Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 70

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 70
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 70
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 70
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 70

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Caleb Bailey, father of our subject, was born in Lycoming county, September 27, 1797. When Caleb was twelve years of age his father removed to Clearfield county, and located on a tract of land (now owned by David Way), about one and one-half miles from the present site of Curwens- ville. At sixteen years of age, such was his repu- tation for honesty and industry, we find himn carrying the mail from Bellefonte to Northinn- berland. His employer at that time was the

noted mail contractor. Robert Stewart, of Belle- fonte. After eighteen months' experience with Mr. Stewart, he was engaged by William Rice, of Lewiston, as the post rider from Lewiston to Northumberland, via Bellefonte. The roads (or rather trails) were rough; the route was long and a week was allowed to make a trip. He re- mained with Mr. Rice two years, and then re- entered the service of his former employer. His new line was from Bellefonte to Franklin, Ve- nango county, via Clearfield county. The latter was almost an unbroken wilderness.

In 1820, before the expiration of two years' employment on this route, he settled in the woods about two miles west of New Washington. and commenced the seemingly never-ending work of clearing. His tract contained 399 acres of timber, and the toil in preparing this land for cultivation would appear almost superhuman to anyone save those reared in a similar rugged region, and the lone cabin of the hardy pioneer was rarely seen by our trusty post-boy as he sought his lonely course over the mountains.

This was the only opportunity the citizens of this section had for communication by mail with the outside world. Once each week his coming was looked for with far more interest than the performance of similar duties secure to-day. Ofttimes our brave courier went hungry, for regu- lar meals were not on the bill of fare in those early days.

In 1826, having cleared twenty acres, he sold the land and removed to his present residence in Union township. Here, with his son, Samuel M. Bailey, he enjoys the comforts of a happy old age. His faithful wife, Jemima, passed away at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. The old pioneer enjoys the respect and veneration of all who know him, and in his declining years can not but feel that his life work has been well and faithfully performed.

W W. DUNLAP. Among those who fol- lowed the old flag on Southern battle- fields is this gentleman, now one of the prominent and influential citizens of Rockton. He comes of a family that has long been identified with the interests of this section of the State. His pater- nal grandfather, a native of Germany, made his .home in Maryland after coming to the New World until driven ont by the British soldiers during the Revolutionary war, when he located in Centre county, but later came to Clearfield county, taking up his residence on the farm now owned by Mrs. Robert Leonard, and remaining there until his death. lle wedded Margaret

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Kirkpatrick, by whom he had four children: (1) William was a farmer of Pike township, Clear- field county, and was the father of nine children. three of whom are still living. (2) David, who never married, made his home with his brother Alexander in Brady township, same county, where his death occurred. (3) James D. was married and had one son who died in infancy; he and his wife continued to reside with his par- ents until their deaths. (4) Alexander, the fa- ther of our subject, completed the family.

Alexander Dunlap on coming from Centre county to Clearfield, located in Lawrence town- ship, where he engaged in farming, till moving, with his brother James, to Brady township, in 1824. being among the first settlers of the town- ship, and here they cleared up a farm. Alexan- der married Margaret Dunlap, and to them were born eight children: (1) Elizabeth became the wife of John Hoel, a shoemaker, by whom she has ten children, and they made their home in Wayne county, Penn. (2) Catherine is the de- ceased wife of Mike Breon, formerly a shoemaker of Brady township, Clearfield county, by whom she had eight children. (3) Samuel C., a farmer of Brady township, married Hannah Horn, by whom he had three children, and after her death he wedded Katie Ellinger; six children were born of the second union, of whom four are still liv- ing in Brady township. (4) James Wallace, also of Brady township, married Sarah Dunlap, and has three sons. (5) Jane married James Fulton, who for a number of years conducted a hotel in Luthersburg, Brady township, and then removed to Jefferson county, Penn., where he engaged in the same business, but they now make their home in Clarion county, this State. (6) Mary wed- ded Stephen Ross, an agriculturist of Armstrong county. Penn., and they have seven children. (7) Alexander, a resident of Sabula, Clearfield county, married Lucy Lowder, and to them were born five children, one of whom is now de- ceased. 8, W. W., of this sketch, completes the family.

