USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 72
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 72
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 72
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 72
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Jonathan O. Deininger acquired his education in the school near his home, but illness prevented his continuous attendance. At the age of seven- teen he began the trade of cabinet making in Millheim, and served a two-years' apprenticeship under John Poorman. He worked from daylight until dark, and often in the winter months con- tinued his labors by the light of a candle. In compensation for his services he received $15 per year, and was allowed two weeks time during the harvest season that he might earn extra money
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on the farms. After his apprenticeship he worked for three years as a journeyman, mostly in Belle- fonte, and then began business on his own account at that place. Later he carried on a shop of his own in Millheim, and in April, 1855, removed to .Centre Hall, locating on the present site of Kreamer's store, where he purchased a small shop and in the same building maintained his residence and carried on business until 1857. He then erected a home on the site of the post office. He carried on cabinet making until 1873, when he sold out and established the first hardware busi- ness in the town. He has since continued in that line, but is now living in semi-retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former labors.
Mr. Deininger was married October 14, 1852, in Bellefonte, to Miss Anna M. Neiman, who was born in Berks county, Penn., September 2, 1831. Her parents, William and Barbara (Kin- sell) Neiman, came to Centre county when she was six years of age, journeying in a large coal wagon. They made their home near the Valen- tine Works, and her father engaged in hauling coal from Snow Shoe to that well-known furnace. Two years after their arrival he was killed by a coal wagon, and from that time until her marriage Mrs. Deininger lived among strangers, the first home that she could really call her own being the little one in Millheim, to which she went as a bride.
Mr. Deininger at that time had only $20 in money. About a year previous his shop in Belle- fonte was destroyed by fire, which left him in very limited circumstances; but his diligence has enabled him to surmount all difficulties, and he has steadily worked his way upward to prosper- ity. He erected the store room in which Kreamer & Son are now doing business, and has probably put up more buildings than any other man in Centre Hall. He now owns a business block and his own home, and is also interested in the hard- ware store. His political support was given the Democratic party until 1864, since which time he has been unswerving in his allegiance to the Re- publican party, which he ever supports by his ballot, although he never seeks office for him- self.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Deininger were as follows: Lucy, wife of J. W. Haney, of Cen- tre Hall, by whom she has one son-Wilbur; Mary, wife of Samuel Shoop, of Centre Hall, by whom she has two children-Anna and William; Clara and Emanuel, who died in childhood; Sarah, at home; Clement F., teller in the bank at Centre Hall, and one of the prominent and popular young men of that place: and Allen, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Deininger hold
membership in the United Evangelical Church, and the family is one of prominence in the com- munity. Mr. Deininger commands the highest respect of all. He has a genial nature, is a whole-souled man and delights in a good joke. His extensive reading has made him well-informed, and no man has more friends in the community.
J OHN WEAVER, a self-made man, whose en- ergy and well-directed efforts have brought to him a comfortable competence, and whose sterling worth has won him the high regard of many friends, is now living a retired life upon his farm of 206 acres at Dick's Station, in Taylor township, Centre county. He was born in Sink- ing Valley. Huntingdon Co., Penn., March 22, 1829, but almost his entire life has been passed in Centre county, where he experienced all the trials and hardships of pioneer life.
Samuel Weaver, our subject's paternal grand- father, was born in Pennsylvania of German de- scent, and at an early day became a resident of Huntingdon county, where he followed farming throughout life. The maternal grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth Isett, were also natives of Pennsylvania, of German extraction, and early located in Huntingdon county, there residing upon a farm.
John and Rachel (Isett) Weaver, parents of our subject, were also natives of Huntingdon county, where their marriage was celebrated, and where they remained until 1834, when they came to Centre county, locating near our subject's present home. For a time the father worked for the Huntingdon Furnace, later engaged in char- coaling and chopping cord wood, but spent his last days in farming. He was first a Whig in politics, afterward a Republican, and by his fel- low citizens was called upon to serve as supervisor and school director in Taylor township. In re- ligious belief he was a Presbyterian. He died June 23, 1872, at the age of seventy-seven years; his wife passed away March 5. 1857, at the age of seventy-six.
