Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 68

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 68
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 68
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 68
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 68

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Mr. Long is most kind and generous, and during his business career he made many friends by whom he is held in the highest esteem. He wields a potent influence in local affairs, and al- though he has never been an office seeker he is one of the Republicans of Penn's Valley. Under Harrison's administration he held the position of postmaster at Spring Mills, receiving his appoint- ment June 15, 1879. Previous to the Rebellion he had been a supporter of the Democratic party, but since that time he has been a steadfast adherent of the G. O. P. On June 15, 1897, he was appointed postmaster at Spring Mills, Penn. As might be inferred from his war record, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Post No. 282, at Centre Hall.

On February 12, 1865, Mr. Long was mar- ried at Centre Hall to Miss Mary A. Leitzel, a native of Gregg township, Centre county (born May 8, 1839), and a daughter of Philip and Julia (Nofsker) Leitzel. They have six children: Charles P. and George H. are in the mercantile business at Spring Mills; Philip P. is a merchant at Potters Mills; Susan E. is the wife of Robert Neese, of George's Valley; and Ida M. and Frank A. are at home.

C HARLES BEIRLY, a prominent agriculturist of Brush Valley, residing near Kebersburg, is a man whose patriotism has been tried amid

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the hardships and exposures of the battlefield, the camp and the march, and survived the still more trying test of hospital life. At the age of twenty-two, in obedience to his country's call, he enlisted, August 22, 1862, at Rebersburg, in Company A, 148th P. V. I. After a short stay at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, for equipment and drill, the new recruits went to the front, their first experience in battle being at Chancellors- ville. Mr. Beirly took part in the other engage- ments of his regiment until he was wounded in the evening of the second day at Gettysburg while he was crossing the stone fence. He was removed from the field in an ambulance, and spent nine months in a hospital in Philadelphia. Nothing daunted by this experience, he deter- mined to remain in the service, but being inca- pacitated for active work in the field he was transferred to the Invalid Corps, and for some time was on guard duty in New York City. Later he was detailed for hospital work at Wash- ington, and he did not leave the service until the war was ended, being mustered out June 26, 1865.

Mr. Beirly is a member of a pioneer family of Brush Valley. The name is properly spelled Bierly, but at the time of his enlistment it was placed on the army rolls as Beirly, and he has since adhered to that form. He is a grandson of Anthony and Maria (Kratzer) Bierly. and a son of Melchoir Bierly, who was born in Miles town- ship, July 20, 1815, and became a leading citi- zen there. At twelve years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop. and always followed that occupation. Melchoir Bierly was married December 3, 1836, in Miles township to Catharine Gephart, who was born in Berks county, Penn., November 1, 1811. Her parents, Daniel and Hannah Gephart, removed to Union county when Catharine was but a babe, and after nine years there they settled at Madison- burg, Centre county. Mr. Gephart followed the weaver's trade. Later they went to Seneca county, Ohio, and died there. Mrs. Bierly was the eldest of ten children-six sons and four daughters. Of the five children of this marriage, two lived to adult age: Charles; and Mary J., now the wife of William Brumgart, of Nittany Valley; three children-one daughter and two sons -died in childhood.

Melchoir Bierly was a Republican and strongly loyal, being an ardent admirer of Lincoln and opposed to slavery. In local affairs he was in- fluential but he never sought office. He was a large man, well built, a hard worker, and was nearly eighty years when he died, January 11, 1894. He had but fifty cents when he was mar-

ried, and he fought his own fight, winning a comfortable competence. He-and his wife both united with the Lutheran Church, and were always in aympathy with religious and philanthropic work. Mrs. Bierly still lives in Rebersburg, and is well preserved for one of her age. Since his father's death our subject has given his mother a good home, and has cared for her with filial devotion.

Charles Beirly was born near Rebersburg, April 18, 1840, and attended the schools of his day at Rebersburg, John Burket being his first teacher. He had some difficulty in committing his lessons to memory, but was an apt scholar in some respects. He began to learn the black- mith's trade when he was twelve years old. and when not in school he was to be found in his father's shop, where there was always plenty of business, several men being constantly employed. After his return from the army he resumed work at his trade.

