USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume II > Part 12
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CROZIER The Croziers are of Scotch-Irish descent, their ancestors early settlers in Juniata county, where Armstrong Cro- zier was born. He grew to manhood on the farm,
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learned the mason's trade and was the owner of one hundred and eighty- seven acres of improved land in Beale township. He was also a pros- perous farmer. He was influential in his community, a Democrat in poli- tics and held the office of supervisor. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Presbyterian church. He married, at Lost Creek, Juniata county, Pennsylvania. Sarah, daughter of Richard Bell, of Fermanagh township. She died at Johnstown, Beale township, Juniata county, sur- viving her husband, who died there on January 28, 1847. Children : Melinda, died in childhood; Elizabeth, married William Olds; Benjamin F., of whom further; James H., moved west; Mary C., married D. B. McWilliams.
(II) Benjamin F., son of Armstrong and Sarah ( Bell) Crozier, was born in Beale township, Juniata county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1834. died October 13, 1904, at Walnut, Pennsylvania. He worked at the home farm and attended public school until his father's death, when he was thirteen years of age. He then was compelled to leave school and, as the eldest son, take, as far as possible, the management of the farm. He continued at home until 1860, when he bought of Calvin Stewart a farm of fifteen acres in Beale township. He improved his purchase, but sold the following year and returned to the old home- stead. continuing until 1864, when he moved to Johnstown in the same township. In the fall of the year he enlisted at Harrisburg in Company E, Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry. He served under General Sherman and was with him in the famous march from "Atlanta to the Sea". He escaped all injury and was only confined in the hospital once and that for only a few days. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He then returned to Beale township and, purchasing the Jacob Doughman farm, resumed agricultural operations. He sold his farm a few years later and located in the village of Walnut, Juniata county, learned the saddler's trade and established there a harness and hardware making business that he successfully conducted until his retire- ment. In 1800 he was elected justice of the peace and held that office until his death. He was a conscientious, fair-minded justice, few appeals ever being taken from his decisions and none were ever reversed. AAfter the appointment of his son as postmaster at Walnut, Mr. Crozier acted as deputy postmaster. He was well known and highly respected wherever known and was held in universal respect and honor. He was
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a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, taught a class in the Sun- day school (Sunday school superintendent undenominational) a line of Christian work that always interested him. He was an ardent Democrat, taking active part in town affairs. He was a faithful son, a good soldier, an honest official and an upright citizen.
He married, in Beale township, March 16, 1858, Mary A., daughter of Daniel and Catherine Fry, one of a family of nine children. She was born in Millerstown, Perry county, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1829, died October 5, 1894. She was a devoted member of the Lutheran church and beloved by all for her piety and benevolence. Children: Nevin P., moved west; Mowry L., deceased, of Port Royal, Pennsylvania ; Benja- min F., of whom further.
(III) Benjamin F. (2), son of Benjamin F. (1) and Mary A. (Fry) Crozier, was born in Beale township, Juniata county, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1866. He obtained a good education in the public schools and at Tuscarora Academy. He taught school for sometime : was then a clerk, later a traveling salesman, continuing "on the road" three years. He resided in Walnut, and during President Cleveland's second admin- istration was appointed postmaster of that village, his father acting as deputy. In 1900 he entered the employ of the Standard Steel Works Company as timekeeper, and in 1911 established a mercantile business at Burnham, which is managed by his son. Mr. Crozier is a man of ability and in every position in which he has been placed has acquitted himself with credit. He is a member of Lewistown Lodge, No. 187, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lewistown Eyrie, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Lewistown Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose; and Lewistown Lodge of Owls. In political faith he is a Democrat. His residence is on Fifth avenue, Burnham, which he owns, and he has now under construc- tion a large store building to accommodate his growing mercantile business.
He married, in 1892, Clara D. Showalter, born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1861, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Showalter, the former dying in Berks county, the latter in Burnham in 1904. The only child of Benjamin F. and Clara D. Crozier is: Eldred G., born May 18, 1893 ; educated in the public schools, graduate of Burnham high school, class of 1910, now (1913) manager of the mercantile business estab- lished by his father in 191I.
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The Mitchell family of Pennsylvania, of which Elder MITCHELL C. Mitchell, of Derry township, Mifflin county, is a member, has long been prominent in that section of the state. and is accounted one of the most solid and honorable in Pennsyl- vania.
