Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 79

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 79
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 79
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 79
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 79

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J OHN E. WITHEROW, an energetic and en- terprising agriculturist of Knox township, Clearfield county, was born April 14, 1852, on the farm where he still resides, a son of John and Margaret ( Hagarty) Witherow. The pater- nal grandfather, Thomas Witherow, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, where he was married, but in 1821 he came to the New World, locating near the city of Clearfield, in Clearfield county, Penn. About 1828 he came to Knox township, where he purchased land and improved a farm, on

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which he spent his remaining days, dying in 1.872. .

The father of our subject was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1819, and was therefore a child when brought by his parents to America. In Clear- field county he grew to manhood and learned the potter's trade, at which he worked for many years. After his marriage he located at the pres- ent site of Coalport where he followed his trade in connection with farming, and later purchased a tract of wild land in Knox township, from which he developed the farm where our subject now resides, erecting thereon a commodious res- idence, a large barn and also a pottery, which he conducted. Later in life he was interested to a considerable extent in the lumber business, and in all his undertakings met with a well- merited success. He was accidentally killed June 16, 1884; his widow is now a resident of Anson- ville, Clearfield county. In religious belief both were Presbyterians, holding membership in the Fruit Hill Church, and for several years he was an elder, which office he was filling at the time of his death; they liberally contributed toward the erection of the house of worship at that place; previously the congregation had held serv- ices in houses and barns that were convenient. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Witherow: Henry, Archibald, Mary J., Samuel H., Margaret, John E., and Isabel.

The common schools afforded our subject his educational advantages, and his business training was obtained by assisting his father in the farm work and in lumbering. Together with a broth- er-in-law, they purchased a 400-acre tract of land, of which our subject still owns 160 acres that is underlaid with a four-foot vein of good coal yet unsold. He has partially improved this property, and previous to his father's death he became the owner of the old homestead, which contains one hundred acres, seventy-five of which are now cleared and under a high state of culti- vation. He took an active part in its develop- ment, and to-day it is one of the most desirable places in Knox township. It is underlaid not only with good coal, but also fire clay, which is yet unsold.

Mr. Witherow has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Jennie Patterson, a daughter of John and (Hunter) Patter- son, early settlers and prominent citizens of Clearfield county. One child graced this mar- riage, John C., who was born in 1876, and now resides with his grandmother. The wife and inother, who was a consistent member of the Fruit Hill Presbyterian Church, was called to her final rest in 1879. In March, 1882, Mr.

Witherow was again married, this time to Miss Annie Davis, a daughter of Harry and Eliza A. (Groom) Davis. On the death of his father Mr. Davis was thrown upon his own resources at an early age, and during his youth learned the tan- ner's trade. After his marriage he engaged in lumber, and subsequently improved a farm in Bigler township, Clearfield county, where he still resides, giving his attention to his agricultural pursuits. In his family are ten children: Mary C., Annie, George, Harry, John, William, Clara, Blake, Eugene and Frank, all still living and all married with the exception of two. The parents are faithful members of the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Witherow have been born four interesting children: Kittie, Wade, Blanche and Mark. Politically our subject supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, and in religious belief both he and his wife are Presby- terians. They hold a high position in social cir- cles, and their friends throughout the county are many.

R OBERT A. JACKSON. A man's reputa- tion is the property of the world. The laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being submits to the controlling influence of others, or as a master spirit wields a power either for good or evil on the masses of mankind. There can be no impropriety in justly scanning the acts of any man as they affect his public and business relations. If he is honest and eminent in his chosen field of labor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the path that others may follow with like success. From among the ranks of the energetic, persevering and prominent citizens of Osceola Mills-prominent on account of what he has done in commercial circles-there is no one more deserving of mention in a volume of this character than Robert A. Jackson. an ex- tensive coal operator and hardware merchant.

