Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 102

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 102
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 102
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 102
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 102

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On September 18, 1879, he was married to Miss Annie Garner, and one child-John Frank- lin-graces this union. Politically, our subject is a Jeffersonian Democrat, strongly favoring the free coinage of gold and silver. He holds a prominent place among the intelligent farmers of the county, and his integrity, inanliness and true Christian character have won for him the respect of the entire community. Religiously, he is a faithful member of the German Reformed Church.

W ILLIAM J. MYERS, of Pine Grove Mills, Centre county, is a native of the county, born in Harris township, August 18, 1846, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Weaver) Myers. The latter was a daughter of Jacob Weaver, of Union county, Pennsylvania.

Our subject is one of a numerous family, the others in the order of birth being as follows: (I) Amos was killed during the three-days' battle of Gettysburg, in July, 1863, and was buried on the battlefield, but nine days later was disinterred, and laid to rest in the cemetery of Boalsburg, Centre county. (2) John, who died in June, 1884, was also buried at Boalsburg. (3) Mary is living with our subject. (4) Sarah C. married John Hummel, a hotel-keeper of Lilyville, Mif- flin Co., Penn., and died three years ago leaving seven children. (5) I). W., a butcher of Boals- burg, married Emma Stover, and has three chil- dren. (6) Wesley, also a butcher of the same place, married Lizzie Heintzelman, and has two children -- John and Edward. (7) J. F., a farmer of Ferguson township, Centre county, wedded Mary Lutz, and has three children. (8) John and (9) Calvin died in infancy. (10) Heury F., a coach maker of Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., Penn., married Laura Foster, by whom he had

two children, and after her death he wedded Jennie Rishel. (11) The next child died in in- fancy. (12) Adaline is the widow of William Kline, a farmer of Benner township, Centre county, who died in 1889; she has four children, and now makes her home in State College, Penn- sylvania.

The elementary education of W. J. Myers was obtained in the schools of Singleton, Centre county, and this was supplemented by a course in the Boalsburg Academy, under Prof. Lescher, who afterward became a Lutheran minister. Learning the trade of a carriage maker, Mr. Myers has since followed that occupation, and the work which he turns out is first-class in every particular. He was married in April, 1874, to Miss Jennie F. Knode, a daughter of Daniel P. Knode, of Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., Penn. Four children have been born of this union: H. C., born March 17, 1875, on September 29, 1896, entered the University of Pennsylvania, in Phil- adelphia, where he expects to take a four-years' course in medicine; and D. E., Hattie P. and Franklin K .. at home.

For twenty-three years Mr. Myers has affili- ated with the Independent "Order of Odd Fel- lows; in religious faith he is identified with. the Reformed Church. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat, and favors the free coinage of silver, believing that prosperity is doubtful with. the single standard. He is a man whom to know is to admire, amiable in disposition, courteous in manner, and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men. With these characteristics it is not strange that he enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.

W ILLIAM NEESE. The Neese family of Penn township, Centre county, is of our oldest and best pioneer stock. and one of its most esteemed representatives in this day is the gen- tleman whose name introduces this sketch. The first American ancestor was William Neese, a German by birth and a sailor by occupation, who came to this State in Colonial times and settled first in Snyder county, in the locality which is still known as " Neese Hollow, " having been named in his honor. Later he moved to what is now Centre county, and secured a large tract of land in Penn township, where he made his home over a hundred years ago.

Among his large family was a son Peter, our subject's grandfather, who as a boy volunteered as a soldier during the Revolutionary war, and served gallantly in the ranks. He was a man of great muscular power, and until a few years be-

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fore his death enjoyed perfect health. As a farmer he was very successful, and he was the first to improve the portion of the original tract now occupied by our subject, and built the first building there, the log dwelling house remaining still as an interesting relic of the past. He died there, at the age of ninety-one years, his wife, Christina (Hess), surviving him some time. They had ten children-four sons and six daughters- but all did not live to maturity.

