Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 52

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 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 52

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E. J. Campbell, our subject, in 1864, at the early age of seventeen years, enlisted in the 10th New York Heavy Artillery, becoming a member of Company H. They were first stationed on fortifications at Maryland Heights, where they remained three months, and were then ordered to Petersburg, where they guarded the Weldon railroad for some time. Next they were trans- ferred to Washington, and later to the Shenan- doah Valley. They participated in the battle of Cold Harbor, and after its evacuation returned to Petersburg, and subsequently took part in the engagement at Bermuda. After the mine ex- plosion they left Petersburg, which they were guarding at the time of Lec's surrender. and re- turned to Harts Island, N. Y., where Mr. Camp- bell was honorably discharged and mustered out. He returned to Bradford county, but after a short time went to Elk county, Penn., where he worked in the lumber woods until 1870, when he came to Clearfield county, and was here married

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to Miss Dora. a daughter of J. C. and Martha Smitlı, of Brady township. Buying a lot, he built a pleasant residence in Taylortown, near Luthersburg. where he has since made his home.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have four children. nainely: (1) Minnie I., born July 8, 1871, mar- ried Geerge Smith. of Union township, Clear- field county, by whom she has two daughters, Lula and Bertha. They reside in Du Bois. where Mr. Smith is interested with Dr. Gregory in the lumber business. He is said to be one of the most careful and best lumber inspectors in Clearfield county. (2) Charles O., born in 1873, is an intelligent and reliable young man, who ! has the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 13 William L., born in 1875. is a student in the Coal Hill schools, and is still with his parents. (4) Nora L. is also pursuing her studies in the public schools of Coal Hill. .

Mr. Campbell is an unswerving Republican in his political affiliations, and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the suc- cess of his party. He has always taken an act- ive interest in local affairs, and to-day ranks among the best and most honored citizens of Brady township. His wife and one son are inembers of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Luthersburg, and the family is one of promi- nence in the community.

The father was employed for some years in a glass factory there. bat in 1852 he moved to Armstrong county. Penn .. and cleared a farm where he spent his remaining years, his death occurring in 1864. He had been married three tines. His first wife died in East Liberty. Penn .. : n 1850. leaving five children: Conrad, who served in the Civil war as a member of the 78th P. V. I., and died in 1892 in Ohio: George W .. our subject: Henry. who enlisted in Kittan- ning. Penn .. in 1863. in the 103d P. V. I .: and died on Roanoke Island, N. C., in 1804: John. now a resident of Washington township. Joffer- son county: and Anna Martha, now Mrs. R. Crook. of Ford City, Penn. The second wife Anna Gruntz, died. leaving one daughter. Kate Mrs. Ravineri, now deceased. The third wife Mary Aultinam survives her husband, and occi-

pies the old home in Kittanning township, Arm- strong county.

As our subject was only eight years of age when his father removed to Armstrong county, his education was mainly acquired in the schools of that locality. He had not entered upon an independent business when he left home to enter the army, but after receiving his final discharge at Newbern, N. C., in 1865, he re- turned to Armstrong county and engaged in farming, his early training having familiarized him with the details of that occupation. Shortly afterward he became interested in a threshing machine, which he operated for seven years, and in 1877 he moved to Clarion county, where he successfully conducted a grocery business one year; for five years he was engaged in the hotel business in Jefferson City, and owned a number `of oil wells in that district. . In 1882 he located at Du Bois, and built a shingle mill which he conducted for four years, in partnership with N. D. Fairchild, and then sold out to go into a saw- mill business with his brother. Later he became a partner of J. A. Bowerson in a sawmill and a retail lumber business, and in 1896 he formed a partnership with George Hess, in a general plan- ing-mill business. and in the manufacture of coffins, furniture and all kinds of wood work to order. Their factory is a two-story building. 90 x 48 feet, and they employ from eight to sev- enteen men. Their trade necessitates an imme- diate addition to their building, and a shed and dryhouse are to be erected at once. Mr. Pifer, when a mere youth of sixteen. enlisted, in 1861,

