Floyd's Northumberland County Genealogy Pages 956 thru 988

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	PATRICK B. HIGGINS was engaged in mining work for over forty years 
before his recent retirement therefrom in 1909, and he is now devoting 
his activities to farming, having bought his present farm in Ralpho 
township in 1900.  He was born Nov. 1, 1846, near Pottsville, Schuylkill 
Co., Pa., son of Thomas Higgins, a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, 
who came to America with his wife and two children when a young man.  
Locating near Pottsville, he there passed the remainder of his long 
life, dying at the age of seventy-two years. He made a trip to 
California, but did not remain long in the West. By his first wife, Mary 
(Brennan), he had a family of fifteen sons, only six of whom, however,  
grew to maturity: Barney, Thomas, Martin, John, James and William.  To 
his second marriage, with Sarah Born, came the following children: 
Patrick B., Joseph, Bridget, Elizabeth, Mary, Ellen, and Margaret.  Mrs. 
Sarah (Born) Higgins died Dec. 23, 1910, at the remarkable age of 102 
years, and was buried Dec. 27, 1910, in the Springfield cemetery.
	Patrick B. Higgins was reared near Pottsville. When a boy he 
commenced work at the mines in Schuylkill county in the usual way, 
picking slate but was employed thus only two and one half days when he 
went to the Williams mines at Mount Laffer, same county, where he was 
hired to blow a fan and drive a team. Later he became a loader, and for 
some time he was a loader boss. His next work was cutting coal, driving 
gangways, chutes and headings.  When he came to Shamokin, this county, 
in 1868, he assisted in opening the Lancaster colliery, then owned by 
John and William Gabel, and at this colliery, later known as the Gimlet 
colliery, he remained for the long period of thirty-nine years and 
eleven months, until he retired from that line of work in 1909. He 
served in various capacities, for many years as outside foreman, in fact 
he was the only incumbent of that position at the Gimlet until he gave 
up the work. Mr. Higgins had bought a farm of eighty-five acres of good 
land in Ralpho township in 1900, and there he now resides and follows 
agricultural operations, which he has found a congenial change. A 
hardworking and reliable man, he was well known in the coal fields and 
bore an excellent reputation throughout his career as a miner. He is a 
citizen of sterling worth and esteemed by all who know him.  In politics 
he is independent, voting for the candidate he prefers, regardless of 
party ties. In religion he is a Catholic.
	Mr. Higgins married Margaret Maderia, daughter of George and Mary 
(Rhoads) Maderia, and they have had children as follows: Mary married 
Frank Long; Catharine married William Haines; Thomas is living at Coal 
Run, Pa.; George makes his home in Shamokin, Pa.; Ellen, Patrick and 
John are deceased; James lives at home; Diana is the wife of Harry 
Hornberger; Thursa is deceased.

	JOHN F. HESSER, who has been outside foreman at the Hickory Swamp 
colliery, in Mount Carmel township, since 1898, is one of the respected 
citizens of this region. His father was a boss at this colliery at the 
time of his death. The Hesser family is an old-established one in this 
section of Pennsylvania, and we give something of the early general 
history of the family, contributed by Mr. W. Reiff Hesser, of Beading, 
Berks Co., Pa., a descendant of the same stock.
	In 1732 two brothers, John Hesser and Frederick Hesser, made the 
voyage to this country in "The Loyal Judith," coming from the Palatinate 
in Germany. They were young, no doubt, probably boys of fifteen and 
seventeen years, and in course of time married. One of them (maybe both) 
settled at the "Trappe," in what is now Montgomery county, Pa., and 
reared a family. We have record of only two sons, John, born about 1760, 
and Frederick, born in 1763, both of whom were well known in the lower 
counties of Pennsylvania.  Both served in the Revolutionary war, John 
(who never married) enlisting as a fifer, remaining in the army 
throughout the period of the Revolution and continuing in the regular 
service until the close of 
	
	END OF PAGE 956 
	
the war of 1812-15. He was with Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, 
Jan. 8, 1815. His army service covered over fifty years, and he died at 
the age of about seventy at Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he is 
buried; the date of death appears on his tombstone there.
	Frederick Hesser (2), recorded above as having been born in 1763, 
was the grandfather of Mr. W. Reiff Hesser. He enlisted as a drummer in 
Washington's army in September, 1776, and the terms of enlistment being 
frequently short in the Revolution, subsequently enlisted three times. 
He was present at and took active part in the battles of Trenton and 
Brandywine, was in the reserve at Germantown, and saw active service at 
various other points. A Hessian musket given him after the fight at 
Trenton is now in the possession of the family. A British prisoner 
drummer taught him to drum according to army regulations, and he proved 
such an apt pupil that he was a drum major in the service when still 
quite young. Removing to Schuylkill county while it was still a part of  
Berks county (divided  in 1811), he remained there the rest of his 
life, living at Orwigsburg until his death about 1851. He was high 
sheriff of that county in 1815 and was court crier for several years, in 
those days assembling court by roll of the drum in the large open square 
where the old courthouse still stands.  He was a brother-in-law of 
Francis R. Shunk, who became governor of Pennsylvania, and was himself a 
man of substance and importance in his section.
	Frederick Hesser (2) had four sons of whom there is record; it is 
probable there were no others. These sons were: Frederick Hesser (3) 
removed to Fort Madison, Iowa, where he became a prosperous merchant; it 
is thought he died about 1880. Another son, whose name we do not know, 
left home when young and was never afterward heard from. Charles Hesser 
became a prominent bishop in the Evangelical Church; we have not the 
exact date of his death, but it seems to have occurred about 1845-48. 
Henry Hesser (father of W. Reiff Hesser) was the youngest of the sons of 
Frederick Hesser (2), who had also two daughters: Catherine, who became 
Mrs. John Schoener, and Rebecca, who became Mrs. Fraley.  Both are now 
deceased.  Mrs. Fraley was the grandmother of Dr. Herbert Erb, of 
Orwigsburg.

	Henry Hesser was born July 2, 1815, at Orwigsburg, which was then 
the county seat of Schuylkill county.  About 1844 he removed to 
Schuylkill Haven, Pa., and entered the service of the Philadelphia & 
Reading Railway Company, in which he remained about forty-five years, 
holding responsible positions to the end of his life, in 1890. His 
family consisted of four sons and two daughters, namely: Albert A. has 
for many years been in the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Ry. 
Company, for a long time as superintendent of the Mahanoy & Shamokin 
Division, and still holds a position with that company; Charles F. was a 
prominent business man of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died Dec. 20, 1907; 
W. Reiff was for twenty-three years in the service of the Philadelphia &  
Reading Railway  Company in important positions, and is now in  
Reading, Pa., where he is serving as probation officer; H. A. was 
in the service of the Philadelphia & Reading and other companies for 
many years before his death, in April, 1910; Elizabeth R. lives at 
Schuylkill Haven, Pa.; Emma R. married H. B. Zulick and resides at 
Schuylkill Haven.

	The exact connection between the branch of the Hesser family to 
which John F. Hesser belongs and that whose history is given above is 
not clearly established, but it is certain they were of the same stock, 
as Frederick Hesser, father of John F., was a cousin or second cousin of 
Henry Hesser, son of Frederick (2).  The grandfather of John F. Hesser 
settled in Schuylkill county, where he died.
	Frederick Hesser followed a seafaring life for some time.  In 1861 
he located at Coal Run, in Northumberland county, where he found 
employment at the colleries, and for some time he was engaged as slate 
picker boss at the Hickory Swamp Colliery. He was murdered Dec. 19, 
1874, in the engine room of that colliery, by the "Molly Maguires."  Mr. 
Hesser was an intelligent and respected citizen, well known in this 
section in his day, having been elected coroner of the county in 1872, 
for a term of three years. He was a Republican in politics, in religion 
a member of the Evangelical Church.   He  married  Elizabeth Swenck, a 
native of Schuylkill county, and to them were born five children: Mary 
A., Elizabeth (who died young), John F., Charles H. and George F.
	John F. Hesser was born in 1853 in Schuylkill county, son of 
Frederick and Elizabeth (Swenck) Hesser. He came to Northumberland 
county with his father and attended the local schools until he commenced 
work as a slate picker at the Coal Run colliery. When he became older he 
was employed as a miner about four years, and then went to Pearson, 
Lebanon Co., Pa., where he was engaged for two years at the carpenter's 
trade. Returning to his home district he followed his trade and assisted 
in the construction of the Hickory Ridge breaker, having charge of part 
of the work. Upon its completion he remained there eleven years, as 
breaker boss, in 1898 taking his present position at the Hickory Swamp 
colliery. He has sixty-five men in his charge as outside foreman, and he 
holds their respect and good will to a gratifying degree. Mr. Hesser is 
a member of the Independent Americans at Shamokin, and he is a 
Republican in his political views. 
	
	END OF PAGE 957 
	
	Mr. Hesser married Elizabeth Moll, and they have a family of six 
children, namely: Frederick E., Charles Henry, Emma F., Mary E., Albert 
Quay and Laura B.

	HENRY CAMERON, of No. 604 West Spruce street, Shamokin, has lived 
in that borough for almost fifty years, and throughout that long period 
has been employed at the mines. For over twenty years he has been 
engaged at the Cameron mines. Mr. Cameron was born May 25, 1852, in 
Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where his father, Charles Cameron, a 
native of New Jersey, located before the Civil war.  His paternal 
grandfather had a family of six children, those besides Charles being: 
Daniel, Eckbud F., John, Eliza and Lydia A.
	Charles Cameron was a plasterer and bricklayer by occupation, and 
followed his trade all his life. He lived for some time at Shamokin, but 
eventually returned to his native State, where he died. He married Mary 
A. Murkel, a native of Berks county, Pa., and a member of an old family 
of that county, and to them were born seven children: Emeline is the 
widow of David Reed; Mary E. married Henry Ressler; Henry is mentioned 
below; Charles lives in Shamokin; Simon is a resident of Jamestown, N. 
Y.; Wallace lives in Rochester, Pa.; Elizabeth married Emanuel Leiser.
	Henry Cameron commenced work at the breaker when a mere boy and has 
followed mining all his life.  He has been a stationary engineer during 
the greater part of his forty-eight years at the mines, and commenced 
work with the Cameron colliery about twenty-five years ago, Sept. 15, 
1886. He is now one of the trusted employees at the Cameron mines, 
bearing a deserved reputation for trustworthiness and reliability.  He 
is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and of the Shepherds of 
Bethlehem, in politics a Republican, and in religion an adherent of the 
Reformed faith.
	Mr. Cameron married June 21, 1873, Harriet Rhoads, daughter of 
Samuel and Elizabeth (Kerstetter) Rhoads, of Northumberland county, and 
they have had four children: Sallie E. died at the age of thirty years, 
the wife of Charles Settelmoyer; Mary C. died in infancy; Jennie F. is 
the wife of John Young, of Shamokin, and has one child, Joseph Henry; 
Caroline M. died at the age of twenty-four years.

	ABRAHAM C. BOYER, a young business man of Sunbury who is engaged in 
the manufacture of buggies, carriages and wagons, was born Aug. 30, 
1884, in Upper Augusta township, this county, son of Elias D. Boyer. The 
Boyers are a branch of an old family of lower Berks county, Pa., 
established in Northumberland county in 1831 by Peter Boyer, great-
grandfather of Abraham C. Boyer.
	The emigrant ancestor of the Boyer family was John Philip Beyer, 
who came from the Palatinate to Philadelphia in 1731, with a number of 
children.  He settled in Frederick township, Montgomery Co., Pa., but 
later lived in Amity township, in the lower end of Berks county, where 
he died in the spring of 1753, at a ripe old age. He belonged to the 
Swamp Lutheran Church, and was buried by the pastor, Rev. Henry Melchior 
Muhlenberg, who reports the matter fully in the "Halleschen 
Nachrichten." His will is on record at the Philadelphia courthouse, and 
in it some of his children are named. Among his sons were: Jacob, the 
ancestor of the Boyertown branch of the family; and Johann Heinrich.
	Johann Heinrich Boyer was born in 1714, in the Pfalz, Germany, and 
died May 2, 1814, in the one hundredth year of his age. In 1748 he was 
married to Magdalena Kirchner, and among his children - six sons and one 
daughter - were Philip and Heinrich.
	Philip Boyer, born Dec. 14, 1754, died July 31, 1832.  His wife, 
Christiana, who was born in 1754, also died in 1832, and both were 
buried in the old graveyard at Amityville.  Philip Boyer made a will the 
year before his death, while a resident of Amity township, and in it he 
mentions the following children: Michael; Jacob, who had a son Philip; 
John; Peter; Mary, married to George Koch; and Daniel, born in 1792, who 
died in 1825.
	Peter Boyer, son of Philip, was born in Amity township, Berks 
county, and in 1831 came to Northumberland county with his wife and 
family, which then consisted of twelve children, the youngest two having 
been born in Lower Mahanoy township, where they settled.  His 170-acre 
farm in that township is now owned by one Frank Phillips.  Later be 
moved to Dauphin county, where he owned a valuable farm and mill 
property for which he paid $12,000, and he died in that county about 
1850-51, at the age of sixty-five years.  He is buried at Hoffman's 
Church, in Lykens township, Dauphin county.  Though a stonemason by 
trade, he was engaged principally in farming, in which he was very 
successful and prosperous. He was a strong man, noted for his courageous 
disposition, and was known locally as "Wammas" Boyer.  His wife, 
Catharine Herb, also of Berks county, lived to the age of eighty-four. 
They were the parents of fourteen children, as follows: Benjamin, Sally, 
Elias, Isaac, Rachel, Mary, Hettie, Gabriel, Abraham, Catharine, 
Josiah and Benneville (twins), John and Leah, the two last named born in 
Northumberland county.
	John Boyer, probably an uncle of Peter Boyer, above, served as a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war.

	Abraham Boyer, son of Peter, was born in Amity township, Berks 
county, and came with the family to Lower Mahanoy township, where he 
passed the 
	
	END OF PAGE 958 
	
remainder of his active and successful life with the exception of the 
years he was at Millerstown, Perry County. Like the Boyers generally, he 
was noted for his industry and thrift, and he became one of the most 
extensive farmers in Lower Mahanoy township, owning about five hundred 
acres of land.  He died in Lower Mahanoy township. Abraham Boyer married 
Catharine Anderson, daughter of John Anderson, and to them were born six 
children, namely: S. Pierce; Amelia, who married Henry Pieffer, of 
Dauphin county, Pa.; John, deceased; Elias D.; Hannah, married to John 
Lahr of Pillow, Pa.; and Peter, of Pillow.
	Elias D. Boyer, son of Abraham, was born April 19, 1857, in Lower 
Mahanoy township, and was there reared to farming, in which he has 
continued to be interested up to the present time.  After living in 
Stone Valley, in Lower Mahanoy, for five years, he moved in 1882 to 
Upper Augusta township. where he has since made his home. He is 
extensively engaged in general farming, owning a number of farms - two 
in Upper Augusta township, one of 168 acres and one of seventeen acres; 
and three in Lower Augusta township, of sixty-one acres, eighty-nine 
acres and 105 acres, respectively. As a lumber dealer he has interests 
all over the county, employing from six to twenty men in this line. as 
business demands.  Mr. Boyer has also engaged in contracting, having put 
up about forty houses in the borough of Sunbury, where he has invested 
heavily in real estate. The farm in Upper Augusta township upon which he 
makes his home is an attractive and valuable property with a valuable 
farm stock and well equipped throughout. A good manager, and possessing 
excellent judgment in business matters, Mr. Boyer has been very 
successful, and by his own efforts has accumulated considerable 
property.
	In 1878 Mr. Boyer married Catharine Peifer, daughter of Isaac and 
Eve (Yerger) Peifer, who lived in Jackson township, and nine children 
have been born to them: William, now of Fisher's Ferry, Pa.; John, who 
died in infancy; Hannah, married to Gordon Neidig, of Lower Augusta 
township, this county; Abraham C.; Eve, who died in infancy; Amelia M. 
who died in infancy; Edward C.; Katie; and Emma V.  Mr. Boyer and his 
family attend the Hollowing Run Union Church, of which he is a Reformed 
and his wife a Lutheran member.  In political conviction he is a 
Democrat.

	Abraham C. Boyer received a public school education. In September, 
1906, he came to Sunbury and established his present business, having a 
factory on the corner of Woodlawn avenue and Gas Alley for the 
manufacture of buggies, carriages and wagons, and facilities for all 
kinds of repairing, of which he makes a specialty.  He also acts as 
agent for Swab's wagons. Mr. Boyer has gained a lucrative patronage, and 
gives employment to four men.  He is one of the enterprising young 
business men of the borough and has high standing among his associates 
and all with whom he has dealings.
	On Dec. 21, 1905, Mr. Boyer married Josephine Drumm, daughter of 
John Drumm, and they have three children, Helen C., Mary A. and Elias D. 
He and his family are members of the Reformed Church, and fraternally he 
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.

	JACOB S. ROHRBACH, of Shamokin township, at present  engaged  at 
the carpenter's trade, was born April 4, 1850, in Locust township, 
Columbia Co., Pa., son of David Rohrbach and grandson of Jacob Rohrbach.
	The Rohrbach family is an old one in Pennsylvania, of German 
origin, being descended from John George Rohrbach, who emigrated to 
America about the middle of the eighteenth century. He settled in 
Eastern Pennsylvania, in Berks county, in the territory now embraced in 
District township, and the family is now quite numerous in the eastern 
end of that county. The ancestral homestead is still owned by one of his 
descendants. He was twice married, and by his first union had a son 
Lawrence, who had five sons, Daniel, George (who had eight children), 
Christopher (or Stophel who had eleven children), Jacob and Henry. By 
his second wife, Christiana Moser, he had five children, George, John, 
Simon, Eva and Christiana.  Those of the name now living in Berks county 
are descendants of Lawrence and John; Simon is said to have moved to 
Catawissa, Columbia county; George to have gone West; Eva married Jacob 
Finkbohner, who after her death married her sister Christiana.
	The ancestor of a number of the name now living in Northumberland 
county devoted himself to his business affairs and was a successful and 
influential man of his day in the section of Pennsylvania referred to, 
where he lived and died. For many years he conducted a charcoal furnace 
in conjunction with farming. He had no aspirations toward public honors 
and took no part in anything outside of his private interests.  He 
married Catharine Fenstermacher, and to them was born a large family. 
Their son George, born in 1808 in Columbia county, Pa., was the father 
of the late Lloyd T. and William H. Rohrbach, both prominent citizens of 
Sunbury.
	David Rohrbach, son of Jacob Rohrbach and father of Jacob S. 
Rohrbach, was born in Oley Berks Co., Pa., and moved with his parents to 
Columbia county.  He followed farming, owning 100 acres along the 
Roaring creek, where he spent the rest of his days, dying in 1867, at 
the age of forty-six years. His wife, Sarah (Shuman), died in Catawissa 
and is buried there. They had children as follows: Jacob S.; Jane, Mrs. 
William 
	
	END OF PAGE 959 
	
Beckendorf; Albert, living in Sunbury; Sarah, Mrs. William Witengruver, 
living in Oklahoma; Clara S., Mrs. Lafountan, living in Scranton, Pa.; 
Reuben, who died in Shamokin; William, living at Newport News; and 
Annie, who died young.
	Jacob S. Rohrbach learned the trade of carpenter with Christ 
Hartley, at Roaring Creek, Columbia county, and followed it for four 
years at that time.  He then became a fireman on the railroad, where he 
eventually became an engineer, on the Catawissa line, continuing in this 
work about four years. Locating in Snydertown, Northumberland county, he 
was employed at his trade four years, at the end of which time he 
located upon the farm in Shamokin township which he still owns, the old 
Muench homestead, a valuable tract of 170 acres. For the next twenty-two 
years he was engaged in farming, from which he retired a few years ago 
to resume his trade, at which he is now engaged.  His farm is fertile 
and productive land, and he has rented it since he took up carpentry 
again. Mr. Rohrbach has been successful in the management of his own 
affairs to such an extent that he has been called upon to assist in the 
administration of public matters, and he has served his township two 
years as treasurer and ten years as school director. He is a Democrat in 
politics.
	On Dec. 23, 1875, Mr. Rohrbach married Mary E. Muench, who was born 
Oct. 13, 1856, daughter of Jacob E. Muench and granddaughter of William 
H. Muench.  She died July 12, 1904, and is buried at St. Jacob's 
(Reed's) Church. Two children were born to this union: (1) Edward M., 
born Nov. 28, 1883, who learned the telegrapher's art and has been 
station agent at Paxinos since 1908; he married Susan B. Persing and 
they have had three children, Virginia Estella (died in infancy), Clyde 
Edward (died in infancy), and Emanuel P.  (2) Mary M. is at home.  The 
family are members of the Lutheran Church.

