PART  1

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HISTORY  OF SULLIVAN  COUNTY.

THOMAS J. INGHAM

INTRODUCTION.

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            This is a history of about two-thirds of the first century of the settlements and improvements in what is now Sullivan county.I have not attempted a narrative of events within the memory of the present generation, but some recent events have been naturally drawn into the narrative.

            Those who read this history will feel that the conclusion has not been rounded up, but left with jagged ends.  This seems unavoidable, for events which make history are constantly transpiring, and the historian can only stop at the most convenient point.

            When I first passed through Sullivan county, in 1850, the most of it was a primeval forest; but old settlements, like islands in a sea of woods, were scattered through it:  Around the Forks, and in Elkland, Fox and Hillsgrove were old farms, free from stumps, with stone fences and old buildings.  In Shrewsbury, separated by miles of dense woods from the Forks, was a settlement which seemed to have been finished forty years before.A thread of small farms along Muncy creek and some old farms along North Mountain and at Elk Lick constituted Davidson; while far away from these settlements, and separated from them by lonely wildernesses, was the township of Cherry.  The new county seat, Laporte, was a mere stumpy clearing, with a few small buildings, surrounded by miles of dark woods.

            The peculiarities of these old settlements excited my curiosity and led me to inquire from the older settlers what brought them into such a wilderness at such an early day.  I made memorandums of information thus received.  After I had accumulated considerable information of this kind, I published in the Press and Standard a series of articles relating to each township, which attracted some attention and brought criticisms, corrections and new facts.

            In 1876 I condensed the most striking facts in relation to the history of the county into an address which I delivered at Laporte on the Fourth of July.  I did not publish this, because I felt that it was incomplete and I desired to add more to it.  In 1894 I delivered a historical address at the Forksville fair, in which I used the material of my former address with additions and corrections.  This I declined to have published for reasons already expressed.An address on the Molyneux, Bird and Warren families, which had been prepared with great research by George M. Pardoe, Esq., was read at the same fair and published in newspaper and pamphlet form.  About this time Mr. William Meylert was employed by the state librarian to write a series of articles on the history of Sullivan county, and I placed my two addresses and all of my manuscripts at his disposal.  He made such use of them as he desired, and made extensive researches of his own, which he combined in a number of articles published in a Harrisburg newspaper, and which I believe are preserved in the state library in scrap-book form.Mr. Meylert has preserved them in the same form, and has given me free use of his scrap-book, for which I here tender him my thanks.  I also tender thanks to Mr. Pardoe for the copy of his address which he furnished to me and which I have used freely.  I am indebted to Ulysses Bird, Esq., for facts collected by him and published in a newspaper several years ago, and also for his kindness in loaning me the docket of Edward A. Eldred, Esq., and other old and valuable manuscripts.

            I cannot begin to name all of the persons who from time to time have given me information in personal interviews and by letters; and to name a part would seem invidious.  Many of them are deceased; to those living I tender my thanks.I have not made use of nearly all of the information collected, because the publishers did not desire a lengthy history, but I have used that which seems most interesting.  I am indebted to my brother, J. W. Ingham, of Sugar Run, for his assistance in collating the material and in writing the history.Without his efficient aid I could not have completed the work at the present time.  Having given just credit to so many others about the only credit I can claim for myself is perseverance in collecting and preserving facts.This I may call a labor of love, for it has been done without any compensation.  When I came into this county, nearly fifty years ago, I was treated with the greatest of kindness by the people then living, and from time to time as occasion has offered, I have experienced many favors from the rapidly increasing population, which I fully appreciate.  My heartiest wish now is that the people who continue to inhabit these picturesque uplands and delightful valleys may be prosperous and happy.

                                                                                                                                                                                    THOS. J. INGHAM.

HISTORY  OF SULLIVAN  COUNTY.

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            Sullivan County is in that part of Pennsylvania purchased from the Indians in 1768, and also in the territory claimed by Connecticut.It was formed from Lycoming county by act of March 15, 1847; and Lycoming county was formed from Northumberland county by act of April 13, 1796.  Many of the original surveys of lands now in Sullivan county were returned to the land office as in the county of Northumberland.

SITUATION.

            The county of Sullivan is situated midway between the north and west branches of the Susquehanna river.  Its waters empty into these branches at widely divergent points.  The Mehoopany creek and a branch of the Towanda creek take their rise near together and empty into the North Branch about forty miles apart.  One branch of the Loyalsock rises very near the head-waters of the Mehoopany and Towanda creeks and running in an opposite direction empties into the West Branch near Williamsport.  The head-waters of Muncy creek and of Fishing creek are but a few miles apart, yet one empties into the West Branch at Muncy, the other into the North Branch near Bloomsburg.  Pleasant stream, which rises in Fox township, takes its way into Lycoming creek, which empties above Williamsport.  The streams which rise on the northern line of our county go north into the Towanda creek.Sullivan county may therefore be called the "Highlands" of northern Pennsylvania; and yet with high mountain ridges running through it, nature has left valleys for railroads, some of which have been constructed and others in contemplation.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

            One of the earliest settlements of the West Branch above Northumberland was made at the mouth of Muncy creek in 1768, by Connecticut settlers from Wyoming Valley, but their settlement was entirely broken up by Colonel Plunkett, under orders of John Penn, governor of Pennsylvania, and the settlers imprisoned, or driven off.  Their improvements were immediately occupied by Pennsylvania claimants, who lived there until 1778, when they were attacked by a band of Indians, and, being panic-stricken, fled, leaving the Indians in possession of the whole valley.  The war with the Indians lasted about six years, the settlers in the valley suffering all the hardships and cruelties of an Indian warfare.  We can easily imagine that no hardy, adventurous settlers undertook to begin settlements within the present boundaries of Sullivan county while this Indian war was going on.  The Indian war-paths from the North Branch of the Susquehanna led through this county, and in the fastnesses of this region the savages retired after committing their depredations on the West Branch, and no doubt caught big trout from the waters of the Loyalsock, and killed game on the banks of that beautiful stream.  When the first settlers came they found an Indian meadow on the flats above the forks of the Loyalsock.

FIRST RESIDENTS.

So far as is now known, the first white resident within the boundaries of what now constitutes Sullivan county, was Daniel Ogden, who settled at Hill's Grove considerably more than one hundred years ago, --- probably in 1786, --- on land at present owned by Richard Biddle.  He made a clearing, built a house and a small gristmill on the waters of Mill creek. He sold his property to John Hill (for whom the township was named) and moved away about the year 1794.  It is said that Ogden, like many other American pioneers in the wilderness, did not care for society, disliked near neighbors, and when the Englishmen began to move in around him, determined to leave the place.  It is also said that, having had a son killed in the Revolutionary war with Great Britain, he had acquired an unreasonable hatred against all Englishmen.  There was a rumor that he was a Tory, but the evidence is against it, and the rumor was, no doubt, started by a personal enemy.

            James Ecroyd went to Hillsgrove before Ogden left the place, and improved the land which was afterward owned and occupied by Jonathan Lewis.  He afterward went to Elkland and built a mill on Mill creed, afterward called King's creek.  The following incident is related in a publication of Mr. Gernerd, of Muncy:  "On Saturday, the 30th of January, 1796, James Ecroyd set out to hunt, and lost himself in the woods.  The whole neighborhood drove the woods every day, yet he was not found until the following Friday.  He had wandered eight miles from the nearest house, although he had been twice within a quarter of a mile of Hillsgrove.  In crossing a run by means of a pine log he had slipped in the water and wet his lower extremities, and subsequent exposure to the frost, on one of the sharpest nights in winter, resulted in the loss of most of his toes.The dog-bark disclosed his whereabouts, and he was found by an expiring fire in a very exhausted condition."

            About 1787 a man named Griffith Griffey settled on land since well known as the farm of Judge Speaker.  He built a log hut back near the mountain side, on a rise of ground about thirty feet high, as he said, to be out of the way of high water.He planted a small orchard, and lived there about ten years.  He was a "squatter," as no survey of the lands thereabouts had yet been made.He was living there one or two years before John Hill settled at Hillsgrove.  After Griffey left the place, Charles Edwards lived there two years and made a little clearing.  Thomas Wallis lived there a short time.  Richard White made the greatest improvement in the way of clearing, and built a small frame house and log barn.  His only title was a clearing lease for a term of years.  He died about 1833, but his widow remained on the place until about 1841, when John A. Speaker moved there.  His farm was called "Sidney," because the James Campbell tract was patented in the name of Sidney, in 1797.

          John Hill settled on what is now Hillsgrove about 1789, and took up all the flat land along the north side of the Loyalsock creek for two miles up and down it, and half a mile back from the creek on the mountains.  This land was surveyed and patented about 1794.  Hill died in 1839 and was buried in the cemetery near by, where several strangers had already been buried before any of the original settlers had died, the first one having been M. Charles Bui Boulogne, a Frenchman, agent of the French colony at Asylum, who was drowned in attempting to ford the Loyalsock at Hillsgrove, July 20, 1796.

            After John Hill's death, his son, John C. Hill, the uncle of John Sadler **, had charge of the farm until his death, when John J. Sadler and W. J. Eldred were appointed administrators.  Mrs. David Rogers, a daughter of John Hill, Sr., became the owner of the farm where John H. Rogers now resides, extending almost up to the mouth of Elk creek.  Mrs. Joseph Sadler, mother of John J. Sadler, became the owner of the second farm above Hillsgrove.  Mrs. Martha Craven, by will, became owner of property where the Tannery Company now own and have their buildings.  John C. Hill acquired the property now owned by Richard Biddle.
** Editor's Note: You can learn more about the history of the Sadler family and its appearance in this area in Aunt Eliza's Scrapbook. John Hill, the founder of Hillsgrove, was married to Mary Robb, daughter of Robert and Susanna Robb of Muncy, PA in 1796. Thereafter, the Hill, Robb, Sadler and Craven families were all related by marriage. You can find out more about the Robb family at Descendants of John Robb.

            Nearly ten miles farther up the Loyalsock a man known as Captain Brown built a cabin on land now occupied by Isaac Rogers, below the Forks.  He was an Indian fighter in the wars on the west branch, and did not like clearing land.He lived by hunting and fishing, always standing ready to furnish venison or bear's meat on a half day's notice.He was probably the first dealer in fresh meat in this county.  A man named Miller lived on the opposite side of the creek from Captain Brown's cabin.A man named Strong came from Cherry Valley, in "York State," and built a cabin on the bench of land where Millview now stands, close by the mountain brook which starts from a spring on George C. Bird's land, and is still known as "Strong's Run."He had been led to believe that it was only twelve miles down the Loyalsock to its junction with the west branch of the Susquehanna, but when he had made the trip to the river and ascertained that instead of twelve miles, the distance was at least forty, he returned to Cherry Valley.  Strong and Ogden were old acquaintances, but there were no roads from Ogden's to Strong's and when Mrs. Ogden visited Mrs. Strong she was taken up the creek in a canoe.The settlers named above came without concert with each other, or backing, and were in the county previous to 1794.

OLD COUNTY LINES.

            Before the year 1796 the territory now comprised in Sullivan was all in Northumberland county.  By an act of the legislature, passed September 25, 1786, Luzerne county was organized.  The west line of Luzerne ran from the head of Towanda creek along the ridge which divides the waters of the north branch of the Susquehanna from those of the west branch, to a point due west from the mouth of Nescopeck creek.  This new county of Luzerne took in some of the eastern portion of the territory which is now in Sullivan, but left the larger part in Northumberland.  By an act of the legislature, passed April 13, 1796, the county of Lycoming was formed, which took all the settlements in this county then commenced.

PRIMEVAL FOREST.

            The country at this time, between the north and west branch of the Susquehanna river, was an almost unbroken wilderness, consisting of dense forests of heavy timber-trees, thick tangled growths of laurel bushes, windfalls full of tall blackberry briers, and dark, dreary swamps containing alders, tamarack bushes, and coarse grass. This wilderness of woods, rocks, hills, mountains and streams was well peopled with wild animals, such as deer, elk, bears, wolves, panthers, catamounts, wild-cats, --- to say nothing of the smaller inhabitants, such as minks, beavers and foxes.  There were also serpents, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and blacksnakes.

THE LAND LAWS.

            From April 3, 1792, to March 28, 1814, these lands could be purchased from the State for six and two-thirds cents per acre, to which the cost of the warrant and survey had to be added.  It is not wonderful that enterprising men with capital made haste to acquire large bodies of land.  It was not the intention of the law-makers to assist "land-grabbing," as it is called, by fixing so low a price per acre for the State lands, but it was intended to be for the interest of the poor who desired to own land; and to encourage a rapid settlement of the public domain.  The result proved to be exactly the opposite to the intent of the legislature.

            Although the law allowed the sale of only a four-hundred-acre tract to a single individual, the law was evaded generally by men of large means who bought as many four-hundred-acre tracts as they wanted, under different warrantee names.  Having obtained their titles, they raised the price of unimproved lands so high that it placed them beyond the means of the poor, and the settlement of this county, as well as adjoining counties, was impeded.  The State did not first survey the land and then sell it, as was the practice of the United States government, but sold the land, and then issued warrants to survey it.

THE WALLIS LANDS.

            Samuel Wallis, of Muncy, took a large number of warrants to locate on the Loyalsock.  To get supplies to his surveying parties he had a road cut from Muncy to the summit of the Allegheny, thence down the steep mountain-side to Hillsgrove on the Loyalsock.  This was known as Wallis road, but was merely a foot-path, or pack-horse road cut through the woods to convey supplies to his surveying parties engaged in this county.  As early as 1793 another pack-horse road was cut, leaving the Wallis road at the foot of the Allegheny, thence northward to the left of Hunter's Run, on through to the forks of the Loyalsock, where Forksville is now situated.  This was called the "Courson Road," and was first used by surveyors, in bringing in provisions and traveling to and from their work.

            A great deal of surveying was done by Wallis in 1793, and it is said that William Molyneux was with one of his surveying parties at the Forks in that year.  As soon as Wallis had completed and returned his surveys, he sold a large body of land on the waters of the Loyalsock to Joseph Priestley, Jr., and John Vaughan.

PRIESTLEY LANDS.

            Joseph Priestley, Jr., and some other English gentlemen had projected a settlement for English emigrants on the waters of the Loyalsock, and contemplated the purchase of three hundred thousand acres of land.It was to be a rallying point for the English, who were at that time coming to America in great numbers.  It was thought by them that by the union of industry and capital the wilderness would soon be cleared, and made equal to any other part of the country in everything necessary to the enjoyment of life.The project was finally abandoned, as it was found that the generality of Englishmen who came to this country were not adapted to the kind of labor required and the hardships to be endured by the first settlers in a wilderness.  Joseph Priestly, Jr., however, did what he could to establish a prosperous colony.

            In 1794 he sent William Molyneux, Powell Bird and John Warren to make a clearing near the forks of the Loyalsock.  They cleared about two acres and built a small house for Priestly, near where the Methodist church now stands.  These men afterward brought their families, and the manner of their coming is best described by Josiah Warren (a son of John and Mary Warren), as related by George M. Pardoe and found in his Genealogy of William Molyneux and his Descendants.

            Mr. Pardoe says:  "Josiah Warren, of Canton, a son of John and Mary Warren, and who was born on the old Warren homestead, near Millview, May 10, 1808, and who knew all of those old pioneers well, told the writer in 1890 that William Molyneux came up first with a surveying party for Joseph Priestly, Jr., of Northumberland; that soon after he came back and brought Powell Bird with him, and that Molyneux, at least, built his house at that time.  That they then went back to Northumberland, and Molyneux went to England to get his family.  That the next spring his parents, John and Mary Warren, came up with their family and lived in the Molyneux house until they had built a house for themselves, on their land above and adjoining the Molyneux land.  That his sister, Jane, was born on the way up, at Abram Webster's, on the old Genesee road between Muncy and Hillsgrove.  That the father and oldest child, Sarah, came on and left the mother and babe at Webster's, who, a few weeks after, completed the journey on horseback.  That his sister, Jane, was born May 24, 1795.  That Molyneux and Bird came afterward with their families, he thought in the fall of the same year.  He also stated that his mother, Mary Warren, was the first woman who baked bread in Sullivan county.  That Rebecca Bird Molyneux was the first white person born there.  That he, Josiah Warren, was at that time (1890) the only living member of either of the three first families, and also the oldest person then living who was born in the settlement.  This statement as to the date of his sister Jane's birth I find verified in the old family bible of the Warrens, now in the possession of William Warren, of Elkland."

            Mr. Pardoe further states:  "I think it reasonably certain that of the permanent settlers William Molyneux was the first to come and spy out the land, and the first to make improvements, which was in 1794.  That in all probability Powell Bird was the second to come and view the land, which was also in 1794, and that John Warren, who came with his family in 1795, was the third to come, and the first to bring his family, and that William Molyneux and Powell Bird brought their families in the fall of the same year."

            It will be noticed that this differs somewhat from our statement, that in 1794 Mr. Priestley sent Molyneux, Bird and Warren to make a clearing at the Forks.  It is proper, therefore, to give our authority, who was Moses Rogers (father of Judge Rogers), and whose statement was made to the writer many years ago, and taken down by him at the time in writing, which memorandum is still preserved.Those who knew Moses Rogers will attach great weight to his statement, for he was a clear-headed, truthful man, and had an excellent memory.  We will quote still farther from Mr. Pardoe's interesting history:  "I understand that in coming here these settlers came over the mountain from Muncy, past Abram Webster's and struck the Loyalsock at or below Hillsgrove.  It is told that they forded the Loyalsock thirteen times from Hillsgrove up.  That everything had to be packed on horseback or on their own backs, and as horses were scarce they frequently had to go on foot to Muncy, their nearest trading place (only thirty miles), and bring back what few store goods they were compelled to use.  The mortar and pestle was the only mill they had for years."

            These pioneers selected lands on the Little Loyalsock adjoining each other.  Although William Molyneux apparently purchased his land in 1794, the land was not conveyed to him until January 18, 1803.  The Molyneux farm had a large amount of bottom land.  The village of Millview now stands on this tract.

            After the clearing was made for Priestly at the Forks, Molyneux commenced clearing on his own land.  He built a cabin on the opposite side of the creek from where Millview stands.  He lived there several years without his family.  One day while attending a deer-killing at the creek, on his return he found no cabin --- it had taken fire and burned up.  He then built a house of hewn logs, near the present site of the Molyneux sawmill, and having made a house that seemed comfortable, returned to England for his family.  His wife died before his return, but he brought three of his children with him, viz.:John, Thomas and Elizabeth.Edward was left at that time; but came afterward.  He built the third house on the bank of Strong's Run in the limits of the present village of Millview, and only a few yards south of the Molyneux Homestead.Elizabeth kept house for her father until she was married to William Snell some years afterward.  William Molyneux and his son John then kept house for themselves until 1823, when John married Martha Saddler.  William Molyneux lived until 1848, and died in his eighty-ninth year.

            The land of John Warren adjoined the Molyneux land, being the next farm up the Little Loyalsock creek.  Warren's first house stood about half way between the present residence, formerly the Warren homestead, and the creek, on a bench of land near where an old log building stood until a short time ago.  The second house was built just across the road from the present residence on that farm, which was the third and last Warren homestead.  John Warren died April 17, 1813, being the first of the original settlers to pass away.  His good wife, Mary Ward Warren, the first woman who came there, lived until May 14, 1840.  The Warren farm is now owned by the descendants of William Molyneux and Powell Bird.

            The land of Powell Bird adjoined the Warren land, and still farther up the creek still goes by his name.  It is now owned and occupied by his grandson, John K. Bird.The first house built by Powell Bird stood only a few rods from the residence of John K. Bird, across the mountain brook which runs between the house and the barn, and nearer Bird's creek than the present residence.  Powell Bird died April 13, 1829.  His wife, Lydia Hannant Bird, died January 29, 1832.  Powell Bird's descendants are numerous and have always been among the most substantial and respected citizens of the county.

            Thomas Huckell brought his family to the Forks in 1797. He had contracted with Priestly for four hundred acres of land lying on both sides of the Loyalsock at the Forks.  He lived only one year after he came there, and his widow being unable to complete the payments due on the land, surrendered to Priestly that part of the tract which lies on the side of the creek now occupied by the business part of Forksville.  The part which she retained was afterwards owned by her grandson, D. T. Huckell.  The homestead on which the widow resided until her death was on the left side of Little Loyalsock, about a fourth of a mile from the church.  Daniel T. Huckell, grandson of Thomas Huckell, was accidentally killed a few years ago.  He was a man of fine talents, and extensive information, active in all good works.He was one of the most eloquent public speakers who ever resided in this county.

            The farm in Hillsgrove where Wheeler Green now lives, was settled on in 1793 by John Huckell.  It is not known whether or not he was connected with others in the county of the same name.  The old settlers called him "the little Englishman."  He was not successful.  His wife and two daughters died.  He then started to go back to England but took sick and died at Muncy.His son, an officer in the British army, had started to bring his father home, but contracted a fever and died on the ship.  In 1796 Joseph Huckell settled on the land below Hillsgrove.  His son, Benjamin Huckell, who was an excellent farmer and a man of great intelligence and influence, succeeded to the farm, and lived there all his life.He raised a large family and has many descendants.  The Snell farm, now owned by Ezra S. Little, on Elk creek, was first settled by Joseph Warren about 1796.  John Snell purchased the land in 1833.  Mrs. Ezra S. Little, a daughter of John Snell, has lived on the farm since 1837.

THE GENESEE ROAD.

            The Genesee road was opened about the year 1800 --- so called because it afforded the first road for emigrants from southern Pennsylvania to the rich valley of the Genesee river, New York.  This road ran from Muncy (then called Pennsburg), passing the house of William Ellis, on Wolf Run, and of Abraham Webster, near Huntersville; thence over the Allegheny by Highland lake and down the Ogdonia creek to the Loyalsock; thence up that stream, passing Hill's to Elk creek, which it followed to Lincoln Falls **; thence over the ridge to King's creek, which it followed for some distance, then turned eastward, passing Eldred's and went over Burnett's Ridge and down Millstone Run to Shrader's Branch and down that to Towanda creek, where it connected with other roads to Tioga river.

** Editor's Note: From about 2003-2007, Scott and Kathi Keefer operated The Lincoln Falls Lodge. We have excerpted a brief historical overview from their web site, on which you can also find two maps and other references:

AT THE FORKS.

            In 1802, Samuel Rogers, Sr., purchased the one hundred and forty acres of land surrendered by the widow of Thomas Huckell, and made considerable improvements.  His sons, Samuel, William and Jonathan, erected a woolen factory, which stood a few rods below the bridge, on the south side of the creek.The factory was in operation until 1816, when it was swept away by a flood.  The Rogers family had been engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in England, and thoroughly understood the business of making cloth.Previous to the establishment of this factory each family in this region had done its own spinning and weaving.The factory proved a great help to the neighborhood by giving employment to people, and making a ready market for their wool.  When the war of 1812 came, they obtained contracts from the government to furnish kersey cloth for the army. 

Several teams were constantly employed in transporting their goods to Philadelphia; and bringing back raw material.  So thorough was the destruction of this factory by the raging stream that nothing remained to show the place where it had stood except a single log imbedded in the gravel at the bottom of the creek.  The only thing ever found of the building and its contents was a dye kettle which was discovered some months after the flood in a deep hole about a mile below the Forks.

            Samuel Rogers, Sr., brought a family of ten children to the Forks.  His youngest son, Moses, who was born in 1806, took the land after his father's death, and occupied it for many years.  He laid out the village of Forksville in 1854, and lived to see it a prosperous town.He was a quiet, unobtrusive, but highly intelligent man, who was greatly respected in the county.  He died in February, 1879.  His sons were Saddler S., M. Austin, Isaac, J. Wesley and William.Saddler S. is now acting as county commissioner; M. Austin was an associate judge of the county for five years; J. Wesley Rogers is an acting justice of the peace; William Rogers enlisted in the army, and was killed in the service; W. C. Rogers, a grandson of Moses, has served as a representative in the Pennsylvania legislature.

            The first store started in Forksville was in 1848, by Alonzo Potter, in the old schoolhouse.  The next year, having built a new store, his goods were removed to it.  In 1850 he sold out to William J. Eldred, who continued the business until 1853.  In 1855, M. A. Rogers, having erected a new store building, commenced the mercantile business, which he has continued to conduct until the present time, and has probably been longer in business than any other merchant in the county.

            Soon after the first improvements were made at the Forks, Priestly sent a good many settlers to the Elklands.  Among them were William Snell, William King, William Gingley, Edward J. Eldred, James Ecroyd, Jesse Haines, David Thomas, Jonathan Hartly, Joel McCarty, Francis Boyles and Charles Mullen.  The name of Elklands was adopted at an early day, because elk were found in that region.

            William King came to America about 1799, being then about twenty-six years of age.  He stopped at Northumberland a short time and then went to Elkland to work for Ecroyd.About the year 1803 he bought the land now occupied by George W. Glidewell and built a cabin a few rods south of a fine flowing spring.  As he was unmarried, he sent to Northumberland for his father and mother to come and live with him.  Their names were Thomas and Esther King, and they brought with them their youngest daughter, Sarah, who afterwards married George Bird.  In 1817 they built a better house.  Esther King died in 1832 and her husband died some time before.Two years after the death of his mother, William married Polly Crandall, and lived with her until the time of his death in 1852.  William King left no children, but his brothers and sisters have numerous descendants still living.

            William Snell made the first clearing on the land since occupied by Robert and James Hart.  William Bingley made his commencement on the farm since owned by Joseph Whitely.  Bingley's house had a panel door, --- the first ever seen in Elkland.

            Charles Mullan first settled the land now known as the "Peck place."  David Thomas went to Elk Lake, which was then called Thomas' Lake.  Francis Grange was also an early settler, and exceedingly domestic.  In 1828 he went to Northumberland to make a payment on his land, and he then told Joseph Priestly, Jr., that he had been married forty years, and that was the first time he had passed a night away from his wife.  It is stated that he lived with his wife for seventy years, and that both lived until they were upwards of nine-six years of age.

            James Ecroyd, who commenced an improvement near Hillsgrove, removed to Elkland about 1800 and built a sawmill and gristmill under one roof, on King's creek.  This creek was also called Mill creek.  He and Jesse Haines were Quakers, and influenced others of that denomination to move there.

            Joel McCarty was born on the 16th of December, 1771.  His wife, Ellen, was born on the 14th of May, 1781.  They were married in 1798, and had one child, Aaron, when they moved to Elkland, in 1801, and took up land near Elk lake.  He made one of the best farms in Elkland township.  At an early day he made a profitable business in hunting panthers and wolves.  There was a bounty of eight dollars on each wolf killed, which was afterwards raised to twelve dollars.  Mr. McCarty had a family of eleven children, and his descendants settled around him until it was called the McCarty settlement.  Many of his descendants remain in the county.

Friends' Meeting House
Elkland, PA
An Undated Old Postcard
The publisher was Coughlins Photo, Morris, PA.
The sign in front of the house in the picture is entitled "Elklands Meeting".
Contributed by Elaine Frey

FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE.

            David Thomas, James Ecroyd, Jesse Haines, Ezra Haynes and Joel McCarty were active in erecting a Friends' meeting house in that vicinity.  This meeting house was in use previous to 1805, and was located northwest of Eldredsville, and a half mile south of Ecroyd's settlement, on lands afterwards taken up by Thomas Baker, and now included in the farm owned and occupied by Mahlon C. Mercur.  The old road leading to the church has been for some time vacated; a thicket of small timber has grown up around the site.The scattered stone from the fallen chimney marks the place of its location, and a noble spring of water is very near the stone pile.  Near the point now known as Lincoln Falls a settlement was made prior to 1800 by Joseph Reeves.

CONDITIONAL SETTLERS.

            The first twelve settlers in Elkland were each granted one hundred and fifty acres of land free of cost, on the following conditions:  First, that they would within one year build a substantial log house, completely clear, fence and improve ten acres in five years, --- only one family to settle on a tract of four hundred acres, --- and they were to have the privilege of purchasing the remainder of the tract at two dollars and fifty cents per acre; hence the first settlers were at some distance from each other.

            Francis Bull, who was a carpenter, married a daughter of Robert Lambert.  The Bull farm was long the home of Joseph Pardoe, and was afterward owned by Barton Luther.  In 1825 Charles Mullan erected at his own expense, in Elkland, a house to be used for school, scientific and religious purposes, which was for many years the central place for religious and educational gatherings in that township.  Miss Zelpha Mason taught the first school in this building.  The next winter James Green, an Englishman, taught, and later Nehemiah Ross, and a Mr. Woodruff, from Monroeton.

