Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 108

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 108
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 108
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 108
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 108

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).

JOHN MeMUNAGLE, brother-in-law of Thomas ! Merryman, is a prosperous farmer of Tavlor township. He was born in that township. Feb- ruary 26. 1834, one mile from where he now resides, and is a son of Stephen H. and Eve Frantz) MeMunagle, natives of Centre county. The father died June 30. 1875. aged eighty-one years, seven months and four days; the mother passed away in April, 1884, at the age of eighty - six years. They were members of the United Brethren Church; in politics he was first a Whig. later a Republican, and served as poor overseer. supervisor, and justice of the peace tett years

---

524

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

They were the parents of children as follows: Mary is the deceased wife of David Henderson, also deceased; David is also deceased; Henry is a farmer in Kansas; Christina is the widow of John Melcher; Jacob lives in Altoona, Penn .; Lucy is the widow of Abraham Burns, and lives in Centre county; James is farming the old home- stead; Lair is the deceased wife of David Hard- man, also deceased; Lavina is the wife of David Frantz, a farmer of Centre county; Betsey was married (first) to Henry Vaughn, and after his death she wedded Leonard Merryman, also now deceased; Daniel is a farmer in Colorado; Stephen died in infancy; John is the one of whom we now write; and Samuel died in infancy.

At the age of twenty-two years John McMun- agle left the parental roof and purchased his present farm in Taylor township, which at that time was a wilderness, teeming with wild ani- mals. On December 18, 1856, he married Miss Nancy Merryman, and eight children, as follows, were born to them: Mary is the wife of Joseph Lewis, a railroad conductor at Altoona, Penn. ; Robert R. is a lumberman at Port Matilda, Penn .; Leonard died at the age of two years; Francis M. married Miss Maude Clawson, a lumberman at Tyrone, Penn .; Stephen died at the age of two months; Thomas is unmarried, and lives with his parents; Emma is the wife of Samuel Cowher, a farmer of Centre county; and Daniel, also a farmer of Centre county, married Emma Ewings. Mr. McMunagle in his political prefer- ence is a Republican, and he is looked upon as one of the leading progressive farmer citizens of his township and county.

G EORGE H. SMULL. In endeavoring to give in this volume due recognition to all the prominent families of the section, we have found the most intelligent and progressive spirits the most helpful to the enterprise, and it is through the courteous co-operation of the subject of this sketch that we are enabled to present the follow- ing interesting account of the Small family, which has been well-known in Brush Valley from pio- neer times.

The first of the line in America was Smull, the great-grandfather of our subject. He was a native of Ireland, whence he came to this country in the latter part of the eighteenth cen- tury to locate in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. Six of his children lived to adult age-two daugh- ters and four sons, the names of the latter being Henry, Jacob, Peter and Jesse. The Small family in Brush Valley is descended from the first three sons, who were skilled masons, and all

went at the same time to Rebersburg to build the wall for the Lutheran Reformed Church. They remained in the Valley, and, living in German settlements, they and their children adopted the language and customs of their neighbors. Of the brothers, Jacob, in later years, did an extensive business in cutting tombstones for the Rebers- burg cemetery from native rock, and several of these monuments are still standing. Jacob died at his home below Aaronsburg, and was buried at Rebersburg. Peter removed in later life to Ste- phenson county, Ill., and died there.

Henry Smull, our subject's grandfather, was born in eastern Pennsylvania, February 2. 1799, and, coming to Brush Valley in early manhood with no capital except his own abilities and strong physique, was obliged to work for many years as a day laborer. He saved his money, however. and in time managed to buy a farm between Kreamerville and Centre Mill. The care of the place devolved mainly upon his family as he con- tinued to work at his trade. Politically he was a Democrat, but aside from voting regularly he took no active part in public affairs. He be- longed to the Lutheran Church, and was a con- stant attendant and active worker, holding vari- ous offices. His last years were spent in Rock- ville, Penn., in well-earned leisure. his toil hav- ing gained him a comfortable competence. and his death occurred February 2, 1879, his burial taking place at Rebersburg. He was highly respected among his associates for his integrity, being known far and near as a "man of his word."

