USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 35
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 35
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 35
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 35
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sponsible position for two years, he resigned in 1887, in order to go into business on his own ac- count at Houtzdale, where he spent two years. Since that time he has conducted his store at Madera. For some time past he has also been managing the coal interests of John I. Butts, of Philadelphia, under Roland Shope, as attorney.
Mr. Moore's wife, formerly Miss Fannie M. Hersh, is a daughter of John and Martha Hersh, well-known residents of Becaria township, Clear- field county. Two attractive daughters, Grace and Pearl, brighten their home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore are active in religious and philan- thropic work as members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In local politics, his ability as an organizer is highly valued, and he is one of the leading Republicans of his township. For two years he has been a member of the auditing board, and since February, 1891, he has held the office of justice of the peace. On December 28, 1897, he was appointed to the office of mercantile appraiser for Clearfield county, which incum- bency he has filled and is filling with great credit to himself and much honor to the county.
J AMES CURRY, who passed away on the 8th of November, 1887, was mourned by all who knew him, and honored by all who love justice and integrity. For many years he was prominently identified with the agricultural and industrial interests of Chest township, Clearfield county, and was recognized as one of the most esteemed and valued citizens of the community.
Our subject was born at Buffalo Run, Centre Co., Penn., May 18, 1818, a son of James and Rebecca (Salliard) Curry, who were married in that county, and where the mother died. In 1823, with his house-keeper and family of small children, the father came to Clearfield county, first locating on Morgan's land, where he im- proved a farm, and later opened up the. place in Chest township now owned and occupied by his son Austin. After coming to Clearfield county, he married Mrs. Betsy McGeehan, by whom he had two children: Austin, and Evaline (now Mrs. Anderson). There were seven children born of the first marriage: William Scott, who died February 14, 1880, at the age of seventy-three, and left a family: John, who died March 18, 1875. ! at the age of sixty-five, and left three children; Edward, who died July 11, 1894, at the age of eighty-one, and left five children; Rachel, who married B. Wood, and is still living at the age of eighty-one; James, whose name introduces this sketch; Eliza, who married S. Rorabaugh, and is also deceased; and Armstrong, who died
December 15, 1894, leaving five children. The entire family bore an active and prominent part in the development and progress of Clearfield county, and held a high position in the esteem of their fellow citizens. The father was called to his final rest October 26, 1848.
In March, 1846, James Curry, Jr., was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Pierce, who was born De- cember 7, 1826, and they began their domestic life upon a farm in Chest township where she still resides. He had previously purchased the place, and before his death had over one hundred acres of the 150-acre tract under a high state of cul- tivation, and improved with the most convenient and elegant buildings, which stand as monu- ments to his thrift and industry. It is pleas- antly located on the opposite side of Chest creek from Five Points, and the railroad which runs past the place was completed about the time of his death. From an unbroken wilderness he watched with interest the development of this re- gion, in which he bore an important part, and many a wild tract was transformed into beautiful farms by his hands. For several years he suc- cessfully engaged in the lumber business in con- nection with his agricultural pursuits, and he be- came the owner of much valuable property, some of which he gave to friends and an improved farm to an adopted son, whom he had reared from infancy. Upon his homestead he erected a store building, where for a time he also en- gaged in merchandising.
In his daily life and action, Mr. Curry was ever genial and affable. Intelligence and good- ness, alone, were his tests of merit. Neither wealth nor power could make him oblivious to principles of right or duty. He enjoyed the popu- larity which comes to those generous spirits who have a hearty shake of the hand for all those with whom they come in contact from day to day, and who seem to throw around them in consequence so much of the sunshine of life.
