Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 73

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 73
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 73
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 73
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 73

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J TONATHAN M. MONG. an industrious and thorough farmer. who has always resided in Beaver township. Clarion county, was born there on the old Mong homestead, November 16, 1836.

Michael Mong. father of our subject. was born east of the mountains, and belonged to an

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old and highly respected German family which was early founded in this country. He wedded Mary Miller, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., whose father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was in Capt. H. Neely's company, sta- tioned at Lake Erie. The daughters born to Michael and Mary (Miller) Mong died in child- hood, and the sons were George, who died in Beaver township, Clarion county, at the age of fifty, leaving a widow and two children: Jona- than M. ; and Leonard M., prominent citizens of Beaver township. The father was called to his final rest (while living in Elk township, Clarion county) at the age of fifty-six, but the mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety years. Both held membership in the Reformed Church, and in politics he was identified with the Demo- cratic party. He was a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity, and justly merited the confidence and respect so freely accorded him by his neighbors and friends.

During his boyhood and youth Jonathan M. Mong assisted in the labors of the home farm, and received the elements of a good education in the common schools of the locality. He is now the owner of a fine farm of sixty acres in Beaver township, whose well-tilled fields and neat and thrifty appearance testify to the industrious habits and the careful management of the owner. Upon the place are good and substantial build- ings, and also two oil wells which add not a lit- tle to his income.

At the age of thirty-five Mr. Mong married Miss Eliza Jane Neely, who has been a true help- meet to her husband. Her father, Maj. Cyrus Neely, is one of the leading and influential cit- izens of Clarion county, and has served as county commissioner. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mong: Henry Lester (one of the popular young inen of his community, who has served both as assessor and assistant register); Mary Elverda; Sarah Emma; Burton Oliver; Martha Belle; Cora Elizabeth; Ruth Edna; Laura Esther; Perry Winfield, and a daughter who died in infancy, The parents and children hold membership in the Reformed Church, in which Mr. Mong has served as deacon, and all occupy prominent positions in social circles.

In his political views, Mr. Mong coincides with the Democratic party, and as a leading and influential citizen he takes great interest in the success of the tickets placed in the field by that organization. He is looked up to as a truly upright and honorable man in all things, and one whoin his acquaintances can depend upon as a : friend.

SAMUEL W. ANDERSON, who as a soldier during the Civil war made for himself a rec- ord honorable and glorious, is now one of the leading and representative citizens of Madison township, Clarion county. He was born in that township. October 23, 1843 (the same year in which President Mckinley's birth occurred).

Samuel Anderson, his father, was a native of York county, Penn., and of Scotch lineage, while his mother, who bore the maiden name of Agnes Sutton, was born in eastern Pennsylvania. At an early day the family took up their residence in Madison township, Clarion county, where in connection with farming the father also worked at the stonemason's trade, but now makes his home in Hillsville, Armstrong Co., Penn., at the ripe old age of eighty years. The mother, who was a true and earnest Christian woman, died in 1888. She was a member of the Methodist E pis- copal Church, to which her husband also belongs. He was a Union soldier during the war of the Rebellion, and, in politics, is a Democrat.

Samuel W. Anderson is one of a large family of children, the others being: Cinderella, Eliza- beth (wife of N. Harigan, also a Union soldier), Jane (deceased), Lucretia, Martha, Ann (de- ceased), Charles (who was one of the brave boys in blue, and is now a resident of Madison town- ship, Clarion county), and George (who died in infancy).

In the public schools of Clarion county, our subject pursued his studies, and upon the home farm early became familiar with agricultural pur- suits. He also learned the stonemason's trade. but in 1861, when President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers, he laid aside civil pursuits and enlisted in Company F. 103rd P. V. 1., and on many a Southern battle field proved a brave and fearless soldier. He took part in the siege of Yorktown, the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, and the seven-days' fight on the Peninsula, and was in the engagements at Kingston and Ply- mouth, N. C. On April 20, 1864. he was cap- tured by the Rebels at Plymouth, and being taken to Andersonville prison. he was held in captivity until April, 1865, enduring all the torture and hardships of Southern prison life. When released. he was obliged to remain in a hospital at Vicks- burg, Miss., for three weeks before lie was able to rejoin his command. At Harrisburg, Penn .. he was finally discharged. in June, 1865, but for two years after his return home was unable to work, and has never fully recovered from the ef- fects of his army life. As soon as able he began working at the mason's trade, and in isss pur- chased what is known as the Anderson farm in Madison township, where he has since made his

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home. It is a valuable tract of fifty-five acres, improved with good buildings, and in connection with its cultivation he is also engaged in stock- raising.

