Sullivan County PA Biographies
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JACOB B. MAGARGEL.
JACOB B. MAGARGEL. Among the foremost and enterprising merchants of Sullivan County, Pa., is the gentleman whose biography we write, who has been engaged in the mercantile business in the village of Sonestown since 1891, and who at present keeps one of the most complete general stores that can be found in the country. He is also recognized as one of the valuable members of the community. He was born in Sonestown April 2, 1869, and is a son of Thomas S. and Phoebe E. (Houseknecht) Magargel, and grandson of Britten Magargel, who resided in the city of Philadelphia during his early manhood, but later moved to Lycoming County, Pa., where he conducted a merchandise store and operated a farm.
Thomas S. Magargel was born and reared m the city of Philadelphia, and his youthful days were spent attending the district school and assisting his father in the cultivation of his father's farm and working in his store. In early manhood, Mr. Magargel took up his residence in Sonestown and rented the old Taylor Hotel, which he later bought, and rebuilt into a handsome three-story house, containing seventeen rooms, which he furnished throughout with the latest conveniences. He conducted this hotel until his death, which occurred in 1889; the hotel was the most popular stopping-place for the traveling public in the community and was classed among the best hotels in its section of the county. He was united in marriage with Phoebe E. Houseknecht, a daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Sones) Houseknecht, and they became the happy parents of the following children: Harry, a farmer by vocation, married Belle Ray and they are the parents of four children, -Brewnard, Schuster, Emerson, and Wort; Ella May is the wife of Lincoln Sheets; Clara was united in marriage with Charles Starr and they are the parents of two children,-Celia and Frank, deceased; Jacob B. is the subject of this personal history; Frank is a prominent merchant of Muncy Valley, Pa., and his wife is Cora Crawley; Ralph is living at home; and Maude, deceased. Our subject's mother is one of a family of ten children, namely:-John, Julian, Peter, Betsey, Jacob, Benjamin, Daniel, Charles, Mary Jane, Issachar. and Phoebe E. Mrs. Magargel conducted the hotel after the demise of her husband until January 2, 1899, and is a lady much respected for her many excellent traits of character. Our subject's father was an unwavering Democrat and held the office of commissioner and constable; fraternally he was a member and past grand of the I. O. O. F.
Jacob B. Magargel attended the district schools and the Muncy Normal and then taught some five terms in all in the public schools of Sonestown; his first venture into business was -in the year 1891, when he and his brother Frank purchased the mercantile store then owned by Jacob Lorah. They also bought the building which was erected by Jacob Lorah in 1876 and was a two-story frame 24 by 60; they carried a complete line of goods such as is carried in a general store and succeeded in establishing an enviable trade. Later our subject purchased the interests of his brother Frank, who went to Muncy Valley, Pa., where he opened a like store; Mr. Magargel has greatly increased the stock since taking full possession of the store and by his honest and straightforward ways of dealing has gained the confidence and good-will of the entire community. Mr. Magargel also owns a fine and productive farm consisting of 102 acres and has men to cultivate the same for him, as his time is too much taken up in his store to attend to agricultural work. Politically, Mr. Magargel is a solid Democrat and takes an active interest in any enterprise that tends to promote the interest of his native township and county. He was appointed postmaster of Sonestown on April 5, 1893, and held the office until February 20, 1896. During his stay in office he gave complete satisfaction to the community. Fraternally he is a member and past grand of the I. O. O. F. and has passed through all the chairs of the P. O. S. of A.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 711 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
MRS. PHOEBE E. MAGARGEL
THOMAS S. MAGARGEL
MRS. PHOEBE E. MAGARGEL, who, until January 2, 1899, was proprietor of one of the most popular public houses in the southern part of Sullivan County, is the widow of the late Thomas S. Magargel, who was born in the city of Philadelphia and who was a son of Britten and Ann (Schuster) Magargel. Britten Magargel was of Scotch descent and settled in Lairdsville, Pa., during his later years, where he conducted a mercantile store and later engaged in general farming.
THOMAS S. MAGARGEL possessed a fine education and his boyhood days were spent assisting his father in running the store and later aided him in the labors about the farm. After his marriage he settled in Sonestown, where he rented the old Taylor Hotel, and through his successful management of the same accumulated enough money to purchase the property, and, in 1886, he erected a three and one-half story hotel of 17 rooms; the rooms were large, comfortable and well furnished, and Mr. Magargel gave the business the closest supervision and no expense or trouble was spared to make the hotel service perfect, even to the smallest detail. That these efforts were not lost on those accepting of his hospitality was evidenced by the fact that once guests they were always guests when business afterwards called them to that locality. He was very popular with the transients, and aided by his loving wife did all in his power to make it as homelike as possible. The demise of Mr. Magargel, which occurred in the year 1889, was greatly lamented by a host of friends, who recognized him as a man of sterling worth and strict integrity. He was an upright citizen, highly esteemed in his community, and exerted his influence in the promotion of its best interests.
