Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 66

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 66
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 66
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 66
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 66

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TOHN PETER GREER, a popular miller and farmer as well as one of the leading and In 1866, in Fryburg, Mr. Greer was married to Miss Clara Amsler, a representative of one of the most highly respected families of Clarion county. Her father, Henry Amsler, was a na- tive of Switzerland, and a pioneer of this region. influential citizens of Washington township, Clarion county, was one of the boys in blue who valiantly aided in the struggle to preserve the Union. An adopted son of America, his loyalty ' Twelve children blessed the union of Mr. and is above question, and his labors in the interests of the county have been most effective and beneficial.

Mrs. Greer, of whom the following are still liv- ing: Eva, Lotta, William. Gerdella, Charles, Grace, John and Callie. Those deceased are: Maggie, who died at the age of twenty-seven; Arminta, who died at the age of twenty-five; Warren, and Orris.

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Our subject is one of the most valued citi- zens that Germany has furnished to the New World; he is a man of sterling worth in all the relations of life, and his name is honorably and inseparably connected with the history of his adopted county. He is an Independent in poli- tics, and has served as auditor of his township, and as a member of the school board. He is an elder in the Lutheran Church, and is an honored member of Amos Kizer Post, No. 475. G. A. R., of Shippenville.

W A. LAUGHLIN, postinaster and general merchant of Leatherwood, is numbered among the most enterprising and energetic busi- ness men of Clarion county. This is a progress- ive age, and he who does not advance is soon left far behind. Mr. Laughlin, by the improvement of the opportunities by which all are surrounded, has steadily and honorably worked his way up- ward, and has attained a fair degree of prosperity. He was born on the old homestead in Porter township, Clarion county, in 1851, and is a son of James Laughlin, whose birth occurred in 1813, in Centre county, where he was reared. When a young man he came to Clarion county and first located at Strattonville, but later purchased a partially improved farm in Porter township-the site of his log house is now occupied by the store and hall at Leatherwood. He embarked in merchandising at that place in 1839, and the same year succeeded in having a post office estab- lished, to which he gave the name of Leather- wood, it being the name of a forest tree very common in the vicinity. He also bought a grist- mill erected by Mr. Wilson, and in connection with mercantile pursuits successfully engaged in farming and milling. His farm comprised 300 acres of valuable land, upon which he erected, in 1856, one of the best residences in the coun- ty, and made many other valuable and useful improvements. He was also interested in other works, and was for many years in partnership with Manasseh Arnold. One night this firm was robbed of $10,000.

deceased: S. S., who is now serving his second ~term as register and recorder of Clarion county; D. E. and J. F., who reside on the old home farm; and Mrs. Edna Campbell, a widow living in Porter township. The father died on the old homestead in 1871 and the mother in 1892, hou- ored and esteemned by all who knew them. He was a liberal contributor to the erection of all the churches in the township, and never with- held his support from any object calculated to prove of public benefit. He was .a recognized leader in the Deinocratic party in his community, and for thirty-two years acceptably served as postmaster of Leatherwood.

W. A. Laughlin acquired his literary educa- tion in the public schools of the county, while his business training was obtained in his father's store. Since 1876 he has successfully engaged in merchandising on his own account, and with the exception of the year 1896 has also served as postmaster, while for four years previous he filled the position of assistant. He. too, is a pro- nounced Democrat in politics, and has been called upon to serve as a member of the school board and as treasurer of his township. Frater- nally he is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics.

In 1878, in Porter township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Laughlin and Miss Catherine Livermore, a native of Mercer county, Penn., by whom he has three children-Eva, Harry and Samuel Grover Cleveland. The family is one of prominence, occupying a high social position, and in business circles Mr. Laughlin is equally popular-an honest, upright man and an up-to- date merchant.

J OSEPH FASENMYER, senior member of the well-known firm of Fasenmyer & Fasenmyer, proprietors of the "Commercial Hotel." New Bethlehem, Clarion county, is a native of the county, born in Fryburg, Washington township, August 19, 1837, and is a representative of one of its honored pioneer families.

