Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 19

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 19
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 19
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 19
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 19

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).

674

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

February 17, 1781, in York county, Penn. He was a member of the Quaker Church, and through them could trace his lineage direct from the House of York, England. Samuel Johnston and Hannah Fisher were married in Centre coun- . ty, Penn., in 1804. Mrs. Johnston, who was also of English descent, a daughter of William Fisher, was born in Chester county, in 1787, and died in 1824, at the age of thirty-seven years. Mr. Johnston died in 1863, aged eighty-two years.

After his marriage, Patrick Daley began the improvement and cultivation of a farın in Penn township, and in connection with his agricultural pursuits was engaged in lumbering. He was one of the leading citizens of that township, and, be- ing highly educated, himself, took a great interest in the public schools, serving as school director for twenty-four years in succession. He also do- nated the ground where the Fairview school house stands to-day. His wife, Mrs. Ann Daley, was a woman of whom it was an honor to be a friend: none could know her a moment without having for her the highest respect. In the sparsely-settled community in which her early life

was cast, it was her highest pleasure to be able to administer to the suffering; it was her soft word that calmed the aching heart, her gentle hand that soothed the fevered brow and moistened the parched tongue. Many are they in that com- munity who can look back and remember that it was Mrs. Daley who nursed them from a bed of sickness back again to strong and vigorous health.

Their union was blessed with eleven children, ·of whom only five are now living-four sons and : one daughter: Margaret Daley (intermarried with John Casey), James J .. Lawrence V., : Hugh A. and William F. Daley, all of whom are | living in Du Bois, Penn., and are among the most honored and respected citizens of the place.

Patrick Daley moved to Du Bois in 1883. where he died four years later in his eighty-fifth year. His wife. Mrs. Ann Daley, who was a na-

John and Maria (Lininger) Edinger, parents tive of Penn township, was born in 1818, and : of our subject, were both natives of Bavaria,

died December 16, 1894, at the age. of seventy- six years. To her ancestry can be traced many notable men of Pennsylvania, Ex-Gov. Packer was a cousin of the deceased, Ex-Judge Hewitt. of the Eighth Judicial District of Iowa, was a nephew, and other near relatives have held high positions of trust and honor under the General Government.

W. F. Daley, our subject, was reared on his father's farm, and assisted him in his agricult- ural pursuits. He secured a good education in his boyhood years, and was well qualified to enter

upon the duties and responsibilities of active busi- ness life. During early life he engaged in the lumbering business, and in 1880 moved to Du- Bois. Here he embarked in the livery, furniture, undertaking and real-estate businesses, prior to his appointment in 1893. In 1882 he was mar- ried to Miss Maud Spackman, a native of Clear- field, and daughter of Mathew Spackman, now a resident of Du Bois. Five children have blessed this union: T. Francis, Miss M. Bea- trice, William J .. Paul A. and Anthony A .; T. Francis assisting his father in the post office as special delivery boy.

Mr. Daley has proven a most popular official, a courteous and affable gentleman, and has dis- charged the duties of his responsible position to the entire satisfaction and commendation of the many patrons of the office. The city of Du- Bois finds in Mr. Daley a most earnest supporter. doing all in his power to promote its interests and tend to its advancement. He was accepta- bly serving as a member of the city council when appointed postmaster, and resigned that position to accept his present office. In 1888 he erected the fine brick block in which the post office is located. and the rest of the building is now used for stores and offices. He is an enter- prising, progressive citizen, cheerfully giving his support to those enterprises which tend to public development, and has always been foremost in such matters as would tend to public or social advancement.

J TACOB EDINGER, one of the leading and and representative citizens of Brady township. Clearfield county, has throughout his business career principally followed the occupations of lumbering, farming and milling. The qualities essential to success are numbered among his characteristics, and his industry and enterprise have made him one of the prosperous agricultur- ists of his community.

