Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2, Part 99

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 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 2 > Part 99

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).

tire share. In 1865 we took in John P. Roth as partner, the firin continuing as Brown, Son & Co. Business had already commenced to re- vive. The first legal act of January, 1862, as reported to the Ways and Means Committee, embodied the principle foundation for sustaining our National credit, by the issuing of a circulating medium known as the greenback of 1863. Money became plenty, and that saved our lumbermen from bankruptcy. Timber rose from 3c a foot to 28c and 3oc, and mills started up all over the county. We really had more than we could do. building engines, boilers, gang and circular mills, and all kinds of machinery. I remember going to Pittsburg, Philadelphia and New York for ma- chinists, and coming home without them, for everybody was employed at good wages, and you could not get a man from the city to go to the country.

"In 1872 incendiarism destroyed our plant. Our loss was heavy, but we re-built and took in W. H. Jenks as a partner. In 1877 incendiar- ism again wiped out our earnings for years of toil. We finally disposed of the property and burnt material to Mr. Jenks in 1878, who at the present time is in successful operation.

" The building of the Low Grade railroad in 18,3 changed the condition of the channels of our trade. as far as Brookville was concerned. Du Bois and Reynoldsville sprang into existence, on account of their great coal deposits, cutting off a large amount of trade that generally came to us. Instead of a hundred teams coming in one day loaded with goods from Mahoning and Ridg- way, the iron horse supplanted all that, and more particularly did we feel the effects when the Roch- . ester & Pittsburg R. R. Co. extended its line across our eastern boundaries, making Punxsu- tawney an objective point, and building rival places for our industries, and we had no minerals worth mentioning, and our lumber was fast dis- appearing. But notwithstanding the change in the condition of our trade, the advent of the iron horse proved a great blessing. Our lumbermen who depended on the spring and June freshets in Sandy and Red Bank creeks to market their luin- ber. and when in market were at the mercy of the buyer, could now ship direct by rail, and by receiving quick returns, could do business on far less capital. Brookville, after several disastrous fires, moved to the front. Her old wooden structures were supplanted by substantial brick buildings, and go where you may. you cannot to- day find more modern improvements. Our schools and churches, natural gas works, electric light plant. telephone and telegraph communica-

"In 1862 I was married to Einina S. Keat- ley, of Strattonville, Penn .. daughter of Major . John Keatley, who had received an appointment from Edwin M. Stanton, as paymaster in the army. Being still in the employ of the firm, I gave Mr. Wann two weeks notice of the date of the marriage, and when the appointed time came he handed me $20. This was all I had to celebrate the coming event, and the Rev. J. J. Bentley, who married me, got $5 of it. In 1863 I leased Mr. Wann's interest for one year, and at the ex- 1 piration of that time, father and I bought his en- I tions, up-to-date residences, stores and street in-

1072

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

provements, and a sewer system of the very best, make this one of the healthiest and pleasantest_ locations for a home in Western Pennsylvania.

" In 1878 William French and I made the first discovery of fire clay at Bells on the line of our road. We opened it up, and I made the first

