Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 99

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 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 99

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Dr. Neff, one of the most successful practi- tioners and business men of Centre county, was born in 1817, and was the son of Major John Neff, who was prominent in the early history of Penn's Valley. The latter was born in 1790, and died April 4. 1870, in Centre Hall. In 1858 the Doctor left Aaronsburg and located in Centre Hall, where he soon built up an excellent practice and accumulated a handsome property. He continued the prosecution of his profession up to his death, which occurred April 7, 18So, at the bedside of a patient in Potter township. His loving wife survived him until April 7, 1887, and both now rest in . the cemetery of Centre Hall. She belonged to the well-known Motz

family of Woodward, Penn., a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fisher) Motz. The Doctor and his wife were held in the highest regard through- out the community, with whose interests they had long and prominently been identified. His father being a farmer, the Doctor passed his early life on a farm, but he was always a great student, and his daughter has often heard him speak of his studying at nights and working hard to secure his education. He was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. In politics he was a Democrat, but not active or obtrusive in the work of the party.

Early in the year 1886, Mr. Bairfoot pur- chased a stationery store in Bellefonte, which he conducted in partnership with Oscar Wetzel for a time, and then became sole owner, but failing health necessitated his selling out, which he did in May, 1888. He then removed to the old homestead of Dr. Neff in Centre Hall, where his death occurred. Politically he was a Democrat, but never aspired to public office. As a young man he was steady and reliable, which traits characterized his entire career. He was quiet and unassuming, a man of few words, but a great reader and excellent penman. When a boy, in Lewistown, Penn., he committed to memory a certain amount of the catechism, and far excelled the other competitors who were striving for the prize-a dictionary-which he presented to the Sabbath-school where he won it. He was a great Bible student, followed closely its teach- ings, and was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. His name will be cherished for many generations, as that of a man who acted well his part and lived a worthy and honorable life. Mrs. Bairfoot, who still survives her husband, occu- pies the old homestead of her parents, and is surrounded by many warm friends and acquaint- ances, who have for her the highest regard.

J OHN ANDREW HUNTER, B. S. and M. E., instructor in mechanical engineering at Pennsylvania State College, is rapidly win- ning distinction as an able and successful educa- tor. To judge of his future by his past, we may well believe that his steady purpose will carry him forward to increased effectiveness and wider influence.

Mr. Hunter is a native of Half Moon Valley, Centre county, having first seen the light at Stormstown, May 15, 1868. His father, John A. Hunter, Sr., a native of Pine Grove, has been for many years a prominent agriculturist at Stormstown, and he and his wife, Elizabeth El-

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der, are among the most highly esteemed resi- dents of that vicinity.

Prof. Hunter enjoyed in boyhood the benefits of wholesome country life, and in 1884 he left the old farm to enter the preparatory department of State College. In 1890 he completed the course in mechanical engineering, graduating with the degree of B. S. In the same year he began his professional career as an instructor in Me- chanic Arts at Macon, Ga., and soon after was appointed principal of Parson's Technological School at Savannah, Ga., where he remained un- til 1893. He then returned to his Alma Mater for a post-graduate course in mechanical and electrical engineering, gaining the degree of M. E. In 1894 he assumed the duties of his present position, for which his abilities and training have admirably fitted him.

Prof. Hunter is a member of the Scientific Association of State College, and, while thor- oughly devoted to his chosen line of study, he takes an intelligent interest in all questions of the time. In his political views he is a Democrat. So far Prof. Hunter has not joined the ranks of the happy benedicts.

W 'ILLIAM H. DENLINGER, of the well- known firm of Denlinger Bros., whole- sale jobbers in oil, with offices in Pittsburg and Philipsburg, is a citizen whose history and char- acter are especially deserving of portrayal in a volume which aims to preserve the records of leading men. An able, energetic business man, he is actively interested in many important enter- prises, while at the same time his public spirit is manifested in his hearty co-operation in the varied phases of local progress-social, political, and philanthropic.

Our subject is a native of the Keystone State, born November 13, 1853, and is descended from an old Pennsylvania-Dutch family, his ancestors having located in Lancaster county at a very early period. His grandfather, Christian Den- linger, left that locality with two brothers, Mar- tin and Henry, to make their homes in Blair county, Penn. The descendants of the brothers are now located mainly at different points in the West. Christian Denlinger settled near Holli- daysburg, and married Miss Jane Holliday, a member of the honored pioneer family for whom that city was named.

