Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 19

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 19
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 19
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 19
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 19

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TACOB J. SUTTER, a member of the mercan- tile firm of Bing & Co., a leading dry-goods

house of Reynoldsville, Jefferson county, and superintendent of the Central Land & Mining Co., which controls 6,000 acres of land in Jeffer- son county-4,900 in Winslow township, and 1, 100 in Washington township-is one of the most prominent and influential men of the county. Since early boyhood his life has been most active, and the experience he gained by close attrition with the world, aided by his prac- tical good sense and his unbounded energy, soon developed within him the sterling characteristics that have won for him the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Mr. Sutter was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 17, 1834, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Stahl) Sutter. The father was one of those many Germans, who, in 1840, sought a home in the New World. With his widowed mother. Elizabeth Sutter, his wife, Elizabeth, and three children, he sailed for America, and one child was born to them during the ocean passage. First locating in Beaver county, Penn., Jacob Sutter later removed to Covode, Indiana county, and there engaged in farming until his death, in 1852, when he was aged fifty-two years: the mother died in April, 1870, aged sixty-two years. They were members of the Evangelical Church, and in politics Mr. Sutter was a Whig. The children of Jacob and Elizabeth Sutter were as follows: Margaret is the widow of John Hoffman, late of Clearfield county, Penn. ; Philip is a farmer of Indiana county; Jacob J. is the subject of this sketch; Catherine married Levi Sunderland, and both are now deceased: Daniel is a merchant of Livingston. Ill. , Christopher is a farmer of Moul- trie county, Ill. ; Elizabeth lives in Punxsutawney. Penn. : Julia Ann is the wife of James Crossman, a farmer of Whitesville, Indiana county; Henry (twin of Julia Ann) fell at the battle of Rich- inond, after having served through the previous engagements of his regiment, as a member of Company A, to5th P. V. I .: William, ex-sheriff

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of Jefferson county, is now a wagon maker at Lindsey; and Martin is with his brother, William, at Lindsey.

Jacob J. Sutter, the subject of this sketch, reinained at the home farm until his father's death in 1852. He then went to Blair county, and worked for a year on the farm of J. David and John Mutersbaugh, at $7 per month. Re- turning home at the end of the year with $65. he offered it to his widowed mother, and she accepted $50 with which to pay the father's doc- tor bill. A few months later the young man returned to Blair county, and worked eight months on an adjoining farm for $11 per month. During the following winter he attended school at Tyrone, Penn. His services were engaged by another farmer in Blair county, at $13 per month; but after working three months he found that he could not collect his wages, even after bringing suit, and litigation proving expensive Mr. Sutter abandoned the claim. Next he worked five months on a gravel train between Huntingdon and Altoona, and went home for the winter. For a year he then made timber in Clearfield county. Beginning in 1860, he served two years as an apprentice in carpentering, re- ceiving $5 per month the first year, and $10 per month the second year. In 1862 he worked at his trade for a few months in Alexandria., Va., and in the fall of that year began working in the navy yard at Washington, D. C., making cart- ridge boxes.

Returning home in the spring of 1863, he soon after went to Erie, where he followed his trade. In 1864 he went to Titusville and be- gan selling oil-well supplies on commission for Jareckie, John Shawbecker being his bondsman. . He was very successful. but caught the oil fever then raging, and, investing his earnings in oil wells, lost all. Returning to Erie, he con- tracted to build ten cheap houses, and in two months cleared $1,000. He then associated him- self in the carpentering business with Michael Loesel, and was thus engaged for two years and three months, when he sold out, and in October, 1870, came to Reynoldsville, where he has since resided.

In 1865, at Erie, Penn., Mr. Sutter was first married, uniting with Miss Eliza Sanger. One son, Ellsworth, was born to this marriage, but both mother and child died in 1866, and were buried at Erie, Peun. His second marriage oc- curred at Erie, February 21. 1867, this time with Miss Mary Halpin, Rev. C. F. Hartung officiat- ing. Mrs. Mary (Halpin) Sutter was born in County Clare, Ireland, August 27, 1845, a daugh- ter of John and Mary (Russell) Halpin. The

father died in Ireland in 1847, and his widow im- migrated with her family to Canada, thence, in 1865, she came to the United States, and now resides in New York City. The children of John and Mary Halpin were as follows: John is de- ceased; William P. is a millwright in Minnesota; Ellen is living with her mother; and Mary is the wife of our subject. Mary was reared by her bachelor uncle, John Russell, who taught school for twenty-five years in Canada, and is now pen- sioned for life.

