EDWARD EARLY, of Shamokin, business man and member of the borough council, which he served one year as president, has a high reputation for personal worth which has been considerably augmented of recent years by his efficient work in the governing body of the municipality His public spirit and ability won him the name of being one of the most useful officials Shamokin has ever had.
Mr. Earley was born Oct. 27, 1859, at Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa., son of Patrick Earley, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, who came to America in 1851. For a number of years after coming to America Mr. Earley was settled at Tamaqua, where he followed farming, thence removing to Carbon County, Pa., where he spent the rest of his life. For several years he was supervisor of Banks Township, that county. He died there Nov. 26, 1895. Mr. Earley married Bridget McGill, who survived him, dying Sept. 6, 1908, and they are buried in St. Ann cemetery, at Drifton, Pa. Eight children were born to their union Annie (deceased) married Thomas North;, Mary died in infancy; Edward is mentioned later; Bridget married John F. Cannon and resides at Locust Gap, Northumberland County (Mr. and Mrs. Cannon have had seven children, Agnes, who is a trained nurse, located at Reading, Pa.; Raymond; John; William; Anna; Mary; and Catherine); William lives in Carbon County, Pa.; John lives in South Bethlehem, Pa.; James is deceased; Catherine is the wife of Hugh C. Boyle and lives at Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Patrick Earley was one of a family of seven children, his brothers and sisters being: John, James, Joseph, Mary, Catherine and Bridget. Of this family, Joseph served in the Civil war, and two of his sons fought in the Spanish-American war.
Edward Earley began work when but seven years old as a slate picker at the mines at Locust Gap, this county. He moved with the family to Carbon County, where he continued to work as a slate picker until he became a regular miner, following that line of work for twenty years. During the great strike of 1887 he was a prominent worker in the Knights of Labor. He then gave up mining, and going to Wilkes-Barre found work with the Sheldon Axle Company, with which he remained until his removal to Shamokin, in 1889. Here he entered the employ of his brother-in-law, W. A. Kearney, who was in the wholesale liquor business, being associated with him until he withdrew to engage in business on his own account, in 1898. He has ever since been located at No. 142 Market Street, Shamokin, and has built up a profitable trade. Besides, he is local agent for the Kaler Brewing Company, of Mahanoy City. Mr. Earley’s perseverance and executive ability have won him success, but his industry and faithful attention to detail have been no less factors in his prosperity, which he well deserves.
That Mr. Earley has high standing in the city of his adoption is shown by the honors he has received at the hands of his fellow citizens. In October, 1905, he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Patrick J. Glennon, as councilman from the Fourth ward, and at the next election he was a regular candidate for the office, elected on the Democratic ticket and indorsed by the Republicans. In March, 1909, he was the successful candidate for president of the council, which office he filled for one year, with the highest efficiency. The amount of business transacted by the council during his year as presiding officer, and the many excellent measures acted upon, are creditable to the entire body, which won universal public approval for services of a high order. Mr. Earley is president of the local lodge of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (No. 3) and also county president of that fraternity. He is a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church.
Mr. Earley married Cecelia Kearney, daughter of Patrick Kearney, of Shamokin, and they have had four children: Mary, who died when four years old; Edward P., a, telegraph operator; Eileen V., a graduate of the Shamokin high school, class of 1909; and Catherine K., a graduate of the Shamokin high school, class of 1911. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 506 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HENRY T. ECKERT was born in Northumberland, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1842, and was educated at the public schools and at Freeburg Academy in Snyder county, Pennsylvania. He taught a few terms of school, clerked a season for a Northumberland firm, and conducted a grocery of his own about three years. In the fall of 1869 he went on the road as a "Knight of the Grip" for Burns & Smucker, grocers, of Philadelphia, and it is written of him that his employers knew where he was every pay-day for the fifth of a century. He remained with this firm regularly until March, 1889. Since the last named date he has been engaged with the firm of R. C. Williams & Company of New York. The position of the drummer is no sinecure, and the fitness of a man for its duties is established by a multiplicity of tests. Success is the one word that fixes the tenure with his employers; but the accomplishments prerequisite to that rating are beyond the reach of many who deem themselves equal to the most difficult undertakings. To have represented on the road one house for two decades admits of but one conclusion. Mr. Eckert's popularity among all classes led his party in 1886 to place his name at the head of their legislative ticket and their good judgment was made manifest in his triumph. At the ensuing struggle for his successorship he was again the Democratic candidate, but, as is well known, the whole ticket was defeated. Though always a hard worker he has never been a candidate for any other office. Mr. Eckert is not unknown as a man of letters. His contributions to the Detroit Free Press and other leading journals have met with favor, and some of his verse, notably "The Susquehanna" and "Milton in Flames," find places in the choice collections of the connoisseur. In prose and in song many of his productions are familiar. In the latter, his "Under the Buttonwood," "The Orchard Bars," "Down by the Murmuring Sea," and others are exceptionably fine. Mr. Eckert is a Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1866, to Charlotte C. Long, and has living five children: Curtie W.; Edwin S.; Henry T.; Jennie Long, and Nellie Robins; two others died in infancy. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 849 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

ELISHA M. ECKMAN of Kline's Grove is postmaster and one of the most prominent and active men in the community. He was born in Upper Augusta township, Northumberland County, Pa., May 10, 1847, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth J. (Kline) Eckman. The paternal grandfather, Charles Eckman, was, born in New Jersey and was the first of the family to locate in Upper Augusta township. He married a Miss DeWitt, and they raised a large family of children. The maternal grandfather was John Kline of Rush township, who married Eleanor Campbell. He was a shoemaker and always practiced his trade in Rush township. His children were as follows: Robert; Elizabeth; Caroline; Elisha; David. Our subject's father, Charles Eckman, was born in Upper Augusta township and lived there all his life, following the trade of blacksmith, and later in life was a farmer. Mr. Eckman was well known in politics, being an active member of the Whig party, and during the war held many township offices. He was treasurer of the Bounty Fund and a member of the Methodist Church, being class-leader in the church for many years. His death, which occurred in February, 1890, was greatly mourned by all, for he was a man of kind deeds and warm heart, always willing to lend a helping hand. His wife, Elizabeth J. Kline Eckman, came from Upper Augusta township and now lives on the old homestead. She bore him five children : John Edgar, a soldier in the Rebellion, who died in 1868, and who married Theresa Forrester; Elisha M., our subject; Margaret, deceased; Clarissa Ann, deceased, who married H. C. Savidge, and bore him two children, Grace and Edgar; James D., who lives with his mother on the old homestead and has been a teacher for a number of years. Elisha M. Eckman, the subject of this biography, was educated in the common schools and lived at home until he was twenty-eight years of age, working at the carpenter trade for several years. On January 26, 1875, he married Mary Elizabeth (Reed) Campbell, widow of Harmon K. Campbell of Upper Augusta township, who died in 1871. He was a miller and also a farmer at Kline's Grove, and had one son, Edward R. Campbell, who was born January 18, 1865. Edward R. is a farmer, merchant and assistant-postmaster at Kline's Grove. He was married March 30, 1886, to Mary E. Haupt of Sunbury, Pa., and they are blessed with two children, Melville, born July 22, 1887; and Harmon E., born July 10, 1897. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Eckman, our subject's wife, was born January 19, 1840, at Reed's Station, Shamokin township, and is a daughter of Jacob G. and Maria(Hoffman) Reed; the latter was born November 13, 1818; both, however, were born in Shamokin township. Mr. Reed was a farmer and died January 12, 1852; his wife still resides on the old homestead. They were the parents of several children, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of our subject; Sarah Jane, who died single; John H., who also died single; Abraham H., a farmer in Shamokin township, who married Lucy A. Bugner; Lydia Ann, deceased, who was the wife of Peter Overdorf; Jacob G., wheelwright and blacksmith at Pottsgrove, Pa., who married Elizabeth Teets, and who has two daughters, Belle and Gertrude. After his marriage our subject took up farming in Rush township, also working at his trade, continuing this until 1883, when he bought the Kline's Grove Mill property, a flour and grist-mill. Mr. Eckman now runs a chop and saw-mill. He is a firm upholder of the Republican party and has always voted its ticket. He has been postmaster at Kline's Grove for twenty-five years. He is known all over the county as an honest, upright citizen. Mr. Eckman is also known for his warm and generous heart, never refusing help to a person in distress or in misfortune. Religiously Mr. Eckman is an attendant of the Methodist Church.