Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 110

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 110
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 110
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 110
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 110

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years, becoming a member of Company H, 155th P. V. I., which belonged to the Army of the Po- tomac. He took part in the battles of the Wil- derness and Laurel Hill, and when the war was over participated in the Grand Review at Wash- ington, D. C., after which he was honorably dis- charged at Harrisburg, Penn., in July, 1865.

Returning to his native county, Mr. Lewis lived at Sligo Furnace until 1871, when he came to Elk township, where he owns a good farm of fifty acres under a high state of cultivation, and, in connection with its operation, he also works at his trade. In 1863, in Licking township, Clarion county, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Mary Heffner, who was born and reared in Germany. Her parents, John and Margaret (Fern) Heffner, were also natives of the Fatherland, and on com- ing to the New World located in Clarion county, Penn., where the father died, but the mother is still a resident of Elk township. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have seven children: John Henry, who is married; Silas Austin, who is married and lives in Montpelier, Ind .; and George William, Charles O., David N., Allison Luther and Scott R., all at home.

Mr. Lewis gives his support to the principles of the Republican party and takes a commend- able interest in public affairs. He has served as a member of the school board in his district, and has been prominently identified with all measures for the good of the community. Fraternally, he holds membership in Amos Kiser Post No. 475, G. A. R.

W ILLIAM H. H. BLACK, of Shippenville, finds an appropriate place in the history of those men of business and enterprise in Clarion county, whose force of character, whose sterling integrity and whose good sense in the manage- ment of complicated affairs and marked success in bringing to completion important business enterprises, have contributed in an eminent degree to the development of the vast resources of this section of the State. He began his business career as a clerk in his father's store, later was similarly employed in Pittsburg, and was for a time engaged in business in Oil City, Penn. He now makes his home in Shippenville, and is employed in looking after his large land and oil interests here.

Mr. Black was born in Clarion county, June 23, 1840, and is a son of Jacob Black, one of the honored pioneers and prominent business men of the county, where he located in 1828. He was a native of Maryland, and 'a son of Frederick

Black, who was of German descent. After com- ing to Shippenville, the father was married in that place, July 18, 1833. to Miss Margaret Shippen, a representative of the leading and in- fluential families of the county. She was a daughter of Robert Shippen and a sister of Rich- ard Shippen, in whose honor Shippenville was named. To Mr. and Mrs. Black were born nine children: Mrs. Priscilla Montgomery, now de- ceased; Frederick, who died in infancy; Bord- ley, who was born in 1838, and is now a prom- inent business man of Franklin, Penn .; W. H. H., of this sketch; Mrs. Jenny G. Crawford, of Venango county, Penn .; Maggie, who died in childhood; Josephine, who was born in 1846, and died in 1890; Jacob (twin brother of Jose- phine), who is connected with the Second Na- tional Bank of Clarion; and Ellen E., who died at the age of two years. The mother, who was born June 30, 1809, died February 16, 1874, and the father, born January 25, 1809, departed this life April 20, 1888. Iu politics, he was a stanch Republican, and in religious belief was first a Presbyterian, and later a Lutheran. His energy, integrity, prudent business methods, and reliable sagacity all combined to make hirn one of the ablest business men of Clarion county, and his life in every respect was well worthy of emula- tion.

During his youth our subject was provided with a good practical education which well fitted him for the responsible duties of busi- ness life. He has traveled extensively in the East, South and West, and his observing eye and retentive memory have enabled him to carry back with him the scenes of beauty and historic inter- est that he has visited, they remaining with him . as pictures on memory's wall. Travel, and his social, genial nature have made him an enter- taining companion, and he is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship and devoted to those who have his confidence.

J TOHN KERL, one of the active, prominent and enterprising citizens of Elk township, Clarion county, is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead. where his birth occurred in 1863.

Ernest Kerl, his father, was born in Hanover, Gerinany, in 1832, where the paternal grand- father spent his entire life. At the age of nine- teen, the former emigrated to America and took up. his residence in Elk township, Clarion county. He was a self-made man, having on his arrival here only twenty-five cents, but he soon found

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employment, working at the furnaces, in a livery stable or at anything whereby he miight earn an honest dollar, and being industrious, energetic and persevering, he succeeded in accumulating a handsome property. He purchased 100 acres of woodland, which he soon transformed into a fine farm, it being the place upon which our subject now resides.

