Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 64

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 64
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 64
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 64
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 64

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In October, 1868, in Luthersberg, Clearfield ; died in Clarion county; Margaret, who wedded

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William Ferguson, and died in Clarion county; Hannah, who married William Manteer, and died in Armstrong county; and Fannie, who married Joseph Rankin, and died in Clarion county.

John Summerville, our subject's grandfather, was born in Armstrong county, and in 1826 was married at Catfish, by Rev. John Dickey, a Se- ceder minister, to Miss Catherine Ferguson, a native of Adams county, Penn. Her parents, William and Emily (Conover) Ferguson, were natives of County Down, Ireland, and Holland, respectively. When a young man Mr. Ferguson came to America and first located in Adams county, Penn., whence he removed to Catfish, Armstrong county, where he took up a large tract of land. He traded this property for land near Brookville, in Jefferson county, where he died in 1831, at the age of seventy-three years, his remains being interred at Bellevue. His children were: John, who died in Jackson county, Iowa, where he had engaged in mer- chandising; Ebenezer, a farmer who died in Jef- ferson county, Penn .; William, a merchant and farmer, who died in the same county; Catherine, the grandmother of our subject; Ruth, wife of John Saires, a farmer, of Clarion county; and Rachel, wife of Alexander Campbell, a cabinet maker of Keokuk, Iowa. The children born to John and Catherine (Ferguson) Summerville are: Jaines H., a farmer of Clarion county; William, a merchant, of Chillicothe, Mo. ; Joseph Addison, our subject's father, who is an attorney and farm- er, of Clarion county, and has served as county surveyor; and John, who died in 1867, at Red Bank furnace in Clarion county.

The subject of this sketch is the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children, the others being as follows: John, a physician, of Monroe, Penn. ; William J., a carpenter and con- tractor, of Apollo, Penn .; Thompson B., who is a contractor, engaged in rig building in the oil fields of Madison township, Clarion county; Sam- uel (deceased); Mary, wife of Eliner Conner, who is an engineer on the Allegheny Valley railroad, and lives in East Brady, Penn .; Maggie, wife of Harry Shaffer, of Madison township, Clarion county; and Elizabeth (deceased).

Joel Elmer Summerville remained upon the home farm until his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated at Rimersburg, March 26, 1880. Miss Hannah Flick becoming his wife. Rev. Robert Bruce, a minister of the Associate Presbyterian Church, performned the ceremony. Five children bless this union, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Charles Addison, August 3. 1881; Ila, July 21. 1883: Jessie Pearl, July 13, 1885; Elmer Merrill,

August 3, 1887; and Carl Craig, April 19, 1893. The mother of these was born on the old Flick homestead, in Madison township, Clarion coun- ty, November 30, 1871, a daughter of Charles and Mary J. (Mortimer) Flick. The birth of her mother occurred in the same township, July 28, 1824, but her grandparents, Daniel and Hannah (Wilson) Mortimer, were natives of Ire- land, and came to the United States at an early day.

For three years after his marriage Mr. Sum- merville rented and operated the home farm, and then worked in the oil fields for six years, after which he purchased the "Bar House" in Lawsonham, Clarion county, paying $1,000 for the same. He successfully conducted that hotel until March, 1897, when he purchased the " City Hotel," at Rimersburg from G. W. Stewart. He is now successfully carrying on that popular hostelry, and from the public receives a liberal patronage. He is an honored member of the Odd Fellows Society, Lodge No. 485, of Rimers- burg, and is an active and prominent worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. He is a pro- gressive and enterprising citizen, who does all in his power to promote the public welfare, and he is also one of the leading and representative business men of Rimersburg.

M ISS SADIE E. RITTS.

"To our God shall we now bring Earliest tribute of our lays; Let us first His glory sing Who with bliss our toil repays."

