Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 45

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 45
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 45
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 45
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 45

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Dr. Carlisle was born December 28, 1862, and is a son of Samuel and Martha (Lorain) Car- lisle, who died when he was a child of less than three years. Samuel Carlisle was a native of this State, and came to Philipsburg from Cham- bersburg in early manhood to engage in mercan- tile business. The Doctor's mother, who was born in Centre county, was a granddaughter of Philipsburg's honored pioneer, John Lorain, and his wife Martha, both natives of Maryland. Thomas Lorain, great-grandfather of Mrs. Car- lisle, commanded the ship in which he came to America, and, locating in Maryland at an early period in its history, took a leading part in the development of the place, in which he settled. Dr. Henry Lorain, Mrs. Carlisle's father, was born in Maryland. but locating in Clearfield county became one of the most prominent physi- cians of that section, his practice extending over a wide range of territory. He married Miss Maria Taylor, a native of the county.

Dr. Carlisle being left an orphan at such a tender age, was taken in charge by his mother's brother, Major Lorenzo Lorain, one of the ables! and most noted sons of Centre county. A keen and well-balanced intellect and rare executive "ability, combined with a genial nature which woll the lasting regard of all sorts and conditions of men, gave him extraordinary influence. Hi-

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capabilities seemed almost limitless. · As soldier, teacher, scientist, civil engineer, and inventor, he did work of permanent value. He was born in Philipsburg, August 5, 1831, and during his boy- hood, while studying civil engineering, he was offered a cadetship at West Point, which he ac- cepted. Entering in June, 1852, he was gradu- ated with honors in 1856, and received a com- mission as second lieutenant in the Third U. S. Artillery, his duties taking him to various points. At the outbreak of the Civil war he naturally took a post of responsibility, and in one of the first battles, that of Blackburn's Ford, Va., in July, 1861, he was severely wounded. He never entirely recovered (in fact his death was the re- sult of disease superinduced by the wound); but in March, 1862, he accepted a position as assist -. ant in the chemical department at West Point .. which he held for over eight years. He was offered several volunteer commands, but much as he desired to join the army in the field his phy- sical condition prohibited it. He received, how- ever, the brevet rank of captain for his gallant conduct at Blackburn's Ford, and later that of - major was bestowed. On leaving West Point he was stationed at Fort Jefferson, Florida, as com- mander, and later at Charlestown, S. C., and then he took the chair of physics and mechanics at Lehigh University, at Bethlehem, Penn. His liking for military surroundings and connections led him to resign this position, and to refuse other important posts in different colleges. For a time he served at Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor, and later became an instructor in the United States Artillery School at Fortress Mon- roe, Va., and remained until a short time before his death which occurred March 6, 1882, at Bal- timore, Md., while on sick leave. While at the school he made, or was instrumental in bringing about, many improvements, and he invented a gunsight, which bears his name.

He left a widow, formerly Miss Fannie Mose- ley McDonald, of Washington, D. C., and two children: Henry McDonald, a mining engineer in Philipsburg, and Mertie M., wife of Lieut. E. A. Anderson, of the United States Navy.

Under the fostering care of this noble man our subject passed his most impressionable years. The frequent changes of location had their educational effect, and he attended various schools also-one at Norfolk, Va., the academy at Troy, N. Y., and a school at Gettysburg, Penn. In 1882 he became a clerk in the office of the Philipsburg Banking Company, and held the position ten years, resigning in 1892 to take a similar place in a coal company's office. He had by this time discovered his real bent, and

after one year in the last position he entered the medical department of the University of Penn- sylvania, and in 1896 received the degree of M. D. Returning to Philipsburg, where he had long been deservedly popular, he began his pro- fessional labors.

