Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 36

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 36
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 36
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 36
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 36

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

He is a native of the county, his birth occur- ring July 14, 1867, in Brookville, where his par- ents, R. M. and Elsie (Busby) Matson, still re- side, the former being a prominent and successful merchant and lumberman of that place. Our sub- ject is the oldest of three sons, the others being George R., a business man of Brookville; and Norman D., a plumber of the same city. The parents are Methodists in religious belief, and the father is a stalwart Democrat in politics. His parents were Uriah and Minerva (Reynolds) Mat- son, natives of Jefferson and Clarion counties, Penn., respectively, and the former was a son of John and Mary (Thompson) Matson. The Thompson family was from Ireland, and .quite prominent.

In the public schools of his native city our subject obtained a good practical education, which was supplemented by a course in the Clarion State Normal. Thus well fitted for the responsible duties of business life, he began his career as a lumberman, and for four years was in- terested in that industry. Subsequently for the same length of time he engaged in mercantile pur- suits in Brookville, but in 1891 sold his store and came to Falls Creek, where he embarked in his pres- ent enterprise, as an extensive manufacturer of brick. His plant, which is equipped with mod- ern improved machinery, has a capacity of 30, - 000 brick per day, and as the product turned out is first-class in every particular it finds a ready sale at the highest market price. His clay banks seem to be almost inexhaustible, and will easily supply the demand for fifty years at least. The plant is conveniently located one mile west of Falls Creek, and in its operation our subject has met with excellent success. As a man of strict integrity and sterling worth, he commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life. In politics he is independent, but usually supports the men and measures of the Democratic party.

In 1893 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Thompson, a young lady of intelligence and culture, who was born and reared in Brook- ville, and is descended from an honored pioneer family. Her parents are John J. and Mary E. (Darr) Thompson, the foriner a son of John J. Y. Thompson, who was of Scotch-Irish descent. and was an early settler of Jefferson county, where he did considerable surveying during pio- neer days. He later conducted the " American Hotel " in Brookville, and engaged in the same business at other places. His children were:

Kennedy; John J., who was reared in the hotels, and later engaged in the lumber business; Annie; Albert C .; Robert M. ; Ella; and Clarence, who was killed while fighting for his country dur- ing the Civil war. As her mother died when she was quite young, Mrs. Matson knows but little of her maternal ancestry except that they were of German descent and pioneers of Jefferson county. Her uncle, Joseph Darr, is a resident of Jefferson county, and a lumberman by occu- pation. She was born January 27, 1871, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: John J., born November 5, 1893; and Elsa T., born November 7, 1895. Mrs. Matson is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and with her husband occupies a leading position in social circles.

J TAY C. BOOHER, M. D., one of the most prominent young physicians and surgeons of Jefferson county, has been since 1892 suc- cessfully engaged in the practice of medicine in and around Falls Creek.

Born in 1867, in Washington township, Arm- strong county, Penn., the Doctor is a son of Jacob and Sarah Ann (Bowser) Booher, the former of whom was born in Bedford county, Penn., in 1830. Frederick Booher, father of Jacob, was a native of France, whence he emi- grated to the New World in 1829. He located in Bedford county, where he engaged in milling for some time, but later removed to Armstrong county, and turned his attention to lumbering and farming throughout the remainder of his life; his death occurred in that county. There the father was reared, and upon the farm which he cleared and improved in Washington township he still resides. To Jacob Booher and his wife were born the following children: Abraham, a farmer of Armstrong county: Catherine, wife of William Wyant, of the same county; Evaline, wife of Mr. J. W. Frick, of Verona, Allegheny Co., Penn. ; Mrs. Painter, wife of F. M. Painter, of Pittsburg. Penn .; S. F., the present sheriff of Armstrong county; F. B., a farmer of that coun- ty: Jay C., of this review; and Libbie and Annis, both at home.

Dr. Booher began his education in the public schools of Armstrong county, later becoming a student in the Read Institute and Clarion Nor- mal of Clarion county, Penn., and prepared for his profession in the medical department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, which he entered in 1889. At the age of sixteen he began teaching. a profession he followed three years. Immediately after his graduation, in March. 1892.

Jay Socker M.Q.

1277

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he located at Falls Creek, and now enjoys an ex- tensive practice, his talent and culture having gained for him an honorable position in the med- ical fraternity.

On October 25, 1893, at Falls Creek, Dr. Booher was united in marriage with Miss Blanche L. Taylor, a native of Du Bois, Penn., a daugh- ter of Hon. J. P. Taylor, now a resident of Du- Bois, this State. The Doctor is a leading mem- ber of the Jefferson County Medical Society; of the State Medical Society; of the American Med- ical Association; and is medical examiner for the Knights of the Maccabees, to which order he be- longs, and for the New York Life, and the Penn- sylvania Mutual of Philadelphia. He is also connected with Garfield Lodge No. 559, F. & A. M., of Du Bois; of the Jefferson Royal Arch Chapter No. 225, of Brookville; and Knapp Commandery No. 40, at Ridgway; also affiliated with Falls Creek Lodge No. 957, I. O. O. F., and with the Rebekah branch of the latter order. The Doctor is much interested in blooded horses, and is the owner of one of the most valuable colts in America, Blanche B., registered and standard, sired by Star Pointer, record 1.594, the fastest pacer in the world, dam Tommy Hunter by Bay Tom; he also drives the finest road team to be found in the county.

M M. MOORE is one of the most genial and whole-souled men of Washington township, Jefferson county, where for many years he has been prominently identified with the agricultural and lumber interests.

This enterprising gentleman is a native of Elk county, Penn., his birth occurring near Centre- ville, April 8, 1841, and is a son of James L. and Sarah (Rogers) Moore, and grandson of Andrew and Margaret (Akens) Moore. The grandfather was born in County Derry, Ireland, whence when a lad of sixteen years he emigrated to America, locating in Centre county, Penn., where he married and worked at the Washington Furnace for some time. He also owned and operated a small farm, but in 1834 came to Jefferson county, where he improved a place, and throughout his active business life continued to follow farming and the manufacture of sugar. He died in 1877 at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. In relig- nous faith he and his wife were Presbyterians. Their eight children are all living, and make their homes within a short distance of one another. They are James L., Edward M., Mrs. Mary A. Stewart, Mrs. Frances Best, Mrs. Margaret N. Hannold, Andrew E., Jacob, and David B.

James L. Moore, the father of our subject. !

was born in Centre county, and was sixteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to their new home in Jefferson county. As a young man he went to Elk county, where he married, and spent ten years, but at the end of that time returned to Jefferson county, and purchased a tract of wild land, to which he was obliged to cut a road, the country at that time being so little developed. He continued to the improvement and cultivation of his farm until recent years; since the death of his wife, however, he has made his home with his children. Farming has al- ways claimed the principal part of his attention, but he also converted his own timber into square lumber, and engaged in speculating to a limited extent. In early life both he and his wife joined the Baptist Church, and ever lived in harmony with its teachings. Of their twelve children, four died in infancy, and the others are as follows: M. M., of this sketch; Mrs. Malvina M. Perrin; Mar- tha J. and Mary L. (twins), the former now Mrs. Thompson and the latter Mrs. Hetrick; Mrs. Esther V. Hetrick; Andrew U., who is operating the old homestead farm; James, a mechanic; and Alva B.

In the country schools M. M. Moore pursued his studies to a limited extent during his boy- hood and youth, but his training at farm work and lumbering was not so meagre, and he be- came very proficient in those vocations, which he has since successfully followed, beginning the latter at the age of sixteen. He remained at home until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred in 1870. Miss Elizabeth Per- rin becoming his wife. Her father, Nathan Per- rin, was from New York, and became one of the early settlers of Warsaw township, Jefferson Co., Penn., where he purchased a large tract of land, improved a farm, and extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber, having a sawmill upon his place. There his death occurred in January, 1877, having for twenty years survived his wife, who died in 1857. One of their six children died in childhood, and the others are as follows: Mrs. Lucretia Moore; Ephraim. a farmer; Mrs. Helen MIcore; Mrs. Dorinda Fer- guson; and Elizabeth, wife of our subject. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, but one died in infancy. Those living are: Fred A .. a teacher by profession; James W .. at home: Edna, who is attending the State Normal: and Mabel, Maud, Emily and Hepsie, all five at hoine. as is also Earl M., born in February. 1894. After his marriage Mr. Moore purchased a small tract of wild land, which he at once began to improve and cultivate, and, as his financial re- sources have increased, has extended its bound-

1278

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

aries until he now has 200 acres of rich and ara- ble land divided into two farms. Of his home place he has fifty acres under cultivation, and has twenty-five of the other. His residence is a commodious two-story frame house pleasantly located five miles northwest of Reynoldsville, and is surrounded by neat and substantial out- buildings. In early life he was a Democrat; but believing the temperance question the most im- portant issue before the people, he now affiliates with the Prohibition party, and has capably filled a number of township offices. As a citizen he justly merits the esteem and confidence which is always accorded him, and gives his support to all worthy enterprises intended to advance the welfare of his township and county. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 217, of Brookville, and his estimable wife holds mem- bership in the Baptist Church.

C HARLES AUGUSTUS JENKS. Public life is an excellent test of personal worth as well as of mental ability, especially in an office in which the people are directly interested, and the efficient young postmaster at Punxsutawney has scored a distinct success by an administra- tion that meets the approval of the entire com- munity. Mr. Jenks was, however, well-estab- lished previously in the confidence of his fellow citizens, having spent his life in Punxsutawney, where he was born May 3, 1869.

The Jenks family is well-known in Punxsu- tawney. His parents, John W. Jenks, a native of Jefferson county, and . Eliza (Richey) Jenks, a native of Armstrong county, Penn., having set- tled in the locality many years ago. The father read medicine in early life, but has never prac- ticed, preferring a business career, in which he has been quite successful, much of his attention having been given to his tannery. A man of quiet disposition, he has never sought promi- nence, but he enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His estimable wife suffered a stroke of paralysis in 1893, from which she never entirely recovered. She died August 17, 1897.

Charles Augustus Jenks was educated mainly in the schools of his town, graduating from the High School in 1887. He then pursued some advanced studies under private instruction, and also taught at various times as a supply in the public schools before engaging in business. From ; marriage became the mother of seven children. 1888 to 1894 he was employed in the freight office of the P. & N. W. R. R., his work being interrupted by his appointinent by President Cleveland on February 16, 1894, to his present

office. He was the youngest third-class post- master in the United States, at that time, and his success is the more conspicuous for the rea- son that . the Punxsutawney office handles inore mail than any other in Jefferson county. In political faith, Mr. Jenks has always been a Dem- ocrat, but had never aspired to official honors, and never held any public office until he was chosen to the one which he now fills. Socially, as well as in business and political life, he is popular, and he has shown himself a loyal friend to progress in every line of effort. At the age of eighteen he united with the C. P. Church, and when only twenty was made an elder. Since that time he has served almost continu- ously as clerk of the session. It is a notable coincidence that his grandfather was the first elder ever installed in that Church.

On April 7, 1897, Mr. Jenks was married to Miss Kate E. Empfield, a daughter of Isaac and Clarissa Empfield, early settlers of Indiana county.

L ESLIE E. CAMPBELL, one of the most reliable, energetic and progressive young business men of Jefferson county, is engaged as manager of the lumber business of A. Bell & Son, at Bell Port, where since the death of his father he has had charge of the mills, and has been remarkably successful in their operation. On the Ist of December, 1896, he had over 2, 500,000 feet of lumber in his yards. From present indications we predict for him a most brilliant future, as he is a young man of good ex- ecutive ability and sound judgment.

Mr. Campbell was born in 1872, in Jefferson county, where his father, J. B. Campbell, spent his entire life. The latter early engaged in the lumber business, and became a prominent con- tractor and dealer in square timber and sawed lumber. The last seventeen years of his life were spent in Bell Port, as manager of the mills at that place. He was a wide-awake, enterpris- ing man, of known reliability, and his name was a synonym for honorable business dealing. He had the respect and confidence of all who knew him, and in his death, which occurred in Decem- ber, 1893, the community recognized that they had lost a valued and representative citizen. His wife, who still survives him, bore the maiden name of Emily Bullers, and by her as follows: Bertha. Leslie, Sadie, John B., George. Florence and Edna. All are still at home with the exception of Bertha, who is now the wife of John Plyler. Mrs. Campbell is a

1279

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sincere and earnest Christian, a devoted member of the Baptist Church, and is beloved by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance.

Our subject obtained his elementary educa- tion in the public schools of Port Barnett, but subsequently attended the Brookville schools, and took a business course at the Rochester (N. Y.) Business College. He then accepted a posi- tion in the Brookville National Bank, where he was employed for two years, and was then called home to take charge of his father's affairs, which he has since so ably managed. He is a member of the Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo, Lumber- man's Association, and in politics is identified with the Republican party. Mr, Campbell is one of the prominent young men of the commu- nity, and a leader in social and business circles. Whether in public or private life, he is always a courteous, genial gentleman, well deserving the high regard in which he is held.

E ADWARD BARRY. There is probably no man in Young township, Jefferson county, wider or more favorably known than Mr. Barry, who is an honored veteran of the Civil war, and one of the most enterprising agriculturists of his community.

A native of the county, he was born in 1841, in Bell township, and is a son of Patrick and Jane (Kendell) Barry, the former a native of Queens- town, Ireland, and the latter of London, Eng- land. The father was but eight years old when he came to America, and was numbered among the first settlers of Jefferson county, Penn., where he engaged in farming and lumbering throughout life. As a pioneer he was recognized as one of the important factors in the progress and develop- ment of this region, and he assisted in clearing away the trees and grubbing the stumps from the present site of the flourishing city of Punx- sutawney. He died in 1880, after surviving his wife a number of years, her death occurring in 1867.

The educational privileges afforded our sub- ject were very limited, as the schools of the county were then quite primitive and held but short sessions during the year. Early in life he began his business career by working in the lum- ber woods and assisting in clearing and improv- ing his father's land. When the tocsin of war sounded he donned the blue, enlisting in Com- pany A. S2nd P. V. 1., and was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor. in June, 1864. Being re- moved to the Alexandria hospital, he had his left leg amputated quite near the body, and for many years has resorted to the use of an artificial limb.

On receiving his discharge he returned to Penn- sylvania, and was engaged as a Star Route Mail contractor until 1881. In 1884 he was chosen by his fellow citizens as county commissioner, and so satisfactorily did he till that responsible position that he was re-elected, serving in all six years. His services were always in the interests of his constituents, and he left the office as he had en- tered it with the confidence and respect of the best people of the county. Since his term ex- pired he has turned his attention to farming. but has been continuously called upon to serve in minor positions, at the present time being road supervisor.

In December, 1866, Mr. Barry was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Carr, a daughter of Moses Carr, of Jefferson county, and, of the eight children born to this union, seven are still living: Patrick, Robert, Joseph, Susannah, Thomas, Jane and John. The mother is a con- sistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and while not a member of any religious denomina- tion, Mr. Barry is a strong believer in the Golden Rule, and is inclined toward the faith of the Baptist Church. Fraternally he affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic; politically he is identified with the Republican party, taking a very active part in its work and strongly advocating its principles. Well posted on the leading questions and issues of the day, he votes intelligently, and conscien- tiously discharges every duty of citizenship.

S AMPSON KIRKER, a thorough and skillful agriculturist of Washington township, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, has spent his entire life in Jefferson county, his birth occur- ring in 1841, in Snyder township.

James Kirker, his father, was a native of But- ler county, this State, and when a young man came to Jefferson county, where he met and mar- ried Miss Sarah McClum, and here spent his remaining days, dying in 1867. The children of this couple were as follows: (1) John died, when a young man, in Jefferson county. (2) George wedded Maria Bolinger, of Jefferson county, where he owns and operates a farm. His chil- dren are: Joseph, Clarence, Charles, Frank and Margaret. (3) Sarah A. died in Jefferson county in early womanhood. (4) Margaret is the wife of Charles Dunn, of Erie, Penn., and has four children-Winfred, Lewis, George and Ethel.

During the early manhood of our subject the Civil war broke out, and he manifested his patriot- ism and loyalty to his country by enlisting, in 1861, : in Company H. 105th P. V. I., under Capt. A.

1280

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

H. Tracy, and was sworn into the United States service at Pittsburg, where the regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. McClellan. His first engagement was at Will- iamsburg, which was followed by the battle at Fair Oaks in 1862 and the seven-days' fight near Malvern Hill. After some time spent at Har- rison's Landing, the regiment was placed on guard duty at the Alexandria railroad, and while guarding Bristow Station three companies were captured, but on the following day were paroled on the field and sent to the parole camp at Annap- olis, where they were exchanged in the winter of 1863. Mr. Kirker was among the number. From Annapolis they marched to Fredericksburg, where they were held in reserve until the following spring. In May they participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, where the Union loss was very heavy, and this was followed by the battle of Gettysburg, where Mr. Kirker was seriously wounded in the right leg by a minie ball. He was first taken to a Baltimore hospital, from there to Washington, D. C., and later to Phila- delphia. On his recovering he rejoined his regi- ment in the spring of 1864, and took part in the battle of the Wilderness, where he was again wounded in the right leg. He was then confined in a hospital in Washington until honorably dis- charged, August 31, 1864, and on his return home followed lumbering for some years. In 1867 he was married to Miss Hannah Place, of Hickory Kingdom, Clearfield county, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Place, well-known agriculturists. They began their domestic life in Jefferson coun- ty, where he continued to follow lumbering until 1881, when he purchased the William McGee farm in Washington township, where he has since made his home, his attention being prin- cipally given to the cultivation and improvement of his place, which is one of the best farms in the locality. He has erected a large and comforta- ble residence and also a good barn. To this marriage have come seven children: Orpha mar- ried Thomas H. Spurs, of Reynoldsville, who died there in 1896, leaving a wife and one child --- Annie M .; Bertha is with her parents; J. C. mar- ried Annie M. Warwick, of Clarion county, Penn., and with their one child, Mary P., they reside in Jefferson county: George C. is at home; Ida J. is the wife of J. G. Warwick, of Reynoldsville, by whom she has one daughter --- Mary C. ; Clara and Margaret A. are at home.

In politics our subject is a stanch Republican. and he has filled the positions of inspector of elections, and roadmaster for two terms. He is a sturdy, honest, intelligent citizen, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of

Falls Creek, and enjoys the esteem and high re- gard of all classes of people. His industrious habits and genial warm-heartedness endear him to all with whom he comes in contact, and he is justly regarded as one of the representative citi- zens of his township.

DAM J. ELDER. Among the agricultur- ists of Jefferson county, who have attained success from a financial point of view, is the gen- tleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is the owner of a large farm pleasantly situated in Union township, three miles north of Corsica, and is one of the most progressive and energetic citizens of this section of the country: in fact, a complete master of his chosen calling.

Mr. Elder was born July 5, 1854, in Clarion township, Clarion Co., Penn., a son of William S. and Lucy (Kifer) Elder, and a grandson of John and Margaret (Scott) Elder. The last named, who was a native of Ireland, was married in Pennsylvania, and both she and her husband died in Centre county. Their children were Mathew, Samuel, John, William, Robert, Mar- tha, Margaret, Catherine. The sons all became residents of Clarion county, where with one ex- ception all died. In religious belief the grand- parents were Methodists.

William S. Elder was born in Franklin coun- ty, Penn., but was reared in Centre county, and after attaining to man's estate removed to Clar- ion county, where he married Lucy Kifer, a daughter of Adam and Anna Kifer, of Westmore- land county, Penn. Her parents were of Ger- man descent, and early settlers of Clarion coun- ty. where the father improved a large farm and spent his remaining days. In early life they were Lutherans in religious belief, but later joined the Baptist Church. They had twelve children, namely: Esther, Sarah, Lucy. Mar- garet, Catherine, Amanda, Jacob, Joseph, Miles, Ellen, Nannie and Clara. By a former marriage seven children were born to Mr. Kifer: John. Samuel, Abraham, Polly, Christina, Henry, and Andrew J.

After his marriage William S. Elder located permanently in Clarion county, where from a heavily timbered tract he developed a fine farm. making his home there until called to his final rest. September 9, 1887. During early life he. for sixteen seasons, engaged in the manufacture of coke for furnaces. He was a member of the State militia, and one of the best drilled men in his company. Being reared in the Methodist Church, he always loyally adliered to that faith, and with the same Church his widow is also iden-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 36

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