Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 72

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 72
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 72
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 72
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 72

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company; but after a year of faithful service, he dren: Andrew, Thomas. Mary, Sarah, John. was taken ill after the battle of Fredericksburg, and was honorably discharged. For some time Joseph S. Grant grew to manhood on the old he engaged in the oil business and raade his . homestead in Armstrong county, acquiring his

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education in the local schools and obtaining his knowledge of agricultural pursuits upon the home farm. When President Lincoln issued his call for 300,000 more volunteers in 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 78th P. V. I., and with his com- mand participated in the battles of Nashville. Murfreesboro, Stone River, Chickamauga and was in the Atlanta campaign, when the troops were on the march for thirty days. He was also in the raid against General. Shield's command, and after three years of arduous and faithful serv- ice he was honorably discharged at Kittanning. Penn., November 4, 1864. After the war Mr. Grant successfully engaged in farming in Butler county, Penn., until 1874, when he came to Perry township, Clarion county, and purchased the Harvey Hagan farm of 1 30 acres, upon which he made many excellent improvements which added greatly to its value and attractive appear- ance, converting it into one of the best farms of the locality. Heerected a fine modern residence upon a natural building site, and also built good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of his grain and stock. He was one of the most st:c- cessful stock-raisers, as well as one of the most skillful agriculturists in Clarion county.

In 1866 Mr. Grant married Miss Sarah E. Laughner, who was born, reared and educated in Salem, Clarion county, and proved a true and faithful helpmeet to her husband. Her parents were Michael and Elizabeth (Berry) Laughner, who died on the Grant farm in Butler county, the former at the age of sixty-seven and the lat- ter at the age of sixty-five. Mrs. Laughner was a daughter of John Berry, a soldier of the war of 1812. Mrs. Grant is one of a family of seven children, four of whom are still living, the others being Mrs. Anna D. Grunden, of Emlenton, Penn .; Samuel, who now operates the Grant farm in Butler county; and James, a resident of Salem, Penn. Those deceased are: George W .. Lizzie and Ella. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Grant, namely: NANNIE E .; Anna M., wife of A. E. Dunkle, of McDonald, Penn. ; and Orpha Belle.

spect and confidence. He was called to his final rest July 9, 1890. In his lifetime the people of his community recognized his sterling worth. and since his death they have cherished his memory.

H ARRISON COLLNER is the senior mem- ber of the firm of H. Collner & Brothers. of St. Petersburg. proprietors of one of the iarg- est and strongest mercantile houses in Clarion county. They now carry a stock valued at $30,000, and during the oil excitement in this region did an annual business amounting to $350- 000, their trade often amounting to from $1,000 to $1,500 per day. They carry a first-class, well-selected stock of general merchandise and by fair and honorable dealing have secured an excellent patronage.

Mr. Collner was born at St. Petersburg. Feb- ruary 27, 1849, and is a son of Lewis Collner. now deceased, who was for many years one of the most prominent and wealthy business men of Clarion county. His birth occurred at Eltman, Germany, May 11, 1811, where he acquired a very meagre education in his native tongue. During his early boyhood he was apprenticed to learn the shoemaking trade, receiving as a com- pensation the generous sum of forty cents per week; after working dilligently at his trade un- til reaching the age of twenty-one years, at which time he became subject to military serv- ices, he entered the German army and was hon- orably discharged after a service of three years. Returning to his native home, he again took up his trade as a shoemaker, and continued in said capacity until reaching the age of twenty-six; by this time he fully realized that there was hardly any chance for financial advancement in his na- tive State, he concluded to emigrate, and. bor- rowing thirty dollars from his brother, he started to America with his kit of shoemaker tools on his back. The facilities for traveling being very limited in those days, and the charges very ex- orbitant. he was compelled to walk a distance of six hundred miles, and eventually reached the seaport of Bremer Haven. embarking on a sail- ing vessel, and after an unusually stormy and tempestuous voyage, occupying a period of ninety days, he landed in the City of New York with the sum of one dollar in his pocket. Here he met an acquaintance from his native land. who was also a shoemaker by trade, entered his em- : ploy, receiving fifteen dollars per month. and shortly afterward wended his way to Pottsville, Penn. Remaining here for a short time. work- ing at his trade, he started west, arriving at St.