In 1862, in Elk township, Ernest Kerl was married to Mena Alleman, also a native of Han- over, Germany, who in 1841 was brought to the New World by her parents, Charley and Mary (Kiser) Alleman, also natives of the Fatherland. They located in Elk township, where her father died at the age of eighty-two, and her mother also passed away there. To Mr. and Mrs. Kerl were born three children: John, of this review; William, a resident of Elk township; and Louisa, wife of George Hautz, of West Clarksville, N. Y. The father died on the old homestead June 27, 1889, but the mother is .still living in Elk township. Both were faithful members of the Lutheran Church, of Shippenville, with which he was officially connected, and he was instru- mental in securing the erection of the house of worship at that place. In politics he was a pro- nounced Democrat. He was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his community, en- joying the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact.

John Kerl attended the district schools near his home, and upon the farm early became famil- iar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He now owns the old homestead, comprising 100 acres of valuable and productive land, which is under a high state of cultivation. On April 7, 1891, in Pleasantville, Venango Co., Penn., he was married to Miss Fredericka Nus- baumer, a native of Baden, Gerinany, and a daughter of John George and Anna Marie (Zeller) Nusbaumner. In that country her father died in ISS9, at the age of seventy-one, but her mother is still living in her native land. During her girl- hood. Mrs. Kerl worked by the month, and at the age of nineteen crossed the Atlantic. She has two sisters living in this country-Mrs. Bower, a resident of East Titusville, Penn .; and Mrs. C. Foss, of Pleasantville, Venango county. Two children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kerl: Ida May, born May 19, 1892; and Stanley Henry, born June 27, 1895.

In religious belief Mr. Kerl is a Lutheran, and in politics is a Democrat. As an enterprising, progressive farmer, with ideas of his own, he has no superior in Elk township, and as a citizen merits and receives the respect of all who know hin1.

N ELSON M. MEALS, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon residing in Callens- burg, was born in Butler county, Penn., April 6, 1848, and is descended from an old and honored family of Pennsylvania, which was founded here by his great-grandfather, Samuel Meal, who was born on the River Rhine, in Baden, Germany, and came to America during Colonial days. Three of his brothers remained in the Father- land and one went to South America. He lo- cated in York county, Penn., whence he removed to Westmoreland county, in 1796, and previous to ISOI took up his residence in Butler county. He was a blacksmith by occupation, but also traded to some extent with the Indians, who were always his friends. He married a Miss Richardt, whose mother bore the maiden name of Shoupt, and to them were born six children: George; Samuel; William; Margaret, who mar- ried George Daubenspike: Jacob, and Daniel. The parents of these children were members of the Lutheran Church, and died in Butler county.

Daniel Meals, the Doctor's grandfather, be- came a successful farmer of Butler county, where he died, and he willed the old homestead to the Doctor's father. He had married Catherine Studabaker, of Pennsylvania, who was of Ger- man descent, and whose people were mostly ag- riculturists. Five children blessed this union: Samuel; Mary M., wife of M. Turney; Margaret. who first married a Mr. Campbell and after his death J. Daubenspike; David and Joseph. Mary is the only one now living. All were members of the Lutheran Church, but after coming to Clarion county Dr. Samuel D. Meals, our subject's fa- ther. became a Presbyterian.

Dr. Samuel D. Meals began preparation for the medical profession under the direction of Dr. Joseph Eggert, of Butler county, and later at- tended lectures at a medical college in Cleveland. Ohio, after which he successfully engaged in practice in Butler county for fifteen years. In August, 1859, he removed to Callensburg. Clar- ion county, and here prosecuted his profession until called from this life October 8, 1884. Up- right and honorable in all of life's relations. he stood high both as a physician and citizen. H married Miss Hannah, daughter of William Emery, a carpenter and farmer of Butler county. whose other children were Robert; Nancy, wife of J. Blaire: Sebastian, twin brother of Nancy; Mary, wife of a Mr. Hartzel; and Joseph, a Meth- odist minister, who is now professor of mathe- matics in a college in Oregon. The parents and the other children were all Presbyterians in re- ligious belief.

