Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 84

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 84
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 84
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 84
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 84

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In Oil City, in 1866, Mr. Culbert was married to Miss Olive McIntyre, a native of Shippenville, Penn., and a daughter of John McIntyre. To them were born four children, John B. being the only one now living. Those deceased are: Sum- ner, who died in infancy; Homer, who died at the age of twenty-four years; and Ambrose, who died at the age of seventeen. The family receive and merit the high regard of the entire commun- ity. In politics Mr. Culbert is identified with the Republican party, and in his social relations is connected with Amos Kiser Post No. 475, G. A. R., of Shippenville. His public and pri- vate career are above reproach, for his life has been characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty.

D R. P. GATES. The history of this gentle- man, who is one of the leading farmers of Beaver township, Clarion county, is a forcible illustration of the exercise of perseverance and resolution under the pressure of financial disaster as well as amid the sunshine of prosperity ..

Mr. Gates was born January 31, 1840, in the township where he still continues to reside, a son of Henry and Dorothy Ann Gates, who reared a large family of children, the others being: George, Frederick, Joseph, Henry, John, Jacob, Kate, Betsy, Margaret, Anna and David. The father was a son of Henry Gates, Sr., and was a native of Centre county, Penn., of German ex- traction. He was a farmer by occupation, a Whig in politics, and a Lutheran in religious be- lief. He died at the age of sixty, and the mother when our subject was only six years old.

D. R. P. Gates was reared in the manner of most farmier boys of his day, and during his youth worked at farming or in the oil fields. Like many other brave boys, he donned the blue. en- listing October 13, 1861, in Company K, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He participated in the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg. after which he was appointed orderly for Gen. Humphrey, and served as such at the battle of Fredericksburg and in other engagements. When

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the war was over and his services were no longer needed, he was honorably discharged July I, 1865, with the rank of sergeant. For some time after his return home Mr. Gates worked at the Black furnace, but in 1886 located upon his present farm of fifty acres in Beaver township. Clarion county, and has since devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits and the oil business with good success. He has a good house and barn and fine orchard upon his place, and the fields are under a high state of cultivation.

On November 3, 1868, Mr. Gates was mar- ried to Miss Catherine Emminger, a native of Clarion county, and a daughter of Elias Emmin- ger, who had one son -John-in the Union serv- ice during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Gates are the parents of seven children, as follows: Dorothy, Bertha, Parley, Ola, Perthena, Curd and Oren.

In politics our subject is a stanch Republican, always adhering to the principles formulated by that party. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and is serving as deacon of his Church. Indus- try, energy and perseverance have brought a merited success to crown his efforts, and he is everywhere recognized as one of the most hon- orable business men as well as one of the most popular citizens of his community.

L EVI COLLNER, a wide-awake and pro- gressive business man of Richland township, Clarion county, was born July 24, 1842, on the old hoinestead, near St. Petersburg, where his father, Lewis Coliner, had located in 1837, when twenty-six years of age. The latter was a na- tive of Germany, and on commencing life here was in very limited circumstances, but he made the most of his opportunities, and by industry and perseverance secured a comfortable compe- tence and became one of the leading and most successful business men of his community. At one time he owned stores in Salem and Beaver townships, besides one at St. Petersburg. By trade he was a shoemaker. Lewis Collner was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Fry, a lady of intelligence and worth, and a daughter of Samuel Fry, who was one of the prominent pioneers of Clarion county, and a man noted for his size and strength. Eight sons were born of this union- Levi; William F., a resident of Clarion; Sam- uel and Joseph, both of St. Petersburg; Harri- son and Lemuel, merchants of St. Petersburg: Calvin one of the prominent citizens of that place, who died at the age of thirty years; and George, who died in childhood.

On the old homestead near St. Petersburg,

Levi Collner spent the days of his boyhood and -youth, and attended the public schools of the locality. In early life he was employed at vari- ous occupations, working on the farm for a part of the time and driving a team for a store. He worked in his father's store in Salem township. and also in St. Petersburg. For a number of years he boated oil on the Allegheny river to Pittsburg. He is now the owner of a nicely improved farm in Richland township, near St. Petersburg, and in connection with agricultural pursuits, is also an oil producer.

