Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 27

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 27
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 27
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 27
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 27

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Jacob Gephart, father of A. J. and M. C. Gephart, was born on the old family homestead,

where he spent his entire life, and where his widow still resides. His education was obtained in the local schools, which were superior to most schools of those times, yet inferior to those of the present day, and well did he appreciate the value of good. education, for to his children he gave excellent advantages in that respect. The sacrifices that he made in their behalf have been fully rewarded, for they are filling honorable and responsible positions. A farmer by occupa- tion, the old homestead fell to him, and in addi- tion to agricultural pursuits he engaged in the lumber business at times, and became quite well- to-do, owning at his death (in 1893) 225 acres of valuable land. He was an officer in the Evan- gelical Church, to which he was a liberal contrib- utor. A stanch Democrat in politics, he took a deep interest in the success of his party, but was no politician in the sense of office seeking, though he filled numerous minor positions with credit to himself and the community. He was an earnest and judicious advocate of the Temperance cause, giving time and money to advocate it when the noble cause was yet so unpopular. He was an affectionate husband, kind and indulgent father and true friend, one whose upright, honorable life gained for him the esteem and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. His faithful wife, who still survives him, is a consistent mem- ber of the Evangelical Church, and one of the most highly respected ladies of Millheim. Al- though now nearly three score and ten years of age, she is still well preserved and enjoys excel- lent health.

On November 7, 1852, Jacob Gephart was married to Miss Catherine Decker, who was born in Centre county in 1829, a daughter of Adam Decker (now deceased), and seven chil- dren graced their union: (1) Calvin F., (2) Mar- garet E., (3) Anna C., (4) James M., (5) A. Je- rome, (6) M. Clair, and (7) M. Salina. Of these. (1) Rev. Calvin F. Gephart was born Octo- ber 16, 1853. After attending the home public schools and the local academy, he took a colle- giate course at Central Pennsylvania College, New Berlin, Penn., and at the Northwestern College, Naperville, Ill., also a course of study in the Binghamton Music School, of Bingham- ton, N. Y. Entering the ministry, his health failed, and he then embarked in business at Mill- heim, Penn., establishing the musical instrument trade now carried on by his brother, M. C. For a number of years he was an instructor in vocal and instrumental music, meeting with success in this line in connection with his studies and busi - ness. Believing the ministry of the Gospel to be his proper calling, he completed his Theolog-

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ical course at the Gettysburg Theological Sem- inary, graduating with the class of 1889. Being ordained to the Evangelical Lutheran ministry, Rev. Gephart has served the Church faithfully. When at college he was commended for his hard work and oratorical efforts. As a clergyman he is said to be a good preacher, a faithful pastor and of pleasing manner, having the aptness of winning people to the Church. As a business man he has been very successful in having wiped out "old " Church debts, at the same time increas- ing, and keeping the membership in good cheer. He has many friends among both clergy and laity. He was married in November, 1882, to Miss Sallie A. Heagy, of Middlesex (Balfour). near Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., and they have a daughter enjoying home and student life with them, their son having died in 1885 at Ha- gerstown, Maryland.

(2) Mrs. Margaret Schoch (née Gephart) was born, January 6, 1855, at Millheim, Penn. Her education was received in the local schools and at Central Pennsylvania College, New Berlin, Penn. After her school days she devoted her time to music and social and home duties. She was a consistent member of the Church, active - in Sabbath-school work, and was a favorite in the best society of the community. In 1879 she became the wife of James Schoch, of New Berlin, Penn., a prominent business man, having landed business interests in the West as well as in his native community. They have one daughter and one son to share the comforts of their comforta- ble home, over which Mrs. Schoch presides with grace to the enjoyment of their many guests. Mr. and Mrs. Schoch and family are prominent members of the local Evangelical Lutheran Church. Her sister (3), Anna C., was born Feb- ruary 9, 1856, and died November 19, 1858.

(4) James M. Gephart was born, October 6, 1857, at Millheim, Penn. After completing the common-school course in his native town, he entered Central Pennsylvania College, at New Berlin, Penn., remaining there for several years. Then, in 1880, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Penn., and, completing his education at that institution, he engaged in teaching school for several years with success. Following Horace Greeley's advice, lie "went West," locating at Holton, Kans. There he took up the study of law and was admitted to the Bar. From Holton he went to Seattle, Wash., where he formed a co-partnership with another young man in the practice of law under the name of Steel & Gephart, which firm did a good business for several years, when Mr. Steel was elected to a city position on the Republican ticket. The firm

having dissolved by mutual agreement, Mr. Gep- hart then entered law practice alone, in Seattle, and has continued with marked success. He is regarded as a good, reliable practitioner, inas- much as he has been appointed to take charge of important interests by the judge of the city courts. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as delegate to State Conventions. In religion he is a Presbyterian, and among his associates he is well liked.