FOX SETTLEMENT.

            A number of settlers went farther west into the territory since known as Fox township.  They were induced to go by the gift of one hundred acres of land to each family.  Among the first who went there, were Joseph, Amos, John, Jonathan and Samuel Hoagland; Philip, Anthony and Henry Kilmer; Brumley and Thomas Williams; Archelaus Luce, and Marshall Battin.

            Philip Kilmer was of German descent, born in the Mohawk valley, New York, about 1781, and moved from there to Fox township with oxen and wagons.  He and his two sons, Anthony and Henry (who were of age) were three of the first ten settlers in the township who each received the gift of one hundred acres of land from the land-owner.  His other children were Charles, Martha, Rosina, Philip Jr., Peter, Hannah and George.At the time of their settlement, the nearest gristmills were at Muncy and Canton.  A. B. Kilmer, a grandson of Philip Kilmer, Sr., is now a resident of the township and is a justice of the peace.

            The settlement established there was composed chiefly of Friends, and the name of Fox was given to it, in memory of George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends.  A Friends' meeting house of hewn logs was built near the present Fox Center.

            Marshall Battin cleared a large farm and was a leading man in the new settlement.  He was a consistent Friend and contributed largely to build the Quaker meeting house.His sons, so far as we have their names, were Joseph, John, Joshua, Reuben and Samuel.  These sons remained in the county, were good farmers, and substantial citizens, and have many descendants.  John Battin held the office of county commissioner for three years.

            In 1805 an English traveler named Robert Sutcliff visited Elkland, and a few extracts from his journal will serve to illustrate life in Elkland at that period:

            "Twefth month, 13th, I spent the afternoon at Jesse Haines', whose family were busily employed in making maple sugar.  J. H. is a minister in good esteem, has an agreeable wife and a group of fine children who have plenty of employment in clearing and cultivating his plantation in the wilderness; which, however, appears to be an excellent soil, and the situation being dry and healthy, on a rising ground, there is every probability that at some future day this may become a property of great value.

            "Twelfth month, 14th, I visited at E. H.'s (Ezra Haines, afterward of West Chester), a nephew of J. H.'s.  He, with his wife and one fine child, had but lately come into this country, and had cleared only a few acres, but which appeared to be well managed and very productive.  He had just nailed up the skin of a large bear against the side of his house.  He had shot the beast while in the act of seizing one of his hogs, having been led to the scene of action by the shrieks of the poor animal while under the rude embraces of the bear.  By E. H.'s attention the tables were quickly turned in favor of the hog, which was rescued and was in a fair way of recovering from his wounds.

            "Twelfth month, 15th, I attended Elkland's meeting.During the sitting of it, a company of hunters came in and leaving their rifle guns at the door, behaved in a becoming manner until the meeting was broke up.

            "Twelfth month, 16th.  I spent this day at my relation's.  In the course of it I saw two of his men cut down a hemlock tree, which is a species of pine.  This tree was four yards in circumference, and fifty yards in length; yet it was of but little value here.  The timber which most abounds on this farm is the sugar maple, the beech, the locust and oak. This day I saw a family from near Derby, England, of the name of Lambert, who I understood were likely to do well.

            "Twelfth month, 17th, I rode from Elkland to Muncy, across the Allegheny mountains, in company with J. H. and one of his neighbors.When near the top of the Allegheny mountains, we passed the company of hunters who had attended the meeting at Elklands.  The principal objects of their pursuit were deer, although they had no objections to meeting with a bear or a wolf.  In passing down the Allegheny mountains we came near the house of a man of the name of Webster who had killed thirty-six bears the last season."

            Edward J. Eldred came to Elkland in 1800.  He was from London, England, had studied law, and been admitted to the bar; afterward engaged in business as a wholesale tea merchant, in which he was not very successful.  He decided to come to America in 1798, and was two and a half months on the ocean.  After staying some time in New Jersey and in Kingston, Pennsylvania, he went to Northumberland with letters of introduction to Joseph Priestly, Jr., who induced him to go to Elkland as his agent.

            At first he lived in a log house belonging to William King, Sr., but as soon as possible went on the land he had purchased from Priestly, and erected a comfortable frame house thereon.  In this house he afterward entertained many travelers who were passing through on their way to the Genesee county.  He soon became a leading man in that section, surveyed, and sold land, wrote deeds, wills and contracts, viewed and laid out roads,  When the needy required assistance he was among those who rendered aid, as may be seen by an agreement in his handwriting which shows the kind feelings of other early settlers toward each other and their willingness to give assistance to the unfortunate.  The agreement is as follows:

To the Men of Elklands:

            Since one of our number, Edward Jones, has the misfortune to be afflicted with lameness, and consequently unable to do that for himself which the situation of a settler in this country requires; under these circumstances it is but a fellow-feeling to give our assistance, for we are all liable to the like affliction.  It is therefore suggested that we should, as many of us as are so disposed, meet together at Edward Jones' house, on the first Monday in April (taking our own provisions along), there to cut over for him a piece of woods; and should his lameness continue, then to meet again at his house, on the first Monday in May, to log off and clear the said piece for planting.

            {Signed}            Edward J. Eldred,

                                    David Barrington,

                                    William Molyneux,

                                    Peter Dominique,

                                    Jonathan Frisbey,

                                    Powell Bird.

            March, 1801

            When the first death occurred in Elkland, in 1802, --- the death of Felix Powell, --- Mr. Eldred was called to make an address at the funeral.  On the 29th of March, 1808, Edward J. Eldred was appointed a justice of the peace, and from his well-kept docket, which is now in the hands of Ulysses Bird, Esq., many interesting facts have been obtained.  All the marriages solemnized by him are there recorded, and attested by the signatures of witnesses present.  All certificates that were given for bounty on wild animals killed are noted, and we find, among others, that John Youns, Joseph Reeves, John Rogers and Samuel Bill each killed a panther; that George Bird killed seventeen wolves, Joel McCarty six wolves, and William Molyneux, Aaron McCarty, John McCarty, Powell Bird and John Snell each killed one wolf.  All of these animals were killed in that vicinity within fourteen years.

            The first school in the county that we have any record of was commenced in 1804 in a log house owned by John Warren.  The teacher was named John Bull, and, as his name indicated, he was a stalwart Englishman.  He conducted his school on a strict and summary method.  Though a severe disciplinarian, Mr. Bull did great service from 1804 to 1811.  He taught wherever he could obtain scholars.  Provision was made by the settlers for the tuition of children whose parents were too poor to pay the teacher.  The docket of Esquire Eldred records an affidavit, dated April 24, 1811, in which John Bull gave the names of those who were unable to pay, --- evidently for the purpose of obtaining payment from a fund provided for that purpose.

AT THE FORKS.

            In 1816 Mrs. Sarah Huckell conveyed half an acre of land to Samuel Rogers, Powell Bird and William King, trustees of the Loyalsock school.  The 4th of July that year was celebrated by a bee for clearing off the land for a school-house.  The building was completed, and a school commenced on the 1st of December, 1816, John Warburton being the teacher.  This was the first building erected especially for school purposes in Sullivan county.

            In 1819 an organization was formed establishing a Sunday-school in the Elklands.  The agreement, which is still preserved, shows that it was the work of very intelligent men.  It provided for a Sunday-school to commence at eight or nine o'clock in the morning, with an intermission of two hours, and to close at four or five o'clock in the afternoon.  In the intermission preaching was allowed by ministers of various denominations.  The pupils in the Sunday-school were to be taught reading, writing, and the fundamental rules of account.  The members of the association were to act as teachers in turn:  The signers of this agreement were William Russell, E. J. Eldred, James Royle, John Snell, William King, Francis Bull, Francis Boyles, Joseph Pardoe, John Raper, Thomas Baker, John Grange, Charles Mullen, Richard Snell, James Hardy, John Huckell and John King.  A library of excellent books was contributed by John Vaughn, of Philadelphia.  Afterward the members themselves assisted annually to increase the library.  This school was maintained for twenty-three years, and during this period Edward J. Eldred and William and John King served as three of the five members of the executive committee; Joseph Pardoe, and John Snell having served part of the time.  Charles Mullen was librarian for a number of years.

            The condition of the country and the people in 1818 was described by Thomas Merideth, a land agent who traveled through the settlements.  He said:"The settlements were few and scattered and the roads poor; they were so narrow that the branches of the trees interlocked and formed a shade impenetrable to the sun.  The bridges were composed of round logs or poles thrown carelessly down with the bark on and openings between them.  The poorer class of people, with whom I had much to do, resided in log cabins --- dark, smoky and cold.  The furniture was of the rudest kind --- a bench for a seat, a deal board for a table, a couple of sticks set in the logs, and tough bark cut in strips and crossed for the straw bed to rest upon.  This was a luxury; it was more common to lie on the floor on a straw bed, often wrapped in a blanket. I have seen fifteen to twenty men, women and children crammed into one room in this manner.As mills were at a distance, flour was a rarity.  The family frequently lived for a length of time on pounded corn, milk and potatoes with venison, if the good man could find time to kill it."

SHREWSBURY SETTLEMENT.

            While the settlements were extending from the Forks to Elkland and Fox, settlements were also being made along the Courson road.Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Courson, who were brothers, settled on adjoining farms on Muncy creek flats, about ten miles from Pennsborough (Muncy).  These farms were not in the present limits of Sullivan county, but were not far from the present county line.  All the settlers who came into what is now Shrewsbury passed the Courson farms.  Samuel Wallis had located most of the lands in that vicinity previous to 1794, and in June of that year he sold a number of tracts to Charles Wolstoncraft, who in September of the same year sold ten thousand two hundred and seventeen acres to George Lewis.This land included the lake long known as Lewis lake, and now Eaglesmere, and extended from the Loyalsock to Muncy creek.  Mr. Lewis was a wealthy Englishman who resided in New York at that time and conducted the American branch of a London importing house.  He also engaged in buying real estate for English capitalists.There is no evidence that Mr. Lewis visited his lake before 1803, but in the summer of that year he spent six weeks at the lake.  On returning to his home in the city he found that yellow fever had prevailed during his absence, and that very many of his dearest friends had died in consequence.He was so impressed with the feeling that his life had been spared from his remaining in this mountainous wilderness, that he resolved to build him a home on the shore of the lake.

            His first sale of land was made to Robert Taylor, who settled on Rock Run in 1804.  Taylor made his own road over the ridge to Rock Run, cleared up a farm and erected a sawmill and a gristmill.  He was the father of Richard, Frederick, James, Robert and George W. Taylor; and many of his descendants are still in this county.  In 1804 Lewis employed men to open a road from Robert Taylor's to the lake, and had a house erected there.  He then commenced clearing his farm, and putting up buildings for the manufacturing of glass.  He pushed the work so steadily that in 1808 the great stone building on the summit overlooking the lake was completed, and also a large frame house, which was occupied George Lewis and his family; and on the same street (now, Eaglesmere avenue) three stone houses, and on the street at right angles therefrom were six frame houses, painted red; also a school-house; and further around, out of sight of the lake, a large boarding-house.  A sawmill was built at the outlet of the lake.  That the buildings described were erected there is certain, but some fix the date a year or two later.  This was the first village in the county, and for some years a very busy one.They boated sand from the head of the lake and hauled it up the hill to the glass-works building.

            George Edkins came to the Shrewsbury settlement in 1806.  He was an Englishman who had been in the employ of General Horatio Gates, to superintend his farm on the Hudson.  His first journey to Lewis lake was made on foot, and he kept a journal of each day's travel.  He was eight days going to Shrewsbury, and six days returning to the Gates farm.  The distance as he made it was two hundred and fourteen miles.Edkins purchased of Lewis lands which had been improved by John Henderson, and moved his family there May 10, 1808.  It was an interesting incident in the life of George Edkins that he left England to avoid an arrest, because he had not sufficiently respected the game laws.  When he left he was engaged to a young lady named Moorby, and as it was not prudent for him to return to her, she came to him, and they were married in this country.  Edkins built a good frame house, made a good farm, planted orchards, ornamental trees and shrubs.  The evidence of his taste remained upon the place long after his death.  After Sullivan county was organized he was elected county treasurer.He left a family of four sons and two daughters, and their descendants are numerous in this county.

            John G. Holmes, who was among the early settlers, taught school in his own house, two miles from the lake, in the winter of 1807-8.He understood navigation and surveying.Mr. Holmes continued to teach occasionally until 1818.

            Theophilus Little made an examination of lands from Pennsborough (Muncy) to Lewis lake as early as 1799.  Land where the borough of Hughesville now stands was offered to him at a lower price than land near the lake, but he did not like the soil, preferring timbered land of the mountains, and purchased about three thousand acres within a mile or two of the lake.  He was at that time a resident of Monmouth county, New Jersey.  He had six sons, named John, Daniel, Thomas, Theophilus, Tobias and another whose name cannot be obtained.  Daniel, the second son, came upon the land in 1804, and others came later.  John commenced at Rock Run.  Thomas, with his father, cleared the farm at Little's Corners, a mile from the lake.Thomas afterward exchanged land with Tobias Little and went to the valley of the Loyalsock.  Tobias was a younger brother, born in July, 1779, and with him came his father and mother.  Tobias made a large clearing, a mile or so beyond Little's Corners, but built no house there, and afterward moved on the land where J. H. W. Little now resides.  Mary Little, his mother, died soon after she came there.  His father died February 19, 1825, aged eighty-one years.  The Little family came from England, but were of Scotch-Irish descent.  They were active patriots during the Revolution, two of the family having been in the army as commissioned officers.  They were always active in promoting the educational and religious interests of the community.  The descendants of the family are numerous and many still reside in the county.

            Among the early settlers of Shrewsbury, though not the very earliest, were Joel Bennett and Thomas Bennett.  Joel Bennett came from Jersey in 1809, when he was twenty-one years of age, and went into the settlement about the forks of the Loyalsock, where he worked six or eight years, and during that time earned money to buy some land in Elkland.  He then married Sarah Bird, daughter of Powell Bird, and in 1817 they moved on the land which he had bought in Elkland.  There he remained about three years, and then sold his land to Joseph Pardoe and moved to Lewis' lake, where he worked for George Lewis about six years.  He then bought land of George Lewis, adjoining Edkin's, and commenced a clearing there, where he remained during the greater part of his life.  He died in 1867.  He had ten children.  Only three remained in this county, --- George W. Bennett, William Bennett and Caroline Sheets.

            Like most of the settlers at that day, Joel Bennett was an occasional hunter, and incidents of his early hunting in this county are still related.  On one occasion he and his brother Thomas were out together; one went up one side of Hunter's lake, and the other on the opposite side.  Joel soon saw a large animal on a log, and, having a ball and twenty buckshot in his musket, fired away.  The animal rolled off; up started another of the same kind, which made a few jumps, and then stopped and looked him in the face.  He hastened to load and at the same time called his brother.The shouting started the beast away, and when Thomas came it was gone.  The dead animal proved to be a large panther.

            Thomas Bennett, brother of Joel, came with him to this country in 1809, but returned to Jersey, where he remained several years, and there married.  He then came with his wife to Lewis' lake and worked for George Lewis for several years, then moved to the outlet of Hunter's lake where he tended Lewis' gristmill.  He remained there a number of years, then bought land of Lewis, adjoining land bought by his brother Joel, and there made a home, which he occupied most of his life.  He died in 1870, aged eighty-eight years, ten months and four days.  He had fourteen children.

            George W. Bennett, son of Joel Bennett, was an influential man in Shrewsbury for many years.  He was a justice of the peace and held other township offices.  His children were Boyd P., Nelson M., Monroe, Herbert, Libby, Ida, Martha and Bernice.

            George L. Bennett, son of Thomas, was likewise a leading citizen and highly-respected man in the township.  His children were Richard W., Jonathan F., Araminta, Emma K. and Annie E. Bennett.
Editor's Note: You can learn more about the descendants of Thomas Bennett via his son George L.Bennett and granddaughter Annie E. Bennett at The Bennett and Vroman Lineage.

            While the war with Great Britain continued the glassworks of George Lewis at the lake, although situated far from the market for his glass at Philadelphia, and with no other means of transportation except by wagons over poor roads, was, nevertheless, profitable; but when peace was declared, and English glass was imported in large quantities, with low duties, the manufacture of glass so far in the interior was impossible except at a loss, and Mr. Lewis was compelled to suspend operations.  His farming business, however, continued.  The farm was large, and was in a state of good cultivation.  At one time he had a flock of four hundred sheep, a fine stock of cattle, raised a good deal of grain, and had an abundance of fruit.  In 1822 he was living at the lake with his family, but the tenant houses were empty, and most of the laborers gone.

            Among the notable events which took place here was a Fourth of July celebration at the glassworks in 1824.  Preparations were made on a grand scale, and almost the entire population of the surrounding country gathered at the place to give utterance to their patriotic feeling, which had been rekindled by the visit of General Lafayette to this country.  After this date Mr. Lewis' health began to fail.  He had met with severe financial losses, not only in the stopgage of his glassworks, but by investments made in New York and elsewhere, and in the purchase of such large bodies of wild lands, which were taxed but produced no income.In 1829 he placed his real estate of twelve thousand and two hundred acres of land, in Sullivan county, and seven thousand and five hundred acres, in Franklin county, New York, in the hands of William Elliott, his brother-in-law, and Ithiel Town, to be sold for the benefit of his creditors.  He soon afterward went to England on business, and there, in 1830, died.  In his will he gave direction for the removal of his body to Mount Lewis for burial, and his directions were followed to the extent of shipping his remains to New York, where they were buried.  The difficulty of removing the body to Mount Lewis in warm weather, without railroad facilities, no doubt prevented his wishes from being carried out.The glassworks, with about two thousand acres of land, were sold at public sale in June, 1831, and purchased by John J. Adams, of Washington, District of Columbia.  Adam removed to Mount Lewis with his family, and recommenced the manufacture of glass, which he continued for three or four years.  The property then passed through several hands, and in 1845 was purchased by J. R. Jones, who, about 1847, came with his family to reside upon it.  His wife's maiden name was Clay.  She was twice married, her first husband's name being Laussat.

            Judge Jones farmed extensively, and practiced law.He was a fine scholar and a very ready and forcible speaker.  Mr. Jones' military service and death in the war for the Union will be related further on.While Mrs. Jones was attending the funeral of her husband, the family residence took fire and burned to the ground.

            Thomas Haywood, an Englishman, with wife, daughter and son John, accompanied by his son-in-law, Christopher Peale, and wife, came to reside at Eaglesmere about 1858.  Two years later another son of Thomas Heywood, Thomas Heywood, Jr., with his wife, joined his parents at Eaglesmere.  These four families purchased wild lands west and south of the outlet of the lake, and labored from year to year in clearing land.  After the death of Judge Jones, Christopher Peale * continued in charge of the Eaglesmere estate.
* Edtor's Note: You can learn more about the Peale family at Descendants of Christopher Peale.

            Even at that early period Eaglesmere had many summer visitors, and the homes of the occupants of the property would often be taxed to their utmost capacity to accommodate the boarders who desired to remain some time at the lake.  Soon after the death of Judge Jones a considerable amount of his real estate was conveyed to Emile C. Geyelin, Mrs. Jones' son-in-law, who erected a sawmill, made improvements, and carried on the lumber business at the outlet of Hunter's lake.  The stage route from Muncy had been changed as to reach Laporte by way of Sonestown.  The only families remaining at Eaglesmere were those who had small farms adjoining the Jones property.  The heirs of the Jones estate, through their representative, William Bradford, commenced the sale of lots at Eaglesmere during March, 1877.The Hays and Green lots were then conveyed, and buildings erected soon afterward.  Dr. Hays, of Muncy, acted as agent in making sale of lots, and to his energy and his faith in the health-giving situation of Eaglesmere may be attributed the rapid development of the place as a summer resort.

            In 1879 Lewis Smith purchased the lots on Allegheny avenue, on which was standing the only dwelling-house that had survived since the days of George Lewis.  During the same year Henry VanEtten obtained title to the land on which Hotel Eaglesmere is erected, and built during that summer a part of the hotel building.  He retained his ownership one year, when he disposed of the property to E. V. Ingham.  Mr. Ingham had, the year before, purchasing the hotel, built a store-house on the corner of Laporte and Eaglesmere avenues.

            As soon as Mr. Ingham obtained the hotel he enlarged it, and continued to make improvements from year to year.  He was the first to send out advertising pamphlets, and his energy and good management did much to attract attention to Eaglesmere as a summer resort in its early years.  We have not space to outline the recent rapid growth of this fine village.

DAVIDSON.

            Another settlement, quite distinct from the others described, was made at the base of the North mountain by Colonel Adam Derr, David Richart and Nathan Howell.  They came from that part of Northumberland county since made Columbia county.While hunting, they found a fertile upland plateau at the west end of the North mountain.  They were so much pleased with the location that they purchased land, and made a road around the mountain to it.  They moved there with their families in 1806 or 1808.  Colonel Derr had served in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war.  When these settlers first moved there, no road was open to Muncy.  The distance, in a direct line, to the gristmill of Robert Taylor was not very great.  It is probable that a road was made to the Shrewsbury settlement before very long.

            In 1812 Griffith Phillips, Sr., moved to the North mountain with his family.  He cleared up the farm since occupied by David Phillips, Griffith Phillips, Jr., and Thomas Phillips.  He was an enterprising and intelligent man.  His son, Evan H. Phillips, was the first sheriff of this county.  His son, Griffith Phillips, Jr., was a county commissioner, and his grandson, Maynard J. Phillips, has been one of the associate judges of Sullivan county.  David S. Phillips, who went with Griffith Phillips, Jr., to the North mountain, enlisted in the army and served in the war of 1812.  He was at the battles of Lundy's Lane, Chippewa and Stony creek.

            Elias Smith moved to the North mountain settlement the same year that Griffith Phillips, Sr., came.  Soon after that William Richart, Thomas Reed, John Strawbridge and William M. Clemens moved there.  About 1805 Thomas Reed moved down to Muncy bottom and commenced improvements on land afterward owned by James Taylor.  The adjoining farm was first settled by William Smith and afterward taken by Robert Taylor, Jr.  His farm included the land now occupied by the thriving village of Muncy Valley.The first opening in the mountain-sheltered valley, where the village of Sonestown is now flourishing, was made by Timothy Crawley and Peter Anderson.  They kept bachelor’s hall for several years, until Timothy Crawley was married.  Anderson and Crawley sold the land to Benjamin Fiester, who afterward sold it to George Sones.

            George Sones at one time owned the whole valley.He sold a large part of it to his son, John Sones, who lived there until his death.  John Sones had previously commenced an improvement on land which included the present site of the village of Glen Sharon.

            About 1820 James Glidewell, an Englishman, bought land and settled a short distance up the east branch of Muncy creek.  He came to America in 1801, first settling in Northumberland county.  His wife was Mary King, whose parents were settled in Elkland township.  Mr. Glidewell was the father of ten children:Hester, Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary, John, William, Sarah, Ann and Dinah.His sons Thomas and John took up lands near their father.  Thomas Glidewell married Hester Lacey, and their children were:  James, Josiah, Sarah, Thomas, Ann, Dinah and Charles.John Glidewell (son of James) settled on the high plateau overlooking the valley of Muncy creek above Sonestown, not far from a precipice.  He cleared a large farm, raised a large family, and was a man of honesty and intelligence.  As a hunter he was mostly after the bear, and the number he killed and trapped was remarkable, but no record has been kept of the number.  He lived until he was past ninety.  William, another son of James Glidewell, removed to Elkland township, where he made a fine farm and put up excellent buildings.  His son, George W. Glidewell, still owns the farm, and has been county commissioner.

            In 1822 John Whitacre moved on the land first taken by John Sones and improved it.  He was succeeded by his son, William Whitacre, who was succeeded by his son, Robert, from whom it passed to Peter E. Armstrong, who laid out the village of Glen Sharon.

SONESTOWN.

            A sawmill was built by George Sones near the present village of Sonestown about 1843, and John F. Hazen, a millwright, purchased a site and built a gristmill in 1850.  Jacob Simmons moved from Moreland township, Lycoming county, into a log house that stood near where Magargle's hotel now stands, on the 17th day of March, 1842, and lived there until he bought the Morrison place, on which he resided until after the close of the war, when he moved into the house where Thomas S. Simmons now lives and where he died August 9, 1884, aged seventy-nine years.  His wife was Jane Sones, and their children were John, Isaac N., George W., Simpson S., Thomas S., Davis S., Rosetta A. and Jacob L.   His son John was elected sheriff in 1863.  Five of his sons did good service in the war for the Union, and two of them, Simpson S. and Isaac, were killed in service.  The other three who enlisted are still living, --- George W. Simmons is postmaster at Sonestown; Thomas S. Simmons is a justice of the peace, and David S. is in the west.

            In 1851 George Miller made a purchase of one thousand seven hundred acres of land in Sonestown and vicinity, and moved his family there.  He had several sons, among whom were Cyrus, William and Peter, who were for a number of years engaged in improving the place.  In 1851 Jacob Reed purchased lots and erected a small tavern, which he occupied for a few years, and then disposed of the property to William Corson.In connection with his tavern Mr. Corson ran a line of stages from Muncy to Dushore.  He continued in the hotel business about ten years, when he sold the tavern stand to James Taylor and moved to the west.  The tavern stand was subsequently sold to Thomas S. Magargle.

            The first store-house was built by Edkin Corson, who engaged in the mercantile business for a short time and afterward in lumbering.  In 1867 Edward Lyons purchased the Bennett farm, sawmill and timber lands of Mr. Corson, and engaged extensively in the lumber business.  About the same time William and Jacob Lorah and Thomas Dent engaged in lumbering, farming and mercantile business in the place.

ELKLICK SETTLEMENT.

            The part of Davidson known as the Elklick settlement was an unbroken forest until 1823, when James Rogers and a Mr. Wilson first explored it.  The next year they cut a road from the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike, and moved in with their families.  In 1826 John Keeler moved there with his family and soon after that John Hiddleson, Edmund Pennington, John R. Pennington, Christopher Speary, Samuel Speary, John Hunter, Robbins and a few others moved there.  It was some time before they had a road to connect them with the Crawley-Anderson settlement.

            Miles Sperry came from Huntington, Luzerne county, in 1826, and took up four hundred acres of land in Davidson.  He was the father of seventeen children, and his descendants are quite numerous in the county.  One of his grandsons, James Sperry, was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville.  Joseph Converse came to Elklick settlement in 1828.  He was the father of nine children, and the Converse families are remembered as possessing many of the characteristics of the New England people.  Although in a wilderness their homes were made enjoyable by good housekeeping, neatness and pleasant surroundings.

            In 1833 William Smith removed from the Muncy valley farm to the Elklick settlement, where he lived until he was nearly eighty.  He was county commissioner in Lycoming county before Sullivan county was formed, was active in the formation of the new county and the location of the county seat, and a leading man in the politics.  He held the offices of county treasurer and associate judge.

            About 1832 the Elklick settlers united and built a schoolhouse at the intersection of the Muncy road with the first road built across North mountain.  John Hiddleson was born in 1790 in Chester county, Pennsylvania, was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and arrived with his family in the settlement in April, 1826.He cleared a large farm, built and operated a sawmill.  About 1865, his health having failed, and desirous of being near his children who had gone west, he removed to Illinois, where he died in 1875, having outlived his wife for several years.

DUSHORE.

Dushore, PA
Looking East Toward the Lehigh Valley Railroad Trestle from Downtown
Note the Holcombe Furniture and Undertaking Store Sign on the Left
Postcard Photo Dated 1910
Original Postcard Auctioned on eBay in May 2013
Photo Contributed by Scott W. Tilden
Click here to see the Back Side. The message is addressed
to "Miss Lela Brackman" in Forksville. We don't know the author, but we do know that Lela (Brackman) Ellis (1888-1972) is buried in Millview Cemetery in Forksville, PA.

            In 1794, the same year that Molyneux, Warren and Bird made the first clearing for Priestly at the Forks, a lone Frenchman, with one arm, made a clearing and built a cabin in the present limits of Dushore.  His name was Aristide Aubert Dupetit Thouars --- pronounced Du-Petit-Twor.  We are indebted to the researches of Rev. David Craft for this man's biography, which may be found at length in Craft's history of Bradford county.

