Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 69

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 69
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 69
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 69
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 69

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On June 1, 1871, Mr. Shannon was married to Miss Elvira Yeany, who was born October 1.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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1853, in Clarion county, and to them have been born: Milo C., who in 1893 graduated from the Iron City Business College, of Pittsburg, and Prof. Porter's School of Shorthand, is the vice- president of the Second National Bank, of Clar- ion; and Pearl, who is unmarried and at home. Mrs. Shannon, who is a woman of refinement and culture, is identified with the Presbyterian Church, and is now serving as president of the Woman's Relief Corps, No. 36, Department of Pennsylvania. Her father (who is still living at the remarkable age of eighty-eight years) is John Yeany, a highly-respected and esteemed citizen of Shannondale, Pennsylvania.

P. M. Shannon, of Pittsburg, alluded to in the foregoing, the brother of our subject, is pres- ident and general manager of the Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Company, of Wyoming. He is prob- ably one of the most prominent oil men in the country. He opened the "Economy Field " near Pittsburg, in which he is drilling his eighteenth well.

J P. DIVINS, who is now serving as justice of the peace, has always made his home in Porter township, Clarion county, his birth having occurred there March 29, 1838. His father, Hon. William Divins, who represented the county in the General Assembly, was born in 1808, in Centre county, Penn., and was a son of James Divins, a native of Ireland, who caine to Penn- sylvania when a young man. In Centre county William Divins inarried Miss Mary Mckinney, a lady of intelligence and refinement, who was born in that county, a daughter of John McKin- ney, a Scotchman by birth. She died May 15, ISS2, at the age of seventy years, having sur- vived her husband for some tiinc. He was called to his final rest in March, 1863, at the age of fifty-six years. For twenty years he was one of the most successful teachers of this section of the State, and also engaged in farming. His fel- low citizens recognizing his worth and ability often called him to public office, and he most acceptably served as justice of the peace for a quarter of a century, county auditor for three years, county commissioner for the same length of time, and State representative for two terms. He was a prominent member and deacon. of the Baptist Church, and never withheld his support from any enterprise calculated to promote the moral, educational, or material welfare of the ; community, and was therefore numbered among the honored and valued citizens of the county.

namely: John, deceased; William, who was a member of the 148th P. V. I. during the Civil war, and died in Monroe township, Clarion coun- ty, in January, 1886; David, who was a member of the same regiment, and died at Bells Island, N. Y., from fever contracted in the service; James P .; Anthony, who also belonged to the 148th P. V. I., and is now a resident of Jefferson county; Martin, who died at the age of four years; Thomas, a Union soldier now living in Porter township, Clarion county; Calvin, who lives in Clearfield county; Curtis, a resident of Elk coun- ty, Penn .; Sarah Ann, wife of J. C. Henry, of Jefferson county; and Mary E., wife of G. W. Stewart, of Porter township.

The subject of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and the knowledge he acquired in the local schools has been supplemented by reading and study in later years, so that he has become a well informed man. During early life he was employed about the furnaces, and later worked in mills. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Divins enlisted in February, 1864, in Com- pany K, 148th P. V. I., which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and with that com- mand he participated in sixteen important.battles and many skirmishes, including those in front of Petersburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River (Va.), Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Hatcher's Run, South Side Railroad, Farmville, and Appomattox Court House. He had inany narrow escapes but was never seriously wounded, being hit on the arm at one time by a spent ball, while bullets pierced his cap and coat and his canteen was shot off. For a short time, how- ever, he was ill in the hospital. His regiment lost heavily, there being thirteen officers and 190 men among those killed or who died of wounds received; four officers and 170 men who died from disease: 28 officers and 512 men wounded; and four officers and 168 men captured or missing, making a total loss of 1. 089.

On July 15. 1866, Mr. Divins married Miss Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Buzzard) Phillips, who died in Porter township, Clarion county, the latter at the extreme old age of ninety-eight. One brother. Michael Phillips, was a soldier of the 148th P. V. I., and was wounded at Ream's Station. Mr. and Mrs. Div- ins had four children: Cora, David Merrill and Thomas Ellsworth, all living; and Frank. de- ceased.

