Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 17

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 17
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 17
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 17
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 17

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With the past as a basis for judgment, we may safely predict for this clever and energetic worker an enviable success, and many friends whom his gentlemanly bearing has won for him will rejoice to see the realization of his plans and hopes.

C OL. WILLIAM POTTER WILSON, who in his lifetime was a resident of Bellefonte. where his death occurred August 3, 1878, de- scended from ancestors of prominence and dis- tinction in the history of the State. His parents were Samuel Hunter and Mary (Benner) Wilson, the father being a son of Capt. William Wilson, and the mother a daughter of Gen. Philip Ben- ner.

Capt. William Wilson was an officer of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Continental Line, and was a member of the Society of Cincinnati. his certificate of membership being dated at Mount Vernon October 31, 1785, and signed by Gen. Washington, as President of the Society, and by Gen. Henry Knox, as Secretary. Gen. Benner served in the Revolutionary war, and his father, an active Whig during the war, was cap- tured and imprisoned. After the close of the struggle in 1792, he purchased what was called Rock Forge lands, and removed to Spring Creek to engage in the iron business, and from

that time on until his death, in 1832, he was prominently identified with that business and the business interests of Centre county. He was an earnest Democrat, and was twice Presidential elector, notably on the Jackson and Calhoun ticket in 1824.

William Potter Wilson was born at Rock Forge, Centre county, Penn., December 5, 1825. His preparatory studies were received at Belle- fonte Academy, and his college course at Dart- mouth College, where he graduated in June. 1847. His legal studies were pursued at Mc- Cartney's Law School, at Easton, and in the office and under the direction of the late Hon. James Burnside, before he occupied the Bench. He was admitted to the Bar at the August terin of 1849, and continuously practiced his profes- sion with great fidelity to the interests intrusted to his care up to the time of his death. ' He was an entire stranger to the tricks of the profession, and heartily despised them; was the soul of honor in his professional intercourse with his brothers of the Bar, and left a record of honorable prac- tice which will be remembered by all who were associated with him as colleagues, or engaged against him as adversaries. He was appointed an aide upon the military staff of Gov. Bigler during his administration, which entitled him to the rank and gave him the title of "Colonel." He was a candidate for district attorney of his county in 1856, and for the State Senate in the double district composed of the counties of Blair, Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry in 1870. He was appointed chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, and conducted the campaign of 1877, and it may be truthfully said that the earnest efforts to dis- charge faithfully the duties of his honorable po- sition tended largely to hasten the end of his earthly career, having been undertaken at a time when an enfeebled constitution required quiet and rest rather than excitement and efforts of a political campaign. He was decided in his p: litical convictions, but never offensive in their nt terance or enforcement. As a citizen his plac was worthily filled. He exercised a great 11: finence in municipal affairs, having occupied . seat. for many years, and the place of presidi officer, in the borough council and school boat. As a business man outside the walks of his pr fession. he was successful in an unusual degree The railroad, turnpike and other semi-public u terests of this region have contributed in a larg. part to this success, and have in turn been mas to feel in their management, the influence of hi judicious and conservative business views. I was at the time of his death secretary and trea-

٢٠/٢مجميجب مركب. الدهرون باتية عود فاجالمدي

map. Wilson

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

crer of the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad Com- ;Any, and treasurer and almost sole manager of the Centre and Kishocoquillas Turnpike Road Company.

The personal and relative duties of life were uthfully discharged by him in his sphere, and a hilst we would not invade the sanctity of home and family, it is proper to say that where the duties which those relations involve were per- furmed his death will be keenly felt. Of great undness of heart, his affections embraced and id him to cherish and maintain those who were «rangers to his blood but brought within his sphere of home life. He was a Christian man; quietly and unobtrusively he discharged his Christian duties and came down to the end of his life "unstained and soothed by an unfalter- ing trust." One of his great anxieties of his last year on earth was the welfare of the Church with which he was connected, and of which he was a trustee.

On October 21, 1856, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Margaret H., daughter of Rev. James and Isabella (Henderson) Linn, of Belle- fonte, where Mrs. Wilson was born. They had no children of their own, but raised as their daughter Blanche Moran Hays, a cousin of Mrs. Wilson's. Both Mrs. Wilson and Miss Hays re- side in a beautiful and comfortable home at Bellefonte. They are identified with the Pres- byterian Church, and are active in its auxiliary societies. Mrs. Wilson's name has for years been associated with much good work done by the women of Bellefonte in charitable directions, and for the elevation of the morals of the com- munity.

