Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 83

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 83
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 83
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 83
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 83

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In 1876, Mr. Bell married Mrs. Eliza C. Thomson, who had two children by her first marriage-W. Harry, who is attending the State College; and Martha M., wife of Dr. Elton S. Corson. Mr. Bell reared and educated these children as his own. His wife is a daughter of David Williams, who was reared in Centre coun- ty, but removed to Clearfield county where he purchased and operated a farm and mill in Jordan township. His children were Mrs. Martha Hen- derson, James G. and William G., who follow farming; and Eliza C. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have one child, Ai T., born in 1877. They are mem- bers of the Baptist Church, and are people of genuine worth, enjoying the high regard of many friends. Mr. Bell was a Republican in politics until 1894, since which time he has voted the Prohibitior ticket. He is now serving as post- master at Bower, and is one of the popular citi- zens of the community, wherein he has spent his entire life.

Z ENAS L. HARTSHORN. The steady de- velopment and substantial improvement of a community is largely dependent upon its farming population. Of this class our subject is a repre- sentative, being numbered among the leading and influential agriculturists of Clearfield county.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Hartshorn was born March 4, 1838, on the old homestead, in Pike township, where he yet resides, and is a son of Jonathan and Rachel (Leonard) Hartshorn. His paternal grand- parents, Benjamin and Isabella (McClure) Harts- horn, natives of Maryland, removed from that State to Centre .county, Penn., and in 1806 came to Clearfield county, where the grandfather se- cured a large tract of land, that is now in the possession of our subject. He opened up a farm, and also conducted a tannery, for he was a tan- ner by trade. His son, William, learned the trade, and after the grandfather's death carried on the business. Benjamin Hartshorn secured his land from the government, and it has never passed out of the hands of his descendants. In his family were eight children, namely: Peggy, Anna, Jonathan, William, Laura, Eliza, Benja- min, Mary Ann. The parents of this family were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Jonathan Hartshorn, who was born in Centre county, in 1799, came .to Clearfield county, in 1806, and there spent his entire life as a farmer. After his father's death he remained with his "widowed mother, and inherited from her the old homestead. In 1830 he was married, and lo- cated thereon, continuing to make it his place of abode until 1883, when he was called to his final rest. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and took a deep interest in public affairs, but never sought office ... He held membership in the Presbyterian Church, to which his wife also be- longed. Mrs. Hartshorn is still in the enjoyment of good health, although nearly ninety years of age. She was born May 28, 1807, and is a daughter of Abram and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Leonard. The family was founded in America by Patrick Leonard, her grandfather, who was born in Ireland, and spent his last days in Hunt- ingdon county. ;- Penn. Abram Leonard was reared and married there, and subsequently re- moved to Centre county, whence he came to Clearfield county, in 1803, locating near Clear- field creek, on land which at that time had not yet come into market. There he opened up a farm, which after his death was purchased by his son, James, and is now the property of Mrs. Hartshorn. He died July 23, 1840, and his wife passed away several years later; they were con- sistent members of the Presbyterian Church. Their children were James T., Thomas, Mrs. Hartshorn, Zenas, Hannah, Robert, Agnes, Eliza- beth and Andrew. James T. Leonard became a very prominent man,and accumulated a large fortune, which, at his death, was divided among his relatives, as he never married. Jonathan and Rachel Hartshorn became the parents of nine

children, as follows: Jane, wife of R. Neeper; Benjamin; Margaret, wife of R. Wrigley; Zenas; Mary A .; Mrs. Hannah Broughler; Jonathan T., who resides in California; Joshua, a farmer and miller; and Lavina, who died in childhood.

Zenas L. Hartshorn was reared on the old homestead farm, and acquired his education in the common schools. His life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and to lumbering, and his capable management of his business interests has brought to him a high degree of success. He was married, in 1890, to Miss Josephine Antes, of Centre county, a daughter of James Antes, a prominent farmer of that county, where he spent his entire life. His death occurred in 1889; his widow is still living in Centre county. They had seven children: James B .; Martha (Mrs. William Allen), in Kansas; Jerome B., of Clearfield; Mrs. Hartshorn: E. F., Esther, and Estelle. The

mother of this family is a member of the Method- ist Church, and is widely and favorably known in Centre county. She was educated in the public schools of Centre county, for several years was a teacher in that county, and later taught one term in Clearfield county.

