Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

Edwin Tracy, harness maker.
Charles Taintor, painter.
Abram Thomas, merchant.
Edmund Taylor, harness maker.
Barnet Ulp, hatter.

M. Van Zeek, doctor.
Andrew Vogle, hatter.
Philip Weeks, farmer.
Seth Wilson, tailor.

Phineas Waller, farmer and distiller.
Lewis Worrell, potter.
Moses Wood, farmer.

Isaac Williams, basket maker.
Asa C. Whitney, doctor.

Josiah Wright, printer and editor.
Thomas Wright, farmer.

William Wright, school teacher.
Joseph Wright, doctor.

Daniel White, wagon maker.

Rosewell Wells, lawyer.

Ranslaer Wells, blacksmith.

Winthrop Wells, merchant.

Conrad Wickizer, farmer and teamster. Peter and Luther Yarington, blacksmith. Henry Young, gunsmith.

An Old Academy Pupil Dead.

Dr. George Firman Borton died in Bradford County, December 20, 1886, having reached within a few days, the advanced age of 81 years. He was born 1806, and was the ninth child of Major John and Deborah (Terry) Horton. His mother's father, Parshall Terry, was one of the first forty to enter Wyoming Valley and settle in Kingston, and with his family, was in Forty Fort at the time of the massacre. His mother, at this time, was 11 years of age. Dr. Horton was born in Terry town, and at the age of 17 (1823) he gratified his thirst for knowledge by going on foot to Wilkes-Barre, a distance of sixty miles, where he entered the Wilkes. Barre Academy. then in charge of Prof. Orton. Here he was a classmate of the late Hendrick B. Wright. Later he received a scientific education at Van Ransellaer Polytechnic School, at Troy, of which he was the oldest living graduate (class of 1827) at the time of his death. He read medicine with Dr. Hayden, of Braintrim, now Wyoming County, and in 1829 entered upon a practice at Terry town, which became large and laborious, achieving a wide reputation as a skillful physician. In 1876 he published a genealogy of the Horton family, an elaborate work of some 400 pages. He was an ardent student of the natural sciences, an influential temperance and anti-slavery speaker. a prominent leader in Presbyterian circles, and, as a lengthy sketch in the Towanda Reporter-Journal says, "it is safe to say that no man in all that region will be more greatly missed, or was more greatly loved or more implicity trusted than Dr. Horton."

Of the several surviving daughters one is the wife of the well-known historian of Brad ord County, Rev. Dr. David Craft.

The Local Historian.

[North Wales Record.]

In reference to the statements made by local historians, we sometimes hear the sneer: "He never gets it right." Very likely the writer has made some error in name or circumstance, that call forth such comment from those unappreciative of the value of his work. These thoughtless critics, often malicious as well as heedless, never consider the vast number of things this same writer may succeed in getting right; many things, too, that otherwise would never have been preserved at all. Human testimony is fallible, and human judgment may be at fault, but there is not one of these local writers of history but who honestly endeavors to tell the truth-as, in fact, they have every motive to do. Theirs is largely a labor of love, at best. With laborious pains ancient records must be searched, old documents deciphered, journeys must be made, testimony collected from living witnesses, and concerning many possible suppositions the possibilities must be balanced. No one would be prompted to these things except he had innate taste and talent for such studies. An important work for historical literature is being done by such delvers. They turn aside from the multitude who are in eager pursuit of the selfish good of the present, to give their attention to recording and preserving what would otherwise pass into oblivion. They go down into minute details and work in a humble way in order that the greater writers of the future may have the material upon which to build a broader, nobler structure. All these writers of the present doubtless fail in some particulars, in errors of date, of name, in omission of some particulars, in infelicities of style or in slips of grammar. They must be judged by the value of their contributions as a whole, and not by their trifling mistakes. The pens of those who so glibly criticise will probably never contribute anything to our historical or other literature that is worth preserving.

John F. Meginness, editor of the Williamsport Gazette and Bulletin, is being urged by many friends to issue a new edition of his "History of the West Branch Valley," published over 30 years ago and now out of print. Correspondence from any persons interested in the matter would doubtless encourage Mr. Meginness to take some definite step,

POSTMASTER BOGERT DEAD.

