Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 103

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 103
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 103
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 103
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 103

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

honorably discharged at Camp Jamison, on ac- count of physical disability. Returning to his home, he continued to reside in Rockdale Mills until called to his final rest in March, 1896. Thus passed to his reward a man of noble char- acter, one who acted well his part in life, " wherein all honor lies," and who had gained and retained the confidence, respect and esteem of his fellow men. His character was beyond reproach, while in manner he was quiet and un- assuming, choosing that gentle and refined court- esy which was typical of the "old school."

In 1852 Mr. Preston had married Miss Sadie Mowrey, of Frenchville, a daughter of John and Sarah Mowrey, who were worthy representatives of one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Covington township, Clearfield coun- ty. Some of its members still reside in that and Bradford townships. Mrs. Preston shared with her husband all the trials and hardships of their early married life, and is still living, being the center of a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances who have for her the highest regard. She is a faithful. member of the Baptist Church, to which Mr. Preston also belonged. His political support was given the Democracy.

To this worthy couple were born eight chil- dren, as follows: (1) Reuben, born in French- ville, grew to manhood in Jefferson county, and in 1879 married Josephine Dunhoof, of Potter county, Penn. After his marriage he continued to live with his parents for a few years, and then moved to Forest county, Penn., where he fol- lowed lumbering until his death, in February, 1893. He left a widow and six children -- Bes- sie, Walter, George, Nellie, Leon, and Grover C. (2) Almerian, born in Frenchville, was also reared in Jefferson county, where he married Sarah Maxwell, of that county, and made his home near his father's place. His wife died in 1887, leaving four children-Samuel, Almerian, Mary and Katie. Two years later he married Emma Slawson, of Jefferson county, by whom he has two children-Alfreda and Compton. He- now lives on the old homestead with his mother.

i (3) Alfreda, born in Jefferson county, in 1854, married. Leonard Harvey, of Jefferson county, and they now reside in the State of Washington. Their children are-Samuel, Edgar, Annie, Ros- well, Wilda and Charles. (4) William moved to Wichita, Kans., where he was married, and where he still continues to reside. (5) Edison died at the age of twelve years. (6) George B.,

. now a resident of the State of Washington, mar- ried Ettie Bowers, of Jefferson county, Penn., and has five children-Stella. Joseph, Alonzo, Hazel and Charles. (7) Lottie married George

Rhine, of Ridgway, Penn., and they make their home in Elk county, this State. They have one son-Willie. (8) Lucy married Alonzo Abby, of Mckean county, Penn., by whom she has four children-Earl, Burton, Hugh and Lottie. They live on his farm near Smithport, Pennsylvania.

SINGLETON BELL, of Clearfield, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, ranks among the lead- ing attorneys at law of the county.

M ATHIAS GEISLER. It is interesting to witness the success of young men who have emigrated to America without capital, and from a position of comparative obscurity worked their way upward to positions of prominence. The readiness with which they adapt themselves to circumstances and take advantage of the oppor- tunities offered brings to them success, and wins for them a place among the leading business men of the community in which they reside. As a poor boy, Mr. Geisler came to the United States; to-day he is numbered among the prosperous business men of Reynoldsville, Jefferson county, where for the past thirteen years he has success- fully engaged in merchant tailoring.

Our subject was born in Tyrol, Austria, in 1840, a son of John and Lizzie (Cradler) Geisler. who spent their entire lives in that country. As soon as he had reached a sufficient age he en- tered the public schools of his native land, where he pursued his studies until he was fifteen, and then learned the tailor's trade under the tuition of his father, who followed that occupation as a life work. In 1866 he sailed for the New World with the hope of benefiting his circumstances in life. Coming to Clarion county, Penn., he there remained some four years, and the next year and a half he passed in Kittanning, same State, after which he returned to Clarion county, and engaged in merchant tailoring on his own account until 1884. That year witnessed his arrival in Reynoldsville, where he at once es- tablished business, and is now at the head of a large and constantly increasing trade.