After his removal to Brush Valley Henry Smull married Miss Elizabeth Royer, by whom he had the following children: Polly (Mrs. Will- iam Walker); John, now postmaster at Rebers- burg; Harrison. a stonemason by trade, who died at Rebersburg: Abigail, the widow of Fran- cis Brownlee, of Freeport, Ill .; Lovina, wife of William Bierly, of Rebersburg: Sarah, who mar- ried Samuel Gramley, and died at Rebersburg: and Jefferson, residing in Mackeyville, Penn. The mother of this family died in 18-, and her remains were laid to rest in the family lot in Rebersburg cemetery. Henry Small for his sec- ond wife married Catherine Kreamer, who was born near Kreamerville, October 22, 1806, a daughter of Jacob Kreamer, and died November 24. 1887, her funeral being held at Rebersburg. There were five children by this union: Aaron, a resident of Rockville, Penn. ; Renben, our sub- ject's father: Simon, a blacksmith by trade, who died in Madisonburg: Hannah, now Mrs. Levi Fullmer, of Rebersburg; and Henry, of Kream- erville.

915317

Geo A Small

525

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Reuben Smull, the father of our subject, was born October 30, 1838, at the old home near Kreamerville. He first attended school at Re- bersburg, with John Burkett as his teacher, and he afterward pursued his studies as he could in the intervals of farm work. Short as the winter terms were, he could not attend full time, his help being required at home. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the mason's trade with his father, and two years later, having become proficient in all branches of the work, he formed a partnership with his brother Harrison, and fol- lowed the business for several years.

In January, 1862, Reuben Smull was married in Brush Valley, at the home of the bride's par- ents, to Miss Louisa Gramley, who was born near Rebersburg, June 12, 1841, the daughter of Jos- eph and Esther (Schmeltzer) Gramley. The fol- lowing year they spent in Rebersburg, and in 1863 they removed to a farm adjoining Kreamer- ville on the north, and then belonging to Joseph Kreamer. Mr. Smull rented this, and remained there until 1864, when he went to a farm near Rockville, and while engaged in agriculture did some work at his trade. In the spring of 1888 he purchased the Joseph Kreamer estate, and re- turning to it has since resided there, giving his attention to farming exclusively. The place makes an attractive homestead, and under the able management of its owner is a profitable in- vestment.

Reuben Smull is a man of no pretensions, minding his own business, and this, by the way, is a characteristic trait of his family, which has produced a number of substantial, successful, yet unassuming citizens. He upholds the principles of the Democratic party on national issues, but where local questions only are involved, he de- clines to surrender his judgment blindly, and votes as he thinks the interests of the people de- mand. Official honors have no particular charms for him, but he has served as tax collector in Miles township. In religion he is a Lutheran. and he and his wife are both members of the Church.

The subject of this sketch, who is the only son of his parents, was born at Rockville, June 23, 1869. Inheriting the sterling qualities of his ancestry, he has the added advantage of good schooling, and the modern spirit of enterprise makes his talents practically available in lines in which former generations took no part. After completing the course of study in the local schools, he persued other branches at Spring Mills and Selins Grove, Penn .. and at Dakota, Ill. He was an apt student, learning rapidly. not only from books but also from observation.

and several years spent in the West in his early "twenties" served to broaden his views of men and things in a practical way.

On returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Smull was associated for some years with the circula- tion department of the Keystone Gasette of Belle- fonte, his duties taking him to all parts of cen- tral Pennsylvania. . In February, 1896, he became identified with the New York Life Insur- ance Co., as a subordinate agent, and his abilities quickly won the approval of the highest officials. His promotion followed not through any "in- fluence," but because the shrewd men at the head of the company needed just such tact, en- ergy and sound judgment as they saw revealed in his work. He is now the general agent for Centre, Clinton, Union and other counties, and exacting as are the requirements of the post, they are met promptly and satisfactorily.

On July 4, 1891, Mr. Sinull was united in wedlock with Miss Daisy Blanche Stover, a na- tive of Rebersburg, born May 15, 1873. She is a member of one of the oldest and most re- spected families of Brush Valley, and is the eld- est of three children of Cornelius and Chestie Stover. She is an attractive, accomplished lady. and held in high esteen by all her many friends. Mr. Smull built a pleasant residence in Rebers- burg, which he now rents, he and his wife pre- ferring to remain at their country home. Mr. and Mrs. Smull are members of the Lutheran Church, and are living supporters of its work. In fact Mr. Smull has already shown his public spirit in many ways, being always ready to en- courage any movement that might tend to prog- ress. At one time he was a Democrat in poli- tics, but of late he has endorsed the doctrines of the Republican party, and he is one of its advis- ers and counsellors in his locality. He is a di- rect descendant from John A. Smull, the author of Smull's . Legislator's Hand Book and Man- ual of Pennsylvania."

