Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 65

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 65
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 65
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 65
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 65

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Mr. and Mrs. Lucas became the parents of nine children-five sons and four daughters: Edward, who is living in Pleasant Gap. Centre county: Elizabeth, wife of William Johnson, of Snow Shoe: Hannah, deceased wife of William Rogers, of Tyrone: William E., Mary, Charles S .. James S., Franklin M. and Maggie, all at home. The mother of this family died April 2, 1895, and her taking off was deeply mourned by many friends as well as her immediate family.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Lucas has served as school director for the past five years, and takes a deep and com- mendable interest in education, as well as all things calculated to upbuild the community and promote the general welfare. In politics he is a Democrat. Religiously he is connected with the United Brethren Church, and is serving as. trus- tee in the congregation in which he holds mem- bership. He belongs to one of the oldest famn- ilies of the county, and his own identification therewith covers a period of almost two-thirds of a century. He has not only been a witness of much of the growth and development of the county, but has ever borne his part in the work of improvement, and is numbered among the worthy and valued citizens of his section.

ENRY C. WARFEL, of Philipsburg, Cen- tre county. Among the only series of medals of honor granted by Congress for hero- ism during the Civil war is one inscribed: "The Congress to Private Henry C. Warfel, Company A, First Pa. Cavalry." The deed of valor thus commemorated was in truth worthy of such dis- tinguished notice, being the capture of the colors of a Virginia regiment at the battle of Paines Cross Roads, April 5, 1865. Private Warfel's military record is one in which any American would take pride, and the medal and the docu- ments relating to his soldierly achievements are cherished possessions.

The opening of the Civil war found Mr. War- fel a boy of sixteen, an apprentice in a tin- ner's shop at Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., Penn., and notwithstanding his youth his heart was fired with patriotic ardor, and he longed to do battle in the defense of the Union. As the out- look grew darker, and it was seen that the strug- gle would be longer and more deadly than was at first anticipated, he prepared to go, and in August, 1862, enlisted in response to the call for men for nine months' service, joining Company I. 125th P. V. I. His regiment was assigned to McClel- lan's forces, and the time was mainly spent in Maryland. His first term of enlistment was sig- nalized by the fierce engagements at Antietam and Chancellorsville; but nothing daunted by this baptism of fire he re-enlisted, in 1863, in the 195th P. V. I., and was immediately transferred to Company A, Ist P. V. C. He served until the close of the war, participating in all the movements of his regiment, including the cam- paign before Petersburg, and was at Appomat- tox at the time of Lee's surrender, also marched in the Grand Review at Washington. After re- ceiving his discharge on May 27, 1865, he re-

turned to his work as an apprentice, and when his trade was learned was employed by a rail- road company for about two years. A trip to Illinois occupied six months, and in February, 1869, he went to Philipsburg, where he has ever since followed his trade, and has established him- self in business as a tinner and plumber. On May, 15, 1892, he was commissioned postmaster at Philipsburg, by President Harrison, and served four years with ability and credit. A steadfast Republican, he wields some influence in the councils of the party in his locality, and he has also been active in affairs in his borough, serving as Burgess for four years. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian.

Mr. Warfel was married in Philipsburg, in 1874, to Miss Sarah A. Du Bree, a native of Bucks county, Penn., born in 1851. Three chil- dren have brightened their home, of whom the eldest, Emma D., is the only survivor. (2) Juni- ata F. died in 1889 at the age of eight and one-half years. (3) D. DuBree lived to the age of only three years and two months.

The early life of our subject was spent in Huntingdon county. Penn., where he was born September 14. 1844, and he was educated in the schools of Mill Creek district, His family has been long established in Huntingdon county, his grandfather, George Warfel, having settled there in early manhood. He was of German descent, but was a native of this State. He had a nu- merous family of children, our subject's father being the eldest, but the names of all are not now recalled. John died at Frankstown, Blair coun- ty; Philip is living in the West, probably in Iowa: Margaret married Jacob Baker, of Alexandria, Penn .; and Sarah (deceased) was the wife of Jacob Walters, of Huntingdon county.

