B. JACKSON, merchant, Nanticoke, was born June 4, 1846, in Chester county, Pa., and is a son of Caleb and Letitia (Brinton) Jackson, the former a native of Chester county and the latter of Delaware county, both being of English lineage. He was educated at the West Nottingham Academy, in Cecil county, Md., and began life for himself clerking for H. C. Nesbitt, at Port Deposit, that State. After remaining there about two years, he came to Wilkes-Barre, this county, where he engaged as a clerk in the Company store of the Franklin Coal Company, where he remained one year. He then accepted a clerkship with Jacob Geiselman, continuing in his employ until 1873, when he came to Nanticoke, and was employed as a clerk for Hildreth & Co., remaining at that place for seven years. He then embarked in the grocery business at Nanticoke, with S. P. George as his partner, and after continuing the partnership for four years, Mr. Jackson commenced in his present general mercantile business, carrying full lines of all kinds of goods and wares. His store is located at No. 108 Prospect street, a very convenient and desirable part of the hustling borough of Nanticoke. Mr. Jackson was married September 15, 1881, to Maggie E., daughter of William Kirk, of Cecil county, Md., and this happy union has been blessed with two children: Laura C. and Mary L. Our subject is a member of the Knights of Malta, I.O.O.F., K. of L. and Royal Society of Good Fellows. In politics he is a Republican, and has served two terms in the borough council.
E. B. JACKSON, farmer, P.O. Carverton, was born at Bowman's Creek, Wyoming county, July 23, 1837, and is a son of Samuel and Ruth A. (Carver) Jackson, the former born March 30, 1805, probably in one of the New England States, the latter February 18, 1810, in Wyoming. Samuel was a son of Jabez, who was a valiant soldier in the Revolutionary army. He reared a family of four children, all of whom are now deceased. His son Samuel began life as a farmer at Bowman's Creek, where he remained till 1840, when he removed to Carverton. He purchased a farm of sixty-five acres, part of which was improved, the rest he brought under cultivation during his lifetime; the place now comprises ninety acres. Samuel Jackson was a hard-working man, he was a strict Methodist, and a man of deep and sound convictions. He was twice married: first in 1834 to Ruth A. Carver, by whom he had five children: Sarah J., born February 5, 1836; E. B., born July 23, 1837; Jabez, born March 23, 1839; William H. H., born March 13, 1841, and Almon (deceased) born December 10, 1841. Mr. Ruth A. Jackson died May 1, 1843, and for his second wife, he married Miss Sarah, sister of Judge Phoenix, of Wyoming county, who still survives. Samuel died, April 7, 1888, at the age of eighty-four years. The subject of this sketch is the second in the family, and received his education at the common schools of Carverton. He always confined himself to farming, and has always resided on his present farm, since he removed hither with his father. On February 12, 1867, He married Miss Mary Ann, daughter of George and Sarah Keller, to which union have been born three children: Rose H., Bessie (deceased) and Lizzie H. Mrs. Mary Ann Jackson was born in Harris Hill, May 19, 1843. Mr. Jackson is a practical farmer, a good neighbor and a sincere Christian man. He and his family are members of the M.E. Church, in which he is a trustee at the present time. He has also held the office of steward.
ERNEST V. JACKSON, attorney at law, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., August 6, 1848, a son of Angelo and Elizabeth (Whitney) Jackson. The father, who was a native of Erie, N.Y., was reared in North Moreland township, Luzerne (now Wyoming) Co., Pa., and graduated from Yale College in 1847. He studied law, was admitted to the Luzerne county bar April 1, 1850, and was for some years a law partner with the late Charles Denison. On October 10, 1861, he entered the army as first lieutenant of Company I, Fifty-eighth P.V.I., and June 5, 1863, was promoted to captaincy; on September 5, 1865, he was mustered out with his regiment. He then became chief of a division in the Treasury Department at Washington, in which city he died in 1874. His first wife was Elizabeth Whitney (mother of our subject), daughter of Asa C. Whitney, M.D., and granddaughter of Elisha Whitney, who settled in Wyoming Valley in 1810, and removed to Wysox, Bradford Co., Pa., in 1816. He was a native of Spenser, Mass., born in 1747, and married Esther Clark, who was born in the same place in 1782; both are buried at Wysox, the former having died in 1832, and the latter in 1851. The subject of this sketch received an academical education in Wilkes-Barre, and was graduated from Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., in 1869. He read law with William S. McLean, Esq.; September 9, 18—, was admitted to the Luzerne county bar, and at once entered into partnership with his preceptor under the firm of McLean & Johnson, which existed until January 1, 1883. He then removed to West Virginia, and there spent several years in other pursuits, after which he returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he has since been in the active practice of his profession. On October 2, 1878, Mr. Jackson married Mary E., daughter of G. Byron and Mary A. (Stone) Nicholson, of Wilkes-Barre, and has one son living, Byron N. Mr. Jackson in politics is a Democrat, and in 188– he was chairman of the Democratic County Committee.
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON JACKSON was born in Carverton, Kingston township, March 13, 1841, the youngest in a family of four children born to Samuel and Ruth Jackson. He received a fair education at the country schools, and worked upon his father's farm until the war broke out. His father, fearful that his youngest son would enlist, exacted from him a solemn promise that he would not, but the spirit of patriotism was too strong to be resisted, and seeing his companions older than himself enlisting, he forgot his promise, and affixed his name to the muster roll of Company F, Fifty-third P.V., attached to the First Division, Second Corps, army of the Potomac. He participated in all the battles in which that army engaged, from its formation to the battle of Gettysburg, at which battle, during the second day's fight, he received a wound in the hip which incapacitated him for further service. After being mustered out at the close of the war he returned to Carverton, where he married Miss Emeline Frantz, daughter of a neighbor. Two children were the results of this union: Elloma R., now Mrs. B. S. Emory, and Minnie F. In 1871, he removed to West Pittston, where, during the greater portion of his residence, he has followed the vocation of painting. In May, 1892, in company with B. S. Emory, he purchased the Acme Steam Laundry, in the conducting of which he has taken active part. Mr. Jackson is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is esteemed by all who know him for his unquestioned rectitude and integrity.
FREDERICK JACOBS, No. 39 Hazel street, Wilkes-Barre, was born at Mahlstadt, in Germany, March 13, 1859. He is the eldest son of Conrad Jacobs, also a native of that place, who is still living, in the enjoyment of robust health. Our subject came to Wilkes-Barre March 15, 1873, and obtained employment at the Empire Colliery; he followed the occupation of miner until 1888, when he established a saloon at No. 39 Hazel street. The memorable and disastrous cyclone of August 19, 1890, entirely demolished Mr. Jacob's place of business, and a man named Peter Rittmeyer was killed by the structure falling upon him, but, fortunately, no member of the family was injured. Mr. Jacobs was married, March 18, 1880, to Miss Kittie Niedermeyer, and they have six children, namely: Barbara, Maggie, Kate, Frederick, Henry and Marie.
HENRY JACOBS, hotel-keeper, Pittston, was born in Germany, August 24, 1862, son of Conrad and Helen Jacobs, both of whom were born in Germany. They emigrated to this country in 1873, locating in Wilkes-Barre, where the father kept hotel. He is now a popular and prosperous hotel man at Schuylkill, Pa. His family consisted of eleven children living out of eighteen born to him. Henry is the fourth in order of birth of this numerous family, and was eleven years of age when he came to this country. He has always followed, and is now following, the same business as his father. He removed from Schuylkill to this county in January, 1892, and now occupies the "Tunkhannock Hotel" In November, 1885, he married Miss Eliza, daughter of John S. and Elizabeth Jones. To this marriage there was born John (now six years of age), Conrad (aged five), and William (three years of age). Mr. Jacobs has served some time on the police force of Schuylkill. He is now a member of the Golden Eagle. Politically he is a Republican.
DANIEL P. JAMES, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Monmouthshire, Wales, November 16, 1834, a son of John and Mary (Pritchard) James. He was reared and educated in Wales, and in 1858 located in Australia, where he remained seven years, engaged in gold mining. In 1865 he sailed for America, landing at San Francisco, and worked in the gold mines of California until 1868. He then settled in Wilkes-Barre, where he has since resided, and has been in the employ of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre and the Red Ash Coal Companies as miner, fire-boss and inside foreman. March 19, 1870, Mr. James married Miss. Jeannette, daughter of William and Genevive (Morgan) Thomas, of Glamorganshire, Wales, and by her has had seven children: William A., Margaret (deceased), John (deceased), Annie, Minnie, Spencer and Arthur. Mr. James and his family are members of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the I.O.O.F. and a charter member of the Ivorites. He is a respected citizen of Wilkes-Barre, and in politics is a Republican.
EDWARD JAMES, pump engineer at No. 1 Shaft, Susquehanna Coal Company, Nanticoke, was born in Morris, N.J., September 6, 1863, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Young) James, natives of England. They came to this section in 1870, and located at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where our subject was reared and educated. In the family there were seven children, of whom Edward is the fifth. His father was master mechanic for the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company until 1884, since when he has devoted his attention to mine contracting. Our subject has made engineering the occupation of his life, beginning at South Wilkes-Barre Shaft, working for his father, where the latter held a large contract. He was at this place five years, and then went to the Indian Territory, where he was employed at mine engineering six months, at the end of which time he returned to Pennsylvania and engaged at engineering at Pleasant Valley for the Land Cleff Coal Company. There he remained six months, and then removed to Sugar Notch, where he was employed by the Hanover Coal Company about six months, when he came to Nanticoke and accepted his present position, which he has since filled. Mr. James attends the Methodist Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
EDWARD F. JAMES, proprietor of steam laundry, Hazleton. This enterprising gentleman was born at Stockton, Luzerne Co., Pa., July 18, 1864, and is a son of William and Mary (Holman) James, natives of Cornwall, England. The family emigrated to this country in 1850, settling at Stockton, where the father of the subject of this sketch was engaged as mine foreman, by Linderman, Skeer & Co., during a period of thirty years. Mr. James, who is the fifth in a family of seven children, was reared and educated in this county, and began life as a coal shipper for Linderman, Skeer & Co., which position he held eight and one-half years. He then came to Hazelton and purchased from Mr. Drake an interest in the Hazleton Steam Laundry. The business carried on in partnership for a short time, when Mr. James succeeded to the entire concern, which he successfully conducted until September, 1891. Mr. James at that time acquired an excellent position in the Hazleton National Bank, and he disposed of the laundry business to George W. Thompson. In April, 1892, the laundry was re-purchased by Mr. James, who soon after took into partnership Charles Wilde, one of Hazleton's energetic young men. Mr. James gives his personal attention to the management of the business, which, under his skilful control, has been enlarged and remodeled, and supplied with new machinery throughout, until now it is one of the best regulated and most thoroughly equipped steam laundries in eastern Pennsylvania. Mr. James is also identified with the Hazleton Steam Heating Company as secretary. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., the P.O.S. of A., and Hazle Commandery No. 17, and in politics votes the Republican ticket. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JAMES D. JAMES, inside foreman of Nottingham Mine, No. 15, was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, April 11, 1852, and is the third in a family of five children born to David and Susanna (Davis) James, also natives of Wales. Our subject was educated in Wales, and in 1875 came to America, locating in Shenandoah, Pa., where he engaged in mining at the Giant and Thomas Mines, staying about one year in all. Coming from there to Plymouth in 1876, he began mining at the Gaylord where he remained about a year, when he came to the Nottingham and worked as a miner for five years, at the end of which time he was given the position of inside foreman, which he has ever since held. He has charge of about 850 men, who work in and about the mine—330 miners, 230 laborers, and about 300 Company hands. They take out on an average 2,800 tons daily. In 1877, Mr. James was married to Rachel, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Jenkins) Edwards, natives of Wales. Six children have blessed this union, viz: Sarah, Martha, Arthur, Agnes, Herbert and Gertrude. Mr. James is a Republican in politics, a member of the I.O.O.F., the Mystic Chain, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. The family are members of the Congregational Church.