To Jacob J. and Mary Sutter have been born the following children: Lillie, wife of Dr. Harry Thompson, of Portland Mills, Elk Co., Penn. ; Mabel, a stenographer and typewriter at Pitts- burg, Penn .; Frank O., now with Bing & Co., of Reynoldsville: Nellie M. E , attending Nor- mal School at Lock Haven, Penn .; Lotta, wife of James Mitchell, a tailor of Kane, Penn .; and Alma L., Albert, Altha, Mildred and Carol, at home,

After his settlement at Reynoldsville, in 1870, our subject for two years followed the carpen- ter's trade, and for three years ran a meat wagon. In 1876 he was made the superintendent of the . Central Land & Mining Co., a position he has since continually filled. This company was or- ganized in 1872. Its president at this time is Albert Pancost, and its secretary and treasurer is W. H. Hollis, of Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. Sutter is a member of the M. E. Church, and was trustee for many years until 1896, when he was re-elected but resigned in 1897. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Royal Arcanum, at Reynoldsville; is prominently connected with the social affairs of the village, and was one of the first councilinen of Reynoldsville. The fam- ily occupy a beautiful two-story brick residence. which Mr. Sutter erected in 1891. His interest in the mercantile firm of Bing & Co. was acquired in February, 1893, his son Frank O. represent- ing him in that business. Mr. Sutter is still act- ive in the management of his large financial in- terests. He is a self-made man, and in the com- mendable pursuit of business affairs he has not neglected the broadening influences of study and culture. His opinion is sought in matters of public and local policy, and in all relations in life he has exhibited that trained and trusted mind which finds its best illustration among men who have manfully and successfuly fought the battle of life.

A LFRED W. MULHOLLAN. postmaster at Rathmel. Penn .. who is also successfully carrying on general merchandising and. farming,

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is a recognized leader in the affairs of Winslow township, Jefferson county. He well deserves the esteem in which he is so uniformly held, and has worthily won the success that has come to him through his business dealings.

Mr. Mulhollan was born August 5, 1849, in Boggs township, Centre Co., Penn., and is a son of John F. and Rebecca J. (Passmore) Mulhollan. He remained upon his father's farm in Clearfield county until sixteen years of age, and through the summer months assisted in the cultivation of the fields, while in the winter season he attended the district schools. He then entered the Edin- boro State Normal School, where he remained for two terms, and at the age of seventeen began teaching at Coal Hill, Clearfield county. The following spring he again attended the Edinboro State Normal, and was graduated with the class of 1871. He was then elected . principal of the public schools of Punxsutawney, where he con- tinued three terms, after which he spent three terms as a teacher in Clearfield, and one term as principal of the schools of Mifflin. He then taught one term in Chester county, after which he located near Parkesburg, and for five terms took charge of a class of teachers. During his stay in Chester county, on account of the con- venience of the location, he was enabled to at- tend the Centennial in Philadelphia. He was afterward the teacher of a private school in Wheatland, Lancaster Co., Penn., near Presi- dent Buchanan's old home. After leaving here he went to Virginia, which visit resulted in one of the important steps of his life, for he there met the lady who became his wife. On the 11th of September, 1878, in Pottsville, Penn., Prof. Mulhollan wedded Miss Mary A. Brown, and although they have no children of their own, they are rearing two adopted children-William E. 'and Clara London, a nephew and niece.

