Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 94

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 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 94

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G W. EMIGH, M. D., a successful physician of Philipsburg, Centre county, is a self- made man whose history affords a striking illus- tration of the possibilities which lie.before one in whom mental ability is combined with high purpose and resolute will.

Dr. Emigh is a descendant of a pioneer fam- ily of Clearfield county, and the sturdy qualities of the race has been shown there in three pre- vious generations. His great-grandfather, Chris- tian Emigh, came from Germany when a young man, and settled upon a tract of land at the stream since known as Emigh's run, it having been named in his honor. He was a farmer by occupation and, so far as can now be ascertained, spent his life there. His son and namesake, Christian Emigh (2), who was born at Emigh's Run, possessed decided mechanical genius, and following his inclination he learned the carpen- ter's trade early in life. The demand for such labor was not constant in that vicinity, however, and although he was kept busy during the sum- mer months his winters were spent in chopping wood and such employment as he could find around the furnaces. For some time after his marriage he resided at Julia Ann Furnace, Cen- tre county, but later he settled in Philipsburg, where he became known as a most skillful me- chanic. His declining years were passed upon his farm in Clearfield county, about three and one-half miles from Philipsburg, and his remains now rest in the cemetery at that town.

Jonathan Emigh, the father of our subiect, was born at Julia Ann Furnace, and was a mere child when his father removed to Philipsburg, where he grew to manhood, in the meantime learning the carpenter's trade. He was of a liter- ary turn of mind and very studious, and many a night was spent in reading while lying on his back in order to catch the light emitted from a burning pine fagot, as he could not afford can iles, and his days were necessarily devoted to assist- ing his father. At seventeen he was qualified to teach a country school, and entered upon that work with such earnestness and zeal that he es- tablished a reputation as one of the best in- structors in his section. In mathematics he won especial notice by his ability. Those were the days of the primitive log school houses, and his small pay was left clear through the custom of " boarding round."

While teaching at Fairview he observed the unusual beauty of one of his pupils, a bright, healthy girl with a cheery disposition. and de- termined to make her his wife. The attraction was mutual, and in due time Miss Mary E. Evans became Mrs. Emigh. A home was made upon

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a tract of wild land in Clearfield county, and Mr. Emigh's time was thenceforth devoted to clearing and cultivating land in addition to teach- ing. During the Civil war he was drafted into the Federal service, and although he was then in the "forties" he was found to be physically sound. His regiment was assigned to the Ninth Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and during his short term he had some severe experiences which he would relate in after years. On one occasion he and a few other Union soldiers were surrounded in a swamp, and the Rebels kept up a constant firing at them all night long. The rain poured down in torrents, and the adjacent river overflowed and flooded the swamp. There they were, their bodies submerged in water, and their heads were with difficulty kept in a safe shelter behind stumps or trees from the bullets that flew thick and fast above them. Their pain- ful efforts availed them nothing in the end, for when morning came they were obliged to sur- render to their captors. This was near the close of the war, and fortunately they were detained only a few days in prison.

On his return from the army Mr. Emigh re- sumed his former occupations. His abilities made him influential among his acquaintances, and for many years he served as justice of the peace. He was also school director for a long time, and even taught school in the same dis- trict while holding that position. This was clearly against the law, but the community wanted his services, and technicalities were waived. His widow resides at the old homestead, which Dr. Emigh purchased that he might surround her with every material comfort which could brighten the evening of her life. The following children lived to adult age: (1) Hiram died at twenty-two years; (2) Priscilla (deceased) mar- ried James Hummel; (3) Lucretia (deceased) was the wife of William Quick; (4) G. W. is mentioned more fully below; (5) Jonathan re- sides in Graham township, Clearfield county; (6) Henry lives at the old homestead; (7) Ann married George Pierce, and resides upon a part of the old farm; (8) Frank is attending medical college in Baltimore, Md .; (9) Florence married Thomas Reynolds, and resides at the old home; (10) Andrew Jackson died in 1873.

