Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 75

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 75
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 75
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 75
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 75

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

G EORGE L. KNOERR, a leading merchant of Troutville, is numbered among the ener- getic, far-seeing and successful business men of Clearfield county. His life history clearly illus- trates what may be attained by faithful and con- tinued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and in advancing his own welfare he has materially promoted the interests of his town and county.

Henry Knoerr, the father of our subject, in 1831, at the age of eighteen years, came from Bavaria, Germany, with his parents, George and Louisa Knoerr, who located in the midst of the forest between Troutville and Luthersburg, where the former obtained a tract of 200 acres of gov- ernment land, on which he erected a log house and barn. At that place Henry Knoerr grew to manhood, and being a good German scholar he successfully engaged in teaching in that locality for a number of terms. In 1843 he married Miss Catharine Marshall, and they located near his father's homestead. where he purchased one hundred acres of land for $300. This was cov- ered with a heavy growth of pine and oak timber. but he cleared eighty acres, and his first hewed-' log cabin he afterward replaced by a substantial two-story frame residence. He also erected a good barn, and made many other useful and valuable improvements, the place becoming one of the most desirable farms in Brady township. There his death occurred in 1886; his widow. who had faithfully shared in all the hardships and privations of their early married life. is still living in Troutville at a very advanced age.

A brief record of the fifteen children of this worthy couple is as follows: (1) Louisa is the wife of John Heilbrun, a farmer living near Big Run, in Jefferson county, and they have one son and two daughters living-Lizzie, wife of H. Long, of Brady township, Clearfield county; Mrs. Katie Zimmerman, who lives in Jefferson county. near the Clearfield county line; and William, who is still with his parents. (2) Caroline is the wife of Jacob L. Kuntz, of Troutville, and has two chil- dren-Milton and Clara. (3) Simon, born on the old homestead in Brady township, married Susanna Korb, of that township, and they live in Troutville, where he owns valuable property, and is engaged in the butchering business; their chil- dren are-Clara (now the wife of Lewis Lies, a farmer of Brady township, by whom she has two children), and Henrietta and Nelly, both at home. (4) Henry in early life began learning the tailor's trade in Du Bois, but is now engaged in the real- estate business in that city; he married Mary Bucheit, of Jefferson county, Penn., and has two sons-Silas and Albert. (5) Lorena is the wife of G. A. Heilbrun, a resident of Oklahoma, Jeffer- son county, and their children are-John, who is married; and William, who is married and lives in Bell township, Clearfield county. (6) Will- iam married Julia A. Garrison, whose early home was near Curwensville, and they reside in Du- Bois, where he is working in a mill; they have two daughters-May and Myrtle. (7) David, also a resident of Du Bois, married Caroline Weaver, and has four children -- Blanche, Ed- ward, Alice and Virgie. (8) John A. was for a number of years engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Punxsutawney, but is now dealing in real estate; he wedded Etta Beihl, of Brady town- ship, Clearfield county, and has three children -- Frederick, Minnie and Priscilla, all at home. (9) Ferdinand was born and reared upon the old homestead in Brady township, receiving a com- mon-school education; he married Charlotte Korb, of that township, and removed to Du Bois, where he engaged in the sawmill business until his death in 1893; his widow and two children -- Aaron and Effie-reside in Troutville; the chil- dren are now attending the Orphans School. (10) Mary is the wife of Joseph Brubaker, of Du Bois, and has one child -- Leilla. (11) Fred, who re- sides on the old homestead, married Lorina Korb, of Brady township, and has two children -- Ches- ter and Olive. (12) Catharine married William Kohler. of Brady township, who is now engaged in farmning in Jefferson county, and they have one son. Teare. (13) Samuel wedded Mary Munks. of Corsica. Jefferson county, where he is now en- gaged in sawmilling, and they have one child --

I.Sknow 1

Annie B. Sonoun

953

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Malinda C. (14) Reuben is the owner of a fine residence in Troutville, where he previously re- sided, but now makes his home in Corsica; he married Eliza Weaver, of Bloom township, Clear- field county, and has one son-Morris. (15) George L. completes the family.

