Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 74

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 74
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 74
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 74
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 74

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).

G EORGE T. HENERY. The hope of reward is the spur of ambition, and ambition forms the key that unlocks the portals of success. Without it all business is stagnate and advance- ment would cease, but a landable desire to im- , three. prove one's condition is the most potent element George T. Henery was early trained to habits in the world's progress. Mr. Henery is one of | of industry, economy and honesty. The public

1466

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

schools afforded him his educational privileges, and on the home farm he received ample train- ing in the labors of the fields, much of the culti- vation and development of the land devolving upon him. He remained at the old family home- stead until 1879, when he removed to another section of the farm. He owns 218 acres of rich and arable land, constituting one of the fine farming properties of the county, with its rich meadows and pasture land and waving fields of grain. He also raises a good grade of stock, and by his sale of cattle has added not a little to his income.

In February, 1854, Mr. Henery was married to Margaret Beattie, a native of Monroe town -. ship, Clarion county, and a daughter of William and Mary Beattie, both now deceased. To them have been born the following children: Mrs. Bertha Jane McNutt, of Clarion county; Nettie, wife of D. A. Laughlin, of Porter town- ship; W. P., a prominent stock dealer of the same township; J. S. at home; Mary, who died at the age of twenty years; Ross, who died in childhood; Elizabeth, who died at the age of two years; Fannie and Emma.

Mr. Henery is a recognized leader in the ranks of the Democracy in his township, and for thirty years has served as justice of the peace, discharging his duties with marked fairness and impartiality. He has also administered many estates, and has frequently served as delegate to different Democratic conventions. For thirty years he has served as elder in the Presbyterian Church, and has been very active in promoting all interests calculated to advance the material or moral welfare of the community. Though he has rounded the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten he has the appearance and vigor of a man much younger. He has been a useful citizen of the community, and well de- serves representation in this volume.

C KORNELIUS A. WHEELOCK. For some twenty-two years Mr. Wheelock has been a respected and esteemed citizen of Clarion coun- ty, where his popularity, business' tact, and worth as a citizen is not questioned.

Mr. Wheelock is the only son, and one of two children (the other, Lovinia. is deceased) born to his parents, Jesse and Anna (Hotchkiss) Wheelock. Jesse was a native of New Hamp- shire, and came in early life to Pennsylvania, where he was married, his wife being a native of that State; he located for a time at Erie; then moved to Crawford county, Penn., passing his life as a farmer. He was influential in public

and political affairs in the county, serving for sixteen years as justice of the peace in his town- ship, and was regarded as a man of good ideas and practical. After the death of his second wife in 1853, Jesse Wheelock was twice married. By the three subsequent marriages he became the father of seventeen children, fourteen reaching years of maturity, twelve are now living. The father died in 1890.

Cornelius A. Wheelock was born on a farm in Crawford county, Penn., September 13, 1852. He worked on the' farm, attending the neighbor- ing schools through the winter season, until he arrived at the age of twenty years. He was then for a time engaged in the cattle business, following which he was in the butchering business. In 1875, during the oil excitement in Clarion county, he came to Edenburg, where for three years he carried on a meat-market. After this he engaged in the livery business at the same point, and continued this until 1885. That year he was elected sheriff of Clarion county, and on entering upon the duties of the office in January, 1 886, he moved to Clarion. In this position he served three years with fidelity and efficiency. On the expiration of his term as sheriff he re- sumed the livery business, and has since been engaged in the same.

In 1876 Mr. Wheelock was married to Mary Groce, a daughter of John Groce, of Clarion county, and the following children have come to them: Elmer E., Albert A., Willie W. and Ellen. The mother of these is a member of the M. E. Church. Socially, the father is a member of the F. & A. M. He is a pronounced Democrat, and is active and influential in party affairs. He is of a happy disposition, jovial and social, and, hence, a very popular gentleman.

P AUL MAHLE, one of the most enterprising and energetic agriculturists of Highland township, Clarion county, was born in January, 1839, on the old homestead in Washington town- ship, a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Lilly) Mahle. The birth of the father occurred in Germany in 1804, but at the age of twelve years he emigrated with his father, Henry Mahle, to America, first locating in Lancaster county, Penn., where they made their home for a short time. They then came to Fryburg, Clarion county, where the grandfather purchased a tract of wild land, and developed a farm of 200 acres, on which he built a log house and barn and made many other use- ful improvements. There he and his wife spent their remaining days. In their family were four I sons and five daughters, nainely: Justus, Lewis,

1467

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.

