Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 76

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 76
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 76
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 76
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 76

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Iv. gr. Cole

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J OHN STONE, a prominent agriculturist of Boggs township, Clearfield county, is a man whose history is of special interest, not only on account of his own work and worth, but because of his father, Alexander Stone, who was one of the leading pioneers of this section.

He was born in England and came to this country in early manhood, locating in Clearfield county, where he was married a few years later to Miss Mary Kephart, daughter of Andrew Kephart, an early settler of Boggs township, and a farmer by occupation. Mr. Stone purchased the tract of land upon which our subject now re- sides, and began to improve it, building, in 1820, the first hotel in that part of the county. The place lay on the Philadelphia and Erie pike, near Big Clearfield creek, and the conditions being favorable, Mr. Stone laid out a village named Stoneville. This prospered for a time and con- tained two hotels, several good stores and about fifteen houses; but when railroads were run through the county the prospects of further growth failed. and most of the inhabitants moved away. Mr. Stone owned large tracts of timber land, and was extensively engaged in lumbering, his products being rafted to market. He was a Democrat in politics, and took an active interest in all public affairs, his ability and force of char- acter giving him great influence. He died in the fall of 1856; his wife, who was a consistent and devout member of the United Brethren Church, survived him many years, dying in April, 1895; she had married a second husband, by name John Miller. Mr. Stone had two brothers, Jesse and Jad, who joined him here at an early day, and both made their homes in Clearfield county. Our subject was the youngest of four children who lived to adult age, three others having died in childhood: Elizabeth married D. H. Dugan, a carpenter, who now resides at Coalport; Jane married John Blair, a cabinet maker, who now resides at DuBois; Mary A. married P. Goliher, a merchant, lumberman and farmer.

John Stone was born at the homestead, Au- gust 21, 1845, and grew to manhood there, his education being limited to an attendance at the local schools. When he was eleven years old . his father died, and his mother conducted the estate until her second marriage, when Mr. Mil- ler was in charge for some time. In accordance with the English custom, our subject, as the only son, inherited the farm, and on attaining his ina jority he took possession, and has since been engaged in its inanagement. He has made many improvements, clearing it and adding two ad- joining farins, which are both under excellent cultivation. Since Stoneville was deserted he . birth.

has bought some of the lots and houses of the village and incorporated them into the estate. Lumbering occupied his attention for some time, and he rafted many thousand feet of square timber and saw logs to market, but he now de- votes his energies to farming and stock raising.

In 1865, Mr. Stone married Miss Josephine Lumadue, a member of one of the pioneer fam- ilies of Clearfield county. Her grandfather, William Lumadue, settled there, and conducted a hotel on the pike, known as the "Lumadue House," which was in high favor with travelers in the early times. Her father, William Lu- madue, was born in Clearfield county. and is still an honored resident of Lawrence township, where for many years he followed agriculture. Mrs. Josephine Stone was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her death, in - November, 1875, caused sincere and widespread mourning. She left five children, namely: Alex- ander, a tanner at Penfield; William. who is engaged in railroad at McKee's Rocks, Penn .; Franklin J., a miner: Earl, an employee of the hospital at Warren; and Harry, who is engaged in a steam laundry at Pittsburg.

In 1879, Mr. Stone formed a second matri- monial union, this time with Miss Emily Odell, who was born in Clearfield. Her father, John Odell, was a native of Maryland, and was mar- ried at Hollidaysburg, Penn., to Mrs. Sarah Woomer. He made his home in Clearfield county, and engaged in various pursuits for which his excellent education fitted him-teaching school, clerking in stores and bookkeeping. He died August 4, 1891. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, but his wife, who survives him, is a Lutheran. They had seven children, of whom two died in childhood; the others are; Agnes, Ella, Jennie, Cordie and Emily (Mrs. Stone). By this second marriage, Mr. Stone had three children: Sybil, Ara and John, who are all at home. Mrs. Stone is a member of the Church of God. In local affairs. Mr. Stone has always taken an influential part. He is a Demo- crat politically, and has held some township offi- ces, but his ambition does not lie in the direction of public life.

