Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 56

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 56
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 56
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 56
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 56

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).

T OHN W. STUART is a prosperous business man and influential citizen of State College. Centre county, and the following brief bi- ography is interesting as showing in outline the influence and events which have marked his life.

Mr. Stuart had the advantage at the outset of a name which has been held in high esteem in this section from pioneer times, his paternal grandfather, Rev. William Stuart, a well-beloved minister of the Presbyterian faith, having in early days come from Donegal, Ireland, to make his home in Centre county. An able, fearless, and devoted preacher, the effect of his labors at that formative period cannot be estimated. His cir- cuit extended from the Susquehanna at Lewis- burg to Clearfield. the entire region being then known as Union county. Of his three children: Priscilla married Dr. Montgomery, and resided in Lycoming county, Penn. : Isabella died in early womanhood; and David (our subject's father .. who was born in Harris township, Centre county, in 1812, is now living in Boalsburg. His lite has been spent quietly, agriculture being hi- main pursuit, although he has also been engast 1 in lumbering. His patriotism is of the stalwatt type, and he was a stanch advocate of the doc trine of "America for the Americans " in Know - nothing times. Later he became a Republican. and in 1862 was one of the emergency men who volunteered to protect the State from the invasion of the Rebel army, while in local affairs he has always exerted much influence in a quiet way. His wife, Martha (Johnsom), was born in

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Harris township, Centre county, in 1813, and passed from earth in 1885. Col. James John- son, her father, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., was a prominent merchant and hotel keeper at Boalsburg. Mrs. Stuart was one of eight children, the others being: George, a prosperous iron-master, who held the offices of sheriff and associate judge of Huntingdon county; James, who died in 1862 or 1863; Nancy (Mrs. J. H. Mitchell, of College township), who died about a year ago; Ann, who married a Mr. Mont- gomery; Ellen, who married Alexander Johnson, of Boalsburg, and are both now deceased; Han- nah, the widow of the late Judge Birchfield, of Centre county; and Margaret (deceased), who was the first wife of Judge Birchfield.

Seven children blessed the union of David and Martha Stuart: Priscilla Ann, who has never married; Col. James T., a resident of Boalsburg; Esther E. (Mrs. Samuel B. Wilson), deceased; William, who died in infancy; John W., our subject; George, who died in childhood; and Harry S., now residing in Boalsburg.

John W. Stuart was born August 23; 1844, in Harris township, Centre county, and his edu- cation was acquired in the common schools of that section, and in Pine Grove Academy. When the Civil war broke out, he was only a boy in years, but the stirring events of that time brought quick development to natures which were capa- ble of high resolution and courageous action. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, 148th P. V. I., and served until mustered out June, 9, 1865. Entering with the rank of private, he was soon made sergeant, and January 1, 1864. he was commissioned lieutenant. For three months he served as quartermaster of his regiment, but the greater part of his time was spent at more dan- gerous work, as he participated in all the impor- tant engagements of the regiment from Chancel- lorsville to Appomattox Court House. On May 10, 1864, he was wounded at Poe river, necessi- tating his absence from duty until September 1, 1864, when he rejoined his comrades in front of Petersburg, Virginia.

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After his return to. peaceful avocations, our subject followed agriculture for ten years, and then spent three years in the hotel busines at State College. Since that time he has con- tinued in business there, as a general mer- chant for eight years, and later as a dealer in coal and grain. He is one of the leaders in these lines, and owns two elevators, one at State Col- lege and one at Oak Hall, Penn. On December 23. 1869, Mr. Stuart married Miss Margaret Ellen Musser, a native of Boalsburg, born August 1. 1850, and they have five children. Elizabeth

Musser, a young lady of fine intellectual gifts, was educated at State College; William A. is at home; George died at the age of six months; Daniel is a student at State College; and Maggie Johnson is at home.

Mr. Stuart's gallant record as a soldier entitles him to membership in the G. A. R., and he be- longs to Capt. Foster Post, No. 197, at Lemont. He is also a member of the Union Veteran Le- gion at Bellefonte, holding the rank of colonel. He served as postmaster through the Garfield- Arthur administrations, and was again appointed postmaster by President Mckinley in 1897, in which capacity he is now serving.

R OBERT H. REED is one of the native sons of Centre county, his birth having occurred in Patton township, April 26, 1848.

