History of Northumberland Co., PA - Chapter 52



CHAPTER 52 - Pages 1217-1239
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
ZERBE (TREVORTON), CAMERON, LITTLE MAHANOY, JACKSON, LOWER MAHANOY,
WASHINGTON, JORDAN, AND UPPER MAHANOY TOWNSHIPS

   J. B. NEWBAKER, physician and druggist, was born at Halifax, Dauphin
county, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1820, son of Philip and Mary K (Rahm)
Newbaker. He attended the schools of his native borough, after which he
began the study of medicine with Dr. S. P. Brown, of Halifax, and
graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1852. He located in Lower
Augusta township, where he practiced his profession two years. He then
removed to Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, where he remained one year, when
he again located in Lower Augusta township; there he remained until 1881,
and then settled in Trevorton and established his drug business, which he
has since conducted in connection with his practice. He was married in
1842 to Caroline, daughter of Henry Maize, of Dauphin county, by which
union they have four children living: Phillip, a physician of Danville;
Louisa, wife of A. L. Bastress, of Lycoming county; John J., of Dauphin
county, and Mary M., wife of J. J. John, of Lykens, Pennsylvania. In 1862
the Doctor was commissioned by Governor Curtin assistant surgeon of the
Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, with which he remained three months,
when he was compelled to resign on account of failing health. In 1864 he
was again commissioned by Governor Curtin, and was attached to the white
Hall hospital, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and the Seminary hospital,
Alexandria, Virginia. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1871 was
chosen to represent this county in the State legislature. He has served
in the office of township treasurer, also as school director many times.
He is a member of the Baptist church, is connected with the Masonic and
I.O.O.F. fraternities, and is recognized as one of the representative
citizens of Northumberland county.

   JAMES RENNEY, deceased, was the pioneer of Trevorton. He was born in
England, about the year 1788, and in 1830 immigrated to this country and
first settled in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, but soon after removed to
Sunbury, where he became acquainted with Hugh Bellas. About 1883 this
gentleman with Burd Patterson and others employed Mr. Renney to take
charge of the Gap coal veins near the site of Trevorton, his duty being
to develop the coal lands and hold possession of them. He at once removed
his family to the place, and built the house he lived in at the time of
his death, August 29, 1878. When Mr. Renney settled at what is now
Trevorton his nearest neighbor was a mile distant and the nearest store
was at Sunbury, twelve miles distant. As soon as the coal veins had been
fully located the work of laying out the town began. Hospitality was one
of the leading traits of his character, and for years their lonely house
was the headquarters of all who visited that region. Mr. Renney married
Ann Bell, May 7, 1816, at Long Benton, England; she survived him, dying
June 9, 1886, in her ninetieth year, at the residence of her son-in-law,
William Foulds, of Trevorton. Their descendants are fourteen children,
eighty-four grandchildren, and over one hundred great-grandchildren.
Eleven of their descendants served in the Union army, their son, James B.,
dying at Yorktown of disease contracted in the service. In all relations
of life both Mr. and Mrs. Renney were honorable, upright, and charitable,
and to him is largely due the early growth and development of the town of
Trevorton.

   THOMAS FOULDS, SR., was a practical English miner, who immigrated with
his family to this country in 1849, locating at Good Spring, Schuylkill
county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in mining until 1851, and then
removed to Trevorton. When the two mines were consolidated in 1853, he was
appointed superintendent, which position he filled until 1858. While
superintendent he discovered the vein of coal known as Zero, which
underlies No. 1, and was overlooked by Professor Rogers in his geological
survey, and for this discovery Mr. Foulds was presented with a handsome
gold watch by James L. Morris, president of the company. After severing
his connection with the colliery he was engaged in manufacturing powder,
and afterwards in connection with his son, Thomas, and Robert Goodwill,
leased the Bear Valley mine, and subsequently purchased the Union Hotel at
Trevorton, which he conducted until his death in 1876. In politics Mr.
Foulds was a Republican, and a prominent member of the I.O.O.F. He married
Dorothy Metcalf in his native land, and his family consisted of three sons
and five daughters. Thomas; William; Annie, wife of Joseph Ditchfield;
Jane, wife of Alexander Simpson, of Scranton; Richard, deceased; Mary,
deceased wife of James Caldwell; Carrie, wife of Scott Dawson, of
Wilkesbarre, and Julia, wife of Daniel Campbell.

   THOMAS FOULDS, proprietor of the Pennsylvania House, Trevorton, is the
eldest son of Thomas and Dorothy Foulds. He was born at Tupton Moor, North
Winfield parish, Derbyshire, England, September 16, 1830, and came to
America with his parents in 1849. He followed mining in Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, until 1851, when he located in Trevorton, and subsequently
entered the employ of the late William H. Marshall, and in company with
him went to Centralia, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged one year
prospecting for coal. He returned to Trevorton, and opened all the
principal gangways of the North Franklin colliery, except two on the west
side of the Gap. In 1856 he purchased his present place of business, and
in 1857 assumed charge of the hotel. In the same year Mr. Foulds went
South with Mr. J. W. Beebe, of New York City, and took charge of the
bituminous coal mines for a New York company near Montevallo, Alabama, and
while there was successful in introducing coal on the steamboats on the
Alabama river. Returning to Trevorton in 1858, in connection with his
hotel he engaged in the mercantile business, which he conducted until
1867, and again embarked in the coal trade at Bear Valley, and was also
connected with the Rock Ridge Coal Company of Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Foulds's early advantages were limited, but he educated
himself by a knowledge gained from books and close observation of things
around him. In 1862 he invented an improvement in ordnance known as the
needle gun, for which he refused ten thousand dollars. In 1872 be invented
a pump, and also invented a condenser (or what is commonly known as an
exhaust in receiving pipes of pumps), for which he was awarded the only
medal for condensers at the Centennial Exposition in 1876. In 1885 he
received letters patent for an improvement in injector condensers, and in
July, 1890, he patented an exhaust steam receiver. A metallic railroad tie
is his latest invention, for which letters patent have recently been
received. He is also well known as the proprietor and manufacturer of the
tonic called "Uncle Tom's Bitters," for which he received a trade mark in
1886. He was the originator of the sliding scale adopted by the Bear
Valley Coal Company in the regulation of its payment of wages for mining
coal, previous to the adoption of the same by the Philadelphia and Reading
Coal and Iron Company. Mr. Foulds has served in the various township
offices, and in his political affiliations is a Democrat, but was a
zealous exponent of the Greenback party, and was its candidate for the
legislature in 1879. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian. Mr. Foulds
was married in 1849 to Margaret Framey, a native of Queens county, reland,
who died, May 10, 1863, leaving two children: Julianne, wife of J. L.
Beury, of West Virginia, and Anastasia, wife of Jeremiah Pannel, of
Kentucky. His second wife was Mary Knapp, daughter of Henry Herb, and by
this union they have had one child, Thomas H., deceased. Mr. Foulds is
connected with the F. & A.M., the K of P., and the I.O.O.F.