Mr. Grant was an ardent Republican and Prohibitionist, and was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which he took an active and prominent part, contributed liberally to its support and served as steward. He held membership in the Grand Army Post at West Freedom. At all times and under all circumstances he was an honorable, straightforward citizen, and an earnest, conscien- tious Christian. No man was ever more re- spected, or more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people, and none better deserved such re- | Petersburg, Penn .. September 10, 1838. Here

Marriom Colher

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he began merchandising on a small scale, but be- ing a man of resolute and sound judgment and good executive ability, he soon succeeded in building up a large and profitable business. In 1849 he built a large stone house, with dwelling and store-room combined, at what is now corner of Main street and Salem avenue. This becom- ing too small for his increasing business, he in 1860 erected a large frame store building nearby, taking possession in 1861. The large stone dwelling was destroyed by fire in 1873. After a successful business career of thirty-three years, he desired to retire therefrom, and in 1871 trans- ferred his mercantile interests to his sons. In

connection with-his mercantile pursuits, he held the position of postmaster from 1864 to 1872; was interested as a director in several Pittsburg, Penn., banks; bought and sold land; 'was inter- ested in the production of oil and the purchase and sale of oil-producing territory, and at his death, left an estate valued at $450,000, ap- pointing his sons, Harrison and Lemuel, execu- tors of his last will and testament.

In 1840 Lewis Collner was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Fry, a native of Richland town- ship, Clarion county, and a daughter of Samuel Fry, a veteran of the war of 1812, and a promi- nent early settler of the county. Eight sons were born to them, of whom six are still living: (1) Levi, a resident of Richland township, born July 24, 1842. . (2) William F., of Clarion, born November 21, 1844. (3) Samuel, who is living retired, born January 28, 1847. (4) Harrison. (5) Joseph, also retired, born March 1, 1851. (6) Lemuel, who is connected with our subject in business, born February 1, 1854. (7) Calvin, born April 3, 1856, married Anna M. Thompson June 10, 1880, and died June 22, 1887; he had two children-Verne T., still living, and Sarah L., who died November 11, 1896. 8) George died in infancy. The father died April 10, 1894. at the age of eighty-three years, and was interred in the St. Petersburg cemetery April 13, 1894, Revs. Simon S. Miller and Jacob Ashi officiating. The mother died September 21, 1895. at the age of seventy-five years, and her remains were interred in the same place, September 23, 1895, Rev. Jacob Ash officiating. Both parents were consistent members of the St. Peters Reformed Church, and he was a stalwart Democrat in pol- itics. They enjoyed the respect and high esteem of a very large circle of friends and acquaint- alices.

At the old homestead in St. Petersburg Har- rison Collner was reared. and at the early age of eleven years he began to assist his father in the store, where he soon gained a fair knowledge of

business methods, which has been of great bene- fit to him in later years. In 1865 he attended the academy at Callensburg, Penn., and in 1868 the State Normal School at Edinboro, Penn., returning to assist his father and act as assistant postmaster. Since 1871 he has been the senior member of the firm of H. Collner & Bros., and in 1875 erected, at a cost of $8,000, the large brick block which they now occupy in conduct- ing their business, and is justly regarded as one of the most influential, enterprising, energetic and reliable business inen of Clarion county. They carry an elegant grade of first-class goods, buy closely direct from manufacturers and im- porters, pay cash and discount all bills, and in this way have met with excellent success. He also deals in loans and discounts and ex- change on Pittsburg and New York, and does a general mercantile and oil business. Time and again enterprises of importance have sought his substantial advice, and in 1877 it was mainly through his energy and efforts, in connection with that of the late William L. Fox, that the build- ing of the Foxburg, St. Petersburg & Clarion railway was undertaken and completed, he serv- ing as a director thereof until its consolidation with the Pittsburg & Western railway, and has been actively identified with a great number of different enterprises which have been of great benefit to this region and community.

Mr. Collner is five feet, ten and a half inches in height, and weighs 190 pounds. He is and always has been an ardent and influential Demo- crat in politics, declining, however, to serve in the higher political offices which have been tendered to him almost unanimously at various times by his party in this county. He has served a number of terms as City Councilman and School Director. and has filled many positions of honor and trust. is one of the most popular as well as one of the most successful citizens of St. Petersburg. It is true that he became interested in a business already established, but in controlling and en- larging such an enterprise many a man of even considerable resolute purpose, courage and in- dustry would have failed; and he has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the re- sult of genius, but the outcome of a clear jude- ment and experience.

