Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 53

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 53
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 53
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 53
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 53

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).

James A. Keller, whose name introduces this sketch, first attended the Plum Grove school. which was then taught by J. H. Shoemaker. and later pursued his studies in the Tuscarora Academy and Dickinson Seminary. At the age of seventeen years he obtained a teacher's certi- ficate, which he held for eight years, and for a short time engaged in teaching in Boggs town- ship, Centre county; but after his return from Dickinson Seminary, he aided his father in the work of the farm as the war was then in prog- ress and help was scarce.

On January 8, 1867, in Mifflinburg, Penn., Mr. Keller was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Kleckner, who was born in Union county, in November, 1844. a daughter of David and Esther (Wingard) Kleckner. She is the youngest ina family of nine girls, all of whom were school teachers with the exception of herself and eldest sister. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keller: Esther R., who died in infancy; Annie M., an accomplished musician, who is now the wife of Frank Fisher, of Penn Hall. Centre county: David K., a well-educated young man, who resides at home and has engaged in teaching since the age of seventeen years: John

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H., who is attending Franklin and Marshall Col- lege; and Christian D. and William F., both at home.

For eight years after his marriage, Mr. Keller rented the home farm, and then purchased 112 acres of the same for $100 per acre. In 1877 he erected his present substantial brick residence, has made many other valuable improvements upon the place, and now has a highly cultivated tract of 116 acres. He is a man of more than ordinary business capacity, is shrewd and ener- getic, and of the strictest integrity. In connec- tion with his farming operations he is also secre- tary of the Centre County Mutual Insurance Co., which office he has now held for three years, while he was president of the company eight years and vice-president three years. He is also a member of Penn's Valley Banking Co. at Cen- tre Hall, and in business circles stands deservedly high.

Politically, Mr. Keller has always been a firm supporter of the Democratic party, and his fel- low citizens recognizing his worth and ability have elected him to various official positions of honor and trust, including those of school di- rector, overseer of the poor, tax collector. asses- sor and registration assessor. For eighteen years he has been a member of the registration board, and was elected justice of the peace, but refused to qualify. Both himself and wife are earnest and active members of the Reformed Church, and during the erection of their new church, which was completed in 1896, he was a member of the building committee; and at one time he took a very active part in Sabbath- school work. Socially, he affiliates with the Grange and the Masonic fraternity. Understand- ing the advantages to be derived from a good ed- ucation, he has provided his children with excel- lent opportunities along that line, so that they might be fitted for any position in life. He is one of the most progressive and wide-awake business men of Potter township, but is unas- suming and in no way seeks notoriety. He is a worthy representative of one of the most illustri- ous and popular families of Centre county, and is universally held in high esteem.

G EORGE W. KREAMER, one of the most reliable and promising young business men of Centre county, now conducts a general mer- chandise store in the little village of Kreamerville.

Joseph Kreamer, father of our subject, was born near Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co., Penn., whence when two years old he was brought by his parents to Centre county, they locating at

what is now known as Kreamerville. The grand- father became an extensive land owner and farmer of that place, where he spent his re- maining days. He bore the name of Jacob Kreamer, and his wife in her maidenhood was Catherine Geisler. In their family were eight children: John, a farmer, who died in Rebers- burg; Daniel, a hotel keeper and farmer of the same place, where his death occurred; Elizabeth. deceased wife of George Harper, a farmer of Re- bersburg; Catherine, who married Henry Smull. and died at Rockville, Miles township, Centre county; Mary, deceased wife of Frederick Burk- ert, a merchant of Rebersburg; Hannah, who married Daniel Dubbs, a farmer, and is still liv- ing in Rebersburg; and Sarah, wife of David Wolfe, who makes her home near that village.

The elementary education of Joseph Kreamer was received in the common schools near his home, and for a time he was a student in " Wolf's Store school." When he was sixteen years of age his father died, and the year following he left school. completing his education with a short course in the Muncy high school. Returning home, he took charge of the farm which his fa- ther had left him, and although quite young was very successful, as he was honest and industrious. Being of an amiable disposition. he naturally found many who would help him in various ways. either by their advice or security when buying horses, stock, etc.

