Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 90

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 90
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 90
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 90
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 90

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Mrs. Simler was born in Johnstown. Penn., August 13, 1858, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Thomas) Lewis, natives of Tredegar, Wales, where they were married. With one child, they crossed the Atlantic to America in 1848, and located at Brandy Bend, Penn., whence they removed to Johnstown, and still later to Houtzdale, Clearfield Co., Penn., where the father died February 3, 1893, at the age of seventy-nine years. The mother died the day be- fore the Johnstown flood, at the age of sixty-eight. They were consistent members of the Welch Baptist Church, and had the esteem and confi- dence of all who knew them. By occupation the father was a coal operator, and in politics he was a Republican. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were eight children, namely: William, who was smothered to death in a coke pit in Johnstown; Mary A., wife of John Hopwood, a cabinet maker of Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Penn .; Elizabeth, wife of Michael Erhart, of Philipsburg; Margaret, wife of Alfred Mallory, a machinist of Altoona, Penn .; Letitia, wife of J. M. Rolles, a carpenter of Clearfield, Penn. : Tallion T., a blacksmith of Hastings, Penn. ; Henrietta, wife of our subject ; and Emina, wife of Peter Camoran, superintendent of coal mines in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Simler has taken a prominent part in public affairs, and has been called upon to serve in official positions of honor and trust. He is now filling the office of school director, and dur- ing the years 1893, 1894 and 1895, was an influ- ential member of the city council. In February, 1897, he was elected burgess of Philipsburg. He is an ardent Republican in politics, and frater- nally is a member of the Red Warrior Tribe, Royal Arcanum, of Philipsburg. In the estima- tion of his fellow citizens he is one of the repre-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sentative men of the community, and he enjoys the confidence and highest regard of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life.

OHN F. GARTHOFF, one of the leading and able educators of Penn township, Centre county, was born June 5, 1863, near Banner- ville, Snyder Co., Penn. His father, John H. Garthoff, was a native of Westphalia, Prussia, born December 29, 1822, and was a son of John H. Garthoff, a tanner by trade. In the family of three children the father was the only son and the only one to come to America, where he ar- rived after a stormy voyage. In New York he learned the tanner's trade, which he afterward followed in Philadelphia, Lewisburg, and in Adamsburg, Penn., where he first met the lady that afterward became his wife.

In the spring of 1851, in Union county, Penn., John H. Garthoff was married to Miss Caroline Robenold, who was born in Lehigh. county, Penn., January 23, 1829, a daughter of Solomon and Mary (Ocker) Robenold. Her father was born May 5, 1798, in Northampton county, this State, a son of Michael Robenold, and through- out life followed the occupations of shoemaking and farming. When Mrs. Garthoff was eight years old her father removed with his family to Union county, where his wife spent the remainder of her life upon a farm which he had there pur- chased, dying at the age of fifty-five years. A few years later he removed to Nittany Valley, Centre county, where he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Vonada, until he, too, was called to his final rest at the ripe old age of eighty years. He was interred in the cemetery of Zion, Centre county, while his wife was buried at Lau- relton, Union county. Both held membership in the Lutheran Church, and he was a Democrat in politics. In their family were the following chil- dren: Lucy, wife of Adam Vonada, of Zion; Jonathan, a tanner and farmer, who died in Mis- souri; Caroline, the mother of our subject; Will- iam, a farmer, who died in Orangeville, Ill. ; Sa- `rah, wife of George Kauffman, of Zion, Centre county; David, who died from sickness con- tracted while in the army; Solomon, who was a member of an Illinois regiment, and also died in the army; and Christia Ann, wife of Daniel Roy- er, of Valley Falls, Kansas.

The parents of our subject began their do- mestic life in Bannerville, Penn., where the fa- ther died May 6, 1865, and was there laid to rest. He left a widow, and five children, as follows: Joseph S., a farmer of Dewar, Iowa; William,

who died at the age of eight years; Mary, wife of John Lint, of Dixon, Ill .; James D., a lumber- man of Mt. Eagle, Centre county; Catharine A., a resident of Bellefonte, Penn .; and John F., of this review. Although Mrs. Garthoff was left a home, the support of her children fell upon her, and a year or so after her husband's death she came to Zion, Centre county, where she bought a small home and reared her family. Since 1887, she has found a pleasant home with our subject in Coburn. She is a highly respected lady, be- loved by all who know her, and a Lutheran in religious belief; her husband was a member of the Reformed Church, and a Democrat in poli- tics.

