Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 105

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 105
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 105
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 105
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 105

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in Oshanter, Clearfield county, which he erected during the three years he engaged in practice in that village. For over thirty-five years he has followed his chosen profession, and has won his way into the regards of the people with whom he has come in contact in his daily rounds by his ready tact and kindly sympathy. Wherever he goes the Doctor wins friends, and he has the happy faculty of being able to retain them. His popularity has made him a great favorite in all circles. He takes an active interest in politics, always giving his support to the principles of the Republican party.

J TACOB H. MARTIN is a well-known agri- culturist of Ashland township, Clarion county; post office address Valley, Pennsylvania.

E ALISHA GAHAGEN. Among those agricult- urists of Jefferson county, whose farms man- ifest to the most casual observer the energy and ability of the owner in his chosen calling, is the gentleman whose name introduces this article. He is a prosperous representative citizen of Por- ter township, and belongs to one of its prominent pioneer families.

James Gahagen, father of our subject, was born in 1806, in Huntingdon county, Penn., and on attaining to man's estate married Miss Martha Coleman, of Maryland. He then removed to West Mahoning township, Indiana Co., Penn., where he made his first purchase of land, and upon that place resided some years; but in 1833 he sold out and came to Porter township, Jeffer- son county, where he purchased a tract of 160 acres of timber land. Here he erected a hewed- log house and barn, and at once gave his atten- tion to clearing and developing the land, making that place his home until called to the world be- yond. His wife died in March, 1866, leaving him with a family of eight children:

(1) Maria, born in Indiana county, became the wife of John Skinner. She spent a part of her married life in Porter township, Jefferson county, but died in West Mahoning township, Indiana county. Her children were Emeline, now Mrs. Ephraim Adams, of Punxsutawney. Penn .; Henry, who is married, and resides in Wisconsin; Martha, wife of John Scott, of Sun- bury, Penn .; and Leonidas, who is married and resides in Indiana county, Penn. (2) John Y., born in West Mahoning township. Indiana coun- ty, wedded Sarah A. Postlethwait, and lived on a farin adjoining the old homestead in Porter township, Jefferson county, until his death in

1889. His widow is now a resident of

Beaver township, Jefferson county. He had four children-Calvin K., who is married and resides at Elk Run, Jefferson county; Emma A., at home with her mother; Clarence A., at home; and Virgil M., who is engaged in teaching school. (3) Anna, born in Indiana county, mar- ried Rev. Edwin Hull, of New York State, and they made their home in Porter township until her death in November, 1863. Their children are Earl, Judson and James. (4) Elizabeth Y., born in Indiana county, became the wife of Daniel McGregor, of Jefferson county, and lived on his farm in Porter township, where she passed away in 1875, leaving eight children-John, Annie, Mary, Hannah, Isabella, Cynthia, Alva and Ida. (5) Charles, born in Indiana county, married Hannah Ray, of Armstrong county, Penn., and resided on the old homestead until his death in 1882. He left a widow and eight children-E. H., Wesley C., Lambert, Loretta, Vienna, Earl, Myrtle and Bell. (6) James, born in Indiana county, wedded Amanda Howard, and died in 1851, leaving a son-James L. (7) Martha died in childhood. (8) Elisha, our sub- ject, completes the family.

Elisha Gahagen, whose name opens this sketch, was born in 1834, on his present home- stead in Porter township, Jefferson county, and attended the common schools during his boyhood and youth. He was married in 1858 to Miss Clarrana Welchons, of Jefferson county, and un- til 1861 they resided on a farm about one mile from the village of Porter. He then located on a part of his father's old homestead, where he still continues to reside. In 1864, however, he left home to aid in the defense of his country, enlisting in Company G, 57th P. V. I., which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant, and he remained in the service until hostilities ceased. In connection with farming he worked at the mason's trade for a number of years. He has cleared a large part of the farm, in 1895 erected a large two-story frame house, and has also built a good barn, and made many other useful improvements, which add to its valuable and attractive appearance, making it one of the most desirable places of the township.

