Sullivan County PA Biographies
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HOWARD D. AVERY is prominently identified with the cultivation of the soil in Sullivan County, Pa., and if the owner of a handsome farm located near Eagles Mere, in Shrewsbury township. He was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., April 4, 1839, and is a son of John F. and Hannah (Lukins) Avery. John F. Avery was born in Plainfield County, Conn., from which place he moved to Sullivan County, N. Y., where for six years he followed his trade as a watchmaker, jeweler and silversmith; he then became a resident of Wayne County, Pa., where he worked at his trade several years, but was obliged to give it up on account of his eyesight failing him. Farming then became his occupation, which he successfully continued until his death, which was in the fall of 1872. He was married to Hannah Lukins, a native of Philadelphia, and she passed from this life at Scranton, Pa., in the fall of 1894. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, as follows: Mary, who is the widow of H. W. Mitchell and resides in Americus, Kans.; John T., who died in Minnesota in 1874; -Acidic, the widow of Thomas Young, who now resides in LeRoy, Minn.; Frank H., who died in Minnesota in 1885; Howard D., our subject; Linnie, the wife of R. Y. Mitchell of Findlay, Ohio; Nellie, joined in marriage with H. P. Woodward, an editor residing at Scranton, Pa.; and Richard L., who lives at Chicago, Ill. Howard D. Avery attended the district schools and remained under the parental roof until the breaking out of the Civil War, when, on September 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, 84th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., serving under Cols. Bowman and M. Opp and Capt. John R. Ross of Wayne County. This company took part in all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac, which included the notable battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Petersburg, Va., and was close to Gen. Lee when that famous soldier surrendered. After peace had been restored our subject received an honorable discharge at Harrisburg, Pa., June 5, 1865. Returning to his home in Wayne County he began tilling the soil, remaining there until 1873, when he removed to Sullivan County, and located on his present farm; with the exception of four years which were spent in farming in Morgan County, West Virginia, our subject has remained on his present farm up to the present time. He owns fifty rich and fertile acres of land and has made all the improvements himself, as when he first took possession of the land it was covered with a dense forest, that has since been entirely cleared away. Our subject is a hard-working man, is enterprising and industrious, and his duties to the public are performed in such a manner as to make him hosts of friends. Mr. Avery, on August 27, 1862, wedded Victoria E. Mitchell, born in Wayne County, Pa., June 7, 1841, and a daughter of Rev. John T. and Elmira (Wheeler) Mitchell; her father was a Baptist minister and he and his wife are now deceased. Our subject and wife were blessed by the birth of four children, as follows: Howard E., who died aged twenty-three years; Laura E., died aged twelve years; Arthur L., a contractor, builder and painter at Williamsport, Pa., who was joined in marriage with Phoebe Roller; and Friend, who assists his brother at Williamsport, and also attends commercial school there. Politically Mr. Avery is a strong Prohibitionist; socially, he is a member of Simmons Post, G. A. R.,of Sonestown; religiously, he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. (Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 476 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
THOMAS W. BEAHEN
THOMAS W. BEAHEN, a popular and genial landlord of Laporte, Sullivan County, Pa., is the owner and proprietor of the hotel well known in the county as "The Maine." The hotel is handsomely situated, affording its patrons a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and it is regarded as one of the best summer hotels in the Allegheny Mountains in its section of the county. Our subject is one of the most prominent and enterprising business men of the town, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. He was born in Troy, N. Y., May 1, 1850, and is a son of John and Ann (Roe) Beahen. John Beahen is descended from the sturdy Irish race and was born three miles from the city of Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland. Being unsuited with the position he had attained in his native country, he decided to immigrate to the United States to seek a fortune and better home; he accordingly sailed for this country at an early age and upon his arrival he went to work in a tannery in Troy, N. Y. Later he engaged in the same occupation at Binghamton, N. Y. Mr. Beahen labored diligently for a number of years and by the exercise of economy succeeded in accumulating enough money to purchase a farm, and after his marriage he bought a farm near the village of Montrose, Pa., and there carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of seventy-three years. He was joined in marriage to Ann Roe, a daughter of James Roe; she was born in County Westmeath, Ireland. To this happy union a family of two children was
born: Mary, who resides on the homestead, and Thomas W., the subject of this personal history. The mother of our subject entered the final rest at the age of sixty-nine years. Thomas W. Beahen remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, attending the district school and assisting his father about the farm. He chose the vocation of a carpenter as a means of obtaining a livelihood and pursued that trade for twenty-five years. In 1880 he became a resident of Laporte, where he was employed by the Laporte Tanning Company as a carpenter and
