We are indebted to the Sullivan County Historical Society and Museum for this family genealogy and history. The Reeser family is connected by marriage to many other prominent families in the history of Sullivan County. Moreover, the Reverend William Reeser, son of John and Madeline, married hundreds of couples who themselves, and through their children, played important roles in local tradition.

We are grateful to Janet Featherbay Bird and Pat Buffington Onufry for their inputs on this history.

The Sullivan Review
August 28, 1929

History of the Reeser Ancestors
John and Madeline (Betts) Reeser

The Reeser reunion has been held annually for several years at Picture Rocks, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. John Reeser, came from Berks county to Cherry township, Lycoming county, now Sullivan county, in 1821, locating on the Loyalsock creek at Ellis, later known as the Seaman place. He erected the first grist mill in the county, later he located on the farm known as the Wentzel place where he erected the second grist mill, about one half mile from Dushore.

Many people came to Cherry township when it was a wilderness. The first road built in Cherry township was the Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike from Berwick by the way of Long pond to the Loyalsock. Later itwas extended to the Haverly settlement at Overton, from thence it went over the Huckleberry mountain to Greenwood and Monroeton. Andrew Shiner took the contract of building the road. The contract price was $1150 per mile with extra pay for bridges. Half of his pay was to be in land at $2 per acre. The subcontractors took jobs on the road at $8.00 per mile and were to take half their pay in land at $4.00 per acre. By this means many of the early settlers secured their land.

Mr. and Mrs. Reeser were parents of eleven children, who were: Daniel, who married Catherine Litzelswope; William, who married Sarah Martin, and after her death he married Mrs. Melvina Taylor; Charles, who married Sarah Hicks; Jeremiah, who married Caroline Hicks, a sister of Sarah's; Amos who married Rebecca Dieffenbach; John Jr., who married Elizabeth Rupp, and after her death in 1869, Mrs. Susanna Harris Roe ("Rowe") *; Benjamin, who died in infancy; Reuben, who married Martha Black; Adam, who married Mary Siets and after her death he was again married; Elizabeth, who married Joseph Huffmaster, who was killed in the battle of Chancellorsville, she then married Elias Smith and later Barney Kast; Susan, who married Valentine Morter, after his death, Richard Douglas, who was a Civil War Veteran.
* Editor's Note: Patty VanAllan, a descendant of John and Susanna Harris (Roe) Reeser, provided additional information on this family in May 2011:

In the 1860 census, John Reeser (father of Vasthie Reeser) is living with his first wife Elizabeth (age 27) and their 2 children Washington (7) and James (3). By the 1870 census, he has married Susanna (Harris) Rowe and is living with:
Stella (9)
Bell (7)
Chilton (2 months)
William Roe (6)
Harriet Roe (3)
Since Harriet Roe is 3 years old, Susanna and John must have been married no more 3 years and Stella and Bell must therefore be Elizabeth's children. In fact, Larry Pardoe indicates that Elizabeth died in 1869, and John remarried to Susanna in the same year.
In 1880, John and Susanna are living with:
William Roe
Harriet Roe
Clinton Reeser (10)
Mary Reeser (8)
Vasthi (6)
Thomas (4)
By 1900, just John and Thomas are left.
In 1910, John is living as a boarder with the Davis family.
You can see a picture of Harriet (Roe) Collins, sister of Vashti ("Vashtie") Reeser, at Aunt Eliza's Scrapbook.

William and Adam Reeser entered the ministry of the Evangelical church. Amos conducted a hotel at the Ellis stand and later at Dushore. Reuben, while hunting with Mr. Wilcox, discovered the first coal at Bernice. The other brothers were tillers of the soil, making comfortable homes for their families. John Reeser, Sr. died Dec. 9, 1860 at the age of 70 years. His wife died Jan. 8, 1869, aged 75 years.

These parents and their children have passed to the Great Beyond, but their deeds live on. Many incidents of parents and grandparents are still in our memory. I heard my father, William Reeser, relate an incident, which occurred at the table when they were boys at home. Their mother was serving soup when one of the boys said it was too thick, another said it was too thin, another it was too salty, and another that it had too much pepper. Their mother would not tolerate faultfinding or disobedience. She got the hickory stick and gave them dessert, saying as she applied it, "I will give you thick and thin and salt and pepper." They were careful after that not to find fault.

I remember when we lived in Cherry township, when I was quite young, I went with my sister Loretta to my grandparent's home. I disobeyed my mother by asking Grandmother for a piece, while my sister was in the garden getting vegetables for grandmother. She gave me a piece of bread with a generous spread of butter and maple sugar. I did not find fault for it was delicious.

Mrs. Annie E. Reeser Potter

JOHN REESER born in 1790; died December 9, 1860
Married Madeline Betts. She died January 8, 1869

Children of John & Madeline Reeser:

1. Daniel Reeser 1812-1893
2. William Reeser 1816-1906
3. Charles Reeser
4. Jeremiah Reeser
5. Amos Reeser 1822-1897
6. John Reeser 1827-
7. Benjamin Reeser
8. Reuben Reeser 18??-1862
9. A.L. Reeser
10. Elizabeth Reeser 1834-1909
11. Susannah Reeser 1836-1918

WILLIAM REESER (John Reeser) born November 8, 1816; died August 30, 1906
Married 1st Sarah Martin She was born September 16, 1819; died July 18, 1891
Married 2nd Melvina Taylor on September 19, 1892. died November 10, 1912.

Children of William & Sarah Reeser:

1. Rebecca Reeser 1938-1911
2. Hannah Reeser 1841-1904
3. Lewis Reeser 1842-1911
4. Loretta Reeser 1845-1927
5. Emanuel Reeser died in 1862
6. Amanda Reeser died in 1853
7. Annie Reeser 1850-1938
8. M.W. Reeser 18??-1923
9. Sara Jane Reeser died in 1862

The Sullivan Gazette
July 23, 1891
Mrs. Wm. Reeser, of Colley, died of dropsy, last Thursday at the age of 71 years and 10 months.
Mrs. Reeser was a sister of ex County Sup’t., John W. Martin, of Cherry.
The remains were interred at Colley, Saturday.

The Sullivan Review
November 21, 1912
Mrs. Melvina Taylor was married to Rev. Wm. Reeser September 19, 1892, at Dushore. They resided at Colley about 12 years. After the death of her husband she went to Scranton and Picture Rocks with her children. She was ill about two weeks then passed to the great beyond.
Interment at the Hughesville cemetery. She was the stepmother of M.W. Reeser and Mrs. A. E. Potter of Colley.

The Sullivan Review
September 6, 1906

Rev. William Reeser died at the residence of his son, Lewis Reeser, at Lansdowne, Baltimore county, Maryland, August 30, and the body was brought to this place Saturday night, and taken to the home of his son. M. W. Reeser, at Colley, from which place, the funeral was held on Sunday, September 2, interment being at the Colley cemetery. William Reeser was one of the pioneers of Sullivan County. He was born in Schuykill county in 1815, and came to Sullivan County with is parents in 1824, they settled on the place now owned by Percevil Wentzell, about a mile below Dushore. It was on this place, that his boyhood days were spent, and his stories of the early life in the dense forests of Sullivan County were always interesting. When he grew to manhood he married Sarah Martin, and when he was 27 years of age he was ordained as minister of the Evangelical Church, and as such spent a good many years, serving congregations in different parts of central and southern Pennsylvania and in Maryland. He retired from the active work of the ministry about twenty-five years ago, and returned to Sullivan County to spend the balance of his days. During his ministry he had officiated much of the time for his church in this county, and from boyhood had been more or less prominently identified with the county, and in 1851 he was elected as one of the commissioners of Sullivan County, serving for three years. His wife died about 16 years ago, and he afterwards married a Mrs. Taylor of Lycoming county, who survives him. In May last he went to Maryland to visit his daughter, Mrs. William Mead, who resides near Baltimore, and his son Lewis. While at the home of the latter he was taken sick and died, as stated above. He is survived by Lewis Reeser and Mrs. Mead, of Baltimore, M. W. E. Potter, of Colley, and Mrs. A. E. Potter, of Lopez. His death removes almost the last link in the chain linking the early Sullivan with the Sullivan county of today. A further biography will be published next week.

The Sullivan Review
September 13, 1906

Rev. William Reeser was born November 8, 1816, in Schuykill County, Pa. Died August 30, 1906, at Lansdowne, Baltimore, county, Maryland. He left Lopez May 14 to visit a daughter, Loretta, in Harford county, Maryland. He spent two months with her and during that time he preached at Gurrettsville where he had preached 42 years before he went to Berwick to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Winfield Potter.

He preached to a large congregation at Lansdowne, August 19, and the evening of the same day was taken seriously with chronic diarrhea, and lived eleven days.

Services held at his son’s residence in Lansdowne, August 31, and his body was brought to Colley, to his son’s M.W. Reeser residence, and on Sunday, September 2, at Colley church, Funeral services were held by B.F. Keller, of Lopez. Text 2 Timothy 4.7-8,"I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

Previous to the sermon a paper which he had prepared for the occasion, was read. It was the experience of his Christian life. He was converted in early life. At 26 felt that he was called to preach the gospel, was licensed to preach at that time was stationed on several charges. Located twice yet continued to preach.

As a citizen he was interested in public affairs. He served as county commissioner three years, during which time the first murderer in Sullivan county was hung. Also later served as justice of the peace ten years.

He was married to Miss Sarah Martin of Dushore, January 4, 1833. Nine children were born to them, of which five are living; also twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding January 4, 1888, when all the children living were present; A son, Lewis Reeser, wife and two children of Baltimore; a daughter, Loretta Meads, Husband W.L. Meads of Harford county, Maryland; a daughter, Rebecca Potter, of Cameron county, Pa, a daughter Hannah Hunsinger, and one child a daughter, Anna E. Potter, Husband Winfield Potter, and six children. Thomas Messersmith and wife, George Messersmith and wife, Hector Prichard and wife, Charles Schock and wife, C.F. Huntsinger and wife, Edward Oliver, Mrs. Emma Shoemaker of Colley; Amos Cox and wife, Adam Zaner and wife, William Henry; Percival Wentzell and wife; Lyman Baker and wife, Mrs. E. J. Martin and son Bayard, Mrs. Lewis Martin and son John, of Dushore, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Potter of Sugar Run. At the close of the gathering the children sang "My Dear Old Home". The aged parents arose and sang, "Children, Will You Meet Me? " responded to by the children, "Yes, By the Grace of God We Will Meet You."

REBECCA REESER (William, John Reeser) born 1838-1911
Married 1st ELEAZER W. ZANER born Nov. 9, 1831; died Aug. 6, 1862
Married 2nd CHESTER POTTER on May 27, 1866. He was born October 4, 1841; died September 1, 1923.

Grave Marker for Chester Potter
1841-1923
Oak Hill Cemetery
Cameron County, PA
The cemetery is located on what used to be
the Chester/Rebecca Potter farm. Note the Civil War veteran insignia.
Photo Courtesy of the David Bruce Peterson II Family Archives

Children of Rebecca & Eleazer Zaner:

1. Levi Freeman Zaner 1856-1932
2. Emma Loretta Zaner 1858-
3. Albert Smith Zaner 1861-1932
4. Ida Sarah Zaner 1863-

Children of Rebecca & Chester Potter:

1. Gertrude Potter 1876-1950

Gertrude Potter (Rebecca, William, John Reeser) born January 2, 1876; died 1950
Married David Bruce Peterson I on April 12, 1899. He was born March 10, 1869; died October 12, 1926.

Children of Gertrude & David B. Peterson I:

1. Dean Potter Peterson 1900-1941
2. Katherine Rebecca Peterson 1902-1964
3. Donald Peterson
4. David Bruce Peterson 1913-1993

HANNAH REESER (William, John Reeser) born September 9,1841; died January 4, 1904
Married ALFRED HUNSINGER September 1, 1861. He was born Feb. 1832; died March 4, 1916.

Children of Hannah & Alfred Hunsinger:

1. Addison Hunsinger 1862-1928
2. Louis Hunsinger 1866-1948
3. Anna Malissa Hunsinger 1869-1911
4. Laura Hunsinger 1871-1959

The Sullivan Review
January 21, 1904
Mrs. Hannah Hunsinger, wife of Alfred Hunsinger, died at her home in Colley, January 14, 1904, aged 63 years, four months and five days. She is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters. Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 17, Rev. W. J. Campbell, of this place, officiating. Deceased was very highly respected, and will be sincerely mourned by the entire community.

The Sullivan Review
March 8, 1916
Alfred Hunsinger, a veteran of the Civil War, died at Colley, March 4, at the age of 84 years and 24 days. Mr. Hunsinger was born Feb. 12, 1832. He was united in marriage to Hannah Reeser in 1861. In Aug. 1862 he enlisted in the 144th Regiment, Penna. Volunteers, and faithfully served for the good of the country until the close of the war. Mr. Hunsinger's wife died about sixteen years ago; he was later united in marriage to Barbara Seltzer.
Besides his wife he is survived by two sons, Addison of Pittsburgh and Lewis of Sayre and one daughter, Mrs. William Dieffenbach of Colley.
Mr. Hunsinger was a life-long resident of Colley and had a host of friends in that community.
The funeral will be held March 8, at Colley, with interment in Colley cemetery.

Addison W. Hunsinger (Hannah, William, John Reeser) born September 2, 1862; died April 1, 1928 in Ithaca, NY.
Married 1st Ellen Bernice Hartman 1872-1950 Divorced
Married 2nd Carrie ________

Children of Addison W. & Ellen Hartman Hunsinger:

1. Arthur Wells Hunsinger 1888-1945

Children of Addison and Carrie:

1. Mildred L. Hunsinger

Arthur Wells Hunsinger (Addison, Hannah, William, John Reeser) born January 2, 1888; died June 9, 1945;
Married 1st
Married 2nd Verna J. Armstrong on Jan. 14, 1914

Children of Arthur W. & Verna Armstrong Hunsinger:

1. Arthur R. Hunsinger 1915-1973
2. Donald H. Hunsinger 1918-1990
3. Robert R. Hunsinger 1921-

The Sullivan Review
June 21, 1945

A.W. Hunsinger of Sayre died Saturday June 9th at the Robert Packer Hospital at the age of 57 years.
He is survived by his wife Verna; three sons Arthur Jr. of Elmira; Donald of Gardena, Calif; S 1-c Robert of the J.S. Navy, Florida; his mother Mrs. William Lane of Waverly; half sister, Mrs. Walter Smith of Waverly; four half brothers, William, Walter and Raymond of Waverly and Lewis of Sayre; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon. Burial in Tioga Point cemetery.

