Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 37

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 37
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 37
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 37
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 37

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In June, 1891. W. R. Cameron was married in Oakdale, Allegheny Co., Penn .. to Miss Lillie M. Carvey, and to them have been born two chil- dren : Glenn-Marr and Peter. By his ballot,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Cameron always supports the principles of the Republican party, and takes quite an active interest in political affairs. He occupies an en- viable position in both business and social circles, and being a courteous, genial gentlenian well de- serves the high regard in which he is held.

Peter Cameron (the father of our subject), who was called from the scenes of this life June 17, 1896, was one of the most honored and val- ued residents of Houtzdale, and his private life, as well as his business career, was well worthy of emulation. He was born in West Muir, near Glasgow, Scotland, July 26, 1828, of which country his parents, Peter and Annie (Richard- son) Cameron, were also natives. In July, 1848, the family crossed the Atlantic and located in Blossburg, Penn., where Peter Cameron, Jr., with his father and younger brothers, worked in the coal mines, and were all experts in that line of business. Among his brother were David, an attorney of Wellsboro, and the late James R., a capable mining engineer and superintendent of coal mines in Clearfield county, and also in Col- orado. The father was a man of many sterling qualities of mind and heart, and will long be re- membered by the early settlers of Tioga county, Penn. At Blossburg, June 8, 1853, Peter Cam- eron was united in marriage with Christina Pol- lock, a daughter of Alexander Pollock of that place. Of the twelve children born to them, ten are still living, namely: Peter, a resident of West Newton, Penn .; Jennie, wife of G. S. Ram- sey, of Mckeesport, Penn .; Alexander, of Manor Station, Penn. ; Annie: William R., whose name introduces this sketch; Christina, a teacher, of Clearfield; Katharine, a teacher, of Greensburg; Susie, who is teaching in the Woodward high school; and Samuel and John, both of Houtzdale.

The father was mainly a self-educated as well as a self-made man, having alone mastered the studies of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry. After working for seven years for the Blossburg Coal Co., he removed to Fall Brook in 1860, and later was connected with the mining interests of Morris Run and Arnot, in this State, but in 1874 he took up his residence in Houtzdale, where he passed the rest of his days. Here he opened up what has become one of the most productive and valuable bituminous coal fields in the world. He began operations here in June, 1874, and continued to discharge his duties as mining engineer and superintendent up to the hour of his death. He had just re- turned from his rounds for the day. and fell while alighting from his buggy at home, dying . froin heart disease, from which he had suffered for several years. The vacancy which he left in

the home, in the community, and in the Church, as well as in the place he filled with the Ber- win-White Company, can never be refilled; vet it is a satisfaction to know that his sons, who gained much from his private and business life. are capable and well worthy to follow in his footsteps. His widow, a most estimable lady. still resides in Houtzdale, and has the love and respect of all who know her.

In the discharge of his professional duties, Mr. Cameron added to the practical knowledge, gained by active mining, much that he had ac- quired by reading and study of the science, and was therefore ably qualified to fill the important position which he held for so many years. Few if any engaged in mining engineering excelled him in knowledge of the science or in its skillful application, and he was also a geologist of high merit. He not only knew where to look for coal, but learned how to get it out to the best advantage. He thoroughly understood every branch of the business which he made his life work, and, relying on his good judgment, his em- plovers would invest large sums of money with most satisfactory results. During his able man- agement the Berwin-White Company becanie one of the largest miners and shippers of bitu- minous. coal in Pennsylvania.

Although always a very busy man, Mr. Cani- eron found time to read extensively in general literature, especially history, sacred and protane. He devoted much time, as did also his father and his wife's father, to the study of the Holy Script- ures, and was one of the pillars in the Presby- terian Church of Houtzdale, of which he was a devout and faithful member. He ever took an active part in Church work, especially in the Sab- bath-school, of which he served as superintend- ent for many years.