woodsman. Later he rented the Commercial Hotel at Laporte, succeeding Mr. McKibbens. One year later he took charge of the Laporte Hotel, succeeded in establishing an excellent reputation as a host, and soon built up a large patronage. Our subject conducted the Laporte Hotel until March 25, 1898, went it was burned to the ground, our subject meeting with a heavy loss. Upon the advice of his friends Mr. Beahen decided to continue the hotel business and purchasing the Lambert property he erected his present hotel, "The Maine;" he also built a large barn, 36 by 50 feet. "The Maine" is a handsome structure, contains seventeen rooms which are elegantly furnished, and has a large dining hall capable of seating many people; it is situated on a high elevation commanding a view of the surrounding mountains; the water is pure and the mountain air which is very healthy and invigorating makes "The Maine" a typical summer resort. The proprietor of this popular resort commands the respect and good-will of the entire community, and takes an active interest in any measure which tends to benefit his fellow-citizens. Mr. Beahen was united in the bonds of matrimony to Ella Readding, a daughter of Hugh Readding of Rush township, Susquehanna County, Pa., and this union has been blessed by three children, as follows: Annie; John, who has been engaged in teaching during the past three years; and Catherine. Religiously Mr. Beahen and
family are active members of the Roman Catholic Church. Politically our subject is a solid Democrat, has held the office of school director five years, and has been a representative in the town council five years. (Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 245 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
HENRY BEDFORD
HENRY BEDFORD, a prominent and highly respected citizen of Elkland township, Sullivan County, Pa., was born in Yorkshire, England, September 22, 1822, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Seeker) Bedford. Mr. Bedford has already passed beyond his three-score years and ten, the length of life allotted man; and, although he has had two strokes of paralysis, he and his friends still hope he may live at least to see the dawn of a new century and, if it be God's will, much longer. Our subject's father came to America in 1822 and landed in New York City. Soon after he found employment in a starch factory at Bull's Head, New Jersey. He worked there for several years and then sent for his wife and children, who had remained in England. About this time he moved to Sullivan County, where he purchased a tract of land, now occupied by Thomas King. He built a suitable house and barns and busied himself clearing the land and cultivating the soil. In those primitive days the women were very strong, able-bodied and accustomed to working out-of-doors. It was so with our subject's mother. She was as handy with the axe as her husband and assisted him in clearing and tilling the land, besides rearing a family of children; thus she accompanied him in a befitting manner through all trials and tribulations to prosperity. They had both attained the age of about seventy when the final summons came for them to lay down their earthly burdens and enter into rest. Their children were all born before coming to America. They were: John, Ann, Richard, James, Harriet, Jonas and Henry. Our subject's father was a strong believer in the principles taught in the old English Church. He was a sturdy, hard-working man, and was well liked by all who knew him. Henry Bedford, our subject, lived the ordinary life of a boy on a farm in those pioneer days, and when grown to manhood, purchased 100 acres of the Thomas B. Merritt tract and laid the foundation of a fine farm. Later he added another 100 acres to it, this last purchase being off the Bishop White tract. All this was heavy timberland and in those days there was very little market for wood. Our subject had before him the gigantic task of clearing this land before he could cultivate the rich soil. This he accomplished, little by little, as by perseverance and patient effort he expects to accomplish all he sets out to do. He built a log house, like other pioneers of his day, and in time had the lower 100 acres cleared into fine fields, surrounded by windbreaks. These fields he cultivated and they soon yielded him handsome returns; thus, by inheritance and by his own exertions, he became the owner of a fine farm of large dimensions, the greater part of which he cleared in the subsequent years of his occupancy. With the exception of the few years in which he dealt in horse-rakes he has followed general farming. He has been a hard worker and of sterling worth to all. On September 10, 1846, our subject was united in marriage to Martha Ann Vaugh, who was born in 1825 and died in 1856, leaving four sons as a legacy to her husband. Three of these sons are now Methodist ministers. Her children were: Rev. Sylvester, who married Elizabeth Rathbone and now has a family of four children, Harry C., Dean, Anna, and Edna, located at Houghton, N. Y.; Rev. John N., who is a teacher in theology at Houghton, N. Y., where he lives with his wife, who was a Nellie Rudduck, and has a bright little child named Alpha; Rev. Oliver, whose wife's name was Bertha Wing,-their home is blessed with two little
ones, Clayton and Dena; and Sumner, who now has charge of the homestead farm,- he married Carrie Fields, and has the following children, Bruce, Lynn, Grace, Nellie and George, who died at the age of four. After the death of his first wife our subject contracted a second marriage, being united to Mary, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Brobst) Hunsinger, in 1859. She was born June 2, 1831, and has been a cheerful help-mate and companion for more than forty years, and is still a solace to Mr. Bedford in his old age. This second union was blessed with three children, namely: Cordelia, who died aged four years; Ulysses, who married Sarah Brackman, and was the father of twins, Edna and Edgar, now-deceased; Clara, wife of Frank Black, who now reside in Delaware and have four children, Floyd, Mabel, Delia, and Lulu Edna. Mr. Bedford was for many years a strong adherent to the principles of the Republican party, but, believing that intemperance does more to ruin our nation than anything else, he became an ardent Prohibitionist. He never sought office but was persuaded by his friends to serve as supervisor for a short time. Mr. Bedford was so firm in his belief in the doctrines of the Wesleyan Methodist Church that his three oldest sons became Wesleyan Methodist ministers as before-mentioned. This church grew out of a separation from the Methodist Church, the result of its connection with slavery. Wesleyan Methodists oppose all kinds of oppression, believing God to be the governor of nations and that the supreme authority of His revealed will should be acknowledged by the constitutions of states and nations.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 290 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
