Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 85

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 85
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 85
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 85
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 85

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M ENRY WEBER. Germany has furnished to the United States many prominent and enterprising men who have left the Fatherland to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier competi- tion, and advancement more quickly secured. Among this number is Mr. Weber, of Brady town- ship, Clearfield county, who was born in 1830. and when eight years of age took passage with his parents. Godfrey and Catharine (Schmidt; Weber, on a sailing vessel bound for the New World, where they arrived after a long and tedious voyage of forty-two days. Coming at once to Clearfield county, the father purchased 175 acres of wild land in Brady township, of which only ten acres had been cleared, and the only improvement thereon was a small log house. To its further improvement and cultivation he devoted his time and attention until called to the world beyond in 1849. His faithful wife died in 1851.

Our subject was the eldest of the four chil- dren of this worthy couple, the others being as follows: (2) Katie, a native of Germany, was reared in Brady township, and for a number of years after her marriage to Frederick Korp, of the same township, lived upon the present farm of our subiect. They then removed to Cleve- land, Ohio, where she died leaving a family of four children. (3) Godfrey, born in Brady town- ship, married Margaret Wingert, of that town- ship, and they resided upon a part of the old

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

homestead until his death, which occurred some twenty-four years ago. He left a widow and four children-Mary, now Mrs. Beck, of Brady township; Katie, wife of Jacob Haag, a farmer of the same township: and Laura and Sadie (twins), who both married and resided in Brady township, where the former died about five years ago. She was Mrs. Haag. (4) Philip was born and reared on the home farm, and married Lizzie Aye, of Kittanning, Penn. For thirteen years they resided in Luthersburg, where he followed the shoemaker's trade, but since 1887 he has lived retired in Du Bois, where he owns much valuable real estate, including a large block at Nos. 911 and 913 Brady street.

During his boyhood and youth Henry Weber attended the local school during the winter months, while during the summer season he as- sisted in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm, where he still continues to reside. In 1867 he built the large barn still in use, and in 1880 erected a commodious frame residence. Many other improvements have been added to the place, the stumps have been removed, and to-day it is one of the most highly-cultivated farms in Brady township, its neat and thrifty ap- pearance testifying to the careful supervision of the owner. In 1851 he was inarried to Miss Catharine Zilliox, a daughter of Charles and Mary Zilliox, farming people of Brady township. After a happy married life of more than forty years, Mrs. Weber was called to her final rest in 1893. They had become the parents of nine children, namely: (1) Lewis, born in 1853, was educated in the public schools, and is now a farmer in Bloom township, Clearfield county. He married Maggie Weaver, of that township, and has six children-Helen, George, Olive, Victor, Verne, and one whose name is not given. (2) Sarah, born in 1854, is the wife of Henry Hartzfeld, of Brady township, who owns and operates a farm four miles south of Luthersburg, and they have seven children. (3) Godfrey. born in 1856, lives on a farm near his father's plac. eHe married Minnie Blubaker, of Rock- ton, Penn., and has four children-Larne, Arthur, Elsie and Lula. (4) Mary, born in 1858, was educated in the public schools of Brady, and married August Heckman, a native of Germany, who was formerly a resident of Brady township. but is now extensively engaged in the boot and shoe business in DuBois. They have two chil- dren-Annie and Gertrude. (5) William, born in 1860, received a common-school education, and lives upon a part of the old homestead. He married Katie Zilliox, and has one child, Iva. (6) Charles, born in 1866, married Flora Pentz,

of Brady township, and is engaged in milling in "Du Bois. (7) Lydia, born in 1868, is the wife of J. M. Lies, a merchant of Helvetia, and they have two children-Emory and one whose name is not given. (8) GEORGE, born in 1871, assisted in the work of the home farm until reaching man- hood. He obtained his primary education in the public schools of the neighborhood. In 1890 he attended the State Normal School at Lock Haven for two terms, and was, later, a student in the Iron City Commercial College, of Pitts- burg, where he graduated in 1891. For four years he engaged in bookkeeping in that city for the firm of Bing & Co., and then came to Du- Bois, Clearfield county, to enter the employ of his brother-in-law, Mr. Heckman, as salesman and bookkeeper, which positions he still fills to the satisfaction of all concerned. (9) Francis, born in 1875, attended the local schools, and is still at home.