	The emigrant ancestor of the Muench family was Charles E. Muench, a 
descendant of a French noble family of the name of Beauvoir. He probably 
crossed the French line into Germany prior to the French Revolution, and 
took the name of his patrimonial estate, "Munchhofen."  He was born Jan. 
7, 1769, at Mellenheim, on the Rhine, and was educated at Heidelberg, 
where he spent fourteen years preparing for the ministry, learning five 
different languages. He inherited a large fortune and a landed estate.  
Marshal Jourdan, under orders of the French Directory (then the ruling 
power in France), invaded that section, and Charles E. Muench, in 
defense of his country, raised a company of dragoons. In an engagement 
with the French his left arm was so terribly injured that it became 
partly useless. His portion of Germany being overrun, and in the 
possession of the French troops, he gathered together his personal 
property, abandoned his landed estate and sailed for America.  The 
vessel on which he sailed was overtaken by a French privateer and the 
passengers robbed of all their valuables, so that be landed at 
Philadelphia penniless. His wife, Margaret (Bieser), and eldest 
daughter were with him.  Unable to obtain employment, he drifted to 
Shaefferstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., and subsequently lived at different 
points in Pennsylvania, eventually locating in Lykens Valley, near 
Berrysburg, in Dauphin county, Pa., where Mr. Muench engaged in school 
teaching.  He died at Lykens Valley in 1833, and his wife passed away in 
1834, both reaching the age of sixty-four years. Their family consisted 
of seven children: Juliana, born in Germany, who married Jacob Wolf; 
William Henry; Charles F.; Susan, Mrs. Jacob Reigle; Jacob D.; 
Daniel A., of Harrisburg; and Margaret, Mrs. Peter Miller.
	William Henry Muench, eldest son of Charles E. Muench, was born 
Feb. 10, 1799, at Shaefferstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., and as he was born a 
cripple his parents gave him as good an education as possible, their 
lack of means making it necessary to limit him to instruction in English 
and German.  In 1819 Rev. J. P. Shindel proposed that he come to the 
Shamokin valley to teach those branches, and he located at Reed's 
station, where he taught for twenty-four years, at the same place. He 
became widely acquainted and was an early friend of Gen. Simon Cameron.  
He served as county commissioner and held all the township offices, and 
was appointed justice of the peace for Shamokin township by Governor 
Schultze, which position he filled thirty years, during which time he 
married eighty-nine couples, becoming known as the "marrying squire." 
Shamokin township at one time had a much wider area than at present 
including what are now Shamokin, Ralpho, Zerbe, Coal, Mount Carmel and 
Cameron townships, so that he became well known over a large territory, 
and being an expert and elegant penman, an accomplishment none too 
common in those days, he was often called upon to make out deeds and 
mortgages, transacting a large amount of business of that kind.  He died 
Sept. 8, 1885, aged eighty-six years, and his wife Elizabeth (Reed), 
daughter of Jacob Reed, whom he married in 1820, died in 1866, aged 
sixty-six.  They are buried at St. Jacob's (Reed's) Church.  William H. 
Muench was an elder and leading supporter of the German Reformed Church.  
He had two children, Margaret and Jacob E.
	Jacob E. Muench, son of William Henry Muench, was born at the old 
homestead Sept. 20 or 29, 1823, and died in 1900. During his young 
manhood he taught in the township schools for a number of years, but his 
principal occupation was farming, which he carried on extensively.  In 
his early life he was prominently connected with 
	
	END OF PAGE 960 
	
the State militia, of which he was a member fourteen years. He was 
appointed first lieutenant by Governor Johnston, and was subsequently 
elected major, and in 1853 was appointed brigadier-general by Governor 
Bigler. He was a Republican and active in politics, serving several 
terms as auditor of his township, from 1873 to 1875 as auditor of 
Northumberland county, and for many years as school director, being 
secretary of the township school board for eighteen consecutive years.  
The public schools always had a warm friend in this public-spirited 
citizen.  In 1886 he was elected justice of the peace. He was a member 
of the German Reformed Church, and served as elder five years.
	On Dec. 3, 1854, Mr. Muench married Lavina Scholl, who was born in 
1825 at Fleetwood, Berks Co., Pa., and met her husband at the home of 
Conrad Yost, who lived in Shamokin township, this county, while on a 
visit. Mrs. Muench died Sept. 1, 1862, aged thirty-seven years, the 
mother of three children: Mary E., deceased, who was the wife of Jacob 
S. Rohrbach; William F., who died aged seventeen years; and Emma E., who 
married Reuben F. Martz, of Shamokin township, and died Jan. 7, 1902, 
aged forty-two years. On Nov. 28, 1878, Mr. Muench married (second) 
Hattie S. Cooper, daughter of John Cooper, of Upper Augusta township.  
She is now living at Snydertown, Pennsylvania.

	JOSIAH R. RISHEL, station agent at Turbutville and merchant at that 
place, is an enterprising young business man of his community and in the 
several years of his residence there has become one of its respected 
citizens. He was born Sept. 29, 1883, at Danville, Montour Co., Pa., son 
of Peter A. Rishel, and is a descendant of Michael Rishel, the ancestor 
of this branch of the family now represented in Montour, Columbia and 
Northumberland counties.
	Michael Rishel was born in Bucks county, Pa., and about 1790 came 
with his family to Columbia (now Montour) county, settling not far from 
Danville. He had a number of sons, among whom was Solomon.
	Solomon Rishel, son of Michael, lived  in Montour county, where he 
died in 1872.
	Washington Rishel, son of Solomon, lived in Montour county, on the 
road leading from Danville to Bloomsburg. He died about 1894, at the age 
of about seventy-five, and is buried at Danville.  He owned a farm of 
about one hundred acres, and followed farming. His children were: H. 
Clarence; Charles, who lives in Montour county; Edward, who lives at 
Danville; Arthur who lives in Union county, Pa. Peter A.; Sarah who 
married Alfred Thompson and lives at Benton, Pa.; and Lizzie, wife of 
Michael Leighow. This family were Lutherans in religious faith.

	Peter A. Rishel, son of Washington, was born in 1842 in Montour 
county and still resides there, at White Hall, in Anthony township.  He 
has followed farming all his life and has a tract of 100 acres.  In his 
earlier years he learned the trade of carpenter, at which he also worked 
for some years.  He married Margaret Roberts, daughter of David and 
Fannie Roberts, of Montour county, and a family of seven children was 
born to their union: William C., who married Blanche Dewalt and has four 
children; Dorence R., station agent at Ottawa, Pa., who married Jennie 
Evert and has one child, Ruth; Essie M., wife of Samuel Campbell; Leroy 
L., who lives in Hollidaysburg, Pa.; John G., of Jerseytown, Pa.; Josiah 
R.; and George. Mr. Rishel and his family are Methodists in religion; he 
is a Republican on political questions.
	Josiah R. Rishel received his education in the public schools of 
his native township.  Until he reached the age of seventeen he spent his 
summers in work upon the farm. At that time he went to learn telegraphy 
at Ottawa, Montour county, and in March, 1902, he was stationed at 
Jerseytown, on the Susquehanna, Bloomsburg & Berwick (formerly the 
Central Pennsylvania & Western) road, between Watsontown and Berwick.  
After two years at that location he was transferred to Berwick and 
clerked in the office there two years, at the end of which time he went 
to Detroit. where he worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad Company three 
months. Leaving there he worked for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois 
Railroad Company the next three months, after which he returned to 
Pennsylvania, taking his present position as station agent of the 
Susquehanna, Bloomsburg & Berwick road at Turbutville, one of the main 
stations along the line. He has been agent there continually since 1905.  
Mr. Rishel has found excellent business opportunities in his present 
location, and he has been specially interested as a coal merchant, 
having a well equipped yard with a capacity of about five thousand tons, 
and handling some fifty carloads of coal annually. The yard is enclosed 
and under roof. Mr. Rishel has also established a profitable trade as a 
dealer in grain, hay and fruit, his transactions in all these lines 
increasing steadily under the application of first-class business 
methods and attention to the  wants of his customers.
	Mr. Rishel is well known in the local fraternal bodies, being a 
member of Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, F. & A.M., of the I.O.O.F. (Warrior 
Run Lodge, No. 645, at Turbutville). B.P.O.E. Lodge No. 913, of Milton, 
Pa., and of the Modern Woodmen's and Maccabees' organizations at 
Turbutville.  In religion he is inclined toward the Methodist Church. 
	
	END OF PAGE 961 
	
	AUGUST C. HERR, of Shamokin, inside foreman at the Cameron 
colliery, has held that responsible position since 1899, and he has been 
identified with the local coal field since 1873.  He is one of the best 
known miners in the region.
	Mr. Herr was born May 5, 1855, at a place about three minutes walk 
from Lehe, near Bremen, Germany, son of Louis and Sophia (Willis) Herr, 
and grandson of Nicholas Herr, who was a miner in Germany, where he 
lived and died. Louis Herr passed all his life in Germany, dying in 
1866, at the age of forty-five years.  His children were: Johanna (who 
lives in Germany), Louis, Charles and August C.
	August C. Herr attended school in Germany until he reached the age 
of thirteen years.  He then went to sea on a vessel of the North German 
Lloyd line, remaining with the company until 1870. He was in England 
when the war between Germany and France was declared, and from that 
country he took passage for America, landing at Hoboken, N. J., having 
secured leave of absence from the ship on which he was employed, with 
the understanding that he would go back as soon as the ship returned.  
However, he did not do so, going to St. Marys, Elk Co., Pa., where he 
found work in the soft coal mines, remaining there until his removal to 
Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Pa., in March, 1873.  Here he first 
obtained work at the Luke Fidler colliery, as miner, for a period of 
about three months, after which he became a miner at the Cameron 
colliery.  Fifteen years of faithful service brought him promotion to 
the position of assistant foreman, and he served as such five years, 
thus rounding out a term of twenty-six years in the employ of the 
Mineral Railroad & Mining Company.  In 1893 he became inside foreman at 
file Luke Fidler colliery, but after six years in that position he 
returned to the Cameron colliery, in 1899, as inside foreman, and there 
he has since been engaged.  Some idea of the extent of his 
responsibilities may be gained from the mere statement that he has eight 
hundred men under his direction. Mr. Herr is a man of substantial worth 
and keen intelligence, a good judge of men and their capabilities and a 
trustworthy person whose value in his present incumbency has been proved 
in long years of service.
	Mr. Herr is widely known in the fraternities, being a member of 
Shamokin Lodge, No. 664, I.O.O.F., of which he is a past grand, and of 
the Encampment; of the F.O.E.; of Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A.M., of 
which he is a past master; of Shamokin Chapter, No. 264, R.A.M.; of 
Shamokin Commandery, No. 77, K.T.; and of Rajah Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of 
Reading. He is a director of the Home Union and of the Citizens Building 
and Loan Association, and is serving as vice president of the Union 
Company.
	In 1875 Mr. Herr married Minerva Hilbrand, whose parents were lost 
at sea on the voyage from the old country to the United States. Children 
as follows have been born to this union: Charles Augustus, born Aug. 10, 
1875, who married Mary E. Kerstetter and lives in Shamokin; Minnie, born 
April 19, 1877, who died when five days old; Clara Wilhelmina, born 
April 21, 1879, who is the wife of Harvey C. Kerstetter; Ludwig C., born 
June 16, 1880, who married Lillian Llewellyn; William, born Oct. 26, 
1882, who married Clara Miller; Ida, born Dec. 21, 1884, who died Sept. 
5, 1908; Franklin Monroe, born July 30, 1887; John Alfred, born Sept. 
15, 1889; Edward Benjamin, born March 22, 1892; and Annie, born Oct. 8, 
1895.

	C. E. RAUP, formerly of Milton, Northumberland county, is now 
located at Galt, Ontario, as manager of the Canadian branch of Samuel J. 
Shimer & Sons, of Milton, Pennsylvania.

	WALTER J. LEONARD, of Sunbury, engaged as yard-master with the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, is a native of that place, born Feb. 21, 
1876, son of George S. Leonard. The Leonard family is of German origin, 
his great-grandfather, George Leonard, having been born in Germany, 
whence he came to America over a century ago. He located at what is now 
the borough of Northumberland, in Northumberland county, Pa., later 
going to Liverpool, Perry county, this state, where he died at the age 
of eighty-seven years. He is buried there. He was a land owner, and at 
one time conducted a hotel at Northumberland borough.  He served as a 
soldier during the war of 1812.  His children were: Lewis, who died at 
Liverpool; John; Susan, who married David Deckert and lived at Mount 
Patrick, Perry Co., Pa.; and Polly, Mrs. Slear.
	John Leonard, son of George, was the grand-father of Walter J. 
Leonard, of Sunbury.  He was born in Northumberland borough, and died 
Nov. 22, 1894, at Shamokin Dam, Snyder county, at the age of seventy-six 
years.  He is buried there.  In his earlier manhood Mr. Leonard was a 
merchant at Centerville, Snyder county, for several years, and he was 
engaged as a pilot on the Susquehanna river for some time.  He married 
Sarah Sampsel, a native of Centerville, Snyder county, and their 
children were: George S.; Thomas M., who lives in Shamokin, 
Northumberland county; and Alice, wife of Newton Hartman, living at 
Shamokin Dam.
	George S. Leonard, son of John, was born Feb. 14, 1845, in 
Liverpool, Perry Co., Pa., where he lived until he was thirteen years 
old, meantime 
	
	END OF PAGE 962 
	
attending the public schools.  Removing three miles above Liverpool, he 
was employed for the next seven years tending locks upon the 
Pennsylvania canal, except for the time he was in service in the Union 
army. In June 1863, he enlisted from Harrisburg becoming a member of 
Company I, 208th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 9th Corps, and was 
out about two years, his command being attached to the Army of the 
Potomac.  He was never wounded.  In 1866 he located at Shamokin Dam, 
Snyder county, where he continued to work for the canal company until 
1870, since which year he has made his home at Sunbury. For thirty years 
after settling there he was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company (at the time he entered the service it was as an employee of the 
Northern Central Railway Company), retiring in 1900.  He married Mary 
Lower, daughter of Michael Lower, and they have had four children: 
Edward (living at Sunbury, Pa.), Della, Minnie (who died aged twenty-
four years) and Walter J.
	Walter J. Leonard obtained his education in the public schools of 
Sunbury, graduating from the high school in 1898. He commenced 
railroading the same year, starting as a messenger, and was promoted 
from time to time until in 1900 he became master of the freight yard at 
Sunbury, where he has charge of fifty men.  Mr. Leonard has won his 
promotions on merit having made a record for trustworthiness and 
capability by a consistent career of faithful and reliable service.
	On Nov. 25, 1896, Mr. Leonard married Clara Day, daughter of Noah 
Day, and to them have been born five children, two of whom died in 
infancy; the survivors are Dorothy Ruth, J. Edward and Sidney. Mr. 
Leonard has a home of his own at No. 426 South Fourth street. He and his 
family attend the Methodist Church, and socially he is identified with 
several organizations, holding membership in True Cross Commandery, No. 
112, Knights of Malta, Lodge No. 416, Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 267 
B.P.O. Elks, the Y.M.C.A. and No. 1 Fire Company, all of Sunbury. In 
politics he is a Republican.

	Jackson Day, grandfather of Mrs. Walter J. Leonard, was a native of 
York county, Pa. For a number of years he lived at Millersburg, Dauphin 
Co., Pa., where he conducted the work train, and he died at the age of 
sixty-five, in about 1891, at that place, where he is buried. He was a 
member of the United Evangelical Church. He and his wife Jane (Beck), 
who was also of York county, had a family of eight children.
	Noah Day, son of Jackson and Jane (Beck) Day, was born May 1, 1851, 
at Shrewsbury, York Co., Pa., where he received his education.  He began 
railroading at the early age of fifteen years on the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company's work train at Millersburg, and after serving as 
flagman and fireman in turn became engineer, being engaged in that 
capacity for thirty years before his death.  He was yard engineer at DY. 
Mr. Day was well known among railroad men, was a member of the 
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, of the Pennsylvania 
Relief Fund Association and of the Veteran's Association.  He held 
membership in the First United Evangelical Church at Sunbury, and in 
politics was a stanch Republican.
	Mr. Day's first marriage was to Alda Gilbert, who is buried at 
Millersburg.  By that union he had two children: Frederick, who lives at 
Stone Harbor, N. J.; and Jennie, who married Samuel Kobel and lives at 
Millersburg, Pa.  On Oct. 12, 1876, Mr. Day married (second) Margaret 
Yeager, daughter of Christian Yeager, a native of Germany, who lived at 
Georgetown (Dalmatia), Pa.  Mr. Yeager married Sarah Burrell who was 
from Lower Mahanoy township, this county, and they had children: George, 
Alexander, Sarah, Peter and Margaret (wife of Noah Day).  Six children 
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Day: Clara, Mrs. Walter J. Leonard; Cora M., 
wife of Jonathan Kunkel of Sunbury; Jackson, who died in infancy; Virgie 
V., wife of Ralph Bailey, of Williamsport, Pa.; Daisy, who died in 
infancy, and Verlin E., wife of Charles B. Smith, a railroader, who has 
a daughter, Geraldine Elizabeth (they reside with Mrs. Day).

	PATRICK F. KEARINS, of Shamokin, proprietor of the "Market Street 
Hotel," has succeeded his father in the business.  The latter was one of 
the early hotel-keepers of the borough, and in his day was a well known 
man and regarded as one of the public-spirited citizens of Shamokin.
	Patrick Kearins, the father, was born in 1833 in Ireland, and was a 
young man when he came to America.  He located at Shamokin among the 
early residents of the place, and for some time followed mining, later 
engaging in the hotel business, which he continued until his death.  He 
took a great interest in the welfare of his adopted town, and was 
respected by the many with whom he came in contact in his business and 
social relations.  He died in 1898, at the age of sixty four years, and 
is buried at Shamokin. He was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church.  
Mr. Kearins married Bridget Kelly, who died when still a young woman, 
the mother of five children: Mary, who married Joseph Simmons; Katie, 
who married Peter Feibig; Thomas, who died when seventeen years old; 
John, who is living with his brother Patrick; and Patrick F.
	Patrick F. Kearins was born at Shamokin Jan. 18, 1871, and received 
his education there in the public and parochial schools.  For about two 
years he was employed at the mines, and then 
	
	END OF PAGE 963 
	
learned the printer's trade, at which he was engaged for about seven 
years in all, until he became associated in the hotel business with his 
father, about two years before the latter's death.  After that event he 
continued the business on his own account, buying the property in 1903.  
The location, at Nos. 22-24 North Market street, is a favorable one for 
hotel purposes, and Mr. Kearins has held the trade which his father 
established and increased it by his own good management. He has a wide 
acquaintanceship and is a substantial and respected man.
	In April, 1902, Mr. Kearins married Margaret Jones, daughter of 
Herbert M. Jones, the latter a native of Wales who came to America and 
settled in Shamokin. Mr. and Mrs. Kearins have had the following 
children: Mary, Marguerite (deceased), Patrick and John (the latter 
deceased).  Mr. Kearins is a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church and 
a member of the Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Red 
Men. He is an independent voter, supporting the best man, regardless of 
party.

