USA > Pennsylvania > Armstrong County > Armstrong County, Pennsylvania her people past and present, embracing a history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I > Part 86
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Daniel Smail, son of Jacob, was born in Germany, and was but a child when brought by his father to this country. He was reared in Armstrong county, and farming was his life work. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company I, 78th Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, under Captain Elwood, of Pitts- burgh, was wounded in battle by a shell and taken to a hospital, later being sent home, where he died from the effects of his injur- ies Jan. 3, 1863. He is buried at the Forks Church in Gilpin township, this county. By his first wife, Elizabeth (Altshouse), Mr. Smail had two children, both of whom died young. His second marriage was to Catherine Helery, who was born on a sailing ship com- ing from Germany, and by her he had four children : William, who died in 1863; Lucy, Volunteer Fire Company. Socially he is affil- who married James Bruner; James B.,; and iated with the local lodges of Elks and the
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Royal Arcanum. Mr. Smail is regarded as 1884 he began buying and selling lumber, and one of the representative citizens of this sec- continued to operate along this line for a year, tion, and stands so high that though the bor- until he was able to establish himself in a gen- ough is Republican and he himself is a Dem- ral lumber business at Kittanning. He is. ocrat he was elected burgess in 1909 by a now selling lumber both wholesale and retail. very large majority, and has served continu- By the time he had built up a large business, ously since. Mr. Smail is very well known he found that he had over-exerted himself and and has the respect of a wide circle of friends was obliged to take a period of rest. While and acquaintances. He is a member of the at Punxsutawney, Pa., recovering his strength, Methodist Church, which he is serving at he discovered a fine tract of land, which his present as treasurer.
In 1877 Mr. Smail married Mary E. Baker, daughter of Griffith Baker, and to this union were born four children, namely : Myrtle mar- ried Dr. J. H. Chessrown, of Youngstown, Ohio; Chrissie is at home; James Alfred (so called after Capt. Alfred Hicks) is a chemist, at Vandergrift, Pa .; William died in infancy. On Jan. 17, 1893, Mr. Smail married (second) Ella Mechling, daughter of the late Maj. Frank Mechling of Kittanning, Pa. They have no children.
JAMES S. CLAYPOOL, closely associated with much of the building in Kittanning and all over Armstrong county, and a man of wide business connections, was born Jan. 6, 1858, near Worthington, Pa., in West Franklin township, this county, son of Abraham and Mary Ann ( Miller ) Claypool.
George Claypool, the grandfather, was one of the early settlers of Armstrong county, developing a fine farm in this section.
Abraham Claypool was also a farmer. He and his wife became the parents of nine chil- dren : Mary E., wife of Samuel Bonner ; John; Hattie J., wife of Harvey Claypool ; George; Caroline, wife of William Forester ; William H .; James S .; Sadie, who died un- married, and one who died in infancy. The parents were consistent members of the Pres- byterian Church.
keen appreciation of values showed him was a desirable holding, so he bought it, and soon had two sawmills in full running order, giv- ing employment to sixty men and twenty-five teams. When he had it all in good running order he returned to Kittanning, built a plan- ing mill, opened a lumber yard, and estab- lished himself as a general contractor and builder as well as lumber dealer. From that time on he has been one of the leading men in his several lines. He has had to fight com- binations, but has always been equal to emer- gencies, and has come out successfully from all undertakings. He served one term as member of the council of Kittanning, and is a member and director of the Board of Trade. He is a self-made man in every respect, and his success shows what a man can accomplish if he is willing to exert himself. A deeply religious man he has had faith in his Cre- ator and the Bible, and has always been a con- sistent member of the Baptist Church, to which his wife also belongs. He has been a member of its official board since its organiza- tion in Kittanning.
On Dec. 4, 1883, Mr. Claypool was married to Margaret J. Toy, daughter of James Toy. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Claypool: Finley S., deceased ; Homer H., who was married Aug. 7, 1912, to Wilda D. Rowland, daughter of Rev. M. L. Rowland, of Plumville, Indiana county ; and James G., deceased.
