Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 112

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 112
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 112
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 112
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 112

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).

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

twenty years, and died November 6, 1893; and James P., born January 14, 1842, is now a resi- dent of New Mexico. The mother of these chil- dren departed this life June 9, 1861. Mr. Oden- kirk, who was one of the most reliable and sub- stantial citizens of his community, was the owner of a large estate surrounding and including the old fort in Potter township, all of which he ac- cumulated by industry, economy and good man- agement. He was widely known and. honored throughout the county as a man of inflexible honor and stability of character, and had the re- spect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was called to his final rest October 4, 1877, and his remains were interred in the cemetery of Centre Hall.

After her marriage, Mrs. Odenkirk and her husband lived in Centre Hall for a year or two, and then removed to her present comfortable home, where she has since continued to reside. She is a woman of good business ability and sound judgment, and has ably managed the prop- erty left her. With the Presbyterian Church of Centre Hall she holds membership. She merits and receives the highest respect and esteem of the whole community, and is mnuch beloved by every one with whom she comes in contact for her gentle ways and genial manner.

M E. ZIMMERMAN. Prominent among the more intelligent, active and enterprising cit- izens of Benner township, Centre county, is the gentleman whose name introduces this biography. His reputation for integrity and industry is second to none in the county, and, being a man of rare intellectual attainments, his advice is often sought by the people of the community. His pleasant home is surrounded by a fine farm of 180 acres, which is well improved and highly cultivated.

Of German descent, Mr. Zimmerman was born in Marion township, Centre county, in 1844, and is a son of Elias and Eve (Pontius) Zimmer- man, the former born in 1810, the latter in 1812. When twenty-five years of age the father came to Centre county, where for a time he worked at his trade of carpentering, but for the last thirty- four years of his life he engaged in agricultural pursuits. The mother departed this life in 1882. and was laid to rest in the cemetery of Miles- burg, Centre county. Their family consisted of ten children, namely: Lucy A. is the wife of David Harter, of Marion township, by whom she has three children: John P., who is living in Mor- ris county, Kans., married a. Miss Thomas, and

has two children; Jacob died in 1874: Isaiah, of Jefferson county, Kans., married Bella Thomas, of Pineville, Penn .; Catharine is the wife of William Tibbins, of Virginia, by whom she has five children; our subject is next in order of birth; Mary E. is the wife of Gersham Biddle, of Lew- isburg, Union Co., Penn., by whom she has one child; Charles T. died in Perry, Kans., in 1878; Sarah J. is the wife of William Thomas, of Miles- burg, by whom she has four children; and Lewis F. died in 1881.

In 1879 Mr. Zimmerman wedded Miss Jennie Martin, and seven children bless their union. whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Oscar Martin, 1880; Eva I., August 10, 1882; Marian S., September 10, 1884: Roy F., 1886; Paul Peritan, 1888; Homer David, 1890; and Alta, 1893. Mr. Zimmerman is a Republican at all times, and uniformly supports the principles of his party, while, religiously, he is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. His life is exemplary in all respects, and he has ever sup- ported those interests which are calculated to up- lift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest com- mendation.

W H. CLOSE, the well-known postmaster at Oak Hall Station, Centre county, was born in Mifflin county, Penn., September 27, 1844. a son of John and Rachel (Longwell) Close, also natives of that county. The paternal grand- father, Peter Close, was born in Germany. whence, during the latter part of the eighteenth century, he came to America and took up his resi- dence in Mifflin county, Penn., where his death occurred March 24, 1838. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Orr, died March 20, 1864, at the age of eighty-six years. Six chil- dren constituted their family: John: William, who died in infancy; Henry, who died in Mifflin county, in 1894: Adam E., who died in the same county in 1893: Eliza J., who married William Aitkens, a blacksmith, and died in 1856: and William T .. a farmer of Mifflin county, who died in 1892.

In the common schools of Siglerville. Mitilin county, John Close obtained his education, but .it an early age he left school and learned the shoe- maker's trade with Matthew Longwell, whose daughter, Rachel, he afterward married. Mr. Longwell lived to the extreme old age of ond hundred years and ten months. After his mu- riage. Mr. Close operated rented farms in his native county some twenty years, and then lo- cated in Penn's Valley, near Spring Mills, Centre

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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county, where he made his home for two years, while the following three years he passed near Callensburg, Clarion Co., Penn. He died, how- ever, in Mifflin county, of dropsy, December 24, 1862. His wife, who was born March 4, 1814, in that county, died of pneumonia, December 30, 1873.

