USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume I > Part 46
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The Bells are of English ancestry, although many of the BELL name came to this country from Scotland and the north of Ireland. This branch settled in Tuscaroa Valley, in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where Nathan Bell was born, lived and died. He became a prosperous farmer and left behind him an honored name. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in a quiet and retiring way aided by the example of an upright life in advancing the moral tone of his community. He married and had three sons, all of whom entered the Union army, two giving up their lives on the field of battle. Nathan Bell is buried in Mifflin, Pennsylvania. His wife was also a devoted Christian, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Children: 1. Nathan, killed in battle. 2. Susan, married a Mr. Valentine, and died at Paterson, Pennsylvania. 3. William, twin of Susan, of whom further. 4. Elizabeth, married and moved to the far west. 5. Samuel, twin of Elizabeth, a soldier of the civil war, died near Mifflin in 1910.
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(II) William, second son of Nathan Bell, was born in Mifflin, Juni- ata county, Pennsylvania. He attended the public school, and after ar- riving at a suitable age, learned the carpenter's trade. He later located in Lewistown, where he engaged in general contracting until 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Two hundred and fifth Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry. After his first term of office expired he re-en- listed and in the fighting before Richmond was killed. He was a man of lovable disposition, quiet and retiring in manner, but brave and deter- mined in the discharge of his duty, a man of upright character, trustwor- thy in all his business transactions. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He mar- ried Margaret J. Mayes, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Spatz) Mayes, of Center county, Pennsylvania. Thomas Mayes was a farmer and land owner, a member of the Presbyterian church, as was his wife. Mrs. Margaret J. Bell was a woman of strong character, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an active worker. She died in October, 1907. Children : I. Ellen Frances (Ella), now residing at No. 44 Chest- nut street, Lewistown, in the house in course of construction at the time of her father's death. 2. Thomas, an employee of the Standard Steel Company ; married Hannah Scott, and resides in Lewistown.
JACKSON There were many families of this name early settlers in Pennsylvania, and the Juniata Valley, where the name is perpetuated by Jackson township in both Perry and Snyder counties.
The earliest record of this branch is of Robert A. Jackson, born in Lewistown, where he died about 1885. He was a cabinet-maker, and followed that trade all his life, working for the old furniture-making firms, the McClintic's and the Felix's. He was an ardent Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. He served in the Union army during the war between the states, from Au- gust 21, 1864, to June 5, 1865, as a private of Company F, 205th Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a man much respected. He mar- ried in Lewistown, Lovina Stahl, who died there about 1890, daughter of Henry and Susan Stahl, born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and early settlers in Lewistown, where Henry Stahl followed the butcher
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business, and died aged over eighty years. Children: Henry, died in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania ; Charles, died in Lewistown; George, died in Lewistown; Ann, married James Thomas, and died in Lewistown; Lovina, married Robert A. Jackson; Adam, died at Newton Hamilton. Children of Robert A. and Lovina (Stahl) Jackson: I. William, died in boyhood. 2. Annie, deceased; married (first) Wilbur Culbertson, (sec- ond) Joseph Denmire. 3. Ella, deceased; married Adam Rankin. 4. Robert, resides in Iowa, a cabinet-maker. 5. James, died in Lewis- town. 6. Charles, of whom further. 7. Harry C., now engaged in the coal business in Lewistown. 8. Susan, married William Houtz, whom she survives, a resident of Philadelphia. 9. Carrie, died in infancy.
(II) Charles, son of Robert A. and Lovina (Stahl) Jackson, was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1858. He was educated in the public schools, and learned the printer's trade with George Frysinger, with whom he worked four years in Lewistown. He then went west, and there worked at cabinet-making for three years with his brother, Rob- ert, in Winfield, Iowa. He then returned to Lewistown, and there was clerk in a general store for fifteen months. He then entered the employ of the Lewistown & Sunbury Railroad Company, remaining but three months. He then began carpentering, at which he has continued until the present date. For twenty-eight years he has resided in the sixth ward of Lewistown, and in 1905, built his present home, a double house, at No. 303 South Main street, and in the same year built the residence now owned by his son-in-law, John C. Taylor, at No. 299 South Main street. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church.
He married, in 1880, Nettie Aurand, born in Mifflin county, daughter of George Aurand, an old settler ; she died in 1907. Children: I. Charles Monroe, died in infancy. 2. Ethel, married John C. Taylor, a railroad employee, and resides in Lewistown. Child: Hannah Annetta.
