Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 86

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 86
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 86
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 86
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 86

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intendent of schools. He was twice re-elected, and in all served eight years. In 1883 he was invited by State Superintendent Higbee to ac- cept a position in the department of public in- struction at Harrisburg. This position he held four years, during which period he went to Alaska, in 1885, to organize the "Industrial Training School for Natives," which had been erected at Sitka through the efforts of Dr. Shel- don Jackson. On his return from Alaska, Mr. Davis engaged actively in the estab- lishment of the State Normal School at Clarion, and succeeded in securing its recognition by the State authorities on February 15, 1887. He was immediately elected principal, which posi- tion he has held for over eleven years. The school has been prosperous under his manage- ment, over 4,000 students having been entered upon its rolls, and over 500 having been gradu- ated in its various courses.

Mr. Davis has had a busy career, never hav- ing been out of employment a single week (ex- cept when sick) since he left his home at the age of fifteen. He learned a trade, taught in all grades of schools from the country ungraded school to high school principal, principal of acad- emy, county superintendent, superintendent of Indian Training School, school department officer and normal school principal. He tried the mer- cantile business for a short time, was twice nom- inated for Congress by the people of Clarion county and once by the conferrees of his district. He declined the honor, and did not stand for election. He is a member of the Grand Army and is a past commander of Post 205. He also belongs to the Masonic Lodge, and is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is a member of. and ruling elder in. the Presbyterian Church.

Principal Davis' family is large, his wife, Mary Kerr Davis, having borne him eleven chil- dren, eight of whom are living, and range in age from eight months to twenty years.

G EORGE W. McCLAIN is the owner of one of the most attractive and valuable farms of Highland township, Clarion county, and in con- nection with its cultivation he devotes consider- able attention to lumbering. He was born in 1848, near Shippenville, a son of Joseph and Margaret McClain, who were pioneer settlers of Highland township, and were widely and favor- ably known throughout the ,county. Upon the farin where he is now living our subject grew to manhood, and in the local schools acquired his education.

In 1872 Mr. McClain was married to Miss

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Martha Slagle, of Clarion county, a daughter of George and Catharine Slagle. Four children bless this union, namely: Sheldon E. received a common-school education, and married Stella Mahle, of Highland township, by whom he has one daughter, Ruth. They now reside in Elk county, Penn., where he is engaged in lumber- ing. Nora M., born in Highland township, in March, 1874, married Frederick Williams, of Mill Creek township, Clarion county, and they have one son, George Leroy. They live on a farm in Highland township. Kirby L., born in Paint township, Clarion county, in 1877, and Roy T., born on the old homestead in Highland township, in 1888, are both with their parents.

After his marriage, George W. McClain lo- cated on the Clarion river at the mouth of Toby creek, where he engaged in building coal boats as a contractor for T. W. Raine and also for Cor-

bett & Wilson. In 1882 he purchased the old McClain homestead where he had been reared, and the following year erected thereon a pleasant residence. He has also built good barns and made many other improvements upon the place, which add greatly to its value and attractive ap- pearance. In connection with the operation of his land, he still devotes a part of his time "to logging and jobbing in square timber for S. Win- field & Edward MI. Wilson. He possesses a thorough knowledge of the lumber business and boat building as well as agricultural pursuits, and has therefore met with a fair degree of success in his undertaking.

Politically, Mr. McClain is an adherent of the Democratic party, and he has most acceptably served as supervisor and auditor of his township. He and all his family are consistent members of the Methodist Protestant Church of Clarion, and do all within their power for the betterment of mankind. A man of known reliability, Mr. Mc- Clain has the confidence and high regard of all with whom he comes in contact in either busi- ness or social life.

J TACOB YOUKERS has for several years been one of the most highly esteemed and valued citizens of Elk City. He is of foreign birth, but his duties of citizenship have ever been per- formed with a loyalty equal to that of any native son of America, and when the nation was im- periled by the hydra-headed monster, rebellion, he went to the defense of the Union and pro- tected the cause of his adopted country on many a Southern battlefield.

