigrated to the New World on the ship "Francis and Elizabeth;" George North, commander, from Rotterdam. It qualified at Philadelphia Sept. 21, 1742, and of the 141 male emigrants who had taken passage many settled in Berks county, their descendants being still found in goodly numbers in the districts where they located. Where Johann Adam Stamm settled, or what became of him, we do not know. The other brother, Werner, was the ancestor of the Stamms of Berks county. He was born Nov. 13, 1726, in Bern, Switzerland, and died May 16, 1795. He settled in what is now Bern township in 1763, obtaining a large tract of land in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant, in Berks county, where he lived and died. He and his wife are buried at the old Bern Church. He married May 26, 1748, Catharine, born in 1728, died Nov. 4, 1812. Among his children were two sons named Nicholas and Frederick. (The name Peter is said to have been Werner Stam. There is a Werner Stam buried at the Bern Church. The Pennsylvania Archives record the name as Peter, but this is reputed to be an error, the tax lists, church records, etc., all bearing evidence to the contrary. However, it is reasonable to suppose that Werner Stamm was under age when the two mentioned in the Archives arrived, and that for that reason his name does not appear. The date of their landing agrees with the date tradition and old members of the family have of Werner's coming to America.) Nicholas Stamm, son of Werner, born April 22, 1752, died Oct. 6, 1828. He married Catharine Lerch, born April 21, 1754, died May 16, 1844. Like his parents, they are buried at the Bern Church. Among their children were: Johann Adam, Frederick, Peter, John, Mrs. Benjamin Graeff, Philip, William, Catharine (married Peter Reinhart) and Benjamin. Some of this family moved to Lycoming, Snyder and Northumberland counties, Pennsylvania. Frederick Stamm, the grandfather of Levi F. Stamm, of Turbut township, Northumberland county, was evidently one of the sons of Nicholas, above, having been born in Bern township, Berks county, near the Bern Church, Feb. 17, 1782. In 1816 he came to Northumberland county, settling near the Paradise Church in Turbut township. Afterward he lived for a time in Center county, Pa., but returned to Northumberland in a few years and died on the old homestead. He was one of the pioneers in the region, and made the trip hither from Berks county by team. His wife, whose maiden name was Bambart, died in Center county and is buried there, at the Loop Church at Center Hall. Frederick Stamm died in Turbut township Sept. 11, 1859, aged seventy- seven years, one month, twenty-four days, and is buried at the Paradise Church. He was a Reformed member of that church and active in his congregation, which he served many years as deacon and elder. They had children as follows: Mrs. John Frymeyer; Jacob; Henry, who died in Turbut township; Mrs. Samuel Stahlnecker; Mrs. Conrad Diefenbacher; Benjamin, who died in Center county; Charles, who died in Center county; Mrs. John Gingrith; Mrs. Christian Gingrith (John and Christian Gingrith were brothers); Mrs. John Catterman; Daniel, who died in Montour county; Mrs. Myers; Dr. William, who died near Pittsburg, Pa.; and one that died in infancy. Jacob Stamm, son of Frederick, was born in Berks county in 1808. He grew to manhood upon the homestead farm in Turbut township, which he later purchased, and when a young man he learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed for many years. A prominent worker in the Democratic party in his locality, he served over eighteen years as overseer of the poor and held various other township offices, proving a faithful and intelligent public servant. He was an active member of the Reformed congregation at Paradise Church, and served many years as deacon and elder. In 1831 he married Mary Deifenbacher, daughter of Philip Deifenbacher, of Montour county. Mrs. Stamm was born in 1811, and died in 1899, long surviving her husband, who passed away Oct. 28, 1881. They are buried at Paradise Church. The following children were born to this couple: William B. (died Dec. 31, 1898, aged sixty-eight years, twenty- six days) married Catharine Berger; Edward J., born in Lewis township Dec. 15, 1839, died Feb. 7, 1909, a farmer, married Amelia Berger; Daniel D., born in 1842, died in 1901, married Susan Rangler; Franklin H., born in 1843, died in 1911, married Annie Snyder; Levi Frederick is mentioned below; Philip L., born in 1848, died in 1906, married Susan Bellman. LEVI FREDERICK STAMM, son of Jacob, was born Jan. 6, 1845, in Delaware township, this county, received his education in the township schools and in a graded school at Limestoneville, Montour county, and was engaged in teaching for two years, at East Lewisburg and at Kiefertown. After that he farmed in Lewis township for one year, at the end of that time settling in Turbut township, where he has since remained. Buying the Schaef- END OF PAGE 807 er homestead (that of his father-in-law) of 177 acres, he prospered in his agricultural work, and also acquired an adjoining tract, of sixty acres, all valuable land, being classed among the best farm acreage in the county, abundantly supplied with good water. Mr. Stamm continued active farm work until 1892, since which year he has lived retired, his successful career having enabled him to rest from heavy responsibilities for many years. He is a Reformed member of the Paradise Church and has held offices in his congregation. In 1868 Mr. Stamm married Sarah Schaeffer, and they have three children: Cora married Robert Sheep and has one child, Neta; Ida married Andrew Kurtz and has two children, Mildred and Dorothy; Oran S., born in 1877, a clerk in the employ of the Milton Manufacturing Company, married Catharine Satteson and has one child, Thelma. Mrs. Stamm's grandfather was Peter Schaeffer, and her parents were Eli and Elizabeth (Glase) Schaeffer, the former of whom died Aug. 19, 1886, aged sixty- five years; his wife died Nov. 21, 1887, aged sixty-two. John William Stamm (probably the son of Nicholas recorded as William) was born in 1793, and died in 1868, aged seventy-five years, at the borough of Northumberland. He is buried in Riverview cemetery. For a time he lived in Washingtonville, Montour Co., Pa, where he kept a hotel until 1840, in which year he moved to Point township, Northumberland county, where he owned land and followed farming. Upon his retirement from active work he settled in Northumberland, in which borough he passed the remainder of his days. His wife Catharine (Kissinger) died out West while with one of her sons who had settled there. The children of John William and Catharine (Kissinger) Stamm were as follows: Benjamin, died in Detroit, Mich.; Louis died out West; Andrew, William and G. Washington lived out West; Thomas J. is mentioned later; Margaret married Robert Arnold; Sarah married and lived in Iowa; Susan married Joseph Watson. Thomas J. Stamm, son of John William, was born in 1821 in Montour county, Pa., where he passed his youth and young manhood. In his early life he was a farmer, and later, settled at Northumberland, engaged in hotel-keeping conducting the "Exchange Hotel," which he established. He subsequently conducted the "Washington Hotel," in the same borough, up to within several years before his death, which occurred at Northumberland in 1897. He is buried there. His son Benjamin F. succeeded to his interests in the hotel business, which he still carries on. Politically Mr. Stamm was a Democrat, and he was elected to the office of school director which he filled faithfully. In religion he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He married Catharine Crouser, who was born in 1828, daughter of Jacob Crouser, of Catawissa, Pa., and died in 1895. The following children were born to them: Laura E. (deceased), who was an invalid; Mary S., who married Robert G. Seiler, of Northumberland, Pa.; John W., mentioned later; Thomas J., Jr., a resident of Lewisburg, Pa.; Margaret Ann, who married Abner G. Mertz, of Northumberland; Clarinda C., who is unmarried and lives in Detroit, Mich.; Sallie Ann; Benjamin F., mentioned later; and Carrie May, who married James McKinney, and they live at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. JOHN W. STAMM, son of Thomas J. and Catharine (Crouser) Stamm, was born Dec. 28, 1850, in Point township, Northumberland county, and received his education in the public schools of Northumberland. After working for his father until he reached the age of eighteen he began work in a sawmill and lumber business at Northumberland, and was thus engaged for the next seventeen years, following which he farmed in Point township for five years. During this time - in 1885 - he became interested in the butcher business, which has grown to such proportions that it now requires the principal share of his time and attention, and he is the leading butcher of Northumberland borough, where his establishment is located. He has a wide patronage, and has the distinction of having the only sanitary butcher wagon run in the borough, a fact indicative of the progressive methods which have always characterized his work. Mr. Stamm is not only a successful business man but a citizen of broad public spirit, and as such has done good work as a member of the bureau of industry of Northumberland. In political sentiment he is a Democrat. In 1867 Mr. Stamm married Adda Hoffman, daughter of John and Amelia (Kreider) Hoffman, of Snyder county, Pa. They had two daughters: Edna, now the wife of Uban Snyder, living in Upper Augusta township, this county; and Katie, wife of Roy Ulp, of Northumberland. Mrs. Stamm died Feb. 2, 1878, aged thirty-two years. In 1880 Mr. Stamm married (second) Sarah Gulick, daughter of Isaac and Sabilla (Ulrich) Gulick of Northumberland, and they have had one son, William Floyd, born Sept. 15, 1882, who is a railroad man in the employ of the Pennsylvania Company. Mr. Stamm occupies a fine residence built by his father, at the corner of Queen and Fifth streets, in the borough of Northumberland. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church, in whose work he has taken considerable part, having served as elder and as deacon for many years. BENJAMIN, F. STAMM, son of Thomas J., was born Dec. 9, 1867, in the old "Exchange Hotel" in Northumberland borough. He received his ed- END OF PAGE 808 ucation at that place, in the public schools, is an experienced hotel man, having practically grown up to the business, which he has followed all his active life. In 1892 he began conducting the "Washington Hotel" at Northumberland, and has been proprietor ever since; in 1905 he bought the property, which is located at the corner of King and Northway streets. It has some twenty rooms and the trade has been a lucrative one for many years. Mr. Stamm is a well known sportsman and hunter, and has many friends among those similarly inclined in his section. He is an independent voter, supporting the candidate he prefers without regard to party lines. Mr. Stamm married Jennie Haas, daughter of Luther L. Haas; of Northumberland, and they have two children, Esther C. and Luther A. LANDIS ZARTMAN, farmer of Rockefeller township, near the Lantz Church and Lantz schoolhouse, was born July 27, 1863, in Jackson township, this county, and belongs to a numerous and respected family whose members have been identified with the best element in that region for several generations past. The family has been settled in this county for over one hundred and forty years. The founder of the family in this country settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Alexander Zartman and his wife Ann Catharina came from Germany to America in the summer of 1728. They were classified with the German Palatinates, but it is more likely that they came from Würtemberg, possibly from Erlenbach. Their first stopping place was Philadelphia, whence they followed the pike leading to Harrisburg, and at length found their way into the region of the Tulpehocken, southwest of Reading, in Berks county, not far from the Muddy Creek Lutheran and Reformed Church, where they worshipped in the years 1728 and 1729. Before 1730, however, they located in Warwick township, Lancaster Co., Pa., and in 1738 purchased a tract of land near Brickerville, that county, the deed for which (calling for 197 acres) was given by the Penns to Alexander Zartman in about 1750. He made his last will and testament (recorded at Lancaster, Pa.,) Oct. 6, 1762, and it was probated in December, that year. His age is not given. He lived in America thirty-four years. His wife survived him some years. They had two sons, Jacob and Alexander, and as there is no record of other offspring it is probable these were their only children. Jacob Zartman, son of Alexander, was the ancestor of the Zartmans of Northumberland county, may have been born in Germany. Received his inheritance from his parents in 1754, when they deeded to him seventy- one acres of the old homestead. This land Jacob Zartman sold to George Graffe in 1759 for £280. In about 1768 he came to Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, where he purchased a 122-acre tract at the foot of Line Mountain. In 1775 John Adam Shaffer deeded a farm of 100 acres to Jacob Zartman, of Mahanoy township, the consideration being £11, and there, between what are now known as Kneass and Otto stations, established the old Zartman homestead, which after his death was owned by his sons Martin and Peter, later by their brother Henry, and then, successively, by Henry's