Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 25

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 25
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 25
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 25
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 25

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county, and the part which he has taken in the development of Falls Creek has engraven his name indelibly on the pages of its history.

G® EORGE S. GEARHART, proprietor of the West Clearfield Furniture Factory, was one of the first to recognize the business possibilities of the borough of West Clearfield, and to identify himself with its growth and developinent. A na- tive of Clearfield county, he has always been thoroughly loyal to her interests, and his energy and business ability have been so directed as to contribute to the prosperity of his locality.

John S. Gearhart, his father, is descended from one of the early pioneer families of Clear- field county. He was born in April, 1818, in Decatur township, where he grew to manhood. Later he removed to Boggs township, and cleared and improved a tract of land upon which he and his wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Becaria township, still reside. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has always been influential in local affairs. Our subject is the eldest of eight children: (2) Wesley is a farmer in Boggs town- ship: (3) Samuel resides at West Clearfield: (4) A. C., is a farmer in Boggs township; (5) Lydia, now Mrs. Lydia Ricketts, lives at Utahville; (6) Charles died at the age of eighteen years; (7) James is at home with his father and mother, who are still living on the old farm: and (S) Lewis is married and resides in West Clearfield.

George S. Gearhart was born at the old homestead January 10, 1853. and his youth was spent in Boggs township, with the experiences in 26, 1884, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Amanda : school and farin life which are familiar to most Craft, who was born in Jefferson county, a country boys. At the age of twenty-one years he went to work in the lumber business for Hoover, Hughs & Co., near Philipsburg: then after a short time went into the employ of J. T. Plympton in the machine shop at West Decatur. In 1875, he removed to West Clearfield, then a new settlement; here he went into partnership with W. F. Plympton, and continuing with him until 1878, when he built his present factory, in which he employs from six to ten men in the manufacture of book cases. desks, sideboards. inantels, and all kinds of furniture to order; also a line of hardwood stairs and porches. daughter of Joseph Craft, an honored pioneer of the county, now deceased. They have a family of five children, namely: Clarence E .. Willie E., Minnie E .. Anna M. and Wilda. The father of this family has always been a stanch advocate of Democratic principles, and from the establish- inent of a post office in Falls Creek he has been connected therewith, serving as assistant until 1884, and since then as postmaster. He has been a member of the school board for eight years, of which time he was secretary six years, and two years its president. He is deeply interested in the cause of education, which has been materi- ally advanced through his efforts. He is a men- ber of Garfield Lodge, No. 559, F. & A. M .; and of Falls Creek Lodge, No. 957. 1. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs, and served as representative to the Grand lodge. He is widely known throughout this section of the

In 1875 Mr. Gearhart was married in Ty- . rone. Centre county, to Miss Emma Plympton. a native of Huntingdon county. Penn., and to this union eight children were born: Earl. Frank (deceased ), Ray, Agnes, Charles (deceased ). Meda, Ruth, and Mary (deceased). The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which

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Mr. Gearhart is a trustee. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Hiawatha Castle No. 315, and his political sympathies are with the Democratic party.

REEN W. BELL. The intelligence and ed- ucation of the citizens of Greenwood town- ship, Clearfield county, have in this gentleman a worthy representative; one who keeps himself well posted on matters of general interest, and has served in many positions of trust and re- sponsibility. He is a native of the township where he still makes his home, born March 12, 1860, and is a son of Frampton and Matilda (Bloom) Bell, in whose family were the following children: Sarah E., who died at the age of seven years; John, who died at the age of sixteen; Greenwood; Jerred; Arthur; and Martha, wife of T. Deal. The mother, who died February 9, 1868, was a daughter of John Bloom, who be- longed to an honored pioneer family of Revolu- tionary fame.