James S. Claypool attended school in the old Bradford schoolhouse, and from childhood assisted his father. After the death of the HENRY SHANER, of Gilpin township, Armstrong county, now living retired, has occupied his present home for over fifty years and is one of the oldest residents of his dis- trict. He was born Dec. 6, 1834, in Allegheny township, Westmoreland Co., Pa., son of Henry Shaner, and is a member of a family whose representatives are known for useful citizenship and honorable living, respected and esteemed in every community with which they have been identified. latter he farmed the homestead, and paid off his father's debts. Until he was about twenty- eight years old he followed farming, and then became a huckster, buying and selling var- ious kinds of articles. Within a short time he was able to buy a small tract. He operated it and also a small mine on his farm, for three years. Following this Mr. Claypool went to Kittanning to work as a carpenter at $1.50 per day, and progressed so rapidly that he was soon made foreman. During the evenings he Peter Shaner, who founded the family in also worked drawing plans for buildings, and this country, came to America from Germany soon became proficient as a draftsman. In before the Revolutionary war, and settled in
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western Pennsylvania, along the Schuylkill county, served during the Civil war in Com- pany C, 139th Pennsylvania Regiment, and was wounded at Spottsylvania Court House May 12, 1864; Catherine is the widow of John Kep- river. After living there for some time he removed to Maryland, where he died. His family consisted of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, namely: Adam; Peter; pel and resides in Parks township, where she Henry; Christopher; David; Daniel; John; Andrew ; another son whose name is not re- membered; Christian (daughter) and Cath- erine, whose husbands were both named Keefer; and another daughter who became Mrs. Ichus. All the sons except John and Andrew removed to western Pennsylvania about the year 1800, Adam and Henry settling in Butler county ; some of their descendants are living in Pittsburgh. Christopher had the following children : William, Frederick, Joseph, Sampson, Katy (Mrs. Shafer) and Polly (Mrs. Henry Klingensmith) ; of these, Joseph and Sampson never married.
George Shaner, brother of Peter Shaner, the emigrant, fought under Washington in the Butler, Pennsylvania.
American Revolution. He settled in West-
moreland county, Pa., and some of his de- farm, remaining there until he reached the age scendants are now living near Turtle Creek, of eighteen years. He then learned the car- in Allegheny county, this State.
Daniel Shaner, son of Peter the emigrant, of seven years. In 1857 he and his brother settled near Buena Vista, in Allegheny county: about 1807. The place was then known as Brown's Ferry. His children were John (the historian of the Shaner family), William, Daniel, George, Hetty and Peggy. Shaner's station, on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, was named after Daniel Shaner, of this family.
Peter Shaner, Jr., grandfather of Henry Shaner, was a farmer by occupation, and lived and died in Westmoreland county. He was killed at Adamsburg. His children were: Jacob; Eli; Henry; Margaret, who died un- married ; Mrs. Henry Brewer ; and one daugh- ter who died young.
Henry Shaner, son of Peter, Jr., was born in 1809 in Allegheny township, Westmoreland county, and owned two farms in that township. Besides following farming he was engaged during the winter season in making barrels, as well as flaxbrakes for his neighbors. He was an active man in his locality, served as tax collector, was a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics was identified with the Republican party. He died Nov. 6, 1881, and Church of Leechburg, which he joined in 1859. is buried in Pleasant View cemetery in West- and which he has served in an official capacity moreland county. His wife, Catherine (Cline), for many years. He is a Republican in daughter of Peter Cline, died in March, 1887. politics.
They had a large family, viz .: John lives in Parks township, Armstrong county; Daniel lives in Gilpin township, Armstrong county ; Henry is mentioned below ; William, who now lives in Allegheny township, Westmoreland
has a farm; Peter enlisted June 8, 1861, in the IIth Pennsylvania Reserves, and was killed at the battle of Gaines's Mill, June 27, 1862; Eli is living on the old homestead in Westmore- land county ; Andrew, twin of Eli, died when five years old; David lives at Apollo, Pa. (he is the father of Sheriff Thomas Shaner, of Armstrong county) ; Thomas, a contractor, re- sides at Warren, Pa .; Caroline is the widow of Isaac Heckman and resides in Gilpin town- ship; Rebecca, widow of William Frederick, resides in Westmoreland county ; Solomon is living at New Kingston, Pa .; Zacharias is liv- ing at the old homestead in Westmoreland county ; Elizabeth married Joseph McGeary, of
Henry Shaner was reared upon the home