MRS. CURRY is a daughter of Moses and Sarah (Blackman) Pierce, of Philadelphia, and was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., on the Dela- ware river, where the birth of her father also occurred. There he engaged in farming and lumbering for many years, but in 1844 he came to Clearfield county, Penn., purchasing land in Chest township, where lie followed the same oc- cupations until 18:6, when he sold out and re- moved to Boone county, Ill. Upon a farm there he died December 12, 18;6, and at the same place his wife passed away January 4, 1869. Both held membership in the Presbyterian Church, and were people of the highest respectability. In their family were eleven children-six sons
Lames Curry for
Elizabeth Curry
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and five daughters-all of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Aaron died in 1861, leav- ing a wife and four children; Mrs. Curry is next in order of birth; Joseph laid down his life on the altar of his country while serving in the Civil war; Phebe became the wife of J. Byers, who went to California in 1858, leaving his wife with four children whom she took to Illinois, and. reared and educated in a most creditable man- ner; Moses died in Dakota; Hannah is the wife of George Shurley; Jane is the wife of C. Per- kins; Mary is the wife of J. Daniels; Jonathan died in Colorado; Vavaser P. is a resident of Wy- oming; and Wesley makes his home in Broken Bow, Nebraska.
Mr. and Mrs. Curry had no children of their own, but reared and educated four orphans, who were provided with every privilege they would have given their own children. They are as fol- lows: D. W. and J. P. Michael, brothers; Annie M. Bloom, now the wife of C. W. Arthurs; and Mary Bennett, widow of Samuel Owens, who was a soldier of the Union army, and died from the effects of his treatment in Libby prison. Their children all think more of " Grandma Curry " than any one else, and she takes great delight in them. Her many acts of charity and sterling worth have endeared her to all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance, and now in her declining years she is surrounded by hosts of warm friends. A conscientious and earnest Christian, she is a leading and devoted member of the United Brethren Church, and takes an active part in all work which will advance the moral or religious welfare of the community. To the poor and needy she has ever proved a friend, and gives liberally to all worthy enterprises. She is a constant reader of the Bible, and dur- ing the last half century has worn out three Holy Books by use. She was born on the Dela- ware river, in Sullivan county, Penn., a daugh- ter of Moses and Sarah (Blackman) Pierce. Her grandfather, Aaron Pierce, was a pioneer of Sul- livan county.
L EWIS C. BLOOM, the popular landlord and owner of the "Central Hotel," at Curwensville, Clearfield county, is descended from an honored pioneer family of that county, of Revolutionary fame.
William Bloom, great-grandfather of our sub- ject, a native of Germany, came to the New World in Colonial days, and located in New Jersey, where he entered the Continental army, and for six years served under Gen. Washington, not laying down his arms until independence had
been achieved. Prior to 1798, by ox-teams, he and his family migrated to Centre county, Penn., but in 1798 came to Clearfield county, where they made a permanent settlement. At that time some of his family were grown and married, but all located on or near the west branch of the Susquehanna river, in what is now Pike township, though the county had not yet been organized. The country was one vast wil- derness, where many wild beasts and savages roamed at will, and it required courage and strength of will to establish a home here; but these Mr. Bloom possessed to a remarkable de- gree. Upon the farm which he established he spent his remaining days. In his family were eleven children, namely: Isaac, William, John, Abram, Benjamin, James, Peter, Annie, Sarah, Nancy and Mary.
William Bloom, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, wedded Mary Roll, and, of their thirteen children, John R. was born in Clearfield county, in 1809, and was reared upon the home farm. On reaching man's estate he engaged in the lum- ber business, conducting a sawmill for some time, and then embarked in mercantile pursuits in Clearfield. Later he erected another mill. which he operated until laying aside business cares, and also ran coal " arks" down the river to market. Politically he was a strong Demo- crat. He married Sarah M. Peters, who be- longed to an honored pioneer family of Centre county, a daughter of Casper and Helen (Bul- lock) Peters, he of German descent, she of Eng- lish, who had removed to Centre county from Philadelphia. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bloom, five of whom died when young; those still living are Adeline, wife of T. Doherty; and Lewis C., the subject of this sketch. father died in 1843. The
Our subject was born in Clearfield, Clearfield county, January 20, 1838, but after his father's death, the mother moved into the country, locat- ing in Pike township, later going to Centre coun- ty, where she died in 1845. At the age of nine years, however, Lewis C. Bloom returned to Pike township to make his home with his grand- father Bloom, and in the schools of that locality acquired a fair education. Early in life he be- gan the struggle of life for himself, his first em- ployment being in the lumber woods and rafting. This he continued from the age of thirteen years until becoming a pilot on the river. In 1859. he married Miss Sarah Miller, who belonged to an honored family of Lancaster county. Penn., a daughter of James Miller, who was of Gerinan descent, while his wife was of Irish origin. Both died in Lancaster county. To Mr. and Mrs.
