Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 111

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 111
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 111
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 111
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 111

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From Huntingdon county, C. H. Rowland

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accompanied his parents on their removal to Houtzdale, and here he completed his literary- training in the public schools. He began his business life as a clerk, and has since turned his attention to coal operating, being now interested in the old Moshannon Coal Company. On the incorporation of the company, D. Knight was the first president, and he was succeeded by Daniel Button, now a resident of Philadelphia. In Janu - ary, 1895, Mr. Rowland became interested in the business, and he is now operating the bank of the company and also No. 6, owned by the United Colliery Company, with which he be- became connected in 1888. He now has in his employ one hundred and fifty men, but usually has three hundred, the expenses of the corpora- tion being over $200,000 per month. The coal obtained in this district is only the upper or drift mining, the lower vein being yet untouched. In 1893 a company was formed, known as the Houtzdale, or Prospect Shaft, of which our sub- ject became secretary and treasurer, and they sunk a shaft which was operated for about six months. Over $70,000 were expended, but the company still have their mining machinery and everything with which to begin operations at any time.

In 1886, in Houtzdale, Mr. Rowland was married to Miss Anna Cutshall, a native of Hunt- ingdon county, Penn., and to them have been born five children: Lulu Ellen, Howard H., Margaret, Edward, and Charles.

Our subject gives his political support to the Republican party, and, socially, he belongs to Osceola Lodge No. 515, F. & A. M. He is widely recognized as one of the representative citizens and leading business men of Clearfield county, has done much to promote its commer- cial and industrial activity, and advance the gen- eral welfare of the community. He carries for- ward to successful completion whatever he under- takes, and carefully looks after the interests of his employees, now working on full time.

R OBERT L. LOGAN is the junior member of the well-known firm of Giles & Logan, general merchants of West Monterey. Clarion county, and their ability. enterprise and upright methods have established for them an enviable reputation in business circles. J. H. Giles the senior member, is one of the pioneer merchants of theplace, where he has now successfully engaged in business for twenty-eight years. For twelve years he was a member of the firm of Gardener & Giles, but in 1880 purchased his partner's in- terest, and then admitted Theo. Logan to

membership in the firm. That connection con- tinued for eight years, and then Mr. Giles was alone for two years, but in 1890 Robert L. Lo- gan purchased an interest in the business, which they have since successfully conducted under the firm style of Giles & Logan. They carry a large and well-selected stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries, etc., and receive from · the public a liberal patronage.

Mr. Giles was born in 1844, and during the Civil war was a loyal citizen and faithful soldier. For.six years he 'successfully engaged in the oil business, but throughout his active life has given his attention principally to mercantile pursuits. He is a Republican in politics, is a faithful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of the most highly respected and honored citizens of Clarion county. His wife is now de- ceased.

Robert L. Logan was born in Armstrong county, December 4, 1860, and is a son of Sam- uel Logan, now a prominent citizen of Perry township, Clarion county. John Logan, the grandfather, was born in Ireland, and belonged to a good old Scotch-Irish family. On coming to the United States he located in this section of Pennsylvania, where he became widely and fa- vorably known among the early settlers. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Harriette McCall, was- a daughter of Matthew McCall, also an honored pioneer of Clarion county. Robert L. Logan is one of a family of nine children, seven of whom are still living, and six of the number have been success- ful and prominent teachers.

On the old home farm the subject of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the public schools of the neighborhood he began his education, but later supplemented the knowledge there acquired by a course in the Grove City Academy. At the age of nineteen he com- menced teaching, and successfully followed that profession for a number of years, but since 1890 has devoted his attention exclusively to merchan- dising. Although he is still comparatively a young man, his popularity is established on a firm basis -that of his own well-tested merit.

On June 12, 1889, Mr. Logan was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of John Slaugenhaupt, who died in Perry township, Clar- ion county, in 1891. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Logan, of whom the elder died in infancy. Dale Faith, the younger, was born in 1895. The parents are Presbyterians in religious belief, and Mr. Logan is now serving as trustee of the Church. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and is a stalwart sup-

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porter of the Democratic party, taking an active and prominent part in its work, and serving as a delegate to its conventions, but has never been an aspirant for official honors. His support is cheerfully given all enterprises calculated to ad- vance the moral, intellectual or material welfare of his town and county, and he is therefore num- bered among the valued and useful citizens of the community.