REV. JAMES LINN, D. D., who died at Belle- fonte, February 23, 1868, was a remarkable man, and enjoyed the rare distinction of having served the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church there the unusually long period of fifty-eight iPars. He was born in Sherman's Valley Row Perry county), Penn., September 4, 1783.

His grandfather came over from Scotland in the early part of the eighteenth century, and was { solid Presbyterian stock. His father, John Linn, was born in Adams county, Penn., in 1749, was graduated at Princeton College in 1773; .twlied theology with Rev. Robert Cooper, and Zaring his entire ministerial life, including a term ·f nearly forty-four years, was settled as the pas- :r of Centre Church, Sherman's Valley. He died in 1820 in his seventy-first year. He was worried to Mary Gettys, daughter of the founder ! Gettysburg.

Dr. James Linn was graduated at Dickinson ollege in 1805, and studied theology with Rev.

Joseph Williams at Newville. He was licensed to preach the Gospel September 27, 1808, by the Presbytery of Carlisle. He himself consid- ered it an honor of no small measure to have been licensed by such a body of ministers as then composed that Presbytery: "A noble band of venerable men, and men of talents." In the spring of 1809 he visited the congregations of Spruce Creek and Sinking Valley, since in the bounds of Huntingdon Presbytery, and from there he shortly after came to Bellefonte. The Presbyterian Church here had just been left va- cant by the removal of Rev. Henry R. Wilson, to Carlisle. His preaching here and at Lick Run for a few Sabbaths resulted in unanimous calls from both Churches, each for one-half of his time. On April 17, 1810, he was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bellefonte, the in- stallation taking place in the court house, which was then used as the place of worship. His time was divided between charges at Lick Run and Bellefonte. In 1839 the Bellefonte Church received his undivided labors, and as the pastor of this Church he remained until his death. His labors among the people were greatly blessed. He took an active interest in the cause of educa- tion, in the early years of his ministry taught the Bellefonte Academy, and was for many years president of the board of trustees. His labors in the temperance cause and in the interests of the Bible Society and Sabbath-schools were in- cessant all through the long years of his active life. He was eminently hospitable, and his gen- erosity spontaneous and unpretending. There is a sublime eloquence in the career of such a man, and the reputation he won he bequeathed to enhance the dignity, honor and usefulness of his fellow laborers in the ministry. His strong indi- viduality, clear mind, and sound judgment com- manded the respect of men of character, while his large-hearted hospitality, his genial humor. and his kind and cheerful disposition won upon all classes of the community, and made him a man of the largest influence. Yet, though gen- tle, yielding and forgiving in his temper almost to an extreme, his decision was uncompromising in all questions of principle. His preaching was characterized by the pointed and impressive pres- entation of truth, and was doctrinal and practi- cal rather than rhetorical. With a full, round voice, and a commanding presence, his personal advantages were more than ordinary. His man- uscript serions show thoroughness and accuracy in preparation for the pulpit.

Dr. Linn was twice married: First to Jane Harris, February 28, 1811, and their children were: Claudius B., James H., Hon. Samuel,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Anna and Jane. This wife died August 14, 1822, and on April 15, 1829, he married Isabella Hen- derson, and a daughter, Margaret H., was born to them.

COL. PHILIP BENNER WILSON, a brother of Col. William Potter Wilson, and a resident of Bellefonte, where he died March 2, 1878, served with distinction in the Civil war. He was born at Chillisquaque Mills, Northumberland Co., - Penn., December 8, 1822, and received his edu- cation at Milton. He entered the army in 1861 at Harrisburg, Penn., as captain of Company F, 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was later pro- moted to the majorship of the regiment. At the close of the war he returned to Bellefonte and

entered the hardware business with John Irwin, Jr., the firm soon establishing a large trade and erecting a beautiful building. Later Mr. Irwin retired, and Col. Wilson associated with him in the business Thomas Hicks, the firm becoming Wilson & Hicks. The Colonel finally retired from the firm, and in connection with Col. Mc- Farlane established another hardware store in the Humes block. At the time of his death he was the colonel of the 5th Regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania.

