DAVIDSON TOWNSHIP

Nordmont Railroad Bridge
Nordmont, PA
Early 1900s
This photo shows the daily Williamsport & North Branch freight train on the bridge. Nordmont is actually located partially in Davidson Township and partially in Laporte Township, both in Sullivan County, PA.
Photo of a framed painting auctioned on eBay in November 2005
Photo Submitted by Carol Brotzman

Davidson Township was established in 1833, by a decree of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lycoming County. The territory was taken from Shrewsbury Township and originally comprised also a portion of what is now LaPorte Township. It was named in honor of Hon. Asher Davidson, one of the Associate Judges of that court. It is located in the south-eastern section of Sullivan County, bordering on Luzerne County and Colley Township on the east, Columbia and Lycoming Counties on the south, Shrewsbury township on the west and LaPorte township on the north.

At the time of its organization, Davidson contained the following 59 resident taxables:

Peter Anderson
Ido Arms
James Biggers
Joel Bennett
Thomas Bennett, Sr.
Thomas Bennett, Jr.
Moses Crothers
William Crothers
Thomas Crothers
Joseph Converse, Sr.
Joseph Converse, Jr.
William Clark
Eliphas Earl
Peter Fulmer
James Glidewell
Rufus Hiddleson
John Keeler, Sr.
John Keeler, Jr.
John Little
David McClintock
Ann McClemmons
William McClemmons
John Pennington
Edmond Pennington
Charles Plummer
David Philips
Griffith Philips
John Phemmer
Thomas Reed
James Rogers
David L. Sanders
Sarah Swank
William Stevens
Clinton Stevens
Daniel Savage
John Strawbridge, Jr.
William Smith, Jr.
Miles Sperry
Samuel Sperry
George Sones
John Sones
William White
Daniel Whiteman
William Whitacre
Thomas Glidewell
John Glidewell
Samuel Wilson
Philip Genter
John Hiddleson
Jacob Herrimen
William Robbins
Permenas Sanders
Asa Sanders
Ephraim Sanders
Daniel Wilson
Stephen D. Sanders
Josiah Warrin
Joseph Wilson
William Yocum

Davidson was made an election district in the spring of 1834 by an act of the Legislature. Consequently its first vote was given on the second Tuesday of October following. Lycoming County at that time contained in addition to its present territory all of Sullivan County and about half of Clinton County. There was a very warm contest at this election for the office of Sheriff. In the early part of the campaign, there were eight candidates in the field but as it progressed the interest centered on two candidates--William Harris, an ex-county commissioner and treasurer, and Thomas W. Lloyd, also an ex-county treasurer. After the election, the returns came in very slowly and Lloyd was a few votes in the lead of his opponent, not having heard from Davidson. When Squire Hiddleson brought in the returns from this district, it was found that Davidson gave Harris 18 votes and Lloyd none, electing Harris by a majority of 7 votes. It was proposed by the friends of Lloyd to contest the election of Davidson, as it was thought that in the new township in the woods it would not be possible to conduct an election according to law. After a careful examination made by the attorneys, it was found that the voters of Davidson had fully complied with the election laws, and no errors could be found. William Smith of Davidson who assisted in holding the election had not been favored with great educational advantages but was careful to fully comply with the law. The result gave him a reputation for conducting public business that a few years later secured for him the election to the office of county commissioner.

Snowmobiles on North Mountain
Sullivan County, PA
1960s
Photo of an old postcard submitted by Scott W. Tilden
Original auctioned on eBay in May 2014

SURFACE AND DRAINAGE

Here is some of the most beautiful scenery of Pennsylvania, the rugged mountain sides covered with the primeval forest and intersected here and there with the foaming torrents rushing toward the more peaceful streams that flow along its base, the green clad hills with the valleys that lie between, sheltering many a fertile farm and making room for the pleasant little towns that are found in this district.

Here is found North Mountain, towering above the surrounding hills at an elevation of from 2200 to 2400 feet. It lies in the center of the township in an almost easterly and westerly direction and forms a watershed between some of the waters of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna.

Davidson has three main slopes. The northern slope toward Muncy Creek, the southern slope toward Fishing Creek, and in the northwestern corner of a southern slope toward Muncy Creek. The eastern portion is drained by the waters of the East branch of Fishing Creek, the south central by the West branch of Fishing Creek. These unite in Columbia County and empty into the North Branch of the Susquehanna at Bloomsburg. The northern and western sections are drained by Muncy Creek and its tributaries. At Sonestown and Muncy Valley, the outlets of Lewis’s and Hunter’s Lakes, respectively, mingle their waters with those of Muncy Creek, which in turn becomes a part of the West Branch of the Susquehanna at Muncy.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Lavina (Poust) Miller
Wife of John Jackson Miller
Photo Contributed by Laurie Evans

The first store was built by Edkin Corson, who for a short time engaged in the mercantile business, and later in lumbering. During the Civil War, Whittick and John Sylvara ran a store here. In 1867, Edward Lyons purchased the sawmill, timber lands and the Bennett farm of Edkin Corson and engaged in lumbering. About the same time William and Jacob Lorah and Thomas Dent commenced to lumber here. Lorah erected a store and engaged in the mercantile business. He was elected treasurer of Sullivan County 1890. He was a very prominent citizen of Sonestown, erecting for himself one of the finest residences in the town, and also a number of cottages to rent. He later moved to Columbia County and died at Bloomsburg.

The first settlement up the Outlet of Lewis’s Lake was made by Isaac Wilson of Columbia County on lands now occupied by his son, John O. He was a weaver by trade and the father of 6 children: Jacob, Elias, John O., Isaac N., Mary Jane who married John Gower and afterward Edward Sones, and Catharine who married Charles Glidewell.

In 1861, Ira Steinback, a native of Susquehanna County, came to Sonestown from Laporte Township. He was justice of the peace and together with his son, Riley, who came a few years later from Wayne County, became very closely identified with the business interests of the town.

