Biographical and historical cyclopedia of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Part 13

Author: Gresham, John M. cn; Wiley, Samuel T. cn
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia [Dunlap & Clarke]
Number of Pages: 1422

USA > Pennsylvania > Westmoreland County > Biographical and historical cyclopedia of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania > Part 13

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the same year, Senator Johnson received 168,- 522 votes for governor, while his democratic opponent, Morris Longstreth, received 168,225. As governor he took a great interest in the mining and manufacturing interests of the State, and it is due to his unceasing efforts that we have to-day the " Colonial Records " and " Pennsyl- vania Archives." IIe was nominated for re-elec- tion by the Whig party but was defcated. Upon retiring from office he engaged actively in busi- ness pursuits in western Pennsylvania for several years. During the late war he rendered valua- ble service in organizing troops for the Union army, in fortifying Pittsburg and aiding West Virginia with ammunition in a critical hour when she was invaded by a Confederate army. President Johnson appointed him collector of the port of Philadelphia, and, although he served efficiently for several months and made a splen- did record as a collector, yet he was rejected by the Senate on account of their hostility to the president.

On April 12, 1832, Governor Johnson mar- ried Mary Monteith. To their union were born five sons and two daughters.

Governor Johnson through life was a man of uncommon physical powers, iron will and untir- ing energy. Amid all his cares of business and responsibilities of office he preserved his reputa- tion for honesty, integrity and morality. His life of usefulness closed on October 25, 1872, when he passed to the unseen world. He left behind him a record of which his native county may well be proud, for he faithfully discharged all the duties of the various stations in life which he was called to fill.

OSEPII J. JOHNSTON, a prominent mem- ber of the bar, was born July 12, 1836, at Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county, Pa., and is a son of William and Julia Ann (Gorgas) Johnston. John Johnston (grandfather) was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, where he married

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Miss Mclaughlin, and with her emigrated to the United States shortly after their marriage, set- tling in Richmond, Va., whence he went to Fredericksburg, same State, thence to Hagers- town, Md., and finally to Carlisle, Pa., where he remained until his death. He was by trade a tinner and coppersmith, in religious belief a presbyterian and was the father of six children, four sons and two daughters, one of whom was William Johnston (father), who was born Decem- ber 25, 1800, in Fredericksburg, Va., but reared at Carlisle, Pa. From Carlisle William John- ston came to Westmoreland county, locating at Pleasant Unity about 1826 or 1828. Nearly all his life he followed his trade, which was the same as that of his father. Ile was an ardent demo- crat, served many years as justice of the peace, and in 1840 was elected to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, serving three terms, having twice been re-elected. He was tall in stature, courte- ous and popular, and a leading citizen of the county. He served in the Legislature previous to the adoption of the common school system, of which he was an earnest advocate and a strong supporter. His wife was Julia Ann, a daughter of Samuel Gorgas, of York county.

Joseph J. Johnston was educated in the public schools at the Sewickley academy, after which he was an assistant teacher in that academy and taught nine years in the schools of his native county. Having quit teaching, he was engaged for two years in the oil business in Venango county, and then began reading law with E. J. Keenan. He was admitted to the bar, and since that time has been successfully practicing his profession. Although an earnest, faithful and able democrat he has never aspired to political office but takes a great interest in the public schools, having been a member of the board since 1869. Ile is a member of Philanthropy Lodge, No. 225, A. Y. M., a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight Templar, and has taken the Mystic Shrine, one of the highest degrees of Masonry.

In 1859 Joseph J. Johnston was married to

Louisa C., a daughter of Jesse Kilgore, of Hemp- field township, this county, and they have eight children : John K., supervisor on the Monon- gahela city divison of the P. V. & C. R. R. ; Anna Mary, wife of William C. Peoples, an at- torney of Greensburg ; William A., a civil engi- neer and assistant supervisor of the P. R. R. at Philadelphia ; Jesse K., a civil engineer; Wil- helmina, a graduate of the Greensburg high school; Joseph B., a telegrapher ; Gertrude and Bessie L. Joseph J. Johnston is a modest and unassuming gentleman, who possesses considera- ble ability and an unblemished reputation.

EORGE M. JONES,

Greensburg, Westmoreland county. Pa.

