Northumberland County Biographies
B

REV. A. H. BLEISTEIN has been pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at Trevorton, Northumberland County, since 1902, and the church and its work have prospered steadily under his wise and efficient administration. He was born March 6, 1874, at Lebanon, Pa., where his father, John Bleistein, a native of Germany, settled upon coming to this country. The father was a furnace-man and employed as such throughout his active years. He died at Lebanon May 20, 1874. His widow, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Host is now living with her son, Father Bleistein, at Trevorton. She is a native of Würtemberg, Germany. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Bleistein, namely: Frank, who died young; Joseph, a resident of Lebanon; Carl, who died young; John; William, of Lebanon; Charles, living at Chester, Pa.; Philip, a resident of Lebanon; Mary, deceased; and A. H. A. H. Bleistein received his early education in the parochial schools at Lebanon, and in Vincent College, located at Latrobe, Westmoreland Co., Pa. In 1892 he entered Mount Saint Mary’s College, at Emmitsburg, Md., from which institution he was graduated in 1897. For the next two years he pursued the theological course there, and for one year was a student at St. Charles Seminary (the Philadelphia Theological Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo), at Overbrook, Pa., after which he began his work as assistant to Father Christ, of St. Joseph’s Church, at Lancaster, Pa. His next location was at New Freedom, York Co., Pa., where he remained for one year, from June 1901, to June, 1902, at which time he was transferred to Trevorton. Here he has since had charge of St. Patrick’s Church. He has been very successful throughout his pastorate, and the affairs of the congregation are in a thriving condition. St. Patrick’s Church was founded soon after the opening of the coal mines at Trevorton. A large proportion of the Irish and German miners were members of the Catholic Church and Rev. Michael Sheridan, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, at Danville, was requested to pay them a visit. He celebrated the first mass at the house of a Mr. Compton, and the first baptism and marriage recorded in the church records by Father Sheridan are dated Oct. 1, 1854. It is very probable he commenced visiting the town about that time. In 1857 he was succeeded by Rev. George Gostenschnigg, pastor at Milton, who organized the congregation and at once commenced collecting money for the erection of a church edifice. Father George, as he was familiarly known, continued his collections over the county until May, 1859, when the contract was let for the church building, a white sandstone structure 35 by 65 feet in dimensions, still in use. The edifice was completed in May, 1860, and was dedicated on the 20th of that month by Bishop Neuman, of Philadelphia, and placed under the patronage of St. Patrick. A large assemblage was present at the services, but the pastor who had worked so hard to accomplish all this had not lived to see the ceremony. While making preparations for the event Father Gostenschnigg became overheated, and he died at Milton May 2, 1860, and was buried in St. Joseph’s parochial lot at that place. His successor, Rev. M. Muffiberger, served until 1861, when Rev. Emil Stenzel became pastor. In 1862 he was succeeded by Rev. Edward Murray, and in November, 1863, Rev. J. J. Koch, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church at Milton, was transferred to this charge. In 1866 Father Koch was appointed first resident pastor of St. Edward’s Church at Shamokin, but also continued to minister to St. Patrick’s until 1878, during which time he enlarged the church building, had the interior frescoed, paid off the debts, and placed the affairs of the congregation on a sound financial basis. For four years after Father Koch’s pastorate Rev. August Schluelter, formerly of Locust Gap, was in charge at Trevorton, he being followed by Rev. Henry Relt, the first resident pastor. Father Relt built a two-story parochial residence in 1882. In 1889 Rev. Francis L. Breckel was placed over this charge, which he continued to serve until the fall of 1900, when Father George Seubert came hither from St. Anthony’s church in Lancaster, Pa. In the spring of 1901 the present church site was purchased, and preparations made to build. The first services in the new structure were held in the basement Christmas Day, 1901. Father Seubert continued in charge until the present pastor, Rev. A. H. Bleistein, was transferred hither in June, 1902. Many changes have taken place in the membership of the church, which decreased for a time as the suspension of the coal business caused many families to move from the vicinity. The congregation now numbers about one hundred families, principally German, and there is a flourishing Sunday school. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 561 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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AMOS BLOOM, son of James A. Bloom, is one of the foremost merchants of the borough of Sunbury where he has been doing business for the past twenty-five years. He was born July 14, 1846, in Clearfield County, was brought up on the farm and had such educational advantages as the schools of his day in that locality afforded. The district was then a typically rural section and the school and its equipment typical of the times. Slabs were used for seats, goose quills for pens, the old Sanders reader and an old-fashion “ciphering” book were the manuals of instruction and the schoolmaster ruled with the rod, whippings being common. Mr. Bloom’s mother was a woman of unusual intelligence and taught her children at home, so that by the time he was seventeen Amos was able to teach school. He taught in all ten terms of four months each, and received $35 a month for his services, which was considerable in those days, his board costing him but $5 per month. Meantime he also learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed during the summer months, school being held in winter, when the boys were not needed so badly at home to help with the farm work. When twenty-two years old Mr. Bloom went to Iowa, where he followed his trade and also found profitable employment for a time binding wheat which was then selling at 65 cents a bushel. He received $5 a day and his board, five meals daily and drink free, but eighteen to twenty hours constituted a day’s labor. After two years in the West Mr. Bloom returned to Pennsylvania and resumed his former method of life, following carpentry in the summer and teaching in the winter, continuing thus until 1875. That year he engaged in the mercantile business at Northumberland, Northumberland County, whence in 1885 he came to Sunbury. He has since done an extensive general business in that place, having a well stocked store at No. 44 North Fourth Street, where he carries a good line of general merchandise and wall papers. Mr. Bloom is undoubtedly one of the busiest men in the borough, for he has acquired additional interests during the passing years which keep him thoroughly occupied. He is a director and secretary of the Sunbury Mutual Fire Insurance Company, having served as such since its organization, in 1896; has been Secretary of the North Branch Fire Insurance Company (capitalized at $300,000) since 1910; is a director and treasurer of the Sunbury Ice Company; and is treasurer of the Hydraulic Ram Company of Sunbury. Mr. Bloom has not taken an active part in the local administration except as member of the town council. Politically he is a Democrat with independent inclinations. He is a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has been grand master of the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania since September, 1906. In religious connection he is a member of the Baptist Church at Sunbury. On Aug. 27, 1873, Mr. Bloom married Kate Lesher, daughter of Daniel and Sarah J. (Van Kirk) Lesher. They have had one daughter, Annie Irene. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 712 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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HIRAM BLOOM, farmer, was born in what is now Rockefeller township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1831, son of Jacob and Julia Ann (Bartholomew) Bloom. He early learned the trade of carpenter, which has been his occupation in connection with farming and operating a custom saw mill. In 1852 he married Maria, daughter of Daniel Hileman, of Rockefeller township. by whom he has eight children: Urias, of Sunbury, register and recorder of Northumberland county; John F., of Purdytown, carpenter; William E., county superintendent of public schools; Laura, wife of Daniel Long, of Rockefeller township: Daniel E., of Sunbury, clerk in the First National Bank; Frances; Adella, and Florence Gertrude. Mr. Bloom is a member of the Lutheran church, in which he has held the offices of deacon, elder, and treasurer; he is a prominent Democrat, has served as township auditor over twenty years. and as school director, and was elected justice of the peace but did not serve. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1167 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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JACOB BLOOM was born on the farm now occupied by his son, Hiram; after his marriage to Julia Ann Bartholomew he settled in the same township, and in 1836 moved to the farm where he was born. He was a life-long Democrat, served as justice of the peace ten years, also as school director of the township. He was a member of the Lutheran church and served as deacon, elder, and treasurer of the same. He was a self-made man, and became one of the prominent farmers of the township. He died in 1876; his wife still survives him. They reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are living: Deborah, wife of D. D. Conrad, of Rockefeller township; Sarah, wife of Samuel Sober, of Shamokin township; Mary; Julia Ann, wife of S. P. Malick, of Purdytown; Hiram; William, and Peter, both of Lincoln county, Nebraska. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1167 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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JOHN BLOOM, son of William, lived retired on his farm in Rockefeller Township after a busy and useful career. He was born June 20, 1835, in Lower Augusta Township, was reared to farm life, and followed farming throughout his active years, beginning on his own account when he reached his majority. He retired in 1907, and died Jan. 5, 1911. Mr. Bloom’s farm, which is located on the Tulpehocken road, is an old-established business stand, formerly owned and conducted by William Deppen. After him one John Schmick had a tannery on the property, and a tavern was also conducted there in a stone house many years ago; it is probable that William Reeser ran the tavern at one time. Mr. Bloom always led a quiet and unassuming life, refusing all offers of public position. He was a Lutheran member of the Augustaville Church, to which his family belong.
On April 12, 1859, Mr. Bloom married Matilda Shipman, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Yoxtheimer) Shipman, and ten children were born to their union, viz.: Valeria married William E. Bloom; Thamar married Daniel L. DeWitt; Irene married John F. Bloom; Flora died in childhood; Emma died at the age of twenty-nine years, unmarried; Charles S. died in infancy; George E. died in infancy; Ella married William E. Reitz; Lottie married Dr. John H. Snyder; Mabel married Leroy L. Fegley.
William Bloom, brother of Stephen (ancestor of the foregoing Blooms), took up a large tract of land in Clearfield County, Pa., at what is known as the “Peewee’s Nest.” He was born in New Jersey in 1752, and lived to the age of 104 years; he is buried at Curwensville, Clearfield county. He followed farming on land which he himself cleared, and where he erected a log house and barn. His wife, like himself a native of New Jersey, also attained an advanced age, living to be ninety-eight. They were the parents of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters: Abraham, James, Isaac, John, William, Benjamin, Pete, Mary (married Matthew Caldwell) and three daughters whose names are not recalled.
From the above source there is a large posterity, and we quote the following from the Philadelphia North American of Aug. 18, 1909, as being of interest in this connection:

“The Bloom reunion was held at the ‘Peewee’s Nest’ on the bank of the Susquehanna river, near Curwensville, Pa. The Bloom clan is one of the largest in Clearfield county. They are descendants of William Bloom, a native of New Jersey, and a Revolutionary war veteran, who came to Clearfield county with his wife in 1796. They came up the west branch of the Susquehanna river in a canoe and settled on the spot where the family reunion was held. The ancestor Bloom and his helpmate had eleven children, seven sons, four daughters, and from them are descended the many hundred of Blooms of Clearfield and surrounding counties. The eighth generation of the family participated in the reunion in 1909. The Blooms have figured extensively in the affairs of Clearfield county since its organization. They are a hearty and tall people, noted for longevity and multiplicity. Ross Bloom, of near Curwensville, who was eighty-eight years old, attended the gathering of the family. Benjamin Bloom, who attended the reunion, has a record of which he is proud. He is seventy-seven years old, and the father of thirteen children, eleven of whom are living. He has so many grandchildren that he fears of missing some should he endeavor to count them, scores of great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.”


The Blooms are members of the Democratic party. During the Civil war the family sent many of its sons to do battle for their country.
Isaac Bloom, son of William, was like all his brothers and sisters born in Clearfield county. He was a farmer by occupation, and owned the farm on which he died. He married Mary (Polly) Apgar, who survived him, dying in 1870 at a ripe old age, and they had a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, namely: John, James A., William, George, Reuben, Benjamin, Caroline (Mrs. Owens), Priscilla (married John Norris and had eighteen children), Geneise (married Samuel Taylor), Mrs. George Ogden, Margaret (married Nicholas McCracken) and Mrs. George Garrison.
