Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 8

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 8
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 8
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 8
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 8

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In 1879, Mr. Weaver was elected by the Pennsylvania State Senate one of the transcrib- ing clerks of that body, and for two terms satis- factorily filled that important position, receiving the thanks of that body upon retirement for effi- cient and faithful service. In 1884 he was ap- pointed postmaster at Brookville, by President Arthur, a position which he filled to the entire satisfaction of the patrons of the office until re- lieved by President Cleveland for " pernicious

political activity." In 1886, he was a candidate „before the Republican convention for the Assem- bly, Dr. William Altman being his leading oppo- nent, and the latter was nominated by the pe- culiar rules then governing the party nominations, although he did not receive a plurality of the popu- lar vote. Two years later, 1888, our subject was nominated and elected, and was a prominent member of the House in 1889. At the close of the session, he was appointed chief of the division of lands and railroads, in the office of the Secre- tary of the Interior, and assumed the duties of that position May 25, 1889. For nearly four years he continued at the head of that important division of the public service at the National Cap- ital, but upon the accession of Hoke Smith as Secretary of the Interior, he promptly resigned and returned to Brookville.

Mr. Weaver has since given his undivided at- tention to the editorial work of the Republican. with the exception of a short time in 1894, when he sought the Republican nomination for Con- gress in the Twenty-first Pennsylvania District. Although he had the support of the Jefferson county delegates, he withdrew from the district conference in session in Brookville, in order that a nomination might be made on the last day and nearly the last hour in which a legal nomination was possible. Editing the only Republican paper in Jefferson county, he has acquired a recognized influence in the affairs of his party, but has never used this influence for his own selfish purposes. and his course on this occasion was but one in- stance in which self was subordinate to the inter- ests of the many.

On January 1, 1867, Mr. Weaver was united in marriage with Miss Libbie S. Scott, a daugh- ter of John Scott. They began life together in Brookville, and have since lived at their pleasant home' at the corner of Barnett and Jared streets, excepting the four years Mr. Weaver was offi- cially employed at Washington, D. C., and made the National Capital his place of residence.

W ILLIAM M. LAMISON, a well-known citizen of Perry township, has for many years been prominently identified with the indus- trial and agricultural interests of Jefferson county, and has taken an active part in its upbuilding and progress. He has ever cheerfully given his support to those enterprises which tend to pub- lic development, and is always mentioned as one of the invaluable citizens of the community.

Thomas Lamison, his father, was a native of the Cumberland Valley, where he grew to nian- hood and married Nancy Ann Heller. There he

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continued to work as a molder until sixty-five years of age, when he removed to Cambria coun- ty. working in the Cambria furnace for many years, but spent his last days in Kittanning. where he died in 1870. His wife passed away at the same place a few years later. Their children were as follows: (1) Adam, like the other mem- bers of the family, was born in Cumberland county, Penn. When a young man he removed to Armstrong county, where he worked at the inolder's trade, and still resides near Kittanning, that county. He married Margaret Benton, of Cumberland county, and reared a family. (2) Jane was married in Cumberland county to David Hess, and later removed to Cambria county, where she died in 1892, leaving a family. (3) William M. is next in order of birth. (4) Martha is the widow of William Daugherty, who died some years ago on his farm in Butler county, Penn., near Worthington, where she and her family still reside. (5) John went with his parents to Cambria county, where he was married and still lives, making his home in Johnstown. He was a soldier of the Union army, and was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness. (6) Joseph mar- ried a lady of Armstrong county, Penn., and moved to East Liberty, where he died in 1896, leaving a widow and children who still reside at that place. He was also a soldier of the Civil war. (7) Israel is married, and with his family lives in Kittanning, Armstrong county. (8) Samuel, who was one of the boys in blne, is married and resides in Somerset county, Penn. (9) George died in Armstrong county, leaving a wife but no family. (10) Mary Ellen is the wife of Alfred Row, of Kittanning, and has a family of children.

