Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 24

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 24
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 24
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 24
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 24

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).

G. D. Benn, who completes the family, was born in 1846, in Ticga county, where he passed the days of his boyhood and youth, early becoin- ing familiar with the lumber business, but his school training was much more limited. In the Having no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Benn took to their home a little girl. Chris- : was living in Houtzdale at the time of her adop- tion. She was a diligent student while attend- 1 ing the common schools, and was later educated in the higher branches by the Christian Endeavor Society, graduating from the Northfield. Massa- spring of 1864 he drove logs to Williamsport, . and was then employed in one of the large mills : tina Herron, who was born in Maryland, and of L. Taber until the establishment closed down for the winter, after which he attended the Tioga schools for one month. Going to Williamsport, Penn., he worked as setter in a inill for two years, and then obtained a position in the Samp-

son inill at Snow Shoe, where he remained for some time. Later contracted to stock the mill, but in 1867 sold his interest in the contract, and took charge of the Huntersdale mill. While at that place one of his men. George Miller, was thrown on the saw and literally cut to pieces.

In the same year, Mr. Benn went to Michi- gan, where he engaged in the sawmili business for one year, and then returned to Tioga county, working at milling and in the lumber woods for two years. In 1869 he was there married to Miss Delcena King, of that county, and they be- gan their domestic life in Westfield, where he was employed in the sawmill of D. S. Graves for one year. In 1870 they removed to Emporium, Penn., where he acted as foreman for his father for one year, and then took charge of the West Creek Manufacture & Mining Co.'s planing-mill, at Beechwood, Cameron county, remaining there until 1872, when he migrated to Storm Lake, Iowa, to grow up with the country. After losing all his money, he returned to Pennsylvania in the following spring, and for one season operated a mill for J. R. Buckwalter.

In 1874 Mr. Benn came to Houtzdale, Clear- field county, where he served as superintendent of the mill of Reed Brothers until 1876, when he entered the employ of Lowther & Flynn in the same capacity, remaining with them until 1885. He then located at Dysart, where he purchased a mill and continued to manufacture lumber for P. & A. Flinn for a year and a half. He has since engaged in the same business for the Cres- ton Clearfield Coal & Coke Co. during which time he has manufactured about thirty-four mill- ion feet of lumber. At the time of the Johns- town flood he lost about $1,500. In 1889 he took up his residence in Coalport, purchasing the George Bigler property, consisting of a large and pleasant residence and good outbuildings. Here he has since made his home, and in May. 1896. in company with C. P. Pannebaker, he embarked in business, dealing in ready-made clothing and gents' furnishing goods. They carry a large and complete stock, and by fair and honorable deal- ings have succeeded in building up a good trade. After coming to this place he sold his property in Houtzdale, and has invested his money in real estate in Coalport.

699

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chusetts, schools, where she prepared for mission- ary work. As a true Christian, she is now lo- cated at Saharanpur, India (Ladona mission), unselfishly devoting her life to the work of the Master. Mr. and Mrs. Benn are earnest, con- sistent meinbers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have the respect and confidence of all who know them. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, has always taken an active and influential part in public affairs, has been an efficient member of the city council for six years, and president of that body for two years. He is also treasurer of the village at the present time, and every duty that devolves upon him, whether public or private, is dis- charged in a inost prompt and efficient manner.

CIAMUEL M. CURTS, a well-known and high- ly-esteemed citizen of Cooper township, Clearfield county, was born July 16, 1838, in Lycoming county, Penn., where he was educated in the common schools and reared to the occupa- tion of farming. He is of Irish origin. His grandfather, Michael Curts, was a native of Ire- land, whence, when nine years of age, he accom- panied his parents on their emigration to the New World, and with them took up his residence in New Jersey, where his father later became a peach-grower. He married Susan Wolf, of Leb- anon, Pennsylvania.

Samuel Curts, Sr., the father of our subject, grew to manhood in Lycoming county, where he worked at the trade of shoemaking for a time, and later purchased, cleared and improved a farm. After several removals he purchased a house and lot in Kellersburg, Armstrong county, Penn., where his death occurred. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. For his first wife he wedded Susan Guthrie, who died in 1842, leaving three children: Mrs. Catherine Guthrie, Samuel M., and Mrs. Sarah Parmer, who were reared by their step-inother. There were eight children by the second marriage: Ella, George, Jane, Anna, Joseph, Martha, Ambrose and John.

