Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 63

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 63
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 63
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 63
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 63

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In politics Mr. Irwin was originally a Dem- ocrat, but, on account of his views on the temp- erance question, he now gives his unwavering sup- port to the Prohibition party. He and his wife and their eldest daughter are all consistent mein- bers of the Methodist. Episcopal Church, and take an active part in Church work. The fam-

ily is one of the inost highly esteemned and respected in Morris township, and at their hos- pitable home their many friends find a cordial welcome.

G EORGE HESS, a prominent and influential farmer of Boggs township, is a native son of Clearfield county, born March 24, 1821, and was reared within two niiles of his present farin. He early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. but his literary training was more meagre, being limited to about three months' attendance at the subscription schools each year.

David W. Hess, grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany, where he married, and whence at an early day he came to the New World, taking up his residence in Pennsylvania, where his children were mostly born and reared. The birth of Abraham Hess, the father of our subject, occurred in York county, this State, and he first came to Clearfield county, in 1813, for the purpose of hunting. A few years later his father came to the county, when there were but few actual settlers, and located a tract of land, which he converted into a good farm. Abraham early became familiar with the river, and for some time engaged in rafting lumber and coal. He purchased a tract of land of David Litz, his father-in-law, opened up a farm, and there made: his home during the remainder of his life: but he also owned other places, including the one on which our subject now resides. He erected the first mill in the county, more for his own use than for the public, and engaged in grinding four and in sawing lumber. Besides rafting his own lum- ber he also took great quantities down the river for other parties, and was a public-spirited, pro- gressive citizen, anxious to assist in all measures that would promote the general welfare of the community. In politics he was first a Democrat and later an ardent Republican, earnestly advo- cating the principles of that party.

In Clearfield county. Abraham Hess was married to Sarah Litz, a daughter of David Litz. an early settler of the county, who assisted in its organization, and here opened up a large farin. where he spent his remaining days. He was the first to run rafts on the branch of the river run- ning through his locality, and was one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of the community. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hess, all now deceased with the exception of our subject. namely: Mary, who wedded Alex Storm, an Englishman: Sarah, who married Manly London, a farmer: Isaac. who went to the West; Rebecca, who

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married John Hanny, a fariner; Martha, who married Joseph London, a carpenter: George, of : this sketch: Abram; Alexander, who removed to the West; and Sophia, who married David Askey, a farmer. The mother of these children died February 23, 1843, after which the father was again married, and by the second union had two children -- Rosa, who died when young: and A. L., who is living at Clearfield, Penn. The father died in May, 1858.

Upon the home farin George Hess remained until his marriage, when his father gave him one hundred acres-his present fine farm. To the original tract he has added fifty acres, and now has one of the most desirable and highly-im- proved farms of the neighborhood, it being pleasantly situated near Clearfield creek, five miles southeast of Clearfield. Besides his farm- ing operations Mr. Hess has also engaged in lumbering, running rafts of his own, which has proved a profitable source of income: but of late years his attention has been mainly given to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising.

In 1847 Mr. Hess was united in marriage with Miss Mary Litz, a native of Clinton county, Penn .. and a daughter of Abram Litz, who was born in this State, and came to Clearfield county in 1844. Here her father followed his trade of a brick and stone mason, and also operated his farm at Litz Bridge, where he died at about the age of sixty-four years. Eleven children were . born to our subject and his wife: Alexander, deceased: D. W., a clay miner of Clearfield county; Sophia, wife of John Levitts, a farmer: Sally, Robert, Abrahamn, Isaac and George W., all deceased; Marietta, who married Charles Warren. by whom she had three children, and after his death wedded Fletcher Bailey, a car- penter of Clearfield; and two who died young. The mother and most of the children died in June. 1864. of typhoid fever. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Hess was again married. his second union being with Miss Lavina Crowd, a native of Clearfield county, where her father. Henry Crowl, was a prominent farmer. Three children graced the second marriage: Lavina, deceased : Uriah, at home; and Nancy, wife of David Litz. On June ;. 1896, Mrs. Hess was killed by light- ning at the door of her home, while in the per- formance of her household duties. She was an affectionate wife and mother, an earnest Chris- tian lady, and her death was mourned by the entire community. She was a member of the United Brethren Church.