The above from the pen of a noted writer is a fitting introduction to the biography of one of America's finest singers, Miss Sadie E. Ritts, of St. Petersburg, Clarion Co., Penn., a daughter of Elias Ritts, a well-known banker of that town. She was born at the Ritts homestead, where the family still resides, and received her early liter- ary training in the public schools of her native town. In 1884 she enrolled as a student at the Pittsburg Female College, where she began the study of the art which to-day makes her famous not only in Pennsylvania, but in Ohio and New York as well. In 1885 Miss Ritts was the young- est contestant for the Hamilton Gold Medal. Her competitors were from Ohio and Pennsyl- vania. At the close of the annual contest, while special mention was made by the judges of one of the other contestants, they unanimously awarded the medal to Miss Ritts. Concerning the contest, the Pittsburg Post, of June 16, 1885. says:

"One of the most brilliant concerts in the

سليمة ديد دولة حمين البر

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

history of the Pittsburg Female College took place in the chapel of the institution last night. Several of the contestants were known to possess more than ordinary school girl talent, and a close contest for the beautiful gold medal was the re- sult. Samuel Hamilton, of this city (Pittsburg), furnished the medal and it bears his name.

" Miss Sadie E. Ritts, of St. Petersburg, Penn., has a remarkable voice, and rendered in fine style ' He of all the best the noblest,' by Schumann, and ' If thou didst love me.'

" The medal was easily awarded to Miss Ritts, and the contest the finest ever held in the col- lege.'

Subsequently Miss Ritts visited New York City and sang for the director of music in the Na- tional Conservatory. That gentleman was so well pleased with the quality of her voice that he insisted that she should enter the National School of Opera. In this connection a Pittsburg paper says:

"When it is taken into account that every year the applicants for an opportunity to enter the school are numbered by the hundreds, the merits of Miss Ritts' voice can be duly appreci- ated by her Pittsburg friends. It is hardly prob- able that Miss Ritts will adopt the stage as a pro- fession, but it is at least a satisfaction to know that she is the possessor of a voice that, did she so desire, she could win an independent fortune, and all the honors of an operatic singer."

Miss Ritts is in constant demand for local concerts and for special musical events through- out Pennsylvania and Ohio. She was for two years the soloist at Ridgway Institute, and in 1891 was soprano soloist of the Pennsylvania Normal Musical Institute, at Butler, Penn. In 1892 she completed a special course of study in the. Duquesne Conservatory of Music, and, on the advice of her preceptor, she entered the exami- nation for scholarship at the National Conserva- tory of Music of America, in New York City. She passed the examination successfully and Signor Romualdo Sapio, the leading teacher of vocal art in the National Conservatory, directed her studies in opera and oratorio during the next year. The main object of Miss Ritts visiting the metropolis was to gain a broader comprehension of the higher lines of musical work. and to gain this opportunity she resigned her position as soprano soloist in the South Side Presbyterian Church, in Pittsburg.

As stated above, the services of Miss Ritts are in constant demand. and on the most prominent occasions. The Chautauqua Assembly Record, published at Chautauqua, N. Y., in an editorial in the issue of July 30. 1895, says:

"Dr. Palmer treated the Chautauqua people last night in the amphitheatre to a concert at once popular and unusually interesting. Among the best numbers was Miss Sadie Ritts, of New York, who made her first appearance here and sang a song of sentiment entitled .. Sognia " by Schira, with good voice and in a finished and tasteful manner."

The following press notices concerning Miss Ritts prove her ability as a singer. The follow- ing is from a Pittsburg paper:

. .. Miss Sadie Ritts, the well-known soprano, has returned from New York, where she sang before the directors of the National Opera School and was tendered a free scholarship in that school for a course of operatic study. '

" Miss Ritts, of St. Petersburg, Clarion coun- ty, has been in the city for the past two weeks on her way from New York where she has taken a year's course in the National Conservatory of Music and sang at two Sunday services in the Shadyside Presbyterian Church, of that city, to the delight of the congregation.

The Jamestown (N. Y.) Journal, speaking of Miss Ritts at Chautauqua, says: "It will not be improper to call special attention to the solo by Miss Sadie Ritts, of St. Petersburg, Penn. As an artist in voice and execution she was all that her most sensitive and critical friends would have desired. The applause elicited was tremendous in the extreme. The desire is general that she may appear again."

The Pittsburg Dispatch of August 4: 1895. gives the following: "A letter of recent date from the great summer gathering at Chautauqua says that music is receiving special attention at this meeting of the assembly, at the front of which is Dr. Palmer's chorus of 400 voices. For Wednesday evening's concert solo singers were lacking, but a telegram to Miss Sadie Ritts, of St. Petersburg, Clarion Co., Penn., brought that lady to the rescue. Miss Ritts, who studied in this city (Pittsburg) for some time, and is well known in musical circles here. has spent two years in New York under able instruction in the National Conservatory, and has developed into an artist of rare accomplishments. Her voice easily filled the vast amphitheatre, in which there were over 5,000 people, and she has it under perfect control."