In 1834, Joseph Creamer wedded Miss Re- becca Reitzel, and to them were born two chil- dren: Catherine, born April 7, 1835, is the wife of William Wolfe, of Buena Vista, Ill. ; and Mary. born in 1837, is the wife of John H. Reifsnyder. of Millheim, Centre county. The mother of these children died in 1856, and March 14, 1861. Mr. Kreamer married Miss Maria Haine, by whom he had four children: George W., whose name introduces this sketch; Margaret, wife of W. S. Musser, of Centre county; Ada K., wife of Harry Brown, foreman of a large manufacturing estab- lishment in Colchester, Ill .; and Harry H., book- keeper for the Sterling Bicycle Works of Chicago. Mrs. Kreamer was reared and educated in Read- ing, Penn., and is the seventh in order of birth in the family of twelve children of Samuel and Margaret (Hoff ) Haine. Her father was a tan- ner of Pine Grove, Schuykill county. She is still living in Millheim with her son-in-law, W. S. Musser. and is a highly respected lady who has many warm friends.

The father continued the operation of the farm now owned by our subject until his death. which occurred at Kreamerville, October 11. 1892, at the ripe old age of eighty years. He

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was a liberal, kind-hearted gentleman, a true friend, and lost many thousands of dollars by go- ing security for others. He made no enemies, but had the love and confidence of all with whom he came in contact, and was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, to which he was a gen- erous contributor. Politically he was an ardent Democrat, and was well posted on the questions and issues of the day, always voting intelligently.

George W. Kreamer is a native of Brush Val- ley, born near the present village of Kreamer- ville, January 1, 1862, and in the district schools of the neighborhood obtained his education. He began his business career as a clerk in the general store of Harter & Loose, of Rebersburg, and was later with C. C. Loose, of the same place. Sub-

sequently he worked in the lumber woods, tak- ing contracts for getting out lumber, and oper- ated the home farm for some time. In the fall of 1893 he erected his present building, and be- gan dealing in general merchandise in Kreamer- ville. Courteous and obliging, he has built up an excellent trade, his customers coming from miles around.

In September, 1885, in Brush Valley, Mr. Kreamer was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Hartman, a native of Rebersburg, and a daughter of Fred and Abigail (Bierly) Hartman. They have one child, Earl T., born June 13, 1889. Mr. Kreamer follows in the political foot- steps of his father, supporting the men and meas- ures of the Democratic party, and has served as inspector of elections, and constable of his town- ship five years. Socially, he affiliates with the Grange, and religiously he and his wife are both faithful members of the Lutheran Church, while he has served as superintendent of the Sabbath- school for several years. His uprightness, in- tegrity and public-spiritedness have won him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and he is classed among the most respected representa- tive citizens of Centre county.

1795 they became residents of Howard township. Centre county. The maternal grandparents, Ja- cob and Christina Working, made their home in Penn's Valley, Centre county, whither they had removed by ox-teams when the place was an un- broken wilderness.

Frederick Leathers was three times married. his first wife being Nancy Barthurst, of Mount Eagle, by whom he had four children: Hannah. who married James Antes (both are now de- ceased): Elizabeth, deceased wife of Reuben Id- ings, a farmer of Centre county; Martha, who. wedded Eastings Guthrie (both are now de- ceased); and Mary, wife of John N. Barnhart, a retired school teacher living in New Jersey. For his second wife, Mr. Leathers wedded Rebecca Working, who died December 25, 1849. at the age of forty-five years, leaving four children: James K., a farnier of Howard township; Nancy E., widow of James Antes, of Jersey Shore. Penn. : William T., our subject; and Frederick M., a farmer of Farnhamville, Iowa. The third wife of Mr. Leathers bore the maiden name of Jane D. Stiver, and was a native of Penn's Valley. Penn. She died in +891, at the age of eighty- five years, and her husband passed away April I, 1877, when aged seventy-nine years.

At the age of sixteen years, on August 16. 1861, young Leathers enlisted in Company A. 45th P. V. I., then commanded by Capt. John I. Curtin (later, Gen. Curtin), and until in July. 1862, the command served under Sherman. It participated in the battle of James Island and in many skirmishes. The command took part in the battle of Antietam, Md., on September 1;, 1862, after which engagement Mr. Leathers was transferred to the 6th U. S. Cavalry, Troop I, in which he served until September, 1864. He was engaged at Beverly Ford and in other minor battles, and in the battle of Gettysburg almost his entire regiment was captured, he narrowly escaping. After the battle he served principally as a messenger at the headquarters of Gen. Sher- idan. Mr. Leathers was twice wounded, once while with the infantry and again while carrying a dispatch from Gen. Sheridan to Gen. Kilpat- rick, receiving a bullet in the left thigh, which he carried some six months or more. On Septem- ber 21. 1865, Mr. Leathers was married in Cana- da. Centre Co., Penn., to Miss Mary E. Hughes, who was born in Howard township, July 22. 1844. a daughter of Rev. John and Mary A. ( Goodfellow) Hughes, natives of Blair and Centre counties, Penn., respectively. When a small boy her father had come to Centre county with his parents. Corney - and Margaret Brown)

