USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 43
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P ETER PIFER is a worthy representative of the industrial interests of Grampian, Clear- field county, where he is engaged in business as a wagon maker and wheelwright. He was born in France, August 6, 1839, a son of Peter and Annie (Albert) Pifer. In July, 1848, the family came to America, locating near St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., where the father purchased land. He there followed his trade of cabinet making until 1863, when he removed to Kylertown, Clearfield county, making it his home until his death in 1876. His wife died in September, 1848, soon after coming to this country. and the grandfather survived hisarrival for a very short pe- riod, while an aunt of our subject, who started with the party, died on the journey between Paris and Havre de Grace, and was buried at the latter place. She was then eighty-one years of age.
Peter Pifer remained in St. Mary's until twelve years of age, and then went to Ridgway,
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. Elk county, where he worked for Isaiah Cobb for four years. He then came to Clearfield county and began lumbering, which he followed for five years. On the expiration of that period he went to Bridgeport, where he learned and followed the trade of wagon making until 1861. With inter- est he watched the events which culminated in the Civil war, and hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when he offered his services to the government, enlisting at Curwens- ville, April 24, 1861, as a member of Company K, 42nd P. V. I., known as the " Bucktail Regi- ment." He went to Harrisburg, Penn., and from there to western Virginia, where the regi- ment was equipped. and thence proceeded to Harpers Ferry. They marched to Georgetown, where they went into winter quarters, and about the first of May, 1862, proceeded to Alexandria and on to Manassas Junction. While engaged in picket duty along Cedar creek, Mr. Pifer was taken ill, and for a week he remained at Manas- sas Junction without any attention, having nothing to eat or drink. He was then sent to the hospital at Alexandria, where on account of his disability he was honorably discharged.
Mr. Pifer then returned to his home in Cur- wensville, Penn., but for a year thereafter was unable to follow his trade on account of his health. In July, 1865, he went to the oil coull- try, where he spent about a year, and then re- turned to Curwensville, where he married. After that event he purchased a lot in Grampian, erected a good home, and for thirty years has there resided, devoting his time and attention to the business of wagon making. He has met ob- stacles and difficulties, but has overcome these by persistent purpose, and has won a well-merit- ed prosperity as the reward of his labors. He was married April 24, 1866, to Miss Mary Curran, of Clearfield county, who emigrated from her native Ireland to New York, where she remained nine years. Her parents died in Ireland; she has one sister living in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Pifer have had five children: May and Frank J., at home: Cecelia, wife of Morris Smith, of Gazzam, Clearfield county, who is a section boss on the railroad: Regina E., at home; and Agnes, who died at the age of four and a half years.
In his political views, Mr. Pifer is a Democrat, and is deeply interested in the success and growth of his party. He has been honored by his fellow townsmen with local office, having served for four years both as overseer of the poor and as town councilman, and is still acting in the latter capacity. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a reliable citizen whose devotion to the public welfare is marked and
commendable. His military record is one of which he may be justly proud, and his private life is above reproach.
C OL. JAMES MILLER (deceased) was one of the distinguished officers from Pennsylvania in the Civil war, and was a man whose private life and public career were alike above reproach. He was honored by all who knew him, and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to his many friends.
Col. Miller was born on the old family home- stead in Henderson township, Jefferson Co., Penn., April 15, 1835, of the marriage of Henry and Ann (Shaw) Miller. His father followed farming and lumbering there until his death in 1859, and the mother passed away on the old homestead in 1862 while Col. Miller was away in the war. The Colonel obtained a common- school education, and was early trained to habits of industry on the farm. When a young man he went West, where he followed agricultural pur- suits for about three years, and then returned to his native county. He was married in 1857 to Louisa D. Farnsworth, and located on Big run, in Jefferson county, where he followed lumbering until the fall of 1861.
Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Miller then joined Company K, 105th P. V. I .. and was mustered in at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, whence he went to Washington and from there to the front. He was mustered in as first sergeant, was commissioned second lieutenant March 26, 1862. and at the battle of Auburn, Va., on the 13th of October. was severely wounded. He was pro- moted to first lieutenant of Company K, by order of Col. Craig, and was again wounded, this time at the battle of the Wilderness, and in the left elbow. When he had recovered he was again promoted. being made captain June 20, 1864, his commission to date from November 10, 1863. He was promoted to major, January 4, 1865, to rank as s such from October 28, 1864. and May II. 1865, was made colonel, his commission to date from the 25th of April. After the battle of Chancellorsville, he and a comrade of Com- pany K received the Kearney cross for gallant conduct displayed on the battle-field. At the engagement at Sailor's Creek, in front of Peters- burg, April 6. 1865. his horse was shot from un- der him. but he never faltered in the charge, leading his regiment on until they had captured sixteen officers and one hundred men. He ever shared with his command all the perils and hard- ships, and his own bravery and zeal inspired them to noble effort. With those who had sur-
Louisa D . Miller James miller
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vived the many conflicts he returned to Wash- ington, where he was mustered out July 11, 1865, and with the gallant boys who had followed him on Southern battlefields he went to Camp Rey- nolds, at Pittsburg, where the troops were paid off. Bidding his followers adieu, he then re- turned home with a military record which made him distinguished as one of the most brave and loyal officers of Pennsylvania. His promotion came not through influence, but as the reward of mer- itorious service. He was respected by his supe- rior officers, and beloved by the men of his reg- iment.
In 1868 Col. Miller removed to Grampian Hills (now Grampian), where he engaged in lumbering, having purchased of Thomas Daugh- erty 141 acres of land in Penn township, ad- joining the borough, and in connection with lum- bering followed farming. He also dealt in coal, and in 1891 leased a large tract of his coal lands which is still in operation.
Col. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of eight children: (1) Florence C., the eldest, born June 27, 1858, was the wife of W. E. Goff, of Penn township, and died in Kansas, August 21, 1893, leaving two children who now reside with their grandmother, Mrs. Miller. (2) Clara S. is the wife of James D. Wall, who resides in Penn township, near Grampian. (3) John S. born April 28, 1866, died at the age of three years and four months. (4) Katie B. is the wife of H. S. Osborn, a grocer of Du Bois; they have three children living, and one is deceased. (5) S. Blanche, born November 27, 1870, is engaged in artist work in the city of Philadelphia. (6) Jessie M., born May .12. 1873, is at home. (7) Lillian L., born October 8, 1875, and (8) Don- ald D., born December 9, 1877, are still with their mother.
In politics Col. Miller was a Republican, and acceptably served as justice of the peace for a number of years. He was one of the worthy and esteemed citizens of Penn township. He held membership in the Baptist Church, to which his widow also belongs, and five of their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. While driving in the summer of 1896, his horse, it is supposed, became frightened, and ran away. . and being thrown from the road cart, the Colonel ; sustained injuries which resulted in his death July 1. 1896. No better account of the esteem in which he was uniformly held by those who knew him can be given than by quoting from let- ters of sympathy which were written at the time. From S. A. Craig, who was with him through the war, came the following: "To the friends of iny comrade, Col. James Miller. 1
have just heard of the Colonel's death, and de- sire to extend my sympathy to his loved ones in this their great loss. May I not say with propriety. having known his worth and many prominent qualities of mind and heart through years of try- ing ordeal not only to the country but to himself, that through it all he bore himself so kindly and justly that he endeared himself personally to all of us; so prompt in response to every call of duty, so courageous in the many battles in which he was engaged that he constantly was held by us in the highest admiration, yet withal he was so modest and unassuming that we all thought him a model and exemplary soldier. I regret exceedingly that I cannot be at his funeral, but cannot refrain from sending some little token of my love and appreciation of his character and services. It should be a matter of great pride and satisfaction to his family and friends. now that they have lost him, that he will be remembered by the ' boys ' by proper proceedings at their next reunion at Brockwayville. May the consolation of the noble life he led be ever present with his old associates and his own loved ones at home."
From Dr. D. R. Crawford, also a military comrade of the Colonel's, Mrs. Miller received the following: "It is with profound sorrow that I write you on this occasion. I saw the sad news in the Pittsburg Times of the death of your husband, Col. Miller. I knew him intimately in the army, and as a private soldier, corporal. ser- geant and commissioned officer, even to the colonel of the regiment, he was the same brave. honest man and patriotic citizen. I cannot say more than that he filled his place well. Just thirty-three years before, he was fighting for his and our country at Gettysburg; but such is God's way of dealing with us. and we should try and say ' The Lord's will be done.' He doeth all things well to those who love and serve him, and I hope the God of the widow and the fatherless will care for you and yours."