At the age of twenty-five, Mr. Collner was married to Miss Sarah Ashbaugh, born June 10, 1848, a native of Richland township, and a daughter of John and Eva (Duretta) Ashbaugh [for ancestral data of Ashbaugh family see sketch of John J. Ashbaugh], prominent citizens of that township. both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Collner have three children: Howard C., at home; Elmer H., who married Ida Uncapher (a daughter of pioneer settlers of Westmoreland county. Penn., who now make their home near Foxburg, Clarion county), and operates a farm, where he has a fine residence; and John L., at home.

Mr. Collner is unwavering in his support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and takes an active and prominent part in polit- ical affairs. He has served as overseer of the poor eight years, as a member of the school board and also as treasurer of his township. He was reared in the Reforined Church, and socially is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Blairs Corners, the. Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum, of St. Petersburg. As a citizen he stands ready to discharge every duty devolving upon him, and the best years of his life have have been given to the building up and advance- ment of his native county. Few men are better known throughout this section, and none are held in higher regard or are more deserving the esteem of their fellow citizens than Levi Collner.

Samuel Fry, our subject's maternal grandfa- ther, was born October 17, 1789, in Westmore- land county, and became one of the pioneers of Richland township, Clarion county. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and died August 2, 1871.

E DWARD SWARTZ, whose loyal defense of the Union during the Civil war, and whose faithful discharge of the duties of citizenship in times of peace, well indicates his patriotic devo- tion to his country, was born on January 19. 1843, in Salem township, Clarion county, on the farm where he now makes his home.

Levi Convenir

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John Swartz, his father, was born in Union county, Penn., in 1800, and was descended from - an old Pennsylvania, Dutch family. Two repre- sentatives of the name were soldiers in the war of 1812. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Magdelene Niece, and was a daughter of Henry Niece, a native of Germany. Her father was one of a family of seven children, and on coming to this country he was sold to pay his passage over. He was thus taken into the house of a rich man, by whom he was well treated, and in the New World he grew to man- hood, afterward marrying and establishing a . home of his own.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Swartz were born four- teen children: Isaac, Kitty, Jacob, Henry, Sarah, John A., Mary, Edward, William, Chris- tian E., David, Daniel, Rebecca, and one daugh- ter, who died in infancy. Of this family, John A. was a soldier in the Union army and died in the service, his remains being buried at Fairfax, Va. The parents both died on the old homestead in Salem township, Clarion county, the father, at the age of seventy-six years, the mother, when seventy-five years of age. The father was a Democrat until the war, when he became a stanch Republican. Both he and his wife held mem- bership in the Lutheran Church, and reared their children in that faith.

Edward Swartz spent his boyhood days upon the old homestead, and aided in the labors of field and meadow. He acquired his education in a log school house, and in early life learned the mason's trade, which he followed for forty years. He is an expert workman in that line and a good general mechanic. He put aside all personal considerations, however, at President Lincoln's call for 300,000 troops, and joined the boys in blue of Company G, 155th P. V. I., for three years' service. He participated in the battles of Sharpsburg, Fort Stevenson and other important engagements, and was then in the hospital for some time owing to an attack of catarrhal fever. He had also had his great toe badly frozen, which disabled him for some time. On recovering he was transferred to Company I. of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He met President Lincoln a number of times, and is said to resemble him, their height being the same-six feet and four inches.

Butler county, Penn. Their son, Eahen Slater, is a resident of Reedsburg, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Swartz have been born twelve children, of whom only four are now living, namely: Will- iam, a resident of Wood county, Ohio; Ira P., who is also living in that county; Ruby; and John Christopher. Of those deceased, Mary H. and Permilla McGary were married; Alguire died at the age of twenty-four years; Rosilla Viola died at the age of fourteen years; one died at the age of eighteen months; and the others died in

infancy. `The father of this family is a stanch Republican in his political views, and warmly advocates the principles of the party, keeping well-informed on the issues of the day. "He be- longs to Nickleville Post No. 354, G. A. R., and holds membership in the Evangelical Church, in which he is one of the officials. He is an honor- able business man, a valued citizen, and in the regard of friends and neighbors he holds an envi- able place.