Mildred L.Hunsinger (Addison, Hannah, William, John Reeser) born October 2, 1891 in Colley, PA; died March 28, 1965 in Devon, Chester County, PA;
Married Samuel Moffat Ellis
Children listed in 1930 Federal Census for Philadelphia: Samuel, Doris M., Dennis D., Thora Ellis
Children listed in 1940 Federal Census for Philadelphia: S. Moffat, Louise, Francis D, Sarah Ellis

Morning Telegram
Elmira, NY
October 21, 1917

Patriotic Nurses.

Grand Niece of Late Sam Sloane, of Lackawanna, Has Gone to France.

Ithaca, N. Y., Oct. 20. We are giving too little credit to our women patriots or rather we have been. The battlefields and trenches in Europe are not all there is of it. The nurses are close to the soldiers, God bless them all, soldiers and nurses, cultivated, trained, intellectual, brave, loyal, sympathetic, tender hearted nurses. The hospitals cut a mighty big figure in the titanic conflict. These young women are volunteer angels of mercy.
We have here a splendid type of an American registered nurse, Mildred L. , daughter of our townspeople, Mr. and Mrs. A. M.Hunsinger, of No. 124 East Mill street. She is in her uniform, like an officer in appearance, tall and noble in physique. Her face has an ideal expression. She has gone to France in a "Unit" of sicxty graduates of the famous Methodist Episcopal hospital, of Philadelphia. She was in the 1915 Graduating class. One hundred and twenty officers and enlisted men of naval hospital No. 5, recruited from the M. E. hospital, had preceded Mildred to France. Lack of transportation accommodations held them back for a short time.
Before sailing, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffords gave them a check for $2, 000 for emergencies in the unit. Equipment for theunit of nurses was given by the SOuthern Pennsylvania chapter, American Red Cross. The navy league furnished helmets, sweaters, wristlets and scarfs to the men. We notice in the dispatches that the officers are men, surgeons and lieutenants. Mildred certainly looks fit to be a lieutenant of a Red Cross unit. President Samuel Sloane, of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, was Mildred's grand-uncle, on her mother's side. She went to France on a battleship.
Dr. Esther Parker, of this city, has enlisted and is in New York waiting transportation to the trenches as a surgeon. She is a brave and loyal and worthy girl.
Grace M., daughter of Frank F. Williams, No. 123 Farm street, is another registered American nurse who has gone to France to seerve our boys in khaki, to adminster to them as time, luck and nature may require. We have ot seen Grace or her photo. Agnes D. Sullivan, of Fayette street, is another registered nurse awaiting sailing orders. She says that we can run her portrait after she sails for France. Mildred has "nothing on Agnes" when it comes to physique and face and mental expression. Miss Sullivan will look like a man hero of the General Hancock type when she dons a cloak with military cut and buttons and faces the wounded American soldier boys in the far away hospitals. Her headquarters are in Albany as to orders. That is the point from which Dr. McCormick's final orders will come from when he moves to the front in France.
Attention will be paid to our girls in the hospitals in Europe hereafter and we hope and honestly believe that they will find very little work to do as nurses or aids to doctors and surgeons. The fighting has been in favor of the western allies and Italy all summer and autumn so that a child can see it and understand it. Every day makes this certain.

Louis Mead Hunsinger (Hannah, William, John Reeser) born May 3, 1866; died October 14, 1948.
Married Amelia Prichard on January 6, 1886. She was born in 1867; died March 24, 1930.

Children of Louis & Amelia Hunsinger:

1. Agatha Hunsinger 1888-1927
2. Oney Demoss Hunsinger1888-1944

The Sullivan Review
October 14, 1948
Louis Hunsinger, of Athens, died Monday, October 11th at the home of his grandson-in-law, Mr. and Mrs Henry Snyder, of Allentown.
Mr. Hunsinger was born at Colley, in 1866, a son of the late Alfred and Hannah Reeser Hunsinger and a grandson of the late John Hunsinger, who came from Luzerne County to the Lee Settlement in 1828, having purchased 100 acres of land near Bella Sylva. Mr. Hunsinger’s mother, was a daughter of the late Rev. William Reeser and Mrs. Sarah Martin Reeser, also early settlers oin Cherry township. He received his education in the school of Colley township, and later with his family moved to Athens. He was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Prichard, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hector C. Prichard, also of Colley. She passed way several years ago.
He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Laura Dieffenbach of Colley; five grandchildren, Mrs. John Wilder, Slatington, Pa; Mrs. Dale Woodruff, Emmons, Pa.; Robert Hunsinger and Mrs. June Lillard, Orange Calif.
The body was taken to the Kolb Funeral home where funeral services were held Thursdsay afternoon. Rev. Frederick Pieplow, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Sayre officiated. Burial in Tioga Point cemetery.

The Sullivan Review
March 26, 1930
Mrs. Amelia Hunsinger, wife of Lewis M. Hunsinger of Athens, died suddenly at her home on Frederick street, Monday evening, March 24.
She is survived by her husband, on son, Oney Hunsinger of Rochester; and three grandchildren, her mother, Mrs. Mary Prichard, of Athens; three brothers, Henry Prichard of Colley; Bert Prichard of Sciota Vale; and William C. Prichard of Orange California.

Agatha M. Hunsinger (Lewis, Hannah, William, John Reeser) Born 1888; died April 17, 1927
Married William E. Woodruff on November 2, 1903. He was born in 1881; died April 10, 1957

Children of Agatha & William Woodruff:

1. Fern Woodruff 1904-1948
2. Helen Woodruff 1908-1968
3. Dale Woodruff 1913-1966

The Sullivan Review
April 20, 1927
Mrs. William E. Woodruff, 39, of 424 Keystone Avenue, died at the Robert Packer Hospital Sunday morning at 3 o’clock.
She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Henry Snyder of Rochester, N.Y., and Miss Helen at home; one son, Dale, at home; her parents Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Hunsinger of Athens; one brother Oney Hunsinger of Rochester and her aged grandmother, Mrs. Mary Pritchard of Athens.
Funeral services will be held at the home of her parents, 124 Frederick street, Athens, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. E.H. Wyle, pastor of the Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Tioga Point cemetery.

Fern Woodruff (Agatha, Lewis, Hannah, William, John Reeser) born September 15, 1904; died March 24, 1948.
Married Henry Snyder

No children.

Helen Woodruff (Agatha, Lewis, Hannah, William, John Reeser) born June 27, 1908; died December 22, 1968
Married John E. Wilder 1906-1962

Children of Helen & John Wilder:

1. John D. Wilder 1933-
2. Margaret Wilder 1934
3. Diane Wilder 1936-
4. Judith Wilder 1948-

Dale Ellsworth Woodruff (Agatha, Lewis, Hannah, William, John Reeser) born May 10, 1913; died January 20, 1966.
Married Frances A. Long on March 15, 1941

Children of Dale & Frances Long Woodruff:

1. Gregory E. Woodruff

Oney Demoss Hunsinger (Lewis, Hannah, William, John Reeser) Born January 8, 1888; died October 29, 1944 in Orange Co. Calif.
Married Mary Patti Bois on Dec. 4, 1903. She was born Feb. 14, 1896; died Nov. 18, 1982.

Children of Oney & Mary Patti Bois Hunsinger:

1. Robert Oney Hunsinger 1918-
2. Mary June Hunsinger 1924-

Anna Malissa Hunsinger (Hannah, William, John Reeser) born June 4, 1868; died November 22, 1911;
Married Edward L. Oliver on July 4, 1888. He was born in 1865; died July 4, 1915.

Children of Anna & Edward Oliver:

1. Flora Oliver 1888-1957
2. Walter Oliver
3. Floyd Oliver 1893-1959
4. Ezra Oliver
5. Curtis Oliver
6. Regina Oliver 1897-1908
7. Freida Oliver 1899-1937
8. Gerald Oliver 1904-1964
9. Infant son 1906-1906
10. Beatrice Oliver 1910-

The Sullivan Review
December 7, 1911
Annie Melissa, daughter of Alfred and Hannah Hunsinger, was born in Colley on January 4, 1869, and was married to Edward L. Oliver of Sciota, on July 4, 1888.
Her death occurred Nov. 22nd at her home in Sciota. She was the mother of ten children, two having proceeded her. She leaves an aged father, two brothers, A.M. and Lewis M. Hunsinger of Sayre, one sister, Laura Dieffenbach of Colley, five sons, Walter, Floyd, Ezra, Gerald and Curtis, three daughters, Flora Woodruff of Sayre, Freida and baby Beatrice one year old. and a griefstricken husband. Her illness lasted only a few days. She called her daughter Freida to her bed, saying take good care of baby and be a good girl, and the answer was, I will mama. Her sons too received their last instructions from a loving mother who was resigned to her death, but felt her little children needed her care.
Funeral services were conducted at Colley by Rev. H. R. Wilkes of Dushore, last Friday, with interment in the Colley cemetery.

Flora M. Oliver (Anna M. Hannah, William, John Reeser) born December 12, 1888; died June 4, 1957.
Married Howard Woodruff on October 14, 1911. He was born August 16, 1886; died August 14, 1976

Children of Flora & Howard Woodruff:

1. Guy Woodruff 1912-1915
2. Ruth Woodruff 1914-1915
3. Edward Blaine Woodruff 1916-1995
4. Richard J. Woodruff 1919-1974
5. Ruby Eurdean Woodruff 1922-
6. Marie Woodruff 1925-

Floyd Oliver (Anna M., Hannah, William, John Reeser) born 1893; died 1959
Married Jennie Stoddard on August 7, 1915. She was born 1889; died June 25, 1944.

Children of Floyd & Jennie Stoddard Oliver:

1. Female Oliver, married William Durland
2. Floyd Oliver Jr.
3. Janet Oliver

The Sullivan Review
June 29, 1944
Jennie Stoddard Oliver passed away very suddenly at her home Sunday noon.
She was a life-long resident of Sciota Vale and the community was greatly shocked by her sudden death as she was very active in church and social life. She was a member of the Methodist Church of Hollenback.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd; three children, Mrs. William Durland of Sugar Run; Floyd, Jr. and Janet, at home; Her mother Mrs. Ophra Stoddard, and the following brothers and sisters; Mrs. Edward McDonough and Mrs. Elizabeth Tuttle of Hollenback and Mrs. Clair Secor and Miss Olive Stoddard of Towanda, Mrs. Loren Van DeMark of Laceyville, Herman Stoddard of Sciota Vale, John and Ralph of Hollenback and Albert of the U.S. Navy.
Funeral services were held from her late home, Wednesday afternoon at 10 o'clock, burial in the Colley Cemetery.

Freda Oliver (Anna M., Hannah, William, John Reeser) born in 1899; died in 1937.

Gerald Waye Oliver (Anna M., Hannah, William, John Reeser) born April 22, 1904; died July 6, 1964.
Married Arvilla Adeline Hunsinger on May 10, 1924. She was born Nov. 6, 1906; died Dec. 24, 1998.

Children of Gerald & Arvilla Hunsinger Oliver:

1. Gerald Oliver, Jr. 1926-1989
2. Fern Oliver
3. Thelma Oliver

Beatrice Oliver (Anna M. Hannah, William, John Reeser) born July 29, 1910; died August 27, 1988
Married 1st Freeman Fox
Married 2nd Stanley Sutton then divorced
Married 3rd George Mutch

Children of Beatrice & George Mutch:

1. Bonnie Jean Mutch

Laura Belle Hunsinger (Hannah, William, John Reeser) born February 12, 1871; died July 24,1959.
Married William Dieffenbach He was born November 1, 1872; died August 25, 1943.

Children of Laura & William Dieffenbach:

1. Mary Dieffenbach 1909-2001

The Sullivan Review
July 24, 1959
Mrs. Laura Dieffenbach , aged 88, widow of William Dieffenbach, and a lifelong resident of Colley, Star Route, Dushore, died Friday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Dunn, after a long illness.
Mrs. Dieffenbach, was born Feb. 12, 1871, in Colley, the daughter of Alfred and Hannah Reeser Hunsinger.
Suriving are the daughter at whose home she died; four grandchildren, James, Lucille, Fred and Mary Ann Dunn, at home; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held from the Dunn residence in Colley on Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Clement B. Meyers officiating.
Pallbearers were John Dunn, William Durland, James Haman, William Oliver, Milton Potter and Duane Reeser. Interment was in the Colley cemetery.

Mary M. Dieffenbach (Laura, Hannah, William, John Reeser) born November 16, 1909; died June 17, 2001
Married Walter Dunn

Children of Mary & Walter Dunn:

1. James Dunn 1934-
2. Lucille Dunn 1937-
3. Frederick Dunn 1944-
4. Mary Ann Dunn 1948-

The Sullivan Review
June 21, 2001
Mary M. Dunn, 91, of RR #2 Colley, died June 17, 2001, at Towanda Memorial Hospital.
Born November 16, 1909, at Colley, she was the daughter of William F. and Laura B. Hunsinger Dieffenbach. She was preceded in death in 1973 by her husband, Walter "Farm" Dunn.
Mary attended local grade school and graduated from South Waverly High School. She received a registered nursing degree from Arnot Ogden Hospital, Elmira.
She devoted her life to home and family and was an avid reader and a wonderful cook. She did beautiful needlework, loved gardening and was always surrounded by flowers, both inside and outside her home.
She is survived by two sons, James, Baltimore, MD, and Fred, Miami, FL; two daughters, Lucille Kratcoski, Tallmadge, OH, and Marianne Sharp, Oakton, VA; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held June 19, 2001 from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, Dushore, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi, Mildred, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Burial at the Colley Cemetery followed

Lewis Reeser (William, John Reeser) born in 1842; died August 23, 1911.
He was married.