B ENJAMIN CORE, a well-known, wide- awake farmer of Ferguson township, Centre county, was born December 3. 1830. in Union county. Penn., a son of Benjamin Corl, Sr., whose birth occurred in Chester county, this State. During his youth the father had re- imoved to Union county, and later came to Centre county, where he spent the remainder of his life. For twenty years he followed black- smithing, but later in life gave his exclusive at- tention to agricultural passants. The mother of our subject, who bore the manden name of Bliza- beth Votada, was a native of Centre county.

526

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In June, 1863, Benjamin Corl, our subject, was married to Miss Mary Neidigh, who was called to her final rest after a married life of eighteen years. Four children graced their un- ion, namely: Henry, born April 24, 1868, assists his father in the operation of the home farm; Amanda C., born June 21, 1872, is the wife of Milton Zeigler, a sawyer by trade, living in Luth- ersburg. Clearfield Co., Penn .; Bella is the wife of Philip Grenable, a farmer of Huntingdon county, Penn. ; and Alfred, born August 12, 1879, is living in Half Moon, Centre county. In 1882, Mr. Corl was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Young, who has a son by her former husband, named George D. Young, who was born June 4, 1881, and is still with his mother. Mr. and Mrs. Corl have a daughter, Mary F., who was born August 27, 1884.

Mr. Corl is one of the most enterprising, in- dustrious -and energetic farmers of Ferguson township, where he owns a good farm, the neat and thrifty appearance of which plainly indicates the supervision of a careful manager. He casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, but cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office. He is an earnest and consistent member of the Re- formed Church, and, socially, affiliates with the Grange. He is held in the highest esteem and respect by his neighbors, and has the confidence and regard of all with whom he comes in con- tact, whether in a business or a social way.

P ETER LAUCK, a leading and prosperous farmer of Ferguson township, Centre coun- ty, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in York county, November 26, 1825, and is of German and Scotch descent. His paternal grand- father was a Revolutionary hero, having fought under Gen. Washington. Our subject is the youngest of the five children born to Peter and Elizabeth (Lephart) Lauck, the others being as follows: John, who reared his family in Illinois, and there died; Catharine and Hannah, who spent their married lives in Ohio, where their deaths occurred; and Elizabeth, who died in York county, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Lauck is the owner of a splendid farm in Ferguson township, but is now practically living a retired life, having laid aside the cares and re- sponsibilities of a business career, and enjoying a well-earned rest. In 1840 he came to the county, and since 1851 has resided upon his present farm. In early life he engaged in the manufacture of windmills, but later gave his en- tire time and attention to agricultural pursuits,

becoming a most prosperous and well-to-do farmer.

On February 8, 1847, Mr. Lauck wedded Miss Sarah M. Crumrine, and their union has been blessed with thirteen children: John H., who died in infancy; Rebecca, who first married William Heberling, and after his death wedded John Hicks: D. F., who married Catharine Shoe- maker; Margaret B., who was born March 12. 1855; Anna C., wife of William Dutrow, by whom she has five children; William, who mar- ried Lillie McGivitt, and has four children : Sally. wife of William Dougherty; Adam F., who mar- ried Emma Gummo, and has three children; J. W., who died April 6, 1880: Green, who was born January 16, 1863, and died September IS. 1864; George B. McClellan, who was born March 3, 1864, and died on the 16th of the following September; James, who died in infancy; and Alice C., who was born January 17, 1871, and died in childhood.

Of a social, generous disposition. Mr. Lauck has made many warm friends and acquaintances during his long residence in Centre county, and has the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life. He is a typical .American, progressive in his ideas and active and energetic in manner. In politics he is an earnest Democrat, and an advo- cate of free silver.

M AX SHELL. Among some of the most enterprising citizens of Centre county are those who were born in Germany, and who have brought to this fertile and productive country the thrift and economy of the Old World. Among these there is no figure that stands out more prominently in the history of Taylor township than Mr. Shell, whose fine farm is located near Dix Station on the old plank road.