To this worthy couple were born eight chil- dren: Eliza J., born September 27. 1833, is the widow of John D. Miller, a school teacher, for- merly of Pleasant Gap, Centre county, who died in 1892; Catherine E., born March 9, 1835, is the wife of Christian Lowry, of Rock Forge, Centre county; Mary H., born May 25, 1837, is the wife of William Benner, of Lemont, Centre county; Sarah M., born May 20, 1840, is the wife of Adam Thomas, a carpenter of State College; John A., twin brother of Sarah, died on his re- turn from the war, June 20, 1865; W. H. is next in order of birth; a daughter, whose name is not given, born January 7, 1847, is the wife of Fran- cis McBath; Frances M., born September 21, 1849, became the wife of A. J. Hassinger, of Le- mont, and died March 16, 1888.

The first school which our subject attended was held in the Beatty school house, in Mifflin county, and was taught by John Swartzel. He was ten years of age before beginning his educa- tion, and at the age of sixteen it was completed, since which time he has made his own way in the world. On coming to Centre county in 1862, he rented land for a time, but December 22, 1863, he laid aside personal interests and en- listed in Company H, 148th P. V. I., under Capt. George Baird, of Bellefonte. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Poor River, Spottsylvania Court House and Antietam. He received two wounds in the knee joint, which makes the leg stiff, and one in the jaw which completely severed the bone, and knocked out several teeth.

Mr. Close was married December 15, 1867, to Miss Sarah A. Benner. a granddaughter of Gen. Benner, who received his title in the Revolution- ary war. Four children bless their union: Eva, born October 6, 1868. is the wife of J. C. Car- man, an implement agent at Oak Hall Station; John Henry, born March 15, 1871, is a lumber- man by occupation; and Milo M., born Novem- ber 21, 1875. and Clifford E., born May 24, 1884 are at home. After his marriage. Mr. Close operated rented land in Benner township. Centre county, until 1883, when failing health compelled him to abandon it, and for two and one-half years he was ill. In 188; he was ap- pointed postmaster at Oak Hall Station, which position he has since acceptably filled. Casting 35

his first Presidential vote for George B. McClel- lan, he has ever been a stalwart Democrat in politics, is a member of Robert M. Foster Post No. 197, G. A. R., and for twenty-three years has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is widely and favorably known throughout Centre county, and is held in the highest regard by all with whom he has come in contact, either in business or social life.

ISAAC GUSS, M. D .. dentist and physician in the borough of Philipsburg, Centre county. Pennsylvania, where he resides.

D AVID A. DEITRICH, the well-known ex- press and ticket agent for the Pennsylvania Central railroad at Hublersburg, is a native of Centre county, his birth having occurred in Walker township, September 29, 1856. On the paternal side his ancestors came to this country from Switzerland, but hisfather, John H. Deitrich, was born in Aaronsburg, Centre county, and died there September 15, 1885. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Dunkle, was of German origin. They were highly respected by all who knew them, and were laid to rest in the Hublersburg cemetery.

To this worthy couple were born eight chil- dren: Elizabeth is the wife of William C. Fnl- ton, a farmer and miner of Walker township. Centre county, and they have six children; Lewis C., also an agriculturist of Walker township. married Ettie Markle, danghter of Joseph Markle, and they have five children; John, a plasterer living at Bellefonte. Centre county, married Minerva Hiller, who died in 1890, leav- ing two children; Sarah is the wife of John H. White, a farmer and laborer, by whom she has five children: Henry M .. a farmer of Walker township, married Amanda Hubler, and has Six children; Jacob A., an agriculturist of Miles township. Centre county, married Emma Roush. and has two children: David A., of this sketch. is the twin brother of Jacob A ; and Benjamin F . who makes his home in Bellefonte, married Emma Dugan, and has two children

David A. Dertrich received an excellent edu- cation, attending the common schools until he had attained his majority, and completing his literary course in a select school in Spring Mills For twelve years he then followed the profession of teaching through the winter months, proving a most able and competent mstructor, while the

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summer season he passed in farming. For the past three years he has capably filled his present position, and not only have his labors been per- formed to the satisfaction of his employers, but he has also proved a most obliging and accom- modating agent, very popular with the traveling public.

