Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 70

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 70
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 70
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 70
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 70

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On December 24. 1883, at Reynoldsville, Mr. Marsh was married to Miss Mary Carey, the ceremony being performed by Rev. T. Brady, a Catholic priest, and they have become the par- ents of three children, whose names and dates of | birth are as follows: Harry T., August 24, 1855;

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

James W., October 2, 1887; and John C., July 19, 1890. - Mrs. Marsh was born, June 26, 1861, in Co- lumbus, Penn., a daughter of Michael and Ellen (Foley) Carey, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America in early life, and in Clyde, N. Y., met and were married. They remained at that place for some time and then removed to Colum- bus, Penn., where the father served as foreman in a tannery, having previously learned that trade. After his removal to Jefferson county, in 1870, he engaged in mining, but the last year of his life was spent in retirement. He died May 24, 1894, at the age of fifty-six, his wife in Novem- ber, 1895, at the age of fifty-five, and both were buried at Reynoldsville. They were devout members of the Catholic Church, and he was a stalwart Democrat in politics. Their .children were: Michael, a railroad engineer living in Myersdale, Penn .; Mary, wife of our subject; Ellen, a resident of Reynoldsville; Catherine (de- ceased): Johanna, wife of Frank Bracken, a tan- ner, of Reynoldsville; John, who is a railroad fireman and lives with our subject; and Thomas, assistant agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad at Myersdale.

Our subject is interested in a number of civic societies, belonging to the Masonic Lodge at New Bethlehem; the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Sligo; the Knights of Pythias at Rey- noldsville, and the Order of Railway Conductors at East Brady, Penn. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republican party, and he is well-posted on all the leading questions and issues of the day. Of a pleasant, genial nature, he makes friends wherever he goes, and is now numbered among the leading and rep- resentative citizens of Sligo.

M RS. CATHARINE P. DITZ is the owner of the "Agey Hotel" in Leeper, which she is now successfully conducting in connection with her brother, A. J. Seth, who serves as man- ager. They belong to one of the most highly- respected families of Clarion county, their par- ents being John and Mary (Fogelbacher) Seth. The father was born in 1816, in Snydersburg. and amid frontier scenes grew to manhood. The county was then covered with a dense forest. in which many wild animals still roamed, and the scattered inhabitants were forced to endure all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. The mother of our subject was a native of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., where her father, John Fogelbacher, lived for some years.

and then came to Clarion county, making it his home until his death.

After his marriage, John Seth purchased a tract of land in Knox township, Clarion county, which was still in its primitive condition. After he had cleared away the trees, he plowed the land and before his death had converted the wild tract into a highly-cultivated and valuable farm of 100 acres, improved with good and substantial buildings. Upon that place his wife died in 1885. and he passed away in 1897. Their children were as follows: (1) Lena, born in Knox town- ship, was educated in the common schools, and is now the wife of Edward Eisenman, who re- sides on the old homestead in Fryburg. Clarion county. They have eight children: Agnes; Clara, wife of Jacob Lieght, of Clarion county; Cressence, wife of Henry Forestburg, of Harris- burg, Penn .: Albert; Frank; Joseph: Anna M. and Christina. (2) Lizzie died when a young lady. (3) Anna M. is the wife of. Martin Ditz, and they live on the old Ditz homestead in Wash- ington township, Clarion county. Their children are-Agnes; Lizzie; Lena; Nina; Albert and Amelia (twins); Geneveive; and James. (4) Catharine P. is next in order of birth. (5) Ag- nes married Augustin Ditz, and lived in Fryburg, where her husband engaged in the hotel business, and where she died in 1878, leaving two children -Anthony, now a business man of Knox, Penn. ; and Mary, wife of George Fletcher, a druggist of Fryburg. (6) Joseph wedded Mary Rector, of Elk county, and they now make their home in St. Mary's, that county. Their children are -- Bertha. Francis, Charles, and Joseph. (7) John married Maggie Walsh, of Clarion county, and they live on the old homestead, where he was born and reared. To them have been born six chil- dren-Walter, Mary, John, Katie, Martha, and Stephen. (8) Emma lives with her brother and sister in Leeper. (9) Christina completed her education in the Young Ladies College of St. Mary's, Penn., and is now engaged in the milli- nery business in Pittsburg.