Mr. Geisler was married, in 1873, to Miss Caroline Knoll, of Butler county, Penn., and they have become the parents of eight children, who in order of birth are as follows: John B. P., Joseph F., Mary, Albert, Clara, George, Joanna and Francis. The parents and children are all communicants of the Catholic Church, and the oldest son is to be ordained a priest in 1897. He has spent the past four years in Austria and Switzerland, and at this writing he is visiting

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Jerusalem. In his political affiliations, Mr. Geis- ler is a Democrat. He is an upright, reliable- business man, whose straightforward course com- mends him to the confidence and respect of the entire community, and he has made many warm friends since coming to Reynoldsville.

S. SLOAN is the popular and efficient post- master at New Bethlehem, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

W ILLIAM SHANAFELT. More than six- ty-two years have passed since this gen- tleman arrived in Clarion county, and he is just- ly numbered among its honored pioneers and leading citizens. He has been prominently identified with its agricultural and stock-raising interests. His is an honorable record of a con- scientious business man, who by his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. He has rounded the Psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, and although the snows of several winters have whitened his hair he has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime.

Mr. Shanafelt was born March 4, 1825, in Huntingdon county, Penn., and in 1835 was brought by his parents to Clarion county, where he has since made his home. His grandfather. Nicholas Shanafelt, Sr., was born in Pennsyl- vania, of German ancestry, and died and was buried in Centre county. He was a Revolution- ary hero, being with Gen. Washington's army at Valley Forge, and was also with "Mad" An- thony Wayne, during which time he was wounded in the neck. He had three sons who aided in the defense of their country during the war of 1812, and were present at the surrender of Gen. Hull.

Nicholas Shanafelt, Jr., a native of Centre county, was a gunsmith by trade, but after com- ing to Clarion county in 1835. he devoted his attention principally to agricultural pursuits. In the midst of the forest he cleared and improved a farm, and in the log house he erected thereon he made his home for many years. He married Miss Keziah Greenland, who was of English parentage and a native of Huntingdon county, Penn. They became the parents of the follow- ing children: William, our subject, is the eld- est; Ezra died at the age of twelve years, and Sarah Ann at the age of eight years; Rev. John is now a resident of Kansas; Rev. Andrew (now deceased) was a resident of Chester City, Penn., was a minister of the Baptist Church, traveled extensively in Europe and the Holy

Land, and at one time baptized a man in the River Jordan. Rev. Thomas, now a missionary at Huron, S. Dak., was at one time chaplain to the National Grand Army of the Republic, and is widely known throughout the United States. Mary Jane is the wife of C. J. Ray, who was at one time sheriff of Clarion county, and is now living in Oil City, Penn. The mother, who was an earnest Christian woman and a member of the Baptist Church, died at the age of sixty-six years, while the father reached the age of seven- ty-three years. For many years he was a deacon in the Baptist Church, and took an active part in all Church and benevolent work. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a Republican.

Coming to Clarion county, when a lad of ten years, William Shanafelt grew to manhood amid scenes of frontier life, and in clearing and im- proving the home farm he bore an important part. He obtained a fair education in the local schools, and for two months successfully engaged in teaching, but his attention has mainly been devoted to agricultural pursuits. He purchased the old homestead of 120 acres in Porter town- ship, to which he has added until he now has 250 acres of valuable land, and he and his wife also own a tract of 112 acres at the Cross Roads in the same township. He has a commodious and comfortable residence built in modern style, and also good barns and outbuildings. His pas- tures and meadows rival the famous blue-grass region of Kentucky, and are especially suited to the raising of fine stock. His herd of Shorthorn cattle is the best to be found in the county, and for fifteen years he has carried away the premi- ums at the local fairs. Besides his cattle he raises a fine grade of sheep and horses. His beautiful home is known as Sugar Grove.

In 1844, Mr. Shanafelt married Miss Cather- ine, daughter of Rev. Thomas E. Thomas, a Baptist minister, and they became the parents of six children: John, who was educated at Reedsburg, Penn., and is now engaged in teach- ing in Butler county; Keziah, at home; Maggie, wife of H. S. Phillips, of Porter township, Clarion county; D. W., a resident of Salmon City, Idaho; Lewis, who died in Nebraska: and Arminda, who married Curtis Sloan, of Lime- stone, Penn., and died in ISgo. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1876. and two years later Mr. Shanafelt wedded Miss Jane McNutt, a most estimable lady, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Ardeny) McNutt, who died in Clarion county.