OHN SHEESER. This gentleman, who is a general farmer pursuing his pleasant and profitable occupation in Union township. Clearfield county, is a native of Juniata county, Penn., whence, when a year and a half old. he was brought to Clearfield county by his parents. John and Regina Sheeser, who were Gerinans by

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The father was born in 1801, and in 1836 came to the New World. He was first em- ployed on the construction of the Catawissa" railroad, and in 1846 came to Union township, Clearfield county, where he cleared and opened up a farm in the midst of a forest. There his death occurred in 1875. He took quite a prom- inent part in the affairs of the township, and was widely and favorably known throughout the community. His faithful wife, who died in 1888, shared with him in the hardships and trials of frontier life, and encouraged and aided him in his work.

Three children were born to this worthy couple: (1) Philip remained upon the home farm until he had reached man's estate, and then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked in Union township for a few years, but after his marriage he went to the city of Clear- field, where he was similarly employed for a time. He next took up his residence in St. Mary's, Penn., but since 1876 has made his home in West Virginia, where he continues to follow carpentering and building. He married Miss Barbara Emmet, of St. Mary's, whose father was one of the early settlers of that place, and to them were born eight children, four of whom are still living. (2) John, of this sketch, is next in order of birth. (3) Barbara, who was born in Juniata county, lived with her parents upon the old homestead until her marriage, becoming the wife of Michael Hubert in 1863. His death occurred'in April, 1896, and her death in October, 1896.

The boyhood and youth of John Sheeser were passed upon the farm where he still resides, and to its cultivation and improvement he now de- votes his entire time and attention with most gratifying results. In Brady township, Clear- field county, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Dnsh, and to them have been born six children: Mary, J. Sheridan, Joseph M. and Grace, all at home: Cecelia, deceased; and Am- brose, at home. Politically, Mr. Sheeser is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, has always taken an active interest in local affairs, and capably served as school director eight years, and overseer of the poor three years. He is a lifelong and active member of the Catholic Church, and a most highly respected and valued citizen of the community.

A W. COWDER, a progressive and success- ful agriculturist of Bradford township, Clearfield county, owning a fine farm near Shi- loh, is a native of that locality and a descendant

of one of its pioneer families. His parents were both born in Lancaster county, Penn., his fa- ther, John Cowder, on April 12, 1805, and his mother. Sarah (Kidder), November 24, 1812.

They were married there, and in 1840 moved to Bradford township, Clearfield county, travel- ing by team. They bought a partially-improved farm, and made their home there until 1851, when they settled upon the present homestead. The estate contained 404 acres, and although no buildings stood upon it at the time of its pur- chase, some clearing had been done. John Cow- der gave much care and effort to its improve- ment, and under its management it became one of the best farms of the neighborhood. He was prominent in local affairs. held various offices. and was regarded as a leader in the Democratic party in the vicinity. He died in 1882, and his wife passed away in 1893. aged eighty-one years. This honored couple had ten children, namely: Elizabeth (Mrs. John Gearhart), who died in Bradford township in 1889; Susan (Mrs. Wet- zel), who died in Bradford in 1876; S. K., a resident of Bradford township; Mrs. David Hitch- ings, of Bradford township; John C., of Philips- burg, Penn .; Sarah (Mrs. Henry Smeal), of Brad- ford township; Mrs. Robert Graham, of the same township; A. W., our subject; Mary (Mrs. Peters), of Lawrence township; and Emily, who died when eight months old.

Mr. Cowder, the subject of this review, was born in 1850, and was reared in Bradford town- ship, receiving his education in the Shiloh dis- trict school. He engaged in farming and lum- bering in early manhood, and has always lived at the old home. In 1882 he purchased a por- tion of it, and now owns 251 acres, 125 of which are in a high state of cultivation. The land is adapted to general crops, and Mr. Cowder makes no specialties. His ability as a business inan is shown in the management of his farm. and he has also done much to advance the interests of the community, the cause of education receiving effective support from him as president of the township school board. He has held other offices, including that of township auditor, and is an influential worker in the Democratic organ- ization.

