Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 100

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1266

USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 100
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 100
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 100
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 100

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Himes, of Armstrong county, a daughter of Mathew and Catherine Himes, well-to-do people of that county. He now has charge of his father's farm. Their only child is Nora. (12) K. F., born in October, 1867, died in July, 1878.

Our subject is unswerving in his allegiance to the Democratic party, and has efficiently served as collector. assessor and supervisor of Porter township. He and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, to which his wife also belonged. Although past eighty-one years of age, he has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. There is an old age that is a benediction to all that comes in contact with it, that gives out of its rich stores of learning and experience, and grows stronger intellectually and spiritually as the years pass. Such is the life of Mr. Gahagen, an encourageinent to his associates and an exam- ple well worthy of emulation to the young.

T HEOPHILUS PANTALL, one of Jeffer- son county's most progressive citizens, re- sides near Punxsutawney, and has probably done as much as any other one individual to promote the prosperity of that locality. He helped to organize the First National Bank and the Citi- zens Bank of Punxsutawney, in each of which he is a director and large stockholder. He is the owner of valuable real estate in the same place. at Clayville, and in Young township. The mammoth " Hotel Pantall," at Punxsutawney. is among his possessions.

Mr. Pantall's parents, James and Elizabeth (Reece) Pantall, were of English origin, having come to America from England in 1825. after their marriage, bringing with them two children, They located in Centre county. Penn., for a time. then made their permanent home near Punxsu- tawney, in Jefferson county; the mother died in 1867, the father in 1882. The latter was a miller by trade, and for some years had charge of Dr. John Jenks' mills at Punxsutawney, but later he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which his last years were spent.

Theophilus Pantall was born in 1841 at the old homestead near Punxsutawney, where his life has been passed. Like many of the successful men of the day he was reared to farm work, and his education was obtained in the schools of the vicinity of his home. Since engaging in busi- ness he has been chiefly occupied with lumbering and real-estate interests, but his sagacity and foresight have made him a leader in many of the en- terprises which have developed the resources of the locality and pushed Punxsutawney to the front.

I Cantall

1077

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He is a self-made man; beginning without a dol- lar, his large possessions to-day are due to his own personal efforts. He has been a shrewd and

capable business man and a money-maker. He recalls with pleasure the first half dollar he ever earned; it was received in payinent for the split- ting of one hundred rails for Mrs. Mary Jordan, ot Jefferson county, Penn. Mr. Pantall is now largely engaged in dealing in live stock, princi- pally for the local market. He slaughters from 500 to 1,000 head of beef cattle annually. He

was one of the promoters of the enterprise which resulted in the securing of the Punxsutawney Iron Works, and was also the largest contributor to the enterprise. In addition to his possessions in Punxsutawney he has a fine farm of 200 acres in Young township. Although Mr. Pantall takes a keen interest in public questions and is a steadfast Republican, he has never been an as- pirant tor office. His first vote in a Presidential campaign was cast for Abraham Lincoln. So- cially he is identified with the F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., and the K. of P. He has a pleas- ant home.

His wife, who was Margaret Work, to whom he was married in 1860, was a native of the same locality. Of their five children the eldest daughter, Lillian, married J. U. Moore, a mer- chant of Piqua, Ohio, and died, leaving a daugh- ter, Helen, who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Pantall. Their only son. Lon, is the able and popular cashier of the First National Bank of Punxsu- tawney, and of the three surviving daughters, Clara, wife of J. F. Goheen, a merchant of Lindsey; Lottie, who married J. Dorn, also a merchant of Lindsey; and Minta, wife of W. A. Sutter, assistant cashier of the Citizens Bank of Punxsutawney. The family attend the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs. Pan- tall is a prominent member, as are all of their children.

W FILLIAM ELIAS PIFER. Although, at this writing, in his eightieth year, the subject of this biography is active physically and mentally, and if he chose could successfully com- pete with many a young man in a day's work. His fine constitution, strengthened in youth by the simple and wholesome life of a pioneer farm- er's son, has endured, without serious impair- ment, the toil of many years, and, fortunately, the leisure of later days is not clouded by the lack of strength and vigor. With a beautiful home, and the companionship of his beloved wife and children, Mr. Pifer would be difficult to please if he could find cause for discontent.