   WILLIAM FOULDS, Sr., proprietor of the Union House, was born at Tupton
Moor, North Winfield parish, Derbyshire, England, in 1833, Son of Thomas
and Dorothy (Metcalf) Foulds. His early life was spent in England, where
he followed mining, and in the employ of his father, who was engaged in
the manufacture of coke for some years previous to his immigration to the
United States in 1849. Mr. Foulds's entire business transactions, prior to
the death of his father, who came to Trevorton in 1851, were confined to
his business, as he was connected with him in all his enterprises. On the
death of his father in 1876 the hotel in Trevorton passed to him, since
which time he has given that business his sole attention. Mr. Foulds was
married in 1855 to Eliza B., daughter of James Renney, the pioneer of
Trevorton, and by this marriage they have had sixteen children. Those
living are: George; M. Eliza, wife of Peter Badman; Mary A., widow of S.
N. Derrick; Susan, wife of Thomas Moore; Alice E.; Sophia J.; Martha B.;
Florence J., and Thomas J. In polities Mr. Foulds is an independent voter.
He is a member of Trevorton Lodge, I.O.O.F., and Augusta Encampment.

   RICHARD LOBB, miner and farmer, was born in Cornwall, England, January
7, 1837, son of Richard and Jane (Treawin) Lobb. When a child his parents
removed to Monmouthshire, Wales, where he lived until 1851; at the age of
nine years he commenced working in the mines. His father's death occurred
when he was five years old, and his mother married William Pinches, who
immigrated to this country, and in 1851 our subject, in company with his
mother and her family, joined his stepfather, who had located at
Trevorton. Richard Lobb found employment at the mines, where he remained a
few months, and in company with his stepfather went to Schuylkill county,
where they were employed eight months, when they were engaged by Judge
Helfenstein to shaft the Shamokin region, his stepfather being appointed
foreman, in which work they were engaged six or seven years. They then
went to Ashland, where they remained one year, and returned to Shamokin to
work in Bear Valley colliery. In 1859 Mr. Lobb returned to Trevorton and
remained one year working in the mines, after which he went to Lykens
valley, where he remained until 1862, and again returned to Trevorton,
where he has since resided. Mr. Lobb is also engaged in farming, owning
some fifty acres at Trevorton, and a farm of two hundred forty acres in
Maryland. He was married, June 17, 1855, to Mrs. Emia Jones, a native of
Wales. Mr. Lobb is a Republican in politics, and has filled the office of
overseer of the poor for Zerbe township. In his religions faith he is a
Methodist, of which he is a lifelong member; he has been Sunday school
superintendent for many years, and one of the official members of the
Trevorton church. He is also a member of Shamokin Lodge, F. & A.M.,
Trevorton Lodge, I.O.O.F., and the K. of P. In 1864 he enlisted in the
emergency corps. He is one of Trevorton's progressive citizens, and has
responded liberally toward the building of all the church edifices of
Trevorton. He is a warm friend to the cause of education, and manifests an
interest in any movement tending to the advancement of his community.

   BENJAMIN KNAUSS, deceased, was born in Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, in 1790, and was one of the early settlers of Trevorton.
He served through the war of 1812, and held the commission of lieutenant.
He was prominent in the old State militia, and had the commission of
captain, being appointed by Governor Snyder. In 1810 he settled in
Mifflinburg, Union county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed to
Montour county, and in 1853 came to Trevorton and engaged in the hotel
business, keeping the Franklin House for many years. His death occurred in
1883. He was twice married; nothing of his first marriage is known by his
descendants. His second wife was Miss Billinger, by whom he had seven
children: Susan; Fannie; Margaret; Elizabeth; Benjamin; Ellen, and Daniel.

   GOTHILF C. CRONE, deceased, was born in Westphalia, Prussia. In 1849 he
immigrated to this country and settled in Reading, Pennsylvania. He
subsequently removed to Lehigh county, where he was engaged in the mining
of slate; one year later he removed to Middleport, Schuylkill county, and
engaged in coal mining. In 1855 he located in Trevorton and for a number
of years was employed in the mines at this place. He married in Prussia,
J. W. L. Stollen. Their children are all deceased excepting three sons:
Julius, of Shamokin; George F., of Shamokin, and Herman T., of Trevorton.
His wife died while he was a resident of Middleport, Pennsylvania. In his
religious faith he was a Lutheran, in which church he was an elder for
many years, and superintendent of the Sunday school. While a resident of
Trevorton he filled the offices of supervisor, tax collector, and poor
director. In politics he was a warm Democrat, and was one of Trevorton's
enterprising and solid citizens. His death occurred at Trevorton in 1868.

   HERMAN T. CRONE, butcher, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, in 1834, son
of Gothilf C. and J. W. L. Crone. He came to this country in l849 with his
parents, and spent his early life in mining. He came to Trevorton with his
father and for some years was engaged in the same business. In 1862 he
enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventy-second Pennsylvania
Volunteers, serving nine months. In 1869 he engaged in his present
business, which he has since conducted. In 1882, under the firm name of
Gillespie, Crone & Company, the Shamokin Powder Company was organized. He
subsequently sold his interest and in connection with his brother George
F. established and erected their present work at Trevorton, under the firm
name of H. T. Crone & Brother, manufacturers of powder. Mr. Crone was
married in 1861 to Fredrica Knapp, who died in 1862, leaving one child,
deceased. He subsequently married Mary S. Yuengling, of Trevorton, and
by this union they have six living children: Emma C.; Louisa P.; Francis
G.; Henry J.; Bertha C., and William. In his political sentiments Mr.
Crone is a pronounced Democrat, and has filled the office of school
director and tax collector. He has been connected with the K. of P. and
the I.O.O.F., and is a Lutheran in religious faith, and a member of that
church. Mr. Crone is one of the progressive citizens of Trevorton, and
manifests great interest in all public matters; he is a warm supporter
of all enterprises of a public character, and enjoys the respect of the
people of the community.

   JOHN P. PLUMMER, retired, was born in the parish of Kilmerstone,
Somersetshire, England, June 9, 1821, son of Thaddeus and Ann (Pratton)
Plummer. He was reared and educated in his native parish, and early
engaged in mining. In 1856 he immigrated to this country and located at
Trevorton, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. He found employment under
Superintendent Mowton at the coal breaker, and was soon promoted to
foreman, which position he filled twenty years. He is the oldest outside
operator now living in Trevorton, and one of the oldest citizens of the
place. Mr. Plummer was married in 1842, in England, to Harriet, daughter
of Thomas Giddings; her death occurred in 1854. They were the parents of
three children: Joseph; William, and Harriet M., wife of Joseph Knight, of
Ohio. Mr. Plummer married for his second wife Sarah, daughter of James
Bellas. He is a member of the Baptist church, of the I.O.O.F., and
politically is an independent voter.