This branch of the Hoffman family descends from HOFFMAN Valentine Hoffman, born in Germany, came to Penn- sylvania with his wife, settling in town of Lancaster, where he is named in the early records as a "smith." In this case this meant "a maker of edged tools." He became a large land owner in the borough of Lancaster, where Hoffman's run, a small brook running
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through his property, was named for him. This is now Water street, Lancaster. He had three sons and a daughter.
(II) Christian, son of Valentine Hoffman, was a resident of Cum- berland county, Pennsylvania, until about 1837, when he moved to Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, settling at Lewistown. He was a carpen- ter, working at that trade for many years in Lancaster and Cumber- land counties, before coming to Lewistown. He died in Lewistown be- tween the years 1840 and 1845. Both he and his wife were members of St. John's Lutheran Church. She died about 1843. Children: William Boyer, of whom further ; Frederick J., a merchant in Lewistown, died in St. Paul, Minnesota; Christian Jacob, a grain broker, died in Philadel- phia; Catherine, died in infancy.
(III) William Boyer, eldest son of Christian Hoffman, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1812, died in Lewistown, Pennsylva- nia, in May, 1872. He came to Lewistown when a young man in 1840, married and for a time lived on a farm. He was a carpenter and soon left the farm, coming to Lewistown, where he worked at his trade. About 1858 he engaged in the lumber and coal trade, continuing until his death. He was a trustee of the old Lewistown Academy, chief bur- gess of Lewistown, and one of the organizers of Anderson Hook & Ladder Company, of which he was president. He was a Republican in politics, and active in the affairs of the Presbyterian church, serving for several years as trustee. He married in 1840 Frances Strunk, born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, June 16, 1816, died in Lewistown in Jan- uary, 1895. She was the daughter of George and Susan (Golden) Strunk. George Strunk was a farmer and early settler at Lewistown. He was also a miller and operated a grist mill that stood on the present site of Mann's Edge Tool Factory. This he later sold and purchased a farm in Granville township, now owned by Henry Clay Hoffman. Later he purchased Brown's Mills at Reedsville, which he owned until his death, about 1880. He served a term as commissioner of Mifflin county, and was a man of substance and ability. He married Susan Golden. Children: I. Frances, of previous mention, married William Boyer Hoffman. 2. John, a farmer, near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, now de- ceased; married Mrs. Wakefield, a widow. 3. William, died aged eighty-two years, also a farmer near Williamsport; married a Miss Bol- linger. 4. Edward, married and moved to Colon, Michigan, where he
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died. 5. Henry, died in Williamsport, a retired miller ; married Fanny Taylor. 6. George, died at Williamsport, a farmer and dairyman; mar- ried Maria Shull. 7. Joseph, died in Altoona, a dairyman; married Le- titia Owens. 8. Rudolph, died in Mifflin county, a young man; married Ellen Bear. 9. Albert, the only living child, resides at Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, a farmer. Io. Elizabeth, married Dr. Isaac Sides, who, in 1854, moved to Colon, Michigan, and there died. 11. Harriet, mar- ried (first) Rev. Bland, married (second) William A. Clymer, a teacher, died in Missouri. 12. Mary, married William Durst, and died in Mif- flinburg. Children of William Boyer Hoffman: I. Henry Clay, of whom further. 2. George Strunk, died in 1902, at Lewistown, unmar- ried. He was a retired coal and lumber dealer ; member of the Penn- sylvania house of assembly in 1886; chief burgess of Lewistown, and a prominent Odd Fellow. 3. William Horace, died in October, 1903. He was a partner with his brother, George S., in the coal and lumber firm of Hoffman & Sons, from which he retired in 1901. 4. Ella M., died aged six years.
(IV) Henry Clay, eldest son of William Boyer and Frances (Strunk ) Hoffman, was born in Granville township, Mifflin county, Penn- sylvania, March 24, 1841. He was educated in the public schools and Lewistown Academy, beginning business life as clerk in a general store. Later he engaged in the milling business at Reedsville, continuing sev- eral years, then in the same business at Milroy four years, About 1896 he returned to Lewistown, where he engaged in the coal and lumber business with M. W. Brandt anad is still so engaged. He is a Progres- sive in politics, but has never accepted office. He is a veteran of the civil war, in which he enlisted August 23, 1862, Company D, 13Ist Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving nine months as hospital stew- ard. He was honorably discharged May 23, 1863. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and served two terms as commander of Colonel Huling Post, No. 176. He is a member of the First Presby- terian Church of Lewistown.