Politically, Mr. Shanafelt is identified with the Republican party, and for a quarter of a century he has been connected with the Masonic

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fraternity. He is a prominent and active mem- ber of the Baptist Church, is one of its most lib- eral supporters, and for many years has served- as deacon. For eight years he has been a mem- ber of the State Board of Agriculture. Mr. Shan- afelt stands five feet, ten and one-half inches in height, weighs 185 pounds, and until a year ago enjoyed excellent health for one of his years, but at this writing (1898) is suffering from paralysis. He possesses to a full measure all the fine enno- bling qualities for which his ancestors were noted, and his honesty, integrity, gentleness and purity are a constant source of inspiration to his loving family and many friends.

P ATRICK McDONALD is engaged in the lumber business in Reynoldsville, Jefferson county. His career well exemplifies the saying that "merit always commands its reward." Making the most of his opportunities through life, he has overcome many obstacles in his path, and has steadily advanced on the high road to success. He is now numbered among the most enterprising and progressive business men of his adopted city, and is well worthy of rep- resentation in this volume.

Mr. McDonald was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1848, and is a son of John and Mary (Gaynor) McDonald, ^who were natives of the Emerald Isle, whence they came to America in 1856. For several years they resided in New York, and then removed to Sullivan county. Penn., where the father worked at the tailor's trade, which he had learned in his native land. He also carried on agricultural pursuits, and de- veloped a farm, to the further cultivation of which he was directing his energies at the time of his death, in 1890. His wife passed away the year previous.

Patrick McDonald was the fifth child in their family. His educational opportunities were limited to the privileges afforded by the district schools of Sullivan county, Penn. At the early age of thirteen years he left the parental roof to make his own way in the world, and has since been dependent entirely upon his own efforts; so that whatever success he has achieved is justly merited. He was first employed as a mail car- rier, and followed that pursuit for eighteen months. after which he secured work in the luni- ber woods of Clearfield county. He was in- dustrious and energetic, and after four years was enabled to embark in lumbering on his own ac- : count, since which time he has successfully fol- lowed that calling, continually adding to the com- petence which is the inerited reward of earnest

labor. For twenty-four years he has been ass)- ciated in business with Hon. A. C. Hopkins. member of Congress from Lock Haven, Penn- sylvania.

In June, 1873, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Wilhelm. of St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., and their union has been blessed with nine children, eight of whom are still living, namely: John, Francis, George. Mary, Thomas, Brady, Terrence and Ellen. Mr. McDonald and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics he is a stanch Democrat, warmly advocating the free coinage of silver. He occupies a prominent po- sition in business circles, and his life record is in many respects worthy of emulation.

J TAMES M. HEPLER, who until recently conducted -a good general store in Clarington. Jefferson county, was born in 1862, in West Millville, Clarion Co., Penn .. of parents Henry and Martha (McWilliams) Hepler. The father is also a native of Clarion county, and has spent his entire life in Pennsylvania, being at the pres- ent time a resident of Allegheny county. For twenty years he successfully engaged in mer- chandising.

James M. Hepler was provided with good school privileges, but like many boys did not make the best use of the opportunities afforded him. At the age of twenty he began the strug- gle of life for himself, his first work being team- ing, and when business was dull along this line he sought other employment. Among the vari- ous occupations which he pursued was that of a mail contractor, but later gave his exclusive time and attention to his store. and by fair and hon- orable dealing he succeeded in building up a good trade.

In December, ISS3, Mr. Hepler was married to Miss Etta L. Simpkins, of Corsica. Jefferson county, and six children have come to bless their union: Roy, Clara, Anna. Mark. Burns and Howard. Socially. Mr. Hepler is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America: politically. he is an ardent Republican. He has served as school director in his township. but cares nothing for office, preferring to give his time and atten- tion to his business interests.

J ACOB G. SMITH, a leading agriculturist and a successful stone mason, now residing in Bell township, Jefferson county, is a rep- resentative of one of the old and highly respected families of the county, his parents being William

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and Catherine Smith. The father was born in Germany, in 1819, and on coming to this coun- try took up his residence in Young township, Jef- ferson county, where he purchased a tract of wild land and developed therefrom a fine farm. His first buildings were log structures, which were re- placed by a good frame residence and barn. He continued the cultivation and improvement of his land up to his death, in September, 1896; his widow is now making her home with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Frederick Hanck.

