Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 45

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 45
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 45
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 45
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 45

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After remaining one year at his home in In- diana county he went to Iowa. where for the same length of time he was in the employ of the Union Pacific railroad. He then returned to Pennsylvania. locating in Clearfield, where he worked for William Mahaffey for two years, and at the end of that time obtained employment in a shook shop at Chambersville, Indiana county. During the following four years he was engaged in the same line of business in Luthersburg, and has since made his home in Brady township, Clearfield county, being now employed in carry- ing the mail from Luthersburg to the railroad.

In 1873 our subject was married to Miss M. E. Heiges, daughter of Samuel and Maria Heiges, prosperous agriculturists of Brady township. They have children as follows: Cora E., born in 1874. is the wife of John Lines, a farmer of Brady township. and has two children-Grace and Mary. Stella M., born May 14, 1875, is

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the wife of Milton Lies, formerly of Stanley, now a farmer of Brady township, and they have one son, Cleveland. Anna T., born August 20, 1876, married William Lies, of Brady township, who is now engaged in merchandising in Stanley. James Willis, born March 10, 1878, is now em- ployed by Adam Schoch, of Brady township. Charles W., born September 22, 1880, Edwin L., born in 1882, George C., March 12, 1884, Alice A., February 12, 1886, Margaret H., No- vember 1, 1888, Alta A., October 2, 1890, and Harvey E., June 1, 1893. are still with their parents. The father of this family uses his right of franchise in support of the principles of the Democratic party, and he has been called upon to serve as supervisor of his township for three terms. His genial temperament, sound judg- ment and well-proved integrity have brought to him the esteem and friendship of a host of ac- quaintances far and near.

H IRAM H. HUMMEL. The weight of sev- enty years has fallen lightly upon the sub- ject of this memoir, a well-known agricultorist of Clearfield county, who now holds the office of justice of the peace in Gulich township, and is actively interested in all public movements in his locality.

Squire Hummel was born January 12, 1827, in Dauphin county, Penn., a son of David and Susannah (Herr) Hummel, who were both born in Pennsylvania, the former on May 6, 1800, and the latter in December, 1806, in Dauphin coun- ty. They resided in Dauphin county for some years after their marriage, and then removed to Lebanon county, Penn., where Mrs. Hummel died in 1839. Eight children blessed the mar- riage, all now dead excepting Hiram H. The father afterward married Miss Mary Nye, and to the union were born ten children. The wife died in 1858, and in 1860 Mr. Hummel was again married, this time to Miss Polly Haines, who was born April 12. 1828, and to them were born four children, three of them now living. Of the chil- dren by the second marriage five are still living. After this marriage the father settled in Green- wood township, Juniata Co., Penn .. where he purchased property. He taught school for thirty- five years in Dauphin, Lebanon, Juniata, Snyder and Perry counties. His death occurred June 28, 1878, when aged seventy-eight years.

At this new home our subject grew to man- hood, and for four seasons he drove a horse on the Union canal, beginning at the age of eleven years. Later he served in other capacities, finally as a captain of a canal boat, quitting the

canal in 1851. In 1850 he was married to Miss Mary Spangle, a native of the county. In the following year, March 10, they moved to Clear- field county, and for a year engaged in farming. He next drove a six-mule team for a year. He purchased land near Allemans, taking possession in the fall of 1853. Mr. Hummel built a house and barn, and cleared all the land, making im- provements from time to time nntil he had one of the best farms in that locality. In 1854 he began sawing lumber in Clearfield and Blair counties, and was so engaged until 1884. with the exception of the time spent in the army during the Civil war. In 1864 he left his home and his beloved wife and two children, and went to the front as a corporal in Company .D. 192nd P. V. I. They were sworn in at Camp Curtin, and sent by way of New York and Baltimore to Harper's Ferry, and then to Martinsburg, where they en- camped for the winter. In the spring of 1865 they marched to Charleston, and were there de- tailed to follow Mosby guerillas. Later they marched to Stony Point and Staunton, Va .. to prevent Lee's army from going into Tennessee, and they remained at the latter place until Au- gust, 1865, when they marched back to Mary- land Heights. While there they were ordered to march to Washington, but the welcome com- mand was recalled and they returned to Mary- land Heights. In September, 1865, they were taken to Harper's Ferry and mustered out of the United States service, and soon afterward they were paid at Harrisburg and given their final dis- charge by Colonel Stewart.