Mr. Beirly was first married September 10, 1865, in Brush Valley, to Miss Amelia Snook, the daughter of Levi and Margaret ( Wolford) Snook. They began housekeeping in Rebers- burg, and Mr. Beirly became a partner in his fa- ther's business, which they continued until they came to his present farm in 1874. He rented the place at first from his father, and in Novem- ber, 1893, acquired the title. The farm contains 106 acres, and Mr. Beirly has erected every building on it except the residence and corn crib. He owns a home in Rebersburg and also has a small tract of mountain land. The children of the first marriage were: Margaret J., now Mrs. C. O. Mayer, of Selins Grove, Penn. ; Warren M., of Franklin county, Penn. ; Alvin M., who died at the of age sixteen years: George A., who died in in- fancy; and Charles H., a farmer of Brush Valley. The mother, who was a devout Christian and a member of the Lutheran Church, died in Novem- ber, 1874, and her remains now lie buried at Rebersburg.

For his second wife, Mr. Beirly was married, March 12, 1876, to Miss Mary M. Mover, born in Penn's Valley, Penn township, Centre county, May 12, 1845, daughter of Elias and Susan (Young) Moyer, who removed to Boone county, Iowa, when she was ten years old. She was reared there, and taught a subscription school when but seventeen years old. Her father died there in 1864, and soon afterward she returned with some of her family to Pennsylvania, where she met Mr. Beirly. She was the eldest of nine children-six sons and three daughters -- and is now the only one of this family left in Brush Val- ley and Penn's Valley. Two children were born

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of this marriage: Lowell S. and Orpha C., both at home.

Politically, Mr. Beirly is a Republican, but while he is a stanch member of the party he is no office seeker. He and his wife are prominent members of the Lutheran Church, and he has held the office of deacon therein. Socially he belongs to W. W. Beirly Post, G. A. R., at Millheim, of which he was one of the organizers. A substantial, industrious and honest farmer, he is one of the best of citizens, and he is held in high esteem by all who know him.

D AVID H. RUHL, proprietor of the "Spring Mills Hotel," is one of the noted citizens of his town, and one of the best known hotelmen in Penn's Valley, where his genialty and social disposition have won him a host of warm friends. He was born in Warwick township, Lancaster county, Penn., December 30, 1840. His father, Peter Ruhl, was born in the same county, June II, 1820, and was a son of George Ruhl, a farmer in affluent circumstances who left to his children considerable property.

Peter Ruhl was reared in his native county, and was married to Miss Mary Heagg, who was born near Manheim, Penn., in April, 1820. Mr. Ruhl followed farming in Lancaster county until our subject was five years of age, when he re- moved with his family to Anville township, Leb- anon county, and subsequently located near Campbelltown in that county, where he operated a rented farm. While residing there the mother died, February 28, 1875, and was buried in Hirschey Cemetery, near Campbelltown. The father has since married a Mrs. Selmire, and is now living a retired life in Annville. He was a stanch Whig and is now a stalwart Republican. By his first wife he had two children: David and Abraham, who died at the age of five years. By his second marriage he has a daughter, Emma, at home. He is highly respected for his sterling worth, and has many friends in the community where he lives.

David H. Ruhl had meager educational priv- ileges, for during his boyhood the schools were somewhat primitive in character, and moreover, his services were. needed on the farm, for his parents were in but limited circumstances. At the age of nineteen he gave up school, and when twenty-one years of age he left home. Previous to that time his labors had all been for the bene- fit of his parents. Since early manhood he has been engaged in auctioneering, and has added not a little to his income thereby. In 1862 he came to Centre county, and began work as

a farm hand for J. H. Fishburn, in Benner town- ship. On January 1. 1863, he accepted a clerk- ship in the store of D. M. Wagner, of Bellefonte,. at a salary of $13 per month, but his wages were considerably increased during the seven years which he remained in the employ of that well- known merchant. In 1870 he and his brother- in-law, Samuel Gault, purchased the grocery business of Levi A. Miller, of Bellefonte, and the firm of Ruhl & Gault conducted the store for two years, when the former became sole proprie- tor. A year later he sold out and again entered the store of D. M. Wagner, with whom he re- mained for six months.

On the expiration of that period. Mr. Ruhl came to Snow Shoe, and accepted a clerkship with May, Loeb & Co., with whom he continued until the store was closed out a year and a half later. He then conducted a licensed house in Snow Shoe for a year and a half, and for two years conducted a temperance house in Snow Shoe, called the "Snow Shoe House." In 1879 he located at Potters Mills, Centre county, where he conducted a licensed house until April 1. 1887, when he came to Spring Mills. In July, 1896, he purchased his present hotel property, and now has a popular hostelry.

