Wilkes-Barre Residents - 1820

Hannah Alexander, age 42
Children include William H. Alexander, 14
(widow)

Born Wyoming, Hannah (Hibbard) Alexander was Matthias Hollenback's stepdaughter and the widow of John Alexander of Carlisle. Her parents were Cyprian Hibbard and Sarah Burritt. At two weeks old, she fled with her mother to Connecticut on horseback, in the wake of the Battle of Wyoming where her father was slain. They later returned and her mother married Hollenback.


Britannia D. Barnes, 33
Sarah Pardoe, wife, 25
(storekeeper)

Born New York, Britainnia Barnes' older brothers James and William were merchants who originally partnered with Peleg Tracy (about 1811) and then kept a store of their own adjoining Jonathan Hancock's tavern.
In September 1814 Britainnia replaced James as a partner with William until March 1815 when it was announced:

" Wm. Barnes, respectfully informs the public that he shall continue business at the Old Stand next door to J. Hancock's Tavern, where he now offers for sale a general assortment of Dry Goods, cheap for cash. Also Whiskey by the Barrel or less quantity"

and

"B. D. Barnes, has now on hand at his store, next door to Lane & Harvey, a general assortment of Dry Goods at Peace Prices, for cash."

In March 1818 B. D. Barnes married Miss Sarah Pardoe of Stoddartville.

The Barnes' left Wilkes-Barre to open a store at East Allen Township, Northampton County, in the spring of 1821.


Job Barton, age 37
Hannah Wright, 34
Children; Charles, 9; Lehman; Harriet, 2; Georgiana, 1
(carpenter)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre fifteen years, Job Barton was a carpenter and Revolutionary War veteran. Barton's wife was Hannah Wright, daughter of school teachers William Wright and Sarah Ann Osborne. The Barton's home was located on the north side of Union Street, east of Main Street.

In 1819 Job Barton was award the contract to build the toll house for the new bridge at Market Street


Andrew Beaumont, age 29
Julia Colt, wife, 24
Children include Elizabeth, 4
(former Collector of Revenue, Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts)

A Wilkes-Barre resident for twelve years, Andrew Beaumont came to Wilkes-Barre in 1808 to attended school at the Wilkes-Barre Academy and became an assistant teacher in 1810.

In January 1814 Beaumont was appointed Collector of Revenue and in March 1815 he married Julia Ann Colt, Arnold Colt's daughter.

In 1816, when he was appointed Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts of Luzerne County, succeeding David Scott, Esq. who had been elected a member of Congress.

Beaumont was one of the organizers of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre in 1817, and one of the first vestrymen chosen and in 1819 was one of the founders in 1819 of the Luzerne Bible Society.


Gideon Beebe, age 44
Delina Rogers, 52
Children include Bruce, 22; Titus, 21; John, 17; Gurdon, 16; Roswell, 14; Sarah (Sally), 12
(ferryman)

Born East Haddam, Middlesex, Connecticut , Gideon Beebe and his family moved to Wilkes-Barre in 1803 joining his brothers Clark, Timothy and Lyman.

In 1805 Beebe advertised that he "wishes to purchase fat Cattle, for Beef, of the best quality. He also will purchase fat Sheep. The citizens of Wilkes-Barre are informed that he intends to furnish the town with fresh Beef & Mutton, every Saturday and Wednesday Morning".

For a period Beebe operated the ferry and lived in Kingston but in 1820 was back in Wilkes-Barre.

In 1821 he moved his family to Huron County, Ohio, where he died in 1826 at age 50.


Miles B. Benedict , age 37
Sarah Pardoe, wife, 36
(hat maker)

Miles Benedict came to Wilkes-Barre and in February 1818 partnered with James Warner to make and sell hats. In October of that year they moved "to the building lately the Gleaner office, near the post-office, where they intend to make and keep constantly on hand of all kinds of hats of the firs quality" on the north west corner of Market and Franklin Streets.

In February 1818 Arthur Smith was taken into the partnership where "may be had all kinds of Hats, on the shortest notice. They will for the present receive in payment for Hats, besides Cash, Muskrat Skins, Raccoon Skins, Pulled Wool, and most kinds of Country Produce, but no credit given."

By 1822 Benedict moved from Wilkes-Barre to Dundaff, Susquehanna County.


Ziba Bennett, age 20
(clerk in store)

Born Weston, Connecticut, Ziba Bennett at age 15 came to Wilkes-Barre in 1815 from Newton (later Elmira), New York, to clerk in Matthias Hollenback's store on Main Street. He had been employed by Hollenback at Newton since he was a boy.

In 1820 Hollenback's store was moved to newly completed three-story brick building on the south east corner of Bank and Market Streets when Hollenback's son George became a partner.


Samuel D. Bettle, mid 20's
Hannah Maria Tracy, wife, 24
Children include Martha, newborn
(engraver, silversmith)

Born Philadelphia, Samuel Bettle came to Wilkes-Barre in 1810 when his father John Bettle was appointed cashier of the new Philadelphia Branch Bank which was located on Bank Street near Northampton street. Both of his parents died in 1817. In June 1818 Bettle married Peleg Tracy's daughter Hannah (Maria).

In business with silversmith Daniel Collings on the on the north side of the Square, in July, 1815, they advertised for sale "gold and silver watches, chains, silver ware, etc." Taking over the nail factory formerly owned by George Gordon they also had on hand "all kinds of nails, brads, and springs made by good workmen."

The Bettle's lived on the north side of Northampton Street near Bank.


Benjamin A. Bidlack, age 15
(student)

Born Paris, Oneida County, New York, Benjamin Alden Bidlack, son of Methodist Episcopal minister Benjamin Bidlack and Lydia Alden in 1820 was a student at the Wilkes-Barre Academy. After graduating Bidlack studied law under Garrick Mallery, Esq. , was admitted to the Luzerne bar in early 1825, and in March appointed prosecuting Attorney for Luzerne County in place of George Denison who resigned.

In June 1825 Bidlack had a partnership in practice with W. Lewis with "their Office, on the 2nd floor in the North Wing of the Court House - where all business entrusted to their care shall receive their joint attention".

In January 1827 Benjamin A. Bidlack, Esq. married Frances Stewart, daughter of James Stewart and Hannah Jameson of Hanover Township. The following spring Bidlack moved to Milford, Pike County, to publish The Eagle of the North, the newspaper formerly called the Delaware Democrat.

In May 1828 May Bidlack's wife Frances died, age 21,"By her death a disconsolate husband, and a helpless infant , were bereft of an amiable companion and a tender mother". The infant was named Frances Stewart after her mother.

In 1829 Bidlack remarried to Margaret Wallace, age 16, daughter of Scotland-born James Wallace and Elizabeth Smith of Milford.


Ebenezer Bowman, Esq., age 62
Ester Ann Watson, wife 42
Children include Caroline, 23; James, 21; Ann Marie, 19; Lucy, 14
(lawyer)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre over thirty-three years, Ebenezer Bowman was a prominent and successful attorney. He was one of the trustees of the Wilkes-Barre Academy since 1807 and for five years was president of the board.

In the Summer of 1810 when the Philadelphia Bank established a branch at Wilkes-Barre Bowman, Esq., was chosen President of the Board of Directors.

In May 1821 son James Bowman, Esq., Attorney at Law, married Harriet Drake, daughter of Benjamin Drake.

Ebenezer Bowman died in March 1829, a leading and respected citizen of the county. At the age of 71, "he became convinced that the period of his departure drew nigh, and sinking away without any apparent disease, he professed a resignation to the will of Heaven, and cheerfully awaited the summons of death with a perfect possession of his mental energies, until the last effort of expiring nature".


Eleanor Ledlie Bowman, age 53
Children include William, 22; Samuel, 20; Alexander, 17; Ellen, 15; Charles, 12
(widow)

From Philadelphia, Eleanor Ledlie, daughter of William and Elizabeth Wood Ledlie, came to Wilkes-Barre in November 1787 after her marriage to Samuel Bowman. Samuel Bowman died in June 1818 at age 64 after being attacked by a bull.

One of the highlights of her life was being introduced to George and Martha Washington at a reception in New York in 1790:

"As we were announced by the master of ceremonies, General Washington advanced and taking Mr. Bowman's hand, greeting him most cordially, then turned to me and taking my hand, said: 'Captain, this is your lady, I presume?' and gallantly raised my hand to his lips. Then turning to Lady Washington, he said: 'My Lady! Captain and Mrs. Bowman, from Wyoming.' She arose, and while she held me by one hand, gave her right hand to the Captain, who, with more grace and gallantry than I had ever given him credit for, imprinted a hearty, smacking kiss upon it."

Eleanor Bowman died in December 1822, age 55, and was buried in St. Stephen's Churchyard.


Col. Isaac Bowman, age 47
Mary "Polly" Smith, wife, 44
Children include James, 12; Horatio, 10; Francis, 6; Samuel, 1
(sheriff, storekeeper, tanner, currier)

A Wilkes-Barre resident for twenty-five years Isaac Bowman was the sheriff of Luzerne County. Always active in the community, Bowman was a former Borough Councilman, County Coroner and Tax Collector and now ranked Colonel of the local militia. Bowman and his family lived on the west side of Public Square where he located his leather and currying shop in 1811. At his shop he sold "all kinds of leather, of the best quality" including "sole and upper-leather; calf skins, suitable for suarrow and cossack boot legs. Also lampblack".


