USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 41
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 41
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 41
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 41
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TSAAC PIFER. One of the oldest homesteads _ of Jefferson county is that of the Pifer family in Henderson township, which is now in the pos- session of the third generation of the family. It comprises 200 acres, and was purchased in 1828 by John Pifer, who came from Westmoreland county, Penn., to make his home in the wilder- ness, and passed his remaining years there living in a log cabin in true pioneer style.
David Pifer, son of John, and the father of the well-known citizen whose name opens this sketch, was born in Westmoreland county, in 1825, and, coming to the new homestead in childhood, has remained there throughout his life, making many improvements as time passed. and building a fine modern residence which he still occupies. He married Miss Elizabeth Hess. who died in 1882, leaving a large family of chil- dren: (1) J. J., who resides on a farın in Hen- derson township, adjoining that of our subject. married Miss Lizzie Strouse, of Jefferson county.
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and has three children-Albert, Lottie and Clair. (2) Isaac, the subject of this sketch, is referred to farther on. (3) Charlotte married Josiah Zu- fall, a farmer of Henderson township, and has four children-David, Eldry, Clarence and " Baby." (4) Jonas, who owns a farm in Brady township, Clearfield county, married Miss Mary Bonsal, of that township. (5) Sarah married Charles Scheffler, formerly of Centre county, but now a butcher of Big Run. They have one son -- \Villson. (6) Lydia married Amos Strouse, of Winslow township, Jefferson county, and they now reside on the Wash Miller farm in that coun- ty. They have six children-Lizzie, David, Minnie, Clarence, Gem and Nanie. (7) David, a farmer in Henderson township, married Miss Ollie Ludwig, of Winslow township, in the same county, and they have two children-Ethel -and Ivan. (8) Mamie (deceased) married Gilbert Fye, of Winslow township, Jefferson county, and resided on the husband's farm at Big Soldier. They had six children-Minnie, Harry, Oscar, Laura, Ora and Clara. (9) William, a farmer at the homestead, married Miss Rachel Zufall, of Henderson township, but has no children. (10) Miss Lizzie and (11) Miss Minnie C. re- side with their father at the homestead.
Isaac Pifer was born August 8, 1850, and has always made his home at the old farm, the com- mon schools of the locality furnishing him an education. In early manhood he followed farm- ing during the summers and lumbering in winter seasons. In 1878 he began dealing in sheep, buying them in Jefferson, Clearfield and Indiana counties, and shipping them to Philadelphia. Later he bought cattle for John Du Bois, of the town of Du Bois, continuing two years, and then for ten years he dealt in sheep and cattle on his own account, disposing of them mainly to W. S. Dellett, in Mifflin county, Penn. Since then he has been engaged in buying fat cattle at the stock yards in East Liberty, Pittsburg, and shipping them to Reynoldsville and other points. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Adam Miller, and purchased a sawmill in Henderson township from A. Wineburg, and they have ever since been extensively engaged in sawing lumber, hav- ing purchased several pieces of timber land, in- cluding the William Pifer tract in McCalmont township, Jefferson county. In addition to these interests, Mr. Pifer is a stockholder in the Citi- zens Bank of Big Run, and he finds time to take an active and influential part in local affairs. Politically he is a firm adherent of the old Jack- sonian Democracy, and for sixteen years he has held the office of constable and tax collector.
In 1876 he was married to Miss Susannalı
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Bonsall, of Brady township, Clearfield county, and in the same year he built a two-story fraine residence on a portion of the old homestead, where they still reside. Ten years later he erected a large bank barn, and from time to time he has added other improvements. In 1886 his beloved wife died, leaving five children, of whom the youngest, Wilson, born in 1886, died in the following year. The others, who are all at home, are: Jacob K., born March 4, IS7S; Miss Lydia, November . 10, 1879; Luther, February 12, 1881; and David, December 12, 1882. The father of these, in religious faith, is an Evangel- ical Lutheran, and he and his wife a number of years ago united with the Church at Paradise, of which he has always been a generous supporter.
W ILLIAM JAMES THOMPSON is a well- known general farmer and lumberman residing in Winslow township, Jefferson county, and his home with its surroundings denotes the supervision of an intelligent agriculturist and capable business man, who at the same time has proved a useful member of society, and one de- serving the esteem and confidence of the people around him.
Mr. Thompson is a native of Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Penn., a son of Alexander and Ann E. (Blair) Thompson, who were born, reared and married in that county, remaining there un- til 1863, when they removed to Clearfield coun- ty, Penn., and located near Madera, then known as Puzeyville. Four years later they went to Osceola, the same county, but in 1871 took up their residence in Reynoldsville, Jefferson coun- ty, where they spent their remaining days, and were buried, the mother in Beulah cemetery of that place, and the father in Michigan. The fa- ther engaged in lumbering until 1887, but passed his last years in retirement. His estimable wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both were held in the highest re- spect by the entire community. They had two children: Maggie A., now the widow of Peter C. McKee, a lumbernian of Reynoldsville, by whom she had two sons; and William James, of this sketch.
John Thompson, the paternal great-grand- father of our subject, was a native of Ireland, and crossed the Atlantic at an early day. In a canoe he went up Lycoming creek from the pres- ent site of Williamsport to what is now Cogan Station, and secured a tract of land in Lycoming county, where he passed the last years of his life. The grandparents, King and Ann (Mahaf- fey) Thompson, became prominent farming peo-
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ple of that county, where they always made their home. The maternal grandparents of our subject were William and Phoebe (Conklin) Blair, agriculturists of Maturesville, Pennsylvania.
William James Thompson, of this review, at- tended school as the opportunity afforded until about twelve years of age, and then worked with his father at lumbering until sixteen, when he left home to earn his own livelihood, being em- ployed for the first two years in a sawmill. The following year he was a brakeman and fireman on the Northwestern railroad, and then spent eight months in the oil fields, after which he returned to railroading, and was thus engaged for a year and a half. Three years were then spent in the West-Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and other States-where he worked on farms, in sawmills, or at anything which he could find to do. In 1869, he returned to Clearfield county, Penn., and was for a year and a half in the employ of the Clearfield Coal Company at Osceola, after which he worked in a sawmill for three years. He continued a resident of that county until 1886, following teaming, or working at any em- ployment which he could obtain, and then re- moved to North Dakota, where he took up a homestead and tree claim of a quarter of a sec- tion each, which were fifteen miles from a settle- ment. He took with him 3,500 feet of lumber and 3,000 shingles, and, as soon as his house was completed, he sent for his wife and family. He had to haul the lumber for the house 100 miles. Many hardships and privations had to be endured in their frontier home as they were one hundred miles from any railroad until 1888, when the Great Northern Railroad Company extended a branch line within three hundred yards of their home, two miles from Willow City, a fine, pros- perous little town. The nearest timber tract was twelve miles distant, and they were obliged to haul the wood for fuel from fifteen to twenty-five miles, while their wheat was taken to Devils Lake to market, one hundred miles away. The family continued to make their home there for six years and a half, but in 1892 returned to Reynolds- ville, Penn., as Mr. Thompson was suffering from rheumatism and eczema, contracted by exposure at their Western home. He still owns his tree claim, but has sold the homestead. After recu- perating, he turned his attention to lumbering, but this he had to give up on account of rheumatism, and he has since purchased the Joel Snyder farm of seventy-nine acres in Winslow township, Jef- ferson county, which he is now successfully oper- ating.
On January 1, 1873, at Tyrone, Blair Co., Penn., our subject was married to Miss Mary A.
Kooken, and ten children were born to this union: Charles P .. now a farmer of Blair county; Law- she, who died at the age of four months; Eliza- beth B., deceased wife of J. C. Starr, of Brook- ville, Penn. ; and James K., Phoebe M., Mary L., Aurius N., Alma J., Bertha E. and Mildred I). J., all at home. The mother of these was born in Huntingdon county, Penn., May 3, 1852, a daughter of Peter and Hettie (Musser) Kooken, natives of Centre county, Penn., where they were married. Later they removed to Huntingdon county, but in 1877 emigrated to Lancaster, Ohio, where they continued to reside until called from this life. The father, a farmer by occupa- tion, was born in 1812, and died in 1879. while the mother was born in 1815, and died in 1882. In their family were the following children: John Z., now operating a fruit farm in Union county, Penn. ; Daniel W., who is in the cattle business in Montana: Thomas J., a farmer of Huntingdon county, Penn .; Jamies M. and George D., both agriculturists of Blair county, Penn .; Sarah M., deceased wife of _William Kuhn, of Kingman county, Kans :; Mary M., wife of our subject; Franklin P., a resident of Montana; Ellen, wife of John Larkin, a fariner of Oklahoma ; and Abra- ham H., who is in the hotel business in Mon- tana. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Thompson were John Kooken and wife (whose maiden name was Rhumster); both died in Centre county, Penn., and the maternal grandfather, Daniel Musser, was also a lifelong resident of Penn's Valley, Centre county.
Throughout life, our subject has been a hard- working, industrious man, and the success that he has achieved is due entirely to his own un- aided efforts, for since the age of sixteen he has been dependent upon his own resources, but he has steadily worked his way upward until he has secured a comfortable competence. He holds membership in the Odd Fellows Lodge, of Rey- noldsville, and is a pronounced Democrat in politics.
T AMES M. AHARRAH. Among the well-to- do and successful farmers of Jefferson county, who have accumulated competencies through their own exertions and economy, and who are carrying on the occupation of farming in a manner that draws forth praise from every one, is the subject of this biographical notice, who is an honored resident of Heath township, where he has spent his entire life, and those who have known him from childhood are numbered among his stanchest friends.
William and Catherine (Elrod) Aharrah, his
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parents, were natives of Indiana and Allegheny counties. Penn., respectively. Throughout the greater part of his life the father engaged in lum- bering, but later turned his attention to agricult- ural pursuits, and spent his last days in the quiet. uneventful manner of most farmers. He was called to his final rest in 1892, but his widow is still living at the age of sixty-eight years. To them were born ten children, of whom eight are still living, namely: Caroline, wife of David Mil- ler; Marietta, wife of Robert Walford; James M., of this sketch; Margaret, wife of Alphos Callen; Jennie, wife of Jacob Hydinger; Elrod; Ella and Nancy.
Our subject was born January 1, 1850, and was provided with very meagre educational priv- ileges during his youth. As soon as he could be of any service, he entered the lumber .woods, and since the age of eighteen he has been de- pendent upon his own resources. He still en- gages in farming and lumbering, aud has met with a well-deserved success in his undertakings. In 1873, he was married to Miss Clara Walters, a daughter of J. Wilson Walters, of Forest county, Penn., and they have become the parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom are living, as follows: Etta (Mrs. Mead Miller), Katie (Mrs. Frank Larmar), Vienna, Hannah, James, Charles, Anna, Grover, Robert, Ola, Myrtle and Effie.
Mr. Aharrah takes quite an active interest in civic societies, and now belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he sup- ports the men and measures of the Democratic party, and, although he has never cared for offi- cial distinction, his fellow citizens have called upon him to serve in a number of local positions of honor and trust. In 1896 he was the can- didate of his party for county treasurer, but was defeated as the county is strongly Repub- lican. His sterling integrity, inflexible honesty. and general high principles, have won him the respect of the community where he has so long made his home, and he is to-day one of the most esteemed and valued citizens of Jefferson county.
S OLOMON W. SHAFFER, one of the suc- cessful agriculturists of Beaver township, Jefferson county, owns a farm near the village of Ohl, which is not only productive on the surface, but is underlaid with heavy veins of coal. He has a handsome liome, elegantly furnished, and, while working hard, has the wisdom to live well.
Mr. Shaffer is a member of one of the pioneer families of Jefferson county. His great-grand-
parents, Phelda and Elizabeth Shaffer, of Nor- thumberland county, settled in 1840 in Ringgold township, where they were the first comers. They built a log cabin in the midst of the "howling wilderness," and their remaining years were spent there. In religious faith they were Lutherans, and at death their remains were interred in the cemetery at St. John's Church. Among their eleven children was a son, Isaac (our subject's grandfather), who was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., and was married there to Miss Christina Geitz, whose father, Andrew Geitz, a private in the Revolutionary army, was born in Pennsyl- vania, east of the mountains, and died at Wolfs Creek, Northumberland county, at the age of ninety-seven. In 1835 Isaac Shaffer and his wife made their home in the woods in Beaver town- ship, Jefferson county, their journey, which occu- pied nine days, being made with one single and two double teams. They purchased eighty acres of land at $1.50 per acre, paying only a portion of the price down. In his younger days Isaac Shaffer had followed the weaver's trade. but this was given up, as his agricultural operations be- came more extensive and profitable. He was a Democrat in politics, and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. He died at the age of sixty-nine years and three months; his wife sur- vived him until 1883, when she passed away when aged eighty-one years, five months and twenty-five days; the remains of both were laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery in Beaver town- ship. They had the following children: Lida, who died in childhood; Solomon, our subject's father; Harriet, who died at the age of twenty; Lucy A., widow of Eli Thomas, of Beaver town- ship; Christina, the wife of Joseph Thomas, a carpenter in the same township; Rebecca, widow of John Reitz, of Warren, Penn .; Isaac, a farmer in Beaver township; Abraham, a lumberman at Mannsville, Penn. ; George, a farmer and lumber- man in Ringgold township, Jefferson county; John, a blacksmith at Apollo, Penn. ; Sarah, who married Jolin Mowry, a farmer in Ringgold town- ship, and Jacob, a lumberman on Sandy creek, Jefferson county.
Solomon Shaffer, Sr., the father of our sub- ject, was born January 7, 1824, in Northumber- land county, and when about twelve years old came to Jefferson county with his parents. The forests which surrounded his new home have long since disappeared, but much of his time until his twenty-first year was spent in assisting in the work of clearing the farm. On November 5, IS45, he was married in Ringgold township to Miss Elizabeth Wonderling, and the next three years he passed at Maysville, Penn., in the em-
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ploy of his uncle, Daniel Geitz, a farmer. Later Mr. Shaffer purchased forty acres of land from~ his father, for $200.00, of which sum he paid half in cash; seven years afterward he bought eighty acres more, making a fine property; but on May 13, 1869, he removed to his present farm in Beaver township, which he purchased from Mr. Barkhouse. At present he gives less time than formerly to the active management of the farm, having turned it over to younger hands; but he is very well preserved for his age. His political sympathies are with the Republican party, though his first Presidential vote was cast for James Buchanan. Official honors have never tempted him greatly; however, he has served one term as supervisor. He is a prominent member of the Evangelical Church, and for some time : was a class leader.
His wife was a native of Northampton county, Penn., born June 17, 1826, the daughter of Fred- erick and Sophina (Billman) Wonderling, of Swit- zerland, who came to Pennsylvania in early life, and after residing for a time in Northampton county settled in Clarion county. Her father died there, but her mother's last days were spent in Jefferson county. They had nine children: Henry and John, deceased; Caroline, wife of Peter Hetrick, of Clarion county; Elizabeth (Mrs. Shaffer); Charles, a farmer in Oliver township; Joseph, a carpenter in Clarion county; Reuben. a carpenter in Jefferson county; Mary, widow of Solomon Young, of Maysville; and Catherine, wife of Solomon Glontz, a farmer in Beaver township, Jefferson county.
To Solomon Shaffer, Sr., and his wife, twelve children were born, viz .: Marvia, who married Jacob Shick, a farmer in Redbank township, Clarion county ;. Susanna, wife of Joseph Sparr, an undertaker and furniture dealer at Brookville, Penn. ; Daniel, a farmer in Beaver township, who married Catherine Shingedecker; Solomon W., the subject proper of this biography: Lavina, who died when three years old; Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Sowers, a farmer and stone-mason in Beaver township; Rebecca, who married Emanuel Brocious, a farmer in the same township; John, a lumberman in the same locality; Emanuel, who died at the age of twenty-one; Benjamin, a re- tired barber, who married Miss Orena McCriston, and resides at New Kensington, Penn., of which town he is now burgess; James, who died at the age of twenty-six; and Miss Olive Randa Shaffer, who resides with her parents. This lady, although she has been for sixteen years a helpless paralytic. displays a serenity and cheerfulness which makes a visit to her an inspiration. As her affliction came upon her in 1881, at the early age of twelve
years, she had comparatively limited schooling, but her keen and active intellect has sought instruc- tion in what Carlyle calls the " University of Books," where the best thought of mankind is enshrined. She was not especially fond of read- ing as a child, but fine literary taste has been developed through a study of the best writers in prose and poetry, and her conversation is en- riched by many an apt and beautiful quotation. Naturally this noble resolution and patient yet persistent effort command the admiration of all who know her, and her sweet disposition has won .her hosts of friends, who delight in visiting her. She is passionately fond of flowers, and, possess- ing much artistic ability, she has, without in- struction, gained wonderful skill in copying their forms and colors.
Solomon W. Shaffer was born February 13,' 1851, in Beaver township, Jefferson county, and was reared upon his father's farm. On February 13, 1872, he married Miss Louisa M. Milliron, and their home was made upon a farm in Ring- gold township, Jefferson county. It contained seventy-five acres, and cost $2, 300, of which sum Mr. Shaffer paid $1,000 in cash. After operating the place five years he sold it for $2,600, and then for two years he rented a farm in the same township from Mr. Geitz. On leaving that place he rented a residence at North Freedom, Penn., where he remained six months, and then he pur- chased another farm in Ringgold township. A year later he sold this place at an advance of $200, and bought his present farm of sixty-nine acres, for which he paid $3,000. He is a hard worker, and has spared no pains in improving his place, and his energetic and shrewd management has enabled him to find an excellent market for his products. In local affairs he is active and influential, being a strong adherent of the Re- publican party, and he has served two terms as assessor, also one as constable.
Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have had no children, but they have adopted a daughter, Miss Annie B. Reitz, known as Miss Shaffer. She was born February 13, 1875, in Beaver township, the daughter of John and Rebecca (Shaffer) Reitz, and is now an accomplished young lady. Her father died before she was born, and she has lived with Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer since she was three years old. Mrs. Shaffer is a native of Ring- gold township, Jefferson county, born March 7, 1852.
YAPT. J. C. KELSO, who won his title by faithful service during the trying days of the C Civil war, is now a distinguished and honored citizen of Clover township, Jefferson county.
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Our subject is a native of the county, born July 19, 1835. a son of William and Martha~ (Chambers) Kelso. The birth of the father oc- curred in 1807, in County Down, Ireland, whence 111 1813 he was brought to this country by his parents. After landing at Philadelphia, they proceeded to Huntingdon county, Penn., making their first location near McAlavy's Fort, but in 1820 they settled in what is now Clover town- ship, Jefferson county. The journey was made in wagons through an almost unbroken forest, and until their little cabin could be erected the sheltering branches of the trees was their only home. Here the grandfather, John Kelso, pur- chased a tract of wild land at what was then known as the Irish settlement, and improved a farm, on which he made his home until called from this life, in 1860. He and his wife were devout members of the Seceder Church. They were the parents of eight children: William, Elizabeth, Susan, James, Isabel, John, Marga- ret and David.
Being the oldest of the family, William Kelso early began to assist his father in the arduous task of clearing the land and developing a farm, and he never left the old homestead, his death occurring there in December, 1863. His wife, who also belonged to one of the honored pioneer families of this section of the State, was a daugh- ter of James Chambers, who was born, reared and married in Ireland, and on coming to the United States located in Red Bank township, Clarion county, where he spent his remaining days. He was also a member of the Seceder Church, and was the father of four children: Joseph. Samuel, Solomon and Martha. To Mr. and Mrs. William Kelso were born seven children: John and James C., who died in childhood; J. C., of this sketch; Solomon, who also served his coun- try during the Civil war: Isabel, wife of C. Chat- field; Elizabeth A., who died when young; and Martha J., wife of W. J. Gilbert. The mother, who was a most estimable lady and a member of the Seceder Church, died in January, 1860.
Upon the home farm Capt. J. C. Kelso was reared to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools of the neighborhood. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Simpson, who also belongs to one of the prominent pioneer families, her parents being William and Lilly Ann (Scott) Simpson, who left Ireland-their native land-after their marriage, and in 1826 took up their residence in Clarion county, Penn. Coming to Jefferson county in 1840, the father improved another farm, on which his death oc- curred in 1874. while his wife passed away in 1869. They held membership in the Pisgah
Presbyterian Church, and had a family of ten children, namely: Mrs. Jane Hull; John (deceased); Mrs. Elizabeth Lucas; Mrs. Mary Smith; David died in infancy; Mrs. Martha White; Sarah, wife of our subject; Mrs. Margaret Fitzsimmons; Mrs. Lilly Ann McGiffin; and Mrs. Lavina Moore. To Capt. Kelso and wife have been born four children: Martha A., now the wife of J. G. An- derson; John S., a practicing physician; Roverda J., who died at the age of nine years; and Harry, who died at the age of six.
Fired by a spirit of patriotism at the breaking out of the Civil war, our subject in August, 1861, enlisted as a private at Brookville, and was made fifth sergeant in Company B, 105th P. V. I., which was attached to the Army of the Potomnac, and was under the command first of Gen. Heintz- elman, later under Gen. Sickles, and still later under Gen. . Hancock. For meritorious conduct and bravery on the field of battle he was regu- larly promoted until four months before the ex- piration of his three years, when he was commis- sioned captain of his company. He saw much hard service, was several times wounded, as fol- lows: at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, causing an absence from his regiment of some six weeks, returning to duty at Harrison's Landing. On August 27, 1862, he was taken prisoner at Manas- sas Junction, but three days later he was paroled by Gen. Stonewall Jackson and sent to the pa- role camp at Annapolis. Most of the prisoners took "French leave," and visited home. On being exchanged Capt. Kelso, about December 15, 1862, returned to his command, then sta- tioned at Falmouth, Va. At Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, he was wounded, the ball shatter- ing the bone of his left leg, which caused his confinement in the hospital for months; returning to duty with his regiment at Brandy Station, Va., in December. 1863, after which he re-enlisted for three years or during the war, remaining with the same company and regiment. On May 24, 1864, at North Anna river (the Wilderness) he was shot through the right shoulder, the ball passing through his suspenders in both the front and back, and this also disabled him for six months. On his recovering he rejoined his com- mand in the trenches at Petersburg. Va., in No- vember. 1864 and remained at the front until hostilities ceased, when he was honorably dis- charged at Pittsburg, July 11, 1865, and returned home with a war record of which he may be justly proud. He now receives a pension for injuries sustained.
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