Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 10

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1332

USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 10
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 10
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 10
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 10

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About 1841 George H. Kennedy accompanied his parents to Clarion county, Penn., and in the . public schools of this State he acquired his edu- cation. At the age of eighteen he began work- ing at the cabinet-making trade, serving a four- years'apprenticeship, and for five years followed that occupation at Corsica, Penn., where for two and a half years he later engaged in merchandis- ing in partnership with Dr. Rogers. He then came to Brookville, clerking in the store of Dr. Rogers at this place for eighteen months, when he returned to Corsica, and there followed mer- chandising for a year and a half. Coming again to Brookville, he has since been prominently identified with its commercial interests. He is the senior member of the firm of G. H. Kennedy & Son, dealers in dry goods, notions and shoes. making a specialty of the latter, and conducting one of the principal establishments of the kind in the city. In 1857 he was married to Miss Nancy Jane Rogers, a daughter of Hugh Rogers, of Kittanning. Penn .. a hatter by trade. Six chil- dren have blessed this union, as follows: Amelia, wife of Prof. J. H. Hughes, for some years super- intendent of schools of Jefferson county: Agnes M. : Henry H., who married Adda. danghter of Dr. W. J. Mcknight, of Brookville, and is now a merchant of that place: George R., who mar- ried Sarah J. Thompson, of Brookville, and is engaged in business with his father: Jennie V .; and Nannie M., wife of Samuel Barton. of Brook- ville. The parents and children are all earnest members of the Presbyterian Church.

For many years Mr. Kennedy has been iden- titied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. in which he has arisen to the Grand Encamp- ment degree, and in politics. he is a stalwart Re-

publican, a strong advocate of sound money, but has never aspired to political distinction. He has, however, faithfully served as a member of the school board and in other minor positions.

W ILLIAM FRANK GEIST, proprietor of the Geist sawmill, is prominently identi- fied with the industrial interests of Oliver town- ship, Jefferson county. He deserves great credit for his success in life. He has made the most of his opportunities, and by a thorough under- standing of the business, and by straightforward. honorable dealing, has secured the public confi- dence and the public patronage. He has accu- mulated a handsome property, and his life illus- trates what can be accomplished through industry, perseverance and good management.

Mr. Geist was born October 22, 1863, in Oliver township, about two miles from his pres- ent home, and traces his ancestry back to Ger- many. George Geist, his great-grandfather, a native of that land, came to America at an early day and took up his residence in Schuylkill county, Penn., where he followed farming through- out the remainder of his life. The grandparents. George and Barbara (Kessler) Geist, were natives of Schuylkill county, and were married there. In 1850 they removed to Jefferson county, lo- cating in Ringgold township, where the grand- father followed farming until his death in 1853. when aged fifty years. His widow afterward married Michael Boyer, with whom she removed to Beaver township, Jefferson county, where he died in 1882. A few years later Mrs. Boyer came to Oliver township, where she died Feb- ruary 15, 1895. at the age of seventy-three years. She was buried in Worthville cemetery, and her husband in Ringgold township. In politics he was a Democrat, and both were members of the Evangelical Church. Their family numbered the following- Rebecca, wife of Isaac Shaffer; Pansy, a farmer of Jefferson county; Cornelius C., who operated a sawmill and farm in Oliver township; Henry and Andrew, both of whom died in Schuylkill county, in early life; Catherine, wife of Jacob Slagel, a farmer near Freeport, IN .: George D., who operates a flouring mill and farm at Cool Springs. Penn .; G. Washington. who died in Kansas at the age of forty-five: John A .. a farmer of Porter township, Jefferson county, a twin brother of G. Washington; and Franklin. who died in Kansas.