Mr. and Mrs. Gahagen became the parents of five children, as follows: Alice M., born in Por- ter township, in1 1859, received a common-school education, and is now the wife of John C. Bah- man, of Jefferson county, by whom she has one son, Ancel. They live on a part of her father's farm, and have a fine place. Elizabeth, born in 1862, at the present home of our subject, died at the age of three years. Mary J., born in 1864.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is with her parents. Albertus J., born in 1870, died in infancy; and Harry M., born in 1872, died at the age of three years. In political sentiment Mr. Gahagen is a Prohibitionist, and in religious belief he and his family are Methodist, belonging to Zion Church in Porter township. He has faithfully served his fellow citizens in the capac- ity of school director, overseer of the poor, aud- itor, and in fact in nearly all of the local offices, and ever discharged his duties in a most com- mendable manner. He is a worthy representative of the good old Revolutionary stock from which he springs, his grandfather having been a soldier under Gen. Washington. A man of the highest integrity and honor, he has the respect and esteem of all who know him, and his friends are many throughout the county.

G EORGE R. McANINCH, Fortunate is he who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished, and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. Our subject is blessed in this respect, for he springs from one of the prominent old Scotch-Irish families of Pennsylvania. The first of the family, of whom he has any knowledge, were three brothers- William, John and Henry McAninch-who made their home along the Allegheny river. William McAninch, the grandfather of our subject, be- came one of the pioneer settlers of Beaver town- ship, Jefferson county, where he continued to live until after the death of his wife, when he re- sided with his children, his death occurring in Knox township, same county. In religious be- lief he was a Presbyterian. Ten sons and one daughter constituted his family, namely: Elisha, Elijah, John, William, George, Lewis, Henry, Sylvester, Samuel, and a son whose name is not given, and Mrs. Isabel Smith.

The birth of George McAninch, the father of our subject, occurred at Catfish, Penn., and he was nine years old when brought by his parents to Jefferson county, where he has since made his home. He was reared in Beaver township, early learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed in connection with the sawmill business during his younger years. In 1852 he purchased a tract of land still in its primitive condition, and there- from developed a good farmi. During the winter season he followed lumbering, his market being Pittsburg, and also continued to extensively en- gage in carpentering, as he was one of the lead- ing contractors and builders of his locality. He wedded Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick Het- rick, who improved a farm in Polk township, Jefferson county, where his wife died, but he

spent his last years in Kansas. Their children were Adam, William, Henry, Anna, Eliza, Esther, Eva, Mary, Catherine, Hannah and Polly. To Mr. and Mrs. McAninch were born the following chil- dren: Matilda, wife of S. A. Gordon; Drusilla, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Alvira, wife of T. C. Munson; Stewart, who died, leaving one child; George R .; Mrs. Minerva O'Connor; Catherine, wife of R. D. Richards; and James, now a resident of North Dakota. The mother passed away March 18, 1897, but the father is still living on the old homestead with our sub- ject, at the age of eighty-one years. Both held membership in the Methodist Church, and their sterling worth and many excellent traits of char- acter gained for them the love and confidence of the entire community.

Under the able direction of his father, George R. McAninch, of this review, became a most thorough and skillful agriculturist, and in the common schools aquired his literary education. During the construction of the railroad. through this section of the country, he conducted a board- ing house for the employees, later operated a sawmill for one year; but has since devoted his attention principally to the cultivation of the old homestead during the summer months, while the winter seasons he has passed in lumbering. The farm contains 200 acres, 150 of which are under cultivation and improved with two comfortable frame dwellings, good barns and other outbuild- ings, together with a fine orchard. It is under- laid with a good grade of coal and limestone, is pleasantly situated on the Red Bank river one mile from Baxter, and is one of the most desir- able places in Clover township.

