USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 55
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 55
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 55
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 55
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C HARLES EDWIN DORWORTH, ex-editor of the Bellefonte Daily News, and at pres- ent a newspaper correspondent and story-writer, of Bellefonte, was born in Bellefonte, Centre Co., Penn., September 9, 1876. Of German- Welsh extraction, Mr. Dorworth inherits the perseverance of the former with the ingenuity of the latter class of people. He is the third of four children, and from youth has had a talent for writing.
Dr. E. S. Dorworth, his father, was born at Emaus. Lehigh Co., Penn., February 19, 1834. and is of German descent. He was graduated in medicine from the Universities of New York and Pennsylvania, and since 1865 has been a prac- ticing physician in Bellefonte. Mrs. Hannah J. Dorworth, wife of Dr. Dorworth and mother of our subject, was a daughter of William Reese Jenkins, and was born in Blaina, South Wales, in 1845. In 1852 she came to this country with her father, who was an extensive iron man- ufacturer up to the time of his death, in 1886, the Jenkins name being still associated with some of the extensive iron foundries and ma- chine shops in central Pennsylvania.
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Charles Edwin Dorworth received his first scholastic training in the Bellefonte public schools. During his senior year at the Belle- fonte High School he left that institution to take a three-years' elective course at the Bellefonte Academy to prepare himself especially for jour- nalism. In 1891 he entered the office of the Keystone Gasette, at Bellefonte, and, realizing that he must have a practical, as well as a theo- retical, knowledge of newspaper work, began at a case. In this way he soon became thoroughly conversant with all the details of newspaper making. Occasionally he was sent out on as- signments in order to give him an opportunity to do reportorial work. It was not long, however, until he did nothing else, and the summer of 1893 found him the regular correspondent of several large Pittsburg and Philadelphia dailies. He continued doing local work for the city pa- pers until the fall of 1894, when the Philadelphia Inquirer detailed him to report the Hastings gubernatorial campaign itinerary. He traveled with the party all over the State, and his stories in the Inquirer made that journal one of the most interesting reflectors of what was, in many respects, the most noted political battle ever fought in Pennsylvania.
In September, 1895, he was tendered and accepted the editorship of the Bellefonte Daily News. His conduct of that paper revived it at once from a state of almost total dilapidation to a bright, newsy daily, ranking with any of the inland publications. A year later he resigned this position to pursue his studies in journalism further, and at the present time is again em- ployed by several Eastern dailies, doing news correspondence and story writing. Mr. Dor- worth is a pleasing writer, and does not lack that force which makes forethought in the pro- duct of his pen. Socially he is bright and popu- lar with all classes, and embodies a rare com- bination of good nature with good common sense.
R OBERT J. YOUNG, M. D .; an eminent physician aud surgeon of Snow Shoe, Cen- tre county, was born January 15, 1862, in Broomhill, Northumberland, England, a son of Thomas and Isabella ( Wood) Young, natives of Scotland and England, respectively. The pater- nal grandfather, James Young, a tailor by trade, spent his entire life in Scotland. Thomas Wood, the maternal grandfather, was a mountaineer, living among the Cheviot Hills, on the dividing line between England and Scotland. Through- out life he principally engaged in cattle dealing.
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In Kelso, Scotland, was celebrated the mar- riage of the parents of the Doctor, who brought their family to America in 1883, and located at Snow Shoe, where the father died in the spring of the following year, at the age of forty-six. The mother, who was born in 1834, now makes her home in Punxsutawney, Penn. As was her husband, she is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly re- spected by all who know her. In their family were five children, namely: James, who was born in 1859, and died at the age of eleven years: Robert J., of this sketch; Thomas, a coal opera- tor of Oshanter, Clearfield Co., Penn .; William, an engineer of Punxsutawney, who resides with his mother; and Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Wilson, also an engineer of that place.
In the land of his nativity, Dr. Young at- tended a high school, where he acquired a good practical education. At the age of nineteen years he crossed the Atlantic, locating at Irwin Station, Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1881. For some time he was engaged in mining and at various other occupations by which he could earn an honest dollar, until 1886. when he be- gan reading medicine with Dr. L. C. Harmon, of Philipsburg, Centre county. At the end of two years he attended the University of Mary- land for one session, and then entered the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, from which he was graduated with the class of 1889. He at once "hung out his shingle" in Snow Shoe, where he now has a large and lucrative practice. His thorough knowledge of medicine, and his skill in surgery have won for him the con- fidence of the people, and he therefore enjoys an excellent patronage.