Mr. Youkers was born March 25, 1843, in Baden, Germany, of which kingdom his parents,

Jacob and Barbara (Walters) Youkers, were also natives. His paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of Jacob, was a brave and gallant soldier in Napoleon's army, and was present when that great general set fire to the city of Moscow. One of his sons served under Kossuth during the Rebellion of 1848, in Germany, and was condemned to be shot, but inanaged to escape, and is now living in Kansas. He has the rope with which his captors had bound him. A maternal uncle of our subject, Capt. Jacob Walt- ers, was an officer in' the State militia during the '50s.

In 1848, Jacob Youkers (our subject) accom- panied the family on their immigration to Amer- ica and located in Butler county, Penn., where he grew to manhood and was educated. In 1862, on President Lincoln's call for 300,000 volunteers to serve for nine months, he responded, and participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and others. After being honorably discharged May 26, 1863, he located in Venango county, Penn., where he engaged in the oil business and in boating. For some time he was also employed in roller mills in Portsmouth, Ohio, St. Louis, Mo., and at other points, but since 1876 he has inade his home in Elk City. He is now interested in the oil business.

In 1868, at Portsmouth, Ohio, Mr. Youkers was married to Miss Caroline Vollmer, a native of Baden, Germany, and to them have been born seven children, namely: George, John, William, Ed, Alfred, Laura and Caroline. The parents are both consistent members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has served as elder for soine time, and they take an active and prominent part in all Church work. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republican party. Being an intelligent, progressive and public- spirited citizen, he takes a commendable interest in all enterprises calculated to advance the moral, intellectual or material welfare of the com- munity. His pleasant, genial manner wins him hosts of friends, and he is held in high regard by all who know him.

J TOHN L. CRIBBS, one of the most prominent citizens of New Bethlehem, Clarion county, is a well-known contractor and builder, of whose skill many notable examples are to be seen at various points in this region. Thoroughly re- liable in all things, the quality of his work is a convincing test of his own personal worth, and the same admirable trait is shown in his consci- entious discharge of the duties of different posi-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tions of trust and responsibility to which he has been chosen in business and political life.

Mr. Cribbs was born in Monroe township, Clarion county, in 1842, and is a son of David and Catharine (Near) Cribbs. The birth of the father occurred January 16, 1816, in the same township, of which the grandfather, John Cribbs, was one of the very earliest settlers. The latter was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., and became actively and prominently identified with the early history of this section, serving as the first county treasurer, and aiding materially in the growth and development of the county. He was always an ardent Democrat in politics, and was one of the most influential citizens of his county. His death occurred in Monroe town- ship. In his native township David Cribbs was reared and married, and there continued to en- gage in farming and teaming until his removal to New Bethlehem in 1853. He died at that place July 10, 1880, and his estimable wife in 1891 .. In their family were six children: John L .; Charles W., a resident of New Bethlehem; Sarah, wife of R. B. Lyle, of Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn., who was a Union soldier in the Civil war; Mrs. Mary C. McCormick, of Driftwood, Penn .; David F., of New Bethlehem; and Mrs. Jane E. Dales, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

John L. Cribbs was ten years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to New Bethlehem, and there he secured his educa- tion in the public schools. At that place he en- listed, July 4, 1861, in Company E, 62nd P. V. I., for three years, and served in the Second Bri- gade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. He participated in the siege of Yorktown, the seven-days' fight on the Peninsula, the second battle of Bull Run, the engagements at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and later in the Grant campaign around Petersburg. His term of service having expired, he was honorably discharged at Pitts- burg, July 13, 1864, and returned to New Beth- lehem. For a number of years he worked in a flouring-mill, but since then he has successfully engaged in contracting and building.

In 1865, in New Bethlehem, Mr. Cribbs was united in marriage with Miss Susannah C. Mohney, a native of that place and a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Kaster) Mohney, who were born in eastern Pennsylvania and became · pio- neers of New Bethlehem. Mr. and Mrs. Cribbs have a family of seven sons, namely: Edward V., who is married and lives in Ridgway, Penn. : Curtis C. and Frederick M., both residents of Sistersville, W. Va. ; and John L., Ross, Daniel O. and Mead A., all at home.

