Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 91

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 91
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 91
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 91
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 91

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).

Robert Owens, our subject's father, was born at the old farm, in 1807, and, after attending the local schools during boyhood, settled there, en- gaging in farming and lumbering. He was twice married, first to a Miss Hoover, who died, leav- ing five children. His second wife, to whom he was married in Clearfield county, was Miss Re- becca Crowell, a native of this State, and a daughter of Dennis Crowell, an early settler of Decatur township, Clearfield county. Mrs. Rebecca Owens passed to the unseen life, in April, 1886, and her husband followed her to the grave, in January, 1889. The five chil-

dren of the first union were: James, who died in Lawrence township; Jane, Mrs. Shunkweiler, who died in Clearfield; Nancy, Mrs. William Brown, of Clearfield; Elizabeth, Mrs. McLen- nan, who resides in this State; and Cornelius, who died in Clearfield, in 1892. He enlisted at Clearfield at the beginning of the war, in the 149th P. V. I., the renowned " Bucktail Regiment," and served three years. There were eleven children by the second marriage, namely: Angeline, Mrs. Coon, of Lawrence township, Clearfield county; Catherine, Mrs. Tate, of Lawrence township; Sophia, Mrs. Shunkweiler, of Patton, Cambria Co., Penn .; Henry, who served two years in the Civil war, in the 84th P. V. I., and whose death occurred in Lawrence township, in 1884; John, a resident of Clearfield; Dennis, our subject; Maria, Mrs. Kramer, of Lawrence township; William, a resident of Lawrence township; Milton, a fariner of the same locality; Robert, who died there in 1884; and Margaret, who died in childhood.

Mr. Owens, our subject, was born at the old homestead, September 30, 1846, and has passed 1

his life there. The schools of the vicinity afforded him fair educational advantages, and on assum- ing manhood's cares he engaged in agriculture and in lumbering, rafting on the river for many years. He now owns the homestead, which contains 118 acres, nearly all cleared, and he also has a one-third interest in another tract of 112 acres. He was married in Lawrence town- ship, in September, 1872, to Miss Sophia Wool- heater, a native of Boggs township, Clearfield county. Her parents, Samuel and Margaret (Henderson) Woolheater, were born in Hunting- don county, Penn., and settled at an early day in Clearfield county. The father died in 1890, but Mrs. Woolheater is still living in Boggs town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Owens have had the fol- lowing children: Isaac married Miss Lizzie Read; children-Fred, Walter and Margaret; Gladys; Catherine; Alfred died at the age of eighteen months; Newton died in childhood; Laura; Stella; Kyle; Ida and Samuel.

Mr. Owens gives his influence to the Repub- can party, but does not aspire to office. He takes a keen interest in the improvement of his locality and in public affairs generally. He at- tends the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is is a member of two fraternal orders-the Ameri- can Mechanics and the Knights of the Golden Eagle.

J G. L. MYERS, M. D., is an eminent physi- cian and surgeon of Osceola Mills, Clearfield county, where he has made his home since 1880. His talent and culture have gained for him an honorable position in the medical pro- fession, and he enjoys an extensive practice. He was born in Huntingdon county, Penn., in 1846, a son of Michael and Catherine (Holtzapple) Myers. The father was born in 1808, in Mifflin county. this State, a son of Samuel Myers, and remained a resident of the county of his nativity until 1842, when he removed to Huntingdon county, where he purchased an improved farm, on which he made his home until called to his final rest in 1892. The mother died on the same place in 1882.

To this worthy couple were born thirteen children, as follows: Enoch, who resides on the old homestead in Huntingdon county; Ephraim, a resident of German Valley, in the same county; Reuben, who served for five months in a Penn- sylvania regiment during the Civil war, and is now a resident of Shirleysburg, Huntingdon county; Mrs. Mary Rhodes. of McVeighton, Mifflin Co .. Penn .; Mrs. Sarah Allen, of Iowa; Jeremiah, who died in Kansas in 1869; Daniel, a

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police officer at the Pennsylvania railroad station in Huntingdon; Rudolph, a physician of that city; Seth, a minister of the Dunkard Church at Al- toona, Penn .; Mrs. Catherine Lukens, of Atkin- sons Mills, Mifflin county; J. G. L., of this sketch; Michael, a fariner of Huntingdon county; and Mrs. Clara Belle Wright, who died in that county in 1877.