David Neese, the eldest son, and the father of our subject, was born at the old home about 1799, and was reared at the old home. He, too, was a successful farmer, and at one time owned about 250 acres of land. As a citizen he was highly respected, and he contributed generously to Church work and to other progressive move- ments. Politically, he was a Democrat, but, while he served in various township offices, he never became a politician as that word is gener- ally understood. He died in 1872, and his wife, Susan, who was a daughter of Valentine Ker- steter, survived him only two months, the re- mains of both being interred in Heckman ceme- tery. Twelve children blessed their union: Eliz- abeth, the widow of Henry Alexander, and who for more than forty years resided with our sub- ject, died in November, 1896; William is men- tioned more fully below; David is a farmer on a portion of the original homestead; John died at Spring Mills; Jacob is a blacksmith at Farmers Mills; Samuel resides with our subject; Benjamin died in Wisconsin; Harriet makes her home with our subject; Sarah married William Grove, Jr., of Benner township, Centre county; Rebecca married Henry Moyer, of Gregg township, Cen- tre county; Emanuel also resided in Gregg town- ship; and Daniel died in childhood.

William Neese was born July 16, 1826, and since the age of seven years has resided on the old farm, which has now been in the hands of some member of his family for more than a cen- tury. As a farmer's son he was reared after the customs of the times, his education being ac- quired in the local schools, with his uncle, Jacob Neese, as his first teacher. A few years before his father's death, Mr. Neese rented a part of the home farm, and later he purchased the interest of the other heirs, paying them in all over $6,000. Both parents dying about the same time, there were two payments falling due very close to- gether, causing Mr. Neese great inconvenience, but he was equal to the effort required. He now owns about 119 acres of fine land, representing a handsome competence, and is regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the township. He has never married. A nephew, W. H. Grove, solt of

William Grove, Jr., and Sarah (Neese), resides with him, and two of Mr. Neese's sisters and a brother also make their home there, as stated above. In the spring of 1895. Mr. Neese retired from active work, and enjoys in peace the fruits of his past years of labor. He has always shown a loyal interest in the advancement of the com- munity, contributing freely to religious and other movements. He is an intelligent observer of political affairs, and while he is a Democrat on national issues, he is not at all bigoted, voting independently when local interests only are in- volved.

William Grove, the foster son of our subject, was born January 30, 1867, and his mother was a sister of William Neese. He was educated in the common schools of Penn township, and came to live with his uncle when but two years of age; in fact was born on this farm, working for his uncle till he was twenty-eight years old, since when he has operated the farm. On February 5. 1895. he was married, and then he took charge of the farm. He married Tammie N. Corman, daughter of John Corman, and they had one child, Dor- sey Monroe, born January 27, 1897, died June 24, 1897. In politics Mr. Grove is a Democrat; in religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran Church.

J B. SPANGLER. Among the progressive. enterprising and energetic farmers of Centre county there are very few who are the peers of the subject of this biographical sketch. His en- tire life has here been passed, having been born April 4, 1847, in Potter township, where he still makes his home. His parents, Jacob and Cath- arine (Wagner) Spangler, are both now de- ceased, the former dying in 1874, and the latter in 1873.

Our subject began his education in the Rock Grove school. John McMinn being among his first teachers. His advantages along this hne were limited to the district schools of his boyhood. which were much inferior to those of the present day; but he learned well and rapidly, and is a well-informed man. His training at farm labor was not so meagre, and his first lessons in agri- culture were upon the place of his birth, where he continued to live with his parents until his fa- ther purchased the farm on which he now re- sides, and the family removed thereon. By the provisions of his father's will he was to have the use of the farm for a period of five years, which he took advantage of, and on the expiration of that time purchased it. It is a valuable tract of 114 acres, which he has transformed into richly

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cultivated fields, and placed thereon many use- ful improvements.

In February, 1880, in Potter township, Mr. Spangler married Miss Euphemia Fortney, a daughter of John Fortney, and they have two children, namely; J. J., born in January, 1881; and Myra R.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Spangler is a stanch Democrat, an adviser and counselor of his party in his section, and an earnest worker for its success. He has served in a number of local po- sitions, such as tax collector, supervisor, overseer of the poor and assessor, and has always dis- charged the duties of the office with promptness and fidelity. He is one of the most prosperous, energetic and industrious agriculturists of his township, securing the best results from his work; is numbered among its better class of citizens, and enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. His estimable wife holds mem- bership in the Lutheran Church.

J. WEAVER has throughout his entire life been connected with the agricultural and commercial interests of Haines township, Centre county, being at the present time a successful butcher in the village of Aaronsburg. He was born in that township, August 29, 1837, the youngest son of Frederick and Catherine (Mark) Weaver, and his early education was such as the country schools of the locality afforded. His health being poor, he was unable to attend school much of the time during his boyhood.