WILLIAM P. JAMES, P.O. Hazleton, was born in Hazleton March 19, 1846, a son of James and Jane (Jenkins) James, natives of Wales, who came to America in 1838, locating at Pottsville, Pa. Here the father was employed as engineer at the mines until 1842, when he removed to Hazleton, where he followed the same vocation until 1852. After spending one year at Catasauqua, he returned to Hazleton in 1854, and was engineer and superintendent for A. Pardee & Co. until 1861, when he engaged in mercantile trade for two years with William Kisner. In 1864 he embarked in business alone, and so continued until 1869, when he was appointed postmaster at Hazleton by President Grant; re-appointed in 1873, by President Hayes in 1877, by President Garfield in 1881, and held the office sixteen years and four months. He died in 188– at the age of seventy-four years. His children were George, Richard, William P., Mary (Mrs. Thomas J. Williams), Sophia and Sally. Our subject was reared in Hazleton, educated in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen began his business life as clerk for A. Pardee & Co., with whom he remained five years; from 1866 to 1868 he was clerk in a general store at Tamaqua, and afterward was sixteen months baggage master on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. In 1869 he returned to Hazleton, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the machinist trade; worked as a journeyman one year, and from 1877 to 1885 was assistant postmaster at Hazleton. In the fall of 1885 he was elected clerk of courts of Luzerne county; re-elected in the fall of 1888, and retired from office in January, 1892. In 1870 Mr. James married Frances, daughter of Alfred W. and Catherine (Schreiner) Leyburn, of Tamaqua, Pa., and has one daughter, Libbie (Mrs. H. L. Collenson). Our subject is one of the best known and most popular citizens of Luzerne county; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a stanch Republican.
HON. WILLIAM R. JEFFREY, Freeland, was born at Slatington, Lehigh county, October 12, 1857, and is a son of Samuel and Catherine (Roberts) Jeffrey, natives of North Wales. His parents came to America in 1852, and located in Lehigh county. The father died at Upper Lehigh, this county, June 27, 1877, and Mrs. Jeffrey now resides at Freeland. Mr. Jeffrey was educated in the public schools of Slatington. He attended school in winters, and worked around the slate quarries in summer. On August 15, 1874, he came to Upper Lehigh, where he was employed in the mines until 1888, when he removed to Freeland, where he has since resided. He was married October 5, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth J. Jones, of Upper Lehigh. They have five children, viz.: Samuel, Uriah, Gertrude, John and Mary. Mr. Jeffrey is, and has always been, a worker in behalf of organized labor, having been one time master workman in the Knights of Labor. In 1888 he was elected Representative of the Fourth District, which office he now holds, much to the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a member of the P.O.S. of A., the I.O.O.F., the I.O.R.M., and the Jr. O.U.A.M. In political views he is a Republican.
DAVID D. JENKINS, miner, Parsons, was born in Providence, Lackawanna Co., Pa., March 31, 1862, and is a son of William and Jane (Davis) Jenkins, natives of Wales. He was educated in Providence, and began laboring in the mines at nine years of age; he worked in Carbon Run for a time, and in 1874 came to Parsons, where he has since been engaged in mining, in the employ of the Delaware & Hudson and Lehigh Valley Coal Companies, being at the present time with the latter. Mr. Jenkins was married December 23, 1885, to Miss Ruth, daughter of Mesach and Sarah (Davis) Watkins, and they have had five children, viz.: Mesach (deceased), Willie (deceased), Jennie, Sarah and Ralph. Mr. Jenkins is a member of the I.O.R.M., is first sergeant of Company E. Ninth Regiment N.G.P., and in politics he is a Republican.
EDWARD W. JENKINS, miner laborer, Plains, was born in South Wales, January 3, 1867, and is a son of William C. and Margaret (Morgans) Jenkins. In his father's family there were eight children, five of whom are living, viz.: Mary (Mrs. Thomas W. Roberts); Edward W.; John W., in Maltby, Pa.; Evan W., and Thomas W., in Plains. The American home of the parents was in Miners Mills, where the mother died, September 19, 1883, and the father, December 24, 1891. Our subject, with but a meagre common-school education, began working in the mines at an early age; he tended door three years, drove mule two years, and has since followed his present occupation. Mr Jenkins was married, September 8, 1889, to Miss Ann, daughter of David J. and Mary Thomas, natives of Wales, and they have had three children: William E., who died at the age of two years; David E. and Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins attend the Welsh Independent Congregational Church, of which she is a member; he is a member of the I.O.R.M. and the Ivorites, and in his political views is a Republican.
WILLIAM JENKINS, Plymouth. Among the most highly respected citizens of Luzerne county may well be noted the gentleman whose name opens this memoir. He comes from a family of pioneers who can, at least, claim a share of the honor of the early settlement and development of the Wyoming Valley. He is a son of William and Rebecca (Rickard) Jenkins, the former a native of New Milford on the Delaware (but reared in this county, his parents locating here when he was but five years of age), the latter a native of Spring Mills, Pa. Our subject is the fourth in a family of seven children, and was born at Plymouth April 6, 1818. After receiving all the education that the common schools of his day afforded, he engaged in boat-building. At this time he was about twenty-five years old. He has made the carpenter's trade the chief occupation of his life, although he has also been interested in boating on the Susquehanna, never since he was a young man being without a boat on the river between Nanticoke and Wilkes-Barre. He married, for his first wife, Miss Mary, daughter of Dr. Ebenezer and Helen (Van Loon) Chamberlin, natives of Rhode Island and early settlers in this locality. She died in 1848, leaving three children: Benjamin, Lucilla and Robert. Mr. Jenkins was next married in 1853, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Peter and Keturah (Ware) Shaffer, of Dallas, Pa., and to them have been born six children: William, Thomas, Francis M., John, Charles F. and Jessie B. The family attend the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Jenkins is a Republican. It may here be mentioned that a landmark in the shape of a huge elm tree, still standing on the lawn of the old Jenkins homestead, is reputed by tradition to have been used as a whipping-post by the Indians, in their inhuman freaks of savage cruelty.
MRS. ANN JENNINGS, hotel-keeper, Newport township, P.O. Glen Lyon, is a native of Arless, County Queen's, Ireland, born in March 1839. Her parents were Matthew and Catherine (Moore) Lenard, also natives of Arless, County Queen's, Ireland, and County Kilkenny, Ireland, respectively. Matthew Lenard was born in 1782, and died in Pittston at the age of seventy-eight years; Catherine, his wife, was born in 1790, and died in Ireland in 1844. Mrs. Ann Jennings is one in a family of ten children, of whom four are deceased. Those living are: John, Mary, Catherine, Margaret, Michael and Ann. Patrick Lenard met his death October 16, 1879, at the age of forty-nine years; he was a miner and lumberman. The subject of this sketch was married on October 30, 1864; her husband was a miner, and he died in Leadville, July 25, 1891. They had a family of seven children: Peter, Matthew, John, Michael, Mary, James and Alice. Peter, the eldest in the family, is a bottler, doing business in Newport township. Mrs. Jennings came to this country in 1848, landing in New York, where she remained two years, and then spent ten years in Connecticut; she has also resided in Wilkes-Barre; for the past few years she has lived at Newport. Mrs. Jennings is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and was one of the aides in establishing the Catholic Church at Glen Lyon.
RICHARD W. JEREMY, merchant, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Glamorganshire, Wales, October 4, 1857, and is a son of David C. and Elizabeth (Lewis) Jeremy, who came to America in 1861, locating in Schuylkill county, Pa., where the father was clerk in and manager of a general store, ten years. In 1871, they located in Wilkes-Barre, where David C. Jeremy embarked in general merchandising, in which he has since successfully continued, being one of the prominent merchants of the city, though he has been a resident of Virginia since 1890. His children are six in number, viz.: Richard W., John H., Arthur L., Ceridwen, Mabel and Deborah. Our subject was reared in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties, and was educated in the public schools and at the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston. In 1877 he located at Emporia, Kans., where he was superintendent of water-works, thirteen years; then returned to Wilkes-Barre in 1890, where he has since managed his father's general store. On September 13, 1888, he married Sarah, daughter of David and Anna Evans, of Newark, Ohio, and by her he had two children: Arthur E. (deceased), and Ruth. Mr. Jeremy is a member of the Puritan Congregational Church, of the A.F. & A.M., Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Emporia (Kansas) Commandery, K.T.; in politics he is a Republican.
JOHN JESSOP (deceased) was born in Yorkshire, near Huddersfield, England, December 6, 1815, the only child of Charles and Esther (Jessop) Jessop, also natives of England. He was educated in his native land, and at the age of twelve years came to America, landing in New York City, whence he soon afterward proceeded to Philadelphia where he resided four years. He then came west to Minney, Pa., where he remained two years, removing at the end of that period to White Deer Mills, Union Co., same State, where he was interested in a woolen factory. At that place he lived for about nine years, going from there to Columbia county, where he became sole proprietor of the Buer Creek Woolen Mills, which he operated two years. At the end of that period he removed to Beach Haven, this county, and kept hotel for four years. He was also in the grocery business for about one and one-half years at Northumberland and Espytown, returning from the latter place to Beach Haven, where he remained but a short time, however, going from there to Fraueler's Rest where he kept hotel for eight years. He then purchased a farm at Espytown where he followed agricultural pursuits two years. In 1859 he came to Plymouth and was engaged in the hotel-keeping at the West End for about eight years, at the end of which time he retired from active business. Mr. Jessop was married January 28, 1838, to Miss Martha J., daughter of James and Margaret Campbell, natives of Northumberland county, and six children were born to this union: Mary Elizabeth, who died February 19, 1839; Hester Margaret, Caroline Alice, Grace Arilla, John Campbell (deceased) and William Riter. The father of this family was called from earth July 14, 1892. In political preferences he was a Republican.
JOHN A. JOHN, fire-boss, Henry Shaft, Plains, was born in South Wales, and is a son of Timothy and Ann (Griffiths) John, the former of whom was a farmer. They reared a family of eight children, seven of whom are living, and John A. is the third. Our subject came to America in 1863 and located at Locust Dale, Pa., where he was engaged in mining two and a half years; then at Shenandoah a few months, afterward came to Wilkes-Barre, where he worked in Baltimore Shaft, No. 3, eight years; and in 1870 he came to Plains, where he has since been engaged in fire-bossing. Mr. John was married, July 29, 1850, to Miss Barbara, daughter of Evan and Mary (Jones) Pugh, and they have had born to them twenty children, five of whom are living, viz: Margaretta, married to Isaac Evans, a miner in Plains; Mary J., living with her parents; Emma, married to John Watkins, a mine laborer in Plainsville; Thomas, a laborer in the Henry Shaft, and Ann, living at home. Besides his own large family, our subject took upon himself the additional burden of supporting the five orphan children of his brother-in-law, Jenkins Pugh, who was killed in the mines in Wales, thus shielding them from the training of the poorhouse; and when, after he had been in America a short time, he sent for his own family, four of these little orphans accompanied them to the New World; they were as follows: Jane, married to William Thomas, in Parsons; John, residing in Wilkes-Barre; David who died in 1885 at the age of thirty-six years; Evan, a miner in Nanticoke, and Daniel, who died in Wales at the age of twenty-two. Mr. And Mrs. John are members of the Baptist Church at Parsons; he is a member of the A.O.K. of M.C., and in political matters is a Republican.
JOSHUA T. JOHN, miner, Plains, was born in South Wales, March 7, 1848, and is the son of Joshua and Maria (Twiney) John; in his father's family there were eleven children, seven of whom are living, of whom he is the third. He came to America in 1868, and located at Dutchtown, Pa., where he worked in the mines four months, and in 1869 removed to Plains; here he worked, laboring in the mines a few months, and has since been engaged in mining; he removed to his present residence in 1883. Mr. John was married, August 14, 1869, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Evan and Sarah (Williams) Thomas, natives of Wales, and they have had eleven children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Sarah (Mrs. Daniel D. Powell), Maria (Mrs. John C. Jones), Margaret, Edith, Bessie, Blodwen, and Joseph. This gentleman is a member of the I.O.O.F. and the A.O.K. of M.C., and he is a Republican.
