USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume I > Part 41
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Elizabeth (Sigler) Ingram was a daughter of George (3) and Sarah (Townsend) Sigler, who lived in the stone house built by George (2) Sigler, his father. George Sigler (3) was a prosperous farmer, owning two large farms; was always actively engaged in political affairs, a staunch Democrat, justice of the peace many years, and head of a large family. The Siglers came to Pennsylvania from New Jersey, where George (2), son of George (1) Sigler, was born February 17, 1762. The family came to Mifflin county prior to 1775, settling in Decatur
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township. In the year that George (2) Sigler was thirteen years of age (1775) there was a report that Indians had invaded the Kishaco- quillas Valley. George, the father, said that he would go over to Bell's and inquire what truth there was in the rumor. Bell was a neighbor, liv- ing a mile away. But George, the son. begged that his father allow him to go instead, and permission was granted; when about half way, near a small spring, on the north side of the present road, Indians sprang out of the bushes and the lad ran for home. He was overtaken and struck over the head with a club, the blow knocking him down. He was then obliged to go with his captors, five Indians and a Frenchman, but later were joined by another party of five Indians and a white man, the sec- ond party having a white girl captive with them. They were later joined by other Indians, and all made their way north to Canada. He was closely watched, and beyond being tied too tightly, was not harmed. On arriving in Canada he was painted black and compelled to "run the gauntlet." He came out of his ordeal very well, having a few scars and bruises, but doing some damage to his tormentors as he ran the course. His successful "running the gauntlet" so pleased a chief that he ex- changed a white girl for him. After being held a captive one year and a day he was released July 14, 1776, and with another captive, whose father had been murdered by the Indians, young Sigler made his way back to Pennsylvania, coming down the Susquehanna river to North- umberland. There he met one of his father's neighbors, Caleb Parshal, who was there to purchase a load of groceries and salt. He then parted with his comrade and came home with Parshal, arriving after night. Parshal went to the Sigler home and told the mother he had seen George, and that he would soon be home. He then called him in and a joyful re- union followed. After a talk with his mother, the others of the family were awakened, and together they spent the night listening to the ad- ventures of the boy they had given up as lost.
George (2) married, in 1791, Elizabeth Bunn, born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, became a farmer of Decatur township, and on his farm built a stone house, yet standing and in good condition. He seems to have feared another Indian raid, as the walls are unusually thick. He died August 3, 1821, aged fifty-nine years five months fourteen days, leaving two sons and three daughters.
The old stone house was later the home of George (3) Sigler, and
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there Elizabeth (Sigler) Ingram, grandmother of Mary Willa (Ingram) Baker, was born.
McCLINTIC The McClintics were among the early settlers of Lew- istown, Pennsylvania, the head of the family being James McClintic, a boat builder. He built many of the boats used on the Juniata in the early days, later became a carpenter and built many houses and barns in the neighborhood. He married Elizabeth Comfort and reared a family of four children: John Com- fort, deceased; Brown, who died in Indiana; Elizabeth, married Griffith Thomas, and died in the west; and Robert H., of whom further.
(II) Robert H., son of James and Elizabeth (Comfort) McClintic, was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, near the Juniata river, in 1810, died in 1871. He learned the trade of cabinetmaker and upholsterer, at which he worked until 1832, then established a factory and became a manufacturer of furniture in partnership with his cousin, William Shimp. They also had a chair factory, which they operated together until 1834, when they separated, Shimp taking the chair factory and McClintic the furniture, which he developed into a substantial business, which is still carried on in the family. He began business in a small frame house that burned down a few years later, but he had become so well established that he replaced it with a large building in which he continued manufacturing until his death, in 1871. He was a Demo- crat in politics, and served one term as treasurer of Mifflin county. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. By his first wife he had six children. He married (second) Isabel Kirk, born in Juniata county, died in Lewistown, Penn- sylvania, in 1895. Her parents came to Juniata county from Maryland, her father running a paper mill. Mrs. Kirk died at the birth of her daughter, Isabel, who was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Kerr, her father returning to Maryland. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Children of Robert H. McClintic, by his first wife, Elizabeth Montgomery: Mary, deceased, married John P. Crull; John M., died in infancy; James, a machinist and veteran of the civil war, deceased; William, a printer, died in the west; William Shimp, died young ; Charles B., died young. Children of Robert H. McClintic by his second wife: I. Thomas Kerr, died in New York, a cabinetmaker and
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bridge-builder. 2. Robert H., deceased, was engaged in business in Lewistown with his brother, George K. McClintic. 3. Kirk H., now a tinner and hardware dealer of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. 4. George K., of whom further. 5. Elizabeth Kerr, died unmarried. 6. Henrietta, died in infancy. 7. Margaret N., died aged twenty-one. 8. Howard Hale, head McClintic-Marshall Construction Company, of Pittsburgh.
