Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 88

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 88
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 88
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 88
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 88

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Mr. Thompson is a charter member of the Grand Army Post No. 282, of Centre Hall, having been a faithful soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. In October, 1861, he en- listed in an independent company, which later became a part of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was made body-guard to Gen. Anderson. The regiment was sent to Camp Louisville, Ky., where it remained during the winter of 1861, being ordered, in the latter part of February, 1862, to Nashville. It participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and in many other engagements, after which it was with Gen. Buel. In the spring of 1863, Mr. Thompson was honorably discharged, and is now the only surviving member of his company in Centre county. Since 1893 he has been afflicted with paralysis. No man in Potter township is more deserving the high regard and esteem in which he is universally held than our subject. who is kind-hearted, generous and genial, with always a pleasant word for all.

D H. ROTE. It is a matter of just pride to our self-made men that they have made their own way in life from poverty to a compe- tence, having started upon their various car- eers with no capital except health of mind and body and a strong will. The subject of this sketch, though handicapped by a lifelong physical disability, has attained to a place among the business men of Aaronsburg which would do credit to any man. When four years old he met with an affliction which left him crippled for life, while lack of means, coupled with an honorable ambition, compelled him to take up against all

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W. J. Thompson

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

odds the struggle for a livelihood which so many have found too difficult under our present in- dustrial system.

Mr. Rote is a native of Aaronsburg, born March 21, 1842, and is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Union county, Penn., his great-grandfather, George Rote, having been among the first settlers at Mifflinburg. Peter Rote, the grandfather, and Simon Rote, the father of our subject, were born there, but the latter went to Penn's Valley in early manhood, and learned the blacksmith's trade at Woodward. He married Susan Diehl, a native of Union county, Penn., and a daughter of Abraham Diehl, whose later years were spent in Union county.

After learning his trade, Simon Rote located in Aaronsburg, where he followed it successfully throughout his active life. He died there April I, 1884, aged sixty-seven years, and just forty- five years to a day, when he moved into his home, he was carried from it a corpse, and laid to rest in the cemetery near town. He was an industrious man, self-made, and built his home by his work at the anvil. As a member of the Reformed Church he was active in religious work, and in politics his influence was felt first as a Whig and later as a Republic- an, different township offices being filled by him creditably. His widow, now in her eighty- fourth year, still lives in the old homestead which his care provided for her. They had eight children-four sons and four daughters, of whom but four reached adult age. Of these, our sub- ject was the eldest; John, now a resident of Axemann, Penn., was a soldier in Company D, 148th P. V. I., during the Civil war. Sarah married F. P. Fisher, and died in Dakota, Ill. Thomas resides in Orangeville, Illinois.

Owing to Mr. Rote's physical ailments he did not attend school regularly during boyhood, but under the loving guidance of his mother, a woman of ordinary education but very energetic, he learned rapidly at home, being prepared at the age of fifteen to take a position as teacher. After continuing this work for about two years, he began an apprenticeship, in 1860, with J. B. Edmunds, a watchmaker at Aaronsburg. His employer enlisted in the army, however, before the term was completed, and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. Consequently, Mr. Rote changed his plans, and in 1862 began to learn the art of type-setting in the office of the Centre Reporter, which was then printed in Aaronsburg. For some time he worked as a journeyman in different places, but the rough class of associates which this trade brought him

caused him to abandon it finally, and in 1868 he resumed the work of teaching.

This proving more congenial, he continued it until the spring of 1883, when he opened a jew- eler's shop in Aaronsburg, which he has con- ducted successfully since, doing a large amount of repair work. His industry seems untiring, and when his fine native ability is considered, one cannot but believe that with even ordinary op- portunities he would have carved out for himself a remarkable career. Gifted with unusual me- chanical skill, he is able to duplicate anything, tools and materials being the only requisites. His brave and successful struggle with an adverse fate has won him the esteem and admiration of all who know him and given him a host of warm friends. In politics he is a Republican, and from 1884 to 1894 he served as justice of the peace.

In 1869, he was married in Aaronsburg to Miss Susan Cronmiller, a native of that town, and a daughter of Thomas Cronmiller, a well- known citizen. They have an adopted daughter, Mamie. Mrs. Rote is an active member of the Reformed Church, and has taken a generous in- terest in many lines of philanthropic work.