C. BEN (CHARLES BENJAMIN) JOHNSON, was born in Philadelphia, January 15, 1847, and is a son of John Marion and Mary (Gwilliam) Johnson, the former of whom was born in Baltimore, Md., and the latter in Shrewsbury, England. C. Ben Johnson attended the public schools in Philadelphia, and entered the high school below the legal age, but did not graduate. After leaving school, his father having met financial reverses, he was employed making boys' shoe uppers, serving newspaper routes and in stores. In August, 1861, when not yet fifteen years old, he enlisted as a drummer in the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served three years in that organization; afterward enlisted in the Seventh United States Veteran Volunteers, serving one year, or a little over. After the war he entered journalism, and was for six years editor of the Anthracite Monitor, at Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and The Workingman, at Pottsville, in the same county, both of which were the official organs of the Miners' Associations of the Anthracite Counties. He removed to Wilkes-Barre in 1876, and in 1878 became connected with the Wilkes-Barre Leader, then a weekly paper, owned by the late J. K. Bogert and George B. Kulp. He continued with the Leader and other Wilkes-Barre newspapers until 1883, when he was elected reading clerk of the State House of Representatives. In 1887 he assisted in the re-organization of the Wilkes-Barre Board of Trade, and served as its secretary until 1891. In the fall of 1890 he was the Democratic candidate for member of the State House of Representatives for the District comprising the City of Wilkes-Barre, and though there were Republican, Prohibition and Labor candidates against him, he was elected by a plurality of 239 votes. In the Legislature he gave much of his time to the advocacy of free-school books, and of a bill making it a misdemeanor for candidates or political committees to pay the taxes of voters, or the cost of naturalizing aliens. Mr. Johnson was at one time secretary of the National Labor Union, the first national labor organization of any consequence ever organized in the country. He was secretary of the Revenue Reform Press Association of Pennsylvania, which was organized in the early "eighties" to further the cause of revenue reform in the Democratic party, the press of the party, in Pennsylvania, inclining at that time largely in the other direction. Mr. Johnson's editorial bent has always been toward serious topics, particularly those of a politico-economic character. He was secretary of the Democratic County Committee during several years, and is the author of the rules now governing that party, and under which the unseemly quarrels and disorder that used to characterise Democratic Conventions have wholly disappeared. He was commander of Conyngham Post No. 97, G.A.R., in 1890, while the fine large Memorial Hall belonging to that organization was being constructed. He has written many papers on historical, industrial and other topics, and from time to time delivered a number of public addresses, principally of a political character, and with reference to labor matters, or matters incident to the work of the Wilkes-Barre Board of Trade. He is in religious belief a Universalist. On May 17, 1872, Mr. Johnson married Sallie J., daughter of the late Edward Enterline, then a prosperous farmer and leading citizen of Tamaqua, Pa. Mr. And Mrs. Johnson have had two children: Mary E. and Gertrude C. Johnson, the former of whom, born March 4, 1873, still survives.
DAVID JOHNSON, one of the oldest settlers in Ashley, was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1831, a son of William and Martha (Jameson) Johnson. His brothers, Robert, Jonathan, Hugh and James, came to Ashley in 1840, the remainder of the family in 1846. Mr. Johnson was educated in Ireland and in Ashley. Soon after finishing his education he began working about the mines, an occupation that he followed until 1886, including twenty-eight years mining. He built his residence in 1864. April 27, 1852, Mr. Johnson married Miss Ellen, daughter of John and Martha (Mullen) Williamson, natives of County Antrim, Ireland, and of this union have been born nine children, viz.: Nancy (Mrs. Daniel Eroh); John, who died at twelve; Martha, who died at three; Margaret (Mrs. Edward Space); James, boiler-maker; Elizabeth, who died at three; Mary (Mrs. Edward Wier); Clara, who died at thirteen; and Ellen. Our subject and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican in his political views, and has held the offices of school director and councilman in Ashley borough.
FRANK P. JOHNSON, grocer, Wilkes-Barre, was born in that city August 27, 1852, a son of Priestley and Sarah (Monega) Johnson. His paternal grandfather was Jehoida Johnson, a son of Rev. Jacob Johnson, formerly of Connecticut, and a pioneer of Wilkes-Barre. He was the first settled pastor of the Congregational Church, afterward organized into the Presbyterian, and erected the first house on the corner of Union and River streets, which was built prior to the Revolution, where he resided until his death in 1797; it was afterward occupied by his son Jehoida until 1826; it was torn down about 1887, and the site is now known as the Ingham property. Rev. Jacob Johnson came to Wilkes-Barre with the Connecticut party, and was a man of rank in his day and generation. Priestley Johnson was born at what is now Parsons, and for seveal years was engaged in the manufacture of powder kegs there. He later engaged in the hardware business at Wilkes-Barre, where he also, for eleven years, was street commissioner of that city. He died in 1878, at the age of fifty-eight years and six months. His wife was a daughter of Simon Monega, a native of France, who followed the fortunes of the great Napoleon in nearly all the bloody fields of Europe, and who settled in Wilkes-Barre prior to 1820. The homestead is now occupied by the widow and daughter of Priestley Johnson. The latter had four children who grew to maturity, viz.: Henry, Frank P., Lizzie and May. Our subject was reared and educated in Wilkes-Barre. When twenty-one years of age he located in Ohio, and later in Abilene, Kansas. After an absence of eleven years he, in 1884, returned to Wilkes-Barre, and since 1886 has been engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Johnson married September 16, 1875, Martha B., daughter of William and Ann (Sherman) Reinhart, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and has one child, Robert M. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and P.O.S. of A., and in politics is a Republican
FREDERICK C. JOHNSON, editor and publisher of the Wilkes-Barre Record, was born at Marquette, Wis., in 1853. He is a son of Wesley and Cynthia (Green) Johnson, and great-grandson of Rev. Jacob Johnson, who settled in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in 1772. The father of our subject was born in Wilkes-Barre, December 20, 1819, and died there October 27, 1892. The subject of this sketch was educated at the public schools of Wilkes-Barre, and at Ripon College, Wisconsin. Subsequently, he entered the banking house of Bennett, Phelps & Co., afterward the coal office of F. J. Leavenworth, and then was with the Wilkes-Barre Gas Company ten years, meanwhile engaging, at odd moments, in penning voluntary contributions to the local papers, and supplying special correspondence from the coal region for the Chicago Tribune; he also spent a year at reportorial work in Chicago for that paper. He studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated from there in 1883. Instead of commencing the practice of medicine, however, he embraced an opportunity that presented itself for entering journalism, and purchased an interest in the Wilkes-Barre Record, the oldest daily paper in that city. He has conducted every department of the paper in turn—local, editorial and business management. Mr. Johnson married, in 1885, Miss Georgia Post, a daughter of Joseph H. Post, of Knoxville, Tenn., and two children have been born to them: Ruth and Frederick G. Mr. Johnson has actively identified himself with the local life of the community, in various ways congenial to his taste. He is a member of the Board of Trade; an officer of the Historical Society; a director of the Young Men's Christian Association; a member of the Republican County Committee, also of the Luzerne County Medical Society, and the State Medical Society; a member of the F. & A.M., the A.L. of H., the I.O.H., and is one of the standing committee appointed by the State Board of Charities to inspect the public institutions of Luzerne county. He is a member of the State Editorial Association, and was one of its vice-presidents. The Record was purchased in 1883 by C. B. Snyder, F. C. Johnson and J. C. Powell. In 1888, Mr. Snyder retired, and the management of the paper has since continued under the firm name of Johnson & Powell.
HARRIETT S. JOHNSON, Plains township, P.O. Parsons, was born in the house where she now lives, November 27, 1845, and is a daughter of Jehoiada and Priscilla (Scovell) Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania, of New England origin. There were three children in her father's family, viz.: Harriett S., Thomas M. (deceased) and Emily. Her great-grandfather, Jacob Johnson, is known in history as the celebrated "Pioneer Preacher of Wyoming;" he came to the Wyoming Valley from New England at the dawn of civilization in the Valley to preach the Gospel to the Redmen and became one of the largest land owners in the Valley. He dug his own grave, and was buried on his land, on the present site of the Memorial Church, at Wilkes-Barre, whence in 1870 his remains were removed to the city cemetary. Miss Johnson was educated in the common school at Parsons, and is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church at Wilkes-Barre.
HENRY JOHNSON, farmer, P.O. Huntsville, was born in Plymouth, October 26, 1818. He is a son of Nathaniel and Jane (Devens) Johnson, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter born in Plymouth. Nathaniel came to this county about 1812, locating in Plymouth. He was a musician by profession, and was the father of three children: Clark, Hiram, and Henry. Henry was reared and educated in Plymouth and Kingston at the common schools, and has always confined himself to farming. On January 9, 1842, at the age of twenty-four, he married Miss Amelia, daughter of Mathias and Temperance Van Loon, by which marriage there were fourteen children, eight sons and six daughters, ten of whom grew to maturity, and eight of whom are now living. For his second wife Mr. Johnson married, January 26, 1887, Mrs. Delia Wolfe, widow of William Wolfe. There were no children born to this union. Mr. Johnson's children are all married and comfortably situated in life. He is a general farmer, a self-made man, who by perseverance and economy, has become the owner of two fertile and productive farms. He is a man of worth and influence in his community, and has held various offices of trust and responsibility, serving as constable for the term of eight years. In religious belief he is a Methodist.
HENRY C. JOHNSON, justice of peace, Luzerne, was born in Kingston township, December 10, 1849, a son of Hiram and Mary A. (Hughes) Johnson. The family consists of two sons and three daughters besides Henry C., all of whom are living. Mr. Johnson was educated at Lancaster, Pa., and, returning to Kingston after completing his education, entered the employment of the Wyoming Coal Company in the capacity of foreman, where he remained until a serious accident five years later disabled him for life. He soon after removed to Luzerne where he has held successively the offices of tax collector, burgess, clerk of council and justice of the peace. His term as justice of the peace and burgess has not yet expired. Mr. Johnson married Miss Emma Lamareaux, daughter of Fletcher and Mary (Ransom) Lamareaux, and their union has been blessed by one child, S. M. Stanley, who is four years of age. As a politician Mr. Johnson is a decided Republican. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and also of the P.O.S. of A.
MRS. MARY A. JOHNSON, widow of Hiram Johnson, who was in his lifetime a farmer in Luzerne county, was born in Luzerne borough in 1814, a daughter of James and Hannah (Hughes) Swetland, the former of whom was born in Shamokin, the latter in Kingston. James was a son of Joseph, who located on a small farm in Wyoming in the early history of the county, where he remained for some time. He then removed to what is now known as Luzerne borough, where he bought a mill property, now owned by Raub & Fuller, which he operated with success for several years. He finally sold out and removed to Susquehanna county, where he died. Joseph Swetland reared a family of ten children by two marriages. His son James began life in Luzerne borough, and was a millwright by occupation, at which trade he worked all his life. He was an educated man of refinement and culture, whose influence was often solicited and always given when justice and righteousness demanded it. He died in 1870 at the age of ninety years. His family consisted of ten children, five of whom are now living: James, Charles, Edward, Margaret and Mary A. Mrs. Mary A. Johnson was reared and educated in Luzerne borough. On May 24, 1840, she was married to Hiram Johnson, to whom she bore eight children, six of whom are living: George, Henry, James, Louisa, Elizabeth and Maggie; all are married and well provided for. Hiram Johnson was born April 3, 1815, son of Nathan and Jane Johnson. After their marriage the parents moved in 1844 to their farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres. At that time, it was all unimproved, but by hard and honest toil they succeeded in clearing, beautifying and embellishing, until today their farm is a model of perfection. In 1858, they built a magnificent stone house. Mr. Johnson was a man respected by all who knew him; during his lifetime he held several township offices. He died November 3, 1890, at the age of seventy-four. Mrs. Johnson is a woman of marked intelligence and refinement; she is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
M. G. JOHNSON, farmer, P.O. Huntsville, was born in Jackson township, August 13, 1854. He is a son of Henry and Emily (Van Loon) Johnson, both of whom were born in this county; the father is a hard-working man, who, by close attention to business principles, has made for himself a pleasant home. He has now reached the advanced age of seventy-three. He had fourteen children born to him, of whom he reared eleven. M. G. is the sixth in the family, and was reared and educated at the schools in his native town, and has followed the vocation of his father. When he reached the age of twenty-four, he was married, on January 9, 1878, to Miss Emma, daughter of William and Margaret Hoover. Four children were born to them, three of whom are living: Alvernia M., born November 23, 1878; Anna G., born April 5, 1880; and Maggie M., born September 8, 1884. William H., born June 4, 1882, died January 8, 1883. Mr. Johnson is a practical farmer, he is living on a farm of seventy-two acres, once the property of William Hoover. Mr. William Hoover, Jr., the father of Mrs. Emma Johnson, was born about 1834, in Dallas township, where he engaged as a farmer, and then moved to Lehman where he followed the same vocation; he next moved to Jackson township where he engaged in butchering, at which he continued successfully for about eight years. He married Miss Margaret Laudenbury, born about 1837, by whom he had five children, four of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are now residents of Wilkes-Barre, where they own considerable real estate, all of which he has acquired by his own labor; they receive rent from fifty tenants. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are congenial and hospitable to a high degree, following in this the example of their progenitors.
