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JAMES SCARLET, of the firm of Scarlet & Angle, attorneys, Danville, was
born in Elizabeth, N. J., December 31, 1848, a son of George and Mary Scarlet. The former was of English origin,
and for many years a sea captain; the latter was of Scotch-Irish descent. James is the eldest of a family of three
sons and grew to manhood in Danville, attending the schools of that place, where he also learned the blacksmith's
trade. He subsequently entered Princeton College and graduated in the regular classical course in 1874. He studied
law in Danville in the office of Thomas Galbrith, Esq., was admitted to practice in the courts of Montour County
in 1877, and in 1875 was admitted to the supreme court, and also the United States courts. He was elected to the
office of district attorney for Montour County in 1882, and after serving his term was nominated by the Republican
party for the Legislature in 1885, but was defeated with James G. Blaine. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties
Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 168 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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THOMAS A. SCHOTT, coal merchant, Danville, was born in Rockland Township,
Berks Co., Penn., October 7, 1836, a son of Anthony and Harriet (Roarback) Schott, natives of Pennsylvania and
of German origin. In early life his father was a charcoal burner, later a furnace blower, which occupation he followed
until his death in 1871. His family consisted of five children, four of whom grew to maturity. Thomas A. is the
second child; he received his education in the common schools, and later learned the cigarmakers' trade, which
he followed five years. Later he learned the painter and carpenter trades, the latter of which he followed eleven
years. He then engaged in teaming, also sold sewing machines, and then traveled and sold reapers for three years.
In 1879 he embarked in the coal business on a limited scale, which enterprise has proved a success. He now owns
an acre of land on which he has a coal yard, and has built a railroad which runs into the yard, where the coal
is dumped from the coal cars. He also owns his neat and substantial residence, and his financial success is due
largely to his own exertions. Mr. Schott was married, November 29, 1862, to Elizabeth Hartman, a native of Germany,
and to this union one child was born, Joseph A. Mrs. Schott died in 1869, and in 1872 our subject married Mollie
Hartman, a sister of his first wife. Their children are George W., Mary E., Anthony W., Grace E., Harry A. and
Thomas A. Mr. and Mrs. Schott are members of the German Catholic Church. Politically he is a Republican. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 169 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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S. S. SCHULTZ, M. D., a native of Berks County, Penn., was born July 5, 1831,
youngest son and child of Jeremiah and Mary Shultz[sic], both of whom were natives of Berks County. The paternal
ancestor who first came to this county was Christopher Schultz, the great-grandfather of our subject, who landed
in the New World, September 22, 1734, then sixteen years old and a fugitive from religious persecution in Silesia.
Young as he was, he was a fine scholar and became subsequently an able theologian, leader and organizer of men.
Certainly, in all history there cannot be found an instance more completely verifying the phrase "born to
command." He was the organizer and leader of the religious body to which he belonged, and that came to this
country. He made the collection for the hymn-book used by the fugitives in the desert and the wilds. The theological
works of this divine and temporal leader are yet, in much of their entirety, incorporated in the church formulas
of his denomination to-day. On the maternal side the first immigrant to come to this country was George Schultz,
the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who came to America in 1734, in the twenty-fourth year of his age.
The parents of our subject were Jeremiah and Mary Schultz. The father was born June 7, 1979, and died February
4, 1874. The mother was born September 5, 1798, and died February 2, 1873. Their children, all living, are Henry,
born June 16, 1821; Edward, born June 20, 1824; John, born September 6, 1828, and our subject. Dr. Schultz was
reared and educated in his native county until he was fourteen years old, when he attended school at Washington
Hall, Montgomery County. From there he went to school at the academy in Allentown, Penn., which has since become
Muehlenburg College, where he remained one year; then a short time at Freeland Seminary, Montgomery County, and
then entered Princeton College, New Jersey, where he graduated in 1852. After graduating he taught school for a
short time, and then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Daniel D. Detwiler, of Montgomery County. After a
careful preparation he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1856. Immediately after leaving
the university he opened an office for the practice of medicine in Allentown, where he met with flattering success.
But soon an opportunity offered for him to pursue the natural bent of his mind, and he accepted a position in the
State lunatic hospital at Harrisburg, as assistant physician. He remained here until 1861. He then made the tour
of Europe, where he spent one year studying the hospitals and public institutions of Germany, England and France.
In the meantime war was raging in his native land, and he hastened his return and entered the army as acting assistant
surgeon, and as assistant surgeon and surgeon of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and assistant surgeon and surgeon of
United States Volunteers; remained in service to the close of the war. He served with the Seventy-fifth and Twenty-third
Pennsylvania Regiments, and as executive officer and surgeon in charge, successively, in general hospitals at Harrisburg,
Penn., Covington, Ky., Madison, Ind., and Columbus, Ohio. Here he resigned as superintendent of hospitals at the
close of the war in 1865. He then returned to Harrisburg, and was in active practice from 1865 to 1868 when he
was appointed by the commissioners of the hospital to come to Danville and take control of the construction and
the superintendency of the Danville Hospital, and from the commencement of the work on the building to the present
time he has been its efficient and able superintendent, to the great advantage of the State in its vast expenditures
here, and to the blessing of the poor unfortunates who have been dwellers in this benevolent home. The real professional
career of Dr. Schultz commenced with his connection with his present office, and the history of the institution
and the history of the Doctor, in his car of the insane, are practically one and the same, and the reader is referred
to an account of the Danville Asy H. B. D. SECHLER, retired painter, Danville,
was born on River Street, Danville, January 26, 1808, a son of Rudolph and Susanna (Douty) Sechler, natives of
Pennsylvania. His parental and maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of the State. His father
was a blacksmith in early and middle life, later was register and recorder of Columbia County, serving several
years. In 1821 he was appointed justice of the peace and served until 1845, when he retired, and died in 1857,
at the age of eighty-five years. He reared a family of six children, all of whom became good citizens and four
of whom still survive. Our subject is the eldest of the survivors, was reared in Danville and educated at the subscription
schools. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade and followed it for many years, but since 1840 he has been engaged
in house and ornamental sign painting. In 1830 he married Miss Jane Jamison of Mifflin County, Penn., who died
in 1831. In 1835, he was married to Sarah, daughter of John Gearhart, and six children blessed their union, two
of whom are living: Harriet, wife of Jonathan Waters, and Emma, wife of John Yorgy. Mr. and Mrs. Sechler are members
of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder, and also teacher and superintendent of the Sabbath-school.
He takes an interest in all that pertains to the good of the community. Politically he is a Republican, formerly
a Whig, was appointed justice of the peace in 1845, and served five years. (History of Columbia and Montour
Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 170 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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LEWIS SCHUYLER, farmer, P. O. Turbotville, was born December 5, 1808, in
Madison Township, Columbia County, son of Adam and Eve (Sanders) Schuyler. When a boy of seven years Lewis removed
to Lewis Township, Northumberland County, where he was reared to manhood, and January 19, 1836, married Miss Elizabeth
Brass, a native of Mahoning Township, Montour County, and daughter of Lucas and Elizabeth Brass, both deceased.
The former is buried at Danville, the latter at Montoursville. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler are the
parents of six children: Mary, wife of Charles Romig, Dewart, Penn.; Effie Ann, wife of Thomas M. Derr, lives in
Limestone Township; Lucas B., married to Anna S. Russell, Lock Haven; John S., married to Samantha Allen, lives
in Lock Haven; Drucilla, wife of A. D. Hower, lawyer, lives in Muncy; William H., bookkeeper, married Clara Smith,
lives at Hughesville. Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler are members of the Baptist Church, of which he has been deacon over
thirty years; he has been overseer of the poor, judge and inspector of elections, etc. At the golden anniversary
of who were present at the wedding, and 181 sat down to dinner. For twenty-five years Mr. Schuyler worked at the
carpenter trade; he put up his own house and all other improvements, and has erected a great many buildings throughout
the surrounding country. His two oldest sons, Lucas B. and John S., served throughout the civil war in the Union
Army, the former in the Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry and the latter in the Seventh P. V. V. Cavalry. In politics
he is a Republican. Mr. Schuyler was the first man in Montour County to give the right of way for the Wilkesbarre
& Western Railway that crosses his farm, which road was built in the year 1886. A station within a mile of
his place is called "Schuyler." (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle,
1887, pg. 209 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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THOMAS B. SCHUYLER was born in Lewis Township, Northumberland County, February
5, 1834, son of John and Sophia (Brass) Schuyler. Lewis Schuyler, great-grandfather of Thomas B., was born in Germany
in 1748, and came to America in 1751 with his parents. They settled in Germantown, now West Philadelphia. His parents
died when our subject was twelve years old, and he was bound out to John Fochner until he was eighteen years of
age, and served an apprenticeship at the shoemaker trade. He married Keziah Horned in 1781, and lived in New Jersey
until 1794. He then came to Pennsylvania and located south of Jerseytown, in what is now Columbia County, where
he resided five years, then moved north of Jerseytown, where he resided until his death, October 1, 1837, at the
age of eighty-nine years. He was the father of eleven children: Adam, William, John, Mary, Samuel, Hannah, Elizabeth,
Lewis, Henry, Sarah and Jacob. Adam Schuyler, grandfather of Thomas B., was born in New Jersey, from there removed
to what is now Columbia County, near Jerseytown, there was reared and married to Eva Sanders. He died in December,
1858; his widow survived him a number of years, having died about 1871. They are buried at Turbotville. They were
the parents of ten children: Mary (deceased), John (deceased), Lewis, Jacob, William, Sarah Ann, Keziah, Effie,
Adam and Henry (deceased). John Schuyler, father of Thomas B., was born December 6, 1806, in Madison Township,
Columbia County, and was married to Sophia Brass December 24, 1829. The former died April 5, 1885, his wife having
preceded him in death, dying April 15, 1884. They are buried at Turbotville. They were the parents of ten children:
Elizabeth, William, Thomas B., Sarah Ann, John, Jackson, Adam (died at Nashville while in the service), Lewis,
Sophia and Eve C. Thomas B. Schuyler, subject of this sketch, spent his early life in his native township, and
made his home with his parents until 1859, when he was married, December 29, to Sarah A., daughter of Peter and
Catharine (Ernest) Leidy. The Leidy family were originally from New Jersey, but her parents were born and reared
in Columbia County, near Buckhorn. Her father died October 30, 1878, at the age of seventy-six years; her mother
died in July, 1865. They are buried at the Derry Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler were the parents of
three children: Flora (born January 10, 1860, died June 27, 1884), was the wife of Charles F. Fulmer, and they
were the parents of one child, Lola; Ellsworth, born September 23, 1861, accidentally shot himself in January 1883,
and William, born June 4, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler are members of the Baptist Church at Turbotville. He has
held the office of school director one term. The old Schuyler farm, consisting of 162 acres, lies in Limestone
Township, Montour County, and in Lewis Township, Northumberland County. The house in which Mr. S Schuyler lives
was built in 1802 by Abraham Walter, who had bought the land on which it stands from Jacob Fulmer, who was one
of the brothers who were early settlers here, and who located on the place in 1778. Mr. Schuyler is an undertaker
as were also his father and grandfather; he has made that his business for many years; is a member of the Undertakers'
Association of Montour, Snyder and Northumberland Counties. He followed carpenter work in his early life, and only
of late years has been a farmer. His father and grandfather were also carpenters. (History of Columbia and Montour
Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 209 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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ABRAHAM SECHLER, musician, Danville, was born in that place April 13, 1814,
a son of Jacob and Barbara (Reice) Sechler, the latter a native of Switzerland, born in 1790. The Sechler family
came to Pennsylvania about 1775, four brothers settling on the site of Danville, about the close of the Revolution.
