USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume III > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43
1239
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
carpenter of Philadelphia; married Estella Brown; children: Robert, Kenneth, Edward and Raymond. 4. Maud, born 1880, married Nor- man Karper, a coal dealer of Philadelphia. 5. Myrtle, born 1886, mar- ried Roy Voshal, an electrician, living in North Carolina; children : Le- roy and Donald.
NEARHOOF Henry Nearhoof, the German immigrant ancestor of the Nearhoof family, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, probably landed in America in 1765. He was a soldier in the war of the revolution, as his name occurs fre- quently on the roster of several companies sent by the colony of Penn- sylvania to aid her sister colonies in their struggle for independence. He settled at Warriors Mark immediately after, if he was not there before, the revolutionary war. He took up a large body of wild land, part of which he cleared, erected comfortable houses of hewn logs, and remained on it until the time of his death. Mr. Nearhoof lived a quiet life, liked by his neighbors, and commanded their respect by his energy and integrity. He had only one child, Henry, of whom further.
(II) Henry, son of Henry Nearhoof, was born on his father's ex- tensive farm in Warriors Mark township, Huntingdon county, Pennsyl- vania. He was his father's only heir, and after the latter's death he began farming. In 1810 he erected a brick house which is still stand- ing in good condition on the farm. He grew to be one of the wealthiest men of his section and one of the most prominent, and was known far and wide for his acts of charity. He was a member of the Lutheran church, inheriting his faith from his forbears. He died in the home- stead and is buried at the Cross Roads. Children: I. George, a farmer in Warriors Mark township, where he died. 2. John, died in Illinois. 3. Andrew, died in Bald Eagle Valley, Blair county. 4. Jacob, of whom further. 5. Margaret, married Alexander Bratton; died in Warriors Mark. 6. Mary, married George Crane; died in Juniata Valley. 7. Henry, lived and died in Warriors Mark township.
(III) Jacob, son of Henry Nearhoof, was born on the Nearhoof homestead, in 1803; died in the place of his nativity in 1876. After his father's death he purchased a portion of the homestead, erected new and commodious buildings on it, which have since been destroyed. He lived and died here, although owning other property in Blair county. He was
I240
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
a Democrat, always voting with that party. Both he and his wife were members of the Brethren church. He married Catherine Grazier, born in 1806 and died in 1899, daughter of Michael and Mary (Beck) Gra- zier. Michael was the son of Yost Kressner, anglicized into Joseph Grazier. Michael was born in Huntingdon county, there married and died. He was a farmer in Warriors Mark township, Huntingdon county. Children: Daniel; Samuel; Jeremiah; Joseph; Christiana; Nancy; Susan; Catherine, married Jacob Nearhoof; all are now dead. Children of Jacob and Catherine (Grazier) Nearhoof: I. David, a farmer, died in Blair county. 2. Mary, died in Blair county. 3. Abed- nego, a farmer, died in Huntingdon county. 4. Jeremiah, died in Hunt- ingdon county. 5. Michael, died in Blair county. 6. Joseph, died young. 7. Martha, died in infancy. 8. Lavina, twin of Martha, died in infancy. 9. Nancy Jane, died young. 10. Wesley, died young. 11. James Bell, lives in Warriors Mark. 12. Levi, of whom further. 13. Ellen Salina, lives at Warriors Mark. 14. Miles, lives in Blair county.
(IV) Levi, son of Jacob and Catherine (Grazier) Nearhoof, was born March 7, 1845, on his father's homestead in Warriors Mark town- ship, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of the township. He inherited a portion of the homestead and later purchased the interest of his youngest brother, Miles, and has lived and farmed on the land since. He was a Republican for years, but now gives his franchise to the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the Grange, and has been school director. He married, December 28, 1876, Emma Elizabeth Ganoe, born July 8, 1852, in Warriors Mark township.
a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Campbell) Ganoe. Children :
Ira Lester, born October 24, 1877, clerk in Tyrone; married Mary De- lozicr; children: Margaret and John. 2. Ida Catherine, born October 7, 1879; married Lawrence Whippo, of Warriors Mark township; one child, Emma. 3. Margaret Electa, born October II, 1881; educated in Shippensburg Normal School and Juniata College; has taught for nine years. 4. James Ernest, born September 22, 1883, married Alma Buck ; assists father on farm; has two children: Scott and George. 5. Laura Emma, born February 19, 1886, died aged five months. 6. Levi Earl, born August 5, 1887; educated at Millersville Normal School and Juni- ata College, taught four years. 7. Victor Thomas, born January II,
I.
