JAMES CAREY, retired, P. O. White Hall, was born August 1, 1822, in Anthony Township, Montour County, Penn., about one and a quarter miles from White Hall, son of John and Hannah (Saylor) Carey, former of whom came to this country from Ireland and settled at Norristown where he was married, from there removing to the vicinity of Exchange, and from there to the place where our subject was born. Here he died, December 5, 1851, at the age of eighty years; his widow died March 27, 1857, aged seventy-six years. They are buried at the Derry Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom eleven were reared, seven now living. James Carey, subject of this sketch, was reared in this county, and has spent his life in Anthony Township with the exception of from 1852 to 1867, when he was in Lycoming County, Penn. He was married in Montour County, May 7, 1847, to Rachel, daughter of Michael and Martha (Cornelius) Hendershott, former of whom died in 1870; latter is still living. After their marriage they lived in Danville one year, and then came to Anthony Township, this county, and after two years to the Muncy Hills; and then after fifteen years to his present location. He bought the White Hall Hotel in 1867 and has since made some improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Carey were the parents of nine children: Charles, born August 11, 1847, died May 4, 1850; Henry Clarence, born February 11, 1849, residing in Madison Township, Columbia County, Penn.; Anna Eliza, born February 8, 1851, wife of Henry Moser at Turbotville; Charles, born April 14, 1853, lives near Jerseytown in Madison Township; John Green, born November 27, 1855, now in Michigan; George, born January 27, 1858, at home; William Lloyd, born March 10, 1860, now in California; Emma Elizabeth, born April 10, 1862, and Thomas Benton, born April 29, 1864. Mr. CAREY commenced to learn the trade of wagon-maker at the age of sixteen years with William Hendershott with whom he worked two years, and he followed that until 1861 when he commenced wheelwrighting. In fifteen years he accumulated $6,000 by hard labor. In 1884 he retired from active labor, and now only attends to his property. He owns the White Hall Hotel property and has 113 acres of land in Anthony Township, this county. He has held the office of supervisor of the township, and while in Lycoming County he held the offices of tax collector, supervisor and other local offices. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 182 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HON. THOMAS CHALFANT is descended on the paternal side from Robert Chalfant, a member of the Society of Friends, who emigrated with William Penn from Stoke Pogis, England, and settled on a patent of land at Doe Run, Chester Co., Penn., which land is still in the family name. On the maternal side his ancestor is John Peden, a Scotch-Irish Covenanter, who immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1732, and was one of the first to found a Covenanter Church in Philadelphia, on Spruce Street, above Third. The subject of this sketch was born in Philadelphia, in the year 1819, and was brought up in that city. He learned the carpentering and pattern-making trades and worked thereat for some years. In 1847 he removed to Georgia, and was there engaged in the erection of sugar-mills, cotton-mills, and structures of a similar character. Subsequently he returned to the North and located at Danville, Penn., where he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. Isaac Hughes, in the drug business. October 1, 1853, he was commissioned postmaster at Danville. He held this position until July 15, 1861, when he assumed charge of the Danville Intelligencer, which he has conducted from that time to the present. June 28, 1863, Mr. Chalfant entered the military service of the United States, and was commissioned captain of Company D, Fifty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was mustered out on August 19, 1863. October 8, 1866, Mr. Chalfant was elected a member of the State Legislature, as representative from the counties of Columbia and Montour. He was re-elected in 1867. During his incumbency of that office he was an active and highly esteemed member of the General Assembly, and was largely instrumental in the passage of a bill appointing commissioners to select a site for and erect a State hospital for the insane. The selection of Danville as the site for the hospital was also largely due to his efforts. In 1883 Mr. Chalfant was appointed one of the trustees of the Danville Hospital, a position he yet holds through two subsequent re-appointments. In 1870 he was again chosen State senator, representing the counties of Columbia, Montour, Lycoming and Sullivan in the State senate, and served three years in that capacity. In 1842 Mr. Chalfant was united in marriage with Eliza V. Hughes, daughter of Ellis Hughes, Esq., of Danville. The offspring of this marriage were two sons and two daughters, of whom none survive but the younger son, Charles, publisher of the Danville Daily Sun. In 1881 Mr. Chalfant was elected president of the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association. He is at present postmaster at Danville, a position to which he was commissioned by President Cleveland in 1885. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 146 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
HON. THOMAS CHALFANT, the present popular postmaster of Danville, Pa., and one of the honored and influential citizens of Montour County, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was born in the city of Philadelphia in 1819. Our subject traces his ancestral history back to Robert Chalfant, a member of the Society of Friends, who, with William Penn, emigrated from Stoke Pogis, England, to America and settled on land at Doe Run, Chester County, Pa., which is still in the family name. He is also a descendant of John Peden on the maternal side, a Scotch-Irish Covenanter, who immigrated to the American Continent and settled in Pennsylvania in 1732. He was one of the founders of the Covenanters Church in Philadelphia, which is located on Spruce street. Hon. Thomas Chalfant was reared and educated in the city of Philadelphia, and when a young man he learned the trade of a carpenter and patternmaker, which occupation he followed in his native city until 1840. He then moved to Danville, Pa., and in 1847 went South and located in the state of Georgia, where he assisted in the erection of a number of sugar and cotton mills. Returning to his native state he became a resident of Danville, where, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. Isaac Hughes, he opened and conducted a drug-store for many years, meeting with the greatest of success. On October 1, 1853, our subject was commissioned postmaster of Danville and held that position until July 15, 1861, when he took charge of the Danville Intelligencer, one of the leading papers of Montour County. June 28, 1863, he enlisted in the Union Army for a term of three months and was commissioned as captain of Co. D, 53rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., October 6, 1866. Mr. Chalfant was elected a member of the State Legislature as a representative of Columbia and Montour Counties, and was re-elected to the same office in the following year. During his latter term he was largely instrumental in passing the bill appointing commissioners to select a site for the erection of a state hospital for the insane, and the selection of a site in Danville was also due to the efforts of our subject. In 1872 Mr. Chalfant was again honored with a seat in the State Senate, representing Columbia, Montour, Lycoming and Sullivan Counties. In 1883 he was appointed one of the trustees of the Danville State Hospital, which position he still retains. Mr. Chalfant was elected president of the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association in 1881; and in 1885 he was appointed postmaster of Danville under Cleveland's administration, and has held that position to the present time, filling it with great credit to himself and entire satisfaction of the citizens of Danville. In 1842 Mr. Chalfant married Eliza Hughes, a daughter of Ellis Hughes of Danville, and two sons and two daughters blessed this union, of whom none survive but Charles, ex-publisher of the Danville Daily Sun, and now a prominent attorney of Danville. In politics our subject is strongly Democratic and endorses the views of his party conscientiously. Mr. Chalfant is one of the representative men in this section of the state and his opinions are sought and valued as those of a man of deliberate and temperate judgment and intelligent thought. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 45 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

B. A. CHILDS, merchant, Danville, was born in Valley Township, Montour (then Columbia) County, Penn., November 21, 1829, a son of James and Rachel (Appleman) Childs, of German and Irish origin, respectively, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania; the father, a farmer, was twice married. Our subject, the third of six children born to the first wife, was reared on the farm and attended school in his native township, and from his youth up was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1854. He then moved to Danville, and was employed in the rolling-mills until 1880, when he obtained work in a stove and tinware store, and was employed in the mechanical department until 1885, when he embarked in business of a similar character for himself, and has met with success. He married, in Montour County, in 1853, Sarah, daughter of Robert Richart, whose parents were natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and of English origin. Mr. and Mrs. Childs are the parents of two children: J. R. and Emily. Mr. and Mrs. Childs are members of the Methodist Church, of Danville. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 147 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

D. R. P. CHILDS, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in the house where he now resides, in Valley Township, Montour Co., Penn., October 16, 1838, son of Andrew and Margaret (Arnwine) Childs. The former was born in Northumberland County, Penn., June 13, 1789, of parents John and Mary (Gregg) Childs, the former born in England and the latter in Ireland, and were married in Northumberland County, February 1, 1785. They were farmers and came to Valley Township in 1795 and commenced to improve the farm where Mr. Childs now resides. Mr. Child's father was a farmer, and spent nearly all his life here in that occupation. He reared a large family and died in 1865. The widow, who was born in New Jersey, November 17, 1798, a daughter of Jacob Arnwine, a farmer is still living. Our subject's parents were married in Valley Township, October 24, 1815. This union was blessed with fifteen children, thirteen of them living to be grown, nine of whom were sons. Twelve of the family are now living (1886). D. R. P. Childs was the fourteenth in the family, was reared on the home farm, attending school in his native township, and has always followed farming. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, served nine months and was discharged in 1863 on account of ill health. In politics he is a Democrat.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 215 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

THOMAS L. CLAPP, farmer, P. O. Limestoneville, Penn., is a grandson of John Clapp, a resident of Berks County, Pen., whence he immigrated to Lewis Township, Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1818, where he lived until his death. His wife was a Miss Kline, who died several years after her husband. Their children were Samuel, who was accidentally killed by a horse near the home in Northumberland County, Penn.; John, father of our subject (both these were born in Berks County, the rest of the family being natives of Northumberland County); Adam, a retired farmer, who lives in Lycoming County, Penn.; Daniel (deceased), who was a merchant in Muncy, Penn.; Thomas, a retired merchant, now living in Muncy; Mary, deceased wife of John Roup, Sr., of Northumberland County, Penn.; Catharine, wife of Jonas Hoy, who died in Ohio; Mary (died in the State of New York, wife of John Linebaugh), and Sarah, who was wife of Philip Roup, and died in Northumberland County, Penn. The father of our subject was born September 1, 1811, and was seven years of age when his parents came to this part of the country. He worked for his father until the latter's death, at which time he took the old farm, and a year later was married. His father-in-law bought the farm, and gave it to his daughter on her marriage with Mr. Clapp. On this farm he lived and died in a house which he built on some land he had added too the original farm. His death took place December 6, 1879. Mr. Clapp was a man of note in the community. He took an especially warm interest in educational matters. In early life he became a member of the Reformed Church, and was for years deacon in Paradise Church, and, joining the new church erected at McEwensville, he became and elder, remaining as such for twenty years. As a man and citizen he stood high. In 1832 he was married to Maria Glaze, a native of Northumberland county, Penn., born in 1815, and died in 1850. After her death Mr. Clapp was married to Mary Truchenmiller, who died about ten years later. Mr. Clapp was again married, his third wife being Mrs. Mary McNinch, nee Balliet, sister of the brothers Jacob and William Balliet. His first wife had eleven children, of whom one died in infancy. They were William, living on part of the homestead; Thomas L.; John D., in Jefferson County, W. Va.; Mary Elizabeth, wife of A. E. Gonger, of Northumberland County, Penn.; Sarah Jane, wife of I. N. Kline, of Williamsport; Margaret, married to William Kerchner, of McEwensville; Susan, married to J. C. Wagner, of this township; Angeline, wife of J. W. Balliet, living in the house where her father died; Emeline, wife of William G. MARSH, M. D., of Watsontown; Caroline, wife of O. E. Cotner, of Northumberland County, Penn. Our subject was born February 22, 1841, worked on the farm, and taught school until he was twenty-nine years of age, when he was married; then removed to the farm on which he now lives, and which his wife inherited from her father's estate. On January 14, 1869, he was married to Susan, daughter of Samuel and Mary Lerch, of Lewis Township, Northumberland County. She was born February 21, 1842. To this union eight children have been born, one dying in infancy. The others are all living with their parents. They are Edmond L., Mary A., Olive F., Theophilus M., Jennie Ray, Paul and Elma Pearl. Mr. Clapp has always been a farmer, and deals considerably in stock. He has held nearly all the offices in the township, and is now school director and assessor. He and his wife are members of Paradise Reformed Church, of which he has been deacon, and was recently elected an elder. In politics he is Democratic, and takes an active part in the affairs of the township, county and State. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 206 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DAVID CLARK, cashier of the Danville National Bank, was born in Pennsylvania, January 31, 1814, a son of John and Jane (Clark) Clark (no relation). Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were early settlers of Pennsylvania. His father was a saddler by trade, and his family consisted of seven children, of whom David is the youngest and the only one now living. He received his education in the common schools, and began life for himself by clerking in a store for a few years. He then embarked in the mercantile trade, keeping a general store until 1845, when he was elected justice of the peace. In 1850 he came to Danville, and clerked in the Danville bank, which institution he has served as cashier since 1864. He has been burgess of Danville; is a director of the nail works; politically he is a Republican. He has two children now living: Cordelia (wife of George M. Gearhart) and Mary (wife of William C. Frick). (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, Danville, pg. 147Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

