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

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

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On December 27, 1875, Mr. Patton was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Wright, a lady of rare culture and refinement, and a devout adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a member of a prominent family, and the daughter of H. J. Wright, a leading citizen of Lyons, Iowa. The children of this union were: Catherine M., born March 28, 1878, died when three years of age; and Henry J .. born October 30. 1880, now a student at St. Paul's School, Garden City, Long Island. The mother of these died May 24. 1884, leaving the impress of a Christian life. For his second wife Mr. Patton was married October 17, 1888. to Miss Mary B. Dill, of Clearfield, whose intelli- gence and kindliness make her a leader in various lines of social and philanthropic effort. She is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a valued worker in the Sunday- school. They have had four children: Edith D., born December 28, 1889: Alexander E .. born April 4, 1892; and two that died in infancy.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Patton is a generous contributor to the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is affil- iated with the I. O. O. F. and the F. & A. M. He is a member of Friendly Sons of the Pat- riotic Order of Philadelphia, and of the Trans- portation or Business Men's Club of New York.

J 'OSEPH L. DALE is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Pike township, Clearfield county. He was born May 8, 1840, on the Dale homestead, where he now re- sides, and which he now owns.

His paternal ancestry is English and Welsh. His mother's family was of Scotch-Irish lineage, and emigrated to Pennsylvania from the North of Ireland a short time after William Penn founded the colony which bears his honored name. The Dales, who were the ancestors of the subject of this sketch, were natives of England. Their his- tory can be traced back almost to the time of the Norman Conquest. Good evidence is produced to determine the fact that, originally, the name was spelled Dahl, and that the family emigrated to England, soon after the Norman Conquest, from Continental Europe. Subsequently, the orthography of the word was Anglicised, and has since been spelled Dale. .

About 1650 we find the Dale family promi- nently mentioned in English and Colonial his- tory, some being members of the House of Lords, and others being admirals who commanded fleets of warships during the wars of England with Spain and France. In 1725 three brothers are mentioned, the sons of the Dale who then owned the estates near London. The eldest of these sons, according to English law, inherited the es- tates which now are included in the City of Lon- don, and had become very valuable. He was the father of William Dale, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. The other two broth- ers emigrated, the one to Londonderry, Ireland, the other to Ayrshire, Scotland. The Ayrshire Dales became noted as manufacturers, their mills being located at New Lanark, near the falls of the Clyde. David Dale, who died in Glasgow. Scotland, in 1806, was the last owner of these celebrated cotton mills. His inanager was the distinguished Robert Owen, who married his eld- est daughter. Their son, Robert Dale Owen, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1800. He came to the United States in 1827. He was a noted editor, member of the Indiana Legislature, was elected to Congress as a Democrat, in 1843; was Minister to Naples in 1853; and died at Lake George, N. Y., June 17, 1877.

The Londonderry branch of the Dale family has become quite numerous, and members of the family can be found in several of the counties in the North of Ireland.

William Dale's father having died when Will- iam was about five years of age, his mother again married. By some means his stepfather suc- ceeded in obtaining control of the estate. Con- sequently, William, who was the only child, was defrauded of his rightful inheritance. His step- father then persuaded William's mother to send him to the American Colonies. Accordingly, at the age of fourteen years he was sent to Penn- sylvania, arriving in Philadelphia about the be- ginning of the Revolution. Having friends in Chester county, Penn., he first went there, but soon left and went to Canada. Here he resided until 1780, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and located in Loyalsock township, Lycoming county, near where the city of Williamsport is now located.

William Dale was a member of the Society of Friends, better known as Quakers. Among the Friends he was noted as a man of deep religions conviction, and a preacher of marked ability. Some of his manuscripts show him to have been a man of liberal education, and of marked liter- ary talent. In 1782 he married Ann Bailey, a native of Wales, and whose family had also set- tled in Loyalsock township, Lycoming county. After his marriage he and his wife located a short distance up Lycoming creek, not far from Will- iamsport. Here, in what was almost a primneval wilderness, they cleared up a farm, and raised a family of one daughter and eight sons. The fol- lowing record is taken from the family Bible of William Dale, and shows the names and births of his family: Mary (Mrs. John Ammon), 1784: Joseph, 1787; Daniel, 1788; Jesse, 1791; Levi, 1792; George, 1795; William, 1797; John P .. 1799; Tolbert, 1801.