In his political views, Mr. Weber, our sub- ject, is a Democrat, has been active in promot- ing the best interests of his party, and has served his fellow citizens as supervisor, and as school director for two terms. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, with which Church his family is also connected. He is a man of genial disposition and affable manners, and is keen and sagacious in business. In everything pertaining to the up- building of the community he takes an active part, and is a liberal contributor to the enter- prises which insure its progress.

T HOMPSON READ, a prominent agricult- urist of Goshen township, Clearfield coun- ty, is one of the inost highly esteemed citizens, his long and useful life having won the honor which a quiet devotion to duty irresistibly draws. Since 1850-nearly a half a century-he has been an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Clearfield, and throughout his life no measure for the advancement of the community has failed to receive his generous encouragement. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families, of which a more complete record is given in the biography of John A. Read elsewhere.

- Mr. Read was born in Lawrence township, Clearfield county, November 24. 1823. His grandfather, Alexander Read, came from Mary- land at an early day, and after a short residence in Centre county went, in 1802, to Clearfield county. James A. Read, our subject's father, was born in 1795, and consequently was a child when the family moved, in 1803, to the new home which the father had prepared for thein in Lawrence township. He married Miss Margaret

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Ardery, a native of Lawrence township, and a daughter of George and Eleanor (Colter) Ardery, honored pioneers of that locality, now deceased. After his marriage our subject's father settled upon a tract of forest land, of which he in due time made a fine farm. He died there in 1871, his wife having passed to the other world some years before. He was a man of ability, and be- came prominent in local affairs, filling various offices of trust, including that of county commis- sioner, with satisfaction to his constituents and credit to himself. In political faith he was a steadfast Democrat. He liad four children, namely: Eleanor, now Mrs. Ream, of Iowa; Thompson, our subject; Amos, a resident of West Clearfield; and Mathew, who died in Law- rence township, in 1888.

Thompson Read was trained from childhood to the honest industry of a farmer's life, and was educated in the schools of his native township. In 1840 he bought 140 acres of wooded land six miles north of Clearfield, and by toil and man- agement it has been transformed into one of the best farms in the vicinity. The greater portion of it is under cultivation, and there are fine or- chards and substantial buildings, including a com- modious residence and barn. In 1850, Mr. Read married Miss Susannah J. Fulton, a lady of fine intellectual gifts, and a native of Clearfield coun- ty. Her father, Samuel Fulton, was born in Huntingdon county, Penn., in 1805, but went to Clearfield county in early life and made his per- manent home there, becoming one of the influen- tial and respected citizens of that time. Mr. and Mrs. Read have reared a family of four chil- dren: Margaret, now Mrs. Copp, of Altoona, Penn .; Olive at home; John R .; and Blanche, now Mrs. Flegal, of Oregon. Although Mr. Read has always been an ardent Democrat, he has had no desire to enter the political arena.

B URTON WINTER, who for about a third of a century prior to his death, January 29, 1898, had been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Decatur township, Clear- field county, and was the owner of one of the most desirable farms of the community, was born in Monroe county, Penn., in 1842, a son of Ira and Elizabeth (Hayes) Winter, who spent their entire lives in that county. where the father followed the occupation of farming.

Our subject was reared and educated in the county of his nativity, and remained until the South took up arms against the general govern- ment, when he resolved to strike a blow in de- fense of the Union. In Stroudsburg, Monroe

county, he enlisted September 27, 1861, in Com- pany D, 67th P. V. I., for three years, and was mustered into the United States service at Phil- adelphiia, where the regiment was assigned to the Middle Division, Sixth Army Corps. He participated in the battles of Occoquan, Fishers Hill, Cedar Creek and Winchester, at which lat- ter engagement he received a flesh wound and was taken prisoner June 14, 1863. For four months as a prisoner of war, he was confined in Belle Isle and. Libby prisons, but was finally paroled and returned to his regiment at Harper's Ferry. Being taken sick, he was sent to Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he remained from November, 1863, until September, 1864. He then rejoined his regiment, but on October 30, 1864, he was honorably discharged after three years and one month of arduous and faithful service, during which time he experienced the hardships of Southern prison life. On leaving the army, Mr. Winter came to Decatur town- ship, where he made a pleasant home, and in connection with farming worked in the lumber woods.

