Louis C. Mumford, a
popular young business man, and a representative of one of the most
prominent families of Scott township, Wayne county, was born there in
1876, the only child of Clinton D. and Joanna (Pickering) Mumford. His
grandfather, Judge Mumford married a relative of the same name, Miss
Mary A. Mumford, of Mt. Pleasant township, Wayne county, and they became
the parents of the following children: Oliver, who was captain of
Company A, 56th P. V. I., during the Civil war, and laid down his life on
the altar of his country; Olive, wife of C. M. Keen, of Prompton, Penn.;
James L., who was also killed in the war of the Rebellion; Mary
Adelaide; Matilda, wife of Col. George B. Osborn, now of Honesdale,
Penn.; Warren W.; Hattie E., wife of Daniel Corgill; Urbane B., who
makes his home in the West; Clarence G., of Albany, N. Y.; E. C., of
Honesdale; Clinton D., the father of our subject; and Thomas J., who
lives on the old homestead at Starrucca, Wayne county.
Clinton D. Mumford was born on the old homestead, November 24, 1845,
and was for many years one of the most energetic and progressive
business men of northern Wayne county. He was a member of the Starrucca
Chemical Co., which erected the first works of the kind in the county,
and was afterward associated with William Stone, another energetic man,
in the establishment of the chemical works at Ball's Eddy, Scott
township, Wayne county. Later they started the Stevens Point Chemical
Works, in Susquehanna county, which plant was destroyed by fire two
years ago. The firm of Mumford & Stone was extensively engaged in
lumbering, and also interested in other industries, giving employment to
a large number of men in Wayne and Susquehanna counties. After the
death of his partner Mr. Mumford continued the business until he, too,
was called to his final rest, March 14, 1894. He owned large tracts of
land in Wayne and Susquehanna counties, one of which he purchased from
the well-known Drinker family of Montrose, it being one of the richest
tracts of timber land in the latter county. He always took an active
and prominent part in local political affairs, first as a Republican,
and subsequently working in conjunction with the Democratic party, and
finally becoming a Prohibitionist. A man of kindly disposition, he was
given to practicing charity in its most beneficial form, and would
cheerfully lend a helping hand to his neighbors in need of assistance.
He was a member of the Baptist Church. Socially he was a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Starrucca Lodge, K. of H.
On June 7, 1871, Clinton D. Mumford was united in marriage with Miss
Joanna Pickering, daughter of Jotham and Mary Ann (Hopkins) Pickering,
of Jackson, Susquehanna county. The Pickering family came from Rhode
Island to Pennsylvania at a very early day, and is one of the oldest and
most highly-respected families of Susquehanna county. The children of
Jotham Pickering are Martin, who now lives on the old homesread at
Jackson; Serena, wife of E. Dix; and Joanna, mother of our subject.
Louis C. Mumford began his education in the graded schools of
Starrucca, and later pursued his studies in Wyoming Seminary at
Kingston, Penn.. He is a young man of much promise, and, like his
father, is a general favorite, being of a cheerful and hopeful
disposition. For some time after his father's death he conducted the
chemical works at Stevens Point, and since they were destroyed by fire,
he has devoted most of his time to matters relating to the estate. At
present he is carrying on an undertaking establishment in Starrucca, and
also assists his uncle, W. W. Mumford, in mercantile business, where he
is acquiring a practical knowledge of business methods which will
undoubtedly be of great use to him in later years. He resides with his
widowed mother, and has ever been most fortunate in being under the
guidance of an intelligent and Christian mother, a faithful member of
the M. E. Church. His career promises to be both credible to himself
and helpful to his fellow men.
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