Mr. Magargel chose for his life companion Phoebe E. Houseknecht, who has proved herself a kind and loving wife, and much of the success of her husband was due to the part she had taken in the management of the hotel. She is a daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Sones) Houseknecht, and her father was born in Lycoming County and was a son of John Houseknecht who was a farmer and who died aged eighty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Houseknecht were the parents of the following children: John; Julian; Peter; Betsey; Jacob; Benjamin; Daniel; Charles; Mary Jane; Issachar; and Phoebe E., the subject of this sketch.
Mrs. Magargel conducted the hotel after her husband's death until January 2, 1899, and has won the highest respect of the traveling public as a landlady; the hotel, as operated by her, was by all odds the best in its section of the county, was well furnished, and the meals served by this establishment also added greatly to its popularity with the traveling public. Mr. Magargel was a solid Democrat in politics, and served as commissioner and as constable; fraternally he was a member and past grand of the I. O. O. F.
Mr. and Mrs. Magargel reared the following children: Harry, a farmer by trade, was married to Belle Ray by whom he reared four children, -Brewnard, Schuster, Emerson, and Wort; Ella May is the wife of Lincoln Sheets; Clara is the wife of Charles Starr, and two children blessed their home, -Celia and Frank, the latter deceased; Jacob B. is a prominent merchant of Sonestown; Frank, a merchant of Muncy Valley, Pa., was wedded to Cora Crawley; Ralph is living at home; and Maude, deceased.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 715 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
WILLIAM CLAYTON MASON
WILLIAM CLAYTON MASON. Prominent among the civil engineers and surveyors of this section of the state, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this narrative and whom we represent with a portrait on the opposite page, who is pursuing that profession in Sullivan County, making his headquarters in the town of Laporte. Our subject has followed this profession nearly all his life, having learned it during his boyhood days by working with his father who was also a civil engineer and surveyor.
This highly esteemed citizen was born on the site of his present home, July 11, 1853 and is a son of William A. and Mary A. (Cheney) Mason, and grandson of Eliphalet and Roxy (Fowler) Mason. This prosperous family is supposed to have originated from one of three brothers, John. Robert and Nathaniel, who emigrated from England during Cromwell's war. These three brothers settled in Ashford, Windham County, Conn., where they purchased farms and engaged in farming; it is thought that this branch of the family sprang from Robert Mason, whose farm remained in possession of his descendants until after the time of Ebenezer Mason, the great-grandfather of our subject, after whose death the farm passed through many different hands. Ebenezer married Mary Hastings and they reared seven sons and three daughters; three of the sons, David, William and Alva settled in Philadelphia; Eliphalet, Ebenezer and Chester located in Monroetown, Bradford County, Pa., and the remaining son, Rufus, settled in New York State, near Johnstown.
Eliphalet Mason, our subject's grandfather, was born June 23, 1780, and was named after his uncle, Eliphalet, who was a Revolutionary soldier and died in a prison-ship in New York harbor. Our subject's grandfather prepared himself for the ministry but later took up surveying and followed that profession the greater part of his active days. He resided in Bradford County, Pa., during his early life and in connection with his profession he taught penmanship, being an expert with the quill, and also taught singing, during the years 1822 and 1823. Later he moved to Monroetown, Pa., near which place he built a grist-mill which he operated until his death; the mill is now situated within the limits of the town called Masontown, named in honor of our subject's grandfather. Eliphalet was wedded June 22, 1802, to Zilpah Coburn, who passed from this life shortly after their marriage; he was again married October 22, 1804, with Roxy Fowler, who was born July 16, 1786, and who died February 15, 1851. Our subject's grandfather died March 11, 1855. He was the father of the following children: Zilpah, born June 26, 1806; Roxy, born December 10, 1807; Gordon, born January 19, 1810; Rufus, born January 31, 1812; Eliphalet H., born April 28, 1815; William A., the father of our subject; Samuel A., born March 22, 1821; and Mary, born August 13, 1824.