Upon the home farin the Doctor passed the days of his boyhood and youth, and greatly as- sisted in its cultivation and improvement. After completing a course of study in the Shirleysburg Seminary, he engaged in teaching in Huntingdon and Mifflin counties, and also in the State of In- diana for some years. Subsequently he attended medical lectures in the Philadelphia Medical Col- lege, also at Ann Arbor, Mich., and Keokuk, Iowa, but graduated from a medical college in Indianapolis, Ind. He began the practice of his chosen profession in Port Matilda, Centre Co., Penn., in 1869, and there remained until coming to Osceola Mills in 1880. Here he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice among the best class of citizens. In 1868, in- Huntingdon county, he wedded Miss Mary T. Wry, a native of that county, and they have had six children: Alva, wife of William Dressler, of Jeannette, Penn .; Nora; M. R., who is engaged in teaching in Decatur township, Clearfield county; and Gray, Jasper and Dorner, who are attending school.

Politically. Dr. Myers is a Republican, and has efficiently served his fellow citizens as a member of the school board three years, and as a member of the city council two years. Fra- ternally, he holds membership in Osceola Lodge, No. 747, I. O. O. F. His life is devoted to the demands of his profession, of which he is still a close student, and, therefore, occupies a promi- nent place in the ranks of the medical fraternity.

J OSEPH A. HECKENDORN is one of the most enterprising, energetic and prominent business men of Karthaus township, Clear- field county, where his birth occurred Jannary S. 1 860.

Young Heckendorn commenced his education in the local schools, but later attended the State Normal at Millersville, Penn., and the schools of Clearfield, thus acquiring a good common-school education, which well qualifies hin for a success- ful business career. After leaving school he en- gaged in teaching for a few term.s. With his fa- ther, George Heckendorn, he learned the black- smith's trade, which he followed for five years, being for one year in the employ of a railroad

contractor. We are told he was a very rapid and systematic mechanic, and had wonderful en- durance.

In October, 1884, Mr. Heckendorn embarked in merchandising in Karthaus, which he contin- ued until February, 1895, when he sold his stock of goods, but still owns the store buildings. In the meantime he had become interested in the coal business, having an interest in one colliery and owning one exclusively, which still claims his attention, and he is also secretary and treas- urer of the Salt Lick Oil & Gas Company, which already has three wells, none of which proved a success, but prospects are very encouraging. Since disposing of his store, he has been interest- ed in the development of the fire-clay industry in connection with his other lines of business. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor, and stands to-day an example of what determi- nation and force can accomplish for a man of natural ability and strength of character.

On the 9th of May, 1889, Mr. Heckendorn led to the marriage altar Miss Clementine R. Beates, a daughter of J. H. and Sarah E. (Bowes) Beates. The father was reared in Lancaster, Penn., whence he removed to Centre county in 1850, and there erected a sawmill, which he operated a number of years. Later he purchased a farm, upon which he has made many substan- tial and valuable improvements, and continues to reside on that place. He is an ardent Re- publican in politics, but has never cared for offi- cial positions higher than the township offices which he has held. His father was a Lutheran minister, to which Church his wife belongs. She is of German-Irish descent. In their family are eleven children, namely : Mrs. Mary E. Ped- rick, of Wilmington, Del. ; Edward J .; C. Herbst; Hamlin F., of Wilmington, Del .; Anna, at home: Clementine, wife of our subject; Mrs. Margaret Wagner, of Bellefonte, Penn .; and Jennie. Caroline, Edith and Harry A., all at home.

Mr. Heckendorn takes deep interest in pub- lic affairs, always supporting the Democratic party by his ballot. and a strong advocate of the free coinage of gold and silver, and has accepta- bly filled many township offices, and is at present county auditor. Socially. he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has all the highest degrees of the order, and religiously is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, while his wife clings to the faith in which she was reared-that of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Heckendorn is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a man of above average size,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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of splendid physique and pleasant address, pro- gressive and public-spirited, and justly deserves the high regard in which he is universally held.

J ONATHAN OGDEN, of Lawrence town- ship, Clearfield county, is one of our most progressive and successful agriculturists, and is known as a ready supporter of all measures that promise to promote the welfare of the com- munity. He was born in 1846, upon the farm where he now resides, and his family has been identified with that locality since the pioneer days. His grandfather, Matthew Ogden, a native of Pennsylvania, made his home in Clearfield, and built the first mill there. He died in Clearfield at the age of seventy-five. and his wife, Elizabeth (Bloom), died in Lawrence township.

