Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 57

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 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 57

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John Mulhollan was one of the early settlers of Centre county, where he made his home dur- ing the rest of his days. In early life he en- gaged in rafting on the river, and developed an' extensive lumber trade which brought to him a handsome income. In later life he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and was thus engaged at the time of his death. His business career was characterized by great energy, well regulated and guided by sound judgment. He would brook no obstacles which could be over- come by determined purpose and honorable effort, and thus worked his way upward to pros- perity, leaving at his death a large estate. On February 20, 1851, in Union county, Penn., he was married to Miss Barbara Betlion, who was born in Perry county, Penn,, October 3, 1821, a daughter of David and Mary (Rafter) Betlion, natives of the Keystone State and of German de- scent. Both are now deceased. The father was a farmer, also a pilot on a boat that plied between Lock Haven and the ocean. In poli- tics he was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. In their family were the following children: Will- iam (deceased); Barbara; John (deceased); Mary, wife of Christian Burns; Andrew (deceased); Joanna, wife of Cornelius Kaylor, a farmer of Union county, Penn .; Louisa, widow of John Richardson, also of Union county; Montgomery (deceased); and Kate, wife of Frank Speaker, a merchant of Montandon, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Mulhollan also gave his political support to the Democratic party, and his widow is a warm advocate of the principles of that party. He was a leader in business circles, and alto-

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gether a prominent citizen of Centre county. Industrious and persevering, he made the most of his opportunities, and in all the relations of life was a man whom to know was to honor. His widow still resides on the old homestead, which is a valuable property, the land being underlaid with coal and oil. With the many womanly qualities which bring to her friends, she combines excellent executive ability, and capably looks after her property interests. Mr. and Mrs. Mul- hollan had children as follows: Elizabeth E., born October 31, 1851, died October 4, 1860; David R., born March 24, 1854, is a farmer of Burnsides township; William O., born March 23, 1856, died January 5, 1880; John A., born No- vember 16, 1857, is now in Buffalo, N. Y .; Cath- erine A., twin sister of John A., is living with her mother.

DAVID R. MULHOLLAN, the eldest son, whose home is only a short distance from that of his mother, is one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Burnside township. He was mar- ried June 4, 1873, to Miss Alice J. Flegal, of Goshen township, Clearfield county, and they have had nine children, namely: Ida (deceased), John P., Millie C., Ella V. (deceased), James R., W. O., Preston E., Bernice E. and Ernest M. They have a pleasant home, and are highly es- teemed people of the community.

The Mulhollan family is especially worthy of mention in this volume. Mrs. John Mulhollan and her children all rank among the best repre- sentatives of this section of the county, and did also Mr. Mulhollan, her deceased husband.

M ARTIN B. GARMAN. Leisure, the curse of an undisciplined intellect, is to the intel- ligent and cultured an opportunity for continued advancement. The subject of this sketch, a prominent resident of Bellefonte, is one of the favored few who, having a taste for the refine- ments of life, have also the wealth to make their ideals, in some measure, realities.

Mr. Garman is a native of Pennsylvania, hav- ing first seen the light in the "City of Brotherly Love," September 4, 1875. His father, the late MARTIN GARMAN, was born in Dauphin county, Penn., in 1820, and in early manhood went west, engaging, when he was about twenty-one, in the management of a trading boat on the Mississippi river. He continued the business for many years, but at the approach of the Civil war his trips up and down the stream were interfered with, and life itself became unsafe. Suspending his oper- ations, he returned to his native State, and after looking about for a suitable business opening he

decided to locate in Philadelphia, where he pur- chased the old .. Blue Anchor Inn," famous as the hostelry where William Penn first stopped when he came to America. This investment proved extremely profitable, a handsome fortune being realized under the wise management of the new owner. Mr. Garman was a member of the Epis- copal Church, and in politics adhered to Dem- ocratic principles. His death occurred in 1891. Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Lydia Scott, passed from earth in 1879 at the age of thirty. She was a native of Philadelphia and a daughter of William Scott, who was for many years the manager of the Asylum for the Blind at that city. Being blind himself, he un- derstood the peculiar difficulties under which his charges labored, and had overcome them as to be able to do most artistic work in various lines, specimens being now preserved among his rela- tives as precious souvenirs. He lived to the age of eighty years. Of his three daughters -- Mrs. William Wood, Mrs. Garman and Mrs. Roach -- the eldest and the youngest reside in Philadel- phia.

