USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 14
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 14
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 14
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 14
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From the very first he took high rank as a lawyer, and gained and held the respect of his colleagues, and had acquired a fine practice.
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when he, to some extent, lost his hearing. While this in no way injures his ability as a lawyer, nor interferes with him as a counselor, it does to a certain extent prevent him from engaging in trials in court. As an advocate his ability was recognized by the Bar and the public, and he was frequently employed in cases simply to make the argument to the jury because of his recognized ability in this line. But for this misfortune, there is no public position his friends would not have been willing to give him, and which he would not have honorably filled. He was chairman of the Democratic County Committee in 1871, and again in 1879, and in 1877 was elected district attorney of the county for a term of three years, by the largest majority, which up to that time, in a straight contest between two candidates, had been given for many years. He has been fre- quently importuned to be a candidate. for the Legislature, and just as often refused. He is widely known as the Democratic " War-horse " of Centre county. For many years he has taken an active part in State and county campaigns. He is always. in demand as a campaign orator, and is a great favorite with the people of the county. "No man in the county has at any time done more or better work for the continued success of the party, in both county and State, than has Mr. Fortney, and no man in the party has more loyal and devoted friends than he." The Jeffer- sonian of West Chester, in 1872, paid him the following tribute:
Of the speakers who aided in the late campaign, none did more efficient or willing service than David F. Fortney, Esq., of Bellefonte. Mr. Fortney is a robust, energetic and earnest man, who went into the contest determined to do his full duty, and most admirably did he perform it. Mr. Fort- ney spent two weeks with us, and spoke in almost every sec- tion of the county, and his praises are sounded by all who heard him.
From January, 1882, to January, 1888, Mr. Mr. Fortney was solicitor of the county, and from January, 1891, to the present time (1897) he has held the same office, and in examining accounts that pass through the commissioner's office he has been no respecter of persons in lopping off unnecessary expense or in cutting down bills. The public will never fully know the actual serv- ice he has been to theni in this capacity. Dur- ing his first term ( January, 1882, to January, 1888) through his efforts there was collected and paid over to the treasury of the county over $32,000. The fund arose from a lot of old claims which the county held against varions townships in and outside of the county. Every member of the Bar was arrayed against him, but feeling sure he was right, he pushed the claims, and at the end of about three years' litigation, the county was successful in every case. As so-
licitor he hewed to the line, and many irregulari- ties which had grown up in the transaction of the public business were lopped off and de- stroyed. The people of the county have been reaping, and for many years to come will con- tinue to reap, the benefit of his work, energy and ability as a lawyer.
Mr. Fortney is a writer of recognized ability, and editorials occasionally from his pen have been well received and favorably spoken of. In April, 1894, he was appointed postmaster at Bellefonte, and it is worthy of note that in the contest for the place he was backed by the entire Bar and the largest and best business interests of the place. The office is conducted in a business- like manner on business principles. Strong par- tisan as he is, politics no not enter into the dis- charge of his official duties. As a citizen he stands high among the energetic and progressive inen of the community in which he lives, and has likely done as much for the good of the pub- lic and its advancement as any of the prominent men among whom he lives. Since June, 1882. he has been a member of the school board of Bellefonte, and since 1884 he has been continu- ously president of the board. During this time the schools have made great progress. Under his watchful eye and the enthusiasm of his na- ture, the schools have been transformed from machines into living moving things in which to educate boys and girls. He takes more pride for what he has done in this line, for the good of the children of the community, than anything else in the course of his life. Through his influence a very fine school library has been started, stocked with the best of books for the young people. Through his efforts alone, a number of prizes have been offered by wealthy citizens of the town. for various excellence in studies and conduct to be competed for by the pupils of the High School. Much good has come from this; the prizes often coming to those to whom they were a great help. He spares no effort to do good and add to the welfare and happiness of the many young people in the schools. He is a leader in educa- tional lines, and his reputation is not confined to his locality but reaches out into the State.
For many years Mr. Fortney has been a member of the board of trustees of the Presby- terian Church, of which he is also a member His whole life and influence have been on the side of right.