J TACOB BEER, a representative of the agri- cultural interests of Clearfield county, being a progressive farmer of Sandy township, is engaged in the operation of his fine farm of 117 acres, fifty of which he has placed under a high state of cultivation.

A native of Clearfield county, Mr. Beer was born in Huston township, a son of William and Mary (Peterman) Beer. Both the father and pa- ternal grandfather were born in Armstrong coun- ty, Penn., where the family had located at an early day, and there the father grew to man- hood and married Miss Peterman, also a repre- sentative of a pioneer family of that county. When that section was comparatively new they took up their residence in Huston township, Clearfield county, the father purchasing a wooded tract of forty-two acres, which he at once began to clear and transform into a good farm. Years afterward he bought 146 acres of timber land in Sandy township, erected a good residence there- on, and in 1885 built a substantial barn. There his death occurred some years ago, and his wife passed away in the following year. They were the parents of children, as follows: Mrs. Mary Jane Shannon, of Huston township; Margaret, wife of Theodore Hoyt, of Sandy township; Mrs. Melinda Burns, of the same township; Jacob, of this review; George, who resides on the old home farm; Mrs. Eliza Shoemaker, of Sandy township; Sarah, wife of Alex Bundy, of the same town- ship; and Mrs. Rhoda Bundy, also of Sandy township.

Jacob Beer secured a good practical educa- tion in the schools of Huston township, and early became familiar with the labors of the farm, being now a most thorough and skillful agriculturist. In Sandy township he was mar- ried to Miss Ida Shoemaker, a native of Huston township, of which her father, William Shoe- maker, was one of the pioneers. Four children have been born to them: G. W., S. C., Nancy O. and Esther Ruth. In his political affiliations, our subject is a Republican, and takes considera- ble interest in public affairs, doing all in his power to advance the welfare of the community,

and he has served as supervisor of his township. In religious faith, he is a consistent member of the Reformed Church of Sandy township.

C ALVIN P. BARRETT. Among the influen- tial members of the farming community of Clearfield county, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is entirely a self- made man in the truest sense of the word, hav- ing been the only architect of his own fortunes, and has raised himself from a state of poverty to affluence, aided by his own strong arms, indom- itable energy and laudable ambition. He is now one of the most progressive agriculturists of Greenwood township.

In the county where he still makes his home Mr. Barrett was born December 4, 1847, a son of Hiram and Susanna (Myers) Barrett. Andrew Barrett, the grandfather, was born in Columbia county. Penn., of German ancestry, and became one of the pioneer settlers of Centre county, where Hiram was born and reared. The latter was married in Columbia county, and about 1835 came to Clearfield county, where he followed farming until called from this life in 1891, at the age of seventy-six years. His faithful wife, who still survives him, lives at the old homestead in Jordan township, at the age of seventy-eight. From early life both held membership in the Baptist Church, and were widely and favorably known. The father took a deep and commend- able interest in public affairs, always supporting the Republican party, but he cared nothing for official distinction. During his younger years he was employed in the Curtin Iron Works, but later gave his entire time and attention to farm- ing and lumbering.

Twelve children, six sons and six daughters. were born to the parents of our subject, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. They are as follows: William, a farmer and lumber- man; Sarah, wife of S. Henry; Julius, who was a Union soldier all through the Civil war, and died from the effects of his service in 1874; Con- rad, a resident of Ferguson township, Clearfield county, who was also in the Union service, and was twice wounded; Andrew, a farmer; Calvin P .; Mary, wife of J. Clinger; Martha, wife of H. Herd; Adelia, wife of A. McCully: Priscilla, wife of J. C. Straw; Samuel, at home; and Mrs. Bar- bara E. McCracken.