1241
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
1890, student at Dickenson Seminary. 8. Ella Lucinda, born March 19, 1892, educated at the Dickenson Seminary.
(The Ganoe Line).
The Ganoe family of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, is of Hu- guenot descent. The name was formerly spelled Gano. Like all other co-religionists Jacob Ganoe, the French progenitor of the family, left his unhappy country to escape religious persecution. lle went to Eng- land immediately after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, and there remained for some time. With his wife and children he joined other Huguenots who sought refuge in America in order that they might en- joy the Protestant religion without being put to death or their substance confiscated by the state. Jacob Ganoe came with the Thebidaux, du Bois, Blanchard and other families. He remained for some time in New York City, then went to Westchester county, New York, after which he settled in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. His remains were interred in the Methodist Episcopal cemetery, near Warriors Mark, showing that he was a very old man at the time of his death, as that faith was not in existence until John Wesley visited the colony of Georgia in the early part of the year 1700. He married Elizabeth Armitage. Among his children was James, of whom further.
(II) James, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Armitage) Ganoe, was born, lived and died in America. He lived on his own farm, but did not operate the same, as he was a prospector, performing a vast amount of that kind of work for business companies having mining interests. He was highly educated, speaking fluently both English and French. He married Barbara Snyder, doubtless a daughter of one of the Palatines. Children: 1. Alfred, married Nancy Douglass; children: Benjamin, Joseph, Isabel, Martin, Martha, William. 2. Martha, married Rev. Elisha Butler ; children: Emma, Elisha, Electa, Emma, Edwin, Eman- nel, Elmira, Eber, Ellsworth; she died in 1912, aged ninety-four years. 3. Nancy, married Martin Myers; children: Louisa, Martha, Mary, George, Porter. 4. Jacob, married Rebecca Bathurst ; children: David. Marjory, Jeremiah, Nora, Apalona. 5. Sarah. 6. Catherine, married David Smith : children: Abednego, Percilla, Emma. 7. An infant. 8. Thomas, of whom further. 9. Mary, married William Decker ; chil- dren : Blair. Juniata, Mary.
I242
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
(III) Thomas, son of James and Barbara (Snyder) Ganoe, was born July 5, 1822, in Warriors Mark township. He received his educa- tion in the common and private schools, and also under his father's ex- cellent tuition. He farmed on the Ganoe homestead, which he inherited, and there died, and with his wife is buried in the Warriors Mark ceme- tery. He was at one time a member of the state militia and was acci- dentally shot in the knee, this making him a cripple for life. He led a consistent Christian life, and was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Nancy Campbell, born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1827. Children: I. Emma Elizabeth, wife of Levi Nearhoof (see Nearhoff IV). 2. James, died aged nine- teen. 3. Margaret, died aged twenty-six.
THOMPSON The Thompsons of this record, represented in the present day by William Thompson, of Alexandria, Pennsylvania, descend from a Scotch-Irish ancestor, James Thompson, who came from Scotland in 1730, settling in Lan- caster county. He had all of a Scotchman's love of adventure, and when the colonies were struggling against French and Indian foes he gladly and bravely bore his part. He served under the command of the youthful Washington and went down in defeat with the English army at Braddock's Field. His son William, then a lad of fourteen years, was also with the army, serving as teamster, and was one of the drivers who after the burial of General Braddock drove their horses and wagons over the grave made in the road, that all traces of freshly turned earth might be obliterated and the brave general's body escape mutilation by the savages. This same James Thompson (known as Uncle Jimmie), who thus early received his "baptism of fire," was the hero of another perilous adventure. He was captured by Indians raiding along the Susquehanna river, and carried away to Canada, along with a Miss Young. They were held prisoners for a long time, Miss Young being obliged to work in a cornfield. Taking advantage of the entire village being on a hunting trip they made an attempt to escape. They had been left in the care of two guards, one of whom the young man killed, and the other he disarmed and bound. Miss Young was recap- tured, while Thompson kept in hiding for several days and finally made his dangerous journey southward. After narrowly escaping capture on
I243
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
several occasions, and after almost incredible suffering, living for days on roots and berries, he reached the west bank of the Susquehanna. Luckily he there found several Indian canoes, which he cut loose, taking one for his own escape, and soon reached Fort Dorris, near Lewisburg, where he resided several years but later migrated west, and many of his descendants live in Franklin and vicinity. His escape from the Indians had a romantic ending. After reaching friends, he raised a company and went back to the Indian camp, defeating the red men, and recaptur- ing Miss Young.