In 1879, when the Amendment to the Con- stitution of the State, prohibiting the manufact- ure and sale of intoxicating liquors in the State. was before the people for adoption, he went int the campaign for the Amendment with all his
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well-known energy and enthusiasm, and for a period extending over two months he made speeches in every part of the county, and did much to aid in securing for the Amendment the very large majority that was given it by the peo- ple of Centre county. £ He has a commanding personality, tall and well-built; with a face force- ful and expressive of human feelings, he meets his associates and even strangers with frankness, both socially and officially. On September 19, 1876, he was married to Sarah E. Huey, a na- tive of Harris township, Centre Co., Penn., and to them have been born two children (twins): David Paul, the fourth in line to be called David; and Katy H., a lovely child who died August 15, 1886, in her tenth year. Her death was keenly felt by her parents, who took great delight and pride in their children. David Paul is now a student at the State College.
Robert Huey and Katy Glenn Huey, the parents of Mrs. Fortney, were natives of Centre county, Penn. Adam Huey, the father of Robert, came to America in 1798 or 1799 to escape punishment for engaging in the rebellion led by Robert Emmet against the English Gov- ernment. One son of Robert, William C., served in the Civil war as a member of Company C, 148th P. V. I., and was severely wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville.
HOMAS B. POTTER, M. D., and his son, William M. Potter, are prominent among the substantial citizens of Philipsburg, Centre county, and worthily represent a family which has been held in high esteem in this section from pioneer times.
James Potter, the grandfather of Dr. Thomas B. Potter, was one of the early settlers of Penn's Valley, and his son, John Potter, the Doctor's father, who was born at Potters Mills in 1800, be- came a leading business man there, operating woolen-mills and gristmills, and owning several farms. He died at Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1886, while on business connected with his lumber inter- mats there. His wife, Amelia (Burnside), a na- tive of Centre county, lived to the age of sev- inty. Only three of their children attained adult James G. (deceased) was formerly a book- keeper at Fond du Lac; Thomas B. is the sub- jest of this sketch; and William W., is a dentist n Marinette, Wisconsin.
Dr. T. B: Potter was born at Potters Mills November 21, 1829, and his early years were spent in that vicinity. After the local educa- Bonal resources were exhausted he attended hool at Lewistown, and later studied at Prince-
ton College. His medical studies were begun under the supervision of Dr. George L. Potter, of Bellefonte, and finished at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where he was grad- uated April 6, 1851. Locating at Stormstown, Half Moon township, Centre county, he practiced there five years, and then removed to Philips- burg and became the leading practitioner there. After forty years of successful practice he with- drew to private life. He has acquired wealth. and owns one of the most valuable brick blocks in Philipsburg, the "Potter House," the princi- pal hostelry of that city being a part of it. His residence is in the Centre county portion of the .city.
Dr. Potter was married, in 1858, to Miss Mary E. Myers, a native of Stormstown, who died in 1869, leaving two sons: William M., who is mentioned more fully below; and Dudley, who died at the age of nineteen years. In 1880 Dr. Potter formed a second matrimonial union, this time with Miss Ellen McMullen. They have no children.
When Dr. Thomas B. Potter came to Philips- burg it was but a small village, with grass grow- ing in the streets, and he has lived to see great improvements and solid growth, in the bringing about of which he himself was among the fore- most. During the first five years of his residence in the then village, he was the only physician in the place. In 1869 he built the block where he now resides; in 1871 he erected the Arcade. and in 1879 the "Potter House," all adjoin- ing one another. In politics the Doctor is a stanch Republican; he was the second burgess elected in the borough; was member of the first council, and was president of the school board some six years. Socially, he is a Master Mason, and he is a member of the Centre County Medi- cal Society. During the war of the Rebellion he served as assistant surgeon of the 77th P. V. I., from October, 1862, to May, 1863, serv- ing in the Western army, in Tennessee and Georgia, and was present at the engagements at Pittsburg Landing, but had to resign on account of impaired health.