son Martin, Martin's son Daniel and Daniel's son Samuel S., who sold it only recently to Edward Hilbush. There is a very good spring near the old house, and there stood a beautiful pear tree, from which four generations gathered fruit. In February, 1793, Jacob Zartman made his last will and testament, and died either that month or the month following. He is interred in a private burial ground in the meadow west of the house; he has no tombstone. He married Anna Margareth Roemin (Ream), and their children were: Henry; Martin; Anna Margareth, born Oct. 28, 1755; Susanna; Eve, born Oct. 1, 1758 (probably died young; her birth and baptism are recorded at Brickerville Church); Peter, born March 3, 1760; Jacob, and Anna Maria. Martin Zartman, son of Jacob and Anna Margareth Zartman, was born in Lancaster county, and in about 1769 moved to Northumberland county, where he passed the remainder of his life. under his father's will he and his brother Peter became joint owners of the homestead at the foot of Line Mountain. He made his last will and testament Oct. 2, 1816, and it was probated Oct. 2, 1817. He married Susanna Futler (Fitler), sister of his brother Jacob's wife, and their children were born as follows: Elizabeth, April 27, 1780; Martin, Nov. 11, 1781; Benjamin, March 13, 1783; William, May 28, 1785; Eve Magdalene, Oct. 8, 1795; Margaret, 1797; David, Dec. 30, 1799. David Zartman, son of Martin, born Dec. 30, 1799, lived in Washington township, was a weaver by trade, and died Oct. 30, 1879, aged seventy-nine years, ten months. David Zartman was twice married, and was the father of six children: Benjamin; Isaac, Elias and Israel, by his first wife, and Samuel and Mary by the second. Israel Zartman, son of David, was born in Jackson township, where he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. He followed that vocation for many years, finding plenty of work in his own and surrounding townships. He lived at St. Peter's Church, Mahanoy, for many years, and died there in 1870 or 1871; he is buried at that church, whose bell he had rung for many years. His wife, Polly (Schlegel), daughter of William Schlegel, still survives, and has now (1910) reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. She makes her home with her daughter, END OF PAGE 809 Mrs. Louisa Garinger, in Rockefeller township. Mr. and Mrs. Zartman had children as follows: Malinda, Mrs. Cornelius Smith; Lucinda, deceased; Louisa, wife of Jackson Garinger; Landis; Nelson, of Sunbury; and twins and another child that died young. Landis Zartman was reared to farm life. Soon after his father's death he was taken into the family of Jacob Fegley, with whom he lived until he was past twenty. For three years he lived at Limestone, in Upper Augusta township, thence moving to Rockefeller township, where he began farming, remaining there about four years at that time. For the next three years he was engaged in farming in Little Mahanoy township, after which he was again in Upper Augusta before settling on his present home in Rockefeller township. It is a tract of ninety-six acres, formerly the homestead of Maj. Samuel Lantz, and located near the Lantz Church and Lantz schoolhouse. Under Mr. Zartman's care it is in excellent condition, and he has proved himself a progressive and enterprising farmer, conducting his work systematically and obtaining good results. Mr. Zartman is a Democrat and has been identified with politics and public matters in his locality, having served as election judge, and at present filling his fourth term as overseer of the poor. In 1888 Mr. Zartman married Annie M. Sterner, daughter of George W. and Ellen (Barrett) Sterner, of Rockefeller township. They have had three children: Della May married Bertram Fegley and they live in Rockefeller township; Bertha Ellen married Domer Zimmerman and they live in Rockefeller township; Irvin Edwin was born Aug. 5, 1899, in Little Mahanoy township. Mr. Zartman and his family worship in the Lutheran Church, and he has served many years as deacon. The descendants of Alexander and Ann Catharina Zartman have organized, Rev. Rufus C. Zartman, of Philadelphia, being president of the association. Their latest and largest reunion was held at York, Pennsylvania. Zartmans and Zortmans from various sections were represented at the gathering. EMANUEL WILL YOUNG, justice of the peace and chief clerk to the county commissioners of Northumberland county, is a citizen of Riverside who has been identified with business and public matters and is well and favorably known, being a man of ability and trustworthy character. Joseph Young, his grandfather, was a native of Lancaster county, Pa., where he lived and died, passing his life in Penn township, where he is also buried, at White Oak Church. He was a member of the Reformed congregation there. By trade he was a cooper. Six children were born to him and his wife, namely: Levi, who lived at Ralpho, Pa.; a daughter who married Michael Frunck, of Lancaster county; Sophia, who never married; Reuben, who died at Elkhart, Ind.; a daughter who married Joseph Baker and lived in Lancaster county; and Michael. Michael Young, son of Joseph, was born in January, 1815, in Penn township, Lancaster county, and died there Aug. 10, 1890. He was a cooper and farmer, owning a tract of twenty acres near Manheim, in Penn township. He is buried in the family plot at White Oak Union Church, where he was a prominent member of the Reformed congregation, serving many years as deacon and trustee. In politics he was a Republican for many years, but though active in the party always refused offers of public position for himself, preferring to use his influence, as he did, to help elect his friends. To him and his wife, Fannie (Will), daughter of Peter Will, of Ralpho township, Lancaster county, were born the following children: Catharine is the wife of Joseph Keith and they live at Lebanon, Pa.; Elizabeth married Thomas Keith, brother of Joseph, and they live at Penryn, Pa.; Sarah married Monroe Ulrich and they live at Manheim, Pa.; Annie, married to Benjamin Hammer, also lives at Manheim; Malinda married Talton Wechter and they reside at Penryn; Emanuel Will was the only son. Emanuel Will Young was born May 26, 1866, in Penn township, Lancaster Co., Pa., and there received his early education in the common schools. Later he took a commercial course in the Lancaster Business College, and he was a young man when he settled in Northumberland county, removing to Sunbury in 1889. There he engaged in the manufacture of cigars, and afterward had a cigar factory at Riverside, continuing that business until the spring of 1900, when he entered the employ of the M. F. Gulick Sand Company, at Riverside, as foreman. He was with the concern in that capacity for a period of three years, until appointed assistant clerk to the county commissioners, holding that position until 1906. Resuming his work with the sand company he continued in their employ until 1908, when he received his appointment as chief clerk to the present board of county commissioners. Mr. Young was first elected justice of the peace in 1900, and has since been re- elected. He has also been overseer of the poor. He has long been one of the leaders of the Republican party in Northumberland county, being one of its faithful workers and standing well with the best class of citizens. Socially he holds membership in Danville Lodge, No. 224, F. & A.M., of Danville; in Lodge No. 209, I.O.O.F., also of Danville; and in the Order of Moose at Milton, this county. In 1889 Mr. Young married Sallie E. Culp, END OF PAGE 810 daughter of William and Martha (Smith) Culp. They are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Young is at present serving as trustee. WILKISON on WILKINSON. Both forms of this name are in use among the descendants of Aaron Wilkison, a pioneer of Northumberland county, Pa., who was a native of New Jersey and came to this section at an early day, settling in Augusta township, along Shamokin creek, where he lived for some years. He then moved to the Irish Valley, in Shamokin township, this county, settling on the property now occupied by Francis Wynn, a tract of 120 acres. By occupation he was a farmer. He died while yet a young man, and is buried at the Presbyterian Church near Snydertown, though he was a Methodist. His wife, whose maiden name was Foyer, long survived him. They had children as follows: Joseph; John, who located near his father's place in the Irish Valley; and Samuel, who succeeded to the ownership of his brother John's farm when the latter died. Joseph Wilkison, son of Aaron, lived in Irish Valley, where he was born in 1812. He was a farmer all his life, owning and living upon the 100 acre place now occupied by his son Peter. He was active in church life, and is buried at the Irish Valley Methodist Church. He lived to his seventy-fifth year, dying in January, 1887. Mr. Wilkison's wife, whose maiden name was Shull, was of German birth, born Sept. 5, 1819, and she survived him, dying April 10, 1899. They had a large family, viz.: Mary Elizabeth married Henry Long; Peter is mentioned later; Aaron is mentioned later; Lafayette lived for some time in Maryland, later moving to Kansas; Susanna married John Barton and they lived at Salt Lake City, Utah; Elizabeth married Hiram Rockefeller, of Irish Valley; Sarah Jane married William Roth and they lived in Shamokin, this county; Mary Ann married William Farrow and they lived at Snydertown, this county; Isabella became the second wife of William Farrow after her sister's death; Ruth died unmarried when twenty-five years old. Peter Wilkison, son of Joseph, was born Sept. 8, 1840, on his father's homestead in Shamokin township, where he now lives. He has spent all but two years of his life on this place, the family living at Snydertown during the period mentioned, and he was engaged in farming through out his active years. The farm came into his possession in about 1865, and he is the third generation of this family to own the property, which belonged in turn to his grandfather and father. Joseph Wilkison built the barn and in 1837 put up the old house, which is still standing, but the large house now occupied by the family was erected by Peter Wilkison in 1887. He has lived retired for several years past, having accumulated a substantial competency. In fact, he is one of the substantial citizens of his district, and is a director of the First National Bank of Trevorton. He has served several terms as overseer of the poor and is a Republican in political affiliation. On June 8, 1862, Mr. Wilkison married Mary Jane Malick, daughter of Henry and Lydia (Wolf) Malick, of Rockefeller township, who lived near Augustaville, and granddaughter of Jacob Malick, who died in 1842 and is buried at the Stone Church at Augustaville; his wife was an Epler; Mrs. Lydia (Wolf) Malick's mother, Susanna, was the daughter of Valentine Fasold. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilkison: Henry Nelson is mentioned below; Joseph B. died when four years old; Celia A. married Harry Miller and they live at Sunbury. Mr. Wilkison and his family are members of the Methodist Church, which he served as trustee for many years. HENRY NELSON WILKISON, son of Peter, was born July 18, 1863, on the homestead, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, in which he has always been occupied. He assisted his father in running the farm and dairy until he began operations on his own account, in the spring of 1884, on the homestead, continuing to farm there until 1893, when he purchased a 120-acre tract, the second farm west of his father's place. There he has since lived and farmed, and in 1902 he built the large Swiss barn on the place. In 1907 he erected a commodious frame residence, and he has since rebuilt the other farm buildings, the entire property being now in excellent condition, in every detail. His farm is now regarded as one of the valuable agricultural properties of Irish Valley. It is located in the southeastern part of Rockefeller township and was once the John Yordy homestead. Mr. Wilkison is a conservative but progressive citizen, and is regarded as an intelligent farmer, with a thorough comprehension of the requirements of modern agriculture and the ability to fill them. He has served as school director of his district. On June 13, 1886, Mr. Wilkison married Catharine Kerstetter, daughter of Adam and Sevilla (Fegley) Kerstetter, of Shamokin township, and they have had five children: Curtis, who died when seven months old; Adam R., now engaged in farming his grandfather's place, who is married to Lydia Straub; Palmer P.; Jennie S., wife of Walter Clark, who assists Mr. Wilkison; and Blanche E. Mr. Wilkison and his family attend the Methodist Church. He is a Republican in politics. Aaron Wilkinson, son of Joseph, was born June 9, 1845, in the Shamokin township and died May 8, 1908. He was a lifelong END OF PAGE 811 farmer, owning 110 acres in Lower Augusta township, the original Shipman plantation, and he was not only known in his community as a successful agriculturist, but also for his participation in its various activities. He was a Democrat, and served as school director and road director; was a Methodist and interested in church life, as were also the members of his family; and took pleasure in using his influence to further the welfare of his section, where he enjoyed considerable prominence. He had one hobby, being a true sportsman, and was often on the mountain when the snow was a foot deep, taking great delight in fox hunting; he killed three foxes in one