Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 67

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 67
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 67
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 67
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 67

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religious belief a Lutheran. His wife survived him. dying in Illinois about 1892. In their fam- ily were four children: Arnold, who died in Vir- ginia while serving his country in the Civil war. and was buried at Winchester: Sarah J., who married Robert Leonard, and on their deaths left one child; Henry E., of this sketch; and Mary, who wedded William Clarus, a farmer of Illinois, and resides in that State.

Henry E. Kyler grew to manhood upon the home farmn, and on starting out in life for him- self worked at farm labor in the summer season. and in the woods during the winter months. making square timber. For thirty years he never missed a spring that he did not run the river. piloting rafts. In 1861 he volunteered for serv- ice in the Civil war, becoming a member of the

84th P. V. I., and was consigned to the Army of West Virginia, with which he served for sixteen months, when he was discharged on account of disability, being twice wounded. one gunshot wound being through the left wrist. He was sent to the hospital near Washington, D. C .. where he remained for eight weeks, and then re- joined his command. but later was sent to the Convalescent hospital, and was subsequently dis- charged on account of disability.

Returning to his home, Mr. - Kyler was mar- ried in September. 1863, to Miss Margaret J. Welch, a lady of intelligence and taste. Her father. Andrew Welch, was a native of Clearfield county, a farmer by occupation, and a strict Methodist in religious belief. The wife of our subject was a member of the same Church, and was a most estimable lady. She died July 26. 1886, at the age of forty-four years. Twelve children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: Sarah J .. now the wife of Tom Livingood; McClellan, a farmer: Edith, wife of Mart Brown: Candis, who died at the age of twenty-five years: Henry A .. at home: Ellen V., wife of S. Kephart, a farmer; and Bertha, Minnie, Adda and Charles, all at home.

In 1866, Mr. Kyler purchased a tract of 133 acres, to which he removed and at once began its improvement and cultivation. Seventy acres ' have now been placed under the plow, an or- chard has been set out, a commodious two-story frame residence erected. as well as good barns and outbuildings, and the whole comprises one of the valuable farms of the locality, pleasantly situated in the Valley of the Susquehanna river. nine miles southeast of Clearfield. Mr. Kyler uses his right of franchise in support of the De- mocracy, and is numbered among the valued and

M J. MILLIREN, of Du Bois, Clearfield county, is one of the gallant veterans of the Civil war. and carries about an unpleasant reminder of that struggle in the shape of a bullet received during the battle of the Wilderness. His family is noted for valor and love of free- dom, and his great-grandfather, Henry Markes La Milliren, a native of France, came to America as an officer under Gen. La Fayette, with whom he served in the Revolutionary war.

Like many of La Fayette's companions, Henry Markes La Milliren remained in the country which he had helped to free from English rule. His son Henry, who was born in Armstrong

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county, Penn., became a pioneer farmer of Jef- ' held. his faithful service being appreciated by ferson county, but later settled in Westmoreland his fellow citizens. county, where he died in 1869. He married Mary Nulf, and their son Henry, our subject's 1 father, was born at the Jefferson county home in 1817. He also followed agricultural pursuits, though he was a tanner by trade, remaining in Jefferson county until 1845, when he went to Ohio, and followed his trade there four years. On returning to Pennsylvania he located in Clarion county, but in 1850 made his permanent home in Knox township, Jefferson county.

In 1864, notwithstanding his advanced age, the father of our subject showed his patriotic spirit by enlisting in the Union army. Entering Company G. 105th P. V. I., in April, he had hardly reached the front before he received a serious wound (May 21, 1864); but recovering from its direct effects, he continued in the serv- ice until discharged on June 27, 1865. After his return home he did not regain his former health, and he died on March 18, 1876, his life being doubtless shortened as a result of his wound. His wife. Sarah (Smathes), breathed her last on January 1, 1880. Of their ten children five are living: H. J., our subject; Simeon R., of Lanes Mills, Penn .; Mrs. Rachel Guthrie, of Jefferson county; Martha ( Mrs. Hetrick), of Knox town- ship, same county; and Mary (Mrs. Platt), of Bradford county, Pennsylvania.