On December 25, 1879, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Maggie Hughes. Her father, Israel Hughes, was also a member of Company C, 103rd P. V. I., and died in a Rebel prison at Florence, S. C., in middle life, leaving a widow and four children: John, Belle, Margaret (wife of our subject), and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. An- derson have four children: Emory, Pearl, Neil, and Willis. Mr. Anderson always casts his bal- lot with the Republican party, and, socially, is a member of R. Brag Post, G. A. R. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and all who know him entertain for him high regard.

J OHN SANDROCK, an agriculturist of Wash- ington township, Clarion county, comes from the Fatherland, and the strongest and most creditable characteristics of the Teutonic race have been marked elements in his life, and have enabled him to win success in the New Worid.

Born in the province of Hesse, Germany, October 9, 1830, Mr. Sandrock is a son of Adam and Mary (Hickman) Sandrock, natives of the same place. Both were faithful members of the Lutheran Church, and died "in the little Ger- man home across the sea," the father at the age of sixty-five, and the mother at the age of sixty. The father was a farmer by occupation. In their family were seven children, namely: Henry, who spent his entire life in Germany; Martin, who died in Venango county, Penn. ; Nicholas, a resident of Clarion county; John, of this sketch; Herman, of Germany; Lizzie (deceased); and Lena, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.

Until he was seventeen years of age John Sandrock attended the public schools of his na- tive land, thus acquiring a good practical educa- tion, and he then worked on a farm until coming to America when a young man. He took up his residence in Clarion county, and in 1861 was here married to Miss Mena Rensnider, also a native of Germany, a daughter of Conrad Ren- snider. Both of her parents died at the age of eighty-three years, and with the exception of two sisters and herself, all of their thirteen children are now deceased. There were five sons and eight daughters, of whom five reached years of maturity. Those living are Martha, Mena and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Sandrock have a family of tweive children, eight sons and four daughters, namely: Martin, Edward,. John Wesley, Jesse,

Henry, Charles, Lewis, Andrew, Kate, Lizzie, Anna and Louisa.

For four months, our subject was a member of the Union army in 1865, belonging to Com- pany B, 46th P. V. I., and was on duty at Fort- ress Monroe and other points until the war ended. He now devotes his energies to the cultivation and improvement of his fine farm of 103 acres in Washington township. Its well-tilled fields and neat and thrifty appearance indicate a progressive and painstaking owner, who thoroughly under- stands the vocation he follows. Upon the place are good and substantial buildings, which make it one of the most desirable farms of the locality. In political sentiment Mr. Sandrock is a Repub- lican, and, religiously, is an active and prominent member of the United Brethren Church, in which he has served as class leader and held other offices. He is always courteous, kind and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm regard.

J AMES O. NULPH, who is now classed among the successful men of Porter town- ship, Clarion county, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, his birth having occurred at Caldwell's Furnace, in Armstrong county, March 23, 1837.

Jacob Nulph, his father, was a native of the same county of which the grandfather Adam Nulph, was an early settler. The latter was born of German parentage. The father spent his entire life in Armstrong county, and through- out his business career followed the blacksmith's trade. He married Miss Rebecca Alice Stewart, a native of Mercer county, Penn., and a daughter of James Stewart. They became the parents of three children: Mary B., C. H. and James. The father, who was a Lutheran in religious belief, died in December, 1845, in Armstrong county, at the early age of thirty-five years, ten months and some days. His widow also died in that county, at the age of seventy-four. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both were highly respected by all who knew them.

