FA - FR Surnames

History of Luzerne County, Pa.,

by H.C. Bradsby, 1893

C. Edward FAAS, dealer in stationery, cigars and tobacco, Freeland. This energetic young business man is a Philadelphian by birth, in which city he began his earthly existence, January 11, 1871. He is a son of Anthony J. and Mary (WEYGANDT) FAAS, who now reside in Philadelphia, the former being a native of that city, the latter of Easton, both coming of German origin. In their family there are two children, C. Edward and Bertha, the latter of whom now resides with her parents. Our subject received his education in the High School of Philadelphia, and then went into the stationery business under Chas. J. COHEN, of No. 617 Market Street, Philadelphia. From there he entered the employ of the Ledger job office as letter artist, where he remained until the summer of 1892, when he came to Freeland and established his present extensive stationery and tobacco business, in the conducting of which he commands a justly merited large public patronage. Mr. Faas was married November 5,1891, to Miss Edith DAVIS, one of Audenried’s most accomplished young ladies. Our subject is a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican Party.

Henry S. FAIRCHILD, retired, Nanticoke. This gentleman is a descendant of early pioneer families of the locality of Luzerne County. He was born March 18, 1839, in the portion of Newport township which is now a part of Nanticoke Borough, and is a son of John and Martha (LINE) FAIRCHILD. Our subject’s father, also his grandfather, Solomon FAIRCHILD, were born in Luzerne County. As far back as we are able to trace the Fairchild family, of which our subject is a member, is to three brothers of early New England stock, who lived in Connecticut. They all emigrated westward, one of them locating near the present site of Nanticoke, where he lived the remainder of his days in the unbroken wilds of the keystone State, and there reared a family, one of whom was Solomon Fairchild, grandfather of the subject of this memoir. Martha LINE, the mother of our subject, was born in Hanover Township, and was a daughter of Henry LINE, a native of New England, and who settled in Luzerne County at a time when there were more Indians than coal miners. Mr. Fairchild was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native town.

William FAIRCHILD, a prominent retired farmer, Nanticoke, was born February 7, 1837, in Newport Township, Luzerne County, and is a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (ALDEN) FAIRCHILD, both of whom were natives of this county and descendants of some of the earliest settlers of this Valley. Mr. Fairchild was educated in the common schools of his native town, and at the tender age of eight years commenced work on the canal, which business he followed until 1872. He was chiefly engaged in boating between Nanticoke and Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, and various other shipping points in the locality of Chesapeake Bay. In 1864, he commenced business for himself on the canal, and it may well be said of him that he made boating a success. Upon abandoning the canal in 1872, he purchased a farm in Hanover Township, where he resided until 1888, in which year he sold his farm and removed to Nanticoke, where he now resides in his handsome and cozy residence on West Main Street. He was one of the promoters of the First National Bank of Nanticoke, and is a present a stockholder and a director in same. In the spring of 1860, Mr. Fairchild was married to Miss Anna, daughter of John FAIRCHILD, of Newport They have had five children, viz.: Monroe, who died at the age of twenty four; Harvey, a machinist in Berwick, PA.; Edith; Edna, who is a student at the State Normal School, at Bloomsburg, PA.; and Byron. Our subject is a supporter of the Presbyterian Church; he is a member of the I.O.O.F. and in politics is a Republican.

George FAIRCLOUGH, dealer in boots and shoes, Yatesville, was born in Monmouthshire, England, December 20, 1840, and is a son of William and Fannie (HARDING) FAIRCLOUGH, natives of the same place. He received his education in his native country, and in 1863 came to the United States, residing in Tioga County, PA, nearly a year, and moving in 1864, to Yatesville, this county. He had learned his trade of shoemaking in England, but for six years after coming here he worked as a laborer in the mines of the Pennsylvania Coal Company. In 1870 he opened a workshop, now has as finely a stocked store and shop, equipped with all the latest improved machinery, as any country town in the State can boast of. Our subject was married in England June 16, 1861, to Sarah, daughter of James and Elizabeth (DANDO) GREENWOOD, natives of Gloucestershire, England, which union was blessed with ten children, eight of whom are living, as follows: Fannie, born October 31, 1862; Nellie, born April 26, 1870, married to Joseph KENNY, clerk, Binghamton, NY; Elizabeth, born December 8, 1872; Susan, born January 8, 1875; George, born June 18, 1877; Charles, born ma 30,. 1880; Alfred, born July 1, 1883, and Rena, born march 28, 1884. Our subject is a Republican, and was a member of the borough council for two terms; school director from 1885 to 1891, and was elected justice of the peace in May 1891, for a term of five years.

Jacob FALK, butcher, Wilkes-Barre, was born near Cologne, Prussia, December 8, 1831, a son of Daniel and Eva (MARCUS) FALK. He was reared and educated in Prussia where he learned the butcher’s trade, and where he served three years in the Prussian army. In 1856 he came to America and worked at his trade as a journeyman one and a half years in New York City. In the fall of 1857, he located in Wilkes-Barre, where he opened a meat market, and has since conducted a successful business. In March, 1859, Mr. Falk married Miss Helen, daughter of Lyman and Mary SULZBACHER, of Bavaria, Germany, and by her has four children: Samuel, Matilda, Sarah, and Harry. Mr. Falk is a member of the Jewish Reformed Church, of the F.& A. M., and of the I.O.O.F. Encampment and Canton; and politically he is a Democrat and served one term of three years as a member of the Wilkes-Barre city council.

Joshua FALKENBRIDGE, carpenter in the repair shop of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, at Ashley, was born in Derbyshire, England, March 1, 1839, and is a son of William and Anna (THORPE) FALKENBRIDGE, the former of whom, who was a knitter by trade, emigrated to America and died in Utah. The family consisted of six children, three of whom are living, and of them Joshua is the youngest. Our subject worked about the mines in his native country, his education having been obtained by private study, and came to America in 1866. After passing a few months with his brother in New Jersey, he went to Scranton and worked for six months on the bridge then being built at that place across the river; then was successively engaged in mining as follows: at Port Bowkley, six months; Kingston, six months; Nanticoke, one year, and then removed to Ashley where he worked in the mines until 1886, when he accepted his present position. Mr. Falkenbridge was married July 31, 1865, to Miss Benedicta, daughter of William and Benedicta (DRONFIELD) BRADLEY, in whose family there were nine children, six of whom are living, and she was the sixth. Mr. and Mrs. Falkenbridge are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is a member of the Sons of St. George. He built his present residence in 1883.

Rev.. M.J. FALLIHEE, pastor of the St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Hazle Township. This gentleman is a native of Susquehanna County, PA, born near Friedsville, August 15, 1844. He was reared on a farm, and in his early boyhood days attended the common schools of his native county. He then entered St. Joseph’s college, at Choconut, PA; later went to St. Joseph’s University, at Ottawa, Canada, where he spent one year. He then attended Niagara Univerisity, at Niagara, NY, and afterward entered upon the study of philosophy and theology, at St. Charles’ Seminary, Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the class of 1869. On September 17 1869, he was ordained at Scranton by Bishop O’Hara. He was then stationed at the cathedral at that town for a short time, when he was transferred to Eckley, at which place he was an assistant, but did not remain as such, for shortly afterward he was made pastor of that parish, which at that time included White Haven, Drifton, Jeddo and Freeland. Father Fallihee has been an unceasing worker and a thorough organizer in his church in a schoolhouse. In 1870, Hon. Eckley B. COXE donated to the congregation of these last named places six acres of land to be used for a church, cemetery, convent and parsonage, and in 1885, he made an additional donation of six acres. In 1871, St. Ann’s Church was built under the supervision of Father Fallihee. In 1881, he had completed his residence at Drifton, and removed from Eckley. In 1884, the convent was built and here the parish school has been in progress since 1886. In 1890 the congregation numbered 2,000 above the age of nine, and the Church property including convent, school and residence, was valued at $30,000. In his congregation, Father Fallihee has organized many religious and temperance societies, which have had far reaching beneficial results.