They were farmers and took up about 500 acres of land, then a wilderness, a part of which is now the Thomas Beaver
farm, near the State asylum at Danville. Jacob Sechler was the first male child born in Danville in 1790. the family
were usually farmers. Abraham is the eldest son in a family of nine children, and is a natural musician. He organized
the first band in Danville and as soon as his brothers became old enough they joined the band, and for several
years six of them played in it. Abraham received but a limited education in the subscription schools of Danville,
but has been a student all his life, and can now read and write English, French and German with ease. His first
occupation was farming, which engaged his attention until he was nineteen years of age. He then operated a stationary
engine for over forty years, and by economy and judicious investments has made money. During the war he invested
his money in Government bonds, and now has a fine property where he resides and devotes his time to music, which
he fully enjoys. In 1835 he married Lavinia, daughter of Asa Pancost, and of English descent. Of their five children
three are now living: Mary Alice, wife of Henry Schick; Sarah Jane, wife of John Kenvin, and W. W., in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Sechler died in 1864, and in 1869 our subject married Harriet, daughter of John Wurtman, and of English descent.
Their only child is Martha, wife of Charles Robson. Mrs. Sechler is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Sechler
of the Episcopal. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as tax collector. (History of Columbia and Montour
Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 170 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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F. R. SECHLER, liveryman, Danville, was born in Mahoning Township, Montour County,
March 22, 1826, a son of Jacob and Barbara Ann (Reise) Sechler His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and
his grandfather, John Sechler, a soldier in the Revolution and one of the early settlers of Danville; both were
farmers. F. R. is the seventh in a family of nine children, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has
followed most of his life, but now resides in Danville engaged in the livery business. He married, in 1850, Abigail,
daughter of Herbert Best, a prominent farmer of English origin, and one of the early settlers of Danville, where
he died in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Sechler have two children now living: C. R. and Barbara Ann. Mr. Sechler is a member
of the K. of P., politically an Independent, with Democratic proclivities. (History of Columbia and Montour
Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 170 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JOHN K. SHEDDAN, farmer, P. O. Mooresburg, was born on the place he now resides
on, in Liberty Township, Montour Co., Penn., May 16, 1828, son of William and Mary (Russell) Sheddan. James Sheddan,
grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, August, 12, 1744; from there came to America and located in what
is now Montour County, in 1774, taking up land, then all timber, where John K. now resides. The tract was then
called Serviceberry Grove, and then in Mahoning Township, Northumberland County. It contained 216 acres, thirty-four
perches and allowances. Here he lived the remainder of his life. His wife was born in August, 1749, and they were
married November 10, 1773. They were the parents of the following children: Sarah, Margaret, Agnes, William, Anne,
Robert, Mary and Elizabeth, all deceased. The father died August 13, 1817; the mother April 17, 1813, and they
are buried in the Chillisquaque graveyard. William Sheddan, father of our subject, was born June 2, 1785, at the
place where the latter now resides, and here he was reared. He married December 25, 1807, Sarah M. Sharon, a native
of Juniata County, Penn., who died April 15, 1813, and is buried in the Chillisquaque graveyard. They were the
parents of two children: James and Samuel S. William Sheddan next married Mary Russell, on January 6, 1820, and
by her had the following named children: Andrew R., Maria, Isabella, John K. and William B.; of these only John
K. and Isabella are living. The father died January 19, 1839, the mother June 5, 1872, and they are both buried
in Chillisquaque graveyard. The subject of this sketch was reared at the place of his birth. He was married June
14, 1866, to Miss Marietta, daughter of William and Eleanor (Blaine) Wilson, who was born in Lewis Township, Northumberland
Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Sheddan are the parents of one child, William Boyd, born April 8, 1867. He commenced his
education in the common schools of his township, and from there went to the Potts Grove Academy, thence to the
normal school at Muncy, where he graduated October 1, 1866, carrying off first honors in a class of twenty-four,
and delivering the valedictory address. The family are members of the first presbytery of this district, known
as Northumberland Presbytery. William Sheddan was also an elder in the church. The subject of this sketch has been
connected with the schools of the township as director, and has also been inspector of elections. He has fifty-five
acres, and allowances of the old tract, which formerly consisted of 216 acres and allowances, the grant being given
during the reign of George III. Samuel S. Sheddan, half brother of J. K., was a Presbyterian minister, having preached
at Warrior Run, Muncy, all in Pennsylvania, and in Rahway, N. J., where he resided at his death in 1875. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 202 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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MATTHEW L. SHEEP, farmer, P. O. Jerseytown, is a grandson of Andrew Sheep,
who immigrated from New Jersey and settled in this township, on a farm adjoining the one now occupied by our subject.
He had eight children, only three of whom now survive, Mary, Rebecca and Elizabeth. James was the father of our
subject, and was born on the homestead, May 11, 1800. Some years after his marriage he inherited a portion of the
farm where his son now resides, and there he died October 18, 1881, a prominent member of the Derry Presbyterian
Church. His wife was Sarah P., a daughter of Samuel Lowrie, of this township. She was born May 3, 1797, and died
in 1849. Their children were Andrew J. (deceased), who emigrated to Texas and there died; Samuel, died in his twentieth
year, and Matthew L. The last named was born April 26, 1834, and lived with his father until the latter's death.
Two years after his marriage he took possession of the home farm, having paid for the interest of the other heirs.
March 29, 1855, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert McKee. She was born December 28, 1834, in Anthony
Township, and before marriage taught school in Anthony and Derry Townships. To their union six children have been
born: Lloyd S., holds the position of principal of a large academy in Elizabeth City, N. C., married Pauline Hinton
of that place, where they reside; Jennie, at home; J. Willis, married Ida Smith, and resides on a part of his father's
farm; s. Laura, a teacher, resides with her parents; Sarah L. and M. Clyde, at home. Mr. Sheep held several township
offices and many positions of trust, such as guardianships, etc. He and Mrs. Sheep are members of the Derry Presbyterian
Church, of which he is treasurer. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887,
pg. 198 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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DAVID SHELHART, merchant tailor, Danville, was born in Franklin Township,
Columbia Co., Penn., May 9, 1833, a son of Jacob and Christianna (Evert) Shelhart, natives of Pennsylvania and
of German origin. His father was a farmer. David is the youngest of eleven children, and was reared on the farm
until he was seventeen years old, receiving his education in the schools of Columbia County. He first clerked in
the store of Christian Laubach, of Danville, where he remained six years, from 1850 to 1856. He then embarked in
his present business, merchant tailor and dealer in gents' furnishing goods, and employs the best skilled workmen
and cutter. In 1857 he married Malinda A., a daughter of Richard DeMott. She is of German origin, and has borne
her husband four children: Emma, wife of Warren McHENRY; Kate D., wife of Harry Rhodes; Frank and Charles Richard.
The family are all members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Shelhart has been treasurer and superintendent
of the Sabbath-school for fourteen consecutive years. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and has been
connected with the lodge twenty-one years, and has passed all the chairs. Politically he is a Republican. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 171 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JACOB SHELHART, retired, ex-sheriff of Montour County, Penn., was born in
that county, August 14, 1825, a son of Jacob and Christine (Everett) Shelhart, natives of Lehigh County, Penn.,
both of German origin. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of the State. His
father was an early settler of Danville, lived to be eighty years old, and spent over seventy years of his life
in this part of Pennsylvania. He grew to manhood in Cooper Township, now, Montour County, and in early life made
farming his business, but later devoted his time to the manufacture of wooden plows, which he carried on for a
time, also manufacturing wagons and wheelbarrows, when the canal was being made through Danville. Jacob is the
sixth of eleven children, and his schooling was limited to about two months in the rude schoolhouse. He followed
farming as a business until 1865, with success, and though not a believer in luck, does believe in pluck. Politically
he is a Democrat, and in 1865 was elected sheriff of three years; then spent some time traveling over the United
States and Canada. He has been twice married; first to Maria, daughter of Joseph Foust, and of English and German
origin. Mr. Shelhart has two children now living: Mary, wife of J. Andrew, and Hattie. Mr. Shelhart is a member
of the Lutheran Church; has been a member of the school board and overseer of the poor. He is at present making
valuable improvements in Danville. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887,
pg. 170 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JAMES K. SHELL, farmer, P. O. Limestoneville, is a great-grandson of Jacob Shell,
who emigrated from Germany about the middle of the last century, and was one of the pioneers who located near Allentown,
Penn., where his son Jacob, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born, and where he died at the age of
nearly eighty years. His son John, father of James K., was born there in 1792, and died in 1864, aged seventy-two
years. He was a farmer all his lifetime. In 1833 he bought a farm near Turbotville, Northumberland Co., Penn.,
on which he lived until his death, as stated above. He was a plain man of religious habits, never taking much part
in politics. His wife was Elizabeth Kamerer; she died twelve years before her husband, aged about sixty years.