James O. Nulph grew to manhood upon a farm in Armstrong county, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he sub- sequently followed to some extent. For three years he made his home in Isabella county, Mich., and on his return to Pennsylvania located in Porter township, Clarion county, and has since devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. After President Lincoln had issued his call for 300,000 more volunteers to help put down the Rebellion, Mr. Nulph, Angust 15, 1862, enlisted

. ..

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for three years, in the 78th P. V. I., under Col. William Sidwell and Capt. Jacks, of Butler, Penn. Our subject participated in the battle of Stone River under Gen. Rosecrans, but after his return to Nashville was transferred to service on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Later he was assigned to duty at the general hospital at Cairo, Ill., and when the war was over was honorably discharged in July, 1865.

In 1859, in Armstrong county, Mr. Nulph was married to Miss Mary E. Stewart, a native of that county, and a daughter of Mathew and Nancy (Jamison) Stewart, natives of Armstrong county, Penn., and Scotland, respectively. Her mother died at the age of thirty-eight, leaving two children by a former marriage to a Mr. Blackburn. To Mr. and Mrs. Nulph have been born the following children: Francis Marion, now residing in Colorado; John Charles, of Mich- igan; James Goheen, of Jefferson county, Penn. ; Dora died at Boyne City, Mich., leaving two children, Harry B. and Aldie; Samuel Brady, of Jefferson county; Mrs. Esther Alice Reed, of Westmoreland county, Penn., and Elizabeth Eveline.

In religious faith, our subject is a Baptist, while his wife is a consistent member of the Free- will Baptist Church, and they always exert their influence to promote the moral welfare of the community. They are noted for their count- less acts of kindness, and no citizens of Porter township have a larger circle of friends and ac- quaintances.

TOHN C. SHIELDS, one of the substantial farmers of Clarion county, and a representa- tive citizen now serving the people of the dis- trict, in which he resides, on the board of county commissioners, was born in the county March 14, 1836.

Samuel Shields, his father, was a native of Westmoreland county, born near New Alexan- dria in 1809. He came to Clarion county when a young man, and followed his trade-that of carding and fulling-up to within two years of his death, when he turned his attention to farm- ing. He died in January, 1840, aged thirty-one years. His wife was Sarah Frampton, a native of Clarion county, born in 1812. Their children were: John C., Hannah J. (Mrs. J. D. Shaw, of West Virginia). and Samuel F. (of Iowa). The mother of these died in 1890, aged seventy-eight years.

John C. Shields began to battle with the world at an early age; his father dying when he was less than four years old. it became necessary ,

for him to do for himself when but a lad of thir- teen or fourteen years. He was little prepared for the start, having had only meagre school advantages, attending the subscription schools for a brief period in the winter season, and to reach them walked two miles. However, he was resolute, and started out with the hope that inspires youth. He began doing farm labor and was employed at lumbering, working for wages for eight years, his first work bringing him only $8 per month. At the age of seventeen he was quite an experienced pilot on the Allegheny and Clar- ion rivers. When twenty-one he was in the lum- ber business, and ran lumberand pig iron down the rivers named to the city of Pittsburg. Soon after this he became engaged in farming and has ever since followed it as an occupation. He is, strictly speaking, a self-made man; beginning life poor, he has, unaided, not only accumulated a compe- tence, but has reached a position of wealth and standing among his fellowmen. He has a fine farm of 125 acres located in Licking township, which is well improved, he himself having erected the buildings on it, which are neat and substan- tial. The farm is well stocked, and its lands are productive. On it are both coal and iron ore. and our subject, knowing the labor that produced such reward, surely has just grounds for looking upon his possessions with considerable pride. He has been elected to a number of township offices, such as supervisor, overseer of the poor, etc. For more than twenty years he has served as justice of the peace, and in 1896 he was elected to the office of county commissioner. All of his official acts have been characterized by carefulness and promptnesss. His long term of service as justice of the peace in his township is evidence of the respect that his neighbors and acquaintances had in his judgment and for his opinions. He has a good record.

