Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 57

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 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 57

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).

Mr. Pidgeon is a native of a far northerly district of this continent. He was born October 22, 1846. in Prince Edwards Island, Canada, and is a son of Edward and Mary (Montgomery Pidgeon. His father was a native of England. where. after being educated for the ministry, he entered the Presbyterian Church. His life was given to that work, and he was holding a pastor- ate at the time of his death. In the family were

eleven children. About four years after the fa- ther's death the mother removed to New Rich- mond, Canada, where her death occurred in January, 1872.

A brief record of the children is as follows: (1) Daniel, who went with his mother to Canada and lived on a farm, married Agnes Merritt. who, with their son, David, still survives him. (2) George followed lumbering until his death. inearly manhood. (3) David died in childhood. (4) John died at the age of twenty-seven years. 5

Christina died in early womanhood. (0), Hugh died unmarried at his mother's home in Canada. (7) Mary died a number of years ago at her mother's home. (8) Lorena died after reaching

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womanhood. (9) Archibald purchased a large farm adjoining the old homestead in Canada, and : and Mildred are at home.

wedded Mary Campbell, of Campbellton, Can- ada, by whom he has three sons and one dangh- ter-George, who was educated in Montreal, and entered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, being now pastor of a congregation in Montreal; Edward Leslie, who is being educated for the Presbyterian Church: Hugh, at home; and Elsie,

who, was educated in Montreal, and is now a . tunes has builded wisely and well.

teacher in the high school of New Richmond, Canada. (10) James Pidgeon married Janet McCoy, and resides on a farm in New Richmond, Canada.

Edward Pidgeon accompanied his mother on her removal to New Richmond, and in 1869 lo- cated in Cameron county. Penn., where for the winter he was employed by Phelps, Dodge & Co. In the spring he engaged with John Ardell, on Ford's run. working for him for three years, after which he came to Houtzdale in 1873, and entered the employ of Reed Brothers, of Wood- ward township, as a contractor, and engaged in lumbering. He remained with them until abont 1877. In the meantime he purchased an im- proved property in Houtzdale, in 1872: after- ward erected a dwelling in Sterling, but. before moving in, it was destroyed by fire. With char- acteristic energy, however. he rebuilt, and lived there with his family for two years, after which he erected a two-story frame residence, with all modern improvements, on Eliza street, Houtz- dale, one of the finest homes in the town. For thirteen years Mr. Pidgeon has been engaged in the livery and undertaking business, in company with A. D. Stewart. Their barn is supplied with all modern appointments, with good horses and an excellent line of carriages. Their courteous and fair treatment of their patrons has secured to them a large and profitable business. The es- tablishment is probably the largest of the kind in Clearfield county.

In July. 18-2, Mr. Pidgeon wedded Miss Mary Dutt, of Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Penn .. the only daughter of John and Juliet Dutt, of Tioga county. Penn. Their children are as fol- lows: Arthur, who was educated in the common schools of Hontedale, and was his father's assist- ant until 1892, afterward spent three years as bookkeeper and teller in the Houtzdale Bank, and is now pursuing a course of dentistry in Pittsburg: Archie M .. who was reared and educated in Hontzdale, is now working with his father: Ber- nice ( .. who attended the high school of Hontz- dale, and was graduated from the State Normal of Indiana, in 1894, is now a teacher in the high school of Woodward township; Grover Cleveland

and Julia are attending school; and William C.

Mr. Pidgeon has always been identified with the Democratic party, but has never sought or desired political prefernient. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church, and occupy a prominent position in social circles. He is numbered among the leading business inen of Houtzdale, and as the architect of his own for-

T HOMAS SPACKMAN, of Lawrence town- ship. Clearfield county, is a well-known ag- riculturist residing near Glen Richey. He belongs to an old and highly esteemed family, and his grandfather, Daniel Spackman, who was born in this State, located in Lawrence township, near Clearfield, in 1818. After spending a short time there as a pioneer farmer, he moved to the pres- ent site of Pine Grove, and cleared another tract of land for cultivation. He died in Lawrence : township in March. 1871, at the point where Oshanter now stands. His wife, Sarah Mather. had passed away some years before, and of their ten children only one is now living: John died ; in Girard township. Clearfield county; Benjamin in New Jersey; Thomas in Lawrence township, at the old homestead: William in Lawrence township: Mary ( Mrs. Thomas Leonard) in West Clearfield; Elizabeth (Mrs. William Mitchell) in Clearfield: Jane never married; Sarah ( Mrs. Jor- dan Read) died in Lawrence township: Hester (Mrs. James Mitchell) died in Clearfield county: and Deborah (Mrs. David Brown lives in Olan- ta, Pike township, Clearfield county.

