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WILLIAM PHILIP TAYLOR, Mooresburg, Montour, Co. - Alumni - Class of 1878-Now
teaching in the Princeton Preparatory School; law in view. (Record of the Men of Lafayette: Brief Biographical
Sketches of the Alumni of Lafayette College from Its Organization to the Present Time, By Selden Jennings Coffin,
William Baxter Owen, Lafayette College (Easton, Pa.) Published by The College, 1879, pg. 119 Contributed by Vicki
Hartman)
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HON. SAMUEL Y. THOMPSON, M. D., who has ably attended the citizens of Danvill
in his medical practice more years than any other physician and surgeon now residing in that borough, and who is
now serving his second term as associate judge of Montour County, was born in Danville, October 29, 1843, and is
a son of John G. and Hannah (Yorks) Thompson. William Thompson, the grandfather of our subject, was of Scotch-Irish
descent, and was a native of Ireland. With his brother Hugh he bade farewell to his native country and came to
the United States, locating in Berwick, Pa. Later he settled in Espy, Columbia County, Pa., and, having learned
the trade of potter during his boyhood clays, established a plant and began the manufacture of pottery, which business
he continued until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty years. He was twice married and was the progenitor
of three sons: John G., William, and Hugh. John G. Thompson, the father of our subject, was born in Espy where
he spent his younger days, attending school and assisting his father in his work. Attaining his manhood he went
to Bloomsburg, and learning the tailor's trade he worked as a journeyman several years. Locating in Danville he
conducted a merchant tailor-shop on Bloom street for ten years, when he sold his shop to his son-in-law, J. B.
Crawford, and retired from active life. He purchased the J. K. West residence and resided there until his death.
He was united in marriage to Hannah Yorks, a daughter of Samuel Yorks who was an early settler of Danville. Three
children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson: Dr. Samuel York Thompson, the subject of this narrative; Margaret
E., the wife of J. B. Gearhart; and John P., a druggist of Stockton, Colo. The father of our subject passed from
this life aged eighty years; his wife entered the unknown beyond at the age of sixty-three years. Dr. Samuel York
Thompson acquired a good education in the schools of his native town and then studied medicine under Dr. P. H.
Long of Mechanicsburg, Pa. Entering the Long Island Hospital of Brooklyn he was graduated in 1866, and one year
later he commenced practicing his chosen profession at Danville where he soon established a large and lucrative
practice. In connection with his medical practice he owns and operates a drug-store which alone yields him a handsome
income. Had he not been blessed with Nature's best gift, a large and finely-developed body, a strong constitution
and a disposition to make the best of all things, he never could have stood the enormous practice he has acquired,
but to-day finds him in the best of health. At No. 345 Mill street the Doctor owns a large two-story block, and
upon the first floor is located his drug-store, which is the finest in Danville, and on the second floor are his
parlors and examining rooms. Dr. Thompson is now serving his second term as associate judge of Montour County,
and has served two terms as burgess. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Annie E. Ege, a daughter of Rev.
Oliver Ege of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and they are the parents of two children, Margaret Florence, the wife of Dr.
C. Shultz of Danville, and Kate Olive. Our subject is a member of Danville Lodge, No. 780, I. O. O. F., and past
sachem of Mahoning Tribe, No. 77, I. O. R. M. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District
Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 87 Transcribed by Tammy
L. Clark)
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WILLIAM TWIST (deceased) was born at Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, England,
August 18, 1813, to Laurence (a farmer) and Elizabeth (Redell) Twist, natives also of England, former of whom died
in England; their family consisted of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity. Our subject, the eldest son,
was reared on a farm and attended the common schools of his native place. In 1845 he immigrated to America to engage
in the rolling-mill business, at which he had worked in England, being a proficient workman. While still in his
native country he was prevailed upon to come to Danville, Penn., and on his arrival at the latter place immediately
commenced work, and helped to make the first "T" railroad iron in the United States, a rail that now
connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Danville sometimes claims the honor of making the first railroad iron
in the United States; however, Mr. Twist made the first "T" railroad iron in this country, and has been
engaged in the rolling-mill business for over half a century. He was superintendent of the old "Rough and
Ready" Iron Works for seven years; also superintendent for a like period of the works which subsequently merged
into the North Branch Steel Works, in which he was a stockholder, but after the failure of Mr. Peter Badly, our
subject was not connected with the firm in any way, save as inspector of railroad iron from the railroad companies.
Mr. Twist married in 1849 Susan A. Gunton (a native of England, and a member of the Episcopal Church), by whom
he had four children, all of whom survive him. Mr. Twist was a strict Republican politically, and has served as
a member of the town council; was also a member of the I. O. O. F., and a man of unimpeachable character. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 176 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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T. O. VAN ALEN is one of the leading business men and manufacturers of Danville.
He was born in Chatham Centre, Columbia Co., N. Y., August 19, 1819. His paternal great-grandfather emigrated from
Holland to New York. His son, Gilbert Van Alen, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., and followed farming; married
Miss Annis Moore, of Columbia County, and to them were born two children: Reuben and Catharine. Catharine married
Mr. John J. Van Volkenburg, a farmer and merchant of Columbia County, N. Y. Reuben married Miss Mary, a daughter
of Timothy and Sallie Oakley, and pursued farming and merchandising at Chatham Centre. They had three sons and
one daughter: Gilbert R., Timothy O., Sallie O. and Lewis O. The daughter died aged thirteen years. Our subject,
T. O. Van Alen, was eight years old when his parents moved to Salisbury Mills, Orange Co., N. Y. He attended the
common schools until ten years old, when his father employed a private teacher. At twelve years of age Mr. Van
Alen entered the academy at Kinderhook, Columbia Co., N. Y., remaining there two years, during which time he resided
with the family of Dr. Henry Van Dyke. Subsequently he returned to Orange County and attended the school of Nathaniel
Stark, at Goshen, one year. At fifteen he went to New York City and served an apprenticeship in a hardware store
until 1839, when he returned home and engaged in the manufacture of paper and agricultural implements, and merchandising
with his father, until 1844, when he came to Danville to represent the interests of Murdock, Leavitt & Co.
in the Montour Iron Works, and act as the resident agent of the company. During this time he built what was known
as the Company Store and in 1846 engaged in merchandising, associated with individual stockholders of the company
under the firm name of T. O. Van Alen & Co. In 1866, in connection with Geo. M. Leslie and A. H. Voris, he
built a nail factory in Northumberland, Northumberland County, and is, with his sons, still engaged in the manufacture
of iron and nails. Mr. Van Alen has always taken an active interest in Danville, and ranks among her leading manufacturers.