Mr. Cameron was a lover of music, which he taught, and he also trained Church choirs. Sa- cred inusic was to him a refined expression of religious thought and devotion. He himself played the violin. In the work of the Church he found great consolation. He loved the house of God, and bore testimony to his religious fervor in his every-day life. His charities were sys- tematic and liberal, and his heart overflowed with love for his fellow men. The last time he left home was to attend the General Assen:bly of the Presbyterian Church at Saratoga. N. Y. Young and old, rich and poor, had for him the greatest love and admiration, and his influence for good was felt throughout the entire community. He was not only a temperance man in the commonly accepted meaning of that terin, but was ten. per- ate in all things, wasa kind and indulgent father.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a loving and devoted husband, and a most loyal and faithful friend. We may truly say of him that the world is better for his having lived.

0 P. REESE is one of the leading and repre- sentative business men of Kylertown, Clear- field county, where he is successfully conducting a large general mercantile establishment, and is also serving as postinaster. He was born in Centre county, Penn, August 4, 1835, a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Evans) Reese. His paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of Christian, was a native of Germany, and crossed the Atlantic to America during the Revolutionary war, in which he participated. When peace was restored he located in Centre county, be- coming one of its honored pioneers, and, being a miller by trade, at one time conducted the mills at Philipsburg. on Moshannon creek. In his family were four sons and two or three daugh- ters. the names of the sons being John, Henry, David and Christian.

The last named was reared in Centre county, where he followed the blacksmith's trade during early life, but later he purchased a farm, which he operated until life's labors were ended. He married Elizabeth Evans, who still resides upon the old homestead in Centre county, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. Her father, Capt. Eleazer Evans, who was born in Philadelphia, was reared in Chester county, and in early inan- hood came to Centre county in the capacity of car- penter and millwright. Being pleased with the country, he here spent the remainder of his life. To the parents of our subject were born eleven children: Mrs. Catherine Burket; O. P. ; Henry, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Je- rome, also deceased; Aaron W .; Joseph E., who is now a resident of Missouri; Mrs. Joanna Twit- inire; Mrs. Alice Hoover; Emma, at home with her mother: and two who died in infancy.

Upon the home farm O. P. Reese spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the cominon schools of the neighborhood he obtained his elementary education. Later he was a stu- dent at the Fillmore Academy. in Centre county. attended a school at Warrior's Mark, Hunting- don Co., Penn., and completed his literary course

in the Pine Grove Academy. He was thus well fitted for almost any line of business which he might choose, and all through his own efforts, as he had paid his own way through those insti- tutions either by teaching or by farm work. After reading medicine for one year under Dr. J. B. Mitchell, of Bellefonte, Penn., he attended

the Ann Arbor Medical College, at Ann Arbor. Mich., for one term, and in 1861 opened an office in Kylertown, where he engaged in prac- tice for about three years. On completing another course of lectures at Ann Arbor. he graduated, and returned to Kylertown. but after practicing for two years became dissatisfied and gave up the profession.

For a time Mr. Reese engaged in clerking in that place, but in the meantime, having pur- chased a farm, he removed thereon in 1872, and for four years continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits. The following five years were passed in Centre county, but in 1881 he returned to his farm, where he remained until 1890, when he purchased an interest in his pres- ent store. On selling his farm he bought the entire business, including the building, and now carries a large and complete stock of general merchandise. He has built up an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing, and well deserves the liberal patronage which is accorded him.

In_ 1862 Mr. Reese was married to Miss Martha Hunter, a daughter of William Hunter. who was of Irish descent, and a worthy pioneer of Pennsylvania. In early life he engaged in freighting by team from Philadelphia, but later located on a farm in Clearfield county, where his last years were spent. He was a prominent mem- ber of the Methodist Church, and a Democrat in politics. Ten children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Reese: Mrs. Laura Shope: Jennie; Harry, a merchant of Kylertown; Charles, de- ceased; Alfred, a resident of West Virginia: Josephine, who is engaged in teaching: Leonard. at home; Winfield, who died in infancy: and Mary and Carl (twins ;. the latter of whom died at the age of three years. The faithful wife and mother was called to her final rest January 21. 1892.

Politically Mr. Reese supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, and at the beginning of President Cleveland's second ad- ministration was appointed postmaster of Kyler- town, which position he is still acceptably filling. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order. He may truly be considered a represent- ative man: he has a fine character: his motives are governed byy elevated tastes and aims, and he stands well with his fellow men.