day. During the sixties Mr. Wilkinson married Abigail Snyder, who was born Feb. 28, 1840, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Shipman) Snyder and sister of former Associate Judge Shipman. Mrs. Wilkinson died July 18, 1908, at the age of sixty eight. She was the mother of the following children: Melvin, who died aged twenty-eight years, unmarried; Samuel J.; John, who lives near Trevorton, this county; Dr. Boyd, of Trevorton; and Ira, who died unmarried, at the age of twenty-one years. SAMUEL J. WILKINSON, son of Aaron, was born Nov. 26, 1871, in Lower Augusta township, and there obtained his early education in the public schools. Later he attended Central Pennsylvania Academy, at New Berlin, Union county, which institution was conducted under the auspices of the Evangelical Association. When a young man of twenty he, was licensed to teach public school, and taught two terms in Cameron township, later being engaged for one term in West Cameron township, after the district became subdivided. For the next five years he followed farming, in 1896 engaging in the milling business in Mahanoy township. In 1904 he became proprietor of his present establishment, known as the Mahanoy Valley Roller Mills, at Dornsife. This mill is located on Mahanoy creek, and the property includes seventeen acres of land. The plant is an old one, the mill having been built by John Dunkelberger. Since his day it has passed through many changes of ownership, having been owned successively by Reitz, Kobel, the latter's son, Bowman and the present owner, who bought Mr. Bowman out in 1904. It has always been a leading business center of the district, and has lost none of its old prestige under the present management, Mr. Wilkinson having remodeled the mill and equipped it with roller process. The trade has increased five-fold since he acquired the plant, his patrons coming from a radius of many miles, and he finds a ready market for his flour in Shamokin, Trevorton and the surrounding territory. He manufactures a straight grade known as Wilkinson's Best, and his other well known brands are White Rose, Banner, Spring Patent and Triumph. He also does a large business in the production of manufactured feed. In May, 1897, Mr. Wilkinson married Rebecca French, daughter of John and Frances (Sharp) French, and a native of Sussex county, Del. Mrs. Wilkinson was born Dec. 9, 1878, and died May 2, 1909. She is buried in the cemetery of the Presbyterian Church on the Wilkinson homestead, which was taken up by the Shipman family early in the eighteen hundreds. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson had the following children: Abigail, Ida, Llewellyn, Alton and Laura. Mr. Wilkinson and his family are members of the Boyle's Run Methodist Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and was committeeman of Mahanoy township three years. DANIEL GEISE (deceased), for many years a most respected citizen of Jordan township, was well known as a prosperous farmer and a faithful public official. He was born July 18, 1836, son of George Geise and grandson of Heinrich Geise, of Bern township, Berks Co., Pa., among whose children were George, Samuel, Daniel and Jacob. George Geise, born July 20, 1788, settled in what is now Jordan township, and died there, on the farm now owned by the widow of his son Daniel, Sept. 2, 1869. He was a miller by trade, but in time devoted himself entirely to farming, owning the farm which is still in the family name. His wife Catharine, daughter of Peter Schwartz, of Berks county, was born Dec. 10, 1796, in Berks county, and died Jan. 9, 1875, and they are buried at St. Paul's (Schwartz) Church, Urban. Their children were born as follows: Hannah, Aug. 2, 1817; Benneville, June 23, 1819; Peter, Jan. 20, 1822; Catharine, June 26, 1824; Rachel, June 13, 1827; Elizabeth, Jan. 21, 1830; George, March 26, 1832; Daniel, July 18, 1836; David, June 25, 1838 (died Sept. 11, 1906; wife, Catharine, died July 14, 1901, aged sixty-three years, fourteen days). Daniel Geise was a life long farmer, owning and occupying the place where his widow now resides, a tract of 149 acres located a quarter of a mile south of Urban. This was originally a Schwartz homestead. Besides general farming, Mr. Geise engaged in lime burning and in cattle dealing, and he made a success of his various undertakings. He was a man who took a keen interest in the local welfare and administration, serving the township in the offices of treasurer and overseer of the poor. Politically he was a Democrat and in religion a Lutheran, belonging to the Lutheran congregation at St. Paul's Church, where he is buried. His death occurred Jan. 2, 1900. Mr. Geise married Froenica Trautman, daughter of George and Rebecca (Heckert) Trautman, and ten children were, born to this union: David; Katie, married to Galen Bower; Mary (twin of END OF PAGE 812 Katie), married to William Pickering; Sallie, married to Elias Phillips; George; Ellen, married to Charles Deppen; Rebecca, married to Harry Drum; Louisa, married to Charles Tressler; Emma, married. to Albert Phillips; and John. The family is highly respected, enjoying the best standing in the community. Mrs. Geise is a member of the Reformed congregation at the Schwartz (St. Paul's) Church. Samuel Geise, son of Heinrich and brother of George (above), was born in either Berks or Northumberland county, and died at Kratzerville, Snyder Co., Pa., in the seventies; he is buried there. He was a butcher by trade, and owned a small tract of land in Monroe township, Snyder county, where he lived. He was well known at Northumberland where he sold his meat. In religion he was a Lutheran. To him and his wife Hannah (Bowman) were born seven children: Hannah, Mrs. Walter; Henry; Polly, who died unmarried; Samuel, who lived in Dry Valley, Union Co., Pa.; Sarah, who died unmarried; Moses, who owned the homestead and who died unmarried (he had very weak eyes); and Eliza, who never married. Henry Geise, son of Samuel, was born Jan. 15, 1818, in Ohio, whither his father had emigrated from Mahanoy township, making the trip by wagon. The family remained in that State only one year, however, returning to Pennsylvania and settling in Snyder county. Mr. Geise passed his earlier years in Snyder and Union counties, operating gristmills, and, about 1850 came to Point township, Northumberland county, where he engaged in farming and passed the remainder of his long life, dying July 9, 1900. He is buried at Northumberland. He owned his own farm of eighty-one acres, which he cultivated until his retirement, being succeeded there by his son Samuel, who is now deceased. In religion Mr. Geise was a Lutheran. His wife, Susanna, was a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Frederick) Brouse, of Kratzerville, Snyder county, and they were the parents of two children, Samuel and Henry F. The former was a farmer in Point township; his children were William, Dora, Harvey, Ammon, and Anna (deceased). Henry F. Geise was born in Point township, and there received his early education in the public schools, later attending a select school at Northumberland. For one term he taught the school in his native township which he had previously attended as a pupil. He was reared to farm life, and continues to follow agricultural pursuits, giving special attention to dairying. His farm is in the central part of Point township, a tract of 180 acres, which be conducts on modern lines. Since February, 1902, be has been engaged in dairying, now keeping twenty- seven cows and selling his milk at Northumberland, to which place his milk team goes daily. Mr. Geise is one of the most progressive citizens of his locality. He was one of the organizers of the Northumberland National Bank, and served three years as director of that institution. For eleven years he served as tax collector, was at one time a member of the township board of school directors; and is at present one of the supervisors, having held that office since the new road law went into force. Politically he is a Republican, a well known worker in the party in his section, having been county committeeman since 1896 and served as delegate to various county conventions. On June 20, 1882, Mr. Geise married Mary Jane Dagle, daughter of John Frederick Dagle, and they have become the parents of nine children Charles H., who married Marie Von Bargen and resides at Sidney, Ohio; Edna G., who died. when seventeen years old; Frederick D.; Martin; Nora E., who graduated from the Bloomsburg State normal school in 1910 and is now a teacher in Point township; Mary I.; Susan L.; John F., and Mildred L. Mary, Susan and John now attend the Northumberland high school. Mr. Geise and his family are members of the Lutheran Church, and he helped to organize Trinity Church in his township, of which he is a trustee; Prior to the organization of this church, in 1897, he and his family belonged to St. John's Church, at the borough of Northumberland. In Will Book A, page 75, Berks county courthouse, is found record of the will of George Adam Geiss, made Jan. 26, 1784, probated March 4, 1784. The witnesses were Matthias Staudt, Matthias Sonnenlich, and Joseph Conrad. George Adam Geise was a farmer of Bern township, Berks county. His wife Anna Barbara and son Michael were the executors, and the following division was made of the property: "Son Michael shall have 10 pds first of all of my personal estate for his birthright and each of my three daughters. shall be equal to the eldest in their first marriage each shall receive the same as the other; son Michael shall have all my real estate but he shall pay to each of his sisters the sum of 700 pounds." The son Michael had a son George, born in 1788, who may have been the George Geise mentioned at the beginning of this article as the father of Daniel Geise, of Jordan township, Northumberland county. THOMAS A. EVANS, proprietor of the "Valley House" at Mount Carmel, has been a resident of that borough since 1894 and has been engaged in various pursuits, for several years holding the office of ticket agent of the Lehigh Valley & Pennsylvania Railway Company there. He has been interested in the local administration for some years, at present serving his third term as member of the borough council. END OF PAGE 813 Mr. Evans was born in 1869 near the city of York, in York county, Pa. His father, John H. Evans, a native of Wales, came to America when a young man and lived in York county, Pa., for some time. He then went to Shenandoah, Pa., where he remained until his death. He was a rock contractor. He and his wife had a family of six children: Elizabeth, who is now the wife of O. B. Williams, a well known contractor of Tamaqua, Pa.; William J.; Hannah, wife. of Thomas Mullahey, a tailor of Mount Carmel; Thomas A.; Hugh J., a United States marshal, now stationed at Scranton, Pa.; and Nellie, wife of Robert Goodwill. Thomas A. Evans received a common school education. His first employment was as a clerk, and after being thus engaged for a time he became a merchant, carrying on a general store at Shenandoah for four years. In 1894 he came to Mount Cannel, where he followed mining for about five years, at the end of that time becoming ticket agent of the Lehigh Valley & Pennsylvania Railway Company. He was thus engaged until the spring of 1910, when he became proprietor of the well known "Valley House" at Mount Carmel, in the conduct of which he has been very successful. He is an up-to-date business man, and his methods and good management promise to hold the trade this house has always enjoyed and to increase it. Mr. Evans was elected a member of the borough council in 1904, on the Republican ticket, and has since been a member of that body, at present serving his third successive term. His continuance in office is the best guaranty of the satisfaction his services have given to his fellow citizens. On Sept. 20, 1893, Mr. Evans married Mary E. Moyer, daughter of James Moyer, and they have one son, Delroy. Socially Mr. Evans is a member of the Elks and the Eagles, and he also belongs to the Anthracite Fire Company. CORNELIUS LESHER, a highly respected farmer of Jordan township, was born there Nov. 15, 1842, son of John Lesher and grandson of Samuel Lesher. The latter came to this region from Berks county, where the Leshers have been settled for a number of generations. John Lesher, a native of Germany, born Jan. 5, 1711, was the only son and heir-at-law of Nicholas Lesher, of the Fatherland. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1734 and was naturalized in 1743. He first settled in Bucks county, and later in Oley township, Berks county, where he became prominent as an ironmaster. He represented the county in the Constitutional Convention of 1776, and from 1776 until 1782 served in the General Assembly, helping to prepare the "Declaration of Rights," and being extremely prominent during the Revolutionary war, rendering valuable service to his adopted country. He died in Oley township April 5, 1794, aged eighty-three years, leaving a widow, five daughters, Barbara, Hannah, Maria, Catharine and Elizabeth, and two sons, John and Jacob, of Oley township. The family here under consideration springs undoubtedly from this source. Samuel Lesher, the grandfather of Cornelius Lesher, was born March 12, 1782, and died March 12, 1844, aged sixty-two years. Upon settling in Northumberland county he made his home in Stone Valley, owning the farm which is now the property of Elias Philips, which was and is still considered the best farm in the township. He erected buildings on that place. He was prosperous, and also owned an adjoining farm, his holdings comprising fully three hundred acres, so that he was one of the substantial men of his time. He was a member of the Evangelical Association and he and Frederick Bohner were the first of that denomination in the township and instrumental in the establishment of Troutman's Church and Bohner's cemetery. The United Evangelical Church there now numbers fully one hundred members. Mr. Lesher was a devout Christian and a well known exhorter. He was twice married, and the children born to his first marriage were: George, John, Henry, Jacob, Samuel and Sarah (Mrs. John Troutman). His second wife, Maria (Smith), was born Aug. 12, 1799, and died Jan. 11, 1877. She and Mr. Lesher are buried in the Uniontown cemetery. Their children were: Harriet (Mrs. John Troutman), Isaac (born Jan. 1, 1832), Daniel, Elias, Jonas, Mary (Mrs. Charles Snyder) and Elizabeth (died unmarried). John Lesher, son of Samuel, was born March 11, 1810, in Stone Valley, Jordan township, and died Nov. 9, 1884. His wife, Polly (Troutman), daughter of Jacob Troutman, was born June 10, 1814, and died Oct. 4, 1893. They were members of the Evangelical Association and faithful in their attendance at public worship. They are buried in the Uniontown cemetery. Mr. Lesher followed farming, owning a seventy-five- acre farm (now the property of David Leitzel) near Hebe, where he reared his large family. Twelve children were born to him and his wife: One daughter, Sarah, died young; Carolina married Jesse Schadel; one daughter married Simon Riegel and (second) Adam Bohner; Annie married Henry Schadel; Cornelius is mentioned below; Magdalena married Samuel Masser; one daughter married Moses Masser, cousin of Samuel Masser; Cassie married Joel Strohecker; John is a resident of Dauphin county, Pa.; Samuel is deceased; Jacob lives at Trevorton; George A. is mentioned below. Cornelius Lesher was reared under the parental roof, working for his father until he attained his majority. After following the carpenter's trade for two years he commenced farming as a tenant in Jordan township, and he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account for nearly END OF PAGE 814 forty years. In Lower Mahanoy township he owned a farm of eighty acres which he farmed for three years, at the end of that time selling it to Gilbert Troutman, and for the next two years again farming as a tenant. He then bought a farm of 100 acres, the old homestead of Heinrich Troutman, who was the father of Jacob and grandfather of John Troutman, and there he lived and worked for twenty-eight years, finally disposing of the place to Samuel Reed. Mr. Lesher has always been considered one of the thrifty and intelligent farmers of Jordan township, and he has a complete farm stock, believing in working to the best advantage if the best results are to be expected. Physically he is short and well set, capable of doing a good day's work, and by industry and good management has attained a creditable position in his community. He has served his township efficiently as treasurer and overseer of the poor, is a Republican in political connection, and is a leading member of the United Evangelical Church at Uniontown to which his family also belong. For a number of years he served as church trustee and he was a class leader for six years. In December, 1863, Mr. Lesher married Polly Lease, who was born Jan. 1, 1841, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Troutman) Lease, of Mahanoy, Pa, and died Feb. 20, 1868. She is buried in the Uniontown cemetery. Of the three children born to this union two are deceased, the survivors being Lizzie, wife of David Eister, a farmer; they live near Mahanoy. In 1869 Mr. Lesher married (second) Carolina Troutman, daughter of Moses and Rebecca (Bohner) Troutman, and they have had four children: Daniel, who lives at home, Ida, Mrs. John Schmeltz; Wilson, of Jordan township; and Irwin, at home. GEORGE L. LESHER, younger brother of Cornelius Lesher, is a farmer in Jordan township, where he was born Aug. 15, 1859. He was reared to farm life, which he has always followed. Working for his parents until he reached young manhood, He hired out to others for a time, and in the spring of 1886 began farming on his own account, in Jordan township. He had a farm of 106 acres which he sold in the fall of 1909, in the spring of 1910 moving to his present place. In September, 1885 he married Kate Troutman, daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Rothermel) Troutman, and they have had six children, two of whom died unmarried. The others were: Joy, who died age four years; S. Edgar, who died aged nine years, Norman, and Beulah. Mr. Lesher and his family attend the United Evangelical Church. He is Republican in politics. WILSON O. GEIST, of Herndon, proprietor and owner of the "Herndon House," and agent farm machinery, is a man widely known in and around that borough, and the family has been known in this end of Northumberland county for several generations. In 1828 one John Geist was a trustee of the Reformed congregation at the old established Himmel Church, in Washington township; with which the Geists have been prominently identified down to the present day. When St. John's Lutheran and Reformed Church; of Upper Mahanoy township, was organized in 1853, Peter Geist was one of the first trustees. Abraham Geist, grandfather of Wilson O. Geist, was born March 20, 1813, in Upper Mahanoy township, and was not only a successful farmer but also an enterprising business man, being one of the first dealers in live stock in his district. He had the best farm in the township, a place of 160 acres. He died Aug. 28, 1883, and is buried at Himmel's Church, as is also his wife, Elizabeth (Hepler), who was born June 10, 1813, and died July 14, 1888. She was a large and powerful woman, weighing nearly three hundred pounds. Besides John H. Geist they had children as follows: Christian (daughter), born in 1834, who died in 1835; Frank; William; Samuel; Lizzie, who married Alexander Gonser and lives at Lewisburg; William (2); Lydia, who married Daniel Swartz and lived at Urban, Pa.; Hettie, who married Jacob Snyder (they are buried at Leck Kill Church); and Polly, who married Michael Powell and (second) a Mr. Shoemaker. John H. Geist, son of Abraham, lived for a number of years in Upper Mahanoy township, of which he was one of the best known residents in his day. He was a most enterprising business man, a merchant, huckster, butcher, hotel-keeper and farmer, owned Leck Kill and several large farms there, was postmaster at Leck Kill, and in every way the leading spirit of the place. For ten years before his death he conducted the "Central House" at Williamstown, Dauphin county, and his son John has succeeded him as proprietor of this place. He died there in 1905, at the age of sixty-one years. His widow, Harriet (Beisel), is still living at Williamstown. They had children: Wilson O., William B., Anson, Charles, James, Martin, John and Laura (married to George Troutman and living in Snyder county). Wilson O. Geist, son of John H. and Harriet (Beisel) Geist, was born Sept. 14, 1861, in Upper Mahanoy township, this county, and was reared to farm life. But he began his business training early, assisting his father in the store and hotel, and running a huckster team for him, collecting produce and poultry. Continuing thus until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, he then began business on his own account, having a bottling establishment at. Herndon. Afterward he embarked in the livery business, and in 1898 he became proprietor of the "Herndon House," purchasing the property in the year 1907. This is the oldest established hotel in the town and a relic of END OF PAGE 815 the early days, the building itself being the oldest in Herndon. It was built by Peter and Henry Ziegler, and during the construction of the Northern Central railroad to Sunbury and Williamsport served as headquarters. It is on the main road to Pottsville, what is known as the old stage route road, and was the stopping place for the old-time stage coaches which ran between Lewistown and Pottsville. Mr. Geist has a first-class livery attached to the hotel, and also deals in homes. He is district agent for the Osborn Machine Company, selling all kinds of farm implements, and in the pursuit of his various interests has become very well known and popular among his associates. He does a thriving business in all these lines, and is a natural-born hotel proprietor, understanding the wants of his guests and looking out for their comfort in every way. He is a member of Herndon Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 132. In 1882 Mr. Geist married Sevilla J. Updegraff, daughter of Jacob Updegraff, of Valley View, Schuylkill Co., Pa. They have four children: Harvey, married to Laura Lahr; Irwin, who is at home; Carrie, wife of John Borrell; and Hattie, at home. JACOB B. GETTER, an old resident of Shamokin, where he is well known in various connections as a Civil war veteran, charter member of the Independent Fire Company and one of the first mail carriers in the city, has had his home there since 1849. He was born April 15, 1839, at Northumberland, Northumberland county, son of Peter Getter. His grandfather lived and died in Northampton county, this State. Peter Getter, born May 10, 1816, was a tailor and followed his trade in Northumberland county where he made his home for many years, living it Northumberland, Sunbury and Shamokin, respectively. He settled in the last named place in 1849, and died there Dec. 21, 1884, aged sixty eight years, seven months, eleven days. Mr. Getter was originally a Democrat in politics, but went over to the new Republican party. He married Sarah Beck, born Feb. 10, 1816, died April 17, 1894, aged seventy-eight years, two months, seven days, daughter of Jacob Beck, of Northumberland county. To them were born eleven children: Jacob B., James, Edwin, Susanna (widow of Theodore Jones), Edgar, Eliza, Florence, Eva (wife of Hugh Coulton), Clara (widow of Robert Gorre), and two who died in infancy. Jacob B. Getter attended the public schools of Sunbury. He came to Shamokin with his father in 1849, and here enlisted, April 22, 1861, from Shamokin; for three months, in Company A, 8th Pennsylvania Infantry, being at once made corporal. At the end of the three months he returned home, but remained only sixteen days, when he again enlisted, for three years service, in Company K, 46th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving first as second lieutenant and on March 18, 1864, being appointed first lieutenant. This office he held until his discharge, when he returned home to remain about five months, at the end of that period going to Philadelphia and enlisting in Company D, 2d Pennsylvania Provisional Cavalry; he was mustered out after a service of unusual length and severity in September, 1865; at Louisville, Ky. Mr. Getter saw much active service, and was wounded in the left knee at Chancellorsville and in the right leg at Dallas, Ga. He took active part in all the movements of the Army of the Potomac. After the battle of Gettysburg the 11th and 12th Corps went West, remaining in the Southwest under command of General Hooker, and took part in Sherman's march to the sea. Mr. Getter tells many interesting stories of the Civil war. Upon his return to Shamokin after his army service Mr. Getter commenced mining, which he followed for many years, beginning with the Shamokin Coal Company, in whose employ he remained for two seasons. When the free delivery system was put in operation at Shamokin he was one of the first mail carriers appointed, and served seven and a half years, resigning in 1898. He is now living retired, making his home at No. 140 East Sunbury street. Mr. Getter is a prominent man in local G.A.R. circles, having been long a member of Lincoln Post, No. 140, of Shamokin, of which he has been commander. He was a charter member of the Independent Fire Company of the city. He is a Republican in politics, and a Methodist in religious connection. On Feb. 25, 1864, Mr. Getter was married to Thursa Rhoads, daughter of William and Eliza (Gordon) Rhoads, and she died May 1, 1874. His second marriage, Nov. 25, 1874, was to Lavina D. Yocum, daughter of James and Eliza Yocum, of Ralpho township, and his third marriage, Dec. 14, 1899, was to Mary W. Young, who survives. His children were all born to the first marriage, viz.: Harry H. resides at No. 2448 North Thirtieth street, Philadelphia; William F. is deceased; Sarah married Edward M. Seitzinger, of Shamokin, and they have children, Thursa, Lavina and Harriet. Mrs. Jacob B. Getter is a granddaughter of Rev. John Wolverton, who was a Baptist minister of Northumberland county. Her father, Isaac Wolf Wolverton, was a merchant for several years and later became a farmer in Shamokin township, where he died at the age of thirty-seven years. He married Anna Vastine, daughter of Benjamin L. Vastine, and their children were: John, Benjamin, Jonathan, Eliza, Mary (Mrs. Getter) and Lewis, all of whom are deceased except Mrs. Getter. Mrs. Getter was born in Shamokin township July 5, END OF PAGE 816 1828. She married (first) Jacob Weimer Young and (second) Jacob B. Getter. By her first marriage she had two children, Nora A. and Harry L. Young. BENJAMIN F. TROUTMAN, proprietor of the Opera House Cafe at Shamokin, has been doing business at his present location on Independence street since 1895, and is one of the most popular men in his line in the borough. He is widely acquainted among the