Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 104

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 104
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 104
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 104
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 104

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Mrs. Wagner is one of the three surviving children of lier father's family, the others being: Mary, wife of George Neece, a retired farmer of Oakridge, Penn. ; and Catherine, wife of Van Law- head, a miner and farmer of Oakridge. There were also three children, now deceased: Eli; Anna, who died at the age of three years, and Samuel.

T HOMAS S. McCREIGHT, a farmer and ex-lumberman, of Winslow township, Jef- ferson county, is a native of Pennsylvania, hav- ing been born on April 25, 1830, in Armstrong county. When two years old he was brought by his father to Winslow township. Jefferson county. where the latter cleared the 150 acres of land which now constitutes our subject's farm.

Young McCreight attended the district schools in the winter seasons, in the summers working on the farm, whereon he continued until his enlist- ment in 1862. in Company B, 135th P. V. 1., for

nine months' service. In 1869 he married Frances P. McKee, of Bell township, Jefferson county, born March 13, 1847, a daughter of David and Matilda J. (Chambers) McKee, the former a native of Centre county, the latter of Clarion county, Penn. ; they had a family of six children, four of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. McCreight were born eight chil- dren as follows: Smith M., Thomas E., James M., Ida Ethel, Mary A., Cora B., Everett Lloyd,

and Alberta G., all yet living except the last named. Of the 'sons, Smith M. is a lawyer of Reynoldsville; Thomas E. and James M. are at home with their parents. Our subject was for some twenty-five years engaged in lumbering in Jefferson county, but for the past seven years has devoted his time exclusively to his farming inter- ests. Socially he is a Republican; in their relig- ious views he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

Andrew McCreight, father of Thomas S .. married Ann Sharp, by whom he had thirteen children, named respectively: James; Sharp, Sally, Joseph, John, Ann, Jennie, Polly, Thomas S., Smith, Nancy, Jameson, and Hannah, eight of whom are yet living. The father of these died in 1861, aged seventy-four years, eight days; the mother in 1858, at the age of sixty-three years, eight months and eight days, and they are buried on the farm now owned by their son, Thomas S.

R OBERT NORRIS was born in Allegheny county, Penn., and died February 3, 1897, at the age of sixty-eight years, eight months and one day. His identification with the interests of Jefferson county was long and honorable, and he was esteemed as one whose sterling worth made him a valued factor in the community.

Robert Norris, his paternal grandfather, was a wealthy citizen of Ireland, who took great de- light in hunting, and spent much time in follow- ing the hounds. He was six feet and six inches in height and weighed 250 pounds. The parents of our subject, John and Mary E. (Moore) Norris. were natives of County Derry, Ireland, and in 1824 emigrated to Canada, whence they re- moved to Allegheny county, Penn., in 1828. Their children were: Robert; William and Henry, farmers of Winslow township: Jane, wife of Andrew McCollough, of Birmingham, Penn. : Esther, wife of John A. Crawford, of Allegheny City, Penn. ; Nancy, who died at the age of twenty-three; Ruth, who is living with her brother Joseph; Adam M. and Joseph, who re- side on the old homestead in Allegheny county;

1 -

Thomas S. Malorughy

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

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and Sarah E., wife of John Stark, also a farmer of Allegheny county. -

Robert Norris remained on the homestead in Allegheny county until sixteen years of age, when he went to Pittsburg, Penn., where he worked in a brick yard for four years during the summer, returning each winter to Allegheny county. He afterward worked in the lumber woods and then began lumbering in Jefferson county, which he followed until his death. He was also the owner of several farms, his second purchase being 175 acres of land, which is now owned by his sons, James C. and John M. He paid for this $6 per acre, and afterward sold twenty acres for $20 per acre. This is one of the most valuable farms of the county, being underlaid with coal. He made many excellent improvements upon the place, which stood as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. During the war, March 15, 1865, he was drafted; but hired John Hoffman to go as a substitute, paying him $1, 300, of which amount he had to borrow $300. Mr. Hoffman asked him to keep the money for him until his return from the war, such was his known honesty in all business transactions. In politics he was always a Democrat, and for eleven years he served as school director of Winslow. He was a man six feet, three inches in height, and weighed 205 pounds prior to his last illness. In business and social circles he was highly regarded, and he left to his family an untarnished name. He was married to Jane Mays, who was born in Venango county, August 5, 1827. Her parents were J. C. and Mary M. Mays. Her grandparents were George W. and Mary ( Hamilton) Mays, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter of Northampton county, Penn. He was a sol- dier in the war of 1812, and in battle suffered injuries which caused his death at the age of fifty-five years. By trade he was a millwright and miller, and in 1843 he located in Clarion county, Penn., where he lived until called to the home beyond. His wife died at the age of seventy-five years, and was buried in Butler county, Kans. The great-grandparents, Thomas W. and Mary Martha ( Hamilton; Mays, were natives of Germany and Ireland, respectively. The former served in the Revolutionary war and was wounded in the struggle for independence. He was a millwright by trade, and built one of the first mills in Westmoreland county, Penn. Later he moved to Venango county, Penn., where he spent his last days.