Our subject was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys, and his early education was such as the common schools afforded, sup- plemented, however, with a course at the Lum- ber City Normal, and by extensive reading and travel in later years. In early life he taught two terms of school; but his time was principally passed in assisting in the work of the home farm and in lumbering. He piloted rafts on the river for both himself and others, and in this way ob- tained the money wherewith to pay for his edu- cation. In March, 1883, he embarked in general merchandising at Bells Landing, and has since erected a store building, which is well stocked with everything found in a first-class establish- ment of the kind. In connection with his mer- cantile pursuits he deals in railroad ties. He married Miss Mamie Newcomer, a lady of intel- ligence and culture, who was born in Greenwood township, and reared in Clearfield and Clarion counties. Her parents are John and Elizabeth (Smith) Newcomer, the latter a daughter of William Smith, who died December 26, 1896,

As a business man, Mr. Bell ranks among the ablest in Clearfield county, and has taken an act- ive and prominent part in business conventions. He was the originator and promoter of the plan for the erection of the iron bridge across the river at Bells Landing, and, being justice of the peace at the time, swore in the committee, carried the plans before the county commissioners and se- cured the grant. All enterprises for the benefit of the community have received his earnest sup- port and hearty co-operation, and he has, there- fore, been an important factor in the develop- ment and prosperity of Bells Landing. He is the owner of considerable town property, including his own fine residence and the old homestead of David Bell. Socially, he affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and served as district deputy grand master in 1891 and 1892, a delegate to the grand lodge and senior deacon of the Masonic lodge. He takes a great interest in apiculture, having an at the ripe old age of eighty-two; in early life hie . apiary of eighty colonies of Italian bees, and was a successful farmer and Inmberman. Of the : raises honey by the thousand pounds. He is union of Mr. and Mrs. Bell seven sons have been : a member of the National Beekeepers Union.

born: Nace C., Ord F., Ferry N .. Fred S., Earl and Enloe (twins), and Purcey A.

A public-spirited, enterprising citizen, Mr. Bell was instrumental in having a post office es- tablished at Bells Landing in 1883. and was commissioned the first postinaster by W. Q. Gresham. During Harrison's administration he

was out of office three years, but was again re- instated during President Cleveland's last term. In the spring of 1890 he was elected justice of the peace, and after serving three years resigned in order to accept the position of postmaster again. He has been township auditor three years, school director five years, president of the School Directors Association of Clearfield county one year, and his duties have ever been dis- charged with the utmost promptness and fidelity. In 1886, he was a delegate to the National Post- masters Convention at Washington, D. C., and has been secretary and treasurer of the County Postmasters Association. A recognized leader in the Democratic organization in Greenwood town- ship, his name was presented to the convention as a candidate for State representative, and he came within a few votes of receiving the nomination. He has many times been a delegate to county conventions of his party, and was a member of the State Convention at Allentown, in 1887. He takes great interest in politics, is well posted on the important issues and questions of the day, and is an earnest advocate of the free coinage of silver.

D D. GINGERY, one of the substantial and progressive business men of Clearfield coun- ty, and the present sheriff, was for many years a leading merchant at Woodland, and his pur-

D. D. Gingery

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chase of the property of the Clearfield Milling Co., at Clearfield, which he recently sold, brought him further success.

Mr. Gingery's ancestors were early settlers in Pennsylvania, and his grandfather, Joseph Gin- gery, a farmer, was a native of Lancaster county, whence in early manhood he moved to Juniata county, but his last years were spent in Half Moon township, Centre county.

Our subject, an only child, was born March 10, 1851, on the farm in Centre county, and he remained at home until he attained his majority. He then spent four years in mercantile business at Port Matilda, Penn., and in 1876 moved to Woodland, where he bought the mercantile busi- ness of the Woodland Fire Brick Co., and con- tinued same until 1894, enjoying an extensive patronage. In 1892 he purchased a flouring- mill at. Clearfield, and operated that with grati- fying success some four years. For some time he was in the square-timber business, rafting the lumber down the river to Lock Haven. He also owned a sawmill in Centre county, and he is now the owner of 280 acres of land in Clear- field county, besides six dwelling houses in Wood- land, which he rents.

In June, 1881, Mr. Gingery was married in Woodland to Miss Ida E. Blattenberger, a na- tive of Perry county, Penn. Her grandfather, George W. Blattenberger, was born in Lancaster county, but spent the greater part of his life in Perry county, where his death occurred. Her parents, Julius and Carrie (Hines) Blattenberger, were botlı born in this State, and settled in Osce- ola, Penn., after their marriage. The father died there in 1875, but the inother passed her last days in Woodland.