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Bloom were born six children: James H., who died at the age of five years; John R., a grocer of Curwensville; Wirr E., who is married, and assists his father in conducting the hotel; Claude, who died at the age of twenty-two; Ralph V., of Clearfield; and Grace, at home. The wife and mother, who was a consistent inember of the Presbyterian Church, died May 11, 1894.
After his marriage, Mr. Bloom located in Curwensville, but later removed to Lawrence township, Clearfield county, where he engaged in lumbering and farming, and also sold sewing machines and school supplies. In 1880 he em- barked in the hotel business in Curwensville, conducting the " Susquehanna House " for three years; but in 1884 he erected his present hotel, which he is now successfully carrying on. In 1892 he also opened a store at Clearfield, which at the end of two years he sold out, and has since give his attention exclusively to the man- agement of his hotel, which is one of the best and most ably conducted houses in the county. Mr. Bloom is interested in the Building & Loan Association of Curwensville. He has always been a stalwart Democrat in politics, and has served in a number of local offices, including that of county auditor, which he filled for one term to the satisfaction of all concerned. In the Ma- sonic Lodge, with which he is connected, he has served as master.
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M ICHAEL McMAHON, who has acceptably served as tax collector of Houtzdale since 1887, is one of the representative and prominent citizens of that place. He is a native of Ireland, having been born in County Limerick, in 1832, a son of Thomas and Catharine (Hanrihan) McMahon, who spent their entire lives in Ireland. where both died in 1886. Three of their sons crossed the Atlantic and became residents of Pennsylvania, but John is now deceased, while the other brother of our subject, Thomas, makes his home in Du Bois, Clearfield county.
In the schools of his native land, Michael McMahon acquired his education, and continued to remain at home until nineteen years of age. when he went to England and subsequently to France. He has traveled extensively, and dur- ing the Continental war was engaged in railroad- ing in Russia. In 1856. on the Island of Aller- ney, in the English Channel, he was married to Miss Mary Fenulle, also a native of Ireland, and they became the parents of six children: Michael, who died in Alderney; John, who died in Houtz- dale: Mrs. Ellen Saupp, who is a resident of Hontzdale; Mary, at home; Daniel, who died
in St. Marys, Elk Co., Penn .. and Margaret, who also died in Elk county, and was buried in Centreville.
It was in 1862 that Mr. McMahon landed in the New World, and he at first took up his resi- dence in St. Marys, Elk Co., Penn., where he made his home for some time. On first coming to Clearfield county, hé located in Houtzdale, where for many years he was connected with the mines as coal car shifter. Since becoming an American citizen, Mr. McMahon has given his unwavering support to the Democratic party, and on that ticket was elected to his present position. He has also served as burgess of Houtzdale, and as a member of the school board. with credit to himself and satisfaction of all con- cerned. He is an upright, reliable citizen, who has the best interests of the community at heart, and does all within his power to advance its in- terest and promote the general welfare.
J S. NORRIS, of Woodland, Clearfield county, the efficient and popular justice of the peace in Woodland precinct, Bradford township, has been for a quarter of a century identified with the progress of that thriving cominunity, having gone there in 1872 to enter the employ of the Woodland Fire Brick Company. Like many of · our substantial citizens, he is of Scotch-Irish de- scent. His grandfather, Archie Norris, was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and came to the United States in early manhood, settling in Miff- lin county, Penn .. and, after his marriage to Sophia Gray, remaining a resident of this State. He moved to Westmoreland county in 1816, and opened up a farm in the Ligonier Valley, where his death occurred in 1849.
Thomas Norris, our subject's father, was born April 1, 1806, in Mifflin county, but the greater part of his life was spent in Westmoreland county, where he cleared and cultivated a farm. He was married there to Miss Mary Stuart, a na- tive of Bedford county, Penn. Her father, Charles Stuart, a soldier of the war of 1812, had removed to Westmoreland county during her childhood, and his last days were spent there. Three children were born of this union, of whom our subject was the youngest. Archie died in 1891, in Alabama, and Sophia, Mrs. John Gal- braith. lives in Westmoreland county. The inother of this family died October 15, 1878. and the father passed away December 26, 1879.
