Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 105

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 105
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 105
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 105
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 105

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Respectfully JohnG Hlad

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now living in retirement. He is a Republican in politics. His first wife was Miss Martha E. Tower, who died in 1865, aged thirty-two years; only two of their six children lived to maturity. John G. and Ario Pardee. His second wife was Harriet (Redner) Tower, and two children, Pearl and Harcy, were born to this union.

J. G. Platt was five years old when his father removed to this State, and he attended the first school in Hazelton. After a brief residence in Virginia, he spent some time in Michigan, and acquired a practical education in the State Nor- mal School at Ypsilanti. He then clerked in a wholesale grocery store in Detroit, for a time, and on his return to Hazelton he became book- keeper for J. F. Barber & Co., remaining with them several years. With his abilities thus devel- oped by experience, he went to Philipsburg in 1888, and established his present mammoth es- tablishment, speedily winning a high rank in business circles. His offices are well adapted for business, and are thoroughly up-to-date in equipment.

Mr. Platt's wife, formerly Miss Alice Turn- bach, is a native of Black Creek township, Lu- zerne Co., Penn., born in January, 1863. One daughter, Lucile, brightens their home. The entire family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and active workers therein. Socially Mr. Platt is a Freemason, and member of the Royal Arcanum. In his political predilections he is a Republican, and has efficiently served on the city council three years.

F RANK McFARLANE. Among the best cit- izens of the country, there are few that are the peers of the representatives of the Scotch- Irish race, who have taken so active and prom- inent a part in the development and upbuilding of the New World. Their sturdy physical strength and inborn frugality, thrift and industry, are still characteristically developed in their representa- tives in America. The subject of this sketch. who is a well-known farmer of Harris township. is a magnificent specimen of this hardy race. He occupies an elegant brick residence one-half mile east of Boalsburg, surrounded by a beauti- ful lawn, and is on the site of the old Springfield mill, near the head waters of Spring creek.

Our subject traces his ancestry back to James McFarlane, who made his home in Huntingdon county, near Lewistown, Penn., and on March 14. 1782, wedded Mary Smith. Their family numbered ten children, as follows: Mary Eliza- beth, who was born May 16, 1783, and married John Thompson; Rosanna, born February 23.

1786; Janet, who was born July 15, 1788, and became the maternal grandmother of our subject: James, who was born November 3, 1790, and be- came the paternal grandfather of our subject: Mary, born April 15, 1793; William, born Jan- uary 30, 1796; Margaret, born July 17, 1798; Robert, born December 9, 1800: Andrew, born February 20, 1803; and Nancy, born May 14. 1805.

James McFarlane, Jr., when a young man became a resident of Harris township, Centre county, his home being near Branch, where he owned and cleared a tract of land. On March 30. 1824, he was united in marriage with Miss Lilly Henry, whose death occurred May 21, ISES. He survived her many years, dying near Lemont. Centre county, October 8, 1869. Two children were born to them: William, the father of our subject ; and Robert, who was born November 6. 1826. The latter held a colonel's commission in the Civil war, was engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Bellefonte, but died in his store in Belle- fonte May 18, 1891.

The birth of William McFarlane, father of our subject, occurred at Branch, Harris town- ship, January 8, 1825, and in the common schools of that place and Shingletown he se- cured his early education, which was supple- mented with a course in the academies at Boals- burg and McAlisterville, Penn. On leaving school at the age of twenty, he returned to his father's farm, which he operated for several years. He was married May 30, 1849, to Miss Margaret Kyle, who died February 21. 1869. Four children blessed their union: James, born May 3, 1852, died August 20, 1853: Joseph K .. born January 30, 1854, is a farmer of Buffalo Run Valley, Centre county; Frank is next in or- der of birth; and Janet, born October 23. 1861. is living with our subject. For a year after his marriage, the father continued to reside at Branch, and then for five years made his home at Buffalo Run, Centre county, while for fourteen years subsequently he lived at Puddingtown, near Lemont, College township. In 18;2 he purchased 195 acres near Boalsburg, on which he made many excellent improvements, and there died August 12, 1893, honored and respected by all who knew him.