William Spackman, our subject's father, was born in Chester county, Penn., October 26, 1809. but from the age of nine years his life was spent in Lawrence township, Clearfield county. The schools of that locality afforded him an educa- tion, and on attaining manhood he cleared for himself a farm in the forest, known as the Read farm. He was married in November. 1838, to Miss Isabella Read, a native of Lawrence town- ship, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Jor- dam Read, prominent residents there. Mr. Read died in February, 1850. his wife having preceded him by a few years. Our subject's father was one of the substantial farmers of that section, and he and his wife were both highly regarded by their associates. Mrs. Spackman's death oc- curred in (888, and her husband survived her only seven years. Our subject was the chest of their four children. James is married and resides at the old homestead: W. A. is married and lives in Lawrence township: and Mary M.

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married Edward Weise, of Knox township, Clear- field county.

Thomas Spackman was born in 1840, and has always had his home in Lawrence township. He was reared as a farmer's boy. enjoying the usual country school privileges. His farm, which he purchased in early manhood, contains fifty acres, and. in addition to its management, he ' nine children, namely: Robert M .; Mary, wife of R. Colwell; John C., of Ansonville, Penn .: Mrs. Isabel Bloom; James W., an agriculturist: William. deceased; Mark, who died at the age of twelve years; David, who is farming on the old homestead; and Lizzie, wife of S. Withers.

carries on the business of draying for the ad- joining village of Glen Richey. In 1870 le mar- ried Miss Armatilda Read, a native of Lawrence township, and a descendant of two of the early families of that section. Her parents, Ross and Mary (Thompson) Read, were both born in the township, and after passing their lives within its borders, they breathed their last there, Mr. Read in 1881. and his wife in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Spackman have an interesting family of seven children: Bovard Ross, Earl W .. Mary Roset- ta, Ivan M., John J. R., Preston L. and Mor- ton L.

Local affairs receive due attention from Mr. Spackman, who has shown his public spirit in many ways and at many times. He and his wife are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, and he belongs to the order of the Golden Eagle, and is a trustee of the society at Glen Richey. In politics he is a Democrat.

R OBERT M. JOHNSTON. In the history of the industrial interests of Clearfield county, this gentleman well deserves mention among the prominent agriculturists of Jordan township. He was born in Pottsville. Penn., Angust 2. 1830, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Cameron) Johnston. His parents were natives of Scotland, but were married in Pottsville.

Robert and James Johnston came to America together in 1828, from Scotland, and engaged in mining coal near Pottsville until the fall of 1833, when they removed to Jordan township, Clear- field county, Robert Johnston here purchased one hundred acres of land, and built a log cabin in the midst of the forest, where the timber was so dense that one could not see the sky for the thick foliage of the trees. Acre after acre. how- ever. was cleared and placed under the plow. and at length a rich and valuable farm was de- veloped. The father died in 1871 at the age of seventy years, leaving to his family a comforta- ble home, for upon his farm he had made sub- stantial improvements, erecting a good residence and barns. His place was one of the best in the township, and its appearance indicated hiscareful supervision. Throughout his life he was a faith- ful member of the Presbyterian Church, and his

political support was given to the Democratic party. by which he was elected to several town- ship offices. His wife survived him two years, passing away in 1873. But little is known of the history of her people. save that she came from a good Scotch family of Presbyterian faith.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were the parents of

Robert M. Johnston was only three years of age when brought by his parents to Clearfield county, and his first remembrance of the new home was of the three acres of cleared land in the midst of the dense forest. He early became 1 familiar with the ardnous task of developing a new farm, assisting his father in his boyhood in the work of making substantial improvements. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, with the exception of short intervals when he was engaged in rafting on the river or in making shingles: in the winter of 1851 he got out 45,000 shingles by hand. It ; was thus he got his first start in the business world. On the occasion of his marriage, in 1853. his father gave him the tract of land on which he now resides, comprising 150 acres. It was then wild and uncultivated, but he at once began the work of clearing and planting, and in course of time reaped abundant harvests as the reward of his labors. He erected a commodious two- story frame residence, built a large barn and ' substantial ontbuildings, planted an orchard. and now has a valuable farm property, pleasantly situated one mile east of Ansonville. Of his place one hundred acres are under a high state of cultivation. Part of his land is underlaid with coal and fire clay,

Mr. Johnston was united in marriage with Priscilla Wise, danghter of David Wise, of Ger- man descent. Her father was reared and mar- ried in Centre county, and abont 1839 removed to Clearfield county. purchasing land and develop- ing a farm in Jordan township. There he made a good home and spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1854, when he was eighty-one years of age. He and his family were members of the Lutheran Church. Three of his children are now deceased: the others are: William, a farmer: Mrs. Mary Keller; and David and Will- iam, who carry on agricultural pursuits.