In January, 1857, Mr. Shields was married to Miss Hannah J. Porterfield, of Venango coun- ty, this State, who was born March 19, 1837, a daughter of George M. Porterfield, of that coun- ty. To this marriage were born fifteen children, of whom eleven are still living, namely: George R .: Alice, wife of James H. Myers, of Butler county; Samuel A., of Allegheny county; Belle M. : James R. : J. Winfield; Etta; Elizabeth, wife of Fred Hayes, a merchant of Clarion county; Edward: Anna: and Blanche E. The mother and four children are members of the Presbyte- rian Church: one. of the United Presbyterian, and the oldest son belongs to the M. E. Church. In politics the father is a stanch Republican, be- lieving firmly in the principles of the party. He has been active in the interest of the party.

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F RANK M. ARNOLD. For fifty years the name of Arnold has been prominent in the business and social circles of Clarion and Clarion county. Our subject, the trusted and efficient cashier of the First National Bank of Clarion and a man of means and influence in the community, as was his father for many years, is a native of the county, born at Reidsburg, October 14, 1847.

George W. Arnold, his father, was born on a farm in York county, Penn., in 1820, and re- ceived but limited educational advantages, his school privileges being confined to the neighbor- hood schools, which were then rather crude and the term for each year short. However, by dil- igent study in and out of school he acquired a fair English education. He remained at work on the farm until sixteen years of age, when in the fall of 1836, he became an assistant teacher in a school, receiving for his services three dol- lars per week, boarding himself, which he did by working before and after school. In 1837 he came with his parents to Clearfield county, and the first summer worked for one dollar and his board per day. In 1838 he left the parental roof and began the battle for himself, accepting the position of teamster and expressman under Porter Ritner, then superintendent of Karthaus Furnace in Clearfield county. In July of that year he was promoted to the position of weigh- master, and in the following December to that of salesman. In 1840 he came to Strattonville, and was here employed until 1843, when he embarked in the hotel business at that point. In 1849 he moved to Clarion, and froin that time until 1865 he was engaged in the mercantile business. In January, 1865, on the organization of the First National Bank of that borough, he was elected a director and was chosen the cashier of the in- stitution. For twenty years he was the ever af- fable and obliging cashier of the bank, and in 1885 he was elected president of the bank, and held that office until the day of his death. In 1867, when the Carrier Seininary of Western Pennsylvania was chartered (now the State Nor- mal School), Mr. Arnold was appointed one of the trustees and made treasurer of the board. He donated the grounds upon which the beautiful and commodious building now stands, and did much toward its erection. He was deeply inter- ested in the school referred to up to the time of his death. He was an enterprising and progress- ive man, and did much toward the developing and improving of his adopted borough. He died on April 10, 1896, and his death caused a loss to the public. His wife, who was Miss Hannah Smith, a native of Mifflin county, born May I,

1825, and a daughter of James Smith, died in January, 1879. Their children were: J. Turner (deceased), Frank M. and Ida B.

Frank M. Arnold was but a child when brought to Clarion, where he has resided, and where his business career has been passed. His school days over, he at eighteen was made teller in the First National Bank, which position he held for a time, and was made assistant cashier, which position he retained until 1885. In the latter year he was chosen cashier, a position he has occupied from that time to the present, and in which he has sustained the reputation made by his father. He has been connected with vari- ous business enterprises. In the fall of 1879, he, in connection with C. Leeper and M. Arnold, became engaged in the lumbering business, the firm being Leeper, Arnold & Co. ; subsequently another firm, C. Leeper & Co., was formed, of which our subject was a member; both still exist. These men manufactured six to eight million feet of lumber annually for ten years; the timber now, however, is becoming exhausted. Mr. Ar- nold is also interested in timber tracts in the States of Michigan and Oregon. He has been one of the foremost men in the enterprises which have aided in the borough's growth, and contributed to the convenience and prosperity of its citizens. He was one of the promoters of the Water Works and Gas Company in 1876, and in fact his name is identified with nearly every progressive enterprise in the borough. His influence in the community is great, and it ex- tends beyond the borough limits. He is treas- urer of the State Normal School, also of the Gas company and of other organizations, handling thousands of dollars in trust annually. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. In political affairs he is prominent as a Republican, but he has never aspired to office.

