Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 54

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 54
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 54
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 54
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 54

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

G EORGE ERICH. the genial proprietor of the "Schwem Hotel," at Luthersburg. Clearfield county, was born July 30, 1851, in St. Mary's. Elk Co., Penn., where his parents, Jo- seph and Bernnadena Erich, natives of Germany. had located in 1846. With a colony of their countrymen they came to the New World in that year. and the father purchased a small tract of timber land a half mile north of St. Mary's. Erecting thereon a small log cabin, he com- menced to clear and improve his land, but later purchased seventy-five acres one mile north of his first purchase, transforming the same into a valuable and productive farmi. He continued to live on the first tract, however, and there his death occurred in 1866. The mother of our sub- ject died in 1853. They were people of the highest respectability, honest, industrious and enterprising, and succeeded in accumulating a handsome property, leaving to their children con- siderable land and money.

Joseph Erich was thrice married. By his first wile, who died in Germany, he had two children, who accompanied him on his eungration to this country: (1) Joseph, the elder, was born in 183 ;. and has spent the greater part of his life in Brook-

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ville, Penn., where he followed stage driving, but is now a resident of New Marysville, Clarion county. He is unmarried. (2) Annie, born in 1839, married Joseph Corby, a carpenter of Elk county, and they made their home in St. Mary's, where his death occurred. Later she became the wife of Jacob Mallison, of Ridgway, and now lives on the old homestead at St. Mary's. By blacksmith's trade with Lewis Schinley, with whom he remained for two years, but completed his apprenticeship in Brookville. Itte then erected a shop in Coal Hill, Brady township. Clearfield county, where he carried on operations for two years. Subsequently he purchased the James Zeigler farin one mile south of Luthers- burg on the Coal Hill and Trontville road, where her second marriage she has seven children, all . he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits at home, namely: Rosy, who was born in St. Mary's in 1871: Lizzie; Ella, a teacher in the for eighteen years. In the meantime, however, he also followed lumbering and blacksmithing high school of St. Mary's: Agnes, Jennie, Jacob ' for Leavy & Mitchell. In 1892 he bought his and Annie. present hotel in Luthersburg, and at once as- sumed its management, but still continued to look after his farming interests until 1895, when he sold his place, now devoting his entire time and attention to his hotel, which he conducts on the most approved plans. It has found great favor with the traveling public as it is supplied with all modern conveniences for the comfort of the guests.

Our subject is one of the six children born of his father's first union, the others being as fol- lows: (1. Lizzie, the only one born in Ger- many, married John Mefford. of Ridgway. Penn., and removed to Missonri, where they reared a family and still reside. (2) Frank A., born in St. Mary's in 1948, grew to manhood on the ' home farm, where he still resides, it having been willed him by his father. He is one of the most prominent citizens and enterprising lumbermen of that community, and has ever taken an active part in public affairs, serving as county commis- sioner six years, as member of the school board and town council, and in other important local positions of honor and trust. He married Lizzie Jacobs, of St. Mary's, and has eleven children- Mary, at home: Rosie, now the wife of W. P. Smith, who is engaged in the oil business in Glen Hazel. Elk county, and by whom she has one child: Bertha, who was born in 1876, and is with her parents; and Joseph. Edward, Theresa, Carrie, George, Josephine. Emma, and one unnamed, all at home. (3) F. Xavia, who resides on his farm about four miles northeast of St. Mary's, on the Benezett road, married Rosie Gerg. of St. Mary's, and has eleven children-Annie and Joseph, at home; Lillian, who married William Kronen- wetter, a lumberman of Elk connty, who owns a fine home in St. Mary's: and Lewis, Catharine. Tillie, Gertrude, Charlie, Johnnic, Genevieve and Edne. all with their parents. '4) Mary, born in 1833. is the wife of Peter Bower, con- ductor on the Pennsylvania and Erie railroad. running between Renovo and Kane, and they make their home in Renovo. Clinton county, on the west bank of the Susquehanna. Their chil- dren were Catharine, Amanda, Lillian and Mamie. all at home: Josephine, who died at the age of eight years: and William, at home.