            Aristide Dupetit Thouars was born in France, in 1760, educated at a military school, obtained a position in the marine corps and was in several naval battles.  In a few years he was made a captain and had command of a warship.  In 1792 he set out on a voyage to rescue LaPerouse, in a vessel purchased in part with the proceeds of his share of his father's estate. A fatal malady carried off one-third of his crew, and he put into the nearest Portuguese harbor.  He was arrested and sent to Lisbon, where he underwent a captivity of some duration.  His vessel was confiscated and sold.  After an investigation it appeared his arrest was illegal.  He was released and six thousand francs were paid to him by the Portuguese government as the proceeds of the sale of his vessel.He distributed most of this money among his crew, and made his way to the United States. landed at Philadelphia and went on foot to the French settlement at Asylum, which is on the North branch, ten miles below Towanda.  He arrived there in the spring of 1794 entirely destitute.  Mr. Talon, the resident manager at Asylum, gave him four hundred acres of land, including what was subsequently the John Mosier farm, in Cherry.  He built a cabin near a spring, afterward called the Frenchman's spring, which is now well known in Dushore.  There alone, and with only one hand, he undertook to clear a farm.  His habit was to return to Asylum, fifteen or twenty miles distant, every Saturday night and back to his work Monday morning. Thus he spent the summer of 1794. In 1796 he went on foot to Niagara Falls in company with some French noblemen, who rode on horseback.  The next year he got a small patch of land under cultivation, but the progress of events in France soon took him back to that country.  He sailed for France in 1797, obtained a place in the navy, was put in the command of a vessel with eighty guns, and sailed with the French fleet on an expedition to Egypt.  The French fleet encountered the English fleet, under the command of Admiral Nelson, and the famous battle of the Nile ensued.  The French were taken at a disadvantage, and the fire of the English guns raked them with terrible effect.Captain Du Thouars, finding that the battle was growing desperate, nailed his colors to the mast and told his men they would never surrender.  A shot took off his only arm, but he still kept on his feet, commanding his vessel.Very soon another shot took off a leg.Though prostrate on the deck he still incited his men to fight to the last, but while being carried away a third shot killed him.  This was on the first day of August, 1798, and Du Thouars was then only thirty-eight years old.

Bend in the Susquenhanna Near Asylym, PA
Where the French Colony Was Established
Postcard Photo Dated 1900
But the appearance probably was
the same as it had been 100 years prior when
Aristide-Aubert Dupetit-Thouars first arrived.
Postcard Auctioned on eBay in November 2005
Photo Contributed by Carol Brotzman

            The first house within the limits of Dushore, was built by Theodore Phinney, near the site of Headly's mills.  It was built with logs, with only one room, a big fire-place and stone chimney.  Phinney was originally from Connecticut, but never lived in the house, and it was first occupied as a residence by John Stowers, before 1819.  This family was so far from neighbors that Mrs. Stowers did not see one of her own sex for seven months.  Stowers came from the vicinity of Towanda Creek.  Soon after Stowers went there, Phinney built a sawmill near the falls (Headley's mill site) and put the first dam in the stream at that place.

THE TURNPIKE.

            In 1806 an act was passed incorporating a company to be called the "President, Managers and Company of the Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike Road."  The turnpike was designed to furnish a shorter route from Berwick to the Tioga river at Newtown, now Elmira.  This company constructed a road in 1808 as far as the Loyalsock creek, and in 1810 completed it to the Heverly settlement.  From near the Long pond it went directly to the Loyalsock, which it crossed about a mile below what is now Ringdale Station, and crossed the Little Loyalsock near what is now Sick's Mill, and continued northward to the Heverly settlement.  Supplements to the act of 1806 were passed in 1812 and 1815.  A new route was surveyed, and Andrew Shiner took the job of building the road, and got it opened as far as Birch creek in 1818.In that year Amos Ellis built a shanty on the Loyalsock, and boarded men who worked on the turnpike.  He afterward built a hotel at that place.  John R. Lopez built a shanty and boarded men near Birch creek.  At that time Samuel McNeal was on land not far from the place where the old Evangelical church was built.  There Sally McNeal, the first white child in Cherry township, was born.Frederick Huffmaster was at the Phinney mill; Jacob Miller was on the land since known as the Lewis Zaner place.Ezra Payne came in the fall of 1818 or winter of 1819.  He moved into a house called the "Yankee house;" built of hewn logs with two rooms, a chimney in the middle and a fire-place in each room.This house was built by John Stowers after he left the Phinney log house at the Falls.  Stowers then moved away from Cherry.

            On the 18th of March, 1819, Freeman Fairchild and his wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Kitchen, moved into the house with Ezra Payne.  Soon afterward Payne moved across the road on his farm (the same afterward owned by Daniel and Solomon Bahr), where he built the first farm house and frame barn in that township.He also planted the first orchard.He was the first postmaster at the Cherry post office, and also the first justice of the peace in the township.Afterward a road was started from the turnpike on his premises, which went to Wyalusing and was known as the "Payne road."  Later in the spring of 1819, Frederick Huffmaster moved to the farm where his grandson, Henry Huffmaster, has recently lived.

            The public spirit of the new settlement was shown on the 4th of July, 1819, when they raised a tall cherry "Liberty-pole," from the top of which the stars and stripes were first flung to the breeze in that township.  Roswell Phelps read the Declaration of Independence.  We have no report of speeches, but a patriotic song was sung, which commenced:

                                                            "Come all ye gallant heroes,

                                                                                       I'd have you lend an ear;

                                                                                I'll sing you a small ditty

                                                                                       Which will your spirit cheer."

            As soon as Payne left the Yankee house Fairchild leased it and there commenced the hotel business.  He afterward purchased a farm and built a large frame house, long known as the Fairchild's Hotel.  It was situated on the ground now occupied by the house of B. M. Sylvara, on the hill south of Dushore.  Freeman Fairchild and his wife were from Morris county, New Jersey, but had lived in Berwick, whence they moved to Cherry.  Their children were Stephen, Harriet and Caroline, brought with them, and another son, David, born after their settlement in Cherry.

            In the Fairchild tavern, for many years, weary travelers over the mountain found a welcome resting place.  In 1834 Mr. Fairchild died, but his widow continued to keep the hotel until about 1851.  Among the settlers who came in 1819 and 1820 were Brookins Potter, Roswell Phelps, Linas Holcomb and David E. Davis.  About this time Mr. Shiner built a sawmill, and later a gristmill, at the crossing of the turnpike at Big Loyalsock, and the location was from that date known for some time as Shiner's Mills.  Here was established a post office, and Mr. Shiner received the appointment as postmaster.  A road was built making connection with the original road connecting Lewis's lake with the old turnpike, which became the mail route from Mount Lewis to the turnpike.On its completion John Reeser, a miller by trade, then living in Columbia county, was induced to move his family, and take charge of the mills.  About 1823 Mr. Shiner contracted with his son-in-law, Amos Ellis, and sons, Evan O. and Andrew, to sell them the Shiner's Mills property.

SHINERSVILLE.

            Previous to this he had commenced improvements at a point on the turnpike afterward known as Shinersville.  Here he laid out a village plat, on lands conveyed to him by the turnpike company, and offered village lots for sale at thirty-five dollars each.  This point seems to have been one first selected by the settlers as the most convenient place of gathering.Here was the first burial after the settlements commenced, occurring during the summer of 1821, being that of William Maston, who came from Symsbury, Connecticut.  Among those purchasing and improving the property were: David E. Davis, merchant, tavern-keeper and potash manufacturer, and John Mosier, blacksmith.  A post office was here established, and Henry W. Cooper appointed postmaster.In this neighborhood we find the largest number of settlers at the time of the organization of the township.Among those who took up lands, we have the name of Samuel Thomas, who cleared the land still known as Thomas farm.

            A sawmill was built by Shiner at the crossing of Birch creek at the turnpike.  Jesse, John and Samuel Hicks each improved lands in this vicinity.John M. Kirkendall made the first improvements on lands known as the Pendergast place.  Jesse Kirkendall's name is found among the list of single freemen in the returns of 1824, and Charles Scott and Samuel Dill, who settled on lands still known by their names, came as early as 1820.  The second schoolhouse built in the township was located here.

            John R. Lopez was a sub-contractor on the turnpike and was working near Ellis' in 1819.  Later he purchased land on the turnpike north of Shinersville, where he continued to reside until his death.  Lopez creek was named after him, and has given name to the present flourishing town of Lopez.  In addition to the persons already named, Dennis Thrall, William Graifly, Caspar King, Joseph Litzenswope, Alden Potter, Nicholas Potter, William Potter, Joseph Potter, Charles Scott, Samuel Dill and John Miller were settlers before 1822.Henry Yonkin moved into the township in 1822.  He was born in Germany and came to this country in 1806.  He purchased land and cleared a farm on a ridge south of the Little Loyalsock.The same farm was afterwards occupied by Peter Yonkin, his son.  Henry Yonkin came to Cherry from Brier creek, Columbia county.  He had seven children --- Henry, John, Jacob, Joseph, Peter, Elizabeth (who married Henry Graifly) and Catharine (who married Christian Mosier).  Quite a large settlement of Germans gathered around Henry Yonkin, and that part of Cherry township became known as "Germany."  In that settlement was erected, about 1825, the first church in Cherry township.  Henry Yonkin, Joseph Litzenswope, Dennis Thrall and William Graify were among the active men in that church-building work.  It was called a Lutheran or German Reformed church, but they received assistance from Catholics in building it, and it was used for Catholic worship as occasion required.  The Rev. John Miller, a young German minister, first preached there in the German language.  Henry Yonkin's sons were all highly intelligent, industrious and thriving men, and his numerous descendants have been worthy, influential citizens.

            Andrew Shiner had town lots regularly laid out at the point on the turnpike north of the present village of Mildred.  He sold a number of these lots, and buildings enough were erected to give it the character of a village.  He had purchased a good deal of land, and incurred expenses, as he stated, to the amount of seven thousand dollars.  Being unable to meet his obligations he was sold out by the sheriff in 1829.  He returned to Columbia county, and with his departure his village decayed.  Natural causes took the center of business to Cherry Hill.  Samuel Jackson, who had been employed by Andrew Shiner in his business, and had married one of the latter's daughters, now removed to land on the turnpike, south of Ezra Payne's, and occupied the "Yankee house," heretofore mentioned, built by John Stowers.  Here he opened a store.

            As soon as the turnpike was completed a coach was put upon it, and a great deal of travel went over it, especially in the spring of the year, when hundreds of raftsmen from southern New York and northern Pennsylvania were returning from their rafting trips to the lumber markets on the lower Susquehanna.  The lands were found to be good, and settlers flocked in and took up farms in every direction.  Among those who came early (some in 1823) were Henry Yonkin, William Graifly, Casper King, Joseph Litzleswope, Dennis Thrall, William Hartzig, John Mosier, William Darby, Frederick Barge, John Reeser, Lewis Zaner and William Colley.

FIRST SCHOOL-HOUSE IN CHERRY.

            The first school-house in Cherry township was built on Cherry Hill, near the residence of Daniel Bahr, in 1820, and a school was taught here the same year by Salome Tompkins, at one dollar per week and board.  The next term was taught by Roswell Phelps, from Connecticut, and the next by Alma Potter, of Huntington.

LITTLE LOYALSOCK.

            After John Reeser left the Shiner mill, about 1823, he took up land along the Little Loyalsock, including a mill site about a mile below Phinney's sawmill.  Here he erected a gristmill.  He had sons named William, John, Daniel and Amos.  His son, the Rev. William Reeser, has given to the public considerable information in regard to the early settlement.  We quote Mr. Reeser as follows:

            "A considerable source of income to our fathers in those early days was the maple-sugar product.  The seasons were much better than now, and considering the crude appliances in use in the manufacture of sugar, the amount of the crop in pounds was very gratifying, although the prices realized were generally small.  Game and fish were plenty.Deer could frequently be seen walking along the highway.  For a period of about eight years wild turkeys were very plenty.  My wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Martin and who was raised on the farm now owned by Lyman Baker, says she was frequently sent by her parents to drive the wild turkeys from the buckwheat, and sometimes the flocks were so large as to frighten her.  Trout in great numbers could be found in all of our streams, and of a size, too, that would set wild the anglers of to-day.  Wheat could not be raised in this country at that time.There was a plentiful growth of straw but it would not head.  Corn was the same way --- all stalks, and no ears.  The first corn was raised on what is now known as the Lyman Baker farm.Rye and buckwheat did well.Wages in those times were small.Finally the times improved and a good workman was able to get seventy-five cents a day during haying and harvesting; at other work fifty cents a day was considered a day's wages.  A day's work was from sunrise to sunset.

            "We knew nothing about the eight-hour law then.A girl's wages were from fifty to seventy-five cents per week.  Very often the men were compelled to go from home to earn money with which to pay for their lands, leaving their families, as we may say, in the wilderness to shift for themselves for months at a time.  The tools used by the first settlers were an axe and a handspike, and with the assistance of a pair of oxen the early settler was ready to commence his battle with the wilderness."

            The Rev. William Reeser, from whom we quote, has always been a prominent man in the county and acted for three years as county commissioner.  Amos Reeser, son of John Reeser, was a genial and much respected hotelkeeper in Dushore for many years.

            William Colley, who came from Columbia county when a young man, in the employ of Mr. Shiner, was one of the first to engage in the public business of the township.  He succeeded Mr. Maxwell as justice of the peace.  Mr. Colley was president of the first school-board in Cherry township, and among the most active in measures connected with the organization of the county.  He received the appointment as associate judge, and when a change was made, by which judges were elected, he was continued in office five years longer.He served also as prothonotary and recorder, continuing to hold important public positions, either in connection with county or township, until impaired health compelled him to give up public business.

            Among the early settlers in Cherry township was George Hunsinger.  He had formerly resided near Berwick, and moved to the Genesee country in New York, but finding the fever and ague prevailing there, returned and took up land near the southwestern corner of the present boundary of the township, along the old turnpike.  By him and his sons the first clearings were made on the ridge between the two branches of the Loyalsock.  His family consisted of seven sons and two daughters, viz.:  Christian, George, Samuel, Charles, Jacob, Solomon and Barney.His daughters married Thrashers and resided in Schuylkill county.  Christian was a blacksmith by trade; Jacob moved to Lycoming county; Solomon to Bradford; Barney to Schuylkill, and George settled in Forks township, where his father made his home with him until he died.

            David H. Goodwin came about 1830.  He was first employed as a surveyor by non-resident land-owners, and in a few years became their agent for the sale of lands.He was a well educated man, thoroughly alive to the importance of improving the county, and especially interested in advancing its educational interests.  During the winter months he was employed as a school-teacher, and sometimes taught singing schools.  He was active in church work, and occasionally served as a local preacher.

            Joseph Bachelor settled along the turnpike on the hill north of what is now Dushore, but did not remain long.  William Lawrence took up land on the turnpike about three-fourths of a mile north of Bachelor's improvement.  He came from Augusta township, Northumberland county.He was born in 1805, married a daughter of Horatio Ladd in 1824, and built a log house in the neighborhood.In 1825 he contracted for forty-eight acres of land at two dollars per acre, for which he obtained a deed, and five years afterward he increased the amount to one hundred and twenty acres.Mr. Lawrence was one of the first commissioners of the county, and prominent in all its affairs until he left this county and moved to Bradford county, in 1854.  His wife died in 1847, leaving one son, John H. Lawrence, who was afterward sheriff.  His grandson, William J. Lawrence, is now prothonotary and recorder.

            Cornelius Harrington took up lands in the northwestern part of the township about 1828.  He was from Ireland, and was afterward joined by a number of his countrymen.  The neighborhood is known as the Harrington district.  He was an energetic man in all measures pertaining to the interests of the county, and was the first in taking active measures for the establishment of the Sullivan county fair.  So far as is now known he was the first Catholic Irishman who settled in Cherry township.  Joseph Litzleswope (father-in-law of Cornelius Harrington), who settled in Cherry township in 1823, was the first German Catholic.  Cornelius Harrington's son Cornelius owns the homestead, and James is a prominent business man in Dushore.

            Isaiah Bartley, who was one of the most active managers in the contest for the county seat at Cherry Hill, came into the county about 1835.  He kept a store and, being a single man, boarded at the Fairchild hotel.  He was of Protestant Irish descent, had an excellent education, and was a man of fine talents.  He was the most efficient man at Harrisburg of all who advocated the county seat in Cherry.  He afterward moved to Harrisburg and continued in business there until he died.

DUSHORE.

            In December, 1825, John Mosier purchased seventy-five acres of land, including Du-Thouars spring and clearing, and a large part of what is now Dushore.  He afterward purchased thirty-five acres more.  He moved there in the spring of 1826.  He was a blacksmith by trade, and earned the money to pay for his land by working as a journeyman in blacksmith shops along the river.  In clearing his land, after cutting the underbrush and small timber, he trimmed the big hemlocks from the top down, and left them standing.  His object was to get a partial use of the land, and he supposed that the trees would remain sound until he could build a mill and saw them into lumber.  Mr. Mosier was generally supposed to be a German, but his certificate of naturalization says he renounced his allegiance to the government of Switzerland.  He was a man of low stature, being about five feet and four inches in height.  He died January 17, 1859.

            In 1829 Mathew McDowell erected a building for a store within the lines of what is now Dushore, and stocked it with goods.He had a clerk named Henry W. Cooper, who conducted most of the business.  This was the first store within the limits of Dushore.  McDowell sold out to Henry W. Cooper.  How long the latter continued business there is uncertain, but he erected another building near the one purchased of McDowell.Both of these buildings were on land now owned by George H. Welles, where the store and bank building is erected.Cooper sold this property to Samuel Jackson, who moved his family and store goods there.  To make more room he erected another building between the two purchased, and connected them together, making one long two-story house.In this he lived and kept a store and a tavern.  John Mosier's blacksmith shop was on the same side of the street a little farther northeast.  Mosier's swelling house was on the other side of the street, near where the George D. Jackson homestead now stands.  The place was called "Jackson Hollow" until Charles F. Welles, of Wyalusing, being a guest of Jackson, an remembering that the residence of the celebrated French captain (Du Thouars) had been near by, suggested to Jackson that he should put the name on his sign.  The suggestion was promptly acted upon, and Dushore was put upon the sign. The name Du Thouars was altered to Dushore, because it was easier spoken.  Although this name was adopted by Samuel Jackson, and used by him, the old name was still used by some, and to give it authoritative sanction a public meeting was held and the name of Dushore formally adopted.

            Samuel Jackson died in January, 1840.  After his death the store was continued in the same building, by William Colley, until it was disposed of to Edward Hughes.Hughes remained one or two years, when Dr. Josiah Jackson moved his family into the Samuel Jackson house and kept a store in the same building.  Prior to this, and whilst Hughes was still in business, Dr. Jackson had a store up the creek, near the falls, in the house recently occupied by the late Judge Fairchild.  This store was chiefly in charge of his son George D. Jackson.  In 1847 John Mosier sold his blacksmith-shop lot to Cornelius Cronin, and his swelling-house lot to Josiah Jackson.  Cornelius Cronin immediately erected a building and established a store.  Soon afterward Dr. Jackson built a store-house and dwelling-house on the opposite side of the street.  Prior to this John Dieffenbach had acquired the old Phinney mill-site at the Falls and had erected a sawmill and gristmill, which were destroyed by a flood in 1850.Dr. Jackson practiced as a physician, and his son, George D., was the leading man in the store.

            About 1847 Dr. John M. Heacock came and practiced as a physician.  He had his home and office at Mrs. Fairchild's.

FREE SCHOOLS.

            Soon after the passage of the free-school law an election was held at the house of John Bahr for the election of school directors, and on the 27th of September, 1834, the directors met at the school-house near Mr. Bahr's, and apportioned the length of their terms of office.The following are the names of the first directors:  H. W. Cooper, F. Huffmaster, Peter Hunsinger, Samuel McNeal, Jacob Hoffa and William Colley.  At a meeting of the school board, at the house of William Colley, March 29, 1836, it was resolved that Cherry township be divided into two school districts; the inhabitants living north of the little Loyalsock creek to have one school, and those living south of said creek to have two schools.

ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIPS.

            Having outlined the earliest settlements in the county, we will recur to the township organizations.  Shrewsbury township was originally erected by decree of court of Lycoming county in 1803.  At that time it embraced the whole of what is now Sullivan county.  The name is attributed to Theophilus Little, as the namer and as the Little and Bennett families came from Shrewsbury township, in Moumouth county, New Jersey, the name was appropriate.

            Elkland township was established in 1804, but the record is imperfect.  Hon. C. D. Eldred, in his reminiscences published in Now and Then (Vol. 11, p. 163) says: "William Benjamin, an old surveyor, was appointed by the court to run and mark the boundary lines of Shrewsbury.  But this was unsatisfactory to the inhabitants of the new settlement on the Loyalsock, near where the new road ran, as it was found that a controlling portion of the voters would remain south of the Allegheny mountains. Accordingly, while Benjamin was engaged in running the boundary lines of Shrewsbury, the inhabitants north of the mountain engaged him to run and mark a line for the division of Shrewsbury and the erection of a new township out of the western portion.  It was, however, agreed later between the settlers north and south of the Allegheny that a new township should be formed, and we find on record of the next term of court two petitions filed, differing in some respects as to boundary, but each asking for a division of Shrewsbury township.  These two petitions are endorsed, 'granted per curium,' but as they differ in describing the boundary, which one, or can either be deemed official?"

            This difficulty was solved by an act of assembly.The records of the commissioner's office show that William Benjamin ran a line between the townships of Shrewsbury and Elkland in 1804.  On the 28th of March, 1808, an act of assembly was passed, establishing the election district of Elkland.  The place appointed for holding the election was the house of William Molyneux.  This district embraced the settlements of Forks, Hillsgrove and Fox, as well as Elklands.  The whole of our present county of Sullivan was thus embraced in these two townships of Shrewsbury and Elkland.  The line run by William Benjamin in 1804 was probably adopted in the act of assembly, as the line between Elkland and Shrewsbury.

            Cherry township was created at the May session of the court of Lycoming county in 1824.  It was formed from Shrewsbury township, and comprised the northeast corner of the county.  Davidson township was established by the court of quarter sessions of Lycoming county in 1833. It was named in honor of the Hon. Asher Davidson, one of the associate judges.  This territory also was taken from Shrewsbury, and extended along the south side of the county from Muncy creek to the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike.  Forks township was established by the court of quarter sessions of Lycoming county in 1833.  It took all the territory of Shrewsbury township which remained between Cherry and Elklands up to the northern line of the county, and a part of the eastern portion of Elkland.  Fox township was established by the court of quarter sessions of Lycoming county in 1839.  It was formed from Elkland, and took the northwestern corner of the county.  It was named in honor of George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends.

            Hillsgrove township was once part of Shrewsbury, was first named Plunkett's Creek.  It was so called when the county of Sullivan was formed, and retained that name until 1856, when an act of the legislature was passed changing the name to Hillsgrove.The village and post office had been called Hillsgrove during the time the township was called Plunkett’s Creek.When the county was formed, a large part of the old township of Plunkett’s Creek had been left in Lycoming county, and thus a township with the same name was in each county.  This caused the citizens to petition for a change of name, and the name of Hillsgrove was adopted as a fitting memorial of John Hill, who was a prominent early settler.

            The seven townships above enumerated comprised the whole of Sullivan county at the time it was organized, but the township of Colley was established by a decree of the court of quarter sessions of Sullivan county at the December term of 1849.  It was all taken from Cherry township, and named in honor of Hon. William Colley.  The first election was held at the house of Joel R. Potter, February 15, 1850.  The officers elected were:  Judge of election, Thomas Messersmith; inspectors, Jeremiah Hunsinger and William W. Burgess; supervisors, John Santee and Joel R. Potter; township auditors, Paul Q. Bates, William Vaughan and Henry Rough; justices of the peace, Albert Vaughan and Jonathan Colley; school directors, Henry Rough, Jonathan Daddow, John Bates, Thomas Messersmith, Dudley Vaughan and William W. Burgess; assessor, Daniel Hunsinger; constable, Adam Messersmith; overseers of the poor, Thomas Messersmith and John Hunsinger.

            Laporte township was erected by the court of quarter sessions of Sullivan county in 1850.  It was formed from parts of Cherry, Davidson and Shrewsbury.  The name for the county seat was suggested by Seku Meylert, in honor of his friend, John Laporte, who was surveyor-general of the state of Pennsylvania.  The name of the township naturally followed the name of the county seat.

HOW THE COUNTY WAS FORMED.

            The agitation for the erection of the new county was commenced in 1845.  Among the active men engaged in the movement were Isaiah Bartly, David H. Goodwin, Dr. Josiah Jackson, William Colley, Daniel H. Fairchild, Seku Meylert.  It was proposed at first to take a portion of Bradford county, reaching as far east as the Susquehanna river, and northerly as far as Wilcox hotel.  This project was attempted in 1846, but the bill was defeated at that session of the legislature by the opposition in Bradford county.

            The long distance to Williamsport was the most prominent argument for the formation of the new county, but, as usual in such cases, the active men in the movement had other considerations.  A county seat on the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike was contemplated by the active men who resided in Cherry township, and different sites for the county seat were contemplated by others.  About thirty thousand acres of timbered land had recently been purchased by Meylert and Clymer from the Norris and Fox heirs, and the purchasers favored a new county with the county seat upon their lands.

            At the session of the legislature in 1847 the petition for a new county was renewed, and the parties representing the bill at Harrisburg consented to leave off the portion of Bradford county first asked for, and the new county was formed wholly from the county of Lycoming.The name of Sullivan was adopted in honor of Charles C. Sullivan, then a senator from the Butler district, who took an active part in procuring the passage of the bill.  The surveyors designated to run the exterior lines of the county were William A. Mason, then residing near Monroeton, in Bradford county; John Laird, of Lycoming county, and S. H. Goodwin, of Sullivan county.The return indicates that the lines were run by Mason and Laird.  The survey was completed and return made to the secretary of the commonwealth June 12, 1847.

Original Courthouse Fence
Sullivan County Courthouse
Looking Toward the Baldwin House
Laporte, PA
May 2007
Photo by Deb Wilson

LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT.

            The commissioners for locating the county seat were the Hon. Thomas H. Wilson, of Harrisburg; Hon. Reuben Wilbur, of Bradford county, and Thomas W. Lloyd, Esq., of Lycoming county.  The location of the county seat now became the absorbing topic in every part of the county, and the points advocated were Cherry Hill (Fairchilds), Dushore, Shinersville, Ellises, Hiddleson's (near what is now Nordmont), the Center (now Laporte), Sonestown, Lewis' Lake, Forksville and Hillsgrove.Only six of these localities were strongly urged, namely:  Cherry Hill, Dushore, the Center, Lewis' Lake, Forksville and Hillsgrove.  In favor of Cherry Hill was the Fairchild's interest, represented strongly by Isaiah Bartley, Samuel F. Headly and many others in Cherry. In favor of Dushore were Dr. Josiah Jackson and George D. Jackson.In favor of the Center was the Meylert and Clymer interest, represented chiefly by Michael Meylert.  Lewis' Lake was represented by the Hon. J. R. Jones.Forksville by Moses Rogers, the owner of the land, backed by the whole population of Forks and Elkland.Hillsgrove was represented by John J. Saddler, John A. Speaker and all the people of that locality.  Attorneys employed were William Elwell, Esq., of Towanda, for the Meylert and Clymer interest.  Hon. David Wilmot, of Towanda, for the Forksville interest; Hon. J. R. Jones for the Lewis' Lake interest.  The commissioners met in July, 1847, at the Fairchild tavern, and then went to Shinersville and the tavern of Amos Ellis.  It was strongly urged that as the turnpike was the main thoroughfare from Berwick to Towanda, and the outlet to market for most of the farmers of the county, that the county seat should be on the turnpike, and that the most central point on the turnpike was at Cherry Hill.  The commissioners then went to Hiddleson's and Sonestown, and thence to Lewis' Lake.  The beauties of the lake, and its accessibility from the west of the county, were urged upon the attention of the commissioners.

            The center location was in a dense wilderness.It could only be reached by the old glass-works road, never good, and at that time impassible for a carriage.The commissioners, however, on foot, or on horseback, made their way for six miles through the forest to the heavily timbered mountain plateau, called the geographical center of the county, and now Laporte.  They returned to the lake, and thence down the rugged narrow road to Forksville.In the beautiful little valley at the forks of the big and little branches of the Loyalsock, they met a great number of people, and were shown that this was the most accessible point for the people of Forks, Elkland, Hillsgrove and Fox, and that the people of Shrewsbury and Davidson could reach Forksville more easily than Cherry Hill or Dushore.