business men and citizens generally. Mr. Troutman was born in the Mahantango Valley, in Schuylkill county, Pa., July 14, 1865, son of James B. Troutman, and is a member of an old family of Berks county, being a grandson of Abraham or Peter Troutman. The Troutman family of, western Berks county had settled prior to the organization of the county, in 1752, in Tulpehocken township, where Hieronimus Troutman on Oct. 13, 1752, obtained two warrants, each for twenty-five acres of land located in that part of Lancaster county now embraced in Lebanon county. On March 23, 1802, he and Abraham Troutman (a relative) jointly obtained a warrant for 152.80 acres of land in Northumberland county. The records show that at this time he was a taxable in Tulpehocken township, Berks county, the Pennsylvania Archives recording the following in 1768: "Peter Troutman, eighty acres of land in Tulpehocken; Philip Troutman, 100 acres; Valentine Troutman, six acres; and Michael Troutman, 217 1/2 acres." Previously, in 1759, one John Troutman paid eleven pounds tax in Tulpehocken township. In 1779 the tax lists show: "Valentine, single-man; John, single-man and tailor, and Peter, weaver." In 1779 Michael Troutman owned 275 acres of land, six horses, six cattle, and paid seven pounds, thirteen shillings tax, showing that he was a large property owner. It is traditional, and records confirm it, that Hieronimus Troutman had these sons: Michael, born Nov. 8, 1746, died Nov. 1, 1804: Valentine, born June 17, 1752, died April 19, 1823; Johannes, born Feb. 4, 1755, died Dec. 2, 1823; Johann Philip, born Aug. 9, 1758, died Feb. 23, 1830. Michael Troutman, the eldest of this family, made his will Aug. 3, 1804, and died about three months later. In the will he mentions his wife Susanna, who was to receive the property in Tulpehocken township on which they lived, beside other items. Ample provision was made for her. They had no issue. After leaving a bequest to Host Church of twenty pounds, to care for his grave, Michael Troutman divided the rest of his estate among his brothers, whom he mentioned thus Valentine, John who had a son Michael, and Philip. Valentine Troutman served during the Revolution in September, 1776 in Capt. Michael Furrers company, and was sent to long Island. He married, and among his children was a daughter, Eva Elizabeth, who was born in 1785 and died unmarried in 1804. Philip Troutman married Magdalena, a born Troutman, possibly a descendant of Abraham, who was a relative of Hieronimus. She was born Feb. 16, 1753, and died Dec. 29, 1834. All of the above Troutmans are buried at Host church, in the old graveyard adjoining it on the southwest Many of the gravestones are brown sandstones. Immediately back of the church is an old sandstone on which appears the following inscription: "Eva Elizabeth Troutman Sei ist gaboren den 6 Januar, im yahr 1716, und starb am 1 Januar in yahr 1794. Bracht ehr alter za 78 yahr, 4 monat, und 3 tag." This possibly was the wife of the ancestor Hieroniraus Troutman, and the mother of the sons before mentioned. Johannes Troutman, son of the ancestor, was born in 1755 and died in 1823. He was married (first) May 13, 1787, to Maria Elizabeth Hoffman, and (second) to Sybilla Himmelberger, who was born Jan. 7, 1774, and died Nov. 29, 1858. Among his children were: Michael, born Aug. 2, 1787, died July 19, 1840; John Jacob, born May 18, 1791, died March 6, 1862; Elizabeth, born in 1796, died in 1866. The grandfather of Benjamin F. Troutman, of Shamokin, owned a farm in the Mahantango Valley, along the creek of that name, near Uniontown, in Dauphin county, and there followed farming until his death. His family consisted of seven children, viz.: Daniel, who was killed in 1882 by two Rumberger brothers who wanted to rob him of his money, and who were hanged for the crime at Harrisburg; Elias, who took the homestead in the valley; James B.; Josiah, who served in the Civil war, enlisting twice; and three daughters. James B. Troutman was born on the homestead in Dauphin county in 1821 and died at Kratztown Sept. 26, 1894, aged seventy-three years, one month, eighteen days. He is buried at St. David's church in Northumberland county. He was a carpenter by trade and also owned a farm near the homestead, where he operated a sawmill and during the winter followed the butchering business, at the time the Molly Maguires were in this section. His wife Sarah (Seitzel), died in 1873. Their children were as follows: Uriah: David L.; Benjamin F.; Mary wife of Tobias Wiest, living at Herndon; Malinda wife of Benjamin Yeager (both deceased) Sarah Ellen, deceased; Syvilla, who married Isaac Daniels; and Catharine, who married Christ Cleninstine and lives at Tremont, Pennsylvania Benjamin F. Troutman attended the schools in the neighborhood of his birthplace and assisted his father with the farm work until he was eighteen END OF PAGE 817 years old, when he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, following it for six years. He then engaged in the hotel business, and since 1895 has conducted the Opera House Cafe on Independence street in the borough of Shamokin, a well known and well patronized business. stand, which under his management has held its share of the local patronage. He has built up his business by the most approved methods and is considered one of the substantial men of Shamokin. He has represented the Ninth ward on the school board since 1903, is a member of the I.O.O.F., F.O.E., local Nest of Owls, P.O.S. of A., Liberty Fire Company and Shamokin Auto Club. He is a Republican in political faith, and in religion a member of the Reformed Church, belonging to St. John's congregation. On Jan. 8, 1893, Mr. Troutman married Helen F. Bennage, daughter of William Bennage, of Union county, Pa., and they have four children: Florence May, Marion H., Charles Frederick and William L. Simon Bennech, from whom Mrs. Troutman traces her descent in the paternal line, was thirteen years old when he arrived in America with his family in 1732. His father died on the voyage to America. He settled in Heidelberg township, Berks county, where he died in 1757, leaving a family. The family is of French Huguenot origin and the name is a notable one in the annals of the Huguenots. The members of the family were scattered by persecution into Switzerland, the Palatinate and England. WEAVER. The Weavers are well known in their long connection with work in the collieries of Shamokin, and the three brothers particularly mentioned in this article, William H., Peter M. and John A. Weaver, employed respectively at the Cameron, Luke Fiddler and Bear Valley collieries, are respected citizens of that borough. They are members of an old family of Northumberland county, of German origin, whose first ancestor in this country was Michael Weaver, a native of Wurtemberg. Michael Weaver emigrated to this country in 1769. His first settlement was in Berks county, Pa., where he remained only a short time, however, coming to Northumberland county in 1770 and locating near Liberty Pole, in Rush township. He took up a large tract of land on which he lived to the end of his days, dying there in 1834; he was buried on his farm. During the Revolutionary war he supported the Colonial cause and served in the army seven years. He had married in Germany and had a family of thirteen children, among whom were Martin and Frederick. Martin Weaver, fourth son of Michael, was born in Rush township in 1770 and died in 1844. He was twice married, and by his first union, to a Miss Hirsh, of Rush township, had three children: Joseph, who died at Shamokin; Catharine, who married Enoch Howell; and Elizabeth, who married John Yarned. To the second marriage were born five children: Mary, who married Daniel Evert; Rebecca, who married Daniel Rote; William M.; Rosetta; and Solomon, of Sunbury. Frederick Weaver, the other son of Michael mentioned previously, was born in Rush township and there passed all his life, engaged in farming. He served in the war of 1812. He married Catharine Bockire, who died in 1844, and his death occurred in 1854. He is buried at the Presbyterian church in Rush township. Their children were as follows: Henry; Martin, who married Rebecca Noaker and died in Rush township (they had two children); Philip, who married Mary Hoffman and died in Rush township; Rebecca, who died unmarried; Sallie, who married Levi Miller; Catharine, who married Samuel Gillinger; Mary, who died at Sunbury in 1909, aged eighty-three years; and Peter. Henry Weaver, son of Frederick, was born in Rush township and followed farming there. Moving to Muncy, Lycoming Co., Pa., he there engaged in the hotel business, which he later carried on at Danville. His next location was at Trevorton, the site of which was then a farm, the buildings consisting of one log house and three old frame houses. He kept the first place of public entertainment there, remaining at Trevorton until his death. He was a prominent man of his day in that section and one of the most interested workers in the establishment of the town, getting up the dinner to promote the sale of town lots. Mr. Weaver married Catharine Ephlin, daughter of Peter Ephlin, of Rush township, and they became the parents of six children: Larissa, born June 15, 1831, now the widow of Richard Brace, came with her father to Trevorton, was the first school teacher there, and is now the oldest resident of the place; Lorenzo Dow is mentioned below; Lyman died unmarried; Elizabeth married S. B. Ludlow; Ellen B. died unmarried; Alice married Jesse Metz and they reside at Trevorton. Lorenzo Dow Weaver was born in 1833 near Muncy, Pa., and came to Shamokin, Northumberland county, in 1878. His earlier years were passed at Trevorton, and he followed railroading many years, his run being between his home place and Baltimore. After settling in Shamokin he became a breaker boss at the Bear valley colliery, holding this position until his death, which occurred July 15, 1894, in his sixty-second year. He was well known in Shamokin and highly respected. In 1853 he married Matilda Metz, daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Barndt) Metz, and she made her home in Shamokin with her son William H., where she died April 11, 1910. The following children were born to this union: William Henry, Peter M., Hannibal H., John A., Lyman F., Jesse G., Thom- END OF PAGE 818 as E., Charles A., Elizabeth (wife of Joseph A. Kline of Trevorton), Mary A., and Ellen R. (wife of William Woolridge). WILLIAM H. WEAVER, assistant superintendent at the Cameron colliery, Shamokin, was born Oct. 23, 1856, at Trevorton, Northumberland county, son of Lorenzo Dow Weaver. He received his education in the public schools of his native place, and when a young man began work in the mines as a slate picker at the breakers. In time he began to work as fireman at stationary engines, being thus engaged for six years, when he became a stationary engineer. He was employed in that capacity at the mines for fifteen years. For two years afterward he was assistant foreman at the Cameron colliery. Mr. Weaver's next position was that of outside foreman, which he held for four years and six months, in January, 1908, assuming the duties of his present position, that of assistant superintendent at the same colliery. His long retention at the same colliery bespeaks the excellence and value of his services. On July 31, 1881, Mr. Mr. Weaver married Florence L. McGiness daughter of James P. and Mary A. (Jones) McGiness, the former of whom was a pioneer coal operator in Schuylkill county. Six children have been born to this union: John R. (married Mary Sovack), Rebecca (died in infancy). Lydia (wife of Howard D. Moore, whose children are Margaret A., Florence L. and Howard D., Jr.), William H., Jr., Stephen J. and Daniel D. Mr. Weaver has been active in religious work as a member of the Chestnut Street Methodist Church, which he has served as steward, trustee and Sunday School superintendent, also taking a prominent part in the Epworth League. Peter M. Weaver, son of Lorenzo Dow Weaver, was born Oct. 31, 1858, at Trevorton, Northumberland county, and there attended the public schools. He was only eight and a half years old when he commenced picking slate at the breaker during the summers, continuing his education in the winter months. Later he tended door in the mines and then learned engineering, at which he was chiefly engaged about the mines, though he was engaged as a regular miner for five years, doing tunnel work and mining. In 1901 he became breaker foreman at the Luke Fidler colliery, at Shamokin which position he has filled to the present time. Mr. Weaver has one hundred men and boys in his charge and has proved a responsible man for the task assigned him, having a high reputation for faithful and intelligent work. On Oct. 16, 1880, Mr. Weaver married Catharine Shuey, daughter of Christian and Mary (Miller) Shuey, and to them have been born fourteen children, nine of whom survive, namely: Joseph A. (married Lizzie Maurer), Annie S., Charlotte M., Emma C., Charles A., George D., Jesse W., Florence M. and Thomas. Eugene died in infancy. Mr. Weaver has done his share in promoting the welfare of the community and is well known in various capacities, having served as a member of the board of school directors of Coal township, and as treasurer of that board. He is a Republican in politics and was committeeman of his district three years. Fraternally he has belonged to the I.O.O.F. since 1877, is treasurer of the Temple Association of the I.O.O.F. and a member of the I.O.O.F. Club. He belongs to