USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 81
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 81
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 81
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 81
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In 1889 Mr. Lines was united in marriage with Miss Effie, daughter of A. M. and M. A. Draucker, of Luthersburg, and they first located at Rockton, where he and his father were en- gaged in logging, but now make their home in Luthersburg. They have three children: Zoe Irene, born January 25, 1891; Lucila G., born September 9, 1893; and R. Emerson, born Au- gust 11, 1895.
S PENCER M. FREE, A. M., M. D., of Du- Bois, whose prestige in the medical profes- sion makes him well worthy of biographic honors, has for eighteen years devoted his time and at- tention to the profession. One of the most ex- acting of all the higher lines of occupation to which a man may lend his energies is that of the physician. A most scrupulous preliminary train- ing is demanded, and a nicety of judgment little understood by the laity. Then again the pro- fession brings its devotees into almost constant association with the sadder side of life-that of pain and suffering-so that a mind capable of great self-control, and a heart responsive and sympathetic, are essential attributes of the phy-
A
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sician. When professional success is attained in any instance, it may therefore be taken as cer- tain that such measure of success is justly de- served.
Dr. Free, one of the most progressive physi- cians of this section of Pennsylvania, was born in 1856, in York county, where his parents, E. W. and V. A. (Michael) Free, were residents. His mother was born in Maryland, and his fa- ther in York county, Penn .; he has engaged in the practice of medicine for over half a century, and is now following his chosen calling in Mary- land, where he makes a specialty of the diseases of women.
Dr. Spencer M. Free was reared in the county of his nativity. and attended its public schools until fifteen years of age, when he entered Dick- inson Seminary, at Williamsport, Penn. Subse- quently he became a student in the Ohio Wes- leyan University, and was graduated in the class of 1877, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He pursued his professional studies in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md., where he matriculated in 1877, and graduated in 1880. He has since actively engaged in practice, first serving as resident physician of the Mary- land Maternité, in Baltimore, after which he located at Dagus Mines, in Elk county, Penn., and was connected with the North Western Min- ing & Exchange Co. at that place until 1885, when' he returned to Baltimore and accepted the chair of Diseases of Children in the Post Gradu- ate Medical School. In 1887 he began practice in Beechtree, Jefferson Co., Penn., subsequently removing to Helvetia, Clearfield county; and in 1892 came to Du Bois. During the greater part of his professional career he has been employed as physician and surgeon by mining companies, and in that capacity is now connected with the Jefferson & Clearfield Coal & Iron Co. He is also surgeon for the different railway companies whose lines enter Du Bois.
Dr. Free has made continued progress along the lines of advancement and improvement in his profession, is one of the most able medical prac- titioners in this part of Pennsylvania, and has kept abreast of the time through his connection with various medical organizations. He is a member of the State Medical Society: is now president of the Jefferson County Medical So- ciety, and holds membership in the American Medical Association. the American Academy of Medicine, the American Public Health Associa- tion, the American Electro-Therapeutical Asso- ciation, the National Association of Railway Surgeons, the American Academy of Railway Surgeons, and the West Branch Medical Society.
1
Of the last named, Dr. Ball, of Lock Haven, and Dr. Free were the originators.
Dr. Free was married in Elk county, Penn., to May Irene Elway, a native of Altoona, Penn., and they have three sons: Edward, Rohe and Spencer. Socially, Dr. Free is connected with Olympia Lodge, I. O. O. F .; Mountain Cliff Lodge, K. of P., of Beechtree; and Echo Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Washington Lodge No. 3, F. & A. M., of Baltimore, the oldest lodge in the State; St. John's Chapter, No. 19, R. A. M .; Knapp Commandery, No. 50, K. T., of Ridgway, Penn .; and Zem-Zem Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Erie, Penn. He served as president of the city council of Du Bois in 1894: is a member of the Board of Health, and one of the most prominent residents of the borough, taking an active part in public affairs, and lend- ing his influence to everything calculated to prove of public benefit.
I JOHN C. STEWART, of the Perfection Knit- ting Machine Co., manufacturers of knitting
machines, at West Clearfield, Clearfield county, is a descendant of a well-known pioneer family of that county, and has himself seen inany changes in the locality.