M ICHAEL STROHM, of Centre Hill, Cen- tre county, has rounded the Psalmist's span of " three-score years and ten," and in his declining years can look back over a well-spent life, honorable in both business and social rela- tions. Such a career has won him the unqualified respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Mr. Strohm was born in Lebanon township, Lebanon Co., Penn., October 29, 1816, and is a son of John and Susanna (Graybill) Strohm. His great-grandfather, who was of German birth, left the Fatherland to found a home in America. The grandfather, John Strohni, a farmer by oc- cupation, had a family of two sons and two daughters. John Strohm, the father of our sub- ject, was married in Lebanon county, and in 1835 `removed to Centre county, locating in Potter township, near Centre Hill, the journey being made in a large wagon with several horses. Be- ing a man of considerable means, he here pur- chased a valuable property of 270 acres, which he successfully operated until his death. His earnest labor brought to him a comfortable com- petence, and he was known as one of the sub- stantial citizens of the community. In politics he was an Old-line Whig, and manifested his re- ligious belief by his membership in the Evangel- ical Church. He died in 1846, at the age of sixty years, and was laid to rest in Egg Hill cemetery. near his wife, who had passed away in 1841. Their children were Jonathan and Henry. who both died in Stephenson county, Ill .; Maria (wife of Peter Albright), who died in Mifflin county, Penn .; Michael, the subject of this sketch ; Jacob, of Tusseyville, Centre county; Susan, widow of Jonathan Kreamer, of State College; John, who died in Potter township; and Lydia, wife of J. G. Meyer, of Aaronsburg.

The educational privileges which Michael Strohm enjoyed were very limited; he lived in a German community, and the teaching was in the German tongue. He could not speak English until, at the age of nineteen years, he came to Centre county with his parents, but by contact with those who used the English tongue, he be- came familiar with the language, and by .ex- perience and observation he has gained a good practical education. His training at farm labor,

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however, was not meager, for at an early age he became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In 1841 he drove a two- horse team to Freeport, Ill., for a man who was moving to the West. The town of Freeport at that time contained but twelve houses. Mr. Strohm worked in Illinois for a year and a half as a farm hand; but with the exception of that period he remained with his parents until his marriage.

In Potter township, October 30, 1845, Mr. Strohm was married to Miss Catherine Wagner, who was born in Potter township, a daughter of Bernard Wagner. The young couple began their domestic life on the old homestead, and Mr. Strohm settled upon his father's estate. He aft- erward purchased a part of the farm, and erected all the buildings thereon with the exception of the barn, which was only partially completed when he became the owner. On that place he lived until the spring of 1877, when he came to Centre Hill, and embarked in general merchan- dising, which he has since followed. He now owns a valuable farm of 130 acres, together with a house and lot. his store room and his stock of goods in Centre Hill. His property is the visible result of the energy and perseverance which are numbered among bis marked characteristics.

In 1895 Mr. Strohm was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died March 30, and was buried in Sprucetown, her death occurring only a few months before their fiftieth wedding anniversary. She had been to her husband à faithful companion and helpmate, and his loss was deeply felt. Their children were: John, who died at the age of nineteen years; William, of Red Cloud, Nebraska, who was accidentally shot while hunting; Elmira, wife of W. A. Kerr, of Potter township; James B., county commis- sioner of Bellefonte; Sallie and Annie (twins), who died in infancy; Horace, who died in Centre .Hill; and Laura, wife of W. W. Bayard, of Philadelphia. The mother of this family was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and carefully reared her children.

Mr. Strohm is one of the veterans of the Tippecanoe campaign, and cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison. Since the organiza- tion of the Republican party he has been one of its supporters. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has served as trus- tee and as a member of the building committee, and was for years a member of the Quarterly Conference. He has been very active in Church work, and does all in his power to advance those interests which are calculated to promote the moral welfare of the community. His life has

been well spent, winning him high regard, and he is still active in business affairs although he has passed the age of four-score years.

J JOHN GLEN -HALL (deceased), who in his lifetime was an active, prominent and enter- prising citizen of Union township, Centre county, carried on farming pursuits on the Dicks run road up to his death. He was born Decem- ber 10, 1829, within a couple of hundred feet of where he died of pneumonia, January 31, 1897.

Robert Hall, father of our subject, first saw the light December 26, 1800, the first white child born at Bellefonte, Penn., became a blacksmith by trade, but his later days were spent in farm- ing on the place where our subject now resides. There his death occurred October 10, 1883. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and in politics was a stalwart Democrat. On August 23, 1827, he was mar- ried, by Rev. Amos Smith, to Elizabeth Hut- ton, and they became the parents of three chil- dren: Aaron, who was born July 29, 1828, and died March 11, 1892; John G., the subject of this sketch; and Rachel, who was born June 12. 1831, and is now the wife of Henry Peters, of Minnesota. The mother, who was born January 12, 1806, passed away January 25, 1835. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Parsons) Hutton, who also spent their entire lives in Cen- tre county engaged in agricultural pursuits. Their parents were natives of Maryland.

