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Joseph Gensel
1818 - 1904 (86 years)-
Name Joseph Gensel Born 4 Jan 1818 Mifflin Township, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States 
Gender Male Died 29 Oct 1904 Muncy Valley, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States [1] Buried Sonestown, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States [1] Person ID I7429 Wagner-Thomas | Hallmark Last Modified 11 Jan 2014
Father Gideon Gensel, c. 28 Aug 1786, Roaring Creek Township, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States , d. 24 Oct 1846, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States (Age ~ 60 years) Mother Catherine Fisher, b. 17 May 1792, Pennsylvania, United States , d. 5 May 1862, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States (Age 69 years) Married Abt 1812 Northumberland, Pennsylvania, United States Family ID F655 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family 1 Polly Michael, b. Abt 1819, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Abt 1843, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States (Age ~ 24 years) Married Abt 1839 Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States Children 1. Catherine Gensel, b. Abt 1840, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Abt 1855 (Age ~ 15 years)+ 2. Mary Gensel, b. Abt 1842, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States , d. 1922 (Age ~ 80 years)Last Modified 22 Nov 2014 Family ID F2118 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family 2 Mary E Auman, b. 19 Oct 1824, Sunbury, Northumberland, Pennsylvania, United States , d. 28 Jan 1901, Muncy Valley, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States (Age 76 years) Married Abt 1843 Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States Children 1. Sarah Matilda Gensel, b. Abt 1844, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown2. Clementine D Gensel, b. Abt 1847, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown3. James H Gansel, b. Abt 1849, Laporte, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown+ 4. John R Gensel, b. Abt 1853, Laporte, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown5. Charles Gansel, b. Abt 1853, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown6. Clara Gansel, b. Abt 1856, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown7. William Gansel, b. Abt 1857, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown8. George L Gansel, b. 1860, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknown9. Jesse Gansel, b. Abt 1862, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States , d. Yes, date unknownLast Modified 22 Nov 2014 Family ID F2119 Group Sheet | Family Chart
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Event Map 
Born - 4 Jan 1818 - Mifflin Township, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States 
Married - Abt 1839 - Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States Married - Abt 1843 - Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States 
Died - 29 Oct 1904 - Muncy Valley, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States 
Buried - - Sonestown, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States = Link to Google Earth
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Notes - 1818 BIR,MG: Bk of Biographies 974.8 D3bb pg 534-35 on film #0924645/1: Joseph Gansel bn 4 Jan 1818 in Mifflin Twp Columbia Co PA to Gideon & Catherine Fisher Gansel, md Polly Michael #1, Mary Anman #2:
"Hon Joseph Gansel, now living in practical retiremnt on frm just beyond corp limits of borough of Muncy Valley, has long been a prominant figure in business & political circles in that section; one time served as assoc judge Sullivan Co. Bn Mifflin Twp, Columba Co PA 4 Jan 1818 sn of Gideon & Catherine Fisher Gansel.
Adam Gansel, our subject's gf bn GY, learned trade of weaver. Came to Amer as single man,followed trade & frming until dd at 87yrs. Md Phoebe Bubamoyer who lived to 82yrs, children: John, Gideon, David, Jacob, Susanna, Mary (Polly), Lydia & Betsey. Was a res of Roaring Crk Twp, Col Co PA where lived at time of dth.
Gideon Gansel, fthr of subject, bn Roaring Crk Twp, learned trade of shoemaker, then merc bus at Catawissa Forge, then farmer. Md Catherine Fisher, children: Phoebe,John,Joseph,Odadiah,Samuel,Peter,Jacob,David,Sarah, & Rebecca. Mr Gansel dd 1843 age 64yrs. Wife dd age 2yrs younger.
Jos Gansel first attended German school, then English, following farming dur summer til 22yrs. Md at 22, learned trade of shoemaker, relinquished to be postmaster of Beaver Valley. Later elected constable until engaged in mfg of shoes at Foundryville PA, also clerking at store while res there. Elected assessor of Briarcrk Twp served as JP for 5yrs. 1851 moved to Dushore, Sull Co PA where engaged in gen merchant 9yrs or til elected sheriff of co 1860 when he located at Laporte. Served 3yrs 3mos, bought tract of land in Laporte which he cleared & supplied with new bldgs. Followed farming successfully sev yrs, disposed of farm to Mr Phillip,present owner, elected assoc judge. Served highly satisfactory one term 3mos, moved to Muncy Valley, accepted position as supt bark peeling bus with DT Stevens & Son Tannery. 4yrs later built Pennington Hotel (temperance house), conducted it with excellent judgment until 1894, est good rep as landlord. Also owned stage line from Muncy Valley to Eagle's Merc. using 4-5 teams daily during summer to convey passengers. Also hauled provisions and bld materials with 10-14 teams bef railroad system between these 2 points. Erected his present home on one of vacant lots, practically retired. Well known throughout county.
