Northumberland County Biographies
D

CHARLES H. DOUGHERTY, proprietor of the Locust Gap Hotel, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1856, son of Michael and Mary (Boyle) Dougherty, both of Irish parentage. The father was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and the mother, of Pennsylvania. They settled in Locust Gap in 1866, where the father followed mining sixteen years. He reared a family of five children: Charles H.; James F.; Edward; Michael, and Mary. Our subject was reared in Locust Gap, and was educated in the common schools. He began his business life in a breaker at the age of eight years, and worked about the mines fourteen years. In 1875 he was employed as clerk in the store of Graeber & McCarthy, at Locust Gap, with whom he remained two years, and afterwards held the same position with William Harvey & Son two years. He then became clerk of a hotel and store combined, of which he has been proprietor since 1886. He was married in 1886 to Margaret, daughter of John and Ellen Hogan, of Locust Gap. To this union one daughter has been born, Gertrude. He and wife are members of the Catholic church, and in politics he is a Democrat. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1062 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

CHARLES H. DOUTY, civil engineer, is a son of Richard B. and Rebecca Douty, and was born, October 29, 1849, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He came to Shamokin with his parents, was educated in the public schools of that borough, and afterwards studied civil engineering. He has since been principally engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1881 he was appointed by the council borough engineer, and has filled that position continuously up to the present. Politically he is an independent voter. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 891 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN BLUNDIN DOUTY was for many years one of the most prominent and successful citizens of the coal regions, and he is still kindly remembered by a large circle of his old friends. He was born near Lambertville. New Jersey, May 30, 1812, and was a son of William and Mary (Blundin) Douty, who settled in Rush township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. when John B. was about ten years old. In 1826 the family removed to Pottsville, where the father at once became the owner of a line of five boats on the Schuylkill canal, and our subject was placed in charge of one of them. John B. thus became one of the pioneer boatmen of the Schuylkill, and he followed the business until 1842, and then entered the coal trade at the East Delaware mines. He operated here for a few years and then went to the West Delaware mines, where he remained until the failure of the company, in 1851, through which he lost the slow accumulations of years of toil and unflagging industry. Coming to Shamokin in 1852, comparatively penniless, be again commenced mining in a small way at the Gap, now the Cameron colliery, as a member of the firm of Kase, Douty & Reed. This lasted a few years, and as very little was accomplished Mr. Douty made only a bare living out of the enterprise. In October, 1856, at the solicitation of Dr. J. J. John, he joined that gentleman and Joseph Bird, under the firm name of Bird, Douty & John. They leased the Big Mountain colliery. and after many vicissitudes the enterprise finally proved successful. In 1857 Doctor John retired from the firm, and in 1859 Mr. Douty withdrew and took charge of the Henry Clay colliery; which, under his experienced and careful management, became one of the best paying mining properties in the county. Good fortune smiled upon all his efforts, and he accumulated a handsome fortune. Mr. Douty subsequently opened the Brady colliery, and operated it several years. In March, 1873, Douty & Baumgardner began working the Ben Franklin colliery, in which he was interested up to his death, November 15, 1874. A few years prior to that event he united with the First Presbyterian church, and died a consistent member of that faith. Throughout a residence in Shamokin of twenty-one years, Mr. Douty was largely interested in the growth and development of the coal trade, and did much towards building up the diversified interests of his adopted home. He possessed great enterprise and public spirit, and made good use of his wealth in erecting substantial buildings and contributing liberally towards charitable and religious objects. He was a man of strong likes and dislikes, and positive in his views and opinions, but possessed a kind heart, and always extended an encouraging word and a helping hand to the needy and afflicted. Mr. Douty was married, May 22, 1836, to Lavinia Jones, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Catharine Jones, then residents of that city. One son William H., a merchant of Shamokin, was the fruit of this union. Mrs. Douty is living in the home on Sunbury street, Shamokin, in which her husband passed the latter years of his life. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 882 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)
JOHN BLUNDIN DOUTY, her grandfather, was a prominent man in the coal regions. He was born near Lambertville, N.J., May 30, 1812, son of William and Mary (Blundin) Douty, who came to Rush Township, Northumberland County, about 1822. Four years later they removed to Pottsville, where the father became the owner of five boats on the Schuylkill canal, John B. being placed in charge of one of them. He worked as a boatman until 1842, when he became interested in the coal trade at the East Delaware mines. After a few years there he went to the West Delaware mines where he operated until the failure of the company in 1851 caused the loss of all he had accumulated. In 1852 he came to Shamokin and began mining in a small way at the Gap, as a member of the firm of Kase, Douty & Reed. This venture met with little success, and in 1856, with others, under the name of Bird, Douty & John, he leased the Big Mountain colliery, which in the end proved successful. In 1859 he withdrew from the firm to take charge of the Henry Clay colliery, and he acquired a handsome fortune. He opened and operated the Brady colliery for a few years, and in 1873 began working the Ben Franklin colliery, at which he was engaged for the remainder of his life. He died Nov. 15, 1874, in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. On May 22, 1836, he married Lavinia Jones, daughter of William and Catharine Jones, of Reading. They had one son, William H. Mr. Douty was a man of decided views, and was very tenacious of his opinion. He had a kind heart, and was ever generous to those less fortunate than himself ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 96 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark

RICHARD BLUNDIN DOUTY, deceased, was born, January 22, 1824, in Rush township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, son of William and Mary (Blundin) Douty. He removed with his parents to Pottsville in 1826, where he grew up under the parental roof. He engaged early in boating upon the Schuylkill canal, having charge of one of his father's boats at the age of nineteen, in which business he continued eleven years. He subsequently removed to St. Clair in the same county, as superintendent for Kirk & Baum, coal operators, where he remained until 1859, when he came to Shamokin to take charge of the Henry Clay colliery. In 1869 he engaged in coal operations for himself, at Ben Franklin colliery, where he continued coal mining until early in 1873, when, meeting with unfortunate financial losses, he was compelled to retire from operating. He afterwards had charge of the Mt. Carmel colliery about one year, and was subsequently engaged in developing coal veins near Centralia. Mr. Douty was elected the first chief burgess of Shamokin, and re-elected the following year. He was again chosen for the same office in 1877, and took a prominent and active part in suppressing the labor riots of that year Politically he was a Republican until the advent of the Greenback movement, when he joined that party and became its leader in this locality. He was once the Greenback candidate for sheriff, and though a popular man his party was largely in the minority. Mr. Douty was married in January, 1845, to Rebecca A., daughter of Adam Case, of Columbia county, Pennsylvania They were the parents of eight children, only three of whom grew to maturity, and survive their parents: Mary L., widow of Colonel Alexander Caldwell; Elmira J., wife of William A. Richardson, of Shamokin, and Charles H., borough engineer. Mr. Douty died, October 12, 1889, his widow surviving him until December 31st of the same year. He was a member of the Masonic order, having joined Anthracite Lodge, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, about 1854. When Trinity Episcopal church, of Shamokin, was organized he became a member of that body, and was elected one of the wardens, and subsequently filled the office of senior warden ten years. Mr. Douty was a square-dealing, honest man, and had hosts of friends throughout this portion of the State. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 890 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM H. DOUTY, son of John B., was born at Pottsville, Pa., in 1836, and died in October, 1896, in Philadelphia, where he was buried. He assisted his father in the management of his coal mines at Shamokin and Doutyville. He was sole manager of the Ben Franklin colliery at Doutyville, one of the largest mine workings in the anthracite field, and with John Gabel became the owner of the Garfield mine. He was one of the chief movers in suppressing the terrible crimes of that desperate band of men known as the “Mollie Maguires,” who infested the coal region in the early seventies. He had other business relations, however, being engaged in the dry goods and grocery business on Sunbury Street, his place being known as the “Brown Stone Front,” and was very successful in his undertakings. In 1893 he went to Philadelphia, where he lived in retirement until his death He married Dorothea M. Stroup, daughter of William and Sarah (Christ) Stroup. Their children were: Phoebe, wife of Philip Goodwill, of Bramwell, Mercer Co., W. Va.; Minnie F., widow of George W. Parmley; John, of Cumberland, Md.; and Sallie, who lives with her sister Mrs. Goodwill. Mr. Douty was burgess of Shamokin in 1873, an office in which his father’s brother, R. B. Douty, had been the first incumbent in 1864-65. He was the first president and director of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Shamokin, which was incorporated Nov. 29, 1882. Mr. Douty was one of the prominent citizens of Shamokin appointed as a committee to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the Board of Trade, Jan. 24, 1887, and he became the first president of that important organization. The first attempt at fixing up the Streets of Shamokin was made by Mr. Douty and Dr. R. S. Hollenback, both going to Harrisburg to appeal to the Legislature for a loan of money from the State for that purpose, as the taxes at that early time were insufficient for any improvements of this kind. Mr. Douty and his family were Presbyterians. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 97 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

SPENCER H. DREHER, of Shamokin, who is interested in the coal business but not as a local operator, was born in that borough Sept. 8, 1858, and comes of a family of German origin which was founded in Pennsylvania during the early days. His paternal great-grandfather lived in both Schuylkill and Northumberland counties, and died in Sunbury, in Northumberland County; he is buried at the Stone church. His family consisted of ten children, viz.: John, who is mentioned below; Samuel and Joseph, who died in the West; Isaac, who died in Shamokin Township; Sophia, who married George Falck; Sallie, Mrs. Fasold; Tyson; Susan, Mrs. Renn; Rachel, Mrs. Kramer; Polly, Mrs. Joseph Shipman.
