My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN VAN SCYOC, a prosperous and public-spirited farmer of Southampton township, Franklin county, was born in Fannett township, that county, May 4, 1858, son of Benjamin and Barbara Ann (Emery) Van Scyoc. The Van Scyoc family is of French origin, and when the ancestors of the American branch emigrated to the Colonies, they settled on a farm near Philadelphia.

Benjamin Van Scyoc, the great-grandfather of Benjamin Franklin, was a merchant and surveyor in Philadelphia. He took up a large tract of land in Fannett township, Franklin county.

John Van Scyoc, son of Benjamin, was born in Philadelphia. He settled on his father’s land in Fannett township, and lived there until his death, April 1, 1857, at the age of seventy-seven. By occupation he was a farmer. His children, fourteen in all, were: Nancy, Margaret, Rachel, William and Samuel, who all died in Illinois; Smith, who was killed in the army; and John, Elizabeth, Hannah, Mary, Jane, Holmes, James and Benjamin, all of whom died in Franklin county. Five of the sons enlisted for service in the Civil war, John and William in Illinois regiments, and Smith, Samuel and Benjamin from Pennsylvania, making a record of which the family may well be proud.

Benjamin Van Scyoc, son of John and father of our subject, was born in Fannett township in 1829, and he died April 19, 1900. His entire life was devoted to farming. He married Barbara Ann Emery, who was born in the same township as her husband, in 1838, daughter of James Emery, who married Elizabeth Stake, of Lancaster County; she is still living. The Emery family came originally from Ireland, and the Stakes from Germany. To Benjamin and Barbara Ann (Emery) Van Scyoc were born children as follows: Samuel C. of Franklin county; Mary A.; James Sheridan; Alice C., wife of James Kyle; Nancy A., who married A. Schumaker; William M.; Harry H.; Rebecca J.; and Benjamin F. During the Civil war Benjamin Van Scyoc served fourteen months in Company F, 49th P. V. I., gallantly risking his life at the call of his country.

Benjamin F. Van Scyoc attended the district school until he was twelve years of age, and then being one of a large family, he was obliged to work upon the farm to help his father care for them all. Thus he continued until his twenty-third year, when he married. He then settled in Franklin county, and for several years engaged in making post rail fence. In 1895 he moved to what is known as the Reese Himes farm, situated one mile north of Shippensburg, which he occupied as a tenant. There he was actively engaged in farming and dairying, and was regarded as one of the best farmers of this locality. The farm contains 150 acres of excellent land, upon which is a good bank barn, comfortable residence and necessary outbuildings. On March 24, 1904, he removed to the George H. Stewart farm in Southampton township. Franklin county, two miles from Shippensburg.

On Oct. 20, 1881, Mr. Van Scyoc married Miss Rebecca J. Varner, of Fannett township, daughter of Solomon and Margaret (Logan) Varner, who were born and reared in Franklin county. Mr. Varner was a laborer. Besides Mrs. Van Scyoc, his children were: James; Mary; Agnes, deceased; and William G., of Allegheny county, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Van Scyoc are the parents of the following children: Jessie F. and Mary M., at home; Delia May; Bertha A.; Elmer B., at home; and Dennie W. In politics, Mr. Van Scyoc is a Republican, although he has never aspired to public office. He and his family are members of the U. B. Church at Shippensburg.