Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 43

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 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 43

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Massachusetts, was born in 1811, and is now living in Philipsburg in good health and possess- ing remarkable strength for one of his years. He is a constant student of the Bible, and takes much interest in the questions of the day, being in his political views a stanch Democrat. He was married in early manhood to Miss Clarissa Hinds, a native of New Hampshire, who died in Philipsburg some years ago at the "Potter House." They came to Pennsylvania in 1846, locating first in Erie county, where W. A. Faulk- ner was engaged in business as a carpenter and millwright until 1857, when he removed with his family to Philipsburg. There he followed car- pentering and lumbering for a time, but he has now retired from active business. Of his four children two are living: (1) Clarissa J., the wife of B. F. Morgan, of State College; and (2) C. A., our subject. The others were: (3) Louisa M., who died at the age of eighteen, and (4) Henry, who was a remarkable boy, having six toes on each foot, and weighing, at the age of thirteen years, 213 pounds; he died of typhoid fever.

Judge Faulkner's school days were spent in Erie county, where he attended Girard Academy. He also became familiar with the details of the carpenter's trade by assisting his father. After the removal of the family to Philipsburg he en- gaged in the hotel business, and at three differ- ent times he had charge of the old " Moshannon House," a brick hotel. In the spring of 1877 he opened the "Potter House" there, and after conducting it some six or seven years he went into the wholesale liquor business, which he fol- lowed two years. His genial disposition and quiet manner have made many warm personal friends, while his abilities have won even wider appreciation, as is shown by his election in 1892 to the office of associate judge in his county to serve until 1897, and his faithful performance of the duties of that place has amply justified the expectations of his supporters. Socially, he is a member of the Independant Order of Odd Fel- lows, and of the Royal Arcanum.

Judge Faulkner married Miss Florence Shoop, a native of Philipsburg, born in 1861. Their pleasant home is gladdened by an interesting family of seven children: C. A., Grace, Irvin, Pierre, May. Florence and Pauline.

H ON. JOHN C. HENDERSON has won a distinguished position among the leading business men of Centre county, for many years being identified with the mercantile, lumber and agricultural interests of this section of the State, but now practically living a retired life upon his

farm on Mud Lick branch, in Huston township. A native of Centre county, he was born Decem- ber 6, 1832, in Patton township, then called Pond Bank.

Rev. William B. Henderson, father of our subject, was born in Morris county, N. J., April 10, 1793, of which State his parents, Eleazor and Margaret (Barton) Henderson, were also na- tives. At one time they came to Centre county, but not being satisfied returned to New Jersey, where they died. By occupation the grandfather was a lumberman and coal miner. Until eight- een years of age Rev. Henderson followed ore mining, and two years later became a local min- ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being a circuit rider for twenty-five years. He contin- ued the work of the ministry up to his death, which occurred October 22, 1856. He was three times married, his first union being with Miss Rachel Connor, who was born in 1798, and died in October, 1839. To them were born six sons and one daughter, as follows: Samuel, who died at the age of six years; Eliza, deceased wife of Rudolph Light, of Blair county, Penn .; Robert E., deceased, who was a merchant and local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church; William B., who died at the age of twenty-five years; John C., of this sketch; David S., also a minister and school teacher, who died at the age of twenty; and James F., who died in the army. Rev. Henderson next married Mary A. Fugate, who died in 1845, at the age of twenty-eight years, and later he wedded her sister, Martha J. Fugate, by whom he had two children: Grant. who died in infancy; and Martha, who died at the age of one year. The mother of these chil- dren passed away at Altoona, Penn., in 1892, at the age of sixty-four.

Our subject was provided with very meagre educational privileges, being able to attend school for only about a year and a half. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, March 27, 1855, to Miss. Elizabeth J. Cooper. Ten children graced their union, namely: Martha M .. who died at the age of twelve years; Frances A .. wife of W. P. Parsons, a farmer of Huston town- ship; Mary E., wife of Rev. S. J. Taylor. of Berlin, Somerset Co .. Penn. ; Eliner E., a mer- chant of Julian, Centre county; Emma, wife of Rev. L. N. Fleck, of Stoyestown, Somerset county: Grant, who died at the age of one year Lillie L., wife of G. F. Steverson, a farmer of Patton township, Centre county; Ollie M., at home: Curtis- D)., who died at the age of seven- teen years; and Verrus G., at home.