Alexander FARNHAM has a New England ancestry on both his father’s and mother’s side. The Farnhams were with the earliest of the Puritan comers to the New World. Alexander Farnham’s great-grandfather was a captain, on the American side, in the Revolutionay War, and died from the effects of hardships suffered while confined in one of the Briitsh prison-ships located in New York Harbor, and largely used by the enemy for the safe keeping of their captives during that great struggle. Alexander’s grandfather was Samuel FARNHAM, a native of New London, CT, who removed to Oxford, NY, being the first merchant in that place of whom there is any record, and who organized the first artillery company in that town. Alexander’s father, John P. FARNHAM, was born in Oxford, was educated for the practice of medicine and shortly after graduating moved to Carbondale, then in Luzerne, now in Lackawanna County, PA,., where for a time he pursued that profession; but finding that his health was not equal to its requirement, he turned his attention successfully to mercantile business He wife (the mother of Alexander) was Mary Frances STEERE, daughter of mark STEERE, of Providence, RI (later of Norwich, NY), who was a shipping merchant in the early part of the present century, and largely concerned in the West Indies trade. He was captured by the British during the War of 1812, in one of his own ships, called the "Cornet," and imprisoned on the island of Jamaica for many months, his release being finally effected by a decision that the ship, when taken, was in neutral waters, and therefore not subject to rightful capture. Alexander Farnham was born in Carbondale January 12, 1834, and his general education was acquired at Madison Academy, Waverly, PA, and at Wyoming Seminary. He was prepared for the practice of the law at the National Law School at Ballston, Sps, NY, and in the office of FULLER & HARDING, in Wilkes-Barre. He was just twenty one years and one day old, when on January 14, 1855, he was formally admitted to practice in the Luzerne Courts. Mr. Farnham is a Republican in politics, and was district attorney of Luzerne County, through the favor of that party, from 1874 to 1877. He filled the position with ability, and to the satisfaction of the people of the county. Several times he has been prominently spoken of for judicial honors, and when the new county of Lackawanna was formed out of Luzerne, was solicited by a large number of the leading Republicans to become their candidate for the president judgeship, but declined. It is not doubted that, had he been at all anxious, he might long ago have occupied a seat upon the bench, or have represented his district in Congress. He was one of the most active of the Blaine adherents in the Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1880. He has served as director of the public schools of Wilkes-Barre (in the old Third District), and in the city council occupying in the latter body the position of chairman of the committee on law and ordinances. He was also delegate to the Republican National Convention at Minneapolis in 1892. He is now president of the bar association of Luzerne County, having been elected in the fall of 1892 to succeed Hon. A. T. McCLINTOCK (deceased), who was its first and only president from the time of its incorporation in 1867. July 18, 1865, he married Augusta, daughter of the late Rev. John DORRANCE, who was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Wilkes-Barre, from August, 1833, until he died in 1861; his degree was conferred by Princeton College. Rev. John Dorrance’s grandfather was Rev. Samuel DORRANCE, a graduate of the university of Glasgow, Scotland, who emigrated to America in 1722, and preached at Volnatown, CT, until he died, fifty-three years later. Mr. and Mrs. Farnham have three children--two sons and one daughter.

James FARRELL, retired miner, Plains, was born in County Longford, Ireland and is a son of James and Rose (FOX) FARRELL. The father was thrice married, and had in all twenty-one children; the last family consisting of six children, of whom James is the second. Our subject came to America in the spring of 1846, and after remaining in Brooklyn two months, engaged in mining at Wilkes-Barre, where he remained four years; he was then employed in mining in Schuylkill County, two years; in North Carolina, one year, and then returned to Wilkes-Barre, in which vicinity he has since remained and was engaged in mining until he retired from active life. Mr. Farrell was married July 10, 1854, to Miss Catherine, daughter of John and Ellen (LINES) FARRELL, natives of County Longford, Ireland, and this happy union has been blessed with eleven children, viz.: Ellen, born Mary 24, 1855, married to Edward MILOT, of Scranton; James J., born October 19, 1856, was educated in the common schools at Plains, Niagara University, and the Montreal Thelogical Seminary (he was ordained in December, 1886, and after acting as curate at Freeland, PA, for a short time, he was appointed pastor of the Catholic Church at Friendsville, PA, where he is now located; he has had the degree of D.D. conferred upon him); Mary E., born January 8, 1859, married to J.J. WISLEY; John C., born October 7, 1861, traveling salesman for Wallace ELLIOTT, of New York, and A.B. NOYS, of Georgetown, Mass., with sample rooms in the Welles Building, Wilkes-Barre; Garret R. born August 10, 1863, engaged in the hardware business, Plains,; Frank A., born June 19,1865, for several years was in charge of the drug-store of O.B. MacKNIGHT, Plains, and is now a student at Jefferson Medical College; Thomas, born February 20, 1867, died August 17, 1868;Catharine, born November 21, 1868; William L., born August 22, 1870, is engaged with John C., they together having charge of the State of Pennsylvania; Lawrence deceased in infancy; and Margaret A., born May 21, 1876. Mr. Farrell and family are members of the Catholic Church, and Democratic in their political views.

James FARRELL, miner in the Delaware Shaft, Plains, was born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1842, and is a son of James and Bridget (KEENAN) FARRELL, the former of whom was a farmer. They reared a family of seven children, viz: Catherine, who died in New Orleans at the age of twenty-five years; Thomas, a farmer in Ireland; Christopher, a miner in Plains; James, the subject of this sketch; Patrick, a farmer in Ireland; and John and Martin, stock-raisers about 200 miles from Buenos Ayres, South America. Our subject came to America in 1866, and locating in Plains, PA, where he railroaded two years, labored in the mines nine years, and has been mining since 1876. During the years 1873-5 he traveled through the west as far as Omaha. Mr. Farrell was married, September 20, 1874, to Miss Mary, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (DAVIN) DAILEY, natives of Ireland, and they have eight children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Catherine, Mary A., Matthew, James, Ann, Agnes and John W. Mr. Farrell and family are members of the Catholic Church; he is a member of the Father Mathew Society, and in politics he is a Democrat. His uncle, Thomas FARRELL, was a soldier in the Mexican War. Mr. Farrell purchased his present residence and removed therein in 1875.

WILLIAM H. FAULDS, physician, Luzerne, was born in Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., January 20, 1845, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (WAGNER) FAULDS, the former of whom was of Scotch descent, the latter of German. Our subject was educated and reared in Columbia county, Pa., and at the age of eighteen years began the study of medicine under the tutorship of Dr. THOMPSON, of Danville, Pa. He soon afterward entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the class of ’76, and not long thereafter located at Luzerne, where he has since enjoyed a large practice. In the medical fraternity he invokes much respect. He was the presiding officer of the Luzerne County Medical Society, for the year 1891, and is a member of the American Medical Society. Dr. FAULDS has been twice married, first in 1869, to Miss Mary, daughter of Richard THOMPSON, and by her he had one child, Bertha, who is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary, class of ’90, and who at present resides with her father. Mrs. Mary (THOMPSON) FAULDS died in 1872, and the Doctor’s second wife is Mary Ella, daughter of James and Christiana (YORKS) CURRY, natives of Pennsylvania. One child, Agnes L., born October 2, 1883, is the fruit of this union. The Doctor in church connection is a Presbyterian; socially he is a member of the F. & A. M. and of the P. O. S. of A.; in politics he votes the Republican ticket.

REUBEN FAUX, carpenter and foreman, Knelly’s Planing-mill, Conyngham, was born in Hollenback township, this county, March 31, 1842, a son of Michael and Mary (EROH) FAUX. His father, who was a native of Prussia, came to America in 1830, first locating in North Carolina, later he removed to Quakake, Schuylkill Co., Pa., after which he resided in Jeansville, this county, nine years, and has been a permanent resident of Hollenback township since 1855, where he has been engaged in farming, though by trade a carpenter. His wife was a daughter of Mathias and Mary (BOYER) EROH, pioneers of Hollenback township, and by her he had seven children who grew to maturity: Catherine (Mrs. Samuel SWOORTWOOD), Reuben, John, Richard, William, Frank and Michael. Our subject was reared in Luzerne county, and served an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter’s trade, which he has followed since 1869. Has been a resident of Conyngham since 1877, and held his present position since 1880. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting August, 1862, in Company F, One hundred and Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, as well as all the engagements of Sherman’s army when on the march to the sea, and was at Johnston’s surrender. Mr. FAUX was honorably discharged June 5, 1865. In that year he married Susan A., daughter of Daniel and Lydia (FLICKINGER) SPAIDE, of Sugar Loaf township, and he has seven children: Horace U., Cora, Ezra W., Mary E., Bessie, Levi C. and Elwood R. Our subject’s second wife was Mrs. Lydia (ULRICH) VOGLIE, of Conyngham. Mr. FAUX is a member of the M. E. Church, and of the G. A. R.; in politics he is a Republican.

