Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 82

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 82
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 82
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 82
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 82

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(4) LEWIS H., born in Montgomery county in 1852, was about twelve years of age when brought by his parents to. Clearfield county, . where since reaching manhood he has engaged in farming. He was married in Minnesota, in September, 1883, to Miss Estella Elier Bundy, who was born in Huston township, Clear- field county, a daughter of Jefferson and Nancy (Hebener) Bundy, now residents of Minnesota. Three children grace this union: Ruby, born February 4. 1886; Goldie, born January 20, 1888, and David, born July 15, 1893. Lewis H. Horning is now engaged in the operation of the home farm, and is serving as tax collector of his township, He is a wide-awake, energetic citizen, a consistent member of the Free Meth- odist Church, and in politics was first a Repub- lican, but, on account of his views on the temper- ance question, he now supports the Prohibition party.

(5) John was married in Minnesota, in 1880, to Miss Samantha Hebener, a native of Huston township. . Clearfield county, and to thein were born three children, of whom two are yet living -- Jennie Bell, born January 14, 1884: and John Kline, born August 9, 1887. By occupation John Horning is also an agriculturist, and he is a Prohibitionist in politics. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Penfield.

Like his sons, David Horning casts his ballot with the Prohibition party, but, formerly was an ardent Republican, and has faithfully served his fellow citizens as a member of the school board and as tax collector. A conscientious. earnest Christian, he is a devout member of the Free Methodist Church, and his upright, honorable

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life has won for him the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. He has been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, a most esti- mable lady, who passed to her reward, January 7, 1893, dying on the home farm.

A NTHONY McGARVEY in the school of experience early learned that industry and perseverance are the essential elements of suc- cess in any undertaking, and putting this knowl- edge to the practical test he has by determined effort and honorable purpose worked his way steadily upward from humble surroundings to a position of affluence.

Mr. McGarvey was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in September, 1819, and his parents, William and Jennie (Long) McGarvey, were also natives of the Einerald Isle. The mother died when our subject was four years old, and the father afterward married Mattie Gallaher .. After her death William McGarvey came with two of his younger sons to America, joining his older children who had previously emigrated to the United States. He lived among his children until his death, which occurred at the home of his son in Delaware county, Penn. The parents of our subject were both members of the Church of England, and were cultured and intelligent people. They had four children: Thomas, of Delaware county; Mary A., now Mrs. McGar- vey; Anthony; and Mrs. Martha Montgomery. The children of the second marriage were Will- iam, who went to Chicago, where he entered the army, and is supposed to have been killed dur- ing the war; Mrs. Elizabeth Goon; and Hannah.

Anthony McGarvey came to America when twelve years of age with his younger sister, and went to the home of his brother Thomas, who had sent for them to come to this country. He remained in Delaware county with his brother for two years, after which he was employed for three years as a farm hand. He then removed to Huntingdon county, Penn., where he accepted a situation as manager of the farm of the Penn- sylvania Furnace Company for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Spence Creek, where he remained four years, and in 1842 came to Clearfield county. To his original purchase of land of one hundred acres he lias added until he now has a valuable tract of 300 acres. This was at first covered with a heavy growth of timber, and in the midst of the forest he built a little cabin and began the im- provement of a farin. He now has 125 acres transformed into rich fields, which yield to him

a good return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He has a commodious two-story frame residence, a large barn and other substan- tial outbuildings, the latest improved machinery and a fine bearing orchard. All of these acces- sories have been secured through his own efforts, and the homestead is an evidence of a well-spent life on his part. As he cut away the timber he made it into marketable lumber, and also did a jobbing business in lumber for others. There were no other farms in the neighborhood when he located here, and for a number of years he had to go to Huntingdon county for supplies, which he carried home on his back. For five years he owned no horse, and he cultivated his ground with a grub hoe: but as time passed he became more prosperous, and to-day in a com- fortable home he is enjoying the fruits of his for- mer toil.