ENRY A. BRUMGARD is a retired farmer, one whose well-spent life and activity in business have brought to him a competence that now enables him to lay aside business cares. He was born June 9, 1843, in Clinton county, and is the eldest child of Martin and Sarah (Wholford) Brumgard. He is descended from one of the old Pennsylvania families, and on both sides is of German descent. Several of his ancestors took an active part in the war of 1812. His grandfather. Jacob Brumgard, removed from New York to Pennsylvania, at a very early day.

The father of our subject was born and reared in Brush Valley. Centre county, and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming. In the spring of 1845 he removed from Clinton county to Centre county, where he passed the rest of his days, dying November 16, 1893. He was laid to rest by the side of his wife, who had departed this life June 18, 1885. She was a daughter of George Wholford, of Brush Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Brumgard had three children, the daughters being Catherine R., wife of D. T. Johnson, a prosperous farmer of Ferguson town- ship, Centre county, and Alice, wife of George Garbrick, a farmer of Spring township, Centre county, by whom she has two children, Sarah and Clarence.

In the common schools Henry A. Brumgard

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

acquired his education, while on the old home- stead he received ample training at farm labor, and learned many valuable lessons of industry and economy, On June 14, 1866, he married Miss Mary A. Homan, who was born July 26, 1843, a daughter of John Homan, who resided in Ferguson township, Centre county. He died very suddenly of heart disease, on the 2nd of No- vember, 1893, and his wife passed away March 22, 1894, their remains being interred in Pine Hall cemetery, Ferguson township. Mr. and Mrs. Brumgard have three children: John Cal- vin, who was born April 2, 1871, and died at the age of three years; Sarah A., wife of Newton J. Hockman, a farmer of Walker township, by whom she has three sons-Austin F., born Sep- tember 7, 1890, Clyde E., born June 1, 1893, and Fern, born May 28, 1896; and Hannah G., who was born December 25, 1874, is still at home with her parents.

Mr. Brumgard is the owner of some valuable real estate, including a farm of one hundred acres pleasantly situated one mile from Zion. He also owns a fine residence in the town, ten acres of land adjoining the corporation limits, and a twenty-acre timber tract near the town. He also has a third interest in a valuable tract of ore land near State College. All his property has been acquired through his own efforts, and his under- takings have been crowned with the success that follows consecutive effort, well directed energy and determined purpose. He is now living retired in the well-earned enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He has traveled quite extensively over the country, having visited many of the western States, and is an intelligent, public-spir- ited and progressive man, honorable in all the re- lations of life and extending to his many friends the cordial hospitality of his home. He formerly held membership with the Grange; he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and held the office of assessor one year in Walker township.

G RANT HOOVER. Although the subject of this sketch is one of the younger business men of Bellefonte, Centre county, he has already won a high reputation for ability. In his chosen lines of insurance and real-estate business he takes a leading place, and he is well and favora- bly known throughout the northern part of the State.

The Hoover family were among the early set- tlers of Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, and our subject's grandfather, George Hoover, was born and reared there, becoming a fariner by occupa-

tion, and continuing that occupation until his death in August, 1870, when he was aged sixty- nine years. The grandmother of our subject, Mrs. Esther Ann Hoover, who was born in 1810, is still alive and active, residing at Port Matilda, Centre county. Ten children were born to this estimable couple: Sarah Ann, who married S. Ludwig, and lives in Kansas; Harvey, our sub- ject's father; Henry W., deceased, September 13, 1897, who was a lumberman of Bald Eagle Furnace, Blair Co., Penn .; Mary J., widow of L. Parker, of Kansas, residing in Penfield, Clear- field Co., Penn .; Martha, wife of George R. Eastman, of Curwensville, Penn .; John C., a wealthy resident of Julia Ann Furnace, Centre county; George W., president of Hoover, Hughes & Co., a well-known lumber firm of Philipsburg, Penn .; Jackson, a farmer, who died in 1875; Clarissa, who married A. W. Resse, of Port Ma- tilda; and Philena, who died at an early age.

Harvey Hoover, the father of our subject, was born in 1833, and received his education in the schools of Union township, Centre county. In early manhood he engaged in lumbering, but for some years he has followed agricultural pur- suits. He married Miss Mary Catlow, a grand- niece of Sir Robert Peel, and of this union nine children were born: Laura, who married J. E. Dailey, of Penfield, Clearfield county; Richard C., who lives in Bellefonte; Grant, our subject; Sherman, who is at home; Sallie C., who mar- ried Harry Esterline; the others, J. Clyde (a teacher in the public schools), George, Martha and Mary, reside with their parents.