Their son, Abraham, our subject's father, was born in 1806, upon a farm within the present limits of Clearneld borough, and grew to man- hood there. receiving his education in the Clear- field schools. In 1829 he was married, in Law- rence township, to Miss Esther Kline, a native of that locality, and a daughter of well-known pio- neer settlers, John and Betsy (Haney) Kline, who both died there many years ago. Judge Abraham Ogden followed agriculture from early manhood, and in 1836 he purchased the present homestead. then a partly-improved tract, with a log house as a residence. He made his home there, adding many improvements from time to time. His fel. low citizens esteemed him greatly on account of his abilities and high character. and he held a commanding influence in local affairs and in the councils of the Democratic organization. In 1876 he was elected associate judge of Clearfield county, and held the office five years. His wife died in 1873, and he in 1889.

Our subject was the youngest of their seven children. Of the others Hiram is married, and is now in the employ of the John Deere Plow Co .. at Moline, Ill. ; Lavina died in Clearfield borough at the age of five years; Fannie married John McBride, of Lawrence township; Mary resides in West Clearfield; Martha, who alsoresides in that town, is the widow of the late G. B. Hancock; and Elizabeth married W. W. Watson, of Clear- field. The life of our subject has been spent in the quiet and useful calling of agriculture, and since he succeeded to the old homestead he has maintained it in a high state of cultivation. It contains 200 acres with about 100 acres cleared. In 1880 he was married, in Pike township, Clear- field county, to Miss Martha Jane Bailey, a na- tive of that township. 'Her father. Joseph Bai- ley, was born in Centre county, Penn., and set-

tled in early life in Pike township. where he still resides. Her mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Boal, died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Ogden have a family of six children: Fred, Branford, Ruth, Bruce, Kay and Helen.

In all public questions Mr. Ogden takes great interest, and he is a stanch adherent of the Dem- ocratic party, although he has no longing for po- litical office. He is a member of the Grange in his township.

L' EWIS TURNER, a representative farmer of Boggs township, Clearfield county, was born April 12, 1847, on the place which is still his home, and comes of a family that has been long identified with the interests of that county. His grandfather, Samuel Turner, a native of Pennsyl- vania, settled on a farm in Centre county, on Clearfield creek, in 1813. Upon his place he killed a panther, the year of his arrival.

Capt. George Turner. the father of our sub- ject, was among the earliest settlers of Clearfield county, where he helped to build the old Graham grist and saw mill, which he operated for a num- ber of years, at the same time conducting a farm. Selling out he purchased the place where our subject now lives, improved the land and erected thereon good buildings. He erected the first frame house in the county, became a large land owner, and being an able financier was quite wealthy at his death, which occurred in May. 1888. For some time he was extensively en- gaged in the manufacture of lumber, which he would raft down the river to market. He was a great hunter, and in the early day, game being quite plentiful, had ample opportunity to indulge in that sport. A man of prominence in the community, he took a leading part in public affairs and Church work, contributing to the sup- port of several Churches in addition to the United Brethern denomination to which he belongs; he also gives liberally to foreign missions. In early life he was a Democrat, but later supported the Republican party. He was a captain in the militia, and one of the best at drill in the State.

Capt. Turner was united in marriage with Sarah Williams, a daughter of Edward Williams, formerly of Centre county, but later of Clearfield county, where he engaged in both farming and merchandising at what was known as Williams Grove, Biglers Station, on the railroad. Later he removed to Philipsburg, Penn., where he died, his remains being brought back and interred in Clearfield county. Twelve children were born to Capt. Turner and his wife, two of whom died when young, the others being as follows: John;

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Jane, deceased wife of L. M. Lumadue; William, now of Philipsburg; Priscilla, who inarried Lind- say Storm, but both are now deceased; Edward, a prominent farmer of Clearfield county; Silas, who died leaving two children; Zenos, an agri- culturist; George, a resident of Clearfield; Lewis; and Mary A., wife of Thomas Woodside, a farmer.

The education of Lewis Turner, our subject, was such as the common country schools afforded, and his entire life has been passed upon the homestead farm, comprising 119 acres, all under cultivation with the exception of five acres, and underlaid with a good grade of coal. Coal oil can be seen oozing from the hillsides. but no prospecting has ever been done in this region, though no doubt much oil can be found. After the death of the father, the mother of our sub- ject lived with him until she too was called to the world beyond, in the fall of 1888. Upon the farm he has erected a commodious residence, and the whole place denotes the thrift and enterprise of the owner. In 1875 Mr. Turner was married to Miss Sarah J. Haines, who was born in Clear- field county, December 25, 1861, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Dixon) Haines. Her parents were reared in this section of the State, where the father worked as a common laborer. In 1861 he entered the Union army, faithfully de- fending his country until taken prisoner. He was incarcerated in Libby Prison, where he died, it is supposed from cruel treatment. There were three children in his family: Florence, who mar- ried Seth Manes, who died leaving six children, four yet living; Sarah ' J., wife of our subject; and Margaret, who died at the age of two years. The mother is yet living.

Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Turner: Edwin, a miner; Samuel, a dairyman and farmer; and Harvey E., Ernest W., Charley WV. and Russell L., all at home; Ida, who died December 13. 1895, at the age of six years; and Maud, at home. The parents are faithful mem- bers of the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. Turner is steward, and he endeavors to carry forward the good work which his father inaugu- rated. His political support is always given the Republican party, but he cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office.

G EORGE V. CYPHERT is a leading con- tractor and builder at Du Bois, where many evidences of his artistic taste and his rare ability in workmanship are to be found among the handsome residences and churches that have sprung up since the great fire of 1888. Among these may be mentioned the building at the cor-

ner of Brady street and Long avenue, the first to rise from the ashes of the town; the Du Bois National Bank; the Deposit Bank; the Baptist Church; the Prothero block; the Schrecengost building and others, and he did part of the work on the present court house at Clarion. In part- nership with Mr. Osborne, Mr. Cyphert con- structed many notable buildings, including St. Catherine's Church (Catholic); the " Hotel Wind- sor; " the residences of Mrs. McDonald, Dr. Sullivan, Mr. Shannon, Mr. Munn, and a church and parsonage at Adrian, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Cyphert was born, in 1847, in Lime- stone township, Clarion Co., Penn., where his father, the late John Cyphert, a native of West- moreland county, Penn., located in early man- hood and established his home, clearing a farm from the primitive woods. In Clarion county John Cyphert met and married Miss Elizabeth Ruffner, who, since his death in 1895, still con- tinues to occupy the homestead. Four sons and five daughters were born to them, and of this large family seven are yet living: A. R., a resi- dent of Clarion, Penn .; G. V., our subject; Clarissa (Mrs. Montgomery), of Union township, . Jefferson Co., Penn .; Elizabeth (Mrs. Brady), of Westmoreland county; Emma (Mrs. Aaron), of Clarion county; Peter, who resides in West- moreland county; and John, who manages the old homestead.

Being reared as a farmer's son, Mr. Cyphert, our subject, enjoyed the usual common-school advantages and, making choice of a calling at an early age, he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner in his native county. For a time he worked as a journeyman in different cities, and in 1871 he began in business on his own account at Brookville, Penn. The destruction of Du Bois in 1888 brought his services into urgent demand there, and he has since remained, his business keeping from fifteen to twenty men constantly employed. He has seen many changes in that locality, and, in fact, once picked fruit from an orchard which covered a portion of the site of Du Bois.

In 1869 Mr. Cyphert was married in Brook- ville to Miss Eliza Jane Montgomery, daughter of John Montgomery, a well-known pioneer of Jef- ferson county. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mary Osborne, died some years ago, and her venerable father, who was born in June, 1811, now resides with Mr. and Mrs. Cyphert. Ten children have blessed their home: Mrs. Depp, of Du Bois; Clarence and Frances, who died in Brookville; George C. and Joli, who are at home; Thomas Clark, now attending school in Pittsburg; Valeta, Ethel, Irene and Arthur, who

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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are all at home. Mr. Cyphert has always been a warm advocate of local improvement of every sort. Politically he is a Democrat, and he is a leading member of St. Catherine's Church, and of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association.

SAMUEL SEMPLE is a leading representa- tive of the business interests of Becaria township, Clearfield county, and an influential and valued citizen. His life has been one of in- dustry and enterprise, and by indomitable perse- verance he has overcome the obstacles in his path, and worked his way steadily upward to success.

Mr. Semple was born in Becaria township, January 12, 1849, and is a son of David and Eliza (Stewart) Semple, who were natives of County Derry, Ireland. Coming to this country, they resided for a number of years in New York, and thence removed to Clearfield county, lo - cating near Hegarty's Cross Roads, where the father purchased one hundred acres of timber land. He erected a log house, 20 x 30 feet in size, built a log barn, and cleared about seventy- five acres. His wife was to him a faithful assist- ant, and together they shared the hardships of the frontier until advancing civilization and their own earnest efforts brought them all the comforts of modern life. The father died December 28. 1891, the mother two weeks later.