· George L. Knoerr, the subject proper of these lines, was born May 25, 1846, on the home farm in Brady township, where he was reared to ha- bits of industry and thrift, while his literary training was such as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded. Learning the shoe- maker's trade, he followed that occupation for about fifteen years. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Zillox, of Brady township, who died in 1875, leaving two chil- dren: (1) G. A., born in 1869, is a resident of Troutville, where he is engaged in the livery business; he also carries the United States mail between that place and Sykesville, Jefferson county; he married Florence Weber, of Jefferson county, and has one son-George. (2) Mary Emma, born in 1871, obtained a good education in the schools of Troutville, and is now the wife of J. E. Rishel, formerly of Troutville, who is engaged in the butchering business in Du Bois; they have a daughter-Freda. Sara Annie, born in 1874, died in infancy previous to the mother's death. Mr. Knoerr was again married in 1887, his second union being with Mrs. Annie B. Johnston, of Gaskill township, Jefferson coun- ty, who was born August 12, 1853, a daughter of John and Maria Coffman, who died some years ago; her father was a substantial farmer and lum- berman of that county, being an extensive dealer in square timber and logs.

After his first marriage, Mr. Knoerr bought a lot and built a large dwelling house in Trout- ville, where he continued to work at his trade until 1871, when he removed to Pennville, but at the end of two years returned to the former place and built an addition to his residence for business purposes. In 1885 he embarked in merchandis- ing, which pursuit he continues up to the present time. Ten years later he purchased the old Zillox farm on the Luthersburg pike, which he conducts in connection with his other business. He to-day enjoys the reward of his painstaking and conscientious work. By his energy, perse- verance and fine business ability, he has secured a comfortable competence. As a stalwart Dem- ocrat, he has taken quite a prominent part in local politics, and has served as overseer of the poor for one term. He is a consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to which his wife and children also belong, and in social circles the family holds an enviable position.

A DAM BECK, who is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Burnside township, Clearfield county, is a native of Penn- sylvania, his birth having occurred in Westmore- land county, December 31, 1840. His parents, Nicholas and Elizabeth (Laub) Beck, were both born in Germany, and in early life came to America, where they were married. Locating in Westmoreland county, the father engaged in farming and such labor as he could find to do until 1845, when he came to Clearfield county, locating on land adjoining our subject's present farm. He purchased one hundred acres of heav- ily-timbered land, and in clearing the land burned much of the lumber in order to get rid of it. Seventy-five acres of his farm he placed under the plow, and improved with good and substan- tial buildings. He watched with interest the settlement and growth of this section, and was an important factor in its development and pros- perity. He died in February, 1884, at the age of eighty-two years; his widow is still living on the old homestead at the advanced age of one hundred years. Both were consistent inembers of the Lutheran Church. In their family were five children: Leonard and Peter, who are both following the occupation of farming; Nicholas, who lives on the old homestead: Adam, whose name introduces this sketch; and Mary. wife of James Leamer, also a farmer.

In much the usual manner of farmer lads. Adam Beck spent his boyhood and youth, and secured his education in the district schools near his home. He assisted his father, until. feeling that his country needed his services, he enlisted in September, 1861, in Company D. 7Sth P. V. I., under Col. William Sirwell (Gen. G. H. Thomas commanded the 14th Army Corps, in which he served, and Gen. Rosecrans). His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cum- berland. and was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign. After three years of arduous service. they turned over their arms at Nashville, Tenn .. and, returning to Kittanning, Penn., were mus- tered out and honorably discharged. Nicholas Beck, the brother of our subject, was also in the Union service for nine months. On return- ing to liis home. Adam Beck resumed farming. and on his marriage in 1868 located at his present place, having previously purchased 139 acres of but slightly-improved land. By industry ! and perseverance he has placed sixty acres under the plow, and has erected a cominodious two- . story frame residence, a large barn and good outbuildings, making it a most desirable farm, : pleasantly located three miles east of Cherrytree. In connection with general farming he is suc-

954

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cessfully engaged in stock-raising, feeding most . of his product to his stock, and the timber upon his land he has converted into lumber, which he has rafted down the river to market.