P HILIP REECE. A family which sent to the defense of the Union every one of its four sons deserves a place upon the roll of honor.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The subject of this sketch, a member of the dis- tinguished quartette, is now one of the substan- tial business men of Clearfield, Clearfield county, and the patriotism which stood so severe a test then has been constantly shown in less notable ways in private life.

The Reece family is of English origin, the ancestral home being at Hereford, England. John Reece, our subject's grandfather, passed his entire life there, and his son, Elijah, the father of our subject, was born there January 1, 1800. He learned the currier's trade at Bath, England, during his youth, and before coming to America was married to Miss Mary Ann Blamford. They sailed from Liverpool in 1833, and on landing at Philadelphia started without delay for Clearfield county, traveling partly by water and taking a stage at Lewistown. Mr. Reece bought a tract of forest land from Hardman Phillips, and there built a log cabin and commenced the work of clearing and improving. which in due time made his estate a valuable farm. He took great in- terest in public questions, and in politics was a Democrat. His wife died at the old home Oc- tober 13, 1874, and his own death followed on November 11, 1883. They had been members of the Church of England in youth, but after coming to this country they identified themselves with the United Brethren. Of their ten children: (1) John enlisted, in 1861, in the First Pennsyl- vania Artillery for three years; he died Novem- ber 12, 1887, in West Virginia. (2) Elijah en- listed from Clearfield county in the 82nd Penn- sylvania Infantry, and spent three years in the service; his death occurred in Decatur township, Clearfield county, November 4, 1885. (3) Philip's record is given below. (4) Arthur en- listed, in 1863, in the 100th Pennsylvania Infan- try, and served until the close of the war; he died in Lawrence township, Clearfield county, in 1878. (5) Silas resides in Philipsburg. (6) Clara and (7) James died in early youth. (8) ,

Anna died in her fourth year. (9) Celivah ınar- ried Walter Morgan, of Delaware. (10) Ada married Rev. Henry Shaw, a Presbyterian min- ister at Huntingdon, Penn., who died in 1895.

Philip Reece was born December 20, 1837, in Decatur township, Clearfield county, and as is usual with country boys, he became familiar in early life with farm work, receiving his education in the neighboring schools, and at the age of sixteen he engaged in lumbering. In 1861 he enlisted, in his native township, in Company K. 82nd P. V. I., for three years, or during the war, and went into service at Harrisburg. His regi- ment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and he took part in the battle of the Wilderness;

was also at Richmond, and in the campaign of the Shenandoah Valley. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the same company, and remained until the close of the struggle, being present at Lee's sur- render at Appomattox Court House. On July 15, 1865, he was discharged at Philadelphia, and returning home engaged again in the lumber business. In 1870 he went to Minnesota, where he spent two years, and then came back to Clear- field county, removing later to Somerset county, Penn., where he remained until 1876. Since that time he has made his home in Clearfield, where he owns valuable property, including sev- eral residences. His attention has been given to the real-estate business, and to looking after his interests in coal lands.

On February 27, 1873, Mr. Reece was mar- ried in Lawrence township, Clearfield county, to Miss Sarah Jane Brown, a native of Lancaster county, Penn. Her father, William Brown, was also born there, but moved to Clearfield county soon after his marriage to Miss Mary Ann Alli- son, who was born in Chester county, Penn. Both are now deceased. Mr. Reece is an adher- ent of the Democratic party, and is active and influential in local affairs. Heserved eight years as a member of the West Clearfield council, and has never failed to encourage any movement tending to continue the development of the coun- ty. Mr. Reece is a member of the M. E. Church of Clearfield.

R OBERT J. WALKER, one of the repre- sentative and prominent business men of Osceola Mills, Clearfield county, is a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., born December II, 1842, and is a son of Alfred and Lavina (Butterfield, Walker, whose births occurred in Indiana county. this State. The father, who was a plasterer by trade, died in Saltsburg, Penn., about 1845, and the mother departed this life, in Westmoreland county, in 1863. In their family were five children: Giles B., who canie to Clearfield county and died in Greens- burg in 1893; Mary, also deceased; Mrs. Sarah J. Knappenberger, a resident of Greensburg, Penn .; Robert J .. of this sketch; and Thomas H., who makes his home in Ohio.