GEORGE FEAR, Eckley. This gentleman, who is foreman of the machine department for Coxe Bros. & Co. at Eckley and Stockton, is a native of Germany, and was born April 2, 1854. His parents came to America, locating at Hazleton before he was two years old; the father died in 1886; the mother now resides at Wenton. At the age of seven our subject commenced picking slate at Stockton, and later worked inside. At sixteen he learned cabinet making; then served his time at pattern making, and later worked at the trade of machinist. His first machine work was for J. Leisenring & Co., at Eckley, and after remaining there a short time he went to Black Ridge, where he took charge of the work for eighteen months; then, in 1886, accepted his present position. Mr. FEAR was married November 24, 1883, to Miss Emma SHELHAMMER, of Rock Island, Ill., and they have four children, viz.: Thomas, Frank, Eva and Carrie. Mr. FEAR is a member of the F. & A. M., the American Legion of Honor, and in his politics is a Republican.

M. FEATHERSTON, mine contractor, was born in County Kildare, Ireland, July 4, 1858, a son of James and Kate FEATHERSTON, natives of Ireland. They came to America in 1869, settling in Wilkes-Barre, where the father engaged in the market business until 1885. The family consisted of the following children: Arthur, Thomas, Eliza (Mrs. Hugh NOLAN), Joseph, James (deceased), Mary (deceased), John (deceased), Michael, Anna (Mrs. C. NOLAN) and Arthur. Our subject was reared in Ireland and England, and was eleven years of age when he came to Wilkes-Barre with his parents. He received a limited education in the common schools, began life in 1869, in the mines as a breaker-boy and later worked as driver-car runner, loader and miner. He has since followed mining and contracting on a small scale, and since 1882 has been in control of gang work. In 1882, Mr. FEATHERSTON married Miss Anna, daughter of Con and Annora (HUGHES) McMUNNIGEL, of Wilkes-Barre, and has two children, Kate and Anna. He is a member of the Catholic Church, also of the A. O. of H., Board of America. In politics he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM A. FEIST, White Haven, editor and proprietor of the White Haven Journal, was born October 24, 1857, a son of Albert and Delilah J. (TAYLOR) FEIST, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, of German and English origin, respectively. Our subject, who is the eldest in a family of three children, was educated in the common schools of White Haven, and at the age of fifteen beame a clerk in the general store of Kleckner & Schuler, where he was regularly employed for nearly three years. He subsequently entered the postoffice as clerk, where he remained three years, and in the fall of 1879 he purchased the plant of the White Haven Standard, and, changing the name to Journal, has since issued his paper once a week. It is a seven-column folio paper, bright and newsy, published every Saturday morning, and enjoys a large circulation. Mr. FEIST does a large show-printing business, doing work for four circuses, and a dozen or more theatrical troupes. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and Royal Arcanum, and in politics is a Republican.

DANIEL ACKLEY FELL, attorney at law, Wilkes-Barre, was born in that city November 23, 1858, a son of Daniel A. and Elizabeth (GRAY) FELL. His first paternal ancestor in America was Joseph FELL (a son of John and Margaret FELL), who was born October 19, 1768 at Longlands, county of Cumberland, England, and came to America in 1705, settling in Bucks county, Pa. The paternal grandparents of subject were Jacob and Mary (ACKLEY) FELL, the former of whom was a son of Amos and Elizabeth (JACKSON) FELL, all among the pioneers of Luzerne county. Amos was a son of Thomas and Hane (KIRK) FELL, and Thomas was a son of Joseph FELL above mentioned. Daniel Ackley FELL, father of our subject, was born at Pittston, Pa. May 29, 1817, and is an architect, contractor and builder. He has superintended the erection of many of the principal buildings of Wilkes-Barre, among them being the present courthouse and the "Wyoming Valley Hotel," and for several years he was master builder for the Lehigh & Susquehanna division of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, having succeeded to that position from: first, the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company; second the Lehigh & Susquehanna Railroad Company, then the Lehigh & Susquehanna division of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. His wife was a native of Wilkes-Barre, and a daughter of Alexander GRAY, born in Aberdee, Scotland, in 1804, whose wife was Jane RUSSELL, a native of Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In 1832 his maternal grandfather settled in Wilkes-Barre, and superintended the works of Baltimore Coal Company, holding this position until 1862, when he opened Hollenback Mines; he later began mining operations in Schuylkill county, Pa., and subsequently removed to Princeton, N. J., where he died. D. A. FELL, Sr., is the father of two children living, Daniel A., Jr., and Alexander, a prominent physician of Wilkes-Barre. The subject of this sketch was reared in Wilkes-Barre, educated in the public schools of his native city, at Wyoming Seminary (Kingston), at Lawrenceville (New Jersey) High School, from which he graduated in 1878; at the Wilkes-Barre Academy, and at Princeton College, where he was graduated in 1883. He read law with E.G. BUTLER, Esq., and was admitted to the Luzerne county bar July 27, 1885, and immediately began the practice of the profession in Wilkes-Barre, where he still resides, and is now serving his first term as councilman of the city. Mr. FELL married, October 18, 1888, Frances L., daughter of Arnold and Adelia A. (STEVENS) BERTELS, of Wilkes-Barre, and has one son living, named Harold.

HARVEY EDGAR FELL, engraver, Wilkes-Barre, was born in that city March 16, 1862 and is a son of Henry Nicholas and Elizabeth (BEISSEL) FELL. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Nicholas FELL, formerly of Easton, Pa., was at one time a resident of Luzerne county. He was supposed to be a descendant of Joseph FELL, formerly of England, who settled in Bucks county, Pa., in 1705. The father of the subject of this sketch is a native of Northampton county, Pa.; he is a wheelwright by trade, and has spent most of his life in Wilkes-Barre. His wife was a native of the Conyngham Valley, and by her he has had eight children: Alice (Mrs. Fred B. FREGANS) Clara, Harvey E., Milton (deceased), Charles, Mary, and John and Josephino (twins). Our subject was reared in his native city, educated in public schools, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the engraving tarde with T.C. PARKER, Esq., of Wilkes-Barre, with whom he afterward worked seven years as a journeyman. In 1890 he embarked in business for himself, in which he has since continued. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre, and in politics is independent.

CHARLES M. FELTER, manager of Miner & Co.’s Flour and Feedmill, Plymouth, was born at Exeter, Luzerne Co., Pa., January 11, 1859, and is a son of Daniel and Nancy (DICHINSON) FELTER, natives of Pennsylvania. There were eight children in the FELTER family, the subject of this sketch being the fifth in order of birth. He was educated in the public schools of Luzerne county, and at an early age began work in and about the mines. He then took a position as fireman, in which he continued until a position was offered him by Miner & Co., as a shipping clerk. This position he filled for four years, at the end of which time he came to Plymouth and took charge of the large feed and flourmill, which is now under his management. Mr. FELTER was married December 2, 1879, to Martha J., daughter of Edwin K. and Eliza M. (PHILO) TOWNSEND, natives of Pennsylvania. Five children have blessed this union, viz: Lela B., Edith and Emma (twins), Willard E. and Anna M. Mr. FELTER was elected assessor of Plains township for two terms in succession, on the Republican ticket; he and his family are members of the Methodist Church.

JAMES K. P. FENNER, insurance and real estate agent, Ashley, was born in Shawnee, Monroe County. Pa., July 20, 1844, son of Abraham and Catherine (SMOKE) FENNER, natives of Pennsylvania, and of early German origin. His father, who was a stonemason by trade, and later a farmer, reared a family of fifteen childre, three of whom died in infancy. The others were: Mary A. (Mrs. Josiah COLEMAN, of Howell, Mich.); Hiram, a retired tailor in Bucyrus, Ohio; George W., carpenter and contractor, also in Bucyrus (he was a veteran of the Mexican War); Benjamin P., contractor, in Elmira, N. Y.; Susan (deceased wife of James H. PRICE, of Henryville, Pa.); David (deceased), a physician; Amanda (Mrs. Philip W. CYPHERS, Wilkes-Barre); Sarah (Mrs. John B. WALLACE, Ashley); William, who was the predecessor of his brother as justice of the peace, and who was for twelve years deputy prothonotary and clerk of the courts of Luzerne county (he died in Ashley at the age of fifty-three years); Catherine (Mrs. Eldwood GARDNER, Ashley); James K. P., and John W.., a commission merchant in Wilkes-Barre, with residence in Ashley. Our subject received a common school education, and afterward taught school in Monroe county for two years. In 1863 he came to Wilkes-Barre, where he clerked in a drug-store for three years, and thence coming to Ashley, and engaging in a general mercantile business for seventeen years, after which he embarked in his present business. In 1882 he built the portion of FENNER’s BLOCK, known as the "hotel block," and the rest, adjoining and including his residence, in 1885. Mr. FENNER was married September 7, 1870, to Miss. Caroline P., daughter of J. Turvey and Marilla (PETTIBONE) FELLOWS, of Scranton, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English origin. The issue of this union was five children, viz: James, Carrie May, George L., Samuel R., and Charles A., who died at the age of five months. Our subject and his family worship at the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and the K. of H., and a democrat in his political views. On February 27, 1890, Governor PATTISON appointed him justice of the peace to succeed his brother, William, to which the office he was duly elected in 1891; he has also held the commission of notary public, about twenty years; in 1891 he was elected burgess of Ashley, being re-elected in 1892. He has also been a member of the school board and council, and served as postmaster from 1885 to 1889.