THOMAS J. CLARK, farmer, P. O. Moorsburg, was born July 13, 1837, son of John and Margaret (Maxwell) Clark. John Clark, Sr., grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, and from there came to Pennsylvania, locating about 176 in what is now Liberty Township, Montour County, where Mrs. Dr. Weaver now resides, and there lived the rest of his days. He served in the Revolutionary war and had a finger shot off (his brother, Robert, was a colonel in the same war). He and his wife are both buried in the Derry Presbyterian Church graveyard. They had two children John and Ann (both deceased). John Clark, Jr., the father of our subject, was born in what is now Liberty Township, Montour Co., Penn., and was here reared. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; was married October 23, 1818, by Rev. John Patterson, to Margaret, daughter of William and Jane (Bolles) Maxwell, later a daughter of Judge Bolles, of Bollesburg, and they were the parents of the following named children: Sarah, deceased wife of William McMahon; Robert Finney (deceased), was a prominent lawyer of Bloomsburg, Penn.; John (deceased); Alexander, in Illinois; Samuel, an architect in Washington, D. C.; James, in Geneseo, Ill.; William, in Dallas County, Iowa, and Thomas J. The father died in 1870; his widow resided with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Clark. The subject of this sketch was reared in Liberty Township, and was married October 25, 1864, to Miss Margaret Kyle, a native of Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn., and daughter of Samuel and Jane (Auten) Kyle, both deceased and buried at Milton, the former dying in 1878 and the latter in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents of nine children: Eleanor H., Margaret Maxwell, Anna Gertrude, William Lowenburg, Charles Wallace, Edith Moore, Martha Hurley, Sarah Finney and George Edward. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Clark has held the office of justice of the peace for ten years, and has also been school director. In politics he is a Democrat. The farm on which he resides contains over 200 acres, and belongs to the heirs of John Clark, which land, originally granted to the Presbyterian Church, was sold to Robin Finney, and has passed down in the family ever since, without any sale having been made. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 199 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JACOB and THOMAS COLE, owners of the iron ore mines, farmers and stock growers, P. O. Danville, are descended from German and English ancestors, who came to America and settled in Pennsylvania in an early day. the mines are located in Mahoning Township on the farm owned by our subjects. Jacob was born in that township, September 13, 1819, and there also Thomas was born May 22, 1823. They are the sons of Thomas and Mary A. (Faust) Cole, were reared on the farm and made agriculture their business. In 1873 they opened the ore mines on the farm. Thomas has been director of the poor and school director of Mahoning Township. He started in life with 50 cents. The brothers are members of the German Reformed Church, and their success is due to their industry and strict attention to business.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887 pg. 211 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOSHUA WRIGHT COMLY, attorney at law, Danville, was born at Philadelphia, Penn., November 16, 1810, a son of Charles and Sarah (Wright) Comly. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, died January 9, 1840; the mother was born in New Jersey, and died March 4, 1879. They were married February 19, 1807, and eight children were born to them, six of whom arrived at maturity, but all are now deceased, except our subject and his brother. Joshua W. was reared in the Quaker faith, attended the schools of his neighborhood, and also Princeton College. In 1827 he began the study of law at Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn, in the office of Samuel Hepburn, Esq., and three years later, November 17, 1830, was admitted to the court of common pleas of Northumberland County. In 1833 he was admitted to the supreme court of Pennsylvania, and has made law the business of his life. He practiced in three counties for many years, traveled and did a large practice in several other counties. In 1851 he was the Whig candidate for judge of the supreme court, and in May, 1882, retired. He is descendant of Henry and Joan Comly, who with their son, Henry, came to America with William Penn. They were members of the Society of Friends. Henry, was a weaver by trade, settled in Bucks County, Penn. Charles Comly (subject's father) is the son of Ezra Comly, formerly of Philadelphia, and Hannah Iredel, his wife. Ezra was a son of Robert Comly, late of Byberry, Philadelphia, and Sarah Jones, his wife. Robert Comly was the son of Robert Comly, Sr., and Jane Cadwallader, his wife. Robert Comly, Sr., was the second son of Henry Comly of Bucks County, Penn., and Agnes Heston, his wife. Henry Comly was the son of Henry Comly, Sr., and Jane his wife, who came from England to Pennsylvania in 1682. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 147 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

E. W. CONKLING, senior member of the firm of Conkling & Co., Danville, was born in New Jersey, August 2, 1819, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Hall) Conkling, natives of New Jersey and of English descent. The father was a manufacturer, and his family consisted of four children, three of whom grew to maturity. E. W., the eldest child, at the age of sixteen entered Princeton College, from which he graduated in 1838. His first business was teaching, which he followed for seven years mostly in Danville Academy. He then went to New Jersey and taught school for two years, and, subsequently returning to Danville, was appointed county superintendent of public schools of Montour County, which position he held until 1849. He then embarked in the book and stationery business, which he has since continued. Mr. Conkling has also been agent of the Howard Express and the Adams Express, the successor of the Howard, since 1843 continuously. Mr. Conkling married in 1843 Margaret E. Hibler, daughter of Jacob Hibler, and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Conkling are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, politically a Republican. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 148 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HENRY COOPER, farmer and stockdealer, P. O. Washingtonville, is a grandson of Abraham Cooper, who came from Bucks County, near Philadelphia, in 1810; settled the farm now occupied by his grandson, buying it from his brother Daniel, who had purchased it from the Montgomery estate. His son Abraham was the father of Henry. The farm was bequeathed to his brother, Peter, from whom Abraham bought it four years later. He farmed it three or four years before his death, when he rented it to Henry. He was born in December, 1805, and died in November, 1871, a member of the German Reformed Church. His wife was Mary Catherine Dieffenbach, and their children were as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Reuben Lobach, a farmer in this township; Samuel, a farmer, who lives in Michigan; Susan, who was the wife of John Morris, and died in Michigan about twelve years ago; Aaron, unmarried, resides in Iowa, and our subject, the second child, who was born September 9, 1838, in Liberty Township. When he was less than three years of age his father bought the farm adjoining the homestead on which he lived twelve years. He then bought the Daniel Carr property on the other side, which his son owns. In 1862 his father built the brick house in which our subject now resides, and the latter remained on the old place until after his father's death. A year after that event he took possession and now owns both, aggregating over 200 acres. Mr. Cooper also deals largely in stock, and is the heaviest feeder of stock on any one farm in Montour County. In 1884 he helped his half-brother, John, the sole issue of his father's second marriage, to buy the Frosty Valley mill, in Valley Township. A few days later it was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Cooper advanced the money to rebuild it and now does all the merchant work there, John doing the custom work. March 9, 1864, he married Mary, daughter of Vincent R. Shultz, of West Hemlock, and three children were born to this union: Lloyd Clarence, born January 31, 1867; Vincent Welmington, born May 16, 1868 and Charles Calvin, born January 20, 1875, all living with their parents. Mr. Cooper takes considerable interest in politics but does not hold office. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal. He is known as one of the most progressive and through-going farmers in the county. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 194 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN A. COOPER, miller, P. O. Danville, was born near Washingtonville, Montour Co., Penn., August 15, 1859, son of Abraham and Jane (Laney) Cooper. They were natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish and German origin. Abraham Cooper was a farmer all his life; his family consisted of six children; he was twice married, J. A. being the only child by his second marriage. Our subject attended the schools of Washingtonville and remained on the farm with his parents until he went to learn the miller's trade, and in due time became a miller, which has since been his business. He has met with success, and now owns the Frosty mills in Valley Township. His mills were destroyed by fire in 1883, and since then he has rebuilt them. He was married in 1884 to Miss Daisy, daughter of Lafayette Faust, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child, Vergia May. Mr. Cooper is a Republican in politics.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 215 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOSEPH CORELL, general merchant at Mausdale, P. O. Danville, was born in Northampton County, Penn., August 12, 1818, a son of George and Susannah (Schoch) Corell, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The grandfather came from Germany; settled in Northampton County, Penn., and followed farming, which was also the vocation of George Corell. Joseph is the fifth in a family of twelve children, and was reared on the farm. In 1849 he came to Columbia County and followed agricultural pursuits. He served a regular apprenticeship at millwrighting, and worked at it for six years, and again farmed for a time in Columbia County. In 1868 he embarked in the general mercantile business at Bloomsburg, and subsequently moved to Mausdale, where he still continues in business. In 1843 he married Elizabeth Heslett, who was of Scotch descent and died in 1870. Mr. Corell in 1884 married Rachel M. Mullin, daughter of John S. and Catherie M. (Plush) Mullin, the mother of German and the father of Irish-German origin. Mrs. Corell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but her husband affiliates with the Reformed Church at Mausdale, in which he is an elder and was formerly superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Politically he is a Republican; is director of the poor and treasurer of the board, and one of the representative citizens of Mausdale.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 216 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

OSCAR CRAIG, farmer, P. O. Washingtonville, Columbia County, was born in what is now Anthony Township, this county, near Exchange, July 19, 1829, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Hendershott) Craig. John Craig, grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster County, but his parents came to this country from Scotland. When he came to what is now Montour County, John Craig located near Exchange, and there lived until he died. He and his wife are buried in the Derry graveyard. They were the parents of four children, all deceased: John J., Alexander, Jane and Margaret. Alexander Craig, father of our subject, was reared in this township, and bought 100 acres, or half of the old homestead. He was married to Elizabeth Hendershott, and they were the parents of seven children: Isaac, in La Grange County, Ind.; John, a Methodist minister in Webster County, Mo., died October 30, 1886; Robert, in this township; Oscar; Margaret Jane, deceased wife of John B. Levan; Oliver B., in Waldo, Webster Co., Mo.; and Samantha, who died at the age of three years. Oscar CRAIG, subject of this sketch, was married in Limestone Township, this county, December 8, 1853, to Miss Margaret J., daughter of Charles and Mary (Follmer) Levan, the former of whom is deceased, and after their marriage they lived with his parents for one year, and the succeeding sixteen years in Limestone Township, this county. Mr. Craig removed to his present location in 1871, and by different purchases has accumulated 134 acres of land. He built his present handsome barn in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Craig were the parents of seven children, of whom four are living: Elizabeth, wife of W. L. Raup, in Milton, Penn. (she was educated at Williamsport Seminary); John E., who attended Bloomsburg Normal, several terms; Jennie S., who attended Williamsport Seminary; and Anna Margaret. Torrence O., Charles A. and William W. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. CRAIG attend the Methodist Church. He has held the position of auditor of Anthony Township; is a member of the I. O. O. F., Washingtonville Lodge, No. 759, and of Exchange Grange, No. 65, P. of H. Solomon Levan, grandfather of Mrs. Craig, was descendant of one of the five brothers who came from France to America and located in Northampton Co. There all remained with the exception of Mrs. Craig's grandfather, who came to what is now Montour County, Penn., and here lived until he died near Limestoneville. He died in 1828. His wife's maiden name was Mary Balliet and she died about 1868. They are buried in the Paradise Church graveyard, Northumberland County, Penn. Charles Levan, father of Mrs. CRAIG, the oldest of his parents' sons, was born in 1800, in Northampton County, Penn., and from there removed to this county, where he married Mary Follmer. They were the parents of eight children, four now living: John, in Shelbyville, Shelby Co., Mo.; Margaret, wife of Oscar Craig; Daniel, residing below Limestoneville; and Susan, wife of Morgan Mourey, in Watsontown, Penn. Jacob is deceased; Catharine is the deceased wife of George Price; Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Hansel, died in Vicksburg while visiting her husband, who was serving in the Union army at that place. Henry died at the age of one year. Charles Levan, father of the above, died February 13, 1881, and is buried in the Paradise Church Cemetery. His widow resides at Watsontown, Penn., with her daughter, Mrs. Mourey. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 183 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HON. JAMES CRUIKSHANK, of the firm of Cruikshank & Co., Danville, was born in Berks County, Penn., September 18, 1836, a son of James and Margaret (McFarland) Cruikshank, natives of Scotland. His father was an iron molder and came from Scotland to Philadelphia in 1830, where he worked at his trade for a time. Our subject is the eldest of five children, and received his education in the common schools. In 1837 he was brought by his parents to Pottsville, where he was reared. In early life he learned the trade of iron molder, at which he worked until coming to Danville in 1873, and soon after embarked in his present business. The firm is among the most flourishing in Danville and its members are all energetic and enterprising. They divide the business and each is eminently fitted for the department under his care. Mr. Cruikshank may usually be found in the shop, where from forty to sixty men are employed. Politically Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican, and in 1875 and 1876 represented Montour County in the State Legislature; is now a member of the water committee of the borough of Danville. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. Encampment, also K. of P., and has served as Past Master in three secret societies. In 1856 he married Sarah J., daughter of Joseph Walton. She is of English descent; has borne her husband five children: Ida M., wife of John F. Miller; William; John C.; Emma F. and Charles W. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 148 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JAMES CURRY, deceased, was born in what is now Valley Township, about 1812, where he passed his life, dying in 1876, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was the eldest son of William and Jane (Moore) Curry; was educated in Montour County and made farming his business, and was the owner of 245 acres of well improved land at the time of his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and held most of the township offices in Valley Township, also served ten years as an associate judge of Montour County. February 2, 1841, he married Christiana, daughter of Samuel Yorks and granddaughter of William Yorks. The latter was an officer in the Revolution under Washington. Mrs. Curry's father was a lieutenant in the war of 1812, and died in Danville in 1868 at the age of seventy-nine years. When eight years of age he came to Columbia County, and grew up on the farm where the State asylum now stands, and became a successful business man. He reared a family of nine children, only two of whom now survive, Mrs. Thompson and the widow of our subject. To Judge and Mrs. Curry six children were born, all of whom are living: William; Elizabeth, wife of James McWilliams; Agnes; Mary Ella, wife of Dr. W. Faulds; Samuel and Stewart. Mrs. Curry is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which denomination the Curry and York families have always been members.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 216 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

ROBERT CURRY (deceased) is numbered among the earliest settlers of this part of Pennsylvania. He was born in the North of Ireland, June 9, 1741; educated in the schools of his native country, where his father was a well-to-do linen manufacturer. He immigrated to America in 1772, settling on Mahoning Creek, in what is now Valley Township, Montour Co., Penn., and there followed farming. He was killed and scalped by the Indians June 9, 1780. He was a Presbyterian in religious belief and was one of the first to give his money and influence toward the propagation of the gospel in these parts, and was also trustee of his church. He married Miss Jane McWilliams in Belfast, Ireland, and four children were born to them: James, who was born in Ireland, grew to manhood and settled in Ohio; Robert, who settled on the north branch of the Susquehanna River; William, who settled on the home place in Valley Township, Columbia Co., Penn., and Jane, the first white child born between the north and west branches of the Susquehanna River, married to Robert McWilliams. The sons were well-to-do farmers, noted for their honesty and integrity. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 148 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

SAMUEL CURRY, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Mooresburg, was born on the farm where he now resides in Valley Township, Montour County, September 3, 1819, a son of William and Jane (Moore) Curry, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish origin. The grandfather, Robert Curry, came from Ireland to America and settled in what is now Montour County, Penn., where he was killed by the Indians. William Curry was reared here and became a successful farmer, and was the father of the following children: James, who grew to manhood, married, engaged in farming and died in 1876; Margaret, who was married to Daniel Montgomery; Robert and Samuel. The last two farm the homestead and are the third generation on it, the deed to which has never been in any other name. They are partners and own 250 acres of land; are industrious and honest and enjoy the respect of all who know them. In politics the family have usually been Democrats. James, their elder brother, died in 1876, and had served as associate judge of Montour county.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania< Battle, 1887, pg. 216 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

THOMAS C. CURRY, of Cruikshank, Mayer & Co., owners and proprietors of the Enterprise Foundry and Machine Shops, Ferry Street, Danville, is a grandson of Robert Curry, whose sketch appears above. He and two sisters reside in Danville, Robert in an adjoining county, Hugh in Michigan, William in Kentucky. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 148 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM CURRY, farmer and stockgrower, P. O. Danville, was born in Valley Township, Montour County, November 23, 1842, a son of Hon. James and Christiana (Yorks) Curry, of Irish and German origin and whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. William is the eldest in a family of six children and was reared on the farm in Valley township. He was educated in the country schools, and academy at Danville, and adopted agriculture as his vocation. In 1873 he married Helen, daughter of Samuel Lowrie, of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Curry have five children: Eloise, James, Anna, Robert and Jean. The parents are members of the Grove Presbyterian Church of Danville. Mr. Curry has been school director. Politically he is a Democrat.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 216 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

