Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 87

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 87
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 87
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 87
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 87

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Our subject was born on July 1, 1837, a son of George and Sarah (Graham) Wilson. The birth of the father occurred August 1. 1811, in Huntingdon county, Penn., whence when an in- fant he was brought to Bradford township, Clear- field county, by his father, David Wilson, who here engaged in farming until called to the world beyond. George was the eldest of his children, the others being as follows: David, who died in Bradford township, in February, 1896; Mrs. V. B. Holt, S. P. and John, all of whom died in the same township; Matthew, who died in Bradford township, in 1890; Mrs. James Hollenbeck, who died in Clearfield county; and Mrs. Robert Shaw, who died in Bradford township.

In the same township George Wilson was married to Sarah Graham, a daughter of William Graham, who was also one of the honored pio- neers of Bradford township, where his death oc- curred. The young couple began their domestic life upon a timber tract of 105 acres, which Mr. Wilson purchased, and from the same developed an excellent farm. There he died in 1893. He was a Democrat in politics, and was widely and favorably known throughout the community. His widow resides on the old homestead at this writing, aged eighty-two years. They were the parents of six children: Isaac, of this review; Maria, who became the wife of John Forcey, and died in Bradford township, in 1888; Cornelius, who enlisted in 1861, in Company K, 84th P. V. I., under Capt. M. Ogden, and died in Wash- ington, D. C., in 1863; Cyrus, a resident of Cur- wensville, Clearfield county; Hiram, who lives in the city of Clearfield; James, who resides on the old home farm in Bradford township; and Mil- ton, a resident of Clearfield.

Isaac Wilson obtained a good practical edu- cation in the district schools of his native town- ship, and on starting out in life for himself en- gaged in rafting on the river and lumbering in connection with agricultural pursuits, commenc- ing at the age of fourteen years, and following the saine for forty years. At the present time, however, he gives his exclusive attention to farming with most gratifying results. In 1862 he purchased his present farm of 202 acres, known as the Stewart farm, of which fifty acres had been cleared, but now eighty acres have been placed under the plow and yield a ready return for the care and labor bestowed upon them.

In Bradford township, in 1859, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Emma Pow-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1012

nell, a native of Morris township, Clearfield county, and a daughter of Jonas and Mary Pow- nell, who were pioneers of that township, where both died. Our subject has been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in August, 1888. Six sons and one daughter were born to them, namely: Elbridge, a resident of Clearfield, who married Eva Spence, and has four children; Edwin S. and Curtin G., also of Clearfield; Oscar MI., a minister of the United Brethren Church, located at Bigler, Clearfield county; Warren S., of the boroughi of Clearfield; and Rev. A. B. and Emma Melissa, at home.

Mr. Wilson is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, in the success of which he takes an active interest. He is a prominent and leading member of the United Brethren Church, and was one of the organizers and promoters of the Bigler camp meeting, with which he has since been identified. His support is cheerfully given to all worthy enterprises having for their object the betterment of mankind or the welfare of the community, and as an upright, honorable citizen, he justly deserves representation in any history of Clearfield county.

J TOHN FRANKLIN PETERS was born Octo- ber 9, 1852, on the farm in Boggs township, Clearfield county, on which he still makes his home, and is a son of Jonas H. and Jane (Gearhart) Peters. The mother belonged to an honored pioneer family of Clearfield county, while the father came from Centre county, Penn. They were married in Clearfield county, and be- gan their domestic life in Philipsburg. The pa- ternal grandfather, Leonard Peters, belonged to one of the old Pennsylvania-German families, that for many years had been prominently and honorably connected with the agricultural and mechanical interests of this State. The mater- nal grandfather, John Gearhart, came to Clear- field county in 1820, and is numbered aniong its leading pioneers. In 1870 his descendants held a reunion at the old home place, at which were present 138 children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was long a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Church, and a man of high standing in the community.

