Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 98

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 98
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 98
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 98
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 98

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After the removal of the parents to Rebers- burg in May, 1875, the father lived retired until his death, March 9, 1884, and was buried at that place. His widow still lives in the comfortable home left her. For over fifty years they had traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and had the esteem and confidence of all who knew them. In politics, Mr. Gramly was a Democrat, and held a number of local offices to the satisfaction of all concerned. He was well posted on the Scrip- tures, being a constant reader of the Bible, had the strictest regard for truth and honor, was tem- perate in all things, and was an active member

of the Evangelical Church, with which he was officially connected.

J. A. Gramly, our subject, whose name in- troduces this review, was born in Miles town- ship, Centre county. May 10, 1848, and in the schools of the neighborhood began his educa- tion, his first teacher being Samuel Gramly. He completed his literary course in the Rebersburg Academy. Upon the home farm he remained until thirteen years of age, when he started to learn the blacksmith's trade with Simon Smull, of Madisonburg, receiving only his board in compensation for his services, but after one year he gave this up and later worked at the wagon- maker's trade with Joseph Weber, of Rebers- burg. At the age of twenty he rented his father's farm, and after operating it for two years, he sold off his stock and obtained employment as a carpenter. · A natural mechanic, he has been able to work at almost any trade, including those of a stone mason and saddler.

Before he had attained his majority, Mr. Gramly wedded Miss Abbie Weber, a daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Heckman) Weber, and by this union a family of ten children were born, namely: William, who at present is em- ployed in a mill at Spring Mills, Centre county; Vernie, wife of Floyd Bowersox, of Spring Mills; Charles, at home; Edward, a teacner of Rebers- burg; Esther, at home; Herbert, who died at the age of two years; Oliver, Pines and Emma, all at home; and a son, who died in infancy. The wife and mother, who was a consistent member of the Evangelical Church, departed this life in December, 1887, and was buried at Rebersburg. Later Mr. Gramly married Miss Annie Blint, a native of Loganton, Penn., and a daughter of Jacob Blint.

The first land which our subject owned was seventy-five acres known as the old Kleckner farm, which he improved and subsequently sold, but never lived thereon. Later he purchased fifty acres of the old home farm, and erected all the buildings thereon. There he resided until the fall of 1895 when he came to Rebers- burg to take charge of the ". Rebersburg Hotel." which he has since successfully conducted. When a boy he became interested in the stock belonging to his father, and under Dr. Hilbish, who recognized his talent for veterinary surgery, he began the study of that science. During the twenty-five years he has practiced that profession, he has been very successful in his treatment of stock, and his practice covers a radius of twenty- five miles. Of a most generous, kindly nature, he often makes no charges when he knows that his patron is in limited circumstances.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Politically, Mr. Gramly has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has creditably served as school director of District No. 4, six years, assessor, three years, and is at present overseer of the poor, which office was entirely unsolicited by him. He is a charter member of Rebersburg Lodge No. 1031, I. O. O. F. His strict integrity and his honorable, upright life, have gained him hosts of warm friends, as well as the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact, and at one time was called upon to act as guardian for fourteen children.

W WILLIAM MILLER is one of the prosper- ous and intelligent farmers of Taylor township, Centre county, residing on the Mount- ain road. He was born September 28, 1831, at Yellow Springs, Huntingdon Co., Penn., a son of Charles and Ann (Bird) Miller, the former a native of Centre county, and the latter of Sinking Valley, Huntingdon (now Blair) county, Penn- sylvania.

By occupation the father was an iron worker, and on his return to Centre county in 1840, he located at Hannah Furnace, where he died in 1852, at the age of forty-five years. He was an Old-line Whig in politics, and was a member of the United Brethren Church, to which his faith- ful wife also belonged. She passed away in 1850, aged forty-five years. In their family were the following children: William, of this sketch; Mar- garet, a resident of Bellefonte, Penn .; John, who is operating a sawmill in Clearfield county, Penn .; Mary A., of Philipsburg, Penn .; George W., who was killed at the battle of Spottsylvania during the Civil war; Jane, a resident of Belle- fonte; and two who died in infancy. The pater- nal grandfather of our subject died in Philadel- phia, of yellow fever, while on a visit to his daughter.