They had twelve children, of whom four are deceased, viz.: Reuben and Amanda, who died in Lewis Township; Sarah,
died at Watsontown; and Charles, who went to Nebraska, where he died. The survivors are Jonas, in Delaware Township,
Northumberland County; Mary, widow of Jacob Stahl (who was killed in the Union Army), living with her brother,
James K.; Jacob, in Anthony Township; Lydia, widow of Enoch Bennett, of Turbotville; John, in Lewis Township, Northumberland
County, on the old homestead; Nathan, in Turbotville, and James K., the fourth son. Our subject was born February
15, 1825, while his parents were living in Pennsboro, Montgomery Co., Penn.; he was eight years old when they came
to Northumberland County, and lived with them until he was twenty-three. He then went to Centre County and worked
at his trade of mason for three years, when in the fall of 1851 he removed to the farm where he now lives, which
subsequently became his wife's. May 20, 1852, he was married to Mary Ellen Shurtz, who was born, lived and died
on this place. (She died February 1, 1885; she was the daughter of Col. Jacob Shurtz, who had lived on the same
farm since he was two years old. He was one of the best and most prominent citizens of the town, and had served
in the war of 1812, commanding a company near Easton, and also served at Black Rock). They had two children: James
S., living on a farm adjoining, owned by his father, and Mary M., who died in infancy. For about twenty years Mr.
Shell has filled the offices of school director and overseer of the poor. He is a Democrat in politics. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 210 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JOHN W. SHERIFF, bookkeeper, Danville, was born in Erie County, Penn., September
12, 1822, a son of William and Margaret (Colt) Sheriff, natives of Ireland, but who came to this county in childhood.
Our subject is the youngest of six children; was reared in Waterford, Erie County, where he received his education
at the common schools and at the academy. In 1842 he came to Danville where he has since remained. On first coming
here he clerked in a general store for fourteen years, and later ran a stage line from Danville to Pottsville,
Northumberland to Wilkesbarre, and Danville to Williamsport and Blossburg, taking in all the villages on the route,
carrying passengers and the United States mail. He had a partner in the business, and for several years they ran
a packet boat on the canal until 1857, when the railroad was built. In 1860 he embarked in mercantile business
which he continued with success until 1873, when he sold out and has since been employed as bookkeeper in the coal
office of R. H. Woolley, sole agent for Conyngham & Co., of Danville. In 1849 Mr. Sheriff married Miss Martha
Waters, of German origin, and five children were born to the union: Margaret, wife of A. G. Marr; William; Mary
(deceased); Matilda, wife of H. J. Rupert, and Anna. Mr. Sheriff is a Democrat and has served as member of the
town council of Danville. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 171
Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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REV. MARTIN L. SHINDEL, a gentleman of scholarly attainments and a devout
Christian worker, has served faithfully and most efficiently as pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Danville
since March, 1874. He has devoted his time and energy to the cause of Christianity with a zeal and a love for his
work which could not but result in the accomplishment of much good to his charge and his fellow citizens, and there
is not a member of his church who does not love and respect him. He is a son of Rev. J. P. and Susanna (McCollough)
Shindel, and was born in Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pa. Rev. J. P. Shindel, the father of our subject, was
born in Lebanon County, Pa., and when young decided that his life's work lay in the ministerial field. He became
pastor of the Lutheran Church of Sunbury and served as such for a period of forty-five years, when he retired owing
to his advanced age, five years prior to his death. He married Susanna McCollough of Lebanon County and they were
the parents of a family of eleven children, as follows: Jeremiah, a minister; Rev. John P.; Jacob J. G.; Solomon;
Newton, a physician, deceased; Dr. Daniel W., deceased; Martin L., our subject; Philip M.; Louise, the wife of
Gideon Leisenring; Maria, the wife of Benjamin Hendricks; Susanna, the wife of Samuel Gobin, is the mother of Lieut.-Gov.
J. P. S. Gobin of Pennsylvania. Martin L. Shindel received a good education, graduating from the Susquehanna University,
after which he studied for the ministry and was ordained to preach in 1861. His first charge was at McAlisterville,
Pa., where he remained for three years, after which he had three congregations at Selinsgrove, Pa., for a period
of seven years. He then removed to Danville, Montour County, as the successor to Rev. U. Graves as pastor of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which he is pastor at the present time. This church was originally a part of St.
John's German Lutheran Church of Danville, which was established in 1820 by Rev. Peter Kessler, who for some years
was the only pastor of that denomination in that section of the state. He had charge of all the congregations in
Montour and adjoining counties. In 1830 the Lutherans and Episcopalians joined in building a house of worship in
which each was to hold its services, but after a year or two dissatisfaction arose, and the Lutherans erected a
church of their own in 1844. The congregation assumed large proportions in a remarkably short time and it became
apparent that the size of the church was insufficient to comfortably accommodate all who wished to attend. Many
of the members again became dissatisfied and the English-speaking members withdrew, resulting in the incorporation
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on April 29, 1852. They erected a handsome brick church on Pine Street in 1858,
a building 45 by 72 feet in size, with a large basement for a Sunday School room, and Rev. P. P. Lane was installed
as the first pastor. He in turn was succeeded by the following in their respective order: Rev. M. J. Stover, Rev.
E. A. Sharretts, Rev. George M. Rhoads, Rev. U. Graves, and Rev. Martin L. Shindel, our subject. The trustees of
the church at present are: Jacob Fish, William E. Case, Charles Pusey, and Charles Werkheiser. Adjoining the church,
but facing on Mulberry street, is the parsonage which is in every way in keeping with the church edifice. Under
the successful guidance of its present pastor the church has increased in membership to an enrollment of two hundred,
and is in good financial condition. Rev. Mr. Shindel during his long pastorate and faithful devotion to his duty
toward God and man, has won a high place in the affections of the people. Our subject was united in the holy bonds
of matrimony with Catherine Young, a daughter of John Young, and they reared a daughter, Elizabeth B., now the
wife of Samuel McCoy, town clerk of Danville, Pa. Mrs. Shindel died at the age of fifty-five years, and our subject
formed a second marital union with Mary O. Tillson, a daughter of Darius and Mary Tillson of Danville, and they
have one daughter, Susan Mary, born October 23, 1889. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional
District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 54 Transcribed
by Tammy L. Clark)
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GIDEON M. SHOOP, lumberman, P. O. Danville, was born in Northumberland county,
Penn., June 23, 1821, a son of George and Elizabeth (Cockley) Shoop, natives respectively of Cumberland and Dauphin
Counties, Penn. Our subject is the youngest of a family of seven children, and attended the common schools of his
native county until he was thirteen years old. He then went to Franklin County and learned the art of manufacturing
French buhr mill stones, at which he worked for two years. He then went to Cumberland County, where he carried
on the same business. He continued to carry on his trade until he came to Danville, in 1841, as collecting agent
for several stage lines, and also embarked in the lumber business, dealing in and manufacturing lumber quite extensively,
and owning several saw-mills. In 1846 he rented the "Brady Hotel," repaired and improved it; added another
story; changed the name to that of "Montour House," and conducted it for eighteen months. (The house
is still the leading hotel in Danville.) Mr. Shoop 's main business, however, is the lumber trade. He purchases
large tracts of land in the south and elsewhere, from which he cuts the timber and manufactures it into lumber.
His residence, among the most beautiful and attractive in Montour County, was erected at a cost of about $24,000;
he also owns four farms in Montour County, the half of one in Virginia, consisting of 367 acres, and half of one
in Northumberland County of 180 acres. Mr. Shoop married December 2, 1846, Amelia D., daughter of William Gearhart.
She is of English and German origin and the mother of four children, all deceased except one, William G., who is
now engaged with his father in the lumber business. Mr. Shoop is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; is
president of the board of trustees, a steward and a teacher in the Sabbath-school. In 1880 he was elected a lay
delegate to the Central Pennsylvania Conference, and elected by that body a lay delegate to the general conference,
which met in Cincinnati, Ohio, in May, 1880. Politically he is a Republican; is at present a member of the board
of trustees of the Danville Insane Asylum; one of the directors of the Nail & Manufacturing Company; a director
of the Bridge Company, and a director in the Danville National Bank, having served in that capacity longer than
any other director, with a single exception. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle,
1887, pg. 171 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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B. F. SHULTZ, M. D., Danville, was born in Columbia County, Penn., March 19, 1828,
a son of Peter and Sarah (Bobbins) Shultz, former of New Jersey, of German origin, and latter a native of Pennsylvania,
of Scotch origin. They resided in Pennsylvania for many years, where they kept hotel, but in later life retired
to the seclusion of farm life. They reared a family of nine children--eight sons and one daughter--and all maintained
the honor of the family name. Our subject, the seventh in the family, obtained his early education in his native
county, and subsequently attended the university at Philadelphia for a time. He afterward took up the study of
medicine in Danville, in the office of Dr. Strawbridge (the latter one of the leading surgeons in this part of
the State), and also studied with Dr. Pancost, of Philadelphia. He then entered Jefferson Medical College at the
latter city, where he graduated with the degree of M. D. Subsequently he commenced the practice of his profession
at Danville, where he has since bee actively engaged, and has secured for himself a well acknowledged prominence
in his profession. Dr. Shultz has been twice married; first, in 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Mowrer, and
of German origin; she died in 1861, the mother of two children: Clarence (deceased) and Dora. Dr. Shultz's second
marriage took place in 1870, with Mary, daughter of John Heckard, and also of German origin; she has borne her
husband four children: William C., Florence, Debora and Arminta. Politically the Doctor is a Republican. After
the battle of Gettysburg he went to that place and volunteered his services as medical attendant. Mrs. Shultz was
a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her death occurred December 19, 1886, in the forty-seventh year of her age.
(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 171 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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CAMERON SHULTZ, M. D., is one of the rising young physicians of the town
of Danville, Pa., and a highly esteemed citizen of the community. He is a son of Benjamin F. Shultz, one of the
oldest and most highly-respected physicians and surgeons who ever practiced in the borough of Danville. Peter Shultz,
grandfather of our subject, was a resident of Plainfield, N. J., for a number of years, but later he became a resident
of Derry township, Montour County, Pa., and, purchasing a large tract of land, he erected a hotel, which he conducted
for several years; he also carried on general farming. During his latter days he gave up his hotel business and
devoted his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. He was joined in marriage to Sarah Robbins and a family
of nine children was born to them. Benjamin F. Shultz, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead
in Derry township, Montour County, March 19, 1828. He first attended the primary schools of his native township.