Mrs. Col. Miller was born March 6, 1837, in Armstrong county. Penn., a daughter of John and Susannah ( Smiley) Farnsworth. When she was a child of twelve years her parents moved to Big Run. Jefferson county, where she attended the local schools; later she was a student in the Elizabeth Furnace graded school, near Bellwood. Penn. This was followed by a term in the Glade Run Academy, Armstrong county. For a short time prior to her marriage July 2, 1857, she was a teacher in Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Miller's father was of English extraction; he was born in Pennsylvania, July 26. 1786. He was twice married. the first time to Elizabeth Diven, by whom he had four children, their
har
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names and dates of birth being as follows: Su- sannah, February 16, 1813; Joseph, August 5, 1815; Mary Jane, June 16, 1817; Enoch, March 6, 1820; the last two are still living. The mother of these dying, Mr. Farnsworth for his second wife wedded, October 24, 1824, Susannah . Smiley, who was born January 2, 1793, in Ire- land, of Scotch-Irish descent, and children as follows were born of this union: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Dr. S. Rowe, formerly of Iowa, now of Michigan; Henry, who also lived in Iowa, but is now deceased; Nancy (deceased), who was the wife of Martin R. Cooley, an attorney at law, also now deceased (they had one child); John, a resident of Indiana county, Penn. ; Louisa D., the widow of our subject; and David S., who lives in Nebraska. The father died October 15, 1852, the mother on October 11, 1855.
Mrs. Miller's grandfather, Henry Farnsworth, was of English birth. Mrs. Miller's maternal grandfather, Samuel Smiley, was born in Ireland, where he married Elizabeth Bailey. Coming to this country, they in 1810 settled at Mt. Pleas- ant, Clearfield county, where they both died at an advanced age, the parents of four children: Elizabeth, David, Susannah and William, all now deceased. Mrs. Miller's mother was twice married, and by her first husband, John H. Turner, she had four sons: Daniel, John, Sam- uel and Joseph, all now deceased.
G W. McCULLY. Few citizens of Clearfield county, outside of public life, are as well known as is the subject of this sketch, a wealthy ag- riculturist of Gulich township residing near Ramey. A life of quiet usefulness, already extend- ing beyond the allotted three score years and ten, has won him the esteem of a wide circle of acquaint- ances, while his devotion to religious work in his community has an influence that cannot be esti- mated either in its degree or extent.
The McCully family is of Irish origin, and Lisle McCully, the father of our subject, came with his mother and her seven children-Joseph, Margaret, Robert, Lydia, George, Susan, and Mathew-from County Derry, Ireland, in 1815, landing at Philadelphia. The little band of emi- grants remained in the city a few weeks, and then starting on foot for Clearfield county made their way through the deep forests with nothing but an Indian path to guide them. The youngest child was then three years old, and doubtless all found the long journey of 175 miles a tedious one; : but they finally arrived at their destination, and made a home near the mouth of Muddy run. Soon after their arrival Lisle McCully purchased
one hundred acres of woodland from Hardman Phillips, and began clearing a farin, building a log house and barn, and making other improve- ments. In :820 he sold this property and moved to Arch Spring, Huntingdon county, Penn., where he followed his trade of linen weaving until 1836. He then removed to the vicinity of Tyrone Forges, and engaged in burning charcoal and clearing land for the Tyrone Iron Co. In 1836 he returned to Clearfield county and pur- chased 156 acres of land in Gulich township, which he cleared and improved. He died there in 1870, and our subject's mother, Mrs. Margaret T. (Edmunson) McCully, a woman of more than ordinary ability, passed away in 1861.