GENERAL GEORGE W. BIGGER
GENERAL GEORGE W. BIGGER,* blacksmith of Muncy Valley, Sullivan County, Pa., deserves to be called a self-made man, and is held in high esteem by all who have business relations with him. He was born in Franklin township, Lycoming County, Pa., in 1843, and is a son of James and Catherine (Race) Bigger, and a grandson of William Bigger. The latter was reared by his uncle, James Bigger, and was in his early manhood engaged in teaching district schools for a living. Not being satisfied to devote his life to educational purposes alone, he learned the glass-blower's trade, moved to Eagle's Mere, Sullivan County, Pa., and worked at his trade for several years; again the desire for a change overpowered him, and having been economical and saved some money, he purchased a farm, now owned by Jacob Dubler. There he lived and died, leaving two children, Margaret Hester and James. To the latter he bequeathed his farm. James Bigger, father of our subject, was born in Yates County, N. Y., near Dundee. He, like his father, also, taught school when a young man, afterwards turning his attention to agricultural pursuits on the farm he inherited. Catherine Race, daughter of Abraham Race of Franklin township, became his wife; she persuaded Mr. Bigger to sell the homestead, which he did, removing to
Lycoming County. There he lived for a number of years, a highly esteemed and respected farmer, when he died while yet in the prime of life and in the vigor of his manhood, at the age of fifty-two years. He left his wife and ten children to mourn his demise. The children are, respectively: Robert, George W. (our subject), James, Lafayette, Garrett, Margaret, Marion, Henrietta, and Cynthia. Our subject's mother contracted a second matrimonial alliance with Mr. Henry Converse, and after his death, a third, with F. P. Meyers, also now deceased. She died August 23, 1897, aged eighty-two years, one month and twenty-eight days. G. W. Bigger spent the days of his boyhood attending both public and private schools, leading the life most genial to a lad full of youthful spirits. He started out in life for himself by working in a saw-mill where he learned the art of manufacturing lumber. He soon became a contractor. He and his brother took lumbering jobs in Columbia County for John Wygett, in Lycoming County for E. Lyons and others. Reared on a farm, the freedom of farm life had such a fascination for our subject that he quit the lumbering business and began farming, which occupation he followed uninterruptedly for twelve years; although
he found farming profitable, he realized that more money could be made in the lumber business, so he erected a saw-mill of his own at Eagle's Mere where he carried on an extensive lumbering business for four years, and reaped handsome profits. Wishing to invest his earnings safely where he could net good returns without the labor connected with the saw-mill he removed to Muncy Valley, bought a comfortable home, formerly the D. C. Stephen's property, and became a dealer in agricultural implements. Soon after locating there he was offered the fore-manship of the blacksmith department of the Union Tannery Trust Company, which position he accepted and has retained for the past four years, a fitting compliment to his proficiency in filling it. Gen. Bigger finds this position not only lucrative but it interferes in no way with his former business, that of dealing in implements, which he still continues. He was united in marriage to Ida A. Worthing, the affable and accomplished daughter of Henry B. Worthing, of Lycoming County, Pa., which union was blessed with seven children: Nellie E.,
who wedded T. J. Schug, of Muncy Valley, whose home is blessed with two bright children, Leon and Paul; Elinor, wife of David Kassinger, who occupies a position in a planing mill at Gaines, Tioga County, Pa.,-their home is also blessed with two bright-eyed little ones, Pearl and a baby; Edmond; Bradley; Hurley D.; Harold; and Ransom D., who are at the old home, where they assist their worthy parents in every possible way and add much to the joys of life. Gen. Bigger takes great interest in educational matters and has been school director for three years. He is a Republican, and is training his boys in the same political belief. Both he and his estimable wife are willing workers in the Methodist Church. Our subject has an honorable military record. In 1863 he enlisted in Company E, 43rd Regiment Pa. Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged. He re-enlisted in 1864 in Company E, 209th Pa., being discharged at the close of the Civil War the following year. Thus we leave our subject, now scarcely past the prime of life. * 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 Page 765 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
ULYSSES BIRD
ULYSSES BIRD, a representative farmer and surveyor of Elkland township, is descended from one of the oldest families of Sullivan County. He is a son of George C. and Harriet (Kaye) Bird, and was born on the farm on which he now resides, October 3, 1856. The great-grandfather of our subject, Powell Bird, was born in Norfolk, England, and came to this country in 1792, locating in Northumberland County, Pa. He made the acquaintance of Dr. Joseph Priestly, who owned extensive landed interests in what is now Sullivan County, and offered choice tracts of land as an inducement to the early settlers to make that their home. In 1794 Mr. Bird located on a tract of 150 acres, all of which was located in Forks township on the Little Loyalsock Creek, upon which J. K. Bird now resides, and, with William Molyneux and John Warren, was the first to locate in the county. They all lived within a few miles of each other, each having cleared a piece of land on which to erect log cabins and then been joined by their families. The centennial of the settlement of these three old pioneer families was celebrated at the Forks-ville Fair, October 5, 1894, and excited much favorable comment. This hardy old ancestor of our subject devoted the remainder of his life to clearing up the place. Being a weaver by trade he built a loom and wove all of the cloth for his own family and neighbors. Living as they did out in the forest far from civilization with none but the wild animals for friends, these pioneers met with many thrilling experiences and at times narrowly averted death.