G EORGE W. PIFER, a leading citizen of Du Bois. Sandy township, Clearfield county. was born in Pittsburg. Penn., October 24. 1844. and is of German blood. his parents John and . for three years in Company C. ro3d P. V. I .. Anna Martha Pifer. being natives of Darinstadt. in the Fatherland, where they were married, coming to this country and locating in Pittsburg, in 1844. and served in the Army of the Potomac through- out the war. re-enlisting, in 1864, at the close of his first term in the same company. He took part in many important battles. including the fierce conflict in the Wilderness and the engage- ments at Yorktown. Fair Oaks. Williamsburg. Chickamauga, White Oak. Railroad Bridge. Bel- lows Bridge, Long Bridge. Jones Ford. Charles City Cross Roads, Harrison Point. Kingston. White Hall. Goldsboro. Blackwater. Southwest Creek. Blount's Creek. Foster Mills. Williams- burg. Chickahominy and others. Of his three brothers, one was not old enough to enter the army. but the other two enlisted, and one of them. Henry, lost his life in the service.

On November 2. 1865, Mr. Pifer was married. in Kittanning, Penn., to Miss Hannah H. Schrum. a native of Armstrong county, where her parents, George and Sarah (Heileman Schrum. both natives of Germany, settled at an early day. She died in August. 1874. and on March 9. 1876. Mr. Pifer wedded Miss Hannah Melinda Wolf.

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who was born December 13, 1848, a daughter of Isaac and Maria (Ehenger) Wolf. of Armstrong county. Her maternal grandfather came from Germany at an early day and located in Schuyl- kill county, later moving to Armstrong county, where he followed farming. Her paternal grand- father, Jacob Wolf, was also from Germany, and became an early settler of Armstrong county. She had an uncle, brother of her father. who served in the war of the Rebellion, and was killed in battle. By his first marriage Mr. Pifer had four children: Anna Bertha, who died in 1867: Sarah L., now Mrs. Lankert, of Santa Fe, N. M. ; Jame's, married and living in Du Bois; and Charles, at home. By the second marriage there were seven children: Elizabeth, Ada Belle, George MIc- Clellan, Warren Adolphus, Frances Cleveland. Grace May and Florence Leonia, all at home except Elizabeth, who died in infancy. Mr. Pifer has two uncles, Conrad and Henry, who are wealthy furniture dealers in Darmstadt, Ger- many.

Mr. Pifer is a man who inspires confidence. and is a leading factor in local affairs as well as in business circles. At present he holds the office of treasurer of Sandy township, Clearfield county. As might be conjectured from his military record, he is an active worker in the G. A. R., belonging to Easton Post. No. 229, at Du Bois, in which he has twice held the rank of senior vice com- mander.

J IRVIN McBRIDE, a well- known citizen of West Clearfield, Clearfield county, is one of the most energetic and progressive of the business men, whose enterprises have contributed to the establishment and rapid growth of that town. As the founder of McBride's Addition, he has achieved an acknowledged success, and his infinence has been felt in many movements which have tended to promote the welfare of his locality.

James McBride, our subject's grandfather, came from Scotland in the early part of this cen- tury, and made his home at Bellefonte, Penn .. where his remaining years were spent. Of five children. Milton McBride, our subject's father. was the eldest: Thomas died in Bellefonte: Han- nah married Charles Lucas, of the same town: Ellen . Mrs. James Lucas, died there: and Jane. who never married, lived at home until her death

Milton McBride, our subject's father, was born iu 1821, was a boy when he accompanied his parents to Bellefonte, and he was reared there to manhood, at which time he married

Miss Sarah Wallace. In 1850 he moved to Clearfield county, and settled upon what is now known as the Mitchell farm, where he followed agriculture for some time. Later he bought land in Clearfield borough, and located perma- nently, his death occurring there August 3. 1872. His wife died in Lawrence township. Clearfield county. December 16. 1862. They had seven children: Sarah (Mrs. Gorman), of Phillipsburg, N. J. ; Andrew, a resident of White Haven, Penn. : John, a farmer in Lawrence township; Miss Eliza J., who died Angust 21, 1895: J. Irvin, our subject; Melissa (Mrs. Larigan). of Osceola, Penn. ; and Mary (Mrs. Debrick), of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

J. Irvin McBride was born October 13. 1842. in Bellefonte, Penn., and has resided in Clear- field county since he was eight years old, and received his education there. He engaged. in farming and lumbering in early manhood. In 1888 his wife became owner of seventy acres, which is laid out in town lots. He has laid out fifty acres as an addition to the town, and has sold about forty lots, nearly all having since been built upon. In 1867 he was married in Clearfield to Miss Amina K. Nichols, who was born in Lawrence township, the daughter of Martin and Olive (Brockway) Nichols, natives of New York State, and early settlers in Clearfield county. Her father died May 6, 18 ;;. and her mother on August 5, 1877. They had two chil- dren, of whom Mrs. McBride is the elder: the second, Emma. married J. G. Schriver. of Clearfield. Mr. and Mrs. McBride have one daughter, Emma L. McBride, of Chicago. Illi- nois.