Our subject remained with his father until the Civil war broke out, when he enlisted in Lycom- ing county, in April, 1861, for three months' service, and was mustered in at Harrisburg, Penn., whence he was sent to Bedford and later to Hopewell, W. Va. On the expiration of his term he re-enlisted, becoming a member of the Fifth Reserve, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He assisted in building fortifica- tions around Washington in the fall of 1861, and went into camp at Pierpont. The first engage-

inent in which he participated was the battle of Gainesville, and later was in fourteen hotly-con- tested fields. At Fredericksburg he was wounded in the face, but as soon as able he rejoined his command, continuing in active service until the battle of the Wilderness, when he had a slight flesh wound in the right leg and right arm. Although for three months he was unable to per- form active duty, he would not go to the hospital. He was never taken prisoner, and on the expira- tion of his three years was honorably discharged July 11, 1864, and mustered out at Harrisburg.

Returning to Lycoming county, Mr. Curts was employed by the month in the lumber woods. and for twelve years continued the business, in the meantime coming to Clearfield county in 1866. For seven years he was in the employ of Governor Bigler, in Clearfield borough. Since 1876 he has engaged in farming, making his home in Cooper township for the past twelve years. In connection with agricultural pursuits he also conducts a livery, and runs a hack to Philipsburg twice a week. In 1867, in Clearfield county, he was married to Miss Rachel Hall, who belonged to a prominent pioneer family of the county. Her father, William Hall, cleared and improved a farm in Graham township, where his death oc- curred in 1867. His faithtul wife, who still sur- vives him, is the mother of five children: Will- iam, George, Catherine, Rachel and Cyrus. Three children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Curts, as follows: Harry, now a resident of Woodland, Penn .; and Samuel H. and Martha, at home. On the evening of December 9, 1897. Mrs. Curts was taken ill with blood poisoning, and on the evening of the following day ( Decem- ber 10), just twenty-four hours after she was taken ill, she passed peacefully away. She was born February 26, 1849, in Morris township. Clearfield Co., Penn., and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Politically, Mr. Curts affiliates with the Re- publican party; fraternally he is a member of the American Mechanics. He is a frank, open- hearted; hospitable man. has made inany warm friends since taking up his residence in Clearfield county, and is held in the highest regard by all with whom he comes in contact.

R L. JIMESON, a well-known and highly es- teemed citizen of Munson, was born Janu- ary 29, 1860, in Brady township, Clearfield county, a son of John and Harriet Best Jimeson. The birth of the father occurred May 18, 1829. near Parnassus, Westmoreland Co., Penn .. where he grew to manhood. In 1858 he located

700

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Brady township, Clearfield county, and pur- chased property in the town of Luthersburg. He had a contract for carrying the mail from Lu- thersburg to Punxsutawney, Penn. He served as constable of the former place for five years. Subsequently he emigrated to Kansas, but after a year's residence in that State, returned to Clear- field county, locating in Du Bois, where for three years he engaged in the flour and feed business; he served as tax collector of the place for two years. He has now laid aside active business cares and finds a pleasant home with our subject.

John Jimeson was twice married, his first union being with Miss Daugherty, by whom he had two children, namely: John W., a resident of East End, Pittsburg, Penn., married and has six children; and Amanda is the wife of Samuel Skillen, and with their four children they reside on Butler street, Pittsburg. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Jimeson was married to Har- riet Luther, of Brady township, and to them were born three sons: E. E., who is engaged in mer- chandising in Morrisdale Mines, Clearfield county, married Carrie Mons, of Kylertown, and has two children; W. W., the owner and proprietor of a large hotel in Charleroi, Washington Co., Penn., married Grace Deviney, of Philipsburg, Penn., and has two children; and R. L., who completes the family.

R. L. Jimeson, whose name opens this re- view, was reared and educated in Brady town- ship, Clearfield county. On attaining manhood he was married in Armstrong county, Penn., to Miss Catharine D. Rugh, a daughter of Samuel Rugh, an early pioneer of that county, where her birth occurred. To them were born four children: Ida L. ; Clyde E .; William McKinley, who died in infancy; and Carrie E.

