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 II > Part 49
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
J. A. Davis was born Aug. 21, 1868, one Philip and Catherine ( Breitenbach) Kammer- mile north of Mahoning, in Madison township. diener. His grandfather, George Peter Kam- He passed his early life in Washington town- merdiener, came to America about 1811 with his wife and three sons, Jacob, John Philip and John. The family first lived at Sink- ing Valley, in Huntingdon county, Pa., thence moving to Dayton, Armstrong county, and later settling on the farm in Wayne township where Jacob P. Kammerdiener was born, the grandfather obtaining 1,200 acres in one tract, for which he paid about two dollars an acre. Building a log house and log barn he set him- self industriously to work on the improvement of the place, where he lived the rest of his days. He was a Lutheran in religious con- nection, and helped to build the log church known as the Jerusalem church. He died Jan. 12, 1849, aged sixty-nine years ; his wife, Anna Gertrude (Breitenbach), died Dec. 6, 1855, aged seventy-seven years. ship, remaining there until nineteen years old. He received a common school education. In his youth and early manhood Mr. Davis was engaged at farm work, and then was employed for a time as a section hand on the railroad. After this for a while he worked in the Twen- ty-ninth street rolling mill, at Pittsburgh, after which he was engaged as a coal miner for twelve years. His next work was with the Standard Oil Company, in whose employ he continued for five years, two and a half years of which period he spent at Allegheny and Pittsburgh. He has since been engaged in farming in Madison township, Armstrong county. His first property here consisted of thirty-seven and a half acres, which he sold, buying his present farm from the D. O. Cal- len family. It was well improved when he acquired the ownership, but he has continued to make changes and develop its resources, having all but about fifteen acres of wood- land and pasture under cultivation. He does general farming and within the last few years has been giving considerable attention to stock raising. For the last three years he has owned the fine stallion Rustique, a thoroughbred Percheron, now six years old. Mr. Davis is thoroughly alive to the progress of his com- munity, and is always willing to lend his in- fluence to its progressive movements. He is a member of the Madison Bell Telephone Company, of Tidal, and belongs to the Madi- son Grange. He is a prominent member of the M. E. Church of Widnoon, which he is serving as trustee and steward, and he held the office of supervisor of roads in Madison township for two years. Politically he is a Progressive Republican.
On Dec. 1, 1892, Mr. Davis was married to Laura Gray, who was born and reared in Madison township, daughter of George and Elizabeth Gray, both of whom are now de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have no children.
TACOB P. KAMMERDIENER, farmer and miller of Boggs township, Armstrong county, is a man whose industry and enter- prise have brought him notable success. Com- mencing life for himself with no special ad- vantages, he has made the most of his oppor- tunities and circumstances, has added to his property and widened his interests, and is now one of the substantial residents of his locality.
John Philip Kammerdiener, father of Jacob P. Kammerdiener, was born at Kindheim, Germany. After the family settled on the farm in Wayne township he always lived there, and he greatly improved the property in his time, replacing the original log buildings with modern structures and developing the land to a profitable state of fertility. He lived to the age of ninety-three years, dying July 15, 1907. In religion Mr. Kammerdiener was a Lu- theran and served his church officially for many years. He was a Republican in political opinion, but never cared for public life or offi- cial honors. His wife, Catherine (Breiten- bach), like himself a native of Kindheim, Ger- many, is still living on the old homestead, now aged eighty-two years; she was born June 6, 1832. Twelve children were born to this worthy couple: Louise, Jacob P., Elizabeth, Phoebe, Rebecca, George (deceased), Philip, Peter, Catherine, Anna (deceased), Henry M. (deceased) and Martha (deceased).
Jacob P. Kammerdiener lived on the family homestead in Wayne township until he was thirty-three years old, at which time he mar- ried and began farming for himself. After his marriage he settled in Boggs township, buying IO1 acres where he now lives. There was not even a house on this land, and he built a dwelling and began the work of cultiva- tion, which he has since continued with most gratifying results. As he prospered he added seventy-two acres to his original purchase, and he has devoted himself to general farming and allied interests, finding congenial em- ployment in the different branches of work he has undertaken. He raises fullbred Short-
Mr. Kammerdiener was born Dec. 2, 1849, in Wayne township, this county, son of John horn cattle, Berkshire hogs and grade horses,
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
owns an interest in a threshing outfit, and duce the contestants to adjust matters with- owns and operates a chopping mill which has out carrying them further. Because of his proved to be a great convenience in the local- ity. In addition to looking after his private affairs Mr. Kammerdiener has found time to take an active part in public matters in his district. The first office to which he was special fitness for this office his neighbors desire him to serve them, and appreciate his efforts in their behalf. His acquaintanceship is large, and he numbers many friends among those with whom he has had dealings, whether
elected was that of assessor, and he has since of a business or official nature.
been chosen school director, supervisor (serv- ing four years) and judge of election (two years). In politics he associates with the Re- publican party.