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY, 1899 , pg. 313 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOSEPH WARREN ECKMAN, the other surviving son of Peter Eckman, was born Feb. 7, 1866, on a farm near Sunbury, where Pomfret Manor cemetery is now located. He was educated in the local public schools, and lived on the farm with his parents until eighteen years of age, when the family moved to Sunbury and he there studied stenography and typewriting when not otherwise engaged, continuing thus until he was twenty-one years old. He then accepted the position of stenographer at the Milton Car Works (Murray, Dougal & Co. Limited), Milton, Pa., Feb. 7, 1887, continuing to hold that position for almost seventeen and a half years, until July 1, 1904. Since that date he has been engaged in the First National Bank of Milton. He became private secretary to Hon. C. H. Dickerman, president of the bank, and on Jan. 1, 1907, was also made a clerk in the bank. On Dec. 5, 1889, Mr. Eckman was married at Sunbury to Lillie Dale Hile, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Hile, and they made their home at Milton, where Mrs. Eckman died of typhoid fever March 5, 1900. She was the mother of two children: Ira Walter, born Sept. 6, 1892; and Roy Eugene, born Dec. 12, 1897, who died Jan. 8, 1899. On Feb. 7, 1901, Mr. Eckman married Maggie Belle Moyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phaon Moyer, of Unityville, Pa. They have one child, Alice Hanna, born Nov. 1, 1910. Emanuel Z. Shipe, late of Sunbury, was born June 13, 1844, near Shamokin, this County, and in 1866 began working in the Sunbury shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, where he was employed until obliged to give up active labor because of ill health, about twelve years before his death. At the shops he was held in the highest esteem by his fellow workers, for his sturdy Christian character and manly life. For eighteen years before his death, which occurred early in 1908, he was a sufferer from locomotor ataxia, and during the last six years of his life was unable to walk. In December, 1862, Mr. Shipe joined the Mount Pleasant Methodist church, and after moving to Sunbury became a member of St. John’s church, with which he was identified until the organization of the Catawissa Avenue M. E. church. He was a trustee of the latter for many years, and for thirty-eight consecutive years served as class leader. His funeral was held from the Catawissa Avenue church, and he was interred in Pomfret Manor cemetery. On Jan. 14, 1869, Mr. Shipe married Sarah E. Eckman, and to them were born five children, three of whom, with Mrs. Eckman, survived him, namely: Mrs. J. L Creasy and John E., both of Sunbury; and Eugene A., of Pittsburg. One child died in infancy, and the daughter Minnie died several years before her father. Mrs. Shipe makes her home on Catawissa Avenue, Sunbury. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 411 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

PHILIP ECKMAN, late of Sunbury, was for a number of years engaged in business in that borough as a merchant and later as agent for farming implements, in which lines he did a thriving trade; His widow, Mrs. Harriet (Conrad) Eckman, still continues to make her home there.
Mr. Eckman was, born in 1843 in Rushtown, Northumberland County, and was a great- grandson of Charles Eckman, the founder of the family in this county. Charles Eckman was a native of New Jersey, and coming to Northumberland County settled in Upper Augusta Township, many of his descendants now living in this section. His wife’s maiden name was DeWitt.
Philip Eckman, son of Charles, had five sons: Charles, Isaac, John, Jacob and Abram. Of these, Charles married Elizabeth J. Kline and they had children: John Edgar, who married Theodosia Forrester, and died in 1868; Elisha M., who married Mrs. Mary E. (Reed) Campbell, widow of Harmon K. Campbell; Margaret, deceased; Clarissa Ann, deceased, who was, the wife of H. C. Savidge and had children Grace and, Edgar; and James D.; Isaac, son of Philip, had children Col. Charles Eckman and David Eckman.
John Eckman, son of Philip, was born in 1847 and died in 1906, beloved by all who knew him. He was a conscientious Christian gentleman, for many years an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and the weather was never so severe that he could not be found in his pew. He married Theressa Mettler.
Philip Eckman, son of John and Theressa (Mettler) Eckman, was engaged as a merchant in Sunbury for many years, and later became a general agent for agricultural implements in which line he was also successful. He died in 1904. He was a substantial citizen and highly esteemed by the many who knew him in both business and social relations.
On Oct. 1, 1868, Mr. Eckman married Harriet Conrad, who was born in what was then Upper Augusta Township, now included in the borough of Sunbury. One child was born to them, Esther, who is a graduate of the Sunbury high school. Mr. and Mrs. Eckman also reared Gertrude Fausold Eckman, who is now the wife of Ammon Geise and has had the following children: Paul, Harriet, Charles W. (deceased), Henry Lee, Stanley Eckman, Esther, Gertrude and Philip Eckman. Since the death of Mr. Eckman Mr. Geise has assisted Mrs. Eckman in her business affairs. After the death of her father she erected a fine brick house upon the property her father left her. It is a pleasant residence, surrounded by a beautiful and well kept lawn, and she and her daughter have a comfortable home there. She has divided her farm into borough lots, most of which she has sold, and Mr. Geise has helped her in the division of the property and the sale of the lots. She is held in the highest respect by her neighbors and friends, who are numerous in the community.
John Conrad, Mrs. Eckman’s grandfather, was born March 18, 1777, and died June 11, 1839. He married Julia Cooper, who was born June 1, 1778, and died Dec. 22, 1841. They lived on the hill near Sun-bury, and Mr. Conrad gave his attention principally to the raising of fruit, having the largest orchard in the vicinity. He made a specialty of peaches, which he took to market in such quantities that he used a six-horse team. Nine children were born to John and Julia (Cooper) Conrad, (1) Daniel married a Miss Wolfe. (2) William married Susan Huey and (second) a Bartholomew. (3) George married Esther Reiser. (4) Julia Ann married Henry Gass and had children, William, Jacob, George, Maria, Susan, Louise and. Harriet. (5) Sarah married a Mr. Gehrunger. (6) Elia, born June 20, 1819, died Jan. 27, 1849. His wife was a Gehrunger. (7) Kate married a Mr. Cooper. (8) Ann Maria married Decaton Herb and had five children, Julia, Maria, Daniel, Decaton and Samuel. (9) Susan married Samuel Herb. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 285 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM H. ECKMAN, a farmer of West Chillisquaque Township, is a member of the fourth generation of his family to reside in Northumberland County, where this branch of the Eckmans has been represented since the time of his great-grandfather, Charles Eckman.
Charles Eckman was born in 1779 near Bloomsbury, N.J. married Margaret DeWitt in 1800 and spent the following few years in the home district. In 1807 they came to Pennsylvania, settling in Northumberland County, where Mr. Eckman purchased a farm near Snydertown. In 1813 he exchanged this tract for another near by, which became the family homestead. There he lived and died, and he and his wife are buried in the old Presbyterian graveyard near Reed’s station. They had a family of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, and we have record of the following: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, James, John, Charles (who married Elizabeth J. Kline), Catharine and Naomi; four of this family died young.
Jacob Eckman, son of Charles, was born Sept. 22, 1805, in New Jersey, and was only two years old when his parents removed thence to Northumberland County and settled near Snydertown. He followed farming and became a well known citizen of his section, and at his death, which occurred April 19, 1876, in Sunbury, was widely mourned. In July, 1826, he married Emma Gulick, who was born Dec. 6, 1802, and died April 8, 1882. We have the following record of their family: William, born Nov. 27, 1826, married Didama Sloan May 10, 1849 (he died Aug. 30, 1850); Matilda, born July 28, 1828, married Lorenzo Mettler May 21, 1861; Peter, born May 10, 1831, married Angeline Shipe; James K., born Dec. 16, 1833, married Mary Ann Kline Jan. 12, 1856; John G., born Oct. 7, 1836, married Margaret Louisa Hue Sept. 25, 1856; Philip H., born March 19, 1839, was fatally wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, near Richmond, Va., May 31, 1862; Charles W., born Dec. 3, 1841, married Alice Clark Aug. 21, 1862; Sarah E., born Sept. 12, 1844, married Emanuel Z. Shipe, Jan. 14, 1869. James and Charles are now residents of Kansas.