It is a fact worthy of mention that he has kept his mills running through all depressions. He gives steady employment
to about 200 men. He was married in 1846 to Miss Ann Catharine, daughter of Cornelius Garretson, iron master. Mr.
and Mrs. Van Alen are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he was president of the board of trustees for a number
of years, and for many years a trustee of the Danville State Hospital for the insane, and director of First National
Bank. They have had eight children, five living, viz.: Cornelius G., Gilbert R., A. Oakley, Edmond G. and George
L., all active business men except George L., a Presbyterian clergyman. Mr. Van Alen‘s father came to Danville
after retiring from business, and resided with his son. T. O. Van Alen, until his death, a man of more than ordinary
ability and intelligence. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 177
Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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FORBES H. VANNAN, a born mechanic and a member of the firm of Curry &
Vannan, who operate a large foundry and machine-shop, is one of the popular and enterprising citizens of the town
of Danville, Pa. He descends from the sturdy Scotch race, having been born in Glasgow, Scotland, and is a son of
James Vannan, who was also a native of Scotland. James Vannan, father of our subject, resided in Scotland many
years, where he was engaged as a machinist. He departed from his native country and settled in Carbondale, Luzerne
County, Pa., where he followed his trade as a machinist. Later he moved to Kingston, Luzerne County, Pa., then
to Wilkesbarre, Pa., where he spent the remainder of his life in retirement. He died at the advanced age of eighty-two
years. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock to Mary Binning, who passed from this life aged forty-five years.
Mr. and Mrs. Vannan were the parents of a family of five children, as follows: Mary, who is the wife of James Eaton;
James, a machinist in the shops of the D. & H. R. R. at Carbondale, Pa.; Joseph, a foundryman, and also a resident
of Carbondale, Pa.; Forbes H., our subject; and Thomas, a tinsmith and gasfitter, who resides at Carbondale. Forbes
H. Vannan, our subject, came to this country with his father and served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade
in the D., L. & W. R. R. machine shops at Scranton and, owing to his rapid progress, he was soon made foreman
of the D., L. & W. R. R. shops at Kingston, Pa. He subsequently became superintendent of the Wyoming Valley
Manufacturing Company at Wilkesbarre, Pa., from which place he removed to Danville in 1888 and accepted a position
asmaster mechanic in the rolling mills of that town. On September 10, 1895, in partnership with Daniel M. Curry,
he leased the Mahoning Foundry and Machine Shops and the firm has since been doing a large and successful business.
When the rolling mill property went into the hands of a receiver, Curry & Vannan purchased the entire foundry
and machine-shop plant. The firm manufactures all kinds of machinery, has the latest and most improved machinery
in the shops and employs from fifty to ninety men continuously. They have also erected a large three-story pattern-house
and have one of the best machine-shops in the town of Danville. Mr. Vannan was united in marriage to Emeline A.
Parr, and three children have blessed their home: Irvin, a mechanic; George, who died in infancy; and Walter. Mr.
Vannan and family are highly esteemed by their neighbors and acquaintances and are amply filling their station
as good citizens and valuable members of their community. In politics, our subject is a stanch Republican and cast
his first presidential vote for Lincoln. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District
Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 318 Transcribed by Tammy
L. Clark)
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THOMAS M. VANSANT, farmer, P. O. Pott's Grove, Northumberland County, was
born in Bucks County, Penn., June 26, 1821, son of Amos and Margaret (McMahan) Vansant. Gabriel Vansant, grandfather
of our subject, came to what is now Montour County from Bucks County, about 1800, and located where Samuel Mauger
now resides, near Mooresburg. Her he lived until his death, which occurred about 1808. He is buried at Danville,
this county. His widow died about 1841, and is also buried at Danville. They were the parents of eight children.
Amos Vansant, father of our subject, was born in Bucks County, Penn., and was reared in that county and Montour.
He was married in this county, about 1809, to Margaret McMahan, and after his marriage went back to Bucks County.
They were the parents of the following named children: John, Amos, James, Gabriel, all deceased, and Thomas M.
The mother of this family died in 1825, and Mr. Vansant was married some two years later to a Miss Torbet, and
they were the parents of the following named children: Anthony, Margaret, Simpson and Edward, latter deceased.
The father died in 1860, and is buried in Bucks County, Penn. Thomas M. Vansant was brought back to Montour County,
when he was but four years of age, by his uncle, Benjamin McMahan, by wagon, taking four days on the trip, and
with his uncle, John McMahan, made his home until he was twenty-five years of age; then went west as far as Illinois,
and after two years he came back to Montour County, and again made his home with his Uncle John until June 26,
1858, when he was married to Eliza A. Best, a native of Union County, and daughter of Peter and Henrietta (Mensch)
Best; her mother resides at Winfield, Union County. After their marriage they removed to their present location,
which Mr. Vansant had bought four or five years before, consisting of about sixty acres, to which he has added
until he now has ninety acres. Mr. and Mrs. Vansant were the parents of five children, two of whom are living:
Margaret Henrietta and Thomas; Arietta Fowler, William and Edgar Ivans are deceased. The parents are members of
the Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder since 1875. He has been township auditor most
of the time since 1856, and has been connected with the schools of Liberty Township, as director, for a number
of years. In politics he is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania", Battle,
1887, pg. 204 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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HARRY VINCENT, president of the Danville stove manufactory, was born in England,
December 25, 1844, a son of Job and Lydia (Roberts) Vincent, natives of England. The father was a mason by trade;
immigrated with his family to America in 1852; landed in the city of New York, and soon after settled in Montour
County, Penn. Our subject is the eldest of seven children, and received a limited education in the common schools
of his district. At the age of ten years he commenced work in the rolling-mills, which he followed as his principal
business until he was thirty-two years of age. He worked on contract for several years, and during that time also
found opportunity to study law, and took a course at Columbia College, New York, where he graduated in 1878. He
was admitted to the bar of New York, and the same year to that of Montour County, Penn. Subsequently he commenced
the practice of his profession at Danville in 1879, and entered into partnership with James Scarlet, which continued
for two years. Mr. Vincent then conceived the idea of establishing the Danville stove manufactory, and on the organization
of a stock company, was elected its president. This business has proved a success, for which it is largely indebted
to the energy and determination of Mr. Vincent. In 1863 he married Sarah, daughter of William Taylor. She is also
a native of England, born near the birthplace of her husband; is three months his junior; came to America the same
year as Mr. Vincent, and both located at Danville the same year, where they met for the first time, and were afterward
married. Eight children were born to their union, seven of whom now survive: Elizabeth, Thaddeus, Henry, Thomas,
Victor, Robert and Walter. Mrs. Vincent is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Vincent has served as a member
of the council of Danville. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, and participated in several battles, among which were Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