Mr. Bird was a man of education and during the last years of his life acted as local Baptist minister. It may indeed be said that his was an exemplary life, one of which his descendants are justly proud. He married Lydia Hannant and they became the parents of twenty-one children, nineteen daughters and two sons, the following being the only ones of whom there is any record: Mrs. Mary Jones; George; Mrs. Rebecca Molyneux, the first white child born in Sullivan County, who was born June 1, 1797; Mrs. Sarah Bennett; Mrs. Ruth Bennett; Mrs. Lydia Yours; Mrs. Eleanor Bull; Esther; Philip I.; Mrs. Elizabeth Summers; and Iona. Powell Bird lived to the age of eighty years, dying April 13, 1829; his wife died June 29, 1832, both being buried in the Bird family cemetery, a portion of the original purchase. George Bird, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1790 and after reaching manhood inherited the old homestead upon which he built the frame house, which is still standing and in good condition. He followed farming all of his life and, as his sons grew up, with their aid built and operated a saw-mill, the lumber from which he floated down the river on rafts to market. He was a Whig in politics. Mr. Bird was famous as a hunter and killed many panthers and wolves and bears without limit. He once saved the life of his nephew, Job Summers, by dispatching a panther were as follows: Phoebe, who married John Fawcett; Powell, who married Sarah Molyneux; Mary, who married Thomas Norton; Thomas, who died in early youth; Esther, who married Richard Biddle; Lydia, who married Joseph Fawcett; Charles, who married Harriet Molyneux; William, who died at an early age; George C.; Ann; and John K., who married Carrie Yonkin. Mr. Bird died on July 14, 1872, and his wife passed away in 1867 at the age of seventy-nine years. George C. Bird, our subject's father, was which held Mr. Summers in its embrace. Mr. Bird married Sarah King and their children born on the old homestead February 14, 1829. He assisted his father in the duties about the farm until 1855 when he purchased a tract of 106 acres on the Strong Run Creek. At the time of his purchase the tract was a gilder-ness untouched by the hand of man, and after clearing fifteen acres he erected a board cabin, the lumber for which was obtained with great difficulty, a portion of it being carried by hand, as there were no wagon roads. There he located with his bride, and they have lived there to this day, clearing away the forest and converting the land into rich and cultivated fields. After a time the cabin became unsuited to the marked advancement which had been made in other particulars and in 1857 it was replaced by a commodious house. Mr. Bird took great pleasure in hunting and fishing. He killed several bears, about 300 deer and scores of small game. Game became scarce in his locality and he made several trips up the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on most successful hunting expeditions. Although
Mr. Bird is now almost three-score and ten he is hale and hearty and his business transactions are extensive, he being a large dealer in lumber. Politically he is a stanch Republican and has served as jury commissioner and assessor, and has filled a number of township offices. He is a man of marked ability and is well known to the citizens throughout his section of the county. His union with Harriet Kaye resulted in the following offspring: Ulysses; Alma, who is the wife of W. E. Miller; Mary, the wife of G. C. Birdsall; Jennie., wife of J. P. Rogers; Nellie, who married Charles Clark; and Isadore, who married B. R. Plotts. Ulysses Bird, the subject of this biographical record, attended the public schools and the Normal National University of Lebanon, Ohio, where he took a special course in surveying and bookkeeping, graduating with high honors in the class of 1885. Our subject has a permanent certificate from the state for teaching and has already taught twelve terms. He has since devoted his time principally to farming and surveying in Sullivan and Bradford counties, being highly successful. In 1885 he purchased fifty-six acres of the old homestead farm, upon which he built a fine modern home, and has since bought an additional tract of one hundred and fifty acres of timberland, engaging in lumbering to a great extent. He is a man of exceptional business ability, honest and energetic, and he occupies a high place in the estimation of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Bird has held all the offices in the Sullivan County Agricultural Society and at this date is president of the organization. Mr. Bird was united in marriage with Emma McCadden, a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Lockwood) McCadden Thomas McCadden was born in England in 1832 and came to the United States in 1868, locating in Philadelphia. At the time of his death, in 1898, he was living in the city of Brooklyn. He was the father of the following children: Joseph; Mary; Joseph; Alfred; George; Emma; Herbert; Mary H.; Selina; James; Earnest; Lillie; Dora; Delbert; and Arthur. Our subject and his wife are the happy parents of five children: Carl Orlando, born April 28, 1886; LaRue, born April 5,1887; Victor, born January 18, 1889; Lloyd Vernon, born September 7, 1890; and Myra, born October 29, 1894. Mr. Bird has been a life-long Republican and he has served as school director, county auditor for six years, for ten years as justice of the peace, and in 1890 he was census enumerator. In religious views he is a Wesleyan Methodist. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America and of the Grange. His portrait is shown on another page of this work.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 145 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