Mr. Garthoff, the subject proper of this re- view, was a child when brought by his widowed mother to Centre county, and in the common schools he acquired his primary education, his first teacher being William P. Dasher. He sup- plemented the knowledge there acquired by two terms' attendance at a select school in Rebers- burg, and by reading and study has become a well informed man. He remained with his mother until his marriage, preparing himself for the teacher's profession, and when twenty years of age he taught the Logan school at Hecla, Pa. On August 23, 1885, in Rebersburg, he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie M. Walker, who was born in Miles township, Centre county, August 29, 1859, one of a family of seven chil- dren-three sons and four daughters-of Will- liam and Mary M. (Smull) Walker, now residents of Rebersburg. By occupation the father is a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Garthoff have one child, Mary A., born March 23, 1886.

In 1886 our subject bought his present home in Coburn, and since the following year has there resided. From the time he conducted his first school he has successfully engaged in teach- ing, and his vacations have been spent at other work, such as clerking. Financially as well as professionally, he lias met with well-deserved suc- cess, and is now interested in the Central Building & Loan Association of Lincoln, Neb., and the Empire Savings, Building & Loan Association of Syracuse, N. Y. He formerly belonged to the Knights of the Golden Eagle of Millheim. Al- ways a stanch Democrat in politics, he was elected on that ticket justice of the peace, when not yet twenty-four years old, and when he had been a resident of Penn township for only a few months. So acceptably has he filled the office that he is still the incumbent, and has also served for several terms as township clerk. He is one of the representative citizens of the community, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all. He

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and his excellent wife are members of the Luth- eran Church, of Coburn, of which he is at pres- ent serving as trustee, and superintendent of the Sunday-school, connected with said Church.

G EORGE GREEN FINK. Centre county has many well-to-do and successful farmers, men who have accumulated what they have of this world's goods through individual effort, and among this class the name of the subject of this notice is entitled to a place. He is residing on the Elevens run road, in Huston township; where he is industriously engaged in the prose- cution of his noble calling, and is meeting with far more than ordinary success.

Mr. Fink was born May 9, 1863, in Ferguson township, Clearfield Co., Penn. His father, George W. Fink, was born in Centre county, May 16, 1837, a son of Jacob and Hannah Fink, who were natives of Indiana county, Penn., and at an early day came to Centre county, locating near the Martha Furnace, but later went to Clearfield county, where the grandfather died at the age of ninety-four years. In early life he was a blower in a furnace, but later followed the carpenter's trade. In 1855, in Ferguson town- ship, Clearfield county, George W. Fink mar- ried Mary I. Miles, who was born in that county September 18, 1834, a daughter of John and Betsy (Williams) Miles, who were natives of Centre county, but spent their last days upon a farm in Clearfield county. Mr. and Mrs. Fink have spent their entire married life in the latter county, where he was for many years a lumber- man; he died February 28, 1897; he was a most exemplary man, having never uttered an oath or used tobacco or liquor in any form, and he en- joyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. His faithful wife, who is still enjoying ex- cellent health, is a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

Our subject is one of a family of ten children, namely: Elizabeth, who was burned to death at the age of four years; Lela A., who died March 15, 1874, at the age of fifteen years; Elmer E., a merchant of Clearfield, Penn .; George G .; Ulysses S., who died at the age of two years; William McC., a school teacher of New Millport, Penn .; Emma, who married George W. Bratton, telegraph operator at Woodland, Penn., and died July 16, 1890, at the age of twenty-two years; Emeline, twin sister of Emma, who died in infancy; Minerva V., wife of Harvey Strong, a butcher of Ansonville, Clearfield county; and Ella L., at home.

At the age of fourteen years, George G. Fink

left home. and began working for an uncle, but gave his salary to his parents until he became of age. He was permitted to attend the public- schools during the winter season, and for one. term was a student in the Normal School at New Washington, Clearfield county. On leaving his. uncle, at the age of twenty-three, he entered a mercantile store at New Millport, where he was. employed as clerk for a few months, and subse- quently worked in the lumber woods and at teaming. In the fall of 1889 he located on the- farm of J. Q. Miles, which he operated on shares for four years, working at farm labor during the summer months, while in the winter he cut logs upon land which he had purchased in the spring of 1889. So successful was he, that March 24, 1890, he was able to purchase his present farm, a valuable tract of 196 acres, and he now, along with his wife and her sister, also owns an adjoin- ing place of 228 acres. He has made a specialty of stock raising, in which he has been remark- ably successful, having upon his place a high grade of Jersey cattle and Yorkshire and Poland- China hogs.

