USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 109
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Mr. Zeigler has been a very prominent factor in the development, growth and substantial im- provement of Du Bois. He assisted in the or- ganization of the town, in connection with George R. Vosburg, E. F. McCall, and J. M.
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Raught, and in 1881 was elected a member of the city council. In the following year he was elected burgess of Du Bois, was re-elected in the spring of 1883, and was nominated in 1884, but was defeated by W. T. Ross, ex-county com- missioner, who received a majority of eighteen votes. In 1886 Mr. Zeigler was elected over W. C. Pentz, the present city attorney. In 1890 he was appointed postmaster, entering upon the duties of that office March 1, 1890, and serving until May 1, 1894.
Mr. Zeigler was married in Luthersburg, March 9, 1872, to Rachel A. Murray, a native of Warren, Penn., who died April 28, 1895. They had children as follows: James R., who is mar- ried and is engaged in the grocery business in Gallatin, Penn .; Joseph E., of Du Bois; Charles A., of Austin, Penn. ; George E. and W. G., who reside in Gallatin; U. S. and Olive, both of Du- Bois. In politics, Mr. Zeigler is a stanch Re- publican, giving an intelligent support to the principles of the party, and doing all in his power to advance its interests. Socially, he is a valued member of Garfield Lodge No. 557, F. & A. M., and for twenty-five years has been a member of Mingo Lodge No. 753, I. O. O. F., of Trout- ville. He is now clerking in ' St. Elmo Hotel," and his wide acquaintance and affable manner well fit him for this position. He owns con- siderable real estate in Du Bois, all of which has been acquired through his own efforts. His official career is above reproach, and no one is more worthy of honorable mention in this volume.
E TTA M. WAY, farmer, post office address, Curwensville, Clearfield County, Pennsyl- vania.
C HARLES C. LEWIS, of Farmington town- ship, Clarion county, is a native of the State of New York, a son of Asa and Nancy (Green) Lewis. The father was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1801, and in early life with his wife, and one child, who was also born in Schoharie county, he removed to Broome county, N. Y. On his arrival there his only possessions consisted of fifty cents in money, and an axe. Later he purchased 140 acres of wild woodland, which he at once began to clear and improve after building thereon a log house and barn. Subsequently he replaced these by more modern and substantial buildings, and the land he placed under a high state of cultiva- tion. There his wife died in 1848, and he passed
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away in 1882, honored and esteemed by all who knew him.
The subject of this sketch was one of their family of eleven children, the others being as fol- lows: (1) Adelia, born in Schoharie county, N. Y., married Joseph Self, of Broome county, and they reside in the old homestead in the latter county. Their children are-Albert; Charles; and Mrs. Louella Whitney, of New York. (2) James R., born in Broome county, in 1826, married a lady of Broome county, and they now live in Lisle, N. Y. They have two children-(a) Frank, born in Broome county, in 1850, was educated in New York, and is now a prominent attorney of Seattle, Wash. At the present time he is serving as State Senator. He is married, but has no family-(b) Wilfred, a native of Broome coun- ty, obtained an excellent education in New York. He is married and lives in California. He has two daughters. (3) "Cyrus is married and lives in Broome county, N. Y. His children are-Free- man, Harriet, and Newell. (4) Caroline is the wife of Henry Rogers, of Broome county, by whom she has four children-Nancy, Samantha, Jacob and Laura. (5) Henry spent some time in Warren county, Penn., but now lives near Lisle, N. Y., where he is engaged in farming. He mar- ried Margaret Wiley, of Broome county, and has three children-(a) Louella died in childhood. (b) Elmer married Caroline Corry, of New York, by whom he has one daughter, Myrtle, and they live near Lisle. (c) Parley, born in Broome county, in 1869, was educated in Lisle, and in May, 1892, he married Alice Fellers, of Clarion county, Penn. They lived in New York until 1897, but are now residents of Clarion county. (6) Lodema married Thomas Payne, of Broome county, and in 1865 they came to Clarion coun- ty, where he engaged in lumbering for a number of years. He is now one of the prominent busi- ness men of the city of Clarion. His wife died
some years ago, leaving no children. (7) Asa also came to Clarion county in 1865, and turned his attention to lumbering. Here he married Maggie McMichael, and they now live on a farm two miles north of Tylersburg. Their children are-Thomas, Daisy, Roy and Mary. (8) William came with his brothers to Clarion county in 1865. and after following lumbering for a number of years, he purchased the Rev. Gilfillin farm in 1888, making his home thereon until his removal to the city of Clarion in 1897. He has always extensively engaged in business, and is to-day quite well-to-do. He married Emma McCormick. of Clarion county, and has two children-Earl and Hazel, at home. (9) Almyra married Lewis Stebing, and a few months after her marriage
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she was thrown from a buggy and instantly killed. (10) John during his boyhood came to Clarion county, where he engaged in sawing lum- ber and managing mills until his marriage, Miss Sadie McMichael, of Clarion county, becoming his wife. They now live in Edward county, Kans., where he is engaged in stock-raising. Their children are-Fred, Arthur, Asa and Owens.