Mr. Jackson was born in 184;, in the city of Philadelphia, and is a son of Robert and Jane (Knox) Jackson, who were born in Ireland. of Scotch ancestry, and were married in that coun- try. On coming to the New World in 1846, the parents located in Philadelphia, where the father engaged in merchandising throughout his active business life. There his wife died in 1884, and he passed away four years later, honored and re- spected by all who knew them. In their family were three sons: James K., who died in Phila- delphia at the age of twenty-seven years; Will- iam J., who came to Powelton, Centre county, in 1876, but after a residence of ten years re- turned to Philadelphia, where he is still living; and Robert A.

Port st Jackson

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In Philadelphia our subject was reared and educated, and on leaving home, in 1868, he went to Warriors Mark, Huntingdon Co., Penn., where he engaged in merchandising for a time. He next took up his residence in Virginia, be- tween Petersburg and Richmond, but since 1876 has made his home in Osceola Mills, and has been prominently identified with its commercial and industrial interests for over twenty years. Here he has successfully conducted a hardware store since 1892, and has built up an extensive business along that line. In 1876 he began op- erating in coal at Powelton, Centre county, at what is known as the Black Diamond mine, which was opened in 1861 by John Nuttall and operated' by him for some time, when it was sold to Robert Hair Powell, of Philadelphia, and later became the property of Jackson Brothers, but in 1876 was purchased by our subject. In the woods near the mine he erected a building, where he also engaged in general merchandising. At that time Powelton was the terminus of the railroad and mail route from Philipsburg and Clearfield, and in the growth and development of this region Mr. Jackson has borne an im- portant part. In his mining operations he now furnishes employment to an average of one hun- dred men, and thus in advancing his own inter- ests he also promotes the welfare of the commu- nity. He has won the public confidence by his fair dealing and honorable course, and gained many patrons by his universal courtesy and help- fulness.

In Philadelphia, in 1871, Mr. Jackson was united in marriage with Miss Anna McFeeters, a native of that city, and they have become the parents of seven sons: James Knox and Will- iam, who both died in Philadelphia; Robert, a physician and surgeon, who graduated at Jeffer- son Medical College: Andrew C., who married Gertrude Walker, and is engaged in the hard- ware business in Osceola Mills: Clifford L., who is attending school; Howard K .; and Russell A.

Mr. Jackson takes an active interest in the success of the Republican party, which he always supports by his ballot, and has served his fellow citizens as president of the city council. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, be- longing to Osceola Lodge No. 515. F. & A. M .; Clearfield Chapter No. 228, R. A. M. At first he lield membership in the Commandery at Belle- fonte, but withdrew and joined the Philipsburg Commandery. He is also a member of Osceola Lodge No. 515, I. O. O. F., and of the Presby- terian Church. As a business man, his record is without stain, and he has ever been upright, con- scientiousand honorable. As a patriotic citizen,

he has always contributed to those movements tending to improve and enlarge the usefulness of his adopted town and county, and is justly held in high repute by his fellow men.

E K. TURNER is one of the active, prominent and enterprising citizens of Graham town- ship, Clearfield county, where he is extensively engaged in general farming, and where he was born February 12, 1853.

Samuel Turner, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in the Keystone State, and was one of the early pioneers of Boggs township, Clearfield county, but later removed to Bradford township, where he opened up a good farm in the midst of the timber, and also operated a grist and saw mill in Grahamton for a number of years. He married Susan Wiser, and died in Boggs township, when his son John W., was about eight years old.

John W. Turner, father of our subject, was *

born in Clearfield county, March 23, 1822, and acquired his education there. After the death of his father he made his home with strangers until eighteen years of age, when he came with his mother to Graham township, and located in the woods, where he erected a log house. There she died July 12, 1852. In that township Mr. Turner developed two good farms, on which he erected substantial and commodious buildings, and made other valuable improvements. Polit- ically he was an ardent supporter of the Demo- cratic party, and for a number of years served as justice of the peace in his township. He was widely and favorably known throughout the com- munity, and took an active part in everything that would promote its general welfare. earnest Christian gentleman, he was a prominent An member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and assisted in the erection of several houses of wor- ship, being a prime mover in the building of the church in Wallaceton, and shouldering most of its financial burden. He held membership iu the Church at Bigler, and on his death, which occurrel August 23. 1893, he was buried in the Bigler cemetery. He stated before his death the Bigler Church was the first church he was ever in; also if his body was taken into the church be- fore burial, it would be the last.