JOHN W. FENNER, wholesale produce merchant, Wilkes-Barre, residing on Ross street, Ashley, was born in Shawnee, Monroe Co., Pa., June 27, 1846, and is a son of Abraham and Catherine (SMOKE) FENNER. He was educated in the public school of his native town, and the Delaware Water Gap Academy; he then taught school two years in Monroe county and one year in Luzerne county, after which he clerked in the company store at the Franklin Mines three years, and in the store of his brother James, at Ashley, six years. He then served as deputy warden of Luzerne county prison, three years, after which he engaged in the hardware business in Ashley as the junior partner of Florey, Dreher & Co., and in 1881 engaged in his present business, which he has since successfully followed. Mr. FENNER was married November 5, 1874, to Miss Emma KING, daughter of Levi and Julia (GREENAMAYER) KING, natives of Monroe county and Holland, respectively; the KING family have been in this country for many generations. Mr. And Mrs. FENNER have had four children: Edwin K., Warren B., Ernest, who died at the age of five and a half years, and Nellie. This gentleman is a member of the F. & A. M.; he is a Democrat in his political views, and has been a member of the council in Ashley borough.

JOHN A. FENSTERMACHER, farmer, P.O. Breach Haven, was born in Salem township, September 13, 1846, and is a son of John and Susan (HESS) FENSTERMACHER. His paternal grandfather, John FENSTERMACHER, formerly of Lehigh county, Pa., was one of the pioneers of Salem township, and his wife was Mary ANDRESS, by whom he had nine children: George, John, Susan (Mrs. Michael HESS), Julia A. (Mrs. William WEISS), Polly (Mrs. Jacob HASNACHT), Nancy (Mrs. Andrew SEELY), Kate (Mrs. Andrew SEELY), Sarah (Mrs. Siles RUMBACH), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Catline STOOKEY.) The father of our subject was a native of Conyngham township, and was a blacksmith by trade, which occupation he followed for many years in Salem township, in connection with farming. He has been a resident of that township for seventy-five years, and is still living, now in his eightieth year. His wife was a daughter of Jeremiah and Catherine (FENSTERMACHER) HESS. Our subject, who was an only child, was reared in Salem township, where he has always resided; was educated in the commons schools and New Columbus Academy, and has followed farming. He married February 23, 1868, Elizabeth, daughter of Francis and Hannah (CROLL) MIFFLIN, of Salem township, and has five children: Minnie E. Fred H., Lizzie, John and Grace. Mr. FENSTERMACHER is a member of the German Reformed Church; is a Democrat in politics, and has been constable of Salem township nine years.

Irwin E Finch, coal and iron police, Lehigh & Wilkes Barre Coal Company, was born in Wilkes Barre February 20, 1845, a son of Silas and Minerva (Horton) Finch. He paternal grandfather, Darius Finch, a native of New York State, and a stone mason by trade, settled in Wilkes Barre in 1882, where he resided until his death. Silas Finch, his son, was also a stone mason by occupation, and has been a resident of Wilkes Barre since 1822. He has reared a family of five children, namely: Edwin, Deborah (Mrs. William Stevens), Emily (Mrs. P. L. Hoover), Irwin E., and Ada ( Mrs. Elgin May). Irwin E Finch was reared and educated in Wilkes Barre and is a plasterer by trade, which occupation he followed for ten years. For six years he has been in the employ of The Lehigh & Wilkes Barre Coal Company, as coal & iron police. He enlisted April 16 1861, in Co. F, 8^th P.V., and was honorably discharged after three months of service. He re-enlisted August 16^th 1864 in Co. A, 52^nd P.V., as 4^th Sergeant, and was honorably discharged as 2^nd Sergeant in November 1864. During the years 1875-1886 he a member of the Wilkes Barre Police Force. In 1868 he married Marilla, daughter of David and Sarah (Preston) Wise, of Wilkes Barre and has four children living, Viz.: Williston W., Bertram K., Anna and Monroe. He is a member of the G.A.R., and in politics is a Rebulican.

GEORGE W. FISHER, proprietor of the "Beach Haven Hotel," Beach Haven, was born in Northumberland county, Pa., a son of Jacob Fisher, and of German descent. He was reared in his native county, and is a millwright by trade, which occupation he followed sixteen years. In 1852, he settled in Salem township, where he has since resided. He helped to erect the "Old Josiah Beach Gristmill" (since burned down), and which he operated in 1854-5, after which he was engaged in the grocery and canal supplies businesses for several years. In 1856, he built a hotel at Beach Haven, which burned down in 1857, but he rebuilt same year, and has since been engaged in that line of business. On January 18, 1852, he married Caroline E. Nolf, of Salem township, by whom he has four children, viz.: Anna M. (Mrs. Dr. William Morris), Lydia (Mrs. Michael Frett), Ellen (Mrs. John White), and Margaret. Mr. Fisher is a member of the F. & A. M., and he is a Republican.

HENRY I. FISHER, salesman, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Gordal, Staffordshire, England, December 21, 1851, and is a son of Isaac and Maria (Marinin) Fisher. They came to America in 1853, and located in Nesquehoning, Carbon Co., Pa., where the father engaged in mining and died in August, 1891. His children who grew to maturity were five, viz.: Anna I. (Mrs. B.F. Holvey), Henry I., George, Maria (Mrs. R.L. Thomas) and Hannah (Mrs. John Cox). Our subject was reared from the age of two years in Carbon county, where he received a common school education, and at the age of fourteen began work about the mines, where he was employed in various capacities until 1873. He then engaged in the greengrocery trade at Nesquehoning, continuing until 1876, when he located in Wilkes-Barre, where he has since resided; up to 1880 he was helper in a blacksmith shop; was for two years in the book and sewing machine business, and since 1882 has been employed as salesman in a leading tea house of his city. Mr. Fisher was twice married; his first wife was Elda Barnes. She dying, he married, for his second wife, Effie M., daughter of Jesse and Louisa (Squier) Silvius, of Susquehanna county, Pa., and by her he had three children: Edna M., who died May 29, 1892; George S. and Emma L. Mr. Fisher is a member of the M. E. Church, and of the Y.M.C.A. In politics he is a Republican.

Patrick FISHER, tax collector, Nanticoke, was born in Donegal, Ireland, and is a son of Hugh and Ann (Scanlan) Fisher. Our subject was educated in the national schools of Ireland, and at the age of twenty-four came to America, locating at Summit Hill, Carbon Co., Pa., and began working in the mines. Here he remained about eighteen months, when he removed to Trenton, N.J., where he was engaged as an iron worker, remaining from January 1, 1867, until June, 1871. He then came to Nanticoke, and engaged in mining in the employ of the Susquehanna Coal Company until August, 1866, where he was elected tax collector of Nanticoke, which office he has since held by reelection; he was also assessor during the year 1888. Mr. Fisher was united in marriage, July 16, 1865, with Miss Ellen Sweeney, of Summit Hill, and they have six children, viz.: Miles, Mary, Hugh, Margaret, James, and Patrick. Mr. Fisher and his family are members of the Catholic Church; in politics he is a Democrat.

