Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 113

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 113
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 113
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 113
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 113

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Stockbridge, and, with Gens. Alger and With- wgton, is a member of the Blair Statue Commis- sion for the State of Michigan. (3) Alexander E., a resident of Curwensville, will be fully spoken of elsewhere. (4) Susan died in infancy. Eight children were born of the second marriage: 1) Charles E., a successful merchant at Cur- wensville; (2) Mrs. Mary Russell; (3) Frank G., a resident of Reading, Penn., engaged in the coal business; (4) Annie and (5) A. Lincoln, both de- ceased; (6) William F., an attorney at Curwens- ville; (7) Nora L., at home, and (8) Jane I., deceased.

The Patton family has been so prominently identified with the best interests of this section of the State of Pennsylvania, for years past, that the history that would omit all mention of their work as leaders in various public movements would be glaringly incomplete. Thus, in writing the biography of Hon. John Patton, it is espe- cially proper to speak of his public spirit and generous support of all educational, religious and philanthropic movements, and pass his name down to posterity as it deserves.

M 'ON. CYRUS GORDON, president judge of the courts of Clearfield county. Near the close of the eighteenth century 'the re- ports of early travelers in Nittany Valley, Centre Co., Penn., as to the advantages of that region, attracted a large number of settlers, who, finding there a soil unsurpassed for richness, re- mained to transform the region into a garden spot.

Among the sturdy pioneers who thus made "peaceful war" upon Nature's primeval condi- tions was Robert Gordon, a native of Armagh, County Ulster, Ireland, who immigrating to this country, and after a brief stay at Baltimore, Md .. in 1790, came to Nittany Valley and secured land in Centre county, where he spent his re- maining years. In Ireland he married a Miss Leslie, and reared a family of four children, among whom was a son, James Gordon, the father of Cyrus Gordon, whose name opens this sketch. James Gordon was born December 17. 1799, in Centre county, and passed his life there in agricultural pursuits, his death occurring De- cember 17, 1868. He was a man of influence in his locality, a Presbyterian in religious faith. and an earnest supporter of Republican princi- ples from the early days of that party. His wife, Mary (Steel), was a daughter of Robert and Re- becca (Dunlop) Steel, and a granddaughter of Col. James Dunlop, of the Revolutionary war. She was born January 1. 1825, in Bellefonte.

Penn., and, surviving Mr. Gordon, she attained the age of three-score years and ten, passing away on July 20, 1895. Nine children were born to James and Mary S. Gordon, viz .: Robert, who entered the Union army as a inember of Anderson's Cavalry, and in 1863 met a soldier's death at Murfreesboro; William Leslie, a resi- dent of Topeka, Kans .; Theodore, who died in Bellefonte in 1887; James Dunlop, who was killed by a passing train while engaged as an engineer in locating an additional track on the Pennsylvania railroad at Wilmerding, near Pitts- burg, Penn .. in 1887; Martha, deceased wife of Joseph R. Muffly; Cyrus, our subject; Mary, who died in 1863; Lucien, who died in child- hood; and Isaac N., a resident of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

Judge Gordon was born December 1, 1846, at the old home in Centre county, and as his par- ents appreciated the value of a good education he was given excellent advantages, of which he made good use, graduating from Pennsylvania State College in 1866. - He then attended the law department of Michigan University, com- pleting the course in 1869. In the following year he located in Clearfield, where he has ever since been successfully engaged in professional work, and has won a place in the trout rank of the profession. In 1893 he was elected. on the Republican ticket, to the office of president- judge of Clearfield county, in which he has shown great ability, fully justifying the confi- dence of the people.

As a public-spirited citizen, Judge Gordon is always to be found among the advocates of prog- ress. He is especially interested in educational advancement, and is now a trustee of lus Alma Mater, Pennsylvania State College, where so many sons and daughters of this Commonwealth find their preparation for life's work He is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, and he and his wife are prominent in the social life of the locality. Mrs. Gordon was formerly Miss Mary R. Weaver, and is a member of a well- known fanuly of Clearfield, her native place. Their home has been brightened by four chi- dren: John W .. Rebecca now deceased), Les- lie Dunlop and James T.