Robert J. Walker was reared and educated in the county of his nativity. and throughout his business career has principally engaged in lum- bering and milling, meeting with excellent suc- cess in his undertakings. On coming to Osceola Mills, in 1872, he and his brother, G. B. Walker. embarked in the planing-mill business. with which our subject has since been connected. On

R.f. Walker

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the present site of his plant they erected a mill 40 x 65 feet, with an addition 36 x 40 feet, all two stories in height. This was destroyed by fire May 20, 1875, and they immediately rebuilt; but again, in 1887, the plant was consumed by flames. Nothing daunted, however, Mr. Walker the same year erected his present commodious mill, which is 40 x 60 feet, with a wing 40 x 40 feet, and an engine room 16 x 45 feet. On beginning operations. he first engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and in 1881 shingles was added to the list. Under the name of Walker Bros. the firm continued to do business until 1885, when the brother of our subject removed to Greensburg, where he owned a planing-mill, which he operated until his death. in 1894. Since 1885. R. J. Walker has been alone in business, has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade, and furnishes employment to a number of men. His success has come to him through energy. labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly-balanced mind, and by honorable business principles. He has made the most of his opportunities, and has secured a comfortable competence. Previous to coming to Osceola Mills, he had operated a planing- mill at Latrobe, Westmoreland county, where he established business in 1868.

Feeling that his country needed his services. Mr. Walker resolved to join the Union army dur- ing the dark days of the Rebellion, and accord- ingly, in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, 11th P. V. I., for three years, and was mus- tered in at Harrisburg, where the regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. With that command he participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Thoroughfare Gap, and the second engagement at Bull Run. where he was wounded, and was confined in the hospital in Washington, D. C., until honorably discharged in January, 1863. He returned to his home in Westmoreland county, but on regaining health again enlisted, in March, 1864, in the Signal Corps, U. S. A. After spending a short time at the Signal Camp of Instruction in Washington, D. C., he joined Sherman's army at Chattanooga, and served in the Army of the West under Gen. John A. Logan, but was later transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Thomas. After the surrender of Gen. Lee, he was special messenger for Gen, Sheridan, who was then sent to New Orleans, and remained with him until discharged at Brownsville, Texas, May 12, 1866.

The signal service of the United States army played a most important part in the war of the Rebellion, for in this way most important infor- mation was conveyed from one part of the army

to the other, and in the face of the greatest dan- ger, and was the only means of cominunication at very critical times. While in this service at Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, Mr. Walker assisted in sending the famous dispatch, on which has been founded that thrilling song " Hold the fort, for I am coming." Our subject relates the inci- dent as follows: "On the evening of October 3, 1864, we first discovered the movements of the Confederates near Lost Mountain. This was signalled to Gen. Sherman at Atlanta, who re- plied to watch closely as Hood was passing round Sherman's right going north. We lost sight of the column, but found them in the old line of works near Big Shanty, a few miles north of Kenesaw. The distance from Kenesaw to At- lanta was about twenty-one miles, and to Alla- > toona Pass seventeen miles. In signalling to Atlanta we were compelled to signal across the Chattahoochee river and the camps near by, making it a very difficult matter. We had great difficulty in reaching Allatoona Pass, as the Con- federates were between us and the pass, and were burning the railroad and other property that fell into their hands. Allatoona was in imminent danger, only garrisoned by a brigade, and about to receive the attack of one of the largest divis- ions of Hood's army-that of French. Gen. Corse at Rome had been ordered by signal to move his division at Allatoona, but there was some doubt that the order had reached him.

"On October 4 we signalled the following: 'Commanding officer Allatoona. Kingston and Rome: Enemy moving on Allatoona; thence to Rome. 'Gen. Sherman .' At 8:30 P. M. the follow- ing message was sent: 'Commanding officer Alla- toona: Gen. Sherman says hold fast; he is com- ing. Signed Gen. Vandever .'

