Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 64

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 64
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 64
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 64
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 64

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union were: George, a farmer of Boggs towil- ship; Elijah (deceased); Mrs. Clarinda Kinney (deceased); Nelson; and Berten.

The last-named assisted his father in the de- velopment of the hoine farm until attaining his majority, and had no educational privileges, learning to read and write after his marriage. On leaving home he went to Centre county, where he began jobbing in the lumber business for Judge Munson, of Philipsburg. While thus engaged he purchased a sawmill on Morgan run, and continued its operation for eight years. In 1868 he sold his mill to Samuel Mitchell and en- gaged in jobbing for him for two years, when he purchased a half interest in the mill and timber lands. About a year later Mr. Mitchell died, and in his will made a provision that his widow should carry on business as before. This was done for about five years, and ultimately Mr. Merritt be- came owner of the entire plant, of which he has been sole proprietor since 1882. In 1884 he came to Cooper township, where he entered into partnership with Weaver & Betts, and A. B. Weaver, under the firm name of B. Merritt & Co. They conducted a sawmill for two years, near Kylerstown, during which time they used the timber from 300 acres of land.

Mr. Merritt was the pioneer settler of Win- burne. He came to the site of the present town in 1886, laid out the roads, and moved his mill to its present location. He purchased the timber on 1, 800 acres of land, and now cuts about 16, - 000 feet of luniber daily, while the annual output is more than two million feet. He also conducts a planing and shingle mill in connection with his other interests, and has upon his place forty sub- stantial tenement houses for his employes. In connection with his son he conducts a general merchandise store. and has been one of the most important factors in the substantial development of this part of the county. His home is situated on a valuable farm of 200 acres of cleared land adjoining the village. The town of Winburne stands as a monument to his thrift and enter- prise. It contains a graded school, Presbyterian. Swedish and Lutheran Churches, a gristmill, and two stores, and has a population of about ten hundred.

Mr. Merritt has been twice married. He wedded Catherine Coulter. a native of Clearfield county. and a daughter of John Coulter. Her grandfather was a native of County Donegal. Ireland. and. running away from home, he came to America with the father of Governor Curtin. Locating in Centre county, he was employed in the iron works. John Coulter followed limber- ing in early life, and afterward cleared and im-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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proved two farms in Clearfield county. His death occurred in Boggs township. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt had six children: George, who ac- 1 quired a good education, and prepared for the Bar, practiced law in Clearfield for a time, and is now associated with his father in merchandising; John is a sawyer at the mill; June is at home; 1 Howard is engaged in school teaching; and Jo- ; accumulating quite a fortune, and. as he often sephine and Martha are with their father. Mr. Merritt has provided his children with good edu- cational advantages, thus fitting thein for life's practical duties. The mother of this family, who was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died January 16, 1885.

Mr. Merritt was again married, December 23, 1886. his second union being with Mrs. Emily Wiser, a widow. Her father, James Dixon, of Clearfield county, was of Scotch descent, and her mother was descended from a Hessian family. She had one daughter by her former marriage, Fannie Wiser, who married Charles Lenig:

In early life Mr. Merritt was a Methodist, and held several Church offices, including that of steward. All of the family now attend the Pres- byterian Church. Politically, he has ever been a stanch Democrat. has served for twelve years as school director, is postmaster of Winburne, and is a most progressive citizen, doing all in his power to advance the interests of the community. His life record is well worthy of emulation, and he is honored by all who know him.

J JOHN H. AND EDWARD S. TURNER, wide- awake and progressive agriculturists of Boggs township, are worthy representatives of an honored pioneer family of Clearfield county. Their parents George and Sarah Turner, were both natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent, and came to Clearfield county at a very early day in its history.

The father, who was prominently identified with its development and progress, cut the first tree used in the erection of the old Graham mill, which, on its completion, he operated for some time, being by trade a miller. He also operated a sawmill attached, and bought the Gearhart farm, which he cultivated for a number of years. Later he purchased another tract which he im- proved with good buildings, and there spent his remaining days, dying in 1888, and leaving a valuable estate as he had become quite a land owner. He served as captain of a company of militia, and was an expert at drilling. In Church work he was also a leader, being a faithful men- ber of the United Brethren denomination, and donated liberally toward the erection of Salem

church. He also gave freely to all religious or- ganizations, and contributed large sums to mis- sionary work. For over twenty years he served as superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and was also trustee of Salem Church. On his re- moval to his last farm he erected a sawmill, which he operated. He was a good financier, kept large sums of money in his house, he was at one time robbed of several hundred dollars, which he never recovered. He took an active interest in all public affairs, first supporting the Democratic party, later affiliating with the Re- publicans, but never aspired to office, though he held some township positions.