NICHOLAS B. JOHNSON, miller, P.O. Sybertsville, was born in Beaver Valley, Columbia Co., Pa., May 1, 1843, and is a son of Jesse and Sarah (Rittenhouse) Johnson. His paternal grandfather, John Johnson, a native of Philadelphia county, Pa., was a pioneer of Beaver Valley, where he cleared and improved a farm, and lived and died. His maternal grandfather was Martin Rittenhouse, a native of Pennsylvania, whose wife was Amelia Rittenhouse, of Briar Creek, Columbia Co., Pa.; was a pioneer of Black Creek township, this county, where he erected the first gristmill in the township, and lived and died there. The father of subject was a farmer of Beaver Valley, and died there at the age of sixty-five years. The subject of this sketch was reared in Beaver Valley, educated in the common schools, and served an apprenticeship of two years at the milling business. From 1863 to 1865, he had charge of his grandfather's mill in Black Creek township, and afterward was employed in mills at Sugar Loaf, Catawissa, Mahanoy City, and Port Carbon. He was then engaged in farming, three years, in Black Creek township; for twelve years was proprietor of the old Turnbach mill, in Sugar Loaf, and since 1884 has been proprietor of the Seybertsville mills. Mr. Johnson was three times married. His first wife was Amanda, daughter of Roswell and Maria (Rittenhouse) Trumbull, of Black Creek township, and by her he has five children living: Sarah (Mrs. Winfield Hausze), Margaret (Mrs. George Hetler), Roswell, Emma and Frank. His second wife was Caroline Hausze; and his third wife was a widow, of Hazleton. Mr. Johnson is a member of the M.E. Church; in politics he is a Republican, and has been school director of Sugar Loaf township one term.
OTTO M. JOHNSON, carpenter, P.O. Wapwallopen, was born in Hollenback township, this county, November 16, 1860, a son of Samuel and Caroline (Sones) Johnson. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Harlacher), of Columbia county, Pa., and Samuel, the father of our subject, was their only son. He was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed in Hollenback township for some years. He served through the Civil War as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died in 1867, of disease contracted while in the service. Our subject, the only survivor of a family of three, was reared in Hollenback township, where he received a limited education in the common schools. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade, and since 1881 has worked as a journeyman being now in the employ of the Dupont Powder Company. On September 8, 1881, he married Cora, daughter of Lewis and Rosanna (Sizer) Weiss, of Nescopeck township, and has one son, L. Scott. Mr. Johnson is a member of the German Reformed Church, of the P.O.S. of A. and O.U.A.M.; politically he is a Republican.
SAMUEL R. JOHNSON, jeweler, Nescopeck, was born in Beaver township, Columbia Co., Pa., September 8, 1843, a son of David and Sarah (Snyder) Johnson. His paternal grandfather, John Johnson, was of Scotch descent and a native of Montgomery county, Pa.; he was a pioneer of Beaver township, Columbia county, where he carried on farming, and ended his days. His wife was Hannah Strong. David Johnson was a native of Montgomery Co., Pa., a blacksmith and farmer by occupation, and spent most of his life in Beaver township, Columbia Co., Pa., where he died. His wife was a daughter of Michael Snyder, of Catawissa Valley, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and by her he had thirteen children: Amos, Hannah (Mrs. Charles Kyer), Sarah E. (Mrs. William H. Koch), Martin L., Emma J. (Mrs. John Steiner), Samuel R., Louise, Jesse, Mary A. (Mrs. William Shaffer), Moses, Michael, Ida V. (Mrs. Grifeth), and Casper W. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county and learned the miller's trade, which he followed twenty years. Since 1866, he has followed the jeweler's trade, a part of the time while he was engaged in milling. He served in the Civil War, enlisting August 6, 1862, in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he served nine months. On March 11, 1864, he re-enlisted, in Company L, Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery; he was promoted to corporal and sergeant, and was honorably discharged by general order of the War Department after twenty-one months' service. He married, October 4, 1866, Mary C., daughter of Joseph C. Hughes, of Columbia county, Pa., and has two children: Ella B. (Mrs. A. L. Vandeling) and Robert B. Mr. Johnson has been a resident of Luzerne county since 1872; he is a member of the M.E. Church, K. of M. and G.A.R., and in politics is a Republican.
MRS. WESLEY N. JOHNSON, nee Miss Sarah E. Pettebone, is a daughter of Noah and Margaret N. (Speece) Pettebone, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of French and English origin, respectively. Noah Pettebone was a farmer by occupation. He reared a family of ten children, seven of whom are now living, and of whom our subject is the eighth in order of birth. She was born November 13, 1847, and was educated in the common schools and Wyoming Seminary. November 19, 1874, she was married to Wesley N. Johnson, son of Erastus and Nancy (Newton) Johnson, both of whom were natives of New York State, of English origin. The father was a farmer by occupation. This union was blessed with three children: Jessie Louise, born August 30, 1875, now at school at the Keystone Academy, Factoryville, Pa.; Frank E., born September 5, 1877, attending school at Lake Geneva, Wis.; and Edna May, born May 26, 1879, died November 26, 1883. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM JOHNSON, one of the first settlers in Ashley, was born in County Derry, Ireland, in August, 1827, and is a son of William and Eliza (Jameson) Johnson. The family came to America in 1846 and settled in Ashley. In his father's family there were twelve children, as follows: Robert, who died in Ashley, aged seventy years; Margaret (Mrs. William Brown), deceased; Jonathan, who died in Nanticoke, aged eighty years; Hugh, who died in Ashley, aged thirty years; James, somewhere in British America; William; Rebecca (Mrs. Samuel Black, in Ashley); Eliza (Mrs. Robert H. Johnson), who died in Ashley when yet young; David, residing in Ashley; John W., who died at the age of twenty-three years; Kennedy, working at his trade in the machine shops at Susquehanna, Pa.; and Nancy (Mrs. James Williamson, in Ashley). Our subject was educated in his native country, where he followed farming till he came to America with the family in 1846, when he began working about the mines, which occupation he followed in all thirty years, including ten years mining. He then engaged in railroading, which he has since followed. Mr. Johnson was married February 20, 1854, to Miss Nancy, daughter of John and Martha Williamson, natives of County Antrim, Ireland, where her father was a miller. The issue of this union was ten children, viz.: Martha, married to Charles Ehert, carpenter, Ashley; Ellen, married to Charles Kennedy, now of the firm of Kennedy & Grossworth, Philadelphia (she died at the age of twenty-one, leaving one child, Mira); Eliza J., deceased in infancy; Rebecca, married to William Lee, fireman on the Central Railroad of New Jersey; Isabella (Mrs. Henry Clemens), who died at the age of twenty-two years; Agnes, who is keeping house for her father; William, a boilermaker in Mauch Chunk; David, a brakeman on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and living at home; Bertha, also at home; Charles, in the Central shops, and living at home. Mr. Johnson and family are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee. In his political views he is in sympathy with the Republican party. In 1848 he built his present residence, where he has since lived.
WILLIAM JOHNSON, miner, Parsons, was born in Plains township, May 5, 1842, and is the youngest in the family of six children of Samuel and Mary (Carman) Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania, and of New England parentage. He was educated in the common schools of Plains township, and April 17, 1861, enlisted at Wilkes-Barre, in Company F, Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for ninety days, at the expiration of which time he re-enlisted, on this occasion in Company D, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and after serving two years re-enlisted in the same company. He participated in the following engagements: Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg. His corps was then sent to join Sherman at Chattanooga, under whom he took part in the following battles: Resaca, Dallas, Peach Tree Creek, Altoona and several minor engagements, and was in Sherman's march to the sea; was taken prisoner at Chesterfield Court House, N. C., February 27, 1865, and taken to Libby Prison, from which he was shortly after paroled. At the battle of Dallas, Ga., he received a gunshot would in the left leg, and was mustered out at Annapolis, Md., June 29, 1865, when he returned to Plains (now Parsons), and engaged in mining in the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company, where he has since remained. Mr. Johnson was married September 30, 1866, to Miss Melvina, daughter of Burton and Amanda (Root) Hadsell, of Forkston, Wyoming Co., Pa. Our subject and wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is a member of the G.A.R., and is a stanch Democrat.
WILLIAM P. JOHNSON, farmer, P.O. Ketcham, was born March 14, 1814, reared and educated in Wilkes-Barre in the Old Academy. He is the son of Jehoiada P. and Hannah (Frazier) Johnson, both of whom were born in Connecticut. Jehoiada P. was the son of Rev. Jacob Johnson, who was the first Presbyterian minister in the Valley, and a practical expounder of the Gospel from his point of view. He came from Connecticut about 1760, and was father-in-law to Gen. Butler, who commanded the fort at that time. Rev. Jacob had four children; he lived to be ninety years of age, and dug his own grave. His son, Jehoiada P., began life in Wilkes-Barre township as a wealthy farmer, owning about 500 acres in and about Parsons, where he owned and operated a gristmill. He was a very influential man in his day and town, and gave his children a fine, liberal education. One of his sons, Ovid F. Johnson, was at one time attorney-general of the State, and a man of great influence in his party. Wesley, another son, studied and practiced law. Jehoiada P. died in 1830, at the age of sixty-three years. William P. is the fourth in the family in order of birth. He first began working in Wilkes-Barre, at the printing business, at which he continued two years. He next entered the distilling business, then worked at powder-making, after which he was engaged in boating, which he continued for ten years, and finally, in 1859, came to Dallas, where he settled down as a practical farmer, and has since remained as such. In June, 1837, at the age of twenty-three, he married Miss Eliza, daughter of John and Mary Rothrock, by which marriage there were born six children, five of whom are now (1891) living, viz.: Jane, Wesley, George, Sarah and Robert, all of whom are married. Jane married E. St. Clair; Wesley married Miss Anna Miller; George married Miss Jane M. Brace; Sarah married J. C. Ryman; Robert married Miss Ida Farrell. Miss Clara Louise Johnson, daughter of Robert and Ida (Farrell) Johnson, lives with her grandfather. Mr. Johnson is a practical and intelligent farmer, an upright man of business and a loyal citizen. He has made many improvements on his farm, changing the wild, bleak hills into beautiful harvest fields. While in Wilkes-Barre, he was honored with the office of justice of the peace for five years, also serving as assessor, collector and school director. In this town, he held the office of school director for twelve years, and that of supervisor for two. Mr. Johnson was one of the first men to prospect for coal in the Valley; but the lack of knowledge of mining, and mining facilities, was against him. Politically, he is a Democrat.