	EZRA R. JACOBY, of Northumberland, now serving as assistant yard-
master for the Pennsylvania Railway Company at that point, has been in 
the employ of that company continuously for the long period of forty-
three years, and for over a quarter of a century held the responsible 
position of general yard-master.  Mr. Jacoby is of German descent, his 
great-grandfather having been one of the five Jacoby brothers who came 
from Würtemberg, Germany, to this country, one settling in Philadelphia, 
on what is now Jacoby street, so named in his honor; he conducted what 
was known as the "Black Horse Hotel."  One settled at Valley Forge, and 
participated in the Revolutionary war.  Another settled on Durham creek, 
in Bucks county, Pa., and during the war sold his wheat to the Colonial 
Government, being paid in Continental money, some of which is still 
treasured by members of the family, Mr. Ezra R. Jacoby, of 
Northumberland, having part of it. The fourth brother settled near 
Allentown, Pa., and the fifth in Bucks county, at Bursonville. The last 
mentioned had a son John Jacoby, who in time became judge of the county. 
His homestead was near Bursonville, on Durham creek, where he had a 
stone mansion of Colonial architecture. He was twice married, his second 
wife living to the age of 104 years.
	Samuel Jacoby, son of John Jacoby by his second marriage, was born 
May 8, 1806, at the home-stead.  In 1824 he moved to near Masonville, in 
the State of New York, and continued to reside in that State until 1846, 
when he removed to Pennsylvania.  Settling first at Trout Run, in 
Lycoming county, he farmed there for some years, and then moved to 
Loyalsock, same county, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying 
at Warrensville March 6, 1901, in his ninety-fifth year. He is buried at 
that place. Though a hearty, ragged man all his life, he had lived 
retired for the last thirty-five years, enjoying the fruits of his early 
industry. At the time of his death the flag on the local schoolhouse was 
placed at half-mast as a mark of respect and in recognition of his 
useful citizenship and high character.  His parents were members of the 
German Reformed Church, but he and his family were Methodists. Mr. 
Jacoby was married in New York State to Clara H. Biels, who was born 
April 12, 1809, daughter of John Biels, and died March 16, l890. They 
were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters: Sarah 
(deceased) married Abraham Abker; Mary Augusta married Robert Abker, 
nephew of Abraham Abker; Chester (deceased) lived in Cascade township, 
Lycoming county; William is a resident of Loyalsock, that county; Lucy 
died young; Abraham is a farmer of Cascade township; Ezra R. is 
mentioned below; Rachel died when fourteen years old.
	Ezra R. Jacoby was born Oct. 16, 1845, near Masonville, N. Y., and 
was six months old when brought by his parents to Pennsylvania.  He 
attended public school for a short time during his early boyhood, but 
his educational advantages were limited, and he read and studied in his 
mature years to make up for early deficiencies. After working on the 
farm until he was fourteen years old, he was later employed in the 
lumber woods until the fall of 1862, at which time he enlisted, from 
Williamsport, Pa., in the Union army, becoming a member of the 3rd 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Volunteers, with which he served 
until August, 1865. He was in the engagement before Petersburg.
	On Nov. 27, 1867, Mr. Jacoby entered the employ of the Pennsylvania 
Railway Company, with which he has since remained. He began as brakeman, 
was conductor in Williamsport for eighteen months, and then, in March, 
1870, came to Sunbury to take the position of yard-master, being thus 
engaged for five years. From that time until 1903 he was general yard-
master, his service in this capacity being highly creditable.  Since 
relieved of this responsibility he has been assistant yard-master at 
Northumberland. During his more active years he had charge of much 
important work, and had as many as eight hundred men under his 
supervision at times.  He attained his high position through his own 
efforts, and he has held the esteem of his associates and employers 
throughout his long career.
	On Nov. 12, 1865, Mr. Jacoby married Florence M. Brown, daughter of 
Heman and Anna Belle (Snyder) Brown, and to them have been born six 
children: Harry, now of Oil City, Pa.; Drucilla, who died when fifteen 
years old; Dora Belle, Mrs. 
	
	END OF PAGE 964 
	
Charles H. Dodge; Charlotte, Mrs. Samuel Todd; Charles, who died in 
infancy; and Augustus K., a railroad man, who makes his home at 
Northumberland. 
	Mr. Jacoby  and his family have occupied the present home on  Front 
street, Northumberland, since April, 1884.  He and his wife are members 
of the Presbyterian Church there, and socially he belongs to Lodge No. 
22, F. & A.M., of Sunbury; Chapter No. 174, R.A.M.; Danville Commandery, 
No. 37, K.T.; and Bloomsburg Consistory, thirty-second degree.

	JOHN D. SWANGER, photographer and art dealer, and one of the 
busiest and most popular of the younger  citizens and business men of 
Milton, Pa., is a native of Franklin county, born at Lurgan, in 1883, 
son of Daniel D. and Mary E. (Long) Swanger.  
	Daniel D. Swanger is one of the prominent and best known men in 
Franklin county. For many years he taught school, for twenty-five years 
filled the office of justice of the peace, and for several years was 
president of the Lurgan Mutual Fire Insurance Co. At the present time he 
is engaged as a merchant at Lurgan. He married Mary E. Long, and their 
children born to them, are: Libby, Brace, Harry, Ellis, Anna, Thomas and 
John D.
	John D. Swanger attended the schools in his native town, and for a 
time was employed by his father. He then left home, going to 
Shippensburg, Cumberland county, where he learned photography under C. 
A. Goodhart. In 1892 he opened a studio at Reynoldsville, Jefferson 
county, and for two and a half years carried it on successfully. He then 
came to Milton, and accepted a position with H. B. Montgomery, and later 
bought out his employer. Since then he has carried on the business 
alone, and so well has he succeeded that he has little time for anything 
but his work. He studies constantly to perfect himself in all the new 
and most scientific methods, and he has won an enviable reputation. He 
is a member of the State Photographers' Association. Fraternally he 
belongs to the Woodmen.
	Mr. Swanger, married Carrie E. Billmeyer, daughter of Henry 
Billmeyer, of an old and prominent family of Northumberland and Montour 
counties.  They attend the Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Swanger has been 
a resident of Milton but, comparatively speaking, a few years, yet he 
has shown himself a citizen of genuine worth. He is a member of the 
Board of Trade and takes an interest in its work as well as in all 
movements that look to the growth and development of the borough.

	EMORY L. MILLER, a young business man of Shamokin who is making a 
success as a contractor and builder, was born Dec. 29, 1883, at 
Augustaville, this county, son of Hiram R. Miller. His grandfather,
	George Miller, who is commonly called "Hunter George," immigrated 
from Germany some time in 1700.  He settled near Hamburg, Berks Co., 
Pa., He had several children, but nothing is known of them by his 
descendants with the exception of John Miller, who settled in Shamokin 
township, Northumberland county, prior to 1785. He owned about thirteen 
hundred acres of land situated upon the Centre pike.  He built his log 
house on the south side of the road opposite where George W. Miller 
later made his home. In 1785 he married Catherine Raber, who was born 
Sept. 26, 1769, and by whom he had two sons and two daughters: George 
and David, both deceased; Elizabeth, who was twice married, first to a 
Mr. Rockefeller and later to a Mr. Wilbour; and Sarah, who married a Mr. 
Miller.  Before his death John Miller divided his property between his 
sons, David taking the land on the south side of the valley and George 
that on the north side.
	David Miller, son of George, lived in Shamokin township, 
Northumberland county, and followed farming.  He married Grace Jones, 
and their children were: Solomon, Jefferson, Maria (married Ruben 
Kline), Rosania (married Farnsworth Reed), Louisa (married Jacob Gonser) 
and Hiram R.
	Hiram R. Miller, born July 14, 1835, died May 4, 1894, and is 
buried at the Augustaville stone church.  He was a miller by trade.  His 
wife, Lucy A. Startzel, born Jan. 31, 1846, now resides in Sunbury. They 
were the parents of five children, namely: Maria A., born Sept. 15, 
1866; George V., June 15, 1868; Herbert A., June 28, 1872; Bertha, Nov. 
19, 1885 (died young); and Emory L., Dec. 29, 1883.
	George Startzel, father of Mrs. Lucy A. (Startzel) Miller, lived 
near Paxinos, in Shamokin township, this county, and died at Snydertown, 
that township. He married Ellen Adams, daughter of Casper Adams, and to 
them were born the following children: David, Daniel, Peter, George A., 
Mary, Lucy A. and Harriet.
	Emory L. Miller received his early education in the public schools 
and later attended Bucknell Academy, at Lewisburg, after which he took a 
course at Syracuse University, graduating from that institution in 1906. 
Meantime, however, he had learned the carpenter's trade with William 
Simpson, of Sunbury, and followed that line of work for some seven years 
before he entered college. After his graduation he located in the 
borough of Shamokin, where he has since been established in business as 
a contractor and builder. He has had the contracts for a number of 
substantial and important buildings in the locality, having erected the 
S. O. Reed and C. M. Adams residences in 1909; the "Ross Hotel," the 
Marheft building 
	
	END OF PAGE 965 
	
and the residence of J. C. Brown, all in Shamokin. He drew the plans for 
the Klecknor business college at Sunbury, and drew the plans for the 
I.O.O.F. building at Trevorton, which he also constructed.  His 
reliability and fitness for the work are best shown in the nature of the 
contracts intrusted to him, and his best recommendation is his work 
itself.
	On March 21, 1910, Mr. Miller married Minnie S. Crone.  They reside 
at No. 510 North First street, Shamokin. He is a Lutheran in religion, a 
member of the I.O.O.F., and belongs to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon 
fraternity of Syracuse University.
	T. Herman Crone, father of Mrs. Miller, was born at Trevorton, 
Northumberland Co., Pa., was a butcher by occupation, and died in 
Shamokin, this county, Sept. 1, 1896.  He married Emma Sweitzer, 
daughter of John Sweitzer, a native of Germany, and to their union were 
born three daughters: Mary, who is at home; Minnie S., Mrs. Miller; and 
Bessie, at home.

	BENJAMIN I. EVANS, of Mount Carmel, Northumberland county, 
inspector of the Fifteenth Anthracite Inspection District of 
Pennsylvania, holds a responsible relation to the eight thousand mine 
workers employed in the twelve collieries over which he has 
jurisdiction.  He has been a mine worker all his life, practically, and 
is well versed in the duties of his position, the importance of his work 
and the obligation under which it puts him to serve his fellowmen to the 
best of his ability.
	Mr. Evans is a native of Wales, born in 1862 and was eighteen years 
old when he came to America.  His first location was at Minersville 
Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he followed mining for about ten years, after 
which he became foreman of the colliery at Mahanoy Plane.  He occupied 
that position about five years, and his next experience was at Buck 
Mountain, Schuylkill county also as foreman, whence he changed to the 
Maria colliery, at Mahanoy City, for two years. He came to Mount Carmel 
in September, 1903, and has since made his home in that borough. Mr. 
Evans took the examination to qualify for State mine inspector in 1902, 
at Pottsville, and passed with a high grade. He has since passed other 
examinations, in 1903, 1906 and 1908, continuing to hold his position 
through merit and eminent fitness for its duties. He is thoroughly 
conversant with its responsibilities and has proved himself competent to 
inspect and report upon the twelve collieries in his care, in which a 
total of about eight thousand people are engaged. His integrity and 
fairness, and a high sense of honor, have marked his performance of the 
trust he has so long held, and he is not only well but favorably known 
throughout the local coal field.
	Mr. Evans was married to Charlotte Baer, and to them has been born 
one daughter, Elizabeth A., now the wife of Frederick Persing, of Mount 
Carmel.  They reside at No. 24 North Maple street, Mount Carmel, where 
Mr. Evans maintains his office also.  Socially he is a member of the 
Elks and Odd Fellows, and in politics he is a Republican.

	WILLIAM H. DUNKELBERGER has been established in business at Sunbury 
for only a few years, but his store has a wide reputation, being the 
largest of its kind in central Pennsylvania and carrying a stock noted 
for completeness.  Mr. Dunkelberger is located at No. 437 Market street, 
in the heart of the business district of the borough, and is engaged as 
a dealer in floor coverings, tapestries and upholstery goods of all 
kinds.  He is one of the younger element, having been born April 8, 
1880, at Middleburg, Snyder Co., Pa., and is of Northumberland county 
stock, his grandfather, John Dunkelberger, having been a farmer in 
Little Mahanoy township. John Dunkelberger was married three times, and 
had six children by one union, namely: Cornelius, Henry, Lewis, Samuel, 
Lizzie (who never married) and Mrs. Henry Peifer.
	Cornelius Dunkelberger, father of William H. Dunkelberger, was born 
in 1839 in Little Mahanoy township, and spent a number of years in 
Northumberland county. Later he moved to Snyder county, where he has 
since made his home, having long been a resident of Middleburg and one 
of the influential citizens of that place, active in business, political 
and church circles.  In fact, he has been an enthusiastic worker and a 
leader in every line which has claimed his interest. For a number of 
years he was a prosperous grain, coal and lumber merchant.  Since 1884 
he has been connected with the United States internal revenue service at 
that point.  In the year named he was appointed storekeeper and gauger, 
later deputy collector, and has been in the Government service since 
1888.  He has long been active in the Republican party in his locality, 
having been committeeman from Franklin township, Snyder county, for some 
years, county chairman, and frequently delegate to county and state 
conventions. For many years he has been one of the most energetic 
workers in the United Evangelical Church of Middleburg, in which he 
holds membership, having been long superintendent of the Sunday-school, 
a class-leader, exhorter, etc., in fact one of the pillars of the 
congregation. He married Harriet Sechrist, daughter of Henry Sechrist, 
who lived near Port Trevorton, Snyder county, and they have a family of 
six children, namely: Ella married J. I. Acher and they live near Port 
Trevorton; Elizabeth married J. R. Kreeger, of Middleburg; Mary married 
Dr. J. C. Sallada, of Benton, 
	
	END OF PAGE 966 
	
Pa.; Gertrude  and Lillian are unmarried; William H. is a resident of 
Sunbury.
	William H. Dunkelberger received his education in the public 
schools of Middleburg.  At an early age he began clerking in a general 
store at Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Pa., and was thus engaged for thirteen 
years, laying a thorough foundation for his future career, becoming 
familiar with the details of merchandising and business methods and 
gaining an insight  into the executive branch of the business which has 
proved most valuable to him in his independent venture.  In 1907 he 
commenced on his own account at his present location in Sunbury, and he 
made a success from the start.  He has worked hard to place his business 
on a substantial foundation, and he deserves the large share of 
patronage which has come to him.
	On Feb. 3, 1903, Mr. Dunkelberger married Nellie Crawford, daughter 
of Albert and Margaret (Sheep) Crawford, who lived near Milton, 
Northumberland county, and they have had one son, William Crawford.  The 
family are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Sunbury.  
Socially Mr. Dunkelberger unites with Lodge No. 22, F. & A.M., of 
Sunbury, with Northumberland Royal Arch Chapter, No. 174, also of 
Sunbury, and the B.P.O.E. Lodge No. 267, of Sunbury

	JOSEPH ERASTUS A. SOWERS, of Shamokin, foreman for the Mount Carmel 
Iron Company, was born Aug. 19, 1842, in Spring City, Chester Co., Pa., 
in which county the family has been established for some time. His 
grandfather, Joseph Sowers, was a native of Germany, and came thence to 
America many years ago, settling near Spring City.  He followed farming, 
and continued to reside there until his death.  His children were 
Erastus, Mahlon and Abner.
	Abner Sowers, son of Joseph, was born on his father's farm in 
Chester county. He lived principally at Royer's Ford, Montgomery county, 
where he followed farming for some years, later working in a mill. He 
died in 1860. Mr. Sowers married Elizabeth Taney, also a member of a 
Chester county family, of French descent and to them were born three 
children: Joseph Erastus A.; Charles, who died young; and Annie, now 
deceased, who was the wife of Rev. Henry Chapman, an Episcopal minister.  
After the death of her husband Mrs. Sowers married William Wilcox, who 
is now also deceased, and by that union had two children, William and 
Annie, the former now a resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
	Joseph Erastus A. Sowers attended public school at Norristown, 
Montgomery county, and commenced to work in the rolling mills there. 
Thence he went to Pottsville, where he learned the molder's trade, 
continuing to follow it until he enlisted for service in the Civil war. 
In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, 96th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, from which he was transferred to the 52d Pennsylvania 
regiment, and he held the rank of sergeant throughout his service.  He 
was under General McClellen and took an active part in the Peninsular 
campaign, and in the operations in North and South Carolina, the battles 
in which he was engaged including Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, 
Bolten Bridge, Malvern Hill, White Oak Swamp, James Island, Fort Sumter, 
Yorktown, Fort Wagner, Morris Island, Bull Island, and Fort Johnson, 
where he was captured July 3, 1864.  He was taken to Charleston and 
thence to Andersonville, where he was held three months, from there 
going to Florence, where he was kept two months before receiving his 
parole. He was discharged Nov. 27, 1864, after three years and five 
months of service.
	Returning to Pottsville, Pa., Mr. Sowers worked there one year and 
then went to Port Carbon, where he took charge of the foundry for J. R. 
Boyer.  He held that position for several years, at the end of which 
time he had a chance to better himself, becoming foreman of the molding 
department in the establishment of John Mullen & Son, at Shamokin, Dec. 
21, 1875.  He remained with this firm for the long period of thirty 
years, and has since held his present position, being now foreman for 
the Mount Carmel Iron Company. Intelligent, faithful and conscientious, 
Mr. Sowers stands high among his fellow workmen as well as with his 
employers, and he is a respected citizen of the borough in which he has 
so long made his home. He is a well known member of the Masonic 
fraternity, holding membership in  Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A.M.; 
Shamokin Chapter, No. 264, R.A.M.; Shamokin Commandery, No. 77, K.T.; 
Williamsport Consistory, thirty-second degree; Rajah Temple, 
A.A.O.N.M.S., of Reading (to which he transferred in 1911 from Irem 
Temple, of Wilkes-Barre); and the Temple Club, of Shamokin.  He also 
belongs to Lincoln Post No. 140, G.A.R. In politics he is a Republican.
	On Oct. 25, 1866, Mr. Sowers married Ella Lord, daughter of Henry 
Lord, of Pottsville, Pa. Their home is at No. 1101 Vine street, 
Shamokin. Five children have been born to this union, four surviving, 
namely: Harry, a machinist, in the employ of John Mullen & Son (he 
married Katie Miller and has two children, Essie and Frank); Elizabeth; 
Harvey B., a molder also in the employ of John Mullen & Son (he married 
Frances Burner); and Ella May.

	CLARENCE K. MARTZ, blacksmith and wheelwright at Paxinos, 
Northumberland county, belongs to a family which has been settled in 
this county for over a century, being a son of Franklin Martz and 
grandson of David Martz.
	David Martz was born Oct. 15, 1802, in Lower 
	
	END OF PAGE 967 
	
Augusta township, Northumberland County, and died Nov. 11, 1855.  
Shortly after his marriage he located at Paxinos and owned and operated 
a fulling mill there, being quite successful in business.  He was a 
respected man, and for many years was chosen to serve as justice of the 
peace at Paxinos.  His wife, Hannah (Evert), born Oct. 6, 1804, died 
June 9, 1880, and they are buried at the Blue church in Ralpho township. 
Their children were:  Elisa died unmarried; Henry, who was a teacher, 
died unmarried; Margaret married David Adams; Sarah married Samuel 
Artman; Franklin is mentioned below; Mary married Albert Fisher; David 
P. is a resident of Ralpho township, this county; John, twin of David, 
is deceased; Hannah married Jackson Hoffman; Susan died young.
	Franklin Martz, son of David, was born Dec. 12, 1835,, in 
Northumberland county, was reared upon a farm and learned the 
carpenter's trade, following both farming and carpentry. He died near 
Paxinos, on his farm, in July, 1887, and is buried at the Blue church. 
His wife, Margaret (Fisher), a native of Northumberland county, daughter 
of John Fisher, still survives, residing at Paxinos. She is a member of 
the German Reformed Church, as was also Mr. Martz.  They were the 
parents of a large family, five of whom are living: Edward H.; William, 
who lives in Shamokin; Bertha M., married to Frank Wertley; Catherine 
A., married to William Kriegbaum; and Clarence K.
	Clarence K. Martz was born April 9, 1873, received his education in 
the schools of the home locality and was reared upon the farm until he 
reached the age of nineteen. At that time he went to Elysburg to learn 
the trade of blacksmith with Joseph Lynn, remaining there for a period 
of five years, after which he went to Shamokin for a year. After that he 
carried on a farm in connection with his trade for some time, and in 
1902 began business at his present stand, in Paxinos, where he has been 
doing business continuously since. It is a fine location, and he has 
built up a profitable custom, doing a general blacksmith and wheel-
wright business. In 1907 he admitted William E. Fisher to a partnership 
in the business, the firm being known as Martz & Fisher. Mr. Martz has 
served his township in the capacity of supervisor, which office he has 
held for three years. He is a Republican in politics and in religion a 
Lutheran, belonging to St. Jacob's (Reed's) Church.  Socially he holds 
membership in the P.O.S. of A. and in the Modern Woodmen of America.
	Mr. Martz married Julia A. Epler, daughter of Amos Epler, of 
Shamokin township, and to this union have been born two children, 
namely: Clara and Fred.