George Turner wedded Sarah Williams, a daughter of William Williams, a prominent old settler and farmer. of Clearfield county, Penn., who in the winter engaged in the manufacture of hickory brooms, which were much used in early days. Twelve children-nine sons and three daughters-were born of this union. Those liv- ing are-John H .; William (a resident of Philips- burg, Penn.); Edward S .; Zenas (a prominent farmer of Boggs township); George S. (a resident of Clearfield), Lewis (living on the old homestead farm); and Mary A. (wife of Thomas Woodside); those deceased are-Silas, Jane (deceased wife of Lewis M. Lumadue), Priscilla (who married Lindsay Stone, but both are now deceased), Martin, Luther, and one son that died when young.

John H. Turner was born in Bradford town- ship, Clearfield county, Penn., in 1826, and was of great assistance to his father during pioneer days, aiding in the erection of the sawmill and home buildings, and in clearing and developing the land. He is a thorough and skillful farmer. still devoting his time and attention to agricult- ural pursuits, and now makes his home with his brother Edward.

Edward S. Turner was born in Boggs town- ship, in 1836, was reared to habits of industry upon the home farm, and was educated in the subscription and public schools of the neighbor- hood. When about twenty years of age he started out in life for himself asa carpenter, but after his marriage, in 1866. he located upon a tract of 150 acres of raw fand given him by his father, and at once began to clear and cultivate the same. He has now placed sixty acres under the plow, erected a pleasant frame dwelling with good barns and ontbuildings, and set out a fine orchard, so that he now has one of the most de- sirable farms in the locality. pleasanti; it cated one mile south of Woodland, in Bogg- township. In connection with farming and stockraising he

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has also done considerable lumbering, running one raft on his own account.

In 1866, Edward S. Turner was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Kephart, a native of Boggs township, and a daughter of John Kep- hart, who was born in Clearfield county, and was a son of Andrew Kephart, a pioneer of the coun- ty. At one time the grandfather removed west, but returned to Clearfield county, where he died in 1889. His wife, who has now reached the 1 ripe old age of seventy-seven, is still a resident of Boggs township. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have one daughter, Mary Ann, now the wife of Calvin Parks, a miner, by whom she has six children. Mr. Parks is a son of Thomas Parks, a pioneer and prominent farmer of Boggs township. For twenty-six years both our subject and his wife have been active members of the United Breth- ren Church, in which he has filled many offices, and in politics he is a stalwart Republican. The Turner brothers are well and favorably known throughout the community where they have so long made their home, and are held in universal respect and esteem.

TACOB B. MOORE well deserves mention among the honored and valued citizens of Clearfield county. During the dark days of the Rebellion he laid aside personal interests, enlisted in the army, and marched to the front with what was known as the "old Bucktail Re- . giment," which did such gallant service on Southern battle fields. He has a right to be proud of his military service, and, although he returned home a cripple for life. he has the pleasure of knowing that he aided in the preser- vation of the Union, and in the freeing of four million slaves.

Mr. Moore was born August 4, 1833. in Perry county, Penn., whence when three years of age he was taken to Juniata county by his parents, George W. and Elizabeth (Bowers) Moore. His grandfather. George Moore, was of Irish descent. and was reared in Adams county, this State, but died in Maryland. By occupation he was a farmer. The father of our subject, who was a carpenter by trade, enlisted in 1846 for service in the Mexican war, and was killed in battle. He was a Catholic in religious belief, but the mother is a Lutheran. She is still living in Jumiata county at the age of seventy-nine years. Her father, Jacob Bowers, who was of German origin, followed the occupation of shoemaking and farming, and died in Perry county, Penn- sylvania.

