Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 71

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 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 71

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Charles M., Flora L., Ethel, Velma, Ruby and Sevia.

For two years after his marriage. Mr. Wiley operated rented land in connection with lumber- ing, and then purchased his present farm of one hundred acres, forty of which had been cleared. and a cheap set of buildings erected thereon; now seventy-five acres are under a high state of cultivation, an excellent two-story residence and substantial outbuildings have been erected, and an orchard set out. He has also opened up a coal mine, and still continues lumbering in the winter season. He is enterprising and energetic, and his success has come as a reward of honest toil, perseverance, and good manageinent. As a Democrat in politics. he has been elected to minor offices, which he has creditably filled: in religious faith he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

D AVID WAY, a leading and representative farmer of Pike township, Clearfield county, was born January 12, 1837, in Half Moon Val- ley, Centre county, and comes of an honored pioneer family of Central Pennsylvania. On the paternal side he is of Welsh descent. and his an- cestors formerly lived in Chester county, this State, but at an early day emigrated to Centre county, where they endured all the hardships and privations incident to frontier life.

Job Way, the father of our subject. was a potter by trade, during early life. and subse- quently engaged in farming. On the Lith of April, 1831, at the Friends Meeting House in Half Moon Valley, was celebrated his marriage to Jane W. Barlow, a daughter of Thomas Bar- low, who was a native of Manchester, England. in which country his father, Adam Barlow, spent his entire life. Thomas Barlow, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, landed at the port of New London, Conn .. on December S. 1804. After a few days' rest he walked to New York and then to Philadelphia, and there arranged to survey and sell lands for the Morgan & Rawle Company in Centre, Huntingdon and Clearfield counties. Being favorably impressed with the country, he married Miss Catharine Turner, and after their marriage they lived in Philipsburg. Centre county. a few years, then moved to Sink- ing Valley and from there to Half Moon Valley, where they passed the remainder of their lives. She died November 10, 1824. he on January 29. 1842. For a number of years he served as a justice of the peace.

In the county of his nativity James D. Wiley was reared to manhood, attending the district schools near his childhood home, and assisting his father in the labors of the farm, until he had attained the age of twenty-two. In 1873 he married Miss Catherine McMurray, a representa- tive of an honored pioneer family of Irish origin, and a daughter of John and Jane (Alexander) McMurray. Her father, a native of Pennsylva- nia, located in Clearfield county at an early day, and improved a farm in the midst of the wilder- ness. He died in 1878, his wife in 1873. She held membership in the Presbyterian Church, while he was a Methodist in religious belief. They were the parents of four children: John A ... Robert T., Catherine and Charles. Mr. and In 1854. Job Way with his family came to Mrs. Wiley have eight children: Varila. Grier, . Clearfield county, where he purchased a tract of

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raw land, which he opened up and developed into a good farm, and there spent his remaining days. dying in August, 1882: his widow passed from earth, December 28, 1891, at a ripe old age. Both were consistent members of the Society of Friends, and highly respected people. Originally the father was a Whig in politics, and later sup- ported the Republican party. Although he filled some township offices, he never cared for official distinction. The nine children of the family were all born in Half Moon Valley, where four died in infancy. Those who reached years of maturity were: Thomas, now deceased; David; Mary J. ; Robert B., a miller by trade, but now engaged in farming: and Adam B .. who resides on the old homestead.

In the country schools near his boyhood home David Way obtained his education, and was reared to the honest toil of a farmer, remaining with his father until he had attained his majority. After his marriage he began the struggle of life for himself, for three or four years working as a farm hand, but in 1864 he purchased one hundred acres-the farm on which he still resides. Half of the place had been cleared and a small log house erected, but this has been replaced by a commodious, two-story residence, good barns and outbuildings have been erected, and eighty acres of the land are now under a high state of cultivation, making it one of the most desirable farms in the locality. It is pleasantly situated three miles northwest of Curwensville, and is un- derlaid with a fine grade of fire clay and other min- eral deposits. For many years during the winter season Mr. Way engaged in lumbering and raft- ing, but now gives his exclusive attention to his agricultural pursuits, in which he has been very successful. In 1859, he married Miss Eliza J. McGaughey, of Clearfield county, Penn., but born in Indiana county, a "danghter of Thomas -McGaughey, one of the prominent, pioneers of:

Indiana county, where his death occurred. Of the seven children born of this union, two died in infancy; the others are: Thomas L., a farmer; Ella J., wife of Samuel Smith, of Curwensville, Clearfield county; William E., living in Marion county, Oregon, where he is engaged in the fruit business; John A., of Nebraska; and Martha, wife of Edward Way, of Centre county. The wife and mother died in May, 1872, in the full faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1874. Mr. Way was again married, his second union being with Miss Hannah Way, a distant relative, and a daughter of Caleb Way, who was born and reared in Centre county, but at an early day opened up a farm in the wilder- ness of Clearfield county, where he spent the

last years of his life, dying in 1874. He and his wife, who died in 1885, were members of the Hicksite branch of the Society of Friends. In politics, Mr. Way is a stanch adherent to the principles of the Republican party. He and his wife are faithful members of the Friends Church. and are valued citizens of the community.

SAMUEL H. WITHEROW, a well-to-do and prosperous agriculturist of Jordan township, Clearfield county, is a cool, clear-headed, wide- awake' man, possessing great tact for business, and by his pleasant and courteous treatment of those who come in contact with him, has ren- dered himself very popular with all classes of citizens. He comes of a family that has long been prominently identified with the agricultural and business interests of Clearfield county. His grandfather, Thomas Witherow, was born, reared and married in Ireland, and, on coming to Amer- ica, took up his residence in Pennsylvania, where his seven sons-Robert, William, Thomas, James, David. Joseph and Samuel -- were reared.

John Witherow, the father of our subject. was born in Ireland, and was quite small when brought to the United States. At an early day he became a resident of Clearfield county, where he purchased a tract of wild land and improved a farm. On disposing of that property he bought an unimproved farm in Knox township, and to its development and cultivation devoted his attention until accidentally killed. June 16, 1884. By trade he was a potter, and followed that occupa- tion in connection with farming and lumbering. He was a regular log driver, and took many rafts down the river to market at Lock Haven and Marietta. He was an active and leading men- ber of the Presbyterian Church, in which he served as elder; politically, he was a stalwart Democrat, taking a prominent part in public affairs, and serving in many township offices

The mother of our subject, who is still living at the age of seventy-seven, was in her maiden- hood Margaret Hegarty, a daughter of Henry Hegarty, a native of Ireland, who became a pio- neer settler of Clearfield county, where he opened up a farm in the midst of the forest. In his tam- ily were the following children: Jane, Joseph, George, Samuel, Robert, Henry, Lidda A. and. Isabel. With their parents, they all held inein- bership in the Presbyterian Church. Six chil- dren were born to John Witherow and his esti- mable wife, namely: Henry, deceased; Thomas A. and John E., both farmers; Samuel H., of this sketch; Mary J., wife of J. W. Johnston; and Margaret. The last named has been twice

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married, first becoming the wife of J. Meryinan. by whom she had three children, and after his death wedded Jesse Hoffman, a stone mason and coal miner.

Samuel H. Witherow was born May 8, 1847. in Knox township, Clearfield county, where he was reared on a farm and educated in the coun- try schools. Remaining with his parents, he as- sisted in farming and lumbering until his mar- riage in 1869, when he located upon a rented farm. which he operated for two years, but since 1873 he has lived upon his present place. On purchasing the farm, which comprises 210 acres, only thirty-five had been cleared and no buildings erected, but now ninety-two acres have been placed under the plow, and an excellent two- story residence erected, together with the other necessary buildings found upon a inodel farm of the nineteenth century. He has never sold the mineral rights to his land, and upon his place are found a good grade of coal and fire clay. Since large enough he has worked in the lumber woods during the winter, while the summer season has been spent in farming, and so successful has he been in his business ventures that he is now the owner of real estate in both West Clearfield and Ansonville, which he rents, besides his valuable farming lands.

In 1869 Mr. Witherow was married to Miss Lizzie Johnston, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Cameron) Johnstor, who were natives of Scot- land and married in Philadelphia, Penn. The father and his brother came to America in 1829. and after engaging in mining in the neighborhood of Pottsville until the fall of 1833, they came to Clearfield county, locating in Jordan township, where Robert Johnston purchased one hundred acres of wild land, built a cabin and improved a farm, on which he died in 1872. Reared in a good old Scotch Presbyterian family, he always adhered to that faith, and led an honorable, up- right life. free from all reproach.