Jonas H. Peters was a carpenter by trade, and in 1846 located on the farm which is now the home of our subject. At that time there had been a small clearing made, and the improve- ments consisted of a log house and log barn. Mr. Peters plowed and planted the land, devel- oped it into rich and fertile fields, and erected substantial buildings. In connection with farm-

ing he also carried on carpentering. He was the first to discover fire-clay in Clearfield county, and afterward gave his attention largely to the ship- ping of this clay, for which he found a ready market in Harrisburg and Pittsburg. While working in a mine of the Harrisburg Clay Co., he was killed by the caving in of a roof, December 22, 1880. He was widely and favorably known, was a recognized leader in the ranks of the Democracy in this locality, and held many township offices. For over forty years he was a leading member of the Methodist Church, and his wife always aided him in his Christian work. They had a family of six children: Clarissa, who be- came the wife of J. W. Waple, and died leaving ten children; William H., who is superintendent of the clay inines of the Clearfield Fire Brick Co., and hauled the first load of fire-clay in the county; John F .: Sarah, wife of Hon. Charles King, ex-member of the Pennsylvania Legislature; C. A., a carpenter by trade, who married Ella Mullen, and is the father of ten children; and Miriam Ella, wife of George M. Rhule, of Phil- ipsburg.

John F. Peters was reared to the peaceful pursuits of a farmer. At the age of seventeen he aided in digging the first load of fire-clay ever secured in Clearfield county, and for many years he was employed in connection with the clay business, the Clearfield Fire Brick Co. adjoining his farm. He was thus engaged until after his father's death, in 1880, when his mother re- moved to Blue Ball, where she is yet living, and he took charge of the home farm. He has since purchased this property, which comprises 113 acres, seventy-five of which are under a high state of cultivation. This is one of the best fruit farms in the county, and he cultivates the finest varieties of apples, pears, plums and peaches, and the excellent care which he gives his orchard always insures a good crop. He has one variety of plums which measures seven and one-half inches around, and another five and one half. On the farm are also undeveloped fire- clay beds, within two miles of Blue Ball. Since purchasing t'ie farm, Mr. Peters has erected a commodious two-story frame dwelling, a good barn, and other substantial outbuildings, and has made many other improvements which add to the value and attractive appearance of the place.

On September 16, 1879, Mr. Peters married Miss Netta McEwen, who was born May 11, 1854, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Shunkwiler) McEwen, both of Centre county, Penn. Her father came to Clearfield county about 1846, and engaged in lumbering on Lick Run. He afterward followed railroading, and lo-

Frank Peters

1013

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cated at Unionville, where he died April 30, 1873. His wife died at Lick Run Mills. They were parents of six children, of whom one died in early life; the others are Alonzo, a tanner; William, who is engaged in the lumber business; Netta; Mrs. Sade Burlie; and Mrs. Melissa St. Clair; the last named is now. deceased. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peters, three of whom died within eleven days of each other of diphtheria; they were Howard A., Frank and Elizabeth, aged nine, five and three years, respectively. Those living are Jennie, at this writing fourteen years of age; Charles S., seven years old; Clarence, five years old; and Belle, three years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Peters were both reared in the faith of the Methodist Church, to which they still adhere, and he is a member of several fra- ternal societies, including the American Me- chanics, Royal Arcanum and the Ancient Order of Knights of the Mystic Chain. His entire life has been passed in Clearfield county, and among his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood, a fact which indicates his honorable career. Politically, he is an adherent of the Democratic party.

J H. BAILEY, a prominent real-estate dealer of Du Bois, Clearfield county, is a son of the well-known pioneer of that section, the late Caleb Bailey, and can well remember the days when deep and unbroken forests covered Brady township, and the now populous region around Du Bois.

Mr. Bailey's ancestors were early settlers in Lycoming county, Penn., and his father, who was bori: there in 1797, came, in 1809, to Clearfield county, where he spent his remaining years. For some time during his boyhood he was employed : in carrying the mail from Bellefonte to Franklin, Penn. He was married in Clearfield county to Miss Jemima Sutherland, and then settled in the woods in Brady township to clear a homestead for himself. His energy and foresight were dis- played in the acquirement of a large amount of land, two fine farms having been developed by him. His estimable wife passed to the unseen life in 1880, his death occurring four years later. They had six children. all of whom settled in Clearfield county: Elizabeth (now Mrs. Bole) resides in Pike township; Henry lives in Union township; Moses died in Pike township; J. H., our subject, is mentioned more fully below; Me- linda (Mrs. Courtney), who died in Du Bois, was one of the first settlers in that town, her home being located on the corner of Long avenue and i

Brady street, then called Courtney street; and S. M., is married and resides in Du Bois.

