Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 54

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 54
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 54
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 54
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 54

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H ARRY P. KELLEY, a successful and pros- perous coal operator of Snow Shoe, Centre county, and a member of the Snow Shoe Mining Company, was born in Howard, Centre county. Penn., February 5, 1856, a son of Patrick and Sarah (Flack) Kelley. He acquired his educa- tion in the common schools, and continued under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age. when he went to Marion county, Iowa, where for seven months he worked in the coal mines. He was next employed in the John Deer plow factory at Moline, Ill., but at the end of two months was called home by the death of hi- brother, who was killed while unloading sand.

For seven months after his return, Mr. Kelley worked in the lumber woods, and then resumed mining, which he continued to follow uninter- rupted from 1881 to 1889. In the latter year he became connected with the firm of Tobin & Kol- ley, in Snow Shoe township, of which firm hi- father was a member, but the latter died in Mav. 1889, and in the following July our subject put- chased the interest of Mr. Tobin, the firm be - coming Kelley Brothers. Under that name best.

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A. P. Kelley

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ness was continued until 1894, when a number of their mines gave out. The year previous they had purchased the Gansallus property (which they are now operating), comprising sixty-eight acres of excellent coal-land in Snow Shoe town- ship. In 1895 was organized the Snow Shoe Mining Company, of which M. D. Kelley, a brother of our subject, is president; T. B. Bud- inger, treasurer; W. D. O'Bryan, secretary; and William F. Holt, manager. They are doing an excellent business, much of which is due to the capable management of our subject, who has charge of the Snow Shoe Colliery Mines Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

On May 24, 1882, in Cooper township, Clear- field county, Penn., Harry P. Kelley was mar- ried to Miss Mary Mosebarger, and to them were born six children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: John, June 3, 1883; Logan, September 21, 1884; Thomas, September 3, 1886; Paul, May 30, 1889: Mary, April 20, 1892; and Justina, June 19, 1895. All are still living with the exception of Paul, who died on August 22, 1892.

Mrs. Kelley is a native of Clearfield county, and a daughter of John and Eva Mosebarger, who were born in Germany, where they married, and whence in 1857 they emigrated to America, locating in Clearfield county, Penn. There the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred October 3, 1893; the mother is now re- siding at Peale, in that county. They had four sons and three daughters: John, who is operat- ing the old homestead farm; George (deceased); Frank, who is conducting the "Coal Exchange Hotel " at Philipsburg, Centre county; Frederick, who is in the hotel business in Grassflat, Clear- field county; Lizzie (the eldest daughter) is mar- ried to John McGowan, a prosperous farmer in Moshannon; Mrs. Mary Kelley, the second , daughter, taught school five terms in Clearfield county, and one term in Centre county; Annie (the youngest) is married to Richard Sheehe, who is proprietor of the "Columbus House " at Lock Haven, Clinton county, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Kelley is an ardent supporter of Demo- cratic principles, and has served for three years as school director in the village of Snow Shoe; fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of that place, while in religious faith he is a Roman Catholic.

D AVID H. SHIVERY, of Benner township, Centre county, was born in 1859, on the tarin on which he now makes his home, a son of Andrew J. and Jane ( Wilson) Shivery, both of 17

whom were of German descent. The father, also a native of Centre county, was born in 1828. and spent his entire life here engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. He was called to the home beyond in 1893, at the age of sixty-five years, but his wife, who was born in 1828, is still living. They had a family of four children, namely: David H .; George B., a practicing physician of Wood- land. Clearfield Co., Penn., who married Bessie Dale, and has two children; and Margaret E. and Sallie E., who reside with their mother in Bellefonte.

The boyhood days of David H. Shivery passed quietly and uneventfully. He remained under the parental roof and assisted his father in the development of the home farm during the sum- mer months, while in the winter season he at- tended the public schools, completing his educa- tion in an academy in Bellefonte. The occupa- tion to which he was reared, he has made his life work, and his early experience well fitted him for his present duties. His landed possessions aggre- gate 140 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. The latest improved machinery is used in planting and caring for his crops, substantial outbuildings shelter his grain and stock, and a comfortable residence forms the hospitable home of his family. He is progressive in his methods of farming, systematic in the inan- agement of his affairs, and energetic in the prose- cution of his business. Enterprise and industry are the predominant traits in his character, and have been the stepping stones on which he has risen to a place among the substantial citizens of the community. He has only been once beyond the boundaries of Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1893 visiting the World's Columbian Exposi- tion at Chicago. A man of intelligence and genu- ine worth, he is recognized as a valued citizen of the community.