William and Helwig (twins). Sophia, Mary, Eliz- ' abeth, Wilhelmina and Catharine.

After his marriage Lewis Mahle located on a part of the old homestead at Fryburg, where he spent his last days, dying in January, 1871. His estimable wife long survived him and was called to her final rest in 1896. Their children were as follows: (1) Henry married Savilla Lawson, of Clarion county, and in 1863 removed to Wash- ington, Ill., where he now resides. He has four children-Amanda, Charlotte, Lincoln and Will- iam. (2) Mary died in childhood. (3) Jacob married Elizabeth Greer, of Clarion county, and died on his farm in Washington township, that county, in 1879, leaving five children-Webster U. S. Grant, Eva, Harrison, Minerva and John. (4) Fannie married Peter Smith, of Pittsburg, who after his marriage located in Fryburg, where she died leaving two children -- John H. and Clar- issa, who died in childhood. (5) .Adam is a res- ident of Fryburg. (6) Hannah became the wife of Peter Kulp, of Clarion county, and died in 1871, leaving a daughter, Matilda. (7) Reuben, who resides on a part of the old homestead, mar- ried Carrie Koler, and has four children-Estella, Edith, Evan and Amy. (8) John C. wedded Mary Reed, a daughter of Rev. Reed, and they also reside on a part of the old home farm. Their children are Lillie M., Grace, Charlotte, Benja- min and Ira.

The common schools of his native township afforded Paul Mahle his educational privileges, and he remained upon the home farm until July, 1862, when he laid aside civil pursuits to aid his country in the preservation of the Union. becom- ing a member of Company G, 155th P.V. I., un- der Capt. Klotz, of Clarion county. After being sworn in at Pittsburg, the regiment proceeded to Washington, D. C., where it was assigned to the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. The first engagement in which Mr. Mahle participated was at Fredericksburg, and he later took part in all the battles and skirmishes of the regiment, in- cluding the battle of Gettysburg, where the loss on both sides was heavy, and where Picket made his famous charge. He also took part in the en- gagement at Williamsport and the seven days battle of the Wilderness, where he was seriously

few hours later. For seventeen days he was in ; children were born to this marriage. all of whom the Fredericksburg Hospital. was then taken to are yet living and are named as follows: Samuel

Washington, and from there to Philadelphia. where he was confined until after the close of the war, being honorably discharged in July, 1865. He still carries one of the minie balls which was never extracted.

In 1868 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Wilhelmina Kapp, of Fryburg, a daughter of Henry and Catharine Kapp, who were among the first settlers of Washington township, Clarion county. Mr. and Mrs. Mahle began housekeep- ing in Fryburg, where he owned property, but he later sold out and removed to St. Petersburg. Penn., where he was engaged in speculating in oil and working at the carpenter's trade until 1878. Disposing of his business there, he pur- chased the Columbus Reed farm of 100 acres in Highland township, Clarion county, and has since devoted the greater part of his time to agricult- ural pursuits, meeting with a well-deserved suc- cess. He now has about half of his farm under a high state of cultivation, has erected a com- fortable two-story residence and large barn, and has made other excellent improvements upon the place, which add to its neat and thrifty appear- ance.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mahle have two sons: Orthe O., born in Fryburg, in 1871, and William Edward, born in St. Petersburg, in July. 1873. Both received good common-school educations. and now assist their father in the operation of the home farm. The family is connected with the Presbyterian Church in Shiloh, and in social circles occupies an enviable position. Mr. Mahle is identified with the Republican party, and has been called upon to serve as school director. His loyalty as a citizen and his devotion to the coun- try's interests have ever been among his marked characteristics, and the community is fortunate that numbers him among its citizens.

S AMUEL A. BELL. the manager of the com- modious and popular "Jones House." a hostelry of Clarion, Clarion county, which is famous throughout this section of the State for the comforts its bountiful spreads at meal hours af- ford, and its pleasant rooms give to its guests, is a hotel man of nearly a quarter of a century's experience.

Mr. Bell is of Irish parentage. William Bell, i his father, and Sarah Ewing. his mother, were : born in County Derry, Ireland, but came to America in their youth. The father by occupa- 1 wounded by two minie balls in the right leg, and i tion was a furnace man. He died in Clarion was also taken prisoner, but was recaptured a

county in 1859, and his widow in 1871. Five

A . is our subject. Jane (Mrs. H. D. Richard). James, John and George.