The early educational privileges afforded Cal- vin P. Barrett were quite limited, but by read- ing and study in subsequent years he has ac- quired a good practical knowledge which well fits him for the responsible duties of business

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

life. Until twenty-four years of age he remained under the parental roof and engaged in teaming in the woods. After his marriage, in 1874, he purchased a tract of land which was but slightly improved, and later added to this until he had a good farm. In the meantime he continued to work in the woods during the winter season, and was quite successful in lumbering and rafting on the river. In 1881 he sold his farm and pur- chased the place where he still resides. Thirty acres had been cleared, and he now has fifty acres under a high state of cultivation and im- proved with a commodious two-story residence, barn, outbuildings and a fine orchard, all the re- sult of earnest, persistent and well-directed effort.

In 1874, Mr. Barrett was married to Miss Mary E. Passmore, whose grandfather,. Gainor Passmore, emigrated from England to America at an early day, and took up his residence in Pennsylvania. Hiram Passmore, the father, is a native of Clearfield county, and is still a resident of Ferguson township, where he has developed a farm from the wilderness. In connection with agricultural pursuits he has also followed lumber- ing. He has now reached the age of sixty-eight, and enjoys the friendship of a large circle of ac- quaintances. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Shafer, is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. With the exception of one, all of their eight children reached years of maturity, namely: Mary, wife of our subject; Delila, wife of H. Tubbs; Joseph, a farmer; Samuel, also a farmer; Vinna, wife of G. Thurston; Harriett; and Lavina, wife of J. Roles.

Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, of whom one died in infancy. Those living are: John, who follows lumbering; and Delila, Lewis, Minnie, Liddia A., Samuel, Perry and Gurney, all at home. With the United Brethren Church Mr. Barrett holds membership, and fraternally he is connected with the Grange. Formerly he was a Democrat in politics, but on account of his views on the temperance question now votes with the Prohibition party, and is one of its most ardent advocates. He has served his fellow citizens in the capacity of school director and overseer of the poor, and has given his sup- port to all worthy enterprises which will in any way benefit the community or advance the gen- eral welfare.

comes of a family that has long been identified with the agricultural and business interests of this section. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Goon, who was of English descent, was a prom- inent agriculturist residing near Clearfield, and upon his farm there his death occurred. Po- litically he was a Whig. In his family were five children, namely: Isaac, John, Joseph, Eliza- beth, wife of J. Comstock, and Mrs. James Moore.

Joseph Goon, the father of our subject, was reared on the old homestead near Clearfield, where he early became familiar with the work of the farm, but at an early age he also learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for many years. After his marriage he located in Clearfield, but later purchased a farm which he conducted for some time, and then returned to shoemaking. Subsequently he engaged in the sewing machine business in Clearfield, selling machines extensively throughout the country. He was a prominent member of the Democratic party, took an active interest in all public affairs, and at one time was the candidate of his party for sheriff, but was defeated. With the Method- ist Episcopal Church both he and his wife were connected, and he was an active member of the Sons of Temperance.

Joseph Goon married Miss Caroline J. Holt, a lady of intelligence and culture, who died in May, 1894. Her father, Thomas Holt, Esq., a farmer of Bradford township, was well and fa- vorably known by all the early settlers of Clear- field county, with whose interests he was identi- fied for many years. He was a recognized leader in the ranks of the Democratic party in his community, and acceptably filled a number of official positions. In religious belief he was a Methodist. His children were as follows : Vin- cent B., associate judge of Clearfield county: John, a merchant, farmer and lumberman, who became quite wealthy and prominent; Caroline J., the mother of our subject; and Isabella, wife of A. Murray. The children were all provided with excellent educational advantages, and be- came prominent and highly respected citizens of Clearfield county.

Our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being as follows: Isaac W., who was killed by accident in the woods; Sarah J., wife of S. B. Flegal: Isa- bella E., wife of H. Wise, of Altoona, Penn .; Lydia C., wife of M. Caldwell, of Knox township. Clearfield county; Mary E., wife of Ross Brown ; and William E., a resident of Altoona. In the public schools Thomas H. acquired his literary education, and under his father's instruction

T HOMAS H. GOON, the popular owner and proprietor of the "Mountain House." at Kerrmoor, is a native of Clearfield county, born in the city of Clearfield. September 1, 1851, and I learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for six years. He then canvassed the county in the sale of sewing machines. While in that business he was married, and lived at several different places, including Bloomington. He sold more machines than any of his competitors, and received a premium from the company for the largest sales. Quitting that business, he came to Kerrmoor in July, 1886, and opened a restaur- ant, barber shop and pool room, which he con- ducted for six years. He then erected the " Mountain House " for a brother-in-law. and has furnished the same, which he now successfully carries on. He still has his barber shop in con- nection with the hotel, but has disposed of the restaurant and pool business, and also conducts a livery stable. The " Mountain House " is con- veniently arranged and well furnished, and in all its appointments, under its present 'excellent management, is a first-class hotel, well patron- ized.