His children were:

1. William D. Reeser
2. Burton W. Reeser

The Sullivan Review
November 9, 1911
Lewis Reeser, a well known resident of Black Horse, Hartford County, MD, but later of Lansdowne, MD died Aug. 23, after a short illness in the 69th year of his age. He was the oldest son of Rev. William Reeser, of Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. He leaves a wife and two sons, William D. of Hartford, MD, and Burton W. of Baltimore City; also by one brother, Hon. M.W. Reeser of Colley, Pa. and two sisters, Mrs. Winfield Potter of Colley, Pa. and Mrs. W. Meads of Rocks MD.
He was highly respected by all and especially in the community in which he lived. As a carpenter and builder and a kind neighbor a devoted husband and father, all will miss his coming footstep and friendly greeting. Interment was made in the Louden Cemetery at Baltimore.

Loretta L. Reeser (William, John Reeser) born in 1845; died December 1, 1927.
Married William Meads.

Children of Loretta and William Meads:

1. Milton Meads
2. Stella Meads

The Sullivan Review
December 14, 1927
Mrs. L.L. Meads died, Thursday December 1st, at the home of her son-in-law, Rev. H.J. Hildt of Emas, Lehigh County; Mrs. Meads was born in 1845 in Sullivan County near Dushore. She was a daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Wm. Reeser, of Colley, and a sister of the late Hon. M.W. Reeser. She taught several terms of school in Sullivan County and Huford County, Md.
She is survived by two children, one son Milton Meads of Glen Arm, Md and one daughter, Stella, wife of Rev. H.J. Hildt of Emas, Pa. also grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Annie E. Potter of Peckville, Funeral service was held at the Evangelical church, Sunday Dec. 4

ANNIE REESER (William, John Reeser) born January 23, 1850; died January 13, 1938.
Married Winfield Scott Potter. 1844-1916

Children of Annie & Winfield Potter:

1. Vesta Potter 1876-1960
2. Ellery Ernest Potter 1880-1818
3. Milton Potter 1882-1964
4. Burton Potter 1885-1947
5. Edna Potter, 1887-1888
6. Linta Potter 1888-1895

The Sullivan Review
August 2, 1916

Winfield Potter died at the home of his son, Ellery, at Hollenback, Thursday July 27. Mr. Potter was born at Sugar Hill, Cherry Township, in 1845. He was the son of Wilson Potter. His grandfather was one of the first settlers in Cherry Township.

Mr. Potter was united in marriage with Miss Anne E. Reeser, a daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Wm. Reeser of Colley, about forty years ago. He is survived by his wife, one daughter and three sons: Mrs. Vesta Dikeman, Peckville, Ellery of Hollenback, Milton of Old Forge and Burton of Jenningston, W.Va., also two sisters and one brother, Celinda of Buffalo, Mrs. Daniel Pritchard of Orange, Cal, and Brookins of Sugar Run.

He resided for a number of years in Colley and was a member of Dushore Lodge NO. 494 I.O.O. F. since 1875. The remains were brought to Colley Saturday for interment. Rev. I. C. Shearer officiating.

The Sullivan Review
August 16, 1916

In Memory of My Husband Winfield Potter Died July 27

Although three score and ten years of life, yet the span of life seemed short. As a citizen and father, he was an example worthy of patronage. Truthful and honest in his dealings with his fellow men, often losing financially so as not to distress those who were under obligations to him. His life was one of purity and temperance, avoiding popularity.

In order to be convenient to the doctors, we closed our home two years ago and were at Old Forge and Peckville. After remaining there about seven weeks, we decided to come to Hollenback, thinking the country air might be a benefit. Although he has been ailing for three years and unable to work he has been patient through all.

Six children were born to us. Four who are living were here to care for their father. We also have sixteen grandchildren of whom he was very fond, but having a favorite in every family, Kenneth of Peckville, Carl of Old Forge, Lenora of Jennings Md and baby Dorothy of Hollenback. There is also a baby Winfield of Old Forge.

Four of his granddaughters Frances Custard, Marjorie Dikeman of Peckville, Grace Potter of Old Forge and Hazel Potter of Hollenback carried their grandfather’s flowers at his funeral.

His influence over his children commanded obedience, true manhood and womanhood. Death has visited our home three times: baby Edna at Colley, our oldest son Linta at Lopez aged 18 years, and now a husband and father. The empty crib, the vacant chair, the sadness and loneliness remind us that it is death.

The last words are stamped on our minds. My husband said, “Take my hand and keep hold of it.” As I held his cold hand the thought came to me, is this the Valley of Death through which all must pass to reach the great beyond? If we only understand, some day, some time, we will understand. God will take care of us through every day and o’er all the way.

Annie E. Potter.

The Sullivan Review
January 19, 1938
Mrs. Annie Reeser Potter, daughter of the late Rev. William and Sarah Martin Reeser, pioneer residents of Sullivan County, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. T.G. Dikeman, at Peckville, Pa. Thursday morning January 13th, 1938
Mrs. Potter was born January 23, 1850, and was a woman of sterling character and indomitable courage, ever active in any welfare work, which would benefit church or community.
While a resident of Peckville, she attended the Baptist church. She was active in the W.C.T. U. a member of the Ladies Aid Society of the Stewart Methodist church of Old Forge and a charter member of Colley Grange.
During her lifetime occurred many major conflicts and tragedies; the Civil War, Spanish American War, the assassinations of Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley. While she and her brother the late Hon. M.W. Reeser, lived with the family in Harford county, Maryland, they as children were greatly impressed by the screams of the slaves as they were punished, also by the sounds of the heavy artillery while the Civil War was in progress.
In 1874 she was married to Winfield Scott Potter and the union was blessed with the following children: Linta and Edna, who died at an early age; Vesta of Peckville, with whom she lived; Milton of Williamsport; the late Ellery E. of Hollenback and Burton of Old Forge. Also twenty grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, who are richer because of her life, who lived her life according to God’s Word.
A season of prayer was held in Peckville followed by services in the Evangelical church at Colley on Saturday, at 2:30 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Whitney, pastor of the Baptist church of Peckville. By request of the deceased, a mixed quartette from Peckville, sang, "God Will Take Care of You," and "Good Night and Good Morning."
The Colley Grange were in charge of the service at the grave.
The pallbearers were grandsons, Harold Potter, Ernest Dikeman, Miles Potter, Carl Potter, Burton Potter and Kenneth Dikeman. Flower bearers were members of the W.C.T. U. at the home in Peckville and at Colley. Granddaughters bore the floral tributes.
The funeral was largely attended by relatives, neighbors and friends.

Vesta Louella Potter (Annie, William, John Reeser) born October 25, 1876; died October 27, 1960.
Married 1st George Custer
Married 2nd Theodore Dikeman on October 28, 1903

Children of Vesta & Theodore Dikeman:

1. Ernest Dikeman 1904-1976
2. Marjorie Dikeman 1906-1993
3. Kenneth Dikeman 1908-1995
4. Emma Dikeman 1913-1979

Ellery Ernest Potter (Annie, William, John Reeser) born in 1880; died December 24, 1818
Married Rosanna Sevilla "Rose" Schoch. She was born August 23, 1884; daughter of John and Sevilla Eberlin Schoch; died December 11, 1977; buried in Wyalusing Cemetery.

The Sullivan Review
January 18, 1919
Ellery Potter, son of the late Winfield Potter, died at his home in Hollenback early Tuesday morning, December 24, after a week's illness of influenza which developed into pneumonia during the last days of his sickness.
Mr. Potter was 38 years of age and was a respected citizen of his home community. He leaves a wife and eight small children to mourn his death.
Funeral services were held at the home on Friday afternoon and interment made in the cemetery at Colley.

Children of Ellery & Rose Schoch Potter:

1. Harold Potter 1907-1978
2. Hazel Potter 1909-
3. Kenneth Potter 1911-1978
4. Donald Potter 1912-1990
5. Ford Potter 1913-1984
6. Dorothy Potter 1915-
7. Ethlyn Potter 1917-1982
8. Evelyn Potter 1917-

Harold Ernest Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born May 5, 1907; died September 19, 1978
Married Gertrude Pillinger
No Children

Hazel Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born 1909
Married Peirson Plows

Kenneth Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born April 28, 1911; died November 24,1978.
Married Marion Saxe

Children of Kenneth & Marion Saxe Potter

1. Rose Potter
2. Joan Potter

The Sullivan Review
November 30, 1978
Kenneth Potter, 67, of Vestal, NY formerly of New Albany RD, died Nov. 24, 1978, at Wilson Memorial hospital in Johnson City, NY.
Born in Colley, he was a son of Ellery E. and Roseanna Jackson Potter. When living in the New Albany area, he was a school bus driver for Wyalusing Valley schools. Leter, in Vestal, he drove bus for the Vestal High School.
He is survived by his wife, Marion Saxe Potter; two daughters, Mrs. Ernest (Rose Patterson of Triangle, NY, and Mrs. Terrell (Joan) McCarty of Conklin, NJ; a son, William at home; five sisters, Hazel Plows of Duryea, NY; Dorothy Sick of Lovelton; Ethlyn VanDeMark of Sugar Run; Evelyn Keeney of Wyalusing; and Ruth Conner of Dushore; two brothers, Donald and Ford, both of Sugar Run.
Funeral serivces were held in Wyalusing Nov. 27 with Rev. Keith Plows of Graterford, PA, officiating. Burial was in the Wyalusing cemetery.

Donald Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born May 17, 1912; died November 23, 1990
Married Anna Winifred Prichard

Children of Donald and Anna Prichard Potter:

1. Patricia Potter
2. Mary Potter

Ford W. Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born 1913; died July 19, 1984
Married Helen Keeney

Children of Ford & Helen Potter:

1. Melanie Potter
2. Sharon Potter
3. Peggy Potter
4. Evelyn Potter

The Sullivan Review
July 26, 1984
Ford W. Potter, 71, Sugar Run RD 1 died July 19, 1984 at the Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock.
He was born in Colley, the son of the late Ellery and Rose Shock Potter, and was a lifelong resident of the area.
He owned and operated his farm on Sugar Hill, retiring in 1972; was a member of the Hollenback United Methodist Church; and was an avid baseball fan and participant.
Mr. Potter is surivived by his wife, the fromer Helen Keeney; three daughters, Mrs. Melanie Adams, Laceyville, Mrs. Sharon Pickett, Sugar Run; Mrs. Peggy Steier, Tunkhannock; four sisters, Mrs. Hazel Plous, Duryea, Mrs. Dorothy Sick, Dushore, Mrs. Evelyn Keeney, Wyalusing, and Mrs. Ruth Conner, Dushore; and one brother, Sugar Run.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Evelyn Van DeMark and two brothers, Harold and Kenneth.
Funeral services were held on July 21 at the Kenneth D. Kerr Funeral Home, Wyalusing with Rev. William Parsons officiating.
Interment was in the Wyalusing Cemetery.

Dorothy Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born in 1915
Married Robert Henry Sick. Born Oct. 5, 1907; died April 19, 1983

Children of Dorothy & Robert Sick:

1. Edith Sick
2. Joyce Sick
3. Connie Sick
4. Norman Sick

Ethlyn V. Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born July 4, 1917; died September 1, 1982
Married Raymond Van DeMark

The Sullivan Review
September 9, 1982
Ethlyn Van DeMark, 65, of Sugar Hill, died unexpectedly Sept. 1, 1982, at her home.
She was born July 4, 1917, in Hollenback, PA, a daughter of Ellery Ernest Potter and Rosanna Servilla Shock Potter. Ethlyn had resided in the area her entire life. She was a member of the Hollenback United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.
She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Eleanor Salsman, Sugar Run, Mrs. Phyllis Seaman, Wyalusing, Mrs. Neta Repsher and Mrs. Carol Franklin, Laceyville, Mrs. Cathy Lee, New Albany; two sons, Ellery, Athens, and David, Sugar Run; 21 grandchildren; one great-grandson; four sisters, Mrs. Hazel Plows, Duryea, Mrs. Dorothy Sick, Lovelton, Mrs. Evelyn Keeney, Wyalusing, Mrs. Ruth Conner, Dushore; two brothers, Ford Potter, Sugar Run, Donald Potter, Sugar Run; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceeded in death by two brothers and two grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday at the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, with the Rev. W. James Pall officiating. Interment was in the Wyalusing cemetery

Evelyn Virginia Potter (Ellery, Annie, William, John Reeser) born July 4, 1917;
Married Harry L. Keeney

Lewis Milton Potter (Annie Elizabeth Reeser) born April 12, 1882;died June 3, 1964.
Married 1st Ruth Buttles on December 28, 1904. She was Born 1886; died November 12, 1931.
Married 2nd Cora Elizabeth Pealer Meyers on December 24, 1936. She was born May 15, 1881; died June 3, 1964

Children of L. Milton & Ruth Potter:

1. Grace Potter 1905-
2. Miles Potter 1909-1984
3. Carl R. Potter 1911-1969
4. Winifred Potter 1916-2000
5. R. Beryl Potter 1920-
6. Milton Potter 1922-

The Sullivan Review
June 12, 1964

Louis Milton Potter, 82, of 367 Lincoln Avenue, Williamsport died at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 1964, in the Williamsport Hospital.
A native of Colley, Sullivan County, he was born April 12, 1882, the son of Winfield and Anna E. Reeser Potter.
He was an automobile dealer in Old Forge from 1913 to 1936. During World War 2, he was employed at Avco. Later he worked at Bethlehem Steel, retiring in 1956.
His first wife, the former Ruth Buttles, died in 1931. His second wife, the former Cora Pealer Myers, survives.
Mr. Potter was a member of the First Evangelical United Brethren Church and served on the Boy Scout board.
Surviving, besides his wife, are four sons, Miles B. of Bryn Mawr, Carl R. of Washington, Winfield of Burlington, Iowa; two daughters, Mrs. R. Beryle Kohler, State College, and Mrs. Grace Peck, Arlington, Va.; a sister Mrs. Vesta Dikeman, Peckville; nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Maneval’s, 711 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, with further services in the church at New Era, Bradford County. The Rev. William H. Kelly, his pastor, officiated. Burial was in the New Era Cemetery

The Sullivan Review
November 18, 1931
Mrs. Ruth Buttles Potter, a former resident of Lopez, died November 12th at her home on Main street, Old Forge, at the age of 45 years.
She is survived by her husband L.M. Potter and the following children: Mrs. Grace Peck of Bloomsburg; Carl, Winifred, Myrle and Milton, Jr. at home. Twin grandchildren, Alice and Ruth Peck, three sisters, Mrs. Jennie Dunham of Wyalusing; Mrs. Bertha Bennett of Towanda; Mrs. Grace A Owens of Wyalusing and One brother Matthew Buttles of Benton.
Funeral service was conducted by Rev. Freeman of Old Forge, assisted by Rev. Melone of New Era, Sunday at three o’clock. Mrs. Jacob Warring of Plymouth sang "One Sweetly Solemn Thought," assisted by Mrs. Gertrude Pillinger of Old Forge. Flowers were carried by the following nieces; Miss Hazel Potter of Duryea; Miss Emma Kikman, Mrs. Marjorie Evens of Peckville; Miss Ethlyn Potter of Sugar Run; Miss Agnes Huffman of Wyalusing and Mrs. Octavia Dikeman of Blakely. The pall bearers were: Lee Owens of Wyalusing; Horace Dunham of Athens; Myron Dunham of New Albany Kenneth Dikeman of Blakely; Ernest Dikeman of Peckville and Kenneth Potter of Sugar Run.