JOHN W. WRIGHT (deceased) was for many years one of the most prominent and success- ful business men of Becaria township. Clear- field county, and belonged to a family that had long been actively identified with the prosperity and growth of Clearfield county. His parents, William and Ann (Keagy) Wright, were members

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of the Society of Friends, and during the war of 1812 they left their old home in Delaware county, Penn., coming to Clearfield county, where they would not witness the turmoil and strife, so op- posed to their religious belief. Here the father purchased a large tract of land, on which the present town of Glen Hope is located, and soon transformed the wild land into a highly improved and productive farm.

Of the family of children born to William and Ann (Keagy) Wright, a brief record is as follows: (I) Benjamin, the eldest, born at Newcastle, Del., was brought by his parents to Glen Hope, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Mattie Shoff, of Becaria township. He located upon a part of his father's original purchase, where he improved a farm and reared his family of six children, as follows: (1) William S. wedded Annie Sterling, of Brady township, Clearfield county, and now resides in Luthersburg, where he fol- lows blacksmithing and farming. He has six children-Levert, who married Cora Patterson, of the State of Indiana; Roland, who married Miss Lines, of Brady township; Mrs. Carrie Mer- win, of Luthersburg; and Ethel, Frank and Les- lie, all three at home. (2) Elizabeth A. received a good common-school education, and for some time taught in the public schools of Glen Hope. Subsequently she served as postmistress at, that place for a number of years. In 1875 she mar- ried James White, and they resided in Glen Hope, but are now deceased. (3) Mary Catharine be- came the wife of Samuel Atkins, of Columbia, Lancaster county, Penn., and after their marriage located near Pendleton, Ind., where he follows lumbering. She died in 1894, leaving three children-Martha, now Mrs. Hall, of Indiana; Laura, wife of Mr. Hollowell, of Pendleton, Ind., where they reside with their family; and Nellie, now Mrs. Bratton, also of Pendleton, who by her marriage also has several children. (4) Ellen died after reaching womanhood. (5) Henry .1. married Sarah Smith, of Becaria township, and they reside on his father's old homestead. They have three children-William, who married Katie De Walt, and has a family; Edith, at home: and Stella, who was married February 10, 1896, to John Sample, of Becaria. (6) Frank married and died a few years ago, leaving a family who reside in the West.

(II) Abraham K., the second child of Will- iam and Ann Wright, married Eunly Alexander, of Clearfield, and had four children: Ameha (wife of Judge McEnaly ); Willian V., of Clear- field; John W. ; and Bertha (Mrs. Edmund Big- ler, of Clearfield). (III) John W., the third in the order of William and Anu Wright's children, will

be spoken of farther on. (IV) Henry B., the fourth child of William and Ann Wright, born in Newcastle, Del., grew to manhood in Clearfield county, where he married Catherine Nevling, and resided on his farm until a short time previous to his death. He left a widow and two children. (V) Eliza A., the fifth child of William and Ann Wright, became the wife of Joseph Lee, a Meth- odist minister, and both are now deceased. They had three children-Asbury W .: Roszel; and Willetta, wife of Rev. McCloskey, a Methodist Episcopal minister.

John W. Wright, our subject, was born at Newcastle. Del., September 18, 1807, and when quite small was brought by his parents to Glen Hope, in whose schools he acquired a good prac- tical literary education. With his uncle, John Keagy, of Harrisburg, Penn., he began the study of medicine, but never completed the course For a number of years he was one of the most proficient teachers of the county, and as a leading and influential citizen he took quite a prominent part in public affairs. He was elected county treasurer, which office he acceptably filled two terms, and on his return to Glen Hope was elected justice of the peace, serving in that ca- pacity for a quarter of a century. As a business man he was enterprising, energetic and indus- trious, and succeeded in accumulating a hand- some competence.

In 1876, Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Miss Mary Mullin, who was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1834, a daughter of William and Jane Mullin, and who, in 1854, with some friends, crossed the Atlantic to Philadelphia. whence she proceeded to the home of an uncle. David Mullin, in Columbia, Lancaster county. Penn .. later joining another uncle. Thomas Mul- lin, in Becaria township, Clearfield county. She lived with him until his death, and continued tore- side in the same house until her marriage, mak- ing her home with her brother, James C. Mulley. who came to the New World ten years after her arrival. On becoming the wife of our subject she resided in Glen Hope, where he lived re- tired until July 15, 1890, when he died in his eighty-third year.