William Reed, father of our subject, was born in Ireland, in 1810, and married Rose Ann Han- nah, also a native of the Emerald Isle. They were married in that country, and soon afterward came to America. The mother died in 1873, and was laid to rest in Gray's cemetery, Patton township; the father has now reached the ad- vanced age of eighty-six years. They had seven children-five sons and two daughters: William H. carries on agricultural pursuits in Huntingdon county, Penn .; Jane is the widow of Christ Hart- sock, who died leaving two children; Nicholas E., who in early life was a railroad engineer, and is now a wealthy citizen of Kansas, married Anna Hartsock, and has eight children; Catherine E. is the wife of J. J. Kline, a resident farmer of Huntingdon county, Penn .; David J., who mar- ried Amelia Irvin, by whom he had three chil- dren, is a wealthy farmer of Kansas, owning sev- eral hundred acres of land (during the Civil war he was a faithful Union soldier, and was wounded while fighting for his country); Robert H. is the sixth in order of birth; and John E. is a farmer of Huntingdon county, and has had a family of five children, three of whom are living.

Robert H. Reed has spent his entire life in Patton township, Centre county, with the excep- tion of two years passed in Stormstown. He ac- quired his education in the Waddle school, and is a well-informed man whose practical knowl- edge and business experience have enabled him to secure a comfortable competence. His life has been one of earnest industry, and he is now the owner of 135 acres of good land, situated about a mile from the Scotia mines. His farm is well improved with substantial buildings, and his land is richly cultivated. In his methods of farming he is progressive and enterprising, and

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the success which he has achieved is richly mer- ited.

On February 22, 1877, Mr. Reed was mar- ried to Miss Mary C. Kelley, a daughter of Jere- miah Kelley, of Benner township Centre county. They have seven children-four sons and three daughters-and the family circle yet remains un- broken by the hand of death. Their names and

dates of birth are as follows: William G. Clif- ford, August 19, 1878; Irvin G., May 5, 1880; Katrine, January 23, 1884; Anna M., September 16, 1885; Ethel J., August 26, 1890; John E., July 26, 1893; and Robert E., March 23, 1897. In his political adherency Mr. Reed is a Derno- crat. He is a man of sterling worth, genial and kindly in disposition, affable in manner, and pos- sessing that true nobility of character which everywhere commands respect and confidence.

S SYLVESTER RITTS PRINGLE, a leading merchant and undertaker of Port Matilda, Centre county, is a native of Pennsylvania, born December 13, 1839, in Summer Hill, Cambria county, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Ritts) Pringle. The father was born in Cam- bria county, January 29, 1813, and in early life followed mercantile pursuits in Summer Hill and Claysburg, Penn., but later turned his attention to farming. His parents were Philip and Mary Pringle, who were of Scotch-Irish origin. In politics, Philip Pringle, Jr., was a Democrat until 1860, after which he gave his support to the Re- publican party, and, being one of the prominent men of the community where he made his home, served in several official positions. He and his wife were earnest Christians, faithful members of the United Brethren Church.

The mother of our subject was born in Blair county, Penn., November 23, 1820, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Lower) Ritts, natives of Pennsylvania, who died in Taylor township,. Blair county, then part of Bedford county. By occupation her father was a farmer and saddler. In 1870 Mrs. Pringle, her husband and one daughterall died of typhoid fever; the father passed away September 21, and the mother on October 16. Six children were born to them: Sylvester R., of this sketch; Mary C. and Sarah A., who died unmarried; John S., who died in infancy; Jane, wife of James Dively, of Altoona, Penn., and David A., a resident of Mahaffey, Pennsyl- vania.

The boyhood and youth of Sylvester R. Pringle were spent upon his father's farm, where he remained until fifteen years of age, when he began clerking in the mercantile establishment

of his uncle at Sharpsburg. Owing to ill health he resigned his position two years later and re- turned to the home farm, where he remained till he was twenty years old, and then entered the employ of Hasting & Coolbroth, from Portland. Maine, who were engaged in the shook business in Blair county, and served as their foreman for twelve years, during which time he got out tim- ber in Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Clearfield and Centre counties. In 1872 he embarked in the shook business and the manufacture of staves in Centre county on his own account, and was thus engaged for three years. Purchasing a farm in Taylor township, he operated the same until 1881, when he removed to Port Matilda in order to better educate his children, and in 1884 he erected his present comfortable home and neat store building. He has met with success in mer- chandising, and is one of the representative and prominent business men of the place.

