Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 100

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1358

USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 100
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 100
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 100
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 100

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Wirt was born in Dauphin county, Penn., in July, 1826, a son of Solomon and Mary (Noll) Wirt, who brought their family to Centre county, when our subject was seventeen years old. A farmer by occupation, the father located upon Penn creek, in Penn township, where he oper- ated rented land, but later purchased a tract in Haines township, where he spent his remaining years. He died, however, in Dauphin county, in 1867, while on a visit, but his body was brought back and interred in the cemetery at Aaronsburg, where his wife, who died at the age of eighty-four years, was also laid to rest. They were consistent members of the Evangelical Church, and held in the highest regard by all who knew them. Although the father began life a poor man, by dint of hard work he succeeded in becoming well-to-do.

Our subject was the eldest in a family of eight children, the others being as follows: Elias, a resident of Brush Valley, Centre county; Josiah, of Aaronsburg: William, of Sugar Valley: Mary A., widow of William Guismite, and a res- ident of Woodward, Centre county; Amanda, wife of Frank Weaver, of Aaronsburg; Susan, wife of William Bear, of Rebersburg, Centre

county; and Caroline, wife of Emanuel Swartz, of Brush Valley.

George Wirt was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, and in the German school near his home received a fair education. In Novem- ber, 1848, by Rev. Sebastian Musser, Mr. Wirt was married to Miss Susannah Zerley, who was born in Gregg township, Centre county, August 20, 1826, a daughter of Philip and Hannah (Sun- day) Zerley. Her twin sister, Mrs. Sarah Au- man, is also still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Wirt were born five children: Sarah, who married John Breon, of Millheim, and has one child ;. Emma, wife of Al Keen, of Penn township, by whom she has nine children; Mary, widow of William Grimes, of Penn township, by whom she had three children; and Henry and Catharine, who died in childhood.

Mr. Wirt began his domestic life upon the old Wilson farm in Haines township, which he rented for twelve years, and for the long period of twenty-one years lived on the farm of Philip Gephart, near Millheim. In March, 1882, he purchased from his brother William a farm con- sisting of eighty acres of fine land. In his en- deavors to secure a home he was ably assisted by his faithful wife, who indeed proved a helpmeet to him, and is one of the best house-keepers to be found anywhere .- They were widely and fa- vorably known throughout this section of the county, with whose interests they were identified for so many years. The political support of Mr. Wirt was given the principles and candidates of the Democratic party, with which his father was also identified. That he was a thorough and skillful farmer was evidenced by the long period which he operated the two rented farms, where his successors have signally failed. In August, 1896, Mr. Wirt laid aside the cares of life, and passed to the realms of rest and peace.

R OBERT SMITH, a prominent resident of Spring Mills, Centre county, now retired from active business, is a self-made man whose present prosperity shows unusual ability as a financier. the foundation of his success having been laid by his savings as a mechanic. He is a man of few words, and in manner is quiet and unassuming; but while devoting himself exclu- sively to his own business he has always won a degree of respect from his fellow citizens which some who seek popular favor fail to secure.

Mr. Smith was born February 5. 1841, in Haines township, Centre county, near Fiedler P. O., where his parents, Charles and Elizabeth (Schnure) Smith, owned a farm. He was the

485

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

youngest of a family of five children-three sons and two daughters-and was reared after the usual custom in that time and locality, assisting in the * chores" at home, and securing such in- struction as he could in the schools of the neigh- borhood. His first teacher was J. G. Meyer, who conducted a subscription school in the St. Paul district. At that time the present system of free schools had not been introduced there, but a few years later the change was made, his first teacher under the new order being Jake Lukenbach. The opportunities afforded were much inferior to those of the present time, and Mr. Smith feeling his own deprivation is a firm friend to the policy of securing for every child in the commonwealth a chance to receive a thor- ough education.

At eighteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade with Squire Rinehart, and after one year engaged in work as a journeyman. Having a laudable desire to see something of the world, he spent some years in traveling about, working at his trade in various places from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and visiting the main points of inter- est in this country. In 1873, weary of roving, and with a mind well stored with the practical information thus gained, he returned to Centre county and located at Bellefonte, entering the employ of W. V. Hughes, as an ordinary work- man. By the end of a year he had shown such marked ability in all lines of work, that he was made foreman, and this responsible position he held some thirteen years, overseeing the con- struction of many important buildings from foun- dation to roof. He then undertook, on his own account, the contract for the Reformed church building at Aaronsburg, and after the successful completion of that work he went to Cali- fornia, and spent two years visiting friends and doing some work as occasion offered. On his return in 1889, he resumed his old position with Mr. Hughes and superintended the con- struction of two buildings at Johnstown, Penn .- the Library and the Cambria Iron Company's store-replacing those destroyed by the flood. In the fall of 1891 he gave up. his position and in the latter part of 1892 he purchased from the Barcroft estate some valuable property, at Spring Mills, comprising a hotel, which he sold in 1896, two residences, and two store buildings. These he placed in thorough repair, and since February, 1893, he has made his home at Spring Mills, his elegant and luxuriously furnished resi- dence being a delightful spot in which to pass his well-earned leisure. He was married at Belle- fonte, in 1890, to Miss Emma Heckman, of Penn Hall, daughter of John F. and Fietta (Fisher)

Heckman. Two children have blessed this union: Rosa, born in January, 1891, and Ruth, born May 1, 1896. Mr. Smith and his wife are lead- ing members of the Reformed Church, and he has held office as deacon and elder therein. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. of Bellefonte.

Mr. Smith has worked hard and made a thrifty disposition of his earnings, and has neither been extravagant nor practiced undue self-denial in order to accumulate his fortune. - In his polit- ical views he is a Republican, and his first vote in a Presidential campaign was cast, in 1864, for Abraham Lincoln. He is a regular voter, and takes much interest in the success of his party, but has never been an office seeker.

H B. HARTSWICK. This gentleman, who spent his early manhood in active business, and mainly in agricultural pursuits, is now living retired on a fine farm in Ferguson township, Centre county, where he has made his home since 1868. It is a most beautiful place, pleas- antly situated within a half mile of State College, and plainly indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. A man of great energy and more than ordinary business capacity, his success in life has been largely due to his own efforts, and the sound judgment by which he has taken good advantage of his own resources.

Mr. Hartswick was born in Harris township, Centre county, and is a son of Christian and Mary (Miller) Hartswick. also natives of Centre county, where they were married January 2, 1830. By trade the father was a blacksmith. His father, who was a native of Holland. crossed the Atlan- tic to the New World in 1792, landing at Phila- delphia, while his wife (who was a Miss Boozer) was born in Switzerland. Our subject was third in order of birth in their family of eight children, the others being as follows: (1) Dr. John G. was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine for forty years in Clearfield, Penn., and for two years in Hublersburg, Centre county; he died in March, 1896, leaving a widow and one son and one daughter. (2) Margaret is the widow of Henry Evey, who was killed at the battle of Spottsylvania during the Civil war, and left seven children. (4) Adam M. married Sarah Mothers- baugh, of Altoona. Penn. (5) Christian died in 1853, in his seventeenth year. (6) Elizabeth died in May, 1841, at the age of six years. (7) May J. died in Clearfield, Penn., in 1891. (S) William H., born in 1841, died the same year.

In the free schools of Centre county, H. B. Hartswick acquired his literary education, and in 1852 he began teaching before there was a super-

486

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

intendent of schools in Pennsylvania. For a time he followed that profession, but throughout the greater part of his business career he engaged in farming with good success. On March 20, 1861, he married Miss Margaret Neidigh, and to them were born seven children (three of whom survive): (1) Anna M. died in infancy. (2) Clara E.died August 1, 1890, when in her twenty- fifth year; she would have graduated the follow- ing year from the State College of Pennsylvania. (3) J. Milton, born November 4, 1868, married Helen McCalmont, and has three children; he was educated in the State College, and is a teacher by profession, making his home in Fer- guson township. (4) Naomi died in infancy. (5) Newton Neidigh, born August 10, 1872, married Elizabeth Thomas, and lives in Ferguson town- ship; he also was educated in the State College, and is now successfully engaged in teaching. (6) Adam H., born February 16, 18-, married Annie Clinger. (7) Christian W., born January 29, 1879, died July 26, 1884.

Mr. Hartswick is not an active politician, but quietly votes, as his sentiments and beliefs dic- tate, with the Republican party. A conscientious, Christian gentleman, he is a faithful member of the Reformed Church. Intelligent, affable and courteous, he is a true type of an American citi- zen, and his circle of friends throughout the community is only limited by his circle of ac- quaintances.