On the old homestead in Broome county, N. Y., Charles C. Lewis was born in December, 1845, and in the schools of the locality he ac- quired a good practical education. In 1865 he accompanied his brothers, Asa, Henry, William and John, on their removal to Clarion county, where they all became interested in the lumber business. In 1873 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Annie Logue, of Clarion county, a daugh- ter of William and Sarah Logue. After his marriage he purchased the Henry Davis farm, located one mile north of Tylersburg, and has erected thereon a good two-story house and barn, and has made many other improvements, which add to its value and attractive appearance. In connection with the operation of his land he is still engaged in lumbering.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are as follows: Lodema, born on their present farm in 1874, was educated in the common schools, and is now the wife of Irwin Swat, of Clarion county. They live with her father on the old homestead. William A., born in 1879, also re- ceived a common-school education, and is at home. James F., born in 1882; Fannie, born in 1884, Nellie, born in 1891, and Frank P., are all at home.
In his political affiliations Mr. Lewis is a Re- publican, and in his religious belief both he and his wife are Methodists, belonging to the Church in Tylersburg. Although he came to the county without capital, he is to-day one of the substan- tial citizens of Farmington township. He and his brothers started in business on a small scale as jobbers, and, through energy and a determin -. ation to better their condition in life, they grad- ually came to the front in business affairs, and at present are numbered among the representative men of the community.
D AVID J. PIFER, a substantial citizen of Big Run, Jefferson county, well known in busi- ness circles as a dealer in hardware and agricult- ural implements, was born in that county in 1856, and has always made his home there. His father, William E. Pifer, now a prominent farmer
and lumberman in that locality, was a native of - Westmoreland county, Penn., whence when about twelve years old he went to Jefferson county, . and by a life in which the quiet pursuit of duty has been a leading characteristic has won the re- spect of all who know him. His estimable wife, Lida Shetterly, passed from earth in 1888.
The ordinary advantages of a country school enabled Mr. Pifer, our subject, to gain the ele- ments of a practical education, and the training in farm work, which he received at home, pre- pared him to follow that honest calling in man- hood. It was not until 1891 that he decided to choose another occupation, and then, removing to Big Run, he spent one year in the restaurant business before engaging in his present enter- prise. His store is an attractive one, his stock of hardware and implements large and well se- lected, and he enjoys an extensive and profitable trade.
Mr. Pifer was married in October, 1882, to Miss Emma C. Priester, daughter of Ludwig and Elizabeth (Hope) Priester, now well-known resi- dents of Jefferson county. The father was a na- tive of Germany, but the mother was born in In- diana county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Pifer have no children of their own, but an adopted daugh- ter, Turila Luella, shares their home. They are Methodists in religious faith, and Mr. Pifer is a trustee of the Church. Thoroughly public-spir- ited, and sympathetic with all progressive move- ments, they rank among the leaders of their com- munity. In his political views Mr. Pifer is a Democrat; while he has never felt tempted to turn from his business in order to seek official honors, he has been chosen to various positions, now holding a borough office.
L EVI HARNISH (deceased), who in his life- time was one of the best and most highly respected citizens of Madison township, Clarion county, was born in Mifflin county, Penn., May 15, 1827, and was descended from an old Penn- sylvania family, which has been prominently identified with the history of this country both in days of peace and in tiine of war.
John and Elizabeth (Young) Harnish, his parents, were natives of Lancaster and Hunting- don counties, respectively, and spent their last days in Clarion county, where the mother died at the age of fifty-two, and the father at seventy- five. He was a farmer and blacksmith by occu- pation, a Whig, then a Republican in politics, and a Methodist in religious belief. His wife was originally a member of the Presbyterian
.