William A. Mason, father of our subject, was born in Towanda, Pa., September 29, 1818, and his boyhood days were spent attending the district schools and working with his father learning the profession of a civil engineer and surveyor, which profession he made his life's work and so thoroughly mastered it that his surveys and charts are of great value to-day. In 1848, when the town of Laporte originated, Mr. Mason located in that little village where he laid out the town; he also did much surveying throughout Sullivan and adjoining counties. He erected a frame house on the site where our subject resides; it was the third house built in the village and is now standing on an adjoining lot. He continued in his profession all his life, with the exception of one year when he was engaged in the photograph business at Towanda. At the expiration of that time he returned to Laporte, where he followed his profession until 1868 when he removed to Mon-tour and was resident engineer for the S. L. & S. R. R. for about three years, when he returned to Laporte. Mr. Mason was widely known throughout the county as a man of sterling worth, and he was a man of much weight as his opinion and judgment was often sought by his fellow-citizens. He served as associate judge of Sullivan County; was the first justice of the peace of Laporte, in which capacity he remained many years; was county treasurer, and also held the office of postmaster. Mr. Mason was called from this earth January 7, 1892, and his demise was deeply lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who held him in high esteem.
He was united in marriage with Mary A. Cheney, a daughter of Abel and Priscilla Cheney, who was born in Cortland, N. Y., October 28, 1820. Her parents removed to the state of Pennsylvania when she was a small girl. Her father was a bricklayer by vocation. The mother of our subject resides in her beautiful home in Laporte and is a lady well preserved for one of her years, not having a single gray hair in her head, and looks much younger than her age signifies. She was a faithful wife, is a kind and loving mother and a good neighbor, and is highly respected by a host of friends and acquaintances. She is the mother of the following children: Ethlen M., a teacher, born November 17, 1842; Ida Adel, born July 11, 1845, was the wife of Warren T. Waters, and died September 26, 1891; Mary Ellen, born November 22, 1847, and died in 1874; Will E., born May 18, 1850, and died two years later; William Clayton, the subject of this personal history; and Gordon Hastings, born June 22, 1861, and died in 1863.
William Clayton Mason, our subject, acquired a. good education in the public and private schools of his native town and at the Mannsville Normal School. His leisure hours were spent working with his father, learning the profession of a civil engineer and surveyor, and he continued to work with him throughout his early life and upon his father's death he succeeded him in the work. Our subject also studied under Rev. H. Armstrong, a prominent Presbyterian clergyman and an excellent instructor. Mr. Mason has been very successful in his chosen profession and is the possessor of many valuable maps and charts; he has all the field notes of the late Michael Meylert who made surveys of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Bradford, Pike, Wayne, Tioga and Sullivan counties; he has the field notes of his father of the above counties and of Columbia, Lycoming, Northumberland, Union and other counties; has Baird's book of maps on the lands of the Asylum Company; and notes and maps of the late Gordon F. Mason of Towanda, Pa. Our subject is chief engineer for the W. & N. B. R. R. and is also chief engineer for the Eagles Mere R. R., and is the most prominent civil engineer and surveyor in Sullivan County. It was under his supervision that the W. & N. B. R. R. was constructed from Halls to Nordmont; he also located the line from the latter place to Satterfield, the eastern terminal. The road was built, practically, on his location. On December 20, 1881,
Mr. Mason was wedded to Eliza Stormont, a daughter of Robert Stormont of Laporte, Pa., who was born May 31, 1860, and died October 15, 1895, leaving the following children: Mary Irene, born December 2, 1882; William Robert, born August 24, 1885; Ethelyn Ione, born January 9, 1889; and Marjorie Ida, born August 14, 1894. Our subject in politics, as was his father, is an ardent Republican and has served fifteen years as justice of the peace. Fraternally he is a member and past chief patriarch of the Encampment, I. O. O. F., and district deputy grand patriarch of Sullivan County.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 85 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
JAMES McFARLANE
JAMES McFARLANE, who is familiar to every family in Sullivan County as one who has done more to promote the public welfare of Laporte and the county at large than any other man, is proprietor of the largest general merchandise store in that borough and is an extensive lumber merchant, owning about 6,000 acres of land, nearly all of which is covered with a rich growth of hemlock timber. He was born in Arbroath, Scotland, and is a son of the Rev. James and Elizabeth (Anderson) McFarlane. Rev.
James McFarlane emigrated from his native land, Scotland, and settled in what was known as the "English Neighborhood" in New Jersey. He was a devout Christian and a faithful minister, and during the remainder of his life preached in the Presbyterian Church. He was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Anderson, who was born at Ratho, near Edinburgh, Scotland, and their union was blessed by the birth of the following children: James, the subject of this personal history: John, who is engaged in the lumber business in New York City; Kate, who married H. J. Tappan, who also resides in New York City; Elizabeth, deceased; and William, a dry goods merchant in Hoboken, N. J.