The following letter was sent to Jacob Eckman announcing the death of his son Philip:

RICHARD. H. EDWARDS, of Trevorton, has lived practically retired since 1903; though he finds his time occupied to a great extent with the management of his real estate holdings. He is an old miner and former hotel-keeper, having for five years conducted the “Central Hotel,” which he still owns. Mr. Edwards was born Sept. 29, 1848, in Cornwall, England, son of Henry Edwards, who followed farming and worked in the copper mines in England. He came to America after his son had settled here, arriving in this country May 26, 1881, and from that time until his death made his home at Trevorton, Northumberland Co., Pa. He followed farming and hauling after settling here. His death occurred May 6, 1893, and his wife, Catherine (Pengally), died in Trevorton March 27, 1890, aged sixty- seven years. They are buried in the Methodist cemetery at Irish Valley. Of their children, Richard H. is mentioned below; John, Margaret and William died in England; Jessie and Annie M. came to America with their parents.
When twenty-two years old Richard H. Edwards came to America, and for a short time was employed in the iron works at Mount Hope, Morris Co., N.J. Coming to Pennsylvania, he located at Ralston, Lycoming County, for a short time before settling at Trevorton, where he found employment at mining, in the North Franklin colliery. He was engaged at such work for about twenty-eight years in all. Meantime he acquired the “Central Hotel” property, and himself conducted the hotel for five years, before he gave up mining. In 1898 he made vast improvements in this property, of which he still retains possession, the hotel business being now conducted by William H. Francis. It is a stand well known to the traveling public and a good business has been done there for many years. Mr. Edwards retired from active work in 1903 since when he has given his attention to the care of his real estate interests, which are quite extensive. By good management and thrift he has gained a position among the substantial men of his community, and has received recognition as one of its trusted citizens, having been chosen to serve as Township treasurer. He is a Republican in politics, a Methodist in religious connection and fraternally a member of Lodge No. 528, I.O.O.F., of Trevorton. In 1907 Mr. Edwards made a trip to his native country, having a pleasant visit to his old home and friends.
By his first marriage, to Christian Rahmer, Mr. Edwards had no children. His second marriage was to Alma Rahmer, and they became the parents of six children: Katie, who married Henry Pengally; George, of Trevorton; Grace, who married William Shuck; Blanche, who married Lewis Sheaffer; Emiah, who married D. Fuller; and John. His third marriage was to Mrs. Emma (Ossman) Umholtz. There are no children of this union, but by her first marriage Mrs. Edwards had a daughter, Eva, who is now the wife of Charles Cook and lives at Elizabethville, Dauphin Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards make their home on Shamokin Street, in Trevorton. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 264 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

THOMAS J. EDWARDS, inside-foreman of the Pennsylvania Colliery, is one of the most enterprising men in Strong, Mount Carmel township, Northumberland County, Pa., and has always been one of that town's most active workers. He is a man of upright principles and excellent character and has a host of friends in the county. He is a son of Richard and Elizabeth (John) Edwards, and was born September 18, 1840, in Glamorganshire, Wales. Our subject's mother died when he was a child, and his father immigrated to America in 1854 and located at Pottsville, Pa., where he followed the trade of a tailor, but it was only a short time until he moved to Summit Hill, Carbon County, Pa., and there remained the rest of his life, dying in 1860. Thomas J. Edwards, the subject of this biography, came to America at the age of fifteen years, and in October, 1855, located with his father in Pottsville, Pa. Previous to his coming to this country he had worked in the mines for six years, and after his father's removal to Summit Hill he began work in December as a driver of mules, and then worked as a laborer, and later as a miner. It was in this way he obtained the positions of foreman and finally that of inside-foreman in Luzerne County, and he has remained in that position ever since. His first position as foreman was under the employ of Judge Leisering of Mauch Chunk; next, for the Buck Mountain Coal Company, and in July, 1894, he entered the employ of the Union Coal Company at Hickory Ridge, and remained there until 1898, when he went to the Pennsylvania Colliery. He has always given entire satisfaction to all of his employers and has steadily advanced in the business. Mr. Edwards has always been a stanch Republican, taking an active interest in political affairs. He is one of the most active members of the Baptist Church and is one of the trustees of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Welsh Association. He is also a member of the Welsh Baptist Church in Mahanoy City, there being noorganization of the kind in his home. Mr. Edwards enlisted in the Civil War August 15, 1861, in Company A, 4th Reg., Pa. Cavalry, and also served as private for three years in the Army of the Potomac. He is a member of several fraternal organizations, including Lodge No. 357, F. and A. M.; Mapeth Chapter, R. A. M.; Lodge No. 617, I. O. O. F.; Knights of the Golden Eagle; and Royal Arcanum, all of Mahanoy City. He is a member of and the present chaplain of Lincoln Post No. 140, G. A. R., of Shamokin, Pa. In May, 1860, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with Margaret Richards, and they are the parents of several children, namely: Richard, who was killed in a coal breaker; Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas H. Kooms of Mahanoy City; Jane, the wife of John H. Bernard of MacAdoo, Pa.; Polly, the wife of Harry Mengel of Mahanoy City; Richard, motorman between Mahanoy City and Shenandoah; Thomas J., who was killed by accident; John, who is clerking at Hickory Ridge, married Hannah Frank, and he and his wife live with the subject of this sketch; Oliver P., at home; Maggie, and James A. Garfield, both living at home. (Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY, 1899 , pg. 676 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM FREDERICK EICHHOLTZ, one of the owners and editors of The Sunbury Daily and The Northumberland County Democrat, is a son of Jacob Ely and Rosa (Schaffer) Eichholtz.
The Eichholtz ancestors emigrated from Germany to America about 1750 and have pursued various trades. Numerous ancestors are recorded in the annals of Lancaster county as having fought in the war for independence. Rev. George Eichholtz, grandson of William Frederick, was a Lutheran minister, whose calling took him to all parts of eastern Pennsylvania, and he died in Lycoming county, this State, in 1885, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, Harriet (Ely), died in 1881. To Rev. George and Harriet Eichholtz were born eight children, four sons and four daughters. The father of Rev. George Eichholtz came to America from Germany with John Jacob Astor, with whom he was for a time engaged in the fur trade.
Jacob Ely Eichholtz was born Nov. 11, 1836, in Lebanon, Pa., second son of Rev. George and Harriet (Ely) Eichholtz. He learned the printer’s trade at Mifflintown, and was engaged in newspaper work all his life, as “jour,” publisher, reporter, editor and proprietor. He came to, Sunbury Jan. 1, 1867, and purchased The Northumberland County Democrat, which publication he continued during his lifetime. On Dec. 6, 1872, he established The Sunbury Daily which was one of the pioneer penny newspapers of Pennsylvania. He was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland in May, 1885. He died Oct. 30, 1818. He was first married in Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 19, 1860, to Harriet Erisman, who died in 1863. By this marriage he had two sons, one who died in infancy, and Herbert, who died in 1909. His second marriage, which took place in Lewisburg, Pa., Feb. 11, 1866, was to Rosa Schaffle, a member of the Lewisburg Schaffle family, of French and German descent, who emigrated to this country over a hundred years ago. Rosa (Schaffle) Eichholtz was the mother of four children, two girls and two boys, William Frederick, the third child, being the only one, however, who survived early childhood. She died May 3, 1898.
William Frederick Eichholtz is a native of Sunbury, born Aug. 12, 1872. He obtained his early education in the common schools of the borough graduating from the high school with the class of 1891. He entered Bucknell Academy after his graduation from the high school, and graduated from Bucknell University with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1897. Upon graduation from college he became a member of the publishing firm of Eichholtz & Co. Through both inheritance and training he was fitted to fill the position to which he afterward fell heir.
Mr. Eichholtz holds an enviable position in Masonic circles in Sunbury, having served as Master of Lodge No. 22, F. & A.M., as High Priest of Northumberland Chapter, No. 174, R.A.M., and as Eminent Commander of Mount Hermon Commandery, No. 85, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the B.P.O. Elks.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 722 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOHN H. EISENHART, a well known merchant of Shamokin, Pa., has long been a factor in the commercial world, and before entering business on his own account had a long experience in the line in which he has made so distinct a success. Mr. Eisenhart was born in Snyder County, Pa., Oct. 18, 1869, son of Daniel Eisenhart.