Mrs. Henderson was born in County Down. Ireland, December 5, 1835, and was the only

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child of Thomas and Mary (Reed) Cooper, also natives of the Emerald Isle. By occupation the father was a fisherman, and was drowned in 1836 during a big storm. In 1848 the mother and daughter crossed the Atlantic, taking up their residence in Buffalo Run, Centre Co., Penn. During the last forty years of her life Mrs. Cooper found a pleasant home with our subject, where she passed away in 1893. Mrs. Hender- son is also deceased. She was an earnest, de- vout Christian, a true and faithful wife and ten- der mother. She left many friends who deeply mourn her taking away, as her quiet, unassum- ing manner and pleasant ways endeared her to all with whom she came in contact.

After his marriage, Mr. Henderson rented a farm in Bald Eagle Valley for two years, which he cperated during the summer season, in the winter working in the lumber woods. For the following two years he lived upon a rented farm in Patton township, and then removed to a rented place in the lower end of the county, but while there purchased a farm in Huston township. However, he went to Julian Furnace, where for three years he conducted a hotel, and on selling out there purchased the large " Hotel Elsworth, in Osceola, Clearfield Co., Penn., which he con- ducted from 1867 until 1875. On the 20th. of. May of the latter year it was destroyed by fire, which also reduced to ashes eight other buildings belonging to our subject, thus causing a heavy loss. The previous January, he had been appointed, by President Grant, postmaster at Osceola, which position he filled for three years and a half, when he resigned and began the cultivation of his pres- ent farm in Huston township, Centre county. Here he made his home from May, 1877, until 1894, when he went to the village of Julian, where in the spring of 1889 he had opened the mercantile establishment now conducted by his son. The building was destroyed by fire in May, 1896, but business was at once resumed at an- other location. In the spring of the same year, Mr. Henderson returned to his farm, but leaves its management to his son, and after a long life of toil is now calmly resting from, his labors. In the flood of 1889, which caused so much damage in Centre county, he lost considerable, but he has steadily overcome all the difficulties and trials that have beset his path, and is enjoying a com- fortable competence which is well deserved ..

Mr. Henderson has served his fellow citizens in the capacity of school director twenty-eight years, mayor of Osceola one year, tax collector of Huston township, and county commissioner six years, the duties of which he discharged with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his

constituents. Although an ardent Republican. and the county strongly Democratic, he was elected county commissioner with a majority of 739, which fact plainly indicates his popularity, and the confidence and trust the people repose in him. For twenty years he was the efficient president of the school board, and was treasurer two years. He is a devoted Christian, a faithful worker in his Master's vineyard, and the poor and needy always find in him a friend.

M ICHAEL MILLER, a highly respected resi- dent ' of Madisonburg, Centre county, is one of the genial, kind-hearted men whose influ- ence is a power for good in any community. An able business man and an active promoter of all lines of local progress, he well deserves mention in this work. .

Mr. Miller belongs to a well-known pioneer family, his grandfather, Michael Miller, having come from the southern part of the State at an early day to settle upon a farm in Centre county, at Pine Creek, where John Miller, our subject's father, was born and reared. Starting in life with but little help from his father. John Miller made his way through his own efforts to a place of prominence among the agriculturists of the county. His first farm was in Walker township. and at one time he owned three farms, his estate being inventoried, at his death, at about $30,000. Although farming was his chief occupation, he did much profitable work in threshing in the days of the small horse-power machines, and while the canal was in process of construction he was engaged in butchering. He was a Democrat in politics, but neither sought nor held public office. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Eve. Bartholemew, who, like himself, was a devout member of the Reformed Church, in which he held office for many years. Both died at Hublersburg, Centre county, the father at the age of seventy-three, the mother when sixty- eight, and their remains were laid to their final rest at that place. They had eleven children, of whom nine lived to adult age: Catherine married Gideon Dunblazer, and died in Clinton county; Henry died in Walker township, Centre county; John, a fariner, is living in semi-retire- mient at Hublersburg: Eliza is the widow of Dr. Samuel Adams, of Illinois; Fannie married Ben- jamin Reich, and died at Jacksonville, Penn .: Sarah married Job Long, of Clinton county; Michael and Mary were twins, the former being our subject, and the latter now the widow of Samuel Goodhart, of Centre Hall; Amelia A.