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Church, but, later, she, too, joined the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Both had the respect and. esteem of all who knew them.
Levi Harnish spent the first sixteen years of his life on the old home farm, and was then bound out to learn the blacksmith's trade with Robert Glenn, of Centre county. He soon mas- tered every detail of the business, becoming a thorough and skillful workman, and followed that occupation for over a half century. He be- came a resident of Clarion county in 1843, and from 1856 up to the time of his death, April 2, 1898, he lived upon his farm of seventy acres in Madison township. He converted the tract into one of the most desirable farms of the neighbor- hood, and in connection with its operation also successfully worked at his trade and dealt in horses.
On August 29, 1864, Mr. Harnish enlisted in the 6th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and later was transferred to the 212th P. V. I. For some time he was stationed at Fort Eaton and Fort Warren, near Washington, D. C., and remained in the service. until the war was over, when he returned to his home to take up the more peace- ful pursuits of civil life.
At the age of thirty-three, Mr. Harnish was married, in Clarion county, to Miss Martha Mc- Elhattan, a native of Centre county, and a daughter of Robert McElhattan and wife. Four children were born to this union, namely: John Nelson, who was born, reared and educated in Clarion county, wedded Miss Mary Hartman, by whom he had three children: Ethel, Fanny and Alfred. Phobe is at home. Mary Elizabeth died at the age of twenty years, and one child died in infancy.
Mr. Harnish was a judicious and faithful counsellor, a genial companion and Christian gentleman. His devotion to the national inter- ests of the country is excelled only by the pa- triotism which never loses sight of the highest duties of citizenship. His good works will live after him and keep his memory forever green. He was a Republican in political sentiment, and was an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a leading member, do- ing all in his power to advance the cause of the Master.
J OHN A. McMURRAY, a progressive and successful agriculturist of Clearfield county, is the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres, lo- cated in the borough of Ramey. While the estate has many natural advantages, it has been im- proved under Mr. McMurray's liberal manage-
ment until it ranks among the best of its size in that region. Nor is his success confined to this line of work only, as he has engaged in business as a lumberman and merchant with like results, although at present he devotes his attention to his farm.
Mr. McMurray was born at Hegarty's Cross Roads, Clearfield county, February 14, 1849, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. His father, the late John McMurray, who was a na- tive of Jersey Shore, Penn., came to Clearfield county in 1845, locating in New Washington, where his first wife (formerly Miss Rumer, of Jersey Shore), died a short time after their re- moval. In 1847 John McMurray was married to Mrs. Jane (Alexander) Hegarty, widow of John Hegarty. About the same time he purchased 160 acres of partly improved land in Knox town- ship, Clearfield county. There was a house and barn on the place, and he added other improve- ments as time passed, and cleared the remaining woodland. He resided there until two years be- fore his death, when he sold it, and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. James Wiley. His second wife died in 1872.
By his first marriage Mr. McMurray had one daughter, Martha, who married William Mahaf- fey, of Mahaffey, Penn., and died about six years ago. There were four children by the second union, our subject being the eldest. The others were: (2) R. received a district school educa- tion, and remained at home until his marriage to Miss Annie Hursh, daughter of John and Eliz- abeth Hursh, of Becaria township, Clearfield county. He then bought the place known as the George Hegarty farm, and resided there until 1887, when he sold and purchased property in Ramey, and built a fine residence. He engaged in mercantile business, but was burned out in 1893, causing his retirement from that field of effort. Being well-to-do, he devotes his atten- tion to his investments at home and in Virginia, where he purchased real estate some years ago. He has two children living-Louisa and Martha, both at home. (3) Catherine was educated in the schools near the old homestead, and is now the wife of James Wiley, a farmer near Anson- ville, Penn. They have five children living- Murray, Florence, Effie. Velma and Ruth, who reside with their parents. (4) Charles B. re- ceived a common-school education, and at the age of eighteen engaged in the lumbering busi- ness. He was married to Miss Melissa Shoff, of Bigler township. Clearfield county, and resided in Amesville until the death of his wife, and soon afterward, in 1890, he removed to Ansonville and becanie interested in mercantile pursuits.
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He now owns one of the largest stores in that town. In 1890 he married Miss McGahan, who resided near Ansonville. He has three daugh- ters, one, Myrtle, by the first marriage; and two by the second, Georgie Jane and Ruth Edna.
