Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 5

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 5
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 5
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 5
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 5

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The Van Tassel family has been established in New York City for many years, and our sub- jeet's father, R. S. Van Tassel, was born and reared there, and became a merchant of that eity. His wife, Elizabeth Higgins, a native of New Jersey, died in the same State in 1879. In 1892 R. S. Van Tassel, having retired from busi- ness, eame to DuBois, where four of his ehil- dren now reside. The eldest, A. R. Van Tassel, is mentioned more fully below. The second son, E. D. Van Tassel, a member of the firm, resides in Boston, Mass., having charge of the firm's business in that city. Two daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Wood and Mrs. S. B. Higenbotham, and the youngest son, William Van Tassel, who is also employed with the firm, complete the family.

A. R. Van Tassel was born March 31, 1854, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and was educated in that eity. He learned the tanner's trade in Woburn, Mass., and after working for some time in Mas- sachusetts and New York he located, in 1880, in Bolivar, Allegany Co., N. Y., and engaged in business on his own account, remaining there until he removed to DuBois. He was married in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1879, to Miss Jen- nie Thomas, whose death occurred there in 1884. In 1893 Mr. Van Tassel for his second wife mar- ried Miss Aliee Henderson, daughter of J. B. and Mary (Bennett) Henderson, prominent residents of Brookville, Penn., her father being president of the Jefferson County Bank at that place. By his first marriage Mr. Van Tassel has a son, Stephen T., now a student in Chettenham Mili- tary Academy, near Philadelphia, while a daugh- ter, Blanche, blessed the second marriage.

In polities Mr. Van Tassel is a Republican. He is prominent in various fraternal orders and in general society, being a member of the Acorn

af Van Jassel

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1810862

Club, of Garfield Lodge, F. & A. M., at Du Bois, the Chapter, Knapp Commandery at Ridgway, and Zem-Zem Shrine at Erie, Penn. He has also strengthened the fire department of the city by the organization of A. R. Van Tassel Fire Company No. 3, intended for special service at the tannery.

A BRAHAM BAILEY has for many years been prominently identified with the busi- ness interests of Clearfield county. He has been the promoter of many enterprises that have not only advanced his individual prosperity, but have proved of material benefit to the community, and in all his relations with the public, his career has been above reproach.

Mr. Bailey was born November 17, 1819, in Pike township, on the farm where he still makes his home, a son of Daniel and Jane (Passman) Bailey. The paternal grandfather, Calcb Bailey, was reared in Lancaster county, Penn., became a school teacher, and at an early day removed with his family to Clearfield county, taking up his residence near Curwensville, about 1811. There he developed a farm, upon which he made his home until his death which occurred about 1841. His wife survived him a few years. The Bailey family mingle in their veins the blood of English, Scotch and Irish ancestry, and the first American settlers were among the Colonists who came to America with William Penn, and were members of the Society of Friends.

Daniel Bailey, father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Penn, in 1794, and when Abraham Bailey was reared to manhood in his parents' home, and under his father's instruc- tion was well trained for a business career. In the provisions of his father's will he was given the privilege of purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead. This he did. and has since retained the ownership of the prop- erty, which is under a high state of cultivation and improved with all the accessories of a model farm of the nineteenth century. He owns over . 400 acres in one body, and 250 acres are divided into rich fields. His residence is a large and comfortable two-story frame dwelling, and the ontbuildings are substantial. There are also two other houses and large barns on the place, and under the whole are mineral deposits of different kinds, including fire clay and coal. He also owns a desirable farm two miles north of Curwensville. about seventeen ycars of age came with his parents to Clearfield county. After his marriage he pur- chased a farm upon which he lived for a few years, when he sold that property and bought the farm on which our subject now resides, the land having been patented by Mr. Passman, an hon- ored pioncer of the county. He became owner of one hundred acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, and from time to time added to that property until he owned more than four hundred acres in the homestead. He was a capable business man and successful financier, and by judicious investments accumulated a handsome property. At various times he bought and sold land not only in this State, but also in the West, and his investments were generally profitable. He also purchased timber land, and engaged in the manufacture of luumber. He Mr. Bailey has been extensively interested in other enterprises, many of which have brought to him excellent returus. After the war he visited the West and invested in large tracts of land in also mined coal, and with great energy prosc- cuted his business interests until he had ac- cumulated a fine estate. He also aided his children in getting a start in life, and at his : Iowa, which he afterward sold at a good profit.