Jacob B. Moore is the eldest of four children:

Sarah A. is the wife of B. Martin; George W. was also a Union soldier, and died from the effects of his service a few years after the war had closed; Benjamin F. was for three years a member of the regular United States aniny. and is now a farmer of Kansas. Our subject con- tinned to remain at home with his widowed mother until eighteen years of age. when, in 1851, he went to Centre county, and in the lumber woods filled various positions for about seven years. On August 30, 1857, he was umted in marriage with Miss Sarah C. Wyland, who was born in Centre county, April 5. 1838. There her father. John Wyland, spent his entire life. and during his business career engaged in teaming . and at work in the iron foundries. In politics he was a strong Democrat. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, namely: William F., who died when six years old; Elizabeth. wife of P. Boyle; Alice, deceased wife of a Mr. Rec- ord; George C., who died at the age of twenty- four years; J. Wesley, a mechanic by occupa- tion: Mrs. Louie Wrightmire; Mrs. Laura Rein- hart; Harry, at home: Mrs. Jennie Pierce; and Blair W. and J. Roscoc, both at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Moore returned to Juniata county, where he engaged in farining for one season, for two years was employed as a stage driver, and then engaged in the manufacture of hoops. In 1861 he removed to Huntingdon county, Penn., where he followed teaming until August. 1862, at which time he enlisted in the 149th P. V. I .. or the " Bucktail regiment." On being mustered in at Harrisburg. the regiment was sent to Washington, D. C .. where it did guard duty until the spring of 1863, when it was . sent to the front in Virginia, under command of Col. Roy Stone. With his command. Mr. Moore participated in many important battles, and at the battle of Gettysburg was struck by a minie ball below the left knee, which shattered the bone. All night he lay on the battle field inside the Rebel lines, and succeeded in crawling to an old stone barn; but the Confederate soldiers would do nothing for him. not even give him something to eat. When the Rebels fell back he was taken in a Federal ambulance to a Catholic church in Gettysburg. used as a hospital. and was cared for by the Sisters until the following week, when he was taken to the regular hospital in Philadelphia, where he received good care. The surgeons wanted to take his limb off, but he objected, and it soon began to improve. After being transferred to Chestnut Hill Hospital. thirty-nine pieces of the bone were extracted. and on October 5. 1864. he was honorably dis- charged. He now receives a pension of $24 per

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

month, which compensates in a small way for his disability.

After his return home, Mr. Moore engaged in teaming until 1866, when he removed to Blair county, Penn., and purchased a piece of land, on which he erected a house. There he made his home for about eight years, during which time he worked at the stone mason's trade, and also engaged in. railroading to some extent through the winter months. On selling out in 1875, he purchased. eighteen acres of land in Cooper township, Clearfield county, on which he is still residing. It is pleasantly located a mile and a half north of Kylertown, and is improved with a comfortable residence, barn and fine orchard. When he bought the land it was cov- ered with a heavy growth of timber, but this he has cleared, and has placed the land under culti- vation. He continued to work at the stone ma- son's trade until 1891, when he was no longer able to performn such arduous labor, and for two years gave his whole time and attention to his farm. Since 1893 he has carried the mail from Kylertown to Munson on the railroad, making two trips per day, and also takes passengers in his hack.

Mr. Moore is a stanch adherent of Repub- lican principles, always supporting that party by his ballot. He is as true to his duties of citizen- ship in days of peace as when following the old flag to victory on Southern battlefields. He and his excellent wife are earnest, sincere Christians, faithful members of the Methodist Church.

M H. EVANS, a well-known agriculturist of Graham township, is a native of Clearfield county, born in Chest township, in 1835, a son of Moses C. and Rebecca (Smeal) Evans. The father's birth occurred in Chester county, Penn .. where his parents, Jonathan and Priscilla Evans, were also born. At an early day the grand- parents removed to Mill Hall, Clinton county, Penn., where the grandfather conducted a tan- nery for a time, and then located in Pike town- ship. Clearfield county, near Curwensville, where

he opened up a farm. He and his wife both died ' died in 1874. The mother's death occurred at in Grampian. In their family were six children: Josiah, who first lived in Pike township, and died in Curwensville; Moses C. is the father of our subject; Jonathan, a shoemaker, of Grampian; Priscilla, who was the wite of William johnston, and died in Grampian: and Mrs. Sarah Moore, and Mrs. William Carson, who died at the same place.