Mr. Hoffman married, April 11, 1878, Harriet Van Valzah Blym- yer, daughter of George and Mary (Crull) Blymyer. George Blymyer was born in Lewisberry, York county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, son of Andrew and Margaret (Ensminger) Blymyer, who lived and died in Lewisberry. George Blymyer came to Lewistown in 1842, and was a
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successful merchant, miller and boat owner. He was a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. He mar- ried in 1829, Mary, daughter of Jacob Crull, a farmer. She died in 1895. Of the twelve children of George Blymyer, three are living: Har- riet V., wife of Henry Clay Hoffman; Elizabeth, wife of John J. Fitz- gerald; and Margaret, unmarried. Children of Henry Clay and Har- riet V. (Blymyer) Hoffman: 1. Frances, born June 6, 1879. 2. Chris- tian Atlee, born June 23, 1882, educated in the public schools and Drexel Institute, where he was graduated, class of 1905, department of mechan- ical engineering. He is now at Panama with the Mcclintock & Marshall Construction Company. He is a thirty-second degree Mason of Scottish Rite, Harrisburg Consistory, and a Noble of Joppa Temple, Altoona. 3. Margaret, born January 6, 1886, educated in the public schools, Lew- istown Preparatory School, and Mary Baldwin Seminary at Staunton, Virginia.
The Dalbys came to Lewistown from Cumberland county,
DALBY Pennsylvania, where the first of mention is Samuel Dalby, grandfather of James I. Dalby, the present representative of the family in Lewistown. Samuel Dalby, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, was an early settler in Mifflin county, locating about three miles from Lewistown, on a small tract upon which he built a log house. He cleared his land and there lived for many years. He died in Lewis- town and is buried in the Episcopal cemetery. He married and had three children: William, died in infancy ; James Irvin, of whom further ; Ann, married David Young, and died in Mifflin county.
(II) James Irvin, son of Samuel Dalby, was born in Carlisle, Cum- berland county, about 1803, died in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, in March, 1874.
He grew to manhood in his native county, married, and, about 1840, came to Lewistown, which was ever afterward his home. He established a draying and express business, hauling from the Pennsyl- vania railroad station to the village, one mile away. He also carried freight to nearby towns, kept his teams busy and by industry and thrift, prospered. He also kept a small confectionery shop on Valley street. He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. He married Margaret Martin, born in Cumber-
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land county, died in Lewistown, May 8, 1865. She was the daughter of a Cumberland county farmer of small means, and the youngest of three children : Jolin, a small farmer and watchman for the Northern Central railroad; Eliza, married Jacob Heck and died in Cumberland county ; Margaret, married James Irvin Dalby. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Dalby : I. William, died in infancy. 2. Charles, died in Lewistown, a merchant. 3. Lewis, died in Reedsville, a railroad employee. 4. Jane, married James D. Heck, a foreman with the Pennsylvania railroad, and resides in Lewistown. 5. Anna, died in infancy. 6. James Irvin (2), of whom further. 7. Ella, married William Murphy, both deceased. 8. Laura. died in childhood. 9. Annie, died in infancy.
(III) James Irvin (2), son of James Irvin (I) and Margaret ( Mar- tin) Dalby, was born at the family home on Dorcas street, Lewistown, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1849. He attended the public schools and early became his father's assistant in his teaming and express business. After several years he succeeded his father, and until 1912 continued in successful business operation. He had a virtual monopoly of his business in the borough, kept nine horses, five wagons and eight men busily em- ployed for many years, then in 1912 sold his teaming interests to French & McCabe, and retired. Since that date he has been engaged solely in the care of his real estate and property. He lias always been interested in town improvement, and was one of the influential workers in secur- ing the paving of Valley street from Market street to its present term- inus. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, a Democrat in politics, but beyond serving as grand juryman, has never accepted of- fice.