Mrs. Lydia FISK, widow of the late S.A. Fisk, farmer, Sweet Valley, was born in Exeter township November 26, 1842, a daughter of Israel and Maria Letteer. S.A. Fisk was born at Abington, where he was reared and educated. He was a son of Welcome Fisk, a native of Rhode Island, and removed to this county about 1847. He located in Ross township, near the North Mountain, where he purchased 150 acres of woodland, out of which has been produced, by the combined efforts of himself and sons and grandsons, a most beautiful and productive farm. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk were married in 1863, and they had eight children, seven of whom are living: Ida M., Loxley W., Alfred M., Sarah R., Dora R., Alice B. and Sydney D. Of these, Ida M. married Steven D. Lord. Mr. Fisk was an active man and a practical farmer, enjoying the full confidence of his fellow citizens. He held several township offices with credit. He died September, 1890, aged fifty years. His widow is a most estimable woman, carrying on the farm with the aid of her sons, two of whom are young men.

ANDREW FITZSIMMON, stable boss at No. 6 Colliery, Inkerman, Jenkins township, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1842, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (McDermot) Fitzsimmon. The father, who came to America about 1857, worked in New York City thirteen years, and then removed to Pittston, Pa., where he died in 1877, being survived three years by his widow. The family consisted of six children, one of whom died in Ireland, and four are yet living, viz.: Mary, Walter, Ann, and Andrew. Our subject embarked in life working about the mines of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, doing all the various kinds of work, and was promoted to his present position in 1880, when he removed to Inkerman. Mr. Fitzsimmon was married November 3, 1887, to Miss Maria Langan, who was born February 2, 1857, a daughter of Patrick and Catherine (Langan) Langan, natives of Ireland. Our subject and wife have two children, Walter and Andrew. Mr. Fitzsimmon and family are members of the Catholic Church. He is a member of the Father Mathew Society, and in his political views is a Democrat.

THOMAS J. FITZSIMMONS, jeweler, Pittston. Distinction and universal recognition is attained by some men through the efforts of their political friends; others become subjects of public notice by virtue of the unavoidable drifts of circumstances which force them to be factors in mighty national or social events. But there is a class of men who, by their own constant efforts and their high standard of intellectual acquisitions, justly merit the praise and admiration of the whole world. These are the inventors, the mechanical geniuses, who have made the nineteenth century the great epoch of electricity. In this list of marvelous men the name of Thomas J. Fitzsimmons may appropriately be recorded. He was born at Pittston, January 17, 1865, and is a son of Simon and Hannah (Cawley) Fitzsimmons, natives of Ireland. He attended the public schools of Pittston, and from his early childhood evinced a strong desire for the use of tools, and for mechanical work of all kinds. When he was but a mere child he would frequent some workshop, and there would spend all his leisure hours instead of at play. He would get watches and clocks and repair them, make his own tools, etc. At the age of fifteen he began the construction of the celebrated "Fitzsimmons Automatic Clock," which in its mechanical construction was certainly astonishing, ranking second to none of the great mechanical wonders of the age. He was about seven years engaged in its construction, for it was a tedious piece of work, and he made every piece in the whole structure with his own hands. The clock was about eleven feet in height and eight feet wide, and, along with its complicated machinery for recording time, numerous automatons representing various characters performed their several offices with more than human precision. Among them was a train of cars which at regular intervals dashed along a railroad – the movements of the engine and car wheels being perfect. At the approach of the train a gate-tender came out of his shanty, lowered the safety gates, and after the train passed hoisted them and again returned into the shanty. Stars rose and fell, and the movements of the sun and moon were correctly imitated. The clock kept perfect record of the minutes, hours, weeks, months and years until 9,999, thus necessitating an extensive and nice calculation in adjusting the requisite wheels, cogs, pulleys, etc. The clock was completed January 10, 1890, and the next day its inventor placed it on exhibition at Pittston, where its movements were witnessed by thousands of people. After showing it for a week at this place, Mr. Fitzsimmons started on a tour through the principal towns of the country, where he purposed placing it on exhibition. His trip was most successful; but just as he was fast earning a fortune from the clock upon which he had labored so long, and which he loved so well, disaster overtook him. At Owego, N.Y., March 9, 1890, the building in which the clock was on exhibition was destroyed by fire, and the result of his seven years’ thought and labor was reduced to ashes. The disaster almost rendered him disconsolate, and for a time it seemed as if malicious fate had conspired to rob him of that which his genius had called into existence. Shortly after the destruction of the clock he returned to Pittston and engaged in the jewelry and watchmaking business, in which he has since enjoyed a lucrative public patronage. Mr. Fitzsimmons was united in marriage October 27, 1891, with Miss Sarah J. Rielley, an accomplished young lady of Pittston.

MARTIN FLANAGAN, miner, Kingston, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in March, 1826, and is a son of John and Mary (Welsh) Flanagan, both of whom were also born in that county. They were honest and industrious farmers, and lived and died in their native isle. They reared a family of three children, two of whom are now living: Bridget and Martin; the former is still a resident of Ireland. The latter, the subject of this sketch, emigrated to this country in 1857, and located in Pittston, soon removing to Wilkes-Barre, and thence to Kingston township, where he has since resided. He was thirty years of age when he came to this country, and has followed mining continuously from that time to this, during which period he has met with no serious accidents. In 1867 Mr. Flanagan purchased a lot on Prindle Hill, and was the first man who built on that place. He now enjoys a beautiful home, the result of hard, honest, faithful and persistent toil. In 1867 he married Miss Sarah, daughter of John Kelly, and they have had nine children, five of whom are living: Charles, Martin, Mary, Joseph and James. Mr. Flanagan is a member of the Emerald Society. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church; Martin, Jr., is a member of one of their benevolent societies. Politically our subject is a Democrat.

MICHAEL J. FLANLEY, stationary engineer, Ashley, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, March 27, 1859, a son of John and Catherine (McCarty) Flanley. The family came to America in 1866, preceded one year by the father, and located in Hanover township. There were four children, viz.: Mary (Mrs. George Evans), Catherine (Mrs. Edward Casey), Michael J. and John. Our subject was educated in Ireland and in Ashley, and at the age of nine years began picking slate in the breaker, where he has since worked, doing every kind of work but mining, and has occupied his present position for eight years. In 1886 he built the "Hanover House," which he still owns. He is a member of the Catholic Church; a Democrat in his political views.

HON. JOHN T. FLANNERY, Pittston. In glancing over the many young men of Luzerne county, whose industry and ability have ushered them into the front rank of enterprise, we find the subject of this memoir to be one of the most conspicuous figures. Pittston is his native town, having been born there June 24, 1862. His parents, Patrick and Mary (Kelly) Flannery, natives of Ireland, now reside at Pittston, where the family is well-known and highly respected. Our subject, not unlike the average boy of the anthracite coal regions, at a very early age experienced real life on the culm bank and in the breaker, where shrewdness is developed and a knowledge of worldly affairs prematurely acquired. He attended the public schools of Pittston till he became well advanced in years, when he entered the Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, where he was graduated in the class of 1886. He then embarked in the insurance business, and has since been very extensively engaged in that line. On April 12, 1881, before he had reached the age of twenty, he enlisted in Company C, Ninth Regiment N.G.P., and was honorably discharged, by reason of the disbandment of the company November 28, 1882. On May 28, 1883, he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Regiment N.G.P., and in the following August he was appointed first sergeant; on September 1, 1887, he was elected captain of the company. The Captain is well known in military circles as a very popular officer in the National Guard; and it may be here said that his company is the best-drilled military body in the Ninth Regiment; they took first honors in the regiment competitive drill in 1888-9 and ’90, every soldier in the company being a qualified marksman. In 1888 they won the regimental trophy for company marksmanship, and in 1888 the Captain won the colonel’s badge by the highest score in the regiment. In 1890 Mr. Flannery was elected representative of the Fifth District with a majority of seven hundred, by the Democratic party, which office he has ably and honorably filled. He was secretary of the Pittston borough council from 1885-90; was chairman of the Democratic borough committee from 1887 to 1890, and in 1891 was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention. He is a member of the A.O.H., and in 1892 was a delegate to the National Convention of that order at New Orleans. On February 24, 1892, Capt. Flannery was united in marriage with Miss Bridget Tigue, one of Pittston’s most accomplished young ladies.