n 1801 in Schuylkill County, and while a resident of that county followed farming and was engaged on the old canal boats. In 1855 he moved to Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, where he was employed at the collieries, and there he died in 1873. His wife; Sarah (Kreiger), daughter of Christian Kreiger, died in 1868, and both are buried in the Mount Carmel cemetery. Their children were as follows: Mary A. married Fred Fahrian and died in Missouri; Jacob is mentioned, below; Andrew J. was killed by the Molly Maguires, it is supposed, he having disappeared from Mount Carmel and never been heard from afterward; Edward died in Mount Carmel; Daniel died in the West; John died near Richmond, Va., while serving in the Civil war; Sarah J. married John Roup and is living in Mount Carmel; Aaron is a resident of Mount Carmel; Eliza married William Stillwagner and is living in St. Louis; Eli lives at Mount Carmel.
Jacob Dreher, son of John, was born March 12, 1830, at Plum creek, near Stonington, Northumberland County, in Shamokin Township. He was well educated, and followed teaching during his earlier manhood, being thus engaged for a period of twelve years, in Shamokin and Mount Carmel. Later he became inside foreman at the Gap colliery (where David Llewellyn was then outside foreman) and was employed there for several years. He died Oct. 8, 1865, at his home in the Irish Valley, in Shamokin Township; and was buried at the Summit church in that Township. An intelligent, industrious, Christian citizen, he was a leader in his community and thoroughly respected for his upright life. He married Elizabeth Sober, daughter of Michael M. Sober, and she survived him, after his death marrying Lewis Chamberlin, of Shamokin Township. She passed away April 8, 1905, at the age of seventy-one years, and is also buried at the Summit church. To Jacob and Elizabeth (Sober) Dreher were born the following named children: Mary F., wife of Lemuel Tharp; Harris M., who is living in Shamokin Township; Spencer H.; William H., of Shamokin Township; Clara, wife of O. C. Wilson, of Philadelphia; and Jacob G., a teacher, of Shamokin Township.
Spencer H. Dreher attended school in Shamokin Township and was reared upon a farm. When he started work on his own account he followed farming in that Township and also engaged to some extent in the dairy business, owning a fine tract of 100 acres in the neighborhood of the Summit church, upon which property he erected a fine residence in 1898. In time he sold this farm to Mr. Yordy, the present owner, and on Oct. 22, 1908, he settled in Shamokin, where he has established his home. Since 1894 he has been interested in the coal business, as part owner of three collieries in Quinnimont, W. Va., all of which are in a thriving condition, yielding an abundance of soft coal for which a ready market is found.
Mr. Dreher married Hannah Lawton, and they have one son, Charles Edgar, who is a member of the class of 1912 at Bucknell University, at Lewisburg, Pa. Mr. Dreher is a Republican in politics and in religion a member of the M. E. Church ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 628 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM DREIBELBIS, who is engaged in farming along the Susquehanna river, near Dalmatia, Northumberland County, was born May 5, 1847, son of Abraham Dreibelbies and grandson of Isaac Dreibelbis, and is a member of a family which was established in America during the Provincial days of Pennsylvania. The name is now found with both spellings, Dreibelbies and Dreibelbis.
The early home of this family was in southeastern Switzerland, in the part originally a portion of what is now the German Empire. John Jacob Dreibelbis (Dreibelbies) came to America from Hannesthal, Switzerland, crossing the ocean on the ship “Mary” from London, and landing at Philadelphia Oct. 26, 1732. Its passenger list showed sixty-nine male passengers over sixteen years of age, and one hundred and twenty-two women and children. It is probable that John Jacob was single. He used to say in the spring of the year, “now the Rhine is overflowing, because of the snow melting on the Alps.” The exact date that he settled in Berks County is uncertain, but in 1743 he settled on the farm located about a quarter of a mile east of Fleetwood, now the property of Milton Shollenberger. This farm originally consisted of 157 acres, but it has since been divided into two farms, one now owned by Charles Leibelsberger. On the part owned by Mr. Shollenberger John Jacob Dreibelbis built the first set of buildings near a spring of fine water, which the Indians named “Dreibelbis Spring.” This spring and the streams in that vicinity were alive with brook trout until some time before the Civil war. John Jacob Dreibelbis was a farmer and became a very extensive land owner. In 1759 he was the largest taxpayer in Richmond Township, paying a federal tax of thirty pounds. On April 11, 1752, he obtained by warrant from the Province two tracts of land located in Richmond Township, Berks County, one being for fifty acres and the other for one hundred. On Feb. 3, 1753, he obtained a warrant for one hundred acres, and on April 12, 1753, for five hundred acres. In appearance Mr. Dreibelbis was small and of dark complexion, with black eyes and hair, indicating that he was of Jewish extraction, as were the Kelchners, Wanners, Biebers and the family of Merkles in the same vicinity. He died in 1761. He married either a Merkel or a Rothermel, probably the first mentioned and daughter of Georg Merkle, and his six children, three sons and three daughters, were: Abraham; Martin; Jacob; Mary Elizabeth, who married John Wanner; Mary Magdalena, who married (second) Martin Wanner; and Philibena, who went with her brother Martin to Schuylkill Haven, married William Koch (her three daughters married, respectively, a Huntsinger, a Rausch and a Holler). The last will and testament of John Jacob Dreibelbis, made Feb. 1761, and probated Feb. 21, 1761, is written in good English and is on record in Will Book 1, page 94. To each of his three sons he gave a farm, and to each of his daughters 150 pounds in lawful money. “My oldest son Abraham shall have all that tract in Richmond Township, 157 acres.” “My executors shall build a house, for my son Martin on land given him lying on the Mesilm (Moslem) Road. The house must be 30 feet long and 24 feet wide.” “My executors shall also build a house for my son Jacob, on land bequested to him near the road leading from Eastown to Reading.” “And lastly I will and do order that my younger children shall be taught to read and write.” The will is signed by the testator in good, legible German. The executors were Abraham Dreibelbis and “‘my loving and trusty friend George Merkel.” John Jacob Dreibelbis was buried in a private graveyard on the Shollenberger farm. He has no tombstone, but his grandson Daniel, who is also buried there has a marble tombstone. A number of the early members of the family are buried in this neglected spot.
