Columbia County, Pennsylvania


Biographies 3


Cyrus DeMOTT, farmer, P.O. Eyer’s Grove. The pioneer of the DeMOTT family was Richard, who came from New Jersey to this county fully one century ago, and located on the farm now owned by John and David SHULTZ. Richard was born in 1755, and died May 26, 1827; his widow died August 5, 1849. They reared the following named children: Mary, Rosanna, John, Sarah, Rebecca, Isaac, Jacob, Abigal, Richard, David, William and Elizabeth. Jacob, father of our subject, was born September 9, 1792, in this township; he married Catharine, daughter of John PATTON. After his marriage he settled on the farm now owned by Cyrus. He served as justice of the peace, and before the counties were divided was commissioner of the county, also supervisor of the poor; was a member of the Baptist Church for nearly sixty years, serving as deacon and elder. To Jacob DeMOTT and his wife the following named children were born: Mary, Margaret, John, Rosanna, Sarah, William, Cyrus, Samuel, Catharine, Harriet and George. The father died February 11, 1886, in his ninety-fourth year; his wife died in 1869. Cyrus was born in 1834 and was reared on the homestead. In early life he served an apprenticeship as carpenter, and followed the trade for fifteen years; then bought a farm in this township and farmed six years; then rented the farm for a time, and in 1876 purchased the home place, where he has since resided. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-first Regiment, and served nine months. He was married in 1868 to Annie L. HELLER; she died in October, 1873, leaving no children. In 1880 he married his present wife, Antoinette B., daughter of George W. SUPLEE. Mr. DeMOTT is a member and clerk of the Baptist Church. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 502)
Francis EVES was born in Madison Township, Columbia County, about the year 1820, son of Parvin EVES. He was reared to manhood on the farm now owned by Wilson EVES, and here lived several years, then moved to Millville, where he died about 1884. He married Rachel WILSON, who died the same year as her husband. They had five children: Matilda, Anna, Wilson, Martha, and Mary. Wilson was born October 25, 1850, and when in his "teens" moved with his parents to this township, and settled on the farm he now owns. He married Sarah J., daughter of Peter WOLF. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson EVES have three children: Charles W., Howard C. and Fannie. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 502-503)
Samuel REICHARD (deceased). Frederick REICHARD, father of the above, was of German descent, came to what is now Madison Township, this county, and settled on the farm now owned by his grandson, John REICHARD, married a Miss GROSS and reared seven children to maturity, viz.: Samuel, Isaac, John, Hannah, Polly, Katie, Teney. Samuel was born on the farm about 1801, grew to manhood here, and was married to Christina TAYLOR, daughter of John and Barbara (HITTLE) TAYLOR, who reared three children—one son and two daughters. After Mr. REICHARD married he settled on the farm, and lived here until his decease which occurred in 1856; his widow yet survives him, residing on the home farm. There were eight children born to them: Simon, Ellen, Jacob, Elias, John, Harriet, Matilda and Amos; all married and reared families except John, who resides on the homestead farm with his mother, and is engaged in farming pursuits. Samuel REICHARD was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and was a man highly esteemed in the community. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 505)
Jacob SHOEMAKER, contractor and farmer, P.O. Mordansville. The SHOEMAKER family was among the early settlers in this county. The pioneer was Abram SHOEMAKER, who came from jersey and located in Columbia County. His wife was Margaret MELLICK by whom he had nine children: Mary, Andrew, Jacob, Kate, John, Isaac, Michael, Margaret and Abram. Jacob, the father of our subject, was born July 14, 1789, and married Martha KINNEY, and to them were born ten children: James, Elsie, John, Abram, Philip, Jane, Margaret, Jacob, Elisha and Levi. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Madison Township on a farm, and at twenty years of age began learning the carpenter trade, which he followed for six years; then engaged in farming, which he carried on continuously until about 1878, since when he has carried on his trade. In 1873 he located on the farm he now owns, which he has carried on since in connection with his trade. He married, August 13, 1857, Mary, daughter of Cornelius VANHORN. Mrs. Shoemaker died march 11, 1886, of pneumonia. To this union were born seven children: Ida, Jane, Elnora, Townsend, John, Harriet and Warren. Mr. SHOEMAKER has been a member of the Methodist Church about thirty years. Mrs. Shoemaker was a member of the same. In 1884 Mr. SHOEMAKER was elected director of the poor. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 505)
