Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 67

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 67
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 67
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 67
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 67

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On May 3. 1862, Mr. Fowler married Miss Christina Hile, a native of Arnistrong county. and a daughter of John and Mary Snow Hile. both now deceased. In the Hile family were twelve children, namely: Houston. Jacob, Peter, Henry, John. Nicholas, Peggy. Simon. William, Kate. Fanny and Christina. Two of the sons were in the Union service during the Civil war-John. who was a member of the road P. V. I., and died in Andersonville prison: and Simon, who was a member of the same reginent. and is now a resident of East Brady. Clarion county. The father was a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran Church, while his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died at the age of sixty-one. and he

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at the age of seventy-one. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have become the parents of the following chil- dren, nine of whom are living: Sarah Alice, now the wife of Robert Guinnea; Margaret Frances, wife of W. E. Walls; John H .; William C .: James G. ; Mary E., wife of C. B. Mohney; R. E. : Harry N. ; Fred N. ; Ella May, deceased; and one child who died at birth.

Mr. 'Fowler is one of the prominent Repub- licans in his community, and has been honored with a number of local offices-being school director. township clerk and auditor, the duties of which positions he discharged in a most cred- itable manner. He is a member of the Grand Army Post No. 267, of Rimersburg, of which he is past commander, and with his wife and some of their children he holds membership in the Presbyterian Church, in which he is now serv- ing as trustee. The family is one of the highest respectability, and socially occupies an enviable position.

D AVID HUGH NEIL, the popular postmas -- ter of Sligo, Clarion county, needs no spe- cial introduction to the readers of this volume, but the work would be incomplete without the record of his life. No man in his community has been more prominently identified with its commercial and political history, or has taken a . two years, at the end of which time he purchased more active part in the upbuilding and progress of the town. He is now successfully engaged in business as a furniture dealer and undertaker.

Mr. Neil first opened his eyes to the light of day in Greenville, Clarion county, May 17, 1851, and is a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of the county. His paternal grandfather, Hugh Neil, was a native of Ireland, and at an early day emigrated to America and took up his residence near Greenville, in Clarion county, when it formed a part of Armstrong county. There he engaged in farming through- out the remainder of his life. He married a Miss Smith, and to them were born six children -- John D .. Jane, William, James, Nancy and Rob- ert: Jane, who was the widow of James Mc- Clure, died January 30, 1898, aged eighty-nine years and three months, was the last of the fam- ily, the others having passed away sometime pre- viously.

The parents of our subject were Jamies and Sarah Ann (Parsons) Neil, who were born in Centre connty and were married in Greenville, September 28. 1846. David Parsons, the ma- ternal grandfather, was a native of Scotland and was also an honored pioneer of Clarion county. His death occurred in Greenville, at the home of

our subject's parents. James Neil having learned the blacksmith's trade at an early age with his brother John, continued to follow that occupa- tion in Greenville until his removal to Sligo in 1879. Here he purchased the furniture and un- dertaking establishment of Charles McCafferty. but after conducting it for two years he was forced to sell to our subject on account of failing health. He was born March 6, 1816, and died October 11, 1883, while his wife was born May 22, 1824, and died May 27. 1891, the remains of both being interred in the cemetery at Green- ville. They were widely and favorably known and had a host of friends throughout their native county. Their children were Alvira J., who was born September 9, 1848, and died September 14. 1863; David H., of this sketch: and John T. P .. who was born September 6, 1855, and died Feb- . ruary 19, 1863. .

As soon as he had attained a sufficient age David H. Neil entered the schools of his native village, where he pursued his studies until fifteen. He then accepted a position in a mercantile es- tablishment in Greenville, where he worked the greater part of the time for five years, and also engaged in teaching to some extent. Learning the blacksmith's trade, he worked for his father until the latter's removal to Sligo in 1879. and then conducted the shop on his own account for

his present business in Sligo. He is one of the most reliable and enterprising business men of the place, and has met with a fair degree of success.

On February 1, 1875, near Corsica, in Clar- ion county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Neil and Miss Tillie M. Lucas, Rev. O. E. Elliott officiating. To them have been born seven chil- dren, namely: James J., at home; Thomas F .. a student of Grove City College, Penn. : Elvira E .. Anna L. and D. H. P., all at home: Carrie L., deceased; and Mary B. M., at home.