Our subject's father, Christian Denlinger (2), was born in Blair county, in 1823. He had one brother, William, now a resident of Michigan, and formerly a prominent journalist of Weston, Penn. A half-sister, Elizabeth, married John

Jones, of Westmoreland county, Penn., and died in 1865. Christian Denlinger (2) followed the carpenter's trade in early life, and later was for many years an official in the Allegheny County Work House. He was married in Pittsburg to Miss Fannie Shidle, a native of that city, born in 1825, who died in April, 1865, his own death occurring in June, 1891. The Shidle family is of Maryland stock. and James Shidle, grand- father of our subject, left his home in Baltimore to locate in Pittsburg, walking the entire distance on the old National turnpike. He was born in 1800, and died in 1879. His wife's maiden name was Elmira Crosby, and they had six children: Geter, John, Henry, James, George, and Fannie (Mrs. Denlinger). To Christian and Fannie Den- linger four children were born: Jennie, who died in infancy; Elmira C., wife of John Van Bus- kirk, of Pittsburg; William H., subject of this sketch; and James S., who was born January 2. 1856, and was reared in Pittsburg. He married Miss Alice Goff, and has four children: Fannie, William Holliday, Christian and Charlotte.

William H. Denlinger received his education in Pittsburg, but as a boy he spent seven years in Minnesota, his parents having gone there temporarily. His unusual ability attracted at- tention before he had outlived his "teens," and he was appointed to the office of deputy gauger of Pittsburg, in which capacity he served for nine years. In 1879 he and his brother James S., formed the firm of Denlinger Bros., with the main house at No. 804 Duquesneway, Pittsburg. In order to accommodate their rapidly developing trade, they opened the branch office at Philipsburg in 1883. with W. H. Denlinger in charge. By his characteristic energy and tact he has greatly increased the scope of the business, and at the same time he has identified himself thoroughly with the interests of the locality which he has chosen for a home. Few men, perhaps none, are more active and influential in the various public and semi-public movements there, certainly no other man of his years can compare with him in this regard. He is presi- dent of the Board of Trade; president of the Citizens Building & Loan Association; was presi- dent of the Borough Council in 1896; a director in the Welivar Manufacturing Company, and president of the furniture factory.

Mrs. Denlinger is a member of the Catholic Church, while Mr. Denlinger, though no mein- ber of any religious persuasion, is a liberal con- tributor to all. Socially, he and his accom- plished wife are an acquisition to Philipsburg. He was married June 4, 1889, to Miss Nann M. McLaughlin, a native of Clearfield, born August

HA DEulinger

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13, 1865. Her father, James McLaughlin, was formerly treasurer of Clearfield county. Two sons, William H., Jr., and James McLaughlin Denlinger have blessed this union. Mr. Den- linger is an active worker in the Masonic order, and is a past master of Moshannon Lodge No. 391; past high priest of Clearfield Chapter No. 228; and post E. C. commander of Moshannon Commandery No. 74. In politics he is a Demo- crat, but takes no active interest therein except for his friends.

Christian Denlinger, our subject's father, served three years in the war of the Rebellion, as corporal in the Second Minnesota Battery of Artillery, was never wounded, but was taken prisoner near Shelbyville, Tenn., confined in Libby Prison a short time, and exchanged in the spring of 1864. At that time he was sick, and his son, our subject, went to Annapolis to visit him, and there entered the service of Dr. Van- degrift, surgeon-in-charge, as orderly, and served till the close of the war.

P ERRY H. STOVER, senior member of the well-known firm of Stover & Whitmyer, lumber merchants of Coburn, Centre county, is an able business man and a public-spirited citizen whose genial disposition and high character have attracted to him a host of friends.