Anthony Brower, age 40
Laura Gardiner, wife, 31
John, 13; Sidney, 12; Baldwin, 9; Abigail, 7; George, 4; Mary, 2
(tailor)

Born New York, Anthony Post Brower, a tailor, moved his family to Wilkes-Barre, PA in the summer of 1813.

In November 1816 he advertised " Anthony Brower - Taylor, military work, ladies great coats, riding dresses, Fine Cloths, Casimeres and Vestings. P. S. Apprentice wanted".

A year later Brower's apprentice ran away: "10 Dollars Reward. Ran away from the subscriber on Saturday evening last, an apprentice to the Tailoring Business, named Joseph M'Keel, aged about 19 years, small of his age, of a very dark complexion, and had on a black coat and pantaloons, and white vest. Took with him a striped swansdown vest. From his genteel appearance he might not be suspected of being a runaway. The above reward and all reasonable charges will be paid to any person who will bring back said runaway, or secure him in jail so that I may get him again. Anthony Brower, Wilkes-Barre".


Judge Thomas Burnside, age 38
Children include James, 13; Jane, 9; Mary
(former president judge)

Born at Newton Stewart, County Tyrone, Ireland, Thomas Burnside came to Wilkes-Barre from Bellefonte in the summer of 1816 when he was commissioned the fourth president judge of Luzerne County, succeeding Judge Gibson as president of the eleventh judicial district. He resigned July 6, 1818, and returned to Bellefonte.

After being admitted to the bar of Philadelphia in 1804, he settled at Bellefonte, Centre County and laid the foundations for having a lucrative practice and becoming an eminent lawyer. It was said that no man in Pennsylvania better understood the land laws of his state than he.

In 1811 Burnside represented his district in the state senate and three years later he was sent to congress. During this time, in February 1813, Mary Fleming, his wife, died. At the close of the session of 1816 he returned to Bellefonte and was appointed judge at Luzerne County.

Burnside's residence in Wilkes-Barre was located as the north east corner of Franklin and Union Streets. He was a great favorite in the community and at this time began a life-long friendship with George M. Hollenback. In 1817 he was elected a member of the borough council.

Judge Burnside returned to Bellefonte in 1818, resumed his profession at the bar, and remarried to Ellen Winters. In 1823 he was again elected to the state senate. In 1826, while a member of the senate, he was appointed president judge of the fourth district, which included Centre county.


Phebe Haight Butler, age 62
(widow)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre thirty-nine years, Phebe Butler was the third wife and widow of Col. Zebulon Butler who died in 1795. She lived with son Steuben and wife Julia Bulkeley.


Gen. Lord Butler, age 58
Mary Pierce, wife, 53
Children include John L., 24; Chester, 22; Ruth Ann, 19; Zebulon, 17; Lord, 15; Phoebe, 9
(Brigadier General, former State Senator, former Burgess of Wilkes-Barre)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre forty-two years, Gen. Lord Butler, eldest son of Zebulon Butler and Anna Lord, was one of the most active public men in Luzerne county.

In January 1808 was President of Town Council and from May 1811 to May 1814 he was Burgess of the Borough of Wilkes-Barre.

In June 1811 daughter Sylvina Butler married Garrick Mallery.

In February 1818 son Pierce Butler, age 29, married Temperance Colt, daughter of Arnold Colt, Esq.

Gen. Lord Butler died unexpectedly at Wilkes-Barre in March 1824 age 63.


Steuben Butler, 29
Julia Bulkeley, 31
Frances, 6; William, 5; Gertrude, 1
(newspaper publisher, councilman)

Steuben Butler was the youngest son of Capt. Zebulon Butler and half brother to Gen. Lord Butler and Zebulon Butler, Jr. He and his new wife Julia Bulkeley resided at the Butler home at Bank and Northampton streets with his mother Phebe Haight Butler.

In May 1809 Butler, in partnership with Sidney Tracy, became the publisher of the Luzerne Federalist. Charles Miner, the previous publisher, wrote "The talents, integrity and applications of the young gentlemen who succeed me are a pledge to the public that the paper will be improved under their superintendence".

Sidney Tracy retired in September 1810 and in December 1810 a prospectus was published for a newspaper to be called The Gleaner and Luzerne Advertiser, published by Charles Miner and Steuben Butler.

From 1813-1815 Butler published The Literary Visitor,

In 1818, soon after "The Gleaner" had ceased to be published Steuben Butler established "The Wyoming Herald".

In May 1819 Butler was elected to the Borough Council.


George Chahoon, mid forties
Mary Baker
Children include Anning, 17; Ann, 16; John, Elizabeth, Arabella
(house carpenter, former borough councilman)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about fifteen years George Chahoon was one of the leading builders in Wilkes-Barre had the contract to build the new St. Stephen's church on Franklin Street.

Chahoon's home was on Bank Street next to Hollenback's new home and store.

About 1825 Chahoon moved from Wilkes-Barre to the mouth of Hunlock's Creek.


Jacob Cist , age 37
Sarah Hollenback, wife, 31
Children include Augusta, 3
(postmaster, merchant, former councilman, county treasurer)

A Wilkes-Barre resident of twelve years, Jacob Cist came to Wilkes-Barre from the City of Washington in 1808 when he was appointed postmaster of the Borough. He had married Judge Matthias Hollenback's daughter Sarah in August 1807. Shortly after moving to Wilkes-Barre he entered into partnership with his father-in-law under the name of Hollenback & Cist and devoted his spare time to literature, painting and other arts.

In May 1811 Cist was elected to the Town Council and in January 1816 appointed Treasurer of Luzerne County.

In 1814 Cist unsuccessfully attempted to introduce coal to Baltimore and Philadelphia. In March 1815 he advertised "To Coal Diggers. Wanted 700 tons of Coal to be dug at the "Weiss Coal Bed," near the Lehigh. The coal to be raised of a convenient size for handling, with the drill and slider - to be weighed at the river. No advance of cash to be made, and not more than half the amount of any quantity of coal to be paid at any time, until the contract is fulfilled. J. Cist and C. Miner & Co. " A large cargo of the coal was sent to Philadelphia and met with fair success.

In December of 1815 Jacob Cist, Charles Miner and John Robinson secured a lease from the old Lehigh Coal Mine Co. of its property near Mauch Chunk and the fuel was sent to the cities by way of the canal. The firm impressed upon the people the value of the fuel by sending out handbills liberally and casting models of coal stoves and distributing them. The business continued to prosper but soon Liverpool and other coal came in competition and the people did not take kindly to the Lehlgh anthracite. The business was later abandoned.

Cist had so much faith in the future of the industry that his mind was constantly devoted to perfecting methods for using anthracite. He was a thorough geologist and studied the geology of this region more than any other person and his pamphlets were recognized as authority.

Cist's daughter Sarah was born in 1822.

Jacob Cist, "for many years past Post Master at this place", died in January 1826 at age 43.


Daniel Collings, 33
Melinda Blackman , 27
Children include Samuel, 4; Eleazer, newborn
(clockmaker, silversmith)

A Wilkes-Barre resident ten years, Daniel Collings learned the clock making trade at Easton and had his shop on the north side of Public Square.

In October 1812 Collings married Melinda Blackman, daughter of Maj. Eleazer Blackman.


Oristus Collins, age 28
(lawyer)

Born Marlboro, Connecticut, Oristus Collins was came to Wilkes-Barre in 1817 to study law under Garrick Mallery, Esq. after receiving his education at Oswego, New York, and Litchfield, Connecticut. Collins was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County in April 1819.


Arnold Colt, Esq., age 60
Lucinda Yarrington, wife, 51
Children include Mary, 15; Chester, 8
(former innkeeper, sheriff, county commissioner, county clerk)

An on-and-off resident of Wilkes-Barre for thirty-four years, Arnold Colt and his family lived in Covington in 1820.

In 1817 and 1818 Colt was Clerk Luzerne County Clerk and in February 1818 his daughter Temperance was married to Pierce Butler.


John N. Conyngham, age 22
(Lawyer)

Born in Philadelphia, John Nesbitt Conyngham, son of David H. Conyngham, a Philadelphia merchant, and Mary West, came to Wilkes-Barre in 1820 where he was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County April 1820.

Conyngham had graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with high honors in 1817 and studied law with James R. Ingersoll. He believed Wilkes-Barre was key to his professional development as the Luzerne Bar had a reputation for learning and talent second to none in the state.


Dr. Edward Covell, age 28
Sarah Ross, wife, 27
Chlidren include Eliza, 4; Martha, 1
(physician)

Born Wilkes-Barre, Edward M. Covell was a son of Dr. Matthew Covell and Aurelia Tuttle and cousin to Stephen Tuttle, Jr. Covell was raised in the family home on the east side of Main street between Northampton street and Centre Square. His father had died in 1813.

Edward Covell graduated from Princeton in 1812 then studied medicine in Philadelphia with Dr. Benjamin Rush before beginning his practice his in Wilkes-Barre. In May 1817 he married Sarah S. Ross, a daughter of Gen. William Ross.