After his marriage Mr. Jimeson located on a farm near Kylertown, Clearfield county, which he operated for three years, and then removed to Morrisdale Mines, where he assisted his brother in the store until 1891. In that year he came to Munson, where he purchased the mercantile establishment of E. T. Roan, and successfully engaged in business for six years. He next bought the " Moshannon Hotel," but after con- ducting it for one year sold to O. L. Schoonover, and at present is engaged in the hotel business in Clearfield. He has been very successful in his undertakings, which may be attributed to his en- terprise, industry and good management, for since starting out in life for himself, he has been dependent upon his own resources. He is a care- ful, conservative business man, whose fair and honorable dealings have won the confidence of all. He assisted in organizing the Republican

party in Munson, has served as a member of the County Central Committee, of which he has been chairman, and is one of its most earnest advo- cates. His excellent wife is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in the social circles of the community they hold an enviable position.

W S. GILLILAND, M. D., of Karthaus, Clearfield county, is a successful physi- cian whose long experience, thorough knowledge of his profession, and continued progress in the line of his chosen calling, have brought to him prosperity and a well-merited reputation. His devotion to the interests of his patients is pro- verbial, and he has secured a liberal clientele.

Dr. Gilliland was born in Potter township, Centre Co., Penn., December 9, 1842, and is a son of John and Lydia (Smith) Gilliland. His father was born in Centre county in 1808, and was a son of Joseph and Margaret (Cowden) Gilli- land, the former of whom was a native of Ire- land, and at an early age crossed the ocean, tak- ing up his residence in Lancaster county, Penn., where his wife was born and reared. After their marriage they became pioneers of Centre county, and in Potter township the grandfather developed a farm, upon which he spent his remaining days.

John Gilliland, father of our subject, was reared on the old homestead in Potter township, and was a well-known citizen of that community. In 1856 he moved to Salt Lick, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1888, and the community mourned the taking away of one of its best citizens. His wife died in Salt Lick in 1889. They reared a family of four sons and two daughters: Hannah and Mary, who reside in Karthaus township; Joseph, who is mar- ried, and lives in Potterdale; William S., the subject of this review; Edward, who lives in Karthaus township, and Robert, a resident of Snow Shoe, Centre county.

In the county of his nativity Dr. Gilliland spent the days of his boyhood and youth, his time being occupied with play and work in the usual manner of lads of that period. His liter- ary education was acquired in the public schools, and in 1858 he came to Karthaus township, Clearfield county. With the desire of entering the medical profession and making the practice of medicine his life work, he, in 1864, became a student in the office of Dr. Potter, and under his direction continued his reading for two years. In 1866 he entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and in 1868 he began practice at what was then known as Central Point. Few physicians in this section of the county have

Amy Guiland 1,8.

701

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

longer continued in the active prosecution of the profession. In 1879 he located in Girard town- ship, where he enjoyed an extensive and success- ful medical practice until 1890, when he came to Karthaus. In the same year he embarked in the hardware business here as a member of the firin of Gilliland & Briel, the partnership contin- uing until 1894, when the Doctor bought out his partner, and has since been alone.

In 1870, in Girard township, Clearfield county, Dr. Gilliland was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Murray, a native of that township, and a daughter of Alexander and Isabella (Holt) Murray, pioneer settlers of that locality, who are now deceased. The Doctor and his wife have had a family of thirteen children: Cora, Will- iam and Alexander, who all three died in Kee- waydin, Clearfield county; Isabella and Edward Bruce, both deceased; Blanche; Harry; Alda; Mabel; Julia; Fannie; Jennie, and Paul.

The Doctor is a stanch Calvinist in religion, although not a member of Church; in politics he is a Democrat of the Jefferson and William J. Bryan school. He has long witnessed the de- velopment and advancement of Clearfield county, and has seen the progress that the years have brought. In the work of improvement he has ever borne his part, and is known as a public- spirited citizen, who has given substantial aid to interests concerning the public welfare.