He married, in 1870, Caroline Harry, born at Shade Gap, Pennsyl- vania, daughter of Samuel and Matilda Harry, old settlers. Children: I. Harry I., married May Dell, and resides in Yeagertown; children : Marian and Samuel James. 2. Frances, married Frederick Brown, and resides in Lewistown. 3. Arthur, who married Grace Feather, and resides in Lewistown; they have children : Richard, Irvin and Caroline. 4. Maude, who married Walter Calvin, assistant superintendent of ma- chinery at the Standard Steel Works; they have one child, Joseph. 5. John, who died aged fourteen years. 6. Walter, who is a fireman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and who makes his home at Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
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Under the above spelling it is impossible to trace this SWYERS family beyond the grandfather, Joseph Swyers. If, how- ever, as seems wholly probable, the name is a form of Schweier, or Schweyer, the line can be continued to 1752 in Pennsylva- nia, and to 1630 in Europe. The seat of the family since the twelfth century was in Pomerania, a province of Prussia. Family history states that in 1630 two brothers, Schweyer, residents of the capital city Stetlin, joined the army of the Swedish King, Gustavus Adolphus, when he landed at Stetlin on his march to Central Europe to take part in the Thirty Year war. One of these brothers, Felix Schweyer, was killed at an assault upon Frankfort; the other brother, Conrad Schweyer, re- mained with the army until 1648, when peace being declared he settled at Biberic, Germany, broken in health and fortune. He died in 1672, leav- ing a son, Augustus, to succeed him. Augustus had three sons, of whom Francis married, and had a son, Nicholas Schweyer, who came to Amer- ica on the ship "Neptune," landing at Philadelphia, July 25, 1752, after a voyage of sixty days from Rotterdam. Nicholas Schweyer settled at Kutztown, Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1801 and was buried on his own farm. Six sons and two daughters survived. From one of these sons it is believed comes Forrest Swyers, of Yeagertown. Another form of the name found in the Juniata Valley is Schweier, where or when the change was made does not appear, as the earliest record of this branch is of Joseph and Susan ( Miller) Swyers, who lived in Franklin county until later in life, when they moved to Huntingdon county. Joseph Swyers was an iron furnace worker all his active life; a man of industry, and a member of the Lutheran church. He was twice married, having twelve children by each wife. Susan Miller, grand- mother of Forrest Swyers, was his second wife. After his death she lived with her children in Sharon, Pennsylvania.
(II) Joseph (2), son of Joseph ( I) and Susan (Miller) Swyers, was born in Loudon, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in June, 1814, died in Derry township, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, in 1890. He grew up an iron worker, and when a young man went to Blair county, Pennsylvania, where he married and lived until 1856, when he moved to Mifflin county, settling in Derry township. He continued in the iron business until his death, working at the Old Freedom Forge for many years. He was first a Whig, later a Republican in politics. Both he and his wife
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were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Mary Cook, born in Virginia in June, 1815, daughter of William and Jane (Armstrong) Cook, who were born in the north of Ireland, coming to the United States about 1815, settling in Virginia. William Cook was a miner and followed his trade in Virginia until his death at Harpers Ferry. His widow and children came to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where she died. Both William and Jane Cook were members of the Episcopal church. Children of Joseph (2) Swyers: I. Forrest, of whom further. 2. Henrietta, died in youthful womanhood. 3. Lavinia, deceased ; married Joseph McVaugh. 4. William, now living in Renovo, Pennsylvania. 5. Susan, married a Mr. Roof, whom she survives, a resident of Reedsville, Pennsylvania. 6. Joseph, now living at Athens, Bradford county, Pennsylvania. 7. Margaret, deceased; married Wil- liam Yontz. 8. Thomas, now living in Waterloo, Iowa.
(III) Forrest, eldest son of Joseph (2) and Mary (Cook) Swyers, was born at Williamsburg, Blair county, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1838. He attended the public schools, and early began work around the iron furnaces. He worked at Tyrone for five years, then in 1856 came to Mifflin county with his father. He was employed at Freedom Forge many years under John A. Wright, then worked for William Butcher, going from him to the Standard Steel Works, where he continued until 1906, when he retired, being then assistant foreman of the hammer shop and the oldest man in the company's employ. On June 27, 1863, Mr. Swyers enlisted for state defence and served for three months in Com- pany H, Thirty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. Although not engaged. the regiment was ready for service and arrived at Gettysburg too late for the battle by one day. Mr. Swyers has been an industrious, careful man, and has provided a competence for his old age. In 1883 he built his present brick residence on the "Pike" and also owns property in Yeagertown and Burnham. He is a man of high standing, and from 1905 to 191I served as associate judge of Mifflin county. For twelve years he served as school director in Derry township, and in all things he has proved a good citizen. In politics he is a Republican, and in re- ligious faith a Lutheran. He is a member of Lewistown Lodge, No. 203, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle.
