The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-08-16
OBITUARY..

The remains of the Hon. George W. Shonk
arrived in Plymouth at 3.5l o'clock yesterday
afternoon and were met at the station by
number of Plymouths representative business
men who escorted the body to his late home.
No arrangements have yet been made for the
funeral. George Washington Shonk was Of
German family, and the progcnitor OF the
American branch thereof was John Shonk, who
cmgratcd to America in September, 1890, his
son Michael, George Washington Shonks grand
father, being born on the passage over Jchn
Shonk settled with the Morayian community at
Hope, Warren county, N j., where he prospcred,
and where the house he built is still standing.
Michael Shonk married Bculah jerks, who was
of Welsh extraction, and whose family, trace
'able as far back as the year 800, sent numerous
representatives TO America in its earliest years,
and gave numerous descendants who became
men and women Of distinction in many states.
Michael moved from New Jcrscy to Plymouth in
1921, his sen, John jerks Shonk, the father Of
George Washington Shonk, being at the time
but six years of age. John jerks Shonk became
prominent figure in the business arena Of
Plymouth, and when but II years of age was
engaged in connection with general real estate
and mercantile operations, which he successful
ly prosecuted through many years. lie also had
extensive coal interests in Virginia. being a
president and director of two coal companies,
and Of the Kanawha Railroad company, pene.
state. In 1874 he was elected to the state leg.
islature, and reelected in 1876. the first time
as a Prohibtionist and the second as a Rcpub-
lican He was thrice married, his first two
wives dying without issue surviving them, The
third wife George Washngton's mother was
Amanda Davenport whose ancestors were Of
New England origin, and among the earliest
and most respected settlers in the Wyoming
Valley. John jerks Shonk amaSscd a consider
able fortune by constant application to huSl-
ness fortunate investments and provident hab.
| its. George Washington was born in Plymouth
| April 90, 1850. After a preparatory course at
| the Wyoming seminary, he entered Wesleyan
university at Middctown, Conn, graduating
therefrom in 1873 He studied law with Hon.
| Hubbard b. Payne, and was admitted to the bar
| Sept. 90, 1876, On Aug. -, 1850, he married
| Ida f.. daughter Of Joseph Klotz, Of West Pitts
| ton, and by this marriage they have two chill
| dren, Herbert Bronson born oct. 2S, 1SSl, and
| Emily Woaon, born April 2l 1855. The Klot,
! family is Of German origin, and has many and
powerful branches in this vicinity. Mr.. Shons
soon acquired a considerable practice, both prof
! liable in business sense, and strong test
mony Of the high esteem in which his legl
abilities were held. lie was a Republican II
politics, taking an active interest in his party
affairs and in 1883 was summoned to the chair
manship fthe Republican county committee 0
Iuhene, in which position he made reputation
and acquaintance that, in 1890, brought him tn,
| Republican nomination for congress, to whcl
he was returned as elected, receiving l4,55
votes, against l3,3O7 cast for his Democratic
| opponent, John Il. Reynolds; though the count,
at the same time gave from 1900 to $500 ma
jorty for the Democratic nominees for state OF
fees. The scat was contested, but the commit
tee conforming a majority Of his political op
ponents, threw the contest out by a unanmou
vote.
kathleen Lucellc, youngest daughter Of Mrs
X. L. Stone, passad away at her homo on Bel
street, Olyphant, yesterday afternoon, after
protracted illness. Deceased was born in Oily
phaut and by her sweet disposition endeare
herself to all who knew her. and who will b
sincerely grieved by her early demise Throug
her long illness her Christian fortitude and III
true nobility Of her nature was apparent BE
sides her mother she is survived by three sis
tiers, Henrietta. Olivia and Louise Stone. Tn
funeral announcement will be made later