Dr. Emigh was born at the family home- stead, March 10, 1857, and as a farmer's son he early learned the necessity and value of labor. The constant and outdoor employment gave him healthful physical development, much of his time being spent in wielding the axe and hauling logs with an ox-team .. He attended the local school and a normal school in the same county,

but as his parents were unable to give him a col- legiate education his later progress was made through private study. Once fitted for teaching he felt that he had found the stepping stone to success, and so rapidly did he advance in that honorable calling that at the time he left it for the medical profession he was principal of the public schools of Houtzdale, Clearfield county. He began to read medicine under the instruction of Dr. M. Gard Whittlier, of Clearfield, one of the most expert surgeons in this section, and aft- er a course in the medical department of the University of New York, he was graduated in 1884 with the degree of M. D. Locating at Woodland, Clearfield county, he built up an ex- tensive and lucrative practice. He married Miss Eleanor Howe, daughter of Robert Howe, a a well-known resident of Philipsburg. She is a lady of unusual mental force and fine culture, and prior to her marriage was a successful teacher. Like the Doctor she has developed her intellectual gifts through the discipline of private study. They have one son, George Wal- ton.

On February 21, 1893, Dr. Emigh removed with his family to Philipsburg, and then, going to New York City, he pursued a post-graduate course at his Alma Mater. Since his return to Philipsburg he has continued his professional work with marked success, his popularity in- creasing as his acquaintance widens. Alert and vigorous mentally, and an earnest student, he keeps well abreast of the advances in medical science, while his fine physique supports well the strain of professional duties. As a citizen he is held in high esteem for his sterling integrity. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Ma- sonic order, and in politics is an outspoken ad- herent of the Democratic party.

W T. BAIR. If all journalists allowed a keen sense of honor, and a due regard for the public welfare, to dictate the contents of their columns; if evil were not emphasized, and the records of the various classes of "degener- ates" were not constantly spread before the world to impress the minds of the morbid and the vicious, can we doubt that crime would speedily grow less? It is refreshing to find in the scholarly editor of the Philipsburg Daily Journal, a man whose conscience is recognized as a guide even in the " sanctum sanctorum," and who would pre- fer to lose a subscriber, if necessary, rather than to lower the moral tone of his bright, clean, and progressive paper.

Perhaps Mr. Bair derives his sturdy inde-

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pendence in the cause of right from the ances- tors who through past centuries breathed the the pure air of Alpine heights in their home in Switzerland. Coming to this country in Colon- ial times, the less remote members of his line be- came prominent among the pioneers of Lancaster county, Penn., and his grandfather, Abraham Bair, a native of that county bore the title of "Squire" (which then meant much), for many years. He passed a long life in agricultural pur- suits, being more than eighty years of age when he passed to the unseen world.

D. H. Bair, our subject's father, was born in in Lancaster county in 1828, and was engaged in, and identified with, mercantile business for many years, and is now living in Philipsburg. He has always taken keen interest in public affairs, and in politics is a Democrat. His wife, Catherine Long, was born in 1832, and is also living. She belongs to one of the old Pennsylvania-Dutch families, her ancestors having been among the first settlers in Germany Valley, Huntingdon county. They were Dunkards in religious faith. Her father, Judge John Long, associate judge of Huntingdon county, was a prominent merchant and land holder, owning several farms in that county. He died at the age of eighty-two years. Our subject was one of a family of six children, of whom, four lived to mature age, viz .: J. Frank, Webster T., William L., and Harry H., all now engaged in different departments of the Philipsburg Journal.

W. T. Bair was born in Huntingdon county, June 26, 1859, and received his early education in the public schools at Mount Union. He had a clear perception as to his proper vocation, and lost no time in preparing for it by learning the printer's trade. In the fall of 1874 he established the Mount Union Herald, which he afterward sold. He then purchased the Mount Union Times, but two years later went to Philipsburg to take charge of the Journal, then a weekly paper. In July, 18SI, after two years as man- ager, he became its proprietor and has ever since continued to give it his close attention as editor. Under his care it has prospered; on November I, 1888, he added a daily edition, and the result has justified his confidence in its growing popu- larity. It is independent in politics, and Mr. Bair's determination to exclude all news of prize fights or other demoralizing matter has made of it a paper that may safely be placed in any home. In 1881 Mr. Bair was married in Shirleysburg, Penn., to Miss Annie M. Elliott, who was born in Franklin county, Penn., and wasreared by an aunt. Four children bless this union: Viola, Edna, Ethel, and Joyce.