Our subject passed his early years at the old homestead in Knox township, and, in 1870, was married to Miss Sophia E. Young, daughter of Albert and Mary Young, of Ferguson township, Clearfield county, residing near Marion post office. In 1871 Mr. McMurray purchased 160 acres of land in Bigler township, Clearfield coun- ty, known as the Joseph Hegarty homestead. This was partially improved, with about forty acres cleared. Mr. McMurray has since cleared sixty acres, and, in 1881, he sold the sixty acres with the old improvements, retaining the portion of the estate which lay nearest the borough of Ramey. He has made many improvements thereon, building a barn and a large two-story residence. In 1891 he engaged in mercantile business in Bigler township, but sold out three years later.
Mr. and Mrs. McMurray have had twelve chil- dren, of whom ten are living: (1) Mary J., born July 1, 1871, was educated in the high school at Ramey. She married Blair Echard, of Roaring Springs, and now resides in Ramey, where Mr. Echard, who is a carpenter by trade, bought a lot and built a tasteful residence. They have one son, John Alexander, born in 1896. (2) John A., born October 5, 1872 (unmar- ried), resides at the homestead with his par- ents. (3) William C., born March 9, 1874, resides in Ramey. He was married in 1894, to Miss Lizzie Warshing, of Ramey borough, and they have one daughter, Effie A. (+) Emma May, born March 1, 1876, (5) Margaret Matilda, born January 20, 1878, (6) George Russell, born April 5,. 1880, (7) Anna Bertha, born November 27, 1882, and (8) Sarah Delilah, born February 8, 1884, are all at home. (9) Cleveland, born April 3, 1886, died June 25, 1889. (10) Pearl Eliza, born June 6, 1888, is at home. (11) Earl S., born August 6, 1891, died in October of the same year. (12) Ruth Aletha, born January 23, 1893, is at home with her par- ents. Mr. McMurray and his wife are prominent members of the Baptist Church. One of their daughters is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church of Ramey.
Politically Mr. McMurray has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has never been known as an aspirant for office, but in 1896, the people of Ramey borough desiring a thorough-going, progressive man as street com- missioner, selected him for that place.
R P. GILMORE, one of the most energetic, progressive and reliable business men of Farmington township, is a worthy representa- tive of one of the oldest and most highly re- spected families of Clarion county. His pater- nal grandfather, Samuel Gilmore, was a native of Ireland, and on coming to the New World lo- cated in Clarion county when it was a vast wil- derness. In his family were two sons, but Hugh died at Helen Furnace in early manhood.
Amid scenes of frontier life, David Gilmore, our subject's father, was born in 1807, at Helen Furnace, Highland township, Clarion county, and, on attaining to man's estate, he married Miss Elizabeth Porter, in 1833. Her parents were Joseph and Jane Porter, of Westmoreland county, Penn. After his marriage Mr. Gilmore purchased 2,000 acres of land in Farmington and Highland townships, and in the former he cleared and improved a farm. His first home was a log house, but in later years it was re- placed by a good frame residence, and many other excellent improvements were made upon the farm which added to its value and attractive appearance. He erected the first gristmill in Highland township, and engaged in farming to some extent, but devoted the greater part of his time to lumbering on the Clarion river, where he carried on operation for a number of years. He was one of the first to engage in building coal and iron boats to be run down the rivers to the Pittsburg market, and, in 1830, erected a water saw and grist mill on Little Toby creek, where for a number of years he engaged in the manufacture of sawed lumber, which was rafted down the Clarion river. Later, in 1847, he built a large gristmill on the same creek, which he operated for some time, manufacturing flour and feed. and in 1850 built a double sawmill equipped with the latest improved machinery. He continued . to successfully engage in business until called from this life in 1886, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife, who had proved so true and faithful a helpmeet. still survives him.