Mr. Gingery is not only prominent in business circles, but he takes an influential part in local affairs and in the Republican organization of Clearfield county. He has held several positions of trust, including the offices of auditor and treas- urer of his township. On November 2, 1897, he was elected sheriff, and January 3, 1898, was qualified for the three-year term. Socially, he is a member of Clearfield Lodge No. 314. F. & A. M., and of Clearfield Chapter, R. A. M. His residence in Woodland is one of the finest in his section.

I HOMAS M. LAMBERT, a representative business man of Coalport, is prominently identified with the industrial interests of the place as a blacksmith, and is a member of a well- known family of Clearfield county. His father, Samuel Lambert, was born in Lycoming county,

Penn., in 1830, a son of William and Susan (Nevil) Lambert, the former a native of England and the latter of Lycoming county, where the grandfather located at an early day. There he purchased a wooded tract within nine miles of Muncy, and cleared and developed a good farm near the present site of Hughesville.

Upon that farm were born the nine children of the family: (1) Jane married Nelson Morris, and for some years resided in Clearfield county, near Clearfield Bridge, after which they removed to Los Angeles, California. (2) Sarah, born in Lycoming county, married Alexander Fields, and removed to Danville, Penn., where Mr. Fields was employed in the rolling mills; they have a large family. (3) Caroline is the wife of Elijah Younkin, who is engaged in the sawmill and lumber business in Williamsport, Penn .; they have four children, namely-Birse, a machinist, who is married and resides in Williamsport; Michael, a college graduate and a bright young man, who died at the age of twenty-two; Alice and Annie, both residents of Williamsport. (4) John enlisted in the Union army in 1863, was killed at Norfolk, Va., and was buried in Lycoming county. (5) Charles, after attaining his major- ity, came to Clearfield county, and married Annie Miller, of Stoneville; he then located in Will- iamsport, where he has since followed the saw- mill business; they have two children: (6) Catherine is the widow of Charles Buck, of Lycoming county, and the mother of several children. (7) Henry married, and removed to Harrisburg, where he still lives with his family. (8) Alice is the wife of David Boyer, who owns . and operates a farm in Woodward township; they have six children-Stella, Harry, John, Dick, Samuel and Susie.

Samuel Lambert, who completes the family, remained upon the home farm until he was nine- teen years of age when he started for the West, making his way on foot to Detroit, Mich., where he engaged in lumbering. The Indians were then very numerous in that State, but were usu- ally very friendly with the white settlers. At one time Mr. Lambert accompanied some of them on a fishing trip, when becoming offended with him, they tried to drown him by upsetting the canoe. However, he swam to shore, almost a mile distant. In his Western home he had with him a companion, Frederick Burns, of Lycom- ing county, and they remained in Michigan un- til 1848, when Mr. Lambert took up his resi- dence on Clearfield creek. working for Thomas Ralston in the lumber woods. While there he formed the acquaintance of Miss Eleanor M. Ralston, and they were married in 1850. Enter-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing into partnership with his father-in-law, he continued logging and handling square timber at Clearfield Bridge. Subsequently he cleared a farm about a mile up the creek, and purchasing a large tract of timber land from William Irvin, continued in the lumber business until 1875, when he retired, devoting his attention exclu- sively to the farm. He was prominent in the development of this section of the county, and is now an honored pioneer, living on the old home- stead with his son Ross. His wife died in May, 1889. She was an earnest Christian woman, whose pure life won her the love of all, and by her influence and example she so molded the lives of her children as to make them respected citizens of the community.

Samuel and Eleanor Lambert have had a fam- ily of seven sons and one daughter, Thomas M. being the eldest. (2) Edward A., born in 1854, was reared on the home farm at Clearfield Creek, was educated in the schools of Stoneville, and died of typhoid fever in 1876, his remains being in- terred in Stoneville cemetery. (3) William, born in 1856, died of typhoid fever in 1876. (4) Susan- na, born in 1858, and educated in the common schools, is the wife of Enoch McLaren, of West Decatur, Clearfield county, who after his mar- riage purchased a farm in Boggs township. A few years later he bought what is known as the James Forest property, and has since followed farming there. He is a well-educated man, and for a time taught in the public schools. His family numbers five children : Lula: Jennie, who died at the age of thirteen years; Annie; ,Bessie and Joseph. (5) Albert, born in 1860, worked on the homestead farm and attended the common schools until fourteen years of age, and then spent two terms in the Normal School at Curwensville, after which he followed teaching for about six years. Later he was a student in Dickinson Seminary, and carried off the honors of his class at his graduation. He was con- verted in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Penfield while teaching there, and in 1884 en- tered the ministry as pastor at Sandy Ridge, Centre Co., Penn. Later he liad charge of the Church at Woodbury, at Patonville, Bedford Co., Penn., and at Pleasant Gap, Centre county, after which he joined the Clearfield circuit. While in Huntingdon he was instrumental in the erection of the bandsome edifice occupied by the Methodists there. He is now pastor of the Ridge Avenue Methodist Church in Harrisburg, and is one of the leading representatives of his holy calling in Pennsylvania. In 1884 he mar- ried Fannie Heath, of Sandy Ridge, Centre county, and they have one daughter. (6) R. A.