William Miller remained at home until it was broken up by the death of his parents. At the early age of nine years he began work at the Hannah Furnace, where he was employed until he had reached his twenty-first year, and later was connected with different iron works until 1860, when he located upon his present farm, and has since devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits with excellent success. In January, 1851, he married Miss Susan Caraher, and to them eight children have been born, namely: Clara, wife of Lewis Sheets, a lumber- man of Janesville, Penn. ; Daniel, a farmer of Osceola, Penn., who married Annie Miller, a rel- ative; Wesley (deceased); Ammie, wife of D. S. 1

Fleming, of Du Bois, Penn .; Frances, wife of George Copenhaver, a farmer of Osceola; George W., railroad freight agent at Houtzdale, Penn., who married Laura McMunagle; Harry, a pho- tographer, of Tyrone, Penn., and Bertha, at home.

Mrs. Miller was born March 19, 1832, in Sinking Valley, Huntingdon Co., Penn., and is a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Waite) Cara- her, natives of York county and Huntingdon county, respectively. They were married in the latter county, where they remained until 1848. when they came to Centre county, locating at Hannah Furnace, where the mother died in 1 850, at the age of fifty-three years. A year later the father removed to the farm on which our subject now resides, and there continued to make his home. He died, however, in Blair county, while on a visit to a daughter. He followed black- smithing in early life, but later lived retired, en- joying a well-earned rest. The following chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Caraher: Sam- uel (deceased); Margaret, widow of David Brat- ton, a blacksmith and later a farmer; Eva E .. Michael and Abraham, all three deceased: Alfred, a blacksmith, of Houtzdale, Penn. : Susan, wife of our subject; Mary, wife of William Clark, of Houtzdale; Catherine, widow of Jacob Rider. of Guthrie-county, Iowa; Henrietta, widow of John Cline, of Bellefonte, Penn., and one who died in infancy.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller remember when their homes seemed to be on the frontier, and game and other wild animals were very plentiful. One day, while in the timber looking for her cows, she was approached by three wolves, which she at first took to be her dogs, and on realizing what the animals were was very much frightened, but succeeded in driving them away. In April, 1892, Mr. Miller met with a misfortune in the loss of his home, which was destroyed by fire. Not only did he lose his nine-room house, but the family records and most of the furniture and personal effects were also consumed. He has since erected his present comfortable and com- modious dwelling, about twenty feet from the former site, whose exterior surroundings denote thrift and comfort, while the interior domestic economy and arrangements show the intelligence. culture and refinement of the owners.

Politically, Mr. Miller is identified with the Republican party, has served as school director for four years, supervisor ten years, overseer of the poor one year, and collector twelve years. Public-spirited and enterprising, he gives his sup- port to all worthy objects tending to promote the welfare of the community, and was instrumental

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in building the plank road running from Union- ville to Tyrone. He is widely and favorably known, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

J ASPER N. BROOKS, U. S. storekeeper and gauger at Pleasant Gap, Centre county, is one of the native sons of that locality, and has spent his entire life there. He is both widely and favorably known, and the acquaintances of his boyhood are now numbered among his stanch- est friends-a fact which indicates a well-spent life. He was born in Spring township, May 26, 1845, a son of Richardson and Jane E. (Ralston) Brooks, highly respected citizens of the locality. The former was born in Centre county, and his father was a native of Chester county, Penn. Throughout his life Richardson Brooks followed the occupation of farming, and in 1894 he passed from earth. His wife was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and her father was a native of England.

Mr. and Mrs. R. Brooks had a family of ten children, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth. The others are (1) James R., who married Sarah Evey, by whom he had four children; after her death he wedded Sarah Caldwell, by whom he also had four chil- dren; his home is in Spring township, Centre county. (3) Elmira is the wife of Henry Twit- myer, of Pleasant Gap. (4) Rebecca is the wife of Dr. John Bilger, who is engaged in the prac- tice of veterinary surgery; they have six chil- dren. (5) William S. resides in Pleasant Gap; he married Mary Gross, and they have seven children. (6) Lillie D. is the wife of John Show- ers. (7) Samuel is engaged in school teaching. (8) Annie is the wife of Coke Bell, of Bellefonte. Penn. (9) Lemuel married Annie Bell, and is employed as a traveling salesman. (10) Fanny died in infancy.