In political faith Mr. McBride is a Democrat. and he is now a member of the West Clearfield council. also has served upon the school board. He and his wife are leading members of the Presbyterian Church: socially. he is affiliated with the A. O. C. W .. and with the I. O. O. F .. Clearfield Lodge. No. 198. in which he has passed through all the chairs, and now holds the office of assistant secretary: also is a charter member of No. 318, K. G. E.

J JOHN C. ROOT, the popular proprietor of a first-class hotel in Becaria, Clearfield county. was born on the okl Root homestead in Becaria township. December 22, 185%. a son of Lemuel and Martha A. (Shoff, Root. The tam- ily is one of prominence in the community. an.1 has taken an active part in the growth and de- velopment of this region. Our subject was reared in much the osnal manner of fariner boys,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

early becoming familiar with agricultural pur- suits, and acquiring his education in the district ' schools of the neighborhood.

On February 4, 1880, Mr. Root was married to Miss Rhoda J. Frederick, of Becaria township, a daughter of Christian and Sarah Frederick, of Bradford county, Penn. The father belonged to a family that was early established in Orange county, N. Y., and in 1863 he left his home in Bradford county, coming to Smoke Run, Bigler township, Clearfield county, where he engaged in farming and lumbering, which occupations he still follows, but now resides in Ramey. In the ; Frederick family are four children, as follows: (1) Stephen, born in Bradford county, came with his parents to Clearfield county, and here thar- ried Lydia E. Root, a sister of our subject. They live on a farm in Jordan township, Clear- field county, and are the parents of four children -Martha, Anna, Ernest and Alice, all at home. (2) Rhoda J., wife of our subject, is next in order of birth. (3) Emma C., born in- Bigler township, is the wife of Philip Croyl, of Hunting- don county, Penn .. and they reside in Ramey, where he follows blacksmithing. They have four children-Sarah, Blair, Christian and Walter, all at home. (4) Charles, born in Gulich township, married Elva Fink, of Ramey, where they now reside.

For two years after his marriage, Mr. Root operated the home farm, and then removed to Ramey, where he followed lumbering for several years. One year he spent on a rented farm in Blair county, Penn., but at the end of that time returned to Ramey, where he followed mer- chandising for a year and a half, and then located in Becaria township, contracting with the Eureka Mines, Nos. 12 and 13, to supply timber for four years. In the fall of 1895 he purchased two lots in the town of Becaria, where he erected a large hotel, supplied with all modern improve- ments, and on the 24th of December removed his family to that place. Since opening the house the interests and comforts of his guests are the great objects he is striving for, and no more genial or pleasant landlord can be found in Clear- field county. The house is well fitted up, is con- venient and comfortable, and the cuisine is unexceptionable.

Mr. and Mrs. Root have become the parents of tive children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Harvey L., November 27, 1880; Emma G., April, 1884: Russel J., January, 1888; Lloyd D., January, 1890; and Nellie Pearl, August, 1893. With the exception of Emma G .. who died in September, 1886, all are with their parents.

Politically, Mr. Root is a stanch adherent of Democratic principles, but has no aspirations for office. He was reared in the faith of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, but his wife holds men- bership in the Presbyterian Church of Ramey. They hold a high position in social circles, and, being genial and affable in manner, they have made many warm friends throughout the com- munity.

G G. IRWIN, one of Clearfield county's rep- resentative citizens, is a prosperous agricult- urist and coal operator of Lawrence township. He is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and his grand- father, Andrew Irwin. came to Pennsylvania from the Emerald Isle at an early day. His first location was at Reading. where he met and married Miss Conrad, and later he made his hoine in Clinton county, on a farm at the site of the present town of Lock Haven, which was founded by one of his sons, as was also Jerry Church. He had the following children: John, who died in Clinton county: Robert and Jared, Wesley .. Gartland, Elizabeth, Jane, Penelope and Jacob, all now deceased.