	PETER F. CULP, now of Sunbury. made his home on his farm in 
Rockefeller township from 1891 until his recent removal to the borough.  
He is employed as car inspector in the yards of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company at Sunbury, his service with the company covering over 
thirty years since 1877. Mr. Culp was born Nov. 14, 1850, in what was 
then known as Augusta township, Northumberland county, son of Peter 
Culp, grandson of Henry Culp (or Kolb) and great-grandson of Conrad 
Culp, who was born in the year 1761 and died April 8, 1846, aged about 
eighty-five years. He lived in Augusta (now Upper Augusta) township, 
where he had the farm now owned by a Mr. Haas. His wife, Magdalena, born 
in 1761 died Feb. 9, 1849. Their children were Mrs. Stophel Sterner and 
Henry.
	Henry Culp (or Kolb) was a native of one of the lower counties of 
Pennsylvania, born March 10, 1791, and was one of the pioneer settlers 
in his section of Northumberland county, where he located on what is 
known as the old Pike (Tulpehocken) road, about two miles east of 
Sunbury. He owned a farm in Augusta (now Upper Augusta) township, which 
has since been divided into several tracts. He lost considerable of his 
estate through the shrinkage of Continental currency. His death occurred 
Sept. 11, 1833, and he is buried at Sunbury. He was a member of the 
German Reformed Church.  His wife, Saloma, born in February, 1790, died 
April 15, 1835. They were the parents of the following children: 
Benjamin lived in Crawford county, Pa.; William lived in Millersburg, 
Elkhart Co., Ind., and there are still many Kolps, Kolbs, Colbs and 
Colps in that county, descendants of this family; Samuel died at 
Shamokin, Pa.; Charles lived at Ashland, Pa., where he conducted a 
hotel; Hettie (Esther) married a Mr. Brobst and they lived at 
McEwensville, Pa.; Sarah married Henry Kniss (who had a brother Peter), 
of Rockefeller township, where he followed farming; Peter is mentioned 
below.
	Peter Culp, son of Henry, was born April 22, 1811, and lived and 
died in what is now Upper Augusta township. His birth and death occurred 
on the same farm. He followed farming all his life, and died at a 
comparatively early age, Sept 5, 1850. He is buried in the Union 
cemetery at Sunbury. His wife, Gertrude Lantz, was a daughter of Samuel 
and Magdalene (Martz) Lantz, her father a foremost citizen of 
Rockefeller township. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Culp had the following 
children: Susan, who married William Weitzel (both are deceased); Henry, 
late of Sunbury; Samuel, of Sunbury (he was a soldier in the Civil war); 
David, who died while serving in the army during the Civil war; Richard, 
also a soldier in the Civil war, who lived and died in Sunbury; Albert 
S.; and Peter F.
	Peter F. Culp was trained from boyhood to farm life, and has always 
retained his interest in agricultural pursuits. Since 1877 he has been 
an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, 
	
	END OF PAGE 968 
	
being engaged as car inspector at the Sunbury yards.  In 1891 he settled 
on his ninety-acre farm in Rockefeller township, which was formerly the 
old Judge Abraham Shipman homestead, and for ten years he owned and 
operated the Judge Shipman grist and saw mill which stood on his 
property. He is an energetic and active man, and though occupied with 
his business interests has found time for public service and social 
pleasures. For twenty-three years he held the office of school director, 
serving over fifteen years as secretary of the board. He has long been a 
working member of the Democratic party, and has served a number of times 
as delegate to the county conventions. He and his wife are members of 
the Reformed Church, and he was choir leader of the Lantz Church (named 
after his grandfather) for over twelve years. Recently he and his wife 
took a month's trip through the West.  They came to Sunbury April 3, 
1911, and reside at No. 1273 East Market street.
	In 1873 Mr. Gulp married Anna Heilman, daughter of Daniel and 
Margaret (Smeltzer) Heilman, and they have had a family of eight 
children: Gertrude, who married Jacob Drumm; Margaret, wife of Ed. 
Bartholomew, of Sunbury; Creighton Glenn, who married Gertrude Reader, 
and resides in Sunbury; Peal Vernon, who married Mary Hewett, and lives 
in Sunbury; Royal Palmer, who married Stella Lytle and farms the 
homestead place in Rockefeller township; Albert Bernard, who married 
Ethel Weikel and lives in Rockefeller township; Bessie Blanche, and 
Bryan Darlington.
	Daniel Heilman, father of Mrs. Culp, was born Jan. 26, 1795, in 
Northampton county, Pa., and came to Northumberland county about 1820, 
settling in Lower Augusta township on the farm now owned by his 
granddaughter, Margaret Anna (Heilman), wife of Robert Charles. Here he 
died April 29, 1875. He served as a soldier during the war of 1812-15. 
Mr. Heilman was employed as a cabinetmaker, carpenter and undertaker. In 
politics he was a Democrat, in religions connection a devout member of 
the Lutheran Church, serving many years in the church council. His first 
wife, Gertraut (Diehl), born Jan. 18, 1793, died Oct. 22, 1846, and his 
second wife, Margaret (Smeltzer), of Lower Augusta township, daughter of 
Daniel Smeltzer, who came from Stone Valley, and widow of Christopher 
Ummel, died Jan. 5, 1888, aged seventy-three years, three months, 
sixteen days. Mr. Heilman and both his wives are buried at the 
Augustaville Lutheran and Reformed Church.  Mrs. Heilman was a member of 
the Reformed congregation.  Ten children were born to the first 
marriage: Lydia, Mrs. Henry H. Malick; Hannah, Mrs. William Malick; 
Gertrude, Mrs. Henry Savage; Jeremiah, of Nebraska; Daniel D.; Maria, 
Mrs. Hiram Bloom; Esther, Mrs. Andrew Hauck (they live in Kansas); John; 
and two who died young.  There were two children by the second union: 
Anna, Mrs. Peter F. Culp, and Isaiah A., of Kansas.
	Daniel D. Heilman, son of Daniel, was born in lower Augusta 
township Dec. 25, 1829, and died on his farm there June 30, 1904.  He 
was a farmer, but also followed the carpenter's trade and undertaking.  
In 1856 he married Elizabeth Hauck, who was born Nov. 15, 1831, daughter 
of David and Anna (Lantz) Hauk, and died Oct. 11, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. 
Heilman are buried at the Augustaville Church. They had four children: 
Margaret Anna, wife of Robert Charles; Clara Elizabeth, Mrs. A. J. 
Smith; Dr. D. Franklin, of Northumberland; and John Calvin, who was 
accidentally killed in Indiana, when twenty-five years old.
	ALBERT S. CULP, son of Peter and brother of Peter F. Culp, was born 
Nov. 29, 1848, and lived near the Lantz Church, in Rockefeller township, 
where he owned a piece of property. He was a car inspector for the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Sunbury, where he was accidentally 
killed, while on duty, March 16, 1882. He is buried at Lantz's Church. 
His wife, Annie K. (Hower), now (1910) fifty-eight years old, survives, 
making her home with her sons.  Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Culp: Samuel E., who is unmarried; Charles L.; Sarah G., who died aged 
twelve years; and Mary K., who married Rev. E. L. Kistler, a Lutheran 
minister located near Sunbury, who died in the spring of 1911.
	Charles L. Culp, son of Albert S. Culp, was born Sept. 10, 1874, in 
Rockefeller township. For over fifteen years he was in the employ of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, in the spring of 1909 commencing farming 
on his own account in Rockefeller township, he and his brother Samuel E. 
purchasing the 116-acre tract formerly known as the George M. Kelly 
farm. They are cultivating this land, and Mr. Gulp makes a specialty of 
dairying, selling his milk wholesale in Sunbury. He is an enterprising 
and progressive young man, and has accomplished considerable even in the 
short period he has devoted himself to agricultural work.  In 1897 he 
married Henrietta DeWitt, daughter of David DeWitt, and they have one 
son, Albert David.

	JOHN O'GARA, of Shamokin, member of the firm of O'Gara & Dooley, 
who conduct a hotel at No. 322 Independence street, opposite the Reading 
station, is well known in that connection and also as the leader in 
central Pennsylvania of those who encourage and support clean sports.  
His activity in this direction has won him many friends.
	Mr. O'Gara was born at Trevorton, this county, Dec. 24, 1861, son 
of Patrick O'Gara, who was 
	
	END OF PAGE 969 
	
born in Ireland In 1829 and came to America in 1845. He landed at New 
York City but did not remain there long, proceeding to Beaver Meadows, 
Carbon Co., Pa., where he found work at the mines.  Later he made his 
home at Trevorton, Northumberland county, where he continued mining to 
the end of his active days.  He died in 1896, at Shamokin.  Mr. O'Gara 
married Margaret Donlin, a native of Ireland, who came to this country 
with her parents in 1845 and lived at Beaver Meadows, where she was 
married. She died in 1900.  Seven children were born to this union, 
Catherine, Thomas, Mary, Bridget, John, Michael and Daniel.
	John O'Gara attended school at Trevorton and began work as a slate 
picker, working as such for a short time. He then drove team in the 
mines and in time became a miner, following mining for about twenty 
years, during which time he was employed at the North Franklin, 
Sterling, Burnside and Bear Valley collieries.  After abandoning mining 
he was for six years engaged as a clerk for J. E. Herrold, at the 
"Exchange Hotel," at Shamokin, of which he became proprietor at the end 
of that period, conducting it successfully for six years on his own 
account. In 1908 he became associated with his brother-in-law, J. W. 
Dooley, under the firm name of O'Gara & Dooley, and they have since 
conducted the hotel at No. 322 Independence street opposite the Reading 
station.  The location is particularly favorable, and they have a large 
patronage, which they retain by fair, treatment and attention to the 
welfare of their patrons.
	Mr. O'Gara's connection with the promotion of clean sports has made 
him a well known figure throughout central Pennsylvania.  He is an 
authority on such matters and well fitted for leadership.  Fraternally 
he holds membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Ancient 
Order of Hibernians. He is a Democrat in politics and a Catholic in 
religion, being a member of St Edward's Church at Shamokin.
	On June 26, 1884, Mr. O'Gara married Ella Mansfield, who died June 
19, 1891, the mother of four children: Frank, Mary (married George F. 
Mullen), Morris and Arthur.  His second wife was Jennie Dooley, daughter 
of Michael and Catharine (Kerstetter) Dooley, and they have had eight 
children: Edwin, Warren, Hilda, Ruth, Martha, Leon, Helen and 
Elizabeth.

	PETER ROOS, outside foreman at one of the largest collieries in 
Northumberland county, the Locust Spring colliery at Locust Gap, in 
Mount Carmel township, has been engaged in mining ever since he 
commenced work with the exception of a comparatively short time spent at 
the blacksmith trade.  He has had about twenty years' experience as 
assistant foreman and foreman.
	Mr. Roos was born in 1860 at Thomaston, Schuylkill Co., Pa., son of 
Peter Roos, a native of Germany who came to this country in his young 
manhood and passed the remainder of his life in this section of 
Pennsylvania.  He settled in Schuylkill county, where he worked at the 
mines, and died at Mahanoy City, in that county, at the age of forty-
five years.   His wife, Catherine (Ecker), lived to the age of seventy-
two, dying in 1908. They were the parents of nine children: Catherine, 
Mary, Pete, George, John, Anthony, Barbara, Philip and Christine.
	Peter Roos received his education in the public schools of Mahanoy 
City.  He was only a boy when be began picking slate at the breaker, and 
he was thus employed until he reached the age of fourteen, when he 
commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, following that occupation for 
some time.  He then became employed at the Boston Run colliery, in the 
capacity of assistant foreman, continuing to hold that position for 
about ten years, until he came to Locust Gap to take the position of 
outside foreman at the Locust Spring colliery.  Three hundred and fifty 
men and boys are employed at this colliery, and Mr. Roos's long service 
there attests his value as an intelligent and faithful overseer.  He is 
familiar with all the details of successful mining in this section and a 
man to be relied upon to do his duty well.
	In 1884 Mr. Roos married Elizabeth Becker, daughter of Mathias 
Becker. a Frenchman, and seven children have been born to them, namely: 
George, Barbara, Mary, Lena, Christiana, Elizabeth and Catherine. Mr. 
Roos is a member of the Catholic Church.  He does not adhere to any 
political party, voting independently, as public questions and 
candidates appeal to him.  He is one of the most esteemed residents of 
Locust Gap, a citizen whose influence is considerable and always exerted 
in favor of the most worthy objects.

	HARRY F. CONRAD, one of the younger merchants of Sunbury doing a 
thriving business there, was born April 21, 1882, in Penn township, 
Snyder Co., Pa., son of Aaron A. Conrad,  He comes of a family which has 
been identified with this part of Northumberland county for several 
generations. Jacob and Adam Conrad are shown by the records to have been 
taxables in Augusta township in 1774.  In the early accounts of the 
Conrads we find that John Conrad, the great-grandfather of Harry F. 
Conrad, owned a farm of some four hundred acres east of Sunbury.  This 
John Conrad, born March 18, 1777, died June 11, 1839.  He married Julia 
Cooper, and they had children as follows: Daniel married a Miss Wolfe; 
William married Susan Huey and (second) a Mr. Bartholomew, and had a son 
George; Eli married Polly Gerlinger; George married Esther Reeser; 
	
	END OF PAGE 970 
	
Julia Ann married Henry Gass and had William, Jacob, George, Maria, 
Susan, Louise and Harriet; Kate married Mr. Cooper; Sarah married 
Charles Gebrunger; Ann Maria married Decadon Herb and had Julia, Maria, 
Daniel, Decadon (married Mrs. Maria Dietrich) and Samuel; Susan married 
Samuel Herb.
	George Conrad, son of John, born Aug. 26, 1808, died May 17, 1877. 
He owned a large farm, comprising some two hundred and fifty acres, upon 
which what is now the eastern portion of Sunbury is built. He married 
Esther Reeser, born July 26, 1811, died Nov. 11, 1886, and they became 
the parents of the following children: Catharine married Albert Buckley 
and had four children, Florine (married Charles Zerbe), Clara (married 
John Evert), Alice (died young) and Hattie; William died young; Harriet 
married Philip Eckman and had a daughter Esther; Henry married Sophia 
Fasold; Aaron A. is mentioned below; Gideon was the next in the family; 
Silas married Ellen Clark.
	Aaron A. Conrad, son of George, was born May 9, 1852, in Upper 
Augusta township, and received his education there in the common 
schools.  He was reared to farm life, but has not been engaged in 
agricultural pursuits for many years. In 1877 he engaged in 
merchandising in that part of Upper Augusta township which later became 
East Sunbury, and is now included within the limits of the borough of 
Sunbury, his store being located at the southeast corner of Tenth and 
Market streets. There he did business until 1880, when he moved to Penn 
township, Snyder county, and became interested in milling. In May, 1886, 
he moved to Selinsgrove, this county, where he has since made his home. 
For some time he carried on a general grist-milling business at an old 
mill locally known in the earlier days as Snyder's mill, and later as 
Conrad's mill; the establishment is over one hundred years old, and is 
one of the landmarks of Lower Augusta township. For eight years Mr. 
Conrad did an extensive business shipping fruit to New York, Pittsburg 
and the West in the fall season. He is now living retired. Successful 
and energetic in his business undertakings, he has also been active and 
useful in his relations to the community, having served as school 
director six years, during which time he was president of the board four 
years and treasurer one year; as street commissioner one year and as 
assessor, three years, in spite of the fact that he was a Democrat in a 
Republican stronghold. He has been prominent in local fraternal 
organizations, having been first president of Washington Camp No. 736, 
P.O.S. of A., of Selinsgrove (he has passed through all the chairs); and 
is a past grand of Selinsgrove Lodge, No. 197, I.O.O.F, and active in 
the work of that body. He served fourteen years as a trustee of the 
Reformed Church of which he and his family are members.
	On Dec. 10, 1877, Mr. Conrad married Mary E. Weis, daughter of 
Urias and Sarah (Duke) Weis, farming people of Washington township, 
Snyder county, and they have had two children, Roberta (who lives with 
her parents) and Harry F. In March, 1911, Mr. Aaron A. Conrad returned 
to Sunbury, where he now makes his home. 
	Harry F. Conrad received a public school education at Selinsgrove, 
and during his earlier years took an active part in local athletic 
affairs. When he started out for himself he became a traveling salesman 
for the Witman, Schwartz Company, wholesale grocers of Harrisburg, Pa., 
in whose employ he continued for six years, from June 17, 1904, to May 
1, 1910, his territory being in Juniata, Mifflin, Huntingdon and Bedford 
counties. Meantime, he had gained considerable familiarity with the 
trade and wide experience, so that when he started in the business on 
his own account it was not as a novice. On May 4, 1910, he purchased the 
stock, good will and fixtures of J. F. Berlew, a grocer located at the 
corner of Market and Tenth streets, Sunbury, and there be has since been 
established in business, handling a complete line of fancy groceries and 
fresh meats. He employs four clerks, and has a large trade, making 
deliveries all over the town.  Personally Mr. Conrad has a high 
reputation, and he has every prospect of making a substantial place for 
himself among the prosperous business men of the borough.
	On Sept. 10, 1905, Mr. Conrad married Anna M. Miller, daughter of 
Joseph A. and. Mary J. (Fry) Miller, of Lewistown, Pa. They have one 
son, Joseph Miller Conrad. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad are members of the 
Lutheran Church.

	WILLIAM PHILIPPI of Shamokin, Northumberland county, has made his 
home in that city ever since he came to this country from his native 
Germany, and he has conducted his present bakery since 1901. His home 
and place of business are at the corner of Sunbury and Pearl streets. 
	Mr. Philippi was born Sept. 3, 1867, at Rheinbusch, Neunkirchen, 
Germany, son of Nicholas Philippi, who for many years was the Postmaster 
at Neunkirchen, where he died. William Philippi learned the trade of 
baker in his native country. He came to America in 1891, landing at 
Philadelphia June 3rd of that year. After six weeks in that city he, 
proceeded to Pottsville, Pa., where he remained three weeks, in 
September, 1891, arriving at Shamokin, which has since been his home. 
Not finding employment at his trade immediately he went to mining, which 
occupation he followed for three years before he commenced baking. 
again. By 1901 he was in shape to go into business on 
	
	END OF PAGE 971 
	
his own account and he established the bakery at Sunbury and Pearl 
streets which he has since conducted. His thrift and thorough 
understanding of the business have brought him deserved prosperity and 
held a large and increasing patronage. In 1908 he built the fine home at 
Sunbury and Pearl streets which he and his family now occupy, a two-
story brick house 25 by 50 feet in dimensions. The bake house is on the 
rear of the lot. 
	On Nov. 3, 1903, Mr. Philippi married Mrs. Sarah A. (Markle) 
Tretter, daughter of Martin Markle, a prominent citizen of Shamokin, and 
widow of Charles Tretter, who died in 1894; he was a jeweler by trade. 
By her first marriage Mrs. Philippi had three children, namely: 
Ferdinand M., who lives in Schuylkill county; Lena A., at home; and 
Catharine, who died in infancy. No children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Philippi. The family are members of St. Edward's Catholic Church.