He was born December 27, 1817, near Greens- burg, Westmoreland county, Penn., where his mother's ancestors were early settlers. His fa- ther, John Pifer, a native of Dauphin county, Penn., was married in Westmoreland county to Miss Charlotte Frye, and made his home there until 1829, when he moved with his family to Jefferson county, traveling with an ox-team. The weather was very cold, and the journey occupied seven days. Our subject had been taken sick just before the time for starting, and his parents bought an old jumper sleigh for his especial use. They located in the wilderness in Henderson township, where John Pifer and Frederick Kun- ley purchased 202 acres of land at one dollar an acre, which they divided. The Pifer tract is now in the possession of the family, our subject's brother, David, occupying it. _ The family lived in a truly primitive fashion for many years, their meal and flour being ground in an old mill which broke agrain of corn in about eight pieces. The father died suddenly in 1851, at the age of sixty- two, a half mile from Brookville while returning home with his son, George. The mother lived to the age of seventy, passing away in 1871, and the remains of both now rest in Rider's grave- yard one mile from the old homestead. Of the children born to this worthy pioneer couple, Jonas, the eldest, died in 1884. aged sixty-five; John F. is a retired farmer in McCalmont town- ship. now, 1897, eighty-four years old: Simon died in his youth; William Elias is mentioned more fully farther on; George is now living in retirement in Henderson township, at the age of seventy-seven: Elizabeth, aged seventy-four, is the wife of James Dickey, of Winslow township, Jefferson county; David, now seventy-one. re- sides at the old homestead in Henderson town- ship: Mary A. died at an early age, and Thomas, who at the age of sixty-seven weighs 340 pounds. is living in retirement in Henderson township.

William Elias Pifer remained under the pa- rental roof until he attained his majority, his time being occupied with the farm work. On leaving home he worked through the spring months for Mr. Rhodes, clearing a field, and in the fall of the same year he married his first wife. Miss Lida Shetterly, daughterof Jacob Shetterly, and located at his father-in-law's farm which he cultivated for three years. He bought fifty acres of woodland from his brother. John, at three dollars per acre, and building a small house, he resided there four years. On setting out he moved to his present homestead, which has since been enlarged until he now has 253 acres of the finest land in the township. Three of his sons have settled upon adjoining farms,

1078

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and one, Solomon T., relieves his father of the care of the homestead. Our subject's marriage to Miss Shetterly, who was a native of Hunting- don county, Penn., occurred in 1839, and on October 6, 1888, after nearly fifty years of wed- ded life, she passed away at the age of sixty-four, her mortal remains being interred in the Rhodes graveyard, where repose also her parents, Jacob and Mary Ann (Gearhart) Shetterly, natives of Armstrong county, Penn. On July 31, 1890, at Punxsutawney, Mr. Pifer was married to Mrs. Barbara (Wise) Winger, widow of Henry Winger, a farmer, who died June 11, 1886, aged sixty- nine years, one month and twenty-eight days, and was buried in Polk township, Jefferson county. They had twelve childreu, all of whom are living. Mrs. Pifer was born January 1, 1827, at Lembach, Germany, the daughter of Adam and Barbara (Syphert) Wise, who came to the United States in 1835 and settled upon a farm in Jefferson county. The mother died August 24, 1861, aged seventy, and the father, May 23, 1873, both being buried in the cemetery at Troutville. They had four children: Adam, a farmer in Jefferson county; Mary, the second in order of birth; Barbara, now Mrs. Pifer, and Catherine, wife of Henry Weaver, of Trontville. Mrs. Pifer is a handsome woman, and no one would imagine from her appearance that she has five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Pifer now numbers two great-grandchil- dren among his descendants. He had ten chil- dren (all by his first marriage): (1) James D. died when fifteen years old. (2) John P., a farmer and lumberman in McCalmont township, married Miss Elizabeth Weaver, and has four children-Lida C., Simon A., Mary A. and Emma C: (3) George C., a farmer in McCal- mont township, married Miss Catherine Weaver, and has five children-Melsina, Henrietta, Cyrus, Milton and William. (4) Solomon T., who oper- ates the homestead, is one of the ablest agricult- urists of this section, the farm showing in every department the results of his progressive and energetic management. (5) William was killed at the age of fifteen by a fall from a chestnut tree. (6) David is a hardware merchant in Big Run. (7) Elizabeth married John North, a farmer in McCalmont township, and has had three children-Verna, Cordelia, and Seely (de- ceased). (8) Philip, a farmer in McCalmont township, married Miss Lena Mooth, and has one child -- Myrtle. (9; Simon Alexander died when two years old. (10) Jacob, a farmer in McCal- mout township, married Miss Sarah Conrad, and has had six children-Cleveland (deceased), Clyde. Morrow. Alice, Homer and Elmer.