In Cumberland county, Penn., William M. Lamison was born in 1820, and when a young man went to Bedford county, Penn., where he worked as a molder in the Hopewell furnace un- til coming to Punxsutawney, Jefferson county, but after a year spent in the Jacob Hoover Foun- dry, he returned to Bedford county, remaining there some years. He then came again to Jef- ferson county, where he was married, in 1843, to Miss Caroline Robison, a daugliter of Thomas and Elizabeth Robison, the foriner a prominent lumberman of Jefferson county. They began their domestic life in Punxsutawney, where Mr. Lamison worked as a molder for some years, and then purchased a small farm in Gaskill township. Jefferson county, but two years later he sold out and went to Woodbury, Bedford county, working in a foundry there for Keagy & Son for three years. On his return to Jefferson county, he located at Perrysville, where he

started a furnace for F. S. Mitchell. father of Senator Mitchell, and worked in the same for six years. He then carried on the business for himself for one year, and the following year owned and conducted a hotel in Perrysville, sell- ing out at the end of that time to Robert Pater- son. He next bought the foundry and gristmill of Mr. Mitchell, and engaged in the manufact- ure of plows, stoves, etc., for about eight years, when he sold the property to Brewer & Blase. Purchasing the John Caniday farin, on the line of Perry and Porter township, he removed to the same in 1864, and has there continued to make his home ever since. His present fine two- story residence was erected in 1887. and he has made many other useful and vauable improve- ments upon the place.

Twelve children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lamison, namely: Thomas, born in Gas- kill township, Jefferson county, in 1844, was ed- ucated in the public schools, and in 1861 enlisted in the three-months' service. Later, he re-en- listed, and faithfully served his country until the close of the war. He has since wedded Mary Holt, of Punxsutawney, and now resides in Horatio, Penn. His children are-William. who is married and lives in Horatio; Clara. wife of John North, of Punxsutawney: Sallie, who died in early womanhood: Walter; Ella: and Alexan- der. (2) William I., born in Bedford county. in 1846, married Miss A. Neal, of Perry town- ship, Jefferson county, and now lives in Perrys- ville. His children are Harlan, Melvin S .. Ruth and Helen. (3) David A. died in childhood. (4) Nancy E., born in 1850, is the wife of George Gamble, of Blairsville, Indiana Co., Penn .. and has six children-Annie J., wife of Richard Gra- ham, of Apollo, an engineer on the Western Pennsylvania railroad: Mina, wife of Joe Tur- ney, of Glass City, Ind., by whom she has one son, Harry; Maggie, wife of John Hickey, of Armstrong county, Penn., by whom she has a son, Leonard; Samuel: Rose and Helen. (5) Alfaretta, a native of Jefferson county, is the wife of Samuel Barrett, a stone-mason and farmer of Indiana county, and they have nine children -- Minnie, Sharp, George, Lizzie. Cora, Joseph, Virgie, Walter and M. S. Quay. (6) Martha, born in Jefferson county, mar- ried Alexander Campbell, and lives in Brook- ville. (7) John H., a hotel-keeper of North Point, Indiana Co., Penn., married Annie Stear. of that county, and has three children, Frank C., Dolly G. and Maxie M. (8) Susan M .. born in Perrysville, is the wife of Frederick Crissman. of East Liberty, Penn .. and has six children- Charles, who died in childhood: Louella: Caro-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

line; Jennie: William; and Gertrude, who died in childhood. (9) Laurence died at the age of five years. (IC) Joseph M., born on the old homestead, is still with his parents. ( 11) Can- darissa died at the age of five years. (12) George died in childhood.

Mr. and Mrs. William M. Lamison are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are most estimable people. His father was an Old-line Whig in politics, and since the organi- zation of the Republican party our subject has been one of its most earnest supporters. During the Civil war he manifested his loyalty by enlist- ing in Company B. 74th P. V. I., and served through the last six months of that terrible strug- gle. While in West Virginia he contracted rheuma- tism, and was confined in the hospital for a short time, but with that exception was always found at his post of duty. His wife's brother. Thomas Robison, was a commissioned officer, and was · killed during the battle of the Wilderness. The Lamison household is noted for its hospitality, the many friends of the family always being sure to find a hearty welcome, and the poor and needy are never turned away from their door empty- handed.

J UDGE WILLIAM P. JENKS, of Brookville, is the oldest and one of the most honored and able members of the Jefferson County Bar. His birth occurred in the same county in 1821, and with its interests he has been promi- nently identined. He is of Welsh descent, his paternal grandfather having come to the New World from Wales in 1690.