a farmer of Clarion county, Penn. : Eleanor, widow of Simon Huntington, and a resident of Reynoldsville; Thomas W., a farmer of Little Rock, Iowa; Mrs. Jane Norris; and Daniel, a fariner of Missouri.

To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Norris were born the following children: John M. ; Margaret E., wife of J. F. Chambers, of Reynoldsville; Mary, at home; James C. ; Nancy J., wife of L. B. De- Haven, of Johnsburg, Penn .; Adra A., who is with her mother; Daniel, deceased; and Robert WV., who is studying medicine in Philadelphia,

JOHN M. NORRIS, who is living on the old homestead, was born in Winslow township, April 25, 1853. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and after arriving at years of maturity was married November 6, 18;9, to Miss Mary Hillis, by whom he has three children: Dora M., Robert J. and Julia Estella. Mrs. Norris was born in Philadelphia. June 19, 1858, and is a daughter of James and Jane (Graham) Hillis, the former born in New York, and the . latter .in County Derry, Ireland. Her mother came to Philadelphia with an aunt, and was inar- ried in that city to Mr. Hillis. In 1861 they re- moved to the farm in Jefferson county which is now their home. Their children are Mrs. Nor- ris: Robert J., a physician of Altoona, Penn. ; John R. and Sarah E., at home.

The paternal grandparents of Mrs. John M. Norris, Robert and Mary (McColley) Hillis, were natives of County Derry, Ireland, and on coming to America located in New York. The : latter died in Philadelphia, and the former in Jefferson county, Penn., at the age of eighty- two years. He was a member of the Presby- terian Church.

John M. Norris made his home with his par- ents until December. 18;9, when he removed to a house about one hundred yards distant. He is an energetic, progressive farmer, and has a valuable property in the old home place, the land being underlaid with a rich vein of coal. He has been called to public office by his fellow townsmen who recognize his sterling worth and ability, was supervisor one year, township audi- tor three years, and a member of the election board sixteen times. In politics he is a Demo- crat, is a member of Paradise Grange, No. 854. and belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

James C. Norris, who occupies that part of the old family homestead lying in Henderson Mrs. Robert Norris belonged to the family of which the following named were also members: Margaret E., deceased wife of Oliver Cathers; township, was born in Winslow township, April 2. 1859, and in the school room and on the farm his youth was passed. He was married Janu- John, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of William Cook. ! ary 17, 1894, the lady of his choice being Miss

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jennie C. McDonald, and they have one child, Howard T. In the year of his marriage, James C. Norris built his present home. He and his brother reside on the same farm with their mother, and their business operations are con- ducted with the utmost harmony. He has served as auditor of his township, but has never aspired to political honors. He also belongs to Paradise Grange, and gives his political support to the Democracy. Like the others of the fam- ily, he is an intelligent and progressive meinber of society, a worthy citizen whom to know is to honor.