Martin B. Garman was the only child of his parents. His youth was spent in his native city, his education being obtained there. After com- pleting his studies with a course in LaSalle Busi- ness College, he settled at the beautiful little city of Bellefonte, the ample income from his father's estate enabling him to make his home wherever he chose, and to secure the books, the compan- ionships, the artistic surroundings which were most congenial. He is a genial host, and his residence is a center of social life. On January 16, 1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Grace Lukinbach, a native of Indianapolis, Ind .. born in November, 1875, who was reared in Bellefonte and graduated from the high school there. Mr. Garman takes keen interest in the various questions of the day, and in political faith is a Democrat.

J TOHN M. WAGNER was for many years a prominent citizen of Centre county, and a leading representative of its business interests. His thoroughly American spirit, his resolute pur- pose and unfaltering industry, enabled him to rist from a lowly position to one of affluence. He was connected with the milling interests of the county. and his name was a synonym for honorable bust- ness dealing. The record of such a man fur- nishes its lessons of incentive and inspiration, and his life is one worthy of emulation.

Mr. Wagner was born in Lebanon county. Penn., August 31, 1823, and died in Centi

Ji Beers & Co Cheats

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county, May 23, 1892. His parents were David and Catherine (Maulfair) Wagner, natives of Lebanon county, where they spent their entire lives, the father following the occupation of farming. Their family included the following named: Mrs. Mary Siegler (a widow), of Goshen, Ind .; Elizabeth, deceased; Jacob, David and John M., who have passed away; Henry, a farmer of Lebanon county; Sarah, wife of Charles Fritz, of the same county; Amanda, who is mar- ried and living in the West; Fannie, wife of Ste- phen Bolts, of Annville, Penn .; Gideon, of Leb- anon county; Daniel, of Dauphin county, Penn .; and Joseph, of Lebanon county.

John M. Wagner spent his childhood in his parents' home, and acquired a fair education in the public schools. He came to Centre county in 1848, locating in Bellefonte, where he worked for his brother for several years. He then turned his attention to farming, and later rented the mill known as the Wagner & Thomas Mill at Bellefonte. He afterward became proprietor of the Central City Rolling Mill at Central City, erecting the same in 1875. It was supplied with all the latest improved machinery and most im- proved processes for manufacturing flour, and was successfully operated by Mr. Wagner until his death. It was one of the leading industrial concerns of the county, and the capable manage- ment, well-directed effort, honorable dealing and business ability of the owner brought to him a large patronage. He was thoroughly reliable at all times, and his extensive business yielded him a handsome income.

On January 2, 1849, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage with Susanna Hahn, who was born in Clinton county, Penn., February 1, 1824, a daughter of John and Sarah (Shrack) Hahn, also natives of Clinton county, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and also followed the occupation of farming. He was a member of the Reformed Church, and in politics was a Democrat. His death occurred in 1847, when he had reached the age of sixty-six years, and his wife died in 1837. at the age of forty years. They were the par- ents of seven children namely: Elizabeth, widow of David Stover, of Clinton county; Kath- erine, widow of T. Bailey, of Centre county; Mrs. Susanna Wagner; Sarah, widow of Samuel Get- tich, of Centre county; Mary, deceased wife of John Fenstermaker, of Lycoming county, Penn. : John, of Ohio; and David, of Clinton county.

Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are the parents of ten children -- three sons and seven daughters-as follows: William, proprietor of the old roller mill in Central City; Frank, deceased; Mary,

wife of Frank Weaver, of State College, Penn .; Sarah, wife of John Keichline, of Bellefonte; John C., a general farmer of Centre county; Jen- nie, wife of Peter Keichline, of Bellefonte; Allie, wife of James Weaver, of Milesburg, Centre county; Annie, deceased wife of James Williams, of Bellefonte; Carrie, wife of Louis Wallace, of Milesburg; and Ella, at home.