J TAMES M. CANNING, one of the wide-awake and energetic business men of Brookville, now engaged in the grocery trade, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Pittsburg, February 12, Mrs. Mulhollan was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., and is a daughter of David and Margaret (Hamilton) Brown. Mr. Brown is a native of England and Mrs. Brown of Scotland, and they are now residents of West Virginia. Mr. Brown came to America when only eight years of age, 1849, a son of John and Bridget . Dooner Cann- ing, both of whom were natives of Ireland. com- ing to America when quite young. The father, who was a laborer and stone mason by trade, died in 1854; the mother passed away in 1884. They had four children: James M., Mary, the family being among the early settlers of John F. and Thomas, all now deceased except Schuylkill county and among the first coal James M.

operators in that county. In 1872 the father of Mrs. Mulhollan removed to Rockbridge county, Va., where he served as superintendent of an iron mine until 1876, when he located on a farm in Fayettecounty, W. Va. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a stanch Republican. Mr. and Mrs. David Brown are the parents of the following children: Eli- zabeth, at home; Mrs. Mulhollan: William A.,

an extensive coal operator, in West Virginia; Belle V., wife of W. J. Lowery, a farmer and stock raiser of Springdale, W. Va. ; Percy H., a coal operator at Brown's Station, W. Va. : Ella G., the wife of Rev. Grose, of West Va. ; J. Alger, a coal operator of West Virginia; Emily, wife of Fenton Morris, of West Va .; and Jessie, wife of Dr. Huffman, of Brookville, Penn. ; and Olive C. and David S., still at home. Six daughters of this family, including Mrs. Mulhollan, have been successful school teachers.

After his marriage Mr. Mulhollan went to Elk county, Penn., and for three terms was principal of the schools at Centreville, Penn. In 1882 he came to Rathmel, where he engaged in mer- chandising until the fall of 1890, when he was elected commissioner of Jefferson county, and re- moved to Brookville. There he remained until 1895,-when he returned to Rathmel and pur- chased the Henry Brothers' mining store. He has since successfully engaged in general mer- chandising, and has a liberal patronage. which has come to him as the result of his enterprise and honorable dealing. His business policy commends him to the support and confidence of all. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth, have frequently honored him with official prefer- ment. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and is a valued member of the Odd Fellows Society of Centreville, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Rathmel. He and his wife hold a prominent position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the pass- ports into good society.

Our subject liad but limited educational ad- vantages in early life. and when a mere child he was thrown upon his own resources, and was obliged to fight the battle of life unaided. When eleven years of age he come to Brookville, and for several years worked at whatever employment he could find. He lived frugally and economic- ally until 1876. by which time he had saved sufficient capital with which to embark in the

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grocery trade. By close attention to his business interests and courteous treatment of his custom- ers, he enjoys to-day a lucrative trade, and his store is the most completely stocked of any sim- ilar business house in the city.

On Thursday, September 17, 1874, by Rev. J. Stevenson, of Corsica, Jefferson county, Penn. , James M. Canning was united in marriage with Miss Lillie F. Scribner, who was born February 10, 1855, in Kalamazoo county, Mich., whence, when a seven-year-old girl, she caine with her parents to Brookville, where she has since made her home. Alexander S. Scribner, her father, kept the "American Hotel " in Pittsburg some fifteen years, having previously been engaged in the same line of business in Brookville. He died in that latter city, June. 28, 1897; Cynthia B. (Cheesebro), the mother of the children here- inafter named, died at the home of her danghter, Mrs. Canning, on April 10, 1884, and their remains rest in the cemetery at Brookville. Children: Frank L., Lillie F. (Mrs. Canning), Samuel A., and Emma, the last named dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. James M. Canning have been blessed with two children: Cora C., born June 4, 1878, and James S., born September 19, 1880; both are still at home. The mother is a consistent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a most estimable lady.

At all times, Mr. Canning casts his ballot in support of the men and members of the Demo- cratic party, but cares nothing for the honors of public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He is entire- ly a self-made man, having worked his own way up unaided by capital or influential friends until to-day he is numbered among the substan- tial and leading business men of Brookville, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the place.

G EORGE W. SYKES, general manager of the Reynoldsville Woolen Company, which is composed of our subject, F. K. A. Alexander and J. B. Arnold, has for almost twenty years been a resident of Reynoldsville, and his name is insep- arably connected with its industrial interests. His thoroughly American spirit and his great energy have enabled him to mount from a lowly position to one of affluence, and the success that he has achieved illustrates in no uncertain man- : ner what it is possible to accomplish when per- severance and determination form the keynote to a man's character.