Covell died in December 1826, "in the thirty-fifth year of his age. He was a son, husband and father". He was greatly loved and respected.


Dr, Mason Crary, age 41
Desire Beach, 33
Children include Erasmus Darwin,13; Ellen Hollenback, 11; Thomas, 8; Mason, 6; Susan, 4; Ann, newborn.
(physician)

Born Stonington, Connecticut, and reared in Albany County, New York, Dr. Mason Crary moved to Salem Township in 1804 where he married Desire Beach in 1806 and practiced medicine at in Berwick. In 1814, he moved to Wilkes-Barre and resided at Benjamin Perry's house on the north east corner of South Main and Northampton Streets.

Crary announced himself in Steuben Butler's Literary Visitor "Dr. Crary will attend to the practice of Physic and Surgery in Wilkesbarre and the adjacent town ; having had an opportunity of a regular study under the direction of eminent physicians, and having since had an extensive and successful practice for a number of years in city and country, he flatters himself that by assiduous attention, he may merit public approbation."

At Wilkes-Barre Crary manufactured for general sale, "Dr. Crary's Anti-Bilious Family Pills." There was no machinery in those day for working the pills into shape, and the doctor employed the boys of the neighborhood to pinch off from the mass a portion of proper size to roll into a pill, which they did between their fingers and thumb. The pills were said to have been of calomel, jalap and rhubarb.

In July 1814 he advertised "Dr. Crary informs the public that he has removed his family to the house lately occupied by Judge Gibson in Wilkesbarre, and has just received a fresh supply of genuine drugs and medicines. Crary's Antiseptic Family Physic in Pills, will be sold by the dozen or single boxes ; great allowance by the dozen and the money returned at any time if the Pills are not damaged. Storekeepers will find it to their advantage to keep a supply of the above cheap and safe Family Physic".

Dr. Crary had such an extensive practice up and down the Susquehanna that he took on Dr. Lathan Jones as an assistant. In 1824 he sold out to Dr. Jones and returned to Salem Township.


Thomas Davidge, age 37
Sarah, wife, 38
(shoemaker)

New to Wilkes-Barre, Thomas Davidge was a boot and shoemaker.


George Denison, age 30
Caroline Bowman, wife, 23
Children include Charles, 4; Harriet, 2; George, newborn
(lawyer)

Born in Kingston, George Denison was the son of Nathan Denison and Elizabeth Sill. He was schooled at the Wilkes-Barre Academy then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1813.

Denison served as clerk of the Wilkes-Barre borough council from 1811 to 1814 and as Recorder of Deeds and Registrar of Wills for Luzerne County from 1812 to 1815.

Denison was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1815 and 1816 and served as chairman of the United States House Committee on Expenditures in the Post Office Department in the Seventeenth Congress.

In May 1816 he married Caroline Bowman, daughter of Ebenezer Bowman, Esq.


Jacob J. Dennis, age 33
Abi Fell, wife, 28
Children include James, 8; Nancy, 7; Norman, 5; Welding, 3; Hannah, 1
(cabinet maker, tax collector)

A Wilkes-Barre resident eleven years, Jacob J. Dennis has his cabinet making shop on Bank Street next door to the Philadelphia Branch Bank.

In January 1811 Dennis married Abi Fell, daughter of Jesse Fell.

In 1819 Dennis was appointed Tax Collector.


William Dennis, age 26
Ruth Atherton, wife, 25
(gunsmith)

Born New Jersey, William Dennis in December 1814 "commenced the Gun-Smith's Business on Main Street" and in February 1816 Dennis married Ruth Atherton, daughter of James Atherton of Kingston.

In May 1818, with his shop on Franklin Street, he advertised that he wanted to "engage immediately one or two journeymen to make rifles. One to stock and one to breech cut and finish barrels fit for stocking, or such as can make all parts except the barrels, locks and castings".

Dennis, separating from Ruth, moved to Susquehanna County after 1820 and remarried.


Benjamin Drake, age 42
Nancy Eley, wife, 32
Children include Harriet, 18; George, 16; Mary; Ellen, 3
(storekeeper, blacksmith)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre over twenty years, Benjamin Drake was a blacksmith and storekeeper. His home was shop on the east side of Main street between Union street and Centre Square. In March 1817 he married Nancy Ely, a milliner. Nancy was the daughter of Quakers Jacob and Elizabeth Eley who moved to Wilkes-Barre in the 1790's. Drake's first wife Susan Wright had died May 1814, age 32.

In 1815 Drake opened a new store was on the north west corner of Market and New (Franklin) street s just opposite the store of Jacob & Joseph Sinton where " a general assortment of Dry Goods, Groceries, &c.," was offered. In 1816 he opened his blacksmith shop nearby "where he intends to do all kinds of Blacksmith work in the best manner and on the shortest notice."

At Nancy's shop, also was on the north side of Market street between Franklin and River, " a handsome assortment of bonnets, also morocco, kid and leather shoes; vestings; silk velvets; crape, etc., together with muslins, nankeens, and a handsome supply of fancy goods" was offered.


John F. Dupuy, age 70
Jane Dugue, wife, 60
Children Palmyra E., 22; Louisa Catharine, 28; John, 19
(farmer)

Born in Bordeaux, France, John Francis Dupuy (Jean Francoise Dupuy) came to Wilkes-Barre in 1795 to begin a new life after fleeing St. Domingo during the slave insurrection of 1791, losing the bulk of his large estate and most of his valuables. Temporarily residing in Philadelphia, after he received some compensation through the French government after the independence of Haiti was established, Dupuy bought three tracts of land in Luzerne county, at Plymouth, Brookfield and Hemfield and lived in Nicholson for a period which he farmed

Dupuy's wife was Jane (Jeanne) Elizabeth Dugue, a Huguenot.

Dupuy and his family lived on Northampton street at the northeast corner of present Franklin street.

In April 1812 daughter Amelia married Anthony Lacoq.


Thomas Dyer, Jr., age 47
(lawyer, justice of peace)

A Wilkes-Barre resident twenty years, Thomas Dyer, Jr. was admitted to the Bar of Luzerne County in 1802 and shortly thereafter gave up his school. His home and office was on the east side of Main Street just south of Public Square.

In 1806 Dyer was appointed a Justice of the Peace and since 1807 was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Wilkes-Barre Academy since 1807. He was also a Borough councilman and in February 1811 was appointed County Treasurer.


John Ewing
(court crier)

From Hanover Township, John Ewing was, for many years, the Court Crier.


John Ellsworth, age 47
Ruth Stoughton, wife, 44
Children include Lemuel, 20; Lyman; Ruth, 17; Abigail, 10; Harriet, 4; Emily, newborn

From Windsor, Connecticut, the Ellsworth's were only in Wilkes-Barre a short period before John Ellsworth, "a much respected and useful citizen". died in March 1823 at age 50.

Son Lyman became postmaster at Athens, Bradford County, in 1825, and the remaining family followed afterwards. Daughter Ruth later married Dr. E. L. Boyd.


Edward Fell, age 41
(blacksmith)

Born Buckingham Township, Bucks County, Edward Fell was the son of Joseph Fell and Margaret Gourley of Doylestown and nephew to Jesse Fell. Fell, a blacksmith, was twenty-nine years old when he helped Jesse fashion a grate for burning coal in 1808. His shop was located on the north side of Northampton Street below Main Street, not far from Judge Jesse Fell's home and Inn.


Judge Jesse Fell, age 69
(Associate Judge, County Clerk, former Borough clerk)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre thirty-five years, Jesse Fell was Associate Judge and Inn Keeper. For many years he was town clerk.

Fell's wife Hannah died March 1816, age 62.

In January 1819 Fell was appointed County Clerk.


Samuel Fell , age 18
(carpenter)

Born Wilkes-Barre, Samuel Fell, a carpenter, was the son of George Fell and Sarah Cowdrick and Jesse Fell's grandson.


Dominique Germaine, 65
Sophia, wife
(storekeeper)

Born France, Dominique kept a store at the north west corner of Main and Northampton Streets since the summer of 1818 when he informed "his friends that he has just received directly from France, sundry articles".

Germaine died in April 1827aged about 72 years. "He has been troubled with Dropsy in the Chest for some years, though not confined to his bed. On the morning of his death, he felt unusually unwell, and assisted by Mrs. Germaine, he attempted to place himself upon a bed, and while in this act the vital spark fled. He has left an amiable wife and daughter, to deplore the loss of a husband and parent".

In August 1827 the property "consisting of a Lot of Ground containing One Acre, on which are erected a Good Dwelling House, Store, Store House, Barn &c., All Good Substantial Frame Buildings, an excellent Well of Water, a number of Bearing Apple Trees" was put up for sale and Sophia Germaine returned to France.


Job Gibbs, mid 40's
Polly Arnold Alkins, wife, 42
Children include Lloyd Alkins, 17; Hart Alkins, 14
(carpenter)

Job Gibbs, a carpenter, was married to Polly Arnold, the widow of Thomas Alkins. Gibbs had a reputation for being the laziest man in Wilkes-Barre.