As he is descended from two leading families, a review of his ancestral history will be of interest. His great-grandfather, George Stover, had but two children, Jacob and John, of whom the former went to California during the "gold fever" of 1849, and while at sea on his way home a few years later, had a sunstroke, from the effects of which he died at La Crosse, Wis. John Stover, the grandfather of our subject, was killed in early manhood while blasting rock in the construction of the first railroad from Millheim to Brush Val- ley, which lay along Elk creek, but on the oppo- site side from the present road. His wife, Mary (Yeagley), died from colic, neither of them having attained the age of twenty-one. Both were buried at Aaronsburg, where they resided when their only child, George W., was born, February 17, 1826.

The late George W. Stover, the father of our subject. was reared by his maternal grandmother. Anna Maria Yeagley, wife of John Yeagley, in what was then Haines (now Penn) township, Centre county. After a course in the district schools he studied higher branches at Mifflintown and Mifflinburg, and, thus prepared, began the work of teaching, in which he continued success- fully for three or four years. In 1842 he began

to learn the miller's trade at Pine Creek Mills, and after acquiring a knowledge of the work re- mained there for a time as an employee. Later he engaged in mercantile business at Nittany Hall. In 1848 Mr. Stover was married in Haines township, by Rev. Mr. Reese, a Lutheran minister, to Miss Malinda A. Kreider, who was born September 13, 1829, in Lebanon, Penn., where her grand- father, Jacob Kreider, was a well-known citizen in his day. He and his wife, Catherine (Smith). reared a family of five children-two sons and three daughters-Philip, Mrs. Stover's father, being the eldest. The other son, Jacob, died in 18II.

Philip Kreider married Leah Bowman, and in April, 1834, removed with his family to the pres- ent site of Centre Hall, traveling in a wagon, the journey from Lebanon county requiring three days. He and Christian Hoffer, who with his family made the trip at the same time, purchased what was then known as the James Lyons farm, and divided it, Mr. Kreider taking the lower por- tion where Centre Halt now stands. Four years later he moved to Linden Hall, and after one year there located in what is now Penn township, Centre county. He was a carpenter in his younger days, later becoming a merchant and hotel keeper. his thrifty and industrious life enabling him to secure a comfortable competence. He and his wife were devout members of the Re- formed Church, and were highly esteemed in the community. The wife died April 4. 1836, the husband on January 7, 1842, and the remains of both were laid to rest at Aaronsburg. Their children were Malinda A. (Mrs. Stover): Will- iam S., who died in 1855 in Penn township. Centre county; Rosanna, who died in infancy; John P., who died in Miles township, Centre county, at the age of forty-four: George B. and Reuben H., who died in infancy; Jacob B., a physician at Bucyrus, Ohio. and Mary C., now Mrs. Daniel Weaver, of Miles township. Centre county.

Our subject's parents began housekeeping at Nittany Hall, and remained until June. 1849. when they settled upon the farm now occupied by Mrs. Stover. It had belonged to her father. and the claims of the other heirs were purchased in order to acquire it. There was only a log cabin upon the place, once used as a distillery. but they made their home there until the pres- ent comfortable residence could be built. The first purchase was five acres, and later eighty acres adjoining were secured to make the farm as it is to-day. Before leaving Nittany Valley. Mr. Stover had bought tracts of timber land, which he afterward developed profitably. In

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the spring of 1859 he engaged in the distillery business in a small way, continuing more than twenty-five years, and this and other enterprises so engrossed his time that the care of the farm was left to the other members of the family or to hired help. During the last five years of his life he suffered from paralysis. His death oc- curred May 2, 1889, and he was buried at Aa- ronsburg.

For more than forty-five years he was a promi- nent member of the Reformed Church, serving often as deacon, and being always ready to con- tribute toward the advancement of the work. He helped to build three churches of this denom- ination, his liberality in this direction being one phase of a lifelong interest in all the movements which would promote the public welfare. He was a Democrat, although the family had in the main belonged to other parties. His interest in public affairs was keen, and he served in various township offices-auditor, school director, asses- sor and justice of the peace-and he was a warm friend of improvement in the schools of his dis- trict. At his death he left his property to his widow, a woman of kindly heart and noble char- acter, who was of great assistance to him in his career. She is well preserved, and although she has met with accidents at various times which have caused seven bone fractures, she has un- usual vitality and is very active for one of her age. Her memory is remarkable, especially of dates, her reminiscences of early life being very in- teresting, and her natural abilities are of a high order. Since 1844 she has been a constant member of the Reformed Church. Our subject was the first child in a family of five, the others being: Mary E., born October 29, 1853, mar- ried Thomas B. Motz, of Penn township, Centre county; John C., born May 27, 1855, died Octo- ber 20, 1893, leaving a widow; Oscar J., born July 25, 1860, lived only two years; Kreider H., born July 12, 1873, is a telegraph operator.

student or teacher, was spent at home, his father's numerous and varied enterprises affording an abundance of work for him as the eldest son. Later he gave his entire attention to these inter- ests, residing with his parents until October, 1877, and his services were of no small value.