In 1802, William Dale died, and was buried in the Friends cemetery near Williamsport. In 1807, Mrs. Ann Dale came to Philipsburg, Cen- tre Co., Penn. She was accompanied by all the family, except the daughter and two or three of the oldest sons. The family soon removed from Philipsburg, and for nearly a year lived at Clear- field, then a small hamlet. Mrs. Dale then lo- cated on Anderson Creek hill, about two miles from the present town of Curwensville. This was in Pike township, near the Philadelphia and Erie turnpike, at that time one of the principal roads of the State. Here she built a large stone hotel, which at that time was the finest building in the county. This wayside inn soon became one of the most noted stopping places on the line

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.

of this much-traveled thoroughfare, and many distinguished persons were entertained there. About the time the stone inn was ready for occu- pancy, Mrs. Ann Dale married John Wrigley, an Englishman, who had some time previous located In Clearfield. Mr. Wrigley died some years later, and Mrs. Dale-Wrigley was married (thirdly) to Thompson Huey. Mrs. Dale-Wrigley-Huey died in 1844, aged eighty-eight years. Mr. Huey died in 1854.

Of the eight sons of William Dale, only two became permanent residents of Clearfield county. These two were George Dale, and John P. Dale, the father of our subject. They both located in Pike township, and resided there almost all their lives. The other six sons located in different sec- tions of this and other States. At the present time their descendants are living in Mercer, Ve- nango, Forest, Cambria and Warren counties, in this State. Also in Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Oregon and other of the Western States.

John P. Dale, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Loyalsock township, Lycom- ing county, in 1799. He accompanied his · mother on all her various removals, and when she opened up the stone hotel assisted her in the management of the same. For some time he was mail carrier. The mail was carried on horseback, and the route extended from' Belle- fonte to Franklin, and two weeks were required in which to inake the round trip. Most of the distance was throngh an alinost unbroken forest. At that time the Indian still occupied his wig- wam, and the native wild animals howled in the forests through which the road ran. Mr. Dale cultivated the friendship of the Indians living along the mail route, and frequently stopped with them in their wigwams for the purpose of obtaining food, or to warm himself at their cheerful fires of oak or birch logs. Wolves were very numerous at that time, and he frequently encountered large packs of them. On one oc- casion he counted thirty of these howling deni- zens of the forest, leaping one after the other across the road in front of him.

When he arrived at inanhood's estate, John P. Dale's first business venture was a sawmill. This mill was located on Anderson creek, at the vil- lage of Bridgeport, about a milc from the stone tavern. After operating the sawmill for .a time, he moved to Cnrwensville. He then formed a partnership with John McPherson, and entered into the tanning business. Subsequently, he closed out his interest in the tannery, and bought the farin (now owned by the subject of this sketch) from Dr. John P. Hoyt. After residing there for ten years, he sold out and removed to

Curwensville. Here he built an iron foundry, which he successfully conducted for twelve years. Next he purchased the stone tavern farm above referred to, where he made his home for an- other decade, and then trad.d the same for Western lands. Afterward, he again purchased the Dr. Hoyt farm, and there spent his remain- ing days.

John P. Dale became a member of the Meth- odist Church in 1840, and was one of the organ- izers and founders of the Methodist Church in Curwensville. Ever after his profession of re- ligion, he was distinguished for his deep religious convictions. He took active part in camp- meetings, revivals, prayer and class meetings. At times, when the regular minister was absent, he conducted meetings and exhorted. In his political affiliation he was an ardent Democrat, and voted for every Democratic candidate for the Presidency from Andrew Jackson (in 1833) to Gen. Winfield S. Hancock (in 1880). He filled various township offices, and was once a candidate for county commissioner at the Dem- ocratic primary election. He was defeated by a majority of one vote, the issue against himn being that he favored locating the county seat at Cur- wensville instead of Clearfield.

