Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 14

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 14
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 14
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 14
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 14

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Mrs. Luther's ancestors located in central Pennsylvania at an early day, and her paternal grandfather, John Kirk, was born and reared in Centre county. He married Miss Lydia Fisher,

and some years afterwards removed to Brady township, Clearfield county, where he died in 1858. His son, William Kirk (Mrs. Luther's father), was a native of Bald Eagle Valley, Cen- tre county, born December 4, 1810. and was a young man at the time of the removal to Clear- field county. He was married in Brady town- ship to Miss Barbara Emrich, who was born in Nittany Valley, Centre county, February 4, 1817. He located in the woods near Luthersburg, and cleared a farm which he cultivated until his death, which occurred December 4, 1873. His widow now resides in Burr Oak. They had a large family of children, of whom Mrs. Luther was the first; Joseph H. resides near Luthers- burg; Ellis I. is a physician and surgeon at Renovo, Penn. ; Brady S. resides in Jewell county, Kans .; Miles A. is a physician and surgeon at Bellefonte, Penn .; Thomas, who is also a med- ical practitioner, resides in Burr Oak, Kans .; and John died in 1864 at the age of sixteen.

J C. SCHOCH. Prominent among the busi- ness men of Troutville is the subject of this sketch, who has for many years been closely identified with its history, while his name is in- separably connected with its industrial interests. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excel- lent management have brought to him a fair degree of success. Being one of the leading con- tractors and builders of his section of Clearfield county, his services are always in demand, and he is also filling the office of justice of the peace.

Mr. Schoch was born in 1854, in the village which is still his home, a son of Godfrey and Catharine (Wagoner) Schoch. The father, who was a native of Bavaria, took up his residence in Brady township, Clearfield county, in 1853. He purchased a house and lot in Troutville, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade in connec- tion with farming until 1880, when he laid aside business cares. In that year he was elected supervisor of his township, and was later re- elected, continuing to hold the office up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1890. He long survived his wife, who passed away in 1860. Both were held in the highest regard by all who knew them, and he took a prominent and influ- ential part in public affairs.

To their marriage were born five sons, namely: (1) Lewis, born in 1845, in Germany, came to the United States with his parents, and was reared in Brady township. He is now a resident of Troutville, where he works at his trade, black-

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smithing; is also serving as deputy revenue col- lector. By his marriage to Miss Catharine Schucker, of Brady township, he has seven chil- dren, all at home-Ephraim, Cyrus, Mary, Fannie, Miriam, Michael and Milton. (2) Henry W., born in 1847, in Germany, grew to manhood in Troutville, and married Maria Kanarr, of that place, where they continued to reside for three or four years. They now live in Punxsutawney, Fenn., where he conducted a hotel for a number of years. They have one son, James W., who is married and resides in Du Bois. (3) Godfrey W., also a native of Germany, spent his boy- hood and youth in Troutville, where his death occurred in 1892. He left a widow, formerly Miss Catie Rishel, of Brady township, and five children-Otto, Jennie, Grover, Zoe and Bessie, all at home. (4) J. C., of this review, is the next of the family. (5) John A., born in 1856, in Troutville, was engaged in clerking in Du Bois, died in 1882.

J. C. Schoch received his education in the pub- lic schools of Troutville, and in 1870 commenced learning the carpenter's trade with Jacob L. We- ber. Having mastered the business he turned his attention to contracting and building, and has erected some of the best residences, business blocks and other buildings in his native place. In 1879, he was married to Miss Cora Gearhart of Brookville, Jefferson county, a daughter of C. C. and Catharine Gearhart. Purchasing a lot in Troutville, he erected a nice home, where he continued to live until 1883, when he sold, and built another residence on Main street, which he subsequently sold to Mr. Dunlap. His present handsome residence is on Main street, but previous to locating here he erected a large house on Walnut street, where he lived for a time. Upon the same street he also built an- other house, which he sold to John Yoas.

Seven children have been born to the mar- riage of our subject and wife, namely: Lillie, born in 1880, died in infancy; Verna, born in 1.882, and Lola, born in 1884, are both attending school; Armet, born in 1886, died at the age of fifteen months; Paul and Leon (twins) were born in 1888 and died in infancy; and Homer, born in 1890, died in October, 1896. The par- ents of these are earnest and consistent meni- bers of the German Reformed Church, of Trout- ville, to which Mr. Schoch's father was also a liberal contributor, and was instrumental in se- curing the erection of the first house of worship.