George Erich remained upon the home farm mttil fifteen years of age, when, on the death of his father. he began working for Hiram Wood- ward in Penfield, where he remained for two years. In Luthersburg he then learned the

On the roth of September, 1872, Mr. Erich led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Jane Clark, of Grampian, a daughter of William and Jane Clark, well-to-do farining people of Penn town- ship, Clearfield county. She has proved a faithful helpmeet to him, aiding him in every possible way, and by their careful management and untiring industry they have accumulated considerable property. Eight children have come to brighten their home. namely: Estella J., born November 25, 1873, completed her edu- cation by six months' attendance at St. Mary's Academy: Mary Josephine, born November 1. 18;5, was educated in the graded schools of Luthersburg, and is now successfully engaged in dress making at that place: Maggie E., born January 14, 1878, is still attending school in Luthersburg: Francis E., born April 22. 1880. died June 15, 188t; and William A., born Feb- ruary 15, 1882, Joseph X., January 12, 1887. George A .. August 9. 1890, and Sarah B., August 7. 1892. are all with their parents, and are pur- sning their studies in the local schools.

In his political views, Mr. Erich is a stanch Democrat, has taken an influential and promi- nent part in local politics, and he has held the offices of school director and assessor for three years. He and his family are communicants of the Catholic Church, and in social circles occupy an enviable position.

G EORGE W. HALL. one of the active, promi- inent and enterprising citizens of Morris township, devotes his time and attention principally to carpentering and building, in which he has met

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with a good degree of success. He has spent his entire life in Clearfield county, having been born .+ in Morris township, in 1845, a son of William and Martha (Cooper) Hall.

The father, a native of Maryland, on coming to Clearfield county, first located in Cooper township; but after his marriage he purchased land in Morris township, where he opened up a farm and continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1867. His widow is living in Graham town- ship, Clearfield county, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. In their family were three sons and two daughters, namely: William, a resident of West Clearfield; George W .; Cathar- ine, wife of Philip Shimel, of Centre Hill, Centre Co., Penn .; Mrs. Kurtz, of Cooper township; and Cyrus, of Centre Hill.

Our subject spent his early life in much the usual manner of farmer boys, and his education was such as the common schools of Morris town- ship afforded at that time. He served an ap- prenticeship to the carpenter's trade, which he resolved to make his life work, and which he has now successfully followed for many years. At present he holds the position of carpenter at the Perry Jones mines. His loyalty to his country was mani- fested in 1864 by his enlistment in Company K, rooth P. V. I., for one year or until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Peters- burg, and in several other engagements in front of Richmond, and when hostilities had ceased, he was honorably discharged in Harrisburg, Penn., in August, 1865. after which he returned to his home in Morris township.

In 1869, in Graham township, Clearfield county, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Elizabeth Hubler, a native of that township, who died in 1880, leaving four children: Alvin M., who is married and lives in Allport, Clearfield county; Mrs. Ella Mangle, of Peale. in the same county; Mrs. Agnes Hummel. of Woodland, Clearfield county: and Carrie, at home. In 1883, Mr. Hall was again married in Graham township, his sec- ond union being with Miss Amanda Kyler, who was born in that township. a daughter of C. W. and Catharine (Smeal) Kyler. Her parents were also natives of Clearfield county, and died in Graham township. By his second marriage, Mr. Hall has three children: Woodward, Ma- bel and Blanche. The family have a pleasant home in Morris township, and our subject also improved a good farm of sixty-seven acres in. Graham township.

Politically, Mr. Hall is identified with the Re- publican party, takes quite an active and prom- inent part in public affairs, and has served as an efficient member of the school board of Morris

township. He has watched with interest the many changes that have taken place in the county within his remembrance, and has been an important factor in bringing about the marvelous results. . He is prompt and reliable in his busi- ness transactions, always fulfills his part of every contract, and has thus won the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

J TAMES HAINES, one of Coalport's well-known and popular merchants, has a remarkable record, and from the study of his life history one may learn valuable lessons. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual, and is the means of bringing to man success when he has no advantages of wealth or influence to aid him. It illustrates in no uncer- tain manner what it is possible to accomplish when perseverance and determination form the keynote to a man's life. Depending upon his own resources, looking for no outside aid or support, he has risen from comparative obscurity to a position of prominence in both the commer- cial and social world.

Our subject is of Gerinan descent, his grand- father, Valentine Haines, having come to this country from the Fatherland, and first taken up his residence in Chester county, Penn., but he later removed to York county, where his death occurred. Samuel Haines, the father, was born in Chester county in 1811, and accompanied his parents to York county, where he grew to man- hood and married Margaret Brady. Subse- quently he removed to Cumberland county. Penn., where he followed the stone mason's trade for a number of years, and in 1849, with his wife and five children, came to Clearfield county, locating at Dunbar, near Philipsburg, where he worked in a sawmill for one year. Iu 1850 he took up his residence at Glen Hope on Clearfield creek, where he operated a sawmili for Israel Cooper for the same length of time. and then removed to Fallen Timber, Cambria Co., Penn., sawing lumber for John B. Stewart at that place for two years. Returning to Cum- berland county, in 1853, he there spent his re- maining days. His wife had passed away at Dnubar in October, 1849.