In 1871 Mr. McAninch was married to Miss Isabel Leslie, whose parents, Noah and Elizabeth (McCan) Leslie, were from New York. They located in Clearfield county, Penn., where the father died. He was a mechanic, employed principally in the manufacture of furniture and in painting. He was twice married, his first wife being the mother of Mrs. McAninch, and to them were born four children: Elmira, wife of O. Darr; Isabel; Mrs. Catherine Anderson; and Frank, a farmer. The parents were Methodists in relig- ious belief. Seven children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. McAninch: H. Clyde, a millwright by trade; Mrs. Nina Harriger; Stewart, at home; Gertie, who died at the age of seventeen years; Catherine, James and May, at home; and Bessie, the youngest, who was born in 1893. The par- ents are both leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are earnest supporters of all measures calculated to benefit the moral or material welfare of the community. Mr. Mc-

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Aninch uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has efficiently filled a number of township offices although he cares little for political distinc- tion. He is a man of scrupulous honor, is brave, generous and humane, and has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

A BRAM SNYDER, blacksmith, and wagon and carriage manufacturer, Brookville, Jef- ferson county, Pennsylvania.

J FOHN A. HIMES, a prosperous and thorough- going agriculturist of Clarion county, has always made his home in Red Bank town- ship, where his birth occurred August 31, 1841. His father, Joseph Himes, is one of the early settlers of New Bethlehem, Clarion county, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Abi- gail Space, was a daughter of Zephaniah Space, who took up his residence here as early as 1808. She died in 1893, at the age of seventy-four years, but Mr. Himes is still living, at the ripe old age of eighty-five. He is a Republican in politics, and is a consistent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. His children are as follows: Susanna, Zephaniah Space, John Al- len, Catherine A. (wife of Joseph Findley, a Union soldier of the Civil war), William B., Percy Lyon, Marshall Shields, Thomas Mc., May A.,. Margaret Esther, and three who died when young.

The subject of this sketch was reared to hard work upon the home farm in Red Bank town- ship, and pursued his studies in the local schools. In 1866 he located upon his present fine farm of eighty acres, which is improved with a good residence and substantial outbuildings, and to the operation of his land he has since devoted his attention with results which cannot fail to prove satisfactory.

On the anniversary of the birth of this glori- ous republic of ours, Mr. Himes enlisted in the Union army for the purpose of assisting in pre- venting its dismemberment, enlisting on July 4, 1861, in the 62nd P. V. I., at New Bethlehem. He served under Capt. Thomas Kerr, and Col. Samuel W. Black, and was first stationed on boats at Pittsburg, Penn., after which he was at Harrisburg for a time. He then went to Wash- ington, D. C., and from Arlington Heights pro- ceeded to Alexandria, Va. After a time spent in camp at Betty Black, he participated in the siege of Yorktown, was in the Peninsular campaign, the engagement at Antietam, the second battle i

of Bull Run, and the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Mine Explosion and Hatcher's Run. He received two slight wounds, one on the head and the other in the hand, and for six weeks was confined in the hospital at Camp Lookout, Md., by a wound in the thigh received at Hatcher's Run. When the war was over, he was honorably discharged August 7, 1865, and returned home.

In 1866, Mr. Himes was married to Miss Sophia, a daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Bower- sox, both now deceased. The children born to this union were: Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, who died leaving three children, two still living, John P. and Pansy E .; Joseph Paul, who died at the age of twenty-six years; Sarah Etta, who married Thomas Miller, and has three children; Clarissa E., wife of S. M. Myers; and Hattie Keziah and Mary Huldah, both at home.

In his political affiliations Mr. Himes is a Republican, and, socially, he is a member of Captain Core Post, G. A. R., while religiously he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an upright, honorable business man, was a brave and fearless soldier, and is a public- spirited, enterprising citizen, who commands the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.

L EWIS B. HILE. Among the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of Ferguson township, Clearfield county, none are more worthy of mention in a work of this character than the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical notice. He is also a worthy repre- sentative of leading pioneer families of central Pennsylvania, his paternal grandparents, Henry and Mary A. (Johnson) Hile, being early settlers of Clearfield county. The former was born in Germany, August 30, 1784, the latter in Penn- sylvania, August 20, 1787, and their marriage was celebrated on February 1. 1807. They be- came the parents of thirteen children, namely: James, Abigail, Daniel, Philip, Anthony, Mary A., Henry, Emaline, Ancos, Eleanor, Elizabeth. John and Lorenzo.