In politics our subject has always been iden- tified with the Democratic party, aud he has been called upon to fill a number of official po- sitions of honor and trust, including those of con-

stable of Troutville, judge of election and in- spector at different times. In 1894 he was elected justice of the peace, and is still acceptably serving in that position. Public-spirited and progressive, he gives his support to those enter- prises calculated to promote the educational, moral or material interests of his community. Troutville owes much to him, and numbers him among her valued citizens.

H UGH C. LEECH, a leading farmer of Bloom township, Clearfield county, is a native of the county, born in 1829, in Pike township. The birth of his father, George Leech, occurred in Lancaster county, Penn., and when a young man, in 1821, he came to Pike township, this county, where he married Jane Caldwell, a native of the township, and a daughter of Hugh and Jane Cald- well, early pioneers of the locality.

By trade the father was a carpenter, but after coming to Clearfield county he gave his attention principally to agricultural pursuits. He was numbered among the influential and prominent citizens, and was elected sheriff of the county in 1840. There his death occurred in 1872; his wife passed away the year previous. They were parents of the following named children: George, who served in the Union army, and is now a resi- dent of Wisconsin; Hiram, of Curwensville, Clear- field county; Hugh C., of this sketch; James, who is living in Bloom township; Elizabeth, wife of G. P. Bloom, of the same township; Mrs. Amelia Horn, of Pike township; Mrs. Mary Jane Dale, who died in Clearfield county; Mrs. Susan Kratzer, of Plum City, Wis .; and Robert, who also served in the Union army in the Civil war, and is now a resident of Penn township, Clear- field county.

The early life of our subject was passed in Pike township, where he acquired his education, and in 1861 he came to Bloom township, pur- chasing a good farm of eighty acres, to the im- provement and cultivation of which he devoted his time and attention until his enlistment in the Union service. In 1864 he laid aside personal interests, and joined Company C, 100th P. V. I., for one year or until the close of the war. He was assigned to the Army of the James, with which he participated in the battle of Fort Stead- man, and was honorably discharged at Harris- burg, Penn., in 1865. Returning to his home in Bloom township, he resuined farming, which occupation he has made his life work.

In 1857, in that township, Mr. Leech was married to Miss Sarah Ann Irvin, who was born in Pike township, a daughter of John T. and

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Sarah Irvin, early pioneers of that township, both now deceased. Children as follows blessed this union, namely: George, who is married and liv- ing in Pike township; Elnora, wife of G. L. Smith, of Bloom township; Jackson, who is mar- ried, and is living in the same township; Susan, wife of M. Smith, of Bloom township; Edgar, who is married, and is living in Bloomn township; Alice Blanche, deceased; Irvin, of Bloom town- ship; and Walter, at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1889.

Mr. Leech uses his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has taken a prominent part in public affairs, assisting in the organization of Bloom township. He is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of the county, and has been an important factor in the development and progress made by this region. For two years he served as justice of the peace, and has also filled the offices of school director and assessor. In religious belief he is a Baptist, and enjoys the friendship and regard of a large number of the best people of Clearfield county.

J B. HEWITT. The first white settlers of Huston township, Clearfield county, were Ebenezer and Sarah (Bliss) Hewitt, the par- ents of the gentleman whose name here appears. That township was then a part of Jay township, Centre county, and their home in the woods was thirteen miles from any settlement. Both were of sturdy Scotch ancestry, and were born in New York State, the father in 1796, and the mother about 1800.

About 1816 they left their home in Saratoga county, N. Y., with their family, our subject, their fourth child, being then only two years old. Among their few household effects was a spinning wheel, a necessary article in those times. The journey was made in primitive fashion, and they walked from the vicinity of Driftwood to their destination, carrying the smallest children. A clearing was made, a home built, and in time the spot was transformed into a fruitful farm. The mother died at the age of sixty-five years and the father when eighty-nine. They had twelve children, as follows : Lucinda (Mrs. Bundy) died in Huston township; William B. resides at the old homestead; Jeremiah died in Elk county, in 1894; J. B. is our subject; Thomas W. is a resident of Huston township; Susannah (Mrs. Flanders) died in Minnesota; Caroline (Mrs. Webb) died in Jay township, Elk Co., Penn .; Franklin E. lives in the West; Ermina (deceased) did not marry; Daniel died in Huston township;

Louina (Mrs. Brown, a widow) resides in that township.