He was never wounded or taken prisoner, but had many narrow escapes, five balls entering his clothing; at the battle
of Antietam his coat sleeve was completely shot off, but his person was uninjured. (History of Columbia and
Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 177 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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E. C. VORIS (not in business at present), Danville, was born in what is now Liberty
Township, Montour (then Columbia) County, January 4, 1826, a son of James and Anna (Gray) Voris, the latter a native
of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish origin. James Voris, a native of Pennsylvania and of Holland descent, was a carpenter
and contractor, and carried on business in Liberty Township, this county, until fifty years of age, when he moved
to Danville and retired from active labor. Our subject is the eleventh in a family of fourteen children; was reared
on the farm, and at the age of sixteen commenced to learn the carpenter's trade with Mr. Joseph Diehl, serving
a regular apprenticeship, and continued with Mr. Diehl until engaging with the Montour Iron Company. Here he was
employed in the Montour Iron Works for thirty-seven years, twelve years of which time he was superintendent of
the machine ships. He superintended the erection of the machinery of the Danville Manufactory & Nail Works,
of Danville, and is one of the stockholders of that company. He has been an active business man nearly all his
life, but since 1884 has lead a retired life. He married in 1855 Julia, daughter of Benjamin Troxell, of Northumberland
County, Penn., a farmer and of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Voris are the parents of the following named children:
Charles E., a salesman in New York City; William A., a machinist in the employ of the Danville nail-mills; Frank
L., a clerk in a store at Danville, and James H., attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Voris are members of the Presbyterian
Church, of the board of trustees of which he is president. Mr. Voris was chief burgess of Danville in 1861, has
served several years as member of the school board of Danville, and is overseer of the poor of Mahoning Township.
He is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 177 Transcribed
by Tammy L. Clark)
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E. H. VOUGHT, farmer, P. O. Union corner, Northumberland County, was bron in Mayberry
Township, this county, July 8, 1822, a son of John and Hannah (Metz) Vought, natives of New Jersey, and of German
descent. His ancestors came from Germany and settled in Jersey, where they lived until their death. His father
came to Montour County in the early part of the present century, and settled where James, his son, now lives. He
bought about 1,000 acres of rough land in Mayberry Township, which land is all in the Vought name yet. He lived
and died on the place where he first located. He was the father of eight children, six of whom are yet living:
Anna, Valentine, Elizabeth, Lena, E.H., and James. The father died in 1869, aged eighty-four years, and the mother
in about 1875, aged eighty-eight years. Our subject was reared on the old homestead, and remained with his parents
until twenty-two years of age, when he moved to where he now resides. He at once commenced to improve his place,
which was all timber. He cleared nearly all of it, which required the labor of several years, and built a nice
residence, good barn, and now has one of the best farms in Mayberry Township. He was maarried in 1841, to Louisa,
daughter of Samuel Groul, and by her had ten children, nine of whom are now living: Anna, Mary J.; Henrietta, wife
of Adam Pensyl; Christian M.; Sariah E, wife of Arthur Long; Margaret S., wife of Harvey Hartman, in Plymouth,
Penn.; Edward B.; Josehp H.; Alonzo C. Mr. and Mrs. Vought are members of the Lutheran Church. He has been justice
of the peace, and held nearly all the township offices. In politics he is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and
Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 214 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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W. H. N. WALKER, general merchant, Danville, was born in that place, October
17, 1854, a son of William C. and Christianna (Hileman) Walker, the latter a native of Pennsylvania and of German
origin. The father was born in Ireland, came to America when eighteen years old, and has since lived at Danville,
where he now resides at the advanced age of seventy-six years. Our subject is the second child and oldest son,
and grew to manhood in Danville, where he was also educated. For a time he followed farming, which did not prove
congenial, and then he engaged in work in a brickyard for four years, and subsequently clerked for Mr. A. J. Ammerman
in the same store which he (subject) at present occupies. There he remained four years, and in 1883 bought out
the business and has since managed it. He employs two clerks, runs a delivery wagon, and does a thriving business.
In 1876 he married Jennie, daughter of William S. Toland and the children born to the union are Eva I., Frank J.,
Arthur P. and Harry T. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Lutheran Church at Danville. Politically Mr. Walker is a
Democrat; is a member of the school board, a member of the K. of L. and of the Masonic fraternity. (History
of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 178 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JOHN WATSON, farmer, P.O. Washingtonville, Columbia County, was born in Madison
Township, Columbia Co., Penn., May 15, 1830, son of Hugh and Sarah (Seidel) Watson. John Watson, grandfather of
our subject, came to the neighborhood of Jerseytown, with his parents from the vicinity of Muncy Creek, and lived
in the neighborhood of Jerseytown until their death. John Watson, grandfather of our subject, removed to what is
now Anthony Township, this county, in the early part of the present century, and located where Samuel Watson now
lives, and where he (John Watson) and his wife lived until their death. He died about 1837, his wife having preceded
him by several years. They are buried in the Derry Church graveyard. Hugh WATSON, father of our subject, some years
after his marriage removed to this township, and afterward bought 200 acres of land which Mr. Gearhart, foundryman
at McEwnesville, now owns. From there he removed to the vicinity of Muncy, in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming Co.,
Penn., and there he bought land and lived the remainder of his days. He and his wife are buried in the Muncy Cemetery.
They were the parents of seven children, of whom six are living: Eliza, John, Sarah, Jane, Margaret and Mollie.
Allen is deceased. John WATSON, subject of this sketch, made his home with his parents until twenty-three years
of age, and then moved to Dewart, Penn., where he rented land and taking also an interest in the building of the
York & Erie Railroad, which was constructed through his farm. He bought a farm near Milton, in 1862, removed
to it in 1863, and on this lived until 1869. The first piece of land he ever bought was that now occupied as the
fair grounds at Turbotville, but he never moved to it. In 1869 he sold his farm near Milton, and bought his present
one of 250 acres for $20,000. He also owned at that time fifty acres of timber and pasture land in Anthony Township,
which he afterward sold. He removed to his present farm the year after he bought it. He was married at Jerseytown,
December 15, 1852, to Miss Louisa Catharine, daughter of John and Julia Ann (Levanna) Stiner; former died September
3, 1883, and is buried in the Turbotville Cemetery; latter resides at Turbotville. Mr. and Mrs. WATSON are the
parents of eight children: Kate, wife of Daniel Levanna, residing near Limestoneville; Harriet, Julia Ann, Mary
Jane, Emma, Clara, Blanche and Hugh Allen. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the
progressive men of the township, and assisted a great deal in securing the location of Watsontown & North Mountain
Railroad, which passes through his farm, and which has done so much to develop the country about. (History of
Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 189 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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WELLINGTON D. WEIDENHAMER, tanner and farmer, P. O. Limestoneville.