Germany, the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1806. Both crossed the ocean about 1831, and took np their residence in Huntingdon county, Penn., where they became acquainted and were married in 1834. In Huntingdon the father worked at the blacksmith's trade for a few years. whence he removed to Milton, Penn., and later to Millheim, Penn., where he spent about two years. In 1841 he removed to Bellefonte, Cen- tre Co., Penn., and engaged in blacksmithing for five years: then removed to Mann's axe fac- tory in Centre county, Penn., where he remained

------

675

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

until 1848, when he came to Clearfield county, locating two miles west of Luthersburg. Here he purchased forty-three acres of timber land, which he at once began to clear and improve in connection with work at his trade. He first erected a log house and barn, and in 1856 he re- placed the former by a commodious frame resi- dence, which continued to be his home until called from this life August 19, 1868, accident- ally shooting himself. After crossing the Clar- ion river in a boat, he reached for his gun, but the hammer caught, discharging the gun and kill- ing him instantly. He had served his adopted country in her efforts to preserve the Union, en- listing March 28, 1863, in Battery H. First Penn- sylvania Reserve Artillery, which was stationed at Arlington Heights to protect the city of Wash- ington, and remained there until the war had ended. He was the first man to head the list as a volunteer, at that time of recruiting, from Brady township, and ever proved a faithful and loyal citizen. He left a widow, who had shared with him the hardships of his early life, and three children, of whom our subject is the eldest.

(2) Emeline, the second of the family, was born in Bellefonte, Centre county, March 7, [843, and caine with her parents to their home in Brady township, Clearfield county, where she was reared and educated, attending the common schools near her home. On August 22, 1865, she married Jacob L. Weaver, of that township, and they located upon his farin two miles west of Luthersburg. where she died April 22, 1877. She left a husband and four children, namely: Milton H., now a resident of Pittsburg, Penn., has been provided with an excellent education, and is now engaged in the insurance business; Ed- win is successfully following the profession of teaching: William, after educating himself, en- gaged in clerking in Du Bois for three years, and then went to Colorado on account of his health, which was greatly improved; and Emma is with her father on his farm near Martinsburg, in Blair coun- ty. Penn., he having sold his place in Brady town- ship, Clearfield county, some years ago. The family is one of prominence.

(3) J. H. Edinger, the brother of our subject, was born in Centre county, August 4, 1847, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Clearfield county, remaining upon the home farm until eighteen years of age, when he began learn- ing the tinner's trade with James C. Barrett, at Luthersburg. After serving a two-years' appren- ticeship, at $30 first year and $60 second year, he then was taken in as partner for three years. In 1872 he bought out his employer, and has since successfully engaged in the hardware and tinware

business at that place. On April 3, 1873, he mar- ried Miss Mary Emma, daughter of Daniel Good- lander, a merchant and real-estate holder of Lu- thersburg, and to them were born nine. children: George N., who died in infancy; Charles 1. and Laura Luella, at home; J. Wilbur, who died in childhood; and Fred L., Millicent Irene, Paul M., Earl E. and Leland G., all at home.

Jacob Edinger was born October 8, 1837, in Huntingdon, Huntingdon Co., Penn., and was ten years of age when brought by his parents to their new home in Brady township, Clearfield county, where he spent his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads, receiv- ing a good practical education in the public schools. When about nineteen years of age he was apprenticed to Benjamin Rishel, of Brady. to learn the wheel-wright's trade, at which he worked during the winter at $9 per month, while the summer months were spent in assisting his father in the work of the farm, for which he re- ceived $50 per year, serving six years at this rate. The dual occupation he continued for about six years, following his trade in different places. On August 23, 1865, he married Miss Susanna Weaver, of Jefferson county, Penn., a daughter of George A. and Eleanora Weaver, the former a well-to-do farmer and lumberman of that county. For seven years after his mar- riage he lived upon his father's old homestead, and in 1872 purchased the Brady steam flouring- mill two miles west of Luthersburg and near the town of Helvetia. He has since engaged in mill- ing, farming and lumbering with most gratifying results, and is now the owner of considerable real estate, including the old homestead, another tract near Troutville, also one tract of land near Stanley, Pennsylvania.