(5) A. J. GEPHART was born March 11, 1859. at Millheim, was given an excellent edu- cation, and was reared, in much the usual man- ner of farmer boys, upon the old homestead. On leaving the parental roof in 1886 he went West. traveling as far as Washington; but on the death of his father, in 1893, he returned home, and has since had the management of the farm, where he and his mother live. Although a painter by trade, he now gives his exclusive time and attention to agricultural pursuits. Politic- ally he is identified with the Democratic party, and in religious faith is a member of the Presby- terian Church. He stands deservedly high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, and has many warm friends throughout the community.

(6) M. C. GEPHART was born May 1, 1861, at the old homestead, Millheim, Penn. Having completed the common-school course, he taught school for several years with success in the com- munity in which he was reared. Entering Cen- tral Pennsylvania College, at New Berlin, Penn .. he pursued his studies there for several years, then entered Northwestern College, at Naper- ville, Ill., and graduated from the business de- partment in 1883. After teaching several terms of public school in his native borough, he, in 1888, again engaged in the music business in Millheim, which he and his brother had con- ducted several years before. This business he has since carried on successfully. He has been elected to political positions in his home borough, and is popular among the people. He is a man of temperate habits, a member of the United Evangelical Church, and interests himself in matters which are for the people's good.

(7) Mrs. M. Salina Goodhart (nee Gephart) was born at Millheim, Penn., February 26, 1863. Being the youngest of the family she was re- garded as the favorite, yet was a very dutiful and helpful daughter in the advancing years of the parents. Being of a bright mind, she stood well in her classes at school, although she attended none but the home borough schools, which were accounted good. In 1892 she was married to WV. L. Goodhart, a teacher in the borough schools at Millheim, since which time they have

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resided at Millheim, where he has been engaged in business. Two children-one son and one daughter-have come to brighten their home.

S IMON HARPER, president of the Penn Val- ley Banking Co., Centre Hall, and a retired merchant, is one of the substantial citizens of Penn's Valley, and few as good examples of self- made men are to be found in the locality, cer- tainly none better.

Mr. Harper comes of an old family, and was born July 31, 1842, at Spring Bank, Miles town- ship, Centre county, youngest living child of George Harper, who was born in Berks county, Penn., a son of Henry Harper. George Harper received but limited schooling, chiefly in the Ger- man language, and was reared to farming pursuits. In Brush Valley he married Elizabeth Kreamer, who was born, in 1804, in Bethel township, Berks county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob Kreamer, who came to Brush Valley in 1814, and where Mrs. Harper was reared from the age of ten years. Her youth was passed amid pioneer times and scenes, and she was well fitted to endure the hardships and trials destined for her later life. At the time of their marriage, her husband had little or no means, and his parents were not in a position to aid him. However, nothing daunted, Mr. Harper bought a farın, at Spring Bank, in Brush Valley, going heavily in debt for the same; but he prospered, and with the help of as noble a wife as ever lived, the debt was soon decreased. He died May 20, 1843, at the comparatively early age of forty-one years, leaving a widow with a family of children, our subject being but an in- fant. The husband and father was buried in the cemetery at Rebersburg. The following is a brief record of the children: Sarah married George Weaver, and lives in Rebersburg; John, a farmer, died in Potter township; Mary A. mar- ried Jonathan Gramley, and died in Brush Val- ley; Jonathan, by occupation a merchant, died in Bellefonte; Isabella is the widow of Philip Royer, of Nittany Valley; William is retired, and makes his home in Bellefonte (he served three years, during the Civil war, in Company A, 148th P. V. I.); Rebecca married Absalom Harter, and died in Millheim, Centre county; Jared, a mer- chant, lives in Bellefonte; Simon, our subject, comes next; and George, the youngest in the family, died in infancy. Of these, Simon bears a striking resemblance to his father, who was a man of slight build. He was a Democrat, but took no especial interest in politics, simply re- cording his vote quietly and unostentatiously. In religious faith he was a meinber of the Reformed

Church, which his wife also attended, although not a member thereof, she being a Lutheran, but later also joined the Reformed Church.