CHRISTOPHER C. JONES, contractor and builder, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Plains, this county, December 11, 1847, a son of Levi and Eleanor (Bryan) Jones. His father was a native of Luzerne county, a cabinet-maker and boat-builder by occupation, and died December 11, 1879, in his sixty-sixth year. His wife was a daughter of Charles and Rebecca (Wilson) Bryant, natives of New Jersey, who settled at Forty Fort in 1825, residing there until they died, the former at eight-four years of age. Levi Jones was the father of six children who grew to maturity; John, James, Christopher C., Levi, Lewis C. and Ellen (Mrs. J. H. Nagle). Our subject was reared and educated in Wilkes-Barre, served an apprenticeship of four years at the carpenter's trade with H. C. Perry, and worked as a journeyman twenty years. Since 1871, with the exception of four years, during which time he was a foreman for J. H. Fisher, contractor, he has been in business for himself as a contractor and builder. He was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention in Harrisburg in 1889, and is now serving his first term as a member of the city council from the First Ward, to which office he was elected in 1892.
D. T. JONES, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, was born in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, October 31, 1857, and is a son of William and Margaret (Thomas) Jones, also natives of Wales. Our subject was educated at Bedford College, and at St. Thomas Hospital, London, England. He came to American, and began the practice of medicine at Plymouth, this country, where he is at present located. He married September 8, 1885, to Miss Anna, second daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Edwards) Edwards, natives of Wales, but now residents of Kingston, Pa. The Doctor is a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society. In politics he votes the Republican ticket.
DAVID X. JONES, farmer, Fairview township, P.O. Mountain Top, was born in Breconshire, Wales, February 10, 1844, a son of David and Elenore (James) Jones, the former of whom was a farmer. They had two children, of whom David X. is the younger. He was reared on his father's farm, living with him till he was twenty-four years old, when he quit the farm and went to work in the mines where he worked until 1880, in which year he came to this country. He secured work in the coal mines in Wilkes-Barre, this county, in the Empire Colliery, and remained there until 1888, when he gave up the coal work and went to teaming in and around the city. At the end of a year he leased a farm in Fairview township, where he has since resided, paying particular attention to stock breeding, and he has at this date a well stocked farm. On November 28, 1863, Mr. Jones was married to Jane, daughter of David and Catherine (Williams) Jenkins, and their union was blessed with three children, viz: Jennie E. (at home), Elizabeth (married to William Miller, of Fairview township, and living with her mother-in-law in that township) and David at home. Mr. and Mrs. Jones and family are all members of the Puritan Church of Wilkes-Barre. In politics he is a Republican and has, during his residence in this county, held offices under that party.
EDWARD J. JONES, bottler, Plymouth, was born in Glamorganshire, South Wales, July 1, 1861, and is the third in a family of five children of David R. and Ann (Williams) Jones, also natives of South Wales. The family came to America in 1865, and located at Johnstown, Pa., where the children were reared and educated. They removed to Plymouth, this county, in 1877, where the father of our subject took charge of the Welsh Baptist Church, continuing there until his death, which occurred in September, 1886; he had been educated for the ministry in London, England, and was ordained at the early age of seventeen years. After coming to Plymouth he engaged in the jewelry business on the corner of Center avenue and Main street, and his son, Edward J., was employed about the store as a clerk. This business they followed for four years, selling out at the end of that time to Walton. In 1883 the subject of this sketch established his present industry, the manufacturing of all kinds of carbonated drinks, which are bottled at the Plymouth Bottling Works, also operated by Mr. Jones. He employs three men, and keeps two teams with which to deliver his beverages; he also handles bock-beer. Mr. Jones resides with his mother at No. 73 Willow street, Plymouth. In politics, he is a Republican. The family adhere to the Welsh Baptist Church.
EMMANUEL JONES, retired, Inkerman, was born in Glamorganshire, Wales, May 1, 1817, and is a son of John and Mary (Thomas) Jones, natives of the same place, who reared a family of twelve children, of whom Emmanuel is sixth in order of birth. Our subject received his education in his native place, and worked in the mines there up to a time of his emigration to America. He landed in Philadelphia May 3, 1849, and located in Schuylkill county, Pa., where he worked at his old trade, that of mining, until the year 1854. He then went to Montour county, remaining there one year, coming to Inkerman, this county, in 1855. He was employed as a miner by the Pennsylvania Coal Company from that time until 1883, and as a watchman until his retirement in 1890. Mr. Jones was married February 10, 1842, to Ann, daughter of Moses and Ann Edwards, natives of Wales. She dying in 1843. Our subject married in May, 1844, Elizabeth, daughter of David and Catharine (Jenkins) Morris, also natives of Wales. This wife died February 18, 1871, and he married March 4, 1872, Phoebe Morris (sister of his second wife), who still lives. Mr. Jones is a member of the Congregational Church, and of the I.O.O.F.; in politics he is a Republican.
ENOCH I. JONES, miner, Wilkes-Barre, was born at Dudley, Staffordshire, England, August 17, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Incher) Jones, both also natives of England, the mother of Cornwall. When our subject was seven years old, his parents left Dudley, England, with five sons and one daughter, and emigrated to Nova Scotia. Here Enoch I. was educated in the common schools, and at the age of eleven years began life in the mines, working until fifteen years of age when he accepted the position of sexton of Christ Church, Albion Mines, which he held six years. He then resumed mining there until 1869, in which year he came to Pennsylvania, locating in Plymouth, this county, where he followed mining until 1888 when he removed to Wilkes-Barre, where he still resides engaged in mining. For one year he was inside contractor for the Conyngham Mine, and holds a certificate from the Mining Board of Pennsylvania, (of date August 24, 1891), as fully qualified to fill the position of mine foreman. Mr. Jones was married February 9, 1863 to Barbara, daughter of Obadiah and Ann (Gordon) Turnbull, now of Plymouth, and they have five children living: Obadiah, George, Jesse, Harry and Robert. Mr. Jones is a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Socially he is a member of the Sons of St. George and the Good Templars. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.
F. M. JONES, farmer, P.O. Slocum, was born in Owego township, Tioga Co., N.Y., January 11, 1826. He is the son of Elisha and Esther (Bolls) Jones. The former was born in Massachusetts, the latter in Vermont. Elisha is a descendant of Welsh parentage. His ancestors emigrated to this country, locating in the eastern States. In 1818, Elisha removed to Owego, N.Y. By occupation he was a farmer and drover; he was also engaged in the lumber business. Indeed he was a thorough-going business man, and one whose influence was mighty in many circles of society. He died in 1829, aged thirty-six years. His wife died in 1885, aged ninety-six years. Their family numbered seven children. F. M. Jones is the only surviving member of that family, and the fifth in order of birth. He was reared and educated at Little Meadows, Susquehanna county, and at several institutions of learning at various points of importance. He contemplated the study of medicine, but impaired health at the time forbade its completion. He was seven years of his life in the mercantile business in Bradford county, where he succeeded in making for himself a host of friends. In 1852, he removed to this county, locating in Slocum (then Newport) township. In 1856, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of C. F. and Hannah Lueder, and to them were born ten children, eight of whom are living (1892): Frances M., Clara A., Cora E., Hannah L., Mary E., Martha S., William E., Christian F., Charles F., and Isaac H. Mrs. Mary A. Jones was born in Hanover township, July 1, 1835. Mr. Jones was a very active man in his younger days. He has held several offices of importance in the township and county; he has served as constable and assessor, and in several minor offices; at various times and under various exigencies he has been called upon to discharge the office of deputy sheriff. He was the leading spirit in cutting off Slocum from Newport, and the first postmaster in the new township, after it was formed. It was called "Lutsey." He owns 182 acres of choice land, which he works in a profitable and practical manner. He keeps himself abreast of or up with the times. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. Politically he is a Republican.
GEORGE JONES, outside foreman of Humboldt mines, was born in Glamorganshire, South Wales, April 1, 1853, and is the eldest in a family of thirteen children of John and Mary (Jones) Jones, also natives of Wales, who came to America in 1859, settling in Nesquehoning, Pa., where they remained but a short time, afterward removing to Audenreid, same State, where the children were educated and reared. The subject of this sketch commenced his mining experience by picking slate at Silver Brook, where he worked several years, and then began firing at the Yorktown Mines, working there one year, after which he ran pump-engines for a year at No. 5, soon thereafter taking charge of the hoisting engines at No. 4, which he ran two years. In 1875 he visited the land of his birth, and after almost a year spent there returned to Yorktown, and went about his old occupation of firing. At that he continued but a short time, however, as he again took charge of a hoisting engine at No. 6, which he ran two years. He was then given charge of machinery at these mines two years, at the end of which time he went to Black Ridge, where he worked nearly two years; thence went to the Tomhicken Mines, and had charge of timbering for seven years. In 1889 he came to Humboldt Mines, and took charge as outside foreman, where he has since been employed. Mr. Jones was united in marriage September 7, 1876, with Miss Eliza, daughter of William Kenvin, of Hazelton, and five children have blessed this union, namely: John, William, Howard, Margaret, and Josephine. In political matters Mr. Jones is a Republican: the family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
GOMER E. JONES, general mine foreman, Stockton, was born in Monmouthshire, South Wales, April 24, 1855. He is the son of Evan T. and Mary (Lewis) Jones, natives of Wales, who came to America in 1868, locating at Wanamie, where their children, five in number, of whom Gomer is the second, were reared and educated. Mr. Jones began work about the mines at the tender age of seven years, and has since continuously followed mining in its different branches. In 1878, he was appointed mine foreman for the Upper Lehigh Coal Company. In 1889, he came to Stockton and accepted the position of general mine foreman for Linderman, Skeer & Co., which position he now holds. He now has charge of six mines in the vicinity of Stockton. Mr. Jones has been twice married: first on July 4, 1876, to Miss Ida J., daughter of John W. Crouse of Wanamie, Pa.: nine children were born to this union, namely Zorobabel (deceased), John W. Gomer E., Jr., Frank W., Charles, Ida J., Evan T., Mary E. and Jane. Mrs. Ida Jones died in August, 1891, and Mr. Jones was married in August, 1892, to Miss Isabella, daughter of James Brookmire of Upper Lehigh, Pa. Mr. Jones is a member of the I.O.O.F. and the F.&A.M.
HARRY C. JONES, round-house man for E. B. Coxe & Co., Drifton, P.O. Freeland, was born at Lykens, Dauphin Co., Pa., July 3, 1864, and is a son of Charles and Ruth (Thomas) Jones, natives of Wales, the former of whom died October 19, 1883, and the latter now resides at Jeddo. In the family there are five children, one of whom is older than our subject. When he was about two years of age his parents came to Luzerne county, locating at Yorktown, Carbon county, and eleven years later came to Drifton. Mr. Jones began life at the age of eleven, picking slate, which occupation he followed during the summers, attending school in winters. He worked around the mines in various capacities until he was fifteen years old, when he engaged in firing a locomotive, in the employ of Coxe Bros. & Co. This position he filled about three years, at the end of which time he was promoted to locomotive engineer, in which capacity he continued nearly four years at Drifton, when he resigned and went to Parsons, where he was in the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company eighteen months. He was then engaged in running a locomotive for the Lehigh Valley coal company. After remaining in Parsons about three years, he returned to Jeddo, where he was locomotive engineer for G. B. Markle & Co. nearly two years, and in January, 1891, he accepted his present position, which involves considerable responsibility. Mr. Jones was united in marriage, December 26, 1886, with Miss Mary Ann Cowans, an estimable young lady of Oakdale, Luzerne Co., Pa. He is a member of the P.O.S. of A., Jr. O.U.A.M., and I.O.R.M. In politics he is a Republican.
HENRY H. JONES, hardware merchant, tanner and plumber, P.O. Wilkes-Barre, was born at Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales, June 1, 1839, a son of Henry and Betsy (Smith) Jones. He lived in Wales until he reached his majority and in 1860 came to America, locating at Five Points, near Pottsville, Pa., where for five years he worked in the mines. He removed in 1865 to Wilkes-Barre, where he has since resided, and was employed in the mines until 1890. In 1888 he established the business in which he is now engaged. Mr. Jones was married, in 1865, to Miss Gwennie, daughter of Nathaniel and Catherine (Evans) Griffith, of Schuylkill county, Pa., and has five children: Nathaniel, Henry, Littie, Kate and Benjamin. Mr. Jones and wife are members of the Welsh Baptist Church. Mr. Jones has been a member of the I.O.O.F. since 1863, and is also an Ivorite, and in politics is a Republican.
