Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 62

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 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 62

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The paternal great-grandfather of our subject. Capt. Thomas Askey, was born in England, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and on coming to America at an early date located in Philadelphia. He was an officer in the French and English wars, and married a Miss Baker, a daughter of Col. Robert Baker, who also served with distinction in that struggle. Their family consisted of six sons and four daughters. Capt. Thomas Askey lies buried at Jacksonville, Centre Co., Penn., and the old name . Thomas Erskine" is retained on his tombstone. He died in 1807. During their early married life the paternal grandparents of our subject, David and Jane (Harrison) Askey, lived in Philadelphia, whence they removed to Centre county, Penn., but spent their last years in Ve- nango county. The maternal great-grandfather

.The original name was the old English name " Erskine." but in tran- scribing the records during the French and Indian wars it was changed to ** Askey

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was Daniel Smith, of Centre county, and the grandfather was William Smith, who first lived in Centre county and later in Venango county.

Edwin Nelson Askey is the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being as follows: Clara L., now the wife of Lawrence Stoup, an oil operator of Center View, Ohio; Mary I., who died at the age of eighteen years; William E., who is connected with the National Transit Company of Oil City, Penn .; Jennie, who died at the age of two years; James B., who is engaged in teaching, and resides at home; and Ida M., also at home.

Until twenty-five years of age, Mr. Askey made his home with his parents, but after the age of seventeen had successfully engaged in teaching through the winter months. He also attended the Grove City College, feeling called to the work of the Master, and entered the Erre Conference, and was ordained for the ministry. His first charge was at President, Venango coun- ty, where he remained for two years. In Sep. tember. 1893, he was appointed pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Sligo, and also had charge of the congregation at Curllsville, Cherry Run, Monroe Chapel and Pine Grove, where he remained four years. In September, 1897, he was appointed by Bishop Fowler to his present pastorate --- New Bethlehem, Penn., which includes the congregation at Oak Ridge, Penn. In this connection he is president of the Camp Meeting Association located at Cherry Run, one of the most noted camp meeting grounds in this section of the State.

On October 1. 1891, at Rockland, Venango county, Mr. Askey was married to Miss Pauline Williams, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J. K. Adams, a Methodist Episcopal minister. They now have two children: Harrison L. and Edwin V. Mrs. Askey is a native of Venango county, and a daughter of Perry and Nancy (McMillin) Williams. Socially, Mr. Askey is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees at Rockland, and, politically, is identified with the Prohibition party. He is a man of scholarly tastes, is an able speaker. and is a very popular minister, being held in high regard by all re- ligious denominations as well as by his own Church. He has exerted a great power for good

. in the community, and is a most devoted laborer in the Master's cause.

A DAM MONROE MOHNEY. M. D., an emi- nent physician and surgeon of Rimersburg, was born December 13, 1850, in Red Bank town- ship, Armstrong county, Penn., and is a son of

Lewis S. and Rebecca (Shick) Mohney, natives of Clarion and Armstrong counties, respectively. His paternal grandfather, Adam Mohney, was born east of the mountains, in this State, and in the latter part of the eighteenth century came to Clarion county, where he spent his remaining years engaged in farming. In Red Bank town- ship he took up a large tract of land, including the present sites of New Bethlehem and Mays- ville, and a part of the place is still owned by the Doctor's uncle, John Mohney, who is now eighty-four years of age. Jacob Shick, the ma- ternal grandfather, was also born east of the mountains, and became a pioneer settler of Arm- strong county, where he followed agricultural pursuits until his death.

The Doctor's parents were married in Arm- strong county, where they continued to make their home until 1862, when they removed to West Millville, Clarion county. There the mother died in April, 1894, aged sixty-six years, and was buried at the White Church, in Clarion county. Throughout his active business life the father en- gaged in farming and merchandising at both New Salem and West Millville, but since 1894 has lived retired, and now makes his home with our subject. He was born July 24, 1824. He has acceptably filled several local offices, and is a prominent member of the Reformed Church, to which his estimable wife also belonged.

Dr. Mohney is the second in order of birth in the family of seven children, of whom the others are as follows: Jacob, a resident of Kittanning. Penn. ; William, who has never been heard from since he left home in 1877; Frederick, a carpen- ter of Kittanning: Christian, a physician of Cal- lensburg, Penn. : Elizabeth, deceased wife of Jud McMillen, who is engaged in the express busi- ness in Punxsutawney, Penn .; and Charles, an electrician of Cleveland, Ohio.