A. J. Seth, who completes the family, was born on the old homestead in Knox township, began his education in the public schools of the neighborhood, and later attended St. Vincent's College, at Westmoreland county, Penn. At the age of eighteen he began his business career as a lumberman, and after engaging in that occu- pation for three years he became interested in the oil business. Subsequently he conducted a hotel in Elk county. When his sister purchased the hotel in Leeper, he became manager. and they have since successfully carried on the busi- ness there.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Catharine P. Seth was born in Knox town- ship, in 1855, was educated in the schools of the locality, and in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to A. M. Ditz, of Clarion county. They began housekeeping in Titusville, Penn .. where Mr. Ditz engaged in mercantile business for a number of years, and later followed the same pursuit in Lucinda until his death, which occurred in 1893. Subsequently coming to Leeper, Mrs. Ditz purchased the "Agey House." She displays excellent ability in the management of her affairs, and has made the hotel one of the most inviting and homelike hostelries in this sec- tion of the county, it having become a great favorite with the traveling public.

Religiously the Seth family is connected with the Catholic Church, while politically the sons are identified with the Democratic party, to which the father also belonged. He was one of the prominent and influential . men of his com- munity, and was called upon to serve in a num- ber of local offices of honor and trust. His chil- dren all occupy honorable positions in life, are well educated and refined, and are numbered among the valued and useful citizens of their re- spective communities.

B A. KRIBBS. The city of Knox boasts of quite a number of prominent and enterpris- ing business men who have done much to ad- vance the interests of the place, but none are held in higher regard, or deserve greater recog- nition than the subject of this sketch, who has been closely identified with its material prosperity for several years, and is now the senior member of the well-known firm of B. A. Kribbs & Co.

He traces his ancestry back to Christian Kribbs, who was born near Strasburg. in Alsace, . P. F. is the father of our subject: Kate is the wife of Dr. Ed Meeker, of West Virginia; Pris- cilla is the wife of Harrison Findley, now of Hennessey, Okla. ; Rev. John A. is the principal of the Orphans' Home, near Zelienople. Butler Co., Penn. In 1862 he enlisted in Beaver town- . ship, Clarion county, in Company G. 155th P. V. I., for three years or during the war, was commissioned second lieutenant, and as a mem- I ber of the Army of the Potomac participated in all the battles of his regiment; Harriet is the now a part of Germany, about 1775. and emigrated with his parents to this country in 1785, landing in Philadelphia. Being the oldest in the family, he was bound out to a well-to-do planter of New Jersey, while the parents with their other chil- dren proceeded to Westmoreland county, Penn. He remained with that gentleman until he had attained his majority, and although he had to work hard, he was provided with a fair educa- tion, and obtained a knowledge of the world which he could not have gathered had he accom- panied his parents. On leaving his master, at ' wife of Rev. J. B. Fox, of Slatington, Penn .; the age of twenty-one, he went in search of his George F. was for about twelve years the editor and publisher of the Clarion Democrat, later practiced law, represented his district for two terms in Congress, and is now a resident of Nar- coossee, Fla .: W. G. is a farmer living two miles north of Edinburg, Pennsylvania. parents, whom he had not seen since leaving Philadelphia twelve years previous, and when found had hard work persuading then that he was their little Christian. It was finally proven by a certain birthinark. He remained in West-

moreland county, where he later married and where five of his children were born: George, Philip, John, Mary and Katy. In 1817, he brought his family to Clarion county, then Ven- ango county, and located in Beaver township, about two miles northwest of Edenburg, or Knox, on the farm known to-day as the old Christian Kribbs farm, where his three other children- Priscilla, Jacob and Betsy-were born.

George Kribbs, grandfather of our subject, accompanied his parents on their removal to Clarion county, and remained with his father, assisting in transforming the primitive forest into one of the best farms of the neighborhood. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Susanna Sheffer, of the same county, the daughter of a well-to-do farmer, and later purchased a farm at Beaver City, about one mile southwest of Knox, where he made his home until called from this life in 1879. at the age of seventy-four years. He was a large land owner and one of the lead- ing and distinguished citizens of his community. In 1835 he was elected one of the commissioners of Venango county, being the first to serve in that responsible position from the district east of the Allegheny river. Later he was captain in the State Militia, and was ever afterward known by that title. In 1848 he became interested in the iron business, owning the furnace now known . as the Eagle furnace, on Canoe creek, near the Clarion river. In that enterprise he was a mem- ber of the firm of Reynolds & Kribbs, but in 1860 disposed of his interest in the business and re- turned to his farm at Beaver City. In 1873 oil was found upon the place and a number of wells sunk, which are still in operation.

