Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 109

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 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 109

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Jacob F., the youngest son. born February 5, 1874. completed a course of study at State Col- lege, graduating in 1896, and he also graduated in electric engineering. He is now in the em- ploy of the Carnegie Works, Homestead, Penn- sylvania.

The three brothers are all taking prominent places in the community, in which they are held in the highest esteem as bright young men pos- sessed of more than ordinary ability, and the two elder are classed among the leading young business men of the community. Their father

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carefully instructed them in the details of his business, and although he suffered from rheuma- tism he remained at the helm until he con- sidered his sons properly fitted for the task of life.

They are all Republicans in their political preferences, while in matters of religion they are identified with the Evangelical Association. None of them has as yet enlisted in the noble army of benedicts.

D J. MUSSER. The Musser family is one of the most prominent in Penn's Valley, and while its members are not all descended from the same pioneer settler, their ancestors seem to have all located at their first coming in what is now Gregg township, Centre county.

Of the different branches, the subject of this sketch, a highly respected resident of Gregg township, is now the only male representative in his generation (the third) from Philip Musser, one of the original settlers who located at the present homestead in 1802. It was then known as the "Rev. James Martin farm," and in an old ceme- tery on the place there are still to be found tombstones which mark the graves of a number of pioneers. One bears the following inscription : " Here lies the body of Rev. James Martin, Pas- tor of the First Presbyterian congregation in Penn's Valley, who died June 20, 1795, aged about sixty-five." This is without doubt one of the earliest interments in the cemetery, which was abandoned long ago. When our sub- ject's grandfather took the estate it was but little changed from its primitive condition, and he cleared and improved it, some of the buildings which he erected being still in use, the barn dat- ing back to 1812. He was a Whig in politics, and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. Thrifty and industrious, a typical German farm- er, he acquired a goodly competence. He lived to be nearly eighty years old, and his wife, Elizabeth Oswalt, also attained an advanced age. but the mortal remains of both' were long since laid to rest in the Heckman cemetery. Their children were: John, who died in Trumbull county, Ohio: Philip (2), the father of our subject; Daniel, who removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, and died there: Elizabeth ( Mrs. John Durst), who died in Potter township. Centre county; Han- nah, who married Adam Shaffer, and died in Madisonburg. Centre county; Lydia (Mrs. Mi- chael Ream), who died in Gregg township. Cen- tre county; and Catherine (Mrs. Ehas Wasser), who died in Kansas. At the time that Philip 3.1

Musser, Sr., came to Centre county, his brother Michael also located there. He had a large fam- ily, among whom were several daughters and two sons, Jonathan and George.

Philip Musser (2), our subject's father, was born in Lehigh county, Penn., in September, 1790, and was a boy of twelve when his parents settled at the present homestead. As a pioneer farmer's son, his educational advantages were limited, and what instruction he had was given in German. He was a well-built man, weighing from 180 to 185 pounds, and was an active and successful business man, conducting his farm, and also a sawmill, which was built by hisfather, and is still run by water power. He always took a prominent part in religious movements as a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church, in which he held various offices, and he wasalso interested in poli- tics first as a Whig, and later as a Republican. Al- though firm in his convictions, he was never ag- gressive in proclaiming them, being a man of few words, and he was universally respected asan up- right citizen. He died in November, 1871, and his remains were interred in Heckman cemetery. He was married four times. By his first wife, a Miss Walburn, he had three children: Mary A. married John Oswalt, and died in Gregg township, Centre county; Elizabeth married Jacob Condo, and moved to Illinois, where her death occurred: and Rebecca, the widow of Charles Hennich, resides in Penn Hall. The second wife, our subject's mother, was formerly a Miss Rush, who first married a Mr. Peters, and at the time of her marriage to Mr. Musser was a widow. She died about 1831. Her chil- dren were John, who died at two years of age: George, who died when fourteen: D. J .. our sub- ject; and Hannah (Mrs. William Adamson , who died in Kansas. By the third wife. Polly Musser, widow of Daniel Condo, and the fourth. Susan Miller, widow of David Oswalt, there were no children.

