Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 9

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 9
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 9
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 9
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 9

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).

John Potter, our subject's father, was born in 1797 in Penn's Valley, Centre county, near the Old Fort, whence in early childhood he was taken to Clarion county by his father. He mar- ried Miss Nancy Thompson, and a family of eight children were born of this union: Florinda Inarried Matthew Wilson, of Indiana county, Penn., and has two children; Alexander T. lives in Colorado; Margaret married A. Beck, now proprietor of the " Jones House " at Clarion; our subject comes next; Mary Ann (deceased) mar- ried (first) John Patterson, who died in the army, and she subsequently wedded Erastus Clough, who survives her; Rebecca is the deceased wife of James Brisben; Arnold P. is a farmer in Clear- field county; and Albert W. is in the oil business in Washington county, Pennsylvania.

Dr. J. W. Potter was born March 6, 1835, in Clarion county, Penn., whence at the age of nineteen he moved to Clearfield county. His first nineteen years were spent upon the farm, his studies in the local schools being interspersed with the "chores" so familiar to every country lad. His practical experience in agriculture not creating for him an enthusiastic desire to make of it a life pursuit, he turned his attention to teaching, as a steeping-stone to the medical pro- fession. While thus employed he took a pre- liminary course of reading in medicine, and later attended the National Medical College at Wash- ington City, which was broken up in 1861, the building being taken for a hospital. On return- ing home, Dr. Potter practiced his profession, and also engaged in business as a lumberman and merchant. For about eight years he conducted a store at Pottersdale (named in honor of our subject), in Clearfield county, and in the end the demands of his financial enterprises, which proved profitable, led him to retire from med- ical practice. He has given some attention to the affairs of the County National Bank, at Clearfield, in which he is a director and stock- holder, and his well-known ability as a financier has made him a valued adviser in many import- ant enterprises. In political movements he is also active and influential, and in 1874 he was elected on the Independent Democratic ticket to the State Legislature, where he made an ex- cellent record.

Dr. Potter's wife, formerly Miss A. R. Huff- man. is a native of Clarion county, born in 1841. Their home has been brightened by eight children. but four died in childhood, and a daughter, Em- ily, passed away at the age of sixteen. The sur- vivors are: (1) Roger L., who married Miss Edith Carlisle, and has one child-Emily; (2) William B., who married Miss Emily M. Emer-

yours truly A. W. Potu Mis

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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ick, and has three children-Bessie, Grace, and J. W., Jr .; and (3) Frank M., who is at home. The family attend the Presbyterian Church, of which the Doctor is a leading member, and in all the varied movements which tend to promote local progress, he has always taken an active part. In 1894 he moved to the county seat from Keewaydin, Covington township, where he still owns a fine farm property.

J JAMES A. MAXWELL, M. D. (deceased). The world has little use for the misanthrope. The universal truth of brotherhood is widely recognized, and man's usefulness in the world is measured by what he has done for his fellow men. There is no profession or line of business that calls for greater self-sacrifice or more de- voted attention than the medical profession, and the successful physician is he who, for humanity's sake, gives his time and attention for the relief of suffering. Our subject was one of the ablest , representatives of this noble calling in Clearfield county, and for nearly thirty years was actively engaged in practice at Curwensville.

Dr. Maxwell was born March 22, 1840, in Newport, Perry Co., Penn., the fifth in a family of six children, whose parents, Andrew B. and Isabella (Smith) Maxwell, were also natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter and builder, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. Their family numbered four children: Mary, wife of Rev. Deterick; James A., our subject; Mrs. Elizabeth Mowry, and Martha, who died in childhood.

James A. Maxwell acquired his education in the common schools, and at the age of twelve years entered the office of the Hollidaysburg Reg- ister with the intention of learning the printer's trade. At the same time he continued his edu- cation in the Hollidaysburg Academy. After four years spent in the printing office he returned home, and with the family went to Chambers- burg, Penn., where he secured a position in the Franklin Repository, a newspaper, and at the same time attended the academy there. Later he determined to enter the medical profession, and in the spring of 1861 began a course of study under the direction of Dr. A. H. Sensney. For three years he studied in that office, and in the winter of 1863-64 attended a course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. In April of the latter year he was appointed medical cadet in the regular ariny, and was stationed at the Post Hospital, in Chambersburg, but was

afterward transferred to the Mcclellan United States Hospital in Philadelphia. There he re- mained for a year, during which period he de- voted considerable time to study, and then returned to the Jefferson Medical College. where he was graduated in the spring of 1866, with the degree of M. D. After his graduation, for one year Dr. Maxwell practiced in Franklin county, then came to Curwensville, where from 1867 until the time of his death he made his home contin- uously. The high esteem in which he was held in the community was well merited, for he made no distinction between the rich and the poor, giving his services as freely when there was no remuneration to be expected as when he knew that a fair compensation would be received.