Mr. McGarvey was married in 1842 in Hunt- ingdon county to Jane McGarvey, who was born in Ireland, and during her girlhood came with a brother to America. After a short time spent in Philadelphia she took up her residence in Hunt- ingdon county. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: John, a farmer; Eliza- beth (widow of Dan Gorman), who superintends the operation of her own farm; and William, who died at the age of four years. The mother of this family died in 1849, and in 1851 Mr. McGarvey married Ellen Hunter, who was born in Scotland in 1823, and came to America in 1843. Her parents were John and Ellen ( Johnston) Hunter. Her father, who was a farmer. died in October. 1869, aged eighty-five years: his wife passed away in 1874. at the age of ninety. They were consistent members of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Hunter served as elder in Fruit Hill Church. They had seven children: John, who died in 1894; Robert, who died leaving a family; Isabel, wife of R. Little; James, of Jor- dan township, Clearfield county; Elizabeth, de- ceased wife of John Wilson; Ellen; and Mar- garet, widow of John Patterson.

Mr. and Mrs. McGarvey have four children: Ellen, wife of L. Miles: Robert, a merchant of Spangler: Kate J., wife of E. Sunderland: and Isabel, wife of F. Campbell. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Garvey are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a prominent Freemason, having be- come a member of Coalport Lodge, No. 574. He was exalted to the Royal Arch degree in Clearfield, and became a Knight Templar in Philipsburg. For forty-five years he has been a faithful member of the Odd Fellows society, has filled the chairs in both organizations, and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, of Erie

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county. In politics he was a Democrat until 1890, since which time he has voted with the Republican party.

TAMES McNEEL, who follows agricultural pursuits in Jordan township, Clearfield coun- ty, was born December 21, 1825, in the lo- cality where he now lives.

His parents were James and Mary (Rickets) McNeel, and the father was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, whence he emigrated to Amer- ica in 1804, locating at Sinking Valley, Penn. After a short time he married Elizabeth Craw- ford of that place, and removed to Jordan town- ship, Clearfield county, where he purchased 300 acres of land, which is now in the possession of his three sons, James, Joseph and Isaac, his daughter Mary and a grandson, Taylor McNeel. In the midst of the wilderness he hewed out a farmi, and continued its cultivation throughout his life; he died in 1863 at the age of eighty-five. After the death of his first wife he wedded Mary Rickets. The children of the first union were Mrs. Nancy Ramsey, Thomas, Mrs. Ann Adel- man, Marshall and Mrs. Ellen Spur. The chil- dren of the second marriage were Eliza, wife of J. Hunter; John: James; Joseph; Mrs. Mary McCormick; Lydia, wife of L. Root; Isaac; and Caroline, who died in childhood. The parents lived to old age, and Mrs. McNeel, who long survived her husband, died on the old homestead farmi and was buried by his side in Fruit Hill cemetery. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church: Mr. McNeel was one of the leaders of the Republican party in Jordan township, where he served as justice of the peace for more than twenty years, and held other township offices. He was a contractor on the Erie & Phildadelphia turnpike, and was a progressive and public-spirited citizen.

Isaac Rickets, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was an honored pioneer of Becaria township, Clearfield county. and a prominent and enterprising man. On his land he platted the town of Utahville, and had the distinction of being the first officer of the township. He erected a hotel, which was afterward conducted by his son and namesake, and in the midst of the forest, which he conducted throughout his life.

Jaines McNeel early became familiar with the life and labors of the farin, and to his father gave the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority, his education being acquired in the common schools. In 1853 he was married, and began his domestic life upon a portion of the old

homestead. He began lumbering, and for forty years followed that pursuit, rafting his lumber down the river to market. He inherited a part of the old homestead at his father's death, and upon his land has made substantial improve- ments, transforming the place into one of the fine farms of the neighborhood. He is progress- ive in his methods, and the neat and thrifty ap- pearance of his place well indicates his careful supervision.

Mr. McNeel was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Linch, of an honored pioneer fam- ily of Centre county, daughter of John and Sarah (Moore) Linch, of Irish descent. The Moore family removed from Centre to Clearfield county at an early day, and the grandfather of Mrs. McNeel edited a paper in Clearfield, where he was widely and favorably known. 'His political support was given to the Republican party. Mr. Linch resided for some time in Perry county, Penn .. where he was employed in the iron fur- naces. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. They had two daughters: Mary J. and Nancy, the latter now the wife of John Thompson, a railroad man of Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. and Mrs. McNeel had eight children, namely: Sanford; William, who died in childhood; Alvin; Martha, wife of A. Bloom; Nancy, wife of E. Harnish; Thomas; Elizabeth; and Harry. The parents and most of the chil- dren are members of the Presbyterian Church, and the family is one of prominence in the com- munity, where they have many friends. In poli- tics. Mr. McNeel is a Republican, and he has held a number of township offices.