Dying a comparatively young man, George Harper had not opportunity to pay off all the indebtedness on the farm, and his dying request to his wife was that the homestead should not be sold, as he felt certain that by her careful and frugal management the debt thereon would be- fore long be cancelled. It was a heavy under- taking for her. the widowed mother of a large family, none of whom yet out of their "teens;" but her husband's dying words inspired her with fresh hope and courage, and with a will she went bravely to work. Early and late she " kept her shoulder to the wheel," doing a man's labor in the fields, and in the evening returning to the home never so wearied but that she would com- plete the domestic duties of the day. In course of time her self-denying efforts were crowned with success, and this noble woman found her- self and children under a roof free at last of all encumbrance. The homestead property re- mained in the family until 1856, in which year they moved to Rebersburg, and there Mrs. Harper resided until 1866, when she removed to Bellefonte with her son Simon, to whom her at- tachment was very great. Our subject paid for her support until, in 1866, he got a home of his own, from which time she passed her declining years with him, dying September 27, 1892. She was laid by the side of her husband in Rebers- burg cemetery, an elegant monument, erected by our subject, marking their last resting place. Mrs. Harper was a true Christian woman, a con- stant reader of the Bible, in both English and German, while during the later years of her life a great part of her time was spent in prayer.

Simon Harper, the subject proper of these lines, received his education in part at the schools of the Harter district, in Miles town- ship, in part at those of Rebersburg, whither the family had removed when he was about fourteen years old, and as a farmer's boy his boyhood days were passed. At the age of seventeen we find him, for the first time in the arena of busi- ness life, in the capacity of clerk for Thomas Wolf, at Wolfs store, Brush Valley, his first salary being $75.00 per annum, with four weeks vacation during the harvest season, although the usnal amount paid a new clerk was $50.00, so valuable already were his services, and so well appreciated. Later he clerked for W. J. Hoster- man, in Rebersburg, from there going to Belle- fonte, where he was in the employ of John Awle. when, the Civil war being at its height, he en- listed in August, 1862, in Company A, 148th P.

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V. I. In this regiment he served faithfully until compelled by sickness to retire into the Veteran Reserve Corps, much against his inclination, for he persisted in remaining with his company longer than his health warranted. At the close of the war he was a member of Company E, 3rd Veteran Reserve Corps. After the war was over he was sent to Augusta, Maine, to muster out Maine troops, after which he was mustered out at that city, and he then returned to Rebersburg.

On May 18, 1866, Mr. Harper and his widowed. mother removed to Bellefonte, where, along with his two brothers, Jonathan and William, he commenced the general mercantile business, with which he was identified some fourteen years. During that long period of activity, his natural industrious disposition and consequent hard work impaired his health so much that he had to retire from the firm. In March, 1880, he took up his residence in the village of Centre Hall, where he recuperated, buying a nice home, to the improvement of which he spent no little time and money. At this time there were but two stores in Centre Hall, and after four years Mr. Harper decided to open a third, trusting to his previous experience and natural business qualifications for success of his venture. It re- quired enterprise and energy, both of which characteristics he amply possessed, and possesses, and in 1884, in partnership with H. W. Krea- mer, he opened a general merchandise store, which ere long became the leading one of the kind in the vicinity. In April, 1896, our sub- ject disposed of his interest therein, and retired from active business life. He still owns a one- half interest in the store building; a one-fourth in- terest in the bank building and bank at Centre Hall; a substantial residence in the same village, and 350 acres of land in Potter township. As already stated, he is president of the Penn Val- ley Banking Co., at Centre Hall, and is a leader in enterprises tending to the advancement of his section of the county.

On December 28, 1879, at Bellefonte, Simon Harper was married to Miss Maggie E. Klinger, who was born at Buffalo Run, Penn., May 29, 1854, youngest in the family of ten children -- five sons and five daughters-born to Jesse and Mary (Kocker) Klinger, who came from Dauphin county to Centre county some years ago. Mr. Klinger was a blacksmith by trade, in politics a stanch Republican, and for several years was justice of the peace at Bellefonte, where he died October 1, 1889, his wife passing away March 18, 1893, and they sleep their last sleep in the cemetery at Bellefonte. They were members of the Reformed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Harper

have one child, Harry W., born October 17, 1882, living at home.