In Blair county, December 29, 1859, Mr. Pringle was married to Miss Catherine Ickes. who was born August 7, 1837, in what was then Bedford county, but is now part of Blair county. Penn., a daughter of John and Eve (Emler) Ickes. Ten children graced this union, namely: Lloyd S., a merchant of Mahaffey, Penn. ; Mary A., wife of S. R. Mansfield. of Bedford county; Clara A., who died in infancy; Amanda J., wife of William Lingerfelder, of Altoona, Penn., who works in the railroad shops; Arthur G., deceased: Minnie B. and Effie L. (twins). the former at home, and the latter the wife of Martin McKel- vey, who is employed in the railroad shops in Altoona; John F., of Altoona; and Elizabeth and Chester M., at home.

John Ickes, the father of Mrs. Pringle, was born August 2, 1802, at what is known as Dutch Corner, Bedford county, and was a son of Philip and Elizabeth Ickes, who spent their entire lives in that county, engaged in agricultural pursuits. At Dutch Corner, John Ickes married Eve Em- ler, a daughter of Jacob and Christina Einter. also farming people of Bedford county. The fel- lowing children were born of their union: Poliy. who married H. Walter, but both are now de- ceased; Elizabeth, wife of A. J. Berget. a farmer of Blair county; Sallie S., wife of Jacob Diebert. a merchant and farmer of Claysburg, Penn .. Mary A., deceased wife of H. Hedrick, a retired farmer of Blair county; Catherine, wife of our subject; Adam, a resident of Cambria county, Christina, wife of Moses Barkcomer, a farmer of Blair county; Hannah, wife of Jacob Dotson. a farmer of Blair county; John, who operates the homestead farm: Rosanna and Lucinda, de- ceased; Eliza J., wife of Alexander Butler; Eve.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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wife of Samuel Smith, a miner of Lilly Station, Penn .; Harrison, a railroad employee; and Beckie, wife of Alexander Butler, of Blair county. The father of this family was a Republican in politics, and a member of the German Reformed Church, to which his wife also belonged. He died Sep- tember 14, 1896. In his family were fifteen chil- dren, 106 grandchildren, 1 39 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

During President Harrison's administration, Mr. Pringle was the efficient postmaster at Port Matilda, and has ably filled several other local offices. He is a firm supporter of the Repub- lican party, fraternally is a member of the Odd Fellows Society, No. 845, at Stormstown, and with his family holds membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. He started out in life with nothing but his indomitable energy, and his accumulation of this world's goods is attrib- utable to his sound judgment and persevering ei- forts. His word in business transactions is con- sidered as good as his bond, and he is justly recognized as one of the energetic and repre- sentative citizens of Centre county. He has taken a prominent part in public affairs, always lending his influence to promote the best inter- ests of the community where he resides.

R D. BIERLY, a leading contractor and builder of Brush Valley, Centre county, is a member of a family that has been so promi- nent in this section from the pioneer days as to need no introduction to our readers.

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Mr. Bierly is a great-grandson of Anthony Bierly, the famous old pioneer, and a grandson of Nicholas Bierly, who was born in 1775, and came to Brush Valley with his father. As the latter's health became impaired, the support of a numerous family devolved upon the two elder sons, Nicholas and John, the former naturally taking the lead. He married Lucy Buchtel, who was born in 1778, the daughter of John Buchtel, an early settler of Brush Valley. For many years this worthy couple lived in Rebersburg, where both died, he on July 25, 1848, and she on March 26, 1851, their remains being interred in the Lutheran and Reformned cemetery at Re- bersburg. They had teu children, whose naines with dates of birth are as follows: Nicholas, Jr., February 12, 1799. died in Sugar Valley, in 1877; Hannah, May 26, 1800, married Henry Keyer, and died in Miles township; Michael, September 25, 1801, and John, September 25, 1803, died in Miles towuship after reaching adult age; David, December 8, 1805, lives in Montgomery town- ship, Wood county, Ohio: Anthony, August 26,

1807, is mentioned more fully below; Reuben, March 8. 1809, removed to Missouri: Peter, April 13, 1814, died near Milesburg. Centre county; Simeon, March 25, 1817, is also de- ceased; and George, July 17, 1819, resides in Montgomery township, Wood Co., Ohio.

Anthony Bierly, the father of our subject, was born August 26, 1807, at the old Bierly homestead, near Rebersburg, and after attending for a time the local schools, such as they were, he learned the cooper's trade, completing his ap- prenticeship under Robert Smith, of Penn's Val- ley. He was married in Miles township, Centre county, to Miss Rachel Ruhl, a native of York county, Penn., born in February, ISII. Her father died when she was a child, and an uncle, John Ruhl, who died in Lock Haven, brought her to Brush Valley, where she grew to woman- hood. Neither of the young couple had any as- sistance from home to give them a start in life, but Anthony Bierly made a comfortable living at his trade, which he followed during his active life. As his boys became old enough for work, he kept them busy upon a farm which he owned, but he did not devote his own time to it, farther than to direct their labors.