Dr. Young was married in Baltimore, Jan- ary 20, 1891, to Miss Minnie M. Yarnell, who de- parted this life February 17, 1895. She was a native of Centre county, born October 15, 1871. and was a daughter of James I. and Barbara K. (Fetzer) Yarnell, also natives of Centre county, who now reside in Snow Shoe, where the father served as postmaster from 1888 to 1893. He is a son of Thomas and Phoebe (Akley) Yarnell. early settlers of Centre county, where were born John A. and Mary A. Fetzer, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Young. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Yarnell: John T. and Jesse B., lumbermen, who are living with their parents in Snow Shoe; Nora M., who died November 17, 1895: and Minnie M.
Fraternally, Dr. Young is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both of Snow Shoe; politically. he is a supporter of the Democratic party. He is a
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progressive physician, possessed of that true love for his work, without which there can be no suc- cess; is constantly improving on his own and others' methods, and gaining further encourage- ment and inspiration from the performance of each day's duties.
ENRY N. TWITMYER. There is prob- ably no man in Spring township, Centre county, more widely or favorably known than the gentleman whose name introduces this re- view, and who is now successfully following the carpenter's trade in Pleasant Gap. Throughout his entire life he has been identified with the in- terests of the county, his birth occurring in Walker township. His parents, Emanuel and Lucy (Gephart) Twitmyer, who were also na- tives of Centre county, died in that township, the former passing away in 1882, and the latter in 1894.
To them were born the following children: Henry N., subject of this sketch; John, a prac- ticing physician of Mercer county, Penn., who married Donah A. Hull; Aaron, who died in childhood; George W., principal of the public schools of Honesville, Penn., who married Jo- hanna Reese; Jeremiah, a contractor and builder, residing in Illinois, who married Ger- trude McCalmont; Mary E., wife of Albert Shreffler, of Mill Hall, Clinton Co., Penn .; Ed-, win, principal of the high school of Seattle, Wash .; Harvey B., who is married, and is a teacher in a seminary near Pittsburg, Penn .; and Nancy M., wife of Samuel Decker, of Zion, this State.
During the dark days of the Civil war, our subject bade adieu to home and its influences, and went to the front to aid in the preservation of the Union, as a member of Company H, 4th P. V. I., commanded by Col. Hartranft, Capt. Austin B. Snyder, First Lieut. William H. Blair and Second Lieut. William Raphile. At the expi- ration of his term he veteranized, re-enlisting in September, 1864, and serving until hostilities had ceased. He was honorably discharged and mustered out in July, 1865.
On February 1, 1866, Mr. Twitmyer mar- ried Miss Elmira M. Brooks, and to them were born eight children: Della B., wife of Abner Noll, a merchant of Pleasant Gap, Centre county; Cora B., at home; Rosa J., wife of Harry Hile, a plasterer of Pleasant Gap; Ella E., wife of James Coral, a school teacher of the same place; and Harry E., Mary G., Minnie A. and Lillie E., who are still under the parental roof. The family occupy a beautiful home in
Pleasant Gap, where they are surrounded by many warm friends and acquaintances. Politic- ally, Mr. Twitmyer is a stanch Republican. strongly upholding those principles for which he was ready to sacrifice his life in the early days of the party. He is a true citizen in every re- spect, and has an excellent reputation as a straightforward, upright man. A conscientious, earnest Christian, he is a faithful member of the United Evangelical Church.
C APTAIN WILLIAM H. FRY, one of the in- dustrious and thorough agriculturists of Fer- guson township, Centre county, was born July 18, 1843, on the farm where he still resides, and is a son of Conrad and Mary Ann (Custenbauder) Fry. His paternal great-grandparents were na- tives of Germany, while his grandparents were born in Easton, Northampton Co., Penn. The grandfather, Conrad Fry, was a soldier in the war of 1812.