Anthony Hile, the father of our subject, was born in Northumberland county, Penn .. and was nineteen years of age when he came to Clearfield county, with whose farming and lumber interests he has been identified from an early age. He has been quite successful in his undertakings, and as a citizen occupies a prominent place in the community. He married Miss Amelia Bloom, a descendant of William Bloom, who

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

came from Germany to America in Colonial days, locating in New Jersey. For six years during the Revolution he was a member of Wash- ington's army, and on the close of the war re- turned to his New Jersey home. In 1795 he migrated to central Pennsylvania, at first taking up his residence in Centre county, and in 1802 coming to Clearfield county, where he cleared and improved a farm in what is now Pike town- ship. He reared a family of seven sons and three daughters, whose descendants are now numerous throughout this region.

To the parents of our subject were born the following children: James H., now a resident of Lumber City, Clearfield county; David W., a farmer, who was one of the brave "boys in blue " during the Civil war; John N., also an agriculturist; Eli B., a farmer; Mrs. Martha J. Guppy; Lewis B .; Mrs. Fanny McDivitt; Adda, wife of John Hipps; William B. ; Mary E., wife of A. W. Russell; and Amanda L., wife of James E. Rorabaugh; Fanny and Mary are now de- ceased.

In Clearfield county Lewis B. Hile was born December 17, 1849, and was reared to the hon- est pursuits of a farmer, while his literary train- ing was obtained in the country schools. Until his marriage he remained with his parents, and then located upon his present farm of one hun- dred acres in Ferguson township, twenty-five of which had been cleared and a house and barn erected thereon. The buildings have been re- modeled, an orchard set out, and now fifty acres are under cultivation. The place is pleasantly situated one mile from Kerrmoor, and is under- laid with minerals which he yet holds. He has converted his timber into lumber, and in 188S embarked in merchandising in Marron, carrying on business there for six years, during which time his family still resided on the farm, but he now gives his exclusive attention to his agricult- ural pursuits.

In 1870 Mfr. Hile was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Wise, a lady of intelligence and culture, and a daughter of Michael and Phoebe (Schroppy) Wise, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and be- longed to families that were early established in this section. From the wilderness her father opened np and improved a farm in Pike town- ship, where he died in 1871. His wife, who yet survives, now makes her home with her children. They were faithful members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he was a Deniocrat. Their family included the following: Elizabeth, now the wife of E. Bloom; Lucinda; Sarah, wife of J. A. Johnson; James, a resident of Kansas;

Wilmina, wife of \V. L. Johnson; Lydia, wife of ~WV. C. Cardin; Clara, wife of F. Robinson; Sam- uel, who operates the old homestead; Mrs. Mag- gie Bloom; and Mrs. Lillie Mcknight. Four children bless the union of our subject and his wife: Dora, widow of A. Wolf, who was an en- gineer; Charles, a resident of Tennessee; Perry and Frank, at home. The mother is a consist- ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a most estimable lady. Socially, Mr. Hile affiliates with the I. O. O. F., and, politically, is identified with the Democratic party, taking an active interest in all public affairs, but never aspiring to office, though he has efficiently filled some local positions.

TOSEPH ADAM HANST, a furniture dealer and undertaker, is one of the leading and popular business men of Knox, where he es- tablished his present store in 18S8. He is a na- tive of Clarion county, his birth occurring . in Beaver township, in 1857, and is a son of Adam and Christina (Kaufman) Hanst, who were born, reared and married in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many. On their immigration to the New World, they took up their residence in Beaver town- ship, Clarion county, where the father success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits until called to the world beyond at the age of sixty-five years. In connection with general farming he also dealt in horses, and was numbered among the most reliable business men of his community. Politically, he was a Democrat, and, religiously. was a consistent member of the Reformed Church. to which his wife and family also be- longed. Mrs. Hanst died of apoplexy.

The subject of this sketch is the third in or- der of birth in a family of nine children. the others being as follows: Peter, who was born in Germany, and now resides in Rockland, Penn. : Jacob, of California; George and Frederick, both well drillers of Midway, Penn. ; Kate, wife of John Fleming; Lou, wife of Samuel Kribbs, a carpenter and painter of New Castle, Penn. ; Matilda, wife of Lemuel Rankin, of Clarion: and Lewis, who died when young.