Progressive and liberal in his views, Mr. Bair is interested in all phases of our common life. Since 1885 he has been a Prohibitionist in politics, and he has always been active in various religious and philanthropical movements. He is a lead- ing member of the M. E. Church, and for years has served as secretary of the board of trustees, while he is a prominent worker in the Epworth League, and is now president of the Altoona District League, also recording secretary of the Central Pennsylvania League.

G EORGE G. HASTINGS. History shows that the most prosperous nations of the world have had large agricultural interests to up- hold their commercial and other business rela- tions, and it is conceded that the stability and progress of this country is largely due to the farming class. Among the leading agriculturists of Centre county is numbered Mr. Hastings, who is now successfully operating a rich and valuable tract of land in Benner township, near Belle- fonte.

Thomas Hastings, grandfather of George G., was by occupation a surveyor, and came to Belle- fonte in the early settlement of the place where he resided. He took up large tracts of land in Centre county. His children were: Daniel and Mary, the latter of whom never married. Daniel was born on Cedar creek in Haines township, Centre county, June 2, 1794; on April 16, 1846, he mar- ried Mrs. Mary A. Hartsock, who was born in Half Moon township, Centre county, October 14, 1814, a daughter of George and Sarah (Flegel) Gray, and granddaughter of Peter Gray, who came from Frederick, Md., to the Half Moon country in 1788, and their children were: Enoch and George G. The former was a member of the 53rd P. V. I. during the Civil war, and is now a merchant at Beech Creek, Clinton county, Pennsylvania.

George G. Hastings was born April 11, 1848, in Centre county, Penn., and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the county of his na- tivity. He is indebted to the public-school system for the educational privileges which he enjoys. Throughout the greater part of his busi- ness career he has followed agricultural pursuits, but in 1869 he embarked in the lumber trade, and for four years carried on operations along that line. In the spring of 1873 he commenced farin- ing in Benner township on land belonging to the estate, and three years later he bought his present farm, then comprising one hundred acres, to which he has since added from time to time until he has now 260 acres of good land. On the farm

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457.

are substantial buildings, and his improvements are all modern. In farming methods he is pro- gressive, and his labors have resulted in the acquirement of a comfortable competence. In 1871 Mr. Hastings was married to Miss Loretta Rogers, and to them have been born children as follows: Mary Agnes, April 1, 1872, at Beech Creek, married Edward P. Gray February 9, 1897, and they reside on the old homestead in Patton township; Enoch T .. November 12, 1873, in Benner township; George Gray, June 2, 1875, in Benner township; Harriet Belle, January 8, 1877; Sarah Loretta, September 27, 1878; Henry B., May 17, 1880; Anna Elizabeth, May 17, 1882; Eliza O., August 9, 1886; and Nellie Jennette, August 8, 1888. Mrs. Loretta Hastings was born at Beech Creek on December 9, 1846, a daugh- ter of T. A. S. and Agnes Ann (Miller) Rogers. The latter was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., born in 1819, and died in July, 1883, at Beech Creek, in Clinton county. He was by trade a blacksmith. Agnes Miller was a native of Mifflin county, Penn., born in 1814, and died in August, 1882, at Beech Creek. Their chil- dren were: Clarinda, Loretta, Henry B., John Thomas, Robert W., Susan E., and one that died in infancy.

H Y. STITZER. An early struggle with ad- verse circumstances is quite commonly held to be an advantage to an aspirant for success in life; but sometimes, when one sees a gallant effort made against heavy odds, the thought arises that the energy and concentrated will which inspired it, might, under happier conditions, have been applied to other issues, seemingly more impor- tant. But if the development of character is the main work of our sojourn upon earth, if "the deed in the doing reaches its aim," then the years spent in overcoming such hindrances are really as rich in fruit as any which win the approving no- tice of the public.

The history of the subject of this sketch, a well-known attorney of Bellefonte, Centre county, possesses the interest which invariably attaches to the life of a self-made man. His paternal ancestors were early settlers in Pennsylvania, and his grandfather, John Stitzer, a native of this State, was for many years the proprietor of the principal hotel in Mifflinburg. William Stitzer, our subject's father, was born in that city May 13, 1811, and was married there September 13, 1833, to Miss Judith Yearick, a native of the same place, born November 23, 1811. After his marriage he moved to Millheim, Centre county, and followed the hatter's trade for some time,