On March 26, 1882, Mr. Deitrich married Miss Emma L. White, a daughter of John White, of Walker township, and they have four children: Emery M., born August 9, 1883; Lillie Annetta, born October 31, 1886; Ezra M., born March 22, 1888, and died on the 28th of the same month; and David A., born September 9, 1892. Mr. Deitrich is a stalwart Democrat in politics, and in religious faith is a consistent member of the Reformed Church. He is a well-educated gentle- man, of pleasing address, has made hosts of friends, and enjoys in a marked degree the re- spect and confidence of the entire community.

M B. YARNELL was born in Centre county, in 1840, a son of H. B. and Mary McCle- lathan) Yarnell, who were also natives of Centre county, and of Irish descent, the maternal grand- parents being natives of the Emerald Isle.

To the parents of our subject were born eleven children, the others being as follows: (1) Mary became the wife of Squire George Jack, a merchant of Boalsburg. Centre county, who died in 1876, and her death occurred in November, 1890. (2) William, who made his home in Mis- souri, enlisted in the Union service, and was probably killed as he was never afterward heard from. (3) Ruth died in 1870, and was buried in Mt. Pleasant cemetery, Boggs township, Centre county, where her parents were also interred. (4) Thomas married; his wife died in February, 1894, and he died in September. 1892, leaving ten children. (5) Isaac, who was married and reared a family of twelve children, was killed in a railroad accident in February, 1892. (6) Charles died in infancy. (7) Jane is the wife of John Shuey, of Michigan. (8) Samuel died in infancy. (9) Nathan enlisted August 21, 1862. in Company C, 148th P. V. I., was a brave and gallant soldier, and was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, where he was three times slightly wounded before receiving his death wound. (10) Heber, who enlisted September 16, 1862, in Company G. 148th P. V. I., is married and has a family.

Hardly had the echoes from Fort Sumter's gons died away when our subject joined the Union army, enlisting April 14, 1861, in Com- pany H. Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves.

ON. JOHN PATTON (deceased), late of Curwensville. To name the various enter- prises in which this gentleman has been a lead- ing spirit would be to summarize the movements which have tended to the development of the en- tire community. It is not in financial lines only that he was pre-eminent; his well-balanced na- ture brought him into harmony with all phases of life, and educational, religious, political, so- cial and other influences felt his judicious and timely aid. Even in his extensive business oper- ations his public spirit was noticeable; shrewd. daring, far-sighted, the equal of any financier of the day, he yet made it a rule of his life to push forward only such enterprises as would promote the welfare of the community. The success which crowned his efforts suggests (and perhaps the hope may not be altogether Utopian) that some day our financiers may find their profit in acting upon the principle of mutual helpfulness instead of mutual brigandage, and as individuals find wealth beyond the dreams of avarice and se- curity, from all fear of ultimate los:, through a system which shall make the boundless riches of this land of ours so easily available that want can never again be known within our borders. To the acute and aggressive mind of the business man, Mr. Patton united the broad views of the true statesman, who perceives his own good in meeting the common need.

Mr. Patton came of pioneer ancestry, and more than one member of his family achieved prominence in the early days. His grandfather. Gen. John Patton, was born in Shgo, Ireland, in 1745, came to Philadelphia in 1765, and for a time was one of four auctioneers of that city, the office then being filled by government appoint- ment. He was also a prosperous merchant. He married Jane Davis, daughter of a pioneer settler of Chester county, and a sister of Lieut. Joseph Davis, who lost his life at the massacre of Wyom- . ing. The remains of this martyr now rest under the monument erected in honor of all who fell during that historic struggle, in September, 1896. After his marriage John Patton engaged in mer- cantile business, and we find his name mentioned as a contributor to the amount of two thousand pounds toward the support of the Colonial forces. He was, of course, a Whig, and, with Robert Morris, was noted for hberahty when practical aid was needed During the Revolution he did gallant service as colonel of the Sixteenth Addi- tional Continental Regiment of Pennsylvania In- fantry. In 1780 be removed to Centre county, and in 1701 he built Centre furnace, in partner- ship with Col Miles, the founder of Milesburg. At the time of his death, in 1804. Gen, Patton

In Parton

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held the rank of major general of this division of the Pennsylvania militia. His wife survived him, and passed away in 1831, aged seventy-nine. He was one of the original members of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, of Philadelphia, which was afterward merged into the Hibernian Society, and still exists, an organization which rendered great and important public service at that critical period. This society is non-political and non-sectarian.