For his second wife Robert Hall was married, September 15, 1839, by Rev. James Amos, to Mrs. Mary (Armgost) Baum, who was born in Centre county, September 26, 1811, and died July 3, 1849. To this union came the following children: William, born July 30, 1840, is a farmer of Minnesota; Eliza, born February 20. 1842, is the wife of William Peters, of Minne- sota; Andrew was born September 9, 1843: David and Daniel (twins) were born April 2 ;. 1846, the former being now an agriculturist of Union township and the latter a blacksmith of Unionville, Centre county; Mary E., born June 30, 1849, is the wife of Henry Holter, a carpen- ter in the borough of Howard.

For his third wife, Robert Hall wedded Mrs. Catherine (Kline) Shaw, December 11. 1851, and three children graced this union Lawrence, born March 26, 1853, died June 21. 1871: Thomas, born July 12, 1854, is a lumber merchant of Wisconsin; and James, born Oct- ber 31, 1856, is a farmer of Centre counts. Penn. The mother of these children was born in Berks county, Penn., December 2, 1810. a

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daughter of John and Elizabeth Kline, and now makes her home with our subject.

The parental grandparents of John G. Hall were Hon. John and Hannah (Armont) Hall, natives of Delaware county, Penn., where they were married and remained until 1896, when they removed by keelboat and wagons to Belle- fonte. There the grandfather started the first blacksmith shop in the place, conducting the same until his removal to the present homestead of our subject, where he and his wife died. His grandfather was a native of England, and came to America with two brothers, locating in Pennsyl- vania, where he spent his remaining days. For two terms Hon. John Hall represented his county in the State Legislature, and was re-elected, but declined to accept the office. He was very fond of hunting, and our subject now uses his powder- horn, and the bone from a turkey's wing, with which he used to decoy those birds, imitating their call.

Mr. Hall, the subject proper of this review, never left the parental roof, but remained at home, caring for his parents until their life's labors were ended. He obtained his education in the schools of the neighborhood, and worked some in the lumber woods of the locality. Like his grandfather, he was very fond of hunting, was ever a good marksman, and the first game which he killed was a deer a half mile from his home, bringing it down with a flintlock musket. From that time he killed many wild animals, including bears. On January 17, 1882, he married Miss Minerva J. Hutton, and two sons were born to them: Robert C., January 31, 1883; and Joseph A., August 10, 1890. Mr. Hall affiliated with the Democratic party in politics, but had no aspirations for office, though he filled several township positions of honor and trust. As an enterprising, progressive farmer he had few superiors in Union township, and as a citizen he had the confidence and respect of all.

Mrs. Hall, widow of the late John G. Hall, is a native of Clarion county, Penn., a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Delp) Hutton, who were born, the former on May 25, 1824, in Centre county (about two miles from the birthplace of John G. Hall), the latter born in October, 1829. in Clarion county, Penn., and died April 15, 1897, of pneumonia and heart trouble. Three daughters, as follows, constitute their family: Minerva J. is the widow of John G. Hall; Susanna is the wife of Joseph Logan, a farmer and lumberman, of Osceola, Penn. ; and Mary is the wife of John Gearhart, of Clearfield county, Penn. John Hutton, grandfather of Mrs. Min- erva J. Hall, was born March 29, 1778, married

November 2, 1802, to Mary Parsons, born Novem- ber 20, 1779. The names and dates of birth of their children are as follows: Hannah, May 10, 1803, died May 12, 1827; Thomas, June 22, 1804; Elizabeth, January 12, 1806; Mary, June 6, 1808; Amos, June 22, 1810; Rachel, Septem- ber 3. 1812; Catherine, October 20, 1814; John, March 22, 1817; Sarah, October 23, 1819, died May 15, 1897; and Joseph, May 25, 1824. The father of this family died September 16, 1833, the mother on November 21, 1839. Of their children, Elizabeth was married to Robert Hall, August 23, 1827; Thomas was married to Mary Bathurst, January 1, 1828; Mary was married to Aaron Hall, August 19, 1828; Rachel was married to Charles Appleton; Sarah was married to Adam Smith, May 10, 1840; Catherine was married to Robert McCown.