In the family of George and Susanna (Shef- fer) Kribbs were the following children: Barbara is the wife of W. Bell. of East Bradford, Penn. ;

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

P. F. Kribbs, father of our subject, spent his boyhood on the old homestead at Beaver City, and acquired his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. At the age of six- teen he went with the family to Eagle Furnace, where he entered a store as salesman, and later served as bookkeeper and manager of the busi- ness. While at that place he was married in 1856, at the age of twenty-four, to Miss Cathar- ine Knight, youngest daughter of Daniel Knight, a well-known farmer of Richland township, Clar- ion county, and there their oldest child was born: Florence, now Mrs. G. S. Karns, of Frank- lin, Penn., and also B. A. Kribbs, the subject of this sketch. After coming to Edenburg, or Knox, in 1861, the family circle was increased by the birth of five other children, namely: E. E .; W. W., now of Marionville, Penn .; C. C .; Susie .and Mabel.

In 1859 P. F. Kribbs was elected justice of the peace, which position he most satisfactorily filled for fifteen years, and, while engaged in merchandising at Knox, also served as postmaster from 1862 until 1874. He became largely inter- ested in real estate and also in the oil business, owning about one hundred and twenty oil wells which were in operation; but when the hard times set in in 1891, he was forced to make an assign- ment. However, by 1896 he had settled all claims, and in the language of one of the attor- neys of Clarion a large amount of property was redeeded. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his family also belongs. He is one of the most distinguished and influential citizens of Knox, a leader in thought and action.

B. A. Kribbs, whose name introduces this sketch, was born at Eagle Furnace, in Beaver township, Clarion county, May 29, 1859, and was reared in that township, pursuing his early studies in its public schools. Later he attended school in Edenburg, took a business course in the Iron City Commercial College of Pittsburg, and was also a student in the State Normal School at Edinboro, Erie Co., Penn., leaving the last institution in 1876. Thus well equipped for life's responsible positions, he began his busi- ness career as messenger in the Clarion County Bank, and later had charge of the books for two years. After leaving the Iron City Commercial College in 1881, Mr. Kribbs became connected. with his father in mercantile pursuits, doing busi- ness under the firm name of P. F. Kribbs & Son, until February, 1895, when it was changed to B. A. Kribbs & Co., the father selling his interests to Messrs. J. C. Berlin and A. J. Smith, oil men of Edenburg. They occupy what is known

as the Kribbs Block, a handsome three-story -structure, sixty feet frontage, containing two store rooms, one being used as the dry-goods department, the other as the grocery depart- ment. The second floor is devoted to clothing. carpets and wall paper, the basement to heavy groceries and oil, and the third floor is used as a lodge room by the Masonic order. The firm carries a well-selected stock of general merchan- dise valued at $25,000-and from the public re- ceives a liberal patronage. Mr. Kribbs is recog- nized as one of the most reliable, energetic and progressive business men of the place, and has ever taken a commendable interest in all enter- prises calculated to benefit the community. He has engaged to some extent in the oil business, and for a time was a member of the firm of Hunter & Kribbs, furniture dealers.

On July 17, 1888, in Edenburg, Mr. Kribbs was united in marriage to Miss Annabel Hill, daughter of J. C. Hill, who located in Edenburg in 1875, coming from Freeport, Armstrong Co., Penn. Mrs. B. A. Kribbs is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Armstrong and Allegheny counties, her great-great-grandfather having come from Jersey. State about 1770, locating at New Alexandria. Her great-grandfather fought through the Revolutionary war, being with the Conti- nental army at Valley Forge during the severe winter of 1777. To Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Kribbs have been born two children: Marie Eleanor and Philip Forbes. Religiously, Mr. Kribbs is a Lutheran, and has served as deacon of his Church, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and has ever taken an active part in the work of both. He is a member of Edenburg Lodge No. 550, F. & A. M., and of Eden Chapter No. 259, R. A. M., of Clarion, Penn., in both of which he has served in all the chairs. making him a life member of the respective grand bodies. He is also a mem- ber of Pittsburg Commandery No. 1, K. T .. of Pittsburg, Penn. His political support has al- ways been given the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he has been called upon to serve as a delegate to county conventions, member of the city council one terin, judge of the election board and auditor. He has inade an untarnished record, and has an unspotted reputa- tion as a business inan. In all places and under all circumstances. he is loyal to truth, honor and right, justly valuing his own self-respect as infinitely more preferable than wealth. fame and position.