After a Painful Illness of Eight Weeks, and a Brave Battling Against Disease, He Falls Into His Last Sleep. Postmaster Bogert died at a quarter past 11, Thursday night, Feb. 3, surrounded by his family and a few immediate friends. His life passed out painlessly, the pangs of dissolution having been averted by reason of a benumbing of the mental faculties of nearly a week's duration. He breathed gently away without a struggle.

Joseph Kirkendall Bogert was born at New Coluu bns, Luzerne County, July 16, 1845, and was consequently almost 42 years of age at the time of his death. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Bogert, the former of whom was a well known citizen of that part of the county. He died in 1881. The mother still survives and resides in this city.

The Bogerts are of Dutch origin and came o America with the earliest emigrants from 1olland, settling in parts of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many of the stock and name have achieved distinction in va rious professions and lines of business.

Deceased was the fifth of nine children, six boys and three girls, and this is the first death that has occurred among the number.

The Bogerts were in humble circumstances. Joseph attended the public schools at New Columbus and afterwards entered the Male and Female Academy, working in his father's carriage-making shop and on the farms in the vicinity during the vacations and paying for part of his tuition in work about the Academy building.

In 1863 he was 18 years of age. On June 23 of that year, he enlisted and was mustered into the United States service as a private in the 28th Pennsylvania militia. This regiment, with others, was on duty in this State and in Maryland during the invasion of the north by the Army of Northern Virginia, and had a sharp skirmish with Fitz Hugh Lee's forces not far from Harrisburg on June 30. The regiment was mustered out July 27th. He afterwards re-enlisted, this time as a private in the United States Signal Corps, and was mustered in April 4, 1864. He was first assigned to duty in the campaign against hostile Indians in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Indian Territory, under orders from Headquarters Army of the Border, Gen. S. R. Curtis com. manding. He was afterwards in the campaign against Price from the New to the Arkansas River on the Missouri and Arkansas border. There were engagements at Little Blue and Big Blue respectively on Oct. 21 and 22, and later on at many other points on the route. He was sent to the Department of the North

west, after the completion of the campaign just mentioned, and took part in the Indian expedition up the Platte and Powder Rivers, which extended from July 1 to Nov. 4, and covered over 2,500 miles of previously unexplored territory, and was attended by many hardships and dangers. He was finally mustered out Dec. 9, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Returning to New Columbus he studied with Rev. Furman, a Baptist minister of the vicinity, with a view to fitting himself for the University at Lewisburg, at which latter institution he soon afterwards completed his studies, here as at New Columbus, paying in part for his tuition by labor about the building. After his graduation he came to Wilkes-Barre and entered the office of Hon. C. E. Wright as a student at law. He remained here nearly a year, earning his livelihood meanwhile as a correspondent for the Associated Press, the Scranton Times and other papers. Then he was offered and accepted a position as assistant clerk in the office of Geo.ge P. R chards, clerk of the courts, and soon afterwards was promoted to charge of the office. At the expiration of Mr. Richards' term, in 1874, he was appointed, through the influence of Judge Rhone deputy clerk of the Orphans' Court, being the first incumbent of that office. While serving in this capacity he was nominated by the Democrats for the registership and at the ensuing election (1875) was elected by an enormous majority, several others on the same ticket being defeated.

In July, 1876, the publication of the Luzerne Leader, a weekly, was begun in Pittston by E. A. Niven and C. H. Chamberlin. In February of the following year it was removed to Wilkes-Barre, having been purchased by Mr. Bogert, associated with Geo. B. Kulp, Esq. The publication was continued in the Corn Exchange Building until January, 1879, when Bogert & Kulp, (under the name of the Leader Publishing Co.,) purchased and consolidated with it the old Luzerne Union, which had been for many years the Democratic organ of the county, when its name was changed to UnionLeader. On Oct. 1st, 1879, the publication of the Daily Union-Leader was commenced in the old Union building. In 1880, Mr. Bogert bought out Mr. Kulp's interest and from then on to the day of his death was sole publisher and editor. In 1884 the new building on North Main Street was occupied. These incidents and dates show with what skill, courage and pertinacity Mr. Bogert created, with very limited means, out of a small weekly the best known Democratic daily journal in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Bogert was always active in pol

itics. He was twice chairman of the Democratic County Committee. In 1881 he was a candidate for State Treasurer before the Democratic Convention that finally, after nine ballots, nominated Orange Noble, of Erie. During the balloting Mr. Bogert was supported by a large contingent of delegates from this part of the State and several times in the progress of the contest his success seemed almost assured. That same evening he was elected by the convention chairman of the State Commit. tee, and he got up out of his bed at the hotel to meet the committee sent to notify him of the honor. He reluctantly accepted it, but acquitted himself in the discharge of his duties in a manner that won golden opinions from the party managers. He was solicited to stand for the State Treasurership in 1883 and it is believed that he could have had the nomination that year, but he resolutely refused the use of his name.