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married (first) John Stover, and (second) Amos Ertly, of Jacksonville.

Michael Miller, our subject, was born May 12, 1838, at the old home in Walker township, Centre county, and his education was such as the schools of the district then afforded, compris- ing only " the three Rs." As the son of a thrifty farmer, his time was well employed at home, and he did much hard work in his youth although he was not of large build. On March 16, 1862, he was married in Clinton county to Miss Sarah Brungart, who was born March 29, 1840, the daughter of George Brungart, a leading farmer of that county, and his wife, Elizabeth (Wol- ford). During the first four years of his married life Mr. Miller rented the home farm from his father, but in the spring of 1866 he bought, at a cost of $C,ooo, a farm of eighty-three acres in Miles township, Centre county, known as the. George Shaffer farm. He made his home there until 1880, when he sold the place and purchased the "old Schmeltzer farm " near Madisonburg. In the spring of 1886 he removed to that town, where he has since resided, and at the same time he bought an eighty-three-acre farm in the same township, on which he built a new house, now occupied by his son, George E. In addition to this property and his fine residence in town, he owns 107 acres of mountain land.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had seven children, whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Mary I., June 23, 1863, died January 19, 1868; George E., October 25, 1864, is a prosperous farmer in Miles township; Sarah K., November 23, 1865, married Clark Gramly, of Miles town- ship, Centre county; Elmira M., August 11, 1867, married Charles Smull, of Rebersburg; Maggie H., March 11, 1869, died at the age of eighteen; Minnie E., October 11, 1873, and Bertha G., April 16, 1880, are at home. Mrs. Miller is a Lutheran in religion, but our subject is a mem- ber of the Reformed Church, in which he has been a deacon and is now an elder. He is a steadfast supporter of Democratic principles, and has been supervisor and overseer of the poor, while as school director he has done effective work in securing for later generations the educa- tional advantages of which he was deprived in his youth.

J JONATHAN SPANGLER. The Spangler homestead near Rebersburg. Centre county, has now been in the possession of that fam- ily for more than a century, and its present occu- pant, the subject of this sketch, is the third owner in direct line of descent from its original

purchaser, Christopher Spangler, who made his home there in 1794 or '95. This pioneer was born in Moore township, Northampton Co., Penn., May 17, 1766, and lived for some time in early manhood in Union county, Penn., east of New Berlin, before locating at the present home- stead. He bought the interest of George Hoerr- ner in the tract, and was the first settler, al- though a log cabin stood there at the time of the purchase.

George Christopher Spangler, the father of Christopher, was born in Prussia, and came to Brush Valley some time after this settlement, ac- companied by three other sons. They were: Henry, who was a pioneer settler in Sugar Val- ley, locating near the present site of Tylersville; George, who went to Ohio; and Peter, who was the first settler in Bald Eagle Valley, later mov- 'ing to Ohio. Another son. John, settled along the . Sinnamahoning.