Samuel CREVELING, farmer, farmer, P. O. Light Street, was born in what is now Centre Township, this county, September 30, 1830, a son of Alexander and Rebecca (MARR) CREVELING. Andrew CREVELING, grandfather of Samuel, came to what is now Columbia County from the State of new Jersey, and located near what is now Espytown, in Scott Township, where he bought land and made improvements after the fashion of that day. At that time, and four years, there were no milling facilities closer than Sunbury, and he used to send his boys down to Sunbury with wheat to be ground; they generally loaded about fifteen bushels of grain on a canoe, "poling" to Sunbury and return. He was married in New Jersey before coming to this county, and, on location in what is now Scott Township, they made their home in that vicinity until they died. Of their children all are deceased. Alexander CREVELING, son of the above, and father of Samuel, was born in what is now Columbia County, Penn., and was reared to farm life. This he followed alone until 1850, when he built the tannery now owned by Jacob RINK, in Centre Township. He had bought land, on part of which the tannery is located, in the early part of the present century, and after putting up the tannery, he managed that business and carried on farming until his death. He was married in this county to Miss Rebecca MARR, a native of this county and daughter of Lawrence MARR. Her parents came to this county from Scotland, located near Easton, Penn., and from there removed to this county, where both died and are buried in Hidlay Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander CREVELING were the parents of sixteen children, of whom three are living: Cyrus, in Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Penn.; Samuel, and Franklin, in Centre Township, this county. Alexander CREVELING died August 10, 1857; his wife in January, 1883. They are buried in Hidlay Cemetery. At the time of his death Mr. CREVELING was the owner of 187 acres of land and the tanner property. Samuel CREVELING, subject of this sketch, was born and reared at the place where he now resides. When a boy he principally assisted his father in the farm work, but worked occasionally in the tannery, especially in winter, and in about 1849-50 he used to haul hides in the winter season from Scranton, Pittston, Wilkesbarre and other places depended on the tannery. Scranton at that time contained but a few houses, and gave his attention entirely to farming. He was married in this county September 24, 1857, to Miss Mary Ann LAMON, a native of this county and daughter of James and Hannah (SPEAR) LAMON, natives of Ireland, who on coming to this country first located near Mauch Chunk; from there they removed to Briarcreek Township, this county, and there they lived until their death; the former died in 1872 and the latter in the fall of 1878, and are buried at Berwick, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Creveling were the parents of nine children, of whom six are living: Hiram Jasper, married to Miss Sarah MELICK, living at Pittston, Penn.; Marietta, wife of Elmer CREVELING, living near Espytown, this county; Ella, Willbert G., Clarence Alexander and Grace Edna, Annie Irene, Jennie Eudella and Charles Wesley are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. CREVELING are members of the Methodist Church. He has 177 acres of land. The place on which his home is located is a part of the first tract taken up between the mouths of Fishing creek and East Briarcreek, the original grant, still in Mr. CREVELING’s possession, bearing the name and seal of William Penn, and bearing the date of 1869. The CREVELING family were great hunters and rifle shots, and some of them were very expert at the latter act. The father of Samuel killed two bears in the vicinity of the latter’s home. He, like the other men of the family, was a fine shot. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 416)