In 1868, Mr. Beck married Miss Hannah F., Irwin, a daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Mc- Culloch) Irwin, honored pioneers of Indiana county, Penn. John Irwin, the paternal grand- father, was born in Lycoming county, this State, of German and Irish ancestry. In the midst of the forests of Indiana county Samuel Irwin de- veloped a good farm, and he also engaged in lumbering. He married Miss Mary A. McCul- loch, a daughter of John and Margaret (Sharp) McCulloch. Her father was a farmer, owning a a large tract of land in Clearfield county, near Patchinsville, where he improved a farm. He died at his homestead about 1870, and his land was divided among his sons.

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin had eleven children, namely: Jolin C., who died in Andersonville prison while serving his country in the Civil war; William W., a farmer by occupation; Alexander. who was a Union soldier for nine months, and is now engaged in farming; Margaret J., wife of P. Sawyer; Isabel, wife of William Shafer; Hannah F., wife of our subject; James M., a farmer; George C., a resident of Kansas; Robert B., who is engaged in steamboating on the Ohio and Mis- sissippi rivers; Percifer S., who was accidentally killed on a railroad at the age of seventeen; and Henry F., a resident of Kansas. For two years the father also served his country during the dark days of the Rebellion, and was finally discharged on account of disability. He never recovered from the effects of his army service, and died in January, 1871; his wife passed away in January, 1892. Both were faithful members of the United Presbyterian Church. Five children bless the union of our subject and his wife, in the order of of birth, as follows: Mary A., wife of A. P. Fry, a lumberman; Florence V., wife of F. H. Yeager; Wallace 1., who married Ressie E. McKee, and resides on the homestead farm; Gordon 1 .. , who has for three years successfully engaged in teach- ing, and is now at college; and Zelma L. at home.

D AVID H. WATTS is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Ferguson township, Clearfield county. He is not only en- gaged in general farming, but gives considerable attention to dairying, stock-raising and fruit growing. His entire life has been passed in the township, where he still resides, his birth there occurring May 25, 1861, and in the local schools he acquired his early education, which was sup- plemented by a few months in the State Normal, of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Martin Watts, his father, was a son of Samuel Watts, a farmer, of Lancaster county, Penn. About 1841 the former located in Clearfield county, purchasing a large tract of timber land. which he cleared and converted into a good farm. Erecting a sawmill, he engaged in the manufact- ure of lumber, which he rafted down the river; but of late years he has given his attention mainly to his agricultural interests. During the Civil war he served as enrolling officer in his dis- trict, and in his township has filled a number of positions of honor and trust. Originally he was a Whig in politics, later joining the Republican party, and is now an ardent adherent of the Prohibition party. He and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church.

In 1852 Martin Watts was married to Eliza- beth M. Hoyt, a lady of intelligence and culture. and they have become the parents of nine chil- dren, namely: Caroline, now the wife of F. P. Stevens; Emma M., wife of J. S. McClary; Sam- uel C .; John P. ; David H., of this review: Mar- tin and Mary (twins), the former a resident of Chattanooga, Tenn .. and the latter the wife of Rev. J. B. Work, president of the Norfolk Mis- sionary Society of Virginia; Harriet, wife of E. C. Bartow; and Ralph L., an experimental horti- culturist, of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Dr. J. P. Hoyt, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Trov, N. Y., September 12, 1793, a son of Phineas and Julia A. (Danier) Hoyt, of New Hampshire, who after several moves finally located permanently in New York, where the father died at the age of thirty years. He was a son of John and Mary Hoyt, who came from England in Colonial days. In his native city Dr. Hoyt was educated, and after complet- ing his medical studies he came to Pennsylvania in 1819, locating in Half Moon Valley. Centre : county, where he practiced for one year, on the , expiration of which time he came to Clearfield

Mr. Beck is an honored member of Westover Post. No. 590, G. A. R., and in politics is an ar- dent Republican, doing all in his power to pro- mnote the interests of his party. He has filled al- most all of the township offices and faithfully dis- charged every duty devolving upon him, thus winning the commendation of the entire com- , county, settling in Pike township, on the river. inunity. His wife holds membership in the , in the McClure neighborhood. For a number of United Evangelical Church, and she and her hus- | years he made that place his home, his practice band have many friends throughout Clearfield extending over a large district, but subsequently he removed to Curwensville, where in connection county.