In 1846 James Laughlin was married in Por- ter township to Miss Susan Mckinney, a native of that township and a daughter of John McKin- ney, one of the pioneers of Clarion county. They became the parents of thirteen children, as fol- lows: Samuel Porter, who died when young; Mary Jane. wife of J. Z. Brown, of Porter town- ship: Jasper, who died in that township: W. A., of this sketch: Clarissa, wife of James Gourley, of Porter township; Clarissa's twin brother, who died in infancy: Calvin, Eva and an infant, all ; and after many hardships he at last reached his

Balthaser Fasemmyer, father of our subject, was born, reared and educated in Baden, Ger- many, and for seven years was a soldier in Na- poleon's army, during which time he took part in a number of great battles. He witnessed the burning of Moscow, Russia, and was with the army on their retreat from that city. He par- ticipated in one battle where 32,000 were taken prisoners, and being among the number he was sent to the island of Cabrera, where he enlisted in the English navy. However, he soon deserted,

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native village. Although he endured all the pri- vations and sufferings in common with the sol- diers of Napoleon's army, he greatly admired and loved that general for his great qualities as a sol- dier and commander. In Baden, Germany, Mr. Fasenmyer married Miss Agatha Beerer, also a native of that country, and in 1828, with their four children, they sailed for the New World. After a long and tedious voyage they reached New York in safety, and there purchased a horse, which they hitched to the little German wagon brought with them and proceeded on their jour- ney. Arriving in Clarion county, they located in the woods near Fryburg, where a log cabin was erected in true pioneer style. They comprised one of the six families then living in Washington township. Most of the land was yet in its primi- tive condition, and wild animals of several kinds were still quite numerous.

The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fas- enmyer before leaving Germany, were Felix; Catherine, wife of Lambert Eineman; Agatha; and Casper. Here the family circle was in- creased by the birth of three others, namely: Magdalena; Jacob, a prominent merchant of Fry- burg; and Joseph. The mother died at the age of sixty-six, and the father when eighty-two years of age. He was a man of fine physique, strong and robust, honest and industrious. A devout Catholic, he assisted in the erection of the first church of that denomination in his locality, and served as trustee of the same for a number of years. He could relate many interesting inci- dents connected with his service in the Napole- onic wars, and was one of the most highly re- spected citizens of his adopted county.

On the home farm Joseph Fasenmyer was reared to habits of industry and thrift, and was educated in the common schools of the locality. In 1859 he married Miss Francisco, daughter of Ignatius Speigel, an honored old settler of Clarion county. She passed away in early life, leaving one son, James, who died at the age of twenty- seven. For his second wife, Mr. Fasenmyer wedded Miss Philomena Ditz, who was born,

14, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Fasenmyer havetwelve children, namely: Helen (now the wife of Thomas Fleckenstine, a prominent hotel man of Clarion county), John C. (in partnership with his father in the hotel business), Ada, Lizzie, A. H. (the popular clerk of the "Coulter House," of Clarion), Catherine, Minnie and Tenie (twins), Andrew, Amibrose, Willie (deceased), and Col- etta.

Erecting the " Jamestown Hotel" in 1875. Mr. Fasenmyer successfully conducted that hos- telry for eighteen years. He was one of the first promoters of the Jamestown Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Jamestown, Penn., now one of the strongest insurance companies in the State, its assets amounting to $3.000.000. For some years he also served as assistant postmaster at Fryburg, and engaged in the sale of machinery at that place. He and his son, however, are now successfully conducting the " Cominercial Hotel " at New Bethlelem, which is one of the most popular hotels of the county. It contains thirty sleeping rooms besides the office, parlors, dining room, kitchen and bar room, and . under the able management of the present proprietors it is doing a flourishing business. The tables are supplied with the best that the market affords, and the service in every respect is well worthy of commendation.

Mr. Fasenmyer is one of the most prominent members of the Democratic party in his commun- ity, and has been called upon to serve as assessor, collector for three years, a member of the school board for the same length of time, and in other official positions of honor and trust. He is one of the stockholders of the County Fair Associ- ation, has served on many of its committees, and has been prominently identified with all enter- prises calculated to prove of public benefit. He was a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of St. Michael's Catholic Church, to which he contributed liberally.