In 1873, Mr. Cowder was married in Brad- ford township to Miss Almira Wilson, a native of the township, and a daughter of . John and Jane (Kline) Wilson, both deceased. Seven children were born of this union, of whom two have passed to the other world, Oscar at the age of seven years, and Wilson when three years old; the others are Ralph. Agnes, Anna, Alvey and Fan- nie. The mother of this family was called from

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

earth in 1890. and in 1892 Mr. Cowder was wedded in Bradford township to his present wife, Lizzie, daughter of Pickup and Sarah Briggs, both deceased. She was born in England and came to America with her parents, who settled in Philipsburg, Penn., and she had been twice married, first to the late Albert Holt, and second to J. H. Slincy, who died in 1889. By the first marriage there were two sons, Edward and Ben- ton, and by the second she had one daughter, Matie. The family attend the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Cowder are lead- ing members.

J JOHN W. NELSON. Numbered among the enterprising citizens of Clearfield county is this gentleman, who was born on his present farm in Goshen township, July 18, 1852. His parents, John and Elizabeth ( Vannette) Nelson, were both natives of Potter county, Penn. The father was born August 4, 1804, a son of David Nelson, who, with two brothers, came from Ire- land in early life. He was reared and married in Dauphin county, Penn., and removed to the forests of Potter county during its pioneer days. He there carried on coopering, hunting and trap- ping, and subsequently went to Clinton county. His last days were passed in Cameron county, where he died at the age of eighty-seven. His family included these children: John, Catherine, William, Seth. Joseph, Henry, Mary Ann, Eliza- beth, James, Nancy and David, all of whom were married and reared families of their own.

John Nelson, father of our subject, was mar- ried in Potter county, and in 1847 came to Clear- field county, where he located a tract of 150 acres of wild land. As time passed he trans- formed this property into a good farin and made his home thereon until his death, March 10, 1878. In connection with farming he also engaged in lumbering, hunting and trapping, and was an in- dustrious, upright man. In politics he was a Democrat, and served three terms as justice of the peace, but never sought public office. He was of English descent and his wife was of Dutch lineage, her ancestry locating first in Vermont, whence they came to Pennsylvania. Her relig- ious faith was in harmony with the principles of Methodism. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson had five chil- dren: W. A .. of Goshen township; Mary A .. wife of Jacob Graham of Scott county, Iowa; Heze- kiah M., of Minnesota; Aurilla J., wife of R. E. Smith, of Tama county, lowa; and John W.

Mr. Nelson, the subject of this review, was reared on the farin which is now his home, and to a limited extent attended the common schools;

but his education has been largely self-acquired. and he is now one of the best read men in the township. He has always engaged in farming and in work in the lumber woods. After the death of his father, he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm. In 1888 he bought one thousand acres of land in Cameron county, where for three years he engaged in lumbering with excellent success. He then sold and returned to the old home farm, where he now resides. He is a scientific farmer, applying his broad knowledge to his practical business life. He has a sugar orchard, and also has quite an extensive apiary. Of his farm of one hundred and twenty acres, seventy are under a high state of cultivation, a good orchard yields its fruit in season, and the improvements upon the place are all in keeping with a model farm. He also has one hundred and eighteen acres of coal land adjoining his other property, and the mines are now being worked.

Mr. Nelson married Miss Nancy E. Jordan, who was born in Cameron county, Penn., Sep- tember 1, 1865, a daughter of N. D. and Sallie (Miller) Jordan. Her parents had eight daugh- ters, namely: Mary C., Alice I., Martha A., Florence, Nancy E., Ethel M., Nora E., and Ora A. Five of this number are married. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson had a family of seven children, three of whom died in infancy; those still living are Stella A., Ethel M., Edna L. and Andrew D. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Meth- odist Church, and take a very active part in its work. He has served as trustee and class leader. and is superintendent of the Sunday-school. He belongs to the Centre County Mutual Insurance Co., to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, to the American Protective Association, and to the P. O. S. of A. He first voted the Republican ticket. afterward affiliated with the Prohibition party for twelve years, and is now identified with the Re- form party. He is well versed on public ques- tions and issues, and has written many articles on the silver question. He has been a lecturer for the County Grange for several years, and is secretary of the Agricultural Society of Clear- field county. During the campaign of 1896 he was called upon by the county committee to make speeches, and was sent to different parts of the county for that purpose. He was very highly complimented for his work.

J AMES A. WATSON, whose long identifica- tion with the agricultural interests in this section of Pennsylvania, has made him : widely known, and whose well-spent life has won

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

him high regard, was born in Half Moon Valley, Centre county, in 1843, a son of William and Catherine (Griffen) Watson.

