Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 71

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 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 71

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

· mission, no matter from what body they came. This brother was dealt with quite vigorously, but acquitted himself so creditably that brother Leason said. . He is more Calvanistic than I.' I new house. He provided the plan, looked after

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

many of the details. After persistent labors, he and his people were permitted to rejoice in the fruition of their hopes. A church, fair in its proportions, beautiful in all its appointments, stands as a monument to the praise of the noble men and women who with loving heart and lib- eral hand stood shoulder to shoulder till the work was completed. Great praise was universally accorded to the faithful pastor by his people for his persistence, liberality, and bracing words that prompted them on to the completion of the work. The house was dedicated on October 12, 1890. Though outwardly the day was full of discomfort, yet within a most happy and enthu- siastic band were united in praise and thanksgiv- ing to God, who has so wonderfully blessed their toils. 5. The results of this pastor's labors are very remarkable. His labors have been "signally

crowned with the Divine blessing. From records he has kept he informs us the accessions to the Church through his ministry before enter- ing the Presbyterian fold were about 300, and since that time about 700-in all about 1,000. This is a wonderful record, and indicates the fullness of Divine favor. 6. While in his pulpit ministrations he aims to declare the whole counsel of God,' and to preach the whole round of Christians' duty and doctrine; he nevertheless testifies that his tastes and preferences lie in the line of Science and Theology. To the former he has given no little thought, and to the latter close and careful study, consequently Cook and Hodge are favorite authorities with him. Dr. McCurdy is now in the prime and vigor of his usefulness; he has the warm affection of a de- voted people. May he long be spared to preach . The unsearchable riches of Christ.'"

J. S. ELDER,

Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Clarion.

S TEPHEN BURGWIN, gauger for the Stand- ard Oil Company, residing at Turkey City, Clarion county, was born in Venango county, Penn., in 1839.

Mr. Burgwin is a son of Edward and Sarah (Jones) Burgwin, both natives of Shropshire, England. On coming to America they took up their residence among the early settlers of Ve- nango county, Penn., where the father engaged in farming until his death. In his native land he had followed mining. In his family were eight children, namely: William, who served for three months in the Union army with official rank, enlisting in 1863, died in Venango county, Penn .; J. C., who enlisted in 1861, becoming a lieutenant of Company L, 4th P. V. I., was dis-

charged on account of disability, and after his re- turn to the North took up his residence in Ve- nango county, where he now resides; Ed. of \'e- nango county, enlisted in 1864, in Company L, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was wounded at Bellfield; Stephen is the next in order of birth; Wesley H., who enlisted in the 142nd P. V. I., was discharged on account of wounds received at the battle of Gettysburg, and died in Venango county, Penn. ; Mrs. Sarah Lovell and Mrs. Har- riet Stroup are residents of Venango county; and Ruth died in that county.

Stephen Burgwin was reared on his father's farm, and early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Prompted by the same patriotic spirit which permeated the family, he enlisted in 1864 as a member of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry for the remainder of the war, and with the Army of the Potomac participated in the battle of the Wilderness, the campaign in Shenandoah Valley, and the battle of Hatcher's Run. He was mustered out at Lynchburg, Va., and received an honorable dis- charge at Braddock, Penn. He was a loyal sol- dier, always found at his post of duty, and faith- fully followed the old flag until it was victor- iously planted in the capital of the Confederacy.

Mr. Burgwin continued his residence in Ve- nango county until 1873, when he came to Clar- ion county in the employ of the Standard Oil Company. For eighteen years he has served that company in the capacity of gauger, and his long continuance in that position well indicates his close application and his trustworthiness in the performance of his duties.

In Venango county Mr. Burgwin was married to Miss Sarah J. Maitland, and to them have been born three children: C. W., H. A. and F. E. In politics the father is a stanch Republic- an, warmly advocating the principles of his party. Socially, he is connected with Covode Post No. 112, G. A. R. He is a man of genial disposition and kindly deportment. always courteous and affable, and wherever he has gone he has made many warm friends.

J OSIAH FILLMAN, one of the representative citizens of St. Petersburg. Clarion county, and an honored veteran of the Civil war. was born December 13, 1839, in Richland township, Clarion county, when it still formed a part of Venango county.