Jasper N. Brooks obtained his education in the public schools of Spring township, and has always lived in that locality. He belongs to one of the old families of the county, and for fifty- one years he has been identified with its inter- ests. In his early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and for a number of years followed that vocation, many evidences of his handiwork and skill being seen in his section of the county. Recently he has established a planing-mill and carpenter shop in Pleasant Gap, and in his busi- ness efforts is meeting with good success, having now a liberal patronage. He is also serving as U. S. storekeeper and gauger.

In 1872 Mr. Brooks was married to Miss

Sarah Watson, and they have three children: Anna, Paul P. and Helen. In his political ad- herency Mr. Brooks is a Democrat, giving his sup- port to the men and measures of that party. In religious belief he is an Adventist, and all who know him regard him as a worthy citizen and straightforward business man, well meriting the respect in which he is held.

L C. RERICK, a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Benner township. Centre county, was born August 16, 1845, and is a son of Daniel and Polly (Neff) Rerick, both now deceased, the former dying of heart disease when in his sixty-eighth year. The mother. whose birth occurred October 28, 1806, was called to her final rest October 24, 1885. By trade the father was a shoemaker, but for the last twenty years of his life he followed agricult- ural pursuits.

Our subject is the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being as fol- lows: Israel and Elizabeth both died in infancy. John, born February 28, 1835, married Kate Mc- Clintock, and died March 20, 1865. in Benner township, Centre county, where his entire life had been passed. Sarah J. is the wife of Will- iam A. Thompson, of Brookville, Penn. Mary A. resides with our subject. William died at the age of six years, nine months and ten days. The paternal grandfather made his home in Union county, Penn. L. C., our subject, remained be- neath the parental roof during his youth, and drew his excellent education from the schools of the locality. Having always been studiously in- clined and fond of reading, he has added mater- ially, through the course of a busy life, a large amount of useful information to his stock of knowledge. For fourteen years during the winter season he successfully engaged in teaching school. and still holds a teacher's certificate issued by Prof. J. P. Eickersham, once State superintend- ent of schools. Early in life he was made ac- quainted with the theory and practice of agri- culture, and is now one of the most thorough and skillful farmers of Benner township. He is also interested in a steam thresher.

On October 23, 1869, Mr. Rerick married Miss Lizzie D. Eckley, and to them have been born seven children: Newton J .; Aggie B. ; Lloyd M., who is a member of Company B, Pennsyl- vania State Guards; William B .; Harry D. ; Ed- gar D. and Lillie T. Mr. Rerick is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Democracy, which he always supports by his ballot, and is now serving as assessor of Benner township.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Socially he holds membership in the Grange, and in religious belief is a Lutheran. He is highly respected and honored by a wide circle of ac- quaintances, and is one of the representative men of Centre county.

O. HOSTERMAN, of the firm of Hoster- man & Stover, leading hardware merchants of Millheim, Centre county, is but a recent ac- quisition to the goodly array of progressive busi- ness men in that thriving town, but his ability, enterprise and upright methods have already es- tablished for him an enviable reputation. Al- though he is still a young man comparatively, his popularity is established on a firm basis- that of his own well-tested merit.

Mr. Hosterman was born March 5, 1859, in Haines township, Centre county, where his an- cestors were early settlers. His father, Jacob Hosterman, a son of John Hosterman, was born July 13, 1814, and was reared to manhood in Haines township, near Fiedler post office. His early education was mainly obtained in the Ger- man schools of the day, but his native talents en- abled him to gain an honorable place in life by almost unaided effort. For twenty-five years he was justice of the peace, and he was known as " Squire " Hosterman throughout that section. He was a large man, well built and very robust, and did much hard work in his day, gaining a comfortable competence. While he was never a politician, he gave his hearty support as a citi- zen to the Democratic ticket on all occasions. He was married in Haines township, to Miss Anna Bower, a native of the township, born Au- gust 3, 1816, the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Ocks) Bower.