He taught school in the borough of Danville and, while teaching, studied medicine under Dr. James Strawbridge,
A. M., M. D., of Danville. Subsequently he studied under Dr. Pancoast, of Philadelphia, and then entered the Jefferson
Medical College of that city, and was graduated from that institution in 1852. He then began practicing his chosen
profession in Danville, Pa., where his labors were crowned with success and he soon won the confidence and esteem
of his community. He continued in his profession with great success, but in 1877 he was obliged to retire from
the medical field because of poor health. He accordingly purchased a farm of three hundred acres, which is now
the property of his daughter, Mrs. Vincent, and there he quietly and happily spent the last six years of his active
life. He also owned a large block, No. 425 Mill street, and one at No. 510 Bloom street. Politically, Dr. Shultz
was an unwavering Republican and always lent his aid toward the success of his chosen party. In religious views
he was inclined to be liberal. He passed from this life February 1, 1896, and left a good name, that will stand
as an incentive to the rising generation. In 1857 he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Elizabeth Mower, a
daughter of John Mower, and two children blessed the union: Dora Elizabeth, who is the wife of O. R. Drumheller,
who is proprietor of the Windsor Hotel, at Shamokin, Pa.; and Clarrena, who died in infancy. Mrs. Shultz died in
1861 and he formed a second marital union with Mary Heckert, a daughter of John Heckert. She died at the age of
forty-eight years, leaving the following children: Cameron, our subject; Florence, wife of A. H. Grone; Deborah,
who wedded T. G. Vincent; Arminda, a student at Irving College, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and Maggie and William, who
died in infancy. Our subject acquired a good education in the public schools of Danville and then read medicine
in his father's office for some time. He then entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and was graduated
with the class of 1892. He immediately returned to his home and opened a general practice, which he continued until
1896, when he went to New York City and took a special course in the diseases of the stomach. He has since built
up a large and successful practice and is the only specialist on diseases of the stomach in this part of the state.
Dr. Shultz purchased the handsome mansion on Market street, which was built by Peter Baldy at a cost of forty-five
thousand dollars, and in which he has his offices and parlors. Dr. Shultz's mansion is located on a large lot 273
by 80 feet in dimensions and the house is surrounded by a beautiful and well-kept lawn, which greatly adds to the
beauty of his home. Dr. Shultz chose for his life-companion Margaret Frances Thompson, a daughter of Hon. S. Y.
Thompson, M. D., of Danville, and one child is the result of this happy union, namely: Annie Mary, born in Danville,
Pa., August 19, 1893. The Doctor is a member and past grand master of Montour Lodge No. 109, I. O. O. F.; a member
of Washington Camp No. 364, P. O. S. of A., and of Lotus Conclave No. 127, I. O. H. ( Book of Biographies of
the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo,
NY (1899), pg. 310 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JOHN K. SHULTZ, farmer, P. O. Washingtonville, is a great grandson of Philip
Shultz, who came from Germany and settled on a farm in New Jersey, where he died. His son, Jacob, grandfather of
J. K., was born in New Jersey, and came to this county in 1790, settling first at Limestoneville. later he came
to the farm occupied by our subject. Here he lived until his death in 1804, when, with other old settlers, he was
carried off by typhoid fever. He was the father of eight children, only one of whom survives--Elizabeth, widow
of Daniel Mostellar, residing in West Hemlock Township, aged eighty-seven years. Peter was the father of John K.,
and was three years old when his parents came to this county. He was reared on the farm, and after his marriage
moved to the farm adjoining, where he resided fifty years, dying July 11, 1862, aged seventy-five years. He was
an elder in the old Derry Church for many years, and politically a Democrat. His wife was Sarah Robbins, of Columbia
County, Penn., who died in 1872, aged eighty-one years, and their children were William, a resident of Columbia
County; Jonathan P., who died in Northumberland County in 1886; Jacob and Vincent, living in West Hemlock Township;
James in Rush Township, Northumberland County; Benjamin F., a physician in Danville; Peter, in Anthony Township;
Mary K., wife of Benjamin Crossley in Michigan, and John K. Our subject was born in the old house, March 5, 1825,
and lived with his father until his marriage, when he moved to the adjoining farm in West Hemlock Township, which
he still owns. There he lived for nineteen years, when, having previously bought the old homestead and erected
a fine house, he removed to it in October, 1874. October 11, 1855, he married Rebecca, daughter of James McVicker,
of Anthony Township. She was born June 6, 1826, and seven children have blessed their union, the eldest and youngest
dying in infancy. The others are Charles W., married to Sarah J. Watt; Anna M., wife of William Robinson; Clarence
J., Sarah C. and William Barber, at home with their parents. Mr. Shultz has held several township offices, and
is now justice of the peace. He has always been a farmer, to which he has added cattle and horses dealing at times.
He, Mrs. Shultz and three children are members of the Derry Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 198 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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V. R. SHULTZ, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born January 13, 1820, in this township,
fourth son of Peter Shultz. Jacob Shultz, grandfather of our subject, was a very early settler in this county,
and was driven away from his home several times by the Indians, and forced to take refuge in the fort. To Jacob
and his wife were born the following children: Peggy, Polly, Betsey, Peter, Jacob, Philip and John, all of whom
reared families. Peter, the father of our subject, and a farmer by occupation, was born in 1789, and came to this
county when a small boy. He married Sarah, daughter of Vincent Robbins, and by her had eight sons and one daughter:
William, Jonathan, Jacob, V. R., James B., John K., B. F., Peter R. and Mary. Vincent R. Shultz was born in what
is now West Hemlock, Montour County, and was reared on the farm until he attained his majority, when he was married
to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary (Long) Cox. After his marriage he located on the farm he now owns, which
was covered with timber and which he has since cleared. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz have four children: Melinda M., wife
of henry Cooper, of Derry Township; Sarah C., wife of Hiram Turner in Madison Township; Jane, wife of John Johnson,
of Jerseytown, and Lloyd C., of this county. Mr. Shultz has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for
forty-five years; his wife since she was fourteen years of age; he has served as class leader. Politically Mr.
Shultz is a Democrat. Has been justice of the peace for twenty-five consecutive years; and school director twenty-one
years. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 219 Transcribed by Tammy
L. Clark)
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E. SIDLER, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Danville, was born on the farm where
he now resides, march 26, 1829, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Benfield) Sidler, natives of Pennsylvania, the former
of German origin. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, but has made farming his chief occupation. Our
subject is the fourth in a family of eight children, and was educated in the district school, and from his youth
up has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns 100 acres of land where he resides, and where he has
one of the most desirable country dwellings to be found in Valley Township. Mr. Sidler has been twice married;
first, in 1853, to Rebecca, daughter of Abraham Fenstermacher. Mrs. Sidler died in 1872, the mother of the following
children; Martha (wife of Calvin Schultz Nathan Elmer (a farmer) and William H. In 1874 Mr. Sidler married Rebecca,
daughter of Peter Bright, and a sister of Hon. Dennis Bright, of Danville. Her mother was of Welsh and her father
of German descent. Mr. Sidler is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been an elder and a deacon, and
is now treasurer. He was director of the poor twelve years, and served one term as county treasurer, as school
director six years, and supervisor two years.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle,
1887, pg. 219 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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WILLIAM L. SIDLER is one of the prominent attorneys-at-law residing at Danville,
Pa., and is register of wills and recorder of deeds of Montour County. He is a native of Danville, and is a son
of Franklin and Amanda (Gulick) Sidler, a grandson of Jacob Sidler, and a great-grandson of Jacob Sidler, Sr. Jacob
Sidler, the great-grandfather of our subject, spelled his name Sittler; he was a native of Germany, who came to
this country and settled in New Jersey. He and his son Jacob moved to Montour County, then a part of Columbia County,
and purchased a tract of land in Valley township, which is now the property of Emanuel Sidler, and there carried
on general farming the remainder of his active days. He passed from this life at an advanced age and was buried
in the old log-church grounds in Mahoning township. He was the progenitor of four children, as follows: Philip,
David, Marcia, and Jacob. Jacob Sidler, the grandfather of our subject, is supposed to have been born in Allentown,
Pa. He learned the trade of a carpenter by the old scribe rule, followed that vocation some time, and then engaged
in farming on the old homestead, which consisted of 140 acres of highly cultivated land. At his death he also owned
another farm of 210 acres. He passed from this life at the age of sixty-two years; his wife, who was Elizabeth
Benfield, a daughter of John Benfield, entered the world of rest at the age of fifty-two years. They were the parents
of the following children: John, Mary, Sarah, Franklin, Emanuel, Elizabeth, and a child who died in infancy. Mr.
Sidler was a strong Democrat in politics and served as supervisor and school director many years; in religious
views he was a member of the Lutheran Church. Franklin Sidler, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead,
where he spent his boyhood days. He and his brother changed the name Sittler to Sidler, as it is now spelled. In
1864 he enlisted in the 3rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Artillery, as a private and served throughout the close of the war;
returning home at the close of the struggle, he was employed in the rolling mills until 1872, when he purchased
a farm in Valley township, Montour County, and followed agricultural pursuits the rest of his active days, with
the exception of 1874 and 1875, when he was a stockholder and contractor in the Co-operative Iron Works at Danville,
now known as the North Branch Iron £ Steel Company. He was united in marriage to Amanda Gulick, a daughter
of Samuel Gulick of Montour County, and as a result of this union four children were born, namely: William L.,
the subject of this biographical sketch; Charles A., an attorney residing at Sunbury, Pa.; Horace A., who is engaged
in farming on the old homestead; and Samuel G., who died in infancy. The father of our subject died in 1891, aged
fifty-seven years. The mother of our subject still resides on the homestead with her son Horace. Mr. Sidler was
an unwavering Democrat, and was supervisor and tax collector; religiously he was attached to the Lutheran Church.