Eleven children blessed their union, namely: (1) Samuel, born in Clarion county, in November, 1833, owns and operates a farm in Highland township, Clarion county. He married Jane Brenneman, of that township, by whom he had five children, three still living-William A. : Burton S. ; and Elizabeth. now the wife of Cal- vin Brenneman. After the death of his first wife, Samuel Gilmore wedded Clarinda Porter, of Clarion county, and to them were born four chil- dren-Robert, Stewart, Ella (wife of Ben Mc- Kinsey, of Highland township) and Arthur. (2) Isabel died in childhood. (3) William was killed
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in 1850, by a tree falling on him. (4) Matilda, born on the old homestead in Farmington, is now- the wife of Jasper Maxwell. of Highland town -. ship. (5) Nancy, born in 1841, died of consump- tion when a young lady. (6) R. P., of this sketch, is next in order of birth. (7) Miles J., born in May, 1845, is a farmer of Highland town- ship. He married Emma Whisner, and has eight children-Walter W., Ella M .. G. Arnold, David, Mary, Eliphes, Banks and Bertha. (8) Rufina, born in 1847, lives on the old homestead. (9) Joseph Porter, born in 1850, is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Highland township. He married Laura Whisner, and has ten children -- Sharpley, Isaac, Charles, Almeld, Alice and Annie (twins), Addis, Lawrence, Edward and Harry. (10) Mary, born in 1852. is the wife of Scott Zink, of Mill Creek, Clarion county, and had îve children-Robert (who died in infancy), Gerty (who died at the age of fourteen years). Park, Pearl and Gerry. (11) Alice J., born in 1855, married Newton Thompson. of Clarion county, who is now engaged in merchandising in Highland. . They had two children-Charles. and Edward, who died in childhood.
Robert P. Gilmore, whose name introduces this sketch, was born on the old homestead in Farmington township, in March, 1843, and was reared in much the usual manner of farmer lads of his day, acquiring his education in the public schools near his home. Under his father's able direction, he soon became familiar with all de- partments of lumbering, and in 1858. he pur- chased the Walters mill and the Disle tract of timber land, preparatory to engaging in the manufacture of lumber on his own account. He cleared some of his land, taking out square timber and building boats for the Pittsburg & Alle- gheny markets until 1872, when he disposed of the business, and, as a millwright. engaged in erecting mills for a number of years. In 1880, in company with James Whitehall. he went to Drew county, Ark., where that gentleman en- gaged in the lumber business, and our subject served as foreman for a year. Returning to Pennsylvania, he located in Forest county. where he engaged in building boats until February. 1883, when he went to British America and built a mill. remaining there for a year.
In 1884 Mr. Gilmore returned to the old homestead in Farmington township, Clarion county, and three years later bought the grist and saw mill formerly owned by his father. to- gether with 200 acres of land. He also per- chased the old home place in 1892, and since his father's death has tenderly cared for his mother and sister. In his political views he is a Demo-
crat, and in religious bel.ef a Presbyterian. He is a liberal contributor to all enterprises calcu- lated to promote the inoral, educational or ma- terial welfare of his township and county, and is justly numbered among its useful, valued and highly esteemned citizens. As a business man he ranks among the best. and the success that he has achieved in life is certainly well deserved.
A' BRAHAM GALENTINE. farmer, Brady township: post office address, Luthersburg. Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.
J OHN A. LEWIS. Among the leading citi- zens of Elk township, Clarion county, who faithfully served their country during the Civil .war, is the gentleman whose name intro- duces this sketch.
Mr. Lewis was born in Callensburg, May 6. 1842. a son of John and Catherine 'Drumphry, Lewis, who were born, reared and married in New Jersey, whence they came to Licking town- ship, Clarion Co .. Penn .. at an early day. In the midst of the forest the father developed a farm, which he made his home until his removal to Sligo in 185;, after which he was employed on public works and at a furnace until his death. which occurred in 1863. His wife had departed this life in 18:4 while residing near Callensburg. In their family were the following children. Sarah. now Mrs. Young. of Elk township. Clar- ion county; Daniel, who died in Clarion county James, who enlisted at Sligo, in July, 1861, in the 62nd P. V. 1 .. and. being injured in battle. died a: Washington, D. C .. in 1853: Peter. who also enlisted at Sligo. in the :gath P. V. 1., and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. May : 1863: Hiram. a resident of Ell: township; John A .. of this sketch: Mrs. Catharine Myers of Venango county. Penn .: and Luther Hall. of Clarion county.
In the county of his nativity. John A. Lewis was reared and educated. and in early life learned the stone mason's trade, which he has success- fully followed since the war. In ICI at Curlis- ville, Clarion county, he joined the boys in blue as a member of Company G. Sand Pennsylvania Artillery. for three years, and was sworn in a: at Pittsburg in July of that year. With the Army of the Potomac he participated in the battle of Antietain and the seven days acht in front of Richmond, after which he was sent to New- ark, N. J. Benz takes ill. he was muster! ! out. but in March. 1603 at Slizo Fur- nace, he again enleted. this time for three
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