Mr. Hummel's brother, Absalom. also served in the Union army, his experience being unusn- ally severe. He enlisted in 1861 in response to the first call for three-months' men, and at the expiration of the term re-enlisted for three years. He participated in a number of important engage- ments, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Seven Pines. He was sent to North Carolina and exchanged, but was again captured and this time was confined in Libby prison. On being exchanged again he rejoined his regiment, but in an engagement on the Weldon Railroad he was wounded and again taken captive. After a period of privation and suffering at Andersonville, he was exchanged and sent to White Haven. On recovering his health somewhat he went back to his regiment and remained in the service until discharged on account of his wounds. He died February 2, 1874, leaving a widow and seven children, who reside in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Squire Hummel is a prominent worker in the Democratic organization in his locality, and he has held the office of supervisor, inspector of re-

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turns, judge of elections, and served as chairman until twenty years of age. Abraham Hubler, the of the township committee. In 1894, he was ; grandfather, a native of Pennsylvania, took up elected justice of the peace for the term of five years, and his able discharge of the duties of that office has won him commendation from all

classes. He belongs to the United Brethren Church, of which his wife, who died July 23, 1896, was a devont and consistent member. She was born June 20, 1831, in Snyder county, hav- ing descended from two pioneer families, which had a notable record for patriotism and valor. Her maternal grandfather, Colonel Holes, was an officer in the Revolutionary army. The grand- father Spangle died July 27, 1875; his wife passed away in October, 1859. George Spangle. the father of Mrs. Hummel, a member of a well known family of Pennsylvania, 'served in the war of 1812. He came to Clearfield county from Perry county in May .: 1851. Mrs. Hummel was not only the wife of a soldier during the Rebel- lion, but she had two brothers and four cousins in the Union army.

his residence in Decatur township at an early day, afterward he removed to Bradford town- ship, and subsequently went to Ohio, where he and his wife died many years ago. Jacob Hub- ler was a young man when he came to Decatur township. Here he married Susanna Smeal, a native of Clearfield county, and a daughter of George Smeal, a pioneer settler, who died in Bradford township years ago. After his mar- riage Mr. Hubler located in Graham township. in 1826, being the first settler in this locality. He purchased a tract of timber land. transformed it into a good farm, and made his home thereon until his death. About five years later his wife also departed this life upon the old homestead. They had a family of ten children, namely: Ainos; Levi, of Graham township: Mrs. Eliza Hoover, who died in that township: Mrs. La- vina Narehood, of Graham township; A. J., who is living on the old homestead; Henry, of Gra-

Squire Hummel has two sons, namely: (1) : hamn township; Mrs. Catherine Pace, who died in Harry H., born July 14, 1859, was educated in ! West Virginia: Oliver. who died in Graham township; Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, who died in the same township; Mrs. Mary Ann Frazer, a widow. now living in that township. the common schools near his father's farm. On leaving home he resided for some time in Alle- mans, but he now lives in Becaria, where he is engaged in mercantile business. His first wife, Miss Clara Root, of Janesville, Gulich township, died in February, 1893, leaving five children- Harry, David, Andrew, Maud and Fred, all of whom are at home. By a second marriage with

Mr. Hubler, of this review, obtained his edu- cation in the public schools, walking to and from the school house four and five miles mornings and evenings. He was reared on the farm, where he early became familiar with all the doties required Miss Ethel Smith, of Bigler township. Clearfield . in the cultivation of land. In 1844, he purchased county, he has one daughter, May. (2) George B. McClellan, born December 6, 1863. was edu- cated in the local schools, and now resides in Ty- rone, Penn., where for ten years past he has been employed in the Pennsylvania railroad yards, as car inspector. He married Miss Jennie Kinney, of Blair county, Penn., and has four children- Mary, Roy, Josephine and Mcclellan, all at home. 200 acres of timber land. and at once began to fell the trees. As acre after acre was placed under the plow and other substantial improve- ments were made, the once wild tract took on the appearance of a richly cultivated field, and his labors were rewarded with good harvests. Energy and perseverance have been the essential qualities in his business, and have brought to him a comfortable competence. In 1844 he was married to Miss Susanna, daughter of Christian A MOS HUBLER follows farming in Graham township, and for many years has been ulentified with the agricultural interests of ('lear- field county. He is one of the honored pioneers of the community, and has witnessed the prog- ress and development which have wrought so many changes here. The part which he . township: and Mrs. Martha Coble. Mr. Hubler has taken therein entitled him to mention among the best citizens of the county, Mr. Hubler was born July 8, 1822. in Decatur township. Clearfield county. His parents were Jacob and Susanna (Smeal) Hubler. The father was born in Northumberland, Penn., where he remained Woolstegel, a native of Pennsylvania, who in 1842 came to Clearfield county, spending his last days in Graham township. Mrs. Hubler. who was born in Centre county, died in Graham township, in 1890. She was the mother of three children: George Washington, who resides on the farm; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Frazer. of Graham is independent in politics, giving his support to the men whom he thinks best qualined for office. regardless of party. His fellow citizens. recog- nizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, and for the past nine years he has served as overseer of the poor. He

