Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 47

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 47
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 47
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 47
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 47

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13, 1863, and they both lie buried in a private cemetery on the farm of our subject. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

On the home farm in Potter township, Mi- chael Stiver was born, July 26, 1811, and was there reared until old enough to learn a trade. As the family was very large, and his parents in limited circumstances, he was a young man be- fore he became the possessor of his first pair of boots. The little farm not only had to supply the family with food, but from its products which were sold they obtained the other necessaries of life. Under John Stauffer, Michael Stiver learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked in Boalsburg until the fall of 1852, when he came to Potter township. His brother George owned the homestead farm, but being a loser by the failure of the Potters, to help him, the father of our subject took the place. He owned prop- erty in Harris township, and also a farm in . The Barrens," but to assist his brother sold these and purchased the old home, where he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life. After coming to Potter township, he gradually abandoned his trade, despite the protest of his former patrons, as he was a thorough workman, and his work always satisfactory performed. He improved the buildings on the farm, but took no very active part in the cultivation of the land.

On September 27, 1838, by Rev. Daniel Moser, a Lutheran minister, at Spruce Creek. Michael Stiver was married to Mary A. Hen- neich, whose birth occurred in Aaronsburg, Cen- tre county, September 4, 1816. They began housekeeping in Boalsburg, where he owned a home, and four children came to brighten the household, of whom our subject is the eldest. Mary E., born February 1, 1844, is the wife of Samuel Barr, of Tyrone, Penn. Martha M., born January 14, 1848, is the wife of Sylvanus Lane. a Methodist Episcopal minister. Abner I) .. born November 4, 1856, died on the 19th of the same month. The father's death occurred De- cember 1, 1888, and his remains were interred at Centre Hall. He held membership with the Reformed Church of Boalsburg and Tusseyville. was first a Whig in politics, voting for William Henry Harrison, and as a Republican supported Benjamin Harrison for the Presidency. He took quite an active interest in the success of lus party, was well posted on political issues, and although the township is strongly Democratic. was elected supervisor, a fact which indicates his popularity. He was a man of ordinary build. strong and robust, and by hard work and good management secured a comfortable competence. though he lost some money by going security for

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friends. Of the strictest integrity and honor, he commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him. The mother, who is also a faithful member of the Reformed Church, finds a pleas- ant home with our subject, and is surrounded by many warm friends and acquaintances.

Mrs. Stiver is the second in order of birth in the family of six children born to William and Margaret (Shreffler) Henneich, the others being Sarah and another daughter who died in infancy; Philip, a resident of Missouri; Charles, who died in Penn Hall, Penn .; and William, a prominent railroad man, who died in Illinois. The father of these children died at the early age of thirty years, and was buried at Aaronsburg. but the mother, who afterward married again, lies in the cemetery at Millheim. By some of the family the name has been changed from Henneich to Hennich, and Haney. Mrs. Stiver was only nine years of age at the time of her father's death, and as the children became scattered she made her home with her uncle, David Dale, who lived near Lemont, and there remained until her mar- riage. Her education was obtained in the dis- trict school near Lemont. The last two years of her school life were under Prof. William War- ing at Oak Hall.

Mr. Stiver, whose name introduces this sketch, began his literary training in the schools of Boals- burg, George Livingston being his first teacher, and after his removal to Potter township, at the age of eleven years, he attended the district schools. Later he was a student in the academy at Potter's Mills, then conducted by Prof. David- son.

Soon after the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Stiver wished to join the Union forces, but as he was an only son and his services were needed at home, he did not enlist until August, 1864, when he became a private of Company G, 210th P. V. I. He participated in all the engagements in which his regiment took part, including the Weldon raid and the first and sec- ond battles of Hatcher's Run, where the regi- ment lost heavily. On March 31, 1865, at Grav- elly Run, he was struck by a bullet which passed through the right forearm, shattering the bone, and he was sent to City Point hospital, but a few days later was transferred to a hospital in Washington, D. C. After a short time there, he was sent to a hospital in West Philadelphia, where he was honorably discharged June 27, 1865. Mr. Stiver's arm has never fully recov- ered, and for two years after his return home he was unable to work, while later he only assisted in the lighter labors of the farm. At one time he made all arrangements to go West, but as his

parents objected he never left the parental roof. Previous to his father's death he bought the farm tools, and engaged in the operation of the land on his own account. He is a systematic, progressive farmer, one who ably manages his affairs, but hires most of his work done.