Politically, Mr. Wright was always identified with the Democratic party, while in religrolls faith both he and his estimable wife held men- bership in the Methodist Episcopal Church 1 very liberal supporter of the Church. he left at his death a certain amount to be devoted to Church and Missionary work His affluence was great and always for good. His sympathy, his benevolence, Is kindly greeting with long be re- membered. His duties were performed with the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

551

greatest care, and throughout his life his personal honor and integrity were without blemish. His wife shared with him the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances, and she has the respect and esteem of all who know her.

A RTHUR N. YOUNG, who was widely and favorably known throughout the county, where he spent his entire life, and had the re- spect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact, was born in 1814. He was a son of James Young, a carpenter by trade, who came from Ireland to America when a young man, and was married in Clearfield county, where he reared ltis six children: Arthur N., Martha, Samuel, Mary, Robert and Greenwood, all now deceased.

Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads, and at the age of sixteen commenced lumbering, which oc- cupation he continued to successfully follow until failing health caused his retirement. In early life he also operated in coal, building arks on which he would take his coal down the river to market. With his brother Samuel he purchased 400 acres of wild land, and converted the timber thereon into· marketable lumber; but after his marriage in 1851 they divided the tract and each improved a good farm. Before his death Arthur Young had placed one hundred acres under a good state of cultivation, and made many excel- lent and valuable improvements which added greatly to its neat and thrifty appearance. In

connection with his other business, he also piloted on the river for many years. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian, and, in politics, he was first a Whig and later a Republican. M: dest in disposition, his influence was never inspired by a sense of personal ambition. There is nothing in his life to show that he ever for a moment sought to compass a given end for the purpose of exalting or advancing himself. He championed measures and aided men, and ac- cepted as his reward that thrill of delight which always accompanies victories achieved. In the highest and best sense of the term he was ever a gentleman, and those of his old friends who sur- vive bear witness to his more than ordinary kindness. He passed away on the 19th of Octo- ber, 1887, and his death was deeply mourned.

In 1851 Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Lavina Campbell, who was born in 1832, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth Campbell, and granddaughter of Williant Camp- bell, of Juniata county, Peut., where he reared a family and spent his last days. The father was married in that county in 1825. and the same

year came to Clearfield county, opening up a farm in Ferguson township, where he made his home until seventy-four years of age, when he sold out and purchased a small place in the Alle- ghany Mountains in Blair county. There he de- parted this life in 1875, at the age of seventy- four years. The mother of Mrs. Young had died in 1842 in the faith of the Methodist Church. Nine children were born to that union: Mrs. Rachel Hope; Briggs and Elizabeth, who died in childhood; Mrs. Bashada Allman; Lavina, widow of Arthur N. Young, our subject; Lemuel; Ma- linda, wife of W. Owens; John, who was a Union soldier, and died while a prisoner of war; and Sarah J. Mr. Campbell was again married, and by the second wife had two children: Mrs. Nancy Soley; and Elizabeth, widow of W. Scott, who died while serving in the Union army. The father was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and a valued and honored citizen of his community.

During their entire married life Mrs. Young was her husband's close companion; her sympathy aided him in his business affairs; and her smile brightened his future prospects. It was no com- mon loss she was called upon to bear, and she cherishes and reveres his memory with a love that time cannot efface. They becaine the par- ents of eleven children, namely: Mrs. Mary E. Hulligan: Samuel, at home; John, a Methodist Episcopal minister, now located at Three Springs, Penn .; Martha, at home; Malinda J., who died at the age of fourteen years; Robert, a fariner, lumberman and school teacher; Rachel E., a resident of Pittsburg. Penn .; James, a lumber- man; Lavina Bell. the wife of Arthur Bell, a resident of Bower, Penn .; Lemuel, a farmer; Blanche, at home. All have been provided with good educations, making a cultured and refined family. Two of the family are connected with the Methodist Church, and in politics the sons are Republicans.