John M. WHITE, farmer, P.O. Light Street, was born in Orange Township, this county, December 30, 1833, son of William and Jane (McMURTIE) WHITE. Peter WHITE, grandfather of John M., a farmer, came to this county probably in the latter part of the last century. He located near Orangeville, where he lived until about 1806, when he removed to the vicinity of Light Street. Of his family of ten children, William, father of our subject, was the fourth in order of age, born in what is now Orange Township, this county, in 1803. He lived with his parents until he was married, and then bought a farm about a mile north of Light Street. This farm was partly cleared, and had some improvements on it. There he lived for about twenty-five years; then bought another farm adjoining it, to which he removed and here erected new buildings. There he lived until he died. He was married in this county to Miss Jane McMURTIE, a native of Warren County, N. J., born near Belvidere, a daughter of Abraham McMURTIE, who was a farmer in New Jersey, but toward the latter part of his life kept hotel. Her parents both died in new Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. William White were the parents of twelve children, of whom nine are living: Elizabeth M., wife of J. D. MELICK, a traveling salesman residing at Muncy, Penn.; Mary, wife of George CONNER, residing in Centre Township, this county; John M.; Abram M., in Wood County, Ohio; Isaiah S., in Orange Township, this county; Samantha A., wife of Peter EVANS, living near Rupert, this county; W. PIERCE, in Union County, Penn.; Anna Margaret, widow of Alem VAN LIEW, living in Light Street, this county, and M. Alvaretta, wife of A. P. HOWELL. Sarah Jane, wife of Howard GRIMES, is deceased. The father of this family died February 18, 1879; the mother in 1871. Our subject was reared in this county, and made his home with his parents until he was over twenty-three years of age. After that he cultivated one of his father’s four farms for several years, and bought the tract of land on which he now resides in 1868, and three years later moved on to it. When he first purchased it there was a tannery in operation on the place, but he rented that for several years and then sold it. He was married in this county February 10, 1857, to Miss Tacy E. VANDERSLICE, a native of this county, and a daughter of john HIESTER and Catherine (MELICK) VANDERSLICE. Her father was born in Chester County, Penn., and her mother in this county. The MELICKS came to this county from New Jersey. Both parents are deceased and are buried in the Vanderslice graveyard in Hemlock Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. WHITE are parents of five children: Hiester V. (an attorney at law and senior member of the firm of H.V. WHITE & Co., dealers in grain, flour, feed, coal, etc., at Bloomsburg: he is married to Clara E. AIKMAN), William L., Clara, Hattie and John. William LeRoy WHITE was born in Orange Township, this county, September 18, 1860, second son of John M., and Tacy E. (VANDERSLICE) WHITE. After obtaining a liberal education in the schools of his vicinity and the Orangeville Academy, he commenced teaching in 1879, and in 1880 he went west, spending some time in the States of Michigan, Illinois and Iowa, teaching school and at times working on the farms. On his return he entered into the grain shipping business with his brother, and is still the junior member of the firm of H. V. WHITE & Co. He resides in Bloomsburg, Penn., where he has general supervision of their business. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. WHITE is a Democrat politically and has held local offices in the township. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 427)
Joseph CRAWFORD, farmer, Orangeville, is descended from one of the early settlers of Columbia County, and was born in Mount Pleasant Township, September 25, 1818. His father, Joseph CRAWFORD, was born in 1778 and was the second white child born in Northumberland County, in a fort. Joseph, Sr., was a son of Edward CRAWFORD, of Scotch descent, whose ancestors came from Scotland and settled in the lower counties. Our subject’s mother was Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew MELLICK. Subject’s father was reared to farming, and he and wife had eleven children, nine of whom were reared to maturity. Edward, Andrew, John, Joseph, Stephen, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann. Our subject remained on the farm until he was twenty-seven years of age. In 1842 he married Catherine, daughter of Harmon and Anna (Evland) Labour, AND IN 1846 LOCATED ON HIS FARM IN Mount Pleasant, where he resided until 1877. He then located in Orange Township and there he has since remained. He has been successful; owns several farms, and has a competence for his declining years. To him and wife nine children were born, five of whom are living: Clinton, Harmon, William, Alfred and Anna. All reside in this county except Harmon, who is in Russell County, Kas. Another son, Joseph F., was killed in New Mexico in December, 1880, and three died of diphtheria in 1866. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 522)