Interment was in the New Era cemetery.

The Sullivan Review
January 1937
The marriage of Mrs. Cora Pealer Myers of 317 Grampion Boulevard, Williamsport, and L. Milton Potter of Scranton, was solemnized Christmas eve at the First Evangelical church, in Williamsport. The ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. J. W. Thompson, pastor of the church. There were no attendants. Mr and Mrs. Potter will reside at 317 Grampion Boulevard, Williamsport.

The Sullivan Review
June 26, 1964

Mrs. Cora Elizabeth Potter, 83, of 367 Lincoln Ave. Williamsport passed away at 6 a.m. Monday, June 22, at the Williamsport Hospital. She was the widow of Louis Milton Potter who passed away on June 3 of this year.
Mrs. Potter was born in Dushore on May 15, 1881, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Lawrence Pealer. She was a member of the First Evangelical united Brethren Church in Williamsport and a Sunday school teacher for 30 years. She was the head of the Little Heralds organization within the church for 20 years; in charge of the Sunday School Home Department for 10 years; and a member of the Women’s Society of World Service. Mrs. Potter was also a registered nurse, having been graduated from the Williamsport Hospital school of Nursing in 1919.
She is survived by four stepsons, Miles B. Potter of Bryn Mawr, Pa., Carl R. Potter of Washington, D.C., Winfield R. Potter of Clark’s Green, Pa. and L.N. Potter JR. of Burlington, Iowa; two stepdaughters, Mrs. R. Beryl Kohler of State College and Mrs. Grace Peck of Arlington, Va. a brother, Meron L. Pealer of Canton; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at he Maneval Funeral Home, 711 West 4th St. Williamsport, Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock with the Rev. William H. Kelley officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood cemetery, Williamsport.

Burton C. Potter (Anna, William, John Reeser) born January 21, 1885; died January 29, 1947.
Married Nettie Brown born Apr. 7, 1888; died January 26, 1955

Children of Burton & Nettie Brown Potter:

1. Lenora Potter 1913-1993
2. Burton Potter, Jr. 1917-

The Sullivan Review
February 6, 1947
Burton C. Potter died Wednesday, January 29th at his home at Old Forge. Mr. Potter was a son of the late Winifield and Anna E. Potter, and was born at Colley, where he sent his early life.
He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Warren Smiley, a son Burton Potter, a sister, Mrs. Theodore Dikeman of Peckville, a Brother L.M. Potter of Williamsport, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 1st from his late home at Old Forge. Interment in the family plot in Colley cemetery.

The Sullivan Review
February 3, 1955
Mrs. Burton Potter, widow of Burton Potter formerly of Colley, died at her home in Old Forge Wednesday, Jan. 26. She is survived by two children, Burton , Jr. and Mrs. Warren Smiley, who live near there.
Funeral services were held in the Colley Church Saturday afternoon, with burial in Colley Cemetery.

Linta Potter (Anna, William, John Reeser) Born January 1878; died February 6, 1895

The Sullivan Review
February 14, 1895
Linta Potter, the 16 year old son of Winfield Potter, of Lopez, died February 6. The funeral was held Monday, February 11, and the interment was made at Colley cemetery. The deceased injured himself internally by jumping, in a boyish athletic contest.

Mandus W. Reeser (William, John Reeser); ) born November 1854; died October 1923.
Married Angeline Shoemaker

Children of Mandus & Angeline Reeser:

1. Infant daughter 1880-1880
2. Medav Reeser 1882-1887
3. Clair E. Reeser 1884-1959
4. Ray Reeser 1886-1958
5. Cortez D. Reeser 1888-1952
6. Arnulu Reeser 1890-1890
7. Forrest Reeser 1893-1896

The Sullivan Review
Oct. 24, 1923
Hon. Mandus Wells Reeser died at the home of his son, Clair, in Colley Friday morning following an illness of several months. Mr. Reeser was born in Cherry township in November 1854 a son of the late Rev. Wm. and Sallie Martin Reeser.
When Mr. Reeser was a young man his parents purchased a farm in Colley on which he spent most of his days. He has been actively engaged in farming, lumbering and for several years was proprietor of the hotel at Mehoopany. A few years ago he sold his farm to his son Ray and purchased a house and lot in Colley where he has since resided.
He was one of the first members of Colley Grange and has always taken an active part in Grange work. In 1910 Mr. Reeser was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature and reelected in 1912. In 1914 he was defeated by Chas. E. Taylor, during his terms he was instrumental in obtaining for the County, several miles of macadum road. He also secured a number of miles of State Road through nearly every township, Route 17 and 19, part of Pennsylvania's Primary System, connecting Bradford and Lycoming counties, Route No. 217, from Dushore to the Wyoming County line, Route No. 291, from Lycoming County by way of Hillsgrove, Estella and Forksville to Laporte, Route 16, from Nordmont to Jamison City and Route 177, from Lopez to Ricketts, and thereby relieving the various townships of this county of a heavy burden.

If the proposed amendment No. 2 to the Constitution, to be voted for at the coming election, is carried the Primary System of Roads will be built and will stand as a monument to the untiring efforts of Mr. Reeser to secure a permanent road traversing our County both North and South and East and West.
Mr. Reeser was married to Angeline Shoemaker and to them were born three sons, Clair E. and Ray. B. of Colley and Cortez of Jackson, Mich. all of whom survive, also two sisters, Mrs. A.E. Potter of Old Forge and Mrs. L.L. Mead of Maryland.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the Church at Colley, and was largely attended by friends from all parts of the County, Rev. W.H. Fehr, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Dushore, officiated and burial was made in the Colley cemetery.

Clair E. Reeser (Mandus, William, John Reeser) died June 10, 1959.
Married Lillian G. Dieffenbach. She was born June 4, 1892; died Feb. 18, 1981.

Children of Clair and Lillian Dieffenbach Reeser:

1. Everett L. Reeser 1914-1999
2. Beatrice Reeser
3. Marion Reeser 1916-1978
4. Gwendolen Reeser

Everett Lawrence Reeser (Clair, Mandus, William, John Reeser) was born December 17, 1914; died April 27, 1999.
Married Fluetta Karge. She was born Mar. 24, 1912; died Feb. 1, 1994.

Children of Everett & Fluetta Karge Reeser:

1. Ruth Joyce Reeser
2. Leon Everett Reeser
3. Larry Lee Reeser

Marion Reeser(Clair, Mandus, William, John Reeser)born May 21, 1916; died December 25, 1978
Married Edmund Y. Fenton. He died April 1, 1975.

Children of Marion and Edmund Fenton:

1. Gayle Fenton
2. Richard Fenton
3. Ralph Fenton
4. Jack Fenton
5. John Fenton
6. Clarence Fenton
7. Grace Fenton
8. Wilma Fenton
9. Joan Fenton
10. Delores Fenton
11. Rosemary Fenton

Cortez D. Reeser (Mandus, William, John Reeser) was born in 1888; died December 31, 1952.
He married 1st: Margaret Decker
Married 2nd: Nellie _____.

Children of Cortez and Margaret Decker Reeser:

1. Thea Reeser 1908-1982

The Sullivan Review
January 15, 1953

Cortez D. Reeser, died December 31st, 1952, at his home in Detroit, Michigan, of a heart attack, at the age of 64 years.
Mr. Reeser, a son of the late Hon. Mandus W. and Angeline Shoemaker, was born at Colley, where he spent his early life. He spent most of his life as a railroad employee, and has lived at Detroit for the past 27 years.
He is survived by his wife, Nellie, of Detroit, one daughter, Mrs. Theo Ganley of Lovelton; and two brothers, Clair E. Reeser and Ray Reeser of Colley.
Funeral services were held from his late home Saturday, January 3rd at Detroit.

Thea Reeser (Cortez, Mandus, William, John Reeser) born May 26, 1908; died December 26, 1982
Married Joseph E. Ganley

The Sullivan Review
January 6, 1983

Mrs. Thea Ganley, 74, of Lovelton RD 3 (Mehoopany), died Dec. 26, 1982, at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre.
She was born in Colley on May 26, 1908, a daughter of Cort and Margaret Decker Reeser. Her husband, Joseph E., preceded her in death. She is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeal services were held Dec. 29 from Tunkhannock.
The Rev. Irwin Brand, pastor of the Forkston United Methodist Churc, officiated. Interment was in the Colley Cemetery.

AMOS REESER (John Reeser) born November 27, 1822; died September 10, 1897

Married Rebecca Dieffenbach in 1846. She was born August 8, 1826; died November 13, 1909.

Rebecca (Dieffenbach) Reeser
Front and Center
1826-1909
Wife of Amos Reeser
Other Parties Unidentified at This Time
Photo Courtesy of Patricia Onufry

Children of Amos & Rebecca Dieffenbach:

1. Angeline Reeser 1845-1934
2. Lyman Reeser 1847-1850
3. Valina Reeser 1851-1910
4. Emeline Reeser 1852-1897
5. Mary Reeser
6. Bernice Reeser 1858-1924
7. John D. Reeser

The Sullivan Review
September 16, 1897
It is our sorrowful duty to chronicle the death of another of our aged citizens, that of Amos Reeser, who died on Friday, last, aged 74 years, 9 months and 17 days.
Mr. Reeser was born in Cherry township, on the place at present occupied by Percival Wentzel, and had been a resident of Cherry and Dushore all his life. For many years he was engaged in the hotel business and only retired when advancing years made it impossible for him to give that careful attention to the many details of the business that made him a success.
His aged wife and five children survive him. The children are Mrs. Hiram Nichols, of Sayre; Mrs. Geo. Honnetter, of this place; Mrs. B. S. Weiss, of Waverly; Mrs. Wm. McHenry, of Sciota Vale, and Mr. John D. Reeser, of this place. Another daughter, Mrs. Wm. Scureman, of Wilkes-Barre, died about a year ago.
The funeral services were held at the home of the deceased on Sunday, all of his children being present. The interment was made at Bahr’s cemetery

The Sullivan Review
November 18, 1909
Mrs. Rebecca Reeser, nee Dieffenbach, was born in Columbia county, August 8, 1826. On the first day of January, 1846, she was married to Amos Reeser. She died at the home of her daughter last Saturday, November 13, 1909, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 5 days.
After a long, busy and useful like she died as she lived --honored, trusted and loved. Her life was completed, if work all done and well done constitutes completion.
Deceased was one of the early settlers of Sullivan County, having come here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Dieffenbach, in the year of 1829.
Amos Reeser, her husband, was prominent in business circles, having at times managed all the hotels in Dushore except the Carroll House. In the spring of 1886 he retired from active business on account of poor health. Mr. Reeser died Sept. 10, 1897.
Unto this union seven children were born; Angeline, now Mrs. Hiram Nichols, of Sciotavale; Lyman, who died when 18 months old; Vilina, wife of G.H. Honnetter of this place; Emeline who is deceased; Mary, who is the widow of Barney Weiss, of Waverly; Bernice, wife of William McHenry, of Dushore, at whose home Mrs. Reeser died; and John D, of town.
Besides the above surviving children she leaves one brother, Henry Dieffenbach, of Colley, who is the last of thirteen children.
The funeral services were held at the house Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. A. Bachofer of the Lutheran church officiating. The remains were taken to the Fairview cemetery where interment was made.
The pall bearers, five of whom were the husbands of the deceased's granddaughters, were as follows: G.H. Messersmith, of Dushore, G.M Pike and Fred Weiss, of Waverly, Harry Cortright of Sayre, and David Cook and Paul McHenry of this place.
Those from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mrs. Mary Weiss, Mr. and Mrs. G.N. Pike, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weiss and Mrs. Maria McHenry, all of Waverly, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cortright of Sayre.