Dr. Meals, of this review, is the eldest in a

المرة

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family of eight children, the others being as follows: Mrs. Maggie M. Pollock; Mrs. Cath- erine Stoner; Clara J., who first married a Mr. French, and, after his death, a Mr. Jamison; Emaline, wife of W. L. Elliot; Mrs. Lotta Coch- ran; Edna, wife of W. A. Beer; and Samuel W., . a resident of Greene county, Pennsylvania.

In the county of his nativity, Dr. Meals be- gan his education in the common schools, and after coming to Callensburg, at the age of eleven years, he attended the academy at this place. He early commenced reading medicine with his father as preceptor, and, in 1870, entered the Western Medical University of Ohio, at Cleve- land, where he pursued his studies for one term. He then engaged in practice with his father until the school year of 1873-4, when he was again a student in that institution. Since his graduation he has enjoyed a liberal patronage, which he well merits. His investigation into the science of medicine, and his skillful application of the knowledge he has thereby obtained, has won him a place .in the foremost ranks of the medical fraternity. He holds membership in the co nty, State and National Medical Societies.

Dr. Meals was married in 1872 to Miss Jen- nie R. Graham, a daughter of James and Eliza- beth (Miller) Graham, the former of Scotch-Irish descent, and the latter of Irish lineage, her father, William Miller, being a native of Ireland. James Graham was a farmer by occupation, and was the father of nine children: Samuel, Thomas, James, William, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret and Jennie R. To the Doctor and his wife were born eight children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of N. Stover; May, who died at the age of two years; Kittie, wife of J. F. Lav- ure; Nora M., at home; Clarissa D., who died at the age of twelve years; and Mary A., Şam- uel O. and Nelson M., all at home. The wife and mother, who was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, departed this life June 22, 1894.

Dr. Meals was again married, this time in December, 1895, his second union being with Miss Martha J. Dunlap, a daughter of Samuel Dunlap, who was also of Scoth-Irish descent, and a son of John Dunlap, a native of Ireland. Samuel Dunlap married Lavina Slaughenhaupt, of German extraction, by whom he had six chil- dren: Minna, wife of O. Lash; Martha J., wife of our subject; Mark; Mrs. Laura McGee; James, and George. The father was an agriculturist, and was one of the leading meinbers of and act- ive workers in the Independent Methodist Epis- copal Church, to which his wife also belonged. His death occurred May 26, 1897. One child

was born to Dr. and Mrs. Meals, but died when only four weeks old.

Politically,. the Doctor is identified with the Republican party, has always taken a deep and commendable interest in public affairs, and has creditably served as burgess of Callensburg. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the American Me- chanics, while, religiously, he and his wife be- long to the Methodist Church and take quite an active part in its work.

J TOHN R. BLACK, a leading agriculturist of

Elk township, Clarion county, was born De- cember 24, 1833, on his present farm, and is a worthy representative of one of the most prom- inent families of the county. His paternal grand- father. Frederick Black, was born in Maryland, of German ancestry, and became one of the hon- ored pioneers of this region, having located at Canoe Furnace, Clarion county, at an early day.

William Black, our subject's father, was also a native of Maryland, but was reared in Clarion county, where throughout his active business life he followed the occupations of farming and lum- bering with good success. In Elk township he was married to Miss Sarah Berlin, who was born in 1809, and was reared in Clarion county. She now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Craig, in Greenville, but the father died at the age of fifty- six, honored and respected by all who knew him. In the family were seven children: George (who died in Franklin, Penn.), John R., Paul B. (a resident of Elk township, Clarion county), Mary (deceased), Frances (wife of William McClin- tock), Martha (who died at the age of three years), and Maggie (wife of D. Craig, of Green- ville, Clarion county).

In the schools of his native township, John R. Black secured a good practical education, and under the able direction of his father, he became thoroughly familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He now owns the old homestead of seventy-five acres of rich and arable land, and is successfully engaged in gen- eral farming, and in the dairy business. By the exercise of great industry, perseverance and good inanagement he has brought the land to its pres- ent highly cultivated state, and his improvements are of a substantial character, everything about the place denoting prosperity and thrift.