He was a delegate frequently to State Conventions of his party, and was a delegate to the National Convention of 1884, by which President Cleveland was nominated. He was appointed postmaster of Wilkes-Barre in July, 1885 and took possession of the office Aug. 1st of that year.

A year or so ago he was honored with the presidency of the State Editorial Association. He was one of the presidents of the local board of trade, was a member of Masonic Lodge 61 and of several beneficial organizations, such as the Legion of Honor and the Heptasophs.

While at Lewisburg he united with the Baptist Church, but never became a member of the church in Wilkes-Barre, though being one of its financial supporters. His wife being a communicant in the Episcopal Church, Mr. Bogert was a requent attendant upon the services at St. Stephens, and during his last illness was a recipient of the ministrations of Rev. Henry L. Jones.

At Philadelphia Mr. Bogert married, Dec. 31, 1879, Mary E. Patterson, who had been a prominent and successful teacher in the Wilkes Barre public schools and who is a well-known and estimable lady. She was at his bedside during almost every moment of his nearly eight weeks' confinement to his bed and endured the incident pains and fatigues with wonderful fortitude. They have one child living, a boy of 4 years, their first and only other one having died almost immediately after its birth.

The cause of Mr. Bogert's death was pyæmis or pus poisoning, originating in an abscess of the prostrate gland; with this pneumonia was a temporary complication. At times it seemed almost certain that his vigorous constitution would enable him to throw the deadly poison off, but it was not

to be. It had secured too strong a grip before discovery, and would have killed an ordinarily robust man in half the time. He had in addition to the care of his patient wife and watchful family, that of skilled physicians like Drs. Mayer, Guthrie and Murphy and a certificated nurse from the Blockley Hospital at Philadelphia. It was not in the power of human skill or affection to further put off dissolution.

In the brief space permitted after the midnight hour in which to sum up the characteristics of a life now ended, words fail in which to pen the picture. Mr. Bogert was untiring, brave and generous and had achieved a degree of worldly success, rare for a man of his years and with the limited advantages at his disposal. Had he lived he would undoubtedly have become a man of unusual mark, not only as a leader in the business and politics of the community, but in the ever widening sphere of journalism and State politics.

As a politician he was aggressive, but be lieving his principles were right he battled for Democracy, not only against the open foe of Republican opponents, but against the advocates of schism within the ranks of his own party. This being the case, his path as a politician was not strewn with roses, but he followed it faithfully to the end, believing it was the path of duty.

Honest in his dealings with his fellow men, energetic in the discharge of every business and social duty, enterprising in the little world of local journalism, an affectionate son, a devoted husband and a loving father, he has left a vacant place that will be hard to fillindeed, it can never be fully filled.

The RECORD management, with whom his business and professional relations have always been of the most friendly character, lament his loss and beg to add their sym pathy to that of the host of friends who will offer their consolation.

We deem it proper to say, at this juncture, that a movement is on foot among the friends of Mr. Bogert to bring about the appointment of his widow as his successor in the postoffice, and that such an appointment would be eminently satisfactory to the community, without any reference to political affliations. Fully competent to discharge the duty, Mrs. Bogert, who, we learn, is not left with very ample provision for her future maintenance, would grace the position, and Congressman Lynch could popularize himself in no more thorough way than by using his influence in accordance with the movement already mentioned, and which originated among the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which deceased was a comrade.

Under instructions from the Postoffice

Department, A. R. Brundage, Esq., one of the late Mr. Bogert's bondsmen, took possession of the office Friday and placed E. K. Bogert, the chief deputy, in charge of the office as acting postmaster. Mr. Bogert took the oath before United States Commissioner Hahn, and the business of the office will proceed as usual without any interruption.

Death of D. O. Bartlett.