E DWARD REITZ. In the great competitive struggle of life, when each must enter the field and fight his way to the front, there is ever particular interest attaching to the life of one who has turned the tide to success, has sur- mounted the obstacles, and has shown his ability to cope with others in their rush for the coveted goal. Such has been the life of Edward Reitz, who has achieved success by his own unaided ef- forts. Born in Northumberland county, Penn., in September, 1831, Mr. Reitz is a son of Jacob Reitz, who removed to Beaver township, Jeffer- son Co., Penn., in 1842. His father was in limited circumstances, and his educational priv- ileges were in consequence limited, but he and his brother, Manuel, attended school alternate days. Thus he laid the foundation for a good practical education, which has been supplemented by experience, observation and reading. He re- mained with his father until he attained his ma- jority, when he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1854 he went with his brother, Manuel. to Illinois, where he followed that occupation until 1857. Returning then to Pennsylvania he was appointed deputy sheriff under his brother, in 1863, and served the full terin of three years. In 1866 he took up his residence in Bellevue (now called Stanton;, removing thither from Brookville, where he had located in 1861, in the interest of his father-in-law, H. W. Spare. In 1866, with his three brothers, he embarked in general merchandising, and is still carrying on that business in connection with his son, Gilmore C. He has also devoted his energies to farming and stock-raising, and his extensive business .in- terests, being well-conducted upon honorable lines, have brought him a handsome and well-de- served competence. In 1859 he was married to Miss Sarah Spare, of Beaver township, and to them were born thirteen children, ten of whom reached mature years, namely: Ralph B . Gilmore C., Emma. Ella M., Letitia, Ladd M., Joseph

S., Harry W., Sarah C., and Richard. Of these Letitia is the wife of W. A. Johns. The mother died in 1891, at the age of fifty years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Reitz and his chil- dren have long held membership therein. the father having been class leader from his first connection with the Church, now nearly thirty years. The family home has been maintained since the mother's death, the daughters assuming the management of the household affairs.

In politics our subject is a Republican, and in this particular his sons have followed in his foot- steps. He has served his fellow citizens as con- stable and justice of the peace, and as postmas- ter for more than twenty years, but he has never been an office-seeker, preferring to give his at- tention to his business and family interests. His eldest son, Ralph B., after completing his liter- ary education by his graduation from Allegheny College, at Meadville, Penn., took up the study of medicine, and spent one year in Bellevue Hos- pital Medical College, New York City. He then entered the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where he remained three years. He was president of the graduating class, but two months prior to the time of grad- uation he accepted a business proposition. Re- entering the school, he graduated in the class of 1897. .

GILMORE C. REITZ, the second son of the family, and his father's partner in business, was born in Brookville in 1863, and obtained his edu- cation in the public schools near his home. From his boyhood he has been connected with mercan- tile pursuits, having entered his father's store as clerk when seventeen years of age. In 1887 he was admitted to a partnership in the business, and has since been an active member of the firm. while for some time past he has largely controlled the store, his father devoting his time to other affairs. In connection with the goods generally found in a general mercantile establishment. he has also handled harvesting machinery on an ex- tensive scale for several years. Annually he makes a three-months' trip, selling agricultural implements, and has been very successful, per- haps selling more machinery than any other one man in the county. He handles the agricultural implements manufactured by Walter A. Wood, and in all departments of his business carries a most excellent grade of stock, thus insuring a lib- eral share of public patronage.

In 1888 he was married to Minnie Houpt, a native of Jefferson county, a daughter of Rev. William Houpt, who was born in Armstrong county, Penn. Four children bless this union,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

as follows: Ruth, Florence, Edward and Will- iam. The parents of these are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is now serving as steward, while for several years he has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He also belongs to the Grange, United American Mechanics and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past grand of the last named. He is a stanch Republican in politics, he was elected on that ticket as town clerk, school director and overseer of the poor, and was appointed post- master at Stanton April 20, 1897. He is a wide-awake, progressive young man, well known throughout the county, and is a worthy repre- sentative of an honored family.

M ANUEL W. REITZ has for many years been connected with the business interests of Jefferson county, has been honored with official preferment, and is now living retired; but no mat- ter what the relation that he has sustained to the public he has ever been known as a model citi- zen, true and faithful to all life's duties.