ISAIAH JONES, Wilkes-Barre, is the fifth son of Abram Jones, a native of Slocum, this county. Mr. Jones was born November 5, 1833, in Chester county, and received his early education in the schools of that place. He was united in marriage, February 21, 1857, with Rebecca Arnold, a daughter of Abram Arnold. Nine children have been born to this marriage: Abraham, Joseph, Ella, Anning, Emma, Winfield, Eva, Irvin and Annie. Mr. Jones was employed by Christian Lueder at Slocum, for twelve years. In 1887 he came to Wilkes-Barre and entered the employ of the sons of Mr. Lueder, who operate a bus line in the city.
JAMES JONES, agent, Yatesville, was born in Herefordshire, England, February 21, 1842, and is a son of William and Sarah (Jones) Jones, also natives of England. They had a family of seven children (our subject being second in the order of birth), all of whom died in early childhood except Henry (who lives in Parsons, Luzerne Co., Pa.) and James. The subject of this sketch emigrated to Canada in 1863, making his first stay in Toronto, Ontario, where he resided some seven months, during which time he was in the employ of Robert Walker & Sons, merchants. In April, 1864, he moved to Scranton, thence to Yatesville, Pa., and was employed as a miner by the Pennsylvania Coal Company until 1873, when he moved to Mill Creek, this county, and went into business as a general merchant. In 1882 he returned to Yatesville, where he has since been engaged as a general agent. In England, and also in Canada, Mr. Jones was a member of the Primitive Methodist Church, but subsequently united with the M.E. Church; he was licensed to preach, and in 1881 was ordained a local deacon by Bishop E. G. Andrews, at the annual Conference held at Waverly, N.Y. Mr. Jones is one of the most active members of the communion in this part of the country, as he holds the positions of superintendent of the Sunday school and trustee and steward of the Church. On April 16, 1872, he was untied in marriage with Jane E., daughter of Francis and Mary (Pratt) Yates, residents of Yatesville, and of English extraction. Politically, our subject is a Republican-Prohibitionist; socially, he is a member of the I.O.O.F. He is one of the directors of the Y.M.C.A. at Pittston, and is a member of the Miners' Exchange Committee. In May, 1892, he was appointed director of the poor for three years, for the district embracing Jenkins township, Pittston borough and Pittston township, and in February, 1892, was elected to the school board, also for a period of three years.
JAMES D. JONES, dealer in general merchandise, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, April 10, 1840, a son of David and Mary (Alban) Jones. He was reared on a farm in Wales, educated in the public schools, and in 1865 came to America, where he spent two years on a farm at Jackson, Ohio. In 1867, he located at Wilkes-Barre, where he was employed in the mines up to 1889, when he embarked in the merchandise business, in which he has since continued. Mr. Jones was married to Rachel, daughter of David Morgan, of Wales, and by her he had seven children: Mary, Elizabeth, Maggie A., David C., Thomas, Morgan and Blanche. He is a member of the Welsh M.E. Church and of the I.O.R.M, and of the Foresters: in politics he is a Republican.
JENKIN J. JONES, fire boss in the Delaware Colliery, Miners Mills, was born in South Wales, December 29, 1847, and is a son of Jenkin B. and Elizabeth (Parry) Jones, who came to America in 1857, followed in 1858 by the family. The father was engaged in mining, successively, in St. Louis, Mo., six months; Minersville, Ohio, one year; Pittston, Pa., two years; as mine foreman at Hyde Park, two years; at Providence, four years, and in 1868 he removed to Miners Mills, where he died February 8, 1886, at the age of sixty years, being survived by his widow till October 5, 1890. Their family consisted of three children, two of whom are living, viz.: Jenkin J. and Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel D. Davis). Our subject received a common-school education, and began working in the mines at the age of seven years, which vocation he has since followed, chiefly in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties, including ten years mining and five years as foreman. He built his present residence and removed therein in 1871. In March, 1864, Mr. Jones enlisted, at Scranton, in Company C., Sixteenth P.V.C.; was with the army at Petersburg, participated in many skirmishes and was also on detached service; he was mustered out in August, 1865. Mr. Jones was married, November 11, 1867, to Miss. Margaret J., daughter of John M. and Mary (Daniels) Jones, and they have had born to them seven children, four of whom are living, viz.: Mordecai J., John C., Mair and Morgan M. Mrs. Jones and the children are members of the Welsh Congregational Church. Mr. Jones is a member of the , A.O.K. of M.C., K. of H., Ivorites, Improved Order of Red Men, and of the G.A.R.; he is a Republican in his political views, and has been a member of the borough council.
JENKIN T. JONES, grocer, Plymouth, was born May 29, 1859, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, and is fourth in the family of five children of Thomas and Hannah (Reese) Jones, also natives of Wales. The family came to America in 1869, and located at Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Our subject worked in and around the mines till he was twenty-two years of age, when he went to the Wyoming and Commercial Colleges, at which latter he graduated in 1884. He then took a position with the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, at Plymouth, and worked there one year, after which he took a similar position with the Delaware & Hudson Canal & Coal Company in the same place. With them he worked two years and then opened for his own account the business he is at present conducting. Mr. Jones was married in February, 1885, to Sarah, daughter of Peter and Mary (Lippete) Richardson, natives of England. Politically, our subject adheres to the Republican party; and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and Knights of the Golden Eagle. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN JONES, engineer at Slope No. 11, Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company. This intelligent and skillful engineer was born in South Wales, October 9, 1847, and is the sixth in the family of ten children of Evan and Ellen (Watkins) Jones, also natives of Wales. Our subject was but a few months old when the family came to America, locating at Summit Hill, Carbon Co., Pa., where the children were educated and reared. Our subject did general outside and inside work about the mines until twenty-three years of age, when he learned engineering at Plymouth, Pa., and he has since followed that vocation. He has been in his present position as hoisting engineer at No. 11 since 1881, and fully merits the confidence imposed in him by his employers. Mr. Jones was united in marriage, December 25, 1875, to Catherine, daughter of Louis and Catherine (Jones) Harris, natives of Wales, and six children have blessed this union, namely: Margaret, Mary, Lewis J., Evan, Henry and Catherine, the latter being now deceased. The mother of these children died August 15, 1888. The family attend the Welsh Baptist Church, and in politics Mr. Jones votes the Republican ticket.
JOHN D. JONES, engineer at the Gaylord Colliery. This pleasant and gentlemanly young man was born at Dowlais, Glamorganshire, South Wales, and is a son of John D. and Margaret (Thomas) Jones, also natives of South Wales. The family came to America in 1866, locating at Coalburgh, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch received his educational training. In 1870, they removed to Plymouth, this county, where John D. received the earliest rudiments in coal mining—picking slate—which he worked at for about two months; then took different positions incidental to coal mining, such as inside door-keeper, loading coal, firing, etc., until 1878, when he was promoted to engineer. He ran pumps at the Gaylord until 1879, when he was given charge of the large hoisting engines at the Gaylord Colliery, which he has worked ever since, and which hoist 1,300 tons of coal daily from a depth of 573 feet. He also had charge of the fan-propelling engine. Mr. Jones has not only to keep this great amount of machinery in working order, but also has charge of twenty-eight large boilers and furnaces, which he has to inspect and keep in condition, and it may be added that the position of hoisting engineer is not an enviable one, as the responsibility is very great. Mr. Jones was united in marriage September 6, 1879, with Miss Kate, daughter of Joseph and Diana (Lewis) Morris, natives of Pennsylvania, and one child, Ralph, was born to this union June 9, 1883. The little voyager, however, was not destined to sail on life's rough seas for long, as he was called to cross the Dark River, December 25, 1889. Mr. Jones is a member of the English Congregational Church; a member of the I.O.O.F. and Knights of the Mystic Chain. Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN F. JONES, inside foreman of the South Wilkes-Barre Colliery No. 5, Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Flintshire, Wales, March 27, 1854, and is a son of Robert and Ann (Evans) Jones. He was reared and educated in his native country, and when twelve years of age began life in the lead mines, where he remained four years; later he engaged in coal and slate mining. He came to America in 1879, locating in Plymouth, where he engaged in mining fifteen months; in June, 1880, he moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where he was in the employ of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company until 1884, when he was employed by the Hillman Vein Company six years—first three years as fire boss, and the last three years as mine foreman. On December 1, 1890, he left them to fill a position in the South Wilkes-Barre Colliery. In February, 1889, he married Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth James, of Carmarthenshire, South Wales, where she was born and reared; she came to America in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have one son, Robert John. Our subject is a member of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, and of the Ivorites; in politics he is a Republican.
JOHN G. JONES, contractor, and alderman of the Fourteenth Ward, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Denbighshire, North Wales, August 3, 1830, a son of John and Eleanor (Williams) Jones. He was reared and educated in his native country, where he learned the builder's trade, and for thirteen years he worked in the city of Liverpool, England. In 1866 he was sent by his firm to Merionethshire, North Wales, to Carnarvenshire, to superintend a slate quarry, remaining there seven years. In 1880 he came to America, settling in Wilkes-Barre, where he has since resided, and in the fall of the same year he began work in the Franklin Mine, as a timber man. In the latter part of 1881 he was appointed fire boss, and on the death of the assistant superintendent in 1884, was appointed to fill the vacancy, which position he held until 1888, when he retired from the mine. He has since been engaged as a contractor and builder, spending two seasons at Richland, N.J., erecting dwellings, as well as doing business in Wilkes-Barre. On March 11, 1851, Mr. Jones married Mary, daughter of Thomas and Fanny (Jones) Strone, of North Wales, and has three children: John H., Frances (Mrs. Hugh H. Pugh), and Mary E. (Mrs. John T. Morgan). Mr. Jones is a member of the Second Welsh Congregational Church, and of the K. of P. and I.O.R.M.; in politics he is a Republican, and was elected alderman of the Fourteenth Ward of Wilkes-Barre in February, 1891, for a term of five years.
JOHN R. JONES, one of the oldest residents of Ashley, was born in Monmouthshire, South Wales, April 28, 1832, a son of John and Ann (Lewis) Jones. The father, who was a wheelwright, reared a family of sixteen children, of whom our subject is the fourth in number, and the only one living. Mr. Jones was educated in South Wales, and at the age of seven years began working about the mines. In 1851 he came to America, where he has been engaged in mining at Dover, N.J.; Johnstown, Ohio; Coalfield, Va.; Johnstown, Ohio; Holidaysburg, Pa.; Minersville, Pa.; Scranton, Pa. (eight and a half years); Summit Hill, Pa.; Dutch Town, Pa. After keeping a saloon in Hazleton, Pa., for nine months, he moved to Ashley, where he followed mining until 1891, when he retired from active life. He has made three visits to Europe since coming to America. He enlisted in both emergency calls during the Civil War. December 8, 1851, Mr. Jones married Miss Ann, daughter of Reese and Mary Edwards, of Wales, and by her had one child, George, who is in Wales. In 1857, he was married to Mrs. Ann Harper, daughter of John and Betsy (Fowler) Russell, natives of Wales, and widow of John Harper, by whom she had two children: Sarah (Mrs. William White), and Elizabeth (Mrs. William Richards, Grass Valley, Cal.). Of this union were born four children, viz: William, who died in Cuba at the age of thirty-one years; John R.; Ellen (Mrs. Isaac Collborn), and Isaac, brakeman, of West Pittston. Our subject was married, the third time, December 17, 1874, to Mrs. Susanna Harding, daughter of John and Hannah (Blunt) Platt, natives of North Wales, and widow of Robert Harding (by whom she had two children: Hannah (Mrs. Samuel Kindred), and John, machinist, of Altoona, Pa.), and by her had one child, Annie, who died at the age of eight years. Mr. Jones is a steadfast Republican in his political views.
JOHN R. JONES, merchant, Ashley, was born in Hyde Park, Pa., October 17, 1862, and is a son of John R. and Ann (Russell) Jones. He was educated in the public school at Ashley. He worked eight years about the breaker, sixteen months as brakeman on the P. & L. E. R. R., at Pittsburgh; four years and nine months as brakeman on the C. R. R. of New Jersey. He lost his left leg November 6, 1888, and in the following year engaged in his present business. March 18, 1886, Mr. Jones married Miss Matilda, daughter of Edward and Catherine Goff, natives of Ireland, and by her has three children: Annie, Edward, and Matilda. He is a Republican in his political views.