Jacob Irwin, our subject's father, was born in Reading, April 13, 1799, but spent his early years mainly in Clinton county. In 1826 he went to Clearfield county to engage in business as a tanner, and after following this successfully until 1835 he gave it up for agriculture, and passed his remaining years upon a farm. He was married in Clearfield to Miss Priscilla Collins, who was born in Clearfield, Penn., the daughter of Robert and Margaret Collins, both natives of the Keystone State. Her father was a well- known carpenter and builder, and at that time was staying in Clearfield in order to carry out his contract for building the court house. His work as a contractor was extensive. He and his wife passed their last years in Elk county. Penn. Mrs. Irwin passed to her eternal reward in 1863. and her husband survived her fifteen years.

Of their six children our subject was the youngest: Catherine married William Cook, and lives in Lexington, Neb. : Letitia (Mrs. Poland) died in Lock Haven, in 1894: Elizabeth married Mr. Dugan, of Iowa City, lowa, who enlisted in an lowa regiment during the Civil war, and died from the effect of wounds received in the service; Martha, who died in 189;, was the wife of Milton Shaw, of Clearfield; and Ella V. married George Snyder, of Clearfield.

Mr. Irwin, our subject, was reared at the old homestead in Lawrence township, where he was

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born in 1842. The schools of that township ship offices acceptably. He had the following Nancy, Matilda, Mary, and Henry, who lives at the homestead. afforded fair advantages, of which he availed . children: Maria. Catherine, Sarah, George W .. himself during boyhood, and he has added to his store of knowledge by intelligent observation. He took a trip to Great Salt Lake in 1865, and since his return he has been engaged in agri- culture, his fine farm of one hundred acres being devoted to general crops. Since 1894 he has been mining coal on the estate. employing eight men. He was married in 1872 in Lumber City. Penn., to Miss Ella Shipton, a native of Mifflin county, Penn., and a daughter of Freeman Ship- ton. Two children have blessed this union, Howard and Mattie. Local improvements find in Mr. Irwin an influential advocate. He is a stanch Republican in politics. and holds at pres- ent the office of township treasurer.

G EORGE W. SHIMEL. Among the Ger- man-born citizens who did so much to de- velop this section in the pioneer days was George Shimel, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He was born in 1748, and came from the Fatherland to America in early manhood. Not long after his arrival he was married in Mary- land. and moved to the wilds of Huntingdon county, Penn .. and later to Centre county, where he remained for some time. About the year 1 800 he settled near Philipsburg and cleared a farm and built a distillery, which he operated for many years. In his later life he devoted his entire attention to agriculture. An enterprising and able man, he was a prominent figure in his local- ity. In politics he was a Democrat. He lived tu the advanced age of ninety-five, his death oc- curring in 1843. and his large estate was disposed of in accordance with the provisions of his will. He had twelve children: John. Adam, Lewis, Heury. Philip, George. William, Catherine. Julia A., Susan A., Betsey and Christina.

Henry Shimel, our subject's father, was born in Huntingdon county, and was taken to Clear- field county in boyhood. His father taught him the practical details of work on the farm and in the distillery, and on engaging in business on his own account he chose agriculture as his occupa- tion. He bought a large tract of timbered land in Boggs township, which he cleared and trans- formed into a fine farm. He married Miss Sarah Wiser. a lady of German descent, and the daugh- ter of John Wiser, a pioneer farmer of this sec- tion. She died in 1869, and he passed away December 13, 1870. Both were members of the Lutheran Church, and he was prominent in the local Democratic organization. Although he did not care for public life. he filled various town-

.George W. Shimel was born April 30, 1827, at the old farm, and enjoyed in his youth the usual privileges of a country boy, helping with the work according to the season, and attending the local schools three months each year. He remained at home until 1851, when he married Miss Mary J. Bush, and settled upon his present farm adjoining the homestead. After fourteen years of wedded life a separation took place, Mr. Shimel keeping the three children of the union, namely: Sarah E., now the wife of T. Kyler: Henry M., who is married and' lives at the old farm; and Laury, the wife of E. Lumadue. In 1874, Mr. Shimel married Miss Fannie Peters. daughter of Andrew Peters, of this State. a well- known agriculturist. This family is also of Ger- man origin. Mrs. Shimel was a member of the United Brethren Church, and an exemplary Christian. She passed to the unseen world Oc- tober 2, 1889, leaving no offspring.