Mr. Stiver was married in Hublersburg, Cen- tre county, in November, 1886, to Miss Anna Carner, of that place, a daughter of John and Barbara Carner, who are farining people. Our subject is well informed on the leading questions and issues of the day as he is an extensive reader, and gives his political support to the Repub- lican party. Originally he held membership with Gregg Post No. 95, G. A. R., of Bellefonte, but now belongs to the order in Centre Hall. Since 1858 he has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and has served as a teacher in the Sabbath-school. He holds a prominent position among the leading represent- ative citizens of Potter township, is genial and hospitable, and a friend to the poor and needy, who are never turned away empty-handed from his door.

W. SPANGLER. The name of this well-known resident of Potter township, Centre county, has long been familiar to the people of this section as that of one of their most valued citizens, resolute, energetic and en- terprising, and one who has made his mark in the building up of the township, socially and financially. He belongs to an honored pioneer family of Centre county, which made its first set- tlement in Brush Valley, Miles township.

Mr. Spangler was born November 30, 1839, in Potter township, a short distance east of Cen- tre Hill, a son of Jacob Spangler, who was a na- tive of Miles township, and was the youngest son of Christopher Spangler. When a young man. Jacob Spangler came to Potter township to work as a farm laborer for his older brother Samuel, and here married Rebecca Wagner, a daughter of Bernard Wagner, who was one of the leading and prominent citizens of the township. Six children graced this union, namely: Mary, now the wife of M. L. Leitzel, of Potter township: W. W., subject of this sketch; Catharine, wife of Jacob Wagner; Ellen, who married John Slack, and died in Potter township; J. B., a farmer of that township; and Anna, wife of Aaron Rishel, of Jasper county, Missouri.

At the time of his marriage, Jacob Spangler located upon a farm, and lived on two different places in Potter township before he was able to purchase a farm of his own. His first land is

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that now owned and occupied by our subject and was bought from Jacob Bottorf. He was very successful in his farming operation, as he was in- dustrious, energetic and progressive; and became the owner of two good farms, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. Although his early opportunities were very meagre, he. ob- tained a fair education for his time, which was mostly acquired in the school of experience. In later years he was a great reader, was well posted on the leading issues and current events, and took quite an active interest in the success of the Democratic party, which he always sup- ported by his ballot; he was called upon to serve as supervisor of his township. He was a promi- nent and consistent member of the Evangelical Church, in which he held various offices, and at his death was buried in Zion Church cemetery by the side of his wife, who died at the age of fifty-four years. while he was sixty-two when called to his final rest. Though not a large man, he was robust, seldom being ill, and was very active and industrious.

In the Pine Grove school, taught by Jane Taylor, Mr. Spangler, the subject proper of this review, began his education, and his advantages were confined to the district schools of his time. He learned rapidly, however, and as a result of his fitness, was often selected as extra teacher, in which capacity he served for a short time on various occasions., He heartily endorses the im- provements that have since been made in the public schools, is a warm friend of a better and thorough education, and as a school director has done efficient service in their interests. His farm training and first ideas of business were ob- tained on the farm where he still lives, and, be- ing the elder son, rendered his father valuable assistance. He never left the parental roof, but continued to aid in the operation of the farm during the lifetime of his parents. In 1880 he purchased the place, which comprises 140 acres of rich and arable land under a high state of cul- tivation and improved with good buildings. On October 1, 1894, his barn was destroyed by fire. but on the same site a new structure was raised by the 30th of November.

At the age of thirty-one years, Mr. Spangler was married in Haines township, Centre county, to Miss Adella Bollinger, a native of Aaronsburg, in the same county, and a daughter of George Bollinger. She was the recipient of a good edu. cation, enabling her to successfully engage in teaching for ten or twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler began their domestic life upon his present farm, which he rented until isso, and there the birth of their four children occurred.