In connection with his milling operations, Mr. Wagner carried on farming. Improving his opportunities, he worked his way steadily up- ward, and became the possessor of a handsome estate, which he left to his family. In 1871 he erected a beautiful brick residence, two stories and a half in height, and surrounded the home with inany excellent improvements, which added both to its value and attractive appearance. He was deeply interested in the welfare and progress of town and county, and gave a liberal support to measures calculated to prove of public bene- fit. His death was deeply regretted, and caused the loss to Centre county of one of its valued citizens. Mrs. Wagner and her daughter, Miss Ella, occupy the home place, extending its cor- dial hospitality to their many friends.

J ESSE D. REARICK (deceased) in his life- time was a representative agriculturist of Centre county, his farm being finely located in Union township, where he maintained his place among the progressive and intelligent citi- zens around him.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Rearick was born in Union county, August 5, 1830, a son of George and Mary C. (Steme) Rearick, who were also natives of that county, the former born in July, 1796, and the latter on October 13, 1805. In 1840 the family removed to Clinton county. Penn., but two years later came to Centre coun- ty, where the mother passed away February 7, 1869, and the father on April 15, 1876. He was a shoemaker by trade, but also engaged in farm- ing. His political support was given the Re- publican party, and both himself and wife were consistent members of the Reformed Church. The paternal grandparents of our subject, John and Maria Rearick, were natives of Germany, and on coming to America first located in New Jersey, but later removed to Union county, Penn., where the grandfather engaged in black- smithing until his death; there his wife also de- parted this life. The maternal grandparents, David and Catharine Steme, both died in Clinton county, where the grandfather had followed the tailor's trade for many years.

Jesse D. Rearick was the third in order of

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birth in the family of six children, the others be- ing: William B., born September 20, 1824, died in September, 1891. David, born January 25, 1826, died in October, 1867. Mary, born January 6, 1833, wedded John Sheckler, now of Boggs township, Centre county, and died Janu- ary 9, 1874. Rachel, born September 29, 1843, died in April, 1844. Hannah, born November 22, 1844, married Daniel B. Malone, of Beach Creek, Penn., and died March 9, 1895. When our subject was about sixteen years of age light- ning struck the team which his father was driving and so injured him that he was unable to per- form any manual labor, while for seven years before his death he was totally disabled. Jesse D. therefore remained at home, taking care of his parents and managing the home farm until he was twenty-eight years of age. He was indebted to the common schools for his educational privi- leges.

On January 30. 1858, Mr. Rearick was mar- ried to Miss Leah Hassenplug, and they became the parents of five children: George, born Oc- tober 24, 1858, is at home; Mary C., born Feb- ruary 10, 1861, is also at home; Hannah M., born January 11, 1863, is the wife of Calvin Lu- cas, a farmer of Centre county; John A. C., born January 12, 1865, is also a farmer of Centre county; and Ella B., born August 2, 1867, died December 26, 1871.

Mrs. Rearick was born September 23, 1828, in Union county, where her parents, Henry and Catherine (Stem) Hassenplug, spent their entire lives. The father was a saddler by trade, but spent his later life in farming. He died in 1861, at the age of sixty-two years, and her mother passed away in 1831, at the age of thirty; they were members of the Lutheran Church. In their family were the following children: Amelia, de- ceased wife of Reuben Spotts; Charles, a farmer of Ohio; Mary, who died at the age of eighteen years; Susanna, wife of Edward Hendricks, of Union county, Penn. ; Israel, a miller and farmer of the same county; Leali, wife of our subject; and Zacharins, deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Hassenplug wedded Miss Mollie Frock, by whom he had five children: Matilda, wife of John Cline, of Mifflin county, Penn .; Henry E., a farmer of Indiana; Sarah J., deceased; Samuel F., of Tyrone, Penn. ; and Jane, wife of Isaac Shirk, a tanner of Tyrone. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Rearick, John and Rebecca Hassenplug, were natives of Germany, and after coming to the United States spent the remainder of their lives in Union county, Pennsylvania.

For several years after his marriage, Mr. Rearick engaged in teaming, and then rented a

farm near Milesburg, in Boggs township, Centre county for two years. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Union service, becoming a mem- ber of the 200th P. V. I., which was organized at Harrisburg, September 1, 1864. He served under Capt. Franklin K. Hoffman, First Lieut. Thomas C. Crawford, and Second Lieut. Joseph Miles, and participated in the battles of Fort Steadman and Petersburg, as well as in various skirmishes. He was several times slightly wounded during the nine months he was in the service, and while on the Warrenton raid in North Carolina was wounded in the head, which caused the loss of his left eye. He was then hon- orably discharged and returned home. Subse- quently for five years he was engaged in the man- ufacture of galvanized iron at the Milesburg Iron Works, and then purchased his late farm, a valu- able tract of 187 acres, which he brought under a high state of cultivation, and well improved.