John Stewart, his grandfather, a native of Ireland, came to Pennsylvania. when a young man, and located in Bradford township, Clear- field county. He was married there to Miss Mary Campbell, and passed his life as a farmer at the old homestead, where he died in 1879. His wife spent her last days at Clearfield, passing away some time prior to her husband. They had seven children: (1) Archibald, who died in Bradford township, leaving a widow, now a resi- dent of Clearfield. (2) Daniel, our subject's fa- ther. (3) Robert, a lumberman in Girard town- ship, Clearfield county. (4) James, formerly a cooper, at Kylertown, who died in July, 1895, leaving a family. (5) John H., who lives at the old homestead. (6) Mary, who married Robert Wrigley, and died in Lawrence township, Clear- field county. (7) Eliza Jane (Mrs. W. H. Shirey), of Bradford township.
Daniel Stewart was born in 1822, at the old farm, and followed agriculture in Bradford town- ship for many years. He was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics was a Democrat. He married Miss Jane Lyons, by whom he had five children: (1) Mary, who mar- ried Morton Wilson, of Bradford township, and died in 1883. (2) Ashley J., who is married, and lives upon a farm in Bradford township. (3)
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
John C., our subject. (4) Samuel C., a physi- cian. (5) Bishop, who is married, and resides in Clearfield borough. In 1881 our subject's
parents renioved to Clearfield, where his father passed to his eternal rest in January, 1890. The widowed mother resides in Clearfield.
John C. Stewart was born in 1854. During his early years he attended the schools of Brad- ford township, and was initiated into the ancient calling of agriculture through practical work. On attaining manhood's estate, he followed farm- ing and lumbering for some time, but in the fall of 1889 he moved to Clearfield, where, in 1890, he engaged in mercantile business as the junior member of the firm of Spackman & Stewart. After three years he sold his interest in this en- terprise, and established his present factory, in company with A. J. Gulich. In addition to this he gives attention to real-estate business, and is the owner of several residences in Clearfield.
On April 22, 1881, Mr. Stewart was married, in Bradford township, to Miss Ellen Mayer, a native of Morris township, and daughter of Adam Mayer, who was prominent in that locality in the early days. He is now living in Philipsburg, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have two children, Stattie and Christina. The home, which was built in 1892, is one of the finest in the city. As a public-spirited citizen Mr. Stewart takes great interest in the questions of the day, and in polit- ical faith he is a Democrat. He is an active member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Lodge No. 318.
A NDREW PENTZ, JR., ex-sheriff of Clear- field county, is a prosperous agriculturist residing near Luthersburg. He belongs to one of the pioneer families of that section, his fa- ther, John Pentz, having located there in 1837, when Brady township was a " waste, howling wilderness." The family is now numerously rep- resented, and has always been noted for public spirit, any project for local improvement, especi- ally in educational or religious lines, receiving their gencrous aid.
The late John Pentz was born, in 1800, in York county, Penn., the son of George and Eliz- abeth (Bower) Pentz. The grandfather came from Germany, and acquired a large amount of land in York county. John Pentz followcd farm- ing in that locality until 1837, when he moved to Brady township, Clearfield county, accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth Knox. He cleared a fine farm and made valuable improvements, erecting good buildings for the time, and his remaining years were spent there, his death occurring in
1846; his wife survived him with seven children: I. George was born in 1834, in York county, and came with his parents to Brady township. He married Miss Polly Zigler, of that township, after- ward bought an improved farm near Luthersburg. where he died in 1894, leaving four children-(1) Eliott M., a real-estate dealer of Iowa, is mar- ried and has one living son, Ernest ; (2) Frederick married Ella Betts, of Du Bois, and resides on his father's old homestead; they have a family of six children; (3) Flora married Charles Weber, a lumberman of' Du Bois, but has no children; and (4) John W., who lives in Du Bois, is married and has three children. 11. Andrew, our subject, is mentioned below. 111. Henry was born in 1837, in Brady township, on the old homestead, and received a very limited education. He mar- ried Miss Lizzie Hallopeter, of Union township, where he bought land and cleared a good farm; he has had ten children-(1) Jane married Mitchell Askey, of Union township, and died leav- ing one child, Grace, who lives with her grand- father in Union township. (2) H. M., a mer- chant in Glen Hope, is marricd, but has no chil- dren; (3) Miss Emma is at home with her parents; (4) Herbert married Stella Wayland, of Rey- noldsville; (5) Earl; (6) Mathias; (7) Roland; (8) Augustus; and (9) Reuben and (10) Levert (twins), are all at home. IV. Maria was born and reared in Brady township, and married a Mr. Eels, of the State of Maine, where she died in 1878 or '79, leaving two children. V. John, born in 1841, in Brady township, married (first) a Miss Hallopeter, of Union township, Clearfield county, who died some years ago. He then mar- ried Mrs. McDonald, and resides in Grampian. VI. Fred Pentz died at the age of nineteen years in Brady township. VII. Lizzie, born in 1846, married Walter Parker, of Brady township, and they reside in Reynolds, Neb., where he is en- gaged in the mercantile business; they have seven sons and two daughters.