shipment of clay from this section. I continued in the business for ten years, shipping thousands of tons to many of our principal cities. In 1881 I saw that a movement was being made to reach the undeveloped coal fields lying south of us, and I interested the Hon. J. E. Long, and began taking up leases and options. At one time we had 50,000 acres of land for sale. We sold 2, 700 acres of coal lands at Punxsutawney to Herbert P. Brown at $180.000, which insured the people there the building of the Rochester & Pittsburg R. R., and brought Punxsutawney to the front, as her coal fields proved superior for steam, do- inestic and cokeing purposes. In 1875 Mr. Cor- mick and I patented a turbine water-wheel, known as the Hercules, and I had it on exhibition at the Centennial in 1876. I went to Holyoke, Mass., the same year with a 24-inch wheel to see what results could be obtained at Emerson's testing flume, and the records of the test were so far above anything that had ever been obtained that Emerson published them broadcast and excited the attention of all wheel builders and users throughout the United States. I afterward sold my interest to the Holyoke Machine Company, and to-day it is the standard wheel of the world. In 1885 I opened up a limestone quarry at Law- sonham, Clarion county, Penn., and after manu- facturing lime fora few years, I organized a com- pany at Oil City, which was chartered as the Avondale Mining and Manufacturing Company, composed of C. H. Duncan, Barney Lowentrett, W. A. Duncan, N. C. Clark and myself for the purpose of mining and shipping coal. The plant is in successful operation to-day. In ISS5 I or- · ganized a gas company, and obtained a charter for oil and gas, putting down the first well on a lot belonging to Sebastian Christ. It proved a very good gasser, and at the present time is being utilized by W. H. Jenks for use under the boiler. The company, after reorganization, put down in all five dry holes in this vicinity, besides two in Iowa. It proved to be an expensive job to the stockholders. In 1891 I went to Pittsburg, and, in company with J. H. Mullin, manufactured specialties, one of our leading articles being All- gite Stove Mat for cooking purposes. It is the friend of a good housewife, and has been ex- ported largely to England, Australia and New Zealand. Last season I moved the plant to Brookville.

" In January, 1887, I received official notifi- cation of my appointment by the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania as District Deputy Grand High Priest for the counties of Jefferson, Venango and Clarion, and I served in that capacity for two years.

" Four children blessed my home: Kather- ine Meriba, born April 24, 1864; Frank Keatley, Jannary 10, 1867; James E., January 26, 1871, and Jeannette Emma, September 27, 1879. Katherine Meriba was married to John M. Hast- ings, of Pittsburg; Penn., November 16, 1887, and died November 29, 1891, leaving a babe, Helen, ten days old, who is to-day the sunshine of our household, having been with us since her birth. Frank Keatley married Miss Lulu Dickey, of Brookville, June 21, 1894, and at the present time is superintendent for the Watsons Land & Lumber Co., at Mayburg, Forest Co., Penn. James E. is employed with Clark. Kizer & Kipp as locomotive engineer."

F REDERICK KLUGH ARNOLD (deceased) was for many years a leader in financial cir- cles in this region. But few men can point to a record of continuous but varied effort in which good fortune has been so constant; but Mr. Ar- nold possessed in full measure the qualities which command success.

His paternal ancestors were early settlers in York county, Penn., where Peter Arnold, his father, was born, and was married to Miss Susan- nah Klugh, of York county. In 1837 they moved to Clearfield county, settling in Brady township, where they both died in April, 1869. Mr. Ar- nold's quiet tastes making him averse to public life, he gave his attention closely to business af- fairs, but in all social phases he was held in high esteem by those with whom he associated.

Frederick Klugh Arnold, whose name intro- duces this sketch, was born May 9. 1824. in York county, and grew to manhood after the custom of country life in those days. The work. at the home farm required much of his time and inter- fered sadly with his studies in the neighboring schools, which were, of course, not to be com- pared for efficiency or scope with those of the present time. At sixteen he was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker, and after spending two years in learning the trade, lie opened a shop of his own in Luthersburg, Clearfield county. He pros- pered, and in five years had saved enough money to enable him to engage in mercantile business. which he followed profitably for seventeen years. In 1871 he began his career as a banker, taking half of the capital stock, $40,000, of the F. K.

R.K. arnold

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1073

Arnold & Co.'s Bank at Luthersburg. In this, as in other enterprises, he was successful from the time he devoted his attention to banking. After having passed three years in Luthersburg he sold his interests there and removed to Reynoldsville, where for ten years he was connected with the F. K. Arnold & Co.'s Bank. In 1884 he was the priine mover in the establishment of the First National Bank at Du Bois, Penn., with a capital stock of $50,000, and for the first four years he was its president. He then resigned, and, re- turning to Reynoldsville, he opened a private bank, which he conducted two years before dis- posing of it to Seely, Alexander & Co. Failing health made it necessary for him to retire from active business several years ago.