JOHN C. FASENMYER, the junior member of the firm of l'aseumyer and Fasenmyer, was born in 1866, and acquired a good education in the

reared and educated in Fryburg, of which place i schools of Jamestown and Fryburg. He served as her father, Andrew Ditz, was one of the promi- postmaster at the latter place for four years, and since boyhood has been interested in the hotel business, being therefore well qualified to assist Hotel." On coming to New Bethlehem in 1 892. he was first engaged in business with Thomas Fleckenstine, but later he and his father formed their present partnership. He, too, is an ardent Democrat in politics, and is a young man of more than average business ability. On May 12. 1891, nent citizens. He was a native of Germany. which country he left May 28, 1825, and after a voyage of seven weeks on a sailing vessel he i his father in carrying on the "Commercial reached the shores of the United States, On the 4th of October, same year, he located in Fry- burg, where for many years he successfully op- erated a brewery. In 1872 he visited Rome and other European cities. He was married July 4. 1840, to Miss Margaret Buchner, who died in September, 1884, and his death occurred June ! he married Miss Clara Rapp, who was born,

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reared and educated in Fryburg, and died August 13, 1892, leaving one son, Edward. Her father, Jacob Rapp, is a well-known citizen of Fryburg,

F SLOAN McCOMB, who for a decade has been prominent in the business circles of Clarion, Clarion Co., Penn., where he is con- ducting a first-class undertaking and furniture establishment, is a native of Jefferson county, Penn., where he was born November 27, 1854.

John C. McComb, his father, and Nancy P. (Sloan) McComb, his mother, were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born September 12, 1819, in Armstrong county, and the latter Au- gust 25, 1824, in Clarion county. John Mc- Comb resided for thirty years in his native coun -. ty, then he moved to Jefferson county and en- gaged in the tanning business and in harness making, which occupation he pursued for many years. He now resides with a daughter at Marionville, Penn., a respected citizen of that place. His estimable wife passed away October 6, 1889, a good and kind woman, respected by every one who knew her.

F. Sloan McComb in early youth attended the public schools of the vicinity in which he lived, and when quite young learned the car- penter's trade, following his trade as a means of livelihood for many years. In 1870 he started out in the world for himself, and for some years he worked at various places in the oil fields of western Pennsylvania, and was master builder of bridges for the Pittsburg, Cleveland & Toledo railroad for nine years. In 1855 he established himself in the furniture business at Tarentum, Penn., where he remained two years, and in 1887 engaged in the same business in connection with undertaking, at Clarion, and since that time he has conducted the business here with success, carrying at the tinie probably the largest and most complete stock in his line in Clarion county. His process of embalming is modern, and being a skillful operator he has a large share of the business in this section. As a citizen and busi- ness man he is popular and stands high in the community.

In 1890, our subject was married to Miss Lettie B. Berlin, danghter of George N. and Susan C. Berlin, who have long been known as old and prominent residents of Clarion county, l'enn. Mr. Berlin is now quite old, and is one of the most respected citizens of the county, long identified with her active business interests; through his industry and business acumen he has acquired a comfortable competence. To Mr. and Mrs. McComb has been born a son, George 1

B. McComb. In religious belief they are strong adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially, Mr. McComb is a member of the F. & A. M., of Pittsburg Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. He is also identified with the I. O. O. F., and the Maccabees. In politics he is a straight Republican and an ardent admirer of President Mckinley. In addition to his business, Mr. McComb is actively identified with other business interests, being a director in the Second National Bank of Clarion, Penn., and also hav- ing extensive oil and gas interests in the county.

COL. G. W. STOVER, an honored veteran of the Civil war, and a representative farmer and lumberman of Licking township, Clarion county, has demonstrated the true meaning of the word success as the full accomplishment of an honorable purpose. Energy, close applica- tion, perseverance and good management-these are the elements which have entered into his business career and crowned his efforts with prosperity.

The Colonel was born January 18, 1833, in Venango county, Penn., of which his parents, Samuel and Sarah (Houser) Stover, were also natives. The grandfather, John Stover, was born in Maryland of German ancestry, but at an early day located on the Allegheny river in Venango county, Penn., where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred during the Civil war. By trade he was a cooper, and he also engaged to some extent in boating on the river. In religious belief he was a Methodist, and in politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican, casting his last vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was twice married, and had eleven children: David, Samuel, George, John, Peter. Hannah, Susan, Tena, Sarah, Mary and Rebecca.