Among the men who have been very prominent in the past two decades of the history of Sonestown, Dr. John H. Rothrock has been second to none. He located here many years ago and practiced medicine. He purchased a farm adjoining the town and built a number of dwelling houses and took a very active part in the business interests of the town and county. He died June 26, 1902, at the age of 80 years.

Along the valley of Muncy Creek, where the foaming waters of the Outlet of Lewis’s Lake come rushing down to join with the larger steam, lies the pretty little village of Sonestown. In the early days of the town, its principal resource was derived from the Lyon Lumber Co., who converted the hemlock and the hardwood, which covered the hills and valleys of the vicinity, into marketable lumber. In 1885, when the Williamsport & North Branch Railroad was completed to Sonestown, it brought a new industry to the town, one that has since aided materially to its development and has been a means of livelihood to many of the citizens. In 1892, when the Eaglesmere Railroad was completed from this place to the famous summer resort, another impetus was given to the town. This road is a narrow guage, necessitating a change of cars at this place, and thereby bringing annually into the town thousands of visitors. Between twenty-five and thirty of the citizens of the town are employed by these railroads. They have built here a very pretty little station and other buildings necessary to the work in this vicinity.

The American Manufacturers’ Association have a washboard factory at this place which employs about twelve men and boys. W.J. McCartney is at present building a clothespin factory which will furnish employment for a number of people. C.W. Sones has established a lumberyard here under the supervision of G.W. Simmons, where a number of men are employed assorting and piling the lumber shipped from his mills near Eaglesmere.

Clothespin Factory
Sonestown, PA
Early 1900s
The clothes pin factory at center was a major industry in Sonestown from 1903 to 1929. This view is looking northwest into town. A local hotel is visible at rear right, while the shop of the Eagles Mere Railroad is in the foreground.
Photo of a framed glass-encased page from an old book, auctioned on eBay in November 2005
Photo Submitted by Carol Brotzman

Two large and commodious hotels are located here, the Swank House under the management of Ellis Swank, and the Lorah House under the management of J.H. Stackhouse. The town has four general stores carrying a very well selected line of merchandise. They are owned by C.A. Starr, J.W. Buck, Mrs. Ida Lorah and A.T. Armstrong, respectively.

C.D. Voorhees, the practicing physician for this vicinity, runs in connection with his practice a large and commodious drug store.

H.P. Hall is Justice of the Peace and also a collection agent. G.W. Simmons is the postmaster.

L.K. Freas and Andrew Edgar conduct blacksmith shops at this place.

Sonestown has two very flourishing secret societies, the P.O.S. of A. and the I.O.O.F. The Methodist Episcopal church has a very large congregation under the guidance of Rev. H.N. Ash, of Muncy Valley. The United Evangelical church years ago erected a handsome edifice where they now worship under the pastorate of Rev. J.O. Biggs.

MUNCY VALLEY

Muncy Valley takes its name from the beautiful valley of Muncy Creek, in which the town is located. Trout Run, the outlet of Hunter’s Lake, here empties into Muncy Creek. The town is built almost entirely upon the farmlands of Robert Taylor, who has already been mentioned. He was very earnest in his efforts to locate a tannery here, offering substantial inducements, and, in 1867, L.R. Bump built a small tannery with a capacity of 150 sides a day. Mr. Bump was engaged in tanning about five years when the tannery burnt down. It was sold at sheriff’s sale to L.R. Robertson. Mr. Robertson owned the tannery about one year and sold out to D.T. Stevens and son, of Sullivan County, N.Y. Three years later, the plant was again destroyed by fire. It was greatly enlarged when rebuilt. In 1893, D.T. Stevens & Son sold out to the United States Leather Company. From a capacity of 150 sides per day, the plant has been enlarged until the present capacity is 750 sides per day. Between 80 and 100 men are employed with a pay roll of $1800 every two weeks. Sole leather is manufactured exclusively. J.P. Miller is superintendent. He was first employed when D.T. Stevens & Son were the proprietors of the plant and has ever since held that position, the various changes in ownership not having affected him. The tannery has practically built up the town, which is now a prosperous and growing village. There is also considerable farm trade and the various businessmen are all prospering finely.

Careful attention is paid to the education of the children, a three grade school being maintained. The Methodist Episcopal’s own a pretty church here. The pastor. Rev. H.N. Ash, resides in the neat parsonage that adjoins. Those of this neighborhood who embrace the Catholic faith are included in the parish of Rev. Fr. Enright, of Mildred.

When the tannery was transferred to the United States Leather Company the store was sold to W.L. Hoffman, of Hillsgrove, and A.P. Starr who had charge of the store under the Stevens ownership still conducts the business. He is assisted by two clerks. Frank Magarel conducts a general mercantile business, E.E. Webb a confectionery and green goods store, Hyman Herr a clothing store, C.A. Miller a furniture store, and his wife Mrs. Bernice Miller a millinery store, Taylor Brothers a meat market, Torrence Bender an undertaking business, James E. Hause a bakery, and G.W. Bigger and C.J. Secules each conduct a blacksmithing business. John Girton looks after the painting and paper hanging. G.W. Meyers and Dennis Palmatier are the proprietors of the two hotels. James Magargel barber, Robert Hess life insurance agent, J.E. Gallagher bookkeeper, and A.P. Miller inside foreman of the tannery are also among the substantial businessmen of the town.

B. F. Mather General Store
Jamison City, PA
Postmarked Spetember 14, 1908
With Background View of Grand Hotel, formerly the Proctor Hotel, known locally as "The Big Onion"
Note: This general store was previously owned by Arlington W. Vaughn,
listed in the Directory of Sugarloaf Township, 1901.
The Vaughn name has been scratched over in this photo.
Photo Courtesy of Scott Tilden
Source: An old postcard addressed to Callie Morgenstern, Northumberland, PA
Auctioned on eBay in April 2011

JAMISON CITY

Jamison City is located on the east branch of Fishing creek. Over thirty years ago Messrs. Phelps and Payne purchased a large body of timberlands along the creek and engaged in lumbering on a small scale. Later Messrs. Craig and Blanchard also purchased a large tract of land in this vicinity and spent considerable money in trying to find coal, but all their efforts proved unsuccessful.