J AMES HENDERSON. Among the active and energetic agriculturists of Centre county, there is probably no more prominent figure than this gentleman, who owns and operates a good farm in Benner township. On starting out in life for himself he engaged in the lumber busi- ness, which he continued to follow for twenty years, but since 1871 he has turned his attention to farming, in which he has met with a fair de- gree of success.

Mr. Henderson is a son of Hugh and Mar- garet (Gamble) Henderson, the former of whom was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland. In their family were six children: Thomas, who died in Clearfield county, Penn., in 1893; Robert, a retired farmer of College township, Centre coun- ty; one whose name is not given, a farmer, who died in Clearfield county; Samuel, a retired fariner of Blair county, Penn. ; Jaines, of this sketch; and Margaret, who is living in Clearfield county.

On reaching manhood, James Henderson was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Mathers. who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and in

1847, with her parents, came to America, locat- ing in Clearfield county, Penn. Of this union six children were born, as follows: (1) Robert M., a resident of Benner township, Centre county, married Rachel Hinton, and has two children. (2) Sophronia married C. L. Knox, and in 1884 removed to Minnesota, where the husband died, after which she returned to Centre county in 1891, and now makes her home in Bellefonte: she has five children. (3) B. K., also a resident of Bellefonte, was married in 1895 to Jennie Taylor. (4) Mabel E. and (5) Calvin L. are next in order of birth. (6) Emma L., a most accomplished lady, is still with her parents.

Mr. Henderson is practically a self-made man, having commenced life with no capital except strong arms, an iron constitution, and an energy of purpose that was bound to win. His fine farm is a standing monument to his industry, perse- verance and good management, coupled with economy and a praiseworthy frugality. He is a stalwart Democrat in politics, and a consistent and active member of the Presbyterian Church.

D AVID ATHERTON, a member of the well- known firm of Jackman & Atherton, Philips- burg, Centre county, is widely known in business circles as a man of undoubted integrity, conduct- ing his interests with ability and strict regard to details. He is a worthy representative of a prominent English family, and was born in Liver- pool, England, February 11, 1858, a son of Will- iam and Sophia (Bessett) Atherton, who spent their entire lives in that country. The father was a quiet, unassuming man, a coal operator by occupation, and a member of the Wesleyan Church, to which his wife also belonged. He died in 1875, at the age of sixty-six years, and she passed away two years previously at the age of sixty-two.

Ten children were born to this worthy couple, namely: Robert, who is now living a retired life in Liverpool: Thomas, who is engaged in the butchering business in Leigh, Lancashire, Eng- land; Abraham, a lead-pipe manufacturer, of Prescott, England; Hannah, wife of James Baines. ex-police superintendent of Lancashire: James B., a manufacturer of insulating electric wire in Prescott, England, owning one of the largest plants in the country, worth a million dollars; Sarah, wife of James Kerfoot, who is interested in a grist mill in Leigh, England; Jacob, who is with his brother James in business; Job, who is connected with coal mining in England, and died in 1893. at the age of twenty-six years; and Da- vid, of this review. Our subject, who is the only

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

487

one of the family living in this country, has twenty-six nieces and twenty-eight nephews.

Until sixteen years of age David Atherton at- tended school, thus acquiring a good practical education. He then began his business career as a bricklayer, and for eight years successfully engaged in contracting along that line in his na- tive land, making his home with his parents un- til twenty years of age. In 1881 he crossed the Atlantic to America, and for a year and a half was a resident of Wellsville, Ohio, where he contracted in brick laying. Coming to Philips- burg, he was for several years engaged in the same business here, and erected all of the State College buildings in Centre county with the ex- ception of the old stone one. He also put up a National Bank building in Huntingdon county, Penn. For the past three years, however, he has been connected with the coal interests of Centre county in partnership with E. R. Jack- man, owning and operating the Colorado mine No. 3, located on Beach road, Cambria Co., Penn., which covers 420 acres. It has a capac- ity of 100,000 tons per year of the best bitumi- nous coal. Mr. Atherton is also sole owner of the Juniata Coal mine, located on the Pennsyl- vania railroad in Cambria county, which covers 106 acres and has a capacity of 60,000 tons an- nually. He has met with a well-deserved suc- cess in his business venture, is straightforward and reliable in all transactions, and from the pub- lic receives a liberal patronage, for his honorable dealing and courteous treatment commend him to the confidence of all.