Mr Gansel md Polly Michael, dau of Adam Michael of Beaver TWP, 2 children: Catherine dd 12 yrs; Mary md to Mathias Trough, children: Chas, Joseph & Harvey. Mrs Gansel dd 3 1/2 yrs aft mg & Mr Gansel md Mary Anman, dau of John Anman of Catawissa TWP, 9 children: Sarah Matilda, wife of John Sperry, 4 children: Chas,Wm,Roy,Lizzie; Clementine D, wife of Murry Henry of Phil;James (mason) md Emma Culley; John (mason) of Laporte md Annie Keller; Chas D (teacher) dd ag 21yrs; Carrie wife of Walter Pardo, 4 children:Lee, Clarence, Lottie, Opal; Wm md Effie Swicher & res of Laporte; Geo L (master of math) lives at home; Jessie, wife of Samuel Eddy of Sonestown. Politics-Mr Gansel has always been active supporter of Rep prty, gd speaker, srvd as delgt to const convention, held many minor offices. Mem of Methodist Episcopal Ch, served as trustee, steward, supt of SS & class ldr. Charter mem of Bushore & Laporte Odd Fellow lodges,is past master. 1894 asked to serve-very difficult capacity for Trust Co Tanneries to est amt of bark on 11,000 acres of timberland. He, surveyor & one other took 2 Oct to 25 Dec, covering 8-16 mi a day besides riding. He completed wrk to satisfaction of co."
1818-1892 HIST: Everyname Indx to Egle's Notes & Queries, chiefly relating to Interior PA 4th Series Vol Pg 261:
"Hon Jos Gansel, who came to reside in Davidson (Twp) in 1881, had for 32 yrs been one of the most prominent citizens of the co. Bn Mifflin Twp, Col. Co in 1818, his ancestors came frm GY, but his fthr Gideon Gansel, was bn in US. His mthr (maiden name Catherine Fisher)resided all her life in Col. Co. Joseph went to live at Foundryville, Col Co nr Berwick, there became intimately assoc. with SF Headley.
Mr Headley at this time having estab a store at Headleyville, in Sull Co, & was otherwise interest in Dushore prop., induced Mr Gansel to go to Cherry Twp & take chg of his store. He had previously md a dau of John Auman. Sep 1851, he removed his family to Sull Co. Aft conducting mercantile bus. for short time for Mr Headley, he was introduced, in connection with Col. James Degan, to purchase Headley Store. The partnership cont'd 17 mos, when he sold int to partner & engaged in the employ of Wells & Wilcox, who were then largely engaged in mercantile business in Dushore. Subsequently a chg made at Wells & Ackley, Mr Gansel continuing with them abt 6yrs.
He had become one of most popular men residing in Dushore. His health failing from too much close confinement to store, he was persuaded by friends to accept nomination of the Free Soil Party for ofc of Sheriff - he was elected. In 1860 he removed fam to LaPort. In 1871 he rec'd nom by Rep party for office of Associate Judge - he was elected - held office 5 yrs. Remained on farm until 1881, employed by Stevens & Son - to take chg of bark furnishing business connected with their extensive tannery. He moved to Muncy Valley, continuing this very laborious employment 3-4yrs, then retired. Aft Williamsport & No Branch RR built thru Davidson Twp, he engaged in variuos capacities in forwarding interest of the road. In all the business relations, he proved himself an honored & respected citizen.
In his early yrs, united with Methodist Episcopal Church - interests of Church have always been dear to him. His svcs always in demand as an office bearer. He filled position of class leader over 40yrs & was leading man in obtaining funds & erection of 3 church edifices, viz: Dushore 1853, Laporte 1872, Muncy Valley shortly aft moving there.
Although now in 74th yr, he is still active, possessing full vigor of mind & reasonable degree of physical strength.
1818 BIR,MG: Florene Hunt, AFN:GHN5-HT-bn 1818 Catawissa; md Mary Michael
IGI flm #2034733: Jos bn 4 Jan 1822
Columbia Co land rcd V14 pg413 30 Jan 1850: Catharine Gansel, Jacob Hosler, Phebean Hosler, John Gansel, Joseph Gansel, etc... to Stephen Michael, Briarcrk TWP.