Adam Warfel, the father of our subject, was born in Huntingdon county in 1813, and passed his life there, his death occurring in 1880. By occupation he was a blacksmith, and he was a highly respected citizen, a member of the Bap- tist Church, and an influential worker in the Re- publican party. In 1863 he was elected county commissioner. His wife, Barbara Foster, was born in Bedford county, Penn., in ISzo, andis now living near Huntingdon, Penn. Of their children, eight lived to adult age, viz. : (1) Nancy is the widow of Simon Bales, of Huntingdon county; (2) George is a blacksmith in that coun- ty; (3) Henry Clay is our subject: (4) James is a clerk and bookkeeper in Pittsburg; (5) Elias H. W. is a tinner in the same city; (6) William is a blacksmith at Pittsburg: (7) John is a machin- ist in Philadelphia; and (8) Juniata is the wife of H. H. Pensyl, of Altoona.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

D ANIEL PONTIUS IRWIN is an enterprising merchant of Julian, Centre county, whose systematic methods, executive ability and sound judgment, combined with energy and industry, have made him one of the substantial citizens of Huston township. He is a native of Pennsyl- vania, born in Union county, December 10, 1818, and for many years he has been identified with the commercial interests of Centre county.

John Irwin, father of our subject, was also born in this State. of English parentage, his father coming to this country from England be- fore the Revolutionary war, in which struggle he aided the Colonies, and died from the effects of wounds received. In Union county, Penn., John Irwin married Catherine Pontius, also a native of Pennsylvania, a daughter of Andrew and Dorothy Pontius, who spent their entire lives in Union county. Her paternal grandpar- ents were of German birth, and were among the earliest settlers of that county. In 1835, Mr. and Mrs. Irwin came to Centre county, where he engaged in farming until 1850, when they mi- grated to Fayette county, Iowa, he carrying on agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred in 1864, when he was aged eighty-one years. The mother died at West Union, Fay- ette county, in 1867, at the age of seventy-one. Their six children were as follows: Andrew, a farmer, who died in Centre county, Penn. ; James, a farmer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he died; John, a deceased farmer of Iowa; Dan- iel P., subject of this sketch; Rachel, deceased wife of Hon. P. F. Sturgis, a banker of Iowa, who represented his district in the Legislature; and Louis, who died in Iowa.

The boyhood of our subject was spent in Union county, he attending the public schools and assisting in the labors of the farm until six- teen years of age, when he began serving an ap- prenticeship to the carpenter's trade, which busi- ness he followed for five years. He next en- gaged in clerking in a mercantile establishment in Bellefonte, Penn., where he remained for sev- eral years, and later was in partnership with John B. Awl in the same business. Subsequently he was bookkeeper for the Washington Iron Co. for a few years, and then again clerked in a store at Bellefonte. Still later he engaged in mercan- tile pursuits at Milesburg, Penn., until 1860, when he went to West Union, Iowa, where for three years he served as bookkeeper. In 1863 he located at. Julian, Penn., becoming railroad station agent and conducting a general store, in partner- ship with T. E. Griest, which connection con- tinued for two years. He then purchased his partner's interest, at the same time giving up the

station, and has since successfully conducted his store alone.

On February 8, 1859, Mr. Irwin was united in marriage with Miss Eliza G. Underwood, and nine children blessed their union: John, born January 4, 1860, died January 12, 1861; Clara M., born May 2, 1862, died July 29, 1862; William U., born July 9, 1863, is a prominent physician of Julian; Edwin P., born October 28, 1865, is a hardware merchant of Tyrone, Penn .; Louis C., born August 9, 1869, is engaged in the same business in Bellefonte; Catharine Alvina, born April 17, 1872, is at home; James B., born April 9, 1875, died September 25, 1882; and Alfred T., born December 23, 1877, and Charles A., born December 1, 1880, are both at home.

Mrs. Irwin was born in Milesburg, Penn., Oc- tober 28, 1839, and is the third child in the family of Dr. William and Alvina (Griest) Under- wood, the others being as follows: Amanda, de- ceased wife of Benjamin Rich, also deceased; Phoebe J., deceased wife of Leander Griest; Joseph, deceased; Newton, a lumber merchant of Elizabeth City, N. C .: and Hannah Alvina, de- ceased wife of John G. Greenleaf, of Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. William Underwood was born in York county, Penn., October 7, 1811, and during his mature years engaged in the practice of medicine at Unionville, Penn. He was also an extensive lumber merchant, and built the plank roads from Unionville to Tyrone, and from Julian over the mountains to Beaver Mills, at a cost of $50,000. He was one of the prominent and representative business men of this section, was largely inter- ested in the milling company at Beaver Mills, and was the first president of the Bald Eagle Valley railroad. For many years he was a preacher in the Society of Friends. In Adams county, Penn., Dr. Underwood married Alvina Griest, a native of that county, born 7th mo. 15th, 1812, died - 3d mo. 31st, 1853, and he later married her sister, Lorana Griest, who was born in the same county. in 1826. One daugh- ter was born to theni: Ida. wife of Emmerson Bosworth, a railroad man of Buffalo, New York.