Four children have graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Edinger: (1) William H., born August 14, 1866, on the old Edinger homestead, received a good common-school education, and in early life engaged in milling and farming. He was married March 12, 1891, to Annie L. Schoch, of Brady township, and then removed to Du Bois, where he became a partner in a hose factory. (2) Elizabeth A., born June 30, 1868, on the old home farm, was educated in the public schools, and November 27, 1889, became the wife of Hervey L. Luther, of Brady township, who owns and operates a farm two miles from Troutville. (3) Franklin P., also born on the homestead, June 29, 1870, remained with his parents until grown, and then became connected with the Hel- vetia Mining Co. as engineer, but since 1893 has been conductor on a street railway in Chicago. (4) M. Elnora, born at the mill property. No-

676

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

vember 28, 1877, secured a good education in the local schools, and has since the age of nine- teen successfully engaged in teaching, having charge of the Lines school in Brady township during the winter of 1896 -- 7.

Like his father and the other members of the family, Mr. Edinger has always taken an active interest in political affairs, using his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and for two terms he served as school director in Brady township. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, to which Church his wife and children also belong. Their home is noted for its hospitality, and their friends throughout the community are many. Mr. Ed- inger has always been generous in his support of those measures calculated to benefit the com- munity, has given liberally to the poor and needy, and has done inuch to advance the cause of edu- cation in his community. He is. a man of strong convictions, upright in his dealings with his fel- low men, and has the respect and confidence of the entire community. His sons are prominent as scholars and business men, and now occupy honorable positions in life. .

H ON. JOSEPH ALEXANDER, of Bigler township, Clearfield county, has filled many positions of trust to the satisfaction of the public, and at present represents his county in the State Legislature, where his abilities have won for him recognition as one of the leaders of the Republican party. As a descendant of one of the oldest and most influential families in the country, he has the advantage of an honored name, and his career has added new distinction.

The Alexander family is of Scotch-Irish blood, descendants of James Alexander, who served under Gen. Washington during the memorable winter at Valley Forge, Penn., 1777-78, as an officer in the Commissary Department. He set- tled in Kishacoquillas Valley, in Cumberland county, Penn., part now Mifflin county, Penn. Having heard from John Reed, an old hunter and trapper, a favorable report of the lands lying on Clearfield creek, he in 1,84 took out war- rants for four tracts of land. The first, which he entered in his own name. cornered on the creek at what was then a small ash sapling; but grew to be a large tree, which was washed away some time in the "seventies." Upon it were legible the letters, " J. A. " and " J. R., " which were cut there at that early day as the initials of his own name and that of his friend, John Reed. This ash tree was the oldest land mark on the creek, and had an important part in the court

trials concerning lands in that region, because the James Alexander warrant, being the oldest, was the starting point to determine other surveys and warrants. This tract begins at the head of the narrows, and lies mostly on the northeast side of the creek. On the opposite side he lo- cated the John McConnell tract, and farther up the creek he located the John McGill and Cullen tracts. His friend, William Brown, located six other tracts still further up the creek, extending to what was called the Crab Orchard.

About midsummer of the year 1785, James Alexander returned again to his lands on Clear- field creek, accompanied by his eldest son, Robert. They went by way of Lock Haven, then Great or Big Island on the Susquehanna river, and procured there a flat-boat which they pushed with poles and dragged partly by means of a horse all the way to Muddy run, a tributary of Clearfield creek. With them they took pro- visions for a somewhat protracted stay. The exposure endured on this trip is said to have had a serious effect upon the health of James Alex- ander, though he did not die until six years later, in 1791: John Reed, the hunter, was in their company during a part of the journey, having crossed the mountains by an Indian path to meet them at a point on the Susquehanna river. While ascending the Clearfield creek at a place now unknown, John Reed and Robert Alexander crossed over a hill, while James Alexander kept to the stream with the horse and boat. In crossing the hill they discovered a shining ore, some pieces of which John Reed put in his shot pouch. He afterward reported, that having sent this ore to Philadelphia, the mint had returned a silver coin; many persons saw this coin, which he alleged had been made from the discovered ore. Many a treasure seeker sought diligently but vainly for the spot where the ore was found.

When dividing his lands, James Alexander gave his four younger sons-Hugh, Reed, Joseph and William B .- the four tracts on Clearfield creek. Three of them sold their claims to Sir Henry Philips, a gentleman from England, but William B. not only refused to sell what his father had left him, but secreted himself for two days that he might not be solicited to sign the papers needed to legalize the other sales. His brothers finally induced him to sign their deeds of transfer by promising him his choice of the four tracts of land.

