Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 48

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 48
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 48
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 48
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 48

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E ADWARD ALLISON. If the title of "lead- ing farmer" can consistently be given to any one agriculturist of Potter township, Centre county, the subject of this sketch certainly de- serves it. He belongs to one of the' prominent and representative families of Penn's Valley, which has borne an important part in the upbuild- ing and development of this region, and has done much to promote its moral and material welfare. On the farm which is still his home Mr. Allison was born, August 2, 1855, a son of Hon. William and Sarah A. (McNitt) Allison, the former of whom died in 1877, the latter on December 18, 1896.

In a subscription school at Potters Mills, our subject began his education under the in-

struction of Frank Hess, and continued to pur- sue his studies in the district schools until the fall of 1871, when he entered the State College, where he was a diligent student for three years. The knowledge that he thus acquired has been greatly supplemented by extensive reading and observation in later years, and he is well-informed on all the leading questions and topics of the . day. On leaving the school room, Mr. Allison returned to the home farm, which he has since successfully operated, and is also engaged in look- ing after the extensive interets of the family in and around Potters Mills, his sister Lillie Eliza- beth living with him. In addition to his agricult- ural pursuits, he was connected with his broth- ers, William and Archibald, in a woolen-factory up to about 1892, which proved a paying invest- ment. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man, a progressive farmer, and always secures the best results from his labors.

Since casting his first vote, Mr. Allison has been a firm adherent of Republican principles, taking a deep interest in the success of his party, but is no politician in the sense of office-seeking. He always attends and supports the Presbyterian Church. "Ed," as he is familiarly known by his hosts of friends, is unassuming, and well liked by all who know him, and is a worthy rep- resentative of the honored family to which he belongs.

H EZEKIAH K. HOY, who is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Benner township, Centre county, was born in 1835, a son of John and Susannah (Hoy) Hoy, who came from Union county, Penn., as did also the grandparents of our subject. By trade the father was a miller, which occupation he con- tinued to follow until 1840, when he purchased a farm in Benner township, on a portion of which Hezekiah H. now resides. He died in 1864, at the age of sixty years, and his wife passed away at the age of forty-six.

Their family comprised eight children, in or- der of birth as follows: Henry, born in 1829, died in 1895. in Arkansas, where his family still make their home; Lydia married Jacob Hartman, and died in 1893, leaving a family who reside in Illinois; Sarah is the wife of John Rishel. a farmer of Centre county. Penn .; Hezekiah K. is next in order of birth; Catharine is the wife of John Houser; Mary A. is the wife of W. H. Mil- ler; Susannah is the wife of Michael Corman, of Walker township, Centre county; and Emeline is the wife of Samuel Fravel, of College township, Centre county.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed after the manner of most farmers' sons, he aiding in the labors of the fields and attending the district schools when his services were not needed at home. He chose farming as his life occupation, and is now the owner of the old homestead, a tract of 1383 acres. The .well tilled fields and neat appearance of the place show his careful supervision, and the neat and commodious building are models of convenience. In 1860 he married Miss Mary E. Fishburn, and eight children have come to bless their union, namely: Ettie, born in 1861, is the wife of Dr. Austin Shuey, of Prospect, Ohio: Anna M. is the wife of Grant Pifer, a clerk in a railroad office in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny Co., Penn .; Catharine and Harry (twins), the former being the wife of Rev. W. J. Wagner, of Muncy, Lycoming Co., Penn., while the latter married Sally Garbrick; Jacob and Minerva (twins) are next in order of birth; Ursinus H. married Blanche Dale, and lives in Benner township, Centre county; and Caroline is at home.

Politically, Mr. Hoy has ever been an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and favors the free coinage of silver. . He is a valued citizen of the community, has been an active agent in promoting the various schemes for its advancement, and has taken a conspicuous part in the administration of public affairs. He is an earnest and useful member of the Reformed Church, and upright and honorable in all the re- lations of life.

F ELIX BURKHOLDER (deceased) was for many years one of the prominent and repre- sentative citizens of Potter township, Centre county, where his memory is held in reverence and honor. A native of the Keystone State, he was born January 4, 1806, in Annville township, Lebanon county, and was a son of Felix Burk- holder. Sr., who never lived in Centre county, but often visited his son after his removal to the county. In the family were four sons and three daughters, of whom, our subject is the fourth in order of birth. His father being in comfortable circumstances he was provided with fair educa- 1

! i

tional advantages, but generally attended schools where only German was taught.