James McFarlane, after obtaining a good education in a private school and attaining his majority, became a member of the firm Thorn, McFarlane & Co., composed of himself, Jonathan and William Thorn, dealers in hides and leather, with headquarters at No. 76 Gold street, New York City. Being men of ambition and energy the firm soon grew to be one of influence and bought many tracts of land in Pennsylvania and erected a number of tanneries, owning at one time as much as 40,000 acres of valuable land. The firm purchased the Laporte tannery, which at the time was a very small concern, at a sheriff's sale and immediately rebuilt it, and subsequently added to it from time to time until at the present day it covers many acres of land and ranks among the foremost tanneries of the state. Much of the land which the firm owned was covered with hemlock forest and our subject moved to Laporte in order to superintend its clearing, and at the same time built many tenement houses. He established the Thorndale tannery, which he operated very successfully for fifteen years, established a small general store, and in all gave employment to several hundred men.
In 1893 the firm disposed of its entire estate to the Union Tanning Company, and Mr. McFarlane, who owned a private estate of four hundred acres and a store in Laporte, remained in the latter borough and has since conducted the store and operated the farm, which he improved to such an extent that it is now considered one of the best estates in that vicinity. The store building was a two-story affair, the second floor being used as a Sabbath School room and the first floor as the store, which was operated on a small scale. Upon assuming the management of the latter our subject re-stocked it with a new and complete line of general merchandise, utilizing both floors, and made many improvements. Business increased with great rapidity, and the building has since been enlarged and he now handles almost every article that may be demanded by his customers, carrying a complete line of dry goods, ready-made clothing, groceries, crockery, hardware, drugs, hats and caps, boots and shoes, oils and paints, and many other useful articles. He built a saw-mill near the railroad station which he operates extensively, as he obtains the timber from his land in Forks township.
Mr. Mc-Farlane is a man of public spirit and he has done all within his power to elevate the standing of the town of Laporte. While the tannery was under his superintendence he built the depot at that point, in which he permitted the Roman Catholics to hold services, and also allowed it to be used as a school-house until the new building was built, the latter being erected upon land which he liberally donated. In politics our subject is a stanch Democrat and has served as councilman and superintendent of schools. He has ever performed the obligations of a dutiful citizen and is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances throughout the section.
Mr. McFarlane was joined in hymeneal bonds to Augusta L. Lovett, daughter of John Lovett, a retired merchant of New York City, by whom he is the father of three children: James, Jr., who is associated in business with Austin, Nicholas & Co., of New York City; Ada, who resides at home; and William, whose sad death at the age of twenty years, just prior to the time of his graduation from the Stephens College of Hoboken, resulted from too close confinement to his studies
.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 32 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
STANLEY S. MERITHEW
STANLEY S. MERITHEW, an enterprising and progressive farmer and business man of Forks township, Sullivan County, Pa., whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is a veteran of the Civil War, in which he participated in many engagements and established an excellent record for bravery and coolness in the time of danger. He is a son of Merritt and Polly (Northrup) Merithew, and was born in Wysox township, Bradford County, Pa., in 1837.
Our subject is of English descent, his great-grandfather, Merritt Merithew, having come from England and located in Salem, Mass., early in the eighteenth century. His grandfather was Samuel M. Merithew, who was born in Salem, Mass., in 1752, and removed to Wysox township, Bradford County, Pa., in 1812, and purchased what is now known as the Strickland farm. Though well advanced in years, he continued to follow the occupation of a farmer until he was four-score-and-five years of age. He then went to live with his son-in-law, James English, at whose home he died in 1849, having attained the rare age of ninety-seven years. He was the progenitor of the following children: Hiram; Samuel; Lydia; Merritt; Lafayette; Lloyd; and Delia. Politically, he was a Democrat; his religious opinions conformed with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Merritt Merithew, the father of our subject, was born in Salem, Mass., in 1810, and was but two years old when he moved to Pennsylvania with his parents. He was reared on his father's farm and obtained what education he could pick up, for the public-school system was not then in existence. At an early age he learned the trade of a whipmaker and also that of a shoemaker and, although he was practically a farmer by occupation, he followed those trades off and on throughout life. While in the prime of life he purchased what was known as the William Hinman farm in Monroe township, Bradford County, which consisted of one hundred acres on the Burlington turnpike. This property he cultivated until 1866, when he disposed of it to our subject. Politically, he was always a loyal and unswerving Republican and always voted for the principles and candidates of that party. Religiously, he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Polly Northrup, by whom he had the following children: Phoebe, who married U. M. Cox; Wealthy Jane, the wife of C. F. Yonkin, of Forks township; Charlotte, who died in 1848; Rosanna, who married A. R. Moe, of Tompkins County, N. Y., Mr. Moe is dead and his widow resides in Rochester, N. Y.; Stanley S.; George, who married Mary Goss, and now lives at Towanda; and John, who married Mary Williams, and also lives at Towanda. Mr. Merithew was called to his final rest in 1879.