W H. SHIREY. The fertile soil of Clear- field county attracted at an early day the attention of an energetic and industrious class of settlers through whose arduous labors the wilder- ness was made to 'blossomn like the rose." Among the first of these was George Shirey, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was a native of Germany. He located in Law- rence township during the latter part of the 18th century, and followed farming and lumbering throughout the remainder of his life. His deatlı occurred there, and his widow afterward married Jacob Goss, of Decatnr township, and spent her last years in that section. By the first marriage there were eight children, none of whom are now living. William died in Bradford town- ship, in 1886; John is mentioned more fully below; Jacob died in Bradford township in 1865; George in Columbia, Penn., when on the river, being but a young man; Margaret married Mr. Swatsworth, of Lawrence township; Mary was the wife of Isaac Southard, of Clearfield; Jane married Orris Hoyt, of Lawrence township; Eve married John Grahamn, of Bradford.

John Shirey, our subject's father, was born in Lawrence township on January 30, 1799, and spent his boyhood there and in Clearfield. He was married in Lawrence township to Miss Han- nah Mapes, and settled in Bradford township in 1822 as a farmer, purchasing a tract of forest land which he cleared and improved. He was a good marksman, and game being plenty in those days, would frequently go out and bring in a ven- ison before breakfast. On one occasion he was waked up in the night by a disturbance among the hogs. Looking out at the window, it being a bright moonlight night, he saw a bear. Dress- ing himself quickly, he took down his gun and hurried out just in time, as the bear was climbing into the barn floor (it being low down) with a pig in his possession. Following closely he got into the barn floor shortly after the bear got out into the meadow beyond. Bringing his trusty rifle to his face he took deliberate aim and brought old bruin to the ground, the ball having taken him in the back part of the head. He then summoned his neighbors to help dress the animal, which proved to be a very large and fat one, weighing about three hundred pounds, dis- tributing the meat among the neighbors. He was also one of the early and successful pilots on the Susquehanna river. He was a man of unu- sual independence and force of character and was. influential in shaping the destinies of the com- munity. In the building up of the United Breth- ren Church of that locality he was an active worker, being the first class-leader and the first superintendent of the Sunday-school. In polit- ical affairs he was no less influential. first as a Democrat and later as a. Republican, and he served as justice of the peace for fifteen years. His first wife died in 1844, being forty-three years old and, in 1847, he married Miss Nancy Norris, daughter of Moses and Sarah Norris, who were early settlers of Lawrence township. John Shirey passed to his eternal reward in 1863 at the home which his own industry had prepared, and Mrs. Shirey survived him only a few years, her death occurring in Bradford township in 1870.

Our subject was one of nine children by the first union: (1) Israel was so burned when one year old that he died from the effects of his injuries. (2) Sophia married John W. Ky- ler, of Boggs township, Clearfield county. (3) Isaac married Barbara Ellen Leonard, of Go- shen, in 1847, and settled in Bradford township. Both are now deceased, his death having occur- red in Nebraska in 1895. and their family is scattered. (4) Walter D. resides in West Clearfield. (5) Matilda lives in Lawrence town-

702

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ship. (6) W. H. is the subject proper of this sketch. (7) Ellen died at the age of six years. . (8) Susan was married in 1864 to Will- iam E. Forcey and lives in Bradford town- ship. (9) J. F., of Bradford township, who married Rebecca Woolridge. Two sons were born of the second marriage, namely: Russell B., who married Pascaline Wilson. Russell B.'s first wife died in 1877, and he subsequently inarried Martha Hoover, and resides at Philips- burg, Centre Co., Penn .; and James H., who died in 1889. He married first Miss Emma Tate, of Goshen, and after her death he formed a second union, with Elizabeth Holt, the widow of Alfred Holt.

W. H. Shirey was born in 1836 at the old home in Bradford township, where he availed himself during boyhood of the educational ad- vantages afforded by the neighboring schools. He was teamster on the home farm during the farming season and worked in the woods during the winter. Feeling that he needed a better education, and having gathered a little money, he took two terins of school at the Pine Grove Academy, in Centre connty, Penn., in 1859-60. The school was under the management of Prof. J. E. Thomas. He taught school in 1861, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 149th P. V. I., one of the famous Bucktail regiments, and was sworn in at Harrisburg. His regiment became a part of the Army of the Potomac, and its gallant record is familiar to all. Among the engagements in which Mr. Shirey took part were: the battle at Chancellorsville and all the battles of the campaign of 1863. He was in all the i battles of the Wilderness campaign of 1864 from the 5th of May to the last of June, at Peters- burg. Va. Was on the famous Weldon Railroad raid, ist and ed Hatcher's Run: then his regi- ment was detached for special duty at Elmira, Auburn and other points in New York State, re- maining there until the close of the war. He missed no fight in which his regiment was en- gaged and remained in the service until the close of the war. June 29, 1865, he was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant, and on July 1, 1865, he was formally mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He returned to his native place, and on the 12th of October of the same year he was married to Miss Eliza Jane Stewart, a foriner schoolmate. Her parents, John and Jane (Campbell) Stewart, came from Ireland in 1822 and settled in the woods in Bradford township, where they made in time a comfortable liome. Mr. Stewart died there in 1879, aged eighty-five, and his wife passed away in 1873, at Clearfield, in her seventy-