The subject of this sketch was born October 26. 1843. in Beaver township, Jefferson county, and, except for the short residence in Ohio, he was reared in that county. The outbreak of the Rebellion stirred his young and ardent soul, and on August 28. 1861, he enlisted in Company G. 105th P. V. I., " for three years or the war." He was mustered into service at Callarama Heights, near Washington, D. C., and, his regi- ment being assigned to the Army of the Potomac, Third Army Corps. he took part in some of the severest engagements of the war. In December, 1863, he veteranized in the same company and regiment, and on May 5. 1864, he was wounded in the right leg, where the bullet still remains; but he remained in service until the close of the war, being honorably discharged at Pittsburg. July 11, 1865. Returning to Jefferson county, he engaged in lumbering and farming, and in 1867 went to Allegan county, Mich., where in. addition to these lines of business be operated a stave factory and shingle mill, but making a specialty of tight barrels. In 189t he returned to his native State and located in Du Bois, where he worked for a time in a machine shop. In 1893 he was elected to the office of constable in the Second ward, which position he has since

Mr. Milliren has been twice married. By his first wife, Mary Minch, to whom he was married January 24. 1864, he had two sons: David H., now a resident of Chicago; and William Albert, of Mckees Rock, Penn. His second wife. to whom he was married November 23, 1875, was Mrs. Susannah Morey (nee Hetrick), a native of Jefferson county, born April 3, 1845. Her par- ents. Adam and Melinda (Swab) Hetrick, were early settlers of Ringgold township, Jefferson county, and both died in that locality. the mother in 1872, and the father in 1890. In politics, Mr. Milliren is a Republican of the stanchest kind. Naturally he is interested in the military organizations that have sprung up since the war, and is a member of Enston Post. No. 229, G. A. R., at Du Bois, and the Union Veterans Legion, No. 46, of Brookville. He also belongs to a number of social orders-the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the United Mechanics, the Home Protection Circle, and Hamilton Lodge, No. 315, I. O. O. F., at Hamil- ton, Michigan.

J AMES SPACKMAN, a leading agriculturist and lumberman of Lawrence township, Clearfield county, is one of the most enter- prising and successful citizens of the State.

Mr. Spackman was born December 10, 1841. in Lawrence township, with which locality his family has been identified since 1818, when his grandfather, Daniel Spackman, a native of Ches- ter county. Penn., moved to Clearfield county to make his permanent home. He settled near Pine Grove school house, and for many years was engaged in farming, shoemaking and tan- ning. His death occurred in 1873; his wife. Sarah (Mathers). passed away abont :$62. They reared a large family, all of whom but the youngest, Deborah, are now deceased. Their names are as follows: John, Thomas, Benia- min. William, Mary (Mrs. Leonard), Jane (who never married), Hester (Mrs. James Mitche!l. of Lawrence township, Elizabeth (Mrs William Mitchell, who died in Clearfield), Sarah (Mrs. For- dan Read, who died in June, 1895), and Deborah (Mrs. David Brown, who resides in Olanta, Pike township. Clearfield county).

William Spackman. our subject's father. was born in Chester county. Penn., in 1809. and grew to manhood in Lawrence township, Clear- field county, where he married Miss Isabelia Read. Her parents. Thomas and Mary (Jordam) Read, were both natives of this State, and had

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Mary E. Spackman

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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settled early in their married life upon the farm now occupied by our subject, and there- Mrs. Spackman was born and reared. Her mother dying, her father subsequently married Miss Margaret Ferguson. His death occurred March 14, 1851. William Spackman made his home in Lawrence township, purchasing a tract of for- est land which he transformed into a good farm. He died September 10, 1895, and his wife passed away April 3, 1888. Four children were born to them, namely: Thomas, a farmer of Law- rence township; James, our subject; Margaret (Mrs. Wise, of Knox township, Clearfield county); and William Alexander, who resides at the old farm.

As a farmer's son James Spackman, our sub- ject, enjoyed the usual advantages of country life, attending the local schools and becoming ac- quainted at home in a practical way with the business of agriculture, which he has followed for many years in connection with lumbering. He and his brother Thomas bought the Read farm in 1866; in 1872 our subject purchased the latter's interest, and now owns the entire estate of 172 acres. He continued to reside at home, on the river, until 1881, when he moved to the Read farm.