To Lisle and Margaret McCully were born nine children, as follows: (1) John L., born in 1821, grew to manhood on his father's home- stead, which he helped to clear, and then en- gaged in the lumber business, purchasing a large tract of land on Muddy run and erecting a saw- mill. . He married Mrs. Nancy Lord. widow of James Lord, who was killed by the falling of a tree. Mr. McCully died at his home at Smoke Run, and his wife survives him with six children. (2) G. W., our subject, comes next. (3) Isa- bella, born in 1824, married James Morrison, of Whitmore, and resided upon his farm in Jordan township, Clearfield county, until her death. She had five children, of whom two are now living-(a) Alice, is the wife of C. H. Edwards, formerly of Osceola, Penn., and now of Missoula, Mont., where he edits the "Montana Fruit 1 Grower;" they have no children. (b) John, who ' is not married. resides on a ranch in Montana, and as a business follows prospecting for miner- i als, owning a controlling interest in a number of silver mines. (4) Robert B., born in 1827, en- gaged in lumbering in early manhood, purchas- ing a tract of land between Madera and! Belsena. and making his home there. For some years he rafted logs and square timber down the river, and then moved to Janesville to conduct a hotel. He died in 1888 leaving a widow, who afterward . : made her home in Altoona, where she died in 1893. They had two daughters -- (a) Sarah Jane, now Mrs. Kane. of Hagerstown. Md .. and (b) Margaret, who married W. A. Whiteside, formerly of Madera and now residing at Chester- field Court House, Va .; they have three living children. (5) Matilda S., born in 1820. married William S. Wells, then of Bradford county, Penn., an expressman at Osceola. She died two years after her marriage, leaving no children. (6) Sarah J., born in 1830, died at the age of eleven. (7) Margaret E., born in 1832, lived at home until her brother Lisle moved to Kansas.
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when she accompanied him and engaged in the millinery business there. 'Some years later she went to Lincoln, Nebr., where she is still living. (8) Lisle F., born in 1834, remained at the old home until his enlistment, in 1861, in Company A, 110th P. V. I. His regiment was composed of good fighters, and saw much severe service, Mr. McCully taking his full share. In 1863 he was made lieutenant in the Ambulance Corps. He served throughout the war, returning, after Lee's surrender, to his old home, where he fol- lowed farming principally for a number of years, having charge of his father's farm. For some years past he has resided in Coffeyville, Kans., where he is conducting a hotel and livery stable. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Eliza A. Mil- ler, of Warrior's Mark, Penn., and has five living children-(a) Paul is a newspaper correspondent at Tacoma, Wash. (b) Herbert is engaged in the insurance business in Texas. (c) Raymond is a blacksmith at Coffeyville, Kans., and two daughters are at home, Maude and Lottie. (9) Matthew C., born in December, 1836, married Miss Emily Shoff, of Becaria township, Clear- field county, and continued to reside at the homestead for some years. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and engaged in contracting and building in Clearfield county, and, later, in Pittsburg, Penn., where he died in March, 1895. His wife survives him.
The subject of our sketch was born at Arch Spring, Penn.', May 21, 1822, and accompanied his parents to Tyrone, and, later, to Clearfield county, where he has resided since the age of fourteen. Much of his time during boyhood was spent in clearing the home farm. There were no schools in that section, and, except for his mother's instruction, he had no educational op- portunities whatever. In 1846 he married Miss Mary E. Strong, daughter of Charles Strong, a native of New Jersey, who settled in Ansonville, Penn., with his wife, Elizabeth Beers, at an early day. After his marriage Mr. McCully purchased from his father 107 acres of woodland adjoining the homestead, and built a log cabin in which to begin housekeeping. The cabin was not of first- class construction, and much hard labor lay before the young couple before the place would be a comfortable home; but they cheerfully undertook the task, and to-day they have one of the finest homesteads in Clearfield county. In 1867 Mr. McCully built a large two-story house with all inodern improvements, including an excellent system of heating, and his commodious and well- planned barn and other improvements show his intelligence and energy in management. Al- though Mr. McCully lacked the usual advantages
of schooling, he has gained a good practical edu- cation through keen and accurate observation. For some years he spent his summers in clearing and cultivating his own lands, and engaged in lumbering in the winter seasons; but of late he has retired from the lumber business, his farm, with other interests, requiring all the time that he cares to devote to business.
