Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 49

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 49
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 49
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 49
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 49

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In 1847 Oren Butterfield, Sr., first came to Jefferson county, Penn., but soon afterward re- turned to his native State, and did not locate permanently here until the following year, when he purchased 150 acres of land, to which he added from time to time until he had 600 acres of valuable land. In addition to the improve- ment and cultivation of his farm he engaged in lumbering, and in 1854 replaced his first frame house with a large brick residence, in which for a number of years he conducted a hotel. It was known far and near as " Butterfield's Tavern,"

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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and became a favorite resort with the people of the locality, being used for dances, parties, etc. Mr." Butterfield also engaged in merchandising for many years, and became an extensive dealer and raiser of stock, making a specialty of oxen. An influential and prominent citizen of his com- munity, he was a leader in the local Democracy, and took an active part in public affairs. At one time he was a candidate for associate judge on the Independent ticket, but was defeated, al- though he received a large vote. He was twice married, his first union being with Nancy J. Reed, who died in Jefferson county, Penn., and to them were born five children: Mrs. Louisa Daniels; Mrs. Ann Rust; Mrs. Malinda Agnew; Charles, a farmer of Clarion county, Penn .; and Albert, deceased. Our subject is the youngest of the three children born of the second. mar- riage, the others being Mrs. Jane Braden and Mrs. Mary Wallace. The mother, who is still living in Marionville, Penn., has (at this writing) reached the age of fifty-seven years; she is a con- sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. The father departed this life August 2, 1893, at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years.

Mr. Butterfield, of this review, early became familiar with farming and lumbering, and his primary education was acquired in the country schools, which was supplemented with a course in the Belleville Academy and in a select school at Corsica. Being thus well fitted for the practi- cal duties of life, he at an early age assumed the management of the home farm, which was deeded him by his father during his lifetime. In 1887 he married Miss Mary E. Kuhns, a daughter of Christian Kuhns, a highly respected and success- ful farmer, and who was of German descent. His children were: John, an agriculturist of Barnett township. Jefferson county; Jacob; Joseph; George, a merchant; Albert, deceased; Eli, who lives on the old homestead; Mary E., wife of our subject; Mrs. Mattie Campbell; and Miss Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield have two children: Hale, born August 3, 1889, and Freda I., born January 6, 1897.

Reared in the Democratic faith, Mr. Butter- field has always adhered to its principles, and is 1 a recognized leader in local political affairs. As chairman of the township committee and delegate 1 to various conventions, he has done much to insure the success of his party, and to some extent has engaged in public speaking in its interests. At one time he was elected justice of the peace and refused to qualify, but was subsequently re- elected and acceptably served for five years, dur- ing which time he tried 266 cases, only one of which was appealed to a higher court. Having

read law, he was well qualified to discharge the duties of that office, but he has never engaged in practice. A man of genial temperament, sound judgment and well-proved integrity, he has gained a host of warm friends and acquaintances, and the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact either in public or private life.

G EORGE D. BUFFINGTON, of Brookville, Jefferson county, is a well-known citizen. whose ability and tact make the "American House " of that place one of the most popular hotels in the county. He is one of the youngest business men in the community, having been born in 1861. His parents, Isaac and Sarah (Herring) Buffington, were natives of Dauphin county, Penn., whence, in their youth, they both went to Armstrong county, Penn., where they were married and spent some years of wedded life. Isaac Buffington has always been a quiet, industrious citizen, attending strictly to his own affairs. In his earlier years he followed the carpenter's trade, but lately he has been engaged in farming and huckstering in Jefferson county, where he has made his home some years.

The subject of this sketch was born in Arm- strong county, and received his education in the district schools of Porter township, Jefferson county. At the age of fifteen he began his busi- ness career as a bell-boy in the "American House " at Brookville, and so successful was he in filling that place that he was promoted to the position of clerk. At twenty-one he became connected with a hotel at East Brady. Penn., but owing to a fire he did not long remain there, and in August, 1882, he engaged in the hotel business at Muncy, Penn. Later he removed to Huntingdon, same State, and was in business there, but in the fall of 1884 he returned to Brook- ville and entered the employ of Albert Bauer, of the "Longview Hotel." In October, ISS9, he formed a partnership with the. late A. D. Long. and took charge of the " American House." and in April, 1894, they purchased the property. After Mr. Long's death, which took place in Oc- tober, 1894. his widow maintained the partner- ship until May 20, 1897, when L. A. Brady, of Brookville, purchased her interest. The firm is now known as Buffington & Brady. Any busi- ness would be likely to thrive under Mr. Buffing- ton's enterprising management, and the " Amer- ican House " has a promising future.

Mr. Buffington was married, in 1880, to Miss Louisa O. Jackson, daughter of S. S. Jackson, a prominent resident of Brookville. This union was blessed with the following children: A. Wade.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

- Ralph Roy, Ruby and Louisa. Although a stanch Republican in his political views, Mr. Buffington has never aimed at official place or power. So- cially, he is affiliated with'the F. & A. M., in which he is a Knight Templar, and with the K. of P.

S AMUEL B. ARTHURS, the popular propri- etor of the "Central Hotel" at Brookville, Penn., was born in that city, November 20, 1865, and is a son of Richard and Sarah J. (Williams) Arthurs. The father's birth occurred in 1811, and in 1830, at the age of nineteen years, he attended the first sale of lots in Brookville. Here he located and began work in the cabinet shop of a Mr. McDonald, but in a short time he purchased tools and opened a shop of his own across the street in "Snyder's Row," Samuel Craig occupying the north room with a chair factory, and Mr. Arthurs the south with his cab- inet and carpenter's shop. In 1834 he sold out to James Craig, a brother of Samuel, and began the study of law with Cephas Dunham.

During his boyhood and youth Richard Ar- thurs was afforded very limited educational priv- ileges, having never studied grammar more than three months, but by perseverance and energy he became well informed, and for many years was one of the leading attorneys practicing at the Bar of Jefferson county. On commencing life in Brookville he had no means, but was always will- ing to work at anything by which he could earn an honest dollar, and during the two years he made from $1 to $1.25 per day, paying out of the same twenty-five cents per day for board. he managed to save $600, with which he began the study of law. It had always been his desire to enter the legal profession, and in its practice was eminently successful. He was also an able finan- cier, possessing at the time of his death a hand- some fortune. His estimable wife, the mother of our subject. passed away November 20, 1895.

The educational advantages of Samuel B. Ar- thurs were such as the common schools of Brook- ville afforded, which he attended until.about nine- teen years of age. He began his business career as a farmer, devoting his time and attention to agricultural pursuits for five years, and then em- barked in hotel keeping, which he has since car- ried on with most satisfactory results. The "Central House " is one of the leading hotels of Brookville, and Mr. Arthurs has proved a genial, gentlemanly and popular host. Everything is done for the comfort and convenience of the guests, and no one leaves the hostelry dissatis- fied. He is also extensively interested in fast

horses, is a competent judge of those noble ani- ~nals, and has owned some of the finest ever brought to Jefferson county.

A SA S. PHILIPPI, a gifted and talented artist now located at Sykesville, Jefferson county, makes a specialty of crayon, pastel and water-color pictures, and is now doing an exten- sive business, having three agents upon the road. He received only two lessons in the art, but is naturally gifted, which is evinced by his fine pro- ductions.

Mr. Philippi was born in Winslow township, Jefferson county, March 5, 1860, a son of Solo- mon and Margaret (Smith) Philippi. The birth of the father occurred in Fayette county, Penn., June 12, 1831, but when only five years of age he was brought to Jefferson county by his par- ents, Henry and Elizabeth (Dumbald) Philippi, natives of Somerset and Fayette counties, Penn., respectively. They located on a farm in Wins- low township, where they died, and their re- mains were interred in Paradise cemetery, Jef- ferson county. The great-grandfather of our subject, John Philippi, was a native of France, and was one of six brothers who came to Amer- ica at an early day, locating in Pennsylvania.

In McCalmont township, Jefferson county, June 12, 1850, Solomon Philippi married Mar- garet Smith, who was born in Indiana county, Penn., February 14, 1831, a daughter of John S. P. and Susannah (Sprangle) Smith, the former a native of Westmoreland county, and the latter of Huntingdon county, Penn. Her maternal grandfather was Frederick Sprangle, of Hunting- don county. Mr. and Mrs. Philippi became the parents of the following children: Minerva, now the wife of Noah Strouse, a farmer of Winslow township, Jefferson county; Florenna, wife of J. B. Sykes, the founder of Sykesville, where he now resides; Alma, wife of William Fulton, a blacksmith of Allegheny, Penn. ; Aiah, who mar- ried A. W. Scott, a lumberman, of Sykesville, and died in May, 1896; Asa S., of this review; John W., agent for an implement company, and a resident of Bradford. Penn .; Millen F., who died at the age of thirty-one; Henry C., who died at the age of twelve; Elizabeth, who died in in- fancy; and Edward, who died aged three years. For a number of years the father engaged in farm- ing in Winslow township, remaining there until 1882, when he removed to Reynoldsville, but after a year passed at that place he came to Sykesville. where he has since engaged in light trucking, etc. He is held in the highest respect by all who know him, has served as supervisor of his township.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and with his wife is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

Asa S. Philippi remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, aiding in the work of the farm, and attending the schools of the neighborhood. He then spent two years on a farm in Sacramento county, Cal., and after his return home operated the old Philippi farm for one year. Subsequently he engaged in contract- ing with J. B. Sykes, cutting logs for six years, and for the following two years was engaged in helping to sink the Big Soldier coal shaft in Winslow township, Jefferson county, where he later ran an engine for tliree years, but since that time he has successfully engaged in his pres- ent business.

On May 12, 1883, in Reynoldsville, Penn., Mr. Philippi was married to Miss Mary E. Sprague, who was born in Winslow township, in 1862, a daughter of G. G. Sprague, of Reynolds- ville. Six children graced their union: Prudence, Louis F., Orrel and John R., all at home; Ful- ton, deceased; and one whose name is not given. Mr. and Mrs. Philippi are both earnest members of the Baptist Church, while, socially, he is con- nected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 185, of Sykesville; and politically he is identified with the Democracy. He is one of the promi- nent and representative citizens of the community, holding a high place in both business and social circles.

J OSEPH L. NORTH, a well-known and pop- ular merchant of Punxsutawney, Jefferson county, is a man of broad capabilities who carries forward to successful completion what- ever he undertakes, and is entitled to distinction as one of the most progressive and enterprising citizens of Jefferson county, where his entire life has been passed. His parents, Joseph P. and Margery (Kintzell) North, were both natives of Schuylkill county, Penn., whence when quite young they came with their respective parents to Jefferson county. The father, who was a quiet unassuming citizen, was prominently identified with the agricultural and lumber interests of the county, and although he cared little for official honors he served his fellow citizens in the capac- ity of justice of the peace, and also as school director for more than a quarter of a century. He departed this life February 14, 1891; his widow is still (at this writing) living in the enjoyment of good health.

Joseph Lincoln North was born in Jefferson county, in 1861, and obtained his early education in the common schools. ' In 1884 he entered the

Duff Business College, at Pittsburg, where he completed the prescribed course. Until twenty- five years of age he remained upon the home farm, assisting in the labors of the fields, but at that time embarked in school teaching, which profession he successfully followed for four win- ters. Coming tc Punxsutawney in 1885, he secured a position as cashier for the inercantile firm of North, Miller & Co., with wliom he re- mained four years, and then established his pres- ent business, dealing in carpets, wall-paper, etc. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man, and has succeeded in building up a large and profit- able trade.

In 1889, Mr. North was united in marriage with Miss Della Truitt, a daughter of J. A. Truitt, of Armstrong county, and they have two children: Edna and Marie. Mrs. North, a most estimable lady, is a faithful member of the Bap- tist Church. Although he takes no active part in political affairs, our subject always casts his ballot with the Republican party, and supports all measures calculated to benefit the commu- nity. Fraternally, he affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Patriotic Order of Elks.

C HARLES STEWART, a member of the firm of Stewart & Co., dealers in general mer- chandise in Ringgold, Jefferson county, was born there December 31, 1859. From Ireland the ancestors of the family came to America. His grandfather, Robert Stewart, was born in Ireland, and on crossing the Atlantic took up his residence in Oliver township, Jefferson county, where he followed farming for many years. He had a family of eight children.

Of this number, Samuel Stewart was born June 23, 1823, in Northumberland county. There he grew to manhood, and August 10, 1854, he was married by Rev. M. H. Shannon to Elizabeth Martz, who was born in the same county, February 16, 1836. Her parents were John and Polly (Weary) Martz, of Northumber- land county, who in an early day removed to Jef- ferson county, and located in Ringgold township when Peter Kaylor and his family were the only residents of the township. During his early life Samuel Stewart was employed as a clerk in the store of Moshannon Brothers at Ringgold, but afterward devoted his attention to lumbering. He was drowned while rafting near Broken Rock. at the mouth of Red Bank creek, in Armstrong county, Penn., April 1, 1869, and was buried in Red Bank cemetery. His wife died November 11, 1874, and was buried in the cemetery at

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Ringgold. They were both active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were Martha Jane, born April 1, 1855, died May 27, 1863; William Wise, born March 29, 1856, is a carpenter of Ringgold, Penn .; John, born December 23, 1857, is a tanner of Ringgold; Charles; Abraham Lincoln, born October 21, 1866, is living in Ringgold; Robert, born August 16, 1868, is a farmer of Emerickville, Penn .; Samuel, born August 31, 1869, is living in Ring- gold.

Charles Stewart was born and reared at Ring- gold, and remained with his parents throughout their lives. At the age of fifteen he began work- ing for L. P. Harris, in a mercantile store at Ringgold, where he remained for two years. He afterward worked some six months at the col- lier's trade, receiving fifty cents a week and his board. He then went to Falls City, Neb., where he followed farming for a year and eight months, and then returned to Jefferson county, where he was employed in the lumber woods for eighteen months. Returning to Ringgold, he began clerk- ing for his father-in-law in 1885, and after three months became a partner in the business. He is a wide-awake, enterprising business man, and has a store well stocked with all the goods de- manded by the general public. His methods of dealing are honorable and reliable, and he has se- cured a liberal and well-deserved patronage.

Mr. Stewart was married November 5, 1885, in Worthville, to Miss Sadie E. Wonderling, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Hummell, a minister of the Evangelical Church. Her father, Reuben Wonderling, who is a general farmer and carpenter of Ringgold township, Jefferson county, was born in Northampton county, Penn., June 15, 1830, a son of Frederick and Sabina (Bill- man) Wonderling, of Switzerland. In Decem- ber, 1852, on the farm where he now lives, he was married to Catherine Freece, who was born in Berwick, Penn., May 19. 1832, a daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Huntzinger) Freece, who removed from Clarion county to Jefferson coun- ty, Penn. Reuben Wonderling worked on his father's farm until nineteen years of age, and then was employed as a farm hand for seven months by Daniel Yaney, of Clarion county. He afterward served a four-years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, receiving $6 per month for his services, and then began carpentering on his own account, a pursuit he followed some twenty years. In the fall of 1854 he located in Perry township, Jefferson county, and lived with his brother-in-law until 1855, when he built a home in Porter township, there living until 1877, since which time he has resided upon his present farm.

In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief he is a Methodist. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wonderling are: Charlotte, wife of Joel Shick, a farmer of Michigan; Rebecca, wife of Samuel Oberlin, a carpenter of Ringgold; and Elizabeth, wife of Charles Stewart. [See sketch of W. F. Geist, elsewhere in this volume. ]

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart has been blessed with five children, four of whom are liv- ing: Orand W., Nita, Laura and Hazel C .; Florence died in February, 1897. The family is one of prominence in the community, and their circle of friends is extensive. Mr. Stewart is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Worthville. He is an active worker in the interests of the Re- publican party, and for three years served as alderman. His many excellencies of character and his reliability in business have won for him the confidence and respect of all.

A ARON HOPKINS. The Hopkins home- stead in McCalmont township, Jefferson county, is one of the best in that section, and also one of the oldest. Its present occupant and owner, the subject of this sketch, is a worthy representative of the family, being a progressive and successful manager in agricultural work, and taking an influential part in local affairs.

At an early day the paternal ancestors of Mr. Hopkins located in Centre county, Penn., and his grandfather, Robert Hopkins, was born there, but in later years settled in Indiana county. Thomas Hopkins, our subject's father, was born in the latter locality, and as a young man went to Perry township, Jefferson county, where he met and married Miss Mary Mauk, a native of the township, and daughter of Jacob and Susannah (Walter) Mauk, prominent pioneers. Shortly after his marriage, Thomas Hopkins returned to Indiana county with his bride, and rented a home for a brief period. The new lands in Jefferson county offered good returns for enterprising young men, and he decided to locate in McCalmont township, at the present homestead. Every- thing was in its primitive condition, and on arriving at the prospective home. he and his wife made a shelter for themselves by driving some poles into the ground and placing rough beams and boards across them. Two weeks later they moved into a small log cabin which had been hastily erected, and there they resided until 1834 when a better house was built on the site of the present residence. Mr. Hopkins, who was a carpenter by trade, became interested in lumber- ing, and in time became wealthy. ranking among the most influential members of the community.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He was not identified with any Church, although he inclined to the faith of the United Brethren; but his wife was a devout member of the Presby- terian Church. He died October 9,, 1882, aged seventy-six, and his wife in January, 1890, at the age of sixty-four, their remains being interred in the cemetery of the Presbyterian Church, near their home. Their children were John, a car- penter at Punxsutawney; Susannah, wife of Ben- . jamin McCann, a farmer in Knox township, Jef- ferson county; Miss Jane, a resident of Punxsu- tawney; Robert, who was killed while operating a sawmill in Knox township, an explosion cutting his head in two, and otherwise mangling him; Jacob, a merchant at Knoxdale, Penn. ; James, a farmer in Knox township; Mary, wife of John Hutchison, an organ and piano dealer in New Bethlehem, Penn .; Eliza, a milliner at Philipsburg, Penn .; Anna, wife of Beverly Morrison, a decor- ator in Punxsutawney; Aaron, our subject; Eva, who died at an early age, and Maggie, wife of George Johns, a railroad man residing in Punxsu- tawney.

Mr. Hopkins, our subject, was born at the homestead August 5, 1858, and remained there during the greater part of the time until he reached the age of twenty-eight, assisting his father on the farm in summer and in the sawmill in winter. Two years were, however, spent in lumbering and two years upon a farm. On Jan- uary 14, 1885, he was married to Miss Maggie E. Anderson, and for a time they lived in a rented house in Knox township, where Mr. Hopkins spent the winter in logging. They then removed to a farm in Oliver township, Jefferson county, which was purchased at a sheriff's sale for $2,050, the place containing eighty-nine acres; but two years later Mr. Hopkins sold it for $3,950, then returned to his native township and followed log- ging for a year and a half. Through an arrange- inent with the other heirs he became the owner of the homestead about this time, and he has since resided there, devoting his attention to gen- eral farming. The estate comprises 166 acres of land, of unsurpassed quality, and Mr. Hopkins keeps it in a high state of cultivation. As a good citizen he is always ready to encourage progress by his influence and active aid. In political faith he is a Republican, and since 1894 he has held the office of township auditor. Socially he be- longs to the Order of Junior Mechanics at Punx- sutawney.

age of three years, four months and fifteen days; and Lou L., born August 8, 1895. Mrs. Hop- kins was born October 7, 1863, in Clarion county, Penn., where her paternal grandparents, Abra- ham and Mary (Watson) Anderson, were early settlers. The latter died there, but the former spent his last days in Knox township, Jefferson county. James I. Anderson, the father of Mrs. Hopkins, was born October 14, 1834, and is now a successful farmer in Knox township, where he is known as a stanch Democrat and an active member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife, Martha Davis, was born in Jefferson county April 14, 1844, the daughter of John and Mary (Davi- son) Davis. Her father met his death by drown- ing, having accidentally fallen from a raft. Mrs. Hopkins is one of eleven children: Mary is the wife of Norman Harding, a farmer of near Brock- wayville, Penn .; Maggie E. is the second in order of birth; Lot S. is a laborer in McCalmont town- ship; Norman is a laborer at Camp Run, Jefferson county; John died at an early age; Nannie is de- ceased; Lou E. is the wife of Ralph McCracken, a merchant at Knoxdale; and Ada, James, Anna and Grover C., who are at home.

J H. ELKIN, a well-known merchant of Por- ter, Jefferson county, and postmaster at that thriving village, has the reputation of a strictly first-class business man, reliable and en- ergetic. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a mnodel of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not fulfilled, and standing to-day an example of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of business integrity, can ac- complish for a man of natural ability and strength of character. He is respected in the community at large, and honored by his business associates.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 49

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