J. H. Bailey was born at the Brady township homestead in 1833, and was reared to farm life. receiving educational privileges common to coun- try youths of that day, in a log school house with primitive furniture. In early manhood he fol- lowed farming and lumbering for some time, clearing and cultivating land in Brady and Union townships, and later he removed to Grampian, Penn., to engage in mercantile business. On disposing of this, he returned to his native town- ship and bought an improved farm, and in 1894 located in Du Bois, where he is now one of the most successful real-estate dealers. He owns nine residences in Washington street and two in Jared street, in Du Bois, and still retains his in- terest in the old homestead:

In 1857 Mr. Bailey was married, in his native township, to Miss Esther Schofield, a daughter of Josepli Schofield, a respected pioneer of Union township, Clearfield county, where she was born and reared. She died in 1885, and in the following year Mr. Bailey married Miss Sarah Agnes Horn. also a native of Pennsylvania. There are two living children by the first marriage: Ida, now Mrs. John Hayes, and Chauncey, both of whom reside in Brady township. By the second union there is one daughter, Esther Ballou. As a pub- lic-spirited citizen, Mr. Bailey takes keen interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community. He is a leading member of the M. E. Church, and is prominent in local politics as a member of the Republican party, having served ably for two term as supervisor of his native township.

D ANIEL J. KLINE is an exemplar of the truth that success is usually the outgrowth of energy, consecutive effort and perseverance. and not the result of genius, as some believe. He follows lumbering and farming in Woodward township, Clearfield county, and by reason of his honorable dealing and executive ability has prof- ited in his undertakings.

Mr. Kline is of German descent. His grand- father, Daniel Kline, was born, reared and mar- ried in Germany, and after coming to America located in Reading. Penn .. where occurred the birth of Daniel D. Kline (the father of our sub- ject). He came to Centre county, and was mar- ried near Rock Forge to Catherine Stover, after which he removed to Centre Hall, where he was employed as clerk in a store for a number of years. During that time he read medicine, in course of time began practicing, at the same time compounded medicines, which he would sell

1014

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

throughout the surrounding country. About 1830 he removed his family to Clearfield county, locating a mile from Bigler, where he purchased and cleared twenty-five acres of timber land. He erected there a house, barn, office and drug store, and carried on a successful business as a farmer, physician and druggist for ten years. He then sold, and purchased eighty acres on the Erie pike, about two miles west of Blue Ball, where he built a house and office, and continued in business for a number of years. Again he sold, and removing to Fishtown there purchased ten acres of land, erected thereon a residence and office, and engaged in the practice of medi- cine for a number of years. On disposing of that property he bought twenty-five acres at Blue Ball, built a house and office, and was an active practitioner there until -removing to Os- ceola, where he practiced until the fire destroyed the town, whereby he lost all his property. With undaunted energy, however, he erected new buildings on his ground, and remained a practitioner of Osceola for a few years, after which he spent two years in Blue Ball. He then returned to Osceola, where he continued in act- ive practice until within a short time of his death, which occurred in 1891.

(1) George W., the eldest child in the family, was born in Mill Hall Centre, came with his par- ents to Clearfield county, and was educated in Decatur township. . He there married Susan Kephart, and located near the John Goss home- stead, devoting his energies to carpentering until 1863, when he joined the Union army as a mem- ber of the 149th P. V. I. He was seriously wounded in the face at the battle of the Wilder- ness, and remained in hospital until after his re- covery, when he returned home on furlough. Later he rejoined his regiment, but on account of disability he was discharged. Removing to Mercer county, Penn., he was employed as fore- man by Gaston, Williams & Kline, extensive lumber dealers, with whom he remained until his death, in 18S6. This resulted from the wonnds which he sustained in the war. He left a widow and eight children, namely: J. B. H., who was married in Mercer county, and is now boss filer in a large mill in Virginia; W. D., who is mar- ried and resides on a farm in Mercer county; Sadie, who is married and lives in Oil City, Penn .; Laura, wife of Andy Smith, of Crawford county, Penn., by whom she has three children; Emma and Blanche, who are married and reside in Mer- cer county; Elda and Maud. The mother of this family died in 1891.

