GEORGE SKIDMORE, fire-boss in the Mill Creek Colliery, Plains, was born in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, July 4, 1858, and is a son of Samuel and Susanna (Lane) Skidmore, the former of whom is now engaged in Company work at the Waddell Colliery, with residence at Miners Mills, while the latter died in 1882, at the age of sixty-four years. Their family consisted of twelve children, five of whom are living, viz.: James, a miner in Illinois; Sophia (Mrs. John Lovett, of Cleveland, Ohio); Ephraim, a miner in the Waddell Mine; George; and William, fire-boss at Miners Mills. James came to America in 1861, followed in 1863 by his father, and in 1865 by the rest of the family; they located first in Tuscarora, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and afterward removed to Luzerne county. Our subject was educated in a private school in England, also in public schools in America, and at the age of seven years began working about the mines, which he has since followed, including six years as a miner and two years as fire-boss. Mr. Skidmore was married, March 23, 1880, to Miss Alice, daughter of John T. Moore, of Parsons, and they have one child, Isabelle May. Our subject is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in his political views is a Republican.
A. S. SLYKER, outside foreman at the Honora Colliery, Laflin, was born near Triangle Pond, this county, August 15, 1848, and is a son of Stephen and Keturah (Stetler) Slyker, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and Dutch origin, respectively. The father, who was one of the best mechanics in the State and an extensive breaker builder in the Wyoming Valley, was born in Hanover township, Luzerne county, and in later life removed to Wilkes-Barre, and passed away March 5, 1887, at the age of seventy years. Dying very suddenly, a post-mortem examination was considered necessary, during which his heart was stolen, but was regained by the strenuous efforts of our subject. He was followed by his widow January 23, 1889, at the age of sixty-seven years. The family consisted of nine children, five of whom are now living, viz.: William, Alice (Mrs. D. J. Beers), George, Alfred S. and Jane (Mrs. Isaac Hayden). Our subject attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age, after which he was employed as carpenter with his father, four years; as machinist with Carter & Allen, Tamaqua, Pa., four years; foreman of two breakers, at Yorktown, Pa., one year; bridge builder with his brother, William, as foreman on the Southern Minnesota Railroad, eight months; again with his father, one year; in mining, at Shickshinny, Pa., one year; carpenter for the Central Railroad of New Jersey, three and one-half years; then with his father again for a short time; after which he engaged with the Franklin Coal Company as outside foreman, nine years, and was then employed as carpenter for the Hazard Wire Rope Company, sixteen months. He removed to Laflin, September 19, 1889. He is a mechanic of no mean ability, and has made and patented several inventions that may yet yield him a handsome fortune. Mr. Slyker was married, April 3, 1870, to Mary E., daughter of Louis and Susan (Sorbor) Smale, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. To their union have been born three children, viz.: Benjamin L., Lotta and Maud; they have also an adopted child, who was found on Lincoln street, Wilkes-Barre, at the age of two weeks, and whom they adopted at the age of six weeks. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in his political views, was the second burgess in Laflin borough, and has been justice of the peace since its organization.
WILSON A. SMAWLEY, contractor and builder, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Northampton county, Pa., September 3, 1852, a son of Henry and Sarah (Lilley) Smawley, and is of English and Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. He was reared in his native county, educated in the common schools, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenters trade. For twelve years he worked as a journeyman in Northampton and Luzerne counties; located in Wilkes-Barre in 1878, and in 1885 embarked in business as a contractor and builder, in which he has succeeded in building up a lucrative trade, having erected some of the principal residences in the city. Mr. Smawley married, in 1876, Frances Greene, of Carbon county, Pa., and they have six children: Ida M., William H., Raymond, Bessie, Charles and Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Smawley are members of the German Reformed Church.
CHARLES M. SMETHERS, moulder, P.O. Beach Haven, was born at Beach Haven, Salem township, this county, May 2, 1863, and is a son of Conrad and Sarah (Minnich) Smethers. His paternal grandparents were William and Catharine (Biebelhammer) Smethers, of Salem township; and his maternal grandparents were Henry and Leah (Shiley) Minnich, of Shickshinny. His father, who was a native of Nescopeck township, from a boy boated on the Pennsylvania Canal, and was captain of a boat at eighteen years of age. He died at Beach Haven June 23, 1892, at the age of sixty-one. His children were Warren W., Charles M. and Lizzie (Mrs. Echart Jones). Our subject was reared in Beach Haven, educated in the public school, and for one and one-half years has been in the employ of the Jackson & Worden Car Company, at Berwick, Pa. He married September 25, 1891, Stella Seely, of Beach Haven. Mr. Smethers is a member of the P.O.S. of A., and is a Democrat.
A. SMITH, teamster of Miner & Co., Plains, was born in Plainsville, November 24, 1852. Our subject began picking slate at an early age, and when fifteen years old left home, went west, and located at Sabetha, Kans., where he was engaged in farming and herding; he followed this occupation fifteen years, including three years passed on a ranch in Colorado, and then returned to Plains, where he has since been engaged in teaming and farming; he has held his present position since 1887. Mr. Smith was married October 25, 1888, to Miss Ida, daughter of Asa Brader, of Plains, and to their union has been born one child, Asa B. Mr. Smith and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is a member of the P.O.S. of A., and of the O.U.A.M.; he has always given his political support to the principles of the Republican party.
AARON SMITH, farmer, P.O. Sybertsville, was born in Nescopeck township, June 27, 1848, a son of John and Mary (Keen) Smith. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Smith, settled in Nescopeck in 1814, purchased a large tract of land, and while going to Philadelphia to meet his last payment on same, was killed by his horse within a short distance of home. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Frederick Keen, a pioneer of Nescopeck township. The father, Aaron Smith, was born in Nescopeck township, was a farmer and drover, and met his death by being killed by his horse. His children who grew to maturity were Susan (Mrs. J. H. Nyer), Aaron, Martha, George, Arletta (Mrs. Jacob Young), Sabina (Mrs. Philip Young), Ellen (Mrs. William Seely) and John. Our subject was reared in Nescopeck township, and educated in common schools, remaining with his father until his twenty-fourth year. He has been a resident of Sugar Loaf township since 1875, and has occupied his present farm since 1881. On August 15, 1872, he was married to Mary J., daughter of Jacob S. and Eliza (Housenecht) Balliet, of Sugar Loaf township, and has one son living, Reuben H. Mr. Smith is a member of the Reformed Church, of which he was deacon five years; in politics he is a Republican.
ABNER SMITH, a rising, brilliant and popular young attorney at law of Hazleton, was born December 13, 1865, at Montreal, Canada, and is the only child of Joseph and Ann (Ball) Smith, natives of Staffordshire, England. The family removed to Troy, N.Y., when Abner was but one year old. They remained there six years, removing at the end of that period to Philadelphia, where the subject of this sketch received his early education: first at Cheltenham College, where he received a thorough preparatory course, and, later, at Prof. S. A. Smith's academy. After six years' thorough training in these institutions of learning, Mr. Smith went to England, and for five years was a student at Cambridge University. On returning to this country, he passed one year in the University of Pennsylvania; he then began the study of law with Harry Halsey, of Philadelphia, who afterward, accompanied by Mr. Smith, came to Hazleton and established a practice. Mr. Smith was with Lawyer Halsey for about two and a half years, and then entered the office of C. W. Kline, with whom he has since been associated. He was admitted to the Luzerne county bar in April, 1891. Mr. Smith was united in marriage, January 21, 1891, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Green) Hale, of West Pittston, Pa., and one son has blessed this union. In his political views Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican. He is well known not only at Hazleton but at the county seat, where he is exceedingly popular among the members of the bar. In religious faith he is a supporter of the Episcopal Church.
ADAM D. SMITH, locomotive engineer, Ashley, was born in Scott township, Lackawanna Co., Pa., March 2, 1847, and is a son of Valentine and Eliza (Fellers) Smith, natives of Dutchess county, N.Y., and Columbia county, Pa., respectively, and of Dutch origin; the father, who was a blacksmith by trade and later a farmer, had a family of twelve children: Hannah C., who died young; Henry and John (twins); David; Mary J. (Mrs. Isaac Hass); Charles; Valentine, who died on his engine at Rockport, Pa., at the age of forty-two years; Sophia, who died at the age of twenty-one; Adam D.; Catherine (Mrs. Frank Benedict); Alfred who was killed at the age of two years by falling into a tub of lye; and Emma E., who died at the age of thirteen years. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Scott township, and at the age of seventeen began working in a sawmill near Moosic, Pa., for Edward Delph, where he remained two years and then leased a mill and operated it for three years. After this he engaged in blacksmithing with his brother, Valentine, one year. They worked their father's farm a year, and purchased a farm which they worked a year. In June, 1871, he became brakeman on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, was promoted to fireman in March, 1872, and to his present position September 20, 1875. He moved to Ashley in 1886, and built his comfortable house two years later. Mr. Smith was married in 1873 to Miss Jessie A., daughter of Samuel and Julia (Messenger) Crane, natives of Illinois and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of Dutch origin. Of this union were born four children: Josephine died at the age of six weeks; Frank E. and Lena W. are attending school; and Gaius died at the age of two and a half years. Our subject is a member of the F. & A.M., of the B. of L.E. and the K. of H. He is a Democrat, and was once president of the school board in Wright township, this county.
ANTHONY SMITH, farmer, P.O. Sybertsville, was born in Monroe county, Pa., December 8, 1850, a son of David and Anne (Smith) Smith. His paternal grandfather was Martin Smith, and his maternal grandfather was Manuel Smith—both pioneers of Monroe county, Pa. David Smith, father of our subject, was a native of Monroe county, and in 1862 settled in Sugar Loaf township, this county, where he still resides. He has two children living: Anthony and Mandus. Our subject was reared in Monroe and Luzerne counties, and cleared and improved the farm where he now resides, and on which he located in 1876. He has one of the finest farms in Sugar Loaf township. His wife was a daughter of Peter Zellner, and he has one daughter, Helen E. Mr. Smith is a member of the Reformed Church, and in politics is a Democrat.
BARTON T. SMITH, postmaster and merchant, West Nanticoke, was born in Ross township, Luzerne county, January 4, 1862, and is a son of Levi and Deborah (Edwards) Smith, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Pennsylvanian extraction. The family were early settlers of this county. Barton T. is the second in a family of three children, and was reared and partially educated in Luzerne county, completing his education in Union Academy, Broome county, N.Y., where he took a three years' course. In 1887 our subject purchased the general store at West Nanticoke formerly owned by Solomon Hersch, where he has since enjoyed an extensive and lucrative trade. In November, 1888, Mr. Smith was appointed postmaster of West Nanticoke by William F. Vilas, and has since performed the duties of that office. He is also manager of the Barrall Lumber Yard, at West Nanticoke, and is an energetic, enterprising business man. He attends the Methodist Church, is a member of the F. & A.M., and politically is a loyal adherent of the Democratic party.
BERNARD P. SMITH, farmer and justice of the peace, Fairmount township, P.O. Fairmount Springs, Pa., was born in Delaware county, N.Y., October 26, 1844, and is a son of John H. and Rachel B. (Koons) Smith, natives of Delaware county, N.Y., and Luzerne county, Pa., and of German and English origin, respectively. John H. Smith was born November 15, 1817, a son of William and Aseneth (Park) Smith; came to Fairmount Springs, Pa., in 1846, and built the present Smith home—the only stone house in said township—where he farmed and conducted a hotel, and was also justice of the peace; during his term of office the license was in Rachel B. Smith's name; he died March 2, 1859. Our subject is the eldest in the family of seven children, five of whom are yet living. He was the only son, was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools and Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and when fifteen years old (was sixteen on October 26) enlisted September 18, 1861, in Company A, Fifty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Capt. G. R. Leonard, where he was known as "Pokey" Smith; a Dutch cook would call out very loud "Pokey Smit come and get your braid," so that all the officers and men knew him. He served with his regiment for eleven months; was in the battles of Williamsburg, Bottom's Bridge and Fair Oaks, where he was wounded by a rifle ball passing through his right ankle joint. He was discharged on account of this wound August 8, 1862, returned home and was obliged to use crutches for five years. In 1866 he opened a hotel and for about ten years conducted the same as a licensed house, and during "Local Option" was once fined by U.S. Revenue Collector Hoyt, his old colonel, afterward Gov. Henry M. Hoyt. He has ever since furnished meals and lodging for the traveling public. He also owns a fine farm of 180 acres. Mr. Smith was married February 2, 1870, to Lucy F., daughter of James M. and Malinda (Lakin) Twaddell, natives of Hancock township, Delaware Co., N.Y., and of Irish and English origin, respectively. She is the eighth in a family of eleven (two of whom are living), and was born December 4, 1843. This union was blessed with four children, viz.: Edwin G., born October 12, 1872; Roy D., born December 31, 1875; Helen R., born August 28, 1880; and Charles T., born October 8, 1886. Mr. Smith is a member of the G.A.R., and has always been quartermaster since the post was organized, about eight years ago; in politics he is a Republican, and has held the offices of auditor and town clerk, and is justice of the peace at the present time. His great-grandfather on his father's mother's side, known as Bosen Park, came from near the headwaters of the Delaware river, in Hancock township, Delaware Co., N.Y., across the country on foot to the Susquehanna river, and procuring a skiff he floated down the river with the express purpose of warning the inhabitants that the Indians were coming. He called out as he floated past the houses: "flee to the mountains, ye long beaver tails, the Indians are coming;" this was just before the massacre. Reference as to authenticity: Orin Park, Plymouth, Pa., late of Fairmount Springs, Pa.; Mrs. Malinda Twaddell, Upperblack Eddy, Pa., late of East Branch, N.Y.; Edwin Twaddell, Upperblack Eddy, Pa., late of East Branch, N.Y.; Mrs. Rachel B. Smith, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., late of Fairmount Springs, Pa.
CHARLES SMITH, farmer and justice of the peace, P.O. Rock Glen, was born in Black Creek township July 14, 1845, a son of Michael and Maria (Rupert) Smith, natives of Lehigh and Schuylkill counties, Pa., respectively. His father first settled in what is now Black Creek township about 1819, where, with the exception of four years spent in Lehigh county, he resided until his death. He was a shoemaker, but in later life engaged in farming. He was a son of Michael Smith, of Lehigh county. He married Maria, a daughter of Charles Rupert, a pioneer of Black Creek township, who cleared and improved the farm now occupied by our subject. The children of Michael and Maria (Rupert) Smith were Catherine (Mrs. Benaiah De Frain), Fiana (Mrs. Joseph Rittenhouse), Elias, Levi, Esther, Mary (Mrs. Elias Lamberson), Celinda (Mrs. Amos Johnson) and Charles. Our subject was reared in the old Rupert homestead where he has always resided. He married Sarah, daughter of Henry and Judeth (Brosius) Croll, of Black Creek township, and has four children living: Carrie, Gilbert, Ruth and Edna. He is a member of the Reformed Church; in politics he is a Democrat and in 1892 was an elected justice of the peace for a term of five years.
CHARLES B. SMITH, bookkeeper, Pittston, was born in Cymbran, Monmonthshire, England, a son of W. B. and Emily (Hall) Smith, both natives of England, who came to the United States, locating in Scranton, Pa., in April, 1868. They removed, in 1869, to Pittston, where the father is a salesman in the employ of Mr. Hitchner. The family consisted of seven children, of which Charles B. is the eldest. Our subject was reared in Pittston and educated in the public schools of that borough. At the age of thirteen he began as a newsboy in Pittston and distributed papers in that city for two years, when he secured a position as bookkeeper with the grocery house of J. L. Morgan & Company, a position that he held for two years. In 1886 he became assistant bookkeeper and correspondent for the Pittston Stove Company, and has continued to give perfect satisfaction to his employers up to the present day. Mr. Smith is a young man of more than ordinary ability, a fact that, coupled with his splendid moral character and industrious habits, is sure to win for him success in whatever line of business he chooses. He is a member of the Broad Street M.E. Church, of the Pittston Y.M.C.A., a member and N.G. of Gohonto Lodge, No. 314, I.O.O.F., and also a member of the Eagle Hose Company. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and, although a young man, has acquired a considerable political influence, being an earnest worker for Republican interests. In 1891 and 1892 he was a delegate to the Republican State Convention from the Fifth Legislative District, was the youngest member ever sent from that District, and is secretary of this District. He is a member of the Republican County Committee, and chairman of the Borough Republican Committee. Also the Pittston correspondent for the Scranton Republican, and his journalistic efforts show decided merits.
CHARLES H. SMITH, engineer at the Wyoming Shaft, Plains, was born in Plainsville, February 3, 1859, and is a son of Daniel and Sarah A. (Prutzman) Smith, natives of Monroe county, Pa., and of German origin. In his father's family there were thirteen children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Adam; William, a mine superintendent, at Gletson, Pa.; Frank, a mine-boss at Osceola, Pa.; Amanda, married to Lawrence Rogers, a farmer at Maltby, Pa.; Charles H., whose name opens this sketch; Ellen, married to Samuel Thompson, a miner of Forty-Fort; and Catherine, married to George Aitkins, a miner at Maltby, Pa. Our subject began picking slate at an early age, and, following the usual routine, did nearly all kinds of work about the mines, being promoted in 1889 to his present occupation, which he has since followed. He built and removed to his present residence in 1890. Mr. Smith was married, April 14, 1880, to Jennie A., daughter of Manuel and Mary J. (Fenstermacher) Smith, of Plainsville, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. Mr. And Mrs. Smith have five children, viz.: Myrtle A., Raymond E., Viola M., Adam D. and Hazel A. Mr. Smith and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is a member of the I.O.O.F., and the P.O.S. of A., and in politics is a Republican.
DALLAS J. SMITH, carpenter, Parsons, was born in Lycoming county, Pa., July 22, 1844. He is a son of John S. and Rachel (Taggat) Smith, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of New England parentage, and the latter of Irish descent. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen began life for himself, working at the carpenter's trade, in Danville, Pa., where he remained about one year, when he enlisted in the Union army, March 20, 1864, in Company G, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth P.V.I. He participated in the following engagements: Drury Bluff, Fair Oaks, Petersburg, Cemetery Hill, Chapin's Farm, Fort Harrison and several minor skirmishes. He was mustered out with his regiment at Philadelphia, in December, 1865, when he returned to Danville and resumed his trade, remaining there until 1871. He then removed to Miners Mills, where he worked at his trade until 1877. He then went to Salina, Kans., where he resided three years, thence removing to Lawrence, same State, and remained seven years, having followed the carpenter work during his residence there and in Salina. He then removed to Ottawa, Kans., where he followed farming two years, when he removed to Parsons, Pa., and returned to his trade. Mr. Smith was married September 11, 1872, to Miss Annie, daughter of Thomas Burch, of Scranton, Pa. They have one child, Grace A., born March 11, 1879. He is a member of the G.A.R., and in politics is a Republican.