Samuel Stover, father of our subject. was born in 1812, and as soon as large enough began working in the lumber woods and running rafts on the river. Later he was employed at different iron works, and after his marriage purchased a farm in Venango county, which he operated for a time, but in 1844 sold and came to Licking township. Clarion county, where he was again employed in an iron furnace until 1852. Subsequently he en- gaged in the manufacture of lumber, boat build- ing and freighting on the river until 1872. and then devoted his time to carpentering until his death, which occurred in 1892. His last years were spent in Callensburg. His estimable wife, who was of Swedish descent, died in 1891. Both were earnest members of the Methodist Church, and highly respected by all who knew them.

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Their children were: G. W .; Susan, wife of J. M. Neely; Catherine, wife of William Logue; Mary, wife of H. C. Heeter; John, a farmer and carpenter by occupation; Thomas, deceased; Isabel, wife of O. E. Fox; Sarah and Samuel, both deceased; Anna, wife of H. Shoup; and David, an oil driller.

Colonel Stover was eleven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Clarion county, and in the public schools he ac- quired a limited education. During his youth he assisted his father in lumbering and boating, and after his marriage, which was celebrated in 1857, he located in Licking township and engaged in the former occupation on his own account. Feel- ing his country needed his services, he enlisted in August, 1861, for three years, in Company A, 103d P. V. I., which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. McClellan. He saw much hard service, was in many skirmishes, and fourteen hotly contested battles. In 1862 he was promoted to the rank of corporal, in which ca- pacity he was serving at the battle of Plymouth, N. C., where his brigade surrendered, and he was taken to Andersonville prison, where he was in- carcerated until the following December, when he was transferred to the stockades at Charles- ton. He suffered all the tortures of hunger and sickness during his imprisonment, and was not paroled until about the first of January, 1865, when he was sent to Annapolis, Md., remaining there until he had sufficiently recovered to return home on a thirty-days' furlough. On rejoining his command he was sent to Roanoke Island, where he did guard duty until after the surrender of General Lee. On January 1, 1864, he had re-enlisted, and was finally mustered out at Moorehead City, N. C., in June, 1865, being honorably discharged and paid off at Harrisburg. Penn., in July.

Returning to his home in Licking township, Clarion county, Colonel Stover was for a time engaged in building bridges with his father, and later was employed in the sawmill of G. W. El- der. From the spring of 1869 until 1885 he rented the mill, which he then purchased and has since successfully operated; and in connection with the manufacture of lumber he is engaged in building boats for the Pittsburg markets. For many years he was also a pilot on the river, and has devoted some time to the cultivation and im- provement of his fine farm, which is pleasantly situated on the Clarion river two miles fromn Cal- lensburg. Upon the place he has erected good, substantial buildings, making it a most attractive country home.

In 1857 Col. Stover married Miss Rebecca

Cox, a lady of intelligence and refinement, who was a memberof the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in that faith May 11, 1873. Her father, Jacob Cox, came to Clarion county from Chester county, Penn., and, being an agriculturist, he first operated rented land, and then purchased a farm, on which his death occurred in 1895. He was a strong Republican and an earnest advocate of the principles of his party. To the Colonel and his wife were born six children, namely: Warren, now engaged in the milling business; Thomas, who was accidentally killed in 1890; Lotta, wife of J. Mong; George W. and Nelson, at home, and Rebecca A., wife of A. Garis.

Col. Stover was again married, February 18, 1875, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Kiester, a daughter of Adam Kiester, of Centre county, Penn., who was of German descent, and for some time served as foreman in a furnace. He died about 1892. Both he and his wife held membership with the Methodist Church, and their children were: Simeon, Wilson, Almira, Jane, Tamar, Allie and Mary E. By his second marriage Col. Stover has five children: Grace, Waldo, Mary, Samuel and Maud, all at home.

Although not a member of any religious or- ganization, the Colonel contributes to the sup- port of the Evangelical Church, to which his wife belongs, and socially, he is a member of the United Workmen. Although he takes a deep in- terest in public affairs and is an ardent Repub- lican, he has never aspired to office. His genial, pleasant manner has made him quite popular in both business and social circles, and as a public- spirited, enterprising man he is recognized as a valued citizen of the community.