In 1875, Mr. Stover was married in Miles township, Centre county; to Miss Eliza J. Wolf, who was born August 1, 1851, the daughter of Henry Wolf, a leading farmer of Brush Valley. In the fall of 1877, Mr. Stover and his young wife removed to Coburn, where he opened the "Coburn Hotel."a well-known hostelry built by his father. He remained there four years and a half, conducting also a livery business. In the meantime he became associated with his father in a grain business, which, with the coal business connected with it, came into his hands in 1880. As sole owner he continued until Feb- ruary, 1884, when he sold out to Smith & Co. In 1887 he entered the employ of William Whit- mer & Sons, lumber dealers, and occupied a re- sponsible position with them until 1894, when the present partnership was formed.

Mr. Stover is a member of the Reformed Church, and his wife is a Lutheran. They have no children. Their home in Coburn is a pleasant one, and at the time it was built by Mr. Stover it was considered one of the best in that section. Politically he is a Democrat, but his keen interest in the success of his party is quite impersonal as he is not anxious for office. He has served one term as justice of the peace, however. Frater- nally he belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge at Millheim, and is a charter member of the Patri- otic Order Sons of America at Coburn.

J SWIRES, one of Philipsburg's leading citi- zens and most successful business men, dis- plays in his career the characteristic American versatility, energy, and clear-sighted judgment. As merchant and coal operator, he conducts his extensive interest with dispatch, while in the various other lines of work in which he previ- ously gained knowledge of the world and devel- oped his business tact, he was equally efficient.

Perry H. Stover was born at Nittany Hall, Centre county, October 4, 1848, and was but a child when his parents removed to the present homestead. He attended the local schools, which were much inferior to those of the present day, and then pursued his studies further at Re- Mr. Swires is a native of Cambria county, Penn., born March 26, 1854. and of German parentage. His father. Anthony Swires, was born in the Fatherland, and came to Pennsyl- vania as a young man, engaging in the lumber business, and conducting a sawmill on his own account. During the greater part of his brief business career he lived in Cambria county, but at the time of his death (in 1864 or '65) his resi- bersburg under Supt. Magee, and at Aaronsburg with Prof. Gotwalt. His parents being well- to-do, and having a high estimate of the value of a good education, gave to all their children much better opportunities than fell to the lot of most young people of their time. On leaving school, Mr. Stover tanght successfully for three years in Penn township, Centre county, and Long Swamp. Berks Co., Penn. All his spare time, either as , dence was in Blair county. He was married in

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Pennsylvania to Miss Mary Dunmyer, a native of Germany, who survived him, her death occurring in 1893. She married a second husband, John Beck. By her first marriage she had four chil- dren, of whom our subject was the eldest; (2) Mary (Mrs. Anthony Beck) resides in Altoona; (3) John is a railway conductor, and resides at Bellwood, and (4) Joseph is a resident of Al- toona. There were two children by the second union: Annie, now Mrs. Boehm, and Amanda, who lives at Altoona.

Until the age of seventeen Mr. Swires made his home in Cambria and Blair counties, with three years in Clearfield county, but, on attain- ing that stage of life when ambition prompts a youth to prepare for the serious tasks of gaining a livelihood, he went to Philipsburg, and learned the blacksmith's trade with Joseph Jones. He. followed this trade until 1885, when he became interested in the livery business, which he sold three years later to engage in a mercantile part- nership under the firm name of Swires & Baker. After a year he began operating in the coal fields, and is now conducting the work at the Montana mines in addition to his general mercantile busi- ness with the Swires Store Company.