Jonas Eisenhart grandfather of John H., was born in Berks County, Pa., and there followed farming until about 1800, when he came to Northumberland County, settling at Leck Kill. From there he moved to Snyder County, Pa., where he also engaged in farming. There his children grew up. He made his home at Port Trevorton, along the river, and there he died in 1883. He is buried at Leck Kill. He married Polly Geist daughter of Andrew and Christina (Snyder) Geist and she died at Leck Kill, and is buried there. They had sixteen children, namely: William, who died in Jefferson county; Daniel; John, who died in Nebraska; Jonas, who died in Central America; Gabriel, who died in Snyder County, Pa.; Emanuel, living in Philadelphia; Lewis, who died in Shamokin; Edward, who died young; Lucius, who married Jacob Shankweiler, and died at Shamokin; Sarah, Mrs. Starr, who died near Leck Kill; Caroline, who married John Eyster; Mary, who married John Diehl, and died in Indiana; Harriet, Mrs. Snyder; Catharine, who married Daniel Thomas; Amelia, who married John Cooper; and one that died in infancy.
Jonas Eisenhart had two brothers, Stephen and Reuben, who both died in Shamokin. Andrew Geist and wife, Christina Snyder, parents of Mrs. Jonas Eisenhart, had children as follows: John, George, Andrew, Daniel, Josiah, Peter, Abraham, Elizabeth (married Isaac Sheaffer), Christina (married Paul Gerhart), Susan (married Frederick Kahler), Lydia (married Mr. Bixler), Polly (married Jonas Eisenhart), Sallie (married Soloman Falck), Rebecca M. (married Solomon Shankwiler) and Mary (married Joseph Feger). Mr. Geist reared his family at Greenbrier, Northumberland County, where he lived and died.
Daniel Eisenhart, son of Jonas and Polly, was born at Leck Kill Sept. 6, 1830, and died in Shamokin Jan. 13, 1906. He was engaged in the mercantile business at Leck Kill with his father-in-law, Peter Beisel, their successor being D. S. Leitzel. When Mr. Eisenhart moved to Snyder County he bought out John Diehl, in Washington Township, and was engaged in business there until 1876, when he was elected sheriff of Snyder County. During the three years he held that office he lived at Middleburg. During his incumbency the murderers of Mr. Kintzler were apprehended and convicted. Mr. Eisenhart came to Shamokin Jan. 1, 1879, and engaged in business with his son, R. G. Eisenhart, under the firm name of D. & R. G. Eisenhart. This association continued until 1882, when he sold out to Haas & Sowers and retired from active work. He was a director of the National Bank of Shamokin; of the Shamokin Street Railroad Company; of the Shamokin Light, Heat & Power Company (of which he was one of the organizers); and he was a member of the building committee in charge of the erection of the present St. John’s Reformed Church building. He was made a Mason in Selinsgrove Lodge, F. & A.M. Mr. Eisenhart’s wife was, in her maidenhood, Sarah Beisel born Feb. 17, 1830, died Dec. 31, 1887, daughter of Peter Beisel. Mr. Eisenhart and his wife are buried in Shamokin cemetery. Their children were: R. G.; Amelia, who married N. C. Wolverton, deceased, and resides at Shamokin; Emma C., who married B. P. Stroub, and lives in Snyder County; Alice, who married G. M. Shindel, prothonotary of Snyder County; Ella; Martha J., who married J. A. Wert, a merchant at Shamokin; and John H.
John H. Eisenhart was born Oct. 18, 1869, in Snyder County, and came to Shamokin with his father. He attended the local schools, and in 1887 he became a clerk for his brother-in-law, J. A. Wert with whom he remained until 1893. From that time until 1899 he was engaged in the book and stationery business at Shamokin on his own account and at the end of that time returned to his brother-in-law’s store, remaining until 1904. He then bought out his sister, Mrs. Wolverton, at Spruce and Market Streets, and he has since conducted a general grocery, having an old established stand, and doing a large business. He is also engaged in job printing. Mr. Eisenhart is one of the rising young business men of the town, and is very popular with a large circle of friends.
In 1895 Mr. Eisenhart married Elsie M. Rupp, daughter of Jonathan Rupp. She was born at Mount Carmel. One son, Leon D., has blessed this union. Socially Mr. Eisenhart is a member of the B.P.O. Elks, the K. of P. and the Modern Woodmen. His religious connection is with St. John’s Reformed Church. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 148 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM B. EISTER was born in what is now Rockefeller township, (it being then a part of Lower Augusta), Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 3, 1853, son of Nathan S. Eister, who was born in Washington township. His father, Abraham Eister, moved from there to Rockefeller township, where he died. In his younger days he worked at blacksmithing, but was principally engaged at farming. Nathan S. Eister married Amanda, daughter of William Bartholomew, and settled in Rockefeller township. He was a shoemaker by trade, and a member of the Lutheran church, in which he held the office of deacon and elder for many years. Politically he was a Democrat. He and wife died within five days of each other in 1882, of typhoid fever. They reared eleven children; those living are: William B.; Angeline, wife of Delos Roadarmel, of Excelsior; Henry M., of Shamokin; Charles A., of Rockefeller township; Flora, of Rockefeller township, and Clinton L., of Excelsior. William B. was reared in Rockefeller township, and attended the township schools and Elysburg Academy two terms, after which he taught school five years during the winters, in the meantime applying himself to study to better his education. He learned the shoemaker trade, and after finishing his teaching apprenticed himself to Gehrad Snyder, with whom he learned the trade of harness maker and saddler. After completing his trade he went to Excelsior and took charge of a section of the Philadelphia and Reading railroad as foreman, which position he held four years. After the death of his parents the management of the affairs of the family fell upon him; and he engaged in farming one year. In 1883 he purchased his present business, which he has since continued, having added a line of groceries, tobacco, and cigars. In 1877 he married Louisa, daughter of J. Jacob Beck, of Rockefeller township, by whom he has five children: Elsie E.; A. Bertram; W. Howard; Edna V., and Mary E. Mr. Eister was appointed postmaster of Seven Points, September 15, 1885, and has since held that office. He was elected school director in 1886, serving as secretary and president of the board. In 1889 he was elected justice of the peace. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1174 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

I. C. M. ELLENBERGER, present superintendent of the public schools of the borough of Sunbury, has been engaged in educational work for over twenty years, about half of that time as teacher and the remainder in his capacity of superintendent. He was born Oct. 30, 1863, at Gatesburg, Pa., and received his elementary education in the public schools. He prepared for college at Stone Valley Academy and Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, Pa., and took his collegiate course at Pennsylvania State College, from which he was graduated in 1890. From 1891 to 1894 Professor Ellenberger was principal of the Bremen Institute, in Kentucky. In 1894 he took the position of principal in the high school of Tyrone (Pa.), filling that incumbency until 1899, when he was made superintendent of the Tyrone public schools. He continued in that work until he came to Sunbury, in 1908, to serve in a similar capacity. Some idea of his responsibilities May be gained from a brief outline of the educational facilities Sunbury affords its youth at the present time.
The borough is fairly well provided with large and commodious school buildings, well equipped for thorough and efficient work. There are eight buildings advantageously located, readily accessible so as to be convenient for the pupils in all the various parts of the borough. The borough of Sunbury was incorporated as such March 24, 1797, by Act of Assembly, and divided into two wards, East and West, thus establishing the school district. Some time later the first free school was opened on Third Street, where the post-office now stands. The town grew considerably and was soon divided into four wards. and the schools were managed by a board of six directors, the board meetings being held semi-monthly. Previous to 1870 there was no Central high school in Sunbury, but the schools in the different wards were partially graded. The first step to establish a central high school was taken by the board of directors in 1870. Bartholomew’s store room, at No. 35 North Fourth Street was rented for the purpose, and in December 1870, J. R. Miller was elected first principal, at a salary of one hundred dollars a month; at the time primary teachers received thirty-five to forty dollars a month, secondary teachers, fifty-five dollars, and grammar school teachers, sixty dollars. The school term was but seven months. Because of poor health Professor Miller resigned almost immediately after accepting, and Prof. Elias Schneider, who formerly taught in the Sunbury Academy, was elected principal in January 1871. Shortly afterward the high school was moved to the Second Street building, opposite the county prison; then to the building on Front Street, near the Reading railroad bridge, the same building the academy had occupied for a short time: then it was partly in the Front Street building and partly in the Eighth ward building. For some time the high school was small. Professor Schneider served three years as principal, being succeeded by W. M. Boal, W. H. Black, H. P. Roth, C. D. Oberdorf, Professor Conser, Professor Young, Professor Dennis and Professor Rhodes, the present principal. The first regular high school class was graduated in 1882, and consisted of three pupils. After several years it was thought superior school advantages could be secured by consolidating Sunbury and East Sunbury, a project which was consummated in 1895. The school district then consisted of nine wards, a new Central high school was built on Fifth Street, at the head of Court Street, midway between Market and Chestnut Streets. In 1893 the borough superintendency was established, C. D. Oberdorf being elected superintendent, his place as principal of the high school being taken by Professor Conser. In 1897 the high school of the Sunbury school district took up its quarters in the new building. Professor Oberdorf was succeeded as borough superintendent by Prof. Ira Shipman who held the office until 1908, since when Prof. I. C. M. Ellenberger has been the incumbent.