Our subject is the eighth in order of birth in their family of twelve children-seven sons and five daughters, as follows: Solomon and Jacob are both deceased; Sallie married John Lewis, and both are now deceased; Samuel was scalded to death by the explosion of a steamboat; Bar- bara married William Robinson, and both are now deceased; Joseph is a farmer of Blair coun- ty, Penn. ; Margaret is the deceased wife of Thomas Hamer, also deceased; Jolin is our sub- ject: Franklin is deceased; Rachel is the widow of Adam Waltermeyer; David is a retired lum-
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berman, of Tyrone, Penn .; and one died in in- fancy, unnamed.
Until he had reached the age of twenty-one years, John Weaver remained under the parent- al roof, assisting his father in the labors of the farm, and attending school when the opportun- ity afforded. For a time he crossed the mount- ains into Huntingdon county to school, a dis- tance of three miles, through the unbroken for- est, and later pursued his studies at a school in Centre county, to which he walked a distance of five miles through the woods. On a winter morning he would start before dawn with the other children, carrying pine lights, and they would take turns in breaking the path through the snow. On coming to Taylor township with his parents, the country was a dense wilderness, inhabited by wild animals of many varieties, in- cluding bears, panthers, wildcats and deer, and they experienced all the difficulties of frontier life.
On leaving home, Mr. Weaver went to Bald Eagle Furnace where he worked as a farm hand by the month for a year and a half, and then engaged in chopping wood in Huntingdon county during the winter, and in charcoaling in the summer for the same length of time. Subsequently he was employed in various iron works in this section of the State, after .which he returned to the old homestead, and again engaged in chopping wood and charcoaling for some time. In connection with William Robinson and Jacob Ridering, Mr. Weaver next contracted to grade three miles of the Bald Eagle Valley railroad, but for this work he says they got nothing, "as the head contractor ran away with the funds". After another company had taken charge of the road Mr. Weaver contracted for three-quarters of a mile of grading, and later was made track foreman over a crew of men. When the track was laid he was appointed division foreman, and continued his connection with the rail- road service for thirty-one years, during which time he graded for the round house at Tyrone. His faithfulness to the company's interests is plainly shown by his long retention in their serv- ice. On leaving the road he purchased his pres- ent fine farm, which he continued to operate un- til 1893, but is now enjoying a well-earned rest. During his service with the P. R. R. Co. as track foreman, no less than eleven men were pro- moted from his subdivision as track foremen.
On November 22. 1849, Mr. Weaver was married to Miss Nancy Nearhoof, and to their union came the following children: The eldest, Mary, died when young; Jeremiah, born Deceni- ber 3, 1851, married Etta Woomer, and is a
merchant of Altoona, Penn .; Miles, born Feb- ruary 17, 1853, died from the bite of a rattle- snake: Anna Eliza, born October 4. 1854. is the wife of Henry Sharer, a mechanic in the railroad shops of Tyrone, Penn. ; Sarah J., born July 15. 1856, is the wife of W. S. Johnson. a farmer of Blair county, Penn. ; Samuel, born February 22. 1858, married Bertie Brisbon, and is railroad foreman at Lemont, Penn .; John W., born December 10, 1859, married Elizabeth Walk, and is still on the home farm; Harriet, born October 25, 1861, is the wife of S. C. McAlister, clerk at Morrisdale Mines, Penn .; George, born December 10, 1863, is at home; Alice, born Sep- tember 22, 1866, is the wife of W. O. Irwin, hostler at the Punxsutawney (Penn.) round house; Ellen, born May 8, 1869, is the wife of W. H. McAlister, flagman on the Beech Creek railroad, Penn .; and Nannie B., born July 11. 1874, died young.