            After hearing the arguments on all sides, the commissioners adjourned for consideration, and, having duly considered the case, on the 19th of August, 1847, they met at the Center and drove the stake where the court-house now stands.  The place was then named Laporte.  The reasons given by the commissioners for the location was that in time the center would be found to be the most convenient location for all sections of the county.  They were assured by those who represented the Meylert and Clymer interests that the land would be cleared and roads opened immediately, and suitable buildings erected for holding court and entertaining the public. The work of clearing land at Laporte and opening roads to it was commenced early in September.  A log house was built to accommodate the workmen.  It stood where the Baptist church now stands.  In October the eastern part of the frame building now occupied by Mrs. M. C. Lauer, and known as the "Mountain House," was put up.  Improvements were continued during the ensuing winter and spring.

FIRST ELECTION.

            The first election was held on the second Tuesday of October, 1847.  The Democrats and Whigs nominated tickets as follows:

                                                                                                DEMOCRATES.                                      WHIGS.

Prothonotary...........................................................................................................Alfred Bennett                                         William E. King.

Recorder.................................................................................................................William Mullan.                                         Amos C. Wilber.

Treasurer................................................................................................................James Taylor.                                          Daniel Little.

Commiss'n'rs...........................................................................................................William Lawrence.                                   Edward Hughes.

                                                                                                                                Joseph Molyneux.                                                George Bird.

                                                                                                                                Jacob Hoffa.                                      John Edkins.

Sheriff.....................................................................................................................Evan H. Phillips.                                       William J. Eldred.

Auditors..................................................................................................................Richard Taylor.                                        Powell Bird.

                                                                                                                                J. S. Green.                                     Joseph Battin.

                                                                                                                                Thomas King.                                        George Edkins.

            The total vote polled was four hundred and sixty-three.  The Democratic ticket was elected by an average majority of one hundred and eighty.  The newly elected county commissioners were advised by their counsel that they could provide buildings for county uses in any part of the county, until the court-house should be erected.  Accordingly they rented buildings on Cherry hill, and there opened the public offices.  They obtained the use of the church building on the hill for the purpose of holding the first court.  This action on the part of the county officers was sharply resented by those who favored the location of the county seat at Laporte, and they prepared for a battle royal in court.

THE FIRST COURT.

            The court of quarter sessions and common pleas was convened in the Evangelical church on Cherry hill June 5, 1848.Judge Anthony, of Williamsport, presided.  A. J. Dietrick was sworn as district attorney.  The church was crowded with people, and a great array of attorneys was in attendance.As soon as the grand jury was called, William Elwell, Esq., of Towanda, acting as attorney for Lewis Zaner, a defendant under recognizance, moved the court to quash the array of grand jurors, and discharge the said Zaner, a defendant, --- first, because the said defendant was called to appear at Cherrytown, whereas the seat of justice is at Laporte, nine or ten miles distant; second, because the grand jurors were drawn at Cherrytown, and not at Laporte, the county seat.  Then followed an animated argument.  The attorneys employed, and present, were Oliver Watson, Esq., James Gamble, Esq., and J. Hughes, Esq., of Williamsport; Joshua W. Comly, Esq., of Danville; Charles R. Buckalew, Esq., of Bloomsburg; J. M. B. Petriken, of Muncy; and William Elwell, Esq., and Ulysses Mercur, Esq., of Towanda.Joshua W. Comly let the opposition to the motion to quash the grand jury.  After a full hearing, Judge Anthony sustained the motion to quash the array, and the court ended.  The result was that the county offices were opened at Laporte in the building erected by Mr. Meylert.

            On December 25, 1848, court convened at Laporte, with Hon. J. B. Anthony, president judge, and Hon. William Colley and Hon. John A. Speaker, associate judges.  The next day the court adjourned, not to meet again until the first Tuesday June 1849.

            Meanwhile petitions had been circulated and largely signed, and presented to the legislature early in the session of 1849, asking that commissioners be appointed to review the location of the county-seat. Accordingly an act was passed March 26, 1849, appointing Jedediah Irish, of Schuylkill county; Hon. William Jessup, of Susquehanna county, and the Hon. John H. Broadhead, of Pike county, to review, and if in their opinion it would prove necessary, to re-locate the county-seat.  These commissioners met at Laporte on the 20th of June, 1849, and went from there to Cherry, and thence to Forksville.  At the latter place, they had a public hearing, and a large crowd attended, as all the former excitement in the county was revived and intensified.The following is copied from the notes of Mr. William Meylert, who attended the meeting:

            A mass meeting was held at the forks of the Loyalsock in November, 1849, when for nearly two days the evidence pro and con was presented, Hon. S. F. Headly and David Wilmot appearing in the interest of parties asking for removal, and Hon. J. R. Jones, William Elwell and Ulysses Mercur for Laporte.  From papers preserved, it is believed that the names of fully six hundred petitioners were presented to the commissioners.  Seven petitions favoring Laporte, containing two hundred and forty-six names, and as nearly as could be made out, one hundred of those names were from Cherry township.  A large majority of the citizens of the western townships favored the location of either Millview or Forksville, but seemed to have united at the time on Forksville, as the location they desired.  The local interests of that part of the country were favorably presented by the Hon. John A. Speaker.Much time was consumed in consideration of damages, which, in the event of removal, should be awarded to Clymer and Meylert and their assigns.  Judge Wilmot was in the special employ of the county commissioners to defend the county interests.  After his arguments had been attentively listened to, Mr. Mercur put forth his best efforts in reply.  It is now believed that his address brought him in favor of many of the citizens who listened, and materially helped in the final settlement of the question.  Judge Elwell gave some time in sifting evidence, but the events proved that he at the time had no hope that either evidence or argument would avail before a majority of the commissioners."

            After a full hearing, the commissioners adjourned to meet at Wilkes-Barre.  The Hon. William Jessup immediately left the county; Hon. John H. Broadhead and Jedediah Irish, Esq., went as far as the tavern of Mrs. Fairchild, where they stopped for the night.  It was on Saturday evening, November 3, and they went out and drove a stake by moonlight for the site of a court-house, on a farm late the property of Freeman Fairchild, and made return that they had established the county-seat at that place.Their report was filed December 18, 1849.  The county offices were removed back to Cherrytown soon after the December term of court held in Laporte that year.

            Immediately thereafter the power of the legislature was again invoked.  There was a contest at Harrisburg.  Charges of bribery and fraud were made.  After much contention the act of April 9, 1850, was passed, which repealed the act of March 26, 1849.  The effect of this was to replace the county-seat at Laporte.  The same act authorized the governor to appoint a new commission to review and if necessary re-locate the county-seat.  The commissioners appointed by the governor were William Williamson, Frederick Watts and________________  Early in the summer they took a carriage at Harrisburg and drove thence by the way of Laporte to Cherry, where they had their first meeting.They then drove to Forksville, and thence to Laporte.  At the latter place they had a public meeting, when the whole subject was again discussed by citizens and lawyers.  At this meeting it was contended that by reason of the first location at Laporte, Messrs. Meylert and Clymer had been induced to expend a large amount in clearing land, making roads and putting up buildings.  The act of assembly provided that if the county-seat should now be removed the county would be liable in damages to them for the full amount of their said expenditures.  A statement was submitted that their expenditures up to June 16, 1849, had been $13,739.61, and from that time to June, 1850, not less than sixteen dollars per day additional.  There was a division among those who opposed Laporte.  While the people in the western part of the county were unanimous for Forksville, they were quite as much opposed to Cherrytown as they were to Laporte, and a considerable feeling had arisen between the Cherrytown interest and Dushore.  The latter point had been rapidly taking the business from Cherrytown, and a number of business men of Dushore expressed their opinion that a court-house and county offices on the hill (Cherrytown) would not be to their advantage.Influential men in Cherry township stated that they had rather go to Laporte than to Forksville to transact county business.

            The commissioners in their report held that there was no sufficient reason for the removal of the county-seat from Laporte.This ended all practical efforts to remove the county-seat, but a feeling that injustice had been done lingered long in Cherry and the western townships.

            The large building long known as the Laporte hotel was erected by Michael Meylert, in 1850, and a large room over the kitchen part was especially built for a court room.  There was also a room for the commissioners' office, and another for the prothonotary and register and recorder.  A strong plank house, one story high, was built for a jail.

            At the time the controversy about the county seat was ended, there were living at Laporte only six families, to-wit: William A. Mason, William Fancher, John C. Wilson, Joseph B. Little, Alfred Bennett and Michael Meylert.  The square reserved for the court house and park was dotted with huge hemlock stumps and decorated with rocks.  All around the little clearing in every direction were miles of dense, primeval forest.  The roads north, west and south were of the roughest kind --- barely passable.  The nearest railroad was on the opposite side of the river from Muncy, about twenty-eight miles distant.  There was one store in Laporte owned by James Phillips, and kept by his clerk, Walter Spencer; also a blacksmith shop, in which a German named Selzer did the work.  At the presidential election of 1848 they were in the whole county three hundred and three votes cast for Lewis Cass electors; one hundred and forty-seven cast for Zachariah Taylor electors; and nineteen votes cast for Van Buren electors; total vote, four hundred and sixty-nine.

            President Judge Joseph B. Anthony died between the September session, 1850, and the February session of 1851, and James Pollock was appointed to take his place.  Judge Pollock came upon the bench at the February term, 1851.An act of the assembly had been passed providing that in Sullivan county one person should hold the office of prothonotary, register and recorder, clerk of the orphans' court, clerk of the quarter session, and court of the oyer and terminer.  Alfred Bennett's term as prothonotary had expired, and William Mullan was elected to hold the office of prothonotary and the other offices combined with it in the act of assembly.  Mr. Mullan therefore took his seat as prothonotary.  Henry Metcalf, of Dushore, was qualified as district attorney.Lewis Zaner, of Cherry came in as sheriff.  The resident attorneys at that time were A. J. Dietrick, Henry Metcalf and J. R. Jones.  An attorney named Thomas L. Boileau came to Laporte in January of that year.  He was passed middle age and evidently poor; had practiced law in Norristown.  He was well educated, well read in the law, and said to belong to a family of excellent standing.  He was gentlemanly in his manners and entertaining in his conversation.  During the few weeks before court he had been employed in several cases.  On the first day of the May term, he was admitted to the bar of Sullivan county.  That night, for the first time in Laporte, he took liquor, and was soon drunk.  He got into a row in the bar-room and flourished a knife like a crazy man.  His conduct was so notorious that when court assembled in the morning the members of the bar petitioned the court to expel him from the bar.  He was not in the court at the time, but Judge Pollock ordered his name to be stricken from the roll of attorneys.  An hour afterward Boileau came into court and rose to present a petition and make a motion.  Judge Pollock informed him that he had been expelled from the bar.  Without a word he dropped his head and went out of the court-room.  Half an hour afterward, with his little bundle tied in a handkerchief, he passed over the hill, on foot, toward Muncy and was never seen in Laporte again.

THE FIRST NEWSPAPER.

            The first newspaper published in the county was the Sullivan Eagle, commencing with issue dated March 22, 1850.  It was issued from an office on the turnpike, nearly opposite to Mrs. Fairchild's.  The paper does not name its publishers, but the printer was R. H. Foster, who did all of the work.  It was Democratic in politics, and A. J. Dietrick and Isaiah Bartley were among those who managed it.  The paper was discontinued about the time the county-seat was permanently fixed at Laporte

COUNTY OFFICERS--------------------------------------------------------------CENSUS OF 1850----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NEW

COURT-HOUSE.

            John Battin, of Fox, had been elected commissioner in 1849, and Griffith Phillips, of Davidson, had been elected in 1850; so that the board of commissioners consisted of Messrs. Hoffa, Battin and Phillips.  A J. Dietrick, Esq., was appointed clerk and counsel.  George Edkins, of Shrewsbury, had been elected county treasurer, and Hon. J. R. Jones acted as his deputy.

            The census of 1850 was taken in Sullivan county by William J. Eldred.  The population was as follows:

TOWNSHIPS.                                                                          MALES                                   FEMALES                              TOTAL                                    NO. OF DWELLINGS

Colley...........................................................................................97                                            87                                           184                                                               38

Cherry........................................................................................820                                          786                                         1606                                                      188

Davidson....................................................................................267                                          270                                           537                                                      90

Elkland........................................................................................210                                          199                                           409                                                      73

Forks..........................................................................................173                                          170                                           343                                                      61

Fox.............................................................................................121                                          112                                           233                                                      41

Plunketts Creek & Hillsgrove..................................................... 105                                            94                                           199                                                      35

Shrewsbury..............................................................................  81                                           114                                          195                                                      36

                                                                                                _____                                      ______                                    ______                                              ______

Totals.......................................................................................1874                                         1832                                         3706                                                    562

            At that time there was one store in Forksville, kept by William J. Eldred; two in Dushore, --- one kept by J. Jackson & Sons, and the other by Cornelius Cronin; one store at Hillsgrove, kept by Augustus Lippincott; one at Millview, kept by ________ Birdsall; and one store at Laporte, kept by Walter Spencer.  In 1851 Michael Meylert took the job of building a brick court-house, forty-four feet square, and three stories high.  Stephen V. Shipman made the plans and superintended the work.The bricks were made within the limits of Laporte, and put in the walls before the season ended.  The building was ready for use in the spring of 1852.It combined a court-room, four county offices, four cells for prisoners, and three rooms for the sheriff's family.

THE SECOND NEWSPAPER.

            In the spring of 1851 Michael Meylert purchased the material and good will of the Sullivan Eagle.  The old Franklin press, a relic of the past, was stowed away in the Laporte Hotel barn, where it remained a number of years as a curiosity.With a new Washington press and new type, the first number of the Sullivan Democrat was issued May 3, 1851.Meylert and Foster were the publishers and editors.  In their first editorial they say:  "There is a mine of interesting incidents connected with our peculiar local situation which ought to be worked.  Sullivan county is the 'back-woods,' of which people in the lower counties used to talk so much.  It is part of the 'far west' left behind in Pennsylvania, when the rest of the family emigrated beyond the Mississippi.  The wildest parts of forest life are household words about our hearths, and told with a pen would be shining tales.  Why may we not find a chief among us taking notes?  If there should be, faith, we'll print 'em.'"  The county statement for 1850 is published, in which George Edkin, treasurer, in his account with the county charges himself with $2,877.56, received, and credits himself with county expenditures, $2,370.07; commissions, $150.56; and shows a balance in his hands of $350.93.

FIRST JUDICIAL ELECTION.

            By act of April 15, 1851, the counties of Bradford, Susquehanna and Sullivan were made to constitute the thirteenth judicial district, and at the general election of that year the opposing candidates for president judge were David Wilmot and William Elwell.  Wilmot was elected.  At the same election in the legislative district, composed of the counties of Susquehanna, Wyoming and Sullivan, Michael Meylert was elected a member of the assembly.  John A. Speaker and William Colley were elected as associate judges; A. J. Dietrick was elected treasurer; William Reeser was elected commissioner.

THE MAILS IN 1851.

            The manner of carrying the mails in Sullivan county in 1851 is thus described in the Sullivan Democrat of June 3d;"The man from Bloomsburg comes to us on Monday evening, and returns to Bloomsburg on Tuesday.  The man from Fishing Creek comes in on Tuesday morning, passing on to Muncy, returns here on Wednesday, and goes over to Cherry, where he receives the Towanda mail of Saturday (that of Tuesday being left at Monroeton; the mail starting from Monroeton half an hour before the mail reaches that place from Towanda), and returns here on Thursday."

            Hon. David Wilmot, having been elected president judge of the thirteenth judicial district in the fall of 1851, first presided in the courts of Sullivan county at the February term in 1851.Judge Wilmot had previously served two or three terms in congress, and had attained a national reputation as the author of the Wilmot Proviso.  He was afterward a United States senator.  At the May term of court John B. Linn, Esq., of Lewisburg, was admitted to the bar.  He located at Laporte and remained several years.  Mr. Linn in later years was secretary of the commonwealth, and occupied other distinguished positions.

            At the general election in October, 1852, John Mullan, Democrat, had three hundred and twenty votes, and John G. Bartch, Whig, had two hundred and forty votes as candidates for county commissioner.  At the presidential election in November, Franklin Pierce, Democrat, received four hundred and twenty-six votes; Winfield Scott, Whig, received one hundred and seventy-seven votes; Martin Van Buren, Free Soil, received fifty-nine votes.

            In 1852 the first steam whistle sounded in Sullivan county.  In that year Michael Meylert erected a steam sawmill at Laporte.  There were many sawmills in the county, but all, hitherto, had been run by water.  In 1853 the Democrats nominated for representative, James Deegan, of Cherry; for sheriff, Jacob Hoffa, of Cherry, for prothonotary, Thomas J. Ingham, of Laporte; for treasurer, Richard Bedford, of Forks; for commissioner, Richard Taylor, of Davidson; for county surveyor, William A. Mason, of Laporte; for auditor, Cornelius Cronin, of Cherry.  The Whigs nominated for sheriff, Amos C. Wilbur, of Davidson; for prothonotary, no nomination; for treasurer, no nomination; for commissioner, John Glidewell, of Davidson; for county surveyor, no nomination; for auditor, Jonathan Colley, of Colley.  The strife was mostly on sheriff, and the Whig candidate was elected.  Wilbur had three hundred and four votes and Hoffa two hundred and eighty-six, leaving a majority of eighteen for Wilbur.  All the rest of the Democratic ticket was elected.The borough of Laporte was established by a decree of court, in quarter session at the September term, 1853, and the first election was held November 10, 1853.

DUSHORE AGAIN.

            While the controversy about the county seat was raging, Cherry Hill and Dushore were both thriving places, and there was doubt which would take the lead.  As soon as it was fully established that the county seat would not be established at Cherrytown, the advantages of Dushore as a natural center for business prevailed.Business on the hill diminished, and rapidly increased in the valley.

            Hon. S. F. Headley purchased from John Dieffenbach the mill privilege at the falls, and erected a new dam, and a gristmill and sawmill where John Dieffenbach's had been destroyed by the flood.  Dr. Jackson erected a large storehouse on the opposite side of the street from the Samuel Jackson store-house, where a thriving business was conducted by J. Jackson & Sons for many years.  The mercantile business established by Cornelius Cronin was continued and enlarged.  Prior to 1851 Henry Huffman had a tannery and tanned upper leather.He was the father of Christian Huffman.E. D. Richard had a tailor shop and advertised that he would "give 'em fits."  Morris Heisz had a liquor store.  John W. Stiles had a store for a short time.  Hon. S. F. Headly established a store near his mills, which was conducted by Arthur Robison and Joseph Gansel.  In January, 1852, it was bought by James Deegan, who continued the business for some time, and was succeeded by a Mr. Shaffer, and afterward by John M. Heacock.

            The portion of Dushore above the mills became known as Headlyville.  About the year 1852, George H. Welles and F. N. Wilcox moved their store from New Albany to Dushore and erected the building now occupied as the corner drug store.The business was carried on by them until 1856, when Nelson W. Ackley was admitted as a partner.  A dwelling house was built in 1855.  In 1858 Mr. Welles purchased the interest of F. N. Wilcox, and the business continued in the name of Welles, Ackley & Company, which was continued until the death of Ackley in 1869, when his brother, Perrin R. Ackley, assumed his brother's interest.  Mr. Welles moved to Dushore in 1859 and resided there until 1864, when he returned to Wyalusing.  Mr. Welles continued his mercantile business at Dushore until quite recently.

            Dushore borough was incorporated by the court of quarter sessions of Sullivan county in 1859.  The number of votes at the first general election was forty-six.  The increase in population in Dushore has been continuous and rapid.  The business changes have been frequent.  It is not within the scope of this history to follow these changes, or make a record of all the mercantile, manufacturing or other business enterprises which have been so numerous in the last forty years.  It is now a prosperous town of twelve hundred inhabitants.

POLITICS.

            In 1854 the whole country was agitated by the Kansas-Nebraska act, and the question of extending slavery into these territories became the absorbing political topic.  The people of Sullivan county shared in this excitement, and as usual differed in their opinions.  The proceedings of a mass meeting held at Forksville, in August of that year, will serve to show the position taken by the Free Soil party.  We copy from the report in the Sullivan County Democrat, as follows:

            "At a large and enthusiastic mass meeting held at Forks of Loyalsock on the 16th inst., the following officers were chosen: Henry E. Shipman, president; Benjamin Huckell, Daniel Reynolds, Henry W. Dye, Joseph Woodhead, Reuben Battin, Edward Molyneux, David N. Travis and John P. Taggart, vice-presidents; A. J. Trout and Augustus Lippincott, secretaries.  The object of the meeting having been stated, Hon. David Wilmot was called upon and addressed the assembly.  His speech occupied three hours, and was listened to with the greatest attention.  It was a clear, full and accurate statement of the policy of this government in reference to slavery from the period of its organization until the present time.  He showed from history, and the debates in convention which framed the constitution, that the framers of our government never intended to recognize slavery as a national institution, and proceeded to point out the difference between their views and the views of those who claim to be peculiarly the expounders of the constitution and friends of the Union at the present day.  He contrasted the opinions of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, and many other Democrats of the early days of the republic, with the present race of party Democrats, whose principles are to get office.  He declared his willingness to adhere to every doctrine in relation to slavery laid down by Jefferson or Madison.  He believed in the Democracy laid down in the Declaration of Independence, and taught by those who fought in the Revolution; but he claimed no affinity with the degenerate race of office-seeking politicians who call themselves Democrats.  We have no intention of giving an abstract of his lengthy and statesman-like speech, as we should fall far short of doing it justice.  After Mr. Wilmot had closed T. J. Ingham presented resolutions setting forth in substance the principles of the Republican party.

            "The question on the passage of the resolutions was taken by a rising vote, and the whole assembly voted for the resolutions and not one against them.  An address and resolutions adopted by citizens of Colley township, fully endorsing the resolutions of the Independent Democratic meeting held in Elkland, July 4th, were then presented to the meeting and received with marks of approbation.

            "On motion it was resolved that the president appoint a standing committee, to be composed of one voter from each election district, who duties shall be the same as are usually performed by standing committees.  The president appointed the following gentlemen to be the said committee, viz.:  S. H. Daddow, J. T. Stalford, Daniel Little, Levi Rogers, P. E. Armstrong, T. J. Ingham, Isaac Keller, Wheeler Green, Joseph Woodhead, Reuben Battin, T. J. Ingham; chairman.

            "On motion it was resolved that three persons be appointed by the president to confer or correspond with Anti-Nebraska men in other counties of this congressional district, and after such conference and correspondence to recommend a suitable candidate to be supported by the people at the next election.  The president appointed Thomas J. Ingham, Levi Rogers and J. P. Taggart said committee.  The thanks of the assembly were tendered to Mr. Wilmot for his address, after which the meeting adjourned.

            "HENRY SHIPMAN, President."

            "A. J. TROUT,             Secretary."

            "A. LIPPINCOTT,         Secretary."

            In the same issue of the Sullivan Democrat, which contained the foregoing proceedings, appeared the following notice:

DEMOCRATIC MASS MEETING.

                The Democratic citizens of Sullivan county are requested to meet at the Forks of Loyalsock on Wednesday, the 30th of August, at 10 o'clock A. M.  The object of the meeting is to vindicate the Democratic party from the charge made against it by the Hon. David Wilmot of being the "Slavery propagandist Democracy", and of defining the true position of the party on the slavery question.  The meeting is called more especially by the Democrats of the western townships, but all others are earnestly requested to attend.

            The writer has made diligent search for the copy of the Democrat containing the proceedings of the mass meeting held in pursuance of the call, but has been unable to find it.  It is remembered however, that able speakers were present, and took the ground that Bigler did not favor the extension of slavery, but held to the Douglas plan of popular sovereignty.

            The majority for William Bigler in the county at the next election was eighty-eight.

            In the ensuing year the independent Democratic organization of Sullivan county, following the general movement of the Anti-slavery party in all of the northern states, adopted the name of Republicans, and the hitherto Whig party ceased to exist as a party.  The Whigs, almost without exception, were merged into the Republican organization.

            At the general election of 1855 the Democratic ticket was: --- for senator, Aaron J. Dietrick; for members of the assembly, Oliver Lathrop and John V. Smith; for treasurer, James Dunn; for commissioner, Samuel K. McBride; for auditor, George D. Jackson.The Republican ticket was:  For senator, Andrew Gregg; for members of the assembly, Thomas J. Ingham and O. G. Hempstead; for treasurer, John S. Green; for commissioner, William Glidewell; for auditor, J. W. Hogeland.  The contest was animated, and resulted as follows: majority for Dietrick, seventy-three; majority for Ingham, over Smith, one hundred and forty-nine; majority for Ingham over Lathrop, ninety-five, majority for Green, ninety-one; majority for McBride, one hundred and twenty-six; majority for Jackson, two hundred and eighty.  In the senatorial district Andrew Gregg was elected.  In the assembly district Thomas J. Ingham and John V. Smith were elected.

THE FIRST MURDER.

            In 1855 the first murder was perpetrated in this county.  The trial was held at the February court, 1856.  John Michael Kamm and Anna Vietengruber were indicted for the murder of John George Vietengruber.  Henry Metcalf was district attorney, and A. J. Dietrick was engaged for the defense.  There was evidence that John George Vietengruber was living with his family at Elk Lake in 1855; that John Michael Kamm was living with them; that in the summer of that year Vietengruber was missing, and that it was reported that he had gone away.  The neighbors were suspicious that there had been foul play, but there was no evidence that he had been murdered.  In the fall Joseph McCarty, being in the woods near the lake, observed a place which looked as if a person had been buried, but he did not investigate closely, as it was near night.  The next day he took some neighbors with him and went to examine the place.  They were surprised to find that during the night the grave had been opened, and from all appearances a human body removed.  They found hair, finger or toe nails, and some other indications that a decaying body had lain there.  The circumstances were very strongly against Kamm and Mrs. Vietengruber, and they were arrested for murder and lodged in jail at Laporte.After diligent search the body of Vietengruber could not be found.

            When the trial commenced no certain evidence could be adduced that Vietengruber was dead.  It seemed as though the defendant would certainly escape.  The prosecution, however, made the most of their case.They introduced testimony showing the absence of Vietengruber, the finding of a grave in the vicinity, where a body had been buried, the removal of the body in the night, and then proved that all the clothes he had still remained in the house.  A young son of Vietengruber was on the stand as a witness, and the clothes of Vietengruber were brought to be identified, for the inspection of the jury, when Mrs. Vietengruber, in hysterical excitement, suddenly arose and pointing her finger at Kamm, exclaimed: "He did it!"Instantly Kamm said in a hissing whisper, but so sharp it could be heard all over the room: "Hist, Anna, hist!'Then Mrs. Vietengruber began to rave in a frenzied manner, and the trial had to be suspended.  This occurred at five o'clock Saturday afternoon, and the court adjourned until Monday.  Mrs. Vietengruber remained in the same condition on Monday, and the court adjourned until Tuesday.  On that day the jury found that she was incapable of making her defense, and as against her, the court suspended the trial, and proceeded with the trial of Kamm.

            Meanwhile Kamm had made a confession.  He admitted he had killed Vietengruber, but said it was in self-defense; that Vietengruber came at him with a knife while he was chopping wood, and he struck Vietengruber with his axe, and that, being alarmed, he buried the body in the woods; that he was around when McCarty found the grave, that he went that night with a bed-tick, and took up the body, which he carried into the lake as far as he could, and sunk it with stones.  His confession did not avail him, and the jury found him guilty of murder in the first degree.

            His counsel made a motion for a new trial, to be heard at the ensuing term.  When spring opened, search was made and the body of Vietengruber was found in the lake, in accordance with Kamm's confession.  The wound upon the head, however, did not agree with Kamm's statement.Experts who examined the skull testified that he must have been struck with the axe while lying down.  He was probably murdered while asleep.  On the 27th of May, 1856, Kamm was sentenced to be hanged.  He was executed in the jail-yard erected for the purpose on the north side of the court-house.  Mrs. Vietengruber was never tried.  She was allowed to run away.

POLITICS.

            In 1856 the presidential election occurred in which James Buchanan was the Democratic candidate for president, and John C. Fremont, the Republican candidate.  The people of Sullivan county were as well stirred up as any other county in the state.  Public meetings of both political parties were held in nearly every schoolhouse in the county.