Judge John B. Gibson, age 39
Sarah W. Galbraith, wife, 29
Children include Margarita, 7; Annie, 3; John, newborn
(former president judge)

Born Shearman's Valley, Perry County, Judge John Bannister Gibson, son of Lieutenant Colonel George Gibson, a native of Lancaster, came to Wilkes-Barre in the summer of 1813 after he was appointed the fourth president judge of Luzerne County.

Educated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Gibson read law under Thomas Duncan and was admitted to the bar of Cumberland county in 1803, practicing successively in Carlisle and Beaver and in Hagerstown, Maryland. Returning to Carlisle, Gibson was elected to the state legislature, in 1810 and '11 and after being appointed president judge resided in Wilkes-Barre until June 1816 when he was made an associate judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Gibson was one of the trustees of the Wilkes-Barre Academy from 1814 to 1817, two years of which time he was president. In 1827 Gibson became Pennsylvania's chief justice, a position he held until 1851.

His residence in Wilkes-Barre was on the north side of Northampton street, between Franklin and Main. Along with his friend Jacob Cist, Judge Gibson visited different portions of the valley, note its geological structure, particularly the extent and position of the anthracite coal deposits.


Patrick Gorman, 27
Mary, wife, age 20
(laborer)

Patrick Gorman, "a very industrious resident", died tragically in August 1826. He "had been a few days at work on the Delaware and Hudson Canal" when he "was so badly hurt by a crowbar". "Together with several other hands attempting to turn over a large rock, and after raising it a little distance and finding it impossible, the other hands let go, and the rock falling with force on the end of the crowbar Mr. Gorman was using, caused the other end to fly up which struck him in the lower part of the abdomen and mangled him shockingly".

"He was decently interred the day after his death. He has left a wife and 3 small children to deplore his untimely death".


Joshua Green, late 20's
Wife, 29
Children include Ellen, 1
(boot and shoemaker)

From Philadelphia, Joshua Green in April 1819 opened a Boot and Shoemaking shop located on the north side of Public Square and announced he "just returned from Philadelphia with an assortment of leather, shoes, boots and pumps. All boots sold at his shop are warranted to be made of the best materials - and all rips mended gratis".


Jonathan Hancock, age 53
Mary Wright, wife, age 32
Children include Frederick, 5; Charles, 3; Mary, 1
(Tavern Keeper)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre about 29 years, Jonathan Hancock, kept a tavern on the north side of Public Square at the corner of Main street. In February, 1812, Hancock purchased from Isaac Carpenter the entire property that he had originally purchased and then sold nearly twenty years before.

Martha (Young) Hancock died September 1813, aged fifty years, "an affectionate wife, a kind mother, and obliging neighbour. She lived esteemed, and died much lamented." Daughter Polly Hancock, age 17, died in October. She was "a very amiable young lady - modest, sensible, affable and kind; she was deservedly beloved and is sincerely mourned." In February 1814, Jonathan Hancock re-married to Mary Wright, daughter of William and Sarah Wright. Hancock's daughter Catherine had married David Scott, Esq. in September 1811.


Abraham Hart, age 34
Mary R., wife, 34
Children include Eliza, 2
(shoemaker)

Born Pennsylvania, Abraham Hart was a shoemaker.



Nicholas Hentz, age 64
Therese d'Aubree, wife, late 50's
Children include Frances, 29; Nicholas Marcellus Hentz, 23
(gentleman)

Born Coblentz, Lorraine, France, Nicholas Arnould Hentz and his family sailed for the United States on the day which Louis XVI was beheaded and came to Wilkes-Barre. He had been ordered to leave France within thirty days on the restoration of the Monarchy in 1815. He had been a member of the Revolutionary National Convention of 1789 and had cast his vote for the death of Louis XVI.

Hentz's son Nicholas Marcellus Hentz had studied medicine in France and was enrolled as a medical student at Harvard but abandoned his studies to pursue miniature painting. In November 1816 he advertised "Mr. Hentz, Miniature Painter, from Paris, will take large size Miniature Likenesses, in India Ink, at three dollars each".


Nicholas Richard Hentz, age 34
(tobacconist)

Born in France, Capt. Nicholas Richard Hentz settled in Wilkes-Barre with his family after his father Nicholas Arnould Hentz was ordered to leave France within thirty days on the restoration of the Monarchy in 1815. Hentz was a tobacco manufacturer who in 1817 advertised that "he can furnish them with all kinds of Tobacco. Which will be sold at the Philadelphia prices. He informs the public that he does not make use of copperas, but manufactures his tobacco from the best Virginia leaf".


Patrick Hepburn, age 28
Betsey Tracy, wife, 24
(saddler)

A Wilkes-Barre resident ten years, Patrick Hepburn, son of Lewis Hepburn and Huldah Hotchkiss, was a saddler and, for a short time, a newspaper editor. In June 1817 Hepburn partnered with Isaac A. Chapman in the publication of the Gleaner. In September 1817 the partnership of Chapman and Hepburn was dissolved by mutual consent and the Gleaner was thereafter ”conducted by Patrick Hepburn, to whom all the accounts of the late firm have been transferred". In April 1818 Hepburn offered the Gleaner for sale. The last installment was May 22, 1818.

Patrick Hepburn's wife was Betsey Tracy, daughter of Peleg Tracy, whom he married in June 1816.

Hepburn and his family later moved to Montrose and then went West to Madison, Richland County, Ohio, where he was a printer.

Hepburn's son Joseph, a lawyer in Milledgeville, Georgia, was killed in a duel with another lawyer named Tracker B. Howard in May of 1822. "The Duel was fought on the South Carolina side of Savanna River, about ten miles below Augusta, on Tuesday the 28th of May "The cause of the duel originated from some disrespect or insult from Howard towards a young lady at a public ball, which was nothing more than refusing to give or withdraw his hand from the lady in performing some part of a cotillion where it was necessary their hands be connected, which Howard asserts was in retaliation for the same insult put on him by the lady in the same way a few moments previous. The lady, being a partner to Hepburn, he resented the insult, challenged Howard, fought and fell". "Two shots were fired, the second of which took effect, 'by striking Mr. Hepburn on the point of the right hip bone, and glanced around the abdomen, so as to escape on the opposite side'".



Matthias Hoffman, age 36
Margaret Billings, wife, 31
Children include George, 7; John, 3
(shoemaker)

A Wilkes-Barre resident ten years, Matthias Hoffman (Huffman) was a shoemaker. His wife was Margaret Billings, daughter of Cain Billings and Nellie Fisher of Pittston.


George M. Hollenback, age 29
Emily Lindsley, wife, 24
(merchant)

Born Wilkes-Barre, George Matson Hollenback was the only son of Matthias Hollenback. Raised at the homestead and store on Main Street, Hollenback entered in business with his father at age 25 when the new home and store was built on the corner of Bank and Market Streets. This same year he married Emily Lindsley of Lindsley Town, N. Y, a daughter of Eleazer Lindsley, Esq. and Eunice Halsey.

In 1820 Hollenback was appointed County Treasurer.


Matthias Hollenback, 68
Sarah Burritt Hibbard, wife, 69
Children at home include Eleanor, 22; George, 19
(merchant, landowner, associate judge)

Matthias Hollenback, an associate judge over thirty years, was one of the earliest residents of Wilkes-Barre and one of the was the largest landholder in northeastern Pennsylvania, owning stores, gristmills, sawmills, distilleries, and paper mills. His local headquarters were his combined store and dwelling on the west side of Main Street below Northampton.

In 1816 Hollenback built a new home and store on the corner of Bank and Market Streets near the new Market Street bridge and took his son George into business.


Miller Horton, age 28
Elizabeth Waller, wife, 28
John, 5; Elizabeth, 3; Mary, 1
(stage coach proprietor)

Born Kingston Township, Nathan Miller Horton was the son of Lieut. John Horton a Revolutionary War soldier who escaped the massacre at Wyoming in 1778.

In December 1813 Horton married Nathan Waller's daughter Betsey at Cary Town. Betsey's sister Sally's husband Conrad Teeter was in the stage coach business and since 1810 had contracted with the government to carry the mail once a week in stages from Sunbury to Painted Post, by the way of Wilkes-Barre, Wyalusing, and Athens, taking passengers as well.

In April 1815 Horton announced "New Line of Stages, from Wilkes-Barre to Northumberland and Sunbury run by Miller Horton". "Thro' Berwick, Bloomsburgh, Danville and Northumberland, I beg leave to solicit the public patronage".

By 1820, partnering with brothers Jesse and Josiah and Thomas Eley, Miller Horton & Co. had horse coaches that carried passengers and mail from Baltimore (via Sunbury) and Philadelphia (via Easton) to Oswego, New York.
Horton's coaches ran "three times a week from Philadelphia, via Bethlehem, Nazareth, Wilkesbarre, Tunkhannock, Birmingham and Montrose, to Owego, N. Y." and also to Northumberland " leaves Morgan's Hotel, Wilkesbarre every Sunday and Wednesday morning."