PROF. MOSES R. BLACK
PROF. MOSES R. BLACK, principal of the graded schools of Forksville, Sullivan County, Pa., is a man of recognized ability as a teacher and has been one of the leading business men of the borough for a number of years. He is a son of James and Mary J. (Rogers) Black, and was born in Forksville, August 6, 1858. His grandfather was James Black, who was the progenitor of two sons: James, the father of our subject; and Henry F., who resides in the state of Illinois. James Black was born October 26, 1820, and early in life learned the trade of a miller. He built the first grist-mill at Forksville in 1856 and operated it until his death, having a very large patronage, as it was the only mill in that section for many years. He was called to his final rest in 1862. Mr. Black was originally a Whig in politics, but later became a Republican. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was united in marriage three times, his first union being with Margaret Bryan, by whom he had five children: Henry F.; Martha; Julia; Catherine; and James. He was again married to Salome Hoppis, but their union was without issue. He formed a third alliance with Mary J. Rogers and their children were: Moses R., our subject; Jennie, wife of J. D. Seely of Osceola, Pa.; Delia, wife of F. W. Peale of Eagles Mere, Pa.; and Freddie, who died young. Our subject's mother now resides at Nelson, Pa. Moses R. Black obtained his intellectual training by attending the public schools of Elkland, Tioga County, Pa., the Genesee Wesleyan Academy, and the Normal School of Mansfield. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching in the district schools and in 1886 he was elected superintendent of schools of Sullivan County. His work in that capacity was of the highest order and he was re-elected in 1887. He subsequently purchased a furniture and undertaking business and planning mill at Forksville and operated it with good results until 1898, displaying excellent general business qualifications. In 1898 he disposed of his plant to Messrs. Wright & Haight and accepted the position as principal of the graded schools of Forksville, one for which he is eminently qualified. These schools were established in 1887, employ two teachers, and are considered the best in that section of the county. Prof. Black stands high in public esteem and has the hearty co-operation of the school board and the citizens in his work. Prof. Black was joined in marriage with Ada Shaffer, a daughter of Jesse Shaffer of Forksville, and they have two children: James, born in March, 1896; and Beatrice, born June 1, 1897. Our subject is a Republican and has served three terms in the common council, one term as school director, and was again called upon to accept the latter office, but declined. Fraternally, he is a Mason; past grandmaster of the Odd Fellows lodge; a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America; and of the Grange. In religious attachments he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Black resides in one of the finest homes in the borough. (Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 197 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
MILTON W. BOTSFORD
MILTON W. BOTSFORD, a prominent merchant of Nordmont, Sullivan County, is the eldest son of John C. and Martha (Pennington) Botsford, and was born in Davidson township, Sullivan County, Pa., August 17, 1849. John Botsford, great-grandfather of our subject, was the founder of the
Botsford family in America. He was born in England, came to America, and served in the French and Indian War. He was twice married and had two sons, John and Levi; the latter was accidentally killed at Utica, N. Y. The former, John, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Oxford County, Conn., and early in life was a glassmaker at Utica, N. Y. He removed to Schuyler County, N. Y., in 1844. Having saved some money he next purchased sixty acres of forest land in Davidson township, Sullivan County, Pa., now owned by William M. Stephens. He engaged in clearing and cultivating the land, building a dwelling house and other buildings and establishing a home for himself and family. He died at the age of eighty-four; his wife, Louise McEwen, lived to the good old age of ninety-two. They were blessed with five children: Louisa, Nancy, Emeline, Sarah, and John C., the father of our subject. John C. Botsford, father of Milton W. Botsford, was born in Oneida County, N. Y. Early in life he bought a tract of land in Laporte township, cleared it, and there he has lived ever since, enjoying the reputation and success of a practical farmer. There he and his wife are spending their declining years in peace and in the same surroundings which characterized their years of toil. Their ages are, respectively, seventy-four and seventy-six years. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Botsford, viz.: Milton W., our subject; Jesse, who is married and resides in Nebraska; Mary, who married William Stanley and resides at the Botsford homestead; Arthur, who married Ella Mosteller, and, together with Judson, who married Minnie Kuner, reside in Athens, Pa.; and Zenus. At the district school Milton W. Botsford obtained a good practical education, which he found of value to him in after years. After he left school he found employment in the lumber business for seven years, when he went into business for himself by starting a small store at Unityville, Lycoming County, Pa. He continued at this business for eight years, then sold out and removed to Nordmont and purchased the C. W. Reeder store and engaged again in the mercantile business. In this enterprise he was prospering when he received -an unwelcome visit from fire September 11, 1897. His store, also his house and barn, near by, were destroyed by the fire; but, out of the ruins rose a new building, typical country store, with genial Mr. Botsford again behind the counter. Mr. Botsford was united in marriage with Annie Hirleman, daughter of Henry Hirleman of Waller, Columbia County, Pa. Their children: Rush, Ernest, Charles, who died at the early age of four years, Harry and Frank. The positions of honor and trust held by Mr. Botsford are the best evidences of the high esteem in which he is held by his friends and neighbors. He has been elected at different times overseer of the poor, inspector of elections, auditor and justice of the peace, and is at present postmaster, which position he has held at Nordmont and Unityville for a period of twenty years. Our subject's wife is a faithful and willing worker in the United Evangelical Church.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 259 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
WILLIAM BRONG
WILLIAM BRONG.* Cultivating the soil has been the principal occupation of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and he is the owner of a farm pleasantly situated in Hillsgrove township, Sullivan County, Pa. His parents are Joseph and Catherine (Hufsmith) Brong, and he was born in Monroe County, Pa., October 20, 1840. Our subject's grandfather was Jacob Brong, also a native of Monroe County; he was engaged in farming and the lumber business and owned a large saw-mill. He continued to reside in Monroe County all his life and died there an old man. Joseph Brong was born in Monroe County, Pa., where he lives at the present time, having spent over eighty years of his life in that county. He has been a farmer all his life, and has been remarkably successful; he has made many friends, all of whom respect and esteem him for his many sterling qualities. He was twice married. His first wife was Catherine Hufsmith, a native of Monroe County, and his second wife was Mrs. Catherine Kreste. Our subject's mother died in 1880. She was the mother of thirteen children, who were named as follows: William, our subject, the eldest; Sarah, who is a resident of Monroe County; Mary Ann, wife of J. B. Miller of Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Hannah, who united in marriage with William Everitt, a retired farmer of Monroe County, Pa.; Charles H.. a carpenter by trade, residing at Peckville, Pa.; Emeline, who resides at home; Julia Ann, deceased; Savannah, who married Albert Kreste, and they are residents of Bethlehem, Pa.; John, a laborer residing at Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Millard, who lives in Monroe County, Pa.; Nathan, deceased; and two who died in their infancy. William Brong began farming as a laborer in his native county; when the Civil War broke out he volunteered his services, and in September, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, 176th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., under Col. A. A. Leckler and Capt. Nicholas. The company only participated in a few skirmishes, and at the expiration of his enlistment, on June 2, 1863, our subject was discharged. Returning home he began the life of a farmer, and in 1891 he left his native county and removed to Sullivan County and settled in Hillsgrove township, where he began lumbering; later he settled on his present homestead near Hillsgrove, owning a fine farm of eighty-two acres. December 25, 1864, Mr. Brong was united in marriage with Ann Maria Anglemire, born in Monroe County, Pa., June 9, 1841, and a daughter of Adam and Sarah (Kreste) Anglemire, both of whom are now deceased; her father was a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Brong are the parents of four children, namely: Adam J., who resides at home; Robert, a farmer of Hillsgrove township, who married Cora Jackson; Alda M., who died young; and Bertha, an adopted child, born April 16, 1895. Mr. Brong was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Republican; he has held the office of road commissioner several years. Religiously he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church of Hillsgrove. * 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 Page 747 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
GEORGE E. BROWN
