Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 26

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 26
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 26
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 26
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 26

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D M. POSTLETHWAIT, a thorough and sys- tematic farmer, and a business man of ca- pacity, is a representative of the agricultural and lumber interests of Perry township, Jefferson county, where he is recognized as an important factor in preserving the reputation of the locality as one of the most highly cultivated sections of the county.

Mr. Postlethwait is also a worthy representa- tive of one of its leading families, his parents be- ing David and Jane (Bell) Postlethwait. The fa- ther was born near Mifflin, in Mifflin county, Penn., accompanied his parents on their removal to Westmoreland county when about twelve years of age, and after a little over a decade spent there, came to Jefferson county, locating at Perrysville, where his father, John Postle- thwait, purchased 200 acres of land and developed a farın. He died there a number of years ago. leaving five children, of whom David was the eldest. The other members of the family were as follows: (2) John married Eliza Timlin and located on Pine Run, in Ringgold township, Jef-

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ferson county, where he cleared and improved a farm, on which both he and his wife died, leaving a family. (3) William, born in' Westmoreland county, married Jane McHenry, of Jefferson county, and located in Perry township, where he developed a farm and reared his family. (4) Hannah became the wife of William McKee, of Westmoreland county, where they lived on a farm and reared a large family. (5) Mary wedded William Johnston, of Perry township, and lived on a farm three miles north of Perrysville. (6) Janies R. married Betsy Piper, of Jefferson coun- ty, and located on his father's homestead, where his wife died, after which he removed to Minne- sota. His death occurred there some years later, and his family still reside in the West.

On leaving the parental roof David Postle- thwait went to Ringgold township, Jefferson coun- ty, where he purchased 300 acres of timber land and erected a newed-log house and round-log barn, and also cleared considerable land. In 1840 he bought 625 acres one mile east of Perrys- ville, adjoining the village of Whitesville, where he also developed a good farm and engaged in lumbering, becoming one of the pioneers in the latter occupation in the county. For many years he followed rafting on the Mahoning creek and Allegheny river, met with a well-deserved success in his undertakings, and through his industry, good management and excellent business ability succeeded in accumulating a large amount of real estate in timber and farming lands. Previous to his death he owned over 1, 000 acres of land in Ringgold and Perry townships, which he di- vided into farms for his children. His sons still reside on the property, and all are are highly re- spected business men. In 1855, his worthy wife, who had shared all the hardships of his early life, passed to her reward, and in 1876 he, too, was called to his final rest.

Their children were as follows: (1) John B .. born in Perry township, married Margaret Weaver, of the same township, and located on his father's first home in Ringgold township, where he reared his family. Later he sold the place and removed to Smicksburg, Indiana coun- ty, living on a farm there until his death in 1894. His widow still resides on that place. His chil- dren were: Hannah J., George, B. F., Samuel, Philip H., Mary, Margaret and John. (2) Emily J. became the wife of Dr. Theophalis Smith and lived on her father's farm in Perry township. where she died in 1862, leaving seven children - David P., Jessie, Rachel J., Franklin, William, James and Monroe. (3) Sarah, born in Jeffer- ferson county, married James Means, of Perry | Postlethwait is a thorough Democrat in politics, township, where they resided on a farm and , gives his support to all measures which he be-

reared their family of five children-Scott, who died at the age of sixteen; Bell; Eunice J. : Thomas and David. (4) James M., born in Ring- gold township, married Jerusha Howard, of Por- ter township, Jefferson county, and they now re- side near Lake Pepin, in Wisconsin. (5) Mary M., born in Ringgold township, resides with her brother in Whitesville. (6) Joseph WV., born in Ringgold township, married Sarah Heimer, of Perry township, and lives on Mahoning creek in Indiana county, along the Jefferson county line. Their children are-John, Barclay, Scott, Lany, Bessie and Ruth. (7) D. M., our subject, is the next of the family. (8) Thomas J., born in Ring- gold township, married Elizabeth Means, of Per- ry township, where he lives on his farm. They have two children-Cora and Claude. (9) Ben- jamin F. died in infancy. (10) William, born in Perry township, married Elizabeth Meaus, of Whitesville, where they make their home. Their children are-Lillie, David N., Pearl, Warren, Homer and Paul.