Mr. Sykes was born in Clearfield county. Penn., in 1849, and is a son of Henry and Re-

becca (Bilger) Sykes. The father was a native of Huddersfield, England, whence at the age of twenty-two years he crossed the Atlantic to America, where for some time he worked at the weaver's trade, which he had previously learned in the Old World. Subsequently he engaged in farming, and continued to follow that pursuit up to his death, which occurred in April, 1893. in Oregon. His wife, who was born in Union coun- ty, Penn., still makes her home in Oregon.

His parents being in limited circumstances, our subject had but little opportunity to attend school during his boyhood, and at the age of fif- teen he laid aside his text books and turned his attention to farming, which he followed for seven years. He next went to northern Minnesota. where he engaged in lumbering, and, although he endured many hardships and privations incident to such a life, he met with a fair degree of suc- cess. Returning to Jefferson county, Penn., in 1873, he located in Henderson township. where he remained during the panic which began dur- ing that year. On his twenty-ninth birthday, May 10, 1878, he came to Reynoldsville, where he at once began the erection of a woolen- mill, and by July 20, of the same year, blew the whistle and began its operation. He was quite successful in his new undertaking until July 20. 1893, when his plant was destroyed by fire, en- tailing a loss of $60,000; but the community, realizing the benefit of such an industry, induced Mr. Sykes to rebuild, and he now has a large and well-equipped plant. It is one of the leading business enterprises of Reynoldsville, employment being furnished some fifty hands throughout the year, and its products being sold in Minnesota, Illinois. Pennsylvania, and, in fact, throughout many portions of the United States. A man of good executive ability. energetic and progressive. Mr. Sykes carries forward to successful comple- tion whatever he undertakes, and, although he has met with reverses. he has steadily overcome these by determined effort, until to-day he is ac- knowledged as one of the most reliable and sub- stantial business men of Jefferson county.

In January, 1873, Mr. Sykes was married to Miss Hannah Fickling. a native of England. and they became the parents of eight children- Harry J., Lillie, Etta, Edward. Bertha, Lulu, Olive and Roland -- all at home with the excep- tion of Harry J., who is married. Mrs. Sykes and Lillie hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has an abiding faith in the principles of the Republican party, which he has always supported by his ballot, and he is a strong advocate of sound money, protection and prosperity. Fraternally he affil-

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iates with the Knights of Pythias, in which soci- ety he is a past chancellor, and also belongs to | the Sons of St. George, in which he has served as treasurer for the last ten years.

J ACOB K. SMITH is a gentleman whose suc- cess in life is attributable entirely to his own efforts, and who by capable management and enterprise has become the owner of one of the excellent farms of Gaskill township, Jefferson county.

Philip Smith, his father, was born in Union county, Penn., and, during his boyhood, accom- panied his parents to Armstrong county, where he afterward married Miss Susan Smith, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn. For a number of years he followed shoemaking, but later in life carried on farming. In 1848 he came to Gaskill township, Jefferson county, purchased 150 acres of timber land and erected thereon a log house and barn. In 1851 he brought his family to this home, where he spent his remaining days, dying within a few years thereafter. Jacob K. Smith and his brother Philip then took charge of the home farm, and together continued its improvement until the latter's death in 1870. Our subject was married, in 1863, to Miss Jane Shink, a daughter of William and Mary Shink, of Indiana county. They located on his father's first purchase, living in the old log house for a number of years, when it was replaced by a large two-story frame resi- dence, while a large bank barn and many other excellent improvements were made. His mother continued to live with him upon this place until her death at the age of ninety-one years, and his sister, Sarah, still resides on the old homestead. Of his father's family five remained in Armstrong county when the parents came to Jefferson county.

John, the eldest, when a young man went to New York, where he married, and for many years ! followed the blacksmith's trade. He still makes his home there. (2) Mary became the wife of Isaac Altman, of Armstrong county, where she died in 1851, leaving a family of children. (3) Daniel, born in Armstrong county, enlisted in the Union army, and was killed or died near the close of the war. (4) Adam F., a native of Arm- strong county, married Miss Hannah Martin, of that county. He served throughout the war and then returned to his home, but after a short time ! disappeared, and in thirty-two years nothing has been heard from him. He left a wife, who died : a few years ago, and four children. (5) Susan was married to Lewis May in 1853. They lived on a farm adjoining the old homestead. She

! died in 1876, leaving a husband and one child, both of whom died a few years ago.