F P. KING, one of the representative and prominent business men of Richland town- ship, Clarion county, has for twenty years been actively identified with the oil interests of this section of the State, and in his operations has prospered. His business has taken him all over Venango and Clarion counties, where he has be- come widely and favorably known. Besides the five good oil wells upon his own place in Rich- land township, he also owns and operates wells in Venango county, and with his brothers, G. W. and J. H., he is interested with the same business in Butler county, Penn., buying and leasing oil lands, sinking wells, and later selling them.

Mr. King was born in Richland township, Clarion county, about forty years ago, and is a worthy representative of a prominent and highly respected family which was founded here in 1834, by his ancestors who were of German de- scent and first lived in Huntingdon county, Penn., and later in Westmoreland county. The grand- father of our subject, Samuel King, spent his last days in Venango county. The father. Peter King, was one of the first millers in this region, having erected and operated a mill on Ridge Run, over half a century ago, but he has now retired from active business and is enjoying a well-earned rest. He married Miss Margaret E. Myers, a native of Venango county, and a daugh- ter of George Myers, one of the old settlers of that county. Mrs. King, who was a most es-

When the war was ended and the country no longer needed his services, Mr. Swartz returned to his home, and on August 17, 1865, was mar- ried to Sarah M. Slater, a daughter of Christian and Polly (Gould) Slater, both now deceased, the | timable lady, departed this life in 1880, at the mother dying at the age of ninety-five years, in

age of fifty-five years, leaving seven children,

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namely: George W., J. H., Mary E. (at home), Mrs. S., Curtis, Margaret, and Ada (wife of D. A. Leslie, of Armstrong county). The father gives his political support to the men and meas- ures of the Democratic party, and is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In the public schools near his childhood home F. P. King acquired a fair education, and his business training was obtained upon the home farm and in the mill. He now has a comforta- ble home in Richland township, where he has resided since 1884. Three years previous he had married Miss K. T. McCalmet, a lady of intelligence and culture, who was reared and educated in Clarion county. Her father was Alexander McCalmet, of Venango county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. King, namely: Darrel F., Kitty Margaret and Carmen Ada.

Mr. and Mrs. King hold membership in the Evangelical Church, and Mr. King belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while politically he is identified with the Democratic party. Having spent his entire life in Clarion county, he has, therefore, witnessed the greater part of its growth and development. In its progress he has manifested a deep interest and has ever taken his part in support of those meas- ures calculated to prove of public good. His strict integrity and honorable dealing in business commend him to the confidence of all; his pleas- ant manner wins him friends; and he is one of the popular and honored citizens of his com- munity.

0 E. OLSON. No foreign element has be- come a more important part in our American citizenship than that furnished by Sweden. The emigrants froin that land have brought with them to the New World the stability, enterprise and perseverance characteristic of their people, and have fused these qualities with the progressive- ness and indomitable spirit of the Americans. A prominent representative of this class is Mr. Olson, now one of the leading oil-producers of Beaver township, Clarion county.

Mr. Olson was born in 1853, in Sweden, where he was reared and educated, and in 1870 accompanied his parents, Benjamin L. and Anna (Eliason) Olson, on their removal to the United States. After a residence of five years in Brook- ville, Penn., the parents returned to their native land. where they are still living. By occupa- tion the father is a farmer and carpenter. The family numbers five children: Mrs. Lena Bartle- son, of Sweden; Hannah; Mrs. Anna Carlson, of

Sweden; Ingar, of Pawtucket, R. I .; and O. E., _of this sketch.

On coming to the New World, O. E. Olson located in Brookville, Penn., and for two years worked on the Allegheny Valley railroad. Later he was connected with the Rhode Island railroad. and for a time was employed on a farm near Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Penn., where he had removed from Pawtucket, R. I., in 1876. In 1878 he came to Beaver township, Clarion county, where he first engaged in pumping in the employ of others. In 1891 he sunk his first well on the Henry Knight farm, originally known as the old Kribbs farm, and the same year drilled two other wells, while in 1892 he drilled another. These four wells are still in operation, and for nineteen years he has now successfully engaged in the oil business.