William B. Alexander was born in Kishaco- quillas Valley, March 27, 1782. He was named after the lifelong friend of his father, Judge Will- iam Brown, who was a very early settler of what is now Mittlin (then part of Cumberland) county,

مه محمحد بال هند

ـلات

مصحف

Joseph alexander

677

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and a well-known and highly respected citizen. In the year 1800, when eighteen years of age, William B. Alexander visited the lands in Clear- field county (then part of Huntingdon county), and made a choice of the tract which his father had entered in his own name. It is worth re- cording that on this journey to Clearfield he took with him a pint of apple seed from Kishacoquillas Valley, and gave it for planting to an old man who lived several miles from his lands. Nine years later, when he came to settle on his tract, he planted an orchard of trees grown from that seed, now well-known as the old Alexander or- chard. After making his choice, and before set- tling, he made what was then a long journey westward on horseback, visiting West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. On his return he stated that 200 acres of land, part of the present site of Wheeling, W. Va., were offered him for the horse which he rode, so cheap was land in that section.

On April 23, 1806, soon after his return, Will- iam B. Alexander married Miss Nancy Davis, daughter of John Davis, of Kishacoquillas. He then rented a farm, and remained in that Valley three years longer; but in 1809 he moved to Clearfield county, following an Indian path across the Alleghany Mountains, and conveying his wife and two young children and all his effects on pack horses. He settled upon the estate, which he continued to occupy until a few months be- fore his death. To illustrate the inconvenience and discomforts of that early settlement, we need only state the fact that for many years he was obliged to go forty miles across the mount- ains on horseback along Indian paths to reach a mill. William B. Alexander died at the resi- dence of his son, William B., March 30, 1862, aged eighty years and three days. His wife, Nancy D. Alexander, died at the old homestead, April 1, 1861, aged seventy-three years and six months. They were the parents of thirteen chil- dren, eleven of whom lived until after the death of their father. William B. Alexander, Jr., the father of our subject, was a resident of Wood- ward township, but in the division which resulted in the organization of Bigler township, his home- stead was placed within the limits of the latter.

Hon. Joseph Alexander was born on his father's farm, in a log house of the earlier days. He has been extensively engaged in agriculture and lumbering, and as a business man ranks among the best in liis locality, his ability and judgment being much above the average. He has an honorable war record, as a member of Company B, 149th P. V. I., of the famous " Bucktail Brigade," in which he enlisted August

14, 1862, and served until the close of the war. He took part in many important battles, and was wounded during the first day of the fight at Gettysburg, in the charge by Gen. Stone's bri- gade at the railroad cut. He remained on the field all day, and in the evening was carried by some Colored stretcher-bearers of the Confeder- ate army to a barn on the McPherson farm, where he lay upon some straw until July 4, when Lee abandoned the place. In the closing days of the war, Mr. Alexander's regiment was sent north to recruit, and to guard prisoners at El- mira, N. Y. Mr. Alexander was detailed on de- tached service, was a member of the guard of honor that escorted the remains of the lamented Lincoln from the White House to the Capitol, where the dead President lay in state for some time. Mr. Alexander served the remaining period of his service as orderly, mostly at the Old Capitol prison during the trial of the conspirators who plotted the assassination of President Lin- coln, and did assassinate him. Mr. Alexander was discharged from the service June 27, 1865, and in leaving the army was given the following commendation, signed by the officers with whom he had been associated during his detached service:

We, the undersigned, take great pleasure in certifying that "Orderly " Alexander, late of Company B, 149th Penn- sylvania Volunteers, since being in special service, has done his duty as a soldier, and conducted himself as becoming a gentleman. We can cheerfully recommend him for any position that he is capable of fulfilling, as a trusty and faith- ful man, strictly temperate and willing to make himself useful. Very respectfully, etc. (Signed) LIEUT. WALTER F. HALLECK, CAPT. J. H. BASSLER, MAJOR GEORGE BOWERS.