The annual reports indicate the steady growth of the schools. In 1860 there were four teachers, 269 pupils, and the school term was eight month, in 1870 there were ten teachers, 672 pupils; term seven months. In 1880 there were fourteen teachers, 822 pupils; term, eight months. On Dec. 7, 1884, the wards had increased to five, by reason of the increase of the borough population, and there were in all five school buildings, accommodating one boys’ and girls’ high school, two intermediate, two secondary and three primary schools. In 1890 there were nineteen teachers, 1,109 pupils, and the term was eight months. In 1900 there were forty-two teachers, 2,100 pupils, and the term had increased to nine months, as at present. In 1910 there were fifty-six teachers, 2,504 pupils. Including the class of 1910 the Sunbury high school has had 708 graduates, and the East Sunbury high school 63. The State appropriation has increased from $213.20 in 1860 to $13,131.83, in 1910. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 134 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

DR. JOHN A. ELLIOTT, the oldest leading physician and surgeon of Northumberland, Northumberland County, Pa., was born in Union County, Pa., in 1842, and is a son of William and Christiana (Knox) Elliott. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was of Scotch-Irish extraction, located in Northumberland County when a young man, and worked at the carpenter trade. He was said to be a very large man, over six feet in height and of powerful strength, but with a quiet disposition. He married between the ages of forty and forty-five; his wife died at the birth of their only son, Alexander. After this our subject's great-grandfather formed a second marriage with a lady near Pottsville and resided there until his death. Alexander Elliott, the paternal grandfather, was born May 29, 1777, and at the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to a hatter in Reading, Pa., where he remained until he was twenty-one. He then went into business for himself, and manufactured soft hats for several years. He died February 5, 1835. He married Mary Morrow and subsequently her sister, Florinda Morrow. By the first marriage were born eight children, as follows: Benjamin J.; Mary; Thomas; Margaret; Sarah; William; Ann; and Samuel. By the second marriage were born three children: Simon, James, and Isabelle. Our subject's father, William Elliott, was born in Northumberland County, November 5, 1814, and was educated in the public schools. He worked for his father and learned the hatter's trade, but, being dissatisfied and not wishing to follow in his father's footsteps, at the age of fifteen he started out for himself. He began at ditch digging, worked on the canal and also at farming. During the winters he worked for his board and attended school, paying for his own tuition. In this way, getting a fair start, he carried on farming, and also owned and conducted a canal grocery. In company with Henry Wenck he bought a half interest in a grocery business and carried on a successful trade on the canal. This he continued until the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad was opened, when he became the first agent, and afterwards did railroad contracting, building the Bennet's Branch, Oil Creek, Pa., and Erie, at Williamsport. Mr. Elliott was then appointed state canal commissioner and superintendent of the canal from Juniata River to Northumberland, and later to Milton. In 1880 he was elected to the State Legislature. This ambitious gentleman owned many farms and several hundred acres of land which he kept in the best possible condition. Among the farms were those of C. Kohl; J. Heckard: Kaler; Oscar Leighon; W. H. Deihl; C. M. Stern; and also many others. He bought the Rev. Smith property, on the corner of Water and King streets, which was formerly owned by J. Jenkins. This property Mr. Elliott entirely remodeled into a large and modern four-story brick building, the largest in the county at that time. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and a stanch Democrat, holding many borough offices and serving as school director for twenty-five years. Mr. Elliott was a man of noble character and lofty ambitions, and became one of the most prominent and respected men in his section of the state, and when his death occurred in 1896 he was greatly mourned by all. He married Christiana Knox in 1837, and her death occurred at the age of sixty-one, in 1875. The children resulting from this union were: Emily, who married Charles Davis; Anna; May J., who married A. Hartley; and John A., our subject. John A. Elliott, the subject of this biography, was educated in the public schools and at Freebury College. He read medicine with Dr. Beard and Dr. Kunca of New York, and was graduated from Bellevue College, New York, in 1874, practicing there for five years. At the end of that time he moved to Northumberland, Northumberland County, his present location, where, with his thorough knowledge of his profession, he has built up one of the largest practices in the county. If it were not for his strong constitution and perfect health he would be unable to answer the numerous calls for his assistance. Dr. Elliott is a fine-looking man, with the quiet manners and tastes of a gentleman, and for his kindly, pleasant ways he is greatly loved and respected. He married Jennie Jackson, daughter of Mordecai Jackson of Berwick, and she departed this life at the age of twenty. Dr. Elliott resides on his father's homestead, where he also has his office. For twenty years he has been a Mason, being a member in all the degrees to the K. T. He is also a charter member of the Scottish Rite of Bloomsburg.(Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY, 1899 , pg. 268 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

SAMUEL M. ELLIOTT, foreman of the blacksmith shops, Philadelphia and Erie division of the Pennsylvania railroad, was born in Mifflin (now Juniata) county, Pennsylvania, June 6,1825, and his parents wereWilliam Elliott and Mary Crozier, both descendants from Scotch-Irish ancestors. Samuel was educated at the common schools of his native county, and there with John Middaugh, of Honey Grove, learned the blacksmith trade. He spent three years as an apprentice, conducted a shop three years, and in 1851 in the Pennsylvania railroad shops at Mifflin began his life as a railroad blacksmith. In June, 1856, he was made foreman of the shops, in 1869 transferred to Renovo, and in 1879 to his present position at Sunbury. In March, 1865, he joined Captain Musser's company, One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until July following as orderly sergeant under General Schofield. While in Renovo he was three years a borough councilman, and is now serving his third year as member of the Sunbury school board. Mr. Elliott is connected with the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Red Men, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. He was married in Juniata county, January 2, 1849, to Hannah R. Kissinger, and has had borne to him seven children: Alfred; Rebecca R.; Lee, deceased; Hannah J., deceased; Mary M., Mrs. Victor T. Kissinger; Julia J., and Samuel E. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 854 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

WILLIAM ELLIOTT, farmer, was born, October 5, 1814, son of Alexander and Mary Elliott, born, respectively, May 29, 1777, and October 31, 1783. The father was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and after learning the hatter's trade at Reading, Pennsylvania, removed from that city to Northumberland county and followed his trade at the borough of Northumberland, where he died, February 5, 1835. To Alexander and Mary Elliott were born the following children: Mary, born July 4, 1804; Thomas, born September 18, 1806; Margaret, born August 21, l810; Sarah; William; Ann, and Samuel. Our subject received a common school education with means obtained by labor at such jobs as he could get to do. The first work he did for himself, was digging in a ditch from the river to what is known as the gut in Sunbury - the old Sunbury canal, which was never completed. He received seventy-five cents at this employment and was subsequently hired by John Cowden for one summer at two dollars fifty cents per month. With the money thus obtained he attended school, doing chores for William Forsyth mornings and evenings for his board and lodging. After closing this term of school he took employment at the tavern of C. Buttles, in Northumberland, where he remained one summer, and then drove a team on a trip to Philadelphia with William A. Lloyd. After this he purchased a team and followed farming and teaming for some time. He was married in January, 1837, to Christiana Knox, and settled in Northumberland. Two years later he removed to a farm of one hundred acres on what is known as Blue Hill and which still belongs to the family. In 1841 he began boating on the canal, transporting lumber, coal, etc., which he continued successfully eight years. He then purchased an interest in the grocery business of Henry Wenck; two years later he became sole proprietor of the store, which he conducted until the Philadelphia and Erie railroad was opened, when he withdrew and took the position of first station agent for that company at Northumberland; after this began a series of railroad contracting, as follows: Bennett's branch; Oil Creek road, Venango county; Philadelphia and Erie, at Williamsport, eight miles of double track, and eight miles of the same road from St. Mary's to Rathburn. He was appointed by the State canal commissioners as superintendent of the canal from the month of the Juniata river to Northumberland, to which was subsequently added the line to Milton. In 1880 he was elected to the legislature from this county; he has also served as school director twenty-five years, and belongs to the I.O.O.F. His wife died, November 7, 1875, and was the mother of four children: Anna; Emily I., wife of Charles Davis; Mary J., wife of A. H. Hathaway, and John. The last named was educated at Freeburg College, graduated from the Bellevue Hospital of New York City, and is practicing medicine in Northumberland. Mr. Elliott is the owner of one hundred seventy-six acres of land in Union county, three hundred seventy-eight acres in Chillisquaque township, one hundred thirty-eight acres in Point township, and other valuable property, all of which is the acquisition of his own labors. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 1096 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

EMERICK. The Emerick or Emrick family (early spelling Emrich) has been represented in Pennsylvania since the first half of the eighteenth century. There is record of a number who emigrated to this country during that period, the Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. XVII, showing the following, with name of ship and date of arrival: Johan “Nickel” Emrich (aged thirty-six), “Glasgow” Sept. 9, 1738; Jacob Emrich (aged nineteen), “Patience and Margaret,” Sept. 25, 1748; Johan Fried. Emrich, “Chesterfield,” Sept. 1, 1749; Anthoni Emrich, “Royal Union,” Aug. 15, 1750; Johan Georg Emmerich, “Richard and Mary,” Sept. 20, 1752; Herman Emrich (aged twenty-seven) and Carl Emrich (aged twenty-seven), “Louisa,” Oct. 3, 1753; Johan Peter Emrich, “Bannister,” Oct. 31, 1754; Andreas Emrich snow “Tryall,” Dec. 4, 1764; Johannes Emrich, “Chance,” Sept. 23, 1766; Joseph Emrich, “Betsy,” Oct. 26, 1768; Johan Theobald Emrich, “Minerva,” Oct. 13, 1769; Andreas Emmerich, “Charming Molly,” Oct. 22, 1773. One John Bolters Emerick died on shipboard April 22, 1806.