DRAPER SMITH, retired, Plymouth, was born November 7, 1815, in Wyoming county, Pa., and is a son of Newton and Deborah (Reeder) Smith, the former a native of New London, Conn., the latter of New Jersey. They were among the earliest settlers of this historic Valley, and the father, who was then a child, numbered among the little band of women and children who were sent to Connecticut for safety during the Wyoming Massacre period, as the depredations of the Indians and Tories at that time were of the most alarming and atrocious nature. Our subject was next to the youngest of the nine children in this pioneer family, and was educated in the pay schools of Wyoming county. After completing his education he clerked in a business house at Tunkhannock, Pa., for a short time, moving from there to Plymouth in 1832. He ws employed by Gaylord & Reynolds for nearly four years, at the end of which period he entered into partnership with Gaylord in the business and continued with him three years. In 1840 our enterprising subject entered into partnership with Mr. Little, of Kingston, where they successfully handled iron for two years. This firm being dissolved, Mr. Smith returned to Plymouth, the scene of his early business adventures, and engaged in coal traffic until 1847, when the mercantile fever again seized him and he embarked on the sea of commerce, this time opening a general store, which he successfully conducted for ten years. At the end of that time Mr. Shupp, one of Plymouth's most worthy and respected citizens, entered into partnership with Mr. Smith and the firm continued business until 1864, when Mr. Smith retired from active commercial life. He is still, however, at the head of many public concerns, and was appointed deputy collector of his district, a position in which he discharged his duties very creditably, but one that he found irksome, and he therefore resigned after a few months' service. He is at this time, and has been for the past twenty years, vice-president of the First National Bank of Plymouth, is president of the Light, Heat & Power Co., also of the Plymouth Water Company. Though Mr. Smith claims to have retired from business, yet the above facts will satisfy the reader that his business burdens are anything but light. He was first married January 7, 1840, to Miss Caroline, daughter of John and Frances (Halberton) Smith, natives of Connecticut. One child was born to this union, Elizabeth L. (Mrs. Hubbard B. Payne, of Kingston, Pa.). In 1846 Mrs. Smith died, and in 1847 Mr. Smith married Miss Louisa, daughter of John Myers, a resident of Marietta, Lancaster county, Pa. She passed away in 1865, and our subject, in 1874, was married in Middleton, Conn., to Mrs. Atkins. Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican, and he is a member of the Christian Church.
ELIHU SMITH, outside foreman at the Baltimore Colliery No. 2, Parsons, was born in Benton, Pa., August 19, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Sisson) Smith, natives of Rhode Island, of English lineage, and early settlers in the Wyoming Valley. The father, who was a carpenter and later a farmer, reared a family of four children, two of whom are living, viz.: Samuel, a farmer at Clark's Summit, Pa., and Elihu, the subject of this sketch. The last named was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty, began working at the carpenter's trade on the Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad, and later was employed about the mines and railroad in and about Pittston. He was then inside and outside foreman at the Everhart Colliery near Pittston, for eighteen years, after which he removed in 1883 to Mill Creek, since when he has been employed as foreman for different companies, and has held his present position two years. Mr. Smith was married, November 25, 1855, to Miss Isabella, daughter of James and Mary (Hall) Nicholson, natives of England, which union has been blessed with ten children, viz.: James M., who died at the age of nineteen years; George R., who died at the age of two years; Mary E., who married Thomas Henshel, of West Pittston, by whom she has three children: James N., John W. and Thomas; Georgiana, married to Henry Frosey, of Mill Creek, by whom she has one child, Walter; Samuel, an engineer at the Delaware Breaker (he is married to Ella Gilmore; they have four children: Charles (died at the age of one year), Arthur, Wilson and Isabella); Elihu, engaged in company work at the Baltimore Colliery No. 2; John W., an engineer at the same mine, and Sarah A., Isabella and Wilson T., attending school. Charles Williams, a bright lad of twelve years, whose mother died when he was seven years old and whose father was killed in the mines two years later, has since found a home with Mr. Smith. Our subject is a member of the F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and the K. of H.; he is a Democrat in his political views, but votes irrespective of party lines.
E. M. SMITH, hotel proprietor, Plymouth, was born at Old Forge, Lackawanna Co., Pa., March 10, 1839, and is a son of Erastus and Matilda (Howard) Smith, the former a native of East Haddam, Conn., the latter of New York State. They came to Old Forge when the subject of this sketch was three years of age, the county at that time being but sparsely settled. There were seven children in this family, of which Erastus M. is next to the youngest. The father was one of the leading citizens of Old Forge township, and for many years in the early days operated a foundry in which was cast one of the first iron ploughs ever manufactured in this part of the county. Our subject was educated in the public schools of his native county, and at Wyoming Seminary. After completing his course of study he went west, and commenced in the hotel business at Janesville, Wis., where he was proprietor of the first hotel on the European plan of that place. Here he remained on the farm with his father. Owing to ill health he went to Florida, and there engaged in the orange-packing business, operating one of the largest establishments of the kind in the State. He then returned north and located at Scranton, Pa., where he was engaged in the real estate business six years; then coming from Scranton to Plymouth in 1890, he embarked in the hotel business, and is now proprietor of the "Frantz House," a commodious, first-class hostelry, where the genial proprietor spares no pains in making his patrons comfortable. Mr. Smith has been twice married: first time to Miss Elizabeth Ann, daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Choal, natives of Canada. Five children were born to this union, viz: Frank M., residing at Scranton, Pa., William E., a merchant also in Scranton; Nellie M., who married Frank M. Stewart; Frank, deceased; and Frank T., at home. The mother of this family died December 10, 1888, at Scranton, and Mr. Smith afterward married, December 9, 1890, Miss Mary, daughter of Henry and Emeline (Gunning) Jones, natives of England, who came to this country about 1847, locating at Towanda, Pa. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican, and he attends the Presbyterian Church.
FRANK N. SMITH, principal of the West Nanticoke schools, was born in Kent county, Del., August 12, 1864, and is a son of William and Margaret A. (Baggs) Smith, also natives of Delaware. Our subject was educated in the public schools of his birthplace and at the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, taking a four years' course at the latter place and graduating to the class of 1891. He then took charge of the school of West Nanticoke Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he votes the Prohibition ticket; he is a member of the O.U. A. M.
FRED L. SMITH, attorney, Hazleton, was born in that town December 5, 1864, a son of Sampson and Elizabeth (Lauderburn) Smith, and is of English and German descent. He was reared in his native city, graduated from Dickinson College, in 1886, and studied law with C. W. Kline, of Hazleton. He attended Columbia Law School 1888-89, and in the spring of 1890 was admitted to the Luzerne county bar. He has since been located in Hazleton, where he is building up a lucrative clientage. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican.
GEORGE SMITH, blacksmith and wheelwright, Wright township, P.O. Albert, was born in Hazleton, February 20, 1863, a son of George and Anna C. (Creesy) Smith, both of German origin. The father was a farmer, and reared a family of six children. George being the fourth in order of birth. He attended the common schools of Butler township till he was fifteen years old, when he went to work on his father's farm, where he remained four years. He then attended school one term, after which he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he finished, together with that of wheelwright in 1883. He then came to Wright township, where he opened a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, and, one year later purchased a farm and erected thereon a shop of his own, which contains all of the most modern machinery. Mr. Smith was married in October, 1884, to Anna B., daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Hildebrand, both of Wright township and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, viz: Charles A. and Walter L. Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat.
GEORGE H. SMITH, brick manufacturer, Pittston, was born December 4, 1854, in Pittston, where he was reared, and learned the rudiments of the English language. He is a son of Harry and Caroline (Daniels) Smith, the former born in England, the latter in Wales. Harry Smith emigrated to this county in 1845, locating in Pittston, where he became an active coal operator, owning at one time about 400 acres of coal land. He was a man of keen perception and fine business qualities. His son, George H., is a part owner in and is the business agent for the company. Mr. Smith, the father of George H., was not only a coal operator, but he also entered into other enterprises. He owned and managed a brewery and was the founder of the Peoples Bank of Pittston, being chosen one of the first directors. His life was active and eventful. He died August 2, 1874, at the early age of fifty. Harry and Caroline (Daniels) Smith were the parents of four children, two of whom are living: George H. and Albert P. George H. is the eldest and, in his preparatory discipline, spent several terms at the Kingston school. He next went to Graylock College, Massuchusetts, thence to Europe, where he spent two years, and upon his return completed his studies in Philadelphia. May 11, 1876, he married Miss Minnie, daughter of Robert and Mary Loona, by whom he has had six children, four of whom are living: Harry E., Mabel, A. Lester and George, Jr. After his marriage Mr. Smith returned to Europe with his family, where he spent four years, making in all seven years spent abroad. In 1888 our subject embarked in his first personal enterprise, as a brick manufacturer in Pittston township. He has a 40,000 capacity plant, and employs fifty men. His brick is of superior quality, for which he finds a ready market all over the country. Mr. Smith is an enterprising and hustling businessman; he is a member of the Episcopal Church and a vestryman of that body. Politically he is a stanch Republican.
HON. JOHN B. SMITH, president of the First National Bank of Plymouth, with residence in Forty Fort, was born May 26, 1819, in Plymouth, where the Smith Opera House now stands (which was built by him in honor of his parents), and is a son of Abijah and Esther (Ransom) Smith, natives of Connecticut and Plymouth respectively. The father came to Plymouth in 1806, and in 1807 helped to open the first coal mine in the United States, at that place. He followed the coal business until his death, which occurred in 1826, when he was aged sixty-five years. He had been twice married, having in all nineteen children, seven by his latter wife, three of whom are living, viz: Louisa (Mrs. Samuel Davenport, of Plymouth); Levi M. (residing in Denver, Colo., and operating two large ranches a short distance from the city) and John B. Our subject's education was limited to the meager facilities afforded by the Plymouth Academy at the time of his boyhood. He earned his first money, when but twelve years of age, digging potatoes, his payment being every eight bushel, and during the following two summers he worked on a farm for a Mr. Turner, for which he received a shilling per day. When he was sixteen years of age, he engaged with the firm of Smith & Wright, of Newark, N.J. (of which his half-brother, Fitch, was the senior member), to learn the saddler's trade; he stayed just nine days and then came by boat to Easton and from there walked to Plymouth. Next day he began an apprenticeship at cabinet-making, which he followed a year and a half, and then entered the employ of his brother-in-law, Samuel Davenport, in a general mercantile business. In this he remained until he was twenty-one, and then purchased a half interest in the stock, which partnership lasted till the death of Mr. Davenport in 1849. Mr. Smith continued in the business until 1870, admitting his nephew, Abijah Davenport, as partner in 1864. In 1862 he purchased the coal business of Heber & Crouse, of Plymouth, and in July 1864, sold it for fifty-one thousand dollars. He then refused, but secured for his son, Robert N., a position as coal operator with a salary of twelve thousand dollars a year, and organized the bank of which he has since been president. This gentleman's brilliant success in life, which has been largely due to his own personal efforts, shows very clearly what may be accomplished in this great land of ours by honest and untiring industry, backed by good common sense; he embarked in life working by the the day for very meager wages, but now his consolidated estates would constitute quite an Empire. He owns five large farms in Pennsylvania, and a tract of 3,680 acres in one of the best gold districts of Colorado, which, apart from its fertile soil, has been pronounced by experts as an unusually good gold field. Besides these vast estates, he owns and deals in town property to a great extent in Nanticoke, Plymouth, Forty Fort, and adjoining towns. He has been president of the Kingston & Dallas Turnpike Road Company since its organization. He built his present beautiful residence in Forty Fort borough, and removed therein in 1868; for the past few years a large portion of his time has been given to traveling. Mr. Smith was married, February 8, 1843, to Miss Liva, daughter of Robert Davenport, of Plymouth, and they had born to them three children, two of whom are living, viz: Robert N., teller in the First National Bank at Plymouth, and Liva (Mrs. Dr. Albert Reckard, of Plymouth). On January 25, 1851, Mr. Smith married Eveline Keeler, daughter of Asa and Elizabeth Keeler, and this union has been blessed with nine children, two of whom are living, viz.: May Virginia, residing with her parents, and Margaret Ransom Eveline (Mrs. Harvey Yeager, of Forty Fort). Our subject is a member of the Christian Church of Plymouth, of the board of trustees of which he is a president; his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F, Shawneee Lodge No. 225, at Plymouth; of the Farmers' American Congress, which he was appointed by Governor Pattison to attend at Sedalia, Mo., in November, 1891; is also a member of the Farmer's State Board. In his political views, Mr. Smith has always advocated the principles of the Republican party, and represented his District in the Legislature at Harrisburg from 1876 to 1880.
JOSEPH SMITH, retired, Forty Fort, is a son of Thomas and Mary (Grant) Smith, natives of England, who in 1834 came to America, where the father was engaged as a farmer in Lackawanna county, Pa., and later as butcher in Wilkes-Barre, this county. Our subject, who is third in a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living was born June 23, 1823 in Cambridgeshire, England. He was educated in the common schools of America, and in 1853 started in life for himself as broom-maker, which trade he followed until 1879, when he moved on his present farm known as the "Forty Fort Berry Farm," purchased in 1868. Mr. Smith was married in 1858 to Sarah Pugh, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Drecher) Pugh, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Their union has been blessed with two children: Samuel T., born November 20, 1859, and Elmer T., born May 25, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.
THOMAS SMITH, county commissioner, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Shillbottle, County Northumberland, England, August 31, 1830, a son of Thomas and Isabel (Smith) Smith. His father was a miner and a native of England, where he lived and died. His paternal grandparents were John and Bessie (Askel) Smith, and his maternal grandfather was John Smith—all natives of England. Our subject was reared in England, where he received a limited education in the common schools. He began work in the mines at nine years of age, and was employed in the mines fifty-one years in England and Pennsylvania. In 1864 he came to America and settled in Luzerne county, Pa., where he has since resided. Twenty-seven years of the time were spent at Milnesville, where he was engaged in mining, and since 1891 he has resided in Wilkes-Barre. In 1853 Mr. Smith married Mary Beadling, daughter of Thomas and Isabella (Shields) Beadling, of County Northumberland, England, and by her has eight children living, viz.: John, William, Thomas, Luke, Isabella (Mrs. Robert Ruthford), Mary A., Robert and James. Mr. Smith is a prominent member of the Knights of Labor, and for three years was treasurer of the Order at Milnesville; was also for two years vice-president of the W.B.A. Miner's Union. In 1890 he was elected one of the commissioners of Luzerne county for a term of three years, which he is now serving. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
THOMAS SMITH, miner, Inkerman, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., March 22, 1827. His parents Jonathan and Sarah (Teal) Smith, natives of Lancashire, England, reared a family of five children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He received his education in the common schools, and when about twenty years of age came to Pittston, where he was employed as an out-door laborer until 1850, when he went to work in the mines. On the breaking out of the Rebellion our subject enlisted in Company C, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and served with distinction during the war, being entitled to the rank of sergeant. On being mustered out at the close of the war he retired to Pittston, and has since been employed as a miner by the Pennsylvania Coal Company. Mr. Smith was united in marriage, July 4, 1856, with Annie, daughter of Frederick J. and Annie (Foster) Steward, natives of Durham, England. They have no children of their own, but adopted, many years ago, the son and daughter of Mr. Smith's brother. Our subject is a member of the M.E. Church, the I.O.O.F., O.U.A.M., and I.O.R.M. He is a Republican in politics.
THOMAS G. SMITH, truck farmer, Forty Fort borough, is a son of Thomas and Mary (Grant) Smith, who came to America in 1834, the father following farming in Lackawanna county, Pa., for a time, and, later, the butchering business in Wilkes-Barre. Our subject, who is second in a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living, was educated at the common schools in this country, and commenced life at broom-making, and at the age of twenty-five embarked in truck farming in Kingston township, which he carried on nine years. He then went to Boston Ohio, and was there engaged in same business, one year; thence proceeded to Medina county, same State, and was there eight years, when he moved to Sanford Station, Ill., thence to Bloom, same State, remaining at each place one year. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and spent one winter in Scranton at general work, after which in 1869, he came to Forty Fort and purchased his present property, whereon he has since resided. Mr. Smith was married November 10, 1845, to Rhoda Gunton, daughter of Matthew and Margaret (Barron) Gunton, natives of England, who came to America in 1831, the former of whom was a stencil worker by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had six children, of whom the following is a brief record: Charles B., a bottler in Scranton, married Elizabeth Motzonbacher, and has four children: Bertie, Maud, Flora, and Artie; Mary J. married James Gardner, a bookkeeper in Scranton and has five children: Frank, Lettie, Belle, Artie, and Goldie; Margaret S. married Zeno Whitebeck, a carriage trimmer in Scranton, and has five children: Giles, Bessie, Frank, Gracie, and Warren; Florence married Daniel Ruple, a carriage maker of Scranton, from whom she was divorced, and she afterward married Robert Albertson, of Wilkes-Barre (by her first marriage she had one child, Naomi Ethel); Martha A. married William Menich, a dentist of Nanticoke, and has two children, Grant and Austin; Rhoda (deceased) married Harper Pettibone, a farmer of Dorranceton, and had one child, Warren H. Mrs. Thomas G. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church of Abington; in politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat.