CALVIN DAVIS, San Francisco, Cal. - Lawyer; from Limestoneville, Montour county; in General Scientific course, Freshman year; studied law in Williamsport, and was there admitted to the bar, and practiced a short time; then engaged in business successively at Lewisburg, Kansas City, the Black Hills, and since '77 in California. (Record of the Men of Lafayette: Brief Biographical Sketches of the Alumni of Lafayette College from Its Organization to the Present Time ,By Selden Jennings Coffin, William Baxter Owen, Lafayette College (Easton, Pa.) Published by The College, 1879 pg. 229 Contributed by Vicki Hartman)

DAVID DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Valley Township, January 5, 1823, and is a brother of the preceding gentleman. He was educated in the common schools and engaged in farming. He and his brother, Jonathan, are partners and together own the farm of 300 acres. Mr. Davis married in Northumberland County, Penn., Theodocia, daughter of Gen. William Case of the Pennsylvania militia. This union has been blessed by two children: Thomas Beaver and William. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Presbyterian Church. He generally refuses to accept office, but has served as assessor.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 216 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JONATHAN DAVIS, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Danville, was born where he now resides in Valley Township, July 23, 1819, a son of Griffith J. and Phebe (Burry) Davis, natives of Pennsylvania and of Welsh descent. His father, a relative of the famous Jefferson DAVIS, ex-president of the Southern Confederacy, was engaged in farming all his life and died in 1874. Jonathan was educated at the schools of his native county, and from youth up has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has been very successful. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and stanch Democrat politically.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 216 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JAMES F. DEEN, Danville, is a native of that place, born September 1, 1816, a son of John and Susan (McBride) Deen, natives of Pennsylvania. His father came to Danville in 1790, and was one of the first blacksmiths of the place. James F. is the fourth of eight children, was reared and educated in Danville, followed the blacksmith's trade with his father, and worked at the trade altogether for fifty-three years. April 3, 1839, he commenced the business of blacksmithing for himself, and on the 8th of August following moved to North Danville, occupying as a residence the first house built on the new town erected a blacksmith shop in which he began work January 2, 1840. In the fall of 1846 he purchased and built on ground, adjoining, a machine ship and foundry with other necessary buildings, in which he operated until 1847, when he moved to East Boston, Mass., where he remained until January, 1849, doing all of the wrought iron work for a large rolling-mill. He then returned to his old business at Danville, and in May, 1856, moved to Selin's Grove, where he built a foundry, machine shop, etc., and followed the business until 1858, when he moved to Sunbury, and there for five years did the repairing for the North Central Railroad. In 1862 he returned to his native place, which has since been his home, being occupied at the smith business until 1886, since which time he has been engaged in farming. During his long and active business career Mr. Deen did much work in his line. To him is given the credit of doing the iron work in the first steam grist-mill built in Danville in 1839; did the smith work for large blast furnaces and much of the work for the large rolling-mill of the Montour Company. He owns valuable town property and a farm in Montour County, also a farm of 150 acres in Maury County, Tenn. He married, February 21, 1839, Margaret, daughter of Henry Saunders, a shoemaker by trade. Mrs. Deen was born July 31, 1820, is of German origin and the mother of eight children: John Henry, born January 2, 1840 (deceased); Martha Jane, born November 8, 1842 (deceased); Mary D., born November 9, 1844; John S., born in November, 1847; Alvaretta F., born March 23, 1850; Laura V., born July 31, 1853; Margaret E., born April 13, 1859; Elmer, born November 23, 1861, died September 26, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Deen are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Masonic fraternity, and served seven years as a member of a rifle company in the militia at Danville. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 148 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

PERRY DEEN, dealer in iron, P. O. Danville, was born in Danville, Penn., July 26, 1826, son of John and Mary (Flack) Deen, who were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was of Scotch and his mother of Irish origin. John Deen was among the earliest blacksmiths of Danville, but in later life was a farmer. His family consisted of eight children, seven of whom lived to be grown. Our subject was the seventh in the family, and learned the tanner's trade early in life, which he followed for thirteen years, when he commenced to deal in scrap iron. In 1871 at the time when the co-operative Iron Rolling Mill Company was organized he was elected its president, and as such served three years; he then engaged in the lumber business for a time, also dealt in scrap iron, in which later business he has ever since continued. He has been twice married, first to Miss Mary J., daughter of Robert Richard; her parents were born in New Jersey and were of German origin. The children born to this union were John R. and Harriet. Mrs. Deen died in 1860, and March 28, 1865, Mr. Deen married Mary J., daughter of George and Elizabeth Fullmer; she is of German descent. Their children are Helen E., Mary, Sarah W. and Thomas E. The family are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Deen is a Republican. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 149 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

F. C. DERR, merchant, Danville, was born in Moreland, Lycoming Co., Penn., July 29, 1836. His parents, Christopher and Mary (Opp) Derr, were natives of the Keystone State and descendants of English and German ancestors. Mr. Derr is the ninth in a family of ten children. He spent his boyhood on a farm with his parents, and, in common with country boys of the time, his early educational advantages were limited to the district school. At the age of eighteen he entered the academy at McEwensville, Northumberland County. Later he became a student at Bucknell University, Lewisburg. He left this institution in his sophomore year and entered the University of Rochester, N. Y., where he graduated in 1860. In an academy near his alma mater, Mr. Derr entered upon his chosen profession. In 1862 he returned to his native State and accepted the position of the principal of the Danville High School. At the head of this institution he remained for twenty-one years. He soon popularized himself by elevating the high school to a degree of excellence seldom attained to in a country town. Possessing, in addition to a vast store of knowledge, the faculty of bringing himself into a happy fellowship with the young in their aims and aspirations, he at once endeared himself to his pupils and impressed them with his rare ability as a teacher. Mr. Derr now finds himself surrounded in all circles by those who were his pupils at one time or another during his long career as a teacher. It would be difficult, indeed, to limit the extent to which Danville is indebted to him for its mental culture. In 1881 he received the appointment as school superintendent of Montour County. His term of office was marked by a gradual improvement in the schools under his charge, besides the unusually pleasant relations existing between the teachers and superintendent. In 1882 he went into the boot and shoe business, in Danville, taking as a partner William Lunger. The confidence reposed in him as a teacher was now transferred to him as a merchant, and at no time was the firm of Derr & Lunger without a liberal portion of the town's patronage. In 1887 he and Mr. Lunger dissolved partnership, Mr. Derr assuming the whole business and continuing on at the old stand. In 1872 he married Martha B. Bower, daughter of John Bower of Danville. This union has been blessed with one child, a son, named Clarence F. Mr. Derr is Knight Templar, a member of the Danville Lodge; No. 224, F. & A. M., and of the Holy Royal Arch Chapter, No. 239. He is a Republican in politics. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887 pg. 149 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

GEORGE WASHINGTON DERR, farmer, P. O. Limestoneville, was born in Moreland township, Lycoming County, April 21, 1829, son of Christopher and Mary (Oopp) Derr. He was reared in his native bounty, and was married January 28, 1858, to Miss Martha, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Hayes. Her father is deceased but her mother still resides near Danville. After their marriage they removed to where Mr. Derr now lives, and there his wife died June 27, 1859. They had one child, Martha, wife of S. F. Ricketts, of Danville. Mr. Derr was again married February 15, 1866, to Miss Rebecca L. Schuyler, widow of Dr. Wm B. Schuyler, who had one son by her first marriage, Roscoe C. Mr. Derr is a member of the Turbotville Baptist Church; he has been county commissioner three years. He owns seventy-seven acres of land, and has made all his own improvements. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 206 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JAMES WILSON DERR, farmer, P. O. Limestoneville, was born in Moreland Township, Lycoming County, August 16, 1834, son of Christopher and Mary (Opp) Derr. He was reared in his native township, and there resided until his twenty-fourth year. He spent his early life on a farm, and, when nineteen years of age, went to complete the trade of carpenter. In 1853 he paid his first visit to the locality where he now resides. He was married, December 30, 1858, to Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of John and Sophia Schuyler. After their marriage, they resided for a time with their brother, living there eight years, working at his trade, which he followed until the fall of 1865. In 1861 he bought a lot of eleven acres, and to this he has since added, until he now has 230 acres of land, nearly all of which he has accumulated by his own efforts. He located on his present home place in 1866, in which year he put up his present substantial improvements, costing him over $7,000. His farm is among the finest in this region of country. Mr. and Mrs. Derr are the parents of three children: Calvin W., born September 1, 1868, educated at Limestoneville academy, teaching in Limestone Township; Eva J., born December 2, 1871; Schuyler C., born October 29, 1860, and died March 27, 1866. They have reared two girls: Mary E. Jarrett, married to William E. Derr, lived with them twenty-one years: Maggie C. Hayes lived with them sixteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Derr and children are members of the Baptist Church. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 206 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

THOMAS M. DERR, farmer, P. O. Turbotville, was born in Moreland Township, Lycoming County, August 31, 1831, son of Christopher and Mary (Opp) Derr. Christopher Derr, father of Thomas M., was born in what is now Anthony Township, Columbia County, and his father died when Christopher was a boy. Christopher was married in Lycoming County to Mary Opp, and they were the parents of ten children: Hannah (deceased), Philip (deceased), John, Jane, Phoebe, George, Thomas M., Wilson, Franklin C. and Jacob. Christopher and wife are both deceased and are buried at Moreland. Thomas M., was reared in Moreland, followed lumbering until he was thirty-one years of age and then began farming for himself. In 1863 he came to his present location, where he bought 125 acres of land from Barton Runyon. He now has 115 acres of good farm land. Mr. Derr was married September 25, 1862, to Effie A., daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Brass) Schulyer. They are the parents of five children: Mary Elizabeth, Hannah D., Ida Estella, Lewis Christopher (deceased), and Effie (deceased). (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, Limestone Township pg. 206 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

ALEXANDER M. DIEHL, grocer, Danville, was born December 11, 1848, in Danville, Penn., a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Voris) Diehl, natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania. His parents were among the early residents of Danville, and his father, who was a contractor and builder, was superintendent of the erection of the Grove Presbyterian Church. Alexander M. is the only son in a family of six children, five of whom grew to maturity. He was reared in Danville and educated at the Academy at that place. He first clerked in the office of Waterman & Beaver, extensive iron manufacturers, with whom he remained eleven years. He then traveled two years for a grocery house in Philadelphia. In 1879 he established the New York Tea Store in Danville and subsequently added groceries to his stock. He is a liberal advertiser and has met with success in his enterprise. He acquired his business education at the Quaker City College, where he graduated in 1865. May 22, 1871, he married Jessie Krohte, of German origin, and a daughter of Querin and Susan (Latimer) Krothe. This union has been blessed with two children, Ralph Beaver and Estella B. (deceased). Mrs. Diehl is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Diehl is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the K. of P., in which he has been District Deputy. He does not affiliate with any political party. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, Danville, pg. 151 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DAVID P. DIEHL, farmer and fruit grower, residing near Danville, was born September 17, 1824, in Mahoning Township, Montour County, son of Christian and Magdalene Diehl, whose maiden name was Sechler, and who was a native of Mahoning Township, Montour County. Peter Diehl, the father of Christian, was born in Berks County, near Reading, Penn., and at the age of two and a half years was captured by the Indians and brought to the village, which he in after life located as the Indian village at the mouth of Mahoning Creek, where he suffered untold hardships for a time from his captor, who had firmly decided to punish him with the full measure of Indian torture, until death would end his miserable life, and at one time he seized him by the limbs to dash out his brains against a tree, when through the kindly intercession of an aged squaw he was redeemed in exchange for a small copper kettle. With this woman he afterward lived to the end of his captivity, and enjoyed life pleasantly, and so attached did he become to his dusky foster mother, that when he was returned after seven and a half years of captivity, it was almost an impossibility to restrain him from running away from his former home, where it took the constant care of his elder brother and sister to watch him from running away to rejoin his dusky friends, the Delawares. When ten years of age he again returned to the home of his birth, where he lived to the age of manhood, when he married an estimable woman by the name of Molie Foust. He again sought the wilds of Mahoning Township, and located a place near his Indian home, on the place now occupied by his grandson, Peter Diehl. The subject of this historical sketch, D. P. Diehl, was reared upon the farm and was a faithful attendant of the county schools, and for a time of the Danville Academy, and of several other higher schools in the neighborhood. From straitened circumstances he learned a trade, which afforded him the means to obtain a reasonable education by working at the carpenter trade in the summer and attending school in the winter, received from the toils of his employment. In 1870 he bought a small place within sight of Danville, which was planted and furnished with good fruit of various kinds of apples, pears and peaches, and a variety of small fruit such as currants, grapes, raspberries and strawberries. His health, which had become impaired in the toils of the trade he followed, was again renewed in the healthful exercise which the pleasure and toils of the occupation afforded him.