That the family has long been quite numerous in eastern Pennsylvania is shown by the Federal Census Report of 1790, in which, under Emrich, we find indexed Adam, Andrew, Balser, Herman, Jacob, Jacob, Jr., John, John (Philadelphia County), John, Jr., John, Jr., John George, Leonard, Ludwig (Philadelphia County), Michael, Nicolas (Cumberland County), Philip and William; of the Emricks, there were George, Henry (of Dauphin County), and Jacob, John, John and Valentine (all four of Montgomery County). Of these, Adam Emrich, of Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, had two sons under sixteen and two daughters; Andrew Emrich, of that Township, had one son above and two sons under sixteen and four daughters; John George Emrich, of the same Township, had four daughters; Balser Emrich, of Bethel Township, Berks County, had three sons under sixteen and two daughters; John Emrich, Jr., of Bethel Township, had one son under sixteen and one daughter; another John Emrich, Jr., of the same Township, had two sons above sixteen; Jacob Emrich, also of Bethel Township, had wife but no children; Jacob Emrich, Jr., same Township, had one son above and one son under sixteen and two daughters; William Emrich, of Bern Township, Berks County, had one son above and one son under sixteen, and two daughters; Leonard Emrich, of Brunswick (Brecknock?) and Manheim Townships, Lancaster county, had one son above and one son under sixteen; Michael Emrich had four sons above sixteen and two daughters; Philip Emrich, of the borough of Reading, Berks County, had two sons above and one son under sixteen, and three daughters; Herman Emrich, of Rockland Township, Berks County, had one son above and two sons under sixteen, and three daughters. One Andrew Emrich, of Bethel Township, Berks County, died before 1789, leaving a wife Margaret and children Valentine, Julianna (married Henry Moyer), John and Henry. During the Revolutionary war one Jacob Emmerick was a private in Capt. James Todd’s company from Dauphin County.
Of the Emerich wills on record the earliest is that of Nicholas Emerich, regarding which we find the following in the register general’s office at Reading, Berks County: Letters of administration under the said office with a true copy of a translation from the German original of the last will and testament of Nicholas Emerich, late of the Township of Rockland in the County of Berks, aforesaid, yeoman, deceased, were granted to Valentine Emerich of the Township of Whitehall, in the County of Northampton, in the Province of Pennsylvania, yeoman, eldest son of the said testator, no executor or executors being therein named, he having first given bond according to Law (Anna Barbara, the widow, relict of the said testator, appearing not to be of sound understanding sufficient to take upon her the burden of the administration of the estate of the said testator); inventory to be exhibited at or before the twenty-sixth day of July next and an account of his administration at or before the twenty-sixth day of June, which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and seventy; which will of the said Nicholas Emerich, deceased, was duly proved by the solemn oath of George Oberdorff and Jaque Baral, the Subscribing Witnesses to the said will, but being in the German Language could not be recorded. The will was proved the 16th of June, 1769; letters of administration, the 26th of same month. Examined by James Read, deputy register.
Descendants of Valentine Emerick live in Center county, near Center Hall. One is a doctor, and his sister is married to an attorney who has a number of Emrich family papers.
Other wills recorded are those of Jacob Emerich (1803); Adam Emerich (1809); Balzer Emerich (1810); Adam Emerich (1813); John Emerich (1816); Leonard Emerich (1834); Christian Emerich (l840); Hannah Emerich (1842); Barbara Emerich (1849); George Emerich (1865). Guardians were appointed for John and George Emerich in 1809; for Mary and Catharine Emerich in 1810; for a child of John Emerich (deceased) and for Peter and Joseph Emerich, 1815.
There was a John Nicholas Emerick, born in 1749, who came to this country in 1774, and engaged in the fur trade as a partner of John Jacob Astor, founder of the celebrated New York family. Astor, also a German, born in 1763 near Heidelberg, was engaged in the manufacture of musical instruments with his brother in London, and came to America in 1783, to Baltimore, with the idea of disposing of some of his instruments. He was the first regular dealer in that line in this country. Having exchanged musical instruments for furs, in New York, he accidentally entered into the business upon which his great fortune was founded Returning to London with his stock, he disposed of it to such advantage that he speedily made another trip. In time he came to invest largely in real estate in New York, where he made his home until his death, in 1848. (See “Frolic and Fun,” by Isabel Allardyce, 1907). John Nicholas Emerick, who was his partner in the fur business for thirty years, was stationed at Berlin and was probably the best known agent in Europe in that line of trade. He never married, leaving all his property to the children of two brothers in the United States. According to tradition Astor and Emerick entered into an agreement to the effect that no settlement of their partnership affairs was to be made for a certain number of years after the death of either. So far as the descendants of John Michael Emerick—supposed to have been a brother of John Nicholas Emerick—are concerned, no settlement has ever been reached. Michael Emerick, late of Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, father of the present Dr. M. L. Emerick, of that section, and grandson of John Michael, frequently referred to the family’s claim to this estate and his hopes that his children would gain their legacy. The estate was reputed to be so vast as to stimulate the activities of possible beneficiaries. Franklin Square, Philadelphia, is part of the property involved. Some of the money is in banks at Bremen, Germany. On July 28, 1886, there was a press inquiry and notice to the heirs of the estate of Nicholas Emerick, and newspaper articles relating to the matter which have appeared at various times are preserved by members of the family as possible clews. Several Emericks in different parts of the country are reputed to have received money as heirs, and efforts are being made to have the matter closed up.
John Michael Emerick, the ancestor of the Emericks and Emricks of Northumberland County with which this article is concerned, was born Sept. 6, 1757, and had brothers and sisters as follows: Elizabeth, born April 18, 1752 (Mrs. Groover); Anna Catherine, born Sept. 9, 1754; Mary Barbara and John, twins, born July 12, 1760; Rose Elizabeth, born Nov. 20, 1763; Henry Landis, born July 30, 1767; Samuel, born Oct. 1, 1769.
John Michael Emerick, who died Nov. 14, 1835 (this does not agree with family record which says “he died aged thirty-eight years”), is buried on the farm now owned by John Michael Emerick, but which at that time was the property of Balthaser Bordner. A translation of an article of agreement made Nov. 29, 1784, between Martin Kerstetter, of Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, Pa., and Michael Emrich, of Bethel Township, Berks Co., Pa., shows that Martin Kerstetter sells to Michael Emrich a tract of land located in Mahanoy Township containing 150 acres for 160 pounds; 25 pounds on above date; 25 pounds on May 1, 1785; 10 pounds on Oct. 1, 1786; and 10 pounds yearly thereafter until paid. In article of agreement entered into between George and Michael Emrich, both of Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, and John Weidenhammer, from Richmond Township, Berks County, parties of first part bound themselves to pay John Weidenhammer the sum of 166 pounds 17 shillings, four pence, lawful money, to be paid April 18, 1821. The same parties of first part agree to pay a like sum in 1822. A like sum they appear to have paid in 1820.