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was also justice of the peace for ten years, and in the discharge of his duties his promptness and fidelity are most marked. He is the oldest liv- ing settler in Graham township, has been inter- ested and identified with its entire development, his name being inseparably connected with its history.

F LAM B. PASSMORE, who is probably one of the most enterprising and leading farmers of Pike township, Clearfield county, has spent his entire life within its borders, his birth there occurring April 14, 1836.

Abram Passmore, his paternal grandfather, formerly of Centre county, and of English de- scent, was numbered among the honored pioneers of this section of the State. In the midst of the wilderness he developed a good farm, obtaining the land from the government, and to agricult- ural pursuits ever devoted his attention. George C. Passmore, the father of our subject, grew to manhood amid the scenes of frontier life, and, in connection with farming, worked at his trade of blacksmithing. In the early days he was obliged to go over the mountains for provisions, follow- ing a trail, and had always to be on the lookout for panthers and other wild beasts, which were still quite plentiful in this region. He was known as Colonel Passmore, which title he acquired as commander of militia. He took quite a promi- nent part in public affairs, was an influential member of the board of commissioners, and in politics was a strong Democrat. He was married to Miss Mary A. Hardsock, daughter of Abram Hardsock, who was of German origin, and an early settler of Clearfield county, where he en- tered over 1,800 acres of wild land. Here he opened up a farm and worked at his trade of wagon-making at Curwensville, where he erected the first house and shop, both of logs. There his death occurred, caused by a cancer. To his children-Miles, Mary A. and Daniel-he gave good farms, and reared them in the faith of the Society of Friends, to which they always adhered. To Col. Passmore and his wife were born eight children-Harrison, of Luthersburg, Penn. ; Elam B., of this sketch; Harvey F., of Clearfield coun- ty; Jane and George, twins; Martha; Edward; and Mrs. Fannie Fianna. The parents were faithful members of the Methodist Church.

Elam B. Passmore secured a limited educa- tion in the common schools of Clearfield county, and remained upon the home farm until his mar- riage, which event occurred in March, 1857, Miss Mary Short becoming his wife. She was born September 1, 1836, in Chambersburg, Penn.,

where her parents, Adam and Margaret (Wagoner) Short, natives of Germany, were married, and in 1838 brought their family to Clearfield county, where the father continued to follow farming throughout the remainder of his life. He was born in 1800, and died at the age of seventy-four years, in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, but his wife, who died at the age of sixty-four, was a Lutheran in religious belief. She was twice married and by her first husband had one son, Conrad Baker, while Mrs. Passmore is the only child of the second union. For three years after his marriage our subject farmed rented land and then purchased an unbroken tract, on which he built a log house and developed the land into a good farm. During the winter months he fol- lowed lumbering, and in the spring would take rafts of lumber down the river to market. On selling his first place Mr. Passmore purchased the Askey farm of 109 acres, at an orphans' sale, and, on locating thereon. he found things badly out of repair. The house, which was then standing, was subsequently destroyed by fire, and he built his present commodious two-story frame resi- dence, which he has flanked with good barns and outbuildings; he has set out a fine orchard and cleared and improved much of the land, which is now under a high state of cultivation. His home is conveniently located three miles north of Cur- wensville.