the Methodist Church. JOHN A. WEAVER, son of Lorenzo Dow Weaver, was born at Trevorton, this county, March 5, 1863, received a public school education and when old enough found employment at the mines. He fired a boiler one year and for the past twenty-six years has been stationary engineer at the Bear Valley colliery, where he has been employed in all for the long period of thirty-three years, being among the oldest employees at the colliery. His long service and efficient work make him a valued and trusted man, and he has the respect of his employers and fellow workers without reserve. On Oct. 26, 1883, Mr. Weaver married Sarah Jane McCollum, daughter of Ephraim S. and Sarah Jane (Allvord) McCollum, and they have had a family of ten children, namely: Ephraim S. (married Gertrude Stahl), Minnie (married Francis Goldman), Florence (married Ray Dunkelberger), Tillie (married Frank Gross), George, Edna, Clarence, Elsie, Ethel (deceased), and a son that died in infancy. The family reside at No. 704 West Pine street, Shamokin. Mr. Weaver is a Republican in politics, a member of the Evangelical Church, and an Odd Fellow in fraternal connection. JOHN E. ALLEN, superintendent of the silk mills at Shamokin conducted by J. H. & C. K. Eagle, has a responsible connection with one of the important industries of the borough, and has been engaged in that line of work practically all his life, ever since he began to earn his own living. He is a native of Paterson, N. J., born Oct. 22, 1872, son of Peter Allen, who was born in England and came to America when a young man. He located at Paterson, N. J., where he was engaged in the silk business. John E. Allen attended the public schools of his home district, and when a youth of seventeen began to work in a silk mill, on the floor. He was employed at different mills while acquiring his extensive knowledge of the business, and in time entered the employ of Bamford Brothers, at Paterson, as superintendent, remaining with this well known concern for a period of eighteen years. The Bamfords have mills at Paterson and Belvidere, in New Jersey, and at Wilkes-Barre, in Pennsyl- END OF PAGE 819 vania. In April, 1909, Mr. Allen came to Shamokin to assume the duties of his present position at the Eagle mills, where he has proved himself well qualified for his work. He is a self-made man, intelligent, industrious and enterprising, and by close application to his calling has become thoroughly versed in the work in its various branches, being. considered a valuable employee. Mr. Allen is a well known member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Warren Lodge, No. 13, F. & A.M., of Belvidere, N. J., of which he is a past master; to Shamokin Chapter, No. 264, R.A.M.; Williamsport Consistory, thirty-second degree; and to the Temple Club at Shamokin. In religious connection he is a Presbyterian. Mr. Allen married Ella Cole, of Belvidere, N. J., and they have had three children: Myrta, Roy D. and H. Marion. WILLIAM M. YOCH, one of the most successful bakers in Shamokin, where he is at present running three establishments, is a self-made man, having attained his present substantial position by hard work and thrift. His goods are high-grade and recommend themselves to the best class of patrons in the borough. Mr. Yoch, was born June 10, 1862, at Easton, Northampton Co., Pa., and is of German descent his father, Herman Yoch, having been born in Saxony, Germany, in 1829. He married Amelia Fischer, like himself a native of Saxony, and they came to America in 1856, locating at Easton, Pa., where he followed his trade, that of slater, which he had learned thoroughly in the old country. In 1871 he came to Shamokin and here also worked as a slater, slating the old St. Edward's and Polish Catholic churches. After spending about twenty years in the Western States he returned to Shamokin, where he is now living retired with his son William. He and his wife have had children as follows: Francis, who lives at Seigfried, Lehigh Co., Pa.; Mary, wife of Clinton Kech, of Allentown, Pa.; William M.; Charles, residing in California; and Herman, who is engaged in the pretzel business in Shamokin. William M. Yoch came to Shamokin with his parents and when thirteen years old became an apprentice to the baker's trade. In 1886 he went to Richmond, Va., where he was in business for eighteen months, at the end of that time returning to Shamokin, where he has since remained. He began business in the borough in 1889, at No. 70 Chestnut street, where he has since maintained an establishment, having built an addition to the original place as the demands of business made more room necessary. Meantime he has opened two more stores, having one on Spruce street and one on Race street and now gives employment to twenty men and runs four teams. He is regarded as one of the leading and successful business men in the west end of the borough. In his line he is undoubtedly the leader. His business has been built up by honest values and a high class of bakery products, including bread, cakes and pies of all kinds, all made of the best materials, put together by skilled tradesmen. He still supervises the work personally, being just as careful of the good will of his customers now as he was in his struggling days. His equipment has been modernized from time to time to keep pace with the demands of his trade and as improvements have been made in the devices used in the business, and not many years ago he put in a modern Vienna oven and a patent dough mixer. His business is the largest in its line in the borough, and his goods have a wide reputation for being up to the standard in every respect. Mr. Yoch has devoted practically all of his time to business, and is not active in politics or other local public matters, though he takes the interest in the welfare of the borough which every public-spirited citizen should feel. He is fond of good horses and has several fine driving animals. In religious connection he is a Lutheran. KIEFFER. The Kieffers or Keiffers of Washington township, Northumberland county, to which family Abraham Kieffer and Daniel M. Keiffer, both residents of that district, belong, have been located in this part of Pennsylvania for several generations. The family is of French origin, the name in that language being Sonnellier, and they moved from their native France to Zweibruecken, Germany, in the year 1685, coming thence to America in 1732. One Abraham Kieffer is buried in Snyder county, this State. Abraham Kieffer, the ancestor of the branch here under consideration, was a native of Richmond township, Berks Co., Pa., born March 15, 1751, and coming to Northumberland county settled in Washington (then Jackson) township, where he owned a large tract of land, 300 acres. It is now subdivided, and owned by the Rebucks and Krissingers. He followed farming. He died July 15, 1832, and is buried at the Himmel Church, of which he was a member. There also is the grave of his wife Margaretha, who was born May 15, 1758, and died March 6, 1840. They had sons John and Daniel, and several daughters. John Kieffer, son of Abraham, was born Aug. 15, 1790, and was a young man when he came from Berks county and located in Washington township. He was a lifelong farmer, but he was also a handy man at mechanical work and made shoes. He was quite a prominent citizen of his district, serving in various local offices, and was an active member of the Reformed congregation of the Himmel Church, which he served in different official capacities. He died Dec. 8, 1880. He married Magdalena Heim, daughter of Matthias Heim, END OF PAGE 820 born March 18, 1792, died Aug. 20, 1864. Children as follows were born to this union: Jonathan is mentioned below; John, born Aug. 31, 1829, lived in Washington township, and died Jan. 2, 1864; George lived in Washington township; Peter died young; Elizabeth married Jacob Krebs; Susan married Henry Bohner; Maricha married John Eister; Magdalena married John Hepner; Abraham is mentioned below. Jonathan Keiffer, son of John, was born on the farm now owned by his son Daniel M. Keiffer, and followed farming practically all his life, though in his earlier manhood he worked as a carpenter at Sunbury. He owned a farm of 110 acres in Washington township, one mile south of Rebuck, one of the best pieces of property in that section, and erected the present set of buildings thereon. The place is an old Kieffer homestead. Mr. Keiffer died June 21, 1902, aged seventy-six years, eight months, twelve days. He was a progressive man, and served his township eighteen years in the office of school director, in helping to build the five schools now located in the district. He was a Democrat in politics, and he and his family were members of the Reformed congregation at the Himmel Church. He married Sarah A. Kehres, daughter of William Kehres, and she died Oct. 29, 1886, aged forty-three years, five months, eleven days, the mother of nine children: Emanuel who is now in Nebraska; William J., who died Aug. 1, 1900, aged thirty-four years, eleven months eleven days; Kate, married to C. B. Hetrick; Mary, widow of Freeman Fertic; Jane, married to Henry Schlegel; Emma, married to Edw. Boyer; Samuel, living in Washington township George, deceased; and Daniel M. For his second wife Jonathan Keiffer married Louisa Rausch, widow of Adam German, and she survives him, now making her home in Snyder county. She was the mother of several children. DANIEL M. KIEFFER, son of Jonathan, lives on the old homestead in Washington township, where he is a prosperous farmer and a successful auctioneer. He was born at that place March 22, 1879, received his education in the public school of the township, and has been engaged at farm work all his life. Until he was eighteen be worked for his parents. Then he entered the employ of John Hetrick, for whom he worked four years, after which he operated the huckster wagon for F. L. Kehres one year. In 1902 he began agricultural pursuits on his own account at the homestead, where he has since remained, having purchased the property in the fall of 1901. It is one of the fertile spots in the Swabin Creek Valley and Mr. Keiffer has done well in its cultivation. In 1904 Mr. Keiffer began to cry sales, his services have been in demand for said work ever since, to such an extent that he was auctioneer at thirty sales in the spring of 1909. He is an enterprising young man, and holds the respect of all who know him. On May 25, 1900, Mr. Keifer married Henrietta Geist, daughter of Daniel and Cecelia (Updegrove) Geist, of Upper Mahanoy township, and they have two children, Stella M. and Norman L. Mr. Keiffer and his family are Reformed members of the Himmel Church, which he has served as deacon. Politically he is a Democrat, and he has been school director since 1908. ABRAHAM KIEFFER, another son of John and Magdalena (Heim) Kieffer, is now retired, living on the farm near Rebuck which has been his home for so many years. He was born Nov. 11, 1836, on the homestead of his grandfather Kieffer, in Washington township, received his education in the subscription schools which were the rule during his boyhood, and was reared to farming pursuits. He worked for his parents until he attained his majority, and after his marriage worked five years for his father- in-law, John Schlegel, of Jordan township, eventually settling at his present place. He has a tract of forty-five acres, which he cultivated successfully during his active years, retiring some time ago. This tract was part of a Gonser homestead, and the brick house now standing on the property was built by one Killian Rothermel in 1864. About 1865 Mr. Kieffer married Mary Jane Schlegel, daughter of John Schlegel, a native of Northumberland county, and granddaughter of William Schlegel, a native of Berks county, Pa. Mrs. Kieffer was born in 1842. She and her husband have four children: William, of Trevorton, Northumberland county; Charles, of Elizabethville, Dauphin county, where he carries on a hotel; Alice, wife of Daniel Treon; and Mary Agnes, married to O. S. Dunkelberger. The family are Lutheran members of the Himmel Church, and Mr. Kieffer has always been regarded as one of the most worthy and zealous members of the congregation, which he served in official capacities almost continuously in his active years, having been deacon, elder, trustee and treasurer. He is a Democrat in political sentiment, and has served as tax collector of Washington township. PAUL DUROVCIK, hotel-keeper of Mount Carmel, has conducted his present stand at No. 123 North Market street since 1894. He is a native of Austria-Hungary and the acknowledged leader of his countrymen in Mount Carmel and vicinity, a man of substantial worth as a citizen of his adopted country and esteemed by any who know him. Mr. Dorovcik was born in Austria Dec. 8, 1866, in the town of Lucka. His father, also named Paul, was a farmer in Austria and died in that country. The son came to America when sixteen years old and spent his first three years here in END OF PAGE 821 New York City, arriving at Mount Carmel, Northumberland Co., Pa., June 7, 1885. Here he has since made his home. He followed mining about nine years, in 1894 engaging in the hotel business at No. 123 North Market street, where he is still located, having established a steady and lucrative trade. Mr. Durovcik has acquired other interests as his prosperity enabled him to invest elsewhere, and he was one of the organizers of the Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit Company, which he serves as director. He has twice represented his ward (the