James A. Bloom, son of Isaac, was born in 1808 and lived to the age of ninety-four, dying in 1902. He is buried in the country graveyard at Bloomington, in Clearfield county. A man prominent in the business and public affairs of his day, he was a well known and substantial citizen. He had the farm of 160 acres now owned by his son Harvey, and in connection with farming followed lumbering, rafting down the West Branch of the Susquehanna river to Marietta, in Lancaster county. He filled the Township offices of constable, supervisor and school director. His wife, Mary Ann (Hile), of Shamokin Hills, died aged seventy-nine years. They were the parents of twelve children, as follows: Naomi married Robert Owen; Frampton, a retired railroad man, is a resident of Sunbury; Harvey lives on the old homestead in Clearfield county; Jane is a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Edward is a resident of Grampian, Clearfield county; Amos is mentioned below; Julia died of whooping cough; Hattie lives in Binghamton, N.Y.; Mary died in September, 1910, at Philipsburg, Pa.; Alfred is a resident of Luthersville Pa.; Daniel was accidentally killed by a tree, at the age of twenty-six years; one daughter died in infancy. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 711 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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SAMUEL BLOOM, a native of Northumberland county, was an active member of the Democratic party and served as treasurer of the county from 1834 to 1837. He was a prominent member of the Lutheran church, and contributed toward the erecting of Zion Lutheran and Reformed church at Augustaville; he was a charter member of the same, and treasurer of the church at the time of his death. He married Magdalene Dunkelberger, a native of this county, by whom he reared the following children: John; Daniel; Samuel; Jacob; Henry; Mary; Catharine; Magdalene, and Elizabeth, all of whom are deceased except Elizabeth, Mrs. George Keiser, of Rockefeller township. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1167 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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URIAS BLOOM, register of wills, recorder of deeds, and clerk of the orphan's court, was born in Lower Augusta, now Rockefeller township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1854, son of Hiram and Maria (Hileman) Bloom. Stephen Bloom, the first of the name to locate in this county, came here prior to l795, as shown by his will, and was therefore a pioneer in this part of the country. His son Samuel was the father of Jacob, and Jacob was the father of Hiram; thus with the stroke of the pen we connect the fifth with the first generation of a family whose name appears frequently in the early archives of the county. Samuel Bloom was commissioned as justice of the peace, February 28, 1809, served as county commissioner, 1813-15, and as county treasurer, 1834-36. The farm he bought from old Martin Raker and wife in 1797 in Rockefeller township near the old stone church is the property of Urias and is highly prized by him. Hiram Bloom reared nine children, eight of whom are living. Urias, the eldest, was educated at the common schools, and at the age of sixteen years began teaching. When about twenty years old he accepted a clerkship with Lemuel Shipman in the recorder's office, remained with that gentleman until 1880, and with his successor, George D. Bucher, from 1880 to 1886. In 1885 he was elected register and recorder and re-elected in 1888. At his first election he was about two hundred fifty ahead of his ticket (Democratic), and at his second over twelve hundred more votes were cast for him than for the rest of the ticket. Mr. Bloom is identified with the I.O.O.F., the Conclave, the Masonic fraternity, and the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married in Lower Augusta township, November 25,1879, to Anna M. Wintersteen and has three children: Essie Uarda; Grace Imogene, and Goldie Edna. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 850 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
URIAS BLOOM of Sunbury, Northumberland County, formerly was register of wills, recorder of deeds and clerk of the Orphans' Court of the county. He is a son of Hiram and Maria (Hileman) Bloom, and was born in Lower Augusta, now Rockefeller township, Northumberland County, April 1, 1854. Our subject's ancestors were pioneers of Northumberland County and for five generations the family has been prominent and intimately connected with the growth and history of the county. The first of the family to locate in the county, Stephen Bloom, settled there prior to 1795 as is demonstrated by his will. A son of Stephen, Samuel Bloom, was the father of Jacob Bloom, and Jacob was the parent of Hiram Bloom, the father of our subject. Samuel Bloom was commissioned a justice of the peace in February, 1809, was county commissioner from 1813 to 1815, and was county treasurer in 1834-36. He bought the farm on which he long resided from Martin Raker and wife in 1797 and the property, which is near the old stone church in Rockefeller township, is now owned by the subject of our sketch who prizes it highly. Hiram Bloom, father of our subject, was born in what is now -Rockefeller township, October 22, 1831, and was a son of Jacob and Julia Ann (Bartholomew) Bloom. He was a carpenter by trade, also was a farmer, and for some years ran a saw-mill. He married Maria Hileman, mother of our subject, in 1852. She was a daughter of Daniel Hileman of Rockefeller township. The subject of this sketch, Urias Bloom, is the eldest of nine children, eight of whom are living. He was educated in the common schools and when sixteen years old began work as a school teacher, which he continued for four years when he accepted a clerkship in the office of Lemuel Shipman, then recorder. He served also under the successor of Mr. Shipman, George D. Bucher, remaining a clerk in the recorder's office until 1886 when he assumed his duties as register of wills and recorder of deeds to which office he was elected in 1885 as a Democrat. In 1885, when he first stood for the office, Mr. Bloom's popularity was well demonstrated by the fact that he ran 250 votes ahead of the other candidates on the Democratic ticket. He was re-elected in 1888, when he surprised even his closest friends and all of his admirers by running over 1,200 votes ahead of his ticket. Mr. Bloom was married in Lower Augusta township, November 25, 1879, to Anna M. Wintersteen and their union has been blessed with four children, Essie Uarda, Grace Imo-gene, Goldie Edna, and an infant son. Mr. Bloom is a Mason, also an Odd Fellow, and is a member of the M. E. Church. (Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY, 1899 , pg. 141 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
URIAS BLOOM, president of the Sunbury Trust & Safe Deposit Company, one of the most important financial institutions of the borough of Sunbury, has a record as a public official and business man which entitles him to place among the leading citizens of this section of the county. He was born April 1, 1854, in Lower Augusta (now Rockefeller) Township, son of Hiram and Maria (Hileman) Bloom, and received his education in the common schools. He made such good use of his time that at the age of sixteen he was able to begin teaching. When a young man of about twenty he became a clerk in the office of the county recorder, Lemuel Shipman, remaining with him to the close of his service, in 1880, after which he was engaged by his successor, George D. Bucher, under whom he served until 1886, when he assumed the duties of the office himself. He was elected in 1885, running about two hundred and fifty votes ahead on his ticket, and upon his reelection, in 1888, he ran over twelve hundred votes ahead of his ticket. In Northumberland County the duties of register of wills, recorder of deeds and clerk of the Orphans court are performed by one official. Mr. Bloom held the office for six years, giving the highest satisfaction in every respect. For many years he has been associated with the Sunbury Trust & Safe Deposit Company, having been secretary and treasurer of that institution for a number of years before assuming the duties of president, which office he now fills. As such he is one of the foremost figures in financial circles in the borough, and he is a man of irreproachable business and personal standing. On Nov. 25, 1879, Mr. Bloom was married in Lower Augusta Township to Anna M. Wintersteen, and four children have been born to their union: Essie Uarda; Grace Imogene; Goldie Edna, who married J. Landis Strickler, of Hummelstown, Pa.; and Charles Eugene. In religious connection Mr. Bloom is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially he belongs to the I.O.O.F., Conclave No. 11, Sovereign Patriotic Knights (having served a term as Grand Master of the State of Pennsylvania), the Royal Arcanum and the Masonic fraternity. He is a Democrat in politics. William Bloom, son of Samuel, was born Nov. 24, 1802, and died May or Nov. 17, 1856. His wife, Elizabeth (Bartholomew) was born May 26, 1806, and died Nov. 13, 1886. They were farming people, living on the place now owned by George Rebuck, which adjoins the old Bloom homestead in Rockefeller Township. Mr. Bloom was a prosperous man, owning four farms, and was quite prominent in the Township’s public affairs, serving as constable (many years) and overseer of the poor. In political faith he was a Democrat and he and his family were Lutheran members of the Augustaville Church; he was one of the pillars of the congregation, and served many years in the church council. His children were: Diana married Isaac Wolf; Julian married Martin Heim; Lydia married Moses Reitz; John is mentioned below; Peter lived at various places; Maria married Lemuel Shipman. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 711 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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EDGAR BLUE, a young business man of Pottsgrove, who is taking his place among the enterprising citizens of that community, was born Dec. 24, 1874, in Liberty Township, Montour County, Pa., son of Samuel and Clarinda (Murray) Blue. The earliest record we have of the Blue family in this section goes back to 1775, when Frederick, William and Samuel Blue were taxables in Turbut Township, Northumberland County. In 1784 we find Peter Blue had removed to Montour county where he paid seven shillings, sixpence tax. Later we find his son Samuel lived in the same Township and the latter’s son Frederick purchased a farm in Liberty Township, that county. For some time he served as sheriff, when Montour and Columbia were one County, and he was also county treasurer during that period, when the two counties were known as Columbia county. He and his wife whose maiden name was Himmelreich, are buried in the old Billmeyer cemetery. They were the parents of the following named children: Samuel, Martin and George. Samuel Blue, son of Frederick, was born in Montour county and was reared on a farm, meantime attending the public schools of his native Township. In his young manhood be was engaged in huckstering there, attending the Shamokin market. Subsequently he purchased a farm, which he cultivated, and he also established a coal yard and grain and hay depot, which he carried on up to the time of his death in June, 1892. He was active in the public affairs of his locality, serving for years as a member of the school board, and in 1877 was honored with election to the office of treasurer of Montour County, which he filled for one term. Politically he was a Democrat and in religious faith a Presbyterian, holding membership in the Chillisquaque church, of which he was an officer for years. Mr. Blue’s first marriage was to Mary Wolfe by whom he had one son, Charles, now a civil engineer, located in New York City; he married Josephine Voris. Mrs. Mary Blue died shortly after the birth of her son. By his second marriage, to Clarinda Murray, Mr. Blue became the father of six children: Carrie, who married D. Collins and has two children, Margaret and Willard; Wilfred, who died in Dakota; Frank, who died in Connecticut; George Herbert, who died in Connecticut; Edgar; and Jennie, who lives with her mother at Montoursville, Pennsylvania. Edgar Blue grew to manhood on his fathers farm; was educated in the public schools at Mexico, in Liberty Township, Montour County, finishing with a term in the old Pottsgrove Academy. Because of his father’s poor health he came to Pottsgrove to take charge of the business; and after his father’s death he continued the coal yard and hay business, also dealing at present in feed. Or March 1, 1906, he purchased the mill of the Pottsgrove Milling Company and has since been engaged in the manufacture of high-grade flour one of his special brands being “Our Latest,” for which there is a large demand. Mr. Blue is progressive and energetic, and has prospered in the various branches of his business. He has served several terms on the local school board and is at present president of the board. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Chillisquaque Presbyterian church, which he is serving as trustee.On April 25, 1899, Mr. Blue married Eva Bitter, daughter of Solomon H. and Eliza (Miller) Bitter, the latter the daughter of Frederick Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Blue have three children, Florence I., Irene R. and Myron L.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 385 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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HORACE C. BLUE, JR., special agent at Sunbury for the Pennsylvania Railway Company, is a member of a family long identified with Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County, and the adjacent territory in that county and in Montour county. Samuel Blue, his grandfather, was born in Chillisquaque Township, son of Isaac Blue, and he lived at Danville, Montour county, where he conducted the “Mansion House.” His wife was Abbie Hulligan, and their children were Mary E., Thomas H., William D., Clarence F. and Horace C. (clerk in the county commissioner’s office at Danville). Thomas H. Blue, son of Samuel, was born Jan. 28, 1847, at Washingtonville, Montour county, and in the fall of 1865 came to Sunbury, where he commenced to learn the machinist’s trade. In the spring of 1866 he moved to the borough of Northumberland, where he has since made his home, though he has had interests which have taken him to various places. He continued to follow the machinist’s trade for thirty-five years, being engaged at such work in the navy yard at Washington, D.C., for eight years, after which he found employment in that line at Danville and Northumberland. For two years he was located in Shelbyville, Tenn., where he had charge of an ice manufacturing plant, and in the spring of 1910 he took charge of the plant of the Sunbury Ice Manufacturing Company, which has a capacity of twenty-five tons per day of twenty-four hours. He continues to reside at Northumberland. In 1868 Mr. Blue married Adda Eckert, daughter of George and Elsie (Ulp) Eckert. of that place, and they have had six children: Charles S., of Shelbyville, Tenn.; Hope F., of Winchester, Tenn.; Horace C., of Sunbury; Robert E., of Northumberland; Mary S., deceased, and, Walter, deceased. Mr. Blue and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Horace C. Blue was born March 9, 1877, at Northumberland, and received his early education in the public schools there. Later he was a student at Danville, and in the State Normal school at Bloomsburg, Pa. For about a year afterward he filled a position as traveling salesman in the western part of the State. Returning to Northumberland, he became connected with the Pennsylvania railroad service in 1895 as messenger, later becoming clerk, and in 1905 special agent, in which capacity he is now engaged. He is engaged in the general claim department at Williamsport, his work taking him all over the Sunbury, Lewistown and Shamokin division. Since 1901 he has made his home in the borough of Sunbury, where he is interested in the ice business, he having been one of the organizers, in January, 1909, of the Sunbury Ice Manufacturing Company, which manufactures ice from distilled water, the purest sold in Sunbury. The establishment is conducted along hygienic lines, and the business has been a success from the start, seven two-horse teams being kept constantly on the road, serving the large trade which has been built up. Mr. Blue is president and manager of this company, and he also has interests in ice plants in Tennessee. He is an enterprising young business man and thoroughly respected in his community. On Aug. 27, 1900, Mr. Blue was married to Mary Cameron Packer, daughter of Cameron Packer, late of Sunbury. Mr. and Mrs. Blue are connected with the Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir for some years.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 935 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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DAVID L. BLY, present owner and conductor of the Watsontown ferry, is engaged in a business with which his family has been connected for the past fifty-five years. The ferry has been owned in the family since 1866. Mr. Bly is a son of James C. Bly and grandson of Capt. John Bly, whose father lived and died in Virginia. He was probably a farmer by occupation. The family is of Scottish descent. Capt. John Bly was born Dec. 18, 1814, in Virginia, and came to Pennsylvania in young manhood. He was one of the original settlers at Watsontown, Northumberland County, in which vicinity he resided for over fifty years, having his home in white Deer Township, Union County, until 1865, when he came across the river to Watsontown. He was one of the first to promote the establishment of the ferry at that place, across the Susquehanna, conducting if from 1861 until his death. He bought it in 1866. For about fifteen years he was captain of a canal boat on the Pennsylvania canal. In 1835 Captain Bly married Lydia Rhoads, who survived him for many years, his death occurring in 1883, when he was within six days of his seventieth year; he was buried at Watsontown. Mrs. Bly died July 24, 1902, at the age of eighty-eight. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her husband gave liberally to the support of the church. He was a member of the I.O.R.M. Ten sons were born to this couple, all growing to maturity except Edwin, the youngest who died when seventeen months old. The others were as follows: Joseph, of Watsontown, who died in April, 1896, in his sixty-first year; David, mentioned below; James C., mentioned below; William R., mentioned below; Manoah, of Watsontown; Charles, of Watsontown; Alem, of Montoursville, Pa.; Phineas (twin of Alem), of Watsontown; and John A., of Buffalo, N Y., who died near Pittsburgh, Pa. Four of the sons, Joseph, David, James C. and William H., served in the Civil war. Only four now survive, James C., Charles, Alem and Phineas. Joseph Bly, brother of Capt. John Bly, lived in White Deer Township, Union Co., Pa., and was a carpenter by occupation. He had a son William, of Hagerstown, Md., and daughters Hattie and Mary. Capt. David Bly, son of Capt. John Bly, was at one time engaged as a broker at Williamsport. He saw active service in the Civil war, enlisting in Company G, 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, when the war broke out, and later becoming captain of Company B, 131st Pennsylvania Volunteers. He took part in a number of battles, notably Antietam, second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, South Mountain and Fredericksburg. He died at Williamsport in 1901, quite suddenly, of heart disease. William R. Bly, son of Capt. John Bly, was born in Union County, Pa., at White Deer, Dec. 1, 1844 and when thirteen years old left home to live with a relative in Turbut Township, Northumberland County. When seventeen years old he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company B (commanded by his brother David), 131st Pennsylvania Volunteers, on Aug. 1, 1862. He served nine months with that command, subsequently for three months in the 194th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and for one year in the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry. On his return to civil life he engaged in the lumbering business on White Deer creek, after which he purchased the Bower homestead in White Deer Valley. Upon the death of his father, in 1883, he purchased the Watsontown ferry and farm property, and operated the ferry for over twenty years, until his retirement about 1905, in which year he sold the ferry to his nephew, David L. Bly. He died at his home on West Third Street, Watsontown, Dec. 25, 1908, after a long illness, and was buried at Watsontown with Masonic rites, having long held membership in the Masonic fraternity, in Watsontown Lodge, No. 401; he was also a member of the G.A.R., belonging to Bryson Post No. 225. His religious connection was with the First Lutheran Church of Watsontown. Mr. Bly was a substantial citizen, and one of the stockholders in the Watsontown National Bank. He was twice married, the first time Dec. 23, 1869, to Mary Bower, who died Feb. 7, 1884, leaving four children: Elizabeth, John, Minnie and William. His second marriage, on Feb. 14, 1887, was to Annie M. Wallize, of Watsontown, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Clark) Wallize, who survives him. Three children were born to this union: Rhoads, now of Houston, Texas; Minnie, married to Harley Sterner, of Williamsport; and Elizabeth, who lives at home. James C. Bly, son of Capt. John Bly, was born in White Deer Township, Union Co., Pa., Jan. 16, 1840, and attended the Leisz school in his home district. In his younger life he followed sawmilling and lumbering at Williamsport for about seventeen years, after which he farmed for eight years in Kelly Township, Union county. He then moved to White Deer Township, that County, where he lived for eighteen years, meantime beginning railroad work, with the Philadelphia & Reading Company. He was employed on the construction of the south bound track. For four years he worked in the planing mill at Watsontown. His brother David having purchased the White Deer gristmill, Mr. Bly assisted him in the milling business for nine years. In 1905 he came to his present location on Second Street, in Watsontown, along the river bank, where he has a home of his own. On Aug. 1, 1862, Mr. Bly enlisted in Company B, 131st Pennsylvania Volunteers, at Watsontown, for nine months’ service, his captain being his brother David. He was discharged at Harrisburg May 25, 1863. Mr. Bly’s second enlistment was for one hundred days, in Company A (Capt. George H. Jones), 194th Regiment, with which he was connected from July 11, 1864, until his discharge at Baltimore Sept. 9, 1864, because of his third enlistment, Sept. 10, 1864, in Company D, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, for one year, under Capt. M. Breckbill. He was discharged June 17, 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee. On Jan. 21, 1868, Mr. Bly married Mary E. Campbell, daughter of John Campbell, who lived in White Deer Township, and she died in 1883, aged thirty-two years, one month, eleven days, the mother of six children: Grace, Mrs. John Lupold; Bertha, Mrs. Elmer Sanders; David L.; Lillie L., widow of Harry Harding, who was killed on the railroad in 1904; Mary, who is unmarried; and Charles, a traveling railroad telegraph operator. David L. Bly was born Aug. 12, 1875, in Kelly Township, Union Co., Pa., and received his education in the public schools of White Deer. In 1892 he commenced to learn telegraphy at White Deer, and followed the work for eleven years at that point. He then went to New Haven, Conn., where he was engaged as assistant car distributor for a period of three years. In July, 1905, he bought the interests of his uncle, William R. Bly, in the Watsontown ferry, and has since devoted himself to its operation. He has installed a complete new equipment, and by strict attention to business is making a success of the institution which has so long been associated with the prosperity of the Bly family. Mr. Bly has a fine residence at the corner of Fourth and Elm Streets, Watsontown, which he and his family have occupied since 1908. He is a well known Mason of his locality, being a member of Watsontown Lodge, No. 401, F. & A.M., of which he was master in 1908, and a member of Warrior Run Chapter, No. 246, R.A.M. On Nov. 25, 1908, Mr. Bly married Amy R. Nicely, daughter of William A. Nicely, and they have one daughter, Ruth Mozley. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 436 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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JOSEPH BLY, machinist, was born, January 17, 1836, in Union county, Pennsylvania, son of John and Lydia (Rhoades) Bly. Our subject was educated in the common schools and at the age of eighteen years began to learn the trade of machinist. He was engineer in a saw mill for Seth T. McCormick for some time, after which he assisted his father in running a canal boat. He helped to construct the first saw mill in Watsontown, in which he was employed until he enlisted in Captain David Bly's company, known as Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 8, 1862. After serving out his term of enlistment he again enlisted, September 6, 1864, in Company D, Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and remained in active service until the close of the war. After returning from the war, he, in partnership with the firm of Follmer & Cook, operated a planing mill for one year, when the mill was destroy by fire, after which time he was connected with different lumber companies of Watsontown until 1876, when he was employed by the Watsontown Planing Mill Company, in which institution he is still working. In 1872, when the first fire engine was purchased by the citizens of Watsontown, he was chosen engineer, and in 1875 was appointed chief engineer, and has served as such ever since. He was married, December 30, 1858 to Harriet Slenker, who died, January 17, 1868. To this union were born three children, one of whom is living, Ida, wife of James Findley, of Iowa. He was again married, June 17, 1817, to a Mrs. Hogey, whose first husband died in the army. By this union two children have been born: Irman I. and Minnie, both deceased. Mrs. Bly had two children by her first marriage: Charles and Mary C. Mr. and Mrs. Bly are consistent members of the Reformed church of Watsontown. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1091 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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ALFRED CAMERON BOBB, of Paxinos, justice of the peace and surveyor, and also well and favorably known in other connections in his section of Northumberland County, was born at Paxinos June 11, 1873, son of the late Peter C. Bobb. Michael Bobb, the first of this family to come to America, was born in Germany and settled in Jackson Township, Northumberland Co., Pa. His son, Michael M. Bobb, was born Sept. 28, 1812, at Big Mahanoy, Northumberland Co., Pa., and grew to manhood in Lower Augusta Township, this county. There he followed the tailor’s trade for about nine years, in 1852 removing to Shamokin Township, where he located at Snufftown. At that place he followed farming in addition to his trade. Selling out later he moved to near Mifflinburg in Union County, where he carried on farming, and thence removed to Rockefeller Township, Northumberland County, where he passed the remainder of his life, living in retirement for some time before his death, which occurred when he was seventy-two years old. His wife, Elizabeth (Gonsar), was a daughter of Daniel Gonsar, a farmer of Jackson Township, this County, who died at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs. Bobb survived her husband nine years, dying at the age of seventy-five. She and her husband were members of the Lutheran Church. They had a family of twelve children: Mary Ann (deceased) married J. A. Treats, a resident of Snufftown; Daniel operates a planing mill in Sunbury; Elizabeth (deceased) married William Biles, of Mount Carmel Pa.; Caroline became the wife of Jacob Dundore (deceased), a cattle drover; Peter G. is mentioned below; Sarah married C. Frederick Lindig, of Lewisburg, Pa.; William W. is deceased; Michael died young; Franklin Pierce, who married Mary Bone, operates a planing mill at East Lewisburg, Pa.; Louisa, widow of James Havens, lives in Lewisburg; Lucy married Wilson Russell, at Lewisburg, Pa.; Catherine, unmarried, lives in Sunbury. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 226 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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PETER G. BOBB, deceased, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, was a well known and much respected business man of Paxinos, Pa., and was born in Jackson township, Northumberland County. September 28, 1842. He was a son of Michael M. and Elizabeth (Gonsar) Bobb, of Jackson township, and grandson of Michael Bobb, a native of Germany, who was the first of the family to locate in Jackson township. Michael M. Bobb, the father of our subject, was born September 28, 1812, at Big Mahanoy, Pa. He grew to manhood in Lower Augusta and followed the trade of a tailor there for about nine years. In 1852 he removed to Shamokin township, locating at Snuff town, where he worked at the tailor trade and farming. He later sold out and moved to Union County, near Mifflinburg, where he carried on farming, but he subsequently moved to Rockefeller township, where he resided, enjoying the fruits of his labor, until he departed this life at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him nine years, dying at the age of seventy-five. Mrs. Bobb was a daughter of Daniel Gonsar, a farmer of Jackson township who lived to the age of sixty-two years. Our subject's parents were members of the Lutheran Church. They had eleven children, namely: Mary Ann, now deceased, who married J. A. Treats, a resident of Snufftown; Daniel, who operates a planing mill in Sunbury, Pa.; Elizabeth, deceased, who married William Biles of Mount Carmel, Pa.; Caroline, who was the wife of Jacob Dundore, deceased, a cattle drover; Peter G., whose name heads these lines; Sarah, the wife of C. Frederick Lindig, a resident of Lewisburg, Pa.; William W., deceased; Michael, who died young; Franklin Pierce, who married Mary Bone, and now operates a planing mill at East Lewisburg, Pa.; and Louisa, widow of James Havens, who lives in Lewisburg. Mr. and Mrs. Bobb gave their children the benefits of an education in the public schools. Peter G. Bobb lived at home until he was eighteen years of age, when he taught school for two years, and then -clerked in a store at Paxinos for John Nesbit for three years. He was married in 1865 to Mary Jane Fisher, a daughter of John and Hannah (Yocum) Fisher, the former a miller of Paxinos. They became parents of four children and the three youngest still brighten their mothers home: Bessie, the first born, married John H. Kase, a farmer of Mayberry township, Montour County; Carrie Belle; Alfred Cameron; and Mildred P. After 1867 our subject went into the general merchandise business for himself at Paxinos and so continued until 1868, when he sold out to Thomas Metz, and then he clerked for three years. He was appointed postmaster of Paxinos and was not permitted to relinquish his position for twenty-three years. He was also appointed ticket and freight agent at Paxinos for the Northern Central Railroad in 1871, continuing until 1894. He then started the business now operated by his son, and dealt in farm implements of all kinds, harness, whips, coal and fertilizers, etc. He also owned two farms in Ralpho township. Mr. Bobb departed this life on February 8, 1899, and the business which he placed on a firm basis is being successfully conducted by his son, Alfred Cameron Bobb. Politically Mr. Bobb was a firm adherent to the principles of the Republican party, but was not an office-seeker. The Methodist Church found in him a worthy and active member. He enlisted in June, 1863, in Company A, 28th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and was in service until June 27, 1863. Having lived in Paxinos for over forty years and having attained a position of prominence in the community, his success is often cited by his friends, who desire their children to emulate his example. (Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY, 1899 , pg. 567 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
PETER G. BOBB, son of Michael M., was born Sept. 28, 1842, in Jackson Township, this County, and lived at home until he reached the age of eighteen, meantime receiving public school opportunities, as did his brothers and sisters. He then taught school for two years, after which he clerked for John Nesbit, in his store at Paxinos, three years. After 1867 he embarked in the general mercantile business for himself, at Paxinos, continuing only a short time, however, when he sold out to Thomas Metz, subsequently clerking for another three years. He was appointed postmaster at Paxinos, and filled that office for twenty-three years continuously. In 1871 he was appointed ticket agent and freight agent at Paxinos for the Northern Central Railroad Company, holding that position until 1894, after which he started the business in which his son Alfred C. Bobb succeeded him, dealing in farm implements of all kinds, harness, whips, coal, fertilizers, etc. He also owned two farms in Ralpho Township. He lived in Paxinos for over forty years, and became one of its foremost citizens, esteemed by all who knew him. He died Feb. 8, 1899, and is buried in Pine Hill cemetery, in Ralpho Township. Mr. Bobb was always a staunch Republican, and in June, 1863, he enlisted in Company A, 28th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving until June 27, 1863. He never sought office or took any particularly active part in politics, but he was an influential citizen of his community for many years and one in whom his fellow citizens took pride for he was a self-made man and one of the most creditable residents of the town. He was a worthy and active member of the Methodist Church. In 1865 Mr. Bobb married Mary Jane Fisher, daughter of John and Hannah (Yocum) Fisher; and she survives him, still residing in Paxinos. Four children were born to this union: Bessie married John H., Kase, formerly a farmer of Mayberry Township, Montour Co., Pa., now living at Elysburg; Carrie Belle married H. M. Fetterolf and they reside in Berwick, Pa.; Alfred C. is mentioned below; Mildred P. married Charles L. Pensyl and is living at Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Alfred Cameron Bobb received his early education in the local public schools, later attending the Bloomsburg State normal school, from which he was graduated in 1895. He also took a post graduate course at that institution, finishing same in 1897. His experience as a teacher covered three years, one year at Reed’s, one year at Deiblers and one year at Paxinos. He then took the management of the implement business established by his father, at Paxinos, and carried it on successfully for a number of years, selling out to N. G. Adams May 28, 1910. He is now devoting the greater part of his time to surveying in his own district. His attention is also taken up to a large extent with his musical interests. He organized the Paxinos band, which is composed of twenty-three men, and is the leader of that body, which is well known in this region and in popular demand. In 1904 Mr. Bobb was elected justice of the peace, and was reelected at the close of the term, being still in office. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. He belongs to the Methodist Church at Elysburg, and socially holds membership in Elysburg Lodge, No. 414, F. & A.M. (of which he is a past master), and in the Modern Woodmen. In July, 1904, Mr. Bobb married Viola H. Pensyl, daughter of William and Harriet (Hull) Pensyl, of Elysburg, and they are the parents of two daughters, Winifred and Dorothy. On the maternal side Mr. Bobb is a member of the Fisher family, being a descendant of Joseph and Catharine (Minegar) Fisher, natives of Germany, the former born in April, 1734, the latter in August, 1746. They were married June 5, 1764. It is claimed they settled near the site of Catawissa, in what is now Columbia County, Pa., some time in the eighteenth century, but evidently they had previously lived in Bradford County, where their oldest son, Henry, was born July 25, 1767. He resided in Columbia County, whence he removed to Northumberland County. To Joseph Fisher and his wife were born the following children: Catharine, Mrs. Nicholas Shipman; Henry; Mary, Mrs. Samuel Mutchler; Hannah, Mrs. Caleb Farlee; Elizabeth; John; Moses; David; Jacob; and Joseph. Henry Fisher, eldest son of Joseph, came from Columbia county to Northumberland County, locating upon the land now owned by Peter Leisenring, where he built a gristmill and tavern which he operated many years. He also owned about eighteen acres of land adjacent to the hotel and mill property. His death occurred about 1825, after which all his family except his son John left Northumberland County. He was the father of eight children: Jacob, John, Caleb, Clotworthy, Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth and Catharine. John Fisher, son of Henry, was born Sept. 20, 1800, in Columbia County, and learned the trade of miller. After the old mill property passed into the hands of the Leisenring family, he was engaged as miller for them until 1851, at which time he purchased the Sober mill (now known as Reed’s mill) on Shamokin creek, which he operated until 1873. Meantime he also conducted his farm of eighty acres. Then he purchased two farms in Ralpho Township, one of which his son Albert S. later occupied, the other passing into the possession of his daughter Mrs. Charles Paul. John Fisher died Sept. 17, 1881. He was a Republican in politics, in religion a member of the Methodist Church. His wife, Hannah (Yocum), daughter of Nicholas Yocum, died Aug. 11, 1889. They were the parents of fourteen children, two of whom, Jacob F. and James B., died young, the others being as follows: Clotworthy, of Snyder County, married Sabina Stambach; Sarah married Joseph Sanders; Nicholas Y., of Indiana, married Julia Haas; Esther is the widow of Charles Martz, of Shamokin: Charles, formerly of Columbia County, lives near Bear Gap; Catharine married Samuel Adams and (second) John McWilliams, of Kansas; Peter, who married Hannah Yocum, was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, while serving in the Union army as a member of Company C, 131st Pennsylvania Volunteers; Albert S., born March 2, 1843, married Mary Martz and lives in Ralpho Township; Harvey E., of Boston, Mass., married Savilla Repley, (second) Emma Treibley, and (third) Mollie Neely; Margaret, widow of Franklin Martz (of Columbia county), resides at Paxinos: Alice, deceased, was the wife of Charles Paul; Mary J. is the widow of Peter G. Bobb, of Paxinos. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 226 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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JOHN BOGAR was a son of Paul Bogar, one of the first persons who engaged in the manufacture of pottery at Sunbury. But little is known regarding his personal history. He first opened a store on the south side of Chestnut street immediately east of the alley between Front and Second; thence he removed to the old jail building, southeast corner of Market street and Center alley; and after continuing in business at that place for some years, departed for Freeport, Illinois. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 475 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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BOHNER. The Bohner family has long been a numerous and prosperous race in the lower part of Northumberland County, where Nicholaus Bohner, its founder here, settled in the latter part of the eighteenth century. He was one of the Hessian soldiers who came to America during the Revolutionary War and remained here after the struggle for independence was over. We give the record of his posterity in chronological order.