On February 16. 1882, Mr. Shivery was united in marriage with Miss Mary Etta Marshall. a native of Centre county, as were also her par- ents. They had three children: Joseph Law- rence, Andrew J. and Russell Burton. The last named died February 11. 1895 (at the age of four years), of congestion of the brain caused by an attack of measles. On November 23. 1897. Joseph Lawrence, the elder of the other two. had climbed a tree in pursuit of squirrels, but while standing on a decayed limb it broke, and he was precipitated to the ground, a distance of some forty feet, whereby his neck was broken, death ensuing instantly. He was born August 30, 1884, and was consequently thirteen years. two months and twenty-four days old at the time of the fatal accident.

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IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH LAWRENCE SHIVERY.

The autumn leaves were gold and red, The summer birds had flown, When Lawrence's spirit took its flight To worlds of joy unknown.

He was dashed down so cruelly; We gathered by his side- In agony we stood about When we found that he had died.

When smoothing down his glossy locks, We laid his hands to rest, From all the cares and toils of earth, Upon his manly breast.

His voice, his step, no more we hear, At morning's early gleam; But on his face a farewell smile, As if in pleasant dream.

His body sleeps upon a hill, Beside his little brother, And may his spirit rest in peace Forever and forever.

We miss thee from our home, dear- We miss thee from thy place; A shadow o'er our life is cast- We miss the sunshine of thy face. We miss thy kind and willing hand,

Thy fond and earnest care; Our home is dark without thee- We miss thee everywhere.

E MANUEL MUSSER* is recognized as one of the most intelligent men and skillful farm- ers of College township, Centre county, though he is now practically living a retired life. He is pursuing the even tenor of his way as an honest man and good citizen, furthering the good of his community as he has opportunity, and enjoying the respect of his neighbors. Almost his entire life has been passed in Centre county, his early home being in Gregg township, where he was born June 1, 1834.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Michael Moser, who was born in that part of Northampton county, now Lehigh county, early in the latter half of the eighteenth century, was twice married, having by his first wife five chil- dren: George and Jonathan, residents of Gregg township; Mrs. Betsy Kepler (deceased); Mrs. George Haring, of Gregg township; and Mrs. John Confer, of Illinois. At an early day the father of these children came to Centre county and took up government land in Haines (now Gregg) township, where he passed away about 1859 at a ripe old age.

George Moser, who was born July 7, 1804, attended school at the Cross Road school house in Gregg township, but his educational privileges were very limited. After operating his father's farm for a few years he purchased 161 acres, on

which he spent the balance of his life, dying on the 2nd of February, 1846, when our subject was only eleven years old. He was, of the Christian faith, a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Whig in politics, casting his Pres- idential vote for William Henry Harrison. His wife, who was born October 10, 1811, was a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Ilgen) Moser, and died in Gregg township, January 7, 1846. In their family were eight children, namely: Ro- · setta, widow of John W. Krumrine, late of State College, Centre county; Elias, a farmer, who died in Gregg township, in 1888; Emanuel, of this review; Mrs. Rebecca Wolf, who died in Logansville, Penn., in 1883; Maria, wife of Henry Gramley, of Iowa; George M., who died in childhood; William H. H., of Mercer, N. Dak. : and Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Gates, of Illinois.

Upon the old homestead in Gregg township Emanuel Musser passed the days of his boyhood and youth, and acquired his education in the Cross- road and Heckman schools of the same township, which he attended until sixteen years of age, when he started out to earn his own livelihood as a farm hand at $6.00 per month. After one year spent in this way he learned the tanner's trade, which he followed for four years in Boalsburg, Harris township, Centre county. On the expir- ation of that period, he went to Illinois, where for six months he worked at the carpenter's trade; but failing health caused him to return home, and for four years he again followed farming. After his marriage he operated his father-in-law's farm two years, at Buffalo Run Valley, and then rented a place for the same length of time in Pine Grove, after which he purchased sixty-seven acres near Houserville. After cultivating that tract for nine years he sold out and bought 164 acres of good land near State College, where he has made his home since 1874. He has made many noticeable improve- ments upon the farm which add to its value and attractive appearance, including an extensive dairy, which he has conducted for fifteen years with excellent success.