ROBERT YOUNG, the sixth child, remains at home, assisting his mother in the management of the farm. He married Miss Alice Colter, a daughter of John Colter, a minister of the Se- ceder Church, who was born, reared and married in Ohio, coming to Pennsylvania in 1876 Lo- cating in Greenwood township. Clearfield county. he took charge of a Church here, where he re- mained for a number of years, and after preach ing in a number of different places throughout the United States, he finally purchased property and built a comfortable home for his family in Greenwood township. During the nine years of his residence here his wife died, and in 1885 he moved to Kansas, where he had charge of a

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Church and also engaged in school teaching and farming. There his death occurred in 1889, and soon after his family returned to Clearfield county. His children are: James, Alice, Arthur and Samuel.

SAMUEL ARNOLD. The story of the founders of this nation and of the Revo- lutionary fore-fathers is interesting not only from a historical standpoint, but also as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Yet we need not look to the past; the present fur- nishes many examples worthy of emulation in the men who have risen by their own efforts to posi- tions of prominence in business circles. To this class belongs Mr. Arnold, a successful merchant, lumber dealer and land owner of Curwensville.

Mr. Arnold was born in York county, Penn., February 11, 1822, a son of Peter and Susan (Klugh) Arnold. The grandfather, George Ar- nold (born in 1768, died in 1827), of English de- scent, followed farming, and spent his entire life in York county. Peter Arnold was reared and married there, and April 13, 1837, removed with his family to Clearfield county, where he pur- chased a farm, upon which he spent his remain- ing days. The maternal grandfather of our sub- ject was a native of Germany, came to America at an early day, and for seven years valiantly served as a patriot in the war of the Revolution. He afterward located in Lancaster county, Penn., where he reared his family and died. Peter Ar- nold and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. They had eight children, namely: George, Samuel, Frederick, Manassa, Joseph R., Anna, Maria and Clarissa. Our subject's paternal great-grandfather was a son of Enoch Arnold, whose great-grandfather emigrated from England in 1594, and died at Hartford, Conn., in 1664, aged seventy years.

Samuel Arnold, our subject, accompanied his parents to Clearfield county when fifteen years of age, and was early trained to farm work, while in the common schools he acquired his educa- tion. He remained with his father until twenty- two years of age, and then went to Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand until 1844. Returning then to his native State, he taught school for three terms, and was afterward em- ployed in different capacities until 1846, when he began merchandising in Luthersburg, conducting his store until 1865, and then removed to Cur- wensville where he helped to organize, and ac- cepted a position as cashier in, the First National Bank, serving in that capacity for thirteen years. In 1876 he purchased his present store, and has since successfully carried on general merchandis-

ing. He has also been actively interested in speculation, purchasing land and engaging in the manufacture of lumber and shingles. He still owns large tracts of timber land, and has an ex- tensive sawmill, which is operated by his son Frank, and furnishes employment to a large force. The timber is taken from his own property, and he has erected a number of dwellings for the men whom he employs. He also owns fire-clay mines and rock quarries. furnishing a fine quality of building stone. His son Samuel superintends the store, and he gives a general superintendenice to his varied interests, and does his own bookkeep- ing. Besides his landed and milling interests, he has substantial property in Curwensville, includ- ing his store building, which is a fine three-story brick block, also a commodious and beautiful brick residence.

Mr. Arnold comes of a family noted for their ability as financiers. There were five brothers. all of whom have attained success through their own efforts, their resolute purpose and honorable dealing. All have been successful merchants, and four have been prominently connected with banking interests, as cashiers or bank presidents. They are self-made men in the truest and best sense of the term, and their prosperity is well merited.

On July 11, 1847, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Mary A. Carlile, who was born in Palmyra, Penn., January 30, 1825, a daughter of John Carlile, of Scotch-Irish lineage. He was reared in Pennsylvania, and for many years followed blacksmithing. In 1832 he came to Clearfield county, and was appointed by the governor jhs- tice of the peace. When that office became an elective one he was continued in it by popular vote for many years, and he also served as county commissioner. His later life was devoted to merchandising until old age unfitted him for further work, and he died in Troutville in 1886. at the age of eighty-four years, respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Hischildren were Hiram, Lewis, Milton, Jessie, Mary A. Eliza, Ellen. Hannah, Caroline and Amanda.

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold became the parents of nine children, one of whom died in childhood. N. E. is now engaged in business in Curwensville. William C., a prominent attorney of Du Bois, Is the present member of Congress from his district. and has been re-elected by the Republicans for a second term; Frank I. is manager of the saw- mill and lumber business; Samuel P. is manager of the general merchandise store; John died at the age of eight years; Fannie is now Mrs. Helm- bold; Cora is the wife of Roland D. Swope, Esq ..