William Watson, father of our subject, was born in Penn Valley, Centre county, learned the trades of shoemaking and plastering, and followed both occupations. He was married in Half Moon Valley, in 1842, and in 1847 came to Clear- field county, locating in Paradise, Lawrence township, where lie followed his trade. He afterward located near Wocdiand, where he died about 1858. His widow was afterward married in Bradford to Thomas Holt, a pioneer of the township, now deceased. Mrs. Holt is still liv- ing, her home being near Bigler. By the first marriage she had six children: James A. ; Sam- uel, who enlisted in 1862, in the 84th P. V. I., served until the close of the war, and died at Alexandria, Va .; Mrs. Jane Hemphill, of Brad- ford township; Mrs. Margaret Harris: Mrs. Mary Ellen Watson, of Bedford county, Penn. ; and Lewis L., a farmer of Bradford township. By the second marriage there were two children: Frank, of Mckean county, and Robert, who died in Bradford township, in 1884.

James A. Watson was about two years of age when brought by his parents to Clearfield county. At the age of ten he went to Centre county, where he remained for about five years, then returned to Bradford township. His ener- gies have always been devoted to agricultural pursuits and lumbering. He has resided at his present home since 1873, and has a well-improved farm, carefully and systematically cultivated and supplied with all modern accessories and con- veniences. In 1869 he was married in Bradford township to Emma Graham, who was born in that locality, and children as follows have graced their union: William (who died in 1873), Read (who died in 1874), Charles, Arthur, Min- nie, Zanna, Ray and Frank.

William Graham, the father of Mrs. Watson, was a native of Bradford township, as was also his father, John Graham, while his grandfather, Robert Graham, was born in Pennsylvania, of Irish ancestry, and was the first settler of Brad- ford township, living on what is now the Living- ston farm. He died there about 1826. , John Graham was reared in his parents' home, and was married in his native township to Eva Su- thers, who was born in Clearfield county, where her father located in pioneer days, on the farm of Robert Graham. William Graham was also reared in Bradford township, and married Miss Susie Knepp, a native of Juniata comity, Penn., and a daughter of John Knepp. They began their domestic life on a farm, where they lived

for many years. The father died in 1882, but the mother is still living in Bradford township. They had two sons and five daughters: Mrs. Hannah Knepp, of Missouri: Caroline, now de- ceased; Mrs. Polly Mayhew; Mrs. Eva Williams, of Bigler; Mrs. Watson; Harry, who resides in Bradford township; and Wesley, who died in the sarne township.

J JOHN D. ALBERT, the well-known proprietor of the Cloverdale dairy farm, Decatur town- ship, Clearfield county, was born in that township, in 1847, a son of James and Rebecca (Litz) Albert. The birth of the father also oc- curred in Clearfield county, while his parents, Adam and Nancy (Lutz) Albert, were natives of Germany and Lancaster Co., Penn., respectively. At an early day the grandfather removed to Rush township, Centre Co., Penn., where he served as bookkeeper for Hardman Philips, and also en- gaged in teaching. He continued to follow that profession after his removal to Boggs township. Clearfield county, but on locating in Decatur township he cleared and opened up a farm, upon which his death occurred. His wife had died while a resident of Boggs township.

To Adam and Nancy Albert were born eight children, who reached adult age, namely: Adam. Peter and John, all of whom died in Decatur township; James, the father of our subject; William, who was for many years a member of the firm of Albert Brothers, at Woodland, Clear- field county, and died in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1880; Edward, who died in Boggs township, in 1896; Daniel, who died in Houtzdale. Clearfield county, in 1879; George, who died in Woodland, in 1889; Henry, who is still a resident of Boggs township; and Elizabeth, who died in 1861 or '62.

James Albert passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Decatur township, where he attended the district schools when his services were not needed on the home farm. In 1846. in partner- ship with his brother. William, under the firm name of Albert Brothers, he erected the first gristmill in Decatur township, which they oper- ated for ten years. On disposing of that prop- erty they purchased the Hukstall mill, in Wood- land, and were numbered among the most exten- sive lumbermen in this section of the State. After residing in Woodland from 1855 until 1859. James Albert returned to Decatur township. where his death occurred in 1868. Upon the old farin his widow still resides. She is a native of Boggs township, and a daughter of Rudolph Litz, who was one of its earliest pioneers.