THOMAS H. SMITH, Nescopeck township, was born in Butler township, September 20, 1843, a son of William and Elizabeth (Washburn) Smith. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Smith, a native of New Jersey, settled in Nescopeck township about 1814, making improvements on a large farm, part of which is owned by our subject. While on his way to Philadelphia, to make his last payment on the tract of 428 acres, he was thrown from his horse and killed within a short distance from his home. His wife was Christina Robinson, and his children who grew to maturity were: William, Samuel, Phineas, Josiah, Jane (Mrs. George Fortner), John, George, Sarah and Mary (Mrs. Peter Stahr). The father of our subject was born in New Jersey in 1810, and was reared in Nescopeck township from four years of age. He cleared a part of the old homestead, where he died in 1871. His children were: Uriah, Albert, Samuel, Thomas H., Joseph, A. R., John W. and Elizabeth, by his first wife. His second wife was Susan Wright, and his children by her were: William, Benjamin, Ann (Mrs. Lutz) and Walter S. Our subject was reared in Nescopeck township from infancy, and has made farming his chief occupation. He enlisted in the Civil war December 23, 1864, in Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers; he took part in several skirmishes and the battles at Fort Gregg and Appomattox, and witnessed Lee's surrender. He was honorably discharged from the service June 28, 1865. Mr. Smith was married, February 2, 1868, to Lydia A., daughter of Michael and Sarah (Hess) Raber, of Nescopeck, and by her he has had three children: George W., Albert W. (deceased) and Lloyd E. Mr. Smith is a member of the Senior Order of United American Mechanics; in politics he is a Democrat, and served as school director of Nescopeck township for twelve years.
U. R. SMITH, farmer, P.O. Harding, was born in this county, July 27, 1851, and is a son of Thomas and Louisa (Driesbach) Smith, the former born in New Jersey, the latter in Monroe county, Pa. Thomas was a sawyer by occupation and an expert lumber manufacturer. He removed to this county about 1840, locating in Exeter township, where he owned a farm, now the property of Jacob Kintz. At one time he was a hotel-keeper at what is now known as Harding, on the Susquehanna river. In 1864 he entered the Civil war, serving faithfully and courageously to its close, and was honorably discharged. He previously served three years under General Scott in the Mexican war. Mr. Smith was a man of varied experience. He died in May, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years. His family consisted of five children, four of whom grew to maturity, and three of whom are now living. U. R. is the second of the family; he was reared and educated in Exeter township and has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits. In September, 1875, he married Miss Dora, daughter of A. J. and Emma Vantingle, and to this union were born two girls: Jessie and Emma. Mr. Smith removed to his present place of seventy acres which he purchased in 1891, formerly known as the "Oliver Driesbach" place. Mr. Smith is an expert gardner, raising all kinds of "truck," supplying the needs of the Pittston market. His hot-house is supplied with all the modern improvements for conducting that business. He is also an extensive dealer in milk, having forty cows of superior breed. Mr. Smith is a striving man of sufficient force of character to make his mark in life; he is gentlemanly in conduct, and amiable in disposition.
WILLIAM E. SMITH, farmer, P.O. Rock Glen, was born in what is now Black Creek township, May 3, 1824, a son of John and Eve (Engle) Smith. His paternal grandfather, Phineas Smith, a native of New Jersey, was a pioneer of Black Creek township, where he cleared and improved a farm, and there died. His children were James, Samuel, Phineas, Abram, Benjamin, Jesse, Mary (Mrs. John Cawley), Patty (Mrs. John Miller), Kate (Mrs. Daniel Shellhammer), Hannah (Mrs. Philip Cool), Sally (Mrs. Abram Cool) and John. The father of our subject was a native of New Jersey, but spent most of his life in Black Creek township, where he cleared the farm now owned by Peter Ringlaber, and died there. Hie wife was a daughter of John Engle, a pioneer of Sugar Loaf township, and by her he had nine children: Phineas, Joseph, John, William E., James, Mary (Mrs. John Sinn), Kate (Mrs. Amos McNeil), Rebecca (Mrs. Cyrus Young), Jane (Mrs. Frederick Hill). Our subject was reared in Black Creek township, and cleared most of the farm where he now resides. His wife was Catherine, daughter of Abram and Elizabeth (Martz) Shellhammer, of Black Creek township, and his children are Charles, Abram, Asa, Ariel, Dennison, Lizzie (Mrs. James Hauze) and Della. Mr. Smith is a representative of one of the oldest families in Black Creek. In politics hs is a Democrat, and has held the offices of supervisor, overseer of the poor, auditor and school director.
JOHN SMOULTER, JR., president of the First National Bank of Nanticoke, was born in Wilkes-Barre, December 26, 1853. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Hochreiter) Smoulter, came from Germany and settled in Wilkes-Barre in 1847, where the mother died in 1863. His father, at the venerable age of eighty-three, now resides at Nanticoke, and is comparatively hale and active for a man of his age. He reared a family of five children, of whom our subject is the youngest. After receiving a good business education in the schools of Wilkes-Barre, he was employed around the mines for a time, when he engaged as an apprentice at the tinner's trade, which he followed for seven years. In 1886 he came to Nanticoke and engaged in the hardware mercantile business in various forms, such as plumbing and tinning. He devoted his entire attention to the business, in which he was very successful, until 1888, when he received the nomination for county treasurer of Luzerne county by the Democratic party. He was also successful in politics as well as in business, being elected to the office by a large majority. Mr. Smoulter was also elected and served as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held in Chicago, in June, 1892, which nominated Grover Cleveland for the Presidency. On January 14, 1889, at the organization of the First National Bank of Nanticoke, of which he was one of the leading promoters, he was elected its vice-president, and one year later became president, which office he now holds. Mr. Smoulter was married, January 24, 1883, to Miss Ellen Shea, of Nanticoke, which union has been blessed with four children, viz.: Lizzie (deceased), John (deceased), Gertrude and Lizzie. Mr. and Mrs. Smoulter are members of the Catholic Church at Nanticoke.
WILLIAM J. SMURLS, carpenter, Parsons, was born in Nanticoke, Pa., August 22, 1843, and is a son of John and Christiana (Stuckey) Smurls, the former born on board ship, on the high seas, between Ireland and Scotland. His parents were from Scotland, and he was a native of Pennsylvania and of Holland origin. Our subject was educated in the common schools, also in the Wilkes-Barre high school, and began life for himself at the age of eighteen, working at the carpenter's trade for the firm of Godshaw & Divenpect, constructing breakers at Scranton. He remained there about a year and then came to Parsons in the employ of the same firm, remaining with them here about three years. He then worked in various places for about a year, when he was employed by the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company, and has since been in the employ as a mine foreman. He enlisted October 17, 1864, in Company I, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry (One Hundred and Sixtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers), and, June 21, 1865, was transferred to Company A; he was assigned to Stanley's Division, cavalry of the Cumberland, was on scout duty near Chattanooga, and removed to Decatur, Ala.; was in a skirmish at Dalton, Ga., and also in the following engagements: Decatur, Pond Springs (Ala.); capture of Hood's pontoon and wagon trains, Mavoo (Ala.); Tuscaloosa road and rout of the H, Alabama Cavalry, Thorn Hill, Mt. Hope, Reel Hill, Paint Rocks, Stoneman's raid, Wilkesboro (on the Yadkin river), destruction of the Tennessee Railroad (Boone, N.C.); Wytherville (Va.); New London (Va.); Greensboro (N.C.); Jamestown, destruction of the bridge and depot at Deep River; also the capture of the money of the Macam Bank, near forks of the Appalachee, and was mustered out July 18, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn., and returned home. On January 9, 1866, Mr. Smurls married Miss Kate, daughter of Peter Murry, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., foreman for the Baltimore Coal Company, and they have had children as follows: Anna (deceased), William E., Doris (now Mrs. W. G. Gates, of Lake View), Hazel, Joseph A. M., Abram V., Kate and Winifred. Mr. Smurls is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the G.A.R., and P.O.S. of A., in politics he is the slave of no party.
SAMUEL B. SNELL, farmer, P.O. Orange, was born in Exeter, July 17, 1830. He is a son of Samuel and Susanna (Van Loon) Snell, the former born October 25, 1782, at Tioga Point (now Athens), Bradford Co., Pa., the latter in Plymouth about 1794. (The Van Loons were very early settlers in the Valley). Samuel Snell was a son of George, who was of Holland origin, and settled in Bradford county, near Athens, where he owned a large tract of land. He lived to be fifty years of age, and reared a family of seven children, all of whom are now dead. Samuel began life at Athens, and was by trade a hatter, owning a shop in partnership with his brother. He removed to this county in 1822, and in 1840 removed to Franklin township, where he purchased fifty acres of land, here passing the remainder of his days. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; Abraham, his brother, was a major in the same regiment. Samuel died in 1869, at the age of eighty-seven. His family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, five living. Samuel B., is the fifth, and was reared and educated in Franklin township. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, but is now practically a farmer, owning a farm of 120 acres, well-improved, which he has acquired by economy and hard labor. On January 1, 1860, he was married to Miss Fannie, daughter of Henry and Eliza Anthony. There were ten children born to them, all of whom are living: Flora, John, Susan (wife of Charles C. Dilcer), S. B., Capitola, Maude, Harry, Fannie, Pansy and Mildred. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, P.V.I., for nine months. He received a wound at the battle of Gettysburg, the ball, passing through his right cheek and lodging in his throat, where it remained six months, when in a fit of coughing one day he coughed it up. Mr. Snell is a worthy man, a good neighbor and is much respected in the community.
EBENEZER HAZARD SNOWDEN, retired clergyman, Forty Fort borough, was born June 27, 1799, at Princeton, N.J., and is a son of Samuel Finley and Susan (Breese) Snowden, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and of Scotch and English origin, respectively. Our subject is the third in a family of ten children. He was educated in a select school at New Hartford, N.Y., Hamilton College and Princeton Theological Seminary. He was admitted to practice law in the supreme court of New York, at Utica, in 1821, and was licensed at Newtown, L.I., in 1825, and ordained at New York City in 1826. His first charge was at St. Augustine, Fla., where he remained three years; was then pastor at Brownsville, near Sacket's Harbor, three years. He then came to Kingston, where he was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, eight years; thence went to Warren, Bradford Co., Pa., as pastor for two years, after which he moved to Plymouth, and established a church, remaining five years, after which he went to Larksville, where he founded a church known as the "Snowden Memorial Church", and was there five years. He then moved to Forty Fort, where he now resides, his home being known as "Snowden Cottage". Our subject was married May 15, 1826, to Elizabeth, daughter of Waters and Mary (Alison) Smith, natives of New York, and of English descent. This happy union was blessed with six children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Mary C., wife of John Metcalf, a farmer of Huntington township, Luzerne county; Susan B., married to Desha Patton, of Cleveland, Tenn.; James G., married to Maria Smith, and residing in Castalia; Matilda B., married to James M. Williamson, a merchant of Oakland, Cal. The mother of these dying, Mr. Snowden married, for his second wife, Caroline Adams, daughter of Ebenezer and Rebecca (Snediker) Adams, of Newburgh, N.Y.; she died in January, 1892. Mr. Snowden is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre; in politics he is a Republican.
ADNEY SNYDER, farmer, P.O. Meeker, was born (May 28, 1848), reared and educated in Dallas. He is a son of William and Mary Ann (Flemming) Snyder, the former born near Frenchtown, N.J., the latter in Luzerne county. William is a son of Christopher, also a native of New Jersey, who moved to this county about 1828, locating in Dallas township on a farm of unimproved land, where he lived for a number of years, clearing, improving and building. He finally moved back to New Jersey, where he married his second wife, and then moved back to Dallas township again, where he remained the rest of his life. He died in 1882 at the age of ninety years. He was a hard-working man, honest and upright to a fault; his family consisted of five sons and one daughter. William, his son, began life in Dallas township as a farmer, with very little to work with. Each had an ox, out of which they made a team, with which they plowed, logged, and did all their hauling. His farm consisted of 115 acres of land, which he cleared, and on which he built, until his home is a place to be coveted. He is at present, at the age of seventy-two, a resident of Dallas, and a prosperous man. His wife, Mary Ann, is also living, at the age of seventy. He is a man of influence, and has held several offices in his own township with credit. He reared a family of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity, and six of whom are now living. Adney is the fifth, and in his early life worked at the carpenter's trade, and at one period followed it for four years, after which he worked at various vocations. At the age of twenty-two, on May 12, 1870, he married, at Wyoming, Miss Esther, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Warden. By this marriage there were eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Edith M., George W., Olive K., Mary E., Leafie M., Clara E., Charles A. and Frank L. Mrs. Esther A. (Warden) Snyder was born in Dallas, October 1, 1848. Mr. Snyder lived in Wilkes-Barre for six years, then moved back to Dallas, township, where he remained seven years; and in 1883 bought a farm in Lehman township, on which he moved and is now living; it consists of 107 acres, formerly owned by D. Gordon. Mr. Snyder is a thorough farmer, well posted in agricultural pursuits and well up with the times. His surroundings show him to be a prosperous and industrious farmer. He has been honored with the election to the office of assessor for two terms. He is a member of the Sr. O.U.A.M.; politically he is a Democrat.
ALBERT C. SNYDER, physician and surgeon, White Haven borough, was born in Carbon county, Pa., May 30, 1854, a son of David and Lucinda (Cramer) Snyder, natives of Carbon and Columbia counties, respectively, of German origin, the former of whom was a blacksmith and lumberman, and died June 6, 1885. His family consisted of five children, three of whom are now living, our subject being third in order of birth. Albert C. Snyder was educated in the common schools, also at Wyoming Seminary, and in the spring of 1874 began the study of medicine with M. G. Lesh, M.D., of East Stroudsburg, Pa., and March 12, 1877, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He then opened an office at Lizard Creek, Carbon Co., Pa., where he remained one year, at the end of which time he moved to White Haven. Mr. Snyder was married, June 11, 1876, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Levi and Julia (Meercum) Harleman, of Carbon Co., Pa., and to this union were born four children: Myrtle E., born June 30, 1878; Joletta A., born January 8, 1880; Lee D., born February 11, 1882; and Lloyd, born June 21, 1882. The family attend the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Snyder is a member of the I.O.O.F., P.O.S. of A., the Luzerne County Medical Society, and the Lehigh Valley Medical Society. He has been president of the town council for three years; is one of the sound men of his borough, enjoys a large practice, and is a good Republican.
ELIAS SNYDER, proprietor of the Empire Mills, Nescopeck, was born in Union township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., May 9, 1825, a son of Michael and Mary (Gotshall) Snyder. The father was a native of Berks county, Pa., a wheelwright by trade, and died in Schuylkill county. Our subject was reared in Schuylkill county, began life as a lumberman, later built a gristmill in Catawissa Valley, and afterward operated mills in Beaver Valley, Muncy, Orangeville, Numidia, and in 1880 purchased the Empire Mills in Nescopeck, which he has since successfully conducted. In 1855 he married Catherine, daughter of George and Rebecca (Klingaman) Faust, of Rush township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and they have five children: Linda J. (Mrs. Dr. W. E. Grover), Samuel W., George M., Ella R. (Mrs. J. M. Nuss) and William H. Snyder, D.D.S. Mr. Snyder is a member of the M.E. Church; in politics he is a Republican, and has served as school director of Nescopeck six years.
GEORGE SNYDER, retired, P.O. Larksville, was born in Kingston borough, June 27, 1804, a son of Peter and Margaret (Nace) Snyder, both born in New Jersey, the former, March 2, 1729, the latter, October 17, 1732. They were industrious farmers, and removed to this county about 1805, locating in Plymouth township, and after a few years removed to Larksville, where they purchased a valuable lot of coal land containing 100 acres. Not knowing the value of the land in those days, it was sold at a sacrifice, and the heirs now own only the surface. Mr. Snyder was a man of retired nature, whose life was uneventful. He was honest and industrious in the extreme, and died July 1, 1850, at the age of one hundred and twenty-one years. His wife, Margaret, died April 25, 1848, at the age of one hundred and sixteen. Their family consisted of eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity, seven living at the present time. Our subject, the second of the family, received his education at Plymouth. In his younger days, he was engaged in what they then called "digging" coal, but soon followed farming, which proved to be his natural vocation. With the exception of four years spent in Eaton, Wyoming county, he has passed his life, one of usefulness, in this county, and now lives a retired life on a farm of fifty acres of valuable land in Larksville. Mr. Snyder married in Plymouth, April 20, 1828, Miss Rhoda, daughter of Daniel and Martha Lamareux, and of this union were born six children, five of whom reached maturity, and three are now living, viz.: Jemima, Harriet and Mary. Of these, Jemima married H. Nesbit; Harriet married Charles Lanson; and Mary married Henry Schooley. Mrs. Rhoda (Lamareux) Snyder died September 6, 1891, at the age of eighty years. Mr. Charles Lanson was born in Scotland, November 5, 1839, and his wife, Harriet, February 25, 1840. They were married in February, 1867, and have two children, Mary and James. Mr. Lanson is a first-class stationary engineer; he has held several township offices.
JOHN F. SNYDER, merchant, Fairview township, P.O. Mountain Top, was born in Lehigh county, January 4, 1851, a son of Nathan and Esther (Mosier) Snyder, both natives of this country, and of German and French descent, respectively. John Snyder, grandfather of Nathan Snyder, took part in the Revolutionary war. Nathan, the father of our subject, was a gunsmith and blacksmith, but worked most of the time on his farm in Lehigh county. He reared a family of seven children, of whom John F. is the eldest, and he worked as his father's helper in a blacksmith shop until sixteen years of age, working all summer and going to school in the winter. He then entered the employ of the Lehigh & Susquehanna Railroad Company as a laborer, and remained with that company for one year and four months, during which time he was promoted to chargeman. He then resigned his position on the railroad and went to work for the Parryville Iron Company, Parryville, Pa., where he worked for two and one-half years. Our subject then entered the State Normal School, Bloomsburg, attending same one year, when he came to Fanklin, Pa., and taught school during the years 1872 and 1873. He again returned to school, this time going to the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., graduating from that institution in 1875. Returning to his home in Franklin township, Mr. Snyder taught another term of school, during which time he studied the languages under Prof. T. M. Balliet, of Carbon county. In 1876 he again entered the Keystone Normal School, commencing a scientific course, but attended only a short time, when he accepted a position as teacher in the Parryville schools, Parryville, Pa., and in 1877 was appointed principal of school in Weissport, Carbon county, which position he held for ten years. During the summer months Mr. Snyder opened a school in Carbon county to prepare students for teachers, and in this he was very successful, having at times nearly one hundred students in his classes. During the time Mr. Snyder was principal of Weissport schools, he was a candidate for superintendent of schools in Carbon county, but was defeated by the present incumbent by one vote. In 1888 he was forced to give up teaching on account of impaired health. He came to Fairview township and bought a half interest in a general store run by his brother-in-law, Daniel Graver, remaining in partnership with him two months, when Mr. Snyder bought out Mr. Graver, and he now owns the entire stock and runs the store himself. On July 15, 1880, Mr. Snyder was married to Angelina, daughter of Peter and Salinda (Dreisbach) Krum, of Weissport, Carbon Co., Pa., both natives of this state and of German descent. Their union has been blessed by one child, Asher F. Mr. Snyder is a member of the German Reformed Church and Mrs. Snyder is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Snyder is a Republican, and has been elected to several offices by that party.