To Mr. and Mrs. Witherow have been born four children: John C., a farmer and lumber- man: and Mary I .. Robert J. and Maggie S., all at home. Presbyterians in religious belief, the parents and children all belong to the Fruit Hill Church. and the family is one of the highest re- spectability and worth. Politically Mr. Witherow supports the principles of the Democratic party by his ballot, and has efficiently served in a num- ber of township offices, being school director nine years.

where he is prosperously engaged in general farm- ing, and also follows lumbering during the winter season. He was born in that township June 14, 1845, a son of George L. and Johannah . Eiseman) Hertlein, who were both natives of Germany, but were married after their emigration to the New World.

During the first three years spent in America, Mr. Hertlein worked at the iron furnace in Kart- haus, and then purchased a tract of wild land, where he opened up and improved a large farm. By trade he was a potter, and erecting a plant he engaged in the manufacture of stoneware, which he would sell throughout the country. He also did considerable work at the mason's trade, and being a skilled mechanic, who could perform almost any sort of labor. his services were in great demand in this then new country. Lumbering also claimed his attention, and during his early settlement here he piloted on the river for some time. He experienced all the difficul- ties and hardships of pioneer life when there were no roads laid out through his section of the county, when oxen were used to perform the la- bors of the farm, and when the machinery was of the most primitive order. He was often com- pelled to carry flour and other provisions on his back from market in Karthaus, over a trail to his home. Wild game, which was very plentiful, mainly supplied the meat of the family. Through his own energetic efforts, Mr. Hertlein became quite well-to-do and prosperous, owning a fine farm of over 400 acres. a part of which he cleared and improved. He died in 1880, his wife in August. 1896, at the ripe old age of sev- enty-seven years. Both were consistent mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, and honored and respected by all who knew them. Politically he was a strong Democrat, and faithfully filled nearly all of the township offices, including those of supervisor, auditor and overseer of the poor.

Of the ten children born to the parents of our subject, two died in infancy, and the others were as follows: Martin. now deceased: Mrs. Sophia Eberspacher: Christ. a farmer by occu- pation: August. deceased: Lawrence T .: Han- nah, wife of E. I. Gilliland, now deceased: John, who died at the age of five years: and Rosa. wife of J. H. Hunter. of Pottersdale. Pennsyl- vania.

In the common schools of Karthaus town- ship, Mr. Hertlein, of this sketch. obtained his education, and upon the home farm received valuable lessons in industry and economy. He L AWRENCE T. HERTLEIN. The name of this gentleman is well and favorably known never left the parental roof. and still resides upon the old homestead, where he owns ninety- throughout Karthans township, Clearfield county. ; eight acres of valuable land. but cultivates 150

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acres. The tract, which comprises 444 acres, is underlaid with a good grade of coal and other minerals. His place is improved with a pleas- ant dwelling and a fine set of farm buildings, which add to its neat and thrifty appearance. In connection with the operation of his land he has always engaged in lumbering during the win- ter months, and thus added not a little to his income. During the early days when deer, wild- cat, bear and other game was plentiful, he in . dulged in his fondness for hunting, making a specialty of deer.

In 1869, Mr. Hertlein was united in marriage with Mrs. Jacob Hertlein, whose former hus- band was no relative of our subject. She is a native of Germany, and a daughter of Christo- pher Heichel, who brought his family to America in 1855. and located in Clearfied county, where he developed a farm in the midst of the timber. He lost his wife in 1869, and his death occurred ten years later. Both held membership in the Lutheran Church. In their family were twelve children: Mrs. Margaret Herzog; John M., who was lost in the woods and frozen to death; Hous- ton, a farmer by occupation; George, also an agriculturist; Mrs. Caroline Kopp; Mrs. Eliza- beth Fisher, deceased; William, a farmer; Mrs. Hertlein: Fred, a resident of Centre county, Penn .; August, of Indiana; John, also of that State: and one who died in Germany. Three of the children have passed away since the family came to America.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hertlein have been born seven children: Herbert: Edith, a teacher by profession: Clarence: Alice: William, who died at the age of eight years; Ada M. and Lewis. : All of the children are still at home. By her first marriage, Mrs. Hertlein had one daughter, Caroline. now the wife of R. J. Yothers. The Democratic party finds in our subject an earnest supporter. put he has never aspired to office. His estimable wife is a member of the Lutheran Church.