   Joseph Plummer, the oldest son of John P. Plummer, was born in England
in l844, and is a miner by occupation. He married Ellen Binscotter, a
native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and their children are: Harry;
Hattie, and Carrie. Mr. Plummer is a member of the Methodist church, of
which he is a local preacher, and politically he is a Republican.

   William Plummer, second son of John P. Plummer, was born in England,
February 12, 1847, and has always followed the occupation of a miner. He
married Rebecca, daughter of John Singer, and they have one child, William
R. Politically Mr. Plummer is a Democrat, and has filled the offices of
supervisor and township auditor. He is a member of the Methodist church,
and an industrious, public-spirited citizen.

   DENNIS FITZPATRICK, proprietor of the Trevorton House, was born in
County Limerick, Ireland, in 1834, son of Timothy and Mary (Hanlon)
Fitzpatrick. His parents were farmers and his life was spent upon the
homestead until 1854, when he immigrated to this country. He found
employment at Plymouth Hill, Connecticut, where he remained a short
time, when he removed to Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and obtained
employment in the construction of the Lebanon Valley railroad. In 1857
he settled in Trevorton and engaged in mining, which business he followed
until 1887, and then went into the butcher business, which be conducted
until September, 1889, when he assumed the proprietorship of the Trevorton
House. Mr. Fitzpatrick was married in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1854,
to Mary, daughter of Thomas Joyce, and they are the parents of twelve
children, nine of whom are living: Thomas; Mary A.; Dennis; Bridget;
Ellen; John; Matthew; Johanna Amadia, and Maurice. In politics Mr.
Fitzpatrick is a Democrat, manifests great interest in the success of his
party, and has been treasurer of his township. In his religious faith he
is a Catholic, and is a member of St. Patrick's church of Trevorton.

   WILLIAM DEPPEN, deceased, was a son of George and Margaret (Greise)
Deppen. His father was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and
settled in Jackson township, Northumberland county, near Herndon, about
1830, where he died. He had three sons and one daughter. William was
the eldest son, and when a young man be engaged in the mercantile
business at Augustaville, subsequently living in Jackson township, at
Mahanoy, for eighteen years. In the spring of 1860 he located at
Trevorton and engaged in merchandising about two years, when he retired
from active business. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of
the German Reformed church. He married Susan Lantz, of Lower Augusta
township, and they were the parents of three sons and one daughter: B.
F.; George W.; R. L., and Sarah A. He died in January, 1876; his widow
survives him, and resides in Trevorton.

   B. F. DEPPEN, merchant, was born in Jackson township, Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, in 1847, son of William and Susan (Lantz) Deppen. He
was educated at the public schools, and was appointed agent for the
Philadelphia and Reading railroad at Trevorton, which position he filled
twenty years. In 1889 he established his present business. Politically Mr.
Deppen is a Republican. He married Susan Herb, who died in 1888 leaving
four children: Laura M.; Susan M.; Samuel H., and William R.

   JAMES COOPER, proprietor of the House of All Nations, Trevorton, was
born in Staffordshire, England, January 26, 1818, son of William and
Susannah (Jones) Cooper. At the age of ten years our subject commenced
the life of a miner, which he followed in his native land until 1863,
when he immigrated to this country and settled in Trevorton,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he found employment in the
mines. He subsequently removed to Shamokin, was employed in the mines near
that place until l869, and then returned to the mines at Trevorton. In
1870 he went to Mahanoy City but the following year he returned to
Trevorton. In 1872 he opened his present hotel, which he had purchased in
1869, and has since been engaged in the hotel business. Mr. Cooper was
married, November l5, 1845, to Jane Sunland, of England, who died, May 26,
1885. She was the mother of seven children, all of whom are dead except
Mary A., wife of Otto Lout, of Trevorton, and James, who resides in
Clearfield county, Pennsylvania.
   Mr. Cooper was again married, November 17, 1885, to Mrs. Betsy Whittle,
a native of England, and a daughter of Abraham and Jane Roper, also
natives of England. Politically our subject is a Republican, and has
filled the office of township supervisor. He has been a member of the
I.O.O.F. and the K. of P. He is one of the oldest living miners in
Trevorton, and has always manifested an interest in the growth of his
adopted home.

   JOSEPH KLINE, tinsmith and merchant, was born in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, January 25, 1829, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Keene)
Kline. He was reared and educated in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and
learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed twelve years. In
1863 he settled in Trevorton, and purchased his present business from
his brother, who had established it some time previously. Mr. Kline was
married in 1852 to Catharine Bumgardner, of Lebanon county, and by this
union they are the parents of six children: William H.; Joseph A.;
George M.; John E.; Addie K., widow of Henry Foulds, and Ulysses Grant.
In politics Mr. Kline is a Republican; he has served as school director
and in other township offices, and is a member of the Evangelical
church, in which he was class leader twenty-four years.

   ABRAHAM ROTHERMEL, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, settled
in what is now Little Mahanoy township about 1800. He married Mary
Yeager, who bore him six sons and three daughters: William, deceased;
Samuel, of Philadelphia; Joel, deceased; David, deceased; Lewis,
deceased; Reuben; Annie, wife of Samuel Wagner, of Illinois; Susan, wife
of John Hensel, of Little Mahanoy township, and Maria, wife of Solomon
Dunkelberger. He purchased some three hundred acres of land in Little
Mahanoy township, where he lived and reared his family. He was a
prominent Whig, and for many years filled the office of justice of the
peace. He was one of the organizers of the German Reformed church of
that township, and gave liberally toward the erection of the church
edifice.

   WILLIAM ROTHERMEL, eldest son of Abraham Rothermel, was born upon
the homestead in 1805, where he was reared and obtained such education
as could be had at the schools of that period, and was engaged in
farming a number of years. In his latter years he engaged in the
mercantile business in Little Mahanoy township, which he carried on
until his death in 1851. In his political sentiments he was a
Republican, and a life member of the German Reformed church. His wife
was Judith, daughter of Daniel Herb, of Upper Mahanoy township, and by
this union they were the parents of eleven children: Rebecca, wife of
Gail Smith; Maria, widow of Matthias Boughner. Samuel, of Ashland,
Pennsylvania; Sarah, wife of Daniel Greoff; Catharine, wife of James
Raker, of Little Mahanoy township; William, who served through the war
of the Rebellion as a member of the Seventy-seventh Indiana Volunteers,
subsequently enlisted in the United States regular army, and was killed
by the Indians in Arizona; Daniel H; Elizabeth, deceased, who married
William G. Maurer; Lavinia, wife of Nathaniel Reitz, of Illinois: Lawisa,
wife of Rev. I. H. Wohlfarth, of Illinois, and Susan, wife of William
Wright.

