The Descendants of Harvey Landback and Caroline Thrasher
We are indebted to many parties for this important component of Thrasher genealogy and Sullivan County history. The several contributors include Linda Ryan Crawford, Paul E. Stewart, Phyllis McCarroll House, Carol Brotzman, Dick Hunsinger and Frank and Odessa (Rhodes) Thrasher. Please address comments or proposed additions or changes to Bob Sweeney at bobs@chall.com. You can also find pictures and further genealogical information about the relationships among the Thrasher and Landback families at The Descendants of Samuel Thrasher.

Note: In June 2011, we also received several photos from Carol Beverlin, which we have noted below, and for which we are also apreciative. Carol is a descendant of the Landback, Hunsinger and Thrasher families!


Harvey Landback
1835-1906
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin
Gr-gr-granddaughter of Harvey and Caroline (Thrasher) Landback


Caroline (Thrasher) Landback
1841-1901
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin

 

The Descendants of Harvey Landback and Caroline Thrasher


The Landback Family
Standing left to right: Sophia (Shoemaker) Landback, George Landback, Annie (Landback) Hunsinger, Charles Hunsinger, Anna (Schrock) Landback, Attie (Burgess) Landback, Linda (Landback) Winslow
Sitting left to right: Wilson Landback, Mary Landback, Levi Landback, Amanda Landback, Amanda (Thrasher) Landback, Harvey Landback, William Landback, Lewis Adams Landback, Howard Winslow
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart

CAROLINE THRASHER (Benjamin, George Thrasher) was born December 24, 1841, daughter of Benjamin Thrahser and Anna Hunsinger; died April 2, 1901; buried in Thrasher's Cemetery

Married HARVEY LANDBACK on January 16, 1859 per the Old Zion Church records in Dushore, PA; he was born June 14, 1835 in Nescopeck, PA; died April 25, 1906 in Colley, PA; buried in Thrasher Cemetery; Dushore, PA. Came to Cherry with his parents from Berks County, PA. His and Caroline's farm was located in Colley, PA.

Harvey was the son of JOHN LANDBACK, born 1799 in Bucks County, and died 1864. John married SARAH _______.

Notes for JOHN LANDBACK:

1860 U.S. census lists him living in Dushore, Sullivan County, PA as a farmer. Early settler of Sullivan County, PA. Buried in Thrasher's Cemetery, Dushore, PA.

According to Prior to 1900, a section of the History of Sullivan County by Thomas J. Ingham, reprinted in The Sullivan Review in 1980:

G. S. Landback--This name is well known in Sullivan and adjoining counties, as at least four generations of the family have made their homes there. John Landbac,, the grandfather, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and Harvey, the father, was born in Luzerne county but moved to Sullivan, where the former was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Harvey Landback was formerly a cooper and for twenty-five years worked at his trade in Cherry township. In later years he has quit the duties of his trade for the more peaceful and healthful life of a farm, securing for this purpose property in Colley township where he now resides. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations. The maiden name of the lady with whom he was united in marriage was Caroline Thrasher. She was a daughter of Benjamin Thrasher and a native of Cherry township, now living in Colley. Fourteen children were born to them, of whom five are deceased. The living that now honor the community in which they reside are: Wilson who lives with his father in Colley township, as do the two youngest children, Amanda and Levi; G.S., who is the subject of the biography; Annie E., the wife of Edward Hunsinger, of Colley township; Malinda, the wife of Howard Winslow, of Lovelton, Pennsylvania; W.H., a tinsmith of Wyalusing, this state; and Louis, a farmer of Lovelton.

Children of JOHN LANDBACK and SARAH ___ were:

i. WILLIAM O. LANDBACK, b. 1822; d. 1887
ii. HARVEY LANDBACK, b. June 14, 1835, Nescopeck, PA; d. April 25, 1906, Colley, PA
iii. SARAH LANDBACK, b. 1840; d. 1922

You can learn more about this ancestral family and its other descendant branches at The Descendants of John Landback.

WILLIAM O. LANDBACK married HARRIET NORTHRUP.

Notes for WILLIAM O. LANDBACK:
Buried in Thrasher Cemetery, Dushore, PA

Notes for HARRIET NORTHRUP:
Buried in Thrasher Cemetery, Dushore, PA

Children of WILLIAM LANDBACK and HARRIET NORTHRUP were:

i. IRENE LANDBACK, b. about 1850; d. 1887
Notes for IRENE LANDBACK:
Buried in Thrasher's Cemetery, Dushore, PA
ii. EMILY LANDBACK, b. about 1853
iii. WILLIAM T. LANDBACK, b. about 1858; d. May 24, 1931


The Landback Homestead
Cherry, PA
Standing on the porch, from the left:
Annie, Mary, Harvey, Caroline, Linda
Sitting on his horse: William
Standing by their horses: Lewis and Wilson
Sitting on the steps: George and Levi
Amanda is standing between Caroline and Linda
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart

The Sullivan Review
May 10, 1906

Wednesday evening, April 25, 1906, occurred the death of Harvey Landback, one of the oldest residents of Colley. The deceased was in his usual health until within a few days of his death when he suffered a stroke of paralysis. Mr. Landback was born June 14, 1835, and had spent the greater part of his life near the home where he died, where he was esteemed and respected by all. He is survived by the following children, his wife having died on the old homestead; George, of Colley, Mrs. Linda Winslow, of Stowell, Will of Wyalusing, Louis of Lovelton, Mrs. Frank Miller of Ricketts, Levi of Ricketts, Mrs. Mary Champion of Sayre.

Notes for Caroline Thrasher Landback: Appears in 1860 census of Dushore, Sullivan County, PA as a member of John Landback household.
Her hair was dark auburn color.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J.W. Klinger of Dushore, PA. Her five sons were pallbearers.

Notes for Harvey Landback:

Appears in 1860 census of Dushore, Sullivan County, PA as a member of John Landback household. Lived in Colley, PA.
His hair was dark brown color.
Came to Cherry with his parents from Berks County, PA


The Harvey Landback Family
Standing left to right: Linda, Wilson, Lewis, George, Annie, Mary, William
Sitting: Harvey holding Amanda, Caroline (Thrasher) holding Levi
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart

Children of Caroline & Harvey Landback:

  1. Infant daughter died September 18, 1859
  2. Infant son died June 21, 1860
  3. John B. Landback born 1862 died February 4, 1877
  4. Wilson E. Landback 1863-1930
  5. George S. Landback 1865-1925 [photo of his store below]
  6. Annie Landback 1867-1905 [photos below]
  7. Melinda "Linda" Landback 1869-1956
  8. Daughter born March 7, 1870; died March 10, 1870
  9. William H. Landback 1871-1958
  10. Lewis A. Landback 1872-1949
  11. Mary Landback 1874-1946
  12. Amanda B. Landback 1880-1943 [photo below]
  13. Levi W. Landback 1881-1916
  14. Charles F. Landback died February 12, 1885
  15. Arthur B. Landback 1888- died August 14, 1888 aged 1month & 24 days


Charles Edward and Annie (Landback) Hunsinger
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin


Annie Landback
1867-1905
Wife of Charles Edward Hunsinger
Daughter of Harvey and Caroline (Thrasher) Landback
Note: This photograph was taken shortly before her death from Bright's Disease.
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin


George S. Landback General Store
Colley Township, PA
George lived from 1865-1925.
He is the man standing in the photo.
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin


The Sons of Harvey Landback and Caroline Thrasher
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart


The Extended Landback Family
About 1890
The exact identities of many of the people in this photograph are not known at this time. The couple standing at the left next to the man smoking a pipe are Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Landback. The couple sitting on the ground slightly behind and to the right of the man with the pipe are Charles Edward and Annie Ellen (Landback) Hunsinger. Harvey Landback is the man standing on the porch behind the man in the front row with a white hat on. His wife, Caroline (Thrasher), is standing next to him. Seated on the ground immediately to the left of the steps are, left to right, Lewis, Mary and Sarah Melinda ("Linda") Landback, children of Harvey and Caroline. The seated little girl on the far right is Amanda Landback Miller, sitting next to her brother Levi Landback. George Landback is the left-most man sitting on the front edge of the porch. William Landback is in the center of the group of three men standing behind the man with the pipe. We would be happy to add more identities if they are forthcoming.
Taken About 1890 at the Landback Homestead
Note: Caroline Hunsinger Stewart, daughter of Charles Edward and Annie Landback Hunsinger, is not in this photo. She was born in 1898 but the date of the photo is about 1890. We know that is about the date because Amanda Landback Miller is the child sitting on the ground at the far right, next to her brother Levi Landback. Amanda was born in 1880 and Levi in 1881. That would put their ages at 10 and 9 which looks correct for the children.
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart
Assistance with Identifications from Carol Ann Novak Beverlin
Niece of Paul Stewart

John B. Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born in 1862, died February 4, 1877

He had a trap route and waded in cold slush and got what was thought to be appendicitis. He had terrific pain and screamed loudly.

Wilson E. Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born October 21, 1863, Died March 21, 1930 buried in Colley Cemetery

Married 1st Ella Ring

Married 2nd Margaret Britt, born July 2, 1873, daughter of Levi & Sahronia Laird Britt. She died June 29, 1969


Mr. and Mrs. Wilson E. Landback
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart
Editor's Note: There is some controversy over which of Wilson's wives is shown here.
Presumably, it is Margaret, but that is not yet certain.