(I) Nicholaus Bohner was born Jan. 18, 1754. He first located in Pennsylvania near Womelsdorf, in Heidelberg Township, Berks County. Thence he moved to Lebanon County, near Fredericksburg, and from there to the Lykens Valley, in Dauphin County, near Gratz. He lived there some years on a tract of land in Lykens Township later owned by a Klinger, and then removed to what is now Jordan Township, in Northumberland County, when he bought a tract of land which remained in the family name to the third generation, until it passed into the possession of one Samuel Rower; part of it is now owned by Emanuel Shoop, and part by Daniel K. Schlegel. Nicholaus Bohner followed farming to the end of his days. He was a tall, erect and handsome man, the ideal or a soldier. he died Feb. 5, 1824, and is buried at Zion’s Church in Stone Valley, where his wife also rests. He was a member of the Reformed Church.
While living in Lebanon county Nicholaus Bohner married Margarett Stahr born Feb. 26, 1754, who died Aug. 13, 1831. To them were born four sons and one daughter, the sons being Jacob, Henry, Frederick, and John. The daughter was married to a Stump in Northumberland County but she and her husband left Pennsylvania, settling in Ohio.
(II) Jacob Bohner, son of Nicholaus, was born Nov. 8, 1783, in the Lykens Valley. He followed farming and became very successful, owning three good farms. For some years he lived on a farm about two miles west of Hebe, and he was a Reformed member of the Hebe Church, where he is buried. He died Dec. 20, 1863. His wife, Catharine (Deibler), daughter of Mathias Deibler, was born May 16, 1789, and died Sept. 27, 1855. They were the parents of twelve children: Jacob, Jonathan, John, Abraham, Daniel, David, George, Matthias, Michael D., Elizabeth, Eve and Polly.
(III) Michael D. Bohner, son of Jacob, was born in Jordan Township Nov. 15, 1833. He was reared to farming and also learned the saddler’s trade, commencing his apprenticeship when he was fifteen and following that calling for forty years in all. He now lives on a tract of twenty-nine acres in Lower Mahanoy Township. Mr. Bohner has taken some interest and part in local affairs as an adherent of the Democratic party, and has served the party as precinct officer and his Township as school director and supervisor. In religion he is a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Bohner married Catherine Rubendall, daughter of Abraham and Molly (Carl) Rubendall, and they have had the following children: Amelia J., Jacob M., Sivilla, Polly Q., Franklin, Lizzie and Catharine.
(II) Henry Bohner, son of Nicholas, remained on the homestead and followed farming. He was twice married, and by his first wife, whose maiden name was Brosius, had children: Peter, Jacob, Henry, Nicholas, Catharine, (married Michael Spotts), Elizabeth (married Isaac Heim), Rebecca, (married Michael Schaffer) and Mrs. Jacob Miller (who had three sons and one daughter, Mary). Henry Bohner’s second wife was Rebecca Troutman, who bore him two children, William and Sarah. (Among the Bohners in the Pillow cemetery is Mary, wife of Henry Bohner, born Nov. 17, 1790, died June 3, 1830.)
(III) Jacob Bohner, son of Henry and grandson of Nicholaus, was born in the Mahantango Valley, in Jordan Township, Northumberland County, Dec. 3, 1815, and died on his birthday, Dec. 3, 1896, aged eighty-one years. He and his wife are buried in the Pillow cemetery, Uniontown. He lived two miles south of his father’s homestead, on the line of Mifflin and Lykens Townships, in Dauphin County, the Township line passing through his house. When he built a new house, however, he located it in Mifflin Township, where he voted and where his children went to school. In addition to farming he operated a sawmill, running what was known as Bohner’s sawmill in Mifflin Township for nearly forty years. His first mill, an old-fashioned structure, he replaced with a new one, which was washed away by the flood. His farm comprised 130 acres. He was a man not only well known but highly respected, and was an active member of the Reformed congregation of the church at Uniontown, serving as deacon and elder.
Jacob Bohner married Salome Reitz, who was born April 10, 1822, daughter of Peter Reitz, and died Nov. 9, 1890. Twelve children were born to them, viz.: Henry, Louisa, Elias (died young), Joel (died young), David, John, Cornelius (died young), Sarah, Mary J. (died young), Jacob M., Peter Morris (died young) and Edwin D. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 676 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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(IV) DAVID BOHNER, son of Jacob, was born Sept. 18, 1849, in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, and was reared to farm life. When he left home he engaged in the cotton lapping and feed business in Mifflin Township, following that line for eleven years in all—the cotton business for seven years, adding the feed business the last four years. Coming to Lower Mahanoy Township in 1881 he purchased a 124-acre farm, a Grim homestead, which he bought from the Harris estate. It is located one mile southeast of Hickory Corners, and here he has ever since been engaged in farming. While living in Dauphin County Mr. Bohner took considerable interest in public affairs and held local offices, serving Uniontown borough, where he lived for eleven and a half years before he moved to his present farm, as member of the town council. He is a Democrat in political opinion. He and his family are Reformed members of Stone Valley (Zion’s) Church, where he served a number of years as an officer, being deacon, elder and trustee. In 1870 Mr. Bohner married Harriet Latsha, daughter of Henry Latsha, and they have had four children: Henry M. is a farmer in Lower Mahanoy; Mary J. married David G. Bohner; Salome married Charles M. Masser; Laura R. married C.O. Schaffer. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 677 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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(IV) EDWIN D. BOHNER, son of Jacob, was born Oct. 10, 1867. He received his education in the public schools and was reared to farming, working for his parents until he reached the age of twenty-three years. He then found employment working around a coal breaker, and for five years fired at a breaker in Northumberland County, in the spring of 1899 moving to his present place, a tract of ninety-two acres in Upper Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, on the south side of Line Mountain near the Schuylkill County line. This farm was formerly owned by Rev. H. Weicksel, and in the earlier days was a Yoder homestead. Mr. Bohner moved to this place March 28, 1899, and has been farming there ever since, selling his products at Shamokin. He is a butcher, and follows that trade in connection with his agricultural work. On Oct. 15, 1892, Mr. Bohner married Annie Reed, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Heckert) Reed, and they have had three children, Goldie, Kimber and Emerson. Mr. Bohner and his family worship at Jacob’s Church, belonging to the Reformed congregation, which he served as deacon. He is a Democrat in politics. (II) Frederick Bohner, son of Nicholaus, born June 20, 1790, died March 12, 1831. He settled near Uniontown, in Jordan Township, and was a substantial and prosperous citizen, owning and cultivating a large farm, a part of the homestead. He has descendants living in Jordan and Lower Mahanoy Townships; one of his grandsons, Rev Benjamin Bohner, of Allentown, Pa., is a foremost minister of the Evangelical Association, having served as presiding elder. Frederick Bohner was held in the highest repute. He was one of the founders of the Evangelical Church in Uniontown. He married Eve Brosius, born July 2, 1792, died May 27, 1872, and they are buried in Bohner’s (Union) cemetery, near Uniontown. They were the parents of five children: Daniel married Julianna Mease (Measy); Lydia married Rev. Mr. Anspach; Sallie married a Wildermuth; Rebecca married Moses Troutman; Phoebe married a Mr. Mease.
(III) Daniel Bohner, son of Frederick, lived near Uniontown, on the hill to the north, part of his homestead being the farm of Daniel K. Schlegel. He acquired a substantial property, but lost heavily in the U. B. graveyard insurance venture. A man of strong intelligence and remarkable foresight, he was a leader in his community in many ways. Converted at his home during the thirties, under Bishop Seibert, then a presiding elder of the Evangelical Association, he was one of the founders of the church of that denomination at Uniontown and one of the most zealous and effective advocates of the doctrines of that sect in his vicinity, doing much for its advancement. He helped to erect the first Evangelical church at Uniontown, giving liberally not only of money, but of lumber and other material, doing considerable hauling, boarding the help, etc. He held many offices in the church and to the end of his days was an ardent Christian, a truly spiritual man. The camp meetings were held in his grove, and through his zealous efforts many members were brought into the church. He served as lay delegate to many church conferences, and to the general conference. He was a devout student of the Bible. Mr. Bohner died March 29, 1904, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, ten months, seven days. He was always a strong man physically, short but broad shouldered and heavy set and had a full face. In 1874 he built a large vault in Bohner’s Union cemetery, near Pillow, and about twenty years before his death had a steel coffin made for himself and wife, Julianna Measy (Mease), who passed away Dec. 8, 1898, aged eighty-one years, eight months, thirteen days. They had children as follows: Emanuel, Rev Benjamin (married and had three children, Osby, Harvey and Emma), Henry, Daniel M., Phoebe (married William Spotts, and lived in Kansas), Annie, Mary, (known as Polly, died unmarried), Sarah (married Jeremiah Weaver) and Emma (married Simon Eyer, of New Jersey).
(IV) Emanuel Bohner, son of Daniel, was: born in Jackson Township, Northumberland County, and died in that Township, Jan. 18, 1904, aged sixty-eight years, four days. His wife, Mary Ann Matter, died Feb. 9, 1904, aged sixty-two years, nine months, fifteen days. They are buried in the Union cemetery mentioned above. Mr. Bohner owned one of the old homesteads, as well as the farm now owned by his son Elmer in Jackson Township. He was active in church life, as a member of the Evangelical Association, in which he served as class-leader and exhorter. He went with the Dubb side upon the division of the church, was subsequently conference delegate, and was ever a beloved member of the church. He and his aged father lived together in their declining years and it is a somewhat remarkable fact that he died Jan. 18th, his wife on Feb. 9th and the aged father March 29th, all in 1904. Adam Romberger, a son-in-law of Daniel Bohner, died only four weeks before Emanuel. Emanuel Bohner’s children were: Nathaniel, who is a farmer of Jackson Township; Adam Elmer; Daniel W., who died in his ninth year; Benjamin; Alice, married to Jere Walborn; Annie Jane, married to James Farly; Annie, married to Frank Forney; and Katie, unmarried, who lives in Millersburg.
(II) John Bohner, son of Nicholaus, was born Sept. 4, 1792, in the Mahantango Valley in upper Dauphin County, and lived in Jackson (then Mahanoy) Township, being the first of the name to own the Bohner farm at Mahanoy. The tract comprises 140 acres, located a quarter of a mile south of Mahanoy, and has been in the family name for nearly one hundred years. The house is an old landmark, the old part which is built of logs, being more than a hundred years old. Mr. Bohner was a stonemason, and followed that trade most of the time, his children conducting the farm. His work as a mason took him to Phoenixville and into Berks, Lebanon and other counties toward Philadelphia, and he had large contracts in the building of the Schuylkill canal. He died June 7, 1880, and is buried at Mahanoy (St. Peter’s) Church, of which he was an official member.
John Bohner’s wife, Maria (Delp), born Nov. 5, 1789, died Dec. 1, 1868. Their children, all born at the homestead above mentioned, were Peter, Daniel, David, Simon (born 1822), John (who lives near Snydertown, Shamokin Township), Benjamin (now living in Shamokin Township, Northumberland County), Elizabeth (the eldest of the family, married Daniel Hilbush), Susanna (married Peter Schlegel), Maricha (married Peter Thomas), Catharine (married Adam Ferster) and Dinah (married Daniel Shreffler). The only survivors of this large family are John and Benjamin.
(III) David Bohner, son of John, lived in Jackson Township, where he was engaged as a farmer, miller and shoemaker. For a number of years he owned and operated what is known as the “Holshue” mill. He is buried at Peiffers Church at Mandata, Northumberland County. He and his wife Catharine (Garman) had a family of eight children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being: Henry, Elias, Mary, John and David G.
(IV) David G. Bohner, son of David, was born Nov. 10, 1873, and is at present engaged in farming with his father-in-law. He married Mary J. Bohner, daughter of (IV) David Bohner, of another branch of the family, and they have had two children, Leo F. and Ralph R.
(III) Peter Bohner, Son of John, was born Oct. 28, 1817, on the homestead in what was then Mahanoy (now Jackson) Township. He spent his entire life on that farm, and, as previously related, his father was away from home so much of the time following his trade that Peter looked after the farm work. Thus it came about that by the time he was seventeen he was doing the work of a mature man. Until his father retired he farmed the place on shares, and it eventually came into his possession. It is still in the Bohner name, being owned by his son John. In 1870 Peter Bohner built the present barn on the place, a structure 85 by 40 feet originally, with a 14-foot addition used as a wagon shed. He was a large, strong man, weighing over two hundred pounds, and carried his responsibilities easily. He was well known in Jackson Township, where he served as supervisor (many years) and assessor, was a Democrat in political matters and in religion a Reformed member of St. Peter’s Church at Mahanoy, where he is buried. He was a prominent worker in that congregation, which he served as deacon, elder and trustee, was liberal in his support of church work and consistent in his life. He was baptized by Nicholas Hembing and catechised at St. Peter’s Church, Mahanoy, being confirmed by Rev. Benjamin Boyer, May 30, 1835. He died in April, 1901.