His paternal grandfather spent his entire life in eastern Pennsylvania, and the father, Michael Fillman, was born and reared in Luzerne county, whence he came to Richland township, Clarion

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. -

county, at the age of twenty-seven. Being a potter by trade, he here established a pottery, which he conducted for some time, but later he opened up a farm and devoted his energies throughout the remainder of his life to agricult- ural pursuits. In Richland township Michael Fillman was married to Susanna Ritts, a native of Lehigh county, Penn., and a daughter of Christian Ritts, an early settler of Clarion coun- ty, who died in Richland township. Mr. Fill- man also died here in 1887, at the age of eighty- one years, and his wife departed this life in 1892. In the family of this worthy couple were the fol- lowing children: Mrs. Lucinda Shultz, a resident of Richland township; Henry, who died at the age of twenty-three; Mrs. Mary E. Rhupert, of Toby township, Clarion county; Jonathan and Christopher, both of Richland township; arid Mrs. Thompson, who died in Clarion county.

Josiah Fillman pursued his studies in the schools near his boyhood home, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he success- fully followed for some time. For twenty years he has been interested in the oil business, and is the owner of two good wells, which are proving quite profitable.

A loyal son of America, Mr. Fillman enlisted at Keating Furnace, Clarion county, in July, 1862, as sergeant of Company G, 155th P. V. I., for three years or during the war, and was mus- tered in at Pittsburg, where the regiment was as- signed to the Army of the Potomac. He took part in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancel- lorsville, Gettysburg,. Mine Run, Rappahannock and the Wilderness. The corps to which he be- longed opened up the fight at Laurel Hill, and later participated in the engagements at Spott- sylvania Court House, North Anna River and Cold Harbor. They then proceeded to Rich- mond, crossed the Janies river, and were in the battles in front of Petersburg, which were fol- lowed by the Mine Explosion, the Weldon Rail- road raid and the battle of Five Forks. Mr. Fill- man was also in the battle of Preble Farm and in the Apple Jack raid, and after taking part in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., he was honorably discharged June 15, 1865, at Pittsburg.

In 1866, in Richland township, Mr. Fillman was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Will, a na- tive of Berks county, Penn., and a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Master) Will. who were also born in that county, and at an early day emigrated to Beaver township. Clarion county. Here both lived to a good old age. Mr. and Mrs. Fillman have four children: Lester B., who is inspector for the Standard Oil Company and

resides in eastern Pennsylvania; and Virginia B., Orville Guy and Nevada Pearl, all at home.

Politically Mr. Fillman usually votes inde- pendent of party ties, and is at present an advo- cate of the free coinage of silver. He has served as a member of both the school board and the city council, and has always taken quite an act- ive and commendable interest in public affairs, doing all in his power to advance the general welfare of the community. Fraternally, he be- longs to the Knights of the Maccabees and Look- out Post No. 424, G. A. R., in which he has served as commander. In days of peace as well as in time of war he has faithfully discharged all duties of citizenship, and has gained the respect and esteem of all who know him ..

M ANASSEH ARNOLD, president of the Sec- ond National Bank of Clarion, Clarion coun- ty, and a man of large business affairs in this sec- tion, where he has been an influential and im- portant factor in business circles for nearly a half century, was born in York county, Penn., Sep- tember 17, 1830.

Peter Arnold, the father of our subject, was born January 12, 1794. in York county, Penn., and was a farmer throughout life. His wife, whom he married in 1820, was Susannah Klugh, born October 24, 1795, in Lancaster county, Penn. In 1836 they came to Clearfield county. Both departed this life in 1869, respected and esteemed for their many admirable qualities and exemplary lives. Their children were: G. W .. Samuel, F. K., Christiana, Maria, Manasseh, Clarissa and J. K.

