USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 30
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 30
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 30
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 30
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A native of Clearfield county, Mr. Caldwell was born June 1, 1828, in Pike township, and is a worthy representative of one of its honored pioneer families, who bore an important part in the upbuilding and development of this region. His paternal grandparents, Hugh and Jane (Boyd) Caldwell, the latter a daughter of Edward Boyd, were natives of Ireland, and in early life came to the United States, where their marriage was cel- In Lancaster county. Penn .. they
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reared their family of nine children: Elizabeth, Matthew, Alexander, Samuel, J. Baxter, Mar- gery, Hugh, Jane and Mary. Four of the sons came to Clearfield county at a very early day in its history, and later the other members of the family followed.
Matthew Caldwell, the father of our subject, who was born June 13, 1787, took up his resi- dence here in 1819, and helped to cut the first road from Curwensville to Bloomington, on which he purchased a tract of wild land and improved a farm, it being in Pike township, where he spent the remainder of his life, chiefly engaged in farm- ing. He was also interested in the lumber. busi- ness to some extent, and was among the first to build arks and float coal down the river to market. His death occurred April 24, 1869. Politically he was a stanch Democrat, and religiously both le and his wife were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he served as elder for many years.
In Clearfield county, Matthew Caldwell was married to Miss Mary Bloom, born September 25, 1792, a daughter of William Bloom, who came to America during Colonial days and located in New Jersey. For six years he valiantly served under General Washington in the Revolutionary war, and on the close of that struggle returned to his New Jersey home, where he resided until 1795, when he moved with an ox-team to Centre county, Penn. In 1802, however, he came to Clearfield county, where he organized Pike town- ship, and there reared his family of seven sons and three daughters, from whom are descended all bearing the name of Bloom in this section of the State.
Twenty children were born to Matthew Cald- well and wife, of whom nine died in infancy. The others are Mrs. Elizabeth Clark; Annie, wife of R. McClure; Mrs. Jane Wise; Mary, wife of W. McClure; Isaac, who died in 1871; Bishop, a resident of Virginia; Reuben, of this sketch; Mar- gerie, Mrs. J. Owens; Harriett, wife of D. Reams; Theresa, who died at the age of ten years; and James R., who still resides on the old homestead in Pike township. The mother of these passed away May 17, 1877.
The only opportunities afforded Reuben Caldwell for securing an education were such as the country schools furnished, but his training at farm labor was not so limited. On attaining his majority he left home and traveled through- out the West, but in the fall returned to his na- tive county, where he was employed in lumber- ing during the winter of 1851. He then pur- chased 108 acres of land on which he still re- sides, and later added to his original purchase un-
til he now has a valuable farin of 350 acres. of which 180 acres he has placed under a high state of cultivation. The place is pleasantly situated two miles south of New Millport. is fine mineral land, and one coal mine is now in successful op- eration.
In 1857, Mr. Caldwell wedded Miss Mary F. Johnston, a lady of intelligence and culture, who comes of a highly respected family of Clearfield county. Her father, Robert Johnston, accom- panied by his brother James, came from their home in Scotland to America in 1829, and first located in Pottsville, Penn., where they engaged in coal mining. While at that place. Robert Johnston married Miss Mary Cameron. and in 1833, they came to Clearfield county. locating in Jordan township, where the brothers pur- chased land, and in the midst of the forest devel- oped fine farins. James had married previous to his immigration to the United States. The Johnston family has for many generations been identified with the Presbyterian Church. Nine children were born to Robert Johnston and wife: R. M .; Mary F., wife of our subject; John C .; Isabel, wife of I. Bloom; James W. ; William; David; Mark; and Elizabeth, wife of S. With- erow.
Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have become the par- ents of six children: Mark A., a farmer: Mrs. Elizabeth A. Wise; Mary E., wife of J. Bachdel: Robert M., who is now residing in the West; Priscilla J., wife of W. McNea!, and Annie I., a milliner at Altoona. The parents were both reared in the Presbyterian Church, to which faith they closely adhere and are benevolent and charitable people, who enjoy the esteem of all who know them. In his political affiliations, Mr. Caldwell is a Democrat, and although he has filled some minor offices, he cares nothing for political distinction, but always faithfully performs every duty of citizenship.