Mrs. Weaver was born in Huntingdon county. April 2, 1825, and is a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Kephart) Nearhoof, also natives of that county, who came to Centre county in 1835. where the father engaged in farming until his death about 1871, when he was aged seventy- two years. His wife passed away May 30, 1889. at the age of eighty-three years, eleven months. twenty-three days. Both held membership in the Dunkard Church, and in politics lie was a Republican. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Nancy, wife of our subject: Mary, who wedded Jacob Rider, but both are now deceased; Henry (deceased) was a farmer of Blair county ; Simon is an employee in a planing mill at Tyrone, Blair county; Eliza is the de- ceased wife of Joshua Beck, of Philipsburg, Penn .; John is a farmer of Centre county; An- drew is a farmer of Taylor township: Catherine is the deceased wife of E. Lewis, a farmer of Blair county; George is an agriculturist of Cen- tre county; Martha is the wife of Fulton Mc- Monagle, a butcher living near Pittsburg. Penn ; and Abner, an iron worker of Mifflin county. Penn. The paternal grandparents of Mr- Weaver-Henry and Mary Nearhoof-were early settlers of Huntingdon county, where they re- sided upon a farm, while the maternal grand- parents, Henry and Kate Kephart. also farming people, came to Centre county at an early day.
Mr. Weaver served his fellow citizens in the capacity of school director for many years, and was also elected supervisor of his townsisp, but got another man to serve in his stead. He was drafted during the Civil war, but owing to illness in the family he sent a substitute. He was ever a hardworking, energetic man, and the success
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that has come to him is but the just reward of earnest, persistent effort. The obstacles and difficulties in his path he overcame, and worked his way steadily upward until 'he can now spend the evening of life in retirement, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is an ardent Republican in politics, though has never aspired to public office. Him- self and wife hold membership in the United Brethren Church, and they have the respect and confidence of the entire community.
B H. ARNEY, a well-known and popular cit- izen of Centre Hall, Centre county, is a worthy representative of one of Potter town- ship's best families. He is a native of the county, born December 5, 1840, in Gregg town- ship, a son of Jacob and Rachel (Meyers) Arney. who when he was thirteen years of age removed to Potter township, where the greater part of his life has been passed. In the Musser school, Gregg township, he began his education under the guidance of Robert Cook, at which time dis- cipline and order were the principal features of the school room. As his father owned and oper- ated a clover-hulling mill, in which business win- ter is the busiest season, our subject for two years assisted him in his work at the expense of his schooling. In 1856 he entered an academy at Lock Haven, Penn., where he completed his literary studies.
Soon after leaving the school room, in the fall of 1857, Mr. Arney began clerking in the | store of Arney & Ross, at Centre Hill, his father being a member of the firm. Previous to this time he had lived upon a farm, and had early | ject. In 1871 Mr. Arney removed to a part of the Philip Foster farm, where he continued to live until 1893, when he located upon his present place. It is the old home of his father, compris- ing 135 acres of rich and arable land, which he and his brother, Dr. G. F. Arney, now own. A great reader, he keeps himself well informed on the leading questions and topics of the day, and is numbered among the best and most popular citizens of Centre Hall.
become familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Following his services as clerk at Centre Hill, he was similarly employed in the general store of William Wolfe, at Centre Hall, and Daniel Hess, at Linden Hall, both of which stores did a large business at that time. Subsequently he was for two years and a half employed as clerk in the dry-goods establishment of Bisel & Everett, of Lock Haven, Penn., and later by Troxal & Bridgens, of the same place.
In 1863, Mr. Arney went west, and entered the employ of what was then the Toledo & Wabash railroad, serving in the capacity of yard- master at its western terminus-State Line, Ind. While the business was new to him, he readily adapted himself to his duties, and was made ticket agent at Danville, Ill., after the consolida- tion of that road with another, at which time it became known as the Wabash railroad. Having contracted ague and malaria; he was forced to
abandon that section of the country after four years of railroad life, and was compelled to decline an offer of a substantial salary to remain with the company. The business possessed for him the usual fascination, and it was with reluc- tance that he gave it up. Returning to his native state, the healthy mountain air hastened his recov- ery, and he was soon able to accept the position of manager of the store belonging to C. C. Mc- Clelland, at Round Island, Penn., where he spent one winter. About this time his father removed to a farm near Centre Hall, where, in 1868, was erected the brick house now occupied by our sub- ject, and he returned home in order to assist his father in the improvement and cultivation of the place.