Capt. John Patton, our subject's father, was born in Philadelphia. February 8, 1783. and in his boyhood followed the sea. Before he was seventeen years old he started on a voyage to China on board the ship "Woodruff," and he was not yet nineteen when he was appointed midshipman under Commodore Stephen Decatur. He was a classmate and warm friend of John Decatur, and on one occasion when their vessel was wrecked off the coast of Africa both were treated with the greatest kindness and hospitality by the natives. Later, Capt. Patton obtained a commission as lieutenant in the navy, and at one time was the captain in command of a gunboat stationed at Norfolk, Va. In 1810 ill health caused him to retire from the navy, and he en- gaged in business at Tussey Furnace, Centre county.

In 1811 Capt. Patton was united in marriage with Miss Susan Antes, a native of Boggs town- ship, Centre county, born May 10, 1791. Her parents, Philip and Susan (Williams) Antes, were both of German descent and among the early settlers of the county. Her grandfather, Col. Henry Antes, a Moravian, came from Germany at an early date, and served as an officer through- out the Revolutionary war. Her father was born August 25, 1759, at Faldemer Swamp, twenty miles above Philadelphia, and her mother was a native of Dauphin county, Penn., born Septem- ber 14, 1755. They were married February 21, 1780, and after some years of residence in North- umberland county, Penn., removed in 1784 to Centre county, locating in Boggs township, at Bald Eag e, just below Milesburg. In 1825 Mr. Antes moved to Clearfield county, and there spent his declining years.

Capt. Patton took his wife and family to Tioga county, Peun., in 1817, and remained there seven years as prothonotary, being the first prothonotary of Tioga county, appointed by Gov. Heister. He returned to Centre county in 1824, and two years later made his home at Centre, in Clearfield county. In the spring of 1828 he settled permanently at Curwensville, where he died of paralysis February 2. 1848, having been an invalid for several years previous.

He held a high place in the community, his tal- ents fitting him for leadership. For a number of years he was a successful teacher. He was a justice of the peace for some time, and for five years was associate judge of the county under commission from Gov. Porter. His wife, a lady of fine abilities, attained the advanced age of ninety-two years, dying January 13, 1883. To the last she displayed remarkable physical and mental vigor, and her reminiscences of early days were of great interest.

With this brief outline of his ancestral history, we may now turn to the subject proper of this biog- raphy, who was born in Tioga county, Penn., January 6, 1823. Mr. Patton's educational ad- vantages, owing to the want of facilities and the necessities of his situation, were very limited, and he received his training at the school of ad- versity, from which he graduated with honor. Emphatically a self-made man. he never made the mistake of worshiping the maker or forget- ting the day of small things, but modesty has al- ways been one of his leading characteristics, and his desire to furnish those advantages to others which were denied him, has dotted the pathway of his life with benefactions to the cause of edu- cation which are continuing blessings, and have enrolled his name among the philanthropists of the State. At the age of eleven, he was errand boy in a store at Curwensville, and in 1844 he commenced business for himself as a lumberman and merchant (with borrowed capital), which he continued with few interruptions for a period of over fifty years. It is a notable fact, and one which testifies to his high character and business reputation, that he was able at that time to bor- row all the capital required. His comprehensive and active intellect quickly grasped the situation, and, seeing the possibility of widening the scope of his operations profitably, he pushed his far- sighted plans to completion, developing his trade until he became known as one of the leading merchants and most extensive shippers of lumber in that section. Until the spring of isot he de- voted his time to these lines of business, but po- litical duties then took his attention.

In 1864 he organized the First National Bank of Curwensville with a capital of $100,000. and was chosen president of the mist itution. In 1850 this bank closed out its business and Mr. Patton established in its place the Curvensville Bank, a private institution with a capital of $50,- ovo. The capital is How $200.000, with a sur- plus of $ 50,000, and it is one of the strongest mitt- cial institutions of the State. In bis financial operations, which since 1864 have included nearly every form of investment, Mr. Patton has shown

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singular acumen, his judgment proving superior to that of many of his associates, even those who, being at the time older and more experienced than he, might have been supposed to know more of the devious ways of finance.