Our subject began his business career as a farmer in Brady township, then moved to Union township. and continued farming for twenty-six years; but since his arduous army service, he lias been compelled to lay aside business cares, and has made his home in Rockton for three. years. On October 16. 1862. he enlisted and was at once sent to Harrisburg, where he remained for three months. after which he did garrison duty at Fort Yorktown some five months. Subsequently he participated in the battles of Gettysburg and the Wilderness, and later was sent to Washington Junction, thence back to the city of Washington.

In Harrisburg. Penn., he was mustered out August 28, 1863, and returned home with his health so shattered that he has been unable to perform any labor. He now draws a pension of $30 per month.

Mr. Dunlap was married May 11. 1854, to Miss Adaline Luther, of Luthersburg, where they continued to live for two years, and then removed to Bloomington. After three years passed at the latter place they returned to Lu- thersburg, where they spent eleven years, and have since made their home in Union township, their residence being located near Rockton. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Dunlap was from Maine, and was the founder of the fam- ily in this State. Her parents, Roswell and Julia Ann (Best) Luther, were natives of Brad- ford and Centre counties, Penn., respectively. and after their marriage made their home in Luthersburg, where they reared their three : children, the other two being Mrs. Sarah Steb- bins, and Mrs. Harriet (Luther) Jamison, the wife of John Jamison (they are the parents of three sons, R. L., E. E., and W. W. Jamison).

Eight children blessed the union of our sub- ject and his wife, namely: Roswell died in in- fancy; Martin, a resident of Union township. married Edna Huff, and has seven children; Julia Ann is the wife of John W. Clouser, a farmer of Union township, by whom she has one son Harry E .; Esther is the wife of James I. Forcey, who conducts a restaurant in Munson, Clearfield county; Jefferson A. J. married Jennie Orr, of Rockton, who died in 1890. leaving two sons. M. R. and E. A. Dunlap; M. B., a resident of Sigel, Jefferson Co., Penn., married Clara Ross. of that county, and has three children; and Mary E., is the wife of Harvey Shankle, a farmer of Indiana county, Penn., and they have four chil- dren. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap are members in good standing of the Methodist Church, and are held in the highest regard by a large circle of friends. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat: has served his fellow citizens as school director and overseer of the poor, and he is held in the highest regard.

H ENRY HARTZFELD, JR., who carries on general farming and lumbering in Brady township, Clearfield county, is a wide-awake, en- ergetic business man, and as a citizen is active in support of all measures which he believes are calculated to benefit the community. In all the relations of life he has been true and faithful. and the county numbers him among its valued citizens.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

A native of Germany, Mr. Hartzfeld was born in 1835, and in 1854 he accompanied his parents, Christian and Salome (Yunesteine) Hartzfeld, on their emigration to America. With their five children they located near Trout- ville, in Brady township, Clearfield county, where they made their home for about five years, and then our subject purchased 135 acres of timber land of James B. England, and his parents went to live with him, continuing there until their death. Their children are as follows: Christ, born in Germany, in 1829, married Miss Caroline Huther, of Germany, and located upon a farm about four miles south of Luthersburg, in Clear- field county, where he still resides. Henry is next in order of birth. Charlotta, born in Ger- many in 1838, married George H. Wingert, and is living in Du Bois, Penn. Godfrey, born in Germany in 1841, married Catharina Zilliox, of Brady, and they are now living in Missouri.

After locating upon his farm, Henry Hartz- feld at once commenced its improvement and cultivation, erecting in 1860 a hewed-log cabin, 18x 32 feet, which in 1882 was destroyed by fire. He then built a large two-story frame residence, and his substantial barn, 60 x 75 feet, was erected in 1877. He now has one hundred acres of his land cleared and under a high state of cultiva- tion. Although he came to this country a poor man, his energy and perseverance have enabled him to overcome the obstacles in his path, and to-day he is the possessor of a handsome compe- tence.