Ezra Hoyt , age 31
Lois Hoyt, wife, 25
(storekeeper)

Born Danbury, Fairfield, Connecticut, Ezra Hoyt was the son of Amos Hoyt and Dorcas Barnum. Hoyt was married to his first cousin Lois Hoyt, daughter of Daniel Hoyt and Anne Gunn of Kingston. Their uncle was Rev. Ard Hoyt of Danbury, Connecticut who in August 1806 was ordained and installed pastor of the Church of Wilkes-Barre and Kingston and in November 1817 "set out with his family on his mission to the Indians in the state of Tennessee".
For a short period (1822-23) Ezra Hoyt partnered with James Warner as owner of "The Wyoming Hat Manufactory" and later moved back to Kingston.


Thomas Hutchins, age 21
Mary Ann Lines, wife, early 20's
Richard, 1
(saddle maker, harness maker)

From Hanover Township, Thomas Hutchins was a saddle and harness maker. His wife was Mary Ann Lines, daughter of Conrad Lines (Lion, Lyon).


Patience Jewett , age 71
Children include David, 48; Charles, 43; Sarah, 38; Martha, 33; Nancy, 33
(widow)

Born Colchester, New London. Connecticut, Patience Bulkeley Jewett and her children came from Montville, Connecticut, to Wilkes-Barre after the death of her husband Dr. David Hibbard Jewett in April 1814. The Jewitts were familiar with Wilkes-Barre as their daughter Elizabeth had married Phineas Waller in March 1814. Patience's sister was Ann Bulkeley, wife of Eliphalet Bulkeley, who was her cousin.

In May 1815 the Jewitts opened a new milliney store and announced "Misses Jewitt's, respectfully inform the public, that they have just arrived from New York, with a supply of Millinery, which they offer for sale on the most reasonable terms, opposite Mr. Hancock's Inn. Ladies Straw & Silk Bonnets. Hats, Caps, and Artificial Flowers, kept constantly on hand, of the latest New York and Philadelphia Fashions. Also Mantua Making. Done on the shortest notice".

Tragedy struck twice in November 1816 when son George Jewett, "Merchant of Tunkhannock, aged 29 years" died "after a lingering illness of two months" and three weeks later daughter Harriet Jewett, age 25, died of "a fever of the same kind as that of which her brother died, and was probably brought on by her long and constant attention to him, during his sickness. Feeble and pale she followed his remains to the grave, and returned to occupy the bed of sickness and death. She was an affectionate sister, a helpful and beloved daughter, and has left a circle of afflicted relatives and friends, to mourn her early passage to the tomb".
Oristus Collins, age 28, a young lawyer, boarded with the Jewetts and married Nancy Jewitt in July 1823.


Amasa Jones, age 48
Elizabeth Huntington, wife, 46
Children include Joel, 25; Joseph, 20; Maria, 17; Samuel, 15; Eliza,12; Joanna; Fanny, 8; Matthew, 6
(broom maker)

Born Hebron, Connecticut, came to Wilkes-Barre in 1816 from Coventry, Connecticut, where he had been a merchant for many years. In Wilkes-Barre Jones manufactured brooms and other items.

In November 1819 Jones had an accident in which resulted in the loss of a leg which resulted in his nickname "peg Leg" Jones. Jones "was driving a span of horses in a waggon, they took fright and ran" and he "in attempting to jump from the waggon, became entangled in the lines, and was dragged some distance before the horses could be stopped. He was considerably bruised and had one of his legs badly broken".

Son Joseph Jones, a graduate of Harvard University, was principal of the Wilkes-Barre Academy since October 1818. In January 1823 son Joel Jones, a Yale graduate, took over as principal.


Lathan Jones, age 23
Nancy Terwilliger, wife, 22
Children include James, 3;Caroline, 1
(physician)

Born and raised in Berlin, Albany County, New York, Lathan Jones came to Wilkes-Barre to serve as an assistant to Dr. Mason Crary who was also from Albany.


Caleb Kendall, age 60
Elizabeth Wolf, wife, 38
Children include Caleb, Jr.; Charlotte, 18; Lydia, 17; Thomas, 14; Mary Ann, 4; Elizabeth, 2
(Methodist preacher, storekeeper, milliner)

Born Wilmington, Delaware, Caleb Kendall, a Methodist minister, came to Wilkes-Barre and beginning in 1816 managed a store in Wilkes-Barre for John Stoddart, a Philadelphia merchant, who in 1816 erected a grain mill at the falls of the Lehigh for the purpose of milling the surplus grain of Luzerne County and shipping it to Philadelphia.

Kendall, ordained a minister of the Methodist Church in 1800,was an early circuit rider who traveled through the unbroken forest in western New York preaching and performing marriages.

Elizabeth Wolf was Kendall's second wife. At Wilkes-Barre in May 1816 she announced the opening of her millinery business where she offered from Philadelphia "a supply of Bonnets, Parasols, Ribbons and Fancy Goods, also a fresh supply of Tea".

In May 1819 daughter Matilda married Daniel L. Tracy and in December 1819 daughter Martha married Burton Butler, daughter of Zebulon Butler, Jr.

Son Caleb Kendall, Jr., was also an ordained Methodist preacher. Kendall had experienced religion when about twelve years of age and in 1820 he was admitted on trial as a travelling preacher and continued to labor until his health began to decline.

By the mid 1820's Caleb Kendall and nearly his entire family moved to upstate New York in the general vicinity of Ithaca.


Lewis N. Ketchem, age 25
Deborah Eldridge, wife 20
Children include Winthrop, newborn
(chair maker)

Born Philadelphia, Lewis Nesbet Ketcham came to Wilkes-Barre where he married Deborah Eldridge in April 1819 and in December 1818 announced "Lewis N. Ketcham - Fancy and Windsor Chair-maker - Informs his friends and the public that he has commenced the above business in the building formerly occupied as a Stand by Benjamin Drake".

After a few years in Wilkes-Barre, Ketcham and his business moved to Kingston.


John Michael Kienzle, age 51
(weighmaster)

Swiss born John Michael Kienzle, brought to Wilkes-Barre from Easton about 1806 by John P. Arndt, lived in Arndt's former storehouse where he operated the hay scale, the only one in the town. By means of a beam to which were attached long chains which he fastened to the wheels of the wagon, the wagons with and without hay were weighed. Kienzle charged ten cents for this service.


Gilbert Laird, 31
Charlotte Mattley, 27
Children include John 5; Anna, 4; James, 2
(Boot and Shoemaker)

Born County Mayo, Ireland, Gilbert Laird came to Wyoming about 1801 with his parents and family. Laird had a boot and shoemaking business on Franklin Street, just north of Market started about 1808 with his older brother Glover Laird who left for Ohio in 1811 or thereafter.

In January 1814 Gilbert married Irish-born Charlotte Watley of Albany, New York.


Col. Henry F. Lamb, age 36
Frances Bulkeley, wife, 33
Children include Lucy Ann, 1
(storekeeper)

From Preston, Connecticut, Col. Henry F. Lamb, son of Capt. John Lamb and Lucy Bulkeley, had just moved his family to Wilkes-Barre where his wife owned the property at the north east corner of Market and Franklin Streets. In March 1818 Lamb married first cousin Frances Bulkeley at Colchester. Fanny was the widow of Francis McShane who died in 1813 and daughter of the late Eliphalet Bulkeley of Wilkes-Barre who was an older brother of Lamb's mother Lucy.

At Preston Lamb was colonel of the 2nd regiment of horse artillery. In May 1816 he partnered with Cyrus Punderson in opening a dry goods store when they "commenced business at Preston, in the Village of Poquatannock" and offered for sale "a handsome assortment of Dry Goods, Cutlery, Crockery Ware and Groceries".


George Lane, age 36
Sally Harvey, wife, 32
Children include Sarah, 9; Harvey, 7; George, 5; Mary, newborn
(minister, former storekeeper)

Born Kingston, Ulster County, New York, George Lane, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came to Wyoming in 1809 when he was assigned to the Wyoming circuit in the Susquehanna District, Philadelphia Conference.
Lane temporarily gave up his regular work as a minister after his marriage to Sarah Harvey, daughter of Elisha Harvey and Rosanna Jameson of Plymouth, in May 1810.

Afterwards Lane kept a general merchandise store in Plymouth, first in partnership with his younger brother Charles, then alone until October 1814 when, in partnership with his brother-in-law Benjamin Harvey, opened a store in Wilkes-Barre on the north side of the Public Square, near the corner of Market Street "with a general assortment of goods suitable to the season". Here he erected a dwelling-house between the store building and the corner, occupied it with his family and managed the Wilkes-Barre store while Benjamin Harvey took charge of the business at Plymouth. In April 1816 their partnership was dissolved, the store at Plymouth was closed and Lane became sole owner of the Wilkes-Barre store.

In the spring of 1819 Lane sold out to Haft, Rutter & Scott when he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Susquehanna District in the Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, duties of which he performed while residing in Wilkes-Barre until April 1823 when he was appointed to preach at Wilkes-Barre, and near-by villages, comprising what was called the "Wyoming station" . In 1824 Lane was stationed in Berwick and once again engaged in the mercantile business.


Capt. Samuel Maffet, age 32
Caroline Ann Ross, 23
Children include William Ross Maffett, 3
(newspaper editor, register of wills, recorder of deeds)

A Wilkes-Barre resident for ten years, Samuel Maffet in May 1815 married Caroline Ann Ross, daughter of William Ross.