In 1882 Mr. Kammerdiener married Sarah J. Houser, who was born May 20, 1856, in Boggs township, daughter of Henry and Ester (Zimmerman) Houser, and they are the pa- rents of three children, born as follows: Mary L., March 22, 1884; Margaret S., Nov. 21, 1888; and James A., Oct. 7, 1893. All live at home.
H. D. SMITH, justice of the peace and general merchant of East Franklin township, was born in Armstrong county, Oct. 17, 1869, son of L. H. and Anna (Weaver) Smith.
L. H. Smith was born in Pennsylvania, as was his wife. They are still living, residing in North Buffalo township, this county.
H. D. Smith grew up at home, attending school in the district. When he was twenty- two years old he left the farm, and worked for William McHaddon, a huckster in North Buffalo township, driving a team for four years. On Jan. 6, 1896, he embarked in busi- ness for himself as a general merchant, buying all kinds of country produce, which he ships to Kittanning. His business is a large one, and shows a healthy increase annually.
On Oct. 17, 1895, Mr. Smith was married, in North Buffalo township, to Anna Reed, who was born March 6, 1874, daughter of Robert Reed, a well-known resident of Arm- strong county. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, three of whom sur- vive: Zella R., born June 3, 1897; Leanora, born Sept. 22, 1900; and Harry Edwin, born May 5, 1908. Both daughters have gradu- ated from school and have received a good musical education.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their children be- long to the Presbyterian Church. In political belief he is a Republican. Over ten years ago he was first elected justice of the peace, and has been successively reelected since, the last time in November, 1911. The litigation with which he is concerned is generally of such a nature that by the exercise of considerable tact and plain common sense he is able to in-
JOHN W. McINTIRE, of Wayne town- ship, Armstrong county, is engaged in farming and stock raising, having a fine place three miles west of the borough of Dayton. He has passed all his life in this district, having been born Jan. 23, 1858, at the old McIntire home- stead near Echo, in Wayne township.
John McIntire, his grandfather, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was a farmer by occupation. He removed to Armstrong county from Westmoreland county, Pa., and settled near Echo, purchasing a large farm to the cultivation of which he devoted the remainder of his life. His children were: John, who be- came a Methodist minister; Daniel S., father of John W. McIntire; Alexander, who died in Kansas; Altman, who died in Adams county, Ohio; Mary A., who married George McIn- tire, and died at Echo; and Catherine, who married John Wilson, and died in Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania.
Daniel S. McIntire, son of John McIntire, was born in Westmoreland county, near La- trobe, and came to Armstrong county with his parents. He followed farming in Wayne township throughout his active years, dying in 1893. He married Martha Lias, daughter of Peter Lias, and to this union were born the following children: Elsie J., born Feb. 27, 1856, who died April 8, 1857; John W., born Jan. 23, 1858; Martin L., born Sept. 21, 1860; Emma R., born Feb. 5, 1863, who married Turney A. Troutman ; Mary Ellen, born July 12, 1867, who died Dec. 26, 1877 ; and William D., born Jan. 23, 1871, who is living on the old homestead. The mother of this family died Dec. 10, 1878.
John W. McIntire began his education in the public schools of the home locality and later attended Dayton Union Academy. He was reared to farming from boyhood, and has followed it continuously, though for three winters during his young manhood he worked in the lumber woods in Elk county, Pa. He then devoted his time to general farming on the old homestead until his removal to his present home, in 1890, this being the old Mar- tin Lias farm; before the latter's day it was the homestead of Peter Lias. It consists of
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
115 acres located about midway between Day- salt, both wholesale and retail. During the ton and Echo, and is under excellent cultiva- time he has been connected with the business interests of Freeport Mr. Noble has proved himself a man worthy of confidence, and has built up a large trade. He is a Democrat politically, although his business cares have kept him from active participation in public affairs. His religious connections are with the Catholic Church, of which he has been a mem- tion. Mr. McIntire has made a specialty of the breeding of registered Jersey cattle, Shrop- shire sheep and Poland China swine, as well as Ringlet Barred Plymouth Rock poultry, in the latter connection dealing extensively in eggs. He is a conscientious, reliable man, and has the confidence and respect of all who have had dealings with him. Though not iden- ber since childhood. tified with any political party, voting inde- pendently, he has been quite active in local politics and government, having served his township as auditor and tax collector.