   DANIEL H. ROTHERMEL, merchant, was born upon the old homestead, April
10, 1840, son of William and Judith (Herb) Rothermel. He was educated in
the common schools, and engaged in farming in his early life, and with his
father as clerk. In 1870 he located at Trevorton and established his
store, which he has since conducted. In politics he is a Republican, has
served in the office of township treasurer, and is the present tax
collector. Mr. Rothermel was married in 1875 to Mary E., daughter of Felix
Maurer, of Upper Mahanoy township, and by this marriage they are the
parents of four children: Minnie M.; Harry M.; Reuben B., and Clara B. Mr.
Rothermel is one of the leading citizens of Trevorton, and is a liberal
supporter of all enterprises tending to promote the interests of his town
or county. He was one of the largest subscribers towards the building fund
for the erection of the new Evangelical church of Trevorton.

   PETER S. BERGSTRESSER, county surveyor and teacher, was born in Lower
Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1836
son of Lot and Jemima (Snyder) Bergstresser. In 1848 his parents moved to
Berrysburg, Dauphin county. Here he attended the Berrysburg Seminary; at
the age of seventeen he commenced teaching at Reed's Station in Shamokin
township, Northumberland county, and subsequently became a student and
teacher at the West Chester Academy, Chester county, Pennsylvania, where
he remained two years, obtained a preparatory course, and fitted himself
for Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, which institution he entered
in 1858. In 1862 he was commissioned first lieutenant of Company I, One
Hundred and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, a nine months'
regiment. After the expiration of his term of service, he taught one year,
when he raised Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-second Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and had command until the close of the war. In 1865 he re-
entered Lafayette College and graduated in 1867. In 1868 he was elected to
the legislature from Dauphin county, and in 1874 was appointed principal
of the Lykens high school, where he remained seven years. In 1883 he
received the appointment of principal of the Trevorton high school and
superintendent of the township schools. In 1889 he was elected county
surveyor, which position he now (1890) fills. Mr. Bergstresser is a
member of Lincoln Post, G.A.R., of Shamokin, Trevorton Lodge, No. 528,
I.O.O.F., and of Susquehanna Lodge, No. 364, F. & A.M., of Millersburg,
Pennsylvania. He was married, November 3, 1868, to S. Jane, daughter of
John D. Snyder, and by this union they are the parents of five living
children: Una M.; Bertha S.; Alice O.; John L., and Roscoe K.

   ADAM SCHLEIG immigrated to this country from Germany, served through
the Revolutionary war, and subsequently settled upon the land now owned
by Isaac May, Sr., in Cameron township. His son Adam is the progenitor of
the present Schleig family of Cameron township. He was born about 1774 and
inherited the homestead, where he lived his entire life. He taught German
in the neighboring schools; his death occurred in this township. He
married Catharine Derck, and they were the parents of six children:
Daniel: Michael; Martin; Elizabeth; Sarah, Mrs. John Derr, and Catharine,
Mrs. Philip Kerstetter, all deceased but Elizabeth, who resides in Cameron
township.

   DANIEL SCHLEIG, the oldest son, was born at the old homestead, August
8, 1812. He learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed in connection
with farming. He served in the minor township offices, and was a member of
the Reformed church, of which he was an elder and deacon. He was a
prominent Democrat in politics. His death occurred in 1872; his wife
survives him and resides in Cameron township. Their family consisted or
seven children, five of whom are living: Peter; Joseph; Michael; Hannah,
wife of Daniel Knarr, and Salome, wife of Henry Sortman.

   PETER W. SCHLEIG, merchant, was born in Cameron township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1845, son of Daniel and
Catharine (Weary) Schleig. He was reared upon the old homestead inherited
by his father, and educated in the township schools. At the age of
thirteen he began working in the mines, filling various positions for
sixteen years. In 1874 he established his present business. He has always
been a warm friend to the cause of education, and served many years as a
member of the school board; he has also filled the offices of township
treasurer, auditor, assessor for five years, and in 1876 was elected
justice of the peace, and is now filling his third consecutive term. Mr.
Schleig has been a life-long Democrat, of which party he is a leading
spirit in his township. He is a member of Gowen City Lodge, I.O.O.F., of
Shamokin Lodge, F. & A.M.; and Gowen City Camp, P.O.S. of A. In faith he
is a member of the Reformed church, of which he was a deacon six years. He
married Annetta, daughter of Benjamin Haupt, and of this union they have
one son, Andrew. The latter was born, March 28,1864. He was educated in
the public schools and entered the employ of his father at an early age,
in whose employ he has since continued. In 1885 he was appointed
postmaster for Gowen City, which position he now fills. He has served in
the office of township auditor, and is the present tax collector. He is a
member of Gowen City Lodge, I.O.O.F., and of the encampment. He married
Mary, daughter of Nathan Henninger, of Cameron township, and by this union
they have two children: Charles and Goldie. Mr. and Mrs. Schleig are
members of the Lutheran church; in his political affiliations he is a
Democrat.

   THOMAS HENNINGER, deceased, was born in Tulpehocken township, Berks
county, Pennsylvania, in 1801, son of George Henninger. His early life was
spent at farm work upon the homestead; at a suitable age he was put out to
learn the weaver trade, and subsequently removed to Schuylkill county,
where he engaged in his business among the farmers. While a resident of
Schuylkill county he married May, daughter of Peter Karl, who bore him
eleven children: Peter, deceased; Joseph, superintendent of public works,
Shamokin; Elizabeth, Mrs. Daniel Derk, deceased; William, deceased;
Charles, deceased; Isaac, deceased; Jared, of Cameron township; Maria,
Mrs. Henry Long, deceased; Nathan; Aaron, of Shamokin, and Kittie, Mrs.
Benjamin Haupt, deceased. About the year 1838 Mr. Henninger removed to
Cameron township and purchased a farm of one hundred nine acres, upon
which he lived until his death in 1843; his wife survived him and died in
1876 at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Henninger was a man of strong
religious belief, and was a prominent member of the Lutheran church. In
politics he was a Democrat until the two last years of his life.

   NATHAN HENNINGER, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Cameron
township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, son of Thomas and
Catharine (Karl) Henninger. He was reared in his native township, and
educated in the German schools. His early life was spent upon the farm,
after which he commenced working in the mines, which occupation he
followed until 1859, when he settled upon his present place. Mr. Henninger
has one of the finest farms of some four hundred acres in the township,
and is extensively engaged in the breeding of Jersey cattle. He was
married to Eliza Billman, and by this union they have five children:
Emmaline, Mrs. John Schleig; Mary J., Mrs. Andrew Schleig; Sarah, Mrs.
Francis Kerstetter; Lewis, and West. In politics Mr. Henninger is a
Republican, and is a member of the Lutheran church. He is one of the
representative farmers of Northumberland county, and commands the respect
of the citizens of the community.