H W. KREAMER, the leading merchant of Centre Hall, Centre county, is the senior member of the well-known firm of Kreamer & Son, the owners and proprietors of an excellent general store. He is also one of that beautiful little town's best citizens, and is a worthy repre- sentative of one of Penn's Valley's oldest pioneer families, which was founded here over a century ago, and has since been prominently identified with the progress and development of the county.

Mr. Kreamer was born September 28, 1837, in Brush Valley, on a farm adjoining the village of Kreamerville, Centre county, and is the sec- ond child and only son of his parents, Daniel and Susannah (Weaver) Kreamer. The father was born in Brush Valley, November 7, 1815, and he was the youngest son of Jacob Kreamer. He obtained such an education as the district schools of that early day afforded, and was reared upon a farm, early becoming familiar with its arduous labors, as but crude machinery was then used. In Brush Valley he wedded Susan- nah Weaver, who was born there, October 6. 1814, a daughter of John and Barbara (Brun- gart) Weaver. Five children blessed their union: Sarah (now Mrs. John Wolf), of Miles township, Centre county ; H. W .; Amanda, who first married George Wolf, and after his death wedded A. Lukenbach, of Bellefonte ; Hannah, who married S. S. Wolf, and died in Brush Val- ley ; and Emma, widow of E. Wolf, of Rebers- burg, Centre county.

Daniel Kreamer followed farming near Kreamerville until his removal to Rebersburg, where for several years he successfully engaged in the hotel business. He died at that place at the ripe old age of eighty years, his wife passing

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away a short time previously, at the same age, and they now sleep side by side in the Rebers- burg cemetery. For years the father was a singing teacher, and served as leader of the choir of the Reformed Church, of which he was a consistent member. He was a medium-sized man, being five feet, eight inches in height, and was quite active and energetic. In politics he was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and efficiently filled a number of local offices.

Mr. Kreamer, whose name introduces this sketch, obtained a fair education in the district schools near his home, which, however, were much inferior to those of the present time. On leaving the farm at the age of fourteen, he en- tered the store of Gross Boger & Co., in Rebers- burg, where he began clerking for $4 per month, but during the five years he was in the employ of that firm his wages were increased. Later he embarked in general merchandising on his own account in the same place, and subsequently engaged in farming at Spring Bank, Miles town- ship, Centre county, for eleven years. Coming to Centre Hall, in 1884. he became a member of the well-known and reliable firm of Harper & Kreamer, general merchants, who were the first to successfully compete with the old established stores of that place. In April, 1896, he became sole owner of the business, which is now con- ducted under the firm style of Kreamer & Son. They carry a large ,and well-selected stock of general merchandise, and by fair and honorable dealing have built up. an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing.

Mr. Kreamer married Miss Emma Stroh- ecker, of Rebersburg, a daughter of Hon. Sam- uel Strohecker, who represented Centre county in the General Assembly, and was one of the prominent doctors of Brush Valley. Three chil- dren were born of this union: Samuel S., who like his father is also an only son, and is now the former's partner in business: Jennie (now Mrs. S. H. Heckman), of Lock Haven, Penn .; and Tacy. at home. The mother of these chil- dren departed this life in 1886. For his second wife Mr. Kreamer wedded Miss Maggie Hanna, a successful teacher of Spring Mills, Centre county.

those of deacon and elder, she as an equally prom- inent member of the M. E. Church. He owns an elegant home, besides a half interest in the best business block in Centre Hall, and the success that he has achieved is due entirely to his own energy, enterprise and good executive ability. He is one of the most methodical, popular and reliable business men of Centre county, and in social as well as business circles holds an envi- able position.

D ANIEL Z. KLINE, ex-sheriff of Centre county, is one of Bellefonte's oldest and most highly respected citizens, owning a large and valuable farm in the vicinity, and being identified with the various progressive movements which have contributed to the welfare of the city.

Michael Kline (his grandfather), who was of German birth, was a farmer in New York State. but purchased an extensive tract of land near Watsontown, in Union county, Penn. John George Kline, our subject's father, was a native of Berks county, Penn., and was placed in charge of the Union county estate at an early age. While there he married Miss Amy Zimmerman, and later moved to the vicinity of Lock Haven. He died at Howardville at the age of sixty-three years. His wife passed her last days in our sub- ject's home, and at the time of her death she was eighty-two years old. Her children were: John, a farmer by occupation, died years ago; Daniel Z. is the subject of this sketch; Samuel F. is a resident of Howardville; Lucinda married Daniel W. Hall, and resides in Iowa; and Barbara, Mary Ann, Washington, and David all died young.