Abraham Dreibelbis, eldest son of John Jacob, was born about 1749 and died in December, 1803, and is buried in the same cemetery as his father. He was engaged in farming on the homestead, and at his death left a large estate. By his wife, Anna Margaret he had had children: Daniel obtained the homestead; Abraham obtained the gristmill; Peter received 300 pounds; gold and silver money; Maria Barbara married John Hask; Isaac; and Joseph. The three last, named Maria Barbara, Isaac, and Joseph were each bequeathed 900 pounds of money.
Isaac Dreibelbis, son of Abraham, was born Aug. 3, 1778, in Richmond Township, Berks Co., Pa., and was the pioneer of the family in Northumberland County, whither he moved in 1805. He settled in what is now Lower Mahanoy Township, in which region his descendants are now quite numerous. He was a farmer, and the Benjamin Philips place near Hickory Corners is still pointed out as the “Essack” Dreibelbis farm, his name being given the German pronunciation. He was a tall man dark complexioned (showing plainly his Jewish origin) and very strong. He followed tanning as well as farming, and the old tannery which he continued to carry on until shortly before his death stood between the two houses on what is now the Benjamin Philips farm; the ruins May be seen from the road, part of the foundation yet remaining. Mr. Dreibelbis died June 29, 1853. and is buried at Zion’s (Stone Valley) Church, with which he had been identified as a member of the Reformed congregation. “Essack” Dreibelbis was quite a character, and the old residents of the vicinity still delight to relate certain anecdotes concerning him. In his day the nearest tavern was at Georgetown. One night he and a neighbor spent some time at the tavern, and on their way home the neighbor, in misery over the results of a too free indulgence in applejack, laid down under a tree, saying: “Mein freund Essack; ich mus storben. Ich cons nimmermeir stenden.” “Essack” replied: “Ach nein, freund: Du storbst nicht. So hab ich sahr oft gafaldt in meiner zeit.” On one occasion he came home late and could not find the keyhole. His wife refusing, under the conditions, to comply with his command to “mach die dier ouf” he made the request again, and when she still refused he said: “Wen du nich ouf mocht den use ich em Essack sei schussel,” brought the ax, and broke in the door. Afterward the ax was often referred to jocularly as “Um Essack sei schlissel.” The wife is buried near Killinger, Pa. This pioneer couple reared a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, as follows: Abraham is mentioned below; Isaac died in Kansas, where his son Joseph is in business, having a large store; Jacob, who was a saddler by trade, lived and died in Northumberland County and is buried at Dalmatia; Catharine married George Wert; Mary (or Polly), born in 1817, died in 1885, was the wife of Elias Boyer (1815-1891); another daughter married David Hain; Harriet married Joseph Licht; Sallie, who married Joseph Shreffler, is now (1910) in her ninety-ninth year, but is well preserved (she lives with her sons-in-law, Joseph Diehl and Henry Hendricks, and has her home between Danville and Northumberland).
Abraham Dreibelbies, son of Isaac, was born May 23, 1812. He obtained the homestead and was a lifelong farmer in Lower Mahanoy Township, where he died on his farm Jan. 12, 1863. He had one hundred acres of land under cultivation, and one hundred acres of woodland, and was one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of his day. Like many of his family he was of dark complexion, and physically was of medium size. He was a Reformed member of the Stone Valley Church. His wife, Elizabeth (Wentzel), was a daughter of Stophel and Leah (Adam) Wentzel. She married Peter Burrel after Mr. Dreibelbies died, and lived to be eighty years, seven months, eighteen days old, dying Sept. 9, 1900. To Mr. and Mrs. Dreibelbies were born children as follows: William; Isaac, who lives at Paxton, Pa.; Katie, Mrs. George Phillips; Polly, Mrs. Francis Bickel; Malinda, Mrs. Reily Messner; Benneville, of Dalmatia, Pa.; and Sarah, Mrs. B. F. Brown.
William Dreibelbis was reared to farming, and about 1870 began that work on his own account at the place where he has since lived in Lower Mahanoy Township. This tract consists of forty acres, besides which he owns a three-acre island in the Susquehanna river. Mr. Dreibelbis is a highly respected citizen of his community, where his industrious and useful life is known to all. He has served as supervisor of his district, having been elected to that office by the Republican party, of which he has been a faithful member.
In 1869 Mr. Dreibelbis married Caroline Richenbach, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Longanecker) Richenbach, of Snyder County, Pa., and they have had a family of twelve children, three sons and nine daughters, namely: M. Elizabeth, now the wife of William Pardoe; Julian, wife of William Hogan; William A., who married Ida R. Heckert; Benjamin F., of Dalmatia, Pa.; Sarah R., wife of Isaac Hinkel; Myran Daisy, wife of Frank Fetter; Edward N., who married Gertrude Bohner; Triphena M., wife of Isaac Heintzleman; Cardia E.; Ella V.; Emma A.; and Cedia M. Mr. Dreibelbis and his family are members of the Reformed Church. The burial place of this branch of the Dreibelbis family has long been at the Stone Valley (Zion’s) Church in Lower Mahanoy Township.
Isaac Dreibelbis, the second mentioned of the three sons of Isaac, the pioneer in Northumberland County, moved out to Kansas, where he became engaged in farming. He was also a tanner, having learned the trade from his father. He married Catharine Witmer daughter of George Witmer, and they had two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, the former of whom is now a business man in Kansas. Benjamin left home and has never since been heard from.
Jacob Dreibelbis, the third son of Isaac, the pioneer in Northumberland County, was born Sept. 1, 1820. He learned the trade of saddler and became an expert in that line, following the business at Georgetown for nineteen years, after which he farmed in Lower Mahanoy Township besides working at his trade. The horse collars he made were quite famous, and there was a steady demand for them, some of his orders coming from a considerable distance His farm consisted of seventy-four acres. He stood five feet, seven and a half inches, and was a heavy-set man, weighing over two hundred pounds. His death occurred Feb. 2, 1892, and he and his family are buried at Georgetown (Dalmatia), where he, like his family generally, belonged to the Reformed congregation; his wife was a Lutheran member of that church. Mr. Dreibelbis’ first marriage was to Catharine Wert who was born March 15, 1823, daughter of Daniel Wert of Killinger, Dauphin County, and died April 11, 1873. They had a large family, viz.: Isaac, of Hegins, Schuylkill Co., Pa., who was a saddler by trade; Sarah, wife of Peter Walt of Dalmatia; Frank W.; Catharine, wife of John T. Wert; Jacob W., a butcher, of Millersburg, Pa.; Daniel, who lived below Matamoris, on the line of Dauphin County, and was killed while hauling railroad ties; Mary, wife of John S. Showers, of Oriental, Pa.; Charles, of Killinger, in the Lykens Valley, Pa.; and Emma, wife of Joseph Bingaman, of Dalmatia. For his second wife Mr. Dreibelbis married Wilhelmina Portzline, of Oriental, Pa., who was born in 1840, and died in 1888. She became the mother of two children: William H., of Stone Valley; and Gertie, who married Calvin Strasser, of Oriental, Pennsylvania.
Frank W. Dreibelbis, son of Jacob, was born in 1850 at Georgetown, in Lower Mahanoy Township, and is engaged at present in farming in that Township. When less than nineteen years old he learned the milling business, which he followed for six years. In 1884 he began farming at his present location, having a tract of 115 acres, some of which is woodland. There is some limestone on this land. Mr. Dreibelbis is a Republican in politics, and since 1899 has been overseer of the poor in his district. He is a Reformed member of the Dalmatia Church, of which he was deacon seven years and elder four years.