Having published the Susquehanna Democrat in Wilkes-Barre since 1810, Samuel Maffet in June 1820 began a year-long partnership with his uncle Charles Steuart, age 40, under the firm of Maffett and Steuart.

In November 1820 Maffet announced, due to being deeply in debt, "Those of my subscribers who wish to pay in Produce are requested to bring in without further delay - and those who can pay cash will oblige me much by an immediate remission of it. The single fact that in two years I have not received 100 dollars on newspaper debts, is a sufficient apology for insisting upon payment now. I must collect at least a portion of what is due me - if not otherwise, I must sue, in order to prevent my being sued. The following kinds of produce will be received at cash prices - but money will be preferred in all cases, viz: wheat, rye, corn, oats, buckwheat, wool, flax, flaxseed, beef, port, butter, cheese, honey, bees-wax, tallow, hog's lard, venison hams, leather, dressed deer skins and cloths of every description".

Maffet was a member of the state of the eighth company of the second regiment of the militia of Pennsylvania and became ensign in August 1814 and captain in May 1818. In January 1817 he was appointed Notary Public for Luzerne County and in January 1818 was appointed register of wills and recorder of deeds serving until his removal in May 1820. From 1821, to 1824, Maffet was prothonotary, clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer, and clerk of the Orphans' Court .

As Maffet's health took a turn for the worse, he retired from the printing business and Sharp D. Lewis of Kingston became editor of the Susquehanna Democrat in July 1825.

Samuel Maffet died in December 1826. His widow Caroline Ann Ross re-married to Elisha Atherton in February 1828. Maffet's sister Jane was married to Strange N. Palmer, one of the editors of the New Jersey Mirror, and son of former resident Nathan Palmer.


Garrick Mallery, age 36
Sylvina Pierce Butler, wife, 27
Children include Pierce, 8; Amelia, 6; Priscilla, 4; Charles; Edward
(lawyer)

A Wilkes-Barre resident twelve years, Garrick Mallery, a lawyer, was the husband of Sylvina Pierce Butler, daughter of Gen. Lord Butler, whom he married in June 1811.

After graduating from Yale College in 1808, Mallery was invited to become teacher and principal of the Wilkes-Barre Academy.

Admitted to the bar in 1811, Mallery thereafter had a law partnership with Rosewell Welles, with whom he had studied law, until January1817 when their partnership was dissolved.


Joseph McCoy, age 29
Ann Maria Scravendyke, 24
Sarah McCoy, mother
Jane McCoy, sister, mid 20's
(bank cashier)

Born Philadelphia, Joseph McCoy, a former member of the state legislature, came to Wilkes-Barre in January 1818 when he was appointed Cashier of the Philadelphia Branch Bank at Wilkes-Barre by the Board of Directors of the Bank after the death of John Bettle.

In April 1820 McCoy married Ann Maria Scravendyke, daughter of Peter Scravendyke, at Philadelphia.

Joseph McCoy died in March 1824 and was buried in St. Stephen's Church Yard. McCoy's mother Sarah had died in November 1822.

McCoy's sister Jane married Joshua Green in September 1826.


Isaac A. Merrill, age 23
Mary Laird, wife, 24
Children include James, 1
(blacksmith)

Born Litchfield, Connecticut, Isaac Merrill, a blacksmith, came to Wilkes-Barre from Pittston in 1820. Newly married, his wife was Mary Laird, daughter of James Laird and Gilbert and Glover's sister.

In the mid 1820's, Isaac Merrill and his family left Wilkes-Barre and joined Mary's brother Glover Laird in Butler County, Ohio. Merrill eventually became a Methodist minister.


John Miller
(janitor, sexton)

John Miller was the janitor of the Wilkes-Barre Academy and the sexton of the Meeting House on the Square. One of his duties was ringing the bell. Known as "Speck Miller", John Miller died in November 1824 and his duties were taken over for a short period by John Tilghman.


Joshua Miner , age 29
Fanny Hepburn, wife, 30
Children include Lewis, 6; Janette, 3; Augusta, newborn
(stone mason)

Born New London, Connecticut, Joshua Miner came to Wilkes-Barre and in December 1813 married Fanny Hepburn, daughter of Lewis Hepburn and brother of Patrick.


Thomas H. Morgan, age 36, born England
Katherine Gregory, wife, mid thirties
Children include Anna, 5
(innkeeper)

Born England, Thomas Morgan from about 1818 kept an inn and tavern at the former Arndt's inn.

The inn was the headquarters of Miller Horton's Wilkes-Barre & Northumberland Mail Stage that left Morgan's Hotel every Sunday and Wednesday morning.

In about 1825 Morgan left Wilkes-Barre.


Lovisa Ogden, age 43
Children include Mary Ann, 23; Elizabeth, 20; George; Elizabeth
(widow)

Born 1777 in Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Lovisa Ogden was the daughter of Joseph Davis and Obedience Sperry and widow of Enoch Ogden, a shoemaker of Wlikes-Barre, who in April 1814.


Thomas B. Overton, age 29
Anna Hodgkinson, wife 30
Children include Mary, 5; Ann, 4
(lawyer)

Born Manchester, England, Thomas Bleasdale Overton, a lawyer, was the son of Thomas and Mary Overton of Towanda. Admitted to the Luzerne County bar in1813, in January 1815 Overton married Maria Hodgkinson, a native of Honduras.

Sometime in 1820 Overton moved his family from Wilkes-Barre to Mobile, Alabama to practice his profession. Soon after locating there he was taken sick of yellow fever and died. His widow and children eventually returned to Wilkes-Barre.


Archippus Parrish, age 47
Phebe Miller, wife, 48
Children include Mary Ann, Bradley, 6; Archippus, 5; Sarah, 3; George, newborn
(innkeeper)

Born Windham, Connecticut, Archippus Parrish moved to Wilkes-Barre in the summer of 1817 where he occupied the tavern and inn on the east side of Public Square previously kept by Arnold Colt.

Prior to moving to Kingston in 1812, Parrish was engaged as a contractor in building the turnpike from Morristown to Paulus Hook (later Jersey City). In August 1806 he married Phebe Miller, daughter of Eleazer Miller and Hannah Mills of Morristown.


Benjamin Perry, age 48
Mary Ingham, wife, age 45
Children include Eliza, 16; Harriet, 13; Mary, 11; Benjamin, 6
(spinning/weaving establishment, former storekeeper and innkeeper, former county commissioner)

A Wilkes-Barre resident twenty six years, Benjamin Perry, lived in a brick home at the north east corner of Main and Union streets where he had a store and other businesses.

In 1808 was Captain of the Wyoming Blues and in 1909 was elected to Town Council County Commissioner, a position he held through 1812.

In August 1812 Perry "opened a house of Entertainment, at the sign of the Buck, at the corner of Northampton and Main Streets, in the Borough of Wilkes Barre. He hopes by his care and attention to obtain the public patronage. "

In August 1813 Perry opened a wool spinning and weaving establishment and advertised: "Wool Spinning by Benjamin Perry, at his residence in the Borough of Wilkes-Barre, has two spinning machines, a Bille of fifty, and a Jenney of Sixty spindles, for the purpose of spinning Merino and Country wool, under the superintendance of Dennis M'combs, a professed spinner of wool from one of the first Woollen Factories in the US. Merino Wool spun at three cents per cut. Country Wool spun at two and a half cents per cut. "

" As the subscriber has been at a very great expense in erecting his spinning establishment, and procures a good workman, he hopes to meet with encouragement from his fellow citizens."

"Wanted to employ, three or four good female weavers, who can be well recommended. Good encouragement will be given."

At the Borough election of May 6, 1817 Benjamin Perry was made town clerk.


Gould Phinney, age 42
Jane Price, wife, 40
Children include Thomas, 10; Rachel, 8; Elisha, 6; Mary, 4; Elizabeth, 2
(merchant, storekeeper)

Born Simsbury, Connecticut, Gould Phinney came to Wilkes-Barre from Elizabeth, New Jersey, and kept a general store on the east side of Public Square near Main Street. Married to Jane Price at Elizabeth in September 1808, Phinney manufactured tinware on an extensive scale.

Phinney moved out of Wilkes-Barre to Susquehanna County in 1823 where at Dundaff he established a hotel, store, a gristmill, saw-mill, glass factory, blacksmith shop, farm and was stock-holder in a stage line, tin shop, and wagon shop.


William Pratt, mid 30's
Wife, mid 30's
(inventor)

William Pratt was the inventor of a sharpening tool, as advertised in April 1823, "Pratt's Composition Rifle, For sharpening Scythes, Cutting Knives, &c. This Composition Rifle will be found the most useful, durable and cheap, for the Farmer's use that ever has been invented for sharpening Scythes and Knives to Cutting Boxes, and various other instruments. The inventor warrants one of them to last one man a year to sharpen his Scythe. If they are found to be too rough at first for a new scythe, they may be ground lightly upon a grindstone. If it should get a little glazed over, it will easily wash off with soft soap and water. Retailed by all the Storekeepers in Wilkesbarre and its vicinity at the low price of 25 cents each".