The great-grandfather of our subject came from Germany many years ago and settled in Maiden Creek Township, Berks
County, where his son, John Adam, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born, and where he died. His wife
was Elizabeth Dunkel who died before her husband. This couple had eight children, all born in Maiden Creek Township,
Berks Co., Penn. Their names are Maria, Susannah, George, John, Benjamin and Jacob, deceased, and Elizabeth and
Anna, now living. The father of our subject, Jacob Weidenhamer, was born in 1797 and died in 1863. In 1837 he bought
a farm in this township to which he moved and on which he lived until his death. He was a man of religious convictions,
a member of the Lutheran Church, and was especially noted for his strict adherence to truth on all occasions. A
good manager, he accumulated a fine property, and was well off at the time of his death. In 1825 he was married
to Susannah Dreibelbis, of Berks County, Penn., who is now living in Derry Township, this county, and is in her
eighty-fourth year. To this union six children were born: W. D.; William, near Milton, Penn.; Daniel, also in Milton;
John A., living in Watsontown, Penn.; Sarah A., deceased wife of Jacob Sheetz, of Snyder County, Penn., and Mary
Elizabeth, wife of Emanuel Monser, of Derry Township, this county. Our subject was born September 3, 1826, and
was ten years of age when his parents came to this county. Until he was about twenty-three he worked on the farm,
and then he and his father together bought a mercantile business in Limestoneville, which they carried on for five
years, when our subject left it and rented his father's farm for three years; then in 1857 he purchased the tannery
which he has ever since conducted together with a small farm which he bought at the same time, to which he has
added some of the old homestead adjoining. In 1851 he was married to Miss Susan A., daughter of John S. Follmer,
of this township, and born September 4, 1830. They have had nine children: Henry Muhlenberg, George W. and Ella
May, deceased, and Mary A., married to J. H. Cruzen, of Lancaster City; James B., married to Maggie A. Smith, in
Hall's, Lycoming County; Jacob W., married to Lizzie E. Engle, in this township; and Annie S., Maggie L. and Sarah
Caroline, who make their home with their parents. In 1856 Mr. Weidenhamer was elected justice of the peace, and,
with the exception of one term, has held the position continuously ever since. During this time he has also been
county auditor, besides holding many township offices. He has also been a surveyor at which he has worked considerably
of late years. Mr. Weidenhamer and wife are members of the Lutheran Church in which for many years he has been
a deacon. In politics he is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. He represented his district several times in
the Democratic State Convention of his own State, and a number of times in the county convention of Montour County.
He also served on several occasions as grand and petit juryman in the United States District and Circuit Courts
held at Williamsport, Penn. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 210
Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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S. J. WELLIVER, of the firm of Welliver & Cole, wholesale and retail hardware
dealers, Danville, Penn., and East Main Street, Nanticoke, Penn., was born in Montour County, February 3, 1841.
His parents, Abraham and Martha (Winder) Welliver, were natives of Pennsylvania, whose ancestors were among the
early settlers of the State. His father, a shoemaker by trade, followed farming all his life, and reared a family
of nine children, of whom S. J. is the sixth. Our subject attended the common schools and also Greenwood Seminary
at Millville, Penn. His first occupation was teaching school, with his brother, established a book and stationery
store, and two years later merged their business into a general store. They carried on a successful general mercantile
trade for several years, when Mr. Welliver sold his interest to his brother, and subsequently took charge of the
hardware store of Charles H. Waters, until the latter's death. He then clerked in a hardware store one year when
he embarked in business on his own account, and a year later formed a partnership with James McCormick, which continued
for five years, when our subject bought out Mr. McCormick's interest. In 1883 the present firm of Welliver &
Cole was established. Mr. Welliver married, in 1866, Elizabeth, daughter of Simeon Best, and of English origin.
Mrs. Welliver has borne her husband eight children, seven of whom survive: Warren W. has charge of the branch store
at Nanticoke; Mary Martha Carrie, Bertha, Clarence, Lulu, Harry, Jessie J. (deceased), and Frances. Mrs. Welliver
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Welliverof the Baptist. In 1865 he enlisted in the One Hundred
and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He is a member of the I. O.
O. F., of Danville. In politics he is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania,
Battle, 1887, pg. 178 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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W. R. WELLIVER, merchant, Danville, was born February 3, 1834, in Jerseytown,
Columbia Co., Penn., to Abraham and Martha (Winder) Welliver, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, a farmer,
was an early settler of Columbia County, where his son (subject's father) was born, and where he followed shoemaking
in early life, but later farming. Our subject, the eldest of nine children, was reared on the farm and attended
the district school, and also the academy at Millville, Columbia County. He was a diligent student and early began
to teach, which profession he followed in the winter, and farmed in the summer for eight years, mostly in the country,
but also several terms in Washingtonville. In 1863 he came to Danville and commenced business as a dealer in books
and stationary, and so continued until 1867. In that year he began his present business (general merchandising),
in which he has a good patronage, and keeps a large supply of goods. Mr. Welliver has been twice married; first
in 1858 to Miss Sue, daughter of Peter Wagner, and of German origin. She died in 1873, the mother of the following
children: Lloyd, married and a merchant in Exchange, Penn.; Hal C., also married, and a merchant in Mooresburg,
Penn.; Stewart, a clerk in his father's store, and Charles, at school. In 1878 Mr. Welliver married Adelaide Condon,
a native of Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Welliver are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat, but
votes the Independent ticket. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg.