Christopher Spangler always lived at the present homestead, and he died there February 21, 1855, aged eighty-nine years. His wife, Anna Margaret (nce Krider), died July 14, 1832, and both were buried in the Reformed cemetery at Rebersburg. He was a powerful man, well built and robust, and, while farming was his chief occupation in Centre county, he also followed weaving at times, having learned the trade in youth. He was a man of strong convictions- moral, religious and political-and fearlessly car- ried them out. The Sabbath breaker and the tippler slunk away at his approach. The pro- fane man and the bully subsided into silence as he passed, all evil-doers dreading his reproof. He was unusually intelligent, and was a warm friend of education, heartily supporting the com- mon-school system when that question was sub- mitted to a vote of the people. At one time he was a Lutheran. but in 1806 he united with the Evangelical Association, in which he became a leader. He was well versed in Scripture, and at one time was a local preacher. His house, which was built in 1805, was a rendezvous for preachers. and services were often held there before any churches were erected. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and he voted regularly, con- sidering it a duty. His family consisted of ten children, as follows: Samuel and Jacob died in Potter township, Centre county; the third child (name not known) was drowned in the water trough at home: Jonathan, Sr., is mentioned more fully below; Anna M. married Conrad Hare; Susan married Solomon Gerheart; Magda- lena married Jacob Wise: Christina married a Mr. Evans; Esther married John Betts; and Re- becca married Jacob Kreamer.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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Jonathan Spangler was born in 1803, on the same farm and in the same house in which his son, our subject, now resides. He was reared as a farmer boy, with such schooling as his time and locality afforded. His education was prac- tical and mainly self-acquired, and, as he was fond of reading and had a good memory, he be- came conversant with the issues of his day in Church and State. His hearing was deficient, or he would doubtless have taken the same in- terest in Church affairs which was shown by his father, as he was a devout member of the Evan- gelical Church and a prominent contributor. His word was as good as his note, his promise for anything being all that his friends would ask. Intoxicating drinks had in him a bitter enemy, and he was the first farmer in his locality to abolish the use of the whiskey jug in the harvest field. In politics he was a Democrat until 1862, when he became a Republican, and his change was the occasion of much surprise at the time. He held office in Miles township, and took in- terest in the success of the party, keeping always well posted on issues. Progressive and enter- prising in his own affairs, he was no less so in advocating good roads and other improvements. He owned a large farm, which he has partially cleared, and was one of the leading agriculturists in his township.

Jonathan Spangler, Sr., was married in Union county, Penn., to Miss Catharine Maize, of Union county, the daughter of Michael Maize, a well- known farmer. The children of this union were Reuben, who died in Stephenson county, Ill .; Matilda, who married George Dauberman, and died in Kane county, Ill .; Ira, who died in Brush Valley, at the age of twenty years; Margaret, who married Benjamin Gramley, and died in 1895, in Kane county, Ill .; Charles, who died when nineteen years old in Miles township; Simon, now of Harvey county, Kans. ; Jonathan, our subject; Anna B., now the widow of Perry Condo, of Jacksonville, Penn .; Edward, of Kane county, Ill .; and Uriah, of Harvey county, Kans. The mother died February 24, 1857, and her re- mains were interred in Rebersburg in the family burial plat. The father married a second wife, Rebecca Lutz, of Penn Valley, who died in May, (888, leaving no children. The father breathed his last November 4, 1888.

Jonathan Spangler, the subject proper of this sketch, was born April 26, 1842, at the old homestead. He attended the Gramley school during boyhood, and later studied a short time at New Berlin. He has seen great improvements. in the schools, and heartily endorses them. He was reared as a farmer boy according to the cus-

tom of his time, and remained at home except for one winter, when he lived with his sister, Mrs. Dauberman.

Mr. Spangler was married December 25, 1863, to Miss Sarah A. Condo, a native of Aaronsburg, and a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Poorman) Condo, and they went to housekeeping on the old Spangler farm, where they now live. At first Mr. Spangler rented the farm, and they lived three years in the tenant house; but in 1835 he bought the homestead, the property comprising 1 17 acres of tillable land, and some that is still in a primitive condition. He has a pleasant home, and six children who are unusually tal- ented: Charles C., of Filmore county. Neb., is a teacher. . Joseph E. is a farmer of Centre Hill. Ira, now of Sullivan county, Penn., is a minister of the United Evangelical Church. Catherine resides in Nebraska, and is not married. Annie .is the wife of O. F. Stover, of Miles townsbip. Agnes L. is at home.

Mr. Spangler's first vote was cast, in 1864, for Abraham Lincoln, and since that time he has been a stanch supporter of Republican doctrines, but always looks to principle, however, more than partisan ties. He is an enemy to the liquor traffic, and hopes to see it abolished. He and his wife are active members of the United Evan- gelical Church, and he has served in various offices, having been a class leader for ten or twelve years, and at present he is assistant super- intendent of the Sunday-school. Reading is a favorite pastime with him, and, while his mem- ory is not especially retentive, he is familiar with many more topics than the average man. He is one of the best citizens as well as a substantial farmer, and kindliness is a prominent and at- tractive characteristic with him.