Mr. and Mrs. McCully have two children: (1) Florence, born January 30, 1848, was educated in the local schools and in Birmingham Seminary at Huntingdon, Penn. On August 31, 1867, she married Rev. A. H. Holloway, then the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Danville, N. J. Six years later he took charge of the Church at Mt. Bethel, Penn., but in 1879, his health having failed, he purchased a farm in Clay county, Minn., and settled there, devoting his attention to agriculture. His health returned, and he is now preaching for the Congregational Church, at Sabin, Minn., but continues to reside at the farm and superintend the work. They had three chil- dren-Helen H., born August 22, 1868, is a graduate of Albert Lea College, and is now teach- ing in the public shools at Hawley, Minn. ; George Ernest, born August 21, 1871, at Danville, N. J., was a bright young lad of ten years when he went west with his parents. He attended McAllister College, and displayed marked ability as a student, and, later, proved himself an able helper in his father's work at the farm. His promising career was accidentally cut short May 15, 1889, in his eighteenth year, while he was engaged with others in blasting timber with powder, on his father's farm; Alfred T., born at Mt. Bethel. Penn., July 18, 1879, received a common-school education in Minnesota, and at present has charge of his father's farm of six hundred acres, his management showing unusual judgment and skill. He is not married. (2) Winfield Scott McCully. born October 31. 1849, grew to manhood at the homestead in Gulich township, Clearfield county, attending the neighboring school in winter and working upon the farm in summer. He now re- sides at Philipsburg. Penn., and is employed as a locomotive engineer on the Beech Creek rail- road. In 1871 he married Miss Margaret E. Miller, of Warrior's Mark, Penn., and they have two children-Gleni, born June 3, 1876, and Mary Ethel. born June 16, 1879, both of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. McCully and their children are all members of the Presbyterian Church, and are active in its work. Mr. McCully made profes- sion of his faith when a young man, and has made the interests of the Church and Sunday- school his constant thought, as is shown by his
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effective work among the children of the miners by which they have been brought into the school. For many years he has been an elder, and he helped to found three churches in his township, at Janesville, Beulah, Ramey and Houtzdale, the one at Ramey being one of the finest country churches in the county. A cheerful giver, Mr. McCully's assistance can always be relied upon in support of a worthy cause. Politically he is a Democrat, and while he is not an office seeker he has served acceptably as school director, auditor and collector.
Since the above was written. the following has been added: On the 14th of July, 1897, Mr. McCully died suddenly of heart failure. In order to prevent the breaking up of the old home, and for the purpose of taking care of Mrs. M. E. McCully, now old and infirm, Rev. A. H. Hollo- way arranged his business affairs in the West and on the 17th of December, 1897, returned . to Ramey with his wife (daughter of Mr. McCully), his son, Alfred T. Holloway, and took possession of the old homestead. Mr. Holloway also preaches in the Beulah Presbyterian Church at Ramey, of which he was the first pastor about thirty years ago. Marvelous changes have taken place both in the people and in the face of the country. The first settlers are nearly all gone; the splendid growth of pine timber has disappeared; half a dozen mining towns have grown up, whilst numerous railroads now wind around the hills, carrying away to distant markets the coal dug from the mines.
G EORGE B. HENNIGH, M. D., who is suc- cessfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Troutville, Clearfield county, has been identified with the profession for seven years, in which. time he has worked his way steadily upward until he is now known as one of the most capable and successful physicians of the county. He was born in Marchand, Indiana Co .. Penn., January 5, 1862, a son of George S. and Eva B. (Smitten) Hennigh. His father was a native of Centre county, Penn., born in 1823, and was a son of Daniel Hennigli, of Dauphin county, Penn., who removed to Centre county at an early day, and in 1833 located in Gaskell township. Jefferson Co., Penn., where in the midst of the forest he developed a farm, now oc- cupied by S. North. There he made his home until his death in 1849. Daniel Hennigh and his wife (nec Kramer) were of German origin, the Smittens being of Scotch-Irish extraction.
George S. Hennigh was reared on the above mentioned farm, and learned the blacksmith's
trade, after which he followed that occupation in Marchand. In 1864 he enlisted in the Union army, as a inember of Company C, 206th P. V. I., and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He and his wife now reside in Punxsutawney, Jefferson county. They had eight children, of whom six are now living and two are deceased, viz .: Luther, who resides in Burnside, Clearfield county; John S., a resident of South Dakota; Jennie, who died in Punxsutawney; Mrs. John G. Jenks, of Punxsu- tawney; Charles, who is living in the same place: George B., the subject of this sketch: William, of South Dakota: and Mary, who died in Benner township, Centre county, in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. George S. Hennigh celebrated their golden wed- ding July 27, 1896.
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