GIDEON P. DIETRICH, retired, Washingtonville, is a grandson of Jacob Dierich, who came from Germany and settled in Berks County, where he died. His son, John Jacob, was the father of Gideon P., and was born in Greenwich Township, Berks County, where he died at the age of eighty-four years. His widow, nee Christian Pfeiffer, survived him several years. They had eleven children--eight sons and three daughters--of whom three are deceased. The living are Samuel P., in Berks County on his father's farm; Solomon, a miller in Albany Township; Moses, in Greenwich Township; Charles, in Albany Township; Polly, wife of Charles Greenwalt, of Greenwich Township; Sallie, wife of Peter Kline, of Reading; Caroline, wife of Peter Krause, of Greenwich Township, all in Berks County, and Gideon P. The last named was born in Berks County, April 22, 1815; lived with his father until he was twenty-three years of age. He learned the trade of milling which he followed seventeen years, fourteen of which were passed in this part of the country. In 1854 he abandoned milling and bought his father-in-law's farm in this township, where he now resides. He also owns two other farms as well as house property in Danville. Since 1879, he has lived retired. In 1848 he married Susanna Moser, who was born October 6, 1819, and four children blessed their union: Peter M., married Annie Yoder, and resides on his father's farm; Mary Ann, wife of George W. Miller, of this township, residing on one of her father's farms; Sallie, wife of Daniel Wagner, of this township, residing on her father's farm, and Caroline, who died when seven years old. Mr. Dietrich has been overseer of the poor for sixteen years, and served as school director ten years. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, of which he was deacon for seventeen years, and elder for five years, when increasing infirmities compelled his resignation. Politically he is a Democrat. Since 1880, the Washingtonville and Northern Montour Agricultural Society has held its fair on Mr. Dietrich's old homestead. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 195 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

PATRICK DINENN, farmer, P. O. Exchange, was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1824, son of Sylvester and Catharine Dinenn, former of whom was a farmer in Ireland. When our subject reached the age of twenty-six years he emigrated to America, leaving Liverpool April 1, 1847, and arriving at New York on May 14, following. He remained on Long Island six months with a man named Benjamin BENT, an iron merchant of New York. He next lived about six months with Tiffany, Young & Ellis, of New York; thence came to Pennsylvania and worked six weeks in the mines at Pottsville. From there he went to the Central Railroad, and after six weeks came to Danville, and having quite a lot of horses took contracts for hauling ore from the mines, etc., being thus engaged about ten years, from October, 1848 to 1858. He then bought the old Glen farm of 112 acres in Anthony Township, this county, to which he has added from time to time, until he now has three fine farms, aggregating about 500 acres with homesteads and improvements. His home residence is supplied with all good, substantial and new improvements, made by Mr. Dinenn himself. To show the progress Mr. Dinenn has made, it may be said that when he came to Long Island he had two old country sovereigns, and when he came to Danville he worked for two years for 75 cents a day, and paid his own board. He was married in Danville, May 27, 1852 (Father Michael Sheridan performing the ceremony) to Miss Jane Lafferty, whose father, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, died in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Dinenn were the parents of the following named children: Sylvester (deceased), Kate (deceased), Bryan, John, Mary, Ann, Sadie, Patrick, William, Sylvester, Thomas (deceased), and Annie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Dinenn are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Dinenn has been connected with the schools of the township as director for six years. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 183 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JUDGE HENRY DIVEL. Prominent among the progressive and energetic business men of the town of Danville is the above-named gentleman who is a member of the firm Hoffman & Divel, the largest meat dealers in Montour County. He was born in Milton, Pa., December 26, 1839, and is a son of Joseph and Maria (Bowers) Divel, and a grandson of Joseph Divel. Joseph Divel, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, and was a butcher and marketman of Wurtemberg, Germany, all his life. Joseph Divel, the father of our subject, was also born in Germany, and followed the trade of a butcher all his active days. In 1839 Joseph immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City; later he moved to Milton, Pa., where some of his relatives resided. He next went to Harrisburg where he worked as a journeyman for a short time and then returned to Milton, where he formed a partnership with Jacob Bowers and opened a butcher shop. They continued that business for two years and then dissolved partnership, and Mr. Divel moved to Danville, where he remained but a short time, when he went to Mooresburg; there he engaged in the meat business and carried on that line until his death, which occurred in 1885 at the age of seventy-five years. Our subject's father was twice united in marriage, his first wife was Maria Bowers, a native of Germany, and they reared two children: Henry, the subject of this personal history; and Mary, the wife of John Moyer of Milton, Pa. Mr. Divel chose for his second wife, Catherine Griff, who bore him the following children: Sophia, wife of Robert Mills of Lockhaven, Pa.; Joanna, who wedded Simon L. Ritter of Mooresburg, Pa.; Joseph F., a veteran of the Rebellion; and three who died in their infancy. Henry Divel received a liberal education in the common schools of his native town and at the age of sixteen years worked with his father, learning the trade of a butcher, which business he has since followed to the present time. In 1859 he removed to Danville and worked as a journeyman for Moyer & Lyon for six years and seven months, and during his employment with this firm, he never lost but one week's work and that was owing to a felon on one of his fingers. July 4, 1865, in company with John Rockfellow, he opened and conducted a butcher shop at No. 334 Mill street. April 1, 1875, Theodore Hoffman, whose sketch may also be found in this Book of Biographies, purchased the interest of Mr. Rockfellow, and the firm has since been known as Hoffman & Divel. The firm has since erected new stables and built a large slaughter-house 50 by 80 feet on Montgomery street; also has a stock-yard 200 by 80 feet, and as the firm makes large shipments to the western part of the state, the D., L. & W. R. R. laid a side-track to its yards. Mr. Divel was united in Hymen's bonds to Barbara Fleckenstein, a daughter of Peter Fleckenstein, and their home has been blessed by the following children: Emma, wife of S. G. Johnson, a large real estate dealer of Carthage, Mo.; Elizabeth, who was wedded to W. L. Sidler, register and recorder of Montour County, Pa.; Lilly May, united in marriage to Henry Woolheater, a farmer of Union County, Pa.; Charlotte; Maggie; Laura; Ella; Minnie; Joseph; and Annie. Our subject owns a handsome residence, No. 404 Church street, which he makes his home; also two large tenement houses. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church of Danville; politically he is an earnest adherent of Democratic principles and lends the weight of influence to the support of his party. He enjoys the confidence and respect of his townsmen, and has served one term in the town council, and was associate judge from 1890 to 1895, and was re-elected in 1895 for his second term. Socially Judge Divel is a member of Danville Lodge, No. 516, F. & A. M., and is past master of the same. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 88 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HENRY EARP, coal dealer, Danville, was born in England, September 25, 1838, a son of William and Ann (Tandy) Earp, also natives of England, where the father was engaged in a rolling-mill for many years; later he immigrated to America, and in 1845 settled in Danville, where he commenced working at the same business, and helped to make the first railroad iron in Danville. He was born in 1806, and died at the age of seventy-two, in Danville, where he commenced work in the rolling-mills when quite young. He worked on contract, and by economy saved enough to enable him to embark in the coal business in 1882. He does a general retail business, bringing most of the coal by was of the canal, buying so as to sell at the lowest possible price. His gentlemanly deportment and accommodating disposition have brought him many customers, represents the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He married, in 1861, Anna, daughter of Benjamin Alward. She is of English origin, and her grandfather, one of the early settlers in this county, was its first sheriff, and for years justice of the peace. Politically he was a Democrat, until the breaking out of the war. Mr. and Mrs. EARP are members of the Episcopal Church, in which he is warden and also choir master. He is a Republican in politics, has served as member of the election board, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the I. O. O. F., Calumet Lodge, No. 279, and also of the K. of L., of Danville. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 152 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN D. ELLIS, farmer, P. O. Turbotville, was born in what is now Anthony Township, Montour County, June 14, 1836, son of William and Sarah (Murry) Ellis. His grandfather, Stephen Ellis, immigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, in or about 1770, and settled with his wife, Mary Cunningham, in what is now Anthony Township, Montour County, and made farming his business. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis were parents of twelve children, and spent the remainder of their lives near where they first settled. They bequeathed some money toward founding the Episcopal Church at Exchange, at which place they were buried. William, their second son, was born May 8, 1800, and in 1833 married Sarah Murrey of Lewis Township, Northumberland County, and they then bought and settled on a tract of land in what is now Madison Township, Columbia County, where Mr. Ellis cleared up the most of his farm, which was timber land, followed agricultural pursuits and became owner of several farms in the adjoining counties. Mr. Ellis yet survives. They were the parents of three children: Andrew, John D., and Stephen M. John D. was reared in his native township where he remained until he was thirty-six years of age, and in 1872 came to Limestone Township. He was married May 10, 1869, to Miss Uranna Lichard, born July 4, 1826, daughter of George and Rebecca (Dewalt) Lichard, both of whom resided in Lycoming County, about two miles from Moreland Mills. For three years after their marriage they remained in Anthony Township, when they removed to their present location in Limestone Township, where he bought fifty-seven acres, being the old Abraham Walter place on the Wilkesbarre Railroad. He now has 312 acres of his own, and an interest with his brother, Stephen M., in some timber lands. He made his own improvements on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are the parents of four children: Ida, married to Edward Menges; Franklin, Ella May and Roscoe. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are members of the Episcopal Church at Exchange. Mr. Ellis has for six years been director of schools at Limestone Township; he was elected justice of the peace in 1886. James Lichard, grandfather of Mrs. Uranna Ellis, was of English origin, and settled in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County; he married Catharine Shires, and they were parents of nine children. George, their third son, was married to Miss Rebecca Dewatt; they were parents of six children. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 206 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM ELLIS, farmer, P. O. Exchange, was born and reared in Anthony Township, and has always made it his home; he is the son of Stephen and Sarah Ellis. His grandfather, Stephen Ellis, was born in Ireland, and from there came to America, locating at first permanently in Anthony Township, this county. His father was a sea captain, and when he retired from sea life took up land near Baltimore, and finally went back to Donegal, Ireland, and there died. Stephen Ellis, Sr., assisted his cousin at Juniata, Penn., in surveying, before coming to this county. He followed farming after coming here and lived here until his death, which occurred in 1845 at the age of eighty-two years. His widow, whose maiden name was Eleanor Cunningham, survived him a few years; they are buried at Exchange, in the Episcopal graveyard, they having been members of that church. John Bull, father of Sarah Ellis, was born in Derbyshire, England, on the 2d of February, 1770. He came to America in 1801, and located in Elkland Township, Lycoming County; he was married there, and moved to Anthony Township, Montour County, where he died on the 5th of November, 1855. His wife, Eleanor Bird, was born in Norfolk, England; she came to America with here parents when she was about twelve years of age. She died on the 13th of April, 1862. Stephen Ellis, father of William, John and James Ellis, was born in Anthony Township, Montour County, on the 1st of May, 1807, and lived here all his life, following farming which he carried on until about 1876, since which time he has lived retired from active labor, and now resides at Exchange. William Ellis, subject of this sketch was married in Lycoming County, September 12, 1880, to Miss Annie Shetler, a native of Columbia County, Penn., and daughter of John Shetler; her father now resides in Madison Township, Columbia Co., Penn.; her mother died in May, 1883. William and Annie Ellis are the parents of four children: Stephen, William, John and James. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are both members of the Episcopal Church at Exchange. In politics he is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 184 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

RICHARD W. EGGERT, editor and proprietor of the Gem, was born in Danville, Penn., November 2, 1839, a son of Xavier and Mary Anna (Smith) Eggert. His father was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, and his mother in Ithaca, N. Y., of French, English and German origin. The former was a watchmaker, and also dealt, for many years in Danville, in watches and jewelry. Richard W. is the second of seven children; he was educated in Danville, and in early life learned the printer's trade, which he has made the business of his life. He learned the printing business in the office of the Hon. V. Best, who was United States senator, and has filled all the different positions from apprentice to editor and proprietor of a paper. He has published several papers in Danville, especially valuable for their local department, and is an excellent compositor. His latest journalistic venture, the Gem, has a larger circulation in Danville than any other paper published in Montour County. In 1863 he enlisted in Battery F, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, or the One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, and served with honor until the close of the war. He is a member of the G. A. R., K. of P. and the M. B. of B. Politically he is independent. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 152 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JAMES FENSTERMACHER, farmer and stock grower and owner of the Fenstermacher tannery in Valley Township, P. O. Danville, was born in Valley Township, April 4, 1849, a son of Charles and Catherine (Schumacher) Fenstermacher, natives of Lehigh County, Penn. His father came to Montour County about 1831, a tanner by trade, and about 1836 built the tannery, which he operated until his death in 1886. He served one term as one of the commissioners of Montour County. James is the only son in a family of three children; was reared in his native township, and educated at Danville and Mercersburg College, Franklin County. He engaged in farming and tanning, has met with success, and owns 200 acres of land on which he resides. He married, in 1872, Kate Kocher, a native of Pennsylvania, who has borne him four children, of whom Ida P., Charles N. and Laura May are living, one having died at the age of two and a half years. Mr. and Mrs. Fenstermacher are members of the Reformed Church, in which he is a deacon. His parents were also identified with that denomination, his father serving as a deacon and elder for many years.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 217 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