He married, in 1860, Catherine Ready, born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, died July 28, 1909. daughter of Alexander and Catherine
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Ready. Children: 1. Fidella, born October 10, 1862; married George Matthews; lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2. William T., born March 9, 1864, died August 29, 1864. 3. Edward, born May 31, 1865, died June 4, 1865. 4. Mary Alice, born February 4. 1867; married W. B. Rodgers; lives in Lewistown. 5. Harry C., born January 6, 1869; married Lyda Reynolds; resides in Derry township, an iron worker. 6. Vincent H., born October 6, 1871, died in infancy. 7. Adeline V., born August 13, 1873, died April 7, 1895. 8. Irene, born January 17, 1876; married McDonald Aikens ; lives in Yeagertown. 9. Blanchard K., born February 10, 1878; married Zella Zerbe; lives in Lewistown. 10. Allen C., born December 16, 1879, died in infancy. II. Robert L., born Jan- uary 16, 1881 ; resides in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, unmarried. 12. La- vinia H., born August 16, 1882, died March 3, 1906, unmarried. 13. Katie May, born September 27, 1884; married Wendell P. Wear; re- sides in Burnham. 14. Edith Gertrude, born November 8, 1887, died September 9, 1887. 15. Child died unnamed.
Since 1802 this has been one of the landed families of Hunt- DELL ingdon county, Pennsylvania. The family is of Scotch de- scent, and came to Juniata Valley from Baltimore, Maryland. The first settler here was Henry Dell, who came about 1802, taking up a tract of land lying near Cassville in Hare's Valley. He was a mighty hunter and a successful farmer as well. His six hundred and forty acres, located in both Cass and Union townships, was thickly covered e. shtv with timber, but ere his death, at the age of ninety-three years, a large part of it had been cleared and brought under cultivation. The work of clearing and cultivating was continued by his sons until it was all sub- dued and made to yield bountifully. This farm has never been out of the family since its first coming into the possession of Henry Dell. His wife, Ann (Crawford) Dell, for him four sons and two daughters: I. Michael, resided on the homestead until his death at the age of eighty- four years. 2. Samuel, twin of Michael, died in Huntingdon county, aged about sixty years ; was a farmer. 3. Archibald, died in Huntingdon county ; was a carpenter and farmer. 4. Leah, married James Fields ; died at Mapleton, Pennsylvania. 5. Rachel, married Jacob Miller ; died near Mapleton. 6. Levi, of whom further.
(II) Levi, son of Henry and Ann (Crawford) Dell, was born in
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Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1811, died in May, 1866. He grew up on the homestead farm and remained at home, his father's as- sistant, until his marriage. He then purchased a tract of two hundred acres in Union township which he cleared and cultivated until his death. As he prospered he added two hundred and sixty four acres to his hold- ings, being one of the substantial farmers of his township. He was a Whig in politics until the birth of the Republican party, then joined that organization. He held several local offices, and was well known and highly respected. In religious faith he worshiped with his wife, a member of the Baptist church. He married Mary Shoop, born in Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, died about 1891, daughter of John Shoop, an early settler of Union township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he died and is buried in the family cemetery on the homestead. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the German Baptist church (Dunkard). He married and had issue: Sally, married Isaac McClean, and died in Huntingdon county ; Susan, married Darby Chil- coot, and died in Lewistown; Emmeline, married James Hooper, and died in Huntingdon county ; Mary, of previous mention, married Levi Dell; Jacob, deceased; Abraham, a rover, died in Tennessee. Children of Levi and Mary Dell: 1. Catherine, married Caleb Wright ; resides in Huntingdon county. 2. Rachel, married Milton Brennemon; died in Huntingdon county. 3. John, died in 1861. 4. Archibald, killed on the railroad in 1892; was a mail carrier. 5. Samuel, of whom further. 6. Mary, married Adam Bagshaw; resides in Huntingdon county. 7. Frank, resides in Bedford county, Pennsylvania; a lumberman. 8. Thomas, died about 1868. 9. George, died in infancy. 10. Leonard, died in boyhood. II. Josephine, died in girlhood. 12. Betsey, died in girlhood. 13. Jane, resides in Huntingdon county, unmarried. 14. James C., lives near Mapleton, Pennsylvania, a farmer.
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