Peter Bohner was twice married, the first time Aug. 23, 1842, to Catharine Rebuck, daughter of Peter Rebuck; she was born April 2, 1822, and died March 3, 1861. She is buried beside her husband at St. Peter’s Church. To this union were born twelve children, namely: Noah R. is mentioned below; a daughter, twin of Noah, died in infancy; Susan married Elias Tressler, of Mahanoy; Joel is a resident of Northumberland County, near Kline’s Grove; Harriet married William Terster (who is now deceased) and they lived in Washington Township, Northumberland County; Cornelius lived in Lower Augusta Township; Lavina married Albert Bressler and lived in Hegins, Schuylkill County; John R. is mentioned below; Peter is a resident of Jackson Township; Catharine (twin of Peter), married Levi Bohner (a distant relative); George lives in Shamokin; Daniel died young.
For his second wife Peter Bohner married June 19, 1864, Susanna (Shaffer), daughter of Peter and Mary Magd. (Brown) Shaffer and widow of Jacob Lahr, and to this marriage was born one son, William S., who is mentioned below. Mrs. Bohner was first married, April 23, 1843, to Jacob Lahr, and they had eight children (seven sons and one daughter), viz.: Josiah, Wilhelmina, Israel, Daniel, and four who died young. Daniel is the only survivor. Mrs. Bohner’s maternal grandfather, Michael Brown, born March 30, 1770, came from Berks County; he died May 9, 1851. His wife, born Sept. 16, 1772, died Feb. 18, 1844. They were married April 19, 1795, and had a family of nine children, Mary Magd. (Polly), mother of Mrs. Bohner, being born Jan. 19, 1798; she died May 21, 1864 ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 677 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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(IV) NOAH R. BOHNER, son of Peter, was born May 10, 1844, on the homestead in Jackson Township, and was there reared, during his boyhood attending the old fashioned pay school at Mahanoy. After working as hired man away from home one year he returned to his father, working for him and in the neighborhood until 1868. He had married the previous year, and he then removed to Lower Mahanoy Township, where he farmed as a tenant for six years before settling on his present place, in that Township, in 1874. He owns the old John Dockey homestead of eighty-five acres, and has prospered well, being one of the substantial citizens of his section. The barn on this place was built about 1832, and the log house is even older, having been built by Mr. Dockey in 1807; it was the second house erected on the farm. On Oct. 13, 1867, Mr. Bohner married Mary Troutman, daughter of Moses Troutman, and they have had the following children: Adam F., of Uniontown, Pa.; Harvey E., of Millersburg, Pa.; Rev. Jonathan, a minister of the East Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church, who was first stationed at Boyertown, later at South Allentown and Palmyra, and is now at East Greenville (he married Mary Lyte, of Dauphin, on the Susquehanna river, and they have had five children, Ruth, Mabel, Emma, John and Paul); Charles G., of Lower Mahanoy Township; Harry P., of Pillow, Pa.; Noah Carnie, of Millersburg, Pa.; David Lloyd, who is at home with his parents; and Mary Mabel, also at home. Mr. Bohner and his family are members of the United Evangelical Church at Uniontown, in which he has been a very prominent worker, having served as class leader, exhorter, trustee, and steward for a number of years. He was a delegate to the annual conference which met at Easton, Pa. He is an independent voter on political questions, and though not active ordinarily in public matters has served as school director. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 679 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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(IV) JOHN R. BOHNER, son of Peter, was born on the homestead farm in Jackson Township May 14, 1854. He began his education in the old subscription schools, and then for four winters attended the free schools. He was reared to farming, and in 1881 began operating the home place, which came into his name in 1902. He continued to cultivate it successfully until 1907, when he retired from its active care, his sons succeeding him. Mr. Bohner has been quite active in the local civil administration, having served as auditor, supervisor and school director; he held the latter office six years, refusing a renomination. In political opinion he is a Democrat. He has also been active in St. Peter’s Church, of which he was a Reformed member, serving as deacon for three years and as trustee nine years. On Dec. 1, 1882, Mr. Bohner married Alice Tyson, daughter of Jesse and Lydia (Greisher) Tyson, the former of whom was a soldier in the Civil war and disappeared after that struggle. Mrs. Bohner died Dec. 1, 1894, on the twelfth anniversary of her marriage, at the age of thirty-four years, six months. She was the mother of six children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Elijah married Amelia Lahr and they live with his father; Mary married Benjamin Neihart and lives at Trevorton, Pa.; Lydia married Henry Foster Rhoads and they live with her father; Jesiah is unmarried ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 679 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark

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(IV) WILLIAM S. BOHNER, youngest son of Peter, was born May 1, 1865, at Mahanoy, and spent his early years at farm work. When sixteen years old, in 1881, he went to learn the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for fifteen years in his native district and at Shamokin, where he worked some years. He lived at Shamokin for three years during this period, and in that time built two houses which he sold. He was engaged at his trade four years as foreman. Beginning farming at Mahanoy he cultivated what is locally known at the “Bunker Hill” farm for thirteen years. On Feb. 22, 1904, he came to Lower Augusta Township, where he bought what was known as the James Caldren farm, consisting of 104 acres, where he has since lived and farmed. He has prospered, and has made a number of improvements on the place, which shows many evidences of his enterprise and thrift. On Sept. 17, 1887, Mr. Bohner married, at Mahanoy, Lillie L. Bohner, daughter of Michael D. Bohner, of what was then Jackson (now Lower Mahanoy) Township. Five children have been born to this union: Hannah M. married George Starr and lives at Herndon; Ida I., Lillie Agnes, Nora E. and Stella May are at home. Mr. Bohner and his family attend the Methodist Church, but he is not sectarian on religious questions. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 680 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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DANIEL D. BOLICH, dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Barry township, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1850, son of Charles and Sarah (Dengler) Bolich. His paternal grandfather, Michael Bolich, was a native of Pennsylvania and a pioneer of Schuylkill county. His great-grandfather, Andrew Bolich, was a native of Connecticut, a Revolutionary soldier, and one of the first settlers of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. His maternal grandfather, Daniel Dengler, was a son of George Dengler, a resident of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, as early as 1812, and there erected the first hotel in that town, now known as the Merchant's Hotel. His father, Charles Bolich, was born in Schuylkill county, learned the shoemaker's trade, and resided in his native county until the spring of 1864. He then came to Mt. Carmel and embarked in the boot and shoe trade, which he carried on until his death, July 27, 1872, at the age of fifty-two years. He was appointed postmaster of Mt. Carmel by President Johnson, September 27, 1865, and served in that office nearly three years. To Charles and Sarah Bolich were born the following children: Daniel D.; Susan E., wife of T. J. Klace; T. Eliza, wife of Dr. James L. Seibert; Charles I.; Newton A.; Michael O.; Sadie E.; Abraham L., and David W. Our subject came to Mt. Carmel with his parents in the spring of 1864. He worked in his father's Shop for a short time, and for two years served as deputy postmaster. He afterwards remained in his father's employ until the death of the latter, when he succeeded to the business which he has since conducted. Mr. Bolich was married, September 9, 1880, to Emily, daughter of Benjamin and Catharine (Burchfield) Hartshorn, of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania. Three children have been the fruits of this union: Charles; Wayne, deceased, and Newton. Politically Mr. Bolich is a Republican, and an enterprising and progressive citizen. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1020 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
DANIEL DENGLER BOLICH, senior member of the firm of Daniel D. Bolich & Son, of Mount Carmel, is at the head of one of the most important mercantile concerns in that borough, originally established by his father in 1864 and in continuos successful existence since. His father engaged in the shoe business, carrying a comprehensive stock, and the present owners have added other lines, all of which they have found in demand, their business showing a steady growth. They have kept pace with the advance of the times, both in the variety of their merchandise and in the methods of handling their trade, the increase of which shows the appreciation which their efforts to please customers has gained. Mr. Bolich has lived at Mount Carmel from boyhood, but he is a native of Barry Township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., born July 22, 1850. The Bolich family was founded in this country by Andraes Bolich, his great-great-grandfather, who came from the Palatinate, in Germany, crossing the ocean in the ship “Neptune,” with 171 other passengers, and landing at Philadelphia Sept. 24, 1754. We have a record showing that he located in Greenwich Township, Berks Co., Pa., some time about 1765, among the first settlers in that district. Where he spent the intervening years is not known. Here he followed farming. He was a man of typical German characteristics. His will, on record in Will Book A, page 11, in the Berks County court house at Reading, is dated March 16, 1780; he died in April, 1780. To his son Andrew (Andraes) he bequeathed the plantation and all the implements, with the provision that he was to pay three hundred pounds sterling to his seven sisters, in installments. The will was witnessed by Philip Arnold and Benedict Kohler.
Andreas Bolich (2), son of the emigrant, lived upon his father’s estate in Greenwich Township, having become the owner of that property upon his father’s death. He was born in 1757, and died on his farm. The Federal Census report of 1790 recorded Andraes Bolich a resident of Greenwich Township and the head of a family consisting of his wife, one son under sixteen, and four daughter. His wifes name was Margaretha, and among their children were Johan and Michael.
Michael Bolich, son of Andraes (2), was born in 1770 upon the homestead in Greenwich Township, and in time moved to what is now Barry Township, Schuylkill County, settling about three miles west of Ashland. He was one of the pioneers in that district, and took up about fifteen hundred acres of land, prospering by good management so that he left a large estate. He was a prominent Lutheran and a leader in his district. He died in 1835, and is buried in Barry Township. He was three times married, and his children were as follows: Henry, John, Daniel, Solomon, Michael, William, Samuel, Charles, Andrew, Mrs. Rebecca Kantner, Mrs. Soloma Hepler, Mrs. Elizabeth Bickel and Mrs. Susan Hull. Many of the descendants of this family continue to live in that region of Schuylkill County.
Charles Bolich, son of Michael, was born April 22, 1820, in Barry Township, Schuylkill County, and lived in his native county until his removal to Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, in April, 1864. He learned shoemaking, and followed that trade as well as dealing in boots and shoes all his life. Upon settling in Mount Carmel he engaged in business as a shoe dealer, carrying on his store until his death, which occurred July 27, 1872. The year after his removal to that place, on Sept. 27, 1865, he was appointed postmaster under President Johnson, and served nearly three years in that position. He was a Republican, and in religion a member of the Evangelical Church, in the work of which he was quite active.
In October, 1849, Mr. Bolich married Sarah Dengler, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Schappel) Dengler, all of Schuylkill County, and granddaughter of George Dengler, a resident of Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., as early as 1812; he erected the first hotel in the town, known as the “White Horse Inn,” later as the “Merchants Hotel,” and now as the “Allen House.” Mrs. Sarah (Dengler) Bolich died Jan. 26, 1876. She was the mother of the following children: Daniel D. is mentioned below; Susan E. is the wife of T. J. Klase and lives at Cranford, N.J.; Tansem Eliza is the wife of Dr. James L. Seibert, of Bellefonte, Pa.; Charles I., who is a shoe merchant at Canton, Ill., married Carrie Thornton; Newton A., now living in Deming, N. Mex., married Mary Smith; Michael O. is a resident of Kansas City, Mo.; Sarah E., who is unmarried, lives in Bellefonte, Pa.; Abraham L. resides in Beatrice; Neb.; David William, of New York City, is a noted civil engineer.
Daniel D. Bolich attended public school at Ashland, Schuylkill County, until he came to Mount Carmel with his parents. He learned the shoemaking trade, working in his father’s shop a short time and serving two years as deputy postmaster—continuing in his father’s employ until the latter’s death. He then succeeded to the business, to the conduct and expansion of which he has since devoted all his energies. His store is located at No. 123 South Oak Street. The boot and shoe branch of the business has been extended to include rubbers, leathers—and shoemakers’ supplies, and other departments have been added from time to time until the stock now comprises lines of clothing, shirts, hats, underwear, trunks, etc., for all of which there is a good local demand. Since 1906 Mr. Bolich has had his eldest son as partner, under the firm name of Daniel D. Bolich & Son, and they do the largest retail business in Mount Carmel. Mr. Bolich is naturally best known in connection with this establishment, but he has various other business interests in the borough and owns valuable real estate there. He was one of the organizers of the Union National Bank in 1894 and a member of the original board of directors of that institution; was one of the organizers of the Board of Trade and has been active in its various enterprises, during his twelve years of continuous service as president of that body, to which office he was elected upon its organization, having been able to encourage and launch many plans for the promotion of local commercial conditions. He is a Republican, but not active in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, which he has served as trustee and treasurer.
On Sept. 9, 1880, Mr. Bolich married Emily Hartshorn, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Burchfield) Hartshorn, of Curwensville, Clearfield Co., Pa., and they have had three children: Charles H., Wayne (who died when seven years old) and Newton A. The family have a pleasant home at No. 49 East Avenue. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 309 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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GRANT BOLIG, station agent at Dornsife station, was born near Selinsgrove, Penn township, Snyder county, Pennsylvania, May 16,1865, son of B. F. and Harriet (Ulrich) Bolig, farmers of that township. He received his education at the schools of Freeburg and Selinsgrove, after which he was engaged in teaching school in Snyder county four terms. He then learned telegraphy and operated for the Western Union Telegraph Company at Doylestown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, about one year. He was then engaged with the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company as dispatcher, and was located at Muncy, Sunbury, Tamaqua, Allenwood, and Sunbury. In February, 1888, he took charge of Dornsife station, and has since held that position. July 8, 1888, he married Agnes M., daughter of Alexander Deppen, of Dornsife, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Harry Deppen Bolig. Mr. Bolig is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically is a Republican. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1233 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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WILLIAM BOOTH was born in Yorkshire, England, February 18, 1839, son of James and Mary A. Booth. In 1848 his parents immigrated to this country and located at Llewellyn, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. and in l855 removed to Shamokin, where the father obtained the position of breaker engineer at the Lambert colliery. He was a painter and stonemason by trade, but after coming to this country, and while a resident of Schuylkill county, was engaged in farming, and was employed upon the construction of the railroad bridges of the Minersville and Westwood railroad in 1839. He died in 1858; his widow survived him until 1878. They were the parents of ten children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Sarah A., wife of Henry Van Gasken; Aquilla; Mary; Hannah, wife of T. J. Jones; James, of Virginia; Joseph, deceased, and William. The subject of this sketch was first employed at driving mules at the Big Mountain colliery, and learned the business of a miner by practical experience. In 1874 he was appointed mine inspector for the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, which position he filled until 1882, when he was appointed district superintendent, and in 1884 he was promoted to division superintendent, which included all the mines, seventeen in number, in Northumberland county. He filled this position until the autumn of 1890, when he removed to Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Booth was married in 1863 to Mary E. Coder, of Shamokin, and by this union they have had the following children: James Nelson; Mary C.; John F.; Alida; Sarah A.; William B.; Edward R.; Phebe, and five who died in infancy. Mr. Booth's family are members of the Methodist church, and in politics he is a Republican. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 915 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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BORDNER. The Bordner family, to which Mrs. Felix Klock belongs, is descended from Balthaser (Baltser) Bordner, who at the age of thirty- four years, together with his wife Marilles, aged thirty seven years, and three children—Jacob, Hanna and Mela, aged ten, eight and seven years, respectively, sailed from Rotterdam on the ship “Adventurer,” and landed at Philadelphia Sept. 22, 1732. Balthaser Bordner settled in Tulpehocken Township, Lancaster (now Berks) County, immediately after landing, and died there in 1747.