On October 19, 1869, Mr. Spackman was married to Miss Mary E. Read, daughter of J. R. and Mary (Wrigley) Read. Her father was born at the old Read homestead, and he and his wife are still living in Lawrence township. Three children have blessed this union: L. E., L. W., and Helen. Mr. Spackman is actively interested in all of the progressive movements in his locality. He and his wife are members of the Grange, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and as a member of the school board he is doing good service for the cause of educa- tion, this being his third term. Politically he is a Democrat.

I ISAAC F. BLOOM. Among the self-made men of Clearfield county-men who have accumulated a fair amount of this world's goods through their own energy and thrift-may be mentioned the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is one of the leading farmers of Jordan township, where he has also served as justice of the peace for many years.

Abram Bloom, the father of our subject, was a native of Germany, and was quite small when his father, Herbert Bloom, emigrated with his family to America and located in New Jersey, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Nancy Freeman. There most of his children

were born. Being in limited circumstances, he first came to Clearfield county, Penn., on foot, and purchased a small tract of land in Jordan township. In 1832, with his household effects and family in a one-horse wagon, he removed to his new home, erected a cabin, and at once com- menced to transform the heavily-timbered tract into a productive farm. Being a natural me- chanic, his services were often in demand in this sparsely-settled region where few artisans were then found, and he manufactured many sleighs, repaired and did other work in wood and iron. After residing there for about ten or twelve years he went to Harrisburg, where he worked for a time, but soon afterward died in Cumberland county, Penn .. leaving his widow with several small children to support, and only about fifteen acres of the farm under cultivation. With the exception of our subject, she managed to keep her children together, and made her home on the farm for many years. Subsequently it was divided between the two eldest sons, and she went to live with her children, dying at the home of one of them, at the age of seventy-three years. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. The father was ninety-three when called to his final rest. In their family were the following children: William T., now deceased; John F .; Peter, living in Iowa; La Fayette, de- ceased; Jacob, who was a Union soldier in the Civil war, and is now a farmer in Iowa; Isaac F., of this sketch; Abram; Hannah, deceased; Mary J. ; and Elizabeth, deceased.

Isaac F. Bloom was born in Clearfield county September 4. 1834, and his early education was limited to a four-months' attendance at the dis- trict schools. His parents were poor. but pro- vided him with every opportunity that their cir- cumstances would permit. At the age of eight years he bound himself ont to a farmer, with whom he remained until sixteen, when he left the place, bare-headed as well as bare-footed. go- ing to Curwensville, where John Patton sold him $40 worth of clothing on credit. He then worked " on the river and in the lumber camps for $S per month, until he had paid off his indebtedness: then secured employment on the pike between Tyrone and Peunville, where he remained for two years, in the meantime contributing s me of his earnings to the support of his mother. After her death he paid all doctor bills and other neces- sary expenses. For a number of years he was interested in the lumber business, made eleven rafts from the timber of said tract of lan 1, and owned a portable sawmill, which he sperated for eighteen months.

In 1859 Mr. Bloom purchased his present

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farm, which was then a heavily-timbered tract of 123 acres, but he has since sold a portion of the amount and bought another tract of seventy- five acres. After his marriage he erected a small frame house upon the place, which he has re- modeled and enlarged, making a commodious two-story residence. On his home farm fifty acres are now under cultivation, and twenty acres of the other farm. In connection with his other business he bas also dealt to some extent in coal lands.

Mr. Bloom was married, in 1860, to Miss Isabella Johnston, a native of Jordan township, a daughter of Robert Johnston, wlio located here in 1833 and developed from the wilderness a good farm, on which he spent his remaining days. He was born in Scotland. Six children blessed the union of our subject and his wife: Mary E., now the wife of S. K. Ames, railroad agent at Irvona, Clearfield county: Priscilla J .; Herbert WV., a lumberman and farmer residing at home; John C., who is engaged in lumbering; William D., a farmer; and Emma R., wife of James A. Rea. a merchant and lumberman.