Since attaining his majority, Mr. Divins has never failed to vote at every election with the

To William and Mary Divins were born eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, i exception of those hield while he was in the serv-

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ice of his country. For the past decade he as faithfully served as justice of the peace, and his rulings have ever been fair and impartial. He is an honored member of Capt. Case Post No. 239, G. A. R., and belongs to the Baptist Church, in which he is serving as clerk. He takes an active and prominent part in all Church and Sunday-school work, and his hand is never withheld from doing good. As a citizen he is worthy the high respect and confidence ceded to him by the entire community. He owns a good farm of forty-five acres, and in its operation is meeting with a fair degree of success.

J JOHN F. BROWN, who for many years in his younger life was associated with. the press of western Pennsylvania, and since engaged largely in general insurance in the same section, being a member of the firm of John F. & G. E. Brown, of Clarion and Brookville, is a native of Waterstreet, Huntingdon Co., Penn., born March 22, 1850.

Benjamin F. Brown, his father, now living in retirement with his estimable wife at McVey- town, Mifflin county, this State, was for nearly a third of a century one of the well-known edu- cators of that part of the State. He was born in April, 1825, in Huntingdon county, and lived there many years. His wife, who was Martha J. Stewart, was also a native of Huntingdon county, born March 5, 1833. They were mar- ried in 1849, and to them were born six sons and five daughters, all yet living. The parents are now passing the evening of their lives to- gether at McVeytown, aged, the father, seventy- three, and the inother, sixty-four, both being well preserved and in the enjoyment of good health.

John F. Brown received his primary educa- tion in the district schools of Huntingdon county. At the age of nine years he went to live with an uncle in Fayette county, Penn., who was the publisher of a newspaper there. For two years he was a newsboy on a line of steamboats from Pittsburg to Brownsville, on the Monongahela river. In December, 1863, he came with his uncle (R. B. Brown) to Clarion, the uncle pur- chasing the Clarion Democrat. Here in the office of that paper young Brown learned the printer's trade and the newspaper business. R. B. Brown was elected a member of the State Legislature front Clarion county, and during his service in that body the paper was conducted by our sub- ject. After the uncle's return John F. Brown went to New Castle, Penn., and for two years

was the editorial and local writer of the New Gastle Gasette and Democrat. He then returned to Clarion and became a partner with his uncle, in publishing the Clarion Democrat, which for some years following inade somewhat of a repu- tation among the journals of the State for its activity in politics and in the early oil develop- ment of that section. For four years he followed the fortunes of this paper, when in 1876 he sold his interest and engaged in the business of fire and life insurance. .Subsequently he associated with him in the business his brother G. F. Brown. Under their good management and direction the business has been enlarged and increased until at this time the firm carries probably two-thirds of all the insurance in Clarion and Jefferson coun- ties. They also do a large business in the coun- ties of Forest and Elk, and have offices in Cla- rion, Brookville and Punxsutawney, all being connected by a private telephone. Our subject, the senior member of the firm, resides at Clarion, while G. E. Brown lives at Brookville. These gentlemen have in their employ two other broth- ers, Walter S., who is in charge of the office in Punxsutawney, and P. S. Brown is a traveling solicitor. This firm represents some fifteen of the very best fire insurance companies, and have been most successful in conducting their business for all parties concerned. They have placed large lines of insurance for large manufacturing com- panies, particularly in the line of sawmills, lum- ber companies, coal works, etc. These gentle- men have made for themselves and the com- panies they represent a great reputation for hon- orable and square dealing in all of their business. They do not lose sight of their patrons' interests, as has been evinced in the satisfactory adjust- ments of their losses. In addition to a fire in- surance business of upwards of $50,000 per year, the firm represents the Penn Mutual Life Insur- ance Co., of Philadelphia, and have built up a remarkably large business in that line, having more policies in force in this district than all other life insurance companies combined.