Squire Hewitt was born in Saratoga, N. Y., in 1814, but his earliest recollections were of the wilderness of Clearfield county, wherein his home was established. He was educated in a private school at Penfield, Clearfield county. In order to make a start in life he ran in debt and, with his brother Thomas, bought a tract of 600 acres of land, all in the woods. This they began to clear, making shingles from the lumber, and hauling their product to Clearfield, from which point they rafted it down the river. They built a blockhouse at Tyler. The Squire at the time of his death owned a farm of 200 acres, and was one of the substantial citizens of his locality, his success in life being the more notable because it was gained through his own industry.

In 1835 Mr. Hewitt was married in Huston township to Miss Aurelia Brown, a native of Sus- quehanna county, Penn., and a daughter of Asa and Hannah Brown. Her father died in that county; her mother's last days were spent in Huston township, Clearfield county, where she died in 1870. Five children were born of the marriage, one of whom, "Curtis, died at an early age; all the surviving four are residents of Clear- field county-Franklin lives in Penfield; and Arvilla (Mrs. Hevener), Charles A. and Eliza Linda (Mrs. Cooker) reside in Huston township. The mother died in 1870. On July 10, 1897, Mr. Hewitt was stricken with paralysis, and Oc- tober 4, 1897, he died.

In politics Mr. Hewitt was originally a Whig, later a Republican. He served fifteen years as justice of the peace, and was a member of the school board for the saine length of time. He was a leading worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mill Run, and took an active part in every movement for promoting the best interests of the community.

A LBERT L. HOY, a leading business man of Du Bois, ranks among the pioneers of that place, by whose public-spirited efforts the one-time village of Rumbarger has developed into a prosperous city. Settling there in 1877, Mr. Hoy engaged in a furniture and undertaking business, purchasing a lot on Booth street (now Long avenue), and building a three-story frame house for a store and dwelling. This contained a large stock when the conflagration of ISS8 de- stroyed the town, but in spite of his losses Mr. Hoy continued his business, and in 1893 built a two-story brick building, 20x60, to accommo- date his trade. He now makes a specialty of

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undertaking, keeping two hearses, and is pre- pared to do embalming by the most scientific methods.

Mr. Hoy's grandparents on both sides of the house were early settlers of Centre county, Penn., and his parents, Adam and Elizabeth (Weeker- ley) Hoy, were both natives of that county. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died there leaving the following children: Rebecca (Mrs. Abraham Sloterbach), of New Bethlehem; Albert L., our subject; John, who enlisted from Clearfield county in the Fifth P. V. I., and met a soldier's death at the battle of - Cross Roads; William, who died in New Bethlehem, Clarion county, Penn .; Adam, a resident of New Bethlehem, Penn., and Daniel, who lives at Leatherwood, Clarion county. The mother was re-married in Clarion county, this time to Samuel Lerch, and moved to Ringgold township, Jeffer- son Co., Penn., where Mr. Lerch died, leaving two daughters: Sarah (now Mrs. Falk), of the same township; and Lizzie (now Mrs. Reamer). of Jefferson county. The mother was married (again) to Mr. Hinderleter, and both died some years ago.

Mr. Hoy, the subject of these lines, was born in 1831, in Brush Valley, Centre county, but was reared and educated in Clarion county. He learned the cabinet maker's trade at New Bethle- hem, and then went to Oil City, Penn., where he engaged for a time in building tanks, and in undertaking, later becoming a contractor and builder at Oil City. In 1867 he went to Brook- ville, Jefferson Co., Penn., and the following year became interested in a planing-mill and fur- niture establishment at Brockwayville, Jefferson county, where he remained until 1877. His continued residence at Du Bois since that date makes him the oldest dealer in his line at that place.