On the home farm Mr. Hanst, of this sketch. passed the days of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads, obtaining his education in the common schools. In early life he learned the trade of a carpenter and builder, but since 1888 has devoted his attention exclusively to his present business, and with re- sults which cannot fail to prove satisfactory. In 1894 he graduated at a school of embalining. and is therefore well qualified to follow his cho-

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sen calling. He occupies pleasant and commo- dious quarters, his store room being 22 x 50 feet, and he carries a large and well-selected stock of furniture and everything needed in his business.

In August, 1882, Mr. Hanst was married to Miss Emma Jones, who was born, reared and ed- ucated in Piney township, Clarion county. Her father, who is now deceased, was born east of the Mountains, of English ancestry, and, on reach- ing manhood, married Susie Master, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who still resides on the old homestead in Piney township. He was an agri- culturist by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his family were the following children: Charles (who was a soldier of the Civil war). Mary, Da- vid, William, Anna, Frances, Della, Hattie, Samuel, Celia (who died when young), Emma (wife of our subject), and one who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanst were born a son and daughter, but both are now deceased.

In political sentiment, Mr. Hanst is a free- silver Democrat, and in religious belief is a Lu- theran. He is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In busi- ness affairs he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and belongs to that class of representa- tive American citizens who promote the general prosperity while advancing individual interests.

W A. CRAWFORD, farmer and oil pro- ducer, Richland township, Clarion coun- ty; post office Mariasville, Pennsylvania.

D UEY DOUGLAS, who was one of the brave boys who shouldered their guns and went to the front in defense of their country during the war of the Rebellion, is now a leading and prom- inent farmer of Morris township, Clearfield coun- ty. He was born in Tyrone, Huntingdon Co .. Penn., in 1830, a son of --- and Elizabeth (Haines) Douglas. The father, who was a na- tive of Scotland, came to America when a young man and located in Sinking Valley, Huntingdon Co., Penn., where he purchased a farm, which he operated for a time. There he married Eliza- beth Haines, and our subject was the only child born to thein. . Subsequently the father located on a farin near Shirleysburg, Huntingdon county, where he died. The mother subsequently mar- ried Joseph Akey, of Tyrone. and they became the parents of eight children.

nativity, and obtained his education in its public schools. When a young man he came to Clear- field county, where he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of William Miller, who was one of the honored pioneers of the county. Mr. Douglas then purchased 156 acres of land near Coalport, Clearfield county, and immediate- ly commenced to clear and improve the same. In connection with farming he engaged in lum- bering and rafting on the river for a number of years. On disposing of his first place he pur- chased seventy acres in Morris township, in 1866, and has since made his home upon that farm, which is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings, which stand as inonuments to his thrift and en- terprise. His land is underlaid with an excellent grade of coal, and from the mines which are now in operation he receives a royalty, which adds not a little to his income.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas had a family of eight children: John, who died unmarried at the age of thirty-eight years; Ida and Nellie, both de- ceased; Duey, a railroad man of Jersey Shore. Penn., who married Ellen Ardey, and has two sons; Wilbert, of Munson, Clearfield county. who married Anna Hoover, and has two chil- dren; and Edith and James, at home. Mr. Douglas always affiliates with the Democratic party, whose principles he stanchly advocates. and has done much to promote the interests of the community, with which he has been identi- fied for almost a third of a century. His honor and integrity are unimpeachable, his word being considered as good as his bond, and in all the relations of life he has been found true to every trust reposed in him. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Adventist Church. Dur- ing the dark days of the Rebellion he served as soldier in the Union army.

C H. MATTESON, dealer in lumber, shingles. coal, flour, feed and hay, Foxburg, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

TOHN F. GALLAHER, who resides in New Washington, is connected with one of the

oldest families of Clearfield county. H: grandfather, James Gallaher, who was of Irish descent, was the first settler in what is now Burnside township, locating there before the or- ganization of either Chest, Burnside or Bell tow?,- ships. He made the first improvement where the. situated. To this section of the country he Wa-

Mr. Douglas, of this review. passed the days ' Cummings orchard, in New Washington, is nowv. of his boyhood and youth in the county of his

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 105

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