Angeline Reeser (Amos, John Reeser) born about 1845; died June 29, 1934; buried in the Glenwood Cemetery in Waverly.
Married 1st Daniel Vaughn
Married 2nd Hiram Nichols

The Sullivan Review
July 4, 1934
Mrs. Angeline Nichols died early Friday morning, June 29, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Pike at Waverly.
Mrs. Nichols is a daughter of the late Mr. and Ms. Amos Reeser of this place. She was twice married, her first husband being Daniel Vaughn of Scoita Vale where she lived for many years. Later after the death of her husband she married Hiram Nichols. After his death she moved to Waverly where she has since made her home. She was 89 years of age.
Mrs. Nichols is survived by four daughters, Mrs. George Pike, of Waverly,
Mrs. Laura Styers of Sayre, Mrs. R.J. Jaynes of Warick N.Y., and Ms. M. V. Zimmer of Owego. Also one sister Mrs. Mary Adamy of Union N.Y and brother Hon. John D Reeser of this place. Ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren also survived. She was a member of the Episcopal church in Waverly.
Funeral services were held at the Mausoleum in Glenwood Cemetery Waverly Sunday afternoon, Rev. Levi W. Lun officiating.

Valina Reeser (Amos, John Reeser) born February 9, 1851; died September 1, 1910
Married G.H. Honnetter.

Children of Valina & G.H. Honnetter:

1. Addie H. Honnetter 1870-1943

The Sullivan Review
Sept. 8, 1910
After an illness last for more than five months Vilina Reeser Honnetter, wife of G.H. Honnetter, died at her home on Headly avenue last Thursday morning, September 1, at 3 o’clock. She was born in Cherry township Feb. 9, 1851, being at the time of her death, 59 years 6 months and 22 days of age.
Deceased was the second daughter of Amos and Rebecca (Dieffenbach) Reeser. She is survived by her husband and one daughter Mrs. G.H. Messersmith. Also by three sister, Mrs. Angeline Nichols, of Sciota Vale, Mrs. Mary Weiss of Waverly, Mrs. Bernice McHenry, of Dushore, and one brother J.D. Reeser, of this place.
The funeral services were held at the house Saturday morning at ten o’clock, Rev. A. Bachofer delivering the sermon, assisted by Rev. H.R. Wilkes with a prayer. Interment was made in Bahr Hill cemetery. Pallbearers were G.H. Messersmith, David Cook Wm. McHenry, Fred Hoffa, John Degen and L.R. Taylor.

Addie M. Honnetter (Vilina, Amos, John Reeser)born in 1870; died February 12, 1943
Married G. Howard Messersmith 1880-1949

The Sullivan Review
February 18, 1943
Mrs. Addie M. Messersmith, wife of G. Howard Messersmith died at her home on Headley Avenue, Friday, February 12th following an illness of some time.
Mrs. Messersmith suffered a stroke on January 20th and since that time had been in an unconscious condition.
Mrs. Messersmith was born in Dushore, an only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George H. Honnetter.
She is survived by her husband an uncle Hon, John D. Reeser of St. Petersburg, Florida and several cousins.
Funeral services were held from her late home, Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. Rev. John D. Keener, and Rev. William F. Woods, officiated.
Burial was in the family plot in the Bahr Hill cemetery.

Lyman Reeser (Amos, John Reeser) born Sepptember 30, 1848; died in 1850.

Emeline Reeser (Amos, John Reeser) born abt 1852; died January 16, 1897.
Married William Scureman.

The Sullivan Review
January 21, 1897
WillKast Mrs. Wm. Scureman died at her home in Wilkes-Barre Saturrday, January 16. She was the daughter of Amos Reeser of this place.
Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Reeser, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Honnetter, of this place, and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McHenry of Sciota Vale, went to the funeral Monday. The immediate cause of death was cancer.

Bernice (Reeser) McHenry (1853-1924)
Wife of William B. McHenry
Photo Courtesy of Patricia Buffington Onufry
Photoshopped for Clarity by Scott W. Tilden

Bernice Reeser (Amos, John Reeser) born December 26, 1853; died September 25, 1924 (tombstone says Dec. 10)
Married William B. McHenry on January 1, 1880. He was born December 26, 1853 and died December 10, 1917. Here is his Death Certificate. He was a descendant of an old family with roots in Columbia County.

Editor's Note: You can learn more about the origins of the McHenry Family at James Boyd McHenry and the Origins of the McHenry Family of Sullivan County. You can also see a picture of the old McHenry Hotel that stood in Benton, Columbia County, PA.

Children of Bernice & William McHenry:

1. Margaret McHenry 1880-1959
2. Pearl McHenry 1882-1948
3. Paul McHenry 1893-1963(He was adopted)

The Sullivan Review
October 1, 1924
Mrs. Bernice McHenry died Friday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. D. Cook of Carpenter street at the age of 66 ears.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clyde Kohler of Newark N.J. and Mrs. David Cook of Dushore, Sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also two sisters, Mrs. Mary Adam of Union and Mrs. Hiram Nichols of Waverly, N.Y and one brother, Hon. John D. Reeser of Dushore.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon and interment was made in the Bahr Hill Cemetery.

The Sullivan Review
December 12, 1917
William B. McHenry died at his home on Carpenter street, Tuesday night, Dec. 11, at the age of 63 years, 11 months, and 15 days. Mr. McHenry was enjoying his usual health and went to work for the Dushore Construction Co, Tuesday, but about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, one of the men who was working near him, noticed that he seemed to act strangely, and shortly after he was taken ill and medical aid was summoned when it found he was suffering from a stroke of apoplexy. He was removed to his home and died during the night. Mr. McHenry was born in Columbia county, coming to this place when a young man. He was a carpenter by trade. He married Bernice Reeser, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. Reeser, who together with their two daughters, Mrs. Pearl Kohler of Jersey City, and Mrs. David Cook of this place, and an adopted son who is serving in the army, survive him. Funeral service will be held from his late home Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. with interment at Bahr's cemetery

Margaret (McHenry) Cook
Wife of David Cook
Photo Courtesy of Janet Featherbay Bird

Margaret McHenry (Bernice, Amos, John Reeser); born September 30, 1880 and died April 16, 1959.
Married David Cook on February 25, 1902; he was born January 21, 1879 and died January 6, 1928. You can learnmore about the Cook family and their Johnston relatives in the section on those families at Faces and Families of Old Sullivan County, Group Seven. You can also see a picture of David Cook at Selected Cook Family Pictures.

The Sullivan Review
Feb. 27, 1902

Married at the residence of the bride's parents, on Carpenter street, on the evening of February 25, by Rev. J.W. Klingler; David Cook, of Bernice, and Miss Margaret McHenry daughter of Mr. And Mrs. William McHenry of this place. Miss Pearl McHenry served as bridesmaid and Judson E. Harney was best man.

Children of Margaret McHenry and David Cook:

1. Douglas B. Cook 1902-1972
2. Alice Cook 1903-1970
3. Karl Cook 1906-1954
4. Josephine Cook 1907-1969
5. Gerald Cook 1909-1990
6. Curtis M. Cook 1911-1915
7. Bernice Cook 1912-1966
8. Kathryn Cook 1914-1981
9. Pearl Cook 1916-2011
10. Martha Cook 1918-1961
11. Thomas Clair Cook 1921-1921
12. Doris Cook 1924-2000

The Sullivan Review
May 1, 1959
Mrs. Margaret Cook of Dushore died Thursday morning, April 16, in the Robert Packer Hospital after a short illness.
Mrs. Cook was born in Wyalusing Sept. 30, 1880, the daughter of William and Bernice Reeser McHenry.
A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, she was a charter member of the Dorcas Society of that church.
Surviving are two sons, Douglas and Gerald of Dushore; seven daughters, Mrs. Elmer Goodwin of Mehoopany, Mrs. Jay Keeler of Buffalo, Ms. William Farrell and MRs. Francis Waldron of Dushore, Mrs. Leo Scholl of Verona Beach, N.Y. Mrs. Charles Buffington of Susquehanna, and Mrs. Willis Fetherbay of Dushore; 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held from the Holcombe Funeral Home on Monday morning at 9:45 with services in Zion Lutheran Church services in Zion Lutheran Church at 10 o'clock with the Rev. Joseph Slusser officiating. Burial was in jFairview cemetery.
Pallbearers were William Farrell, Richard Farrell, Charles Buffington Jr., Richard Hileman, John H. Hileman and Bernard Ortlieb.
Names omitted from this attending the fuenral from out of town; Tom Farrell, MR. and MRs. Patrick Farrell of Sayre and MRs. F.J. Lowery of Mildred.

The Sullivan Review
April 24, 1959
Many relatives and friends from out-of-town called at the funeral home and attended the fneral of Mrs. Margaret Cook on Monday.
Some of them had lived here and in Mildred and had moved away from the area over forty years ago. The following called at the funeral home on Sunday:
Mrs. Emily Landon, Binghamton, NY; Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Detrick and daughter, Wyalusing, Pa., Mrs. Janet Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Terboss, Endicott, NY, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Shaffer, Harold Cook, Sayre, PA; Gerald Driscoll and Charles Driscoll, Athens, Pa.; Mr. and Mrs. John Driscoll, Ade M. Brown and Ethel Brown Parmenter, Clifton Springs, NY; Mrs. Margaret Kolb, Endicott, NY; Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Shelly, Troy, PA; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Heilman, Muncy, PA; Mrs. Edna Herker, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Schaad and family of Mildred, Pa.
Relatives and friends who attended the funeral from out-of-town were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank VanKurin, Chemung, NY; Mrs. Gladys Cook, Johnson City, NY; Mr. and Mrs. Milton Palmer, Johnson City, NY; Miss Joyce Cook, Binghamton, NY; Mr. and Mrs. William Farrell, Jr., Keansburg, NJ; Charles Buffington, Jr., Peggy and Patty Buffington, Susquehanna, Pa; Mrs. Rodney Dietrick, Wyalusing, PA; Mrs. Paula Kraus, Crawford, NJ; Mrs. Dorothy Seery, Roselle Park, NJ; Mrs. Inez Krumbine, Rahway, NJ; Mrs. Ruth Kuntz, Westfield, NJ;Alfred Schaad, Mildred, PA; and Mrs. William Cunningham, Niles, Mich.
Mrs. Cook was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William McHenry and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Reeser and the niece of John D. Reeser who operated a store in Dushore for many years. Mrs. Cook had made her home for several years with her daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Fetherbay, on Headley Avenue.

Douglas B. Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser); born April 22, 1902; died May 24, 1972.
Married Veronica Baran.

Children of Douglas and Veronica Baran Cook:

Dorothy Cook

The Sullivan Review
June 1, 1972
Douglas B. Cook, 70, of Headley Avenue, Dushore, died May 24, 1972 in the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre.
Mr. Cook served 28 years on the Dushore Borough Council. First elected in 1940, he served seven consecutive terms. He was elected president of the Council in 1956, a position he held 12 years. He retired from the Council December 31, 1967.
He was born April 22, 1902, in Dushore, a son of David and Margaret McHenry Cook. He was a lifelong resident of the area.
Mr. Cook was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He served on the church council for more than 30 years and served as council secretary for more than 16 years.
He was a retired employee of Dolly Madison Industries. He began employment with the Harington Dairy Co. on January 1, 1933 and was in the maintenane and preventive maintenance departments of the plant. He rose to the positon of general maintenance foreman. He retired from the creamery in 1967. He was respected by management and employees for his broad knowldege of the plant and the function of its machinery.
Surviving are his wife, the former Veronica Baran; a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Van Kuren, of Chemung, N.Y.; three sisters, Mrs. Katheryn Waldron and Mrs. Doris Featherbay, both of Dushore, and Mrs. Pearl Scholls, of Sylvan Beach, N.Y. and a brother, Gerald, of Dushore.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 27 at Zion Lutheran Church. Rev. Edgar Reed officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Alice Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) Born July 18, 1903; Died November 27,1970
Marred ? Goodwin

Karl Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser); born March 18, 1906; died December 8, 1954.
Married Gladys Rinebold.

Children of Carl and Gladys Rinebold Cook:

1. Joyce Cook
2. Bonnie Cook
3. Jacqueline Cook *
4. Lorraine Cook
5. Danny Cook
   * Editor's Note: Birth name courtesy of Paul and Janet Bird of Jonestown, PA.

The Sullivan Review
December 9, 1954

Carl Cook, 48, of Johnson City, died suddenly Wednesday evening, Dec. 8, while at work.

Mr. Cook is survived by his wife, the former Gladys Rinebold; four daughters, Joyce and Bonnie at home, Mrs. Milton Palmer and Mrs. Lorraine Brockman, both of Johnson City, a son, Danny at home; his mother, Mrs. Margaret Cook of this place, and the following brothers and sisters, Douglas Cook and Gerald Cook, both of this place, Mrs. Elmer Goodwin of Mehoopany, Mrs. Claire Eilenberger of New Albany, Mrs. William Farrell and Mrs. Francis Waldron of this place, Mrs. Leo Scholl of Verona Beach, N.Y., Mrs. Willis Featherby of this place and Mrs. Charles Buffington of Susquehanna.

The remains will be viewed at Rice's Funeral Home, main street, Johnson City, this evening from 7 to 9. Funeral services at the Rice Funeral Home, Saturday morning at 10:00.

Josephine Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born December 8, 1907; Died July 29, 1969
Married ? Eilenberger

Gerald Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born May 21, 1909; Died September 17, 1990
Married Alice Coyle. She was born February 22, 1904; daughter of Frank and Ellen Cummiskey Coyle; died April 25, 1977.

The Sullivan Review
September 1990
Gerald D. (Snyder) Cook, 81, of Dushore died Sept. 17, 1990, following a heart attack. He was born May 21, 1909, in Dushore, a son of David and Margaret McHenry Cook and was one of 12 children.
He attended Dushore High School and was employed at Harrington & Co., later Foremost Dairies, from which he retired in 1972.
Mr. Cook was a well-known drummer and played with the John Varney Orchestra for many years. He was a member of St. Basil's Chruch, Dushore, and its Holy Name Society. His wife , the former Alice Coyle died April 25, 1977.
Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Doris Fetherbay of Dushore and Mrs. Pearl Scholl of Verona Beach, NY.
Funeral services will be held today at 9:30 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, Dushore, followied by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Basil's Church. Rev. Joseph T. Gilbert will officiate Burial will be in the parish cemetery. A vigil serice was held yesterday afternoon at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the building fund of St. Basil's church, Dushore.