In 1869 the Doctor was married to Rebecca L. Ross, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Jordan) Ross. Her father was a surveyor, born in Clearfield county, and was most widely and favorably known. He and his wife both died in Curwensville. Dr. and Mrs. Maxwell became the parents of nine children, of whom six are living, namely: Irene, Eugene, Ada, Fraut, Mary and James. Dr. Maxwell was identified with the Presbyterian Church, and his wife with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Re- public. In the line of his profession he was connected with the County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, was examiner for sixteen life insurance companies, and for five years was a member of the U. S. pension examining board. His skill and ability in the line of his profession gained for him marked prestige, and at the time of his death he was one of the most prominent physicians and honored citizens of Curwensville.

J OHN L. LIGHTNER, one of the wide- awake, progressive citizens of Clearfield county, is a leader in business circles in Be- caria township, with whose upbuilding and pros- perity he has been prominently identified, and through his own exertions he has become one of the substantial men of the community. His father, John Lightner, Sr., was born in Cumber- land Valley, near Carlisle, Penn. ; but when a lad of thirteen years he left home and soon lost all trace of his family, so that nothing is known of the early ancestors of our subject.

The father finally located in Lancaster coun- ty, Penn., where he became a contractor on the tide-water canal, and later built the first bridge acoss the Susquehanna river at Columbia.

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There he remained until his marriage to Miss Ann Groom, who was born in Bucks county, Penn., in 1820, and when quite young removed to Co- lumbia, Lancaster county, with her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Groom. In May, 1835, she became the wife of Mr. Lightner, and at the age of seventy-seven years is still quite active; she resides on the old homestead in Clearfield county, where most of her married life was passed. She was a faithful helpmeet, sharing with her husband all the hardships and trials of pioneer life in order to make a home for their family.

For a short time after his marriage, John Lightner, Sr., engaged in the grocery business at Columbia, and attended the outlet lock of the : Pennsylvania Canal Co. until the spring of 1847, when he removed to Clearfield county, bringing . who was married and lived in Irvona, Clearfield his household goods by canal boat to Water county; George (now married), who follows lumbering; Harry, also a lumberman, who is married and lives in Irvona; Roby, at home; and Blake, a lumberman, at home. street, where they were loaded into wagons and hauled across the mountains to Becaria town- ship. There he purchased 125 acres known as the Thomas Wilson farm, a few acres of which had been cleared and improved. Here he erected one of the best frame houses to be found in the locality at that day. He at once began the further development of the place, and in con- nection with agricultural pursuits engaged in lum- bering and rafting square timber down the river to market, In the spring of 1862 he removed to Glen Hope, where he bought the hotel prop- : erty of Harry Green, and converting the same into a fine hostelry he successfully carried it on for two years. He then sold to his brother-in- law, Thomas Groom, and removed to Becaria Mills, where he resided one year. Then returned to the farin, and there remained until his death. About 1859 he and Messrs. Groom purchased six thousand acres of timber land, on Whitmer run, and about 1860 began lumbering, which they carried on successfully until 1872, when they sold the property, and Mr. Lightner retired from active business, save the caring of his farming interests, with which he was connected until his death, May 28, 1890, when he was aged eighty- five years.