Our subject and his wife had a family of six children: David W., a farmer; Calvin, who was drowned in Oregon: Mary E. ; Albert, who

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is now in Alaska; one who died in infancy; and William at home. The mother of this family departed this life November 18, 1891. From girlhood she was a devout member of the Pres- byterian Church, and her death was deeply mourned by all who knew her. Mr. Johnston is also a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder for twenty-five years. He gives his political support to the Democracy when national issues are involved, and is well- informed on the questions of the day, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, although he has served in some town- ship offices. His long residence in Clearfield county has made him widely known, and his many acquaintances esteem him highly for his sterling worth.

T HOMAS E. KEEN, who was among the first of the gallant volunteers that rallied to the defense of the old flag after the attack upon Fort Suinter, passed through some of the most arduous and exciting campaigns of the long war that followed, and was often detailed on special work requiring fidelity and courage. He is now a well-to-do agriculturist of Sandy township, Clearfield county, residing near Du Bois, and is regarded as one of the best citizens.

Mr. Keen comes of New England stock, and his father, the late Alba Keen, who was born in Belfast, Maine, remained in that section all his life, following lumbering as an occupation. He died in 1894 at the age of ninety-one, and his wife, whose maiden name was Nancy J. Esta- brook, passed away not long after, aged eighty. Our subject was one of nine children, of whom ail but two live in Maine: (1) Amanda married Mr. Sudaquist. (2) Victoria is the wife of Charles Huston. (3) Judith is now Mrs. Horn- castle. (4) Pheny married Charles Haley. (5) Nancy is now Mrs. Carney. (6) Annie married a Mr. Smith. (7) William, who is a resident of Du Bois, and the only one besides our subject to leave his native State, married Miss Lydia Hines, and has one child-Gracie. (S) Alba, who lives at Lincoln, Maine, is married and has a family.

Thomas E. Keen was born in Calais, Maine. in 1833, and when old enough became interested in lumbering. In 1856 he came to Pennsyl- vania, and for four years worked for John Irvin on Pine creek, contracting in sawmill work and logging. He then entered the employ of Read- ing & Fisher, and worked in their sawmill at Williamsport until the spring of 1861, when he enlisted from that city in Company D. 11th P'.

V. I., for three months. The regiment was as- signed to Hooker's command, and their first en- gagement was at Falling Water, Md. At the expiration of his term Mr. Keen returned to Penn- sylvania, but as the need of a large force to sup- press the Rebellion became apparent, he again offered his services, re-enlisting for nine months, on October 24, 1862, in Company A. 177th P. V. I., under Capt. William H. Gosline. Go- ing to Martinsville they joined the Army of the Potomac, with Hooker as commander of their corps. Mr. Keen was promoted to the rank of second sergeant in October, 1862, and served in that capacity throughout his term. He then re- turned to Williamsport, and on February 13, 1864, he again enlisted, this time as a cavalry- man in the 7th P. V. C., under Capt. James I. Long, his regiment being attached to the Army of the Cumberland. They were first"commanded by Gen. Kilpatrick, and later. by Gen. Thomas, under whom they fought at Nashville, Columbia and Fillmore. They were then assigned to Gen. Wilson's cavalry for the raid to Atlanta, and then moved in a line parallel with Sherman's in- fantry, skirmishing all the way through. At one time Mr. Keen was detailed by special order of Major Benjamin S. Dodd, of his regiment, to go to Howard's Landing, Ga., and prevent the shipping of certain cotton marked " J. G." and also to report each boat going to Eufaula, Ala. These duties occupied two weeks, and then Mr. Keen returned to Columbia, Tenn., where he re- ceived orders to act as safeguard to Gen. Pillow, and protect some government property. Later the company joined the forces at Atlanta. where their horses were placed on trains and turned over to the government. The men were trans- ported to Harrisburg to receive their pay and a final discharge.

