Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 62

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 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 62

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February 22, 1854, is engaged in merchandising in Irvona. He married Almira Litz, of Becaria township, and has one son, John M., who, after attending the common schools of Becaria town- . ship, entered the Westchester high school in 1893, : and was graduated in 1896. He is now employed as a teacher in Westchester at a salary of $50 per month.

Josiah W. Smith was born in Becaria town- ship, in September, 1842, and spent his youth in farm work and in study at the public schools. In 1868 he married Sarah J. Leonard, daughter of John and Marguerite Leonard, of Blair county, Penn. They began their domestic life on the farm which is now their home, it having forinerly been owned by Mr. Smith's maternal grand- father. He purchased this place- at Orphans' Court sale in 1865, and has since successfully carried on agricultural pursuits and lumbering. His keen discrimination and unflagging industry have brought to him prosperity, and he is now one of the substantial citizens of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of nine chil- dren: John A., who was born March 23. 1869. and was educated in the common schools of Be- caria township, is now employed by the Standard Oil Co., at Sisterville, W. Va. Fannie MI., who was born January 6, 1871, and supplemented her common-school education with a course in the normal school at Mahaffey in 1891. was for- merly a teacher. Mary Florence, born March 19, 1872, Anna E., born February 5. 1874. Harry F., born Janury 28, 1876, William Clyde born May 24. 1878, Margaretta J., born August 24. 1880, Walter L., born March 16, 1883, and Joseph M .. born March 22, 1887, are with their parents.

During the Civil war Mr. Smith manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting in June. 1863, in Company I. Send P. V. I. The regiment joined the Army of the Potomac near Fairfax, mnet the enemy at Rappahannock, and then advanced toward Richmond, again engaging in battle at Mine Run. The Union troops fell back near Brandy Station, and went into winter quarters. The brigade to which Mr. Smith be- longed was ordered to johnson's island to take charge of the Rebel prison, and there remained until spring. when it again joined the Army of the Potomac. They were engaged in the battle at Cold Harbor, where Mr. Smith was wounded. a ball piercing his left eye and coming out under the right ear Alter remaining for some time in the hospital at Washington he was transferred to Haddington Hospital. Philadelphia, where he re- mained until October, when he rejoined his reg-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

iment and participated in all its service until after . hospital. After four years of faithful and arduous the surrender of Lee. He was mustered out at ' service he was discharged, in 1865, and returned 1 to his home in Brady township, Clearfield county. Subsequently he emigrated to Minnesota, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have four interesting children: John, at this writing aged ten years; Nellie, aged eight: J. Russell. aged four; and Mabel, aged two. Hall Hill, Va. In politics he has always been one of the active workers in the Republican party, and is as true to his duties of citizenship as he was on the field of battle. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and throughout the community are held in the highest esteem.

Mrs. Cunninghamn is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, but our subject holds membership with no religious denomination. The Republican party finds in him a faithful ally. and for two terms he acceptably filled the office of supervisor of his township. He is a public- spirited and enterprising man, and takes an act- ive interest in everything promising to benefit the community.

M ICHAEL MAGUIRE. Like many other residents within the bounds of Clearfield county who started out in life with naught but an abundance of determination and indefatigable industry, and a strong and healthy constitution, and who succeeded through their own diligence, energy and economy, we classify the subject of this sketch, who is actively engaged in agricult- ural pursuits in Morris township.

Mr. Maguire is a native of Pennsylvania, born June 15, 1851, and is a son of Mark and Rosana (Hatton) Maguire. The father, who was a son of Michael Maguire, was born in Diamond Valley. Huntingdon Co .. Penn., and in 1855 came to Graham township, Clearfield county, where he purchased one hundred acres of land known as the Kyler farm, which he at once began to clear and improve. Later, he sold, and removed to Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, where he rented a farm for a few years, removing finally to Centre county, where he passed the last years of his life. By his first wife, who was a Miss Monhollen, he had three children, James, Luke and Alfred. The mother of these dying in Ohio. Mr. McGuire afterward wedded Rosana Hatton, and Michael, the subject of this review, is one of the nine children born of this nnion, the others being as follows: Scott is married, and resides in Munson, Clearfield county: Ruth is the wife of Charles Gage, of Half Moon Valley, Centre county. by whom she has five children: Paul, who lives at Morrisdale Mines, Clearfield county, married Miss Myers, and has six children: John, ; a resident of Chester Hill, Clearfield county, mar- ried Miss McKenny; Mark is single, and makes George Hoover, a farmer of Centre county; Rachel lives at the old home in Centre county;