DR. EDWARD C. FLETCHER (deceased) was at the time of his death a resident of Plymouth, and was one of the most prominent physicians in the borough. He was born at Netherton, Staffordshire, England, July 3, 1843, and received his education at Townsend House School, Kidderminster. At the age of seventeen he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Durur, of Dudley, Worcestershire, England, continuing with him five years, at the expiration of which term he entered Queen’s College, Birmingham, England, and successfully passed his preliminary examination, prior to attending the course of lectures. In August, 1866, he came to America, locating at Scranton, Pa., and in November, 1866, he opened an office at Hyde Park where he practiced until 1871. About this time he was married to a daughter of William Pierson, of Scranton, and removed to Providence, Pa., where after eighteen months of wedded life, death claimed the partner he had chosen, and his home was made desolate. He soon afterward came to Plymouth and opened an office, where he built up a large practice, in the meantime making many friends, who were ever ready to serve him. He was married, the second time, July 16, 1874, to Miss Mary, daughter of George P. and Sarah (Thomas) Richards, pioneers of Plymouth, and four children blessed this union, viz.: Sally (deceased), George P., Richards Edward, and William Challingsworth. The Doctor was a stanch Republican; the family were members of the Episcopal Church. He was at one time a leader of the Sons of St. George, and although a patriotic American, yet he believed in recognizing and remembering the land that gave him birth. His death occurred May 10, 1890, and he will long be remembered as one of Plymouth’s intelligent, prominent and liberal-minded citizens.

PATRICK E. FLOOD, salesman, P.O. Ashley, was born in County Meath, Ireland, Janaury 15, 1856, a son of Patrick and Mary (O’Neill) Flood, who came to America in 1863, locating at Ashley, this county, where the father resided until his death, which occurred in 1886. Their children were six in number: Patrick E., John, Edward, Catharine (Mrs. Michael Devenay), Anne (Mrs. A.F. McGuire, now deceased) and Ellen (Mrs. James Bennan). Our subject was reared at Ashley from seven years of age; he was educated at Susquehanna Collegiate Institute, Towanda, Pa., and Wyoming Seminary, Kingston. He began his business career in 1883, as a teacher in the common schools, which occupation he followed until 1890, and has since been employed as salesman by the leading school furniture companies of the United States. He married, November 25, 1885, Mary A., daughter of Philip and Mary (Masterson) Riley, of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Flood is a member of the Catholic Church; in politics he is a Democrat.

Frank FLYNN, merchant, Plains, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, August 15, 1851, and is a son of James and Celia (Laden) Flynn, the former of whom was a farmer. They reared a family of eight children, three of whom are living, and Frank is the seventh. Our subject came to America with his mother and sister in 1854, and located at Port Griffith, where they remained three years; then removed to Midvale at the time that vicinity was a forest. Here our subject obtained a common school education, and at an early age began working about the mines; he did all the various kinds of work including twelve years mining, chiefly at Midvale. In 1872 he embarked in the mercantile business at Port Bowkley, and built his present place of business, and removed thereto in 1875. Mr. Flynn was married, July 11, 1869, to Bridget, daughter of Michael and Mary (Flynn) Flynn, natives of County Sligo, Ireland, and they have three children, Thomas, Francis J., and Michael. Our subject and family are members of the Catholic Church; he is a Democrat in his political views, and has held the office of assessor in Plains township.

Thomas FLYNN, miner, Port Blanchard, was born in Port Griffith, Luzerne Co., PA., March 26, 1860, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Figue) Flynn, of the same place, natives of County Mayo, Ireland, who reared a family of nine children, of whom Thomas is fifth in order of birth. Our subject received his education in the common schools, and in 1872 went to work as a slate-picker in the mines. In 1875 he worked as driver, in 1877 as laborer, and has been employed as a miner by the Pennsylvania Coal Company since 1882. Mr. Flynn was united in marriage December 27, 1887, with Mary J., daughter of Michael and Mary (Walsh) O'Brien, of Port Griffith, natives of County Mayo, Ireland, and their union has been blessed with the following-named children: Frank, born November 19, 1888; Esther, born April 30, 1890, and Marie, born July 16, 1891. Our subject is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1881 was elected assessor of his township for a period of three years.

Elwin D. FOGEL, Wilkes-Barre, was born at Pennsville, October 31, 1863, and is the eighth son of Joseph Fogel, a native of Whitehall, this State. Our subject was educated in the public schools of his native place, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed at Whitehall for a short time. In 1883 he came to Wilkes-Barre, and secured employment, with W.H. Pethick, the contractor, and for the past six years hs occupied the responsible position of foreman for that gentleman. He is one of the most expert wood-workers in this section, and specimens of his art are to be seen in the new People's Bank of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Fogel was married December 25, 1883, to Mary J. Hummel, a daughter of William Hummel, of Kreidersville, Pa. Mr. Fogel owns a cozy residence on Moyallen street, Wilkes-Barre.

Patrick J. FOLEY, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., May 17, 1847, a son of Owen and Alice (Tininons) Foley, natives of County Kilkenny, Ireland. His parents came to America in 1845 and settled in Minersville, Pa., where his father engaged in mining, and where he died. Their children numbered six: Patrick, Joseph, Michael, David, Mary (Mrs. Adam Boyer), and Luke. Our subject was reared in Minersville, and received a limited education in the common schools. When eight years old he began life in the breaker, and from 1855 to 1861 was employed as slate-picker and driver. July 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers (afterward Ninety-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers), and after serving three years was honorably discharged. May 5, 1864, he was wounded in the right arm in the battle of the Wilderness. From 1864 to 1879 he was employed in the mines. He has been a resident of Luzerne county since 1871, and in 1879 was elected justice of the peace of Wilkes-Barre township, serving one term of five years. In 1889 he was appointed notary public by Governor Beaver, confirmed by the Senate, and still holds the office. From 1884 to 1892 he was engaged in the liquor business. He was married, March 14, 1883, to Rose, daughter of Hiram and Mary (Davis) Freeman, of Wright township, this county. Mr. Foley is a member of the Catholic Church, also of the G.A.R. and A.O.H. In politics he is a Democrat.

Mrs. Anna M. FOLK, farmer, P.O. Pittston, was born in Germany, August 7, 1839, and is a daughter of John and Eva Terffessin, both also natives of Germany. They emigrated to this country in 1865, locating in West Pittston, where they both died, the former in 1882, at the age of eighty years, the latter in 1876, at the age of seventy-six years. There were nine children born to them, five of whom grew to maturity, and four of whom are now living. Mrs. A.M. Folk is the fourth in order of birth. She was reared and educated in Germany, and accompanied her parents on their emigration to this country in 1865. In 1870 she married Jacob Myers, a farmer, which union was blessed with nine children, six of whom are living: Emma, Metta, Albert, Theodore, Bertha and Lydia. After the death of Mr. Myers, she married on February 5, 1892, for her second husband, John Folk. Her beautiful and accomplished daughter, Emma, married Prof. John German, a professor of music. Mrs. Folk owns a farm of forty acres of surface land, devoted to gardening; the coal was removed and belongs to the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. Mrs. Folk is a hard-working, thrifty woman, hospitable and entertaining. She has a beautiful home on a very desirable site, about one and a half miles from Pittston postoffice.

George W. FOLTZ, Freeland. This gentleman was born at Hamburg, near Washington, D.C., June 7, 1863, a son of Martin and Sarah Bromheller, both natives of the District of Columbia, of German descent, and both now deceased, the father having died in 1886, at the age of sixty-eight; the mother in 1876, at the age of sixty-two. Mr. Foltz was educated in the common schools, and in his boyhood days worked with his father, who was a cooper. At the age of eleven he learned the trade of barber at Danville, where he remained seven years; he spent a short time at Bloomsburg. He then went to Jersey City, where he worked at his trade one year, afterward working at Williamsport, Lock Haven, Muncy and Danville. In 1884 he came to Freeland, and opened a shaving parlor, where he has since enjoyed a liberal patronage. Mr. Foltz is a thorough master of his art. On December 18, 1883, he was married to Mary Gallagher, of Eckley, and they have four children, viz.: Francis, John, Mary and Louisa. Mr. Foltz is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Republican.

Eben FOOTE, retired, Duryea, was born in New York State, April 18, 1819, and is a son of Gideon and Lavinia (Gillette) Foote, natives of the same place. They reared a family of eight children, of whom Eben is the eldest. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and came to this county in 1834, where he worked as a teamster; in 1836 he bought a pair of horses, and went into the business for himself. In 1844, when Groovan Bros. Opened the first mine in this vicinity, he accepted a position with them, and remained there twenty years, proceeding, in 1864, to Mill Creek, where he was outside foreman for the Delaware & Hudson Company until 1868, when he retired. He was united in marriage June 30, 1839, with Martha, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Blanchard) Shiffer, natives of Luzerne county, Pa., and their union has been blessed with the following issue: Andrew, born March 19, 1840, died February 1, 1863; William L., born April 16, 1842; Harriet L., born April 16, 1842, married January 13, 1862, to Howard Knapp, carpenter, Duryea; Jeremiah, born December 2, 1846; Nancy E., born November 9, 1850; Nettie, born June 17, 1854, married June 6, 1877, to Robert Lamont, physician, Scranton, Pa.; Clarin, born March 10, 1856, married May 25, 1881, to John A. Wood, station agent, Lackawanna; Alice, born March 4, 1858, married September 26, 1883, to Henry L. Edsall, merchant, Duryea. Our subject is a member of the M.E. Church, and in politics is independent. He has held the following positions in his township: supervisor, poor director and school director.