Sullivan Review
Dushore, PA
July 11, 1968

Mrs. Margaret Landback Celebrates 95th Birthday

Mrs. Margaret Landback, Dushore, one of Sullivan County's oldest residents, recently celebrated her 95th birthday. She was born July 2, 1873. She celebrated her birthday quietly in her apartment on Main Street, and received best wishes and congratulations from her many friends.

Her daughter, Mrs. Nettie Endres, of Rochester, N.Y. came to visit and brought a birthday cake.

Mrs. Landback came to Sullivan County from Missouri when she was 30 years old. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Levi Britt. She met her husband, Wilson Landback in Missouri, and after they were married they resided in Colley for 37 years, where Mr. Landback operated a farm.

Among her gifts and congratulations, Mrs. Landback received a birthday cake from Mrs. Ruth Proof. A neighbor, Mrs. Hope, helps Mrs. Landback with her cooking and other household chores.


Mrs. Wilson E. (Britt) Landback
Photo from Sullivan Review, July 11, 1968

Children of Wilson & Margaret Landback

  1. Nettie Landback born October 5, 1906; died December 1987

Married Frederick Endres in May 1927

George Samuel Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born January 6, 1865, died March 13, 1925

Married 1st Euphia S. Shoemaker, born June 8, 1855, died August 22, 1898

Married 2nd Clara J. Secules Weaver on April 4, 1900; she was born October 18, 1862, died September 1, 1931, and was previously married to James Weaver in October 1880

Notes for George S. Landback:

Had a country home with a sawmill and gristmill located just the other side of the creek from the house. His son Grover helped in the mill for several years until George died of cancer. Hair was dark brown. Owned a store at Colley, PA. Engaged for many years in lumbering and mercantile businesses. Owned a cider mill.

Note for Clara J. Secules:

According to Bob Sweeney, Clara was the sister of Margaret "Aunt Ella" Secules, Bob's great-aunt and the wife of Michael D. Sweeney (1863-1952). Michael was the grandson of Michael and Catherine Sweeney, the original Sweeney immigrants to Sullivan County in 1843. Michael was a supervisor in the one-time lumber town of Laquin, PA, and he and Ella later owned a farm in Albany, PA, that was subsequenlty bought by Ed Barry. A note in the October 6, 1915 issue of the Sullivan Review mentions that Mrs. George S. Landback (Clara) of Colley, Pa was visiting her sister, Mrs. Michael Sweeney (Ella).
Also, per information submitted to Bob Sweeney by Joyce Ingerson on May 28, 2004, Clara was the daughter of Philip and Sarah (Flick) Secules. Philip was born in 1835; Sarah in 1840. They married in 1860. Philip appears to have been raised by his mother's second husband, Thomas Richart. The mother of Philip and therfore the grandmother of Clara Secules was Hetta Snyder. The 1850 Federal census for Davidson Township, PA lists the members of the Thomas Richart family at that time. You can see a picture of the family of Phillip and Sarah (Flick) Secules at the top of the Old Reunions page on this site. Their family bible is also reproduced on that page.

Children of George S. & Euphia S. Landback:

  1. Edna Victoria Landback born July 2, 1888, died October 21, 1960

Married Daniel Neuber

 


Edna (Landback) Neuber
Funeral Card Cover 1960
Photo contributed by Carol Brotzman


Edna (Landback) Neuber
Inside Text of Funeral Card 1960
Photo contributed by Carol Brotzman

Children of Edna & Daniel Neuber
    1. Clara Neuber 1912-2005

1. Clara Neuber (Edna, George, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born September 4, 1912 and died December 3, 2005. She is buried at Colley Cemetery.

Married Marvin Sayman on November 22, 1946. He was born April 28,

1911; died January 29, 1973; buried in Colley Cemetery.

No children

Daily Review
Towanda, PA
December 4, 2005

Clara Sayman, 93

Clara S. Sayman of Colley, age 93, of Colley, Sullivan County, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005.at the Highlands in LaPorte, PA.
She was born September 4, 1912 in Wilmot Township, a daughter of the late Daniel and Edna Landback Neuber. On January 29, 1973, she was preceded in death by her husband the later Marvin C. Sayman.
Mrs. Sayman has been a lifetime resident of Sullivan County, and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, of Wilmot. Clara did volunteer work at the Hospitality House giving 11 years of service. She was a very good friend to all her neighbors in Colley and at the Sullivan Terrace.
Surviving are her dear friends Bruce and Deanna Kline and family, and her several cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be remembered by her neighbors, and all her good friends at the Sullivan Terrace.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA, with the Rev. Randele Albers, her Pastor officiating.
Friends and family will be received on Tuesday December 6, 2005, at the McHenry Funeral Home in Dushore, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
Interment will be in the Colley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations or contributions may be made to the Dushore Ambulance Association, Dushore, PA 18614 in Mrs. Saymans memory.

ii. Grover Benjamin Landback born January 9, 1894, died December 18,1979

Married 1st. Daisy Newman on June 16, 1915. She died May 20, 1919; buried in Thrasher's Cemetery.