On February 7, 1833. in the county of his na- tivity, Mr. Burkholder was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Meyer, who was born in Annville township, Lebanon county, December 26, 18oz, and was the fourth daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Meyer. They began their domestic life in Dauphin county, this State, where Mr.

Burkholder engaged in milling for a number of years, and where were born to them the follow- ing children: Mary, born Jannary 9, 1835, died on the 29th of the following February. John, born April 13, 1836, was a miller by trade, and died September 23, 1893, in Miami county, Ohio, where his family are still living. The next child died unnamed. Catharine, born September 6, 1838, is a resident of Centre Hill. Centre coun- ty. Felix M., born September 24, 1839, died May 24, 1893. Elizabeth is the youngest.

In the spring of 1840 the family migrated to Centre county, traveling by boat through the canals to Lewistown, and thence by wagon to their destination. Mr. Burkholder rented what is known as the Red Mill .in Potter township. which he successfully conducted until the spring of 1860, when he purchased the William Milli- gan farm near Centre Hill, and turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits for the first time, having engaged in milling for over thirty years with good success. Upon that farm he spent his remaining days, dying on the 7th of May, 1883. and now lies buried in the cemetery of Tussey- ville. His wife, who survived him for some time, passed away July 26, 1893, and was laid to rest by his side.

After coming to Centre county, the family circle was increased by the birth of four children, the oldest of whom, a son, died in infancy, un- named; Michael M., born March 5, 1843, is a farmer of Potter township; Elizabeth, born Sep- tember 17, 1844, married Daniel Seltzer, by whom she had one child-Elmer B., who was born September 12, 1868, and died October 17, 1876 (she and her sister now make their home to- gether in Centre Hill, where they have many warm friends); Mary, the youngest in the family. was born August 12, 1849, and died September 10, 1887.

Mr. Burkholder was an energetic, hard-work- ing man, who met with success in his business ventures by honest and fair dealing, and whose word was ever considered as good as his bond. His wife was a consistent member of the Re- formed Church, and although not connected with any religious denomination he was a great Bible student, and gave liberally to the support of Churches. In politics he was an ardent supporter of the Republican party.

F M. BURKHOLDER (deceased) was one of the valued and highly esteemed citizens o! Potter township, Centre connty. He was born September 24, 1839, in Derry township. Dauphin Co., Penn., but in infancy was brought to Cou

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tre county by his parents, Felix and Elizabeth (Meyer) Burkholder. Although he never served an apprenticeship to the miller's trade, he learned that business while assisting his father in the operation of his mill, but throughout his early life was principally engaged in agricultural pur- suits upon the home farmn.

While cradling wheat during the harvest of 1861, Mr. Burkholder sprained his left leg in such a way as to necessitate its amputation five years later, and for two or three years during that interval he suffered untold agony and was obliged to use crutches. His early education was somewhat limited, but after the loss of his limb he resolved to further continue his studies in order to support himself by teaching, and at- tended school at various places, including Penn Hall, Millersville and Potters Mills. Obtaining a certificate, he successfully engaged in teaching some nine years. and became one of the leading educators of Potter township.

In Centre Hall, September 7, 1876, Mr. Burkholder was married to Miss Mary E. Mc- Clintock, who was born in Potter township, June II, 1845, and is one of the four children of Alexander and Elizabeth (Reichley) Mcclintock, the others being Sarah C., wife of William H. Mapes, of Camden county, N. J .; Samuel R., of Harris township, Centre county; and Ann E., who died in childhood. The McClintock family is of Scotch-Irish extraction, the great-grand- father of Mrs. Burkholder being a native of the North of Ireland. Her grandfather, Samuel McClintock, was a carpenter and farmer. The father, a farmer by occupation, died in Potter township at the age of sixty-six years, the mother at the age of seventy-one, and they now rest in the Sprucetown cemetery. In religious belief they were Methodists, and were highly respected citizens of the community in which they made their home.