NATHAN FENSTERMACHER, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., January 8, 1827, son of Abraham and Christianna (Wise) Fenstermacher, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. His father was a merchant miller by occupation, and settled in Valley Township in 1834 on the farm where Nathan now resides and which he owns. Abraham erected a saw-mill and tannery until his death in 1851. His family consisted of eight children, of whom Nathan was the fifth. He was reared in Valley Township on the farm, attended the district schools and chose farming as an occupation, in which he has met with success, and is the owner of 112 acres of land. He was the father, being a native of Valley Township, born March 3, 1810. The house in which he was born is still standing. Our subject and wife have two children: Minnie and Estella J. The family are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has been a deacon and of which he is now an elder, treasurer, and secretary and treasurer of the Sunday-school. In politics he is a Republican.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 217 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOSEPH FLANAGAN, brickmaker, Danville, was born in Snyder County, Penn., October 14, 1819, a son of James and Nancy (Srontz) Flanagan, of German and Irish origin, respectively. The father was also a brickmaker by occupation, and died in 1831. Joseph, the eldest of five children, was reared on the farm in Northumberland County, and learned his trade with his father. He opened a brickyard in Northumberland County over forty years ago, and has since made the manufacture of brick his main business, and followed it in Danville for over thirty years, meeting with success. He also dealt in merchandise, and owned a general store in Danville. In 1842 he married Catherine, daughter of Charles White. The latter was also a brickmaker, and of Irish origin. To Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan five children were born, two of whom are now living (three having died in infancy): Laura, wife of I. T. Patton, a merchant of Danville, who was born in that place June 5, 1843, to John and Nancy (Bassett) Patton, of English and Scotch origin. Mr. Patton enlisted, in 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in several hard-fought battles. He is a graduate of commercial college of Philadelphia, of the class of 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Patton have five children: Joseph F., Harry B., John, Florence, May and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan's second child is Gertrude, now the wife of Thomas Ellis, agent for the Catawissa Railroad at this place. Mr. Flanagan is a republican; has been assessor, school director and member of the town council of Danville. He is Past Grand in the I. O. O. F. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 152 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JAMES FLORA, retired hotel-keeper, P. O. Danville, was born in 1817 in Columbia County, Penn. He is the son of Joseph and Jane (Craig) Flora; Joseph Flora was a miller, and followed that as a business for many years. James, our subject, was his only child, and was reared in Montour County, attending the subscription schools. Jane FLORA lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight; Joseph Flors died before our subject was born, therefore the latter's knowledge of his father is limited. They were of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject has made farming his occupation, but kept the hotel for twenty-one years. He still owns the farm in Anthony Township, the hotel in Valley Township and other real estate. He was married, in 1841, to Sarah Ann, daughter of John Smith; she is of German origin. They have six children now living: Jane E. (wife of Samuel Beaver), Sally Ann (wife of Grier Acor), Mary C. (wife of Wesley Perry), William, Hannah (wife of Henry Billinger) and Caroline (wife of Harry A. Griener). The family are members of the Reformed Church, and in politics Mr. Flora is a Democrat.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 217 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JAMES FOSTER, secretary of the Danville Stove Works, was born in the North of Ireland, March, 18, 1842. His father, Thompson Foster, who was a blacksmith, emigrated from Ireland to America in 1847, settling first in Pittsburgh, Penn., subsequently moving to Danville, where he resided about thirty years, and is now a resident of Philadelphia. James, the third of seven children, spent most of his life in Danville, where he received his education, and learned the blacksmith's trade with his father. Later he commenced work in the rolling-mills, which was his chief employment for about twenty years. When the Danville Stove Works were organized, the company elected him its secretary and treasurer, and as such he still serves. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in his first battle at Antietam. He remained with the regiment, however, and participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg, and at the expiration of his term of service, re-enlisted, this time in the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was elected first lieutenant, served his term, hundred days, and was discharged in 1865. In 1866 he enlisted in the Two Hundred and Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was the last regiment discharged from Pennsylvania. Politically Mr. Foster is a Republican, and has served as chairman of the water-works, and chief burgess of Danville. In 1864 he married Mary Gulick, a native of Danville, of English origin, and their children are John, Elizabeth, Jennie and Alexander. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members of St. Paul Methodist Church, of which denomination he has been trustee. He has served four years as District Deputy of the I. O. O. F., Montour County Lodge, No. 279, and one term as commander of the G. A. R. Post at Danville. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 152 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
HON. JAMES FOSTER,* chief burgess of the borough of Danville, Montour County, and general manager of the Danville Stove Manufacturing Company, which is the largest stove company in the eastern part of the state, was born March 18, 1842, and is a son of Thompson and Eliza (Irwin) Foster. Thompson Foster was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and was born in North Ireland. His trade was that of a blacksmith and mechanic, which he had learned during his younger days. He left his native country and came to the United States, locating in Pittsburg, Pa., where he followed his trade a short time, and then moved to Danville, Montour County, Pa. He next was connected with the mammoth blacksmith shops of the iron works of Danville, where he remained many years, when he retired from the active duties of life and moved to Philadelphia, where he died at the age of seventy-nine years. He was joined in marriage to Elizabeth Irwin, a native of North Ireland, and they were the parents of the following children: Alexander; Elizabeth; James, the subject of this sketch; Jennie; Thompson; Thomas; and Frances. Mr. Foster served as councilman of Danville and as a director of the public schools. Our subject received his elementary education in the public schools of Danville and then worked with his father, learning the trade of a blacksmith. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, 132d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., for a term of nine months, but at the expiration of that time he re-enlisted and served throughout the close of the war. The most noted battles in which our subject participated were Antietam, in which he was wounded; Chancellorsville; and Fredericksburg. At the close of the war he was a member of the 194th Regiment, of which he was first lieutenant; he was honorably discharged in 1865, but again re-enlisted in the 214th Regiment, which was discharged in March, 1866. Returning to Danville, he took up his former trade, which he followed until 1882. On August 7th of that year the Danville Stove Manufacturing Company was organized, with the following officers: Henry Vincent, president; our subject, superintendent; and W. J. Baldy, treasurer. They purchased the De Long Foundry, which they operated at first on a small scale, but the business increased so rapidly they were obliged to enlarge their plant; accordingly, they erected a large five-story structure 238 feet long, and they now employ a force of 150 men. The present officers are W. B. Chamberlain, president; James Foster, general manager; J. A. Yorks, treasurer; and J. C. Lynn, secretary. Our subject is also traveling salesman, and has established agents in all the principal cities east of the Mississippi River. The company manufactures the well-known Beaver Steel Plate Furnace, in which either bituminous or anthracite coal may be used; also parlor and cooking ranges. James Foster was united in marriage to Mary Gulick, a native of Danville, and a daughter of Isaac Gulick, who comes from the oldest families of Montour County. The following children have blessed the home of our subject and wife: John, a prominent shoe merchant of Danville; Elizabeth; Phoebe, deceased; Jennie; Alexander, a bookkeeper; and James, deceased. Mr. Foster is a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church, of which lie is steward and a trustee; also superintendent of the Sabbath School. He is a member of Calumet Lodge No. 279, I. O. O. F., and is a member of Goodrich Post No. 22, G. A. R., of Danville, of which order he served four years as district deputy. Our subject was one of a committee to organize the Danville Water Works and was secretary and superintendent of the same for many years. He owns a fine residence on Walnut street and other property in Danville. * The information contained in this biography was supplied by the subject of this sketch. A type-set copy of the biography was sent to the subject to be proof-read, but the subject did not edit and return the copy, so this biography may contain typographical errors. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 760 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DANIEL FRAZIER, (deceased) was a native of Danville, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His parents came to Danville, where the father died about sixty years ago, and the mother some thirty-five years later. Their children were James, William, Alexander, Thomas, Daniel, Christiana, Agnes and Sarah, and two who died in childhood. None of the family are now living; Daniel was born in 1815 and died March 28, 1879. He worked for his father until the latter's death, when he bought the home farm from the estate, and many years after sold it to the Reading Railroad Company, whose depot now stands upon it, as does also a large part of the newer portion of Danville. In 1852 he bought and moved to the farm in Derry Township where his widow now resides and where he died. He always followed farming and in 1841 was elected the first sheriff of Montour County after its separation from Columbia. From youth until his death he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church and was a man much respected by all who knew him. December 27, 1840, he married Miss Ellen, daughter of Jacob Olwine of Schuylkill County, and born in Reading in 1816. Mrs. Frazier bore her husband seven children, two dying in infancy, a daughter, Alice, at the age of twenty-seven years and eight months. The living are James O., sheriff of the county; Mary Isabella, wife, of James E. Steaker, of Washingtonville; Hannah M., living with her mother; Edward D., married to Jane, daughter of Samuel Herr and resides in Valley Township. After her husband's death Mrs. Frazier sold part of the farm and removed to the other half, where she now resides in comfortable and pleasant circumstances. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 195 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

EDWARD FRAZIER, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Danville, Penn., February 16, 1852, son of Daniel F. Frazier, who was the first sheriff of Montour County, of which the brother of Edward is the present sheriff. Edward is the youngest of the family of seven children, and was reared on the farm, receiving schooling in the district school. He chose farming as his occupation and has followed it until the present time, being owner of the farm where he now resides in Valley Township. He was married in 1881 to Sarah J. (of German origin), daughter of Samuel Herr. Their children are Samuel and Alice. Mr. Frazier is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics is a Republican.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 217 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JAMES O. FRAZIER, sheriff, Danville, was born in Danville, Montour Co., Penn., December 9, 1845; a son of Daniel Frazier, a farmer, who was elected sheriff in 1850, and was the first to be elected to that office in this county; he and his wife were natives, respectively, of Montour and Schuylkill Counties, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish and German origin. They were the parents of seven children, four now living. They moved to Washingtonville; attended the schools of Danville, and in early life followed farming until he was nominated on the Republican ticket and elected sheriff of Montour County in the fall of 1885, the only Republican ever elected to the office in Montour County. He married, in 1874, Mary, daughter of Jacob Martz, and of German origin. She is the mother of the following named children: Alice E., Daniel, Clarence W. and James O. Mrs. Frazier is a member of the Lutheran Church. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 153 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

MRS. ELIZABETH M. FRICK, who is a respected resident of the borough of Danville, is a daughter of William Colt, one of the earliest business men of that town, and the relict of Dr. Clarence Henry Frick. Dr. Clarence H. Frick was born in Danville, Montour County, in 1828, and was a son of George A. Frick and a grandson of John Frick. His great-great-grandfather was Conrad Frick, who was born in Heidelberg, Germany, and in 1732 departed for America, being the first of that name to locate in this country. George A. Frick, our subject's father by marriage, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and early in life studied for the legal profession. He later moved to Danville, where he was one of the first lawyers to enter upon a practice, and he continued longer than any of his contemporaries, or until 1851. He did much toward advancing the welfare of that borough and was instrumental in the establishment of the iron works. He, with a number of other men, purchased land which was rich with iron ore and offered firms great inducements to locate there and manufacture iron. He erected the first brick house in Danville, the one in which James Scarlett now resides. He died at the age of eighty-five years and six months. He was united in marriage to Eleanor Hurly, and they became the parents of the following children: Arthur W.; Clarence H., M. D.; Augustus G.; Martha H.; Alexander J.; and others who died in their infancy. In religious attachments they were Lutherans. Dr. Clarence Henry Frick was reared and educated in Danville, where he lived until the outbreak of the Mexican War, when he gave vent to his patriotism by enlisting in the Columbia Guards. He participated in the first engagement of the war, the storming of Vera Cruz, under Capt. Wilson as a lieutenant, and upon the latters death, April 10, 1847, succeeded to the captaincy. He continued as captain of the company throughout the war and took a prominent part in the battle of Cerro Gordo, the storming of Chapultepec Heights, and the defense of San Angelos. Dr. Fric'k fought with bravery and daring throughout the entire war and was completely broken down in health when he returned home, July 28, 1849, and, like many another, never fully recovered from the effects of the unfavorable Mexican climate. Dr. Clarence H. Frick left a large practice to enlist in the War with Mexico, and resumed it after his return from the war, but on account of failing health gave it up in 1857. His death occurred in 1861, at the age of forty-three years. His death was a sad blow to his loving wife and a large number of friends in whose midst he had always lived. As a result of his union with Elizabeth McClurg Colt they reared the following children: William Colt, a resident of New York City, who is general sales agent of the Howe & Polk Manufacturing Company of Danville, and for several years has been largely engaged in the iron business, married Mary Clark, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Donaldson; George Augustus, a resident of Philadelphia; Clarence Henry, Jr., who is teller of the Danville National Bank, and married Lizzie Holloway, by whom he had three children, Ruth H., Clarence H., and Sallie Cornelia. In religious belief Dr. Frick was an Episcopalian. William Colt, the father of our subject, was born in Erie, Pa., but at an early age moved to Danville, Montour County, where he was one of the prominent business men. In 1828 he became one of the original stockholders of the river bridge which was built in that year, and was one of the managers of it for many years. He was also a large contractor in the building of the North Branch Canal. He later engaged in the mercantile business under the firm name Colt & Donaldson in the building in which the Danville National Bank is now located. He was successfully engaged in that line until he became a coal operator in Schuyl-kill County. He built and resided in the large brick house in which Mrs. Frick now resides. Mr. Colt passed to his eternal rest May 14, 1855, at the age of sixty-five years, and his worthy wife survived him many years, dying in 1880, aged seventy-eight years. Their children were: John Donaldson; Elizabeth M., the subject of this personal history; and Su-oan M., a maiden lady residing with her sister. Mrs. Frick is a woman with many lovable traits of character and has a large circle of friends in Danville, numbering them almost by her acquaintances. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 598 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY GEARHEART, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, the popular station agent of the D., L. & W. R. R., and one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of Danville, was born in Danville, July 26, 1846, and is a son of Bonham R. and Elizabeth S. (Boyd) Gearheart, grandson of George Gearheart, and great-grandson of Capt. Jacob Gearheart. The great-grandfather of our subject, born in Germany, immigrated to this country prior to the Revolutionary War, and located in the state of New Jersey in what is now known as Hunterdon County. As he had many friends in Eastern Pennsylvania he sold his property and with his family moved to Northumberland County by means of horses and wagons, encountering many difficulties and hardships on the way. Upon reaching the farm now owned by William F. Gearhart the party stopped to rest in a deserted log-cabin which stood there; upon examination they found the land very fertile and at once decided to locate there; Mr. Gearhart purchased land and, being an industrious worker, made money rapidly and, as his means justified, he purchased more land from time to time until he owned 500 acres. With the aid of his sons he set about clearing his purchase and built the frame house in which William F. Gearhart now resides, which was erected over one hundred years ago and the house is still in good condition. He set out an orchard which was completely destroyed in 1846 by a hail storm. He was a man of strong-constitution which has been one of the characteristics of the family up to the present time. He lived to old age as did his wife, Catherine Kline. He was the father of the following children: Jacob, born in 1763, died aged seventy-eight years; Herman, born in 1765, died aged seventy years; William, who died in 1854 at the age of seventy-eight years: George, the grandfather of our subject; Tunis; John, died in 1858 aged seventy years; Charles, born in 1783, died aged eighty years; Isaac; Catherine; Mary; and Betsey. The beautiful farm of 200 acres located one mile from Riverside, along the bank of the Susquehanna River, was the property of George Gearhart, the grandfather of our subject, it being a present from his father. He resided there throughout his entire life, following the pursuits of an agriculturist; his farm is now a part of South Danville. He was twice married, his first wife being Achie Runyan, who died young, leaving the following children: Bonham R.; Benjamin; Eliza; and Rebecca. His second marriage was with Phoebe Lutt, by whom he reared three children, namely: Achie, George, and Herman. Bonham R. Gearhart, our subject's father, was born on his father's homestead, and, after attaining a liberal education in the common schools of that township, entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, graduating therefrom before he attained his majority. Prior to his locating in Danville, he practiced his profession at Washingtonville, Turbotville, and Sunbury; he was regarded as one of the most skilful and successful physicians and surgeons of Montour County. He passed from this life, aged forty-two years, the cause of his death being pneumonia. His wife was Elizabeth S. Boyd, a daughter of William Boyd, a resident of Danville. She is now past her eighty-second year and is enjoying fairly good health. Her children were: Achie, deceased; William B.; George Me.; a daughter who died in infancy; Bonham R.; James B.; Jasper B.; our subject; and M. Grier. Alexander Montgomery Gearhart attended school until he was fourteen years of age and then began his business career as a newsboy on the railroad; later he became freight agent on the Catawissa R. R. at Danville; subsequently he was employed in the D., L. & W. R. R. freight office of that borough, and in 1869 became clerk, in which capacity he remained four years, when he was promoted to his present position, succeeding William Rote. Our subject served six years on the school board and was its treasurer for thirteen years; three years marked his service in the town council, one year as president. He is now treasurer of Danville Lodge, No. 127, I. O. H. Mr. Gearhart was wedded to Martha Y. McCoy, a daughter of Robert McCoy, a native of Northumberland County, Pa. Mr. McCoy was a carpenter by trade who came to Danville when a young man and carried on contracting many years, building some of the best business blocks and dwellings in the city. He erected the G. M. Shoop mansion; Conklin Block; Schultz Block; and many other buildings in the surrounding towns. He died in 1886 aged sixty-three years; his wife was Eleanor Vorise, a daughter of James Vorise, and she died in 1892 at an advanced age. They were the parents of the following children: Martha, the wife of our subject; Margaret, the wife of B. F. Rumbaugh; John B., of Danville; Samuel A., also a resident of Danville; Jennie, who married W. F. Jacobs; Arthur, deceased; and James, William, Annie, and Sally, who died in youth. Our subject and wife have reared two children: Nell Bonham married William L. McClure, teller of the First National Bank of Danville, and they are the parents of two children, Harold Russell and Donald Armstrong; and Jasper Greenleaf, who died aged four years. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart reside in a handsome house on Market street, which our subject purchased from Thomas Reaves. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 463 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