Bernard E., the eldest, is a stenographer by pro- fession, and occupies a responsible and confiden- tial position in a wholesale house in Chicago, Ill. Gertrude M. is a graduate of the Lock Haven Normal School, and now follows teaching. Will- iam E. is also a stenographer and typewriter of Chicago. Harry B. is at home. This is one of the most noted families in the township, and re- flects great credit upon the parents.

Mr. Spangler is a prominent and active mem- ber of the Democratic party, and although he cares nothing for political distinction, he has creditably served in a number of minor offices. being at the present time a school director and the postmaster at Potters Mills. He and his es- timable wife hold membership in the Spruce- town Methodist Episcopal Church, where he has served as class leader and steward, and is at present one of the trustees of the Church. The family is one of prominence, standing second to none in the community, and is well worthy of honorable mention in a work of this character.

R OBERT JAMES HAYNES (deceased), late of Snow Shoe, was one of Centre county's most popular and highly esteemed citizens. The ancestors of the Haynes family were always British subjects, and emigrated in the time of Cromwell to the Island of Barbados, where they have always been landed proprietors. Mr. Haynes' parents, Thomas Haynes (son of Robert James Haynes), and Williamina, his wife (daugh- ter of William Eversley of Barbados), came to the United States in 1832 and settled in George- town in the District of Columbia, where in Sep- tember of that year Robert James was born, only son and second child. His education was ob- tained at Dr. Smith's School at Alexandria, Dr. Vollmer's at Westchester and Bishop Doan's Col- lege at Burlington, N. J. ; and, his parents having removed to Philadelphia, his youth was largely spent there. Being devoted to out-door sports. and especially to hunting and fishing, he was at tracted to Central Pennsylvania. He was m business for varying periods at Howard, at Salt Lick, and at Snow Shoe, where for a number of years he kept the " Mountain House." He toon no active part in politics, refusing the mats offers of his neighbor citizens, serving only as . justice, auditor and school director. His death occurred at Snow Shoe, March 3. 1894. dum. suddenly and unexpectedly while sitting talkin to Mr. George Boak, without a word or ala. tion of pain. Commenting on his death off paper said: "No man was ever kinder, mul considerate or generous than Robert J. Haynes.

ROBERT J. HAYNES.

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indeed he was the balancing wheel for the whole community in which he lived, with a pleasing personality and a mind as liberal as the mount- ains, on which he loved to hunt and fish, were broad; he was liked and respected by young and old, rich and poor."

A friend writing of Mr. Haynes from .Snow Shoe said: " When a young man, fond of hunt- ing and fishing, he started for the West branch of the Susquehanna, then abounding with fish. and the forests along its banks running through Clearfield, Centre and Clinton counties, abound- ing with game. His first landing was at Schutac, in Clinton county: thence going to Salt Lick, Clearfield county, where he married Miss Martha

Watson. After his marriage he returned to Salt Lick and started in the mercantile business. At this time the writer's (a boy of seven years) ac- quaintance began, dating back to 1857 and con- tinuing up to the day of his death. He built a large and commodious house at Salt Lick. The friends he entertained were many, and in the spring of the year accommodated raftsmen, so that he became known all over Clearfield coun- ty. He was kind-hearted and of a jovial disposi- tion. Well do we remember the first lesson he gave us, the skating in our boyhood days. He . enjoyed immensely to get a crowd of young peo- ple together skating or playing, and he was gen- erally the youngest in the part he took in the crowd. In the sick room he was grand. His jovial disposition and cheerfulness would make the patient forget all his aches and pains, and before he was aware of it would be sitting up. The writer went through a six-weeks' spell of sickness, and he was there most every day. His presence was worth more than doctor's prescrip- tions. About twenty-five years ago he moved from Salt Lick to Snow Shoe, and took charge of the ' Mountain House.' and remained in charge about ten years, and a guest once stopping there never passed the house without stopping while he was in charge. Such was the reputation he gave the house far and wide. After leaving the · Mountain House ' he retired to private life. but his fellow citizens called him to office in township affairs, justice of the peace. auditor, school di- rector, etc. A man of fine social qualities. finely educated. and one who would have graced our Legislative halls with honor, but he was not am- bitious for political honors. He was a Cyclope- dia of knowledge, a great reader, and was well versed in transpiring events. His death brought a public loss to our town and community. Of all the men I ever met his temper was the most even; always the same kind, genial disposition. He was a great favorite with little boys, always