Our subject is the eldest in a family of nine children, and in order of birth was followed by Jonas, who was born in 1845, and was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville during the Civil war; Stephen, who died in childhood; Sarah A .. wife of E. E. Young, a carpenter of Bellefonte. Centre county; Polly A., wife of G. W. Ward, of Bellefonte; Hannah, who died in infancy; George W., who died in childhood; another child who died in infancy; and Robert B., who is mar- ried, and is a carriage painter of Bellefonte.
Capt. Fry, whose name introduces this sketch, secured a good education in the Pine Grove Academy, of Centre county. On October 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 45th P. V. I. At the battle of South Mountain, Md., he had his skull fractured by a bullet, and was left on the field for dead. By careful treatment. however, he recovered, and was honorably dis- charged at Baltimore, April 24, 1863, after which he returned home. For a number of terms he taught the Pine Grove Grammar School, and he still takes an active part in every- thing tending to the advancement and promotion of education.
On September 12, 1865, Mr. Fry was mar- ried to Miss Sally E. Laurimore, and to them were born seven children, namely: John W .: Mary R., wife of Charles Dale; S. E. ; Bella C .: Conrad M. : Mabel L .; and W. H. After the death of this wife, Mr. Fry wedded her sister. Rebecca C. Laurimore, December 25, 1883. Three children grace this union: Hugh L. : George B. McClellan; and A. F. Reno. . The second was named for a noted general in the
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Union army, and the last for Gen. Reno, who was killed in the Civil war.
Our subject is the owner of the old home- stead farm, a .valuable place of 110 acres, which is located in the garden spot of the Valley. It is beautifully and tastefully laid out, adorned with evergreens and ornamental shrubbery of all kinds, making it one of the most attractive farms in the locality. To its cultivation he devotes his time and attention with most gratifying re- sults. In public affairs he takes a prominent and influential part, and has been called upon to serve in several official positions of honor and trust. He has been assessor for the last fifteen years; overseer of the poor; was secretary of the school board before attaining his majority; was re-elected director secretary, and was census enumerator in 1880. Since casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. McClellan in 1864, he has been a patriotic Democrat in politics, and has served as chairman of the County Demo- cratic. Central Committee, a position he still holds. He has been commander of J. O. Camp- bell Post No. 272, G. A. R., of Pine Grove Mills, Centre county, has been a delegate to the State Encampment, and is its present quarter- master. He assisted in organizing Grange No. 252, of which he is past master, and is also prominently identified with the I. O. O. F., filling all the principal chairs in the local lodge, and was a delegate to the Grand Lodge; he be- longs also to the' Independent Order of Hepta- sophs: and is the captain of the Jr. O. A. M. He was also a charter member and sergeant of Company B, Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Na- tional Guard, in which organization he served his term of enlistment.
Capt. Fry is a man of good address, genial in disposition, hospitable in his home, and re- spected by all who know him. A fluent writer, he is correspondent for various newspapers. He is now serving as trustee of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a faithful member, and is secretary of the Sunday-school, also secretary of the Church council. Besides general farining, he is engaged in stock-raising and in the prac- tice of veterinary surgery. In addition to the above, he is a member of the Centre County Vet- erinary Association, of which he is vice-president and member of the executive committee; and is president of the Pine Grove Academy Alumni Association. His associates are the young peo- ple, as his general deportment and appearance are those of a man much younger in years. His name has frequently been mentioned as a candi- date for county office, but thus far he has de- clined the honor.
M ICHAEL DAVID KELLEY. While " the race is not always to the swift nor the bat- tle to the strong ", the invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy, industry and ability a successful career. . The truth of this assertion is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Kelley, who is one of the most energetic and progressive busi- ness men of Centre county. He is an extensive mine owner in the vicinity of Snow Shoe, where he makes his home, and is a member of several different mining companies.
Mr. Kelley was born May 20, 1861, in the village where he still resides, and is a son of Pat- rick Kelley, a native of Ireland, in which country his mother died. In 1842 Patrick accompanied his father, Michael Kelley, to the United States, as did also his brother and sister, Thomas and Mary: They are all now deceased, Thomas be- ing killed while a soldier in the Union army dur- ing the Civil war. The father of our subject was fifteen years of age when he crossed the At- lantic and located in Centre county, where he first worked in the iron mills. Later he removed to Snow Shoe township, where he found employ- ment in the woods, subsequently engaged in min- ing for ten years, and during the remainder of his life followed agricultural pursuits. His death occurred May 30, 1889.