In Philipsburg, May 16, 1888, Mr. Atherton was united in marriage with Miss Emma L. Goldman. They are consistent and earnest mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a Republican. He is a leader in musical circles, taking a prominent part in promoting that art throughout the county. He comes of a family which is noted for its musical talent, its members being naturally good instrumental and vocal musicians. In disposition he is genial, in manner courteous and affable, and those who know him recognize the true worth of his char- acter, and therefore entertain for him the high- est regard.

H A. MOORE, the well-known druggist and postmaster at Howard, Centre county, is a native of the county, having been born at Pleas- ant Gap, March 15, 1854, a son of Agnew and Mary (Furey) Moore, who were born, reared and married in Centre county.

There the parents continued to remain until

1878, when they removed to Missoula, Mont., where the father engaged in contracting and building until his death, December 28, 1892, when he was aged sixty-four years. He was one of the prominent and influential citizens of the place, a leader in the ranks of the Democracy, and serving as alderman at the time of his death. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs. She was born March 13, 1836, and is still a resident of Missoula. Her parents, William P. and Rachel (Williams) Furey, spent their entire lives in Centre county. Her father was called upon to serve in several official positions, being county commissioner nine years, commissioner's clerk six years, and justice of the peace at the time of his death, which occurred in Bellefonte. The paternal grandparents of our subject, Thomas and Mary (Riddle) Moore, were natives of Scot- land and County Down, Ireland, respectively. At an early day they came to America, and they were married in Centre county, Penn., where they spent the remainder of their lives. For a number of years the grandfather served as man- ager of the Hickley ore mines in the county, and also engaged in farming.

Our subject is the eldest in a family of eleven children, the others being: Rachel J., wife of Abraham Weber, a merchant of Howard, Penn .: Mary R., who is with her mother; Clara, wife of John Bloilean, of Missoula, Mont .; William, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Thomas, a jeweler of Bellefonte, Penn .; Emina, at home: Ralph, second assistant bookkeeper for the Northern Pacific railroad at Missoula; and three who died in infancy. Until he was eighteen years of age, Howard A. remained under the pa- rental roof, attending school, and assisting his father at carpentering during the summer months. After leaving home he served an apprenticeship under Dr. C. H. Else, a druggist, of Milesburg, Penn., with whom he remained for three years. He then established his present store in Howard. and has since carried on a large and profitable drug business.

On June 24, 1876, Mr. Moore married Miss Laura Ryman, and they have three children: Claude C., a jeweler, of Bellefonte; and Mabel C. and Chester A., at home. Mrs. Moore was born in Milesburg, Centre county, March 27. 1854, a daughter of Jacob and Ellen (Lucas) Ryman, who were also natives of that county. Her father was a well-known miller of Milesburg, where he died December 28. 1876, at the age of fifty-five years. Politically he gave his earnest support to the Republican party. "His wife passed away January 4, 1894, at the ripe old age of sev-

488

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

enty-eight years and six months. In their family were four children: Elizabeth, widow of D. H. Parsons, of Altoona, Penn .; Augustus, who died at the age of forty-three years; Miles, a huxter; and Laura, wife of our subject. Her paternal grandparents were David and Elizabeth Ryman, who died in Milesburg, where the former had fol- lowed milling. Her maternal grandfather, Charles Lucas, was a native of Centre county.

Mr. Moore has won for himself a place among the representative business inen of Howard, and is also numbered among its leading and influen- tial citizens, whose sterling worth and many ex- cellent traits of character have found just recog- nition. In 1876 he was elected town clerk, which office he filled for one year; was a mem- ber of the school board nine years; council- man three years; and in May, 1885, was first appointed postmaster at Howard, which position he has since filled to the satisfaction of all concerned, being reappointed in May, 1890, and again on September 21, 1893. He has proved a most popular and efficient officer, dis- charging his duties with the utmost fidelity. Fra- ternally he holds membership in Lick Run Lodge No. 311, I. O. O. F., of Howard; and Bellefonte Lodge No. 268, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat. In manner he is genial and affable, and has the esteem of many friends and acquaint- ances.