D. M. Postlethwait was born in 1834, in Ringgold township, was reared to manhood on the home farm, and acquired a good practical education in the common schools. In 1859 he was married to Miss Sarah J. Blose, of Perry township, a daughter of George and Esther Blose, highly respected agriculturists of that locality. On a part of his father's original purchase, one mile east of Perrysville, Mr. Postlethwait began his domestic life in a small house, which he re- placed in 1886 by a comfortable two-story resi- dence. He has also erected good barns and other outbuildings, cleared the land and placed it under a high state of cultivation, making it one of the most desirable places of Perry town- ship. To our subject and wife were born four children, naniely: (1) Clara V., born on their present home in 1861, was provided with good educational privileges, and is now the wife of Scott Brown, of Horatio, Young township, Jef- ferson county. They have two children-Edith and Sarah. (2) William J., born in 1864, mar- ried Winifred White, of Forest county. Penn., and they make their home in Oliveburg. Jeffer- son county. They have one child-Cora. (3) David B., born in 1870, obtained his early edu- cation in the common schools, and was later a student for two termins in the Clarion State Nor- mal. He is still on the home farin with his parents. (4) Sarah A., born in 1882, is also at home. The parents are both consistent mein- bers of the Lutheran Church. and with their family hold a high position in social circles. Mr.

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lieves calculated to prove of public benefit, and is recognized as one of the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of his community -- a worthy representative of an honored family.

T HOMAS E. BENNIS, proprietor of the "Hotel Bennis," of Punxsutawney, Jeffer- son county, has met with a well-deserved success in his life work, and is essentially the architect of his own fortune, for, on starting out in life for himself, his capital consisted of only a pair of willing hands and a determination to succeed, but he has steadily overcome all obstacles and difficulties found in his path until he has now reached a position of affluence.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Bennis was born in Bradford county, August 18, 1858, and is a son of Thomas and Bridget (Nailon) Bennis, who were both natives of Ireland but came to America when quite young, locating first in the State of New York. Subsequently they came to Pennsylvania, the father spending the last years of his life in Bradford county, where he passed away in 1890. In early life he was a contractor by occupation, but subsequently turned his atten- tion to farming, in which he was engaged at the time of his death. His faithful wife, who is yet living, now resides in Punxsutawney.

The educational privileges of our subject were such as the district schools afforded. He was reared on the home farm until the age of nine- teen years, when he left the parental roof, ac- cepting a clerkship in the "Henry House " in. Towanda, Penn. Later he held a similar posi- tion in the "Tioga House" of Waverly, N. Y., where he remained for three years, and then re- turned to Towanda, this time becoming a clerk in the ". Seeley House." On July 1, 1885, Mr. Bennis took up his residence in Punxsutawney. where for two years he successfully conducted the .. Punxsutawney House," and then erected his present hotel, which is up-to-date in all its appointments, and one of the most inviting and convenient hostelries in the city. The interests and comfort of his guests are the great object that Mr. Bennis is striving for, and no more genial or pleasant landlord can be found in Jefferson county. Over seventy-five persons can easily be accommodated, and the hotel has become a gen- eral favorite with the traveling public.

In October, 1882, Mr. Bennis was married to Miss Susie J. Quigley, of Waverly, N. Y., by whom he has five children, namely: Leo, Arthur, Irene, Helen and Elsie. The parents are both devout members of the Roman Catholic Church, and are well known and highly respected citizens

of the community where they now find a pleas- ant home. Politically Mr. Bennis is a stanch adherent of the principles formulated by the Democratic party, but cares nothing for public office. His upright, honorable course, justly en- titles him to the high position he occupies in business circles. He owns a fine farm of eighty- three acres in Bell township, Jefferson county, which he operates in connection with his hotel. The farm is well stocked with horses and Jersey cows, and all told is one of the best farms of southern Jefferson county. Mr. Bennis is also interested in coal mines in Randolph county, W. Va. In addition to his hotel property he has valuable city property in Punxsutawney.