In politics Mr. Harper is a lifelong Democrat, always interested in the success of the party, but never an office-seeker. For one term he served as chief burgess of Centre Hall, and has been elected to other offices, which, however, he de- clined to accept. Socially, he is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge at Centre Hall, and of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 153, at Bellefonte. In matters of religion he and his wife are mem- bers of the Reformed Church, and he was one of the committee who had charge of the church building, a handsome one, at Centre Hall, and it was at his suggestion that brown stone was used in its construction. He is an elder in the Church, and is one of the most liberal contributors and leading members, and has served as superintend- ent of the Sunday-school. Taken all in all, Mr. Harper is a typical representative self-made man, one who by his own perseverance, energy and sound judgment, has risen, rung by rung, to the summit of the ladder of success. On business and financial matters he is an acknowledged author- ity, and his opinion and counsel, which are often sought, are sure to be respected. His acquaint- ance in Penn's Valley is thorough, and he is held in the highest esteem.

I 'SAAC GRAY (deceased), late of Patton town- ship, Centre county, was one of the most prosperous and successful farmers of the Half Moon country, and a very substantial citizen of the community in which his entire life had been passed.

The Grays are numerous in central Pennsyl- vania, descendants of one Peter Gray, who came to Half Moon Valley in 1788, from Frederick county, Md., and located in what is now Patton township; at that time he was assessed and re- garded as belonging to Huntingdon county. John Gray, one of the sons of Peter Gray (1), and the one from whom Isaac descended, was born in 1767 and died in 1848; he married Catherine, daughter of Conrad Hartsock, the head of the first family of the name to settle in Half Moon Valley; she died in 1847. Of their children. John Gray (2) married Mary Mattern, and they became the parents of Isaac Gray (deceased (their fifth child), of whom we especially write. John Gray (2) died in 1856, in his fifty-seventh year, and his wife in November, 1871, in the seventy-third year of her age.

Isaac Gray was born on the old homestead in the vicinity of Gray's Church, in Patton town- ship, February 22, 1834, where his father and.

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Isaac Gray

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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grandfather before him had lived, and there his life of over half a century was passed. Descend- ing from a pious and Christian ancestry through several generations, he inherited a Christian spirit and a desire to live in keeping with the commands of our Savior, which were so strength- ened by the example of those older lives abou him that he early espoused the cause of Chris and enlisted in the work of His vineyard. In Half Moon Valley, Methodism took earliest root among the religiously inclined, and Methodism has prevailed since the pioneer era as the popular creed. About 1790 Peter Gray so arranged it that M. E. Circuit preachers stopped at his house occasionally to hold services, and for nearly thirty years his home was a temple where the surrounding community gathered once a month, and sometimes oftener, to enjoy the privilege of worship. In 1826 a rude log church was built near Peter Gray's home. He was chosen a leader when the class was formed in 1790, and for full thirty-five years stood faith- fully at the helm. His successor was his son Peter B., who was likewise a local preacher. After him followed Samuel P. Gray and Jacob Gray, and later, Isaac Gray, of this sketch. Since the formation of the class a Gray has been one of its leaders. The old log church stood from 1826 to 1851, when it was destroyed by fire. It was replaced by a more pretentious structure, which was used until the building of the present beautiful edifice, still called " Gray's Church." Imbibing by tradition, and reared in such an atmosphere as pervaded the Gray fam- ily, it is not to be wondered at that young Isaac followed in the footsteps of his pious ancestry. It was mainly through his efforts and generous contributions that the new church was built. He went on through life assuming the duties of the day as his conscience directed, and led a use- ful life. He held all the offices of the Church, such as class-leader, trustee, steward, district steward and lay electoral delegate to the annual Conference. Like most of the Grays, he was in politics a Republican, though not active in the sense of a politician, but only interested as citizen- ship seemed to demand. He served his State as juror at a session of the supreme court held at Erie, Penn. He served in various township offices, always acceptably to his people. He was a most successful farmer, and considered a solid and substantial citizen, highly esteemed. His death occurred March 27, 1889. The press at this time said:

Half Moon Valley loses one of its best citizens, and the county one of its most successful farmers; he has been ailing for years from an affection of the lungs, and although his case was known to be hopeless, death was not anticipated.