On July 3, 1842, John W. Turner married Miss Martha Dixon, a native of Bradford town- ship, who died on the home farm in Graham township in February, 1874. Five children were born to them: Ellis B., who is married and re- sides in Boggs township; Maggie, wife of Martin Taylor, of Bradford township; E. K., of this

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sketch; Mrs. Anna Bell Russell, of Chester Hill, Clearfield county; and Mrs. Martha Hambright. of Lancaster, Penn. In 1879 Mr. Turner was again married, his second union being with Mary A. Colegrove, who is still living in Clearfield county. .

Upon the farm in Graham township, which is still his home, E. K. Turner was reared to man- hood, and he was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood. Throughout his entire business career he has successfully engaged in lumbering and farming in Clearfield county, own- ing the old homestead, given him by his father, which comprises one hundred acres, as well as other valuable tracts. His first purchase, which was in 1878, consisted of one hundred acres in Bradford township; in 1893 he bought seventy- five acres adjoining his home farm, and, in all, his landed possessions aggregate 275 acres of rich and productive land in Graham and Brad- ford townships, which yield a golden tribute for the care and labor bestowed upon them.

In 1876, in Bradford township, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Jane Ann Graham, a native of that township, and a daughter of John and Gwen (Dale) Graham, who were born in Eng- land, and became early settlers of Bradford township, where the father followed lumbering and farming. In 1866 he was drowned at the mouth of Moravian. run; his widow still resides on the old homestead which he left her. Eleven children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Turner, namely: John W., Effie, William, Carrie, Gwen, Ernest, Ella, Linn, Anna, Mabel and Wendell.

In politics Mr. Turner is a stalwart Demo. crat; fraternally, he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and is also a member of Welcome Council, No. 406, American Mechanics, of Mor- risdale. He and his estimable wife are active and consistent members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of Centre Hill, in which he is serving as class leader, steward and trustee. Charitable and benevolent people, they give their support to all worthy enterprises which will in any way advance the welfare of the community or benefit their fellow men, and are held in the highest regard by all who know them.

S TEWART SHICK, who is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in Goshen township, Clear- field county, was born in Monroe county, Penn., Angust 4, 1853, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Edinger) Shick, the former of whom was a na- tive of Northampton county. Penn., and his father was born in France. The Edinger family

is of German lineage. Samuel Shick made farm- ing his life work. He gave his political support to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Lutheran Church. They had eleven children, namely: Henry, Amos, Franklin, Samuel, George, Stew- art, Milton, Ledda, Mary, Carrie and Sarah. With the exception of Carrie and George all are yet living.

Stewart Shick, the subject proper of this sketch, was reared to manhood on the old home farm, and at the age of seventeen began to earn his own living. In 1872 he came to Clearfield county, and for two years worked in the woods. In 1874 he purchased his present farm of 200 acres, and now has a valuable property, the well- tilled fields yielding to him a good return for his labor, while the substantial buildings and excel- lent orchard bespeak his thrift and progressive- ness. In the winter he works in the lumber woods, and his industry and energy have brought to him a good measure of success. In 1895 he married Miss Mattie A. Harris, daughter of An- drew J. and Frances A. (Woodson) Harris, both of Albemarle county, Va. They were married in their native county, and died in Augusta county, Va., the father in April, 1863, and the mother in July. 1894; both were members of the Baptist Church. In their family were six children: John A., Charles T., Joshua, Andrew J .. Bettie F., and Martha A.

Mr. Shick was formerly a Democrat in poli- tics, but now supports the Prohibition party. He has filled some local offices, and gives a worthy support to all measures calculated to prove of public benefit. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, his wife to the Baptist Church. She is a lady of intelligence and fine appearance, presiding with gracious hos- pitality over their home, and the friends of this worthy couple are many.