William Pratt and his family probably moved west after October 1823 when his shop adjoining the tavern at the corner of Bank and Market Street burned: "Fire! On Thursday evening of last week broke out in a building adjoining the Tavern-house of Archippus P. Childs, in this Borough. The building was entirely consumed, and for some time it was thought almost impossible to save the Tavern House, and adjoining buildings, as the wind blew directly on them. By the exertions the citizens, however, the fire was kept under without doing much damage. Other than the destruction of the building in which it originated. Mr. Pratt who had a very valuable set of Joiners and Cabinet Makers' Tools, was the principal suffered. The building belonging to Mr. Hinchman, of Philadelphia".


Francis Rainow, age 33
Elizabeth Eley, wife, 32
Children include John, 7; Stewart, 6
(farmer)

Francis Rainow came to Wilkes-Barre when he was married Jacob Eley's daughter Elizabeth in April 1810.


John W. Robinson, 42
Ann (Nancy) Butler, 33
Children include Houghton, 11; Charles, 10; John 5; Mary Ann, 4
(merchant)

A Wilkes-Barre resident sixteen years, John Robinson, husband of Ann Butler, daughter of the late Colonel Zebulon Butler and Phebe Haight and half brother to Gen. Lord Butler, first partnered with John P. Arndt and then with Stephen C. King in a general merchandise businesses.

Robinson then partnered with Stephen C. King and, for a period, had stores at both Sheshequin and Wilkes-Barre. The Wilkes-Barre store was located on Bank Street on the Butler property near Northampton.

In November 1813 the co-partnership of Robinson & King was dissolved with Stephen C. King continuing with the business.

In May 1812 Robinson was elected to the town council.

In May 1818 , Robinson was appointed postmaster at the newly established post office at Springville Township, Susquehanna County.


Rev. (Elder) Joel Rogers, age 40
Mary (Polly) Jackson, 36
Children include Joze, 4; Joel, 2; Lydia, newborn
(minister, teacher, county commissioner, former county treasurer)

Born Plymouth, Rev. Joel Rogers, son of Jonah Rogers and Deliverance Chaffee of Plymouth and a Baptist Elder, came to Wilkes-Barre from Plymouth in the spring of 1816. His residence was on the west side of Main Street, north of North Street. In addition to preaching and teaching, Rogers was Luzerne County treasurer from 1817 until he was elected Luzerne County Commissioner for 1820.

In March 1827 he moved to Huntington Township, settled on a farm, with a grist-mill and a saw-mill on the same property.


Gen. William Ross, age 59
Children include Eliza Irene, 21; William Sterling, 18
(farmer, landowner, Justice of Peace)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre forty-six years, William Ross farmed a great deal of land on the east side of South Main street.

In January 1812 Ross was appointed treasurer of Luzerne County.

In 1814 when the British threatened an attack on Baltimore, five companies of the militia from Luzerne and adjoining counties marched," a detachment of the 35th Penn. Regt., of which his Ross was a private. On their arrival at Danville they heard of the repulse of the British and were ordered home.

In May 1815 daughter Caroline Ann married Samuel Maffet, editor of the Susquehanna Democrat,

Elizabeth (Sterling) Ross died in Wilkes-Barre May 16, 1816 and was buried in the Ross private family burying ground.

In May 1817 daughter Sarah married Dr. Edward M. Covell , son of Dr, Matthew Covell of Wilkes-Barre.

In 1820 daughter Eliza Irene married Peter Loop.


William Russell, age 37
Christina Johnson, wife, 41
(potter)

William Russell, a potter, was the son of William Russell and Mehitable Cowen. In 1801 he married Christiana Olive, daughter of Jacob Johnson. Russell had a pottery on River street below Union for many years. Russell died July 10, 1829, age 46.


Judge David Scott , age 38
Catherine Hancock, wife, 27
Children include William, 8; Martha, 6; Marietta, newborn

(lawyer, president judge)

A Wilkes-Barre resident thirteen years, David Scott was president judge of the Eleventh judicial district. He had been commissioned by Governor Findlay on July 1818 to succeed Judge Burnside and held his first court at Wilkes-Barre in August 1818. Scott's wife was Catharine Hancock, daughter of innkeeper Jonathan Hancock whom he married in September 1811. Their home was located on the east side of Public Square near the Market Street corner.

In January 1809 Scott was appointed and commissioned by Governor Snyder prothonotary of the court of Common Pleas, and clerk of the Orphans' Court, Quarter Sessions, and Oyer and Terminer, offices he held until 1816.

In 1816 Scott was elected a representative to congress from the Luzerne district, but before the time for taking his seat arrived Governor Snyder tendered him the commission of president judge of the judicial district composed of the counties of Dauphin, Schuylkill, and Lebanon. He was commissioned on December 21, 1816, and soon thereafter moved with his family to Harrisburg until his commission as president judge of the Eleventh judicial district.

In 1819 Scott was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Wilkes-Barre Academy and in 1819 was one of the vice presidents of the newly organized Luzerne County Bible society in 1819. Scott was also a founder of the St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church and instituted in his office the first Sunday school organized in northeastern Pennsylvania.


Jacob Sinton, age 59
Mary (Polly) Dawson, wife, 47
Children include Phoebe, 23
Joseph, 45, brother
(storekeepers)

Irish-born Quakers, Jacob Sinton and his brother Joseph kept a general merchandise store at Wilkes-Barre for sixteen years. In August 1815 they had moved their building from Bank Street to the south west corner of Franklin and Market Streets, temporarily, at first. In October 1816 it was announced "the Post Office in Wilkes-Barre is removed to the store of Jacob & Joseph Sinton".

Jacob's oldest son James, 36, married to Martha Bettle, had been appointed Cashier of the Northampton Bank at Allentown in May 1815 and then became Cashier of the Easton Bank. Jacob's eldest daughter Elizabeth, 33, was married to Sidney Tracy, and lived on the farm at Moyallan. Son John, age 28, had married Mary Bastian and lived at Augusta, near Sunbury.

In July 1820 Sintons, along with Sidney Tracy, announced their intentions to moved to Cattaraugus in Erie County, New York, and "intending to leave this county soon, request all persons indebted to them to make payment and prevent costs. They will sell their property within the borough and their farm of 220 acres, about half a mile distant".

The Sinton's property in Wilkes-Barre was placed for sale: "A Corner Lot in the Borough of Wilksbarre, Luzerne County, on the street leading from the Bridge to the Court house, 222 1/2 feet front, and 120 feet deep, on the premises are, a store 50 by 20, a small dwelling adjoining 24 by 16 feet, a good dwelling house two stories high, 44 feet in front, with a Kitchen behind, same height, 30 feet long, a building used as a Windsor Chair Factory, 28 by 18 feet, a good Barn, a pump of excellent water in the porch by the Kitchen door, a handsome garden with a variety of fruit and ornamental trees" and, in early September, a "Vendue at the house of Jacob & Joseph Sinton, borough of Wilkesbarre to be held Saturday, September 9th. List includes household furniture, tools, etc."

The Sintons within a few years returned to Wilkes-Barre.


Joseph Slocum, age 43
Sarah Fell, age 39
Children include Hannah, 18; Ruth, 15; Deborah, 14; Abi, 12; George, 8; Jonathan, 5; Joseph; Mary, 3; Harriet, 1
(blacksmith, former town council member)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre forty-three years, Joseph Slocum and his family lived in a three and a-half story brick residence on the south side of Public Square with his blacksmith shop nearby.

Slocum served as a member of its Board of Trustees of the Wilkes-Barre Academy and was a member of the Town Council of the borough of Wilkes- Barre in 1818 and 1819.


Conrad Teeter, age 39
Sally Waller, wife, mid 30's
Children include Eliza, 16; Jacob, 15; Houghton, 12; Mary, 10; Charles, 6
(saddle & harness maker, stage driver, mail carrier)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about seventeen years, Conrad Teeter, a saddle and harness maker by trade, in 1810 contracted with the government to carry the mail once a week in stages from Sunbury to Painted Post, by the way of Wilkes-Barre, Wyalusing, and Athens. When he had passengers he took his stage and team. Otherwise he went on horseback or with a one horse wagon when the mail was small or the passengers few.

In April 1815 Teeter advertised "New Line of Stages from Wilkesbarre to Painted Post, NY. The subscriber respectfully informs the Public, that he now runs a stage once a week from Wilkesbarre to Tioga Point, Newtown and Painted Post. (Up to 12 passengers)".


Abraham Tolles, age 25
Martha Stewart, wife, 20
(carriage maker)

Born in Massachusetts, Abraham Tolles was in the carriage making business (Thomas & Tolles) on Northampton street in 1818. In January 1820 he married Martha Stewart, daughter of James and Hannah Jameson Stewart of Hanover. In 1822 Tolles along with Ransaler Wells and their families left Wilkes-Barre for Winchester, Franklin Co., Tennessee and in 1833 for Rushville, Schuyler County, Illinois. Tolles landed the contract for the delivering the mails, operating stage routes to Peoria, Springfield, Burlington, Jacksonville, Quincy, and many nearby stations. He owned four large Troy coaches, each drawn by four horses, which were considered the finest conveyances in the West.