In 1874 Mr. Dreibelbis married Lizzie Philips, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Philips) Philips, and they have had these children: Jacob F., who lives in Little Mahanoy Township; Malinda, wife of John H. Bohner, of Elizabethville, Pa.; Katie, wife of William Koppenhaver, of Malta, Pa.; and Lubin L., who is a butcher at Dalmatia.
Jacob F. Dreibelbis, son of Frank W., was born June 20, 1875, in Lower Mahanoy Township, was educated in the public schools, and was reared to farm life. For five years he followed butchering, four years at Hickory Corners and one year at his present location, in Little Mahanoy Township, to which he moved in the spring of 1906, when he purchased the place. This was an old Dunkelberger homestead, later owned by Samuel Long, and Mr. Dreibelbis purchased it from Silas Hensyl. The tract comprises about 160 acres, 100 acres of which have been cleared. The land is valuable, and there are a number of substantial improvements, including a large brick house. The water supply is as good as any in the State, both in regard to quality and quantity, and in 1910 Mr. Dreibelbis made a notable improvement on his place when he had the water piped from Trevorton Mountain to his home, both house and barn being now supplied with running water; this is what is known as red shell or gravel water, and is always pure and fresh. He has a complete farm stock, modern machinery, and all the facilities for carrying on his work in the most systematic and up-to-date manner, being one of the intelligent and progressive men of his neighborhood.
In September, 1903, Mr. Dreibelbis married Mary A. Koppenhaver, daughter of John Koppenhaver, and three children have been born to them: Mabel Grace, Helen Irene and Leah Elizabeth. He and his family are members of the Reformed congregation at St. Peter’s Church, Mahanoy. In politics he is a Republican, and he has served as election inspector. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 759 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HIRAM DREISBACH was born in Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Pa., Aug. 9, 1831. His original progenitor in America, Martin Dreisbach, emigrated from Witgenstein, Germany, arriving at Philadelphia Oct. 4, 1751, in the ship “Queen of Denmark,” and located in Cocalico Township, Lancaster Co., Pa. In 1773 he bought from Dr. William Plunkett a large tract of land in Buffalo Valley, in what is now Union County, Pa. This was on the frontier of the Province, and during the Revolutionary war, which followed soon after his removal thither, the family endured great hardships and dangers.
The subject of this sketch was one of a family of six sons and one daughter, born to the marriage of Martin Dreisbach, one of the early judges of Union County, and Elizabeth Kleckner, both of Buffalo Valley. The history of both families is closely interwoven with the early development of the country, the Dreisbach family being especially active in early religious work, as attested by the history of the Dreisbach Church, which forms so conspicuous a part in the religious annals of the community. Mr. Dreisbach received his early education in an old log schoolhouse under private tutelage, this training being accompanied with all the hardships and inconveniences common to the early days. Later he attended the Union College at New Berlin, Pa., completing his education with a business course at Crittenden Business College, Philadelphia. He came to Sunbury shortly after the flood of 1865, and in company with his brother Solomon engaged in the grocery and queensware business, which they successfully conducted until the year 1892. This business, however, did not occupy all his attention, as he found time to carry on the retail lumber business, and later formed a partnership with the late William Whitmer, under the firm name of the Sunbury Lumber Company; they engaged in a general lumber business, operating both sawmills and planing mills for a number of years. Mr. Whitmer later retiring from the business, Mr. Dreisbach conducted it alone until the year 1904, when he sold it to the Mantz Brothers by whom it is still conducted. From that time until within a few months of his demise, which occurred Feb. 19, 1910, he gave his attention to the interests he had acquired during his more active years, retaining his business acumen to the last. His operations in the lumber business were carried on at a time when the lumber traffic on the Susquehanna was at its height, and he accumulated an excellent competence in that line alone, increasing his means by good investments and judicious management until he was accounted one of Sunbury’s most substantial citizens. At the time of his death, he was one of the oldest business men of the community, and had the unlimited respect of all who knew him.
On July 28, 1864, Mr. Dreisbach married Rebecca Houghton, who was born Dec. 19, 1844, at Lewisburg, Pa., daughter of James and Margaret Houghton, formerly Margaret Bowman, of Halifax, Dauphin Co., Pa. She died Feb. 22, 1881. Three children of this union survive: Frank M., a lumber merchant of East Oakland, Cal.; and Nellie M., wife of Charles L. Benson, and Edith M., both of Sunbury. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 255 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN F. DRUMHEISER, of Shamokin, former chief burgess of that borough and for over ten years a member of the borough council, is a citizen who has done his share in administering the affairs of the community in such a manner as to reflect credit on both himself and the community. During his long service in the council—of which body he was president one year—and his three years as chief burgess he was in a position to promote much valuable legislation affecting the local welfare, especially as regards improvements in the borough’s public utilities. That he used his powers in the most public-spirited manner is attested by his long retention in office. He has made a permanent place for himself among the citizens of Shamokin who have done something for the borough.
Mr. Drumheiser was born Aug. 23, 1857, at St. Clair, Schuylkill Co., Pa., son of Conrad Drumheiser, a native of Germany, born near Berlin in April, 1831, who came to America when eighteen years old. He landed at New York City, but proceeded at once to St. Clair, Schuylkill County, where he followed mining. He first came to Shamokin in 1859, but his wife died there and he went back to Schuylkill County, returning to Northumberland County in 1860 and remaining until his death, which occurred June 10, 1873. At the time of his death he was in the employ of Douty & Baumgardner, at the old Henry Clay colliery, which was operated by Alexander Fulton, of Shamokin, and the gas explosion there in which he and ten other men lost their lives was the first accident of such serious importance in the district. Mr. Drumheiser was well known in the town in various connections. He organized the first band at Shamokin and taught the same, and he was also known as a composer of music, devoting all the time possible to such work, in which he took the keenest enjoyment. He was a charter member of the German Reformed Church of Shamokin and one of its liberal supporters.
Conrad Drumheiser was twice married, his first union being with Elizabeth Neagart, of Schuylkill County, by whom he had two children, John F. and Charles, the latter also a resident of Shamokin. By his second wife, Henrietta Machet he had four children: Elizabeth (married William Lewis), Conrad, Philip W. and Barbara (Mrs. Adams).
John F. Drumheiser came to Shamokin with his father and here received all his education in the public schools. When a boy he began work at the mines, which he has continued ever since, having been employed in that line for the long period of thirty-nine years. He is now at the Burnside colliery, in the employ of the Coal & Iron Company. Mr. Drumheiser is a worker whose intelligence and reliability can be depended upon, and he has the highest reputation for efficiency.
In 1879 Mr. Drumheiser married Caroline Yoder, and to this union have been born the following children: Oliver Charles, Raymond, Ida May, Cora, Gertrude, Malcolm, Helen Irene and Curtis Allen.
Mr. Drumheiser’s public service began with his election as member of the council from the Second ward, in 1897. He served ten and a half years in that position, during which time he presided over the council for a year. In 1906 he was elected chief burgess, and served as such until 1909. He is a Republican in political faith. He is a member of Camp No. 149, P.O.S. of A., in Shamokin, of the West End Fire Company, and of the German Reformed Church. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 103 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DRUMHELLER. The branch of the Drumheller family here under consideration has representatives in various parts of Northumberland County, Oliver R. Drumheller, proprietor of the “Aldine Hotel”, at Sunbury, being a well known business man of that borough; Emanuel C. Drumheller, late of Mahanoy, was a life long resident of Jackson Township and for many years the leading undertaker in his district.
“Members of the Drumheller family came to America in the early days of this Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Archives (Vol XVII, page 447) showing that J. Leonhart Drumheller arrived Oct. 26, 1754, on the Brigatine “Mary and Sarah.” That they were for a number of years settled in Berks County is shown by the Federal Census Report of 1790, which records the names of John and Nicholas Drumheller, of Earl Township, that county; John had one son above sixteen, three sons under sixteen and one daughter; Nicholas had one son above sixteen, three sons under sixteen, and three daughters. Rev. C. R. Drumheller, of this stock, served as Lutheran pastor of Vera Cruz Union Church, in Dauphin County, 1883-84.