In 1887 the Bloomsburg and Sullivan railroad was completed to this place, and a company was organized at Williamsport under the management of James Corcoran and Thomas Wheeler. Two farms were purchased and the town was laid out. It was first called Jameson City after Col. John Jameson, who was interested in the town lots, but later B.K. Jamison, a Philadelphia banker, who was also a heavy stockholder in the Bloomsburg and Sullivan railroad, succeeded in having the name changed by substituting the "i" in his name for the "e" in the original name, this change being made when the post office was established at that place.

The tannery was built in 1889 by Corcoran, Richards and Wheeler. In 1890, Thomas E Proctor bought the tannery and conducted the business until 1893, when he sold to the United Stated Leather Company, which is running the tannery at present. This tannery has a capacity of 666 sides per day. George W. Lambert is superintendent, and Clayton N. Wilbur, general foreman. About 75 men are employed. A large sawmill is also operated

The county line divides the town. The tannery and about a dozen dwelling houses are located in Sullivan County, and the sawmill and business portion of the town consisting of a hotel and several stores are in Columbia County, giving that county nearly the whole population of the town, while the timber and bark which supplies the tannery and sawmill nearly all come from Sullivan County.

Ruins of the Tannery at Jamison City
Jamison City, PA
Source: The Sullivan Review, May 18, 2006

EMMONS

Emmons is located five miles west of Jamison City on the West Branch of Fishing Creek. The first improvements at this place was made about 60 years ago when George W. Baum erected a sawmill and engaged in manufacturing lumber; the place was then called Baumtown. In 1850, a flood destroyed the mill property and the business was abandoned. For over thirty years, the ruins of this industry were all that marked the location of the place. In 1882, Parvin Kile, of Elk Grove, became convinced that the lumbering interests in that section would cause a town to spring up at that place, purchased several acres of land and erected a hotel. Within the next two years the town began to thrive. The Pentecost Lumbering Company extended the railroad up the West Branch of Fishing Creek and conducted an extensive lumbering business, shipping the bark and timber to Jamison City. The present firm, lumbering in this vicinity, is composed of men belonging to the Tannery Company. G.W. Lillie conducts a general store and has the contract to peal the bark and stock the logs. He runs three lumber camps and employs at times as high as three hundred men. An acid factory now belonging to the acid trust was located here several years ago and adds substantially to the business interests of the town.

Editor's Note: Apparently at one time there was a school house here, and later the location was used by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a camp location. David Kline, a local enthusiast, notes that the granddaughter of the teacher told him that the former Mrs. Perry had 83 students in a one-room school there. She was not the only teacher at Emmons, since the October 6, 1898 Sullivan Review reports that Spncer Starr had recently gone to Emmons to "start his school". As indicated in a brief bio elsewhere on this page, Parvin Kile, the first settler in Emmons, was also a school director for seven years there.

On April 21, 2000, Kline introduced Wilson Ferguson, President of the Sullivan County Historical Society, to speak to the Columbia County "History Buffs", an informal group of people with an interest in local traditions. His topic was the CCC camp north of Elk Grove. Mr Ferguson prefaced his history of the Camp with information about the village of Emmons, also known as "Bombtown", which, of course, is a corruption of "Baumtown", what it was called when George Baum ran his sawmill there. The town, located at the juncture of Painter Run with the West Branch of Fishing Creek, had been abandoned long before the establishment of the CCC Camp. Getting his information from the writings of a one room school teacher in the village, Ferguson, per Kline, gave an excellent and entertaining picture of life in the lumber camp and acid factory town. The factory moved out and the town gradually disappeared as the timber was used up. Emmons Post Office was in service from 1894 to 1910. The first contingent for the CCC. camp left Fort Meade, Maryland on June 5, 1933. They arrived in Benton by train on June 6, 1933 and were transported by truck to the site of the camp. The first night, a heavy wind and rainstorm tore down many of their tents. Eighteen men quit the camp the first night. But after a rough start, Camp Morton, as it was called, grew and prospered. They won several contests with other camps in the state. Their work projects included building roads, bridges and fish dams, stream improvement, fire and truck trails, reforestration, etc. The camp lasted 4 1/2 years. At that time most of their work in the area was accomplished and the draft was calling many of the young men of that age into the army. Ferguson then opened the meeting to anyone who had anything else to offer. Several people offered insight as to how the camp participants fit into the community. Some said these boys were resented by local citizens, but others gave instances where they fit in very well. Bette Hess Grey told how they used the ball diamond in Grassmere Park as their practice and home diamond. There were three former CCC members present, but none who had been based at Camp Morton. There were several people present who had relatives who were employed at the camp as foremen or leaders. After the meeting, many accompanied Ferguson to the site of the camp where they saw what is left of roads and foundations.

In December 2007, we were told by David Kline, Emmons is nothing but a parking lot with a few apple trees.

BORDERING TOWNS

Two miles east of Emmons on the road leading from Emmons to Jamison City is located the town of Elk Grove. This is a small town engaged in lumbering. It is in Columbia County but gets the timber used in its mills from the forests of Davidson Township

Nordmont is located on Muncy Creek 6 miles east of Sonestown and lies partially in Davidson and partially in Laporte Township. The business industries are located in the latter township and will be described in the history of that township. A number of residences, however, are located in Davidson Township. *
* Editor's Note: In November 2014, Connie (King) McMichael contributed several pictures of Nordmont from the 1920s and 1930s from her father's photo album. Her father was Walter Richard King. The photos are shown at the end of this page where the registered voters of Nordmont are listed.

Strawbridge with its post office and less those a dozen dwellings is located on Muncy Creek just across the county line in Lycoming County. The sawmill of Robert Taylor is the only manufacturing industry of the place.

Beaver Dam is the name of a pretty artificial lake covering over 50 acres of land partially in Lycoming and partially in Sullivan County. The place is noted for its excellent fishing, the lake being well stocked with fish. A.L. Sones conducts a large hotel at this place. A copper mining company has been formed and has been making considerable progress toward developing the copper ore found in the vicinity.