JOSEPH SNYDER, farmer and dairyman, P.O. Sybertsville, was born in Roaring Creek township, Columbia Co., Pa., and is a son of Peter and Lydia (Stenger) Snyder. He was reared in his native county, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the plasterer's trade, in which business he was a contractor for twenty-five years. In 1878 he located in Hazleton, where he was a contractor ten years, and in 1888 he settled in Sugarloaf township, where he has since been engaged in farming, and, since 1889, has carried on a dairy business in connection. His wife was Ann Elizabeth, a daughter of John and Charlotte (Kahler) Bonz, of Tamaqua, Pa., and his children are: Charlotte (Mrs. George Buck), Savilla (Mrs. John Hofsomer), Anna, Alice, Lydia, and William. Mr. Snyder is a member of the Evangelical Church; and in politics he is a Republican.
JOSEPH SNYDER, farmer, P.O. Pike's Creek, was born in Ross township, October 2, 1847, and reared and educated in Lake and Lehman townships. He is a son of George and Nancy (Smith) Snyder, both of whom were born in Ross township, Monroe county. George was a son of Henry, who came to this county about 1845 and located in Ross township, where he lived about ten years; he then moved to Lake township where he remained ten years, renting farms in each township. In 1865 he moved to Lehman township with his son George, who bought a farm of fifty acres, and with whom he lived until his death, which occurred in 1865, in his seventy-fourth year. His family consisted of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. His son George was a farmer and lumberman. He died at the age of seventy-three, in 1890. His family consisted of seven children, three of whom are living: Edward, Lydia and Joseph. Joseph, like his father, has confined himself to farming and lumbering. At the age of twenty-four, he married, September 24, 1871, at Lehman Centre, Miss Mary J., daughter of William and Effie McNeel. No children have been born to this union. Mrs. Mary J. Snyder was born in Wyoming county April 15, 1850. Politically, Mr. Snyder is a Democrat.
SAMUEL SNYDER, retired, Plymouth. This hale, energetic gentleman was born in Plymouth township, Luzerne Co., Pa., March 31, 1826, and is a son of George and Sarah (Robison) Snyder, natives of New Jersey who came to the Valley when it was but sparsely settled. Samuel, who is the third in a family of four children, was educated at the public schools and, until 1851, followed the vocation of a farmer. He then removed to Lehman, this county, where he engaged in lumbering, in which he continued five years, returning at the end of that time to the old homestead, where he remained three years. He then went to Poke Hollow, and engaged in mining for about six years. In 1868 he came to Plymouth and built a tin shop near what is now known as the Bull Run crossing, and successfully carried on the business of tinsmithing for three years, selling out at the end of that period. He has not engaged in active business since. He did, however, in 1884, do some prospecting in the Nescopeck Mountains, which resulted in a large expenditure, but no coal. Mr. Snyder has, as a man of business, succeeded well, and is an extensive property owner in Plymouth, being the possessor of several brick blocks. He was united in marriage, April 22, 1848, with Miss Susan, daughter of Nicholas Rittisbaugh, a native of Germany. To this marriage have been born five children, namely: George R., Charles P., John T., Stella M. (widow of Reese Williams) and Cora H. Mr. Snyder in politics is a Republican. The family attend the Christian Church.
J. T. SNYDER, hardware dealer, Luzerne, was born at Plymouth July 17, 1856, son of Samuel and Susan (Rittisbaugh) Snyder, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Germany. Mr. Snyder was educated in the common schools of his native county and also at the Wyoming Commercial College, graduating from the latter institution in 1873. In 1878 Mr. Snyder engaged in tinsmithing and the general hardware business at Luzerne, where he has succeeded well. He is also interested in the Luzerne Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of the Electric Lightning Rotary Coal and Rock Drilling Machine.
EDWARD SODON, laborer, Henry Shaft, Plains, was born in Warwickshire, England, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Hancock) Sodon, the former of whom died when Edward was very young. Our subject came to America in 1869, and began working at the Henry Shaft, where he has since been engaged, doing various kinds of Company work. Mr. Sodon was married in August, 1858, to Miss Charlotte, daughter of William and Jane (Simmons) Thomas, and they had born to them a family of eight children, two of whom are living, viz.: Mrs. William O. George, in Plains, and William, a carpenter at the Henry Shaft; he has three children, Hannah M., Charlotta, and Ralph E. Mr. Sodon is a member of the I.O.O.F., the A.O.K. of M. C., and the F. & A.M. He is allied to no political party, but always votes for the best man and the soundest principles.
THOMAS J. SOLT, physician and surgeon, Fairview township, P.O. Mountaintop, was born November 2, 1856, in Franklin township, Carbon Co., Pa., a son of Solomon and Eliza (Ash) Solt, both natives of this state, and of German descent. The father was a farmer. He reared a family of twelve children, all of whom are yet living, Thomas J. being the third eldest. He attended the common schools of the vicinity of his birthplace until he was seventeen years of age, when he entered the Keystone State Normal School, and remained there one year; then returned home and taught school for six years in his native town. Afterward he accepted a similar position in Penn Forest, Carbon Co., Pa., and taught there one term, at the same time studying medicine under Dr. W. G. M. Seiple. Next year (1881) he took the special science course at the Danesville (Indiana) Central Normal College, and in 1882 entered the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1884 he graduated as an M.D., and soon afterward came to Fairview township, where he commenced the practice of medicine, and has since remained. On June 12, 1880, the Doctor married Julia A., daughter of Tilghman and Mary (Kreamer) Dreisbach, of Franklin township, both natives of that township, and of German descent, and this union has been blessed with one child, Mabel E. Dr. Solt is a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society and of the Lehigh Valley Medical Association. In politics he is a Republican.
CHARLES F. SORBER, carpenter, Plains, was born in Union (now Hunlock) township, Luzerne Co., Pa., March 12, 1857, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Brader) Sorber, natives of Luzerne county, and of German origin. The father, who is a farmer, reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are living, and Charles F. is the eldest. Our subject passed his boyhood on the farm, and was educated in the common schools and in the select school of Prof. Coughlin, at Muhlenburgh. At the age of twenty-two he began life teaming for his uncle, Asa Brader, of Plains, for whom he worked three years, and then learned his trade, which he has since followed, working ten successive years for M. S. Harding, of Plains. He built his present residence and removed therein in 1889. Mr. Sorber was married, November 24, 1881, to Minnie W., daughter of James and Ann (Newth) Tilley, native of England. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the P.O.S. of A., and the Carpenters' and Joiners' Union of America; in politics he is a Republican.
GEORGE W. SORBER, furniture dealer, Shickshinny, was born in Newport township, August 29, 1841, a son of Adam and Sarah A. (Hank) Sorber. His paternal grandfather, George Sorber, was a life-long resident of Hanover township, this county, where he died at the age of ninety-three years. Adam Sorber was born in Hanover township, and lived for some time in Newport township, but died in Union township. His wife was Sarah, a daughter of George Hank, of Northampton county, Pa., and by her he had fourteen children, of whom nine grew to maturity: George W., Harriet (Mrs. Alfred Hubber), Lavina (Mrs. John Kester), William, John, Peter, Arminda (Mrs. Monroe Williams), Phoebe A. (Mrs. John Harrison) and James. Our subject was reared in Luzerne county and educated in the common schools, and began his business career as clerk. He was in the Civil War, having enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. He was wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 1863; he was taken prisoner at South Ann River, Va., May 27, 1864, and spent six months in Libby, Andersonville, Savannah and Millen prisons. In 1866 he engaged as clerk with G. W. & L. Search, of Shickshinny, for one year and a half, and then with N. B. Crary, nineteen years and a half; since 1886 he has been engaged in the furniture business. November 15, 1867, he married Arminda, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Scott) Masters, of Union township, by whom he had two children, Lennie M. and Mary B. After her death he married Mrs. Diantha (Sutliff) Roberts, daughter of Stiles Sutliff, of Huntington township, by whom he has two children, Lizzie and George B. Mr. Sorber is a member of the M.E. Church; also of the G.A.R., Union Veteran Legion and P.O.S. of A.; in politics he is a Republican, and has served as councilman and school director of Shickshinny nine consecutive terms.
WILLIAM H. SORBER, farmer, P.O. Hunlock Creek, was born in Union (now Hunlock) township, April 2, 1835, where he was reared, receiving his education at the common schools. He is a son of Abraham and Esther (Cragle) Sorber, both of whom were born in Hunlock township. They were worthy people, and much esteemed. Abraham Sorber was born May 17, 1808, and died January 4, 1891, aged eighty-two years. His wife, Esther, was born May 10, 1811, and died October 7, 1873, aged sixty-two years. There were ten children born to them, nine of whom grew to maturity, and six are now living, William H. being the third of the family in order of birth. Abraham is a son of Jacob Sorber, a German by birth, who emigrated to this country, locating in Union township, where he purchased some land, on which he lived to a ripe old age. His life, like that of other pioneers, was full of toil and adventures. William H. Sorber chose for himself a farmer's life, and had always lived on the farm where he was born, and which he inherited on the death of his father. In 1869 he married Miss Minda, daughter of Henry Apture. To them have been born three children: Frank W., William W. and Rebecca. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-third P.V.I., for the term of three years. He served part of his time, returned, and reenlisted in the Fiftieth New York Engineer Corps, where he served one year and six months. He was honorably discharged, but draws no pension. Politically he is a Democrat, and has served his township in various offices. His farm comprises sixty acres of land.
SOLOMON SPADE, farmer, P.O. Dorrance, was born in Cherryville, Pa., January 24, 1818. He is a son of Daniel and Mary (Kester) Spade, both of whom were born in the same place. They removed to this county about the year 1830, and settled in Dorrance township. Daniel Spade owned eighty acres of woodland, out of which he produced a well cultivated farm. He was a powerful man, physically, and was not afraid to use his strength in the advancement of agricultural pursuits; he lived to be seventy-eight years of age. His family numbered ten children, four of whom are yet living, Solomon being the eighth in order of birth. Our subject was educated chiefly in Dorrance township, whither he had removed when about twelve years of age, with his father. Since then he has been a resident of Dorrance township. He has always followed farming, in which vocation he prides himself. In 1849 he purchased fifty-eight acres in one lot, out of which he made a model farm; after the lapse of a few years more he bought another lot of fifty-two acres, which he also converted into a farm, and these two are now occupied by his two sons, Milton and Nelson. Besides these he owns a neat house and lot, where he resides. Mr. Spade was a very strong, muscular man in his prime of life, hardworking and honest to a fault. He is a Democrat, and has been honored with several township offices. In 1849 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Philip and Maria Ruth, and seven children were born to them, five of whom are now living: Milton, Nelson, Emma J., Harriet and Maria. Mr. Spade and his wife are both church members—he of the Reformed, she of the Presbyterian.
LEVI SPAIDE, member of the firm of Spaide Brothers, general merchants, Hazleton. This enterprising young businessman was born in this county January 15, 1853, and is a son of Daniel and Lydia (Flickinger) Spaide, natives of Dorrance township. The Spaide family was one of the first to settle in that beautiful spot, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch arriving there when it was a dense forest, where he experienced all the privations and hardships to which the settlers of that period were subjected. Levi Spaide was reared and educated at his birthplace, and in 1873 came to Hazleton, where he was engaged as a clerk by William Deisroth, with whom he remained some five years; he then, in partnership with his brother Simon, established the present business. They have the largest general store in this part of the county, and two branch stores are operated—one at Ashland and the other at Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Levi Spaide was united in marriage September 18, 1879, with Miss Martha Gerlock, of Hazleton, and to this union have been born two children, namely: Rollin L. and Hazle Elizabeth. In political matters Mr. Spaide is independent; the family are members of the Methodist Church.
SIMON SPAIDE, the other member of the firm of Spaide Brothers, was born November 6, 1849, at Butler Valley, was reared on a farm, and educated in the public schools and at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston. In 1870 he came to Hazleton, and was here employed as clerk by different merchants until 1878, when the present mercantile business of Spaide Brothers was established, Simon having charge of the dry-goods department. Mr. Simon Spaide has been twice married: first, in May, 1875, to Miss Hannah M. Klinger, and two children were born to this union, namely: Elora Maud and Ira E. Hannah, his first wife, died July 29, 1880, and for his second wife he married, in March, 1883, Miss Maggie McGran. One child, Elda May, has blessed this union. In political matters Simon Spaide is independent.
CHARLES W. SPAYD, physician, surgeon and druggist, No. 159 East Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Philadelphia, March 3, 1840. He is a son of John E. and Catherine Ann (Bilighaus) Spayd, natives of Saxony (Germany) and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father emigrated to America in 1802, and engaged in the manufacturer of planes in Philadelphia, where he died February 13, 1871, aged seventy-two years. He was a son of John E. Spayd, who came from Germany to Philadelphia, where he married Martha Geiss, and later returned to Germany. Our subject, who is the ninth in a family of ten children, five of whom are now living, was educated in Philadelphia, passing through the public school, and then entered the Pennsylvania Medical College. After attending that institution three years, he joined the U.S. service as assistant surgeon of the United States general hospital at St. Louis. He was afterward transferred and promoted to surgeon on the steamer "Empress," serving there until August 16, 1862, when he was transferred to the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, as regimental surgeon, in which capacity he served until his discharge, June 30, 1865. He then returned to Philadelphia, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 1866. He immediately came to Wilkes-Barre, and on April 15, following, opened an office at No. 159 East Market Street for the practice of his profession. In the spring of 1885 he established "Spayd's Drug Store," which he operates in connection with his large practice. He makes a specialty of surgery, and today he is one of the best known surgeons in Luzerne county. On March 3, 1868, Dr. Spayd married Barbara J., daughter of Charles and Mary (Cridler) Hay, of Scotch and German origin, respectively. The result of this union was one child, Samuel B., who died at the age of three and one-half years, while on a visit with his mother at Easton, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Spayd attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a coroner of Luzerne county from 1881 to 1884; is medical examiner for the Travelers, New York Life, and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Companies. He is a charter member of the Conyngham Post, G.A.R.; politically he is a Democrat.
AMBROSE SPENCER, P.O. Dallas, was born August 27, 1835, in Kingston township, where he was reared and educated. He is a son of Daniel and Susanna (Amy) Spencer, the former born in Connecticut, the latter in Bucks county, Pa. The Spencers settled in Dallas about 1837, where they have since resided. Daniel was an honest, industrious man; he purchased a farm of fifty-three acres, on which he had lived an uneventful life, dying January 27, 1878, at the age of eighty-two years, having been preceded to the grave by his wife, Susanna, July 23, 1856. Our subject, at his father's death, inherited the latter's farm, but in early life, commenced agricultural pursuits in Franklin township, at which vocation he has continued. He married Jane, daughter of Samuel and Betsy (Nulton) Honeywell, by whom he had three children—two sons and one daughter—James E., and Susan E. and Daniel J. (deceased). Mr. Spencer is a general farmer and an honest and industrious man. He has the confidence of his fellow citizens, who have elected him to the office of constable for three years, and to other minor offices. Politically, he is a Democrat. His wife is a consistent member of the M.E. Church. Her father, Samuel G. Honeywell, Sr., was born in Hope, Warren Co., N.J., December 27, 1804. He is a son of Richard and Catherine (Sutton) Honeywell, who came to this county about 1809 with a family of six sons and two daughters, locating in Dallas on 400 acres of land. Richard was an old pioneer in the true sense of the term. The country was entirely new, in which the wolf, the deer, and the bear reigned supreme; but by the help of his six trusty sons and his two virtuous and willing daughters, managed by the loving words of his wife, the forest gave way to the harvest field and the rude log cabin was succeeded by a more pretentious house. Richard was a man of influence, holding the offices of the justice of the peace, constable, and collector at various times; he lived to be sixty years of age. Samuel G., Sr., who is the only surviving member of the family, received part of his education in Hope, N.J., and part in Dallas, this county. He has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits, having begun life in Dallas on a farm of seventy-five acres, where he was looked upon as a practical farmer. In 1827, at the age of twenty-three, he married Miss Betsy, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Nulton, and there were born to them eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity, and five of them are at this writing living. He and his deceased wife lived consistent lives, and were members of the M.E. Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM SPENCER, farmer, P.O. Town Line, was born in Kingston township, May 29, 1823, and is a son of Daniel and Susan (Amey) Spencer, the former of whom was born in Connecticut, and who removed to this county in its early settlement. He located in Kingston township, on a farm, where he passed the remainder of his lifetime. The grandfather served in the Revolution, in the defense of that liberty which the true patriot loves better than life itself. He lived to be ninety-two years of age. His family consisted of four children. His son, Daniel Spencer, began his business career as a farmer in Kingston, where he lived for a number of years, after which he removed to Dallas, on a farm of fifty acres. He was a hardworking man, and an industrious and practical farmer. During his lifetime he held several township offices. He died in 1880, at the age of eighty-four years, having reared a family of five children, all of whom are living. William, the subject of this sketch, is the second in the family in order of birth. He was reared and educated in Dallas and Carverton, and has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he was mustered into the U.S. service for the term of one year, in the Fourth New Jersey Light Artillery. He served until the end of the conflict, and proved himself a valiant and courageous soldier. After the close of the war, he removed from Dallas to Union township, where he bought a farm of ninety acres of land, on which he erected buildings and also cleared and beautified the farm, all with his own hands. Mr. Spencer has been twice married. For his first wife, he married Miss Ellen R., daughter of Jamison Meeker, and to their union were born eight children, seven of whom are living. Mrs. Ellen R. Spencer died in 1873, and for his second wife, he married Mrs. Mary, widow of James Richardson, who bore him two children, one of whom is living. Mr. Spencer is a practical farmer and a worthy citizen, who enjoys the full confidence of his fellow men. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has been honored with several township offices, and has held that of school director for nine years.