Six children bless the union of our subject and his wife, namely: Mrs. Rosanna Moore; Harrison, a farmer by occupation; Amos: Adam S., a resident of Nebraska; and George and Con- rad B., who both follow agricultural pursuits. The mother, who was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church, was held in the highest regard by all who had the pleasure of her ac- quaintance. She passed away November 9, 1897, aged sixty-one years, two months and eight days. Mr. Passmore is open and frank in the expression of his opinions, and in politics is a sound Demo- crat. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and is a highly esteemed citizen.

D AVID JOHNSTON. The representatives of the farming interests of Jordan township acknowledge this gentleman as one of the most important factors who aided in bringing Clear- field county to its present enviable condition. He is a man of more than ordinary business ca- pacity, intelligent and well informed, and is a successful agriculturist.

Born April 27, 1842, on the farm in Jordan township where he still resides, Mr. Johnston is a son of Robert and Mary (Cameron) Johnston.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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both natives of Scotland. In 1829, Robert Johnston, accompanied by his brother James, crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locat- ing first in Pottsville. Penn., where he engaged in coal mining. There he married Mary Cam- eron, who had come with her father, John Cam- eron, from Scotland to America about the same time as her future husband, and located near Pottsville. Her family held membership in the Presbyterian Church, as also did the Johnstons. In 1833 the Johnston brothers came to Clearfield county and purchased adjoining farms in Jordan township, Robert securing 108 acres on which our subject now resides. From the almost un- broken forest he developed a fine farm, and so successful was he in his business ventures that he became the owner of several other valuable tracts of land. He died on the old homestead in 1871, respected by all who knew him, and his estimable wife passed away in 1874. To this worthy couple were born nine children: Robert M., a prominent farmer of Jordan township; Mary, wife of R. Caldwell; John, a resident of Ansonville, Clearfield county; Isabel, wife of I. Bloom; . James W., a farmer by occupation; Will- iam (deceased); David, of this sketch; Mark, who died in childhood: and Elizabeth, wife of S. Witherow.

Upon the old homestead David Johnston was reared to the honest toil incident to a farmer's life, and in the common schools of the locality he received a good practical education. He never left the parental roof, and assumed the manage- ment of the farm four years previous to his father's death, after which he purchased the in- terests of the other heirs, and still continues to inake that place his home. He has purchased other land, some of which he has given to his children. Lumbering has claimed his attention to some extent, and he is still the owner of the minerals underlying his land. On June 2, 1865, he was married to Miss Martha Patterson. a lady of intelligence and culture. a daughter of Joseph Patterson, one of the earliest settlers of Jordan township, where he improved a farm and became quite prominent. In religious belief he was also a Presbyterian, and in politics he was a stalwart ! Democrat, serving as justice of the peace for a muunber of years. He was of Scotch-Irish de- scent, while his wife was of Gerinan birth. In their family were the following children: David. who died at the age of nineteen years: Peter, Robert and Hezekiah, who engage in farming; Eliza, wife of G. Mays: George, a minister of the Dunkard Church; Mary, wife of A. Bloom; and Martha, the estimable wife of our subject.

Nine children blessed the union of David and

Mrs. Johnston, of whom one died in infancy. The names and dates of birth of the others are as follows: Mary Alice. April 22, 1866; William H., November 14. 1867; John F., December 21, 1869; Maggie, June 24. 1873: Joseph T., April 2, 1877; Bertha J., August 28, 1880; Robert C., December 22. 1883; and Clar. December 19, 1891. Reared in the Presbyterian Church, the parents of these have always closely adhered to that faith, and are numbered among the most valued and highly respected citizens of their com- munity, in whose welfare they have always taken a deep and commendable interest. Mr. Johns- ton uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and he has filled some township offices to the satisfaction of all concerned.

M ITENRY MYERS, who was one of the " brave boys in blue" during the dark days of the Civil war, is now one of the representative farm- ers and miners of Decatur township. Clearfield county.

Born in 1848 in Clinton county, Penn., Mr Myers is a son of Henry and Margaret Orner Myers. The father's birth occurred in North- umberland county, this State, but when a young man, he located in Clinton county, where his marriage was celebrated. There his death oc- curred in 1861, and his wife passed away in the same county the year previous. Of the eleven children born to this worthy couple, only five sons are now living, namely: John, now a resi- dent of Nebraska, enlisted in Clinton county, Penn., and served for nine months in the Union army during the Rebellion: Lowell M. makes his home at Beech Creek. Clinton county; Henry, of this sketch: William D., of Marsh Creek, Centre Co .. Penn .; and George H., of New Mexico.