penter's trade, which he followed for a period Daniel, with John M. Shaner, a cousin, went out to Kansas, where Henry Shaner remained for twenty-one months, during which time he had the privilege of casting his vote in favor of Kansas becoming a free State. In 1859 he bought his present farm, part of the property of the David Leech heirs, which then con- sisted of eighty-one acres lying along the Kit- tanning road. He has since sold off four acres to the Evergreen cemetery. Mr. Shaner had to clear most of the land himself, and he has made practically all the improvements on the property, put up all the buildings, etc., so that the place in its present condition is the work of his own hands. There are three profitable gas wells on the farm, and it is all underlaid with coal. Mr. Shaner has the coal deposits leased to a company, and mining was com- menced in 1899; the find proved valuable. oper- ations having been continued steadily ever since. Mr. Shaner has served as supervisor of Gilpin township, and he is well known in his connection with the Hebron Lutheran
On Jan. 6, 1859, Mr. Shaner married Cath- erine Sober, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Spiker) Sober. She died Jan. 14, 1910, aged sixty-nine years, six months, twenty days, and is buried in Evergreen cemetery. Five chil-
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
dren were born of this marriage: (1) Frances customed to secret devotion, and often, espe- B. is the widow of Thomas H. Moore and cially during his latter years, he was found resides on the home place with her father. She alone in communion with his heavenly father. has one son, William E. Moore, of McKee's God's law was the guide of his life and His Rocks, Allegheny Co., Pa. (2) Rev. Braden Sabbaths were a delight unto him. E., born Feb. 20, 1862, graduated from Gettys- burg College in 1886 and from the theological seminary in 1889, and from that time until his death, Oct. 2, 1910, was engaged in the work of the Lutheran ministry, preaching for six- teen years. He raised large sums of money for the church at different places. His last charge was at Tarentum, Pa., where he did very good work, placing the church there upon a self- sustaining basis. He married Annie Dutterer, of Middleburg, Carroll Co., Md., and they had a family of ten children : Emma C., Harold E., Clarence, Anna Bell, Elizabeth S., Henry B., Ruth M., Helen, John and Alice. (3) Media married Charles Kelley and lives at Sheridan, Pa. They have one son, Chauncey V. (4) William H., born Jan. 10, 1866, died in Ore- gon April 9, 1890, and is buried in Evergreen cemetery, at Leechburg, Pa. (5) Elizabeth J. married Thomas Groves, who is living at Leechburg, Pa., and their children are Cath- erine, Gerald A., Henry M., Edgar W., Eliza- beth, Thomas and Charles.
As a citizen he was highly esteemed in the community in which he lived so long. As a Christian his character was beyond reproach. As a husband and father he was loved and revered in his home. As an officer of the church he was prompt and efficient to the ex- tent of his ability. He was very pronipt and careful in all his business relations and lit- erally carried out the apostle's injunction "owe no man anything." His life was full of bless- ing and his end was peace. On Tuesday even- ing, May 28 ( 1877), after coming in from his usual work, he took suddenly ill. He was bet- ter, however, and continued better till Satur- day evening, June 2d, when he was again seized, with a violent pain in the region of the heart. He now felt that his end was drawing near. He had no fear of death. After giving some directions about his business and pious counsel to all present, and bidding his wife and children an affectionate farewell, he gently fell asleep. He was survived by his wife and five children, all grown up. Mr. Moore was in his seventy-third year. He and his wife had the following family : James A., who has been a clerk in the Pittsburg post office for over forty years ; Mary C .; Nancy J., deceased; Marga- ret, deceased; John Bracken, deceased; and
William Moore, father of Thomas H. Moore, who married Frances B. Shaner, was born in Woodcock valley, in Huntingdon county, Pa. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. His par- ents emigrated from Ireland in the same ship while quite young, before their marriage. He Thomas H., who married Frances B. Shaner. was brought up in the faith of the old Seceder Church, and enjoyed such religious instruc- ROBERT M. TROLLINGER, president of the Rural Valley National Bank, was born at Rural Valley, Armstrong Co., Pa., April 25, 1866, son of Henry and Martha ( McElroy) Trollinger. tion and training as pious parents of that day could give. His early life was spent in Huntingdon county in rural pursuits. In 1835 he came to Pittsburgh, where he was em- ployed for several years at rough carpenter Michael Trollinger, his grandfather, was born in Germany in 1801, and died in Rural Valley, Pa., in 1866, aged sixty-five years, nine months, seven days. His wife, born in 1812, died Oct. 8, 1865, aged fifty-three years, six months, seven days, and they are interred in the cemetery at Rural Valley. Michael Trol- linger came to America in young manhood, locating first in Philadelphia, and in 1845 brought his wife and family to Armstrong county, settling in what afterward became Cowanshannock township. He and his wife had