REDERICK CAMPMAN, of the borough of Wallaceton, Clearfield county, is one of the most enterprising and successful citizens of the county, and, although of foreign birth, is a thorough American at heart. He and his three brothers all served in the cause of freedom dur- ing the Rebellion, and in peace as well as in war the family have shown their attachment for their adopted country.

Mr. Campman was born in Prussia, January 22, 1832, a son of Anthony Campman, who owned and conducted a farin there until 1844, when he brought his wife and family to America. He located first in Maryland, and was employed for a time in the iron works there. After mak- ing several changes of residence he located in Clar- ion county, then settled in Middlesex, Mercer Co., Penn, where he died in 1858. His wife's death occurred in Maryland a number of years previously. They had five children, namely:

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Frederick, Henry, David, Caroline and Timothy. The four sons served in the army, as has been said, and Timothy died in Andersonville prison.

The early education of our subject was ob- tained in the schools of his native land. In 1851 he went to Clearfield county and found employ- ment in Bradford township in lumbering and rafting. He was married in 1854 to Miss Esther Manes, a native of Clearfield county, and a daughter of Daniel Manes, a highly respected pioneer farmer. Until 1864 Mr. Campman con- tinued the lumber business, but he was then drafted into the army, and joined Company F. 88th P. V. I. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and he saw some hard service, taking part in several battles, the chief of which was the siege of Petersburg, but he was neither wounded nor captured. He was mustered out of the United States service in Virginia at the close of the war, and received his final dis- charge at Philadelphia, June 30, 1865. Return- ing home, he followed logging until the lack of suitable timber ended that occupation in his vicinity, and in 1872 he purchased an improved farm of one hundred acres in Boggs township, adjoining the borough of Wallaceton, and has ever since conducted it. The farm is underlaid with coal. Of late he has given especial atten- tion to raising and buying cattle, and has also been engaged in butchering.

Mr. Campman's first wife died in 1871, and in 1872 he wedded Mrs. May Ella (Williams) Smell, daughter of Edward Williams, a promi- nent pioneer of Bradford. Mr. Campman has the following children, all by the first marriage: Henry, a farmer in Decatur; Mrs. Mary Buck, of Goshen; Mrs. Ella Goss; David, a railroad inan; and Mrs. Lizzie Conder, of Goshen. The Camp- mans have always been devout Catholics, and Mr. Campman is a member of that Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held a number of offices, including that of treasurer of his bor- ough. Although he is now past life's meridian, he is full of enterprise and vigor, and having won success through years of hardship and toil, he is enjoying their well-earned fruits. Chiarles D. Williams, an adopted son of Mr. Campman and his second wife, has found a pleasant home with them since he was one and one-half years old. He is an employee of Mr. Campman in the busi- ness. He has made a study of telegraphy under M. E. Klare, of Wallaceton.

C LAPT. JOSEPH DELEHUNT, the well-known and popular postmaster of Houtzdale, was born in Cambria county, Penn., March 14, 1838,

his parents being Edward and Ann (Farrell) Delehunt. The father, a native of Ireland, em- igrated to the United States in 1820, and took up his residence in York county, Penn., whence he removed to Cambria county in 1828. In Johns- town he engaged in contracting and teaming until 1851, when he removed to Hollidaysburg, Blair Co., Penn., where his death occurred in 1868. His wife departed his life at the same place in 1860. There were five children in their family.