This worthy conple became the parents of seven children: (1) James is our subject, the. eldest in the family. (2) Jerry, born in 1831. in York county, Penn., came to Clearfield coun- ty when fifteen years of age with our subject. and worked in the mills and in the lumber woods until 1850, when he married Esther Ralston, of Boggs township, Clearfield county: they have a

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

large family, and now reside on his farm in being rafted down the Moshannon creek and Sus- Woodward township. (3) Mary A., born in quehanna river to New Cumberland, where it Cumberland county, in 1834, came with her was sold to the Eastern markets. The father, with his wife and five children, walked from Water Street to Philipsburg, a distance of forty miles. parents to Clearfield county, and later married John Hudson, of Philipsburg, Centre Co., Penn., where she resided until her death in 1866; her three children still live in that city; her husband was a Union soldier during the Civil war. (4) Samuel, born in Cumberland county, in 1838, was brought by his parents to Clearfield county, and after attaining to man's estate married Sarah Dixon, of Boggs township; they made their home in Glen Hope until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company K, 45th P. V. I .; at the battle of Antietam he was wounded, and later was taken prisoner, dying in Salisbury prison; he left a widow and two children. (5) Isaiah, born in Cumberland county, in 1840, also came with his parents to Clearfield county, and for some time worked with our subject at Glen Hope; during the war he enlisted under Capt. Rose, of New Washington, in Company D, 105th P. V. I., and, as he was seriously wounded in one of the numerous engagements in which he took part, he was honorably discharged and re- turned home; he married Malinda Richards, of Cambria county, who died, leaving five children; he still makes his home in Glen Hope. (6) Elizabeth, born in Cumberland county, in 1843, came to Clearfield county with her parents, and died at the age of fifteen while living with our subject at Glen Hope. (7) Adaline, born in Cumberland county, in 1845, grew to womanhood in Clearfield county, and married a Mr. Dixon, after which they removed to Cameron county, Penn .. where she died some years ago, leaving a : family.

In York county. Penn., December 10. 1829, our subject was born, but when only two years old he was taken by his parents to Cumberland county, where he attended school to a limited extent. When a lad of twelve years he first carne to Clearfield county with Dr. White, walk- ing from Hollidaysburg to Burnside, where the ; Doctor located. From Burnside he walked to Water Street, Huntingdon county, and then worked his way home to Cumberland county, on the canal, by driving the mules of a canal-boat. In 184;, with his brother Jerry, he again started for Clearfield county, going by canal-boat to Water Street, and walking from that place to Philips- burg. He first obtained employment in the sawmill of Christ Harnish at $11 per month, and later worked for A. Goss, at Dunbar, remaining there two years. He then took the Goss will by con- tract, and sent for his father to operate it. which he did, manufacturing sawed lumber, the same

In 1853, Mr. Haines, of this review, was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Lytle, of Tyrone, Blair Co., Penn., a daughter of E. and M. Lytle. They have become the parents of seven children, namely: (1) Jane, born in Glen Hope, in 1854, received a common-school edu- cation, and later married John Washburn, of Be- caria, who now resides on a farm near Coalport; they have six children-Annie, wife of Walter Shoff, of Irvona, by whom she has one child, Helen; Bertha, wife of Charles Richner, of Ir- vona, by whom she has one child, Elva; and Willis, James, Matilda and John. who are all at home. (2) Margaret, born in 1856, died in in- fancy. (3) George W., born in 1858, on attain- ing to man's estate married Catherine Aikens, of Cambria county, Penn., and they reside in Coal- port, where he works at the painter's trade, and clerks in his father's store during the winter: they have four children-James S., Cordie, Susan and Nannie, all at home. (4) William. born in 1861, married Claudie Litzger, and resides in Al- toona, Penn., where he follows railroading; they have four children-Placide, Gertrude. Burna- dett and Elizabeth. (5) Mary, twin sister of William, was educated in the common schools, and became the wife of William Templeton, a native of England, who is now mine boss for the Mountain Coal Co., at Blandburgh. (6) James Lincoln, born in May, 1865, on the home farm near Coalport, attended the common schools, and later, with his brother William, the Lewis- burg Seminary for two years, after which he as- sisted his father until his death in 1889. (7) Harriet, born in Becaria township in February. 1874, was educated in the schools of Coalport, and married Frank R. Galbraith, of Mifflin coun- ty, Penn., who is now engaged in the bakery business in Coalport; they have one child. named James Lincoln.