During Mr. Arnold's active business life he was interested in many lines of enterprise, pub- lic and private, aside from his regular business. He was one of the chief promoters of the Reynoldsville Water Works, and his influence was the main factor in the establishment, July 26, 1894, of the Reynoldsville Woolen Mills, which are now in successful operation and em- ploy about forty hands. manufacturing flannels, blankets and jeans, and consuming some 200, - ooo pounds of wool per annum. He also in- vested to some extent in the Colorado gold fields, especially at Cripple Creek. In 1880 he built the Arnold block at the corner of Main and Fifth streets, which to-day stands as a mon- ument to his enterprise.

On May 9, 1848, the twenty-fourth anniver- sary of his birth. Mr. Arnold was married to MISS ELIZABETH GOODLANDER, a native of Lycoming county, Penn., born October 10, 1828, a daughter of Henry Goodlander, a well-known citizen of that section. Three children of this union are now living: Clara E., wife of Will- iam B. Alexander, a prominent banker of Rey- noldsville; James B., a sketch of whom follows; and Isabel R., who is at home. The father was a member of the English Lutheran Church, to ! which Mrs. Arnold also belongs, but their chil- dren are all Presbyterians in faith. Mrs. Arnold, at the age of sixty-eight. is blessed with the vig- 1 orous health which was so noticeable in her hus- band, and no one would have taken them for great-grandparents, although they attained that dignity some years ago. Mrs. Arnold's mother is still living aged eighty-eight years, making five generations now in existence. Mr. Arnold was never active in politics, but like all good citi- zens he took a keen interest in public affairs, and from 1860 until his death he affiliated with the Republican party. When eighteen years of age he joined the Lutheran Church in Luthers-

burg, in which he ever afterward kept his nem- bership. For twenty years he was faithful in his attendance at and the support of the Presby- terian Church at Reynoldsville, although never a member of that society. His successful and well spent life closed April 19, 1897, and in his death Reynoldsville lost one of her best business men and most popular citizens, while his family were bereft of a loving husband and a devoted father.

JAMES B. ARNOLD, only son of the late Fred- erick Klugh Arnold, was born July 26, 1856, in Clearfield county, Penn., and received his edu- cation at the common schools of his native place, and at the Commercial College, Pittsburg. From the age of fourteen years he was with his father in business until the latter's death, since when he has been secretary and treasurer of the Reynoldsville Woolen Mills, established by his father as above recorded. On November 1, 1877, he was married to Miss Emnia L. Smith, of Can- dor. Washington Co., Penn., and they have one son, Harold E. Politically, Mr. Arnold is a Re- publican; in religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

M ICHAEL PALMER, a lumberman and farmer of Perry township, Jefferson county, has long been an esteemed citizen of his section of the State.

A son of Henry and Barbara (Enfield) Palmer, the father was born in Bedford county, Penn., but when a young man went to Indiana county. He was one of a family of five brothers. Peter, the eldest, was twice married, reared a large family and spent his entire life in Indiana county. John married a Miss Enfield, and died in Indiana county some years ago. Charles also married, and lived in Indiana county until his death.

Henry Palmer removed to Jefferson county after his marriage and, purchasing timber land. developed a farm in the midst of the forest. building thereon a hewed-log house and barn. He died in 1865. at the age of seventy-three, and his wife, who had long shared with him the joys and sorrows of life, died the same year at the age of sixty-nine. They reared a large fan- ily. of whom our subject is the eldest. (2) Isaac Palmer, the second of the family. wedded Mary Whitesel, and located upon a part of his father's farin. where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1855. He had five children, namely: Mich- acl. of Indiana county; Sarah. wife of James Wachob, of Henderson township, Jefferson county; Philip, who married a Miss Brown. of Jefferson county, and served for three years a soldier in the Union army. after

.. .......