W ILLIAM KEYS is one of the leading and representative agriculturists of Jefferson county. He is meeting with a well-deserved success in his calling, and his fine, well-ordered farm in Washington township, with its carefully cultivated fields, its neat buildings, and all their surroundings, denote the skillful management, industry and well-directed labors of their owner.

A native of Montgomery county, Penn., Mr. Keys was born, August 22, 1835, near Phila- delphia, a son of Alexander and Susan ( Roberts) Keys. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Keys, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and came to America about 1858 to join his. son Alexander. with whom he engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life. He had previously served as overseer on a farm in Ireland, where the death of his wife occurred. Alexander Keys was born, reared and educated in Ireland, but when a young man determined to try his fortune in the New World with the hope of benefiting his financial condition, and accordingly in 1822 crossed the Atlantic. He first located in Phila- delphia, where he was married, for some tiine was employed on public works, and subsequently in a marble stone quarry. Coming to Jefferson county in 1842 he purchased property, and the following year brought his family here. He cleared and improved the farm on which our subject now resides, met with excellent success in his undertaking, and subsequently engaged in loaning money. His success was due entirely to his well-directed efforts, perseverance and in- dustry, and he was accounted one of the most valued citizens of the community. In his political affiliations he was first a Whig and later an ardent Republican, but never aspired to office, though he filled some minor positions. such as tax collector. Both he and his wife were prom- inent members of the United Presbyterian Church,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and died in that faith, the former in 1877 and the latter in 1873. They had six children, namely: John. a farmer by occupation; William, of this sketch; Susanna, wife of A. H. Smith; Henry Harrison, who died unmarried; Alexander, now a farmer of Iowa; and Thomas, who is at present serving as justice of the peace of Brockwayville, Jefferson county.

The education of our subject was acquired in the common schools near his boyhood home. Early in life he began to assist his father in the arduous task of clearing and developing a new farm, and at the age of seventeen he also began rafting and lumbering on the creek. After at- taining his majority he was employed in the woods until 1861, when he laid aside all personal interests and responded to the President's call for troops to put down the Rebellion .. At Rock- dale, on August 29, he enlisted in Company H. 105th P. V. I .. for three years, and was mustered in at Pittsburg. where the regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, Third Army Corps, but was later transferred to the Second Corps. Although he participated in a number of hard- fought battles, he was never wounded, but was captured at Bristol Station. Three days later, however, he was paroled. On the expiration of his term he was mustered out in front of Peters- burg, and on receiving an honorable discharge at Pittsburg, September 10, 1864, returned home. After recuperating, Mr. Keys began helping his father on the farm, and worked by day's work and rafting until April, 1869. He then went south, and while traveling purchased a tract of land in middle Tennessee and located thereon. Although he still owns that property, he returned to Jeffer-

son county in 1871, and three years later located on the old homestead where he has since resided. He and his brother purchased the place in 1877, and in 1881 sold the coal right, and since then 1 our subject bought his brother's interest. The original farm comprises 165 acres, but he has sold fifty acres to the coal company. He also owns other tracts of land, including property in Coal Glen, which adjoins his farin, and he has sold a number of lots there to miners, as it is a thriving little mining town, to which a railroad has recently been constructed. Upon his farm he erected a commodious and comfortable resi- dence in 1892, and has made many other im- provements which add to its value and attractive appearance.

In 1870 Mr. Keys was married to Miss Calista C. Hogan, who was born in Clarion county, Penn .. in 1852, a daughter of William and Fila M. ( Hulbert) Hogan, of Onondaga county. N. Y. Her father became an early settler of Clarion 1

county, where he purchased a large tract of land and was prominently identified with the develop- ment of that region. At his death, in 1852, his land was divided among his children. Mrs. Ho- gan, a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Churchi, is still living, and is the mother of seven children-James A., George, Liddia A., Benjamin F .. John, Horace and Calista C. John and Horace are now deceased.

Four children grace the union of our subject and his wife: William E .; Alexander; Milla M .. now the wife of R. J. Ward, a miner; and Su- sannah Maud. Mr. Keys is a stanch adherent of Republican principles. At one time he was the Republican candidate for the nomination for county commissioner, and, although he received a large vote, was defeated. He has creditably filled a number of township offices, and has al- ways done all in his power to promote the inter- ests of the locality where he is so widely and favorably known. He is an honored member of the Union Veteran Legion and of the Grand Army of the Republic; as a slight compensation for his services in the Civil war he now receives a pension.