	FRANKLIN A. BERGSTRESSER, of Locust Gap Northumberland county, who 
is engaged as machinist at the Locust Spring colliery, was born Aug. 3, 
1866, at Shamokin, this county, son of Asa Bergstresser, and comes of an 
old family which has long been established in eastern Pennsylvania.
	John Jacob Bergstresser, his emigrant ancestor, was born in 
Germany, came to this country in 1731 and made his home in the eastern 
part of Pennsylvania. Later, with his three brothers, he removed to 
Union county, where they were among the earliest settlers.
	Philip Bergstresser, son of John Jacob,, was born in Montgomery 
county, Pa., was a farmer by occupation, and a pioneer in Snyder county, 
where he died.
	John Bergstresser, son of Philip, was born Oct. 8, 1775; in Union 
county, and there made his home for a number of years. Eventually he 
removed to Dauphin county, Pa., where he died March 27, 1852.  He was a 
millwright by trade and also ran several saw and grist mills, in 1817 
building one at Fisher's Ferry, Northumberland county, which he operated 
successfully for nine years. He then removed to Berrysburg, Dauphin 
county, where he followed his trade in connection with farming until his 
death.  He served as captain of a company of American volunteers in the 
war of 1812. He married Ann Auchmuty, and they had a family of ten 
children: Jacob, William, Mary (Mrs. Joseph Shipman), John, Lot, Phebe 
(Mrs. Jonathan Hoffman), Samuel A., Hannah (Mrs. Daniel Rumbarger), Asa 
and Julia (Mrs. A. B. Sprout), the last survivor of this family being 
Samuel A. Bergstresser.
	Mrs. Ann (Auchmuty) Bergstresser was of Scotch Presbyterian stock. 
Her father, Samuel Auchmuty, was born near Selinsgrove, Pa., and resided 
at Fisher's Ferry, Northumberland county, as early as 1772. He passed 
all his life in that neighborhood, living in Northumberland county until 
his death.  He served four years on the Colonial side in the Revolution, 
from 1776 to 1781, being a private in Capt. Stephen Chambers' company 
of the 12th regiment; was transferred to the 3d Regiment in July, 1778, 
and was discharged Jan. 25, 1781. He was at Valley Forge, at the battles 
of Monmouth, Long Island and Germantown, and saw other service under 
Washington. He married Ann McMahan.
	Asa Bergstresser, son of John and Ann (Auchmuty) Bergstresser, was 
a tanner by trade, but upon locating in Shamokin, this county, engaged 
in the butcher business.  He was killed on the railroad, at Schuylkill 
Haven, Schuylkill county, in May, 1899, when sixty-nine years old.  His 
wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Rehr, died in Shamokin in 1892. 
They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Dora, now the wife of 
William Roth; Lena, married to James Getter; Mary, married to William 
Haupt; Jennie, married to William Simmers; Minerva, married to William 
Seitz; Lillie, married to Jacob Conrad; Clara, who died young; Franklin 
A.; William; Charles, and John.
	Franklin A. Bergstresser was but three years old when taken by his 
parents to Helfenstein, Schuylkill county, where he attended public 
school. When ten years old he began picking slate at the Helfenstein 
colliery, and in 1881 he came to Locust Gap, Northumberland county, 
where he began as a slate picker at the Locust Spring colliery. In time 
he became breaker oiler and then fireman and running engineer, later 
acting as assistant foreman at the breaker for two years. In 1900 he 
took his present position at the Locust Spring colliery, where he has 
charge of the mechanical department having eight men under him. His work 
is responsible, and he has been efficient in every respect and found 
reliable under all circumstances, having the good-will and respect of 
his employers and those associated with him in his work. He is one of 
the best known men in this district.
	On Aug. 26, 1887, Mr. Bergstresser married Ida May Klinger, 
daughter of George A. and Janie (Sharp) Klinger, and they have three 
children, Grace E., Gertrude I. and Jennie M. Mr. Bergstresser is a 
member of the Methodist Church, and fraternally he holds membership in 
the I.O.O.F. (also Rebekah degree) and Royal Arcanum.

	JOHN A. GRAY, track foreman of Division No. 76 on the Philadelphia 
& Erie Railroad, at Milton, Pa., and one of the substantial men of the 
borough, was born in Lewis township, Northumberland county, Sept. 20, 
1866, son of Fred-
	
	END OF PAGE 972
	
erick Gray, and great-great-grandson of Robert Gray, an English 
emigrant.
	Robert Gray came from England in Colonial times with his wife, Mary 
Reese, and settled on a farm near Jerseytown, Pa.  At the outbreak of 
the Revolutionary war he joined Washington's army and fought with the 
Colonies in freedom's cause.
	Lieut. Samuel Gray, son of Robert, was born in Montour county, Pa., 
in 1792. He was a Whig in political faith, and his patriotism was 
evidenced by his service as an officer in the second war with the mother 
country in 1812, he being stationed at Black Rock. He was a noted 
contractor and the canal between Watsontown and Dewart, Pa., was 
constructed by him. He also engaged in teaming. His death was caused by 
accident June 4, 1831, he falling under the wheels of a wagon, while 
driving a six-horse team.  His wife, Isabella Watson, born Nov. 11, 
1800, died Sept. 5, 1863. Both she and her husband were members of the 
Presbyterian Church. Her parents, John L. and Elizabeth (Mann) Watson, 
came from Dublin, Ireland, at an early day and located in Columbia 
county, Pa., on a farm. They were stanch patriots in the Revolution, and 
John Watson was taken prisoner by the British on account of his 
sentiments, and chained to the floor. His wife rescued him, her 
devotion, no less than a regard for her physical weakness, touching the 
hearts of the guards and her plans were not interfered with. Lieut. 
Samuel Gray and wife had seven children: Joseph H., born Jan. 4, 1818, 
died in August, 1876; John G., Dec. 12, 1820, Feb. 2, 1861; Catherine, 
Oct. 22, 1822, in 1856 (married Samuel Gray, a relative); Robert, Oct. 
5, 1824, May 9, 1848; Mary Y., July 8, 1827, in March, 1880 (married 
William Kissner, deceased); Phoebe, March 28, 1829, in 1871 (married 
Jesse Hill, a farmer in Montour county); and Samuel Russell, March 24, 
1831.
	John G. Gray, born Dec. 12, 1820, son of Lieut. Samuel, died Feb. 
2, 1861. His early days were passed in the home in Lewis township, 
Northumberland county, but later he removed to Danville, where his death 
occurred.  He followed farming in Montour county. He married Phoebe 
Waltzer, for his first wife, and the children born to this union were: 
Samuel, Frederick, Isabella, John and George.  He married (second) Mrs. 
Lottie Colwell, and three children, Stephen, Phoebe and Jane, blessed 
this marriage.
	Frederick Gray, son of John G., was born in August, 1844, and now 
lives near Watsontown, Pa., in what is known as the Thomas addition. For 
many years he was employed on the Pennsylvania Railroad as trackman, and 
in 1890 was retired from active work. He gave twenty month of service to 
his country in the Civil war in Rickett's Battalion, Pennsylvania Light 
Artillery. He married Sarah Iches, daughter of Samuel Iches, and their 
children were:  John A.; William  R.; Catharine, who died in infancy; 
Ellen, who married Daniel Nicholls; Frederick, who died young; Ida, who 
married Charles Linn;  Mary, who married Harry McDonland James, who died 
young; Samuel; Henry;  Alice  who married Charles Newton; Maude, who 
married Charles Miller; Bessie; and Pearl, who married George Brown.
	John A. Gray attended the school at Black Hole Valley, near Muncie, 
Pa., and the Rising Spring public school and the Spring Mills high 
school in Center county for two summers and three winters. During the 
summers when not in school he worked on the track, and this has always 
been his business. He began training for it at the age of fourteen, and 
was but eighteen when he was made foreman of subdivision No. 7, with 
five and one-half miles of track in his care. His present division, No. 
76, which he has had since 1899, has three miles of track. He has from 
twelve to twenty men under him. Mr. Gray has, been careful of his 
resources, and he is the owner of two fine farms, one the old Fetzer 
farm of seventy-five acres in Chillisquaque township, and the other the 
140 acre farm in Lewis township that formerly belonged to his great 
uncle, Samuel R. Gray.
	Mr. Gray married Catharine Zettle, daughter of Emanuel Zettle, of 
Spring Mills, Center county, and they have become the parents of 
children as follows: Frederick E., a member of the class of 1912 
Pennsylvania State College; Mary R.; Sarah; John A., Jr.; Harry, who 
died aged six months, and Edna M.  The family home is at No. 27 Railroad 
avenue, Milton. Fraternally Mr. Gray is a member of the Sons of 
Veterans. Mr. Gray has been faithful in the performance of his duty, and 
has won the high regard of the officials over him. In every relation of 
life he has proved his worth, and he has the well earned esteem of the 
people of Milton and Northumberland county.

	HENRY B. MEYER, a blacksmith of Shamokin, where he has established 
a profitable business, has resided in the borough since 1876, but he is 
a native of Schuylkill county and comes of a family which was 
established there by his grand-father, John Meyer.
	John Meyer came from Germany with his family and settled at 
Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa. He was a carpenter, and followed his 
trade for many a years, later engaging in the dairy business, selling  
milk and yeast. A well known man of his day, he had many friends.  His 
children were: Conrad,  Catharine, Martin and Louis.
	Conrad Meyer, son of John, was the father of Henry B. Meyer.  He 
was born in Germany in 1827 and was seven years old when brought to 
America. After beginning work he followed min-
	
	END OF PAGE 973 
	
ing for some time, and later was engaged in different kinds of 
mechanical work, following the trades of carpenter, stonemason and 
clock-maker. He made his home at Ashland, Schuylkill county, where he 
died Feb. 1, 1908, at the age of eighty-one.  His wife, Wilhelmina 
(Fient), came to America from Germany when eighteen years old, and they 
had children as follows: Kate, Sophia, John (who died when thirteen 
years old), Henry B., Richard (who died Jan. 1, 1910), Mary, Elizabeth, 
Thressie (who died aged eight years), and Minnie.
	Henry B. Meyer was born Sept. 17, 1857, at Ashland, Schuylkill 
county, and there attended the public schools.  He began work as a slate 
picker, and continued to follow mining until he reached the age of 
nineteen, since which time he has been engaged at blacksmithing.  Coming 
to Shamokin in 1876, he was with the late J. B. Zimmerman for the long 
period of twenty-four years, four months, until, in 1901, he commenced 
business on his own account. His shop is at No. 13 East Walnut street  
Mr. Meyer is a fine mechanic, as his long continuance with one employer 
would indicate, and he does a thriving business, getting a gratifying 
share of the patronage in his locality. He is conscientious and 
honorable in his work, a fact which holds his customers.
	On Aug. 18, 1880, Mr. Meyer married Ida H. Lott, daughter of John 
T. and Delilah (Hopper) Lott and a member of a well known Northumberland 
county family. They have a fine home at No. 547 North Sixth street.  Mr. 
Meyer holds membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

	JOHN H. GLASS, county detective of Northumberland county, was born 
Jan. 17, 1882, in Coal township, son of Samuel Glass. His father was a 
native of County Meath, Ireland, born in 1838, and came to America when 
nineteen years old, settling in Shamokin, Pa., where he made a permanent 
home. He worked as a miner, in the employ of the late Thomas 
Baumgardner, being thus engaged for thirty years, and was known to all 
as an industrious, upright citizen.  He died April 4, 1902, and is 
buried at Shamokin. Samuel Glass married Maria Richards, a native of 
Wales, who came to America in girlhood.  She now makes her home with her 
son Richard in Shamokin.  To Mr. and Mrs. Glass were born children as 
follows: John (deceased), Richard (deceased), Samuel, Reese, William, 
John H. and George.
	John H. Glass attended public school in Shamokin and when a boy 
began work at the Buck Ridge colliery, picking slate. He was thus 
engaged for a period of three years, after which he drove team in the 
mines for two years and then cut coal for two years.  For another two 
years be ran pumps and an engine, this being his last work at the mines.  
Becoming proprietor of the "White Hotel," located at No. 417 North 
Shamokin street, in the borough of Shamokin, he conducted it until 1907.  
In 1908 he was appointed county detective by District Attorney A. K. 
Deibler, and he has served in that capacity since, with great 
efficiency, discharging the duties of his office intelligently and 
faithfully. His first duties in this incumbency took him among the 
"Black Hand" offenders at Marion Heights, in this county, and he has 
made many important arrests, leading to conviction, in that and other 
fields.
	On Aug. 31, 1901, Mr. Glass married Gertrude Irene Shroyer, who was 
born at Dalmatia in 1884, daughter of Jacob and Bena Shroyer, and died 
April 4, 1907, leaving two sons, Robert and John, who are living with 
their uncle Reese in Philadelphia.
	Socially Mr. Glass unites with the Fraternal Order of Eagles 
(Shamokin Lodge), and in religion he is a member of the Episcopal 
Church. In politics he is quite prominent in the Republican party and he 
has served as committeeman from the Second ward.  He is a well known 
athlete and was one of the star players on the old Shamokin football 
team.

	MICHAEL J. WHALEN, inside foreman at the Locust Gap colliery, has 
been a miner all his life, and his father and grandfather before him 
were also engaged at mining in this region.
	Michael Whalen, the grandfather, came from Ireland when a young man 
and settled in Schuylkill county, Pa., at "Black Sam's" farm, near New 
Philadelphia, about one and a half miles from Middleport. He followed 
mining and became a well known man of his day, serving as tax collector 
of his district. He was a Democrat in politics. He died at Pottsville, 
Schuylkill county, at the home of his youngest son, John F. Whalen, Esq.  
He and his wife had a family of Six children: Patrick, Joseph, Thomas, 
Michael, Mary and John F.
	Michael Whalen, father of Michael J. Whalen, was born in Schuylkill 
county, and died there in 1891.  He was engaged as engineer at different 
collieries, and in 1863 came to, Locust Gap, Northumberland county, but 
later returned to Schuylkill county, locating at Mahanoy City. His death 
occurred two miles east of Shenandoah. He married Dora Glenning, who was 
born in Ireland, daughter of Patrick Glenning, and came to America when 
five years old.  She died Oct. 5,1908. Mr. and Mrs. Whalen had children 
as follows: Michael J., Bridget, Mary A. (Mrs. John O'Brien), John, 
Andrew, Joseph and Thomas.
	Michael J. Whalen was born Aug. 29, 1862, at Silvercreek, 
Schuylkill, county, and received his schooling in his native county.  At 
the age of nine he began picking slate at the breaker, doing 
	
	END OF PAGE 974 
	
such work until he reached the age of fourteen, after which he was 
employed at the mines in different capacities.  When seventeen years old 
he had charge of the sinking of the Greenridge slope, No. 2.  He was 
engaged as a miner until 1885, when he moved to Mount Carmel, 
Northumberland county, there following mining.  In July, 1897, he came 
to Locust Gap to take the position he has since held, inside foreman at 
the Locust colliery.  He was foreman at the Marion colliery for two 
years, 1897-99, prior to his removal to Locust Gap.  Mr. Whalen has 
charge of three hundred and fifty men, among whom he is respected and 
well liked, and he is favorably known in the community where he has so 
long made his home.
	On Aug. 24, 1880, Mr. Whalen married Alice Debo, daughter of Peter 
Debo, who was of French ancestry.  Thirteen children have been born to 
this union, four of whom died young. The survivors are: Rev. William 
(priest who was ordained in 1911), Dora, Joseph, Andrew, Albert Thomas, 
Helen, Michael and John.
	Mr. Whalen is a member of the Catholic Church, and of the Knights 
of Columbus.  He is independent in politics.

	GEORGE W. HAAG, deceased, was in the employ of what is now the 
American Car & Foundry Company, of Milton, for over thirty-six years, 
having entered the establishment when a young man. He was in charge of 
the air brake department (of which he was the head, at the time of his 
death) before the present company assumed ownership of the plant.  He 
was a skilled mechanic, a master in his line, as his long continuance in 
a responsible capacity with one place proves.
	Hans Haag, the progenitor of this family in America, came to this 
country prior to 1734, and settled in Maxatawny township, Berks county, 
where he paid tax and quit rent in 1734.  In 1759 he was still a 
taxpayer, his assessment then being eleven pounds. At the same time 
Andreas Haag was a taxable, paying twenty pounds, and when the Maxatawny 
Church at Bowers was built, in 1759, he gave one acre of land to the 
church to be used, as he said in the deed, "as long as the sun and moon 
shines." The latter's son, Andrew Haag, also contributed to the church; 
he was then a young man. He was the father of John, grandfather, of 
George W. Haag.
	John Haag, son of Andrew, was born near flowers, in Berks county, 
Feb. 12, 1794. In 1836 he moved to Northumberland county, settling in 
Turbut township, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres from the 
Kelchner estate.  There he made his home and followed farming until his 
death, which occurred Jan. 17, 1861. He married Mary Knauss, also of 
Berks county, born Jan. 21, 1795, who died March 21, 1869.  Mr. and Mrs. 
Haag were members of the Paradise Lutheran Church, of Turbut township, 
and they are buried in the cemetery of that church.  Seven children were 
born to them: John; Catharine (deceased) Beneville K.; Elizabeth, Mrs. 
Jacoby Hartman, deceased; Rebecca, who married William Balliet and lived 
in Montour county; Hettie, who married William Gouger and also lived in 
Montour county; and Sarah, deceased.
	John Haag, eldest son of John, was born in Berks county March 20, 
1814, and came to Northumberland county with his father.  He too, 
followed farming, upon the death of his father purchasing the old 
homestead, which he cultivated. He was a prominent Democrat in his day, 
and served many years on the local school board, part of the time as 
treasurer of that body. In 1874 he was elected county treasurer, in 
which office he served one term, until 1876. Mr. Haag married Margaret 
Leinbach, born Feb. 7, 1820, who died May 2, 1892, surviving Mr. Haag a 
number of years; his death occurred Dec. 12, 1876.  They were members of 
the Lutheran Church at Paradise and are buried at the Paradise cemetery.  
Eight children were born to their union: Mary E. married Franklin Hoy; 
Sarah J. married John Baker; Susan married William Kummerer; Margaret E. 
married Jacob Seidell; George W. is mentioned below; John; B. Franklin 
lives in Kansas; E. Newton is an attorney in Philadelphia.
	George W. Haag was born June 16, 1842, and was a pupil in the 
public schools of Turbut township in his early boyhood, later attending 
the McEwensville Academy and also the Milton Academy. He worked on his 
father's farm until 1873, at which time he came to Milton and entered 
upon his apprenticeship to the machinist's trade, which proved to be his 
life work. He began his employment at this line with Murray, Dougal & 
Co., and when the plant was sold to the American Car & Foundry Company, 
its present owners, he continued in charge of the air-brake department, 
in which capacity he was engaged until his death.
	During the Civil war Mr. Haag served in the Union army as a member 
of Company B, 131st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was twice 
wounded, being shot in the breast and side at the battle of 
Fredericksburg; he was taken to Point Lookout hospital.  He was a member 
of Henry Wilson Post, No. 129, G.A.R., of Milton, and of the Royal 
Arcanum at Milton.  Mr. Haag died Aug. 27, 1910, and was buried at the 
upper cemetery, Milton, Pa.
	On Dec. 8, 1864, Mr. Haag married Susan Leinbach, daughter of John 
B. Leinbach, of Lewis township, Northumberland county, and they were the 
parents of two children: George W., who married Rae Mervine (she died 
Aug. 23, 1907, leaving one son Burritt); and Margaret, at home. Mrs. 
Haag and her children are members of the Re-
	
	END OF PAGE 975 
	
formed Church at Milton,  but Mr. Haag held membership in the Lutheran 
Church.

	JOHN B. LEINBACH, father of Mrs. George W. Haag, was born Sept. 9, 
1815, in Northumberland county, and his family was also settled in Berks 
county from an early day.  His grandfather, Henry Leinbach, a native of 
Berks county, came to Lewis township, Northumberland county, in 1800, 
and purchased a farm.  Henry Leinbach, son of Henry, was born Oct. 5, 
1784, and died Feb. 7, 1829.  He married Mary Barnhart, born March 15, 
1789, who died Sept. 30, 1846. They reared a family of eight children: 
Daniel, Henry, John B., Benneville, Sarah (married George Hittle), Mary 
(married F. H. Carver), Elizabeth  (married Simon  Cameron)  and Rebecca  
(married  C. Sworney).
	John B. Leinbach was a prominent man of his day in Lewis township, 
where he engaged in farming until 1861, when he was appointed agent for 
the American Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia, holding that 
position five years. In 1867 he became manager of the Union Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company for the central part of Pennsylvania, continuing in 
that capacity also for five years, until in 1872 he became agent for the 
Northwestern Life Insurance Company.  He was a stanch Democrat in 
politics and a member of the Reformed Church, belonging to the church at 
McEwensville.
	On Oct. 2, 1858, Mr. Leinbach married Mary Dunkel, and to them were 
born the following named children: Fannie; Elizabeth, who married S. S. 
Alexander; Susan, wife of George W. Haag; Sarah, wife of J. P. Dentler; 
John F.; Calvin R., of Kansas; Mary, wife of P. E. Maus; Gertrude, Mrs. 
Frauntz; and Oliver, who married Jennie Smith.