"October 5 dawned upon us in all the glory of an immense fog that hung around the brow of Kenesaw. Gen. Sherman came on to the mount- ain early and requested news from Allatoona. At 8 A. M. the fog lifted a little. We asked for news; the reply came at 10:50 A. M. : . We hold out; Gen. Corse is here.' At this time the bat- tle was raging around Allatoona. We could hear the roar of cannon, and with our telescope could see the charging Confederates. Allatoona l'ass, on which so much depended, the place where Gen. Sherman had stored a vast amount of ra- tions, ammunition and clothing, was besieged by vastly superior forces, and we were the only means of communication. On our ability to dis- patch and receive messages by the signal flag de- pended the fate of Allatoona. To say that to the officers and men of the signal corps on Alla- toona and Kenesaw belonged great praise, is say-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing no more than Gen. Sherman accorded us then and there. Gen. Sherman and staff, and other officers, reinained on the mountain until near evening. At 3:15 P. M. we received the welcome message from Gen Corse, at Allatoona, as fol- lows: . To Capt. L. M. Dayton, Adjutant-Gen- eral: I am short a cheek bone and one ear, but able to whip all perdition yet: Corse.' When Sherman was handed this message he smiled and said, . I knew Corse would hold Allatoona.'

"The night of October 5 was a busy time for us, as we had opened stations with the different army corps headquarters, using the torch, and without our assistance it would have been impos- sible for Sherinan so swiftly and systematically to have moved his forces and made such com- · binations as to completely baffle Hood, and de- fend his long line of communication. To say we occupied a place, during those days, pre-eminent and grand and honorable cannot be denied. Gen. Sherman told us the services of the signal corps were worth a million dollars to him and the country that day, for without us he could not have been successful in keeping Hood off his lines, and his loss would have been much greater. Very little was known about the signal corps during the war, as it was a secret service, and we were rot allowed to give any information to any one. We have reason to be proud of our serv- ices, and believe if our services to our country during the Rebellion were fully understood they would be greatly appreciated."

In 1868, in Westmoreland county, Mr. Walker was united in marriage with Miss Frances A. Painter, a native of that county, and to them have been born five children, namely: Jennie, wife of T. B. Haslett, bookkeeper for T. C. Heim, of Osceola Mills; Gertrude, wife of A. C. Jackson, a hardware merchant of the same place; George P .: Bertha: and Garfield. Mrs. Walker is a daughter of George and Martha J. (Rankin) Painter, the former of whom was the owner of one of the finest farms in Westmoreland county, Penn., to the cultivation of which he gave his entire attention. He died on his farm in Octo- ber, 1894; his widow still resides there with her son, M. A. Painter. To this worthy couple were born two children: Frances A., wife of our sub- ject: and M. A., of Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania.

Mr. Walker is a pronounced Republican in politics, and has served his fellow citizens as a. member of the school board. Fraternally, he is connected with James McLaren Post, No. 553. G. A. R., of Osceola Mills, and, religiously, is a faithful and consistent member of the Presby- terian Church.

J OSEPH A. SHOFF, a leading merchant of Madera, is a member of a family that has

for many years been prominent in Clearfield county, and his own successful career reveals the characteristic enterprise and energy of his pioneer ancestry,

Christopher Shoff, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Lancaster county, Penn .. but came to Clearfield county in the early days, locating first near Glen Hope, later purchasing a tract of timber land in Woodward township, where he cleared a farm and followed agriculture and lumbering. He married Miss Lydia Packer, and reared a family of ten children: (1) George W. was a farmer and lumberinan near Madera, and was influential in local affairs, serving for a number of years as justice of the peace; he mar- ried Elizabeth Davis, and had nine children. (2) Abram married Sarah McKee, of Clearfield county, and has four children. (3) Martha A. married Lemuel Root, a fariner of Becaria township, Clearfield county, and has seven chil- dren. (4) Samuel P. comes next. (5) John A., a resident of Amesville, Clearfield county, married Miss Rebecca Smiley, and has eight children. (6) Hannah married Nelson Packer, of Amesville, and died some years ago leaving six children. (7) C. J. (deceased) was extens- ively engaged in lumbering on Clearfield creek at one time, and resided at Osceola Mills; he married Miss Mary Whiteside, of Gulich town- ship, Clearfield county, who survives him with two sons. (8) Frederick R., who resides in Cambria county, Penn., married Miss Annie Lumadue, of that county, and has a large family. (9) A. P., a lumberman and farmer in Bigler township, Clearfield county, married Miss Lavina Cowen, of Becaria township, and has one daugh- ter, Ethel. (10) Ellen married Samuel Bush, formerly of Indiana county, Penn., and they now. reside near Mahaffey; they have two children living.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 37

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