He was a man greatly respected for his many fine qualities and was recognized as one of the active and progressive
men of his community. William L. Sidler acquired a good education in the public schools; he then taught several
years in the public and grammar schools of Danville. Later he supplemented his education by a course in Princeton
College, from which institution he was graduated in 1888; he then began the study of law under the direction of
Edward S. Gearhart, and was admitted to the bar in 1890. In 1891 he began practicing his chosen profession with
the above-named gentleman, and has been meeting with the greatest of success. He is regarded as one of the promising
young attorneys of his community. He was elected register and recorder of Montour County, which office he still
holds, the duties of which he is honestly and faithfully fulfilling. Our subject was united in marriage to Mary
E. Divel, a daughter of Hon. Henry Divel, a prominent citizen of Danville, whose sketch may also be found in this
Book of Biographies. Four children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sidler, namely: Margaret R., born August 10,
1891; Franklin William, born August 1, 1894; Mildred, born February 28, 1896; and a son born January 24, 1899.
Mr. Sidler is a member and past master of the Mahoning Lodge No. 516, F. & A. M.; Danville Commandery, Knights
Templar, No. 37, of which he is captain general; Montour Lodge No. 109, I. O. O. F.; and Beaver Lodge No. 132,
K. of P. Religiously he is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth
Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899),
pg. 497 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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ROBERT HENRY SIMINGTON, farmer, P. O. Mooresburg, was born February 2,
1843, on the old homestead where his mother now lives. He was married February 26, 1880, granddaughter of Joseph
Kerr, who came to what is now Liberty Township, Montour Co., Penn., from Bucks County, where he was born December
19, 1770, and located on the place William V. Kerr now owns, a portion of a tract which was taken up by Robin Finney,
and which has never been sold, having been handed down in the family. There he lived, reared his family and died.
He was married to Jane Hine, born March 21, 1775, and they were the parents of nine children: Robert H., Alexander
H., Daniel T., Mary Finney, Margaret McFarland, Joseph (who died in infancy), Jane, Effie S. and Joseph H.. Joseph
Kerr Sr., was the son of an officer in the Revolutionary war. he died in April, 1856; his wife died in February,
1853. They are buried in the Chillisquaque graveyard. Joseph H. Kerr, son of the above, was born on the old homestead
August 24, 1815. He was married February 14, 1841, to Jane McLanathan VORIS, and they were the parents of two children:
William V., on the old homestead, and Anna B., wife of our subject. Joseph H. Kerr, father of the above, died December
30, 1876, and is buried at Milton, Penn. His widow makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Simington. Our subject and
wife are the parents of four children, of whom three are living: Robert, William and Jerome. Hattie Jeanette was
born February 20, 1881, died September 10, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Simington are members of the Presbyterian Church.
In politics he is a Prohibitionist. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887,
pg. 203 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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ROBERT S. SIMINGTON, M. D., of Danville, was born and reared on a backwoods
farm in Lycoming County, Penn., when deer and wolves were numerous. He attended the usual log-cabin school common
to a new country, to which he walked two miles. The school, however, had excellent teachers, and young Simington
began the study of mathematics and Latin before entering the academy. He assisted his father in opening up farms,
making brick and lumbering, rafting logs down the river to Marietta, Harrisburg and Columbia, his father being
an active business man and owning large tracts of land. Our subject continued his education at the academy at Milton,
at McEwensville Academy, and at Lewisburg University, then studied medicine with Dr. James Dougal at Milton, Penn.,
and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1854. He at once began the practice of medicine in Danville.
In the spring of 1861 he went into the army as surgeon of the Fourteenth P.V.I., and later was with the Ninety-third
P.V.S.; he was principally with the Army of the Potomac; was wounded at Malvern Hill, and resigned in Aug., 1862,
returned home and has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1873 he was elected associate
judge for five years; was re-elected in 1878 and in 1883, and is still serving; was at one time elected burgess
of Danville. December 28, 1854, Dr. Simington was married to Miss Regina Jane, a daughter of Hugh and Rebecca (Lemon)
McWilliams, who were born near Mooresburg, Liberty Township, Montour County. Hugh McWilliams was a large land owner
and a prominent citizen; served as treasurer of Columbia (now Montour) County, and was also postmaster. He was
the eldest son of Robert and Jane (Curry) McWilliams of the vicinity of Mooresburg, Penn. She was the first white
child born (1773) in the forks of the Susquehanna. She and her husband had three sons and two daughters: Hugh,
Robert, John, Mary and Jane. Robert McWilliams, their father, was a son of Lieut. Hugh McWilliams and Rebecca (Dunwoody)
McWilliams, who were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and emigrated from County Armagh, Ireland, settling in Northumberland
County, Penn., four miles below Danville. He was a lieutenant in the French and Indian war, and was killed by Indians
in December, 1775. He and wife had one son, Robert, born in July, 1775, in Northumberland County; he married Jane
Curry, and they settled in Liberty Township. His father, Hugh McWilliams, was a son of Robert and Jane (Orr) McWilliams,
natives of Scotland, who emigrated to the North of Ireland, then to Montour County. They had three sons and one
daughter: Hugh, who married Rebecca Dunwoody; John, died a bachelor; Robert, married Ellen Johnson, and Jane, married
Robert Curry, who was killed by the Indians June 9, 1780, near Danville. Robert was in the war of the Revolution,
and was killed at Valley Forge, December 25, 1777. Dr. and Mrs. Simington are members of the Mahoning Presbyterian
Church, and have had three daughters: Gertrude, deceased wife of Calvin K. Leinbach; Miss Harriet Elizabeth, and
Annie Jean. Dr. Simington is the eldest son of Benjamin and Ann (Irland) Simington; the former was born in Liberty
Township, Montour Co., Penn., in 1805, a son of Robert Simington, a native of Scotland, who immigrated to America
in 1776, immediately joined the "Jersey Blues" and served with them through the war of the Revolution.
He married Elizabeth Jacoby, of Northampton County, and came at once to Montour County, took up land, and died
here at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His children are John, Peter, Robert, Benjamin, James, Mary, Elizabeth,
Margaret and Sarah, all born near Mooresburg, Penn. Dr. Simington 's mother was a daughter of John Irland, who
was born near Milton in 1773; his father, David Irland, came from Scotland in 1772, settling near Milton. David
Irland's children were Robert, David, John, William, Elizabeth and Anna. David Irland died in 1827, aged ninety
years; his sons, Robert, David and John, settled on farms adjoining the old homestead, and died of old age. William
removed to New Adolf Steinbrenner, insurance agent, Danville, was born in Germany, January 2, 1834, a son of Michael
Steinbrenner, who was a school-teacher in Germany, where he spent his life. Adolf is the fourth in a family of
six children, and was reared in Germany, where he received his education, graduating from the university at Heidelberg,
in 1856. He obtained a position as bookkeeper and followed that vocation until coming to America in 1866. Arriving
in this country he settled at Wilkesbarre, Penn., where he was employed as a bookkeeper for two years and a half,
and subsequently came to Danville, where he embarked in the insurance business, which he still follows, representing
the following companies: Liverpool, London and Globe, Commercial Union of London, Phoenix of London and many others,
and is well fitted for the business. Politically he is a Republican, was a notary public from 1882 to 1885, and
is now clerk of the town council. He is a member of the Episcopal Church in which he is organist, and a member
of the various Masonic fraternities, the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties
Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 173 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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CLINTON S. SMITH, prominent among the leading business men of South Danville,
is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He conducts a large and well-stocked general store on Sunbury street
and also owns considerable property in that vicinity. He is a son of Samuel S. and Sarah (Reed) Smith, and was
born in Irish Valley, Shamokin township, Northumberland County, March 2, 1861. His grandfather, who was a well-known
resident of that section of the county, was Morris Smith, whose occupation was that of a miller. Dr. Samuel S.
Smith, the father, was born in Northumberland County and early in life decided upon a medical career, studying
under the direction of Dr. Joseph Robbins of Elysburg, Pa. He subsequently took a course of study in the University
of Pennsylvania of two years' duration, and was graduated from that institution, after which he entered upon his
first practice at Hartleton, Union County. After a time he moved to Trevorton, Northumberland County, where he
was successfully engaged in practice until his demise, which resulted from a complication of diseases in 1862,
at the early age of thirty-four years. He was a man of high principles and ambitions, and his death was a sad blow
to his family and many friends. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Reed, a daughter of Mathias Reed of
Irish Valley, Northumberland County, which union resulted in the following issue: Galen, a farmer of Northumberland
County; William, an agriculturist and canner; Nelson M., a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this Book
of Biographies; Clinton S., the subject of this personal history; Laura, the wife of Dr. Kline, a well-known physician
of Reading; and Clara, who married Lafayette Lechler, a farmer of Gearhart township. Clinton S. Smith, after attending
the public school at Kipps Run and the academy of Danville, taught school for two terms with good results, proving
himself an able instructor. He then turned his attention to farming in Gear-hart township, at which he continued
for a period of seven years on the old homestead farm. He then removed to South Danville, Pa., where he purchased
the general store owned by D. R. Eckman on Sunbury street, which he has since conducted. The building was erected
some thirty years ago by Jordan Sober, and is now the property of Peter Gear-hart. Mr. Smith has a complete and
high-grade stock, and the manner in which he caters to the wishes of his customers has not only added greatly to
his patronage but made him many personal and lasting friends as well. In connection with the store, he was deputy
postmaster for many years, and in May, 1897, was appointed postmaster and is still serving in that capacity. He
owns considerable property in South Danville, including a double house just below Railroad street, and another
fine double house on Sunbury street. Mr. Smith was joined in marriage to Catherine M. Wilson, a daughter of David
Wilson, a prominent farmer of Valley township, Montour County, and five children have blessed their union, namely:
Viola G.; Nora M.; Nellie; Reed N.; and Bertha. In religious views Mr. and Mrs. Smith are faithful members of the
Baptist Church. In politics our subject is a Republican and has always taken an active part in local affairs. (
Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company
of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 80 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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DAVID SMITH, farmer and United State mail carrier, P. O. Exchange, was born
in what is now Anthony Township, this county, where Samuel Smith now lives, September 10, 1842, son of John and
Hannah (Stufflick) Smith. John Smith, father of David, came to this county from Lehigh and settled where Samuel
now resides about 1835. He was married in Lehigh County, to Miss Hannah Stufflick and when they came to Montour
County he bought 200 acres, and to this he added until he had 400 acres at the time of his death, which occurred
April 25, 1879; his widow survived him until October, 1882. They are buried in Turbotville German Reformed Cemetery.
