Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 39

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 39
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 39
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 39
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 39

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To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Davenport have been born six children, to wit: DR. SAMUEL M .; William S .; Jane O .; Robert S .; James B. ; and Anna M. The parents are Presbyterians in re-

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ligious faith. A sketch of the father would be. incomplete indeed without some further mention of his faithful wife. The daily life of Mary Dav- enport is a strong argument for practical Christi- anity. Her's is a life whose influence does not end on her own threshold. Characterized as it is by a love for all humanity, her influence in family and community is readily understood. She is a woman of many virtues.

G EORGE REITER. The industry and thrifty management of the typical Gerinan is well shown in the successful career of this worthy citizen of Henderson township, Jefferson county, who has accumulated a fine competence through his own efforts, and is now the owner of two good farms in the vicinity of Sykesville.

Mr. Reiter is an American by birth, but his parents, John and Christina (Miller) Reiter, were both natives of Germany, coming to Amer- ica in early life, met and were married in Pitts- burg, Penn. Later they settled at Paradise, Jefferson county, purchasing 200 acres of land where a log-house and barn were built, and a large farm cleared and brought under cultivation. The mother died there in 1865. The father, too, has passed away. Of their ten children, the eldest. Elizabeth, married John P. Shire, and lives in Minnesota; John married Miss Austeena Muth, and resides in Brady township. Clearfield county; Christina is now the wife of Adam Lott, of Jefferson county; Magdalena married Philip Muth, of Jefferson county, and both died some years ago, leaving a large family; George, our subject, is next in order of birth; Daniel, who is engaged in stock raising in West Virginia, is mar- ried and has several children; Henry, a farmer in Winslow township, Jefferson county, married Miss Sallie Buchheit, of that county. and has a large family; Mary married Charles Muth, of Jefferson county, who died in 1893, leaving several children; Adam, who resides in Oklahoma Territory, married Miss Haag, of Jefferson conn- ty, and has a family; and August, inarried Miss Miller and settled in Du Bois. Penn. He has no children.

George Reiter was born in 1846 at the old homestead, near Paradise, and much of his time in youth was spent in clearing the place and get- ting it ready for the plow. In early manhood he engaged in farming and lumbering on his own account, and in 1869 he married Miss Caroline Buchheit, of Henderson township, and made his honie at his log camp on Stump creek, near the site of the town of Sykesville. He remained there two years, then purchased fifty acres of

land from his father and began to clear and im- prove it for a homestead. Later he bought from W. H. Reber ten acres adjoining him, and in time he found himself in possession of a fine farm with modern improvements, a two-story frame house and a large bank barn being erected in 1886. In 1894 he bought the Benjamin Sykes farm adjoining the homestead. This contains seventy-five acres of land, entirely cleared, and with good buildings, and Mr. Reiter now keeps both estates in a 'high state of cultivation.

As a citizen, our subject manifests an interest in all progressive movements, and he is held in great esteem by all who know him. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and his worthy wife are members of the United Evangelical Church, at Troutville. Twelve children have blessed their home, namely: (1) William C., born April 29, 1870, died four years later. (2) John A., born October 8, 1872, is a resident of Brady township, Clearfield county. He married Miss Laura Hafford, of Clearfield, and they have two

children-Flora and Pearl. (3) Polly M., born May 29, 1874, married Thomas Randall, of Elk county, Penn., who is engaged in sawmilling. They have no children. (4) Walter M. was born March 24, 1876. (5) Margaret C., born January 25, 1878, married Earl Jefferson, of Elk county, Penn. (6) Aden J. was born February 4, 1880. (7) David F. was born December 21, 1881. (8)

Lavina E. was born November 23, 1883. (9)

Thomas A., born May 30, 1886, died at the age of two years. (10) Julia E. was born August 30, 1888. (11) Benjamin J. was born August 5. 1890. (12) Alice L. was born October 31, 1892.

J AMES W. MURPHY is an industrious, ener- getic man, who for many years has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Jefferson county, and has also car- ried on business as a well-driller and tool-dresser.

Born March 13, 1846, in Emerickville, Jef- ferson county, Mr. Murphy is of Irish lineage. His grandparents were natives of that country. and the founders of the family in America. James A. and Susanna (McMurray) Murphy, his parents, were natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., where they were married and made their home until 1842. In that year they moved to Pinecreek township, Jefferson county, where the father died, in 1876, at the age of sixty years and six months. The mother, who was born February 12, 1822, now resides on the old home- stead in Pinecreek township. Mr. Murphy i learned the tailor's trade in early life, but from

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1851 until his death devoted his attention ex- clusively to farming. In politics he was a Re-" publican. His wife held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children of this worthy couple are: Charles, who is engaged in the hotel business in Byromtown, Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of Smith McCreight, a farmer and miller of Jefferson county; Robert P., who was killed by a falling tree; James W .; Noah L., who died at the age of eighteen months; Cyrus J., agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Com- pany in Warrentown, Penn .; Ira, who is in the oil business in Indiana; Alvira, who became the wife of Jacob Strouse, who was killed in a coal mine, and after his death she married Fred Zeit- ler, of Reynoldsville, Penn .; Almira, twin sister of Alvira, now at home; and Elmer E., a sawyer of North Carolina.

James W. Murphy, whose name opens this review, remained on his father's farm until eight- een years of age, but he has practically depended upon his own efforts since the age of fourteen. When his services were not needed at home he worked for different farmers of the neighborhood and gave his wages for the support of his father's family. He also followed lumbering in connec- tion with his brother Charles until nineteen years of age, when he began that pursuit on his own account, and continuously followed it until 1873. In that year he purchased a farm in Oliver town- ship, operating the same for six years, when he sold and removed to his present farm. In connection with the cultivation of his land he has since 1882 engaged in drilling wells and dressing tools; but sickness has largely interfered with his labors since 1893. He has been the architect of his own fortune, and has built wisely and well, accumulating a handsome competence as the result of his earnest and honorable labors. During the Civil war, he valiantly aided his coun- try, enlisting in Company B, 57th P. V. I., under Capt. Gordon, in June, 1862. He served mostly on detached duty, and twice went to the front, being finally discharged in 1864.

Clayville, Penn .; Hannah, widow of Samuel Gerhart, who was killed in the army; Rachel, who is engaged in the millinery business at Big Run, Penn .; George (deceased); Martha M .; Daniel D., who operates a gristmill at Worth- ville; John (deceased); Philip, who is engaged in the marble business in Kittanning, Penn. ; and Samuel, who follows the same vocation in Day- ton, Pennsylvania.

The children of our subject and his wife are: George, who died at the age of two years; Daniel J., who married Nora Koher, and is an engineer in Cortez, Penn .; Ira L., who follows lumbering in Oliver township; Daisy M., wife of Calvin Buck, a farmer of Beaver township, Jefferson county; Charles B., Clarence, Myron N., Mer- rill, Max and Preston, all at home. Mrs. Murphy has been to her husband a faithful helpmeet, and through their combined efforts they have accu- mulated a valuable property, constituting one of the fine farms of the township. Their many ex- cellencies of character commend them to the con- fidence and good will of all.

J TAMES W. REA (deceased) was one of the brave boys in blue during the Civil war who laid down their lives on their country's altar.

A son of John Rea, who was born in Law- rence county, Penn., in 1824, and while having only limited educational advantages, as it was his ambition to secure a higher education, he made the most of his opportunities. At the early age of sixteen years he began teaching, and successfully followed that profession through the winter months until 1862. He possessed that love for his work without which there is no suc- cess, and became one of the most able and prom- inent educators of his community. A patriotic and loyal citizen, Mr Rea, in 1862, offered his services to the government and became a mem- ber of Company I, 148th P. V. 1 .. in which he served for about two years, when he contracted a disease, which, in September,, 1864, termi- nated his life. In all the relations of life he mani- fested that same loyalty and fidelity to duty that marked his course on Southern battle-fields, and he had the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was a consistent member of the Pres- byterian Church, to which his widow also be- longs.

On July 25, 1867, at Sprangle Mills, Jefferson county, Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Martha M. Enterline, who was born there in Sep- tember, 1846, a daughter of Rev. Daniel and Lu- cinda (Shibes)Enterline, who were natives of Penn- sylvania. The father was a millwright and farmer, and operated a saw and grist mill until his death, which occurred at Sprangle Mills, in 1864. He In 1849, Mr. Rea was married to Miss Ellen Smith, youngest daughter of James and Cather- ine (Odenkirk) Smith, residents of Clarion county, Penn., where her father was engaged in the boot and shoe business, and in that county was a member of the Evangelical Church and a local minister of that denomination. His wife died in 1861, at the age of forty-two, and both were buried in Ringgold cemetery. Their chil- dren were: Lucetta, widow of Jacob Anthony, of | she was principally educated. By her marriage,

JAMES W. REA

MRS. ELLEN REA

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mrs. Rea became the mother of three children who are yet living, namely: Loretta J., wife of Nelson Corbett: Frances Alvira, wife of Fletcher D. Burns; and Charles N.

MRS. ELLEN REA is a lady of large business capacity and marked intelligence, and is distin- guished for her straightforward and womanly course, no less than for the tact and energy she has employed in her business affairs since her hus- band's death. In 1873 she had the misfortune to lose her large business house by fire, on which she had no insurance. Left without a dollar to commence life again, she bravely began at the foot of the ladder. She conducted a mil- linery store for some time at Corsica, and through good management and business ability was suc- cessful, and to-day owns several buildings includ- ing a variety store. Mrs. Rea is sixty-seven years of age, but is as bright and active as many are at one-half her age. She still takes a share in any enterprise that comes her way, which ap- peals to her judgment. Being an earnest Chris- tian woman, trusting always in the Lord, know- ing He has been her stay in every time of need, she hopes to end her days peacefully in the vil- lage that has been the scene of her life. She is one of the representative citizens of Jefferson county, and merits and receives the warmest re- spect and esteem of the whole community.

R OBERT F. MORRISON, a leading and prominent agriculturist of Washington town- ship, Jefferson county, was born in 1846, on the farm where he still resides, and is a son of John and Frances (McConnell) Morrison, natives of Ireland and Centre county, Penn., respectively.

At the age of eighteen years John Morrison left the Emerald Isle, crossing the Atlantic to the New World, and on reaching the shores of this country came at once to Jefferson county, and located on the farm where his son yet lives. He has since successfully engaged in farming and speculating, leading an industrious, honorable and upright life. Although he has reached the age of eighty-five he is still well preserved for one of his years. The mother of our sub- ject has long since departed this life, dying in 1857.

Upon the home farm, Robert F. Morrison early became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and has made that honor- able calling his life work. He is one of the sub- stantial and prosperous business men of Wash- ington township, where he owns a highly-improved farm of 100 acres, whose neat and thrifty ap- pearance plainly shows that it is under the super-

vision of a careful and painstaking manager. In connection with his agricultural pursuits he has also for the past two years been interested in lumbering. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, Mr. Morrison chose Miss R. J. Stephenson, a daughter of Thomas Stephenson, and their marriage was celebrated in 1874. Four children bless their union, namely: Frances E., Jeremiah F., Florence M. and Hugh James. With the Presbyterian Church Mrs. Morrison holds membership. Socially, our sub- ject belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica, and the Lincoln Republican Club, of Jeffer- son county. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, but cares nothing for party preferment. Being endowed with many virtues and a genial, hospitable manner, he merits and receives the respect and confidence of the entire community.

A LEXANDER KENNEDY, one of the most energetic and progressive citizens of Rose township, Jefferson county, has throughout his entire life been prominently identified with the agricultural and commercial interests of this region, and is still numbered among its most re- liable and substantial business men. He gives that careful attention to every detail of his busi- ness, without which success in any undertaking is never assured.

On the farm where he still makes his home, Mr. Kennedy was born in 1846, a son of William and Patience B. (Hall) Kennedy. The father is a native of Ireland, but when only seven years of age left the Emerald Isle with his parents and came to America. They became residents of Pennsylvania, where William Kennedy was reared and has spent his entire life, principally engaged in farming and lumbering. He never took an active part in public affairs, preferring the quiet life of an agriculturist. He was born September 24. 1810, and died November 6, 1896. at the age of eighty-six years, one month and twelve days. His loving wife, who is a native of Pennsylvania, is also deceased.

During his boyhood and youth, Alexander Kennedy attended the district schools near his home, and also pursued his studies for a short time in a select school. When the Civil war broke out, he laid aside all personal interests, and responded to his country's call for troops, first being a member of Company B, Fifty- seventh Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, in which he served seven weeks. Later he became one of the one-hundred-day nien (served one hundred and twenty-six days) as a member of

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Company F, of the Ist Battalion, and during his entire service was neither wounded nor taken prisoner. On receiving his discharge from the army, he returned to Jefferson county, where for four years he followed teaming, and in the spring of 1867 located upon his present farm, and has since engaged in the occupations of lumbering and farming with good success. He is also inter- ested in various other enterprises, and is num- bered among the most wide-awake and progress- ive citizens of Rose township. He is a member of the well-known hardware firm of Rankin, Kennedy & Co., of Brookville, but gives his per- sonal supervision principally to his agricultural pursuits.

In 1868 Mr. Kennedy was married to Miss Lucinda J. Fitzsimmons, of Jefferson county, and to them have been born six children; five are yet living, namely: James M., of Brookville,-Penn. ; Eva P., wife of Ross D. Brocius, of Jefferson county; W. C., a farmer of the same county; John F. and George B. R .; Charles Richard, the youngest son, was born December 20, 1886, and died July 16, 1889. Sincere and earnest Christians, the parents have been lifelong mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Kennedy is now serving as deacon, and their sterling worth and many excellent traits of char- acter commend them to the love and confidence of all who know them. Mr. Kennedy in politics is an ardent Republican, is a strong advocate of sound money and protection, and has acceptably. served in a number of local offices of honor and trust. Public-spirited and enterprising, he gives his liberal support to all worthy objects destined to promote the welfare of the community or ad- vance its material interests.

SAMUEL STATES. In this enlightened age when men of energy, industry and merit are rapidly pushing their way to the front, those who, by their own individual efforts, have won favor and fortune may properly claim recognition. At an early age our subject started out to fight life's battles unaided, and has steadily persevered in his efforts until to-day he has 'become one of the well-to-do farmers and lumbermen of Bell township, as well as one of its representative and prominent citizens. He is now a member of the board of county commissioners of Jefferson county.

Mr. States was born in 1846 in Monroe county, Ohio, a son of John and Lucinda (Fullmer) States. The father was a native of Jefferson county, Penn., where he spent his entire life with the exception of one year which was passed in the Buckeye State, and during that time our sub-

ject was born. Throughout the principal part of his active business life John States engaged in lumbering, and he was a quiet, unassuming citizen, whose time was devoted to his own affairs. He passed away in 1894, but his wife is still living, and, although seventy-two years of age, enjoys good health. Our subject was afforded very meagre advantages for securing an education, as he was early put to work, and never attended school after attaining the age of thirteen years. At that time he entered a lumber camp, and has continuously engaged in lumbering and farming up to the present time. On the 13th of January, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary White, a daughter of Samuel White, of Indiana county, Penn., and five children bless their union, namely: Edward, a prominent teacher of Jeffer- son county; Joseph; Blanche; United, and Mar- shal Ney. The mother and eldest three children hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1893, Samuel States was chosen by his fellow citizens to serve as one of the county com- missioners, and in 1896, after a hotly contested struggle, was re-elected for another three-years' term. He has proved a careful, conservative member of that body, and the people showed their appreciation of his service by their ballots on the 3d of November, 1896. He has satis- factorily filled other offices of honor and trust, being school director eighteen years, and, for fifteen years of that time, he was the secretary of the board. For nine years he served his fellow- citizens in the capacity of justice of the peace, resigning that office to accept his present posi- tion. The Democratic party has ever found in Mr. States one of its most earnest supporters, and socially he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is now past grand. Whether in public or private life, he has ever been found true to every trust re- posed in him, and therefore has the esteem and confidence of all who know him.

A NDREW WILKINS was one of the pioneer lumbermen on Mahoning creek, and took an active part in the development of that industry in Bell township, Jefferson county. He possessed great energy, perseverance and keen discrimina- tion in business, and prosecuted his interests with success.

Mr. Wilkins came to Jefferson county in 1847. and married Miss Eliza Jane Colwell, of Punxsu- tawney, a daughter of Josiah and Mary Colwell. They located on a farm in Bell township, where for a few years he followed lumbering for other

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parties, handling sawed lumber and square tim- ber, which he rafted down the Mahoning to -the Pittsburg markets. In 1860 he purchased a tract of land on Mahoning creek, in Bell township, one mile west of Big Run, and later bought a tract of timber land, carrying on lumbering on an exten- sive scale for himself and other parties until his death, which occurred in March, 1864. He was a man honorable in business, faithful to the duties of public and private life, and was highly es- teemed by all who knew him. He served in the positions of tax collector and constable.

Mr. Wilkins left a widow and five children to mourn their loss: (1) James M., the eldest, born in Bell township, Jefferson county, in May, 1848, married Miss Nancy Crawford, of Indiana coun- ty, Penn. They now reside in Pittsburg, where he follows the plumbing and gas-fitting business. His wife died in December, 1875. She had three children-Harry, Della May and Bertha. The first named died at the age of eight years. The second was born in Bell township, in 1872, and after her mother's death went to live in the home of her grandmother, with whom she still remains. Bertha, born in May, 1875, was taken to the home of her uncle, John Crawford, of Punxsu- tawney, at the time of her mother's death, and with him lived until 1892, when she became the wife of Elmer Pierce, who is now operator on the Bell's Gap railroad at Fordham, Jefferson coun- ty. They have two children. After the death of his first wife, James M. Wilkins married Mrs. Susan Holowell, of Jefferson county. They have six children-James, Bessie, Mary, John G., Irene and Raymond.

(2) Thomas J. Wilkins, the second of the family, was born on the farmstead in Bell town- ship, in August, 1850, and married Maggie Sny- der, of Indiana county. They reside near the old homestead, and the following named are the chil- dren that have been born to them -- Michael, Clayton, Mary, Harry, Willie, Annie, Maria, Cora, and Elva. Of these, Michael, Mary and Harry are deceased. (3) Mary J., born in Au- gust, 1853, died at the age of fifteen years. (4) John C., born in September. 1857, resides with his mother on the old homestead. After attain- ing to man's estate he and his brother William erected a good residence on the property pur- chased by their father in Bell township, and suc- cessfully cultivated and operated the farm. Since the marriage of William, John has cared for the place, attending to all the business and looking after his mother's interests.

(5) WILLIAM B., born in Bell township. Febru- ary 14, 1860, was three years of age at the time of his father's death. He was educated in the

common schools, and after reaching manhood began lumbering as a jobber. He has followed that business up to the present time and for a number of years has operated a sawmill, engag- ing in the manufacture of sawed lumber for dif- ferent parties. He is now the owner of a large mill. In August, 1892, he removed from Beech Tree, Jefferson county, to Bell township, Clear- field county, where he contracted with Edward Seipert, of Mckeesport, to manufacture sawed lumber. In 1896, in partnership with P. B. Smith, of Clearfield county, he purchased a tract of timber land of H. G. Bowers, of Jefferson county, and they have since engaged in the man- ufacture of lumber. Mr. Wilkins is also manu- facturing sawed lumber for Cyrus and Daniel Smith on a tract of land in Gaskill township, Jefferson county, and for W. M. Irwin & Son, of Big Run.

On August 16, 1890, William Wilkins married Miss Della Bush, of Henderson township, Jeffer- son county, a daughter of William and Jennie Bush, her father a well-to-do farmer and lumber- man of Indiana county, Penn. Mrs. Della Wilk- ins is a member of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Wilkins is a Jacksonian Democrat. He and his brother John started on their business careers with a few advantages to aid them. but have steadily worked their way upward, and are now numbered among the successful, prosperous and honorable business men of their section of the county.

A LBERT J. FERMAN, who is prominently identified with the farming and lumber in- terests of Snyder township, Jefferson county, was born June 21, 1849, on the old homestead, where he still resides. His educational advantages were such as were afforded by the local schools, and under his father's able direction he became a thorough and systematic business man, compe- tent to successfully manage the large estate left by the father, of which he and his brother Sam- uel are the administrators.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 39

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