Jacob Bordner, son of Balthaser, was born in 1722. He was executor of his father’s estate, and on April 10, 1761, was naturalized as a citizen of Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, at the Supreme court of Philadelphia. On June 20, 1761, he purchased from Thomas and Richard Penn the present Bordner homestead, which had been leased to Jacob Hoffman, who was unable to pay his rental. Since that day the homestead has been owned by a son of each successive generation. Jacob Bordner married Sarah Balt and they reared a family of seven children: Jacob (2), John, William, Daniel, Peter, Anna Maria and Barbara. The father died in 1792, and by his will the homestead passed to his eldest son, Jacob (2)
Jacob Bordner (2), son of Jacob, was born in 1754, and spent his whole life upon the homestead. He was married to Anna Maria Brosz, seven years his junior. They had a family of six children Jacob (3), John, Catharine, Elizabeth, Julian and Susanna. Jacob Bordner (2) died in 1837, willing the homestead to his eldest son Jacob (3). The widowed mother survived her husband two years.
Balthaser Bordner, grandfather of Mrs. Felix Klock, was of this stock. He was born in the Tulpehocken Valley, in Berks County, and at an early date settled in Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, acquiring a large tract of land, which has now been divided into four farms. The original homestead now belongs to the Hain estate. Mr. Bordner was a lifelong farmer. He was born Feb. 21, 1778, and died Jan. 13, 1853, and is buried at Zion’s Stone Valley church. His wife, Mary Magdelena Emerich, daughter of Jacob Emerich, a pioneer of the Tulpehocken Valley, was also of old Berks County stock. She was born April 22, 1782, and died Nov. 1, 1870. Their children were: Jacob, John, Jonathan (born Nov. 23, 1806, died Oct. 27, 1887; wife Leah Keihl, born May 28, 1809, died May 10, 1877), Peter, Molly, Elizabeth, Lucy, Catharine, Joseph, Isaac, Philip (died unmarried at the age of sixty-one and is buried at Stone Valley church) and George.
Jacob Bordner, one of the sons of Balthaser and Mary Magd. (Emerich) Bordner, died Nov. 23, 1845, aged forty one years, one month, four days. He was a butcher by occupation. His wife, Magdalena (Wolf), died June 29, 1844, aged thirty-six years, two months, twenty-nine days. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: (1) George is mentioned below. (2) Lucian,. born Jan. 20, 1827, died May 7, 1831, and is buried at Williamsville, Erie Co., N.Y., from the cemetery at which place many of the dates in this article have been obtained. (3) Augustus born Jan. 9, 1829, lived at Burr Oak, Mich., was a cooper and mason by trade, and during the latter part of his active life was occupied as a dray man. He died April 13, 1909. On June 8, 1858 he married Catherine Lavin, born Sept. 20, 1839 died Jan. 14, 1905. They had children: George E., born Aug. 15, 1859, a jeweler of Mason, Mich. married Nettie Breed and they have one daughter Lenigene; Benjamin F., born April 18, 1861, married Carrie Betcher and they have one daughter Hazel. (4) Sarah, born April 2, 1832, in Erie County, was married July 8, 1850, to A. N Hill, a cooper, who lived at Three Rivers, Mich. She died Feb. 13, 1907. Three daughters were born to this union : Martha, who married John Packard (a cooper) and died several years ago (no children); Emma, unmarried, who lives with her father; and Ida, who married Alex. Hall, a painter, of Three Rivers, Mich. (they have no children). (5) William, born June 6, 1833, died April 18, 1857. (6) Bliss, born May 21, 1836, died April 10, 1848, and is buried at Williamsville, N.Y. (7) Henry is a farmer at Onawa, Monona Co., Iowa. (8) Benjamin F., born Aug. 22, 1841, is a farmer by occupation. During the Civil war he served in Company K, 11th Michigan Infantry. He married Mary Dunlap, who was born Oct. 28, 1842, and they had children: Ralph born Nov. 14, 1870, a farmer, married Viola Everet, who was born July 19, 1879, and they have three children, Clare (born Nov. 30, 1897) Zada (born April 2, 1903) and Irene (born Oct. 24, 1909); Guy D., born May 4, 1876, cashier of the First National Bank of Burr Oak, Mich., married Vinnie Woodman, born Sept. 25, 1876, and they have three children, Howard (born July 23, 1903), Dorothy (born Aug. 25, 1907) and John Benjamin (born Nov. 18, 1909); Mark, born July 19, 1879, a carpenter, married Mamie McKee, born Dec. 30, 1877, and they have two children, Isabel (born Jan. 20, 1903) and Rea (born March 7, 1906). (9) Martha, born July 19, 1843, married Hiram Pyle, a blacksmith, of Burr Oak, Mich., and they have three daughters all married: Mrs. Mary Watson, the eldest, lives in Coldwater, Mich.; Mrs. Sarah Plant lives on a farm at Burr Oak, Mich.; Mrs. Mina Stewart lives in Sturgis, Michigan.
George Bordner, eldest son of Jacob, was born Feb. 28, 1825, in Erie County, Pa., and died May 20, 1903. He lived at Burr Oak, Mich., and followed the trade of mason. Fraternally he was a Freemason. He was married Sept. 29, 1850, and his wife, Catharine (Phillips), died July 1896. They had children as follows: Lucius A. born Aug. 10, 1851, died June 1, 1852, and is buried at Williamsville, N.Y.; William H., born Dec. 10, 1853, is mentioned below; Charles A., born June 7, 1855, lives at Pasadena, Cal., and is engaged at manual labor (he married Audra Morgan) ; Hattie C., born March 7, 1859, still lives on the place at Burr Oak, Mich., where she was born.
William H. Bordner, son of George, was born Dec. 10, 1853, at Williamsville, Erie Co., N.Y. and is a blacksmith and machinist of Burr Oak Mich. He is the patentee and manufacturer of the “Hold-Fast” marsh or mud shoe for horses, and follows blacksmithing in all its branches, wood working, and machinists’ work of all kinds, also dealing in junk. Mr. Bordner married Addie S. Gregg, who was born Nov. 27, 1854, and they have three children: (1) Mabel C., born Nov. 29, 1879, married Harry Van Etta, a druggist, born July 21, 1869, and their home is at Orland, Ind. They have two children: Maxon, born July 29, 1904, and Richard, born June 22, 1908.(2) Elmer Lloyd, born Dec. 21, 1883, is a machinist and is now in Chicago, Ill. (3) Gela B. born Aug. 7, 1888, married Alpheus J. Miller, a farmer, who was born March 1, 1887, and they live at Sturgis, Michigan.
Jonathan Bordner, son of Balthaser, and his wife Leah (Keihl) had nine children, as follows: Katie married Isaac Duttry; Lizzie married Moses Heckert and died Sept. 15, 1910; Sarah died unmarried; Louise married George Lahr; Corlina married Adam Daniel; John married Lovina Weary (buried at Shamokin); Emanuel married Mary Dreigo and is buried at Miser’s Church in Snyder County; William married Polly Derrick and died in May, 1908 (he is buried at Zion’s Stone Valley Church; his widow lives in Georgetown); Leah, born Sept. 4, 1839, married John Tressler (who is serving as justice of the peace Washington Township, an office he has held for the past fifty years) and they have had eleven children, David (born Oct. 12, 1858, died aged four months, seven days), Mary Ann (born March 17, 1860, died Nov. 12, 1863, buried at St. Peter’s Church), Sarah Alice born July 12, 1861, died Nov. 23, 1863, buried at St Peter’s, Church), Minnie Minerva (married Daniel Schlegel and has one son, Jay), Adam B. (married Amelia Stepp, died Oct. 6, 1908, and is buried at St. Peter’s Church, Mahanoy; they had two children, Curtis C., of Trevorton, and Gertrude M., who lived with her mother at Mahanoy—now Red Cross), Henry (born Oct. 11, 1864, married Katie Harris and has two children, Carrie E. and Ann), Jacob F. (born Dec. 19, 1866, married Nora Byerly and has five children, Charles I., Daisy N. Mary E., John Jacob and Goldie; of these: Charles I. married Mary A. Spotts, granddaughter of Felix and Sarah A. Klock, and they have three sons, Norman L., Luther I. and an infant), Anna (born Nov. 4, 1870, married Maurice Bower), Almeretta (born May 9, 1871, married John Krissinger and had four children, of whom Katie died June 18, 1911, Bertha is at home and Edgar is deceased), Katie S. (born in 1872, died May 21, 1893, and is buried at St. Peter’s; she married Samuel Diehl and had three children, Harvey E., Gertie and Mabel) and Charlie J. (born July 15, 1873, graduated from the Kutztown school and taught many years, and is now cashier of the Sunbury Trust & Safe Deposit Company; he married Louise Geise).
Isaac Bordner, son of Balthaser and Mary Magd., (Emerich) Bordner, was born May 7, 1822 and died Aug. 15, 1899. In 1849 he married Mary Magdelena Eyster who died in 1871. Their children were: John, mentioned below; Amelia; Catherine, born Sept. 26, 1853, who has never married and has always made her home with her brother John; and Henrietta, born Feb. 10, 1857, who married Joseph Kauffman in 1873 and died Feb. 23, 1875. All these children were born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.
John Bordner, born Oct. 28, 1849, was a farmer throughout his active years, on the place now cultivated by his sons John S. and William H. Bordner, and he and his wife, sister Amelia and two daughters now live just a half mile from that place. In 1876 he married Catherine Ann Dohmer, and they have five children: (1) John S., born Feb. 23, 1877, was married June 10, 1908, to Stanta Dora Lung. (2) William H., born Sept. 12, 1879, is in business in partnership with his brother John. (3) George E., born June 7, 1881, married Nov. 26, 1902, Edna May Statsman, and their children are Russell (born Aug. 4, 1903) and Kenneth (born Dec. 15, 1906). (4) Ida Elizabeth, born Sept. 21, 1883, and (5) Mabel Bernice, born July 5, 1899, reside with their parents. All the children and grandchildren of John Bordner have been born in Elkhart County, Ind. John S. and William H. Bordner are now on their father’s old farm at Bristol, that County, engaged in scientific agriculture, specializing in the scientific raising of farm crops and also of stock. Their place is known as The Bordner Plant and Animal Breeding Station. Both brothers are college men, John S. of Indiana and Michigan Universities, and William H. of Purdue. While the former was a student at Indiana University he formed the acquaintance of several families of Bordners of Brookston, Ind., who knew considerable about the early history of the family. They claimed the Bordners were Swiss Germans, and said their brother, a professor in some eastern Pennsylvania College, had in his possession the original deed received by the first ancestor on this continent and his bachelor brother (the latter never married). The land was located in one of the counties south of Northumberland.
Joseph Bordner, son of Balthaser, married Susanna Michael and had seven children, four of whom died in infancy. The others were: Henry, a sailor, who died at Harrisburg, unmarried; Catharine, wife of Joseph Klock, son of Peter Klock (lived at Urban); and Susan, who married Daniel Shappell, died at Shamokin, and is buried at St. Peter’s Church, Mahanoy.
Molly Bordner, daughter of Balthaser, married Paul Lahr, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Bordner, daughter of Balthaser, married John Dockey, of Stone Valley, and had seven children, five of whom died in infancy; Lucetta married John Michael, and died in 1903; John died unmarried in 1863.
Lucy Bordner, daughter of Balthaser, married Daniel Michael, a blacksmith, and is buried at Zion’s Church, Stone Valley. She had eight children: Isaac, John, Daniel, Emanuel, Franklin, Henry, Harriet and Elizabeth.
Catharine Bordner, daughter of Balthaser, married Eliah Enderson, lived in Snyder County, and is buried at Chapman, that county. She had eight children, James B., Mary P., Sarah A., Cornelia J., Josephine B., Eveline C., Mahala N. and Benton.
Peter Bordner, son of Balthaser, born Feb. 3, 1811, in Lower Mahanoy Township, died in 1904 and is buried at Zion’s Stone Valley Church. He was a blacksmith. His wife, Polly (Hepner), born in 1813, died in July, 1876, and is buried at Stone Valley Church. They had twelve children: Sarah married Henry Kemble; Polly married Hiram Brown; Rebecca married Jonathan Bobb; Catharine married Jonathan Hoffman; Elizabeth died in infancy; Jane married Daniel Engle; Mary married John Richenbach; Isaac married Harriet Richenbach; Benjamin married Sarah Rose; Samuel married Rose Leckel; Henry died in infancy; Frederick married Tillie McCurty. Of this family, Jonathan and Rebecca (Bordner) Bobb had the following children: Lewis, a farmer and plasterer, who lives at Red Cross (formerly known as Mahanoy), married Alice Rebuck and has four children, Calvin E. (married Katie Ferster), Annie E. (a student at the Lancaster business college) Edgar E. and George B.; Meclata married Galen Lahr, lives near Dalmatia, and has seven children; Frank, who lives at Herndon, married Lizzie Long and they have five children; John, who lives at Philadelphia, married Mary Reitz, and they have had four children, only one of whom survives.