W ILLIAM THOMAS LEATHERS, a well- known and reliable business man of How- ard township, Centre county, is the senior mem- ber of the firm of W. T. Leathers & Son, roof painters and dealers in the Excelsior Graphite Roofing paint for iron, tin, shingle and paper roofs, with headquarters at Howard. He was born on a farm near Mount Eagle, December 25, 1844, a son of Frederick and Rebecca (Working) Leathers, who spent their lives upon that fari. His paternal grandparents, Jacob and Mary Slick) Leathers, were natives of York county, Penn., where they were married, but as early as. Hughes, who were born in Ireland. His mother

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died in Huntingdon county, Penn., but his father's death occured in Centre county. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Leathers, Thomas and Mary A. (Graham) Goodfellow, were also natives of Ireland, but at an early age became residents of Howard township, Centre county, Penn., where they spent the remainder of their lives, and where for several years the grandfather engaged in farming, and then lived retired.

Rev. John Hughes was a devout Christian, and a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was quite prosperous in his business undertakings, and was an extensive dealer in coal and wood. He departed this life in Canada, Centre county, February 14, 1876, at the age of sixty-three years; his wife died in the same house May 14, 1871, at the age of seventy-four. In their family were three daughters: Eliza, who died at the age of one year; Martha, wife of George D. Johnson, who is operating the old homestead farm in Canada; and Mary E.

' Twelve children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Leathers: (1) Mary A. died at the age of six years; (2) James L., a roof painter, of Mt. Eagle, married Edith Leathers December 19, 1888; (3) Frederick resides at home, and assists his father in roof painting; (4) Lott H. died in infancy; Lucy B. is at home; Ida R. was married to Howard B. Neff October 14, 1897; Mattie M. is at home; George H. travels for his father; Gilbert C. died when fourteen months old; and Cookman A., Jessie and Milton W. are all three at home. For seven years after his mar- riage, Mr. Leathers lived with his wife's parents, and then located on the old Leathers homestead, where he resided until April 7, 1897, when he re- moved to Howard. In 1884 he began the paint business, and July 2, 1895, patented the Excel- sior Graphite Roofing Paint, which is highly commended by those who have used it. He

has some excellent testimonials from prominent citizens of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York State, etc., among whom may be mentioned President Mckinley (all of whose roofs in Canton the firm covered in September, 1897), Lieut-Gov. Jones. The business of W. T. Leathers & Son has ever been conducted on the strictest principles of honesty, and their prosperity cannot be attributed to a combination of lucky circumstances, but rather to their well-directed energy, enterprise, integrity and intellectual effort.

In February, 1895, Mr. Leathers was elected justice of the peace, and he has also held other local positions, which he has filled to the satisfac- tion of all concerned. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Veteran Legion of Bellefonte, the Grange, and Grand Army Post No. 262, of

Howard, while politically he is prominently iden- tified with the Republican party. He and his amiable wife are consistent and worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and occupy a high social position among the residents of the community.

P ETER BREON (deceased), who in his life- time was a well-known agriculturist of Pot- ter township, justly deserves to be ranked among the self-made and prominent citizens of Centre county, where his entire life was passed. He was born in Gregg township, where his father, Peter Breon, Sr., was also born. The family was founded in Centre county by his grandfa- ther, Valentine Breon, of Berks county, Penn .. who, with his brother, Jacob, located here at an early day, and from these two are descended all who bear the name of Breon in Penn's Valley. By trade the grandfather was a shoemaker. His death occurred in Confer Valley, Gregg town- ship, and he was laid to rest in the Mountain Cemetery of that place. In his family were the following children: Peter, the father of our sub- ject; Daniel and George, who both died in Gregg township; Valentine, who lives in Illinois; Cath- erine, who married John Wenerich, and died in Centre county; Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Ripka, of Gregg township; Hannah, widow of John Crater, and a resident of Gregg township: and Sally, who married Simon Weaver, and died near Centre Hill, Centre county.