(III) George K., son of Robert H. McClintic and his second wife, Isabel (Kirk) McClintic, was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, No- vember 6, 1855. He was educated in the public schools and learned the trade of cabinetmaker in the business founded by his father in Lewis- town. His two older brothers conducted the business until 1873, then the elder retired and George K. took his place as an active member of the firm. This continued until after the death of his mother and sister, when George K. became sole owner and conducted a prosperous busi- ness. He is also funeral director and undertaker, having taken pro- fessional courses in embalming in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. He is a director of the Lewistown Trust Company, and was treasurer of Mifflin county three years, 1897-98-99. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 1892 was defeated for the office of county treasurer by thirteen votes. He is a frequent delegate at county and state conventions of his party, and has always taken an active part in county politics. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. Mr. McClintic is prominent in the fraternal orders, belonging to lodge, chapter and com- mandery of the Masonic order ; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Improved Order of Red Men. He married (first) in June, 1882, Effie Foy, who died in August, 1883. He married (second) in 1898, Emma Lewis, born in Coatesville, Pennsyl- vania, but a resident of Lewistown since 1873, daughter of George W. Lewis. Mr. McClintic has no issue. It is of interest to note that the furniture manufacturing business, owned and operated by Mr. McClintic, is the oldest in Lewistown and Mifflin county, and the high character of the product is well established and has an assured market.
MCCLINTIC (III) Kirk H. McClintic, third son of Robert H. McClintic (q. v.) and his second wife, Isabel (Kirk) McClintic, was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1853. He was educated in the public schools and Lewistown
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Academy, beginning business life with his father. He continued in Lewistown until 1880, then located at Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, where he is yet located. In 1880 he established a small tin shop, to which, in 1883, he added a line of hardware, small at first, as became his capital, but constantly adding to his stock and enlarging his business. In 1889 he purchased the two-story building, twenty-five by one hundred and forty-five, erected by F. G. Franciscus, on Main street, where he is firmly established in a profitable business, carrying a stock valued at ten thou- sand dollars. He is master of every detail of the tin and hardware busi- ness, and has proved an executive manager of unusual ability. He is a Democrat in politics, has served his borough as school director, and is vitally interested in all that concerns the material or moral welfare of his town. He is a member of Lewistown Lodge, No. 203, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and both he and his wife are members of the Presby- terian church.
He married Margaret N., born in Lewistown, daughter of Peter and Maria Loudenslager, he deceased, she yet a resident of Lewistown, aged eighty-seven years. Children: I. Isabella, graduate of Mifflintown high school; married the late Edmund E. Buehn, a wholesale dealer in Edison phonograph records and supplies ; child : Margaret Christina. 2. Rob- ert, died aged six years.
The Snook family has been identified with Mifflin county SNOOK since early days, the grandfather of Daniel H. Snook, of Lewistown, having been among the early settlers who cleared and tilled the soil. He married and left male issue, including a son, Peter.
(II) Peter Snook was born in Decatur township, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, where he was educated, lived and died. He learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in connection with farming. He was a Whig in politics and a member of the Reformed church. He married Gertrude Wagner, also born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of fourteen children, four yet living : Jessie, Moses, Thomp- son and Daniel H.