Ice Fishing Permit
Issued May 1958
Splash Pond Dam on State Game Lands
Dam Located Four Miles East of Highway 220
One of Several Such Dams Originally Built to Control the Flow of Logged Timber into Muncy Creek
Photo courtesy of Scott W. Tilden
Original Sign auctioned on eBay in January 2015

Editor's Note: The Pennsylvania Game Commission is the wildlife management agency in the State of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission uses a varfiety of signs made of different materials.. These signs inform the public of rules, regulations and general information. Over time, the signs often become obsolete or need repairs or replacement. The original signs were often just thrown out or fell into the hands of collectors, as did the one shown above. State Game Lands Number 13 is located in Sullivan County and is the second largest State Game Lands in the State Game Lands System. The two emblems in the botton corners are the official emblems of the State of Pennsylvania.

As early as 1872, the Lyons Lumber Company constructed dams on Muncy Creek and conducted a large lumbering business for about twenty-five years. John Paulhamus, the contractor for many years and who is well known along the valley of Muncy Creek, is now lumbering in West Virginia.

Laporte & Hartley Hall Rail Line
Along the Muncy Creek 1912
This image contains a real photo of Muncy Creek and the railroad line that ran alongside. The postcard was actually postmarked in a Railroad Post Office that ran on these very tracks. The Laporte & Hartley Hall line was part of the Williamsport & North Branch Railroad and ran for 34 miles from Laporte in Sullivan County to Hartley Hall in Lycoming County. Hartley Hall, named conjointly for Thomas Hartley, the Indian fighter from Revolutionary War days, and W. Coleman Hall, a prominent local landowner, was a major rail junciton ten miles east of Williamsport, PA. It no longer exists on road maps, but at one time was part of Pennsdale, a small suburb of Muncy, PA.
Photo courtesy of Scott W. Tilden
Original Postcard auctioned on eBay in December 2012

WILLIAMSPORT & NORTH BRANCH RAILROAD

The Muncy Creek Railroad, as the Williamsport and North Branch was originally called, was chartered with Michael Meylert, H.R. Mehrling, Robert Taylor, George Bodine and A.J. Dietrick as members of the corporation. Their purpose was to lay out and construct a road from Muncy to Laporte, via Muncy Creek. The first officers were: President, Michael Meylert; Treasurer, Joshua Bowman; Secretary, B. Morris Ellis; Superintendent, H. Mehrling. Muncy gave the new road very little encouragement and the western terminus was changed to Halls, and the survey and work of construction begun about 1866. The preliminary survey was made by Samuel Stevenson assisted by B.L. Cheney. William A. Mason acted as chief engineer. In 1867, the road was completed to about three miles above Hughesville or nine miles in all, with a very easy grade and at a proportionally slight-expense, but the deep cuts and immense fills that would be necessary, before the road could reach Laporte, baffled the company and work was suspended. In 1872, a new organization was effected but still the road did not pay, and it was sold in 1881. The new corporation changed the name of the road to the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad, and made Benjamin G. Welch, general manager. Work on the road was resumed, and in 1885 had reached six miles into Sullivan County. For a time Sonestown was made the eastern terminus, and in 1888 the road was completed to Nordmont.

Remains of the Nordmont Railroad Trestle
Nordmont, PA
January 2004
Source: The Sullivan Review, January 12, 2006

While the terminus was here, John Satterfield and Henry L. Taylor, wealthy capitalists of Buffalo, secured a controlling interest in the stock. New officers were elected as follows: President, Hon. H.C. McCormick; Vice-president, John Satterfield; Treasurer, J. Henry Cochran; Secretary, S.T. McCormick. Benjamin G. Welch was retained as general manager and preparations made to extend the road. It was completed to Dohm’s Summit near Dushore, and put in operation in the fall of 1893. The name of Dohm’s Summit was changed to Satterfield in honor of John Satterfield. The road thus completed formed a natural connection for through traffic between the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia and Reading railroads. S.D. Townsend is now general manager.

DAVIDSON’S SOLDIERY

Davidson Township has always firmly upheld the honor of the flag and has contributed her quota to its support whenever occasion called. One of the fist band to penetrate her forests and claim of her a home, Adam Derr, was a colonel in the Revolutionary War. In the days of 1812, when the young republic was struggling with England for an existence, one of the then few settlers, David Philips, left for the scene of action, fighting gallantly until for the second time the Briton was driven from our shores.

In the days of ’61 when the very life of the nation was threatened, many responded to their country’s call and among Davidson’s citizens in the ranks were: G.W. Simmons, J.N. Simmons, Daniel Philips, A. Biggers, Peter Sones, J.W. Speary, B.C. Speary, T. Edgar, T. Glidewell, E. Gower, J. Bennett, T.S. Simmons, S. Wilbur, C.W. Larish, D. Larish, W.F. Larish, Simpson S. Simmons, D.S. Simmons, G.W. Pennington, James Speary, D.M. Speary, William Arms, G.A. Skinner, D. Taylor, C.S. Taylor, P. Miller, T.A. Dent, William Lorah, G.T. Philips, William Wilson, J.Gower, E.S. Howell, B.Horn, J.J. Miller, J. Lorah, G..W. Bigger, S. Swank, C. Martin, J.N. Hazen, Asa Speary, C. Miller, E. Smith, Jacob Wilson, C. Glidewell, Jackson Philips, J. Biggers, Washington Sheets, Nelson Johnson, and Thomas A Philips.