SIMEON S. SPENCER, farmer, P.O. Idetown, was born August 27, 1854, in Dallas township, where he was reared and educated. He is a son of Horace and Hannah (Rogers) Spencer, both of whom were born in this county, the former in 1822, the latter in 1832. Horace was a son of Orin, who was one of the first pioneers of the county, coming from New York State, and locating in Kingston township. He was a hard-working, honest, industrious and upright man, and a consistent Christian. He died in the year 1879, having reared twelve children, all of whom came to maturity. His son Horace began business for himself in Kingston township, and in 1857 moved to Dallas township, on a farm of ninety-six acres. Like his father, he was a worthy man and an industrious farmer, and held several offices of trust in his township. He died in 1890. Horace and Hannah Spencer were the parents of five children, four of whom are now living. Simeon S. is the second in the family, and worked with his father till he reached the age of twenty-five, when he married, on September 3, 1879, Miss Lydia, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Damon. By this union there were born three children, all yet living: Clarence, Raymond and Lloyd. Mrs. Margaret Spencer was born in Centre Moreland, Wyoming county, May 25, 1862. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Her family were early settlers in Wyoming county. Mr. Spencer moved on his present farm of twenty-five acres in 1881. He is an enterprising man, upright and industrious.
Z. SPENCER, farmer, P.O. Ketcham, was born January 28, 1828, reared and educated in Kingston township. He is a son of Orin and Ann (Amy) Spencer, the former born in Connecticut, the latter in Easton, Northampton Co., Pa. Orin was a son of David, who came to this county about 1775, locating at Forty Fort; he served three years in the Revolutionary army as a valiant soldier, defending his rights as a free-born man. He participated in the defense of the fort at the time of the Wyoming Massacre, and caused several Indians to "bite the dust." He is said to have been the owner of several hundred acres of land in the Wyoming Valley, which he disposed of for a trifle, not knowing its value at that time. He afterward moved to Dallas, and subsequently bought a farm in Kingston township, where he lived for a number of years. He died in Dallas at the age of ninety-five years, having reared a family of five children, all of whom grew to maturity. Orin, the father of our subject, began life in Kingston township on the farm purchased by his father after he moved out of the Valley. This farm consisted of fifty acres of fertile land. Orin was a hard-working, honest and industrious man, whose life, like that of other farmers, was uneventful. In religion he was a consistent member of the M.E. Church. Politically he was a Democrat. He reared a family of twelve children, all of whom came to maturity, and eight of whom are now living. Our subject is the fourth in the family, and has always "followed the plough." On July 4, 1850, he married Miss Sarah C., daughter of Conrad and Mary Kinkle, by which union there have been born ten children, eight of whom are living, as follows: Mary, Frank, Elizabeth, Thaddeus S., Marshall, George, Wealthy and Frederick. Mary is married to DeWitt Lord, a farmer; Elizabeth is married to Lyman Lord, and George is married to Miss Louisa Smith. Mr. Spencer has lived in Dallas all his life excepting one year he spent in Wyoming county. He moved on his present place, a farm of sixty-five acres, in 1865, and is a general and industrious farmer, owning some very fine stock of a superior grade. He has made extensive improvements, clearing land and building out-houses; he was unfortunate enough to lose two barns by fire. Our subject has been honored with several township offices. Politically he is a Republican.
REV. LEVI L. SPRAGUE, A.M., D.D., was born December 23, 1844, in the town of Beekman, Dutchess Co., N.Y. His paternal and maternal ancestors were New England people for several generations. The father moved his family to New Milford, Pa., when the son was a lad, and where the latter was given the advantage of excellent schools. The family afterward moved on a farm, near Le Raysville, Pa., and young Levi was sent to the academy of that place. This school at that time was one of the best of its kind in the State. When twenty years of age he took a business course at Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and on returning home was made principal of the Le Raysville Academy, where he remained one year. In the spring of 1866 he entered Wyoming Seminary, where he graduated in 1868, and was immediately elected principal of the College of Business connected with the seminary. By private study Dr. Sprague completed a college course, and received the degree of A. M. from Allegheny College. He read law with Hon. W. W. Ketcham for nearly two years, but believing his duty to lie in the Christian ministry, he joined the Wyoming Annual conference in 1874. He remained principal of the College of Business until 1882, when he was made president of the Wyoming seminary, the position he now (1892) holds. In 1885 the Wesleyan University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He is a trustee of Wyoming Seminary, of Syracuse University, and of the Wyoming Annual Conference, and was a member of the General Conference of the M.E. Church held in Omaha, in May, 1892. On December 22, 1869, Dr. Sprague married Miss Jennie E. Russell, of Otego, N.Y., and they have two children: Laura J. and E. Russell.
CHARLES E. ST. JOHN, Wilkes-Barre, was born at Norwich, Conn., September 20, 1820, and is a son of Albert and Clarissa (Hoyt) St. John. His paternal grandfather, Jesse St. John (whose wife was a Miss Weed) was a soldier of the Revolution, and one of a party of seven men to capture Fort Montgomery, on the Hudson from the British during that war. He was a farmer, and died at Wilton, Fairfield Co., Conn. Albert St. John was an edge-tool manufacturer, and was in business at Canterbury, Orange Co., N.Y., during the panic of 1832. Having failed, he returned to Connecticut, and worked as a journeyman at Norwich for some years; afterward located at Fleming, N.Y., and engaged in farming, and about 1857 he removed to Janesville, Wis., where he died in 1889, at the age of ninety-seven. Our subject was reared in Connecticut and New York, is an edge-tool maker by trade, which he learned in Cohoes, N.Y., and followed nine years. In 1837-38 he took part in the Seminole war in Florida, and witnessed the capture of the Seminole chief, "Billy Bowlegs." For many years Mr. St. John has been a salesman on the road. He came to Luzerne county in 1858, and has resided in Wilkes-Barre since 1860. He was twice married, his first wife being Lucy L., a daughter of Jesse and Mary Word of Dutchess county N.Y., and by her he had six children: Jesse, George A., Charles W., Frank J., William H. and John N. His second wife was Mrs. Sallie (Tico) Owens, of Columbia county, Pa., by which union he had four children: Lucy (Mrs. Roland Evans), Hattie, Mary, and Daisy (deceased). Mr. St. John is a member of the M.E. Church, and the F. & A.M. and Council; in politics he is a Republican.
CHARLES W. ST. JOHN, wholesale liquor dealer, Pittston, was born at Honesdale, Pa., August 6, 1850, and he is the third son of C. E. and Lucy (Wood) St. John, who were typical Americans, and resided for a number of years at Honesdale, Pa. The mother died in 1856; the father is still living, and is a traveling salesman. The family consists of six sons, viz.: Jesse, now retired from active business and residing at Mansfield, Ohio; George, a blacksmith, of Wilkes-Barre; Charles W.; Frank, salesman for the Newton Coal Mining company and resident of Philadelphia; William, a blacksmith, of Scranton; John, a coppersmith, of Perth Amboy, N.J. Our subject passed the first six years of his life in Honesdale, and his mother dying at this time, he went to Prompton and lived on a farm for two years. He worked in the coal mines of Plymouth for a short time, and removed from there to Espyville, same State, where he was in the employ of Thomas Edgar, a planing operator, for two years. He next entered the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and remained with them about six months, then accepted a position with the Lehigh Valley Railroad and was in the employ of that company sixteen years, being one of the most popular conductors of that road. After leaving the railroad, he purchased an interest in the wholesale liquor business of Benjamin Bevan, at No. 73 Main street, Pittston, and shortly afterward became manager for the firm, which position he has filled until the present time. On January 12, 1880, Mr. St. John married Miss E. Lillian, daughter of Benjamin Bevan, a prominent merchant of Pittston, and this union has been blessed with one child, Lucy. The family worship at Trinity Episcopal church, of West Pittston. Mr. St. John is a Master Mason. Politically he is a stanch Republican. An entirely self-made man, he has reached his present success not by hasty flight, but by the rugged road of toil and application, and is one of the representative citizens of this county, occupying a prominent position among the business men of the county.
EDWIN S. STACKHOUSE, coal operator and merchant, Shickshinny, was born in that borough February 11, 1866, a son of John M. and Mary C. (Lanning) Stackhouse. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Stackhouse, a native of Columbia county, Pa., and a farmer, lumberman and foundryman, was the first of the name to locate in Luzerne county, and lived and died in Shickshinny Valley. He was a son of James Stackhouse, a wood-worker and engraver, who spent most of his life in Columbia county and died there. The latter was a son of Benjamin Stackhouse, and his wife was Mary, daughter of Christopher Bowman, both of Bucks county, Pa. Benjamin was a son of Robert Stackhouse, and with his father left Bucks county prior to 1770, and made the first settlement at Berwick, Pa., with a colony of Friends, and died there in 1776. Robert, who died in Berwick in 1788, was born in 1692, and was a son of Thomas and Grace (Heaton) Stackhouse. Thomas Stackhouse came to Bucks county in 1682, and represented Bucks county in the Colonial Assembly, Province of Pennsylvania, in 1711, 1713 and 1715. He died in Middletown, Bucks Co., Pa., April 26, 1744. He was a nephew of Thomas Stackhouse, who was a fellow passenger of William Penn, in 1682, on the ship "Welcome," from England to Philadelphia.
JOHN M. STACKHOUSE, the father of our subject, was born in the Shickshinny Valley in 1839, and died at Shickshinny in 1883. He was a lumberman, and first leased and operated, with others, what is now known as the Salem Coal Field, which he afterward purchased and operated until his death. His wife, Mary C., was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Winters) Lanning, of Shickshinny Valley, formerly of New Jersey, by whom he has six children living: Annie (Mrs. James M. Fritz), Edwin S., Alice G., Jennie M., Charles P. and Mary M. Our subject was reared at Shickshinny and educated at Lehigh University, where he was graduated in 1886 with the degree of Mining Engineer, and has since been engaged in coal operating and merchandising. He is a member of the M.E. Church; also of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, the P.O.S. of A., and is master of Sylvania Lodge No. 354, F. & A. M; in politics, he is a Republican. Mr. Stackhouse was married May 4, 1892, to Lidie B., daughter of Rev. William H. and Marietta (Mullin) Keith, of Gettysburg, Pa.
BENJAMIN F. STARK, proprietor of livery and transfer stables, Wilkes-Barre, was born July 15, 1845, and is a son of Cornelius and Louisa (Wagner) Stark, natives of Luzerne county. They were the parents of nine children, Benjamin F. being the fourth in order of birth. Our subject was educated at the Montrose Academy and Lowell's Business College. On October 10, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary F., daughter of Hon. D. D. and Mary A. (Raynsford) Warner, natives of Connecticut, by which union five children were born as follows: Fred W., Helen W., Jared W., M. Louise and Harold R. Mrs. Stark is a member of the Episcopal Church, Mr. Stark of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Lodge No. 61, F. & A.M., and is a Knight Templar, Dieu Le Veut Commandery No. 45. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He was a member of the Ninth Regiment, N.G.P., from its reorganization until recently, and was captain of Company F, six years, a major three weeks, and lieutenant colonel seven years.
HENRY STARK, retired, Plains township, P.O. Hudson, was born October 10, 1831, in Plains township, on the old Stark homestead, about twenty rods from his present residence. He is a son of John and Cornelia (Wilcox) Stark, and a grandson of Henry Stark, one of the pioneers of Luzerne county. In his father's family there were nine children, seven of whom are living, and of whom Henry is the sixth; his brother, John R., is also living on a portion of the old homestead. Our subject received a common-school education, and has been engaged in farming nearly all his life. His father built Henry's present residence, and there died June 22, 1878, at the age of eighty-three years, followed by his widow, May 11, 1884, at the age of eighty-seven years. Henry Stark was married, March 15, 1884, to Miss Letitia, daughter of Nelson C. Coolbaugh, of Mountain Valley, Pa,. and one child was born to them, Cornelia, who died in infancy. Mr. Stark has a very comfortable home, in which he can pass the declining years of his life. Mrs. Stark is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Stark has always given his political support to the Republican party.
HENRY J. STARK, proprietor of a restaurant, Plains township, P.O. Hudson, was born in Germany, May 3, 1858, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Apple) Stark, and a step-son of Christian Keil, of Mill Creek. In his father's family there were three children, of whom Henry J. is the youngest. Our subject came to America in 1870, and located at Wilkes-Barre, where he began picking slate; he followed the mines chiefly, seventeen years, being engaged as pumpman six and a half years and as engineer about six years. In 1887 he engaged in his present business, which he has conducted in such a manner that he has built up a large patronage. Mr. Stark was married October 27, 1878, to Maggie S., daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Kilian) Reichers, of Miners Mills. They have six children, four of whom are living, viz.: John F., Katie M., Henry C. F. and Fred O. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church of Wilkes-Barre; he is Sachem of Lodge No. 283, I.O.R.M., and is also a member of the I.O.O.F. of Wilkes-Barre, the A.O.K. of M.C., No 72, all of which are German Orders; in his political views, he is a steadfast Democrat.
JOHN M. STARK, retired farmer, Wyoming borough, was born in Plains township, this county, February 23, 1819, a son of James and Mary (Michael) Stark, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German origin, respectively. James Stark, who was a farmer and contractor, was married three times and reared a family of fourteen children. By his second wife there were two children, of whom John M. is the eldest. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and at twenty-one years of age, began working his father's farm on shares; laboring thus for seven years, when he was employed as superintendent of the North Branch Canal for ten years. He then moved upon his farm in Franklin township, which he had purchased some time before, and farmed for one year; being then employed as superintendent for the Pennsylvania Coal Company eight years, after which he moved back to his farm and remained there six years. He then sold that property, and purchased a large farm at Wyoming, where he has since resided. Mr. Stark was married October 16, 1841, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Morris and Ann (Nun) Davison, natives of New Jersey, of English origin. This happy union was blessed with seven children, six of whom are living: George M., a manufacturer at Pittston; Harriet E. (Mrs. M. Coolbaugh); Joanna (Mrs. Miles Stevens); Mary L. (Mrs. William Shoemaker); Lydia E. (Mrs. Frank Mosier); Charles B. (died July 27, 1882), and Jennie E. (Mrs. Dr. J. N. Warner). Mrs. Stark is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Stark was school director of West Pittston for some years; was supervisor of Franklin township and also served as a member of the council of West Pittston borough. He operated the first gas works in Pittston, manufacturing gas from rosin, in the year 1861; he is one of the substantial men of his borough, and politically is a Democrat.
GEORGE M. STARK, manufacturer of iron and steel roofing, Pittston, and one of the leading residents of Wyoming, was born in Plains township, September 11, 1842, a son of John M. and Sarah (Davison) Stark; he is the eldest in a family of seven children, six of whom are yet living. Our subject was educated in the common schools and at Wyoming Seminary, and at sixteen years of age began work on the canal with his father, where he remained one summer. During the following winter he attended school, and in the spring of 1859 he engaged with the Pittston Gas Company, in whose employ he remained until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Battery M, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, Capt. D. R. Schooley, with which he served until the close of the war; he then returned to Franklin township and worked on his fathers farm for a year and a half, when he engaged in general mercantile business in Moosic for six years, at the end of which time he moved to Wyoming and operated a general store four years. In November, 1885, he engaged in his present business with the Pittston Iron Roofing Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. He also owns and operates a farm near Dallas. He was married, October 10, 1867, to Miss Albertine, daughter of Dr. Alford and Catherine (Van Loon) Brace, respectively natives of New York and Pennsylvania, and of English and German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Stark have a large circle of friends; in his political views he is independent, and he devotes his entire time to his business and home.
PETER STAUB, SR., farmer, P.O. Trucksville, was born in Germany February 26, 1830, and is a son of Peter and Mary Staub, both of whom were born in Germany; the former emigrated to this country in 1854; the latter had died in Germany. The son, Peter, had emigrated to this country one year previous to his father, April 30, 1853, and located in Wilkes-Barre, where he was employed by the Baltimore Coal Company for six years. He then removed to Sugar Notch, where he farmed eight years, and in 1867 removed to Kingston township, having, in 1865, purchased a farm of 150 acres of well-improved land, on which he has made many visible improvements. He was married December 27, 1853, to Miss Mary E., daughter of John Kline. To their union have been born two sons, John N. and Peter W. The latter is a farmer, and is married to Miss Lena Heck, who has borne him three children, two of whom are living. The former is a dairyman, milking fourteen cows; he married Miss Mary Heck, sister of Lena, and to them have been born five children, two of whom are living. Mr. Staub is a general and practical farmer, and a thorough-going business man. He is a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, as well as organized Catholic Societies, and politically is a Republican.
JOHN STEEL, farmer, P.O. Huntsville, was born in the County of Salop, England, February 20, 1826, a son of John and Mary (Smith) Steel, both also natives of England. John Steel, the father of our subject, was an old English farmer. He had a family of seven sons, five of whom grew to maturity, John, whose name opens this sketch, being the eldest in the family. He was reared and educated in England, and in early life learned the butchers trade. In May, 1848, he came to this country, landing in New York, whence he proceeded to Pottsville, where he remained about eight years. In 1855 he came to this county, making his home in Wilkes-Barre, where he resided four years. Here he engaged in the manufacture of rope, twine and cordage, which he sold by the wholesale in the county, doing his own "drumming," at which he succeeded beyond all expectations. In 1866 he moved to Jackson township, where he now resides on a farm of 115 acres. This he has redeemed from Mother Nature, converting the bleak wilderness and causing it to "blossom as the rose." On August 12, 1855, at the age of twenty-nine, he married in Berks county, Pa., Miss Ann, daughter of Samuel and Ann Errel, by which union there were born thirteen children—nine sons and four daughters—eight of whom are now (1891) living: Mary A., John, Maggie, Alexander, Thomas, Isabella, Kate and Henry. Of these, Mary A. married H. Randall; Alexander married Miss Fannie Ayers; John married Miss Alice Maddock, and Isabella married William Lamareaux. Mr. Steel serves well the country of his adoption. He was made a citizen in 1853, in Berks county, and although he did not enter the army in the Civil war, yet he contributed liberally to the substitute fund. He and his estimable wife are members of the Episcopal Church; politically he is independent.