In 1853 Mr. Hoy was married in Rimersburg, Clarion county, to Miss Catherine Jane Harmish, a native of Centre county, who died in 1865 at Oil City. In 1866 he forined a second matri- monial union, this time with Miss Grezilla Smul- ten, daughter of Thomas Smulten, an early set- tler in Clarion county. Again his house was bereaved, the second wife dying at Brookville in 1867, and in 1868 he was married in Brockway- ville to Miss Tillie Lintzenbigler, a native of Armstrong county. She died in 1884 at Du- Bois, and in 1889 Mr. Hoy married his present wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Prosious, a native of Jefferson county. He has a numerous family. By the first marriage there were seven children, of whom four are living: Cecelia, now Mrs. Jos- eph Allen, of Brockwayville; Leuemma (now

Mrs. Fireman), of Du Bois; Laura (Mrs. Loren Matteson), of Brockwayville; and Edwin Fletch- er, who is married and resides at Salamanca, N. Y., where he is cashier in the First National Bank. One daughter, Zella Kate, was born of the second marriage, and by the third there were eleven children, six of whom are living: James W., who is married and lives in Du Bois; Nora; Ralph T .; Bertha Omeda; Clara Myrtle; and Harry W. By the fourth union there is one son, Emmett Paul.

Mr. Hoy votes the Prohibition ticket, and he has always taken a deep interest in public affairs -national and local. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a member of Garfield Lodge No, 559, F. & A. M., and was one of the organizers of the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Du- Bois.

D AVID GEARHART. This venerable pio- neer, now residing at Chester Hill, Clear- field county, at the age of eighty-six years, has seen and experienced the vast change from primi- tive life and surroundings to the civilization and comforts of the present day. There was a time when he had a personal acquaintance with every man in Clearfield county. He has himself cleared wide tracts of forest land, which for more than a generation have been yielding the fruits of cultivation, and he has participated in the work and, happily, in the benefits, also, of the development of the coal industries in this region.

Mr. Gearhart comes of hardy pioneer stock. His paternal grandfather, John Gearhart, a Ger- man by birth, settled in Centre county at an early day, and his wife, notwithstanding the hard- ships of pioneer life, lived to the age of ninety- seven years. Their son, John, our subject's fa- ther, was born in Centre county in 1789, and died at the age of eighty-two. He married Lydia Shivery, also a native of Centre county, born in 1792, and at the time of her death she lacked only one month and nine days of her ninetieth anniversary. They moved to Clear- field county in 1820, and our subject's father be- came the owner of a tract of land there which he cleared and cultivated. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a devout Methodist.

David Gearhart is a native of Centre county, where he first saw the light January 1, 1812, and his early education was obtained in Philipsburg, at the subscription schools of that day. He ac- companied his parents on their removal to Clear- field county, much of his time in youth being

David Gearhart

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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given to the clearing of his father's land. In 1833 he married Miss Sarah Kephart, who was born in Philipsburg October 23, 1815, and died May 17, 1896, after a long and happy wedded life of sixty-three years, six months and twenty- four days. She was a noble woman, one who, like Solomon's ideal, looked "well to the ways of her household," and was in all things a true lielp- meet to her husband. With manly appreciation of her sound judgment and devoted labors, he has always credited her with the making of half of the fortune which came to them in their later years. They had no capital when they married but clear brains, good health, and a mutual love which made any effort for the other a joyful task. Mr. Gearhart bought 130 acres of forest land at $5.50 per acre, and there they settled and grad- ually created a comfortable home. Thirteen long years passed before this land was paid for, but from that time financial rewards were more prompt. At one time Mr: Gearhart purchased 370 acres of land, of which he sold 130, and on the remaining 240 he has two coal mines in oper- ation, one vein being five feet deep, and the other from three to four feet. He has been a coal operator for about fifteen years.

Mr. Gearhart has sixty living grandchildren, and forty great-grandchildren. Eleven children blessed his home, of whom the first died in in- fancy. (II) George E. married Christina Smeal, and has eleven children. (III) J. Blake mar- ried Mary C. Hall, and has eight children. (IV) Lydia E. died at the age of eighteen. (V) Mary Jane married Joseph A. Hartman, and has seven children. (VI) Hannah M. married William H. Millard, and has nine children. (VII) A. Ed- ward married Ella Stephens, and has three chil- dren. (VIII) Charles F. married Kate Flegal, and has nine children. (IX) James F. died at the age of sixteen months. (X) Nettie J. mar- ried M. G. Rook, and has seven children. (XI) Mattie C. married W. M. Heimach, and has six children; of these, J. Blake, Charles F., and Mattie C. live in Mifflin county; Mary Jane lives in Virginia; Nettie J. lives in Clearfield.

