Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 95

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 95
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 95
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 95
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 95

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A LEXANDER C. McDONALD, who has spent his entire life in Clearfield county, was born April 9, 1841, in Penn township, a son of William and Maria (London) McDonald. His paternal grandfather emigrated from Scotland, and took up his residence in Luzerne county, Penn. During the war of 1812 he enlisted at Kingston, in the American army, and marched with the troops to Erie. He died while return- ing to Kingston at the close of the war.

William McDonald removed to Northumber- land, Penn., in 1839, to Clearfield county, locat- ing in Penn township, where he followed lomber- ing and farming. He was married in Luzerne county to Maria London, and upon their first farm in Clearfield county they resided for a nem- ber of years, then removed to the Wall farm. Subsequently they returned to their first home in Penn township, where the father died. in 1849, while the inother survived until 1875. In their family were twelve children: (1) Melissa A. be- came the wife of Rufus Slawson, and, after some years' residence in Grampian, removed to Jeffer- son county, Penn, where she died, in 1867. She was the mother of a large family. (21 Jane

married Patrick Rafferty, who died in 1889, but she is still living on the Rafferty farin, in Penn township. Her family numbered twelve chil- dren. (3) William died in 1861, after returning from the gold fields of California. (4) Hulda is the wife of John Hepburn, a resident of Belle- ville, Clearfield county, and they have twelve children. (5) Allen, who resides in Grampian, married Sarah Murphy, and has one child. (6) Sarah became the wife of Philo Barrett, and their two children are living. but the parents are deceased. (7) Catherine is the widow of Martin Muter, who owned and operated a farm in Penn township. Mrs. Muter now makes her home in Clearfield, and has four living children. (S) Isaiah, who enlisted in the Union army, in May, 1861, and was for three years in the service, is now residing at the Soldiers' Home, Dayton, Ohio. (9) Olive became the wife of Valentine Dale, of Grampian, and died in 1889, leaving two sons and two daughters. (10) George. who served in the old " Bucktail Regiment," of Penn- sylvania, during the greater part of the war, married Miss Rachel E. Moore, of Grampian, by whom he had one daughter. He made his home in Grampian until his death.

Alexander C. McDonald spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native county, no event of special importance occurring during that period. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K. of the old " Bucktail Regiment," leaving Curwens- ville for Harrisburg on the 3d of October. From the latter place the regiment proceeded to Wash- ington, and crossing the Potomac remained in Camp Pierpont during the winter. In the spring of 1862, Mr. McDonald participated with his command in the battle of Drainesville, then went to Fredericksburg and on to the Peninsula, where he was engaged in the seven-days' battle of the Wilderness. There the company was captured, its members being sent to Libby prison, where they remained for three weeks, when they were transferred to Belle Isle. A month later they were exchanged, taken down to Turkey Bend. on the James river, and from there by boat to Aquia creek, whence they marched to Fredericksburg and on to Warrington. In the battle at that place they drove the enemy back and continued on their march to Bull Run, where they partici- pated in a four-days' engagement. Driven back to Washington, they went from there to Antietam and South Mountain, and after participating in the hotly-contested battles at those points, Mr. McDonald was taken ill aud lay in Church Hos- pital some four weeks. He then rejoined his regiment at Sharpsburg, and later participated in the battle of Fredericksburg on the 13th of De-

... 4.

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cember, when he was again captured. After spending four weeks in Libby prison he was paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md., where he was exchanged, rejoining his regiment at Cul- peper in 1863. Crossing the Rapidan, the Union forces engaged the Rebels all day long in a severe battle; thence went to Spottsylvania. Mr. Mc- Donald was there slightly wounded in the foot, and was sent to Churchill Hospital, Philadelphia, where he remained until once more fit for service. Returning to his command at Petersburg, he participated in all the engagements of the Fifth Army Corps through that winter, fought in the battle of Gravelly Run in the spring of 1865, and participated in the capture of one entire Rebel division. The Union forces then followed Gen. Lee's army until his surrender at Appomattox. Mr. McDonald then returned to Washington, and from there proceeded to Harrisburg, where he was honorably discharged June 5, 1865. He was ever faithful to his duty, and valiantly fol- lowed the starry banner as a loyal defender of the cause it represented until the Union arms were victorious and the preservation of the nation was an assured fact.