The subject of this sketch was born in 1835 in York county, and was a mere child when he came to this section. He enjoyed the usual op- portunities of a pioneer farmer's son, studying in winter in local schools, and acquiring practi- cal knowledge of agriculture at home. At an early agc he engaged in lumbering, and his first investment was the purchase of the homestead, after his father's death. In 1860 he bought a stone pottery of M. J. Porter, and this he con- ducted for five years, when he sold out and pur- chased a tract of timber land in Bloom township, Clearfield county, where he continued his lum- ber operations until 1876. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, 172nd P. V. I., under Col.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.
Kleckner, serving ten months as first lieutenant, having been appointed to that rank on his en- listment. In 1866 he bought his present farm, and in 1867 he installed there a bride, Miss Cath- erine Norton, of Middletown, Penn. After his election, in 1876, to the office of sheriff of Clear- field county, he moved to the county seat, and on the expiration of his term of three years, he rented the " Shaw Hotel." which he managed for a year. The following year he spent in a resi- dence on Walnut street in Clearfield, and then he returned to the farm where he has since re- mained. Mr. Pentz has taken an influential part in local politics, and has always been an ardent supporter of the old Jacksonian Democracy. He has held numerous township offices, and was constable a number of years, school director for six years, and auditor for five terms. In re- ligious faith he is a Lutheran.
In February, 1883, his wife, a devout Cath- olic, whose loving assistance had brightened his early years of effort, passed from earth, and in 1885 he married Miss Maggie I. Brockbank, daughter of Thomas and Isabel Brockbank, well-known agriculturists of Union township, Clearfield county. She is also a Catholic in faith. By the second marriage Mr. Pentz had one child who died in infancy, and by the first there were six, four of whom lived to adult age: (1) Edward, born in 1868, is single and resides at the homestead; (2) Frank, born 1869, is a drug- gist in Allegheny, Penn. He married Miss Humes, of that city; (3) John, born January I. 1872, died May 21, 1877; (4) Charles, born July 29, 1874, died May 4. 1875: (5) Miss Louise and (6) Miss Birdie I. Pentz are not married, and the latter is attending school at Luthersburg.
G F. PROWELL, M. D. Among those who devote their time and energies to the prac- tice of medicine, and have gained a leading place in the ranks of the profession, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. For twenty years he has successfully engaged in practice in Burnside, Clearfield county, and is recognized as one of the most able and skillful physicians of the community.
Dr. Prowell was born in York county, Penn., April 23, 1843, a son of Jacob and Jane ( Potts) Prowell, also natives of that county. His pa- ternal grandfather was born in Germany, and crossing the Atlantic at an early day became a prominent farmer in Pennsylvania. Jacob Prowell also followed agricultural pursuits, and died upon his farm in York county in 1870; his wife surviving him until 1880. Her parents were of | dren:
English descent, and also farming people. The Doctor is the fifth in the order of birth in the family of six children, the others being as fol- lows: Ann, wife of E. Krone; Harriet, wife of J. L. Griest; Abram and Andrew, both mechan- ics; and Jacob. The father was a Methodist, but the mother was a member of the Society of Friends.