Mr. Reitz is one of the native sons of Penn- sylvania, his birth having occurred in Northuin- berland county, December 6, 1829. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Wagner) Rcitz, were also natives of Northumberland county, and there re- sided until 1842, when they removed to Beaver township, Jefferson county, where they spent their remaining days. The father followed agri- cultural pursuits, and was recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. He and his wife reared a family of five sons and two daughters. The father passed away in January, 1877. and the wife was called to the home be- yond in November, 1887. Manuel Rcitz, the second of the children living, received but lim- ited educational privileges, for the schools of the community in which he lived afforded but mea- gre opportunities. He and his younger brother, Edward, would go alternate days, and by close application were enabled to secure a good knowl- edge of the English language and of the common English branches of learning. Anxious to ad- vance as rapidly as possible, they would study at home and review their lessons in their minds as they proceeded with their daily tasks. Manuel remained on the home farin until twenty-one years of age, after which he served a two- years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and then followed that pursuit until 1859. In the spring of 1854 hc, in company with his brother Edward, went to Illinois, where they carried on carpenter- ing until 1857, returning then to Jefferson county. In the fall of 1860 he was appointed deputy sher-

iff, and after serving in that capacity for three years was elected to the office of sheriff in the autumn of 1863, discharging the dutics of that position for three years. He was ever fearless and faithful, and proved an able officer. In 1867 he embarked in general merchandising in Stan- ton, Penn., and also established a lumber yard, his associates in business being his brothers, Edward, Aaron and Benjamin. Under the firm name of Edward Reitz & Brothers they contin- ued a successful business until 1873, when Man- uel Reitz sold his interest to his partners and erected a steam sawmill in Knox township, Jeff- erson county. He continued its operation until the fall of 1887, and his capable management, well directed energy and honorable dealing brought to him success; but failing health caused his retirement from that industry, and he has since devoted his energies to real estate, dealing in farm lands.

Since 1870 Mr. Reitz has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now serving therein as trustee and steward. Since 1856, when he voted for John C. Fremont. he has been a stalwart advocate of Republican principles, never wavering in his allegiance to the party which stands for sound money. pro- tection to home industries and loyalty to the old flag. Since 1863 he has resided with his brother Edward, and throughout the community he has many friends.

TOHN S. BARR, register and recorder of Jef- ferson county, is one of the ablest of officials whom the administration of county affairs has called to Brookville. He was born in 1825. in Centre, and is of pioneer blood, his father, David Barr, having been a native of that county. At about the age of thirty, David Barr removed to Jefferson county where the remainder of his life was spent, his attention being given to agricult- ure and the management of his tannery. Al- though never prominent in public affairs, he was well known and highly esteemed in the commu- nity. He died in 1856, and his wife, Rachel (Paxton), a native of Maryland, passed away three years before him.

The schools to which the subject of this bi- ography had access in his youth were by no means equal to the common schools of to-day, and the terms were short for effective work under any system. Consequently Mr. Barr acquired his education under difficulties, the results of his efforts being decidedly creditable to him. For several years in early life he followed the tan- ner's trade. In 1854 he was elected constable

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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in Union township and was re-elected in 1855: in 1857 he moved to Troy (now Summerville), Penn. In 1864 he bought the " Oak Hall Hotel " at Brookville. In 1871 he became engaged in the livery business. In 1872 he was elected sheriff of the county, and in 1880 he built the "St. Cloud Hotel " at Du Bois. In 1882 he took charge of the " American Hotel." In 1883 he became proprietor of the " Red Lion Hotel " at Pittsburg, and conducted it four years. In 1887 he moved to Punxsutawney, where for seven years he was connected with different hostelries: "City Hotel," the "National Hotel," and the " Hotel Pantall." In 1895 he was elected reg- ister, recorder, and clerk of the Orphans' Court of Jefferson county, and his efficient work in these positions was rewarded by a re-election. in 1896, by a plurality of 2,327. Mr. Barr is a veteran of the Civil war, having served a year in the 57th P. V. I. He is an active and influ- ential worker in the Republican party, and so- cially is identified with the K. of P., the Me- chanics Union and the G. A. R.

In 1850 Mr. Barr was married to Miss Susan Weirich, of Jefferson county, who died leaving one daughter. Agnes, now the wife of R. T. Kelley. By a second marriage, with Miss Nancy Siar, of Jefferson county, also now deceased, there were two children (both deceased). Mr. Barr formed another matrimonial union. this time, Janaury 1, 1857, with Nancy J. Anthony, who is prominent in philanthropic work as a member of the Baptist Church. They have five children: Elizabeth ( wife of James McDonald), Samuel P., John W .. George M., and Blanche (wife of John D. Evans, deputy register and recorder of Jeffer- son county).