(2) D. F. Kline, the second son of Dr. Kline, was born in Mill Hall, and educated in Decatur

township, Clearfield county, whither he removed with his parents. He married Amanda L. Goss, of Decatur township, and now resides in Osceola. He has eight children -- Richard, married, lives in Oakdale, Penn., is one of the most expert machinists in the State, and is now employed in the manufacture of oil tools. Charles, married, has one son; is employed in the Pie foundry in Osceola. George also works in Osceola. Gene- vieve is the wife of Michael Schullen, of Osceola, and has one child. Benjamin is employed in the Pie foundry. Mary, Pearl and Justin Pie are at home.

(3) Dr. J. H. Kline was born at Mill Hall, attended the common schools, and after studying medicine for three years in his father's office completed a course in Jefferson Medical University, Philadelphia. He then married Sophie Radebach, of Blue Ball, where he en- gaged in practice for a number of years; then joined the medical fraternity of Osceola. Later he practiced for about two years in Mercer coun- ty, Penn., since which time he has been success- fully prosecuting his profession in Penfield. He has five children-Georgie, married, resides in New York; Emma, married, lives in Penfield, where her husband is superintendent of a tan- nery; John, married, lives in Penfield; and one, at home, whose name is not given.

(4) Mary A., born in Mill Hall, was educated in the schools of Decatur township, Clear- field county, married Vincent Smeal, of Blue Ball, and is yard boss of a mill in Irvona. Clear- field county. They have children as follows -- Cassie, wife of William Kephart, who is employed in a tannery in Irvona, by whom she has four children; Daniel, in Virginia; Ida, wife of Jerry Warwick, a farmer living near Glen Hope, by whom she has two children; Frank, of Irvona, who married Clara Russell, of Woodward town- ship, and has two children; John, of Woodward township, who married Minnie Bowman. and has four children; George, in Ohio; Mrs. Rosie Ever- ly, of Irvona, who has one child; Emma. of Irvona, who is married and has one child; Sophie, Earl and Owen, at home.

(5) Sophie Kline, who was born in Clearfield county, married Jesse Smeal, of Decatur town- ship, and resided on his farm at Blue Ball until her death. She left three children-Edward, Leonard, and Bertie, wife of Levi Kyler, of Woodland; Mrs. Kyler has one child. (6) James M. Kline, born in Clearfield county, was a natural mechanic, an expert wood-worker: died in Osce- ola at the age of twenty-six. (7) Emma, a native of Clearfield, married John Melwood. of Osceola, where she resided until her death; she

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1015

left three children. (S) Frank, born in Clear- field, resides with his mother in Osceola, where he is employed as engineer in a tannery.

Daniel J. Kline, whose name introduces this article, was born in Mill Hall, Centre county, in 1837, and came with his parents to Clearfield county when about eight years of age. He was educated in the schools of Decatur township, and worked on the Goss farm for about eight years, also spent a similar period in the Goss sawmill, serving as foreman a greater part of the time. He was married, in 1858, to Sophie Goss, the only daughter of John and Rachel Goss, hon- ored pioneers of Clearfield county. After his marriage, Mr. Kline purchased a half interest in the sawmill, and in 200 acres of pine timber. He then engaged in the manufacture of sawed lumber, also cleared about forty acres of his land, erected a good two-story residence and a bank barn. After two years .he sold to John L. Cuttle, and bought 140 acres of the John Goss homestead, where he erected a residence. Two years were there passed, when he sold to L. J. Kraus, of Clearfield. In 1864 he purchased 150 acres of land, forty of which were cleared, and in course of time he placed the entire amount under cultivation. He also bought one hundred acres adjoining, of which he cleared forty acres. planting it with wheat and rye; but his crops were destroyed by the memorable June frost of that year. Although he suffered a heavy loss in this way, he resolutely continued farming and lumbering, and erected on his land a good house, bank barn and substantial outbuildings. His barn was destroyed by fire with all its contents, including a large amount of wheat, rye and oats. eighteen tons of hay, two buggies, a wagon, and much farm machinery. In 1895-96 he rebuilt his house, put up an extensive barn, and made other substantial improvements.