955

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with his practice he also engaged in merchandis- ing until 1847, when he located permanently on the river at what was later known as Hoyt's Mills, three miles above Lumber City. He pur- 'chased large tracts of land, built a sawmill and manufactured lumber extensively. He also erected a gristmill and did a large business along that line. his patrons coming from miles around, at the same time continuing the practice of his profession. He was very successful in his under- takings, and left a large estate at his death, which occurred February 26, 1885, when he had reached the advanced age of ninety-one years. He took an active interest in all public affairs, was a Democrat in early life, but after the Civil war he affiliated with the Republican party, and filled a number of offices of honor and trust, in- cluding that of county judge.

In 1820, Dr. Hoyt married Miss Mary Mc- Clure, a daughter of Thomas McClure, an hon- ored pioneer of Clearfield county, who came from Perry county, Penn., at an early day, and located in Pike township, where he spent the re- mainder of his life. In his family were six chil- dren, namely: Jane, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary, Ross and Wilson. To Dr. Hoyt and his wife were born eight children: Hiram; Julia A .; Harriet; David W., who married and lived in Louisiana, where he and his wife both died, leaving five children; Elizabeth M., the mother of our subject; Mary E., wife of M. O. Stirk; Margaret, unmarried; and Christiana, deceased. The mother of these children died September 6, 1886, aged eighty-eight years. Both she and her husband were active members of the Meth- odist Church, in which the Doctor served as class leader. He also took a prominent part in Sun- day-school work even after eighty years of age, and contributed liberally to the support of both Church and Sunday-school.

i :

Mr. Watts, whose name introduces this sketch, remained with his parents until twenty- two years of age, when he purchased a tract of 133 acres of timber land from his father, and be- gan life for himself. His first effort was to build a large barn in 1887, and he now has one hun- dred acres cleared and under a high state of cultivation, has a comfortable frame residence, good outbuildings, and a fine orchard. The timber upon his land he has converted into lum- ber, and has set out a windbreak of pines-a grove on top of the mountain above his house can be seen for many miles. In 1894 he made an addition to his large barn, and put in a complete creamery with all modern improved machinery, operated by steam power. He has a fine herd of milch cows, and he utilizes the waste from his

dairy to feed hogs. Enterprising and progressive, he has met with wonderful success in his under- takings, and now ranks among the most sub- stantial and reliable business men of Ferguson township.

In 1890, Mr. Watts married Miss Frances Johnson, a cultured and refined young lady. who was educated at the common and Normal schools. and was for seven years a proficient and popular teacher. Her parents were William P. and Lidda R. (Bean) Johnson, honored pioneers of Clearfield county, where her father was born, a son of James and Sarah (Stugart) Johnson. His grandfather, Samuel Johnson, was born in York county, Penn., in 1781, and when seventeen years of age went to Centre county, but in 1812

located in Clearfield county. The mother of Mrs. Watts is now deceased, but her father is still living and finds a pleasant home with her and our subject. Mrs. Johnson was a daughter of Thomas Bean, a farmer and school teacher by occupation, who lived for many years in both Centre and Clearfield counties. He was a mem- ber of the Society of Friends, while his wife be- longed to the Lutheran Church. In their family were eleven children: Benjamin, who was killed at the battle of Weldon Railroad during the Re- bellion; Nathan, who also served through the war; Mary A. ; Susan; Alvin A. ; Daniel: Jacob. a Lutheran minister: John W .: Emma: Catherine: and Lidda R., the mother of Mrs. Watts. Four interesting children have blessed the union of our subject and his estimable wife: William Johnson, born March 20, 1891: Emma Margaret. born October 12, 1893; Wendell Philips. born October 7, 1895; and James Martin. born June 15. 1897.

J TOHN A. BRUBAKER, a wide-awake repre- sentative of the agricultural interests of Clearfield county, was born in 1841, in Union township, where he still makes his home. In 1839 his father had come to Clearfield county from Juniata county, Penn .. and located in that township when it was still a part of Brady town- ship. He erected the first sawmill within its borders, shipping the first lumber, and was also one of the men who cut the first path for a road up Anderson creek, in 1859. He took a promi- nent part in the progress and upbuilding of this section, and at his own expense erected the Menonite church which now stands on a portion of his farm. He was a consistent and active member of that denomination, and for twenty years served as bishop thereof. His first pur- chase of land consisted of a wild tract of one hun-

956

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dred acres, for which he paid $300, and to which he added until he had accumulated about 600 -inent part in the growth and development of the place.

acres of rich and productive land. His name edserves an honored place among those of the representative pioneer of the county, in the de- velopment of which he bore so important a part. The grandfather of our subject was born in Lan- caster county, Penn., of German parentage.