As a citizen William Elias Pifer has always held a high place in public esteem. He served for three years as supervisor and for one year as school director. He is regarded as one of the leading Democrats of his locality. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and, although he re- sides four miles from the church at Stuart, with which he united three years ago, he is a constant attendant. -

T HEODORE MORRIS is one of the highly respected citizens of Young township. Jef- ferson county, and has taken a very important part in the npbuilding and development of the lo- cality in which he lives, lending his support to all measures calculated to promote the public good.

Mr. Morris was born in Northampton county, Penn., in 1819, a son of Obed and Mary (Bow- man) Morris, the former born in Bucks county, Penn., in 1792. the latter in Northampton coun- ty, in 1791. In 1820 they removed to Indiana county, and after a few years located in Young township, Jefferson county, where the father pur- chased 106 acres of timber land. He built there a log house and barn and developed a good farm. which he continued to cultivate until his death in 1881. His wife died in February. 1859. leaving a family of five sons. Her two daughters are both deceased. (1) James M., the eldest, was born in 1815 in Northampton county, was reared on the homestead in Jefferson county, and after his marriage to Phœba J. Williams, purchased a farm in Perry township, Jefferson county. He afterward traded that for a farm in Oliver town- ship, whereon he now resides. He has a family of five children, namely-Mary E., wife of Enos Nolph, a carpenter of Coolspring, by whom she has two children: William P., who was married and resided in Oliver township until his death in 1895; Emily, who became the wife of R. J. Crism- man, and died some years ago; Charles A., who is married and lives on his father's farm in Oliver township; and C. L., who is engaged in teaching. (2) Theodore, the subject of this sketch, is inen- tioned farther on. (3) C. R. B., the third of the Morris brothers, is married and resides in Frost- . burg, Penn. (4) J. B. is married and lives on his farm in Young township, Jefferson county. (5) Moses A. married Miss Means. of Whites- ville, and died some years ago.

Theodore Morris was a child of only two years when brought by his parents to Jefferson county, where he has now resided for three- quarters of a century. He received but limited school privileges, his youth being largely devoted

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1079

to farm work. He was married in 1841, after which he purchased 200 acres of timber land in Young township, a mile north of his father's homestead. There he developed a large farm, and also followed lumbering, floating his prod- ucts down Mahoning creek to the Pittsburg markets. He continued lumbering and farming on that property for about forty years, and after the death of his youngest brother, Moses, in 1883, removed to the old homestead, where he and his wife are now spending their declining days.

large farm in Indiana county, upon which his family still reside. In partnership with Mr. Hyde he is doing an extensive business as a stock dealer of Ridgway. His family numbers nine children. (5) Martha, born in Young township, Jefferson county, in 1850, is the wife of Charles B. Jordan, who owns and operates a farm in Oliver township, Jefferson county, and is also manufacturing sawed lumber. They have seven children. (6) Clarissa, born in Young township, in 1852, married Rev. S. G. Redding, of West Virginia, who was graduated in Lewisburg, Penn., and is now pastor of a church in Williamsport, this State. They have five children. (7) J. B., born on the old homestead, in 1860, pursued his studies in Waynsburg College, was graduated in the Lincoln University of Illinois, and also in Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. He in now successfully practicing in Punxsutawney. He married Ella Means, of Jefferson county, and they have three children-George, Walter and Theodore. (8) Salina, born on the old home- stead in 1864, is the wife of L. M. Lewis, of Perry township, Jefferson Co., Penn., who now operates her father's farm. They have five chil- dren-Fannie, Edmond, Paul, Ruth and Alice.