B. R. GEARHART, cashier of the First National Bank, Danville, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., August 20, 1843, a son of B. R. and Elizabeth (Boyd) Gearhart, natives of Pennsylvania, the latter of Irish origin. The father, who was of German descent, was a physician, and for many years successfully practiced his profession in Danville, where he died at the age of forty-two, the father of nine children, six of whom are living. Our subject received a limited education in the common schools and at the age of ten years went to York County, Penn., where he clerked in a store at Wrightsville for four years. He was then sent to learn the carpenter's trade, but thinking that telegraphy would be more congenial to his tastes, he commenced the study of the latter with a determination to succeed, and soon became a proficient operator. He worked at that art five years in Danville, dividing his time between Lackawanna and Catawissa Companies, and earned such a reputation for industry and promptness that the corporation of the First National Bank of Danville were induced to elect him teller in 1866. That position he held until 1870, when he was promoted cashier, which office he still fills. He married in 1872, Louise, daughter of Samuel York, and of English origin. Two children have been born to them: Anna and Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart are members of grove Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee, and has served as treasurer of the building committee. He is a Republican; has been a member of the town council of Danville. He is a Knight Templar. He enlisted in 1863 in Company D, under Col. Ramsey, and served his full term of enlistment. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 153 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
BONHAM R. GEARHART, JR., who had been cashier of the First National Bank of Danville, Pa., until March, 1870, when he became president, is one of the most prominent and highly-esteemed citizens of that town. He was born at Turbotville, Northumberland County, Pa., May 20, 1843, and is a son of Bonham R. and Elizabeth (Boyd) Gearhart. Our subject's great-grandfather was Jacob Gearhart, a native of Strangsberg, Germany, who came to this country prior to the Revolutionary War; he located in the state of New Jersey, in what is now Hunterdon County. He served throughout the Revolutionary War and was captain in a New Jersey regiment. After independence had been gained he moved to Northumberland County, Pa., where he had friends. With his family he made his way over the uncultivated land by means of horses and wagons; at an old log house which had been deserted they stopped to rest, and, finding the land very fertile and well adapted for farming, decided to make a settlement there. Mr. Gearhart purchased a large tract of the land, which he cleared with the aid of his sons, and erected one of the first frame houses in the county, the one in which William F. Gearhart now resides; the house is still in good condition and is one of the old landmarks. The great-grandfather purchased land from time to time and was soon the owner of 500 acres, of which he cleared 200 acres and set out a large orchard, which was destroyed by a hailstorm in 1846. He married Catherine Kline and they were the parents of the following children: John, born in 1758; Jacob, born in 1763 and died in 1778; Herman, born in 1765, died in 1770; William died in 1854, at the age of seventy-eight years; George; Tunis; Charles, born in 1783 and died in 1863; Isaac; Catherine; Mary; and Betsey. George Gearhart, our subject's grandfather, was born in what is now Hunterdon County, N. J., and removed to Northumberland County with his parents. When George attained his majority, his father gave him a large tract of land, which was situated one mile south of the bridge that crosses the Susquehanna. He erected many buildings upon the land and successfully followed the occupation of a farmer all his life; he also purchased land at different times and at his death he was the owner of some 300 or 400 acres along the banks of the Susquehanna. His farm is now a portion of South Danville, and has been laid out in town lots. His wife was Achsah Runyon, who bore him four children, namely: Bonham R., our subject's father; Benjamin; Eliza; and Rebecca. Mr. Gearhart, upon the death of his first wife, married Phoebe Lott, and this union resulted in the birth of three children, as follows: Achsah; George; and Herman. Bonham R. Gearhart, Sr., father of our subject, was born in Rush township, Northumberland County, Pa., was educated in the district school, and, entering Jefferson Medical College was graduated before he attained his majority. He pursued his chosen profession at Sunbury, Washingtonville, later at Turbotville, and then moved to Danville, Montour County, Pa. He was considered one of the foremost physicians and surgeons of the county, and built up a large and lucrative practice. He passed from this life at the age of forty-two years, the cause of his death being an attack of pneumonia. He was wedded to Elizabeth Boyd, a daughter of William Boyd, and the following children blessed their happy home: Bonham R., Jr., our subject; Jasper B.; James B.; Alexander M.; and M. Grier. Our subject's mother still resides in Danville and has passed her eighty-fourth year. Our subject attended the public school, and during his boyhood days was a clerk in a store at Wrightsville, York County, Pa. After serving five years as clerk he learned telegraphy, in which he soon became quite proficient, and was employed as operator and agent at Catawissa, Pa., serving in that position until 1865. In October, 1865, he became teller of the First National Bank of Danville, remaining in that position but a short time, when he was promoted to cashier. The bank is One of the most substantial financial institutions in this section of the state and was established January 25, 1864, when a charter was obtained from the Government by the first board of directors, who were as follows: Samuel Yorks; George F. Geisinger; C. Laubach; Charles Fenstermacher; William Yorks; Fred Piper; and G. H. Fowler. At their first meeting Samuel Yorks was chosen president and W. A. M. Grier cashier. The bank is located in what is known as the A. F. Russell store, on the corner of Mill and Bloom streets. The second floor is used as a dwelling and the first floor consists of the bank and offices, which are large and well furnished. The vault is quite safe against burglary, the sides being twenty-four inches in thickness; it is made of solid steel railroad rails bolted together, two inches of steel plate, and the inner space is filled in with cement and emery from top to bottom; the door weighs 8,000 pounds, and has one of the best locks made, a Yale automatic time-lock. The present officers of this bank are: B. R. Gearhart, our subject, president; S. A. Yorks, cashier; and William L. McClure, assistant cashier. Mr. Gearhart was married in 1870 to Mary Louise Yorks, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann (West) Yorks, and this union was blessed by the birth of two children, namely: Anna M.; and Robert Y., a student. Anna M. is the wife of M. Grier Youngman, cashier of the Danville National Bank of Danville, who is a son of John C. Youngman, and they are the parents of two children, Mary Louise and John Bonham. Mr. Gearhart is a strong Republican in politics. He has served in the city council, as treasurer of the State Hospital of Danville; and treasurer of The Thomas Beaver Free Library. He is a trustee of the Grove Presbyterian Church and served as treasurer of the building committee when the church was erected. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Knight Templar. In the Civil War he enlisted in Company D, under Col. Ramsey, in 1863, and served a full term of enlistment. Our subject owns a handsome home on Bloom street. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 63 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

EDWARD SAYRE GEARHART, attorney, Danville, is a son of Mayberry and Mary Catharine Gearhart, the former of Quaker, and the latter of Puritan descent. He is one of seven children, as follows: William G. (deceased): Sophie R., wife of Col. Charles W. Eckman, of Reading, Penn.; Clarence F., of Cresswell, Neb.; Minnie, wife of Henry M. Hinckley, Esq., of Danville, Penn.; Boone, wife of William Vastine and George S., of Catawissa, Penn. The subject of this sketch, the next to the youngest of the sons, was born at Roaringcreek, Montour Co., Penn., March 28, 1856. He lived at Roaringcreek, working on his father's farm in the summer and attending the neighboring public school in the winter until he was over fourteen years of age, when he went Danville and entered the National Iron Company's machine shops at that place as an apprentice. After completing his full term of apprenticeship as a machinist, in the fall of 1875 he entered Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, Penn., as a student, and graduated the following year. In the fall of 1876 he entered Princeton College, New Jersey, as a student, and graduated in the class of 1880. While a student at Princeton he took an active part in the politics of that State and made political speeches in behalf of the Republican ticket. During the last years of his collegiate course he read law with the Hon. John F. Hagerman, master in chancery for the State of New Jersey. After his graduation he returned to Danville, Penn., and entered as a student of law in the office of Messrs. Grier & Hinckley, and was admitted to the Montour County bar in 1881. In the presidential campaign of 1880 he stumped a portion of the State of Garfield, for whom he cast his first presidential vote, and in 1882 for the regular Republican nominee for governor. He was a delegate to the Republican State Convention which met at Harrisburg, Penn., in 1883. May 30, 1883, he delivered the memorial oration at Gettysburg, and on the same occasion, the year following, delivered the oration of the day at Antietam. He was also the orator of the day at Washington, D. C., at the memorial services in 1885, and has delivered many other orations of various kinds on numerous occasions. At the inauguration of the presidential campaign of 1884, at the personal request of Gen. John A. Logan, he was appointed a national Republican orator by the Republican National Committee, and under its direction he canvassed several States, principal of which were Ohio and Indiana, closing the campaign in Philadelphia. He has never sought nor held any public office, and no position of private trust, except as president of the Lochiel Iron and Steel Works at Harrisburg, Penn., which position he has held from the time of its incorporation. Since his admission to the bar in 1881, he has closely applied himself to the practice of his profession in his own and in various others counties of the State. On the 5th of may, 1886, he married Miss Ella R. Creveling, daughter of Alfred Creveling, general manager of the Lochiel Iron & Steel Works at Harrisburg, Penn. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 154 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM F. GEARHART, real estate agent and farmer, P. O. Riverside, Northumberland Co., Penn., was born August 17, 1824, to Herman and Abigal (Baylor) Gearhart, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Rush Township. The grandfather, Jacob G., was a captain in the Revolutionary war and participated in the battle of Monmouth, where he was wounded; soon after that struggle he came to Northumberland County and entered land where the borough of Riverside is now located and where William F. resides. Herman Gearhart was a blacksmith and his brother, Jacob, was associate judge of Northumberland County. William F. is one of a family of twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity, and acquired his education in Danville and in early life clerked in a store in that place, and later went to California (in 1852), where he remained four years in the mining country. In the fall of 1856 he returned to Pennsylvania, spent the winter in Danville, and in the spring returned to the West, traveling through Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and Wyoming. In 1869 he returned to Danville and has since divided most of the old farm, on the Susquehanna River, opposite Danville, into town lots, which will in all probability be the residence part of Danville for the wealthier class. The lands lie high from the river, with an easy elevation, and command a fine view of Danville. Mr. Gearhart also offers good inducements to a manufacturing company who will start a manufactory on that side of the river. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., Past Grand; politically he is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 153 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILSON M. GEARHART, prothonotary and clerk of courts, P. O. Danville, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., January 23, 1846, a son of John (a farmer) and Martha (Martin) Gearhart. His parents were born in Pennsylvania, of German descent on his father's and of Irish on his mother's side; they reared two children, a son and a daughter. Of these, our subject is the younger. He grew to adult age on the farm in Northumberland County, obtained his early education with his parents on the far, and subsequently attended the Danville Institute; also Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, where he graduated in the classical course in 1865. He then engaged as a teacher for two years; and from 1868 to 1872, was employed as bookkeeper and timekeeper in one of the large manufacturing companies of Danville, which then employed 1,700 men. He then embarked in the machinery business, gas-fitting and plumbing, at which he was engaged until elected to his present position as prothonotary and clerk of the courts of Montour until elected to his present position as prothonotary and clerk of the courts of Montour County, in 1875, and has since filled the office. He is a Republican, has served as a member of the school board, eight years, and is the present chairman of the finance committee. He takes an active interest in the leading secret societies and has prominently identified himself with them; has taken nearly all the degrees in Masonry. Mr. Gearhart was married in Danville, in 1867, to Miss M. Jennie Beaver, daughter of Jesse Beaver, who is of German origin. Their children are J. Beaver, Lois M., Emeline S. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart are members of the Methodist Church. He has been steward, trustee and Sabbath-school superintendent; is president of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle of the State of Pennsylvania; is also vice-president of the Mountain Grove Camp-meeting Association, and has the general charge of the railroad rates for the meeting. He enlisted in the Union Army in June, 1863; was assigned to duty in the provost marshal's department at Washington, D. C., and resigned the same year to complete his studies. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 153 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JEREMIAH D. GEIGER, merchant, Washingtonville, is a grandson of Philip and Moriah Geiger, the former a resident of Berks County. Philip's son Henry was the father of our subject and was born in Berks County June 10, 1802, and died here May 31, 1877, aged seventy-four years, eleven months and twenty-one days. He married in Berks County and came to Limestone Township in 1843, and some years later bought a farm in the same township. In 1867 he gave up farming and removed to Washingtonville, where he lived retired. He was a prominent member of the Lutheran Church in that place, being at different times trustee, deacon and elder. He was prompt in his attendance at the church, and took great interest in everything pertaining to it. He was a kind hearted man and universally esteemed. His wife was Anna Derr, daughter of Samuel and Catherine Derr, and a native of Berks County, born July 3, 1802, and died here March 20, 1875, aged seventy-two years, eight months and seventeen days; a member of the Lutheran Church, and was noted for her charitable acts. They had ten children, three of whom died in infancy, and a son, Samuel, who died August 9, 1858, unmarried, at the age of twenty-seven years and six months. The surviving children are as follows: Sarah, unmarried, and residing on the homestead in Washingtonville; William, married to Elsie Mosteller, and residing at Limestoneville; Henry, married to Anna Mauger, residing in Northumberland County; Levi, married to Anna Herr, lives in Limestone Township on the homestead; Catherine, wife of John Lydecker, of Riverside, Northumberland County, and J. D., the youngest son. Our subject was born April 4, 1840, in Berks County, ten miles from Reading. In his youth he learned shoemaking, at which he worked seven years. He then worked on the farm three years, and at the removal of his father, took it and worked it four years. He then engaged in mercantile business in Washingtonville until 1872, in partnership with F. W. Ream. After two years he bought his partner's interest and a year later went to Northumberland County. At Shamokin, six months later, he formed a partnership with Amos Ohl, and December 5, 1875, engaged in mercantile business until August, 1876. They then returned to Washingtonville, where Mr. Geiger has since the last of that year been engaged in business for himself. November 2, 1885, he was appointed postmaster at Washingtonville. He married, November 9, 1865, Miss Mary Ann, daughter of John Ream, of Limestone Township. She was born September 9, 1841, in Lancaster County, and has borne her husband four children: Calvin, born August 31, 1866; Ida May, born June 18, 1868, and Clyde W., born November 4, 1879, all living with their parents, and Oscar Allen, born October 8, 1883, died March 3, 1885. Mr. Geiger has been treasurer of the borough for the last three years, has been school director for nine years, and he and Mrs. Geigerare members of the Lutheran Church. He is also secretary of the Sabbath-school and leader of the church choir. The following is a list of the relatives of Paul Geiger, great-grandfather of our subject: John Paul, ship "Samuel," from Rotterdam, August 30, 1737; Christian, "Charming Polly," Plymouth, October 8, 1737; *Wilhelm, "Charming Polly," Plymouth, October, 1737; Hans, "Two Sisters," Rotterdam, September 9, 1738; Hans Jacob, "Betsy," Deal, August 27, 1739; Jacob, Sr., "Phoenix," Rotterdam, September 1, 1743; Jacob, Jr., "Phoenix," Rotterdam, September 1, 1743; Johan Frederick, "Paliena," Leith, October 25, 1748; Paul, "Fane,," Cowes, October 17, 1749; +George, "Fane," Cowes, October 17, 1749; Johannes, "Anderson," Rotterdam, August 26, 1751; Tacitus, "Saint Andrew," Rotterdam, September 14, 1751; Jacob, "Duke," Portsmouth, September 14, 1751; Johan Michael, "Louisa," Rotterdam, November 8, 1752; Johan Adam, "Phoenix," Rottermdam, November 22, 1752; Joseph, "Louisa," Rotterdam, October 13, 1753; Johannes, "Halifax" Rotterdam, October 26, 1754; John George, "Richmond," Rotterdam, October 20, 1764; Jacob, "Crawford," Rotterdam, November 23, 1770. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 195 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