Mr. Hartshorn exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Re- publican party, but has never desired political preferment. He is, however, public-spirited and progressive, ever true to his duties of citizenship, and in all the relations of life is an upright, hon- orable man, who has the warm regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

D AVID C. BURKETT, a prominent agri- culturist of Bradford township, and a vet- eran of the Civil war, is one of the most enter- prising and progressive citizens of Clearfield county. During the twenty-eight years of his residence in that county he has been actively en- gaged in business, and has won the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances.

On both sides his ancestors have been resi- dents of Pennsylvania for several generations. His father, David Burkett, was born in Hunting- don county, and was married there to Miss Sarah Spanogle, a native of Centre county, whose fore- fathers were among the earliest settlers of that section. The father died in Shirleysburg in 1852, but the mother was spared many years, her death occurring at the same town, November 28, 1883. Our subject is one of a family of five children: Peter, who also served in the Union army, en- listing from Huntingdon county, now resides at Shirleysburg; Mary (Mrs. Lightner) lives at Shir- leysburg: Kate (Mrs. Anderson) is a resident of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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Harrisburg; and James, who enlisted in Hunting- don county during the war, died at Orbisonia.

Mr. Burkett, our subject, was born February 4, 1848, at Orbisonia, Huntingdon county, and February 4, 1864. he gave evidence of the same patriotic spirit which made all the sons of this family respond to the call to arms, by enlisting for three years, or "during the war." in Com- pany H, 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was mustered in at Harrisburg, and his regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Among the important engagements in which he took part was the battle of Cold Harbor, and in the struggle at Petersburg he received, on June 18, 1864, two gun-shot wounds -- one in the thigh and one in the head. These confined him to the field hospitals at Little York, Penn., and Grace Church, Alexandria, for four months, when he rejoined his regiment in front of Petersburg. In 1865 he received an honorable discharge at Harrisburg, and returned to his native county. In 1868, he went to Clearfield county, and for some time was engaged in teaming and hauling lumber in Decatur township. He then became a merchant and coal dealer in Berwinsdale, and later a lumberman in Lawrence township, but in 1892 he went to Clearfield borough and kept a restaurant for a short time, giving it up in order to take charge of the "Susquehanna House" at Curwensville. In 1894 he purchased his present farm near Woodland, a fine property containing i 206 acres, all improved. He is a general farmer, and his estate shows excellent management.

Mr. Burkett was married, in 1868, in Deca- tur township, Clearfield county, to Miss Alice Hughes, daughter of Richard Hughes, a leading resident of that township, and one of its pioneer settlers, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Three children of this marriage are now living, namely: Carrie (Mrs. Smith), of Clearfield; and Minnie and Maud, both at home. As a public- spirited citizen, Mr. Burkett has taken great in- terest in all questions and movements of the day. . In politics he is a Democrat, and, although he is not a seeker after official honors, he was overseer of the poor in Decatur township for two years. He has been active in fraternal society work as a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Knights of Pythias.

S ILAS REECE, a well-known coal operator of Philipsburg, Penn .. is a man of keen per- ception, of great sagacity, of unbounded enter- prise, and to these characteristics may be at- tributed his wonderful success in business life. He was born in Decatur township, Clearfield 63

county, December 11, 1849, and there made his home for many years. For the past sixteen years, however, he has been identified with the commercial and industrial interests of Philips- burg, though his mining property is in Decatur township.

Elijah Reece, father of our subject, was born January 1, 1800, in Herefordshire, England, where his parents spent their entire lives. There he was reared, and attended the Church of which John Jay was pastor. In Bath he learned the currier's trade, which he continued to follow in that city until coming to the New World. He was married in his native land, in 1831, to Miss Mary Ann Blanthan, and at Liverpool, May 9, 1833. they started for America, in a sailing vessel, which, after two months, reached Newfoundland, whence it drifted to Greenland, but finally ar- rived at Philadelphia. August 9, 1833. By canal they proceeded to Lewistown, Penn., thence by stage to Bellefonte, and on foot to Philipsburg, where for a time Mr. Reece engaged in the tan- ning business. At an early date he purchased of Hardman Philips a tract of sixty-two acres of timber land, and located thereon when most of the country was still in its primitive condition, and many wild animals inhabited the forests. He immediately began to clear and develop his land, to which he added until he had 113 acres of as rich farming land as was to be found in the locality. He was one of the best known men in Decatur township, and one of its representative and influential citizens. In politics, he was a Democrat, and was the oldest subscriber to the Clearfield Republican, at the time of his death, which occurred November 3. 1883; his wife died in 1874. Her mother, who also came to America, died in Decatur township, August 24,, 1833, and her remains were interred in the cemetery at Philipsburg.