(III) Daniel H., son of Peter and Gertrude (Wagner) Snook, was born in Decatur township, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1843. He attended the district school and worked on the farm, later learning
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the carpenter's trade. He did not follow his trade exclusively in younger life, but for twenty-two years engaged in farming, before moving to Lewistown Junction. He lived there on a farm for thirteen years, then moved to Lewistown, where he now resides. He there followed his trade, helping to build the First and Second Evangelical churches, and has erected many residences, having in one period of two years built twenty-four houses. He is a member of the United Evangelical church, he and his wife having been the first converts in the Lawver Evangelical Church in Decatur township. He was for many years su- perintendent of the Sunday school, but in recent years his health has pre- vented such activities. In political faith he is a Democrat.
Mr. Snook married, in 1862, Susanna Lawver, born in Decatur town- ship, Mifflin county, daughter of John Lawver, an early settler of that township. He donated land for the Evangelical church and cemetery, being a wealthy farmer and contractor. Children of Daniel H. and Susanna (Lawver) Snook: I. Samuel Casper, married Jennie Brower, and has children : Edna, Bertha and Sarah. 2. Elizabeth Gertrude, mar- ried Harvey Snook and has: Walter, Warren, Olive, Merill, Ethel, Rus- sel, Paul and Elizabeth.
This branch of the Snyder family came to this country
SNYDER about 1774, the founders being Christopher and John Snyder, father and son, who came from Holland. Among their possessions was a walnut chest with the date 1774 carved upon it, which approximates the date of their coming. They settled on wild land in what is now Snyder county, Pennsylvania, where they lived until the death of Christopher, the father.
(II) John, son of Christopher Snyder, owned a large tract of land, and was a pioneer of both Snyder and Clinton counties, all his children being born in the latter county. He married and had twelve children, all deceased, John, the last to survive, died in 1913, aged eighty-eight years. The names of ten are as follows: Susan, Nancy. Katherine, Leah, Char- lotte, Lucinda, Hannah, Betsy, two unknown, and Elias and John.
(III) John (2), son of John ( 1) Snyder, was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1824. He grew to manhood at the home farm, which later became his property. He continued there until April, 1909, when he moved to Mill Hall, Mifflin county, where he lived a re-
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tired life until his death. He was a Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church (Dunkard). He married, December 11, 1851, Catherine McGuire, born in Clinton county, Penn- sylvania, February 27, 1830, yet living. The aged couple on December II, 1912, celebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary at their home in Mill Hall, there receiving the congratulations of many relatives and friends. Children: 1. Nancy, married John Anthony and died at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, aged fifty-two years. 2. Harry, married Jane Porter and lives at Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, where he is employed in a milk condensing plant. 3. Ida, resides at home, unmarried. 4. Clara, died aged fifteen years. 5. William, a bank employee in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. 6. Lottie, resides at home, unmarried. 7. Elmer N., of whom further.
(IV) Elmer N., youngest son and seventh child of John (2) and Catherine (McGuire) Snyder, was born in Clinton county, Pennsylva- nia, November 18, 1868. He was educated in the public school and grew to manhood on the home farm. Later he learned the tailor's trade at Lock Haven and for six years was in charge of the tailoring depart- ment at the government Indian school at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In 1900 he located in Lewistown, opening a merchant tailoring store on Dorcas street, but moving the next year to his present store on Market street, where he is well established and prosperous. He is a Democrat in politics and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. While at Carlisle Mr. Snyder was made a Mason in Carlisle Lodge, No. 260, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, where he yet holds his membership.
He married, October 17, 1900, Jane Cochran, born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Robert and Anna (McFarland) Cochran. They have no children.
BRATTON The first actual settler in what is now the township of Bratton, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, was Andrew Bratton, who with Samuel Holliday, his brother-in- law, came over the mountains early in 1755 in search of lands on which to locate. Andrew selected a tract on the south side of the Juniata river, and made application at the land office at the same time. Samuel located at what is now McVeytown. Warrants were issued to them
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September 8, 1755, but Indian troubles drove them out and they returned to Cumberland county, remaining there until 1762, before it was consid- ered safe to again settle on their land. They then came with their fam- ilies and began improvements. Andrew Bratton built a log house first, but later erected a stone house, later owned by Joseph Harshbarger. A log meeting house was erected near his house for the use of the Pres- byterians in the neighborhood. It is said that the first religious service in that part of the county was held at the house of Andrew Bratton in 1766 by the Rev. Charles Beatty, a traveling minister. Andrew Bratton had two sons, William and John. There were a number of the name who lo- cated lands near the Bratton homestead, viz .: John Bratton, July 13, 1762; William and George Bratton, October 26, 1785; George Bratton, January 6, 1768, four hundred acres additional; Jacob Bratton ; Edward Bratton, February 28, 1787; James Bratton, April 22, 1795. Between ISII and December 16, 1816, George, Jacob, William, Wallace, James and Andrew Bratton took up over one thousand acres of land.