death disposed by will of his property to the value of $10,000. In early life he gave his po- litical support to the Whig party, and later be- came a stanch Republican, taking great interest in the party. He never sought office, but was frequently called upon to serve his fellow towns- inen in positions of public trust. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, and always adhered to their beliefs. His death occurred in 1876, and his wife passed away in 1878. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Epico- pal Church, and her many excellencies of char- acter won for her the csteem of all. Her father, Abraham Passman, was an honored pioneer of Clearfield county, where he located about 1810. His birth occurred in this State, and in his early life he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Clearfield county in connection with farming. In politics he was a Democrat. but never sought or held office. After the death of his wife he made his home among his grand- children.

The family of Daniel- and Jane Bailey num- bered twelve children, namely: Maria, wife of G. Snell; Isaac, deceased; Abraham; Joseph, a prominent farmer of Pike township; Mrs. Ann Ansbach, of Iowa: Ruth, deceased; George, a farmer of Pike township; Calvin, a resident farmer of Oregon; Levi, who died in Iowa; Harrison, who died in Colorado; Lewis, who died in child- hood, and Newton, who served through the Civil war, removed to Iowa, and afterward returned to Pennsylvania, where he died, his death resulting from exposure and hardships endurcd in the army.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1890 he visited his brother Harrison in Colo- rado, and through his influence invested in min- ing property, but this proved unprofitable. In . early manhood, in connection with a partner, he built and operated a sawmill, purchased timber lands, and did a good lumber business. After a few years the plant and lands were sold, but they subsequently bought another large mill and lands, and for a number of years did an extensive busi- ness in the luinber trade. At one time Mr. Bailey was also connected with a store in Cur- wensville, but has now concentrated his energies to the conducting of his farin.

In 1842 Mr. Bailey married Miss Nancy Col- well, daughter of Alexander Colwell, an honored pioneer and farmer of this locality. He was a public-spirited man, who in his early life gave his support to the Democratic party, but afterward affiliated with the Republicans, and was honored with several offices, serving as county sheriff and as a member of the State Legislature. He mar- ried a Miss Hartshorn, of an old and influential family. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, served as class leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school, and died about 1884. His children were Hugh, Isabella, Hartshorn, Anna, Jane, Nancy L., Matthew, Margery, Margaret, Jonathan, Samuel and Mrs. Mary Fleming. Samuel served in the Civil war, and when on his way home was acci- dentally killed.

Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have six children: Han- nah, wife of William Lawhead, a farmer; Eliza- beth, who was killed by a falling tree; Mrs. Fran- ces E. Lochrey, deceased; Samuel D., a practic- ing physician of Clearfield; Lewis E., a school teacher, and Mrs. Margaret Straw. The parents are consistent members of the Methodist Church; in politics Mr. Bailey has been a stanch Repub- lican since the organization of the party and has held some township offices, but has never been a politician. Nature has dealt kindly with hin, and though long past the allotted three-score vears and ten, he is in the enjoyment of good health, while his mental faculties are unimpaired.

J UDGE JOHN HOCKENBERRY has been a conspicuous figure in the development of Clearfield county for many years, and has been prominent in both business and political circles. He is a man of sterling worth, whose fidelity to duty in all the relations of life has won for him the confidence and respect of the public, and made him a valued citizen.

The Judge was born in Clearfield county, Oc- tober 17, 1827, and is descended from good old

Revolutionary stock. His grandfather, Casper Hockenberry, a native of England, took up his residence in America in Colonial days, and served throughout the war of American Independence. Subsequently he removed to Pennsylvania, locat- ing in Clearfield county, when it was the home of the Indian and the haunt of wild beasts. At that time there were only five families living in the entire county. Later he went to the fur- naces of Centre county, where he was employed for many years in chopping cordwood; his death occurred near Lumber City. His children were Thomas, Miah, James and Arthur (twins), Joseph, Martin, John, and one daughter.