E J. CUNNINGHAM is one of the reliable and progressive agriculturists and representative men of Union township, Clearfield county, where he is actively engaged in general farming. He was born in 1857, near Mifflintown, in Juniata county, Penn., a son of John and Jane (McCrum) Cunningham, also natives of Juniata county, where for a number of years they continued to make their home upon Grandfather Cunning- ham's farm. The mother died upon that place when our subject was only one month old, her clothes taking fire while washing, and she was burned to death. The father, who is still living, now resides in Patterson, Juniata county.

Ephraim, the eldest son of his three children, was born in that county in 1851, received a fair education in the common schools of Port Royal, and continued a resident of the county until reaching manhood, when he went to Iowa, where he was married. After engaging in mercantile pursuits in that State for a time, his health failed and he removed to Marshall county, Iowa, where he edited the first newspaper printed within its borders, and later engaged in the real-estate busi- ness. Subsequently he removed to Wayne coun- ty, Nebr., and is now the editor and proprietor of the Wayne County Republican. Rebecca, the sister of our subject, was born on the old home- stead in Juniata county, in 1853, and has always remained with her father, now caring for him in his declining years.

On the death of his mother, Mr. Cunning- hamn, of this review, was taken to the home of his uncle, David Dresler, of Clearfield county, who, with his excellent wife, tenderly cared for him. He was reared to manhood on the farin where he now resides, and as soon as old enough began to assist in its cultivation. The well-tilled fields and neat appearance of the place indicate his thrift and enterprise and the careful attention that he gives to every detail of his business. In 1885 he married Miss Jennie Farley. a daughter of Morris Farley, an honored veteran of the Civil war, who enlisted in 1861, was wounded at the . his home in Centre county: Sarah is the wife of battle of Gettysburg, and again at the battle of ' Petersburg, and for a long time was confined to

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and James married Emily Wilhelm, and resides , he and his wife, Elizabeth Bloom. reared a fain- in Clearfield county.

Our subject accompanied his parents on their . various removals, and remained with them until he reached manhood, acquiring his education in the public schools. In 1881 he married Miss Jennie Rothrock, a daughter of William T. and Mary Jane (Flegal) Rothrock, and they now have six children: Oliver, who at this writing is fif- teen years of age: Chester, born October 15, 1883; Orin, born January 2, 1885; Alfred R., born February 3, 1887; Walter, born March 31, 1890; and Paul, born December 17, 1891. After his marriage, Mr. Maguire located at Mor- risdale Mines, where for seven years he was in the employ of R. B. Wegton & Son, either de- livering goods or doing general work. He then purchased his present farm of 140 acres adjoining the village of Munson, and a part of it he has

and perseverance he has brought the remainder to a condition of most excellent culture, has erected good and substantial buildings thereon. and now has the finest property in Munson.

Financially, Mr. Maguire has reason to be satisfied with the result of his labors, and his course as a citizen has been such as to commend him to the people among whom he makes his home. Enterprising and progressive, he is re- garded as one of the valued members of the community. As he is a strong temperance man, he uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Prohibition party, and in religion both himself and wife are consistent and earnest members of the Methodist Church. He was supervisor of Morris township for one term, and during the coal and iron strike served for three months as a policeman. His support is always given those measures which have for their object the upbuilding and advancement of the community, or the good of his fellow citizens.

Z ACHARIAH OGDEN. In 1794, when the site of the present thriving town of Clear- ! field was still an inviting field for the pioneer fariner and lumberman, Daniel Ogden, the great- grandfather of the subject of this sketch, settled there, cleared a farmi in the woods and built the first mill erected in that vicinity. He and his wife were both natives of Pennsylvania. Their son Matthew, our subject's grandfather, was born in Lycoming county, Penn. , but passed the greater part of his life in Clearfield county, following in his mature years the occupations of milling and farming. He settled in the woods in Lawrence township and cleared a farm for himself. where

ily of children. among whom was a son William, the father of our subject. He was born in 1804. grew to manhood at the old home, and then en- gaged in farming in Lawrence township, where his death occurred in 1878. He was married in Clearfield county to Miss Eleanor Selfridge, who was born in Huntingdon county, Penn., in 1808.