the following children: Susan, who mar- ried Reisinger Yount; Laanna, who married John Boyer; Henry; Isaac; and Elizabeth, who married Michael Reanch. work. In 1837 he married Mary Anderson, and they soon afterward moved to their farm near Leechburg, Armstrong Co., Pa., where Mr. Moore resided until his death. Shortly after his settlement in Armstrong county he united with the Presbyterian Church at Free- port, Pa. Upon the organization of the Pres- byterian Church at Leechburg he transferred his membership to the new body and was chosen a ruling elder, which position he held, and filled with rare fidelity, until his death. Mr. Moore was diffident, and retiring in his disposition, yet he was very social with those whom he knew well. He always extended a cordial hospitality to all who came under his roof, and his attachment to friends was warm Henry Trollinger was born in 1837 at Philadelphia, where he began to learn shoe- and lasting. He was a man of piety and ac-
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making with his father. In 1845 he came with the rest of the family to Armstrong county, and continued to work as a shoe- maker. On Oct. 1, 1897, he was appointed postmaster at Rural Valley, and still held that office when death claimed him, on July 5, 1905, aged sixty-seven years, eight months, five days. His wife, Martha (McElroy), died April 9, 1895, aged sixty-two years, four months, twenty-eight days, and both are buried in the cemetery at Rural Valley. The chil- dren born to them were: Anna, who married John S. McFarland, postmaster at Rural Valley ; Rebecca, who married Thomas B. Garden, of Vandergrift, Pa .; John A., with the Cowanshannock Coal & Coke Company, of Yatesboro, Pa .; Margaret, and Robert M. Mr. Trollinger was a member of the Presby- terian Church. The candidates of the Repub- lican party had his hearty support, and he was active in politics. During the Civil war he served in the 105th Heavy Artillery Regiment of Pennsylvania, until the close of the con- flict. After the formation of the Grand Army of the Republic he belonged to the local post.
John A. McElroy, maternal grandfather of Robert M. Trollinger, was one of the early merchants of Rural Valley. A well educated man, he taught the academy at that place for a number of years, and was a leading factor in his locality. His daughter Martha married Henry Trollinger.
Robert M. Trollinger attended public school and the Rural Valley Academy before he began clerking, at which he was engaged in various stores for several years, in Armstrong county. He was then in the county treasurer's office under George W. McNees. Following this he conducted a general store for two years, at Rural Valley, and for the next twelve years was superintendent in the gas fields. Mr. Trollinger next turned his attention to . real estate and fire insurance, and when he deemed there was sufficient demand for proper banking facilities to justify his action he organized the Rural Valley National Bank, becoming its first president. This institution opened its doors for business Feb. 2, 1902, and in 1911 erected the present handsome bank building, which is one of the most thoroughly James Galbraith was born in Ireland, but was brought to the United States when only one year old, and reared and educated in Alle- gheny county, Pa., where he attended public school. He became one of the pioneer mer- chants of Kittanning, and for many years did an extensive business. During his latter years, modern in the county. The present officers of the bank are: R. M. Trollinger, president ; J. A. Bowser, vice president, and C. C. Farren, cashier. The board of directors is as follows : R. M. Trollinger, S. E. Ambrose, James Craig, W. S. Blaisdell, J. A. Bowser, J. A. James, F. C. Lang, S. A. Rinn and C. C. Farren. The however, he devoted himself to agricultural bank is capitalized at $30,000, and there is a pursuits. Being a man of high moral char-
surplus and undivided profits fund amounting to $24,606. Under the wise control of the officers this bank has gained an enviable posi- tion among similar financial institutions in the county, for it is their policy to administer its affairs conservatively, with due regard to the interests of depositors. A special feature is made of the attention paid to small accounts.
In addition to his affairs already mentioned Mr. Trollinger is a director of the Kittanning Telephone Company, and interested in a num- ber of other large concerns. A strong Repub- lican, he was one of the organizers of the borough of Rural Valley, and was one of the members of its first council. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and has rendered valuable service as a member of the school board, a portion of the time as its treasurer, and also as president.
Fraternally Mr. Trollinger belongs to Kit- tanning Lodge, No. 244, F. & A. M .; Kittan- ning Chapter, No. 247, R. A. M., and Pitts- burgh Commandery, No. I, K. T. He is also a member of Rural Valley Lodge, No. 766, I. O. O. F. The Presbyterian Church has in him a generous and loyal member.
Mr. Trollinger married Margaret McKelvey, daughter of William McKelvey, of Rural Valley. They have one daughter, Dorothy, who is attending school.