On retiring from business Anthony Bierly re- moved to Kreamerville to a comfortable residence built by our subject, who traded it as part pay- ment on the home farm, agreeing as a further consideration to support his parents as long as they should live. The mother died October 21. 1886, and the father on July 2, 1890, both de- vout members of the Lutheran Church. He never acquired more than a fair competence, and was disinclined to contend for his rights, preferring to lose an account rather than sue any one. This peaceable disposition, together with his unshaken integrity, won him friends among all classes, and he was highly esteemed throughout the community. He was a Democrat in politics, and in early life voted regularly, but, as old age came on, his feeble health prevented him at times from getting to the polls. He had nine children, namely: Catherine, who married (first) John W. Barker, and (second) Elijah Sharp, who died at Kreamerville: Hannah, now the widow of Michael Krape, of Clintondale, Penn. : Lydia (now Mrs. Samuel Loose), of Rebersburg: Abigail, who married Frederick Hartman, and died in Clinton county. Penn .; Cornelius, a farmer and plasterer of Bradner, Ohio; Mar- garet, the widow of Gideon Kreamer. of Brush Valley; R. D., our subject: Paulina (now Mrs. Jacob Wolheiser), of Kreamerville; and Fauette (now Mrs. David Meyer), of Miles township.

R. D. Bierly's birth occurred February 3.

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1844, in Miles township, Centre county, and he was educated in the common schools of that lo- cality, improving his opportunities so well that before he was twenty-one he taught successfully at the Gramley school. He was reared to farm · work, but, as he possessed unusual mechanical skill, he decided to learn the carpenter's trade, and after one summer at the work was as com- petent as most apprentices after a full term. For one year he was employed as a skilled workman, and then went into business on his own account, his reputation increasing with the progress of time until he holds to-day a foremost place among the workers in that line in his sec- tion. As a contractor he is noted for his hon- esty and fair dealing. and he has built many of the best residences in Centre county, including some of the most elegant homes in Millheim and Rebersburg. Other buildings which stand as ev- idences of his skill are the Lutheran churches at Millheim and Rebersburg, and the school houses there and in Coburn. Financially, he has pros- pered, and he owns two houses in Rebersburg, as well as 115 acres of timber land and forty acres of cleared land. His home in Rebersburg, built in 1897, is a model of tasteful architecture.

In 1867 Mr. Bierly was married to Miss Pauline Frank, only daughter of Samuel and Saloma (Brungart) Frank. After his marriage, Mr. Bierly made his home in Kreamerville for some time before removing to Rebersburg. Seven children have blessed his marriage: Sally, the wife of Thomas Auman, of Rebersburg; Willis F., residing at Rebersburg; Charles C., a car- penter at Rebersburg; Melvin C., who died June 10, 1882, at the age of four years ; and Curtis M., Samuel A. and Raymond S., who are at home. As a citizen, Mr. Bierly's influence is felt in every progressive movement as a helpful force. He and his wife are leading members of the Luther- an Church, in which he has held the office of deacon for many years; he is also identified with the Grange, being master for several years of Miles Grange. Politically he is a Democrat, but he is not at all bigoted, and when occasion seems to demand it he votes independently. He has never sought office, his attention being confined to other matters.

M J. DECKER, one of the leading citizens and self-made men of Potter township. Centre county, has made his home upon his present farm since November, 1802. Under his able management the land yields bountiful har- vests, and the excellent improvements seen there-

on stand as a monument to his thrift and enter- prise. He started out in life for himself with no capital save a pair of willing hands and a deter- mination to succeed, and by the exercise of per- severance, industry and economy is now the possessor of a handsome competence.

Mr. Decker was born in George's Valley, Cen- tre county, April 26, 1833, a son of Michael and Barbara (Price) Decker. , The father's birth occurred December 15, 1795, in the southern part of the State, where his father, Casper Decker, died. . When a young man, Michael Decker came to Centre county, accompanied by his mother, who lived with him for some time. Here he worked at the carpenter's and millwright's trades, or in fact anything by which he could earn . an honest dollar. In Centre county he married Barbara Price, who was born in George's Valley, May 7, 1800, a daughter of Jacob Price. In the place of her birth they spent their entire married life, and from its primitive condition the father developed a farm, but never accumulated much property. He was a Democrat in politics, and at one time served as overseer of the poor. His death occurred in March, 1880, that of his wife in August, 1871, and both were laid to rest in the Sprucetown cemetery. After her death he was again married, and by the second union had five children, of whom one died in childhood.