To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob K. Smith were born nine children, the old homestead being the birth- place of all: (1) Philip.B. married Alice Beers, of Rockton, Penn., and resides in Bell township, Clearfield county. They have three children, Charles, Joy and William B. (2) Daniel H. wed- ded Mary Schaffner, by whom he has one child, and they now reside on a farm near his father's home. (3) .Sybilla C., on November 10, 1897, was mar- ried to David A. McKee, of New Washington, Clearfield county, where they now reside on a large farm. (4) Cyrus A. is engaged in the inan- ufacture of sawed lumber. (5) Labern, (6) Cora, (7) Clark, (8) Sannie Bell and (9) Withington are still under the parental roof.

In politics our subject is an advocate of De- mocracy, and for a number of years he has accept- ably filled the office of school director. His life has been quietly passed in devotion to all public and private duties, and his example is one well worthy of emulation.

J OHN M. WHITE, Solicitor for Jefferson county, and Burgess of the borough of Brookville, though yet a young man, is one of the most prominent lawyers of the county.

Mr. White was born August 18, 1871, in Brookville, Penn., the only son of Hon. Alexan- der Colwell White, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Our subject received his literary ed- ucation at the public schools of his native place, graduating in 1889, and in September of the saine year he was registered as a law student. He at once began the study of law under the able preceptorship of his father, and was admit- ted to the Bar December 5. 1892, being the youngest attorney ever admitted to the Bar of Jefferson county. On June 6, 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss Nora E. Deemner, daughter of A. D. Deemer, of Brookville, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume, and one child, Sarah E., born June 20, 1805. brightens their home. Since his admis- sion to the Bar Mr. White has been successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession at Brookville. On January 1, 1897, he was ap- pointed, by the County Commissioners, Solicitor for Jefferson county for a term of three years, and in February, 1897, he was elected, on the Republican ticket, Burgess of the Borough of Brookville, for three years, which position he fills with dignity and efficiency. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the M. E. Church of Brookville, of which he is serving as trustee.

Tohumulite

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His Republican friends some time since strongly urged him to accept the nomination for District Attorney; but believing that the office should be held for two successive terms, instead of one, he courteously declined in any way to oppose the present incumbent of that office. Socially Mr. White is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks: of the I. O. O. F., in which he is a past grand: of the K. of P .. in which he is a past chancellor: also of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and the Senior Order of American Mechanics. The worthy son of a worthy father. Mr. White justly merits prominent mention among the members of the Bar of Jefferson county.

TOSEPH L. LONG, Eso., of Sykesville, Jef- ferson county, is so thoroughly identified with the leading movements for the development of that locality that his name deserves especial mention in a work which aims to give an account of all citizens of this section who have notably contributed to progress. As agent for the Shaffer estate he laid out the town of West Sykesville, and his influence has ever since been given to the best interests of the place, one of his chief works being the founding of the First Baptist Church there. He is also prominent in local politics, and at present is serving as justice of the peace in and for Winslow township.

Squire Long was born May 30, 1850, in Arm- . strong county, Penn .. and while he is of German descent on the paternal side he comes in the maternal line from another gifted race, the Scotch-Irish. His parents, John B. and Jane (Sherley) Long, were both natives of Pennsyl- vania, and in their early married life resided near Kittanning, Armstrong county. In 1852 they removed to Jefferson county and settled in Gas- kill township, where the father engaged in farm- ing and lumbering. He was a Democrat in poli- tics, and he and his wife both belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The inother died in 1872, aged sixty-eight years, and in 1885 the father passed away at the age of seventy- two, the remains of both being interred in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery, in Jefferson county. They had nine children: Tobias J., a farmer in West Virginia; Robert, a resident of Gaskill township. Jefferson county; John S., who en- tered the Union army, was wounded in the bat- tle of Petersburg. and died in the hospital a month later; Joseph L., our subject; Alexander D., a farmer in Clearfield county: Sarah E. and Marl, who both died in childhood: David W., a

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 19

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