Upon the home farm Mr. Weaver was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, assisting in the work when his health would permit, and then at the age of twenty-one he rented the old home- stead, which he successfully operated some thirty years, the place yielding to him a golden tribute in return for the labor devoted to its cultivation. On the death of his father he purchased the farm, where he continued to make his home until his removal to Aaronsburg in 1886, since which time he has engaged in the butchering business with the exception of the year 1895, when he rented his shop. He is a wide-awake, progressive busi- ness man, and a well-deserved success has crowned his efforts. He was married, when 21 years old, in Haines township, to Miss Amanda West, a native of Millersburg, Dauphin Co., Penn., and a daughter of Solomon West. Three daughters were born of this union: Olivia, wife of George Kister, of Haines township: Joanna. wife of Willis Musser, of Millheim, Centre county ; and Mary K., twin sister of Joanna, and the wife of William Auman, of Millheim.

In connection with his business in Aaronsburg, Mr. Weaver, still owns a valuable farm of 200. acres in Haines township, and has one of the most beautiful homes in the village. He has al- ways been a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has never missed an election since casting his first ballot after reach- ing the age of twenty-one. He has always cheer- fully given of his means for the promotion of the welfare of the community, and is truly one of the representative and prominent citizens of Aarons- burg.

C HARLES C. LOOSE. One of the chief benefits of biographical research is found in the examples thus brought to life of men who, by persistent and well-planned effort, have won sub- stantial success. The story of the life of C. C. Loose, now a prominent resident of Rebersburg. Centre county, and one of the most prosperous business men of Brush Valley, is a case in point.

He is a native of Millheim, Centre county, and a son of Samuel Loose, a well-known car- penter and builder of Rebersburg, whose skillful work is shown in many important structures in this section. including the German Reformed church at Madisonburg. The grandfather of our subject was Abraham Loose, a cooper, who fol- lowed that trade for many years in Lebanon county, Penn., where he also owned and culti- vated a farm of thirty or forty acres. Later he sold this and rented a farm in Dauphin county, six miles from Harrisburg. but his last days were spent on a farm near Hogstown, Cumberland Co., Penn., where he died at a ripe old age. His wife, Elizabeth Petry, died some years before him at the same place. He was an industrious man, al- though he never accumulated much property. He stood well in the community where he made his home, and was a consistent member of the German Reformed Church. In politics he was a Democrat. Of his large family of children all lived to adult age, and all married. There were thirteen in number, as follows: Daniel. John, Dennis, Samuel and Joe (twins), Henry, Elias, Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, Susannah, Sarah and Matilda. Two are still living-Dennis, at Millheim, and Henry, at Elkhart, Indiana.

Samuel Loose was born in Lebanon county, August 1, 1819, and received but meagre educa- tion in his vonth. The schools of his native county were all German, and when he went to Dauphin county, where the instruction was given in English, he had to begin again in all branches. Among so many boys his help was not needed at the farm, and in April, 1838, he returned to Leb-

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anon county to learn the carpenter's trade with his brother Daniel. In the spring of 1839 the latter moved to Aaronsburg, Centre county, where the young apprentice completed his term. He spent one summer at farm work in Cumber- land county, and then came back to Centre county, and followed his trade at Millheim until 1847, when he removed to Morrow county, Ohio. Here he located upon a farm, and in addition to the work of the place carried on his trade suc- cessfully. In 1850 he returned to Millheim, and after some years he settled in Brush Valley, where he again engaged in farming in connection with his other business. With advancing years and increasing wealth he decided to make his home in Rebersburg, where he might the better enjoy the fruits of his years of toil. His sterling qualities of character won the respect of all who met him, and as a citizen he was influential in a quiet way. Although he was not a politician, he was a stanch Democrat. He died in October, 1896.