George Bordner, youngest son of Balthaser and Mary Magd. (Emerich) Bordner, was a tailor by trade, and also had a small farm. He moved West twice, but came back to Pennsylvania to live, making his home in Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland Co., Pa. He died Sept. 21, 1897, aged seventy-five years, four months, twenty-three days. His wife, Susanna (Phillips), died July 3, 1892, aged sixty-three years, three months, thirteen days. Ten children were born to their union, namely: (1) A son, born in 1847, died in infancy. (2) Sarah Adelia, born in 1849, married Felix Klock. (3) Henry M., born in 1853, died in 1887. He married Sarah B. Seiler, of near Dalmatia, and had six children, Lennie (married James Bogar), Charles N. (married a Miss Haas, of near Sunbury), William B., Susan B., George N. and one that died in infancy. All of this family are now deceased. (4) Mary B., born in 1855, married J. W. Kline, and is living at Spokane, Wash. They had eight children: Daisy L., deceased; George F.; Susan B., wife of Dr. Mitchell, of Oregon; Cora, wife of Henry Hummel, of Waterville, Wash.; John, deceased; Frank, of Spokane; Clarence, of Spokane; and Nettie, living at home, in Spokane. (5) A son, born in 1857 died in infancy. (6) Jeremiah J., born in 1859, a resident of Greene, Pa., married Matilda Snyder, of that place. (7) Isaac E., born in 1861, married Anna Enderson, and lives at Riverside, Pa. (8) Lucian O. was born in 1863. (9) Lizzie C., born in 1865, married John Phillips and lives at Plum Creek, where he is engaged in farming and dairying. He also owns a farm at Hickory Corners this county. (10) George Franklin, born in 1870, lives in Nebraska, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning a large farm. He married Mary Heckerd, of Dalmatia. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 359 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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JOHN BOUGHNER, deceased, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and in 1814 removed to Snydertown, Pennsylvania. In the same year he enlisted in a company organized at Snydertown in defense of Erie. He was a tanner by trade, but after his settlement at Snydertown engaged in the carpenter business, which he conducted until his death. He was one of the enterprising men of his locality, and held many minor township offices. He married Margaret Colkie, a native of New Jersey, and they are the parents of six children: Peter; Mahlon, deceased; Charity, who married Jonas Gilger: Susanna, who also married Jonas Gilger; Andrew J., deceased, and William, deceased. Mr. Boughner was a Republican in politics (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1192 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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PETER BOUGHNER, retired. was born, January 23, 1816, at Snydertown, Pennsylvania, son of John and Margaret (Colkie) Boughner. He received such education as the subscription schools of that period afforded, and subsequently learned the carpenter trade with his father. After acquiring his trade he settled in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, entered the employ of the railroad company. and later was placed in charge of repairs and construction from Sunbury to Mt. Carmel. After the road passed into the hands of the Northern Central, and the new road was laid out, Mr. Boughner in connection with Mr. Dunkelberger laid the track from Shamokin to Mt. Carmel, under contract. In 1850 he was placed in charge of grading and construc tion of the streets of Trevorton. With the exception of this period of eighteen months Mr. Boughner was in the employ of the Northern Central Railway Company thirty years. Boughner & Gilger built the first breaker at Luke Fidler mine and Cleaver & Boughner the first two at Locust Gap. Mr. Boughner was married in 1837 to Margaret, daughter of John Repley, who died in 1877; by this union they were the parents of six children Henry; Joseph; John, deceased; Katherine, deceased; Lucy, wife of Hoffman Reed, and Somerfield. Mr. Boughner finally retired from active business and purchased the farm where he now resides. He was one of the charter members of Shamokin Lodges, F. & A.M. and I.O.O.F., and in politics he is a pronounced Republican. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1192 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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SEBASTIAN BOUGHNER, deceased, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He enlisted in the regular army and served at Fort Erie with a company from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and at the close of his term of enlistment he settled at Snydertown, Pennsylvania, and engaged at the carpenter business. He subsequently removed to Sunbury, where he died. He married Abbie Snyder, and to this marriage were born five children: Rebecca; Isaac; Silas; Harriet, and Lydia. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1193 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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THOMAS P. BOUGHNER, farmer of Ralpho Township, Northumberland County, is a member of a family whose name has been intimately connected with the progress of that district for several generations. He is a great-grandson of John Boughner, a native of Hunterdon County, N.J. who in 1814 removed to what is now Snydertown in Shamokin Township, Northumberland Co., Pa. The same year he enlisted and served a short time on the northern frontier in a company organized at Snydertown among his neighbors in Shamokin and Rush Townships in defense of Erie. He was a tanner by trade, and after his settlement at Snydertown engaged in the carpenter business, continuing to follow same until his death. He also lived in Milton and Shamokin for some time, but died at Snydertown. He was looked upon as one of the enterprising men of his day, and filled a number of the minor Township offices. In politics he was a Republican. To him and his wife Margaret (Kolcker), also a native of New Jersey, were born six children: Peter; Mahlon, deceased; Charity, who was the second wife of Jonas Gilger; Susanna, who was the first wife of Jonas Gilger; Andrew Jackson, deceased; and William, deceased.
Peter Boughner, son of John, was born Jan. 23, 1816, at Snydertown, and received such education as the subscription schools of the day afforded. After learning the carpenter’s trade with his father he settled at Shamokin and engaged in railroad work. The railroad company later placed him in charge of repairs and construction from Sunbury to Mount Carmel. When the Shamokin Valley & Pottsville railroad, later the Shamokin division of the Northern Central, was extended from Shamokin to Mount Carmel, he and Mr. John Dunkelberger were associated in the work of laying the rails between those points, under contract. In 1850 he was placed in charge of grading and constructing the Streets of Trevorton, but with the exception of the period of eighteen months he was thus engaged he was continuously in the employ of the Northern Central Railway Company for thirty years. As member of the firm of Boughner & Gilger, who built the first breaker at the Luke Fidler mine, and of the firm of Cleaver & Boughner, who built the first two at Locust Gap, he was also associated with another industry which played a most important part in the development of this rich section. Upon his retirement from active business pursuits he purchased the farm in Ralpho Township where he resided up to the time of his death, in 1897. He was one of the leading pioneers of Shamokin, and one of the last survivors of the first settlers of the borough. His intimate connection with its affairs through so long a period, and his intelligent comprehension of the changes which took place during his life, were so well recognized that he is spoken of as being consulted regarding dates and localities to verify points concerning local history. Shortly after his death one of the newspapers published an interview which took place in 1890 and which is quoted in part here as being of considerable interest in this connection:
indent“While yet a mere boy I commenced to work with my father at the carpenter trade, but work was scarce, the times were dull, and little or no money was paid. In 1832 work was started on grading some twelve miles of the Danville & Pottsville railroad between Mount Carbon and Girardville. This was commonly called the ‘Girard Road,’ as Stephen Girard had the principal interest in the construction of this part of the eastern division. In the early part of 1833 I went to work on this line and got my first lesson in railroad making. It was a good place to learn the business and what I picked up here served me well in after years when I became railroad boss and supervisor. I was then a boy of seventeen years, but large for my age. I was given different kinds of work and as I was handy and showed a willingness to work I was soon favored with jobs that required some skill. My knowledge of the carpenter trade helped me very much.
“This railroad of twelve miles, crossing over the Broad Mountain direct, was at that time one of the greatest undertakings in the country. It was under the charge of Moncure Robinson, then the greatest railroad engineer in this country. This ‘Girard Road,’ with its heavy masonry, complicated structures and many planes, its hoisting machinery, bridges and a tunnel of 800 feet, was a wonderful feat in engineering if not entirely satisfactory in all its workings. A number of persons afterward residents of Shamokin worked here. Among these I can recall George Shipe, Jacob Mowery and Mr. Katterman, and also Ziba Bird, a contractor, who a few years later was connected with laying out Shamokin and putting up the first house in the town proper. And here also was a boy, some two years older than myself, connected with the engineer force, as a peg driver and later as a rods-man, who a few years later was to become the great engineer of the Shamokin coal region. This was Kimber Cleaver, and here a friendship was formed that was never broken and in after years we were associated in several business undertakings. At the close of 1838 the Girard portion of the road was finished and I returned to Snydertown. It was generally understood that the western division of the D. & P. railroad, between Sunbury and Shamokin, would be commenced the next year.
“Early in the spring of 1834 work was commenced on this branch. Here there was a natural location for a railroad, as the route followed the water courses and therefore much labor and expense were avoided. The entire roadbed from Sunbury to Shamokin and one mile beyond, some twenty miles in length, was graded about August 1st, 1835. A large force was employed and a number of Irish from the public works came on this job to handle the pick, shovel and wheelbarrow. When the grading was started I went on as a common laborer at first, as the wages on the road were much better than I could get elsewhere. I was soon promoted as it was evident that I had some experience in that kind of work. Here I again met my friend Cleaver on the engineer corps, who was now promoted to the use of an instrument. * * * The roadbed was graded 22 feet wide, being intended for a double track when the second one was needed. This permitted a space of 5 feet between the tracks. The track we put down was on the north side of the roadbed. While the road was being graded, the bridges that were to span Shamokin creek at four or five points were put up. They were models of good workmanship for those times. It was then decided, as the basin at Sunbury to connect with the Pennsylvania canal had not been finished, the railroad should only be completed to Paxinos, and the remainder of graded road when the basin was prepared for coal shipments. During August the work of superstructure, as it was then termed, was commenced in good earnest and pushed ahead with all possible dispatch. Why there was so much haste I really cannot tell. Sills by the thousands were hauled on the ground, that had been hewed by such of the neighboring farmers along the line as had suitable timber. All the sawmills far and near were working day and night in sawing white oak rails for the track, and strap iron, imported from England (no tariff then), was distributed along the whole line. In three months the road was completed between Sunbury and Paxinos, ready for the cars to run. The formal opening of the road took place on Nov. 26, 1835, at Paxinos. * * * I acted as foreman in putting down the track, and here my knowledge of the carpenter trade and the experience I had gained on the Girard road stood me well in hand.”

The remainder of the interview was devoted to a description of the manner in which a track was laid before the modern days of T rails and other up-to-date devices.
In 1837 Mr. Boughner married Margaret Repley, daughter of John Repley, and she died long before him, in 1877. They had the following children: Henry R., a resident of Shamokin, married Sarah Lake, and they have had children, Edwin, Emily, Libby, Edna, Ethel, and Mabel (the last named deceased); Joseph R. is mentioned below: John R. died in Shamokin; Catharine married James A. Shipp and is deceased; Lucy A. married A. Hoffman Reed, of Paxinos; Somerfield married Emma Snyder. Mr. Boughner was one of the charter members of the Odd Fellows and Free-masons lodges at Shamokin. In political sentiment he was a Republican.
Joseph R. Boughner, son of Peter, was born in 1840 in Shamokin, and died Feb. 5, 1907, aged sixty-six years, three months, one day. He is buried at Oak Grove Church, in Ralpho Township. Mr. Boughner passed his early years in Shamokin and was employed at railroad work with his father, later, in July, 1862, going to Ohio. There, on July 29, 1862, he married Sarah Tanneyhill, daughter of Rev. Thomas Tanneyhill, of Scotland, and they remained in the West until 1864, in which year they settled at Shamokin. Mr. Boughner was track foreman on the railroad until 1867, later followed farming, and subsequently engaged in the manufacture of powder in partnership with Samuel Frederick, continuing in that business until 1875. Selling his mill and farm interests to a Mr. Weldy he went out to Goshen, Ind., where he was located from October, 1875, until 1876, in which year he embarked in the general merchandise business at Montandon, Northumberland Co., Pa. in association with O. B. Hoffman. There he remained until his removal to Juniata County, Pa., in 1878. After a year in the mercantile business there he bought the John Repley farm in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County, in 1879, and there he afterward resided, engaging in farming until his death. He had seventy-four acres of land. For some time Mr. Boughner was also in the slating business in Shamokin. He was a Methodist in religion and served as steward of his church. Fraternally he was a Mason, holding membership in Elysburg Lodge, No. 414. In politics he adhered to the doctrines of the Republican party.
Mrs. Boughner died Jan. 14, 1890, aged fifty-five years, ten months, nineteen days, and is buried at Oak Grove church. They had four children: Clark, who died in infancy and was buried in Ohio; Annie M., who lives on the homestead; Thomas P., our subject; and Margaret E., who died in infancy.
Thomas P. Boughner, son of Joseph R. Boughner, was born March 7, 1868, in Shamokin Township, and attended public school in his boyhood. He was with his father in his various removals, and was eleven years old when he came to the homestead at the Blue church where he has remained to the present. He is an intelligent and prosperous farmer and a worthy member of a respected family.