At the age of fourteen years, Moses C. Evans accompanied his father to Pike township, Clear-

field county, where he learned the tanner's trade, and also drove a stage from Bellefonte to Lock Haven, Penn., and to Cnrwensville. In Philips- burg, Centre county, he married Rebecca Smeal. and they began their domestic life in Curwens- ville, where he operated a sawmill. Removing to Chest township, he engaged in lumbering until 1838, when he came to Graham township, and located on the farm now owned by J. Kyler. He erected a log house in the midst of the forest, three miles from any settlement, and there made his home for ten years, at the end of which time he located on the farm where Ellis Evans now resides. There his death occurred in 1880; his wife had died on the same farm some years pre- viously. Only two families had located here previous to their coming to Graham township, and therefore they witnessed almost its entire de- velopment and progress, in which they bore an important part, and are justly entitled to a place among its honored pioneers and representative citizens. In their family were seven children: Mrs. Elizabeth Emigh, of Morris township. Clearfield county; H. H., of this sketch; J. C .. of Cooper township. Clearfield county: Mrs. Catharine Mayer, of Graham township: Ellis, of Graham township: Josiah M .. of Ramey, Clear- field county; and Rebecca Jane, who died at the age of eight years.

Since the age of three years, H. H. Evans, the subject of this review, has made his home in Graham township, was educated in its schools. and on starting out in life for himself there en- gaged in farming and lumbering. In 1863 he purchased a partially-improved farm of 120 acres, upon which he located in April, 1866, and has since given his time and attention to its culti- vation and improvement with most satisfactory results, converting it into one of the most desira- ble farms of the locality. In the same town- ship he was married, March 20, 1866, to Miss Kate E. Willhelm, who was born in Salona, Clinton 'Co., Penn., a daughter of Jacob and Catharine ( Wann Willhelmn. In 1848 her parents came to Graham township, Clearfield county, where the father developed a farm, and the home of our subject, about ten years later. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Evans, namely: Clarence, who died at the age of three months: Frank W .: Judson W .: Willard H. (who also has taught three terms in the town- ship); Cordelia C., one of the successful teachers of Graham township; Helen Augusta: Edua Blanche, and Emily Winifred.

Au ardent Democrat in politics, Mr. Evan- always takes an active interest in public affairs.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has served as constable three years, also as town- ship auditor, and is now serving his thirteenth year as a member of the school board. His duties are always discharged in a prompt and efficient manner, thus winning the commendation of all concerned, and as a citizen he is deserving of the high regard in which he is universally held. His estimable wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Centre Hill, Pennsylvania.

T HOMAS M. LINGLE, a prominent farmer of Clearfield county, and a veteran of the Civil war, is one of Pennsylvania's native sons. He was born in Centre county, May 15, 1833, a son of Thomas and Eliza (Morrison) Lingle, the former of whoin was born in Bedford county. Penn., of German descent. the latter born in Lycoming county, of Irish lineage. They were married in Centre county by Squire Barlow. The father followed mining the greater part of his life, but his last years were devoted to farm- ing. . In politics he was a Democrat until after the repeal of the United States banking law, when he joined the Whig party and became a strong supporter of Henry Clay. He held mem- bership with the Methodist Church, his wife with the Society of Friends. He died in Centre coun- ty in 1857, and his wife in Clearfield county in 1883. They had seven children: Cyrus (the eldest , died in early life: Thomas M. ; James, who served in the Civil war. and is now deceased: Sampson B., of Missouri, who lost his right arm in the service of his country; George W., also a soldier, and now a prominent farmer of Clear- field county; Priscilla, who died at the age of thirty years: and Elijah, of Clearfield county.

Thomas M. Lingle was reared in the county of his nativity, remaining with his parents until he had attained his majority. He followed min- ing until 1854, and in 1856 took charge of a saw- mill. In the following year. he came to Clear- field county and followed the logging business until 1863, when he enlisted in the 45th P. V. I., Ninth Army Corps, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He remained at the front until the cessation of hostilities, returning home in July, 1865. At the battle of Cold Har- bor, June 3, 1864. he sustained a gunshot wound in the left hip, was taken to the hospital and soon sent to a hospital in Philadelphia, where he remained six months. He was then transferred to the Reserve Corps, and aided in guarding pris- oners near Washington, among the number be- ing Mrs. Surrat. He there continued until the close of the war, when he was honorably dis-

charged in Harrisburg. Penn. He now turned his attention to the hoop business, and the same year he bought an interest in his present farin, containing 174 acres, six of which were cleared. He now has eighty acres of well-developed land, and has erected a commodious residence, barn and other necessary buildings, planted a good orchard and made all the improvements found on a model farm. His place is situated in the Sus- quehanna Valley, nine miles southeast of Clear- field. He carries on general farmning, and also engages in stock raising.