At Buffalo Run, Centre county, Frank Mc- Farlane was born June 14, 185;, and in the common schools of Centre Furnace began his literary education. After taking a preparatory course in Boalsburg Academy, he entered the agricultural department of State College, but at the end of two years was obliged to give up study on account of his eyesight, which had been

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affected by an attack of typhoid fever. He then became overseer of the estate near Boalsburg,. which position he is still acceptably filling, and with him resides his sister Janet. They are widely and favorably known throughout the com- munity, and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. He is a prominent and active member of the Christian Endeavor Society, and an ardent Republican in politics, advocating the gold standard. He has two relics which he values very highly-one, a gold-mounted sword presented to his uncle Robert by the men of the 148th P. V. I., of which regiment he was colo- nel; the other relic is a cane of straight-grained hickory, whittled from an octagonal piece of wood by his great-greatuncle, William McFar- lane, a captain in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war. This was done while he was in prison in New York City, held as a British captive. The cane is forty-eight inches long, and bears the inscription: "Capt. William Mc- Farlane, prisoner one year, ten months and five days, New York, September 21, 1776."

ILLIAM E. CRUST, well known through- out Benner township and vicinity, has spent his entire life in Centre county. . He is now the owner of a valuable farm of 150 acres, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes his time and attention with most satis- factory results. The well-tilled fields and sub- stantial farm buildings stand as monuments to his thrift, industry and enterprise.

Mr. Crust was born in College township, and is a son of James and Mary (Osmer) Crust, both natives of England. During his youth the fa- ther crossed the Atlantic to America, while the mother was brought here when two years of age, by her parents, who spent their last days in Ben- ner township, Centre county. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Crust were the following children: Mary Ann, widow of Samuel Saxon, who was killed in the Scotia mines; Sarah J., deceased wife of George Singleton, who has again married since her death, and is now living in Canoe Val- ley, Blair Co., Penn. ; James H., who died leav- ing a family, now residents of Scotia, Centre county: Katharine, wife of Edward Marshall, of Patton township, Centre county; Emeline, wife of William Lutz, of Benner township; George. who died in infancy; Sophia, wife of John Reed. of Huntingdon county, Penn. ; R. H., who mar- ried Jennie Shope, and is living in Patton town- Until 1883 our subject remained with his par- ents, attending school and aiding his father m ship; William E., of this sketch; Adaline, wife of Joseph Shope, of Renovo, Clinton Co., Penn .; i the work of the farm. He also served an ap-

Amelia, wife of David Hoover, of Altoona, Penn. : T. L., a school teacher of Peru Station, Centre county; Ira, who died at the age of two years: and Eva L., wife of Robert Coral.

On reaching a sufficient age, William E. Crust entered the public schools of College town- ship, but completed his education in Spring township, Centre county. He was reared to farm work, which he made his life occupation. On February 5, 1880, he was united in marriage with Mary Martin, and they became the parents of six children: Miles, who died November 2. 1881; Mary A .; Edgar, who died in infancy on the 15th of May, 1883; Charles T .; James F .: and Clarence W. Mr. Crust is an earnest sup- porter of the men and measures of the Republic- an party, and in religious faith is a Methodist. He enjoys the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, and is regarded in all respects as an honest man and a good citizen.

J OHN B. WETZEL, a - typical, self-made man, is one of those, who, without extraor- dinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of life, have battled earnest.y and energetically, and by indomitable courage and integrity achieved both character and for- tune. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward. He is now the proprietor of the Empire Iron Works, located at Howard, Centre county.

Mr. Wetzel is a native of Centre county, born in Hublersburg, March 1, 1863, and is a son of Tobias B. and Mary (Mitchell) Wetzel, who were natives of New Berlin, Union Co., Penn .. where they were married and remained until 1855, which year witnessed their arrival in Cen- tre county. They first located near Hublersburg. whence, in 1865. they removed to Millheim, later to Flemington, Clinton county, and are now res !- dents of Lock Haven, Penn., where the father is engaged in farming and dairying. He is a public-spirited, energetic man, taking a promi- nent part in public affairs, and has held several local offices. His political support is given the Republican party, and in religions belief he is a Lutheran. Four children constitute his family. namely: Howard, a machinist of Lock Haven. Curtin, a well driller of the same place: John B .. of this sketch; and Emma, wife of Isaac Aullabangh, who is connected with the W. . A Hileman Furniture Co., of Lock Haven

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prenticeship to the machinist's trade in the Nov- elty Iron Works of Lock Haven, and after leav- ing home went to Moshannon, Centre county, where in partnership with John McCartney he established the Empire Iron Works. At the end of two years he purchased his partner's interest, and continued the business alone for a year, when his plant was destroyed by fire. He then came to Howard and erected his present iron works, which he has since successfully operated, manufacturing plows, building engines, and do- ing general repair work of all kinds. Hestarted out in life for himself with a cash capital of but $35, and from this small beginning has built up his present extensive business.