Elijah P. ALBERTSON, liveryman, Benton, was born at Stillwater, Columbia County, October 23, 1857. In 1861 he removed with his parents to Sugarloaf Township and remained with his parents on the farm until 1876. He then took a trip west and was gone about three years. Returning home he farmed his father’s place, and June 23, 1879, married Miss Ella, a daughter of Cyrus LARISH of Sugarloaf Township. Four children have been born to them: E. Joe, Atta, Charley and Chancey. After his marriage Mr. ALBERTSON continued to farm and in partnership with his father did some lumbering until 1884. He then received the contract to carry the mail between Benton and Bloomsburg. His commission will expire July 1, 1889. He continued to carry the mail and also drove between these places until the summer of 1886, when he hired some one to attend to that business and devoted his time to the livery business in Benton. His father, Elijah J. ALBERTSON, is a resident of Sugarloaf Township and was born in Greenwood Township, Columbia County, march 18, 1819, a son of John R. and Jane (KITCHEN) ALBERTSON. June 13, 1841, he married Sarah A., daughter of John and Martha (McHENRY) STILES. In 1865 he moved to the place he now occupies, purchasing eighty-seven acres of the Robert MOORE property. this has been highly improved and is now one of the nicest places in the township. To him and his wife nine children were born: Clarence E., of Benton Township; Esther E., wife of William KEELER, of Cincinnati, Ohio; wife of Samuel PENNINGTON, of Catawissa. The parents are members of the Christian Church at Benton. Mr. ALBERTSON has served in all the offices in the township. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 375)
J. Frank DERR was born January 2, 1840, at Rohrsburg, this county; was drafted in the service in 1862, and served in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-eight Regiment; was mustered in and out at Harrisburg; was married February 4, 1864, to miss Julia A. SHULTZ; resided at Rohrsburg and followed millwrighting and carpentering until 1873; then moved to Jackson where he has been in the lumbering business. The children born to our subject and wife are Laura, Leah, May, Minnie, Earl and Fred. The family attended the services of the Christian Church. In politics Mr. DERR is a Democrat. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 489)
George W. BILLMAN, proprietor of the Montana Hotel, Centralia, was born in Schuylkill County, Penn., October 8, 1851, son of Charles M. and Christina (GEIST) BILLMAN, natives of Barry Township, Schuylkill Co., Penn., where the former still resides: the latter died there about 1861, and is buried in the Lutheran Cemetery at Kimmels, Schuylkill County. George W. was reared in his native county, and there engaged in farming. In April, 1884, he came to Columbia County and purchased the Montana hotel, at Montana, Penn., which he still conducts. He married, in Schuylkill County, February 14, 1884, Miss Christina Miller, a native of New York City and daughter of Franklin and Catherine MILLER, natives of Germany, former of whom died in New York, and the latter in Ashland, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. BILLMAN have one child, Agnes Florence, born August 20, 1884. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church at Kimmels. In politics Mr. BILLMAN is a Democrat. The above named house was built by a Mr. ROADENBERGER, in the year 1820; of stone, and was kept as a hotel by Mr. ROADENBERGER for a number of years; he was succeeded by a Mr. Joseph MILLER, William HUGHES, Joseph ZIMMERMAN, Isaac BETZ, Jacob ZIMMERMAN, Adam CLAYBERGER, John JONES, Peter HOWER, Samuel LIEBY, William GOODMAN, Samuel LEIBY, Isaac Edwards, Daniel E. KELNES, Jonathan FAUST, George W. BILLMAN. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 429)
Sylvester HOWER, carpenter, P.O. Pensyl, was born in Columbia County, Penn., February 6, 1841, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (HENDERSHOT) HOWER, former of whom was born in Columbia County, Penn., of German descent. Our subject’s grand father settled near Mifflin, Penn., where he followed his trade, that of a blacksmith, carrying on farming also. He moved to this township, where he died in 1866. Our subject’s children, eight of whom are living: Sylvester; Catherine, wife of Elijah FIELDS, residing in Danville, Penn.; Lloyd W.; Isaiah J.; Hannah M.; Joshua M.; Sarah E. and Kersey C.; Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until eighteen years of age, when he began the carpenter’s trade and served an apprenticeship of three years. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves. The company raised and taken to Harrisburg for the purpose of being placed in the three months’ service, but on arrival at that place it was discovered that the field was full of men enlisted for that period, so the whole regiment enlisted for three years, July 27, 1861. >From Harrisburg they were taken to Greencastle, where they were kept about two weeks. They were taken to Washington; thence to Maryland, and December 20, 1 861, fought their first battle at Dranesville. Mr. HOWER also participated in the engagements of the regiment at Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. He was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, by a gunshot in the right hip, and was disabled for about three months. After the battle of Gettysburg he participated in the battles of Mine Run, Va., through the Wilderness to Cold Harbor, marching day and night and engaging in several battles. During the battle of Bull Run he had nothing to eat for three days and three nights. He was discharged June 11, 1864, and shortly afterward was employed by the Government building bridges for Sherman’s army. In 1865 he bought the farm where he now lives, which was a dense forest, but having a willing mind and strong arms, set about clearing it off, and now has a good farm, having made all the improvements himself. In the spring of 1878 he moved to Seward City, Neb., where he remained two years, working at his trade. He married, July 4, 1865, Harriet YEAGER, and they are the parents of five children: Henry C., Anna C., Mazy E., Daniel Y. and James Garfield. Mrs. HOWER is a member of the Lutheran Church. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 460-461)
John H. HOWER, farmer, P.O. Catawissa, was born in Girardville, Schuylkill Co., Penn., November 1, 1853, a son of john and Lucetta (GABLE) HOWER, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His grandfather was born in Columbia County, Penn.; was a carpenter by trade, and lived where Jeremiah KOSTENBANDER now resides. Our subject’s father was born in this county, and was brought up a farmer, but kept a hotel in Girardville for about twenty years, and was also engaged in the lumber business. He carried on both occupations up to the time of his death in December, 1883. He was the father of twelve children, eleven of whom are living: Harriet, wife of T. P. CHURNINGTON; Sarah, wife of Theodore MYERS, residing in Michigan; Mary, wife of J. M. GLICK, residing in Girardville; Emma, wife of G. W. BARNHARDT, residing in Girardsville; Elizabeth, wife of S. K. CLEAVER, residing in Berks County; Clinton G., John H., William E., Albert L., Clara A. and Thomas C. His father owned 180 acres of land at the time of his death. Our subject was brought up in Girardville, where he received his education, and where he was employed as clerk until coming to this township. He came to Columbia County in 1879, and here has since resided. He married, June 2, 1875, Helen S. ACHENBACH, by whom he has four children: Curwin E., Clara E., Elsa E. and William J. Mrs. HOWER is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mr. HOWER a member of the P. O. S. of A. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 461)
Francis P. EVES, retired, Millville, is a great-grandson of John EVES, the pioneer, and was born January 29, 1820, in this township, the eldest son of Ezra and Susanna (KESTER) EVES. They were the parents of the following named children: Francis P., Benjamin K., John R., Elizabeth, Lucretia M., and Joseph E. Francis P. was reared to farming and about the time he reached his twenty-sixth year, married Elizabeth, daughter of Francis and Mary (WELLIVER) ROTE. Mrs. EVES was born in 1820, in this township and has borne her husband five children: Addra Anna, wife of J. Barton EVES; Warren Wilbur, engaged in farming in Lycoming County; E. Truman, residing on the homestead; M. Eva and Mary Bertha at home. After marriage Mr. EVES located on the homestead, where he remained until 1878, when he came to Millville and has here since resided. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 468)