C HARLES H. SHAWKEY, a well-known lum- berman and representative citizen of Bar- nett township, Jefferson county, was born in 1858, in Venango county. Penn., the eldest child of George and Anna Elizabeth (Witherspoon) Shawkey.

The father was a native of Germany, and when six years of age left the Fatherland and sailed for America. He located first in Venango county, Penn., where he grew to manhood and was married, and in 1864 came to Jefferson county, taking up his residence in Eldred township. where he is still living-one of the leading and influential citizens of his commnuity. Through- out his active business career he has followed the occupation of lumbering. Mrs. Shawkey is a native of Clarion county, Penn., and, like her husband, enjoys the high regard of all who know her.

Charles H. Shawkey received but a limited education, as he was the oldest son and his serv- ices were needed at home, but the younger mem- bers of the family were provided with better school privileges. He has a number of brothers and one sister, who in order of birth are as fol- lows: L. W., an engineer occupying a position in the power house in Leechburg, Penn .: John W., a farmer of Jefferson county; Rev. Frank A., who is now preaching in North Dakota; Prof. Morris P .. assistant principal in a West Virginia

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

business college; Arthur A., who is now finishing a collegiate course in the Ohio Wesleyan Uni -~ versity, Delaware, Ohio; Oscar A., a teacher of Jefferson county; and Elsie, at home. Our sub- ject began his business career as a lumberman, and has since successfully engaged in that pur- suit, being one of the most extensive jobbers in Barnett township. In 1887 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Kahl, a daughter of Perry Kahl, of Eldred township, who was one of the early settlers of Jefferson county. Six chil- dren grace this union, namely: Minnie A., H. Dallas, Myrel W., Edna, Blanche and Zula, who constitute an interesting family. The parents are active and consistent members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, Mr. Shaw- key affiliates with the Senior Order of American Mechanics, and, politically, he is identified with the Republican party. While not an official as- pirant he has served in various local positions, holding some township office ever since attaining his majority, and being district constable for five years. He has also been a committeeman since reaching manhood, and in the discharge of every duty, whether public or private, has been true and faithful to every trust reposed in him. He is a man who is thoroughly honest, upright and re- liable, and is highly honored and respected by the entire community.

S M. McDONALD, who is actively engaged in general farming and lumbering in Porter township, Jefferson county, was born on the 12th of March, 1835, in Indiana county, Penn., a son of David and Susan (Lantz) McDonald.

The father was a native of Smoky Valley, Centre Co., Penn., from there removed to Indi- ana county, and later took up his residence in Jefferson county, where he purchased 160 acres of wild land. After clearing and improving a portion of this, he sold and removed to West- moreland county, where he engaged in boring for salt during the following decade. He then returned to Jefferson county and bought 160 acres of unimproved land in Porter township. where he erected a log house and stable, and made a few other improvements. He died here in March, 1841, leaving a widow and the following children:

(1) Elizabeth, the eldest. married James Ew- ing, and resided in Crawford county, Penn., where she died thirty-eight years ago, leaving a husband and one son, Homer. (2) John, born in Jefferson county, married Miss Fiskiss, of Clarion county, where he followed lumbering until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he en .

