A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume III, Part 40

Author: Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921, ed
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 564


USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume III > Part 40


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(III) William (2), son of Archibald and Mary (Hyskell) Hutchi- son, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1805. He was an unusually well educated man for the day in which he lived, having attended the best private schools in his vicinity. He was a farmer until 1850 on the old homestead; at that time he bought the Addleman tract, east of Warriors Mark, on which were a log house and barn. He erected a handsome brick residence and put up a new barn; the former is still standing at the present time ( 1913). Later he purchased a portion of the Johnston farm, and still later a part of the Weston, which gave him possession of three large tracts of land. He was one of the influ- ential men of his day, and was prominent in the affairs of the town- ship. He invariably stood for the right in all questions, and he, with one or two others, were peacemakers in the township. He was the friend of the poor and oppressed, and in him they had confidence. He was a Whig during the life of that party, and when the Republican party was organized gave it his support and influence. He declined all public office, though urged on numerous occasions to accept the nominations for the state legislature and associate judge. He was generous to a fault, though in an unassuming and unostentatious way. He was a noble man and a good citizen, and had few if any enemies. He was exceedingly prosperous in his undertakings, but was not wealthy as the world knows it to-day. He was a devout member of the Metho- dist church, and was one of the trustees when the present church edi- fice was erected. He was greatly mourned in his section at his death, which occurred May 23, 1884. He married ( first) Elizabeth Wallace ; (second) Mary Jane Patterson, born in 1833, at Pennsylvania Fur-


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nace, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and now (1913) eighty years old, lives on the old homestead east of Warriors Mark. She is the daughter of John and Mary (Irvin) Patterson, who were of ancient Scotch-Irish descent. He was born in Juniata county. She was his second wife. He was the father of sixteen children, three by the first marriage and thirteen by the second. Children of William and Mary Jane (Patterson) Hutchison: 1. George G. Hutchison, of whom fur- ther. 2. Elizabeth, married George Curry, of Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania. 3. Annie, died in infancy. 4. William, drowned, aged five. 5. Louis A., a clerk in the Carnegie Steel Company, Pittsburgh. 6. Edwin, traveling salesman, resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.


(IV) George G., son of William and Mary Jane (Patterson) Hutchison, was born November 19, 1854, in Warriors Mark township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the Millers- ville Normal School and at the State College, taking an agricultural course. After completing his education he engaged in the manage- ment of his father's lands for many years. He became a salesman for an agricultural implement firm, covering Central Pennsylvania, for about eight years. He next devoted his time and attention to mining fire clay, in which he was successful. He combined with this the han- dling of ore and taking out cross ties and lumber for eight or ten years. During this time he purchased the Hyskell farm and ran it, and at the present time owns one-third of the Hutchison farm. In 1891- 1893 he was sergeant-at-arms of the Pennsylvania state senate. From 1895 to 1903 he was deputy dairy and food commissioner, and assisted in the formulating of the pure food law of Pennsylvania. He was on the committee that framed the national law ; and has participated in food conventions over the United States. Under Governor Pennypacker he was appointed general agent of the department of agriculture, and has charge of concentrated commercial feeding stock association. Finding the law governing it insufficient he used his influence to have it repealed and another and more comprehensive one drafted. The present law is the result of his effort largely, and is widely recognized as being one of the best, as it saves farmers and feeders thousands of dollars per annum. In the last legislature he secured the passage of a pure seed law, and many others that are of supreme importance and benefit to the farmers. He was appointed by Governor Pattison a mem-


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ber of the National Farmers' Congress and has been reappointed by each governor from that time to the present. In 1913 he was ap- pointed by Governor J. K. Tener a member of the American Commis- sion of Agriculture. He has been a member of the State Board of Agriculture for twenty years, and holds farmers' institutes in Hunt- ingdon county. He is also member of the Dairyman's Union; Live Stock Association; Grange, of which he has been local master, and has served on the Grange legislative committee. Ile has been a member of the board of trustees of the State College three terms, and is actively interested in the welfare of that institution. Among other excellent measures that he has had adopted was a two years' course in agricul- ture, not requiring a preparatory education. He takes a vivid and working interest in the school of domestic science and home economics, feeling that this is important to the young women of the state. He ranks as one of the progressive and up-to-date men of his state, who has always at heart the good of the commonwealth. He is a staunch Republican, and works for the party actively. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he was a delegate to the last general conference, and is a trustee of the local church. He is always engaged in the betterment of the community, taking an in- terest in the least detail. He has educated his children in the best of educational institutions, hokling that an education is the best invest- ment that can be made. In 1903 he erected a handsome home on a hill overlooking Warriors Mark, and there lives, entertaining many prominent people who are numbered among his state-wide acquain- tance.


