Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 57

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 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 57
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 57

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Mr. Felt, whose name introduces this sketch, was seven years old when he left the farm on which he was born and removed with his parents to Jefferson county, locating near Brockwayville. Until he had attained his majority he remained at home, engaging in both lumbering and farming, and at the age of twenty-two purchased a farm in Snyder township, Jefferson county, which he successfully operated for eight years. In the meantime he had enlisted, August 29, 1864, in Company B, 211th P. V. I., under Capt. Charles McLain. In front of Petersburg, April 2, 1865, he was three times wounded, twice in the left shoulder and once in the neck. For eight hours he lay on the battlefield, and was then taken to City Point hospital, three days later to a hospital in Washington, D. C., where he also remained three days, and from there was transferred to a hospital in Philadelphia, where he was finally discharged.

On his return home Mr. Felt resumed farm- ing, but in 1874 he joined the Erie Conference for the purpose of devoting his time to the work

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of the ministry. For one year he was located at Putneyville, later spent two years in charge of the congregations at Emerickville and Rey- noldsvilie; was then stationed at President, Venango county, one year; three years in Wash- ington township, Clarion county; three years in . Rockland; two years in New Bethlehem; two years in Bellevue, Jefferson county; and for five years was pastor of the Church at Sligo. Owing to ill health he retired in 1893, and has since made his home in the last-named place.

In Brockwayville, Penn., August 7, 1861, Mr. Felt was married to Miss Anna S. Rimer, Squire Samuel B. Behman performing the cere- mony. Two children blessed their union: Em- erson D., who is engaged in clerking in Venango county, Penn., married Luella Boarland, and has two children-Rush W. and Charles;' Jennie G. is the wife of Harry C. Hodil, a merchant of Sligo. Mrs. Felt was born in Porter township, Clarion county, December 16, 1840, and is a daughter of Christian and Anna (Shick) Rimer, natives of Northampton and Clarion counties, re- spectively. They were married in the latter county, where they continued to reside until 1855, when they removed to Dayton, Armstrong Co., Penn., where during his last years the fa- ther lived retired. The mother died in 1845 at the age of twenty-nine years, and was buried at Churchville, Clarion county. She left the fol- lowing children-Elizabeth, now the wife of Christ Space, a stone mason and farmer living near New Bethlehemn, Penn .; David, who mar- ried Polly Felt, a sister of our subject, and is en- gaged in farming in Clearfield county; Nancy J., deceased wife of Z. Space, who conducts a meat market at New Bethlehem; Anna S., wife of our subject; Catherine, deceased wife of James A. Gorley, a farmer of Warren county, Penn .; Robert A., a farmer of Armstrong county; and William, an agriculturist of Big Run, Pennsyl- vania.

After the death of his first wife, Christian Rimer married Margaret Beers, by whom he had seven children, namely: Mary A., wife of James Schrecengost, of Armstrong county: Jacob, who is engaged in the bee business in that connty; Priscilla, wife of Charles Frye, a merchant of Il- linois; Maria, wife of James Terp, a machinist, now engaged in the foundry business in Du Bois. Penn .; Lydia, wife of a Mr. Smith, a wagon Inaker of Armstrong county: Ala, wife of John Gray, a farmer of that county; and John, a mer- chant of Illinois. The father was an extensive land owner, and was a very successful agricult- urist. He was a prominent and active member of the Presbyterian Church, and had the respect

and esteem of all who knew him. He departed this life June 8, 1889, at the age of seventy-eight years, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Dayton, Armstrong county.

The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Felt were Jacob and Elizabeth (Hilliard) Rimer, who were born, reared and married in Northampton coun- ty, Penn. On coming to Clarion county they located on the present site of the town of Rimers- burg, which was named in honor of the grand- father. Here he took up 300 acres of land, which he divided into town lots and subsequently sold at one dollar per lot. He then removed to a farm in Toby township, a mile and a half from Rimersburg, on the Callensburg road, where he made his home until his death. His remains were interred by the side of those of his wife in the Churchville cemetery in Clarion county. Christian and Betsy Shick, the maternal grand- parents of Mrs. Felt, were natives of Northamp- ton county, and came with the Rimer family on their removal to Clarion county, where they died, being buried in the Oak Ridge cemetery. They were consistent members of the German Reformed Church.

Fraternally, Mr. Felt is a prominent member of Sligo Post, G. A. R., while, politically, he is. identified with the Republican party. His es- timable wife is also an earnest and faithful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has proved a true helpmeet to him, always having aided and encouraged him in his work. They have labored untiringly in the Master's cause, and long after they have entered into their final rest their influence will continue in everlasting circles.