In Beaver township, in 1884, Mr. Olson was married to Miss Lena, daughter of Henry and Clara (Sweitzer) Knight, a prominent citizen of that township. She died in 1887, and their only son is also deceased. Mr. Olson was again mar- ried, in 1893, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma Clarissa Sweitzer, a native of Beaver township. and a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Johnson) Sweitzer, prominent and highly re- spected people. Her father died in 1891, but Mrs. Sweitzer still lives, residing on the old home- stead in Beaver township. A daughter, Lena Marie, graces the second union of Mr. Olson.

In 1883 Mr. Olson made a visit to his old home in Sweden, where his parents and sisters are still living. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and socially affiliates with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Knox, the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and Knox Lodge No. 954, I. O. O. F. Both he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church, and are the center of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who esteem them highly for their genuine worth.

S AMUEL B. McLAINE owns and operates a good farm of fifty acres in Highland town- ship, Clarion county, whose neat and thrifty ap- pearance well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well tilled fields, and all the accessories and conven- iences of a model farmi are there found. In con- nection with general farming he engages in lun- bering, handling square timber, and he also de- votes some attention to boat building.

Mr. McLaine was born in Farmington town- ship, Clarion county, in May, 1843, a son of . Joseph and Margaret (Schrum) McLaine, and a

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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grandson of James McLaine, who was of Scotch- Irish descent, and was an old and honored pio- neer of Clarion county. The father was a native of Beaver township, where he grew to manhood, but after his marriage he located in Farmington township, where all of his children with the ex- ception of the two youngest were born. Their births occurred after the removal of the fainily to Highland township, in 1847. There the father purchased a tract of land two miles north of the city of Clarion, where he opened up a farm, and in connection with agricultural pursuits followed lumbering, rafting square timber down the Clar- ion river to the Pittsburg and Allegheny markets. He also built flatboats for coal, and sold the same in Pittsburg. He passed away upon the old homestead in Highland township, but his esti- mable wife is still living and makes her home with her sons.

In their family were the following children: (1) Sarah is the wife of J. F. Foust, a farmer of Highland township, by whom she has several children. (2) David W. married Ellen Reed, of Highland township, and lived on the old home- stead there until his death; he was a member of a Pennsylvania regiment during the Civil war, and died some years after its close, leaving a wife and five children-Mary, Thomas B., Rufus S. and Joseph W. (3) Henry, who was also a Union soldier for two years, wedded Mary Bashline, of Clarion county, and is engaged in farming in Monroe township, that county. (4) Samuel B. is next in order of birth.

(5) Rachel became the wife of John Reed, .of Highland township, and they lived near Big Run, in Jefferson county, Penn., where he died in 1897, leaving a wife and family. (6) George W., residing on a part of the old homestead, married Martha Slagle, of Porter township, Clarion county, and has four children-Sheldon E., Nora May, Kirby L. and Roy. (7) Frank P. married Mollie C. Slagle, of Highland township, and now resides on what is known as the Foust farm, adjoining his fa- ther's place; he has three children-Clyde, Min- nie and Bertha. (8) Jacob, also a farmer of Highland township, married Annie Schrum, of Sligo, Clarion county, and has eight children.

Samuel B. McLaine received his literary ed- ucation in the common schools, and his business training was obtained on the liome farm .and in the lumber woods. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Slagle, of Porter town- ship, who is the eldest of the three sisters who married into the McLaine family. Her parents are George and Catharine Slagle, well-to-do farming people of Porter township. Mr. and Mrs. McLaine have eight children, all born in

Highland township: (1) George E., born in 1865, married Hulda Black, of Perry township, Clarion county, and lives upon a part of his fa- ther's farin; he has one daughter, Lena. (2) Nettie J. died at the age of eight years. (3) Myrtie A. is at home. (4) Louella married Hugh L. Carson, of Clarion county, and they live near her father; their children are Glenn and Sara C. (5) Frank married Blanche Devil- der, of Highland township, by whom he has two daughters-Elsie G. and Willard-and they re- side in Paint township, Clarion county, where he is engaged in lumbering. (6) Martla Belle, at home, began her education in the common schools, but is now a student in the Clarion Nor- mal, where she is preparing to enter the teach- er's profession. (7) Matilda May and (8) Ida C. are both at home.'