The John and William Bratton above mentioned were the sons of Andrew, the pioneer. John was a graduate of Princeton College, a general of militia, and lived a bachelor on the old homestead. William was elected first lieutenant in Captain Robert Adam's company, January 9, 1776, under General William Irvine, was promoted captain March 20, 1777, and resigned April 17, 1779. The many Brattons all living in the same locality and bearing the same Christian name, render it impossible, in the absence of vital records, to trace the line of William Charles Brat- ton, of Lewistown, beyond his grandfather, Samuel Bratton, but the evi- dence points to his being a son of James Bratton, who was the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of land on the Juniata river, bought from Alexander Hamilton, March 29, 1779. This was the first tract of land within the present limits of Bratton township, to which title was ob- tained, and was warranted to Alexander Hamilton, February 10, 1755, Andrew Bratton not obtaining his warrant until September S, 1755. James Bratton was the second owner of the tract, and sold it to George Patterson, July, 1795, and two years later, November 10, 1797, Patter- son sold it to Samuel Bratton, who was its fourth owner.
(I) Samuel Bratton had sons: James, died in the west ; Charles, died on the old homestead; Elisha, of whom further ; and Richardson, died in Bratton township.
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(II) Elisha, son of Samuel Bratton, was born in what is now Oliver township, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1805, died September, 1878. He was a successsful farmer, living for a time in Bratton town- ship, but returning to Oliver, where he owned six hundred and sixty- nine acres of farm land. He was a man of substance and influence; a Whig, later a Republican, but never accepting public office. He served his time, when a young man, in the state militia, holding the rank of lieu- tenant. He was a consistent Christian, holding the office of elder in the Presbyterian church. He married (first) Catherine Swigert, born in Ferguson's Valley, Oliver township, Mifflin county, in 1812, and was there married. She died in 1860, the mother of eleven children: Mar- garet, deceased; John S., deceased; Joseph R., deceased; an infant son, died unnamed; Samuel, deceased; Michael, now living in Missouri; Wil- liam Charles, of whom further; Reuben E., died in Virginia; Mary Catherine, died aged eighteen years; Anna E., married Samuel Troxell, whom she survives, a resident of Philadelphia ; Elizabeth, married James Sigler, whom she survives a resident of Lewistown. Elisha Bratton married (second) Mary A. Snyder; children : Lottie, died infancy; an infant died unnamed; Leah Jane, married Edward Postlewaite, and resides in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania.
Catherine Swigert, first wife of Elisha Bratton, was a daughter of John Swigert, and granddaughter of Adam and Eve Swigert, the emi- grants from Germany. John Swigert, on May 29, 1792, bought one hundred and fifty acres of wild land from William Harper, in Oliver township, which he cleared and improved, and in 1836, a John Swigert was assessed on two hundred and fifty acres. Peter and Christian Swi- gert also settled in Ferguson's Valley. The Swigerts were members of the German Baptist church (Dunkard). John Swigert married (first) L. Miller and had issue : Catherine, married Elisha Bratton; Mary, mar- ried Joseph R. Hanawalt. John Swigert married (second) Margaret Hood, who bore him a large family.
(III) William Charles, son of Elisha and Catherine (Swigert) Brat- ton, was born in Oliver township, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1844. He was educated in the public school and grew to manhood in his native township, following farming until 1870. He then moved to Lewistown, where he built a home at No. I Juniata street, which has since been his home. For seven years he was a traveling salesman,
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handling a line of dry goods and notions, and for twenty-five years dealt in stock, lumber, etc. He now lives retired from all business, save the care of his private interests. In political faith he is a Prohibitionist and in religion is a Presbyterian. He is a veteran of the civil war, and was a member of the state militia, previous to his enlistment in Company K, 202nd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war.