Mrs. Neil was born near Corsica, in Clarion county, October 4, 1850, and is a daughter of William J. and Sidney (McHenry) Lucas. both natives of Indiana county, Penn., the former born in Indiana, and the latter two miles above that city. where their marriage was celebrated The father became a prominent farmer and tan- ner of Clarion county, was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Corsica. and was an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He died April 20. 1890, at the age of seventy-one. his wife April 28. Isso, aged sixty-two years, and both were laid to rest in the Pisgah Church cemetery of Corsica. Their family consisted of the following children: William, deceased; Jaines

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F., who resides on the old homestead in Clarion county; Hannah A., postmistress on the old pike at Day, Penn .; Tillie M., wife of our subject; Sarah J., who married John Lewis, but both are now deceased; Margarette, wife of Wilson Rus- sell, who conducts a sawmill in Marionville, Penn .; and Clara B., wife of Joseph Russell, who is a brother of Wilson, and is superintendent of a gas line in Marionville. The paternal grand- father of Mrs. Neil was William Lucas, a tanner by trade, who died in Indiana, Penn. James McHenry, the maternal grandfather, was a na- tive of Ireland, and after coming to the New World spent the remainder of his life on a farm near Indiana.

In May, 1884, Mr. Neil, was commissioned justice of the peace, and acceptably served as such until June 30, 1897, when he resigned .in order to accept the position of postmaster of Sligo. He also filled the office of tax collector for eleven years, and then declined to become a candidate for re-election. He has discharged the duties of his official positions to the utmost satisfaction of the public, and, as is his wont in all things he undertakes, he gives every detail his most careful consideration: The Republican party has always found in him an earnest advo- cate and stanch supporter, and in his social rela- tions he is identified with the Odd Fellows Lodge, of Sligo, and the Junior Order of Amer- ican Mechanics and Knights of the Maccabees. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian. He has ever cheerfully given his support to those enter- prises that tend to public development and, with hardly an exception, he has been connected with every interest that has promoted general welfare. His name is a synonym for honorable business dealing, and he is always mentioned as one of the invaluable citizens of the community.

CHARLES O. DUVE, the efficient and pop- ular bookkeeper and confidential clerk for the well-known, extensive mercantile establish- ment of H. Collner & Brothers, St. Petersburg, Penn., was born in the city of Allegheny, Penn., on February 26, 1863.

Mr. Duvé is a son of Capt. J. J. Duvé, who was born at Lyons, France, August 26, 1832, and in early boyhood removed with his parents to near Anheim, Germany, where the latter en- gaged in the paper manufacturing business. At their hands he received a careful education in French, German and English, and was a gentle- man of scholarly taste, an excellent linguist and of good business qualifications. Being imbued with a military desire, he entered the German

army, served faithfully, and was honorably dis- charged at Steinberg March 28, 1853. Consid- ering that there were far greater chances for a successful business career in America, he shortly afterward started for the United States, arriving in the City of New York, November 2, 1853. Locating at Allegheny, Penn., he engaged in business as a merchant, and on May 10, 1857, married Miss Anna M. Kaiser. In April, 1863, he removed with his family to Baltimore, Md., entered the army, and afterward obtained com- mand of a company in a Maryland regiment. Returning at the close of the civil strife, he took up active business, selecting that of general fire and marine insurance, with offices on Holli- day street. Success crowned his efforts until death overtook him at his comfortable residence, No. 230 E. Fayette street, January 25, 1871. He was interred in the Baltimore cemetery with Masonic honors January 29, following. His es- timable wife, who was of German descent, passed away in the same city June 25, 18,3, and was interred in the same place, leaving to survive three children: George J., born February 2, 1858, now of Allegheny, Penn., and for the past seventeen years connected with the heavy repair department of the P. F. W. & C. railway; Will- iam Daniel, born July 17, 1860, at present resid- ing in the City of New York; and Charles O., the subject of this review.