On October 23, 1856, in Elk township, Mr. Black was married to Miss. Susan Sanders, who was born in Union county, Penn., a daughter of Peter and Catharine (Felthaft) Sanders, early settlers of Clarion county. The father died in

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Berks county, but the mother's death occurred in Clarion county. Both were faithful members of the Reformed Church, while in politics Mr. Sanders was a Democrat, and a farmer by occu- pation. In their family were eight children, namely: Anna, John, Caroline, Sarah, Samuel, Jane, Willie, who died in infancy, and Susan.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Black: Sarah, wife of Samuel McDow- ell, of Erie, Penn .; Albert P., a physician of Bradner, Ohio; Evaline, wife of A. C. Zimmer- man, of Elk township, Clarion county; Lillie, wife of Harry Dotterner, of Kellyville, Penn .; Charles Webster, who is now at work in the oil fields of West Virginia; John Newton, who died at the age of four years. Of these, Mrs. Dotter- man was for eight years a successful and popular teacher of Clarion county.

On October 1, 1862, Mr. Black enlisted in the 109th P. V. I., and when his term of service had expired he was honorably discharged, in 1863. He was mostly engaged in guard duty at Fort Keys and Yorktown. The Republican party has always found in him a stanch sup- porter, and he has been called upon to serve in a number of township offices. He has been quite prominently identified with the interests of the community in which he lives, and he has assisted materially in the development of the por- tion of the county in which he resides. He bears a high character for sterling integrity, and both he and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church in Ashland township.

I W. MONG. Great are the changes which time and man have wrought in Clarion coun- ty since this gentleman was born on his present farm in Elk township, in 1844. As the years have passed, he has seen its wild lands trans- formed into beautiful homes and farms, its tim- ber made into marketable products, its primitive homes into substantial residences, and the work of improvement carried forward until the county to-day ranks among the best in this great Com- monwealth. Mr. Mong has participated in the work of advancement, and well deserves mention in this volume as a representative man.

His parents were David and Rebecca (Parks) Mong, natives of Clarion and Huntingdon coun- ties, respectively. From a wild tract the father opened up the farm on which our subject now resides, and to its improvement and cultivation devoted his time until his death, which occurred about 1857. The mother died in January, 1863. In their family were six children: Mrs. Ann

Elizabeth Hazlett, a widow lady now living in Ohio; Mary Jane, a resident of Erie, Penn., and the widow of John Deemer, a soldier of the Civil war; Nancy C., wife of H. J. Smith, of Delaware; I. W., of this sketch; James A., who died in Kansas; and James Henry, who died in the East.

In August, 1862, when only eighteen years of age, Mr. Mong, of this review, enlisted in Beaver township, Clarion county, for three years, in Company G, 155th P. V. I., and was mustered into the United States service at Pittsburg, where the regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of An- tietam, Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, Aldie, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run. Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania Court House, North Ann River, Talopotomy, Bethseda Church, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. On June 8, 1864, he was wounded by a gunshot, and was first confined in the hospital at Alexandria, Va., and later in Grace Church Hospital, Philadel- phia. He rejoined his regiment in front of Peters- burg, and later took part in the battles of Wel- don Railroad, Preblestown, Hatcher's Run, Quaker Road. Dobney's Mill, Boydton Plank Road, White Oak Road, Five Forks, and Appo- mattox. After participating in the Review at Washington, D. C., he was mustered out at Ar- lington Heights, and was honorably discharged June 5, 1865, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Since his return home Mr. Mong has engas. i in farming and in the oil business, and now owns the old homestead of eighty-six and a half acres in Elk township, Clarion county, whose well- tilled fields and neat and thrifty appearance plainly testify to the skill and ability of the owner in his chosen calling. In January, 1868, in Ashland township, Clarion county, he wedded Miss Mary E. Pierce, who was born in Clarion county, a daughter of David and Lavina (Hock - man) Pierce, natives of the same county, where the father died. The mother is still a resident of Ashland township. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mong five are still living: Har- vey P., who is married and is engaged in farin- ing; Raymond W .; Wilson E .; Lavina B. : and James G.