The name was well represented among the Colonial sympathizers during the Revolutionary war. In the Pennsylvania Archives (5th Series Vol. IV) we find (page 318) that George Drumheller belonged to the Continental Line, serving as a private in the Northampton County militia during that war, and that George Drumheller later was a Revolutionary soldier from Northampton County (page 649); that Jacob Drumheller was a soldier in the Continental Line from Berks County (page 212); and that Jacob Drumheller was a private in Capt. John Reese’s company (which formed a part of the 2d Pennsylvania Battalion), commissioned from Jan. 5, 1776, to Nov. 25, 1776.
Johann Nicholas Drumheller was born March 14, 1750, in Odenwald, Germany, came to America with his brother, and settled in Berks County, Pa. he married (first) Margaret Fischer, of that county, by whom he had two children, John and Nicholas, and after her death he married her sister, Catharine, in 1776. They had a family of eleven children: David, Margaret, Catharine, Abraham, Susanna (married a Hoffman), Philip, Anna Elizabeth, Daniel, Martin, Elizabeth and Nicholas (born Dec. 19, 1801, died Aug. 13, 1854, whose first wife was Elizabeth Hetrich, born March 29, 1808, died Nov. 24, 1873). Johann Nicolas Drumheller died in Upper Mahanoy in March, 1825, aged seventy-five years; his wife Catharine, born June 14, 1759, died Dec. 18, 1832, and both of them are buried at Himmels Church.
Abraham Drumheller, son of Johann Nicholas, was born Sept. 25, 1789, and died in 1850, at the age of sixty-one. He was a native of Washington Township, this county, but lived for a number of years in Little Mahanoy Township, where he was among the taxables in 1814, and after the death of his wife be returned to Washington Township to make his home with his brother Martin, dying there. He is buried at Himmel’s Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Seitz, died a few years before Mr. Drumheller. They had five children: Elizabeth married John Sweinhard; Isaac is mentioned below; Nicholas S. is mentioned below; Sarah married Abraham Dreibelbis, and they moved out to Brookville, Ill., where they died (their children were Adam, Eve and another daughter, the daughters being married to brothers by the name of Groh); Jesse, of Pottsville, Pa., married Amelia Martz, and they have two sons and one daughter.
Isaac Drumheller, son of Abraham, was born in the vicinity of Mahanoy, and lived in the vicinity of St. Peter’s Church in Lower Augusta Township until his declining years, when he bought the property at Augustaville which he occupied until his death. He owned the tract of fifty-seven acres now the property of his son Emanuel and besides farming followed his trade of blacksmith. During the Civil war Mr. Drumheller served as a member of Company F; 172d Regiment, Pennsylvania Drafted Militia. His death occurred at Augustaville in Lower Augusta Township, Jan. 23, 1895, when he was aged seventy-five years, eleven months, one day, and he is buried at the new Lutheran (St. Peter’s) Church at Asherton, in Lower Augusta Township, of which he was a member. He was a Democrat in politics and served his Township as supervisor. Mr. Drumheller married Mary Conrad, daughter of John D. and Lydia Conrad, and she preceded him to the grave, dying Sept. 3, 1888, aged sixty-three years, ten months, three days. Six children, were born to them, namely: Malinda married J. H. Inkrote, of Selinsgrove Junction, Pa.; Emanuel C. is mentioned below; Samuel, who lives in Lower Augusta Township, served as a Union soldier during the Civil war; Hiram C. is mentioned below; Jemima married George Zimmerman, of Shamokin, Pa.; Mary L. married Oliver Hawk, of Millersburg, Pennsylvania.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 880 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

ALBERT Z. DRUMHELLER was born Dec. 24, 1850, in Jackson Township, and received his education in the subscription schools there, which were in vogue before the establishment of the free schools. He was trained to farm life, working upon the farm until he reached the age of eighteen years, after which he learned cabinet making at Pillow, Dauphin County. After following that trade several years as a journeyman he established himself in business at Mahanoy in 1875, following cabinet making and undertaking at that location until his recent death, for a period of thirty-five years. For years after beginning the business he made coffins by hand, and continued to make a specialty of undertaking, in which line he became the leader in his section, having handled nearly five hundred funerals. In his earlier years at Mahanoy he made considerable furniture by hand, and in the course of his long business career gave employment to a number of men. His death, which occurred April 15, 1910, was quite unexpected, and was caused by a carbuncle. It took away one of the most substantial and respected citizens of the town. He was serving as auditor at the time of his decease, and had been previously elected assessor of Jackson Township, though he was a Republican in a Democratic district.
In December, 1873, Mr. Drumheller married Mary Jane Gellinger, daughter of Daniel Gellinger, who died Nov. 17, 1909. Three children were born to this union: Charles H., who lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa; John, who died when six and a half years old; and Edward A., who died Dec. 1, 1910. The family home is on the Street between Herndon and Mahanoy, a quarter of a mile from the latter place. Mr. Drumheller belonged to the Reformed Church at Mahanoy, as did his family.
Martin Drumheller, son of Johann Nicholas, was born Nov. 6, 1795, and died Dec. 5, 1852. He lived in Washington Township where he engaged in farming, and in his day was also a popular auctioneer, crying most of the sales held in that section of his time. His wife, Elizabeth Frey, born Aug. 11, 1797, died Oct. 29. 1852. They had children as follows: Levi, Adam, Senerius (who settled out west), Mrs. Hetrich, Mrs. Heim (whose husband was a cabinetmaker) and Edward T.
Edward T. Drumheller, son of Martin, was born Oct. 22, 1830, in the Swabian creek valley in Washington Township, and lived in that Township until 1861, when he moved to Sunbury. There he was engaged as a hotel-keeper during the remainder of his active years, though he was a tailor by trade. His first venture was as proprietor of the “Susquehanna Hotel,” at the corner of Fourth and Penn Streets. In 1871 he built the “City Hotel,” which he completed and opened in January, 1872, conducting it until his retirement, when he was succeeded by his son Oliver R. Drumheller and son-in-law T. H. Hutchinson. He continued to reside at the hotel, however, until his death, which occurred there March 4, 1893. He married Mary Elizabeth Hoffman, who was born Aug. 26, 1833, daughter of William Hoffman, of Washington Township, and died Feb. 10, 1905. They are buried in Pomfret Manor cemetery, where their resting place is marked by a large granite monument. Five children were born to their union: Oliver R.; Ella M., wife of T. H. Hutchinson; Seran C., who died unmarried March 29, 1892, aged thirty-four years, three months, eight days; Dr. Francis E., of Sunbury; and Harvey M., who died unmarried June 27, 1901, aged thirty-three years, eight months, four days. Mr. Drumheller was one of the most able, all-around hotel men Sunbury has ever known and prospered so well in the business that he enjoyed a substantial position at the time of his death. The “City Hotel,” which he built, is to this day one of the most up-to date hostelries in Sunbury. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 882 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

EMANUEL C. DRUMHELLER, son of Isaac, was born March 19, 1846, in Lower Augusta Township, where he is now engaged in farming. He was trained to agricultural work from early boyhood, working for his parents until he reached his majority, after which he was engaged at work on the Northern Central railroad for ten years. On Sept. 13, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, 210th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for one year, but served only nine months, when he was discharged by reason of the close of the war. After leaving the railroad work Mr. Drumheller began burning lime, a business which he continued for three years, burning between four thousand and five thousand bushels annually. In 1896 he purchased his father’s homestead, a tract of over fifty acres which he has since cultivated. He lives upon the Samuel Conrad homestead, a tract of four acres which Mrs. Drumheller inherited, and has erected all the buildings on that property, including the residence, which he put up in 1870. Mr. Drumheller has taken considerable part in the administration of local public affair, having served as constable of the Township for twelve successive years, supervisor one year, justice of the peace for five years, and tax collector. He is a Democrat in political affiliation and stands favorably with his party. In 1870 Mr. Drumheller married Sydney N. Conrad, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Kauffman) Conrad, of Lower Augusta Township, and they have a family of five children, namely: Palmer F., who conducts his father’s farm; George A., of Ashland, Pa.; Anson B., of Sunbury, Pa.; Mamie F. and Emma V., both of whom are at home.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 881 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HIRAM C. DRUMHELLER was born May 28, 1853, in Lower Augusta Township, and received his education in the common schools. During his young manhood he filled teachers places a number of times, but never cared to teach regularly. When seventeen years old he began to learn the plasterer’s trade with Milton Drumheller, a distant kinsman, and has continued to follow that vocation ever since, not only in his own district but also in Sunbury, Shamokin, Trevorton and other cities and towns of this section; for two years he worked in West Virginia. He owns a farm of forty acres in Lower Augusta Township formerly the property of one Gross, and which was once part of the old Daniel Kauffman tract. Mr. Drumheller is at present serving as school director of the Township. He is a Democrat in political sentiment but votes independently.