J ASHLEY STEWART is numbered among the stalwart and substantial citizens of Brad- ford township, Clearfield county, who devote their time and attention to the cultivation of the soil, and, in his chosen field of labor, he has met with a well-deserved success.
Mr. Stewart is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred acres, upon which his grandpar- ents, John and Jane (Campbell) Stewart. located on emigrating to this country from Ireland- their native land. It was then covered with the heavy growth of timber which the grandfather at once began to clear, and soon had a portion of
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the place under cultivation. He was well known throughout the county, and was held in the high- est respect. His death occurred upon the farm in 1879, but his wife passed away in Clearfield. In their family were the following children: Archie, who died in Bradford township; David, the father of our subject; Robert, a resident of Girard township, Clearfield county; James, who makes his home in Kylertown; John H., of Brad- ford township; Mary, who wedded Robert Wrig- ley, and died in Lawrence township, Clearfield county; and Eliza Jane. wife of W. H. Shirey, of Bradford township.
David Stewart was born in Bradford town- ship, in 1823, and was indebted to its district schools for his educational privileges. Through- out his active business career he was principally engaged in farming and lumbering, and also owned and operated a mill in Bradford township, near where our subject now resides. In that township, he was united in marriage with jane Lines, a native of Brady township, Clearfield county, and a daughter of Joseph and Jane Lines, who were born in Huntingdon county, Penn., but at an early day came to Clearfield county, locating in Brady township, where both died. After his marriage, Mr. Stewart opened up a farm in Bradford township, where he made his home until his removal to Clearfield in 1882. His death occured in that city in 1890, and there his widow still resides. He took an active and prominent part in public affairs, and always sup- ported the Democratic party by his ballot, To their marriage were born six children, namely: Mary Ellen, who became the wife of Martin Wil- son, and died in Bradford township, in 1882; J. Ashley. of this review; John C., a resident of West Clearfield; S. C., a practicing physician of Clearfield; B. M., who also makes his home in that city; and one who died in infancy.
J. Ashley Stewart was born in 1850, in Brad- ford township. and was there reared and educated in much the usual manner of fariner boys. He was married in that township. in 1875, the lady of his choice being Miss Clara Albert, who was born in Bradford township, a daughter of George and Sophia (Kyler) Albert, also natives of Penn- sylvania. At one time her father owned the present site of Woodland, Clearfield county, and was the first man to locate there and establishi business. Finding an excellent grade of clay in the locality, he organized the Fire Brick Com- pany, of which he was a ineniber, and also en- gaged in merchandising at that place, where his death occurred in I888. He was a prosperous, energetic and reliable business man, and with his brothers, William and Henry. held a prominent
place in the business circles of the county. His widow still makes her home in Woodland.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart began their domestic life in Clearfield, where for a time he was en- gaged in the clothing business, but in 1879 lo- cated upon his present farm, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted liis time and attention. That he is a thorough and skillful agriculturist is shown by the neat and thrifty appearance of his place. Five chil- dren have come to brighten the home: Blanche, Minnie, Newton G., Albert and Barda.
Politically, Mr. Stewart affiliates with the Democratic party, and his fellow citizens, recog- nizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve in a number of local offices, includ- ing township clerk and assessor. Socially, he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men. He takes a warm interest in the welfare of his community, and conscientiously performs every duty of citizenship.
J AMES McGEE was born in Bell township, Clearfield county, April 11, 1829, on the farm where his death occurred October 10, 1895. Throughout his life he was a prominent citizen of the community, distinguished for his fidelity to duty and his irreproachable character. He was descended from honorable ancestry, and his grandfather, John McGee, won distinction as a soldier of the Patriot army.
Mr. McGee was born in Ireland of Scotch descent, and about the time of the outbreak of the Revolution started for America to join the Colo- nial forces and aid in the struggle for independ- ence. Accompanied by his brother he embarked in a westward-bound vessel which was captured by the British, and all the young men on board were made prisoners. They landed at a New England harbor, where the brother succeeded in making his escape, joining the Colonial army. John McGee was forced into the British service, but in the first battle the Americans were victori- ous, and he was among the British soldiers cap- tured. By this means he was re-united to his brother, and for seven years they remained in the Patriot army, where the ineritorious service of John McGee led to his promotion to the rank of colonel. At the close of the war the brothers located in Pennsylvania, where they followed farming. During the war of 1812 they again en- listed; but hostilities ceased while they were on their way to the front. Col. McGee located in Centre county, where he reared a large family. his children being John, who located in Virginia : Thomas, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal
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James Migres
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Church; James, father of our subject; Mrs. Mary Barnhart; Mrs. Elizabeth Goodfellow; and Mrs. Margaret Gapin.