Mr. Gearhart has reason to be proud of his descendants. He has dealt liberally with all his children in giving a start in life to each, and they have taken useful and honored positions in life.

In public affairs Mr. Gearhart has always felt a keen interest, and he has been a steadfast supporter of progress. For many years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has also been active and influen- tial in political work. . His first vote was cast for Van Buren, and he has deposited his ballot at every general election since. He was con-

stable of Decatur township, Clearfield county, for seven years, and for fourteen years did good service to the cause of education as school di- rector, being president of the school board dur- ing the entire time. Recognizing the necessity for placing knowledge within the reach of all, if our country is to safely survive all the dangers to which free institutions may be exposed, he has 'been in favor of a liberal policy which will at- tract to our schools the best teachers.

A M. BUZARD, M. D. Go into any village, town or city in this great country of ours; seek out the men who are the leaders in spirit, thought and action; learn the history of their lives; and you will find that there is usually a striking similarity which leads to the inevitable conclusion that like conditions produce like re- sults. The story usually begins "started out in life a poor boy, has made his own way in the world, etc." Now this fact, for fact it is, illus- trates most aptly one of the salient features of our American civilization. There is an oppor- tunity offered here under our emblem of liberty for every human being to work out and develop the best there is in him.

To the honored class of self-made and self- educated men, belonged Dr. Buzard, physician and surgeon of Kylertown, Clearfield county. He was born near New Salem, Westmoreland Co., Penn .. July 11, 1855, a son of Abraham and Catherine A. (Long) Buzard, the former of French and the latter of German descent, both natives, however, of Westmoreland county. The paternal grandfather, John Buzard, was born in France, and when young came with his parents to America. He was a farmer by occupation, and met his death by a tree falling on him. Henry Long, the maternal grandfather, was also an agriculturist. Our subject is the third in or- der of birth in the family of six children, the others being: Mrs. Mary Coulter, deceased; Sarah E., wife of T. S. McNutt; Mrs. Alice C. Walton; Mrs. Rachel L. Bortz; and William J., a resident of Apollo, Penn. The mother held membership in the German Reformed Church, but the father was a Lutheran in religious belief.

Until fifteen years of age Dr. Buzard remained upon the home farm, attending the country schools for about three months during the winter season, and assisting his father during the re- mainder of the year. On leaving home he was first employed by the Apollo Iron & Steel Co., for two years, but as this affected his eyesight, he secured the position of weighinaster with the Westmoreland Coal Co., where he also remained

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two years. During this entire time he studied nights, and was thus prepared to enter the acad- emy at Leechburg, Penn., which he attended for a year. Coming to Clearfield county, in August, 1877, he successfully engaged in teaching for ten years, and then embarked in the drug busi- ness at Ansonville, which he carried on for three

years. During two years of that time he studied medicine, and in 1889 he entered the medical de- partment of the University of Pittsburg, where he graduated March 26, 1891. After his grad- uation he went to Washington county, Penn., where he formed a partnership with Dr. George S. Graham, a celebrated physician and surgeon, who had been practicing for a quarter of a cen- tury. This connection continued for five years, at the end of which time our subject decided to come to Kylertown, and Dr. Graham gave him the highest recommendations for proficiency that could beattained. In February, 1896, he located there, buying out the business of Dr. Bucking- ham, and is now meeting with excellent success in his new field of labor. He is a thorough stu- dent of his profession, skilled in practice, and by attending strictly to the needs of his patrons has gained the confidence of all.

On December 20, 1881, Dr. Buzard was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Wilson, of Lawrence township. Clearfield county, who was born May 3, 1860, a daughter of William and Anna E. Wilson. When she was six years of age, she lost her mother by death, and her fa- ther dying two years later, she was reared by Mathew Read, for whom she has the greatest affection. Her parents, who were also natives of Clearfield county, made their home near Stoneville, where the father engaged in contract- ing and lumbering, and lost his life in the woods. He was a man of the highest respectability, and most honorable; he was a member of the Method- ist Church, to which his wife also belonged. She used to carry on the farm while he engaged in lumbering. In the family of Dr. and Mrs. Buzard were five children, namely: Alethia M .; Harvey R., who died at the age of twenty- two months; Anna R. ; A. M. Vogan and Julius Bryan (deceased).

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 14

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