During the Civil war, Mr. Bloom was twice drafted, but hired substitutes. By reading and observation he has acquired a good practical edu- cation, and has become one of the prominent and influential citizens of his township, taking an active part in public affairs. In politics he has been independent, generally voting with the Democratic party, and since 1864 he has faith- fully served his fellow citizens in the capacity of justice of the peace, during which time he has joined in wedlock over fifty couples, and has tried many civil cases. Only four of these were appealed to the higher courts, and but one deci- sion reversed, which fact reflects great credit upon his judgment and ability. His wife holds membership in the Scotch Presbyterian Church; but he belongs to no religious organization: fra- ternally he is a member of Clearfield Lodge, No. 314. F. & A. M.

TOHN S. JURY. a leading and representative farmer of Graham township, ' Clearfield county, was one of the brave " boys in blue" during the dark days of the Civil war. On Sep- tember 25, 1861, he enlisted for three years in Company K. 84th P. V. I., and was mustered into service at Camp Crossman. Ile was com- missioned second lieutenant May 1, 1864, and on the 3d of the following September was promoted to first lieutenant, and he served in that capacity until the close of the war. . On the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted in the same

company and regiment, which was afterward consolidated with the 57th P. V. I., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He par- ticipated in twenty-three important engagements, including the following: Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Cross Keys, second battle of Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania. Wilder- ness, Cold Harbor, and was, later, with Gen. Grant until the war ended. At Chancellorsville he was taken prisoner, but after being confined in Libby prison for about ten days he was paroled and exchanged, and rejoined his regiment after the battle of Gettysburg. He participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C., and near that city was discharged June 29, 1865.

Mr. Jury is a Pennsylvanian by birth, born in Dauphin county, April 11, 1831, and is a son of George and Susan Jury, also natives of Dauphin county, where they were reared and married. There the mother died in 1836, leaving four children: Simon, who located upon a farm in Girard township, Clearfield county, in 1851, and died there in 1893; Mrs. Rachel Stever, who died in Girard township, March 26, 1870: John S .; and Mrs. Catharine Livergood, of Goshen town- ship, Clearfield county. After the death of his first wife, the father was again married, and his second wife also died in Dauphin county. In 1851 he came to Girard township, Clearfield county, where he passed away December 17. 1869. At the age of twenty years, John S. Jury : left the county of his nativity and came to Girard township, and for a time engaged in teaching in Congress Hill; but in 1866 he purchased a 100- acre tract of timber land, on which he located and at once commenced to clear and improve the same. At one time he was the owner of Soo acres, but his present farm consists of only fifty acres of well-improved and valuable land.

In 1866, in Girard township, Mr. Jury was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca McCorkle. a native of Ireland and a daughter of John and Mary (Wilkie McCorkle, who were born in Ire- land of Scotch ancestry, and in 1849 removed with their family to Glasgow, Scotland, whence they came to the United States in 1860. In Gi- rard township, Clearfield county. her father opened np a farm, but is now a resident of the city of Clearfield, while her mother died in Gra- ham township in 1881. In their family were four children: William T .. a resident of Law- rence township. Clearfield county: Mrs. Margaret Shirey, and Mrs. Fannie Smith, of Girard town- ship. and Mrs. Jury. Having no children of . their own. our subject and his wife have adopted a child. They are widely and favorably known throughout Graham township and vicinity, where

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their circle of friends is only limited by their circle of acquaintances.

Politically, Mr. Jury votes independently, supporting the best meu regardless of party affil- iations. and is now acceptably serving his second term as auditor. Mrs. Jury is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and takes quite an active part in all Church work. Public-spirited and progressive, he has given his support to all worthy enterprises which are intended to promote the welfare of the community, and is numbered among the valued and honored citizens of Gra- ham township.

D ANIEL CURLEY, who is pleasantly lo- cated in Graham township, is operating successfully as a general farmer, and is numbered among the industrious and enterprising men of Clearfield county. A native of Ireland, he was born in 1839, and when two years of age was brought to America by his parents, John and Catharine ( Glennon) Curley, who died in Coving- ton township, Clearfield county.