Second) in the borough council as the Republican candidate, having been first elected in 1907 and re-elected in 1910. Mr. Durovcik belongs to the local lodge of Elks, to the Red Men and the Owls, being treasurer of the local organization of the latter society. He is very prominent in the various Slavic societies, and is a member of the Slavic Reformed Church, in the work of which he takes a leading part. On Jan. 17, 1888, Mr. Durovcik married Anna Dovei, like himself a native of Austria, and they have a family of five children: Paul, Jr., Annie, Mary, John and Agnes. GEORGE H. LENKER, farmer of Washington township, was born Feb. 14, 1851, in Upper Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, son of Peter Lenker. He is a descendant of Adam or John Adam Lenker, a native of Switzerland, who was one of the pioneer settlers in this region, locating in territory now embraced in Lower Mahanoy township, where he followed farming. The original homestead upon which he settled was the farm now owned by David Bohner. He was born Dec. 12, 1765, and died March 24, 1834, and is buried at the Zion Church in Stone Valley, as is also his wife, Anna Maria; she was born June 15, 1764, and died May 12, 1822. Their children were: Michael, John Adam, Jacob, Polly (married John Witmer) and Mary (married William Schaffer). Jacob Lenker, son of Adam, was born in Germany, landed at Philadelphia upon his emigration to America, and soon afterward settled in the Mahantango Valley, in Northumberland county, Pa., where he owned a large farm which he cultivated successfully. He built a sawmill, which he operated in connection with his agricultural work, and was a prosperous man. In religion he was a Lutheran, as are most of his descendants (a few being members of the Evangelical Association), and he and his son Jacob, as well as Peter Lenker, father of George H., are buried at the Stone Valley Church in Lower Mahanoy township. He served his adopted country as a soldier. He and his wife, Anna (Feldy), had children as follows: Peter; Jacob; Simon; Jonathan; Philip; Mrs. Jacob Hepner; Mrs. John Shaffer; and Mrs. Seaman. The son Jacob obtained the homestead, where he lived and died, and like his father followed farming and operated the sawmill. Peter Lenker, father of George H. Lenker, was born on the old homestead in Lower Mahanoy township, and died in the house in which he was born, though he had passed many years of his life elsewhere. He was a lifelong farmer, and at one time owned a farm, later renting the land he cultivated. For thirteen years he lived near Line Mountain post office, in Upper Mahanoy township. He was a member of the Stone Valley Church, where as above stated he is buried. His first wife, Susanna Bobb, was the mother of twelve children, viz.: John, Magdalena, Peter, Nicholas, Adam, Michael, and six who died young. His second marriage was to Esther Hetrich, daughter of George Hetrich, and to this union were born six children: Daniel died aged nineteen years; Lydia is unmarried; Simon died when eleven years old; George H. is mentioned below; Benjamin lives in Lower Augusta township; Rebecca died when six years old. George H. Lenker had three months of instruction in the old- fashioned subscription schools formerly conducted in this section, but he was educated principally in the public schools, which he attended off and on until he was of age. He was trained from youth to farming, and in 1871 began that occupation for himself in Washington township, where he has since continued to live. He owns eighty acres of cleared land and fifteen acres of woodland, and built a substantial house on his property in 1897. The barn was built by the Zerfings about 1870. Mr. Lenker is an intelligent and progressive citizen, and though he has devoted his attention to his work and cultivated his land profitably he has found time to take part in the administration of local affairs. For twelve years he served as auditor of his township, and after that became school director, in which office he has served continuously since 1895, having been reelected five times. He is a Democrat in political opinion. He and his family are members of the Lutheran congregation at St. Peter's Church, which he has served as deacon, being much interested in the welfare of the church. In 1871 Mr. Lenker married Henrietta Carl, daughter of John and Catharine (Diener) Carl, natives of Pike township, Berks Co., Pa., and they have a family of seven children: Hiram O., who lives at Lavelle, Schuylkill county; Charles M., of Shamokin; Alice R., wife of George Thomas, of Jackson township; Nathan H., of Mowry, Schuylkill county; George C., of Allentown, Pa.; Isaac I., of Washington township; and Henrietta H., who married Monroe Bobb, of Washington township. JOHN B. SEYER, of Shamokin, chief dyer at the J. H. & C. K. Eagle silk factory, located in that borough, is a man of the widest experience in END OF PAGE 822 his line, gained in the foremost establishments of this country, and is himself interested in the business as vice president of the Garfield Silk Dyeing & Finishing Company, of Garfield (Passaic), N. J. All his active years have been given to this line of industry, in which he is a noted authority, known to the trade all over the United States. Mr. Seyer was born in 1866 in France, from which country his father, also John B. Seyer, brought his family to America in 1870. He made a home at Paterson, N. J., where he died. There the son received his education in the public schools, and there he began to learn his present business in the plant of the Weidmann Silk Dyeing Company, the largest dyeing house in the United States. So thoroughly did he master the work that be was made foreman in this establishment holding that responsible position for a period of nineteen years, at the end of which time he formed a connection with Ashley & Bailey, another important concern at Paterson, taking charge of their plant for seven years. In company with other men he then organized the Garfield Silk Dyeing and Finishing Company, of Garfield, N. J., of which he is vice-president, and of whose plant he had charge for two years, leaving to enter the establishment of the Standard Silk Company, at Phillipsburg, N. J. In July, 1909, he came to Shamokin, to enter upon his duties as chief dyer at the Eagle plant. Mr. Seyer has about one hundred and twenty-five employees under his charge in the dye house, which is one of the most completely equipped plants of the kind in the country. The Eagle silk factory, though one of the more recently established industrial plants of Shamokin, has from the first been regarded as an important factor in local business prosperity, and Mr. Seyer's work has done much toward making its product popular and in steady demand. His skill, taste and ingenuity make him one of the most valuable of the clever men associated with this concern who have placed its goods among the most desirable on the market. Mr. Seyer is well known in the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Falls City Lodge. No. 82; Cataract City Chapter No. 10, R.A.M.; Shamokin Commandery, No. 77, K.T.; Jersey City Consistory, thirty-second degree; and Salaam Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., in the latter connection also belonging to the Temple Club a Shamokin. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. and the Shamokin Automobile Club. In 1891 Mr. Seyer married Adeline Ferry, and they have two children, Blanche and Henry. FRANKLIN A. NEWCOMER, of Turbut township, Northumberland county, represents the third generation of this family in that section, his grandfather, Philip Newcomer, a native of Pennsylvania, having owned and occupied a farm in that township long known as the Newcomer farm. It consisted of about one hundred acres. He married Elizabeth Lantz, of Turbut township, and in 1864 took his family out to Iowa, making the trip by team. The journey occupied three months, and they crossed only one railroad track one of the old-fashioned kind, with wooden rails. Mr. Newcomer took up land in Iowa and there spent the remainder of his life, dying there. He and his wife had a large family, viz.: John Samuel, Daniel Susan (Mrs. Thomas Stover), Emanuel, Levi (who served as a captain during the Civil war, from Iowa), Philip, Margaret (Mrs. Aaron Costenbador), Kate (married Edw. Kelly), Annie (Mrs. Woodwring), Joseph, and four others not named. John Samuel Newcomer, son of Philip, was the father of Franklin A. Newcomer. He was born June 3, 1825, in Turbut township, Northumberland county, and there grew to manhood. When the family moved out to Iowa he accompanied them, but not caring for the country returned to his native township, where he subsequently bought his father-in-law's farm, which he cultivated until his death. He died there Sept. 6, 1908, at the advanced age of eighty-three, and is buried at Milton. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. He married Matilda Jacoby, daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Bachman) Jacoby, and they reared a family of three children: Elizabeth C., who is the wife of Isaac Seers, and resides in Milton; Hattie M., who married Charles C. Gast and lives in Milton (their children are John N. and Helen M.); and Franklin A. Franklin A. Newcomer was born Dec. 31, 1866, at the place where he still resides, and obtained his education in the public schools of that locality and in Milton high school and Milton Academy, the latter institution taught by the able Professor Schneider. He then taught for one year at the Ireland schoolhouse in Turbut township, after which he turned his attention to teaching music, both vocal and instrumental, being thus engaged until 1897. He made a success of his professional work, but for a number of years he has devoted his principal attention to farming. In 1897 he located at the old home with his father and farmed for him, and in the fall of 1908 he bought the property. He makes a specialty of truck raising, and attends the Milton markets. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen and of Turbut Grange interested in all affairs that affect the welfare of his locality, and one of the progressive, intelligent citizens of his section. In religious connection he is a Lutheran, a well known member of Christ Church at Milton, which he served as organist for a period of sixteen years. Mr. Newcomer is independent on political questions, supporting the best men and measures without regard to party. END OF PAGE 823 In 1892 Mr. Newcomer married Jennie L. Clewell, daughter of Godfrey William and Catharine (Artley) Clewell, and to them have been born two children, Franklin C. and John William. The Clewell family is of French Huguenot origin, and the family history is very complete. Jacob Clewell, Mrs. Newcomer's grandfather, was born May 13, 1783, and on Oct. 16, 1808, married Sarah Miller, who was born March 8, 1785. They lived at Catawissa, Pa., where they were farming people. Their children were born as follows: Catharine; Jan. 11, 1812; Jacob, Jan. 3, 1815; Sarah, Oct. 11, 1817; Daniel, Oct. 18, 1818; Mariam, Feb. 4, 1821; Mathias, Jan. 20, 1822; Lovina, Aug. 19, 1825; Godfrey William, Jan. 8, 1828. Godfrey William Clewell, son of Jacob, was during his active years a successful farmer in Montour county, near the Northumberland county line. He is now living retired at Milton. He married Catharine Artley, and to them were born three children, Jennie L. (Mrs. Franklin A. Newcomer), William and Artley. The two sons are farmers in Liberty township, Montour county, the father having divided his farm, between them, each one having his own tract. WYNN. John Wynn, said to be a native of New Jersey, was a pioneer settler of Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county. He was of Welsh extraction. Prior to May 18, 1818, he came to Northumberland county, and settled on the farm now owned by his grandson, David S. Wynn. This tract was originally taken up by warrant by John and Margaret Snyder. On May 18, 1818, John "Win," as his name appears in the deed, purchased these eighty-two acres for $659.69. Here he erected the first set of buildings, of logs. The log house stood until about 1880, when it was razed by David S. Wynn. He and his wife Elizabeth probably were Baptists, as all their children were of that faith. Elizabeth Wynn was the first person buried in the Augusta Baptist church cemetery. Her husband is buried at the Mountain Presbyterian Church. They had these children: Samuel, Annias, John, Jr., Matthias (settled out West), Byram (settled out West), and Sallie (married John Van Sant, who was a merchant in Rockefeller township). In 1847 John Wynn, Sr., sold his farm to his son Samuel D. On the deed conveying this land to the son the pioneer wrote his name in plain English John "Wynn." Samuel D. Wynn, son of John, was born in Lower Augusta township Jan. 24, 1795, and died on his farm April 27, 1878. His wife Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Shipman, died Feb. 3, 1890, aged eighty-four years, five months, ten days, and they are buried at the Augusta Baptist cemetery. They were Baptists, and members of that church, of which he was a deacon many years. Earlier in life he was a millwright, and followed his trade throughout eastern Pennsylvania. Later he farmed in Lower Augusta on the homestead. He was a Democrat. The following were their nine children: Reuben died at Sunbury, Pa.; Rachel married Edw. Trowbridge; Jacob lives at Lykens, Pa.; Mary married John Townsend; Barbara married Charles Sarvis; Emma married Samuel Snyder; David S. is mentioned