Lambert, born on the homestead in 1862, was married in 1885 to Minerva Westover, of Coal- port, and located on the old farm in Boggs town- ship, where he now resides; his wife died in 1895, leaving a son, Willie. (7) John born in 1864, died of typhoid fever in 1876. (8) G. W. Lambert, born in 1867, and reared on the old homestead, learned the blacksmith's trade with his brother Thomas, in Coalport; he mar- ried Laura Esch, of Beaver Valley, Cambria Co., Penn., and now resides in Spangler, Penn- sylvania.

Thomas M. Lambert, whose name introduces this sketch, was born August 5, 1852, and in the usual manner of farmer lads spent the days of his boyhood and youth. His educational ad- vantages were limited, and in 1872 his father ap- prenticed him to Thomas Riley, of Clearfield, to learn the blacksmith's trade. After a short time he entered the service of Henry Kerns, of Cur- wensville, with whom he remained two years, completely mastering the business. He afterward spent one year at Reads Cross Roads in Law- rence township, Clearfield county, and then worked near Stoneville until 1876, when he, too, was stricken with typhoid fever. During the following year he worked for the Sandy Lick Coal Co., in Du Bois, and then was employed in Brockwayville, after which he entered the serv- ice of the Rochester Coal Co., in Du Bois, while the miners were on a strike. Subsequently he carried on a smithy in Decatur township, on Morgan run, and after his marriage located at Hoover's Mills, where he remained for a year, when he came to Coalport, and in 1880 pur- chased some lots in this town. Here he erected a fine residence, which he made his home until 1889, when he removed to Unionville, Centre county, working at his trade for a year. At the expiration of that period he returned to Coal- port, erected another shop and handsome dwell- ing, and now occupies one of the finest homes in the place.

Mr. Lambert was married February 5. 1880, to Tillie Baughman, of Woodward township, Clearfield county, daughter of Henry and Rachel Baughman. While they were residing in Centre county there was born to thein September 2, 1881, a daughter, Mand, who has displayed special aptitude in her school work, and has also a fine musical ed- ucation for one of her years. Roy, their second child, born October 28, 1883, is attending school. Foster died December 31, 1888. In politics Mr. Lambert is a stanch Republican, and has held the office of councilman of Coalport for four years. He has the confidence and high regard of his fellow townsmen, and is a progressive citi-

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zen, deeply interested in the welfare of the com- munity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lambert, as well as their children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

C S. SCHRUBB, a member of the Watts Milling Company, of Kerrmoor, Clearfield county, is a practical and experienced miller, and is nowacting as general manager for the firm, having the entire supervision of the business. . He owns a one-third interest in the mill, which was erected about 1891 by Samuel C. and John P. Watts, who started it as a chop-mill, but in the winter after our subject became connected with the en- terprise, they put in rollers and improved ma- chinery, converting it into a first-class flouring- mill. Mr. Schrubb gives it his personal atten- tion, buying the grain from the farmers-and sell- ing the manufactured products to the merchants. He has been very successful in its operation, and keeps on hand a fine grade of flour and feed of all kinds, for which he finds a ready sale at the · highest market prices.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Schrubb was born December 25, 1860, in Meadville, Craw- ford county, was there reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools. His father, Gabriel Schrubb, was a native of Germany, whence he came to America with his stepfather, Mr. Apple, and the other members of the family, in 1851. Locating in Crawford county, Penn., he first obtained employment in a sawmill, but throughout most of his active business life fol- lowed the stonemason's trade, erecting inany im- portant buildings in Meadville and Titusville, and throughout Crawford county, including the County Home. There he purchased a tract of raw land which he improved and converted into a good farm, making it his home until his re- moval to Cleveland, Ohio, where he is now liv- ing retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He obtained a good education in his native land, and is a well-informed man. His political sup- port is given the Deinocratic party.