On May 28, 1874, Mr. Collner was married to Miss Elizabeth Caldwell (born July 7, 1853 . of Greensburg, Westmoreland county. Pem .. a daughter of William (born April 25, 1839. died October 2. 1857) and Rachel (Ludwig) (born April 13, 1827, died July 25. 1893) Caldwell, who were married March 18, 1852. To them were born five children: Bertha Caldwell, born A :-

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gust 14, 1875; Mary M., born December 29, 1876; Sarah Rachel, born January 24. 1879; William Harrison, born December 27, 1880; and Lewis Clark, born March 16, 1885. The par- ents both hold membership in the St. Peters Reformed Church of St. Petersburg, and give their hearty support to all measures calculated to ad- vance the moral or material welfare of the com- munity. The family have an elegant residence lately remodelled at considerable cost, situated on Salem avenue, and there hospitality reigns supreme.

A LEXANDER A. DITTY. The history of a county, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly the chronicles of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. Among the representative and prominent citizens of Redbank township, Clarion county, Mr. Ditty's name should be found among the foremost, for he has not only been identified with the interests of this region, but also aided his country in the preservation of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war.

Mr. Ditty was born August 14, 1843, in the county where he still makes his home, a son of James Ditty, a native of County Derry, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish descent. When a young man the father crossed the Atlantic, landing at Philadelphia, and in Cumberland county, Penn., he afterward married Miss Mary Croll. Coming to what was then Armstrong (now Clarion) county in November, 1826, they located near Curllsville, in Toby township, and here spent their remain- ing days, the father dying January 8, 1861, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother on April 6, 1896, at the extreme old age of ninety- two. He was a weaver by trade, but in Clarion county also engaged in farming. In religious be- lief he was a Presbyterian, while his estimable wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both were earnest Christian people.

In the family of this worthy couple were the following children: Washington, who was a sol- dier of the 103rd P. V. I., and died while home 011 a furlough in 1862, aged sixty-one years; William, of Rimersburg, Penn .; Mrs. Elizabeth Travis, a resident of Erie county, Penn. ; David. of Sumninerville, Penn. ; Margaret, now deceased; Thomas, a soldier of the 56th P. V. I., who lost a leg in a threshing machine, and died of blood- poisoning in Porter township, Clarion county, August 18, 1887, at the age of fifty-two years; Robert, deceased; Nancy, wife of William Divins, who was also a Union soldier, a member of the 148th P. V. I., and she now. lives in Curllsville;

Mrs. Sarah J. Bole, of Rimersburg, whose hus- band died January 7, 1895, aged sixty-two years; John and James, deceased; Alexander A., of this sketch; and Samuel, deceased.

The subject of this sketch attended the pub- lic schools near his boyhood home, and remained under the parental roof until after the outbreak of the Civil war. On February 17, 1862, he enlisted in Capt. J. F. Mackey's company, of Clarion, in the 103rd P. V. I., and participated in the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, when he shot forty-two rounds lying down. After the battle of Malvern Hill, they retreated to Harrisons Landing, and he was taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to the hospital on Davis Island. On his recovery he rejoined his regi- ment at Newbern, N. C., January 13, 1863, and at Plymouth, that State, was transferred to the Tenth Veteran Reserve Corps by order of adju- tant-general. captain and doctor. He was in active service until October, 1863, when he again became disabled by a relapse and chronic troubles and was carried on an army stretcher to the hospital, and was later sent to Bedlow Island or Fort Wood to man the guns there and assist General Dix in suppressing the New York riots; but the trouble quieted down before they were forced to open fire upon the mob. After three years of faithful and gallant service, Mr. Ditty was honorably discharged February 22, 1865, at Washington, D. C., and returned home. In 1870 he located upon his present fine farm of 100 acres in Red Bank township, and to the cul- tivation and improvement of the place has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results, his farm being one of the best in that section of the county.