SIMON STEIN, farmer, P.O. Dorrance, was born in Hazle township, September 2, 1858, a son of Henry and Gertrude (Stein) Stein, both of whom were born in Germany, the former May 16, 1833, the latter May 29, 1844. They emigrated to this country in 1855, and first located at Tamaqua, Pa., where they resided for a short time; thence removed to Hazleton, where for a brief space he worked at his trade, that of shoemaker. He finally went to work in the mines, an occupation he followed for several years. During his residence at Hazleton he was married to Miss Gertrude Stein, and then removed to the neighborhood of Scranton, where he was also engaged in the mines; there he tarried five years, and then removed to Dorrance township, where he purchased fifty acres of land, to which he soon afterward added 110 acres, making in all a farm of 160 acres, of which he cleared about forty-five. These figures show Mr. Stein to be a hard-working, sober, honest and industrious man. He is well thought of in his township, where he has held several offices. His wife died Januaary 11, 1885, aged fifty-one years. They reared a family of five children, three of whom are living: Simon, Conrod and Annie, Simon being the eldest in the family. Our subject was reared and educated at Scranton and Dorrance; he has always followed agricultural pursuits, and is a promising young man of energy and pluck. He has in his own name forty acres adjoining his fathers, and works both. He and his father have always lived together. On June 28, 1890, Mr. Stein married Miss Addie, daughter of Lyman and Susan Engler, to which happy union there was born one child, Henry M. Mrs. Addie Stein was born in Dorrance September 4, 1870. Mr. Stein is a member of the P.O.S. of A., and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
JOSEPH STEINBERG, hotel proprietor, Kingston borough, P.O. Edwardsdale, was born in Germany, March 17, 1858, and is a son of John and Milanda (Balaska) Steinberg. Our subject was reared and educated in the land of his birth. Upon reaching his majority he became dissatisfied with the conservativeness of the Old World, and started out in search of new fields of enterprise. He came to America in 1880, and located at Drifton, Pa., where he engaged in mining, remaining there about seven years; he removed thence to Shenandoah, Pa., where he followed mining for two years more, and then came to Kingston, and engaged in his present business, in which he has met with crowning success. Mr. Steinberg was married, in 1888, to Miss Martha Warchensca, also a native of Germany. The fruits of this union are four children, viz.: Mary, Joseph, Charles and Leon. Mr. Steinberg and his family are members of the Polish Church; he is a faithful supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.
MATTHEW J. STEPHENS, a popular and prominent merchant tailor of Wilkes-Barre, was born in the County of Durham, England, May 6, 1853, and is a son of William J. and Kate (Callen) Stephens, being of Irish parentage. He was educated in his native country, where he served a partial apprenticeship at the cutters trade, finishing in New York City, where he located in 1870. He came to Wilkes-Barre in 1871, and entered the employ of J. Stern, in whose service he remained fifteen years as cutter. In 1886 he embarked in business for himself, in which he still continues. Mr. Stephens married, January 14, 1890, Letitia M., daughter of Robert C. and Ellen (McGroarty) Rogers, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has a son, Robert R., and a daughter, Beatrice M. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat.
C. M. STEVENS, general grocer, No. 34 N. Main street, Pittston, was born April 27, 1838, in Orange county, N.Y., and is a son of Isaac and Riannah (Drew) Stevens, who were also natives of Orange county. In 1839 they, with their family of three children, left for what was "then the far West," and settled on a farm in Exeter, Luzerne county. Two sons and two daughters were afterward born to them, all of whom are now living. Here the parents spent the remainder of their days, the mother dying September 26, 1878, and the father October 19, 1889, in his eighty-third year. Our subject received his education in the public schools, was afterward a student in the Wyoming Seminary, and taught school for a number of years. In July, 1870, he, with his younger brother M. H., engaged in the mercantile business in Pittston, under the firm name of Stevens Bros. In May, 1883, he purchased his brothers interest, and has since been sole proprietor. In 1872, Mr. Stevens was married to Miss Mary A. Davidson, of Wyoming, and they have one son, Rolland D. Mr. Stevens is a member of Gohonto Lodge I.O.O.F., and in politics is a stanch Democrat.
FRANK STEVENS, carpenter, Plymouth, was born at Honesdale, Pa., March 24, 1855, and is a son of Mark and Sarah (Williams) Stevens, natives of Wayne county, Pa. Frank is the second in a family of four children, who were left fatherless by the cruel hand of the Civil War. He was educated at the Harford Orphan School in Susquehanna county, this State, and after leaving school learned the carpenters trade, working at it a short time in Harford, and afterward proceeding to Callicoon, N.Y., spending two years in the public schools of that place. He then moved to Nanticoke, Pa., where he worked at his trade and about the mines until 1870, in which year he came to Plymouth, and was engaged by the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, where he has worked at his trade ever since. Mr. Stevens was married, July 21, 1884, to Miss Annie, daughter of Josiah and Rebecca (Wagner) Sterner, natives of Pennsylvania, and to this union have been born three children, as follows: Josiah, Carrie and Nellie. Our subject is a Republican in politics; he belongs to the P.O.S. of A. and Sons of America. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MRS. MINERVA W. STEVENS, widow of the late John B. Stevens, was born in Briar Creek township, Columbia Co., Pa., August 12, 1826, a daughter of Joseph and Ellenor (Bowman) Dilce. The Dilces were formerly from Ohio, but removed to Northampton county, thence to Columbia county, and finally to Luzerne county, Pa., locating in Cambra, latter county, in 1841. In October, 1843, Mrs. Stevens was married to John B. Stevens, who was born in Huntington township in 1821, a son of Zebulon H. Stevens, who was born on Pine Creek. Zebulon H. was a son, of Capt. Thomas Stevens, a native of Connecticut, who served as captain in the Revolutionary army. After the close of that war he removed to this county, where he became one of the foremost pioneers of Huntington township. He was a worthy gentleman, enjoying the full confidence of his fellow citizens. He owned 100 acres of land in Huntington township, and there reared a family of eight children. His son, Zebulon H., began life on the old homestead in Huntington township, and was a prosperous farmer as well as an extensive contractor; he was self educated and a man of marked intelligence. He led a life of usefulness and died in 1854, aged sixty-three years. His family consisted of ten children, four of whom are yet living, and three were in the army, viz.: Thomas Q. A., Stratton Z. and John B., Thomas Q. A. having been first lieutenant. Of these, John B. began his first struggle in life near Cambra, where he resided two years, and seven years afterward he spent in Illinois. In 1851 he removed to Ross township, where he purchased a farm of 140 acres of land, 125 of which were cleared during his lifetime. He was a hard-working, honest, and industrious man, enjoying the full confidence of his fellow citizens. At various times he held office in the township, and he was a strong believer in Republican principles. In religious connection he and his family were strict Methodists. His children were eight in number, four of whom are now living. He was a member of Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth P.V.I., and served his country faithfully during the Civil war. He died July, 1890, from disease contracted in the army. His son, Joseph W., was also in the war of the Rebellion, as a member of Battery M, U.S. Artillery, for over three years; he lived only three weeks after getting home.
Z. H. STEVENS, son of John B., is living on his fathers old place, and is a practical farmer. In 1878 he married Miss Amy Rood, who was born in Ross township in 1859, a daughter of George C. and Elizabeth Rood, and to them were born five children, four of whom are now living: Arthur, Nellie, Stratton and Eva.
GILBERT B. STEWART, master mechanic, Empire Shops, Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Chicago, Ill., September 20, 1844, a son of William L. and Eliza (Barnes) Stewart, the former a native of Philadelphia, Pa., a machinist by trade, the latter a native of Hollisterville, Luzerne Co., Pa. William L. Stewart has resided in Wilkes-Barre since 1864, and is now master mechanic in the Olive Powder Works at Laurel Run. His children were three in number, viz.: Gilbert B., Sarah (Mrs, Charles E. Ayars) and Ruth (Mrs. Alfred F. Smith). Our subject was reared and educated in Wilkes-Barre, and in June, 1862, enlisted as drummer in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-First P.V., later was promoted to drum-major of the regiment, and after serving three years was honorably discharged. Returning to Wilkes-Barre, he finished his trade of machinist, and with the exception of the five years he was locomotive engineer on the L. & S. division of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and four years engine dispatcher for the L. & S. R.R. Co., he has since followed his trade; was assistant master mechanic in the D. & H.C. R.R. shops at Carbondale, four years, and since 1888 has been master mechanic at the Empire Shops, Wilkes-Barre. On November 3, 1867, Mr. Stewart married Drusilla, daughter of Ziba Kremer, of Newport, this county, and they have five children: Edith, Annie, Alice, William and Bertha. Our subject is a member of the Grant Street Presbyterian Church, Wilkes-Barre, of the F. & A.M. and G.A.R., and in politics is a Republican.
REV. WINFIELD SCOTT STITES, minister of the Gospel, Wyoming, was born at Cape May, N.J., August 9, 1847, a son of John K. F. and Harriet (Marcy) Stites, natives of New Jersey and of English origin. Mr. Stites was a Presbyterian clergyman; he reared a family of three children, of whom Winfield S. was the youngest. Our subject received his primary education in the public schools of Philadelphia; he is a graduate of Princeton College and the Allegheny and Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1873 he came to Wyoming, as pastor of the Presbyterian Church, where he remained four years. In 1877 he was called to the pastorate of the Second Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, Pa., where he remained until broken health forced him to resign this charge. Since then he has spent the years in travel and in preaching in several churches. In politics Mr. Stites is a Republican.
WILLIAM HENRY (deceased) was one of the early progressive business men of the Lackawanna Valley; he was a pioneer iron master, and among the first to develop the resources of that region. He was born at Nazareth, Pa., August 15, 1794, and lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four years; he died at Wyoming, where his wife still resides. William was a son of William and Sabina (Schrupp) Henry, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish origin; they were descended from the early pioneer settlers of the Keystone State. Our subject's grandfather, also named William, was an officer under Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary war; his grandfather, Robert Henry, came to America in 1722, and settled at Newcastle, near Philadelphia; he married Ann Wood, who came to America in the ship with William Penn. Our subject's grandfather, William Henry, was the inventor of the first screw auger. The Henry family have usually held to the Moravian faith, and in politics have been Whigs and Republicans. [Also copied to the "H's"]
CHESTER B. STIVERS, merchant, Ashley, was born in Hanover township May 30, 1839, and is a son of Samuel B. and Mary (Mosher) Stivers, natives, respectively, of Newport township, this county, and Easton, Pa., and of Dutch, German and Irish origin. He is a grandson of John and Phoebe (Barber) Stivers, the latter a member of an Irish family. The Stiverses (formerly Von Stiver) settled in Long Island in 1645, and soon after 1800 a branch came to Luzerne county, settling in what is now Newport township. In the family of Samuel B. Stivers there were eight children, viz.: Thomas B., Conrad L. (died at the age of seven), Chester B., Malinda (Mrs. Peter Smith), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Field), Hendrick W., Phoebe and Horace. Our subject passed his boyhood on the farm and attended the common school, afterward learning the shoemakers trade. He enlisted at Wilkes-Barre, August 18, 1861, as private in Company L, Twenty-third P.V., and March 1, 1862, was detached to Battery H, First Pennsylvania Artillery, as artificer. He was discharged November 26, 1863, re-enlisting the next day, being dismounted in May, 1864, and assigned to garrison duty at Fort Whipple. He also carried mail, did other detached service during the war, and was discharged at Philadelphia June 27, 1865. He then returned to Ashley, worked two years with an engineering corps, and in 1868 embarked in the grocery business, which he has since followed, and in connection with which he also ran a saloon in the same building, which he had put up in 1868. Mr. Stivers was married, March 15, 1866, to Miss Anna, daughter of Michael and Mary (Monahan) Donnelly, natives of Ireland. The issue of this union was five children, three of whom are living, viz.: William C.; Edward D., a farmer of Wright township, and Bessie J. Mrs. Stivers is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Stivers is a member of the F. & A.M. and the I.O.O.F. He is a Republican in his political views, and has held the offices of constable, assessor and councilman in Ashley borough, and in 1890 was appointed census taker. The great-grandfather of our subject, George Stivers, who died in New Jersey at the age of one hundred and twelve years, served seven years in the Revolutionary war, as did also his four sons, including John, whose gun is still in the possession of Mr. Stivers.
WILLIAM C. STIVERS, brakeman on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, was born at Solomons Gap April 11, 1867, and is a son of Chester B. and Anna (Donnelly) Stivers. He was educated in the common schools, and then began picking slate in the breaker, at which he remained two years. After this he worked three years in the shop yard at Ashley, then was brakeman on the Lehigh Valley Railroad eighteen months, and in July, 1888, began in a similar occupation on the Central. He has been on a passenger train since June 21, 1891. Mr. Stivers was married, July 31, 1889, to Miss Anna, daughter of Philip and Ruth (Bullock) Evans, natives of Wales. He is a member of the Jr. O.U.A.M. and B.R.T., and is a Republican in his politcal views.
FREDRICK STOCK, farmer, P.O. Forty Fort, was born July 25, 1837, in Bavaria, Germany, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Weaver) Stock, who reared a family of eleven children, of whom our subject is the sixth. He was educated in the common schools of Germany, came to America December 31, 1856, and engaged in public works for one year and three months; then worked for William Loveland, of Kingston, three years and nine months. He then worked for Payne Pettebone, of Wyoming, three years and nine months; then lived with his brother, Jacob, for two years; then in the Old House, by the Barber Mill, for two years, on the Shoemaker farm in Forty Fort. Then he came to Forty Fort, and in 1871 built his cozy home where he has since lived. On January 29, 1868, Mr. Stock was married to Susan, daughter of William and Martha (Flemming) Hartzell, natives of Pennsylvania, by which happy union they had three children, one of whom is now living: Miss Jennie, who is the pride and joy of the pleasant home, and is a member of the M.E. Church of Forty Fort. Mrs. Stock is also a member of the M.E. Church of Forty Fort, while Mr. Stock is a member of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.
JACOB STOCK, farmer, Forty Fort, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 22, 1831, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Weaver) Stock, both also natives of Bavaria, and farmers by occupation. Our subject came to America June 1, 1852, and was engaged in chopping wood by the cord, in Wyoming county, for three weeks. He then went to Tunkhannock, same county, and worked three months in a brickyard; also drove team in same town fifteen months. He then moved to Delaware Water Gap, Pa., and worked as foreman on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, two years, thence in 1856 proceeded to Kingston, and there worked on the railroad, three years. He then came to Forty Fort, and was engaged as farm hand with Anson Church, five years; then for William Sweatland, eighteen months, at the end of which time he returned to Kingston, and worked one year in the car shops. Once more coming to Forty Fort, he worked one year for H. H. Wells on the farm, and then in 1866 purchased a house and moved to his present farm, which he has since cultivated. In his fathers family there were eleven children, eight of whom are now living, Jacob being the third. Our subject was married August 11, 1855, to Elizabeth Biear, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Snider) Biear, natives of Germany. This union was blessed with seven children, only one of whom is now living, Adam, head man at the Pettebone Mine, who married Alice Hawk (both he and his wife are members of the Kingston Presbyterian Church; he is a member of Walnut Lodge, I.O.O.F., Luzerne). Jacob Stock is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre; his wife of the Presbyterian Church of Kingston. Politically he is a radical Democrat.
THOMAS STONEHAM, mine foreman, Parsons, was born in Pittston October 3, 1859, and is a son of Thomas and Latte (Cook) Stoneham, the former a native of New York and the latter of Connecticut, both being of New England parentage. Our subject was educated in the public schools at Pittston, and began life for himself at the age of twenty-one, working in the mines at Plymouth, Pa. He remained there about ten years, when he came to Parsons, and engaged in mining at the Mineral Spring Colliery; he is now inside foreman at the Conyngham Shaft. Mr. Stoneham was married October 3, 1884, to Miss Anna, daughter of John and Mary (Gardner) Mountford, of Jermyn, Pa. The fruits of this happy union are four children, viz.: Emerson, born March 16, 1886; Burtie, born May 1, 1887; Harrison, born August 23, 1888, and Anna, born September 1, 1890. Our subject is a member of the I.O.R.M., and of the F. & A.M.; in politics he is a Republican.
DANIEL W. STOUT, ticket agent, Nanticoke, Pa., was born in Briar Creek township, Columbia Co., Pa., December 9, 1861, and is the youngest in the family of ten children (eight sons and two daughters) born to William and Mary (Shaffer) Stout, natives of Luzerne county. Daniel W. was educated in the public schools and at the Orangeville Academy in his native county. After leaving school he began work in the machine shops at Berwick. Pa., continuing here for three years. He was then employed in the Jackson & Woodin Car Shops until 1885, when he engaged in farming, which he continued for two years. In 1887 Mr. Stout began railroading, following this until 1891, when he was appointed ticket agent at the east end of the Nanticoke bridge, which position he now occupies. Mr. Stout was united in marriage, March 28, 1889, with Florence L., daughter of John and Elizabeth (McGraw) Collins, natives of Luzerne county. In politics Mr. Stout is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Malta, and in religion is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN G. STOUT, retired farmer, Forty Fort, was born June 3, 1813, at Nazareth, Pa., and is a son of Christian and Sarah (Gross) Stout, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. Our subject, who is the second in a family of three children, two of whom are now living, was educated in the common schools, and at twenty-three years of age began work in the lumber woods, where he remained one year; then did general work two years, after which he came to Forty Fort, and was engaged in general work for five years. In 1844 he purchased his present farm, and rented the Myers farm, which he worked fourteen years. He then moved on his farm, and followed truck farming until he retired some years ago. On May 10, 1836, he married Eunice Lamoreaux, daughter of James and Sarah (Hunter) Lamoreaux, natives of Pennsylvania, and of French descent. Mr. and Mrs. Stout have three children: Robert, Anson, and Dyer. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and in his political preferences he is a Republican.
A. J. STRAIT, famer and lumberman, Hunlock Creek, was born in Franklin township December 30, 1851, where he was reared and educated in the common schools. He is a son of Lewis and Amelia (Alling) Strait, both of whom were born in Morris county, N.J., the former in 1809, the latter in 1813. They removed to this county when they were both young, and located in Franklin township, where they live a life of peace and quietness. Lewis died in 1874, his wife, Amelia, in 1890. They reared a family of seven children, four of whom are living. Our subject is the sixth in the family, and has always confined himself to farming and lumbering and railroad bossing. On April 15, 1874, he married Miss Olive, daughter of James Lamoreaux, to which union have been born eleven children, all of whom are living: Cora S., Louise E., Harvey B., Amelia J., Priscilla M., Hiram J., Christina E., Emily A., Mahlon L., Jessie M., and Fannie A. Mr. Strait owns fifty acres of land in Hunlock township, which he purchased in 1872, besides a mill property of twenty acres, known as the "Koons Mill." He is a member I.O.P.S.A. and Sons of Veterans. His father served his country in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for three years. He is a Republican in politics, and has held various township offices.