Married 2nd Ethel Slater, born January 19, 1896; died December 1986; buried in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA.

Notes for Grover B. Landback:

Only attended school through 8th grade. Ran a sawmill until he lost one hand, then quit and worked in the trucking business for 30 years

The Evening Times
Sayre, PA
December 19, 1979

Grover B. Landback, 85, formerly of 133 Chestnut St., Sayre, died Tuesday, December 18, 1979, at the Bradford County Manor.

Born January 9, 1894 in Dushore, the son of George and Euphia Shoemaker Landback, he had owned and operated the Landback Trucking Co. in Sayre for many years.

He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Sayre and had been a member of the Sayre Senior Citizens for more than 10 years.

Surviving are his wife, Ethel; two daughters, Mrs. Charles (Rita) Taylor of Utica and Mrs. Orvid (Doris) Cook of Endwell, N.Y. one son, Frederick G. Landback of the VA Hospital in Canandaqua, N.Y.; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one niece, Mrs. Clara Sayman of Dushore.

Friends may call at the Allgeier and Blauvelt Funeral Home, 126 N. Elmer Ave., Sayre, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.

The funeral and committal will be held at the funeral home Friday at 2 p.m.

Burial will be in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens.

Children of Grover and Daisy Newman Landback:
    1. Frederick G. Landback 1916-1996
    2. Reta Landback 1918-1998

Children of Grover and Ethel Slater Landback:
    1. Doris Louise Landback
    2. Tracey Landback: Killed in WWII

Frederick George Landback (Grover, George S., Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born September 3, 1916, died September 15, 1996

Reta Mae Landback (Grover, George S. Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher)

Born October 28, 1918, died May 5, 1998

Married Charles Taylor

Doris Louise Landback (Grover, George S. Caroline, Benjamin George Thrasher) born May 14, 1922; died February 15, 2000

Married Orvid Cook

Tracy Landback (Grover, George S. Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher)

Born January 26, 1928; died in 1946; buried in Tioga Point Cemetery.


The Daughters of Harvey Landback and Caroline Thrasher
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart

Annie Ellen Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born February 18, 1867

Died July 10, 1905

Married Charles Edward Hunsinger on January 28, 1890. You can see pictures and learn more about their family history at The Descendants of Charles Edward Hunsinger and Annie Ellen Landback.


The Winslows
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart

Melinda "Linda" Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born August 4, 1868, died January 13, 1956

Married Howard Winslow

Notes for Linda Landback Winslow:

Hair was dark brown. Lived in Binghamton, NY, and Johnson City, N.Y.

Children of Linda & Winslow:

      1. Effie Winslow-Married W. Harold Palmer
      2. Norman Winslow
      3. Claire Winslow born October 29, 1910
      4. ? Winslow

 

William H. Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born April 27, 1871, died December 28, 1958

Married Christianna "Anna" Schock

Notes for William H. Landback:

Hair was dark brown
Buried in Ithaca, NY

In the 1910 Federal census for Wyalusing, Bradford County, PA, we find:

Head of Household William H Landback 38 W Pennsylvania
Wife Christianna C. 40 Pennsylvania
Daughter Virginia R 13 Pennsylvania
Son John H. 11 Pennsylvania
Son Walter B. 07 Pennsylvania

So, the children of William & Anna Schock Landback were:

      1. Virginia Landback, died December 1979; married ________ Smith
      2. John Landback 1900-
      3. Walter Landback 1903

This branch of the Landback family was intermarried with the Schock, Thrasher, Hunsinger and Eberlin families, four other old German families from the area. You can see an overview of these interrelated families on The Descendants of Samuel Thrasher.

 


Lewis Landback
Funeral Card Cover 1949
Photo contributed by Carol Brotzman


Lewis Landback
Inside Text of Funeral Card 1949
Photo contributed by Carol Brotzman

Lewis A. Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born November 14, 1872, died 1949, buried in the Lovelton Cemetery, Lovelton, Pa.

Married 1st Ottie Burgess 1877-1912

Married 2nd Kate Cole Dean on April 7, 1927. She was born in 1878, died in 1958.

Notes for Lewis A. Landback:

Hair was red.

Children of Lewis & Ottie Burgess:

  1. Dana J. Landback 1896-1896
  2. Maud Abelina Landback 1897-1980

Dana J. Landback born March 12, 1896, died March 26, 1896

Maud Abelina Landback (Lewis, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born August 7, 1897, died March 19, 1980; buried in Forkston Cemetery, Forkston, Pa.

Married Harold Fassett born December 9, 1892, died January 1971


Maud Abelina (Landback) Fassett
Photo contributed by Jon Kaminsky

Notes for Maud A. Landback Fassett:

Before her death, she broke her leg, which was paralyzed, and was taken to a hospital. Lived less then one week.