Curtis Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born November 28, 1911; Died May 19, 1915

Bernice Cook(Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born November 2, 1912; Died October 27, 1966
Married William Farrell.

Kathryn Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born April 2, 1914; Died December 9, 1981
Married Francis Waldron on October 5, 1935

Children of Kathryn Cook and Francis Waldron:

1. Lorraine Waldron
2. Kay Frances Waldron

Pearl(Cook) Scholl (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born August 13, 1916 Died January 1, 2011 in Louisville, KY
Married Leo Scholl

Charles A. and Martha (Cook) Buffington
Husband and Wife
Photo Courtesy of Janet Featherbay Bird

Martha Cook (Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born May 15, 1918; Died February 2, 1961
Married Charles A. Buffington born Sept.11,1915; died March 9,1974

Children of Martha and Charles Buffington:

1. Richard Buffington 1936-
2. Charles,Buffington, Jr. 1940-
3. Margaret Buffington 1942-
4. Patricia Buffington 1943-
5. Kathleen Buffington 1948-
6. WIlliam Buffington 1949-
7. Theresa Buffington 1959-

The Sullivan Review
February 10, 1961
Mrs. Charles Buffington, 42, of 607 West Main St. Susquehanna died Thursday Feb. 2, 1961. She was the former Martha Cook daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Cook of Dushore, and was born May 15, 1918. In the late 1930’s Mrs. Buffington lived in Towanda with her husband. They later went to Endicott before going to Susquehanna.
Mrs. Buffington was a member of St. John’s Church, Susquehanna.
Surviving are he husband three sons, Richard, Charles Jr. and William all at home; four daughters, Margaret, Patricia, Kathleen and Teresa, all at home. Six sisters, Mrs. Francis Waldron, Mrs. William Farrell and Mrs. Willis Fetherbay of Dushore. Mrs. Elmer Goodwin of Jenningsville, Mrs. Jay Keeler of Tonawanda, N.Y. Mrs. Leo Scholl of Verona Beach, N.Y; two brothers, Douglas and Gerald Cook of Dushore.
Funeral services were held at the Robert Langford Funeral Home Susquehanna, Monday at 0 o’clock with Requiem High Mass at St. John’s church, Susquehanna, at 9:30 o’clock. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Richard Buffington (Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born May 24, 1936

Charles Buffington, Jr. (Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born April 17, 1940

Margaret Buffington (Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born March 10, 1942

Patricia Buffington (Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser)born June 22, 1943
Married Ronald Onufry on November 28, 1963. He was born june 26, 1941

Children of Patricia and Ronald Onufry:

1. Ronald Onufry 1965-
2. Lorraine Onufry 1967-
-
3. Michael Onufry 1970-
4. Kimberly Onufry 1974-

Ronald Onufry (Patricia, Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born October 4, 1965

Lorraine Onufry (Patricia, Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born May 18, 1967

Michael Onufry (Patricia, Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born August 7, 1970

Kimberly Onufry (Patricia, Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born May 3, 1974

Kathleen Buffington (Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born March 14, 1948

William Buffington (Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born October 18, 1949

Theresa Buffington (Martha, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born February 17, 1959

Thomas Clair Cook (Margaret, Bernice, William, John Reeser)born March 2, 1921; Died October 3, 1921

Doris H. Cook (Margaret, Bernice, William, John Reeser); born Oct. 1, 1924; died Sept. 29, 2000. Married Willis Featherbay on December 20, 1947. He was born Dec. 10, 1921; died May 6, 1998.

The Sullivan Review
January 1, 1948

Miss Doris Cook, daughter of Mrs. Margaret Cook of this place became the bride of William Fetherbay, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Fetherbay of Laporte, formerly of Estella, December 20, 1947 at 7:30 p.m. in Zion Ev. Lutheran Church. The double ring ceremony was performed by the pastor, Rev. John D. Keener.
The attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Donald Fetherbay, brother and sister-in-law of the groom.
The bride was attired in a gray suit with black accessories and a corsage of white carnations.
The matron of honor wore a black suit, with black accessories and a corsage of white carnations.
The bride is a graduate of Dushore High School and is employed by the A & P Store. Mr. Fetherbay graduated from Estella High School. He served 3 1/2 year's in the army and is now employed by Harrington dairy Company.
After a short trip through New York State, Mr. and Mrs. Fetherbay are residing in Dushore.

Children of Doris Cook and Willis Featherbay:

1. Janet Marie Featherbay 1951-
2. William Featherbay 1955-

Janet Marie Featherbay (Doris, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born Dec. 1, 1951
Married Paul William Bird Dec. 23, 1972.

Children of Janet and Paul Bird:

1. Sean Michael Bird 1976-
2. Terry Lee Bird 1979
3. Christie Lynne Bird 1980

William David Fetherbay (Doris, Margaret, Bernice, Amos, John Reeser) born June 9, 1955
married Marlene Kaylo Sept. 6, 1975

Pearl McHenry (Bernice, Amos, John Reeser)born December 19, 1882
married Clyde S. Kohler on April 16, 1906.

Children of Pearl and Clyde Kohler:

1. Esther M. Kohler 1908-1936
2. Paula Kohler 1909-
3. Dorothy Kohler 1912-
4. Elma Kohler 1915-1999
5. Inez Kohler 1917-
6. Ruth Kohler 1920-
7. Clifford Kohler 1923-1977

The Sullivan Review
January 6, 1949

Mrs. Pearl S. Kohler, of Roselle Park, N.J., widow of Clifford S. Kohler and a sister of Mrs. Margaret Cook of this place, died Saturday, Dec. 18, in Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, N.J. after a short illness.
She was born in Wyalusing but had lived at Roselle Park for fifteen years. Mrs. Kohler was a member of Community Methodist Church, there and of the Women's Auxiliary to Franklin Lodge, Spanish-American War Veterans, Newark.
She leaves a son Clifford C. of Linden; five daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Seery and Mrs. John Krumbine, Roselle Park; Mrs. Paula Kraus, East Orange; Mrs. Rodney Kuntz, Westfield, and Mrs. James Franchino, Orange; ten grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and a sister, Mrs. Margaret Cook, the latter of Dushore.
Funeral services were held at the Prall Funeral Home, East Roselle, the following Tuesday, with burial also in that vicinity.

Paul McHenry (Adopted son of Bernice & Henry) born in Wilkes-Barre Oct. 23, 1893; died December 21, 1963.
Married someone June , 1914. He was the first baby baptized in the baptisimal font at Zion, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran church. The story the family told about him was that he hopped a train one day and no one knew much about his whereabouts for years. Years later he contacted Mom because he needed a birth certificate for probably Social Security purposes.

JOHN D REESER (Amos, John Reeser) born March 15, 1861;
married Mary R. Burns on March 4, 1884. She was born Sept. 25, 1866; died July 13, 1942

Children of John D. and Mary Burns Reeser:

1. John Donald Reeser 1886-1970
2. Marjorie Reeser 1887-
3. Mabel Reeser 1890-

The Sullivan Review
July 23, 1942

Mrs. John D. Reeser formerly of Dushore, Pa., died Monday morning July 13th at her home 1601 9th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida. She was born in Troy, Pa. September 25, 1866. She came to Dushore and was married to J.D. Reeser on March 4, 1885, celebrating their 57th anniversary last March 4. She lived in Dushore until eighteen years ago, when she and her husband started spending the winters in Florida in 1941 the family took up their permanent residence in St. Petersburg.
She is survived by her husband John D. Reeser two daughters, Misses Marjorie and Mabel Reeser one son John Donald Reeser and a granddaughter Katherine Mary Reeser.
Funeral services were held in St. Paul’s Catholic Church Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock and burial was in Royal Palm Cemetery, St. Petersburg Florida.

The Sullivan Review
March 19, 1970

John Donald Reeser, 84, St. Petersburg Florida and a former resident of Dushore, died March 11, 1970 in a Tampa, Florida, Hospital.
He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. James A. North of Tampa and 5 grandchildren.
Mr. Reeser was born in Dushore, the son of Mr and Mrs. John D. Reeser, who lived on Headley Avenue. His parents operated a department store where the present A & P Food Store is located in Dushore. They also had a store in Sayre.
He was married after going to Florida. There are no immediate relatives in the Dushore Area.

JOHN REESER (John Reeser) born Aprill 22, 1827 and died after 1913
Married Susannah (Harris) Roe, widow of Hiram Roe, in the 1860s. She was born about 1835 and died before 1900.

Susannah Harris, daughter of Stephen and Teressa Harris, married Hiram Roe and had two children by him: Harriett (married Winfield Scott Collins), born about 1867, and William, born about 1864. After Hiram died, she remarried to John Reeser, and they lived in Hillsgrove where they appear in the 1880 Federal Census. In addition to the two Roe step-children, the family also consisted of four children of John and Susannah: Clinton, Mary, Vashti and Thomas.

Vashti Reeser married James Allen (1874-1940); they later divorced and both remarried, but Vahsti and James had several children first. One of these, Maurice (aka "Morris"), changed his surname to VanAllan. Maurice VanAllan married Frances McCarty, daughter of Clinton and Rachel (Collins) McCarty. Rachel was the very daughter of Winfield Scott and Harriett (Roe) Collins. In short, Vashti's son married her step-sister Harriett's grand daughter. You can see a picture of this Collins family in Aunt Eliza's Scrapbook.
Editor's Note: We are indebted to Patty VanAllan, great granddaughter of Maurice and Frances (McCarty) VanAllan, who was the source of our information in February 2011 about this family. Carol Brotzman and Phil Herman provided the connecting information to the Reeser and Roe families.

ELIZABETH REESER (John Reeser) born May 2, 1834; died January 31, 1912; buried in Fairview Cemetery; Dushore, Pa.
Married 1st Joseph Huffmaster on October 11, 1853. He died in the battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863
Married 2nd Elias Smith
Married 3rd Barney Kast

William Kast
Son of Barney and Elizabeth (Reeser) Kast
Photo Courtesy of Alberta Yonkin Molyneux
Photoshopped for Clarity by Scott W. Tilden

The Sullivan Review
Feb. 1,1912
Mrs. Elizabeth Huffmaster Kast died at the home of her son Frank Kast, this Wednesday morning at 3:30 o’clock, after an illness of two weeks with dropsy. Her age is 77 years and 9 months.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10 o’clock in the Evangelical church with interment at Fairview cemetery.
She is survived by three sons and four daughters as follows Levi Huffmaster and Frank Kast of Cherry, William Kast of Dushore, Mrs. C.H. Jones of Dushore, Mrs. Benj. Helsman of Bernice, Mrs. John Harney of Mildred and Mrs. R.H. Guy of Akron, Ohio. Also by one sister Mrs. C. Douglas of Colley and one brother John Reeser of Tivoli.
Decease has made her home with her son Frank for several years.

Children of Elizabeth & Joseph Huffmaster

1. Josiah Huffmaster 185-1857
2. Levi Huffmaster 1858-1940
3. Mary E. Huffmaster 1859-1937
4. Anna Huffmaster 1862-1956

Child of Elizabeth & Ellis Smith:

Sarah Smith 1864-1938

Children of Elizabeth & Barney Kast:

1. Sarah Kast 1864-1938
2. Ella Kast 1868-1955
3. William Kast 1870-1965
4. Frank Kast 1872-1945

Levi Huffmaster (Elizabeth, John Reeser) died December 31, 1940; buried in Fairview Cemetery; Dushore, Pa.
Married Eliza Van Kuren Born June 17, 1859; died July 23, 1909

The Sullivan Review
January 1, 1941
Levi Huffmaster died Tuesday December 31, at the home of Mrs. James Nati in Cherry Township, following a long illness at the age of 82 years 10 months and 16 days.
Mr. Huffmaster was a son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Reeser Huffmaster and was born in Cherry township.
He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Robert Guy of Akron, Ohio, a half-sister, Mrs. Benjamin Helsman of Mildred and two half-brothers, Frank G. Kast of Cherry township and William H. Kast of this place, and one stepdaughter who lives in Ohio.
Funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Holcombe Funeral Parlor. Interment in the Fairview cemetery.

The Sullivan Review
July 29, 1909
Mrs. Levi Huffmaster, of Murray died at her home on Friday, July 23, of apoplexy at the age of 50 years 1 month and 6 days. The funeral services were held in the United Evangelical church at this place on Monday at 1 o’clock Rev. H. R. Wilks officiating. The funeral cortege proceeded to the Fairview Cemetery Know as Bahr hill where interment was made Deceased is survived by a husband one son and one daughter.

Mary E. Huffmaster (Elizabeth, John Reeser) died October 24, 1937
Married John T. Harney

Children of Mary & John Harney:

1. Edith Harney
2. Judson E. Harney 1879-1934

The Sullivan Review
October 27, 1937
Mrs. Mary E. Harney, widow of the late John T. Harney, of German St. died Sunday morning, October 24, at her home, following a very short illness.
Mrs. Harney was born in Cherry township, and spent most of her life in this community.
She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edith Jones of Avoca, N.Y a, four grandchildren, Grant W. Jones, Avoca, N.Y.; Jack E. Harney, Nutley, N.J. Mrs. Emma Lou White and Mrs. Mary Naughton of Scranton, and six great-grandchildren.
She also has one sister, Mrs. Anna Guy of Akron, Ohio, and one brother, Levi Huffmaster of Cherry township, two half-sisters, Mrs. Ella Helsman of Mildred, and Mrs. Sarah Jones of this place, and two half-brothers, Frank G. Kast of Cherry township, and Wliliam H. Kast of this place. Also a number of nieces and ndphews.
Funeral service was held from her late home Tuesday afternoon with further service in St. Paul's Evangelical Church at this place, of which she was an active member. Rev. Carl Gunther, pastor, assisted by Rev. Homer Heisley of Lock Haven, a former pastor, officiated. Interment in Fairview Cemetery.
The pallbearers were: W.H. Streevey, Arthur Herrmann, Charles Peterman, Harry B. Hartzig, R.H. Hoag and B.T. Martin.
Among those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Grant W. Jones and son Billie, Mr. and Mrs. E. Charles Smith of Avoca, N.Y.; Jack E. Harney of Nutley, N.J; Mrs. Emma Lou White and Mrs. Mary Naughton of Scranton; Frank Baumgartner and Charles Kline of Towanda.