Daniel Z. Kline was born December 1, 1818, in Union county, but his long and useful life has been mainly spent in Centre county. He at- tended the Union school near Lock Haven, and later assisted his father upon the farm in How- ard township, Centre county. When ten years old he began working by the month for neighbor- ing farmers, and after his marriage in 1856 to his first wife, Miss Lucetta Kiester, he continued this work for a time, and also taught successfully in the country schools, making his home in How- ardville. Finally he engaged in farming for his own behalf on his present property, one mile east of Bellefonte.

Like his father, Mr. Kreamer is a firm ad- herent of Democratic principles, and has served with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of By his first marriage he had a daughter, Jose- phine, who married Harry C. Brew, who is in- terested in the Fairbanks scale works at Pitts- burg, but makes Bellefonte his residence with his wife, and their children-Lucetta and Austin D. Our subject's present wife, whose maiden his constituents in a number of official positions of honor and trust, for the past six years being treasurer of Centre Hall. He and his wife are sincere and conscientious Christians, he as a prominent member of the Reformed Church, in which he has also held various offices, including | name was Sarah Hall, is the mother of one daugh-

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ter, Nellie, who is now the wife of Judge Love, of Bellefonte, and has two children-John G. and Catherine.

In the fall of 1866 the people of Centre county called Mr. Kline from his agricultural labors, electing him to the office of sheriff, which he held three years, serving with ability and credit. During that time he removed to Belle- fonte, and he has since left to other hands the active work of his farm, which contains 2 17 acres, all in one tract. He has been a lifelong Demo- crat. His interest in local affairs has been evinced in practical ways, and, as one instance among many, we may note his generous activity in securing the collections for the new M. E. Church at Bellefonte, of which Mrs. Kline is a member. Our subject is a Master Mason of Bellefonte Lodge No. 268.

Mrs. Kline was born in Bellefonte, January 8, 1829, a daughter of John and Sarah (Weaver) Hall, the former of whom, a native of Delaware county, Penn., died in 1850. The mother's death occurred in 1876. Of their children, seven in all, four are still living, namely: Daniel, resid- ing in Iowa; Hannah, who married Rev. Thomas Barnhart, and resides in Iowa; John N., who re- sides near Howard, Penn., and Sarah.

D ANIEL B. WEAVER, a prosperous miller of Miles township, Centre county, residing near Wolfs Store, is a citizen of the best type. In the hour of our country's danger through re- bellion he served gallantly in her defense, while in peace he has maintained an honorable and useful position among his fellows. He was born July 2, 1840, near Wolfs Store, where his father, John Weaver, a son of John Weaver, Sr., also first opened his eyes to the light.

Our subject's father was reared as a farmer boy, enjoying but meagre educational privileges in the subscription schools of that day, and working upon the home farm until his marriage. His wife, Susan Brungart, was born and reared in Brush Valley, and her father, Jacob Brungart, was a well-known agriculturist living east of Wolfs Store. After their marriage the young couple located on a farm belonging to John Weaver, Sr., where they resided many years, and then after a short stay upon a farm south of Wolfs Store they returned to the farm where our subject was born. There both passed away, and their remains now rest in the burial ground at Rebersburg. John Weaver, Jr., was of or- dinary build, but of a strong constitution, and usually enjoyed robust health. He was indus- trious and lived in comfortable style, but never

acquired riches. His honesty was unwavering, and throughout the community he was held in high esteem. As a Democrat he always took keen interest in political issues, being a regular voter, and for two terms he held the office of supervisor. He was a member of the Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran. They had the following children: Thomas, a shoemaker at Tylersville, Penn .; Israel, who died in boy- hood; Daniel B., of this sketch; Mary (Mrs. John Breon), of Miles township, Centre county; Chestie (Mrs. William Meyer), of Wolfs Store; John H., who died in early manhood at Potters Bank; William H., a miller at Millheim; Maggie (Mrs. John Minich), of Brush Valley; and Charles A., a miller at Osceola. Pennsylvania.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 45

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