On March 7, 1883, Mr. McIntire married Porter township, Clarion Co., Pa., Feb. 9, Mary A. Schrecongost, daughter of John Henry and Sarah (Kline) Schrecongost, of Echo, Pa., and to them have been born six children: Blanche B., born March 21, 1884, is now the wife of A. A. Schrecongost; Ina Alice, born Feb. 7, 1887, is at home ; Clair D., born Sept. 26, 1891, at home; Charles R., born March 26, 1883, died in infancy ; Herbert F., born April 25, 1894, and Miles M., born May 24 1897, are at home.
Mr. McIntire is a prominent member of the M. E. Church at Echo and has always taken an active part in church work and enterprises. He is a local minister of his denomination, and for several years was very active in that capacity. He has served his church as class leader, trustee and superintendent of the Sun- day school, still holding the latter office, which he has filled for many years.
WILLIAM A. NOBLE, business man of Freeport, Armstrong county, was born Oct. II, 1864, in Sharpsburg, Pa., son of Louis Henry Noble and the oldest of his twelve children.
Louis Henry Noble learned the carpenter's trade early in life, following it until his re- tirement several years ago. He is now living in Sharpsburg, and is over seventy-one years old. His wife is aged over sixty-seven years. They are consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church.
JAMES M. McMILLEN, a well-known and highly respected farmer of Mahoning township, Armstrong county, was born in 1850, son of Robert and Nancy (Moore) McMillen.
John McMillen, his paternal grandfather, was born April 4, 1757, and died Dec. 7, 1837. His wife, Jane Calhoon, was born Sept. 22, 1773, and died March 18, 1850. They were the parents of ten children: Mary married John Cochran; Jeannette married Richard Beatty; Nancy married John Girts ; John mar- ried Sarah Maxwell; William married Jane Moore; Margaret married Harmon Girts ; Martha married Joseph Watterson; Robert married Nancy Moore; Wilson married Mary Maxwell; Elizabeth C. married Isaac McMil- lan (no relation).
Robert McMillen, son of John, was born Aug. 22, 18II. In early manhood he came from Westmoreland county to Clarion county, and settled on a tract of 400 acres, near New Bethlehem, now owned by the Canton Hollow Brick & Tile Company. He aided his parents in clearing up a part of this tract, and in 1851 sold it to William Henry, and removed to Mahoning township, where he located on the farm now owned by his son James M. This farm comprised fifty-two acres of land, and is on the hill about one and a half miles south of New Bethlehem, on the road from there to Putneyville. Here his death occurred Sept. 7, 1884. Mr. McMillen married Nancy Moore, who was born Feb. 2, 1819, in County Derry, Ireland, and died June 24, 1896. She was the daughter of William Moore, born in 1779, in County Derry, Ireland, who died Dec. 5, 1867, aged eighty-eight years. Mr. Moore was an early settler of what is now Clarion county, and was a farmer by occupation. His wife was Mary Downs, born in 1782, died in 1832.
William A. Noble attended the common schools until he was fifteen years old, when he began working as a packer in the glass works of Tibby Brothers, in his native city. Later he was a packer in a furniture house, and then for eight years he and his father conducted a feed business in Sharpsburg, under the firm name of L. H. Noble & Son. Robert McMillen and his wife, Nancy, were the parents of ten children, viz .: William, In 1900 this connection was severed, and Mr. Noble established himself at Freeport, deceased; Elizabeth Jane, deceased wife of where he handles hay, straw, grain, feed and John A. Humphreys; Lovina, deceased wife
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
of Jacob Philips; Amos M., a sketch of whom and John, William and Thomas, all of whom appears elsewhere in this work; John C., who died young. married Margaret Cox, and both are deceased (they had one daughter, Lillian P., of Pitts- burgh, Pa.) ; Lucinda, deceased; James M., on the homestead; Craig H., deceased; Mary C., wife of George McDonald; and Adoniram J. of Kittanning, Pennsylvania.
James R. Marshall, son of William and Isabella (Russell) Marshall, was born on his father's farm in Wayne township Jan. 10, 1818. As soon as he could safely handle tools he learned the carpenter's trade, but followed carpentering only a short time, finding it more profitable to operate the home farm, which he continued to do throughout his active life.