Mr. Bratton married, December 26, 1867, Sarah Houtz, daughter of Emanuel Houtz. Children: One died unnamed; Walter Boyd, of whom further; Edward Elisha, now a civil engineer and contractor of Philadelphia ; Ira H., died aged ten years; Jay Mccullough, in the music business; William Charles, a civil engineer in Albany, New York; Car- roll, died aged eighteen months.
(IV) Walter Boyd, eldest son of William Charles and Sarah (Houtz) Bratton, was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1872. He was educated in the public schools and a trade school in New York City. After leaving school he went to Troy, New York, where he learned the plumbing trade. In 1895 he established in business on his own account at No. 21 Valley street, Lewistown, remaining there one year, then for six years was located on the public square. He then erected a three-story store building at Nos. 13-15 and 19 Valley street, where he was in successful business until 1907, when he sold out and for two years was out of business in Lewistown. For nine months he was engaged on a large contract in Philadelphia, then returned to Lewistown, where he is now engaged in the plumbing business with S. S. Bratton, under the firm name W. B. & S. S. Bratton. He has been very success- ful in his undertakings, and ranks as one of the substantial men of his town. Mr. Bratton built his present home at the corner of Market and Juniata streets, during the years he was out of business. It is a mod- ern two-story house, built of mottled brick, and stands close to the bridge. He is an independent Republican in politics; a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum, taking ac- tive interest in both these fraternities. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church.
He married, December 3, 1896, Anna McKee, born in Granville township, Mifflin county, daughter of George and Anna McKee. Chil- dren: Ruth, Edith and Sarah.
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This is a Scotch-Irish family that early settled in the BRISBIN Juniata Valley. James Brisbin, born in Center county, early settled near Reedsville, Mifflin county, where lie en- tered about one hundred and forty acres of government land. He held for several years a commission as justice of the peace under appoint- ment of the governor of Pennsylvania. He cleared his land with the help of his sturdy sons and lived on his homestead until death. He was a Democrat in politics and both he and his wife members of the Presby- terian church. He married Margaret McManigal, born in Mifflin county. Children: 1. Sarah (Sally), married B. McNitt, and died at Milroy, Pennsylvania. 2. James, died in 1896, at the old homestead ; for forty years he was school director; unmarried. 3. Mary, married John Mc- Dowell, and died in Reedsville, Pennsylvania. 4. Will John, of whom further. 5. Elizabeth. Three other children, William, John and Mary, died in infancy.
(II) Will John, son of James and Margaret ( McManigal) Brisbin, was born near Reedsville, Pennsylvania, married, lived and died there. He attended the common school, and spent his early life in a store in Reedsville. After his marriage he spent two years in the commission. business in Philadelphia, but his health failing he returned to Reedsville. He then opened a general store there, which he conducted until his death in 1872. He was a Democrat in politics, but never accepted public office. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. He married Anna Maria Mann, daughter of William and Ann (Hutchi- son) Mann, an old Massachusetts family that settled in Mifflin county. between Lewistown and Reedsville, and there William Mann established a factory for the manufacture of axes that became famous as the Wil- liam Mann, Jr. & Company, now the James H. Mann Company. Wil- liam Mann, by a first wife, had a daughter, Beulah, who died young. Children by his second wife: James, died 1906, at Mann's Narrows: William, died in 1876, on the Ohio river; Anna Maria, married (first ) Will John Brisbin, whom she survived and married (second) Jerry M. Yeager, and moved to Yeagertown, where she died in August, 1910: Fearn, died at Lewistown, Pennsylvania ; Charles, died of pneumonia at the age of twenty-eight years. Children of Will John and Anna Maria Brisbin: William Mann, now a farmer of Yeagertown; Sarah, died in infancy ; Brice, died in infancy; Charles H., of whom further. By her
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second husband, Jerry M. Yeager, she had a daughter, Bertha M., who married Charles Rice, a merchant of Reedsville.
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