MRS. ABIGAIL A. GEISINGER, nee CORNELISON, who resides in a handsome residence on Center street, is the relict of George F. Geisinger and a descendant of an early and prominent family of the borough of Danville, Montour County, Pa. When her grandfather, Joseph Cornelison, first located there, Danville was but a small settlement and presented an appearance in striking contrast with the now thriving business center which is widely known throughout the state. This sturdy old ancestor and his family became identified with many of its first industrial enterprises, and to such of her early residents as these does Danville owe its present standing. With wonderful foresight and pride did they predict the success which she would attain, and none who have had the good fortune to see Danville in recent years can doubt the correctness of their predictions. Joseph Cornelison was born in Holland and upon coming to this country settled in the state of New Jersey, but soon after moved to Danville, Montour County, Pa., where he established the first blacksmith shop and followed that line of business the remainder of his life. He died in that town and was laid to rest in Grove Cemetery. His wife's maiden name was Martin, and she was also buried in Grove Cemetery. Their marriage resulted in the following issue: Joseph, who was the first male white child born in Danville; William; Jacob; Isaac, the father of our subject; Cornelius; James; Massey; Mary (Yorks); and Anna (Best). Isaac Cornelison was born in Danville, and at an early day learned the trade of a wagon-maker, carrying on his business on Mill street. There he followed that line of work until his death, nt the age of forty-three years. He married Abigail Pancoast, a daughter of Mordecai and Mary (Mears) Pancoast, who were strict adherents of the Quaker faith. Mrs. Cornelison died at the age of twenty-four years and six months, leaving two children: Mary E., the wife of D. Rice, both now deceased; and Abigail A., the subject of this personal history. Our subject was first united in marriage with Jacob Cornelison, who was for some years proprietor of the hotel known as the White Swan. He was a son of Joseph Cornelison, who, in 1820, purchased the ground on which the City Hotel is now situated, and ten years later erected a building in which he conducted a fine hotel. This establishment became well-known throughout that section as the White Swan; a very appropriate sign was hung over the door, being an artistically-painted white swan. He continued at the head of this establishment until 1852, when his son, Jacob, succeeded him as proprietor. The latter conducted the business with success until his death, in 1865, at the age of thirty-five years. The building was large and substantial. In 1872 it was purchased by Adam Geringer and he erected the present structure known as the City Hotel. Our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance with George F. Geisinger, who was born in Hingham, Mass., in 1821, and was a son of Commodore David Geisinger. At the age of sixteen years he was sent to Boston for the completion of his education, and upon leaving college he went to Baltimore, Md., and accepted a position in a mercantile business. He remained there until 1844, when he accompanied his father on a pleasure trip abroad, returning to Baltimore two years later. In 1847 he went to South America and spent two years in prospecting, and upon returning, in 1849, he went to California. Subsequently he went to Philadelphia, where he acted as his father's secretary at the Naval Asylum until 1854. In June, 1855, he accepted the position of bookkeeper for Grove & Bro., a prominent iron manufacturing firm of Danville. This firm was succeeded by Thomas Beaver & Co., but Mr. Geisinger still retained the position of head bookkeeper, acting in that capacity for a period of twenty-four years, when he became a member of the firm. He possessed unexcelled business propensities and proved a valuable man to have at the head of this industry. However, he later disposed of his interest in order that he might spend the remainder of an unusually active life in quiet retirement, his only business for the remainder of his life being an interest which he acquired with Daniel Edwards in mining and dealing in coal at Kingston, Pa. After his death, in 1883, his worthy wife assumed his interest in the business and has continued as a member of the firm up to the present time, conducting her affairs with characteristic ability and good judgment. Mrs. Geisinger purchased the old Shelhart residence on Center street, remodeled it, and greatly improved the lawn by the addition of shrubs and trees, making it a model home, and one of the finest residences in the county. Religiously she is a liberal supporter of the Mahoning Presbyterian Church, of which her husband was also a faithful member. She is a woman possessing many excellent qualities and occupies a high place in the estimation of her many friends. On a preceding page, in connection with the foregoing sketch, we take pleasure in presenting a portrait of George F. Geisinger. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 195 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

GEORGE F. GEISINGER, (deceased) was born in Massachusetts in 1821, a son of Commodore David Geisinger. At the age of sixteen years he left school in Boston for Baltimore, to take a situation in a mercantile house there. He accompanied his father to the Mediterranean in 1844 and returned to Baltimore in 1846. In 1847 he went to South America, where he remained until 1849, when he went to California. In 1851 he joined his father in Philadelphia, and from that time until 1854 was his secretary at the naval asylum. He came to Danville in June, 1855, and was employed as bookkeeper for Groves & Bro., iron manufacturers, and subsequently occupied the same position with Thomas Beaver & Co., also engaged in the iron business. Later he took an interest in the firm, which was very successful, and was bookkeeper in their office in all over twenty-four years. He made his own way in the world, and by energy and perseverance succeeded in amassing a competency. His life is an illustration of what a man may accomplish in a few years. In 1866 he married Abigal A. Cornelison, who survives him. Mr. Geisinger died in 1883, a member of the Mahoning Presbyterian Church, of which he was trustee, and of which his widow is still a member. Politically, he was a Republican. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 154 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN K. GERINGER, proprietor of the City Hotel, Danville, was born in Montour County, Penn., August 2, 1852, a son of Adam and Angeline (Smith) Geringer, natives of Pennsylvania, former (a miller by trade) of English origin, and latter of German. Adam Geringer commenced the hotel business in 1853, and in 1855 opened a hotel in Mausdale, this county, which he conducted until 1870. He then came to Danville, bought the White Swan Hotel, and in 1872 moved it to the rear and erected the commodious brick structure now known as the City Hotel. This building is 41x80 feet, three stories high, and contains a large number of sleeping chambers, nicely furnished and well ventilated. The dining-room is eighty feet in length, with every modern convenience for the accommodation of a large number of guests. Mr. Adam Geringer died in 1881, and since that time the hotel has been conducted by his son, John K. the subject of this sketch is the third of seven children: was reared and educated in his native county, and spent the most of his life in hotels. October 24, 1874, he married, in Montour County, Laura J., daughter of John Dildine, of Montour County, and three children have been born to their union: Laura K., William and Nellie. Mrs. Geringer is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Geringer is a Democrat, and has been a delegate to the county and State conventions of his party; also served as a member of council of Danville. He is a Sir Knight Templar. The "City Hotel: is in the central part of the town, in the business portion, and presents many attractions to the public. It is well known and liberally patronized. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 155 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

S. M. GIBBS, principal of the high school, Danville, was born in Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y., July 27, 1836, a son of William and Margaret (Minier) Gibbs, natives of New York and of Scotch-Irish and German origin. When S. M., the elder of two children, was twelve years old his father moved to Cameron, Steuben Co., N. Y. Our subject was educated at the Wesleyan Seminary, Lima, N. Y., and at Alfred University in the same State. He commenced teaching at fourteen years of age, which has been his principal occupation since, eight years of which time he taught at Danville. He has taught in several high schools and seminaries in New York and Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the service during the war, but was granted a special discharge on furnishing a substitute to complete his term of enlistment. He has a wife, Mary T. Gibbs, and four children. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 155 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOSEPH GIBSON, retired, P. O. Limestoneville, is on his father's side, of Irish extraction, his great-grandfather having immigrated from Ireland. His grandfather, a surveyor, in an early day located in Philadelphia, afterward removing to Berks County, where he died, and where his son Henry, father of our subject, was born in April, 1778; he died in Liberty Township, this county, in November, 1860, aged eighty-two years and eight months. He learned the trade of shoemaking, but a few years after his marriage abandoned it, and bought the farm on which he died. He subsequently bought an adjoining farm in the same township, and owned both at the time of his death. He was three times married. His first wife, Catharine Burkey, mother of the subject of this sketch, who was her first child, died when he was a boy, leaving nine children, six now deceased, viz.: Henry, Catharine, Mary, John, William and David. Those surviving are Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Hopper, in Newark, N. J.; Jacob, in Milton, Penn., and Joseph, who was born in Berks County, on August 21, 1804. When seventeen years of age our subject began learning the trade of blacksmith in Milton, Penn., at which he worked until the time of his father's death; he then turned his attention to droving, which he some years after gave up, and retired. He is now living in Limestoneville, on a place which he owned before his father's death. November 25, 1830, he was married to Julia Ann Withington, who was born November 21, 1810. Their four children are all now living, viz.: Charles, in Liberty Township, this county; Theodore, in the State of Indiana; Caroline, with her parents, and Henry W. Gibson, who has a machine shop in Limestoneville, this county, is married to Jane Sheetz and has two children: Bertha and Joseph; at the breaking out of the late war he went to Philadelphia, where he worked at gun making for three years, and then to several other places, and after an absence of over seven years, returned to Limestoneville, and bought the business he now conducts. Mr. Gibson is the oldest man in the township, and has held the office of justice of the peace in this township for twenty consecutive years, before that being constable for nine years. He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church in Milton. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 207 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN H. GOESER, wholesale dealer in cigars, tobacco and vinegar, and agent for ocean steamship lines, Danville, was born in that place June 1, 1852, a son of Anthony and Catherine (Shumacher) Goeser, natives of Prussia. His father was a hotel-keeper, but spent the most of his life in America, crossing the ocean five times. In 1842 he settled in Danville, where he followed hotel-keeping for many years and died in 1880. John H. is the only son, and was reared in Danville, where he was educated. In early life he embarked in the tobacco business, which has since grown to be quite extensive. In 1878 he married Miss Theresa, daughter of Joseph Liebner, of Pottsville. Mr. and Mrs. Goeser are members of the Catholic Church and the parents of one child, Coletta Emma. Politically Mr. Goeser is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 155 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
JOHN H. GOESER, of the firm of J. H. Goeser & Co., wholesale dealers in groceries, is one of the most highly-respected citizens of Danville, Pa., was born in Danville January 1, 1852, and is a son of Anthony and Catherine (Schumacher) Goeser, and a grandson of John Goeser, who was a farmer of Germany. Anthony Goeser, the father of our subject, was born on the river Rhine and was the first of the family to come to America. He was born and reared upon a farm, and, losing his father when a lad, in 1812 began working to assist his mother in supporting her large family. A short time later his mother was united in marriage, and our subject's father, at the age of nine years, was put out with other relatives to seek a living for himself. Attaining his manhood with a strong constitution and willing hands, he engaged in farming; he was a man of untiring energy and perseverance and by the exercise of economy, he succeeded in laying aside most of his earnings. His mother passed from this life at the age of fifty-eight years, and Anthony and his younger and only brother took possession of their father's farm and carried on general farming until 1843, when Anthony sold his interest in the farm to his brother. Leaving his home and sweetheart, Anthony departed from his native country, and on the ship "Manchester," sailed to the United States, landing in the city of New York. He took the steamer to Albany, N. Y., and went thence by railroad to Buffalo. Later he went west as far as Wisconsin, where he intended locating, but being very much disappointed with this country, he returned to his native land. Shortly after arriving in Prussia, he received a letter from a friend who resided in Danville, Pa., and in 1842 again sailed for the United States, then locating at Danville, where he was employed in the rolling mills as a rail straightener. He remained in this country some time and then returned to Prussia, where he was united in marriage with Catherine Schumacher, who lived in Muenstereifel Parish, on an estate called Hoespelt. Mr. Goeser made her acquaintance while working for her father and much against her parents' will they were married. With his bride he returned to the United States for the third time to build a home, and to accumulate a fortune. They built a home on York's Hill, Montour County, and in 1857 erected a large house and kept boarders; the hotel was known as the "Father Ryne House;" in 1873, when the local option edict was passed against the usage of liquor, our subject's father abandoned the sale of liquor and only cider thereafter was sold, and the hotel was then known as the "Cider Depot." The latter part of Anthony's life was spent in retirement and enjoying the fruits of his labors. He entered the world of rest in 1880. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Goeser, John H., our subject. Mr. Goeser was a German Catholic, and in 1862 founded St. Hubert's German Catholic Church and school. John H. Goeser was educated in the common schools of his native town, and his younger days were spent working with his father. His first business undertaking was in tobacco; purchasing a horse and wagon he engaged in the wholesale business, which was successful from the start, and in later years he engaged in the wholesale grocery business at Pottsville, Pa., with Joseph Hummell. Two years later he sold his interest, moved to Danville, and established his present business. He formed a company with Joseph Fish and Joseph Snyder, and they erected at No. 122 East Center street a large three-story brick block; they also built a large warehouse. Our subject also built a fine store at Mount Carmel, Pa., at a cost of $8,000. The proprietors are popular and highly esteemed citizens, who have a good reputation for honesty, and their establishment is one of the largest of its kind in Central Pennsylvania. Our subject was one of the promoters and served as president of the Equitable Stocking Company of Danville, now known as the Danville Knitting Mills Company, in which he owns an interest. He was instrumental in securing the silk mill. Mr. Goeser has served three terms as alderman from the Third Ward, and is president of the board of trade, of which he is in fact the life and backbone. In 1878 he formed a matrimonial alliance with Theresa Liebner, a daughter of Joseph Liebner of Pottsville, Pa., and to this union five children have been born: Coletta; Joseph; Carl; and Mary and Augusta, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Goeser and family are members and regular supporters of the German Catholic Church of Danville. Our subject has enlarged and remodeled his father's homestead into a fine residence. He is a very energetic and successful business man, and holds a prominent position among his fellow-citizens. Mr. Goeser's portrait is shown on another page. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 485 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