 


Maud Abelina (Landback) Fassett
Funeral Card Cover 1980
Photo contributed by Carol Brotzman


Maud Abelina (Landback) Fassett
Inside Text of Funeral Card 1980
Photo contributed by Carol Brotzman

Children of Maud & Harold Fassett:

      1. Ottie Elizabeth Fassett born 1921 in Forkston, PA.
      2. Mildred Louise Fassett born 1926-

Note: The Fassett lineage goes back as follows: Harold Krewson8, William Sherman Tecumseh7, David Wheaton6, Elihu5, Reuben4, Josiah3, Benjamin2, Patrick1. Information on this branch of the family comes from the Fassett Genealogy compiled by Kathryn Fassett Schuster, Dorothy Petry and Sandra Miner. Please contact Sandra at sminer222@epix.net with any proposed changes or comments.

Ottie Elizabeth Fassett (Maud, Lewis, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born December 23, 1921

Married Edward Place Goodwin, born November 23, 1920, died July 18, 2000, on December 8, 1941. They built a home on the old farm of Reuben Fassett.

Children of Ottie & Edward Goodwin:

  1. Patricia Louise Goodwin, born March 17 1944; married Ronald Vermuelen, born March 4, 1942, on May 11, 1962
  2. Fern Shirley Goodwin, born June 4, 1946; married Don Atkin on February 2, 1967, born October 6, 1941.

Children of Patricia Goodwin and Ronald Vermeulen were:

i. Ronald B. Vermeulen, born January 01, 1964.
ii. Kimberly Renee Vermeulen, born November 03, 1965.
iii. Troy Matthew Vermeulen, born April 24, 1968.

The child of Fern Goodwin and Don Atkin was:

i. Mary Ellen Atkin, born September 24, 1970.

Mildred Louise Fassett (Maud, Lewis, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born May 21, 1926

Married George Giberson, son of Claude Giberson and Laura Kingston. He was born March 01, 1923, and died January 31, 1977 in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, PA; buried in Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock, PA.

Note: The following information on the family of George and Mildred Fassett Giberson has graciously been provided by Sandy Miner of Meshoppen, PA.

Children of Mildred & George Giberson:

    1. Donna Faye Giberson, b. March 19, 1947, Kingston, Luzerne Co., PA
    2. Randy George Giberson, b. January 21, 1957, Meshoppen, Wyoming Co., PA

    Donna Faye Giberson married Frederick Albert Harding, July 31, 1971 in Eatonville, Wyoming Co., PA.. He was born November 14, 1946 in Eatonville (Marriage License #109-71 B42 Wyo. Co., PA).

    The Children of Donna and Frederick were:

    i. Scott George Giberson Harding, b. December 30, 1977, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne Co., PA
    ii. Faye Michelle Harding, b. September 08, 1982, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne Co., PA

    Randy George Giberson was born January 21, 1957 in Meshoppen, Wyoming Co., PA. He married Traci Gail Smith, June 23, 1984 in Eatonville, Wyoming Co., PA. She was born July 28, 1964 in Montrose, Susquehanna Co., PA (Mar. Lic. #84-83 B52 Wyo. Co., PA).

    The child of Randy and Traci was:

    i. Ryan Giberson, b. May 05, 1996, Tunkhannock, Wyoming Co., PA.

     


    Mary Ellen (Landback) Champion
    Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart

Mary Ellen Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher) born September 2, 1874; died December 12, 1946; buried in Vaughn Cemetery, Mehoopany, PA

Married Leonard Orlando Champion, born in 1859; died in 1936

Children of Mary & Leonard Champion:

  1. Guy Leon Champion 1899-1987
  2. Ruth Eleanor Champion 1908-1994
  3. Harry Champion

Notes for Mary E. Landback Champion:

Hair was red.

Guy Leon Champion (Mary, Caroline, Benjamin,

George Thrasher), born July 11, 1899; died February 2, 1987; buried in Vaughn Cemetery, Mehoopany, PA

Married Margaret Brotzman, born June 11, 1905; died in 1975

Children of Guy & Margaret Brotzman Champion:
  1. Raymond Champion 1924-1977
  2. Ronald Champion

Raymond L. Champion (Guy, Mary, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born January 5, 1924; died February 2, 1977; buried in the Vaughn Cemetery, Mehoopany, PA

Married Anna Crayton on March 27, 1948. She was born May 1, 1909; died September 14, 2000

No children

Ruth Eleanor Champion (Mary, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born August 21, 1908; died March 31, 1994; buried in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA

Married Phillip Hunsinger on January 18, 1930. He was born March 16, 1905; died June 1, 1989; buried in Tioga Point Cemetery. He was the son of Reuben Hunsinger and Rosemary Saxer.