            An act of the legislature had been passed April 22, 1856, forming a new judicial district, consisting of the counties of Columbia, Wyoming and Sullivan.  Governor Pollock appointed the Hon. Warren J. Woodward, of Luzerne county, to be president judge.  At the ensuing general election he was elected without much opposition.  In later years he became a judge of the supreme court.  The same year the Hon. William A. Mason and the Hon. William Smith were elected associate judges; Samuel Craft was elected sheriff; William Colley was elected prothonotary.  The majority for Buchanan over Fremont was one hundred and eight-six.

            In 1857 the Democratic candidate for governor was the Hon. William F. Packer; the Republican candidate was the Hon. David Wilmot.  Both candidates were from counties adjoining Sullivan, and both were well and favorably known to the people, but the election did not turn on the personal merits of the candidates.The free-soil issue was still prominent.  The Democrats carried the whole ticket by an increased majority.  Packer's majority over Wilmot was two hundred and twenty-seven.  Walter Spencer, of Laporte, was elected county treasurer; John Dieffenbach, of Cherry, was elected county commissioner.  The total vote on governor was seven hundred and fifty-nine.  In the presidential election of 1860 the people of Sullivan county shared alike with other sections of the country in the excitements of that campaign.  The vote, as shown by the returns, stood as follows:  For Abraham Lincoln, four hundred and twenty-nine; for Stephen A. Douglas, four hundred and ninety-seven.

THE WAR.

            When the war of the Rebellion opened, the people of Sullivan county, generally speaking, without regard to party lines, declared in favor of the preservation of the Union.  From the Sullivan County Democrat (the only newspaper published in the county) of the date of April 19, 1861, we quote the following editorial:

            "Never was a greater excitement produced than by the news of the assault upon Fort Sumter, and its subsequent surrender.Persons could not realize the fact that a fort so strong could be taken in so short a time without producing more mischief to those who were assailing it, and when it was announced that no one was injured by the firing, disbelief of the news was very generally expressed.

            "The intelligence is substantially confirmed by dispatches received yesterday, published in another column.  We do not pretend to explain the apparent inconsistencies, which fuller advices may reconcile, but accept the main facts as true.Fort Sumter has pulled down the proud flag which has floated so long over its walls.  War, offensive and unprovoked, has been inaugurated by the Confederate states against the government and people of the United States, and we must prepare for the realities.

            "We have ever advocated in this paper the cause of conciliation and peace.  We hoped that the spirit of sectional strife and discord might be allayed without bloodshed; and that the states could continue to move forward together under the constitution handed down by our fathers.  In this we have been disappointed --- war has actually begun.Seven states are in arms and have openly proclaimed their intention to seize the capital of the United States.

            "Without regard to the causes which have led to this deplorable state of affairs, it becomes the duty of every patriot to stand by and uphold the flag of our Union.  The star and stripes, which have floated over so many battlefields and been honored in every nation of the world, must not now be dishonored and trampled under foot upon our own soil.

            "It is idle to pursue the temporizing and procrastinating policy in hopes to preserve the Union by conciliation alone.It has been tried, and it has failed; for every concession has only been replied to by fresh insults and renewed preparations for still greater aggressions.  During the whole period that the secessionists have been decrying coercion, they have been steadily preparing for war, and that now they have made their plans complete, they have thrown off the flimsy disguise of defensive preparation, and boldly proclaimed their purpose is offensive war against the national government.

            "In face of such facts as these it is criminal neglect of our duty any longer to delay being prepared to strike when the encounter does come, and to strike such a blow for our country as will make its enemies quail, and treason and rebellion forever hide their heads.  The government should act vigorously, act promptly, and act for success.  Thoroughly prepared for the worst emergency, we shall find success an easier task."

            The enthusiasm of the people was in full accord with the sentiments expressed by the editor of the Democrat.  A news item in the same paper said: 

            "Dushore, April 18, 1861.Three hundred guns were fired at this place this morning in honor of Major Anderson, with a full determination to stand by the Union, and support the Constitution of the United States.The flag of our country is floating in the breeze, and long may it wave."

            From the Democrat of May 10, 1861: "A union meeting was held in Colley township on Monday, April 29.  William Bartly was chosen president; Daniel Mosier and Henry Dieffenbach, vice-presidents; and Asa Adams, secretary.  Addresses were made by William Bartley, S. V. McVey, J. T. Hested, R. Jackson, Joseph Gansel, William R. Campbell and L. D. Oden.  Judging from the report sent us the meeting was very enthusiastic and cheerful."

            From the Democrat of May 24: "The flag that was made by the good ladies of this borough last week was hoisted from a pole opposite the residence of C. C. Finch, on Muncy street, on Saturday morning last at about 4 o'clock.  The cheering was long, and particularly by the ladies.  A few appropriate and enthusiastic remarks were made by T. J. Ingham, Esq., after which three cheers were given for the speaker, three for the fair ladies who made the flag, and three for the Union."

            From the Democrat of May 31: "A beautiful flag was thrown to the breeze on a suitable staff, at the residence of John Simmons, in Davidson township, on the afternoon of the 25th, in the presence of a large number of people.  A meeting was organized by the selection of O. P. Johnson, president; James Taylor and Robert Taylor, vice-presidents; addresses were delivered by John R. Neily, Peter Sones, and others.  The 'Star Spangled Banner' was sung by the ladies, after which the meeting adjourned, amid three cheers for the Union and flag of our country."

            There were similar demonstrations of the people in all parts of the county, but full reports have not been preserved.  The substantial fruits of this enthusiasm soon appeared in the enlistment of soldiers.  The first prominent men who offered their services were Henry Metcalf, of Dushore, and the Hon. J. R. Jones, of Lewis' Lake.  The location of Bradford county on the east, and Lycoming county at the west, drew a number of volunteers into organizations out of the county, and for which other counties have had credit.

            The first distinctive organization in Sullivan county was a company led by Henry Metcalf, who was elected captain.  This company assembled at Laporte, on the 3d of September, 1861, and went thence to Philadelphia, where they were mustered into the Fifty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.  Hon. J. R. Jones took some volunteers with him to Philadelphia, where they joined the Fifty-eighth Regiment, of which he was made colonel.  This regiment was ordered to Norfolk, Virginia, where it remained for some time.  Subsequently it was ordered to Newbern, North Carolina, and in May, 1863, while acting as brigadier-general, he captured a large force of rebels at a place called Green Swamp.  Shortly after returning to his camp near Newbern, his forces were attacked by the Confederates, and he was shot through the breast.  His body was brought to Philadelphia, and after lying in state in Independence Hall it was taken to Roxborough, where he was buried with the honors of war, in the Leverington cemetery, where a monument has been erected to his memory.

            Captain Metcalf was promoted to be major on the 10th of June, 1863, and continued in active service until April 5, 1864, when he resigned, to attend to important business interests at home.  He died suddenly, at Dushore, on the 23d of December, 1864.

            In the summer of 1862 enlistments were constant.Henry R. Dunham, of Laporte, and Henry S. Dieffenbach, of Dushore, were active in forming a company.  The company assembled at Laporte, August 25th, and immediately went on to Harrisburg to be mustered into the United States service.

Dunham became first lieutenant, and Dieffenbach second lieutenant, and the company was designated as Company K, One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. Lieutenant Dieffenbach died in the service.  Lieutenant Dunham afterward became captain in another regiment and served until the end of the war, but was so broken in health that he did not long survive.  James Deegan, of Cherry, and his brother, Jeremiah Deegan, also were active in forming a company, and the former was made captain, the latter a lieutenant.  Both survived the war, but their brother, Thomas Deegan, who went with them, was killed.

            It would not be just to the memory of the intelligent and patriotic young men --- the very flower of the country --- who entered the service as privates, not to record their services.  They were largely composed of the best educated and most respectable young men of the county.  Their numbers, however, and the impossibility of gathering all the facts is a bar to relating their achievements.  It is not possible to give all their names, but we give as full a list as can be now obtained, as follows:

            Cherry township --- George Baumgartner, Anthony Baumgartner, Adam M. Baumgartner, Lewis M. Zaner, E. M. Zaner, William Graul, Joseph Huffmaster, John Dunne, John Kinsley, John Hartzig, Charles Kinsley, Joseph Sick, Samuel Bahr, William Burke, John Huffmaster, Joseph T. Hested, William Scott, Jefferson Colley, Charles Arey, Hiram Kisner, Felix Timmons, Ira Bentley, John Henley, Green Henley, Daniel Prichard, John S. Dieffenbach, George W. Thrasher, Ellis Persun, John McCracken, John McCracken, Jr., Thomas McCracken, Francis Bennett, Miles McDonald, John Thrall, Charles Kneller, Samuel McNeal, Jeremiah Deegan, Alfred Cole, John J. Hoffa, Charles Murnna, J. Yarrington, James Deegan, William Deegan, Henry Stahl, Jeremiah Mooney, Henry Hileman, Nathan Persun, John Mooney, George Harlocher, Thomas Deegan, Lewis Oten, Henry Dieffenbach, H. H. Hartman; total number, fifty-three.

            Colley township --- Daniel V. Prichard, Lewis D. Potter, Charles Schock, C. B. Potter, John G. Graub, Hector Prichard, Major Scouten, Lyman Brown, Taper Hunsinger, Peter Mosier, Nathan L. Brown, total number, eleven.

            Davidson township --- G. W. Simmons, J. N. Simmons, Daniel Phillips, 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, F. N. Larish, D. Larish, W. F. Lansh, Simpson S. Simmons, D. S. Simmons, G. W. Pennington, James Speary, D. M. Speary, William Arms, G. A. Skinner, C. F. Skinner, D. Taylor, C. S. Taylor, P. Miller, T. A. Dent, William Lorah, G. T. Phillips, William Wilson, J. Gower, E. S. Howell, B. Horn, J. J. Miller, J. Lorah, G. W. Biggers, S. Swank, C. Martin, J. N. Hazzen, Asa Speary, C. Miller, E. Smith, Jacob Wilson, C. Glidewell, Jackson Phillips, J. Biggers, Washington Sheets, Nelson Johnson, total number, fifty.

            Elkland township --- Jonas Bedford, William Bedford, Edmund Bedford, Henry Bedford, George F. Bedford, William E. Bedford, George Bedford, Joseph Bedford, Charles M. Boyles, Charles Webster, James H. Pardoe, Charles Grange, William Boyles, Joseph Black, Henry Grange, George W. Glidewell, John T. Caless, George N. Pardoe, William Norton, James Norton, Nicholas Snyder, Charles Merritt, Samuel Gilbert, George Webster, William Whitely, Vinson McCarty, Daniel Vargason, Albert Hess, Ferdinand Hess, Thomas Merritt, Charles King, Chester King, Henry Jefferson, Edward Boyles, William Huckell, Henry Molyneux, Ellis Molyneux, John C. Warburton, George W. Warburton, William Warren, John Merritt; total number, forty-one.

            Fox township --- Alfred Warburton, C. M. Battin, W. M. White, M. Porter, C. N. Porter, John Porter, Peter Brown, H. Y. Porter, Aaron Brown, Samuel Brown, H. D. Dickerson, Nathan Porter, D. H. Richardson, U. Hoagland, Cornelius Rightmire, H. N. Hoagland, E. P. Fanning, W. P. Fanning, Sanford Fanning, Ezra Williams, Samuel Hosier, Peter Hosier, Sanford Williams, A. L. Shaddock, M. I. Shaddock, L. H. Shaddock, John Rundell, R. M. Wheeler, S. D. Wheeler, Usel Wheeler, George Wheeler, John D. Wheeler, Rollin Harrison, Isaac Harvey, Isaac Harvey, Jr., James Harvey Jr., William Harvey, George Harvey, Alvin Heath, Daniel Porter, S. S. Connell, Philander Gilbert, John Brenchley, Chester Brenchley, Thomas Cooley, Alonzo Foster, John Backer, Benjamin Kilmer, J. M. Letts, Jethro Battin, Hiram Boughton, Hiram Woodhead, J. Warburton, Jerry Butler; total number, fifty-four.

            Forks township --- William Rogers, Samuel Molyneux, Henry Hunsinger, Wm. Bedford, Henry Epler, Joel L. Molyneux, James Rinebold, George M. Pardoe, James Corcoran, N. W. Farrell, J. C. Warburton, Solomon Hottenstine, E. R. Warburton, H. Hottenstine, George Luke, F. Luke, William Luke, M. Little, Samuel Black, Thomas Rogers, S. S. Rogers, Isaac Smith, Theodore P. Wilkinson, John W. Rogers, Ezra Rogers, Henry F. Black, Henry W. Baldwin, William Campbell, H. Campbell, Speaker Osler, Amasa Baker, George W. Little, Edward Frank, John Hottenstine, David Vough, George W. Davidson, Charles Hunsinger, Charles Shaffer, George Wanck, J. Tayne, David Frear, Joseph Kester, E. Gongler, George Neely, Daniel M. Ginley, Richard Johnson, P. W. Johnson, Lons Rinebold; total number, forty-eight.

            Hillsgrove township --- E. W. Snell, B. F. Snell, William Snell, Luther C. Snell, Charles Snell, David Bryan, Samuel Bryan, Losson Bryan, Jacob Sherman, Benjamin Bryan, William Lancaster, Herman Molyneux, Philip Finsel, Sylvester Green, George Green, Samuel Yaw, David R. Davis, Thomas Craven, John C. Craven, Lucian Bothwell, John C. Campbell, William Campbell, Henry Campbell, William J. Warner, Lewis Warner, Richard McBride, William McBride, Peter Hummel, Reuben Bostwick, James Northrop, William Cox, Jack Gilson, Eli Dickerson; total number, thirty-three.

            Laporte borough --- Joseph C. Pennington, Charles W. Converse, Oliver G. King, Jacob S. Stevenson, Isaac L. Low, John J. Low, H. M. Stevenson, M. M. Fiester, Samuel H. Buck, Isaac Sones, C. Reed, M. H. Traugh, Franklin Horn, Freeman Horn, T. J. Pennington, Andrew Glidewell, Mahlon Whitbeck, George N. Stevenson, Ezra Zeliff; total number, nineteen.

            Shrewsbury township --- George W. Craft, George W. Smith, Jr., Alfred Little, Theodore Taylor, A. J. Taylor, George Vietengruber, George Clark, David Bubb, Charles Prescott, John U. Fiester, Henry Edkin, Thomas Edkin, John Hoss, Henry Koons, William Winders, Stewart Winders, John R. Jones, John W. Bennett, Henry Brown, Josiah Emery, Richard Green; total number, twenty-one.

            The total number, as we have it here is three hundred and forty-two, which is almost one-third of the highest number of votes at that time polled in Sullivan county.

            There were no companies, or squads of men enlisted in Sullivan county after those already mentioned, but many persons went away, by ones, twos and threes, and enlisted in other counties.  They were assigned to old regiments, where most needed, and it has been found impossible to get a complete list of them all.

            When those whose age, circumstances, temperament, and enthusiasm had inclined them to enlist, had entered the service, there was still a demand for more men, which necessarily compelled a draft. The first United States draft was made in September, 1863, Sullivancounty having been exempt from the previous state draft, by having supplied her full quota of volunteers.  From this government draft she was also justly entitled to exemption, having already furnished more than the number called for.  The number of her volunteers in service was two hundred and seventy-seven, when the number charged against the county was only two hundred and forty-four, as shown by the report of the adjutant general, contained in the legislature record of 1863.  An enrollment, however, was made.  A number enlisted voluntarily before the draft, and some were drafted.  The draft of March 10, 1864, reached a number of citizens in this county who promptly reported and generally made good soldiers.  A few sent substitutes, which cost from six to seven hundred dollars each.  In some instances substitutes made their escape after being mustered into service, and in rare cases drafted men failed to report.There is quite a list of deserters, but not more in proportion than in the other counties of the state.

            In the latter part of 1862, the criticism of the Lincoln administration in some of the city newspapers produced its effect in the country; and the citizens of Sullivan county fell into their party currents.  The Democratic party of the county kept pace with the party in the state, and while asserting their loyalty to the Union, severely condemned the administration in the conduct of the war.A few took strong grounds in favor of peace at any price, and were so sympathetic with the south that they were called "Copperheads."  There never was a time when this class had a majority of the Democrats in Sullivan county.  The Democratic party, however, in 1863 took a determined stand against the administration of Governor Curtin, in this state, and of President Lincoln, in the nation; and the political warfare, which had been like a truce for nearly two years, became a hot battle at the polls in 1863.

            The candidates for governor were Andrew G. Curtin, Republican, and George W. Woodward, Democrat.  The result in the county was seven hundred and thirteen votes for Woodward, and three hundred and fifty-nine for Curtin; majority for Woodward, three hundred and fifty-four.  The Democratic county ticket was all elected, as follows:  For assembly, George D. Jackson; for treasurer, Walter Spencer; for commissioner, John F. Keeler.

            The presidential election of 1864 was the most intensely embittered of any election hitherto held in the county.  The position taken by the Sullivan County Democrat is indicated by the following editorial taken from its issue of November 4, 1864:

            "The policy of Mr. Lincoln is the emancipation and equality of the Negro, at the expense of all the rights and interests of the free white men and women of America.  For the benefit of the Negro, he is now prolonging the war.  For the Negro, he is adding millions daily to the national debt. For the Negro, he is now increasing the burthensome taxation which is pressing down the people of the north. For the Negro, he is now ordering quarterly conscriptions, and dragging away from their homes and families the white men of the nation.  For the Negro, he is now sneering at the Union and trampling upon the constitution.Let white men think of these things. Let every Democrat in Sullivan county be at the polls on Tuesday next, and vote for McClellan and Pendleton!"

            No Republican newspaper being at that time published in the county, no authentic sample of their campaign publications can be cited, but it is recollected that public meetings were held by both parties in almost every school-house in the county, and the issues discussed before crowded audiences by the ablest speakers in the county on both sides.The result was for McClellan six hundred and seventy votes; for Lincoln three hundred and sixty-nine votes, --- majority for McClellan three hundred and one.  A few days after election an incident occurred which caused considerable excitement in the county and which is thus related in the Democrat of November 9, 1864: " On Saturday last our usually quiet town was visited for the first time, which caused no little amazement, by a troop of horsemen numbering about thirty, under command of Captain Lambert, and accompanied by Captain Silvers, a deputy provost marshal.  Their mission was to arrest all drafted persons who had not reported, and convey them to headquarters, where their respective cases are to find adjustment.They rode good horses, were well armed, and orderly in their behavior while in this place.  We understand that a rendezvous is to be appointed at Dushore, where two hundred men are to be stationed, and all conscripts who have not reported themselves are to be ferreted out and meet with their just dues."  The men in hiding mostly escaped to the woods and no record is found of any arrests made.

P. E. ARMSTRONG PETITION.

            In March, 1864, Hon. George D. Jackson representative from Sullivan county, presented the legislature the petition of P. E. Armstrong, representing God's people worshipping at Celesta, Sullivan county, asking the passage of a resolution that the people of Celesta, Sullivan county, while conforming to the faith they profess, be considered peaceable aliens, and religious wilderness exiles from the rest of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

            As soon as the somewhat lengthy petition was read, Mr. Cochran, of Philadelphia, moved that the petition be referred to the committee on divorce.  {Laughter}.Mr. Alleman:  "I move to amend by providing that it be referred to the 'fancy committee,' --- the committee on federal relations."Mr. Jackson:  "I move that it be referred to the committee on the judiciary general.  Whatever may be thought of the people who have requested me to present this petition, whatever opinion may be formed of that people from hearing that petition read, --- I must say one thing:  They are a sect that have come into the county of Sullivan, and have chosen a piece of land on the mountain tops.  They are building a home for themselves.  While I believe they are monomaniacs on this one point, they are good citizens of the county; they live sober and industrious lives and while I do not believe in their doctrines, I believe that they have the right equally with the citizens of this commonwealth, to send their petitions to this house, and I hope that this memorial will be treated with respect."  The petition was referred to the committee on the judiciary general.

            Mr. Armstrong, who presented the petition alluded to, had some years previously laid out a village in Laporte township, between the county-seat and Lewis Lake, which he named Celesta.  He was a believer in the second advent of Christ, and founded his belief on the prophesies in the Bible.  He was a man of ability, and had studied the Scriptures with great attention.  From his premises he could make a strong argument in favor of his religious belief.He made a large clearing in the wilderness, put up a number of buildings, purchased printing materials and published a newspaper at Celesta called the Day Star of Zion.  He gathered around him quite a number of those who shared his belief.  He held that it was his duty to prepare the way for the second coming, and to that end he dedicated all his landed property to the Lord.  He made out, and had recorded in the recorder's office, a deed which has excited great attention.  It was the conveyance of a square mile of land to "Almighty God and his heirs in Jesus Messiah."

            The deed, dated June 14, 1864, sets forth as its inducement that he "is taught by the inspired word of God and his Holy Spirit that his children should not claim or own any property, but should consecrate unto God all things they possess for the common good of the people who are waiting for his Son from heaven, and who are willing to live together in holy fellowship, relying upon his word and bounty, and to the end that his saints may be fully separate from the world and gathered together and enjoy the light and liberty which they did in the once faithful days of theocracy."

            Although the legislature took no further notice of his petition, Mr. Armstrong acted on the assumption that the land conveyed was sacred ground and not within the jurisdiction of state or national authorities. He, consequently, refused to pay taxes. The result was that the collector sold his sheep for personal property taxes and the county treasurer sold his land for unseated land taxes.  Finding that his hope of founding an independent community could not be accomplished, he left the place and returned with his family to Philadelphia.

            The writer was intimately acquainted with Mr. Armstrong and respected him very much.  He was a well educated, honest and trustworthy man and entirely sincere in his religious convictions.  The land sold at treasurer's sale was purchased by his son, A. T. Armstrong, who holds it by treasurer's deed at this time.

            On Thursday, October 1, 1863, the Dushore Union, a new paper, was started at Dushore, by S. F. Lathrop.  Mr. Lathrop had formerly been connected with the Sullivan County Democrat, and had acted as clerk to the commissioners.  The Dushore Union was established as an independent paper, but was strongly committed to the prosecution of the war.  The paper was published about a year.  It was well printed and ably conducted.  In 1864 the publication was suspended and Mr. Lathrop enlisted and went to the war.

PEACE.

            When Richmond was taken and Lee's army was captured at Appomattox, there was no telegraph line which reached Sullivan county, but the news came quickly and caused great rejoicing.  It was at once determined to have a jubilee in the court-house at Laporte.  The court-house was crammed full of people --- Democrats and Republicans, men and women, old and young, were in harmony, and congratulatory speeches and cheering abounded.  Before the meeting closed a rumor came that President Lincoln had been shot.  It was met by incredulity and could not be verified.  The next morning, however, at daylight the flag on the liberty pole was at half mast and all the people mourning.

            The second paper published in Laporte was the Sullivan Free Press, which was established about October 1, 1865.  The press and materials were purchased by T. J. Ingham; John T. Brewster, who was a practical printer, became the publisher.John T. Brewster and T. J. Ingham were the editors.  It was Republican in politics.  In the spring of 1869 Mr. Brewster purchased a press and printing materials, and continued the publication of the Free Press for awhile at Laporte, and then removed to Dushore and continued it there until 1872.

            June 28, 1872, a campaign newspaper was started at Laporte, called the Grant Standard.  E. V. Ingham was publisher, T. J. Ingham and E. V. Ingham, editors. About the middle of October, in the same year, Mr. Ingham purchased the materials and good will of the Sullivan Free Press, then published at Dushore, from John T. Brewster, and, soon after the presidential election, the name of the Grant Standard was changed to the Press and Standard.  With that name the publication was continued by E. V. Ingham until 1876, when Mr. Ingham, having engaged in the mercantile business, discontinued it.  The press and materials used for the Press and Standard were leased to W. H. McCarty, who, in July, 1882, started a new paper, Democratic in politics, called the Democratic Sentinel.  Mr. McCarty published it one year, then sold the lease and good will of the paper to James A. Gallagher, who as editor and publisher continued the publication at Laporte until 1885, when he removed it to Dushore, and in company with Frank Boyd published it for a year, and then discontinued it.

            E. V. Ingham, having retained an interest in the press and materials, removed them back to Laporte, where they were leased to Dr. W. B. Hill, who published the Campaign Democrat for a few months.

            In February, 1878, Alfred B. Bowman opened a job-printing office at Dushore, and on the 28th of that month issued the Dushore Review, in the shape of a four-column quarto, and it continued in this form until August, 1878, when it was enlarged to a six-column quarto. Its name was then changed to the Sullivan Review.  January 5, 1881, Mr. Bowman sold his establishment to E. A. Strong and William S. Holmes.  Mr. Holmes was a practical printer and had been foreman in the Press and Standard office.  Mr. Strong was a business man and had been superintendent of common schools.  They continued the partnership until June 16, 1883, when it was dissolved by the death of Mr. Holmes.  Mr. Strong was sole proprietor until September 1, 1887, when he sold it to Fred Newell, its present editor and publisher.  Mr. Newell had been foreman in the office for some time before he purchased it.

            In the summer of 1882 J. W. Gould commenced a newspaper in Dushore, called the Dushore Record.  It was published about three months and then removed to Towanda.

            It should be mentioned here that the publication of the Sullivan County Democrat was suspended soon after the death of Michael Meylert, in 1883.  The press and materials were purchased by Samuel F. Colt, Jr., who established the Sullivan Republican at Laporte, about the middle of February, 1883.  He sold it to William M. Cheney, in 1884, who continued its publication until March, 1896.  He then discontinued the newspaper, and sold the materials and good will to Victor C. Hugo.  Mr. Hugo revived the name of Sullivan Democrat, and published the first number April 3, 1896.  It was published for one year, and then suspended.  Soon after the Sullivan Republican was suspended, the Sullivan Publishing Company purchased a new press and materials, and established the Republican News Item at Laporte.  The first number was issued in May, 1896.  Charles L. Wing leased the plant and has continued as publisher and editor until the present time.

            The Sullivan Gazette was established by George Streby in Dushore; the first number was issued February 16, 1887.  In politics it is Democratic.  It has been successful from the start, and its publication still continues by the original proprietor.

RAILROADS.

Lehigh Valley Railroad Station Depot
Dushore, PA
Early Twentieth Century
Original Photo Taken by Charles W. Hoffa
Posted on eBay in February 2003

            During the fall of 1851, Michael Meylert engaged with prominent business men in Towanda with a view of locating the Towanda & Catawissa Railroad so as to reach the Sullivan coal fields, and make its southern terminus at Catawissa.  From Mr. Meylert's previous knowledge of the country, from surveys made by him and William A. Mason, he believed a feasible route could be found, and engaged Major E. McNeil to superintend the survey.  The survey was made during the month of November, 1851, and during the following winter Mr. Meylert, who was at that time a member of the legislature, procured the passage of an act, supplementary to the original act, authorizing the building of the Towanda & Catawissa Railroad, by which a company could make such connections with other roads, and have as full authority over any part, as though they had completed the whole road.This subsequently became the basis for other legislation by which the Muncy Creek Railway and that of the Sullivan & State Line, obtained their charters and had surveys of the Sullivan coal field made by Prof. P. W. Shaffer.  He with Mr. William A. Mason made careful examinations of the field, but finding nothing but the underlying small vein reported adversely as to the quantity that would warrant the building of a railroad.

            But little was done from 1855 until about 1859, when the upper vein was discovered at Bernice by Myron M. Wilcox while hunting for deer, and who, assisted by George D. Jackson, opened it.  George D. Jackson in connection with his father, Dr. Josiah Jackson, made purchase of Mr. Meylert of part of the coal field, and the three united in developing it.  Subsequently M. C. Mercur and C. F. Wells, Jr., were induced to join them.  To the perseverance and financial aid given by Mr. Mercur, and the high standing of Mr. Welles among capitalists connected with railroads, we are greatly indebted for our public improvements.  The Sullivan & State Line Railroad was commenced about 1867, and completed to Bernice in 1871.

            The Muncy Creek Railroad was chartered, with Michael Meylert, H. R. Mehrling, Robert Taylor, George Bodine and A. J. Dietrick, as body corporate for laying out and constructing the road.  The object was to build the road from Muncy up Muncy Creek and to Laporte, thence to connect with some other road running east.  The first officers were:  President, Michael Meylert; treasurer, Joshua Bowman; secretary, B. Morris Ellis; and superintendent, H. Mehrling.