The Doctor remained under the parental roof until he attained the age of twenty-four, but eight years previous he commenced teaching school-a profession he successfully followed for one dec- ade during the winter seasons, while during the summer months he attended the Corsica and West Millville Normals. At the age of twenty- six he began reading medicine with Dr. Henry, of West Millville, and subsequently was a student at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Bal- timore. Md., from which noted institution he graduated in 1882 with the degree of M. D. From 1881 until 1887 he engaged in practice in Leatherwood. Clarion county, and then came to Rimersburg, where he soon succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice. Both profes- sionally and financially he has met with success,

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and, besides his elegant home and office in Rimersburg, he owns a farm and other valuable property.

In May, 1875, at Squirrel Hill, Clarion coun- ty, occurred the marriage of Dr. Mohney and Miss Elsie Armagost, Rev. Dotterer officiating. The children born of this union are Blanda F., an accomplished young lady; Branard T., Ruth B. and Florence B., all at home. Mrs. Mohney was born at Squirrel Hill, February 11, 1857, a daughter of Thomas and Susan (Hepler) Arma- gost, also natives of Clarion county, the former born January 22, 1825, the latter October 18, 1827. The father was a blacksmith by trade, but during the last year of his life ill health pre- vented him from actively engaging in business. He died July 31, 1897, and was buried at Squir- rel Hill, but his wife still resides at ,that place. Both held membership in the Reformed Church, and were highly respected by all who knew them. Mrs. Mohney's paternal great-grandfather was a native of Berks county, Penn., and was among the earliest settlers of Limestone township, Clar- ion county. The grandparents, Stoffel and Mary (Schuck) Armagost, were also natives of Berks county, and became honored pioneers of Clarion county. Her maternal grandparents, Jacob and Sallie (Hamm) Hepler, came to the county at an early day.

Mrs. Mohney is one of a large family of chil- dren, who in order of birth are as follows: Emily and Eliza, who both died in childhood; Mary, wife of Frank Doverspike, a farmer of Kansas; Agnes, widow of. A. J. Reichard, living with her mother; Martha, widow of J. Dallas Lochlin, a lumber merchant of Wald, Penn., who died August 13, 1897; Elsie, wife of our subject; Alice, wife of J. B. Krotzer, an oil-driller of Butler county, Penn .: Crissie, wife of Philip Fox, a farmer of Curllsville, Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. C. S. Mohney, of Callensburg. the brother of our subject; William M., a black- smith of Rimersburg: Ada, wife of Dr. G. B. Woods, of Curllsville; Nettie, wife of James B. Slougenhaupt, a farmer of Piollett. Penn .; and Harry S., a blacksmith of Pitcairn, Pennsyl- vania.

accorded him in recognition of liis skill and ability, and the place which he occupies in the social world is a tribute to that genuine worth and true nobleness of character which are uni- versally recognized and honored.

J TESSE KIEHL, ex-sheriff of Clarion county, and an oil operator of Clarion, was born in Jefferson county, Penn., September 7, 1853.

His parents, who are now both deceased, were good and industrious people, who led em- emplary lives and made the world better by their presence in it. John Kiehl, the father, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northumber- land county, in 1814. He was by trade a stonenia- son, and followed it as an occupation until three- score years of age. He married Catherine Shunkwiler, who, too, was a native of Northum- berland county, born in 1818, and to them were born children as follows: Peter (deceased ), Will- iam, Anna (Mrs. George J. Reitz, of New Salem, Penn.), Jacob, Henry, Sarah (Mrs. M. Hender- liter), John, Susanna (Mrs. S. J. Coleman), Solomon, Jesse (our subject), Catherine' (Mrs. Simon Ferringer), Daniel (deceased), David, Elizabeth (Mrs. John Stormer). The early lives of the parents were passed in their native coun- ty, but later they moved to Jefferson county, where they resided until the close of their lives. The father died in 1891, and the mother passed away in 1894.