below; Sarah J. married Adam Wynn, a cousin; Susanna married John Orendorf. Annias Wynn, son of John, was born in Lower Augusta township, where he also died. His wife, Elizabeth (White), was born Oct. 27, 1809, and died Sept. 26, 1863. Both are buried in the Baptist cemetery. Elizabeth White was a daughter of Robert White, an Englishman, who after being in America some years returned to his native country, and there enlisted in the English navy. Annias Wynn was a deacon of the Baptist church, of which he was a member for sixty years. He was a farmer, and owned the tract now owned by Samuel Still. He and his wife had twelve children, namely: Susanna; Sarah, who married William Conrad; John G., who died Sept. 2, 1897, aged sixty-four years, three months, nine days (his wife Lydia died Oct. 3, 1901, aged fifty-five years, eight months, eighteen days); Lafayette; Oscar T., who married Ellen Kritz; William, who married Annie Walker; Jane, Mrs. Reuben Conrad; Luscius C., deceased, who married Annie Spotts; Annias, who served in the regular army and who was never married; Silas H., who married Orilla E. Shipman (died Nov. 30, 1883, aged twenty-six years, one month, fourteen days) and (second) Maggie Obetz; and Mary and Samuel, both of whom died young. John Wynn, Jr., son of John, was a farmer in Lower Augusta township. He was born Feb. 10, 1797, and died Oct. 8, 1875. His wife, Betzy Snyder, is buried in Kansas. They had children: Adam, Stephen, Chambers (his wife's name was Mary; their daughter Lydia died Feb. 2, 1861, aged one year, eleven months, fourteen days, and their daughter Amanda, born May 26, 1854, died Jan. 20, 1858), Albert, Jemima, Martha J. (born March 27, 1850, died Feb. 7, 1872), Mary and Samantha. Lafayette Wynn, son of Annias, is a farmer in Lower Augusta township, where he was born Aug. 28, 1835. During the Civil war he was a soldier in Company I, 58th Pennsylvania Infantry, under Col. J. Riter Jones, of Philadelphia, and he participated in many engagements and was shot through the left shoulder. He took part in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., and was discharged Nov. 21, 1865. After the war he worked six years in the lumber woods, and railroaded for twenty-two years. In 1892 he purchased his END OF PAGE 824 eighty-four-acre farm in Lower Augusta, on which he has lived since 1903. Mr. Wynn was married three times. His first wife, Elizabeth M. J. Lytle, died Aug. 31, 1868, the mother of three children, George, Robert and Elmer. By his second marriage, to Maggie Haupt, he had two children, Peter and Edward. His third marriage, in 1885, was to Mary C. Smith, by whom he had one child, Arthur. David S. Wynn, son of Samuel D., was born May 17, 1844, near Fishers Ferry. When nineteen he began railroading, which he followed six years. In 1870 he purchased the original Wynn homestead where he has since lived and farmed. He is a Democrat, has been supervisor, and school director, and has been an active member of the Baptist Church, since 1899 serving as a deacon. Since 1900 he has been Sunday school superintendent, and in 1909 he was elected president of the Sunday School Association, which is an auxiliary of the County Sunday School Association. On April 28, 1870, he married Henrietta, daughter of William Randall, of Centre county, Pa. She died Feb. 13, 1887, aged twenty-seven years, ten months, nine days, the mother of children as follows: Jasper, Frank, Molly, Rachel, Charles and Henrietta. Mr. Wynn's second marriage, on May 4, 1888, was to Ellen, daughter of John and Sarah (Bowman) Geiswhite, of Dauphin county, Pa. They have six children: Clayton, Alice, Warren, Eva, Joseph and Catharine. FREDERICK W. WOLF, proprietor of Wolfs Restaurant, at Milton, Pa., and one of the substantial and well-to-do citizens of that town, was born there March 24, 1868, son of Frederick W. Wolf, Sr. His grandfather came to America from Germany, and settled in Philadelphia, Pa., where he followed the baker's trade. He died there leaving two sons, Frederick W. and William, the latter of whom resides in Philadelphia. Frederick W. Wolf, Sr., was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, Nov. 26, 1838, and came to America about 1859, settling in Mercer county, N. J. On March 4, 1866, in Philadelphia, he married Mary Elizabeth Gehring, who was born April 18, 1841, in Halle, Westphalia, Germany. He and his wife came to Milton in 1867, and went into the baking business on Mahoning street, near the old canal bridge. In 1872 they removed their place of business to South Front street, near the river bridge, and there they continued. Mr. Wolf died Oct. 28, 1877, and his wife on Aug. 27, 1907, and both are buried in the Harmony cemetery at Milton. During the Civil war Mr. Wolf enlisted as a baker and served until the close of the war. He was a Democrat in politics, and his religious connection was with the German Lutheran Church. His children were: Frederick W.; Lulu, born in Milton June 10, 1870, who married Lewis Young, of Philadelphia, and has a daughter, Fay; and Maria, born at Milton July 29, 1872, who married A. S. Miller, of Milton. Frederick W. Wolf attended the schools at Milton, and then found employment with the Shimers, the Godcharleses and in the Milton car shops He began his restaurant business in 1892, the next year buying the property, which is located at the corner of South Front and River bridge, and was once the old tollhouse. Mr. Wolf has greatly improved the place and has made it up-to-date in every particular. He is the owner of considerable valuable real estate in Milton. Mr. Wolf married Hettie Wetzel, and they have had three children, Margaret, Frederick W. and Lulu. Mr. Wolf is a member of the F.O.E. and the P.O.S. of A. In politics he is a stanch upholder of Democratic principles. The family attend the Lutheran Church. WARREN UNGER, the proprietor of the large hardware establishment at Nos. 309-313 Spruce street, Shamokin, is one of the enterprising business men and public-spirited citizens of that thriving borough. He was born in Dauphin county, Pa., April 7, 1868, son of Daniel and Huldah (Raker) Unger. Christian Unger emigrated to America in the ship "Edinburgh," landing at Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1752. In 1756. He was a taxable resident of Greenwich township, Berks county. His children were: Michael, a taxable in Greenwich township in 1759; John, who went to Shamokin, Pa.; Herman, who married Elizabeth Heim, and reared a family; one son (name unknown) who settled in Maryland; Susanna, who married John Schappel; Elizabeth, who married George Heffley; and a daughter who married Christian Reeser. John Unger, son of Christian, was born in Berks county, and first followed farming near Hamburg. He came to Northumberland county in 1812, by wagon, and settled in Shamokin township, three miles west of Paxinos. Here he took up about 300 acres of land in the woods, and built a house and hotel. The stage stopped at his hotel to feed the horses and spend the night, and the hostelry became known throughout the country. Mr. Unger died in 1847, and was buried at the Blue Church, in Ralpho township. He was twice married, and his children were: Solomon; Jacob; George: John; Annie, who married Andrew Knerr; Elizabeth, who married John Fegley; Catharine, who married Joseph Hill; and Sallie, who married Charles Foy. Jacob Unger, son of John, was born in 1802 in Berks county, and came to this county with his father. He followed farming in Shamokin township and there owned a farm. He died in 1881, and is buried at the Blue church. He married Catharine Rose, who died in 1877. Their END OF PAGE 825 children were: John; Maria, who married William Mattres; Margaret, who married Bastian Artley; Harriet and Elizabeth, who both died unmarried; Catharine, who married Solomon Rockefeller; and Daniel. Daniel Unger, son of Jacob, was born in Shamokin township Dec. 25, 1838, and followed farm work until he was eighteen. He then went to Sunbury and learned the tinner's trade, which he followed for several years, and at different times while engaged in farming. He sold out in 1897 to his sons, and retired from active life. He is the only one of his generation living. Mr. Unger served in the Union army during the Civil war. He married Huldah Raker, daughter of George and Mary (Oxheimer) Raker, and their children were: (1) William H., born June 24, 1864, was educated in the common schools, Elysburg Academy, and Central Pennsylvania College, at New Berlin, Union county, graduating from the latter in 1887. He read law with W. H. M. Oram, of Shamokin, was admitted to the bar in September, 1890, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. In politics he is a Republican, and from 1885 to 1889 was a member of the county committee. He was formerly vice president and is now president of the Market Street National Bank, Shamokin. In 1890, he was elected to the borough council. On April 16, 1890, he married Ella Malick, daughter of Emanuel and Hannah Malick, of Shamokin. (2) George C., born Oct. 13, 1865, was educated in the common schools. In 1883 he entered the employ of A. Baker, and learned the tinner's trade, and now is in the hardware business at Lebanon, Pa. He is a member of the P.O.S. of A. and the S. of V. In 1887 he married Clara E. Smink, and they have nine children, of whom are mentioned: Edith L., Clarence and one deceased. In politics Mr. Unger is a Republican. (3) Warren is mentioned below. (4) Della married Leonard H. Adams, and lives at Shamokin. (5) Henry H. is a druggist at Shamokin. (6) U. Grant is an attorney. Warren Unger attended the public schools and Central Pennsylvania College in 1888. He earned the tinner's trade, and became a member of the firm of W. H. Unger & Co. In 1898 he purchased his brother's interests, and has since branched out doubling the stock and increasing the facilities, adding a sanitary plumbing and steam fitting department and doing electrical work. In 1905 he built a large warehouse at Arch and Fifth streets for his reserve stock, and for storing stoves and household goods. It is one of the best equipped stores of the kind in the county. He employs sixteen to eighteen men. Mr. Unger is interested in other enterprises, and is agent for the Reo automobiles. He was a director of the Shamokin and Coal township Light, Heat & Power Company, but sold his interest in 1908. He is a director of the Market Street National Bank. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks and the P.O.S. of A., and is a director in the latter. Mr. Unger married Eliza Walters, daughter of Samuel Walters, of Shamokin, and they have four children: Blanch, Foster, Ruth and Edna. The family attend the United Evangelical Church. DAVID A. FEGLEY, of Sunbury, who conducts a plumbing and heating business, is a young man of substantial qualities who has made a position for himself in the commercial circles of the borough by application and energy, and he deserves the good standing he enjoys. He was born May 23, 1873, in Rockefeller township, Northumberland county, and has lived in Sunbury since 1891. Jonathan Fegley, great-grandfather of David A. Fegley, lived in the Mahanoy Valley in this county. His children were: Jacob, John, Samuel, Moses, Polly and Sarah. Jacob Fegley, son of Jonathan, was born in Stone Valley, Northumberland county, and was one of the well-to-do and well known men of his district. He followed milling, and owned three farms in Rockefeller township, dying upon one of his farms. He is buried at Lantz's Church. In religion he was a member of the Reformed Church, in politics a Democrat. To him and his wife Catharine (Schlegel), daughter of Daniel Schlegel, were born the following children: Louisa; William, Peter, David (living in Sunbury), Mary, Sevilla and Simon. William Fegley, son of Jacob, was born Oct. 1, 1843, in the Mahanoy Valley, and followed farming in Rockefeller township, where he passed the greater part of his life. In 1896 he came to Sunbury, where he lived in retirement until his death, June 14, 1902. He is buried at Lantz's Church. Like his father he belonged to the Reformed denomination, and he took an active part in church affairs. Politically he was a Democrat. On Dec. 25, 1866, he married Catharine Keefer, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Weiser) Keefer, and she survives him, making her home in Sunbury. Six children were born to this union: Laura, who is the wife of Eben Martz; George, of Perry, Iowa; David A.; Elizabeth, wife of William Fetter; Peter, of Lower Augusta township; and Turabell, wife of Charles Fahrensworth. David A. Fegley obtained his education in the public schools of his native township, and was employed there, upon his father's farm, until he came to Sunbury in 1891. Entering the employ of I. J. Reitz, be remained with him for thirteen years, learning the plumbing business thoroughly, and since leaving Mr. Reitz's employ has been in business on his own account. He is located at No. 25 South Seventh street, Sunbury. Mr. Fegley has one rule from which he never departs, to END OF PAGE 826 do his best to please his customers, and the large trade he has built up has been founded principally upon that basis. He is thorough in his work, and honorable in his financial transactions, and is highly respected among his business associates. On Nov. 8, 1891, Mr. Fegley married Annie A. Ellenberger, daughter of John H. and Mary Jane (Geib) Ellenberger. They have no children. Mr. Fegley is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Lodge No. 620, of Sunbury, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.