Nine children were born to the parents of our subject, namely: (!) John, a native of Decatur township, was the first man in Clearfield county to offer his services as a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in ISGI, in the Ist Pennsylvania Artil- lery; he was commissioned lieutenant, and served thirty months. He died in Virginia, in October, 1887. (2) Elijah also enlisted in Decatur town- ship, in September, 1861, and served for eighteen months as a member of Company K, 110th P. V. I. Being wounded at the battle of Winches- ter. he returned home, but in August, 1863, again went to the front as a member of Company K, Szth P. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He died in Decatur township, December 8, 1895. (3) Arthur enlisted in the 149th P. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

made his home in Lawrence township, Clearfield county, where he passed away in 1885. (4) Mrs. Salina Morgan resides in Delaware. (5) Clara died at the age of eleven years. (6) James died when young. (7) Mrs. Adda Shaw is living in Huntingdon county, Penn. (8) Silas is next · in order of birth. (9) Anna died at the age of four years.

Upon the home farm in Decatur township. Silas Reece spent his boyhood and youth, and in the common schools of the neighborhood be- gan his education. Later he pursued his studies at State College and Edinboro, and after com- pleting the prescribed course, graduated from the Iron City Commercial College of Pittsburg, Penn., in 1876. During the following twelve years he successfully engaged in teaching in De- catur township, and subsequently, for three years, carried on merchandising in Philipsburg. Since 1887 he has been actively engaged in the coal business, and upon his farm in. Decatur town- ship are three veins, which are being profitably worked. The first of these, which is the oldest in operation in that section of the county, was opened in 1883, but some years previously sam- ples of the coal had been sent to Switzerland for analysis. The second vein was opened in 1886, and the third in 1892. In the management of his mines Mr. Reece has displayed excellent ex- ecutive ability and sound judgment, and has thereby met with a well-deserved success in this undertaking.

In 1880, in Altoona, Penn., Mr. Reece was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Alleman, a native of Gulich township, Clearfield county, where her parents, David and Bathsheba (Camp- bell) Alleman, located at an early day. Her mother died there, but her father departed this life in West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Reece have four children : Paul and Lillian Ada (twins), born June 10, 1881; Bessie Alleman, born April 11, 1883; and Dora Ethel, born in July, 1885. Mrs. Reece received her education at the Clearfield County Normal School, Curwensville, after which she taught for about seven years in Clearfield and Blair counties, two years in the city of Altoona.

Although Mr. Reece has made his home in Philipsburg for the past sixteen years, his busi- ness interests are still in Decatur township, and he is a worthy representative of one of its hon- ored pioneer families. At the time his parents located there only three families were living within its borders-those of Messrs. Goss, Hughes and Kephart-and they were obliged to go to Janes- ville (now Smith's Mills) to mill. They experi- enced all the hardships and difficulties incident to pioneer life, and took an active and prominent

part in the upbuilding and progress of the town- .ship. Politically, Mr. Reece is a Democrat, and reigiously is a consistent member of the Presby- terian Church, as are also his wife and twins. His success in business life has been the result of honest and persistent effort in the line of honor- able and manly dealing, and his career has ever been such as to gain him the confidence and es- teem of all with whom he has come in contact.

E ARNEST F. MIGNOT, who is engaged in the milling business in Karthaus, Clearfield coun- ty, is one of the leading representatives of the in- dustrial interests of that place.

Charles Mignot, father of our subject, was born April 7, 1818, in Centrey, France, and is a son of Hyacinth and Frances (Cherbonet) Mignot, also natives of France, whence in 1832 they came to this country, locating in Bellefonte, Penn. In 1842 Charles became a resident of Centre coun- ty, where he learned the trade of blacksmithing, and in 1835 he moved to Karthaus township, Clearfield county, entering the employ of Peter Karthaus. With him he remained two years, in 1840 locating on a tract of timber land in Cov- ington township, Clearfield county, where he and his father opened up a farm which they operated until the death of the latter. He had a family of eight children, as follows: Charles; Eliza- beth, widow of Francis Barthot, who opened up a farm in Covington township, but died in France; Frank, of Covington township; Augus- tus, of Girard township; John, of Covington town- ship; Florentine, of Wellsville, Kans .; Emil, of Covington township; and Boniface, who died in the same township at the age of seventeen. The mother of these died in the spring of 1875.