On November 22, 1874, Mr. Goon was united in marriage with Miss Rachel E. McFadden, a daughter of James and Jane (Wood) McFadden, both of whom belonged to honored pioneer fam- ilies of Clearfield county. The father still re- sides upon his farm on Banner Ridge in Green- wood township, at the age of seventy-one. Po- litically, he is a stalwart Republican, but has never aspired to office. The mother of Mrs. Goon died when the latter was only seven years old, and her father is now living with his third wife. By the first union there were eight chil- dren, namely: Jeremiah; Margaret, wife of T. Smith, now a resident of the State of Washing- ton; Martha, wife of D. Wyler; Rachel E., the wife of our subject; George, a farmer by occupation; Hannah, wife of H. Brown; Scott, a resident of Curwensville; and Delila, wife of George Snyder.

Mr. and Mrs. Goon had two children: (1) Joseph A., who is assisting his father in carrying on the hotel, married Miss Alice Liddick, a daughter of Dr. Frank Liddick, a practicing phy- sician, who died in 1873. (2) Viola Bell, who was the sunshine of the family, and beloved by all who knew her, was born February 14, 1877, and died of diphtheria February 22, 1893. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and an active worker in the Christian Endeavor Society. Socially, Mr. Goon affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Golden Eagle; politically, he is identified with the Democratic party, and advocates the free and unlimited coinage of sil- ver. He and his estimable wife are prominent in social circles in Kerrmoor, and their pleasant, courteous manners have attracted to them many warm friends.

H EZEKIAH LANSBERRY, a farmer of Gra- ham township, Clearfield county, was born on the old family homestead in Bradford town- ship, Clearfield county, April 15, 1837, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Hoover) Lans- berry. His father was born and reared in Brad- ford township, and in 1844 came to Graham township, where he purchased 160 acres of tim- ber land. Clearing away the trees, he planted crops and developed a good farm. His parents were Benjamin and Anna (Owens) Lansberry, and the grandfather removed from New Jersey to Clearfield county, where he developed a farm and reared a family of six sons and two daughters. The grandparents both died in Bradford town- ship.

In that township Samuel Lansberry was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hoover, and they became parents of children who will be found in the sketch of P. N. Lansberry. The parents endured the hardships and trials of pioneer life, but as time passed added to their home the comforts of civilization. They re- mained on the farm in Graham township until 1865, when they removed to Williams Grove, making their hone there until called to their final rest. The father died at the age of seven- ty-four years, and his wife survived him about five years.

Hezekiah Lansberry spent the days of his childhood and youth on the home farm of his fa- ther, and was early trained to habits of industry and enterprise. These qualities have proved es- sential qualities in his success. He has through- out life followed farming, and the experience of his boyhood days proved valuable to him in his later career.

Mr. Lansberry was united in marriage with Susanna Record, a native of Graham township, and to them have been born nine children: W. H., who married Miss Woods, by whom he has two children, follows mining and lives at Sandy Ridge; Warren married Lena Sparr, by whom he had two children, and resides on a farm in Centre county; Edward, of Ridgeway, married Flora Moses, and has one child; C. A. is en- gaged in merchandising in Philipsburg, Centre county; W. B. is a telegraph operator at Gordon Heights; Elizabeth is engaged in teaching school; Emina is the wife of W. L. Taylor, of Philips- burg, and Ida and Anna are at home.

Mr. Lansberry, his wife and six children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Lansberry is a Democrat in politics, has served as auditor and supervisor, and is now postmaster at Butment. He is most prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, and has

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thereby won the commendation of all concerned. An enterprising citizen, he is deeply interested in all that pertains to the education, moral or ma- terial welfare of the community, and is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families.