John Smith was always a farmer, and was a strict member of the church. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith were the parents
of twelve children, of which David is eleventh. Our subject was reared at the place of his birth, and was married
September 26, 1865, to Miss Ellen Dieffenbacher, a native of Derry Township, this county, and daughter of Benjamin
and Sophia (Troxell) Dieffenbacher, former of whom was born in Derry Township, this county, May 11, 1812, and latter
in Lehigh County, Penn., in 1823. She died July 31, 1876, and is buried at the Strawberry Ridge Church. Mr. Benjamin
Dieffenbacher was one of the organizers of that church. He now makes his home with his three daughters: Mrs. William
Berger, Mrs. Joel Bitler, and Mrs. David Smith. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. David Smith removed to their
present location, and since that time they have made all the improvements on the place, with the exception of the
barn. The house was built at a cost of between $2,000 and $2,500, besides the labor. They are the parents of eight
children, of whom five are living: William Grant; Ella Minta May; Benjamin Franklin and John Edmund, Elmira and
Lillie Birdie. Mr. Smith received his commission to carry the mails daily between Danville and Exchange, from the
United States Government in July, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Strawberry Ridge Reformed Church,
as is also their eldest son. Mr. Smith in politics is a Republican. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties
Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 189 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JACOB SNYDER, farmer, P. O. Exchange, was born November 12, 1842, son of Andrew
and Elizabeth (DeWalt) Snyder, former of whom died June 30, 1886, latter still residing on the old homestead. Our
subject was reared at the place of his birth, and made his home with his parents until his marriage, November 28,
1871, with Miss Elizabeth Eleanor Ellis, a daughter of Stephen Ellis, Sr., and Sarah Bull, who now reside at Exchange,
and whose father and grandfather initiated the Episcopal Church at Exchange. One year after their marriage they
removed to another farm in Limestone Township, this county, and after one year there, Mrs. Snyder's father bought
their present farm of 157 acres for them. They found this place all covered with timber and brush, but they set
to work and cleared up a good portion of it. It was splendid timber land covered with rock oak, chestnut, pine,
etc. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are the parents of five children: Sarah Isabella, Stephen Ellis, Annie Clara, James Jefferson
and William Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder attend the services of the Episcopal Church, as do also all the Ellis family,
and they do much to support the church at Exchange. Mr. Snyder was connected with the schools of the township as
director one term. In politics he is a Democrat. Since coming to their present home, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder went back
to Limestone Township, and there resided two years, returning to their present home in the spring of 1884. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 189 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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BENJAMIN C. STARNER, farmer, P. O. Washingtonville, was born in Northumberland
County, Penn., February 17, 1831, son of Solomon and Mary (Clark) Starner, both of whom are deceased. Solomon Starner,
father of our subject, came to Montour County in 1843, and located at first in Derry Township, but in 1847 removed
to what is now Liberty Township, and here resided until his death, which occurred about 1866; his widow survived
him some three or four years. They are buried in the Washingtonville Cemetery. They were the parents of four children,
all living: Benjamin C.; Louisa; Charles, in Watsontown, Penn.; Mary, wife of Aaron Moser, in Washingtonville.
The subject of this sketch was married November 13, 1856, to Miss Sarah A. Bogart, daughter of John and Mary (Ganmer)
Bogart, and a native of Limestone Township, this county, but removed to Liberty Township, where the parents died,
the father in 1873, the mother in about 1838. She is buried at Strawberry Ridge Church, and he at Washingtonville.
Mr. and Mrs. Starner are the parents of the following named children: Mary Alice, Rebecca Jane, wife of William
A. Cornelison, in Liberty Township; Sarah Ellen, William Clark, and an infant deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Starner and
family are members of the Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Mr. Starner has held the position of auditor of Liberty Township
since 1877. In politics he is a Democrat. He owns the old homestead of his father consisting of 113 acres. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 203 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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REV. WILLIAM I. STEANS, pastor of the Mahoning Presbyterian Church of Danville,
Pa., is an earnest and conscientious laborer in the vineyard of the Master and is held in high estimation by his
parishioners. The church of which our subject is now pastor dates back to 1778 or 1779, when Gen. William Montgomery
raised enough money by subscription to have a minister journey to and preach in the old log-house which stood where
the Grove Church now stands. In 1786 a congregation was organized and two sermons were preached every Sunday, one
in the morning and the other in the afternoon. There was neither stove nor fireplace in the old log church, and,
as there was a pit in the center of the church, a charcoal fire was built to heat it; the noon-hour was spent in
lunching and late in the afternoon the second sermon was preached. The ground upon which this log church stood
consisted of three and seven-tenths acres and was purchased September 8, 1775, at a cost of £5. In 1826 the
church was torn down and a brick building erected. The following ministers had charge of this church from 1826
to 1850: Rev. Hugh Morrison, Rev. John Bryson, Rev. Asa Dunham, Rev. John B. Patterson, Rev. David M. Holliday,
and Rev. John W. Yeomans, all of whom were local preachers. In 1850 the congregation of this church numbered 325,
and, being so large, its members decided to abandon the old church and erect a new one. Accordingly, in 1853, the
old church was sold and the present one erected, and it was dedicated November 16, 1854, and sermons were preached
by Rev. William Plumer, Rev. Sinonton, and Rev. David M. Holliday. A few of the members, who resided near the old
site, organized a new congregation which is still in existence and is called the Grove Presbyterian Church. The
Mahoning Presbyterian Church is located on Ferry street and is a handsome structure. The society has the largest
congregation of any church in Danville. Since 1865 the following ministers have successively been pastor of this
church: Rev. Dr. Yeomans; Rev. William E. I. Ijames; [sic] Rev. Alexander B. Jackson; Rev. Thomas R. Beeber; Rev.
R. L. Stewart; and the present pastor, W. I. Steans. The ruling elders are: Josiah Reed, James Oglesby, H. M. Hinckley,
R. B. Voris, David Shelhart, Samuel Bailey H. B. Schultz and H. H. Furman. Our subject was born March 20, 1854,
and is a son of William Steans and a grandson of John Steans, who came from Leicestershire, Eng., to this country
while a young man; he located in Buffalo Valley, Northampton County, Pa., and was one of the prominent farmers
of his day. He died at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife was Agnes Bovard and they were the parents of six
children, namely: William, the father of our subject; Catherine; Jane; Hannah; Nancy; and Sarah. William Steans
followed the vocation of an agriculturist all his life on the old homestead. He married Caroline Irwin, a daughter
of William Irwin, a native of North Ireland. Four children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Steans, namely: John
C, a practicing physician of Mifflinburg, Pa.; William I., our subject; Jennie R.; and Ralph, also a physician.
Rev. William I. Steans acquired a good education in the Columbia Seminary, was then graduated from Lafayette College
in 1879, and later entered the Theological Seminary of Princeton, and was graduated with the class of 1882. He
immediately began his service for God and humanity in his first field of labor, the Washburn Street Presbyterian
Church at Scranton, Pa. On June 1, 1891, he took charge of his present pastorate, in which he has been very successful,
and his zealous efforts for the good and betterment of the community have been crowned with the best of results.
His labors are well planned and he is able to get through with a large amount of work because of the several years
of experience he has had in the religious field. Broad in his views, sincere and outspoken in his attitude on living
questions that concern the lives and welfare of the people, and zealous and earnest in all that he sets his hand
and his heart to, Rev. Mr. Steans is a man whose influence is felt on all sides, one who will leave a lasting impression
on the community in which he so zealously labors. Our subject, some time ago, was united in marriage to Jennie
Wells, a daughter of C. H. Wells of Scranton, Pa. . ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District
Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 251 Transcribed by Tammy
L. Clark)
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MOSES L. STECKER, farmer, P. O. Washingtonville, was born in Hemlock Township,
Columbia Co., Penn., May 3, 1820, son of Michael and Margaret (Lottiz) Stecker. George Stecker, the paternal grandfather
of our subject, settled in Dry Lands, Northampton Co., Penn., where he died when his son Michael was only thirteen
years old. He was twice married, reared five children by his first wife and nine by his second. The children by
his first wife were George, John, Rosette, Ann, Catharine; by his second wife; Elizabeth Wellper, Susan Reecer,
Christian Reecer, Mariah Grotz, Sarah Grotz, Margaret Switzer, Henry (a preacher), Melchior and Michael (twins).
Michael Stecker, the father of Moses L., was the only one who came to Columbia County, locating in Hemlock Township,
and after making a deal in land, secured 100 acres. In 1826, becoming dissatisfied with this location, he moved
to New York State; but two years later returned and lived in Hemlock Township until his death which occurred about
1867. His wife had preceded him by several years. They are buried at New Columbia, Penn. They were the parents
of twelve children; George (deceased); Mary (deceased); Moses L; John, who was murdered in Minnesota, his body
being found in a lake; Adaline; Gideon (deceased), Josiah, in Bloomsburg; Nathan, in San Francisco; Crissie; Clarissa
Leviana and Charity (twins), and Abraham (deceased). Our subject was reared at the home of his parents until the
age of eighteen years, when he came to Washingtonville, and worked for Neil McCoy as clerk; then with him removed
to White Hall, and remained with him three years altogether. He afterward harvested, etc., until fall, and then
went to Easton, Penn., where, in the following spring, he hired a boat and engaged in he carrying trade on the
canal, but in the fall he again came to Milton, and taking another boat engaged in hauling commission goods until
the fall, making two trips to Philadelphia and one to Baltimore. From Milton he came to his present location, and
was married December 5, 1843, to Miss Sarah, daughter of John and Christianna (Stine) Stineman, both deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Stecker are the parents of three children: Margaret S., wife of George W. VanDine, live on the Stecker
farm, and have five children: Christiann, wife of James Madden (they had two children, she lives in Lititz, Lancaster
Co., Penn.), and James E., in Washingtonville. Mr. and Mrs. Stecker are members of the Presbyterian Church. He
has been connected with the schools of Liberty Township as director, and has been tax collector. In politics he
was a democrat until the death of President Harrison, but has been a Republican ever since. Mr. Stecker built a
wood-working shop in about 1856, and has since manufactured a good deal of furniture. Since 1876 he has been making
a specialty of arm chairs. He has about ninety acres of land. Mr. Stecker 's great-grandfather came from Germany.