   HENRY HAUPT, deceased, was a son of Conrad Haupt, a native of
Wirtemberg, Germany, who settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Henry
was one of five brothers: Conrad, who settled in Lower Augusta township,
Northumberland county; Daniel, who settled in Bellfonte, Centre county,
Pennsylvania; Samuel, who settled in Schuylkill county, and John who
settled in the western part of the State. The subject of this sketch
settled in Coal township, now Cameron. He was born toward the close of
the last century, and came to Northumberland county when a young man. He
came into possession of about four hundred acres of land in the valley
of Mahanoy creek. He was the father of ten children: Jacob; Benjamin;
John; George; Susanna, Mrs. George Kreamer; Annie, Mrs. Samuel Deer;
Mary, Mrs. Henry Kluck; Mrs. Daniel Kreamer, of Schuylkill county;
Sarah, Mrs. George Derk, and Hetty, Mrs. Gideon Derk. Mr. Haupt was a
member of the Lutheran church, and a Democrat in politics, serving in a
number of the minor offices of the township. His death occurred about
1847.

   JOHN HAUPT, the third son of Henry Haupt, was born upon the homestead,
April 26, 1808. He learned the stone mason trade, which business he
followed in connection with farming. In his political affiliations he was
a Democrat, and served in different township offices. He married Catharine
Maurer, and they were the parents of eight children: Benjamin, a butcher
of Shamokin; John, William and Philip, all residents of Cameron township;
Kate, of Philadelphia; Sallie, Mrs. William Yoder; Mary, Mrs. John Bonner,
and Annie, Mrs. Jared Hoverter. He died in November, 1873; his widow
survives him, and resides with her son John. Mr. Haupt was a Christian
man, and was much respected for his honesty and consistency of character.
He was a life-long member of the Lutheran church, of which he was an elder
and a leading supporter.

   JOHN BOYER was a native of Berks county, who settled in Coal township,
now Cameron, and subsequently removed to Columbia county, where he died.
He was the father of seven children, and the owner of about four hundred
acres of land in what is now Cameron township, and here his children were
reared. His son John purchased the farm and cultivated it. The latter
married Elizabeth Bixler, and was the father of eleven children; those
living are: S. B. Boyer, attorney of Sunbury; Susan, Mrs. J. K. Maurer;
Lydia, Mrs. Solomon Zegenfuse; Charles B.; John; Annie, Mrs. Peter Wool;
Hettie, Mrs. Samuel Wikel; Angelina, Mrs. Gilbert Reitz, of Mt. Carmel,
and Gabriel, of Schuylkill county. He was born in 1803, and died in 1876.
He served as supervisor and auditor of the township, and was one of the
original members of the Lutheran church, of which he was an elder. He was
originally a Democrat, but the last twenty years of his life was a
Republican.

   CHARLES B. BOYER, farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, was
born, April 27, 1836, son of John and Elizabeth (Bixler) Boyer, was reared
upon the homestead farm, and received about five months' schooling in
German. He followed farming as an occupation until 1860, when he opened
the Union Hotel, where he now resides, and conducted it as a hotel sixteen
years, when he discontinued the business and turned his attention to the
sale of agricultural implements and farming. He also operated a saw mill
on Mahanoy creek from 1868 to 1885, when the dam was torn away by high
water. He was postmaster from 1877 to 1885, and filled the offices of
supervisor, school director, and auditor. He married in 1858 Lucy,
daughter of Benjamin Haupt, who died in 1862, leaving two children: Aaron
and Albert. He again married in 1865 Rosanna M. Startzel, who died in
1874, leaving two children: Charles E., and Mary E., the latter deceased.
In 1882 he married Ametia Maurer, of Upper Mahanoy township, by whom he
has two children: Martha and Elvorda. Mr. Boyer is a member of the
Lutheran church, has been connected with Eureka Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Upper
Mahanoy township, for thirty-two years, and in politics he is a Republican.

   CONRAD RAKER was a native of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and
married Barbara Dunkelberger, of Northumberland county. After marriage he
settled in Rockefeller township, where he remained two years; he then
removed to Little Mahanoy township, where he resided until his death. He
served as county commissioner, and was prominent in church work, assisting
to build Emanuel's Lutheran church in Little Mahanoy township and the
"Stone church" at Augustaville. He was the father of ten children: John;
Kate; Frederick; Jacob; William; Enoch; Isaac; Maria; Esther, and Mary,
all deceased except Isaac, who resides at Shamokin.

   FREDERICK RAKER, son of Conrad Raker, was born in Rockefeller township,
Northumberland county, December 21, 1804. He learned the black-smith's
trade, and in 1825 married Elizabeth Hoffman, who was born in Berks county
in 1806. Her parents, John and Susanna (Drumheller) Hoffman, settled in
Washington township, this county, in 1813. After their marriage Frederick
Raker and wife removed to Lycoming county and remained there four years,
when they returned to Little Mahanoy township, where he died, August 4,
1844. He was a Democrat in politics, served as justice of the peace, and
was also a prominent member of the Lutheran church. His widow still
survives him. They reared seven children, three of whom are living: Conrad
H.; Catharine, wife of Samuel Frederick, of Ralpho township, and Harriet,
widow of Samuel Dornsife.

   CONRAD H. RARER, farmer, son of Frederick Raker, was born in Lycoming
county, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1828. He received his education at the
township schools, after which he learned the trade of gunsmith, which has
been his principal occupation. With the exception of four years spent in
the western States, he has always lived in Little Mahanoy township. April
27, 1856, he married Susan, daughter of Daniel Dornsife, and they are the
parents of nine children: John Henry; Albert; Conrad; Edward; Mary
Elizabeth, wife of Alvin Raker, of Shamokin; Lydia, wife of John Schleger,
of Shamokin; Frederick D., physician, of Shamokin; Ida, wife of John
Hilbish, and Hattie, wife of Samuel Moyer, of Shamokin. Mr. Raker is a
member of the Lutheran church, in which he is a trustee, and politically
is a Democrat. He was the first postmaster of Raker, and held the office
seven years. Raker station and postoffice were named in his honor.