John Michael Emerick married Anna Catharine Pontius, born April 14, 1757, died March 11, 1838, and to them were born the following children: John, who never married, located in Ohio; (John) George is mentioned fully below; Sarah Marie, born April 28, 1789, died about 1871-72, married Jacob Spotts (born June 18, 1788, died June 14, 1852, one of the six children, two sons and four daughters, of Johannes and Maria Spatz, the former born March 24, 1762, died Nov. 24, 1856; the latter born July 5, 1765, died Aug. 5, 1834); Catharine, born March 11, 1791, married Michael Lenker, and died Sept. 18, 1860; Elizabeth, born Aug. 11, 1785, married a Latsha, and died June 26, 1861; Michael, born in 1794, located on a farm adjoining the homestead, and died in 1873; Anna Mary, born in 1792, was married to Martin Kerstetter (the ceremony being performed by Adam Lenker, J. P., and witnessed by George Emrich, George Wolf and Michael Lenker), and died aged sixty-two years, eight months eight days.
(John) George Emerick son of John Michael, born March 9, 1788, died in 1871, and is buried at Zion’s (Stone Valley) Church, of which he and his family were Lutheran members. His will, made April 25, 1870, was proved June 7, 1872. He came to Northumberland County in 1813, making the journey with one wagon, and became a farmer in Lower Mahanoy Township, cultivating a large tract of land. His wife, Eva Magdalena (Zartman), daughter of Martin Zartman, born Oct. 8, 1795, died in 1876, and she, too, is buried at the Stone Valley Church. They were the parents of thirteen children, born as follows: George, April 23, 1813; Jacob, Dec. 21, 1814; Rebecca, Sept. 12, 1816 (married Charles Brosius); Benjamin, Feb. 1, 1818 (had children); Sarah, Nov. 7, 1819 (married Jonas Snyder); John, Dec. 2, 1821 (died Feb. 18, 1896); Elizabeth, Sept 9, 1823 (died in infancy); Elias, Sept. 16, 1824 (died March 2, 1898); Catherine, 1826 (married John Stein); Mary, Sept. 2, 1828 (married Isaac Martz); Susannah, Jan. 14, 1831 (died young); Michael, Nov. 27, 1832; Joseph, Nov. 27, 1834.
Michael Emerick, son of (John) George, was born Nov. 27, 1832, on the farm in Lower Mahanoy Township now owned by Frank Phillips. He owned and operated the farm which is now the property of his son-in-law, Jonathan Byerly, and in 1863 erected the large brick house now standing on that place, all the brick for which was made on the premises. A man of enterprise and intelligence, he was a useful and progressive citizen in every respect, encouraged public education and took an active part in matters of interest to the community generally. He enjoyed such confidence among his neighbors and friends that he was called upon to settle a number of estates. In polities he was a Republican, in religion a Lutheran, he and his family being Lutheran member of the Stone Valley Church, which he served as deacon and trustee. He died Dec. 21, 1899, and is buried at that church.
On Jan. 25, 1855, Mr. Emerick married Hannah Tressler, who was born Jan. 20, 1832, daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann (Billman) Tressler; and who, though nearly eighty, is a well preserved woman, her vitality being remarkable. The following children were born to this union: (1) Sarah Minerva, born Jan. 29, 1856, married J. F. Blasser, and they have had a large family, born as follows: Charles Albert, July 10, 1882; John Ezra, born July 10, 1882 (married Nov. 10, 1906, to Crissie P. Dreibelbis); Mabel Saloma, Dec. 3, 1883; Mary Magdalene, May 23, 1885 (married July 27, 1909, Roscoe E. Walborn); Walter Jacob, Nov. 20, 1886; Hannah Henrietta, March 29, 1888; Naomi Susannah, March 14, 1889; Alice Minerva and Julius Abraham, twins, June 16, 1893; Ray Michael, Feb. 4, 1895; and Moses Obadiah, Feb. 27, 1897. (2) Theodore T., born July 22, 1857, married Rosa A. Latsha. They have no children. (3) Mary Magdalene, born Oct. 2, 1858, died in infancy. (4) Louisa Catherine, born Aug. 31, 1859, married Jonathan Byerly, and they have had nine children: Beecher, born Dec. 8, 1881; Naomi Josephine, Jan. 5, 1883; Claude Alveretta, June 27, 1884; Hannah Elizabeth, Oct. 16, 1885; Elias Michael, Oct. 23, 1886; Saloma Ellen, Aug. 10, 1889; Isaac Theodore, Nov. 3, 1892; Maude H., Dec. 6, 1894; Mark Jonathan, Nov. 18, 1900. (5) George Jacob Michael, born in August, 1865, is a farmer in Jordan Township, in his native district. He was reared to farm life, working for his parents until thirty-two years of age, when he undertook to farm the homestead on his own account, continuing thus two years. In 1899 he purchased his present well located farm of 150 acres, two and a half miles north of Uniontown, one mile south from Urban, on the road leading to Pillow. This was the homestead of George Brosius, and before him his father, Daniel Brosius, owned it. The barn on this place is a landmark, and the house was erected by George Brosius during the nineties. Mr. Emerick has a fertile tract, in a good state of cultivation, and has prospered in his agricultural work. Politically he is a Republican, and served as supervisor of the Township from 1907 to 1910. He and his family worship at Zion’s Union Church, Stone Valley, of which he was a deacon three years. He was married Dec. 17, 1897 to Adeline Witmer, daughter of Henry S. and Phoebe (Zartman) Witmer. They have had one son, Michael Henry. (6) Hannah Rufina, born July 19, 1869; died in infancy. (7) Martin Luther, mentioned below, was born Nov. 10, 1872. (8) Ellen Miranda, born June 15, 1874, married Isaac R. Phillips, and has one child, Hannah Harriette, born Aug. 24, 1909. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 945 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

E. M. EMRICK, physician, son of George and Elizabeth (Myers) Emrick, was born in l855, in Jordan township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. His parents removed to Uniontown, Dauphin county, where our subject was reared and educated. He subsequently entered the State Normal School at Shippensburg, and completed his education under the tutorage of the county superintendent at Uniontown. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. J. Read of that place, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1878. Doctor Emrick then located at Augustaville, Northumberland county, where he remained in active practice eleven years, when he removed to Shamokin, where he has since continued in the active duties of his profession. He was married in l878 to Miss A. Wiest, who is the mother of one child, Clarion W. Doctor Emrick is an adherent of the Republican party, and a member of the Reformed church. Though a resident of Shamokin only a short time he is building up a substantial practice. (History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, edited by Herbert C. Bell, Published by Brown, Runk & Co. of Chicago, Ill, 1891 pg. 936 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

HENRY M. EMERICK, M.D., physician and surgeon, and a leading citizen of the borough of Milton in his private as well as his professional capacity has been settled there since 1892. He has established an extensive practice, and for real worth as a member of the community he ranks among the residents of the borough who have worked steadily along lines for its advancement.
Dr. Emerick’s grandfather, John George Emerick, was the first of the family in Northumberland County, whither he came from Schuylkill County, Pa., with his brother Michael. They settled in Lower Mahanoy Township, on adjoining farms. Michael married, but had no children. John George Emerick, besides following farming, built a tannery on his place and conducted it for many years, becoming particularly well known in that connection. He and his wife, Magadela (Zartman), died on the farm and are buried at the old Stone Valley church near Hickory Corners, in Lower Mahanoy Township. Their children were: George died in Uniontown, Pa.; John died in Illinois; Elias was the father of Dr. Emerick; Michael died in Jordan Township; Joseph, born in 1834, now living in Sunbury, married (first) Sarah Wert and had six children, Henry M., Charles L., George W., Sarah J., Mary M. and Minnie Alice, and (second) Sophrona Elizabeth Krosteder, by whom he had no children.