Thus at an early age was the subject of this review left an orphan without the guidance of a loving father and the care of an affectionate mother. He spent the days of his boyhood in Baltimore, Md., and those of his youth in Pitts- burg, Penn., and by diligence secured a good ed- ucation in both English and German, by attend- ing public and private schools in said cities. He was fitted for business life in Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, graduating therefrom in the spring of 1882. On March 27, 1882, he ac- cepted, at the hands of Messrs. H. Collner & Brothers, the present responsible position, and by energy, honesty and integrity, has command- ed the high esteem, entire confidence and re- spect of his courteous employers. He fully ap- preciates their many acts of kindness, and does all in his power to advance their business and social interests.

On September 5, 1885, Mr. Duve was united in marriage with Miss Hattie A. Thompson, a daughter of David Thompson, of Sheakleyville, Penn. She died January 14. 1890, leaving to survive one daughter, Hallie I., born October 28, 1886. On July 15, 1896, Mr. Duve was again united in marriage, his second union being with Miss Evalina Abigail Tulloch, born Novem-

;

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ber II, 1873, a daughter of George E. and Lu- titia (Flanigan) Tulloch, of St. Petersburg, Penn., a lineal descendant of John and Priscilla Alden, a prominent member, a signer of the Compact, and last male survivor of the Mayflower colony, whose historic voyage terminated at Plymouth, Mass., December, 1620; the result of this union is one son, Justice Darlington, born November 26, 1897.

Mr. Duvé gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, and since March 30, 1886, has continuously held the office of notary public; for six years was a prom- inent member of the city council, serving as its secretary for five years. He is an active and honored member of Canby Lodge No. 520, F. & A. M., of St. Petersburg, serving two years as worshipful master, and continuously as its secre- tary since 1893. He is also a member of Eden Chapter No. 259, R. A. M., of Clarion, Penn. Since coming to St. Petersburg, in 1882, he has made a host of warm friends among the best people of the place and throughout this and sur- rounding counties. In a delightful location on Main street is situated the comfortable residence of Mr. Duvé, where, with his family, peace, hap- piness and hospitality abound.

A DAM HETRICK, one of the leading citizens and the present supervisor of Red Bank township, Clarion county, was born September 19, 1836, in Armstrong county, Penn., of which his father, Peter Hetrick, was an early settler. . His paternal grandparents, Adam and Hannah Hetrick, died in that county when past the age of one hundred years. They were Lutherans in religious belief. They reared a family of fourteen children. The grandfather was a native of Germany.

Peter Hetrick spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Armstrong county. conning his les- sons in a primitive log school house and assisting in the labors of the farm. On reaching manhood he married Phoebe Smith, a native of that county, a daughter of Adam Smith. They be- came the parents of several children, namely: Isaac, now a resident of Taylor county, Iowa; Daniel, who was a Union soldier during the Civil war and is now living in Nebraska; Christina, wife of James Barrett, of Kansas; and Adam, of this sketch.

Amid rural scenes Adam Hetrick grew to man- hood, and he early became familiar with the work of the farin, while his literary education was obtained in the neighboring schools. Feel- ing that his country needed his services he en-

listed October 18, 1861, in the 78th P. V. I. He belonged to Capt. John Brinker's Company, Mc- Cook Division, Army of the Cumberland; and with his command took part in the engagements at Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, and Chickamauga under Gen. Thomas, who became known as the Rock of Chickamauga. He was later in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mis- sionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge and Buzzards Roost, where the Rebels rolled stones down upon the Union forces. These engagements were fol- lowed by the battles of Dallas, Ga., New Hope Church, Burnt Hickory, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Allentown Hills, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, and the battles of Pulaski and Franklin, Tenn. Mr. Hetrick had his right eye injured at New Hope Church, was wounded by buckshot in the right hand at Stone River, and while on guard duty at Chickamauga had the hearing of his right ear impaired, and received a rupture while on guard duty at Nashville, Tenn. When his term of service had expired he was honorably discharged; he has never fully recov- ered from the effects of his army service. For some years he lived in Pike county, Mo., after the war, and on his return to Pennsylvania lo- cated upon the old homestead of his father-in- law, in Red Bank township, Clarion county, where he is now successfully engaged in agricult- ural pursuits.

