Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 20

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 20
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 20
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 20
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 20

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George Shultz was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, and aided his father in the arduous task of clearing and developing a farm, which was covered with a heavy growth of tim- ber. He was a self-educated man, of broad gen- eral information, and although he never attended school for a single day, he was conversant with three different languages, including Greek, which he mastered by persistent effort. He was also a skillful workman, thoroughly familiar with sev- eral trades, including weaving, shoemaking, car- pentering, tailoring and moulding. He also fol- lowed mining to some extent in early life.

In September, 1835, in Decatur township. George Shultz was married to Mary Nierhoff, a native of Centre county. He then purchased a timber tract, and in the midst of the forest be- gan to clear and improve a farm, where he con- tinued to make his home throughout the re- mainder of his lite. He died August 27, 1888; his wife had departed this life May 8, 1861, on the same farm. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Sarah C., Frederick W. A ..

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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C. C., Thomas Jefferson, Isabella Miranda, Elizabeth Amanda, and Israel Putnam. The father cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, but later in life became a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks. No man in Decatur township was held in higher esteem or had more warm friends than Mr. Shultz.

Sarah C., Frederick W. A., and C. C. Shultz were born on the home farm in Decatur town- ship, Sarah C., on June 12, 1836, Frederick W. A., on April 9, 1838, and C. C. on February 3, 1840. In the schools of the county they . ob- tained excellent educations, and in November, 1856, the brothers began teaching, which pro- fession they successfully followed in Clearfield and Centre counties until 1891, proving most able and competent instructors. In 1880 they opened up a coal mine upon their farm, which they leased to Witchey & Barlow. With them resides their sister Sarah, who cares for the household. Both gentlemen are great readers, and Frederick possesses one of the finest libra- ries to be found in the county.

In August, 1862, the Shultz brothers laid aside all personal interests and enlisted in Com- pany C, 136th P. V. I., for nine months' service, and were mustered in at Camp Curtin .. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Poto- mac, and did garrison duty at Fort Lincoln; also participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. On the expiration of their term of service the brothers were honorably dis- charged May 31, 1863, and returned home to re- sume the pursuits of civil life. While in the army, Frederick suffered an attack of varioloid. Like their father they give their unwavering sup- port to the Republican party, and take quite an active interest in public affairs. Courteous and affable in manner, they have made many friends throughout the community, and have the con- fidence and respect of all who know them.

T C. TWITMIRE, a prominent physician and surgeon, was born in April, 1858, in Milesburg borough, Centre Co., Penn., a son of Henry H. and Nancy M. (Caldwell) Twitmire. The father, whose birth occurred in the same county in June, 1819, was a son of John and Mary (Haner) Twitmire, the former a native of Hanover, Germany, and the latter of Adams county, Penn. About the year 1812 they located in Centre county, where the grandfather followed his trade of shoemaking, and there made his home until his death, which occurred in Febru- ary, 1852; his wife departed this life in 1838.

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In early life Henry H. Twitmire learned the trades of blacksmithing and carriage making, which he followed for some time in Bellefonte, Centre county, and was also for ten years in the employ of the Snow Shoe railroad. In his na- tive county he was married, in April, 1857, to Miss Nancy M. Caldwell, who was also born in that county, where her parents. Thomas and Mary (Adams) Caldwell, had located at an early day, and there spent their remaining years. Two children were born of this union: Dr. T. C., of this sketch; and Willian, who died in Centre county, in October, 1861. The wife and mother departed this life in the same year. In 1881, the father removed to Curwensville, Clear- field county, where he engaged in carriage mak- ing until 1887, in which year he opened a gro- cery store at Gallitzin, Penn., conducting the same until moving to Glen Richey, Clearfield county, in 1890. He is now numbered among the highly respected citizens of that place.

The primary education of our subject was ob- tained in the common schools of Bellefonte, and he completed his literary course in the academny of that place. He began reading medicine at Chest Springs, Penn., and later pursued his stud- ies at Gallitzin under the direction of Dr. G. W. Miller. In 1883 he entered the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated with the class of 1885, and at once began practice at Gallitzin, remaining some three and one-half years. For fifteen months afterward he was a resident of Blossburg. Tioga Co., Penn., coming from there to Glen Richey. where he located in 1891. In December, 1897, he removed to Newry, Blair county. His skill and ability soon won for him recognition, and to- day he is at the head of a large and paying prac- tice.

