Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 50

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 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 50

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Francis Elkin, father of our subject, was born in 1830, in County Tyrone, Ireland. whence when a young man he camne to America, first lo- cating in Pittsburg, Penn., where for a number of years he served as manager for the Gregg & Lindsey Iron Works. In that city he was mar- ried, in 1854. to Miss Elizabeth Pratt, also a na- tive of Ireland. Later they removed to West Mahoning township, Indiana Co., Penn., where Mr. Elkin purchased a farm near Smicksburg, and there made his home until 1868. when he moved to the village, where in partnership with a Mr. Good he engaged in general merchandising until 1873. On selling his interest to his part- ner, he went to Wellsville, Ohio, where he es- tablished the first tin manufactory in the United

His marriage to Miss Anderson took place at Knoxdale, Penn., the ceremony being performed by Rev. Mr. Noden. They had five children: the first two (twins) died in infancy; Mary M., born November 7. 1889; Ira I., who died at the : States; but at the end of two years returned to 85

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Smicksburg, where he again engaged in the iner- cantile trade until his death in 1882. He was one of the most prominent business men of the place, prompt, reliable and energetic, and had the esteem and confidence of the entire cominun- ity. His widow still makes her home in Smicks- burg.

In the family were six children, as follows: (1) Elizabeth C., born on the farm in West Mahoning township, Indiana county, was edu- cated in the common schools, and married William Elkin, of Pittsburg. They now reside in Jeannette, Penn., and have a family of six children-Will- iam F. (who is at present attending the normal school in Indiana county); Litty; Myrtle; Charles; Olive and Hazel. (2) J. H., of this review, is the next in the order of birth. (3) John P., born in 1859, began his education in the common schools, later graduated at the Indiana State Normal, and also graduated at the Ann Arbor (Mich. ) Law School. He became a leading at- torney of Indiana county, Penn., where he was elected to the State Legislature in 1885, and two years later was re-elected. He then engaged in private practice until 1894, when he was ap- pointed deputy attorney-general under Gov. Daniel Hastings, of Pennsylvania, which dis- tinguished position he is still filling, making his home in Harrisburg. He was also appointed State chairman of Pennsylvania to succeed M. S. Quay, and in 1897 was elected to that position, which he is holding at the present time. He married Miss Adda Prothrow, of Indiana county, and with their two children-Laura and Helen- they reside in Indiana, Penn. (4) Cordelia C., born in 1864, married Jacob Meister, of Buffalo, N. Y., where they resided until his death. She is now the wife of D. W. McHenry, who is en- gaged in the drug business for Dr. Cochran at Big Run, Jefferson Co., Penn. (5) William F., born in Smicksburg, in 1871, obtained his pri- mary education in the common schools, subse- quently attended the Edinburg Normal for a time, and afterward graduated at the State Nor- mal of Indiana. As a law student he then en- tered the office of his brother, J. P. Elkin, and has since been admitted to the Bar of Indiana county, Penn. He now has charge of his broth- er's practice in the city of Indiana, and is recog- nized as one of the most promising young law- yers of the place. (6) Margaret, born in Smicks- burg, and educated in the public schools of Indi- ana county, is now the wife of Robert Mckibben, who is engaged in the iron business in Pittsburg, Penn. They have two children.

On the home farm in Indiana county. J. H. Elkin, of this sketch, was born in 1857, and in

the public schools pursued his studies until fifteen years of age, when he entered his father's store, there acquiring an excellent knowledge of busi- ness methods. He remained with his father until 1879, when he came to Porter township, Jeffer- son county, and embarked in business on his own account. In 1881 he purchased property in the village of Porter, where he erected his present store building, and also a fine two-story residence and good barn. As a merchant he has been very successful, and is now the owner of four valuable farms in Porter township, besides his residence and store in the village. In December, ISSI, he married Miss M. Ella Oberlin, of Rochester Mills, Indiana county, a daughter of W. P. and Annie M. Oberlin, and three children blessed their union: Oberta F., who died of diphtheria, at the age of nine years; Linus J., born in Decem- ber. 1884; and Curtis E., born in June, 1887.

Politically Mr. Elkin is an ardent Republican, and in 1895 he represented Jefferson county in the State convention. He has held the office of school director six years, is overseer of the poor at the present time, and in 1880 was first ap- pointed postmaster, under President Hayes, filling the office at that time for six years. During President Harrison's administration he was again appointed, and filled the position for five years, and is the present incumbent, being re-appointed under President Mckinley. His duties are always promptly and faithfully discharged, thus winning the commendation of all concerned. In religious belief he and his wife are Presbyterians. Self- reliance, conscientiousness, energy, honesty- these are the traits of character that insure the highest emoluments and greatest success. To these may be attributed the success that has crowned the efforts of Mr. Elkin.

W ILLIAM F. MATSON, M. D. In com- parison of the relative value to mankind of the various professions and pursuits, it is widely recognized that none is so important as the medical profession. From the cradle to the grave, human destiny is largely in the hands of the physician. An able representative of this calling is Dr. Matson, one of the most prominent practitioners of Punxsutawney. Jefferson county.

The Doctor is a native of Jefferson county. born September 19, 1855. in the vicinity of Brookville, a son of James Clarke and Harriet (Potter) Matson. He began his. literary educa- tion in the district schools near his boyhood home, and subsequently pursued his studies in Brookville. In 1868, he accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Tennessee, where they

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made their home until 1872, when they returned to Brookville. The Doctor then accepted a clerkship in his brother's grocery store, and also established a photograph gallery in Brookville, having learned something of that art in Tennes- see.

In 1873, under his brother, Dr. C. M. Mat- son, our subject began the study of medicine, and in February, 1877, graduated from the Cleveland (Ohio) Medical College. On the Ist of the following April, he entered into partner- ship with his brother, and together they success- fully engaged in practice in Brookville until 1886, when the connection was discontinued, and Dr. W. F. Matson was alone in practice in that city until 1891. In that year he came to Punxsutaw ney and established a drug store in connection with Joseph L. Shields, which they conducted for five years. when the Doctor withdrew and has since given his exclusive attention to the practice of his profession. In 1889 he was ap- pointed a member of the pension examining board, which position he faithfully and credita- bly filled for four years.

Dr. Matson was married August 18, 1886, to Miss Floranna, daughter of Dr. Joseph Shields, of Punxsutawney, and they now have two chil- dren: Ethel and Joseph Wilmont. Mrs. Mat- son, a cultured and refined lady, is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and with her husband holds an enviable position in the social circles of the community. Politically, he is an ardent Re- publican, and. in the ranks of his professional brethren he stands deservedly high.

D AVID J. PIPER, a substantial citizen of Big Run, Jefferson county, well known in business circles as a dealer in hardware and ag- ricultural implements, was born in that county in 1856, and has always made his home there. His father, William E. Piper, now a prominent farmer and lumberman of that locality, was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., whence, when about twelve years old, he went to Jefferson county, and by a life in which a quiet pursuit of duty has been a leading characteristic has won the respect of all who know him. His estima- ble wife, Lydia (Schutterle), who passed from eartlı in 1889, was a native of Centre county.

The ordinary advantages of a country school enabled Mr. Piper, our subject, to gain the ele- ments of a practical education, and the training in farm work, which he received at home, pre- pared him to follow that honored calling in manhood. It was not until 1891 that he decided to choose another occupation, and then, remov-

ing to Big Run, he spent one year in the restau- rant business before engaging in his present en- terprise. His store is an attractive one, his stock of hardware and implements large and well selected, and he enjoys an extensive and profitable trade.

Mr. Piper was married in October, 1882, to Miss Emma C. Priester, daughter of Ludwig and Elizabeth (Hope) Priester, now well-known resi- dents of Jefferson county. The father was a na- tive of Germany, but the mother was born in Indiana county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Piper have no children of their own, but an adopted daugh- ter, Turila Luella, shares their home. They are Methodists in faith, and Mr. Piper is a trus- tee of the Church. Thoroughly public-spirited and sympathetic with all progressive movements, they rank among the leaders of their community. In his political views Mr. Piper is a Democrat, and while he has never felt tempted to turn from his business in order to seek official honors. he has been chosen to various positions, now hold- ing a borough office.

W ILLIAM H. LUCAS, who for eighteen years was engaged in general merchan- dising in Corsica, Jefferson county, is one of the most popular and progressive citizens of his sec- tion, and is now serving as county treasurer of Jefferson county.

Mr. Lucas was born February 18, 1855, in Clover township, Jefferson Co., Penn., a son of Isaac Lucas, a native of Clarion county, Penn., whence when quite young he came to Jefferson county, where he spent the remainder of his life in lumbering and in agricultural pursuits. He was a valued and highly respected citizen of the community where he so long made his home. His death occurred in 1895; his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Simpson, is still living.

During his boyhood and youth our subject attended the public schools of Jefferson county, and completed his literary training in an academy in Corsica. He continued to assist his father in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm until twenty-two years of age, when he be- gan learning dentistry, spending about three years in the study of that profession. One day, while working a vulcanizer, an explosion oc- curred which so injured his right arm that it had to be amputated. Thus handicapped, he was obliged to give up dentistry, and at the age of twenty-five took up the study of telegraphy. He had charge of the office established at Corsica, until the winter of 1895, but in 1878 he had also

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

- opened a store at that place, where for eighteen years he successfully engaged in general mer- chandising. He has the reputation of being a - strictly first-class business man, reliable and en- ergetic, and as he also carried a well-selected stock of goods, he received a liberal share of the public patronage.

In 1881 Mr. Lucas was married to Miss Min- nie B. Cale, a daughter of Samuel Cale, of Cor- sica, and they have become the parents of five children, namely: Erla B., Alma, Fern, Mabel and Maud. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas both hold mem- bership in the Presbyterian Church; socially, he belongs to the United Order American Mechanics. He is a recognized leader in the ranks of the Republican party in his community, is a warm advocate of its principles, and does all in his power to promote its interests. He has served on several of its important conimittees, and in 1896 was its candidate for county treasurer. On the 3d of November of that year, he was de- clared elected by a plurality of 2, 159, and is now acceptably filling that responsible position. He is a man of sterling integrity and honesty of purpose, and despises all unworthy or question- able methods to secure success in any undertak- ing or for any purpose, or to promote his own advancement in any direction, whether political or otherwise.

G EORGE L. REED, one of the most enter- prising business men, is the manager and part-owner of the Mahon Roller, Flour and Feed Mill at Brookville, Jefferson county. He comes of Virginia stock, his father, John H. Reed, hav- ing left his birthplace in the Shenandoah Valley, at the age of twenty-one, to settle in Clearfield borough. He had previously learned the details of the miller's trade, was engaged in it for many years in Clearfield, and now follows it at his pres int home in Westmoreland county, Penn. His estimable wife, Margaret (Potter), who is also living, was a native of Juniata county, Penn- sylvania.

G. L. Reed was born in June, 1855, in Clear- field county, and obtained his elementary edu- cation in the country schools, sometimes travel- ing a distance of three miles to reach the school house. Afterward he attended the Brookville schools for three years. He was reared to the milling business, having assisted his father until the age of twenty-one, and with slight exceptions has been engaged in that line of work ever since. For eight years he followed the trade in New Hampshire. In 1888 he purchased an interest in the mill at Brookville, and since 1892 he has | .

had charge of it, and has demonstrated his ability and energy by its successful management.

In May, 1887, Mr. Reed was united in matri- mony with Miss Anna S. Ellenberger, of Belknap, Armstrong Co., Penn., a daughter of Charles Ellenberger, a well-known resident of that lo- cality. They have had two children: Marlin G. and Hulda E. Mr. Reed and his wife are among the active members of the M. E. Church, in which he holds the office of steward. He takes much interest in the questions of the day, and politically is a Republican, but his close attention to business has prevented him from accepting any official honors.

R ALPH W. WELLS, a well-known agricult- urist of Warsaw township, Jefferson coun- ty, is a man whose successful struggle against adverse circumstances shows what can be ac- complished by industry and economy if guided by sound judgment, as he started out in life for himself with no capital or influential friends to aid him. He was born in Warsaw township, November 20, 1853, and was educated in its common schools.

George and Elizabeth (Preston) Wells, par- ents of our subject, both natives of New York, were married in Jefferson county, Penn., where they had located at an early day, and became the parents of three children: Dean, now a farmer of Pine Creek, Penn .; Mary E., who died in childhood; and Ralph W. The father, who was a lumberman by occupation, died in 1856, and the mother later became the wife of Silas Miller, who also engaged in lumbering, and was the owner of a farm, upon which his family still re- side. There were three children born of this union: Maggie, Nancy and Edward. Mrs. Mil-

ler, who was a consistent member of the Method- ist Church, departed this life in 1882. William Preston, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in New York State, and at an early day became a resident of Jefferson county, Penn .. where for some time he followed teaming, farm- ing and lumbering, but later in life conducted a hotel at Richardsville, where his death occurred in 1864. His wife survived him for some time. and died in the faith of the Baptist Church. of which she was a faithful member. In his political affiliations he was a Republican. Seven daugh- ters constituted his family, namely: Elizabeth, the mother of our subject; Mrs. Mary Bartlett; Mrs. Nancy Kendall: Mrs. Josephine Lithgow; Mrs. Julia Evans; Mrs. Almira Rider; and Mrs. Ruby Wait.

Until attaining his majority Ralph W. Wells

........ ..

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remained upon his stepfather's farm, where he early became familiar with agricultural pursuits .~ On leaving home he was first employed in the woods, and has since followed humbering in con- nection with farming, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. In 1891 he pur- chased his present farm which is well-improved and under a high state of cultivation, yielding to the owner bountiful harvests in return for the labor expended upon it. He then married Miss Jennie McKillips, who was reared in Jefferson county, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Penn) McKillips. Her grandparents, Matthew and Mar- tha (Richards) McKillips, farming people, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively, James McKillips, also a farmer by occupation, and a lumberman, was of Scotch descent; he died in 1880, but his wife is still living. She holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. Their children were: Jennie, wife of our subject; Mrs. Olive McFadden; Mrs. Candis Miller and John. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have an interesting daughter, Erma, born in 1892.

Since casting his first Presidential vote, Mr. Wells has been an ardent Republican, and has served his fellow citizens in the capacity of town- ship auditor and tax collector, being constantly re-elected to the latter position since IS90. He is one of the popular and influential citizens of his community, and justly deserves the high re- gard in which he is held.

G EORGE A. MORRISON, Eso., who is now serving his sixteenth consecutive year as a justice of the peace in and for McCalmont town- ship, Jefferson county, is a follower of the most ancient of callings, that of agriculture, and has also been prominent in educational work in his locality for many years. As a man and a citizen, he commands the entire confidence of the people, and his popularity has been shown in many ways.

Mr. Morrison is of pioneer stock, his grand- parents, Robert and Sarah (Galbraith) Morrison, natives of Ireland, having been among the first settlers of Rose township, Jefferson county. His grandfather was killed in 1837 while helping to build a log church, and his remains were interred in a graveyard at Stanton. The late Robert C. Morrison, our subject's father, was born in Arm- strong county, Penn., in 1821, and going to Jef- ferson county as a child, remained there until 1872, being for many years engaged in farming and lumbering. His health failed in his later years, and he removed to Limestone township, Clarion county, and then to the vicinity of Strattonville, in the same county. He died December 5, 1895,

at the age of seventy-four yearsand eight months, his burial taking place in Rehoboth graveyard in Clarion county. He was twice married. His first wife, Rebecca Evans, died in 1845, leaving one . son, Robert C., who died at the early age of twenty-one. His second wife, Esther Hill, who survives him, was born in Armstrong county, March 13, 1821, a daughter of George and Nancy (McMurray) Hill, who came from Ireland at an early date and located in Armstrong county, where both died, their remains now resting in the cemetery at Freeport. Mrs. Esther Morrison resides near Strattonville with her daughter, Mrs. McMahan. Of her ten children, the eldest, Re- becca J., who was born September 27, 1848, in Jefferson county, married George Brown, a farmer of McCalmont township; George A., our subject, is mentioned more fully farther on; William J. is a merchant at Oliveburg; Thomas is deceased; James B. is a carpenter and farmer in Limestone township, Clarion county; Harvey resides on the homestead in Clarion county; Homer (twin of Harvey) died in infancy; Josiah is a physician in Ohio; Alice married Charles McMahan, a farmer in Clarion county; and Daniel W. is principal of the schools at Glen Hazel, Elk Co., Pennsyl- vania.

Squire Morrison was born October 14, 1850, at Stanton, Jefferson county, and remained at home until the age of nineteen, attending school and assisting in the work of the farm. He had by this time prepared himself for teaching, and three seasons were thus spent, his first school be- ing at Sugar Hill. He then attended the fall session of the Edinboro Normal School, but be- fore resuming his school work he spent two years in mercantile business at Petrolia, Penn. Since that time he has been continuously engaged in teaching, with the exception of one year ( ISS3) he spent in teaming. On October 16, of that year, he took possession of his present farm near Cortez. Wherever he has resided he has been an active worker in local affairs and in the Re- publican party, and his neighbors have not been slow in taking advantage of his ability and public spirit. For thirteen years he was auditor of Mc- Calmont township, and with the exception of two spring elections he has served fourteen years on the election board either as judge or clerk. In February, 1882, he was elected justice of the peace, and has since held it by successive re- elections. He is also prominent in religious work as a member of the U. B. Church.

On April 6, 1876, Squire Morrison was mar- ried at Punxsutawney, by Rev. M. Miller, a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, to Miss Anna M. Brown, and six children blessed their union:

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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Homer (who died April 9, 1890); Belle, Estella, Ralph and Norman (twins), Davis W. and Min- tie. Mrs. Morrison, who was born August 10, 1858, in Oliver township, Jefferson county, Penn., is a granddaughter of Thomas J. and Catherine (Hartles) Brown, early settlers in McCalmont township, her grandfather being a well-known lumberman and farmer. Her father, Job H. Brown, was born in Punxsutawney, and after many vears of labor as a successful farmer, is living in retirement at Marchand, Penn. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Bell, is a native of Battle Hollow, Jefferson county, and a daughter of James W. and Hannah (Jordan) Bell, highly respected pioneers of that locality. Her great-grandfather, Robert Bell, came from Ireland at a very early period and located " on the frontier," in what is now Rayne township, Jefferson county, and her grandparents, John and Elizabeth Bell, natives of Ireland, resided during their later years upon a farm in Perry township, same county. On the maternal side, Mrs. Brown is a granddaughter of Alexander and Catherine (Pound) Gordon, of Ireland, who were pioneer settlers near Smicksburg, Penn. Job H. Brown is a steadfast Republican in politics, and for many years he and his wife have been consistent members of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Morrison was the eldest of a family of three chil- dren, the others - Norman and Nora - being twins; the former is now a farmer near Marchand, and the latter is the wife of Charles Brown (no kinship), an agent for implements, and residing at Marchand.

J AMES B. NORTH. Among the wide-awake and enterprising business men of Eleanor, Jefferson county, this gentleman has, during his brief residence, gained a prominent place. He was not previously unknown in the locality, however, as he is a member of a well-known family, and had been for some years a successful agriculturist of McCalmont township. His farm, which contains 180 acres of fine farm land, was purchased from John Smith for $45 per acre, and is noted as the first homestead to be cleared and settled upon in the southern part of Jefferson county.

Mr. North was born August 11, 1849, the son of Daniel and Catherine (Bell) North, and was. reared at the family homestead in McCalmont township. At the age of twenty-two he took charge of his father's farm; but after some years he became interested in buying and selling cattle, and from 1885 to 1890 his time was mainly de- voted to that business and to lumbering. In

1890 he left the farm to the care of an employee and moved to Eleanor to clear a tract of 1. 100 acres of timber for Edward Syphert and P. A. Hamilton. He has continued to reside there, and at present is engaged in teaming for the Eleanor Coal Company, keeping four teams em- ployed, and he also does an extensive business in contracting and lumbering. He has the genial manner that would help any man to success in life, and is prominent socially as a member of the I. O. O. F., the Junior Order of Mechanics, and the Masonic fraternity. He also belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with which his family has long been identified. In political faith he is a Republican, and he has served seven years as school director and two years as super- visor. He owns a house and lot at Eleanor, and his home is a pleasant one, his philosophy in- cluding a generous appreciation of the good that life may bring.

On January 26, 1871, Mr. North was married, at Dayton, Penn., to Miss Tillie Smith, a native of Armstrong county, born May 1, 1849. Of their children, the first, Mary, born March 20, 1872, died April 11, 1873; Daniel W., born Feb- ruary 10, 1874, is now engaged in teaching; Will- iam E., born April 13. 1878; Bessie L .. Decem- ber 13, 1880; James M., May 6, 1883; Emma K., June 22, 1886; Ann B., April 5, 1891, and Harry R., September 2, 1896, are all at home. Mrs. North is descended from some of the pioneer set- tlers of Armstrong county. Her paternal grand- father, William Smith, was a wealthy Irishman, and on going to Armstrong county, conveyed a large amount of gold in a wheelbarrow. Her father, the late James Smith, was a prosperous farmer, and an active Republican, holding vari- ous township offices. In religious work he was also prominent as a member of the U. P. Church, in which he was an elder for many years, and at times served in other positions. He died March 6, 1896, aged seventy-six years; his wife, Mar- garet (Henderson), passed away in September, same year, their remains being interred at Elder- ton. Mrs. North's maternal grandfather, Benja- min Henderson, came from Ireland, locating in Armstrong county at an early day, and he and his wife Susan, a native of Pennsylvania, spent their last years near Elderton. James and Mar- garet Smith reared a large family of children: The eldest. Martha, married A. B. Remaley, a fariner in Burrell township, Armstrong county, who has also been engaged in teaching for thirty- five years; Benjamin met a soldier's death during the Civil war; Williamn was also in the Union service, and died shortly after his return (his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth North, now resides at

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 50

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