The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Musser was in her maidenhood Miss Katharine Bottorf, a daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Ans- pach) Bottorf, and was born in Centre county. February 29, 1836. By her marriage she has become the mother of nine children: Luther Willis, a teacher in the borough of State College: Lillie Curtis, wife of David O. Etters, superin- tendent of public schools of Bellefonte; George Frederick, insurance agent, of that city; Jacob Arthur, who has charge of a gents' furnishing de- partment in Allegheny; James Franklin, a ma-

*This name has been changed by local custom. The original name having been Moser, as it appears farther on in this review.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chinist of Williamsport, Penn .; Boyd Anspach, assistant principal in the Bellefonte High School, Bellefonte; Lydia Catherine, wife of Roger Bow- man, commission merchant of Philadelphia; and Nanie Lingenfelter and Helena Dale, at home. The children have been given good collegiate educations, and now occupy honorable positions in society.

Mr. Musser uses his right of franchise in sup- port of the Democratic party, but supported Abraham Lincoln when he was the Presidential candidate. He is an active worker in the Luth- eran Church, and a charter member of Oak Hall Grange. For many yearshe was one of the most energetic and industrious farmers of the community, but to a certain extent has laid aside business cares, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest at his elegant home, which is situated on a prominence a quarter of a mile north of State College. Surrounded by many warm friends and acquaintances, he and his estimable wife are passing their declining years in the rest and re- tirement that should always follow useful and well-spent lives. They are valued members of society, their intelligence, pleasant and courteous manners making them welcome guests wherever they visit.

J OHN SHAFFER, who for many years past has been a leading citizen of Miles township, Centre county, is known far and near as " Uncle Shaffer," his genial, kindly nature hav- ing won the affectionate regard of all who knew him.

Born November 1, 1825, on the farm adjoin- ing that upon which he now resides, he is now passing an honored old age amid the scenes upon which he first opened his eyes, and where his ances- tors were among the earliest settlers. He erect- ed his present commodious residence upon the site of a house built and occupied by his grand- parents, John Adam and Catherine (Klinefelder) Shaffer.

Adam Shaffer, our subject's father, was born November 22, 1796, and was a mere child when. his parents settled in Brush Valley, where he was reared as a farmer boy, and afterward engaged in agriculture on the old homestead as he was one of the youngest of a large family of children. Later, he purchased the property from his father, and his death occurred there April 4, 1862, his remains being interred at Madisonburg. He pos- sessed great mechanical skill, and could turn his hand to various trades without special instruction. He was greatly respected. in the community and was a leading Democrat, holding various town-

ship offices. In Church affairs he was also prom- inent, being one of the founders of the Lutheran society in his locality, and helping to build the church in Madisonburg which preceded the pres- ent structure. He was married three times. By his first wife, a Miss Musser, of Penn's Valley, he had one daughter, Rebecca, who married (first) John Schmeltzer, and (second) John Hoy, and died in Madisonburg. The second wife, Miss Lydia Bailey, our subject's mother, was born in 1801 at White Deer, Penn., the daughter of Jacob Bailey. She came to Brush Valley before her marriage, and made her home with a sister, Mrs. John Ruhl. She died in 1847, and six children survive her, our subject being the eldest. (2) Eliza married John Yearick, and died in Clinton county; (3) Abigail married Rev. Samuel Yearick, a Meth- odist minister, and died in Brush Valley; (4) Henry lives in Indiana; (5) Adam F. died in Madisonburg March 21, 1862, aged twenty-three years, eight months and two days; (6) Aaron