In June. 1887, in Cambria county, Penn .. Dr. Twitmire was married to Miss Mary Ellen Arrowsmith, who was born in Tioga county. and died at Glen Richey. in June, 1891, leaving one daughter, Ethel M. The Doctor was subse- quently, in December, 1892, married at Glen Richey, to Keziah M. Rowles, a native of Law- rence township, Clearfield county, and a daugh- ter of Levi and Mary E. (Dunlap) Rowles, still residents of that township. Dr. Twitmire holds membership in the Cambria County Medical So- ciety; and in the Knights of Pythias Lodge, at Glen Richey: in Bloomington Castle. K. G. E .; in Glen Richey Fariners Alliance; and in the In- dustrial Trade Union. He holds a leading posi- tion in the ranks of the medical fraternity, and as a citizen stands deservedly high in the estima- tion of his fellowmen.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.

H ON. J. P. TAYLOR, formerly a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly from Clearfield county, has been identified with the thriving city of Du Bois since 1877, and has done much to aid in its rapid development. As one of the leading citizens, his biography will be read with unusual interest.

Mr. Taylor is a native of Clarion county, born August 16, 1843, and his grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Lewis) Taylor, locating there in 1825 in the woods amid all the primi- tive surroundings of frontier life, the family may therefore claim pioneer honors. Both were na- tives of New Jersey, and both passed their re- maining years in Clarion county, where the grand- father died in 1855. They reared a large family of children: Peter died in Clarion county; John, the father of our subject, is mentioned more fully below: Abijah, a veteran of the Civil war, died near Corsica, Penn., in 1880; James, who died in Jefferson county, Penn .; Jacob, who served during the war in the famous Loomis Ar- tillery, died in Clarion county, in 1894; Philip, an ex-soldier, resides in Reynoldsville, Penn .; David lives in Brookville, Penn .; Elizabeth (de- ceased) married William Britt; and Catherine married Amos Newberry.

The late John Taylor, our subject's father, was born in New Jersey in 1813, and growing to manhood in Clarion county engaged in busi- ness there as a lumberman and farmer, clearing up a homestead for himself as a beginning. In 1862 he moved to the vicinity of Brookville, Penn., continuing the same line of business, and later he settled upon another farm in Pine Creek township, Jefferson county, where he died in 1880. He was married in Clarion county to Miss Hannah Mitchell, who survived him six years, her death occurring in Du Bois, January 14, 1886. Both were highly esteemed among their associates. Their family consisted of six children: Mrs. S. Fuller, of Du Bois; J. P., our subject; Elizabeth, who married Rowan Bell, and died in Brookville, Penn., in 1872; Maggie, who married Josephi Etzler, and died in Tulla- homa. Tenn., in 1867; John, a resident of Wash- ington State; and Florence, wife of Dr. C. C. Hindman, of Du Bois.

The first seventeen years of our subject's life passed by amid the usual incidents connected with farming experiences, and his education was secured in the schools of his native locality. On leaving the old farin lie went to Corsica and en- gaged in the lumber business with his father; and in 1862 he accompanied the latter to the new home near Brookville, where he followed farin- ing, in connection with lumbering, about eight

years. From 1870 to 1877 he was engaged in mercantile business in Brockwayville, Penn .. his stock including drugs and general merchandise. In 1877 he located at Du Bois, and resumed the lumber business, to which he has since added real estate and, for a time, an insurance business. At present he has extensive real-estate interests in both Du Bois and Falls Creek.

So able a man could not fail to attract the confidence of his fellow citizen, and as Mr. Tay- lor is a stanch Democrat he became a leading factor in party management and in local affairs. In 1879 he was elected justice of the peace,. but resigned in 1882 when he entered the legislature. He served during one session with signal ability and faithfulness, and on his retirement was ap- pointed postmaster at Du Bois, a position which he filled creditably for more than four years.

Mr. Taylor was married in 1868 at Brook- ville, to Miss Fannie Ramsay, a native of that city, daughter of one of its leading pioneers, John W. Ramsay, an Irishman by birth, who died at his home in Brookville, -in 1869; his wife, Sarah (Ferguson), survived him, passing away on January 1, 1893, at the age of eighty-four. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have had six children, of whom four are now living: Maud (Mrs. Matthews), of Warren, Penn .; Blanche, the wife of Dr. Jay C. Booher, of Falls Creek; Charles F., who is at home; and Harry, now attending school at Brookville. Socially, the family are prominent, and Mr. Taylor is identified with various move- ments and societies, being a leading member of the Heptasophs and of the Acorn Club.