WILLIAM M. POTTER was born in Philips- burg, March 27, 1863, and obtained his elemen- tary education in the public schools. He at- tended State college for two years and a half, and then took a course in bookkeeping at Lewis- burg Academy. Thus equipped for business life. he returned home, and for some time was em- ployed in the office of Hoover, Hughes & Co .. also working for W. P. Duncan, in his mine and coal office, and then spent four years as clerk in the Moshannon Bank. During the next two
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years he visited various points in the West, and on his return he remained two years with the Pardee Mine Co., as check weighman; then, after a short time in I. V. Gray's store as book- keeper, he took a position as paymaster for R. B. Wiglan & Sons, remaining with them six years. For two years past he has been secretary for the Philipsburg Electric Light Co., and the Philips- burg Water Co., being a stockholder in both.
In May, 1888, Mr. Potter was married to Miss Rachel M. Steiner, who was born in Ches- ter Hill. His residence is in that portion of the city which lies in Clearfield county, and he is one of the leading workers in the Republican party there. As candidate for county treasurer. he greatly reduced the normal Democratic ma- jority.
C NOL. WILBUR F. REEDER, junior mem- ber of the law firm of Hastings & Reeder, of Bellefonte, who has the reputation of being one of the most industrious and studious members of the Centre County Bar, in which he has taken high rank, is in direct line of descent from one John Reeder, who came from Norfolk, England, in 1656, and settled at Newtown, L. I., the Col- onel representing the sixth generation of the fam- ily in America.
Charles Reeder, one of the sons of John (1), was born in 1713, married in 1736, to Eleanora Menick, and died in 1803. John Reeder (2) was a pioneer of what is now Northumberland county, Penn., coming probably from New Jersey prior to the Revolutionary war. and locating near the present town of Elysburg. He was driven out by the Indians at the time of the general exodus, and remained away about seven years. Subse- quently he returned and married Elizabeth Fisher, who was born in Sussex county, N. J., in 1774, and died in Northumberland county, Penn., in 1840. Some few years after 1799 they removed to Allegheny, Penn., where he was con- nected with the iron industry ot that vicinity, and there died in 1813. Elizabeth Fisher was the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Mineger Fisher, the former the progenitor of the Fisher family in America, born in Saxony in 1734, and with friends and a sister Elizab .th. immigrated to this country about 1747, locating in West Jersey, a German colony at that time. In 1788. he lo- cated in Northumberland county, Penn., where the remaining years of his life were passed. He was a patriot, and served his country in the Rev- olutionary war. His wife was born in Holland in 1746. One of the sons of John Reeder (2). Joseph Reeder, was born at Bear Gap, Northum-
berland county, in 1799, married Catherine Mutcheler, who was born in 1792 and died in 1852. Not long after the father's death the fam- ily of John Reeder (2) removed from Allegheny county back to their old farm. Joseph Reeder. after his marriage, located in the vicinity of Elys- burg, Penn., where they lived until 1853, own- ing an extensive and valuable plantation. From that time until 1859 he was a merchant at Pax- inos, Penn., again a farmer in Northumberland county until 1870, then lived retired at Elys- burg where his death occurred in 1881. He mar- ried the second time. He and his wife Catherine were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Catherine Mutcheler was the daughter of Samuel and Mary Fisher Mutcheler, the father from what is now Warren county, N. J., and the mother, the daughter of Joseph Fisher above re- ferred to, were married in 1788, and in 1791 lo- cated on a tract of undeveloped land in Colum- bia county. Penn., on Little Roaring creek where they subsequently resided; she was born in 1769; both were members of the Presbyterian Church: in after years he engaged in the business of weav- ing in flannels and woolen fabrics.
HIRAM J. REEDER, one of the sons of Joseph Reeder, the father of Col. Wibur F. Reeder, was born in Rush township, Northumberland county, March 5, 1826, married, in 1849, Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Tietsworth Yocum, born in 1830. After marriage they removed to a farm near Catawissa, Penn., where they resided until 1870 when they moved to Catawissa, where they continue to reside. From 1863 until 1870 Mr. Reeder served as a justice of the peace. He has occupied a prominent position in local affairs. having filled various local offices; was elected one of the county commissioners in 1870 for a term of three years; in 1873 he was again elected a justice of the peace for five years. He is a prom- inent Mason. He has been an active worker in the M. E. Church all his life, of which Church he and his wife are members. Their children are: Joseph B., born in 1851, died in 1860: George C., born in 1853, died in 1863; and Wilbur F.