Cornelius C. Geist, the father of our subject, was born on .August 30, 1835, in Schuylkill county. Penn .. and followed farming and lum- bering throughout his entire lite. At an early

Am. Fr. Terat.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

day he removed to Jefferson county, and in 1860 . homestead; Dorsie A., born January 6, 1879; removed from Porter township to Oliver town- : Cornelius, born February 15, 1881; Rosanna; born August 28, 1882, and Mary J., born De- cember 15, 1885, are all at home. ship, where he was extensively engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. In 1870 he built a saw and planing mill, and carried on a large and success- William Frank Geist, whose name opens this review, was reared on his father's farm and there remained until his marriage, when he located upon a farm that has since been his home. He continued to work for his father until 1884, when he purchased a quarter interest in the mill, and on his father's death became sole owner of the same. This is one of the leading industries in his section of the county, and he is successfully operating it, turning out about 14,000 feet of luinber daily. The mill is finely equipped with all modern machinery and im- provements for first-class work, and Mr. Geist now enjoys a large trade. . In addition to this, he owns some landed property. ful business along that line for a number of years. His well-directed efforts brought him a handsome competence and at his death he was regarded as one of the wealthy and prominent men of the county. In September, 1868, in Jefferson coun- ty, he was married to Mary J. J. Hice, the cere- mony being performed by Rev. Martin Zirkle, of the Evangelical Association. Mrs. Geist was a native of Jefferson county, born March 26, 1841, her parents being Robert and Catherine (Gill- housen) Hice, natives of Westmoreland county. After their marriage they removed to Jefferson county, where Mr. Hice carried-on farming until his death in 1846. Hiswife, who was born in Feb- ruary, 1821, died in March, 1896. They were buried in the Rounds cemetery in Oliver town- ship. Both were members of the Evangelical Church, and Mr. Hice was a Democrat in his po- litical views. Their family included the following named: John, who operatesa sawmill in Pinecreek township, Louisa E., wife of John Evans, a farmer of Ringgold township, Jefferson county; Elias, a carpenter of Ringgold township; Robert, de- ceased; Mrs. Geist; Frederick, who died at the age of twenty-six years; Samuel, who died at the age of five; and Margaret A., who died in in- fancy. The parents of Mrs. Hice were Elias and Elizabeth (Brown) Gillhousen, natives of Germany, who caine to Jefferson county at an early day and spent their remaining days as farm -. ing people of Oliver township.

Cornelius C. Geist, father of our subject, died November 16, 1894, at the age of fifty-nine years, one month and sixteen days, and was buried in Worthville cemetery. The members of his family are Elias, a farmer of Knox town- ship, who was born June 14, 1859, and married Amanda Klontz; Rebecca E., born February 27. 1861, now the wife of Daniel Geist. a farmer of Oliver township, Jefferson county; John B., who was born October 26, 1862, and died in in- fancy; William F .; Barbara C., born February 13. 1866, wife of John Thompson, of Oliver township; Samuel T., born May 6, 1868, and married Susan Cochran: Robert E., who was born October 9, 1870, and is at home; Minnie B., born February 6, 1873, wife of Daniel Smith, a farmer of Oliver township: Bertie A., born February 11, 1875, wife of Charles Buzzard, a blacksmith of Cool Springs; Louise E., born Angust 28, 1877, is the wife of McKane Won- derling, who is a day laborer residing on the old

On June 17, 1884, at Ebenezer, Jefferson county, William Frank Geist was married by Rev. Samuel Millison to Miss Ellen C. Wonder- ling, who was born February 11, 1865, in Oliver township. Her father, Charles F. Wonderling. is a retired farmer of Oliver township. He was born February 1. 1827, in Northampton county, Penn., a son of Frederick and Sabina (Billman) Wonderling, natives of Switzerland, who, on coming to America in 1807, located in North- ampton county. In 1839 they removed to Clarion county. where Frederick Wonderling died in 1860, at the age of eighty years. His. wife died in Jefferson county ten years later, at the age of seventy years.

Charles F. Wonderling, father of Mrs. Geist, was married April 5, 1845. in Clarion county, to Catherine Klontz, and their children are William H., who died in the war; Reuben, a farmer of Oliver township, who married Lavina Reitz; John. deceased; Simon, a farmer of Oliver township. who married Beckie Harmon; Mary, wife of George Dobson, a farmer of Oliver township. and Joseph W., who died in childhood. Mrs. Won- derling, the mother of this family, was born in Clarion county, and died in 1863, at the age of thirty-five years. The following year Mr. Won- derling married Mary E. Fike, and their children are: Ellen, wife of William Geist; Silas, a farmer of Jefferson county, who married Eliza- beth Byerly: Miles, of Oliver township: Theo- dore MI., a fariner of Oliver township, who mar- ried Louisa Geist; Wilford, Garfield and Mina C., at home. The father of this family is one of the leading farmers of Jefferson county, and the many excellent improvements upon his place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He is identified with the Evangelical Association,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and takes a very prominent part in Church work; he has served as an officer in the Church for the past forty years.