The first member of the family to come from England was probably Robert Mitchell, who landed in Massachusetts about 1664, from one of the small and infrequent sailing vessels that touched the shores of the New World. He married the daughter of a neighbor, Daniel Elliott, and by her had a large family. His sons and his sons' sons wandered to different provinces, one of them at least eventually making his home in Pennsylvania. That they did their patriotic duty by their country dur- ing the revolutionary war is proven by the roster of the various com- panies furnished by the colonies. Several Mitchells were among the soldiers of the Sixtieth Royal Americans who fought General Montcalm, his French soldiers and Indian allies near the lakes. Also the lists of the civil war veterans show that the Mitchell family was well repre- sented, both north and south, throughout the entire time of the historic struggle.
(I) William Mitchell was one of the early pioneers in Mifflin county, settling east of Milroy or Perrysville. He was a farmer and a landed proprietor. a man of great importance in that section of the state. He was known far and wide for his abundant hospitality. Among his numerous children was Samuel, of whom further.
(II) Samuel, son of William Mitchell, was born on his father's farm in Mifflin county, near Milroy. He was, like his father, a farmer, and was an extensive land owner. He was for years prominent in the social, religious and political life of his section. He married Margaret (Carna- han ) Hosey, a daughter of an old family long established in Westmore- land county. She was the widow of Daniel Hosey, and settled in Mifflin county with him after their marriage. After her marriage with Samuel Mitchell they located in Derry township on a farm, and here their chil- dren were born. They lived quiet, retired, useful lives, were good neighbors and friends, always generously extending a helping hand to those less fortunate than themselves. They were devout members of the Presbyterian church. Children. I. Rosanna, born July 10, 1812; married William Sigler; moved to Olio and there died. 2. William,
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John MaMitchell
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born April 2, 1814, died aged eighteen. 3. Mary, born July 18, 1816; married Robert Stewart; both died in Derry township. 4. Samuel, of whom further. 5. John McDowell, born September 21, 1821, died August 2, 1889, in Derry township; married Martha Sharp McNitt, of Siglerville, who still survives him; he was one of the substantial men of the township, highly respected and greatly esteemed.
(III) Samuel (2), son of Samuel (1) and Margaret (Carnahan- Hosey) Mitchell, was born November 2, 1818, on the old homestead in Derry township, died January 14, 1899. He married Margaret G. McNitt, born July 19, 1828, a member of an old and important family of that part of the state. She died June 26, 1911. After marriage they lived on the Mitchell homestead in Derry township. His father dying, he and his brother. John McDowell, purchased the interests of the heirs, modernized the buildings, erected others and brought the land under a high state of cultivation. They were members of the Presbyterian church, liberally supporting it, he being treasurer of the same. He was a Democrat in politics and served as poor director for three years, school director nine years, and supervisor. Children: I. Nancy, mar- ried J. S. McNitt ; lives near Milroy. 2. Mary, married (first) Adam Koons, of Newville, Pennsylvania ; (second) A. Brown Cummins; lives in Lewistown (1913). 3. Elder C., of whom further. 4. John Brown. lives at 19 East Third street, Lewistown; is a farmer by occupation ; he married Rachel Sterrett. 5. Martha Ellen, who died at the age of nine months.
(IV) Elder C., son of Samuel (2) and Margaret G. (McNitt) Mitchell, was born on an adjoining farm to his present residence in Derry township. June 29. 1853. He was given all the educational ad- vantages afforded by the public schools of the township and Airy View Academy, and was reared on the homestead. On leaving school he began farming, and came to his present home, the one adjoining his father's, to be with an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John McDowell Mitchell. At the death of his uncle he inherited, co-jointly with his aunt, the farm. His aunt is still living with her husband's nephew, and is one of the brightest of women for her advanced years. She takes a vivid interest in things outside her home life and is still active in social and religious matters. Mr. Mitchell does general farming and stock breeding. He organized and is president of the Dry Valley Tele-
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phone Company, and is also trustee and treasurer of the Little Valley Presbyterian Church.
He married, April 23, 1896, Frances Anna Cummins, born January 15. 1858, at McAlevys Fort, the fourth daughter of Sterrett and Agnes (McNitt) Cummins, of an old and distinguished family, whose lineage runs back to colonial days. One son has been born to Elder C. and Frances Anna (Cummins) Mitchell, Samuel Cummins, born May 29, 1897.