Stanley S. Merithew obtained his education in the common schools of Wysox township and in the old academy at Towanda. Soon after leaving school he learned the trade of a miller, which he followed at different times for many years. In 1863 he enlisted in the 34th Reg., N. Y. Independent Battery, and rendered distinguished service in the following battles: Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863; Siege of Jackson, Miss.; Blue Springs, Tenn.; Lenoir Station, Tenn.; Campbell Station; Siege of Knoxville; Rutledge; Wilderness; Spottsylvania; on the left of Spottsylvania; North Anna; Salem Church; Games' Farm; Cold Harbor; and before Petersburg, June 18, 1864, and remained there nine months and sixteen days, until Lee's surrender. He was mustered out June 27, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y., after which he returned to Bradford County, Pa., locating at Monroeton, where he was made postmaster. In 1873 he bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of coal and wood land in Westover township, Clearfield County, Pa., which he still owns and which is a valuable estate. In 1883 our subject moved to Campbellville, Sullivan County, and in the same year was appointed assistant postmaster there, which office he held for thirteen years, in connection with which he operated a flour and feed mill, which is now owned by Norton & Hotteinstein. In 1896 he rented the F. C. Weuck farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, in the northwest part of Forks township, upon which he is now located. Besides engaging in general farming he conducts a general store, which is well patronized. He is widely known throughout that section and is highly respected by all with whom he comes in contact.
Mr. Merithew was united in marriage with Mary Ellen Rockwell, a daughter of Allen and Catherine (Cole) Rockwell, who were the parents of the following offspring: William; Lemuel; Liza; Elizabeth; Franklin; Mary; Ellen; Sally; and Reuben. Our subject and his wife are the proud parents of three children, namely: Portus L., who married Rose Bullock; George N., deceased; and Hattie Belle, whose union with Charles Phflaum is blessed with three children, Portus Leon, Genevieve, and Wilhelmina. Politically Mr. Merithew is strongly affiliated with the Republican party, the principles of which he believes to be the foundation upon which rests the future prosperity of our country. Socially he is past grand-master of Burnside Lodge No. 679, I. O. O. F., and a member of Swartz Post, No. 72, G. A. R., of Albany, Pa.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 279 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
MICHAEL MEYLERT
MICHAEL MEYLERT was a prominent and highly esteemed citizen and a substantial business man of Laporte, Pa., of which town he was the founder. He laid out the streets and parks of the town and did more to promote its interests than any other man. Mr. Meylert was born in New Milford, Pa., on June 20, 1823, and he was a son of Secku and Abigail (Nichols) Meylert.
Secku Meylert was a farmer of Susquehanna County, Pa., and as a result of his marriage with Abigail Nichols the following children were born: Amos N.; Michael, the subject of this biographical sketch; Henry, who died in infancy; William; Mindwell; Asa; Maria; Guerdon; Priscilla.
Amos N. was united in marriage with Ann Dennis, and they reared the following children: Addie, the wife of J. A. Scranton, who has two children, Lydia and Robert; Charles, deceased, who was joined in marriage with Laquer Lawrence, by whom he reared three children, Laquer, Charles, and Fanny; William wedded Mary Rielly, who bore him one daughter, Florence; Mary, wife of O. Johnson; Kate, wife of J. F. Maylon, and has two children, Catherine and Theo; and Louise, who is the wife of Fred Rodewald, and is the mother of one child, Annie.
William, the fourth child born to Secku and Abigail Meylert, married Mary A. Gregory, and they reside in Laporte. They have reared five children: Mina, the wife of E. S. Chase, by whom she has three children, Ada, Edith, and Helen; Adaline; Howard, whose marriage with Mary Cain resulted in the birth of one child, Grace; Fanny; and Frank, who wedded Rose Miller.
Mindwell Meylert was united in marriage with Alfred Sauer, and their home has been blessed by two children, Alfred and Fred.
Asa Meylert was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Harriet Hodgdon.
Maria Meylert married Isaac Brunner and four children blessed this union, namely: Mary, the wife of William Mullen, is the mother of two children, Eugenia and Meylert; Meylert B. married Mary Mayall, and they have reared three children, Charlotte, Mayall, and Meylert; Anna; and Edith.
Guerdon Meylert married Ellen Madden;
Priscilla, the youngest child born to Secku and Abigail Meylert, married Judson Richardson, and they have two children. May and William.