Mr. Swires has a pleasant home in Philips- burg, where he was married in 1888 to Miss Ber- tha Hunter, a native of Clearfield county, born in 1858. They have four children; Eva, Joseph, Jesse, and Ralph. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Swires has won his success by his de- votion to business, he has always been able to find tine to forward public interests as opportunity has arisen. He is chairman of the Second Ward Democratic Committee, and is an active member of the Altoona Fire Company, having been its president since its organization.

J FABEZ C. P. JONES, the present popular mayor of Milesburg, and proprietor of a res- taurant at that place, is classed among the enterprising and wide-awake business men of Centre county. He is ever ready to assist in any movement tending to advance the interests of the community in which he resides, and is highly respected by his fellow-citizens.

A native of Centre county, Mr. Jones was born in Bald Eagle Valley, July 12, 1833. His parents, David and Sarah E. (Carter) Jones, were natives of Vermont and Connecticut, re- spectively, were married in the former State, and in 1806 came in a sleigh to Centre county, Penn., where they spent their remaining days, the father dying in February, 1854, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother in September,

1883, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. They were the parents of seven children, as fol- lows: Hannah, who married John Glenn, but both are now deceased; Chauncey, Silvey and Harvey, all three deceased; Henry, a resident of Clinton county, Penn .; Sarah J., deceased; and Jabez C. P., of this review. By occupation the father was a general farmer, was a Whig in poli- tics, and for ten years served as justice of the peace of Union township, Centre county. He was a devout member of the Methodist Church, in which he was class leader for twenty-one years. His father, Jabez Jones, was born in New Hampshire of Welch extraction, while his (Jabez's) wife's father was a native of the Green Mountain State. Neither ever lived in Centre county.

In the usual manner of farmer boys our sub- ject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and at the age of seventeen entered upon an ap- prenticeship to the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed until 1860. For one year thereafter he was engaged in a mercantile establishment. The Civil war having broken out, he enlisted, in 1861, in Company B, 148th P. V. I., but he was taken ill, and after seven months and fifteen days spent in the service, he was honorably dis- charged and returned home. For four years he then engaged in clerking, after which he was em- ployed as a huckster and peddler for some years. Subsequently he followed contracting and gen- eral carpenter work two years, and then opened his present restaurant at Milesburg, which he has since successfully conducted.

In March, 1854, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Elizabeth Parsons, a native of Milesburg. who died March 25, 1871. To them were born nine children-three sons and six daughters-five of whom died in infancy. Those living are Mary. wife of Thomas Dougherty, of Oakpond, Penn. ; James T., of Clinton county, this State; David, of Bellefonte, Centre county; and Silvey, of Pittsburg. On July 23, 1873. Mr. Jones was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Bella Murray, and they have eight children, all at home, namely: Erma E., Grace T .. Lester V., Bella V., Fenetta J .. Edna R. , Clara V. and Iva J. Mrs. Jones was born at Milesburg, March 15, 1843, and is a daughter of Thomas M. and Euretta (Roberts) Hall, in whose family were the following children: James, deceased; Mary, wife of Col. James F. Weaver; Mrs. Ellen Swires, a widow; Benjamin, a resident of Chicago; Clara. who married A. T. Boggs, of Milesburg. but is now deceased; Heury and George, both deceased; Dr. William, who is living in Milesburg: Bella, wife of our subject; and Joseph, a resident of

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Missouri. The father of these children con- ducted a hotel at Milesburg, was a prominent Democratic politician, and served as sheriff of Centre county.

Mr. Jones has been called upon to fill several official positions of honor and trust in his local- ity, the duties of which he has discharged in. a most capable manner. He has served as coun- cilman, assessor, and school director for twenty- two years, being secretary of the board for six- teen years and president two years of that time. He has also been a member of the board of health, and auditor of the town for eleven years. In January, 1895, he was appointed burgess, which responsible office he is now acceptably filling. On account of the injurious effects of his army service, he now receives a pension of $30 per month. He is an ardent Republican in politics, and fraternally is a member of the Grand Army Post of Milesburg, of which he was com- mander for one year.

G EORGE WIRT, who in his lifetime was one of the representative and leading citizens of Penn township, Centre county, began his ca- reer at the foot of the ladder without other re- sources than his own indomitable will and steady, plodding industry, and worked his way upward until he became possessed of a handsome com- petence.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 99

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