Brief mention was made in the RECORD on the day following of the death of Orrin D. Bartlett, which occurred from sciatic rheumatism at Towanda, Jan. 20. Deceased was known in Wilkes-Barre, he having married for his second wife, Miss Sarah F. Tracy, of Wilkes-Barre, who died July 5, 1878.

From the Towanda papers we glean the following:

Orrin Daniel Bartlett, son of Daniel and Jane Scott Bartlett, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., Aug. 30, 1814. At the age of 10 he came with his parents to Pennsylvania. Along with Dr. John N. Weston, Mr. M. C. Mercur, Hon. David Wilmot and others he organized the parish of Christ Church, Towanda, Dec. 20, 1841, and was very active in promoting its interests. He was baptized Sept. 24, 1843. He re, ceived the rite of confirmation Nov. 9, 1845from Bishop Alonzo Potter. He took hipart as a member of the choir, as superins tendent of the Sunday school or as a teacher in it, and as one of the Church Wardens through a course of many years. Very often did he also act in the capacity of lay reader in conducting the services in the absence of a clergyman.

His name is largely associated with the business interests of Towanda for a long period. He was in mercantile life for about twenty-four years from 1837, and for many years afterwards was engaged in manufacturing. Meantime, from 1841 and up to the time of his death, he had been in the insurance business.

Deceased was twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary Weston, daughter of the late John N. Weston, M. D., formerly sheriff of the county. She died 26 years ago on 20th of January. Mr. Bartlett, for weeks prior to his death, entertained a premonition that he would die on the anniversary of her death, which proved true. Of this union all his children were born, of whom three sons survive him: Rev. Franklin W. Bartlett, now an Episcopal minister, stationed at Williamstown, Mass.; Dr. Henry Arthur Bartlett, of Sugar Run, and Charles Graham Bartlett, and three daughters: Mrs. Mary F. Macfarlane, Mrs. Harriet A. Tracy, of this place, and Mrs. Cora E. Eichelberger, of Ohio.

A MYSTERIOUS PACKAGE. Some Old Papers That Were Found by the Wayside Referring to Local Affairs at the Beginning of the Century. [Reprinted from RECORD of Nov. 24, 1884.] A short time ago a bundle of old letters and other papers was picked up by some one on the Plymouth road, in the vicinity of the new Woodward shaft, and as the contents bore the name of Zebulon Butler, they found their way into the bands of Pierce and George H. Butler, Esq., of Kingston. No one knows from whence they came nor anything concerning their preservation or custody since they were in Capt. Butler's keeping almost three-quarters of a century ago. These papers have been sent to the RECORD Office for our inspection, and we have taken the liberty of making a few extracts therefrom. The Zebulon Butler mentioned was not the Col. Butler of colonial fame, but his son Zebulon, a grandson of Rev. Jacob Johnson, the pioneer congregational preacher of the gospel at Wyoming.

One of the documents is a plan for the organization of a volunteer military_company to be knowns the Wyoming Blues. It is very neatly written, but on coarse, unruled paper, and directs a uniform of a "dark blue short coat or sailor's jacket, faced and trimmed with scarlet; white waistcoat and blue pantaloons, edged with scarlet; black stock and high crowned hat, with bear skin on the same." The description of the uniform now finds its way into print for the first time. Any person appearing intoxicated on parade was to be fined 50 cents for first offense and for second to be ignominiously expelled. Captain Butler was a strict disciplinarian and his company is said to have been one of the best drilled in this part of the State. It was a particularly aristocratic company for those days, and the Gordon papers tell us that Mr. Butler was elected captain in 1811. The company ceased to exist in 1814.

There is considerable correspondence between Capt. Butler and Colonel John Spalding, of Sheshequin, on business topics. In one from Mr. Spalding, dated Ulster, March 10, 1810, he says, "It is the same old story -no money in the country, but counterfeit and that chiefly at Towanda." We don't like to expose our up river friends, but the truths of history must be told. In a postscript he lets out a few family secrets when he writes: "We are all well except Mrs. Spalding and she is grumbling with the old complaint;" he, however, leaves us in the dark as to what the old complaint is, but probably Capt. Butler understood the situation. In a letter to Capt. Butler the same correspondent writes from Sheshequin, "I was disap

« ZurückWeiter »