J S. DAUBERMAN, who to-day occupies alead- ing position in business circles, is one to whom prosperity has come in return for un- tiring labor, enterprises and well-managed busi- ness interests. He is identified with the agricult- ural, industrial and commercial interests of Centre county, and wherever known is held in high regard, for his business record is most hon- orable, and his private life is above reproach.

Mr. Dauberman was born in Potter township, Centre county, near Sinking Creek, October 26, 1832, and is of German lineage, his grandfather, Israel Dauberman, having been a native of the German Empire. He became the founder of the family in America, and his son John was the first of the name to locate in Centre county. . The latter was one of the first agriculturists in Penn's

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Valley. He owned considerable land in Potter township; and was widely known as a substantial farmer and prominent citizen. In his boy- hood he learned the cabinet-making and car- penter's trades, and could also follow blacksmith- ing with good success, so that several industries contributed to his prosperity. He was the prin- cipal donator to the building fund of the first church at Egg Hill; in politics he supported the Democratic party. He married Margaret Hafern, who lived to be seventy-six years of age, he dying at the age of eighty-one, and they were buried in Egg Hill cemetery. John Dauberman, the father of our subject, was the eldest of their family; a daughter became the wife of Mr. Shreff- ler, and died in Illinois; Margaret married Sam- uel Spangler, and died in Potter township; Polly married Michael Dillman, and died in Plainfield, Illinois.

John Dauberinan, the father of our subject, was born in 1800, and acquired a good practical education, for after attending the public schools he spent one term in study at Millheim. He possessed resourceful business ability, and was an energetic farmer, also carrying on the foun- dry business when his father retired from that in- dustry. He always lived on what is known as the Dauberman homestead, with the exception of three years spent on a farm near by. His later life was passed in retirement from active business cares, save the management of his prop- · erty interests. He then traveled to a considera- ble extent over the country, and made a number of investments in Western lands, mostly in Kane county, Ill. He married Catherine Swartz, of Penn township, a representative of an old fam- ily, and their children are: Sarah, who married Isaac Tressler, and died in Oak Hall, Penn .; Margaret, widow of John Rishel, of Centre Hall; George, who died in Kane county, Ill .; Cath- erine, who died in childhood; and J. S., of this review. The father was a man five feet, eight inches in height, and during most of his life was a hard worker, accumulating a competence as the result of his industry and frugality. He died when about seventy-seven years of age; his wife had passed away previously when about seventy- five years of age. Their remains were interred in Egg Hill cemetery.

struction learned the cabinet maker's trade. He was married December 27, 1859, to Mary E. Goodheart, who was born in Mifflin county, Penn., July 30, 1836, the only daughter of John and Martha (McEwen) Goodheart, who came to Centre county when Mrs. Dauberman was a girl. Her maidenhood was there passed, and her edu- cation was obtained in the public schools.

Mr. Dauberman began his domestic life upon the old homestead, where he followed farming and also did much mechanical work in the line of cabinet making, carpentering and blacksmith- ing. He shod his own horses, and even manu- factured the horse-shoe nails. These pur- suits occupied his attention until 1890, when in connection with his son he embarked in the fur- niture and undertaking business, in Centre Hall, as successors to William Camp. After a few years, however, the firm became Dauberman & Goodheart, and in 1895 our subject became sole proprietor. He still owns 150 acres of land which he rents. A man of broad capabilities, resourceful and persevering, his able manage- ment has brought to him prosperity. He is a member of the executive committee in charge of the Central Hall picnic grounds, of which he is superintendent. He purchased one of the first kerosene lamps used in Penn's Valley. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, has served in nu- merous township offices, and has been street com- missioner of Centre Hall. He belongs to the Grange, and to the Evangelical Church, in which and in the Sunday-school he has held various offices, while for several years he was superin- tendent of the Union Sunday-school at Egg Hill. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Dauberman have two children: J. G., born March 10, 1862. is now proprietor of the Centre Hall Meat Supply Co. ; Laura M .. born January 13, 1864, became the wife of Charles Knarr, and died March 9, 1885, leaving one son, John H., who has made his home with his grandfather since four months old. Mr. Dauberman removed to Centre Hall in March. 1887. and in that year erected his substantial brick residence. His career has been straight- forward and manly in all the relations of life, an ! he well deserves representation in any history of Centre countv.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 43

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