JOHN R. JONES, druggist, Miners Mills, was born in Monmouthshire, England, December 11, 1868, and is a son of William R. (Edwards) Jones. He was educated in the common schools, and embarked in life working about the mines, which he followed five years; he then engaged in the drug business, which he has since followed. In 1890, he engaged in business for himself. Mr. Jones was married February 19, 1890, to Miss Jennie, daughter of Thomas M. Reese, formerly of Miners Mills; they have one child, Willard. He and wife attend the Baptist Church, at Parsons, of which Mrs. Jones is a member; he is a member of the K. of P., I.O.O.F., I.O.R.M., and the Sons of Temperance, and politically he is a Republican.
JOSIAH M. JONES, engineer at Washington Colliery, Plymouth, was born in Northumberland county, Pa., April 20, 1864, and is the eldest in the family of eight children of Abram E. and Mary (Morgans) Jones, also natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared and educated in Luzerne county, and until 1887 did general work about the mines. He then began firing at the Washington Colliery, continuing at same until 1891, when he was given charge of a pair of slope engines, which he has since operated. Our subject was united in marriage, June 20, 1887, with Lizzie, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Williams, natives of Pennsylvania. Two children have come to this union: Deborah, born January 13, 1889, and Jacob, born September 12, 1891. The family attend the English Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Jones is a Republican, and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
LEWIS S. JONES, retired, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, February 23, 1827, a son of Stephen and Mary (Jenkins) Jones. He was reared in Monmouthshire, England, was educated in the schools of that place, and there began life in the mines, where he was employed twenty-six years. In 1860 he came to America and settled at Bellevue, near Scranton, Pa., and worked in the mines of that vicinity nearly four years. He then, in January, 1864, removed to Wilkes-Barre, where he has since resided. He served as inside foreman of the Hollenback and Kidder Slopes for a time, and was then, in 1870, removed to the Empire Shaft, where he served in the same capacity until 1890, in which year he retired. On December 28, 1877, he was badly burned by an explosion of gas, which laid him up for eight weeks. Mr. Jones has been twice married, his first wife being Margaret Jones, of South Wales, and his second wife was Ann, daughter of Edward and Maria (Morgans) Meredith, of North Wales, by which latter union he has eight children living: Iorweth (engineer of Crystal Spring Water Company), Mary A. (Mrs. David E. Thomas), Hannah M. (Mrs. Samuel Griffiths), Samuel (a druggist), Lizzie J. (a teacher), Margaret, Martha, and Meredith. Mr. Jones is a member and deacon of the First Welsh Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre; in politics he is a Republican, and has served as member of city council three terms, a part of which time he was its president.
MORGAN JONES, roller, or heater, at a rolling mill, at present helper to moulders, in the Vulcan Iron Works, Wilkes-Barre, is a native of Pontypool, South Wales, born May 3, 1841. His father, Lewis Jones, who was a native of Breconshire, died at Pontypool in 1868. Mr. Jones was married at Pontypool September 20, 1863, to Martha Anthony, of that place, and eleven children have been born to this union, of whom are surviving Lewis, Richard, William, Clarence, George W., Mattie and Edward. Mr. Jones and his wife came to this country August 15, 1869, and after remaining in New York City for a few days, they went to Scranton, where they remained three years, after which period they came to Wilkes-Barre, where they have since lived.
OWEN R. JONES, who is engaged in Company work in the Wyoming Colliery, with residence in Miners Mills, was born in Carnarvonshire, North Wales, April 27, 1838, and is a son of Richard and Grace (Jones) Jones. His father, who was a slate maker, reared a family of three children, viz.: John R., who was librarian in the British army in East India and Africa for thirteen years (he came to America in 1870, and died in New York City four years later); Owen R., the subject of this sketch; and Jane, who married William Hughes, a sailor of Bangor, North Wales. Our subject came to America in 1869, and located in Poultney, Vt., at which place he followed slate making five years, and afterward at Slatington, Pa., for ten months. He then moved to Miners Mills and began working about the mines, which he has since followed, including nine years mining; he built his present residence in 1882. Mr. Jones was married, January 5, 1864, to Miss Catharine, daughter of Richard and Alice (Jones) Jones, of Wales, the fruit of which union has been nine children, six of whom are living, viz.: Hannah, married to Owen Williams, a miner, of Miners Mills (they have five children, viz: Owen J., Esther, Catharine, Nellie and Grace); Alice, married to William Morris, who is a miner in the Keystone Mine, and lives with Mr. Jones (he is a member of the I.O.R.M. and the A.O.K. of M.C.); Richard, who is a miner in the Pine Ridge Mine, living with his father (he is a member of the I.O.R.M., K. of P., and the A.O.K. of M.C.); John I., a runner in the Pine Ridge Mine, living with his father (he is a member of the K. of P. and the P.O.S. of A.); Catharine J., living at home; and William, who works in the Pine Ridge Breaker, and lives with his father (he is a member of the Sons of Temperance). Mr. Jones and family are members of the Welsh Congregational Church; he is a member of the I.O.O.F., K. of P., and the Sons of Temperance; he is a Republican in his political views, and also advocates the principals of the Prohibition party.
ROWLAND WATKINS JONES, Freeland. This gentleman, who is in the front rank of Freeland's merchant tailors, was born in Anglesea, Wales, in 1854. His father was a shoe dealer at Gwalchmae, North Wales; his family consisted of two children, viz.: Roland W. and Mary, who married David Evans, editor of the Welsh Herald, Caernarvon, Caernarvonshire, North Wales. Our subject received his education in his native town, and at the age of twenty-two was employed as cutter in a mammoth merchant-tailoring establishment in London. He remained there about six months, after which he was employed by one of the leading merchant-tailor houses of Liverpool, remaining there two years. He then went to Lamberis, near Snowdon, where he engaged in business for himself, and where he still owns property. He remained there twelve years, and in 1887 came to this country, locating at Slatington, where he was also engaged in the merchant-tailoring business for two years, thence coming to Freeland, where he has since enjoyed a large patronage. Mr. Jones was married at the age of twenty-five to Miss Margaret Jones, of Lamberis, North Wales. To this union was born one child, Jane, who died at the age of one year. Mrs. Jones is also deceased. Mr. Jones is a member of the Mystic Chain, Knights of Pythias, and in his political views he is a Republican.
STEPHEN S. JONES, assistant mine foreman at No. 11, Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, Plymouth. This intelligent and experienced gentlemen was born at Minersville, Pa., December 24, 1854, and is a son of Stephen and Ann (Hughes) Jones, natives of Wales. The subject of this sketch was educated in Schuylkill county, and commenced life as a clerk for John Wadlinger, of Minersville, Pa., with whom he remained three years. He then took up mining and civil engineering, serving with a corps of engineers at Minersville for three years, afterward taking a position as foreman at the Forrestville Mines, where he was employed two years. Moving to Jeansville at the end of that period, he was engaged as a contractor at sinking slopes and driving tunnels. This he followed for eight years, and then opened up the Silver Brook Coal Mines, being afterward retained as inside foreman by that company for a period of five years. At the end of that time he came to Plymouth, and was given the position of assistant inside foreman at No. 11, where he has since been engaged. Mr. Jones was married, December 11, 1884, to Miss Annie, daughter of Rev. John D. and Ann (Hughes) Jones, natives of Wales. Four children were born to this union: Howard J., John D. (deceased), Stephen and Beulah. Mr. Jones is a Republican, and has held several minor offices of trust. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
THOMAS D. JONES, superintendent and manager of the Mill Creek Coal Company, with residence at Hazleton. This gentleman has worked his way rapidly and surely from the very first round in life's ladder, and although yet a comparatively young man, has attained a distinction among those interested in coal mining that few of even maturer years have had the privilege of enjoying. He was born in South Wales, January 28, 1842, and is the only child of Daniel and Ann (Vaughn) Jones, also natives of Wales, who came to America in 1850, locating at Nesquehoning, Carbon Co., Pa., where Thomas D. was reared and educated. At the close of his school life, he engaged in mercantile business at Lansford, Pa., during two years. He then became interested in the coal industry, and from 1869 to 1872 held the position of assistant engineer with the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, and from 1872 until 1875 was superintendent of collieries for the same company. In 1875 he had so far and so thoroughly mastered the difficult problems of coal mining that he was appointed to the responsible position of mine inspector for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. At the expiration of his term, in 1881, he was immediately re-appointed, but a short time afterward he resigned to accept a more lucrative position as superintendent of the extensive system of collieries of the Ebervale Coal Company. This position he held until 1886, when he secured the desirable and responsible position which he now holds. The important incumbancies this gentleman has filled indicates the exceptional ability he possesses as an expert and skillful coal operator. In addition to the possession of great talent in his chosen line of work, Mr. Jones has been a most diligent student of English literature, and he possesses a great fund of information, which in social life makes him one of the most pleasant and entertaining of men. In his home life he is unusually blessed; his genial nature, seconded by the friendly manners of his wife and the sprightly atmosphere which surrounds a household of interesting children, render this homestead one of the most sunny and inviting spots in the social community. His marriage with Miss Ruth, daughter of John and Mary (Hughes) Byron, occurred January 4, 1870, and the union has been blessed with four children, as follows: J. Elmer, a student at Columbia College, New York City; Anna (deceased), Mary (deceased) and Gladys. Mr. Jones is in strong sympathy with the Republican party, but always votes for the best man, irrespective of politics. He is president of the school board and a member of the select council. Socially, he is a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge. The family support the Presbyterian Church.
THOMAS H. JONES, inside mine foreman, for the Susquehanna Coal Company, at No. 1 Shaft, Nanticoke, was born at Mountain Ash, Glamorganshire, South Wales, a son of Thomas and Sheba (Bath) Jones, both natives of Wales. Our subject is a self-educated man, never having attended school more than two weeks in his life, and this was when he was disabled from working in the mines on account of an injured hand. At the age of eight years, he entered the mines, and worked in various capacities, from slate picker to miner. At the age of twenty-one he emigrated to America, and engaged in mining at Excelsior Station, Northumberland Co., Pa., where he remained about two years, when he removed to Shamokin, same state, and was employed in the mines there until 1874. He then came to Luzerne county, locating at Nanticoke, entered the employ of the Susquehanna Coal Company, and worked as a miner until 1880. In that year an explosion occurred in No. 4 Slope, and during the progress of this fire, he was appointed fire boss in this mine, where he remained until a large explosion and fire took place in No. 1 shaft, when he was transferred to the latter. Immediately after this, Mr. T. M. Williams, then mine inspector of Luzerne county, appointed him inside mine foreman of No. 1 Shaft, where he has since been employed. Mr. Jones was married December 25, 1869, to Miss Mary Summers, of Excelsior, Pa., and they have children as follows: Eliza, Sheba Bath, Mabel, Mary Jane, Sterling Omana, and Florence Apella Verdella. Mr. Jones is a member of the Legion of Honor, the Sons of St. George and the Fraternal Guardians.
THOMAS M. JONES, miner at Laflin, with residence at Hudson, Plains township, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 8, 1846, and is a son of Morgan and Ann (Williams) Jones, natives of Wales, whence they emigrated to this country, in 1836. The father lived in Pottsville eight years; Pittsburgh, two years; Pittston, forty-four years, and came to live with his son at Mill Creek, this county, in 1891, where he now resides; he was born May 1, 1800, and is unusually well preserved for his time of life; his wife has been dead forty-one years. His family comprised twelve children, eight by his first wife, of whom Thomas M. is the sixth. Our subject embarked in life driving on the canal, which occupation he followed three summers, and then enlisted at Rayville, N.Y., but, being a miner, his father compelled him to return home, where he remained three months, and then entered on an apprenticeship with John M. Groover, of Plains, to learn the carpentry trade. On February 6, 1865, he again enlisted, this time in Scranton, in Company F, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, and served till July 12, 1865, when he was discharged at Fairfax Seminary, whence he went to Philadelphia, where he was paid off. He then returned to Pittston, remained a few months, and then went to Plains, where he finished his trade and worked five years. In 1870, he engaged in mining at Mill Creek, which he has since continuously followed, with the exception of five years, during which he was engaged as watchman at the Mill Creek Slope. Mr. Jones was married October 14, 1867, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of John and Ann (Harper) Hine; they have six children, five of whom are living, viz.: Annie M. (Mrs. James Isaac), Carrie E. (Mrs. James E. Turner), William H., Charles M. and Nellie C. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Primitive Methodist Church, and of the Pocahontas; he is a member of the I.O.R.M. In his political views he is a Republican, and has held the office of constable in Plains township. He built his present residence in 1882.