The development of Mr. Trollinger from clerk to bank president has been gradual but steady. There has been nothing spectacular in his rise, for it has been but the natural outcome of well directed efforts along legiti- mate lines. With no special training for his work, he has applied himself diligently to it, and all of his transactions bear the imprint of earnest and intelligent foresight and integ- rity of purpose. Few men stand any higher in Armstrong county than he, and his com- munity has every reason to be proud of him and what he has accomplished for it as well as for himself.
JOHN D. GALBRAITH, treasurer of the Kittanning Iron and Steel Company, was born in January, 1842, at Kittanning, a son of James and Margaret (Davison) Galbraith.
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acter, James Galbraith exerted his influence Germany. She died Nov. 3, 1912. Mr. and for good, and was a consistent member of Mrs. Herche became the parents of seven chil- the Presbyterian Church, as was his wife. dren, five of whom survive: William F., Their children were: John D., Jane H., James Amelia E. (wife of Hope B. Cooper), Kath- R. (deceased), Lindsay, and Joseph (de- erine (wife of Anton Conum), Dr. Jeanette ceased). The father died in 1879, the mother B. and Fred C. surviving him until 1901. Her father, John Davison, the maternal grandfather of John D. Galbraith, was born, it is believed, in Arm- strong county, where he was reared, and rounded out his useful life.
John D. Galbraith attended the Kittanning public schools, and the academy of that city, and when still a boy began clerking in his father's store. Later on he taught school in Armstrong county for several years, leaving that profession to become bookkeeper for the Monticello Furnace Company, Red Bank Fur- nace Company and Kittanning Iron and Steel Company. Remaining with this concern, he has risen steadily and since 1894 has been its treasurer. In addition he is a stockholder in the National Kittanning Bank, and one of its directors.
For many years Mr. Galbraith has been very prominent in the Presbyterian Church of Kittanning, for several years having been an elder, and all the time interested in Sunday school work. Like his father he exerts his influence toward moral uplift, and is a very desirable citizen.
WILLIAM M. HERCHE (deceased) was one of the pioneers of Parker's Landing, born Dec. 10, 1837, in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, son of Henry Herche.
William M. Herche came to this country in 1855, and upon his arrival located at Kit- tanning. Armstrong Co., Pa., which continued to be his home until 1871. During the period of his residence in that city he learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. In 1871 he was attracted to Parker's Landing on account of the excitement over the discovery of oil in that vicinity. Realizing the opportunity for a hotel man, he conducted the "Kittanning House" until 1875, when he purchased the "Mansion House," and operated it very suc- cessfully until 1910, which year he retired from active participation in business life. While engaged in hotel-keeping he was largely interested in oil business at Petroleum Center.
On Nov. 25, 1873, Mr. Herche was united in marriage with Barbara K. Blum, who was born Feb. 1I, 1854, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Behm) Blum, of Hesse-Cassel,
While residing in Kittanning Mr. Herche was connected with the German Reformed Church of that borough, and was one of the liberal contributors toward the erection of the new church edifice put up in 1870. Join- ing the Odd Fellows at Kittanning, he became a charter member of Lodge No. 179 of that fraternity at Parker City, and when he died had the distinction of being its oldest member. From the formation of his party he was a loyal Republican. This most excellent and representative citizen died Nov. 17, 19II.
REV. LEWIS EINSEL BAUMGARD- NER, a clergyman, late of Rural Valley, where he was living retired at the time of his death, was born in Springfield township, Fayette county, Pa., March 29, 1847, son of Michael and Barbara (Long) Baumgardner.
The paternal great-grandfather came from Holland to the United States, locating in Dauphin county, Pa., where he was an early settler.
John Baumgardner, son of the original Baumgardner in this country, was born in Dauphin county, Pa., and became a pioneer of Bedford county, Pa., where he bought and developed a farm on Denning's creek, selling it in 1816. He then purchased another prop- erty, in Cambria county, Pa., and spent the remainder of his life upon it, there dying after a long and useful life, filled with hard work and constant endeavor. He married Barbara Sommel, and their children were: Jacob, who was a minister of the United Evangelical Church; Joseph; Daniel; John ; Adam; Michael, and Samuel.
Michael Baumgardner, son of John Baum- gardner, was born in Bedford county, Pa., Dec. 17, 1804, and married in Somerset county, Pa. He was a farmer, and owned 216 acres of land in Wharton township, Fayette county, Pa., which he cleared and improved. There he died, the father of the following family : Drusilla, who married William Bishoff ; Daniel; Deliah, who married William H. H. Tattle ; Nathan L .; Samuel ; Lewis E .; Frank- lin; Aaron L .; and Mary S. All of the sons were ministers of the gospel, and remarkably good men.
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