John P. Dale wasthrice married. His first wife was Miss Margaret McCracken, a daughter of one of the early pioneers of Ferguson township. Of this union were born five children: William A. Dale, of Curwensville; Tolbert Dale; Mrs. Margaret Brooks; Mrs. Mary Robinson; and Mrs. Angelina Ammon, all of whom are deceased except Will- iam A. Dale, who is a merchant in Curwensville, and is now seventy-five years of age. After the death of his first wife, John P. Dale inarried Miss Margaret McClure, a daughter of Squire Thomas McClure, one of the original settlers of Pike town- ship. She died soon after her marriage, leaving no children. For his third wife he wedded Mrs. Martha Bell, widow of William Bell, and daugh- ter of James and Ann Henry, who were of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and had settled in Centre county, not far from Bellefonte. Of this union were four children: James H. Dale, born in 1835, and now residing at Cherrytree, Penn. ; Mrs. Jane Broom, of Curwensville, bom in 1838; Joseph L. Dale, residing on the homestead, born in 1840; and Mrs. Martha Hile, of Lumber City, Penn., born in 1842. John P. Dale died in 1883, his wife having died two years previous, in 1881.

Joseph L. Dalc accompanied his father on all of his removals, and assisted him in the different employments and businesses in which he was en- gaged. His early education was obtained in the

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.

Locust Ridge school, which was located near the stone tavern farm. He also attended school in Chautauqua county, N. Y., a part of two years, while he was making his home, temporarily, with his brother-in-law. Rev. John Wriglesworth. While his father lived in Curwensville, he at- tended the school at that place.

In the early summer of 1862, the great Civil war was raging, and President Lincoln had issued a call for volunteers. ,Mr. Dale was at this time twenty-two years of age. Forgetting everything but his country's peril, he immediately responded, and enlisted in a company then being organized in Curwensville. After this company was organ- ized it was called Company B, and was com- manded by Capt. (afterward Col.) John Irwin. It formed one of the companies of the 149th Pennsylvania " Bucktail Regiment," which soon became noted as one of the best regiments in the Army of the Potomac. He saw much hard fight- ing, and participated in all the battles in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged during the summer and autumn of 1863.

In the spring of 1864, his health gave way, and he was compelled to enter a hospital. Some time after, not being able for active service, he was ordered to Philadelphia, for light duty. While here he became a member of a military band, which had recently been organized in that city. Having finally recovered, he again joined his regiment, at the front, and remained in active service until the close of the war. After the bat- tle of Hatcher's Run his regiment was ordered to Elmira, N. Y., to perform guard duty. While stationed here Lee surrendered, and the war was over. Soon after he was honorably discharged at Harrisburg, and returned to his home.

In August, 1865, Joseph L. Dale was united in marriage to Miss Christina Esau, in the City of Philadelphia, where she then lived. She was a native of the town of Arolson, Province of Waldeck, Germany. Her father was Frederick Esau, of that place, and her grandfather was also called Frederic Esau. He had emigrated from Waldeck to Philadelphia, and had there become wealthy, and with him Christina Esau for some time made her home. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Dale came home, and located on the farm which he now owns. Here they lived for several years, farming for Jolin P. Dale, his fa- ther. Mr. Dale also gave some attention to the business of lumbering. During the latter years of his parents' lives, hie took care of them. In

1882 he bought the homestead. Here they lived until May 19, 1894, when death claimed the wife and mother. Mrs. Christina Dale was a faithful and consistent member of the Curwensville

Methodist Episcopal Church, and was buried ac- cording to the rites of that Church.

Joseph and Christina Dale were the parents of ten children: John A., William L., Joseph, Id .. Harry, Mary, Frank L., Walter, Annie and Paul. Of this number four-Joseph, Ida, Harry, and Mary-are deceased. Of the others, the three eldest sons are married, as follows: John A. Dale to Miss Abbie Hile; William L. Dale to Miss Annie Hagerty; and Frank L. Dale to Miss Alice Hagerty. They all reside in Curwensville. The three youngest-Walter, Annie and Paul -- live with their father on the homestead. Of grandchildren, Joseph L. Dale has three-Joseph Thomas, Christina and Evana, all the children of John A. and Abbie Dale.