J OHN F. IRWIN, a well-known and popular druggist of Clearfield, Clearfield county, has been longer identified with the commercial interests of the city than any other man, and has ever taken a prominent part in its upbuilding and progress. He has cheerfully given his support to those enterprises that tend to public develop- ment and, with hardly an exception, he has been connected with every interest that has promoted general welfare.

A native of Centre county, Penn., Mr. Irwin was born near Bellefonte, February 20, 1829, but the same year was brought to Clearfield county by his parents, Ellis and Hannah (Idd- ings) Irwin, the latter a daughter of John and Ann (Carroll) Iddings, honored pioneers of this section of the State. The family has ever been a loyal and patriotic one, and the maternal grandmother was a near relative of the Carroll who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. John Iddings was a prominent farmer of Centre county, where he died, a con- sistent inember of the Society of Friends.

To the parents of our subject were born eight children, namely: Lewis, who died in 1882, leaving a wife and family; John F., of this sketch; Mary; Marietta; William E., a prominent busi- ness man of Philipsburg, Penn .; Joseph R., a pioneer druggist of Curwensville, Clearfield county; Melissa, who died in childhood; and James, who died at the age of eleven years. The mother, who was a devout Christian, departed this life in February, 1881, but the father is still living at the advanced age of ninety-two years. He is still hale and hearty, can read and write without glasses, attends to his duties as post- master, and looks after his interests generally.

John F. Irwin, whose name introduces this sketch, accompanied his father on his various re- movals until finally locating in the city of Clear- field, in 1837, where he has since made his home. He was principally educated in private schools, beginning his literary training in Curwensville under the instruction of John Patton, Sr., and later attending the Clearfield Academy. As soon as large enough he began assisting his father in the store in Clearfield, where he learned many practical lessons of business methods, and, when his father sold out his store and purchased lands

and a sawmill at Lick Run, the son was inter- ested with him in business for four years. From 1856 until 1862, he clerked for William Irwin in Curwensville.

Mr. Irwin has inherited the patriotism dis- played by his ancestors. On August 11, 1852, he enlisted in Company B, 149th P. V. I., under Capt. John Irwin. From private he was pro- moted to sergeant on August 15, 1862; was com- missioned second lieutenant on the 13th of the following September, was made first lieutenant February 20, 1864, and adjutant September 5, 1864. He participated in many important en- gagements, the names and dates of which are as follows: Chancellorsville, Va., May 1 to 4, 1863; Gettysburg, July I to 3, 1863; Bristoe Station, Va., October 14, 1863; Rappahannock Station, November 7, 1863; Wilderness, May ;, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 7, 8 to 18, 1864; North Anna River, May 23 to 27, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1 to 12, 1864; Petersburg, June 15 to July 31, 1864; Petersburg, September I to October 30, 1864; Laurel Hill and Spottsylvania, May 8 to 18, 1864; Yellow Tavern and Weldon railroad, October 1 to 5, 1864; Hatchers Run, October 27, 1864, and February 5 to 7, 1865; and Fort Steadman, March 25, 1865. In Feb- ruary, 1865, he was detailed for service at El- mira, N. Y., to guard deserters, and on the 24th of May, 1865, was honorably discharged, and mustered out by reason of the general order of the War Department.

In November, after his return home from the war, Mr. Irwin embarked in the drug business with Dr. Wartrick, but on the 24th of May, 1866, purchased his partner's interest, and has since been alone in business. He carries a full and complete line of drugs and everything found in a first-class establishment of the kind. and his courteous treatment and fair and honorable deal- ings have secured for him a liberal share of the public patronage.

Mr. Irwin was married by Dr. Monroe, now presiding elder of the Altoona, Penn., Methodist Episcopal Conference, to Miss Sarah E. Rhum, who was born in 1839, in Carlisle, Penn. Her father, George Rhum, who was a harness maker by trade, was a prominent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mr. and Mrs. Irwin also belong. Of the seven chil- dren born to them, one died in infancy, and an- other at the age of ten years. Those living are: George R., who is attending the University of Pennsylvania; Ellis, who served an apprentice- ship to the machinist's trade, but is now with his father in the drug store, and Clara A., Fanny L. and John L., all at home.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 111

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