After acquiring a limited education in the German language, Peter Breon, Sr., learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked through- out the greater part of his life, never accumula- ting much property, however, having only a small home at the time of his death, which oc- curred when he was over seventy years of age. He was buried in Cross Roads Church Cemetery by the side of his second wife. In his younger years he was a robust man, politically was a life- long Democrat, and in religious faith he was a member of the Reformed Church. In Gregg township he married Miss Rebecca Sunday, and they became the parents of the following chil- dren: Daniel, who died in Gregg township. George, of Sugar Valley, Clinton county: Peter. the subject of this sketch, born April 16, 1828: Sally, who married Jacob Crater, and died in Haines township, Centre county: Betsy, de- ceased; Hannah, widow of John Smelzer, of l'ot- ter township; Caroline, who married Jonathan Yeagly, and died in Gregg township. The mother of these children passed away in Gregg township, and her remains were interred in Heckman Cemetery. Later the father wedded

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Rebecca Ream, and to them were born seven children, namely: John, of Gregg township; Henry, of Penn township; Samuel, who died in Centre Hill; Valentine, of Sugar Valley; Will- iam, of Kansas; Rebecca, who married Daniel Decker,.and died in Gregg township, and Annie, who married Abraham Alters and removed to Kansas, where he died, and where she has since married and now lives.

His parents being in very limited circum- stances, Mr. Breon, the subject of this review, was unable to attend school until twelve years of age, and then pursued his studies in the school house that stood over the hill from Tusseyville toward Colyer. During the first winter he had his feet frozen as his shoes were very poor, and from that injury did not recover until the following har- vest. He was at that time living with Judge W. WV. Love, and continued to make his home with different farmers until his father's second mar- riage, therefore his school privileges were very meagre. After his return home he assisted his father for one year, and then again worked for others, including John Grove who resided in the east end of George's Valley, and with him he re- mained some nine years, during which time he worked very hard, but his wages were poor. Later he was with William Grove, in George's Valley, and subsequently he learned the carpen- ter's trade under Daniel Lose. During the sum- mer he would work for $5 per month, while throughout the winter season he worked for his board at whatever he could find to do. After serving a three-years' apprenticeship, he worked at his trade for one year, and then turned his at- ention to farming.

At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Breon married Miss Catharine Grove, daughter of Will- iam Grove, and to them were born three children: Rosetta, now Mrs. James Runkle, of Snyder county, Penn .; Amanda, who died at the age of seven years; and Henrietta, who married Adam Ripka, and died at the home of her father. (Ripka lived in the same house where she died a few years later). The wife and mother died, and was buried in Cross Roads Church cemetery in George's Valley, and for his second wife Mr. Breon wedded Catharine Ripka, a native of Gregg township, and a daughter of John Ripka. Five children blessed their union: Howard, who died in childhood; Perry W., a farmer of Potter township; Lavina, wife of William Flory, of Centre Hall, Centre county; Savilla, wife of Rob- ert Foreman, of Centre Hall; and Celesta, wife of Gotleib Strohmeier, of the same place.

For sixteen years Mr. Breon rented the Dr. Smith farm, near Centre Hill, then lived on the

Spangler farm above Tusseyville for one year, and for the following twelve years operated the Samuel Huston farm. On leaving the last place in 1888, he purchased his late home, and contin- ued to live a semi-retired life, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He died November 29, 1897, at the age of 69 years, 7 months and 13 days. He had ever been a hard working, industrious man, and the success that came to him was assuredly well merited. He was a man of the strictest in- tegrity and honor, his word being considered as good as his bond, and he lived peaceably with his fellow-men, having never been engaged in a law- suit. As a tenant farmer he worked for some of the most particular and precise land owners in Centre county, but his labors always proved satis- factory.

An incident, which plainly indicates the con- fidence and trust reposed in him, is as follows: During the war he was drafted, and being poor his wife and little ones would have been left des- titute had he gone to the front. However, he had not a penny with which to hire a substitute, nor a single dollar's worth of property to give as security. He had concluded to join the army, but, without his solicitation, Reuben Keller, a merchant of Centre Hill, offered to furnish him with $1,000, not even asking an individual note, and declining the same when Mr. Breon offered it. It is unnecessary to say that the money was in due time returned. He enjoyed the esteem and respect of all with whom he camne in contact in the various walks of life, and was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Although he usually supported the Democratic party, he was not strictly partisan, and at one time he effi- ciently served as supervisor of Potter township. He sleeps his last sleep in the Centre Hall cem- etery.