To John and Ann (Groom) Lightner were born sixteen children, nine of whom died in in- fancy and seven are yet living, as follows: (1) William, who was born in 1836, in Columbia; Lancaster county, canie with his parents to Clearfield county, and on the farm in Becaria township grew to manhood. In 1861 he married Clara Davis, of that township, and soon after- ward enlisted in the 105th P. V. I., under Gen. McClellan, and with his regiment participated in many important engagements. At the battle

of Fair Oaks he was shot in the hand, and was wounded in the side by a shell, after which he was sent to the hospital at Hartford, Conn., where he subsequently obtained an honorable discharge. He now receives a pension from the government. After coming home he purchased property in Glen Hope and engaged in lumber- ing, but subsequently bought the Abram Nebling farm in Becaria township, which he also operated in connection with lumbering on Whitmer run. On disposing of that place he removed to the i Thomas Washburn property, near the mouth of Whitmer run, where he conducted a hotel for a few years, but now owns and occupies a fine residence in Irvona borough, where he also has other property, and is still engaged in lumbering. He has five children-William (now deceased),

(2) Martha Lightner, born in- 1838, in Co- lumbia, Penn .. came with her parents to Clear- field county, where she received a common- school education. She married John W. Davis, of Becaria township, and located on part of the old homestead. There they resided until their house, together with all the furniture, was de- stroyed by fire. Later he bought sixty acres of land on which Blaine City is now located, but afterward sold to W. W. Mays, and purchased the James Haines property near Coalport, Be- caria township, which he has since sold. He now makes his home in Coalport, and is engaged in lumbering and looking after the coal interests of other parties. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have six children -- Katie, now the wife of E. J. Conrad, of Rose Bud, Clearfield county; Dora, who died in early womanhood; Carrie, wife of Joseph Boombaugh, of Rose Bud; Ettie, at home; William E., who, after acquiring a good educa- tion in the high schools of the county, was ad- mitted to the Bar in Altoona, Blair Co., Penn., and is now engaged in the building and loan business; and John, who is still at home, and is being liberally educated.

(3) Thomas G. Lightner, born in April, 1839, in Lancaster county, grew to manhood on the old homestead in Becaria township, and continued to work for his father until 1860, when he mar- ried Martha Price, of McVeytown, Mifflin Co., Penn., and then purchased 640 acres of timber land where the town of Coalport is now located. There he erected a sawinill, and engaged in the manufacture of lumber which he would raft down the creek and river to market; in 1867 he

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sold out and removed to Tyrone, Penn., where he purchased a hotel, which he conducted for nine years. Later he engaged in contracting and building in that city, where he made his home for twenty years, during which time he built the stations for the Bell's Gap railroad at Coalport, Irvona, Berwinsdale, Lajose and Mahaffey, Clear- field county. Returning to Blaine City in 1885, he bought a lot and erected a residence, and is still engaged in contracting and building at that place, constructing coal tipples and other build- ings. He had ten children-Annie, at home; Samuel, in Alabama; Jennie, deceased wife of Alexander Thomas, of Hollenback, Bradford Co., Penn., by whom she has three children; John, a resident of Dunlo, Cambria county, mar- ried to Annie Beers, of Becaria township, and has one child; Edward, who is at present in Bur- mese India, where he is engaged in the erection of derricks for boring oil wells for the Standard Oil Co .; and Bogle, Clinton, Charles, Karl and Verne, at home.

(4) Ada Lightner, born in 1852, in Becaria township, was educated in the common schools, and inarried Thomas McQuillan, of Tyrone, Penn., where he is employed at the plasterer's trade. They have five children-Roby, now Mrs. Smith, of Tyrone; and Lola, Edna, Bessie and Ray, all at home.

(5) Alice Lightner, born in Becaria township, in 1854, received a common-school education, and married James M. McClure, of Tyrone, Penn., who now resides at Wilkinsburg, near Pittsburg, Penn., where he is a contractor in plastering and decorating. He first erected a residence in Tyrone, and on selling out some years later built a fine home in Blaine City, where he remained until going to Wilkinsburg in 1890. In the meantime, however, he had lived at Hollidaysburg for two years. In his family are five children, all at home-May, John, Zola, Carrie and Eddie.

(6) George Lightner, a native of Becaria township, has throughout life followed the occu- pations of farming and lumbering, living on a part of the old homestead since his marriage. In 1884 he wedded Emaline Hockenberry, daughter of Judge Hockenberry, of Chest township. Clear- field county, and they have five children, all at home-Minnie, Wain, Flossie, Lizzie, Rhody.