Mr. Mong uses his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has most efficiently served as treas- urer of Elk township. Socially, he affiliates with the K. O. T. M. His genial, pleasant manner has made him quite popular in both business and social circles, and as a public-spir- ited, enterprising man, he is recognized as a val- I ued citizen of the community. He has always

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been found as true to his duties of citizenship in days of peace as when he followed the old flag to victory on Southern battle fields.

DAVID H. PARSONS, one of the most prom- inent and influential citizens of Limestone township, is a representative of an old and hon- ored pioneer family of Clarion county, whose members have been actively identified with the growth and development of this region from an early day, and have watched with interest the wonderful transformation that 'has taken place.

Mr. Parsons was born on the farm which is still his home, August 29, 1830, a son of Thomas and Jane (Craig Sayers) Parsons. His grandfa- ther, David Parsons, spent his entire life in Cen- tre county, Penn., where the great-grandfather, Thomas Parsons, first located during the Revo- lutionary war. However, he was soon compelled to leave his new home, having been driven out by the Indians, and returned to Maryland, where he remained for seven years. At the end of that period he again came to Centre county and re- claimed his land, which he converted into a good farm, making it his home until called to the world beyond.

The father of our subject was born in Centre county, but when a lad of fifteen years came with his father to Limestone township, Clarion county, where he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life. He owned and operated the farm on which our subject is now living, and throughout his active business life devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. After a useful and well-spent life, wherein he gained the confidence and respect of all who knew him, he passed away in 1875. The birth of his wife occurred in Westmoreland county, Penn., but when a child of five years she was brought to Clarion county, and during the eighty- six years of her residence here she witnessed al- most its entire growth and development. During her childhood wolves made the night hideous with their howls, and many other kinds of wild animals still inhabited the forests. From April 6, 1830, until her death in July, 1895. Mrs. Par- sons made her home upon the farm where her son now lives. She reached the advanced age of ninety.one.

During his boyhood and youth David H. Par- sons attended the subscription schools, but the terms were short, and his education was neces- sarily limited. His training in farm work. how- ever, was not so meagre, and he early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He has made that honored call-

ing his life work, has aided in the arduous task of clearing and developing a new farm, but he has one of the most desirable places in Limestone township. Where at one time was an oak forest, now waving fields of grain greet the eye, and a beautiful home and good and substantial out- buildings now adorn the farm, which comprises 107 acres of excellent land.

On September 30, 1856, Mr. Parsons was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Eliza- beth, daughter of Isaac Harvey, a native of Berks county, who became a resident of Centre county, and later of Clarion county. Earnest and con- scientious Christians, Mr. and Mrs. Parsons are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is now serving as trustee. Socially, he affiliates with the Masonic Order, and, political- ly, is identified with the Prohibition party, of whose principles he is an earnest advocate. In 1896 he was the candidate of his party for the State Legislature. He has ever been a liberal .contributor to all objects tending to advance the welfare of his Church or the cause of temperance, and in his daily walks he has shown himself con- sistent with the beliefs he professes, and is every- where honored and esteemed.

C H. ROWLAND. Success in any line of occupation, in any avenue of business, is not a matter of spontaneity, but it is the ligiti- mate offspring of a subjective effort in the proper utilization of the means at hand, the improve- ment of opportunities, and the exercise of the highest functions made possible by the specific ability in any case. In view of this condition the study of biography become valuable, and its lessons, of practical use. In tracing the suc- cess of Mr. Rowland we find that he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now one of the largest coal operators of Houtzdale, and he is also successfully conducting a store in Mo- shannon.

Our subject was born in Hancock, Md., in 1860, a son of John and Sarah E. (Hedding) Rowland, the former a native of Bedford county, and the latter of Landisburg, Perry Co., Penn. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, re- moved to Huntingdon county, this State, in 1866, and in 1874 took up his residence in Houtzdale, where he followed several different lines of busi- ness until his death in February, 1893. His estimable wife is still a resident of Houtzdale. They reared three children, namely: Anna, wife of H. J. McClure, of New Castle, Penn. ; C. H. and Mary.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 110

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