J JOHN E. LIVERGOOD, a farmer of Brad- ford township, Clearfield county, was born in Girard township, April 22, 1854, and has spent his entire life in that county. Many changes have occurred, and in the work of progress and development he has ever faithfully borne his part, thus carrying on the labors of his ancestors, who in pioneer days located in the county. His parents were Robert and Margaret (Williams) Liv- ergood. The former was born in Girard town- ship, a son of Peter Livergood, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the first settlers in that township, where he developed and improved a farm. His wife died there, after which he re-

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moved to Bradford township, where he spent his last days, dying in March, 1882, aged 91 years 4 months, and 3 days. Their children were Mor- decai, who resided for many years in Girard township, but died in Goshen township; Mrs. Hannah Pearce, who died in Bradford; Mrs. Margaret Earl and Mrs. Susan Kyler, who both died in Goshen township; John, who was killed while rafting on the Susquehanna river; and Robert, who died in August, 1884, aged 56 years, 4 months, and 2 days.

The last named was educated in Girard town- ship, and became a farmer and lumberman. He was married in Bradford township to Margaret Williams, who was born on the farm which is now the home of our subject. Her father, Ed- ward Williams, a native of Pennsylvania, be- came one of the first settlers in Bradford town- ship, and by the development of his farm aided in opening up the region for civilization. served as justice of the peace, and was an active promoter of all measures calculated to advance the public welfare. He removed to what is now the town of Bigler, and improved a farm there, making his home thereon until his death, living to a good old age.

Upon their marriage, Robert Livergood and his wife began their domestic life in Girard town- ship, and in 1853 removed to Bradford township, where he purchased a farm of 125 acres of partial- ly-improved land. To this he added as opportu- nity offered until at his death he was the owner of a valuable property of 245 acres. His wife is still living in Woodland. They had eight children, namely: Mrs. Martha Graham, who died in Bradford township; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Mentzer, of Bradford township; John E. ; Mrs. Jane Owens, of Lawrence township; William, who died on the home farm in December, 1887; Mrs. Susie Livingston, of Woodland; Edward, who died, aged 26 years, 11 months, 5 days; and Mrs. Amanda Barger, of Woodland.

John E. Livergood was reared under the pa- rental roof, and spent his boyhood days in work on the home farm and in attending the district schools. He continued to give his father the benefit of his services until twenty-two years of age, when he went to Goshen township, bought and cleared up a small farm, sold same, and in 1888 removed to the homestead in . Bradford township, where he now lives. In 1875 he mar- ried Miss Clara Luzere, a native of Clearfield county, and a daughter of George Luzere, who in pioneer days took up his residence in this lo- cality. He also represented the county in the Union army during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Livergood have three adopted children: Helen,

Thomas and Walter. The parents are members of the United Brethren Church, and their con- sistent Christian lives have won for them the esteem of all. To the Republican party Mr. Livergood gives his political support, and is now serving for the second term in the office of town- ship supervisor. His farm of 125 acres is di- vided into richly-cultivated fields, while the sub- stantial improvements upon the place add to its value and attractive appearance, and indicate the owner to be one of the progressive farmers of Clearfield county.

Q E. DRESSLER is one of the most energetic and enterprising agriculturists of Union town- ship, Clearfield county, where he owns and operates a good farm of fifty-six acres, which he had purchased in 1878. He now has about thirty acres under cultivation, and improved the place with good buildings, including the erection of a comfortable two-story residence, 16 x 32 feet. with an "L." 16 x 20, also two stories in height. In connection with his agricultural pursuits he has successfully engaged in lumbering for many years.

Mr. Dressler was born in 1855, in Union township, whither his paternal grandparents. John and Elizabeth (Gelnett) Dressler, who were natives of Pennsylvania, came at a very early day, locating in the woods on Burns' improve- ment. Here the grandfather developed a farm. on which both he and his wife died. They reared a large family of children. L. R. Dress- ler, the father of our subject, was also born in Pennsylvania, and was about thirteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Union township, Clearfield county. Upon the home farm he grew to manhood amidst the scenes of frontier life, and aided in the arduous task of clearing and developing the land. In Brady township, same county, he wedded Miss Julia G. Hall, who was born in Lawrence township, Clear- field county, where her father, John Hall, located at an early day. They began their domestic life upon the old Dressler homestead, where they still reside, the place now being owned by Mr. Dressler, who throughout his active business ca- reer has always engaged in farming.