In the schools of Johnstown and Hollidays- burg. Captain Delehunt acquired his literary education, and continued with his parents until the outbreak of the Civil war. Hardly had the echoes from Fort Sumter's guns died away when he enlisted at Hollidaysburg, April 16, 1861, in Company A, 3rd P. V. I., for three months. and three days later was sworn into the United States service. On the expiration of his term he re- enlisted September 23, 1861, in Company A, 84th P. V. I., for three years, and was mustered in at Camp Crossman where the regiment was assigned to Shield's division of the Army of West Virginia; but in 1862 it was transferred to the Army of the Potomac. Our subject participated in the following battles: Falling Water, July 2, 1861; Bath, Va .; Hancock, Md .; Blooming Gap, W. Va .; Winchester, in March, 1862; Front Royal; Cedar Mountain; Thoroughfare Gap: second battle of Bull Run; Fredericksburg; Chancellorsville; Rappahannock Station; Gettys- burg; Wapping Heights; Locust Grove; Mine Run; Wilderness; Todd's Tavern; Spottsylvania; North Anna River; Hawes Shop; Ptolemy Creek; Cold Harbor; and St. Petersburg. He received a shell wound at St. Petersburg, and for some time was confined in a hospital at Annapolis, Md. At the battles of North Anna River, Ptol- emy Creek, Cold Harbor and St. Petersburg, Capt. Delehunt commanded his regiment. At St. Petersburg he was honorably discharged De- cember 11, 1864, with the rank of captain, won by meritorious conduct and bravery on the field of battle. He had entered the service as private, but in 1861 was made sergeant, and on the 23d of March, 1862, was commissioned second lieu- tenant; after the battle of Winchester he was promoted from that rank to captain, October 15, 1862.

Capt. Delehunt was married in Hollidaysburg in 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Clonan, who is a na- tive of the Emerald Isle, but was reared in Penn- sylvania. They have six children: Thomas, Edward, Maggie, Elizabeth, Joseph and Mat- thew. The Captain continued to make his home | in Hollidaysburg until 1868 when he moved to

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Clearfield, where he was an engineer; then (1873) moved to Osceola, and opened a machine shop, which was entirely destroyed by fire in May, 1875. In 1876, he removed to Houtzdale, Clearfield county, and for fourteen years was in the employ of Robert H. Powell as an engineer. He is an ardent Democrat in politics, has always taken a deep and commendable interest in pub- lic affairs, and has creditably served in several important official positions, including those of burgess and as a member of the city council. In April, 1894, he received the appointment of postmaster at Houtzdale, and is proving one of the most efficient and obliging officers that has ever filled that position. In religious belief he is a Roman Catholic, and fraternally holds mem- bership in the Veteran Legion.

J OSEPH BORST, a prosperous agriculturist of Lawrence township, Clearfield county, has an honorable place in the roll of gallant de- fenders of the Union. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the army for three months, and was assigned at first to the Pennsylvania Reserves. On being sworn into the United States service at Harris- burg, he became a member of Company A, First Pennsylvania Artillery, for three years, then for three years or " during the war." He took part in the battle of Dranesville, Va .; the Peninsular campaign, under Gen. McClellan; the second battle of Bull Run, under Pope; and the engage- ments at South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericks- burg. Suffolk (Va.), Butler Depot, and was at Petersburg at the time of the mine explosion. He was with Gen. Butler in Virginia and North Carolina for some time, and the entire four years were spent in serious work. He remained in the service until there was no more fighting to be done, and was honorably discharged at Harris- burg, July 25, 1865.

Mr. Borst was born in Germany, March 19, 1837, and came to Clearfield county when nine years old. His parents, John and Mary (Mock) Borst, were born and reared in Germany, and, after their marriage, crossed the ocean to make a home in Clearfield county, Penn. The father, who was a lumberman by occupation, died in Pike township in 1847; the mother passed her de- clining years in Lawrence township, where she breathed her last in 1868. Nine children were born to this pioneer conple: John died in Law- rence township; Michael resides in Altoona, Penn .; Joseph, our subject, is the third in the order of birth; Sylvester died in Pike township; Charles died in Lawrence townshipin 1866; Fred

and Philip both died in Lawrence township; and Paulina (Mrs. John Lintner) resides in Altoona.

Joseph Borst was educated in the schools of Pike township, and his energy and business abil- ity were displayed at an early age, as at thirteen he engaged in lumbering. After his return from the war he continued his business, and rafted on the river for many years. He now conducts a fine farm of 117 acres near Glen Richey, raising general crops. In 1888 he was married in Law- rence township to Miss Frances McLaughlin, a native of that locality. Her parents, John and Margery (Dougherty) Mclaughlin (both now de- ceased), were born in Ireland, and settled in Law- rence township at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Borst have had the following children: William, Charley, John, Alvin, Paul, Peter, Frank (de- ceased), Joe (who died at an early day), May and Caroline. In his political views, Mr. Borst is a Republican, and he takes a keen interest in all the questions of the time. Socially he is a mem- ber of Lorimer Post, G. A. R., of Clearfield.