WILBUR F. REEDER was born near Catawissa. Penn., on January 7, 1855. He entered Dickin- son Seminary, at Williamsport, Penn., in 18;2. and in 1875 was graduated, receiving a degree of B. A. and taking the first honors of his class. Io: the fall of 1875 he came to Bellefonte, and com- menced reading law with the firm of Bush, Yocm & Hastings, and in May, 1877, was admitted to the Bar after passing a rigid examination, o: which circumstance the Democratic Watchman made this comment:
willnr F. Reeder
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Wilbur Reeder, late a law student with Bush, Yocum & Hastings, was admitted to the Bar a couple of weeks ago atter standing one of the best examinations ever gone through with by any young lawyer in this county. The examination was an exceedingly strict and thorough one, the committee putting in some twenty-five hours hard work. But they found Mr. Reeder booked on all points and in all phases of the law, showing the most ample preparation and an ex- haustive course of reading. The young gentleman was highly complimented by his examiners and the lawyers gen- rrally. He is now a full-fledged attorney. We wish him success, hoping that he may go up until he reaches the top- most round in the ladder of legal fame and honor.
He at once commenced the practice of law, and in 1881 formed a partnership with D. H. Hast- ings, since adjutant-general and now Governor of the Commonwealth. In the study of law Mr. Reeder applied himself closely, which was a dis- tinct characteristic of the man, and which has so remained, and to which his success thus far in his practice is attributed. Early in his career he be- came recognized as a safe counselor and reliable attorney, which resulted in procuring for the firm a large and lucrative practice. During Gen, Hast- ings' four-years' term of service as adjutant-general of the State Mr. Reeder most successfully man- aged their large business; this he is continuing to do while Mr. Hastings is serving his gubernatorial term. In January, 1889, he was concerned for the defense in a murder case, the first one after his admission to the Bar, and succeeded in pro- curing a verdict of acquittal after a vigorous and most bitter fight. Again, in November, 1889, he was retained for the accused in a murder case, when the press at this time remarked:
The defense was represented by W. F. Reeder, Esq., singly and alone. . Mr. Reeder had already made a reputa- tion for himself as a criminal lawyer, but his effort in behalf of the man charged with the murder of his wife and mother- in-law have added a new lustre of unusual brilliancy to his professional reputation. Under the circumstances connected with the case, which were so clear, it seemed almost an ab- surdity to set up any defense, and any man who sat in the court house on Wednesday afternoon and heard the case Mr. Reeder presented to establish the plea of emotional in- unity could easily recognize in it the work of a great lawyer. And anyone who sat in the court house on Thursday after- Down, and listened to his eloquent appeal in behalf of his Lent, will readily coincide with us that the star in the pro- Issional firmament of Mr. Reeder now shines with unusual brilliancy, and that he is destined ere long to stand in the hrst ranks of the most noted criminal lawyers of the land.
Outside of his professional life he has taken an active part in politics, and has several times served as chairman of the Republican County Committee, and of his services in this line the press on January 18, 1895, observed:
W. F. Reeder, Esq., who has been chairman of the Re- publican committee of Centre county for the last three years, es resigned and laid down the scepter for another leader to 'ike it up. Wilbur F. Reeder has made a noble leader, sil is the man who led the Republican party to victory in ' platte county. He is possessed of an idomitable will water and sound judgment, so that where he would lead his itty was not afraid to follow. In the year 1887 he was burman, and through his devotion and loyalty to the cause a tuil board of county officers was elected, something that 5
had not happened for thirty years. His party recognized in him a man of sterling worth and ability, and in the year 1892 he was called again to take up arms and wage a battle against the principles of Democracy. He made a good fight and finished his course that year by again winning old Centre county into the line of Republicans by an overwhelm- ing majority. His shots were well-aimed and the enemy fell back. The resignation of Mr. Reeder may be thought a loss to the party, but in time of war he will be found a vol- unteer in the front rank. The cause of his laying off the official uniform was the large and increasing law practice de- manding his close attention.
In 1891 Mr. Reeder was elected mayor of Bellefonte. "His nomination and election is but a slight recognition of his many excellent qualities, and the judicial bench of Centre county might feel perfectly safe and justly proud of such a thor- oughly qualified jurist and legal practitioner. In W. F. Reeder the people of Bellefonte will have an able and dignified mayor. He will make one of the best officials the borough has ever had."