GEORGE E. BROWN. Among the well known residents of Elkland township, Sullivan County, Pa., none have met with greater success in the prosecution of that independent calling, farming, than the gentleman whose name appears above, and whose portrait appears on a preceding page. He is a son of Archeless and Sarah (Harris) Brown, and was born in Fox township, Sullivan County, November 4, 1846. His great-grandfather Brown lived in Massachusetts all of his life. He reared a family of two children, namely: Aaron and Samuel, both of whom came to New Albany, Bradford County, Pa., in the year 1812. Samuel bought a farm there and lived upon it the remainder of his life. Aaron Brown, the grandfather of our subject, lived at New Albany until about 1824, when he moved to Fox township, Sullivan County, where he followed farming the remainder of his life. He married Annie Luce, a daughter of Archeless Luce, who came from Massachusetts with him, and they were the parents of the following children: Archeless; John M., who married Debby Wilcox; Dency, who married George Norton; Samuel, who married Mary Wilcox; Sophrona, the wife of Latney Porter; Allsbury, who married Sallie Wilcox; William, who married Angeline War-burton; Aaron, who married Nancy Wilcox; and Harriet, who married Jewett Spencer. Archeless Brown, the oldest child born to his parents, was born near New Albany, Bradford County, Pa., and came with his father to what was called the William's Settlement, Fox township, Sullivan County, Pa., in the year 1824. Some years after he bought a farm in Fox township, which is now owned by his son, Murry, and there followed the pursuits of an agriculturist throughout his life. Politically he was a firm supporter of the Democratic party. He was a man greatly esteemed for his high character and had many friends. His property consisted of a farm of 100 acres. He was the progenitor of the following children: Peter, who married Susan Mills; Hannah, who married Frederick Anderson; William; George E.; Sylvester, who married Harriet Brown; Maria, who became the wife of William Bagley; Reuben, who married Man-thia Morgan; Chandler, who married Jane Morgan; Rosette; Rosilla, who married George Bryan: Almeda, wlio married James Bagley; Saloma, the wife of Allen Rightmire; Murry, who married Matilda Baltin; and Judson. George E. Brown, our subject, was also reared to agricultural pursuits and about fifteen years ago bought 200 acres of land in Elkland township, moving thereon with his family a short time afterwards. He has since made that his home and. has been one of the good substantial men of the community. About seven years ago, he added 100 acres to the original purchase, securing it of Mr. F. Wells, but he later sold 40 acres of the first purchase to John Bryan, Esq. At the time of making the original purchase about 125 acres had been cleared, but only 40 acres were in a fit state for cultivation. He has not only greatly improved the soil, but the buildings as well, -having erected a fine, modern farm house, and large roomy barns, which are always one of the main essentials of successful farming. He also carries on lumbering to a certain extent. Mr. Brown was first united in marriage with Lucretia A. Snell, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Bryan) Snell, and they had two children: Thomas, deceased; and Frank L. He formed a second alliance with Emma A. Little, a daughter of Daniel and Annie (Cayless) Little. Politically he is a Republican, whilst in his religious views he is inclined to be liberal.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 473 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
HENRY BROWN
HENRY BROWN, an intelligent and prosperous farmer of Forks township, Sullivan County, Pa., is a man of great industry who has attained success through his own individual efforts. He is a son of John and Ann Brown, and was born in Forks township, July 22, 1844, on the family homestead on Loyalsock Creek. John Brown, the father of our subject, came from England in the early 4o's and took up a large tract of land in the valley of the Loyalsock. There he fought the battles of the pioneer with nature and fortune and succeeded in wresting from the shadowy wilderness many acres of rich land. Shortly after locating in
Forks township he built a log house and barn, both of which were replaced by frame buildings in or about 1860, which were swept away by the largest and most disastrous flood ever known on the creek. Undaunted by this loss, however, John Brown again erected a house and barn. He dealt extensively in lumber, doing, a very large custom business. He died in 1854, his wife having passed away many years previous. Their children were: Charles, deceased; Mary Ann, deceased; and Henry, our subject. Mr. Brown was a Democrat in politics and in his religious views he was inclined to be liberal. Henry Brown was reared and educated in Forks township, taking advantage of all opportunities which enabled him to better himself intellectually. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits on his present place and being most
industrious and painstaking he has been successful. He owns a tract of forty acres of the levelest land in Sullivan County, his farm being part of his father's original purchase. Mr. Brown has never left the ranks of single-blessedness, but is content to till his fields and enjoy the tranquility of rural life alone. His household affairs are looked after by the wife of his deceased brother, Charles, whose maiden name was Mary Sherman and who resided in Overton before her marriage. Politically Mr. Brown is an unswerving supporter of the Democratic party. He is a man of great popularity among his neighbors and has many friends.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 725 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
JOHN WATSON BUCK
JOHN WATSON BUCK. Among the prominent and energetic business men of Sullivan County, Pa., is the gentleman named above and whose portrait appears on the opposite page, who is recognized as one of the leading merchants of Sonestown, where he owns a large general store. He is exceedingly popular in both business and social circles, and is ready to assist in all movements that tend toward the advancement and prosperity of his adopted township.