Elias Emerick, son of John George, was born in 1826 at the old home in Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County. In 1852 he moved to Lower Augusta Township, this County, where he purchased the old Clark farm, upon which was the hotel called the “Lower Augusta Inn,” or during his day more commonly known as “Emerick’s Hotel,” situated on the old Tulpehocken road. He conducted the farm and hotel until 1867, after which he gave all his time to farming for three years, at the end of that time engaging in the mercantile business, which he continued until he sold out, in 1875. He then moved to Selinsgrove, Pa., and engaged in the coal business, which he followed until his death, which occurred at Selinsgrove in 1892; he is buried at the Stone Church in Lower Augusta Township.
Mr. Emerick married Anna Mary Stine, a native of Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, daughter of John Stine. Mrs. Emerick died in 1880, at the age of fifty-two years. She was the mother of eight children: Louisa J., who married John M. Boyer, their home being at Selinsgrove, Pa.; Henry M.; Benjamin Franklin, a well known druggist and leading business man of Carlisle, Pa., who died in 1910; Martin L., a physician, also of Carlisle, and four children who died young.
Henry M. Emerick, son of Elias, was born in 1854 in Lower Augusta Township, and received his early education in the public schools near his boyhood home. Later he attended Susquehanna University, at Selinsgrove, and there also he began reading medicine, under the well known Dr. J. W. Sheets, who was then located at Selinsgrove. Entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., he graduated in 1880, since which time he has been in continuous practice. He made his first location after graduating at Pottsgrove, Pa., where he remained twelve years, in 1892 removing to Milton, which has since been his home and field of practice. Dr. Emerick has won the confidence of his fellow citizens as much by his personal merits as by his medical skill, and his standing among his fellow practitioners is equally high. He holds membership in the Lycoming County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. His time has naturally been almost entirely absorbed by his professional duties, but he has served as school director at Milton, his interest in the cause of education and his high standards making him a valuable member of the board. In politics he is a Republican.
Dr. Emerick married Feb. 23, 1882, Anna M. Voris, daughter of Gilbert and Harriet (McWilliams) Voris, and granddaughter of John Voris. They have, one daughter, Harriet A., who graduated from Bucknell Seminary in 1903, and subsequently attended Lasell Seminary, at Auburndale, Massachusetts. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County,. Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 134 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

MARTIN LUTHER EMERICK, M.D., of Hickory Corners, Northumberland County, is one of the notably successful physicians of his section of Pennsylvania. He was born on the farm in Jordan Township where his boyhood days were passed, and received his early mental training in the local public schools. Later he attended the State normal school at Bloomsburg, and for one term taught public school in his home Township. He then took a special course in chemistry at the Pennsylvania State College, and later a special course at Susquehanna University, finally entering Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he pursued his medical course and graduated in 1896. His special work was in diseases of the eye, a maternity course and optics, and upon the completion of his college work he did practical work in the German hospital at Philadelphia, under the special direction of Dr. Freese, formerly a lecturer in the Royal Medical College at Berlin, Germany. In June, 1896, he passed the examination of the State Medical Council, and returning home commenced practice. He remained at the homestead for two months, since when he has been a resident of Hickory Corners, his home being out from Dalmatia (Georgetown), on the Northern Central railroad. The most conservative admit his success, from the beginning. His practice was at first a typical general country practice, until his office work became so heavy that he was compelled to give up country calls and devote his attention to those who came to him. Few young physicians have attained even local renown so quickly. Dr. Emerick has had to bring his work into the limits of a specialist on chronic diseases and as such enjoys the most extensive practice in the State. He is reputed to have few equals as a diagnostician, and his fame has spread over several States because of the large number of people whom he has cured. Yet he is a most modest, unassuming gentleman, sympathetic, liberal and great-hearted, and has performed many services gratuitously, deserving his reputation as a benefactor of suffering humanity. His patients come from all over the country, especially from the anthracite and bituminous coal fields, and as many as seventy-two people have come on one train to his office in the rural section of Lower Mahanoy Township. Dalmatia and Herndon teams and hacks have gained thriving business through his popularity. Such demands have been made upon him that in on day of twenty-three and a half hours he saw 21 patients. He buys his drugs and supplies in wholesale quantities (medicine bottles in carload lots), his store room and office presenting the appearance of a wholesale drug store. Dr. Emerick himself manufactures a remedy which has considerable fame, the noted “Ginseng Dandelion Compound” for stomach and liver troubles, which has a gigantic sale. Dr. Emerick is honored in his home community as a citizen who has few equals, for he is a high type of manhood. The business interests he has acquired have made him as influential a factor in the material prosperity of his fellow citizens as his professional work has given him prestige and personal popularity. He owns several fine farms in the Township where he lives, is interested financially in the shoe manufacturing business at Dalmatia, and also in a paint mill and the cement manufacturing industry. His largest investments, however, are in city real estate in Washington, D.C., and Carlisle, Pa. He is a man of large affairs and has accumulated considerable means. In February, 1897, Dr. Emerick married Catharine Ellen Lenker, daughter of Paul and Catharine (Garman) Lenker, and granddaughter of Jacob and Catharine (Wert) Garman. They have had three children: John Paul Luther, born Jan. 16, 1900, who died May 18, 1902; Myrtle Hannah C. A., born Jan. 5, 1904; and Emma Irene, born Feb. 1, 1909. Dr. Emerick is a member of the Junior O.U.A.M., and the M.W.A. at Dalmatia. ( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 947 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

JOSEPH EMRICK, a retired citizen of Sunbury, was born Nov. 27, 1834, in Lower Mahanoy Township, son of (John) George Emerick. Brought up to farming, he passed his early years engaged in that work at home and among the neighboring farmers. For two years he followed lime burning. In 1859 he began farming in Lower Mahanoy Township, where he lived for three years, at the end of that time moving to Rockefeller Township, where he farmed for the long period of thirty-one years, until his retirement in 1894. He has since lived in Sunbury, making his home at No. 17 Fairmount Avenue. He has taken some part in public affairs since settling there, having served three years as assessor of the Eighth ward. Mr. Emrick is a Republican in politics, and he and his family are Lutherans in religion. In 1858 Mr. Emrick married Sarah Wirt, who was born June 12, 1836, daughter of Michael Wirt, of Lower Mahanoy, and died June 19, 1904. She was the mother of ten children, viz.: (1) Henry Morris was born Aug. 29, 1858. (2) Clara Ann, born Nov. 10, 1859, died Oct. 26, 1863. (3) One daughter died in infancy. (4) a Sarah Jane, born May 8, 1863, was married Oct. 31, 1886, to J. Edward Reitz, and they have had the following children: a daughter born Sept. 20, 1887, who died the same day; Harrison Edward, born Oct. 10, 1889; Verna Viola, born March 27, 1891; a son born Aug. 20, 1894, who died the same day; Minnie Catharine, born Feb. 17, 1898, who died May 26, 1906; Lillian Martha, born Nov. 26, 1899; Martin Luther, born Feb. 17, 1904, who died March 13, 1904; and Charles Emrick, born Jan. 31, 1906. (5) Mary Magdaline was born Dec. 31, 1864. (6) Charles Lincoln, born June 26, 1866, married Sarah Isabell Raker, and their children have been born as follows: Harry Clarence, Jan. 20, 1893; Willie Charles, Feb. 3, 1895; Elmer Charles, Oct. 25, 1898; Leroy, Aug. 5, 1902; Herbert Roosevelt Nov. 12, 1904; Wesley Weber, Jan. 21, 1907 (died Aug. 4, 1907); Viola Catharine, April 11, 1908; Minnie Josephine, Oct. 23, 1909. (7) George Wirt, born Aug. 1, 1868, has two children: Ralph Obadiah, born Nov. 3, 1892, and Edith Christanna, born April 26, 1894. (8) Minnie Alice was born May 23, 1672. (9) Joseph Albert born Jan. 29, 1875, died Feb. 19, 1875. (10) A child born Aug. 22, 1878, died unnamed. On Sept. 19, 1907, Mr. Emrick married (second) Mrs. Sophronia Elizabeth (Kerstetter) Martz, widow of Daniel B. Martz, of Sunbury, by whom she had two sons, Robert S. and Arthur A. Mrs. Emrick is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Gass) Kerstetter, of Shamokin (now Ralpho) Township, and granddaughter of Philip Kerstetter, whose wife was a Slack, of Cameron Township, this county, who died at Trevorton, in Zerbe Township.( Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by J. L. Floyd Published Chicago, Ill., 1911. pg. 948 Transcribed by Tammy L. Clark)

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