On November 13, 1887, Mr. Fink was mar -- ried to Miss Selina Williams, and they have an interesting family of five children: Telford N., born February 21, 1889; Clair V., born October- 20, 1890; Iva P., born July 19, 1892; and Joseph L. and George L. (twins), born April 26, 1895.

Mrs. Fink was born in Huston township, Cen- tre county, January 14, 1862, and is a daughter- of Joseph F. and Hannah (Records) Williams,. who spent their entire lives in Centre county. The father was an extensive land owner, having about one thousand acres in the county, and besides farming also engaged in the mercantile and lumber business. He was a prominent and influential citizen, and was called upon to serve in several official positions, including that of justice of the peace. His political support was given the Republican party, and in religious faith he and his wife were active members of the Bap- tist Church. He was born June 19, 1813, and died February 18, 1885, and she passed away July 20, 1869, at the age of fifty years. Eight children were born to them: Thaddeus S., who' was a graduate of a business college at Philadel- phia, and died in Centre county soon after his return from the Civil war: Catherine, wife of David Henderson, a farmer of Huston township: Susan A., wife of W. A. Hartsock, a farmer of Centre county; Abigail, who died at the age of five years; Lois, who died at the age of two years; Jasper A., a farmer of Blair county, Penn. ; New- ton, a school teacher by profession, who died at the age of thirty-two; and Selina, the wife of our

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subject .: Her paternal grandparents, Jessie and Susanna (Thalenburg) Williams, were natives of Scotland, but at an early day became prominent citizens of Centre county, where the grandfather carried on agricultural pursuits and was an ex- tensive land owner.

Politically, Mr. Fink is a pronounced Repub- lican; socially he is a member of the Grange, No. 395, of Unionville, and in religious belief he and his estimable wife are members of the Bald Eagle Baptist Church. They hold an enviable position in social circles, and are widely and favorably known throughout the county. In 1891, he was elected school director, which office he accepta- bly filled for three years, and in the spring of 1894 he was elected township supervisor. On the ex- piration of his term he resigned, but was again elected in February, 1896, to both positions. On November 3, 1896, he was elected county auditor of Centre county. His prominent characteristics have been manifested in the success that he has achieved in his business career-determination, self-reliance and undaunted perseverance-and his name deserves an honored place among the representative and progressive citizens of Centre county.

J TOHN THOMAS MANN, proprietor of a con- fectionery and tobacco store, is one of the leading and energetic young business men of Eagleville, Centre county. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born August 27, 1863, in Clinton county, whence, in 1881, he came to Centre county with his parents, Nicholas and Hannah (Rohn) Mann, also natives of that State. They located in Eagleville, where the father was chiefly engaged in lumbering throughout the remainder of his life. He was born February 25, 1825, and departed this life July 29, 1896; his wife passed away January 27, 1894, at the age of fifty-seven years. Both were worthy members of the Dis- ciple Church, and enjoyed the love and esteem of all who knew them. In politics the father was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party.

To this worthy couple were born the follow- ing children: Alfred and Samuel, who died in infancy; Eliza, deceased wife of John W. Creak, a hotel proprietor of Williamsport, Penn. ; George W., a lumberman of Eagleville, who married Maggie Thiel, and had four children, one now deceased; William and Robert (twins), who are lumbermen of Eagleville; Jacob, who left for parts unknown in 1889, and has never been heard of since; John Thomas, subject of this sketch; Ellen and Edward, both residents of Eagleville; Cora, who died at the age of

eighteen years; Sadie, also of Eagleville; and Anna, born May 7, 1872, who was married April 3, 1892, to C. H. Long, and has one child. The paternal grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Mann, were farming people of Clinton county, Penn., where their deaths occurred.