	Beneville K. Haag, son of John and Mary (Knauss) Haag, was born in 
Berks county Jan. 9, 1817.  He received his education in the 
subscription and public schools of his native county, and came with his 
parents to Northumberland county in 1836.  By the time he had spent two 
years on the farm his father bought here he had attained his majority, 
and he began clerking in the general store of Geddes, Green & Walls, at 
McEwensville.  He was employed there for four years, during which time 
he gained considerable valuable experience in that line, as a large 
business in grain as well as in general merchandise was done at the 
store. The grain was hauled to Port May, near Watsontown, and shipped by 
canal. In 1842 Mr. Haag became clerk in a general store in Lewisburg, 
continuing there until 1847, when he came to Milton and formed a 
partnership with T. S. Mackey & Son under the name of Mackey & Haag, 
dealers in dry goods and hardware.  In 1819 this firm was dissolved and 
Mr. Haag formed a partnership with Montgomery Sweeney, with whom he did 
a general dry goods and grocery business for one year, under the name of 
Sweeney & Haag. His next association was as senior member of the firm of 
Haag & Caldwell, which lasted one year, at the end of which time the 
stock was divided, Mr. Haag taking the stand on what is now the site of 
the Milton Bank.  In 1853 he established the firm of Haag & Brown, 
dealers in hardware and books, which did business until 1857, when he 
took entire control, continuing the business for many years. In time his 
son-in-law, John Buoy, became a partner in the concern. In 1863 Mr. Haag 
purchased a lot on Front street from Elizabeth Miller, and in 1865 he 
erected a building on that property.  In 1875 this block was burned, but 
he at once rebuilt it and continued the business.  In the disastrous 
fire of May 14, 1880, which swept nearly all the business district of 
Milton, Mr. Haag's stores were again destroyed. He began rebuilding 
immediately, putting up the block now owned by his son-in-law, John 
Buoy. After this fire Mr. Haag invested in a number of lots on Front 
street, south of his business block, and on his newly acquired land put 
up other business places. In 1889 he erected the "Haag Hotel," now known 
as "The Milton," which was opened to the public April 1, 1890.  This is 
still the largest building in Milton and one of the finest hotel 
buildings in the city.  Mr. Haag was a director of the National Bank of 
Milton from 1865 to 1875.
	On Feb. 20, 1852, Mr. Haag married Sarah Schuck, who was born July 
19, 1821, in Union county, Pa., daughter of Philip and Catherine 
(Diebert) Schuck.  Six children were born to this union: William A., 
deceased; Mary E., who married John Buoy; Charles H., deceased; Sallie, 
deceased; Thomas T.; and Hettie, wife of C. A. Chapin.
	While at McEwensville Mr. Haag was post-master, and he was also a 
trustee of the academy. After the great fire of 1880, in Milton, he was 
appointed a member of the distributing committee which handled the 
relief funds.

	ARTHUR B. WETZEL, senior member of the firm of Wetzel & Gass, 
electrical contractors and dealers of Sunbury, is a young man of 
enterprise and energy, and by hard work has won a substantial place in 
local business circles.  He was born in Sunbury July 11, 1883, and 
received his education there, leaving high school just two months before 
his class graduated to engage in business.  He served his apprenticeship 
to the electrical business in Sunbury and Shamokin, and for a brief 
period was also employed by the Westinghouse Electrical Manufacturing 
Company at Pittsburg.  He has been in business for himself from a 
comparatively early age, and the firm of 
	
	END OF PAGE 976 
	
Wetzel & Gass are the leading contractors in their line in Sunbury, 
where they have built up a large trade.  They have equipped many 
important structures in and around the borough, including the 
Northumberland county jail, the courthouse, the Mary M. Packer hospital, 
the Hooven Mercantile Company's building, the plant of the Sunbury Ice 
Company, the Clemmer building, the "Aldine Hotel," the Presbyterian 
Church, the Baptist Church, the "Neff House," the Burial Case Company's 
building, the William H. Rohrbach mansion, the Blank & Gottshall mill, 
the Rohrbach school building, the Francis E. Drumheller school building, 
the J. C. Packer residence and No. 1 engine house, all in Sunbury; as 
well as the Milton Realty  Company's building,  at Milton, this county.  
Four regular men are employed besides the two members of the firm, both 
of whom bear high reputations as skilled electricians.  Wetzel & Gass 
also deal in electrical supplies, their store at No. 441 Market street, 
Sunbury, having the largest and most complete line of such goods to he 
found in Northumberland county.  Their reliable work, up-to-date in 
every particular and bearing the tests of time well, has won them the 
extensive patronage they now enjoy.
	Mr. Wetzel is a member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 267, and in 
religion is identified with the Episcopal Church, of which he is a 
communicant.
	On Thanksgiving Day, 1906, he married Elizabeth Downs, daughter of 
Joseph O. Downs, of Sunbury.

	Jacob Wetzel, of Hereford township, Berks Co., Pa., made his will 
May 8, 1785, and it was probated Nov. 9, 1785. This document mentions 
his wife Worthy Maria, and shows the oldest son to have been Jacob.  To 
the son Conrad was given the large Baseler Bible.  The children were: 
Jacob, Johannes, George, Philip, Catarina, Peter, Heinrich, Conrad and 
Marialiss.

	Jonathan Wetzel born in 1801, was a farmer and lived near New 
Berlin, Snyder Co., Pa.; he is buried at the New Berlin Church, of which 
he was a Lutheran member.  To him and his wife, Esther Hoffman, were 
born children as follows: Jonathan, who was killed while serving as a 
soldier in the Civil war; Samuel, Solomon and William, all of, whom were 
soldiers in the Civil war; David; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Wenner; 
Hannah, wife of John Gilbert; and Polly, wife of Emanuel Haslett.
	David Wetzel, son of Jonathan, born March 3, 1838, in Union County, 
Pa., was engaged as a farmer for many years during his earlier life, 
until his removal to Middleburg, Pa., in about 1893. Previous to that 
time he had several good farms in Jackson township, Snyder county, and 
he still owns a considerable amount of real estate.  For more than a 
quarter century he has been agent for several fire insurance companies. 
Mr. Wetzel married Elizabeth Spangler, daughter of Elias Spangler, and 
they have had eight children: Calvin, Harry, Jennie, Elsie, Clayton, Eva 
May and Olive Rae (widow of Dr. Charles Woodruff), twins, and Vincent.  
Mr. Wetzel and his family are Lutherans in religious matters.

	James Wetzel was born in March, 1832, in Lower Augusta township, 
was engaged as a laborer, and died July 27, 1909, at Sunbury. He was a 
member of the Lutheran Church.  His widow, Lavina (Clement), daughter of 
Peter Clement, lives in Sunbury with her son Edwin.  Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel 
had a large family, viz.: Frank is deceased; Amanda, Cornelius and 
Hannah died when small; one daughter died in infancy; Nathan, born July 
14, 1857, at Fisher's Ferry, came to Sunbury in June, 1873, and since 
1877 has worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and is a member of 
the Relief Association (on Dec. 9, 1878, he married Katie Eyster, 
daughter of Conrad Eyster, and they have five children, Daisy, Harry, 
Lillie, Alice and Walter; the family are Lutherans); William, of 
Sunbury, an electrician, is married and has a family; Edward, of 
Sunbury, is an electrician; Angeline married William Ray; Emma married 
William Mautz.

	William R. Wetzel was born near Fisher's Ferry and is an old 
railroader, being now engaged as conductor on a freight train on the 
Susquehanna division.  He married Mary Thomas, and they have an only 
son.  The family live at No. 233 Spruce street, Sunbury.

	JOHN W. SCHABO, fire boss at the Excelsior colliery, operated by 
the Excelsior Coal Company, of Excelsior, Northumberland county, has 
been in the employ of that company for a number of years and is one of 
the substantial and respected citizens of his locality.
	Mr. Schabo was born at his parents old home in Columbia county, 
Pa., Aug. 29, 1864, son of John Schabo, now a retired citizen of 
Shamokin, Northumberland county, ex-county treasurer, and otherwise well 
known in this section. He came to Shamokin with his father and began 
work as a slate picker, later being employed at mining. He then 
supplemented his early education by study at St. Vincent's College, 
which is situated at Latrobe, Westmoreland Co., Pa., graduating from 
that institution in 1882. Returning to Shamokin, he was engaged in the 
shoe business for some time, and then for seven years was an employee of 
the Shamokin & Edgewood Railway Company.  He has since been employed at 
the collieries.
	On May 6, 1886, Mr. Schabo married E. Armbuster, daughter of Edward 
Armbuster, of Mauch Chunk, Pa., and of the two children born 
	
	END OF PAGE 977 
	
to them one is living, John Edward, who is foreman for the East End 
Lumber Company of Shamokin, is married to May Hower and has two 
children, Tryllis and Rea. The other, Harry, is deceased.
	Mr. Schabo is a Democrat and has been somewhat active in local 
party matters, having served on the election board for about fifteen 
years. He is at present acting as councilman of his ward, the Third. 
Like the rest of the family he is a member of St. Edward's Catholic 
Church of Shamokin, and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of 
Columbus and the C.K. of F.

	WILLIAM J. LINDER has been brewmaster at the Eagle Run Brewery in 
Shamokin for several years and is a man well known in his line all over 
the United States. He has increased the output of the plant with which 
he is now connected materially by his improvements in the quality of the 
product.
	Mr. Linder was born at Baden, on the Rhine, Germany, Oct. 4, 1873. 
His father Adolph Linder was also a native of Baden and became a civil 
engineer. Coming to America in 1880 he settled in New York City, where 
for a number of years he was engaged in contracting and building, doing 
the frame work on buildings. In 1886 he bought out the bottling business 
of the Star Brewery in New York City and also became a member of the 
firm of the Star Brewery, continuing in this connection until 1892. He 
has since had no active business associations.  He married Mary A. 
Gerold, and they had children as follows: Anna, Charles, Adolph, 
Theodore, Eugene, Annial and William J.
	William J. Linder was a child when he came with his father to 
America. He received a public school education, and has been engaged at 
the brewing business from boyhood, having begun work in that line Aug. 
15, 1889, at the Star Brewery in New York City. He began at the bottom 
and learned the trade thoroughly, and after leaving the Star Brewery 
enlarged his experience by service with various other establishments, 
being in the George R. Alley Brewery for two years and later in the 
Atlantic City Brewery for two years. While at the latter place he made a 
special brew of Wurtzburger which was very successful. For a year after 
leaving the Atlantic City Brewing Company he was with Jacob Hornung, in 
Philadelphia, and then spent short periods in various cities, getting 
different breweries in satisfactory running order. In February, 1907, he 
came to Shamokin to take the place of brewmaster at the Eagle Run 
Brewery, which he has improved in many ways by his progressive and 
intelligent methods of manufacture, its output having an excellent 
reputation in the locality, where the demand has widened considerably 
within the past few years. Mr. Linder has always been a scientific 
brewer, familiar with the most approved and up-to-date processes in the 
production of beer, and encouraging the various movements which have 
been made to place its manufacture on the basis which modern hygiene 
demands. He is a member of the Brewmasters' Association and was one of 
the seventeen charter members of the American Brewing Institute.
	Mr. Linder married Amelia Utgen, a native of Germany, and they have 
two children, Helen and Catherine.
	Socially Mr. Linder holds membership in the I.O.O.F. He is a 
baseball player of some note, having played with some of the strong 
teams while in New York City.

	ALEXANDER LONG, of Shamokin, Northumberland county, is one of the 
old and respected residents of that place, where he is living in 
retirement after many years of industry.  He followed mining throughout 
his active years after coming to this country.
	Mr. Long is a native of County Donegal, Ireland, born Aug. 15, 
1842.  His father, Charles Long, was foreman in a slate quarry in 
Ireland and also had a farm of forty acres which he cultivated, being 
thus in quite prosperous circumstances. He and his wife, Margaret 
(Boyd), lived to advanced age, he dying when eighty-eight years old and 
Mrs. Long when one hundred and one. Their children were: Charles (who 
died in Canada), Abraham, James, Anna, Catherine, Amelia, Margaret, 
Alexander, Jane and Susan.
	Alexander Long was reared in his native country, remaining there 
until after his marriage. He was twenty-one when he came to America with 
his wife and young family, landing in New York City. Their first 
location was in Carbon county, Pa., and Mr. Long also spent some time in 
Chester county and at Pittsburg before settling in Shamokin, in 1871. 
Here he followed mining for twenty-five years, until he met with a 
serious accident, in 1906, which incapacitated him for the work in which 
he had been engaged; from that time until his retirement he was employed 
at other work in the colliery.
	Mr. Long was married in Ireland to Jane Love, a native of that 
country, who died Dec. 31, 1909, aged seventy-three years, at Shamokin, 
and is buried there.  They had a family of seven children, namely: 
Charles L., assistant road foreman for the Philadelphia & Reading 
Company, is now located at West Milton, Pa., and is well known at 
Shamokin, which he still calls home; Maggie is the wife of William Metz; 
Patrick, born in 1868, a skilled well and shot driller, died March 4, 
1909, and his widow and family still reside at Shamokin (he married 
Jennie Thompson, and they had three children, Alexander, Charles and 
Jennie); James is a conductor on the Pennsylvania 
	
	END OF PAGE 978 
	
railroad; Mary married Draper Lewis; John is fireman at the "Windsor 
Hotel," Philadelphia, Pa.; Annie married William W. Smith.
	Mr. Long is a member of the Episcopal Church, and fraternally he is 
an Odd Fellow.

	GEORGE KLINGER, engineer at the Locust Spring colliery, at Locust 
Gap, in Mount Carmel township, this county, was born Dec. 4, 1872, at 
Mount Carmel, and has passed practically all his life at Locust Gap, 
having come to this place when but four years old. He belongs to a 
branch of the Klinger family now numerously represented in Schuylkill 
and adjoining counties.
	The ancestors of the Klinger family in America emigrated from 
Holland.  Alexander Klinger Sailed in the ship "Albany," Robert Brown, 
master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, and 
landed at Philadelphia Sept. 2, 1749. He settled in Reading, Berks 
county, and was in the first list of taxables on record of Reading, 
1759. His name also appears in the first United States census of 
Reading, taken in 1790. He was a real estate owner in the city of 
Reading, as appears by patents taken for lots in 1753. He served as a 
private in the Revolutionary war, in Capt. Conrad Shirman's company, of 
Berks county volunteers. He died in the city of Reading in April, 1802. 
His son George Adam Klinger had previously settled in Mahantango, which 
at that time still was territory of Berks county.
	The great-grandfather of George Klinger lived in, Dauphin county, 
Pa., and followed farming. He died upon his farm near Klinger's Church. 
His children were: Andrew; William, who died in Dauphin county, and 
Daniel, who died at Seven Points, Northumberland county.
	Andrew Klinger, grandfather of George Klinger, was born in 1801 in 
Dauphin county, and coming to Northumberland county was here engaged in 
mining for many years, being a boss at Shamokin, Mount Carmel and Locust 
Gap. He died at Mount Carmel in 1866. His wife, Mary (Helwich), died in 
Shamokin, and they were the parents of eight children, namely: Catherine 
married William Starr; John died in Mount Carmel; Sarah married John 
Kleiser; Reuben died in Mount Carmel (he was a soldier in the Civil 
war); George A. is mentioned below; Mary died unmarried; Bella married 
Daniel Delcamp; William was killed while serving in the Civil war.
	George A. Klinger, son of Andrew, was born in Dauphin county, June 
21, 1841, at the lower end of Deep Creek Valley, near Klingerstown, and 
was only two years old when brought by his parents to Shamokin. He began 
working in the mines when a boy, being first employed at the "Water 
Gap," now the Cameron colliery. He also followed mining at Mount Carmel, 
in 1875 coming to Locust Gap, where he has since been engaged. In 1903 
he was made assistant foreman of a gang of men outside, which position 
he still holds at the locust Spring colliery. During the Civil war Mr. 
Klinger was in the Union army, enlisting at Ashland in Company G, 129th 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and receiving his discharge at 
Harrisburg. He was in the service nine months, and took part in the 
battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
	Mr. Klinger married Jane Sharp, daughter of John Sharp, and to them 
have been born children as follows: A daughter that died in infancy; 
Emma, now Mrs. Abraham Morgan; George; John, who is an engineer; Thomas, 
a fireman; Ida M., wife of Frank A. Bergstresser; Bella; William, who 
died aged twenty-three years; Raymond; Hattie; Margaret, wife of August 
Zimmerman; and Albert, a teacher in Mount Carmel township.
	George Klinger received his education in the public schools of 
Locust Gap, and began work like most boys around the mines, picking 
slate. He followed this for three years, after which he tended door 
inside and then drove inside. Later he was employed outside at the self-
acting plant before he commenced firing.  In 1900 he was promoted to 
engineer and has since been engaged as such, in his present position at 
the Locust Spring colliery. He is an industrious and efficient worker, 
respected as a good citizen and a man of excellent habits.
	On June 1, 1899, Mr. Klinger married Clara Bergstresser, daughter 
of William Bergstresser, of Helfenstein, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and they 
have a family of five children: Hazel, Clayton, Alfred, Catherine and 
Jennie.
	Mr. Klinger is a member of Mount Carmel Lodge No. 630, I.O.O.F., 
and of Washington Camp No. 116, P.O.S. of A., of Mount Carmel.  He is a 
Methodist in religious connection, but has no political bonds, voting 
independently.

	EBERHARD GROSS, one of the foremen at the Cameron colliery, where 
he has been stable boss since 1907, has been a resident of the borough 
of Shamokin since 1892, and with the exception of three years during 
which he was in the hotel business has been engaged in the mines ever 
since.
	Mr. Gross is a native of Cologne, Germany, born July 31, 1857, son 
of Bertolete Gross, who followed farming in Germany, where he died in 
June, 1857. His wife, Anna Mary (Rosenthal), daughter of Broel 
Rosenthal, died in March, 1890, at the age of seventy-two years, and 
they are buried in the same churchyard. They were Catholics in religious 
faith. They had five children, as follows: John, who served in the 
Franco-German war of 1870-71, is still living in Germany; Anthony died 
in 1867 at the age of twenty-two years; Charles, who served in the 
Franco-German war, lives in Germany; Joseph is a resident of Germany (he 
	
	END OF PAGE 979 
	
served in the German army); Eberhard is mentioned below.
	Eberhard Gross attended the public schools and was reared upon a 
farm, also following mining during his early life. He served three years 
as a private in the German army, from 1877 to 1880 From that time until 
he came to America he followed farming and mining. Taking passage at 
Antwerp, he crossed to Montreal, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, 
landing June 29, 1891, and remained there for six months, after which he 
was in Massachusetts, working at the Davis mines, about five months 
before coming to Shamokin, in 1892. He went to work as a miner at the 
Cameron colliery for several years, and for three years, 1899 to 1901, 
was engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the "Franklin House." 
He has since been employed at the Cameron colliery, where he was made 
stable boss in 1907. He is trustworthy and efficient, and has the 
confidence of his employers and the respect of his fellow workmen.
	On May 10, 1881, Mr. Gross married Lena Hafer, daughter of Henry 
and Annetta (Schmidt) Hafer, and they have become the parents of ten 
children, five of whom survive, namely: Mary A., wife of E. C. Keller; 
Joseph, superintendent for the Metropolitan Insurance Company at 
WilkesBarre, Pa.; Frank, Herman and William, all at home. The deceased 
were Charles, Henry, Lena, John and Elizabeth. Mr. Gross has had his own 
home, at No. 817 East Commerce street, Shamokin, since 1905. The family 
are Catholics in religious faith, belonging to St. Edward's Church.  Mr. 
Gross is a Democrat and interested in local party affairs, having served 
as committeeman of Shamokin.