   SAMUEL C. LONG, farmer, was born in Rockefeller township in December,
1828, son of John Long, who was born in the same township in 1805. George
Long, the father of John, was a native of England, and immigrated to this
county prior to the war of 1812, in which he was a soldier. He settled on
the farm now occupied by Andrew Gonser, where he died. His son, John, died
in 1888, and was the father of Elizabeth; Samuel C.; Catharine; Henry;
Julia; Benjamin, and Lucinda. Our subject learned the trade of miller and
followed that occupation for about fifteen years. He was married in 1854
to Lydia Dunkelberger, by whom he has four children: Peter; Elizabeth;
Phebe, and David. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the
Lutheran church.

   WILLIAM DUNKELBERGER, farmer, was born upon his present farm in
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 26,1842. His paternal
grandfather, Christopher Dunkelberger, was a native of Berks county,
Pennsylvania, and an early settler in Little Mahanoy township. His father,
Joseph Dunkelberger, was born in 1806 upon the farm adjoining that of our
subject. He married Mary, daughter of David Malick, of Lower Augusta
township. He was a carpenter by trade, but was principally engaged in
farming, became one of the prominent and wealthy farmers of the township,
and served in various local political offices. He and his wife were
members of the Lutheran church. She died in 1879, and he in 1883. They
reared a family of seven children, four of whom are living: David, of
Montana; Nathan, of Washington; William, and Harriet, wife of Frank Klock,
of Lower Augusta township. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the
homestead farm and received a limited education, attending the Freyburg
Academy one term. He was married, November 22, 1874, to Mary, daughter of
John and Mary (Seiler) Zartman, of Jackson township, this county, and by
this union they have one child, Daisy. Politically he is a Democrat, and
has served as constable and in other offices of the township. He is an
elder in the Lutheran church; his wife is a member of the German Reformed
church. Mr. Dunkelberger has one of the finest farms of Little Mahanoy
township; he is extensively engaged in raising blooded stock and makes a
specialty of Berkshire hogs.

   ANTHONY S. SPEECE, manufacturer of blasting powder, was born in Lower
Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1844,
son of Walter and Sarah Jane (Snyder) Speece. He was reared on the
homestead farm, and received his education at the schools of the township.
Early in life he learned the milling trade, and followed the same many
years, working in Wilkesbarre for the Hilliard brothers and O. K Martin,
also for Beckle and Kantz on Middle creek. After working as a journeyman
some years, he rented the mill of W. W. Dewitt, of Lower Augusta township
(where he had first learned his trade), which he operated until April 1,
1869. At this time he formed a co-partnership with John Campbell, of Lower
Augusta township, and purchased the grist mill at his present location;
they operated it two years, when he purchased the interest of his partner
and conducted the business individually until 1889. At the time he
purchased his present property there was an old powder mill upon it, and
on the 1st of August, 1869, he rented the same to William, John, Joseph,
and Christian Beury, who improved the mill and engaged in manufacturing
powder. April 1, 1876, Mr. Speece engaged in the manufacture of powder,
and after being in business thirty days had an explosion, with the loss of
fifteen hundred dollars and the death of one of his employees, Richard
Foulds. About two years later he rented his mill to Rathermal & Mowry, and
they sold their lease to the Laflin & Rand Powder Company. At the
expiration of this lease Mr. Speece relet the mill to this firm for twelve
hundred dollars per year, and they operated it seven years. He then
remodeled the mill, put in steam power instead of water, greatly enlarged
the capacity, and soon expects to be able to manufacture two hundred fifty
kegs per day. He uses his grist mill for pulverizing purposes, and gives
employment to twenty-five men. Mr. Speece is also engaged in farming and
the buying and selling of real estate. November 15, 1866, he married Ann,
daughter of Abraham Shipman, of this county, and they are the parents of
sixteen children, twelve of whom are living: Effie, Mrs. A. S. Dewitt;
Tomson, Mrs. Delmar F. Campbell; Orphie; Laura; Ella; Walter; Lloyd;
Howard; Anthony Scott; James Muir: Newton Withington, and Don Apsley. Four
are deceased: Bertie M.; Chloe; Hudson, and William H. In politics Mr.
Speece is a Republican, and has served as school director and auditor of
his township. During the late war he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-sixth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Captain Wolverton, and served six weeks He
is a member of the Hollowing Run Presbyterian church, of which he is an
elder.

   D. M. ZARTMAN, merchant, was born, October 18, 1849, in Jackson
township, this county, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Michaels) Zartman,
natives of the same place, and the parents of nine children: Wilhelmina;
D. M.; Hannah; William; Samuel M.; Mary; Joseph; Alice, and Elizabeth.
Our subject established his present business at Dornsife in 1877. He
married Lena Peifer in 1868 and has two children: William and Cossie.
He was appointed postmaster at Dornsife in 1879, the first incumbent of
the office at that place.

   GRANT BOLIG, station agent at Dornsife station, was born near
Selinsgrove, Penn township, Snyder county, Pennsylvania, May 16,1865,
son of B. F. and Harriet (Ulrich) Bolig, farmers of that township. He
received his education at the schools of Freeburg and Selinsgrove, after
which he was engaged in teaching school in Snyder county four terms. He
then learned telegraphy and operated for the Western Union Telegraph
Company at Doylestown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, about one year. He
was then engaged with the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company as
dispatcher, and was located at Muncy, Sunbury, Tamaqua, Allenwood, and
Sunbury. In February, 1888, he took charge of Dornsife station, and has
since held that position. July 8, 1888, he married Agnes M., daughter
of Alexander Deppen, of Dornsife, Pennsylvania. They have one child,
Harry Deppen Bolig. Mr. Bolig is a member of the Lutheran church, and
politically is a Republican.

   JOSEPH HAAS, physician, was born in Upper Augusta township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1830, son of Frederick
and Sarah (Zimmerman) Haas. His early education was obtained at the common
schools; at the age of nineteen he commenced the study of medicine with   
Dr. J. W. Peal. of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and was graduated from the
Pennsylvania College of Medicine in 1852. In the same year he located
in Jackson township, where he has since resided and practiced his
profession. The Doctor is also engaged in farming. cultivating some two
hundred acres of land. He was married, October 23, 1855, to Mary F.,
daughter of Dr. J. W. Peal, and by this marriage they are the parents of
four living children: Richard P., physician, of Williamstown,
Pennsylvania; John P.; Edward L., and William H. Politically the Doctor
is a pronounced Democrat; he was instrumental in establishing the public
school system in Jackson township, and served upon the first school
board. He is a member of the Sunbury F. & A.M.