Mr. Hess casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has creditably filled some minor offices, including

those of supervisor of the poor and school direc- tor. He has lived an upright, honorable lite. winning the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. and has a host of warm friends throughout the county.

J AMESG. HARRIS, an honored and highly esteemed citizen of Du Bois, Clearfield county, has for a number of years been act- ively identified with the industrial interests of this region as a log scaler and timber estimator for John Du Bois, and his successor. John E. Du Bois. He is a business man of more than or- dinary ability, and the success that he has achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts.

John Harris, father of our subject, was a native of Wales, and on crossing the ocean in [832 first located in Nova Scotia, where he re- mained until 1836, the year of the big fire in New York, when he took up his residence in the latter city. There he married Annie Griffith, and ! continued to make his home until our subject was fifteen years of age. By trade he was a black- smith. and on leaving that city he established a shop in Almond, N. Y., where he carried on business until his removal to Hornellsville, Steu- ben Co .. N. Y., in 1882. There he turned his attention to weaving for a number of years, but later bought property in the town of Hornells- ville. where he was living at the time of his death in 1896. His wife had departed this life at Almond in 1860, leaving two children: James G., our subject, and Annie, who was born in New York City, and was reared in Almond. She married Lewis J. Prior, of the latter place, who was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. He was killed on the New York & Erie railroad some years ago, leaving a widow and two children: John, who is engaged in the grocery business in Hornellsville, N. Y .. resides with his mother.

Born in 1839, in New York, James G. Harris attended the public schools of that city until the removal of the family to Alinond, where he com- pleted his education. There he married Miss Louisa, a daughter of John and Charlotte Brown. of Almond. and then removed to a farm near that place. but at the end of two years returned to Almond, where he worked in a shoe factory until his enlistment in the United States service.

In 1863 Mr. Harris joined Company H. First New York Dragoons, and from Elmira barracks accompanied his command to Camp Stoneman. near Washington, where they were mounted and sworn into the United States service. They

James G Harris

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

were first sent to Mitchell's Station, near Cul- peper, where they did picket duty until May 4," 1864, when they broke camp and started on the spring campaign of the Wilderness, participating in the following battles: Todds Tavern, May 7; Spottsylvania Court House, May 8; Yellow Tavern, May 11; Meadow Bridge, May 12; Me- chanicsville, May 12; Haws Shop, May 28; Old Church, May 30; Cold Harbor, May 31 and June 1; Trevillian Station, June 11 and 12; and Deep Bottom. July 27. Receiving a sunstroke at the last named battle, Mr. Harris was taken to City Point field hospital, where he was under the care of Dr. Mitchell until the 25th of August. Sheridan at that time was advancing to the Shen- andoah Valley, and he joined his regiment at Shepherdstown on that date. On the same day they met the enemy in battle at that place and at Kenneysville. The Dragoons lost heavily in that engagement, and were driven back to where the infantry was stationed. On the 28th and 29th of August they met the enemy at Smithfield, and Opequan, September 19, and on the same day at Winchester. Later they took part in the battles of Fisher Hill, September 23; Mount Jackson, September 24: New Market, September 25; Port Republic, where a severe engagement was brought on September 26; Tom's Brook, October 8; Newmarket, October 9: Strasburg, October 14; Cedar Creek, October 19; Liberty Mills, December 22; and Gordonsville, Decem- ber 23, thus ending the campaign of 1864. They remained in camp at their winter quarters in Loudoun county. Va., until March 31, 1865, when Mr. Harris with others was detailed for guard duty. On leaving that place they were on garrison duty along the Baltimore & Ohio rail- road at Charlestown. General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. April 9. 1865, and on the Ist of the following May. Mr. Harris with his company joined their regiment at Bailey's Cross Roads. and from there marched as infantry to Capital Hill. After participating in the grand review they were mustered out of the United States service, and taken on transports to Rochester, N. Y., where the regiment was discharged July 17. 1865, after almost two years of arduous and faithful service on Southern battlefields.

Returning to his home in Almond, Mr. Har- ris engaged in wagonmaking for two years, and in 1870 became agent for a mowing-machine company, traveling in its interests over thirty- nine counties of New York State. He embarked in lumbering in 1871, being for the first three years in the employ of Nick Brockway, in Elk county, Penn., but in April, 1876, became con- nected with John Du Bois, of Clearfield county.

and has now for twenty-one years faithfully served the same firm as log scaler and timber in- spector.