(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 203 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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ADOLF STEINBRENNER, insurance agent, Danville, was born in Germany, January
2, 1834, a son of Michael Steinbrenner, who was a school-teacher in Germany, where he spent his life. Adolf is
the fourth in a family of six children, and was reared in Germany, where he received his education, graduating
from the university at Heidelberg, in 1856. He obtained a position as bookkeeper and followed that vocation until
coming to America in 1866. Arriving in this country he settled at Wilkesbarre, Penn., where he was employed as
a bookkeeper for two years and a half, and subsequently came to Danville, where he embarked in the insurance business,
which he still follows, representing the following companies: Liverpool, London and Globe, Commercial Union of
London, Phoenix of London and many others, and is well fitted for the business. Politically he is a Republican,
was a notary public from 1882 to 1885, and is now clerk of the town council. He is a member of the Episcopal Church
in which he is organist, and a member of the various Masonic fraternities, the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 173 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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REV. A. B. STILL, Danville, was born October 15, 1823, near Chester Springs, Chester
Co., Penn., to Charles and Catharine (Sheldrich) Still, natives of Pennsylvania and of hardy German ancestry, and
both lived to obtain over four-score years. Rev. A. B. is the eleventh of twelve children (all of whom grew to
maturity), and was reared on the farm, the pursuits of which his father followed. At the age of sixteen he was
converted and united with the Vincent Baptist Church, of which his parents, brothers and sisters were members.
At the age of seventeen he began to learn the miller's trade, having spent the previous years working on the farm
in summer and attending the public schools in the winter seasons. After spending six years at the milling business
he became fully convinced that it was his duty to become a preacher, and in October, 1846, left home to prepare
himself for his life work. He entered the academic department of the Madison University of New York State, and
there completed his academic studies; thence, in the fall of 1848, he went to the university at Lewisburg, Penn.,
entered the collegiate department, and graduated in 1852 with the second honors of his class. Soon after he took
charge of the Logan Valley Baptist Church, in Blair County, Penn., where he had an opportunity to study theology,
having the use of the library of the Rev. A. K. Bell. August 15, 1854, he married Miss Hannah, daughter of John
Deen, Sr., of Danville, and shortly after accepted a call to the Huntingdon Baptist Church, and entered upon his
labors in the autumn. There his duties were arduous, preaching three times on Sunday, and also through the week,
and spent the greater part of the winter in laboring in protracted meetings in his own field, and assisting at
meetings in neighboring churches. His labors were greatly blessed, and large numbers were converted and added to
the church. He remained pastor for over four years, during which time he was instrumental in organizing the Spruce
Creek Baptist Church. In the fall of 1858, at the earnest desire of the Centre Baptist Association, he entered
upon the work of missionary, and spent over a year in earnest and self-denying labor with the feeble destitute
churches and in destitute places. The calls for his labors were numerous and pressing, and were abundantly blessed
in the salvation of many souls. He next accepted a call to the First Baptist Church at Danville, and entered upon
his duties as pastor April 1, 1860. Here he remained for two years, amid the excitement of the civil war. He then
became pastor of the Lawrenceville Baptist Church, in Chester County, in April, 1862, where he had a field of labor
which taxed all his energies, and, at that time, though he never entered the army, took a deep interest in supporting
the Government. Having spent two years there he accepted a call to the Pitt's Grove Baptist Church, Salem County,
N. J., in the spring of 1864, where he reaped abundant harvests in the building up of the church and the salvation
of sinners. In the spring of 1867 he returned to Danville that he might give some attention to his wife's estate,
and spent the greater part of the following seven years in preaching for the destitute churches in the Northumberland
association. During that time he was instrumental in reorganizing the Sunbury Baptist Church, and also of organizing
the First Baptist Church of Shamokin Town. In the spring of 1874 he accepted a call, and became pastor of the Marlton
Baptist Church, New Jersey, where he remained about four years, and in April, 1878, entered on his labors as pastor
of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Hunterdon County, N. J., where he continued for eight years. During that period
he gave much time to Sunday-school and prohibition work. In the fall of 1885 he was chosen moderator of the Central
New Jersey Baptist Association, at Baptist Town, and in the spring of 1886 closed his labors with the Bethlehem
Church and returned to Danville. Here he now resides and intends to spend his time in missionary work in the country
around. He had two sons. JAMES D. STRAWBRIDGE, A. M., M. D., ex-member of
Congress, Danville, a native of Montour County, Penn., born on the homestead farm of his father in Liberty Township,
April 7, 1824, is the son of James and Mary Dale Strawbridge, the former born in Chester County and the latter
in Union County. James Strawbridge came with his parents when a child to Montour County just before the close of
the Revolutionary War, and settled in what was then called Mahoning Township, Northumberland County, now Liberty
Township, Montour County, where he married. A farmer and by trade a tanner, he owned and carried on for many years
the first tannery between Harrisburg and the lakes. This tannery was built by his father, Col. Thomas Strawbridge,
who was also born in Chester County, Penn., where he was reared. He was an ardent supporter of the struggle by
the colonies for independence; was commissioned a captain by the committee of safety in May, 1776, and in September,
1776, was a member of the first constitutional convention; later became lieutenant-colonel, and subsequently colonel,
and was detailed to procure and superintend the manufacture of arms during the latter years of the war. Shortly
before its close he moved to Northumberland County. In 1784 and 1785 he was judge of the courts, and was also a
member of the first Legislature of Pennsylvania. He was married in Philadelphia to Margaret Montgomery, a sister
of Gen. William Montgomery, of Danville. Col. Thomas Strawbridge and wife were among the original members and aided
in organizing the old Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church. He died about 1814; his widow survived him a number of
years, and died at the ripe old age of ninety-nine years and ten months, having never suffered a day's sickness
from the time of her marriage to that of her death.
Col. Thomas Strawbridge had four children who lived to mature age: Christianna, who married Gen. Daniel Montgomery;
Mary, married to Gen. Griffin; Alexander, who never married, and James (father of the subject of our sketch), who
married Mary Dale, and had seven children, five of whom lived to maturity: Margaret M., married to James McCreight,
of Union County; Ann D., married first to Samuel Shannon, of Northumberland, and afterward to William C. Lawson,
of Milton, Penn.; Thomas, who married Mrs. Elizabeth Dale, nee Miss Bossler, and now resides at Lewisburg, Penn.;
James D., the subject of this sketch, who married, in 1851, Emily F. (daughter of the late William Agnew, of Philadelphia),
and she dying in 1853, he married, in 1872, Ellen V., daughter of Stuben Butler, of Wilkesbarre, Penn., and granddaughter
of Col. Zebulon Butler, of the Continental army, who commanded the Wyoming settlers and troops at the massacre
of Wyoming; and Samuel D., colonel of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery during the war of the Rebellion,
and who now resides in Philadelphia. Dr. Strawbridge received his preparatory education at the Danville Academy;
entered Princeton College in 1841, and graduated in 1844. He commenced the study of medicine in Danville, with
Dr. William H. Magill; afterward studied with Dr. Wm. Pepper, of Philadelphia, and entered the medical department
of the University of Pennsylvania in the fall of the same year, graduating in the spring of 1847, when he at once
commenced the practice of medicine in Danville, continuing in the same until 1860. In 1861 he entered the army
as brigade surgeon, being first assigned to duty with the division of Gen. Joseph J. Reynolds, at Cheat Mountain
in western Virginia. After the resignation of Gen. Reynolds, he was for a short time at Wheeling with Gen. Rosecrans,
and was there transferred by Gen. McClellan to the West. At St. Louis he was ordered by Gen. Halleck to join the
army of the southwest as medical director on the staff of Gen. Curtis, and reached Cassville just after the battle
of Pea Ridge. Here he concentrated all the sick and wounded, transporting them as rapidly as they became able to
be moved to St. Louis. After completing the removal of over 2,500 sick and wounded a distance of over 300 miles,
he reported to Gen. Halleck's adjutant-general in St. Louis, and was then ordered to join a portion of the army
of the southwest then on the way to Corinth. Reaching the camp of the Army of the Mississippi at noon of the day
on which the rebels evacuated Corinth, he reported first to Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, and was a few days later transferred
to the staff of Gen. Rosecrans. In consequence of continued ill health, he tendered his resignation, which both
Rosecrans and Halleck declined to approve; but to retain his services in the army an arrangement was made with
Dr. Chas. McDougal, medical director on Gen. Halleck's staff, by which he was assigned to the organization of general
hospitals at Jackson, Tenn. Under certain exceptional provisions, Dr. Strawbridge consented not to press his resignation,
and August 1, 1862, entered upon his duties at Jackson, Tenn., under instructions to have nothing further to do
with the district commander, Gen. John A. McClernand, than to report his orders and make requisitions on him for
supplies, which arrangement soon after culminated in the removal of the latter from his command of the district.
Notwithstanding the many difficulties in the way of the hospitals at Jackson, the Doctor took care of nearly all
the sick and wounded from the battles of Hatche, Bolivar, Iuka and Corinth. When the army began its movement toward
Vicksburg, Dr. Strawbridge was instructed to procure trains and remove the patients to Columbus as fast as the
hospital boats could transport them north, and while on this duty he was directed to look after the construction
of the hospital boat "Nashville," then being rebuilt at Columbus for a receiving hospital, and was afterward
assigned to the completion of the "Nashville," with directions to push the work as rapidly as possible
and take the vessel down to Vicksburg. On the 1st of March he reached Young's Point, and on the 3d patients were
received on board. By the 6th he had received and taken care of 1,900 sick men. A large convalescent hospital was
established at Milliken's Bend, to which a considerable portion of these men were transferred, and the "Nashville"
moved up to that point. Here, the "Nashville," which had been designed only for a receiving hospital,
became, against the protest of Dr. Strawbridge, a permanent general hospital and for three months contained an
average of about 1,000 patients, most of them the most sick of the army. The assistant surgeon-general, Dr. R.
C. Wood, on the hospital steamer, "City of Memphis," on his return from an inspection in the field, where
he had gathered some 200 of all classes of patients, ordered 250 sick to be transferred from the "Nashville"
to the "City of Memphis," and that none were to be sent who were likely to die on the passage. Dr. Strawbridge
remonstrated against this, and urged the removal of the very sick. Eighteen dead "Respectfully disapproved,
as Surgeon Strawbridge's services cannot be spared from this army.