   Rev. A. B. HOTTENSTEIN was born near Reading, Berks county,
Pennsylvania, March 18, 1835, son of Jacob and Esther (Bahn) Hottenstein.
He received his early education at the Milton and Landisburg academies,
and was graduated from the Reformed Theological Seminary of Mercersburg,
Franklin county, Pennsylvania. In 1862 he was ordained, and his first
pastorate was at Selinsgrove, Snyder county, Pennsylvania, where he
remained three years. His second was at Berwick, Columbia county,
Pennsylvania, where he remained ten years. He was then elected to the
Mahanoy charge of Northumberland county, consisting of six congregations,
which he served until 1885, when it was reduced to four and one supply.
Mr. Hottenstein was married in 1874 to Ella E. Walp, and by this union
they have two sons: David F., of Shamokin, and Daniel E., who resides upon
his father's farm in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. Politically he is an
independent voter, believing that the office should seek the man, and that
none but competent, honest men should be selected for public office. Mr.
Hottenstein is one of the best known ministers of the Reformed church in
this section of the State, and is very popular with the members of his
denomination. He is an enterprising, public spirited citizen, and is doing
much good among his people.

   REV. DANIEL M. STETLER was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania,
November 17, 1843, son of Isaac and Sarah (Johnson) Stetler. His early
education was obtained at the public schools, Frederick Institute, and a
classical school on Chestnut street, Philadelphia. In 1871 he entered
the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was
graduated in 1874. He was ordained at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in June
of the same year, and was elected to a mission in Snyder county,
Pennsylvania, where he remained thirteen years, residing at Beavertown.
In 1877 he was elected to the Mahanoy charge of Northumberland county.
Mr. Stetler was married, December 1, 1866, to Barbara Shetler, of
Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. and they are the
parents of twelve children: William T.; Isaac H.; Eugene S.: Ada E.; Sarah
E. and Mary Amanda, twins; Daniel L.; Anna C., deceased; Johnson V.; Harry
A.; Emma S., and Jacob N. He preaches in both English and German, has
charge of six congregations, is very popular in the community, and highly
spoken of by his parishioners. Two of his sons are preparing for the
ministry in the Lutheran church, at Muhlenberg College, Allentown,
Pennsylvania.

   GEORGE DEPPEN, grain and leather dealer and justice of the peace, was
born in 1836 at Locust Gap, Mt. Carmel township, Northumberland county,
Pennsylvania. son of Abraham and Mary (Snyder) Deppen. He was reared in
Jackson township, to which place his parents removed during his early
youth. His education was obtained in the subscription schools, and his
early life was spent in farming. In 1863 he embarked in the mercantile
business in Snyder county, and later followed the same business at
Herndon, Northumberland county. In l868 he established his present
business, the buying and shipping of grain and dealing in hides for sole
leather, etc., and has built up quite a successful trade. Mr. Deppen was
married in 1868 to Mary Mertz, of Freeburg, Snyder county, who has borne
him the following children: Lizzie J.; Laura: George E.; Henry C.; Charles
P.; Carrie; John E.; Susan, and Ray. Mr. Deppen is a member of the
Lutheran church, and in politics is a Democrat He is now filling his third
term as justice of the peace of Jackson township, and is recognized as a
progressive citizen.

   C. W. DEWITT, miller, was born at Boyle's Bun, Lower Augusta township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1850, son of Jacob and Mary
(Clark) Dewitt. Be was educated in the public schools and learned the
trade of miller, which he has followed as an occupation, and in 1882
purchased his present mill at Mahanoy, since which time he has been
engaged operating for himself. He married in l870 Malinda, daughter of
William W. Dewitt, of Lower Augusta township, and by this union they are
the parents of six children: Flavie: Sallie; Reapard; Daniel: Henry. and
Rosie. Politically Mr. Dewitt is an ardent Democrat, and is a member of
the P.O.S. of A.

   R. H. MUTH, physician, was born, September 3, 1826, in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, son of Frederick and Mary (Snyder) Muth. His early education
was obtained in the common schools, and he subsequently attended Marshall
College, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. In 1852 he commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. Lewis Rogers, of Schuylkill Haven, and graduated from
the University of Pennsylvania in 1855. He commenced practice the same
year at Fredericksburg. Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, where he remained
until 1860. He then located in Jackson township, Northumberland county,
and has since been in continuos and active practice. Doctor Muth was
married in 1862 to Louisa, daughter of Abraham Deppen, and has one son,
Henry. He is a Democrat in politics, and an elder and trustee in the
German Reformed church.

   WILLIAM H. LAMB was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1826,
son of Lorrain and Susan (Adams) Lamb. He was educated in the common
schools, early engaged in railroad work, and for many years has been
employed as superintendent upon the construction of various railroads
throughout the United States. In 1853 he came to Georgetown for the
purpose of getting out the stone for the railroad bridge at Herndon; he
was subsequently appointed foreman in the construction of the railroad
between Trevorton and Herndon, afterwards bridge tender, and held the
latter position until 1870, when the bridge was condemned and removed.
While he held this position he was also express agent and postmaster.
Since the removal of the bridge Mr. Lamb has been connected with the
postal, service and engaged in various enterprises. He was married in 1858
to Susan Allman, and their family consists of the following children:
William L.; George E.; Harry S.; John A.; Mary D.; Charles F., and B. A.
Mr. Lamb is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

   JACOB B. HILBUSH, surveyor, conveyancer, and insurance agent, Jackson
township was born in Lykens township, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, March
14, 1835, son of Daniel and Nancy (Bomberger) Hilbush. The latter was born
in Lykens township, Dauphin county, September 11, 1811. Daniel Hillbush
was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1807, son of
Daniel Hilbush, a native of Amity township, Berks county, Pennsylvania,
who settled in Upper Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, in 1802,
removed to Washington township in 1820, was captain of a military company
in 1812, and justice of the peace from March 31, 1823, to April 10, 1860;
he was born in 1779 and died in 1862. Daniel and Nancy (Romberger)
Hilbush, both of whom are still living, are the parents of three sons:
Jacob R.; Henry A., and Elias R. Jacob R. Hilbush received his education
at the common schools, at Freeburg Academy, and at the Millersville State
Normal School. He began his active life as a plasterer and school teacher.
As surveyor and conveyancer he has been concerned in many real estate
transfers in the southern part of the county; he has also served as county
surveyor eleven years, having been first elected to that office in 1862.
He was justice of the peace twenty years and two months, and is at present
filling the office of notary public; he holds commissions as justice and
notary public from all the Governors of Pennsylvania from A. G. Curtin to
James A. Beaver. As insurance agent he transacts a large business,
representing half a score of the leading fire insurance companies. On the
29th of September, 1867, he married Amanda, daughter of John Zartman, and
they are the parents of three children: Annie, deceased; Mary, and Lydia.
Mr. Hilbush is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Reformed church.
He one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of
Northumberland county.