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1074

which he resided in Big Run until his death: George, of Big Run; and Mary, wife of George + Fetterman, of Punxsutawney. (3) Henry mar- ried Miss Susher, and removed to Lewiston, Penn., where he died twelve years ago, leaving a wife and nine children. (4) Sarah became the wife of Peter Depp, and both died in Jefferson county some years ago leaving three children -- Isaac M., deceased; Mary Ellen. wife of Joseph Newcomb, of Perry township, Jefferson county; and Henry, of Apollo, Indiana county. (5) Jane, born in Indiana county, became the wife of James Ross, of Perry township. Jefferson coun- ty, and resided near her father's farm. Both are now deceased. She died in 1897, at the age of seventy-five years, leaving four children, namely: Madison, who is married and lives with his family in Jefferson county; Isaac, who fol- lows lumbering in West Virginia; Matilda, wife of Samuel Williams, of Clayville; Jane, wife of Joseph Stewart, of Indiana county. One son be- longing to this family, Clement, married Ella Rog- ers, of Jefferson county, and died some years ago, leaving a wife and one son. Donald. (6) Peter, born in Indiana county, died on the homestead in Perry township at the age of eighteen years. (7) Mary, born in Indiana county, became the wife of Philip Whitesel, and lived on a part of her father's farm until her death some years since. (S) Caroline. born in Perry township, became the wife of Charles Williams, and died at their home near Clayville. Penn., leaving three "sons, Henry. William and Clauson. (9) George, born in Jefferson county, in 1839. married Martha Bowersox, and lives on the old homestead. They have four children-Laura, wife of John Tucker. of Punxsutawney; Ward; Etta, wife of Patrick Mann, of Punxsutawney: and Joseph. (10) Mar- tha, the youngest child of Henry and Barbara Palmer. died in early life.

Michael Paliner was born in Indiana county, in 1814, and after the removal of the family to Jefferson county, aided in the arduous task of de- veloping the home farm. In 1841 he was elected constable of Perry township, which then also in- cluded Porter, Oliver and Ringgold town- ships, and served for four years. He pur- chased land, to which he removed after his inarriage, and from the wild tract de- veloped a rich and fertile farm. His first build- ings have been replaced by a more modern set, and in 1887 he erected a large two-story frame residence, one of the best homes in the town- ship. In 1851 he was elected justice of the peace, serving for twenty consecutive years in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. Since his retirement from office, in 1871, he has de-

voted his attention exclusively to his farming in- terests. and although now nearly eighty-four years of age possesses the physical and mental vigor of a man of fifty.

In 1844, Mr. Palmer married Miss Antie, daughter of John and Elizabeth Martin, well-to- do farming people of Jefferson county. Their family numbers nine children: (1) Nancy A., born in 1845, in Perry township, began teaching at the age of sixteen years and followed that pro- fession in Jefferson, Clearfield and Indiana coun- ties. In 1880 she became the wife of Wallace A. Dowdish, of New York, and removed to Brockwayville, Penn., where he followed the jeweler's trade until his death in December, 1885. His widow and son, Earl W., reside on her father's farm, and she still follows teaching. having for nine successive years been thus em- ployed in Horatio. (2) Jane, born in 1847, was for two terms a teacher in the public schools. (3) Elizabeth died at the age of nine years. (4) B. F., born in 1851, married Malinda North. of Ohio, and is now a railroad man living in Punx- sutawney. They have a daughter, Alice. (5) Harry died at the age of five years. (6) Mary, born in 1855, successfully followed teaching for a number of years, and in 1877 became the wife of H. A. Raught, of Du Bois. Ten years later they removed to Washington, where they now reside on a farm. (7) Alice B .. born in 1857. died in 1887. (8) Isaac, born in 1859. removed to Logan county, Kansas, where he secured a homestead of 160 acres. He married Annie Marker, of Kansas, and on account of the drought in that State went to Centralia county, Wash., where he is now living. They have four children-Roy M., Mabel, Anna L. and Frank.