Charles Mignot was married January 6, 1849. in Girard township, to Caroline Amelia Leconte, who was born in Paris, France, a daughter of Augustus and Caroline (Sheron) Leconte, natives of the same country. In 1832 her parents came to Covington township, and the father engaged in merchandising and lumbering in Frenchville for some years. He afterward removed to a farm at the mouth of Deer creek, and carried on the same pursuits there until 1854, when he lo- cated on what is known as the homestead farm. He died there January 24, 1873. The family then carried on the business until September 11, 1875, when Mrs. Leconte removed to Clearfield, where she died in May, 1890. They had three children: Caroline Amelia (Mrs. Mignot); Eu- genia, of Clearfield; and Fannie, wife of C. A. Woods, of Altoona. Charles Mignot lived in Girard township for some time, and was engaged

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in merchandising and lumbering. He afterward lived on a farm on Deer creek, until the death of his wife, June 22, 1864, when he removed to the Leconte homestead, but since 1895 he has re- sided with our subject in Karthaus. Two chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mignot, as follows: Ferdinard married Annie E. Briel, and lived on the old homestead in Girard town- ship until his death, June 6, 1894; and Ernest F., the subject proper of this sketch.

Ernest F. Mignot was born in Girard town- ship. Clearfield county, September 6, 1852, and received his education at the common schools of the neighborhood of his home. When old enough he united with his brother in business, and they carried on merchandising and lumber- ing in Girard township, our subject also conduct- ing a farm. On November 9, 18-, Ernest F. settled in Karthaus, where, in partnership with J. S. Briel, he erected a flouring-mill on the river, and began milling and lumbering at that point. The partnership between them was dis- solved November 9, 1887, at which time Mr. Mignot purchased a tract of timber land on Deer creek, and began lumbering. He is now engaged in the same pursuit in Girard township, where he also operates a sawmill, and is the owner of 900 acres of valuable timber land underlaid with coal.

In Covington township, Clearfield county, August 4, 1878, Ernest F. Mignot was married to Miss Nancy Jane, who was born in Covington township, a daughter of John and Margaret (McGonegle) Briel, the former a native of Ger- many, the latter of Pennsylvania. Five children have been born to this union, their names and dates of birth being as follows: J. Ferdinand, May 18, 1879; Jesse J., November 8, 1882; Florence A., January 1, 1884; Clare Briel, July 8, 1890; and Angelus, January 6, 1894. In pol- itics, Mr. Mignot is a Democrat, and has filled the office of collector.

F RANK GOSS. The business interests of Wallaceton, Clearfield county, are well rep- resented by this gentleman, who has largely pro- moted commercial activity by his energetic ef- forts in the development of trade. He was born October 22, 1856, on the farm of his father, Jesse Goss, of Clearfield county. He is a rep- resentative of one of the old families of this lo- cality. His grandfather, Abraham Goss, crossed the Atlantic to America, and became one of the early settlers in this section of Pennsylvania. His numerous descendants have been people of

sterling worth; true to the duties of both public and private life and mostly have followed farm- ing. The grandfather of our subject was George. Goss. The father, Jesse Goss, was born in Clear- field county, and married Rebecca Sinith, who was also a native of that county, and was an earnest Christian woman, holding membership in the United Brethren Church. In politics he was a Democrat, and was actively interested in pub- lic affairs, holding various township offices. In their family were four children: Frank, Mrs. Emma Connell, Charles and Mrs. Sarah Bret.

Under the parental roof Frank Goss remained until twenty years of age, when he started out in life for himself. Among his earliest ventures was merchandising, which he began in connection with a partner. He afterward continued the business alone, but later sold out. He then em- barked in the lumber business, and also operated a sawmill, rafting the lumber down the river to market. As his financial resources have in- creased, he has invested in real-estate, and has found this a profitable source of income. It was largely through his instrumentality that the fire- brick works were established at Wallaceton. He became one of the stockholders in the company. superintended the construction of the plant, and continued the management of the works until after the enterprise was in successful operation. He then sold out, and in 1882 he erected the large hotel in Wallaceton, which he conducted until 1889, when he leased the property. After two years it returned to his management, and he continued in control until 1893 when he sold out. On January 1, 1880, he was made agent of the Pennsylvania railroad at Wallaceton, and is still acting in that capacity.