Mr. Shell was born in Witzberick, Germany. May 20, 1825, a son of John and Andonia . Miller Shell, also natives of that country, where the mother died in 1828, at the age of thirty years There the father was again married, his second union being with Rosilla Hoover, and in 1847. with seven of the children, they emigrated to the United States, one son, Joseph, remaining behind. In the following year, however, he joined the family in America. By trade the father was a nail maker, but spent his last days in retirement at the home of his son, Res . John Shell, at Altoona, Penn., where he died in 1876. at the age of eighty-four years. In religions be- lief he was a Catholic. His second wife de- parted this life in 1803, at the age of sixty years

527

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

By his first marriage John Shell had six chil- dren, in order of birth as follows: Joseph (de- ceased) was a machinist of Altoona, Penn. ; Caro- line is the deceased wife of Joe Sedar, who died in the West; Considine is a farmer of Blair coun- ty, Penn .; Max is the subject of this sketch; Andonia married Jake Snider, and after his death wedded Adam Clacy, but both are now deceased; and Rechina was also twice married; her first husband, a Mr. Pittner, was accidentally drowned, and she afterward wedded Mike Long, who is also deceased. Two sons were born of the sec- ond union of John Shell: George L., a railroad bridge builder of Tyrone, Penn .; and Rev. John, a prominent priest of the Catholic Church, who died at Altoona.

Max Shell was twenty-two years of age when he embarked with his parents on a sailing vessel bound for Baltimore, Md., where they arrived after a voyage of four weeks. He had been pro- vided with excellent school advantages in his na- tive land, and is an intelligent, well-read man. He was drafted for service in the German army, but being in delicate health was rejected. Dur- ing the Civil war in this country he was also drafted, but was again discharged, as at this time he was past the age for service. After reaching the shores of the New World, Mr. Shell went to Hollidaysburg, Blair Co., Penn., where for a short time he worked on a farm, and then for nine months was employed in an ore bank. Coming to Bald Eagle Furnace, Centre county, he was employed by the furnace company at sta- ble work for the long period of twenty years, after which he returned to Blair county, where for six years he worked on the railroad. . He then purchased his present farm in Taylor town- ship, Centre county. This fine property, on which he has made some very valuable improve- ments, is the result of his own diligence, energy and good management, and stands to-day a monument to the industry and thrift that he possesses.

In October, 1851, Mr. Shell, our subject, was joined in wedlock with Miss Jane Reed, and to them have been born five children: Jennie, now residing at Snow Shoe, Penn., is the widow of Martin Vail, who was superintendent of the Beach Creek railroad, and died, leaving seven children ; Mary is the wife of William McNeallis, employed in the paper-mill of Tyrone, Penn. ; Williani, a railroad conductor, of Renovo, Penn., married Ella ---; Joc, a railroad engineer of Tyrone, wedded Mary Flinn; and Agnes is the wife of James McNeallis (brother of her sister's husband), a flagman on the railroad at Tyrone. There are also twenty-two grandchildren.

Mrs. Shell was born in Blair county, Penn., November 23, 1828, and is a daughter of Joseph and Jane W. (Logan) Reed, natives of Maryland and Ireland, respectively. When quite young her father ran away from home, going to Blair county, where he married a Miss Logan, then only sixteen years of age. He was crushed while working in an ore bank in that county, and died from the effects a few days later, when Mrs. Shell was quite small. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian. His last words to his wife were: "Go to Maryland and attend to a fortune which has been left us;" but this has never been done, though it is supposed an estate was left to the Reed family. Mrs. Reed long survived her hus- band, dying at the home of her son Joseph, in Hollidaysburg, in 1892, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. She was the mother of the following children: William, who died in Ten- nessee; Mary, deceased; Dennis, who died at Bald Eagle Furnace. Centre county; John, an iron worker in the West; Joseph, a railroad en- gineer of Hollidaysburg; Jane, the estimable wife of our subject; and Catherine, who first wedded William McAteer, and after his death married James Hawkins, a machinist of Altoona. Her death was caused by the explosion of a coal-oil lamp.

Mr. Shell is a devout member of the Catholic Church, in which faith he was reared, and both himself and wife are highly respected and es- teemed as valued members of the community. In politics he affiliates with the Democracy. deeming that in that party is the best guarantee for the perpetuation of our principles of free gov- ernment, and is an advocate of free silver. He is a very liberal and public-spirited man, and takes a foremost position in every movement or enterprise which promises to accrue to the bene- fit of the people in general.