On September 20, 1876, our subject was married to Miss Effie K. Burns, who was born May 4, 1859, at Clarion, Penn,, and is the daughter of the late James T. Burns, of Clarion, a man of considerable prominence in the county, having served as county treasurer and was three times elected county commissioner. To this marriage were born four children, namely: Alice. who is attending Wilson College at Chambers- burg; Fred V., who is attending a preparatory school; Katherine J., and Marie C. The parents of these are members of the Presbyterian Church, the father being president of the board of trus-

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tees. He is a member of the F. & A. M., K. T. degree; also of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Democrat. While active in party work Mr. Brown has not aspired to office, he never having sought official position, but on the other hand has declined it, refusing at one time the appointment of chief deputy revenue collector for the district. He has been a trustee of the Clarion State Nor- mal School since its organization, and is promi- nent in public enterprises of his town and county.

J OHN W. KNAPP, an estimable citizen of Clarion, Clarion county, where he is widely known as a merchant and business man, was born at Huntsburg, Ohio, August 18, 1854.

The Knapp family of this section were origin- ally from Connecticut, moving to Ohio in an early day, then coming to Pennsylvania. The parents of our subject, who are now among the respected citizens of Clarion, were born, the father. Rev. Ezra R. Knapp, in Delaware coun- ty, N. Y., September 14. 1820, and the mother, Minerva C. (Starkey) Knapp, at Huntsburg, Ohio, January 22, 1825. They were married at Montville, Ohio, in 1841, and the children born to them are: Lizzie M., John W., Charles H. and Frederick R. now living, four children hay- ing died in infancy. The father of these is a minister of the M. E. Church, but owing to his age has retired from active work.

John W. Knapp received a good English edu- cation. He began teaching school at the early age of eighteen years, following the profession for a number of terms at Arthurs, Scotch Hill, and Turkey City, all points in Pennsylvania. While engaged in teaching. the summers he usually passed in working at the printing busi- ness. Subsequently, in isso, he entered the Eastman National Business College, Poughkeep- sie. N. Y., and after his graduation he taught one term of school. In March. iSSi, he became engaged in merchandising at Clarion, and has since been so occupied. He is well and favor- ably known in this section as an upright business man and Christian gentleman. He deals largely in normal text books and school supplies. In 1895 he began the erection of what is styled the "Clarion Telephone," and has since gradually made extensions until he now has some seventy odd boxes in the borough of Clarion. He has been measurably successful, and has about him the comforts of life.

ber 25, 1859, at Ironton, Ohio, and came to Clarion county in childhood. Both Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are members of the M. E. Church, he being a steward in same. Socially, he is identified with the I. O. O. F., being a past grand and past patriarch of the Encampinent. Politically he is a Republican.

J W. HORTON, a well-known boot and shoe maker, of East Brady, Clarion county, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having oc- curred June 25, 1845, in Allegheny county, near the Butler county line.

Russell Horton, father of our subject, was born in New York, of English and German an- cestry, while the mother, who bore the maiden name of Frances Brown, was a native of Alle- gheny county, Penn., and was of French origin. Of their seven children, only three reached the age of maturity, namely: Joseph W., of this review; Albert G., now residing in Potter county, Penn., and Cynthia. The mother died at the age of thirty-six, and the father was again mar- ried. having four children by his second union: James A., Oliver P., Alzina and George R. The father was sixty-three years of age when he was called to his final rest. He was a farmer by oc- cupation, a Republican in political sentiment, and a sincere member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In Butler county Joseph W. Horton was reared and educated, and before the Civil war was a boatman on the river for about nine years. In March. 1864, he enlisted in Company L, 11th P. V. C., under Capt. John B. Loomis, who was killed in the Wilson raid, and Col. Samuel P. Speers. Our subject participated in the engage- ments in front of Petersburg, and on the Weldon railroad; he was injured by his horse falling upon his knee, and as the injury never healed he was obliged to have the leg amputated in 1876. The war having ended, he was honorably discharged August 13. 1865, and returned home. In 1865 Mr. Horton came to Clarion county, locating first near Millers Eddy in Toby township, and later he lived in West Freedom and near Par- kers Landing until coming to East Brady in 1887. Here he has since successfully worked at his trade, receiving from the public a liberal pat- ronage.