On April 25, 1895, Mr. Dale was again mar- ried. His second union was with Mrs. Clarissa (Cole) Hoover, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Cole. early settlers in Curwensville, and widow of E. Allen Hoover, late an honored and re- spected citizen of Curwensville.

The farm where Mr. Dale lives is beautifully located not far from the bank of the Susque- hanna river, about two miles from Curwensville, . and comprises about 125 acres, more than half of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has made many valuable and useful improve- ments, which stand as monuments to his thrift. energy, and industry. The orchard yields good varieties of apples, peaches, plums and other fruits, and underlying the farm are good veins of coal and fire clay.

In his political views Mr. Dale adheres to the principles of Democracy as enunciated by Thomas Jefferson, and has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has voted for every Democratic candidate for President from Stephen A. Douglas to William J. Bryan. He has held the different township offices of collector of taxes, school director, assessor, auditor and constable. County office he never desired nor songht. He is a past commander of John Kratzer Post No. 184, G. A. R., and is distinguished for the interest he takes in this organization. For nearly twenty years he has affiliated with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and is an hon- ored member of Bethesda Lodge No. 821. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dale are faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and are well and favorably known throughout the entire community.

M ON. JOHN H. PATCHIN is conspicuous among the leading citizens and prominent business men of Clearfield county. In this utili-

John H Patelin

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tarian age, especially in America where the road to opportunity is open to all, the men of worth are those who, by honorable effort, continuity of purpose and far-sighted judgment, master their surroundings and achieve success. Mr. Patchin is a representative of this class, and to-day occu- pies a commanding position in business circles. He is alike active and influential in the field of politics, a man whose comprehensive views of the duties of citizenship have enabled liim to largely promote the welfare of his county and State.

The name of Patchin is inseparably connected with the history of this locality. The great- grandfather of our subject, Samuel Patchin, sailed from his native England to America in Colonial days, and settled in Massachusetts. At the open- ing of the Revolution he raised a company, and as its captain went forth to aid in the struggle for American independence. He was captured by the British and carried to England, where for somne time he was held as a prisoner of war, but later was exchanged and resumed the command of his company. He thus continued in the serv- ice until the close of hostilities, and bore a due part in the establishment of the Republic. He then returned to Massachusetts, and subsequently removed his family to Lake George, N. Y. He was prominently identified with the development of that locality.

John Patchin, the grandfather, was born and reared in Massachusetts, and during the greater part of his life followed lumbering. When the forests near Lake George, N. Y., had been mostly utilized for lumber purposes, he removed to Clear- field county, where he made extensive invest- ments in the lumber regions. He married Eliz- abeth Wright, and in 1845 removed his family to Clearfield county. He had eight children, namely: Samuel Clark, Horace, John Henry, Aaron W .. Mrs. Mary E. Walters, Mrs. Emeline Mellick, Jackson G. and George E. All located in the same neighborhood in Burnside township, and established the town of Patchinsville.

Aaron W. Patchin, the father of our subject. was born at Lake George, N. Y., August 15, 1822, died Inne 11, 1897. He owned large tracts of fine farming and timber land, and was exten- sively engaged in agricultural pursuits. hunbering and merchandising. In June, 1862, he married Elizabeth Barrett, who was born in Nottingham- shire, England, December 7. 1839. a daughter of George and Frances (Bexsom) Barrett, who emigrated to America in 1850, and located in In- diana county, Penn., where her father became a prominent farmer. He is still living at the ad- vanced age of eighty-one years, but his wife died 38

November 4, 1892, at the age of eighty-one. Both were consistent members of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Patchin had seven chil- dren: Frances F., wife of W. J. Dufton; Olive O., wife of Jolm N. Ake; John H .; Emeline E .; Winifred J., wife of J. O. Clark; Raymond C., a university student; and Carl E., at home. The mother of this family is a member of the Baptist Church. The father was a man of noble life and generous impulses, commanding the respect of all.