BENJAMIN G. WELCH

He was born in 1839 near Walsal, Staffordshire, England. His parents came to the United States in 1844 and settled in Philadelphia which has been the home of the family ever since. He was educated in the Public Schools of that city, graduating from the High School in 1863. His business education was gained in the hardware establishment of William P. Wilstach & Co. The famous Wilstach Art Collection is in Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. In 1862, Mr. Welch moved to Danville, Pa., where he was connected with the iron works for over ten years. He married Sarah A. Hancock, daughter of the senior member of the firm. During this time, he spent nearly two years in Toronto, Canada, in the management of the street railway which had become indebted to his firm and they were compelled to take over the railway. He finished it, built at a very comfortable advance on its cost. Later he was connected with an iron mine near Kingston, Ontario, which was opened out and afterward sold to the Elira Iron & Steel Co. of New York. While still living at Danville, he was a manager of an anthracite coal mine for more than a year during the days of the famous "Mollie Maguire" organization. During the war, he served in one of the emergency regiments called out by Gov. Curtin at the first raid into Pennsylvania. In 1881, he was appointed Receiver of the Muncy Creek Railroad which was extended through between Halls and Satterfield under his management. In 1882, he began to advertise Eaglesmere and work for its development by establishing a stage line which has since grown into the Eaglesmere Railroad of which he is still one of the owners. It may fairly be said that he is the father of Eaglesmere and has always worked for its success. He has probably done more for it than any one else ever connected with it. In 1900, he agitated a public supply of water and electric light for Eaglesmere with the result that, in connection with a number of other prominent gentlemen, he constructed a Light Plant run by the water of Hunters Lake which went into operation on June 1, 1901 and has run continuously ever since almost without a stop. Mr. Welch is still a citizen of Sullivan County and one of its active workers and warmest well wishers.

JAMES P. MILLER

The efficient superintendent of the Union Tanning Co., at Muncy Valley, was born at Standing Stone, Bradford County, in 1847. His father, who was a farmer at Standing Stone, died when he was quite young. The family moved to Columbia County where he secured his education in the common schools. He later took a business course in a high school. When a young man, he taught school a number of years, clerked two years in a store in Williamsport and spent seven years in the lumber woods. He was teaching school in Davidson Township when, in 1875, the position of superintendent of the tannery then owned by L.R. Robertson was tendered to him. He accepted the offer and has ever since held the position, though the tannery has changed proprietors three times during his connection with it. Mr. Miller, who has always taken an active part in the political affairs of Davidson Township, is at present postmaster at Muncy Valley and is also serving his third term as school director. He married Elizabeth Johnson who was born in Davidson in 1856. To this union have been born nine children: E. Maud, Mabel M. died in November 1886, Myrtle A., Ernest S. died in October 1886, Blanche, Ralph J. died in November 1892, James R., C. Donald, and Grant.

ALFRED TAYLOR

He was born in Shrewsbury Township in 1835. He was a son of James Taylor and a grandson of Robert Taylor who was one of the first settlers of Shrewsbury Township. He married Martha J. Montague, who was born at Tivoli, Lycoming County in 1854. To them were born: William C., Charles E, Ellis M., Jessie Grace who married William Moran of Muncy Valley, and Clara Lois. Mr. Taylor died in 1896 and Mrs. Taylor and her three sons conduct the large farm of 425 acres, near the town of Muncy Valley. They are among the foremost of Davidson Township’s farmers, taking especial pride in the raising of fine blooded stock.

R. SPENCER STARR

A son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Wilson Starr, he was born at Sonestown in 1877. His father came here from Muncy about 38 years ago, the family being of German extraction. His mother is a daughter of T.A. Richart, one of the early settlers of Davidson Township. Mr. Starr received his education in the common schools of his native town, supplementing it by a course in the Bloomsburg State Normal and the Commercial College at Williamsport. For a number of years, he has been engaged in teaching school, at present having charge of the intermediate grade at Sonestown. He was married in 1902 to Mae Simmons, who was born in 1883, a daughter of George Simmons of Sonestown.

ERNEST A. FULMER

Of Muncy Valley, he was born in 1864 in Shrewsbury Township. He is a son of William Fulmer of Shrewsbury township, whose father was one of the number who came to Cherry township when the Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike was built in 1818, being employed upon its construction. He is a carpenter by trade and resides on the Meyers homestead. He has held the offices of school director and supervisor of roads. He married Caroline Meyers, a daughter of Jacob Meyers of Davidson Township. Mr. Meyers was a native of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Fulmer have been born three children: Bessie F., Anna M. and C. Edwin.

DAVID M. TAYLOR

He was born in 1836, at Muncy Valley on the same farm where he now resides. His father was Robert Tayor who settled in Shrewsbury in 1804. Previous to the building of the narrow gauge, Mr. Taylor was proprietor of the stage line between Muncy Valley and Eaglesmere. He married Mary Grey, a daughter of John Grey, a farmer near Picture Rocks. They are the parents of five children: Carrie who married C.M. Croll of Dushore, John C., Monroe, R. Harry who married Iva Bennett, a daughter of Boyd Bennett, and Mabel.

J.M. CONVERSE

The engineer of the Eaglesmere Railroad was born in Moreland Township, Lycoming County, in 1866. His father, E.M. Converse, of Kansas, was born in Davidson Township; his grandfather, Joseph Converse, being one of the early settlers. Mr. Converse owns a pretty residence at Sonestown and is identified with the I.O.O.F. lodge at that place. For a number of years, he has held the position of chief engineer on the Eaglesmere Railroad. He was married in 1889 to Bertha Cook, a daughter of Ellis Cook, of Athens, PA. Miss Cook was born in Davidson Township in 1872. To this union have been born six children: Howard Stanley died in 1897 at the age of eight years, Alice, Giles, Lynn, Willard, and LaRue who died in infancy.

C.A. STARR

One of Sonestown’s merchants, he was born in 1859 in Franklin Township, Lycoming County. His father Anthony Starr came from Berks County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Starr is the proprietor of a well equipped general merchandise store. He is a member of the P.O.S. of A. of Sonestown and is serving his third term as school director of Davidson Township. He was married in 1891 to Clara Magargel of Sonestown. Her father Thomas S. Magargel came from Philadelphia to Lairdsville where she was born in 1866. In April, 1867, he came to Sullivan County, where for many years he was proprietor of the Magargel House at Sonestown. He served as county commissioner in 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. Starr have been born four children: Frank E. who died when small, two sons who died in infancy, and Fred D.