Our subject was one of the ten children of this estimable couple. He was born February 6, 1835, and enjoyed the usual advantages of a country boy during his youth. In 1855 he pur- chased a tract of 150 acres of forest land, and after bringing that under cultivation he added forty-six acres inore, the property being now one of the best farms in his locality. He was mar- ried in 1855. in Pike township, Clearfield county. to Miss Elizabeth Ann Bailey, a descendant of an old pioneer family. Her father. Titus Bailey, his wife, Lydia (Henry), spent their lives there.

Mr. and Mrs. Ogden have had ten children, as follows: Harry is married and lives in Wisconsin; Flavius L. is married and resides in Indiana; Emma (Mrs. Kinsman) lives in Wisconsin: Jona- than is married and lives in Lawrence township; Cyrus is married and settled in Wisconsin: Eman- uel died at the age of twenty-three; Lillie Mrs. Henry Litz) resides in Lawrence township: Zach- ariah Bailey is a physician in Pittsburg, Penn. ; and Jerad and Jasper (twins) are at home. The mother of these died October 8, 1887. and on October 18, 1888. Mr. Ogden was married to Henriette Rishel. of Clearfield county, born Feb- ruary 12. 1840. a daughter of Titus and Lydia (Henz) Bailey. By this marriage there are no children.

Mr. Ogden has always shown himself to be loyal to the best interests of his locality, and as a member of the school board he has been espe- cially active in educational affairs. In his polit- ical views he is a Democrat, and among other offices to which he has been elected is that of treasurer, which incumbency he held seven years. Socially he is affiliated with the Grange. and also with Clearfield Lodge No. 198. I. O. O. F.

C LARK B. NORRIS is the proprietor of one of the most noticeable homesteads in Pike township, Clearfield county, and as a tiller of the soil is thorough and skillful. He was born Sep- tember 2, 1848. in the township where he still makes his home. was educated in its public schools, and throughout his business career has there followed farming and lumbering with good success.

laid off in lots which he has sold. By industry " was a native of Clearfield county, and hc and

Zachariah Ogden

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The Norris family is numbered among the pioneers of this section of the State, the great- grandfather of our subject locating in Centre county at an early day in its history, and during the time he was developing a farm in the midst of the forest underwent all the trials and difficul- ties of frontier life. The grandfather, Moses Norris, was for a number of years a leading farmer of Centre county, and was a prominent member of the Methodist Church.

Centre county was the birthplace of John Norris, the father of our subject, and when four years old he was brought by his parents to Clear- field county, where he was reared to manhood and throughout life followed agricultural pursuits. clearing and improving a farm in Pike township. Having received a good education for those early days, he engaged in teaching to some extent. His political support was ever given the Repub- lican party, and he was called upon to fill a num- ber of important local offices, serving as justice of the peace for a number of years, and also county commissioner. He died in September. 1894, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. He mar- ried Priscilla Bloom, a daughter of Isaac Bloom. who belonged to one of the earliest families of Clearfield county, his father, William Bloom, bav- ing come here from New Jersey in 1802, accom- panied by his seven sons and three daughters. from whom are descended all bearing the name in this section of the State. The father of these children aided the Colonies in securing their independence, serving all through the Revo- lutionary war. Isaac Bloom developed a fine farm in the midst of the wilderness, upon which he spent his remaining days. He was a promi- nent and influential man, a strong Democrat in politics, and a Methodist in religious belief. Mrs. Norris was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church, to which her husband also be- longed; she departed this life in January, 1883.

Of the sixteen children born to the parents of our subject. all grew to manhood and woman- hood and married. They are as follows: Sarah, deceased wife of T. Moore: Thomas, deceased: John. who was a captain in the Union service during the Civil war: Mrs. Mary J. Starr, de- ceased; James, a farmer by occupation: Isaac, a lumberman: Moses, a farmer, Mrs. Martha Kirk, deceased: Clark B. : Mrs. Elizabeth Casada; George, a resident of Jordan township, Clearfield county; Mrs. Margaret Stage; Wesley, of Clear- field; Mrs. Lavina Wall; William, a farmer: and Ord, who is living on the old homestead.