Children of Ruth & Phillip Hunsinger:
  1. Richard Llewellyn Hunsinger, born October 26, 1930; died September 6, 1953

Never married.

Here is a group picture of Phillip and Ruth, with Ruth's first cousin Caroline Mae (Hunsinger) Stewart. Ruth and Caroline Mae's mothers were sisters. Of perhaps even more peculiar interest is that Phillip Hunsinger, Ruth's husband, was a cousin of Charles Edward Hunsinger, the father of Caroline Mae, Andrew Stewart's wife. In fact, Phillip and Charles were second cousins-once removed.

Editor's Note: The actual lineages going backwards were:

Phillip Hunsinger 1905/1989
Reuben Hunsinger 1861/1926
Daniel Hunsinger 1819/1892
John Hunsinger 1789/1863
Bernard (George) Huntzinger 1753/1832
Johann George Huntzinger 1715/1790

Caroline Mae Hunsinger 1898/1971 [photo below]
Charles Edward Hunsinger 1868/1940 [photo below]
Jonas Hunsinger 1837/1904 [photo below];married Catherine Kester [photo below]
Joseph Hunsinger 1805/1870
Bernard (Barney) Huntzinger 1779/1847
Bernard (George) Huntzinger 1753/1832
Johann George Huntzinger 1715/1790


Caroline Mae (Hunsinger) Stewart
1898-1971
At Age 16
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin


Charles Edward Hunsinger
1868-1940
With Son Walter (left)
At home in Kansas City, KS
Note: Walter had a learning disability and died young.
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin


Jonas Hunsinger
1837-1904
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin
Gr-gr-granddaughter of Jonas and Catherine (Kester) Hunsinger


Catherine (Kester) Hunsinger
Wife of Jonas Hunsinger
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin


L to r: Phillip Hunsinger, Caroline Mae (Hunsinger) Stewart, Ruth (Champion) Hunsinger and Andrew Stewart
Taken in the 1950s in Pennsylvania
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart

Amanda B. Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born March 11 1880; died February 15, 1943

Married Frank Miller, born in 1875; died in 1929

The Daily Review
Towanda, PA
July 26, 1929

FRANK MILLER LOSES LIFE IN VAIN EFFORTS TO SAVE FLORENCE, 13

Resuscitation Methods Pursued for 3 Hours Fail to Produce Sign of Life; Body of Girl Last to Be Recovered