On July 24, 1870. in Millheim, Centre county, Mr. Arney was married to Miss Mary A. Ziegler. who was born at that place June 1, 1848, a daughter of Michael and Lydia (Gephart) Zieg- ler. Her father. a well-known citizen of Mill- heim, was born in Penn township, Centre county, a son of. Peter Ziegler, and belonged to one of the prominent families of the community. Dur- ing the Civil war he supplied the government with many hundred horses. He died in October. 1894, at the age of seventy-four years; his wife in May, 1877, at the age of fifty-six, and both were interred in the cemetery at Millhenn. In their family were the following children: Daniel, a saddler. of Millheim: John, postmaster at Swengel, Union Co., Penn .: Sarah, now Mrs. J. A. Reeseman, of Centre Hall: Emma, wife of Geary Van Pelt, of Ithaca, N. Y .: James, of Union county, Penn : Mrs. Lydia Smith, of Tyrone, Penn .. and Mary A., wife of our sub-
Mr. and Mrs. Arney have one son, A. Miles, one of the brightest young men of the neighbor- hood, who was born August 22, 1878, and is now a student in Pennsylvania State College, taking a four-years' course in electric engineering. The parents are devout members of the Re- formed Church, in which Mr. Arney has served as deacon. At State and National elections his unwavering support is given the Democratic party, but on local affairs he votes independently. endeavoring to support the best men regardless
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of party ties. At present he is acceptably serv- ing as treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Centre County, also as township auditor, and has held other official positions, including those of school director and election officer. He is a wide-awake. enterpris- ing citizen, one who has the good will and high regard of all who know him. .
R UDOLPH MULHOLLAN (deceased), a na- tive of Carlisle, Penn., died at his home in Centre county, in August, 1883. Success in busi- ness may be achieved by industry, perseverance and capable management, and he who adds to this the record of straightforward, honorable dealing, commands the respect and confidence of all. Such in brief was the business career of Mr. Mulhollan, who possessed untiring energy, quick perception and the ability to plan and success- fully execute business undertakings. His life demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius, but the outcome of resolute and honorable purpose.
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John and Mary (Werham) Mulhollan, parents of our subject, natives of Ireland and Ohio, re- spectively, came to Clearfield county at an early day, making their home near Pine Glenn, in Burn- ; side township. 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 de- ceased.
No event of special importance occurred dur- ing the boyhood of Rudolph Mulhollan, who divided his time mid play and work, while in the public schools he acquired his education. He was married in 1864, in Tyrone, Penn., to Car- oline Swimer, a native of Germany, born in Jan- uary, 1845. Her parents, Michael and Regina (Kaltenburger) Swimer, were also natives of the Fatherland, where they spent their entire lives, the father following the stone mason's trade. In the days of her maidenhood their daughter, Car- oline, came to America with her aunt, Mrs. Wilds, who located in Clearfield county, but after a few years went to Kansas, and was never heard from again. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mul- hollan are Mary, wife of Samnel Emrick, a mer- chant of Karthans: Martha, wife of Engene Mecker, who conducts a meat market in Kart- haus: Clara, wife of Thomas Brown, a druggist of Belle Vernon, Penn. : Blanche, wife of Dr. John Hays, of Karthaus; and Nancy J.
Rudolph Mulhollan at an early day engaged in hotel keeping in Burnside township. He after- ward carried on farming on an extensive scale.
and was also one of the largest lumber dealers in that section, his business constantly increasing until it had assumed extensive proportions. He possessed keen sagacity, and in consequence made judicious investments on which he realized hand- some returns. Steadily his capital increased until he thus became one of the wealthiest men of Centre county. In his dealings he was always honorable, straightforward and true, and no con- fidence reposed in him was ever betrayed. After his wife had received one-third of the estate. there still remained property sufficient to give each of his children $13.000. In his political adherency he was a Democrat, and in religious belief a Catholic. His wife, who died February 21, 1897, held membership with the Lutheran Church, and was a most estimable lady. receiv- ing the warm regard of all. She died, of dropsy. at her home near Pine Glenn, and was buried Thursday, February 25, in Snow Shoe Cemetery.
B ALSER WEBER. It has been said that biography yields to no other subject in point of interest and profit, and it is especially interesting to note the progress that has been made along various lines of business by those of foreign birth who have sought homes in Amer- ica-the readiness with which they adapt them- selves to the different methods and customs of America, recognize the advantages offered, and utilize the opportunities which the New World affords. In Mr. Weber we find the true type of a progressive German-American citizen.