Politically, Mr. Irwin affiliates with the Dem- ocratic party, and for three years he served as postinaster at Julian, while for six years he was a member of the school board. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian; socially he has for many years been a member of the I. O. O. F. He is liberal in his support of every worthy enter- prise for the good of the community, is public- spirited and progressive, and has the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

Daniel Imoi

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

R OBERT BEERLY. In past ages the his- tory of a country was the record of wars and conquests; to-day it is the record of com- mercial activity, and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. Our subject is unquestionably one of the strongest and most influential business men of Centre county-the proprietor of a large wagon factory at Central City-and the place which he occupies in business circles is in the front rank.

Mr. Beerly was born December 21, 1837, in Clinton county, Penn., and traces his ancestry to Nicholas Beerly, a German astrologer. The latter's son, Nicholas, was born in Pennsylvania, and wedded Lucy A. Buchtel, also a native of this State. Both died at Rebersburg. Their son Peter, the father of our subject, was born in Centre county. He married Sarah Karstetter, a native of Clinton county, and a daughter of Ru- dolph Karstetter, who died in that county." To this worthy couple were born children as follows: Robert, subject of this sketch; Rebecca, widow of David Watson, of Boggs township; Masulam, who died in the army in 1863; Nathaniel, a mer- chant and justice of the peace of Central City; Tartonlius, deceased; Agnes, wife of Byron Tay- lor, of Boggs township; Lemuel, of Boggs town- ship; and Newton, who died in childhood. The death of both parents occurred in Boggs town- ship, the father dying in 1868, at the age of fifty-four years; the mother in 1889, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a wagon manu- facturer by trade, working at the same in Clinton county until 1847, when he located in Centre county, and in 1860 became a resident of Boggs township, where he carried on wagon making and repairing until his death. His political sup- port was given the Republican party.

As a life work Mr. Beerly chose the occupa- tion of wagon-making, which trade he learned under his father's able directions, and in the dis- trict schools he obtained his literary education, which was somewhat meagre, he being the oldest son, and obliged to assist in the support of the family. He continued with his father until his marriage, when he removed to Milesburg, where, for five years, he worked for Jonathan Bullock, and then returned to Boggs township, and here, for twenty-one years, carried on oper- ations at his father's old plant. In 1890, how- ever, he erected his present steam factory, which he has since successfully operated with the assist- ance of his two sons, Albert and Ellis, and enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. He lias thie most complete wagon factory in the county, and for the past nineteen years has also engaged in the manufacture of cider. Tireless energy, keen

perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devis- ing and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resistless will power, are the chief character- istics of the man, and have been the important factors in his success.

In 1861, Mr. Beerly was united in marriage with Miss Hannah J. Worts, and to them were born three sons and two daughters, as follows: Roland, who died in childhood; Laura, who died at the age of thirty years; Albert, associated with his father in business; Cora, who died when young; and Ellis, also with his father. Mrs. Beerly was born in Centre county, July 20, 1835, and is one of the thirteen children of Jacob and Annie (Hanser) Worts, also natives of Centre county. In order of birth the children are as. follows: Barbara married J. Moore, and both are now deceased; John is also deceased; Eliza is the wife of J. MicGonigle: Jacob is deceased; Samuel lives in Houserville, Centre county; Mattie; George; Joe; Philip, also of Houserville; Catherine is deceased; Mary is the wife of Will- iam Gross, of -Centre county; Abraham is a farmer of Perry county, Penn. ; and Hannah J. is the wife of our subject. The father was a prom- inent farmer of Centre county, and a stalwart Republican in politics.

Since 1864, Mr. Beerly has lived at his pres- ent home, and has been elected to several town- ship offices, but has declined to accept the same, as political distinction has no attraction for him. Until the past nine years he was a Republican, but he now affiliates with the Prohibition party. His religious views are those of the Presbyterian Church, but at present he is connected with no Church organization. A man of fine musical talent, he has won several prizes at musical contests, and is a prominent member of a band and an excellent orchestra. He is one of the representative citizens of the community, held in the highest regard by all who know him

TSAAC BECK. Prominent among the repre- sentative citizens and respected men of Half Moon township, Centre county, is found the subject of this biographical notice, who has a valuable farm of 160 acres. This is well in- proved and highly cultivated, and shows conclu- sively that the owner has not mistaken his calling in adopting agriculture.