Grant Hoover was born August 6, 1865, in Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, and was there reared to farm life, working for an uncle during boyhood while attending school. At sixteen he engaged in the lumber business, which he fol- lowed until 1892, conducting two or three mills in McKean county, in connection with contract work. After selling out his interest in this busi- ness to his partner, he went to Buffalo, and spent a short time as a traveling salesman in the lum- ber trade, but since his return to Centre county he has engaged in the real-estate business, and in an insurance agency, taking life, fire, and acci- dent risks. Mr. Hoover is highly esteemed wher- ever he is known. He is an active and influen- tial Republican, and was lately a candidate for the office of prothonotary, but withdrew in favor of Abraham B. Miller, a veteran of our Civil war. On January 2, 1890, he was united in marriage with Miss Edith B. Moore, a native of Milesburg, Penn., born August 5. 1870, but their happiness was brief, the young bride passing to the unseen life October IS, 1890.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Hoover's mother was a daughter of the late Richard Catlow, nephew of Sir Robert Peel, and a learned and eloquent preacher in the U. B. Church. He inherited a fortune from the family estates in England, but preferred to reside in this country. For some time his home was in Clearfield county, but later he removed to a farm in Bald Eagle Valley, where for many years he followed the peaceful calling of agriculture. His death occurred in Unionville at the age of eighty- two years. His children were: David, who lives in Iowa; Mary (Mrs. Hoover); Sarah, widow of Philip Teats; Martha, deceased, who married Orange Hart, of Iowa; and William, who died in his youth.

A ARON W. HAFER, D. D. S., a leading dentist of Bellefonte, Centre county, is one of the self-made men of his section, who in making their own path to success reflect credit upon human nature, and furnish encouragement to all others to make use of their best powers, and " put foundations under their air castles."

The ancestors of the Hafer family, in both paternal and maternal lines, were pioneers in this State. Moses Hafer, our subject's father, was born in 1812, of a well-known Pennsylvania- Dutch family, and as a young man settled in Centre county, where he met and married Miss Catherine Gramly, a native of Miles township, born in 1813. Her family had been prominent in Centre county from the earliest times, her grandfather having been born there; he was a business man of Miles township, carried on the milling business, operating a sawmill, gristmill and a woolen-factory. Moses Hafer followed the fuller's trade, and met with his death through an accident with an overshot wheel in 1852; the mother survived him until 1895. They had five children: (1) Elizabeth (Mrs. Foster Tate), of Coleville, Penn .; (2) Mary E., the widow of J. Kuhn, of Ridgely, Md .; (3) Louise (deceased), who married W. H. Poorman; (4) Aaron W., our subject; and (5) John W., a retired contractor and builder, who resides at Coleville, Pennsyl- vania.

Mr. Hafer, our subject, was born in Miles township, Centre county, July 29, 1845, and his youth was spent there, the common schools affording him the usual educational opportunities. Later he attended the Normal School at Rebers- burg, and then began teaching, the next five winters being given to that work, while in sum- mers he would resume his student life. He taught his last term of school in 1868 near Belle- fonte, and during that time he began his prelimi-

nary reading for his profession, under the direc- tion of Dr. H. H. Rotherick, of that city. For three months his evenings and Saturdays were devoted to study, then he served a regular ap- prenticeship of four months, and with this prep- aration he started out in practice on his own account at Osceola, Penn. He remained there eight years, enjoying a fine practice; but wishing to attend a dental college he disposed of his busi- ness. £ Circumstances conspired to defeat his plans, however, and he concluded to establish an office at Rebersburg, where he met with success. In 1883 he again made arrangements for taking a course of lectures, and in 1884 he was gradu- ated from the Pennsylvania Dental College at Philadelphia with the degree of D. D. S. The following year he spent in practice at Millheim, Penn's Valley, Centre county, but since that time he has been located at Bellefonte, where his skill and ability won him quick recognition as a prac- titioner.