D. J. Musser was born at the old homestead, March 19, 1820, and as a boy attended the neighboring district schools, the instruction being mainly in German. The labor-saving devices of the present time were then unknown, and work was plenty even in the winter season, it being his duty to ride the horses while threshing out the grain in the old-fashioned was. His time was sometimes so taken up with his work that dur- ing one whole winter he was allowed to attend school only seven days. Hauling furnished con- tinned employment also, as coal was brought in wagons from Snow Shoe, and grain was taken to market at Lewistown, Mifflin county, over Seven Mountains, by the same means. "He has

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always lived at the homestead, and as he grew older he assumed the management of the estate, conducting the farm and the old mill. At the age of twenty he married Miss Catherine Rearick, who was born in Haines township, Centre coun- ty, in October, 1827, the daughter of William and -(Friese) Rearick. Twelve children blessed the union: Alice R. married John Swarm, of Centre Hall; John P. died at an early age; Mary A. is at home; Charles A. died in July, 1896, at the age of forty-two, leaving a widow and one son, Wallace, who is of the fifth generation of this family to reside at the homestead; William H. is a farmer in Penn township, Centre county; Cornelius, a farmer, lives in Miles township, Centre county ; Melancthon is an agriculturist of Potter township, Centre county; Luther resides in Gregg township; George lives at Rebersburg; Calvin F. is employed in the freight office of the Reading R. R. Co. at Williamsport, Penn .; Frank resides in Gregg township, Centre county; and Lucy is at home.

Mr. Musser has an excellent farm, containing 124 acres, and in 1883, when he retired from act- ive business, he built for himself a substantial res- idence on the farm some distance from the old home, which is occupied by one of his sons, who now manages the estate. He has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, though never an office seeker, and was first a Whig, then a Re- publican, and since 1892 he has been a Prohi- bitionist, being strongly opposed to the liquor traffic. He and his wife are leading members of the Lutheran Church, and for many years he took an active part in the affairs, holding office as deacon and elder. Notwithstanding the fact that he has done much hard work in his life, he is well preserved for one of his age, and his mental faculties are unusually good, his memory being remarkable.

W ILLIAM H. MEYER, the leading mer- chant of Coburn, Centre county, is a rep- resentative of a prominent and well known family of central Pennsylvania, who trace their ancestry back to a gentleman of German birth who came to the New World at an early day in its history. His fourth son, Christopher Meyer, was born in Muhlbach, Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1744, from which place he removed to Camp- belltown, Lebanon county, this State, where he owned a large tract of land. There his death occurred August 2, 1801. He wedded Auna Maria Schaeffer, who was born in Heidelberg township, Lancaster county, February 19, 1744,

a daughter of Alexander Schaeffer, who came from Palatinate, Prussia, to the United States in 1740. She died January 1, 1823. In their fam- ily were nine children, namely: Henry, John, Michael, Jacob, Christopher, George, Catharine, Christina and Mary.

George Meyer was the first of the family to come to Haines township, Centre county. He was born in Campbelltown, March 25, 1782, and in IS27 came to Centre county, buying a farm and millsite on Pine creek, where he erected a mill. He was a giant in strength, yet inferior to his brothers, Henry, John and Michael. He married Catharine Meyer, who was born Decem- ber 2, 1788, a daughter of John Jacob Meyer, and died March 13, 1858. He passed away January 1, 1854, and was buried with his wife at Aaronsburg, Centre county. Their family con- stituted the following children: George, born January 13, 1806, was the grandfather of our subject; John, a farmer by occupation, died in Penn's Valley, January 28, 1878; Catharine mar- ried Andrew Harter, and died in Penn's Valley, October 3, 1872; Henry died in Haines town- ship, Centre county, March 9, 1877; Mary wed- ded Andrew Stover, and lives in Penn's Valley: Philip died in Haines township, June 25, 1876; and Jacob G., a resident of Aaronsburg, at one time represented his district in the State Legislature.

The grandfather of our subject was reared upon a farm, and was married in Haines town- ship to Miss Lydia Harter, who was there born May 16, 1807, a daughter of Andrew Harter, and they became the parents of six children: George J. is the father of our subject; Julia A., born December 20, 1831, is the wife of John Weaver, of Penn township, Centre county; Maria, born January 26, 1837. is the wife of Jacob Ketner, of Haines township; Samuel, born July 13. 1839, was a miller by trade, and died in Millheim, Centre county; Sarah, born April 12, 1842, is the widow of Daniel Miller, of Haines township; and Andrew, born January 17, 1848, is a miller of the same township. The father of these chil- dren taught two terms of school after his mar- riage. He began housekeeping upon a rented farm in Haines township, and to agricultural pursuits mainly devoted his attention until his death at the age of forty-seven years. He was never a robust man, and catching cold, it de- veloped into consumption, which caused his death. Politically he was a Democrat, and re- ligiously he was a member of the German Re- formed Church. His wife survived him only about two and one-half years.