Mr. Beck was born in Half Moon township. October 8. 1835, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cryder) Beck, who are now deceased, the former having died in 1883, the latter in 1884. and were laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery,

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in Half Moon township. They were of German descent, born near the city of Warriors Mark, Huntingdon Co., Penn., and were the parents of seven children. Our subject is indebted to the public schools of Centre county for his educa- tional privileges, and upon the home farm be- came familiar with agricultural pursuits, which he decided to make his life work.

On October 21, 1859, Mr. Beck married Miss Barbara Rider, a daughter of Michael and Barbara Rider, of Gatesburg, Penn. Her father was born in Dauphin county, this State, Febru- ary 18, 1797, and died January 30, 1881, while her mother was born November 15, 1799, in Lebanon county, Penn., and departed this life March 9. 1874. In their family were twelve children, namely: Mary, born August 2, 1817, died August 22, 1869; Catharine was born Janu- ary 29, 1821; Elizabeth, born December 21, 1822, died May 8, 1883; Lydia, born December 25, 1824, died September 11, 1890; Sarah A., born December 13, 1826, died November 23, 1890; Jacob K., born February 15, 1829, makes his home in Gatesburg, Centre county; Michael C., born March 14, 1832, lives in Nebraska; Nancy, born August 13, 1834, is the wife of Samuel Musser, of Fairbrook, Centre county; John G., born May 15; 1836, is a resident of Gatesburg; Barbara, born April 22, 1838, is the honored wife of our subject; Mathias, born April 28, 1840, also makes his home at Gatesburg; and Ellen, born April 25, 1843, is the wife of William Hastings, of the same place.

Four children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Beck, as follows: (1) Elmer E., born September 3, 1861, was married January 8, 1891, to Alice Whippo, by whom he has three children, and is now serving as superintendent of the farm in connection with the Huntingdon Reformatory, of Huntingdon county, Penn. : (2) Mary E., born October 1, 1863, was married June 27, 1889, to J. L. Corle, a clerk in the postal service, and they have twochildren: Sa- lome and Barbara E. (3) William F., born January 18, 1866, married Sarah Campbell, daughter of Cornelius Campbell, of Altoona, Blair Co., Penn .; (4) Daniel J., born June 4, 1869, is still at home with his parents.

Mr. Beck has been an ardent Republican in politics from the time he voted for Lincoln in 1861, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party; since the organization of the Grange in his community he has been identified with that movement; in religious faith he is an active and faithful member of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the most popular citizens of Half Moon township, thoroughly honest, upright and reli-

able, and is highly honored and respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. In his beautiful home hospitality abounds, the fam- ily delighting to entertain their many friends.

R B. BOOB, a leading blacksmith of Aarons- burg, was born December 13, 1845, in Hartley township, Union Co., Penn., and is a son of Adam and Susannah (Adams) Boob, the former born in the same county July 14, 1815. and the latter in Dauphin county, this State, April 26, 1821. The paternal grandfather was Michael Boob, while the mother's father was Samuel Adams.

Adam Boob was reared amid humble sur- roundings in the county of his nativity, as his parents were in limited circumstances, and after his marriage located upon a small tract of land near Laurelton, Union county, where he worked at the mason's trade and later engaged in farm- ing. He is now the owner of a small farm in that county, where he still makes his home, and is well preserved for one of his years. His po- litical support is ever given men and measures of the Democratic party, and in religion he is a German Baptist. His faithful wife was called to her final rest in the spring of 1895.

In their family were the following children: Hannah, born August 24, 1838, is the wife of John Pick, of Union county; Levi, born April 3. 1840, lost his arm in the Union service while a member of Company A, 148th P. V. I., and died in Union county from accidental shooting while bear hunting; William, born February 13. 1842, was also a member of Company A, 148th P. V. I .. was wounded and died in a Rebel prison; Na- thaniel, born October 24, 1843, was a member of the same company, and is now a resident of Union county; R. B., of this sketch, is next in order of birth; Ellen, born July 16, 1847, is the wife of Joseph Hartley, of Union county: Sarah, born December 17, 1851, married William Beck, and died in Shingletown, Penn .: Frank, born November 21, 1854. is a farmer of Union coun- ty; Amanda, born November 13. 1857. is the wife of Joseph Smith, of Juniata county, Penn. ; and Maria, born July 6, 1861. is the wife of John Frederick, of Union county.