Mr. Ruhl was married November 13, 1866, in Boalsburg, Penn., to Miss Sarah S. Poorman. of Benner township, where she was born in April, 1845, a daughter of Henry (a farmer) and Hannah (Friese) Poorman. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ruhl are: Edwin, born March 13, 1868. now a hotel keeper in Centre Hall; Lydia, born June 7, 1870, is now the wife of W. W. Rishel, proprietor of the " Kline House," at Lewistown, Penn .; William, born December 16, 1879; and Harry, born June 20, 1885. Mr. Ruhl is a stanch Republican in politics, and served as judge of election in Gregg township in 1804 and 1896. He does all in his power to advance the interests of the party, but has never been an of- fice seeker. Socially, he belongs to Spring Mills Castle No. 169, K. G. E., and in matters of re- ligion he and his wife attend the Presbyterian Church. They conduct one of the best hotels in Penn's Valley, and the hospitable disposition and friendly manner of the proprietor have made him very popular with the traveling public, and secured him a liberal patronage.

J OHN MANN. On the Marsh Creek road, in Curtin township, Centre county, stands the home of this gentleman, who is one of the most progressive agriculturists and lumbermen of the community. Mr. Mann was born in Nittany

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Valley, March 9, 1828. His parents, Robert and Catherine (Kline) Mann. were natives of Lycoming and Centre counties, respectively. At an early day the father took up his residence in Nittany Valley, where he remained until 1838, and then removed to the farm which is now oc- . cupied by the subject of this review. The tract of land on which he located was then an un- broken wilderness, but he converted the timber into lumber and transformed the raw land into richly cultivated fields. By trade he was a blacksmith, and followed that pursuit until lo- cating upon the homestead farm. He died in 1864, at the age of sixty-five years, and his wife passed away in 1881, at the age of seventy-one. Their children were Betsy, wife of Henry For- inger, both now deceased; Mollie, wife of David McClosky, a lumberman and farmer of Curtin township; George, deceased; John; Robert, de- ceased; Anna, wife of Fred Bortley, of Hublers- burg, Penn .; Beckie, wife of Michael Confer, a retired farmer of Centre county; and James, de- ceased.

The paternal grandparents, William and Betsy Mann, were natives of Ireland, and at an early day came to America, locating in Lycom- ing county, Penn., where the former followed agricultural pursuits. The maternal grandpar- ents, William and Betsy Kline, were natives of Centre county and of German extraction. Mr. Kline was a cooper by trade.

On the old homestead farm John Mann spent the days of his boyhood, remaining with his par- ents until twenty-two years of age. During that time he attended the common schools, worked in the woods and aided in the development of the fields. At the age of twenty-two he left home and began lumbering and teaming. He also drove logs on Beach creek for eleven suc- cessive years during the spring season, and en- ergetically prosecuted his labors until, as the result of his industry and economy, he had accuinu- lated sufficient capital to purchase the old home- stead in 1865. He had previously been working on contract at Sandy Creek, and now turned his attention to the development of his property and to lumbering. So wild was some portions of this region that since the date of his locating here he has killed many deer, bears and wild cats, and on several occasions has had narrow escapes from wild animals. The amount of game that he has killed probably exceeds that of any other man in the county, and he spent a portion of each year in hunting up to 1895.

On December 21, 1851, at Beach Creek, Clinton Co., Penn., Mr. Mann married Miss Louisa Huff, who was born in that county Sep-

tember 29, 1830. Her parents were William and Anna (Barnes) Huff, the former a native of Williamport, and the latter of Lancaster, Penn. The father, who was a farmer, died in 1886 in Grundy county, Ill., when over ninety-seven years of age. In 1852 he removed to the West and was extensively engaged in farming there. His wife died in the same county in 1890, at the age of eighty-seven. Their children were James, who died in Illinois: Mrs. Mann; Sarah, widow of Joseph Thomas, of Oklahoma; Jonathan; and Silas, a farmer in Ponca, Nebraska.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mann were: Beckie, who died in infancy; William T., a farm- er of Centre county; Catherine, wife of John G. Packer, foreman of the chemical works in Mckean county, Penn .; Robert J., a farmer of Curtin township; Mary J., wife of Green Watson, a farm- er of Centre county; Sarah E., wife of James R. Frye, a farmer of Centre county; Beckie. wife of William Lyons, a lumberman, of Castanea, Penn .; Anna, wife of George Dietz, a farmer of Centre county; Carrie, wife of William Rocken- brod, a carpenter of Castanea, Penn. : and Susan, wife of James Niman, a farmer of Boggs town- ship, Centre county.