Clark B. Norris remained upon the home farm until his marriage to Miss Sarah Wall, a lady of intelligence and culture, born in Clearfield county,

May 16, 1858, a daughter of Thomas Wall, of . Penn township, who was a farmer and lumber- man by occupation, owning and operating a saw- mill. He first married Hannah Davis, a daughter of Joseph Davis, and to them were born four chil- dren, one of whom died in infancy: the others are James D., a lumberman and miller of Penn township; Elisha M., who was murdered in Cal- ifornia for his money; and Sarah E., wife of our subject. The mother of these children died in 1860, and the father afterward wedded Eliza Nicolson, by whom he had six children: Mrs. Mary E. Spencer; Mrs. Anna Magowen, now deceased; Leona, wife of J. Donahue; Blanche, who died at the age of fourteen; Charles, a farmer: and Maud at home with her inother. The father was accidentally killed by a teain May 14. 1894. With the Society of Friends both he and his first wife held membership. Ten children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Norris: Wallace A., who was married September 2. 1896, and is at home; Alverda, wife of Charles Addleman, by whom she has one child, George L. : Alice, wife of Charles Smith, by whom she has one child, Ferman; and Ralph, Thomas, Allen, Laura M., Howard, Clara E .. and Lida E .. all at home with their parents.

Since fourteen years of age. Mr. Norris has worked in the lumber woods during the winter season, in the spring time has rafted his own lumber down the river to market, and since his marriage has also engaged in farming on his own account. first operating a rented farin for about ten years. In 1879 he purchased his present farm, comprising what was then known as the Andy Tozer and Balsard Rocker farms, consisting of 140 acres, 100 of which are under cultivation and improved with excellent buildings. Here he has a pleasant home situated about a mile and a half south of Curwensville. He takes an active interest in public affairs, uniformly votes the Republican ticket, and has served as auditor ot his township, and constable four years. To en- terprises calculated for the general welfare of the people around him he has ever been a cheerful and liberal contributor, and to a marked degree enjoys the confidence and respect of all. Heand his worthy wife are earnest members of the Methodist Church.

A J. FRY. a leading and influential citizen of Becaria township, Clearfield county, manifests an intelligent and progressive interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. He follows agricultural pursuits, and his business dealing- are most honorable and straightforward.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

His long residence in the county, together with his upright life, has made him widely and favor- ably known, and he well deserves mention in this volume.

Our subject is the third child of Joseph and Jane (Watson) Fry, the former of whom was born near New Bloomfield, Perry Co., Penn., and spent part of his youth at the home of an aunt in Dauphin county, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, and also worked on the Pennsylvania canal. In 1839 he was married in Milesburg, Centre county, to Miss Jane Watson, of that county, and located in Birmingham, Penn., where he followed shoemaking some four years. He then purchased a tract of timber land on Clearfield creek, near Becaria Mills, and as he cleared away the trees manufactured square timber, which he rafted down the river and sent to the Eastern markets. After living on that place for seven years he sold to J. W. Lull, and removed to the Leonard farm above Glen Hope. In 1851 he located in Alleman's in Gulich town- ship, Clearfield county, where in connection with Daniel Fulkerson he purchased 400 acres of land, erected a sawmill and manufactured lun- ber for several years. Ultimately he sold that property, and in 1868 bought the William Smiley place of 150 acres in Becaria township, but through the following year he remained on the David Alleman farm. In 1869 he removed to his new home. and several years later went to Glen Hope, where he spent one year. His last days were passed in Alleman's, where he died in 1885, having survived his wife five years. He was one of the honored pioneers of Clearfield county, and, in connection with Daniel Fulkerson and Henry Alleman, built the first school house erected in the village of Allemanville, presenting it as a gift to the township. He was a warm friend of the cause of education. and ever did all in his power to advance the welfare of the com- munity.