Mr. Shimel is an enterprising and successful farmer, and has greatly improved his estate, which was only partially cleared when he took it. It is located one and one-half miles west of Wallaceton, and is now one of the most desira- ble homes in the township, with a commodious residence, large barn and many other well-ap- pointed farm buildings. . There is a fine orchard, and the house is surrounded with tastefully ar- ranged shrubbery. In his political affiliations. Mr. Shimel. is a Democrat, and he has always shown much interest in local affairs. holding vari- ous official positions. He was overseer of the poor for twenty years.

C HARLES E. PATTON. one of the enterpris- ing and popular dry-goods merchants of Curwensville, has built up a very extensive busi- ness by his own energy and enterprise, and gained a most enviable reputation for his finan- cial sagacity and honorable. straightforward dealings. Besides his mercantile establishment he is interested in farming, also in the coal and lumber business, and has met with a well-de- served success in his undertakings.

Hon. Jolin Patton, father of our subject, was a man of national reputation. He was one of the most energetic, progressive and public-spirit- ed men of Clearfield county, supporting all worthy enterprises which were calculated to benefit the community, and contributing liber- aily to Church and Educational institutions.

Geo. TV. skimel

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He was twice married, his first wife being Miss C. M. Ennis, a daughter of Alexander Ennis, of Hollidaysburg, Penn., and to them were-born four children: A son who died in 1856; Alexan- der. a prominent banker of Curwensville: John. a leading attorney of Grand Rapids, Mich., and ex-United States Senator, and Susan, who died when young. The mother died in 1855, and in 1858 Mr. Patton was again inarried, his second union being with Miss H. J. Foley, of Clearfield, a daughter of Hon. W. C. Foley. Of the eight children born to them, two died in infancy, the others being Charles E., of this review; Frank G. : Mrs. Mary Russell; William F., an attorney; Nora L., and Jane I.

Charles E. Patton was born in Curwensville. July 5, 1859, received his primary education in its public schools. but completed his literary course in Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport, Penn. Since 1879 he has been engaged in the dry-goods business in the city of his birth, and is numbered among its representative and promi- nent citizens. He was reared a Republican, and has always cast his ballot with that party, but cares nothing for public office, preferring to give his time and attention to business interests.

In 1883 Mr. Patton married Miss Mary Beggs, a lady of intelligence and culture, born in Pitts- burg, Penn. Her father, E. Y. Beggs, whose birth occurred near Pittsburg, Penn., was for many years connected with the Pennsylvania railroad, but is now city contractor at Washing- ton. D. C., where he makes his home. A loyal, patriotic citizen, he served as captain during the Civil war, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him. In his family were three children: E. Y., deceased: Emma, wife of T. L. McNamara; and Mary, wife of our subject. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Patton has been blessed with three interesting children: Emma, John and Rebecca.

S E. EMERICK, who is engaged in merchan- dising in Karthaus, is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this sec- tion of the State. His grandfather, George Emerick, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a miller by trade. He operated a farin and also conducted a mill in Penn Valley, carrying on business there until his death in 1840. His wife lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years.

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George Eincrick. Jr., the father of our sub- ject. was born in Centre Hall. Centre county. January 29. 1830, and was reared in Penn Valley, acquiring his education in the schools of the neighborhood. He learned carpentering there,

and in 1852 went to Snow Shoe, where he fol- lowed his trade for a short time. He then en- gaged in carpentering in Karthaus, and was prom- inently identined with the building interests of Centre and Clearfield counties He was married September 21, 1854. in Covington township, Clearfield county, to Lavina Reiter, who was born in that township. He cast in his lot with its pioneer settlers, and developed a farm in Kart- haus township. He died in 1894, his wife in 1892. After his marriage Mr. Einerick located on the Reiter farin, and worked at his trade until the ist of July, 1857, when he purchased eighty- three acres of timber land. This he transformed into a valuable farming property. and made his home thereon until his death, which occurred May 14, 1894. He was a Republican in politics, held a number of township offices. and was highly esteemed for his sterling worth. He was a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church, and was a charter member of and valued worker in Karthaus Lodge, No. 925, I. O. O. F. He served as representa- tive to the grand lodge, and was buried by his home lodge. His wife died January 10, 1892. They had a family of eight children, the eldest of whom died in early childhood; the others are: S. E., of this review; Mrs. Mary A. Hoover, of Karthaus; Emma B., wife of W. B. Potter. of Karthaus; Anna S., of the same locality; John R., who was drowned while bathing, July 10. 1886; Bertha A., who died September 8, 1872: and Allen C., a telegraph operator of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 52

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