a name and a kind word for them. Liberal. no subscription paper for benevolent or charitable purposes ever left his hand without responding to the call. His familiar face will be missed upon the street and in public gatherings.'

On January 2. 1855. Mr. Haynes was married to Martha, a daughter of James and Eliza (Lucas, Watson, then of Karthaus, Penn .. and their sur- viving children are: William Rotherock, and Robert James; five others died in infancy. Mrs. Haynes was born in Centre county, August 28, 1837. and his parents were also born there. Both the Watson and Lucas families were early settlers of Boggs township. Centre county.

R OBERT J. HAYNES. The thriving little village of Snow Shoe has a full quota of live, energetic and persevering business men. among whom is the subject of this sketch. a gen- eral merchant. He is a native of Clearfield county, Penn., born in Karthaus township. Oc- tober 3. 1863, son of Robert J. and Martha (Watson) Haynes. a sketch of whom appears above.

Our subject was educated in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen began working in the coal mines of Snow Shoe, where he re- mained for one year. During the following eight months he drove a team for a merchant of that place. and then embarked in business on his own account. beginning with a small stock of confectionery, to which he added as his financial resources increased, until he had an excellent general store, which he successfully conducted for nine years. In 1891 he opened the " Karthaus House" in Clearfield county, which he carried On on for two years, but on the death of his father returned to Snow Shoe, where he engaged in the livery business for a year and a half. February 1. 1895. he purchased the mercantile establishment of Gillen & Murray, and has since successfully conducted the same. having by fair and honorable dealing built up an excellent trade.

In June. 1892, in Clearfield, Mr. Haynes wedded Miss Gertrude Smith. a daughter of Squire Joseph S. and Margie ( Barthurst Smith. residents of Snow Shoe. Three children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Haynes, namely. Elsie. Eversley H. and George R. In politics Mr. Haynes is an uncompromising Democrat. and socially is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 226, Snow Shoe, which he has repre- sented in the Grand Lodge. He is one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of the community, and deserves honored place in the

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record of the best people of Centre county. He is an excellent marksman, and his chief recreation is hunting.

WILLIAM R. HAYNES, a brother of Robert J., was born in Howard, March 23, 1857, and re- mained with his parents until 1877, during which time he obtained a good education in the public schools. He began his business career as an employee of the Snow Shoe & Bellefonte Rail- road Company, and subsequently weighed coal for Burrell, White & Co., for two years, while the following year he served as weighmaster for the Kado Mining Co. In 1892 he established his present saloon at Clarence, Centre county, which he has since carried on with good success. Like his brother, he supports the principles of the Democratic party; socially he holds a mem- bership with the Knights of Pythias at Snow Shoe. A pleasant, genial gentleman, he has made hosts of warm friends throughout the county where he is so well known.

On August 28, 1877, William R. Haynes was married to Mary E. Gunsallus, and their union has been blessed with seven children: Franklin; Robert; George, who died at the age of three months; Bessie; Eversley, who died in infancy; Ida; and Ada, who died at the age of three years.

H H. KLINE. Sometimes " Dame Fortune " seems to test to the utmost the courage and endurance of her followers before finally turning upon them a smiling face. In the life of Mr. Kline, now a successful merchant of Madison- burg, Centre county, there were surely hardships and losses enough to dishearten any ordinary youth, and his history furnishes a remarkable ex- ample of pluck and determination.