E ILIAS W. HALE, M. D., late of Bellefonte, Centre county, was born in Lewistown, Penn., in June, 1824, being in direct line of de- scent from Samuel Hale, the first of the family known in this country, who was one of the founders of Hartford, Conn., in 1637. He served in the Pequot war, for which service he received a grant of land. He was deputy for Norwalk. He died at Glastonbury, Conn., in 1693. His son was Capt. Samuel (2), who was a deputy, and married a granddaughter of Thomas Welles, third governor of the Colony of Connecticut. The latter's son was Benjamin. Benjamin's son was Gideon, and the grandson of Gideon was Elias W. Hale, father of the subject of this sketch.

Elias W. Hale (1) was born in Glastonbury, Conn., April 18, 1775. He was graduated from Yale College in 1794, and soon thereafter began the study of law with Charles Hall at Sunbury, Penn. After completing his law studies he lo- cated in Lewistown, Penn., where he followed his profession and became one of the ablest law- yers in that section. He married Jean Mulhol- lan, an estimable lady, who survived him many years. His death occurred February 3, 1832. One of his daughters was the wife of the Hon. Gideon Welles. Secretary of the Navy under President Lincoln.

Dr. Elias W. Hale, the fourth child and last survivor of six children, read medicine under the direction of J. B. Ard, M. D., graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and for a num- ber of years practiced the profession at Lewis- town, then removed to Reedsville, Penn., where he pursued the same calling. In the spring of 1864 he located in Bellefonte, at which place his practice was somewhat limited. In 1874, in connection with William P. Duncan & Co., he bought the old mill, and went into the milling business under the firm name of Duncan, Hale & Co. Mr. Duncan retired in 1882, and the firm was changed to Gerberich, Hale & Co., Mr. Gerberich managing the business. Dr. Hale was prominently connected with the Masonic frater- nity, and he was well up in agricultural circles in the county and State. He always took a decided interest in agriculture, and invariably lent a hand to its advancement. He was one of Bellefonte's shrewdest business men, and was an influential citizen from 1864 until the time of his death. He was probably one of the largest property owners in Bellefonte, possessing, in addition to his real estate in the town, a number of fine farms in Centre and adjoining counties, and his wealth would foot up hundreds of thousands of dollars. He was a partner in the Moshannon Banking Co., of Philipsburg, Penn. His death occurred in Mentone, Southern France, February 20, 1892, whither himself and family had gone the October before for his health.

Dr. Hale was twice married, his first wife be- ing Miss Ellen Louise Steely, of the Kishaco- quillas Valley, in Mifflin county. this State, by whom he had a son, Harry. His second wife, to whom he was married April 29, 1857, was Mary, daughter of Reuben B. and Sarah (Down- ing) Valentine, and their issue were: Sarah, who died in infancy, and Ellen, who is the wife of G. Murray Andrews. The widow of Dr. Hale has descended on both sides from Quaker families, who for nearly two hundred years have been prominently identified with the history of the the State. She is of the fifth generation from Thomas Valentine, who in about 1720 came to America from Ireland, and with his family settled in Chester county, Penn. He was born in County Catherlough (now Carlow), Ire- land, 9th month, 18, 1693, and died in 1747. Her father, Reuben B. Valentine, was an iron- master, and in 1815 with several brothers came to Centre county, where all were closely iden- tified with the development of the iron industries of the county, and their sons after them. Reuben B.'s death occurred at Bellefonte, March 27. 1841. His wife, Sarah Downing, was of the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

fourth generation from Thomas Downing, who was born 12th month, 14, 1691, at Bradninch, in Devonshire, England, and who in 1718 was a resident of Concord township, Chester county, Penn. Later he resided at Sadsbury, and still later at Downington, in the same county. Many of the name were farmers and millers.

IEUT .- COL. HARRY S. HALE, the only son of the late Dr. Elias W. Hale, of Bellefonte, Centre county, was born at Lewistown, Penn., August 12, 1852. In early boyhood he attended school at Reedsville, Mifflin county, and in 1864 came with his father to Bellefonte, where he continued his studies under the tuition of the Rev. J. C. Laverty, an Episcopal minister, and at the academy under the presidency of Prof. Murray. In 1869-70, he was in attendance at Phillips Academy, in Exeter, N. H. He next was one year at Hopkins Grammar School, of New Haven, Conn. Afterward he spent two years at Lehigh University, at Bethlehem, Penn. At this time he was in poor health, and he passed a year or more in the lumber regions of Minne- sota. He returned East and spent a year on his father's farm at Mill Creek, in Huntingdon Co., Penn. In 1874 he took an interest in the tlouring-mill of Gerberich, Hale & Co., of Belle- fonte, and remained actively engaged in that business until the time of his death.