J OSEPH M. POSTLETHWAIT, who has for more than twenty years been one of the most efficient and successful teachers of Clearfield county, belongs to one of the honored pioneer families of this section of the State. His grand- father, Samuel Postlethwait, who was of English extraction, came in 1829 from his early home in Perry county, Penn., to Clearfield county, and located near Luthersburg. Subsequently he pur- chased a tract of land now known as the John Y. Smith farm, where he died. His wife passed away several years later, on what is now known as the Moore farm. Six children survived him, and took an important part in the development and prosperity of the county.

Samuel Postlethwait, our subject's father, was born in Perry county, April 7, 1819, and ac- companied his parents on their removal to their new home in Clearfield county, where he grew to manhood amid the scenes of frontierlife, sharing all the hardships and trials which fall to the lot

yours truly J. J. Taylor

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of a pioneer. He married Miss Jane Ellen Thompson, of Luthersburg, who was born Sep- tember 11, 1826, a daughter of John Thomp- son, formerly a well-to-do farmer of Cen- tre county, Penn. After his marriage, Samuel Postlethwait lived for two years in Curwensville, and then removed to Brady township, Clearfield county, where in 1850 he purchased fifty acres of timber land, which he at once began to clear and improve, erecting thereon a log house. He con- tinued to make that place his home until 1866, when he purchased the Tolbert Dale property about one mile west of Du Bois Junction, on the old Erie turnpike, and cleared the greater part of it. He remodeled and enlarged the house, built a good barn and other outbuildings, and there resided until his death December 8, 1894. His estimable wife, who proved a faithful helpmeet to him, still survives.

Our subject is the eldest in a large family of children, the others being, in order of birth, as follows: (2) Winfield S., born in Brady town- ship, May 23, 1847, married Julia Clayton, of that township, and made his home in Sykesville, where his death occurred November 23, 1895. He left a wife and five children-Benjamin F., Senie May, Ella, Olive and Jennie. (3) Mary A., born in Brady township, December 5, 1848, resides at the old homestead. (4) Alpheus E., born January 11, 1850, died October 2, 1852. (5) Agnes J .; born May 21, 1851, married George C. Pifer, of Centre county, Penn., who is ell- gaged in farming and selling agricultural imple- ments at Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Penn. (6) Flora I., born October 18, 1852, died June 24, 1854. (7) James T., born March 1, 1854, died January 23, 1865. (8) William, born March 11, 1856, grew to manhood upon the home farm, acquir- ing his early education in the common schools of Brady township. At the age of eighteen he engaged in teaching in Bloom township, Clear- field county, and continued to follow that pro- fession and to attend school alternately until his graduation at the Edinboro State Normal in 1883. He was for several years a clerk in the bank at Ridgway, Penn. In 1886 he married Miss Helen Goodrich, of Corry, Erie Co., Penn., where they now make their home. He is assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of that place, and is also serving as city treasurer, having been elected to that position in 1897. He has one son, Archy. (9) Samuel, born May 17, 1857, still resides upon the home farm, and now holds the office of supervisor of Sandy township.

(10) George. born September 15, 1858, pur- sued his studies in the public schools of Brady township, and assisted in the work on the farin