On July 1, 1886, Mr. Wetzel was mar- ried to Miss Mary E. Bechdol, and to them have been born five children: David and Edward (twins), who died in infancy; Mamie L., who also died in infancy; and Harry T. and William G., at home. Mrs. Wetzel was born at Marsh Creek, Centre county, March 15, 1855, and is a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Thiel) Bechdol, natives of Eagleville, Centre county. The fa- ther was a farmer by occupation, and a mem- ber of the Disciple Church, while the mother held membership in the German Reformed Church. He died March 4, 1891, at the age of seventy-eight years and twenty-six days, and she passed away March 13, 1867, at the age of thirty-seven years. In their family were seven children, as follows: Lida, who resides on the old homestead; Susan, wife of William Wentzel, a blacksmith of Flemington, Penn .; Mary E., wife of our subject; Sarah, also residing on the old homestead; David, deceased; Emma and Jacob, residing with their sisters at the old home; and Edward, deceased.

Although a young man, Mr. Wetzel has al- ready attained to a measure of prosperity that many a one who started out on life's journey be- fore him might envy. He has a wide reputation as a most capable workman and an upright, reli- able business man, progressive and energetic. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, but now holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is an active worker. In politics he is identified with the Republican party, giving his influence and vote to secure the pas- sage of its measures and the election of its can- didates.

G EORGE B. UZZELL. The subject of this history is one of the prominent citizens of Clarence, Centre county, and the owner and pro- prietor of the leading hotel of the place. A

native of Centre county, he was born in Snow Shoe, May 10, 1863, and is a son of John G. Uzzell, a Welchman by birth. In 1843, the father accompanied his parents on their emigra- tion from Wales to the United States, being at that time ten years of age. They located at Karthaus, Clearfield Co., Penn., where the grandfather obtained employment at the furnace.

In 1854 John G. Uzzell came to Centre coun- ty, and at first engaged in blacksmithing in Snow Shoe, where in 1862 he erected a hotel, which is still in use. He is now principally interested in agricultural pursuits, and upon a tract of 500 acres in the Alleghany Mountains makes a specialty of raising deer, while the streams he has well stocked with fish. An enterprising. progressive man, he was one of the first to clear land in Snow Shoe township. He married Elizabeth Etters, born in Centre county, in 1838, and to them were born three sons: John. who died at the age of six years; George B., of this sketch: and James F., at home. George B. ob- tained a good practical education in the public schools of Centre county, and continued to assist his father in the work of the farm and in the hotel until 1893, when he purchased his present hotel in Clarence. and has since successfully con- ducted the same. The interests and comforts of his guests are the great objects that he is striving for, and no more genial and pleasant landlord can be found in a wide range of country. The house is well fitted up, is convenient and com- fortable, and the cuisine is unexceptionable.

In May, 1886, at Snow Shoe, Mr. Uzzell was married to Miss Fannie Kramer, and five children were born to them: Bernice, who died of diph- theria, at the age of seven years: Elizabeth, who died at the age of two; Annie, who also died of diphtheria when two and one-half years old. James G., who is with his parents; and one who died unnamed. Mrs. Uzzell was born in Pine Glen. Centre county, June 24. 1866. a daughter of John H. and Rebecca J. (Fye) Kramer, na- tives of Penn's Valley, Centre county. the former born December 16. 1830, and the latter May 27. 1841. They were married in Burnside town- ship, same county, and became the parents of five children: Annie, wife of James Emerick, a hardware agent residing in Somerset county. Penn. : Carrie, wife of Edward Davis, a mine foreman of Clearfield county, Penn. : Fannie. Harry, a blacksmith of Holt Mines, Centre county; and Theodore, a railroad fireman of Clearfield. For a short time after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kramer made their home in Clear- field county, and then returned to Centre county, where they are now living retired. By trade the

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father is a carpenter. The maternal grandpar- ents of Mrs. Uzzell, John and Margaret (Bowes) Fye, were natives of Ireland.