John A. Brubaker spent the early years of his life in the usual manner of farmer boys in a frontier region, assisting his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. On May 14, 1865, he was married to Miss Margaret Schofield, who was born in Delaware county, Penn., in 1841. When six years old she was taken to Jefferson county, and subsequently located in Union town- ship, Clearfield county, at the woolen-factory on Anderson creek. She died November. 23, 1892, leaving three children, namely: Earl G. married Carrie Dressler, a daughter of L. R. Dressler, of Union township (with their two chil- dren they reside on his father's No. 2 farm, at Horne Camp); Elva was married in 1893 to H. O. Luce, by whom she had one child, born in 1894 (they reside on the homestead with our sub- ject); and Joseph S., born in 1875, is also at home.

In 1866, Mr. Brubaker began housekeeping in a pioneer house in the village of Rockton, but after a year and a half moved on the farm and has since engaged in the cultivation and improve- ment of his place, whose neat and thrifty ap- pearance testifies to his skill and ability as an

agriculturist. Politically, he has always given his support to Republican principles, and has taken a leading part in the affairs of the township. He has filled the office of school director, and was for three successive terms assessor. As a business man and a citizen he is held in much esteem, and deserves the high regard in which he is universally held.

W W. COLE, one of the active, prominent and enterprising citizens of Clearfield county, has for a number of years been identified with the commercial interests of Sabula, and since February 5, 1877, has been the popular and efficient postmaster at that place. On its es- tablishment Ed Washburn became the first post- master and named the office, and he was suc- ceeded by a Mr. Prindle, who was our subject's predecessor. Mr. Cole dates his residence here from 1873, at which time the railroad had just been completed, and the place was still called " Hickory Kingdom." Erecting a store building, he has since successfully engaged in general mer-

chandising, and has taken an active and pron-

A native of New York, Mr. Cole was born in Allegany county, in 1846, and is a son of John S. and Samantha U. (Maxon) Cole, natives of New Jersey and Connecticut, respectively. At an early day the father located in Allegany county, N. Y., where he cleared and improved two or three farms; but, in 1857, he sold out and re- moved to Flint, Mich., and is now residing in Battle Creek, Mich. He was a member of a New Jersey regiment during the Mexican war. Both parents are still living, and have a family of children, namely: W. W., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who enlisted for service in the Civil war, in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1864, belonging to the same company and regiment as our subject; Walter A., still a resident of Alle- gany county; and Josephine, now the wife of Ly- man Hoxey, of Michigan.

At the age of thirteen, W. W. Cole accom- panied his parents on their emigration to Michi- gan, but, in 1859, returned to Allegany county, N. Y., where he acquired a good practical edu- cation in the public schools. There he continued to make his home until coming to Sabula, in 1873, following farming, and also serving as a traveling salesman for eight years. During the dark days of the Rebellion he enlisted in Allegany county, in 1864. in Company B, 189th N. Y. V. I., for one year or during the war, and was mustered in at Elmira, N. Y., where his regi- ment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battle of Petersburg, the Mine explosion. Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, Appomattox, Lewis Farm, White Oak Road, and in all the engagements of the campaign of 1864-65. When hostilities had ceased, he was honorably discharged at Elmira, N. Y .. June 16, 1865, and returned home.

In 1873 Mr. Cole was married, in Sabula, to Miss Emma Bowersox, a native of Clearfield county, of which her father, George Bowersox, was one of the pioneers, having located in Union township at a very early day. Five children were born to this union: Clyde, Ralph, George. Herbert and Ruth, the latter two being deceased. In his political affiliations Mr. Cole is a stanch Republican; socially he is connected with the Grand Army Post. No. 229, Du Bois, and with the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Sabula. He is a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, one who takes a deep and commendable interest in the : welfare of his town and county, and cheerfully gives his aid to all worthy objects for the good of the community.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 75

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