J E. OSWALD. Many of the best class of citizens of Clearfield county have come from over the sea, particularly from the German Empire, and have transported the industry, thrift and economy of their native lands. Of this class of honest, hardworking, alien-born citizens, there is none who occupy a more prom- inent place than Mr. Oswald, one of the leading farmers of Union township.

twenty-five years he held a number of local offi- ces, including those of justice of the peace and tax collector. After his resignation his son was elected to the same offices which he has now ac- ceptably filled for thirty-three years withont remuneration. One brother of our subject came to the New World in 1848, and was engaged in milling in Curwensville, Clearfield county, and is now in Big Run, Jefferson Co., Pennsylvania.

In the Fatherland, Mr. Oswald, of this re- view, was reared and educated, and in 1857 took passage on a vessel bound for the United States. For the first four years after his arrival here he was engaged in milling in Curwensville, and then purchased his present farm in Union township, which he has cleared of the dense growth of timber that covered it, and converted the tract into richly cultivated fields. He has also erected neat and substantial buildings. upon the place. which stand as monuments to his thrift and en- terprise.

Mr. Oswald was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Shull, a daughter of Henry Shull, of Brady township, and both her parents are now deceased. Twelve children were born of this union, only two of whom are now living: Annie, the eldest, died April 8, 1875, and five died of diphtheria within four weeks, while all ten died within five years. Those who survive are Lizzie, wife of Osten Hendricks, of Union township, by whom she has two children; and Florence May, who is now thirteen years of age, and keeps house for her father. The wife and mother has also departed this life. dying suddenly of heart disease at the age of thirty-nine years, when Florence was only three months old. The elder daughter is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, as was also her mother, who died in the full assurance of the faith. She had many friends throughout the county, and was beloved by all who knew her. Since becoming an Amer- ican citizen, Mr. Oswald has always given his : . allegiance to the Democratic party, and has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as school director four years, overseer of the poor four years, supervisor two years, tax collector eight years, auditor for about twelve years, and is now treasurer of the township. He has always faith- fully discharged every duty, whether public or private, and has thus won the confidence and esteein of all with whom he has come in contact.

TAMES EDWARD COWAN, an enterprising young business man of Bigler township, Clearfield county, is successfully engaged in agriculture and stock dealing, while holding the

Our subject was born April 25, 1831, in Ger- many, where his parents spent their entire lives. The father was one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his community, where for

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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responsible post of weighmaster at the Shoff coal mines. Active, intelligent and faithful, he en- joys the full confidence of his employers, and the same qualities have gained him the respect and esteem of his associates in other walks of life. He is a native of Clearfield county, having been born in Becaria township, July 26, 1862, and is of pioneer stock.

Stewart Cowan, grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, and in early manhood came to America to found a home in central Pennsyl- vania, then a sparsely settled region. He located first in Centre county, near Milesburg, but later moved to Clearfield county, and after one year passed at Muddy run, settled permanently at Hegarty's Cross Roads, purchasing one hundred acres of wooded land. Here he lived in true pioneer style, building a log house and clearing the land. His wife, Margaret (Tate), to whom he was married in 1821, shared all his hardships in those days of struggle, and the prosperity which in later years rewarded them. He died in 1863. she in 1867.

They had eight children -- five sons and three daughters-and four of the sons served in the Union army during the Civil war: (1) Thomas married Miss Elizabeth Fenorman, of Clearfield, and resided near Hegarty's Cross Roads. He en- listed in the tooth P. V. I., and fought bravely in all the engagements of his regiment until he met a soldier's death in the battle of the Wilder- ness. Five children survive him-Margaret mar- ried to Bernard Ross, of Altoona; John, of Al- toona; Millard, of Fort Wayne; Lynn, of Pitts- burg, Penn .; and Evaline, married to Edward Stokes, of Philadelphia. (2) Hannah J. married to Abram Matthews, a farmer near Irvona, and had three children who lived to adult age-John, Eliza Ann and Catherine. (3) Eliza married Jeremiah Lord, a blacksmith and farmer residing in Knox township, Clearfield county, and reared a family of nine children-George, the eldest, was killed in California in 1896 by a log truck; Thomas, John, Joseph, Robert, Sarah, Asbury, Margaret and Calvin are all residents of Knox township. (4) Matthew married Miss Mary Koon, and located near Utahville, Penn .; they had seven children-John, Joseph, Jane, Samuel, Henry, Hannah and Isah. (5) Stewart married Miss Hannah Calderwood, of Tyrone, Penn., and settled upon a farm near Utahville. He enlisted in the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served throughout the war, being stationed in North Carolina during the greater part of the time. He had four children-Gideon, Stewart, Maud and John. (6) Robert, the father of our subject. is mentioned more fully below. (7) James E.