On May 20, 1869, Mr. Horton was married to Miss Mary L. Miller, who was born near Rimersburg, Clarion county, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Baker) Miller, both now deceased. Six children blessed this union:

On May 10, 1881. Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Kate C. Underwood, a teacher of ability in the Clarion county schools. She is the daughter of Alexander Underwood, born Decem- ; Lydia May; Myrtle, wife of T. W. Ostins, of

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East Brady; Olive Gertrude; and William C .; the others died in infancy. Mr. Horton is a prominent member of G. A. R. Post No. 294, of East Brady, in which he served as commander for two terms, and is now adjutant. His political support is unswervingly given to the men and measures of the Republican party. Loyal to truth, honor and right, he occupies an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow mien, and no one in Clarion county is more deserving the high regard in which he is held.

HENRY B. WHITEHILL is numbered among the representative and prosperous agriculturists of Elk township, Clarion county. He owns and operates the old Whitehill home- stead, which comprises 163 acres of rich and ara- ble land, under a high state of cultivation, and improved with commodious and substantial buildings, good fences and a fine orchard. Upon the place are eleven oil-producing wells, which add materially to his income, and in connection with general farming Mr. Whitehill was for twenty years successfully engaged in the oil and lumber business.

On the farm, where he is still living, Mr. Whitehill was born June 29, 1843, a son of Da- vid Whitehill, and a grandson of James C. White- hill. James C. Whitehill was a native of Penn- sylvania, of Scotch extraction; in 1816 he set- tled in Clarion county, and became one of the prominent pioneers of that section, playing an important part in the early development of the country, and passing his last years on the pres- ent homestead of the family. David Whitehill was born in Centre county in 1805, and came with his parents to Clarion county at the age of eleven years. He grew to manhood here, and married Miss Esther Packer, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Job and Orpha (Wilson) Packer, who for many years lived at the mouth of Deer creek. David Whitehill died July 11. 1881. Ten children blessed this union, namely: Joseph M., Elmira J. (deceased), Henry B., James C., Emma, Orpha, Job, Mary and Maggie (twins), and David B.

Under the able direction of his father, Henry B. Whitehill early became familiar with agricult- ural pursuits, and is to-day one of the most ca- pable fariners of Elk township. His literary training was obtained in the public schools. On July 7, 1864. he enlisted in the one-hundred- days' service, becoming a member of the end P. V. I .. and he later served until the close of the war in Company K, 56th P. V. I.

On January 13, 1870, Mr. Whitehill was

married to Miss Mary E. Maxwell, who was born July 11, 1851, a daughter of Samuel and Cather- | ine (Black) Maxwell, the former born in 1820 in Centre county (a son of Samuel Maxwell, Sr., a native of Ireland), and died in 1852: the latter born March 1, 1826, and died May 17, 1884. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. White- hill: Orr D., born February 24, 1872, is now married and living on the home farm: Clyde M., born October 26, 1877, died at the age of ten months; and Ray C., born April 9, 1885. Mrs. Whitehill is a highly educated lady, and at the time of her marriage was a successful teacher in Clarion county.

In his political affiliations Mr. Whitehil is a Republican. but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, though he has served as a member of the school board. He belongs to Amos Kiser Post No. 475, G. A. R., of Shippenville. Mrs. Whitehill is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps No. 55. Shippen- ville, also a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their sterling worth and many excellent traits of character have won for this honored couple the confidence and este=m of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

H' ENRY SHRUM, a well-known lumberman and farmer, of Highland township, has spent his entire life in Clarion county, his birth cccur- ring in 1832, on the Kathers farm, near the city of Clarion. His parents were Henry and Eliza- beth (Kuntz) Shrum. The father. a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., located in Beaver township on first coming to Clarion county. and was for some time employed at the Long & Black- ford furnace. Subsequently he purchased a farm, on which he spent his remaining days. His wife died in 1889.

Our subject is one of a family of eight chil- dren, the others being as follows: Margaret, now Mrs. Joseph McCleain, of Highland town- ship: Elizabethi, who married George Troutner, but both are now deceased: Martha wedded Ja- cob Whitiner, of Clarion county; Mary. who wedded John Boyd, both deceased, leaving a large family; one son, Jackson, was killed at Goldsboro during the Civil war; Sarah, wife of Samuel Whitmer, of Callensburg, Clarion co-inty, who was also one of the brave boys in blue; Christopher, who died when a young man: John, who married a Miss Breman, and with his family now resides at Sligo Furnace, Clarion county.

