Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 47

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 47
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 47
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 47
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 47

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David and Mary Doak, his parents, of Tyrone, Ireland, never left their native land, and there our subject was reared and educated. For five years he served in the English army, took part in the war with Russia, and participated in the siege of Sebastopol. When a young man, in 1862, he immigrated to America, and the same year en- listed in the 77th Regiment, serving under Capt. Shaw, Col. Rose and Gen. Thomas, in the Army of the Cumberland. His first engagement was in Tennessee, and he later participated in all the

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battles in which his regiment was engaged. While on a gunboat on the Mississippi river, he was- seriously wounded by a shot from a guerrilla, but remained in the service until the war was over, faithfully aiding his adopted country in her efforts to preserve the Union. At the close of the war, on again taking up civil pursuits, Mr. Doak worked in an oil refinery in Pittsburg, where he made his home until 1871, when he came to his present farm of 160 acres in Porter township, Jefferson county, which he had purchased in 1868. He has cleared the wild land and con- verted it into one of the most highly cultivated farms of the township, has built a substantial two-story residence and good barn, and made many other valuable improvements.

In 1866 our subject was married to Miss Rachel Craig, who was born and reared-in Pitts- burg, where they continued to make their home until coming to their present farm in 1871. Two sons blessed their union: (1) David, born in Pittsburg, was reared on the home farm, and was educated in the common schools of the locality. He wedded Miss Mary Adams, daughter of Thomas and Jane Adams, well-to-do people of Porter township. They reside on the homestead with his parents, and have four children-Sadie, Margaret, Lizzie and William. (2) Robert, the younger son, died in 1895, at the age of twenty- seven years. He was a very bright young man, and was liked by all who knew him. Our sub- ject and his wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and give a hearty support to all objects calculated to benefit the community or to advance the general welfare. In his political affiliations, Mr. Doak is a Republican. He has proved a valued and useful citizen to his adopted country, and justly deserves the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

C HARLES E. RADAKER. Among the young inen of Jefferson county who have selected agriculture as their vocation in life, and judging from their present indications are bound to suc- ceed in their chosen calling, is the subject of this biographical notice, who is a resident of Winslow township, he and his brother, Thomas J., own- ing the home farm, which was willed them by their father. He also owns and operates a port- able sawmill, purchased from Lowe and Stikler, and is meeting with a well-deserved success in that business.

Charles E. Radaker was born May 23, 1869, in Brady township, Clearfield Co .. Penn., and his parents, William M. and Rosalie J. (Smiley) Radaker, were also natives of that county, where

the father was for many years extensively inter- ested in the lumber business as a member of the firm of Radaker Brothers & Schwem. of Stanley. He also engaged in agricultural pur- suits, and on February 2, 1882, removed to the present farm of our subject, where he died De- cember 24, 1893, at the age of forty-eight years, six months and twelve days, his remains being interred in the cemetery of Luthersburg, Penn. He was one of the most substantial and promi- nent citizens of the community, and had the re- spect and esteem of all who knew him. His widow, who was born November 12, 1845, is now residing in New Salem, Clearfield county. Their children were: Ida J., now the wife of Harry Kaufman, a miner. of Sykesville, Penn .; Charles E., of this review; Thomas J., a farmer of Winslow township, Jefferson county; Blanche, who is now residing in Westmoreland county, Penn .; Lewis, a lumberman, of Winslow town- ship; and Minnie, Della L., Harry P. and Will- iam L., who are with their mother.

Charles and Bell (Phillips) Radaker, the pa- ternal grandparents, were natives of Germany. The former, who was an agriculturist, died in Clearfield county, Penn., at the age of eighty- seven years, and was buried at Luthersburg. The maternal grandparents. Col. Robert Smiley and wife, who was a Mason, spent their last days at New Salem, Penn., and were laid to rest at Lu- thersburg, Pennsylvania.

During his boyhood and youth Charles E. Radaker attended school during the winter months, and assisted his father in the labors of the fields during the summer season until seventeen years of age, when he began teaming, working at that occupation in the fall and in a sawmill dur- ing the summer. In the spring of 1891 he went to Penfield, Penn., where for six weeks he had charge of the grocery and restaurant of his cousin, J. C. Harmond, while that gentleman was teaching. Young Radaker then attended school at Mahaffey, Penn., for eleven weeks and on his return home worked in the woods until the fall of 1893, when he went to Indiana county, Penn., where he was similarly employed from the following January until March. During that summer he operated the home farm, and in the winter engaged in teaming. In the spring of 1895 he purchased a hotel in Punxsutawney, which he conducted for nine months, and then sold out and returned to the old homestead. where he has since resided, giving his time and attention to farming and milling with most satis- factory results. On November 5. 1897, the home farm was sold to James Radaker, a brother of William M. Radaker, for $4.600.

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On May 22, 1896, our subject was married to Miss Mary Blair, who was born in Arnot, Tioga. Co., Penn., September 4, 1875, a daughter of James and Rachel (St. Clair) Blair, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1874 and lo- cated in Tioga county. The paternal grandpar- ents, James and Mary (Crawford) Blair, and the maternal grandparents, James and Mary (Patter- son) St. Clair, also came from their native Scott land to this country, but subsequently returned. The father of Mrs. Radaker, who is a miner by occupation, now resides in Anita, Jefferson coun- ty, where the mother died January 16, 1897, at the age of forty-five years, one month and four days, and was buried at Anita. In their family were eleven children: Mary, wife of our subject; James and John, who are now with their father; Louisa (deceased); and Gilbert, Matson, George, William, Jesse, Walter and Blanche, all are with their father. To Charles E. Radaker and wife has been born a son, James William, April 12, 1897.

Our subject is strong in his faith in the princi- ples of the Democratic party, and never falters in his allegiance to that organization. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at New Salem. Although young in years he is one of the representative men of the township, and occupies a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens. His genial manners and sturdy integrity have won him a host of friends, and he is highly regarded by all with whom he comes in contact.

F RANCIS DELARM. The student of biog- raphy finds a subject of interest to him in the life of one who starts out on a business ca- reer with no advantageous surroundings, but by consecutive endeavor, honorable purpose and well-directed effort works his way steadily up- ward until he reaches the plains of prosperity. Such is the history of Mr. Delarm, one of the representative and highly respected citizens of Winslow township, Jefferson county, where he is now living retired.

He was born in Franklin county. N. Y .. October 5, 1819, a son of Francis and Rosanna Delarm, natives of France. The father, who was a laborer by occupation, came to the New World with his parents, and died in Franklin county, .N. Y., in 1827, at the age of forty-five years. He was twice married, having by his first wife one daughter-Mary, who married, and died in old age. For his second wife he chose the inother of our subject, and to this union the fol- lowing children were born: Julia, now the widow

of William McKiney, of Franklin county, Penn. ; Francis, of this sketch; John, of Franklin county, N. Y .; Rosina (deceased), and Joseph, who died in 1892. Both parents held membership in the Presbyterian Church, and were people of the highest respectability. The mother departed this life in 1887 at the age of eighty-three years.

After the death of his father, Francis Delarm was bound out to Tilton Reynolds, with whom he came to Jefferson county in 1832, and re- mained until he had attained his majority. His educational advantages were limited to nine months' attendance at the public schools, but his training at farm work was not so meager, and he early becaine familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of twenty- one he purchased his present farm of 107 acres, for which he paid $3 per acre. In order to pay for the same, however, he went to Greene coun- ty, N. Y., where for two years he worked round the house for a wealthy New York man. Return- ing to his land, then a dense forest of pine, hein- lock and various other timber. he at once began to prepare it for cultivation and improvement, and he has made it one of the most desirable places in Winslow township. Underlying the land is a rich coal vein from six to eight feet in thickness, which he recently sold for $15,000. Upon his place he has two horses which he has raised, one of which is now twenty-six years old and the Other twenty-nine, and he is also using a wagon made for him by Tomie Dolan in 1850.

On April 26, 1843, at the home of the bride, in Winslow township, Mr. Delarm was married to Miss Clarissa Smith, who was born in New York State July 6, 1824, a daughter of Valentine and Rebecca (Sprague) Smith, natives of Ver- Inont. In 1833 her parents emigrated to Jeffer- son county, Penn., and the father died at Rath- mel in 1861, at the age of sixty-six, but the mother's death occurred at the home of our sub- ject in 1886, when in her eighty-fifth year. They had five children: Clarissa, wife of our sub- ject : John, a resident of Allegheny county, Penn. ; Julia, who married Thomas Reynolds, but both are now deceased; Valentine, who removed to Ohio, where his death occurred; and Emaline is the wife of Orlando Gray, of California. John Sprague, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. De- larm, was also a native of the Green Mountain State, and in 1838 came to Jefferson county, where he spent his remaining days.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Deların are as follows: (1) John died in infancy. (2) Mathew J. Myers, a farmer of Clearfield county. Pen., married Mary McGiffen, who died January 11, 1894. Three children graced this union --

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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Maggie C., Minnie M. and Francis A. The father of these married again, this time on June 15, 1896, to Jenie Gay. (3) Henry Adnoriam (de- ceased) was an agriculturist of Winslow town- ship; he married Sadie Sharpe, and they had seven children-Artemus, Evaline, Edwin, Har- vey. John, Elizabeth and Maryland. (4) Levi (deceased). (5) Emeline R. is the wife of Henry Weaver, of Du Bois, Penn., by whom she has three children-Cora C., Alonzo D. and Percy. . (6) Sallie, who was the widow of Levi Ressinger, of DuBois, and had two children-Rosa and Car- rie-was married August, 1896, to Silas Parker. (7) Rev. Alonzo is now living in Norristown, Penn. (8) One died in infancy not named. (9) Anna is the wife of Jacob Keel, a farmer of Clear- field county, and has four children-Ethel, Elcie, Millie and Glennie.

Politically, Mr. Delarm is identified with the. Republican party, and religiously both he and his wife are active and prominent members of the Baptist Church, in which he served as treas- urer for many years. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, and has many stanch and admiring friends among all classes of men. As an energetic . and honorable agriculturist he stands high in the estimation of the entire community, and his wife also enjoys the high regard of all who know her. Our subject has had the misfortune of losing his left leg, which is off below the knee.

G ORDON. No name is better known in Jef- ferson county, and few in Pennsylvania, than this one, which is honored by the career of an unfriended boy, who by sheer force of intellect ! and perseverance won his way from comparative obscurity to the highest judicial seat within the : gift of a great Commonwealth. Judge Isaac Grantham Gordon has made a deep impression upon the judicial history of Pennsylvania, and his son, Cadmus Z. Gordon, yet young in years, has devoted himself to the same learned pro- fession.

The family of whom we write are of Scotch- Irish extraction. Zaccheus Gordon, the father of Judge Gordon, is the first member of the family of whom we have authentic history. He was a native of Northumberland county, Penn., and by trade was a coppersmith. He married Miss Harriet Lewis, and passed his later years in Jefferson county.

Isaac Grantham Gordon, son of Zaccheus, was born in Lewisburg, Union county, December 22, 1819. When a boy he learned the trade of molder, with the expectation of becoming an iron founder. An accident completely turned the

current of his life, for one of his feet was seri- ously injured by molten iron, and in consequence the young man relinquished his trade. He pos- sessed, in his nature, that thirst for knowledge which recognizes no obstacles, and applied him- self diligently to his books. His common-school education was supplemented with a term at Lewisburg Academy, and by his indomitable ap- plication he acquired a liberal classic and scien- tific education. Choosing law as his profession, he in 1849 entered the office of James M. Linn, at Lewisburg, and in April, 1843, was admitted to practice in the courts of Union county. Three months later he opened his first office in Cur- wensville, Clearfield county, soon afterward as- sociating in practice with George R. Barrett, at that place. In 1846 he removed to Brookville, Jefferson county, where he formed a partnership with Elijah Heath, which was continued until Judge Heath's removal to Pittsburg, in 1850. In 1860 and 1861 Mr. Gordon represented in the State Legislature the district composed of Jeffer- son, Clearfield, Elk and Mckean counties, and during the latter year he served as chairman of the general judiciary committee. In 1866 he was appointed, by Governor Hartranft, presiding judge of the new judicial district, formed from the counties of Mercer and Venango, and taken from the Eighteenth District, to serve until an election should occur. In 1873 he was elected to the Supreme Bench of the State, and in 1887 became chief justice of Pennsylvania. He died at Brookville, September 4, 1893.

Chief Justice Gordon was married, in 1847, to Miss Mary C. Jenks, who was born in Punxsu- tawney, Jefferson county, daughter of Dr. John W. Jenks, and a sister of Judge Jenks (of Brook- ville) and also of ex-Solicitor-General George A. Jenks. To Judge and Mrs. Gordon were born the following children, now living: Helen, wife of William Foster, of Lewisburg, Penn. ; Harriet, wife of Rev. William S. Fulton, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Lexington, Ky .; Anna M., wife of Rev. John M. Richmond, a Presby- terian minister of Princeton, Ky .; and Cad- mus Z.

CADMUS Z. GORDON was born in Brookville, January 8, 1856. He received his elementary education in the public schools at Brookville, later attending an academy in Corsica, Jefferson county, then entering Yale College, he graduated from the scientific course in 1878. Deciding to adopt law for his life work, Mr. Gordon began " Blackstone" in the office of Jenks & Clark, and completed his studies with the firm of Gor- don & Corbett. In September, 18So, he was ad- mitted to the Bar, at once entered actively upon

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the duties of his profession, and has since been continuously in practice. Recently he formed a partnership with Harry R. Wilson, in an office in Clarion. In politics Mr. Gordon is an earnest Republican, and is strongly identified with the or- ganization of the party in Jefferson county.

In 1887 Cadmus Z. Gordon was united in marriage with Miss Kate D. Acheson, daughter of Judge Marcus W. Acheson, of the United States Circuit Court, with jurisdiction in the Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey Circuit. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have three children: Mar- cus Acheson, Mary Jenks and Robert Bruce.

S AMUEL T. REYNOLDS, a prominent citi- izen of Reynoldsville, Jefferson county, has spent his entire life in that county, and is a worthy representative of one of its pioneer fam- ilies. The difference between the past and the present can scarcely be realized, even by those who were active participants in the development of the county. The present generation can have no conception of what was required by the early settlers in transforming the wilderness into the well-settled and highly-cultivated country which we to-day find. In bringing about these marvelous changes our subject has borne no un- important part. Mr. Reynolds was born in Win- slow township, Jefferson county, January 15, 1846, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Kyle) Reynolds, the former a native of Chester county, Penn., the latter of County Derry, Ireland. In the county of his birth, the father began his education, and later pursued his studies in Philadelphia. By an uncle he was sent to Paris, France, to receive instruction as to how to replace isinglass, and on his return from that country located in Franklin county, N. Y., where he engaged in teaching school for a time. On leaving there he came to Jefferson county, Penn., where he spent the remainder of his life. He became one of the leading and influential men of the county, where he also taught school, · engaged in surveying, and served as justice of the peace. He was a large land owner and real- estate dealer, having at the time of his death 1,600 acres of valuable land. On the 2nd of June, 1854, he was called to his final rest, and his death was widely and deeply mourned, for he was one of the prominent men of the com- Inunity, and had many warm friends. His faithful wife died on November 4, 1869.

The educational privileges of our subject were such as the district schools of the county afforded, and upon the home farm he early became famil- iar with agricultural pursuits, remaining under

the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-three, and assisting in the arduous task of clearing and developing the farm. Although he has traveled quite extensively over the United States, he has always resided in the vicinity of Reynoldsville, with whose interests he has been actively connected. He is the owner of one of the finest business blocks in the place, and was for some time engaged in the hardware trade. On October 30, 1897, Mr. Reynolds opened a store in Reynoldsville containing a full assortment of dry goods and notions. He is also engaged in

the real-estate business.

In September, 1873, Mr. Reynolds was mar- ried to Miss Rachel J. Dougherty, of Clarion county, and they have four children, namely: Vincent Gerald, Harry Frederick, Olive Vida and Craig Adam. Mrs. Reynolds, who is a most es- timable lady, holds membership in.the Presbyte- rian Church; socially, our subject belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Their cuit- ure, intelligence and geniality make them valued members of society, and have secured . for them many warm friends.

M ICHAEL G. MURPHY, the leading car- riage manufacturer of Brookville, Jefferson county, is one of those genial and able men who command the esteem and respect of all classes of people. His success in business has been won by his own efforts, and the story of his life will afford encouragement to all who are forced . to contend with adverse circumstances. His family is of Irish origin, and his father, the late Patrick Murphy, a native of Cork, came to America as a young man. He was engaged mainly at working in stone. His death occurred in Wisconsin, but his wife, Mary Frazier, who was born probably in Nova Scotia, died at Fay- etteville, N. J., when our subiect was very young.

Mr. Murphy, our subject, was born at Fay- etteville, December 25, 1838. The pathway to knowledge was beset with difficulties for him, the short terms of district schools of that day being his only opportunity for learning. At eighteen he began to serve an apprenticeship in the wagon and carriage building business at Gi- rard, Penn., and after completing his term he worked as a journeyman at Ashtabula and Con- neaut, Ohio, and Conneautville, Penn. When the call to take arms in defense of the Union was sounded Mr. Murphy enlisted in the Second Ohio Independent Artillery, and served three years. He took part in many important en- gagements including the battles at Port Gibson, and Champion Hill, and at Vicksburg he received

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a gun-shot wound in his right hand. Securing an honorable discharge, he returned to Pennsyl- vania and resumed his trade at Conneautville, remaining three years. He then spent three years at Meadville, Penn., as a journeyman, and in 1870 he went to Brookville, where after two years of work for others he established a busi- ness of his own and became a fixture in the town. Judicious plans energetically carried out have met their due reward, and he enjoys a large and profitable custom.

In 1878 Mr. Murphy was united in marriage with Miss Anna Young, of Brookville, a native of Indiana county, Penn., and their pleasant home is brightened by six daughters: Mary Nel- lie, Anna B., Harriet Ellen, Magdalene, Bernice and Marguerite. The family are all devout ad- herents of the Roman Catholic Church. In his political views Mr. Murphy is an unwavering sup- porter of the Democratic party. He has not, however, aspired to office at any time, his busi- ness requiring his undivided attention. Socially, he is a member of G. A. R. Post No. 242, of Brookville, and of the Union Veteran Legion, Camp No. 46.

TOSEPH B. JONES, a leading and influential citizen of Corsica, is one of the successful business men of Jefferson county, one who has made his own way in the world unaided by E DWIN DELIVAN SEELEY, a prominent and highly-respected citizen of Reynolds- ville, has for many years been connected with the history of Jefferson county, and few, if any, have done more for its upbuilding. He has been a champion of every movement designed to pro- mote the general welfare, a supporter of every enterprise for the public good, and has materially aided in the advancement of all social, industrial, educational and moral interests. capital or friends. Greater fortunes have been accumulated, but few lives furnish so striking an example of the wise application of sound princi- ples and safe conservatism as does his. The story of his success is short and simple, contain- ing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the most valuable secrets of the prosperity which it records, and his business and private life are fraught with interest and incentive, no matter ; how lacking in dramatic action-the record of : Indian Reservation in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., a noble life, consistent with itself and its possi- bilities in every particular.

Mr. Jones was born in Clarion county, Penn., in 1831, and is a son of Isaac and Jane (Wilson) Jones, also natives of the Keystone State. By trade the father was a blacksmith, but the prin- cipal part of his life was spent in farming. His death occurred February 25, 1892, and his wife was called to her final rest on the 14th of Sep- teinber, same year. Our subject was afforded the advantages of only a common-school educa- tion during his youth, and upon the home farm he remained until he had attained the age of twenty years. He then started out in life for himself as a lumberman, merchant and drover in Greenville, Clarion county, but in 1872 removed

to Corsica, and has since been prominently identified with the business and commercial in- terests of Jefferson county. In 1873, he suffered the loss of his store and its contents, as well as his dwelling, which were all destroyed by fire, but with his characteristic energy he at once set about to retrieve his losses. A man of good executive ability and sound judgment, he has been able to guide and control different lines of trade, being at the present time interested in the grist and saw mill business, lumbering, farming and general merchandise, and is meeting with excellent success in his undertakings.

Mr. Jones was married, in 1860, to Miss Emily F. Patton, of Clarion county, by whom he has six children, as follows: Lizzie P., wife of Will- iam B. Reed; Carrie J .; Harry F .; Madge A .; Kate R. V .; and Frank B. The parents are active and prominent members of the Presbyte- rian Church, in which Mr. Jones is serving as elder. In his political affiliations, he is a Demo- crat, and while not an aspirant for official honors, he has capably filled a number of public posi- tions. The family is one of prominence, stand- ing high in social circles, where true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 47

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