James M. McMillen grew up on the home- stead which has always been his home. He obtained his education in the local schools He was a man of more than the average abil- of Mahoning township and worked at the ity, although he had comparatively few educa-
tional opportunities, and his gifts and high
carpenter's trade with his brother Amos M. for twenty years. After the death of his character were recognized by his fellow citi- father he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the homestead, and has since been en- gaged in farming there. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and on his farm has successfully grown the strawberry and other small fruits, in addition to the regular farm crops. Mr. McMillen is a member of New Bethlehem Lodge, No. 725, I. O. O. F., and in politics he is a Republican. He has served as assessor of Mahoning township for four years. zens. For many years a large portion of his time was taken up with the duties of admin- istering and settling up estates. He served acceptably in numerous public offices, being a school director, township supervisor and as- sessor and overseer of the poor, and in 1882 was one of the board of directors of the Day- ton A. & M. Association. For many years he was an elder in the Glade Run Presbyterian Church and took much interest in the Sunday school, serving as its superintendent twenty- one years. A useful man in every way, his influence was beneficially felt and his death, which occurred Jan. 13, 1905, was regretted, although he had outlived many of his con- temporaries.
WILLIAM L. MARSHALL, farmer, re- siding in Wayne township, Armstrong Co., Pa., where he is serving in the office of tax collector, was born on the old family home- stead in that township Oct. 2, 1857, son of James R., grandson of William and great- grandson of Archibald Marshall.
William Marshall is the first ancestor of this line of which there is record.
Archibald Marshall, fourth son of William Marshall, married Margaret Wilson, and they had children as follows: Catherine, William, Joseph, John, Margaret, Archibald, James and Samuel.
James R. Marshall was married Dec. 8, 1842, to Margaret J. Marshall, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Marshall, born Feb. II, 1817. They became parents of four children, namely: Amos W., who was born April 14, 1844, attended Glade Run Academy, and mar- ried Ellen E. McGaughey ; George A., born Sept. II, 1845, died March 22, 1855; Calvin, born Dec. 1, 1848, died Feb. 28, 1852; and William Lewis is the youngest.
William Marshall, first-born son of Archi- bald Marshall, was born Sept. 25, 1790, and about 1814 located on the farm in Wayne township, Armstrong Co., Pa., now owned by his grandson, William L. Marshall. He was a well-read man for his day and taught school for a time, engaged also in farming, and evi- dently was one of the leading men in his dis- trict. His first marriage, on March 23, 1815, was to Isabella Russell, of Westmoreland county, who died March 30, 1831. In May, 1832, Mr. Marshall married Isabella Clyde for his second wife. He died in 1853, sur- vived by children born to both marriages. By the first union his five children were: James R., Margaret, Archibald A., Mary and Isa- bella. By the second union there were four children : Jane, who married John Stewart; friends. Politically he is a Democrat, and for
William Lewis Marshall attended the coun- try schools in boyhood and the summer terms at Glade Run Academy in 1875-76-77, as well as one winter term, after which he turned his attention to farming, the management of the home farm falling on his shoulders. He owns the old Marshall farm of 135 acres, in Wayne township, and continued to operate it until 1910, when he moved to his present home nearer Dayton, Pa. He is well known all through Armstrong and adjoining counties, his business as agent for the Pine Creek Insur- ance Company calling him to many points, and during the twelve years of this connection he has not only done a large amount of insur- ance business but has made hosts of personal
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
the last six years has been serving in the office years. Mr. Moore was an early settler of what of tax collector.
On Oct. 14, 1879, Mr. Marshall was mar- ried to Sadie E. Beck, a daughter of Daniel Beck, deceased, late of Wayne township and Robert McMillen and his wife, Nancy, were formerly of Clarion county, Pa. They have the parents of ten children, viz .: William, de- had eight children, namely: Nancy Margaret ; ceased; Elizabeth Jane, deceased wife of John A. Humphreys; Lovina, deceased wife of Ja- cob Philips; Amos M .; John C., deceased ; Lucinda Downs, deceased; James Moore on the homestead; Craig H., deceased; Mary C., wife of George McDonnel, of Ford City, Pa., Oscar Reed, who resides in Illinois; James Walter, who left the home farm in December, 1912, and moved to Illinois, where he is now engaged in farming; Rosella, who is the wife of Charles Shaffer, residing at Dayton; John C., who lives in Illinois; Ira, who died at the and Adoniram J., of Kittanning, Pennsylvania. age of seven months; Alice II., and Nellie. Mr. Marshall and family belong to the Glade when his father moved to Mahoning township. Run Presbyterian Church.