On July 4, 1865, Mr. Ditty was united in marriage with Miss Eliza M., a daughter of Archie and Mary C. Mohney, of Curllsville, and they have become the parents of five children: Edwin A., who died at the age of two years; William C. and Scott B., who married Anna L. Glinkerman, April 30, 1896, and has one son, Preston Arthur, born August 29, 1897: John I .; and Mertie M. The parents are members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Ditty has filled all offices of the same; and the family is one of prominence in social circles. Fraternally, Mr. Ditty is a member of Captain Coor Post No. 239, G. A. R., and, politically, affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship, and devoted to those who have his confidence, He is also a progressive man, pre-eminently public-spirited, and all that pertains to the public welfare re- ceives his hearty endorsement.

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Our subject is now a sufferer from the effect of his military service, from the chronic diseases brought on by the exposure of army life. He has for many years been under the doctor's care, and since 1884 has been unable to perform hard manual labor.

D AVID B. REICHERD, a prominent citizen of Sligo, now retired from active business cares, is one of the men who make old age seem the better portion of life. His fine presence and dignified manner would attract attention any- where, while to those who have the pleasure of his personal acquaintance, his well-stored mind and conversational powers are a source of per- petual enjoyment.

Mr. Reicherd was born in Toby township, Armstrong county, now Licking township, Clar- ion county, on July 24, 1828, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Wetter) Reicherd. His pa- ternal great-grandfather was a native of France, and in order to escape religious persecution he fled from that country and took up his residence in eastern Pennsylvania. Christopher Reicherd, the grandfather, was born in Westmoreland county and came to Clarion county in 1804, lo- cating on Licking creek, two miles below Sligo, when it formed a part of Armstrong county. Here he purchased 400 acres of land, and exten- sively engaged in agricultural pursuits through- out the remainder of his life. In Ligonier Val- ley, Westmoreland county, he had married Su- sanna Myers, and of the eleven children born to them the father of our subject was the fourth in order of birth. The grandparents both died in Clarion county, and were buried in the Callens- burg cemetery. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Peter Wetter, was a native of Frank- lin county, Penn., and was also an honored pio- neer of Licking township, Clarion county, where he owned and operated 300 acres of good land.

John Reicherd, our subject's father, was born May 8, 1799, on Crooked creek, in Armstrong county, and became one of the leading and pros- perous farmers of his community. He was also interested in the iron business, and for a few years he and his brothers, Oliver and Henry, conducted the Catfish furnace in Clarion county, but the enterprise did not prove a success. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Elizabeth Wetter, who was born in 1799, in Franklin county, Penn., and died De- cember 8, 1844. His death occurred April I, 1881, and he was laid to rest in Squirrel Hill Cemetery, while she was buried in the cemetery at Callensburg. Both were faithful members of !

the Reformed Church, and he was a pronounced Democrat in politics. The children born to them were: David B., of this sketch; Washing- ton, who still lives on a part of the old home- stead near Sligo; and Sarah, who died in in- fancy.

During his boyhood and youth David B. Reicherd assisted in the labors of the home farm, and on starting out in life for himself at the age of twenty-three, he and his brother, Henry Wash- ington, purchased. 220 acres of the old home- stead for $20 per acre. After operating it to- gether for ten years, they divided the tract, and our subject continued the cultivation of his por- tion until 1883, when he sold out and removed to Sligo, where he has since practically lived re- tired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

On November 14, 1850, in Piney township, by Rev. Jeremiah Fishburn, Mr. Reicherd was married to Miss Sophia Kifer. Four children bless this union, namely: Warren C., born March 12, 1852, married Lillie B. Hodil, and is now engaged in bookkeeping in Pittsburg, Penn. ; James B., born June 4. 1854, is an invalid resid- ing at home; John E., born September 27, 1859, is foreman of the car works at Roanoke, Va .; and Alice N., born May 1, 1862, is the wife of George W. Craig, who is engaged in the dry- goods business in Sligo.

Mrs. Reicherd was born April 15, 1832. in Piney township, Clarion county, when it was Toby township, Armstrong county, and died April 22, 1886, her remains being interred in Sligo cemetery. Her parents, David and Su- sanna ( Walthour) Kifer, were natives of West- moreland county, where their marriage was cele- brated, but in 1835 they removed to what is now Clarion county, where the father engaged in - farming. He was a member of the Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church, and both were highly respected by the entire com- munity. All of their four children are now de- ceased, namely: Levi: Mary A., wife of Eman- uel Over, a retired farmer of Callensburg: Sophia; and Esther, who married Bennett Wilson, also deceased.