Mr. Reeder has proven himself a force in everything he has undertaken; his name was prom- inently mentioned at one time in connection with the judgeship. His ability and general make-up is such as will qualify him to fill high positions with honor and credit. As a citizen he is progressive, and commands the utmost respect and confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He has been identified with the National Guard of Pennsylvania since 1880, his record being as follows: a private of Com- pany B, 5th Regiment; corporal, July, 18So; dis- charged, February, 1882; first lieutenant, Com- pany B, July 22, 1889; re-enlisted July 23, 1894; appointed assistant adjutant-general on the staff of the commander-in-chief January 25, 1895, which position he now holds. Col. Reeder per- formed active duty at Homestead, Penn., in July, 1892, and at Punxsutawney, Penn., in Juneand July, 1894. As a member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania he has taken an active . interest in everything pertaining to that organi- zation. With his ability, industry and perse- verance Col. Reeder has certainlya brilliant future before him. In 1896 he received the indorse- ment of the County Convention for Congress.
On September 11, 1897, Col. Reeder was appointed Deputy Attorney-General of the State of Pennsylvania, and at once assumed the duties of his office. This appointment was regarded by the press of the State as being merited on the one side and worthily bestowed on the other.
Col. Reeder is a member of the Union League of Philadelphia, as well as of other patriotic and social organizations. He is also prominent in Masonic circles, where he has attained to the thirty-second degree. On December 19, 1878. he was married to Lillie S. Gotwalt, and they have one son, John Wallace, born December 26,
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I879. Mrs. Reeder is a daughter of Rev. Thomas and Mary J. Gotwalt, and a lineal descendant of Gov. Schultz.
R EV. JAMES P. HUGHES. Bellefonte may well take pride in her excellent acad- emy in which so many men who have attained distinction in business, professional and political life have been equipped for their work. Its widely recognized value as a factor in the prog- ress of the community does honor to its efficient corps of instructors, and especially to the able principal, Rev. J. P. Hughes, who has directed it for more than a quarter of a century. Who can estimate the influences for good which in that time have been set in motion under his watchful guardianship? In home and business office, in pulpit and in legislative halls, the silent, un- noticed, but all-potent force of his teachings may mold and shape issnes of which he had no thought, and which will in their turn bring into operation new centers of helpful inspiration.
The personal history of Prof. Hughes will be read with interest, as revealing in striking man- ner the direct, consistent and unwavering pur- suit of a high purpose. Born in New Jersey De- cember 15, 1827, he left home in boyhood and was prepared for college at Lewistown, Penn. In 1847 he entered Princeton College, in his na- tive State, and after completing the literary course he spent three years in the Theological Seminary, his graduation being soon followed by his ordination to the ministry. He is a born educator, and his ability in this direction was soon discovered, and after a short period of teaching in Wyoming Valley he was called to be- come one of the principals of the Edgehill school, Princeton, N. J., where he taught mathematics for seven years. For the three years next fol- lowing he was principal of the academy at Lo- gansport, Ind., and in 1868 he came to Belle- fonte, and has now been the presiding genius of the academy here for thirty years. He has five assist- ants, while he himself is constantly active in class- room work, and the curriculum embraces classi- cal, mathematical, scientific and literary courses.
On June 27, 1861, Prof. Hughes married Miss Emily W. Roberts, who was born in New York City, September 6, 1840, and passed from earth in June, 1889, leaving the memory of a devoted life as wife, mother and friend. Of this happy union eight children were born: (1) James, December 29, 1864, a graduate of Princeton College, is a teacher in the classical department and associate principal of Bellefonte Academy; (2) Emma, March 13, 1863, married .A. B. Alexander, of New York City; (3) Elizabeth,
March 13, 1865. married A. B. Connor, of Chi- cago, Ill .; (4) Charles, April 2, 1870, resides in Baltimore, Md .; (5) Marian, November 16, 1872, married Frank Basset, and has two children- Emily and Eugene; (6) Edward, February 25, 1876; (7) Luther, March 16, 1878; and (8) Otti- lie, March 9, 1881. All are members of the Presbyterian Church, with which the Hughes family has been identified for many years.
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