The Sullivan Review
October 24, 1934
Judson E. Harney, aged 55 years, died suddenly Sunday night at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Harney. He is survived by his parents; one sister , Mrs. William Jones of Avoca; and three children.
Mr. Harney has been ill 14 years, having been stricken with a nervous breakdown. He was born in Bernice and received his early education at the Susquehanna Collegiate Institute in Towanda and then studied law in the office of Alphonsus Walsh in Dushore. Later he was admitted to the bar in Sullivan County.
He practice law in Tunkhannock for a short time and then went into partnership with Jarius Thayer, the present prothonotary of Sullivan County, with their office in Dushore. He later went to Scranton and was employed by the D.L. & W. Railroad Co.
Mr. Harney resigned this position to take a place with the newly organized Scranton Trust Co. Within a short time he became vice-president and cashier of that organization.
He was a member of Factoryville Lodge F. & A.M., the Elks at Scranton, the Episcopal Church at Scranton, and acted as trustee of Geisinger Hospital at Danville.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clcock at the house followed by services in the Reformed Church at Dushore at 2:30 with interment in Fairview cemetery.
The Rev. Carl Gunther, pastor of the Evangelical Church of Dushore, officiated.

Anna Huffmaster (Rebecca, John Reeser) born in 1862; died January 7, 1956.
Married Robert H. Guy in 1883

Child of Anna & Robert Guy:

1. Ethel Guy

The Sullivan Review
January 26, 1956
Mrs. Anna E. Guy of Akron, Ohio, widow of the late Robert H. Guy, died Jan. 7. Mr. and Mrs. Guy were one-time well known residents of Bernice.
Born in Cherry township, in 1862, Mrs. Guy was the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Reeser Kast. She has lived in Akron for 46 years. Her husband died in 1923.
For many years Mr. and Mrs. Guy lived at Bernice in a home located adjacent to the IOOF hall. Mr. Guy during that period was an official with the old State Line and Sullivan Coal Co.
She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Akron.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ethel Gouldthread, with whom she lived; a grandson, Robert Gouldthread, a great granddaughter, Mrs. Catherine Myers and a great grandson, Robert Myers, all of Topeka, Kansas. Also a brother, William H. Kast of Dushore. Services were held from the Dams Funeral Home in Akron on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 3p.m. Burial was in the East Akron cemetery

The Sullivan Review
March 7, 1923
Robert H. Guy died at his home in Akron, Ohio, Friday, March 2nd, after an illness of a few months.
Mr. Guy was born July 4, 1850, in Durham County, England, and at the age of nine years commenced work in the mines.
He came to America with his parents in the year 1870 and lived with them for a year at St. Clair, Schuykill County. He then went to Shenandoah were he remained for ten years.
In 1873 he married Miss Sarah Cooper. Two children were born to this union, one of whom, Mrs. Sarah C. Colclouth of Catawissa still survives.
In May 1882 Mr. Guy came to Bernice where he engaged in mining for many years. In 1883 he married Miss Anna E. Huffmaster of Cherry township, who with one daughter, Mr. Ethel M. Goldthread, survive. About twenty years ago Mr. and Mrs. Guy moved from Bernice to Akron, Ohio, where they have since made their home.
Funeral services were held Monday with interment in Akron.

Sarah Smith (Elizabeth, John Reeser) born 1864; died January 1938
Married Carr H. Jones 1859-1932

Children of Sarah Smith and Carr Jones:

1. Leon Jones 1888-
2. Edna Jones 1891-1956

The Sullivan Review
January 12, 1938
Mrs. Sarah Jones, widow of the late Carr H. Jones of South Turnpike street was found dead in her bed on Tuesday afternoon by her brother, when he went to call upon her.
Mrs. Jones had been living alone for several years and seemed to be in apparently good health. She was seen to have a light in her home early in the evening. She evidently passed away very quietly, as she was fully covered, lying peacefully in her bed. As though asleep, when found.
Mrs. Jones was 73 years of age. She was a devout member of the Evangelical church and the Ladies Aid Society, always taking an active part in all work pertaining to her church.
She was a kind neighbor and friend and will be sadly missed in this community.
She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edna Smalley of Kingston, one son, Leon Jones of Wilkes-Barre, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also 2 half-sisters Mrs. Ann Guy of Akron, Ohio, and Mrs. Ella Helsman of Mildred, and three half-brothers Levi Huffmaster and Frank G. Kast of Cherry township and William H. Kast of this place. Also a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held in the Evangelical church Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Carl F. Gunther, pastor, officiating. Interment in the family plot in Fairview Cemetery.

Edna Jones (Sarah, Rebecca, John Reeser) Born about 1891; died October 1956.
Married Herbert Smalley

Child of Edna & Herbert Smalley:

Herbert C. Smalley

The Sullivan Review
October 25, 1956
Mrs. Edna E. Jones Smalley, 65, was found dead at her home, 57 west Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, Sunday morning at about 10:30.
Mrs. Smalley was a semi-invalid, having been confined to a wheel chair for the past 10 years. Her family physician viewed the body and pronounced death due to a heart attack. She was born in Dushore, a daughter of the late Carr H. and Sarah Smith Jones, but has spent the greater part of her life in Wilkes-Barre. He husband, Herbert Smalley died in 1948. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Kingston and its Women's Guild.
Surviving are a son, Airman Third Class Herbert C. Smalley, stationed with the Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Base, Ohio and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday from the Luther M. Kniffen Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph A. Weatherly, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, officiated.

Ella Susan Kast (Elizabeth, John Reeser); born September 1, 1868; died 1955.
Married Benjamin Helsman

Children of Ella Kast and Benjamin Helsman:

1. Franklin B. Helsman 1893-1960
2. Anna Helsman 1896-1985

The Sullivan Review
March 3, 1955
Mrs. Ella Susan Helsman, 86, widow of the late Benjamin Helsman of Mildred, died Saturday evening at the Moore Nursing Home in Athens where she had been a patient for the past two weeks.
Mrs. Helsman was a native of Dushore where she was born Sept. 1, 1868, a daughter of Barnhart and Elizabeth Reeser Kast. for many years she and her husband resided in Bernice where Mr. Helsman was employed in the mines. About 35 years ago they acquired the residence at Mildred which has been her home ever since. Mrs. Helsman had been in failing health for some time.
She is survived by one son, the Rev. Franklin B. Helsman of Laurel, Neb. and one daughter, Miss Anna Helsman of the Robert Packer Hospital staff; one brother William H. Kast of this place a sister Mrs. Robert Guy of Akron, Ohio, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The funeral was held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Holcombe Funeral Home, her son Rev. Franklin B. Helsman, officiated. Burial was in Fariview Cemetery, here.

The Sullivan Review
October 7, 1960
Rev. Franklin B. Helsman 67, of 106 North Elmer Ave. Sayre died Sept. 30 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
A retired Presbyterian minister, he was born in Bernice and had been a resident of Laurel Nev. for 13 years prior to coming to Sayre in January of this year.
Rev. Helsman was a chaplain during World War II and served in both the European and Pacific Theaters.
Prior to World War II he was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Brookings, S.D. for 15 years. He was a graduate of Grove City College and Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained January 1919 in the Lackawanna Presbytery.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Niobrara and
Synod of Nebraska, a member of Tuckerton, N.J., F and A.M. Lodge 4 Oriental Consistory of Yorkton, S.D. and a member of the VFW and American legion of Laurel Nev. He retired Jan. 1 of this year.
Surviving are his wife Elma; two sons Franklin M. of Levitown and Raymond D. of Minneapolis; three grandchildren; One sister, Miss Anne E. Helsman of Sayre; one uncle William Kast of Dushore.
Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church, Sayre, Monday afternoon at 1:30 with Rev. Johnstone Patrick officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery. Dushore

William Kast (Elizabeth, John Reeser) born May 14, 1870; died March 21, 1965.

Married Bertha Babcock on November 1893. She was born September 25, 1872; died September 1954

Children of William & Bertha Kast:

1. W. Floyd Kast 1893-1946
2. Judson Kast 1896-1961

The Sullivan Review
March 26, 1965
William H. Kast, 94, formerly of Dushore, died Saturday afternoon at the residence of his grandson, Joseph Kast of Wyalusing Rocks. He was born May 14, 1870 in Cherry Township, Sullivan County, the son of the late Barnhart and Elizabeth Reeser Kast and was a resident of the Dushore area up until the past five years.
After attending Cherry Township schools, Mr. Kast’s first job was as a water boy in the coal mines. He then became a driver of the A & P Tea wagon where he became well known in the Sullivan County area. In 1901 he started his own grocery store in Dushore which he owned and operated for 12 years. He then studied at Scranton Technical Institute where he studied electrical engineering and then assumed a position with the Dushore Power and Light Co, a job he kept until the company was absorbed by Penelec. He served as sexton of the Fairview Cemetery until 1953 when he retired.
His wife, the former Bertha Babock, preceded him in death by 14 years. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary at the time of his death.
Mr. Kast is survived by four grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock from St. Paul’s Evangelical United Brethren Church, Dushore, with the Rev. Clyde E. House, his pastor, officiating. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery, Dushore.
Pallbearers were John Diltz, A. L. Fulmer, Albert Hoag, Frank Mosier, Harland McCarty and Jesse Proof.

The Sullivan Review
September 9, 1954
Mrs. William H. Kast, aged 81, of Dushore, died Monday after noon at the Jennings Convalescent home in Towanda after a long illness.
Mrs. Kast, the former Bertha Babcock, was born in Barton, N.Y. September 25, 1872 a daughter of the late Benjamn and Susan Babcock. She was a member of the Evangelical United Bretheren Church of this place and of the Ladies Aid Society.
Last year Mr. and Mrs. Kast observed their 61st wedding anniversary, having been united in marriage at Mildred on Thanksgiving day, 1893. to the union were born two sons, Floyd, now deceased, and Judson. Mr. and Mrs. Kast have resided in Dushore sicne 1901.
Surviving besides her husband are one son, Judson F. Kast, principal of Sayre High School; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the Holcombe Funeral Home this Thursday moring at 10 o’clcok, with additional services in the Evangelical United Brethren Church at 10:30 a.m The Rev. L. A. Fuhrman officiating.
Burial was in Fairview cemetery.

1. W. Floyd Kast (William, Elizabeth, John Reeser) born 1893; died 1946
Married Florence Everett . She was born May 12, 1893; died June 7, 1946

Children of W. Floyd & Florence Kast:

1. Monita Anne Kast 1925-1967
2. William E. Kast

Judson Kast (William, Elizabeth, John Reeser) born 1896;died 1961

Married Ethlyn 1897-1965

Children of Judson & Ethlyn Kast

1. Barbara D. Kast 1928-1988
2. Joseph Kast

The Sullivan Review September 29, 1988
Barbara Diane Kast, 60, of Sugar Run, PA died September 20, 1988 at the home of her brother in Albuquerque, NM. She was born in Sayre, on May 28, 1928, the daughter of Judson F. and Ethlyn Gamble Kast.
A graduate of Sayre High School, Albright College and Katherine Givvs Secretarial School, Mrs. Kast was an Executive Commercial Editor at CBS Radio's National Headquarters in New York for thirty years. Upon her retirement from CBS in 1985, she returned to live full-time at the Kast family's home, "The Cottage" in Sugar Run.
Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Kast of Albuquerque; an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Peter W. Layman of Sugar Run, three nieces, a nephew and several cousins.
A Memorial service was held in Albuquerque, on September 24, 1988. There will be a local memorial service for Ms. Kast on Saturday, October 1, 1988 at 2 p.m. in the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Stephen Starzer and the Rev. William Parsons officiating. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the ceremony.
Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Dushore at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be directed to the Wyalusing Public Library.

Frank Kast (Elizabeth, John Reeser) born June 22, 1872; died July 15, 1945
Married Jennie Bahr. She was born September 8, 1873; died April 5, 1961.

Children of Frank & Jennie Kast:

1. Robert Kast 1898-1979
2. William Kast 1901-1977
3. Elizabeth Kast 1906-1994
4. Florence A. Kast 1910-1990

Florence, Elizabeth and Jennie (Bahr) Kast
Photo Courtesy of Alberta Yonkin Molyneux

The Sullivan Review
April 7, 1961
Mrs. Jennie C. Kast, 87 widow of Frank G. Kast, died Shortly after three o’clock Wednesday morning, April 5, at the Evangelical Home in Lewisburg, where she had been a guest since May 17, 1953.
Born in Cherry Township on Sept. 8, 1873, Mrs. Kast was the daughter of Solomon and Cecelia Snyder Bahr.
She was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical united Brethren Church, Dushore.
She is survived by two sons, Robert L. and William F. both of Dushore; two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Driscoll of Sayre and Mrs. Carl (Florence) Yonkin of Dushore; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will beheld from St. Paul’s Evangelical United Brethren church, Dushore at 10 o’clock Saturday morning with the Rev. Ray W. Schloyer, her pastor officiating.
Interment will be in Fairview cemetery, Dushore.
Friends and relatives may cal at the McHenry Funeral Home in Dushore this Friday afternoon between 2 and 4 and after 7 o’clock this evening

Robert Kast (Frank, Elizabeth, John Reeser) born May 15, 1898; died October 27, 1977.
Married 1st Margaret Minnier on August 18, 1925; she died Nov. 3, 1930
Married 2nd Della Murphy on Sept. 5, 1930; she died Feb. 14, 1975
Married 3rd Maude Vandyke on April 4, 1977; she was born on October 19, 1984 and died on May 5, 1988.