Michael J. Decker, the subject of this review, is the seventh in order of birth in the family of ten children born of the first marriage, namely: Mary, born December 12, 1818, wedded Nicholas Sheriff, and died in Juniata county, Penn. ; Ann, born September 9, 1821, married John Gall, and died in Ohio: Casper, born June 28, 1824, died in boyhood; Elizabeth, born March 18, 1826, is the wife of Lot Evans, of Stephenson county, Ill .; Margaret, born September 12, 1829, is the widow of John McNeal, and lives in Chicago, Ill. ; Barbara, born July 9, 1831, married Samuel Leitzel, and died in George's Valley; Michael J. : J. Thomas, born December 12. 1835, died in Flemington, Penn .; Catharine, born August 2, 1837, died February 13, 1897 (she had been a mute from the time she was two years old); and Greene V., born October 25. 1839, is a resident of Gregg township, Centre county.

In George's Valley our subject was reared to manhood, and his education was such as the dis- trict schools of the locality afforded at that early day. During the winter time he assisted his fa- ther in the sawmill at the expense of his school- ing, while his summer months were passed in farm work as soon as he was able to handle a plow or be of any service in the cultivation of the land. He remained at home until his mar-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.

riage, giving his father the benefit of his labor. On October 17, 1860, in Millheim, Centre coun- ty, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza- beth Stahl, who was born in Crawford township, Clinton Co., Penn., September 7, 1837, a daugh- ter of Jacob and Nancy (Shaw) Stahl. Her fa- ther, a farmer by occupation, was born in White Deer Valley, near New Columbia, Penn., and when a young man removed to Clinton county, where he purchased land and made his home un- til his death. Mrs. Decker was the second in a family of ten daughters, and at the age of ten years left home and lived with relatives until her marriage. Like her husband she obtained her education in the district schools. They have six children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Nannie W., October 29, 1862; Barbara E., May 3, 1866; Francis W., May 4, 1868; Anna May, May 9, 1871; James L., May 20, 1874; and Maurice J., March 19, 1885. Of these, Barbara E. is the wife of W. O. Rearick, of Centre Hall, and Anna May is the wife of Hiram Lee, of Potter township, the others being at home.

For three years and a half after his marriage, Mr. Decker lived upon his father's farm in George's Valley, and the first property he owned consisted of sixty acres in Nittany Valley, near Hublersburg, upon which he made his home un- til able to sell at an advantage. He then re- moved to Potters Mills, where for a short time he conducted a store, and on disposing of his inter- ests there he bought land in George's Valley, where he resided for some time. Subsequently he engaged in the grain business in Coburn, Cen- tre county, and was very successful along that line, continuing the same until his removal to his present farm, which at that time was not in a very flourishing condition. He has erected sev- eral new buildings upon the place, and made other valuable and useful improvements. He is the owner of two fine farms, aggregating 230 acres of rich and arable land, and his accumula- tions are but the just reward of his own untiring labors.

Mr. Decker uses his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and is at present serving as overseer of the poor. He has also held the office of school di- rector, but declined to serve a second term. Both himself and wife are faithful members of the Methodist Church, of which he was steward for several years, and is at present trustee. The family is one of prominence in the community, holding a high position in social circles, and their pleasant and hospitable home is always thrown open for the reception of their many friends.

J OHN MULHOLLAN, who was born in 1800, and died on the IIth of June, 1860, was one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Clearfield county. Carlisle wrote that " biog- raphy is the most universally pleasant and prof- itable of all studies." and in the life record of this gentleman there is certainly much of interest and of benefit. He was a self-made man, one whose energy and perseverance enabled him to pass on the highway of life many who had a more advantageous start. His labors brought to him a handsome competence, and by his well-spent life he won not only success but the high regard of all with whom he came in contact. He was a son of Rudolph and Mary M. (Werham) Mulhol- lan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Ohio, of Irish and German extraction, respect- ively. Their children were James, Rudolph, George, Mrs. Mary Schwitzer. Alfred, Nancy (who died in infancy), John, Mrs. Nancy Clark. and Mrs. Rebecca Bowers, all now deceased.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 56

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