He was born in what is now Strawbridge, Lycoming County, Pa., June 9, 1853, and is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Rishel) Buck, and grandson of John and Magdalena (Springer) Buck. Our subject traces his ancestral history back to his great-grandfather John Buck, the founder of this prosperous family in the United States, who emigrated from Germany to America at an early date. He was the father of three children: Benjamin, Polly, and John. John Buck, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Northampton County, Pa., September 23, 1807. He learned the trade of a gunsmith but engaged in farming the most of his life; he first settled in White Hall, Montour County, Pa., then removed to Sullivan County. For about two years he lived at North Mountain and then he purchased the farm now owned by Robert Taylor, Jr., at Muncy Creek; after residing there for some years, he removed to the state of Wisconsin, and later to Missouri, where he passed from this life at the age of eighty years. As a result of his marriage with Magdalena Springer he had the following children: Jacob, Lydia, Nancy, John, Mary, Phebe, and Eliza. All of these grew to maturity. His wife died at the age of about seventy-seven years.
Jacob Buck our subject's father, was born November 2, 1829, and in his early manhood worked in a saw mill until about 1860, when he bought a farm on North Mountain and for twenty-three years was engaged in farming, with the exception of one year, which he and his family spent in the West; but liking the climate here so much better, he concluded to return to his farm. At the expiration of that time he accordingly settled in Muncy Creek, Lycoming County, where he resided until his death and was the owner of one of the finest farms in that section of the county. He died March 17, 1899. He was married July 22, 1852, to Hannah Rishel, a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Phillips) Rishel, and granddaughter of Jacob Rishel. Joseph Rishel was a carpenter by trade; he also followed weaving and farming, pursuing the latter vocation during the major portion of his active days. He first settled in Bloomsburg, Pa., later in Davidson township, Sullivan County, but finally in Penn township, Lycoming County, where he died at the age of eighty-one years; his wife departed this life when aged eighty-four years. They reared three children, namely: George W., Hannah, and Martha. Our subject's mother was born June 2, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Buck are the parents of the following children: John Watson, our subject; Martha Jane, who was born April 1, 1856; Lewis Harvey, born December 28, 1859, who is clerking in our subject's store, married Sadie Derrick, by whom he has two children -Harry and Clayton; James Leonard, born November 27, 1861, is clerking at Williamsport, and is married to Lizzie Hoffer, by whom he has one child-Ethel; Lucy Alda, born August 10, 1868, is the wife of Morgan Gavitt of Laporte, Pa., and they have reared three children,-Minicent, Blake, and Fredericka; Carrie Adella, born September 19, 1869, died January 21, 1898; Laurette May, born April 14, 1872, died June 9, 1898; Mary, born June 27, 1873, resides with our subject; and Annie Eliza, born June 27, 1875, who is residing at home most of the time.
John Watson Buck possesses a fine education and started out in life as a school teacher, teaching for five years and working at carpentering during the summer vacations; he then accepted a position with A. T. Armstrong of Sonestown. Remaining there a little over one year, he resigned and took one term at the Muncy Normal School and then accepted a position as clerk and bookkeeper with Jeremiah Kelly of Hughesville, Pa. Remaining there during the winter of 1881 and 1882, he then took a course at the Williamsport Commercial College, graduating December 12, 1882. His next position was with Mr. Armstrong of Sonestown, Pa., with whom he remained a year and a half; he then became bookkeeper and general assistant for the firm of Hicks & Burnley of Williamsport, Pa. In 1885 he returned to Sonestown and again engaged with Mr. Armstrong, with whom he remained about two years. He then went to work for Bodine & Warn in Sonestown and for nine years acted as manager of their store. At the expiration of that time he bought out the firm; he also purchased the two-story building, in which the store was located, which was built in 1876 by Robert Whitaker. Mr. Buck immediately increased the stock, and now carries a complete line of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, gents' furnishings, hardware, paints and oils, and all kinds of farming implements; his store is one of the most complete general stores in the county, and by his honest and straightforward dealings he has built up a large and enviable patronage. He is enterprising and public-spirited, and enjoys the respect and good will of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Buck was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Jennie Gavitt, a daughter of Peter Gavitt of Laporte township, Sullivan County, Pa., and they are the parents of five children, namely: Lela, Vera, Mildred, Staunton G., who died at the age of seven months; and Grant. Religiously he is a member of the United Evangelical Church, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal. In politics he is a Republican and served as school director five years. Socially he is a member of Sonestown Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand and past representative member; past chief patriarch of the Encampment of Laporte; and past president of Washington Camp, No. 344, P. O. S. of A. of Sonestown, Pa. During his many business changes, Mr. Buck has always held his residence in Sonestown and has never voted in any other place
.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 561 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)