Wilson M. EVES, merchant, Iola, was born near Millville Penn., December 2, 1829, the eldest son of John W. and Rebecca (BROWN) EVES, the latter a daughter of Richard BROWN. He was reared near the town of Millville, and learned the carpenter’s trade with his father and made it his business for several years. in 1854 he came to Iola, purchased a saw-mill and engaged in the cabinet-making trade, which he conducted in connection with his carpenter business. In 1879 he engaged in merchandising, to which he has since given his attention. He married, April 15, 1851, Amelia, daughter of John and Mary (WOODARD) ROBINS. They have five children: Clara S., John E., Rebecca A., Orpha L. and Aquilla W. Rebecca is the wife of John C. CHRISTIAN and resides in this county; Orpha is the wife of F. P. MASTERS. Mr. EVES, in 1865, under the administration of Lincoln, was elected justice of the peace and served continuously for twenty years. He served as postmaster prior to his election as justice. Mr. EVES’ business is conducted under the firm name of Wilson M. EVES & Sons. They do a general merchandise trade and deal also in lumber, furniture, organs, etc. Mr. EVES is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Masonic fraternity. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 468)
James Watson EVES, retired, Millville, was born December 17, 1829, the second son of Milton and Mary (MATHER) EVES. Milton was born in Madison Township, Columbia Co., Penn., August 12, 1797, and died October 1, 1831. His wife was born in Catawissa June 7, 1797, and died October 28, 1868. To them were born six children: Lydia B. Sarah P., Thomas E., Asenath E., James W. and Mary M. Lydia B., married Chas. KISTER, and after his death Joseph VAN HORN, who is also deceased; Sarah P. became the wife of A. H. PHILLIPS and died leaving three children (one of whom, Milton E., is now a professor in Simpson College at Indianola; the other two children are dead); Thomas E., died leaving three children: Francis resides in Michigan; Willis B. (Willis B. EVES is a son of a former wife of Thos. E. EVES the daughter of John H. EVES, her name was Rachel: and Henry W. in Millville): Asenath is the wife of F. E. ROTE of Greenwood Township; Mary M., resides in Madison Township, Columbia County, wife of John P. RUNYAN. James Watson EVES was born in Madison Township on a part of the old EVES property, where he grew to manhood. He remained on the homestead until he was forty-eight years of age, when he came to this township and engaged in farming pursuits and the harness business until April, 1886, leaving one child; Clark H., died April 28, 1884; Wilmer W., Sherman and Loraine. After the death of his wife Mr. EVES resided with his son, Dilwin, and since his death with his sister, Mrs. Lydia B. VAN HORN. He enlisted April 1, 1865, in Company I, Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., 809 Millville Lodge. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 468)
Shadrach EVES, miller, P. O. Millville, was born August 16, 1829, in Madison Township, the fifth son of a family of thirteen children born to Parvin and Anna EVES. Parvin was born December 9, 1790, on the original plat of ground that his grandfather John located on. Anna EVES mother of Shadrach, died in the fall of 1872, being about seventy-five at the time of her death. The children born to Parvin and Anna were Chandlee, Joseph, Francis, George, Sarah, Rachel, Shadrach, Elizabeth, Parvin, Ezra, Chalkley, Susan, and Elijah. All lived to be grown except Elijah. Shadrach was reared in Madison Township, and when seventeen years of age he was hired out on a farm, his father having the benefit of his earnings until he became of age. After that he worked for his uncle Benjamin; at the age of twenty-four he married Sarah, daughter of Nehemiah REECE; she died in the spring of 1858, and by her he had one child that died when three years old. His present wife was Rachel, daughter of Robert MATHER, and they have five children: Preston, Adella, Robert, Phoebe and Eleanora, all living except Robert, who was drowned in the creek below the dam aged eight years. Subsequent to his marriage Mr. EVES bought a farm in Pine Township opposite Iola, and farmed here until 1873, when he came to Millville, where he has since resided. His father lives with him; he was aged ninety-six years, December 9, 1886. Shadrach is engaged in manufacturing; has a woolen-mill and does custom work for the farmers. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 468)
John EVES, the ancestor of the Columbia County family of that name, was one of the earliest settlers in the valley of Fishing creek. He immigrated thither from Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle Co., Del., and located on a tract of 1,200 acres in the townships of Greenwood and Madison, including the site of Millville. This land was secured by deed dated November 29, 1774, the former owner having been Reuben HAINES, a brewer, of Philadelphia. It would appear, however, that he had concluded the purchase and settled in this region some years previous to the time this title was acquired. As his settlement in this section marks an important period in its history, it is described at length in another part of this work.