Joseph and Jane Fry were the parents of nine children: (1 Rebecca. born, in 1840, in Hunt- ingdon county and reared in Clearfield county, married Abram H. Brady. of Gulich township, who afterward followed milling near Janesville; they had six children-Mrs. Sarah Culbertson, who resides near Fallen Timber, in Cambria county, Penn .; Dorsy G. : Edward: Christopher; Mrs. Minnie Ross: and Mrs. Ida Thomas. (2) Margaret, born in Huntingdon county, Novem- ber 26, 1842, is the wite of William Conrad, of Gulich township, who now resides near Janes- ville: they have five children - Edna, wife of John Riddle, of Janesville. Blanchie, wife of William Bishop, of Janesville, by whom she has three

children; Mrs. Clara Peters, who has three chil- dren; Ella and Eliza. (3) A. J. Fry is the next of the family. (4) John Fry, born near Glen Hope, October 11, 1846, and educated in the common schools, married Amanda, daughter of Samuel Davis, of Becaria township, and now resides in Cambria county; they have three chil- dren-Katie, Frederick and Gertrude. all at home. (5) Hannah, born in Becaria township, in 1848, and educated in Lumber City and in the Curwensville Normal School, was employed as a teacher in the public schools of Cambria county for about ten years. She married Robert Chil- ton, of that county, and after residing in Lloyds- ville for some time they removed to Gulich town- ship, their present home: they have five children -Sarah and John (twins), Maggie, Pearl and Freddie. (6) Martha A., born in Gulich town- ship, in 1850, is the wife of Levi Spangle, a farmer, residing near Coalport; their children are -Harry; Jennie, who is married and resides in Philipsburg, Penn. ; John: Susie; Viola and Levi. (7) Jane A., born in Gulich township. in 1852, taught school for several terms, and then mar- ried Aaron Osman, of Allemanville. Their chil- dren are Charlie, Sarah, Lillie, Leah. Pearl, Ermest and the baby. (8) Frances M .. born in 1854, in Gulich township, after successfully teaching for some time, married William F. Aikens, of Cambria county. They reside in Al- lemanville, and their children are-Charles, Alonzo, Albert. Kittie, Maggie, Roy, Blair (who died at the age of seven years), and an infant unnamed. (9) Ella M., born in Gulich town- ship, in 1856, also followed teaching several terms. She married Joseph W. Gill. of Cambria county, and now resides in Coalport. They have had four children-Walter, Gussie and Clarence at home, and Raymond, who died in childhood.

A. J. Fry, who was born in Becaria township August 27, 1844, obtained his elementary educa- tion in the common schools, was afterward a student in the business college, at Poughkeepsie. N. Y., and spent two terms in the schools in Millersville, Pom. He then followed lumbering until his marriage, after which he located on the old family homestead near Utahville, where for twenty-seven years he has now made his home. successfully following agricultural pursuits. His farm is well improved, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision. His business methods are above question. and his enterprise has brought to him prosperity.

In 1869 Mr. Fry married Ruth E .. daughter of Samuel R. and Martha A. Tipton. f Gulich township, and representatives of pioneer families

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Blair and Cambria counties, Penn. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fry: Harry, born March 1, 1870, and Jennie, born in December, 1871, are at home; Frank, born Sep- tember 24, 1873, was married in 1895 to May O'Donnell, of Becaria township, and resides on a part of his father's farm with his wife and two children, Ernest and an infant unnamed: Blanche May, born August 23, 1877, and W. L., born February 14, 1885, are at home. The children have all been provided with good educational privileges. In politics, Mr. Fry is a Democrat, and manifests an intelligent interest in political questions. He has served as justice of the peace of Becaria township for seventeen years, being the present incumbent, and was assessor for six years. He is prominent in the ranks of his party, and his sterling worth makes him a leader in all the walks of life.

J AMES IRWIN, an agriculturist of energy and ability, residing in Morris township, Clear- field county, was born April 6, 1834, a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Houts) Irwin. The father came from Buffalo Run, Centre county, to Clearfield county in 1830, and purchased one hundred acres of timber land, which he cleared, improved and developed into a good farm. Later he bought one hundred and nine acres adjoining, and a part of this he also placed under cultiva- tion, leaving the remainder timber land. Here he died in 1875, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away in 1893.

Our subject was reared amid the scenes of frontier life, and as soon as large enough began to assist in the arduons labors that fall to the lot of the pioneer settler. On starting out in life for himself he chose the occupation of farming, with which he had become familiar, and now ranks among the foremost agriculturists of Morris township. He married Miss Jane Dillon, of Martha Furnace, Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, and to them have been born nine chil- dren, all yet at home, with the exception of the eldest. They are as follows: Ida Nora, wife of William Merrow, employed on a railroad at Mun- son, Clearfield county: John W., Effa, Stella, Willard, Amanda, Sophia, James Ellia and Earl.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 62

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