Mr. Drumheller married Susan Hollenbach, daughter of Daniel Hollenbach and granddaughter of Michael Hollenbach, the pioneer. They have had a family of nine children: Lulu Mabel married Ralph Snyder and they live at Limestone, Pa.; Hiram Herman married Abia Reitz and they live near Selinsgrove Junction; a son died in infancy; Emery L. married Dora Herner and they live near Selinsgrove Junction; Frederick married Jennie Wirt and they live at Sunbury; Bertha died of typhoid fever in Virginia, where she was employed as an exchange girl; Olive E. married James Riland and they live at Limestone, Pa.; Frank and Eva live with their parents. Mr. Drumheller and his family are members of the new Lutheran (St. Peter’s) Church in Lower Augusta Township, which he has served in various official positions.
Nicholas S. Drumheller, son of Abraham, was born in Northumberland County May 25, 1821, and died Sept. 24, 1896, aged seventy-five years, three mouths, twenty-nine days. He is buried at Zartman’s U. E. Church. He led an active and useful life. In his earlier years he followed shoemaking, making many shoes by hand, and later became a farmer, owning sixty-nine acres of land which he cultivated with characteristic thrift. His home was in Jackson Township, on the south side of Mahanoy mountain, and he was active in local affairs, serving as overseer of the poor and for many years as, supervisor of the Township. In political connection he was a Republican, and during the Civil war he was an ardent Union man, serving as a soldier in that struggle.
Mr. Drumheller was twice married, his first wife, Rebecca Zartman, daughter of Jacob Zartman, dying June 15, 1853, at the age of thirty years, three months, one day, the mother of six children, viz.: William Z., born in 1842, who died Nov. 17, 1876, and is buried at Zartman’s U. E. Church; Harriet, who married (first) Samuel Kulp and (second) Anthony Culton; Henry Z., born in 1847, who died Jan. 10, 1882, aged thirty-four years, six months, twelve days, and is buried at Zartman’s Church; Sarah, who died aged three years; Albert Z.; and Isaac Jacob, a teamster, of Green Ridge, Northumberland County. Mr. Drumheller’s second marriage was to Abigail Kembel, by whom he also had six children: Mary married Samuel Werntz, of Shamokin; Lydia married Frank W. Shipe, of Herndon; Ellen married W. P. Boyer, of Lower Mahanoy; Wilson K., born Oct. 13, 1860, died April 8, 1879, aged eighteen years, five months, twenty-five days, and is buried at Zartman’s U. E. Church; Alice married William E. Zartman, of Jackson Township; John Packer, born in 1872, died Oct. 23, 1875, aged three years, fifteen days, and is buried at Zartman’s Church.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 881 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

OLIVER R. DRUMHELLER, present proprietor of the “Aldine Hotel” in Sunbury, was born Jan. 21, 1855, in Jordan Township, this county. He lived there until his parents settled in Sunbury in 1861, and this has been his home for the most part ever since. He received his education in the common schools and literally grew up in the hotel business, the details of which have been familiar to him from early boyhood. In 1882 he engaged in that business on his own account at the “City Hotel,” which he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Hutchinson, conducted in partnership for five years, at the end of which time the latter retired. Mr. Drumheller and his brother Seran C. then conducted it for five years, after which a younger brother, Harvey M. Drumheller, carried it on for a few years. It has since been operated by Dr. Francis E. Drumheller of Sunbury. For eight years, from 1893 to 1902 Oliver F. Drumheller conducted the well known “Windsor Hotel” at Shamokin, this county, and he was subsequently in Danville for four years, there operating what was then known a the “Oliver House” (now the “City Hotel”). In May 1906, he came from Danville to Sunbury to assume charge of the “Aldine Hotel,” which he had purchased. It is a modern, up-to-date house, with forty guest rooms located near the Pennsylvania railroad station, and under the present management is considered one of the leading hotels of central Pennsylvania. Guests are accommodated upon either the European or the American plan, Mr. Drumheller having a first-class restaurant in connection with the hotel. His wide experience, his natural adaptability for the business and his courteous treatment of his patrons, merit the success which has been his portion. His son, Dr. W. E. Drumheller, has been associated with him, under the firm name of O. R. Drumheller & Son. Since he took charge of the “Aldine Hotel.” Mr. Drumheller is naturally well known in his business relations, but he has a wide acquaintance outside of such associations, and is esteemed as a reliable and valuable citizen in his community. His substantial worth is attested by all who know him. Mr. Drumheller has traveled considerably, and he has attended many conventions of the B.P.O. Elks to which fraternity he belongs. On Christmas Day, 1878, Mr. Drumheller married Elizabeth I. Shultz, daughter of Dr. B. F Shultz, of Danville, Pa. They have had one son and one daughter, Walter E. and Mary F. The daughter lives with her parents. Walter F. Drumheller graduated from the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania and practiced at Berwick, Pa., and Philadelphia. He is active in the fraternities as a Mason, a member of the Elks and of the Knights of Malta. He married Grace McAnall. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 883 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DRUMM. There are many representatives of the Drumm family in Lower Augusta Township, Northumberland County, the posterity of Charles and Christiana Drumm, whose three surviving sons are all interested in farming in that section. A number of the family have been successful school teachers, notably John Drumm, one of the three brothers mentioned, who has taught there since 1880. Charles Drumm was born in Dauphin County, Pa., and from the age of eleven years lived with the family of the late Dr. Peter Tryon, in Washington Township, Northumberland County, remaining with them until some years after his marriage. He then moved to Uniontown, where he followed his trade of shoemaker for some years, after which he removed across the Mahantango mountains into Lykens Valley, in Dauphin County, where he lived until he entered the army during the Civil war. He served nine months, in Company I, 177th Regiment Pennsylvania Drafted Militia, and in 1866 he returned to Northumberland County, settling at Mile Run, in Lower Augusta Township, where he occupied the property now owned by his son Jacob, remaining there until eight years before his death. He then purchased a house and lot at Asherton, this County, where he died April 25, 1897, aged seventy-three years, two months, seventeen days. After the war he devoted all his time and energies to farming. He was an esteemed citizen of the locality, and active in the life of the Hollowing Run Lutheran Church, in Lower Augusta Township, which he served for many years in the capacity of deacon, and also held the office of elder. He married Christiana Beck, daughter of John Beck, a substantial citizen of Dauphin County, who also owned property in Uniontown; his wife was from Northampton County, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Drumm are buried at the Hollowing Run Lutheran Church. She died Nov. 27, 1906, aged eighty-one years, four days. They were the parents of the following named children: Henry is mentioned below; a daughter, twin of Henry, died in infancy; Mary married Levi Conrad and (second) David Conrad, half-brothers; a son, twin of Mary, died in infancy; Charles. died June 9, 1910, aged fifty-six years, nine months, one day (he was a blacksmith in Augustaville and had a farm in Plum Creek); Louise married Emanuel Fox and (second) Jacob Knouse, of Kratzerville; John is mentioned below; Jacob E. is mentioned below; Annie married Charles Bucher and they live in Sunbury. Through his mother, who was a Diehl, Charles Drumm was related to that early Pennsylvania family of the Mennonite faith, identified with Lehigh and Berks counties from Colonial days. In Northumberland County they lived south of Line Mountain.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 688 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HENRY DRUMM, son of Charles and Christiana (Beck) Drumm, was born June 8, 1848, in Washington Township, Northumberland County. When nineteen years old he commenced to learn shoemaking with Isaac Clements, at Bull Run, this County, but after completing his trade he took to railroad work, being car inspector at Sunbury for the Northern Central Railroad Company for three years. In the spring of 1870 he commenced farming, which he followed the rest of his life, having a tract of thirty-eight acres in Lower Augusta Township. It was formerly the homestead of Henry Conrad, who took up the land by warrant from the Commonwealth, and it later came into the possession of his son Peter, from whom Henry Drumm, his son-in-law, acquired it. The latter, however, owned only part of the original Conrad tract. He bought this place in 1868. On Oct. 6, 1868, Mr. Drumm married Matilda Conrad, daughter of Peter Conrad, and to them were born five children: Sarah died in infancy; William Harvey is a resident of Sunbury; Henry C. is mentioned below; Katie E. married Edgar D. Wagner, of Sunbury; Tillie married Grant Witmyre and they live at Herndon. Mr. Drumm died Feb. 14, 1911, and is buried at St. Elias Lutheran Church, Hollowing Run. He was a Lutheran, and his family also adhere to that faith. He was a Republican in politics.