He married Ada F. Hyskell, daughter of Thomas B. and Mary (Weston) Hyskell. Children: 1. William Allen, graduate of State College ; traveling salesman for American Milling Company ; was for- merly connected with a large dairy of three hundred cows; was for years special agent for Dairy and Food Commission of the State of Pennsylvania; makes home in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; married Helen Patton; one child, Winifred. 2. Thomas Raymond, educated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania ; manager of Armour & Com- pany plant at St. Joseph, Missouri; married Edith Enyert, of Peoria. Illinois. 3. Florence, educated at Irving College; at home. 4. Herbert Lynn, educated at Juniata College; taught five years; now salesman


.


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for Quaker Oats Manufacturing Company ; second lieutenant of Sheri- dan Troop, National Guard, Pennsylvania ; member of Sons of Ameri- can Revolution. 5. Helen, died while in senior class at Dickinson Semi- nary. 6. Frederick Hyskell, died aged six years. Two other children died in infancy.


The first member of this branch of the Hollis family to


HOLLIS settle in Pennsylvania was William Hollis, born in Ire- land, December 10, 1828, died in Yeagertown, Pennsyl- vania, October 7, 1907. He remained in his native land until eighteen years of age, then came to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. About 1850 he came to Yeagertown (Manns Narrows) and for fifty years was con- nected with the William Mann Jr. axe works, being a great part of this period manager or superintendent of the factory. In 1906 he helped to organize the Lewistown Trust Company, of which he was a director until his death. He was an expert worker in metals, and a born man- ager of men. He was a veteran of the civil war; a Republican in poli- tics, and both he and his wife members of the Lutheran church. He married, in Yeagertown, Emily Amanda Foster, born in Mifflin county, died in May, 1863, Mr. Hollis remaining a widower forty-four years. Children: Elizabeth, died in infancy; Anna Mary, married Meade Logan, both deceased; Nora, married M. L. Yearick, and resides in Philadelphia; Joanna, died in infancy ; Joseph Henry, twin of Joanna. (II) Joseph Henry, son of William and Emily Amanda (Foster) Hollis, was born in Yeagertown, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1863. He obtained his primary and preparatory education in the public school, and later entered Pennsylvania State College, whence he was gradu- ated, class of 1883. He entered business life as an employee of the William Mann Jr. Axe Company, learning all the details of manufac- ture. He was advanced in rank rapidly and continued until the plant became a part of the American Axe & Tool Company. He remained with the latter company until 1905, succeeding his father as manager, and later as superintendent, holding that position until the Yeagertown plant was closed and he was transferred to East Douglass, Massachu- setts, as superintendent of the company plant there. He remained there two years, then until January 1, 1908, was superintendent of the


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Mann Edge Tool Company, at Lewistown, Pennsylvania. In the lat- ter year he resigned his position and formed a partnership with John Miller, and with him was engaged in the lumber business until the death of Mr. Miller in January, 1912. Mr. Hollis closed up the busi- ness of the firm and is now operating alone, having a mill and forty- acre tract in Ferguson valley. He is also interested in real estate in other localities. In politics Mr. Hollis is a Republican, and is a mem- ber of the Knights of Malta, the Golden Eagle, also of the Improved Order of Red Men. He married, in 1892, Jane McDonald, born in Mifflin county, daughter of James L. and Sarah McDonald. Children : I. William, now a student at Temple College, Philadelphia. 2. Mar- garet, twin of William, graduate of Drexel Institute, Philadelphia. 3. Gerald, student of Yeagertown high school. 4. Joseph Foster. 5. Jo- seph Foster. 6. Arthur. 7. Walter. 8. Richard, died in infancy.