G WV. WALTERS, a leading agriculturist of Madison township, Clarion county, was born in 1855. in that township.

George Walters, his father, was born in the same county in 1820. During his youth the fa- ther learned the trade of a carpenter, which he has since successfully followed, being employed most of the time in said county; he and his wife now make their home in Rimersburg. He was married, in 1846, in Toby township, Clarion county, to Miss Harriet Arner, who was born in eastern Pennsylvania, and when a child of seven years was brought by her parents, John and Elizabeth AArner. to what is now Toby township, Clarion county, but which at that time formed a part of Armstrong county. Mr. and Mrs. Arner died in Madison township. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walters, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Flick, of Madison township; Calvin,

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of West Virginia; Mrs. Mary Shawl, of Alle- gheny, Penn .; G. W:, of this sketch; John Les- lie, who died at the age of two years; Harriet; and William Addison. In his political affiliations the father is an ardent Democrat, and has been called upon to serve as assessor of Madison township, and tax collector of Rimersburg.

Under the parental roof G. W. Walters grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the local schools, and since starting out in life for himself has successfully engaged in general farmning and stock raising. Besides his home farm of ninety- six acres of valuable land adjoining the village of Rimersburg, he also has twenty-three acres in Toby township, Clarion county. His place is improved with good and substantial buildings, and the well-tilled fields attest the careful man- agement, skill and industry of the owner, who is acknowledged to be one of the best farmers of his community. The Acme coal mines are io- cated upon his farm.

In 1880. in Madison township, Mr. Walters was married to Miss Clara V. Stephens. who was born in Porter township, Clarion county, a daughter of John W. and Lavina Stephens, now living in Madison township. Six children blessed this union, as follows: Flora Dell, Lydia Belle, Frank Roy, Charles Leslie. Orbic Gillmore and Harriet Lavina.

Mr. and Mrs. Walters both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Rimers- burg, and he belongs to Iron County Lodge No. 485, I. O. O. F. His political support is given the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he has acceptably served as a meniber of the school board.

R OBERT FOWLER, who is successfully en- gaged in agricultural parsnits in Madison township, Clarion county, was born February 6, 1837, near Sandy Lake. in Mercer county, Penn .. and belongs to a highly respected old Pennsyl- vania family. His grandfather. Robert Fowler, was born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish descent, and at an early day emigrated to the New World. becoming a resident of this State. Here he married a Miss Reardon, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and both spent their last years in Mercer county. In their family were four children: Samuel, William. John and Mrs. Leach.

John Fowler, the father of our subject, was a native of Mercer county, where he was reared on the home farm. and obtained his literary ed- ucation in the public schools of the locality. On reaching manhood he married Miss Margaret Gibson, who was also born in Mercer county.

and was a daughter of Charles Gibson, who was of Irish descent and a soldier of the war of 1812. The children born of this union were: Charles G. : Samuel R. ; Elizabeth, wife of N. Hile: Rob- ert: Anna, wife of William Holly, of Meadville, Pen .; and Margaret J., who married Jackson Arınstrong, of Armstrong county. Penn .. but is now deceased. The father died at the age of forty-three, and his wife, who long survived him. passed away at the age of eighty-four years. Both were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew thein. By occupation the fa- ther was a farmer, and in political sentiment was a Democrat.

During his boyhood and youth Robert Fow- ler attended the public schools, and obtained an excellent knowledge of farm work under the di- rection of his father. Before coming to Clarion county he resided for some time in Mercer, Arm- strong and Butler counties, where he was employed at various occupations. By experience, reading and observation he has become a well informed inan on all topics of general interest. although his early educational privileges were limited. In Sep- tember, 1864, he joined the 6th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, also known as 212th P. V. I., and with that command was stationed near Washington. D. C., at Fort Ethan Allen and Fort Ward, until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. In June, 1865. he purchased the old Miller farm in Madison township, Clarion county, and now has a valuable place of 120 acres under a high state of cultivation and improved with excellent buildings. Underlying his land are two good coal veins, one four feet in thickness and the other three and a quarter. He is a progressive. enterprising business man and a thorough and systematic farmer, whose success in life has been worthily achieved.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 66

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