Our subject has long been prominently iden- tified with the best interests of Jefferson county, belonging to one of its pioneer families. His people were instrumental in building the first church in Perry township, erected in 1839, and he has ever been a liberal contributor ,to Churches and schools. His is one of the most highly cultured families in the locality, and hasfurnished to the county some of its most successful teach- ers. He has held the office of school director for two terms, has been assessor and collector. was constable for four years, and has discharged his duties in a most commendable inanner. His political support is given the Republican party.

G EORGE KRAMER (deceased) was for many years a leading citizen of Henderson town- ship. Jefferson county, and it can be truly said of him that his influence was always a potent force

1075

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for good. His sympathy with the various pro- gressive movements of his locality was shown in practical and effective ways, educational affairs receiving his especial attention. In the wider interests of the nation he also felt a keen inter- est, and his patriotic stand during the Civil war drew upon him the bitter enmity of the numer- ous friends of the South in his vicinity. His life was in danger more than once. but his outspoken loyalty never wavered or lessened.

Mr. Kramer was born March 18, 1815, in Schuylkill county, Penn., and growing to man- hood there was married to Miss Sarah Berk- heiser, of the same county. The first four years of wedded life were spent at Auburn, Penn., where Mr. Kramer was engaged in butchering, and he then moved to Tuscarora, Penn., and continued the same business for a year. In 1847 he removed to Winslow township, Jefferson coun- ty, and made his first purchase of land-a tim- ber tract on the Big Sandy. . The following year was spent there in taking out square timber to be rafted down the Allegheny to Pittsburg, and in 1848 he bought 160 acres of forest land on Stump creek in Henderson township, where he made his permanent home. He continued his lumber operations there, clearing a large part of the place, and in time had a fine homestead with a commo- dious and comfortable residence, a bank barn and other modern improvements. Lumbering formed his chief occupation, but he also engaged at times in other pursuits, and became well known as a dealer in real estate. Politically he was a stanch Republican, holding a prominent place in the local organization. For several terms he held the office of supervisor, and his in- terest in the cause of education was shown by long service as school director. He died Novem- ber 20, 1894, and was sincerely mourned in the conununity as well as in the circle of relatives and intimate friends.

MRS. SARAH KRAMER, who survives him, and still occupies the old home, is a most estimable lady, and in the early years of toil and hardship she did her full share to win prosperity. She is a devout member of the Evangelical Church at Troutville, and has always been in sympathy with its work. Her family wasamong the oldest in Schuylkill county, where she was born April 25, 1824, and she received an education in the subscription school of that day, the instruction being given in German. Some of her ancestors took part in the Indian wars of Colonial times, several being killed by the savages, and a num- ber of her relatives served in the war of 1812. Her grandmother Berkheiser used to do the trading for the family at Reading, Penn., travel-

ing on horseback the entire distance to and from the city. John and Polly Berkheiser, Mrs. Kra- mer's parents, were among the well-to-do resi- dents of Schuylkill county.

Mr. and Mrs. Kramer had no children. but Mrs. Nettie Kicher, the widowed daughter of Mrs. Kramer's brother, made her home with them some years ago. She has two daughters, Maud and Jessie, who are attending the schools near the homestead.

T HOMAS GAHAGEN. This venerable pio- neer of Porter township. Jefferson county, is the son of William and Elizabeth (Lantz) Ga- hagen. The father, a native of Huntingdon county, this State, moved to Indiana county when a young man, and bought a farm in the midst of the forest, which he later sold on his removal to Armstrong county, Penn. There he purchased 160 acres of timberland, on which he erected a hewed-log house and round-log barn, and at once commenced to clear and cultivate his place.