The children of William Frank Geist and wife are: Florence, born February 12, 1885; Stella M., born January 14, 1887; Max, born March 5, 1889; Nellie, born December 16, 1893, and Ern- est, born February 21, 1895, died on January 28, 1898. The family circle yet remains unbroken, and the parents hold a leading position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are re- ceived as the passports into good society. Mr. Geist is a member of the Lodge at Worthville of I. O. O. F., is a trustee in the Evangelical Asso- ciation, and aided in building their present church edifice. In politics he is a Republican, and has served for three years as school director, but has never been an aspirant for office. He is highly esteemed as a man of sterling worth, and is a prominent representative of the best citizenship of his native county.

W ILLIAM DICKEY, who resides in Brook- ville, belongs to that class of representa- tive citizens whose sterling worth and fidelity to duty make them valued acquisitions to the com- munity in which they reside.

Born December 14, 1832, in Jefferson county, Mr. Dickey is a son of Matthew and Elizabeth Ann (Templeton) Dickey. His father was born in County Derry, in the North of Ireland, in 1800, and came to America in 1817. For ten years after his arrival he engaged in school teach- ing, and in about 1831, he took up his residence in Jefferson county, where, in connection with his educational work, he also followed farming and merchandising. Every trust reposed in him was faithfully performed, and he was honored by all who knew him. He died in 1884, at the venerable age of eighty-four years. His esti- inable wife was a native of Armstrong county, Penn .. and died in 1890.

William Dickey acquired his primary educa- tion in the old-time log school house, where he mastered the elementary branches of learning. Subsequently he pursued his studies in the acad- emy in Brookville, and still later attended a select school at that place. His initiation into busi- ness life was through clerking in his father's store. After working in that way for about five years, his father established him in a mercantile busi- ness in Dowlingville, where he remained for two years, after which he went to Troy, where he was engaged in merchandising for a similar period. Returning then to Brookville, he con- ducted a store here for a quarter of a century,

and since that time has devoted his energies to the lumber business, being one of the leading lumber merchants of Jefferson county. He is the president of the Brookville National Bank, and is a inan of excellent business and executive ability, of keen discerninent and tireless purpose. In June, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary A. Douthett, a daugliter of Rev. William Douth- ett. They have six children living, namely: Matthew W., a lumber merchant of Tennessee; William W., who is engaged in the same busi- ness in Pittsburg. Penn .; Maria A., wife.of John Means, a prominent merchant of Brookville; Lula M .. wife of Frank K. Brown, of Brook- ville; Myrtle H., wife of L. B. Long, of the same town; and Mary E., at home. Our sub- ject and his family are faithful members of the Uni- ted Presbyterian Church. Since casting his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856, Mr. Dickey has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, and is heartily in sympathy with its present policy, and is the advocate of sound money and protection to American indus- tries. The world instinctively pays deference to the man who has won prosperity by honorable methods and untiring industry. Such has been the career of Mr. Dickey, and he well deserves mention among the leading citizens of Jefferson county.

J ACOB ZEITLER is one of the most reliable and active business men of Punxsutawney, Jefferson county. Success comes not alone by taking advantage of surrounding opportunities, but from creating them, and our subject has achieved prosperity in this way. Garfield said: " We must not wait for things to turn up, we must turn them up." With such a view of life acting as a motive power, Mr. Zeitler has steadily and persistently worked his way upward, attain- ing the goal of his hopes.

He comes from across the sea, his birth hav- ing occurred in 1832, in Germany, of which coun- try his parents, John Conrad and Margaret (Weiss) Zeitler, were also natives. but in 1847 the family emigrated to America, and for a short time made their home in Pittsburg, Penn. The following year, however, they came to Punxsu- tawney, where both parents died in 1876, at the age of eighty-four years. In early life the father had learned the shoemaker's trade. which he followed in connection with buying and sell- ing real estate, and also engaged in mercantile pursuits. An earnest, Christian gentleman, he was an active worker in the 'Lutheran Church, and was very instrumental in building up that denomination in Punxsutawney.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jacob Zeitler is the seventh in order of birth in the family of eight children. While stilla resident of the Fatherland, he attended school from the age of six to twelve years, and then worked on a farm until coming to this country. Here his father apprenticed him to the saddler's trade, and during the four years he was learning the trade received only his board, washing and $20 per year, out of which he had to clothe himself. At the end of the time, however, he had com- fortable clothes and $3.50 in money. After working a short time for his employer, he had earned enough with which to come to Punxsu- tawney, and establish himself in the saddlery business, which he has now successfully carried on since 1852. He also conducts a large insur- ance business, representing some of the leading life, fire and accident insurance companies in existence.