1818 BIR, MG: Email Feb 2001, Lystra Marshall: Joseph Gensel bn 4 Jan 1818-Roaring Creek Twp, Columbia Co PA; md Polly Michaels#1, Mary Anman #2 (she bn abt 1820, dd unknown); he dd unknown in Sullivan Co PA. He was a shoemaker, farmer,constable, sheriff, assessor, merchant, owner of Stageline Hotel, Post Master-Beaver Valley PA
1840 CENSUS: PA,Columbia Co-Mifflin Twp pg 158:
GENSIL, Joseph: Males 1 @ 20-30; Females 1 0-5, 1 @ 15-20
1850 CENSUS: PA, Columbia Co-Briar Crk, flm 444737-10 Aug, pg 156 Dw 147:
GENSIL, Joseph Esq 32/PA farmer; Mary E 25/PA; Catherine 9/PA; Clementine D
3/PA; Sarah M 6/PA; James H 8/12 PA
1859 HISTORY: The Democrat: Sheriff elected 1859 - Joseph Gansel
1859,63,71 GOV: Book showing a "list of the county officers who have been elected and served in Sullivan County since its organization, pg 34: Joseph Gansel, Associate Judge-1871; pg 35: Joseph Gansell, Sheriff-1859, County Commissioner-1863
1860 CENSUS: PA,Sullivan Co-LaPort Borough 27 Jun pg 815 Dw 210/94:
GANSIL, Joseph 42/PA (700,240) High Sheriff; ...35/PA; Sarah M 16/PA dress maker;
Clementine 15/PA; James H 11/PA; John 9/PA; Chas 7/PA; ...4/PA-f; ...3/PA-m;
...5/12-m (can't read film very well)
1870 CENSUS: PA,Sullivan Co-LaPorte Twp 16 Jul pg75, Dw 12:
GANSEL, Joseph 52/PA farmer; Mary E 46/PA; James 20/PA; John R 18/PA; Chas 17/PA;
Clara 14/PA; Wm 13/PA; Geo L 10/PA; Jesse 8/PA
1901 WILL, PROBATE: Sullivan Co PA FHL flm 954165, BK4 #17, Will 445, 18 Dec 1901,Muncy Valley:
I Joseph Gansel of Muncy Valley, Sull. Co. Pennsylvania...publish this my last will & testament...
1. ...my first debts, funeral expenses and lettering of headstones to be paid...
2. ...balance of estate, I will and bequeath the quit claim deed property with all its apurtances and... on which is
erected a plank and frame house and other buildings, the boundaries of which was described in the deed, and
which is now possessed and occupied by John R Gansel to Annie Gansel wife of John R Gansel to be hers to
have the rights... as long as she remains the wife or widow of John R Gansel, and after her death or marriage
to be sold & the proceeds to be divided between Stanton Gansel, Willa Gansel and Theresia Gansel, children
of John R & wife.
3. The warranty deed property boundaries of which are described in the deed and which at present occupied by
Torrence Bender to be sold within 2 years, proceeds of property & personal property... sold & distributed in
following manner: Mary Green $1, John R Gansel $1, balance not not yet disposed of to be divided between:
Tillie Scoot, Clementine D Henry, James H Gansel, William Gansel, Carrie Pardoe, Geo L Gansel, & Jessie
Eddes.
...I appoint James Myers of Strawbridge, Lycoming Co, PA as my Executor. Signed by Joseph Gansel
WIT: Torrence Bender, L Pearl Bender, TS Simmons, 18 Dec 1901, 8 April 1902.
Securities: FM Crossley, FW Gallagher. 9 Jan 1905: Signed Torrence and L. Pearl Bender. PROOF of DEATH:
12 January 1905: Joseph Gansel late f Davidson Twp deceased. James Myers removed his responsibility to son James H Gansel
1904 DTH: Craig Gansell Dec 1999 phone call: Joseph died 30 Oct 1904; Sullivan Co Death Rcds: 29 Oct 1904
- 1818 BIR,MG: Bk of Biographies 974.8 D3bb pg 534-35 on film #0924645/1: Joseph Gansel bn 4 Jan 1818 in Mifflin Twp Columbia Co PA to Gideon & Catherine Fisher Gansel, md Polly Michael #1, Mary Anman #2:
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Sources - [S435] Pennsylvania: Sullivan County Death Records, 1893-1905, 954172., Vol 1.
Joseph Gansel, white male, age 86, married, born Columbia County, occupation: retired. Died Oct 29, 1904 in Muncy Valley of old age, duration 1 year. Interred Sonestown 22 October 1904 [ck again], no parents shown.
Date: 2 January 1905
- [S435] Pennsylvania: Sullivan County Death Records, 1893-1905, 954172., Vol 1.