Samuel A. Bell. the eldest child, was born i in Licking township. Clarion county, in 1849. His father dying when he was but ten years of

1468

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

age, and this son being the eldest child, he was early thrown on his own resources that he might assist in the support of the widowed mother and family. He attended at intervals the schools of the vicinity of his home. He did chores, and later performed work on farms until nineteen years of age, when he went to Mahoning, Penn .. and was employed four years in a hotel. In 1872 he came to Clarion, and has since been en- gaged in the hotel business here, excepting from 1885 to 1891. During this interval of six years he served as one of the board of county com- missioners, to which office he had been elected in 1884 and re-elected in 1887. He served the people in this trust faithfully and very satisfactori- ly, reflecting credit to his ability as a capable and far-sighted business man. In 1891 he was ap- pointed trustee and manager of the M. E. Beck estate, and has since had its management, the "Jones House" being a part thereof. This estate he has wisely and judiciously cared for in the same capable manner as has always charac- terized his business career.

On August 21, 1871, Mr. Bell was married to Anna M., daughter of John Miller, of Arm- strong county, and three children have blessed their marriage, namely: Lotta M., Edward M., and Allie V. (deceased). The mother of these is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics the father is a Democrat. He is one of Clarion's most substantial citizens.

G EORGE YOUKERS, a well-known oil pro- ducer of Elk City, is one of the strong char- acters who have become an integral part of the business life of Clarion county, and by the exer- cise of his powers has not only advanced his indi- vidual prosperity but has contributed to the wel- fare of the community. . He has a wide reputa- tion as a capable business man, and occupies a position of no little prominence in connection with the political affairs of the county.

Mr. Youkers was born December IS. 1845, in Baden, Germany, where the birth of his father, Jacob Youkers, also occurred. For generations the family has been noted for its bravery and valor on the field of battle. The grandfather served for some time under Napoleon, participat- ing in many great battles, and he also witnessed the burning of Moscow. One of his sons be- longed to Gen. Kossuth's command during the Rebellion in Germany, and, being captured, was condemned to death, but managed to escape, and fled to this country. The rope with which he was bound he still has in his possession, and he is now a resident of Kansas. In 1848 Jacob

Youkers brought his family to the United States and located in Butler county, Penn. For four years he served in the State Militia, and has been a valued and useful citizen of his adopted coun- try. He is still living, and enjoys good health for one of his years, being now seventy-eight. In his family were ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom one died in childhood. Two sons were soldiers during the Rebellion-George, of this review, and Jacob, who was a member of the 134th P. V. I.

Reared at Brady's Bend, Penn., George Youkers acquired his education in the schools of . that place, and for some years in early life he was engaged in boating on the Allegheny river. On February 22, 1864, he laid aside civil pur- suits, however, and joined Company L, 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was promoted cor- poral, and took part in many of the battles in Virginia and in front of Petersburg. He was one of the best riders in Gen. Kutz's command, and for a time belonged to Gen. Sheridan's forces. When the war was over he was honorably dis- charged and returned home with an excellent war record. For some time he resided in Oil City, and was first employed in a roller mill, and later in the oil business. Coming to Elk City in 1876, he became interested in the latter industry in this section, and is to-day the owner of four- teen good oil wells, which are proving quite profitable.

On February 3, 1875, in Oil City, Mr. Youk- ers was married to Miss Jane Friedhaber, also a native of Germany, and a daughter of George Friedhaber. She had two brothers who were in the Union army during the Civil war-George, who was killed in battle, and John, who belonged to an Illinois regiment. Mr. and Mrs. Youkers have four children: Jessie, Frank, Robert and Margaret.

As an ardent Democrat Mr. Youkers has taken a prominent part in politics, and his serv- ices have been very effective in securing the suc- cess of his party. He has served as chairman of the township committee and as member of the county committee, and in 1896 was a delegate to both the State Convention and the National Convention at Chicago. Socially, he belongs to Edinburg Post No. 112, G. A. R., and is a prom- inent member of the Masonic Order, being con- nected with Blue Lodge No. 550, F. & A. M., the Chapter No. 259, R. A. M., and Oil City Commandery No. 43, K. T. He is officially con- nected with the Lutheran Church, in which he holds membership, as does his wife, and always gives his support to all enterprises for the public good. He is now serving his second term as

٠٠

New yorkers

1469

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

school director in his district. His public service has been most exemplary, and his private life has been marked by the utmost fidelity to duty.