J 'OSEPH W. B. KAMERER is a popular physician of Greensburg, whose many years of skillful and successful practice have made him distinguished in his profession. Ile was born three-fourths of a mile east of Penn station, in Hempfield (now Penn) town- ship, Westmoreland county, Pa., September 29, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Kamerer. Among the worthy German pioneer settlers of Hempfield township was Dr. Kamerer's paternal great-grandfather, who came with his family from Morrison's Cove, Bedford county, in 1780. IIe settled about the time that the Clines, Detars, Drums, Mechlings, Turneys, Walthours, Byerlys and numerous other staid, hardy, thrifty and intelligent Ger- man families came into the country, and these German pioneers to a large extent gave char- acter to the township, and from them have de- scended many honorable and honored citizens of Westmoreland and adjacent counties. The doc- tor's grandfather, Adam Kamerer, was born in Bedford county and came with his father, Lewis Kamerer, to Westmoreland in 1780. HIe mar-

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ried a Miss Smith, and one of his sons, Joseph, was born July 14, 1803. Joseph Kamerer was a very successful farmer, an active democrat, an earnest member of the German Reformed church, and who died April 6; 1851. At his death he left considerable wealth, all of which he had ac- quired by hard work and good management. On January 4, 1827, he married Elizabeth Smith, who was born December 16, 1806, and passed away October 17. 1879. They had nine chil- dren, of whom three sons and two daughters are living. Mrs. Kamerer's father, Simon Smith, was of German descent and a soldier of the war of 1812. His wife was a member of the Whitehead family, who were pioneer settlers near Irwin station, this county.

Dr. Kamerer received his education in the common schools, Irwin and Harrison City acad- emies, and learned the languages under a pri- vate tutor, who was a fine linguist. At twenty- one years of age he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. M. Stevenson at Adams- burg, now of East End, Pittsburg, Pa., matric- ulating in the fall of 1869 in Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, from which well-known institution he was graduated March 12, 1871. Immediately after graduation he commenced practice at Larimer's station, Westmoreland county, Pa., and there followed his profession with fair success for about one year. In 1873 he removed to Penn station, where he remained for over a year. Since 1874 he has been a practicing physician at Greensburg.

On July 24, 1879, Dr. Kamerer was united in marriage to Miriam E. Trauger, a daughter of Solomon Trauger. They have one child, a son : Paul Trauger Kamerer, who was born April 28, 1883.

Dr. J. W. B. Kamerer is a member of Ener- getic Lodge, No. 76, Knights of Honor, West- moreland Lodge, No. 518. A. Y. M., and Cen- tennial Lodge, No. 100, A. O. U. W. Ile is a democrat who believes implicitly in the cardinal principles of the Democratic party and is an at-

tendant upon the services of the Presbyterian church. Ilis practice is extensive and he com- mands the confidence of the public.

EONARD KECK. A man of great en- ergy and special business abilities and proprietor of the " Five mammoth stores " at Greensburg is Leonard Keck, who, during his active business career has won a measure of success second to no other member in commer- cial circles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Leon- ard Keck was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, April 12, 1849, and is the youngest son of Christian and Rosa (Schwartz) Keck. Chris- tian Keck was a son of Adam Keck, a farmer and native of Wurtemburg. He was a farmer by occupation, a regular attendant and strict member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and died in the " Fatherland " October 9, 1881. In 1832 he married Rosa Schwartz, daughter of Andrew Schwartz. They had ten children, of whom nine are living.

Leonard Keck was reared on a farm, received his education in the pay schools of Germany and learned the trade of linen weaver, which he fol- lowed for two years. At seventeen years of age he resolved to seek his fortune in the United States, and accordingly he with his brother Frederick embarked on a westward bound vessel and landed at New York city June 28, 1866. Not securing any remunerative employment in the metropolis of the new world, he came to western Pennsylvania, where he dug coal and worked at whatever offered to his hand for three years. His beginning, while not auspicious, was indicative of persistent energy and an entire willingness to labor unceasingly. In 1869 he removed to Greensburg, where he became a clerk in the store of Donohoe & Bro., who had a large German custom, and Mr. Keck was employed by thein on account of his being able to speak the German language. Mr. Keck had now en- tered upon the business for which he was emi-

Leonard Heck.

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nently qualified. For eleven years he remained in their employ, where he acquired the actual ex- perience necessary to successfully conduct large mercantile interests. In 1880 he left the well- known firm of Donahoe & Bro. and engaged in business for himself. He opened a small store on Main street, where his room was not one-half as large as any one of the five departments of his present mammoth business establishment. This initial effort of his in the mercantile business was about the time when Greensburg first began to give promise of her future importance as an in- dustrial and commercial center of western Penn- sylvania. For six years he successfully con- ducted his Main street store, never interesting himself in politics or engaging in speculations, but gave his entire time and attention to his busi- ness. Securing only reasonable profits on legiti- mate transactions, he soon acquired a patronage and a volume of business that required for its accommodation a far larger room and stock of goods than he then owned. To meet this de- mand he enlarged his present site on South Main street near the court-house.