Our subject is the eldest of the children born to L. R. and Julia G. Dressler, the others being: Virginia, now the wife of Henry Carspecken, of Iowa; Florence, who became the wife of G. W. Brown, and died in Union township. November 16, 1879: Harry, who is married and resides upon a part of the old homestead; Gertrude, wife of Samuel Hepburn, of Grampian, Penn town-

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ship, Clearfield county; and Carrie, wife of E. G. Brubaker, of Union township. Upon the old home farm, Q. E. Dressler passed the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the district schools of the neighborhood began his education, which was completed with an attendance of several terms at an academy in Armstrong county, Penn. He was thus fitted for the practical and respon- sible duties of business life.

In Brady township, Clearfield county, in 1877, Mr. Dressler married Miss Elizabeth Lines, who was born in that township, a daughter of Jesse and Lavina (Horn) Lines, natives of Penn- sylvania. Her parents were among the earliest settlers of Brady township, where they yet reside. Six children grace the union of our subject and his estimable wife, namely: Jesse, Levi, Lavina, Lois, Cyrus and Fairy. By his ballot, Mr. Dressler always supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, and on that ticket was elected justice of the peace in 1892, which office he is still creditably filling. He also faithfully discharged the duties of township auditor for six years, and has ever proved a capable and trust- worthy official. Socially he is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 469, of Rockton, Penn. He is one of the prominent and representative citizens of the community, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with with whom he comes in contact.

J OSEPH A. BOWERSOX, of the well-known firm of Pifer & Bowersox, manufacturers of lumber, DuBois, was the first justice of the peace in Sandy township, Clearfield county, and held the office continuously from 1881 to 1896, a period of fifteen years. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and education, and for many years was actively interested in school work either as teacher or as superintendent of township schools. His family, which has fur- nished a number of excellent educators, has been identified with Centre county from an early day, his grandfather, Jacob Bowersox, a native of Pennsylvania, having been prominent among the settlers of his day.

county; Sarah (Mrs. Consor) died in Lockport; George comes next in the order of birth; and Jonathan died in Clinton county, Penn., in 1895.

George Bowersox received a liberal education at the common schools of Haines township, and learned the trade of shoemaker, at which he worked for some years. In 1843 he first came to Clearfield county, and for a time he inade his home in Morrisdale, where he drove stage, and then moved to Curwensville, where he also drove stage for several years. From there he went to Ohio, and traveled throughout that State, also Michigan and Canada. Again coming to Clear- field county, he once more drove stage; then farmed in Bradford township, and worked at his trade; thence in May, 1866, came to Union town- ship, where he bought one hundred acres of wild woodland, to which he subsequently added fifty acres, all of which he has brought under a high state of cultivation.

In 1846 Mr. Bowersox had married Miss Mar- garet Hall, a daughter of John and Nancy ( Pass- more) Hall (now deceased), natives of England, whence they came to this country, becoming pioneer farmers of Lawrence township, Clear- field county, where their daughter, Margaret, was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox were born children, as follows: Hannah E., formerly a suc- cessful teacher in Clearfield county, is now Mrs. Wing, of Union township; Joseph A. is the sub- ject proper of these lines; Emma (Mrs. W. W. Cole) resides at Sabula, Clearfield Co., Penn .; Sophy (Mrs. Michael Crowley) resides at the old homestead in Union township; John is a resi- dent of Penfield, Penn .; Mary, formerly a suc- cessful teacher of Clearfield county, married N. L. Strong, district attorney of Jefferson county: Anna, formerly a school teacher in her native county, is now the wife of Orrin Stambaugh, of Medix Run, Elk Co., Penn .; and Margaret, also at one time an efficient school teacher, is now employed as a telegraph operator on the A. V. R. R., at Winterburn, Clearfield county. The mother of this family was called from earth Janu- ary 21, 1891. In politics the father is active in the support of the Democratic party, and in re- ligious faith the family have for the inost part been identified with the M. E. Church.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 79

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