HARVEY E. PHILIPS

He was born in 1865, on the Philips homestead, the farm where he now resides. His father was David J. Philips, whose father Griffith Philips, in 1812 cleared the farm that has been owned by three generations of the Philips family and is now the home of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Philips is a farmer and at present is president of the Davidson township school board. He was married in 1887 to Hannah Warburton, a daughter of James Warburton of Lycoming County. To them have been born: Laura Hazel who died Dec. 13, 1900 aged 13 years, Oscar E., Walter Freeman, Jessie May, Bruce Chester and Carl LaRue.

FRANCIS E. ALLEN

A son of Tine Allen, he was born in 1874 in Montour County, Pennsylvania. He is at present employed at Beaver Lake, where he resides. His wife is Anna, a daughter of Clark Philips of Davidson Township. She was born in 1875. They are the parents of four children: Elsie, Edna, Edith and Chester.

THOMAS FLICK

A son of Joseph Flick, he was born in 1874 in Shrewsbury Township. His father was a native of Lycoming County and served as a soldier in the Civil War. He is a farmer and owns a house and a lot at Hemlock Grove. His wife was Etta Henley, a daughter of Edward S. Henley. Her grandfather, B.W. Henley, came to Cherry Township when the Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike was built and married Sarah Lopez, the only child of John R. Lopez, a contractor, who built a portion of the turnpike. Mr. and Mrs. Flick have one daughter, Bessie E.

MAYNARD J.PHILIPS

One of the most prominent of Davidson’s citizens, he was born in 1854. His father was Griffith Philips 2^nd, who cleared the farm where his son now lives. His grandfather was one of the first settlers of Davidson. Mr. Philips has always taken an active part in the business affairs of Sullivan County. He was elected Associate Judge of the Sullivan County Courts in 1891. With the affairs of Davidson Township, he has for many years been closely identified, serving as school director for nine years. He is general agent for school books and supplies, He married Mary C. Pennington, a daughter of James N. Pennington, of Fairmount Springs, Luzerne County. She was born in 1862. Four daughters have been born to bless this union: Murelle G. born in 1889, Mary V. born in 1892, Helen V. born in 1895, and Eva E. born in 1900.

ELLIS SWANK

He was born in Davidson Township in 1849. His grandfather, Solomon Swank, came to this country from Germany and settled in Sullivan County. His father Christian Swank was a farmer of Davidson Township. For many years, Mr. Swank followed the trades of carpentering and blacksmithing, residing at Muncy Valley. In 1879, he was elected constable of Davidson Township, serving two terms. In 1883, he was elected county auditor and in 1895 was elected sheriff of Sullivan County. In 1898 he purchased the Magargel House of Mrs. Thomas Magargel, which he remodeled and where he now conducts a first-class hostelry. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. of Sonestown. He was married in 1876 to Emma Philips of Davidson township and to them have been born: Elizabeth J. who died at the age of fourteen years, Ellery E., Thomas C., and Martin E. Thomas C. Swank was married in 1902 to Alta Rea, a daughter of George Rea of Sonestown, and was killed in the fatal railroad wreck at Laporte, Jan. 26, 1903. To them had been born a daughter who with the wife survives.

AUGUSTUS G. MENCER

He was born at Danville, Pa. in 1868. His father, Theodore Mencer of Jersey Shore, was born in Germany and came to America when 9 years of age and 25 years ago came to Sonestown where he engaged in the mercantile business and also followed the trade of shoemaking. Mr. Mencer owns a pretty home in Sonestown, is identified with the I.O.O.F. of that place and serves as section foreman on the EaglesMere railroad. He was married in 1895 to Clara Gritman, a daughter of the late Dewitt Gritman, of the Elk Lake school district, who was a native of East Benton and came to Davidson Township before the Civil War, being a veteran of that war. Mrs. Mencer was born in 1872, her mother being a daughter of William Low, one of the early settlers of Laporte Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Mencer have been born, Anna Josephine, Herman Dewitt and Vernie Althia.

THORNTON L. WATTS

Of Muncy Valley was born at Iola, Columbia County in 1860. His father was John Watts of Iola, formerly of Greenwood. He was a native of Columbia Countr, the Watts family being among the early settlers of that county. Mr. Watts is boss carpenter and machinist of the Muncy Valley tannery and a member of the P.O.S. of A. He married Amerta Johnson, a daughter of Jasper Johnson. She was born at Iola in 1870. They are the parents of six children: Fred B., Joseph L., Edward W., Allether R., George McKinley, and Ella S.

ELMER E. CRAWLEY

He was born in Davidson Township in 1864. He is the son of Morris Crawley of Davidson and owns a farm in this township where he resides. He was married in 1902 to Maggie Shires, a daughter of Daniel Shires of Beaver Lake. To them has been born one son, Gaylord LaRue Shires.

IRVIN WILSON

Of Sonestown, he was born at that place in 1878. His father was Isaac Wilson, who came from Columbia County about fifty years ago and made the first settlement up the Outlet. Mr. Wilson is a single young man and resides at Sonestown.

PETER B. HOPFER

He was born Sept 6, 1829, in the town of Northumberland. He came to Muncy Valley with James Glidewell when seven years of age. He served for many years as constable of Davidson Township. He was married in 1859 to Barbara Reese of Lycoming County. They are the parents of eight children: Josiah W. Mrs. Lillie Boyer, Leo, Mrs. Mary Green, Frank E., George H., Carrie, and Charles.

J.J. SICK

A prosperous farmer of Nordmont, he was born at Cherry Mills in 1861. His father, Charles Sick, settled in Cherry Township in 1839. He came to this country from Baden, Germany. Mr. Sick owns a fine farm at what is known as the Corners. He was married in 1889 to Dora Speary, a daughter of D.M. Speary of Nordmont, her ancestors being among the original Elk Lick settlers. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sick are prominently identified with church and Sunday school work, taking an active part in the work of the M.E. church, which is situated near their residence at the Corners. To them have been born three children: Adon, Mary and Dorson.