His early and effective aid in securing rail- roads, by which this region was brought in con- nection with outside markets, should be espe- cially noted. He was one of the promoters of the railroad from Tyrone to Philipsburg, and later took a leading part in securing an extension from Clearfield to Curwensville. His donation to the work was most liberal, and in this way, and through his influence with others, the sum of $60,- 000 was promptly raised, paid to the Pennsyl- vania R. R. Co. as a bonus, assuring at once the completion of the project.

In the wider activities of political and phil- anthropic work his name was equally well known. As a Whig in early life and later as a Republican, he wielded wide influence. In 1852 he was a dele- delegate to the Whig National Convention at Balti- more, at which Gen. Scott was nominated for the Presidency, and in 1860 he was a member of the convention which made Abraham Lincoln the standard bearer of the Republican party. In 1860 he was chosen to represent the Twenty-fourth District in the XXXVIIth Congress, overcoming an adverse majority in the district, and carrying his county, previously a Democratic stronghold, by a gratifying vote. During the troublous times that followed, he was one of the firmest supporters of the government, every measure looking to the vigorous enforcement of national power, the abolition of slavery, the upholding of the public credit, and the care of the gallant boys who were risking their lives at the front, receiv- ing his zealous attention. He declined a re- nomination, although the Twenty-fourth District had been changed, and was then strongly Re- publican. In 1886, however, he was elected to the Lth Congress from the Twentieth District. comprising Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Union and Mifflin counties, in the face of an ad- verse majority of nearly three thousand. At many State conventions he was a leading figure, and in 1864 he was one of the Presidential elec- tors who placed Lincoln at the helm of the gov- erninent for the second time. On Mr. Patton's motion all the members of that Electoral Col- lege donated their per diem and mileage to the United States Christian Commission, to which, together with the Sanitary Commission, Mr. Pat - ton had been from their organization a generous contributor. His contribution that year was five thousand dollars.

In the work which made the Centennial Ex-

position a success, Mr. Patton was also promi- nent, having been named in the act of Congress which selected the board of finance. With his customary breadth of view he saw the possibili- ties of this great undertaking, and gave his in- fluence to the fullest realization of them, voting for the building of the Memorial Hall, and for the proper representation of Pennsylvania. In any measure for internal improvement he was a judicious and powerful helper, giving freely him. self, and gaining through his influence the sup- port of others who relied upon his good judg- ment.

All religious denominations received liberal and timely aid as occasion arose, but to the Methodist Episcopal Church he was especially helpful. He contributed largely to the cost of the building of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Curwensville, 'which is the finest church edifice in the locality. He was a generous patron of the educational institutions under Methodist control. notably Drew Sentinary, Madison, N. J. : Dickin- son College. Carlisle, Penn. ; and Dickinson Semi- nary, Williamsport. He represented the Central Pennsylvania Conference in the General Confer- ence at New York in 1872, and at Cleveland. Ohio, in 1896, and was also a member of the Ecumenical Conference held in Washington, D. C. Among the monuments which will stand for him is the " Patton Public Graded School " build- ing at Curwensville, costing $25,000, which he presented to the borough, and when being asked why he did it he replied: "That no boy who de- sires an education need be deprived (as I was) oi the opportunity."

In 1847 Mr. Patton was united in marriage with Miss C. M. Ennis, daughter of Alexander Ennis, of Hollidaysburg, Penn. She departed this life in November, 1855, deeply mourned by a large circle of friends. In 1858 Mr. Patton married Miss H. J. Foley, of Clearfield, daugh- ter of Hon. W. C. Foley. There were four chil- dren by the first marriage: (1) William I., who died in 1856 at eight years of age. (2) John, Jr .. who has displayed in his successful career the happy combination of energy and ability which characterizes the family. Beginning his educa- tion in the common schools of Curwensville, he passed through a thorough course of study in higher institutions, graduating at Yale College in 18;5. and in 187; he took a degree from Cohim- bia Law School. He is a leading attorney at Grand Rapids, Mich., and vice-president of the Peoples Savings Bank. He holds a promment position in political life, was president of the State League of Republican Clubs, and a mem ber of the U. S. Senate, succeeding Senator

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 112

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