The Pittsburg Times of March 28, 1885. says: " Miss Sadie Ritts is rapidly ascending the ladder of fame. In a comparatively short time she has become one of our inost favored songstresses."

The Pittsburg Leader of March 14, 1886, says: "Standard Council, No. 62, O. U. A. M ..

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

held an anniversary entertainment in the hall of the Sixth Ward School, Allegheny, Penn., last evening. Miss Sadie Ritts was the prima donna of the occasion, and carried off the lion's share of the honors.

Press notices from various cities inight be added in praise of Miss Ritts, as a truly accom- plished singer, and the above not only shows her training to have been in the best schools of the country, but also shows that she has risen to the top round in the ladder of fame in the musical world. On October 1, 1895, Miss Ritts was en- gaged as soprano soloist in the First Baptist Church of Franklin, Penn., which position she is still filling. It should also be mentioned in this connection that Miss Ritts' abilities are not lim- ited to vocal music. She is a fine pianist and literary student, and in her social life is an able conversationalist and a genial lady.

D AVID U. KLINE, a well-known oil pro- ducer, is one of the energetic, progressive and prosperous business men of Beaver township, Clarion county. He is thoroughly informed on every branch of the business, and has successfully engaged in operations along that line since 1883.

Born December 13, 1858, on the Kline home- stead in Porter township, Clarion county, Mr. Kline is one of a family of eleven children. At an early age he left home, and in 1876 came to the oil fields, being for seven years in the employ of Israel Neely, now deceased, who was a well- known and prominent citizen of this region. Since then he has successfully engaged in busi- ness on his own account as an oil producer, and at the present time is interested in fourteen oil wells, all in Clarion county, some of which he is part owner of, while others are leased.

In October, 1883, Mr. Kline was married to Miss Sarah S. Neely, a lady of intelligence and refinement, who is a representative of a promi- nent family, her father being Cyrus Neely. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kline hold membership in the Re- formed Church of Beaver township. Mr. Kline is unwavering in his support of the men and meas- ures of the Democratic party, and always takes a deep and commendable interest in political af- fairs. He eminently deserves classification among the purely self-made men of the county, who have distinguished themselves for their ability to master opposing forces of life, and to wrest from fate a large ineasure of success and an hon- orable name. Of a jovial, genial disposition. he makes friends wherever he goes, and both in business and social circles occupies an enviable position.

C S. MOHNEY, M. D. Among the represent- atives of the medical profession, whose skill and ability have gained them prestige in Clarion county, is this gentleman, a well-known and suc- cessful practitioner of Callensburg. He was born in Armstrong county, Penn., April 23, 1860, a son of'L. S. and Rebecca (Shick) Mohney, also natives of that county. Both his paternal grand- father, Adam Mohney, and his maternal grand- father, Jacob Shick, were of German descent and honored pioneers of Armstrong county, where they followed the occupation of farming. They were highly respected citizens of the community, and devoted Christians, being faithful members of the Reformed Church.

The Doctor is fifth in the order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being Jacob; Adam M., a practicing physician of Rimersburg, Penn .; Williamn, who is living in the West; Frederick C., who is engaged in the planing-mill business; Elizabeth, who married A. J. McMillen, and died in 1895, and Charles L., an employee in the electric light works of Cleveland, Ohio. The mother died in 1891, but the father is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-three, and has made his home with his children since her death. For fifteen years he was successfully en- gaged in merchandising at different places, and conducted a hotel for the same length of time. He was also a stock-drover, selling his horses and cattle in Eastern cities, but has now laid aside business cares and is enjoying a well-earned rest.

Reared in Millville, Dr. Mohney began his education in the common schools of that place, and later attended the West Millville Seminary for four terms. Hc was also a student in the seminary at Bellview, Jefferson county, for one term, and, having thus obtained a good education. he began teaching at the age of sixteen years-a profession he successfully followed for ten con- secutive ternis. During the last two he read medicine with Dr. A. M. Mohney, his brother, who was engaged in practice in Leatherwood, Penn. In 1885 he entered the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., where he graduated two years later, and he at once opened an office in Putncyville. After a year and a half spent in that place he came to Callensburg. where he soon succeeded in building up a large and lu- crative practice. He has met with excellent suc- cess in his chosen calling, and merits the conti- dence so freely accorded him. For four years he has served as secretary of the County Medical Society, and is also an honored member of the State and National Medical Associations.