He was a consistent and devout member of the Methodist Church, a good neighbor and a devoted husband and affec- tionate father, and will be sorely missed in the community of which he was a leading member.

Born of pious Methodist ancestry, early he professed Christ, and joined the M. E. Church; for twenty-three years he was class leader, and also either Sunday-school superin- tendent or teacher. He always took an active interest in the Sabbath-school, and all the means of grace. Largely through his lead, and the active co-operation of a few others, he saw completed in his native community a most beautiful, substantial and convenient country church. By unavoidable delay it was not dedicated until two weeks after his death.

On November 4. 1862, Mr. Gray was married to Sarah Liggett, who was born in Liberty town- ship, Centre county, Penn., February 5, 1837, and is a daughter of John and Susannah (Neff) Liggett, natives of what is now Centre county, Penn. To the marriage came: Lulu, Mary. Ruth, Esther and Bond. Lulu married Rev. George Glenn, who is a minister of the M. E. Church, now (1897) stationed at Gettysburg, Penn., and they have five children, namely: Randolph, Foster, Sarah Liggett. Elizabeth Meek. John Gray, and George, Jr.' Mary died June 8. 1871, in the sixth year of her age; Ruth married Rev. Frank Hartsock, of the M. E. De- nomination, now preaching at Marathon, N. Y., and they have one child. Robert Gray; Esther Katherine is a home; Bond died in infancy.

The Liggetts were originally from the North of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish stock. Oncoming to America they settled in Virginia, and from there moved to Washington county, Md., whence came George. John and Absalom Liggett (broth- ers) into Bald Eagle Valley, then Northumber- land county, Penn., now Centre county: the date of the location of these brothers in the Bald Eagle Valley is not definitely known, but is fixed by one of the grandsons of George Liggett as be- ing as early as 1760, or in the decade following. They were among the earliest settlers of the Val- ley. John Liggett, the son of George Liggett, who came into Bald Eagle Valley as above stated, was born in the Valley in 1797. He was one of a large family, all of whom (including the parents), excepting himself and David, who died about 1842 at Eagleville, moved to Ohio years ago. John Liggett married Susannah Neff. whose ancestors came from Germany; four of their children are living, namely: Benjamin. now ( 1897) sixty-five years of age, resides in Kan- sas City. Kans. : John is a resident of Beech Creek. Clinton Co., Penn., aged sixty-three; Mrs. Sarah Gray, widow of the subject of this sketch. resides on Buffalo Run, aged sixty years; and Fisher D. is a resident of Canton, Ohio, aged fifty-seven: three died in infancy, namely: Fisher, Elizabeth and one whose name is not given. The parents of these died, the father at St.

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Louis, Mo., in 1857, while en route to Kansas prospecting in that State for a future home, and the mother, in May, 1887, aged eighty-seven years, at Beech Creek, in the home of her son John Liggett. The older Liggetts, who came from Maryland, were slave owners, and brought some with them on coming to Bald Eagle Valley, and some of the descendants of those slaves reside here at the present time.

H ERBERT WILLIAMS, who departed this life November 3, 1886, was an honored vet- eran of the Civil war, and a valued and repre- sentative citizen of Snow Shoe township. He was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, in June, 1826, a son of William and Ann Williams, who were also natives of that city, where they con- ducted the " Iron Bridge Inn."

On coming to the United States, our subject first located in Pottsville. Penn., but later removed to Snow Shoe, where he engaged in blacksmith- ing until the outbreak of the Rebellion. Feeling that his adopted country needed his services, he put aside his individual interests, and in 1861 en- listed in Company E, 5th Reserve Volunteer In- fantry, under Capt. Landimore. joining his com- pany on the Ist of June. During most of his service he engaged in blacksmithing. He was wounded during the seven-days battle of Rich- mond, was captured, was for eleven weeks con- fined in Libby prison, and on his release was sent to Bellevue Hospital, New York City, where he remained for eleven months. When hostilities had ceased he returned to his home in Snow Shoe, where he successfully engaged in blacksmithing for a number of years, but at the time of his death was living practically retired. His sym- pathy, his benevolence, his kindly greeting, will lony be remembered by those who knew him. His duties were performed with the greatest care, and throughout his life his personal honor and integrity. were without blemish. Ardent and constant in his affections, he was a most tenderly devoted husband. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, but did not aspire to office; in relig- ious faith he attended the Presbyterian Church

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 27

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