George J. Meyer, the father of our subject.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was born in Haines township, January 17, 1830, and acquired his education in the primitive schools of early times. At the age of eighteen he began learning the miller's trade with his un- cle, John Meyer, of Pine Creek, serving a two- years' apprenticeship, during which time he re- ceived $60 for his services. He then worked as a journeyman at the Pine Creek Mill for one year, and then returned and conducted it on his own account for the same length of time. Re- moving to Lewis township, Union county, Penn., he operated a rented mill there for a time, and later worked for the owner. On leaving his employ he conducted a rented mill in Haines township, Centre county, for eight years, after which he removed to Penn township, where his family resided, while he was at Oil City, Penn., a part of one summer. For a period of two years and a half he then engaged in farming. later operated a grist and saw mill at Pine Creek eleven years, and for nine years was in the mill- ing business at Linden Hall, Centre county. In the spring of 1889 he came to Coburn, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for a time, but later sold out to his son William, and is now living a retired life, making his home with his children. He is a highly respected and honored citizen, an earnest supporter of Democratic prin- ciples, and a faithful member of the Reformed Church.

In Haines township, in June, in 1852, George J. Meyer was wedded to Miss Mary S. Arbogast, who was born in 1832, in Freeburg, Snyder Co., Penn. (then Union county), a daughter of Jacob Arbogast, a potter by trade. Six children bless this union: Emma J., wife of Nicodemus Lose, of Haines township; Agnes, wife of Daniel Kra- der, of Gregg township, Centre county; William H., whose name introduces this sketch: Austin E., a miller of Linden Hall: Thomas F., a mer- chant of Coburn; and Temmie E., wife of John H. Rishel, a merchant of Farmers Mills, Penn. The mother was called to her final rest March 26, 1894, and her remains were interred in the cemetery of Aaronsburg. Like her husband, she was an earnest member of the Reformed Church.

time. In 1890 he embarked in merchandising at Coburn, first occupying a building opposite the depot, and later succeeded E. L. Auman in business at his present stand. He had never stood behind a counter previous to starting in business for himself, but seemed naturally adapt- ed to the pursuit, and has met with a well- deserved success, having now one of the leading general stores in Penn's Valley, and by far the most complete one in Coburn.

At the age of nineteen Mr. Meyer was mar- ried in Bellefonte to Miss Hulda Lee, a native of Tusseyville, Penn., and a daughter of Robert Lee, a farmer. They have one child, Verna, born in November, 1875. The parents are both consistent members of the Reformed Church, while in politics Mr. Meyer is a stalwart Demo- crat, and fraternally is a member of Blanchard Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Eagleville, Penn. He is a prosperous, obliging merchant, one who has made his own way in the world, and deserves no little credit for the wonderful success he has achieved. As a business -man he enjoys the con- fidence of a wide circle of patrons, and he and his wife hold an equally high position in social circles.

J OHN CARVER, an intelligent and energetic farmer of Benner township, Centre county, is a native of the county, his birth having oc- curred in Bald Eagle Valley, in 1848. His par- ents, Joseph and Mary (Neiman) Carver, were also natives of that county, and highly respected and honored people. In their family were eleven children, in order of birth as follows: Sarah A. is the wife of John Stonebreaker, of Sandy Ridge, Centre county; Joseph enlisted in the 148th P. V. I., and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. Maria wedded Gabriel Fike, who was also a Union soldier, and both are now deceased. Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Sharrow, of Johnstown, Penn., where they were living dur- ing the memorable flood at that place. Henry, who was also a brave defender of the Union, was taken prisoner in the battle of the Wilderness and died in Libby prison. Frederick, who wasa member of a Pennsylvania regiment during the Rebellion. died in January, 1896. William died in bovhood in Bald Eagle. Mary Ann died in childhood. Joli is next in order of birth. Jacob is married and living in Snow Shoe, Penn. Barbara is the wife of Samuel Ginger, of Koopsburg, Centre county.