In 1857, Mr. Zeitler wedded Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel B. Hughes, a native of Jeff- erson county. Ten children blessed their union, six sons and four daughters, of whom four sons and one daughter are now deceased. Those who still survive are Jennie E., wife of Joseph H. Armstrong, of St. Paul, Minn .; Thaddeus and Lee, both residents of Punxsutawney; Zula Z., wife of Carroll McA. Fee, a prominent merchant tailor of Punxsutawney; and Dora B., at home. The father of these was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and his wife in the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. They are people of prominence in the community, holding a high position in social circles. Since 1861, Mr. Zeit- ler has been identified with the Masonic frater- nity, now holding membership in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, and is past master. His political support has ever been given the Democratic party, and on that ticket he has been elected to a number of local positions, the duties of which he ever discharged in a prompt and able manner.

F FREDERICK HUMMEL, the well-known proprietor of the " Washington House," is one of the most progressive and energetic citi- zens of Punxsutawney. It is said that biography yields to no other subject in point of interest and profit, and it is especially interesting to note the progress that has been made along various lines of business by those of foreign birth who have sought hoines in America-the readiness with which they adapt themselves to the different methods and customs of America, recognize the advantages offered, and utilize the opportunities which the New World affords.

Mr. Hummel comes from the German Fa- therland, where his birth occurred in 1833, his parents being George Jacob and Catherine (Wagner) Hummel, also natives of Germany. Coming to America in May, 1846, they located in Clearfield county, Penn., where the father en- gaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life. He was a quiet, unassuming man, attend- ing strictly to his own affairs. and had the confi- dence and respect of all who knew him. His death occurred in 1893, at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years, four months and twelve days, and his estimable wife passed away in 1886, at the age of seventy-seven years and eight months. The family on starting for America was comprised of parents and six children-four boys and two girls; one child died on the ocean en route, and another was born to the parents after coming to the United States. These chil- dren were: George, Jacob, Frederick (our sub- ject), Henry, Jacob (2). Charlotte, and Cath- arine. Of these George, died about one year ago, leaving a widow and three sons and three daugh- ters; Henry is married, and has eight children; Charlotte married John Clouser, and they have one boy and four girls; Jacob died en route to America, leaving a widow and three daughters; Catherine married John Blatt, and has a son, Frederick.

Frederick Hummel received the benefits of the schools of his native land until he attained the age of thirteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States. His father having entered a tract of wild land, he assisted him in the arduous tasks of clearing and improving the farm, and there- fore had no chance to attend school until after reaching the age of twenty-one, when he again pursued his studies for three months. At the age of nineteen he served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. which he followed in con- nection with farming until 1869, when he came to Punxsutawney and purchased the present site of his hotel. He has met with misfortune by fires, losing his first hotel in that way in 1879. and after rebuilding had the second structure de- stroyed in the saine way in 1886. With his characteristic energy, however, the following year he erected his present splendid three-story brick building, containing forty bedrooms, two parlors, as well as the other necessary rooms. It is well furnished, is convenient and comforta- ble, and the cuisine is unexceptionable. Notwith- standing his losses by fire, he has been very suc- cessful, for his courteous, genial manners have gained him a liberal share of the public patron- age.

1 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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In 1858, Mr. Hummel was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ellen Rupert, of Bell town- ship, Jefferson county, and to them were born eleven children, those living being: Henry. James, Christ, Reuben, Kubert, Barbara and Mary. Our subject's grandchildren are: Maina, Perle, Willalla and Frederick. The parents of Mrs. Elizabeth Ellen (Rupert) Hummel were born at Howard, Centre Co., Penn., and in 1847 came to Jefferson county.