On October 23, 1873, Mr. Keck was married to Lydia A. HIons, daughter of George Hons, of New Stanton, Pa. They have four children : Joseph Edward, born June 30, 1875; Charles Warden, June 26, 1877; Anna Marie, August 29, 1885, and Helen Winifred, January 3, 1888.

On the basis of honorable dealing Mr. Keck has built up an immense trade, and his large business establishment is divided into five com- modious rooms or departments. The first room or store is the clothing, hat, cap and gent's fur- nishing department; the second is filled with dry goods and notions ; the third contains boots and shoes ; the fourth is stocked with wall pa- pers, oil cloth and carpets, and the fifth is de- voted to groceries and queensware. Each de- partment is under the charge of an experienced manager and every attention is given to accom- modate the public. His sales yearly are in the

neighborhood of $200,000. ITis establishment is the representative house in the mercantile trade of Westmoreland county ; every foot of its great area of floor space is needed for an adequate display of the stock and goods, and among its patrons are numbered the leading families of the town and county. Mr. Keck is one of the most active and prominent citizens of Westmoreland county and is a model business man. He takes a deep interest in the material and commercial welfare of Greensburg, and is strictly honest, a plain, unpretending, straight- forward man of business experience, great en- ergy and executive ability.

DWARD W. KEENAN, a popular young democrat of Westmoreland county, is a son of Major John B. and Lucy (West) Keenan, and was born at Youngstown, Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1857. Ilis paternal grandfather, James Keenan, was a miller of Youngstown. He married Isabella Johnson, by whom he had seven children. Ilis maternal grandfather, Robert West. kept one of the early hostelries of Youngstown. His father, Major John B. Keenan, was born in Youngs- town February 12, 1832, and fell at the head of his command in the battle of Spottsylvania court house, May 8, 1864. Major Keenan was a hotel keeper at Youngstown until the breaking out of the late war, when he raised Co. K, eleventh Reg. Pa. Vols. and was com- missioned its captain. At Manassas Gap, in the thickest of the fight he was struck in the right shoulder by a minnie-ball which deprived him of all use of his right arm as long as he lived. For gallantry he was promoted to be major and was always at the head of his command until he was killed. He was a democrat and left five children: Edward W, Frank, clerk at the Fisher house; Mary E. wife of II. A. Donnelly of Latrobe, and two who are dead. Major Keenan's many good

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qualities endeared him to his numerous friends. Ilis death was a shock to the people of the entire county and was deeply regretted by all.

Edward W. Keenan was educated in the pub- lic schools of Youngstown. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, he engaged at an early age in hotel-keeping. With his brother he next conducted the Keenan house. In 1883 they took charge of the Fisher IIouse at Greensburg, and conducted it until September, 1886. He leased the Parker House in 1886 for two years ; since the expiration of this lease he has not been engaged in any business.

On January 10, 1884, he was married to Anna Jack (nee Eason), widow of William Jack of Greensburg, and daughter of John Eason, of Indiana county, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan had one child : J. Hilary, born January 23, 1885. Mrs. Keenan died November 6, 1885. E. W. Keenan takes an active part in political matters, and in June, 1889, he was a candidate for the democratic nomination for sheriff. Ile made no canvass, yet he received nearly two thousand votes and was next to the nominee. He is pop- ular and well known throughout the county.

A. KEENER, a popular young justice of the peace of Greensburg, was born May 21, 1851, in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pa. His father, Michael Keener, was born in the same township in 1813. He was a democrat, was elected commissioner of Westmoreland county and served one term during the war. He also served as jury com- missioner and was clerk of the board of county commissioners for several years. For many years he was an influential worker in his party, and was a member and an officer in the Lutheran church. He died in December, 1888, being confined to his bed for fifteen years before his death. He bore his sufferings patiently ; he was a man of great force of character, possessed a wonderful memory and was universally respected

for his many good traits of character. For twenty-one years, he taught school; he was a great reader and a man of scholarly attainments. His wife was Elizabeth Snyder, a native of Greensburg, who was born in 1813. She is living in good health and is a daughter of Adam Snyder, who was born in Hempfield township. Adam Snyder was a son of Adam Snyder, who came to the county from Germany and was one of the pioneers of Western Pennsylvania. Mi- chael Keener (paternal grandfather) was proba- bly born in Scotland.