In Hartle township, Union county, William H. Meyer was born July 31, 1855, whence, when a child, he was brought by his parents to Woodward. Centre county, of which county he has since been a resident. He was educated in its common schools, first attending school at Woodward, where his teacher was "Old Hill." At the age of fifteen he began learning the mill- er's trade with his father at Pine Creek, and In the public schools of Centre county, Mr. Carver, the subject of this review, secured a good later worked at that business in various places in Centre county, and also at York, Penn., for a practical education, and early became familiar

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with farm work in its various departments. Since 1858 he has been a resident of Benner township, and for the past quarter of a century has made his home upon his present farm, a tract of twenty-five acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. It is chiefly owing to his own industry and good management that he is the possessor of this well- improved place. In politics he is a Democrat, and is in favor of any movement which is for the benefit of the community, or calculated to elevate the tone of society in general. By his neighbors he is classed among the leading agriculturists of Benner township.

J OHN H. ROUSH, a prominent agriculturist, residing near Madisonburg, Centre county, is one of the progressive, wide-awake men who naturally take the lead in any calling which they may undertake. He was born March 22, 1850, on the same farm which he now owns and occu- pies, and was the eldest child of Benjamin and Margaret (Hoy) Roush. The estate was formerly known as the "John Hoy homestead," and the Hoy family were from early times identified with that locality. The neighboring district school was called Hoy's school, and there Mr. Roush re- ceived his education, one of his first teachers be- ing John Houtz.

Farm life presents many advantages to a youth, healthful work, relieved by pleasant out- door recreation, forming wholesome habits and developing and strengthening the physique. There was always plenty to do at home, and Mr. Roush's parents being well-to-do, he never "worked out " for other farmers. As he became familiar with the management of the farm he as- sumed much of the responsibility, and as a young man he gave evidence of the qualities which have contributed to his later success. In January. 1873, he was married at Rebersburg to Miss Margaret J. Shaffer, daughter of John and Fran- ces (Schmeltzer) Shaffer. She was a native of Sugar Valley, Clinton connty, born in December. 1850, but her early life was mainly spent in Brush Valley. After his marriage Mr. Roush lo- cated in Sugar Valley, renting the farm upon which Mrs. Roush was born. He remained there until the spring of 1876, when he removed to a farm in Spring township, Centre county. near Axemann. In the spring of 1888, he left this place to take his permanent residence in Gregg township, at the okl homestead, which he has greatly improved in various ways. The es- tate contains 182 acres of choice land, and is con- sidered one of the best farms in the locality.

Mr. and Mrs. Roush have three daughters: (1) Carrie E. married A. J. Hazel, of Madison- burg, and has two children; (2) Minnie E. and (3) Frances E., are at home. The family holds a leading place 'in the social life of the com- munity. Mr. Roush is a member of the Re- formed Church, in which he has served as dea- con, and Mrs. Roush is a Lutheran in faith. Politically he is a stanch and steadfast Democrat, and has much influence in the local organization. While living in Spring township he held office as. school director and assistant assessor, and at present he is the director of the " Hoy district school," which he attended in boyhood. He is a member of the Grange, and of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 955, at Millheim, and is a charter member of Madison Castle No. 360, K. G. E., at Madisonburg.

W ILLIAM M. LUTZ. Prominent among the successful and enterprising farmers of Centre county will be found the subject of this biographical sketch, whose home is situated in Benner township, and who is considered one of the most industrious and worthy citizens of that part of the county. He was born in Spring township, Centre county, in 1850, a son of John and Margaret (Martin) Lutz, the former of Ger- man descent and the latter of Irish parentage. The father, who was a native of Schuylkill county, Penn., died at the age of sixty-nine years and seven months.

Our subject, who is one of a family of thirteen children, obtained a good common-school educa- tion, and upon the home farm became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agricult- urist. On attaining to man's estate he was joined in wedlock with Miss Emma Crust, a na- tive of England, who when five years old was brought to the New World by her parents, James and Mary (Osmer) Crust. The pleasant home circle of Mr. and Mrs. Lutz consists of four chil- dren, namely: Charles E .. James, Mary and Nettie. They also lost one, who died at the age of five months.

Politically, Mr. Lutz affiliates with the Demo- cratic party, and is a strong and earnest adso- cate of its principles. For the past five years he has held membership in the Grange. An milis- trions, intelligent farmer, he is systematic in in- methods, and his fields are made to yield bounts- fnl harvests. The improvements upon his prop- city are of a substantial character, and evers. thing manifests the thrift and prosperity of wide awake farmer and capable business will. He is a highly respected citizen of the commun

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nity, and an excellent specimen of the genial, hospitable people who are born and reared in Centre county.