L EVI SCHUCKERS, of Winslow township. is one of the representative agriculturists and extensive lumber merchants of Jefferson county. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of percep- tion, forms plans readily, and is determincd in their execution: and his close application to busi- ness and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to- day his.

Mr. Schuckers was born January 26, 1840, in Minersville, Schuylkill Co .. Penn., a son of Dan- iel and Elizabeth (Himes) Schuckers, also. na- tives of that county, where their marriage was celebrated, and where they remained until their . removal to Jefferson county in 1857. The father purchased what was known as the Jacob Horm farm in Winslow township, comprising to; acres, for which he paid $2,000, and there continued to reside up to within a year of his death. Ile

was a successful farmer, was a stalwart Democrat - in politics, and served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of school director, supervisor and auditor of Frailey township, Schuylkill county. He died March 14, 1858, aged forty-five years, his wife in December, 1863, aged fifty, and the re- mains of both were interred in Emerickville cem- etery, Jefferson county. They held membership in the Lutheran Church, and were people of the highest respectability. Henry and Nancy (Staul- man) Schuckers, the paternal grandparents of our subject, were also natives of Schuylkill coun- ty, where the latter died, and was buried in the Klouser Church cemetery. In 1854 the grand- father came to Jefferson county, where he spent his remaining days.

Levi Schuckers is the second in order of birth in the family of nine children, the others being as follows: Sarah A., who married Henry Kroh, but both are now deceased; Emanuel, a farmer and lumberman of Pinecreek township, Jefferson county; Valentine, who died, and was buried at Portland, Ore .; Franklin, deceased, who was a farmer and lumberman of Washington township, Jefferson county; Joseph, an agriculturist of Pine- creek township; Emma, wife of Adam Mohney. a laborer of the same township: Amanda, wife of James I. Brady, bookkeeper for the firm of Long & Brady, proprietors of a sawmill at Brookville, Penn .: and Elizabeth, wife of John Baum, a farmer of Pinecreek township.

The early educational privileges afforded our subject were quite limited, he being able to attend school for only two four-months' terins; but he has made the most of his advantages and become a well-informed man. He remained with his parents until reaching the age of twenty-three, working on his mother's farm during the summer and in the woods during the fall and winter months. Much of his time has been spent in : clearing the wild land, grubbing up the stumps. and in other arduons and laborious tasks; but prosperity at length crowned his efforts, and he is to-day one of the well-to-do citizens of Wins- low township. In early life he took many rafts of lumber lown Sandy Lick and Red Bank creeks and the Alleghany river, but he is now practically living retired at his beautiful home in Winslow township. He first purchased 187 acres of land for $5.000, paying only $1, 200 down; but at the end of four years the place was free from debt, although he had to pay ten per cent inter- : est on the principal. He has added to the origi- nal tract until it now comprises 417! acres of the most valuable farming land in central Pennsyl- vania. It is supplied with all the conveniences and accessories of au model farm, and Mr. Schick-

Sevi Schuckers

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ers spares no pains in making it one of the inost attractive spots in Jefferson county. He has not confined his attention alone to agricultural pursuits and lumbering, but has branched out into other lines of business, and is now a stock- holder in the First National Bank of Reynolds- ville, Penn., and also in the Pennsylvania & Buf- falo Land Company, of Buffalo, N. Y. As a stalwart Democrat, he takes quite an active and prominent part in political affairs, and has served as school director and assistant assessor.

On September 1, 1863, in the present home of Mr. Schuckers he was married to Miss Eliza- beth Kroh, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Welker, a Lutheran ininister. They have seven children: Elmer E., a farmer of Pine- creek township, Jefferson county, who married Lovilla Hetrick; Homer G., a farmer and lum- berman of the same township, who married Mary Snyder, and has two children, Lawrence and Charles; James A., who married Lillie Sher- wood, and is engaged in jobbing at Skunk Hol- low, Jefferson county; Kennedy C., clerk in the First National Bank, of Reynoldsville, Penn .; Glen L., who is employed in a sawmill in Wins- low township, Jefferson county; and Cora E. and Lee S., both at home.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 104

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