Our subject was born in Bavaria, Germany. July 4, 1829, the only child of Paul and Cather- ine (Roemer) Weber, natives of the same coull- try, where they spent their entire lives. The mother died in 1832. at the age of twenty-eight years, and the father was again married, having by the second union five children, namely. . In- drew. a lumber merchant of Germany : John, who died in that country; Michael, who died a few years after his arrival in the United States. 00 1850; Barbara, wife of Paul Kammerer, & cup- persmith of Germany: and Caroline, wife of Me- choir Krauss, of New York. The father & death occurred in 1870, at the age of seventy what's He was a tanner by occupation, and a avont member of the Catholic Church.
Until twenty years of age Balser Wery It mained at home with his father, whom he would in the taming business, And in the school of his native land secured a good education years before leaving the Fatherland he wenn! for others In 1849 he sailed for Annet . - living in New York after being twenty eight di-
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upon the water, his possessions being a cash cap- ital of $3.25. After a short time spent in that city, he went to Schenectady, where he worked in a broom factory for two months and in a tan- nery for a month.
On leaving that place Mr. Weber came to Howard, Centre county, Penn., in November, 1849, where he was first employed by Abraham Sussman, a merchant, who was born in Germany and was a friend of our subject. His work was peddling, during two years carrying his mer- chandise, and for the following four years travel- ing with a horse and wagon. In 1857, by economy and persistent labor, he was able to purchase the store of Robert J. Haynes, which he successfully conducted until 1889, when he turned over the business to his three sons-Abra- ham, John Paul and William-and is now fiving a retired life, enjoying a rest which he so richly deserves.
On September 30, 1852, Mr. Weber was . united in marriage to Miss Anna Pletcher, and to them have been born eight children: Abra- ham; Mary, wife of C. M. Muffly, a real-estate broker, of Chicago, Ill .; Caroline, Laura and Henry, all three deceased; Clara, wife of Thomas E. Thomas, of Howard, where he is engaged in farming, and John P. and William. The sons will be more fully spoken of farther on.
Mrs. Weber was born in Howard township, October 28, 1828, and is a daughter of Henry and Magdelina (Schenck) Pletcher, natives of Lancaster county, Penn., and married in Centre county, where they had come in 1795, and here engaged in farming. Her father was born Sep- tember 17, 1789, and died January 10, 1876, while her mother was born September 5, 1786, and died May 11, 1861. In their family were eleven children: Nathan, deceased; Catherine, deceased wife of Jacob Holter, a retired farmer of Liberty township, Centre county; Michael, a carpenter of Howard; Daniel, John, Henry, Christ, and Jacob, all. five deceased; Mollie, who married Henry Holter, but both are now de- ceased; Anna, wife of our subject; and Joseph, deceased. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Weber came to Centre county from Lancaster county in 1795, and here spent the remainder of their lives.
Mr. Weber was reared in the Catholic Church, to which faith he has always adhered. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in poli- tics is a stanch Democrat. He has never had any inclination for public office, but has faithfully served as a member of the town council, and as overseer of the poor for four years. He has made many warm friends since becoming a resi-
dent of Howard, and has the respect and confi- dence of all with whom he has come in contact in either business or social life.
Abraham Weber, the eldest son of our sub- ject, is now the popular chief burgess of Howard, ane senior member of the well-known firm of B. Weber's Sons. He was born in Howard, Feb- ruary 9, 1853, and after attending its public schools for some time, was a student in the Iron City School of Pittsburg, Penn., for five months. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, January 21, 1879, to Miss Rachel J. Moore. To them have been born six children: Mary, Anna, Balser, Emma and Edith, all at home, and one that died in infancy. Abraham Weber was first elected chief burgess of Howard in 1880, and was re-elected in 1886 and 1894, so that he is now serving his third term. His ad- ministration of the duties of his high official posi- tion is characterized by an enlightened policy, which is well calculated to advance the interests of the town. Politically, he follows in the foot- steps of his father, always voting the Democratic ticket; socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Howard, and of the F. & A. M., at Bellefonte.
John P. Weber, the second son, was born at Howard. January 15, 1868, and received a lib- eral common-school education. He married Kate Yearick on September 19, 1889, and has three children. He, too, is a member of the firm.
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