Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 46

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 46
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 46
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 46
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 46

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).

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Isaac, a farmer at Warner, Ill. To John and Anna (Bowers) Rhoads the following children were born: Sarah, the widow of Christian Weis, of Jefferson county; George, a farmer in Clarion county; David, a farmer upon a portion of the homestead; Margaret, wife of Abraham Zufall, a farmer in Henderson township, Jefferson county; Mary, wife of Frederick Kuntz, a harnessmaker at Big Run, Penn .; Harriet, who resides at the homestead; Hannah, deceased; Andrew P., a farmer in Henderson township; Harvey D., who owns a part of the homestead; John James, our subject; and Miss Clara E., who lives at the homestead. The father of this family died Jan- uary 4, 1886, the mother on September 10, 1890, and both were laid to rest in Union Cemetery, Jefferson county.

John James Rhoads was born December 30, 1862, at the homestead, and has always made his home there, having become the owner of the portion which he now occupies by an agreement with the other heirs after the death of the par- ents. He has sixty-eight acres of excellent land, well stocked, and kept in a high state of cultiva- tion by his industry and judicious management. Although his education was sacrificed to the re- quirements of farm work in his youth, his natural intelligence has enabled him to gain a goodly store of practical information. He is much re- spected among his associates, and is an active worker in the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

On March 8, 1888, he was married, in Clear- field county, to Miss .Elizabeth Deahl, and three children, Orpha S., Cora E. and Laura Ellen, brighten their home. Mrs. Rhoads is a native of Clarion county, where her father, the late Jonas Deahl, was for some years a successful farmer. He died in January, 1894, aged sixty-seven, and was buried in Clearfield county. His wife, Christina Sherman, died in 1873, and her re- mains rest in Beech Woods cemetery, Jefferson county. They had six children, viz .: John, a farmer at Prairiesville, Penn. : Charles (deceased); Jane, wife of George W. Pifer, a farmer in Hen- derson township, Jefferson county; Catherine, who married John Cramer, of McCalmont town- ship; Elizabeth (Mrs. Rhoads), and Miss Matilda.

P HILIP T. DICKEY, who is successfully en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in Clover township, Jefferson county, has there spent his entire life, his birthi occurring February 17, 1863, and he belongs to one of the old and prominent families of the county.

His paternal grandparents were Mathew and

Elizabeth (Templeton) Dickey, the former a na- tive of Ireland, and the latter of Armstrong county, Penn .. where their marriage was cele- brated. In 1835 they came to Jefferson county. where Mr. Dickey purchased a tract of wild land, which he transformed into a good farm, making it his home until called to his final rest in Sep- tember, 1881, when in his eighty-second year. Being a man of good education, he successfully engaged in teaching for many years, was also in- terested for a time in merchandising in Brook- ville, and after arriving in the United States (at Baltimore, Md.), spent a few years in steamboat building. He ever took a prominent and active part in public affairs, was recognized as a mnost useful member of society, and faithfully served his fel- low citizens in the office of justice of the peace. He and his wife were earnest members of the United Presbyterian Church, and the parents of four children now living: James, "Mary J., Will- - iam and David B.

On the farm in Clover township, where he still lives, David B. Dickey, the father of our subject, was born and reared, and to its cultiva- tion has devoted most of his time and attention since reaching manhood. Having secured an excellent education, he also taught school for a number of years, and for some time was a pro- fessor of music. On the President's first call for three-months' volunteers, he enlisted as drum major, and served until the expiration of his term, when he was honorably discharged and re- turned home. For a short time he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Dawlingville, and to some extent has been interested in lumbering. but of late years has devoted his energies entirely to the operation of his fine farm. Like his illus- trious father, he has become widely and favor- ably known throughout the county, and his well- spent life justly entitles him to the high regard in which he is held. He is now about fifty-eight years of age. Soon after his return from the war, David B. Dickey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Kennedy, a daughter of William Kennedy, a native of Ireland, who when about eight years old came with his parents to Amer- ica and grew to manhood upon a farm in Jeffer- son county, Penn. On starting out in life for himself he engaged in agricultural pursuits, later followed merchandising in Brookville for thirty years, and then returned to his farm, where he died in November, 1896, at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church, and a most exemplary citizen. His children were Jane, Priscilla. Mar- garet and Alexander.

To the parents of our subject were born

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

seven children, of whom he is the oldest. The

others are: Mrs. Patience Fitzsimmons; Mrs. - Tirzah Lucas; James, a resident of Punxsutaw ney; Sally, who is now a missionary in India; Kennedy, who is living in Oil City, Penn .; and Hillis, at home. The mother was called to her final rest in January, 1882, and the father later married Miss Mary, daughter of William Smith, a steamboat builder, now living in Marietta, Ohio. Five children bless this union: Gracie, Joseph, Walter, Edna, and Margaret, who died at the age of two years.

After attending the country schools for some time, Philip T. Dickey completed his literary training by a course in the Bellview Academy. He continued to remain with his father until his marriage, in 1890, when he located upon his present farm, which he had purchased three years previous. In connection with its cultiva- tion, since 1892, he has sold farm machinery, in which he has met with excellent success. As an upright, reliable business man, he has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact, and as a citizen merits and re- ceives the respect of the entire community. On April 23, 1890, he was married to Miss Edith Cowan, who was born in Jefferson coun- ty, in August, 1870, and they have a daugh- ter, Margaret, born October 22, 1891. They are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Dickey is a stanch Republic- an, but has never aspired to office.

Mrs. Dickey is descended from honored Scotch ancestry, her parents, James and Marga- ret Cowan, both being natives of Scotland, where her grandparents spent their entire lives. Her maternal grandfather, Peter Boag, was a well-known professor of that country, while the paternal grandfather, James Cowan, was a mining boss and treasurer of the Miners Association for a great many years. Three sons of the latter, William, Hugh and James, came to America together, but after a few years Hugh returned to his native land. William is still a resident of Clarion county, Penn., and James, the father of Mrs. Dickey, died in 1879, Two daughters also crossed the Atlantic, Christina, deceased wife of Alexander Davie, also deceased; and Mary, widow of Robert Penman. She is a member of the Mormon Church, to which her husband and most of her children also belonged, but she is opposed to polygamy, The members of the Cowan fam- ily, both in Scotland and this country, have gen- erally been connected with the Presbyterian Church.

In his native land James Cowan was married, and three of his children were born there. With

his family he sailed for the United States in 1852. and on landing at New York went direct to Schuylkill county, Penn., where he spent five years. For a number of years he was then a farmer of Eldred township, Jefferson county, but spent his last years upon a farm in Union town- ship, the same county. He was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits during the summer, while the winters were spent in coal mining. His widow still resides on the old homestead in Union town- ship, and is the mother of twelve children: Net- tie, now the wife of D. T. Leach; W. B., a prominent farmer; Peter B., who lives upon the home farm; Margaret, wife of H. D. Haugh; Agnes, wife of \V. Glenn; James J., also at the old homestead; Alexander and John R. (twins); Mary, wife of G. Strong; Annie, wife of Isaiah Simpson; Edith, wife of our subject; and Eliza- beth, who died in childhood. The parents both held membership in the Presbyterian Church.

J OSEPH GRANT CATHERS, one of the in- dustrious and thorough agriculturists of Wins- low township, Jefferson county, owns and operates a fine farm of 153 acres, known as the John Cayton farm.

He was born near Prescottville, in the same township, October 2, 1863, a son of William T. and Mary (Doughit) Cathers, natives of Clarion and Jefferson counties, Penn., respectively. The mother died on the farm where our subject now resides, July 20, 1888, aged fifty-two years, but the father, whose birth occurred in October, 1823, is still living, now making his home in Rathmel. For many years he successfully en- gaged in farming and lumbering, but has now laid aside business cares, resting in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of his former toil. In their family were the following children: Nancy, who married Thomas Reynolds, but both are now de- ceased; Nathan and Elizabeth, who have also passed away; William A., who is living retired in Rathmel: Joseph G., of this sketch; Anna, wife of John Wylam, a miner, of Port Royal, Penn .: Edith, wife of George Hughes, a miner at Rath- mel; Samuel (deceased); Maggie, a resident of Port Royal; and Gertrude, of Rathmel. In 1880 the entire family y ere stricken with typhoid fever, and Nancy, Elizabeth, Robert, Nathan and Sam- uel all died of that dread disease.

Our subject accompanied his parents on their removal to his present farm in 1880, and con- tinued to reside with them until the spring of 1894, when his father removed to Rathinel, leav- ing the place to his sons, Joseph G. and William. The former purchased his brother's interest in

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1892, and is now sole owner. By industry, per- severance and diligence, he has placed the land under a high state of cultivation, and made many excellent improveinents. At Du Bois, Clearfield Co., Penn., October 16, 1890, he was married by Squire G. W. Woodring, to Miss Laura Wau- gaman, and they have become the parents of three children: Mary, who was born Septein- ber 17, 1891; and died in infancy; Frank, born July 31, 1892; and Cora, born August 20, 1894.

Mrs. Cathers was born in Armstrong county, Penn., May 5, 1872, a daughter of Michael and Rebecca (Shaffer) Waugaman, also natives of that county, where the mother died February 25, 1892, aged forty-two years. She was a daughter of Charles and Mary (Schrecengost) Shaffer, who spent their entire lives in Armstrong county and there were buried. Mr. Waugaman,, a mechanic, still residing in Armstrong county, was born September 4, 1843, and is a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Truby) Waugaman, who were also laid to rest in Armstrong county, where they had passed their entire lives. His grand- parents, however, were natives of Westmore- land. The father of Mrs. Cathers was a Union soldier during the Rebellion, and was wounded in the struggle. He is a consistent member of the Reformed Church, and a Republican in politics. In his family were nine children-Andrew, who died at the age of four years; Martha, now the wife of Harry McGregor, a lumberman and farmer residing at Paradise, Jefferson county; Laura, wife of our subject; Frank E. and Wm. I., who are living with Mr. Cathers; Walter A., Diadorous and Mary, who are with their father; and Albert, deceased.

Politically, our subject affiliates with the Re- publican party, seeing in its principles the true administration of a free government, "of the people, by the people and for the people." He is one of the prominent and representative citi- zens of his community, and well deserves the high regard in which he is universally held.

TRA J. CAMPBELL, who has for several years -1 been prominently identified with the indus- trial interests of Jefferson county, is now the owner and proprietor of the Punxsutawney Steani Laundry, and is one of the leading business men of the city. He was born in 1860, in Indiana county, Penn., a son of Thadeus and Mary Jane (Hughes) Campbell, natives of Huntingdon and Jefferson counties, Penn .. respectively. The father was born April 28, 1828, in Huntingdon county. and, in 1832, moved to Punxsutawney. He clerked in his father's store for about eighteen years,

then he began to make his own way in the world, following the lumber business throughout most of his active life. He took quite a prominent part in political affairs, but was never an office seeker. His death occurred in 1891, and his wife passed away in March, 1892.

Ira J. Campbell obtained a good practical education in the public schools of Punxsutawney, and began life's struggles at the age of sixteen, first learning the painter's trade, which he followed for only a short time, however. He then turned his attention to the lumber and bark business, in which he engaged for about seven years, and in 1892, in partnership with S. K. Livingood, he established a steam laundry at Punxsutawney, which he has since successfully conducted. His plant is a good brick structure, equipped with the best and most modern machinery, and the work turned out is first-class in every particular.

In 1882, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Judge J. B. Wilson, of Punxsutawney, but in 1892 she was called to her final rest, leaving three children: Carrie, Mark and John W. Our subject was again married in 1895, his second union being with Miss Margaret Straitiff, of Coolspring, Jefferson county.

Mr. Campbell has gained recognition and prestige as one of the influential and representa- tive business men of Punxsutawney, and, as a stalwart Republican, he is active in political af- fairs, and is now serving as president of the city council. He takes quite an active interest in civic societies, and is an honored member of the Royal Arcanum, the Knights of Pythias and Knights of The Maccabees, of Punxsutawney.

C HARLES G. McLAIN, one of the leading and representative farmers of Ringgold town- ship, Jefferson county, was born in Brookville, May 15, 1865, a son of Charles and Mary (Har- ris) McLain. The father was one of the faithful defenders of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war, and was killed in battle one month and thirteen days before the birth of our subject, who, when four years of age, was taken to the home of his maternal grandfather, Thomas Har- ris, of Pine Creek township, Jefferson county. At the age of eight he entered the Dayton Sol- diers' Orphan School, where he remained for six years, was then a student for two years in the Pennsylvania Military Academy in Chester. Penn., and for the following two years attended the Polytechnic College of Pennsylvania in Phil- adelphia.

On leaving the school-room Mr. McLain fol- lowed civil and mining engineering until about

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the time of his marriage, when failing health caused his retirement, and he has since resided- upon his present fine farm of 160 acres in Ring- gold township. The place is one of the best im- proved in the locality, and under his capable management yields a bountiful return for the care and labor bestowed upon it. His political support is given the men and measures of the Re- publican party, while religiously he is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Brook- ville, and his wife belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney.

On May 4, 1893, at Punxsutawney, Penn., Mr. McLain was married to Miss Laura Zeitler, who was born in that city May 25, 1868. Her father, George W. Zeitler, was a native of Ba- varia, Germany, and with his parents came to the United States at the age of ten years. After spending two years in Pittsburg, Penn., he came to Punxsutawney, where he met Miss Ellen R. Stillwagon, a native of Butler county, Penn. They were married in Punxsutawney, in 1858, at the home of Capt. John Hastings, and nine chil- dren blessed their union: Margaret E., now the wife of William J. Brown, deputy revenue col- lector at Punxsutawney; Thomas J., who is still with his mother; Charles R., a barber of Punxsu- tawney; James R. (deceased): George D., at home; Laura E., wife of our subject; Sallie M., wife of E. S. Swartz, a merchant tailor of Punx- sutawney; and Harry T. and Bertha E., at home.

Mr. Zeitler was born February 22, 1836, and from the age of sixteen years successfully en- gaged in merchandising in Punxsutawney, be- coming widely and favorably known throughout Jefferson county. He died in that city October 1, 1888, and was laid to rest in the German Re- formed cemetery. He was an earnest member of the German Reformed Church, and was a pro- nounced Democrat in politics. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Zeitler has capably managed the store with the assistance of her children, and her straightforward, womanly course has gained for her the love and respect of the entire com- munity. She was born in Centre county, Penn., in 1837, and is a daughter of Jolin and Eliza (Kelly) Stillwagon.

J TAMES H. ELDER. In Oliver township, Jefferson county, is located the old Elder homestead, where occurred the birth of our subject, January 22, 1865, and where he is now living, his attention being given to agricultural pursuits. He is a representative of one of Penn- sylvania's oldest families. His paternal grand- father was Abraham Elder, a well-known farmer 84

of Centre county. He had three children: David A., of Fremont, Nebraska; Mary A., widow of John A. Stewart, of Union Star, Md .; and Joseph M., the father of our subject.

Joseph M. Elder was born in Centre county, January 11, 1833, and was three tinies married. He first wedded Mary S. Payne, who was born July 26, 1836, and died March 11, 1858, her re- mains being interred in Olive cemetery. Their only child died in infancy. For his second wife Mr. Elder chose Miss Sarah E. Payne, a sister of his first wife, the wedding being celebrated in Venango county, Penn. She was born October 14, 1828, and was a daughter of William G. and Harriet (Reynolds) Payne, of Centre county, Penn., who came to Jefferson county at an early day, and located on the farm which is now the home of our subject. There they passed the residue of their lives, and they were buried in Olive cemetery of Jefferson county. The father was a distiller. He was born March 28, 1793, and died January 22, 1860. His wife, whose birth occurred October 10, 1795, was called to her final rest May 7, 1869. Their children were asfollows: Josiah A., James, George, David F., Sarah E., John R., William S., Mary S., and Margaret H., wife of W. H. Haden, all now de- ceased with the exception of the last named. Mrs. Sarah E. Elder died in 1874, at the age of forty-six years, and was buried in Olive ceme- tery. Her children are: Harry R., who was born March 28, 1862, and died in infancy, and James H., of this review.

For his third wife Joseph M. Elder chose Mrs. Sarah . A. Gorley, widow of Marcus Gorley, and to this union was born one child, April 7, 1877, David S., who is of rather a roving dispo- sition, being now located with Clark, Kizer & Kipp, leading lumbermen of Jefferson county. The mother of these was born in Centre county, March 25, 1835, a daughter of James and Mar- garet (Bowes) Kinzel, natives of Germany and Ireland respectively. Her parents came to Amer- ica early in life, and were married in Centre county. Her father followed farming as a life work, and died in 1874, at the age of seventy- two years. Margaret Kinzel, his wife, died in 1846, at the age of forty, and both were buried at

Whitesville, Penn. Their children were: Thomas and Betsy, . both deceased; Elijah, a contractor and builder of Kane, Penn .; Mary. who became the wife of David Haney, and died in the West; Margery, widow of Joseph P. North, of Panic, Jefferson county; Sarah A., who be- came the wife of Mr. Elder: Levi, a farmer of Kansas; and G. W., a real-estate broker of Punxsutawney.

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1 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Joseph M. Elder followed tanning and farm- ing throughout the greater part of his life, and was an industrious, energetic man. Shortly be- fore his death he became a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church of Olive. He also held membership in the Masonic Lodge, was con- nected with the Patrons of Husbandry, and was also a member of Elder Grange, which was or- ganized at his home and named in his honor; he was also a member of I. O. O. F., of Punx- sutawney, Penn. He held several local offices, discharging his duties with marked fidelity. His business interests were conducted along the most honorable lines of trade, and his methods were above question. He operated a tannery on a farm from 1864 until 1890, and at the same time carried on a chopping mill and harness shop. For some time he was a member of the firm of McClelland, Elder & Co., in the manipulation of these enterprises, but in 1873 he purchased his partner's interests. He was a man of strong intellectual endowments, well versed on literary subjects and an extensive reader. A prominent and valued citizen of the community, his death, which occurred October 31, 1896, was deeply lamented by many friends.

On the old family homestead James H. El- der, of this review, remained until 1889, when he went to Pittsburg, Penn., and pursued a course in Duff's Mercantile College at that place. After his graduation he returned home, and three months later began working in the woods at lumbering. In the spring of 1890 he removed to Du Bois, where he was employed in a tan- nery for eighteen months, and then located in Young township, Jefferson county, at the home of his father-in-law, owing to his wife's ill health. He remained there about two years, working as a carpenter and millwright in the employ of Clark, Kipp & Co., lumbermen. He was thus engaged until July, 1896, when he returned home on account of his father's severe illness. After his father's death he continued to operate the home farm, and has since purchased the interest of the other heirs in the place.

On October 20, 1887, our subject was mar- ried to Miss Minta M. Sadler, who was born January 13, 1868, a daughter of Thomas M. and Mary J. Sadler, of Jefferson county. She died March 10, 1892, and was buried in Olive cemc- tery. Her children were: Mary E., born No- vember 4. 1888; Florence [ .. , born August 6, 1890; and Minta M., born February 1, 1892. Mr. Elder was again married, October 31, 1894, this time to Miss Nora A. Means, who was born in Whitesville, Jefferson county, February 23, 1871, and is a daughter of William and Rebecca

(Sprankle) Means, also natives of Whitesville. ~Her mother died there June 25, 1878, at the age of thirty-seven years, and was buried in the Whitesville cemetery. Her father, who was born in 1837, is now engaged in farming at Fordham. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Repub- lican. His children are Nora A., wife of our subject; Zulu E., wife of Frank Roach, mine foreman in Cartwright, Penn., and Retta E., at home. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Means married Genevra C. Sprankle, and they have two children: Gertrude and Zay, both at home. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. El- der were James and Eliza Means. Her mater- nal grandfather, Jacob Sprankle, was a native of Germany, and became one of the early settlers of Jefferson county.

Mr. Elder, of this sketch, is a member of the Masonic fraternity in Punxsutawney, of the Jun- ior Mechanics, of McCalmont Council No. 377, Panic, Penn., and of the Granger Lodge of Patrons of Husbandry in Oliveburg. His politic- al support is given the Republican party. He is considered one of the most progressive and thrifty farmers of Jefferson county, his place being neat and well improved. In addition to his own farm of eighty-seven acres, he operates a rented farm of ninety-seven acres. He is a well informed man on general topics and on the best literature, and his character, worth and lead- ership in business circles make him one of the most prominent citizens of Jefferson county.

W ILLIAM DOAK. Among those of foreign birth now residents of this country, it is astonishing to witness the progress they have made along various lines of business, the readi- ness with which they adapt themselves to the different methods and customs of America, recog- nizing the advantages offered and utilizing the opportunities which the New World affords. From Ireland Mr. Doak came to this country, and he is to-day one of the leading and well-to- do farmers of Porter township, Jefferson county.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 46

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