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 689 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HENRY C. DRUMM, son of Henry Drumm, was born Sept. 27, 1872, in Lower Augusta Township, where he is now engaged in farming. He was reared there, and obtained his primary education in the local common schools, later attending Berrysburg Academy; Prof. R. D. Renn’s summer normal school, at Patricksburg; the high school at Middleburg; and the State normal school at Bloomsburg. When only seventeen years old he was licensed to teach, and during his first and second terms was engaged in Washington Township. For six terms he taught in his native Township, completing eight years of successful work as an educator. For the next two years he was employed as clerk and bookkeeper in the warp department of the Susquehanna Silk Mill, being obliged to relinquish the position just a few days before the completion of the second year because of failing health. His next work was as traveling salesman for C. C. Seebold, dealer in musical instruments, his territory being in central Pennsylvania, for one full year having charge of thirteen counties of the State. Besides selling instruments he did collecting and helped to look after all the office work of the concern. In the spring of 1901 Mr. Drumm came to his present home, one mile east of Asherton, where he has forty-five acres of fertile land which was formerly part of the Henry Conrad and Jacob Renn properties It is nicely and advantageously located, and Mr. Drumm has made the most of its possibilities in its development. He is particularly interested in the growing of choice fruits, in which line he has gained a high reputation by his success. His present set of buildings are among the improvements he has made on his property, he having erected the house in 1896 and the barn in 1900. He is an enterprising, intelligent wide-awake citizen, and has been called upon to use his ability in the public service as well as in his private affairs, having been tax collector of his district since 1902 and being also Township treasurer under the new road law. In 1909 he took an active part in the organization of the Asherton and Augustaville Telephone Company, of which he has been an officer from the beginning, and he is serving the company as secretary at present. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his family are Lutherans, members of St. Elias Church in Hollowing Run, of which he has been deacon and trustee, holding office for six years. He has been particularly active in Sunday school work in his community, having served as superintendent or teacher for the past fifteen years. In 1910 he was elected secretary for the district Sunday school convention. On March 25, 1894, Mr. Drumm married Rebecca Geise, daughter of Daniel and Froena (Trautman) Geise, of Jordan Township, and they have one daughter, Grace E., who has completed the course in the graded schools of Lower Augusta Township. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 689 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JACOB E. DRUMM, son of Charles and Christiana (Beck) Drumm, was born July 1, 1865, on the farm at Mile Run, in Lower Augusta Township, where he now lives. There he grew to manhood, meantime receiving a practical training to farm life as well as a good foundation for his education in the local public schools. Later he attended the State normal school at Bloomsburg, where he perfected himself in the elementary branches, and at the age of twenty-two he was licensed to teach, entering the profession in which so many of his family have won success and reputation. In the fall of 1887 he began his first term, in Washington Township, and with the exception of one term, 1900-01, he has been engaged in teaching continuously since, being now ranked among the veteran teachers of the County, in point of service. By hard work and unselfish devotion to his profession he has gained and maintained high standing, as the demand for his services indicates, and he deserves the enviable reputation he enjoys. Since 1900 Mr. Drumm has been sole owner of the homestead, which he had previously owned in partnership with his brother John. Before his father acquired it, it belonged to Joseph Trego. It contains seventy-five acres of excellent land, well cultivated and improved, though Mr. Drumm had a severe setback in October, 1894, when his barn, containing the full year’s crops, three horses and three head of cattle, was totally destroyed by fire. It was only partially covered by insurance. Mr. Drumm is a substantial and valuable citizen, though he has not been active in the public affairs of his locality directly. In political matters he is independent. On Aug. 7, 1895, Mr. Drumm married Alice Gertrude Culp, daughter of Peter F. and Anna (Heilman) Culp, of Rockefeller Township, and granddaughter of Daniel Heilman, of Lower Augusta. Mrs. Drumm has been well educated, and though she has never taught school received a license when nineteen years old; she obtained three certificates. An accomplished musician, she has played the organ for church and Sunday school since she was fifteen years old, and since 1904 has been organist for the Hollowing Run Lutheran Church; she also plays for the United Brethren Sunday school, and gives lessons on the organ. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Drumm, namely: Edna, Dora (who has completed the course in the graded schools of Lower Augusta Township), Clyde, Arthur (who died when two and a half years old), a daughter that died in infancy, Franklin and Elizabeth. Mr. Drumm and his family are members of the Lutheran Church at Hollowing Run. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 690 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN DRUMM, son of Charles and Christiana (Beck) Drumm, is one of the oldest school teachers, in point of length of service, in Northumberland County. He was born Feb. 24, 1860, in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, where he lived until six years old. His parents then returned to Northumberland County, settling in Lower Augusta Township, where he was reared on the farm and obtained his early training in the common schools. Later he attended the summer normal school held by Prof. Saul Shipman, at Augustaville, for several terms, and another summer normal, at Elysburg, conducted by Prof. W. W. Wolverton and. his wife Chidistor and a Professor Boyer, where he was likewise a student for several terms; he also studied at the normal school at Milton, conducted by Prof. W. W. Wolverton and a Professor Geho, and has taken several courses by mail. He has a State teacher’s permanent certificate, granted by State Superintendent N. C. Shaeffer in 1899. Mr. Drumm began teaching in the fall of 1880 in Lower Augusta Township, where he has been engaged for seventeen years in all; he was at one school in Upper Augusta for five years, and for seven years in Rockefeller Township. His long continuance in the profession, and his long service in each of the localities named, would be sufficient evidence of his ability and of the confidence he has inspired in his methods and results. Thoroughly prepared for his work, progressive, conscientious, and having the true love for teaching which is one of the best elements in a born educator’s make-up, he has followed his profession with an earnestness which would insure success in any line. As farmer he is well known in his community, owning and cultivating a large tract of 190 acres situated four miles south of Sunbury, what was formerly the homestead of Henry Shipe, in whose family it had been owned for several generations. The present house and barn thereon were built by the Shipes. Mr. Drumm served ten years as justice of the peace, refusing a re-nomination in the spring of 1910. He is prominent and well known in the councils of the Republican party, in which he has been an efficient worker for many years, and has traveled all over the county in its interest, his services being highly valued. In 1883 Mr. Drumm married Lydia Trego, who died April 13, 1896, aged thirty-two years, two months, fourteen days. Five children were born to this union, as follows: William, Josephine, Mary Alice, George and Daniel E. Mr. Drumm and his family worship at the Lutheran Church, which he has served as deacon. For two years he was president of the Luther League, and he has also served as secretary of the church council. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 690 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