Fraternally, our subject is connected with the United Workmen Lodge, of Callensburg, and religiously, is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as elder for fifteen years. His political support is always given the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he has been honored with a number of official positions. For the past twenty years he has most efficiently served as school director, and in February, 1896, was elected president of the school board of Sligo. Since attaining his ma-

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jority, he has been almost continuously in office, and these positions he has filled with credit to + is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has most himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. efficiently served as high constable in his town- ship for eleven years, and supervisor for ten years. He is an honored member of Lookout Post, No. 424, G. A. R., and is one of the highly respected and valued citizens of St. Petersburg. Religiously he is connected with the Reformed Church.

J A. DITTMAN, postmaster of St. Petersburg, Clarion county, and a leading representative of its business interests, was born in Beaver township, in 1854, and belongs to one of the honored pioneer families of the county.

His father, Adam Dittman, was born in Rich- land township, in 1831, and is a son of David and Susan (Ashbaugh) Ditmann, natives of West- moreland county. Penn., who came to Clarion county at a very early day, and in the midst of the forest opened up a farm. Here they spent their remaining years, and reared their family of eight children, seven of whom are still. living, namely: Mrs. Susan Edinger, of Richland town- ship; Martin, of Beaver township; David of Rich- land township; Adam, father of our subject; Mrs. Elizabeth Foust, of Richland township; John, of Beaver township; and Mrs. Catherine Nevel, of Richland township.

Adam Dittman was reared and educated in Richland township, and in early life learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has successfully fol- lowed in St. Petersburg since 1857. He erected the third house in the town, and it is now the old- est one still standing. He has therefore been identified with the business interests of the place during almost its entire existence, and has ever borne his part in its upbuilding and development.

In 1853, in Armstrong county, Penn., Adam Dittman was married to Miss Louisa George, a native of that county, and a daughter of Martin L. and Anna George, who were early settlers of : It is a fourth-class office. Armstrong county, where both died, only seven- teen days apart. Mr. and Mrs. Dittman have become the parents of ten children, namely: J. A., of this review; David Martin, a resident of Buffalo, N. Y .; William and Reuben, of Canonsburg, Penn. : Allen, of North Baltimore, Wood Co., Ohio: Chas. E., of Waynesburg, . Penn .; Ulysses, of Washington, Penn .: Ed, of North Baltimore. Ohio: Mrs. Pearl Sober, of New Kensington, Penn. ; and James, at home.

During the Rebellion Adam Dittman enlisted in Richland township, Clarion county. in 1862, in Company G, 155th P. V. 1 .. for three years or during the war, and was mustered into the United States service at Pittsburg. With the Army of the Potomac he took part in the battles of Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, the Wilder- ness, Gettysburg and many others, and after the Grand Review in Washington, D. C., he was honorably discharged a+ Pittsburg in July. 1865.

and returned to his home in St. Petersburg. He

The public schools of St. Petersburg afforded our subject his educational privileges, and when his school days were over he worked at day labor at that place for some time. Since then his en- ergies have been devoted to the oil business, and in his undertakings he has met with a fair degree of success. Mr. Dittman was married in St. Petersburg December 24, 1876, to Miss Mary A. Goughler, who was born in Richland township, Clarion county, a daughter of Joshua and Maria (Wile) Goughler, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the early settlers of Richland township. His death occurred in 1890, and his wife passed away the following year. Mr. and Mrs. Dittman have a family of four children: Vance R., who is now serving as assistant postmaster; and Lorena M .. Cora V. and Willis A., all at home.

Politically Mr. Dittman follows in the foot- steps of his father, always supporting the Demo- cratic party by his ballot, and he has been called upon to serve in several important official posi- tions, being justice of the peace eight years, town treasurer eight years, and a member of the school board. On August 26, 1893, he was appointed postmaster of St. Petersburg to succeed A. T. Mason. and has since acceptably filled that office. Mr. Dittman's public duties have been discharged with a promptness and fidelity worthy of all commendation, and in all the relations of life he has been found faith- ful to every trust reposed in him. Those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends-a fact which plainly indicates an up- right, honorable career. He is a prominent member of Arcuna Lodge No. 413. K. P .; Car- roll Tent No. 30. K. O. T. M .; and Coral Coun- cil. No. 306. J. O. A. M.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 72

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