This worthy couple had a family of eight children: (1) James, who was born in Ireland. died during the voyage to America, and was buried at sea. (2) Henry, who was born on the ocean, died in infancy, and was buried in New York. (3) Susan, born in County Derry, Ireland, came with her parents to New York and to Clear- field county. She was reared on the home farn. received good educational privileges, and for two terms was a teacher in Blain City, Penn. She inarried George Hegarty, of Ramey, and re- moved to a farm adjoining the Henry Hegarty homestead, where they resided for a number of years. They then went to Madera, where Mr. Hegarty carried on merchandising for some years, after which he went to Houtzdale and purchased property. He erected two large brick business blocks and other buildings, and devoted his en- ergies to the promotion of various enterprises, being one of the active and prominent business inen of the place. He died very suddenly, July 4, 1895. leaving a widow and six children to : mourn his loss-(a) George, born on the Hegarty farm near Ramey, married Maggie Murphy, of ! Houtzdale, and resided in that place until his death, in 1892; his wife died two years later; | children-John F., Harry D. and Oscar, born on

they had one child, Annie. (b) Howard married Hattie Clark, and resides in Houtzdale; they have one child living and have lost two. (c) Elmer E. married Vella Smith, of Hanover, Md., and is engaged in the bakery business in Philipsburg, Centre Co., Penn., where he owns property; their children are Gertrude, Leroy, Malan and an infant unnamed. (d) C. H., an intelligent, enterprising young man, is district passenger agent on the Pennsylvania line, with headquarters at No. 48 Market street, Louisville, Ky. (e) Jennie, born in Madera, is the wife of Joseph Amond, telegraph operator in the union depot at Pittsburg; they have two children, George and Gordon. (f) Ida Alice Hegarty, born in Madera, died in Houtzdale at the age of three years. (4) Mary J., the fourth member of the Seinple fam- ily. was born on the homestead in Becaria town- ship, educated in the common schools, and married John S. Kough, of Clearfield county. They removed to the Hegarty farm near Ramey, later to Hegarty's Cross Roads, and subsequently to Stephenson county, Ill., but after a few years returned to Clearfield county, and for five years lived on the Lisle McCully farm. Mrs. Kough then purchased a lot and built a house in Ramey. In 1893 they removed to Colorado, and purchased land, but after a year returned to their home in Ramey. In the spring of 1896 they removed to the Patchin farm, near Glen Hope. Their chil- dren are: (a) Clara Jane is the wife of George Smeal, a farmer of Decatur township, Clearfield county, by whom she has three children. (b) Ida Alice is the wife of Dan Waltz, of Shirley, and they have three children. (c) W. J. is mar- ried, and is engaged in the stock business at Den- ver, Colo. (d) David. (e) Lydia, (f) Katie and (g) Maggie are at home. (5) David Semple was born on the home farin, in October, 1847, and is now residing there. He married Amanda Root, daughter of Lemuel Root, of Becaria township, and they have nine children -David, who mar- ried Miss Eckard, has two children, and resides ou his father's farm near Hegarty's Cross Roads; Mary. Annie, William, Edward. George. Paul, Martha and an infant unnamed. (6) William Semple, born on the homestead, in August, 1852, and educated in the common schools, assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, in July, 1872, to Catherine Elizabeth, daughter of John and Martha Hersh. of Becaria township. He then operated the farm for his father, and en- gaged in lumbering through the winter. In 1881 The purchased a part of the farm of Joshua L. Comstock, in Glen Hope, which he operated in connection with lumbering. They have four

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the Semple homestead; and Kittie, born in Glen Hope.

Samuel Semple, whose name intreduces this sketch, was reared in the usual inanner of farmer lads of the neighborhood. He assisted in clear- ing the old homestead, and in the work of plow- ing. planting and harvesting. He was married April 4, 1871, to Rebecca Frances McCoy, of Becaria township, and for a year remained on his father's farm. In 1872 he bought seventy-five acres of partially-improved land adjoining the old homestead, and on the place has made extensive and substantial improvements. He has removed the stumps, built a large bank barn and wagon shed, and has now one of the best improved country homes in Clearfield county. It is most neat and thrifty in appearance, and evi dences the progressive spirit of the owner. He has resided there since 1872. and in connection with agricultural pursuits he follows lumbering.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 91

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