Soon after marriage Squire Hosterman locat- ed near Fiedler P. O., upon a farm which he owned there, and to which he devoted most of his time. As he was a blacksmith by trade, he established a shop on the place and continued the business many years. His wife, a most es- timable woman, was a Lutheran in faith, but he belonged to the Reformed Church, and was an active worker, attending regularly and holding various offices. He died May 28, 1871, and Mrs. Hosterman afterward made her home with her son Robert until her death, which occurred February 12, 1879. The mortal remains of both now rest in St. Paul's cemetery. Their children were Susan, now Mrs. W. K. Stover, of Haines township; Charles, who died in Nittany Valley, leaving a family; Robert P., a farmer of Haines township; Mary, who died at an early age: A. Jackson, who died at Aaronsburg leaving a

family; James M., who died in infancy; and Fred- erick O., our subject.

When F. O. Hosterman began his studies, the schools of this section were by no means on a par with those of to-day, and the remembrance of his limited opportunities makes him, though childless himself, a stanch friend of improvement in this line for the benefit of coming generations. At thirteen, being large and strong for his age .. he began working as a farm hand for an uncle, D. O. Bowers, in Union county, receiving $7 a month. He remained there but a short time, however, and returning to Haines township he made his home with a brother, his father being dead. He enjoyed the advantages of one season in school at Aaronsburg before his days as a stu- dent were ended. In 1880 he went to the vicin- ity of Bellevue, Ohio, and spent the summer as a farm hand, returning to Pennsylvania in the fall. Shortly afterward he became a clerk in the store of Fiedler & Runkle, at Fiedler, Cen- tre county, and his three and a half years there. gave him his first practical knowledge of mercan- tile business. Later he purchased the store from Mr. Fiedler, giving his note for the entire amount, as his available capital was needed to buy stock. This transaction is noteworthy as indicating the confidence which his former employer reposed in him. Mr. "Hosterman conducted the business successfully for eight years, and having been in- strumental in securing a post office at Fiedler he was placed in charge, and served six years as postmaster in addition to his other business. In the spring of 1893 he disposed of his interests, which were then in a flourishing condition, and moved to Millheim, but did not engage in any enterprise until the fall of 1894, when he bought the hardware business of J. C. Smith. In this he has made a great success, as has been said. and the business is now the most extensive of the kind in Penn's Valley.

On December 28, 1884, Mr. Hosterman was married, in his native township, to Miss Susan Stover, daughter of Noah and Rachel (Shirk) Stover, prominent residents of that locality. Mrs. Hosterman was the second child and daugh- ter in a family of six-four daughters and two sons. In 1895, Mr. Hosterman built one of the finest homes in Millheim -- where fine homes are no rarity -- and the beauty of its location, com- bined with architectural effect, make it an ideally attractive spot. Mr. and Mrs. Hosterman have had one daughter, Mand, who died in infancy.

One important factor in Mr. Hosterman's success is his unfailing courtesy and willingness to oblige others. As a citizen he is no less pro- gressive and enterprising than in his private af-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

fairs, and that this is appreciated by his fellow- citizens is seen by his election to his present seat in the city council after a shorter residence in the place than any other member who ever served therein. He is a steadfast Democrat, but the life of a regular politician has for him no charms.

J SPIGELMYER is unquestionably one of the most influential and wide-awake business men, whose lives have become an essential part of the commercial and industrial history of Centre county. Tireless energy, keen percep- tion, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined · to every-day common sense. guided by resistless will power, are the chief characteristics of the man. He is not only one of the most enterprising merchants of Millheim, but also conducts the leading livery stable in the place, and is exten- sively engaged in the coal and sawmill business, thus giving employment to many men, and ad- vancing the interests of the community.