In Glen Hope, Becaria township, Clearfield county, on October 15, 1865, he was married to Miss Susannah Walker, a native of Indiana county, Penn., and a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Hoffman) Walker. Her father was born, reared, and married in Centre county, and on coming to Clearfield county, located in Decatur township, near the present village of Osceola Mills, which at that time contained only two or three houses. There he erected a sawmill where the tannery now stands, and would haul his lum- ber to Bellefonte. He died in Indiana county, February 5, 1877, long surviving his wife, who passed away April 22, 1854. Their children were Mrs. Jane Pardee, of Decker's Point. Indi- ana county; Mrs. Catharine Walker, of Wood- ward township, Clearfield county; Matthew, of Centre county ; Daniel, of Indiana county; Mrs. Nancy Custard, of Decatur township; and Mrs. Winter. To our subject and his wife were born the following children: Mrs. Rosanna Westover, who resides at Westover, Clearfield county; Pemberton, who is married and lives in the same county; John, who died in boyhood; Mrs. Lizzie B. Britton, of Decatur township; Mrs. Milletta Westover, of Westover; Ira; Uz; Burton; Char- ley; and Lucy.

Mr. Winter through life had always been a stalwart Republican, and for three years he cred- itably served as supervisor of his township. Fra- ternally he affiliated with Lieut. William H. Kin- kaid Post, No. 293, G. A. R., and thus kept up his acquaintance with his army comrades. He

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was not only true to his country in her hour of peril, but in times of peace proved himself a 7 valuable and public-spirited citizen, doing all within his power to promote her interests and ad- vance the welfare of the general community.

J OSIAH S. RICHARDS is a prominent and enterprising lumberman of Greenwood town- ship, Clearfield county. Comparatively few men can attain to the highest offices in civil or military life, but in America the opportunity for advancement in business circles is open to all. and one may exercise his powers unrestrained and gain an enviable place in the ranks of trade. Mr. Richards has been dependent upon his own resources from an early age, and the success he has achieved is the reward of his own labors. while his life record furnishes a striking example of what can be accomplished by determined and honorable purpose.

Mr. Richards was born in Boggs township, Clearfield county, September 5, 1850, and is a son of James and Susanna (Dixon) Richards. His grandfather, George Richards, was a son of a Welsh emigrant, who, coming to America, lo- cated in Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, Penn., among its first settlers. George Richards was there reared and followed farming, also was employed at the Curtin iron furnace. His death occurred in Centre county. His children were: James; Jesse; Henry; Hardman; Reuben; Will- iam; Armour; Alexander; Maria, wife of J. C. Calhoun; Mrs. Sophia Stover; and Mrs. Saralı McGarvey, whose husband was a soldier in the Mexican war. The parents were members of the Presbyterian Church, and the mother bore the family name of McMullen.

James Richards was reared on a farm in Cen- tre county, and in early life was employed in the iron works there, In 1834 he was married in that county to Susanna Dixon, and in 1838 came to Clearfield county, locating near the present site of Wallaceton. He afterward took up his residence on a tract of wild land which he trans- formed into a good farm. In 1866 he removed to Ohio, and purchased a large farm, which he operated until his death in 1869. He was a stanch Republican in politics, and filled some township offices. He and his wife held member- ship in the Methodist Church. The family re- mained in Ohio for about two years after the father's death, and then returned to Clearfield county, where the mother died in August, 1876. Eleven of their children reached mature years, namely: Hardman Mahaffee, who served in the Civil war; John, a Union soldier, who was taken

prisoner, and is supposed to have starved to death in Andersonville: George, who served three years in the Iroth P. V. I., and is now making his home in Erie; Tama, wife of J. Ulrick; Sarah. twin sister of Tama, and the deceased wife of A. Guinn, a soldier in the Union army from Blair county, Penn .; Mrs. Martha Guinn; Josiah S. ; Daniel. a farmer; Curtin, a lumberman; Emma, wife of R. White, of Canada; and Velma, now Mrs. Aska, of Osceola.