After a brief stay in Williamsport, Mr. Keen went to Maine for a visit, but returned, and for some time worked at Beechwood for John Polha- mius. Later he entered the service of John Du- Bois, and, after working two years in his mill at Williamsport, moved, in 1875, to the town of Du Bois, and conducted a lath and picket mill. In 1877. Mr. Ieen purchased fifty-nine acres of farming land, from John Du Bois, in Sandy town- ship, Clearfield county, on the Little Sandy, now known as the Luthersburg branch. This he has cleared and improved, bringing the place under fine cultivation, and building a good barn and a large two-story residence. In addition to the management of this farm he has been constantly engaged in jobbing in logs for John Du Bois and his nephew, John E. Du Bois. Mr. Keen takes much interest in political affairs, and, while not

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an office-seeker, he is one of the leading workers for the Republican party in his vicinity. Despite his advancing years, he retains his youthful spirits and vigor, and his genial nature has won him a host of friends.

In March, 1866, Mr. Keen was married to Miss Susan J. Pass, of Williamsport, daughter of Charles and Mary Pass, prosperous agriculturists of Lycoming county, Penn. She is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, to which one of the daughters also belongs. Seven chil- dren have blessed this union: (1) Lizzie May, born in 1867, married David F. Carbaugh, then of Adams county, Penn., and now a farmer of near Du Bois; they have five children -- William, Winfred, Ruth, and Bessie and Jessie (twins). (2) Alba, born on March 11, 1869, married Miss Della Dixon, of Du Bois, and now resides on part of his father's homestead; they have one son, John Edward. (3) Charles I., born May 30, 1871, was drowned at the dam on. Sandy run in July, 1879, at the age of eight years. (4) William E., born March, 1873, married Miss Lottie Skinner, of Smicksburg, and resides with his parents. (5) Winifred, born November 8, 1876. (6) Amanda G., born April, 1879, and (7) Renel W., born July, 1881, are still at home.

FANDGAR L. MCCLOSKEY. Before entering upon the narrative of the personal traits or characteristics of our subject, let us carry the mind of the reader retrospectively to the early " forties " in the history of Karthaus township, Clearfield county.

Here we find the father of our subject located with his parents, Thomas and Sophia McCloskey, in the year 1848. upon a tract of land situated about four miles north from the mouth of Mos- quito creek, and containing about one hundred acres, only five of which were cleared and under cultivation, and having theron erected a one and one-half story log house. This home was sur- rounded by one veritable wilderness of valuable timber land, where wild game of every descrip- tion made their homes in these dense forests, and where a few years prior the Red men of the forests " wig-wamed " on the mossy banks of the numerous small streams which traverse this sec- tion. Here the family remained until the month of September, 1854, when the grandparents of our subject removed to fowa, the father of our subject remaining to further cultivate and improve his possessions. Through his untiring energy, thrift and industry he continued to add to his possessions until he has .one of the finest and most productive farnis to be found in Clearfield

county, comprising over two hundred acres. Mr. McCloskey has also been extensively engaged in lumbering, and in all his varied enterprises has been very successful. About the year 1857 he established a general mercantile store on his farm. and for many years was a successful mer- chant in the township. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat, and has taken a deep interest in all enter- prises for the public good, but has never aspired to official distinction although his friends have ofttimes solicited him to become a candidate.

On April 23, 1854, Isaac C. McCloskey was married to Elizabeth Jane McClure, daughter of Col. Ross McClure, of Pike township, and ten children were born to this union, five of whom are now living, including our subject: Edgar L. McCloskey, who was born on the 8th day of April, 1858. He received his education in the public schools of the locality of his birth, and in 1876 attended the summer session of the State Normal School, Millersville, Penn .; one session of the Teachers Normal of Curwensville. and one term at the private school of Prof. B. C. Youngman, at Clearfield. He taught school three terms in Clearfield county under County Supt. M. L. McQuown. In 1881 he was gradu- ated from Wood's Business College, at Williams- port, Penn. He then succeeded his father in the general mercantile business, but in 1882 sold his interests to Merrey & McCloskey, and con- ducted the business six years for that firm or until 1888, in which year he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, sheriff of Clearfield county, by a majority over his Republican opponent of 1,031 votes. Although his predecessor in office was a Republican, and with the firm hold the Republican organization held in the county, his large majority was quite indicative of his popu- larity in his county. After the expiration of his term of office (three years), he took for recrea- tion as well as pleasure a trip through the South. and visited all points of interest, including all the large cities as well as other places of note. In 1884 he purchased the interest of J. C. Stewart in the general mercantile business in Clearfield. and continued the copartnership of a general store with his partner. W. T. Spackman, under the firm name of Spackman & McCloskey, up to the spring of 1898, when he entered into the general mercantile business for himself.