Mrs. Morris bore the maiden name of Matilda Gibson, and is a daughter of Andrew Gibson, a well-to-do farmer of Oliver township, Jefferson county. Eight children blessed their home: (1) Mary E., born in Young township, in 1842, be- came the wife of Harry Law, of Jefferson county, and in 1862 her husband enlisted in the 105th P. V. I. He rose from private to staff officer, and at the time of Lee's surrender volunteered to carry ammunition across the battlefield. While thus engaged he was shot and killed. His only child, Carl C., was educated in the Orphans' School in Dayton, Penn., and in Lewisburg Col- lege, and after his graduation became a teller in a Pittsburg bank. He served in that capacity Theodore Morris and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. They have reared a family of children who liave be- come useful and respected members of society. Their lives have been well spent, and the circle of their friends is very large. In politics Mr. Morris is a Democrat, and the confidence reposed in his honesty is well indicated by the fact that for thirty-three consecutive years he has served as school treasurer. He has also been school di- rector for a quarter of a century, and was super- visor and auditor for a number of years. He i has been a liberal contributor to the building of churches and schools, and no one has done more for the best interests of Young township than this honored pioneer. for some years, and was then appointed by Gov. Hastings as bank examiner of Pennsylvania. H. is married and owns a fine home in Pittsburg. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Law married S. B. Williams, now a resident of Perry township, Jefferson county, and by this union had three children-Martha, wife of John Kayes, of Brockwayville; Joseph, of Punxsutawney; and Bertie, who died at the age of nineteen years. (2) T. J. Morris, the second in our subject's family, now resides on the farm first occupied by his father. He wedded Mary Means, of Jeffer- son county, who died leaving three children -- John C .; Carrie, who is married and lives in . Elk county, Penn. ; and Minta, who died some years ago. T. J. Morris later married Annice Meaner, of Indiana county, Penn., by whom he had seven children -- May, Wesley, Thomas, Jes- W A. BOWERS is one of the early settlers of Jefferson county, who has long and honorably been connected with its interests as a farmer and lumberman. He was born in Clear- field county, Penn., in 1820, and during his childhood came to Jefferson county with his par- ents. Philip and Caroline (Kipps) Bowers. sie, Albert, Matilda and Rachael. (3) Rev. J. R., born in 1846, was graduated at Waynsburg College, and is now pastor of the West Union Presbyterian Church. He married Mattie Means, of Whitesville, and has five children, namely -- Bort, who is a graduate of Waynsburg College, is married and practices medicine in Pittsburg; Philip Bowers was born in Newmarket. Va., and after his marriage removed to Clearfiekl : county. Pern., locating on the Susquehanna river. In 1813 he came to Gaskill township, where he purchased 150 acres of timber land and built Lucy is also a graduate of Waynsburg College; Maud and John are students in Waynsburg Col- lege; and Read is at home. (4) Nancy F., born in 1848, became the wife of George N. Redding, Jefferson county, who afterward purchased a ' a log house and barn. He afterward erected a

----

1080

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

plank house, and made many other substantial improvements upon the excellent farm which he there developed. He died in June, 1856. and his wife passed away in Jannary of the same year. This worthy couple had ten children: (1) Elizabeth became the wife of Martin Packer, a farmer of Gaskill township, Jefferson county, and died some years ago, leaving three children. (2) Annie, born in Virginia, came with her parents to Jefferson county, where she married John Rhodes. Both died some years ago, leaving a large family. (3) \V. A. is the next younger. (4) Susan, born on the old homestead in Jeffer- son county, is the wife of Joseph Keller, a farmer of Du Bois, where they reside with their family. (5) Michael, born on the homestead farm, mar- ried Elizabeth Devers, of Indiana county, and in that county was killed by the falling of a tree. He left a widow and two children-Catherine, wife of james Neal, of Indiana county; and Michael, who married Sarah Ross and lives in Indiana county. (6) John, born in Gaskill town- ship, married Elizabeth Vandivender, of Indiana county, where he made his home until his death, thirty years since. He left four children, all of whom are married and live in Indiana county. (7) Abram married Emily Devers, and with his wife and six children resides in Indiana county, where he follows farming. (8) Andrew, born in Gaskill township, married Christiana Macalvain, of Jefferson county, now deceased. He is at present living in Punxsutawney, where lie married Mrs. Reading. (9) Isaac married Margaret Keel. daughter of Rev. Keel. of Armstrong county, Penn. She died leaving six children -- John, Jacob, Philip, Rebecca, Maurice and Peter. The father of this family afterward married Lillie Spencer, and they now reside on the Wainwright farm near the old home. They have two children -Edith and Martha. (10) Leanna, born in Vir- ginia, dicd in childhood. (11) Mary, born in Jefferson county, became the wife of Isaac War- ner, of Armstrong county, and both died in Illi- nois some years ago. leaving a large family.