On March 14, 1876, Mr. Arnold was married to Emma L. Elss, who was born April 10, 1853. at Kittanning, and is a daughter of J. P. Elss, deceased, of Clarion, Penn. To this marriage have come the following children: Frank M., Jr., George E .. Turner S., Alvin F., Clara, Charles M. and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold and the four sons are identified with the M. E. Church, Mr. Arnold being a steward therein.

P HILIP K. EAKER, one of the most prosper- ous and highly respected farmers of Lime- stone township, Clarion county, was born in 1831, in Northampton county, Penn., and comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his maternal grandfather. Philip Kratzer, being a soldier in

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the Continental army under General Washing- ton.

When a child of six years our subject was brought to Clarion (then Armstrong) county, and was bound out until thirteen years of age. His opportunities for obtaining an education were therefore very mneagre, and he never attended school more than four months during his entire life. At the age of thirteen he began working as a farm hand in Clarion county, and was thus em- pioyed for seven years, after which he went to Warren county, Penn., where he lived for more than a year. Returning to Clarion county, he resided here for eighteen months, and then moved to Venango county, this State, where he en- gaged in farming for ten years. On again com- ing to Clarion county in 1865, he located upon his present farm in Limestone township, and has since successfully followed agricultural pursuits. His life has been one of toil, and due success has not been denied him, for he is to-day the owner of much valuable property. including 666 acres of good land in Clarion county, besides other tracts and lots in New Bethlehem and in Arm- strong county, and a custom flouring-mill in Toby township, Clarion county. His home farm is one of the most desirable places in Limestone township.

On January 4, 1859, Mr. Eaker was married to Miss Mary E. Sager, of Venango county, and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom seven are now living: Barton P. M .; Lewis E. R .; Sarah C., wife of T. W. Space; Theodore B .; James E. G .: Archie V. B .; and Cora Bell.

The father of these uses his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party. while socially he is a Master Mason, and, religiously, he is connected with the Reformed Church. His life record is one well worthy of emulation and contains many valuable lessons of incentive. showing the possibilities that are open to young men who wish to improve every opportunity for advancement. He has risen from a humble to an exalted position in both the social and business world entirely through his own efforts, and is a representative of the best type of American civilization.

the ambitious men of Porter township, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer fam- ilies of Clarion county.

Born July 14. 1824, on the farm which is now his home, Mr. Henery is the son of William Henery, who was born at Broad Gap, Westmore- land Co., Penn., while the grandfather, John Henery, a native of Pennsylvania, was of Scotch- Irish lineage. He married a Miss McConnell, also of Scotch-Irish descent, and came to Clarion county in 1799, being sent to this locality by Gen. Craig to pre-empt 400 acres of land. He located on the old homestead, but afterward re- turned to Westmoreland county, in 1800. The following year, however, he brought his family to Clarion county. and took up his residence upon the farm which has since been in the possession of his descendants. His family numbered four sons and five daughters, namely: Robert, who died in 1856, at the age of seventy-one; Charles, who died in 1855, at the ageof sixty-five; William H., who died in 1857, at the age of sixty-one; James, who died in 1872, at the age of sixty-eight; Mrs. William Beatie, who died at the age of eighty- two; Mrs. McKeam, who died at the age of seventy-three; Mrs. Allison, who died at the age of sixty-eight; Mrs. Robert English, who died at the age of seventy years; and Barbara, who died at the age of fifty-six. The father of this family passed away February 2, 1819, at the age of sixty, and his wife died July 7, 1825, also sixty years of age.

William Henery was reared on the old home- stead, and acquired his education in a log school house and under the instruction of his mother, who was a very intelligent woman. He married Margaret Boyle, daughter of Daniel Boyle, one of the pioneer settlers of Clarion county, and a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who belonged to Gen. Washington's body-guard. His family still have the saddle bags and saddle which he had with him during his military service. He was of Irish descent, and at his death was buried in Porter township. By their marriage, William and Margaret Henery became the parents of four children: John M., who died near New Bethle- hem, Clarion county: George T. : Martha Jane. wife of Jackson Fulton; and Charles, who died in infancy. The father was a fariner by occupa- tion. and was a man of upright principles, to which he closely adhered. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian, and in political faith a Democrat. He died at the age of sixty years. and his wife passed away at the age of sixty-

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 73

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