On January 2, 1845, Samuel Loose was mar- ried, in Millheim, to Miss Elizabeth Brickley, who was born January 18, 1821, in Union county, Penn. Her family is noted for intellectual abil- ity, several of her brothers being Evangelical ministers, and one a physician. Eight children were born of this marriage, their names with dates of birth being as follows: Sarah C., December II, 1845, married John Ocker, of Miles town- ship; Mary L., July 22, 1848, died March 13, 1849; Annie E., September 28, 1851, is now Mrs. Thomas Walker, of Miles township; Mag- dalena, June 13, 1853, died January 14, 1857; Agnes, September 7, 1856, married Titus Gram- ley, of Spring Mills; Charles C., April 14, 1858, is the next in the order of birth; Alice R .; August 14, 1859, is the wife of Charles Gram- ley, of Kane county, Ill. ; and Ellen M., Septem- ber 18, 1861, is now Mrs. Calvin Mallory, of Miles township. The mother of this family, who was a devout Christian, and a member of the Evangelical Church, died February 6, 1889, and her remains now lie buried in Rebersburg ceme- tery. Samuel Loose for his second wife married Miss Lydia Bierly, of Miles township, who is yet living.

The early boyhood of our subject was spent in Millheim, where he attended school for a time, his first teacher being Miss Lizzie Cook. After the removal of the family to Miles township, he attended the country schools near his father's farin, and in 1876 he attended the County Nor- mal School at Mitesburg for a term, preparing for teaching. In the fall of 1878 he took charge of a school at Madisonburg, where he taught

two terms, and afterward.he taught one term in the Harter school, in Miles township.

On March 4, 1879, Mr. Loose was married in Millheim to Miss Ella Harter, a native of Miles township, and a daughter of Emanuel and Alvina (Bierly) Harter. He began housekeep- ing on his father's farm, which he rented from the spring of 1880 to the spring of 1884, when he moved to Rebersburg and engaged in mercan- tile business, remaining four years. With capital secured by the sale of his stock and goodwill he began the lumber business. His first purchase of timber land was in the mountain north of Re- bersburg, and his timber cut from it was sawed up at another man's mill. Later other tracts were bought, and Mr. Loose engaged in milling on his account. Since then he has often had as many as three mills at work, two of his own and one leased, and he now operates extensively in Union and Centre counties, employing on the average thirty men the year round. In 1891 he built his present home, and his grounds, which were merely a vacant lot when he bought them, are now beautifully laid out and adorned. He owns two houses in Rebersburg and considerable farming land in Miles township. He also has 135 acres of farming land near Rebersburg with 250 acres of timber land in connection.

As a Democrat, Mr. Loose has been active in local politics, and has held township offices at various times. Thoroughly progressive in his ideas, he is in sympathy with all movements which he thinks beneficial to the community. He has served several years as school director, and is now in his fifth year as secretary of the board. He is also one of the stockholders of the Mill- heim Electric Telephone Co., and president of the Rebersburg Water Co. This last organiza- tion was chartered in the fall of 1896. prior to which one-third of the town of Rebersburg was formed into a company and furnished water for themselves, while two-thirds of the town were without water. Mr. Loose was one of the eight 1 men who applied for a charter, and after same : had been granted was the chief one to effect a compromise between the two companies not without much opposition, however). so to-day the entire town is consolidated into one company. | satisfactory to all.

Mr. and Mrs. Loose are prominent members of the United Evangelical Church, and at present he is superintendent of the Sunday-school. and trustee in the Church, to which he is one of the most liberal contributors. He is a charter miem- ber of Rebersburg Lodge No. 1031. I. O. O. F .. a member of Bellefonte Encampment. I. () () F., and belongs to the Rebersburg Grange

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C A. KRAPE, a representative and prominent citizen of Gregg township, Centre county, is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is a business man of more than ordinary capac- ity, enterprising and energetic. He belongs to a family that has been long and prominently iden- tified with the interests of this section of the State, and has been an important factor in its advance- ment and upbuilding. It was founded in Centre and adjoining counties by four brothers-Jacob, Adam, William and Abraham Krape-who came from Dauphin county, and located in Brush, Nittany and Penn's Valleys, and their descend- ants are now numerous throughout this region.

One of these, William Krape, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Dauphin county, about 1784, and, on coming to Centre county. when a young man, located in Miles township. In Brush Valley he married Miss Susannah, daughter of Francis Gramley, after which he removed. to Gregg township, and about 1827 took up his residence upon the farm, in the same township where the father of our subject now resides, and there spent his remaining days, dy- ing in 1860. His wife had passed away many years previously, and they now sleep side by side in the Union cemetery. In early life he worked at the weaver's trade in Spring Mills, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, be- coming one of the most extensive farmers of Gregg township. Originally he was a Whig in politics, and later a Republican, while in religious faith both himself and family were active mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. To the grandpar- ents were born the following children: Maria, who married John Royer, and died in George's Valley at an advanced age; George, the father of our subject; Peggy, who married John Emerick, and died in Potter township, Centre county; David, a resident of Haines township, Centre county; Betsey, wife of William Ziegler, of Farm- ville, Va .; Christina, who married Peter Yearick, and died in Brush Valley; Susannah, who mar- ried Aaron Weaver, and died in Aaronsburg, Cen- tre county.