Jesse Kiehl, until sixteen years of age, re- sided on a farm and received the usnal country- school education. At that age he left the parent- al roof and was employed in the woods, scoring square timber in the lumbering camps, until he reached his majority, at which time he was mar- ried From that time until 1891, he was occu- pied through the summer seasons in farming, and during the winters he followed lumbering. In 1891 he was elected sheriff of Clarion conn- ty, and removed to that borough, where he has since continued to reside. In this relation he served the people of the county very acceptably during three years. Since his retirement from that office he has been engaged in the oil busi- ness in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He made a good officer. and as a business man stands high. As a citizen he is esteemed by all and commands their respect. He is a director in the Second National Bank, and is largely interested in the oil fields of the locality. His marriage to Miss Martha MeKelup. a daughter of William Mc- Kellup. of Clarion county, occurred in 1873. and, of the children born to them, six survive,

Fraternally the Doctor is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the Chapter in Clarion, and is also a member of the Odd Fellows Society and the Knights of Pythias in Rimersburg. For the past three years he has served as elder in the Re- formed Church. with which he is connected. Al- though an ardent Democrat in politics he has : never aspired to office, preferring to give his un- divided attention to his professional duties. The prominent place he has won in the profession is | namely: Maggie. Ilarriet, Ina, Bert and Bertha

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(twins), and Maude. The parents of these are members of the Presbyterian Church. Socially, the father is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a Past Grand and Past Commander of the K. of P .; he is also Senior Mechanic, and has passed all the chairs. Mr. Kiehl in politics is a Demo- crat, is active in party affairs, and has held a number of local offices.

S IMON KNIGHT is a man who has been very useful in his community, and ever taken an active interest in the enterprises tending to the enlightenment of the people, the friend of edu- cation and active in all good works.

On the old homestead in Clarion county, Mr. Knight was born December 10, 1840, a son of Peter and Mary (Fisher) Knight, who were .na- tives of Westmoreland county, Penn., and rep- resentatives of prominent and highly respected families. Soon after their marriage the parents came to Clarion county, where, in the midst of the dense forest, the father cleared and improved a farm of 184 acres. Upon the place he erected a good brick residence, and soon converted the wild land into a highly-cultivated and valuable farm. Throughout his entire life he followed

agricultural pursuits, always gave his political support to the Democratic party, and was a faith- ful member of the Reformed Church, in which he served as deacon. He died on the old home- stead at the age of sixty-two, and his wife, who was also an earnest Christian and active member of the Reformed Church, passed away in the fall of 1896, at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. In the family of this worthy couple were the fol- lowing named: John; William; Asa, who now owns and operates the old home farm; George, who died in 1865; Clara, deceased; Simon; Mary, wife of Adam Brinker, of Salem township, Clarion county, who was a Union soldier during the Civil war; and Mrs. Rebecca Smith, a resi- dent of Ohio.

On the home farm Simon Knight early be- came familiar with the arduous task of clearing and developing wild land, and in the common schools of the neighborhood he acquired his ed- ucation. For twenty years he gave considerable attention to the oil business, either as a pumper or operator; but since locating upon his present farm, in Beaver township, Clarion county, in 1893, he has devoted his energies principally to agricultural pursuits. The place comprises 1 30 acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and im- proved with an elegant residence, built at a cost of $2,200, a barn at a cost of $1,700, and a

smaller barn at a cost of $500. All the conven- iences and accessories of a model farm are there to be found. During the Rebellion Mr. Knight was for a time a member of Company G, 56th P. V. I.

On May 15, 1894, Mr. Knight was united in marriage with Miss Flora Cupples, who was born October 9, 1854, and was for over twenty years a successful and popular teacher in the graded and ungraded schools of Clarion county, and one term in Butler county. She received her early education in the common schools at home; then attended the Clarion Seminary, at Clarion; then the Edinboro Normal, Erie county, Penn. ; then the Rimersburg and West Freedom Academies; then the National Normal at Lebanon, Ohio, and graduated from the Valparaiso Normal School in 1884. Her mother died over a quarter of a cen- tury ago, and her father, William Cupples, passed away June 17, 1884. He was a son of James Cupples, who was educated in Edinburgh, Scot- land, and he and his wife came to Providence, R. I., where William was born November 20, 1814. From there they moved to Pittsburg, Penn., when William was a child, and there the lad received his education. James Cupples was a teacher by profession, and he followed same up to the time of his death, after which event William left home, and also taught school, teach- ing and attending school alternately until No- vember 8, 1845, when he married Maria Bell. They then settled on a farm, whereon he passed the rest of his days, He had a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, seven of whom were teachers until choosing other pro- fessions.

In his political affiliations Mr. Knight is an inflexible adherent of the doctrines and princi- ples of the Democratic party. He is a public- spirited, enterprising man, taking an active in- terest in everything that seems to promise a ben- efit to the community. In the Reformed Church he holds membership, while his estimable wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

H IRAM BEALS, an honored veteran of the Civil war and a leading citizen of Richland township, Clarion county, was born July 31, 1840. in Venango county, Penn., and is a son of Jacob Beals, a native of Berks county, of Ger- man descent. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Bry, was born in Lehigh county, and was a daughter of Michael Bry. In 1839 the parents took up their residence in Ve- nango county, where the father died at the age of eighty-three years, but the mother is still living at

Simon Knight

Floral Knight

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the advanced age of ninety. He was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics and a Lu- theran in religious belief. The mother is also a consistent member of the Church. Their family numbered eight children, namely: Flora Anna; Samuel; Benjamin; Jacob, who was a Union soldier during the Rebellion; William; Hiram; Levi; and James.