until he had attained his majority. He then spent three years in traveling through Iowa and other States of the West, and after his return to Clearfield county followed lumbering for some time. In 1895 he married Miss Dora Lukehart, of Falls. Creek, Penn., where they made their home for a time and then removed to Du Bois. While in the employ of the Berwin-White Coal Co. at the latter place, he was killed in the ter- rible explosion on March 23. 1896, leaving a widow and a four-months-old son-Edgar Allen. Mrs. Postlethwait is now living with her father at Falls Creek. (11) Ida May, born February 22, 1861, is the wife of Peter S. Heberling, of Clearfield county, and they now make their home on his farm near Du Bois. They have two children-Maud E. and Clyde, both at home. (12) Elenora, born February 14, 1862, was educated in the common schools, and taught for one term. In 1882 she married Francis M. Wise, of Jefferson county, who is now engaged in carpentering in Du Bois, where they live with their five children-Frank L., Pearl Ida, Iva E., Fairiebell and Maud E. (13) Charles. E., born May 31, 1865, has engaged in lumbering, but now gives his attention principally to the cultiva- tion of the home farm. (14) Newton, born April 28, 1867, was drowned in a well at the old homestead, July 8, 1869. (15) Albert L., born June 15, 1869, was for a number of years a teacher in Clearfield county. He took a course at the Iron City Commercial College, Pittsburg, and also studied shorthand and typewriting at Williamsport, after which he secured a position with the Central railroad of New Jersey. In 1896 he married Catharine Hill, of Elizabeth, N. J., where they made their home until her death, August 28, 1896. She left one child, Catharine H. (16) Jesse S., born December 16, 1870, grew to manhood on the home farm, and in 1893 was married in Clinton county, Penn., to Eliza- beth Stitzer. He next purchased property in Du Bois, where he made his home for two years. and then removed to the Van Tassel addition of that place. He was also killed with his brother George in the mine explosion March 23, 1896, and left a widow and one daughter. Jessie C. (17) Blanche Emma, born January 15, 1872, completed her education by two-terms' attend- ance at the Lock Haven Normal School. In 1894 she married Michael Heberling, of Jefferson Line, Penn., and they live on a farm in Sandy township, Clearfield county. They have a daugh- ter, Mildred B. (18) Rosa Alice, born Decem- ber 29, 1874, acquired her primary education in the common schools, and in 1894 attended the Lock Haven Normal for one term. She was

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married in October, 1895, to S. S. Lobough, of Jefferson Line, who is now teaching in the graded schools of Sabula, where they reside. To them was born a daughter, Emily Ellen, in June, 1896.

Joseph M. Postlethwait was born April 9, 1846, in Pike township, Clearfield county, but was reared in Brady township, attending the dis- trict schools through the winter, and assisting in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm during the summer months, until he was twenty-six years of age. He then pursued his studies for one term at Cherry Tree Academy, and for two terms at the State Normal of Edin- boro, then in 1872 began teaching in Brady township. For twenty years he successfully fol- lowed that profession, but since his father's death he has taken charge of the home farm, whose neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful‹ management and progressive ideas. The family to which he belongs is widely and favorably known, holding a high place in both business and social circles. The father, who was a stanch Democrat in politics, lived to see eight of his sons vote that ticket and become useful and hon- ored members of society. He took quite an act- ive part in public affairs, faithfully serving as township treasurer, overseer of the poor and school director for a number of years, and also as jury commissioner of Clearfield county for one term. Both parents were for many years consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Salem. Great-grandfather Postle- thwait was killed in Pennsylvania by the Indians while searching in the woods for his cows, which had broken away during the previous night.

H ENRY HAMLIN is prominently identified with the industrial and commercial interests of Graham township, Clearfield county, where he has made his home for almost forty years, during which time he has taken an active part in its upbuilding and progress. His straightforward, honorable course has won for him the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

Mr. Hamlin was born in Mifflin county, Penn., in 1832, but in 1849 he was taken to Lawrence county, this State, by his parents, Isaac and Nancy (Burress) Hamlin, who came to Clearfield county in 1857 and located in Graham township. From a wooded tract the father developed a good farm, the same upon which our subject now resides, but subsequently he removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife passed away several years ago in Wayne county, Ohio.

To the parents of our subject were born chil- dren as follows: (1) Isaac was accidentally killed while assisting in a house-raising. (2) Harriet married Christian Pace, of Dauphin county, Penn., who came to Clearfield county and engaged in lumbering for a number of years, then removed to Ohio, where he followed farming. They now make their home in West Virginia. (3) Sarah is the widow of Benjamin Chance, of Lawrence county, Penn., who came to Clearfield county, where he followed luinbering and farming until his removal to Ohio. He was killed by being thrown from a load of hay. (4) Margaret wed- ded Henry Smeal, of Grahain township, by whom she had four children, and after his death she was married to John Lytle. To them was born one child; they now reside at Winburne, Clear- field county. (5) Simon enlisted in 1861, at Clearfield, and after going to the front partici- pated in two or three battles. He was then taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to the hospital in Cumberland City, where his death occurred. (6) Mary A. is the wife of Samuel Cowder, and lives on a farm in Bradford township, Clearfield county .. (7) Jonathan married a Miss Ambrose, and after engaging in lumbering in Graham township for some years, he migrated to Ohio, and thence to Missouri. (8) Henry is the subject of this review.