John W. Jenks, the father of our subject, was a native of Bucks county, Penn., was reared at Newtown, and in early life studied medicine. For a time he engaged in practice, and also car- ried on mercantile pursuits for many years. He was a highly educated man, having graduated with honor at the University of Pennsylvania prior to the war of 1812. Though quiet and unassuming in manner he made many friends, and had the respect of all who knew him. He married Mary D. Barclay, whose father with himself purchased the land on which the city of Punxsutawney now stands. Mr. Jenks departed this life in 1850, and his worthy wife, who was a native of New Jersey, died sometime later.

William P. Jenks was provided with excellent advantages for securing an education. as the Quakers about his home in Punxsutawney en- ployed the best teachers, and he subsequently attended for a time Washington College. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of law.

and two years later was admitted to the Bar. A man of sound judgment, he won recognition at the Bar of Jefferson County, and for many years he had practically one side or the other of almost every case tried in the county. He suc- cessfully engaged in general practice until in 1871, when he was chosen to preside over the Eighteenth Judicial District, comprising Jefferson. Clarion and Forest counties. That responsible position he held for ten years, during which time his decisions proved generally satisfactory to the Bar as well as 'to the people. He is the only surviving member of the legal fraternity who started out with him on his professional career, and is now engaged with his brother, Hon. George A. Jenks, as associate counsel for the iminense estate of John E. DuBois, of which they have had charge for the past ten years.

In December, 1845. our subject was married to Miss Sarah C. Corbett. a daughter of James Corbett, a pioneer of Brookville, and five chil- dren were born to this union, three of whoin still survive. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1894.

Judge Jenks has witnessed almost the entire development and progress made by Jefferson county, as he well remembers when it contained only about 600 souls, and was almost an unbroken wilderness. Here he spent an eventful and useful life, taking a prominent part in public affairs, and no man in central Pennsylvania is more widely or favorably known. He has always been con- scientious in his political views; he started as an Old-Line Whig. In 1856 he identified himself with the Douglas wing of the Democracy, and since that time has been a conservative Demo- crat, voting for whom he considers the best and most competent man. Being elected to the Legislature he faithfully discharged the duties of that office during the sessions of 1867 and 1868. After retiring from the Bench, on January 1, 1882, he resumed the practice of law. There are few abler attorneys or jurists in the State.

In 1837 the Judge associated himself with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Punxsu- tawney, but on coming to Brookville in 1843, he united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he has ever since been an active and consistent member.

SAMUEL NIEL is a wide-awake, progressive business man, who for many years has been prominently connected with the lumber interests on Mahoning creek. He lives in Gaskill town- ship, Jefferson county, and owns there a good farmi.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD!

Born March 2, 1822, in Indiana county, Mr. Viel is a son of John and Deborah (Pearce) Niel. His father was born in Indiana county, and after his marriage purchased a tract of land on the border line between Indiana and Jefferson conn- ties. There he erected a grist and saw mill, which he continued to operate until his death, at the age of fifty-four years. His wife passed away some years later. Their children were: Samuel; David; Thomas; George; Margaret, who married Samuel Adamson, and after his death became the wife of Harvey Rager, who was killed in the Civil war; James; Mary, deceased wife of John Drummond, of Indiana county; and Benjamin, who was married and lived in Indiana county. He enlisted in the Civil war, and was killed at the second battle of Bull Run.

in a tannery in Du Bois. He married Catherine Keller, twin sister of his brother John's wife, and they have six children -- (a) Flora, wife of John Wagoner, of Du Bois, by whom she has two daughters-Maud and Lula Wagoner; (b) Susan. wife of James Ausburn, of Falls Creek, Penn., by whom she has two children-Zelma and Blanche Ausburn; (c) Etta, (d) Esther, (e) Earl, and (f) May, all at home with their parents. (7) Sarah E., born in September, 1860, is the wife of David Bender, a representative farmer of In- diana county, and their children are-Jane, Bur- ton. Maud and Annie. (8) Sevilla, born in 1868, is an adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Niel. She married George Bair, and with their two children-Carrie and Clare-they reside on a farm in Bell township, Jefferson county.