After his marriage, Mr. Burkholder located on the same property where his widow still resides. He remodeled the house, erected a good barn, and made that place his home until his death on May 24, 1893. His remains were interred in the Tus- seyville cemetery. About 1873 he commenced the sale of agricultural implements throughout Centre county, and became quite a successful agent. This business gave him a wide acquaint- ance, and his circle of friends was extensive. His funeral was the largest ever held in Centre Hill, people coming from miles around to pay their last tribute to the deceased, whom all hon- ored and respected for his sterling worth and many excellent traits of character. He was a success- ful business man, leaving to his family a comfort-

able competence; a kind husband and a loving fa- ther, whose interests centered around his home. An earnest Christian, he was a devout member of the Reformed Church, in which he was serving as elderat the time of his death. His political sup- por twas given the Republican party. Mrs. Burk- holder still resides at the home left her, and in the settlement of her husband's affairs displayed excellent business ability. She is a lady who has the respect of all who know her, and her circle of friends is only limited by her circle of acquaint- ances. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burkholder, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Effie E., March 13, 1878; Morris A., October 20, 1879; Wilbur E., July 4, 1881; Harry F., May 13, 1883; and Ammon R., April 3, 1886-all at home except Morris, who is work- ing on a farm, and Wilbur, who is attending school.

S OLOMON PECK, senior member of the well- known mercantile firm of Peck & Son, has been prominently identified with the commercial, industrial and agricultural interests of Huston, Centre county, and vicinity for many years. His honorable business methods and untiring energy have brought to him a well-merited success, and have been of material benefit to the community by advancing its interests.

A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Dauphin county, September 21, 1837, and in 1846 was brought to Centre county by his par- ents, Simon and Mary Ann (Singer) Peck, the former a native of Dauphin county, and the lat- ter of Perry county, Penn. His paternal grand- parents, Conrad and Barbara (Lyter) Peck, were also born in Dauphin county.

Our subject is second in order of birth in a family of eleven children, as follows: (1) Sarah A. is the wife of George Rossman, a laborer of Illinois, to which State they removed in 1888, and they have five children. (3) Anna M. is the wife of Ira C. Walker, a farmer, by whom she has one child, and they removed from Cen- tre county to Illinois in 1865. (4) Conrad, born April 23, 1841, married Lydia Arney, of Centre Hall. Centre county, by whom he has three daughters, and they have made their home upon a farm in Kansas since 1883. (5) Cath- arine, born September 6, 1843, is the wife of Nathaniel Bowersox, a farmer of Brush Valley, Centre county, and they have eight children. (6) Anna E. is the wife of J. I. Jones, a farmer, by whom she has two children, and they have lived in Kansas since 1887. (7) Joseph, born August 15, 1848, married Minerva Spangler, by

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whom he has two daughters, and is a farmer of Kansas, to which State he removed in 1878. (8) Barbara, born May 11, 1851, married Sam- uel Leopold, of Sugar Valley, Penn., but they now live on a farm in Missouri. (9) Martin, born December 3, 185.3, married Magdalene Weaver, by whom he has two daughters, and on leaving Centre county in 1880 went to Kansas, but finally located upon a farm in Missouri. (10) Austin, a farmer of Illinois, born June 25, 1857, married Alice Snyder, by whom he has one son. (11) Myron, born May 20, 1860, is married and living upon a farm in Kansas.

After obtaining a good practical education in the common schools of Centre county, Mr. Peck, the subject of this review, learned the cabinet maker's trade, at which he worked until 1885, when he embarked in merchandising in Huston ; he is also engaging in undertaking and farming. He is a wide-awake, enterprising business man, of known reliability, and his straightforward, honorable course has gained him the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. He married Miss May E., daughter of John Wolf, of Miles township, Centre county, and they have one child, Edwin J., who was born June 18, 1860, and is now connected with his father in business. On May 23, 1893, the son was wed- ded to Miss Tillie E. Yearick, a daughter of Henry Yearick, a retired farmer of Marion, Cen- tre county. One child blesses this union-Earl Henry, born June 24, 1894.

A man of broad and liberal views, well in- formed on the leading issues and questions of the day, our subject is one of the prominent, influen- tial citizens of Walker township. In connection with his store in Huston, he also owns a fine farm just a half mile from the city limits, but makes his home in the village. A strong Demo- crat in politics, he has been honored by his party with several official positions of honor and trust, including those of county auditor, overseer of the poor, school director, and justice of the peace for the past fifteen years, and it is needless to say that his duties were ever promptly and faithfully performed. Religiously, he holds mem- bership in the German Reformed Church. He bears a remarkable resemblance to Governor Altgeld, of Illinois.