In 1868 Mr. McDonald married Mary J. Murphy, and located in Grampian, where he has since been an esteemed citizen. . They reared a family of thirteen children, namely: John A. (of Mahaffey, Clearfield county), Lewis, Allen, George W., Jessie, . Isaiah, William, Edward, James, Gerald, Adamn, Martha Ellen and Mary Jane, all at home except the eldest.

Mr. McDonald is a supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has served on the election board a number of times. His wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Grampian. Well known. he has a wide circle of friends in this locality, and his sterling worth has won for him high regard.

J F. SHIREY, of Bradford township, Clear- field county, was born there in 1844, and is a representative of one of the pioneer fami- lies of that locality. His parents were John and Hannah (Mapes) Shirey.

The father of our subject was born in Clear- field county in January, 1800, was married in Lawrence township, and began his domestic life upon a farm in Bradford township where he con- tinued to make his home until his death in March, 1863. His wife died in 1844. They had a fam- ily of nine children: Israel, who died in early life: Mrs. Sophia Kyler. of. Boggs; Isaac, who died in 1894; W. D., of West Clearfield; Matil-

da, of Lawrence; W. H., of Bradford township; Mary Ellen, who died in childhood; Mrs. Susan Forcey, of Bradford township; and J. F. After the death of his first wife, the father was married in Bradford township, in 1846, to Nancy Norris, a native of Lawrence township, and a daughter of Moses Norris, one of the pioneers of the coun- ty, now deceased .. Her death occurred in Brad- ford township, in 1887. Mr. Shirey served as justice of the peace for many years, in politics was a stalwart Republican, was a recognized leader in public affairs, and a highly-respected citizen. He had two children by his second mar- riage: R. B., now of Philipsburg. Penn. ; and J. H., who was married, and died in Bradford. in 1890.

J. F. Shirey was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the neighborhood. As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields, and has al- ways followed farming. In 1872 he purchased the Matthew Forcey homestead, comprising 210 acres of improved land, on which he has erected substantial buildings. He now owns 285 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and the well- tilled fields yield to him a good return for his Ia- bor, while the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision. He has also engaged in lumbering. In 1879 he was mar- ried. in Bradford, to Rebecca Woolridge, who was born there, a daughter of William and Eliz- abeth (Jury) Woolridge, natives of England, who in early life came to America, locating in Phila- delphia, whence they came to Bradford. The father died in 1893, and the mother is now living in Graham township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Shirey is blessed with five children: Mary Ivy, Maud, Bessie ( Elizabeth), Wayne Winters and Sarah Alva.

Mr. Shirey takes an interest in politics, but votes independently, giving his support to the man whom he thinks best qualified tor office, re- gardless of party affiliations. He belongs to the Society of American Mechanics, at Kylertown, and he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He has always lived in Clear- field county, and for more than half a century has witnessed its development and progress, while as a loyal citizen he has ever borne his part in its advancement. True to the duties of both public and private life, he has so lived as to merit the high esteem in which he is held.

W H. FREEMAN, who is recognized as one of the most progressive citizens of Penn township, Clearfield county, was born in

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1844, in Centre county, Penn., of which county his father, Richard Freeman, was also a native, his birth occurring in Nittany Valley December 9, 1818.

There he resided until 1843 when he married Miss Mary Ann McDivitt, of Half Moon Valley, and for two years made his home at Hannah Furnace, Centre county, where he worked at the molder's trade. Going to Clarion county, Penn., he there followed molding for two years, and later engaged in the charcoal business some four years, at the end of which time he came to what is now Lumber City. Penn township, Clearfield county, living on the William Irwin farm for three years. The following two years he spent on the John Irwin farm, whence he removed to the John D. Thompson farm in Pike township, Clearfield county, and in 1859 purchased the Ben- net farm of seventy-six acres in that township, on which he resided until called to his final rest December 5, 1893. He was a son of Adain and Matilda (McQuillen) Freeman. The maternal grandparents were natives of Scotland, and the grandfather aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence, during the Revolu- tionary war.