J OHN W. BELL. The work of develop- ment and improvement in any new locality requires time, patience and great energy. The best results are not those most hastily secured, but are those which follow earnest labor and persistent purpose. Through four generations the Bell family has been connected with the upbuilding and the substantial advance- ment of Clearfield county, and the various rep- resentatives of the name have been active and in- fluential in the work which has transformed the unbroken wilderness into good homes, rich farms and thriving industrial centers.

Arthur Bell, the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, married Miss Greenwood, and came to Clearfield county about 1790, making the third permanent settlement. He visited the region as a trapper and hunter from Lycoming county. coming up the river in a canoe, and in the follow- ing spring he brought his family. making a loca- tion on the Susquehanna river near the present site of Lumber City. He improved what is now known as the Farwell farm, aided in the organi- zation of the county, and for many years served as justice of the peace, performing all marriage ceremonies in that early day. He was a very popular and highly respected citizen. The fam- ily experienced the usual hardships of frontier life. Game of all kinds was plentiful, but bread- stuffs had to be carried across the mountains on the backs of the frontiersmen and brought down the river in canoes. Arthur Bell was reared in

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the faith of the Presbyterian Church, to which he always adhered. His children were Letitia, Rebecca, Rachel, Mary, Greenwood, William and Greer, all now deceased.

Greenwood Bell, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was reared in Clearfield county and became one of its prominent and respected citizens. He cleared a farm in the midst of the forest, and in connection with agricultural pursuits carried on lumbering. His son, Arthur Bell, father of our subject, was reared in Greenwood township. and purchased 200 acres of land, the farm on which John W. Bell now resides. From time to time he made additional purchases, becoming owner of 1,600 acres. He was a prominent factor in the development of the lumber industry, and in 1843 erected a sawmill, manufacturing lumber on an extensive scale and rafting it down the river to market. He also followed farming and placed one hundred acres of land under a high state of cultivation. He married Catherine Hazlett, who was reared in Clearfield county, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Hazlett, honored pioneers. Her father also developed a farm from wild timber land, and engaged in lumber- ing. In politics he was a Whig, and on that ticket was elected county treasurer, being the only Whig candidate ever chosen for the office. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and in 1856 was its candidate for associate judge, but could not overcome the strong Democratic majority.

To Arthur and Catherine Bell were born six children: Williamn, who died at the age of twelve years; John W .; Elizabeth, who married James Stevenson, and died in 1894; Delilah M .; Sarah C., who married C. Armstrong, and both are now deceased; and Harriet E .; who died at the age of twenty years. The mother of this family died in 1850, and Arthur Bell was again married, in 1862. His death occurred in 1872.

On the farm where he now resides in Green- wood township, Clearfield county, John W. Bell was born July 12, 1838. The coinmon schools afforded him his educational privileges, and he received ample training at farm labor and in the lumber business. In 1862, having married, he purchased from his father the homestead and 400 acres of land additional. After his father's death he purchased the interest of the other heirs until he owned one-half of the remainder of the land. His farm is supplied with all the modern improvements and accessories, and the excellent buildings stand as monuments to his thrift and en- terprise. He erected a pleasant and cominodious two-story residence, a large barn, also substantial outbuildings, and has transformed the land into

richly-cultivated fields. He aided his father in clearing the homestead tract and has since im- proved other portions, clearing it of the stumps and raising in the fields excellent crops. He also built a sawmill, and has done an extensive lumber business, piloting the luinber down the river every spring for thirty years. He made his last trip in 1891. His land is underlaid with a rich coal deposit, and his property is a valuable and productive one.

In 1862, Mr. Bell married Elizabeth Cook, daughter of Alexander Cook, who moved from Centre to Clearfield county at an early day, and engaged in the hotel business near Curwensville. He afterward removed to Clarion county, and later to Lyons, Iowa, where he and his wife died. Their children were Mary J., Mrs. Bell, William, John, James, Eliza, Carrie and Alexander, all of whom went to Iowa with the exception of Mrs. Bell. By her marriage she became the mother of five children: Ida, who died at the age of twelve years; Arthur, who is farming on the homestead; Cora, at home; Alice, who died in 1894, at the age of twenty-two; and Saner, who is attending school in Lewisburg. The mother of this family, who was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, died in 1875, mourned by many friends.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 82

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