Martin Hockenberry, father of our subject, was born in Juniata county, Penn., and during his early boyhood came with his father to Clear- field county, where he was reared to manhood. He married Sarah England, and at once began farmning. On selling his first farm he removed to Chest township, where he developed another farm, making it his home until his death in 1878. He did some rafting on the river, but devoted his energies mostly to agricultural pursuits. His po- litical support was given the Democracy. By his marriage to Sarah England he had three children: Hannah, deceased; Jolin; and Henry, formerly a lumberman and farmer, but now deceased. The mother of this family dying, the father sub- sequently married Margaret Bush, by whom he had nine children, namely: Rachel, William, Margaret, Mathias, Ellen, Sarah, Eliza and Cath- erine (twins), and Harriet.

Judge Hockenberry spent the days of his boy- hood under the parental roof. Lumbering and farming have been the principal pursuits of the citizens of Clearfield county, and to those indus- tries he has devoted his time and attention. For thirty years he followed lumbering, at the same time operating a farin. During that period he also conducted a store on his farm for five years. He cleared and improved two tracts of land, and about 1862 sold his first farm, removing to his present home in Chest township, where he pur- chased 220 acres of timber land. Of this, one hundred acres have been placed under a high state of cultivation, and they yield to the owner a golden tribute in return for his care and labor. He has erected a two-story frame residence, has a large barn and other substantial outbuildings, and keeps everything about his place in good re- pair. His farmi is underlaid with coal. iron ore and fire clay, but as yet he has made no sale of these minerals. He also owns another farni known as the Conley farm, on which he is now making modern improvements.

On August 4, 1854, Judge Hockenberry was

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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united in marriage with Elizabeth A. Fraley, who was born in Germany, whence during her child- hood she came to America with her parents. A few years after his arrival, her father, Frederick Fraley, purchased land and continued the opera- tion of his farm until his death. He voted with the Democracy, and for many years held inem- bership in the Baptist Church. His children were: Catherine, Lena, John, Elizabeth, Mary A., Lydia, and Andy. Judge and Mrs. Hocken- berry had four children: George, who is operating the homestead farm; Eliza J., who died at the age of nine years; Sarah E., wife of J. Welch; and Emeline E., wife of G. Lightner. The inother of this family, who was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church, died in 1888, mourned by inany friends. The Judge was again married, January 24, 1889, the second un- ion being with Miss Cordelia Conley, a lady of culture and intelligence, who belongs to the Methodist Protestant Church. She is a daugh- ter of John and Elizabeth (Needler) Conley. Her father was reared in Cambria county, Penn., was married in Indiana county, and removed to Clearfield county in 1864. He was a blacksmith by trade, and also followed farming. A stanch Democrat in politics, he served as justice of the peace for a number of years, was school director, and held other minor offices. He was a promi- nent Freemason, a member of the I. O. O. F., and a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He died December 13, 1892. His wife died August 29, 1889, and like him was a follower of Methodist teaching. Their chil- dren were: Frank; Cordelia; Etta, wife of S. Morrison: Alice, wife of W. Billings; William, Ernest and Pearl.

Judge Hockenberry is a warm advocate of Democratic principles, and is well-informed on the issues of the day. His fellow-townsmen have demonstrated their confidence in him by electing him to a number of political offices. He has served as township treasurer two terins, has been a member of the election board, and school trustee, and in 1881 was elected associate judge, the last year in which such' an office was maintained in Clearfield county. He is a very popular man, of pleasant, genial manner, and his sterling worth has won him high regard. He has been a great hunter in his time, having killed :

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about one hundred deer.

J AMES W. SPANGLE, who has taken a most active part in the development of Becaria township, Clearfield county, is a prominent business man, whose energy and perseverance

have brought to him success. He conducts his interests with strict regard to the ethics of com- mercial life, and his fidelity to the trust commit- ted to his care, combined with capable manag- ment and resolute will, have brought to him the prosperity which should ever crown honorable efforts.