Mr. Harris was again married, October 18. 1878, his second union being with Miss Mary J. Grogan, of Beech Woods, Penn., who was born in Mauch Chunk, January 5, 1849, a daughter of Michael and Eleanor Grogan, of Jefferson coun- ty, Penn. They began housekeeping in Du Bois, where they still reside, Mr. Harris having pur- chased a lot in 1881 on North Fourth street, of John Du Bois, and erected thereon a comforta- ble and commodious two-story frame residence. equipped with all modern improvements. There hospitality abounds, the many friends of the family always being sure to find a hearty wel- come.

By his first marriage Mr. _ Harris had one daughter. Nellie A., born October 8, 1860. at Al- mond. N. Y. She received a good education, and on reaching womanhood married Lafrone Merriman, now the musical director of the Silver Lake Orchestra, and they have one child, Patti: they reside in Hornellsville, N. Y. Three chil- dren grace the second marriage: James F., born August 31, 1879, pursued his studies in the schools of Du Bois, and also took a commercial course. He is now engaged in scaling logs with his father. Irvin S., born April 30, 1882, is at- tending the home school; and Mary Pearl. born April 20, 1884, is also at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Harris are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, being a strong temperance man, he is an earnest sup- porter of the men and measures of the Prohibi- tion party. He has been especially active in promoting educational interests in his locality. has served for three years as school director of Du Bois, and while a member of the school board was instrumental in securing the erection of two elegant and substantial brick school build- ings. one in the First ward and the other in the Fourth. He has witnessed the entire growth of Du Bois, having located there when no polline district had been established in the place, and it- citizens went to Luthersburg to vote. With its progress and development he has been prom- inently identified, always giving his support to any movement calculated to advance its welfare. Fraternally, Mr. Harris is a member of the F. & A. M., Blue Lodge, No. 559, of Du Bois; Jeffer- son Chapter, No. 225. Brookville, and Knapp Commandery, K. T., No. 40, Ridgway; of the I. O. O. F., at Du Bois: of the K. of T., No 475. of Du Bois; of Mountain Queen Castle, K. G E .; of the A. O. U. W .: of the P. O. S. of A., of Sabula; of Grange Lodge, Narrows Creek, and

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of the G. A. R., No. 229, of which he is a charter member and past post commander, and is now quartermaster.

A NDREW LIDDLE is one of the stalwart and substantial citizens of Sandy township, Clearfield county, who are of alien birth, but who have, by their own unaided exertions, raised themselves from a state of comparative poverty, in which they came to this country, to their pres- ent prosperous condition. Since coming to the county our subject has successfully engaged in general farming, and is to-day one of the most substantial and highly respected citizens of his community.

Mr. Liddle was born in Ireland, in 1820, a son of James and Elizabeth (Crawford) Liddle, who made their home near Castle Derg, in County Tyrone, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1832. The mother also died on the Emerald Isle when our subject was about seven years of age. At thirteen he and his brother John took passage on the brig " John and Mary," bound for the West Indies, but two weeks after leaving Liverpool the vessel was overwhelmed by a storm and driven into the Bay of Biscay. After returning to Liverpool for repairs they again started on their journey, reaching their destination after a voyage of nine weeks. They spent a year in the West Indies, during which time the colored peo- ple on the islands were liberated by the English government.

On his return to Ireland Mr. Liddle lay ill at Liverpool for two weeks with fever and agne, and, as his parents were dead, he then made his home with his brother James until large enough to begin the battle of life for himself. For some time he worked for farmers in his native land, but ultimately decided to try his fortune in America. On April 15, 1848, he arrived in Philadelphia, and from there went to Wilining- . in the State Normal of Edinboro. She then fol- ton, Del., where for two years he worked for Dr. Gibbons, as a gardener, and for the same length of time was with Mr. Adams. Coming to Brady township, Clearfield county, he then pur- chased fifty acres of partially-improved land of Andy Wilson.

While in Delaware, Mr. Liddle became ac- quainted with Miss Mary A. Fleming, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, who had come to America previous to our subject's arrival. In the capacity of cook, she accompanied the family of Dr. Vandusen to Pittsburg, and after Mr. Lid- dle had erected a house upon his new farm in Brady township, he went to that city, where.