To the parents of our subject were born nine children, the others being as follows: (1) Mary is the wife of Joseph L. Bloom, a resident of Patton, Cambria Co., Penn., and they have two children living. (2) N. J., a farmer of Pike township, Clearfield county, married Annie Smith, of Greenwood township, and has seven children. (3) Sarah A. married Albert Smith, of Greenwood township, and both died in 1883, leaving four children who are still living. (4) Jennie L., uninarried, died in February, 1896. (5) Frances P., is the wife of Scott McFadden, who works in the tannery at Curwensville, and they have two children. (6) John A., a farmer of Pike township, wedded Mary Durnel, of Penn township, and has five children. (7) James, who resides on the Porter farm in Pike township, married Edith Hoover, of Lawrence township, Clearfield county, and has one daughter. (8) Emma married Jacob Doughman, of Grampian, who died in September, 1888; with her seven children she still resides on the homestead left her in Penn township.

During his childhood W. H. Freeman ac- companied his parents on their varions removals, remaining with them until his marriage. On May 15, 1866, he wedded Miss Arabella Bloom, of Pike township, a daughter of David and Sarah (Hoover) Bloom, and for three years they made their home in that township. after which they re- moved to his father's farin in Penn township,

where they resided some thirteen years. In the same township he then purchased the property where he still resides. Seven children came to brighten the home: Fay died at the age of four years; Ethel died in infancy; Clyde passed away at the age of two; Alice is now the wife of John A. Johnson, of Penn township, by whom she has one child, Hazel, at this writing aged three years; Ralph is a resident of Santa Cruz, Cal., where he is engaged in lunibering; Irene, born October 26, 1870, and Ruth, born June 3. 1880, are with their parents.

On November 7, 1864, Mr. Freeman enlisted in the Union army as a substitute for Julius Ferp, and was mustered in at Waterford, whence he was sent to Carlisle Barracks. He was assigned to Company I, 58th P. V. I., and joined the army at Chapman's farm, Virginia. The first engagement in which he took part was at Fort Harrison, under Col. Clay, and he was then on guard duty all winter. On March 4, 1865, the regiment went to Fredericksburg, where it captured a train-load of tobacco, and then pro- ceeded to White House Landing, where it en- camped for a few days. Returning to Fort Har- rison, it marched on to Richmond, where it re- mained two weeks, after which it crossed the river to Manchester, and was there until the 1 1th of June. Going to Staunton, Va., Mr. Freeman did guard duty until November 1, 1865, when he went to Lynchburg, where he was honorably discharged on the 7th of the same month. While erecting quarters during the winter of 1864-5. in putting np a log stable, a log fell back, breaking his arm and shoulder, from which injuries he has never recovered.

The Democratic party has always found in Mr. Freeman an earnest advocate, and by his fellow citizens he has been elected to a number of official positions, being constable one term, supervisor three terms, and school director fifteen years. He is at present serving as justice of the peace of Penn township, and president of the school board. He is one of the most popular and influential citizens of the community, and his course in public life is above reproach, winning the commendation of all concerned. His esti- inable wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Grampian.

W ILLIAM K. IRVIN. The natural advan- tages of this section attracted at an early day a superior class of settlers, thrifty, indus- trious, progressive and law-abiding, whose influ- ence gave permanent direction to the develop- !ment of the locality. Among the worthy pioneers

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of Clearfield county the Irvin family hold a prom- inent place, and the results of the labor and self-denial of those past generations is manifest in the comfortable homes and fertile, well-ar- ranged farms which they left to their descendants.

At an early day, David Irvin, the father of our subject, came to Clearfield county accom- panied by six brothers, who took a prominent part in the upbuilding and development of this region, and were numbered among its valued cit- izens. They were as follows: (1) John, who located in Curwensville, married Eliza Lee, who died some years ago, leaving a large family of children. He engaged in lumbering and mer- chandising throughout life. (2) Mathew became a very extensive lumber dealer of Burnside, and was very wealthy at the time of his death. (3) James finally removed to Akron, Ohio, where he was numbered among the successful business men. His wife is still living at the advanced age of eighty-five years. (4) Jared was for some time engaged in the hotel business in Philadel- phia, where he died some years ago, leaving two children, the elder of whom is Mrs. Sarah Han- cock, of that city, who has two daughters. (5) Alexander married Elizabeth Bloom, of Pike township, Clearfield county, and resided in the city of Clearfield until his death. He left a widow and one daughter, who married a Dr. Beam, and removed to California, where her mother died. Later the Doctor and his wife re- turned to Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. Mrs. Beam and one child still survive. (6) William married Jane Patton, of Corwensville, where they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives. He was one of the largest land owners in the county, and accumu- lated a vast fortune. His wife survived him a few years, and their large family of children still reside in Curwensville. Among the number is Col. Edward Irvin, of the famous "Bucktail Regiment."