In 1865 Mr. Hartzfeld was married to Miss Annie Wingert, of Jefferson county, Penn., who, ; after seven years of patient suffering, departed this life September 1, 1896. She was a faithful and loving wife and mother, and her death was deeply mourned, not only by her immediate fam- ily, but by a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances who appreciated her sterling worth. She was a consistent member of the German Lu- theran Church of Troutville, to which her family also belong. Her parents were Henry and Louisa Wingert. of Jefferson county. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzfeld had fonrteen children, namely: R. H., born May 3, 1866, assists his father in the 1 operation of the home farm. Louisa C., born June 3, 1867, was educated in the common schools, and is one of the most accomplished young ladies of Brady township. Mary A., born October 29. 1868, is at home. Pauline C., born April 26, 18;0, married Edward Shafer, of Bell township, Clearfield county, and with their three children-Jeunie, Jessie and Pearl-they reside on his farm near Rowles. Clara E., born July 14. 18;1, is the wife of Robert Stubbs,

of DuBois, and they have three children-Alice Viola, Henry H. and William. Salome C., born March 4, 1873, married Alvin Sugart, of Brady township, who resides on a part of her father's farm, and they have one daughter-Jessie Leonia. Emma T., born July 6. 1874, is the wife of George W. Galentine, an agriculturist of Brady township. William G., born February 27, 1876; George F., November 4, 1877; Katie W., Feb- ruary 24, 1879; Samuel S., May 31, 1880; Joseph H., October 28, 1882: Franklin L., June 27, 1885; and Annie IL., May 22, 1890, are all at home.

Mr. Hartzfeld is a stalwart advocate of Democratic principles, and is a public-spirited. progressive citizen, always ready to give his in- fluence and means in support of free schools and Churches. He is widely and favorably known, and well deserves the high regard in which. he is held.

I SAIAH W. HANCOCK is one of the prominent and influential farmers of Clearfield county. He was born in Lawrence township, April 3. 1845, and is a son of John and Mary (Fullerton, Hancock. His grandfather, George Hancock. a native of Bedford county, Penn., came to Clear- field county, in 1803, but after a few years re- turned to the former county, and in 1819 again took up his residence here. He erected a num- ber of residences, purchased land in Lawrence township, and from the heavily-timbered tract developed a fine farm. He was by trade a co. per. In his later life he made a trip by team to Iowa: but he spent his last days in Clearfield county. passing away in 1875. He was a near relative of Gen. Hancock. and a descendant of John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The father of our subject was born in Bed- ford county, and came with the grandfather to Clearfield county, in IS19. Here he aided in the arduous task of developing wild land, clearing away the timber, and grubbing up the rocts. After his marriage he rented land, which he op- erated until 1838, when he purchased a tract of raw land in Lawrence township, and opened =p a farm. The old cabin which he built is yet standing, one of the landmarks of pioneer days. In connection with agricultural pursuits he car- ried on lumbering. rafting the products of the sawinill down the river to market. In this cz- pacity he contracted with Bigler & Reed, the senior member of the firm afterward becoming governor of the State. There was a warm friend- i ship between him and Mr. Hancock. In 1155

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9. W.Han cock

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the latter sold his farm and purchased the property on which our subject is now living. There he spent his remaining days, passing away February 17, 1875. In politics he was a Whig. took an active interest in public affairs, and served in some local offices, including that of committeeman of his township. He was a loyal advocate of the Union cause, and at the "einer- gency" call of Governor Curtin manifested the loyalty that has always characterized the Han- cock family. by enlisting in the service. Three of his sons were numbered among the " boys in blue." Mr. Hancock and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Hancock was a daughter of John Fuller- ton. a native of Ireland, who on coming to America, located in Lancaster county, Penn., and in 1804 came to Clearfield county, where he purchased a tract of land of Huey Hall, who had secured the same by land warrant. Mr. Fullerton built a cabin, and began the develop- ment of a farm. The country was largely in its primitive condition, and the settlers in this par- ticular community were widely scattered. Like others, he had to go across the mountains to Bellefonte to mill, following the trails, as no roads had been made at the time. Coal was floated down the river in "arks," and the lum- ber industry had not then been developed, so he burned the logs from off his place. In politics he was a W'hig, in religious belief a Presbyte- rian, while his wife adhered to the faith of the Methodist Church. He died about 1852. In the Hancock family were nine children: Mar- garet A .. wife of H. F. Passmore: George B., who died in Nebraska, in 1890; James K., who is living in Nebraska; Isaiah W. ; Hannah, wife of John McPherson, of Nebraska; Susan E., wife of William Staunton, of Ford county. Ill. ; Olive, wife of George Batchelor. of Nebraska: Mary B., wife of A. Fullington, of Ford county, Ill .; and John, superintendent of schools in Staunton county, Nebraska.