During the Civil war, Mr. McLaine was a member of the State Militia for ninety days. and assisted in the capture of the notorious Morgan while on his raid in Ohio. In politics he is a pronounced Democrat, and has served as super- visor of Highland township three terms, and is now school director. He and his family are all faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as elder for nearly thirty years, and they have given liberally of their means to the support of all Church and religious work.

C W. H. EICKE, manager of and stockholder in the Mineral Ridge Coal Company, of West Monterey, Clarion county, whose activity in business circles, combined with his sterling worth, has made him one of the leading citizens of the community, was born August 19, 1834, in Hanover, Germany.

Mr. Eicke acquired a good education in his native land, and for several years was engaged in clerking in the town of Minden, Hanover. At length he determined to see if the opportunities afforded by the New World were not superior to those of the Old, and so crossed the Atlantic in 1859. taking up his residence in New York. There he secured a situation as salesman, con- tinuing in that city until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he entered the service of a Bos- ton firm and was sent as its representative to Ridgway, Elk Co., Penn., where for several years he managed their interests. He purchased an interest in the Mineral Ridge Coal company. at West Monterey, and as manager of the latter company he has high standing among the business men of the community. This company does an extensive business in the mining and shipping of

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gas and steam coal of superior quality for manu- facturing and domestic uses. They mine 50,000 car loads per annum, supply the Allegheny Valley railroad, and employ from sixty to eighty men. Mr. Eicke has entire management of the busi- ness at this point, and his keen discrimination, splendid executive ability, careful management and enterprise, have contributed largely to the success of the company whose confidence and approval he has in an unqualified degree.

Mr. Eicke was united in marriage, in Elk county, to Theresa Rosenhover, who was born and reared in Germany, and has been to her hus- band a faithful companion and helpmate. She holds membership in the Catholic Church, while Mr. Eicke was reared in the Lutheran faith. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has served in several local offices with credit to him .. self and satisfaction to his constituents. Socially," he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Monterey, and the Masonic fra- ternity at Kittanning, and his pleasant, genial manner and sterling worth render him a social favorite. His business career has been one of success, owing to his well directed and able efforts. He came to this country with little cap- ital. but his hopes of advancement have been re- alized, and he is now the possessor of a comforta- ble competence.

M TAJ. CYRUS NEELY. From the ranks of the quiet, persevering yet prominent citi- zens of Clarion county-prominent on account of what they have accomplished in life-there is no one more deserving of mention in a volume of this character than the gentleman whose name introduces this article. He is one of the pro- gressive and enterprising agriculturists of Beaver township, and in advancing his own interests he has materially promoted the welfare of the com- munity.

A native of Clarion county, Mr. Neely was born April 24, 1827, and belongs to a family which was founded in this country by his great- grandfather, a native of Wittenberg, Germany. In that country the name was originally spelled Neighleigh, and now in Westmoreland county, Penn., Naly. Paul Neely, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Bucks county, Penn., and on reaching manhood married Frances Shupe, who was born in Northampton county. of Holland descent. They became the parents

· of four sons and six daughters, namely: Captain Henry, who commanded a company at Lake Erie during the war of 1812, and died in Clarion county; John, a farmer, now deceased; Jacob,

who died unmarried in Beaver township, Clarion county; Paul, who died in Salem township, same county; Mrs. Margaret Leasher, a resident of Ohio; Elizabeth, who married George Belin, and died in Clarion county; Anna, who married Samuel Fry, and died in Richland township, Clarion county; Mrs. Susan Swartz, who died in Westmoreland, Penn .; and Mrs. Sally Mc- Kever, who died in Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 84

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