April 9. 1853. they were made man and wife. He at once took his young bride to his new home, and together they labored, earnestly and persistently, until they now enjoy a handsome competence. In 1863 their first little home was replaced by a commodious two-story frame resi- dence, and a good barn has also been erected. To the original tract Mr. Liddle added 200 acres, known as the E. Long farm, and in 1876 he bought 100 acres of John Du Bois, which ad- joins his place on the northeast. Upon the lat- ter tract his son James now resides.

Mr. and Mrs. Liddle have reared a family of eleven children, namely: (1) Fannie J., born February 2, 1854, died in May, 1855. (2) James A., born January 30, 1855, grew to manhood on the home farm, and married Mary Nelson. of Brady township, by whom he has ten children -- Charles, Andrew, James, Eugene, Grover, Hulda, William, Robert, Anna and Emogene. all at home. (3) William H., born April 11. 1856, received a good education in the schools of Brady township, and subsequently became a successful teacher. In 1882 he entered the Commercial Business College, of Lebanon, Ohio, where he graduated the following year. He mar- ried Josephine Marsh, of New York, and located upon his father's farn, where his wife died in 1888, leaving three children-Celia; John, who died in 1895; and Josephine. (4) John T., born in July, 1857, died in 1858. (5) John T. (the second of the name) was born May 28, 1859, and after being well educated was appointed principal of the high school of Du Bois; he was a young man of great promise; he died June 3, 1882. (6) Fannie A., born June 3. 1860, married Peter May. of Canada, who is now civil engineer for the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal Co. They reside in Stanley, Clearfield county, and have one daughter, Blanche, now attending school. (7) Eliza Jane, born July 28, 1861, attended the Brady schools, but completed her education lowed the profession of teaching for several terms, but in 1883 gave her hand in marriage to William Porter, of Clearfield, a son of Robert Porter, of Lawrence township, Clearfield county. Her husband is one of the leading lumbermen of the county, and they reside in Clearfield. Their children are Robert. Mary, Ruth, Marguerite, Elizabeth. Frederick, Sarah and Frances, all at home. (8) Mary E., born September 20, 1862, died August 23. 1864. (9) Andrew J., boru August 2, 1865. died of diphtheria July 29, 1875. (10) Edwin M., born February 27. 1867, grew to manhood upon the home farm, and acquired a good common-school education. He now re-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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sides upon a part of the old homestead. In 1888 he married Jennie Keil, of West Liberty, Clear- field county, and they have four children-May, Frederick, Hazel and Edwin, all at home. (11) Samuel C., born August 14, 1868, completed his education in the Leonard high school of Clear- field county, and is now successfully conducting the home farmn for his father.

Mr. Liddle is now the owner of 350 acres of the best farming land in Brady township, but he is a man to whom the most envious can scarcely begrudge success, so well has he earned it, and so adinirably does he use it. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Episcopal Church, of Du Bois, are kind, unaffected and approachable, and are always ready to aid and relieve suffering and distress. They are worthy examples of the true type of loyal Irish-American citizens, and have the high regard of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Liddie is a Democrat in politics, and served for three years as school director in Sandy township, being one of the first elected to that office in his district.

A BIAL D. JOHNSON is successfully oper- ating a good farm in Cooper township, Clearfield county, which, with its neat and sub- stantial buildings, and its general air of thrift and comfort, forms one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of the community. As a citizen and business man he stands high in the esteem of his neighbors. In the various enter- prises inaugurated for the advancement of the community he has been a cheerful and ready as- sistant, and takes a lively interest in the progress of the people around him.

Mr. Johnson was born in Bradford county, Penn., November 9, 1828, a son of Artemas and Polly (Chafey) Johnson. His grandparents, Asel and Benlah (Hitchcock) Johnson, came from Connecticut to Bradford county at an early day, and there died. Artemas Johnson was a native of Connecticut, whence when quite young he was brought by his parents to Bradford county, where he was reared and married. By his first wife he had two daughters: Mrs. Adeline Wells, who died leaving one daughter, Jessie; and Mrs. Lucina Mingle, who at her death left one son, Robert. For his second wife, Artemas Johnson married Mrs. Polly (Chafey) Browning, who, by her former marriage, had three children: Mary. wife of C. R. Williams, by whom she had one child, Smith; Sarah, who is living with our sub- ject: and Herman, who died in Bradford county, leaving two children. Our subject is the third in the order of birth in a family of five children,

the others being Dennison, who died in Minne- sota; Wealthy, wife of J. Hoover: Lucian, de- ceased: and Nancy, who died at the age of ten years. The mother of these children died in 1850, after which the father broke up housekcep- ing, and found a pleasant home with our subject until he, too, was called to his final rest in 1859. Both were members of the Swedenborgian Church, and he was a Whig in politics. Through- out his active business life he followed agricult- ural pursuits.