Squire Norris was born July 4, 1831, in Fair- field, Westmoreland county, and was reared in Ligonier Valley, receiving his literary education in the local schools and acquiring at home a prac-
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tical knowledge of farm work. In 1863 he en- listed in Company B, First Pennsylvania Cav- alry, for one year, and was assigned to scout duty in the Middle Division. He re-enlisted, in 1864, in Company I, 211th P. V. I., for one year, or during the war, and served in the Ninth Corps. taking part in many important engage- ments, including those at Dutch Gap, Hatcher's Run, Weldon Run, Fort Steadman and the struggle which ended in the capture of Peters- burg, Va., where he received a gunshot wound in the left side. He was confined for a time in the hospital at Petersburg, and was then sent to the United States general hospital at Baltimore, Md., and on June 6, 1865, he was honorably discharged, his papers stating that he was per- manently disabled from wounds received in ac- tion. He lield the rank of orderly sergeant dur- ing the latter part of his term of service. He returned home and remained in Bolivar, West- inoreland county, for some time before his re -. moval to Woodland, where he was employed as bookkeeper for the Woodland Fire Brick Com- pany, the firm being then composed of William George and Henry, Albert and John McMath and Isaac Reese, of Pittsburg. The business was established in 1869, and is still conducted under the same name. After working for some time in the office Mr. Norris took charge of the com- pany's store until 1876, when he became post- master. He held this office nine years, but re- signed in March, 1885, under Cleveland's first administration. From time to time he was en- gaged in clerical work, and, in 1890, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which he has since filled with entire satisfaction to the community. In his political views he is a stanch Republican.
In 1853, in Westmoreland county, our subject was married to Miss Elizabeth Johnston, a native of that county. Six children were born to this union, namely: Jennie, Mrs. J. P. Wynn, died in Lock Haven, Penn., in 1893; Thomas H. is married and resides in Philipsburg, Penn. ; Mag- gie ( Mrs. C. F. Albert), deceased, lived in Wood- land: and Minnie. Maud and James are at home.
W B. POTTER, who follows general mer- chandising in Karthans, Clearfield county, is a typical self-made man, and in the record of his career there is much that is worthy of emnla- tion. He has placed his reliance in the substan- tial qualities of industry and perseverance, has made the most of his opportunities, and has worked his way steadily upward. He began
merchandising on his own account in 1886, and now carries a large line of dry goods, groceries and all commodities found in a general store.
Mr. Potter is a native of Clearfield county, Penn., born in 1863, at Mulsonburg, and is a son of Dr. J. W. and Alamanda (Hoffman) Potter, the former of whom was born in Clarion county, Penn., and at an early day cast his lot with the early pioneer settlers of Covington township, Clearfield county, where he engaged in the prac- tice of medicine and lumbering. Both he and his wife are still living. Our subject spent his early childhood days in Karthaus township, and during his youth also lived in Covington town- ship, Clearfield county. He was educated in the public schools, and reared on the home farm, where he early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He re- inained at home until embarking in business at Karthaus, where he is now the oldest merchant that has been continuously connected with com- mercial interests there. The building in which he carries on operations was erected in 1884, and is a one and one-half story structure, 24 x 50 feet. Its owner was Mr. Potter's father, who, with his son, R. L. Potter, conducted mercantile business there until 1885, when our subject purchased his father's interest, and for one year was in partner- ship with his brother under the firm name of Potter & Potter. In 1886 our subject purchased his brother's interest, since which time he has been the sole proprietor. In 1892 he raised the building to a two-story structure, and lias it sup- plied with a large stock of general merchandise, while from the public he receives a liberal pat- ronage that has been secured by honorable deal- ing, and courteous treatment of his patrons He is also the owner of the " Potter House, " a three- story building erected in 1884. and which is a leading hotel in Karthaus.