STEWART Early in the colonial days three brothers by the name of Stewart came from Scotland and settled in America, William, James and John. One at least of these brothers settled in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and had a son William, born in Cumberland county, who settled in the Tuscarora val- ley. He took up land on Tuscarora creek, at which place he met a tragic deatlı, having been killed by the Indians while searching for his horses that had strayed. From him came Joseph Stewart, of the third genera- tion, one of the sturdy pioneers of his day, an energetic, progressive man. Ile was a farmer of the Big Valley, returning late in life and set- tling at Burnham, in Derry township. He married Sarah Creswell, and both are buried in the Methodist cemetery at Vira, Pennsylvania. Chil- dren : 1. Robert, born in the Kishacoquillas valley, October 31, ISI8, died October 28, 1856; married Mary Mitchell. 2. Thomas Miller, of whom further. 3. Jane, twin of Thomas M., married Peter Webner. 4. Rebecca, married James Riden. 5. Mary, married Peter Albright and moved to Red Cloud, Nebraska 6. Elijah, married Anna Belle Van Arden and moved to Red Cloud, where he died. 7. Sarah, married Isaac Price. 8. Ann, married John McGee. 9. Samuel, married Mary Albright, and lived in Yeagertown.
(IV) Thomas Miller, son of Joseph and Sarah (Creswell) Stewart, was born in the Kisliacoquillas valley, near Reedsville, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, August 1, 1821, and died in Burnham, Pennsylvania, in 1908. He grew to manhood on the home farm, attended the public school and early in life began work at the iron furnaces in Mifflin and Center counties. Later lie moved to Blair county, Pennsylvania, where he worked at the Bald Eagle Furnaces until 1868, then returned to Mifflin county, where he spent the balance of his life. He was a Repub-
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lican in politics and both he and his wife were members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. He married Ann Taylor, born in Center county, Pennsylvania, near Stormstown, May 27, 1827, died at Burnham, June 7, 1905. She was the daughter of Nathan Taylor, an early settler of Cumberland county, who died in Center county, Pennsylvania. Chil- dren of Thomas Miller Stewart : I. Nathan, of whom further. 2. Joseph, born October 18, 1850. 3. Samuel, January 28, 1852. 4. Sarah, No- vember 9, 1854. 5. Robert, December 1, 1856. 6. Thomas J., Novem- ber 14, 1859. 7. Mary E., October 18, 1861. 8. William T., November 3, 1863. 9. Lemuel, December 14, 1865, died in infancy. 10. Henry, June 21, 1867, deceased. II. Emma A., January 27, 1870. 12. Charles F., November 11, 1879.
(V) Nathan, eldest of the twelve children of Thomas Miller and Ann (Taylor) Stewart, was born at Bald Eagle Furnaces, Blair county, Pennsylvania, August 5, 1848. He attended the public schools and lived in Blair county until 1868, when the family returned to Mifflin county. He worked at the iron furnaces in Blair county and on January 1, 1872, entered the employ of the Standard Steel Company at Burnham, where he is yet in active service. He thoroughly understands his part in the manufacture of iron and steel and is a most reliable workman. He built his present residence at No. 107 Newton street in 1881, and is now serving his fourth successive term as justice of the peace. He joined Lewistown Lodge, No. 97, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in 1872, and in 1871 was made a member of the Juniata Lodge, No. 270, Knights of Pythias, holding membership in both lodges at the present date (1913). He is a Republican in politics and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has taken active part in the affairs of his town since becoming a taxpayer and is held in highest re- spect by his townsmen.
He married, October 26, 1871, Elizabeth Starr, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, at Spring Grove Forge, April 3, 1851, daughter of James Winfield and Lydia (Glass) Starr, born in Lancaster county, came to Newtown, Pennsylvania, during the war, where both died. He was a farmer, a Democrat, and both were members of the Lutheran church. Their children: Elizabeth, of previous mention ; Susan, Ellen, John Winfield ; George W., deceased ; James Buchanan ; Thomas J., de- ceased; Mary E., deceased ; and two who died in infancy. Children of
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Nathan and Elizabeth (Starr) Stewart: I. Agnes, deceased. 2. James Thomas, married Jennie Wilson ; no issue. 3. Nathan Winfield, married Minnie Nearhoof ; children : Frank G., Ernest R., James R., Kenneth W., Elizabeth and an infant, deceased. 4. Beulah, married Owen Swisher ; children : Nathan Stewart, Ione Grace. 5. Nellie Dawn. 6. Susan Starr.