In Centre county Patrick Kelley was married to Sarah Flack, who was born in Howard towil- ship, that county, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Flack, and is now residing in Williams- port, Lycoming Co., Penn .. By her marriage she became the mother of the following children: Harry P., an extensive coal operator of Snow Shoe; John, who was killed while unloading a car in 1880; Mary, wife of William Casher, who is operating the old homestead farm in Snow Shoe township; Michael D .; Annie, widow of Jame- Tobin, and a resident of New York; Sadie, wife of James McGilley, a chemist for Sweet & Co . of Williamsport, Penn. ; and Catherine and Mil- lie, who are with their mother in Williamsport.
Mr. Kelley, of this review, began attending school as soon as he had reached a sufficient age and when thirteen years old entered the mines where he worked throughout the year with the exception of the winter months, which he spent in school until he was eighteen. He then de voted his entire time and attention to minin : until he had attained his majority, when he re turned home and assisted in the labors of the farm for two years. Since that time he has been extensively interested in mining.
On June 11, 1888, Mr. Kelley and his brother Harry P., formed a partnership with James To bin, and leased a mine known as the Snow Shoe
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M. D. Kelly
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Colliery, No. 1, which they continued to operate until July 31, 1889, when the brothers purchased Mr. Tobin's interest, and the firm became Kelley Brothers. They operated the mines Nos. I and 2, until November 1, 1891, when they bought the interest of Charles Watson in the Tacoma colliery mine, known as the Watson & Morgan mine, and the name of the firm was changed to Kelley Bros. & Morgan. They are the owners of a tract of 160 acres of excellent coal land which they operate, while the firm of Kelley Bros. have 200 acres. The Snow Shoe Mining Co., of which our subject is president, has a valuable tract of 433 acres three miles northwest of the village of Snow Shoe, in Snow Shoe township. The other stockholders, besides our subject, are H. P. Kelley, T. B. Budinger and W. F. Holt.
Mr. Kelley was married in Snow Shoe, Janu- ary 13, 1884, to Miss Sarah . Haggans, who was born in 1868, a daughter of James Haggans, who died there from the effects of exposure while at work in the woods. Her mother now resides at Houtsdale, Clearfield Co., Penn. There were only two children, of whom John died at the age of three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have been born six children. May, James, Pat- rick, Edward, Leo and Theresa, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death.
Politically, Mr. Kelley is a stanch Democrat, and in religious belief is a Catholic. The record of his life is that of a man who has by his own unaided efforts worked his way upward to a po- sition of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed have won for him the support and con- fidence of many. Without the aid of influence or wealth, he has risen to a position among the prosperous business men of the county, and his native genius and acquired ability are the step- ping-stones on which he has mounted.
H ERBERT D. MEEK, one of Centre county's intelligent and energetic sons, is a success- ful druggist and pharmacist at State College, and his prospects for the future are most promising. He was born March 7, 1869, in Patton township, Centre county, where his parents, D. L. and M. E. (Waddle) Meek have for many years been prominent and highly respected residents.
The district schools of that locality furnished Mr. Meek an elementary education during boy- hood, and he was also trained to habits of indus- try upon his father's farm. Excellent as were his surroundings, discontent found lodgment in his youthful mind, and he decided to seek a
wider range of activity. Four years were spent in State College in the Mechanical Engineering Departments, and then the ambitious young man went to Pittsburg, where he was employed by the Westinghouse Machine Company for two years; but the Homestead strike had a demoral- izing effect upon the business of the firm, and Mr. Meek found his occupation gone. At this junction he determined upon his future business, and entering the National School of Pharmacy at Washington, D. C., he took a complete course, graduating in 1894. For some time he was employed as a pharmacist with J. W. Drew, of Washington, and in April, 1896, he went to State College and opened his present drug store. His store of drugs is complete, and their arrange- ment and neatness of all the appointments of the store show the characteristic precision which Mr. Meek carries into all his business operations.
Mr. Meek was married October 22, 1896, to Nannie M. Campbell, daughter of Ex-Commis- sioner Campbell, of Fairbrook, Penn., and they have one child, born December 8, 1897.
