Histories

Joseph Ansley
Although thirteen years have elapsed since the death of Joseph Ansley, one of the old guard of Scranton's business men, who was identified with many of the infant, now mature, industries of the city, the memory of his uncom- monly useful life still remains fresh in the minds of those whose privilege and pleasure it was to know him. The beauty of his life and the sweetness of his character, together with the breadth of human sympathy that characterized his every action, gained for him a place in the hearts of his friends and acquaintances that was ever held sacred, even after the summons of the last call had taken him from their midst into the glories of the reward promised to those whose lives and thoughts are pure and undefiled. He was spared many of the soul scars that come from faithless and designing friends, departing this life with a firm belief in all of God's creatures, born of a perfect love of their Creator.

Joseph Ansley was probably of Scotch descent, the family having been planted in Pennsylvania by his grandfather, who came thither from Connecticut, locating at Paupac, Pike county. Brinson Ansley, father of Joseph Ansley, lived there as a farmer, married Elizabeth, daughter of Leonard Le Barr, and became the father of four chil- dren : Leonard, Joseph, William, and Amelia.

Joseph Ansley, second son and child of Brinson and Elizabeth (Le Barr) Ansley, was born in Paupac, Pike county, Pennsylvania. October 26, 1825. He was there instructed in the public schools, early in life learning the trade of carpenter with a workman named La Farge.

After completing his apprenticeship, he remained in the vicinity for several years, then moved to Hawley, where he began his successful career. Working for a time at this trade, he soon began widening his operations, buying land and conducting an extensive contracting business. In connection with this he also did a great deal of undertaking work in the neighborhood. The scope of his enterprises extended, he became a contracting builder, erecting many Itomes and business establish ments in the town, many upon land purchased earlier, his holdings including the present site of the Hawley saw mills and other buildings. Among the btiildings he erected were the First Baptist and Catholic churches and the first grist mill in Hawley.

Besides his other interests he was the proprietor of a lumber mill and a planing mill. So successful was he that in 1866 he located in Hyde Park where he established the lumber business now owned by Washburn, Williams & Company. Soon after his coming to Hyde Park, Mr. Ansley formed a partnership with Nicholas Washburn and Samuel Heller. In 1868 he bought out the interest of Mr. Heller and three years later that of Mr. Washburn. It was during his partnership with Mr. Washburn that the planing mill and sash and blind factory were established, but soon after Mr. Ansley continued in the business alone, so that while the credit for the installation of that department must be shared between them, it was Mr. Ansley who raised these processes to the high degree of development they had attained at his death. Until early in 1879, ^ building, known as Herman's shop was used for factory purposes, when substantial stone and wooden shops were completed and the business housed therein. Under Mr. Ansley 's skillful management, the number of operatives increased until the payroll included 100 persons.

It is a splendid tribute to his ability as an organizer that the business he founded so many years ago is not only still in existence, but conducting operations upon a larger and more lucrative scale than ever before. In 1906, the widow and heirs of Mr. Ansley incorporated the Ansley Lumber Manufacturing Company, which employs about fifty persons and supplies local trade.
While Mr. Ansley never allied himself with any religious denomination, he conscientiously recognized and observed the obligations he felt to be his, attending regularly the services of the Presbyterian church. In his political action he was actuated entirely by the merits of the candidates and the comparative strength of the party platforms. He cast his first vote for a Democratic candidate, in the next presidential campaign acting with the Whigs. The slavery discussion at this time led him to change his political affiliations, and at the organization of the Republican party, and the presentation of its first presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, he voted for him, ever afterward supporting that party.

Mr. Ansley married, September 9, 1850, at Wilsonville, Pennsylvania, Mary C, now deceased, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Shouse) Mason. Chil- dren : I. Elizabeth, deceased. 2. Matilda, deceased. 3. Sarah, married Henry T. Porter, deceased; children: Ethel, married Paul Johanning; Pearl, married Alvin W. Decker, of Scranton ; Leila, married Walter S. Jones, of Buffalo, New York. 4. John, deceased. 5. Lincoln (twin), a lumber dealer of Colorado. 6. Hamlin, twin of Lincoln, died aged twenty-one years, born during the presidential campaign of i860, they were named in honor of the Republican candidates for president and vice-president. 7. Joseph, a lumber dealer, mar- ried Margaret Shififer ; children : Sarah, deceased ; Joseph and James. 8. James, deceased. 9. Edward, engaged in the lumber business ; married Ma- tilda Thompson, and had children : Ruth, deceased ; Mary, Allen and Edward. 10. Frank, deceased. 11. Anna.

In closing a recital of the life of Joseph Ansley, it would be indeed an un- faithful portrayal if no mention were made of the close and sympathetic union existing between him and his wife. Congenial in every respect, one supplying the needs of the other, with an almost sacred affection between them, they were mdeed happily mated. Lfnited in wedlock for better or worse, the passing years had brought them greater opportunities for the enjoyment of life, but the coming of riches could not strengthen their undying Jove, nor the luxury of wealth add one iota to the joy of their happiness.

Mr. Ansley's death, occurring March 23, 1891, was deeply mourned throughout the locality which had been the scene of his life and labors. Al- though in later years removed from active business dealings he was still a familiar figure in the city. Of fine, erect bearing, his flowing white beard and kindly aspect lent to him a patriarchal dignity. His commanding appearance was a faithful indication of the beautiful spirit within, now long gone to its heavenly rest.

- History of Scranton and its People, Frederick L. Hitchcock, 1914