Daniel Tracy, age 20
Matilda Kendall, wife, late teens
(storekeeper)

Nearly a lifelong resident of Wilkes-Barre, Daniel L.Tracy, eldest son of Peleg Tracy and Hannah Leffingwell, was newly married to Matilda Kendall, daughter of Rev. Caleb Kendall and Elizabeth Wolf.

A storekeeper, in January 1821 Daniel Tracy advertised that he "has just received a quantity of first quality of Salt, which he will dispose of lower than can be obtained in Wilkesbarre, or elsewhere. All kinds of grain will be received in payment at the market price".

By the mid 1820's Daniel Tracy moved with Rev. Caleb Kendall's family to upstate New York to the general vicinity of Ithaca.


Edwin Tracy, age 37
Deborah Fell, wife, 36
Jane, 2; Sarah, newborn
(saddler, harness maker)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about twelve years, Edwin Tracy, brother to Sidney Tracy and Peleg Tracy, was a saddler and harness maker. In March 1816 Tracy married Deborah Fell, daughter of Jesse Fell and Hannah Welding and for a short period partnered with Lyman Sholes, his brother-in-law through Deborah sister Frances Fell Sholes.


Peleg Tracy, age 54
Hannah Leffingwell, wife, 47
Children include Charles, 19; Vernet, 17; Martha, 14; Mary Ann, 10
(merchant)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about sixteen years, Peleg Tacy, brother to Sidney and Edwin Tracy, resided on Bank Street, just north of Centre Street.

In October 1814 Tracy advertised "Good old W. I. Rum & Gin, by the hhd. or barrel, and 10,000 Spanish Segars, For Sale, cheap as the times will admit. A short credit will be given if required. Also a few tickets in the 2nd class of the Wilkes-Barre Lottery, now drawing in Philadelphia".

In June 1816 Tracy's daughter Betsey married Patrick Hepburn, in June 1818 daughter Maria married Samuel Bettle and in May 1819 son Daniel married Matilda Kendall, daughter of Rev. Caleb Kendall.

Peleg Tracy died in March 1825, "a worthy and respectable citizen".


Sidney Tracy, age 39
Elizabeth (Betsy) Sinton, wife, 33
(farmer)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about eleven years, Sidney Tracy and his family lived on the Sinton's farm called Moyallan. At one time, in partnership with Steuben Butler, Tracy was, for a short period, publisher of the Luzerne Federalist.

Married to Jacob Sinton's daughter Elizabeth, Tracy joined the Sinton's on their move to Cattaraugus in Erie County, New York.


Lydia Trott, age 44
Children include Sarah, 10
(widow, teacher)

Born Norwich, Connecticut, Lydia Chapman Trott was the widow of Dr. George W. Trott who died in May 1815 at age 37. Daughter of Joseph Chapman and Elizabeth Ormsby and a sister of Isaac A. Chapman, Lydia Chapman came to Luzerne County in 1799 and in September 1809 became Trott's second wife.

After the death of her husband, Lydia Trott devoted herself to teaching.


George Tucker, age 34
Elizabeth, wife, 24
Children include Joseph, 5
(shoemaker)

Born Pennsylvania, George Tucker was a shoemaker.


Barnet Ulp, age 36
Sarah Treadway, wife, 30
Children include Maria, 9; John, Harriet, 2; Ann, 1
(hatter, constable)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about fifteen years, Barnet Ulp kept a hatter's shop on the north side of Public Square.

In 1819 Ulp was the first constable elected by the voters of the Wilkes-Barre. John Hancock, son of Jonathan Hancock, was his deputy.


John Ward, age 31
Mary (Polly) Treadway, wife, 28
Children include John P. Arndt, 8; James, 6; Elizabeth Arndt, 4; Celinda, 2; Sarah, newborn
(tailor)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about eleven years, John J. Ward, a tailor, who in February 1812, in partnership with Adney S. Atkins, informed "their friends and the Publick in general, that they have taken a shop on the north side of the Public Square, three doors west of Jonathan Hancock’s Tavern where work will be done in a neat and fashionable manner, and at a very short notice".


Rosewell Welles, Esq., age 59
(lawyer, justice of peace, former State Legislature representative)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre thirty four years, Welles was a prominent lawyer who in 1786 where he was admitted to the Luzerne County bar when the county was organized on May 2, 1787. His home, a large frame house, was on the north east corner of Bank (River) and South street.

Welles represented Luzerne County in the State Legislature in 1797-98 and in 1802, '04, '05, and '06.

In December 1820 Governor Findley appointed him a Justice of the Peace for Wilkes-Barre.


Ransaler Wells, age 30
Esther Perkins, wife, 23
(blacksmith)

Born in Huntington, Fairfield County, Connecticut, Van Rensalaer Wells came to Wilkes-Barre about 1813 when he partnered with blacksmith Peter Yarrington under the firm of Yarrington & Welles. He had previously been in New York where he worked as a blacksmith and forged the gun carriage of Commodore Perry’s flagship, USS Lawrence. In May of 1820 Wells married Esther Perkins, daughter of David Perkins, Esq., of Kingston.

In 1822 Wells along with Abraham Tolles and their families left Wilkes-Barre for Winchester, Franklin Co., Tennessee and in 1833 for Rushville, Schuyler County, Illinois, where he died 1885, age 85. He became a successful lumber dealer and merchant.


Seth Wilson, age 35
Rebecca Yarrington, wife, 35
Children include Frances, 5; Henry Colt Wilson, 1
(tailor)

Born Mount Holly, New Jersey, Seth Wilson, a tailor, came to Wilkes-Barre and in February 1817 "commenced business at the stand formerly occupied by Robinson and King, near the corner of Northampton and Bank Streets". In March 1817 Wilson married Mrs. Rebecca Porter, formerly Rebecca Yarrington, daughter of Abel Yarrington.


Josiah Wright, Esq, age 44
Anna Fish, wife, age 37
Children include Edwin, 16; Thomas, 14; Charles, 12; Mary Ann, 10; Asher. 8; Letitia, 6; Josiah, 4; Lydia, 2
(scrivener)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre thirty-five years, Joseph Wright, Thomas Wright's son, was a scrivener, i. e., a professional copyist of official or formal documents. Daughter Sarah, age 11, died in 1813.

In the spring of 1820 moved to the house formerly occupied by Samuel D. Bettle, on the north side Northampton Street, near the residence of Lord Butler, Esq., "where he intends to attend to his occupation as a Scrivener, and will feel grateful to all who will employ him, and endeavor to execute his duty with honesty. He expects to supply himself shortly with bland Parchment Deeds, Bonds, Apprentices Indentures, etc., of the most correct forms, so that he will be ready to dispatch the orders of his customers with dispatch - and to their satisfaction".


Abel Yarrington, age 80
(former County Coroner, ferryman)

Abel Yarrington came to Wyoming from Stonington, Connecticut in 1772.

From 1790 to 1793, and from 1795 to 1801, Yarrington was coroner of Luzerne county, and for several years he was treasurer of the county, collector of taxes and keeper of the Wilkes-Barre and Kingston ferry. He had also kept one of the first taverns, located just north of the ferry landing.

Abel Yarrington died at Wilkes-Barre in July 1824, "aged about 84 years. The deceased was among the first settlers of Luzerne County, and has ever sustained the reputation of an honest man".


Peter Yarington, age 50
Naomi Flynt, wife, 39
Children include Dilton, 17; Lucinda
(blacksmith)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre about 48 years, Peter Yarrington was a blacksmith whose shop was located on the south side of South Street about where the new Franklin street began since about 1816. His former shop on Bank street was taken over by Ranseler Wells in 1815 who Yarrington had in 1813 had entered into a partnership under the firm of Yarrington & Wells.

In 1813 Yarrington had been hired by Jacob Cist, in an attempt to market coal, to visit Philadelphia iron works and instruct the smiths on techniques for using anthracite.

In 1822 Yarrington sold his home and blacksmith shop to Daniel White, a wheelright, and located elsewhere.

Naomi died in August 1826, age 40. Peter died the following December, age 56, "after a short, though severe illness" . He was "an honest and obliging man, and ranked high on an ingenious Mechanick."


Phoebe Young , age 70
Children include Sarah, 32
(widow)

Born Sharon, Nine Partners, New York, Phebe Poyner, widow of Robert Young, came to Wyoming in 1768 when eighteen years old with her mother Eunice Chapman (Poyner) Sprague and step-father Dr. Joseph Sprague. Her father was a French Huguenot named Poyner who died of smallpox at Albany.

Phebe Young's husband Robert Young was recently deceased. A first cousin to Capt. Lazarus Stewart of Hanover, Robert Young was at the narrows with Col. Zebulon Butler on the 1st of July 1778 and was in the Battle of Wyoming on the 3rd but escaped. He was afterwards a farmer of Wilkes-Barre Township.

Affectionately known as Aunt Young, Phebe lived in a small, one-story frame house on the east side of Back Street, a short distance south of Union Street. She was thought of as resource for first-hand accounts of early Wyoming history and thrilled young children of stories how she used to listen to the cry of wild cats and wolves in the swamp in front of her place.