Mr. Boughner married Lydia Adams, daughter of Daniel H. and Sarah A. (Pensyl) Adams, and their children are Clarence and Frank. Mr. Boughner is a member of the Oak Grove M. E. Church, and socially belongs to the P.O.S. of A. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 56 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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BENJAMIN F. BOWER, a farmer of West Chillisquaque Township who has a valuable place of 150 acres lying along the west branch of the Susquehanna, is a native of Center County, Pa., born Aug. 23, 1863, in Rush Township. The Bower family was in earlier days settled in Berks County, this state, where John Bower, the great-grandfather of Benjamin F., was born. He died in Lycoming county. His wife was Elizabeth Bohn. Henry Bower, son of John and Elizabeth (Bohn) Bower, was born in 1784 in Berks County, moved to Lycoming county when a young man, and followed farming, also working in the lumber districts. He was one of the early settlers in his locality. In White Deer Township, Union Co., Pa., he married Elizabeth Wertzler, who was born in 1773 in Berks County, daughter of Jacob Wertzler (who died at Reading, Berks County), and came to Lycoming county when a young girl. Mrs. Bower died in February, 1836, aged sixty-three years, and is buried at the Stone Church in Brady Township, Lycoming county. Mr. Bower died in that county in 1866, aged eighty-two years, six months, six days, and is buried there, at the Brick Church in Clinton Township. They were members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he was a Democrat. Their children were as follows: Jonathan was killed by the cars at Montgomery, Pa.; Abraham was killed in the Civil war; Mary A. (deceased) was the wife of Aaron Wentzel; Jacob is mentioned below; Sarah (deceased) was the wife of Peter Swartz, a farmer of Dakota; Elizabeth (deceased) was the wife of John Huntington and they lived in New Mexico; Lydia died unmarried. Jacob Bower, son of Henry, was born April 12, 1816, in Washington Township, Lycoming County, and resided with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one years, meantime attending the local subscription schools for three months each winter during his boyhood, and working on his father’s land the rest of the time. He then went to Black Hole, also in his native Township, where he was employed by his brother-in-law, Peter I. Swartz, in a distillery, working there for twelve years, for ten dollars a month, at that time considered good wages. He and his brother-in-law then went to Clearfield county and purchased a sawmill, which they operated successfully for eleven years, after which Mr. Bower moved to Rush Township, Center county. He lived there for several years, thence removing to Gregg Township, Union County, in 1866. This region was then an unbroken wilderness, where wild animals still roamed, and he shared the hardships of life in such a region with the other hardy settlers who made a home there; in time becoming a prominent farmer of his district, where he is well and favorably remembered. He passed the remainder of his, long life on his homestead in Gregg Township, dying there Nov. 3, 1900. A man of sterling integrity and the highest character, he had the affectionate regard of all who knew him, and was greatly respected throughout his section. He was one of the oldest members of the Patrons of Husbandry in Union County, having been a charter member of Spring Garden Grange, No. 32. His first presidential vote was cast for Buchanan, but he was independent on political questions, supporting what he thought was right, regardless of party. In religion he was a Baptist, and filled office in his church. His death was looked upon as a public loss in the community. On Feb. 9, 1851, in Morris Township, Clearfield County, Mr. Bower married Elizabeth Haas, who was born Oct. 26, 1824, in Moreland Township, Lycoming County, and died Jan. 9, 1909, at West Milton, Union county. Her parents, John and Mary (Baker) Haas, spent most of their lives in Northumberland County, but she was a young child when her father died, in 1828, and she made her home in the family of Peter Swartz for some time. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bower: (1) John H., born July 30, 1851, now a resident of Danville, Pa.; married Maggie Gulich and has four children, Emma, Miriam, Elizabeth and Charles. (2) Abraham. S., born Oct. 6, 1853, a farmer in Gregg Township, Union County, married Hannah Gross and has two children, Retta and Elizabeth. (3) Lydia E., born May 3, 1855, in Center County, Pa., married J. S. Houser, who operated the old Bower homestead. (4) Charles W., born Feb. 5, 1857, a lumberman at Allenwood, Pa., married Tilla Kolbe, and they have three children, Francis E., George M. and Elizabeth C. (5) Mary M., born Jan. 16, 1859, married William Houser (brother of J. S. Houser), a carpenter and they reside at West Milton, Pa. They have one son, Franklin B. (4) Benjamin F. is the youngest of the family. Benjamin F. Bower received his education in the schools of the home neighborhood. He worked for his father until he reached the age of twenty-seven, after which he farmed the homestead for his father for six years. For the next seven years he was on the old Charles Wolfe farm, in West Chillisquaque Township, now the Fonda estate, along the west branch, and in 1902 he located on the tract in that Township which he has since farmed, one of the Packer farms. He has 150 acres of good land, all up-to-date machinery and conveniences, and is an intelligent farmer, keeping abreast of the times in his work, as his farm shows. He is well thought of in the community, has served three years as school director, and is a substantial and worthy citizen, deserving the respect he enjoys. He hauled the first load of stone for the Montandon high school. Politically he is a Democrat, in religion a Baptist, holding membership in the church at Milton. Mr. Bower married Mary Elizabeth Huff, daughter of William Huff, of Union county. They have six children: Florence N., wife of John Keiser; Mary E.; Jacob; Willard; Homer and Carrie. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 602 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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ELIAS E. BOWER, engaged in farming near Mandata, in Lower Mahanoy Township, is a member of the fourth generation of his family to live in this region, where his great-grandfather, J. Matthias Bauer, settled in the latter part of the eighteenth century.
J. Matthias Bauer was a native of Berks County, Pa., born near Reading March 6, 1754. Tradition and records apparently relating to him credit him with service in the Revolutionary war. About 1794 he came with his family to Northumberland County and settled in that part of Jordan Township then still known as Jackson Township, on the farm now owned by Jonathan M. Byerly. He himself erected the first set of buildings there, having been a carpenter. But he took to farming, having “taken up” and purchased between five hundred and six hundred acres of land; 133 acres of this land have never been out of the family name since he took it up. He was a small man, industrious and energetic, and it is related that he enjoyed a “scrap” occasionally. He prospered in his work, and was a useful member of society. He died May 1, 1837, and is buried at the Stone Valley (Zion’s) Church, having been a member of the Lutheran congregation of that church. Politically he was a strong Democrat. His wife, Catharine, born Jan. 1, 1760, died Nov. 25, 1836, and she is also buried at the Stone Valley Church. She bore him children as follows: Frederick, who died in Indiana; Jacob, who died in Ohio; Michael, who died in Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Pa.; Samuel; Elizabeth, Mrs. Henry Witmer; and another daughter who married Samuel Wolf, and they settled in Buffalo Valley, Pennsylvania.
Samuel Bower, son of J. Matthias, was born in Berks County, March 11, 1790, and was a mere child when his parents came to Northumberland County, Pa. He died Sept 12, 1867. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Bitterman, he had one son Aaron, who lived in Illinois. For his second wife he married Catharine Witmer, daughter of Matthias Witmer. of Lower Mahanoy Township. She was born Feb. 12, 1795, and died Sept. 13, 1873. By this union there were two children: Elizabeth, who married Carl Rothermel; and Elias W.
Elias W. Bower, son of Samuel, is now a retired farmer of Jordan Township, where he was born May 3, 1832. He attended the old subscription schools of his day for terms of two or three months, and worked for his parents. He was married early, Aug. 20, 1850, and the second year of his marriage began as a tenant on his father’s farm, farming with and for him many years. When Samuel Bower died Elias W. purchased the homestead, which he continued to farm until his retirement, in 1896. He now lives in a house near the homestead buildings. His farm consists of 133 acres, 120 acres of which are under cultivation. He himself erected nearly all the buildings of the farm, as well as part of the house where he lived. In August 1897, his barn was destroyed by fire, with the season’s crops, causing a heavy loss, only partly covered by insurance. Mr. Bower has been a busy man, and a successful one and his integrity and trustworthiness have been recognized by his neighbors, who have chosen him to serve as supervisor and school director. He is a Democrat in politics. He is a tall, bearded gentleman, of pleasing appearance, and well liked by all who know him.
Mr. Bower married Sarah Phillips, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Cable) Phillips, granddaughter of Johann Adam Phillips. Mrs. Bower was born July 16, 1832. She was the mother of thirteen children: Harriet is the widow of Samuel Bohner; Elizabeth married William Wert; Levi is deceased; Galen lives in Jordan Township (his wife Lizzie J., born Oct. 6, 1849, died March 30, 1890); Susanna married Daniel Schlegel; James M., born July 30, 1859, was accidentally killed July 30, 1886; Morris is a resident of Royalton, Pa.; Sivilla—married Michael Hepner; Cyrus is married and lives in Cleveland, Ohio; Samuel is married and lives in Jordan Township; Elms E. is mentioned below; Mary married Jeremiah Miller; Henry is a resident of Jordan Township. Mr. Bower and his family are Lutheran members of the Urban (St. Pauls) Church, and he has given faithful service in all the official positions.
Elias E. Bower was born May 20, 1869, and grew up as a typical farm boy. He has continued to farm all his life. For eight years he hired out among farmers in Jordan and Lower Mahanoy Townships, and began farming for himself in the spring of 1897, in Jordan Township, where he was located for seven years—two years on Bliss Boyer’s farm and five years on his father’s 140-acre farm. He then farmed the Gabriel Adam farm, in Lower Mahanoy, for two years, thence moving to the Mahantango Valley, where he purchased a 116-acre tract which he cultivated two years. Selling that place, he farmed the Mary Adams place for one year, and then moved back to the Serenus Hepner farm for two years, from there coming to his present place in the spring of 1909. The farm he now owns consists of 156 acres, and was the Jacob Still place, Henry Peifer owning it before his day. It was located a quarter of a mile north of Mandata.
In March, 1896, Mr. Bower married Alice M. Wetzel, daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Glase) Wetzel, and by this union there are three children: Monroe L., William B. and Maud K. Mr. Bower and his family are Lutherans in religion, and on political questions he is a Democrat.
William F. Bower, of Herndon, Pa., is a native of Jackson Township, born Jan. 23, 1858, son of Jacob Bower. His grandfather. Jacob Bower, was one of the sons of J. Matthias Bauer, mentioned above, and was a native of Berks or Montgomery County, coming to Northumberland County in early life. He located in what was then Mahanoy Township, and became a prosperous farmer, owning several tracts of land. In about 1835 he moved to Ohio, in the vicinity of Akron, where he lived until his death. His wife would not accompany him to Ohio, remaining in Northumberland County, where she died. She is buried at the Stone Valley Church, in Lower Mahanoy Township. Their children were: Henry, who lived in Illinois; Michael, born Sept. 12, 1812, who died Jan. 29, 1890, in Jackson Township (his wife, Leah, born Sept. 15, 1815, died March 20, 1875); and Jacob.
Jacob Bower, son of Jacob, was born in Lower Northumberland County, Pa., in 1817, and died near Herndon in 1902, aged eighty-four years, nine months. He is buried at Mahanoy Church. He was a farmer in Jackson Township, owning a 200 acre tract on which he lived from 1848. The farm is now owned by Isaac Tressler, a son-in-law. Mr. Bower held local offices, and was a prominent citizen. His wife, whose maiden name was Haas, died in 1861. They had five children: Cyrus; Wilhelmina, who married Isaac Tressler, a farmer of Jackson Township; Mary, who is unmarried; A. Clinton, of Shamokin; and William F.
William F. Bower was reared to farm life. His home was at the mouth of the Mahanoy creek, and he was educated in the local public school. When twenty-two years old he was licensed to teach public school, and in 1881 he began teaching in Jackson Township, being thus engaged four terms. He then clerked in the store, and in 1884 began farming in Jackson Township, following that work three years. In 1887 he came to Herndon, where he has since lived. He started the first livery in the town, keeping three or four horses busy. He is a substantial citizen, and his public services have made him one of the best known men in the vicinity. When the borough or Herndon was incorporated, in 1902, Mr. Bower was elected to the council and has ever since been a member of that body with the exception of one year. He is now the president of the council. He was at one time auditor of Jackson Township. He is a Democrat, and has been committeeman of his party.
On May 24, 1881, he married Susan Deppen, daughter of John and Catharine (Lantz) Deppen, and they have had two children: Katie, who is a graduate of the Herndon schools, and has taught school a number of terms; and Walter, who is still a student. Mr. Bower and his family are members of the Reformed Church. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 911 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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THOMPSON BOWER, president of the Watsontown National Bank, was born in Washington township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1826, son of John and Sarah (Quinn) Bower, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ireland, both of whom spent the greater part of their lives in Lycoming county. Thompson was reared a farmer, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He lived in Lycoming and Union counties, successively, until 1884, when he came to Watsontown, where he has since resided. He has been president of the Watsontown National Bank several years, and is one of the substantial citizens of the town. Mr. Bower was married, November 15, 1849, to Catharine A., daughter of Christian Gosh, of Northumberland county. She was born in Lycoming county, and is the mother of three children: Laura E., wife of B. M. Griffey; J. G., of Watsontown, and Margaret J., wife of George W. Crane. Mr. Bower is a Democrat, and both he and wife are members of the Lutheran church. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1087 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
THOMPSON BOWER, late of Watsontown, Northumberland County, was a resident of that borough for a quarter of a century before his death, and for twenty years was the efficient president of the Watsontown National Bank, which was the first bank in the borough and for several years the only financial institution there. He was a native of Lycoming county, Pa., born in Washington Township March 9, 1826, son of John Bower and grandson of George Bower. George Bower, the grandfather, served seven years as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Thompson, are buried at the Stone Church in Brady Township, Lycoming county. They were the parents of the following children: George, who married; Martha, Mrs. Smith, who moved to New York; Elizabeth, Mrs. Farley; Eve, Mrs. Henting; Mrs. Sypher, who died May 10, 1883; Ellen, Mrs. William Autis, who died May 11, 1883; and John. John Bower, son of George, was born in 1799 in New Jersey, and died in 1872. He married Sarah Quinn, who was born in Ireland in 1793, and they spent the greater part of their lives in Lycoming county, Pa. Their children were as follows: (1) James Q. married Elizabeth Sedan and moved to Illinois, where she died and he remarried; there were six children by the first union, Robert, William, Ann E., Jennie, Ella and James, and five by the second; James Q. Bower died April 27, 1900. (2) Thompson, twin of James Q., is mentioned below. (3) Lewis married Tisha Lemon and died Oct. 6, 1907. (4) Mary Ellen married Daniel Foresman and has daughters Sallie (wife of James Piatt and mother of two children) and Maggie (a trained nurse). Thompson Bower was reared on a farm and continued to follow agricultural pursuits for a number of years after beginning life on his own account, living in Lycoming county and later in Union county prior to his removal to Watsontown, in 1884. In 1883 he had purchased the large brick house which he and his family occupied from the time of their settlement at that place, and which is the oldest house in the borough. He retained valuable interests in Union county, owning several large and fertile farms there. After taking up his residence in Watsontown he was prominently connected with its most important business interests, and for twenty years was the executive head of the Watsontown National Bank, which owes much of its high standing to his wise policy and shrewd direction of affairs. While living in the country Mr. Bower served his community as member of the school hoard, but he took no part in public life during his residence in Watsontown. He was a Democrat in politics and a Lutheran in religion, holding membership in the First Lutheran Church in Watsontown, which he served as elder for many years. On Nov. 15, 1848, Mr. Bower married Catharine A. Gosh, who was born in Black Hole Valley, in Lycoming county, Pa., daughter of Christian and Margaret (Dietrich) Gosh, later of Northumberland County. Her grandparents, Christian and Catharine (Wiest) Gosh, were natives of Holland, and coming to America settled in Lycoming county. Their children were Christian, Daniel and John (who married a Miss Coats; of Philadelphia). Christian Gosh, father of Mrs. Bower, was born in 1807, and died in 1871. He married Margaret Dietrich, who was born in 1809, daughter of Frederich Dietrich and his wife (whose maiden name was Knarr), natives of Columbia county, Pa., and among the early settlers in Black Hole Valley. Mrs. Margaret (Dietrich) Gosh was the mother of five children: Levi, who died in 1854; Dr. John, who married a Hancock, and died July 27, 1877; Frederich, who married a Miss Armstrong; Ellen M., who married Dr. J. P. Harley and had children, Margaret, Bertha, Lulu, and Dr. John (of Williamsport, Pa.); and Catharine A., Mrs. Thompson Bower. Mr. and Mrs. Bower reared three children: Laure E. married R. M. Griffee and had a daughter Catharine; John G., now a resident of Hagerstown, Md., married Ada Follmer and has children John and Rolland (John G. Bower went to Europe in 1907 in 1907 and spent some time in travel); Maggie G. married George W. Crane, who died Feb. 3, 1900, and she and her children, Thompson B., Margarette B. and Catharine B., went to reside with her parents. They have an ideal household. Though long past man’s allotted span at the time of his death, Mr. Bower continued hale and energetic to the end, pursuing life’s work with unabated interest, and, he enjoyed a most honorable position in the community, commanding the esteem of all who knew him. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 863 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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