Dr. Hafer's first wife, who in her maiden- hood was Miss Martha J .- Beck, who was born June 12, 1845, in Indiana county, Penn., was the mother of four bright and talented daugh- ters: Laura K., Mary E., Alpha G. and Florence Jane. Miss Laura K. Hafer, D. D. S., was the first lady graduated from the high school at Bellefonte to enter State College, where she pur- sued the study of the higher branches for one year. She then entered Pennsylvania State Den- tal College, and received her diploma just ten years after her father's graduation from that in- stitution. She was one of the first three-year dental students, and a remarkable fact is that she had graduated in the High School, spent one year at the State College, and completed a three-years' course at the Dental College, graduating at the latter when but twenty-one. On June 20, 1894. Dr. Hafer married his second wife, Miss Laura May Hess, a native of Penn's Valley, born Feb- ruary 16, 1867. One son, William Talmage, has blessed this union. As a public-spirited citizen, the Doctor takes keen interest in all that concerns the community. He is a Republican in politics, and in religion is a Methodist.

G EORGE D. HOOVER, who, in connection with his brother. William E., is engaged in general farming and the manufacture of shingles in Union township, Centrecounty, was born May 12, 1852, on a part of the farm where he now resides, and is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Fisher) Hoover, also natives of Union township. His paternal grandparents, John and Mary (Ashen-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

felder) Hoover, came to that township in 1796, where the grandfather engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life. He was a son of William and Sallie (Packer) Hoover. The maternal grandparents of our subject, Will- iam and Rachel (Meridoth) Fisher, farming peo- ple, were natives of Chester and York counties, Penn., respectively, and came to Centre county in 1800, locating in Union township when it was part of Mifflin county. They were members of the Society of Friends.

Jacob Hoover was born October 11, 1808, and died March 24, 1880; his wife was born Feb- ruary 20, 1814, and died March 31, 1894. The following children blessed their union: Mary, born January 26, 1841, died March 13, 1843; William E., born January 11, 1844, is in busi- ness with our subject; Edwin and Irwin (twins), born April 26, 1846, died May 14, 1846, and June 18, 1846, respectively; Arlander and Amanda (twins), born February 10, 1848. died October 2, 1853, and March 17, 1870, respect- ively; George D. is next in order of birth; and John B., born February 14, 1855. died March 28, 1856.

Upon their present farm, George D. Hoover and his brother, William E., passed their boy- hood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads, aiding in the work of the fields, and attending schools of the neighborhood during the winter season. They remained at home and cared for their parents until after their deaths, when they came into possession of the place, which they have under a high state of cultivation and well improved. Besides their farming oper- ations they also embarked in the manufacture of shingles in 1893, erecting a plant for the purpose, and have carried on the enterprise with good suc- cess. On July 30, 1878, George D. Hoover was united in marriage with Maria F. Peters, and they have seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Harry T., March 15, 1879; Lulu M., June 22, 1881; Christy B., Au- gust 17, 1884; Clara E., November 10, 1886; Rachel, February 14, 1888: Hannah E., June 18, 1890; and Charles W., February 19, 1893.

Mrs. Maria Hoover was born February 16, 1855, on Dick's run, Union township, Centre county, and is a daughter of George L. and Emily (Record) Peters, who were married May 16, 1854, and spent their entire lives in Centre county. The other children born to them are as follows: Hannah, born June 13, 1857, died Oc- tober 15, 1877; Daniel, born February 2, 1859, is railroad foreman at Heckley, Penn. ; Jacob, born March 31, 1861, is a farmer of Iowa; Julia, born February 5, 1863, died February 9, follow-

ing; Orvis, born April 10, 1864, is a farmer of Centre county; Albina, born August 7, 1867, is the wife of Perry C. Moran, a railroad man re- siding at Unionville, Centre county; and Emily, born November -, 18-, is the wife of Jacob Meese, a decorator of Tyrone, Pennsylvania.

George L. Peters, the father of Mrs. Hoover, was born July 10, 1812, a son of Lawrence and Elsie Peters, farming people of Centre county, where they spent their entire lives. During his younger years he engaged in the butchering busi- ness, but later he followed farming. His death occurred August 3, 1891. He was three times married, his first wife in her maidenhood being Mary Williams. To them were born the follow- ing children: Tabitha, wife of Benjamin Brisbon, of Lemont, Penn .; Elsie, deceased wife of Will- iam Kenner, a farmer of Union township, Cen- tre county; Harriet, deceased wife of Calvin Peters, also a farmer of Union township; Law- rence, a resident of Iowa; William, of Union- ville, Penn. ; and George, deceased. The mother of Mrs. Hoover was the second wife of George L. Peters, and for his third wife he wedded Miss Catherine Glenn.