In boyhood Dr. Prowell attended the com- mon schools, and the knowledge there acquired was supplemented by a Normal course. Until eighteen years of age he remained upon the home farm, assisting in its cultivation; but in 1861, feeling that his country needed his services, he enlisted in the 87th P. V. I., and was mustered in at York, Penn. His first service was in guarding railroads in Maryland, whence he was sent to West Virginia, and was finally in Milroy's command at the battle of Winchester, where he was taken prisoner. After being confined at Libby and Belle Isle for about five weeks, he was paroled and was out of service for a short time. After rejoining his cominand he partici- pated . in the battle of Mine Run under Mead, was with Grant through the battle of the Wilder- ness, and later served under Sheridan. During his three-years' service he was in many important battles, but was never wounded, though on his return home, in 1864, he was almost a physical wreck. After recuperating upon the home farm, Dr. Prowell commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. W. P. Nebinger, and later attended lectures at Jefferson Medical Col- lege, Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1871. He at first opened an office in Lewisberry, York Co., Penn., being engaged in practice with his old preceptor, but in 1873 he came to Burnside, where he soon secured a large and lucrative practice. A close student of his profession, he has met with well-merited success in his chosen calling, and gained the confidence of the entire community.
In 1872, Dr. Prowell was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Ensminger, a refined and highly educated young lady, who belongs to a well-known pioneer family of York county. She was born April 11, 1851. a daughter of Thomas and - (Myers) Ensminger, both natives of York county, where the father followed the occu- potion of a tanner. In the family were seven children, namely: Frank; Tillie; Mary C., the wife of our subject: Elbridge, a resident of Iowa: Myers, of York county, Penn. ; Mrs. Ida Davis; and Winnie. All are quite prominent and some of them have become successful teachers. Dr. and Mrs. Prowell have become the parents of three chil- Beulah, who died at the age of seven
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years; Fannie, born in 1877; and Max, born in 1882. The parents are both consistent members of the Methodist Church. The Doctor takes an active and commendable interest in all public affairs, is a recognized leader of the Republican party in his locality, and has filled all the school and minor offices of his borough. Socially he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Of genial manner and pleasant dispo- sition, he is very popular with all classes of peo- ple, and wherever he goes wins friends, and has the happy faculty of being able to retain them. His popularity has made him a great favorite in all circles.
J AMES MCEWEN. There is particular satis- faction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name opens this review, since his mind bears im- press of the historical annals of Clearfield county from early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the Republic and has attained to a position of distinctive prominence in the thriving little village of Westover, of which he was the founder and where he still resides, being one of the revered patriarchs of the com- munity.
Born in Centre county, Penn., December 25, 1815, Mr. McEwen was reared to the honest pursuit of a farmer, and was educated in the sub- scription schools. His father, Samuel McEwen, was a native of the North of Ireland, and emi- grated to America about IS10 or 1812, when the British were pressing young men coming to the New World in order to place thein in their army; but he eluded his captors and reached Philadel- phia in safety. There he was employed on the construction of the first Masonic lodge building in the city. Later he went to Lancaster county, Penn., where he worked for a fariner for a time, and then located in Centre county, where he also engaged in farming, though by trade he was a stone mason.
In Centre county, Samuel McEwen was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Steer, by whom he had three children: James, of this sketch; Mary, wife of S. Williams; and Eliza, who died unmarried. In 1823. Mr. McEwen brought his family to Clearfield county, locating near New Washington, where he purchased a tract of tim- ber land and improved a farin, making that his home until about five years previous to his death. when he resided with our subject. He passed away in 1869 at about the age of ninety years, having long survived his wife. She held mein- bership in the Methodist Church, while he was
a Presbyterian in religious belief. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican, but he cared nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office. After coming to Clearfield county his attention was principally devoted to farming and lumbering, in which he met with a fair de- gree of success.
James McEwen was eight years of age when his parents took up their residence in Clearfield county, where he grew to manhood amid the primitive scenes of frontier life, and in early life followed farming and lumbering in connection with his father. After his marriage, in 1843, he located on a tract of wild land near New Wash- ington, where he developed a farm and engaged in lumbering until 1865, when he sold out and removed to the place where he still resides. Here he purchased three surveys amounting to 400 acres, of which considerable land was under cultivation and a house and sawmill erected thereon. To its further development and culti- vation he at once turned his attention, and in 1866 erected a store building and platted the site of the present town of Westover, which has grown to be a flourishing place, containing many residences and stores, three good schools and three churches-Baptist, Evangelical and Meth- odist-besides a number of important industries. It was incorporated in 1894. There our subject successfully engaged in merchandising for some time in connection with his farming and lumber interests.