Henry Hamlin acquired a good practical edu- cation in the schools of Mifflin county, where he remained until seventeen years of age. From Lawrence county he came to Clearfield county in 1853, and located upon the farm in Graham township, where he still resides. It is a highly cultivated tract and improved with all modern conveniences, making it one of the model farms of the township.

In 1858, in Graham township was consum- mated the marriage of Mr. Hamlin and Miss Snsan Lytle, and to them were born five chil- dren, namely: Martha M., who died at the age of thirteen years: John married Emma Record, by whom he has three children, and they reside on a farm in Cooper township. Clearfield county; Rebecca Jane is the wife of William Green, of Graham township, by whom she has three chil- dren, and they live in Kylertown, Clearfield county; William I, is at home; and Mary is the wife of Wesley Lansbery, and they reside with our subject.

In connection with his agricultural interests, Mr. Hamlin also conducts a general store upon his farm, in which line of business he is meeting with good success. The Democratic party finds in him a strong supporter, and he has ever taken ; a prominent and active part in local affairs. He has efficiently served as supervisor of his town-

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ship, and whether in public or private life his duties are always discharged with promptness and fidelity. He and his family are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

H ENRY LITZ has frequently been called to positions of public trust, wherein he has faithfully served his fellow townsmen. He is now supervisor of Lawrence township, and in the discharge of his duties he labors earnestly to ad- vance the best interests of the community. Pub- lic-spirited and progressive, all enterprises cal- culated to prove of benefit to town or county receive his support, and he is a valued citizen of the locality.

Mr. Litz was born in 1854, in Lawrence township, a son of Abram and Margaret (Hen- derson) Litz. His father was born March 28, 1820, in Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Penn. The grandfather, Abraham Litz, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his father, also named Abra- ham, was of German lineage, and belonged to one of the early Pennsylvania families. The grand- father came to Lawrence township, and here im- proved a farm, which he continued to cultivate until his death, about 1865. He had a family of five sons: Andrew, who died in Lock Haven; John, who was drowned in the memorable Johns- town flood; Abram; Rudolph, who served through the war in the Union army, and died in Iowa; and Robert, of Lawrence township. The daughters of the family were Katie, who lived and died in Lock Haven; and Mrs. Eliza Rowles, of Lawrence township.

Abram Litz, the father of our subject, came to Lawrence township in 1848, previous to which time he had worked in a woolen factory at Lock Haven. On May 1, 1851, he married Margaret Henderson, a native of Chambersburg, Penn., and they began their domestic life on the farm which is now the home of Henry Litz. The fa- ther engaged in farming and lumbering, and died on the old homestead June 13, 1874. while his wife died on June 14, 1878. Their children were: William, who resides in Clearfield: Henry Hartswick, who died in Knox township: David, of Boggs township; Robert, who died in Burn- side township, in 1889; Ellsworth, who died in December, 1873; Abram Earl, who is living in Clearfield county; Charlotte, wife of James Mer- ritt. of Pennsville; Sarah, wife of Earl Rennard, of Clearfield; and Mrs. Mary Jane Wiley, of Penn township.

Henry Litz was reared in Lawrence town- ship, and is indebted to its public schools for his educational privileges. Throughout his life he

has engaged in farming and lumbering. In his youth he assisted his father in those occupations, and since attaining his majority has followed the same pursuits in his own interest. Energetic and persevering, his labors have been crowned with a fair degree of success, and he is now in comfortable circumstances. In IS81, he was elected town supervisor, on the Democratic ticket, and again in 1882. Once more he was elected in 1894, and is now serving his fourth term in that office. He was married in Lawrence township, May 26, 1881, to Miss Maria Jane Ogden, a native of the township, and a daughter of Capt. Matt Ogden. She died in Lawrence township, March 11, 1886, and Mr. Litz was again married in 1894, his second union being with Lillie May Ogden, who was; born in Lawrence township, where her parents, Zach and Elizabeth Ann (Bailey) Ogden, were early settlers. By the first marriage there were two sons: Ray Bixler, and Espey Mitchell, while by the second marriage there is one child, Frank Smith. The father of these is a member of the American Mechanics Lodge, No. 281, of Clear- field, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle Lodge, No. 318, Clearfield. He is a representative of one of the oldest families of the county, is wide. ly and favorably known, and has many friends among those with whom he has been acquainted since his youth, a fact which indicates an up- right honorable career.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 20

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