David Irvin, the father of our subject, was a native of Centre county, Penn., and on com- ing to Clearfield county, he purchased 185 acres of wild land in Brady township adjoining the town of Luthersburg, where he extensively en- gaged in the manufacture of sawed lumber and shingles. He did not confine his attention to one line of business, but was interested in a number of different enterprises, being a man of rare business ability and sound judgment. In connection with farming and lumbering he con- ducted a general mercantile establishment in Luthersburg for a number of years, and once each year would make a trip to Philadelphia to buy goods, traveling either on foot or by' stage.

His stock would then be shipped by canal to Lewistown and brought from there to Luthers- burg in wagon until the Pennsylvania railroad was completed to Tyrone. In the '50s he pur- chased a large tract of land on Little Anderson creek, where he erected a sawinill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, which he would haul to Curwensville or raft down the river to the Eastern markets. Upright and honorable in all dealings, he gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact.

On July 10, 1836, David Irvin was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of John and Lydia Kirk, of Brady township, Clearfield county, and they began housekeeping in Luthersburg, Mr. Irvin building a residence and store building near where the Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. In 1858 he erected a more commodious residence on his farm at the east end of the village, and there he continued to make his home until called from this life, August 25, 1859. The mother of our subject had passed away in Feb- ruary, 1845, leaving three sons. James, the eldest, was born in Luthersburg, May 27, 1838. and was reared at the homestead. After attend- ing the common schools for some time, he pur- sued his studies in Tuscarora Valley for two terms. For a few years, he looked after his fa- ther's interests, but for some time previous to his death, which occurred March 27. 1894, he lived retired from active business. He never married, but made his home with his brother William. Austin, the second son, was born Oc- tober 22, 1841, and remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he en- listed in the noted " Bucktail Regiment." of Curwensville. He participated in all the battles with his regiment up to his death, which occurred at Fairfax Court House, in March, 1862.

After the death of his first wife, David Irvin was again married, September 27, 1849, his sec- ond union being with Miss Cecelia Moore, a daughter of R. W. and Esther Moore, of Rock- ton, Clearfield county, the former a native of Half Moon Valley, Centre county, and the latter of Chester county. Penn. There was one dangh- ter born of this union. Jerusha, now the wife of F. W. Porter, of Luthersburg. They reside with Mrs. Irvin at her father's old home in that place, which she now owns, and which was built by F. K. Arnold and later sold to Mr. Moore.

William K. Irvin, of this review, was born in February, 1845, and. as he was an infant at the time of his mother's death, he was taken to the home of a maternal uncle, William Kirk, with whom he remained until reaching manhood. He then returned to Luthersburg, and has since had

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charge of the old homestead farm. A thorough and skillful agriculturist, he has met with excel- lent success in its operation, and to-day is num- bered among the most prosperous citizens of Brady township. Genial and social in disposi- tion, he has made hosts of warm friends through- out the community, and is held in high regard by all who know him. On June 30, 1874, he mar- ried Miss Nellie Shaw, a daughter of Archie and Rebecca Shaw, honored pioneers and highly re- spected farming people of Shawsville, Clearfield county. Two daughters grace this union: (1) Rebecca, born February 22, 1877, obtained her literary education in the common schools, and in 1895 entered the State Normal of Indiana, where she pursued a thorough musical course. She is now engaged in teaching music, and is considered an excellent instructor in that art. (2) Mary A., the youngest daughter, was born June 18, ISSI, and is still attending the graded schools of Luthersburg.

J JOHN MAGINNIS, an honored and highly respected citizen of Du Bois, now retired from active business cares, was for many years connected with the lumber interests of Clearfield county; but having accumulated an ample competence, he is now enabled to rest from active labor, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He belongs to that class of self-made men, who have made their own way in life from hum- ble circumstances to a competence, having started out to make his way in the world with no capi- tal save health of body and mind and a strong will.

