The first settlers of this name in Lewis county, N.Y. were two brothers - Philander and Joseph - who, with their widowed mother, came to the United States from Germany, their native land, in 1841. They landed in New York City and proceded directly to their destination and made settlement in the town of New Bremen on a tract of wild land which they cleared and improved. Their farms adjoined, and in their pioneer labor they joined forces in clearning and builidng. In the course of time the forest fled before the fields and the sturdy German emigrants owned well tilled farms and comfortable homes. The line here followed is that of Philander.

(I) Philander Schantz was born in Germany, Feb. 14, 1816, died in Naumburg, Lewis county, N.Y. May 14, 1894. After settling in Lewis county and clearing his farm he continued its cultivation until his death. By thrift and industry he acquired a competence as well as the respect of the community. His later years were spent in comfort and in the enjoyment of the fruit of his years of toil and self-denial.
He was a Democrat in politics and a member of the church.
He married, in 1846, Magdalene, daughter of Nicholas and Mary Hirschey Rickenburg.
Children:
Joseph, died in infancy.
Anna.
John R., see forward.
Mary, died Jan. 22, 1882.
Barbara, died at age of eight years.
Joseph R.
Susan B.
Lena.
Louise, died March, 1892.
Katherine.
David.
Philip.
Julia, died March, 1892.

(II) John R., third child of Philander and Magdalene (Rinkenburg) Schantz, was born in the town of New Bremen, Lewis county, N.Y. Nov. 18, 1856. He was reared on the farm, and educated in the public schools of the town. He was his father's farm assistant and, on arriving at the age when he was to decide on his own fortune, chose the life of an agriculturist, and has made a success of his business. He makes a specialty of dairy farming and gives every detail his personal supervision. He is hospitable, generous and trustworthy. He has the confidence of the community, who have so expressed themselves by repeatedly choosing him for town offices of trust. He is a strong Republican in politics; he served his town in 1892 as collector of taxes; in 1893-96 as road commissioner, and in 1909 was again elected collector.
He is a member of the Denmark Congregational Church, and the Patrons of Husbandry.
He married, Feb. 29, 1888, Emma C., born Jan. 5, 1863, daughter of Elisha and Lucia (Watson) Carter, of Lowville.
Children:
1. Clinton H., born April 30, 1889; graduate of Carthage High school, class of 1907.
2. Mildred M., April 13, 1892.
3. Marion L., Jan. 18, 1900.

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