Mr. Uzzell takes an active interest in civic societies, and is a prominent member of the Golden Eagle, the American Mechanics and the Odd Fellows fraternities, while politically he is a stanch adherent to the principles formulated by the Democratic party. He and his wife hold an enviable position in the social circles of the com- munity where they make their home, and have many warm friends throughout the county.

J ALBERT WALTON, postmaster at Philips- burg, Centre county, is a genial young gentleman whose efficiency in any line of effort undertaken bespeaks unusual ability and energy. He was born in England, May 13, 1867, a son of John and Mary (Cook) Walton, both also na- tives of that country, who came to America when our subject was about two years old, and located at Philipsburg, Penn., before the develop- ment of the coal fields of this section was begun. In that work John Walton took an active part, becoming one of the leading prospectors, and he also developed and operated some valuable coal lands. He had been a contractor in Eng- land, and had gained a practical knowledge of coal mining there. He still owns an interest in certain properties, but has retired from active business, and with his estimable wife is enjoying a quiet life at their home in Philipsburg.

J. Albert Walton is the only child of his par- ents, and as he has lived in Philipsburg from childhood, he is thoroughly identified with the place. After completing a course of study in the public schools there, he became a book- keeper in the office connected with his father's mining business. At an early age he began to show a liking for politics, and time has demon- strated his possession of decided ability in that line. In June, 1896, he was commissioned post- master at Philipsburg, by President Cleveland; confirmed by the Senate, and re-commissioned by President Mckinley in March, 1897. He has since filled the office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

On July 18, 1889, Mr. Walton was united in marriage with Miss Annie Laura Burchfield, daughter of William E. Burchfield, ex-register of deeds of Centre county. Three children have blessed this union: Sue E., John and William B. In musical and social life Mr. Wal- ton and his wife hold a leading place. The fam- ily is connected with the Episcopal Church, and our subject for several years has been secretary

`of the vestry. He affiliates with the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 391, at Philipsburg, and with the Royal Arcanum, Centre Council No. So3. etc. In politics he is a Democrat.

W WILLIAM T. HILLIBISH, of Bellefonte, Centre county, enjoys an exceptionally high reputation in business circles as a manager of large enterprises, and the same qualities which have won him this distinction, when applied to municipal affairs, have made him prominent in that line also, the people in their corporate ca- pacity recognizing in him one to whom they niay wisely delegate the power to carry their wishes into practical effect.

Mr. Hillibish is a native of Bellefonte, born May 20, 1858, and his father, the late Nicholas Hillibish, who died at an advanced age, was for fifty years a prominent business man of that city. having gone there from his native place in Lan- caster county, Penn., early in life, to establish a hardware store and tin shop. His wife, whose maiden name was Johanna Mckean, was born near Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn., and died at the age of sixty-seven. They had nine children: Lydia T., wife of Maj. Chessinan, of Washing- ton, D. C., an employee in the Pension Depart- ment; Maria L., who is not married; James B., who died some years ago; Franklin S., of Can- ton, Ohio: Joseph R., formerly a member of the city council of Bradford, Penn., where he died in 1893; George P. and Edward, who reside in Canton, Ohio; William T., our subject, and John M .. of Canton, Ohio.

The excellent advantages offered by the schools of Bellefonte enabled Mr. Hillibish to acquire a good practical education, a course in the high school being followed by one in the academy of which he is a graduate. On leaving school he learned the machinist's trade with W. P. Duncan & Co., and later spent several years with them as foreman He was chief engineer at the nail works for three years, and then form- ing a partnership opened the Bellefonte Supply House: but he disposed of his interest not long afterward, and went to Lorain, Ohio, to take charge of the shape mill in Johnson's steel works. He returned to Bellefonte recently, and is now in the employ of the Jenkins Iron and Coal Co., at Howard, as their superintendent.

Mr. Hillibish is an ardent supporter of the doctrines of the Republican party, and, as has been intimated, the confidence reposed in him by all classes makes him a popular candidate, In- cally, for positions of trust. In iSS4 he was elected a member of the Bellefonte council from

yours Truly Malow

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the West ward, serving three years, and then after one year of absence was again returned, and still holds that office. He is also a candi- date for the post of city tax collector. Socially he is prominent as a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Encampment, and for twenty years he has been identified with the Logan Steam Fire & Engine Company.