On June 1. 1887. in Clarion county, Dr.

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Mohney was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Arma- gost, a daughter of Thomas and Susannah Ar- magost, who are of German descent, and have traveled life's journey together for over half a century. The father, who died July 31, 1897, was a blacksmith by trade, and was one of the leading and prominent members of the Reformed Church, in which he faithfully served as elder or deacon for many years. His life had ever been in harmony with his profession, and he was always found in the house of worship at every service. In his family are eleven children, namely: Mrs. Mary Doverspike; Agnes, wife of Mr. Richard; Mrs. Mattie Laughlin; Elsie, wife of Dr. A. M. Mohney, brother of our subject; Mrs. Alice Krotzer; Mrs. Crissie Fox; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Adda, wife of Dr. Woods; Mrs. Nettie Slaughenhoupt, and William M. and Harry B., both blacksmiths by occupation. Dr. and Mrs. Mohney have two daughters-Nettie B., born in October, 1888; and Rebecca M., born in December, 1891.

Our subject and his wife are both inembers of the Reformed Church. The Doctor is a Master Mason, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the American Mechanics and the Knights of the Maccabees. Deeply in- terested in his profession, he is a close student of medical journals, and does all in his power to perfect himself in his chosen calling. He is not only one of the leading physicians of the county, but is also one of its representative and highly- respected citizens.

J OHN R. BANGERT, M. D., who is now successfully engaged in the practice of medi- cine and surgery in Shippenville, Clarion county, is a worthy representative of a family that has attained distinction in that profession. He was born in 1866, in Ashland township, a son of Dr. J. R. and Almeda (Newland) Bangert, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Buffalo, N. Y. The paternal grandfather, also a native of the Fatherland, crossed the Atlantic and took up his residence in Pittsburg, Penn., at an early day, spending his remaining years at that place.

in Ashland township, Clarion county. Here he soon built up a large practice which extended all over the county, but later removed to Oil City, and from there returned to Pittsburg, where his death occurred April 16, 1892, and where his second wife is still living. His first wife, the grandmother of our subject, died in Utica, Mich., in 1884.

For some time after his marriage Dr. Ball- gert, Sr., continued to engage in practice in Pittsburg, and also in speculating. Coming to Ashland township, Clarion county, he built a sawmill, engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and also became interested in the oil business. Subsequently he removed to Oil City, where he conducted a boot and shoe store for a number of years, and then returned to Ashland township, where be successfully engaged in practice until called to his final rest in November, 1889. He was a man of prominence in business and pro- fessional circles, and was wide and favorably known throughout many portions of the State. The mother of our subject is now the wife of J. J. Jameson, of Pittsburg. Of the first union there were six sons and one daughter, namely: Lewis and Mary, who both died in childhood; William, a resident of Ohio; Francis M., who is now living in the West; John R. and George (twins), the latter having died in Oil City, Penn., and Charles Jacob, a resident of Pittsburg.

Dr. Bangert, of this review, spent the first thirteen years of his life in Oil City, and the fol- lowing two years in Clarion county, after which he went to Macomb county, Mich., where he attended school for four years. Subsequently he entered a business college of Detroit, where he pursued his studies for two years, and then engaged in teaching in Macomb county for the same length of time. He matriculated at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1887. and graduated from that college two years later with the degree M. D. Coming to Ashland township, Clarion county, he succeeded to his father's practice, and is now recognized as one of the most progressive and successful physi- cians of this section of the State. He has also become interested in the oil business.