Hiram Beals was reared to the honest and honorable pursuits of farm life, and acquired his literary education in the public schools. When President Lincoln issued his call for 300,000 more volunteers, he enlisted August 28, 1862, in Company G, 155th P. V. I., for three years, and with his command participated in the following battles: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Get- tysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, North Anna River, Tol- . opotomy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Peters- burg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, Quaker River, Five Forks, Sailor's Creek and Appomat- tox. Although he was struck by a spent ball, he was never seriously wounded, and was always found at his post of duty-a gallant and fearless soldier fighting bravely for the preservation of the Union. Near Washington, D. C., he was hon- orably discharged, and then returned home. Since the war Mr. Beals has engaged in the oil business, farming, huckstering and butchering, successfully following the last occupation for six- teen years. He now owns thirteen acres of land conveniently located near Petersburg and im- proved with good buildings. Upon the place are oil wells, and to the oil business and agricult- ural pursuits he now devotes the greater part of his attention.

In 1866 Mr. Beals married Miss Sarah Ed- dinger, who has been to him a true and faithful helpmeet on life's journey. Her parents, Samuel and Sarah (Wagner) Eddinger, were natives of Lehigh county, Penn., and became residents of Clarion county, in 1848, first locating in Beaver township and later in Richland township, where both died at the age of eighty-three years. The father was a farmer and stone-mason by occupa- tion; in political sentiment he was a stanch Democrat: in religious belief he was a Lutheran, serving as a deacon of his Church for many years. He had ten children, namely: Andrew (who was a member of the 155th P. V. I., during the war, and died in 1896), Lucy, George (who was a mem- ber of the same regiment as his brother). Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah, Samuel, Maria, Franklin and Charles.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Beals are as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Toy (of St. Peters- burg, Clarion county), Alice (deceased), Mrs. 89

Sarah Ann Freeman, Pearl, Harry, William, Leroy, Ralph and Wearne. The parents and children are connected with the Lutheran Church and Mr. Beals is now serving as deacon. He is an ardent adherent of Democratic principles, and is an honored member of the Grand Army Post No. 425, of St. Petersburg.

D R. LOUIS W. RAISON, of Foxburg, Clar- ion county, was born at Cannonsburg, Ky., May 9, 1853. Since 1891 he has held the re- sponsible position of physician and surgeon for the Pittsburg & Western Railroad Company, where he seems to be the right man in the right place. He is a Southerner by birth and edu- cation.

His parents were Charles Louis Raison and Amanda K. Raison. His father was born in Greenup county, Ky., and was educated for the legal profession and admitted to the Bar, but, having a preference for the mercantile life, did not engage in the practice of law, but was for many years a successful merchant and promi- nent citizen of Greenup, Ky. He moved to Ash- land, Ky., where he also engaged in mercantile pur- suits, taking an active interest in political affairs, and was elected judge of Boyd county, and sub- sequently was elected mayor of the city of Ash- land. He was a Republican of strong convic- tions, and a man of unusual force of character.

The Doctor's family history is one of unusual interest, showing his relation to the nobility of France. His great-grandfather's name was Louis Modesta Raison de la Geneste, who mar- ried Lady Marie Theresa Clotilda Langier. At his death his wife survived him, with two chil- dren, Louis Napoleon Raison de la Geneste and Lady Marie Theresa Clotilda Raison de la Geneste. . His widow married Phillip Ridore, a planter, and owner of large estates on the Island of St. Do- mingo. At the time of the insurrection of the negroes and massacre of the white inhabitants of the Island of St. Domingo, Louis Napoleon Raison de la Geneste was the owner of large estates and many slaves. He and his sister, who owned a vessel. made their escape from the Isl- and and came to America, Greenup county, Ky., where he lived and died. He married Aramatha Young, daughter of John Y. Young, of Revolu- tionary fame. He was a man of large means, and high social standing, a resident of Virginia. Lady Marie Louise Antonette Raison de la Gen- este, sister of Louis Modesta Raison de la Gen- este, married Pierre Antoine de Chausenell, and they came to America and located in New Or- leans, where their descendants still live. Louis