P ETER WALTERS, a highly-respected citi- zen now living retired in Rimersburg, was born in Berks county, Penn., February 20, 1822, and his parents, Peter and Betsy (Romage) Walters, were born, reared and married in the same county.

The birth of the grandfather, George Wal- ters, occurred east of the mountains, but in 1823 he emigrated to Jefferson county, locating near Corsica. Later he took up his residence in Church, Clarion county, where he died and was buried. The parents of our subject also located near Corsica in 1823, but the father, who was a farmer by occupation, did not long enjoy his new home, as he was killed while raising a log house in 1825. at the age of thirty years. His remains were interred at Corsica. Besides his widow, he left four children: George, a retired cabinet maker, living in Rimersburg; Peter, of this sketch; John, a carpenter, who died near Oil City, Penn .; and Mary, widow of Reuben Kratzer, of Rimersburg. After the death of the father, Mrs. Walters married Jacob Weaver, by whom she had three children, namely: Sarah, deceased wife of Samuel Kratzer, of Iowa: Henry, who died in childhood; and Caroline, widow of Henry Pollard, and a resident of Squirrel Hill, Clarion county. The mother departed this life in 1877, at the age of seventy-five years, and was buried in the Rimersburg cemetery. Both she and her first husband were connected with the German Reformed Church.

The subject of this sketch was only five years old at the time of his father's death, but he re- mained at home with his mother until he had at- tained his majority, assisting in the management and cultivation of the home farm. For two years after leaving home he operated rented land, and then purchased a small place in Madison township, Clarion county, which he sold two years later. His next purchase con- sisted of fifty acres which he operated for four years, and on selling that place he rented the old Weaver homestead for two years, after which he owned and operated a farm in Venango county. Penn., for fourteen years. Returning to Clarion county, he purchased the Weaver homestead. which he sold several years later on his removal to Rimersburg, where he continued to make his home until the death of his first wife.

On February 20. 1843, in Madison township, Mr. Walters had married Miss Eliza Weaver.

the ceremony being performed by John Morris, Esq. She was born April 16, 1821, and died April 22, 1869, her remains being interred in the Rimersburg cemetery. Her father. John Weaver, came to this country from east of the mountains. To Mr. and Mrs. Walters were born the follow- ing children: William, the eldest, was a sol- dier during the Civil war, for four years, was wounded, and, being captured, was confined in Libby prison, where he was nearly starved to death. He married Emma Mohney, and is now engaged in farming in Geauga county, Ohio. John married Sophia Sharp, and follows the same occupation in Howard, N. Y. Henry married Sadie Kratzer, and is engaged in the oil business in Allegheny county, Penn. Saphrona married Francis Weaver, and after his death became the wife of N. C. Salisbury, a painter of Geauga county, Ohio. Ersanis married Emma Reigle, and follows agricultural pursuits in Mullen county, Neb. Alfred is single, and also lives in Mullen county. Milo C. is married, and is a lum- berman of Kelso, Washington.

On February 20, 1874, Mr. Walters was again married. this time in Curllsville. Clarion county, to Mrs. Margaret (Daly) Reynolds, who was born in Adams county, Penn., August 15, 1827, a daughter of Abram and Rebecca (Mc- Nay) Daly, also natives of Adams county. Her maternal grandfather, John McNay, was a Scotchman by birth, and aided the colonies in their struggle for independence during the Revo- lutionary war. He was taken prisoner by the British and placed in a church, where he was kept three days without food. He was then re- leased by a friend. He became quite a promi- nent farmer of Adams county, Penn., where he died at the advanced age of ninety-three years.

Abram Daly died in 1832, and was buried in Adams county. He left three children: Mary. now the wife of C. Perry Mann, a farmer of Morrow county, Ohio; Margaret wife of our sub- ject; and John, who served with the rank of major in the Civil war, and is now a merchant of Knoxville. Tenn. The mother of these children was twice married, her first husband being John Chamberlain, by whom she had two children: Hannah, who married John Welty. but both are now deceased; and Rebecca, who married John Reynolds, also both deceased. Mrs. Daly, who was a faithful inember of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in 1870, at the age of eighty-one. and now sleeps in the Seceder cemetery at Rimers- burg.