George Krape was born June 21, 1816, in Gregg township, where he acquired his education in the public schools. As a boy he was a natur- ral mechanic, displaying a fondness for tools and an aptness in their use, and in early life worked at various trades, while in later years he did much of his own work along those lines. He in- vented a corn planter, which proved quite success- ful, and sold several of them. After reaching man's estate he was mostly employed upon the home farm, much of which he cleared. At the age of twenty-six years, he was married in Sa-

lona, Clinton Co., Penn., to Miss Annie Best. who was born near that city in 1825, and was a daughter of Peter Best, a farmer by occupation. For one year after their marriage they lived upon a rented farm in Gregg township, and then lo- cated near Salona. Clinton county, where Mr. Krape purchased eighty acres of land from his father-in-law, and there made his home some fifteen years. In 1856, however, he returned to the old homestead in Gregg township, which he purchased a year or two after his father's death, and to which he has added thirteen acres, so that he now has a valuable and productive tract of 200 acres.

Eleven children constituted the family of George and Annie (Best) Krape, namely: Mary S., who died at the age of seven years; Williain B., a resident of Spring Mills, who was born July 2, 1844, and during the Civil war served for two years and seven months as a member of Com- pany D, 148th P. V. I .: Jennie R., wife of John Potter, of Milesburg, Centre county; James S., a carpenter of Seattle, Wash .; Samuel S., of Spring Mills; Harriet, wife of Stephen H. Best, of Gregg township; Alfred P., of Centre Hall; Chesty, an accomplished musician, who is en- gaged in teaching instrumental music in Pasa- dena, Cal .; C. A. and Howard G. (twins), the latter a music dealer of Rebersburg, Centre county; and Florence M., wife of Prof. F. F. Rearick, of Spring Mills. The mother of these children, who was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, died in July, 1877, and was buried in the Union cemetery.

Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Krape laid aside active business. and erected a very commodious and substantial home upon his farm, where he is now living retired. On November 16, 1880, he wedded Miss Catharine Decker, who was born in Gregg township, November IT, 1832, a daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Weiland) Decker. He has ever enjoyed pertect health. although throughout his active business life he toiled early and late in all sorts of weather. His first vote was cast in support of the Whig party. Later he became a Know-Nothing, and is now a stanch Republican. Taking an active interest in the improvement of schools, he served for ten years as an efficient member of the school board, and has also served his fellow citizens in the capacity of supervisor for several terms. A faithful member. of the Reformed Church, he took an active part in Church work for years. and has always given his support to all worthy objects which tend to promote the welfare of the community. His estimable wife is a Lutheran in religious belief.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

C. A. Krape, whose name introduces this sketch, was born near Spring Mills, Gregg town- ship, November 3, 1859, and received the greater part of his education in the schools of Penn Hall. At one time it was his intention to attend col- lege, but he later gave up the idea, and at the age of twenty taught for one term in Gregg township, after which he began learning telegra- phy in the railroad depot at Spring Mills, where he remained for fifteen months. Entering the store of G. R. Spigelmyer, of that place, he followed clerking for seven years, and subse- quently purchased the half interest in the Spring Mills Creamery belonging to R. G. Eisenhart, which in connection with T. M. Gramley he con- tinued for several years, meeting with excellent success in the undertaking. He next embarked in merchandising, owning the store now con- ducted by C. A. Mayer, and successfully carried on operations along that line until failing health compelled him to retire. He is now engaged in the cultivation of his fine farm of eighty-five acres in Gregg township, and also handles cream separators, of which he sells more than any other agent in Centre county. Besides his own comfortable home, he owns another good resi- dence and business block in Spring Mills. The success that he has achieved is due to his own untiring efforts, enterprise and good manage- ment, and he well deserves to be numbered among the leading and most capable business men of Gregg township.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 102

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