James McGee, Sr., the father, removed from Centre county to Clearfield county in 1826, tak- ing up his residence on the west branch of the Susquehanna, near the present site of McGee's Mills. He was born in 1790. Having located a large tract of land, he erected the first gristmill in his section of the county, and for miles around came patrons to the new industry. He also built a sawmill, which, in connection with the grist- mill, is still in operation. He improved a farm, and in connection with Governor Bigler, opened a general mercantile store and established Chest post office. From the beginning through the various changes of administration he served as postmaster, occupying the position from 1830 until his death in 1854. He was a stanch Dem- ocrat, a public-spirited citizen, and on one oc- casion his friends placed him in nomination for representative to the General Assembly; but he was defeated by a small majority. He had al- ways refused to become a candidate, having no desire for political honors. He died at the age of sixty-five, and his wife, who survived him sev- enteen years, passed away in 1872, at the age of eighty. They were long members of the Meth- odist Protestant Church, in which he was licensed to exhort and afterward to preach. His earnest labors resulted in much good, and his noble Christian life furnished a worthy example to all who knew him.
Rev. James McGee wedded Mary, daughter of Philip (or Jacob) Barnhart, an honored pioneer, who served for seven years in the Revolutionary war. He belonged to a notable family, whose representatives occupied many distinguished offi- cial positions. His children were: Henry, Jacob, John, Mrs. Mary McGee, Mrs. Sophia Johnson, Mrs. Catherine Neff, Mrs. Ann Ross, Mrs. Julia Curtin, and Mrs. Clarissa Dopp. Eight children were born to James McGee, Sr .. and his wife. namely: John, of Kansas; Thomas and Philip, both deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth A. Mitchell; Mary, wife of R. Mahaffey; Margaret G., wife of J. Weaver; and James and Henry, deceased. All reached inature years, and fol- lowed in the footsteps of their honored parents.
James McGee, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof, and spent his entire life on the farin, where his widow now resides. He early became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agricult- urist, and with the work of lumbering. In sum- mer he gave his attention to the farm, in winter to the lumber business, and was a very
industrious and energetic man. He became possessed of his father's old homestead, a large and valuable farm, upon which he made many excellent improvements. He was a leader in the social and moral development of the county, and his life was ever upright and noble. At the age of fifteen he united with the Methodist Pro- testant Church, and was ever an active and con- sistent worker in its interests, both as an ex- horter and minister of that Church. He believed in the practical Christianity which relieves the needy and comforts the distressed, and his re- ligion became a part of his every-day life.
In 1856, James McGee married Adaline Orr, who was born in Cumberland county, Penn., May 20, 1835, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Baker) Orr. Her parents removed from Cum- berland to Clearfield county in 1843, locating on Chest creek near the site of the Mahaffey Mills, where Mr. Orr purchased a large tract of wild land and improved a farm. He also built a saw- mill, and was extensively engaged in the manu- facture of lumber. His father, Thomas Orr, was born, reared and married in Ireland, and on coming to America located in Cumberland coun- ty, Penn., where he followed carpentering. In 1850 he came to Clearfield county, where he continued his trade until his death. Both he and his wife were prominent in the Methodist Church, and died in Clearfield county. Their children were: Mrs. Mary A. Beck: Harriet. wife of Dr. White; Mrs. Talitha Coffman; Mrs. Peggy McQuilkin; Mrs. Maria Bruner; John; and James, who died in childhood.
The maternal grandparents of Mrs. McGee were natives of Germany, and took up their resi- dence in Dauphin county, Penn., where they reared their family on a farm. They had four children: Mrs. Elizabeth Orr; John, who died in Clearfield county; George, deceased; and Mrs. Mary Greggs. Mr. and Mrs. John Orr had a family of children, as follows: Mary J., wife of G. Kaufman; Mrs. McGee: Thomas, who was killed at Bull Run in the Civil war : Mrs. Emily Es- triker; William H., of Virginia: Mrs. Annie Moorehead; Elizabeth, wife of W. Evans, and James Orr and Hattie Orr, of Mahaffey, Penn- sylvania.