CHARLES DUGAN, proprietor of the Harvey House, Locust Gap, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1829, son of Hugh and Bridget (O'Donnal) Dugan. He was reared in his native country and came to America in 1852, locating in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, where he remained twelve years engaged in mining. In 1864 he removed to Locust Gap, where he worked in the mines until 1883. From this time to 1886 he was supervisor of the roads of Mt. Carmel township. He then engaged in the hotel business, in which he has since continued with good success. He was married in 1863 to Susan, daughter of Michael and Isabella (Friell) Dougherty, of Ireland. Of the children born of this union, five are living: Charles E., Cassie; Belle; Mary A., and John. He is a member of the Catholic church, and a Democrat in politics. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1061 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HIRAM DUNKEL, cashier of the Farmer's National Bank of Watsontown, was born in Turbut township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1837, and is the only child of Kilyan and Mary (Slote) Dunkel. Up to the age of thirteen he attended the public schools in winter and assisted his parents on the farm in summer. He subsequently prosecuted his studies at the McEwensville Academy until sixteen years of age, when he began clerking in a store at Milton. After spending eight months as a clerk, he commenced teaching a school in his native township, and he continued to teach during the winter sessions and assisted his father on the farm until January 14, 1858, when he married Christiann, eldest daughter of Isaac and Julia (Wolf) Frederick. After his marriage he devoted his whole time to the cultivation of the homestead farm until the spring of 1872, when he purchased and removed to what was known as the old Kirk farm, near the Warrior Run church, and continued to cultivate this farm for several years. In March, 1886, the Farmer's National Bank at Watsontown was organized, and Mr. Dunkel became identified with the enterprise, and was chosen as cashier. Although he had no previous experience in the banking business, he has filled the position up to the present in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. In early life he was a member of the German Reformed denomination, but after removing to Warrior Run he united with the Presbyterian church there, in which he served as trustee and elder. Since locating in Watson town he has been a member of the Presbyterian church in that place, and is now filling the offices of elder and trustee. Mr. Dunkel has always been a conservative Democrat, and has never taken an active interest in politics. He is the father of one son and six daughters: E. K., of Easton, Pennsylvania; Mary J., wife of K. P. Dateman; Ada L., wife of Ambrose Fairchild; Sarah S.; Annie L.; Bessie, and Kate G. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1072 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN DUNKEL, farmer, was born in Turbut township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 25,1842, and is a son of John and Margaret (Kissinger) Dunkel. He received his education in the public schools and has followed farming during his active life. He was married in 1871 to Mary E. Kauffman, daughter of Solomon Kauffman, of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and has one child, John. He is a Democrat in politics, has served as school director, and is a member of Paradise Reformed church. His father, John Dunkel, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1803, and after marriage located in Turbut township in 1836. He was a member of the Paradise Reformed church, and died in 1881. His wife died in 1871, and was the mother of seven children: Fanny M.; A. K.; Peter; John; Margaret; D. K., and Emma. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1124 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

KILYAN DUNKEL was born in September, 1805, and was the third son of Peter Dunkel, who removed from Northampton to Union county, Pennsylvania, at an early date. Peter Dunkel's family consisted of six sons and five daughters, Kilyan being the third son. When the latter was about thirty years of age his father removed with his family to Northumberland county. In March, 1836, Kilyan Dunkel married Mary, youngest daughter of James Slote, of this county. She was born, August 9, 1815, and became the mother of one son, Hiram, now cashier of the Farmers' National Bank of Watsontown. Her father lived near the Warrior Run church, his farm being the site of Fort Freeland, until his removal to Michigan with his family about 1837. His family consisted of seven sons and three daughters. About one year afterward he returned on a visit to this county, and was taken sick and died. His interment took place in the Warrior Run graveyard. Mr. Slote was active in the rebuilding of the old Warrior Run church, and served on the building committee. Kilyan Dunkel was a farmer all his life, and for thirty-three years owned and cultivated a farm near Muddy run, in Turbut township. He was industrious and energetic, a man of strict integrity and unimpeachable character: The last two years of his life he resided with his only son, Hiram, in Delaware township, and died, March 2, 1878. He was buried in the cemetery at Paradise church. His widow still survives, and is spending her declining years with her son and married grandchildren. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1072 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DUNKELBERGER, a name well represented in Northumberland County, originated, according to tradition, from Dunkel Berg, a spur of the Black Forest. Little is known of the Dunkelbergers before the time of the Reformation. During that period they espoused the cause of the Reformers, and their descendants to the present day have continued to adhere to Protestant denominations. Up to the time of their emigration to the New World they were industrious and patriotic citizens of what is now the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, in lower Germany, but being deprived there of their religious liberty they turned to America, coming hither in 1728 by way of the Rheinfeld, down the Rhine to Holland, whence they sailed in the English ship “Morehouse,” landing at Philadelphia Aug. 28, 1728. They proceeded at once to what is now Berks County, Pa., locating in Windsor Township, a little southeast of what is now the borough of Hamburg. They were frequently molested by the Indians. These emigrants were Clement, Daniel and John Dunkelberger. Clement who was the ancestor of the others (the name of his son Daniel, however, does not appear in his will), at once paid taxes to the English Crown. “Clementz Doncleberger” is on the first list of taxables of Windsor Township (1754). He paid £6 tax in 1759. At the time of his death, in 1782, his home was in Windsor Township. His will, made Feb. 12, 1776, was probated April 8, 1782, and is on record in Will Book B, page 38. At the time the will was made his wife Anna Maria was still living. Their children were (no record of Daniel): Clemens, who obtained the plantation; Catherine, married to Andrew Winiger; Mrs. John Beck; John; Frederick; Christopher; Elizabeth, married to Michael Deck; Philip; Sevila; Magdalena; and Dorotha.
John Dunkelberger, grandson of Clement, was born in Windsor Township, near Hamburg, in 1740. He married there and had two sons by that marriage, in 1780 (at which time he was a widower) moving with his son George to the northern part of the Mahanoy Valley, in Northumberland County—that part of Mahanoy now embraced in Little Mahanoy Township. He received from the State, a warrant for more than two hundred acres of land, located north of Line Mountain and between that and Mahanoy creek. The Indians were his neighbors, and were friendly to him, but during the terrible Indian disturbances his family on several occasions had to flee for safety. There he built a stone grist mill and stone dwelling house. In 1814 he is credited with a grist and saw mill on Mahanoy creek which mill is said to have been the first in that section. He built the mill several years after locating in that district. On the John Dunkelberger homestead still stands a large stone house, 45 by 35 feet in dimensions, and two and a half stories high, which was built in 1818, the year in which this pioneer died. Large, well-selected stones were used in its construction and the wall is exceptionally strong.
After settling here John Dunkelberger married again and had two sons by his, second wife, Solomon and Jonathan, from whom most of the Dunkelbergers are descended. These pioneers are buried on their own farm on an elevation below a piece of pine woods, about fifty feet northeast from a public road. Their graves are marked by marble tombstones, inscribed as follows:

David Dunkelberger
b. 1831, d. infancy.”