In the provincial and revolutionary periods several families by name Thomson and Thompson became conspicuous in the military and civil service of Lancaster and Cumberland counties and in the Juniata Valley. Lancaster county furnished three colonels of the name in the revolu- tionary war-Colonel James, Colonel Robert and Colonel Andrew Thompson. Colonel James commanded a York county battalion and was also councillor for that county. Colonel Robert and Colonel James married daughters of Robert Bailey.
The ancestor of this branch. James Thompson, came to America in 1730-35, from the North of Ireland, with his brother John, first locating at New London Crossroads, Chester county, Pennsylvania, thence mnov- ing to Hanover township, Lancaster county, but now in Dauphin county. John later moved to the Juniata Valley, settling near the present town of Thompsonville. James settled in the Cumberland Valley, near Cham- bersburg.
Rev. James Thompson, grandson of James Thompson, the emigrant, was born in Buffalo Valley, Pennsylvania, died in Alexandria, Hunting- don county, October 8, 1830, at the early age of thirty-nine years. He was educated under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Hood, he and his classmate, Judge Greer, receiving their diplomas from Dr. Hood at the same time, one entering the ministry, the other the law. After being or- dained a minister of the Presbyterian church, Rev. Thompson first ac- cepted a call to a church in Union county, Pennsylvania, which he served until 1819. In that year the churches at Shavers Run and Alexandria united and called him as their pastor. He accepted, and on April 19, 1819, was ordained and installed. The congregation then had no place of worship of their own, but occupied a stone shop belonging to George Wilson. as their place of meeting. Soon after the coming of Rev.
1244
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Thompson a lot for church and cemetery purposes was secured, a frame building erected thereon, which, from the color it was painted, became known as the "White Meeting House." Here the congregation wor- shipped for many years, when a more modern building was erected. The fruits of his eleven years as pastor were abundant. The first Pres- byterian minister of the town, he gave Alexandria its first church build- ing, and laid there a broad and enduring foundation on which the re- ligious life of the community has been built. His was the first inspiring effort that blazed the way for greater achievements. He married Eliza- beth, daughter of Zachariah and Elizabeth Gemmill. Her father was owner of the land on which Alexandria stands, having purchased it from the owner, by whom it was patented in 1775. After the death of Zachariah Gemmill, his widow, Elizabeth, laid out Alexandria, in Au- gust, 1793. The original plan consisted of one hundred lots so arranged that each lot was two hundred feet in length and sixty feet in front, excepting those on the river and four around the public square, which were shorter. These lots were subject to a ground rent beginning Sep- tember 1, 1793. The rental on the Front street lots was $1 annually; on Second street, two-thirds of a dollar; and on Third street, one-half of a dollar. A century later many of these lots were still subject to this ground rent and still are. Elizabeth Gemmill gave her daughter, Elizabeth Thompson, quite a generous portion of the home farm, and on the part nearest the village Rev. James built his house when first coming there in 1819. This building, with but comparatively few changes, is now the residence of his son William, who was born within its walls. Mrs. Thompson died in 1877, having been a widow for forty- seven years. Children: Anna, deceased; William (of whom further) ; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Jane, died unmarried in 1880.
William, only son of Rev. James and Elizabeth (Gemmill) Thomp- son, was born in his present home, November 14, 1823. He was a lad of seven years when his father died, and when fifteen years of age he left school and went to Pittsburgh to learn the printer's trade. He did not fancy the trade, and after eighteen months' service gave it up and began clerking in a drygoods store, but only for a short time. He then spent a few years in the iron mills of Pittsburgh, but the love of adventure that brought his sire to the wilds of western Pennsylvania in
William Thompson
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
1245
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
the days of old, gained the upper hand, and about 1855 he went to Kan- sas, there undergoing the frightful experiences of border warfare. Here he fell into the hands of a gang of ruffians, who placed him on a boat bound down the river. He soon made his escape, and in 1860 made his way back to quieter and less dangerous scenes. He again set- tled in Pittsburgh, and soon after joined in with the pioneers in the oil fields of Pennsylvania, there finding his life work. Ile has been promi- nently identified with oil production until the present time. He has operated alone, in partnership, and has connection with the operations of many companies. He was successful in all his undertakings and has gradually narrowed his field of operations until his only interests are as a stockholder in various successful and established companies. Be- sides his oil operations he has had other important business interests. He was one of the organizers of the Oil City Savings Bank, for many years its president, and was for a long time identified with the Centen- nial Bank of Philadelphia, which he yet serves as director.