These children graced the union of the parents

Mary Ce. albert

John D. allex

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

961

of our subject: Elizabeth, now the wife of John Runk; William, a resident of Allegheny county, Penn. ; John D., of this review; one who died in infancy; Rudolph, a resident of Du Bois, Clearfield county; James E., who operates the old home farm; Philena, who became the wife of D. B. Water, and died in Cambria county, Penn., in February. 1894; Sophia, who died in 1880; Gertrude, wife of Martin V. Wesley, of Peale, Clearfield county; Hardman, who makes his home in Decatur township; and Henry Alvin, who is living at Osceola Mills.

Like most farmer boys, John D. Albert spent the days of his boyhood and youth, aiding in the cultivation of the land and attending the local schools. On embarking in business for himself he chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and in 1875 purchased a tract of eighty- nine acres of timberland, which he had cleared and converted into one of the most desirable farms of Decatur township. The place is not only well improved with excellent buildings, but is supplied with all the conveniences and acces- sories found upon a model farm of the 19th cen- tury. In connection with general farming, he is also successfully engaged in dairying, which branch of business he established in 1892.

In Bellefonte, Centre county, Mr. Albert was married, in 1875, to Miss Mary Irvin, who was born at Centre Furnace, that county. They became the parents of six children, three of whom are yet living, namely: Roland Edgar, Anna Myrtle and Edna Rose. Of these Roland Edgar received his education in the Philipsburg High School, after which he began teaching school in Decatur township at the age of seven- teen, and taught three terms in the same dis- trict. Last year he passed Mail Civil Service examination, receiving 893 marks.

Mr. Albert uses his right of franchise in sup- port of the principles of the Republican party, and takes quite an active interest in political af- fairs. He is an enterprising, public-spirited cit- izen, who does all within his power to advance the welfare of his township and county, and to all worthy enterprises is a cheerful and liberal contributor. By his courteous, genial manner he has made many warm friends throughout the community, and enjoys the esteem and respect of all who know him.

J OHN REITER. an energetic and substantial farmer and lumberman of Brady township, Clearfield county, is a son of John and Christina (Hess) Reiter, who were carly settlers and prominent residents of Jefferson county,

Penn. The father, who was a German by birth, located in Pittsburg in 1838, but in 1840 took up his residence in Henderson township. Jefferson county, where he purchased 300 acres of timber- land, which he cleared and converted into a good farm, making it his home until his death in 1884. His wife passed away at the same place in 1 865.

They had ten children, all of whom married, and reared families of their own: (1) Elizabeth (the eldest) wedded J. P. Scheyer, a native of Germany, and they live in Wright county, Minn. (2) Christina is the wife of Adam Lott, a farmer of Henderson township, Jefferson county. (3) Magdalena married P. W. Muth, of Jefferson county, where they lived upon a farm until their death in 1896. (4) George, an agriculturist of Henderson township, Jefferson county, married Caroline Buchite, of that county. (5) Daniel married a Miss Gillespie, of West Virginia. and they reside in that State, where he is engaged in lumbering. (6) Henry. B., a miner and farmer of Jefferson county, married Sallie Buhied. (7) Mary L., of Jefferson county, is the widow of Charles Muth, who died in April, 1894, leaving ten children. (8) A. J. married Annie Hawg, of Henderson township, Jefferson county, and now lives in Oklahoma. (9) August wedded a Miss Miller, of Big Run, Jefferson county, and lives in Du Bois, where he owns considerable real estate. (10) John is our subject.

John Reiter, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in 1840 on the old homestead in Jefferson county, and was there reared to man- hood, receiving a very limited education. He helped to erect the school house wherein he began his literary training. Early becoming familiar with lumbering and farming, he has since devoted his time and attention mainly to those pursuits, and has met with a well-deserved suc- cess in his undertakings. After his marriage he bought seventy-five acres of land in Brady town- ship, Clearfield county, and later fifty-five acres in Bell township, which adjoins the former tract. He now has ninety acres cleared and under a high state of cultivation, and the improvements are first-class in every particular. His large barn was erected in 1875, and his pleasant. two- story residence in 1889.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 76

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