Perhaps the military history of Harry Hale was the most notable part of his life, and by these relations he became widely known among some of the most prominent military officers in the State. In June, 1880, largely through his efforts, Company B, of Bellefonte, was organized, he being one of the signers of the application. He was at that time elected second lieutenant of the company, in all the affairs of which he took a prominent part. . This company became Com- pany B, of the 5th Regiment of the N. G. of Pennsylvania. He was soon appointed adjutant of the regiment, and in 1887 he was elected lieutenant-colonel, which relation he sustained to the 5th Regiment until shortly before his death, filling the position with credit to himself, and to those he represented; but in April, 1889, he was compelled to resign the office on account uf failing health. He was a stanch Republican. and in 1886 the party nominated and elected him, over a strong opposition, chief burgess of Bellefonte. During this time he gained the confidence of the people, and was re-elected for a second term. While serving in this ca- pacity, he was always kind and affable to many who at times did not deserve his sym-

pathy. He was obliging, and at all times ready to bestow a favor. Brave and courageous, standing up for the right, whether politically or in pursuance of his duty as a public officer, Col. Hale was a young man possessing these qualities, which claimed the admiration of all, and made him a man of great promise. He was a gentle- man of commanding appearance, being six feet in height, and otherwise magnificently propor- tioned. When appearing in rank he was a very conspicuous figure. He was kind, honest and true, having a large heart, not only for the rich, but for the poorer class of people, aiding them by deeds of generosity. He was promi- nent in Masonic circles, having been for ten years or more a member of the fraternity, be- longing to both the Commandery and Chapter. He took a great interest in all of their proceedings. The death of Col. Hale occurred at Bellefonte on May 24, 1889, and he was given one of the most imposing and impressive funerals. His re- mains were interred at Lewistown, Penn., whither they were accompanied by Company B, with the field and staff officers of the 5th Regiment, and a body of Masons from Bellefonte. Col. Hale was unmarried.

T OHN CURTIN, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed residents of Bellefonte, Centre county, was born in that beautiful mountain town, September 24, 1810, and has been promi- nently identified with the development of his sec- tion throughout his active business life.

Roland Curtin, father of our subject, a native of County Clare, Ireland, came to Centre county when a young man, and after a short period spent in mercantile pursuits engaged in the iron business, building a furnace which he operated for many years. By his first wife, Margery (Gregg), he had four sons who lived to adult age: Austin (who was in the iron business), James, Roland and John. His second wife, Jane (Gregg), daughter of Hon. Andrew Gregg, was the mother of the following children: Constance, Andrew (Pennsylvania's famous War Governor), Martha (who married Dr. W. Irwin, and both are now deceased). Norah (who married President Allen, of Girard College); Margery (Mrs. Thomas Rey- nolds); Nancy (the wife of Dr. Clark, of Phila- delphia, Penn.), and Julia (who is not married. and resides in Philadelphia).

Mr. Curtin attended school in his youth at Bellefonte, Harrisburg and Milton, Penn., re- ceiving excellent preparation for his future career. His business opportunities were most fortunate and, engaging in the iron industry with his father,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he continued in active work until 1874, when he retired, being at the time a member of the firm of R. C. & J. Curtin. Since his retirement from business, his time has been mainly spent in his pleasant home at Bellefonte.

. In 1837 Mr. Curtin was married to Miss Julia Ann Barnhart, who was born March 14, 1811, in Bald Eagle Valley. Of the seven children of this happy union two died in infancy; the others are: (1) Margery I. married Irvin Curtin, and has two children-Roland I. and Gregg. (2) James, who was a cavalryman during the Civil war, married Miss Jane Holder, and has three chil- dren-Latimer, Fred and Harry. (3) Sarah C., wife of Dr. J. F. Larimer, of Omaha, Neb., has three children-John C., Robert G. and Fred W. (4) Henry Roland, who is at present in charge of the iron works, married Miss Lydia McMinn, and has four children-J. Mack, John, Laird H. and Catherine. (5) John G. is in the oil business, and resides in Philadelphia; he married Miss Estella Louden, and has four children- Loula, Julia, Allen and Walton.