Josiah S. Richards accompanied his parents on their various removals, and returned with the family to Clearfield county when sixteen years of age. They had little means of support, and he at once sought and found employment in the lumber woods. For thirty years he has been connected with the lumber business, and in 18So he began jobbing on his own account. During the years 1869 and 1870 he worked in the lumber forests of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and also en- gaged in farming to some extent in the latter State. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and in 1875 was married. Owning property in Houtzdale, Clearfield Co., Penn., he there made his home for twelve years. He also owned real estate in Patton, and in 1895 purchased an im- proved farm in connection with his brother. [This is part of the McCracken estate, and is pleasantly situated by the river. ]

In 1888 Mr. Richards established a lumber camp there, making a contract with Mr. Irvin. In the following year he establised a camp near Penfield, but after one season passed there he returned to Greenwood township. In the fol- lowing year, while engaged in lumbering. he sus- tained an injury which caused him to remain in a hospital for some time. When he had recov- ered he drove logs on the river, and later, in con- nection with his brother, made a contract with Col. Irvin, and afterward contracted for the lum- ber interests in the land of Governor Bigler. He is now operating a large force of men there, and also conducts a store at the camp. He is thor- oughly familiar with the lumber business in every department, and his managerial ability, his keen foresight and enterprise have brought to him a handsome return for his labors.

Mr. Richards was united in marriage, in 1875, with Rachel Henry, of Indiana county, Penn., a daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah (Radcliffe) Henry, the former of whom was born in Mifflin county, Penn .. whence he moved to Indiana county, where he married Sarah Radcliffe, who was a native of Ireland, coming to this country with her parents. Two brothers of Mrs. Henry started West in 1849, and after a short stay in Utah proceeded to the gold fields of California.

& & Richardo

LUMBER CAMP OF J. S. RICHARDS, CLEARFIELD COUNTY, PENN.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD,

Later these brothers, David and James Radcliffe, returned to Pennsylvania and during the Civil war entered the Union army, Both are still living. Jeremiah Henry was reared in Mifflin county, and throughout his life followed the shoe- maker's trade. He was a Republican in politics, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in 1882. His children were: Mrs. Richards; Emma, wife of W. Smith; James, a saddler, of Gettysburg, Penn. : Jennie. deceased; Mollie, wife of J. Colmer; William, who is con- ducting a restaurant in Du Bois, Clearfield Co , Penn. ; Phobe, wife of J. Rodkey; Anna B., wife of J. Williams; Sarah, deceased; and Samuel and John, at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Richards have seven children, as follows: John D., Edward G., Naomia Grace (deceased), James S., Earl Daton, Harry L. and Elva W. Mr. Richards is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies, and has filled some of the offices in the latter. His wife holds member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Since attaining his majority he has given his political support to the Republican party, and is deeply in- terested in its success; has been overseer of the poor, also school director of Green township, Clearfield county.

J TOHN B. GARRISON, who throughout his entire life has been identified with the agri. cultural interests of Clearfield county, was born in Pike township, July 27. 1827, a son of Mason and Betsey (Bloom) Garrison. The fa- ther was a native of the Old Dominion, where he worked in a cotton factory during early life, but at the age of twenty he came to Clearfield county.

After being variously employed for three or four years, he and George Leach built the first woolen-mill in central Pennsylvania, which they conducted for about twelve years, and then sold the machinery to a factory erected at Bridge- port. Subsequently, Mr. Garrison bought a tract of wild land, from which he developed a good farm, now known as the John Holden place, and there spent his remaining days, dying in August, 1861. In connection with his farming opera- tions, he also mined coal during the winter sea- son, which he would raft down the river. Polit- ically, he was an ardent Democrat, and served for four years as justice of the peace, He-was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which the mother of our subject also belonged.

While conducting his woolen-factory Mason Garrison married Miss Betsey Bloom. Her fa- ther, Isaac Bloon, was a native of New Jersey,

came to Pennsylvania about 1795, and arrived in Clearfield county in 1802, accompanied by his fa- ther, William Bloom, who for six years served in the Revolutionary war. To Mr. and Mrs. Gar- rison were born twelve children, six of whom lived to adult age, naniely: Isaac, a resident of Kansas; Mrs. Amanda Detrich, now deceased; John B .: Mrs. Philena Leach, deceased; Mrs. Marian Woods, of Ohio; and Levi, of New Jer- sey. The mother of these children died about 1850, and the father subsequently wedded Eliza- beth Templeton, who belonged to a pioneer family of Clearfield county, and by her he had four children: Annie, James, Emma and Zach- ariah.