CAPTAIN NELSON STRANBERG, a prominent citizen of Parsons, and inside foreman at Laurel Run Mine, was born in Sweden, March 18, 1854, a son of Nelson and Bertha (Anderson) Stranberg. At the age of fifteen, he enlisted in the Royal Life Guards of Charles XV., at Stockholm, and after serving his Majesty for three years, the term of enlistment, he came to America and engaged in mining at Kingston. In the fall of 1878, when he went to Wilkes-Barre, remaining there one year, and next came to Parsons, where he has since been engaged in mining for the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company. He was promoted to his present position in 1885. At the organization of Company F, Ninth Regiment N.G.P., July 7, 1879, our subject was commissioned first lieutenant; May 11, 1882, was commissioned captain, and is now serving his third successive commission as captain of that company, which amply demonstrates his aptitude to military life. Mr. Stranberg was married December 27, 1882, to Miss Jennie, daughter of John Anderson, of Parsons; and of this union has been born one child, Etta. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and Encampment, and is one of those strictly independent political thinkers of which the present age is greatly in need.
WILLIAM J. STRANGE, a prominent citizen of Plains township, was born in Pittston, October 14, 1854, and is a son of William and Caroline (Sharren) Strange, natives of England. The parents came to America in 1844, and located in Pittston, where the father engaged first in farming and later in teaming around the mines; he was for several years stable-boss and veterinary surgeon, having charge of several barns, until he retired from active life and removed to Plains, in February, 1891. William and Caroline Strange were the parents of seven children, of whom William J. is the fifth. The last named was educated in the common schools and at Wyoming Seminary, where he completed the English and commercial courses. He began life for himself at Pittston, where he was successively engaged in painting, two and a half years; butchering, two and a half years; firing and stable-bossing, two and a half years; as stable-boss for Waterman & Beaver, one year. He then made an extended tour of the West: Going by the way of Canada, he traveled through Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky, then back to Illinois, whence he returned to Pittston, where he resumed painting for a short time, and was afterward employed by W. J. Marvel, of Wilkes-Barre, as clerk in a green market, remaining as such about five months. He then entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, continuing eight years, during which time, while acting as brakeman, he received an injury whereby he lost his right arm; he then resumed butchering at Plains, which business he has followed to some extent since. Mr. Strange was married, March 27, 1886, to Miss Mary , daughter of Peter Neuman, of Plains, and they have three children, viz.: Maria, William and Rena. Our subject is a member of the I.O.O.F., P.O.S. of A., and the Jr. O.U.A.M. He is a Republican in politics, and renders his party much valuable service; he has held the office of assessor, two consecutive terms, and in February, 1891, was elected tax collector of Plains township.
GEORGE STROH, farmer, at Dorranceton borough, was born September 4, 1853, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Blanchard) Stroh, natives of Pennsylvania and of English and German origin, respectively. Our subject is the fourth in a family of twelve children, five of whom are now living. At the age of nineteen he engaged with Adam Heiss as farm hand, and remained with him for two years, after which he worked one year on the farm of Jacob Ely, also one year for John Dorrance. He then purchased the stock of the Dorrance farm, rented the land and farmed on same for eleven years, when he rented the Myers farm at Kingston, where he is now engaged in agricultural pursuits. He purchased a lot and built his present cozy home in 1888. In 1873 Mr. Stroh was married to Callie, daughter of David and Emily (De Long) Bryant, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish and German descent, respectively. This union was blessed with one child, Daisy Maude, born December 19, 1874. She is a pupil at the Dorranceton high school, where she stands at the head of her classes, and has won the love and respect of her tutors and schoolmates alike. Mrs. Stroh is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Stroh is a sound Republican, and is a member of the Dorranceton school board.
HENRY STROH, who was in his lifetime for many years sexton of the Forty Fort cemetery, was born in Luzerne, November 25, 1842. He was a son of Henry and Margaret (Kridler) Stroh, natives of Pennsylvania, the father a miller by occupation, and of German origin. They reared a family of eight children, of whom Henry was the fourth. At the age of ten years our subject began work on a farm, and followed same until the age of thirty-one years, when he moved to his late residence and engaged as sexton of the Forty Fort cemetery—the position he held until his death, which occurred January 17, 1892. He was married, July 9, 1863, to Martha A., daughter of Charles and Catherine (De Long) Wolfinger, natives of Monroe county, Pa., and of German descent. Mr. And Mrs. Stroh had three children: William J., a butcher at Forty Fort, married to Helen Keeler; Maggie T., married to Samuel Marsden, a conductor on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad; and Katie W. Mrs. Stroh is a member of the Methodist Church of Forty Fort. Mr. Stroh enlisted in Company C, Eight Pennsylvania Volunteers, and after his discharge, re-enlisted in Company H, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with which company he participated in the following battles: Richmond, Bowling Green and Perryville, all in Kentucky, and several other minor engagements; he was discharged in January, 1862, on account of disability. Mr. Stroh was a member of the G.A.R., and in his political views he was independent.
WILLIAM J. STROH, butcher, Forty Fort borough, was born April 1, 1864, at Forty Fort, and is a son of Henry and Martha A. (Wolfinger) Stroh, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. [See sketch of Henry Stroh.] Our subject, who is the eldest in a family of three children, was educated in the common schools and at the Wyoming Seminary. At the age of nineteen he engaged as clerk in the Wyoming Valley Coal Company's Company Store (E. A. Spaulding, manager) for three years, after which he opened a meat market in Forty Fort, where he is still in business. Mr. Stroh was married to Helen Keeler. He is a member of the I.O.G.T., and politically he votes the Prohibition ticket.
ALBERT STULL, lumberman, Moosic, Lackawanna county, was born in Buck township, September 29, 1830, a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Guinter) Stull, the former born in Philadelphia in 1797, the latter in Germany. The father came to Luzerne county about 1817, locating in Buck township, where he owned 166 acres of land, some of which he cleared, making also other needed improvements. He made his home there till his death, which occurred in 1867, when he was aged sixty-eight years. His family consisted of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and six of them are now living, Albert being the sixth in the family. Our subject was reared and educated in his native township, and confined his labors to farming and lumbering. On June 21, 1857, he married Miss Elizabeth De Haven, who was born in Monroe county in 1830, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth De Haven, and there were ten children born to them, nine of whom are now living: Emma, Henry, Lydia, Elmer, William, Thomas, Alvin, George and Mame. Mr. Stull owns, in partnership with his son-in-law, J. W. Ziegler, 300 acres of valuable land, some of which is improved. Mr. Stull is a practical business man, hard-working, economical and industrious. Politically, he is a Republican.
W. D. STULL, miner, Larksville, was born in Plainsville, June 26, 1856, a son of David and Amanda (Smith) Stull, the former born in Easton, Northampton county, in 1826, the latter, in Stoddartsville, Pennsylvania, in 1836. David was a miller by occupation, but followed other vocations. He removed to this county about 1855, locating in Plainsville, where he purchased some property. In 1858 he sold his estate and removed to Larksville, where he purchased property and where he and his sons now reside. He and his wife are both living at this writing and enjoying good health. Their family consisted of six children, of whom five are living: J. O., Elizabeth, Hattie J., Ellen and W. D. The subject of this sketch, the eldest by birth, was reared and educated in Larksville, and has followed mining all his lifetime. During his mining experience, he met with an accident which caused a permanent lameness in his hips, caused by being crushed between two cars. May 26, 1875, he married Miss Mary H., daughter of William and Mary A. Smith, and of this union were born six children, one of whom is living, James E. For his second wife Mr. Stull married Miss Smith, a sister of his former wife, September 27, 1886, and by her had five children, all now living, viz.: Jennie, Howard, Warren, Charles and Hattie. Both his wives were born in Larksville. Mr. Stull is a member of the I.O.O.F., I.O.R.M., and of the Golden Eagle.
COLONEL SAMUEL H. STURDEVANT, lumber dealer, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Braintrim township (now in Wyoming county, Pa.), March 29, 1832, and is a son of Laverius D. and Ada (Morley) Sturdevant. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Sturdevant, was a native of Connecticut, as was also the great-grandfather, Rev. Samuel Sturdevant, both of whom were among the pioneers of Black Walnut bottom, in Braintrim township, where they died. The father was born and reared in that township, and was successively a farmer, hotel-keeper and merchant; he died there at the age of eighty-three years. His wife was a daughter of John Morley, a poineer of Tuscarora, Wyoming county, and by her he had eight children: Samuel H., Ebenezer W., Elizabeth M. (Mrs. James M. Robinson), Martha (Mrs. Frank Ames), H. Sinton, Dunning, Ella (Mrs. Jerome Swartwood) and Harriet Morley (Mrs. W. F. Goff). Our subject was reared in Luzerne county, and educated in the common schools and at Wyoming Seminary. In 1851 he began his business career as a merchant in Wilkes-Barre, in which he continued until 1855, when he embarked in the lumber business, at which he remained until 1861. On August 3, of that year, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, captain of C.S. of U.S. Volunteers; was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and later ot colonel, and September 15, 1865, was mustered out of the service. He has since been in the lumber business at Wilkes-Barre, since 1869 as a member of the firm of Sturdevant and Goff. Col. Sturdevant was married November 9, 1853, to Leah, daughter of John and Emily (Naylor) Urquhart, of Lambertville, N.J., and has five children living: Harry, Ella, George, Samuel H., Jr., and Robert. Mr. Sturdevant is a member of the first Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre. Politically, he is a Republican, and has held the office of school director, six years, and councilman, three years.
DANIEL A. SULLIVAN, proprietor of the "Eagle Restaurant," Miners Mills, was born in Hackettstown, N.J., December 26, 1862, and is a son of Michael and Honora (McTigue) Sullivan, natives, respectively of Counties Kilkenny and Mayo, Ireland. His father, who was a brewer by trade, came to New Jersey in 1858, and reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Mary, married to Herman Riechardt, hotel-keeper, Chicago; James, brakeman on the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Delano, Pa.; Catharine and Michael, residing with Mr. And Mrs. Riechardt, in Chicago; Ann, living with Daniel A.; and Patrick, attending school in Cleveland, Ohio, living with his mother. Our subject received a common school education, and at the age of eleven years began working about the mines, which he has followed as the chief occupation of his life; while tending door in the Midvale Shaft, he was driven through a double door by a loose car, and had both arms and one leg broken, hip disjointed, and received a gash in the head which required twenty-four stitches in sewing up; when he was somewhat recovered, his hip was again displaced by a kick, and he was disabled, in all, about eighteen months. He worked in many different places, and in nearly every capacity about the mines. After serving four years as brakeman, fireman and conductor on the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, he again engaged in mining, and at the same time had a grocery and confectionery store in Parsons for one year. He engaged in his present business in 1889. Since then he has contracted and acted as foreman to some extent for the Abbot Coal Company; he passed the examination as mine foreman, July 6, 1891. Mr. Sullivan was married, June 18, 1885, to Mary E., daughter of John and Maria (Welch) Sheridan, natives of Ireland and Archbald, Pa., respectively, and of Irish origin. Mrs. And Mrs. Sullivan had four children, viz.: Mary M. (who died at the age of seventeen days), Anna, John L. and Ellen. Mr. Sullivan and family are members of the Catholic Church; he is a member of the C.M.B.A., A.O.H., B. of V., and formerly belonged to the B. of R.R.T.; in politics he is a Democrat, but votes for principle aside from party lines.
BARNARD SUTLIFF, retired farmer, Huntington township, P.O. Town Line, was born August 28, 1810, on the property he now owns. He is the only son of Darius and Rosanna (Hungerford) Sutliff, who were natives of Waterbury, Conn., of English origin, and came to Huntington about 1795. Our subject was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and has followed agriculture all his life. He was married, September 17, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth Walton, who bore him eight children, six of whom are living, viz.: Darius C., Isabella (Mrs. Harrison Wilkinson), Theodicia (Mrs. Edward Remaly), Josephine (Mrs. William A. Masters); Chester B., born December 27, 1846, married Hattie M. Benscoter November 2, 1879, which union was blessed with four children, viz.: Daisy M., born January 25, 1880; Gussie J., born September 18, 1881, died August 1, 1883; Francis B., born October 14, 1883; and Gertie A., born March 31, 1887 (the father of this family is a member of the P. of H., and politically is a Republican); and Rebecca J. (Mrs. Joseph Wilkinson, of Colorado). Mr. Sutliff is a member of the I.O.O.F.; he has held all the township offices in his day, and in politics is a good Republican.
D. C. SUTLIFF, farmer, Union township, P.O. Town Line, was born August 26, 1836, in Huntington township, this county, and is a son of Bernard and Elizabeth (Walton) Sutliff. He is the eldest in the family, was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and began life for himself at twenty-two years of age, working the homestead on shares for two years. He then moved to Stillwater, Columbia county, and worked a rented farm for five years, when he returned and bought his present property in Union township, where he now resides. He was married, February 22, 1860, to Maria, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Whitesell, of Monroe county, Pa., by whom he has had seven children, five of whom are living: Lizzie (Mrs. John Williams, of Huntington township); Ida (Mrs. D. M. Hobbse, of Kingston, Pa.); William, a teacher in the State Normal School, Bloomsburg; Fred, attending same school; and Stanley, at home. Mrs. Sutliff is a member of the M.E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the offices of school director and supervisor.
J. B. SUTLIFF, a prominent farmer of Huntington township, P.O. Huntington Mills, was born in that township November 20, 1839, and is a son of Darius S. and Lydia (Dodson) Sutliff, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English origin. The father was a son of Miles and Phoebe (Culver) Sutliff, who came from Connecticut to the Huntington Valley among the first settlers. Our subject is the third in a family of twelve children, seven of whom are now living. He was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and at the age to twenty-two rented a farm and began life for himself. He farmed on rented lands for about twelve years, and in 1873 purchased his present property of 156 acres, on the Shickshinny and Huntington Mills turnpike, about one-half mile from latter place, and in the spring of 1886, built his fine residence thereon. Our subject married, October 13, 1861, to Miss Eveline Culver, which union was blessed with five children, two of whom are living, viz.: Mary E. (Mrs. E. E. Trumpore) and Ida. The family are members of the M.E. Church. Mr. Sutliff enlisted, December 8, 1864, in Company B, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers; was in the battle of Petersburg and various minor engagements, and was discharged June 28, 1865. He is a member of the P. of H. and G.A.R.; in politics he is a Republican, and holds the office of school director.
JAMES M. SUTLIFF, farmer, Huntington township, P.O. Waterton, was born July 8, 1844, a son of Abel and Lydia (Brader) Sutliff, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German origin. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, and died June 28, 1867, aged sixty-two years, was a son of Miles and Phoebe (Culver) Sutliff, natives of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, respectively, and a grandson of Abel and Charity (Barber) Sutliff, natives of Connecticut. Our subject is the ninth in a family of fourteen, nine of whom are living. He was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and when twenty-three years of age began life for himself by working the homestead farm on shares, and after a year went to the Lehigh tannery, and worked a year in the lumber woods. He then returned to his native township and worked one year as a laborer, after which he moved to New Columbus and worked a year for D. L. Chapin, as farmer and huckster. He next followed huckstering for three years on the Eli McDaniels farm; returned to the homestead, where he has since resided. He was married, July 3, 1868, to Martha M., daughter of Christian L. Moore, by whom he has five children, viz.: Nora M., born May 12, 1870; William H., born April 3, 1872; Edward E., born January 10, 1875; Maggie M., born September 16, 1878; and Phoebe A., born June 20, 1883. Mrs. Sutliff died February 28, 1890. She was a member of the M.E. Church, and a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Sutliff is a member of the K. of H.; in politics he is a Republican, and has held the office of supervisor.
JOHN W. SUTLIFF, farmer, Huntington township, P.O. Waterton, was born March 12, 1837, and is a son of Abel and Lydia (Brader) Sutliff, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German origin respectively. Abel Sutliff was a farmer by occupation, and died June 28, 1867, aged sixty-two years; he was a son of Miles and Phoebe (Culver) Sutliff, natives of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, respectively. Miles Sutliff was a son of Abel and Charity (Barber) Sutliff, of Connecticut. Our subject, who is the fifth in a family of fourteen children, nine of whom are now living, was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and when twenty-two years of age, bought his present farm. He has devoted his entire life to farming pursuits. Mr. Sutliff was married June 25, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Amy (Chapin) Zimmerman, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English origin respectively. This union has been blessed with six children, viz.: Alden M., born August 26, 1860, a farmer at Town Line (he married Della Wolf, and they have one daughter, Addie E., born March 24, 1891); Abia C., born April 29, 1863 (she married J. M. Kline, and they have one daughter, Pearl I., born March 15, 1886; Mr. Kline is a music dealer at Benton, Pa.); Geraldine E., born July 18, 1866 (she married E. F. Williams, and they have two children: Ethel M., born June 10, 1889, and Helen C., born August 5, 1891; Mr., Williams is a butcher at Glen Lyon, Pa.); Elsie M., born June 2, 1869, married to M. F. Harrison, a farmer of Huntington township; Van Duyne A., born February 6, 1872, attending school at Benton, Pa.; and Myra A., born November 7, 1873 at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sutliff are members of the Baptist Church. Socially, he is a member of the K. of H. and P. of H. Politically, he is a Republican, and has held the office of school director.
STERLING D. SUTLIFF, farmer, Huntington township, P.O. Waterton, was born September 21, 1842, in that township, son of Abel and Lydia (Brader) Sutliff, natives of Pennsylvania, of English and German origin respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1867, and his wife, Lydia, survived him till 1887. Abel was a son of Miles and Phoebe (Culver) Sutliff, natives of Connecticut. Sterling D. Sutliff, who is the eighth in order of birth in a family of fourteen children, nine of whom are now living, was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. On August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Capt. Tubbs. He participated in the following battles: Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Antietam, Weldon Railroad, Spottsylvania, Chancellorsville, and minor engagements. He was disabled at Fort Slocum, and discharged June 12, 1865, at Hart Island, N.Y. He then returned to his native township and purchased his present farm of forty-seven acres, situated one mile from Waterton postoffice. On December 25, 1866, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of John and Amy (Van Horn) Killion. She was born January 13, 1849, the fourth in a family of fourteen children. This union has been blessed with seven children, viz.: Blanche E., born November 19, 1867 (now Mrs. George Moonie, of Berwick); Mattie M., born March 5, 1870; Annie A., born April 24, 1872 (Mrs. Benjamin Wineings, of Union township); Charles W., born October 14, 1875; Cora A., born October 31, 1878,; Gracie V., born November 4, 1881; and Mason B., born October 24, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Sutliff and their four eldest children are members of the M.E. Church. He is a member of the G.A.R., and politically is a Republican.