The family home is at Hollis Station, on the trolley line, on the old homestead of Emily Wagner Foster, mother of Emily Amanda ( Fos- ter) Hollis, and her residence after marriage of William Hollis.


The Gutshall family of Perry county, Pennsylvania, GUTSHALL of which Edward Solomon Gutshall is a representa- tive at the present time in Huntingdon, Pennsyl- vania, is one which came to this country from Germany in the early days of colonial settlement, and transplanted to America the many fine traits which are inherent in the natives of that country. Since that time the family has scattered, and representatives of it are now to be found in many sections of the United States. They took up the burdens of their adopted country with the utmost eagerness and bore their share bravely during the civil war.


(I) Solomon, grandfather of Edward Solomon Gutshall, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and the greater part of his life was spent there, where he followed the occupation of a blacksmith, and also cultivated his extensive farm. He was a strong worker for Demo- cratic interests, and filled a number of local public offices. His religious affiliations were with the Lutheran church. He married Margaret Rhinesmith, and had children: Samuel, see forward; Elizabeth and Joseph, both deceased.


(II) Samuel, son of Solomon and Margaret (Rhinesmith) Gut-


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shall, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, in 1847, and there re- ceived the usual education of a farmer's son at that time, in the com- mon schools. When he was old enough, he commenced to assist his father in the cultivation of the homestead farm, and practically his entire life has been spent in farming operations. He has now retired from active life, and lives at Huntingdon. In political matters he affil- iates with the Democratic party, and has filled a number of local offices, among them being that of assessor, which he held for seventeen years. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. He married Priscilla, born in 1849, daughter of Simon and Mary (Mowel) Kern, whose only other child was William, now a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Simon Kern was a native of Perry county, Pennsyl- vania, where he was engaged in farming; and as a representative of the Democratic party filled a number of local public offices. Upon the out- break of the civil war he enlisted, and served until the close of that struggle, when he was honorably discharged. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Gutshall: Edward Solomon, see forward; Luella, born 1873, married William Prostle, principal of Houtzdale schools; Oma, born 1876, married John McElroy, a brickmaker, of Huntingdon, Pennsyl- vania; Wilmer, born 1881, is in the employ of a contractor; Myrtle, born 1886, married Harry Hoffman; Mabel, twin of Myrtle, married McElroy, proprietor of a restaurant at Mount Vernon, Penn- sylvania.


(III) Edward Solomon, son of Samuel and Priscilla (Kern) Gut- shall, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1872. He attended the public schools of his township, and being of a naturally studious and ambitious nature he acquired a fund of knowledge which has served as a very substantial foundation for the superstructure he placed upon it. The course was supplemented by one term's attend- ance at Juniata College, and he then engaged in teaching, an occupa- tion with which he was identified for a period of eight years. He then removed to Huntingdon, where he was in the employ of the J. C. Blair Company for a considerable length of time, then abandoned this occu- pation in favor of farming, with which he has been identified since that time. He devotes his time to general farming conducted on scientific principles, paying great attention to intensified cultivation, from which


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he has had excellent results. He also has some fine specimens of Hol- stein cattle, and has been very successful in his dairy farming opera- tions. A man of many-sided ability, Mr. Gutshall is also engaged as an agent of the Prudential Life Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey. He is independent in his political opinions, and his popularity is attested by the fact that he has been elected to hold a number of local offices, and has filled these to the satisfaction of the entire com- mumity, irrespective of political convictions.


Mr. Gutshall married, in 1892, Mollie, daughter of David and Sarah (Long) Boyd. Children: 1. Claire, born 1894: was graduated from Huntingdon high school, studied one term at Juniata College, and is now engaged in teaching. 2. Marie, born 1896, is a student at Hunt- ingdon high school, member of the class of 1914. 3. Ruth, born 1898, is a student at high school. 4. Katherine, born 1905, attends public schools. 5. Joseph, born 1909. 6. Edward, born 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Gutshall are earnest members of the Lutheran church. His fraternal affiliations are with Camp No. 321, Patriotic Order Sons of America ; and the Royal Arcanum.