            Muncy offered little or no encouragement and the route was changed to Hall's as the western terminus and the work of construction began.  The survey and beginning of work on the Muncy Creek road was made about 1866.  Samuel Stevenson, assisted by B. L. Cheney, made the first survey, and their labor was followed up by William A. Mason, who acted as chief engineer.William A. Mason was well and favorably known by every farm-owner along the line of both roads, and became the man who, to a greater extent than any other, was referred to in all that pertains to the topography of the country.  In 1867 the line had only reached three miles beyond Hughesville, or nine miles in all.  The grade thus far had been very easy, and the expense very small compared to what was to come before Laporte could be reached.  Hence construction work was entirely suspended.

            In 1872 a new organization was effected. About that time the Catawissa extension of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, from Milton to Williamsport, was put through, giving the Muncy Creek railroad a western outlet.This, however, did not change matters much financially, and the road did not pay.  In 1881 it was sold, and the new corporation had the name changed to the Williamsport & North Branch railroad, and Mr. B. G. Welch became general manager.  Work of construction was renewed and by 1886 the road was completed to Nordmont.

            While the eastern terminus of the Williamsport & North Branch railroad was at Nordmont, a change was made in the ownership of the stock.  John Satterfield and Henry L. Taylor, wealthy capitalists of Buffalo, New York, became the controlling owners, and new officers were elected as follows:Hon. H. C. McCormick, president; John Satterfield, vice-president; J. Henry Cochran, treasurer; S. T. McCormick, secretary.  The railroad was completed to Satterfield and put in operation in the fall of 1893.

            The Eaglesmere railroad is a narrow gauge road from Sonestown to Eaglesmere.  It was constructed in 1892.  The officers of the company at the time it was constructed were C. William Woddrop, president; John R. T. Ryan, vice-president; B. Harvey Welch, general manager; W. Clayton Mason, chief engineer.  The length of the railroad is eight miles.

LOPEZ.

            The Bowman's Creek branch of the Lehigh Valley railroad was completed from Bernice to Lopez in 1887, and extended to Wilkes-Barre in July, 1893.  C. H. Jennings and B. W. Jennings, doing business in the firm name of Jennings Brothers, who had been engaged in lumbering near Thorndale, anticipating the completing of the railroad to Lopez, secured a choice location on the Loyalsock at that place, purchased a large quantity of timber land, and erected a large steam sawmill.  In this mill they combined all the appliances which their own experience suggested and modern invention provided, for the rapid and economical manufacture of lumber.In this immense establishment and in the timber woods they employed from three to four hundred men.

            Trexler & Turrell also erected a large sawmill near by and employed a great number of men.  A kindling-wood manufactury and other manufacturing establishments quickly followed, and the town of Lopez, with hotel, stores and churches, sprang up in the wilderness like magic and continues to flourish.

TANNERIES.

            The large tanneries which have done so much to increase the business and population of Sullivan county, deserve mention. The first important tannery in Sullivan county was established at Laporte, by Michael Meylert, in 1856.After two years it was sold to Clarkson, Nichols & Company, who continued the business for two years.In 1866 the plant was leased to A. Lathrop & Company, who continued the business for one year.  The property, with a large body of timber land, was then sold to Thorne, McFarlane & Company, and by them largely improved and successfully conducted until it was purchased by the Union Tanning Company, about 1894.  While Thorne, McFarland & Company were conducting the Laporte tannery, they also rented a large tannery at Thornedale, and built quite a village there, but it did not continue to be profitable and was abandoned.  The busy village disappeared about 1894 or 1895.

            In the year 1867, L. R. Bump & Company purchased land from Robert Taylor, and erected the Muncy Valley tannery and conducted the business for several years.  The property then passed into the hands of D. T. Stevens & Son, who made many improvements.  The large business done there has been the means of building up the thriving village of Muncy Valley.  The Stevens interest has recently been sold to the Union Tanning Company.

            The tannery at Hillsgrove was established by Andrew Hawver sometime previous to 1874.  It was sold January 14, 1874, by John Hall, United States marshal, to B. G. Brandman & Company, who sold it to Thorne, McFarlane & Company, in 1876, who sold it to Hoyt Brothers, in 1878.  Hoyt Brothers rebuilt and enlarged the tannery and conducted it successfully until about 1894, when they sold it to the Union Tanning Company.This thriving tannery has been of great advantage to the enterprising town of Hillsgrove.

            Thomas E. Proctor purchased from the Fishing Creek Lumber Company the site for a tannery, at Jamison City, in 1890; also purchased a body of timber land in that vicinity.  He erected a first-class tannery and did a large business there, greatly aiding to build up the picturesque village of Jamison City --- which has the honor of being situated in two counties.  This tannery, like the others mentioned, is now owned by the Union Tanning Company.

COUNTY OFFICERS.

            A list of officers who have been elected and served in Sullivan county since its organization is here annexed:

            President Judges --- 1851, David Wilmot; 1856, Warren J. Woodward; 1862, William Elwell; 1872, William Elwell; 1874, Thomas J. Ingham; 1884, John A. Sittser; 1894, Edward M. Dunham.

            Associate Judges --- 1851, William Colley, John A. Speaker; 1856, William Smith, William A. Mason; 1861, James Deegan, Richard Bedford; 1871, Cornelius Cronin, Joseph Gansel; 1876, M. A. Rogers, F. B. Pomeroy; 1881, Daniel Fairchild, John G. Wright; 1886, Robert Taylor, Jr., E. A. Strong; 1891, John Yonkin, 2d, M. J. Phillips; 1896, John S. Lines, Conrad Kraus.

            Congress --- 1848, William A. Petriken; 1852, James Gamble; 1854, Allison White; 1856, Allison White; 1858, James T. Hale; 1860, James T. Hale; 1862, Henry W. Tracy; 1864, Ulysses Mercur; 1866, Ulysses Mercur; 1868, Ulysses Mercur; 1870, Ulysses Mercur; 1872, James D. Strawbridge; 1874, Henry W. Early; 1876, John I. Mitchell; 1878, John I. Mitchell; 1880, Robert J. C. Walker; 1882, William Wallace Brown; 1884, William Wallace Brown; 1886, Henry C. McCormick; 1888, J. Boyd Robinson; 1890, S. P. Wolverton; 1892, S. P. Wolverton; 1894, Monroe H. Kulp; 1896, Monroe H. Kulp; 1898, Rufus K. Polk.

            Members of the House of Representatives --- 1847, William F. Packer and Timothy Ives; 1848, William F. Packer and Joseph Smith; 1849, William Brindle and William Dunn; 1851, Isaac Reckhow and Michael Meylert; 1852, Ezra B. Chase and John W. Dennison; 1853, Ezra B. Chase and James Deegan; 1854, William J. Turrell and Charles J. Lathrop; 1855, Thomas J. Ingham and John V. Smith; 1856, Simeon B. Chase and Alfred Hine; 1857, John V. Smith and Peter Ent; 1858, George D. Jackson and Samuel Oaks; 1859, George Jackson and Samuel Oaks; 1860, Hiram R. Kline and Thomas Osterhout; 1861, George S. Sutton and Levi L. Tate; 1862, George D. Jackson and John C. Ellis; 1863, George D. Jackson and John C. Ellis; 1864, Joseph H. Marsh and Lorenzo Grinnell; 1865, Lorenzo Grinnell and G. Wayne Kinney; 1866, G. Wayne Kinney and James H. Webb; 1867, James H. Webb and John F. Chamberlain; 1868, James H. Webb and John F. Chamberlain; 1869, James H. Webb and John F. Chamberlain; 1870, James H. Webb and Perley H. Buck; 1871, Samuel Wilson and Amos C. Noyes; 1872, Amos C. Noyes and Henry W. Petrican; 1874, Richard Bedford; 1876, B. Rush Jackson; 1878, E. M. Dunham; 1880, P. R. Ackley; 1882, Bryan Collins; 1884, Bryan Collins; 1886, M. A. Rogers; 1888, William Waddell; 1890, Russell Karns; 1892, Marshall J. Lull; 1894, B. W. Jennings; 1896, B. W. Jennings; 1898, J. L. Christian.

            State Senators --- 1849, William F. Packer; 1852, James W. Quiggle; 1855, Andrew Gregg; 1859, George Landon; 1862, William J. Turrill; 1866, George D. Jackson; 1868, C. R. Buckalew; 1872, Thomas Chalfant; 1875, Robert P. Allen; 1878, George D. Jackson; 1880, Elias McHenry; 1882, William W. Hart; 1886, Verne H. Metzger; 1890, Grant Herring; 1894, J. Henry Cochran; 1898, J. Henry Cochran.

            Sheriffs --- Elected, 1847, Evan H. Phillips; 1850, Lewis Zaner; 1853, Amos C. Wilber; 1856, Samuel Craft; 1859, Joseph Gansel; 1862, John Simmons; 1865, John Lawrence; 1868, John G. Wright; 1871, Jeremiah Mooney; 1874, William H. Yonkin; 1877, John Utz; 1880, James Deegan; 1883, Edward Bergan; 1886, Henry Tripp; 1889, John Utz; 1892, Thomas Mahaffy; 1895, Ellis Swank; 1898, H. W. Osler.

            County Commissioners --- 1847, William Lawrence, Joseph Molyneux, Jacob Hoffa; 1848, Jacob Hoffa; 1849, John Battin; 1850, Griffith Phillips; 1851, William Reeser; 1852, John Mullan; 1853, Richard Taylor; 1854, John Smith; 1855, Samuel K. McBride; 1856, Robert Taylor; 1857, John Dieffenbach; 1858, William Brown; 1859, John Hiddleson; 1860, John Dieffenbach; 1861, Henry Williams; 1862, Daniel Vaughan; 1863, Joseph Gansell; 1864, Henry Williams; 1865, James McMahon; 1866, Robert Taylor; 1867, Wheeler Green; 1868, James Dunn; 1869 Abraham Morgan; 1870, John Brown; 1871, Christian Mosier; 1872, Thomas L. Magargle; 1873, John Corcoran; 1874, Jasper Clark; 1875, James McMahon, Griffith Phillips, J. C. Edgar; 1878, John Yonkin, 2d, Henry C. McBride, Geo. W. Glidewell; 1881, G. L. McHenry, J. C. Robbins, Ezra S. Little; 1884, George Albert, Thomas Streby, John J. Low; 1887, Jacob A. Myers, Charles Hugo, J. N. Campbell; 1890, S. K. McBride, D. W. Scanlan, William M. Cheney; 1893, John H. Farrell, Gabriel Litzelman, John J. Webster; 1896, H. G. Huffmaster, S. S. Rogers, Philip Secules.

            Prothonotary, Register, Recorder and Clerk of Courts --- Elected   1847, Alfred Bennett; 1850, William Mullan; 1853, Thomas J. Ingham; 1856, William Colley; 1859, Charles C. Finch; 1862, Charles C. Finch; 1865, Charles C. Finch; 1868, Charles C. Finch; 1871, Charles C. Finch; 1874, Charles C. Finch; 1877, Henry VanEtten; 1880, Henry T. Downs; 1883, Henry T. Downs; 1886, A. Walsh; 1889, Alphonso Walsh; 1892, Alphonso Walsh; 1895, W. J. Lawrence; 1898, William J. Lawrence.

            County Treasurers --- 1847, James Taylor; 1849, George Edkins; 1857, Aaron J. Dietrick; 1853, Richard Bedford; 1855, John S. Green; 1857, John S. Green; 1859, Robert Kitchen; 1861, Walter Spencer; 1863, Walter Spencer; 1865, John G. Wright; 1867, Walter Spencer; 1869, Walter Spencer; 1871, John M. Heacock; 1873, John Sullivan; 1875, Walter Spencer; 1878, Edward Bergan; 1881, William A. Mason; 1884, Robert Stormont; 1887, Jacob Lorah; 1890, William Murry; 1893, A. L. Smith; 1886, Ransom Thrasher.

            County Auditors --- 1847, Richard Taylor, J. G. Green, Thomas King; 1848, Thomas King; 1849, Cornelius Cronnin; 1850, George W. Phillips; 1851, James Coning; 1852, Arthur Robinson; 1853, Cornelius Cronin; 1854, George D. Jackson, John Brown; 1855, George D. Jackson, John F. Hazen; 1856, Samuel B. Birdsall; 1857, Charles C. Finch, John M. Heacock; 1858, Thomas Farrell; 1859, John G. Wright, Samuel McBride; 1860, Nelson W. Ackley; 1861, John W. Martin; 1862, Lyman B. Speaker; 1863, Thomas Messersmith; 1864, Abraham Morgan; 1865, R. D. Lancaster; 1866, Christian Mosier; 1867, William Smith; 1868, R. D. Lancaster; 1869, G. D. Cline; 1870, George W. Bannett; 1871, Lyman B. Speaker; 1872, Francis Lusch; 1873, T. J. Keeler; 1874, Benjamin H. Tripp; 1875, George W. Bennett, Adelbert Williams, A. B. Kilmer; 1878, John E. Finnan, Albert Hazen, J. R. Fleming; 1880, James Miller; 1881, Robert Stormont, R. D. Lancaster, S. F. Colt, Jr.; 1884, Thomas A. Jennings, Christian Caseman, John M. Gautsch; 1887, J. Harry Spencer, Edward Franke, Ulysses Bird; 1890, J. Harry Spencer, George S. Wright, Ulysses Bird; 1893, M. E. Wilcox, Morgan Gavitt, Irvin D. Heverly; 1894, J. B. Magargle; 1896, A. F. Hess, Christian Crossman, Delbert L. Brown.

            Jury Commissioners --- 1867, Jas. Thompson, George W. Simmons; 1870, John K. Farrell, Daniel T. Huckell; 1873, Richard Biddle, Thomas Messersmith; 1876, Joseph C. Pennington, John Person; 1879, Levi B. Hunsinger, George C. Bird; 1882, John Mullen, Henry Stahl; 1885, William Fulmer, Thomas Simmons; 1888, Charles Haas, Thomas Farrell; 1891, Christian Caseman, George W. Simmons; 1894, Zachary T. Kilmer, Henry Swank; 1897, William Bird, William D. Heverly.

            District Attorney --- 1848, A. J. Dietrick; 1850, Henry Metcalf; 1856, Henry Metcalf; 1861, Thomas J. Ingham; 1864, A. L. Grim; 1867, A. L. Grim; 1870, E. M. Dunham; 1873, Rush J. Thompson; 1876, Frank F. Drake; 1879, Bryan S. Collins; 1882, John H. Cronnin; 1885, Rush J. Thompson, 1888, Rush J. Thompson; 1891, A. L. Grim; 1894, Edward J. Mullen; 1897, A. Jackson Bradley.

            Coroners --- 1847, J. D. Wilcox; 1848, John D. Wilcox; 1849, John Brown; 1852, Cornelius Harrington; 1854, Wm. Brown; 1856, Robert W. Henley; 1859, Lanny D. Porter; 1866, Frederick Fleschut; 1868, Samuel Craft; 1869, Frederick Fleschut; 1870, Sanford E. Benjamin; 1873, R. W. Henley; 1875, Robert W. Henley; 1877, W. C. Mason; 1881, Francis Chaffee; 1884, William W. Waddell; 1887, W. W. Waddell; 1889, W. B. Hill; 1893, W. B. Hill; 1896, Edward Everett; 1898, Charles Wackenhuth.

            County Surveyors --- 1850, William A. Mason; 1853, William A. Mason; 1856, John Persun; 1857, Benjamin L. Cheney; 1865, Job L. King; 1868, Job L. King; 1875, Job L. King; 1881, Nathan Persun; 1882, Henry Swank.

            County Superintendent of Schools --- Richard Bedford, from 1854 to 1857; C. J. Richardson, from 1857 to 1860; Hallock Armstrong, from 1860 to 1863; John Martin, from 1863 to 1875; E. A. Strong, from 1875 to 1878; J. P. Little, from 1878 to 1887; M. R. Black, from 1887 to 1893; F. W. Meylert, from 1893 to 1899.

PART 11

BIOGRAPHICAL  COMPENDIUM

....OF....

SULLIVAN COUNTY.

HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY.

__________

            THOMAS J. INGHAM was born November 25, 1828, in the then township of Asylum, county of Bradford, and state of Pennsylvania. He was the son of Thomas Ingham and Eunice Horton Ingham.  His first known ancestor was Jonas Ingham, who came from England and settled in Trenton, New Jersey, about A. D. 1700.  In direct descent from Jonas, was Jonathan, who resided at Big Springs, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, Jonas, who was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and afterwards a pioneer on the Wyalusing creek; Joseph, who owned a farm and mills at the mouth of Sugar Run creek in Bradford county, Pennsylvania; and Thomas, who succeeded to the farm and mills at Sugar Run, where the subject of this sketch was born.  The house in which he was born was near the west bank of the Susquehanna river.

            The first known ancestor on his mother's side was Barnabas Horton, who came from England prior to A. D. 1640, and in that year settled in Southhold, Long Island.  The father of Eunice Ingham was Major John Horton, of Terrytown, Pennsylvania, who served in the Revolutionary war.

            Thomas J. Ingham received his education chiefly in the common schools, but for short terms attended the Hartford Academy, and Wyoming Seminary.  In early life he worked on the farm, and in the saw mill owned by his father.  About the beginning of the year 1851 he came to Laporte, Sullivan county, and was employed by William Mullan to act as his deputy in the office of prothonotary, register and recorder.  In addition to this work, in 1852 he was appointed clerk to the commissioners.  In 1853 he was married to Caroline A. Cheney, daughter of Abel Cheney and Priscilla Washburn Cheney, born at Cortlandville, New York, February 15, 1831.

            In the fall of 1853 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the office of Prothonotary, register and recorder, and no nominations being made against him, he was elected, and discharged the duties of the office until December, 1855.

            In the summer of 1855 he took an active part in the organization of the Republican party in Sullivan county, and was nominated by that party as a candidate for representative.  The district consisted of the counties of Susquehanna, Wyoming and Sullivan, entitled to two representatives, and at the representative conference O. G. Hemstead, of Susquehanna county, and Thomas J. Ingham were nominated as candidates of the Republican party in this district.  The Democrats nominated John V. Smith of Wyoming county, and Oliver Lathrop of Susquehanna county.  The two parties in the district were closely balanced.  In the contest which followed Mr. Ingham ran considerably ahead of his ticket and carried Sullivan county by a plurality of one hundred and forty-nine, which gave him the largest vote of any of the candidates, and elected him.  His colleague was defeated by a small plurality.  He served with credit one term in the legislature, and declined to be a candidate for re-election.

            In the spring of 1856 he removed to Sugar Run, Bradford county, where he engaged in the mercantile business.  This business not proving profitable, he entered the law office of Hon. Ulysses Mercur as a student, and was admitted to the Bradford county bar at September term, 1860.

            Mr. Ingham returned to Sullivan county in November, 1860, and commenced the practice of law.  In the following year he was elected district attorney, and served for three years.  He took an active part as a public speaker in most of the election campaigns in his own and adjoining counties.

            In 1865 he purchased a printing press and printing material, and assisted John T. Brewster to establish the Sullivan Free Press, a weekly newspaper published in Laporte, and became one of the editors.After a few years he withdrew his name as an editor of that paper, and, in 1872, assisted his son, Ernest V. Ingham, in establishing a campaign newspaper called the Grant Standard, and acted as one of the editors.  In the fall of the same year he purchased, from John T. Brewster, the material and good will of the Sullivan Free Press.  Immediately after the November election the Grant Standard was changed in name to the Press and Standard, and its publication continued by E. V. Ingham, Thomas J. Ingham still acting as associate editor.  His newspaper engagements, however, at no time interfered with the active practice of his profession.

            The legislature, in 1874, made a change in the judicial district, and provided for the appointment of an additional law judge. In May of that year Mr. Ingham was appointed by Governor Hartraft as additional law judge --- Judge Elwell being president judge in the same district.

            At the same session of the legislature, but later in the session, an act was passed establishing the forty-fourth judicial district, consisting of the counties of Wyoming and Sullivan, and providing for the election of president judge at the ensuing fall election.  Mr. Ingham was unanimously nominated by the Republicans of both counties for president judge.  Elhannan Smith, Esq., of Wyoming county, was nominated by the Democrats.  There was a large Democratic majority in both counties.  The election was closely contested, but Mr. Ingham having received a majority in each county, was elected.  He was commissioned and served as president judge for ten years.

            In 1884 Judge Ingham was unanimously nominated by the Republican county conventions in both counties for re-election. The Democrats nominated John A. Sittser, Esq., of Wyoming county, as their candidate.  Both counties were Democratic, with majorities ranging from three to five hundred.  It was the year of the presidential election, when Blaine was the Republican candidate, and Cleveland the Democratic candidate.  It proved to be what was called "a Democratic year."The majority for Cleveland in Sullivan county was 383 and he had a larger majority in Wyoming county.  The judicial election was hotly contested in both counties.  Judge Ingham received a majority in every election district in Sullivan county, and his majority in the county was 441.  The majority for John A. Sittser, however, in Wyoming county, exceeded the majority of Judge Ingham in Sullivan county, and Mr. Sittser was elected.

            On retiring from the bench Judge Ingham resumed the practice of law, and had his office in Dushore for about four years.  Having associated his son, F. H. Ingham, with him in the practice of law, he returned to Laporte, where he has continued to practice until this time.

            At the congressional election in 1886 he was solicited by many friends to accept the nomination for congress, which he declined.  At that time the district was Republican, and the nomination was almost certain election.

            Mr. Ingham, has three sons, all living.  His eldest son, Ernest V. Ingham, having learned the printer's trade, published the Grant Standard and Press and Standard for a number of years, and since that has been in business in Eaglesmere. Ellery P. Ingham, his second son, commenced the practice of law in Sullivan county.  In 1889 he was appointed special deputy collector of the port of Philadelphia, and served in that position until 1892, when he was appointed United States district attorney for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, in which office he served four years.  He is now engaged in the practice of law in Philadelphia.  His youngest son, Frank H. Ingham, is still engaged with him in the practice of law at Laporte.

            As an attorney Judge Ingham ranks among the foremost in this part of the state, and his powers as an advocate have been demonstrated on many occasions.  His public career has been long and honorable, and he is still recognized as one of the most prominent and influential men in this section of the country.

            JONATHAN ROGERS. --- "Biography is the most universally pleasant, the most universally profitable of all reading," said Carlyle.  This is so because we learn more by the example of our fellow men than in any other way.  Abstract truth makes but little impression, but when it finds exemplification in the lives of those we know it cannot fail to influence.  It is therefore eminently proper that we preserve in written record the life work of those who have been honorable, enterprising, and upright, that their examples may inspire us to emulate their virtues.  The career of Jonathan Rogers is certainly one which contains many valuable lessons, for in the paths of industry and honesty he achieved success and won a reputation that classed him among the most highly esteemed citizens of Sullivan county, Pennsylvania.

            Mr. Rogers was a native of the Keystone state, - his birth having occurred in Muncy, Lycoming county, on the 10th of February, 1821.  The family is of English origin.  His father, Jonathan Rogers, Sr., was a native of England, and a son of Samuel Rogers, who was also born in the same country.  The latter came to America about the year 1800, bringing with him his wife and a large family of children.  One of the number, however, died on the voyage.  Locating in Pennsylvania, the grandfather of our subject spent his last days in Forksville, Sullivan county.  Jonathan Rogers, father of our subject, spent his childhood days in his native land, and after arriving at years of maturity married Miss Elizabeth Snell, who was also a native of England.  They became the parents of the following children, namely:Mrs. Sarah Bryan, Mrs. Ann Wright, Mrs. Mary Fowler, William, who died at Picture Rocks, Lycoming county, in September, 1898, at the age of eighty-two years, Jonathan and Richard.  All of the family are now deceased.  The father was found dead in bed at Forksville, and seven weeks later the mother was found dead in the mill race, probably having died of cramps.

            Jonathan Rogers, whose name begins this biography, remained at home until ten years of age, when his father died, after which he lived among relatives until he was able to care for himself.  From an early age he earned his own living, working as a mechanic and millwright, and becoming very proficient in the latter line.He established the Rogers mill at Lincoln Falls and built up an excellent trade, receiving patronage from all the surrounding country.  His excellent products, his earnest desire to please his patrons, and his honorable business methods brought him a large trade.

            Mr. Rogers chose as a companion and helpmeet on the journey of life Miss Elizabeth Huckell, who was born in Hill's Grove, Pennsylvania, where the birth of her father and of her first child also occurred.Her parents were Benjamin and Margaret (Plotts) Huckell, who both died at Hill's Grove, in 1884.  Unto our subject and his wife were born fourteen children, as follows:  Marion W., widow of N. K. Woodward, formerly a merchant of Dushore; Edward G., a resident of Elkland township; Sarah A., who is living on the old homestead; Anna M., widow of N. C. Pardoe, of Elkland township; Charles S., a member of the milling firm of Rogers Brothers; Louzina, wife of F. H. McCarty, a resident of Lake Run, Pennsylvania; John P., a farmer of Estella, Sullivan county; Benjamin F., who died at the age of three years; Serena D., who is living on the farmstead; Harriet C., wife of Owen McCarty, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania; Rachel L., a successful teacher of Sullivan county; Ella M., wife of Silas McCarty, of Elkland township; Elizabeth M. and Jonathan, who are also living on the homestead farm.

            In his political views Mr. Rogers was an independent Republican.  Before the Civil war he was a strong anti-slavery man, and throughout his entire life was active in support of all measures of reform --- measures which tended to do away with bad conditions and to advance the moral, educational, social and material interests of the community.  An earnest Christian gentleman, he was for a number of years actively identified with the Wesleyan Methodist church.  He also took a commendable interest in the practical improvement of the locality, in bettering the condition of the roads, and otherwise promoting the welfare of his township.  His sterling worth, his fidelity to duty, his advocacy of all that was true and right, won him uniform respect, and no man was held in higher regard in the township than Jonathan Rogers.  He died February 12, 1896, but his influence is still felt by those who knew him.

M. A. Rogers and Sons
Bank Check Drawn on
Firt National Bank of Dushore
July 11, 1900
Posted on eBay August 6, 2003
Photo contributed by Carol Brotzman

            N. K. WOODWARD. --- The life record of N. K. Woodward is one which should adorn the pages of the history of his adopted county, for during many years he was one of the most prominent citizens and enterprising merchants of the community.He made his home in Dushore, and his well directed efforts, his enterprise and executive ability brought him success, while his honorable dealings gained him the confidence and high regard of his fellow men.  He won that "good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches," and in his death the community lost one of its best citizens.

            Mr. Woodward was born in Fort Wayne, Allen county, Indiana, on the 12th of July, 1844, and descended from one of the leading families of Pennsylvania.  His father was a member of the state legislature, and exerted a wide and beneficent influence in public affairs.  He married a Miss Bostwick, of eastern New York, and they became the parents of seven children.  Three of his brothers became distinguished lawyers, but Emmett, who practiced in Atlanta, Georgia, is now deceased, while Jesse is now practicing in Texas, and Marcus is a member of the bar of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  The two sisters in the family are Mrs. Mary Miller, a resident of New York, and Mrs. Adaline Baker, who is living in Burlington, Kansas.

            Mr. Woodward, whose name introduces this review, was left an orphan at the early age of four years, and was reared by his cousin, Judge Warren J. Woodward, at Wilkes-Barre, and acquired his education in the schools of that city and at commercial college.  In 1860 he came to Dushore, where he later opened a mercantile establishment, and from that time until his death was actively identified with the commercial interests of the town.  He studied the wishes of the public and endeavored to please; he had the ability to meet all kinds and all classes of people, and his straightforward dealing and affability secured to him a constantly increasing business.He enjoyed a large trade, and was widely recognized as a successful, practical and progressive business man.As the years passed he acquired a valuable property as the results of his energy, untiring efforts and careful management, and so well did he gain it that the most envious could not grudge him his prosperity.

            In 1883 Mr. Woodward was united in marriage to Miss Marion W. Rogers, the eldest daughter of Jonathan Rogers.  She was born on the old homestead which belonged to her maternal grandfather, and is a lady of culture, education and natural refinement.  For fifteen years prior to her marriage she engaged in school teaching with excellent success, having the ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowledge that she had acquired.  After a happy married life of five years, Mr. Woodward was called to the home beyond on the 3d of June, 1888, at the age of forty-four years.  He was a public-spirited citizen and took a deep and commendable interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare, giving a liberal support to all measures which he believed would promote the public good.  In politics he was a Democrat, but not an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests.  A man whom to know was to respect and honor, his death was widely mourned, and his memory is cherished by all who knew him.  Mrs. Woodward, like her husband, has many warm friends, and her pleasant home in Lincoln Falls is noted for its hospitality.