Mr. Rearick passed from earth March 12. 1897. He was an ardent Republican in politics. a member of the Lutheran Church, and of the Grand Army Post No. 262, of Milesburg .. In his home he was ever an indulgent father, kind and devoted husband, and his genuine worth and many manly virtues were and still are widely recognized. His wife, who is noted for her excellent cooking, proved a most faithful helpmeet to him, and with him shared in the respect and es- teem of all who knew them. He valiantly went forth in the defense of his country during her hour of peril, and in times of peace manifested the same loyalty that characterized his army career. For the injury sustained in the service he received a pension.

G EORGE P. REARICK (deceased), who in his lifetime was one of the systematic, progress- ive and intelligent farmers of Gregg township. spent his entire life in Centre county, and was prominently identified with its agricultural in- terests. He was born in Potter township, near Potters Mills, March 8, 1830, and is a son ot Philip Rearick, a native of Pennsylvania, whose father was born in Germany.

Philip Rearick came to Centre county, and for some years was employed as a teamster by Mr. Potter, at Potters Mills. He married Miss Jane Feath, daughter of james Feath, a native of Ireland, and a tailor by trade. Mrs. Rearick also worked at the tailor's trade, and after her marriage made the clothing for her family. Mr. Rearick died when our subject was only eight years of age, and was buried at Centre Hill. During the later years of his life he followed

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farming, and he left his family in comfortable circumstances. While teaming he hauled goods and grain to Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pitts- burg, two weeks often being required in making the trip. In the family were five children: Mary, wife of David Hoover, who resides near Belle- fonte; George P .; William F., of Gregg township; O. P., of Webster county, Mo .; and Margaret, who was born after the father's death, and is now the widow of Jonathan Royer, of Bellefonte. For a few years the family lived in Gregg township, and then removed to The Loop in Potter township. For some years the mother resided with our sub- ject, but died at the home of her youngest daughter, at the age of sventy-seven years, and was buried at Centre Hill.

George P. Rearick began his education in Colyer, and his advantages were only such as the common schools afforded. He was the eldest son of a widowed mother, and much of the sup- port of the family devolved upon him. During his early boyhood he began working for his board and clothing, and when he was first given money for his services he received only $2 per month. When working for $3 .per month he gave his earnings to help his mother buy a cow. Until he had attained his majority his wages went to- ward the support of the family, and most of the time he received $10 per month. He began farming on his own account in Gregg township, in what was known as the George Woods farm, and his live stock consisted of a few head of cat- tle, about fifteen sheep and two horses. He had gone in debt for these; but his economy and in- dustry enabled him soon to pay off all indebted- ness. In this humble manner he got his start in life. After a year he rented the Peter Wilson farm, which he operated nine years, and in 1864 purchased a farm in George's Valley, thus be- coming owner of 205 acres, for which he paid $10,000. He lived there until the spring of 1888, and during that time inade many excellent improvements, erecting good buildings and transforming the land into richly cultivated fields. In the spring of 1888 he removed to his late home, whereon he built an 'excellent house and barns.

Mr. Rearick was married December 5, 1861, in Potter township, to Miss Mary Heney, who was born April 24, 1841, a daughter of David and Mary A. (Rishel) Heney. The paternal grandfather was Adam Heney, and the maternal grandfather was George Rishel. Mrs. Rearick was the sixth child and fourth daughter in a fam- ily of seven children. Her educational privileges were limited in early life, but she made the most of her opportunities, pursued her studies in