Mr. Alexander has always been an ardent Republican, his first vote having been cast for Lincoln, while he was in the army. Until re- cent years the Democratic party has had a large majority in his locality, but this is now reversed. Notwithstanding the odds against him in the earlier days, he was chosen to various positions in Woodward township, serving as town clerk, auditor, supervisor and overseer of the poor, and for two terms was assessor; was also a school director in the Madera independent district. On the formation of Bigler township, he was chosen assessor, and held the office three consecutive terms, and one terin as school director. In 1880 he was appointed census enumerator for his dis- trict, and his work was especially commended by the supervisor of census, J. Simpson Africa. He also served three years as jury commissioner, and with Dr. J. P. Burchfield, his colleague, in- augurated refornis in the selecting of jurors. In 1883 he was nominated for the office of prothono-

678

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tary, unexpectedly, and made no canvass; but at the election time he led his ticket, although his opponent was no less a personage than the Hon. James Kerr. His well-proven ability and strict integrity won for him the confidence of all classes, his election as representative of his na- tive county in the legislature indicating his hold upon the popular regard.

In 1868 Mr. Alexander married Miss Susan- nah Hegarty, daughter of William and Jemima (Dunlap) Hegarty, of Becaria township, Clear- field county, and a descendant of an old pioneer family, in whose honor Hegarty's Cross Roads was named. Five children blessed this union: (1) Minerva attended the common schools of Woodward township, and later the Normal Uni- versity at Ada, Ohio. She taught in the com- mon schools for a time, then continued her stud- ies in the normal school at Lock Haven: after which she again attended the Normal University at Ada, Ohio, where she graduated with honors, completing her studies with a business course. She is one of the successful teachers of the coun- ty, having taught several terms. (2) Hadessa died January 2, 1881, in her ninth year. (3) Clinton B. attended the local schools until 1885, and then studied in the high school in Janesville, and in the grammar school in Madera. He spent one term at State College, also two terms in the State Normal School at Indiana, Penn., and taught one term in the school of Karthaus township, Clearfield county. Returning to In- diana, he continued his studies one term, then re- turned to State College, where he continued his studies for five years, graduating with honors June 16, 1897, and is at present head engineer and assistant manager for the Kohinoor Mining Co., at Oxford, N. Carolina. (4) Delila died January 2, 1881, from diphtheria, at the age of four years, her sister Hadessa dying on the same day. (5) Amy died August 8, 1889, aged five years. The mother of this family passed away September 10, 1885, and in 1889 Mr. Alexander married Miss Fannie Hunter, daughter of Thomas and Meriam Hunter, of Bellwood, Blair Co., Penn. They have one child, Francis, born Oc- tober 2, 1897. In religious faith Mr. Alexander is a Presbyterian, and he and his wife are promi- nent members of the Church at Madera, Penn- sylvania. At present he owns and resides on part of the lands located by his great-grand- father in 1784.

F REDERICK W. A. AND C. C. SHULTZ, with their sister, Miss SARAH C. SHULTZ, well known and prominent citizens of Decatur

township, Clearfield county, are representatives of an honored family that was established here over a century ago.

Their father, George Shultz, was born in Philipsburg, Centre Co., Penn., September 15, 1806, a son of John George and Rosalie (Barth) Shultz, natives of Magdeburg, Lower Saxony, and Strasburg in Alsace, Germany, respectively. The grandfather was at one time a sailor in the service of Frederick the Great, and for many years, till the close of his sea-faring life, followed the sea on a Hamburg vessel running to Balti- more, Md. He became a citizen of the United States under the Constitution, and voted for George Washington for President in 1788. After leaving the sea he engaged in peddling through- out the Eastern States, coming later to Philips- burg, Penn., where he was numbered among the first twelve settlers of the locality. In that place he was married, and in 1796 he there opened the first tavern, which stood at the southeast corner of Second and Presqueisle streets. He also worked for Hardman Philips-for a time, and later began the improvement and cultivation of a farm in Decatur township, Clearfield county, where his death occurred in December, 1844: his wife had passed away two years previously. In their family were the following children: John, who died in Clarion county, Penn .. August 1, 1886; George, the father of our subjects; Henry, who died January 15, 1888, in Clearfield county, leaving a family; Sarah, who died when young; and Frederick, who died at the age of seventeen years.

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 19

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