On December 24. 1848. Miss Margaret Daly gave her hand in marriage to Calvin B. Reynolds, the first merchant in Oil City, Penn., who died

1470

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

October 15, 1868, at the age of forty years, and was buried in the Seceder cemetery at Rimers- burg: Three children were born to them: John, who died at the age of nine years; William, who married Lotta Ottener, and is now a retired mer- chant of Curllsville, Penn .; and Harry B., who married Lida Hunter, but both are now deceased. They left three children, two of whom live with their grandfather, WV. H. Hunter, and are attend- ing school in San Francisco, Cal., while the other, now an accomplished young lady, has made her home with our subject since early child- hood. She possesses considerable musical tal- ent, and is especially proficient as a piano player.

After the death of his first wife Mr. Walters removed to the oil fields of this State, where he was engaged in business until 1879, when he re- tired and returned to his home in Rimersburg. Financially he has prospered, and wholly through his own exertions he has attained to a position of affluence. His home is elegantly furnished, and there, surrounded by all the comforts of life, he is enjoying a well-earned rest. Since reach- ing manhood he has almost continuously filled somne official position, among them being those of school director, overseer of the poor, street com- missioner, and member of both the town council and board of health. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, and religiously is a member of the Reformed Church, in which he has served as elder for one term and deacon for many years. Being a great reader, he has be- come well posted on the leading questions and issues of the day, and always gives a liberal sup- port to those measures which he believes calcu- lated to promote the general welfare. Wherever known he is held in high regard, and his friends are many throughout the county.

W L. REED, whose long and arduous serv- ice with the Union army in the Civil war well indicated his loyalty to his country, is now a leading farmer and lumberinan of Highland township. Clarion county, and is a representative of one of its oldest and most highly esteemed families.

His grandfather, William Reed, was the sec- ond man to locate in that township, where he purchased a tract of wild land and developed therefrom a good farin. In his family were three sons and four daughters, as follows: (1) John mar- ried and located on the farm in Highland town- ship now owned by Isaac Imhoff. The wild land he transformed into highly cultivated fields, and upon the place erected a large brick house and good barn. He also owned a large tract of

timber land, on which he erected a sawmill, and in connection with the manufacture of lumber also built boats for the coal trade at Pittsburg. He and his wife both died on his land some years ago, leaving a family of children. (2) Eleanor, the second child of our subject's grandfather, mar- ried Ellis Fletcher, of Knox township, Clarion county. (3) Betsy married Ephraim Mix, of Clear- field county, Penn., and both died some years ago, leaving one child. (4) Jane married Alex- ander Porter, of Clarion county, and they de- parted this life a number of years ago. (5) James married and died in Highland township. (6) Margaret wedded James Lamb, a farmer of Knox township, where both died.

(7) William Reed, the father of our subject. completes the family. In early manhood he married Nancy Lamb, and soon afterward pur- chased 700 acres of the Harrison lands in Ven- ango county, but after the survey it was made a part of Highland township, Clarion county. There he opened up a farm, and in connection with agricultural pursuits successfully engaged in lumbering and boat building on the Clarion river for the iron and coal trade. He constructed the first 100-foot boat, carrying 100 tons of metal down the river to the Pittsburg markets. He was an extensive lumberman, and most successful and reliable business man until 1861, when he retired from active life. He died in 1875, and his wife a few years later.

In the family of this worthy couple were the following children: (1) James M., a farmer of Highland township, married Mary Smith, of the same township, and had four children-Ida, who married a Mr. Kahnell, and died in 1889; Mrs. Ella Lamb, a resident of West Virginia; Will- iam; and Oscar, who wedded Maud Devilder, and is engaged in farming in Highland township. (2) Lavina became the wife of Edward Packer, and died some years ago, leaving two children-Ellen and one whose name is not given. (3) Maggie A. married Henry Shrum, a farmer of Highland township, and died twenty years ago, leaving four children, two of whom still reside in that township-Wilhelmina, now Mrs. Reaghard, and William, at home. (4) Lucinda J. wedded James Piper, and is a resident of Highland town- ship. She has two children-Henrietta. at home; and Thuel, who is married and lives on a farm in Highland township. (5) Hiram was a very promising young man, who enlisted in his country's service during the Rebellion, becoming a member of Company H, 103rd P. V. I .. under Capt. Mackey, of Clarion, and was in all the battles of his regiment until December. 1863 .. when he was killed at Kingston, N. C. (6) Ma-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 74

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