ANTHONY GOLEMBIEWSKI, a recent portrait of whom we take pleasure in presenting on the opposite page, is manager and stockholder of the Polish Lithuanian Brewing Company of Danville, Pa., which is one of the largest brewing companies in Central Pennsylvania and has a reputation for turning out first-class lager beer, porter and the purest of ale. Our subject was born in Jejsorki, Poland, May 12, 1863, and is a son of Thomas Golembiewski. Thomas Golembiewski, the father of our subject was born in Poland and resided in his native country all his life, engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist. He was the progenitor of a large family of children, one of whom was Anthony, the subject of this biographical sketch. Anthony Golembiewski was reared and educated in his native country and at the age of nineteen years immigrated to the United States and located in New York City. He moved to Hazleton, Pa., a short time later and engaged in the brick-making business, and later in mining in the same town. Moving to Luzerne County, Pa., he located in Nanticoke, where he embarked in the hotel business, which he continued until June 12, 1895, when he removed to Danville and with P. H. Coyne, Thomas Butkiewicz, president, John Zukoski, treasurer, and Simon Savage, charter members, purchased the above-named brewing company of P. P. Smith, assignee of the Polish-American Brewing Company. The plant is located at Nos. 16 to 34 Spring street; the main building is a four-story structure; the machinery in this building is set in motion by a large engine which has two boilers, one a 100 horse-power and the other a 60 horsepower; in the ice plant is stored a large quantity of barley and hops; the cold-storage room contains the cooling vats, twelve in all, which have a capacity of 150 barrels each. The company manufactures about eighteen thousand barrels of beer per annum; has a large supply-house at Scranton, Pa., where there is a great demand for its beer; and gives employment to forty hands, and has sixteen fine teams which are kept constantly busy delivering throughout the city. Mr. Golembiewski was united in marriage to Julia Uszinski, a daughter of Simon Uszinski of Nanticoke, Pa., and they are the parents of ten children, as follows: Stanley, Anthony, Annie, Victoria, Charles, Vincent, and Mary; and Adam, Joseph, and Frank, deceased. Our subject and his family are popular members of the German Catholic Church of Danville. Mr. Golembiewski is one of the most prominent and hustling business men of Danville, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens and acquaintances. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 119 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DANIEL F. GOUGER, farmer, P. O. Washingtonville, was born in Limestone Township, Montour County, August 26, 1832, son of John and Mary (Bower) Gouger. John William Gouger, grandfather of Daniel F., was born in Berks County, Penn., and from there came to what is now Montour County about 1806. He was married before coming here to Miss Elizabeth Fulmer, and they settled near Limestoneville, near the Limestone Run schoolhouse. There they bought about 200 acres of land. Both died while living in this county and are buried at the Fulmer Church. Their children were as follows: George; William; Nicholas; Jacob; Benjamin; John, father of our subject, and Daniel. John Gouger was born in 1798, in Berks County, and was about fourteen years of age when his parents came to Montour County. He married Mary Bower, and died December 1, 1880; his widow survived him until August 14, 1882; they are buried at Fulmer Church. They were the parents of the following named children: Catharine, Elizabeth, William, Mary, Caroline, Susannah and Daniel F. Daniel F. Gouger, subject of this sketch, made his home with his parents for sixteen years after is marriage, and then removed to his present location. He was married October 3, 1855, to Miss Ursula, daughter of Col. Joseph and Adaline (Cole) Dean. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, and was the only son of Thomas Dean, who was born in Ireland. His mother was a member of the COLE family, who were early settlers in Sugarloaf Township, Columbia County. Mrs. Gouger's father died about 1869 at the age of about eighty years; her mother died on the 3d of July, 1845, at the age of forty-two; they are buried at the DEAN family cemetery. Col. Dean was a colonel in the war of 1812 and engaged in the Black Rock campaign. Mr. Gouger is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Gouger of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gouger has held several local offices, but has not been a seeker for official position. In politics he is a Democrat. He has 113 cres [sic] in his home farm and sixty acres in another farm. He is engaged in farming and stock raising. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 207 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

GEORGE J. GRAUEL, M. D., Danville, was born in Fulda, Germany, May 26, 1825, came to America in 1853, and located in Danville in 1862. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 155 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

ISAAC X. GRIER, Esq., is a prominent and wealthy citizen of Danville. He was born in Danville, December 27, 1835, is a son of Michael C. and Isabella (Montgomery) Grier, and a grandson of Rev. Isaac Grier, S. T. D. His mother, Isabella, was the daughter of Alexander Montgomery, and granddaughter of Gen. William Montgomery, prominent in civil and military affairs throughout the Revolutionary period. The great-grandfather was Col. John Grier, who was of Scotch-Irish birth, and with many other Protestants came to America about the year 1740. This sturdy old ancestor was a farmer and resided below Chambersburg, Pa. His son, Rev. Isaac Grier, above named, was the first minister on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River; he was pastor of a Presbyterian church of Northumberland, of Sunbury, and in Clinton County, and was for several years principal of the old brick college at Northumberland. His death occurred in 1812 or 1813. He was married to Elizabeth Cooper, a daughter of Dr. Cooper, who was chaplain at Gen. Washington's headquarters and was held as a prisoner by the British for many months. Among their children were Robert C., who became an eminent jurist and a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; Thomas C., principal of the Danville Academy, who died young; Rev. Isaac, D. D., a graduate of Princeton College, who preached over fifty years in the Presbyterian Church; John C., who first settled in Danville, where he conducted a mercantile business until 1846, when he went to Wilkesbarre, Pa., and thence to Peoria, Ill.; William N. was educated at West Point, served on the western frontier and also during the Civil War, and was colonel of the ist Regiment,. U. S. Cavalry, later being commissioned brigadier-general; Martha, was the wife of Gen. Robert Orr of Kittanning, Pa.; Jane was married to William Kibbler of Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Elizabeth married Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Strong; Margaret married Henry Sproul, of Pittsburg, Pa.; M. C. was a prominent Pennsylvanian, greatly esteemed for his philanthropic nature, his public spirit and his high place among the most honored and influential laymen in the synods and general assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Isaac X. Grier was the second son of M. C. Grier, the eldest son being W. A. M. Grier of Brooklyn, N. Y., and the youngest Rev. J. B. Grier, D. D. Mr. Grier graduated at Lafayette College in 1858. Before going to college he had learned telegraphy and after graduating he acted as secretary and treasurer of the old Susquehanna River and North and West Branch Telegraph Company, later merged into the Western Union. Meanwhile he studied law in the office of Edward H. Baldy, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in 1861. Aside from his legal practice he was fully identified with the large public interests of the community and was especially zealous and successful in his efforts to bring about the location at Danville of the State Hospital for the Insane, of which he is one of the trustees. In 1885 he was admonished by impaired health, resulting from overwork, to restrict his practice to the management of his own large estate, mainly in the neighborhood of Scranton, and the care of a limited number of clients. In 1865 Mr. Grier was married to Emma W. Porter, youngest daughter of Hon. James M. Porter of Easton, Pa., an eminent jurist and Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President Tyler. Mr. Grier's only son, J. M. P. Grier, graduated at Lafayette College in 1888, and was about to be admitted to the bar when he suddenly died. The daughter, Isabella, is the wife of Hon. Rufus King Polk, present Representative in Congress from the Seventeenth Pennsylvania District. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 196 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
I.X. GRIER, attorney, Danville, was born in that place December 27, 1835, a son of Michael and Isabella (Montgomery) Grier, the latter a daughter of Alexander Montgomery and granddaughter of Gen. William Montgomery, the founder of Danville. Michael Grier was a merchant in early life; later superintended the erection of telegraph lines, and died December 25, 1879. His family consisted of five children, who grew to adult age: W. A. M., a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Rev. John B., a Presbyterian minister; H. J., the wife of John C. Youngman, a banker in Kansas; Mary G., wife of Edwin C. ELY, of Peoria, Ill., and I. X. Our subject was educated in the schools of Danville and also at Lafayette College, from which he graduated in 1858. Prior to entering college and after graduating he was connected with the Susquehanna River Telegraph Company, and at the time of its construction, opened a number of offices and instructed operators at the respective places. He later served as secretary and treasurer of the company until it was merged into the Western Union. He read law in the office of E. H. Baldy, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in 1861, practiced in the courts of Montour and adjoining counties, and in the United States courts until 1884, when failing health obliged him to relinquish his labors. He was notary public from 1862 until 1880, and was a member of the firm of Markle, Grier & Co., who for about two years conducted a railroad-iron mill at Danville. Mr. Grier is at present a director of the First National Bank of Danville, of the North Branch Steel Company, of the Danville Bridge Company and of the Mahoning Rolling Mill Company. He married in 1865 Emma W., daughter of Hon. James M. Porter, of Easton, Penn., and two children have been born to them; J. M. Porter and Isabella L. Hon. Mr. Porter was at one time Secretary of War; was president judge of Northampton County, and an eminent attorney. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 155 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY GRIER, Banker; born at Danville, December 9 '33; entered Sophomore, half advanced; Teller of Danville Bank, '56-62; Cashier of First National Bank, Danville, '62-7; in banking firm of Pardee, Markle and Grier, Hazleton, since '67; since '73, has been , by appointment of Gov. Hartranft, a Trustee of State Hospital for the Insane, at Danville. (Record of the Men of Lafayette: Brief Biographical Sketches of the Alumni of Lafayette College from Its Organization to the Present Time, By Selden Jennings Coffin, William Baxter Owen, Lafayette College (Easton, Pa.) Published by The College, 1879, pg. 44 Contributed by Vicki Hartman)

HARRY A. GREINGER, carriage-grimmer and musician, P. O. Danville, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., March 9, 1853, son of Christian and Tacy (Levan) Greinger. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, his mother in Lehigh County, Penn., and of German origin. His father was a brewer in Germany, but after he came to America he followed the occupation and business of manufacturing carriages. His family consisted of nine children, of which H. A. is the sixth. He was reared in Snyder County, Penn., attending school at Selin's Grove. He excelled in penmanship and music. In 1873 he came to Montour County, and engaged in teaching music and carriage-trimming. He was married in 1874 to Caroline, daughter of James and Sarah A. (Smith) Flora. They have one child now living, William. Mr. and Mrs. Greiner are members of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 217 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM GRITTNER, dealer in furniture and sewing machines, and undertaker, P. O. Turbotville, Northumberland County, was born in Lycoming county, Penn., March 6, 1858, son of Edward and Catharine (Kettenbach) Grittner. Edward Grittner, father of our subject, was a native of Prussia, came in 1852 to America and located at New York, where he followed the trade of cabinet-maker, which he had commenced learning in the old country at the age of fourteen years. He resided in New York about three years, thence removed to Lycoming County, where he lived until 1871, when he came to Limestone Township, this county, and here he now resides, and has a farm of fifty-six acres. He was married in New York to Miss Catharine Dettenbach, also a native of Prussia, who came to America on the same ship as Mr. Grittner. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are living: Anna Louisa, wife of Charles Vandine, live near Lairdsville, Penn.; George William; Julia Ann, wife of J. W. Ervin, in Limestone Township, this county; and Hannah Bessie. The deceased was an infant. Our subject spent his early life with his father in the shop in which he made furniture by hand, and in 1876 commenced house painting, which he followed two years; then worked at home for a time, after which he made brushes, selling them on the road for about one year; worked also at McEwensville, and Watsontown at his trade. In the spring of 1881 he commenced his present business, with the exception of undertaking, which line he adopted in the following year, adding also the New Home sewing machine, in the spring of 1885. In May of that year he put up his present commodious building; he also owns a house and lot of two acres, situated close to his undertaking and furniture establishment, and for which he paid $600. Mr. Grittner was married November 4, 1884, to Miss Anna C., daughter of Daniel and Sarah A. Bender Menges, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Grittner are the parents of two children, Charles Oscar, born October 11, 1885, and Edward Lawrence, born December 9, 1886. They are members of the Zion Lutheran Church at Turbotville. Mr. Grittner is an auditor of Limestone Township. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 208 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

R. M. GROVE, manufacturer, Danville, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., October 28, 1847, a son of Michael J. and Catherine (Houtz) Grove, natives of Pennsylvania, whose ancestors were among the early German settlers of the State. His father was an iron manufacturer, dealt largely in iron ore lands, and was among the first to foresee the possibilities of the iron industry at Danville. Here, for many years, he and his brother were extensive manufacturers and amassed a large fortune, consisting of iron and iron ore lands located in several States and Canada. They built a large furnace in Danville, and erected a mansion at a cost of $200,000, which is still occupied by the family. Michael J. died in 1877, in Danville, where he had resided since 1851. His family consisted of two sons: John H., the elder, is a resident of Danville, and devotes his time to scientific investigations. Our subject, the youngest son, was reared in Danville, where he received his early education; later he entered Yale College, New Haven, Conn., from which he graduated in 1867. He then returned to Danville and entered the office of his father and uncle to learn the iron business, which at the death of his father was left to our subject and his brother, John H., who have since conducted it. Mr. Grove is a director of the First National Bank of Danville, and is also a director and treasurer of the Danville Nail & Manufacturing Company. In 1877 he married Margaret, daughter of Samuel Yorks, and two children have blessed their union: Mary Catherine and Margaret Louise. Mrs. Grove is a member of the Presbyterian Church. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 156 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)