The father of our subject obtained his liter- ary education in the schools of Pittsburg, and after completing his medical studies he engaged in practice in that city for a time. There he mar- ried Almeda Newland, a daughter of Dr. William and Almira (Lovell) Newland. Her father was born in Massachusetts, at an early day removed to | he has a large and lucrative practice. His thor- Buffalo, N. Y., from there to Pittsburg, Penn., and finally took up his residence near the stone house

In December, 1890. Dr. Bangert was married at Franklin, Ind., to Miss Georgia Ann Shreve, a native of Crawford county. Penn. He is a ; member of the State Medical Society and the National Eclectic Medical Society: also belongs to Shippenville Lodge No. 948. I. O. O. F. In January, 1891, he removed to Shippenville, where ongh knowledge of medicine and skill in surgery have won him the confidence of the people with

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whom he has come in contact professionally, and ' superior officers and the confidence and respect as a citizen he has the esteem and respect of all| of those who served under him. who know him.

J TAMES F. MCNUTT, who for eleven years has served as postmaster of Fairmount City, and is now filling that position, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that wins him high commendation, was born in Porter township, Clarion county, September 12, 1840.

Collin R. McNutt, his father, was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and was a son of Collin and Jane (McKillip) McNutt, who were natives of County Donegal, Ireland. The grand- father of our subject was a silk weaver by trade. After coming to America he resided for a time in Philadelphia, then removed to Westmoreland county, and afterward to Porter township, Clar- ion county, where he died at the age of ninety years. His wife also passed away when ninety years of age. They had a family of seven chil- dren-three sons and four daughters -- William, Mrs. Grace Smullen, Robert, Margaret, Collin, Charlotte and Mrs. Catherine Smullen.

The father of our subject was reared on the , old family homestead in Porter township. and having arrived at years of maturity was united in marriage with Miss Mary Henry, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Robert Henry, one of the prominent early settlers of Clarion county, of Scotch-Irish descent. To Mr. and Mrs. McNutt was born one son, James Frank. The mother died at his birth, and the father afterward married Jane McKillip, a daughter of Archibald McKillip. By this union there were born five children, four of whom are living: Mrs. Elza Starlzell, of Greensburg, Kans. ; P. M., of New Bethlehem, Penn. : Jennie, wife of Dr. R. B. Brown, of New Kensington, Penn. ; and Effie, wife of W. M. Hurdman. of New Bethlehem, Penn. Two of the family died in childhood. Collin R. McNutt died at New Bethlehem at the age of sixty-seven years. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious belief was a Presby- terian.

James F. McNutt was reared at his parents' home in Porter township, and early trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty. He , which is accorded a well-spent life.

acquired a good education, and for some time was a successful and popular teacher. Prompt- ed by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in his country's service July 3, 1863, and became sec- , son, also natives of that country. The father was a very ingenious inan, who engaged in farming.

ond lientenant of Company K. 57th P. V. I., under command of Col. Porter. He was a loyal , and also in importing blooded horses from and valiant soldier, who had the regard of his . Europe. He died in 1827, his wife passing away

After the war Mr. McNutt resided in Pittsburg for a time, and was employed as clerk and book- keeper. He also engaged in business for himself there, and later came to Fairmont City, where he was employed in the capacity of salesman and bookkeeper for nine years for Jones & Brinker, and the Fairmont Coal & Iron Co. He is now filling the office of postmaster, and his administration of affairs is acceptable to the public and credit- able-to himself. He had formerly filled the same office, in New Bethlehem, under Andrew John- son, and has twice been appointed to the position here by President Cleveland.

On June 23, 1863, Mr. McNutt was married in Armstrong county, Penn., to Margaret E. Hamilton, daughter of Capt. J. K. Hamilton, an officer of the 103rd P. V. I., now deceased. They have two children: Maud F. and Frank H. The parents and children hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. McNutt belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and the Ma- sonic fraternity, having attained the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Jefferson Chapter No. 221, of Brookville. In politics he is a stalwart Dem- ocrat. He was a candidate for the office of pro- thonotary, but was defeated for the nomination by a small majority. For ten years he filled the office of justice of the peace in New Bethlehem. Penn .. and his promptness and impartiality made him a very capable official. Every duty of citi- zenship he discharges with the same loyalty to the best interests of the country that marked his course during all his past life.

R ULOF ISAAC ALLEN RULOFSON, a successful lumberman of Strattonville, Clar- ion county, has through his own exertions at- tained an honorable position and marked prestige among the representative business men of the county. Looking back through the vista of the past. we see a boy who started out unaided in search of a home and fortune, the struggles for a foothold, the hopes and fears, the disappoint- ments and successes, until at present we see his ambitious dreams realized, and an honored old age crowned with the respect and veneration

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 64

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