The mother of Mrs. Hoover was born in 1820, and on the 17th of February, 1848, she was united in marriage to Andrew Brown, who was born July 19, 1825, and died September 1, 1853. She later became the wife of George L. Peters, and died in 1870.

On February 11, 1879, WILLIAM E. HOOVER, brother of our subject, was wedded to Harriet E. Carter, and they have two children: John C. and Newell A., both at home. Mrs. Hoover was born February 9, 1855, in Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn., a daughter of John and Maria (Straight) Carter, natives of Centre county, Penn., and New Jersey, respectively. In their family were six children: Harriet E., wife of Mr. Hoover; Daniel, Sarah C. and David, all de- ceased; and two who died in infancy. The father departed this life in Nittany Valley, Penn., in the spring of 1861, at the age of fifty-five years. Later the mother became the wife of George Carson, a collier, by whom she had two children: Martha and Mary, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Carson are now living retired at Milesburg. She is a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church.

The Hoover brothers are " free silver " Dem- ocrats in politics, and are deeply interested in the success of their party. They are enterprising, wide-awake business men, skillful and thorough farmers, and are highly esteemed and respected members of the society that surrounds them, en- joying the confidence and regard of all.

...

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

EI ALIJAH I. WALKER, a well-known lumber- man and proprietor of a sawmill located on the Marsh Creek road, in Boggs township, Cen- tre county, was born April 15, 1843, on a farm adjoining the one on which he now resides. His father, Adam Walker, was also a native of Cen- tre county, a farmer by occupation, and a son of Andrew and Margaret Walker, who were born in Germany, and were the first settlers of Boggs township, locating there in 1796. The grandfa- ther cleared and improved a farm, on which he and his wife spent their remaining days.

Adam Walker, the father of our subject, on reaching man's estate was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Walker, a cousin, who was born in Mifflin county, Penn., and was a daugh- ter of Jacob and Margaret Walker, natives of Gerinany and Virginia, respectively. They also became early settlers of Centre county, where they continued to live until called from this life. The parents of our subject began their domestic life upon a farm in the same county, and reared their family, comprising the following children: Martha, deceased; Catherine, wife of Andrew Walker, a farmer of Boggs township; Jacob, a farmer of the same township; Margaret, who wedded Thomas Fey, but both are now deceased; Michael, who was a member of Company A, 45th P. V. I., during the Civil war, and died in the service; Andy, a contractor of Jeannette, Penn .; Adam, a farmer'of Tyrone, Penn .; Elijah I. and Elisha H. (twins), the latter of whom is a real- estate and insurance agent of Woodland, Penn .; Eve J., wife of Ben Hummel, of Wallaceton, Penn .; James and Martha, deceased; and one that died in infancy. The father died in 1881, at the age of seventy-four years, and the mother in 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years. Both were lifelong members of the United Brethren Church.

Until he was twenty-three years of age, Eli- jah I. Walker remained upon the home farm, assisting in its operation during the summer sea- son, and attended the district schools in the win- ter months in his early boyhood. He is, how- ever, mostly self-educated, paying for his own tuition at Otterbein University, Ashtabula, Ohio, for one year. After leaving school in 1864, he returned home and enlisted in Company K, 82nd Penn. V. I., under Capt. J. F. Reen. He par- ticipated in a number of important engagements, including those of Sailors Creek and Petersburg, and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee. He was never wounded, and at Philadelphia re- ceived an honorable discharge when the war was over. On arriving home he embarked in the lumber business, which he has since continued.

He erected his present comfortable residence in 1 867.

On the 15th of January, same year, Mr. Walker was united in marriage with Miss Aman- da Ackley, who was born in Centre county, Oc- tober 4, 1847, a daughter of John and Nancy Ackley, natives of Buffalo Run, in the same coun- ty, where they spent their entire lives engaged in agricultural pursuits. Six children graced this union, namely: Harry E., who is engaged in the sawmill business at Spruce Creek, Hunt- ingdon Co., Penn., and Clarence, Stella, Wil- burn, Chester and Charles, who are still with their father. The wife and mother departed this life September 18, 1888, and November 4, 1895, Mr. Walker was again married, the lady of his choice being Mary M. Leister, and to them has been born a daughter, Esther L.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 88

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