William Kast (Frank, Elizabeth, John Reeser) born June 22, 1901; died October 27, 1977.
Married 1st Florence Fulmer on June 19, 1923; she died Feb. 18, 1971
Married 2nd Zeta Whitely on Sept. 8, 1973

Elizabeth Kast (Frank, Elizabeth, John Reeser) born September 21, 1906; died February 18, 1994
Married Howard Driscoll on April 24, 1926. He died March 12, 1958

The children of Howard and Elizabeth Kast Driscoll were:

Betty Driscoll
1. Roma Driscoll
2. Ruth Driscoll
3. Gene Driscoll

Florence A. Kast (Frank, Elizabeth, John Reeser) born October 22, 1910; died October 1, 1990.
Married Carl Yonkin on July 6, 1929. He was born December 4, 1907; died August 20, 1981.

Children of Florence & Carl Yonkin:

1. Leon Yonkin
2. Carl J. Yonkin
3. Alberta Yonkin

The Sullivan Review
October 4, 1990
Florence A. Yonkin, 79, of Dushore, died Oct. 1, 1990, at Memorial Hospital, Towanda. She was born Oct. 22, 1910 in Cherry Township a daughter of Frank and Jennie Bahr Kast. She was the widow of Carl J. Yonkin who died in 1981.
She and her husband owned and operated the BP station on South German St. Dushore, for many years.
A lifetime resident of Sullivan County, she was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Zion Chapel, in Dushore.
Surviving are two sons, Leon E. of Enid, OK; Carl J. of Dushore; a daughter, Mrs. Royce (Alberta) Molyneux of Dushore; a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Driscoll of Sayre; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services wil be held today at 11 a.m at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, Dushore, with Rev. Richard A. Reeser officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Dushore.

DANIEL REESER (John Reeser), born December 07, 1812 in Berks Co. Pa.; died July 11, 1893 in Lycoming Co. Pa.; married Catherine Litzelswope on November 07, 1836.
Editor's Note: In July 2010, Jeff Cox pointed out to us Ancestors of Gladys Clara Smithgall, developed by Paula Ruwersm. This site connects Clara Bell Reeser (1863-1956), a daughter of Daniel and Catherine, to the Smithgall family; she married John Frederick Smithgall (1857-1923). There is also additional information on the Reeser and Smithgall ancestries at this site. Here is a modified version of the content for readers interested only in the Reeser and related connections: Smithgall and Reeser.

SUSANNAH M. REESER (John Reeser) born March 27, 1836; died January 1, 1918; buried in Fairview cemetery, Dushore, Pa.
Married 1st Valentine Morter
Married 2nd Chauncy Douglass

Children of Susannah & Valentine Morter:

1. Susanna Morter
2. John Morter
3. Charles Morter
4. Daniel Morter
5. Anna Morter
6. Maria Morter 1867-1940
7. Ella Morter 1872-1955
8. George F. Morter 1874-1955
9. Emma Morter
10. Cora Morter

The Sullivan Review
January 2, 1918

Mrs. Susan Douglass of Bernice died at her home in that place Tuesday evening at 8 o’clock after a short illness. Mrs. Douglass was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Reeser, one of the pioneer settlers of this county who came to Cherry township and located on the Loyalsock creek at what was then known as Ellis, in the year 1821. She was the youngest of a family of eleven children. She was twice married her first husband being Valentine Morter, who lived for a number of years at Bernice. On March 27th of last she celebrated her eighty-first birthday. She is survived by her aged husband. Chauncey Douglass and the following sons and daughters: John Morter, Taylor, Armstrong county Pa. Charles and Daniel Morter of Mildred; George Morter, Forksville, Mrs. J.A. Helsman, Mildred; Mrs. Wm. Allen, Carbondale; Mrs. Frank Allen, Bernice; Mrs. Theodore Beaver, Murray; Mrs. Harris Collins, Forksville and Mrs. Harry Basley, Sonestown. Funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran church at Mildred, Friday afternoon at one o’clock with interment at Bahr’s hill cemetery.

Susanna Morter (Susan, John Reeser)
Married Joseph Helsman July 1, 1878.

Children of Susan and Joseph Helsman:

1. Lucy Helsman 1879-1939
2. Walter Helsman 1881-1905
3. Mamie H. Helsman 1884-1972
4. Alfred Helsman (twin)1886-1938
5. Albert Helsman (twin)1886-
6. Lorena Helsman 1888- 1989
7. Charles Helsman 1891-1951
8. Raymond Helsman 1894-1919

Lucy Helsman (Susanna, Susannah, John Reeser) born about 1879; died September 14, 1939.

The Sullivan Review
Sept. 20, 1939
Miss Lucy Helsman, age 60 years, died Thursday evening, September 14th, in the Jefferson hospital at Philadelphia, following an operation for ruptured appendix.
Miss Helsman was born in Bernice where she spent her early life, later moving to Philadelphia with her parents, the late Joseph A. and Mrs. Susan Helsman, where she resided until the time of her death.
The body was taken to the Holcombe funeral parlor, where funeral service was held Sunday afternoon. Rev. C.B. Meyers, pastor of the Bernice Presbyterian Church officiated. Interment in the family plot in Mountain Ash cemetery at Laporte.
She is survived by her brothers, Mrs. Joseph A. Helsman, two sisters, Mrs. H. I Didlake and Miss Lorena Helsman of Philadelphia, two brothers, Chas. V. Helsman of Philadelphia and Albert J. Helsman of Kingston.

Mamie H. Helsman (Susanna, Susannah, John Reeser); born about 1884; died May 10, 1972

Married Henry T. Didlake

Child of Mamie and Henry Didlake:

J. Henry Didlake

Alfred D. Helsman (Susanna, Susannah, John Reeser); born in 1887;died January 1938. He was married.

.His children were:

1. Katherine Helsman
2. Jean Marie Helsman

Charles V. Helsman (Susanna, Susannah, John Reeser); born in 1891; died November 24, 1951.

The Sullivan Review
November 20, 1951

Charles V. Helsman, 60, died in Philadelphia, November 24th. Mr. Helsman was born at Bernice, a son of the late Joseph A. and Susan Morter Helsman formerly of that place.

Mr. Helsman was a Veteran of World War I. and was a charter member of McDermott Post No. 452, American Legion, and served as its first Commander. For a number of years he has resided with his sister at 6536 Windsor street, Philadelphia.

He was a member of Evergreen Lodge No. 163, F. & A.M. of Monroeton, Irene Temple Shrine of Wilkes-Barre and the Williamsport consistory.

Surviving are two sisters, Miss Lorena Helsman and Mrs H. T. Didlake of Philadelphia, a brother, Albert J. Helsman of Wilkes-Barre; three nephews, Donald A. Helsman of Milton; Joseph A. Helsman of Wilkes-Barre and H. T. Didlake, Philadelphia; two nieces, Mrs. Richard E. Hileman of this place and Mrs. Moody J. Pack, Hendersonville, N.C. also a number of cousins.

Funeral services will be held at the Holcombe Funeral Home, Carpenter street, Dushore, Friday at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Clement B. Meyers, will officiate.

Interment will be in Mountain Ash cemetery, Laporte.

Military services will be in charge of McDermott Post No. 452, American Legion.

Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday evening. Masonic servics will be conducted by Evergreen Lodge Thursday evening.

Raymond B. Helsman (Susanna, Susannah, John Reeser)

The Sullivan Review
Oct. 15, 1919
Raymond B. Helsman, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Helsman of Mildred, died Monday morning of diabetes at the Nesbitt hospital, Kingston, where he had been a patient for the past week. Mr. Helsman, who was 26 years of age, enlisted in the army and was sent to Hoboken, N.J. where he served in the Post Office Dept. for about a year. After a serious illness in the hospital at that place he was discharged on account of physical disability. He is survived by his parents and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Didlake of Philadelphia, Mrs. Lucy Brown of Rochester, N.Y., and Miss Lorina Helsman of Philadelphia, also three brothers, Alfred of Laporte, Albert of Scranton and Charles at home. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock in the Bernice Presbyterian church with interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Maria Margaret Beaver (Susan, John Reeser) born 1867-1940
Married Theodore Beaver 1865-1934

Children of Maria and Theodore Beaver:

1. Lester Beaver 1887-1955
2. Nellie Beaver 1890-1958
3. Edna Beaver 1893-1971
4. William Beaver 1894-1985
5. Theodore Beaver 1896-1988
6. Lelia Beaver 1900-1967
7. Reuben H. Beaver 1902-1987
8. Helen Beaver
9. Evelyn P. Beaver 1906-1979
10. Laura Beaver 1908-
11. Paul Beaver 1910-1973

Lester Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born in 1888; died February 1955

The Sullivan Review
February 10, 1955
Lester Beaver 67, of Mildred, died Wednesday morning at Robert Packer Hospital. He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Beaver of Murray.
For many years he resided with his parents at Murray and was employed by the old Northern Anthracite Coal Company (the Murray Mines). For some years he had been retired.
Surviving are four brothers, William and Theodore of Mildred, Reuben of Elmira and Paul of Nordmont; five sisters, Mrs. Nellie Coolbaugh of Duryea, Mrs. Edward Carman and Mrs. Helen LaRue of Erie, Mrs. Carl Sherman of Towanda and Mrs. Laura Cosa of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Funeral service will be held at the Holcombe Funeral Home Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Charles A. Souders will officiate and burial will be in Trinity Lutheran cemetery, Mildred.

Friends may call at the funeral home Friday afternoon and Saturday.

Nellie Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born 1890; died Sept. 6, 1958
Married Joseph Coolbaugh

Child of Nellie and Joseph Coolbaugh

Margaret Coolbaugh

Edna Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born 1893; died December 30, 1970

The Sullivan Review
January 7, 1971
Mrs. Edna Carman, 78, of Erie, died Wednesday December 30, 1970 in Erie.
She was born in Bernice, daughter of the late Theodore and Maria Morter Beaver. She had been a resident of Erie for a number of years. For the last 10 years she had been in failing health. She is survived by four brothers, Theodore and William Beaver, both of Mildred, Paul of Nordmont, and Reuben of Elmira, N.Y.; two sisters, Mrs. Carl (Evelyn) Sherman of North Rome, Mrs. Sal (Laura) Cosa of Brookly, N.Y.; and numberious nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday in Dushore.

William Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser);born April 23, 1894; died April 14, 1985.
Married Helen T. Orlowski.

Children of William and Helen Orlowski:

1. George B. Beaver
2. Frank T. Beaver
3. Phyllis Beaver
4. Marion Beaver
5. Shirley Beaver

Theodore Beaver, Jr. (Maria, Susan, John Reeser); born November 6, 1896; died October 13, 1988.
Married Ruth Crist (1913-1980).

Children of Theodore and Ruth Crist Beaver were:

1. Robert E. Beaver
2. Harold E. Beaver
4. Lorraine Beaver

Lelia Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born 1900

Reuben H. Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born January 13, 1903; died October 11, 1987.
Married Louise Hunsinger

Children of Reuben & Louise Beaver:

1. Lillian M. Beaver 1931-1997
2. Lois C. Beaver 1934-1998

Helen Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser)

Evelyn P. Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born June 18, 1906; died May 4, 1979
Married Carl Sherman in 1924. He was born August 15, 1906; died June 18, 1981.

Children of Evelyn & Carl Sherman:

1. Lawrence Sherman
2. Elsie Sherman
3. Betty Sherman
4. Clara Sherman
5. Regina Sherman

Laura Beaver(Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born September 6, 1908
Married Sal Cosa

Paul Beaver (Maria, Susan, John Reeser) born May 6, 1910; died Nov. 15, 1973
Married Mabel B. Edgar on Feb. 22, 1936

Children of Paul & Mabel Edgar Beaver:

1. James D. Beaver
2. Paul W. Beaver
3. Daniel J. Beaver

Ella Morter (Susan, John Reeser) born in 1872; died December 28, 1954

The Sullivan Review
January 6, 1955
Mrs. Ella Morter Basley, 82, of Elmira, died in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Elmira, Tuesday, December 28th. She was the widow of the late Harry Basley, who was a former owner of the Sonestown Hotel.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Edith Hazen, of Elmira and Mrs. Gertrude Markle of Milan; a step-son Arthur Basley of St. Petersburg, Fla.; three grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Cora Collins and Mrs. Emma Anderson both of Endicott; and a brother, George Morter of Forksville.
Funeral services were held in the Sonestown Methodist church, Friday afternoon. The Rev. Ray Deming officiated. Burial in Hillcrest cemetery, Sonestown.

George F. Morter (Susan, John Reeser) born April 20, 1874; died 1955
Married Margaret Collins. 1889-1953

The Sullivan Review
March 3, 1955
George F. Morter, 80, of Forksville, died suddenly Thursday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Robert Evans, in Forksville.
Mr Morter was a native of Bernice where he was born on April 20, 1874, a son of the late Valentine and Susan Reeser Morter. He spent his early life in the vicinity of Bernice-Mildred but for may years has been a resident of Forksville.
His survivors include two sons, Merrill of Johnson City and Collins of Albany, N.Y, his daughter, Mrs. Robert Evans of Forksville; two sisters, Mrs. Cora Collins and Mrs. Emma Anderson, both of Johnson City; 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Funeral services were held Sunday at 1:30 at the home of Robert Evans in Forksville with further services in the Forksville Methodist Church at 2 o’clock, the Rev. Gayle Miller officiating. Burial was in the Forksville Cemetery.

The Sullivan Review
Janury 8, 1953
Mrs. George Morter, 63, of Forksville, died suddenly Thursday evening at the Blossburg State Hospital where she had been a patient since Monday.
Mrs. Morter was born Oct. 14, 1889, at Forksville the daughter of Scott and Hariet Rowe Collins, Besides her husband she is survived by two sons, Merrill of Johson City, N.Y and Collins of Albany, N.Y; one daughter Mrs. Robert Evans of Forksville 12 grandchildren; two brothers John Collins of Mankata, Kans, and Charles of Johnson City; two sisters, Mrs. Rachel McCarty of Forksville and Mrs. Floyd Kinney of New Albany.
Funeral services were held Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Robert Evans in Forksville, further service at the Methodist Church. Rev. Gayle Miler officiated. Burial was in Forksville Cemetery.