Henry Shrum spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Licking township, Clarion county, and in its cominon schools he acquired his educa-

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tion. On attaining to man's estate he married Miss Margaret A. Reed, of Highland township, who died in 1875. To them were born four children: Elizabeth, the eldest, was born in Callensburg, married Isaac Harger, of Marion, Penn., and died some years ago. Rosanna E. died when a young lady. Wilhelmina F. is the wife of William Ricard, of Highland township, and they have eight children-Maggie (deceased), James, Grover, Merrell, Charles, Bernice, Syl- vie, and Mabel. William H., born in Jefferson county, is now employed in Empire, Elk Co., Penn. For his second wife Mr. Shrum chose Miss Elizabeth A. Lamb, a daughter of James and Margaret Lamb, and four children grace this union-Homer, David, Maggie and L. G., all at home.

After his first marriage Mr. Shrum purchased his present farm of fifty acres in Highland town- ship, Clarion county, which at that time was all wild land, but he has converted the tract into one of the most highly cultivated farms of the local- ity, and has erected thereon a pleasant residence and good barn and other outbuildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry.

Responding to the country's call for aid dur- ing the Civil war, Mr. Shrum enlisted in 1862, in Company H, 149th P. V. I., under Capt. Strat- ton, and was with the First Army Corps, also the Fifth Army Corps. He was detailed as regiment- al teamster, and subsequently was made teamster in the ammunition train. He remained in the service until the war was ended and his services were no longer needed, and he was never off duty for a single day on account of sickness or for any other cause. He was honorably discharged in 1865 and returned to his home and family.

Reared as an Old-line Whig, Mr. Shrum joined the Republican party on its organization, and has since been one of its most earnest advocates. Al- though he has never aspired to office, he credit- ably served as school director for one term, and has always faithfully discharged every duty that has devolved upon him, whether public or private. He and his wife are both earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Protestant Church at Mr. Carmel, give liberally to its support, and are numbered among the best citizens of Highland township.

J AMES MILTON MARSH, residing in Sligo, Clarion county. is one of the most popular conductors on the Low Grade Division of the Allegheny Valley railroad, and now runs between Sligo, Red Bank and Oak Ridge.

Born August 23, 1856, two miles from Smicks-

burg, in Indiana county, Penn., Mr. Marsh is a son of Harrison and Mary (Repine) Marsh, and grandson of Graves Marsh, of Pittsburg, Penn., who was employed on the river. Harrison Marsh was born February 14, 1814, in Pittsburg, and throughout his active business life engaged in farming, and he conducted hotels at Perrysville and Big Run, Penn., but was living retired at the time of his death, which occurred at Reynolds- ville, Penn., in July, 1876. He had removed to Jefferson county in 1858. During the Civil war he served as a member of Company D, 206th P. V. I., but was never wounded. His wife, who was born in 1817, near Blairsville, in Indiana county, died in January, 1889, and was laid by his side in the cemetery at Reynoldsville. She held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In the family of this worthy couple were the following children: Elizabeth, now the wife of Squire W. M. Blouse, of Big Run, Penn .: Rob- ert H., who was a member of Company A, 105th P. V. I., and died of typhoid fever while in the service, his remains being brought home for burial; Israel W., who died from the effects of wounds received in battle, and was buried. at Green Spring Run, Va .; Caroline, wife of Thomas Postleweights, a farmer of Dixon county, Neb. ; John, a contractor living in Punxsutawney, Penn. : William H., who left home in 1866, since which time nothing has been heard from him: Nancy, wife of Patrick Foley, a railroad engineer living in Reynoldsville; James Milton, of this sketch; and Alice, wife of John Stevenson. also a rail- road engineer living in Reynoldsville.

At the age of two years James Milton Marsh was taken by his parents to Jefferson county, and with them he remained until sixteen years of age. when he began work on the Low Grade railroad, between Reynoldsville and Brookville. remaining with that company for three years. He then engaged in teaming in Reynoldsville for two years, after which he came to Edinburg. Clarion county, where the following three years were passed in teaming, pumping, etc. On his return to Reynoldsville, he was employed for a year and three months as brakeman on the railroad, later was flagman for a year and a half, and afterward was promoted to conductor. He served as such for four years, then came to Sligo, where he has since made his home.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 69

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