178 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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GEORGE W. WEST, surveyor and civil engineer, Danville, was born in Delaware
County, N. Y., September 30, 1818, a son of William and Eliza (Rogers) West. His mother was a native of the same
county, a daughter of Hobert Rogers, who was for many years a sea captain. William West was born in Schoharie County,
N. Y., of English descent, a blacksmith by trade, and was twice married, having two children by his first wife.
George W. is a child of the first wife and was educated in the common schools and seminary of his native county;
subsequently attended Wyoming Seminary, being one of the first students at that institution, and while there studied
surveying. His first employment was school-teaching, at which he remained six years. In 1845 he came to Montour
County (then Columbia), and when Columbia County was organized he was appointed county surveyor. Since then he
has served in that capacity and has been largely engaged in looking up original lines. He has been employed as
surveyor in fifteen or twenty counties of Pennsylvania, and has run a great many lines in the coal regions to settle
disputes. He served twenty-four years as clerk of the county commissioners, since he has been surveyor of Montour
County. In 1854 he married Catherine Ann, daughter of John Kse, of German origin. To Mr. and Mrs. West eight children
have been born, six of whom are now living: Charles, a resident of Chicago, Ill.; Nellie E., wife of Oliver Deihl;
William K., attorney, Danville; Louise; George M., assistant city engineer at Chicago Ill., and Isaac DeWitt, a
school-teacher. Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and has
been city engineer for Danville since 1851. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle,
1887, pg. 179 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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ISAAC D. WEST, whose reputation as a surveyor, civil and mining engineer extends
throughout Central Pennsylvania, is one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of the town of Danville.
He is a son of George W. and Catherine A. (Kase) West, and was born in Danville, Montour County, Pa., September
25, 1865. Thomas West, the great-grandfather of our subject, was of English-German descent, and was born in Schoharie
County, N. Y., where he built a log house near the homestead of his father, and carried on farming for many years.
He was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and was captured and held for a time by the British troops. However,
he made his escape and immediately thereafter organized a foraging company of which he was captain and served throughout
the remainder of the war, making an enviable record as a soldier. In 1808, or soon after, he and his family removed
to Ararat, Susquehanna County, Pa., where he took up a tract of land and resumed his occupation as a farmer, continuing
until his death. His death occurred at the age of sixty years, his wife surviving him many years and dying at the
age of eighty. Their union resulted in the following issue: Thomas; Hannah; Jones; Benjamin; William; Nathaniel;
Permelia; and Eunice. William West, our subject's grandfather, was born in the vicinity of Schnectady, Schoharie
County, N. Y., where he followed the occupation of a blacksmith during his younger clays. He moved to Susquehanna
County, Pa., with his parents, where he cleared a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He later moved to
Masonville, Delaware County, N. Y., where he continued at the trade of a blacksmith until his death, aged seventy-five
years. He married Eliza Rogers, whose father, Robert Rogers, was for many years a sea captain, but although he
loved the water he gave up his sea life in order that his family might receive the benefits to be derived from
living on the land. He bought a farm in Delaware County, and followed the life of a farmer for some time, but at
last built a large boat in which he and his family sailed down the river to Chesapeake Bay, where he resided the
remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. West reared two sons—George Williston and Hobert Rogers. The death of Mrs.
West occurred at the age of twenty-seven years, and her husband formed a second alliance with Hannah Demenstoy,
by whom he had three sons: Milo, Filo, and Jabez. George Williston West, the father of our subject, after the death
of his mother, entered the employ of a farmer of Ararat, Pa., when but thirteen years of age. By saving what he
could from the small compensation which he received for his services, he accumulated enough to enable him to enter
Beech Woods Academy at the age of nineteen years. After remaining in that institution for one term, he attended
Wyoming Academy, which had been established but a very short time previous, and there took up the study of surveying.
He taught school for the following six years after leaving school in what is now Montour County, formerly being
included in Columbia County. In 1850 he received the appointment as surveyor of Montour County, and has continuously
served in that capacity since. He is considered an authority on lines and boundaries in this section of the state,
his work not being confined to the limits of Montour County, as he is often called to different counties in Northern
and Central Pennsylvania. He is now past eighty years of age, and enjoys the best of health. He is a prominent
figure throughout this section and is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. He owns a residence at
No. 212 Pine street, where he has resided for the past few years. He has also served for twenty-four years as clerk
for the county commissioners. In 1854 he formed a matrimonial alliance with Catherine A. Kase, a daughter of John
Kase of Elysburg, Pa., by whom he had eight children: John, who died in infancy; Charles W., a carpenter and painter
of Danville; Eleanore Eliza, the wife of Oliver Deihl of Marionville, Pa.; William Kase, a record of whose life
appears elsewhere in this Book of Biographies; George M. the manager of the gas and electric light plant of Danville;
Louise M., who is living at home with her parents; Isaac D., the subject of this personal history; and Catherine,
who died in infancy. Isaac D. West obtained his intellectual training in the public schools of Danville, after
which he studied surveying and civil and mining engineering with his father. He began teaching school in 1884 and
continued for four years, prior to and during which time he was associated in business with his father, learning
every detail of such professions, soon building up a fine patronage, making a specialty of mining engineering.
He is considered an expert in that line and has done work for most of the prominent coal companies of Central Pennsylvania.