Michael Meylert, the subject of this sketch, acquired a good education in the public schools and at Montrose and Friendsville academies. At the age of eighteen years he began teaching school. Later he was employed by a corps of engineers to work on the North Branch of the canal, during which time he made his home at Tunkhannock. Upon the completion of the canal he followed surveying and civil engineering and surveyed the asylum lands. He subsequently entered the employ of William B. Clymer, general agent of the Bingham estate, and took charge of the surveying department. In 1847, when Sullivan County was divided from Lycoming County, Mr. Meylert, the father of our subject, and Mr. Clymer purchased the Norris & Fox lands, which lie in the south-central part of Sullivan County, and they appointed Michael Meylert as agent, and he purchased many hundred acres of land. He built a rude log house and settled at what is now the town of Laporte; he surveyed and laid out streets and parks; built many houses, and set out shade trees. He erected the first frame house there, now known as the Mountain House, and later built the Laporte Hotel, a handsome and substantial structure, three-stories high, which was destroyed by fire in 1897. He also built a saw-mill and later established a newspaper, with which he was connected for some thirty years.
In 1851 Mr. Meylert became interested in tanning, and in that year built a tannery. Besides a beautiful brick building, which he made his home, he owned several other residences. , Mr. Meylert was never known to abandon any important project having once set about the execution of it, and it was this persistency of effort which won him success and which gained for him the admiration and respect of his fellow-citizens.
Politically our subject was an uncompromising Democrat and upheld the principles of his party with the steadfastness that characterized all his actions. He was positive in his opinions and fearless in their maintenance. In 1851 he was honored by election to the State Legislature and passed the first railroad bill allowing a railroad to be built between Catawissa and the State Line. He surveyed the route of the Williamsport & North Branch Railroad. Our subject's mind was always active and industrious and his business affairs were always conducted with great wisdom and skill; he was regarded as a man of weight in his community, whose opinions and judgment were highly valued.
The death of Mr. Meylert occurred on January 17, 1883, and his loss was greatly mourned by the community in which he had so long resided and with which he was so closely identified. Mrs. Meylert now resides in Laporte, where she is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 710 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
ALVIN P. MILLER
ALVIN P. MILLER, the efficient foreman of the Trust Company Tannery at Muncy Valley, Pa., formerly known as the Stephens tannery, has been engaged in that line of business nearly all his life and is held in high esteem by both his superior officers and his fellow-workmen. He was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., June 8, 1859, and is a son of Hiram and Malinda (Bailey) Miller, both of whom are living in retirement in Schoharie County. To the parents the following children were born: Charles A., who married Miss Bernice Bennett, a sister of our subject's wife,-they reside in Muncy Valley and have two children, Ruth and Buela; our subject; George, who married and resides in Hudson, N. Y.; Carrie, who married John Striker and resides in Gilboa, Schoharie County, N. Y.; William, recently married and resides in Schoharie County, N. Y.; and Jennie, who resides with her parents. Alvin P. Miller was educated in the district schools of his native township and then began to serve an apprenticeship to the tanner's trade in the Stephens tannery; he soon became proficient and was one of the most skilled mechanics in the shop. When the Stephens tannery was moved to Muncy Valley, Sullivan County, Pa., our subject was offered a good position if he would accompany it to the new field of operation and he accepted. He gradually worked his way up until 1897, when he was given his present position as inside foreman in this mammoth tannery. He has charge of sixty skilled mechanics who work in the leather department, dressing hides, which are known as buffalo hides of South America. These are of the best quality and much depends upon Mr. Miller in their tanning. Our subject some time ago purchased a small tract of land which he is fast developing into a good farm on which he has erected a fine home and has built a large barn. Mr. Miller is an intelligent and public-spirited citizen and is respected by all who know him. Mr. Miller was joined in matrimonial bonds with Libbie Bennett, a daughter of George W. Bennett of Shrewsbury township, Lycoming County, Pa., and this happy union has been blessed by three children, as follows: Arthur O.; George B.; and Edna M. In politics our subject is a firm supporter of the Republican party; religiously he and his family are prominent members of the Methodist Church. (Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 186 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
DANIEL L. MILLER
DANIEL L. MILLER, the efficient postmaster and merchant of Eldredsville, Sullivan County, Pa:, was born in Point township, Northumberland County, Pa., April 4, 1848, and is the youngest son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Cline) Miller and a grandson of Jacob Miller of New Jersey.
Our subject's grandfather, Jacob Miller, served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary War under the illustrious Washington and had an honorable military record of which his descendants speak with just pride. He fought bravely in the struggle for liberty and after the successful termination of the conflict he purchased a farm near Riverside, Pa., and engaged in agricultural pursuits. On this excellent property he lived a peaceful and happy life to an advanced age. Only one shadow was cast upon his happiness; his wife never enjoyed vigorous health, but suffered much in her declining years till called to lay down life's burden and enter into her deserved rest. Three children were born to them: Sarah, who was twice married, her first husband being Suel Gibbs, who served in the Mexican War, and her second husband, John Schwarts; Peter; and Leonard.