W. A. Keener received his education in the common schools and at the Greensburg academy. For some years he was engaged in the business of butchering with Herman Hamel. In 1883 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace and served so acceptably to the people that he was re-elected to the same office in 1888. He is a democrat, a member of the First Re- formed church of Greensburg, Pa., and is a member of several beneficial societies. He was married to Miss Barbara, a daughter of Benja- min Eiseman, of Hempfield township, April 30, 1874. Their marriage has been blessed with five children, now living : John M., born May 19, 1875; William A., September 2, 1877; C. R. Defenbacher, June 13, 1884; Violet Be- atrice, October 27, 1886, and Benjamin Eise- man, December 19, 1888. Walter, born De- cember 3, 1879; died September 1, 1885, and Herman Henry, July 5, 1881; died April 3, 1882.

L. KEFFER. The wonderful develop- ment of the mineral wealth and the rapid increase of the population of Westmore- land county has created a great demand for flouring mill supplies, and the outgrowth of this demand has been the establishment of some as fine flouring mills as can be found in the State. Of this number is the Derry Roller Flour Mill, whose proprietor, H. L. Keffer, is one of the

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foremost business men of the county. lle is a son of Captain Michael and Jane (Clark) Keffer, and was born in Ligonier township, Westmore- Jand county, Pa., October 28, 1832. The American branch of the Keffer family traces its ancestry back through three generations to Michael Keffer (grandfather), who was born at Berlin, now capital of the German Empire but then of the Prussian kingdom. He came to Somerset county, Pa., where he was one of the founders of the beautiful town of Berlin. He served in the war of 1812, was a German Lu. theran and a man of excellent character. One of his children was Captain Michael Keffer, who was born at Berlin, Pa., June 3, 1811, and passed away on April 5, 1884. His wife was Jane Clark, who was born July 9, 1810, and survived him but one day. She was a daughter of John Clark, a leading citizen of Westmore- land county and sister to Hon. James Clark, who served as one of the governors of Iowa territory. (For extended notice of John Clark see sketch of J. C. Keffer). Captain Michael Keffer commanded a volunteer company called the " Ligonier Blues " for many years. He reared a family of ten children and gave all of them a good education. Of these children, who grew up to be respectable men and women, seven are yet living. He was an old line whig until 1854, when Know-Nothingism drove him into the Democratic party and all his sons became demo- crats. Ile was an earnest member and pillar of strength of the Evangelical Lutheran church, of which his entire family were members. An earnest advocate of the free school system, an exemplary citizen and a Christian gentleman, his loss was deeply felt in his township, where he commanded the respect of all who knew him.

II. L. Keffer received his education in the common schools and Latrobe High school. At seventeen years of age he engaged in teaching, which he pursued for four years and then turned his attention to farming which he followed for

two years. Ile next embarked in the general mercantile business at Youngstown, where he remained for three years. In 1887 he came to Greensburg and entered into partnership with his brother, J. C. Keffer, in the grain business. Two years later he purchased an interest in the Greensburg flouring mill, which he disposed of early in 1890 and became a member of the firm of Keffer Bros. They purchased the " Derry Roller Flour Mill," and are manufacturers of flour, corn meal, chop, etc., and dealers in all kinds of grain. The mill is thoroughly equipped, has the roller process and a capacity of seventy- five barrels per day. They have a fine local custom besides shipping flour and mill-feed to many points outside of the county.

On January 22, 1880, HI. L. Keffer united in marriage with Maggie McClelland, a daughter of Archibald McClelland of Pittsburg, who is an architect and contractor and whose wife was Mary Funk, by whom he had six children. The McClellands are of Scotch-Irish descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Keffer have been born three sons and two daughters : Nellie, George, who died of diphtheria in 1889; Jennie, John and Harry M. (dead).

II. L. Keffer is a democrat and a member and officer of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

OHN CLARK KEFFER, ex-prothonotary of this county, chief burgess of Greens- burg, and a judicious business man of strict integrity, was born on the old Keffer home- stead farm in Ligonier township, Westmoreland county, Pa., June 23, 1837, and is a son of Captain Michael and Jane (Clark) Keffer, His paternal grandfather, Michael Keffer, was born

at Berlin, Germany, and came to Somerset county, Pa., where he became one of the founders of the town of Berlin, which was so named at his suggestion in honor and remembrance of the capital city of the " Fatherland." Ile was a soldier in the war of 1812, but would never