HENDERSON The Hendersons of Pennsylvania, who have played a conspicuous part in the development of the natu- ral resources of the commonwealth and who have ever been prominent, politically, commercially and socially, are of Cel- tic origin, descending from Thomas Henderson, who emigrated from Ireland in 1727. He married and had three sons-Archibald, William and Thomas. The descent of the family herein recorded is through Matthew, son of Thomas, who married and had children: James, married Miss Skidmore; Sarah; Thomas; Mary; Archibald; Clemson; Matthew; John; David, of whom further; Barton, married Miss Slay- maker; and Mary Ann.


(III) David, son of Matthew Henderson, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where his entire life was spent. He married and had issue: David S., of whom further ; Benjamin, a contractor of Harrisburg; George, a brick manufacturer, died in Maytown, Pennsyl- vania ; James, a retired business man of Marietta, Pennsylvania; John and Jacob, died in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.


(IV) David S., son of David Henderson, was born in Maytown,


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Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1827. He obtained a pub- lic school education at the place of his birth, and when twenty-one years of age moved to Alexandria, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he entered the employ of William Shaw, a shoemaker, who taught him that trade. Upon the death of his employer and instruc- tor he purchased the shop and fixtures from the estate and continued the business, although on a much larger scale than heretofore, employ- ing eight operators and shipping to distant parts of the country. Dur- ing the civil war he was appointed provost marshal, stationed at the state capitol. At the close of the war he again engaged in shoe manu- facturing until appointed to a post in the internal revenue service as storekeeper and gauger for a central Pennsylvania district, retiring during the administration of President Cleveland, after eighteen years of continuous, active service in safeguarding and protecting the inter- ests of the federal government. As an employer of men he was kind, reasonable and tolerant, and as a government employee he was faith- ful and indefatigably energetic in the pursuance of his tasks and the performance of his duty; and now (1913) at the age of eighty-six years he is enjoying a quiet life of ease, the reward of labor and in- dustry. He is prominent in Masonic circles, and holds the thirty-second degree in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Politically he is a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of and deeply in- terested in the work of the Presbyterian church. He married Mary Elizabeth Walker, who died in 1910, daughter of William and Nancy (Dorris) Walker, both natives of county Donegal, Ireland. William Walker emigrated from his native land when a young man and came to Pennsylvania, settling in Huntingdon county, where he followed the carpenter's trade, later owning a line of boats on the old Pennsylvania canal. Here he and his wife spent their lives, both members of the Presbyterian church. Children of William and Nancy (Dorris) Walker: William, a tinner, died in Alexandria, Pennsylvania; Robert, enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment during the civil war, killed at the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862; Thomas, died at -Alexandria, Pennsylvania; George, a tinner, died at Alexandria; Mary Elizabeth (of previous mention), married David S. Henderson; Annie, died at St. Paul, Minnesota, married Robert Dorsey; Margaret, married John


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Peightal, and lives in Phillipsburg, Center county, Pennsylvania ; Emma, married Jolin S. Rung, deceased, and lives in Pennsylvania. Children of David S. and Mary Elizabeth ( Walker) Henderson: Wil- liam Shaw, a salesman, lives at home; Nannie, married William H. Huey, and lives in Alexandria ; George Elliott, of whom further.


(V) George Elliott, second son and third child of David S. and Mary Elizabeth (Walker) Henderson, was born in Alexandria, Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, September 4, 1861. He obtained a pub- lic school education, later acquiring a sound and thorough basic knowl- edge of business law and principles in the Crittenden Commercial School, Philadelphia. His first business association was with Fox, Moore & Company, for whom he traveled as salesman for five years, later entering the employ of the Delta Coal Mining Company, operat- ing in the Broad Top and Clearfield districts, as city salesman, con- tinuing in this position for four years. At the expiration of this time he began independent operations in Cambria county, organizing the Woodland Coal & Coke Company. At the present time he holds large interests in this company, as well as in the firm of Henderson, Hughes & Company, with offices at Nos. 1226-1230 Real Estate Trust Build- ing, Philadelphia, and the Juniata Coal Company, with mines at Ben's creek, Cambria county, which he owns in conjunction with John Phil- lips. The three companies in which he is directly interested operate four mines, with a payroll numbering from four hundred to five hun- dred men. Mr. Henderson has seen all the varied phases of mining life and has reached his present position through his own efforts and recognized ability. The step from salesman to mine owner was not made in a day, and patient, insistent perseverance, combined with a quick and ready intellect, was necessary to raise him from the ranks of the many to the plane of the few. His social relations are wide and extensive, and he is a member of the Union League of Philadel- phia, as well as of the Spruce Creek Rod & Gun Club. In politics he is a Republican.