In the common country schools, Mr. Johnson. the subject of this sketch, secured his education, and was reared upon the home farm in Bradford county, where he remained until 1850, when he purchased a tract of 125 acres of raw land in Clearfield county, which he at once began to clear and improve, now having sixty-five acres under a high state of cultivation. Upon the place lie has erected a good two-story frame residence, barns and outbuildings, and set out a fine orchard. It is pleasantly located three miles from Kylertown, and two miles from Peale. He also has two other farms, aggregating about ninety acres of improved land, and in 1882 he established a general store, which he con- ducted for eight years. It is now carried on by his son, who removed the stock of goods a short distance from its former location, and is also serving as postmaster of Grassflat. Underlying the farm of Mr. Johnson is a good grade of coal. and he has sold the mineral right to the Clear- field Bituminous Coal & Mining Co., who now operate the mine. Since coming to the county he has been interested in the lumber business to a greater or less degree, for the first fifteen years spending the winters in the lumber woods; but since 1884 he has given his attention principally to his agricultural interests, in which he has niet with good success.

Mr. Johnson was married, in 1853, to Miss Sarah Dillon, who was born in Clearfield county, January 21. 1832, a daughter of George and Catherine {Merritt. Dillon, now deccased. They were natives of Centre county, Penn., where they were married. They became the parents of seven children: Mary, deceased wife of John Hoover; Eliza, wife of George Mcclellan; Sarah, wife of our subject; James, a farmer of Cooper township, Clearfield county; Miles, who was killed during the Civil war: Austin, a carpenter by trade, and Phillis, wife of M. Lewis. The grandparents of these children, James and Susie (Rickard) Dillon, were of Scotch descent.

Eight children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs, Johnson, namely: Charles E., a farmer of Clearfield county: Edgar, a merchant and post-

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master of Grassflat; Mary, wife of William Pel- ton, a farmer of Clearfield county: Bertha, who became the wife of W. Marshall, and died in " 1884, leaving one child; M. Grant, a butcher by trade; Andy C., a farnier of Huntingdon county, Penn., and Guy and Helen E., at hioine. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are devoted niembers of the United Brethren Church. Since the organiza- tion of the Republican party Mr. Johnson has been one of its most faithful supporters, being the first to cast his ballot for that party in Coop- er township, at which time there were only six Republicans within its borders. He has held some local offices, but has never cared for polit- ical distinction.

PERTEN MERRITT, whose ability as a finan- cier, has brought well-merited success to hin, is numbered among the prominent citizens of Clearfield county. The financial and indus- trial history of that community would be very in- complete and unsatisfactory without a personal mention of those whose lives are interwoven so closely with the business development of the State. The subject of this sketch finds an ap- propriate place in the annals of those enterpris- ing men, whose force of character, sterling in- tegrity, fortitude amid discouragements, and good judgment in the management of business interests. have brought to them success. Mr. Merritt is a representative of this class, and is in its broadest sense a self-made man, being both the architect and the builder of his own Iortune.

A native of Bradford county, Penn .. born June 23, 1839, Mr. Merritt was reared in Wyo- ming county. His parents were Elijah and Jane A. (Yearington) Merritt. the latter of whom came of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Elijah Merritt was a son of Hezekialı, a native of England. whose father was the first settler of Bradford county, and an island in the Susquehanna river was named in his honor. Elijah Merritt was reared and married in Bradford county, but for many years resided in Wyoming county, where he died in 1875, aged eighty-six years. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in politics was a stanch Democrat. In his younger years he followed the trade of a millwright and carpenter, but afterwerd engaged in farming. His wife was a native of Luzerne county (then a part of Wyoming), and a daughter of honored pioneer people, her mother having been sheltered in a fort near the scene, and at the time of the Wyoming massacre. Mrs. Merritt died in 1845. at the age of forty-four years, after which the father married again. The children of the first

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 63

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