. John H. Patchin was born on the old family homestead in Burnside township, Clearfield county, April 9, 1868, and after attending the public schools of the neighborhood entered Buck- nell University, Lewisburg, Penn., and afterward was a student in LaFayette College, Easton, Penn. He displayed that mental alertness that has since made him eminent in politics and busi- ness, and was one of the popular students in the college. He held membership in the Phi Gamma Delta Society. On his return home, Mr. Patchin joined his father in his business interests, and is now concerned in the control of one of the most extensive lumber enterprises of Clearfield county. He is also connected with the mercantile and farming interests, and is a wide-awake, progress- ive business man, whose zeal and energy are turned to good account in the legitimate chan- nels of trade, and have brought to him excellent returns. He is also doing a lumbering business.

In politics, Mr. Patchin is a recognized leader, and since the time he attained his majority he has almost continually been the incumbent of one or other public office. He is unwavering in his support of the tenets promulgated by the Re- publican party, and in the Republican conven- tion of 1894 was nominated as the representative for the State Legislature. Hitherto Clearfield county had given strong Democratic majorities, but the canvass of that year was well planned. and the strength of the candidate was shown in the election returns when it was found that he was chosen to represent his district. He was one of the youngest meinbers of the Legislature, but was honored by the speaker of the House with appointment to several important committees, serving on the committees on Labor and Indus- try, Mines and Mining. Fish and Game, and County and Township. He acquitted himself with credit in his high office, and was actively connected with much of the important legislative work of the session of 1894-5. He was also active in the campaign of 1896. and aided in the canvass of his district, his services proving of mnuch practical benefit in increasing the Repub- lican strength.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J OSEPH R. IRWIN is the pioneer druggist of Curwensville, having for thirty-two years conducted his store at that place. His hon- orable business inethods and his energy have brought to him success, and his identification with the commercial interests of the city have been of material benefit to Curwensville.

Mr. Irwin was born in Clearfield county, April 6, 1837, and is the youngest living child of Ellis Irwin, who was born near Bellefonte, Cen- tre Co., Penn., June 17, 1805. He married Hannah Iddings, a cultured lady, a daughter of John and Ann (Carroll) Iddings, honored pioneers of Centre county. Her mother was a relative of the Carroll who signed the Declaration of Inde- pendence. Mrs. Irwin, who was beloved by all who knew her, departed this life in February, 1881, and her death was deeply mourned. Mr. Irwin is still living at the advanced age of ninety- two years. In the family of this worthy couple were eight children: Lewis, who died in 1882, leaving a family; John F., who participated in many hard fought battles of the Civil war, and is now a leading druggist of Clearfield; Mary; Hen- rietta: William, a prominent business man of Philipsburg, Penn. ; Joseph R. ; Melissa, who died at the age of twenty-eight; and James, who died at the age of eleven years.

Joseph R. Irwin acquired his education in Clearfield Academy, and in 1860 went to the West, spending eighteen months in Iowa, where he read medicine with an uncle, Dr. James Irwin. Returning home, he was employed for one year in the Howard Iron Works of Centre county, Penn., as a salesman in their store. In 1864, when Gov. Curtin called for militia to guard the interests of the State, he joined the 64th Pennsylvania Regiment under Col. Law- rence, and served for three months. He then re- turned home and entered the banking house of Leonard Finney & Co., of Clearfield, with whom he remained until coming to Curwensville. July 4. 1864, to accept a position in the new National Bank at that place. He contimed there until November, when he established the first drug store in Curwensville, having since devoted his attention to its conduct. He has erected his own store and residence, his business block being a large three-story brick. situated on State street. His store is well equipped with everything found in a first-class establishment, and his courteous treatment of his patrons, his energy, and his known reliability have sccured to him a liberal patronage.

Mr. Irwin was married, in 1866, to Miss Maria Bard, a native of Clearfield county, and a daugh- ter of William and Susan (Patton) Bard, hon-

ored pioneer people. She died in 1878. and in 1880 Mr. Irwin wedded Miss Kate E. Bard. a sister of his first wife. They have three chi ;- dren: William E., who was born May 1 ;. 1881, and died March 17, 1895; Joseph B .. born July 13, 1883; and Frank Carroll, bor !! August 28, 1885. They have also given a home to their niece, Kate Bard, who was born May s. .1880, and has lived with them for six years. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have long been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has serve.l as class leader, trustee and steward for many years. In politics he is a Republican, and has filled nearly all the township offices. In all the relations of life he is known as a man of sterling worth and high character, and one who deserves and receives the respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

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

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