Politically, our subject is a stalwart Demo- crat, and at all times and under all circumstances is strongly opposed to monopolies. He is one of the representative citizens and solid and reliable business men of Punxsutawney, who has the respect and confidence of all who know him, and has been called upon to serve in a number of local positions. For the past twenty-seven years he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is serving as past grand. His estimable wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but he rather inclines to the faith held by the German Reformed Church.

W ILLIAM M. FAIRMAN. Whatever else may be said of the legal profession, it cannot be denied that members of the Bar have" been more prominent factors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest, and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law, also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside of the strict path of his profession, and which touch the general interests of society. Holding a marked precedence among the mem- bers of the Bar of Jefferson county is Mr. Fair- man, of Punxsutawney, who is numbered among the most noted criminal lawyers of the State. He has defended every homicide in the county since entering practice, and but one of the num- ber has been convicted. He has not only been very successful professionally, but financially as well, and now ranks among the most prosperous citizens of the community.

Mr. Fairman is a native of Jefferson county, born in Brookville, October 31, 1836, and is a son of James and Catherine ( McConnahev) Fair- man, both natives of Indiana county, Penn., who located in Brookville in 1832. For some time the father engaged in the sawmill business, but subsequently taught school. He died of con- sumption in 1839. The mother, who survived him many years, was again married, and died in February, 1885.

Our subject was reared by his paternal grand- father. David Fairman, whom he accompanied to Illinois when ten years of age, and for four years attended school in Decatur, that State. Later he was sent by his uncle to a school in Jacksonville, Ill., where he completed an aca- denic course, and then engaged in teaching in Macon and Shelby counties, that State, until 1861. On the outbreak of the Civil war. he re- turned to Pennsylvania, and enlisted in Company I. 62nd P. V. I. Although he was in the serv- ice throughout the war, and participated in inany hotly-contested engagements, he was wounded only once, that being at Gaines Hill. Va., in 1862. His term of service having expired, he was mustered out at Pittsburg, Penn., in 1864, and came to Punxsutawney. Until 1870 he en- gaged in lumbering during the summer and teach- ing during the winter season; then entered the law office of Jenks & Winslow. He was admit- ted to the Bar in 1874, and has since been actively engaged in practice. His fellow citizens, recognizing his ability, elected him district at- torney in 1876, which office he creditably filled until 1880, when he resumed private practice. Possessing a thorough and comprehensive knowl- edge of the fundamental principles of law, he has had no trouble in securing a large and lucrative practice, and to-day takes front rank among his professional brethren.

In St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Fairman was married to Miss Lizzie Jefferson, a native of Delaware. She is a most estimable lady, and a faithful mem- ber of the Christian Church. The Democratic party finds in Mr. Fairman a stalwart supporter, but he has never aspired to official distinction, preferring to devote his entire time to his profes- sion. He has, however, twice received the nom- ination for Congress, and the second time de- clined to accept.

TAMES McGEE, an intelligent and progress- ive agriculturist of McCalmont township. Jefferson county, owns a homestead of 222 : acres. This estate is, however, but one of sev- eral tracts which he has acquired from time to time, as he holds at present the titles to 515 acres of choice land in Jefferson and adjoining counties.

Mr. McGee comes of good North-of-Ireland stock, James and Hannah. (Warden) McGee, his grandparents, having been the first to come to America. They settled in what is now Clinton county, Penn., then Centre county, at a very early period, and made a home in the wilderness, clearing and improving a farm. Their son, Sam-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

uel, our subject's father, was born and reared there, and married a native of the same locality, Miss Jane McBride, a daughter of John McBride. In 1820 the young couple moved to Jefferson county, locating for a time in Perry township, and finally. in 1833, settled in McCalmont town- ship on a farm ad joining our subject's homestead. In politics the father was a Republican. The mother in religious faith was a Cumberland Pres- byterian. Their children were: James, who died in infancy; John, who was drowned in Mahoning creek in 1842; Samuel, who died in 1844; James, our subject; William, who died in July, 1893; Isaac, a farmer in Young township, Jefferson county; Thomas, who died at an early age; and Hannah J., now the wife of Jacob W. Means, a farmer near Georgeville, Indiana Co., Penn. The mother of these died in 1862, and was buried in the Presbyterian graveyard in Perry township, Jefferson county, and the father died in 1878, aged eighty-three years, and was buried in the Mt. Tabor United Brethren graveyard in Mc- Calmont township, Jefferson county.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 10

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1332

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1332