In a private school of his native county, John B. Garrison was educated, and upon the home farm he became familiar with agricultural pur- suits, which he decided to make his life work. Upon his marriage he left the parental roof and located upon the farm in Pike township, which is still his home. It was covered with a heavy growth of timber, which he at once began to clear, erected a small house and later built a sawmill, where he converted his trees into lumber, which he would then raft down the river to mar- ket; but the prices he received were very small. From time to time he purchased other wooded tracts of land, and from the timber manufactured lumber, successfully continuing this business for thirty years. He now gives his attention exclu- sively to the cultivation and improvement of his valuable farm of ninety-two acres, eighty of which have been cleared of the stumpsand placed under the plow. His residence is a good, two-story frame structure, located two miles south of Cur- wensville, and is surrounded by all the out- buildings to be found upon a model farm. In the orchard is a fine variety of fruit trees, which never fail to bear. In connection with his home farm Mr. Garrison has also sixty-three acres of raw timber land in Lawrence township, at the mouth of Hog Back run, on which has been opened up a fire-clay mine, while underlying his farin is found a good grade of coal, and also fire-clay.

In 1848, Mr. Garrison was married to Miss Abigail Bloom, a daughter of John and Susie (High) Bloom, in whose family were eleven chil- dren: Mary, Eve, Catharine, Abraham H., Matthew, Margaret, George, David, Sophia, Abi- gail and John I. Of these, seven are living, in- cluding Eve, who has now reached the age of eighty-eight years. The father, who belonged to the original Bloom family of Revolutionary fame, was among the earliest settlers of central Pennsylvania, and in Pike township, Clearfield county, engaged in farmning and reared his fain-

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ily. He was born January 25, 1786, and died in June, 1872; his wife was born June 2, 1788, and died in 1874, both at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years.

Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. .Garrison, five grew to manhood and woman- hood: Catharine, wife of T. Farnsworth, a farmer by occupation; Philena, wife of William K. Henderson, a farmer; Julia A., wife of Will- iam Kanar, of Du Bois, Penn .; Mirta T., wife of Elmer Smith, a mechanic; and Jesse B., who is living upon the homestead farm. The parents and children are all consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them. Since casting his first vote, Mr. Garrison has always been a solid Democrat in politics, and although he has filled some township offices has never aspired to official distinction.

C URTIS REAMS. Among the agriculturists of Decatur township, Clearfield county, who · have attained success in their chosen vocation, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is one of the most progressive and ener- getic farmers in this section of the country, and is a complete master of the calling which he is following. His entire life has been passed in the township, which is still his home, having been born there in 1826.

John Reams, father of our subject, was born in Centre county, in 1777, a son of Frederick Reams, who was also a native of that county. There John Reams was united in marriage with Frances Carney, and in 1822 they came to De- catur township, Clearfield county, taking up their residence in the woods, where he developed a farm. In 1848 he purchased the place where our subject yet resides, and made his home there until called to his final rest, in 1861. The death of his wife occurred in 1871. In their family were six children: Lydia, wife of William A. Bloom, of New Millport, Clearfield county; Sophia, wife of A. Baughman, of Montgomery county, Md .; Curtis, of this sketch; John, a resi- dent of Decatur township; Mrs. Mary Ann Gard- ner, of Tyrone, Penn. ; and William A., of Os- ceola Mills.

Curtis Reams received his education in the common schools of Decatur township, and as soon as old enough began to assist his father in the operation of the home farm. In connection with agricultural pursuits he also successfully en- gaged in lumbering during early life. While thus calinly employed, the storm of war broke

out, and bidding adieu to home and its influences, Mr. Reams enlisted at Osceola Mills, in Company E, 149th P. V. I., for three years, or during the war, and was mustered in at Harrisburg. Later he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. and stationed at Point Lookout, St. Mary's county, Md., where he guarded prisoners. At Frederick City, in that State, he was honorably discharged, in August, 1865, and returned to his home in Decatur township. He owns the old homestead, comprising eighty-four acres of well- improved land, and the well-tilled fields and neat appearance of the place testify to his thrift and industry.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 85

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