OSCAR LEWIS

Of Nordmont, he was born at Cole’s Creek, Columbia County, in 1838. His father, David Lewis, was a native of New Jersey, and settled at Cole’s Creek where he followed the trade of blacksmithing. Mr. Lewis came to Sullivan County in 1871 and owns a fine farm near Nordmont. He was school director for a number of years, supervisor one term and later tax collector of Davidson Township. He married Catharine Haines in 1863. They have three children: Lizzie, married A.C. Shaw of Shickshinny, PA, Raymond at home, and Edna, married L.T. Richard.

FRED FOUST

He was born in Davidson Township in 1877. His father, Amos Foust, an early settler of Davidson, was born in 1838, in that part of Cherry now comprised within the boundaries of Laporte Township. His grandfather, Philip Foust, was a native of Germany. Mr. Foust owns a farm at Nordmont. He was married in 1899 to Lydia Agnes Fritz, a daughter of Gerhart Fritz of Davidson Township. To them have been born three children: Lee Carlton, Ruth Madeline, and Ralph Morris.

M.D. HORN

Of Nordmont, he was born in Laporte Township in 1861. His father Daniel Horn came to Laporte from Columbia County about 1843. Later he moved to Waller, Columbia County, where he died aged 82 years. Mr. Horn owns a farm about two miles from Nordmont. He has for many years been identified with the educational advancement of Davidson Township, having served as school director for twelve years. He has been engaged for several years as a fire and life insurance agent. He was married in 1885 to Eunice Foust, a daughter of Amos and Esther Foust, of Davidson Township. To them have been born two sons: Roland R. and Herbert S.

O.A. FRITZ

A farmer near Nordmont, he was born at Fairmount Springs in 1871. He is a son of Hiram Fritz, and his grandfather, Samuel Fritz, was an early settler of Columbia County. Mr. Fritz’s father, Hiram Fritz, died in 1882 and his widow, Dorothy Fritz, reared the family and still resides on the homestead in Davidson Township. Mr. Fritz is a single man and resides on the homestead.

CHARLES W. LITTLE

Of Nordmont, he was born in Laporte Township in 1859. His father was Thomas Little, a son of John Little, who came to Sullivan County about 60 years ago. Mr. Little is foreman in the acid factory at Nordmont. He is a brother of J.P. Little, who was formerly Superintendent of Schools of Sullivan County. Mr. Little was married in 1880 to Etta Speary and to them have been born seven children: Anna Jane, Lizzie L., Nora E., Harrison W., Watson W., Hazel and Verna.

J.C. STARR

He was born at Sonestown in 1873. His father, T. Wilson Starr, was born in Lycoming County and came to Davidson about 38 years ago. Mr. Starr for a number of years has been conductor on the Eaglemere Railroad passenger train that carries thousands of visitors each summer to the famous resort. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. of Sonestown and he owns a pretty residence there. He was married in 1900 to Anna Hazen, a daughter of John F. Hazen, of Sonestown. To them have been born two sons: Rufus L. and Donald E.

JEREMIAH STACKHOUSE

Of Sonestown, he was born in 1848 in Jordan Township, Lycoming County. His father, James Stackhouse, was born in Columbia County and was a son of Thomas Stackhouse. The Stackhouses were among the first settlers of Pennsylvania. They came to America from Yorkshire, England, sailing in the ship Welcome with William Penn. The family is very numerous in Pennsylvania and Ohio, though members may be found in every state in the Union. A number were engaged in the Revolutionary War and the family has always been closely identified with State and National affairs. Mr. Stackhouse came to Sullivan County in 1883 and lived near Eaglesmere until 1903. In 1903, he took charge of the Lorah House at Sonestown. He was married in 1871 to Cynthia Bigger, who died Feb. 11, 1874, leaving one daughter, Olive B., who married Solomon Steiner of Lycoming County. He was again married in December 1874 to Redocia Philips, a daughter of David Philips of Davidson Township. To them have been born: Harvey C., Monroe E., Myrtle L., Mazie L., Emma Lula, Maynard J., Carrie E., Eva S., and Thomas.

D.S. and JOHN A. PHILIPS

They are the sons of John Philips who 50 years ago settled on the farm where they now reside. D.S. Philips was born in 1847. He has been a member of the Davidson school board for six terms or eighteen years. He was married in 1901 to Ella Philips, a daughter of Robert Philips of Lairdsville. One child, Leona Gertrude, blesses this union. John A. Philips was born in 1856. He is a single man and resides with his brother, D.S. Philips. The brothers have been engaged for a number of years in the raising of stock.

ALBERT T. MEYERS

He was born in Davidson Township in 1865. His father Jacob Meyers came from Germany to Lancaster County about 45 years ago, rearing a family of thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters. The subject of this sketch married Ida Enler of Franklin Township, and to them have been born four children: Elliston, David Stanley, Ethel O., and Bruce. Mr. Meyers is a blacksmith who has a shop at Sand Run, Davidson Township where he also owns a farm on which he resides.

GEORGE KIESS

He was born in 1835 in Wurtenburg, Germany. He emigrated to America in 1854, going to Philadelphia. Later he went to Williamsport where he joined the Union army in 1861, serving two years during the Civil war. In 1879 he came to Sullivan County. He has been extensively engaged in lumbering and owns a large farm near Sonestown. He was married in 1858 to Mary Hamann, a native of Wurtenburg, Germany. To them have born nine children: John, married Jane Glidewell; Joseph G., married Alice Neuber; Katharine, married John Koch; Caroline, married Pierce Gray; Lizzie, married William Stackhouse; Mary, married Charles Wing, of Laporte; William, married Mrs. Dora Cook, a daughter of Griffith Philips of Sonestown; Harry, and Christian who lives in Pittsburgh.

J.E. GALLAGHER

He was born in Cherry Township. His father was James Gallagher a farmer of Cherry Township. Mr. Gallagher received his education in the public schools of Cherry Township, the Mansfield State Normal School, and the Rochester Business University. He taught school in Sullivan County for seven years and served three years as Commissioners’ Clerk. Since 1896, he has been in the employ of the Union Tanning Company at Muncy Valley as book keeper. In 1890, he was married to Kate Kennedy of Laporte. To them have been born five children: James, Thomas, Margaret, John and Anna.