	JAMES H. McBRIDE, of Shamokin, has made his home in that borough 
since 1888. For a number of years after settling here he was employed at 
the collieries and since 1898 has been an employee of the Croninger 
Packing Company.
	Mr. McBride was born May 9, 1863, at Scranton, Lackawanna Co., Pa., 
son of James McBride and grandson of Michael McBride, a native of 
Ireland who came to America when a young man and settled at Paterson, N. 
J.  Later he moved to Bridgeport, Conn., where he died. His family 
consisted of eight children, namely: James, Henry, John, Charles, Susan, 
Mary, Rosie and Sarah.
	James McBride; son of Michael, was born at Paterson, N. J., and 
there spent his early life. He learned the trade of engineer and ran the 
first passenger train on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western; he was also 
the first to run a coal burner on the New York, New Haven & Hartford 
road. He served in the Union army during the Civil war, was a sergeant 
in the 2nd New Jersey Cavalry, and was promoted three times for 
gallantry. In 1866 he went to Florida, where he has since made his home. 
He had worked as stationary engineer for a number of years, and upon 
going to Florida became engineer on a vessel.  His wife, Sarah (McGee), 
died in 1865 at Shamokin, Pa., the mother of three children: Michael, 
who lives in Shamokin; Susan, wife of Fred Rock; and James H. 
	James H. McBride was only two years old when brought from Scranton 
to Northumberland county, and his mother dying when he was very young, 
he was reared by Solomon Klase, at Snydertown, this county. He attended 
public school there at Snydertown, and since 1888 he has made his home 
in Shamokin, where he first found employment as engineer at the 
collieries, continuing to work at the mines until 1898, when he took his 
present position with the Croninger Packing Company. He holds the 
responsible post of chief engineer. He is a reliable and industrious 
worker, and has the respect of employers and fellow employees.
	On Dec. 22, 1888, Mr. McBride married Ida Rowe, daughter of Joseph 
and Catherine (Jury) Rowe, of Lykens, Pa., and they have had three 
children: A daughter that died in infancy, Albert S. and Susan E. The 
family reside at No. 630 West Spruce street, Shamokin. Mr. McBride is a 
member of the I.O.O.F. and the Knights of Pythias, and in religious 
connection was a member of the Methodist Church.

	WESLEY VAN GASKEN, a veteran of the Civil war now living retired at 
Shamokin, Northumberland county, was engaged for many years as a 
blacksmith in the collieries in this vicinity, and he is a son of Henry 
Van Gasken, who in his day was one of the best known men about the coal 
regions. He was born July 28, 1838, in Philadelphia, Pa., and belongs to 
a family which originated in Holland and which has been established in 
America from Colonial times. The emigrant ancestor came from Holland and 
landed at Lewes, Delaware.
	John Van Gasken, Sr., and Sarah, his wife, are the first of the 
line of whom we have record. Their son John was born March 4, 1744, and 
their son Nicholas was born Sept. 10, 1760.
	John Van Gasken, Jr., born March 4, 1744, was in his thirty-second 
year when the Revolution broke out and he must have known Caesar Rodney 
and many of the Delaware patriots, for he himself served in the war and 
was with Washington at the famous crossing of the Delaware. He married 
Susanna Hill, who was born Aug. 31, 1752, daughter of Thomas and Susanna 
Hill, and they  had children as follows:  (1) John, born Aug. 15, 1774, 
was married June 18, 1802, to Hannah Hill, and had children: Susanna, 
born June 15, 1805, and John, born Feb. 5, 1807.  (2) Sarah was born 
Feb. 1, 1776. 
	
	END OF PAGE 980 
	
(3) Thomas, born Sept. 29 1778, died March 9, 1795.  (4) Joseph was born 
March 11, 1781.
	Joseph Van Gasken, born March 11, 1781, died Jan. 24, 1828. He 
followed farming in Delaware. He married (first) Ann Barnet, who was 
born March 15, 1786, daughter of Solomon and Rachel Barnet, and died in 
December, 1822.  On March 8, 1823, he married (second) Rodie Morris. His 
children, all by the first union, were as follows: (1) Rachel, born Nov. 
7, 1808, was over ninety when she died, and though in her advanced years 
both sight and hearing were impaired she continued to visit her 
children, unattended, traveling considerable distances by railroad, and 
like her brother John, who lived to advanced years, but not to such a 
great age as she attained, remained active and intelligent to the end.  
(2) John, born Nov. 12, 1809, died Sept. 19, 1811.  (3) Henry is 
mentioned below.  (4) William, born Dec. 18, 1813, died Dec. 28, 1813.  
(5) Sarah Ann, born Sept. 16, 1816, died Nov. 8, 1816.  (6) Mary, born 
July 27, 1818, died Oct. 6, 1818.  (7) John (2), born Aug. 1, 1820, died 
young.  (8) Barnet born Nov. 29, 1822, died Sept. 22, 1824.
	Henry Van Gasken, father of Wesley Van Gasken, was born Aug. 24, 
1811, in Delaware, and died Feb. 10, 1874. He followed contracting, in 
which he was engaged at various places, being located for a time at 
Detroit Mich., returning later to Philadelphia. He was one of the "forty 
niners" to go out to California, where he remained four years, working 
as a carpenter, in the course of which time and pursuit he put together 
the boat "Swan," which was built at Wilmington Del., and shipped to 
California in sections.  He became captain of this boat when it was put 
into service, running between Sacramento and San Francisco.  Returning 
East, he located in Shamokin in 1852, and there took contracts in the 
building of the first collieries. He subsequently became superintendent 
of the Carbon Run colliery now known as the Bear Valley colliery, and 
for time was division superintendent of the Reading Coal & Iron Company, 
in the Shamokin District under Franklin B. Gowen, president, in these 
various capacities becoming widely known through out the coal regions, 
and among all classes.
	On July 24, 1834, Mr. Van Gasken married Mary Fearer, who was born 
June 13, 1815, in Philadelphia, daughter of John and Elizabeth Fearer, 
and died Nov. 4, 1862. They were the parents of four children; Rachel, 
born July 12, 1836, who married Edward Farrell, of Sacramento Cal.; 
Wesley; Henry Clay, born April 16, 1846 and Mary F., born Dec. 15, 1848, 
who married Frank Bowman, and (second) Frank Warren (both her husbands 
are deceased and she resides in Chicago, Illinois).
	Wesley Van Gasken came to Shamokin with his father in boyhood and 
remained here until seventeen, when be went to Lancaster to learn the 
blacksmith's trade in the locomotive shop.  After three years there he 
entered the Baldwin shops at Philadelphia, where he was employed at the 
time of his enlistment in April, 1861, for service in the Civil war, in 
Company D, 61st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.  He served to the 
close of the struggle, with the Army of the Potomac, taking part in the 
battle of Gettysburg and many other important engagements.  Though he 
saw hard service he himself escaped with only a flesh wound upon his 
left hand. Mr. Van Gasken was the only one of a large family to serve in 
the Civil war, and he has a record of which he may well be proud. He 
thinks it is the fighting blood he inherited from his Revolutionary 
ancestor, whom he honors for his patriotism, which induced him to go to 
the rescue of his country in the days of the Civil war.
	At the end of the war Mr. Van Gasken returned to Pennsylvania, and 
settling at Shamokin followed his trade at the various collieries, 
continuing thus until his retirement, in 1890. In 1864 he married Nancy 
Lake, daughter of David N. and Sarah (Farrow) Lake, of Shamokin, the 
former of whom served many years as justice of the peace  in that 
borough.  Mr. and Mrs. Van Gasken had  five children, all of whom 
married, and they have  three great-grandchildren. Chantilly, their 
eldest child, married Elmer H. Price, of Shamokin, and has children: 
Nancy, Wesley, Edward, Dorothy and Sidney. Mary married Harry M. Dauser, 
now living at Providence, R. I., and they have two children, Frank and 
Harry.  Harry, who died in Shamokin Dec. 16, 1909, at the age of thirty 
nine years, married Cora S. Sweitzer and left two children, Milton and 
Rachel. Rachel is the wife of Sidney Yeager, resides in Norfolk, Va., 
and has two children, Carroll and Margaret. Sarah, wife of E. F. 
Harding, of Boston, Mass., has one daughter, Alice.
	Mr. and Mrs. Van Gasken reside at No. 9 1/2, Commerce street, 
Shamokin. He is a member of Lincoln Post, No. 140, G.A.R., at Shamokin, 
and  one of its past officers; in religious matters he is identified 
with the Presbyterian Church.  An intelligent, respected citizen, he is 
a credit to his  family and a substantial member of the community.

	JAMES F. GORDON, inside foreman at the Locust Spring section at 
Locust Gap, this county, is one of the best known men of that 
place and a miner of fifty years experience, having begun work at the 
breaker when but eight years of age.  He worked his way up from the 
humblest position by faithful and efficient services, and has been 
engaged in his present capacity for the past ten years. 
	Mr. Gordon was born at Pottsville, Schuylkill 
	
	END OF PAGE 981 
	
Co., Pa., in 1852, son of James Gordon.  The father was born in Ireland 
and left that country for America when a young man, settling in 
Pottsville, Pa., where he lived for some time. He also lived at St. 
Clair, in the same county, and later, removed to Ashland, where he died 
at the age of forty-five years. He was a miner by occupation. His wife, 
Anna Corcoran, was also a native of Ireland, and sixteen children were 
born to them, only five of whom grew to maturity, namely: Michael, 
Patrick, James F., Nellie and Sarah.
	James F. Gordon attended school at St. Clair and Ashland, in his 
native county.  He began picking slate at the breaker before he was 
eight years old, and was thus employed for two years, after which he 
went into the mines, in which he has found his life work. He was engaged 
in the mines at Ashland until he came to Locust Gap, Northumberland 
county, in 1896. Here he was fire boss for two years, the next two years 
acting as assistant inside foreman, and in 1900 becoming inside foreman, 
the duties of which position he has since filled. He has a most 
creditable record as a careful miner and a good manager, having 450 men 
to look after. Mr. Gordon is popular with his men and with his fellow 
citizens of all degrees in Locust Gap, respected for his industrious and 
useful life and as a typical representative of the reliable and 
trustworthy workers engaged in the foremost industry of this part of the 
State.
	Mr. Gordon married Mary O'Hara, who was born in Pottsville, 
Schuylkill Co., Pa., daughter of Patrick O'Hara, and they have had six 
children; Anna, now the wife of John I. Carr; Thomas; Margaret, married 
to John J. Brodrick; Nellie; James; and Edward, who died when four years 
old. Mr. Gordon and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and 
he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Holy Name 
Society. He is a Democrat in politics, and while a resident of Ashland 
served three years as a member of the borough council.

	RIVER CEMETERY, Fisher's Ferry, Lower Augusta township. One of the 
earliest houses of worship in the territory now embraced in Lower 
Augusta township, Northumberland county, was located at Fisher's Ferry, 
Pa. At the upper railroad crossing immediately south of the public road 
stood a one story log building 16x24 feet. The roof extended fully two 
feet over the walls. The building had an odd appearance and strongly 
resembled Swiss architecture. Information at this late day states the 
church was non-sectarian, and that the pioneer settlers gathered in this 
building dedicated to the "Glory of God" about once, every month, or 
oftener if a minister chanced to come along who would preach the word to 
them.  In 1902 the last services were held in the building by one Rev. 
Mr. Alexander, a Baptist Minister. During the winter of 1909-10 the 
church was torn down but the foundation of it is still intact. This 
church stood distant about three city squares from the River cemetery, 
at Fisher's Ferry. Most of the settlers who worshipped there are buried 
in the River cemetery.  Probably there, are several hundred buried there 
who have no tomb-stones to record their names or the dates of their 
birth and departure from this life. Yet they did their share in the 
settlement of the district, and much for the good of their posterity, 
and they should not be forgotten.

	PETER C. KUZMICZ, who is engaged in business at No. 427 North 
Shamokin street, in the borough of Shamokin, is making a substantial 
position for himself as a high-class tailor and has prospered by hard 
work and satisfactory service. He is a native of Galicia, Austria, born 
March 12, 1874, and his father, Stephen Kuzmicz, was a blacksmith in 
Austria where he lived and died. Only two of the family came to America, 
Peter C. and his sister Amelia, who lives at Bloomfield, New Jersey.
	Mr. Kuzmicz attended school in his native land and there learned 
the trade of tailor. He landed at New York City in 1895 and came at once 
to Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Pa., where he was engaged in work at 
his trade as journeyman for a few years before opening an establishment 
of his own. He commenced business on his own account in 1901, at his 
present location, and has been successful from the start, his work at 
present keeping from ten to fifteen men busy. In addition to custom 
tailoring he does cleaning and pressing, and his patronage has been 
growing steadily, his customers including some of the best people in 
Shamokin. He has a high reputation for satisfactory work and is 
conscientious in filling orders of all kinds, his skill and neatness 
winning and holding custom and being his best recommendation. He is a 
good citizen of his adopted home, industrious and thrifty, and has good 
standing among his fellow countrymen in Shamokin.
	Mr. Kuzmicz married Katie Anderson, of Shamokin, a daughter of 
Anthony Anderson, the latter a native of Germany. Two children have been 
born to this marriage: Rosie and Stephen. Mr. Kuzmicz is a member of the 
Ruthenian Catholic Church and active in its work and in the church 
societies. In politics he is a Republican.

	GEORGE C. MEISER, who has the leading livery business in the 
borough of Sunbury, was born Sept. 18, 1884, in Snyder county, Pa., 
where the family has long been established. He came to Sunbury in I903.
	Henry Meiser, his grandfather, was born in or near Fremont Snyder 
county, and was a lifelong 
	
	END OF PAGE 982 
	
farmer, dying upon his farm, which is now owned by Charles Spoots.  It 
consisted of about 120 acres.  He was a member of Grubb's Lutheran 
Church, where he is buried, and his wife, Rebecca, who survived him, is 
also interred there. They had the following children:  Henry, who lived 
and died at Fremont Pa.; Alice, who married John Seiler and lives at 
McKees Half Falls, Pa.; Fred, living out West; Joel, of Oriental, Pa.; 
Elizabeth, Mrs. Reinhart, who lived at Independence, Pa.; Benjamin, who 
lived and died out West; and Jonathan.
	Jonathan Meiser, son of Henry, was born Feb. 25, 1849, on the 
homestead farm near Fremont, Snyder county, and like his father followed 
farming, until he met with a disastrous loss by fire, about twelve years 
before his death.  His barn took fire and was burned with all the year's 
crops, implements and live stock, including nine horses, a number of 
cattle, sheep and poultry, and as there was no insurance on any of the 
property the loss was so heavy that Mr. Meiser never recovered 
financially. Afterward, until his death, he worked for others. He was a 
man who had by his industrious and upright life won the respect of all 
who knew him, and he had the sympathy of the, entire community in his 
misfortune. He died four miles northeast of Fremont, June 28, 1901, aged 
fifty-two years, and is buried at Troutman's Evangelical Church, where 
he was a member.  His wife, Sarah (Snyder), who survives him, and is 
still living near Fremont, was a daughter of David Snyder, of Herndon, 
Pa.  Mrs. Meiser is now (1911) fifty-one years old. They were the 
parents of nine children: Mary, wife of Oliver Walter, of Middleburg, 
Pa.; Jennie, married to Dory Haupt, a butcher of Shamokin, Pa.; George 
C.; Edward, of Snydertown, Pa.; Ammon, of Shamokin; Reilly, of Snyder 
county; Clarence, of Snyder county; a son that died in infancy, twin to 
Clarence; and Della, of Shamokin.
	George C. Meiser attended the public schools of the home district 
and was reared to farming until he was twelve years old, at which time 
he went to Shamokin to begin learning the butcher trade. He followed 
that business for about ten years, being obliged to abandon it on 
account of ill health, and in 1903 he came to Sunbury, where he has 
since made his home. Upon settling in the borough he began draying, at 
which he was engaged for five years, in 1907 commencing the livery 
business, in which he has been very successful. He now has the leading 
establishment of the kind in the city, keeping twelve horses. Mr. Meiser 
has first-class equipment in every particular, owning fine teams and 
having all the facilities for giving excellent service to his patrons, 
and he provides vehicles for most of the local funerals. His business-
like methods and reliable character have been the principal factors in 
the development of his business, which has reached profitable 
proportions, and he is regarded as one of the most enterprising and 
honorable young business men in the city.
	On April 7, 1910, Mr. Meiser married Sue Kerstetter, daughter of 
Reilly Kerstetter, of Sunbury. He is a member of Fire Company No. 1, of 
Sunbury.

	THEODORE MINER, who lives at Sagon, in Mount Carmel township, 
Northumberland county, is employed as teamster at the Hickory Ridge 
colliery and has been there engaged in that capacity for over twenty 
years.  He is an industrious, respected citizen of the neighborhood.  
Mr. Miner was born in Columbia county, Pa., May 27, 1847, son of Peter 
Miner. His grandfather was born in Germany and died in Columbia county.
	Peter Miner was a cooper, and in his time flour was shipped in 
barrels. He followed his trade for quite a while, but later took up 
farming. He died at a ripe old age and was buried at Roaring Creek forty 
years ago. His wife, Rebecca (Marks), was also of that county, and they 
had a family of six children, Theodore being the only son. They were: 
Elizabeth married Joseph Gaumer, and resided in Catawissa township, 
Columbia county; Jane married Jacob Artley, who died several years ago, 
and resided in Franklin township, Columbia county; Caroline married John 
Mason, a Civil war veteran, and removed to Hazleton, Luzerne county; 
Theodore will be mentioned below; Alice and Emma were twins; Emma 
married Frank Magill, had a large family and moved to Luzerne county, 
where he died; Alice married Hon. W. C. Kerbaugh, who served as 
representative at Harrisburg.
	Theodore Miner received his education in the public schools of 
Locust township, Columbia county.  When he commenced to make his own way 
he worked at farming but later learned the milling trade at 
"Mendenhalls" mill, under the tutelage of the famous Moses McHenry.  
Getting a position with the Kulp, McWilliams & McConnell Company, he 
worked several years, going as farmer for the same company for three 
years, and as a six-mule driver for another year.  He then secured a 
position as teamster at Hickory Ridge, in 1887, which position he still 
holds, being a faithful employee and a reliable worker. He is a charter 
member of Washington Camp No. 619, P.O.S. of A., also of the Commandery; 
a member of the Independent Order of Americans; an honored old soldier 
and a citizen who has always commanded the respect of his fellow men. He 
has always been a faithful worker for the Republican party.
	On Jan. 6, 1870 Mr. Miner married Catherine Price, daughter of 
Jonas and Rebecca Price, of Columbia county, and they had the following 
children:  (1) Charles E. married Ellen H. Long, and their children are 
Robert Leroy (a baseball pitcher of some note), Claude E., Walter 
Linton, 
	
	END OF PAGE 983 
	
Emma Catherine, Edna May, Charles Albert and Lester Earl. (2) Mary A. 
married A. R. Rephardt an engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad. (3) 
Florence M. married John Weind, in engineer on the Pennsylvania 
railroad, at Pottsville, and has three children, Mabel, Marvin L. and 
Ora.  (4) Elmer E. married Elizabeth Moore and had children, Marion E., 
Mary A., and Lillian N.  The father, Elmer E. Miner, was accidentally 
shot and killed at Maysville. (5) C. Estella married George Grinaway and 
had children, Marlin W., Helen Irene and Dorothy A.  Mr. Grinaway is 
also an engineer by trade and is at present postmaster at Sagon.  He 
enlisted in the army and served his term in the Philippines.  (6) 
Lillian died when thirteen days old. (7) Bessie married Ira Snyder, of 
Sunbury. (8) Howard L. is at home.