Gabriel Schrubb was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Stull, a native of Bedford county, Penn., whose father was of German descent and a farmer by occupation. She accompanied her parents to Crawford county, where she was mar- ried. Seven children graced this union: Frank, a sawyer, residing in Cambria county, Penn. ; Maggie, wife of F. Jolinson; James, a cigar man- . (2) Lavina (Mrs. Letzel), who died in Centre ufacturer; Mary, who died when young; C. S .. of this sketch; Tillie, who is unmarried; and Rosa, who died in childhood. The parents are devout members of the Catholic Church.

In the place of his nativity C. S. Schrubb was reared and educated, remaining with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he began learn- ing the cooper's trade, which he subsequently followed in Meadville for three years. Going to Oil City, Penn., he worked for one year at mak- ing oil barrels, and in 1884 he came to Clear- field county, for eight seasons being in the em- ploy of Lewy & Mitchell, shingle manufacturers. He then accepted a position with the Watts Mill- ing Co., of Kerrmoor, and soon afterward pur- chased a one-third interest in the business, with which he is still connected. Here he purchased two acres of land, and erected thereon a commo- dious and pleasant two-story frame residence, where he still continues to make his home.

In October, 1886, Mr. Schrubb married Miss Hattie Bloom, the adopted daughter of F. B. and Mary J. (Danval) McCracken, who reared and educated her. Her father, Mathew Bloom, was a descendant of Mathew Bloom, who came from Germany and located in New Jersey at an early day. There he enlisted in the Continental army, and for six years was a brave and valiant soldier during the Revolutionary war. In 1795 he came to central Pennsylvania, and in 1802 took up his residence in Clearfield county. Five children bless the union of our subject and his wife, namely: Bessie, Nina, Edna, Florence and Walter S. The parents are both consistent mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church; politically, Mr. Schrubb is an ardent Republican. A pleasant, affable gentleman, he has a large circle of warm personal friends, and has won the respect and high regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

R EUBEN HACKMAN, a well-known citizen of West Clearfield, Clearfield county, a painter by trade, and a prominent figure in local affairs, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of central Pennsylvania.

Ephraim Hackman, his father, was born in Schuylkill county, but settled in Centre county in early manhood, and followed the stone mason's trade for many years. He was married in Union county. Penn., to Miss Mary Magdalena Orwig, who died in Suyder county, Penn., in 1865, and his own death occurred in 1877 in St. Joseph county, Mich. They had eight children: (1) William, who died in St. Joseph county, Mich. ;

county, Penn., in 1895: (3) Matilda, the widow i of the late Homer Smull, of Dauphin county, Penn .; (4) Henry, a resident of Dauphin county; (5) Samuel, who died in Elkhart, Ind .. in 1883;

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.(6) Elias, who died at the age of fourteen years; (7) Reuben, our subject; and (8) George, a farmer in St. Joseph county, Michigan.

Mr. Hackman was born in Miles township, Centre county, in 1831, and was educated in the schools of that locality. He has followed his trade since early manhood, and in January, 1861, he removed from Snyder county, Penn., to West Clearfield, where his skill as a workman and ex- cellent qualities as a man have won a high repu- tation. In July, 1863, he was married in Clear- field, to Miss Philopena Korb, a native of Ger- many. Her mother died there, and her father, Christian Korb, came to Clearfield, many years ago, but returned to the Fatherland, where he died in 1871. Six children were born of this union: Emma married Mr. Stahl, of Baltimore; Charles is married, and resides in Clearfield, where he conducts a grocery; Carrie died at the age of nineteen; Clinton is married, and is en- gaged in business at West Clearfield, as a buyer; Laura is at home; and Edith died at nine years of age. The family attend the Lutheran Church, of which Mrs. Hackman and the children are members. Mr. Hackman is deeply interested in public affairs, and has watched the development of this section with loyal satisfaction. While he votes the Democratic ticket on national issues, he is an independent in local politics. He has held the office of assessor of West Clearfield.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 25

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