B YRON H. FRAMPTON, the present post- master of Clarion and for years an active and leading business man of that borough and of Clarion county, was born in Clarion township. October 31. 1857, and is a representative of one of the earliest families of the Commonwealth.

William Frampton, as far as is known, was the progenitor of the family in America. He was a Quaker or Friend, and was associated with William Penn in the first settlement of the State, holding high positions in the infant col- ony. In 1696 he was keeper of the seal, and in a book containing the early records of their pro- ceedings (a copy of which is in the possession of Judge Tuttle, of Warren, Ohio), also in "Co- lonial Records, Vol. 1." Carnegie Library. Alle- gheny, Penn., William Frampton is frequently spoken of. He was a prominent merchant of the then young city of Philadelphia, and, in the book referred to, is given an invoice of goods in-

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ported by him. He was a prominent member of the Council or Legislature of the Colony or Com -~ monwealth.

Samuel F. Frampton, the father of B. H. Frampton, and the son of David Frampton, who was a direct descendant of the William Framp- ton mentioned, was born here in Clarion county . (then Armstrong county), A. D. 1813, his moth- er being, before marriage, Miss Hannah Lebaugh. Samuel Frampton married Eveline Reynolds, who, too, was a native of Clarion county, where both passed their lives, he dying in 1886, and she in 1896, being among the very best people of the county, having lived useful lives. He was engaged largely in farming, and amassed con- siderable of a fortune. He was a most active and enterprising citizen of Clarion county, and left his impress upon the community. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank, of Clarion, Penn., also of Reid Institute, which was for many years one of the best institutions of this section. The children of this couple were: Melinda, who is the wife of R. S. Cathus; Richard R., who is a prominent oil merchant of Oil City, Penn .; Elizabeth E., who married J. H. Elliott; Minerva J., who is the wife of Hon. J. H. Wilson; Anna B., who is the wife of Dr. W. L. Williams, of Ridgway, Penn. ; David T., who resides at Clarion; Eva A., who married T. M. Kier, now of Peru, Ind., and she is now deceased; Ida M,, who is the wife of Rev. John S. Wrightner; and Byron H., who is the subject of this review.

Byron H. Frampton was reared on his fa- ther's farm, remaining there until twenty-two years of age. He received his education in the public schools and at Reid's Institute. On leav- ing the farm he went to Callensburg, and be- came engaged in mercantile pursuits, following that business there for three years. He was next occupied for two years in the lumber busi- ness, following which he again went into mer- chandising, this time at Clarion. He was a snc- cessful merchant of the borough for the succeed- ing seven years when he engaged in the insurance business and became interested in oil producing, and followed these lines of business several years. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of Clarion, and has since filled the position with ability.

On April 12, 1882, Mr. Frampton was mar- ried to Miss Nellie M. Mohney, who was born at Strattonville, Penn., in 1862, and is a daughter of Peter Mohney, a prominent merchant of Strat- tonville, Penn. To this marriage have come two sons and one daughter, Villard, Samuel, and Ro- maine. The parents of these are identified with

the Baptist Church; the father has been leader of the choir for the past twelve years. Both are interested in all work having for its object the elevation of morals and the good of the com- munity. Socially, Mr. Frampton is a member of the F. &. A. M., and I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Democrat, believing firinly in the prin- ciples of the party, and has ever been active in party work. Postmaster Frampton is one of Clarion's good men and one of its best citizens.

W ILLIAM S. REED, deceased, was for many years one of the leading and prom- inent stock-raisers and farmers of Clarion coun- ty. His entire life was passed in Highland town- ship, where his birth occurred in 1823. He was the second son in a large family, whose parents were John and Jane (Lamb) Reed, highly re- spected citizens and honored pioneers of High- land township, where the father was at one time owner of 1, 500 acres of land.

Reared upon the home farm, William S. Reed obtained a good practical education in the public schools of the locality, and also became thoroughly familiar with every department of farm work. In 1848 he purchased 180 acres of land adjoining the old homestead, and after clearing some of the land, he erected thereon a small house and made other improvements. Having secured a home of his own, his next de- sire was to have some one preside over it. Ac- cordingly in 1852 he married Miss Elizabeth Berlin, of Beaver township, Clarion county, a daughter of Paul and Nancy Berlin, well-to-do farming people, who spent their last years in Forest county, Penn. In their family were nine children: Lavina, wife of Jacob Mires, of Olean, N. Y .; Elizabeth, widow of our subject: Elias; Jacob; Ann; John; Sarah; Lucy and Emily.

Mr. Reed took his bride to his new home, and upon that place he spent the remainder of his life. In 1877 he erected a commodious residence with all the inodern improvements, and at the time of his death had converted the wild land into one of the most desirable and highly culti- vated farms of Highland township. There he passed away October 25, 1880, leaving many friends as well as his family to mourn their loss.

Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of eleven children, all born on the home farni in Highland township: (1) Nancy, born in Sep- tember, 1853, is now the wife of Joseph De Vil- der, a farmer of Highland township, and has ten children-Maud E., May, Mary Blanch, William N., Edith, Pearl, Frank, Geneveive, Margaret and Theresa. (2) Rose Ellen, born in April,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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1855, received a common-school education, and married Wisor Kahl, of Fryburg, Clarion coun- ty, where she died in 1890, leaving a husband and seven children-Frank Howard, John Royal, George W., Edna G., Elizabeth, Grover C. and Nellie. (3) Araminta F., born in December, 1856, is the wife of Edward Bower, a farmer of Warren county, Penn., by whom she has four sons-John R., Arthur L., James and Amos. (4) Caroline E., born in October, 1858, was married in December, 1881, to William H. Halselback, a native of Sweden, and they now live in Falls Creek, Jefferson Co., Penn., where he is part owner in the Falls Creek Brick Works; they have six children-Mary E., Grace, Helen G., Fred WV., Elsie and Walter. (5) Lavina A., born Au- gust 17, 1860, received a common-school educa- tion, and married Miles Croocks, of Clarion county. They reside near Strattonville on the James Croocks homestead. Their children are: Margaret E., Charles Reed, Daisy Nell, Hazel and Samuel A. (6) John Paul, born in Novem- ber, 1862, was married in 1891 to Lydia Ster- rett, of Clarion county, and they reside on the old homestead, where he has erected a large two- story house; they have two sons-Archie and Ce- cil Ray. (7) S. Gertrude, born in February, 1865, attended the public schools, but completed her education in the Clarion Normal. She is a very fine scholar, and has for seven years suc- cessfully engaged in teaching in the public schools of Clarion and Forest counties. (8) William Al- bert, born in April, 1867, obtained his early edu- cation in the common schools, and has also taught for five years in the public schools of Clarion county. In 1891 he graduated at the Clarion Normal, after which he taught for two terms, and then entered the Washington and Jef- ferson College, graduating at that institution in the spring of 1897. In the fall of that year he entered the Allegheny Theological Seminary, where he is preparing for the Presbyterian min- istry. He is a remarkably bright young man, and undoubtedly a brilliant, as well as a useful, future awaits him. At the early age of twenty years he was elected elder of the Presbyterian Church with which he is connected, and has also served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. (9) Amos R., born in August, 1869, graduated at the Clarion State Normal School in 1896, he also having attended Franklin College, of Ohio. He has followed the teacher's profession for four or five years, and is now teaching in Washing- ton, Penn. (10) Jaines E. Clyde, born in Au- gust, 1871, secured a common-school education; he was married in 1895 to Elizabeth Doters, of Forest county, and they now live upon a part of

his grandfather Reed's purchase, adjoining his mother's home. (11) Malissa, born in May. 1873. died at the age of one year.

Mr. Reed used his right of franchise in sup- port of the Democracy, and filled the offices of school director and supervisor forone term each. He was an active and prominent member of the Presbyterian Church of Shiloh, to which his widow and children also belong. He gave a lib- eral support to all enterprises calculated to ad- vance the moral, educational or material welfare of his community, and took an active part in all Church work. At all times and under all circuin- stances he was an earnest, consistent Christian gentleman, and in many respects his life was well worthy of emulation. His children have profited by his example, and now fill honorable and use- ful positions in life. The family is one of prom- inence in educational, religious and social circles, and the sterling worth of its members is appre- ciated by their many friends.

W I. REED, of the firm of Sansom & Reed, editors and publishers of the Clarion Democrat, is a man whose make-up and qualifi- cations are well suited for the successful conduct of a newspaper.

Mr. Reed is the son of Thomas and Frances (Irwin) Reed, natives of Beaver county. Penn., the birthplace of the son. The latter received his education in the common schools of his native county. At the age of sixteen years he began serving an apprenticeship in the office of the Venango County Republican at Oil City, where he laid the foundation for his profession. He continued in the printing business in Oil City for several years, then engaged in the same business for himself at Indianapolis, Ind. Later he con- nected himself with the press of Pittsburg, Penn., and in Beaver county, Penn., as an editor, pub- lisher and business manager. There he remained until coming to Clarion in 1885. He was one of the publishers of the Beaver Argus, and estab- lished the Rochester ( Penn. ) Daily Argus. He served as clerk of the committee on Public Buildings and Grounds at Washington, D. C., during the Congressional term of 1882-83. He is a stockholder and has been a director of the Clarion State Normal School since its establishment. He is also secretary of the board of trustees of that institution. In 1885 he became a partner with George G. Kribbs in the publication of the Clarion Democrat, with which paper he has ever since been identified. Since 1890 the paper has been conducted by Messrs. Sansom & Reed, and under their excellent business management and

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able editorship the paper has wielded an influ- ence for good in the county of Clarion, where it is a potent factor in the politics of the party whose cause it has espoused.

In 1875 Mr. Reed was married to Miss Clara M. Dale, a daughter of David Dale, a pioneer of Clarion county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the Baptist Church of Clarion, the former being clerk of the Clarion Baptist Asso- ciation, a position which he has held for years- longer than any of his predecessors. He is also a member of the F. and A. M. He is one of the best citizens of Clarion, using his talent and in- fluence in the promotion of all measures having for their object the elevation of mankind, and aiding such enterprises as look to the develop- ment of the resources of Clarion county.

W L. SANSOM, one of the editors and pub- lishers of the Clarion Democrat, like his associate, is well fitted and qualified for the pro- fession which he has so long and successfully fol- lowed.

James B. Sansom, his father, before him was a practical printer, editor and publisher. The son was born May 5, 1854, at McConnellsburg, Fulton county, Penn. In 1862 he went with the family to Indiana county, and in the schools there received his elementary education. Leav- ing school when but fourteen years of age he en- tered the office of the Indiana Democrat, then published by his father, where he remained Seven years. At the expiration of this time he was appointed to a clerkship in the Auditor-Gen- eral's office at Harrisburg, Penn., under Gen. Justus F. Temple, and was re-appointed under Hon. William P. Schell. He served in the po- sition for six years. In July, 1880, he purchased a half interest in the Jeffersonian Democrat at ! Brookville, Penn., Maj. John McMurray owning the other half. In 1889 Mr. Sansom purchased his partner's interest in the paper, the Major go- ing to Clarion, where he became associated in the publication of the Clarion Democrat. In 1 890 Mr. Sansom and Maj. McMurray exchanged their properties, Mr. Sansom coming to Clarion, and the Major going to Brookville. Since that time the Clarion Democrat has been very success- fully conducted by Sansom & Reed, Mr. Reed having been identified with the paper since 1885. Mr. Sansom is a good newspaper man, under- standing thoroughly the business in all its branches. As a citizen he is progressive and en- terprising, and he is highly esteemed wherever known.

On December 19, 1897, Mr. Sansom was

married to Miss Mary M. Moorhead, a daughter of A. T. Moorhead, of the Indiana Progress, a Republican paper. To this union were born four children, as follows: Charles L. (who is in the office with his father), Mary M., Dorothy J. and Martha E. The parents are members of the M. E. Church of Clarion. Mr. Sansom is a member of the F. & A. M .; and also of the K. of P. He is now serving as school director.

THE CLARION DEMOCRAT, a bright and newsy paper of Clarion, Clarion county, now pub- lished and edited by Messrs. Sansom & Reed, was established at Clarion in May, 1840, by William T. Alexander and Robert Barber. It was then styled the Republican. In 1844 the Republican was consolidated with the Democrat, which was founded in 1842, under the name of the Clarion Democrat, with B. J. Reed and Will- iam T. Alexander as proprietors and editors. In 1845 Mr. Reed sold his interest to his partner. and during the same year Col. Alexander took in as a partner George W. Weaver, of Bellefonte. and the two conducted the paper for seven years. In June, 1862, James T. Burns became connected with the paper, but in December, 1862, sold his interest to R. B. Brown, who in 1864 became sole proprietor and editor. In January, 1872, Mr. Brown introduced the first steam press used in the county. In 1877 George F. Kribbs be- came owner and editor of the Democrat, and con- ducted it until in 1885, when he was joined in the publication by W. I. Reed. These men were associated with its publication until in 1889, at which time Mr. Kribbs disposed of his interest to Maj. John McMurray, who came from the Brookville Jeffersonian. At the close of that year Maj. McMurray was succeeded by W. L. Sansom, and from that time to this the paper has been conducted by Sansom & Reed.

H ON. E. HEATH CLARK, present judge of Clarion county, is a native of Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn., born July 22. 1839. a son of Jesse G. and Sarah W. (Hastings) Clark, and a grandson of William and Susan (Griffeth, Clark.

William Clark, the grandfather, was a native of the Keystone State, born February 19, 1791. near Danville. Montour county, and was by trade a carpenter. In IS12 he enlisted in a company of men numbering about one hundred, en route for Black Rock, New Buffalo, on Lake Erie. On the march from Lewiston to their destination they passed over the old State Road through Brookville and camped one night at

Jaurs Driey E. ibreath Glans

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Rigleys, on the top of Anderson's Creek hill, near Curwensville, Clearfield county, and also at Port Barnett, near Brookville. About 1825 Mr. Clark moved to Blairsville, Indiana Co., Penn., where he lived until 1830, and was engaged in building locks on the canal. In October, 1830, he moved his family to Brookville, Jefferson county, at which time there was but one house within the present limits of that thriving town. The second house, a hotel, was erected by Mr. Clark, on the northwest corner of Jefferson and Pick- ering streets, where the home of the Hon. A. C. White now stands. Later Mr. Clark purchased the lots on the corner of Main and Mill streets, now occupied by the Hon. Henry Truman. On this lot the second hotel of 'Brookville, prior to 1839, was erected by William Clark. In 1839 he moved his family to Clarion, Penn: "He took an active and prominent part in politics and was twice elected sheriff of Jefferson county, and for four years carried the mail to Indiana, Penn. He married Susan Griffeth, and they became the parents of: Jesse G., Matilda S., William F., Calvin B. and Jane E. William Clark died in 1843, and his wife in 1862.

Jesse G. Clark was born January 22, 1815. When the family in 1839 moved to Clarion, Jesse G. purchased three lots, on one of which he erected a hotel, which he called the " Forest House," but which to-day is still standing, well preserved, and known to the public as the " Loomis House," the property of M. Murphy. In 1841 this hotel property was sold to Robert Barber, of Strattonville, and the family returned to Brookville. That year Jesse G., in partner- ship with his brother, William F., established a general merchandise business at the corner of Main and Pickering streets, now the site of the Matson Brick Block. As early as 1832 Jesse G. Clark had, in connection with James P. Blair, embarked in the newspaper business. They es- tablished and edited at Brookville a weekly paper known as the Back Woodsman. This paper later passed into the hands of Thomas Hastings (father-in-law of Jesse G. Clark), who successfully conducted it for a number of years. After disposing of the paper, Jesse G. Clark en- tered the law office of Elijah Heath, and about 1838 was admitted to the Bar. He practiced law for some time with the late Lewis B. Dun- ham, and in 1841 became associated with Bar- clay D. Jenks, a brother of the Hon. William P. and Hon. George A. Jenks, of Brookville. For a number of years Mr. Clark was land agent for Charles Oglesby, who owned large tracts of land in Jefferson and Clarion counties. He was, also, much interested in politics, and in 1844 made a

political speech at Shippenville-the late Judge Samuel Gilmore was also one of the speakers on that occasion. The excitement of that cam- paign may be judged from the fact that the pro- cession which left Brookville to attend the meet- ing was four miles long before reaching Shippen- ville. Jesse G. Clark married Sarah W. Hast- ings, who was born March 19. 1819, in Centre county, Penn., a daughter of Thomas Hastings. The latter was one of the most distinguished cit- izens of the time, and held the office of sheriff in Centre county; in 1827-28 was a member of the General Assembly; and in 1846 was appointed by Gov. Francis Shunk as associate judge of Jefferson county. He died in Brookville in 1871 and his wife, with whom he had passed over half a century of wedded life, did not long survive him. To Jesse G. Clark and wife were born two -children, who grew to maturity: E. Heath Clark, mentioned below; and William T., who was born May 7, 1841, and died June 20, 1883; he served in the Civil war, enlisting first in the three-months' service and later re-enlisting for three years: Jesse G. Clark died in Brookville. February 4, 1847, and his widow formed a sec- ond matrimonial alliance-her second husband being Capt. Robert R. Means, who was born April 25, 1819, and died October 4, 1877. Mrs. Means, mother of E. Heath Clark, died June 4, 1889.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 57

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