Our subject is one of a family of four chil- dren, all of whom were born on the old home- stead in Young township, where they were reared: (1) Henry A., a substantial farmer re- siding near Crete, in Indiana county, Penn., mar- ried Sophia Norr, of Perry township, Jefferson county, and has four children-Owen, Lottie, Carrie and Emma. (2) Jacob G. is the second in the order of birth. (3) Adam E. owns and operates a fine farm in 'Bell township, one mile northeast of Punxsutawney, which he purchased of Fred Hummel. He wedded Emma Oswald, of Brady township, Clearfield Co., Penn., and has two children-Roland and Wallace. (4) Lizzie married Frederick Hanck, of Bell township, Clearfield county, and they live on her father's old homestead; their children are Emma, Willie, Grover, Mary, and two whose names are not given.

Jacob G. Smith, of this review, spent the greater part of his boyhood days in working upon the home farm, though he attended the public schools to some extent during the winter season. After attaining to man's estate he learned the stone mason's trade with his half brother. John E. Smith, and has continued to successfully fol- low the same in Clearfield and Jefferson counties up to the present time. In ISS5 he married Miss Sadie Oswald, of Brady township, Clear- field county, and to them have been born six children: Freddy, Minnie, Ida, Alice, Effie and Harry.

Previous to his marriage Mr. Smith had pur- chased a farm in Young township, and later bought the Adam Kuntz homestead of 139 acres of improved land in Bell township, near the Grube Church. In 1889 he erected thereon a large two-story house, and has also built a sum- mer house and wagon shed, besides making many other improvements which add to its value and at- tractive appearance. Having a large amount of industry, perseverance and energy, he has made a noble record as a successful business man. and to-day stands as one of the substantial and reliable citizens of Bell township. His political support is ever given the Democracy, and he !

has faithfully served his fellow citizens in the capacity of supervisor one term, overseer of the poor four years, and is at present a school direct- or in Bell township. In religious faith he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church of Punxsutawney.

U RIAS PEACE is to-day the owner of one of the large and well-cultivated farms of Bell township, Jefferson county, and is recognized as one of the most enterprising and progressive busi- ness men. He started out in life a poor boy, but has overcome the obstacles and difficulties in his path by determined purpose, and has thus worked his way upward to prosperity.

Abram and Catherine (Moleberry) Peace, parents of our subject, were born in Dauphin county, Penn .. but were married in Centre county, where the father worked in the Bald Eagle Valley for some years. In 1847 he re- moved his family to Jefferson county, purchasing a farm in Bell township. His wife died in 1859. Our subject is one of six children, the others be- ing as follows: (1) Abram, born in Bald Eagle Valley, wedded Mary Sprow. of Bell township, and is now living on a farm in Henderson town- ship, Jefferson county. They have four children -(a) Maggie, who married and died some years ago, leaving three children; (b) John, of Hender- son township, Jefferson county, who married Malinda Shepler, and has one child, Karl; (c) Lizzie, wife of George Shepler, of Henderson township; and (d) Daniel, of Henderson town- ship, who married a Miss Gray and has one child. (2) Elizabeth, born in Bald Eagle Valley, died at the age of seventeen years; she was an exceed- ingly attractive and amiable girl. (3) Daniel, born in Centre county, married Elizabeth Niel. of Gaskill township, Jefferson county, and now owns and operates a farm in Bell township; they had four children, but only one, Eva, is now living. (4) Joseph, born in Centre county, died suddenly at the age of nineteen years, while en- gaged in lumbering on the East branch of the Mahoning: he was a remarkably bright young man. (5) William, born in Centre county. and now a farmer of Henderson township, Jefferson county, married Miss Jane Bair, by whom he has five children-(a) Ida, wife of George Davis. of Henderson township, who is engaged in merchan- dising in Big Run; (b) Eva. wife of John Pifer, a farmer of Henderson township: (c) Maggie: (d) Edward; and (e) Calm.