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apply for a pension. He was a whig, a mem- ber of the German Lutheran church and was twice married. Ilis maternal grandfather, John Clark, was one of the most prominent and sub- stantial citizens of the county in his day. Hle served for several years as justice of the peace at Ligonier, was appointed prothonotary of Westmoreland county by Gov. Joseph Ritner, was elected to the same office by the people in 1840, and died in 1842 while serving his second term. His records are among the finest to be found in the county. His wife was Mary Ram- sey, who bore him nine children. One of his sons, James Clark, was governor of Iowa terri- tory, while another served in the post-office department in Washington city. Captain Mich- ael Keffer was born at Berlin, Pa., June 3, 1811, and died April 5, 1884. He married Jane Clark, by whom he had ten children, of whom seven are living. (For further account of Captain Keffer, see sketch of II. L. Keffer.)

John C. Keffer attended the common schools of Ligonier township and Sewickley academy. He commenced life as a school teacher in his native county, where he taught thirteen consecu- ive terms. He spent four years in farming and was engaged in the mercantile business for thirteen years, during the most of which time he conducted a store at Latrobe. In 1883 Mr. Keffer came to Greensburg, where he has resided ever since.

Ile was united in marriage October 19, 1865, with Lottie S. Lobingier, a daughter of John C. Lobingier of Mt. Pleasant township, who is a descendant of the old and honorable Lobingier family which was so conspicuous in the Revolu- tionary history of Eastern Pennsylvania and Westmoreland county.

J. C. Keffer is a member of the firm of Keffer Bros., proprietors of the " Derry Roller Flour Mill." In 1863 he enlisted in Co. F, fifty-fourth regiment, l'a. Militia, and served in Ohio in the force that captured Gen. John II. Morgan. Ile is a member of Zion Lutheran

church, of Greensburg, and P. A. Williams Post, No. 4, G. A. R. Mr. Koffer has always been an active democrat. He served from 1883 to 1886 as prothonotary of Westmoreland county, and at the February election of 1890 he was elected chief burgess of Greensburg. His course of action as a public officer has always been in the best interests of the people of Greensburg and the county ; his career as a business man has been distinguished for honesty and fair dealing, and his life as a private citizen has been such as to reflect honor upon him.

DWARD B. KENLEY, a Union veteran of the civil war, and a prominent and successful business man, is the eldest son of Richard B. and Lucinda (Turney) Kenley, and was born (near Harvey's five points) in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pa., March 5, 1845. His great-grandfather, Richard Kenley, a native of Howard county, Md., re- moved with his two brothers to Philadelphia, Pa., where he met and married a Miss Harmer. She was a member of an aristocraticand wealthy family of Philadelphia. Her sister was the wife of Gen. O'Hara of Revolutionary fame, who was a trusted friend of Washington. llis grandfather, Dr. Charles J. Kenley, was a practicing physician of Philadelphia ; leaving there in 1830 he came to Franklin township. Westmoreland county, where he lived a retired life for many years. He inherited great wealth, was a luxurious liver, liberal in all his dealings and lost many thousand dollars by endorsing for his friends. When at about sixty-five years of age his horse threw him and he died from the injuries received. Although fond of high living and open-handed in his hospitality he left con- siderable wealth to his family. His wife, Clarissa Saylor, was of English descent and a member of a Philadelphia family of high social standing. Dr. and Mrs. Kenley had five children, four daughters and one son, who grew

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to man and womanhood. His father, Richard B. Kenley, was born in Philadelphia, February 2, 1821, who with his father came to Franklin town- ship when at the age of nine years. Ile started in the drug business for himself, but soon left the drug trade and operated for two years a general merchandise store at Weaver's Old Stand. After his retirement from the mercantile business he removed to Ludwick in 1857, where he engaged in the grocery business and at the same time opened the first lumber yard in Westmoreland county of which we have any knowledge. Ilis death occurred March 9, 1887. Iu May, 1843, he was married to Lucinda Turney, a daughter of Jacob Turney and a sister to Hon. Jacob Turney (see sketch of the Turneys). To Mr. and Mrs. Kenley were born eleven children : Edward B., Mar- garet T., Lucy, Nannie, wife of Robert Hughan, an engineer ; Carrie L., Charles Harmer, as- sistant cashier of the First National bank of Jeannette. Mrs. Kenley was born September 25, 1819.

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Biographical and historical cyclopedia of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Part 13

Author: Gresham, John M. cn; Wiley, Samuel T. cn Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia [Dunlap & Clarke] Number of Pages: 1422

Author: Gresham, John M. cn; Wiley, Samuel T. cn
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia [Dunlap & Clarke]
Number of Pages: 1422