resides in Illinois. By his third marriage, with Miss Lydia Shull, Adam Shaffer had two children: Annie, now Mrs. David Bacher, of Centre. Hall, and another daughter who died at an early age. Like other members, Uncle John Shaffer's early educational opportunities were extremely limited, the free schools of the present time not being heard of until his school days were about ended. As the eldest son, there was plenty of work found for him at home, and many days were spent in riding the horses which tramped out the wheat in the barn after the old-fashioned way. A bright, observant mind can learn much outside of books, however, as any one will discover who talks with Uncle Shaffer. As a young man he visited Indi- ana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, making the return journey from Indiana to the vicinity of Wheeling upon a horse which he sold at that point, continuing the trip by stage and by water. Since that time he has made three other visits to the West, stopping in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio, and he has also seen the principal points of interest in the East. In order to cure him of any early attack of the " Western Fever, " his father offered him the home farm under advantageous circum- stances, and Mr. Shaffer accepted the offer under conditions which were complied with.

In 1848 he married Miss Frances Schmeltzer, who was born December 3, 1825, the daughter of George and Margaret (Beckle) Schmeltzer, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere. Over forty years of happy wedded life were spent, but on November 18, 1892, the beloved and loving wife passed over the borders of the unseen world there to await the coming of her dear ones. Of

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her six children, four are still living: (1) Ed- mund F., born March 28, 1849, died February 18, 1858; (2) Johanna married John Roush, of Gregg township, Centre county; (3) Washington is a farmer in Miles township; (4) Emma married Wilson Hazel, of Madisonburg: (5) Thomas re- sides in Dakota, Ill., and (6) Mary A., born May 8, 1863, died August 13, 1867.

Since his marriage Mr. Shaffer has made his home on the old farmn near Madisonburg, with the exception of five years in Clinton county. It formerly contained 200 acres, but Mr. Shaffer sold about sixty acres to his son, Thomas. . The farm is in excellent order with good buildings, and in all portions shows the progressive man- agement of its owner, who has, however, delega- ted the active work to other hands for nearly six years past. Possessing rare mechanical ability, he has always delighted in working at the black- smith's trade, also in coopering, and in two shops which he has fitted up on his farm he has carried on these trades as occasion offered, doing the work more for pastime than for anything else. For years he had done most of his own blacksmithing .- Jolly and good natured, he en- joys a hearty laugh even at his own expense, and he has a host of friends among young and old. His wealth has not been gained through penuri- ousness and self-denial; he has enjoyed life, and has tried to make those around him do the same. Whatever he does is done well, and the best is none too good for his own use, while in choosing for his family or friends the same spirit is shown. A liberal giver to every worthy cause, he has been for years a "pillar" in the Lutheran Church, and has held " about every office except that of preacher." In politics he is a Democrat, first, last and all the time, but he has never cared for office, although for twelve years he was overseer of the poor.

W ILLIAM RISHEL, one of the honored and most highly respected citizens of Tus- seyville, was for many years actively identified with the agricultural interests of Potter township, Centre county, and is a worthy representative of a prominent pioneer family that has been an im- portant factor in the progress and development of central Pennsylvania.

The grandfather of our subject came from the southern part of the State to what is now Centre county, long before it was organized, and the fa- ther. George Rishel, was born in Gregg township in the latter part of the past century. When but a boy he came to Potter township, and cleared and developed a good farin near Centre

Hill. where his death occurred when he was over seventy years of age. As a farmer he was highly successful, owning three large farms at the time of his death. He adhered to the principles of the Democratic party, and in religious faith was a member of the Evangelical Church. He was united in marriage with Catharine Ream, who died when past her eightieth birthday, and to them were born eleven children-five sons and six daughters, of whom our subject is the ninth in order of birth. One son, David, was an Evan- gelical minister, and three daughters were married to Evangelical ministers, viz .: Rebecca to Rev. Daniel Kerr, Susan to W. W. Orwig, and Sarah to John Kreamer.

In George's Valley, Centre county, William Rishel, the subject proper of this review, was born July 25, 1820, and was reared in much the usual .manner of farmer boys, assisting in the work of the home farm, and obtaining such an education as the district schools afforded at that early day. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, when he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Heltman, who was born in Clinton county, Penn., in January. 1820. One child blessed their union: Mary J .. now the wife of Samuel Swartz, of Tusseyville.