but fortune did not smile upon his efforts, and later he became a day laborer at various places in Centre county. His death occurred in Belle- fonte, September 17, 1873, at the home of our subject. He was an Old-line Whig in politics in his early years, but after the change in party lines which followed the agitation of the slavery question, he became an Independent, with ten- dencies toward the Republican party. He and his estimable wife were members of the Evan- gelical Church. She survived him many years, breathing her last October 24, 1891. They had seven children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: John, April 16, 1834, is a saddler at Mifflinburg; Lydia, born June 17, 1835, at Millheim, married William J. Bollinger (now of Salt Lake City), and died in 1871 at Illinois; H. Y., our subject, is the next in the order of birth; William D., October 31, 1838, died January 13, 1840; William W., December, 1840, is a farm- er in Gregg township, Centre county: Sarah, December 15, 1842, married John Zerby, of Pot- ter township, Centre county; Amelia, August 21, 1844. resides with our subject.

H. Y. Stitzer was born February 25, 1837, at Millheim. He had no settled home during his childhood owing to his father's frequent changes of location, and at an early age he was apprenticed to a merchant tailor in Mifflinburg, learning that trade. Despite the difficulties in the way of securing an education, his naturally bright and active mind had enabled him to make fair progress, and inspired by a determination to seek a more congenial field of labor than his trade promised to be, he attended the academy at Mifflinburg for one summer, and in the following winter, when about twenty-one, he began teach- ing school in Snyder county. In 1861, after several years of successful work in this calling. he was made principal of the High School at Bellefonte, which position he held but a short time when he was admitted to the Bar, having previously studied law under the direction of Judge Hoy, of Bellefonte, and established him- self in practice. During the battle of Gettys- burg he was one of the Emergency men called out by the Governor, and served for eight weeks in Capt. Boal's company. In 1866 he was elected district attorney and served ably for two terms, but on retiring from office in 1872, he purchased the Livingston Book Store, which he continued until 1895. Since disposing of that he has resumed his practice with gratifying success. He was deputy sheriff under Richard Conley.

On December 25, 1867, Mr. Stitzer was mar- ried to Miss Hannah M. Hess, a native of Boals- burg, born in February, 1837. They have no

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children of their own, but took two, a girl and a boy, into their home, whom they reared and ed- ucated; the girl, Mira E. Shaffer, is now the wife of H. A. McKee; the boy, Randolph P. Nighten- gale, a son of Dr. Nightengale, of Doylestown, Penn., died when nearly twenty years of age. In his younger days Mr. Stitzer took an active part in politics, and has served as chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of the county. Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church; they take great interest in Church work, and in the Sabbath-school, of which Mr. Stitzer was for many years the superintendent.

J WESLEY GEPHART, general superintend- ent of the Central Railroad of Pennsylvania, and for a decade one of the foremost lawyers at the Centre County Bar, is the son of John P. and Mary M. (Swartz) Gephart, the former an honored citizen of Bellefonte, a notice of whom, with that of his ancestors, appears elsewhere in this volume.

J. Wesley Gephart was born at Millheim, May 25, 1853. The foundation for his education was laid in his native town, and in the schools of Bellefonte; he was prepared for college at the Bellefonte Academy, and was graduated from Princeton in 1874. He read law in the office and under the direction of Gen. James A. Beaver, of Bellefonte, since Governor of Pennsylvania, and now one of the judges of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth. Young Gephart was ad- mitted to the Bar December 13, 1876, and, at the time, the press thus noticed the event: "Our young friend, Mr. J. W. Gephart, was admitted to practice law in the several courts of Centre coun- ty, on Wednesday last. Mr. Gephart's admission is the first that has occurred under the new rule of the Court appointing a permanent board of examiners, who are guided by a certain set of rules in the examination of applicants. Mr. Gephart is said to have given complete satisfac- tion to the board, who complimented him highly. He is a very diligent young man, of much natural ability, and his reading has been quite extensive. He has a logical mind, and a retentive memory, and his future promises brilliant things. We congratulate him." Less than two years after- ward the press again remarked that: "Mr. Gep- hart, though young, is an exceedingly fine speaker, and gives promise of becoming a brilliant orator."