second year. Mr. and Mrs. Shirey have had the following children: H. Ord Shirey, inarried Anna B. Boid, daughter of Robert and Tillie Boid, of Lawrence township, and resides near Woodland, Bradford township; a child who died in infancy: Tessie E., Mrs. Reese Undercofler, of Woodland; Roy, still at home; Doyle, who mar- ried Elizabeth Brown, and resides in Woodland. Bradford township; Irene and Lois, who are at liome; John, who died in July, 1892, in his sixteenth year; Dean, Effa and Boaz, youngest three, who reside with their parents; and one not named who died in infancy.

Not long after his marriage, Mr. Shirey pur- chased the old Dennis Crowel farm near Wood- land, upon which he now resides. It contains 114 acres and was already improved, and Mr. Shirey's skillful management has brought it to a high state of cultivation. Local affairs receive from Mr. Shirey that careful attention that good citizenship demands, and his personal popularity has often been a helpful factor in the success of the Republican ticket in his locality. He was the first member of his party elected to the school board, the first Republican auditor and the first Republican justice of the peace, the lat- ter office having been held by him for more than twelve years. He belongs to Lorimer Post, No. 179. G. A. R., and to the United Brethren Church at Pleasant Valley, in which he is an active worker as class-leader, teacher in the Sun- day-school, superintendent, trustee, etc. His house is never closed against anyone, even ped- dlers and tramps are given something to eat when in need, and shelter in a stormy night.

J F. REED comes of a family whose history is inseparably connected with that of Falls Creek, Clearfield county. He is now recog- nized as one of its most prominent citizens, and his efforts have proved an effective agency in promoting its best interests.

Born in 1855, in Warsaw township, Jefferson county, Mr. Reed is a son of John L. and Sarah (Snyder) Reed. His grandfather was one of the pioneers of Clarion county, Penn., and there re- sided for many years. His father was born in Clarion county, in 1829, and when a young man removed to Warsaw township, Jefferson county, where lie lived for many years. His wife was a native of Northumberland county, and came to Jefferson county in her maidenhood. After their marriage they located in the midst of the forest. and Mr. Reed developed a farm in Warsaw township, whereon he resided for some years.

703

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He afterward embarked in merchandising, and in 1873 took up his residence in Du Bois. The fol- lowing year he removed to Falls Creek, Clear- field county, where he was successfully engaged in the lumber business until 1881, when he opened the first store at Falls Creek, Clearheld county. He was successfully engaged in mer- chandising there until 1894, and was the first postinaster of the town. conducting the affairs of that office until succeeded by our subject. He is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of a well- spent life. Mr. and Mrs. John L. Reed have a family of eight children, namely: D. W., who resides in Colorado; S. C., who is living in Falls Creek; Caroline, wife of James Beachtel, of Du- Bois; J. F. ; G. L., who is living in DuBois; R. B., who makes his home in Bradford,, Penn. ; Mary E., now Mrs. Rogers, of Falls Creek; and Mrs. Anna McDonald, of Big Run, Jefferson Co., Pennsylvania.

J. F. Reed, whose name introduces this re- view, was reared in Jefferson and Clearfield counties, and obtained his education in the pub- lic schools near his home. He entered upon his business career in Clearfield county, and is now the oldest merchant in Falls Creek. He established a store here in July, 1885. In 1894 he erected a good two-story brick and stone building, which is filled with a large and well se- lected stock of everything found in a first-class general store. . His business methods are most honorable, and, combined with his courteous treatment, have, secured to him a very liberal patronage. He is now his father's successor in the post office, and in the management of its affairs has won popular favor. On November

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 24

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