William Gahagen died at the age of forty- seven years, leaving a widow and several chil- dren: (1) Mary, the eldest, was born in Indiana county, in 1814, and married William K. Patrick, a farmer of Armstrong county, where she died. leaving a family of children. (2) Thomas is next in order of birth. (3) Susan is the widow of Isaac Mohney, and lives on the farin in Arm- strong county left her by her husband, who died some years ago. (4) John, born in Indiana county, married Julia A. Skinner, by whoin he has several children. He is still living in Free- port, Allegheny Co., Penn. (5) Martin, born in Indiana county, married Lizzie Allen, of Jeffer- son county, and they lived on the old homestead in Armstrong county, where she died some years ago, leaving a family, who are now in Kentucky. (6) Elizabeth, born in Armstrong county. is the wife of William Postlethwait, and with their family they live near Brookville, Penn. (7) Margaret, born in Armstrong county, is the wife of John Gohun, formerly of Clarion county, Penn., and now a wealthy citizen of Indiana county, who for many years was engaged in iner- chandising, but is now living retired. They have a family. (8) Michael, born in Arinstrong coun- ty, was the youngest of the fainily, and died on the old homestead at the age of twenty-one.

Thomas Gahagen was born in 1816, in Indi- ana county, but was reared in Armstrong county, receiving his education in the common schools near his home. In 1841 lie was married to Miss Agnes Hollar, of Armstrong county. and they

1076

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

began housekeeping upon his present farm in Porter township, where he purchased 160 acres, still in its primitive condition. He cleared 130 acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with a good set of farm buildings and all other accessories found upon a first-class farm. His worthy wife, who patiently shared all his early hardships and privations, was called to her final rest in January, 1892. In their farnily were the following children: (1) William E., born in Porter township in 1842, was killed by being thrown from a horse when a young man. (2) Samuel, born in March. 1844, died at the age of two years. (3) Arthur M., born in April, 1846, was educated in the common schools, and now lives near Olivesburg, Jefferson county. He married Susan Seachrist, of Jeffer- son county, and has seven children-Viola, at hoine; Cora, now the wife of Clover Howard, who lives in Jeannette, Penn., near Pittsburg; and William, Essie, Myrtle, Maggie and Hazel, all at home. (4) G. C., born in May, 1848, re- ceived a common-school education, and makes his home in Erie, Penn. He wedded Sarah Travis, of Indiana county, and has six children- Della, at home; Merill: Irena, wife of John Bricker, of Indiana county, by whom she has one son, Charles B. ; and Bertha, Clair and Charles, all at home. (5) Maggie J., born in May, 1850, is the wife of Milton Gaston, a farmer of Porter township, Jefferson county, by whom she has three children-J. O., J. T. and Lola. (6) James A., born in August, 1852, inarried Ida Coleman, of Indiana county, and has four chil- dren-Mabel, Jay, and two whose names are not given. For a time he resided on his father's old homestead, but is now living in Marion, Kans. (7) Mary C., born in September, 1854, wedded William Good, of Indiana county, where they lived until his death. in 1879. He left one son. Harry, who is now in Illinois. His widow later married Russel Duncan, of Iowa, who is now engaged in farming in Armstrong county, Penn. They have three children-Ethel, Lula and Rea. (8) Byron A., born in July, 1857, emigrated to Missouri, where he married a Miss McKloskey, who died some years later. leaving four children. (9) Elizabeth I., born in February, 1860, married M. J. Irwin, of Armstrong county, and they now live in Illinois. Their children are-Lillie, Olive and Boyd. (10) H. B., born in March, 1863, moved to Nebraska, where he married Lucy Gross, o' that State, and he is now a dentist of Fairbury, Jefferson county, Neb. They have one son- Harry. (11) O. E., born in August, 1865, was educated in the public school near the old home- stead, and was married in March, 1894, to Jennie

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 99

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