This family came to Burnham, Pennsylvania, in 1862, from
STARR Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where James W. Starr was born February 26, 1824. He was a farmer all his life and for thirty-four years lived in Mifflin county. He died in Burnham, September 8. 1896. His wife, Lydia Glass, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1829, died in Burnham December 1I, 1895. Children: Elizabeth, Susan, Ellen, John W., George W., deceased; James B., of whom further; Thomas J., deceased; Mary E., deceased ; and two died in infancy. Both parents were members of the Lutheran church and he was a Democrat in politics.
James B., son of James W. and Lydia (Glass) Starr, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, at Spring Grove, August 24, 1861. One year later his parents moved to Burnham, Mifflin county ; his early life was spent on the Derry township farm, and his education obtained in the public school. He entered the employ of the Standard Steel Works at the age of seventeen years and for thirty-four years has been a work- man in the hammer shop for that corporation, a record of faithful, continuous service hard to duplicate. In politics he is a Democrat and in religious faith a Lutheran.
He married. January 22, 1882, Margaret Shannon, born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. September 20, 1868, died in Burnham, October 4, 1903. Children: 1. Harry Walter, born October 19, 1886; married Mollie Shirey; no children. 2. Myra Lorinda, born December 1, 1888, died May 27, 1890. 3. Hazel May, born June II, 1891 : married Lloyd W. Kell: one child. James J. 4. Alfred Clair, October 3, 1894. 5. Irma Elizabeth. March 13. 1897.
Two brothers, John and Christian Fretz, with a third FRETZ brother (name unknown and who died on the voyage) emi- grated from near the city of Manheim, in the Grand Duchy of Baden. Germany, formerly known as the Palatinate or Rhenish Prus-
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sia. They were of German origin, spoke and wrote the German language, and were connected with a distinctly German church, the Mennonite. They probably came between the years 1710 and 1720, although the exact date is not known. Christian Fretz settled at what is now known as Heaney's run in Tinicum township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, but where John settled first is not known. He is first found definitely lo- cated in Plumstead, now Bedminster township, Bucks county, on what is yet known as the old Fretz homestead, situated about one mile north- east of Bedminsterville and yet owned in the Fretz name. This home- stead, originally containing two hundred and thirty acres, was bought by John Fretz in 1737 or 1738, and cost him one hundred and six pounds. It was improved, but on all sides surrounded by wild timber land. Here John Fretz lived and plied his trade, weaving, in connection with farm- ing. He was known as "Weaver" John, and little is known of him further than stated and the additional facts following. He was one of the committee in 1741 to form the new township of Bedminster, setting it off from Plumstead. He was a Mennonite and worshipped at the old log church at Deep Run, Bucks county, which stood for a full century. He died in 1772, his will, dated January 29 of that year, was probated March 3, following. He divided his property between his wife and children, stipulating. however, that his son Christian should have the homestead and pay therefor eight hundred pounds, which indicates that either property had greatly advanced in value, or that large additions had been made to its area, one hundred and six pounds being the pur- chase price in 1737. "Weaver" John was twice married, but his wives' surnames have not been preserved. His first wife, Barbara, bore him five children; his second wife, Maria, bore him three. If there were other children, they died young. Children in order of birth: John. Jacob, Christian, Abraham, Elizabeth, Mark, Henry, of whom further; Barbara.
(II) Henry, son of "Weaver" John Fretz and his second wife Maria Fretz, was born in Bedminster, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, November II, 1755. and died there May 30, 1831. He lived on a farm in Bedmin- ster township, three miles west of Bedminsterville, later owned by his son-in-law, Joseph Wister. He was a shoemaker and followed his trade in connection with farming. He was widely known as "Shoe- maker" Henry and it is said that his funeral was so largely attended
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that several calves were killed and prepared for the funeral dinner and that over one hundred carriages formed the funeral procession. Both he and his wife were members of the Deep Run Mennonite Church and are buried in the churchyard. He married Barbara Oberholtzer, born October 10, 1757, died August 10, 1834. Children: I. Mary, died April 10, 1827, the second wife of William Godshalk. 2. Jacob, died in Ohio without issue. 3. John, of whom further. 4. Mark, married a Miss Wisner and left issue. 5. Esther, born October 19, 1790, died March 28, 1865: married Christian Gayman and left issue. 6. Henry, married Susan Godshalk. 7. Jonas, married Elizabeth Alderfer and left issne. 8. Abraham, born May 19, 1793, died April 23, 1875; married Susanna Bergy; he was a regularly ordained minister of the Mennonite church and from 1743 until 1775 faithfully served that church. 10. David, born October 12, 1801, died Angust 5, 1869; married Mary Engleman ; no male issue.