Henry Myers was reared to farm life in Clinton county. Although quite young. he manifested his loyalty to his native land by enlisting in Sep- tember. 1864, in the Civil war. for one year's service or until the close of the war. and becanie a member of Company E. sard P. V. I., which formed a part of the Army of the Potomac. After being mustered in at Williamsport, Penn., he did picket duty in front of Petersburg, where he was stationed most of the time. There in 1864 he received a gunshot wound, and was sent to a hospital at Washington, D. C., where he was confined until honorably discharged on the 29th of June. 1865. He then returned to his home in Clinton county, but soon afterward re- moved to Sunbury. Northumberland Co., Penn., where he remained until coming to Morris town-

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ship, Clearfield county, in 1874. For about three years he was employed at coal mining in the ; Morrisdale Mines, after which he came to De- catur township, where he has followed the same pursuit in connection with lumbering and farm- ing. Here he purchased a tract of twenty-one acres of timber land in 1883, has erected thereon a good house and barn, and placed the land under cultivation. He is an energetic, indus- trious man, who, from an early age, has made his own way in the world, and the success that he has achieved is certainly well deserved.

In 1870, in Centre county, Penn., our subject was married to Miss Frances C. Chapman, a na- tive of that county, born at Hecla Furnace. They became the parents of thirteen children: Mrs. Phebe E. Kephart, of Decatur township; George A., who is married and resides in the same township; Mrs. Alma A. Reams and Mrs. Hester P. Kephart, both residents of · Decatur township; Rhibert A .: John; Sarah C .; Zella M. ; Edith E .; Virginia F .; Anna M., who died at the age of three months: Frederick T., and Nora C. The father of these, in his political views, is a firm Republican; he has served as inspector of elections, and has always taken a deep and com- mendable interest in public affairs, giving his support to all worthy enterprises which will in any way benefit his township or county .. His Mr. and Mrs. Shirey hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat and has been elected by his fel- low townsmen to various local offices, in which he honorable, upright life has gained for him the confidence and high regard of all who know him. His faithful wife passed away June 18, 1897, greatly esteemed by her many friends and ac- ; has discharged his duties with promptness and quaintances.

A H. SHIREY. Among the progressive and leading farmers of Clearfield county, who are well deserving of mention in this volume is the subject of this review. He was born in the county September 17, 1832, a son of Jacob and Mary (Luzier) Shirey, the former a native of Dauphin county, and the latter of Huntingdon county, Penn. Both the Shireys and Luziers are of German descent. Jacob Shirey came to Clearfield county in 1820, at which time it was almost an unbroken wilderness where all kinds of wild gaine abounded, so that hunting, trapping and lumbering were the principal occupations of the people. He purchased a tract of heavy tim- ber land in Bradford township, and there opened a farm and reared his family. He was married in 1826. He was widely and favorably known, filled a number of township offices, and supported the Democracy. He died in 1872, and his wife passed away in 1859. They had eleven chil- dren: E. K., of Clearfield; George, a farmer;

A. C., of Goshen township; A. H., of this sketch; Majory, wife of Joseph Bumgardner, a miner; David, of West Virginia; Ferdinand, a farmer; Margaret (deceased); Agnes, wife of N. Brady; Jacob (deceased), and Regina, wife of John Lansberry.

A. H. Shirey acquired his education in the subscription schools of his native county, and was reared to the peaceful pursuits of the farm. He was married in 1857 to Miss Hien E. Leonard, daughter of Archie Leonard, of Irishi descent. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Texas. Her mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth McCracken: Mr. and Mrs. Shirey became the parents of thirteen children: Mary, who died at the age of three years; Rebecca, wife of A. S. Shaw, a farmer, of Goshen township, had eleven children; R. K. was married May 23, 1388, to Maggie Lansberry, and died on August 10 of the the same year: Lemuel. of West Clearfield, mar- ried Ella Spence, and has three daughters: Carrie, wife of Thomas McCorkle, a farmer of Lawrence township, has five children; Harry married Anna Sankey, resides in Goshen township. and has one daughter; Newton D. married Mary Addieman, has one daughter, and resides in Curwensville: Clippinger V., Laura B., W. Roy, Fay, Hattie E. and Walter D., are all single and at home.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 45

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