To Mr. and Mrs. McGee, were born the fol- lowing named: Sadie, wife of W. Campbell; Mol- lie: John T., at home; Harriet, wife of Dr. Bell; Mrs. Sophia Gutelius; Henry, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Agnes, a nurse in War- ren Hospital; Dopp, at home, and James R., who is still at school.
Mr. McGee was reared in the faith of the Democratic party, but later in life became a
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1
stanch Prohibitionist. He was an obliging neigh- bor, a faithful friend and a loving husband and father. His many acts of kindness will long be remembered, and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to those who knew him. Like her husband, Mrs. McGee is a faithful meinber of the Methodist Church. She resides on the old family homestead, and is an estimable lady whose friends are many.
J TACOB RINEHART, a progressive and enter- prising farmer and lumberman of Graham township, Clearfield county, was born Janu- ary 8, 1834, in Lycoming county, Penn., a son of Carl and Catharine (Grove) Rinehart. The latter is still a resident of Lycoming county, but the former returned to Ireland, his native coun- try, whence he came to America. in 1830. ‹
Our subject is one of a family of eight chil- dren, the others being as follows: S. L., a iner- chant in Big Run, Jefferson Co., Penn. ; Will -. iam, David, James and Daniel, all residents of Lycoming county; Mrs. Annie Weaver, of the same county; and Mary, wife of Alexander Ross, a farmer of Bradford township, Clearfield county. Jacob Rinehart, of this sketch, grew to manhood in Lycoming county, and in 1855 came to Gra- ham township, Clearfield county, where he worked in the lumber woods until 1858, when he purchased fifty acres of wild land, which he has converted into a valuable and productive farm. He has made all the improvements found thereon, and has the land under a high state of cultiva- tion. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Mc- Dowell, who was born in Graham township, March 8, 1838, a daughter of David and Maria (Smeal) McDowell. She has one brother and four sis- ters, namely: John, a farmer of Graham town- ship, who is married and has one child; Mrs. Sarah Lytle, who has six children, and lives upon a farm in Graham township; Mrs. Eliza Jane Bush, who has six children, and lives in Clinton county, Penn. ; Mrs. Katie Powell, who has seven children, and lives upon a farin in Graham town- ship; and Della, wife of A. Y. Williams, of Centre county, Penn., by whom she has nine children.
Of the six children born to Jacob Rinehart and wife, John F., the eldest died in infancy. (2) W. I., a farmer of Graham township, mar- ried Sarah Taylor, of the same township, and has five children, all at home. (3) J. B., who follows engineering and the stone mason's trade in Punxsutawney, Penn., married Laura Moore, of Cooper township, Clearfield county, and has four children. (4) M. Catharine married George
Aughenbaugh, of Clearfield county, by whom she had five children, two still living. Since her death, which occurred January 11. 1892, one of the children. Adam C., has resided with the grandparents. (5) Martha Rosanna mar- ried David Hoover, of Bigler, Bradford town- ship, Clearfield county, and died December 31, 1895, leaving two children- M. C., who resides with our subject, and the other living with Al- bert Smeal. (6) Albert R. is still living with his parents.
Politically, our subject has always been iden- tified with the Democratic party, and has accept- ably filled a number of official positions, being school director for nine successive years. assessor two terms, town clerk one term and judge of elections a number of times. He is one of the valued and representative citizens of the commu- nity, aud enjoys the confidence and high regard of all who know him. His excellent wife is a mem- ber of the United Brethren Church, to which his two daughters also belonged.
J TOHN LIVINGSTON. Among the stalwart and sturdy agriculturists of Bradford town- ship, Clearfield county, whose place of birth was the Emerald Isle, is numbered the gentle- man whose name introduces this personal history.
Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1834. Mr. Livingston is a son of Andrew and Eliza (Porter) Livingston, who were also natives of the same place. In 1850 they sailed for the New World, and it was three months before they reached Clearfield county, Penn., where they de- cided to locate. By occupation the father was a farmer, and died on his farm in Bradford town- ship in 1870. There his wife still continues to reside at the advanced age of ninety-two years, but is still very active. This worthy couple reared a family of children, namely: Alexander, who resides in Clearfield, Penn. ; Elizabeth Ann, who died in Pittsburg, Penn., in IS48: Mrs. Jane Graham, of Girard township, Clearfield county; John, of this sketch; Robert, who enlisted in 1861, in Bradford township, in Company C, 84th P. V. I., and died in Washington. D. C .. the same year: William, who is married and lives in Clearfield, and Mary, who died from a snake bite in 1852.