(7) John L. Lightner, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Becaria township, in 1850, and was reared in much the usual manner of farmer lads, his early education being limited as he assisted in the farm work during the sumn- mer, worked at lumbering in the winter and helped take rafts down the river to market in the

spring. He continued working at farming, and at lumbering until the fall of 1867, when he en- tered the Tuscarora Academy, taking the scien- tific course and graduating in 1870. Returning home, he again entered the woods, where he en- gaged as scaler of logs for other parties until the fall of 1871, when he secured a position as teacher in the Blaine Run school, reinaining there two terms. After scaling logs the following summer, he taught the Fair View school in Becaria town- ship one term, and the next year was in the em- ploy of McCammet & Co., of Tyrone, keeping books and measuring lumber. In the fall after- ward he took a trip through Kentucky and West Virginia, and on his return home engaged in pho- tography for one year; then taught school in Beaver Valley, Cambria county, six months. For two terms thereafter he had charge of the grammar school at Glen Hope, and then learned the painter's trade, which he followed for four or five years during the summer, while the winter was spent in teaching.

In 1877, Mr. Lightner engaged in teaching at Chestnut Ridge, in Pike township, but in the following spring he embarked in the portrait busi- ness with a Mr. Bloom, carrying on the same for several summers. He then taught the grammar school at Grampian, Penn township, Clearfield county, and in 1881 became connected with the Coalport Lumber Co. as scaler in their mills. Previously he had studied surveying, and the same year he also began laying out the town of Blaine City, for the firm of Shaw & Dotts. He also acted as their agent, and is still in their em- ploy, in selling lots and making out deedsuntil 1883, when he purchased two lots and erected a large hotel, which he owns and rents as a licensed house. He also erected other buildings for rent, including a store, and is the owner of much valuable real estate, all of which has been ac- cumulated through his own industry, persever- ance and good management. He is still inter- ested in surveying, and beside his other property owns considerable timber land.

Since 1887 Mr. Lightner has served as justice of the peace in Becaria township, and at present is serving his third term as J. P .; he is also act- ing as agent for the Eastern Building & Loan Association, and for several fire insurance com- panies. Politically, he has always been identi- fied with the Democratic party, and does all in his power to promote its interests and advance the general welfare of his cominunity. He is public spirited and enterprising, and well de- serves the high regard in which he is universally held. At present he makes his home with his aged mother, having been her inain support since

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the death of his father. His parents, who were respected and esteemed by all who knew them, held membership in the United Brethren Church.

A MOS D. ORNER. The men who have made the city of Du Bois are of an admir- able type, progressive, energetic and far-sighted, and in this history of the well-known architect and builder we find these qualities active and efficient factors.

Mr. Orner located in Du Bois in 1882, and speedily secured a large business, which keeps from twelve to twenty-five men busy. Among the buildings which he has constructed in the past year is the Du Bois Brewery, and he is the architect of the new L. E. Weber building, cor- ner of North Brady street and Scribner avenue. The Methodist church, the Fourth ward school building, the "National Hotel " and the residences of P. S. and L. E. Weber and M. W. Ryan, are a few of the many buildings he has constructed in the city of Du Bois. As an architect he has won wide recognition. Fine specimens of his artistic designs are numerous in Du Bois, the "Hotel Wayne " and the Express building being especially noted, and he has no rival in that city in this line. His work is by no means confined to this locality, however, handsome structures at Gettysburg. Selins Grove, New Castle and differ- ent points in Pennsylvania, and other States as far west as Wisconsin, having been designed by him. In connection with his work as a contractor he has a first-class power carpenter-shop fitted up with the latest improved machinery, and man- ufactures all kinds of exterior and interior finish, making a specialty of fine hardwood finish, odd furniture, etc. As he is constantly increasing the capacity of this wood-working establishment, he anticipates dropping the contracting business and devoting all his time to architectural work, and to the manufacturing of fine woodwork, which trade has largely increased during the past year.

Mr. Orner was born March 11, 1851, in Indi- ana county, Penn., the son of a prosperous farmer and lumberman, Daniel Orner. Our subject's father was a native of Adams county, Penn., born in January, 1802, near Gettysburg, and was married there to Miss Oyler, who died leaving four children: Geo. A., now deceased; Daniel J., a resident of Indiana county; Sophia, who died in 1896, and Lncy, now Mrs. Cameron, of Indi- ana county. After the death of his first wife, Daniel Orner, in 1845. moved to Indiana county, and purchased a farm near Strongstown, and in partnership with his brother George purchased a large timber tract and sawmill in Cambria county. : left two sons.