Mr. Kline is still a young man, having been born May 15, 1863, in the Russian province of Finland. His parents, who were of Jewish de- scent, were poor, and the death of the father when our subject was but two and one-half years old, left the mother and a family of three boys and three girls to make a livelihood for themselves. Mr. Kline was the youngest son and fifth child, and began to make himself use- ful at an early age. At eleven he took a small stock of notions, and started in business as a peddler, and so well did he succeed that at six- teen he had saved $500. This seemed to justify an enlargement of his operations, and in the fall of 1879 he purchased a horse and wagon and a stock of dry goods; but in a few weeks after un- dertaking this new line, his entire outfit, includ- ing the horse and wagon, was stolen from a country tavern where he had made a stop. To

a man such a loss would be severe, and it must have been overwhelming to a boy of his age and inexperience. He had but $5.00 left, and his sad predicanient excited so much sympathy among the peasants of the neighborhood that, notwithstanding their poverty, they raised $80, by popular subscription, and gave it to him. With this he bought a new stock, and again be- gan carrying a pack on his back. At the end of a year he had $205 saved, but he was then (in the fall of 1880) compelled to enter the Russian military service, in which he remained five years. The pay was so small that his savings were ex- hausted before the expiration of his term, and when he was again free to enter business life he decided to seek, in the United States, a better chance than his own country afforded. He had a brother, Julius Kline, in New York, who sent him $40 and a ticket, and thus provided for, Mr. Kline sailed from Hamburg, after thirteen days on the ocean landing in New York in the latter part of March, 1885. For a time he made his home with his brother, a fish merchant in Hester street, who employed him as a clerk, but city air and life proved uncongenial, and Mr. Kline began to long for the country. At first the brother was unwilling to let him go; it was agreed, however. after a time that, Mr. Kline should resume his former business of peddling. " He could not yet speak a work of English, but in June, 1885, he left New York with a stock of goods worth forty dollars which his brother had helped him to pro- cure. His destination was Kantz P. O., near Selins Grove, Snyder county, where a cousin, Mr. Milner, resided, but naturally the young stranger, ignorant both of the language and the country, had no little difficulty in finding the way there. Mr. Milner, who was a merchant, en- couraged him in his enterprise, and taught him how to greet people whom he would meet, and to say " good bye," and although for some time Mr. Kline was apt to use the words of salutation in a hap-hazard way, he gradually became famil- iar with their use and added others to his vocab- ulary.

Mr. Kline left Kantz P. O. with his pack on his back, and started for Centre county; but not being very strong the weight soon told upon him. To add to his discomfort he contracted ague, and in the spring of 1886, while at Madisonburg, he was taken seriously ill. It being evident that he could not continue to carry a pack, some kind friends assisted him to get a horse and wagon. The former cost $22.50 at a sale in Penn town- ship, Centre county, and the wagon was pur- chased from L. B. Stover, of Madisonburg, for $15. With this equipment Mr. Kline made an-

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other start and fortunately no more reverses were met, and in the spring of 1894 he had be- come so prosperous that he decided to open a store. During the first year in the United States he bought his goods from Mr. Milner, as he had not the ready cash with which to purchase in New York to the amount that he desired; but later he readily secured loans from substantial citizens of this section and was enabled to buy his goods to better advantage. On establishing himself in Madisonburg, Mr. Kline spent several months in settling up his accounts, and Septem- ber 20, 1894, he opened a general store, where he has already built up a large and profitable trade. His establishment is a model of neatness, comparing favorably with any in this section, not even excepting those in the largest towns. It speaks well for his honesty and fair dealing with the past that he could settle among his former patrons and command their custom, and his straightforward yet courteous manner wins the confidence of all who meet him. Considering the short length of time that he has been in the locality, his rise to a place among the leading merchants of Brush Valley is extraordinary.

Mr. Kline's prosperity has not caused him to forget his brothers and sisters in the old country. He has helped them in a substantial way, send- ing several hundreds of dollars at various times. Three of the family are now in the United States -- a sister, Gussie (Mrs. Jacob Goldstein), being a resident of Paterson, N. J. On October 7, 1897, Mr. Kline was married to Miss Rachel Paris, of Altoona, Penn. As a public-spirited citizen he is interested in political questions, but he is not an active worker. While sympathizing in the main with the principles of the Democratic party, he votes for the "best man" as occasion arises.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 47

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