Sami arnold

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a prominent attorney of Curwensville; and Mrs. Effie Wolf completes the family. The parents and daughters are members of the Methodist Church; some of the sons are Presbyterians. Mr. Arnold gives his political support to the Re- publican party, and is a warm advocate of all that tends to promote the best interests of the community. His life has been well spent, and he is respected alike by young and old, rich and poor.

T HOMAS G. SNYDER (deceased) was for many years one of the most esteemed resi- dents of Clearfield county, and he gave up his life on the altar of his country while valiantly defending the Union cause. His business career furnishes a brilliant example of a self-made American citizen. His private life was above reproach, and in all things his name was a syn- onym for honor. To his family he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, and his memory is still engraven on the hearts of all who knew him.

Mr. Snyder was born in Philadelphia county, Penn., October 24, 1817, a son of David and Mary A. (Kelly) Snyder (the latter of whom was of Irish descent), and was reared to man- hood on a farm. The grandfather,' Mathias Snyder, was of German lineage, and the family located near Philadelphia at a very early day. David Snyder was the first shovel manufacturer in this country, and his son Thomas G. learned the trade with him, which he followed for many years, also carrying on agricultural pursuits. After his marriage he gave his entire attention to the manufacture of shovels for some time, later in life engaging in mercantile pursuits at King- sessing, near Philadelphia.

In 1851, Thomas G. Snyder came to Clear- field county, and purchasing two large tracts of timber land, engaged in the lumber business; he also secured timber from other lands along Clear- field creek. His family still own the property which he purchased, and which is now being op- erated for its coal deposits. He continued to conduct his lumber trade until his enlistment in the war of the Rebellion, and altogether was a prosperous and progressive business man. Snc- cess came to liim, not as the result of fortunate circumstances, or the aid of influential friends; it did not result from genius, but was the issue of true conscientions effort, sound judgment and unflagging industry. In October, 1861. he or- ganized Company F, 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry, which was assigned to, the Army of the Potomac. His company elected him first lieutenant, and he

enjoyed the respect and confidence of his supe- rior officers as well as all who served under him. During a skirmish at Acaquan creek he received a mortal wound from some of Gen. Stewart's cav- alryand while lying on the battle-field thus injured the Confederate, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, rode up to him and observed the wounded soldier wore a Ma- sonic pin; the General at once had him put into an ambulance, and taken to the house of a Mrs. Russell, where he died in forty-eight hours in the presence of Dr. Wideman, surgeon of his own regiment. Gen. Lee had left orders with Mrs. Russell that if this brother of his should die that she should have him sent to Fort Scott, where his son was in camp, which was done. His remains were taken to the home of his father in Phila- delphia. The sad fate of his son broke the old man's heart, and unable to withstand the shock he passed away twelve hours after hearing of his son's death. They now sleep together side by side in the cemetery of the Swedenborgian Church, of which both were faithful mem- bers, the father having -been the founder of that Society, which was the first of that particu- lar denomination in this country.

The late Thomas G. Snyder had the esteem and respect of all who knew him. He was a most dutiful son, a loving husband and an affec- tionate father. He never stooped to any low or dishonorable act, and the influence of his noble life remains as a blessing to those who knew him. On November 26, 1840, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Martha E. Litzenberg, who sur- vives him.

Mrs. Martha E. Snyder was born March 29. 1823, near Philadelphia, Penn., a daughter of Jolin and Christiana (Stanley) Litzenberg. Her grandfather, Simon Litzenberg, of Pennsylvania, was of German descent, and was a farmer and stock drover. Her maternal grandfather, John Stanley, of Derbyshire, England, came to Amer- ica with a colony under the leadership of Will- iam Penn, who had offered five hundred acres of land to every civil engineer who would emigrate to the New World. Mr. Stanley, who was edu- cated for that profession, accepted the offer, and with a son came to America, his father afterward also seeking a home here. John Stanley located his land warrant in Penn's Valley, Centre county, but while acting as agent for William Penn he was obliged to neglect his own property, and it passed into the hands of others.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 113

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