He has also made a specialty of real estate and mining laws in both of which he has met with equal success. He
resides just outside of the borough of Danville's limits, in a very comfortable and commodious residence. Mr. West
was united in marriage in 1890 to Miss M. Pauline Groff, a daughter of the Rev. J. R. Groff of Doylestown, Pa.,
and they are the happy parents o three children: Elizabeth, deceased; Karl Groff, and Alan Dewitt. Socially he
is a member of Danville Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional
District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 532 Transcribed
by Tammy L. Clark)
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WILLIAM KASE WEST, whose portrait we present on the preceding page, has won
distinction in the legal profession and is one of the leading attorneys of Danville, Montour County, Pa. He was
born in Danville March 8, 1860, and is a son of George Wileston West, and grandson of William West. The paternal
great-grandfather of our subject was Thomas West, who was of English-German descent and was born in Schoharie County,
N. Y. He built a log house near his father's homestead and there engaged in tilling the soil for many years. Upon
the outbreak of the Revolutionary War he left a happy home and family to battle for independence. He had the misfortune
to be taken prisoner by the English forces, but after a short term of imprisonment effected his escape and organized
a company, of which he was captain, and rendered valuable aid to the American cause. In 1808, or soon after, he
and his children removed to Ararat, Susquehanna County, Pa., where he took up land and lived the remainder of his
life. He died at the age of sixty years, and his wife attained the advanced age of eighty years. The following
issue resulted from their union: Thomas; Hannah; Jones; Benjamin; William; Nathaniel; Permelia; and Eunice. William
West, grandfather of our subject, was born near Schenectady, Schoharie County, N. Y., and learned the trade of
a blacksmith. After moving to Susquehanna County with his parents he cleared a farm and engaged in farming. He
later settled at Masonville Delaware County, N. Y., where he continued at his trade as blacksmith until his death
at the age of seventy-five years. He married Eliza Rogers, a daughter of Hobert Rogers, who was for many years
-a sea captain, but, tiring of that life and wishing to establish an inland home, bought a farm in Delaware County,
N. Y.; he became an agriculturist, but later built a large boat and with his family sailed down the river to Chesapeake
Bay where he lived the remainder of his life. Mr. West and his wife became the parents of the following children:
George Wileston and Hobert Rogers. Mrs. Eliza Rogers West died at the early age of twenty-seven years, and William
West was united in marriage to Hannah Demenshaw, and they reared three children, Milo, Philo, and Jabez. George
Wileston West the father of our subject, began life on his own account at the age of thirteen years with a farmer
of Mount Ararat, Pa., and by the practice of strict economy saved enough from his scanty wages to enable him to
attend school at the age of nineteen years, entering Birch Academy. He remained there for one term after which
he took a course in the Wyoming Academy, being one of the first students of that institution, and there studied
surveying. He then taught school for six terms in what was then Columbia County, now Montour. In 1845 he was appointed
county surveyor and each successive year since he has been elected to that office. He is considered as an authority
on lines and boundaries in this section of the state, his work not being confined to Montour County, as he is often
called to different counties in Northern and Central Pennsylvania. He also served for twenty-four years as county
commissioner's clerk. He is now past eighty years of age, walks straight as an arrow, and, being large of stature,
is of commanding appearance. Mr. West is a prominent figure throughout his section and is held in high esteem by
a large circle of friends. He owns a fine modern home at No. 212 Pine street where he has resided for a number
of years and enjoys the best of health. In 1854 he was united in matrimonial bonds with Catherine A. Kase a daughter
of John Kase of Elysburg, Pa., and they reared eight children, namely: Charles W., a carpenter and painter of Danville;
Eleanore Eliza, the wife of Oliver Diehl of Marionville, Pa.; William Kase, the subject of this review; George
M., the manager of the gas and electric light plant of Danville; Louise M., who is at home with her parents; Isaac
Dewitt, whose biographical sketch appears elsewhere in this book and Catherine, who died in childhood. William
Kase West obtained his education in the public schools of Danville and at the Bloomsburg State Normal School, after
which he assisted his father in surveying for some time, devoting his spare moments to study and the completion
of his education. He then engaged in surveying in the West for two years, and upon returning home read law with
Grier & Hinckley, being admitted to the bar in 1886. He has since practiced in Danville, and has been successful,
as the large number of cases won testify. He has a very large clientage and is very popular. Few men of his age
hold so prominent a position in the public estimation, and from present indications it is safe to predict a brilliant
future for him and class him among the leading men of the county. From 1887 to 1892 he served as district attorney
and proved that he was the right man in the right place. In 1891 Mr. West was united in the holy bonds of wedlock
with Ella Patterson, a daughter of John C. Patterson of Danville, and they are the proud parents of three children,
as follows: John Patterson, who was born March 16, 1892; Mary Louise, born October 12, 1893; and William K., whose
birth occurred October 16, 1895. Our subject is a member and past master of Danville Lodge, No. 224, F. & A.
M.; past high priest of Danville Chapter, No. 239, H. R. A.; eminent commander Calvary Commandery, No. 37, K. T.;
and an officer in Bloomsburg Lodge No. 436, B. P. O. E. ( Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional
District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 381 Transcribed
by Tammy L. Clark)
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EDWARD WHITE, farmer and fruit grower, P. O. Danville, was born in Valley Township,
Montour Co., Penn., March 16, 1825, a son of Hugh and Eleanore (Kelley) White, natives of Pennsylvania, and of
English and Irish origin. His father was a natural mechanic, and for many years, worked on railroad and canal as
contractor. Edward received a common-school education, and in early life learned the mason's trade, which he followed
principally until 1850, when he embarked in farming, which he has since followed. He is the owner of a well improved
farm, consisting of eighty acres, where he resides. In 1852 he married Magdalena, daughter of Christian Mouser.
Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. to Mr. and Mrs. White were born the following children:
Leslie H., Idella, Edward L. and John P. Mrs. White died in 1886, a consistent member of the German Lutheran Church.
Mr. White is a Republican, but never held office. He has been school director for several terms is inspector of
elections and a member of the I. O. O. F.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle,
1887, pg. 214 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS, the genial and popular proprietor of the Hotel Baldy
of Danville, has established an enviable reputation throughout Montour and adjoining counties and his hostelry
is widely known as a "haven of rest" for the weary traveler. Mr. Williams was born in the town of Danville,
July 7, 1856, and is a son of William M. and Martha (Phillip) Williams. William M. Williams, the father of our
subject, was born in Wales where he was reared and received his education after which he took up the occupation
of a farmer and also conducted a hotel. By strict application to business and the practice of economy he accumulated
money and in 1847 he possessed the snug sum of six thousand dollars in gold. With commendable foresight he realized
the advantages offered on the American Continent and in the year stated immigrated to this country, locating in
Pottsville, Pa. Remaining there but a short time, he migrated to Danville, Montour County, where he was employed
in a blast-furnace, but seeing that there was no opportunity to better his position, he gave up the work and purchased
the Washington House in Danville. He remodeled and enlarged the building and conducted it very successfully for
about fifteen years, when he decided to retire from public life, and as a result purchased the Crosley farm in
West Hancock township upon which he erected a large barn, rebuilt other buildings, and made many other improvements.
He conducted the farm with fair results for two years, at the expiration of which time he rented it and bought
a residence in Danville. He next bought the White Horse Hotel, built a large two-story brick addition on an adjoining
lot, and there conducted the hotel until his death two years later, aged seventy-two years. He was a man of sterling
qualities and might rightfully be termed the architect of his own fortune, as he began life in humble circumstances
and at the time of his demise owned considerable property and was well to do. He was united in marriage to Mrs.
Martha Phillip, relict of John Phillip who died in England, and a daughter of James and Mary (Evens) Phillip. They
reared a family of four children, of whom but two are now living, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis Tittle,
the proprietor of the White Horse Hotel of Danville; and William C, the subject of this personal history. By her
first marriage Mrs. Williams had one daughter, Mary, who is the widow of Charles Green of Danville. William C.