Isaac FORD, justice of the peace, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, March 23, 1848, and is a son of Samuel and Ann (Brant) Ford. He was reared in England, where he received a public-school education, until seventeen years of age, and was employed in a warehouse two years in his native city. October 1, 1866, he sailed from Liverpool for New York, landing October 13. He soon after located in Scranton, Pa., and was there employed in the mines nine months, and has since spent most of his time in Wilkes-Barre, where he was engaged in mining until 1890. He married Mary A., daughter of Henry and Emma (Whaler) Ashford, of Wilkes-Barre, and has ten children: Samuel, Emma, Harry, Isaac, Sallie, Thomas, Annie, Mollie, Stanley and Nellie. Mr. Ford is a member of the Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Republican, has held the office of tax collector one term, and is now serving the second year of his second term as justice of the peace.

Joseph FORD, outside-foreman, Stockton, was born in Yorkshire, England, May 18, 1836, and is a son of James and Martha (Swift) Ford, also natives of England. His parents came to America in 1851, settling at Pottstown, Pa., where the children, six in number (Joseph being the eldest), were reared and educated. At eh outbreak of the Civil war, our subject enlisted in the Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the three months= service, and served under Gen. Nagle until the expiration of his term of enlistment. In his youth Mr. Ford worked about the mines, and has done every kind of work connected with mining. In 1878 he was made outside foreman at Breaker No. 6, Stockton Mines, operated by Linderman, Skeer & Co., and has occupied that position at No. 6 and No. 7 ever since. At present he has charge of nineteen men, and the works produce 150 tons of coal daily. Mr. Ford was married, in 1856, to Mrs. Johanna Fraw, which union has been blessed with four children: William, Albert, Elizabeth and Selina. Mr. Ford is a stanch Republican, and the family are supporters of the Primitive Methodist Church.

M.J. FORD, miner and constable, Inkerman, was born March 31, 1862, in the house where he now resides, and is a son of Patrick and Margaret (Glynn) Ford, natives of County Galway, Ireland, who settled in this county in 1837, and reared a family of six children, of whom our subject is the youngest. At the age of eight years he commenced work as a slate-picker, but in 1874, when twelve years old, he went to school, continuing until 1878. He then commenced the study of medicine, and graduated in 1881, but the profession was not agreeing with him, he traveled to Colorado, where he engaged in mining. In 1882 he went to Mexico, where he followed the same line of business, and in the latter part of 1883 he returned to Inkerman, where he was employed by the Pennsylvania Coal Company in his present position as a miner. On December 25, 1888, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of James and Ann (Cassidy) Harkins, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent. This union has been blessed with three children: Michael and Frank (twins), born October 4, 1889, and Sarah, born February 19, 1891. In religion Mr. Ford is a Roman Catholic. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which he is county secretary, and is president of Division No. 10. He is also a member and treasurer of the Father Mathew Cadets. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now serving as constable of the township.

F.C. FORSCHNER, jeweler, Nanticoke. This gentleman, who is one of the representative jewelers of Luzerne county, was born in White Haven, this county, and is a son of Charkes and Mary (Delay) Forschner, the former a native of Germany, the latter being one of the fair daughters of this county. Our subject received his early education in his native town, and has worked at his trade from his boyhood, at White Haven, where his father is still in the same business, being the oldest and most successful jeweler in the place. F.C. worked in his father=s store until he reached the age of nineteen, when he went to Freeland and in 1879 embarked in the business for his own account. There he remained until 1886, when he sold out the entire business and came to Nanticoke, where he began the trade again with an entire new stock, and where, by strict business methods, he has made himself a popular and reliable watchmaker and jeweler. Mr. Forschner was united in marriage, July 8, 1891, with Miss Mary E. Williams, an accomplished lady of Freeland, and this happy union has been blessed by five children, viz.: Myrtle, Edith M. and Eva L. (twins, the latter deceased), Ada and Frances.

Rev. Nicholas FORVE, pastor of Holy Trinity (German) Catholic Church, Hazleton, is a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., having been born January 17, 1860. His Parents, John and Mary (Becker) Forve, natives of Germany, came to Wilkes-Barre, where the father died and the mother yet lives. Father Forve received his classical education at Calvary, Wisconsin, where he was graduated in the class of 1880; he then took a theological course in the Grand Seminary at Montreal, Canada, and was ordained at Scranton, Pa., August 26, 1883, by Bishop O’Hara. He was then appointed assistant to Father Schlep, at St. Mary’s, Scranton, where e he remained from September, 1883, until October, 1884, when he was appointed pastor of St. Mary’s Church at Pittston, where he remained until September, 1887, at which time he came to Hazleton, and has since been an untiring worker in the organization and development of his congregation there. He is justly entitled to the glory and reward of being the pioneer priest of the German Catholic denomination of Hazleton. The work of God, which he has accomplished, had long been neglected in that place. He has not only organized a healthy colony of Christians, as members of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, but has promoted and organized many church societies within his congregation, which all tend to carry with them the glory of God and the good of Christianity.

Peter FORVE, plumber, gas and steamfitter, Wilkes-Barre, was born in Obernkirchen, Prussia, March 3, 1847, a son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Forve, who came to America in 1852. The father who was a carpenter, followed his trade in the mines until 1885, and then retired. The family consisted of the following children? John (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Nicholas, Peter, Philip, Kate (Mrs. Fred Zimmerman), Margaret (Mrs. Anthony Myer), Mary (Mrs. Jacob Brown), Lizzie (Mrs. WilliamWeiss), Theresa and Lena. Our subject has lived in Wilkes-Barre since five years of age, and was educated in the Catholic parochial school. He served three years; apprenticeship at the gunsmith’s trade, four years at the plumbers’ trade, worked as a journeyman several years, and August 17, 1870, embarked in business for himself, and in this successfully continued alone until 1888. He then admitted his brother, Philip, as a partner, and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of P. Forve & Brother. Mr. Forve married Miss Lizzie Kinley, of Wilkes-Barre, and by her has six children: Jacob, Peter, George, Louis, Marie and Carl. He and his family are members of the German Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

E.D. FOWLER, farmer, P.O. Prichard, was born in Union Township, March 16, 1851, where he was reared and educated. He is a son of William and Mary (Stroud ) Fowler, the former of whom was born in Berwick, February 5, 1819, the latter in Stroudsburg, April 10, 1824, and they were married at the latter place in 1840. In the following year they removed to this county, locating in Union Township, where the father has carried on blacksmithing ever since. He is a strong, muscular man, in the enjoyment of robust health. He owns a house and lot in Hunlock Township, to which he removed in 1879, and where he now resides. He has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church for forty years. His family consisted of eleven children, of whom seven were reared, Edmund D. being the fourth in order of birth. Our subject married Miss Eliza S. Naugle, who was born in Hanover Township in 1855, a daughter of Charles and Mary A. Naugle. They have no family to gladden their declining years. Mr. Fowler is a practical farmer, and now owns eighty-seven acres of good land, sixty of which are under improvement. He removed to his present place about eight years ago. He is a promising young man, and will yet surpass in agricultural attainments. Politically he is a Republican.

Owen FOWLER, Freeland. Among the active and successful business men of this county may well be noted the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He was born in Light Street, Columbia Co., Pa., May 29, 1859, a son of Thomas C. Fowler, also a native of Columbia County. Mr. Fowler was educated at the high schools, and at the age of twelve years entered the office of the Danville "Intelligencer" as an apprentice to the printer’s trade. He remained here five years, when he went to Hazleton as foreman on the "Mountain Democrat", and afterward to Omaha, Neb., being there employed on the Omaha "Herald". He returned to Danville and worked at his trade about one year, afterward going to Mauch Chunk, where he remained a short time. He then accepted a position as foreman and local editor of the "Mountain Echo", Shickshinny. In 1881 Mr. Fowler came to Freeland and began the publication of "The Progress", the pioneer newspaper of the town. He published it as a Weekly journal until May, 1887, when he made it a Daily, which he continued six months as an experiment; he then concluded that a semi-weekly was just what the people wanted, and "The Progress" has since been so published, the paper being now known as the "Semi-Weekly Progress". Mr. Fowler received an appointment as postmaster of Freeland, which he still holds. He was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Sherman, and they have on child, Howard S., born July 7, 1885. Mr. Fowler is a Republican, and through the columns of his paper champions the principals of his party. Socially, he is a member of the A.L.of H., P.O.S. of A., I.O.O.F. and S. of V.