Mr. Curtin is a stanch Republican, and in the stirring campaign of 1896 supported Mckinley with an enthusiasm and patriotic fervor which bridged the years, and recalled for him the days of his youth. Always a thoughtful student of current questions, local and national, he has given throughout his life loyal assistance to every movement which promised to benefit the public.

C IOL. WILLIAM SHORTLIDGE. The per- sonal history of the men who lead in the de- velopment of any section always holds an unus- ual interest, not only for those who, as members of the community, share in the results of its prog- ress, but for all students of human nature. The generalship, the faith, the determined will, which distinguish these pioneer workers in any line, il- lustrate some of the best phases of our manifold life, and these qualities are none the less deserv- ing of honor when directed to the peaceful arts which feed and sustain our civilization rather than to deeds of daring on the field of battle.

The lime industry at Bellefonte, of which Col. Shortlidge is the pioneer, so far as its mod- ern aspects are concerned, has for many years been a constant source of wealth to that locality. It is probable that the men employed in it have, during the past twenty years, more steady work at better wages than any other industry in this section has supplied, and in periods of business depression they have .had special reason to con- gratul 'te themselves upon the constant demand for their labor. In 1861, when Col. Shortlidge first

entered this business, the production of lime in the vicinity of Bellefonte was estimated at thirty- five bushels per day, and at the present writing it has increased to 3,500 bushels per day, owing mainly to the foresight and energy of Col. Short- lidge, who brought the superior quality of the product to wider notice. After the completion of the Bald Eagle Valley railroad, he shipped the first carload of lime ever sent from that locality to a point outside of Centre county. For inan- ufacturing purposes the Bellefonte lime is consid- ered better than others, and it finds a ready market in all parts of the Union. The limestone from which it is obtained contains as high as ninety-eight per cent of carbonate of lime, and the product is noted for its whiteness as well as for its purity. Under the improved methods of burning adopted by Col. Shortlidge the causticity and plasticity are retained, and the superiority of this lime is shown by the fact that one bushel of it makes as much mortar as one and two-thirds of other kinds, while the adhesive quality is greater. Of late years other manufacturers of lime have located at Bellefonte, but the strata of stone which they use extends over twenty miles east and west, and there is no fear that the sup- ply may be exhausted. As there is a steadier market for the lime for manufacturing purposes than for any other, greater attention is paid to meeting that demand, but agricultural and build- ing interests are also supplied, and the McCal- mont & Co. Sunny Side Lime Kilns, established in 1861 by Col. Shortlidge and others, produce limes which under careful tests are declared to be eminently suited to these purposes. McCalmont & Company are also extensive dealers in coal, agricultural implements, seeds and fertilizers, and they control the agency for the celebrated Geisee saw mills, traction engines and separators, the American Road Machine Company's Champion Rock Crusher and Road Machine, and the Conk- lin wagons and carriages. They are large deal- ers in farm products, never losing an opportunity to buy grain, for which they pay the highest market price, their invariable rule in their trans- actions being to make the farmers' interests their own. Their business requires a correspondence which is second in volume to but one other as compared with all the other interests at Belle- fonte. Col. Shortlidge and Robert McCalmont are the managers of the firm, and others con- nected with it are Isaac Underwood, John S. Walker, J. W. Barnhart, Robert W. McCalmont. John H. Woomer and Wentworth H. Shortlidge.

The personal and ancestral history of Col. Shortlidge will be of general interest. The name was formerly Shortridge and is of English origin.

Mr Shortlidge,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and the family has been identified with the So- ciety of Friends from a very early period. Our >abject's direct ancestors were pioneers of Ches- ter county, Penn., and his grandfather, Swithin shortlidge, was born in New Garden township, and became a farmer in the same locality. He and two of his sons died within two weeks, dur- ing an epidemic of dysentery. His wife, Hannah Gawthrop, also a native of Chester county, and of Quaker origin, survived him many years. They had a large family of children, of whom five grew to. adult age: (1) George, our subject's father; (2) Jane, who married Isaac Tussey, of Pocopson. Chester county, and died in March, 1892, at the age of ninety-two years; (3) Phoebe, who married Jacob Shortlidge (a cousin), and died in early womanhood; (4) Joel, who married Sarah Ann Boyer, and died in Chester county, and (5) Evan, who married Sarah Holand, the former dying in Chester county at an advanced age. Hannah G. Darlington and Catharine T. Michener, daughters of Isaac and Jane Tussey, are highly esteemed relatives, as well as Phoebe >. Hobson and Isabel G. Shortlidge.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 17

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