listed in the 63rd P. V. I. He participated in all the engagements of his regiment up to the battle of Fair Oaks, where he was killed. He left a wife and four children who are still living in Clarion county. (3) Sarah is the widow of Seneca Barnett, of Porter township. Jefferson county, and resides on the farm left her by her husband. Her children are-Mrs. Anna Van- Horn; Elisha, who is married, and lives in Porter township; Mrs. Elizabeth Chilson, of the State of Washington; Catharine, wife of A. Wel- shoush, of Clearfield county, Penn. ; John, a resident of Porter township; Emma, wife of William Neal, of Jefferson county; and George, who is married, and resides in Porter township. (4) David, born in Westmoreland county, mar- ried Miss Laura Welshonce, and lived upon his farm in Indiana county until his death, in 1893. He left a wife and one son, Alexander. (5) Julia, born in Westmoreland county, became the wife of Peter Davis, of Clearfield county, who, soon after his marriage, enlisted in the IIoth P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Hatcher's Run. His wife died in 1866, and his only child, Peter, is now a resident of Indiana county. (6) Ruth, born in Westmoreland county, married William Gall, of Perry township, Jeffer- son county, and died some years ago, leaving the following children-James, William, Joseph, Daniel, Samuel. Lott and Silas. (7) Susan, born in Westmoreland county, wedded Franklin Showers, of Clarion county, Penn., and with their family they now live in Michigan. (8) Robert, born in Indiana county, became a resident of Hanging Rock, Ohio, where he died in 1856. (9) S. M., of this sketch, is next in order of birth. (10) Nancy, born in Indiana county, married Peter Davis, and made her home in her native county until her death. (11) Evaline, born in Indiana county, died in girlhood.

Our subject was reared and educated in the county of his nativity. In 1861 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Timblin, of Jefferson county, and after their marriage he purchased a farm in Indiana county, near Perrysville and the Jefferson county line, where he carried on agri- cultural pursuits until 1864, when he joined the Union army, becoming a member of the 57th P. V. 1. After being sworn in at Harrisburg, the regiment was assigned to the Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, and was in active service until after the surrender of General Lee, when it was discharged after participating in the grand review at Washington, D. C. Mr. McDonald had served under Captain John Ross, Colonel Maxwell and General Grant. On returning home he continued to engage in farming in Indiana

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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county until 1871, when he sold his property there and bought 1 52 acres of partially-improved land in Porter township, Jefferson county, it be- ing the old McDonald homestead. Here he has since successfully engaged in farming, and is rec- ognized as one of the leading business men of the community.

To Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have been born twelve children, as follows: (1) Silas H., born in Indiana county, in 1861, married Minnie Allen, of Milton, Armstrong Co., Penn., by whom he has one son, Kenneth. They live at South Beth- lehem, Armstrong county. (2) Mathias, born in Indiana county, in 1862, married Minnie Rey- nolds, of Winslow township, Jefferson county, and is now engaged in the insurance business in Allegheny county, Penn. (3) Osten, born in In- diana county, in 1864, wedded Elizabeth Groves, and lives on a farm in Armstrong county. They have five children-Glen, Laura, Minnie, Mead, and Mary. (4) George M., born in 1867, in In- diana county, grew to manhood on the farm in Jefferson county, and was educated in the Clarion and Edinboro Normal Schools. He then entered the law office of W. L. McCracken, of Brook- ville, and since his admission to the Bar has en- gaged in practice in that city. He married Liz- zie Daley, of Penfield, Clearfield Co., Penn., and has two sons, Reynold and Malcolm. (5)

Wyola, born in Indiana county, in 1869, is at home. (6) Frank L. died at the age of six years. (7) Nora, born in 1871, at the present home of her parents, was educated in the Clarion Normal, and is now the wife of George Thomas, of Wayne township, Armstrong county, Penn., by whom she has one child, Gladys. (8) Felula, born in 1874, has received a good common-school education, and is at home. (9) Mead, born in 1877, died of diphtheria at the age of fifteen. (10) Santuel L., born in 1879, is a very bright young man, who is now assisting his father in the operation of the farm. (11) Verdue, born in January, 1881, was educated in the common schools, and is at home. (12) Laura, born in 1884, died of diphtheria in 1893.

As a Democrat, Mr. McDonald has taken quite an active and prominent part in political affairs, has served as justice of the peace fifteen years, school director for the same length of time, and overseer of the poor for a number of years. In 1878 he was elected county auditor, and most creditably filled that position for three years. In 1881 he was elected commissioner of Jefferson county, which he also held for a term of three years. His official duties have ever been dis- charged with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. His public and

private career have alike been above reproach, and he left office. as he had entered it, with the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He lost his father when quite young, and the support of the family devolved upon him and his older brothers, and it is needless to say their duties were faithfully performed. Three of the family aided in the defense of the union during the dark days of the Rebellion, and one laid down his life on the altar of his country. Mrs. McDonald, who is a most estimable woman, belongs to the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 26

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