Leonard Miller, father of our subject, was, practically, a fanner all his life. He enjoyed the enviable reputation of being a just, fair-minded and honorable man. By conducting his business with ability and success he provided very comfortably for his family and thus opened splendid opportunities for them. He died at the age of sixty-seven years, and his life was considered well and nobly spent, and he was mourned by all who knew him. Elizabeth Cline, daughter of Godfrey Cline, became his wife and lived peacefully by his side until she attained the age of sixty years, having borne him eight children: William; Clarkson; Jacob, who now resides at Danville; Thomas; Mary; Charles, who is located at Turbutville, Pa.; a daughter, who died in infancy; and Daniel L., our subject.
Daniel L. Miller obtained a good education in the public schools of Point township, Northumberland County, Pa. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade and being handy with all kinds of tools, he soon became an expert workman, and for some time worked successfully at his trade in his native county. Looking about for a location he settled in Elkland township, Sullivan County, where he purchased fifty acres of land in 1876 from Joseph Pardoe, whose daughter, Jane Pardoe, became his wife and was a willing helper in making the many improvements needed on his farm, which is now well improved and in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Miller is assisted on the farm by his two sons, Charles and Howard, who are learning all the rural arts and successful schemes of the shrewd granger. About two and a half years ago Mr. Miller leased the G. A. Mcllwain house and store, directly adjoining his farm. There he resides and carries on a general country store, also the postoffice, which has been in his charge since 1896.
Some time ago Mr. Miller was called upon to bear the loss of his wife; this loss was a severe blow to him, also to her bereaved children and to her many devoted friends. She died leaving three children: Rena, a lovable young lady, who has learned to wield the birch and who is "teaching young ideas how to shoot" in a way to command success; Charles; and Howard. Mr. Miller is a man of very decided political views, favoring Democracy, but is gentlemanly in his expression of them. He is intensely interested in local matters pertaining to the welfare of his community. o He has been justice of the peace fourteen consecutive years: school director for three years; town clerk one year; assessor for three years; and a member of the election board for nine years.
Quite recently Mr. Miller sought and won the heart and hand of Lydia Norton, daughter of Thomas Norton. She is well and favorably known in the social and religious circles of Elkland township, being a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 131 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
JAMES P. MILLER
JAMES P. MILLER, superintendent of the Trust Company Tannery at Muncy Valley, Sullivan County, was born in Bradford County, Pa., in 1847. He is a son of William and Huldah (Wells) Miller who lived in Bradford County, Pa.
William Miller, father of the subject of this sketch, was a progressive and well-to-do farmer, and James P. was given the advantages of the public schools at Newville, Cumberland County. Being naturally a studious boy, by diligent application to his studies he built a good foundation for the busy life which has since marked his progress. Upon completing the course of studies prescribed at the Newville schools he engaged in teaching, which calling he zealously followed for six years. He then engaged in clerking at Williamsport and Chamouni, after which he located in Muncy Valley to take up the duties of the important position of superintendent of the L. A. Robinson tannery at that place. This manufacturing enterprise was organized by L. R. Bump who was succeeded by L. A. Robinson of Middle Valley, N. Y., in 1876, who in turn sold the business to D. T. Stephens & Son in 1877; later the U. S. Leather Company or Union Tanning Company, as the firm was known at different periods, assumed control, and the business is directed now by the Trust Company estate.
The tannery is known as the Muncy Valley Tannery all over the state and is one of the largest of its kind in this section, employing upwards of one hundred men and using twenty-one leaches per week with ten tons of bark to the leach. Mr. Miller's duties include the keeping of the books and the general supervision of the men and teams employed and the many hundred tons of bark that are used in tanning the yearly output of leather. So well has our subject performed his various duties that he has kept his position through all the changes which have taken place, giving entire satisfaction to the various owners and employees; thus the merit of his work has secured for him his position and is the most powerful factor in helping him to maintain it.
Our subject was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock to Elizabeth Johnson, daughter of Perry O. Johnson of Sullivan County, Pa. Eight children blessed this union, as follows: Maud; Myrtle; Ernest; Blanche; Ralph; Jamie; and Donald. Thrice has the Grim Messenger entered our subject's home and robbed it of a cherished jewel. The summons came to Mabel when ten years old; then to Ernest, aged five; and last, to Ralph at the age of four. Politically our subject is an Independent Democrat. He is postmaster, which position he has held since Cleveland's first administration. He is a devout Christian and worships in the M. E. Church in which he is steward.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 221 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
WILLIAM E. MILLER
WILLIAM E. MILLER, one of Forksville's most enterprising business-men, conducts a blacksmith shop at the end of Bridge street and is proprietor of the old stone grist-mill, which was built by Mr. Black many years ago. He is a son of Francis and Elizabeth (Davidson) Miller, and was born in Monroe township, Bradford County, Pa., December 12, 1855.