M ORGAN M. LUCAS. Everywhere in our land are found men who have worked their own way up from humble beginnings to leadership in the commerce, the great productive industries, the management of financial affairs. and in controlling the veins and arteries of the traffic and exchanges of the country. It is one of the glories of the nation that it is so. It should be the strongest incentive and encourage- ment to the youth of the country that it is so. Prominent among the self-made men of Centre county is the subject of this sketch, now residing on Wallace run in Boggs township. He is one of the leading business men of the community,

528

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

extensively engaged in general farming, the man- ufacture of charcoal, and in the lumber busi- ness.

Mr. Lucas was born October 10, 1835, in the township which is still his home, and is a worthy representative of one of its pioneer families. In Centre county his parents, Charles and Eliza- beth (Shirk) Lucas, spent their entire lives, the former dying in 1875, at the age of seventy- eight years, and the latter in 1865, at the age of seventy-four years. In their family were four children: James M., a farmer of Boggs town- ship; Rebecca, wife of Jacob Brower, of Minne- sota; Charles, a farmer of Boggs township; and Morgan M., of this review.

The father was the first white man to cross the Alleghany Mountains to Snow Shoe, and was at that place when it was given its name. Several hunters were there stopping when a big snow storm came up, and they were obliged to make snow shoes in order to get away. Thus the vil- lage derived its name. Mr. Lucas was with Commodore Perry when he won his famous victory on Lake Erie. He had enlisted in the militia, but it was found that he could be of more service as a carpenter, and while he remained in the service was employed at that trade. On being discharged he returned to his home and resumed work as a millwright, which trade he had learned in early life. He became a large land owner, but his property was operated by his sons. His last days he spent in retirement at the home of our subject, but he died when on a visit to his daughter, Jane, who also resided in Boggs town- ship.

Morgan M. Lucas spent his early life in lum- bering and farming, and at the age of nineteen years started out in life for himself, working at anything which he considered profitable. On De- cember 25, 1858, he married Miss Nancy J. Poor- man, and to them have been born the following children: Adella, wife of Daniel Shopp, a farmer of Union township, Centre county; John A., a farmer of Boggs township; George B., an agri- culturist of Union township; Adeline, deceased wife of Andy Hugg, a farmer of Union town- ship; Catherine, wife of Edward Hancock, a farmer of Boggs township; Annie M., wife of Martin Brower, a fariner of Union township: Rebecca, wife of Thomas Griffith, a farmer of Boggs township; and Renben and Alice, who are still at home. After his marriage Mr. Lucas operated a rented farm on Wallace run, Boggs township, for a time, then moved to the farm belonging to William Marks, where he remained for five years, and then came to his present place, and has recently bought another tract.

Besides general farming, however, he is also engaged in the manufacture of charcoal, and in the lumber business.

Mr. Lucas is a straightforward, reliable busi- ness man, honored, respected and esteemed wherever known. He never acts except from honest motives, and, in all of his varied relations in business affairs and social life, he has maintained a character and standing that has impressed all with his sincere and manly purpose to do by others as he would have others do by him. In politics he is a Democrat, and has faithfully served in several township offices. An earnest Christian gentleman, he is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church, of which he is trustee.

W ILLIAM R., JOHN C. F. AND JACOB F. MOTZ, of Woodward. Centre county, are the three surviving sons and only children of the late John C. Motz and his wife, Maranda A. (Reigard) Motz, of whom mention is made else- where in this volume.

William R., the eldest son, was born in Wood- ward September 1, 1870, and received his ele- mentary education in the local schools, and then after studying for some time at New Berlin and Williamsport entered State College in ISS9. He left that institution during the Sophomore year. and took a course at the Eastman Business Col- lege, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He resides at Woodward, and conducts the business of his fa- ther's estate, which has never been divided. He . is a leader in the social life of the Valley.

John C. F., the second son, born April 25, 1872, was educated at Williamsport, at State College, Penn., and at the Eastman Business College. He got a good insight into business six years under the preceptorship of his father, who one year before he died gave John, individually, the store in Woodward, which the latter has since successfully carried on under the name of J. C. F. Motz.

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 108

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