The educational privileges of our subject were rather limited, and the schools which he attended were much inferior to those of the pres- ent day. Until eighteen years of age he re- mained upon the home farm, assisting in its de- velopment and cultivation, and then began learn- ing the blacksmith's trade at Mifflinburg, Penn .. in the shop of Miller, Diehl & Co., his compen-

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sation to be $60 for two years, but for the eight- een months he was with them only received $30. The following eight months he worked for Isaac Sellers, of the same place, and then formed a partnership with Perry Catherman, but after conducting a shop in Mifflinburg for a few months the connection was discontinued, our subject being alone for a short time. Coming to Centre county, he opened a smithy in the country near Hartleton, but a year later located in Aaronsburg, buying out the business of John C. Stover in March, 1871. He has greatly en- larged his shop, adding coachmaking to the reg- ular blacksmith business, and has built up a fine trade, which his skillful work justly merits.

In Mifflinburg, September 19. 1867, Mr. Boob was married to Miss Sarah Sheary, who was born in East Buffalo township, Union coun- ty, September 5, 1844, a daughter of George E. and Leah ( Young) Sheary. Three children have come to bless their union: William W .. born June 15, 1868, is a carriage hardware jobber of Centre Hall, Penn., and a wide-awake, energetic young business man; Lewis E., born December 24, 1874, is also a promising young man, pos- sessing excellent musical talent; George C., born October 25, 1881, completes the family.

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Boob had not a dollar with which to begin housekeeping, and went in debt for his home, which cost $2, 300; but being an honest, hard-working man, he soon paid off the indebtedness and has secured a com- fortable competence, all through his own unaided exertions. Originally he was a Democrat in politics, but since 1892 has supported the Prohi- bition party, as it embodies his views on the tem- perance question. He is now serving his second term as water works trustee, and is a valued and efficient member of the school board. Since 1863 his wife has been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, while he is a Methodist in religious belief. They have made many friends since coming to Aaronsburg, and by all who know them are held in the highest regard.

H ENRY CLAY HOLTER, a veteran of the Civil war, and a prominent resident of of Howard borough, Centre county, is a descend- ant of three well-known pioncer families. On the paternal side, his grandfather, Jacob Holter, Sr., who was born in Maryland in 1776, came to Cen- tre county in 1800, and opened a blacksmith shop in Howard township, where he later en- gaged in farming. He died at the age of eighty- six years. His first wife, who was a Miss Miller, died leaving two children, and he afterward mar-

ried Miss Catherine Neff, a native of the Bald Eagle Valley, who died at the age of eighty-five years.

By this last union there were eleven children, among whom was a son, Jacob, Jr., the father of our subject, who was born January 19, 1819, and lived in Howard township until recent years, having now retired to Liberty township, in the same county. In his more active days he was a successful agriculturist, and also took an influen- tial part in local affairs and in the Republican party, serving as school director, overseer of the poor and supervisor. He married Miss Cath- erine Pletcher, a native of Howard township, and a daughter of Henry and Magdalena (Schenck) Pletcher, who were born, reared and married in Lancaster county, Penn .. but located in 1796 upon a farm in Howard township and made their permanent home. Mrs. Catherine Holter died at the old homestead September 9, 1889, aged seventy-four years, six months and eighteen days. She was a devout Christian, and for forty-nine years had been a member of the Mennonite Church, to which her husband has belonged for about fifty years.

To Jacob Holter, Jr., and his wife, Catherine (Pletcher), were born children as follows: (1); Joseph L., a resident of Howard, married Mar- tha Kaup, and has one child-Anna J. (2) Henry C. is our subject; (3) Michael P., a car- penter at Howard, married Susan B. Schenck, and seven children were born to them-Minnie M., Lydia J. (Mrs. Pletcher), Charles E., Albert L .. James A., Samuel B., and Herbert J., who died September 28, 1895. (4) John B., a stone mason and plasterer, of Howard, married Carrie B. Smith (no children). (5) Magdalena died in 1852. (6) Catherine M. married Isaac Williams, a barber at Eagleville, Penn., and has had eight children - Harry G., Shuman S., Eliza C .. Henry S., Dela, Frankie, Laura and John J. (7) Nancy J. married Albert Schenck, a farmer of Liberty township, Centre county, and had seven children, all yet living -Carrie, May (Mrs. Coder: she has two children-Albert and Rey- nold), Elsie, Wilber, Catherine, Irvine and Viola: Mrs. Nancy J. Schenck died March 11. 1893. (8) Christian died in infancy. (9) Jacob S., a plasterer at Howard, married Mary E. Mil- ler. and has one child-Sherman M. (10) Mary A. married Bower Schenck, a farmer of Liberty township, and they have three children-Charles, Morris and Lydia. (11) Susan E. married J. Z. Loder, of Howard, and they also have three children-Joseph M., Mary B. and Mabel E.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 65

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