A desperate effort of a frantic father to save his 13-year-old daughter from drowning in the Susquehanna river here yesterday afternoon about 3 o’clock ended in double tragedy, when both Frank Miller of Fourth Street and his daughter, Florence, were drowned. Mrs. Miller, standing on the shore with three small children, was an eyewitness to the tragedy, as was Beatrice Williams who accompanied the Miller family on the outing to the river.
Both bodies have been recovered, Frank Miller, being brought to the surface by drivers after being under water for nearly an hour. Florence’s body was not recovered until about 6:45 o’clock, almost three hours after she went gayly into the river.
Mr. Miller, who was about 55 years of age, with his wife, three young children and a neighbor girl, Beatrice Williams, aged 17, went to the river back of Dayton’s mill, just above the site of the old dam, at about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. Miller, and Florence- the oldest of his children with him and Beatrice Williams went into the water, keeping well in to shore to avoid the sudden drop-off, which begins about 15 feet from the shore. Soon after Miller had come in from the river, he heard Beatrice Williams shouting from the water and turning, he saw that the two girls were in distress. At this point & judging from Beatrice’s own story of the affair Florence stepped off over her depth and started pulling and reaching for her. The older girl tried to help Florence, but being a poor swimmer, she could not go out into the deep water and stood helplessly watching her companion’s struggles.
The father, fully clothed, rushed into the water to save his daughter, and after floundering about a few seconds, both sank in about seven feet of water just off from the drop-off they all feared, and had tried to avoid.
An alarm was soon spread and people flocked from town to render assistance. A man who had been fishing under the river bridge noticed the commotion on the shore below him and rowed to the scene, the first boat to reach the point of the drowning. Soon afterward came C.F. Mulqueen, of Scranton who had been painting the smoke stacks at the electric light plant. He got into the boat with the fisherman, removed all but his underclothes, tied one of the ropes about him that he had been using in his work and started diving for the two bodies. Soon afterward came Trooper H. A. Ellicker who had been called from state police headquarters by one of the telephone operators, and Chief of police A.P. Watson. Would be rescuers rapidly appeared and it was not long before there were four boats with grappling hooks, being rowed back and forth over the scene of the drowning, with three others, Jimmy Sullivan; “Howdy” Mathers, and Ash Merrill joining Mulqueen in the diving.
About three quarters of an hour after Miller and his daughter had gone under the water, Miller’s body was located and Mulqueen brought him back to the surface. The body was quite limp and there was some hope that Miller could be revived by resuscitation methods with the body face downward on a truck, volunteers under the direction of Dr. Manville Pratt started their resuscitation efforts, which were continued for three hours. The work was done in shifts and special mention should be given the Bell Telephone Co. crew and a number of Boy Scouts for the perseverance. It was not until the body became so stiff that the limbs could not be moved that the workers gave up their attempts, and this was almost three hours from the time Miller’s body had been brought on shore.
As soon as the man’s body had been found and carried to the truck where the resuscitation work was attempted, his oldest daughter, Hazel Miller, stenographer and bookkeeper at the Farmers’ Co-operative office in Wysox, who had been called to the scene from her employment, begged Dr. Pratt and the men nearby to save her father. With tears streaming down her checks she implored those assembled to bring her father back to life, and all through the strenuous three hours she was by the side of her father’s body, urging the rescuers to keep on and not to stop for fear they would give up just when it was possible that the spark of life might be revived. Her mother, who stood as one paralyzed while her husband and daughter were drowning, had been taken home before the man’s body was recovered. She was near collapse when friends placed her in a waiting automobile and took her home.
While the efforts were being made to bring life back to Frank Miller, attempts to recover the girl’s body did not cease. The divers and the men in the boats continued their work. New recruits constantly augmenting the force on the job. As time passed on and nightfall drew near. it became apparent that a better system would have to be adopted if the girl’s body were to be found before dark, so at the direction of Corporal Charles Santee of the state police, large hooks were fashioned at a local blacksmith shop. A number of these hooks were strung on a long rope, and with each end of the rope in a separate boat, a methodical combing of the river bottom at the scene of the tragedy was started. It was not long after this system was started, that one of the hooks struck an object in the river very close to where the man’s body had been found. After striking the object, the hook would take hold, and then pull loose. This happened two or three times and those in the boats were certain that the object was the girl’s body. They continued their attempts and about 6:45 o’clock one of the hooks caught firmly in the girl’s bathing suit and the body was drawn to the surface. No attempt was made at resuscitation as the girl had been under water too long. and the two bodies were then removed to the Maryott undertaking parlors. Those in the boats when the girl was found were Trooper H. A. Ellicker, Vernon McPherson and Port Bailey.
Frank Miller came to Towanda just a few years ago from Forksville, where he had farmed for a number of years. For two years he was employed in the Myers Coal Yard, and then he bought the Shaylor place on Fourth Street, where he had been farming since. His oldest daughter, Hazel, graduated from Towanda High School three years ago. Florence, the girl who drowned, was in the seventh grade of the junior high school here during the term just closed.
Funeral announcements will be made later.


Amanda B. (Landback) Miller *
Photo contributed by Paul E. Stewart
* Note: Carol Beverlin questions the identity of this picture. She argues that Amanda tended to dress "with the times" and that the attire of this subject is too old fashioned for the 1940s when Amanda passed away.

Notes for Amanda B. Landback Miller:

Hair was red. Kept boarders in her large home (up to 12 at one time) at least as late as 1939. Her home was built prior to 1839. During the Civil War, it was used as an Underground Railroad station. Had 32 rooms, closets, etc. In 1939, the house sat on 22 acres of land. Property had a caretaker’s house on it.


Family of Frank and Amanda (Landback) Miller
Top, l to r: Amanda, Frank and Hazel
Bottom: Clyde, John, Florence and Mary
Photo contributed by Carol Beverlin

Children of Amanda & Frank Miller

  1. Hazel Miller 1907-1990
  2. Mary Miller 1912-1998
  3. Florence Miller 1915-1929
  4. Clyde H. Miller 1921-1993
  5. John H. Miller 1923-1999

i. Hazel E. Miller (Amanda, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born June 6, 1907; died March 28, 1990; buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Towanda, PA

Married 1st Stanley Eastabrook

Married 2nd Charles H. Jennings, born November 9, 1906; died February 4, 1991

Notes for Hazel E. Miller Eastabrook, Jennings:

Graduated from Towanda High School in 1926. Worked for 5 years as a bookkeeper in a feed mill in Wysox, PA. Lived in New Milford, PA in 1939.

Owned a gas station and store building. Rented all, including the two apartments above the grocery store. Gulf Oil Company warehouse was in basement..

Children of Hazel & Stanley Eastabrook:
  1. Shirley Eastabrook 1934-
  2. Rexford B. Eastabrook

Shirley Eastabrook, born September 19, 1934

Married John Mancuso, born October 8, 1917; died February 9, 1997

Children of Hazel & Charles H. Jennings
  1. Sandra J. Jennings 1948-1996
  2. Robert L. Jennings

Sandra J. Jennings (Hazel, Amanda, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born April 5, 1948; died July 31, 1996

Married Ken Glosenger

ii. Mary L. Miller (Amanda, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born December 25, 1912; died March 13, 1998; buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Towanda, PA

Married John P. Coliskey, born July 1, 1907; died March 27, 1996

Notes for Mary L. Miller Coliskey:

Graduated from Towanda High School in 1930. Worked for 5 years as a clerk in a dry goods store. Good cook.