ROBERT W. SIMMONS

He was born at Sonestown, April 10, 1868. His father, G.W. Simmons, was born in Lycoming County and moved to Sonestown in 1842. Mr. Simmons is a blacksmith and railroad engineer on the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad. He owns a house and lot at Sonestown where he resides. He was married in 1891 to Lizzie J. Keeler, a daughter of F.R. Keeler of Nordmont. Her father’s family was among the early settlers of the Elk Lick district.

ROBERT HESS

He was born in Sugarloaf Township, Columbia County in 1841. He came to Muncy Valley 18 years ago. He served as constable four years and is at present engaged in the insurance business. He was married to Elizabeth Brittain in 1869. To them have been born five children: George P., C.W., Benjamin F., Oliver P. and Eva, who married William F. Snyder.

FRANK MAGARGEL

Of Muncy Valley, he was born at Sonestown in 1876, a son of Thomas Magargel. He was educated in the common schools of Sonestown. He entered into partnership with his brother, J.B. Magargel, and opened a store at Sonestown in 1891. In 1896, they sold their store to Z.E. and R.E. Botsford. In the spring of 1897, he purchased the store of A.T. Armstrong at Muncy Valley where he has since been engaged in the mercantile business. In 1894, he was appointed County Auditor, serving two years. At present, he is serving his second term as township auditor. He was married in 1897 to Cora E. Crawley, one child, Pauline L., having been born to this union.

MRS. CATHARINE H. STROUP

She is a daughter of James Taylor, of Davidson Township, and a granddaughter of Robert Taylor, one of the first settlers of Shrewsbury Township. Her mother was Delia Edkin whose family were among the early settlers of Shrewsbury Township. She was married in 1866 to James F. Stroup, who died about 15 years ago. To them have been born five children: Maggie, married George Crowley; Johanna who died at the age of six months; Taylor; Delia who died in 1882, and Curtis who married Laura Brink, of Eaglesmere in 1895 and who lives on the homestead and conducts the farm.

ROBERT TAYLOR

A native of Shrewsbury Township, he was born in 1831 and is a son of Fredrick Taylor, of Shrewsbury, whose father was Robert Taylor, an early settler of that section. Mr. Taylor purchased and settled on the farm on Muncy Creek, where he now lives, in 1857. He was married to Sarah Sellers of Pine Summit, Columbia County, in 1867. To this union were born three children: Mrs. Ocie Armstrong of Sonestown, Harry, and Edna who both live at home. Mr. Taylor owns 550 acres of land and operates a sawmill on Muncy Creek. He was elected Associate Judge in 1886

REV. J. GULDIN

He was born near Reading, Pa., Feb. 22, 1848. His father is Joel L. Guldin, who moved to White Deer Valley, Lycoming County, in the fall of 1857. Here he has since resided with the exception of three years spent in Winchester, VA. His family consisted of three sons and three daughters of which the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Mr. Guldin spent his earlier years in his father’s gristmill, later attending Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, from which he graduated in June, 1872. In the spring of 1873, he entered the ministry, joining the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has held the pastorate of the M.E. charges at Gettysburg, Mont Alto, Shrewsbury, Elysburg, Catawissa circuit, Melroy, South Heberton, Washingtonville, Trevorton, Liberty Valley, Cogan Valley, Penfield, Muncy Valley. and, in the spring of 1903, he was transferred to Fairview where he is at present located. He was married June 9, 1880 to Jeanette A. Clarkson, of Ashland, Schuylkill County. To them have been born two daughters: Helen Clare and Mary Francis, both of whom are dead, and one son Jess E., who is at present attending Williamsport Dickinson Seminary.

EDMUND E. WEBB

Of Muncy Valley, he was born at Muncy, Lycoming County, in 1838, a son of William Webb. By trade Mr. Webb is a tanner. In 1861, he enlisted in the three months service in Co. G. 11^th P.V.I. He re-enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, as First Sergeant in Co. F. 106 P.V.I. in 1864. He again re-enlisted in Co. 1 189 P.V.I. and was honorably discharged Jan 28, 1865. He is a member of William Bryan Post and is at present engaged in the mercantile business at Muncy Valley. In 1864, he was married to Elizabeth Casselberry, who died Aug. 12, 1881. He was again married to Susan A. Smith in Nov. 1881. Their only child, Elsie, is dead.

GEORGE W. BIGGER

County Commissioner of Sullivan County, he was born in Franklin Township, Lycoming County, the Biggers family being among the early settlers of the Muncy Creek Valley. He came to Sullivan County in 1849 with his father who settled in Davidson near where Hon. M.J. Philips now resides. He learned the blacksmith trade and was a sawyer for 23 years. In 1863, he enlisted in Co. H. 43^rd. Reg. P.I. and re-enlisted in 1864 in Co. E. 209 Reg. P.V.I. being honorably discharged in 1865. Since the war, he has been engaged in lumbering and is now conducting a blacksmith ship at Muncy Valley. He has been school director and held other minor offices and in 1902 was elected County Commissioner. He married Ida Worthington of Lycoming County and they are the parents of one daughter, Mrs. T.J. Schug, and six sons: Charles E., Ulysses E., James B., Hurley D., Harold P. and Oliver R.

CHARLES JEFFERSON * SECULES

He was born in Lycoming County in 1860 and is a son of Ex-county Commissioner Philip Secules of Shrewsbury Township. He learned the blacksmithing trade and has conducted a blacksmith shop in Muncy Valley since the spring of 1895. He is a member of the Valley since the spring of 1895. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. at Sonestown. In 1889, he married Ada Gower, who died in 1900. In the fall of 1901 he married Susan Crist. ** He is the father of three children, Walter, Harry and Alice.
* Editor's Note: In November 2012 and again in July 2015, we heard from Jim Hunter as follows: