Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 37

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 37
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 37
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 37
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 37

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).

Lizzie Mb. Elder.

a.g. Elden

1281

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tified. She is still living at the old homestead in Clarion county, at the age of sixty-nine years." Their children were: Margery J., wife of James L. Douglass; Adam J., the subject of this sketch; Glenn D., deceased; Anna S., wife of G. W. Ion; Clark, a farmer at the old homestead; Alice, who is with her mother; and William, also an agri- culturist.

During his boyhood, Adam J. Elder pursued his studies in the home schools, at the same time being reared to the honest toil of a farmer, and also becoming familiar with lumbering. He has ever been a systematic, industrious and progress- ive farmer, and with his brother was the first to bring a traction thresher into Clarion county, operating the same here for several years. He is now the owner of 315 acres of valuable land in Union township, 150 of which are . under a high state of cultivation, and in connection with general farming he furnishes lumber camps with provisions, grain and hay, a business that has proved quite profitable. Being a strong temper- ance man, Mr. Elder is an ardent supporter of the men and measures of the Prohibition party. He is a leading member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which he has served as steward, class-leader and trustee, and as superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is public-spirited in an eminent degree, and has always done much in behalf of his county's interests, and for the general welfare of the community. His wife is also an active member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and they are the center of a large circle of friends and acquaintances who honor and esteem them for their many virtues and genuine worth.

Adam J. Elder has been twice married, first in June, 1879, to Miss Martha Dunn, who was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, ; and died June 27, 1882, leaving two sons: Oran P. and Forest M., both at home. Her parents were Joseph and Nancy (Fleming) Dunn, the former born in Ireland, the latter in Clarion county, Penn., of Irish ancestry. They were married in Clarion county, where the father fol- lowed farming, and where both died in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. Their children were: Fleming (deceased ); John, a merchant of Reynoldsville; Martha; Abel, a merchant of Rey- - - noldsville; and Nannie, wife of G. D. Elder. .

On March 29, 1883, Mr. Elder was again married, this time to Miss Lizzie M. Orr, a lady of intelligence and culture, and they have two sons, both at home: Wade L., born April 19, 1884; and J. D., born December 3, 1886.

Joseph D. Orr, the father of Mrs. Elder, was born February 5, 1837, in Philadelphia, a son of

William and Martha (Dunn) Orr, natives of County Derry, Ireland, who had landed at Phil- adelphia in 1837. a short time prior to the birth of their son. In the following year they re- moved to Clarion county, and, in 1839, located on the present site of Corsica, in Jefferson county, where his father converted the heavily- timbered land into a good farm. There he died in March, 1896, aged eighty-two years, and his wife in March, 1897, aged eighty-three. both being members .of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of eight children: Joseph D., William J., John H., Matilda M. and Nancy J. (both deceased), Thomas F., Albert S. and George B. McClellan.

From the age of two years Joseph D. Orr was reared on his father's farm in Jefferson county, early learning lessons of industry, hon- esty and uprightness, and when eighteen he started out in life for himself as an employee in the woods. Four years later he commenced jobbing on his own account, and step by step worked his way steadily upward until he became one of the leading and most successful lumber- men in the county. He was also interested in farming and in other lines of business, and, as he was a man of sterling integrity, honorable dealings and superior business ability, niet with a well-deserved success in his undertakings. At the age of nineteen he united with the Presby- byterian Church, of which he remained a faith- ful member until his death, which occurred March 27, 1894.

Mrs. Joseph D. Orr, who is still 'iving, bore the maiden name of Miss Mary J. Gaston, and was born December 10, 1840, in Jefferson county, a member of an honored pioneer family. Rob- ert Gaston, her father, a native of Westmore- land county, accompanied his parents to Jefferson county, where he followed the occupation of farming, and married Eliza Manners, who died in 1855. Three children blessed that union: James M., who died in childhood; Mary J., mother of Mrs. Elder; and John C., a farmer of Kansas. The parents were both earnest mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. By a second marriage Mr. Gaston had four children: William R. (deceased); Robert M., who is engaged in farming in the State of Washington; Mrs. Emma Ingram; and Mrs. Laura Brady. To Joseph D. and Mary J. Orr were born eight children: Will- iam R., who died at the age of eight years; Liz- zie M., wife of our subject; Ferdinand W., who died at the age of four years; Matilda M., who died at the age of nine months: Bertha J., wife of H. T. Baker; Elva S., who died at the age of five months; Maggie J., who died at the age of

1282

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

twenty years; and Nannie O., at home. They also have an adopted son, Joseph R., now eight- years old.

J ACOB G. RUDOLPH. Among the first set- tlers who ventured into the forests of Jeffer- son county were Jacob and Elizabeth Ru- dolph, the grandparents of the well-known citi- zen whose history is here outlined. They came from Westmoreland county and purchased land in Bell township, where they passed their re- maining years, the homestead which they cleared and improved being that now known as the George Davis farm. Jacob Rudolph died in 18-, and his worthy wife survived him but a few years. They had eight children: Abraham, who resides in Minnesota; John, our subject's father; Jacob, who died in Minnesota; Isaac, a soldier in the Civil war, now deceased; Christiana, widow of John Tawney, of Westmoreland county, Penn .; David, Levi, and Daniel. Of these, John Rudolph was born in Westmoreland county, in 1818, and coming to Bell township, Jefferson county, with his parents, he remained there un- til 1859, when he sold his property and pur- chased 106 acres of timber land in Henderson township, where he made his permanent home, building a hewed-log house and a round-log barn, and cleared the land for agricultural purposes. He died in 1897. His wife, who passed away in 1893, was Susan Shetterly, a member of an old and highly respected family of this State. Her parents came from Union county to Jefferson county, at a very early date and settled in the wilderness. Our subject was the eldest of a large family; (2) Elizabeth, was born in Bell township, in 1844, and married Jacob Kraemer, formerly of Fayette county, Penn., and now a farmer in Henderson township. Jefferson county. They have seven children --- John, Lydia, William, Elizabeth. Ellie, Jessie and Allen. (3) Susanna, who was born in Bell township, in 1846, married Philip Kraemer, a lumberman of Du Bois, and has ten children -- Catherine, Jennie. Sadie, Samuel, Joseph, George, Myrtle, Lydia, Guy, and Emma. (4) Christiana, born in 1848, in Bell township, married Daniel Fultz, of Jeffer- son county, and moved to Armstrong county, where she died in 1896. She had six children -- Mary, Susan, Eliza, William (who died in 1897), Lee, and Maggie. (5) Sarah, born in 1850, married George I. Zufall. (6) Lydia, born in 1852, married Solomon Gressman, a farmer in Henderson township, Jefferson county, who also follows the carpenter trade. They have four children-Clifford, Lloyd, Celia and Cora. (7)

Mary, born in 1856, married Andrew Shepler, a farmer and carpenter in Henderson township. and has four children-Philip, Nora, Minnie and Amos. (8) John, born in 1857, died at the age of twenty-three. (9) Samuel, who was born in 1860 on the homestead in Henderson township, now resides in Big Run borough. He married Miss Caroline Pifer, of Jefferson county, and has two children-Zula and Florence. (10) Will- iam, born in 1864, in Henderson township, is still a resident of that locality. He married Miss Minnie Reed, of Jefferson county, but has no children. (11) James, born in 1867 in Hen- derson township, died in infancy.

The subject of our sketch was born in Jan- uary, 1842, at the old home in Bell township. and as his youth was spent mainly in farm work he received but a limited education. In May, 1864, he was married to Miss Annie C. Zufall. daughter of Samuel and Mary Zufall, wealthy agriculturists of Henderson township, Jefferson county. After his marriage Mr. Rudolph bought his father's homestead in Henderson township, Jefferson county, and has since resided there, clearing and improving the place. About ninety acres have been prepared by him for tilling, and the whole place is kept in a high state of culti- vation. In 1884 he built a large bank barn. 50 x 60, and in 1891 his handsome and commo- dious dwelling house was erected, with all mod- ern improvements. Lately he has bought twen- ty-five acres between his home and Big Run, and his wife has purchased thirty-six acres in the same locality, so that they now own a very fine property, much of which is underlaid with the Eleanor coal vein. Mr. Rudolph has always been a liberal supporter of churches and schools, and can always be relied upon to assist in any worthy cause. He and his wife are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Big Run, and their family have taken an active part in the various lines of work. Politically he is a Repub- lican. and has held the office of supervisor two terms, and he has twice served as school director.

Eleven children have blessed his home, all of whom are living: (1) George I., born May 4. 1865, is a mason by trade, and owns a fine prop- erty in Henderson township. where he makes his home. He is not married. (2) David E., born in January, 1867, is a carpenter by occupation. and is unmarried. (3) Edward C., born in July. 1869, is a resident of Sugar Hill, Henderson township. He married Miss Clara Smeyres, of the same township. but has no children. (4) Mary S., born in August, 1871, received an edu- cation in the public schools, and now resides with her parents. (5) Josiah, born in July, 1873.

1283

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is also at home. (6) Lydia C., born in Septem- ber. 1875, married Lynn Smeyres, of Henderson township, and they have two children-Ora and Herr von Mckinley. (7) John F., born in Octo- ber, 1877, is a mason by trade, and is unmarried. (8) Jacob G., Jr., born in October, 1879; (9) Solomon P., born in February, 1882, and the twins, (10) Willis A. and (II) Willie A., born in December, 1885, are all at home.

D ANIEL B.' SMITH, an influential citizen and successful general farmer and stock- raiser of Winslow township, Jefferson county, is one of the self-made men of the community. He now represents a very valuable property, all of which he has accumulated by his own perse- verance and industry. Since reaching manhood he has distinguished himself as a liberal, public- spirited citizen, interested in the development of the county, and always willing to contribute to its prosperity and welfare.

Mr. Smith was born August 29, 1842, in Northumberland county, Penn., where the birth of his parents, Philip and Sarah (Boob) Smith, also occurred. There they continued to reside until 1854, when they removed to Jefferson county, Penn., locating in Beaver township, but in 186; they came to Washington township, Jefferson county, where the father followed farm- ing for many years, but is now living retired. The mother died on the home farm, February II, 1890, at the age of sixty years, and was laid to rest in the Henry Smith graveyard in Wins- low township, Jefferson county. The father was born in 1822, and although well advanced in years still enjoys good health. He has always been identified with the Democratic party, and is a member of the Reformed Church. In his family are the following children: Sarah, who died in infancy; Daniel B., of this sketch; Frank- lin, a farmer of Beach Woods, Jefferson county; Jonathan, who is engaged in agricultural pur- suits and the sawmill business at the same place; Miranda, who is with her father; Emanuel, a farmer of Beach Woods; Samuel, an agricultur- ist of Northumberland county, Penn. ; William, at home; and Lydia A., wife of Reuben Hetrick, of Falls Creek, Pennsylvania.

The paternal grandparents of our subject, Michael Smith and his wife, were natives of Northumberland county, Penn., where the former spent his entire life upon one farm, dying at that place at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. His father, Peter Smith, also passed away on that farm. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Mike and Sarah (Swinehard) Boob.

who also lived in Northumberland county. In re- ligious faith they were Lutherans, and in politics he was a Democrat.

During his boyhood and youth, Daniel B. Smith attended the local schools and continued to assist in the cultivation of the home farmn un- til twenty-two years of age, when his father gave him $25, and he started out to make his own way in the world. Until his marriage, in 1868, he worked in the lumber woods and in sawmills, but in the following spring he went to Omaha, Neb., where he remained four weeks, while the next eight weeks were spent in cutting cordwood on the Missouri river, near Leavenworth, Kans. Going to Michigan, he there worked by the day for a few months, and then proceeded to Ohio, continuing to travel until the following October, when he returned home. In Warsaw township, Jefferson county, he was employed in a sawmill for two years, after which he and his brother, Jonathan, contracted to cut and carry to market 300,000 cubic feet of lumber, which they accom- plished in one winter. He continued to work in the woods until purchasing his present farm -- a valuable tract of eighty-eight acres, which he has transformed into one of the most desirable places of Winslow township. He first bought fifty-six acres from Charles Prescott for $25 per acre, but was able to pay only $200 down, and was to take two rafts of timber from the place each winter for three years, which would finish paying for it. In 1883 he purchased the adjoining thirty-two acres now included in his farm. The Democratic party finds in him an earnest supporter, but he has never aspired to official distinction, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his busi- ness interests. Religiously he is a member of the Reformed Church. He is popular, and is the center of a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances who honor and esteem him for his many virtues and genuine worth. In 1868, in Jeffer- son county, Mr. Smith married Miss Sarah Het- rick, who died the same year, and on the 29th of September, 1873, he married Miss Elizabeth Hetrick, her sister. They have become the parents of the following children: Albert, who died in infancy ; Peter, Edward and Adam (twins). Mary E., and Sarah H., all at home; Samuel. who died at the age of five years; and Charles. Franklin, William, Catherine, Israel and Daniel F., all at home.

The birth of Mrs. Smith occurred in Arm- strong county, Penn., May 29, 1854. Her par- ents, Peter and Catherine (Himes) Hetrick, were natives of Northumberland and Clarion counties, Penn., respectively. They were married in Clarion county, where the father is now living.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1284

and is engaged in farming. The mother departed this life in Washington township, Jefferson coun- ty, April 28, 1872, aged sixty-two years, and was buried in the Emerickville cemetery. The father has since married Mrs. Caroline Wonder- ling, who was the widow of William Hines. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief is a Lutheran, to which faith the mother of Mrs. Smith also adhered. Her paternal grandparents. Michael and Christiana (Reitz) Hetrick, were natives of Northumberland county, and died in Beaver township, while the maternal grandpar- ents, Jacob and Catherine Hines, were also na- tives of Northumberland county, and passed away in Clarion county.

In the family of Peter and Catherine (Hines) Hetrick were fourteen children, namely: Cath- erine, now the wife of Louis Schwab, a black- smith of Venango county, Penn .; Jacob, John, William and George, all deceased; David, a teamster of Reynoldsville, Penn .; Sarah, who became the first wife of our subject; Martin, a farmer of Washington township, Jefferson coun- ty; Reuben, a laborer of Falls Creek, Penn .; Amos, also an agriculturist of Washington town- ship; Elizabeth, the present wife of our subject; Caroline, wife of Gilbert Thompson, a laborer of Brockwayville, Penn .; Louis, a teamster of Reynoldsville; and Tillie, wife of Jasper Carles, a miner of Winslow township, Jefferson county.

E DWARD MCLAUGHLIN, who follows farm- ing and lumbering in Rose township, Jeffer- son county, was born in Farmington township, Clarion Co., Penn., in 1842.

Charles and Margaret (Downey) Mclaughlin, his parents, were both natives of County Derry, Ireland. The father spent his early life there, and his first marriage occurred in his native land. On coming to America he located in Lancaster county, Penn., whence he removed to Clarion county, and some years afterward to Jefferson county, where he engaged in furnace work. For a period prior to his death, however, he devoted his energies to farming. The mother of our sub- ject came with her parents to the United States in her youth, and was inarried in Butler county, Penn. Her death occurred in 1866.

that of the camp and the battle-field. Enlisting in Company E, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, he served with that command for about a year, when, owing to disability caused by sunstroke and rheumatism, he received an honorable dis- charge. When he had recovered his health he re-enlisted, in the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cav- alry, and served until the close of the war, partic- ipating in many engagements and proving his loy- alty and bravery on many a battle-field. When the war was over, and the country no longer needed his services at the front, he returned to the duties of home and farm life. He was em- ployed in the lumber woods of Elk and Jefferson counties until 1874, when he located upon the farm which is now his home, since which time he has carried on agricultural pursuits in connection with the lumber business. He owns a good prop- erty of seventy acres. the farm is well watered, supplied with good buildings, and has a consider- able amount of fruit thereon. The owner is an energetic, progressive man, and to his own efforts may be attributed his success.

Mr. Mclaughlin was married, in 1869. to Catherine Brocius, daughter of John Brocins. of Jefferson county. Of their seven children, five are yet living: Minnie, wife of John M. Giffin, of Jefferson county; E. P .; Rose: Elder B .: and Adda J. Mr. Mclaughlin supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and has served as school director, but has preferred to give his attention to his business interests rather than to seek for public office.

D ANIEL C. McGREGOR, a leading farmer of Porter township, is descended from an honored pioneer family of Jefferson county, which was founded here by his grandfather when most of the county was still in its primitive con- dition. Amid the primitive scenes of frontier life his children grew to man and woman hood, becoming honored and useful members of soci- ety. They bore an important part in the up- building and development of this region, trans- forming the wild, wooded land into beautiful homes and farms.

Malan McGregor, our subject's father, was a native of Huntingdon county, Penn. , but at an early day accompanied his parents, Daniel and Cath- arine McGregor, on their removal to Jefferson county and located upon the farm where our sub- ject now resides. Here the grandfather purchased eighty acres of timber land, built a log house and barn and began to clear and cultivate the place. In his family were eight children, namely: Ma-

Edward Mclaughlin received but limited school privileges in his youth, for the schools were of an inferior character, and his assistance was needed in the development of the home farm, where he was early trained to habits of industry. He remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he responded to the call of his country and exchanged the life of a farm for | lan, George, Daniel, William, Levi, Margaret.

1235

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lucinda and Catharine. On attaining to man's estate Malan McGregor was married to Miss Margaret Chambers, who died in 1844, leaving two children: James, now of Indiana county, Penn .; and Daniel C., of this review. During early life the father lived in Porter and Ringgold townships, Jefferson county, but after his marri- age to Miss Margaret McClellan, of Indiana coun- ty, he removed to that county, where he pur- chased a farm. This he later sold, and took up his residence in Dayton, Armstrong Co., Penn., where he died some years ago, leaving a widow and four children by his second union-Eliza- beth C., now Mrs. John Elmberger, of Arm- strong county; Robert, who is married, and lives near Maysville, in Clarion county, Penn .; Mar- garet, wife of Henry Neal, of Jefferson county; and Scott, who is married, and resides near Dayton.

Daniel C. McGregor was born in June, 1842, in Porter township, on the farm where his father first located, and where his mother died. After that sad event he lived with his paternal grand- father on his present farm until he reached man- hood. In 1862 he married Miss Elizabeth Adams, of Porter township, and for one year remained upon the old homestead, operating the farm, but at the end of that time purchased seventy acres of Levi McGregor, adjoining his present home. Two years later, however, he sold out and bought his grandfather's farm, where he has since made his home. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the 78th P. V. I., and remained in the service until the close of the war, when he returned home and resumed farming. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McGregor (Elizy McGregor, a grandchild, makes her home with them): (1) Mary, born on their present hoine in 1863, is now the wife of James Bush, a farmer of Porter township. Jefferson county, by whom she has six children -- Della, Lavina, Clark, John, William and Max. (2) J. E., born in 1865, married Zelda Neal, of Porter township, and resides on his farm in that township. Their children are -- Lottie, Essie, Harry, Bert and Daniel J. (3) Malan R., born in 1867, wedded Mattie Elkin, and lives in Big Run, Jefferson county. They have three children-Lillie, Frank and Annie. (4) Sarah J. married George Barnett, of Porter township, and with their children, William and May, they now reside in Indiana county. (5) Margaret is the wife of Vest Welchonce, of Rock- dale. Jefferson county, by whom she has two children-Sherman and Alva. (6) W. T. wedded May Harrison, of Ringgold' township, Jefferson county, where they reside. They have a son, Duff. (7) John. (S) Annie. and (9) Daniel

C. are still with their parents. (10) Lula died in childhood, and ( 11) Minnie died at the age of three years.

Mr. McGregor's ancestors in politics were Old- line Whigs, and since attaining his majority he has been a supporter of Republican principles. For six years he held the office of overseer of the poor, and he has been school director for fifteen years, the duties of both positions being faith- fully and conscientiously performed by him. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In order to serve his country during the Civil war he was compelled to leave his young wife and small children, but he has always faithfully discharged every duty that has devolved upon him, either in public or private life, and justly merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

T HOMAS T. ADAMS, one of the most pro- gressive and enterprising agriculturists of Porter township. Jefferson county, was born on his present farm in 1843, a son of Thomas and Catharine (McConahay) Adams.

The birth of Thomas Adams, the father, occurred east of the Alleghany Mountains, in this State, and he grew to manhood in Huntingdon county. On coming to this section he first lo- cated in West Mahoning township, Indiana coun- ty, where he married Miss Keziah Dodson, and later took up his residence in Porter township, Jefferson county, there purchasing 357 acres of wild forest land. He erected a log house and barn and cleared 100 acres of the tract, making that place his home until called to his final rest in 1851. His first wife had died in 1840, leav- ing two children: (1) Richard married and made his home on a farin adjoining his father's untH his death. He left a large family of children. (2) Mary A., is now the wife of Hugh McDivitt. a farmer of Porter township. In 1842, Thomas Adams, Sr., married Miss Catharine Fairman, of Jefferson county, and they became the parents of four children, of whom our subject is the eld- est. (2) Robert B., born on the old homestead in Porter township, married Rebecca Postleth- wait. of Perry township, Jefferson county, and upon a farm in Young township made his home for three years. On selling out he moved to McLeod county. Minn., where he purchased 280 acres of land, and has since successfully engaged in farming. His children are-Gounella, Hen- rietta, David, Annie, Bertha, Katie, Oris, James and John. (3) Margaret E., born in 1848, was reared in Perry township, and married Isaac M. Depp. of Oliver township, Jefferson county, but

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 37

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