Mr. and Mrs. Kline have eight children: (1)

J. W., born March 22. 1861, and educated in the cominon schools of Woodward township, was married January 30, 1890, to Harriet Holeman, of that township. He has since lived on a part of his father's land. He had three children- William M., born May 23. 1890, died January 26, 1892; Della May, born January 13, 1892; and Earl, born July 17. 1893. (2) Catharine Emma, born August 29, 1864, is the wife of George Newton, who is employed by Burton Merritt, of Winburne. He owns property in that town and also a farm in Boggs township, Clearfield county. Mr. and Mrs. Newton have six children-Annie, William, Mary, Jane. Rob- bie and Emma Pearl. (3) D. W. Klinc, born October 3. 1866, was married in 1886, to Tishie

Kline. He owns a good residence in Glen Richey, where he is employed by the Blooming- ton Coal Co. He has six children-Blake, Susie, Paul, Bessie, Lennie, and one whose name is not given. (4) Mary E., born July 26, 1869, is the wife of John Bush, of Boggs township, who now owns the Henry Goss farm. They have six chil- dren-Charles, Bertie, Lynn, Frank, Carrie, and one whose name is not given. (5) Francis B., born November 1, 1872, died August 4, 1873. (6) Benjamin Thomas, born June 1, 1874, is at home. (7) Albert M., born January 27, 1878, died on the 11th of August of that year. (S) Annie A., born December 22, 1879, is with her parents.

In politics, Mr. Kline has always been a Re- publican, and at different times has held the offices of supervisor, school director and tax col- lector. He is a member and trustee of the United Brethren Church, and is a liberal con- tributor to Church and educational interests, and to all the enterprises calculated to benefit the community. He owns one of the finest farms in the county, and his life has been well spent, justly entitling him to the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

S IDNEY SMITH, a well-known and highly- respected farmer and lumberman of Bloom township, Clearfield county, is a native of Clar- ion county, Penn. His father, James Smith. was a native of Centre county, whence he came to Brady township, Clearfield county, and later removed to Clarion county, where he married Miss Hannah Dale, and where two children were born to them. On leaving his farm in that coun- ty, he took up his residence in Jefferson county, this State, where he also carried on agricultural pursuits for a few years, and then returned to Brady township, Clearfield county. Later he came to Bloom township, locating on what is known as the Stull farm, where he continued to rcside some nine years, and then came to the place now owned and occupied by our subject. Here his death occurred in 1887; his widow is still living on a part of the old homestead, with her son, Elmer.

In the family were seven children-five sons and two daughters-as follows: William C., who engaged in lumbering in Oregon for a few years, and there died; Sidney; G. L., a farmer of Bloom township, who married Nora Leech, and has cight children: Maggie A., who resides with her mother and brother; R. Milton, a farmer of Bloom township, who married Susan Leech, and has four children; Eliner, who marricd Maggie

1016

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Spencer, and has five children; and Emma, who died at the age of two years.

By his marriage, Sidney Smith, our subject, had a family of nine children, all at home, their names and ages at this writing being as follows: Furman, eighteen; Virginia May, sixteen; Millie, thirteen; Grover Cleveland, eleven; Alice W., nine; George Leslie, six; and Zora Marie, four years. Mr. Smith is a thorough and skillful farmer, a fact plainly indicated by the neat and thrifty appearance of his place, and the success that he has achieved in his chosen calling is cer- tainly well-deserved, for he is industrious. enter- prising and energetic. He is a man of genuine worth, and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors. In him the Democratic party has one of its most earnest supporters.

W ILLIAM C. RUSSELL, one of the enter- prising young business men of Grampian, Clearfield county, is a valued citizen of that com- munity, and is now serving in the official position of justice of the peace. Much of his life has been passed in Clearfield county, and by all who know him he is held in the highest esteem.

Joseph G. Russell. father of our subject. was born in Frederick county. Md., October 14. 1822, and on removing to Clearfield county in 1839 took up his residence in Penn township, where he purchased land and followed farming. He also built a tannery, and carried on that business for a number of years: but in course of time he abandoned that industry and gave his entire at- tention to agricultural pursuits. He was married August 19, 1850. to Margaret Carlisle, who was born in Clearfield county, July 14. 1832. Dur- ing the Civil war he enlisted. in 1863. in Coni- pany K. 149th P. V. I., and after his return fol- lowed farming in Penn township until the spring of 1869. when he removed with his family to North Carolina. In the autumn of 1872 he re- turned to Clearfield county, where he continued until 1879, in which year he made his residence in Stark county. Ohio. He died November 16, 1896, and is buried in Alliance, Ohio.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 87

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