Though for many years Mr. Thompson's business interests have taken him far and often from the scenes of his childhood, he has ever cherished an especial fondness for the home of his birth, and in every possible way has advanced the interests of his native village and lifetime home. In association with Mr. Wolverton they erected a beautiful library building in Alexandria, and, in memory of their mothers, both daughters of Elizabeth Gemmill, they named it the Memorial Public Library. The shelves are well filled and the library would be a credit to even a much larger town than Alexandria. The Presbyterian church, founded by his father, has also been an object of Mr. Thompson's gen- erous regard. When the recent alterations and repairs were completed it was his pleasant duty and privilege to furnish the funds and thereby continue in a material sense the work begun spiritually by his honored father. In political faith Mr. Thompson has been a lifelong Republican. He is a member of the Union League, and numbered among his warm personal friends the late president of that institution, Mr. James Hope. Another close friend of Mr. Thompson for many years was Charles Pugh, vice-president of the Pennsylvania railroad, now deceased. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Fairbrook Club, of Pennsylvania Furnace. and the Rod and Gun Club, of Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania.
1246
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
The Green family, represented in the present generation GREEN by Elisha J. Green, of Alexandria, is of English descent, and has long been resident in Huntingdon county, Penn- sylvania, where they have for the most part been successfully identified with agricultural pursuits.
(I) George Green, the pioneer ancestor of the branch of the family herein described, came to this country from England (traditionally from Chester) some time prior to 1740, and settled in Baltimore county, Maryland. He died some time after the year 1763 in Maryland. The name of his wife is not known, but he was the father of a numerous family, among whom were Thomas, Isaac, Charles, George; Elisha, of whom further; Clements, Millie.
(II) Elisha, son of George Green, settled near Donation, Hunting- don county, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred April 17, 1844, at an advanced age. He married (first) Priscilla - -, who died Au- gust 18, 1828. Their children were: Charles, born July 21, 1781; Ruth, April 20, 1786, married James Stewart; Susannah, February 3, 1788; George, September 13, 1791; Rebecca, October 26, 1793; Pleas- ant, June 7, 1795; Elijah, of whom further; Sarah, March 16, 1800; Elizabeth, December 1I, 1802. He married (second) Margaret ( Mil- ler) Stewart, widow of Robert Stewart, of Manor Hill. She died Oc- tober 3, 1865.
(III) Elijah, son of Elisha and Priscilla Green, was born in Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1797. He resided on part of the old homestead, now the Oswald farm, where he died. He and his wife were active members of the Presbyterian church. He married Jane, daughter of John Stewart, of Corn Hill, and sister of James Stewart. Their children were: Robert Stewart, born December 5, 1821, died December, 1884; Elisha, January 15, 1824, died June 25, 1898; Sarah Anne, May 2, 1826, married Samuel Kurtz; John Alexan- der, January 10, 1829, died June 7, 1903; James, of whom further.
(IV) James, son of Elijah and Jane (Stewart) Green, was born in Standing Stone Creek Valley, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1831, died Decem- ber 8, 1900. He was engaged in farming throughout his life. Repub- lican in his political affiliations, he was honored by election to a number of local public offices, the duties of which he performed in a very effi- cient manner. His religious connection was with the Baptist church, of
1247
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
which he was a member. He married Charlotte, daughter of Samuel Miller, who was a miller and farmer of Huntingdon county. Children : Anderson, superintendent of the Reform School of Geneva, Illinois; Elisha James, of whom further; Jennie; Annie, died in early childhood ; Martha; George, in the employ of the Pennsylvania Steel Works, at Steelton, Pennsylvania; Carrie M .; Lena.