Williams, our subject, after completing a course in the public schools of Danville, engaged in the huckstering
business which he followed for a period of five years. Like his father he was of an ambitious nature and was dissatisfied
until some advancement marked his career. He was a very industrious worker and was successful from the start. In
1879 he took charge of the White Horse Hotel and conducted it until 1891 when he purchased the Hotel Baldy, a handsome
four-story brick structure on Mill street, containing twenty-three finely furnished rooms. The rooms are all large,
with high ceilings well-lighted and ventilated, and equipped with steam heat, baths and all modern conveniences
for the pleasure of the traveling public. This hostelry under the efficient guidance of Mr. Williams immediately
sprang into popularity, which has constantly increased as he became better known throughout this section of the
state. One of the pleasantest features of this house is the unexcelled table, upon which appear viands that would
satisfy the wants of a king. The culinary department is under the supervision of the landlord's hospitable wife,
and much of the popularity of the hotel is due to her efficiency in this department. Mr. Williams is genial and
good natured, wideawake as to his interests and the comfort of his patrons, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Caroline Shultz in 1877 and they are the proud parents of two sons, as follows:
Prof. William Joseph, a musician of merit who is organist in Christ's Episcopal Church, born November 29, 1878;
and Lewis Perry, who first saw the light of day September 25, 1894. Mrs. Williams is a daughter of Joseph and Josephine
(Houk) Shultz, and a granddaughter of Martin and Barbara (Brown) Shultz. Martin Shultz, who was a shoemaker by
trade, passed to his eternal reward in 1848, aged sixty-four years, and his worthy wife died at the age of fifty-four
years. Their union resulted in the following issue: Cressence; Magdalene; Catherine; and Joseph. Joseph Shultz,
who has charge of the Beaver estate of Danville, has always been a gardener, receiving excellent training in that
line of work in the garden of a large castle in Germany, when a young man. After his marriage to Josephine Kouk,
a daughter of Joseph Houk, they sailed for America on the "Trumble," landing in New York City in 1853.
They settled at Marietta, Lancaster County, Pa., where he was employed in a furnace for seven years, after which
they moved to Baltimore, Md., where he followed gardening until 1863. In that year he moved to Danville and became
manager of the grounds and hot-house of the Beaver mansion, which responsible position he has since held, with
the exception of brief intervals when he resigned his position, but each time was persuaded to again take up the
management of the place. The grounds have always presented a beautiful appearance and show the excellent character
of his work. Upon the death of Mr. Beaver, the entire estate was placed under his management. Mr. Shultz is the
father of the following children: Joseph, who died young; Clara C., the wife of our subject; Lena, who married
R. Detrick; and William, a mechanic, who married Jennie Burns. Mr. Williams is a member of Lotus Conclave, No.
127, I. O. H.; and of the Elks. Politically he supports the principles of the Republican party. ( Book of Biographies
of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and
Buffalo, NY (1899), pg. 81 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
W. C. WILLIAMS, proprietor of the White Horse Hotel, Danville, was there born July 11, 1856, a son of William
and Martha (Philips) Williams, who were natives of England, and who settled in Danville in 1847. Mrs. Williams
' father served in the battle of Trafalgar, under the command of Admiral Nelson, and lost a limb in that famous
engagement; he and his wife were born the same year, lived to be ninety-nine years old, and died within a few months
of each other. Our subject's father was a farmer in early life, but later kept a hotel in Danville, and at the
time of his death, in 1882, was the oldest hotel-keeper in the place. He was attentive to business and succeeded
in acquiring a goodly share of this world's goods. His widow and two children survive him. Of the latter W. C.
is the younger and grew to manhood in Danville, where he was educated and very naturally drifted into the hotel
business, and, since the death of his father, has conducted the "White Horse." In 1877 he married Clara,
daughter of Joseph Shultz, who was born in Pennsylvania of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one child,
William J. Politically Mr. Williams is a Republican. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania,
Battle, 1887, pg. 179 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JEREMIAH WINTERSTEEN, farmer, P. O. Danville. The Wintersteen family
came from Scotland and located in New Jersey about the year 1740. Philip Wintersteen, grandfather of our subject,
came from New Jersey with his family and settled in what is now Columbia County, in Fishingcreek and Roaringcreek
Townships, about the year 1798. His son, Philip, father of our subject, was born October 27, 1778, in New Jersey;
when young he learned the miller's trade which he followed for several years, being for some time in the mill at
Millville. He married Hannah Stiles, daughter of Benjamin Stiles, who fought seven years in the colonial war. They
reared a family of twelve children: Jacob, Benjamin, William, Mahala, Sarah A., Hannah, Philip, Mary, Nancy, John,
Jeremiah and Solvena. The father bought a farm at Warnerville, but after clearing it lost it through an imperfect
title; he then moved to the place where Elias Watts now lives; buying this he cleared it up and here died in the
fall of 1839, his widow surviving him until 1860. Jeremiah was born July 14, 1826, in Warnerville, now Sereno,
Columbia County, and was reared in Pine Township, Columbia Co., Penn. At the age of eighteen years he began life
for himself, and when about forty-four years of age he came to thhis locality, the year prior to the division of
the county. He married Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Benfield) Sittleo, and a native of Valley Township,
Montour Co., Penn. In 1855 he purchased the farm he now owns, which was settled about 100 years ago by James Wintersteen,
his uncle. He now owns two farms. To Mr. and Mrs. Wintersteen were born twelve children, six living: Mary L., wife
of John A. Shultz, of Madison Township, Columbia County; Elizabeth J., wife of William E. Knorr, of Bloomsburg;
George B.; Hannah C.; Daniel A.; Thomas B. Politically Mr. Wintersteen is a Democrat; has been supervisor and school
director of the township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania,
Battle, 1887, pg. 220 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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JACOB WIREMAN, farmer and fruit grower, P. O. Danville, was born in Mahoning
Township, Montour Co., Penn., in 1818, a son of Jacob and Mary (Gogler) Wireman, natives of Pennsylvania and of
German and English origin. He is the youngest of a family of seven children and was reared in Snyder County, whither
his parents had moved when he was a child. He attended the subscription schools, and, at an early age began to
work in the Reading railroad shops, where he remained three years. Subsequently he came to Danville and began to
work in the iron ore mines for Grove Brothers. He was soon appointed superintendent of the mines, which position
he filled for twenty-five years. In 1863 he bought his present farm, which he has improved and has a fine country
residence on the Bloomsburg road, Mahoning Township, where he and family reside. He married, in 1843, Reginia,
daughter of Jacob Rishel. Her paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wireman are Henry, who was a lieutenant in the light artillery in the late war; Mary,
wife of James Hendrickson; Libbie, wife of James C. Rishel, and Fannie, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wireman are members
of the German Reformed Church, in which Mr. Wireman is an elder. He is a Republican, politically.(History of
Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 214 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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DAVID WILSON, farmer, P. O. Comly, was born in what is now Anthony Township,