Daniel Orner was married in Indiana county to Miss Cameron, who died in 1876; his own death occurred in 1887. Their children were: John P., a harnessmaker in Indiana county; Amos D., our subject; Emanuel, who lives in Washington State; Lizzie (Mrs. Campbell), of Johnstown, Penn .; Phoebe (now Mrs. Steffy) and Nancy (Mrs. Volk), both residing at David City, Ne- braska.

Like most farmers' sons, Mr. Orner had abundant practice in agricultural work during boyhood, and at the age of eighteen he left the farm to learn the carpenter's trade, at Green- ville, Indiana county. He worked as a journey- man for two years after completing his appren- ticeship, and then went to Altoona, Penn., where he was employed in a stair factory. From 1874 until 1882, he was engaged in contracting and building at Cherrytree, Penn., where he built a large number of buildings and bridges in Indiana, Cambria and Clearfield counties; but since 1882 he has been identified with Du Bois, where he expects to remain during the balance of his life. He owns a handsome home at No. 500 South Main street, and two other residences which he rents.

In 1873. Mr. Orner was married, at Strongs- town, to Miss Joanna Bracken, of Cambria county, Penn., and a daughter of James and Anne Bracken, prominent residents of that county. Six children blessed this union: Franklin F., Hallie Alethea, Anna Elizabeth, Nellie A., Allen Leroy and Amos Vernon.

As a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Orner has always been ready to help any progressive move- ment in his locality. Socially, he is a member of the Protective Home Circle, and Chivalric Lodge, No. 475, K. of P. In politics he is a Democrat.

T SAAC ZARTMAN, who resides in Brady town- ship, is one of the successful farmers and lum- bermen of Clearfield county. At an early age he started out in life for himself, and has since been entirely dependent upon his own efforts; he has inet obstacles and difficulties, but has overcorne these by determined purposes, and has worked his way steadily upward to prosperity. He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the community, and is well deserving of the success that has come to him.

Emanuel and Mary Zartman, parents of our subject, were natives of Lebanon county, Penn., where the mother died, but the father's death occurred in Harrisburg, Dauphin county. They William, the brother of our sub-

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ject, became an engineer on a vessel sailing to California, and during the Civil war he was killed at the battle of Antietam, while fighting in de- fense of the Union. Being left an orphan at the early age of six years, Isaac Zartman came to Clearfield county to live with his aunt, Mrs. John Overduff, who resided near Luthersburg, where he grew to manhood, receiving a very limited ed- ucation in the common schools. As soon as large enough to do manual labor, he began work- ing upon farms and in the lumber woods, and by industry, perseverance and economy, he at length accumulated enough capital in this way to pur- chase his present farm.

In 1852 Mr. Zartman married Miss Sarah C. Dunlap, of Brady township, and subsequently she bought fifty acres of wild land of her brother, D. T. Dunlap. This has been cleared, cultivated and improved with good and substantial build- ings, and still makes their home. In his labors Mr. Zartman has been ably assisted by his faith- ful wife, who has indeed been a true helpmeet to him, sharing alike the hardships and trials as well as the pleasure of their early married life. To this worthy couple were born seven sons: (1)

Alvey L., born in 1856, is now engaged in farm- ing in Ohio. He first wedded Lizzie Dunlap, of Williamsport, Penn., who died some years ago, and for his second wife he married a Miss John- son, of Ohio. He has one son, Howard, now a resident of Williamsport, Penn. (2) Lorenzo, born on the old homestead in 1858, lives on a part of his father's farm. He married Mary Shafer, of Brady township, Clearfield county, and has four children-Cora, William, Isaac and Daniel I., all at home. (3) Jefferson, born in 1860, married Louisa McCracken, of Penn town- ship, Clearfield county, and now follows farming in Sandy township, in the same county. (4) David H., born in 1863, married Mima Rupert, of Mahaffey, Penn., and lives in Newtonburg, Clear- field county. They have two daughters-Sarah A. and Maudie. (5) John C., born in 1866, is still with his parents. (6) James R., born in 1868, married May Keel, of Sandy township, and lives at home with his parents. They have one daughter -- Minnie. (7) Zenas E., born in 1871, is also at home.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 9

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