After his admission to the Bar, Mr. Gephart became a partner of his preceptor, Gen. Beaver, which partnership continued until in November, 1893, when he retired in order to give his entire

time to the Valentine Iron Company, with which he was connected from January 1, 1891, to No- vember 1, 1895, and the new Central Railroad of Pennsylvania, of which he had been made the general superintendent. Ten years after his ad- mission to the Bar the press said: "The distin- guished law firm ,of Beaver & Gephart has added a new man to its membership in the person of John M. Dale, one of its former students. Up to 1873 the firm was McAllister & Beaver, and was continued under that name until January 7, 1877, when J. W. Gephart, son of Hon. J. P. Gephart, was taken into partnership. Just ten years later the firm became as above stated. The new member of the firm is a graduate of the State College, and about a year ago was admitted as a practitioner to the several courts of Clinton and Centre counties. Since then he has spent the major portion of his time in the office of Beaver & Gephart, with whom he read law. He is a young man of excellent qualities, and is well prepared for the profession upon which he so conspicuously entered. Both sides are to be congratulated-the firm in securing so able a young man, and the new member in becoming associated with so popular a firm. Mr. Gephart, a graduate from Princeton, made a right record during the first ten years." This firm enjoyed an extensive practice, and owing to the senior member's absence much of the time in his rela- tions to the public affairs of the Commonwealth, a great deal of work fell upon the junior mem- bers, who, however, always proved themselves equal to the task. Mr. Gephart has ever had the reputation of a close student, and is an indefati- gable worker, and whatever he has taken hold of moved. Through the inspiration that his youth, energy, and ability gave to one of the languishing industries of Bellefonte, it became a success, and he is the president of the company. He is a suc- cessful man. He stood deservedly high at the Bar, both as a counselor and as an advocate. He is an eloquent and forcible speaker. He has always been found on the side of right on all questions, and in all movements tending to the elevation of mankind. His influence has been felt in the cause of temperance, and for years he has been an active worker in the Presbyterian Church, and the superintendent of its Sabbath- school. Being a man of letters, and possessing the qualities of a leader, capable and willing, he adorns citizenship.

In 1888 Mr. Gephart supported Harrison for President. He had been educated a Democrat. Commenting on a letter he had written express- ing his views on the tariff question, and in justifi- cation of his intention of voting with the Repub-

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licans, the press said: "Never was so power- ful a political bomb thrown into the Democratic camp of Centre county, as the able letter written by J. W. Gephart, Esq., and published in last week's issue of the Gazette. Everybody has read the letter-Protectionists, irrespective of politics, heartily endorse it, and Cleveland Free- trade Democrats are unable to refute or explain any part of it. They are simply dumbfounded, and know not where to look for relief. No one ventures to express the least doubt about Mr. Gephart's Democracy, for everybody knows that he has always stood by the Democrats through thick and thin. No one can raise the cry of dis- gruntled politician, for Mr. Gephart has never sought any office either large or small. No one can say aught against his professional or business qualifications, for he stands far above reproach in any capacity or department you choose to take him. So then Mr. Gephart cannot be at- tacked personally, politically or professionally. What are the Freetraders going to do about it ? Inquiries have been received by mail, telegraph and personally for copies of the Gazette, contain- ing the letter. A large number of extra copies of this week's issue were run off, and yet they were all gone before night of Friday last. A large addition of Gazette supplements containing the Gephart letter is now in print."

In October, 1879, Mr. Gephart was married to Miss Ella Hayes, and the Watchman remarked on the occasion: "He is, beside being a lawyer and a capable one, an accomplished printer, hav- ing learned his trade in the Watchman office, and to a great extent secured his college educa- tion by working at the business in Princeton, N. J. His bride is the accomplished Miss Ella Hayes (daughter of W. W. Hayes, Esq., for- merly of this place, but now of Washington, D. C.), who almost since her childhood has been an inmate of the family of W. P. Wilson, deceased, on High street, a modest, excellent girl, with a fair share of personal attractions, who will make ' Wes' a faithful, good and loving wife. The marriage took place in the church, being solem- nized by Rev. Mr. Laurie, in the presence of a dense congregation of people. The bridal pair were attended by six ushers, and as they ad- vanced up the aisle they were greeted by looks of eager anticipation and delight-so susceptible are the multitude to the charins of a nuptial cere- mony. Excellent music was rendered, and the floral decorations of the church were admirable. After the performance of the marriage rite the happy pair returned to the residence of Mr. Wil- son, where they viewed the handsome gifts pre- sented to them, among which were $140 silver

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 94

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