In early life Samuel Niel gave his political support to the Whig party, and on the organiza --- tion of the Republican party joined its ranks. He has served as supervisor for four years, and has ever been true and faithful to the duties of citizenship. doing all in his power to promote the best interests of the neighborhood. He and his wife are consistent members of the Presby- terian Church. Mr. Niel is a genial, Christian gentleman, warm-hearted and generous, who has been a liberal contributor to the Churches, and he has led an exemplary life.

J TAMES C. ANDERSON, one of the energetic and progressive citizens of Clover township. Jefferson county, and a man of good busi- ness ability, is now devoting his time and atten- tion to general farming. He was born May 30, 1829. in Westmoreland county, Penn .. a son of James and Rebecca (Carson) Anderson, also na- tives of that county, where his paternal grand- . father. David Anderson, a native of Ireland, spent his last years. His children were: James. Samuel, David, John. Thomas, Mary, Ann, Sarah and, Eliza.

On June 20, 1841, our subject was married to Miss Ellen Lindsey, of Indiana county, daugher of William and Martha Lindsey. Seven children have been born to this union: ( 1) Cassie, born in Jef- ferson county, in August, 1844, is the wife of Israel Macilwain, a farmer residing near Punxsutawney. and they have four children-Orin, Mina, Lizzie and- Frank. (2) Elizabeth, born in October, 1846, is the wife of Daniel Peace, an agriculturist The father of our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, but in early life became con- · nected with a number of different enterprises, being employed in salt works, on a canal and rail- road. Later he engaged in farming and the manufacture of salt in Westmoreland county, and on coming to Jefferson county, in 1843, es- tablished the first salt works in this section of the State. He operated the same for a number of years, and sold his product at from three to four dollars per barrel. For three years our subject father and brothers in clearing and improving the farm. They purchased a tract of one thousand of Indiana county, by whom she has one daugh- ter. Effie. (3) John, born on the old homestead in 1849, and now employed in a tannery in Du- : Bois, married Annie Keller, of Jefferson county, and has had five children -- Orin, Charles, Effie, Joseph who died in childhood), and Clarence who died at the age of eight years). (4) James, born in 1851, and now an agriculturist of Indiana county, married Cassie Bowers, of that county, and has six children-Lane, Samuel, Lemon, Homer, Clay, and one whose name is not given. . carried on the business, and also assisted his (5) David died at the age of twenty years. (6) Robert C., born in November, 1856, is employed

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Samuel Niel is indebted to the common schools of Indiana county for his educational- privileges. He worked on the farm and in the sawmill antil he attained his majority. After his marriage he assumed the management of his father's mill, which he operated for a number of years, and in 1844 purchased 190 acres of land in Gaskill township, Jefferson county, which he transformed into a good farin, and erected there- on a large house and substantial barn. In con- nection with agricultural pursuits, he has through the greater part of his life followed lumbering, rafting square timber down the Mahoning to the Pittsburg markets. He has also dealt largely in real estate, buying and selling timber lands, and by the careful management of his business inter- ests he has accumulated a handsome com- petence.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

acres of timberland, which still belongs to the estate. The father died at the age of eighty-two, and his wife the year previous, at the age of eighty-one. They were widely and favorably known throughout the county, and were faithful . members of the Presbyterian Church. They had eight children, as follows: Mrs. Ann Nicholson; Mrs. Elaretta Holden; S. P., a prominent citizen of Clover township: James C .; Watson H., who is living at the old salt works; Silas R., of Brook- ville; Violet, wife of P. A. Fleming; and Marga- ret J., now Mrs. Fowler.

James C. Anderson obtained a practical edu- cation in the common schools, which has well fitted him for the duties of business life. For thirty years he successfully engaged in lumber- ing, and one of his most profitable sources of in- come was the buying and selling of live stock. He bought cattle, horses and sheep, which he fat- tened for the markets. His farm, which is a part of the old homestead, comprises 108 acres, of which he has placed ninety under a state of cultivation, and improved the same with substantial buildings. The place is pleasantly located two miles from Summerville, and is underlaid with three veins of coal and limestone. In 1853 he was married to Miss Eliza Simpson, a daughter of George and Margaret Simpson, who were natives of Ire- land, and came to this country at an early day, locating in Jefferson county, Penn., where the father developed a farm. He and his wife, who were Presbyterians in their religious belief, died in Clover township, leaving nine children: Mar- tha, Ellen, Rebecca, Samuel, John J .. Elizabeth E., Mrs. Mary S. Ross. David, and Lucinda. The mother of these died November 15, 1892. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, to which our subject belongs; she was a most estimable lady. Politically, Mr. Anderson is' unswerving in his support of Democratic principles.