In political views. Mr. Mann is a Republican, but has had neither time nor inclination for pub- lic office. His life has been a busy and useful one and all that he possesses has been acquired through his own efforts and the able assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been to him a true helpmate. Steadily has he worked his way upward and his tireless energy and resolute purpose are the stepping stones on which he has risen. In his hunting days he had many exciting experiences, and is now giving his attention to the more quiet and lucrative pursuits of farming and lumbering.

OHN WITHERRITE was called from this life June 11, 1896, and was laid to rest in Messiah Cemetery, Boggs township, Centre county. He was born in that township, June 27, 1821, and with its interests was closely indenti- fied throughout his entire life. He was one of the family of seven children born to Michael and Mary (Dickson) Witherrite, natives of Pennsyl- vania, the others being: William, Michael, Isaac and Elizabeth (twins), James and George. All are now deceased with the exception of James, who makes his liome at Julian, Pennsylvania.

Our subject was entirely a self-made man, having started out in life with no capital save a pair of willing hands and a determination to suc- ceed. His early days were spent in the coal

MRS. MARY WITHERRITE

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mines and in chopping wood, but later in life he turned his attention to general farming and by perseverance, industry and economy succeeded in accumulating a good property, owing at the time of his death a fine farm of ninety-four acres. His political support was ever given the Democratic party and its nominees.

On February, 20, 1845, Mr. Witherrite was united in marriage with Miss Mary Swagret, who was born October 6, 1818, in Huntingdon county, Penn., a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Walker) Swagret. Her parents spent their en- tire lives in that county, where the father engaged in farming, and in religious belief they were Dunk- ards. The mother died in 1819, at the age of twenty-six years, and the father in 1850. Mrs. Witherrite was the only child born of their union, and was reared by her maternal grandparents, Ja- cob and Margaret Walker, natives of Germany and Scotland, respectively. On coming to Amer- ica they located in Huntingdon county, where they continued to live until their deaths. Her paternal grandparents, John and Christina Swa- gret, were both born in Germany, and on coming to the New World made their home in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Witherrite, as follows: (1) Martha J., born No- vember 30, 1845, was married in September, 1873, to Samuel Furl, a farmer of Boggs town- ship, and they have five children-Sarah, John, Clara, Alfred 'and Michael. (2) Alfred, born March 3, 1848, was married January 18, 1888, to Ellen Holderman, and they make their home in Boggs township. (3) Mary M., born December 7, 1849, was married August 7, 1879, to Charles Hall, of Centre county, and they have seven chil- dren-Betsy, Carrie, Jessie, Polly, Toner. John B. and Clara. (4) Michael, born November 3, 1852, was married March 14, 1889, to Cora Clark, and they have one son-Arburtis H., born Octo- ber 29, 1893; they make their home in Centre county. (5) Clara E., born July 17, 1865. was married March 19, 1886, to Harry Bottoff, of Cen- tre county, and they have one daughter-Elsie V., born December 9, 1891.

Mrs. Witherrite is a woman of more than or- dinary business capacity, and manages her farni with excellent skill, displaying sound judgment and careful consideration. Since girlhood she has been interested in bee culture, upon her place has fifty hives, and three years ago she secured 1000 pounds of honey. In early life, like her husband, she endured many hardships and trials, and upon their marriage they started out in very humble circumstances, their household effects consisting of a bed and a skillet which she bor-

rowed. They had no chairs and neither knives nor forks, but together they worked, persistently and earnestly, until they had secured a good home neatly and tastefully furnished. Mrs. Witherrite has often split rails, which she carried up the mountain, and even now she is a great worker. On removing to her present farm it was still an unbroken wilderness, and her home was a small cabin, which in 1853 was replaced by her present comfortable residence. It is picturesquely lo- cated in a valley between two mountains, and on the farm are several elegant springs, and a beau- tiful stream which runs through its entire length.