But little is known regarding the personal history of John EVES. He was an Irish Friend, born in 1720, and removed to America about the year 1738. He was in good circumstances at Mill Creek Hundred, and held various offices involving a degree of responsibility. One of his experiences as constable reveals the resolute and determined character of the man. He was given a warrant for the arrest of a miscreant who defied the power of the law, and threatened to take the life of the officer as he approached. But the latter walked boldly forward and disarmed him without a struggle. The victory was not yet complete, however, as the obstinacy of the culprit was equal to his cowardice, and he refused to walk, whereupon the constable tied his prisoner to his horse, and they proceeded without further difficulty. Another trait of his character is illustrated by an occurrence during his residence here. While in Philadelphia on one occasion he advanced the passage money of Larry FLINN and his wife, two destitute Friends who had recently arrived from England. They would then have been obligated to remain in his service for several years, but he received them into his family and they never left it.

In 1751 John EVES married Edith YEATMAN, an English lady, said to have possessed great strength of character as well as personal beauty. They were the parents of seventeen children, fourteen of whom reared families. Their names with dates of birth are as follows: Sarah, 4th mo., 24th, 1753 (died in 1762); Thomas, 2d mo., 5th, 1755; John, 2d mo., 22d, 1757; Joseph, 10th mo., 30th, 1758; Mark, 7th mo., 16th, 1760 (died in 1762); William, 2d mo., 2d, 1762; Chandlee, 12th mo., 14th, 1763; Elizabeth, 12th mo., 30th, 1765; Sarah, 5th mo., 14th, 1767; Edith, 5th mo., 14th, 1767; Andrew, 6th mo., 4th, 1769; Mary, 11th mo., 24th, 1770; Priscilla, 11th mo., 3d, 1772; Mark, 4th mo., 8th, 1774; Ann, 4th mo., 21st, 1775; Samuel, 1st mo., 28th, 1778; Ezra, 6th mo., 28th, 1782. John EVES, Sr., died 7th mo., 1st, 1802; and Edith (YEATMAN) EVES, 4th mo., 14th, 1818. The children of Thomas EVES and Rachel (WILSON) EVES were Edith, John W., Phebe (MATHER) and Thomas; of John EVES and Lydia (JUDGE) EVES: Peter, Jesse, Nehemiah, John, James and Lydia; of Joseph EVES and Sarah (PARVIN) EVES: Parvin, Ezra, Milton, Sarah (SHIVELY), Asenath (ASHTON), Francis, Elizabeth (SWISHER) and Mary (MARTEN); of William EVES and Sarah (PHILIPS) EVES: Mary (BRUNN), Edith (KITCHEN), Prudence (STATON), Ann (CLAYTON), John, William and Elijah; of Chandlee EVES and Rachel (KERTES) EVES: Annie (EVES), Elizabeth, Yeatman, John K., George F., Benjamin, Chandlee, Sarah (WILSON) and Rachel (SHIVELY); Elizabeth EVES married Thomas MATHER, and died without issue; Sarah EVES married Henry BATTIN and was the mother of thirteen children, viz.: Edith (FAIRMAN), John, William, Chandlee, Isaac, Henry, Samuel, Susan (KISNER), Sarah, Joseph, Mary (COX), Rachel and Enoch; the children of Isaac PHILIPS and Edith (EVES) PHILIPS were William Samuel, Mary (ARMITAGE), Ann (ARMITAGE), and Sarah (HUGHES); of Andrew EVES and Martha (MARTEN) EVES: David, James, Edith, Margaret (FAIRMAN), Andrew, Joseph, Martha, Sarah and Yeatman: of Nehemiah REECE and Mary (EVES) REECE: William, Sarah, Edith (KERTZ), Mary, Philip, John, Joseph, Nehemiah, Louisa (EVES), Sarah (WHITACRE), Aaron, Mary