Mr. Spigelmyer was born July 23, 1853, in Hartleton, Union Co., Penn., and is a worthy representative of one of the old families of that place. His father, Shem Spigelmyer, was there born, and was a son of Daniel Spigelmyer, a prominent merchant and farmer of that locality. Shem Spigelmyer wedded Mary J. Lashell, and to them were born seven children who are yet living, and four now deceased. Those who still survive are G. R., a merchant of Bellefonte, Centre county; Mary, widow of James Haas, of Mifflinburg, Penn .; Shem, also a merchant of Bellefonte; J., of this sketch; Hannah J., wife of James Chambers, of Mifflinburg; Charles D., of Williamsport, Penn. ; and Lydia L., wife of James Aurand, of Milroy, Penn. The father was for many years successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits, but is now living a retired life at the age of seventy-four, a highly respected and valued citizen of the community where he makes his home. He was practically thrown upon his own resources when a young man, and through his own efforts amassed a comfortable competence. He faithfully performs every duty of citizenship, and at the polls uniformly votes the Republican ticket. For years he has been a worthy mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, to which his es- timable wife also belonged. She departed this life in Mifflinburg when over sixty years of age, and there her remains were interred. She was of Scotch descent, while her husband was of German origin.

During his boyhood our subject attended the

public schools of his native place, and later was a student in the seminary at New Berlin, Penn. When old enough to see above the counter he began assisting his father in the store, out of school hours, and thus early acquired a good practical knowledge of business methods. Be- fore attaining his majority he became a member of the firm of Spigelmyer & Sons, who were then conducting stores in Hartleton and Woodward, Centre county. At the age of twenty-one he was married, in Mifflinburg, to Miss Mary C. Aurand, a native of Lewisburg, Penn .. and a daughter of John Aurand, a farmer by occupa- tion. She received the benefit of more than or- dinary education, being a student in advanced institutions of learning. By her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Carrie M., an accomplished young lady.

On dissolving his business connection with his father and brothers, Mr. Spigelmyer first es- tablished a store in Centre Hall, Penn., but after one year removed to Rebersburg, Centre county, and in 1880 established his present general store in Millheim, which he has since successfully con- ducted. In connection with his various business enterprises he also owns three good residences and three store buildings. He is one of the most progressive, public-spirited and enter - prising citizens of Millheim, doing all in his power to further the interests of the place, and promote the general welfare. In manner he is pleasant and genial, in disposition kindly, and the high regard in which he is universally held is well deserved. He is a stalwart Republican in politics, and though the town has a strong Dem- ocratic majority, he was elected chief burgess, a fact which plainly indicates his popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. Soci- ally he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle No. 353, of Millheim, and his estimable wife is a member of the Evangelical Church.

SIDNEY W. BAIRFOOT, who in his lifetime was one of the prominent and representative citizens of Centre Hall, Centre county, passed away on the 26th of October, 1888, after a life of industry, and rich in those rare possessions which only a high character can give. He had labored with all the strength of a great nature and all the earnestness of a true heart for the bettering of the world abont him, and when he was called to the rest and reward of the higher world his best monument was found in the love and respect of the community in which ahnost his entire life had been passed.

In Milroy, Penn., Mr. Bairfoot was born

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

479

July 10, 1854, and he first came to Centre county when he was seven years of age, going with his mother to the home of ex-County Treasurer D. C. Keller, of Potter township, where she was em- ployed as a seamstress. When she was ready to leave, such an attachment had sprung up between Mr. Keller and the child that she concluded to allow him to remain for a time; but each day tightened the bands of friendship and the in- tended temporary stay became permanent. Being an excellent boy, he fortunately had a home with one of the best families of Potter township, where his traits of character were ap- preciated, and he was treated as one of the family. In the schools of Centre Hall he obtained a good practical education.

When a young man, Mr. Bairfoot began his business career as a clerk in a general store in Lewistown, Penn., where he remained for eight- een months, and subsequently for several years served as manager of a store for his uncle in Chicago, Ill. During that time, however, he contracted malaria, which necessitated his re- turning "home", as he called it. Mr. Keller being engaged in the buying and selling of stock in Centre Hall, he became familiar with the business, which he followed after that gentleman's election to the office of treasurer of Centre county, and for some time was his partner in business. He was the trusted confidant of Mr. Keller, and in no instance was that confidence ever abused. In all the relations of life he was upright and hon- orable, and thus had the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. On July 14, 1886, in Centre Hall, he wedded Miss Flora O. Neff, who was born February 2, 1855, the only child of Dr. P. D. and Sarah C. (Motz) Neff. Herbirth occurred in Aaronsburg, Centre county, but since the age of three years she has made her home in Centre Hall. When twelve she entered the Moravian Academy at Bethlehem, Penn., where she graduated July 1, 1873.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 98

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