After his marriage Mr. Haines located at Be- caria Mills, where he followed sawmilling, man- ufacturing square lumber, which he rafted down the creek and river as far as Green's dam, and he was considered one of the best pilots. In 1859 he purchased a hotel in Glen Hope. and re- modeled and improved the entire structure. run- ning it as a first-class hotel for the first five or six years. On selling ont in 1864 to Daniel Paul- hamus, he bought a farm one mile from Coalport, known as the Haymaker farin, which he operated

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until 1876, when he sold the property and pur- chased one hundred acres of partially -improved land on which the present town of Coalport now stands. He successfully engaged in lumbering and farming until 1880. when he was instru- mental in building the Bell's Gap railway to the place, subscribing a large amount of stock and work toward the enterprise. On the completion of the road in February, 1880, he laid out a por- tion of his land in town lots, and three years later the place was incorporated as a borough. He then sold his mills and gave his entire attention to the development and upbuilding of the place. The first locomotive was run through the town on Christmas Day, 1881. In the meantime, Mr. Haines had erected a large number of business houses and dwellings, and also donated the ground for two large churches-the Methodist and United Brethren. He has given liberally of his means to the upbuilding of the town, and has ever taken an active and prominent part in pro- moting its interests and welfare. Since 1886 he has successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits in Coalport, and was one of the principal stock- holders in the bank at that place, which sus- pended business in 1895. His business has been conducted on systematic, methodical principles, and his wonderful success is certainly well de- served.

Politically, Mr. Haines has always been identified with the Republican party, and is a recognized leader in local politics. For nine years he held the office of school director of Be- caria township, and has been treasurer two years in Becaria township, and school director three years in Coalport. He was one of the men appointed by the court to hold the first election after the borough was organized, and in the spring following was elected the first bur- gess, and was elected the first treasurer, but did not serve. For five years he has served as jus- tice of the peace, and the various duties that have devolved upon him in these positions he has discharged in a most capable and praise- worthy maner, and he never sent a case to the supreme court. In every case of an appeal from Squire Haines to the county court, his decision was sustained.

Mr. Haines is the champion shot of Blair, Cambria and Clearfield counties, and won the championship at the age of sixty. His two-year records are nine consecutive bull's eyes. 200 yards off hand, and eleven consecutive bull's eyes, 100 yards off hand. He is now past sixty- eight years of age, and can play the violin vet. He has been foremost in promoting all worthy enterprises for the good of the community, and

his name certainly deserves an honored place on , the rolls of Clearfield county's representative and valued citizens.

W HITE NIXON, editor of the Houtzdale Observer, was born May 20, 1843, in Indiana, Penn., a son of James and Sarah (Cum- mnings) Nixon. His grandfather, Robert Nixon. a native of Ireland, was among the first settlers of Indiana, Penn, where he established the sec- ond store, and engaged in merchandising for many years. They were the first Methodist family to settle there. Grandfather Nixon's death occurred at that place. James Nixon was born in Indiana, in 1813, and there spent his early life. He passed away in Bedford county. Penn .. in 1877, surviving his wife many years, her death having occurred in Indiana, in 1853. They had six children, only two of whom are now liv- ing: White, subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Mary A. Bushman, now a resident of Sharpsburg. Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.

The public schools of Indiana, Penn., afforded our subject his educational privileges, and in the office of the Indiana Register, owned by Row Brothers, he learned the printer's trade. Subse- quently he removed to Saxton, Bedford county. and for twelve years was in the railroad service, as brakeman. baggage master, freight and pas- senger conductor. Returning to Indiana, he worked at his trade for eight years, and in Isso came to Houtzdale to accept a position in the mill of Hoover, Hughes & Co., with whom he remained until purchasing, in 1881. the Observer. This newspaper was established by Frazer Broth- ers in 1879, and Mr. Nixon since purchasing it has conducted it with signal success and ability. making it a bright, newsy sheet, devoted to the interests of the community. His editorials show deep culture and sound common sense, and the paper is conducted on the broadest and most liberal basis, giving clear and impartial views of all questions.