W. A. Bowers, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm in Gaskill township, and at the age of twenty-eight married Elizabeth Anthony, of Henderson township. Jefferson county. He then purchased a farm adjoining the old home- stead, built thercon a good house and barn, and continued the cultivation of his land until 1864. when he enlisted in Company F. 58th P. V. I., serving with the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war. While in the service Mr. Bowers was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who died in July, 1865. Their children were: Mary E., who was born on the home- there, engaged in agriculture.

stead in June, 1849. She married John Lantz, and resided in Indiana county until killed by a bull in 1885. She left six children-William, who is married and lives in Georgeville, Penn .; Chester; Nora; Lizzie; Harry; and Jessie E .. who died in childhood. (2) Henrietta, born in January, 1851, is the wife of Anthony Dover- spike, who resides in New Salem, Armstrong county. Their children are-Calvin, Edwin, Albert, Orpha, Ralston, Edith and Clark. (3) Minerva J., born in February, 1853, is the wife of James Lantz, of Indiana county, who now re- sides at Anita, Jefferson county. Their children are-William, who died in childhood: Anna and Mary, at home; Bertha, wife of Henry Dunmire, of Anita: Maurice: James; Eli; Ira; Lee; Walter; and Lula. (4) William, born in December, 1860, wedded Mary Engle, of Milton, Armstrong coun- ty, resides at Glen Hazel, Penn. Their children were-Ralston, who died in infancy: Erna, de- ceased: Edith, Laura and Minnie, at home. (6) Matilda, born in March, 1855, died at the age of five years.

In 1872 our subject was married to Margaret E. Neal, daughter of Thomas and Mary Neal, of Neal's Mills, Jefferson county. Her father, as a member of the 105th P. V. I., participated in inany engagements of the Civil war, and was wounded at Bull Run, at Fair Oaks, and very seriously at the Wilderness. He was one of the brave sol- diers of the war. He died in 1891, and his widow now resides with Mrs. Bowers.

In politics Mr. Bowers is a Democrat. and has served as assessor, collector, school director and in other township offices. He and his wife are consistent members of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church, and are highly esteemed peo- ple, whose personal worth enables them to move in the best circles of society.

W ILLIAM IRVIN, senior member of the firm of William Irvin & Son. proprietors of an extensive tannery at Big Run, Jefferson county, is a self-made man, whose abilities and energy have gained him a leading place in his community. He has been identified with all the important enterprises of his town, including the Citizens Bank, of which he was the first presi- dent and so remained for five years.

Mr. Irvin is a native of Pennsylvania, as was also his father. the late Benjamin Irvin, who was a collier by occupation until 1848. His quiet tastes and disinclination for public life making him most contented with a country home, he purchased a farmi in Tioga county, and, locating

Sia

1081

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

It was in the year 1835 that the subject of this sketch was born, his parents being then resi- dents of Lehigh county, Penn. His early edu- cation was limited to a brief course of study in the public schools of that day, and at fourteen he began the work of bread winning, finding em- ployment in the woods at lumbering. At nine- teen he purchased from his father for $200 the right to " his time" until his majority, paying the money as he could. When the war broke out he took up arms in the defense of the Union, enlisting in Company D, 106th P. V. I. Three years were spent in active service, but few of the many important engagements in which his regiment participated being missed by Mr. Irvin. At Savage Station, on the Peninsula, he received a buckshot wound which disabled him for a short time, and, in the battle of the Wilderness, he was seriously wounded in the left shoulder, and also received a flesh wound in the hip. He served the full term of his enlistment, and then returned to his native State. Engaging in the tannery business in Tioga county, he remained there two years, when, in partnership with L. R. Gleason, he built a tannery at Canton, Penn., and operated it for some time. In 1881 he built another tan- nery, this one at North Bend. Clinton Co., Penn., where he spent six years, and in 1888 he estab- lished his present business at Big Run, with his son, Charles H. Irvin, as partner. They do a large business, and employ about seventy-five men throughout the year.

In 1865 Mr. Irvin was married to Miss Mary C. Veil, daughter of the late Judge C. F. Veil, a leading citizen of Tioga county, Penn. Seven children have blessed this union, of whom one daughter died in infancy; Charles H., the eldest son, is now in business with his father, as pre- viously noted; Emma is the wife of Elmer Ditt- mar, a furniture manufacturer of Williamsport. Penn .; the Misses Ida, Nellie and Jennie, and another son, Benjamin, are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Irvin and the eldest five children are mem- bers of the Christian Church, in which Mr. Irvin is an elder. He also belongs to the F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, but, while he takes a keen in- terest in public questions and movements, he is not an aspirant for official honors.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 100

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1266

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1266