In 1855, Mr. Lingle wedded Mary M., who was born in Centre county. June 29, 1837, daugh- ter of Adam Maughamer. Her parents were .na- tives of Pennsylvania, and were of German line- age. Her father followed fence building in this State until 1854, when ile removed to Wiscon- sin, where both he and his wife died. They were members of the Methodist Church. Eleven children were born of this union, of whom two ;died in early life, the others are: Winfield S .. of West Virginia: Nora, wife. of Allen Shaw: Icadora, who became the wife of William Ban- ner, a veteran of the Civil war, who died, leaving three children, and since his death has become the wife of James Dickson: George B., a farmer. of Goshen township; Ida, wife of Valentine Rowles, a brick molder; Alina J., wife of James A. Hainsey, a carpenter; Clara E., wife of Bur- ton Clark, a tanner; Grace, wife of J. E. Jury, a farmer; and Warren G .. at home.

Mr. Lingle and his family attend the Method- ist Church. He takes an active interest in pub- lic affairs, and has served for years on the elec- tion board. In politics he is a radical Republic- an, and has filled many township offices, having served for twelve years as school trustee. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.

A MOS BONSALL is a leading agriculturist of Brady township, Clearneld county. whose long and honorable career has won for hin. the respect and confidence of all who know hin .. He belongs to one of the representative and prom- inent pioneer families of the county, it being founded here when this region was almost an nr .- broken forest and the settlers were widely scat- tered. In the growth and development its mein- bers have borne an important part, and deserve honorable mention in a work of this character.

Benjamin Bonsall, the father of our subjec :. " was born near Millerstown, in Perry county. Penn . where the grandfather lived and died. On reaching manhood the former married Maria Fowler, of the same county, and they continued

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to reside upon his father's old homestead until November, 1824, when they located near Lu- thersburg, in Brady township, Clearfield county, where he purchased a tract of timberland and erected a log cabin. During the sixteen years of

. his residence there he cleared a part of the farm. but at the end of that time he sold out and bought at Coal Hill, two miles east of Luthersburg, where he also developed a good farm. He first built a hewed-log house and barn, but later re- placed the former by a large frame residence, where both he and his estimable wife died in 1863, the latter surviving her husband only three weeks. He was the first justice of the peace in Brady township.

There were eleven children in the family, namely: (I) Rebecca, a native of Perry county, married Samuel C. Fleming, of Curwensville, Penn., and later in life they removed to Stark county, Ill., where she died, leaving a family of eight children, who still live in the Western States. (2) John, born in Perry county, married Isabel Oats, of Penn township, Clearfield county, and they resided upon his farm near Grampian. in that township. He died in 1890, leaving a wife and four children-Mary J., now Mrs. Mc- Cracken, of Penn township; Amos P., who mar- ried Eliza Barnet, and lives in the same township; Anna M., who is married, and lives near Burn- side. Penn .; and Nathan. (3) Jackson, born in Perry county, accompanied his parents on their removal to Clearfield county, and here married Sarah A. Wriglesworth, of Penn township. He located on a farin near Luthersburg, where he died in 1894, leaving three children-Amos; Mary Louisa, now Mrs. Wash Ogden, of Lawrence township, Clearfield county; and Ella, wife of Henry Sylor, of Brady township. The mother of these children died in 1856, and Jackson Bon- sall afterward married Elizabeth Donley. (4) Sarah, a native of Perry county, became the wife of Elias Rishel, of Brady township, Clearfield county, where both died some years ago. (5) Amos is next in order of birth. (6) Jane and the following children were all born on the old home in Brady township. In 1854 she visited friends in Iowa, where she died of typhoid fever, re- spected by all who knew her. (7) Emily mar- ried George Elder, of Bell township, Clearfield county, where they lived for some time, but tin- ally removed to Indiana county, Peun. , and there her death occurred. She is survived by a hus- band and five children. (8) Joseph F. emigrated to Illinois, where he married and still makes his home, but his wife died in 1896, leaving nine children. three of whom also live in that State. (9) Anna M. is the widow of James Wilson. of

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 64

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