   SAMUEL S. ZARTMAN, farmer and justice of the peace, was born upon the
homestead farm, which is a part of the original Zartman tract, in Jackson
township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1845, son of Daniel and
Catharine (Seiler) Zartman, and great-grandson of Henry Zartman, one of
the pioneers of Jackson township. He was educated at New Berlin and New
Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, and has always followed farming as an
occupation. He married in 1875 Susan Fenstermaker, and by this union they
are the parents of five children: Jennie C.; Emma B.; Ella M.; Daniel H.,
and Isaac S. Mr. Zartman was elected justice of the peace in 1885, and is
now serving a second term. He has served in minor township offices, and in
politics is a Republican.

   JOHN BINGEMAN, deceased,, was born in Lower Mahanoy township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1817, son of Adam and Hannah
(Shroyer) Bingeman. He was reared upon a farm, early in life became a
boatman upon the Susquehanna canal, and in the winter drove teams to
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia transporting the produce of the farms to
market. Early in the '40's Mr. Bingeman located at Georgetown and engaged
in the coal and lumber business, and about 1850 he purchased the hotel
property now known as the Bingeman House, which he conducted in connection
with his other business. In 1875 he built the brick store now owned and
conducted by his son, W. O. Bingeman, and engaged in the mercantile
business, which he conducted until his death, March 31, 1889. Mr. Bingeman
was also extensively engaged in farming. In politics he was an active and
ardent Republican, although he never sought or would accept public office.
He was a member of the German Reformed church and of the I.O.O.F. He was
twice married; his first wife was Louisa Brosius, who bore him one son,
John, who resides in Virginia. His second wife was Mary Wiest, who
survives him and resides in Georgetown; to this marriage were born nine
children, six of whom are living: William O.; Charles; Mary, wife of
Joseph Morgan; Harry W.: Frederick W., and Lizzie,

   W. O. BINGEMAN, merchant, was born, February 6, 1856, son of John
and Mary (Wiest) Bingeman. He received his education at Berrysburg and
Freeburg academies, and at the Shippensburg State Normal School. In
1875 he entered the employ of his father as clerk in the store, where he
remained until the death of the latter, when he purchased the business.
Mr. Bingeman has filled the office of assessor, postmaster and tax
collector. Politically he is a Republican, and in November, 1890, he was
a candidate for commissioner, but the whole county ticket was defeated.
He married Lilly M. Beaver, of Snyder county, and they are the parents
of two children: Blanche and John G. The family are adherents of the
German Reformed church.

   ISAAC H. RESSLER, postmaster. was born at Georgetown, Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1831, son of Solomon and Catharine (Haas)
Ressler. He received his education at the subscription schools, and
learned the trade of cabinet maker. In 1853 he was elected justice of the
peace for Lower Mahanoy township: at this time he was engaged at cabinet
making and in the manufacture of corn and seeding plows, which business he
carried on until 1862, when he enlisted in Company L, Sixteenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was commissioned second lieutenant. In the
following spring was promoted to first lieutenant, and in the summer of
1863 was appointed captain of his company. At the battle of Boyden Plank
Road, October 27, 1864, he received a gunshot wound in his left leg and
was commissioned brevet major. He spent several months at City Point
hospital; after his recovery he rejoined his regiment, and at the battle
of Middleburg, Virginia, June 18, 1863, was again wounded, in the right
leg. On the 7th of April, 1865, he was wounded at Farmville, Virginia, in
the left groin. At the close of the war he returned to Georgetown, and
built a steam saw mill, but, owing to reverses, was compelled to close up
his business. He was again elected justice of the peace and filled the
office fifteen years. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of Dalmatia,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Ressler is a member of Colonel James Cameron Post,
G.A.R. He married Mary A. Heckart, and by this union they have had ten
children, four of whom are living: Elemor P.; Plato A.: Linda P., and
Norman W. Politically Mr. Ressler is a Republican.

   B. M. BUBB, justice of the peace and surveyor, was born in Lower
Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, son of Philip and
Magdaline (Michael) Bubb. His education was obtained at the subscription
schools and the Freeburg Academy. His early occupation was clerking in
Georgetown, and about 1858 he engaged in the general mercantile business
in the same place, which he conducted some three years, when he sold out.
In 1860 he was appointed postmaster, and filled the office six years. He
was elected justice of the peace in 1869, which office he has since
filled. In 1880 he established his business as surveyor. Mr. Bubb was one
of the first school directors elected in the township, in 1865, and held
the office until 1888. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and
has served in the office of deacon and elder. Politically be is a
Republican, and a gentleman of enterprise and public spirit.

   B. L. KERCHNER, physician, was born in Greenwich township, Berks
county, Pennsylvania, son of Benjamin and Mary M. (Lintz) Kerchner. He
was educated at the public schools and Freeland Seminary of Montgomery
county. Pennsylvania. For some years he was engaged in teaching in the
schools of his native township and the high school of Leonardsville. In
1868 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. B. Potteiger, of
Hamburg, Berks county, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Jefferson Medical
College, Philadelphia in 1871. He was appointed in the same year one of
the ward physicians in the Blockley hospital, of Philadelphia, and later
in the same year he located at Georgetown, where he has since practiced,
and for sixteen years was in the employ of the Northern Central Railway
Company as physician. The Doctor has filled the office of school director
and was the treasurer of the board through his term of office. He was
married in 1875 to Etta, daughter of Henry Spotts, of Snyder county,
Pennsylvania. In religious faith the Doctor is a Lutheran, and in
politics a Republican.

   E. D. MESSNER, saw mill proprietor was born in Lower Mahanoy township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1852, son of Philip and Mary
(Dockey) Messner. He was educated at the public schools and Freeburg and
Berrysburg academies. He learned the carpenter trade, which business he
followed sixteen years. In 1883, in connection with his brothers Jacob and
Isaac, they erected a sham saw mill at Georgetown, which business they
carried on until March, 1890, when, in connection with E. S. Radel, they
built the present mill, and are engaged in manufacturing shingles, lath,
and fence railing. and dealing in flooring, doors, and moulding. Mr.
Messner was married in 1874 to Mary M. Moyer, and to this union have been
born six children: Clara A.; Henry P., deceased; Alda E.; Morris G.; John
F., and Eugene A. In politics he is a Republican, and is a member of
Susquehanna Lodge, F. & A.M., of Millersburg, and of the P.O.S. of A. of
Tower City, Pennsylvania.

   WILLIAM B. KEIHL, miller, was born in 1845, in Lower Mahanoy township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, son of John and Anna (Bingeman)
Keihl. He was educated at the common schools, and was apprenticed to the
milling trade at an early age. This calling he followed for some years.
The mill property now owned and operated by him was purchased in 1868 by
himself and his brother, John B. Keihl. In addition to this he also owns a
farm of fifty acres. In l868 Mr. Keihl married Lavina Raker, and they are
the parents of the following children: Emma R.; Brosius; John E., and
William H. Mr. Keihl is a Democrat in politics; in 1878 he was elected a
school director, and has filled various local offices. The family is
connected with the Lutheran church.