"MAD: MILLS, MEDICAL DIRECTOR.
"By order of U. S. Grant, major-general commanding."
As soon as this order could be returned from the war department, Dr. Strawbridge was relieved from charge of the
"Nashville," and ordered to report in person to U. S. Grant. While making up his accounts for transfer
of property, etc., to his successor, Dr. Strawbridge was prostrated with congestive chills, and for a time his
life was despaired of, but he finally rallied, and, as soon as able to travel, reported to Dr. Mills at Gen. Grant's
headquarters. Still being too feeble for duty, however, he was directed to return to the river till convalescent.
On July 7, Dr. Strawbridge was sent for by Gen. Grant, and assigned to examination of soldiers in hospitals, etc.,
for the purpose of discharge assignment to the invalid corps under the following order and verbal instructions:
"Surgeon Strawbridge is hereby directed to visit Young's Point, Millikensbend and elsewhere and discharge
all such soldiers as in his judgment he may see fit." The Doctor's health having again thoroughly broken down,
Dr. Ormsby, with whom he had his quarters in Vicksburg, seeing that if he remained longer in Vicksburg, he could
not recover, went to Gen. Grant on August 14, and obtained an order directing him to go on board the hospital steamer
"R. C. Wood," which left Vicksburg that night, and report by letter to the war department from his home.
This was very much against his own wishes; he had been offered the medical directorship on the dividing up of the
army at Vicksburg, of any part he might desire. In October, he was ordered before a military commission in Washington,
which recommended a longer furlough. In November he was sent before a military board at Annapolis, who disapproved
his request to be ordered to duty and recommended his being sent to hospital for treatment. He then asked to be
mustered out of the service; this was also disapproved by the board, and light duty recommended. He was then assigned
to duty in the provost-marshal-general department, and sent by Gen. Frey to Philadelphia, and afterward to Harrisburg,
to superintend the examination of recruits. In May, 1864, finding his health nearly restored, he again asked for
duty in the field, and on the 18th of May, was ordered to report for duty to Gen. B. F. Butler, at Bermuda Hundred.
Immediately after his arrival he was directed to follow up the Eighteenth Army Corps, then on the way up York River,
to join the army under Grant, near White House. On his arrival at that place the battle of Cold Harbor had just
been fought, in which the Eighteenth Army Corps bore the principal part and lost nearly 5,000 men. The base hospital
for the corps was being organized, and, finding his services likely to be of more value there than at the front,
remained there on duty as an operating surgeon for five days, during which time he was continuously employed from
daylight until dark, performing many of the most important operations. On June 8, he reported to Gen. Baldy Smith,
and was temporarily assigned to the second division under Gen. Martindale. The Eighteenth Corps was at that time
withdrawing from the trenches, and, in the night following, marched back to White House, and were from there transferred
by boats to the Appomattox River. Immediately after their arrival, the Eighteenth Corps commenced its advance on
Petersburg. Dr. Strawbridge was here transferred to the medical directorship of the corps, relieving Dr. Suckley,
who was transferred too the medical inspectorship of the Army of the James. Here Dr. Strawbridge reorganized the
medical department and ambulance corps, and brought them into a thorough state of efficiency.
October 27, 1864, while the Eighteenth Corps was making a movement on the extreme right of the line in front of
Richmond, Dr. Strawbridge was captured by rebel scouts, while on the flanks of the corps looking for a road by
which he expected to send back his ambulance trains. He was retained a prisoner in Libby until paroled January
20, 1865. Returning to report at Annapolis, at the termination of his parole furlough, he was subpoenaed by the
United States District Court, and had to return to Philadelphia, where he was temporarily assigned to duty as president
of a medical examining board. Dr. John Campbel, medical director of the department of Pennsylvania, made application
to the war department to have his assignment made permanent, but this was refused on the ground that application
had previously been made by Gen. John Gibbon to have Dr. Strawbridge assigned to his staff, as medical director
of the Eighteenth Army Corps, and by Gen. E. O. C. Ord, as medical director of the Army of the James. Dr. Strawbridge
remained on duty in Philadelphia, on the board until his services were no longer required in that capacity; was
breveted for meritorious services, and, September 4, was mustered out of the service of the United States.
In the fall of 1867 our subject again commenced the practice of medicine in Danville. In 1872 he was elected to
the XLIII Congress of the United States, and on the day following the election he was married to Ellen V. Butler.
After one term of Congress, the Doctor resumed his practice (which is almost exclusively confined to surgery) in
Danville. The Doctor is a member of the State Medical Society, member of the American Medical Association, American
Academy of Medicine, and of the section on Military Surgery of the International Medical Congress. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 173 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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DAVID F. STROH, carpenter and millwright, was born in Livingston County, N.
Y., March 1, 1830, a son of Jonathan (a farmer) and Elizabeth (Oberdorf) Stroh, natives of Pennsylvania, and of
German origin, former of whom died in 1838. Our subject, the youngest of the family, was reared on the farm in
Northumberland County, where he attended school. Later he began to learn the millwright's trade, a vocation he
has followed in connection with carpenter work, which he has continued since 1847, meeting with success. He married,
in 1850, Miss C. A. Voris, sister of E. C. Voris, and three children have blessed their union: Edwin, Charles and
Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. Stroh are members of the Lutheran Church at Danville, of which he is a trustee. Politically
he is a Republican, and has served as judge of election. He is Past Grand of the I. O. O. F. (History of Columbia
and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, , pg. 176 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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GEORGE SURVER, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Upper Dublin Township,
Montgomery Co., Penn., July 8, 1820. When four years of age he went to Lower Providence, same county, and there
remained until he was twenty-seven years of age, thence removed to Worcester Township, and there was married (when
twenty-eight years old) December 25, 1848, to Miss Sarah Highly, a native of Montgomery County, born and reared
in Lower Providence Township. Mr. and Mrs. Surver were the parents of four children: Jesse C., married to Sarah
Fulmer, in Milton, Penn.; George (deceased); Edwin (deceased); Sarah Jane, widow of Winfield Pennbecker, and Hannah
M. Surver, married to James Wagner. Mrs. Surver died September 5, 1865, aged forty-seven years, eight months and
twenty-three days, and is buried at Mausdale. Mr. Surver next married October 22, 1867, Sarah Catharine Hendrickson,
who was born June 10, 1840, in Liberty Township, this county, daughter of John and Mary Ann (Davis) Hendrickson,
both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Surver are the parents of the following named children: David D., Bertha and Lloyd.
Mr. Surver removed after his first marriage, in April, 1859, to Montour County, and bought 110 acres in Liberty
Township, to which he has added thirty-five, until he now has 145 acres. he and his wife are members of the Mausdale
Reformed Church. He has held several offices in the church, such as trustee, deacon, etc. He was a teacher in the
Sunday-school and was a superintendent of the Sunday-school at Madden's Church four years. For fifteen years he
was a school director, and was one year tax-collector. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. (History of Columbia
and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 204 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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J. SWEISFORT, D. D. S., Danville, was born in Berks County, Penn., December
19, 1839, a son of Jonas and Maria (Whitman) Sweisfort, natives also of Pennsylvania and of German origin. The
father was a hotel-keeper in early life, later a lumber dealer, was three times married, rearing four children.
Our subject is the third child and grew to manhood in his native county where he received his education. Early
in life he chose dentistry as his profession, but when the war broke out he enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry in Company C, and served as duty sergeant. He was a faithful soldier, and on his return home
studied dentistry in the Pennsylvania Dental College at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1866. The same year
he came to Danville, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He is a Democrat
politically, a member of I. O. O. F., both of the subordinate lodge and the Encampment; is also a member of the
G. A. R., and since 1879 has been a member of the National Guards. In that year he was elected first lieutenant
of that body; in 1880 was elected captain; September 24, 1886, he was elected major and is still serving as such.
In 1867 he married Hannah, daughter of John Everett, a native of Pennsylvania and of German origin. They have two
children: Lucy E. and Gussie May. The Doctor and Mrs. Sweisfort are members of the Reformed Church, in which he
has served as elder and deacon, also superintendent of the Sunday-school for three years. (History of Columbia
and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 176 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
J. SWEISFORT, D. D. S.,* of Danville, whose handsome dental parlors is at the corner of Mills and Mahoning
streets, is one of the enterprising and progressive business men of the borough. He is a son of Jonas Sweisfort,
and was born in Gilbertsville, Douglas township, Montgomery County, Pa., December 19, 1839. Jonas Sweisfort, the
father of our subject, was born in the state of Pennsylvania, and early in life was the proprietor of a hotel,
but later, after settling in Montgomery County, he was largely interested in the lumber business. He married a
Miss Whitman, and they reared a large family of children. After completing his education in the public schools
Dr. Sweisfort decided to adopt the profession of a dentist, and went to Philadelphia, where he began to study,
but when the Civil War began he immediately enlisted in Company C, 3rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Cav. He served for three
years and twenty-four days as sergeant, and after receiving his discharge returned to Philadelphia to resume his
studies. Upon taking his degree as dentist he immediately entered upon a practice in Danville. He was successful
and soon established a large general practice, although his greatest success has been in the manufacture of sets
of false teeth and in bridge work. He is up-to-date in his methods and ranks among the first in skill and general
ability; by careful and conscientious work he has built up a practice which we may safely declare with no fear
of successful contradiction to be the finest in Montour County. He is actively interested in the progress and enterprise
of Danville, being a member of the town council and a member of the board of trustees of the Thomas Beaver Free
Library, for which he has selected and purchased nearly all of the books. In 1879 he was made a member of the national
guard organization at Danville, of which he was lieutenant for many years, but later was lieutenant-colonel. Dr.
Sweisfort was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Hannah, a daughter of John Everett of Montour County, and
they are the parents of two children: Lucy E., deceased; and Gussie May. Socially he is a member of Mahoning Lodge,
No. 516, F. & A. M., and of Goodrich Post, No. 22, G. A. R. He and his worthy wife are members of the Reformed
Church. * The information contained in this biography was supplied by the subject of this sketch. A type-set copy
of the biography was sent to the subject to be proof-read, but the subject did not edit and return the copy, so
this biography may contain typographical errors. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District
Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 758 Transcribed by Tammy
L. Clark)
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