G EORGE SHAFFER, one of the few surviv- ors of the brave band of pioneers who took an active part in transforining Brush Valley from a primitive wilderness to a region of fertile farms, is now the oldest citizen in the vicinity of Madi- sonburg. Under his observant eyes great changes

have taken place, and it is interesting to listen to his reminiscences of the early days, his clear and active mind retaining well the memories of his youth.

Mr. Shaffer is a native of Brush Valley, hav- ing been born at the old Shaffer homestead near Madisonburg, December 1, 1811, and is a mem- ber of the well-known pioneer family. His grandfather, John Adam Shaffer, was born in Berks county, Penn., October 31, 1752, and did gallant service in the Revolutionary army. He was second lieutenant of a company of Associa- tors, during the campaign of Trenton and Prince- ton in 1776-77, and was noted for his Herculean fame, being the strongest man in the company. He came from York county, Penn., with a brother, Nicholas, and settled in Brush Valley about the beginning of the present century, pur- chasing the interest of Valentine Ertle's in a tract . of land one-half mile east of Madisonburg, where be passed his remaining days, his death occurring January 14, 1840. He was married in York county to Elizabeth Klinefelder, a native of that county, born December 27, 1760. She died in November, 1835, and the remains of both were interred at Madisonburg. They had eleven chil- dren, of whom the following record is given: John died in Miles township, Centre county; Michael in Walker township, Centre county; George in Indiana; Jacob in Ohio; Adam and Samuel in Pennsylvania; Barbara in Ohio; Catherine in York county, Penn .; Lizzie in Indiana; Eve in Venango county, Penn., and Magdalena in Ohio.

Judge John Shaffer, our subject's father, was born in York county, January 31, 1780, and was a young man when he came with his parents to Brush Valley, where he made his permanent home, his death occurring at the farm near Madi- sonburg, September 21, 1851. He was well known throughout Centre county, and was in- fluential politically as a member of the Demo- cratic party. He served four terms as county commissioner, and was associate judge of Centre county from 1841 to 1846. At one time he owned five thousand acres of mountain land which he sold in portions at different times. He was prominent in the Lutheran Church, serving as deacon and elder, and in fact took an active part in all progressive movements of that day and locality. Well built physically, he took pride in the fact and in the resemblance of all his sons in this respect. He was married (first) in Penn's Valley to Miss Eve Frank, daughter of Philip Frank, of Aaronsburg. The three children of this union-John, Daniel, and Eliza- beth (Mrs. Frederick Johnsonbaugh)-all died in

.... .... . .. .

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Indiana. Their mother died and was buried at Rebersburg, and Judge Shaffer afterward mar- ried Miss Sarah Kren, who was born October 9, 1778, and died January 16, 1867. Of their fam- ily, our subject was the eldest; (2) Catherine, widow of Edward Houtz, resides in Gregg town- ship, Centre county; (3) Adam will be mentioned elsewhere; (4) Sarah married Michael Hazel, and died in Brush Valley; (5) Andrew died at Madi- sonburg; (6) Joseph resides in Nittany Valley; (7) Philip died in Illinois: (8) Hannah, widow of Samuel Royer, lives in Indiana; (9) Susanna, widow of Samuel Winter, resides at Kramers- ville.

George Shaffer, our subject. passed his youth upon his father's farm, his time being largely em- ployed in clearing and burning brush. There were no free schools in his time, and he never had a day in an English school. At the age of twen- ty-four he married Miss Lydia Wolfe, who was born in November, 1807, the daughter of Anthony Wolfe. Three children were born of this union: (1) Daniel E. served in the Civil war in Company A, 148th P. V. I., as first lieutenant, but was taken ill while at the front and returned home, where he died September 12, 1864: (2) Rosetta married Abraham Lukenbach, and died at Rock- ville, Penn., April 23, 1862; and (3) George W. died in Missouri. The mother of this little fam- ily, who was a devout Lutheran in faith, died November 10, 1862, and her remains lie in the cemetery at Madisonburg. Mr. Shaffer for his second wife married Sarah, daughter of Peter Rodebaugh and widow of William Bair, who was at one time a merchant and hotel keeper at Madi- sonburg. She was born October 16, 1815, and died at Madisonburg November 29, 1894, leaving no children by this union. She belonged to the Reformed Church, of which Mr. Shaffer is a leading member, having held various offices. To one Church he has given $1,000, including the bell and other fixtures donated by himself and his wife.