            AMBROSE E. CAMPBELL, an enterprising and successful young business man of Shunk, Sullivan county, is the proprietor of a well-known mercantile establishment there, and is also connected with agricultural interests.  Not withstanding these cares he finds time to take part in local affairs and has frequently been chosen by his fellow citizens to offices of trust and responsibility.  He comes of the famous Scotch clan Campbell, the first of his branch of the family to come to America being his great-grandfather, who was accompanied by four brothers.  John Campbell, his grandfather, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, and was married near Danville, same state, to Miss Mary Winterstein, daughter of Henry and Polly (Jingles) Winterstein, and in 1833, soon after his marriage, came to Bradford county.  In 1851 he located at the present site of Campbellville, Sullivan county, of which he became the founder, and there he built a gristmill.  Later he sold that property and purchased another gristmill in Fox township, and this he operated until his death, which occurred in 1881; his wife died in 1875.  They had the following children:  William, Caleb, Mary, Eliza, John S., James H., Hiram and Joseph.

            James H. Campbell, the father of our subject, was born in Campbelltown, Montour county, April 9, 1831, and at an early age became his father's partner in the milling business.  He also engaged in farming near Shunk, and in 1868 built the store now occupied by our subject.  In 1884 he sold his interest in the mill, and as the years have rolled on he has left more and more of his cares to the able management of his son. Politically he is a staunch Republican and has filled various important offices, including those of county commissioner and township clerk, while for twenty-one years he was postmaster at Shunk. While on the board of county commissioners, from 1889 to 1891, he did effective work in arranging for the construction of many iron bridges to replace those destroyed by the flood of 1889.

            During the Civil war Mr. Campbell made an honorable record.  He enlisted in 1861, in Company K, under J. B. Ingham, of Monroe, and was assigned to the Fiftieth Pennsylvania regiment.  He was a member of the first southern expedition, leaving Fortress Monroe for Hilton Head in October, 1861, and served in the battle at the latter place. Next he was on camp duty at Beaufort for six months and then in the battle of Pocotaligo.  Then he was transferred again to Fortress Monroe and started on the campaign that ended in the second battle of Bull Run.  Next we find him at Chantilly; and on to Fredericksburg in the spring of 1863.  Then from Chancellorsville to Vicksburg, back to Tennessee, overland to Cumberland Gap, back to Knoxville, where he was one of the besieged for two months.  Then after a short furlough he took part in the battle of the Wilderness, and next at Spottsylvania, where he was severely wounded.  After his discharge from the hospital he returned again to the front and served until the end of the war.

            In 1864 Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Elizabeth Hoagland, a daughter of Samuel and Sally (Wilcox) Hoagland.  Our subject is the eldest of six children, the others being:  Cora B., wife of James Brenchley, a farmer in Fox township; Sebra T., who died at the age of five years; Lucian, who died when two years old; Leon I., who married Miss Lulu Wright and assists our subject in the store; and George T., who also is employed in the store.  The father is a member of J. B. Ingham Post, No. 91, of Canton, and a hearty supporter of all that ends to the benefit of his old comrades in arms.  He has also been identified with the Order of Odd Fellows since October 5, 1872, and has passed through all the degrees.  He is a member of Lodge No. 321, also a member of the Encampment, a higher branch of Odd Fellowship.

            Ambrose E. Campbell, the immediate subject of this review, was born August 16, 1867, in Fox township, Sullivan county, and his education was begun in the local schools.  Later he attended the graded schools of Canton for two years, and in 1889 he was graduated at the Elmira (New York) School of Commerce.  During his youth he assisted his father in the work of the farm and store and for some time filled the position of bookkeeper.  In 1890 he became a partner in the store and since June, 1897, has conducted the business alone.  He also takes charge of one-half of his father's farm, comprising eighty acres, giving general oversight to its cultivation.  Like his father, he is a strong supporter of Republican principles and for four years has been postmaster at Shunk.  In the year 1896 he was mercantile appraiser for Sullivan county.  He has served three terms as township clerk and for some time was school director, being secretary of the board during his term.  Since 1888 he has been a member of the I. O. O. F. and is a charter member of Washington Camp, No. 220, P. O. S. of A., at Shunk.  He has filled every position in which he has been placed with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.

            The marriage of Mr. Campbell to Miss Clara M. Ferguson, daughter of Charles and Ann (Moore) Ferguson, took place at Canton, October 23, 1889, and three children have blessed their union:  Harry E., born December 22, 1890; Edgar, April 5, 1892; and Leslie, April 11, 1894.

            GEORGE D. JACKSON. --- In the death of the honored subject of this memoir there passed another member of the little group of representative business men who were prominent in inaugurating and building up the chief industries of this section of Pennsylvania.  His name is familiar not alone to the residents of the city of Dushore, to whose development he contributed so conspicuously, but to all who have been in the least intimately informed as to the history of the state.  He was identified with the northern section of Pennsylvania for many years and contributed to its material progress and prosperity to an extent equaled by but few of his contemporaries.

            His father, Dr. Josiah Jackson, was one of the leading men and physicians of Sullivan county.  He early located in Dushore and was an active factor in all the fields of enterprise which contributed to the development of the new country.  As George Duggan Jackson approached mature years he developed rare abilities and energy, which were devoted to the improvement of the section surrounding Dushore, and for long years was the leading merchant of the county.  He was the acknowledged leader in all matters of progress, foremost in everything of value to the community, the county and the state.  To him is mainly due the construction of the Sullivan & Erie railroad, and the development of the coal, lumber and other natural resources of the county.  All these contributed not only to his individual prosperity but also largely promoted the general welfare.

            That Mr. Jackson was a popular citizen and had the confidence and regard of his fellow townsmen is evinced by the fact that in 1858, 1859, 1862, and 1863, he was chosen to represent in the state legislature the district comprising Columbia, Montour, Sullivan and Wyoming counties.  In 1866 he was elected to the state senate from the district including Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Sullivan counties, and in 1878 was chosen to represent the twenty-fourth senatorial district.  Repeatedly re-elected, what higher testimonial could be given of his efficient service in the law-making body of the state?  He left the impress of his strong individuality upon the legislation of Pennsylvania, and aided in framing a wise public policy.  He died during his second senatorial service, passing away November 23, 1879, at the age of fifty-four years.

            Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Miss Bernice Woodruff, a daughter of Jared Woodruff.  Their children are Mary B., wife of J. W. Young, of Philadelphia; Alice E., wife of Thomas Irving, of Philadelphia; George C., deceased; Willie W. who married Ida Green, of Cattaraugus, New York, and has two daughters, Donna and Bernice; and B. Winifred, wife of P. P. Sturdevant, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

            Mr. Jackson was a pronounced Democrat, a leader in his party, but his friends were numerous in all political parties and in all classes of society.  At his death public opinion was expressed in the speeches delivered by the members of the state senate, who, in words of highest praise, spoke of his intellectuality, his ability, his loyalty and devotion to the best interests of Pennsylvania.  In a memorial volume published by the state appears the following:  "He was well known for his integrity of character, for diligence in attention to the interests of his constituents in every public position, and for his manly, genial qualities.  A devoted husband, a kind parent, a loyal friend and an able counselor, at his death the community met with a grave loss, the Democratic party mourned for one of its valued members and Sullivan county for one of its leading citizens.  He was a useful representative, just to himself and true to the interests of the people.  He possessed unbending integrity and was deeply imbued with the spirit of true manhood.  None ever doubted his honesty.  His motives were as pure as his private character was spotless.  He had great business capacity, a broad and correct grasp of affairs in all fields of action, and by the force of his inherent abilities and qualities he rose to influence and honor."

            GEORGE C. JACKSON. --- The name of Jackson has been so long and prominently connected with the history of Sullivan county, that a representative of this leading and influential family needs no introduction to the people of this locality.  George Corydon Jackson, a son of George D. Jackson, fully sustained the high reputation of the family in connection with the industrial interests of this section of the state.  He was born in Dushore, in March, 1854, and on account of delicate health in his boyhood he was educated in private schools, pursuing his studies in such institutions in Scranton and Towanda, Pennsylvania.  After entering upon his business career he was for many years proprietor of extensive coal yards, enjoyed an extensive trade in that mineral, and at the time of his death was engaged in developing the coal mines on the Jackson lands, near Bernice.  This was his principal business, yet he was interested to some extent in lumbering, mining and manufacturing.  He carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook, being a man of excellent business and executive ability, of sound judgement, keen discrimination, systematic habits and indefatigable energy.

            He was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Green, of Philadelphia, and they resided at the family homestead in Dushore.When in the prime of life, and in the midst of an honorable, useful and prosperous business career, George C. Jackson was called to his final rest, passing away on Christmas day of 1898, when only forty-five years of age.

            JENNINGS BROTHERS. --- In this age of colossal enterprise and marked intellectual energy, the prominent and successful men are those whose abilities, persistnce and courage lead them into large undertakings and to assume the responsibilities and labors of leaders in their respective vocations.  Success is methodical and resultant, and however much we may indulge in fantastic theorizing as to its elements and causation in any isolated instance yet in the light of sober investigation we will find it to be but a result of determined application of one's abilities and powers in the rigidly defined lines of labor.  Prominent among the men who have done so much to advance the material welfare of Sullivan county is the firm of Jennings Brothers, extensive manufacturers and wholesale dealers in lumber, at Lopez, Pennsylvania.

            The American pioneer of this branch of the Jennings family was Paul Bishop Jennings, a native of Wiltshire, England, who came to the United States in 1816 --- a lad of eighteen years --- and found employment as a farm hand near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He saved a little money and for a short time attended school, it being for the first time in his life.  He then went to the lumber woods of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on the Lehigh river, where he worked as a teamster, and later as a jobber; he saved money enough to buy a farm and gristmill at Mehoopany, Wyoming county, that state.  There he began his independent career as a business man, established a store and built a sawmill, which he operated in connection with his gristmill and farm and became a successful and prominent business man, leaving a large estate at the time of his death, which occurred in 1864.  He married Miss Elizabeth Tuttle, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, and to them were born four children:  Joseph T., a resident of Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, and a prominent lumberman; William N., the father of our subjects; Caroline, wife of E. W. Sturdevant, of Wilkes-Barre; and Mary A., deceased.

            William N. Jennings was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1829, and acquired a business education.  In the memorable days of 1849 and 1850, when twenty-one years of age, he went to California, but after a year returned to the Keystone state.  For a time he was employed as foreman in the construction of the Horseacre dam at Mehoopany, and soon afterwards, in connection with his brother Joseph T., began extensive lumber operations at Jenningsville, Wyoming county, a thriving little town named in honor of the brothers.  About three years later, in 1857, William N. Jennings removed to Pittstown, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where he conducted a lumber yard, flour, feed and provision store, and in 1865 moved to Wilkes-Barre, where he continued in the same line of business until 1877.  A year later, in 1878, he moved to the new oil fields of Pennsylvania, at Bradford, and for three years manufactured lumber, doing a very successful business.  Again returning to Wilkes-Barre, in 1883, he has since made his home there, enjoying all the comforts and esteem a successful business man could wish.  He married Miss Sarah Ann Hicks, of Wyoming county, and they have four children, as follows:  Cortez H. and B. Worth, who compose the firm of Jennings Brothers; William L.; and Eleanor, wife of Dr. N. A. Rinebold, of Wilkes-Barre.

            Cortez H. Jennings, the elder son, was born in Jenningsville, Wyoming county, December 1, 1855, and was educated in the public schools of Pittston and Wilkes-Barre, in the Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, and spent three years at the West Point Military Academy.  From the age of sixteen years he worked, during vacations, in his father's office, and in the summer of 1875 was captain of the steamer Hendrick B. Wright, running between Wilkes-Barre and Nanticoke.From 1875 until 1879 he attended school, and from 1879 until 1881 he assisted his father in the latter's business interests.  In the fall of 1881 he came to Sullivan county, where he purchased of James McFarlane & Company, a large tract of timber land.  In December of the same year he came to the county, and in partnership with his brother, B. Worth, erected the necessary buildings and equipments, and began lumbering.  In the spring of 1882 they erected their first saw mill, which had a capacity of thirty thousand feet of lumber per day, and from time to time they have purchased large tracts of timber land.  In the fall of 1887 they built a part of the present hemlock mill, with a capacity of forty-five thousand feet of lumber per day, and three years later enlarged the mill, putting in gang saws and increasing the capacity to seventy-five thousand feet.  They also constructed a part of their logging railroad along the banks of the Loyal Sock creek, and have since extended the road until its length is sixteen miles.  In 1884 they established a store in Lopez, which has been increased from time to its present large proportions.  It is to-day one of the most complete mercantile establishments in Sullivan county, and gives employment to nine men.  The offices of the company are on the second floor of the store building and are equal to any in the state as to convenience, finish and furnishings.  In the offices they employ four assistants, and their pay-roll shows the names of four hundred in their service.  In 1895 the Jennings Brothers purchased a controlling interest in the clothes-pin factory conducted under the name of the Lopez Manufacturing Company, a concern which employs fifty operatives.  In 1896 they bought the Trexler & Terrell mill, put in band saws and other modern machinery, and now use it as their hardwood mill.  It has a capacity of thirty thousand feet of lumber per day and furnishes employment to thirty-five men.  The Jennings plant is one of the most complete and largest of its kind in this section of the country.  They own over one hundred and fifty houses occupied by their men; and in fact everything used by the concern is theirs.  Their homes are models of comfort and convenience, and the brothers are public-spirited, energetic, progressive, generous, kind-hearted, and in fact possess all the qualities that go to make business men successful and popular.

            Cortez H. Jennings is an active member of the Republican party, has served as postmaster of Lopez, and in 1898 was the county's nominee for congress.  He affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, and is an active member of the Lopez Athletic Association.  He has been twice married --- first in June, 1880, to Miss Florence N., daughter of Captain A. B. Mott, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.  She died in January, 1883, and on the 21st of September, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Louise Bowman, a daughter of Harry H. and Jane (Gregg) Bowman, of Towanda, Pennsylvania.  This union has been blessed with three children:  Donald Hicks, who died in infancy, Sarah Hicks, and Paul Bishop.  Mrs. Jennings is a member of the Episcopal church.

            Bishop Worth Jennings, junior member of the firm of Jennings Brothers, was born at West Pittston, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1862, and was educated in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre, in the Bloomsburg State Normal and the Wyoming Seminary.  At the age of seventeen he entered his father's office, where he worked one year, and then spent the following year in the employ of his uncle, Joseph T. Jennings, at Mehoopany.Following this he joined his brother in the lumber business in Sullivan county.  He has charge of all the office work of the company, and is a stockholder and president of the Dushore bank.  Socially, he belongs to the Masonic order, is an active member of the Lopez Athletic Association, and is captain of the Lopez Baseball Team, a famous organization which has lost but one game in two seasons.  In 1894 he was elected on the Republican ticket to the state legislature, and re-elected in 1896.  He has also served four years as postmaster of Lopez, several years as justice of the peace, seven years as school director, and during that time was president and secretary of the board.

            On the 5th of December, 1883, B. Worth Jennings was married to Miss Ella M. Castle, daughter of John Castle, of Kiantone, New York, and to them have been born two children:  William Worth, who was born October 25, 1884, and Ethel May, who was born May 10, 1889, and died May 12, 1897.  Mrs. Jennings is a communicant of the Episcopal church.

            William L. Jennings, foreman and superintendent of the Jennings Brothers Hemlock Mill, of Lopez, was born at Wilkes-Barre, October 24, 1865.  He pursued his studies in the public schools of that place; in the Chamberlain Institute, of Cattaraugus county, New York; the Riverside Seminary, of Wellsville, New York; the Keystone Academy, of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, and the Wyoming Seminary, of Kingston, Pennsylvania.  He worked for one year in his father's sawmill in Bradford, McKean county, this state, and in April, 1882, entered the employ of his brothers at Lopez.  He began by burning brush and piling lumber, and from the lowest place has worked his way upward, step by step, to his present responsible position.  He has sole charge of all the work, from the rough saw-log in the pond to the finished lumber loaded on the cars ready for market, using ninety-four men in his department.

            Politically he, too, is a Republican, and socially is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. O. T. M.  In 1897 he was elected school director, was president of the board the first year, and is now secretary.  He was married January 22, 1889, to Miss Fidelia Agnes Myers, who was born January 22, 1867, a daughter of C. C. Myers, of Mehoopany.  With the Episcopal church she holds membership. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children, namely:  William Hicks, Victoria and Florence; but the last named died in infancy.

            HENRY RITCHLEN. --- One of the most popular and faithful officers of Forks township, Sullivan county, is Henry Ritchlen, who is now serving as tax collector, to which position he was elected in 1897 for a three-years term.  He is numbered among the progressive and enterprising citizens of the community, and is a wide-awake and practical farmer who owes his success in life to his own well directed efforts and careful management of business interests.

            Mr. Ritchlen represents one of the old and prominent families of the county.  His father, Charles F. Ritchlen, was widely and favorably known in Forks township and took an active part in public affairs.  He was born in Baden, Germany, where he acquired a good education and afterward served as a soldier in the German army.  When a young man he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and located in Sullivan county, Pennsylvania.  There he married Miss Mary M. Tahl, who was born in that locality, and was a representative of a prominent German family.  Mr. and Mrs. Ritchlen began their domestic life in Forks township, where the father of our subject improved a farm which he afterwards sold to John Kane.He then removed to the farm upon which our subject now resides --- then a tract of wild land covered with a growth of native forest trees.  These he at once began to clear away in order to prepare the land for the plow, and in course of time he transformed the undeveloped tract into a finely cultivated farm of ninety-three acres.  There he engaged in raising both grain and stock, planted a good orchard, built a substantial residence and made many other excellent improvements.  He was a stanch Democrat in his political views, and for twenty-eight years served as tax collector, while for thirty-two years he was justice of the peace, and during all that time not a case which he tried was ever taken to the higher courts --- a fact which stands in unmistakable evidence of the soundness and justice of his decisions.  In his family were sixteen children, but the greater number died in infancy or childhood.  Only four are now living: Joseph, a resident of Forks township; Frank, a resident of Laporte, Pennsylvania; Henry; and Mary, wife of Bernard Hanck, of Sullivan county.  The father died at the age of sixty-seven years, and the community thereby lost one of its most valued citizens --- a man whom to know was to respect and honor.

            Henry Ritchlen was reared to manhood on his father's farm, trained to habits of industry and honesty, early becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and acquired a good education in the public schools.  He spent one season in the lumber woods near Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and for a number of winters worked in the lumber woods of Sullivan county, but has given the greater part of his time and attention to farming, and has now a valuable and productive tract of land, much of which is under a high state of cultivation.He manages his business interests with system and energy, and in addition to the cultivation of grain he raises horses and cattle of a high grade.

            In 1884 Mr. Ritchlen was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Hostler, who was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Henry F. Hostler and Sarah (Solinburg) Hostler.  The latter is now deceased.  Four children have been born of this union:  Alice M., William Henry, James Morton and Carl Francis, aged respectively thirteen, ten, six and two years.  Mr. Ritchlen is one of the most active supporters of the Democratic party in his township and does all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success.  He is now serving as township tax collector, and discharges his duties in a most prompt and faithful manner.He is one of the intelligent and progressive citizens of the community, frank and genial in manner, and his genuine worth has won him the high regard of many friends.

            PETER BROWN. --- For more than thirty years Peter Brown has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sullivan county, and is numbered among the leading and influential farmers of that locality.  He is also one of the veterans of the Civil war, and through days of peace as well as days of strife is a loyal, patriotic citizen, giving his support to all measures and movements which he believes will prove of public benefit.

            A native of Fox township, Sullivan county, Mr. Brown was born on the 14th of April, 1841, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the community.  The Browns are of English descent, and the first American ancestors arrived in this country at an early period in American history.  The grandfather of our subject was Aaron Brown, who, in order to make his home in a settlement that was unmolested by Indians, came to Sullivan county, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days.Their graves were made in the Brown cemetery, in Fox township where Mrs. Luce, the mother of Mrs. Aaron Brown, was also buried.  The father of our subject, Archelaus Luce Brown, was born near New Albany, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and on arriving at years of maturity married Miss Sarah Harris, daughter of Peter and Hannah (Battin) Harris, of Lycoming county.  He became one of the pioneers of Fox township, Sullivan county, where he secured his land by patent from the government.He then developed the wild tract into a richly cultivated farm and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1889.  His wife passed away in 1893.  In his political views he was a Democrat, but he was never an aspirant for office.He was the father of seventeen children, fourteen of whom are yet living, namely:  Peter, Hannah, William, George, Sylvester, Maria, Reuben, Rosetta, Chandler, Rosilla, Almeda, Salome, Murray and Judson.  Annetta died at the age of four years, and two died in infancy.

            On his father's farm in Fox township, Peter Brown spent his childhood days and aided in the labors of field and meadow.At the age of twenty-one, on the 24th of October, 1862, he was drafted to serve in the civil war as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-first Regiment of Pennsylvania Drafted Militia, under Capt. Clinton E. Woods, and was stationed at Newbern, North Carolina, his command being attached to the Eighteenth Army Corps under General Foster.Later they were sent on transports up the Pamlico river and by sound to Washington, North Carolina, the journey occupying seven days.  At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Brown received an honorable discharge, and on the 8th of August, 1863, returned to his home.  Months passed and the war still continued.  There was an urgent call for troops from time to time, and on the 15th of March, 1865, Mr. Brown enlisted, joining Company H, Fifteenth New York Regiment of Volunteer Engineers, under Captain Andrew Nauger, in which command he served until the close of hostilities, when he was honorably discharge by special order of the government.  During his second term of service he was stationed at City Point, Virginia, for a time, and afterward took part in the campaign against General Lee in Virginia --- a campaign which resulted in the surrender of Lee and the downfall of the Southern Confederacy.  Mr. Brown then went to Berksville, thence to Clover Station and on to Washington by way of Richmond.  He participated in the grand review at Washington, the most brilliant military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere, and then making his way to the north received his discharge papers in Elmira, New York.

            The country no longer needing his services on the battle field, Mr. Brown returned to his home in Sullivan county once more to take up the pursuits of civil life.  He was a brave and loyal soldier, always found at his post of duty, and well deserves the gratitude and praise of the nation which he helped to preserve intact.

            On the 28th of May, 1863, F. B. Spinola, brigadier general, commanding the Keystone Brigade to which Mr. Brown belonged, addressed the brigade as follows:

            It was in 1867 that Peter Brown located upon the farm in Fox township, which he now owns and occupies, and since that time he has carried on agricultural pursuits, meeting with good success in his undertakings.  His early boyhood training well fitted him for the work.  He has upon his place a large and substantial residence, good barns and other necessary outbuildings, and an orchard which yields choice fruits in season.  He manifests both industry and progressiveness in the management of his property, and is therefore deriving therefrom a good income.

            On the 12th of March, 1865, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Susan Mills, who was born in Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and prior to her marriage was a successful teacher.  She is a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Savacool) Mills.  Her father was born in Sussex county, New Jersey and was descended from New England ancestry.  He first married Sophia Savacool, and they had three children --- Mary A., Dorinda and Martha.  By his second marriage, to Mary Savacool, there were eight children, of whom four are living:  Ambrose Abbott, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Amanda Griswold and Mrs. Cythera Black.  Four of the children died in infancy.  The father of these children, a farmer and carpenter by occupation, died in Leroy, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, at the age of fifty-two years.  His wife died in Madison county, New York, near Oneida, in 1898, at the age of seventy-eight years.  They were faithful members of the Methodist church.  Mrs. Brown is an accomplished and cultured lady and has been to her husband a faithful helpmeet.  To them have been born three children, but Scott, the only son, died in childhood.The daughters are Frances Martha and Edyth Evelyn; the former is the wife of R. T. Beers *, and the latter the wife of W. H. Salisbury, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, by whom she has one child, Monna Larue.  During his early business career he was for twelve or fifteen years employed as traveling salesman by the White Sewing Machine Company, and was quite successful in that line of business.
Editor's Note: You can see the Teaching Certificate issued to R. T. Beers in 1898 by the Sullivan County Schools.

            Mr. Brown usually gives his political support to the Republican party, but does not consider himself bound by party ties.He has filled nearly all of the township offices, and is ever faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his duties.  He gave to his daughters good educational privileges --- Frances Martha having finished an excellent education at the Dover Institution, Dover, New Jersey, and Edith Evelyn having graduated at the State Normal school, at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, in the class of 1893.  Both were numbered among the most successful teachers of Sullivan and adjoining counties.  To all movements and interests calculated to prove of public benefit Mr. Brown lends his aid and influence, and is widely recognized as a valued citizen and a man of sterling worth, straightforward in business and reliable at all times.

            ADAM H. ZANER. --- The great-grandfather of our subject, Adam Zaner, who was a native of Prussia, came to America about 1731 and settled in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in agriculture.He had received an excellent education in his native land and was a successful farmer.  He served seven years in the Revolutionary war and lived to be nearly one hundred years old.  He was the father of eight children, two daughters and six sons, the latter being John, Peter, George, Abraham, Adam and Daniel.

            Adam Zaner, the second, grandfather of our subject, was born in Schuylkill county, where he became a successful farmer and held many of the local offices.  He also carried on the trade of a tailor and lived an industrious and useful life.He married a Miss Buck, who bore him five children --- Nancy, Lewis, Rebecca, Morris and Jerusha.  Both parents lived to a very old age.

            Lewis Zaner was born in Briar Creek township, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1804, where he attended the common schools and spent his youth in assisting his father on the farm.  In 1828 he came to Lycoming, now Sullivan county, and settled on a tract of wild land in what is now Cherry township.  He began the struggle of life single-handed and alone, and by patience, perseverance and economy amassed a fortune of no mean proportions.  He was blunt of speech and manners, but possessed sterling qualities of heart and mind which won for him many friends in spite of his rough exterior.  He was the second sheriff of Sullivan county, an office which he filled with great ability, and was for a long time prominent in the administration of local affairs.  After the death of his wife, in 1883, he moved to Muncy and purchased a beautiful home where surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries of life, he passed the remainder of his days, dying October 27, 1887.  His wife's maiden name was Eve Chrisher, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and to them were born the following children:  Elizabeth, the wife of Jonathan Colley, of Muncy, Pennsylvania, Adam H., our subject; Elijah W.,who died in the service of his country during the Civil war; Rebecca, widow of Henry Whitmire, of Muncy; Hannah, wife of Amos Cox, whose sketch will be found on another page of this work; Levi, a farmer in Montour county; Loretta, wife of Daniel E. Dieffenbach, of Cherry township; Lewis M., who served three years in the Civil war and died while in the army; and Amanda, deceased.  The mother of these children died August 20, 1883, aged eighty-one years.

            Adam Henry Zaner is one of the prominent citizens of Dushore and for many years was a successful farmer until old age forced him to give up active life and retire.  He was born in Briar Creek township, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1827, and had all the advantages of an education in the public schools possible at that time, which were few as compared with those of the present day.His entire life has been spent in Sullivan county, on the farm which was originally purchased by his father and which he operated until 1887, until he moved to Dushore, the property then being sold to his son.  During all these years he has led an exemplary life and has set an example of industry, integrity and liberality which can safely be followed by his descendants.  He has been a Republican ever since the formation of that party and has held several local offices such as school director, constable, etc.  He has been vice-president, stock-holder and director of the National Bank at Dushore, and his opinion was highly valued by all connected with that institution.  Mr. Zaner was married March, 27, 1853, to Miss Fietta Wentzell, a daughter of Jacob and Susannah (Bahr) Wentzell, who was born in Berks county, February 27, 1834.  Of this union six children have been born:  Mary A, the wife of William Bahr, of Cherry township: Amanda, at home; Jerome, employed in an excelsior factory at Ricketts, Pennsylvania; Nelson H., living on the old home farm; Lewis B., also residing on a part of the farm; and Bernice, the wife of Addison Yonkin, of Cherry township.The family holds a high position in the community and the children are worthy descendants of their estimable ancestors.