S TEPHEN OAKS is one of the most enter- prising and successful business men of Brook- ville, who for over half a century has been prom- inently identified with the industrial and agri- cultural interests of Jefferson county. To trace the history of a successful life, be it in the elec trical world of business, where competition is rife: in the intellectual field, where devotees open up the wider realms of knowledge; in a public sphere, where is directed the source of govern- ment and the policies formed that sway nations; or in the calin and peaceful pursuits which have to do with the source of all supplies -- the calling forth from earth her benefices and good returns

must ever prove profitable and satisfying indul- gence, for the history of the individual is the history of the nation; the history of the nation that of the world.

Mr. Oaks was born July 22, 1823, in Maine, and when about thirteen years of age accompan- ied his parents, Stephen L. and Sarah J. (Ames) Oaks, on their removal to Pennsylvania. They were also natives of Maine. In early life the father learned the carpenter's trade, but on com- ing to this State worked for some time as a mill- wright, and also engaged in farming for inany years. He passed away May 1, 1874. at the age of seventy-nine years and three months, and his good wife died in Clearfield county, Penn., in 1885. The education of our subject was prin- cipally obtained in his native State, as after com- ing to Pennsylvania he had very little opportunity to attend school. He worked in a sawmill with his father until nineteen years of age, and then went to the Clarion river, where he was similarly employed for five years and eight months, prac- tically having charge of the mill for most of this time. He next purchased a farm in Eldred town- ship, Jefferson county, where he located in Feb- ruary, 1848, and there made his home until May, 1880, when he removed to his present handsome residence in Brookville. In that year, at the earnest solicitation of his friends. he made the race for associate judge, was triumphantly elect- ed, and acceptably served for five years. Dur- ing this time, however, he was also engaged in the lumbering and sawinill business, and is still actively interested in lumbering and farming, owning a mill in Eldred township. He is also one of the directors and president of the Brook- ville Manufacturing Company.

On July 3, 1845, Mr. Oaks was married to Miss Christina McManigle, of Jefferson county, who died in December, 1872. Ten children were born to this union, namely: Nathaniel; James C .; Sarah C. (deceased); Esther Ann. wife of Hansey Ferguson; Martha Jane, wife of Charles Steele: Mary Melissa, widow of James Caldwell: Edwin (deceased); Abel; Stephen D .; and Cor- delia (deceased). On October 12, 1875, Mr. Oaks was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary (Cochran) Stewart. Two chil- dren bless this marriage: Everett Blake and Bessie Pearl. The mother of these died No- vember 13. 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Oaks were con- sistent members of the Presbyterian Church. His political support is given the Democratic party, and, aside from being associate justice, he has also held other local positions of honor and trust. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the

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right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resistless will power, are the chief characteristics of the man, and have been important factors in bringing about his success. As a citizen he stands deservedly high in the estimation of all who know him, and holds an enviable position in business circles.

J OHN EVANS, who has for many years been identified with the industrial interests of Punxsutawney, is the owner and proprietor of a planing-mill at that place, and has taken an active part in the upbuilding and progress of the city. Upon the business activity of a community depends its prosperity, and the men who are recognized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of extensive business enterprises.

Mr. Evans was born in 1825, in Centre county, Penn., a son of Ellis and Rebecca (Mc- Mullen) Evans. The birth of the father occurred in Morristown, Penn., but the grandfather, Will- iain Evans, was a native of Wales, whence he emigrated to the New World when about twenty- one years of age. He married Rachel Bonner, a sister of the grandfather of Robert Bonner, of the New York Ledger. Ellis Evans, who was a farmer by occupation, departed this life in 1878, having long survived the mother of our subject, who died in 1838. She was born in Centre county, of Irish parentage.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 8

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