W ILLIAM ROTHROCK GARDNER. The prosperity and advancement of a com- munity depends upon its commercial activity, which is the result of the enterprising efforts of its business meu. One of the leading and influ- ential citizens of Howard borough, Centre coun- ty, is the gentleman whose name introduces this review, proprietor of the Howard Handle & Spoke Company, located at Howard.

In that village, Mr. Gardner was born Octo- ber 24, 1861, a son of Andrew J. and Catherine (Lucas) Gardner. The father is also a native of Howard borough, he having been born Novem- ber 12, 1821, in Howard township, of which Howard borough was formerly a part. His par- ents, Washington and Jane (Austin) Gardner, were natives of Sherman's Valley, Cumberland

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county and Centre county, respectively. Wash- ington Gardner was born March 3, 1791, and was a son of John and Nancy (Thornton) Gard- ner, natives of Ireland, who came to this coun- try in 1795, while his wife was born April 4, 1796, and was a daughter of William and Jane Austin, natives of Pennsylvania and early set- tlers of Centre county. To the grandparents of our subject were born the following children: Hannah, wife of Jacob C. Smith, a farmer of Centre county; Nancy, widow of Nathan H. Lucas, of Eagleville, Centre county; Andrew J. ; Caroline, wife of Daniel Smith, a retired carpen- ter of Illinois; John D., a farmer of Centre county; Washington, who died when young; Anthony W., a farmer of Howard; Bersheara, widow of Joseph Williams, of Eagleville; Ellen, deceased wife of James DeLong, a merchant of the same place; William, a farmer of Centre. county; and Matilda, who died in early life. The parents of these children have both passed away, the father dying March 3, 1872, and the mother on December 25, 1883. They were highly-respected farming people of Centre coun- ty, and members of the Church of Christ.

In 1845, Andrew J. Gardner began his busi- ness career as a carpenter and farmer in Howard township, but since 1894 he has lived retired in the village of that name, enjoying a well-earned rest. On December 18, 1849, he married Miss Catherine P. Lucas, and the following children grace their union: Frances D., born December 31, 1851, is the wife of Roland Leathers, a deco- rator and general laborer, of Mt. Eagle, Penn .; Jane A., born August 31, 1854, is the wife of K. G. Shutt, a carpenter and millwright of Kane, Penn .; Wickliffe H., born July 21, 1856, is a bookkeeper for the A. French Spring Co., Pitts- burg, Penn .; Mitchell I., born August 6, 1858, is bookkeeper for the Valentine Iron Co., of Bellefonte, Penn .; William R. is next in order of birth; and Ira, born December 14, 1866, died February 21, 1867. For the past forty-eight years the father has been a consistent and ear- nest member of the Church of Christ, and with the exception of three years of that time has served as elder. His well-spent life justly en- titles him to the high regard in which he is uni- versally held.

The mother of our subject, a most estimable lady, was born in Centre county, February 23, 1825. and is a daughter of Thomas and Anna (Peters) Lucas, natives of New York, who early became residents of Centre county, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. Her father died March 9, 1871, at the age of seventy-two, and her mother on July 7, 1883. at the age of seventy-

nine years. A family of twelve children were born to them, of whom, Catharine P. was the third. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Gardner. Bap- tist and Anna (Erskin) Lucas, were natives of Ireland, whence in an early day they came to Centre county, Pennsylvania.

William R. Gardner was married December 16, 1896, to Miss Gertrude Mckean Bennison. daughter of Jonathan and Margaret (McKean) Bennison. On October 6, 1897, a son-Donald Bennison-was born to them. Mr. Gardner is widely and favorably known throughout the com- munity. During his boyhood and youth he aided in the labors of the farm, and for three years, after starting out in life for himself, he was in the postal service on the Pennsylvania and Erie railroad, his route lying between Williamsport and Erie. For a time he was also operator for the Pittsburg & Lake Erie railroad at New Castle Junction, Lawrence Co., Penn. . The business of which he is now proprietor was organized by Shutt & Poulson in 1879; in 1893 our subject purchased an interest from K. G. Shutt, and has since served as manager. It is one of the lead- ing industries of the locality, and much of its success is due to Mr. Gardner, whose courteous treatment of patrons and honorable dealing iu- sure future prosperity. Politically, he is au earnest supporter of the Democratic party; in religious faith he is a faithful member of the Church of Christ.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 53

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