            LEWIS B. ZANER, who carries on general farming in Cherry township, was born December 31, 1863, on the old Zaner homestead, a part of which he now owns, and is the son of Adam H. Zaner, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.  Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in attending a district school and assisting his father on the farm, until 1888, when he went to Overton, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the manufacture of wintergreen extracts for nearly two years.  He then removed to Proctor, Lycoming county, where he carried on the same business for three years, and later went to East Canton, Pennsylvania, where he remained two years.  He then sold out his factory and returned to Sullivan county, purchasing from his father the farm on which he now lives.  This he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and is justly proud of his fertile fields, excellent stock and pleasant home.  He is well known throughout the community as an intelligent and enterprising man, and he and his family are highly respected by all who know them.  He is a member of the German Reformed church and a Republican in politics.

            Mr. Zaner was married April 8, 1896, to Miss Minnie Benjamin, of Dushore, and they have one child, Miriam.  Mrs. Zaner is a daughter of Edward and Salinda (Colley) Benjamin, and was born at Dushore, September 9, 1867.  Her father was born in Michigan, and when three years of age was brought by his parents to Sullivan county.  They settled at Dushore where the family have since resided.  Mrs. Benjamin died in 1881, at the age of thirty-three years.  Mr. Benjamin, who is a painter and decorator by trade, is still living and resides at Dushore.  Their children were four in number:  Minnie, wife of our subject; William F., deceased; Emily and Deborah, who are living with their father.

            WILLIAM H. YONKIN. --- With other prominent members of the Yonkin family whose histories will be found in this biographical record of Sullivan county, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch has made for himself a well earned reputation as a man of ability, enterprise and intelligence.  To such there is always open a field of action in which their talents may be brought into play, and used, if they so elect, to further the best interests of their community.  That has been the case with Mr. Yonkin, as a brief relation of the chief events in his life will prove.

            William H, Yonkin was born January 13, 1838, in Cherry township, Sullivan county, on a farm adjoining the one on which he now resides.  His parents, Henry and Barbre (Hartzig) Yonkin, were old settlers of the county and highly respected citizens.A full sketch of their lives and record of their ancestors and immediate family will be found in the history of their son, Hon, John Yonkin, on another page of this book.  Until reaching his majority William remained at home, assisting his father in farming, then started out on his own account.  In some seven years he was employed on various farms in the vicinity and then went to Elk county, where for three years he was engaged in lumbering.  At the end of that time he returned to Sullivan county and purchased fifty acres of his present property, from Frederick Miller, to which a few years later he added fifty more acres.

            Of this he has made a fertile, well-ordered farm, where with his family he enjoys life in a comfortable home, and entertains his many friends with genuine hospitality.

            On June 30, 1869, Mr. Yonkin was united in marriage with Miss Hannah A. Fairchild, and this union has been blessed with two children --- Otis F. and Mina Claire --- both of whom are at home with their parents.  In 1874 Mr. Yonkin was elected to the responsible office of sheriff of Sullivan county, which he held for three years, fulfilling its duties to the satisfaction of all concerned.That his fellow citizens appreciated his ability and faithfulness in positions of trust is further shown in the fact that he has served them as collector for two years, constable for five years, township clerk for four years, and township treasurer for two years. At present (1898) Mr. Yonkin is holding a government position, having been appointed in 1895 United States store-keeper and gauger at Mildred, Sullivan county.  In this office, as in others, he has demonstrated his fitness for the place by his honesty, tact and courtesy.

            Mr. Yonkin has been a Master Mason since 1867 and is an honored member of Lodge No. 387, at Dushore.  He has also been a member of the Farmers' Alliance since 1890.He belongs to the Lutheran church, and in politics is a Democrat.

            Mrs. Yonkin was born in Cherry township, September 23, 1847, and is a daughter of Steven and Nancy (Thomas) Fairchild; the father having been born in New Jersey and the mother in Cherry township, Sullivan county.  Mr. Fairchild came to Cherry township with his parents in 1819, they being pioneers of this region.  He followed the occupation of a farmer and also operated sawmills.  He died April 5, 1880, aged seventy-five years, his wife surviving him until July 20, 1890, when she, too, passed away, at the age of sixty-seven years.  Their remains are interred in Cadwallader cemetery.To Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild four children were born, namely:  Caroline, who died when three years old; Hannah A., wife of our subject; Charlotte A., residing on the old homestead; and William T., who married Miss Anna Hall and who also lives at the old home.

            The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Yonkin were Freeman and Hannah (Ketcham) Fairchild, who removed from Morris county, New Jersey, and in 1819 to Cherry township.  The mother was born in May, 1784, and died October 16, 1872.  The father was born in 1782 and died in 1834.To this couple were born the following children:  Steven, married to Miss Nancy Thomas; Harriet, who became the wife of Wells Willocks; Caroline M., who married John W. Martin; and Daniel, who married Miss Elizabeth Richard.

            The grandparents on the maternal side were Samuel T. and Charlotte (Huffmaster) Thomas, natives of Germany, who came to the United States and to Sullivan county at an early day.  In accordance with an old custom, Mrs. Thomas, then a young girl, not having money enough to bring her over, was sold on her arrival in this country, the purchase money defraying her passage.  The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were:Nancy, mother of Mrs. Yonkin; Caroline, who died when fifteen years old; Margaret, the wife of Adrian Van Houten; William, who is married and lives at Berwick, Pennsylvania; and Mary M., who married Frank Parsons and also lives at Berwick.

            GEORGE W. YONKIN. --- Among the enterprising and successful farmers of Sullivan county, may be numbered the gentleman whose name heads this sketch and who is well known throughout Cherry township.He is a son of Henry and Barbre (Hartzig) Yonkin, the father a native of France and the mother of Switzerland, whose history is given at length in the sketch of Hon. John Yonkin on another page of this volume.  The family has for years resided in this county and its members are among the most prominent and well-to-do citizens.

            George W. Yonkin was born in Wyalusing, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1836, and remained with his parents until seventeen years of age, when he entered the employ of Colonel G. F. Mason, with whom he remained two years.  He then went to Southport, where he worked one year for Lewis Miller, at the end of that time returning to Bradford county, where he was in the employ of William A. Parks for six years, most of this time being spent in lumber camps.Later he purchased from Mr. Ward, sixty-five acres of land, of which he immediately cleared eleven acres, and built a small frame house.  He soon brought his farm into good shape and by industry and perseverance he made it productive and porfitable.  In 1862 he came to Sullivan county, and in 1878 he built his present residence, a comfortable house of two stories.  He is popular in his neighborhood and has served two terms as pathmaster.  He is a member of the Reformed Lutheran church and in politics is a Democrat.  Mr. Yonkin was married July 21, 1861, at Le Roy, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary J. Sweeney, and of this union three children have been born.  Emily married Lloyd McCarthy, and lives at Dushore, Pennsyklvania; G. Addison, who married Miss Vernie Zaner, is a farmer in Cherry township; John Married Miss Agnes Lutzelman, and keeps a tavern in Lopez, Sullivan county.

            Mrs. Yonkin is a daughter of John and Mary (Conners) Sweeney, and was born in county Clare, Ireland, December 10, 1841.  Her parents came to America in 1852, settling in Canton, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where her father followed his trade as a shoemaker.  He died in that city in November, 1875, aged sixty-three years, his wife surviving until 1888, when she, too, passed away, at the ripe old age of seventy-three years. Their remains are interred in Towanda, Pennsylvania.  The children of this worthy couple were:  Mary J., wife of our subject; Bridget, who became the wife of Thomas Carmedy, of Bernice, Pennsylvania; John, living in Tioga county, Pennsylvania; Ella and James, who died in childhood; James, employed in the state library at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Anna, who died at an early age.  The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Yonkin were Charles and Hannah Sweeney, who spent their entire lives in their native country, Ireland.Her maternal grandparents, also, were natives of Ireland.

            Mr. and Mrs. Yonkin are pleasantly situated, and are enjoying the results of their early years of labor and care.  They are interested in all the public movements of the day and give their aid to all worthy objects.

            GEORGE LOWE CAMPBELL. --- This is the age of marvelous accomplishments in subduing the giant forces of electricity to the use of man.  A great number of distinguished men have come into being as notable inventors, who are now promient among those whom science and wealth delight to honor, and the names of Morse and Bell, of Brush and Edison, of Tesla and Roentgen are familiar to all as leading spirits of the electrical world.  It has, however, apparently come to Sullivan county to produce an invention in this line second to none in practical utility and the useful application of electricity to the wants of today.  A sketch of the inventor and what he has accomplished is fittingly placed on the pages of the history of his native county.

            George Lowe Campbell, the inventor of the Campbell System of Electric Traction, was born at Hillsgrove, Sullivan county, Pennsylvania, on May 28, 1866, the son of John C. and Margaret M. Campbell, of Highland Scotch origin.  (See sketch of John C. Campbell on another page of this volume.)  From 1868, when his parents moved to Williamsport, this state, until 1890, when he returned to this invigorating region in quest of health, Mr. Campbell did not make his home here.  Attending the public schools of Williamsport until he was thirteen years old, he then left school to enter the employ of the Central Pennsylvania Telephone & Supply Company.  He gave his steady attention for four years to the telephone and electric-light work, and then passed two years in special studies at home.  Removing to Washington, District of Columbia, he there engaged in newspaper work, which he successively and successfully conducted in Washington, Rochester and Buffalo, New York, and Marion, Indiana.  He represented the Pittsburg Pennsylvania Press during the exciting period of the Homestead strike and riots.  His health failing, he returned to Sullivan county and spent three years at Eaglesmere and in western Sullivan, finally locating permanently in Dushore.  He now turned his attention again to electricty and brought his special knowledge of that science into practical utility and invented the Campbell Electric Bulletin and System of Telegraphy, and organized a company for its development.He is also the inventor of an auto-electric semaphore known as the Automatic Rock-Cut Signal System.  In all of these inventions Mr. Campbell has developed new and startling principles, the application of which enables him to produce results long desired and sought after, but which, until his ideas were brought into tangible form, no one had reached.

            Of one of his inventions the Commercial and Financial World says:  "The Campbell system of electric traction is well described as the simplest, best and most economical system yet invented for the propulsion of cars, street railways, elevated railroads and tramways.  It has so few working parts and is so solidly constructed that the chances for accident are reduced to a minimum."  This system has been submitted to the judgment of experts and practical street railway men who have had experience in underground trolley work, and their unanimous opinion is that this is a system posessing absolutely none of the faults of the other magnetic or third-rail systems, and having many advantages peculiary its own.  The great objection to other systems is their multiplicity of parts, separate contacts, switches, etc.  As the Campbell system dispenses with all such mechanism, it is entirely free from such objections.  Mr. Campbell is the present manager of the Campbell Electric Traction Company of Towanda, Pennsylvania, incorporated to introduce this invention.

            He has also well under way other valuable inventions, among which is a printing telegraph, which can be constructed very simply and at a slight expense compared with the enormous cost of former instruments of that kind.  Experiments made with it indicate that it will print a message, not one at both ends of the line as transmitted by the operator, but by as many like instruments as may be connected with the transmitting wire.  This invention may eventually revolutionize telegraphy as it enables one to send a message, whether there is an operator at the other end of the wire or not, for the message will be clearly printed and await the operator's coming, if he be absent.

            Mr. Campbell is yet a young man.  He has a quick, active temperament, in which brain predominates.  As a consequence he is never quiet.  His temperament has been classed by phrenologists as "mental motive."When not otherwise engaged he is occupied in literary work, in which he wields a facile pen.  He has written a number of humorous and descriptive sketches that have appeared in New York and Philadelphia papers, and is the author of a novel with local color entitled, "A Champion of Amateurs," now in process of publication by a New York publishing house.

            Mr. Campbell was married in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1879, to Miss Reba J. Sanders.  They have had six children, of whom four, three sons and a daughter, are now living, the eldest being eleven years of age.  Mr. Campbell's permanent home he has made at Dushore, on account of the rare healthfulness of this region, and here he is contemplating developing a beautiful country seat on a hill overlooking the little valley in which nestles the pleasant village.He is a pleasant, genial companion, and his many friends wish him all the success that his future now promises.

            HON. JOHN YONKIN. --- Prominent among the well known, thrifty and honored citizens of Cherry township, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch deserves more then a passing notice.His ancestors came to this country almost a century ago, and they and their descendants, seemingly unaffected by the fever of change which draws so many to seek the far west, have always been loyal to the Quaker state.  Mr. Yonkin himself has remained a faithful son of his native state and county, being born September 26, 1829, in Cherry township, where his long and busy life has been spent.  He is the son of Henry and Barbre (Hartzigg) Yonkin, who was born at Havre, France, and in Switzerland, respectively.  A brief sketch of the grandparents on both sides will be of interest to all readers of this biographical work, and is herewith presented.  Henry and Elizabeth (Hartzigg) Yonkin were natives of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and came to America in 1807.  Prior to sailing on their long journey, --- as it was considered in those days, --- some trouble arose which caused them to be detained for a year before they could start.  This delay, added to the rascally conduct of the captain of the vessel, who took advantage of their youth and ignorance of travel to swindle them out of their small capital,caused their funds to be entirely exhausted by the time they reached the shores of the new world, and, in accordance with a custom prevailing in those days, upon landing they were sold to a farmer at Bethlehem to pay for their passage.  They remained with this man for several years, then lived in different parts of the state until 1823, when they removed to Cherry township, Sullivan county, which was then a part of Lycoming county.  Here Mr. Yonkin purchased seventy-five acres of wild land, for which he paid two dollars per acre, made a clearing and built a log cabin.  He followed farming and also worked as a wheelwright, and in the course of time became a well-to-do and prominent citizen of his locality.  His family consisted of seven children:  Henry, father of our subject; John, who married Miss Mary Lavenverg; Elizabeth, now the widow of Henry Graifley, of Cherry township; Catherine, wife of Christian Mozier; Joseph, who married Lucretia Hoffa; Jacob, living in Cherry township, whose wife, Elizabeth Moyer, is deceased; Peter, deceased, whose wife, Catherine Suber, survives him.

            Mr. Yonkin and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, and in politics he was a Democrat.  He died in June, 1851, at the age of seventy-seven years.  His last words to his wife were: "I wish you the good luck to live ten years more," which wish was fulfilled, his beloved companion dying just ten years later, in 1861, aged eighty-six years.Both were buried in the Lutheran cemetery in Cherry township.

            On the maternal side the grandparents of our subject were John and Catherine (Shiredecker) Hartzigg, natives of Switzerland, who came to America in 1813 and settled in New Jersey, removing later to that portion of Muncy township, Lycoming county, now Cherry township, Sullivan county.  Here Mr. Hartzigg carried on farming and also worked as a wheelwright.  Once in their early settlement here Mr. Hartzigg was taken very ill.  A physician must be consulted and medicine obtained.  To do this Mrs. Hartzigg walked forty miles in a day to Berwick, through twenty miles of unbroken forests, and the next day returned on foot the same distance to her home.  He died in 1852, at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife several years later, at the age of eighty years.  Their children were as follows:Barbre, who became the wife of Henry Yonkin, father of our subject; John M. and William, who married sisters, Eliza and Sarah Kester; and Salina, who married Philip Miller.

            Henry, father of our subject, was born in Havre, France, in 1806.  He came to this country in 1824, and settled in Sullivan county, where he purchased fifty acres of wild land, at two dollars per acre, from a man named John Kunkle.To this he afterward added fifty acres more, and eventually had a fine farm.  He became an influential citizen and held a number of public offices, being supervisor, school director, tax collector, etc.

            In politics he was a Democrat, and with his wife was a member of the Lutheran church.  He died December 29, 1889, at the age of eighty-three years, his wife surviving him until October 7, 1891, and reaching the advanced age of eighty-nine years.  Their children were as follows: John, the subject of this sketch; Mary C., the widow of William Smith, who resides with her daughter, Ida Zaner, in Cherry township; Charles F., living in Forks township, Sullivan county, married Miss Wealthy Merrithew; George W., a farmer in Cherry township, married Miss Mary Sweeney, and is represented in this work; Ellen is the wife of H. G. Huffmaster, whose sketch will be found on another page; W. H. whose sketch is also included in this book, is a farmer in Cherry township and married Miss Hannah Fairchild; Jacob died at the age of sixteen years; Emily died when eight years old; Hannah married Fain Moyer, a farmer in Lycoming county; Elmira is the wife of R. C. Kashinka, a blacksmith in Cherry township; Peter J. married Miss Elizabeth Kaneller, and farms on the old homestead.  Edward married Miss Ellen Smith, and carries on farming in Cherry township.

            Judge John Yonkin left his home when sixteen years of age, intent on making his own way in the world, and going to Bradford county at once found employment with Colonel Gordon F. Mason, who combined the occupations of farmer and land-agent, and also operated sawmills and did  a general lumbering business.  He remained with this gentleman for fourteen years, a trusted and faithful employe, and in 1874 purchased from John R. Huffmaster the farm on which he now resides.  The place was then an unbroken wilderness, and the price paid for it was four thousand two hundred dollars, Mr. Yonkin buying it for his youngest brother, to whom he offered it for four thousand dollars.  The latter, however, declined to take it and Mr. Yonker moved on it himself, and has by hard work and careful management converted it into one of the finest farms in Sullivan county.

            Judge Yonkin was married February 21, 1863, at the residence of the Rev. Charles L. Early, Lutheran minister in Colley township, to Miss Loretta A. Barge.  Mrs. Yonkin was born in Cherry township, March 16, 1841, and is a daughter of Gulieb and Sarah (Suber) Barge --- the former a native of Germany and the latter of Northampton, Pennsylvania.  The father was brought to this country when a child of three years, his parents settling in Cherry township, and here he spent his entire life, dying August 19, 1890, at the age of seventy-five.

His wife died in 1888, aged sixty-two years.  Their remains were laid to rest in Zion Lutheran cemetery.  In addition to Mrs. Yonkin their family consisted of Sally A., deceased; Jacob, a farmer and fruit-grower in Wilmot township, who married Miss Frances Sacks; Emeline, the wife of Clark Fox, a farmer in Jefferson county, Kansas; Jesse married Miss Mary Bowen and lives in Bradford county, Pennsylvania; Mary S. married Michael Brobst, a farmer in Montour county, Pennsylvania; Caroline E. is the wife of Fred Swere, of Bloomsbury, Pennsylvania; Della C., deceased, was the wife of Freeman Frye.

            The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Yonkin, Frederick and Mary E. Barge, were natives of Germany and came to this country in 1813, settling in Cherry township, where they carried on farming.  Her maternal grandparents, Jacob and Mary M. (Fronfelder) Suber, were born in Pennsylvania, and settled in Sullivan couty in 1844.

            Mr. and Mrs. Yonkin have one son, Ira B., who carries on his father's farm and is well known as a good business man.Judge Yonkin is a man of much prominence in public affairs and has filled many offices of honor and responsibility.  He served as township treasurer four years and was school director for two terms.  In 1878 he was elected county commissioner, serving for three years.  In 1886 he was elected associate judge of Sullivan county, but his seat was contested by E. A. Strong.In 1891 he was again elected to this important position, which he held for one term of five years.  He is a man of superior intelligence, of undoubted integrity, genial in his manner and a genreal favorite with all who know him.He is thoroughly posted in all the vital questions of the day and is a most agreeable companion.

            JOHN P. McGEE, who was for many years a prominent hotel proprietor at Satterfield, Pennsylvania, was born in Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1839.  His parents:  Patrick and Sarah (Quinn) McGee, were natives of county Antrim, Ireland, and came to New York when young people.  They formed an acquaintanceship and were married in New York, going from there to Montrose, Pennsylvania, and subsequently to Towanda.  In 1845 they removed to Sullivan county and settled on the present site of Satterfield, which was then a wilderness.  Mr. McGee purchased fifty acres of land, some years later adding fifty acres more, for which he paid a dollar and a half an acre.A clearing was made in the woods, a log cabin built, and with their little family the young couple began their pioneer life.  The father was a stone-mason by trade, but made a successful farmer, and before his death had seen his property develop into a fine farm.  He died August 31, 1863, at the age of sixty-two years, his wife having passed away July 14, 1860, when forty-seven years of age.  They had a large family of children, as follows: Mary A., married Michael Quinn, and is deceased; Enos lives at Bernice, Pennsylvania; Jane is deceased; John P., subject of this sketch; Sarah married Michael Coley, and is deceased; James lives in Bradford county, Pennsylvania; Catherine married Edward McCarty; Peter, deceased; Henry, deceased; Ellen married John McGraw, and is deceased; Robert, whose sketch will be found on another page, lives at Dushore.

            Our subject came with his parents to Sullivan county in 1845, and at the early age of thirteen years began working among the lumbermen and farmers, and in mines.  In 1892 he built the hotel at Satterfield, which stands twenty-two hundred feet above sea level, and this he carried on until 1896, when his son assumed charge of the business.  He was a popular landlord, and is well known and respected throughout the community.  He has served as road commissioner and school director, and is a member of the Catholic church.  In politics he is a Democrat.

            Mr. McGee was married September 17, 1865, at Dushore, to Miss Margaret Minor, who was born in Cherry township, April 9, 1840, and died November 29, 1890, aged forty-eight years.  She was a daughter of John and Mary (Coyle) Minor, both natives of Ireland.  The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McGee were as follows:  James married Miss Mary Gilligan, and lives in Lopez, Pennsylvania; Patrick F. married Miss Mary Goff, and is landlord of the Satterfield Hotel; John lives at Sayre, Pennsylvania; Mary resides at Towanda, Pennsylvania; Sarah resides at Bernice, Pennsylvania; William lives at home; Anna and Margaret are deceased.

            M. DeWITT SWARTS. --- The financial and commercial history of Sullivan county would be very incomplete and unsatisfactory without a personal and somewhat extended mention of those whose lives are interwoven so closely with its business interests.  Among this number is Mr. Swarts, the courteous and obliging cashier of the First National bank of Dushore.

            He was born in Wantage township, Sussex county, New Jersey, a son of John and Elizabeth (DeWitt) Swarts, and is the fourth in order of birth in their family of ten children.  He was educated in the public schools of his native township and the Mount Retirement Seminary.  At the age of sixteen he entered the office of the prothonotary as assistant to his uncle, who then held that position in Wyoming county, Pennsylvania.  In the spring of 1861 he went to Port Jervis, New York, where he was employed as clerk in a large dry-goods store until the spring of 1865, when he removed to Towanda, Pennsylvania, and entered the employ of Joseph Powell, a dry-goods merchant at that place.  After one year spent as clerk in that establishment he returned to his home in New Jersey, and during the following year served as tax collector in his native township.  On again going to Towanda he was employed as clerk in the dry-goods house of Taylor & Company for three years, and for the following four years was clerk and bookkeeper for the Towanda Tanning Company at Greenwood, Pennsyulvania.  He was next a bookkeeper in the First National Bank, of Waverly, New York, for three years, and in a similar capacity spent six months in the Citizens' National Bank, at Towanda.  He was then employed as clerk in the grocery store of Stevens & Long until 1880, for the following year was in the insurance business, and subsequently was with A. S. Gordon, a grocer, until January 1, 1881.He then opened a cash grocery of his own, which he conducted until June 15, 1882, when he went to Athens, Pennsylvania, and took charge of a store for R. H. Patch & Company, remaining there until May, 1883,.  Returning to Towanda, he helped W. H. D. Green open his large dry-goods store and worked for him until the fall of 1884, when he embarked in the hay business, which he carried on for eighteen months.  He then conducted a general store at the nail works at South Towanda until October, 1888, when he came to Dushore and took charge of George H. Wells' interests, closing out his large mercantile business.  He was largely instrumental in founding the First National Bank, which was chartered January 17, 1891, and opened for business February 2, following, with George H. Wells as president, A. H. Zaner vice-president, and M. D. Swarts as cashier.In that capacity our subject has since served with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and is recognized as one of the most thorough business men of the county.Energy, close application, perseverance and good management --- these are the elements which have entered into his business career and secured his advancement.

            In 1871 Mr. Swarts married Miss Frank Carter, youngest daughter of Dr. Carter, of Towanda, and to them was born one daughter, Josephine C., who now assists her father in the bank.  Mrs. Swarts, who was a most estimable lady, departed this life June 30, 1890.

Sullivan Driving Park and Fair Association
Dushore, PA
Undated Stock Certificate Signed by Ellis P. Swank, Secretary
Made out to J. F. Jackson and signed by B. W. Jennings, President
Three powerful figures in Sullivan County politics in the late 19th century--all with their signatures on one piece of paper

Posted on eBay May 2006
The certificate for 2 and 1/2 shares was found with other materials dated around the end of the 19th century. The face value was $25.00.

            ELLIS SWANK, ex-sheriff of Sullivan county, has for many years been prominently identified with the industrial and political interests of this section, and he has taken an active part in the upbuilding and progress of the community, cheerfully giving his support to those enterprises that tend to public development and materially aiding in the advancement of all social, industrial, educational and moral interests.

            On the paternal side Mr. Swank is of German descent, his grandfather, Solomon Swank, having been a native of Germany. Emigrating to the New World, he was one of the earliest settlers of Sullivan county, where he followed his trade of blacksmithing until his death.  He reared seven children, namely:  John, Jacob, Christian, Samuel, Sarah, Elizabeth and Christiana.

            Christian Swank, our subject's father, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, about 1820, and at a very early day accompanied his parents on their removal to Sullivan county.  When a young man he became interested in agricultural pursuits, which he still follows in Davidson township.  He married Miss Mary A., daughter of Jonas Swank, and to them were born seven children:  Sarah A., now the widow of Clark Mossteller, of Sullivan county; Ellis, our subject; Peter G., a farmer of Davidson township; Henry, deceased; Elizabeth J., wife of J. A. Myers, of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania; Arabella, wife of J. W. Phillips, and Jerusha, wife of Milton Flick, both of Lycoming county.  The wife and mother departed this life in 1887.

            Ellis Swank was born in Davidson township, July 18, 1849, and has spent his entire life in Sullivan county, receiving his education in its common schools and aiding in the work of the home farm during his boyhood and youth.  In 1867 he took up the trade of carpenter, which he successfully followed for nine years.Subsequently he engaged in blacksmithing and sawing, while making his home in Muncy Valley.  On the 17th of December, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Phillips, of Davidson township, and four children blessed their union:  Elizabeth J., who died at the age of fourteen years; Ellery E.; Thomas C., and Martin E.

            In the fall of 1879 Mr. Swank was elected constable of Davidson township, and most acceptably filled that position for two terms.In 1883 he was elected county auditor, and in the fall of 1885 was the choice of the people for sheriff of Sullivan county, both of which positions he filled with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the public.  His duties were performed with an unselfish devotion that well entitles him to the respect which is so freely given him and to a place among the honored and valued residents of the county.  Politically he is a Democrat, and socially is a member of Lairdsville Lodge, No. 986, I. O. O. F.When elected sheriff he removed to Laporte, where he now makes his home.

            SAMUEL KESTER, one of the leading business men of Dushore, Pennsylvania, has shown in his successful career that he has the ability to plan wisely and execute with energy, a combination which, when possessed by men in any walk of life, never fails to effect notable results.  He is now the junior member of the firm of Barth & Kester, manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, molding, fine interior and exterior wood-work, rough and dressed lumber, and dealers in plastering, cements, sand, coal, brick, lath, lime, shingles, etc.

            A native of Sullivan county, Mr. Kester was born in Cherry township, March 5, 1848, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Barth) Kester.  During his boyhood and youth he pursued his studies in the public schools of that township, and on attaining his majority began his business career as a blacksmith, working at that trade for three winters, while during the summer months he engaged in carpentering.  He then engaged in contracting and building with his uncle, L. M. Barth, carrying on that business successfully until 1882, when they built their present plant and have since operated the same.  Wide-awake, energetic business men, they have built up an excellent trade and both stand high in business circles.  In his social relations Mr. Kester is an Odd Fellow, and in political sentiment is a stanch Republican, giving his support to all measures which he believes calculated to prove of public benefit.

            Mr. Kester has been twice married --- first to Miss Hannah L. Martin, daughter of Louis Martin, and to them was born one child, Hattie, who now conducts a millinery store in Elsie, Michigan.  On the 15th of September, 1886, he married Miss H. Alvernon Strong, who was born at Three Rivers, Michigan.  Her father, James Strong, became a soldier of the Civil war and was killed at Fort Fisher.  One daughter, Mildred, graces the second marriage.  Mr. and Mrs. Kester hold membership in the Lutheran church, and in the social circles of the community occupy an enviable position.
Editor's Note: You can also learn more about the Kester family history at Descendants of Jacob Kester and Katherine Knubaharin.