Aaronsburg, and when about eighteen years of age entered school in New Berlin, Penn. Subse- quently she engaged in teaching for one term. Mrs. Rearick has had seven children: William O. born September 27, 1862, is engaged in deal- ing in agricultural implements in Centre Hall, Centre county; Ida V., born December 12, 1863, is the wife of Isaac Y. Moyer, of Cleveland, Ohio; Ora Jane, born October 4, 1865, died March 12, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio, where she had been attending school, after a few days' ill- ness from fever and heart trouble, and was buried in Centre county; David H., born October 14, 1867, is living in Farmers Mills, Penn .; Mollie, born December 11, 1869, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Isaac Moyer, in Cleveland, Ohio, June 20, 1895. after a brief illness from cerebro- spinal menengitis, and was buried in Centre Hill cemetery (a tribute of respect, and condolence for her untimely removal from the field of her labors was passed by local members of the For- eign Missionary Society of the Sinking Creek Presbyterian Church); Calvin A., born Decem- ber 10, 1871, died at the age of thirteen years; Maggie R., born January 21, 1874, died at the age of six years; John E., born Aug- ust 21, 1876, Jesse P., born October 14, 1878, George Leroy, born March 16, 1881, and Savilla B., born April 24, 1884, are at home. Mrs. Rearick is a member of the Sinking Creek Presbyterian Church, and is highly esteemed in the community.

Mr. Rearick died at his residence on the farm February 19, 1897, at the age of sixty-six years, eleven months and eleven days. His illness was of about four months' duration, and the cause of his death was an ulceration or catarrh of the stomach, and he suffered much, but bore it all bravely. He was able to be about, and it was only about ten or twelve days before his death that he was compelled to take to his bed. Con- sciousness did not desert him until near the end, and his death was calm and peaceful. He was buried in the cemetery at Centre Hill. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, having united with that body some forty years ago. For about fifteen years he was an elder in the Church, and always contributed liberally to its maintenance. Resolutions of respect and con- dolence were unanimously adopted by the Session of the Sinking Creek Presbyterian Church, of which he was senior member.

In politics Mr. Rearick was a stanch Repub- lican, but steadily refused to become a candidate for office, though frequently urged to do so. He was a warm friend of education and all interests which tend to uplift mankind and advance the

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welfare of the community. His success in farm- ing was the result of his own well-directed ef- forts, and he may truly be called a self-made man.

D ANIEL BRUNGART (deceased) waș member of one of the oldest families of Brush Valley, their settlement dating back a full century. The family originated in Germany, where our subject's great-grandfather was born. Martin Brungart, the grandfather of our subject, was the first to settle in Centre county, Penn., having left his former home in the neighborhood of Hanover, York county, Penn., in 1798 to locate in the east end of Brush Valley, where he died, his remains being laid to rest in the old graveyard at Rebersburg. He had a large family of children, namely: Martin, Jacob, Johan George, John and several daughters, two of whom remained in York county.

Johan George Brungart (commonly known as George), our subject's father, was born July 20, 1788, in Manheim. York county, and was but a lad when his parents removed to Centre county. He was married April 9, 1811, to Salome Kahl, who was born January 14, 1787, at Heidelberg, Berks county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Kahl. Seven children were born of this union, the names with dates of birth being as follows: Catharine, January 20, 1812, mar- ried Jacob Erhard, and died in Miles township, Centre county; Jacob, January 9, 1814, died in Rebersburg; Johannes, March 9, 1817, died in January, 1825; Susan, March 10, 1819, married Jeremiah Haines, and is deceased; George, Feb- ruary 4, 1821, lives at Rebersburg; Daniel, July 4, 1823, is the subject of this sketch; Sarah, April 22, 1825, married Samuel Frank; and Mar- garet, March 15, 1827, married John Hosterman, and died in Miles township.

George Brungart was a farmer, also an ex- tensive land owner, and was one of the substan- tial citizens of his time. In 1820 he built on his farm a tannery, which was superintended by Ja- cob Steffy, also from York county, and the leather he took to Philadelphia by team, bring- ing back goods for the merchants, the trip occu- pying three weeks. He never learned the trade, but was a most skilled mechanic, and spent most of his time in a shop on his farm, where he made tools and instruments of various kinds. He made a plow which was an improvement over the clumsy ones then in use, and which became well known. It was the one alluded to in the old saying common in Brush Valley, that " no man was much unless he owned a long-barrelled shot-

gun, a red wamus, and a Brungart plow." He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he held an influen- tial place. Tall and slender in person, he pos- sessed much vitality, and lived to see his ninetieth year, dying December 21, 1877. - His wife died some years previously, being over seventy years of age, and both were buried at Rebersburg.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 57

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