Edgar L. McCloskey was married May 29. 1884, to Miss Idura L. King, only daughter of Rev. J. R. King, a prominent minister of the Central Pennsylvania M. E. Conference. . To this union seven children were born, as follows: Roy .M., Ira C., Joseph Ross, Edgar L., Edith Zoe, Verdie May, and Les K., all now living ex-

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cept Joseph Ross, who died May 22, 1894. Our subject is worthy of special mention for his gen- erosity as well as integrity, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, and he never fails to bestow a favor whenever he has oppor- tunity to do so. Through his honesty and integ- rity in his business relations, he has rightly merited the confidence of the public of his wide acquaintance.

J JAMES T. HEBEL, who was one of the brave .. boys in blue" during the Civil war, and is now a leading carpenter and builder of Luthers- burg, was born in Perry county, Penn., March 19, 1843, a son of George and Rosanna ( Matchett ) He- bel, natives of Lancaster and Dauphin counties, Penn., respectively. The father was reared in Dauphin county, where he learned the millwright's trade, but after his marriage lie bought a farm in Hunters Valley, Perry county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which oc- curred in 1883. His wife had passed away two years previous, while she was on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Shoop, in Harrisburg.

In their family were eight children, of whom three were born in Dauphin county and the oth- ers in Perry county: (1) David, the eldest, also served his country during the Rebellion, enlisting in 1863 in the Pennsylvania Reserves, and serv- ing until the close of the war. He married Janet Thompson, of Cleveland, Ohio, and located in Perry county, Penn .. but after the war moved to Black Rapids, Mich., where his death occurred; he left a widow but no children. (2) William also died in Michigan, where he made his home. (3) AAlfred enlisted, in 1863, in Company B, 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, and while serving under Gen. Grant at the battle of the Wilderness he was taken prisoner by the Rebels, and was incar- cerated at Andersonville for eleven months. When the war was over he returned to Perry county, where he still resides. Prior to his en- listment he had married Louisa Buchanan: he has two sons living -- David and James. (4) John C. was also a member of the same company and regiment, which he joined in 1861, and served under Geu. Mead. During his three-years' serv- ice he was never off duty, and took part in every battle in which his regiment was engaged. He married Hannah Resinger, of Perry county, and with his family resides on his father's old home- stead. (5) Annie married William H. Shoop, of Perry county, and they now reside in Mansfield, Ohio, where he works at the carpenter's trade. (6) Frank S. migrated to Ohio, and there mar- ried a Miss Snyder, and he now lives near Mans-

field, where he also follows carpentering; he has several children. (7) Mary died in Perry county. Penn., at the age of sixteen years. (8) James T. is our subject.

James T. Hebel was only eighteen years of age when the Civil war broke out, but he mani- fested his patriotism by early enlisting in the service, becoming a member of Company B. 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, commanded by Capt. G. K. Shull, of Liverpool, Perry county. Froni Camp Curtin he went to West Chester, where the regiment was organized, and it was sworn into the United States service at Washington, D. C., July 21, 1861. It was then ordered to Fairfax, and later participated in the first battle of Bull Run, under Gen. McDowell. Under his command they did picket duty until the spring of 1862, when they were ordered to report to Mc- Clellan, and then took part in the Peninsular campaign. In front of Richmond they engaged in a seven-days' fight, first at Gaines Mills and then at Gaines Hill, where Mr. Hebel was taken prisoner June 27, 1862. While confined in Libby, Gen. Mead was also taken as a prisoner to that place, where he addressed the boys with words of encouragement. After two weeks there passed our subject was transferred to Belle Isle, where he remained for three months before being pa- roled and taken to City Point. There he and his party took transports for Harrison's Landing, where they did picket duty on the south bank of the James river. Later they took transports around the Acquia creek, and were then in the second battle of Bull Run, being under the com- mand of Gens. Mead and Reynolds. With the Army of the Potomac the regiment was in the battle of Fredericksburg, in 1863, being on the left of the three grand divisions. Here his divi- sion lost 3.000 men, but captured over 800 pris- oners. Crossing the Rappahannock, Mr. Hebel with his command marched to Belle Plaines and from there to Alexandria, where they recruited. After the battle of Fredericksburg they took part in the engagements at South Mountain and An- tietam, and after re-enlisting were ordered to Gettysburg, but the order was countermanded and only two brigades of the division participated in that struggle. With the Army of the Potomac they were stationed npon the Rappahannock until the battle of the Wilderness. With his regiment our subject participated in all the engagements of that campaign, including the battle of Peters- burg, the Weldon Railroad charge on the 5th and 6th of February, 1865, and the battle of Hatcher's Run, where they supported the Sixth Ohio Cavalry. They took part in the battle of Five Forks, and continued fighting along the

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 57

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