G EORGE NOLL. Among the leading and representative agriculturists of Boggs town- ship, Centre county, stalwart and sturdy tillers of the soil, there is none who stands a more promi- nent figure than the gentleman of whom this no- tice is written. Besides being engaged in gen- eral farming, he is the proprietor of what is known as the " Washington Dairy," which he es- tablished in 1891, and has since conducted very profitably. Since 1872 he has resided upon his present farm of seventy acres, previous to which time he had rented land in. Spring township, Centre county.

Our subject was born in Spring township, October 25, 1841, and he is a son of Emanuel and Mary P. (Wegley) Noll, natives of Berks county, where their marriage was celebrated, after which they came to Centre county .. The father had previously been a resident of the county, coming here with his parents, but in 1828 he returned to Berks county. Here his death occurred in May, 1886, at the age of sev- enty-six years. By occupation he was a general farmer, and in his younger years was a member of the Reformed Church, to which his wife also belonged. She died in 1884, at the age of sixty- eight years. Her father, William Wegley, was also born in Berks county, of German descent, and was a colonel in the war of 1812. The paternal grandparents of our subject, George and Margaret (Lape) Noll, were natives of Berks county, whence in 1820 they came to Centre county, where the grandfather engaged in farm- ing until called from this life.

George Noll, of this review, is the third in order of birth in a family of twelve children, the others being as follows: Hannah, deceased wife of Elias J. Markel, a wagon maker, of Hublers- burg, Penn. ; Liddie, deceased wife of James B. Grove, of Johnstown, Penn .: Rebecca, wife of H. Walker, of Bellefonte, Centre county: John. of Marion county, Kans. ; Emanuel, of Belle- fonte; two who died in infancy: Mary, wife of J. Schwartz, who is living retired in Somerset com- ty, Penn .; William T., a stone mason, of Spring township: Henry L., deceased; and James B., of

Milesburg, Centre county. In the public schools, George Noll obtained a rather limited education, and at the age of thirteen years started out to make his own way in the world, working as a farm hand for six years. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he, in 1861, enlisted in Company F. Second Pennsylvania Cavalry. the company starting out with P. B. Wilson, of Bellefonte, as captain, and Thomas Snyder as first lieuten- ant. He was with this regiment in all the im- portant engagements in which it took part until February 22, 1863. when he was taken prisoner and incarcerated in Libby prison until the 11th of April, at which time he was paroled. He was never in hospital, and was honorably discharged August 15, 1865. For a year and a half he served as corporal of his company. Arriving home at twelve o'clock at night, the next morn- ing found him at work upon a farm, and he has since devoted his time and attention to agricult- ural pursuits.

On March 10. 1870, Mr. Noll was married to Miss Annie Garlrick, by whom he has four chil- dren: Urbah M., wife of G. H. Moore, of Erie. Penn., a conductor on the Pennsylvania & Erie railroad; and Emanuel L .. James O. and George H., all three at home. Mrs. Noll was born Au- gust 3, 1849. in Centre county, and is a daughter of George and Susannah (Vonada) Garlrick, na- tives of Union and Centre counties, respectively. Their deaths occurred in the latter county. Dur- ing his younger years the father followed carpen- tering, but after his marriage turned his attention to farming, and at his death owned some valu- able land. He was twice married, his first wife be- ing Anna Hoy, and to them were born six childen: Catherine, wife of P. Shory, who operates the old Garlrick homestead in Centre county: Amos. of Coalville, Penn. : Rebecca J., wife of Martin Meese, of Michigan: Henry, deceased: Emeline. deceased wife of John Meese; and John, of Coal- ville, Penn. Mrs. Noll is one of the three chil- dren born of the second union, the others bem Levi and George W., both deceased.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Noll are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, to which he has be- longed for twenty-three years, and for the past eighteen years has been an elder in the same. Socially, he holds membership in the U V. L., and of the P. O. H. R. His political support is given the Democratic party, but he cares nothing for official distinction, pretending to give ins the and attention to his business interests. He is one of the promment and representative enfin. of Boggs township, widely and favorably known. and enjoy the confidence and respect of the en- tre community.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 105

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