During his younger years, Mr. Mann, the sub- ject proper of this review, was employed in the lumber woods, but at the age of twenty he suf- fered a severe attack of typhoid fever, which left him in a crippled condition, so that he now has to use crutches. In 1890 he embarked in his pres- ent business, and by fair and honorable dealing has secured a liberal share of the public patron- age. His genial, pleasant manner has gained him a host of warm friends, and has won for him the regard of all with whom social or busi- ness relations have brought him in contact. He takes an active interest in political affairs, and uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party.

J E. ROYER, a prosperous agriculturist of Miles township, Centre county, was born November 4, 1863, in Franklin township, Snyder Co., Penn., a son of Aaron C. and Mary B. (Hertz) Royer, and a descendant of Christo- pher Royer, who came to this country from Ger- many in 1748.

Aaron C. Royer, father of our subject, was a native of the same county, born in 1828 on the old Royer homestead and in the Royer settle- ment. His father, John Royer, was a farmer by occupation, died when Aaron was but eight years of age, and the latter then lived with a maternal uncle in Union county, Penn., where he learned the tanner's trade and secured a limited educa- tion. After a trip to the West he returned to his native county, and operated the old homestead farm, where his death occurred October 26, 1864, and he was laid to rest in the Hassinger Church cemetery. Though he took no active part in politics, he always supported the Republican party; in religious belief he held membership in the Reformed Church.

On February 28, 1856, in Union county, Aaron C. Royer was married to Mary B. Hertz, who was born in Kelly township, that county, December 3, 1836, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Keim) Hertz, farming people, in whose family were ten children, seven of whom reached adult age. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Royer: Eve A., now the wife of Byron Ed- munds, of Cleveland, Ohio; Ellen V., wife of John S. Kauffman, of Snyder county, Penn .; and J. E., the subject of this sketch. After the

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death of the father, the mother remained upon the farm, and later married Moses Specht, a merchant and hotel keeper of Beavertown, Penn., since deceased. She now finds a pleasant home with our subject. Religiously, she is a Luth- eran.

During his boyhood and youth, J. E. Royer attended the Hassinger school of Franklin town- ship, Snyder county, and on completing his edu- cation went to western Ohio, working for a time in Hardin and Hancock counties as a day laborer on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago rail- road. For eight years he was variously em- ployed in different States in the West, and then returned to his old home in Snyder county, where, on February 10, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice Bingman, who was born in that county November 16, 1862, a daughter of Fred- erick and Mary (Smith) Bingman, farming people of Beavertown. Mr. and Mrs. Royer have three children: James S., born September 4, 1889; Mary B., born September 1, 1892; and Helen E., born July 9, 1896.

After his marriage, Mr. Royer rented a house and lot near Beavertown for a year, while he worked at general labor and looked up a loca- tion. On February 22, 1887, he came to Miles township, Centre county, where in the fall of 1885 he had purchased the old Smull homestead, consisting of 107 acres. He has remodeled the house and made many valuable and useful im- provements upon the farm, which is now under a high state of cultivation. In connection with this property he also owns a tract of timber land, He is numbered among the most energetic and prosperous young farmers of the community, and, while a resident of the township but a few years, has already made for himself a prominent place among the better class of citizens. He is systematic in his methods of farming, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place testify to his industry and capable management. In politics he is a steadfast Democrat, and as a man and citizen contributes his full share toward en- hancing the intellectual and moral welfare of the community. Both he and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Reformed Church.

W TILLIAM G. FURST, whose farm is pleas- antly located in Patton township, near Buffalo Run, Centre county, was born thereon May 10, 1864, and comes of an old and highly re- spected Pennsylvanian family, which was founded in America during the early days of the Republic. He has many relatives in the eastern portion of

the State, and is a cousin of Judge Austin O. Furst, attorney at law, of Bellefonte.

William I. Furst, the father of our subject, was born in Clinton county, Penn., June 28, 1814, and on reaching manhood married Mary Ann Gray, who was born in Patton township, Centre county, April 26; 1822, and died March 24, 1896. His death occurred December 6, 1883, and they now rest side by side in the Gray ceme- tery. Of the five children born to them, Fannie and P. Purdue died in childhood. Mary B. is the wife of John B. Way, a farmer of Williams- burg, Blair Co., Penn., by whom she has three children-Lulu, at this writing aged ten years; Nora, aged eight; and Bud, aged four; our subject is next in order of birth, and Lizzie E., who resides on the old homestead with her brother, completes the family.

In the schools of Stony Point, Centre county, Mr. Furst, the subject of this review, acquired a good practical education, and since laying aside his text-books has engaged in agricultural pur- suits, operating the old homestead farm, of which he is part owner. The neat and thrifty appear- ance of the place indicates the supervision of a painstaking and skillful farmer, who thoroughly understands his chosen calling. On January 29, 1884, he was married to Miss Eva M. Penning- ton, of Patton township, daughter of Thomas Pennington, and they have five interesting chil- dren, as follows: Clarence E., at this writing aged nine years; Carl M., aged seven; Ethel M., aged six; Mary E., aged four; and Russell C., aged a year and a half.

Mr. Furst uses his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the Republican party, in the success of which he takes a deep interest. He is an intelligent, wide-awake farm- er, held in the highest esteem by his fellow cit- izens. In religious belief he is a Methodist.

G EORGE DAVID GLOSNER, a leading farmer and cattle dealer of Marion town- ship, Centre county, is a native of that county, his birth having occurred in Curtin township. March 5, 1864. His father, Sampson Glossner (as the name was spelled by his ancestors), was born in Pine Creek, Clinton Co., Penn., a son of Christian and Margaret (Teal) Glossner, who were born, reared and married in Germany, but at an early day crossed the Atlantic and located in Clinton county, whence they came to Centre county. Here the grandfather carried on farm- ing throughout the remainder of his life. His other children were Henry, who died in Howard, Centre county; Margaret, widow of Conrad

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Singer, of Curtin township, Centre county; and Jacob, a laborer of Eagleville, in the same county.

By occupation Sampson Glossner was a farmer and carpenter. In October, 1860, he married Miss Mary Wensel, who was born No- vember 29, 1842, in Germany, of which country her parents, John and Margaret (Felder) Wensel, were also natives. In 1844 they came to Amer- ica accompanied by his father, John Wensel, Sr., and located upon a farm in Centre county, where they spent their remaining days, John Wensel, Jr., dying in 1895, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. Only two children were born to and Mr. Mrs. Glossner, the sister of our sub- ject being Margaret A., wife of Peter Robb, Jr., a farmer of Romola, Curtin township, Centre county. The father died in the fall of 1867, at the early age of twenty-seven years; the mother is still making her home in Curtin township.

George D. Glosner continued to assist in the operation of the home farm until he had attained his majority, and then started out in life for him- self as an agriculturist. On January 10, 1879, at his present home, he married Miss Emma M. Hoy, who was born upon that farm April 19, 1864. They have four children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Edna M., January 25, 1890; Beulah M., April 11, 1891; Doyle E., July 14, 1892; and Inez M., Decem- ber 2, 1893. The parents of Mrs. Glosner, George S. and Catherine A. (Yearick) Hoy, were both natives of Brush Valley, Centre county, where they were married November 27, 1851. For a short time they remained there, and then came to Marion township, where the father died December 11, 1889. He was born February 7, 1827, his wife on May 10, 1832, a daughter of John and Saloma (Riechel) Yearick; she now re- sides with our subject and his wife.

Mrs. Glosner is the youngest of eight chil- dren, namely: Tabitha A., born June 30, 1853, is the wife of I. W. Gates, a farmer of Clearfield county, Penn .; Samuel C., born February 7. 1855, is a farmer of Hublersburg, Centre coun- ty; Angeline G., born February 28, 1856, is the wife of H. D. Vonada, also a farmer of Hublers- burg; Semanda J., born September 7, 1857. is the wife of P. C. Gates, a carpenter of Clearfield county; Malissa C., born November 10, 1858, is the wife of A. A. McClintic, an undertaker of Coalport, Clearfield county; Henry F., born February 9, 1860, died June 12, 1874; and Su- sannah M., born December 29, 1861, is the wife of E. L. McClintic, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

For two years after his marriage, Mr. Glosner lived upon a farm which he owned in Curtin

township, and then removed to the old Hoy homestead, where he still resides. He is a thor- ough and skillful farmer, and as a cattle dealer has met with excellent success, so that he is now numbered among the substantial and well-to-do citizens of Marion township. Religiously, he is a member of the Reformed Church; politically, he is identified with the Republican party, and he is at present creditably serving as auditor and school director in his township.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 90

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