After his first marriage Mr. Shaffer remained five years at the old home, and then bought a portion of the farm and put up suitable buildings for his use. He followed agriculture there until 1860 when he removed to a farin near Madison- burg and continued his work. In 1889 he gave up the active management of the estate, and in his eighty-third year he ceased to do the various chores with which he had whiled away a portion of his time. Thus the evening of his life is spent in peaceful contemplation of the past, and the hope of the future reunion with his loved ones who have preceded him to the "better land."

Mr. Shaffer is a Democrat in politics, and has

voted for every Presidential candidate of his party . from Andrew Jackson down. He has always been a valued counselor in the local organization, and has held various township offices.

SAMUEL HOOVER, a leading citizen and extensive farmer and cider manufacturer, re- siding at Hannah Furnace, Taylor township. Centre county, was born February 21, 1838, in York county, Penn., of which county his parents, Philip and Lena (Grenewolt) Hoover, were also natives, the former born July 27, 1810, and the latter February 3, 1816. In 1841 they removed to Huntingdon county, where they remained un- til the spring of 1850, when they went to Tyrone, Blair Co., Penn., and in the spring of 1860 came to Centre county, locating on the farm where our subject now resides. The father was a prominent and wealthy farmer, and held several local positions of honor and trust to the satisfac- tion of all concerned. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and attended the Lutheran Church, in which his wife held membership. Both died on the farm at Hannah Furnace. the father on De- cember 23, 1871, and the mother on April 20, 1888. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Henry Hoover, and the maternal grandfather were of German descent, and spent their entire lives in York county, this State.

Samuel Hoover is third in order of birth in a family of ten children, the others being as fol- lows: Susan, born January 22, 1833, died at the age of six months; Henry, born July 1, 1835. died in Texas while serving in the Union army during the Civil war; Daniel, born May 4, 1840. died from effects of fever contracted in the army : Philip, born October 29, 1843, was a Union sol- dier, and is now engaged in the butchering busi- ness in Arizona; John, born April 6, 1845, con- ducts a meat market in Blair county, Penn. ; Zach- ariah, born October 25, 1847, died at Tyrone, Penn., by being thrown from a mule; George M., born April 4, 1850, died of fever; James F., born April 14, 1853. died of typhoid fever; and Alex- ander, born November 27, 1855, is a farmer of Centre county.

While quietly an inmate of his father's house, the storm of civil war broke over the country, and in response to the call of the general gov- erment for men, Samuel Hoover enlisted in 1861, in Company C, 14th P. V. I., under Cap- tain Crouder, and remained in the service until the expiration of his term of three months. Re- turning home, he there remained until 1863. when he embarked in the dairy business at Al- toona, Penn., but in 1864 enlisted for one year

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in Company C, 208th P. V. I., which was or- ganized at Harrisburg, Penn., September 13, 1864, and was assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division, Ninth Army Corps. He was mustered into the United States service at Camp Curtin, and participated in many battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Fort Steadman, Petersburg and Appomattox. He was never wounded, and at the close of the war he received an honorable discharge and returned home, where he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits.

On December 25, 1862, Mr. Hoover was mar- ried to Rosanna V. Rush, who was born in 1839, and died in 1869. Three children graced this union: William T., now engaged in the imple- ment business at Port Matilda, Penn .; Sallie, at home; and Philip A., also at home, who married Flora Beckwith, and has one son, Samuel L. On February 9, 1872, Mr. Hoover, for his second wife, wedded Mrs. Maria (Keys) Benn, widow of Josiah Benn, by whom she has one daughter, Anna, now the wife of Harry Chaney, general manager of a coal mine at Broadtop, Penn. By his second marriage, Mr. Hoover had two chil- dren: Olga F., now deceased; and Linnie R., at home.

Mrs. Hoover is a native of Centre county, and a daughter of George O. and Mary (David- son) Keys. The former was born in New York, January 5, 1788, was a scholarly gentleman, a school teacher by profession, and an artist of considerable prominence. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a pronounced Republican in politics. His death occurred August 4, 1855, and the mother of Mrs. Hoover departed this life June 21, 1874. She was born in Centre county, Penn., September 18, 1800, and was a daughter of James and Rebecca (Brown) Davidson, natives of Ireland and Hunt- ingdon county, Penn., respectively. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Hoover were Jacob and Jemima Keys, who came to America from Eng- land, and located in New York City, where the grandfather engaged in merchandising through- out his remaining days.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 48

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