Children of Mary & John Coliskey:

  1. Marion Jean Coliskey, born March 26, 1937
  2. Ann Marie Coliskey, born May 19, 1939
  3. Frank "Mike" Coliskey born June 7, 1940

iii. Clyde H. Miller (Amanda, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born December 4, 1921; died October 24, 1993; buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Towanda, PA

Married Jean Morrison on June 9, 1962

Children of Clyde & Jean Morrison Miller:

  1. Frank S. Miller
  2. Garrett C. Miller

 

iv. John Miller (Amanda, Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born in 1923; died in 1999; buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Towanda, PA

Note: More research required

Notes for John Miller:

Hobby as a teenager was "movie pictures" Kept a "machine" in his mother’s basement. Was named John in memory of his mother’s brother John Landback, who died at the age of 14.

Levi Washington Landback (Caroline, Benjamin, George Thrasher), born December 9, 1881; died May 14, 1916 in Johnson City, NY; buried in Thrasher's Cemetery, Dushore, PA

Married Anna Elnora "Ella" Thrasher, born November 22, 1880 in PA; died in 1942 in Johnson City, NY

Children of Levi & "Ella" Landback:

  1. Max Clarence Landback 1898-1929, married Lucy Roe, born May 14, 1901 in Capitola, Spink County, South Dakota; died November 24, 1987 in Binghamton, Broome County, NY; daughter of George Henry Roe and Mary Banker Green. Max and Lucy had one child and then separated, but did not divorce.

Burial: Max C. Landback: Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott, Broome County, NY
Burual: Lucy (Roe) Landback, Glen Castle Cemetery, Castle Creek, Broome County, NY

Child of Max and Lucy:

BESSIE ("Betty") LANDBACK, born Feb. 21, 1920 Binghamton, Broome County, NY; died Sep. 7, 1974, Binghamton; married in 1934 to STEWART NELSON GURNEY, born Nov 30, 1917 Johnson City, NY; died Aug 14, 1994, New Smyrna Beach, FL; son of Alfred Lawton Gurney and Luona Agnes Cady. Stewart is shown with his parents all living in the home of Frank and Elvira Cady, parent of Luona, in Elmira in the 1920 Federal Census. Alfred was the son of Elbert Law Gurney and Anna E Mills. *
* Editor's Note: Gurney information courtesy of Lynnette Gurney via e-mail sent February 2, 2016.

Notes: Bessie L. Gurney is buried at Glen Castle Cemetery, Castle Creek, Broome County, NY. Stewart N. Gurney was cremated.


Grave Marker of Max Landback
Son of Levi and Ella (Thrasher) Landback
Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott, NY
Photo contributed by Frank Thrasher

Notes for Levi W. Landback:

Hair was dark brown.

NOTE: There are two different obits--with two different dates of death. Landback family members have recorded May 14th, 1916.

The Sullivan Review
May 17, 1916

Levi W. Landback died very suddenly at the home of G.M. Thrasher at Johnson City N.Y. Monday, May 15, aged 34 years.

Mr. Landback was the youngest son of the late Harvey Landback of Colley. He had recently moved to Johnson City. He is a member of Dushore Lodge I.O. of O.F.

He is survived by his wife and one son, three sisters and four brothers. Funeral services will be held in Zion Lutheran church Thursday 10 a.m. Interment at Thrasher's Cemetery

Obit from unknown source:

Levi W. Landback died at the home of G.M. Thrasher at Johnson City, New York on Sunday, May 14, at the age of 34 years. He is survived by his wife, one son, three sisters, Mrs. Champion of Athens, Mrs. H.I. Winslow of Barton, N.Y. and Mrs. Frank Miller of Sciotavale, also by four brothers, Willis and Geo. W. Landback of Colley, Lewis Landback of Lovelton, and William Landback of Ithaca, N.Y.

Mr. Landback was a member of the Dushore Lodge of Odd Fellows. The remains were brought to Dushore Wednesday evening and the funeral services held in the Lutheran church, interment-taking place at Thrasher’s Cemetery Thursday.


Grave Marker of Anna Elnora "Ella" (Thrasher) Landback
Wife of Levi Landback
Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott, NY
Photo contributed by Frank Thrasher

Copyright © 2002 Robert E. Sweeney and individual Contributors. All Rights Reserved. Prior written permission is required from Robert E. Sweeney and individual Contributors before this material can be printed or otherwise copied, displayed or distributed in any form. This is a FREE genealogy site sponsored through PAGenWeb and can be reached directly at ~Sullivan County Genealogy Project (http://www.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv)