Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 53

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 53
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 53
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 53
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 53

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A DAM YOHE, a military veteran, residing in Henderson township, Jefferson county, is one of the prominent lumbermen of his locality. having been engaged in the business for about thirty-five years. He is familiar with all branches

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of the work, but for some time has made a spe- cialty of handling square timber, on the Allegheny- and its tributaries, sometimes on his own account and sometimes on contract for others, his opera- tions at present being carried on for John Mc- Clure. He is also a successful agriculturist, and his farm near Big Run is kept in a good state of cultivation.

Mr. Yohe's ancestors settled in Northumber- land county, Penn., many years ago, and his fa- ther, Samuel Yohe, who was born there, came to Jefferson county in early manhood, and was married there to Miss Katherine Yohe. When a young man, married, he bought a farm in Winslow township, Jefferson county, but in 1854 he sold it and engaged in lumbering for a num- ber of years, buying and selling square timber extensively. During the war he bought real es- tate in Big Run, where he resided until his death, in 1889. His estimable wife died in September. 1896. They had eight children, our subject be- ing the eldest. (2) Rebecca, born in Winslow township, married William Klouser, of Big Run, and died there in 1886, leaving three children- Carrie, Ellie and Gertrude, all of whom reside in Big Run. (3) Mary, also born at the old home in Winslow township, married Ezra Earhart, of Clearfield county, who died some years ago; she survives him with three children-Samuel, Ollie and Enos. (4) Harriet, born in Big Run, mar- ried Alexander McClure, formerly of Allegheny county, and later a lumberman and agriculturist at Big Run. He died in 1896; she survives him with two sons-(a) Andy, who married a Miss McQuoin, of Big Run, and is now engaged in mercantile business in that city; and (b) Joseph, now attending school in Clarion county. (5) William, who was born at Big Run, owns and operates a farm in Indiana county, Penn. He married Susan Bouser, of Jefferson county, and has had eight children. (6) James, who was also born at Big Run, now resides upon a farin in Henderson township, adjoining that of our subject. He married Miss Josephine Craft, of Jefferson county, and has a family of chil- dren. (7) Sallie, born at Big Run, married John Anderson, of that town. and has a large family. (8) Emma, also born at Big Run, married Rich- ard Jones, of Clearfield, who was killed some years ago in an accident on the railroad at Johnson- burg; his wife survived him with two children -- Mamie and Charles --- and is now the wife of a Mr. Shaddock, a railroad man. They reside on the father's old homestead in Big Run, and they have one child.

Adam Yohe, our subject, was born in 1345. near Lumber City, Clearfield county, but his

youth was spent mainly in Jefferson county, he receiving a very limited education. At eighteen years of age, in 1863, he enlisted in a Pennsy !- vania Volunteer Infantry regiment, was mustered into service at Pittsburg, and sent to West Vir- ginia to guard railroad and supply trains. Later, they were sent to the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, where they remained until discharged in Febru- ary, 1864. On coming home, he engaged in the lumber business, rafting timber down Stump creek and Mahoney river, through the Allegheny to Pittsburg. In 1872 he moved to Mckeesport, where he spent eighteen months in sawmill work, and then returning to Big Run, remained there one year, when he purchased the homestead which he still occupies. It was formerly owned by Alexander McClure, and contains seventy-five acres of land lying between Stump creek and East branch. It was in almost its primitive condition when he bought it, but is now a fine farm.

In 1865 Mr. Yohe married Miss Christina Heckman, of Schuylkill county, Penn. In 1872 he was again wedded, this time to Miss Maggie Jewel, of Armstrong county, Penn. He has had a large family of children: ' (1) William Richard, born in Big Run, married Miss Mary Smouse, of Bell township, Jefferson county, and now resides in that township; they have no family. (2) Sam- uel A., born in Allegheny county, now resides in Gaskill township, Jefferson county; he married Miss Daisy Buterbaugh, of Jefferson county, and has one child-Ralph. (3) James, born at the present homestead, now assists his father in its management. (4) Sarah, born at the present homestead, married . Russ Pease, a farmer of Henderson township, Jefferson county, and has one son-Cloie. (5) Dell. (6) Ammie E., (7) Burton. (8) Nettie, and (9) Laura, all at home. (10) Harry died at the age of twelve years. (11) Lula Maude died at the age of seven, and (12) Earl and (13) Pearl (twins), the second of whom died in infancy.

Mr. Yohe takes much interest in local affairs, and he and his entire family affiliate with the Republican party. His father, who was an Old- line Whig, was one of the first supporters of the Anti-slavery movement in his locality. Mr. Yohe and his wife are leading members of the Chris- tian Church at Big Run, to which two of his daughters also belong, and their sympathies are given to every progressive movement.

A LBERT BAUR, a well-known and highly- respected citizen of Brookville. Jefferson county, and an honored veteran of the Civil war,

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was born in Reading, Penn., April 24, 1845, a son of Joseph and Barbara (Kretz) Baur. To the same family belonged Ferdinand Christian Baur, the distinguished leader of the Modern Tubingen School of Theology, who was a son of a Wurtemburg pastor, and gave his entire life to theological pursuits. The father of our subject was born in Baden, Germany, whence, when a boy, he came to the United States, locating in Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the jewelry business, including watch making. He later went to New York City, and there his death oc- curred in 1891. His wife, who was born on the Rhine, in the Fatherland, died in 1856.

Mr. Baur, the subject proper of this review, pursued his studies in the schools of New York City, graduating from the high school of that place at the early age of eleven years. He then worked at various trades, including those of jew- eler, watchmaker, hatter, and book-binder, but before arriving at the age of sixteen he laid aside personal interests to go forth in defense of his country. He enlisted in Company I, Hawkin's New York Zouaves; but after serving five months his father took him home, as he was under age. Three days later, however, he ran away and joined Company B, 53d N. Y. V. I., but later was transferred to the 102d Light Infantry, in which he served as senior orderly sergeant for two and one-half years. During the engagement at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., he received four gunshot wounds, which necessitated the amputa- tion of his left leg close to the hip, and Novem- ber 29. 1864, he was discharged and returned to New York City. While lying in the hospital at Chattanooga, gangrene and erysipelas set in, and the surgeons refused to do anything for him, say- ing he could not possibly live; but after passing through much suffering he recovered, and to-day is a strong and hearty man. After his discharge he was told to go to the mountains; so leaving New York City with no particular point in view, he landed in Brookville, Penn .. and during his sojourn here of three months he rapidly im- proved; but on returning to New York again he became worse, and four months later we again find him in Brookville.

For fifteen years Mr. Baur then made that city his home, during which time he had charge of the telegraph office, and was also engaged in the hotel business, conducting the . Moorliead House, " the " Franklin House " and the " Amer- ican House." He also resumed the study of mu- sic, of which he has ever been a devoted lover, being one of the first to compose music for the banjo, and to-day he is well-known throughout the United States and Europe as a popular

writer of banjo music. His published arrange- ments and compositions number over two thou- sand. In 1894 he organized the Brookville Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Club, one of the best organizations of the kind in this section of the State, and every member thereof is a soloist upon his own particular instrument. In 1880 Mr. Baur removed to Flushing, L. I., where he engaged in the real-estate business, and for many years visited New York, Boston, Philadelphia and other Eastern cities, preparing various enter- tainments and teaching and writing music. In 1884 he sold out at Flushing and went to Pitts- burg, Penn., but a year later again took up his residence in Brookville, where until 1888 he con- ducted the "Longview Hotel " (now the "Pennsylvania Memorial Home "), and for the following two years was engaged in the grocery business. He was then elected. justice of the peace, and is now acceptably filling his second term in that office.

On October 16, 1878, Mr. Baur was united in marriage with Susan M. Kretz, a daughter of Charles N. Kretz, a prominent hotel man of Brookville. She was called to her final rest Au- gust 7, 1891, leaving one son, Albert, who is with his father. Mr. Baur takes considerable in- terest in civic societies, holding membership in the Union Veteran Legion; the Grand Army of the Republic; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment; the Ancient Order of Artisans, and also the Supreme Assembly of that order. He is a Democrat in politics, and al- though the borough is strongly Republican he has been twice elected to the office of justice of the peace by a handsome majority, which fact plainly indicate his popularity and the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens.

J A. MILLER, M. D., who devotes his time and energies to the practice of medicine at Hamilton, Jefferson county, and has won distinctive prefertent as a successful physician, was born in August, 1844, on the old Miller homestead. His father, Samuel G. Miller. was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn .. and after his marriage to Mary Keener, removed to Indiana county, where he carried on agricult- ural pursuits. He was a self-educated man, and thoroughly informed on all business matters. Purchasing a farm near Lewisville, he made it his home until his death, in June, 1880. His wife passed away March 3. 1869.

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Miller had a family of seven sons and four daughters: (1) Mary A .. born in Indiana county, became the wife of

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James G. Shields, and died in April, 1894, leav- ing a family. (2) Samuel G., educated in the ('leveland Medical College, has for forty years been a practicing physician, and is now located in Bolivar, Penn. He married Miss Hazlet, who died some years ago, and afterward wedded a Miss Snyder, of Westmoreland county. (3) John K. is married and lives in Blairsville, Penn., where he is engaged in the grocery business. (4) Margaret is the widow of R. N. McCombs, who was captain of Company G, 206th P. V. I. He participated in all the battles of his regiment, and died a few years since, leaving a widow and chil- dren, who reside in Lewisville. (5) T. S. en- listed in 1863, in Company G, 67th P. V. I., and · is now serving as justice of the peace in Lewis- ville. (6) Sarah J. is the wife of John M. Mar- shall, of Blairsville, who is in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. (7) Elizabeth C. resides with her brother, M. G. Miller, in Blairsville. (8) Dr. M. W., who was graduated in the Medical College of Ohio, and is now prac- ticing medicine in Ligonier, Penn., married Ella Giesly, of Westmoreland county, and has two daughters, Maud and Helen. (9) R. N. married Nancy Dickson, of Indiana county, by whom he has three sons, and is now an auctioneer in the town of Indiana. (10) Milton G., who is en- gaged in the drug business in Blairsville, and is the owner of extensive real-estate interests there, married Ella George, of Westmoreland county, and has two children. (11) J. A., our subject, completes the family.

Dr. Miller, whose name begins this review, was reared under the parental roof, and acquired his education in the schools of Lewisville and Jacksonville, Penn. On September 21, 1862, he enlisted in the 23rd P. V. I., and was sworn into service at Harrisburg. He was stationed at Chambersburg. and, after thirty days, was discharged and returned home. On July 1. 1863, he re-enlisted, this time in Company F. 57th P. V. I., and went from Pittsburg to Wheeling to check the progress of Morgan's raid. After the campaign they returned to Pittsburg, and Mfr. Miller was discharged in August, 1863. In Au- gust, 1864, he once more enlisted, this time for one year, as a member of Company G, 206th P. V. I., and from Pittsburg, where the regiment was organized, went to Harrison's Landing, and with the Army of the James held the line of works along the Newmarket road. They went into winter quarters at that point, and April 3. 1865, broke camp and marchied into the city, the first troops to enter Richmond after the evacua- tion. Dr. Miller being corporal and color guard of the regiment. After six weeks spent in Rich-

mond, his command marched to Lynchburg, and thence to Big Lick, where it did duty two weeks. It then returned to Richmond, and in June. 1865, our subject was honorably discharged.

After his return from the war Dr. Miller en- gaged in teaching in the public schools of Indiana county, for four years, and then read medicine un- der the direction of Dr. William Jack, of that county. He was graduated in 1870 at the Cin- cinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and then took up his residence in Hamilton, Penn., where he began practice, and has since continued. He is one of nature's noblemen, always responding to a call from the sick and suffering, regardless of whether it comes from the rich or the poor. Thus he has brought comfort to many a sick one when he knew that he would receive no compensation for his services; but his warm, generous nature responded quickly to the cry of the needy.

In 1872 Dr. Miller married Laura A., daugh- ter of Robert and Margaret Hamilton, the for- mer a well-to-do merchant of Perrysville. They have two children: R. Hamilton, who was born in August, 1875, attended the schools of Perrys- ville, the State Normal School in Indiana, and in September, 1893, entered the Jefferson Medical College, where he was graduated in June, 1896. He is now associated with his father in practice, and is a very intelligent and able young physi- cian. Mary N., the daughter, born October 17, 1878. was graduated in Hollidaysburg, in June, 1895. and is a cultured young lady. The Doctor and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church, and in his political affiliations he is a Republican.

TSRAEL D. SPENCER is one of the genial. intelligent and enterprising agriculturists of Bell township, Jefferson county, who in all the relations of life has been true and faithful to duty. manifesting the same loyalty that charac- terized his service as a Union soldier in the Civil war. He is a son of George and Deborah (Pierce) Spencer, and was born in Indiana coun- ty. Penn., in 1842. He lost his father when he was very young, but was carefully reared by his widowed mother, whom he supported in her de- clining years.

In August, 1861, Mfr. Spencer responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Com- pany A, 61st P. V. I., under Capt. Jacob Kreps. He served throughout the war, and participated in inany important engagements. At the battle of Winchester he was seriously wounded, a minie ball passing through his body. He lay in the hospital for a long tinie, and no hope was enter- tained for his recovery, but he finally regained

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health and strength and again joined his regi- ment. Later he was wounded in the leg, and from this has never entirely recovered. When the war was over, Mr. Spencer returned to his home and resumed the pursuits of civil life. He bought a farm in Indiana county, where he re- sided for five years; then sold that property and purchased a tract of wooded land, whereon he followed lumbering. Disposing of that in 1874, he removed to lowa, and after a short time went to Barton county, Kans., where he bought a tract of prairie land and followed farming some seven years. He then sold his Western home, and returning east spent the succeeding four years as a furniture dealer in Punxsutawney. after which he disposed of his store and bought a sawmill, engaging in the manufacture of luni- ber in Indiana county, until 1888, when he pur- chased land on Ugly run, in Jefferson county. There he erected a sawmill and a number of houses, and has since been extensively engaged in lumbering. meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. He is a man of resolute pur- pose and untiring energy, and by his well-directed efforts has accumulated a comfortable compe- tence.

In July, 1864, Mr. Spencer married Miss Mi- nerva Horn, of Indiana county, daughter of Ellis and Rachel Horn. Her father died in Clearfield county, in 1846, leaving a widow and two chil- dren. the son, P. L. Horn, being now a resident of Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have been born nine children. (1) Ida M., born in Indiana county, in 1867, is the wife of William Barnett, a carpenter of Punxsutawney, and they have two children-Ralph B. and Quigga E. (2) Rachel. born in Indiana county, in 1869, married George W. Davis, of Cool Spring, and they now reside on her father's farm; they have four children- Earl, Beatrice, Vesta and Orie Mckinley. (3) Deborah, born in Indiana county. in 1874, is the wife of Clark Cunning, of Westmoreland county, Penn. : they now reside near the Spencer home, and have two children-Wilbur L. and Rhoda N. (4) Washington H .. born in Barton county, Kans., in 1875. is assisting his father in the mill. (5) Olive A., born in Kansas. in 1878, (6) Lorena B .. born in Kansas, in 1881. (7) George B., born in Punxsutawney. Penn., in 1884. and (S) Cecil B., born in Bell township, are still under the parental roof. (9, Blair Q .. the youngest of the family. was born in 1890, and died at the age of two years.

Mr. Spencer gives his political support to the Republican party, and while residing in Kansas. served as justice of the peace. He and his wife have the warm regard of many friends, and their

home is noted for its culture and refinement. -They are warm friends of the cause of education, and give a hearty support to all measures calcu- lated to prove of benefit to the community.

J TACOB HOCH, who has devoted his life to the honorable pursuits of the farm, is now the owner of a valuable tract of land of 150 acres in Young township, Jefferson county. This is one of the desirable farms of the locality, for its fields are under a high state of cultivation, and good buildings add to the value and attract- ive appearance of the place.

Mr. Hoch was born in Germany in 1841, a son of Valentine and Elizabeth (Scheffer) Hoch, also natives of that country. In 1850 they sailed for America, and after landing came to Jef- ferson county, Penn., taking up their residence near Punxsutawney, where they spent the re- mainder of their lives, the father devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and improve- ment of his farm. He died in 1877, and his wife in 1878. Our subject attended the public schools of his native land for four years, and was a lad of nine summers when he accompanied his parents to the New World. Here the schools were inferior. owing to the new condition of the country, and his educational advantages were necessarily more limited. Reared to farm life. he has always followed that pursuit. and his steady application, perseverance and industry have brought to him a success that is well- merited. He engages in general farming, and also successfully carries on the raising of stock. His business methods are honorable and straight- forward, and he well deserves the success that has come to him.

Mr. Hoch was married, in 1862, to Miss Ra- chel Barnett. a daughter of David Barnett, of Jefferson county. She died in 1872, leaving two children: Jacob B. and David B. . Mr. Hoch was again married, his second union being in IS74 with Maggie Veit, a daughter of Daniel Veit, of Jefferson county. They have one daugh- ter. Edith May. now the wife of Joseph Willard. of Jefferson county. The mother died in 1877, and Mr. Hoch, in 1880, wedded Miss Elesetta Kiefer, a native of Germany. By this marriage there came fivechildren: Maggie, Bertha, Emma. Laura, Rosa and Carl Frederick.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoch are inembers of the Cuni- berland Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney. He is a very prominent member of the 1. O. O. F. there, is a past grand, has served as a delegate to the grand lodge. and is a member of the En- campment. His political support has always

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been given to the Democracy, and he warmly advocates its principles, but has never sought of- fice, preferring to devote his attention to his farm- ing interests. in which he has met a well-merited success.

M AGNUS ALLGEIER. Prominent among the leading citizens of Brookville, Jefferson county, who are of foreign birth, is the gentle- man whose name introduces this sketch-the owner of the Spring Brewery. He was born in 1842, in Baden, Germany, and is a son of Jacob and Francisca (Burger) Allgeier, also natives of that province. In that country the mother's death occurred in 1845. By trade the father was a tailor, and he followed that occupation in his native land until 1853, when he emigrated to the New World, taking up his residence in Clear- field county. Penn., where he engaged in tailor- ing until called from this life, in 1888.

In the Fatherland Magnus Allgeier attended the public schools until fourteen years of age, thus acquiring a good practical education in the German language. On leaving the schoolroom he engaged in the brewing business in that coun- try until 1866, in which year he emigrated to America. On his arrival he located first at St. Marys, Penn., but at the end of two years came to Brookville, and established his present busi- ness, which he has since successfully conducted. He turns out some 2, 500 barrels of beer annu- ally, and his trade extends about twenty-five miles in every direction.

In 1866 Mr. Allgeier was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ringwald, a daughter of Lorenz Ringwald, of Germany, and they have seven children: Philip, the present proprietor of the " Jefferson House" at Brookville: Herman, Al- bert and Frederick, who are all with their father When six years of age W. R. McGee accom- . panied his parents to Bell township, where he was reared to manhood on the homestead farm. He assisted in the arduous task of developing new land, and also followed lumbering on Ma- in the brewery; Louis, who is attending school; and Mary, at home. Mr. Allgeier and his family are all communicants of the Roman Catholic Church. On national affairs he always supports ! the Democratic party, but at local elections he | honing creek for a number of years. After his

votes independently, supporting the man whom he thinks will best fill the position. For himself he cares nothing for public office. preferring rather to give his attention to his business inter- ests. He is a progressive, public-spirited citi- zen, who stands high in the community.

W R. McGEE, who follows both farming and lumbering in Gaskill township, Jef- ferson county, and has by his earnest efforts ac- quired a handsome competence, was born in

Young township, Jefferson county, in 1837. and is a son of Robert and Catherine (Graffins) Mc- Gee. His father was born in Centre county, Penn., March 17, 1814, and his mother was born in Huntingdon county, March 14, 1817. When a young man Robert McGee removed to Young township, where he married, and then located on the George Weaver farm, where he resided for a number of years. He afterward moved to Bell township, Jefferson county, where he purchased a tract of timber land and developed a farm. His first home there was a round-log house with a clapboard roof, while a log barn gave shelter to his stock. He added other improvements from time to time. extended the boundaries of his farm by the additional purchase of twenty- five acres, and erected a hewed-log house and frame barn. He made his home on that place until his death. His widow is living with her children.

The members of this family are as follows: (1) W. R. is the eldest. (2) John died in child- hood. (3) S. A., who was born in Bell town- ship, wedded Mary J. Crawford, of Indiana county, Penn., and follows farming in Bell town- ship. (4) Daniel, a fariner of Bell township. was born there, and married Annis Williams, of Perry township, Jefferson county. (5) George, born in Jefferson county, wedded Melvina

who died some years ago, leaving three children. He afterward married again, and now resides near Winslow Station. (6) Isaac died in infancy. (7) Ephraim died in childhood. (8) Mary A., born in Jefferson county, is the wife of Urias Pearce, of Bell township, by whom she has a large family. (9) J. M., born in Jefferson coun- ty, is now a resident of Du Bois: he married Jane Shusley, of Illinois, and has one child. Bertha.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 53

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