The first sixteen years of his life John Liv -. ingston passed in the land of his nativity. and ac- quired his education in its public schools. He accompanied his parents on their removal to the United States, and on starting out in life for him- self chose the occupation to which he had been reared-that of farining. In 1863 he purchased
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his present farm, which is now a valuable tract of 150 acres of well-improved land, inade so by his unremitting toil and careful supervision. Ít plainly indicates to the passerby that the owner is a man of thrift, energy and progressive spirit. In 1858 in Bradford township, he was married to Miss Catharine Gill, a native of the township, and a daughter of Angus M. and Mary (Mattern) Gill. The father was born in 1806, in Hunting- don county, Penn., and was a son of John and Margaret (McDonald) Gill, natives of England and Scotland, respectively, who, on coming to America, located in Huntingdon county. John Gill left the English army, with which he had come to the New World during the Revolutionary war, and took up his residence in Huntingdon county. where his marriage was celebrated. There his wife died in 1808, and the same year he removed to Clearfield county, locating in Becaria township, where his death occurred. In his family were eight children, all now deceased: James, John, Samuel, George, Martha, Mary Ann, Angus M., and Margaret.
Angus M. Gill was reared at Spruce Creek, Huntingdon county, and in 1837 came to Brad- ford township, Clearfield county, where he opened up a farm. He departed this life in 1879. and his wife passed away in 1871. They had children as follows: Margaret, who married Joseph Taylor, and died in Bradford township; David, who died in infancy; M. L., who is mar- ried and resides in Cambria county, Penn. ; Mrs. Livingston; Mrs. Mary Munce, of Cooper town- ship, Clearfield county; George L., who died in Bradford township at the age of twenty-seven years; John C., who died in the same township, in 1844; Susannah, wife of John Antes, of Wood- land, Penn .; Samuel, who died in Bradford township, in 1889: and Mrs. Emma Mills, who died in Philipsburg. Penn., in 1889.
Twelve children have been born to our sub- ject and his wife: Samuel, who is married, and living in Woodland: J. Porter, who is married, and living in the same place: Mary; Mrs. Margaret Ashcroft, of Decatur township, Clearfield coun- ty; Helen: Mrs. Emma Gearhart and Mrs. Jen- nie Kyler, both of Bradford township; Myrtle; Robert; Effa; George, who died at the age of . his wife held membership. She was a daughter four years and a half; and Ira.
In connection with his farming operations, Mr. Livingston has also engaged in lumbering. He has watched with interest the many changes that have taken place since locating in Bradford township, and has always cheerfully borne his part in all works of public improvement. His political allegiance is always given the Demo- cratic party, and in the Presbyterian Church of :
Bigler he and his estimable wife hold meinber- ship. They are widely and favorably known throughout the community, and have hosts of warm friends.
W ILLIAM STRAW is well known through- out Jordan township and vicinity as one of the most progressive and energetic farmers and lumbermen of Clearfield county, where his entire life has been passed.
Born April 22, 1836, Mr. Straw is a son of Nicholas and Sarah (Litle) Straw, and belongs to a family that was early established in Clear- field county. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of Germany, and crossed the Atlan- tic prior to the Revolutionary war, in which he served. At its close he took up his residence in Pennsylvania, spending his last days in Clear- field county, where he and his wife are both buried. Christian Straw, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Huntingdon county, Penn., and on coming to Clearfield county at a very early day, located on the river in the McClure neighborhood, where he opened up and improved a good farin. He and his wife were both Lu- therans in religious belief, and their remains were interred at the Lutheran Church in New Millport. In connection with farming he also worked at the potter's trade. Four children constituted his family: Joseph: Nicholas: John, a resident of Becaria township, Clearfield coun- ty; and Mary A., who died unmarried. By a second marriage Christian Straw had ten chil- dren: George, Christian, Henry D., William, Elizabeth, Mary J., Rachel, Margaret, Ann, and Catherine.
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