L'rias Peace, of this review, was born in Bald Eagle Valley in 1845, and was, consequently, about two years old when the family removed to

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Jefferson county. His educational privileges were limited, as his services were needed on the home farm, and he assisted his father in the labors of field and forest, working in the woods until he had earned enough to buy a team. He then operated the Henry Brown farm on shares for eight years. He also engaged in rafting timber down Mahoning creek to the Pittsburg markets, has since followed that pursuit, and for some time was engaged in hauling timber for Leavy & Mitchell, on the Susquehanna river. In 1874 he purchased twenty-five acres of land, of Robert McGee. in Bell township, built thereon a house and barn, and made other substantial improvements. He then purchased the Brooks farm of 132 acres, for which he paid over four thousand dollars. He has here erected a new barn, 50x 52 feet, and a fine residence. He has cleared the stumps from the place, and 'now has one of the most richly cultivated farms in Bell township, while the modern improvements and accessories that are there to be seen indicate him to be a most progressive and wide-awake agricult- urist.

In 1874 Mr. Peace wedded Miss Mary A. Mc- Gee, of Bell township, and the following is the record of their family: Henry M., born in Bell township, is now an employee of the Beach Creek Railroad Company. Homer, born in Bell township, also follows' railroading. Della J., born on the farm where her parents now live, is the wife of Harvey Bond, of Indiana county, Penn. Joseph, born in February, 1878, is at home. Arthur, born in Bell township, was, at the age of sixteen, killed by the accidental dis- charge of a gun while hunting rabbits. Emory, Milton and Ida are all at home. Etha M. died in infancy. Raymond and Herman (twins) com- plete the family. Mrs. Peace is identified with the Presbyterian Church.

His fellow citizens, appreciating his worth and ability, have called upon Mr. Peace on three successive occasions to fill the office of supervisor, and his duties have been discharged with marked fidelity. His political support is given to the Democracy. His career is that of an honorable business man, who by his upright life has won the confidence and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact, and won the warm friendship of many.

A DAM STAPF, late landlord and proprietor of the "Haley House, " Lindsey, Jefferson county, has firmly established himself in the good will of the community by his courtesy and fair dealing with all. Mr. Stapf was born in Law-

rence county, Penn., and is of German blood, his parents, Frederick and Elizabeth (Klinding) Stapf, having both come from the Fatherland at about the age of sixteen, the remainder of their lives being spent in this State. The father had learned the cooper's trade in his native land, and he continued the business successfully until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-nine years old. His beloved wife preceded him to the unseen world, passing away in her sixty-first year.

The district schools near his father's farm af- forded our subject his early educational advan- tages, but owing to the necessity for self-support, he could not even make full use of those oppor- tunities. He learned the cooper's trade with his father, and at once engaged in business on his own behalf. Industry and judicious management brought him success, and for some time he con- ducted two shops, one at New Castle and one at Wampum, Penn., with from fifteen to twenty workmen in each. In 1890 he disposed of his then extensive business, and, removing to Lind- sey, took charge of the "Haley House." which he conducted in an able manner until disposing of the business.

His popularity is not limited to business cir- cles, and he and his amiable wife, formerly Miss Madey Elliot, of Wampum, are prominent in social life. Mrs. Stapf is a member of the Pres- byterian Church, and our subject is identified with the I. O. O. F. and the Order of Elks. In politics he is a believer in the doctrines of the Democratic party, but, while he votes that ticket in State and National elections, he does not carry a partisan bias into local affairs.

J J. YOUNG, farmer and ex-county sheriff, Jefferson County ; post office address Corsica, Pennsylvania.

J OHN C. FACKINER, senior member of the firm of Fackiner & Jenkins, furniture deal- ers, undertakers and embalmers, of Punxsu- tawney, Jefferson county, has spent almost his entire life in that city, his birth there occurring in 1863. His parents, Henry and Anna E. (Switzer) Fackiner, were both natives of Ger- many, whence when young they came to the United States, and they were married in Pitts- burg, Penn. During his youth the father learned the shoemaker's trade, but subsequently turned his attention to lumbering, and for many years was prominently identified with the business in- terests of Punxsutawney, where he took up his

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 103

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