In Covington and Karthaus . townships Mr. Curley was reared and educated, early becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits, and on coming to Graham township, in 1857, he purchased 125 acres of timber land, which he has cleared and transformed into a fine farm. The entire place is highly creditable to his skill and industry, the fields being well cultivated and the buildings of a neat and substantial character. In 1861 he en- listed in Company C, 5th Pennsylvania Reserves, for three years, and was mustered in at Harris-

burg. Penn. Going at once to the front, he , provements, including the erection of a good participated in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam and Fredericksburg, where he was taken prisoner, and he was confined in Libby prison. On his release he rejoined the regiment at Washington, D. C .. and later took part in the battles of Get- tysburg. Mine Run and the Wilderness. He also participated in the campaign before Richmond, known as the Seven-days fight. At Harrisburg, he was honorably discharged June 11, 1864, and returned to his home in Graham township.

At Tyrone, Penn., Mr. Curley was married June 2, 1868, to Miss Theresa McGovern, who was born in Girard township, Clearfield county, a daughter of Charley and Catharine (Beatty) Mc- Govern, who died in Grampian. Penn., in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Curley have six children, namely: Paul, Bruce, Ruth, Mark, Emmet and Hugh.

Mr. Curley always uses his right of franchise in support of the inen and measures of the Re- publican party, in the success of which he takes a deep interest, and has served as chairman of

the Republican committee of his township. He was one of the three who first supported the party in the township, and has since been one of its most earnest advocates. He has watched with interest the many changes that have taken place in the county since locating here. and has borne an important part in its upbuilding and progress.

J AMES DAVISON. Among the well-to-do and successful farmers of Clearfield county, who have accumulated a competency through their own exertions and economy, and who are carrying on the business of farming in a manner which draws forth praise from everyone, is the subject of this biographical notice, who resides on a valuable farm in Chest township. He is a native of the Empire State, born in Albany county, September 27, 1831, but the greater part of his life has been passed in Pennsylvania, in whose development and prosperity he has borne an important part.

His paternal grandfather was a Revolutionary hero, serving for seven years in the Continental army, and after the war he removed from his Connecticut home to New York, where he died. By trade he was a carpenter. Cottington Davi- son. the father of our subject, was a native of Connecticut, and was a child when taken by his parents to New York, where hegrew to manhood and married Elizabeth Warner. Coming to Pennsylvania, in 1836, he located on the Gilpin and Fisher survey in Indiana county, and upon his place' made many useful and valuable im- house and barn. Later he went to Green town- ship, in the same county, where he improved a place, but subsequently sold out and made his home with our subject in Clearfield county, until called from this life in August, 1891, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-two years. Throughout his active business career he followed the occupa- tions of carpentering and farming, and in politics he was a strong Republican.

John Warner, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, whence at an early day he emigrated to the New World. locating in New York, where he owned and op- erated a gristmill, and also engaged in farming. In religious belief he was a Methodist. While on a visit to Albany he was seized with yellow fever, and died. Seven children were born to Cottington and Elizabeth (Warner) Davison. namely: Maranda, who married a Mr. Wolf. and had eleven children, and after his death wedded a Mr. Dodson, by whom she has two

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children: Mrs. Matilda Buchanan; William, a merchant of Taylorsville, Penn .; James, of this sketch; Charles, a farmer; Mrs. Keturah Allen; and Emeline, wife of N. Thompson.

When six years of age, James Davison ac- companied his parents on their removal to Penn- sylvania. remaining on the home farm in Indiana county until sixteen, when he entered the employ of Mr. Stannard. with whom he remained for two years. Learning the blacksmith's trade, he worked at that occupation for the following two years, and then came to Clearfield county, where he was employed in the lumber woods, and also engaged in jobbing for himself to some extent. After his marriage, in 1861. he purchased 120 acres of heavily-timbered land in Chest township -the farm on which he still resides. For · twenty years he and his wife made their home in the first cabin there erected, but it has since been replaced by a commodious two-story frame residence, which is now surrounded by substan- tial outbuildings, a fine orchard-in fact, all the accessories found upon a model farm of the nine- teenth century. For many years he engaged in lumbering, during which time he converted the timber from his own land into a marketable prod- uct, and also engaged in blacksmithing and farming. Of his farm sixty acres are now under a high state of cultivation, and he has never sold the minerals underlying it, including coal 'and fire clay. Through his own efforts he has stead- ily worked his way upward, overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles in his path to success, until to-day he is one of the most prosperous and substantial citizens, as well as one of the most highly respected, in Chest township. His polit- ical support is given the men and measures of the Republican party, and religiously both him- self and estimable wife hold to the faith of the :

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 67

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