(V) Elisha James, son of James and Charlotte (Miller) Green, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1864. He was educated in the common schools of his native township, acquiring the usual education of a farmer's sou, and this he has supplemented in later years by close observation and study along the line of agriculture. For some years he assisted his father in the cultivation of the homestead farm, and in 1902 purchased a farm of one hundred and four acres, which he manages independently and successfully. It is well stocked in all essential points, and a part of it is planted in fruit trees, which are now in fine bearing condition. Mr. Green has made a scientific study as to the needs of the different seasons, and markets his products in a very satisfactory manner. He has also devoted considerable time to lumber interests, and has shown himself a practical, keen-witted man of business in whatever enterprise he has undertaken. He has taken an active part in the interests of the Republican party, in the political matters of the section, and has filled very acceptably a number of public offices. He has served as auditor of the township for a long period, and has been a member of the school board for seven years.
Mr. Green married, January 23, 1896, Alfaretta, daughter of James and Alice ( Randolph) Gallagher, and granddaughter of Washington Randolph, who was a soldier in the regular army during the civil war. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Children : Charlotte, died in early childhood; Carl Miller, James, Josephine, all of whom attend the public schools.
Among the Dutch immigrants who arrived in Amer-
CROTSLEY ica in the year 1750 was Jacob Crotsley, a farmer in Holland, who came to the New World to better his fortunes. He most probably landed in New York, to which port there plied a line of sailing vessels from Holland. He remained on Manhat- tan Island for some time, and from there drifted to Hunterdon county,
I248
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
New Jersey. He farmed in New Jersey until his death. Children : Mathias, a soldier in the war of the revolution, and was killed in battle between the Continentals and the British troops; Andrew, of whom further. There were five other sons and daughters. One branch of the family lives in New York, another in Ohio.
(II) Andrew, son of Jacob Crotsley, the Dutch emigrant and foun- der of the American branch of the family, was born in New Jersey, and was a man of importance and an extensive farmer. He married Jennie Parkes. All of his children were born in New Jersey. Among his children was Jacob, of whom further.
(III) Jacob (2), son of Andrew and Jennie (Parkes) Crotsley, was born in New Jersey. In 1833 he moved to Cass township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he bought four hundred acres of wild land, part of which he cleared, improved, erected buildings thereon, and here passed the remainder of his life. He is buried in the family graveyard on the place. He married twice, the names of his wives unknown. Chil- dren: Andrew, William, John; Ralph, of whom further; Rachel, Her- man, Wesley. The two last were by a second marriage.
(IV) Ralph, son of Jacob (2) Crotsley, was born August 26, 1823, in New Jersey, and came with his father to Cass township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1833. He received his education in the com- mon schools of the township and was reared on the farm. Reaching maturity he engaged in farming on the homestead, where W. A. Crots- ley now lives, in Union township, and died there, July 6, 1908. He was a general farmer, and was known for his progressiveness. He erected the brick residence on the property which is still standing. He was active in local politics; was school director and auditor of the township, besides holding other official positions. He assisted in or- ganizing the Home Guards during the civil war, and became major of it. He married Isabel Pheasant, born October 10, 1833, in Union township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and Sarah (Hazzard) Pheasant. Mr. Pheasant was the son of William Pheasant, whose father, Samuel, emigrated from England and settled in Frederick county, Maryland, and moved to Huntingdon county, 1810. Among the children of Ralph and Isabel ( Pheasant) Crotsley was W. A., of whom further.
(V) W. A., son of Ralph and Isabel ( Pheasant) Crotsley, was born
1249
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
March 15, 1860, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was edu- cated in the public schools, and since he was ten years of age has lived on his present farm. He is the owner of the old homestead of about five hundred acres. He is a successful general farmer and a breeder of pedigreed Guernsey cattle and Chester White hogs. He ranks as one of the progressive farmers and business men of his county. He was one of the organizers of the Huntingdon County Grange Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company, of which he is the president. He is also interested in the Saltillo Telephone Company. He is a Republican ; has been super- visor and auditor of the township; member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America; Heptasophs; Grange, and he and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married, in 1884, Olive Theo- , docia, daughter of Richard Chilcott, an early settler in Huntingdon county. Mr. and Mrs. Crotsley have one child, Grace Louisa, married Oren G. Swope, and they have one child, Albert O. Swope.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.