T HOMAS F. BRUNGART, one of the lead- ing agriculturists of Centre county, residing near Wolfs Store, has evidently solved the problem of making farming pay even in "hard times." A shrewd and systematic manager, he adapts his crops to the market, and when one article falls in price he takes pains to cultivate some other in which there is more profit, thus securing good returns. He belongs to one of the old families of Miles township, Centre county, and was born upon the same farm upon which his father, Samuel Brungart, first saw the light.

Martin Brungart, his great-grandfather, was one of the first settlers there, bringing with him his family, among whom was Jacob. the second son, who was born January 15, 1786, and died September 5, 1862. Jacob Brungart owned and cultivated the homestead which is now the prop- erty of our subject, his grandson, and was one of the successful farmers of his day. In 1813 he was drafted; but being so situated that he could not enter the army without great sacrifice, he hired William P. Brady, of Aaronsburg, as a substitute, giving him $60 and a pair of shoes. Jacob Brungart had six sons -- John, George,

Frederick, Martin, Jacob and Samuel; and six daughters-Mary (Mrs. John Heckman), Susan (Mrs. John Weaver), Catherine (Mrs. Adam Bair), Margaret (Mrs. Jacob Smeltzer), Regina (who married John Shaffer), and Sarah (wife of William Johnson). Of this family, those yet living are Frederick, and Sarah, the wife of Will- iam Johnson.

Samuel Brungart, our subject's father, born April 21, 1825, was among the younger children of this large family. Farm work was then as plentiful in winter as in summer, and conse- quently he attended school but little. He pos- sessed unusual mental ability, however, and an excellent memory enabled him to make the most of such opportunities as came in his way, mak- ing him quite competent to transact business so great that, although he had never been instructed in a trade, he could make the various kinds of tools required in farm work. This faculty was also displayed in the management of his farms, his success being so uniform that his plans and methods were eagerly adopted by the progressive farmers of the neighborhood." He was larger than the average man, and did much hard work in his lifetime, gaining a success which, all things considered, was remarkable. Firm and steadfast in his ideas, he remained throughout life a stanch Democrat, and in religion he adhered to the Lutheran faith, contributing liberally to the Church and holding various offices therein. He married Harriet Walker, who was born in Brush Valley, February 20, 1831, a daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Erhart) Walker. The young couple began housekeeping in a small home in Brush Valley, near the present site of Walker's Mill, and from there removed to Madisonburg, where our subject's father rented land for four years. He wished to buy the old homestead out, but as his father declined to sell it he rented it until his father's death, when, in the division of the estate, Samuel Brungart secured the farm by paying about $4,000 to the other heirs. In 1868 he built a fine barn, 102 × 45, and he also remodeled the other buildings. He and his wife spent their last days at the old homestead, the latter dying July 6, 1892, while his own death occurred Feb- ruary 19, 1893. Both were buried at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran cemetery, in Miles town- ship, Centre county, where our subject has erected a handsome monument to mark their resting place.

Thomas F. Brungart, our subject, was born March 12, 1849, and the Brungart School, near the old homestead, furnished him his first educa- tional privileges. As he was but a child when his parents removed to Madisonburg he had the

J. F. Porungart

489

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

advantage of attending the schools there until the return of the family to the eastern end of Brush Valley, where he completed his studies, with the exception of a portion of one winter at Rebersburg. As there was always plenty of work to be done at home he never 'worked out," his father paying him wages after the age of twenty, and this arrangement was only inter- rupted by our subject's marriage and settlement in a home of his own. His wife, to whom he was united in Rebersburg, February 16, 1881, was formerly Miss Emma Corman. She is a daughter of Henry and Rachel (Bair) Corman, and was born and reared in Brush Valley. Their first home was upon a farm rented by our sub- ject's brother-in-law, James Corman, but later Mr. Brungart rented the old Poorman farm, in Miles township, Centre county, where he re- mained about eleven years. In the spring of 1893, the homestead having been left vacant by the death of his parents, he settled there. He has in that estate 268 acres, and in another farm near Wolfs Store, known as the old Wolf Homestead, he has 147 acres more. While Mr. Brungart does not do much manual labor, he oversees all the details of the work upon his farm, and the results of his careful management are Seen on every side.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 100

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1358

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1358