OLIVER S. SUTLIFF, merchant, Bloomingdale, was born February 10, 1869, a son of Bloomfield and Martha R. (Seward) Sutliff, the former of whom was born in Huntington township, this county, the latter in Sugar Loaf township, Columbia county, Pa. Bloomfield is the son of Stiles Sutliff, who was one of Huntington's early settlers. He was a worthy man, highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, and lived to a good old age. His son, Bloomfield, began his active business career in Huntington township as one of its prosperous farmers. During his life, which was brief, he was a successful, practical farmer. He died in 1874, aged thirty-five years. He had only one child, Oliver S., who was reared and educated in Ross township. Our subject worked a farm until 1886, when he began clerking in the "Boston Store" and other places in Wilkes-Barre. In 1892 he embarked in mercantile business on his own account in Bloomingdale, where he keeps a general and well regulated store. On February 20, 1891, he married Miss Susie E. Hontz, who was born in Ross township in 1866, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Hontz. Mr. Sutliff is a worthy young man, possessed of good business abilities—sure to succeed in his chosen calling. His store is well kept, and his goods are first-class and of good quality. He believes in and practices the cash system. His motto is "Goods cheap for cash, but not cheap goods."
RENALDO SUTLIFF, farmer, Huntington township, P.O. Waterton, was born on the farm he now owns, June 23, 1849, and is the son of Daniel and Clarissa (Harrison) Sutliff, natives of Pennsylvania and of English origin; the father was a farmer by occupation, and died November 4, 1889, aged seventy-three years. He was a son of Miles and Phoebe (Culver) Sutliff, and a grandson of Abel and Charity (Barber) Sutliff, of Connecticut. Our subject is the third in a family of seven children, six of whom are still living. He was reared on the farm he now owns, was educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-three rented and worked the homestead farm on shares, until 1876, when he purchased fifty-three acres of the property, where he has since resided. Mr. Sutliff was married, September 26, 1871, to Ester J., daughter of William and Catherine (Downing) Thomas, which union is blessed with five children, viz.: Bertha V., born October 7, 1872, married June 13, 1892, to Frank Chapin; Eva D., born September 12, 1874; Howard B., born November 30, 1878; Floyd W., born May 11, 1880; and Merea Maud L., born March 28, 1892. The family attends the M.E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Sutliff are members of the P. of H. Politically he is a sound Republican, and has held the office of school director.
S. H. SUTLIFF, farmer, P.O. Koonsville, was born in Ross township, August 16, 1838, and is a son of Wells and Abiah (Harrison) Sutliff, both of whom were born in Huntington township. Wells was a son of Miles Sutliff, who was a native of Connecticut, and who removed to this county in its early settlement, locating in Huntington township, where he owned 200 acres of land. He was an industrious and honest man, and passed away at the age of sixty years. He reared a family of eight children, all of whom are now deceased. Wells began to farm for himself in Ross township on a farm of 200 acres, which he worked in a practical manner. He lived to be forty-nine years of age. He reared a family of eight children, six of whom grew to maturity, and three of whom are now living. Stephen H., the subject of this memoir, is the fourth in the family, and was reared and educated in Ross township. He removed to Union township in 1890, where he is now about to enter into mercantile business. In connection with his store he conducts a small farm of twenty-one acres. In 1861 he enlisted in the U. S. service for the term of three years, as a member of Comapany D, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in which command he proved worthy to be called a soldier of the United States. He is a member of the G.A.R. On April 17, 1889, he married Miss Aurphy, daughter of Simon and Rydie Hainsley. To this union there has been no issue. Mr. Sutliff is an active and wide-awake business man and a loyal citizen.
S. W. SUTLIFF, druggist, Nanticoke one of Luzerne county's most prominent and worthy citizens, is a native of Huntington township, this county. He is a son of D. S. and Lydia (Dodson) Sutliff, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, and descendants of pioneer families of Luzerne county. Our subject's father was a son of Darius Sutliff, who also was born and lived in this county, and whose father was one of the first pioneers of the Valley. Lydia Dodson, Mr. Sutliff's mother, was a daughter of John Dodson, of Shickshinny Valley. He was a descendant of the Dodson family, some of whom were among the victims of the Indians during the Revolutionary period. The Sutliffs and Dodsons were both descendants of very prominent English families. Our subject is the eighth of twelve children. He was educated in this county and reared on a farm, and then went to the New Columbus Seminary. Commencing life as a miner at Maquara, he continued there for two years, until the great strike. After teaching school for a time, he engaged in clerking in a store at Mt. Pleasant, Pa, for the firm of Tigret & Butler, where he remained two years. When business was suspended in the store, the same firm gave him employment as assistant mule-boss in the mines, which business he followed a short time. Shortly after this, he went to Avondale and clerked in the company store of Lee Bros., from there going to Plymouth and clerking in the hardware store of F. E. Spy. Mr. Sutliff next went to Philadelphia, entering the employ of his brother, who was a wholesale and retail liquor dealer. While there he also attended the School of Pharmacy, and after two years in that city came to Nanticoke, and accepted a clerkship in the store of D. K. Spy, where he clerked about six months, being then given the entire management. After having filled this position three years he entered the employ of Dr. Lape, as manager of his drug-store, and in June, 1881, he engaged in business for himself, having ever since been one of Nanticoke's most flourishing druggists. Mr. Sutliff is a first-class apothecary. In the fall of 1886 he was unanimously nominated by the Republican party for the Legislature, but declined. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, American Protestants, I.O.O.F., Sons of St. George, I.O.R.M., P.O.S. of A., American Mechanics, Knights of Honor and Royal Society of Good Fellows. He married, for his first wife, Miss Jane Kostenbauder, of Catawissa, who died leaving one child, Hattie. He was again married, this time to Miss Emma, daughter of G. W. Nicely, of Nanticoke. Politically Mr. Sutliff is a Republican.
CHARLES B. SUTTON, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Exeter township, this county, July 9, 1830, a son of Samuel and Mary D. (Buckingham) Sutton, and is among the descendants of the first settlers of the Wyoming Valley. He was reared on the homestead in Exeter township, and at Kingston, until sixteen years of age; was educated at Wyoming Seminary, and in 1850, began his business life as clerk in a general store in Kingston, where he was employed three years. In 1853 he came to Wilkes-Barre and entered the store of his brother, James, as clerk, in which capacity he served until 1861. On September 2 of that year he enlisted as musician in the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Regiment, and after one year's service was honorably discharged. After his return home he was again employed in his brother's store, until 1864, and then embarked in general merchandising for his own account, in which he continued seven years. After that he was engaged in the insurance business three years. On May 27, 1863, Mr. Sutton married Frances A., daughter of Daniel Woodward, of White Haven, and has four children: Charles H., Samuel, John and Nancy B. Mr. Sutton is a member of the G.A.R. In politics he is a Republican, and from 1874 to 1886 he was alderman of the Twelfth Ward, Wilkes-Barre; was mayor (pro tem.) from 1883 to 1886, and mayor from 1886 to 1892. In February, 1892, he was again elected alderman of the Twelfth Ward, for a term of five years, which incumbency he is now filling.
JAMES SUTTON, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Exeter township, this county, December 22, 1825, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Buckingham) Sutton. His paternal grandfather, James Sutton, a native of White Plains, N.Y., and for several years a prominent hardware merchant of New York City, settled in Wilkes-Barre prior to the Revolutionary war, erected a gristmill on Mill creek, and later removed to Exeter township, where he had a farm and mill property at the time of the Wyoming Massacre, in which he took an active part. Soon after he, with others, built a raft, and with their families went down the river to near Harrisburg; after a year or more he returned to the homestead at Exeter, rebuilt the mills that had been burned down during the Indian troubles, and resided there until his death. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Dr. William Hooker Smith, formerly of Westchester county, N.Y., and among the pioneer physicians of Luzerne county. By her he had children as follows, who grew to maturity; Deborah (Mrs. Jacob Bedford), William, Polly (Mrs. Putnam Catlin), Sarah (Mrs. Daniel Sterling), John, Samuel and James. Of these Samuel, father of subject, was a native of Luzerne county, and spent most of his life in Exeter township, where he was engaged in farming, milling and lumbering, and where his death occurred by drowning March 25, 1842. His wife was Mary D., daughter of Stephen and Polly (Dorrance) Buckingham, and granddaughter of Col. George Dorrance, who was killed at the Wyoming Massacre. By her he had six children: Nancy A., James, Stephen B. (now a resident of Minnesota), who served throughout the late Civil war as a member of the First Minnesota Regiment; Charles B. and Samuel, twins, and Benjamin D., deceased. All were reared on the old homestead at Exeter, and all but three are residents of Wilkes-Barre, vix.: James, Charles B. and Samuel. Our subject left the homestead on Exeter when sixteen years of age commencing life as a clerk in a general store, and in 1853 he embarked in general merchandising in Wilkes-Barre, in which he was successfully engaged twenty and one half years, retiring in 1873. His brother, Samuel, who resides with him, was for many years a resident of New York City, where he was engaged in the rubber trade. Both are unmarried.
J. G. SUTTON, farmer, P.O. Outlet, was born in Bradford county, February 22, 1815, a son of Isaac and Hannah (Quick) Sutton, the former born in New Haven, Conn., the latter near Skinner's Eddy, Pa. Isaac Sutton was a ship carpenter by trade, and followed the sea for seven years, passing most of his life, however, in Bradford county. His father, a native of Ireland, came to this country as a British soldier, but, on seeing the brave men struggle for freedom and independence, he left the stronger for the better side and fought with the patriots. Isaac Sutton had three children, two of whom reached maturity, and one of them is now living, John G. Our subject was reared and educated at Towanda, Pa., and always confined himself to agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-eight, he removed to this county, settling in Lake township, where he purchased a lot of 300 acres of unreclaimed land, at which time there was only one house between Outlet and Lehman. During the intervening years he has cleared about fifty acres of land. He is a self-made man, who began life a poor boy and has accomplished much for himself, as well as for the development of the township in which he settled. On February 19, 1845, he married Miss Caroline O., daughter of John and Sally Ide, to which union were born nine children, six of whom came to maturity, and five of them are now living: Solindia, Estella, Sharp J., Kate and Hannie, the latter of whom is unmarried and an invalid. Mr. Sutton is much honored for his worth as a man of sterling qualities and strictly moral principles. He is a stanch Republican and has served his town creditably and in the following offices: justice of the peace, five years; school director, six years, and supervisor, two years.
ALEXANDER SWARTWOOD, farmer, P.O. Lockville, Wyoming county, was born in Exeter township, March 22, 1827, and is a son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Sickler) Swartwood, both of whom were born in Wyoming county. The grandfather of the subject of this memoir was a native of New York State, and was one of the early settlers in the county before its division. He was the owner of four or five hundred acres of land, and the proprietor of a first-class hotel in those days. He was a man of influence and intelligence, and in politics was a stanch Whig. His family consisted of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. His son, Alexander Swartwood, followed the example of his father, being an industrious farmer, and occupied part of his father's vast estate on which he passed his lifetime. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church till his death, after which he became a member of Christ's Church triumphant, as his reward for faithfulness here. He departed this life in the year 1867, at the age of eighty-five years, having reared a family of eleven children, nine of whom are now living. Alexander Swartwood, the subject of this sketch, is the seventh in the family; he was reared and educated in his native township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Swartwood continued to reside in his birthplace till April, 1885, when he removed to his present place of residence, a farm of 106 acres near Suttons creek, formerly owned by E. Williamson. He is a general and practical farmer, fully understanding his calling in all its various and intricate branches. In 1852 Mr. Swartwood married Miss Elizabeth Frances, daughter of Benjamin and Ellen Eight, by whom he has had twelve children, as follows: Martin V., Henry, Elizabeth, David, Bertha, Mary Jane, Ida, Horton, William, Clarence, Lawrence and Garfield. Martin, Henry, Bertha and Mary Jane are married and in prosperous circumstances. Politically, Mr. Swartwood is a Republican.
HON. JAMES A. SWEENY, editor of the Plain Speaker, Hazleton, was born at Allentown, Pa., July 12, 1850, and is the eldest in the family of ten children of Edward and Hannah (Sweeny) Sweeny, natives of Ireland, who removed from Allentown to Summit Hill when our subject was but a child. Early in life the latter began work in the mines picking slate during the summers and attending school in the winter season. In 1863 the family removed to Ebervale, where the lad worked about the mines until fourteen years of age, when his patriotic spirit and strong desire to participate in the great Rebellion, which at this time was at its height, removed the age qualification in his enthusiasm, and he went to Philadelphia and enlisted in the regular army. Before the boy-soldier had been transferred to the fields of active duty; his parents raised objections, and he was compelled to return to his home without even reaching the front where battles are won and lives sacrificed, and his military hopes were blasted, yet he received the appellation of "Colonel" for his youthful escapade which title has since clung to him. After his return home he came to the conclusion that an education was an essential thing even for a breaker-boy, and for seven years thereafter he worked early and late, saving his hard-earned dollars until he should have enough to pay for a course of study. At the age of twenty-one he entered the Bloomsburg State Normal School where he remained several terms, and then returned to the coal regions and followed mining until 1875, in which year he was appointed reporter on the Anthracite Record and Daily News, remaining in that capacity until the following summer. Again he lit his mine lamp, took charge of a coal chamber, and there continued until 1877 when he accompanied a traveling show, as press agent, for two seasons. In 1879 he returned to Hazleton, and was here engaged as reporter on the Sentinel, which was commenced as a weekly paper. In 1880, when the Independent Democrat was started, he was largely interested in that organ, and worked on it for about one year, at the end of which time he went to mining again until 1882, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the State Legislature, in which he served in the sessions of 1883, consisting of the regular and an extra session; in 1885 he was re-elected and served his term. Since that time he has been newspaper correspondent during the Legislative sessions at Harrisburg, and editor of the Plain Speaker. "Col. Jim" is one of the best-known men in the county—an illustration of the amazing self confidence and resources of the real American lad who hoes is own row, and expects and asks no favors. His wit and originality charm every one, and his popularity outruns even high birth and the "Almighty Dollar. " In the field of politics, or among the craft of newspaper men, his friends are legion, and instead of buying his way to the most votes, his friends and supporters not only rally at the polls, but are willing to go into their own pockets and pay his election bills. "Col. Jim" is a marked character, but they are all those "marks" that are pleasant to see.
STEWARD SWINGLE, merchant, Plymouth. This enterprising gentleman was born July 30, 1844, in Wayne county, Pa., and is the second in the family of twelve children of Harmon and Elizabeth (Hutchins) Swingle, also natives of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was educated in the county of his birth, and after coming of age he took Horace Greeley's advice, and went West, locating in Iowa, where he learned the carpenter's trade. He remained in the West six years, returning at the end of that period to his old home in Wayne county. After a short sojour there, he came to Plymouth, and worked at his trade for the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company until 1881, when he again journeyed westward, this time proceeding to Colorado, where he was prospecting and mining. He remained there about a year, and then returned to Plymouth, engaging with his old employer at his chosen trade, and here he continued until 1886. He then established his present business at No. 112 Vine street, Plymouth, which was at first operated on a small scale, but since has been greatly enlarged, and is now among the largest general stores in the city, commanding an immense trade. The subject of this sketch was married, June 25, 1873, to Martha, daughter of John Moyer, and two children have been born to this union, Elizabeth and Fred. In politics Mr. Swingle is a Republican. The family attend the Christian Church.
WILLIAM SWITZER, farmer, Wyoming borough, was born March 8, 1847, in Wyoming county, Pa., and is a son of John and Julia (Sult) Switzer, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. Our subject is the fifth in a family of ten children, nine of whom are living. He was educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-one embarked in life for himself as a farm hand, and so worked for two years; he then rented a farm on shares whereon he remained twelve years; then moved to his present farm, owned by Samuel Shoemaker, and pays a cash rent. On June 17, 1873, Mr. Switzer was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of Henry and Magdalene (Kemery) Houser, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin, the former of whom was a farmer; they reared eleven children, of whom Mrs. Switzer is the tenth in order of birth. The union of Mr. And Mrs. Switzer has been blessed with three children: Maggie L. born September 13, 1874; Nellie B., born March 21, 1880; Archie H., born September 3, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer are members of the Methodist Church; he is a member of the I.O.O.F., Monument Lodge, No. 887, and in politics is a sound Republican.
WILLIAM SWORD, merchant, Parsons, was born at Fellingsberg, Sweden, a son of Andrew and Carolina (Carlson) Sword. He was educated in Sweden, and in 1869 emigrated to America, locating at Wilkes-Barre where he remained about a year, when he came to Parsons, engaging in the mercantile business and carrying a full line of general merchandise. Through his honesty and strict business integrity he has established a trade and reputation unparalleled in his locality. The firm is now known as Sword & Sons. Mr. Sword was married to Miss Christina, daughter of N. Nelson, of Sweden, and of this union have been born six children, vix.: Minnie, who is proprietor and manager of a first-class millinery store at Parsons: Oscar W., associated with his father in the mercantile business, and first lieutenant of Company E, Ninth Regiment, N.G.P.; Alma, also engaged in her father's store; Alfred; Edward, also engaged in his father's store; and Anna. Our subject and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Chuch, and all are earnest advocates of the cause of prohibition.
EDWIN SYNOTT, iron moulder, Inkerman, was born in Norfolk, England, November 29, 1841, and is a son of John and Susan (Sutcliffe) Synott, native of the same place, who now reside in Binghamton, N.Y. The family came from England in 1845, when our subject was but four years old. He received his education in the common schools, and learned the trade of a moulder in Binghamton, N.Y., moving in this county in the year 1883, where he has since been employed at his trade. On October 1, 1865, Mr. Synott was united in marriage with Miss Jennie, daughter of John T. and Elizabeth J. (Helms) Brewster, natives of Binghamton, and of English descent. They have one son, Edwin, born January 13, 1868. Mr. Synott is a member of the I.O.O.F., Sons of St. George, and K. of P., and in politics is a Republican.