	HARRY J. STRAUB, of Shamokin, foreman of the Croninger Packing 
Company, was born at Trevorton, Pa., Feb. 16, 1873, son of Tobias 
Straub, and a descendant of good industrious German ancestry.
	George Straub, his grandfather, was a farmer in the Mahantango 
Valley, in Schuylkill County, where he had 260 acres of excellent land. 
He died in Deep Creek Valley in 1858, aged fifty-three years, and is 
buried there.  He married Bevvie Zerbe, daughter of John Zerbe, and she 
died aged ninety-nine years, and is buried at Williamstown, Dauphin 
county.  They were the parents of ten children, as follows: John and 
George, who both died in Schuylkill county; Elias, who died at, 
Shamokin; Joseph, who died at Girardville, Pa.; Daniel, living at 
Williamstown.  Moses, who died young; Henry, who served in the Civil war 
and died one week after his release from Andersonville prison; Emanuel, 
born in the Mahantango Valley Nov. 5, 1843, who served in the Civil war 
in Company D, 48th Pa. V.I., and now lives at Shamokin; Harriet, who 
married David Crone, and died in Schuylkill county; and Tobias.
	Tobias Straub, son of George and father of Harry J., was born in 
Schuylkill county, and for many years followed mining in Schuylkill and 
Northumberland counties. He is now living at Wiconisco, Dauphin county, 
where he is employed at day's labor. He married Ellen Schughart, who 
died in 1904.  Their children, besides Harry J., were: Agnes, who 
married James Tschopp, a carpenter by trade; George A., who was killed 
in the mines when but fifteen years of age; and Sallie, who died in 
infancy.
	Harry J. Straub attended the public schools of Williams Valley, and 
was only a lad of eight years when he began picking slate at the mines, 
Later he was engaged as a miner, being the youngest Miner at that time 
in the Sterling colliery. He worked in the mines for eight years, and 
then became a driver for J. S. Reitz & Co., of Shamokin, the 
predecessors of the Croninger Packing Company. He drove the team for 
seven years, and on April 5, 1899, was made foreman of the large plant. 
He is conscientious and thorough in all that he undertakes, and he well 
deserves all the credit for the position he has attained and for the 
place he holds in the estimation of his employers and his fellow 
employees.
	Mr. Straub married Ada Heilman, daughter of Thomas Hoffman, of Bear 
Gap. Their home has been blessed by children as follows: George A.; 
Charles W.; J. Ellsworth; Melvin G.; Emma N. and Ruth, who died in 
infancy. In his political principles Mr. Straub is a Republican, but he 
has never taken much active part in party work. He is a charter member 
of Black Diamond Lodge, No. 1092, I.O.O.F., of Shamokin.  With his 
family he attends the United Evangelical Church.

	PAUL KLINGER, inside breaker boss at the Cameron colliery, 
Shamokin, has been engaged there since 1888, and his entire experience 
in the mines covers a period of forty-four years.  He is a native of 
Barry township, Schuylkill Co., Pa. born Jan. 25, 1856, son of Edward B. 
Klinger and grandson of Jacob Klinger, and he comes of an old family of 
that county, his great-grandfather having lived in Deep Creek Valley, in 
Barry township, where he died.
	Jacob Klinger followed farming on the home-stead in Deep Creek 
Valley and died there at the age of seventy-one years. He is buried in 
the U. B. cemetery in that township. He was twice married, his second 
wife being a Bixler, and his children were: Benneville, Edward B., 
Isaac, Hannah (married David Knarr) and Lydia (married William Minnier, 
and residing in Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county).
	Edward B. Klinger, son of Jacob, was born in 1833 at the homestead 
in Schuylkill county, and died in October, 1902; he is buried at the 
same place as his father.  For several years he followed saw-milling. 
During the Civil war he enlisted, at Pottsville, serving with Company E, 
113th Regiment, and after the war, in April, 1866, he moved to Shamokin, 
where he found employment at the mine, doing outside work.  He was a 
member of the G.A.R. post at Shamokin and of the Lodge of United 
American Mechanics. Seven children were born to him and his wife 
Elizabeth (Derr): Emanuel B., who is living in Coal township, 
Northumberland county; Daniel D. also living in Coal township; Edward 
D., deceased; Pierce F., who lives at Second and Walnut streets, 
Shamokin; Paul; Joseph, whose residence is at Second and Independence 
streets, Shamokin; and Hannah, wife of Henry Welker.
	Paul Klinger attended school in his native township until the 
family came to Shamokin, during his boyhood. About that time he began 
work at 
	
	END OF PAGE 984 
	
the mines, as a slate picker for Heim & Goodwill, and he has done this 
kind of work ever since, having been at the Cameron mine since 1888, the 
greater part of that time as boss over different gangs.  Mr. Klinger 
also has a grocery store at No. 915 West Walnut street, Shamokin, where 
he resides. He is a thrifty, intelligent and substantial citizen. 
Outside of his work he takes great interest in the welfare of the United 
Brethren Church, of which he has long been a most active member, having 
served as chorister, trustee, class leader, Sunday school teacher, 
treasurer and superintendent; he was president of the board of trustees 
during the rebuilding of the church.  All his family are active members 
of the Sunday school. Since 1880 Mr. Klinger has been a member of Camp 
No. 30, P.O.S. of A., and he is well known in the Knights of the Golden 
Eagles, in which he is a past chief.
	In 1876 Mr. Klinger married Emma A. Cremer, daughter of George and 
Susan (Zimmerman) Cremer, and eight children have blessed this union, 
namely: James H., who is deceased; Charles W., who married Gertrude 
Menidol; Susan E., at home; F. Blanch, at home; Dora H., wife of 
Reginald Berkheiser; Herbert H.; Lillian M., deceased; and Hester L.
	John R. Cremer, grandfather of Mrs. Paul Klinger, was a native of 
Lancaster county, Pa., and later settled at Bloomsburg, Pa., where he 
died. He served in the Revolutionary War.  His children were:  Reuben, 
Andrew, Lydia, Catharine, Susanna, George and Louisa.
	George Cremer, father of Mrs. Klinger, lived at Bloomsburg, and 
followed boating, also doing day's work. He married Susan Zimmerman, and 
their children were: Emma A. (Mrs. Klinger), James (living at Shamokin), 
Margaret, Lenora and Rachel.

	HOWARD BUYERS, of Sunbury, foreman of the construction gang for the 
Susquehanna Silk Mills, is a descendant of two of the oldest settled 
families of this section of the county, being a son of John and Mary 
Alice (Painter) Buyers.
	The Buyers family in this country is traced back to John Buyers, 
who with his wife Letitia (Patton) emigrated from Monaghan, County 
Monaghan, in the North of Ireland, in 1735 or 1736, and settled in the 
Pequea valley, in Lancaster county, Pa. He was a farmer by occupation, 
and there passed the remainder of his days, being buried in Lancaster 
county. He had a large family, and his posterity is still numerous in 
that section.
	John Buyers, son of John and Letitia (Patton) Buyers, was born in 
Lancaster county June 9, 1749, and learned the trade of carpenter. He 
removed to Sunbury, Northumberland county, shortly after that place was 
laid out, and was engaged upon the erection of many of the first houses, 
including the old jail building on Market street. He first resided at 
the southeast corner of Race and Second streets, several years later 
removing to the southeast corner of Penn and Front streets, where he 
began merchandising. In 1796 he built a brick residence and store room 
on the opposite corner of Penn street, continuing business there until 
1814 or 1815. At the time of his death he lived along the river below 
the site of Blank & Gottshall's mill, in the brick house which he had 
erected. He owned what was known as "Buyers Island" in the Susquehanna 
river, south of Sunbury, which contains about ninety-five acres of 
fertile land, this property remaining in the Buyers name for 115 years. 
Mr. Buyers was prominent as a local official for many years, his name in 
that connection first appearing in 1776, as overseer of the poor in 
Augusta township; on Sept. 28, 1780, he was commissioned justice of the 
peace, serving also as justice of the county court, and frequently 
presiding in the absence of the regularly commissioned president.  On 
Sept. 1, 1791, he was commissioned justice of the peace for Sunbury and 
Augusta township, serving as such some years.  On Dec. 31, 1784, and on 
Jan. 3, 1786, he was elected county treasurer, filling that office again 
later, in 1787-88. From 1800 to 1808, inclusive, he was county auditor.  
He died at Sunbury May 5, 1821. Mr. Buyers was a Presbyterian in 
religious faith.
	John Buyers married Ann Fullerton, daughter of William Fullerton, 
and she died Oct. 30, 1808, in her fifty-ninth year. Mr. and Mrs. Buyers 
are buried in the South Fourth street cemetery at Sunbury. They had a 
family of ten children: Margaret, Letitia, John, William F., Sallie, 
Robert, Samuel, George P., Alexander F. and Jeremiah.
	William F. Buyers, son of John and Ann (Fullerton) Buyers, was born 
Jan. 12, 1782, at Sunbury, and learned the printing business with 
Breyvogel. In Kennedy's Gazette of Oct. 26, 1801 the statement is made 
that "William Buyers has now established a printing office at 
Williamsport," from which it is, evident that he entered upon his career 
as a newspaper publisher immediately after completing his 
apprenticeship. His paper was the Williamsport Gazette, the pioneer 
newspaper of Lycoming county, Pa., which he continued to publish, under 
many difficulties and often irregularly, until 1808.  Returning to 
Sunbury, which had been without a paper since the suspension of its 
first journal, Der Freiheitsvogel, he started the second paper at that 
place, The Times, in the summer of 1812. It is said that he retired at 
the end of three years, but this seems improbable, as he certainly 
published the paper in 1816 and 1817. During the war of 1812 he 
commanded a company in the 77th Regiment of Pennsylvania militia. In 
1815-18 he served as commissioner of Northumberland county.  In 1816 he 
was a Federal Republican candidate for Congress, but 
	
	END OF PAGE 985 
	
was defeated.  The issue of his paper for Sept. 26, 1816, shows a four 
column folio, 18 inches long, and 11 inches wide, and as the 
Congressional election was to be held the following month the number was 
replete with political articles. It is likely Captain Buyers published 
The Times throughout the period it was continued under that name. His 
printing office was in the second story of the "state house," which 
occupied the site of the present courthouse, and he was also located in 
a small frame building on the west side of Second street, at the corner 
of Barberry alley, where the "Neff House" stable now stands. Mr. Buyers 
died June 27, 1821, at the comparatively early age of thirty-nine years.  
On Dec. 13, 1815, he married Martha Hunter, who was born Jan. 5, 1792, 
daughter of Alexander Hunter, and a descendant of Col. Samuel Hunter. 
Two children were born to them, Ann M., born Sept. 6, 1816, died May 9, 
1853, and William D., born Jan. 5, 1819, who died March 25, 1853, 
neither of whom ever married, both dying after reaching maturity. George 
Patton Buyers, son of John and Ann (Fullerton) Buyers, was engaged in 
boating on the river before the construction of the canal. He then built 
a canal-boat, which he ran between Sunbury and Philadelphia.  He married 
Mrs. Martha (Hunter) Buyers, widow of his brother William F. Buyers, and 
to them were born three children: John; Hunter, who lived at Sunbury and 
died unmarried; and Mary, who married Latrobe B. Reed and is buried at 
the South Fourth street cemetery in Sunbury. Mrs. Martha (Hunter) Buyers 
died June 6, 1854.
	John Buyers, son of George Patton Buyers, was born in December, 
1827, in Sunbury, and lived on Buyers Island for eighteen years, engaged 
in farming. He moved to the island in 1869 and thence in 1887 to 
Selinsgrove, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in April, 
1908, in his eighty-first year. He is buried in Pomfret Manor cemetery. 
In his earlier life Mr. Buyers was a merchant in Sunbury for a time, and 
later cultivated one of the Hunter farms, until the breaking out of the 
Civil war, when he raised Company I, 58th Pennsylvania Volunteers, for 
the Union service, becoming the first captain of that organization, 
which was known as the Augusta Rangers. He was in active service in 
command of this company from October, 1861, to the summer of 1863; his 
drummer boy, John Mullein, who managed to get into the service when 
fourteen years old, is still living. Mr. Buyers was a man of typical 
military appearance, weighed 160 pounds and was of medium build and 
straight as an arrow. He was officially connected with the old state 
militia, and he was a member of Good Intent Fire Company. His neighbors 
and friends held him in high esteem, and he was called upon to fill 
township office. But for the last twenty-five years of his life he spent 
most of his time reading, enjoying newspapers and books, and he became 
usually well informed.  In religion he was a strict Presbyterian.
	Mr. Buyers married Mary Alice Painter, daughter of Jacob Painter, 
of Sunbury, and they became the parents of nine children: William, who 
died when a boy; John, who lives in Texas; Heber, who died at Fort 
Concho, Texas; Mary H., who married Rev. William P. Taylor, a Methodist 
minister, and died in Delaware, where her husband was then stationed; 
Howard; Kate R., unmarried, living at Selinsgrove; Harris P., of 
Sunbury; Rev. Frank C., a Methodist minister stationed at Lock Haven, 
Pa.; and Emily A., unmarried, who lives at Sunbury.
	Howard Buyers was born March 25, 1862, and was reared at home to 
farm life.  He never attended public school, as the family lived on 
Buyers Island during his youth and the father instructed the children 
himself.  They kept regular school hours, and as the father was a man of 
remarkable intelligence and well informed the children did not suffer 
for the lack of public school advantages. Mr. Buyers continued at farm 
work until after he was grown, and he learned electrical work, at which 
he is occupied in the Silk Mills when not busy on construction work. He 
has charge of the construction gang at the Susquehanna Silk Mills, 
having from ten to sixty men under his direction as the necessities of 
the work demand. He has a high reputation for efficiency, and enjoys the 
confidence of his employers fully.
	In 1889 Mr. Buyers married Sallie Cool, a daughter of William Henry 
and Jane (Leisenring) Cool, who for years lived at Montandon, 
Northumberland county. They have two children: Anna Painter, who is 
taking the classical course at Syracuse University, Syracuse, N. Y.; and 
John Howard, who is a student in the Sunbury high school. Mr. Buyers and 
his family are members of the Methodist Church at Sunbury.

	Col. Samuel Hunter, one of the maternal ancestors of the Buyers' 
family above referred to, was born in 1732 in the North of Ireland. His 
military career began in 1760, on May 2d of which year he was 
commissioned lieutenant in Capt. Joseph Scott's company, Col. Hugh 
Mercer's battalion, of the Pennsylvania regiment. On  Nov. 10, 1763, he 
became captain in Col. Turbutt Francis's battalion. He was at Fort 
Augusta in June, 1763, when the first intelligence of Pontiac's 
conspiracy was received, and initiated the measure subsequently carried 
out by Colonel Burd, for the defense of that post.  The following year 
he joined Colonel Bouquet's expedition, but was again at Fort Augusta in 
1768, and doubtless earlier. His home was north of the town. Quoting 
from an historical sketch of Sunbury: "The most extensive 
	
	END OF PAGE 986 
	
addition to the original town plat is that part of the borough popularly 
known as Caketown. This land also formed part of the manor of Pomfret; 
it embraced the site of Fort Augusta, and was the residence of Col. 
Samuel Hunter until his death, although it does not appear that he ever 
acquired a proprietary interest. On April 10, 1786, John Penn, Jr., and 
John Penn executed a conveyance to William Wilson for 342 acres of land, 
the same place and tract of land whereon the late Colonel Hunter dwelt 
and part of the manor of Pomfret the consideration being 1,026 pounds 
specie. The purchaser was an American officer during the Revolution and 
associate judge of Northumberland county, 1792-1813. On the 20th of 
October, 1790, he sold one moiety or undivided half part of this tract 
to Alexander Hunter; the other moiety was deeded to Mary Scott, Jane 17, 
1811, at a nominal consideration, and from this time (or possibly at an 
earlier date), the land was known as the Hunter and Scott farms. The 
latter, embracing 140 acres, adjoined the original northern boundary of 
Sunbury borough; the former comprised 153 acres.
	"Colonel Hunter was a prominent man at Fort Augusta until his 
death, which occurred there April 10, 1784.  On March 24, 1772, he was 
commissioned, one of the first justices for Northumberland county, was 
elected to the Assembly from this county for 1772-75, was a member of 
the Committee of Safety (1775-76), and of the Council of Censors (1783); 
when the militia was organized at the outbreak of the Revolution he was 
elected colonel of the 1st Battalion, Feb. 8, 1776, was appointed county 
lieutenant, March 21, 1777, and reappointed April 6, 1780. In this 
responsible position he directed the movements of the local militia 
during the Revolution, and his official correspondence is so highly 
prized for accurate and historical importance that it is preserved in 
the Pennsylvania Archives.
	Col. Samuel Hunter married Susanna Scott who survived him with two 
daughters, Nancy and Mary, the former marrying Alexander Hunter, the 
latter Samuel Scott.
	Of the family of Alexander and Nancy (Hunter) Hunter we have no 
record positively complete, but various scattered records show that he 
died in June, 1810 and that his widow, Ann (Nancy), died Sept. 25, 1834.  
Continuing the quotation above made, regarding the Scott and Hunter 
farms, "the upper division, taken in execution as the property of 
Alexander Hunter at the suit of John Cowden, was sold at sheriff's sale 
on the 22d of April, 1814, and purchased by Thomas Grant.  In compliance 
with his will, his executors and executrix, George, William and Deborah 
Grant deeded it to Mrs. Nancy Hunter, widow of Alexander Hunter, October 
16, 1817. Her will, made July 26, 1883, gave the farm to her son Samuel, 
who was born Dec. 25, 1807, and died July 3, 1852, leaving the farm to 
his sisters Mary (born Nov. 14, 1798; died April 22, 1886) and Nancy 
(born July 16, 1803, died Feb. 21, 1859) and Elizabeth (wife of Henry 
Billington). Mary Hunter eventually acquired 106 acres of the tract, 
selling it to Benjamin Hendricks Aug. 9, 1859. On June 25, 1863, it was 
purchased from Mr. Hendricks by Joseph W. Cake.  Mrs. Martha (Hunter) 
Buyers, who married William F. Buyers and later his brother, George 
Patton Buyers, was also a daughter of Alexander and Ann (Hunter) Hunter.
	The other daughter of Colonel Hunter, Mrs. Mary Scott died 
intestate, and her property was divided among her children, Samuel H., 
Sarah (Mrs. Gobin, wife of Charles Gobin) and Susan. Samuel H. Scott 
also died intestate, his property going to his two sisters, who sold the 
farm to David Longenecker, of Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 4, 1854. It was 
acquired by Joseph W. Cake Aug. 23, 1859, and he founded Caketown on 
these two historic pieces of property.

	A. O. CAWLEY, veterinarian, Milton, Northumberland county, 
Pennsylvania.

	THOMAS M. MILES, of Milton, has been identified with the business 
life of that borough throughout the period of his residence there as 
general superintendent of the Milton Manufacturing Company, one of the 
most important industrial concerns of this section.  Mr. Miles is a 
native of Howard, Center Co., Pa., born in 1858. His family is an old 
one in that part of the State, his grandfather, Alexander Miles, having 
also been born at Howard, where he died when Thomas M. Miles was a small 
boy. He was employed in the iron mills. His family consisted of the 
following children:  Thomas, William, Robert, Kate (married Peter 
Tipple) and Rebecca (married H. Lucas).
	Thomas Miles, son of Alexander, was born in 1828 at Howard, Center 
county, and followed iron working all his active life, becoming well 
known in his time in that connection. He died in 1904. His wife, Mary 
(McKenny), died in 1902, and they are buried at Bellefonte, Center 
county.  They were the parents of children as follows: William, of 
Johnstown, Pa.; Thomas M.; John, of Milesburg, Pa.; Mary, wife of A. W. 
Rishel; Clara, wife of E. K. Adams; and Frank, who died in 1898.
	Thomas M. Miles attended school at Howard and Milesburg.  He has 
always been identified with the iron business since he began work, 
having first found employment in a rolling mill at Milesburg, Center 
county, where he remained until he reached the age of eighteen. He then 
went to Berwick, Pa., where he remained until his removal 
	
	END OF PAGE 987 
	
to Milton, in 1887, to take the position of general superintendent of 
the Milton Manufacturing Company, an incumbency in which he is still 
serving. His long experience in the business and at this particular 
plant has made him a valuable man in the place, and his work is highly 
appreciated. Mr. Miles has seven hundred employees to look after, and 
his responsibilities are well managed. He has kept up with the growth of 
the plant, and, indeed, has furthered it by his efficient management, so 
that he may justly be said to have had a part in the upbuilding of one 
of Milton's most extensive manufacturing establishments, one which 
vitally affects her general welfare.  He is well known in the local 
fraternal bodies, holding membership in the I.O.O.F., the Encampment, 
the K.G.E. and the Royal Arcanum.
	On Dec. 25, 1879, Mr. Miles was married to Clara Gensel, daughter 
of Samuel and Mary J. Gensel, of Berwick, Pa., and they have had three 
sons: Oscar, who is employed by the Milton Manufacturing Company; Frank, 
who is now a student at State College; and Charles, a student at the 
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.  The family home is a 
beautiful residence at No. 342 Front street, Milton. Mr. Miles is a 
member of the Methodist Church, of which he was an official for ten 
years.

END OF Floyd's Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland 
County, Pennsylvania.