A typical American in thought, our subject has always taken great interest in public ques- tions, and he is a stanch supporter of the princi- ples of the Democratic party.
W F. ROCKEY, who is successfully engaged in buying and shipping produce in Potter township, Centre county, has from an early age made his own way in the world. unaided by cap- ital or influential friends, but by industry, per- severance and good management he has stead- ily worked his way upward until to-day he is do- ing a large and prosperous business and has se- cured a comfortable home.
In Nittany Valley. Mr. Rockey was born, September 10, 1854, a son of Jacob Rockey, who was also a native of Centre county, born May 15, 1825. in Penn Hall. and his grand- father, John Rockey, was an early settler of Penn's Valley. At Penn Hall. Centre county. in 1853, was celebrated the marriage of Jacob Rockey and Miss Elizabeth Rossman, who was born in Potter township, January 11. 1835, and is the eldest daughter and third child in a family of twelve children-five sons and seven daugh- ters-whose parents were Jonathan and Mar- garet (Fye) Rossinan. Her mother was born June 26, 1811, and died October 23, 1875, while her father was born March 22. 1808, and died March 26, 1863. As they were quite poor she was forced to earn her own living during her girl- hood, and therefore lived much among strangers. After his marriage, Jacob Rockey made his home
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in Nittany Valley, where he worked as a farm la- borer, and in that way secured enough capital with which to purchase a small home near Tus- seyville, where his death occurred March 8, 1873, and his remains were interred in the cemetery of that village. He was a Union soldier in the Civil war, a member of the 210th P. V. I., and his arduous service left him in poor health for the re- mainder of his life. Politically, he was a sup- porter of the Republican party, and in religious faith he was a member of the Reformed Church.
Seven children were born to the parents of our subject, namely: W. F., of this review; Sarah C., wife of John Nugard, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mary R., wife of Wilson Kline, of the same city; Margaret E., wife of John Davis, of Altoona, Penn .; Flora A., wife of C. H. Perkins, of Cleveland; Elizabeth S., wife of Samuel Jor- dan, of Lewistown, Penn .; and Jacob J. R., an employee of our subject in the produce business. As the father left little property at his death, the family soon became scattered, as the children were obliged to earn their own livelihood. Later the mother married William From, now de- ceased, and she finds a pleasant home with her son, W. F. Like the father, she is a consistent member of the Reformed Church, and she is a most estimable lady.
Mr. Rockey, the subject proper of this review, was but a mere child when brought by his par- ents to Potter township, and in its district schools he obtained his education; but at the early age of twelve years he had to lay aside his books and assist his parents in the support of the family. The first wages that he received was $50 for eight months' work, which was used to- ward paying for their little home. For some time he was employed by different farmers in Potter township, and with the money thus earned paid off the few outstanding debts left at his fa- ther's death.
In 1872, Mr. Rockey embarked in his present business on a small scale, in connection with George Meese, and at first was obliged to borrow a horse with which to gather up the produce pur- chased. This he sold in Bellefonte at a good ad- vantage, and was soon able to buy a horse. As his business prospered he needed two, one for use in buying the butter, eggs and other produce from the farmers, and the other in selling the goods in the cities. He is one of the oldest deal- ers along this line in Potter township, and his straightforward, honorable business policy has gained him a liberal share of the public pat- ronage.
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After making his home for several years with his uncle, Michael Rossman, of Potter township,
he in the spring of 1888 purchased fifteen acres of land from Abraham Horst, of which he has since sold two and one-half acres, paying for the tract $1,000. The old clovermill standing thereon he converted into a dwelling, but this has since been replaced by an elegant home; and he also erected a cold storage warehouse and other substantial outbuildings. After securing a home, Mr. Rockey naturally wished some one to preside over it, and in December. 1889, in Har- ris township, Centre county, he married Miss Jennie Mayer, a daughter of Henry and Almira (Bryman) Mayer. Four children were born to them: Myra E .; Verna M., who died at the age of two years; Margaret C., at home; and William Henry. The parents are both active members of the Reformed Church, in which he is serving as elder. In politics he is identified with the Re- publican party. He deserves great credit for the success that he has achieved in life, and certainly is entitled to a place among the honored and valued citizens of Potter township.
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