Manasseh Arnold was raised on a farm, and received the usual common-school education given to the farmer boy of that period. At the age of sixteen years he came to Clarion county, secured a clerkship in a country store, and re- ceived for his services the first year seventy-two dollars, which was increased to $144 the second year, and, later, to $192. His services proved so. satisfactory to his employer, James Laughlin, that on October 1, 1850, when in his twenty- first year, young Arnold was tendered a proposi- tion to become a partner of his employer, which he graciously accepted, the terms being most fa- vorable. The style of the firm became Laugh- lin & Arnold, and was formed for the purpose of carrying on mercantile business, lumbering, mill- ing, boat-building and dealing in live-stock at Leatherwood post office, near St. Charles Fur- nace, Clarion county. . About one year later the senior member of the firm met with an accident

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ALITTLE.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the flouring-mill, which nearly cost him his life, and for a long time incapacitated him from transacting business; however, he finally recov- ered sufficiently to assist in some of the minor affairs of the business, but remained an invalid up to his death, in 1870. This circumstance placed a large business and great responsibilities on the junior member of the firm, which he proved equal to, and which expanded and devel- oped his business ideas and tact. During these twenty years our subject practically carried on the business. In 1876 he came to Clarion to as- sume the duties of prothonotary of the county, to which office he had been elected in 1875, he being the only Republican up to this time (1898) that has ever been elected to the office in Clarion county. In the election of 1874 the Democratic candidate carried the county by a majority of 1, 300. In the following year Mr. Arnold was elected by a majority of more than 400, which is an evidence of his great popularity, and of the confidence the people of the county had in him. He had always been opposed to the practice of purchasing of votes, and of the trading of votes so often resorted to in elections. He used neither method, and was elected by having expended less than $100 in making the canvass, a fact that he and his friends are proud of. He served as such officer for three years. Following this term of office there was for a time when Mr. Arnold was out of active business, during which he purchased property and improved it, or erected new build- ings. At that time he built what is known as the Arnold building, now occupied by Arnold Broth- ers. * In 1883 our subject again engaged in mer- cantile business, which he conducted until 1890, when he turned the business over to his sons. They are men of business tact, and are carrying on a prosperous business. Mr. Arnold, in con- nection with others, during his active business career was the holder of some 1,400 acres of timber lands. During his long business career in Clarion county, which has been one of upright- ness and honorable dealing. he has been an en- terprising and public-spirited citizen, as is evi- denced in the many improvements he has made and the buildings erected by him in the borough of Clarion. He has been a successful business man, and is to-day not only a man of influence : but one of ineans. Before coming to the bor- ough of Clarion, he was for fifteen years a justice of the peace in the county: and he has been a Republican ever since the organization of the party. Time and again he has declined public honors. He is not only president of the Sec- ond National Bank of his home borough, but is vice-president of the First National Bank of

New Bethlehem, Penn., and he is president of the Clarion and Tylersburg Gas Company.

On September 3. 1857, our subject was mar- ried to Miss Amanda Ross McKelvey, who was born May 20, 1839, at New Bethlehem, daugh- ter of Thomas McKelvey, of that place. To this marriage, which has proven a most happy one, there have come seven children, namely: (1) Myra is the wife of W. H. Mahey, of Clar- ion. (2) Laura Frances is the wife of J. E. Hall, of Oregon. (3) Thomas is a prominent inerchant of Clarion. (4) Charles W., who was an active young business man, died in July, 1896; (5) Bertha Florence is at home. (6) Harry is a partner in business with his brother, Thomas; and (7) Alice E. is in school. The parents are members of the M. E. Church, Mr. Arnold being a trustee, steward and a class-leader in the Church, and for about thirty years was superin- tendent of the Sunday-school.

C CHARLES SHOEMAKER. Not alone is there particular interest attaching to the career of this gentleman as one of the leading educators of Clarion county, but in reviewing his genealogical record we find his lineage tracing back to the Colonial history of the nation, and to that period which marked the inception of the grandest republic the world has ever known. Through such sources have we attained the true American type, and along this line must our in- vestigation proceed if we would learn of the steadfast and unyielding elements which consti- tute the basis upon which has been reared the lofty and magnificent superstructure of an en- lightened and favored commonwealth.

Mr. Shoemaker was born in Venango county. Penn., November 29, 1838, and is a grandson of Henry Shoemaker. a native of Holland, who valiantly aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence during the Revolutionary war. David Shoemaker, our subject's father, was a native of Lycoming county. Penn., where. on reaching manhood, he married Miss Margaret McAfee, who was born in Northumberland coun- ty. Her father was of Scotch descent, and was a soldier of the war of 1812. In 1837 David Shoemaker and his wife removed to Richland township, Venango county, where they reared their family, which numbered nine children, namely: Marmaduke, who was a member of a Pennsylvania regiment during the Civil war, and died at Wilkes Barre, Penn .. from disease con- tracted while in the service; Henry, who died in Meadville, Penn. ; James, a carpenter and con- . tractor of St. Louis, Mo .: Robert, who was a