In 1859 Mr. Hetrick was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Silvis, who was born, reared and educated in Clarion county, and is a daugh- ter of Daniel Silvis, one of the first settlers of Red Bank township. Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden naine of Mary Magdalene Nulph, were natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., and came here about 1808, when most of the land was still in its primitive condition, covered with a heavy growth of timber, and deer, bears, wolves, foxes, rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes were still very plentiful. The family endured all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, materially assisted in the growth and devel- opment of this region, and were classed among the valued and honored citizens. The two log houses which Mr. Silvis erected upon his farm are still standing-landmarks of early pioneer days. He died at the age of eighty-one, and his wife at the advanced age of ninety-four. In their family were four children, namely: Mrs. Catherine Best ; Solomon, who was a Union soldier during the Civil war, and is now living in Red Bank town- ship: Mary E., wife of our subject; and John, a resident of Brockport, Pennsylvania.

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hetrick have three chil- dren: George W. is married and lives in Fair-

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mount City. Penn., in a home of his own; W. T., a successful teacher; and U. Grant. The father is now most capably and satisfactorily serving as supervisor of his township, and his duties, both public and private, are always most faithfully performed. He gives a cordial and generous support to the various measures inaugurated for the good of the community, and is therefore rec- ognized as one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizens.

SIMON J. SHANAFELT, a popular and high- ly respected citizen of Porter township, Clarion county, was born May 29, 1838, in Blair county, Penn., a son of Abram and Nancy (Haf- ford) Shanafelt, the former a native of Hunting- don county, Penn., and the latter of Maryland. The mother died in Blair county at the age of forty-six, leaving four children: Jacob; Samuel; Simon J .; and Joseph, who was a member of the Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Rebellion, and is now deceased. For his second wife the father chose Christina Gotleib, a German lady, by whom he had two daughters: Nancy Elizabeth and Abigail. The father was a blacksmith and farm- er by occupation, and was a member of the Lu- theran Church. In 1848 he came to Clarion county, where he died at the ripe old age of eighty-three years.

The subject of this sketch was ten years of age when he accompanied the family on their re- moval from Blair to Clarion county, and as soon as old enough he began learning the carpenter's trade, and also became familiar with agricultural pursuits, At Brookville. Jefferson Co., Penn .. he enlisted July 4, 1861, in Company I, 62nd. P. V. I .. under Col. Samuel Black. The company was first commanded by Capt. Means, and after his death by Capt. Little, who was killed in the serv- ice and was succeeded by Capt. Bell. During his three years of ardnous and faithful service. Mr. Shanafelt took part in the battle of York- *town, siege of Yorktown, battles of Hanover C. H .. Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, Harrisonburg, Gainesville, Antietam, Black Ford, Kearney's Ford. Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Funkstown, Rappahannock Station, New Hope Church, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spottsyl- vania. North and South Anna River, Cold Har- bor, and Petersburg. At the siege of York-

town the drum of his right ear was broken by the explosion of a shell a few inches from his head, and resulted in the total loss of hearing in that ear. He was in the regimental hospital for three weeks, and was later in a hospital at Baltimore for one month. . On the expiration

of his term of enlistment he was discharged at Pittsburg, Penn., July 13, 1864, and returned home, but has never regained his former health.

On December 21, 1867, Mr. Shanafelt was married to Mrs. Matilda Brown, widow of Henry M. Brown, who was a member of Company C. . 97th P. V. I., and died at the age of twenty- seven years, on David's Island, N. Y., from wounds received in battle. He left three children: Margaret J., Sarah Catherine and Florence A. Mrs. Shanafelt is a daughter of J. and Catherine (Seaman) Kitchen, both now deceased, the former dying in Venango county, Penn., and the latter in Jefferson county. They had one son. Philip Kitchen, who was also a Union soldier and was killed at the battle of the Wilderness in May, 1862. To Mr. and Mrs. Shanafelt have been born five children: Mrs. Mary Alice Shankle, Mrs. Arvilla J. Sanford, Mrs. Anna B. Pollier. John G. and William W.

Our subject uses his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the Democratic party. and, socially, is identified with Capt Carr Post No. 239, G. A. R. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist Church, and are distinguished for their earnest religious character and firm faith. He is a man of remarkably good judgment, sound common sense and ability, which traits have made him prosperous and in- fluential.