After his marriage, Mr. Rishel operated the old home farm in connection with his brother John, until i862, when he purchased a farm near Tusseyville, but in 1860 removed to his present excellent farm, to which he has added until at present it comprises over 240 acres, divided into two farms, for which he paid $20,000. To its care and cultivation he devoted his entire time and attention for many years, but has now practically laid aside business cares, and is en- joying a well-earned rest. He was not only a thorough and skillful farmer, but also a shrewd and reliable business man, whose success in life was due to his own untiring and persistent efforts. guided by sound judgment. Having purchased different farms, he would improve and cultivate them for a short time, and then sell at a hand- some profit. By this means he has become our of the most substantial agriculturists of the com- munity.

Mr. Rishel is a stanch Democrat in politics. and has been elected to official positions, but re- fused to qualify. He is one of the prominent and leading members of the United Evangelical Church, and to the erection of their new house of worship he was one of the most liberal con- tributors. He has faithfully filled various Church offices, and is an active as well as devout mem ber of the congregation. His name is a synonym for honesty, his dealings have been characterin .I

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by a straightforward, honorable business policy, and he, therefore, merits and receives the confi- dence and esteem of all who know him. His noble wife has shared his trials and hardships, and to her no little credit is due for the success he has achieved.

J OHN HOFFA, JR., a grain dealer and coal merchant of Coburn, Centre county, is one of the most energetic business men of that thriving town. He was born in Kelly town- ship, Union county, Penn., April 4. . 1870, a son of Cyrus Hoffa, who is a wealthy and prominent business man of that locality, the present manager of the Buffalo Milling Co., of Lewisburg. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Hoffa, was a native of Berks county, Penn., where he worked at his trade of cabinet making, and also engaged in the lumber business. He died in Reading, at the advanced age of eighty- two years.

Cyrus Hoffa was born in 1838, about four miles east of Milton, Penn., and was the fourth in order of birth in the family of four sons and one daughter. He secured a good education, being a student for a time at Gettysburg College. On reaching man's estate he married Miss Mar- garet Auten, a daughter of Robert Auten, and to them were born seven children: Regina, at home; Franklin, who died at the age of two years; Carrie, wife of Dr. Ralph Steans, a prac- ticing physician of Mifflinburg, Penn., Hattie A. and Maize E., at home; John, the subject of this sketch; and Robert A., bookkeeper in a bank of Lewisburg. The mother of these children de- parted this life in 1872, and was buried in Fall- mer Church cemetery, in Northumberland county, Penn. For his second wife the father wedded Lizzie Angel. After his first marriage Mr. Hoffa located upon the farm where our subject was born, and where he still makes his home. Upon the place was standing a gristmill of forty- barrel capacity, which he operated, and he later became identified with the grain business at Lewisburg, carrying saine on in connection with his farming and milling interests. He is con- nected with other enterprises in Lewisburg, although he still makes his home in Kelly town- ship, being director of the Union National Bank, and also of the Milton Trust Company of Mil- ton, Penn. Prominent in milling circles, he is the efficient secretary of the State Millers Asso- ciation, and is one of the most substantial and reliable business men of Union county. His political support is always given the men and measures of the Democratic party. In May,

1896, he made a trip to Europe, spending sev- eral months in visiting its principal cities and points of interest.

The primary education of John Hoffa was se- cured in the district schools, after which he at- tended a select school at Bloomsburg, Penn., for a time, and completed his education by a busi- ness course in the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. During his vacations he aided in the work of the home farm, and while still in his "teens " engaged in the flour and feed business in Lewisburg. In August, 1891, he came to Coburn to take charge of the grain ele- vator for the Buffalo Milling Co., of Lewisburg, and has since been identified with the business interests of the place. He is also successfully engaged in dealing in coal on his own account, and although young in years is one of the most energetic and enterprising business men of the community.

On January 17, 1892, in Mifflinburg, Penn., Mr. Hoffa was united in marriage with Miss Altha M. Reedy, a native of Buffalo Cross Roads. Penn., and a daughter of Levi Reedy. To this union has been born a daughter, Margaret, March 23, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffa are both mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, and hold a high position in social circles. Mr. Hoffa is a strong Democrat in politics, and cast his first Presiden- tial vote for Cleveland in 1892.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 54

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