Isaiah W. Hancock obtained his education in the district schools, and remained at home until seventeen years of age, when in 1863 he re- sponded to the "emergency " call and entered the military service of the State. After nine weeks, when the pressing need was over, he re- ceived an honorable discharge and returned home. He then accepted a clerical position with Col. Campbell, who was conducting the draft for soldiers, and on the 6th of September, 1864, he enlisted in Waterford, and was assigned to the 88th P. V. 1., which was attached to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battle of Petersburg, and saw some hard service, but

was neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He was at Appomattox at the time of Lee's sur- render, and then went to Washington, partici- pating in the grand review. At Philadelphia he received an honorable discharge and was paid off.

Mr. Hancock then returned to his home and resumed work on the farm. In the fall of 1866 he engaged in lumbering and piloting on the river, following that pursuit some thirty-five years. After his marriage, in 1867, he also followed farming, and in 1881 he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead, of his maternal grandfather, the land having never passed out of the possession of the family. He now owns 215 acres, of which 175 acres is under a high state of cultivation. The place is im- proved with a commodious two-story frame residence, large barns and outbuildings, also an excellent orchard, and is pleasantly situated three and one-half miles west of Clearfield, and three and one-half miles east of Curwensville.

Mr. Hancock married Miss Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Felix and Mary (Birchfield) Raferty. The father was a son of Patrick and Bridget Raferty, natives of Ireland, who after their marriage and the birth of their children emigrated to America, locating in Penn township, Clearfield county. The grandfather was the first settler of what was known as Irishtown, and hewed the first tree and opened the first farm there. Felix Raferty and his brother were the first to locate there. after which they sent for the other members of the family. The former wedded Mary Birchfield, a daughter of Aquilla Birchfield, a veteran of the Mexican war, and a farmer of Mifflin county, Penn., where his last days were spent. Felix and Mary Raferty were members of the Catholic Church, and were parents of five children, name- ly: Nancy, who died at the age of twenty years; Anna S .. deceased: Elizabeth: Francis, who is living on the old homestead; and William, who died in childhood. He was married, in 186 ;. to Elizabeth Rafferty, a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of Penn township.

Mr. and Mrs. Hancock have had six children: Lola, wife of Lewis Leedon, a native of Phila- delphia, now living in Fremont, Neb. ; John S .. Frank W. and Grace, at home: and two who died in childhood. Mr. Hancock gives his polit- ical support to the Republican party, and is an advocate of all measures calculated to prove of public benefit. He has been chosen to fill many offices of trust by his fellow citizens. He served three years as jury commissioner, representing the minority party in Clearfield county. In all the positions he has filled he has shown himself

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

930

deserving of the confidence of the people. He is a member of the John Kratzer Post, G. A. R., of Curwensville, Penn., and a number of secret societies. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, and in the history of the county well deserves inention.

C MONRAD BAKER. There is no element that has entered into our composite national fabric which has been of more practical strength, value and utility than that furnished by the persevering and honorable sons of Germany, and in the progress of our Union this element has played an important part. Intensely practical, and ever having a clear comprehension of the ethics of life, the German contingent has wielded a powerful influence, and this service cannot be held in light estimation by those who appreciate true civilization and true advancement.

The subject of this review, now a resident of Knox township, Clearfield county, was born near Geisen, in Prussia, July 16, 1824. - His father, Dr. C. N. Baker, was a celebrated physi- cian, who served as preceptor to many young men studying medicine. He died when our sub- ject was only three years old. In 1833, the widowed mother. Mrs. Margaret Baker, resolved to bring her son to America, where he would not be compelled to enter the army, and with her brother they sailed for the New World. Land- ing at Baltimore, Md., they proceeded at once to Franklin county, Penn., where she had another brother living, and in order to provide for her own maintenance she often worked in the fields, where she could easily keep pace with the mow- ers. There she married Adam Schod, a native of Germany, and in 1837 they came to Clearfield county, locating in Bell township, where they rented land for three years. They then came to the farm on which our subject now resides, Mr. Schod purchasing one hundred acres of land of the George Wescott survey. He at once began to clear and improve the place, where they made their home for eight years, and then removed to Chestnut Ridge. There the mother died in No- vember. 1860. and Mr. Schod in 1874. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. By her second marriage she also had one child: Mary. now the wife of Elan Passmore, of Pike township. Clearfield county.