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graduate of Jefferson College in the class of '59, but his health failing, he abandoned his object of becoming a minister, and secured a situation with the P. & E. R. R. Co., where he continued until his death, which occurred in Clinton county, Penn .; David, who was for thirty years engaged in the oil business, and died in 1893; Charles, of this sketch; Rhoda Ann, a resident of Salem township, Clarion county; Martha, deceased; and Susan, who died when young. The parents both died at Mariasville, Penn., the father at the age of seventy, and the mother at the age of eighty-one years. Earnest, conscientious Chris- tian people, they were faithful members of the Lutheran Church, and had the respect and es- teem of all who knew them. By occupation the father was a farmer, and in political sentiment was first a Whig and later a Republican.

In the county of his nativity Charles Shoe- maker grew to manhood, and he obtained an ex- cellent education in the schools of Salem and West Freedom. He also supplemented the knowledge there acquired by study and reading at home, and has now for thirty years been one of the most successful and popular teachers of Clarion county. Among his early pupils are many who are now filling important and respon- sible positions in different States of the Union, and who owe inuch of their success to the help he gave them on the steep and ofttimes weary . path of knowledge. He was granted a profess- or's certificate in 1892. His teaching was inter- rupted during the Civil war by his enlistment, September 17, 1863, in the 74th P. V. I. Dur- ing his service he was stationed most of the tiine in Virginia, and when the war was ended he was honorably discharged in September, 1865, and returned home. Later he spent four years in Douglas county, Kans., but is now a resident of Salem township, Clarion county.

At the age of twenty-nine Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Persing, also a native of Venango county, a daughter of Abram and Catherine (Walters) Persing. Four children bless this union, namely: Eugene, now a conductor on street cars in Allegheny, Penn. ; Mamie, of Lawrence. Kans .; and Samnel and Gracie, both at home. Mr. Shoemaker affiliates with the Republican party, and as a member of John Koch Post No. 354, G. A. R., of Nickle- ville, Penn., he keeps up his acquaintance with his old ariny comrades.

self as one of its most active and enterprising citizens. He is a native of the county, born February 10, 1843. His father, Obed Miles, was a native of Milesburg. Centre Co., Penn .. and a son of James Miles, whose birth occurred in England. The latter married a Miss Bicker, of German descent. On reaching manhood the fa- ther of our subject was married in Clearfield county, Penn., to Miss Lavina Armagost, a na- tive of this State, and a daughter of Jacob Arm- agost, who was born in Maryland, but died in Limestone township, Clarion county, Pennsyl- vania.

In 1830 Obed Miles and wife came to Clarion county, where they reared their family of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, namely: Janies, now deceased: John, who was for some time in the government service; Mary; Christina; Abigail; Jacob, who was a member of a Cavalry regiment during the Civil war; Samuel, who be- longed to the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves; Jeremiah, who served in the same struggle as a member of the 105th P. V. I .; Sarah J .; O. F .; Lavina; and George Irvin, deceased. The fa- ther, who was a farmer by occupation, first oper- ated land in Limestone township on coming to Clarion county, later lived in Porter township, but spent his last days in Red Bank township, where he died at the age of seventy-six. Polit- ically, he was a Democrat, and, religiously, was a Lutheran. His wife departed this life at the age of eighty-eight.

O. F. Miles was reared in Porter township upon the home farm, and was educated in the schools of the neighborhood. At the age of seventeen he began learning the carpenter's trade, became a skilled and thorough workmail. and later successfully engaged in contracting and building in Clarion, Jefferson and Elk counties. His work gave the utmost satisfaction, and he always faithfully fulfilled his part of any con- tract.

On August 28. 1861, Mr. Miles enlisted in Company C. 105th P. V. I., under Capt. C. A. Craig and Col. McKnight, and with his com- mand took part in the siege of Yorktown. For some time he was stationed at Alexandria, Va .. near Washington. He was taken ill with measles. later contracted typhoid fever, which settled on his lungs, and rendered him unfit for active serv- ice. On a surgeon's certificate of disability, he was then honorably discharged and returned to his home in Clarion county.