William FOX, carpenter in the Ashley carshops, was born in Cornwall, England, April 14, 1838, and is a son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Harvey) Fox. The family were originally gardeners, but his father was a miner. The family consisted of eight children, viz: Thomas, who died on Lake Superior, at the age of fifty-five years; Nicholas, who was killed in a pit in Ontario, Canada, at the age of thirty-four years; Elizabeth, widow of Richard King (deceased), of Michigan; Kittie, who died at the age of Twenty-five years; William the subject of this sketch; John, who was drowned in Lake Superior; Catherine, wife of Nicholas Richards, Cornwall, England; and Richard, a farmer by occupation. Our subject was educated in England, where he worked at mining. He came to America in 1865, locating in Canada, and working in the Bruce mines for five years; he then removed to Mahanoy City, Pa., where he remained six months, and went to Reading, where he worked at mining, and contracted on the cellar foundation of the Market house for eight months. In December, 1870, he came to Ashley, and worked at mining until 1881, at which time he engaged in his present occupation. He built his present residence in 1872 and owns much valuable property in Ashley, March 20, 1860; Mr. Fox married Miss Susan, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kneebone) Richards, of Cornwall, England. Her father, a blacksmith by trade, reared a family of eight children, seven of who are living and of whom she is the third. Mr. And Mrs. Fox have five children: William J., a painter in the Central shops, Elizabethport, N.J.; Fred, married to Martha L., daughter of William Kelly, ex-chief of police, Wilkes-Barre, by whom he had one child, William H. (Fred is head clerk at Livy’s carpet store, Wilkes-Barre); Clara, Nicholas and Susan live with their parents. Mr. Fox is a member of the A.O.F.; he is a Republican in his political views, and he, together with the other members of his family, belongs to the Episcopal Church.

William A. FRANKLIN, farmer, Huntington township, P.O. Huntinton Mills, was born in HuntingtonTownship, Luzerne Co., Pa., September 14, 1826, a son of William and Ann (Hann) Franklin, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and of German and English origin respectively. The father, who was also an agriculturist, died June 15, 1829, aged thirty-seven years; he was a son of Samuel and Mary (Ransom) Franklin, natives of Connecticut, who came to the Huntington Valley about 1775, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. Samuel Franklin was a son of John and Kezia (Pierce) Franklin, the former of whom was a brother of Col. John Franklin. Our subject is the fourth in a family of five children, was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits. When he was an infant, his father died, so that from early boyhood he was obliged to do whatever work he could, and he has always lived on the farm owned by his forefathers. When he was twenty-two years old, he taught the district school for four winters. He was married, October 23, 1852, to Ann E. daughter of David and Phoebe A. (Carpenter) Mc Daniels, natives of New Jersey and of Scotch and English origin, respectively. She is the second in a family of nine children, six of whom are living, and was born March 6, 1834. This union was blessed with six, children, viz.: Permelia A. (Mrs. Sam H. Harrison, of Huntington township), born March 29, 1854; John Everett (of whom mention is made further on); Mary J., born April *, 1857, died March 4, 1870; David C., born July 31, 1858, residing in Wilkes –Barre, as general agent for the A.F. Hawthorn’s U.S. Roof paint (he married, September 11, 1881, Miss Cornelia J. Wolf; he is a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics): Maud Gertrude, born March 7, 1868, died March 4, 1870; and Howard H., born July 9, 1871, working for his brother in Wilkes-Barre (he is a member of the P.O.S. of A.). Mr. Franklin is a Republican, and has held the office of overseer of the poor. The Franklin farm is situated one quarter of a mile south of Huntington Mills post office, and contains about one hundred acres of prime land.

John Everett FRANKLIN, a progressive young farmer, residing at Huntington Mills, was born March 10, 1855, and was married July 20, 1881, to Cora E. daughter of Edward and Mary (Hutton) Hull, of Irish and Dutch origin, respectively, she is the eldest in a family of six children, five of whom are living, and was born November 30, 1858. By this union there are four children, namely; Edward B., born April 12, 1882; Charles H., born July 23, 1883; William R., born July 22, 1886, and Tacy M., born January 23, 1891. Mr. John E. Franklin is a member of the Junior Order American Mechanics and of the I.O.R.M. Mrs. Franklin is a member of the M.E. Church.

Elias H. FRANTZ, farmer, P.O. Dallas, was born in Kingston township, January 11,1846, and is a son of George W. and Sarah M. (Wilson) Frantz, both of whom were born in Kingston township. George W. was a son of Jonas, who came from Northhampton County to this in its early settlement, locating in Kingston Township on a large tract of land. Jonas was a man of integrity, a practical farmer, and a loyal citizen. He lived to be over seventy years of age, and died in 1871. His family numbered five sons and six daughters, all of whom grew to maturity and seven of whom are now living. George W. began life on a farm, as a farmer in Kingston, and in 1848 bought a farm of his own consisting of 100 acres, in Wyoming county, where he has since resided, and where he is now living with his wife at the age of seventy. He has been honored with several offices in the township, and discharged them with credit. His family consisted of five children, four of whom are now living. E.H. is the first of the family, and was reared and educated in Wyoming County. At the age of twenty-seven, February 1873, he married Miss Eliza, daughter of George and Ann M. Sutton. They have had three children; George W., Elizabeth and Clarence. In 1882 Mr. Frantz moved on his farm of eight-four acres, known as the De Mon farm. He is an enterprising man of natural ability, honest, industrious and persevering, with an eye to business, and a man of influence in his own neighborhood. Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. Eliza (Sutton) Frantz was born in Mehoopany, Wyoming County, September 16, 1855.

Reuben FRANTZ, farmer, Lehman Township, was born October 4, 1827, and was reared and educated in Monroe County, Pa. He is a son of Michael and Mary Frantz, both born in Monroe County, the former of who was a son of Peter Frantz, who was of German extraction, and who settled in Monroe County. All of them were tillers of the soil, and were honest and industrious. Michael’s family consisted of four children, all reaching maturity, and of them is now living the subject of this sketch. In early life Reuben Frantz learned the blacksmith’s trade at which he was an expert. In 1852 he came to this county, locating first in Wyoming, where he worked at his trade two years, after which he moved to Trucksville, where he remained eleven years, earning by honest toil, dollar after dollar, and where the ring of his anvil was heard far and wide. Thus with brawny muscle and determined will, circumstances yielded to his will. After the lapse of eleven years he moved to Lehman Township, where he now resides. In these days he worked at his trade and on his farm, but at no time confined himself to agriculture exclusively. His farm consists of ninety-two acres, which he has materially improved since he moved on it; his land is good, his buildings neat, and his stock is excellent. At the age of twenty-four he married Miss Emily, daughter of John and Sarah Shaver, of Wyoming, by which marriage there were born six children, three of whom arrived at maturity, and are now living: James F., Edgar B. and Charles W. James F. married Miss Emma Ketchan, by whom he has one child; Edgar married Miss Kate Montgomery, by whom he has two children. Mr. Frantz is a practical farmer, looking with a masterly eye to all the interests of his fertile fields. He has held various offices in his township; offices which he honored by the discharge of duties well performed. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian; he is a member of the Grange; politically he is a Democrat.

Sherman P. FRANTZ, butcher, Luzerne, Pa., was born on the Frantz farm, Luzerne County, April 13, 1864, and is a son of Perry and Jane (White) Frantz, natives of Pennsylvania. After receiving his education Mr. Frantz engaged in the butcher business at Dallas, Pa., which he followed a short time, removing from there to Luzerne, where he has a first-class market, and caters to the wants of his many patrons, who highly appreciate his methods of doing business. Mr. Frantz was married to Miss Rose, daughter of Walter J. and Caroline (Welter) Wilson, natives of New Jersey. This union has been blessed by three children, Howard P., Walter J. and Hazel. Mr. Frantz is a member of the M.E. Church; he votes with the Republican Party, and belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

Back to Bios Index

Back to Luzerne County Genweb