W ILLIAM F. KNIGHT, one of the wealthy and highly respected citizens of Ashland township, has spent his entire life in Clarion county, his birth occurring in Beaver township. in 1831. His parents, Peter and Mary (Fisher) .Knight, were born, reared and married in West- moreland county, Penn., and subsequently re- moved to Clarion county. when it still formed a part of Venango county. Here the father engaged in farming throughont the remainder of his life: he was a quiet, unassuming man, but was held in high regard by all who knew him. His death occurred in 1865, and his estimable wife closed her eyes in death in July, 1896. They had six children who are still living: John; William F. : Asa; Mary, wife of Adam Brinker: Sinon and Rebecca, wife of John A. Smith, of Ohio.

The opportunities afforded our subject of ob- taining an education were very limited as he : never attended school at all until twelve years of age, and then only for a short time. His train- ing at farm work, however. was not so meager, and he early became familiar with every branch of that business, which he has principally fol- lowed throughout life. He is, however, also in-

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terested in oil producing and distilling. His farm comprises nearly 300 acres of valuable and highly cultivated land, and is supplied with all of the conveniences and accessories which go to make up a model farm of the nineteenth century. His elegant residence is among the handsomest in Clarion county, and the barns and outbuildings are all in keeping with their surroundings.

In 1862, Mr. Knight was united in marriage to Miss Levina Gilbert, a daughter of Abraham Gilbert, of Beaver township, Clarion county, and they have become the parents of nine chil- dren, all yet living: John Calvin, Elmer E., Francis, Samuel, James, Harvey, Florence, William W. and George. The mother is a Lutheran in religious belief, while Mr. Knight holds membership in the German Reformed Church. Although a staunch Democrat in pol- itics he has never cared for the honors or emol- uments of public office. He stands to-day in his matured years a strong man, strong in the consciousness of well-spent years, strong to plan and perform, strong in his credit and good name, and a worthy example for young men to emu- late. Though his school privileges were limited, in the school of experience he has learned les- sons that have made him a well-informed man, broad-minded and liberal in his views, and with a charity that reaches out to all humanity.

J JACOB E. HUGUS, the well-known post- master of Turnip Hole, Clarion county, is an important factor in business circles, and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are em- braced the characteristics of an unbending integ- rity, unabated energy and industry that never flags. He is a leading merchant of the village. and as a public-spirited citizen is thoroughly in- terested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the com- munity.

Mr. Hugus was born in Beaver . township, Clarion township. December 4, 1866, was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. His parents, Jacob and Sarah (Taylor) Hugus. were natives of the same county, while his paternal grandparents, Powell and Katie ( Wyan) Hugus, were born in Westmoreland county. Penn., the former of French and the latter of German descent. They were married in that county, and came to Clarion county about 1816, located in Beaver township, when the country was all wild and unimproved and wild beasts still roamed through the forests. Indians were also numerous but friendly. The grandfather experi- enced all the hardships and privations of pioneer

life, and from the wild land developed a good farm, making it his home until called from this life July 10, 1882, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a consistent member of the Re- formed Church, and the father of eight children: Jacob, Henry, Paul, Caroline, Susanna, Mary, Liddia and Rachel.

Jacob Hugus, Sr., has spent his entire life upon his present farm in Beaver township, Clar- ion county, and to agricultural pursuits has de- voted the greater part of his attention, although in younger years he followed distilling to some extent. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been honored with a number of local offices. He is a man of the strictest integrity, is widely and favorably known, and is a consistent member of the Reformed Church, to which his wife also be- longs. She, too, belongs to a prominent pioneer family, her parents being Robert and Margaret (Griffo) Taylor. Her father was of Irish and German descent, and came from eastern Pennsyl- vania to Clarion county about. 1835. He pur- chased land in Beaver township, and improved two or three farms. His death occurred in 1877. In religious belief he was a Methodist. while his wife was a member of the Society of Friends. Their children were Samuel, William, James. Milton, Thomas, Robert, John, Elizabeth and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Hugus have eight chil- dren: Robert P. (a prominent and influential member of the Democratic party in Clarion coun- ty), William (a mechanic), Jacob E. (of this sketch), Calvin (an oil driller), Mrs. Maggie Gobbs, Mrs. Mary Sterner, Mrs. Lidda Haust. and Cora.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 67

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