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Napoleon Raison de la Geneste was an educated that zeal and energy that is so characteristic of French nobleman, and the family is one of the + the man. Both in his professional and business oldest and strongest of the French nobility, and life he keeps abreast of the times, which makes his usefulness as a citizen the greater. He is master of his profession, and therefore is a suc- cessful practitioner. The Doctor is a genial fellow of a sunny disposition, which makes him popular in society and welcome in the sick chamber. the title, crest, a boar's head, and coat of arms, a lion, is a matter of record in France. The parents of the Doctor's mother were from Sussex, N. C., in which State many of the rela- tives still live. Mrs. Raison, the Doctor's moth- er, is the authoress of quite a number of different books on the subject of history and romance, and is now living with her son, Charles Louis Raison, in Newport, Kentucky.

Dr. Raison has one brother and one sister. Charles Louis Raison, Jr. (the brother), born October 20, 1849, at Greenup, Ky., is now a resident of Newport, Ky. He followed the ex- ample of his ancestors, was carefully educated under the helpful instructions of his talented fa- ther, and after leaving school at the age of seven- teen he began to study law under D. K. Wise, of Ashland, Ky. He took the law course at the University of Ann Arbor, Mich .. and returning to Kentucky was admitted to the Bar. He prac- ticed in partnership with Hon. B. F. Bennett, of Greenup, Ky., until 1878, when he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged in the practice of his profession in that city, taking up his residence in Newport, Ky., preferring his native State. He is one of the leading lawyers of the Ohio me- tropolis. He was married to Georgeanna Wright- son, daughter of Hon. Thomas Wrightson, ex- State Senator of Campbell county. They have two children: Lizzie and Thomas Raison.

Dr. Louis W. Raison, the subject of this sketch, is thoroughly American. He never uses his title, preferring to be simply American. His school days over and the choice of life's work made, young Raison at the age of eighteen began the study of medicine and surgery under the in- structions of Dr. F. L. Tiernan, of Ashland, Ky .. and remained under his tuition for two years. He then attended a course of medical lectures at Louisville. Ky .. during the years of 1872 and 1873, and on the completion of his course he be- gan the practice of his profession before reaching the age of twenty-one years. From.that time to the present he has been actively engaged .in pro- fessional work in Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsyl- vania. In 1884 he was graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio. He then practiced medicine and surgery at Marion, Ohio, until 1886, when he moved his family to Fox- burg, Penn. Having cast his lot with the people of the Keystone State, he became a member of the Clarion County Medical Association, and since that time he has been actively and earnestly fol- lowing the practice of medicine and surgery with

On August 3, 1873, he was married to Jose- phene Carr, daughter of S. J. Carr, of Ashland, Ky .. and to this union there have been born four boys - and one girl, namely: Charles, Royden, Lillian, Bertie, and Carr.

P M. YEANEY, assistant cashier of the Sec- ond National Bank of Clarion, and for many years a well-known educator of this section, is a native of the vicinity of Shannondale, Clarion county, where he was born February 23. 1856.

The venerable John Yeaney, of Shannondale. Clarion county. his father. was born December 5. 1809. in Lancaster county, Penn. His father, too, was named John, and resided in Clarion county many years, living to the advanced age of ninety-three years. John Yeaney (2), whose long life of nearly eighty-nine years, spanning a most eventful period in the history of our country, has been a most active and successful business man, and linked his name in the great chain of enter- prises which have developed this part of the State. He has been largely engaged in farming, lumber- ing and in speculations of various kinds in the county, and is one of the solid men of the com- inunity in which he has so long figured. For sev- eral years he was president of the Second Na- tional Bank, of which he is still a large stock- holder. He is public-spirited and enterprising. and, as indicated above, he has contributed of his talents and means in lines which have devel- oped the resources of his town and county, giv- ing largely to all worthy enterprises. Since early manhood he has been a member of the F. & A. M. Politically, he is a Democrat of the Samuel Randall type, and has been repeatedly solicited to become the standard bearer of the party for office, but has as often declined. In 1837 he was married to Elizabeth Swartz. Seven children survive to this marriage, namely: C. W .. John H., A. J .. W. W .. Mrs. I. M. Shannon, P. M .. and Mrs. A. E. Smathers, of Worthville, Penn. : The mother of these died in January, 1874, and Mr. Yeaney was again married, this time to Mrs. Susanna Edder, to which marriage have come five children, namely: Nettie. Dora, Belle, Emma (deceased), Charles Emery and Alda.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 62

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