0 F. MILES, who now owns and operates a On May 11, 186 ;. in Limestone township. Obediah F. Miles was married to Miss Jane ! good farm of fifty-two acres in Red Bank , Sayers. the latter being born in Red Bank town- township, Clarion county, has distinguished him- [ ship, Clarion county, a daughter of Charles and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ..

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Margaret (Riley) Sayers, natives of Westmore- land and Clarion counties, respectively. Both parents died in Clarion county, the father at the age of sixty-eight, and the mother at the age of forty-four. They were earnest and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and were widely and favorably known. Mr. Sayers en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, and was identified with the Republican party. His children were: Henry, Rebecca, Keziah, James C., John. Fanny, Harvey. Jenny, Margaret, Raymond and Franklin.

Fourteen children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miles, namely: Luna Eva, who died at the age of six years; Franklin W .; Ed A. and Curtis, both successful teachers; David T. ; Mary A .; Maggie L. (Bightol); Etta K .; Oscar J., who died in childhood; Osta, twin sister of Qscar; Myrtle B .; Melvin Earl; Alma, deceased; and Rensel Elwood.

In his political affiliations Mr. Miles agrees with the doctrines and platforms of the Repub- lican party, and in the exercise of his elective franchise supports the candidates of that organi- zation. He belongs to Captain Case Post No. 239, G. A. R., and is a member of the Evan- gelical Church.

M ORGAN MORGAN has for the long period of thirty-nine years been superintendent of the Fox estate in Richland township, Clarion county, and this fact plainly indicates his sterling worth and excellent business and executive abil- ity. In carefully studying the plans and meth- ods he has followed, we learn of managerial abil- ity seldom equaled. A man of keen perception, of great sagacity, of unbounded enterprise, his power nevertheless lies to a great extent in that quality which enables him to successfully control men and affairs.

Mr. Morgan was born in Brady's Bend, Arm- strong Co., Penn .. August 23. 1844, a son of John and Ann (Thomas) Morgan, who were born, reared and married in Wales. On crossing the Atlantic to the New World in 1837, they first located in Pittsburg, where the father worked as a puddler in rolling mills until his removal to Brady's Bend. Later he made his home in Fox- burg. Clarion county, and engaged in gardening on the Fox estate. Having a great love for his adopted country. he enlisted. in 1861, in the Union army, and was a member of Capt. Klotz's

home in St. Petersburg, where his death occurred in 1893. His estimable wife had passed away the year previous. In their family were six chil- dren, namely: Morgan; John, a resident of St. Petersburg; Thomas, of Richey Run, Venango Co., Penn. ; William, an oil operator of Emlen- ton; Mrs. Lillie Roberts, of Allegheny county, Penn. ; and Mrs. Mary Ann Mull, of Clarion county. .

Morgan Morgan was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, and in 1860, at the early age of sixteen years, he was appoint- ed to his present responsible position. The Fox estate is a very valuable one, comprising 1,650 acres, and improved with an elegant stone man- sion, beautiful lawns, fine gardens and well-culti- vated fields. Mr. Morgan has complete charge of the whole place, and in its manageinent has met with remarkable success. He has also been interested in the oil business in connection with his employers, and is to-day one of the most prosperous and substantial citizens of the com- munity. Of an inventive turn of mind, he has taken out two important patents, one on a gate, which is used on the Fox estate, and the other on a wire stretcher for building wire fences, which has been pronounced by competent judges to be the finest thing of the kind on the market.

In 1870, in Clarion county, Mr. Morgan wed- ded Miss Mary Farr, a native of Philadelphia, and to them have been born three children: Anna E., Sarah and Albert M. Mr. Morgan is an ardent Republican in politics, and has served as judge of election. His success has been the result of honest, persistent effort in the line of honorable and manly dealing. His aims have always been to attain to the best, and he has carefully carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken.

TOSEPH SANDERS GRANT, deceased, was for many years one of the leading and inflen- tial citizens of Perry township, Clarion county. his home being the Hillside farm. He was born near Parker's Landing, in Armstrong county, Penn., February 23. 1836, a son of Abel and Nancy ( Pollock) Grant. The father was born January 13, 1795. and was of Scotch-Irish de- scent. The Pollocks were honored pioneers of Clarion county. having located here as early as 1797. Mrs. Grant, who died at the age of sev- enty years, was the mother of the following chil- William, Joseph S. and Artemus.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 71

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