AMOS MERCER McMILLEN, a carpen- ter, who has been a resident of Armstrong county, Pa., for sixty-three years, was born March 17, 1843, in what is now Porter town- ship, Clarion county, about one mile north- west of New Bethlehem, in a log house on the farm then owned by his father, Robert McMillen.
John McMillen, grandfather of Amos M., was born April 4, 1757, and his death occur- red Dec. 7, 1837, in his eighty-first year. His wife, Jane (Calhoon), was born Sept. 22, 1773, and died March 18, 1850. They had ten chil- dren: Mary married John Cochran; Jean- nette married Richard Beatty; Nancy mar- ried John Girt; John married Sarah Maxwell; William married Jane Moore; Margaret mar- ried Harmon Girts; Martha married Joseph Watterson; Robert is mentioned below; Wil- son married Mary Helen Maxwell; Betsey C. married Isaac McMillen.
is now Clarion county, and was a farmer by occupation. His wife was Mary Downs, born in 1782, died in 1832.
Amos M. McMillen was but eight years old Until he was married he lived on the farm as- sisting his father, and attending the common schools of the locality. He learned the carpen- ter's trade, which he has followed since 1865. He has been a manufacturer of frame timber, and a builder of barns, houses, etc. When tim- ber was harder to get he built balloon barns, after which he turned his attention entirely to the erection of dwellings, and he has put up some of the best buildings in New Bethlehem and vicinity. His work is exceedingly well done and he gives general satisfaction to all by whom he has been employed. Mr. McMil- len has been a resident of South Bethlehem since 1875, and spent his entire life in this vicinity, with the exception of the years from April, 1907, to October, 1910, when he lived in Canton, Ohio. Here he was a ruling elder in the Calvary Presbyterian Church. In 1868 he built a house just across the Red Bank creek where he lived until May 10, 1875, when he moved to South Bethlehem to the house in which he now lives, this house being the fourth dwelling built in that plot of lots. The town of South Bethlehem has steadily grown until it now has a population of five hundred inhabitants, with three schools and an elec- tion house. The largest flouring mill in Arm- strong county is located here, with a daily capacity of 125 barrels, and there is an electric plant which supplies light to the two boroughs.
Robert McMillen, son of John, was born Aug. 22, 18II. He came from Westmoreland county to Clarion county in early manhood, and settled on a tract of 400 acres near New Bethlehem, now owned by the Canton Hollow Brick & Tile Company. He aided his par- ents in clearing up a part of this tract, and in 185I sold it to William Henry, removing to Mahoning township, where he located on the Mr. McMillen married Dec. 24, 1868, Mary C., daughter of John and Caroline (Kel- ler) Heasly, of Kellersburg, Madison town- ship, Armstrong Co., Pa., and granddaughter of Henry and Mary (Reihard) Heasly, pio- neers of Madison township. On the maternal side she is a granddaughter of Nicholas and Catherine Keller, natives of Germany, and also pioneers of Madison township. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McMil- farm now owned by his son James Moore McMillen. This farm comprised fifty-two acres, and is on the hill about one and a half miles south of New Bethlehem, on the road from there to Putneyville. Here his death occurred Sept. 7, 1884. Mr. McMillen mar- ried Nancy Moore, who was born Feb. 2, 1819, in County Derry, Ireland, and died June 24, 1896. She was the daughter of William Moore, born in 1779, in County Derry, Ire- len, seven of whom survive: Oriola M. mar- land, who died Dec. 5, 1867, aged eighty-eight ried Dona Buzzard, and lives in Hoboken,
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Allegheny Co., Pa .; Henry H. is deceased; the Pennsylvania railroad and worked for the Clarence C. married Ada Ansell, and lives in company seventeen and a half years, being Pasadena, Cal .; Martha Iva Pearl married assistant section foreman during about twelve Charles R. Kumpf, and lives in Canton, Ohio; years of that period. In 1891 he purchased Ada Blanche married John D. Beck, and lives two and three quarters acres of land on which in Summerville, Jefferson Co., Pa .; Mateer there was a house, but later disposed of it, E. married Elsie Yeany and lives in Canton, and in 1907 bought 110 square rods, on which Ohio; Lillie M. married John D. Traister, and he has his home at present. The residence is lives at home (her husband died Feb. 3, 1907) ; a comfortable one, and there is also a store on Robert Fern married Lucy Stevens and lives in Canton, Ohio.
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