In 1843 Mr. McEwen wedded Miss Ann Eason, of Indiana county, Penn., a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Eason) Eason, who were second cousins before their marriage, which was celebrated in Lycoming county. On coming from his native land, Ireland, her father located in that county, where he participated in the war of 1812. For a number of years he lived at Williamsport, working at the wagonmaker's trade, and then removed to Indiana county, Penn., where he improved a farm, whereon he died in 1844 and his wife in 1854. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. In their family were ten children, namely: Harriet, wife of William Jarrett; Joseph, a farmer; Jane, who died unmarried; Ann, wife of our subject; Em- eline, wife of M. Ervin; Elizabeth, wife of R. Hughes; John, a farmer; Bell; Robert, a farmer of Centre county; and Susan. Mrs. McEwen,
who was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, died in 1844, leaving one son, Eason, now a resident of Irvona, Pennsylvania.
On August 29, 1848, Mr. McEwen was again married, his second union being with Miss Eliza- beth Preastly, who belongs to an honored pio-
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
·
neer family of central Pennsylvania. Her father, Shipley Preastly, was a native of Huntingdon county, whence he removed to Johnstown, where he followed the trade of carpentering, and he be- came the first postmaster of that city, owning at one time the land on which Johnstown is now situated. Subsequently he came to Clearfield county, where he operated a sawmill, engaged in the lumber business and opened up a farm, but finally sold out and emigrated to Princeton, Ill., where his death occurred. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian, and in politics an ardent Re- publican. He had nine children, as follows: Mrs. Matilda Craver; Mrs. Hannah Drits; Mary A., wife of S. Swan, a minister; Jonathan, de- ceased; Sarah, wife of J. Drits; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Rachel, who died in childhood; Charles M., a resident of Princeton, Ill .; and Jane, who died in childhood.
Five children blessed the second marriage of our subject, namely. (1) Jane became the wife of John S. Fry, who died in 1881, leaving a widow and two children-Flora M. and James S .; they all find a pleasant home with Mr. Mc- Ewen. (2) Samuel P. died in 1856. (3) Charles M. is also deceased. (4) Mary S. is at home. (5) Elizabeth A. died in childhood. The wife and mother was called to her final rest February 10, 1894, dying in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, with which she had long held member- ship.
On attaining his majority, Mr. McEwen voted with the Whig party. and since its organization has been a stalwart Republican. A man of un- swerving integrity and honor, one who has a per- fect appreciation of the higher ethics of life, he has gained and retained the confidence and respect of his fellow men, and is distinctively one of the leading citizens of Westover, with whose interests he has always been identified.
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D AVID HORNING has found a pleasant home in Huston township, Clearfield county, since 1865, at which time he purchased a tim- bered tract of 200 acres, the previous owner being Philip Hebener.
Our subject was born in Montgomery county, Penn., in 1819, and is a son of Lewis and Ann (Guldwaltz) Horning, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, the mother born in Montgomery county, of German ancestry. In that county the father followed farming until his death, but the mother died in Schuylkill county, this State. Ten chil- dren were born to them: Mrs. Sarah Gamon, who died in Philadelphia; Mrs. Elizabeth Kook- er, of Florida; Abraham, who died in Herkimer
county, N. Y .; John, who died in Ohio; David of this sketch; Amos, who has been a resident of Penfield, Clearfield county, since 1865; Mrs. Polly Kealey, of Spring City, Chester Co., Penn .; Mrs. Frances Schwenk, of Bucks county, this State; Mrs. Hannah Gingery, of Florida; and Lewis, who died in ' Montgomery county.
In the county of his nativity David Horning was reared to manhood, receiving his education in its public schools, and has followed farming throughout life. He is now one of the honored citizens of Penfield. In Montgomery county, in 1845, he married Susan B. Huntricker, a native of that county and a daughter of Henry and Mary (Detwiler) Huntricker, who spent their en- tire lives there. To Mr. and Mrs. Horning were born children as follows: (1) Mary Ann and (2) William Henry, both died in Montgomery county; (3) David departed this fife while a res- ident of Huston township, Clearfield county.
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