In 1875 Mr. Goss received the appointment of postmaster at Wallaceton. He had not yet attained his majority at the time, and in conse- quence could not take the oath of office, but Sen- ator Wallace, his special friend, made arrange- ments whereby he assumed the duties of the po- sition. He served for seven years, and then resigned. In his political adherency he is a Democrat, and though he has never been a pol- itician in the sense of office seeking he has served as justice of the peace, and is now acting in the capacity of constable. In 1896 he was sent as a delegate from Clearfield county to the State Convention, which met in Allentown.

In 1876 Mr. Goss married Miss Ella Camp- man, a lady of intelligence and of an honored family. She was born in Clearfield county, a daughter of Frederick Campman, who was born in Prussia, and came to America in early life. He purchased an improved farm near Wallace-

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ton, but now resides in the town, and carries on agricultural pursuits, also operating a meat_ market. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and a very prominent and influential citizen. A sketch of him appears elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Goss had six children. of whom four are living: Leonard, who is acting as station agent at Wal- laceton; Minta: Fred; and an infant unnamed. Mr. Goss belongs to the Knights of Pythias fra- ternity and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been very active in the devel- opment of Wallaceton, his enterprise has been the means of securing many substantial improve- ments, and he is a typical representative of that class of citizens who, while promoting individual prosperity, advance the public welfare.

J JOSEPH E. GEARHART. Among the early emigrants from Germany, who contributed in such large measure in their day to the re- demption of the fertile lands of Pennsylvania from the primeval wilderness, was John Gear- hart (born about 1782, died in (857), the great- grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He married Catherine Gray, of Centre county, who lived to be ninety-seven years old. In IS20 he located in Centre county, near the present site of Philipsburg, where he cleared a tract of land and established his home.

John Gearhart, our subject's grandfather, was born there in 1790. and, moved by the true pio- neer spirit, he in his turn sought new lands in Clearfield county, and made his home in the woods in Decatur township, where he died in February. IS;t. His wife, Lydia (Shivery) Gearhart, survived him till 1885. They had ten children: (1) David, a resident of Chester Hill; (2) Sarah (Mrs. David Goss), of Decatur town- ship; (3) John S., our subject's father; (+) Susan, who married Joseph Milward, of Osceola, Penn .. and died in 1886: (5) Andrew, who died at Chester Hill, in 1896, leaving a widow, formerly Miss Lydia Ellis, and four children; (6) Jane, the widow of Jonas Peters, of Boggs township, Clear- field county, who died in i88t; (7) Catherine, the widow of Abraham Goss, of Osceola, who died in 1891: (8) Enoch, who married Nancy Ellis, and resides at Chester Hill: (9) Hannah. formerly the wife of Jacob Haverrocker, who died in (8St, her own death occurring a few years later: (to) Jacob, who married Miss Eliza Rumk. and resides in Crawford county, Pennsylvania.

John S. Gearhart, our subject's father, was born in Decatur township. April 20, 1818, and in early manhood. after his first marriage, fol- lowed the example of his ancestors by settling

upon a tract of wild land in Boggs township, Clearfield county, which he transformed into a fine farm. He still resides there enjoying the well-earned fruits of his former labors. He was married in Decatur township, December 7, 1841, to Miss Lydia S. Showalter, born in [ $24, died in 1851. a native of Clearfield county, and daughter of John Showalter, who was born in Pennsyl- vania, and died in Clearfield county in 1857. The family was of Gerinan origin. Four children of this marriage were as follows: (t) William en- listed from Huntingdon county, in 1864, in Com- pany E, 45th P. V. I., was taken prisoner, and died at Salisbury, N. C., December 10, 1864. (2) Ellis died unmarried November 20, 1865. (3) Andrew Lloyd resides in Clearfield. (4) Joseph E. is our subject. The mother of this family died in Boggs township. July 2. 1851. The father on April 20, 1852, in Boggs town- ship, married Miss Elizabeth Ann Smith. a na- tive of Clearfield county, and a daughter of Sam- uel Smith, an early settler in that county, now deceased, Rev. Henry Kephart performing the ceremony. His widow, Barbara (Smith) Davis, now resides in Becaria township. Eight children were born of the second marriage, of whom seven are living: (1) George S. is married. and is a well-known furniture manufacturer at West Clearfield. (2) John Wesley and (3) Alvin C. married and settled upon farms in Boggs town- ship. (4) Samuel is married, and resides in West Clearfield. (5) Lydia J. (Mrs. Charles Ricketts). lives in Becaria township, Clearfield county. (6) Charles died in 1885. (7) James is at home with his parents; and (S) Lewis is mar- ried and lives in West Clearfield.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 83

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