Francis Miller, father of our subject, was born in Germany and after learning the trade of a blacksmith, he came to America, locating in Towanda, Pa., where he worked at his trade for several years. Removing to Forksville he purchased a blacksmith shop and remained in that business about thirty years. He then bought a farm now known as the Burgess farm, upon which he built a new house, barns, and made other improvements, and became one of the leading agriculturists of that section. He was without means when he started out .on his own account, but through his industry he accumulated a comfortable property. He died in 1889, aged sixty-one years, but his wife survives him, residing at Overton, Pa. They became the parents of seven children, namely: Orvilla Jane, the wife of W. H. Denorl of Waverly, N. Y.; William E., the subject of this record; Charles, a resident of Hoytville, who married Ella Brewer; Moses C., who married Kate Cadden and resides in Ringdale; Mary, the wife of G. W. Collins of Waverly, N. Y.; John of Elkland township, who married Marion White; and Henry of Forksville, who married Nellie Warren.
Mr. Miller was a Democrat and after moving to Forksville served in the town council and held minor township offices. William E. Miller attended the public schools after which he learned the trade of a blacksmith with his father and has followed it ever since, with the exception of a period of four years, when he took the farm and conducted it until it was sold. He was for several years located at the Laporte tannery, having charge of the blacksmithing department, and later moved to Forksville, where he built his present shop and has since been engaged in business. He is a skilled mechanic and besides the various branches of his business in which he is engaged he is the only dealer in agricultural implements, wagons, etc., in the borough, and has a large trade. In 1897 he purchased of O. W. Mather the old grist-mill and carries on a large business. He is a thorough business man, of shrewd and unerring judgment, and has been very successful. He resides in the old Brown residence which he bought and he is one of the hustling men of the borough.
Our subject was united in marriage with Alma Bird, a daughter of George C. Bird, and they are the parents of three children: Jennie May; George Francis; and Clarence Lamont. Politically he is a Republican and has served as member of the town council, and school director, and is treasurer of the borough. In religious belief he and his family are adherents of the Methodist Church. He is a member and past master of Sullivan Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F.; and a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 68 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
GEORGE W. MYERS
GEORGE W. MYERS, a well-known business man of Muncy Valley, Sullivan County, Pa., has established an enviable reputation as a landlord, being the proprietor of the Pennington Hotel. He was born April 5, 1858, in Davidson township, Sullivan County, Pa., and is a son of Jacob and Fredericka (Geiger) Myers.
Jacob Myers was born in 1818 in Wurtemberg, Germany, where he married his wife. On coming to America the couple settled in Lancaster County, Pa., where Mr. Myers followed farming, later buying a farm in Sullivan County, Pa., where Mr. Myers lived until he departed this life, at the age of seventy-three years. These children resulted from the union, namely: Louisa; Fred, who died on the voyage to this country; John; Jacob; Henry; David; Mary Ann, deceased; George W., the subject of this sketch; Lafayette and Maria, twins; William; James; Albert; Charles; and Caroline.
George W. Myers, the subject of this sketch, attended the district schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he began his apprenticeship to the carpenter trade. This he followed as a journeyman and contractor in the vicinity of his home and in New York State until 1897, when, in company with Charles Crawley, he purchased the Judge Gansel Hotel. In 1898 our subject purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted the hotel alone. He has made many improvements and it now consists of sixteen large and pleasant rooms, which are newly furnished and equipped with all modern conveniences. The Pennington Hotel is two stories high and is located in the heart of the village. A very pleasant feature of this well-known hostelry is the excellent table which it sets. An ample livery service is provided for the use of the patrons and, in fact, everything possible is done for the accommodation of the guests.
Our subject is a man of high principles and takes an active interest in all public affairs. Politically lie is an unswerving supporter of the Democratic party and has held a number of minor offices. On February 23, 1899, Mr. Myers was married to Mrs. L. Rosa Betz, widow of John Milton Betz, of Muncy, Pa. Mr. Betz died August 28, 1895, leaving one child, Grace E. Betz, who resides with our subject. Mrs. Myers is a daughter of James F. and Christiana Worthington, and was born March 1, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington are living. They have reared six children: Rosa, wife of our subject; Ida; Harry; Ernest; Milton; and Oval.
(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY 1899 Page 608 Transcribed by Tammy Clark)
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