G EORGE WASHINGTON STEELE. The subject of this notice is certainly entitled to be considered not only one of the enterprising farmers of Huston township, Centre county, but one of its respected and honored citizens, and a man of more than ordinary ability. He has al- ways turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been very successful, and since his marriage has resided at his present home in Bald Eagle Valley.

Mr. Steele is a native of Huston township, born February 20, 1853. His father, William Wilson Steele, was born in Mifflin county, Penn., November 19, 1824, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Moore) Steele, natives of Chester and Centre counties, Penn., respectively. The former was a son of Francis and Margaret (Steele) Steele, who were born in Ireland, and on coming to America at an early day located in Centre county, where they spent the remainder of their lives upon a farm. The paternal grandmother of our subject was a daughter of Robert and -- (Wilson) Moore, also natives of Ireland and early pioneers of Centre county. Martin Steele and wife were married in Centre county, and in 1824 removed .to Mifflin county, but in the fol- lowing year returned to their former home, where they passed away in 1844 and 1864 re- spectively. He was an iron ore miner, and served as supervisor of Patton township, Cen- tre county. In their family were the following children: Jane, wife of Hubert Glenn; Marga- ret, wife of David Aters; Robert, of Ohio; Vi- enna, wife of James Peoples; Hestrane, wife of Robert Moore; Mary E., wife of Jacob Johnson- baugh; William W .; and Martha, wife of George Mays. All are deceased with the exception of the father of our subject.

In early life, William W. Steele engaged in lumbering during the winter season, while the summers were spent in farm work. In 1835 he located at Buffalo Run, but in 1853 removed to his present farm, to the cultivation and improve- ment of which he has since devoted his time and attention. He is a prominent member of the Republican party, and has served as constable, school director, and supervisor of his township. He was also elected justice of the peace, but de- clined to accept theoffice. On March 19, 1849, he married Elizabeth Mays, who was born in Huston township, May. 10, 1826, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Decker) Mays, natives of

Penn's Valley, Centre county, who spent their last days at the home of Mr. Steele, the former dying at the age of eighty and the latter at the age of eighty-five years. In their family were nine children: Catherine, widow of J. Saxton, of Kansas; Jane, deceased wife of James Mc- Clelland, also deceased; Sarah, deceased wife of Joe Sinker; Mary," widow of James Flick, of Forest county, Penn .; Elizabeth, mother of our subject; George, who died in Forest county; Eberhart, a farmer of that county; Jesse, who died in Kansas; and Washington, a veterinary surgeon of Clarendon, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Steele, whose name introduces this sketch, is the second in order of birth in a family of children, the others being as follows; Sarah, wife of David Richards, a farmer and carpenter of Centre county; Robert, who died when young; William M., who also died when young; Jasper, a farmer of Huston township; and Warren, at home. Our subject obtained his literary educa- tion in the public schools, and became familiar with agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, May 29. 1879, to Miss Nettie E. Mays. To them were born six children :_ Mattie is at home; Gordon is deceased; William died in infancy: Elwood is at home; Elizabeth died at the age of seventeen months; and one died in infancy.

In Clarendon, Forest Co., Penn., Mrs. Steele was born January 29, 1859, a daughter of George I. and Martha C. (Steele) Mays, natives of Cen- tre county, where they remained until 1848, when they removed to Forest county. The fa- ther followed the occupation of farming and blacksmithing throughout life, dying in April, 1893, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife passed away in January, 1892. at the age of sixty-five years. In early life they belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later joined the United Brethren. Their family constituted ten children: Ella, wife of Alex Chatley, a mill- wright of Forest county; Sarah, deceased wife of William Burkwalter, a lumberman: Josephine. wife of Joseph Showber, a farmer of Centre county; Jennie, who is now the wife of William Burkwalter; Nettie E., wife of our subject; Mag- gie, wife of Loren McGee, a carpenter; Priscilla, a resident of Forest county; Laura, who died at the age of nine years; Warren, of whom nothing is known; and Bertrand, of Forest county. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Steele were Sam- nel and Sarah A. (Decker) Mays, who located in Centre county at an early day, and there their deaths occurred. The maternal grandparents, Martin and Mary ( Moore) Steele, spent their en- tire lives in the same county.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 109

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