In the city of his birth, Mr. Nixon was mar- ried November 4, 1862. to Miss Florence V. Detibangh, a native of Fulton county, Penn .. and a daughter of B. F. Defibangh, who is now a resident of Brisbin, Clearfield county. Two daughters grace this union: Blanche R. and

Mand S.

Mr. Nixon is independent in politics, always supporting the candidate whom he thinks best qualified to fill the position. As a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, he has done much to advance the interests of the community, and was instru- mental in securing the crection of the opera

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houses in Houtzdale and Brisbin. He is a : on a farm near that place. He has six children prominent member of the Knights of Malta, and " -Ira (who is working on the railroad at Beech is the first past commander of Hermit Command- ery, No. 90, A. & I. O. K. M. Creek), Cecelia (who is teaching in the public schools), Emma, John. Blanche and Wayne.

W MILLARD McCOY. The ancestors of this gentleman were prominently con- nected with the early development of Clearfield county, and he worthily carries on the work which they inaugurated. He is a public-spirited citizen, one who lends an active support to all measures calculated to prove of benefit to the community, and is identified with the industrial interests of Becaria township as a lumberman and fariner.

Dennis McCoy, grandfather of onr subject. was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1795. and in 1812 emigrated to Philadelphia, l'enn., where he remained for three years. In 1815 he removed to Philipsburg, Centre Co., Penn., and . purchased 241 acres of timber land in Becaria township, Clearfield county. During the same year. however, he returned to Philadelphia, where. in 1823, he married Rose Kane, of that city. In 1826 he returned to Philipsburg with his wife and first child. After three years he re- moved to his farm in Becaria township, the place at that time being an unbroken wilderness. His home was a log cabin in the midst of a clearing of about five acres. In 1831 he returned to Philipsburg: but after eight years passed there he once more took up his residence upon the farm, where both his wife and daughter died in 1843. For seven years the father and sons lived alone, at the expiration of which period John McCoy married, and with his bride located on the old homestead, taking care of the grandfather until his death, in 1875, when he was aged eighty years.

Dennis and Rose ( Kane) McCoy had five chil- lren: " James, who died while serving in the Civil war in 1863, was the eldest. (21 John, father of our subject, is the second. (3) Mary A., born in 1828, died in 1843. at the age of fifteen. 14) Dennis, born in 1830, married Su- san Galaher, and removed to lowa, where he purchased a farm. After operating that place for seven years he returned to Becaria township, Clearfieldl county, and purchased a farm. near Utahville, where he now makes his home. . He has nad eight children, as follows-Mrs. Maggie Guinn vof Cambria county, Penn. ), Corns ( who died in childhood, James (who is clerking in Houtzdale, Penn. ), Lissie, Reed, Blair, John and Josephine. (5) William J. McCoy, born in 1832, married Alice O'Hara, of Utahville, and resides

John McCoy, father of our subject, was born in 1826, in Philipsburg, Centre county, and was reared under the parental roof. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until his mar- riage, when he assumed the management of the home farm and cleared 125 acres of the original tract of 241 acres. He still resides on that place, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the community. He was married in 1850 to Martha Galalier, and they became the parents of nine children: (1) Rebecca F., born in 1851, is the wife of Samuel Sample, a fariner of Becaria township, by whom she has two chil- dren-John, who married Ida Ash, and resides in Becaria township; and Frank, who died at about the age of ten years. (2) W. Millard is the next of the family. (3) Howard Lane, born in 1855. married Hattie Spiece, of Ramey, and resides on a farm in Becaria township. He has ten children-May, Pearl, Loda. Howard. Clay- ton, Lizzie, Alton, Henry. Beulah, and an infant unnamed. (4) A. I. McCoy, born in 1858. re- sides on a farm in Becaria township, He mar- ried Lucy Myers, of Cambria county, Penn., and has six children-Frances (wife of Christ Miller), Harvey, Leila, Bessie, Myers and Raymond. (5) Frank L., born in 1860, is engaged in merchan- dising in Ramey. He married Emma Lloyd, of Becaria township, and has one daughter, Edna. (6) Mary E .. born in 1863, became the wife of Simon Miller. of Gulich township, Clearfield county, and died in 1888, leaving two children -Gertrude (living), and Daniel (who died in 1890). (7) J. Clair, born in 1866, married Maggie Stanley, of Gulich township, and is now operating the old homestead farm for his father. (8) Angle Roberta, born in 1882. is married to Amos Stoffer. : (: Samnel K. Blake, born in 1875, is still with his father.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 54

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