For two years, Mr. Baker attended the public schools of his native land, and after coming to the United States was a student in the first free school ever taught in Franklin county, Penn. For two years after locating there his mother endeavored to find a farmer who would rear her

son, and finally he was bound out to Daniel Stover, a prominent agriculturist, with whon. Mr. Baker remained for three years. After her second marriage she had great difficulty in secur- ing him. With the family he came to Clearfield county in 1837, and assisting in building the cabin and improving the land. As a farin hand he worked by the month for $6, and during the winter attended school until sixteen years of age, when he went to the lumber woods, where he also received $6 per month for his services, although he did a man's work. In the following spring he again obtained employment on a farm, at $II per month, and was alternately employed at agriculture and lumbering until 1850, when he purchased his present farm of 200 acres, for which his stepfather had failed to pay. Upon the place he has made many valuable and useful improvements, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. He has bought and sold a number of farms and unimproved tracts of land. and besides his homestead still has a fine farm of one hundred acres, supplied with good buildings. For a number of years he was interested in the lumber business, in which he met with excellent success, but now gives his attention exclusively to agriculture.

In 1854, Mr. Baker married Miss Adeline Hunter, a daughter of Henry and Jane A. (Charles) Hunter, the former a native of Ireland. The grandfather, Robert Hunter, located in Phil- adelphia on coming to this country, and there worked at his trade of a weaver. At the age of thirteen. Henry Hunter went to Strasburg, Lan- caster Co., Penn., where he served an appren- ticeship to the shoemaker's trade, and was mar- ried at the age of twenty-nine to Miss Charles, a daughter of Capt. Andrew Charles, who com- manded a company in the war of 1812, and was a prominent Democratic politician. a friend of James Buchanan. After his marriage. Mr. Hun- ter removed to Franklin county. Penn .. and in 1847 came to Clearfield county, where he pur- chased land and engaged in farming and shoe- making. He passed away in March, ISS6, but his wife still survives, and now at the age of eighty-six years makes her home with her chil- dren. Both held membership in the Presbyte- rian Church. Five children constituted their family, namely: Adeline, wife of our subject; Robert F. C .. a farmer; Harriet [ .. , widow of J. High: Margaret, wife of P. Patterson: and Cath- erine A., widow of Mr. Mays.

To Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been born four children, namely: John C., who died at the age of ten years; Mrs. Ann A. Spackman; Mrs. Im- ma R. Long; and Mrs. Adeline M. McDonald.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

With them resides a grandson, Conrad W. Spackman. Both are active and prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, and enjoy the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who appreciate their sterling worth and many excellent traits of character. Mr. Baker served as county commissioner of Clearfield county from 1864 to 1867, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. During, and toward the close of the war of the Rebellion, (1864) he sent a substitute. Socially, he has for twenty-five years been a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Glen Hope.

J AMES D. WILEY, who owns and occupies a fine farm in Jordan township, Clearfield county, and is also interested in coal mining, is a native of that county, born in Greenwood township. August 21, 1849, a son of John F. and Margaret ( Dixon) Wiley.

The father of our subject was reared in Clear- field county, early becoming familiar with the occupations of farming and lumbering, and after his marriage he purchased land, and improved a farm, remaining on that place until 1879, when he came to Jordan township, and now lives on a farm owned by our subject. He is an ardent Democrat in politics, has acceptably filled some township offices, though he cares nothing for po- litical prefernient, and he and his wife are faith- ful members of the United Presbyterian Church. She is a member of the Dixon family long promi- nent in the history of Jordan township, and is a daughter of James Dixon, of Scotch descent. Our subject is the eldest of eiglit children, the others being as follows: Joseph M .: Annie, who died at the age of twenty years: Mrs. Elizabeth Baker: John; Maggie; Robert, deceased; and Mary.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 70

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