(III) John, son of "Shoemaker" Henry and Barbara (Oberholtzer) Fretz, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1784, died February 25, 1843. He was a farmer and drover and lived on a farm on the Durham road, about one mile north of Gardenville. It is the "Old homestead" of this branch, and for over a century has been in the Fretz family. He and his family were members of the Mennonite church and faithful to their obligations. He married, August 16, 1808, Susana Haldeman, born February 2, 1783, died April 14, 1875, aged ninety years two months and twelve days. Children: I. Tobias, born July 4, 1809, married Elizabeth Overholt and left two sons. 2. Henry, born August 10, 1810, married Mary Fretz and left five sons. 3. Mary. 4. Jonas, of whom further. 5. John, born November 27, 1817, married Sarah Leatherman and had six sons. 6. Elias, born June 1, 1820, died April 1, 1882; married (first) Catherine Gotwalls, married (second) Elizabeth Leatherman and left three sons by second wife. 7. Sarah, born January 4, 1826, married Daniel Gotwalls and left issue. 8. Susan, born August 20, 1828, married Thomas Shelly.
(IV) Jonas, son of John and Susana (Haldeman) Fretz, was born in Bucks county, July 7, 1815. He was a merchant of North Wales and Lumberville, Pennsylvania, for many years and a large land owner. He moved from Lumberville to North Wales, where he lived a retired life. He was a Mennonite in religion and a most capable and shrewd live-
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headed business man. He married, September 28, 1841, Mary Ann Stover, who died November 3, 1883, a descendant of an old Bucks county family. Children : Amanda C., born October 9, 1844, married in 1875, J. Fennel Berger, a merchant at North Wales, Pennsylvania; both were members of the Presbyterian church; children : Mary A. and Henry J. 2. Harvey, of whom further. 3. Anna Malinda, born De- cember 8, 1847, died March 16, 1852. 4. Susanna, born March 13, 1855, died March 23, 1855.
(V) Harvey, son of Jonas and Mary Ann (Stover) Fretz, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1846, died in Lalaska, Bucks county. He was educated, grew to manhood, and married in Bucks county, then moved to Philadelphia, where he was a manufacturer of brooms, brushes, wooden and willow ware. His factory was located on Water street, but later at No. 717 Second street, where he transacted a large and profitable business. In 1902 he retired and returned to his na- tive county where he died. He was a man of splendid business qualities, ranking high in the commercial world. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. He married in 1868, Mary P. Price, who survives him, a resident of Abington, Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of John N. and Christiana (Polk) Price, old residents of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and both members of the Presbyterian church. Children : Beatty, died in the Union army ; Samuel, of Doyles- town, a veteran of the civil war; Edwin, of Doylestown, a veteran of the civil war; Sidney, married Joseph Matthews: Mary P., widow of Harvey Fretz. Children of Harvey and Mary P. (Price) Fretz: I. Christiana, married Harry R. Clinger and died at Milton, Pennsylvania. 2. Jonas Harvey, of whom further. 3. Edgar B., now residing at Abing- ton, Pennsylvania.
(VI) Jonas Harvey, eldest son of Harvey and Mary P. ( Price) Fretz, was born at Lumberville, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1871. He was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, finishing in the high school. He then entered his father's employ and for several years was associated with him in the Philadelphia factory. After the death of his father he took a course at the Philadelphia College of Em- balming and then spent three years with Oliver H. Bair in the under- taking business.
In February, 1905. he located in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, as assist-
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ant to W. H. Felix, the local undertaker and his father-in-law. After the death of Mr. Felix, Mr. Fretz purchased the business from the estate and has continued it successfully until the present date (1913). His mortuary rooms and funeral equipment are complete and modern in every detail, and Mr. Fretz is thorough master of the embalmer's art. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Knights of Pythias; Patriotic Order Sons of America, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
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