and Hannah (McHENRY); of William MATHER and Priscilla (EVES) MATHER: Mary and Elizabeth (LEMON); of John Watson and Ann (EVES) WATSON: John, Sarah, Edith, Thomas, Mark and Dorcas: of Samuel EVES and Tamar (KITCHEN) EVES: Priscilla (WATSON), James, Thomas, Edith, Elizabeth, Reuben and John. In the above the line of descent has been traced to the second generation from the original progenitors of the family in this county. It is estimated that the descendants of this pioneer settler of the Little Fishing creek number at this time 1000, souls; and many of those who bore his name have occupied positions of honor and respectability in the various walks of life. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 467)
George F. EVES (deceased) was born November 23, 1804, the third son of Chandlee EVES, who was a son of the pioneer. He married November 5, 1829, Louisa, daughter of Nehemiah and Mary REESE. Mrs. EVES was born December 10, 1808. After marriage they moved to the homestead which was a part of the tract taken up by John EVES, the grandfather of our subject. There he remained until May, 1875, when he removed to Millville, and retired from active business. He died February 27, 1877. His wife died December 16, 1869. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom attained maturity: Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Philip, Emory S., Hannah, Sarah L., Priscilla M., Reuben, Milton and Chandlee R. Emily married David ROTE; Hannah married J. H. KITCHEN; Milton married Priscilla E. LEMON; Philip married Sarah A. RUNYAN; Chandlee MARRIED Sarah E. JOHN, and resides on the old homestead in Madison Township; Elizabeth died in October, 1878; Milton’s second marriage was to Emily SHULTZ; Sarah L. and Priscilla M. reside together in Millville; Reuben died March 16, 1855. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 467-468)
Charles W. EVES, farmer and merchant, Millville, was born June 30, 1831, in North Millville, Columbia County, the eldest son of Benjamin and Priscilla (WILSON) EVES. His father was born February 3, 1807, a son of Chandlee EVES. His mother was born February 23, 1810, the daughter of Thomas and Susanna WILSON. To Benjamin and his wife were born Charles W., Susan W., wife of Dr. HELLER; Rachel S., William C., in Marshall County, Kas.; John M., in Chicago, and Martha. In early life Benjamin EVES engaged with his father, Chandlee, in conducting a factory here, which the latter had purchased from John WATSON about 1828. They carried on carding, spinning, fulling, etc., until about 1852, when Benjamin, with our subject, carried on the business for about six years. Benjamin then retired and died December 23, 1876. His wife died February 27, 1869. After his death Charles W. continued the business and is also engaged in farming, merchandising, milling, lumbering, and has several farms. He married June 30, 1852, Sarah B., daughter of George and Margaret (MATHERS) MASTERS. She was born in October, 1832, and bore her husband children as follows: Narcissa M., wife of Clemuel Henrie; Morris E., in business with his father; Myra M. and Maggie, at home; Laura E., deceased wife of James O. WARNER; Alfred H., Geo. M., Ben A., Cora P. and Mary A., all died young. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg 469)

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