Mr. Potter was married in Karthaus township, in 1887, to Miss Emina, daughter of George Ein- erick, one of the honored pioneers of the town- ship, where she was born and reared. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have four children: Bessie. Grace, J. W. and Dudly. Their home is noted for its hospitality, and they occupy an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Potter is a Democrat in politics, and in 1885 was appointed postmaster of Karthaus, serving in that capacity four years. In December. 1895. he was again appointed. and is now acceptably filling that position; he has also served as township auditor. Socially he is a member of Driftwood Lodge No. 532. F. & A. M. He has a wide acquaintance in Clearfield county, is well liked, and ranks high in commercial circles.
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E DWIN W. GRAY AND EZRA S. GRAY, of the Du Bois Courier. . This paper was es- tablished in January, 1879, by Butler & Horton ; it was purchased by J. A. Johnston in June, 1882, and a half interest was purchased by E. W .. Gray in 1884. Two years later Mr. John- ston retired from the business, the politics of the paper was changed from Independent to Repub- lican, E. W. Gray became the head of the pub- lishing firm, and has so continued ever since.
The Daily edition was started January 1, 1888, and is a seven-column folio at the present time. It is the oldest paper in Du Bois, and is advantageously located for wielding an influence in a larger field than its own county.
E. W. GRAY, who has, since 1886, been at the head of the publishing firm, and general manager of the business, was born in Pennsyl- vania in October, 1857. His boyhood was spent in Elk county; his district school advantages were supplemented by a high-school course at Ridgway, the county seat of Elk county. He went from school to the office of The Elk Demo- crat, where he served the apprenticeship of a printer. He followed his trade up to the time he became interested in the Courier, and became thoroughly equipped with knowledge of the printing and publishing business, and also fitted in the school of experience for all-around edit- ing as the work has been done on his own paper, and others with which he was previously con- nected.
E. S. GRAY, the present editor of the Courier. is a brother of E. W. Gray, is two years his junior, and is a native of Iowa, although a Penn- sylvanian from the beginning of conscious exist- ence. Like the elder brother, he was reared in Elk county, and quit the pursuit of a school-room education early. He came to the Courier, after clerking a few years in a general store, at the solicitation of his brother to learn newspaper work. He never set about becoming a practical printer, but took up reportorial work, and suc- ceeded to the editorial management of the paper in 1886, when it was made a Republican journal, and has since retained that position.
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E. W. and E. S. Gray are sons of A. W. Gray, who came from a Bradford county. Penn .. family, descending from New England stock, grandsires on both sides of the house serving in the Continental army throughout the entire period of the Revolutionary war.
P J. CURLEY, the postmaster of Williams' Grove, and a well-known and highly-re- spected citizen of Bradford township, was born
in New Brunswick, March 8, 1827, a son of John and Catharine Glennan Curley, natives of Ireland.
In that country they were reared and mar- ried, and in 1827 emigrated to New Brunswick. thence in 1834 removing to Clearfield county, Penn. The father was a millwright by trade, but locating in Covington township, amid the wild forest, he opened up a farm, whereon he made his home until his death in 1860; his wife passed away the year following. They had a family of five sons and one daughter, namely: James, who died in Covington township; Peter, who enlisted for the Civil war in 1861, and served throughout the struggle, his home being now in Lawrence township, Clearfield county; John, who joined the Union army in 1863. and is now living in Philadelphia; Daniel, who en- listed in Company C, 5th Pennsylvania Reserves, serving three years, and is now a resident of Graham township; P. J., of this sketch ; and Mary, wife of David Lounsberry, of Lawrence township.
P. J. Curley has resided in Clearfield county since early boyhood, and after obtaining his ele- mentary education in the common schools he continued his studies in Philadelphia, and in Georgetown College, in Washington, D. C. Thus he became well fitted for life's practical duties. He was married, in 1847, to Lavina Leonard, of Girard township, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Spackman) Leonard, the former a native of Huntingdon county, Penn., and the latter of Chester county, of Quaker an- cestry. Both died many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Curley began their domestic life in Brad- ford township, removing sometime afterward to Williams Grove, where Mr. Curley carried on business as a dealer in dry goods and agricultural implements for over twenty years. He has also been express agent at that point since the building of the railroad, and is the oldest in this service in the division. In 1874 he was appointed post- master of the Williams Grove post office, which was established in 1850. He has since served in that capacity, with the exception of the period of President Harrison's administration. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held several lo- cal offices, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He belongs to the United Brethren Church.
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