Mr. Spangle comes of a family that has long been widely and favorably known in this com- munity. His grandfather was a native of Ger- many, and on coming to this country located in Perry county, Penn., afterward removing to York county. He both cleared and cultivated some of the finest farms in the State. Samuel Spangle, father of our subject, was born in York county, in 1802, and when twenty-six years of age came to Clearfield county, locating near Irvona, on Clearfield creek, where he built a log house. Manufacturing lumber, he rafted it down the river to market. He married Miss Julia Philips, of this county, and purchased 200 acres of tim- ber land two miles from Coalport, where he built a log house and followed farining. In 1856 he sold that property, purchasing eighty acres ad- joining Blaine City, which he cleared and trans- formed into a productive tract. Its first build- ings were a log house and barn, but afterward he erected a two-story frame residence, and in 1874 built a large bank barn.

His wife died in July, 1880, leaving many friends to mourn her taking off. Their family num- bered nine children: (1) Elizabeth, born on the farm near Irvona, is the widow of H. B. Burket. of Bedford county, Penn., who after his marriage located near the Spangle homestead, where he died in 1876. They had two children-Theresa became the wife of William Whitehead, who died leaving two children who reside with their grandmother; Bertie became the wife of David Stull, and died in 1895, leaving one child, also living with Mrs. Burket. (2) J. D. Spangle, born in Becaria township, in 1846, married Adda Heberly, of that township, and then purchased a tract of land adjoining the homestead. He now has a fine farm there. and an interesting family of five children --- Samuel, Tamsen, Ralph. Roy and Essie. (3) S. M. Spangle, born in 1847, married Sarah Hammond, of Becaria, and located on Clearfield creek, near Coalport. He is a stone inason by trade. and follows contract- ing and building. His children are -- Frank. Clara, Mary and Martin. (4) James W. is the next younger. (5) Charles R .. born in 1852, wedded Mary Smead, of Becaria, and purchased a farm adjoining his father's home, where he built a fine residence. He has three children- Susan, Julia, and one whose name is not given.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(6) Mary Adeline, born in Becaria township, in 1854, is the wife of Christ Bear, formerly of Glen Hope, but now of Reading, Penn. They have a daughter-Minnie E. (7) Hannah, born in 1856, is the wife of Isaac Lyle, a farmer of Becaria township. She died in the fall of 1895, leaving four children-May, Tressie, Bessie and Pearl. (8) Jane, born in 1858, is the wife of Levi Gates, a farmer residing near Glendale, Cambria Co., Penn. Their children are-Harry, Charlie, George, Emery, Mary, Ralph, Blair and Bessie. (9) George Spangle, born in 1860, died in 1872. James W. Spangle, the well-known and pop- ular contractor of Rose Bud, was born in 1848, at his parents home on Clearfield creek, a mile below Irvona. He removed with the family to the farm near Coalport, and was there reared to manhood, his summer months being devoted. to labor, while in the winter he attended the public schools. In 1870, he married Eliza A., daugh- ter of Daniel and Rebecca Crowell, of Becaria township. His first purchase of land comprised 150 acres where the town of Rose Bud now stands. For a number of years he followed farming and lumbering, and in 1880 built a saw- mill, which he operated fifteen years. He still continues the manufacture of sawed lumber. After the building of the Bell's Gap railroad, he divided his land into town lots, and thus became the founder of Rose Bud. In 1880 he erected a fine residence there, and has since made it his home. During the past fifteen years he has erected more than one hundred residences in Rose Bud and Blaine City, and has built a num- ber of county bridges. He is one of the leading contractors of the county, and his extensive pat- ronage well indicates his fidelity to the trusts committed to his care.

Mr. and Mrs. Spangle have nine children: (1) Daniel, born June 22, 1871, was educated in the common schools and reared under the parental roof. He wedded Mirtie Gilland, of West Eliz- abeth, Penn., and removed to one of his father's houses near the parental home. They have one son-Harry M. (2) Rebecca A., born August 25, 1873, was married in 1890 to David Myers, of Becaria township, and lives in one of the Spangle residences in Rose Bud. They have three children-Jessie Mary, Irene and J. Clair. (3) Sarah Jane, born May 1, 1875, is the wife of John Ginter, of Cambria county, who now re- sides in Rose Bud. (4) Nora M., born August 4, 1878, (5) William Henry, born August 17. 1881, (6) George W., born June 6, 1885, (7) James L., born December 25, 1887, (8) Minnie E., born Marchi 1, 1890, and (9) Ernest C., born November 23, 1893, are all at home.