He married (first) Annie Whilden, died in 1906, (second ) in 1911, Laura Neal Kyle, a native of Philadelphia. Mr. Henderson makes his home in Alexandria during the summer months, but in the winter sea- son resides in Philadelphia.


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The Kellers came to the Juniata Valley prior to the year


KELLER 1800, the first settler being Frederick Keller, a soldier of the revolution. He resided in his native county of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for many years after the war ended, then came to Chester Valley in what is now Monroe township, Juniata county. He first leased land of John Niemond, but about 1812 pur- chased ninety-six acres. He had six sons and two daughters: Jacob, settled in the homestead; George and Henry settled nearby; Daniel and John went west; Peter, of further mention; Elizabeth, married Jacob Stoneing; Mary, married John Page. Frederick Keller later purchased additional lands and also was a manufacturer of pottery.


(II) Peter, son of Frederick Keller, lived in the Juniata Valley for several years after passing boyhood and then made his way on foot to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where previous to 1829 he settled at Lawrenceville. He owned a large tract of land there and became a prosperous farmer. He was a Democrat in politics and a man of con- siderable influence in his community. He married Hettie, daughter of Samuel Ewalt, a well-known Indian fighter in the early days of Alle- gheny county. Both Peter Keller and his wife were Presbyterians-he for many years an elder of the Lawrenceville Church.


(III) Samuel H., only son of Peter and Hettie (Ewalt) Keller, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1829, died in 1895. He was engaged in iron manufacture at Mount Ætna while a young man, then became a manufacturer of glue in Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania. A very large business was conducted until 1890, when the plant and good will were sold to the American Glue Company. He was interested in many of the large enterprises of western Pennsyl- vania, and ranked as a most careful, conservative man of his section. Among the enterprises with which he was connected was the establish- ment of the Lawrence Savings Bank of Pittsburgh, which he served as director. He was a member of lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order, and in political faith was a Democrat, serving at one time as burgess of Lawrenceville. In church relation both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church.


Mr. Keller married Lydia Harnish, born in Huntingdon county, February 24. 1853, who remains his widow, residing in Pittsburgh. She is the daughter of Samuel and Susanna (Keller) Harnish, of Hunt-


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ingdon county-he was born in Morris township, she at what is now known as the Melissa Tussey farm, on the boundary line between Hunt- ingdon and Blair counties, near Keller's church. After their marriage they lived on their farm in Huntingdon county until his death, he be- ing an extensive land owner. Mrs. Harnish was a most charitable woman, and known far and near for her untiring interest in church work, as well as for hier benevolence. They were the parents of thir- teen children: Christian, died in Delaware: Dorothy, married Robert Tussey ; Catherine, married Colonel John Huyette; Abraham, a farmer ; Susanna, married Rev. Samuel Reid: John, an iron master; Tobias, a skillful and well-known physician of Morris township; Samuel, a farmer ; Elizabeth, married Jacob F. Steiner; Lydia, widow of Samuel H. Keller, of previous mention; Peter K., farmed the old homestead; Mary, married Ephraim Burkett; Rachel. married Albert Hileman. The only survivors of this family of children ( 1913) are: Mary, Lydia and Rachel. Children of Samuel H. and Lydia Keller: Kate, died unmarried in 1888, aged about thirty-five years; Mary, now living in Pittsburgh, unmarried; Charles, of whom further.


(IV) Charles, only son of Samuel H. and Lydia (Harnish) Keller, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1860. He pre- pared for college, then entered the engineering department of the Wes- tern University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated civil engi- neer, class of 1879. He then entered upon the practice of his profes- sion, with Carnegie Brothers & Company, at the Scotia mines, remain- ing in that employ four years. He was then associated with the Ar- mour Company in Chicago until 1896, when he retired. In 1898 he bought the old Harnish homestead in Huntingdon county, known as the Peter K. Harnish farm, in Morris township, which he has con- verted into his summer home by remodeling the old buildings and erect- ing new ones. The estate is managed by his son, John C. Keller.




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