A W. ULRICH, one of the excellent citizens and well-known farmers of Penn township. Centre county, was born June 8, 1842, in Mill- heim, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Yeakley) Ul- rich. The birth of the father occurred near the old fort in Potter township, Centre county, April 17, 1810, while his father, Christopher Ulrich, was born in August, 1774, in Dauphin county, Penn., and became the founder of the family in Centre county, locating here during the latter part of the eighteenth century. For a time he conducted a hotel in Aaronsburg, later lived upon a farm which he had purchased in Brush Val- ley, but died while a resident of Potter town- ship, August 1, 1813. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catharine Showers, was born in Dauphin county, in March, 1778, and survived him many years, dying March 30, IS58. In their family were four sons: Adam, who died at Millheim; Samuel, a tanner, who died in Leb- anon county, Penn. ; Michael, a tailor and farmer by occupation, who died in Potter township; and Daniel, the father of our subject. After the death of her first husband. the mother of these children married a Mr. Gilbert, and died near Tusseyville, where her remains were interred.

After the death of his father, Daniel Ulrich went to Dauphin county, Penn., where he had numerous relatives living, and there made his home until eighteen years of age, when he re- turned to Centre county. In Aaronsburg he served an apprenticeship with Henry Whitmer, a saddler and harness maker, and after learning the trade established himself in business in Mill- heim in 1832. In that same year he wedded Sarah Yeakley, who was born in Pen's Valley, Penn township, in 1809, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Haine) Yeakley, farming people who lived on Penn creek. For many years Mr. Ul- rich continued to follow his trade in Millheim. where he later engaged in the butchering and

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tanning business. There his death occurred December 18, 1888, and when his wife departed this life in 1891, she was buried by his side in the cemetery at Millheim. Formerly he was a Whig in politics, later a strong Abolitionist, not afraid to express his views on the slavery ques- · tions, and when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks. He was a worthy member of the Evangelical Church, and from her early girl- hood his wife held membership in the Lutheran Church. After the death of her husband she made her home with her children who tenderly cared for her until she, too, passed away. The father was industrious and energetic, and through his own unaided efforts succeeded in accumula- ting considerable property, but nearly the entire amount was appropriated by unscrupulous parties, so that his heirs received but little. During the dark days of the Civil war he was one of the most patriotic and loyal citizens, and in every respect was a reliable, trustworthy man, univer- sally esteemed.

In the family were the following children: Maria, now the wife of George Gramley, of Miles township, Centre county; Michael, a sad- dler and harness maker of Millheim; Harriet, widow of Daniel Luse, and a resident of Johns- town, Penn .; David, a tanner living in Missis- sippi; George, a harness maker of Millheim, who, during the Civil war, was a member of the three- months' service, and later re-enlisted in Ander- son's Cavalry, serving until the close of the war; Sarah, widow of Benjamin Orndorf, of Haines

township, Centre county; A. W., of this sketch; Lydia, who married Jacob Beame, and died in Penn township; Daniel, a harness maker of Mill- heim; Catharine, wife of John Auman, of Juniata county, Penn. ; and Hettie, wife of Jacob Cath- erman, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania.

From the age of four years, A. W. Ulrich made his home with his uncle and aunt, Samuel and Annie (Yeagly) Krape, farming people of Penn township, who had no children of their own, and upon his present farm he has since made his home. His education was such as the country schools of the locality afforded at that time, his first teacher being a Mr. Bollinger. At intervals he was able to attend school until at- taining his majority, and, being studiously in- clined, has supplemented the knowledge there acquired by extensive reading and study in later years. On September 30, 1866, in Pine Grove, Centre county, he married Miss Sarah Weaver, who was born in Miles township, in 1844, a daughter of Henry and Maria Weaver, and they have three children: Annie, wife of Alvin Har-

ter, of Penn township; Lizzie, wife of John Zerby, of Gregg township, Centre county: and Charles, at home.

Mr. Ulrich brought his bride to the home of his foster parents, whom he devotedly cared for until called to their final rest. He became the owner of the farm, a valuable tract of seventy- nine acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings, and also owns fifty-six acres of timber land. Politically, he is identified with the Dem- ocratic party, and has acceptably filled several local offices, being assessor four years, tax col- lector two years, overseer of the poor three years, supervisor one year, and inspector of elec- tions one year. Earnest, conscientious Chris- tians, he and his wife are active members of the Reformed Church, in which he has served as deacon for several years. Fraternally. he is connected with the Grange.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 68

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