Mr. Spangle exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, and has accepta- bly served in the office of township treasurer for eight years, and was school director one term. He takes an active interest in everything per- taining to the general welfare, and his practical business ideas applied to the public interests have largely advanced the prosperity and growth of the community.

W ILLIAM F. MOSSER, proprietor of the large tannery at Westover, Clearfield county, occupies a prominent place in business circles, not alone on account of the brilliant suc- cess he has achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring en- ergy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily, and is determined in their execution; and his close application to business and his ex- cellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which to-day is his.

A native of Lehigh county, Penn., Mr. Mos- ser was born in Allentown, August 10, 1860, and is a son of William K. and Lucy A. (Fisher) Mosser, in whose family were three children, two of whom are still living, the other being Mary, wife of Col. H. C. Trexler, of Allentown. The mother is still living in that city, but the father's death occurred in 1874. He was a son of Jacob Mosser, and rgandson of David Mosser. The family was founded in America during the Colonial period, and the first authentic record is the purchase of a tract of land in Lehigh county by John Mosser, March 13, 1746, the next being by Sebastian Mosser in 1750.

In 1880, Mr. Mosser, of this review, embarked in the tanning business in Allentown, where he continued operations for four years, and then re- moved to Williamsport, Penn., where he entered the employ of J. K. Mosser & Co. Having se- lected Westover as a suitable location for a tan- nery, he took up his residence there in April, 1890, and at once conimenced the erection of his present plant, known as the "Westover Tan- nage," which is equipped with all modern im- proved machinery, and has a capacity of 560 sides per day, while employment is furnished to 130 hands. It is one of the most important industries of the county, and has met with well-deserved success. Besides his own beautiful and commodi- ons residence, he has erected suitable houses for his employees in the grove overlooking the plant and railroad, and has done all within his power to advance the interests of those under him.

On March 15, 1881, Mr. Mosser was united

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in marriage with Miss Emily Guiley, formerly of Easton, Penn., a daughter of John and Isabella Guiley. They occupy an enviable position in so- cial circles, and have made many warm friends since coming to Clearfield county. Politically, Mr. Mosser is identified with the Republican party. His career has ever been such as to war- rant the trust and confidence of the business world, for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. His devotion to public good is unquestioned, and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellowmen.

B ENJAMIN SPACKMAN, a leading represent- ative of the agricultural interests of Graham township, has spent his entire life in Clearfield county. His father, John Spackman, was born in 1800, in Chester county, Penn., but during his boyhood accompanied his parents to Clear- field county, and first located in what is now known as the Moore farm near the city of Clear- field, whence he removed to the Spackman farm on Read's Ridge. He was united in marriage with Miss Jane Ann Irwin, after which he pur- chased eighty acres of land at Bald Hill in Girard township, and still later a 100-acre tract adjoin- ing. This he cleared, developed and improved with good buildings, making it one of the most desirable farms in the locality.

Six children were born to the parents of our subject-five sons and one daughter: (1) Adam S. married Jane Patchin, by whom he had six children, and at first made his home upon a farm in Girard township, which he sold, and purchased a place in Lawrence township, Clearfield county. After living there for a few years, he again dis- posed of his farm and bought property in West- moreland county, Penn., where he still resides. (2) Jonathan married Elsie Leonard, a daughter of William Leonard, of Goshen township, Clear- field county, and lived in Girard township upon what is known as the Justin Pie farm, until 1866, when he sold and removed to Freeport, Ill., where he died leaving a widow and six children. (3) Mary Jane is the wife of Mitchell Shope, by whom she had eight children, six of whom yet survive. After living for a number of years upon a farm in Girard township, they purchased a home in Clearfield, where they still reside. (4) Henry enlisted in the Union service during the Civil war, and was taken ill at Camp Curtin, where his death occurred, and where he was buried. (5) Daniel (twin brother of Henry) mar- ried Mina Hoover, and. resided on the old home- stead until his death in 1866; he left one child, 39

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 5

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