Montour Co., Penn., January 20, 1806, son of Hugh and Ann (Crawford) Wilson. William Wilson, grandfather of our
subject, was born in Dauphin county, Penn., near Sweet Arrow Creek, and from there came to what is now Montour
County, and here lived until he died. He and his wife are buried in the Warrior Run Church graveyard. Hugh and
Robert Wilson came to this county with their father. Hugh Wilson, father of our subject, was born and reared in
Dauphin County, Penn., and was there married to Ann Crawford. They then came to this county and located land with
his father, which was a tract of about 250 acres. Here Hugh and his wife lived until their death. They were the
parents of twelve children, of whom the following are living: David; Nancy, residing with David; Eliza, widow of
Robert Blaine, in Turbotville, Penn. The father died at the age of eighty years, and the mother at about the same
age. Both are buried in the Warrior Run graveyard. David Wilson, subject of this sketch, lived on the old homestead
until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married in April, 1833, to Mary, daughter of John and Eleanor (Jingles)
Prince. Mrs. Wilson died August, 1879, and is buried in the Derry Presbyterian Church graveyard. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
were the parents of eight children; William Henry; Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Hater, in Waterloo, Iowa; Ellen,
wife of Jackson P. McKee, in Muncy Hill, this county; Joseph (deceased); Alice, with her father; Ann, wife of Jeremiah
Metzger, in Union County, Penn.; Jane, with her father, and Nancy (deceased). Mr. Wilson was three years commissioner
of Montour County. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 190 Transcribed
by Tammy L. Clark)
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LEWIS E. WOODS, dealer in boots and shoes, Danville, was born in Northumberland
County, Penn., August 27, 1844, to J. M. and Mary (Evans) Woods, natives of Pennsylvania, the latter of Welsh origin.
The father, who was of Irish origin, was a dealer in boots and shoes, which business appears to have been followed
by the family for many generations back. He embarked in business in 1857, at Danville, where he died November 30,
1878. He and his wife had a family of five sons and five daughters, and five children still survive. Our subject
was educated in the common schools, and at the age of thirteen entered his father' store as clerk, where he remained
until attaining his majority. He then went west and engaged as clerk in a dry goods store, until he succeeded in
saving about $200, when he returned to Danville and embarked in his present business, in which he has been very
successful, being a first-class salesman. He has occupied the same store since 1869. February 23, 1869, he married
Emma, daughter of Christian Laubach, one of the oldest and most prominent merchants of Danville. Their children
are Nelson, Mattie, Howard and Clarence. Mr. and Mrs. Woods are members of the Methodist Church, of which he is
a trustee, and is also a member of the K. of P. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Woods regards the year 1869
as the eventful one of his life; in February of that year he was married; in March he embarked in his present business,
and in December his first child was born. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle,
1887, pg. 179 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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THOMAS T. YOUNG, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Danville, was born in England,
December 8, 1838, a son of George and Louise (Purnell) Young, natives of England. His father was a prominent farmer
in his native country, where he died when Thomas was only six years of age. Later his widow married Charles Harding,
and in 1857, in company with his mother and step-father, our subject came to America and settled in Danville. Here
Thomas first worked in the iron ore mines, and subsequently was appointed foreman of the Bradford County Mines,
where he remained a short time. Since 1878 he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is a successful farmer.
He has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married in 1866, was Miss Jane Beddow, a native of Pennsylvania,
and of English origin. She died in 1874, the mother of five children, of whom Mary Louise is living. Mr. Young
next married in Danville in 1875, Clara M., a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jonathan Rudy, and one
child, Viola, was born to the union. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Danville,
of which he is a trustee, and in which he has been a class leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school. In politics
he is a Republican.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 219 Transcribed
by Tammy L. Clark)
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CHARLES EDWIN YORKS farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Cooper township, this
county, on the place where he now lives, August 3, 1853, son of William and Martha (Hull) Yorks; former a native
of Montour County, Penn., and latter of Catawissa, Columbia Co., Penn., and of Scotch-German descent. His grandfather,
Samuel Yorks, came from New Jersey and settled in what is now Montour County in about 1780, where he owned a large
tract of land which he bought at a low figure. He owned another large tract of land in Columbia County. He served
in the war of 1812. Our subject's father was a farmer and a lumber dealer; was also interested in the insurance
business in Danville. He bought the old homestead and lived on the farm where our subject now resides, until his
death, which occurred in August, 1877. He held the office of county commissioner for one term, and was justice
of the peace of Cooper Township for about thirty years. He was the father of six children, three now living: Charles
Edwin, Ida and Dr. John, who resides in Philadelphia. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until
his father's death. He attended school at Mechanicsburg, Penn., two years, and Danville, this county, four years.
He was married April 18, 1878, to Anna Bartholomew, a native of this county, and they are the parents of two children,
one living, Florence. (Belle is deceased). The farm where our subject now lives comprises 156 acres of good land.
The estate owns 400 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Yorks are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the P.
of H. and is reporter for the Agricultural Bureau of this county.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania,
Battle, 1887, pg. 192 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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S. AUGUSTUS YORKS, assistant cashier of the First National Bank, Danville, was born
in this place February 10, 1853, a son of Samuel and Mary Ann (West) Yorks, natives of Pennsylvania and of English
origin. The grandfather, also named Samuel, was an early settler in this part of Pennsylvania and an officer in
the war of 1812. Our subject's father was a prominent man, first a Whig and later a Republican, and the leading
spirit in establishing the First National Bank of Danville. When the bank was organized he was elected a director
and also president, which position he occupied until his death in 1878. Our subject is the fourth of five children;
was reared in Danville, where he was educated in the public schools and the academy, and since he was seventeen
years of age has been employed in the First National Bank. He is now assistant cashier. In December, 1875, he married
Cornelia Page Hancock, daughter of William Hancock and of English origin. She has borne her husband two children:
Samuel and Mary. Mr. Yorks is a member of the Presbyterian Church and secretary of the Sabbath-school. He is a
Republican, has served six years as a member of the town council of Danville and is treasurer of the R. A. in that
place. Mrs. Yorks is a member of the Episcopal Church. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania,
Battle, 1887, pg. 179 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
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