WILLIAM JONES, miner, Parsons, was born in Chicago, Ill., September 27, 1847, and is the only son of William and Esther (Parry) Jones. When he was very young his father removed to Wales, where he prepared for college, and then went to Oxford University, England, remaining for a time, after which he returned to Wales to assist his father in the mercantile business. In 1874 he enlisted in the British army, in which he remained for seven years, serving her Majesty faithfully throughout the Zulu and the Boer wars. In 1875, he went to Natal, Africa, remaining there a short time; thence proceeded to Cape Colony, also in Africa, and embarked for Philadelphia, where he remained a few months. He then went to Wyoming Territory, where he was engaged in mining four years, after which he came to Parsons, where he has since been engaged in mining. Mr. Jones is an esteemed and worthy citizen, and his political preferences are Republican.
WILLIAM J. JONES, carpenter, Kingston, is a native of Wales, son of Owen and Catherine Jones, also natives of Wales. His parents came to America in 1853, when he was very young, and located at Carbondale, where they remained for a time, removing thence to Olyphant, residing there until their deaths. Mr. Jones began life working in the mines when yet a mere boy, and, at the age of twenty, commenced to work at the carpenter's trade at Olyphant, where he remained a short time. He then removed to Kingston, where he has resided about eighteen years, during which time he has been constantly engaged in the carpenter trade, at general house building, at which he has attained the highest degree of proficiency. He was married January 8, 1877, to Miss Carrie, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Loudenberg) Cobert, of Kingston. They have two children: Katie, born October 16, 1886; and Ernest, born October 2, 1891. Our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and politically is a Republican.
WILLIAM M. JONES, justice of the peace, West Hazleton. This genial and learned gentleman was born February 22, 1832, in Monroe county, Pa., and is the second in the family of fourteen children of Peter and Hester (Muffly) Jones, the former of Welsh extraction, the latter of German. Our subject was reared and educated at his birthplace, and when quite young learned the forgeman's trade, working at it about ten years. On October 15, 1862, he answered the call of his country by enlisting in Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until July 27, 1863. As a soldier he never feared danger, and was found to be where the strife was fiercest. At the close of his service he came to Carbon county, and was elected justice of the peace for two consecutive terms, aggregating a service of ten years. At the expiration of his term of office he came to Hazleton, and was elected to the office of justice of the peace, two terms, a period of ten years. He has held two commissions by appointment for West Hazleton borough, and has recently been elected to serve another five-year term. In his official capacity, Mr. Jones is always guided by the merits of the case on trial, and his long experience has so well fitted him for the position that he makes few, if any, mistakes in his decisions. Mr. Jones was married, February 17, 1852, to Miss Susan Van Buskirk, of Wind Gap, Pa., to which union were born seven children, namely; Angeline, Cecelia, Louis M. (deceased), Joseph H., Alinia (deceased), Silas E. and Marietta. Politically Mr. Jones votes with the Democratic party; he is a member of the G.A.R. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM R. JONES, miner in the Oakwood Colliery, Miners Mills, was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, July 24, 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Richards) Jones. The father, who was a miner for fifty-five years, reared a family of eight children, five of whom are living, and of whom W. R. is the eldest. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1869, and has been engaged in mining successively at the following places: Irvine Station, four months; Taylorsville, eight years, and in 1879 removed to Miners Mills; he has worked in and about the mines forty-five years. He purchased his present residence and removed therein in 1887. Mr. Jones was married February 20, 1859, to Miss Esther, daughter of Daniel Edwards, of Caermarthenshire, South Wales; she died April 6, 1891, having become the mother of six children, viz.: Mary, who married Daniel Bevan, a miller of Miners Mills; William, who is a miller at Sparta, Wis.; Anna E., who married Thomas H. Price, a miner in Miners Mills; John R.; Gomer, engaged with John R., and Elvira, at home. Mr. Jones has been a member of the Welsh Congregational Church forty-one years; he is a member of the I.O.O.F., and is a Republican in politics.
GEORGE JOPLING, miner, Inkerman, Jenkins township, was born in Mill Creek, Schuylkill Co., Pa., October 12, 1852, and is a son of James and Jane (Routledge) Jopling of Inkerman. At the age of thirteen years, he began working about the mines as errand-boy, has since been engaged in the various occupations pertaining to mining, and has been mining since 1868. Mr. Jopling was married June 29, 1879, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Foster) Bostock, natives of Durham County, England. They have three children, viz.: Olive, Bartholomew B. and Howard S. Mr. and Mrs. Jopling attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she is a member. He is a member of the P.O.S. of A. and the K. of H. His political sympathy is with the Republican party, but he votes irrespective of party lines. He built his present residence in 1887.
HENRY JOPLING, inside foreman at the Pennsylvania Colliery, No. 14, Inkerman, Jenkins township, was born in the County of Northumberland, England, July 30, 1833, and is a son of James and Mary (Bainbridge) Jopling. His father, who was a miner in England, and also in America, whither he brought his family in 1851, reared ten children, of whom Henry is the seventh. Our subject has always been engaged about the mines, including fifteen years mining and twenty-one years bossing. In 1855, he was married to Miss Ruth Routledge, of Inkerman, who died eleven months later, leaving one child, also deceased. On January 7, 1857, Mr. Jopling was married to Miss Ann, daughter of John and Ann (Merry) Adamson, natives of Scotland, the fruit of which union was ten children, five of whom are living, viz.: Ann (Mrs. George L. Walker, of Plains); Mary (Mrs. William Mitchell, of Inkerman); John (assistant mine foreman with his father); Henry (married to Miss Annie, daughter of Mary E. (Sprinker) Pullman, of Alexandria, Va., and natives of England and Maryland, respectively); and Sarah, a sweet-faced school girl, still at home. Mrs. Jopling died July 3, 1885, and our subject was afterward married, January 19, 1888, to Miss Jane, daughter of James and Agnes (Black) Robertson, natives of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Jopling attend the Presbyterian Church, of which she is a member. He is a F. & A.M.; a Republican in politics, and has held the office of justice of peace in Jenkins township.
JAMES JOPLING, a prominent citizen of Inkerman, Jenkins township, was born in the County of Northumberland, England, August 29, 1828, and is a son of James and Mary (Bainbridge) Jopling, the former of whom was a miner in both England and America. They reared a family of nine children, five of whom are living, viz.: Ann (Mrs. Robert Baxter, of Duquoin, Ill.); Robert, a shoemaker in the State of Missouri; James and Henry, of Inkerman; and Bartholomew, a miner in Duquoin, Ill. Our subject, accompanied by his brother, John (since deceased), came with his family to America in 1849, and located in Mill Creek, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he resumed his former occupation of mining, and remained seven years, when he removed to Inkerman, where he followed same business till 1875—mining in all about forty years. He then embarked in mercantile business, continuing at same some fourteen years, after which he retired from active life. Mr. Jopling was married, June 27, 1849, to Miss Jane, daughter of George and Ruth (Gardner) Routledge, natives of England, and they had eight children, six of whom are living, viz.: George; Ruth (Mrs. William A. Reed, of Scranton); Mary (Mrs. Thomas Walker, of Inkerman); James (a carpenter in Scranton); Sarah J. (Mrs. William Rooke, of Peckville, Pa.); and Anna, who is still at home. One son, Thomas, died at the age of thirty-nine, leaving a widow and six children in Yatesville. Mrs. Jopling died September 23, 1869, at the age of forty-three years. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political views is a Republican.
THOMAS H. JORDAN, merchant, Parsons, was born at Archbald, Lackawanna Co., Pa., June 9, 1851, and is a son of Richard and Bridget (Hosie) Jordan, both natives of Ireland, the former born in Crossmolina Parish, County Mayo, and the latter in Innisgrove, County Sligo. They came to America in 1848, and located at Archbald, Pa., where they remained until 1891, in which year they removed to Green Ridge, Lackawanna county, where they now reside. Thomas H. Jordan was educated in the common schools, and began life for himself, at the age of twenty-one, as brakeman on the Delaware & Hudson Gravity Road, where he remained about four years, when he came to Parsons, and engaged as clerk for Golden & Walsh, remaining with them thirteen years. On June 20, 1887, he embarked in his present business, consisting of a store of general merchandise. Mr. Jordan was married, August 9, 1874, to Miss Hanorah, daughter of Martin and Margaret (Kearney) Golden, of Archbald, formerly of Carbondale, they have had children as follows: Richard, born June 21, 1875, who is a student at St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada; Joseph, born March 29, 1877; Mary, born February 8, 1879; Gertrude, born June 15, 1881, died October 21, 1882; Martin, born September 18, 1883; Margaret, born March 20, 1885; James, born March 11, 1887, and Rose, born September 5, 1890. Mr. Jordan is a member of the C.M.B.A. of which he is secretary, and of the E.B.A., of which he was president for two terms. He is president of Parson's borough council, and was assessor of Parsons one term. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.
JOHN W. JOSEPH, assistant inside foreman, South Wilkes-Barre Shaft, Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Craigtrebanos, Glamorganshire, South Wales, April 7, 1843, a son of William and Rachel (Williams) Joseph. He was reared and educated in Glamorganshire, where he began life in the coal mines at the early age of six years, and worked there in the various grades up to 1866. He then came to America and located in Wilkes-Barre, where he has since been in the employ of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, as miner fifteen years, fire boss nine years, and assistant inside foreman since 1890. On October 18, 1867, Mr. Joseph married Margaret, daughter of William and Gwennie (Morgans) Thomas, of Ystrad Gynlais, Wales, and has eight children living, viz.: Rachel, Isaac W., Albert, Gomer, Annie, Alice, John A. and Cedwyn. Mr. Joseph is one of the prominent Welsh citizens of Wilkes-Barre, has been a member of the I.O.O.F. for twenty-four years, is a member of the Legion of Honor, and in politics is a Republican.
PATRICK JUDGE, merchant, Plains township, P.O. Hudson, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in March, 1830, and is a son of Edward and Catherine (Hagerty) Judge. The father, was a farmer, reared a family of eleven children, five of whom are still living, and Patrick is the sixth. Our subject came to American 1862, and located in Wayne county, Pa., where he remained three years; he then traveled through Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and New York, also spending considerable time in Pennsylvania. He then worked one year in Hawley, Pa., after which he removed to Wilkes-Barre, where he labored seven and mined fourteen years, engaging in his present business in 1888. Mr. Judge was married, July 3, 1868, to Miss Mary, daughter of Patrick and Ellen (Irwine) Ruddy, natives of County Mayo, Ireland; they had born unto them five children, three of whom are living, viz.: James J., Mary A. and Margaret C. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church; in politics he is a Democrat.
THOMAS JUDGE, conductor, Lehigh Valley Railroad, Pittston. This popular young conductor was born at Pittston, October 13, 1863, and is a son of Michael and Ann (Cardan) Judge, natives of County Mayo, Ireland. He is the second in a family of nine children—five boys and four girls—and was educated and reared in Pittston. At the age of nine years, he began railroading, first as water boy; and then through the different grades of work until 1888 he was promoted to the position of conductor, which he has since filled. His services have always been with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, with the exception of fourteen months he was in the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad freight office. As a railroad man, Mr. Judge is thoroughly posted in all departments. He was united in marriage April 8, 1885, with Miss Mary J., daughter of Patrick and Mary (Hart) Monahan, natives of Glasglow, Scotland, and to this union were born four children, namely: Willie (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Annie and May. In political matters, Mr. Judge is independent; the family are members of the Catholic Church.