Mr. Maginnis was born in Philadelphia, in 1846, a son of Henry and Jane (Maxwell) Ma- ginnis, both natives of Tyrone, Ireland. The father, who came to the New World in 1820, located in Philadelphia, where he engaged in linen weaving until 1850, when he removed to Beech Woods, Jefferson Co., Penn., purchasing a track of wild land of Mr. White where the town of Coal Glen is now located. Shortly after- ward, however, he sold that place and bought the Tibbits farm on the Brookville road. There he continued to make his home until the death of his wife in 1891, when he sold the place to our subject and went to live with a daughter, at whose home he passed away in 1895.

(3) Catherine, born in Philadelphia, in 1846, married Josepli McClelland, of Beech Woods, and they reside on his farm in Jefferson county. They have one son, William. (4) Eliza, born in Philadelphia, in 1849, is the wife of Nathan Clark, of Warsaw, Jefferson county, where he owns a farm. They have three children, Hosea, Harry and Eugene.

In the schools of Philadelphia, John Magin- nis, our subject, began his literary education, which was completed after the removal of his family to Beech Woods. At the age of nineteen he offered his services to his country to assist in putting down the rebellion, enlisting from Elk county in the famous " Bucktail Regiment: " but as he was not mustered in after spending two weeks at Camp Curtin, he and six of his companions returned home. In December, 1861, however, he enlisted in Company I. 62nd P. V. I., from Pittsburg, and from there went to Washington, D. C., where the regiment was as- signed to the Fifth Army Corps. They then proceeded to Fairfax Court House, and from there went to Fortress Monroe and Yorktown. taking part in the entire siege at the last named place. By steamer they then went to White House, and in the engagement at Hanover Court House drove the enemy back. On June 27, 1862, they met the Rebels at Gainesville, but were repulsed, meeting with a heavy loss. The next engagement was at White Oak Swamp, where the Union forces were victorious, and at the battle of Malvern Hill the Confederates also lost heavily. The 62nd P. V. I. then marched to Harrison's Landing, where Mr. Maginnis was injured while assisting in the construction of a " corduroy " road, and was also taken ill with typhoid fever. After being confined in the Phil- adelphia Hospital for about six months, he was transferred to the Invalid Corps, and remained on duty at Gen. Alger's headquarters in Wash- ington until July. 1864. when he joined the force sent to check Early's advance on the cap- ital. They held that general at bay until re- lieved by the Sixth Army Corps, but lost six men out of the company of forty. They followed Early to Cedar Creek, advancing to the left of the Eighth Army Corps; but as the company was not fit for active service it was sent back to Washington, carrying a Rebel flag, which had been captured. Mr. Maginnis remained in the capital until honorably discharged December 1. 1864, and he now receives a small pension, a slight compensation for a great deal of hard service.

Our subject is the eldest in the family of four children. (2) Mary, born in Philadelphia, in 1844, married Dexter T. Wilson, of Warsaw, Jefferson county, and they now reside in the oil district, five miles from Pittsburg. They have On his return home, our subject followed two children, Fred and Jennie, both at home. | lumbering for a number of years on the Alleghany

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and Ohio rivers and Toby creek. In 1872 he married Miss Esther Brocious, of Troy, Jefferson Co., Penn., and has since made his home in Du- Bois, where he purchased a lot on the east side, and built a fine two-story frame house, supplied with all modern improvements. For seventeen years he served as lumber boss and inspector for John and John E. DuBois, and then contracted to carry the mail for two years in Du Bois; he is now living retired. By his own efforts he has risen to a position of affluence, is a stockholder in the Du Bois National Bank, and the compe- tence he has acquired now enables him to lay aside all business cares.

This worthy couple have four children, name- ly: (1) Harry, born in DuBois in 1873, learned the machinist's trade, and for a number of years worked in the Du Bois Machine Shops, but is now an employee of the Adams Express Co. He married Miss Zuleike Shields, of Baxter, Jeffer- son county, and resides in Du Bois. (2) John E., born in 1875, is a fireman residing in Greens- burg. Westmoreland Co., Penn. (3) George, born in 1877, is a printer by trade, and is now employed in the Du Bois Courier office. (4) Louisa J., born in 1879, married Samuel Hepfer, of Penn township, Clearfield county, who is a tanner by trade. They also live in Du Bois, and have one son, John. Our subject is a member of Lodge No. 257, F. & A. M., of Elk county; of the G. A. R. Lodge No. 229, of Du Bois, and of the Veteran Legion, of Brookville, No. 42; the American Mechanics, and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Politically, he has always been identified with the Republican party, while, in religious faith, both he and his amiable wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 95

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