R EV. J. M. MCCURDY, D. D., pastor of the Licking Presbyterian Church, at Curllsville, Clarion county.

IM Burdy

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In the search for our progenitors of yore we are cautioned not to scratch too deep, lest we discover a Tartar. We are not unmindful of the daily conflict we are obliged to wage that this serpentine nature may not come forth into the quiet of our halcyon days. It is, however, com- forting to know that in all ages of the world's history, the manifestation of that power, " which makes for right," has been more or less apparent. From the "Genealogical and Biographical Monographs " of Prof. Edward E. Salisbury. found in the Presbyterian Historical Library of Philadelphia, we derived valued information. Sir Bernard Burke wrote, "the McKirdys for- merly belonged to the tribes who possessed the Western Islands of Scotland, long under the Crown of Sweden, and were the lords of the Isles." This family were the principal possessors of the Isle of Bute at a very early period. Bute is the inost important of the several islands of the Firth of Clyde. It is situated about eight- een miles west of Greenock, and forty miles, by water, from Glasgow. To this picturesque and stately Isle the McCurdys look back, not without some emotion of pride, and credit the Highland- ers of Scotland with a goodly offspring. The Gaelic etymology of the name indicates that they belonged to that solid Celtic race, before the earliest Anglo-Saxon times. During the English horrors and sorrows of 1666, while Charles II was busily engaged looking after the welfare of his pups and their maternal supporters, occurred the so-called " Rising " against the Scotch Pres- byterians. While the Dutch and English were contending for the mastery of the sea, the King, at a banquet in London, heard the roar of Vall- Tromp's cannon up the Thames, "the first and last time the sound of foreign guns has been heard in London." These native Scotch people and their wealth claimed the attention, alike, of soldiers and curates, who in vast suis fined whom they pleased, and divided the spoils among them- selves. Imprisonment, persecution and violence

were the reward of non-payment. This presents the clue by which we trace the genealogical path- way of our grand sires. Five MeCurdy brothers escaped in an open boat in the midst of a blind- ing snow storm, leaving all their worldly posses- sions, and landed near the famous .Giant's Causeway." Twenty-three years later . (1689) these five brethren were participants in the siege of Londonderry; and shared, July 1, 1690, the crowning victory of the Boyne.

These five brave men, though victims of per- secutions at Arran of County Bute, became de- termined leaders among the Scotch Covenanters in their defense of religious liberty. While with

pride we recognize our valiant ancestry, we would add to this illustrious heritage, the mark of true aristocracy-that of achievement. Gen. Pat- rick McCurdy, one of the notable five brothers, and grandfather of the fifth degree, married MAR- GARET STUART. In this union honor and wealth

were combined; and the descendants were not only happy to secure their shares of such a fortune. but rejoiced exceedingly when the precious piece of Crown money was placed in their hands, in honor of Margaret Stuart. Patrick McCurdy, Jr., grandfather of the fourth degreee, and son of Patrick and Margaret, married Margaret Reynolds. But now a sad scene confronts us. While out on a fishing and pleasure expedition, a storm overturned the boat, and Patrick, Jr., was "lost at sea." Margaret, so sadly bereft of her youthful husband, offered a "stocking full of guineas " for the recovery of his body. It was found, and the money paid. With five promising boys, she mourned the loss of her dear partner. David McCurdy, grandfather of the third degree, one of the " five boys, " married Enipal Brown. Two sons and three daughters were the result of this union. James McCurdy, grandfather of the second degree, one of the " two sons," mar- ried Jane McAuley. Six daughters and two boys blessed this union. David McCurdy, grandfather of the first degree, and one of the "two boys," inarried Molly Forgy. Four sons and two daugh- ters lived to honor their God-fearing parents. John McCurdy, one of these " four sons," now of blessed memory, we delighted to acknowledge by the endearing name Father. Mother in her eighty-fourth year enjoys excellent health and an unfailing memory. Thanks be to God for the boys' best friend, dear mother! She is the daughter of William and Jennie (Magee) Irwin. " Seven boys and girls are we;" and two have passed to the soul's triumphant bourn. James M., one of the " seven," April 4, 1867, married Martha E. Moon, daughter of Lewis and Mary Moon, of Jackson Centre, Penn. The names of our children are: Mary J., William J., Cora L., Lillie M., Tillie M., J. H. Wilton. Martha E., and Mabel P. William J. departed this life Feb- ruary 5, 1871; and Mary J., September 24, 1878. J. M. MCCURDY.