married Miss Rachel Warrick, of Becaria town- ship, Clearfield county. He lost his life in the battle of Chancellorsville while serving in the Iroth P. V. I. His widow and their only son, I. W., now reside at Smith's Mills, Penn. (8) Lavina inarried A. P. Shoff, of Amesville, Clear- field county, and has one daughter, Ethel, now at home.

Robert Cowan, our subject's father, was born September 16, 1834, and grew to manhood at the old homestead. He served throughout the war in the Iroth P. V. I., taking part in the bat- tles of that gallant regiment. On returning home he engaged in farming and lumbering, con- tinuing until 1895, when he removed to Usal, Cal. At present he is interested in the lumber business there. In 1861 he married Miss Jane Henchbarger, by whom he had twelve children, our subject being the eldest. (2) Roberta Jane, born February 7, 1864, married Charles Parker, of Little Falls, N. Y., and after residing for some time in Iowa, settled in St. Paul, Minn. They have one child. (3) Margaret V., born April 19, 1867, married Hugh Galaher, formerly of Cam- bria county, Penn., who is now engaged in farm- ing in Bigler township, Clearfield county; they have three sons-Edward, Roger and Gordon. (4) Mary L., born April 9, 1866, married John Fanner, of Lawrence township, Clearfield county, and moved to Nevada City, Cal. ; they have one daughter, Jeanie. (5) John W., born June 13, 1868, married Miss Margery Orr, of Lawrence township, and now resides in Usal, Cal. (6) Harry A., born November 15, 1870, is not mar- ried, and resides in Usal, Cal. (7) Martha Emma. born April 14, 1873, married John Rowles, of Vallejo, Cal., and has one child, Vivian. 8) Rachel A., born September 11. 1876, married Boa% Alexander, of Madera, Penn. (9) Priscilla F., born November 24, 1878, is attending State Normal School at Vallejo, Cal. (10) Nettie A., born July 17, 1880. (11) Sallie, born January 2, 1883, and (12) Ralph G., born August 3, 1886, are living in California with their parents.

. James E. Cowan, the subject proper of this sketch, was reared at the old homestead, and first engaged in business as a lumberman. In 1889 he married Miss Mary E. Lloyd, danghter of Edward and Caroline Lloyd. well-known resi- dents of Hontzdale, Penn. Since his marriage Mr. Cowan has been employed as weighmaster for R. B. Wighton & Sons, at Shoff mines, and in 1895 he purchased a farm of 1 14 acres, known as the Christopher Shoff place, which he success- fully conducts. He also gives some attention to dealing in stock, as has been said, and his busi- ness ability is demonstrated by his management

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of his varied interests. His pleasant home is brightened by two children -- Edna Jane, born December 15. 1893; and Caroline, born June 10, 1896.

The Cowans are of Scotch-Irish blood, and have always been identified with the Presbyte- rian Church. Mrs. Cowan is, however, a Meth- odist in faith, and is an active member of that society. In his political views, Mr. Cowan is a Republican, but he is not a seeker after official honors, his influence being given, without per- sonal bias. to the support of party principles.

G EORGE W. JOSE. proprietor of " Hotel La Jose, " is one of the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Clearfield county, now carrying on business at Lajose. He has achieved wealth by his own unaided exertions, and is, in fact, a self-inade man. starting out in life with nothing but youth in his favor, and his endow- ments of fine health, a vigorous muscle, and a clear, cool brain. After all, a man possessing these need fear nothing; with a determination to succeed, success is his almost from the start. although it may be that years of patient waiting and hard toil are necessary before his endeavors are crowned with the full measure of success.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 71

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