The concluding words of this sketch have been formulated by the Rev. Dr. James S. El- der, now of blessed memory. Theoccasion call- ing them ont being the preparation of the history by Dr. McCurdy of Licking Church, in 1895. .. It is fitting that the foregoing history of Licking Church, so full of interest, should be supple- mented by a sketch of the beloved pastor, who .

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has for so many years labored and still labors with such quiet persistence and success in ad- vancing its interests.

" This brother was born at Valley Forge, Penn., November 2, 1844. His parentscame from County Antrim, Ulster, eight years prior to his birth. He was baptized in the Presbyterian Church of Port Kennedy, and was early set apart by his parents to the work of Gospel ministry. In his childhood days this consecration was kept before his mind by the oft-repeated introduction, ' This is our preacher,' and by impressing on his mind the privilege of such a career; all this seemed to imply to his mind a fixed purpose on their part, and entrance into the ministry an ob- ject of attainment most desirable. The result was, to become a minister was his first and only ambition. Hisfaithful and conscientious parents, remembering their consecration of the child of their love, gave him early opportunities of ob- taining an education by normal, collegiate and university training. After his normal and colle- giate course, he entered the Theological dcpart- ment of the Cumberland University, of Lebanon, Tenn., and graduated with distinction from that institution at the early age of twenty-six, and was prond of the diploma and the high expecta- tions of his professors that he secured. While yet in his 'teens' he was taken under the care of the Presbytery of Allegheny, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and by the same Presby- tery was subsequently ordained to the full work of the Gospel ministry. After his seminary course was completed, on June 6, 1872, calls were pre- sented to Presbytery for his pastoral labors from the Churches of Olive, Perrysville and Mt. Pleas- ant. He did not see his way clear to be installed over them, but labored as stated supply with great acceptance to the Churchcs, and was greatly blessed in his work amongst them. Sometime after, having decided to transfer his ecclesiastical relation to the Presbyterian body. on June 17, 1875. he presented his credentials from the Allc- gheny Presbytery to the Presbytery of Clarion, convened in Clarion, when he was received and his name entcred on the roll. From this point onward there are several steps in his life work that we note.

"I. His examination at the time of his re- ception into the Presbytery of Clarion was rather unique on his part, and elicited the attention of all the members. It was the rule at that time to examine in Theology all ministers desiring ad-

Before it all ended there was much pleasantry growing out of the crisp Socratic replies of the young man. He was very cordially welcomed to our numbers. 2. At the next meeting in Sligo, on September 29, 1875, calls were presented . from West Millville and Licking, each for half time, the latter stipulating that . one sermon on each alternate Sabbath being considered one- half of the time.' At the same meeting the Church of Oak Grove obtained permission to employ him as stated supply for so much time as he could give them; and later Troy asked for a like favor. He was installed over the Church of Licking on October 6, 1875. At this service Rev. J. S. Elder preached the sermon and pre- sided, and Rev. J. H. Hawk delivered the charges to pastor and people. 3. For twenty- four years this servant of Christ has faithfully stood at his post, braving winter's cold and sum- mer's heat as he wrought in his wide field. Not only in the pulpit and as a pastor did he run on the King's business, but at once took his place in the counsels and work of Presbytery. Fitted by taste and attainment, he was made chairman of the standing committee on Languages-a po- sition he has ever since filled to the satisfaction of his brethren of the Presbytery. He has held the offices of clerk and Moderator, each for sev- eral terms, and is at present the Moderator of the Presbytery. He has twice represented his Presbytery in the General Assembly: first in 1884, and second in Saratoga, N. Y., in May, 1894, where he was appointed on the important committee on Bills and Overtures. 4. When the new pastor entered on his work in his wide field some of the Church had comfortable houses of worship, but Millville had none. This was quite a new enterprise, having been organized with seven members on May 25. 1874. The zealous leader of the flock at once threw himself into the project of erecting a house of worship, and greatly encouraged the congregation in the work. Remarkable success attended their effort, and in 1876 a neat and substantial building was completed, a great triumph for the little handful of people that werc bound together. In later times, when the house at Oak Grove became too small for the congregation, and needed repairs, he earnestly instituted measures for extensive re- pairs, and carried the work forward, with the liberal support of the people, to a happy con- clusion; and later still, when the necessity arose for something to be done with the house at Licking, he faltered not, but with earnest pur- pose and generous hand and stimulating word, ¡ greatly encouraged the people to the erection of a

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 70

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