Socially. Mr. Cribbs is a member of the Vet- eran Legion at Brookville, Penn .; New Bethle- hem Lodge No. 522, F. & A. M .; New Bethle- hem Lodge No. 725, I. O. O. F .; and Dorset Lodge No. 434, K. P. Politically, he is an act- ive .and effective worker in the interests of the Democratic party, was a popular and influential member of the General Assembly in 1891 and 1892, and capably filled a responsible position in the adjutant-general's office in Harrisburg in 1894, 1895 and 1896. He is possessed of a sturdy American character and stalwart patriot- ism, and as a private citizen, brave soldier and able statesman, he certainly merits the respect and esteem which is so freely accorded him. He is emphatically a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy, strict integrity . and liberal views, and is thoroughly identified in feeling with the growth and prosperity of his native county and State.

D ANIEL BARNETT, a well-known resident of Beaver township, Clarion county, was born August 13, 1845, in that township, and is a son of Joseph Barnett, a native of Westmoreland county, and of Pennsylvania-Dutch extraction. The grandfather was Henry Barnett. Having arrived at years of maturity. Joseph Barnett was united in marriage with Miss . Mary Bennet, a native of New Jersey. By their union were born four children: Daniel, Sarah J., Catherine L. and Joseph H. The father was a farmer by oc- cupation, following that pursuit as a life work. His political support was given the Democracy; his death occurred in Farinington township.

The parents of Daniel Barnett having died ; when he was six years old, he was reared by his , uncle, Daniel Smith, on the farm a part of which his father formerly owned. He spent the days of his boyhood assisting in the cultivation of the fields through the summer months, while in the winter season he attended the public schools. For seven years he followed the carpenter's trade, but throughout the greater part of his life has carried on agricultural pursuits. On March 31. 1864, he responded to his country's call for aid, becoming a member of Company A. 78th P. V. I., with which he served until September 11, 1865, when, the war having closed, he was honor- ably discharged. He participated in the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church, and Nashville, and was ever found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the old flag and the cause it repre- sented.

In 1867 Mr. Barnett was married to Miss Mary E. Stanford, a native of Beaver township,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and a daughter of Dr. James and Mary (Albert) Stanford (the Doctor during the Civil war was a member of Company A, 103rd P. V. I.), prom- inent citizens of Clarion county. She is also a sister of John Wesley Stanford, of Clarion coun- ty; who was a member of Company K, 56th P. V. I., in the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bar- nett have a family of four children: James M .; Mrs. Etta May Gloss, who has three children- Vernie M., Effie M. and Vincent E .; Calvin O .; and Mrs. Laura B. McElhalten, who has one son -- Glenn D. They also lost three children: Car- rie E., Ida Alice and Cora E.

In April, 1871, our subject took up his resi- dence upon his present farm, a well improved prop- erty containing forty acres, on which stand a substantial house and barn. There are also three good oil wells upon the place, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the entire property well indicates the careful supervision of the owner. In his political views Mr. Barnett is a Silver Re- publican, and he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a strong advocate of temperance, a warm friend of the cause of education, and is deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the public welfare and the advancement of the best interests of Clarion county. His duties of citizenship are ever faithfully performed, and he is accounted one of the valued residents of Beaver township.

A DAM JOHNSON, an enterprising and pros- perous oil producer, of Richland township, Clarion county, was born in that township. March 20, 1842, a son of Peter Johnson, who was born in Berks county, Penn., in 1812. The paternal grandfather, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, born of German descent, passed his last years in Berks county, where his death occurred. Peter Johnson grew to manhood in Berks county, and after his arrival in Richland township, Clarion county, wedded Miss Christina Hale, a native of that township, and a daughter of Jacob Hale. Her parents were born in the eastern part of the State, came to Clarion county at an early day, and from a wild tract of land developed a fine farm in Richland township. Both died on the old homestead. Peter John- son was also an agriculturist, and owned a good farm of one hundred acres, which he placed un- der a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. Upon that place his widow is still living, surrounded by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who appreciate her sterling worth. Fourteen children were born to them, three of whom died when young; the others

were: Adam, of this review; Daniel, a resident of Geauga county, Ohio; Mrs. Elizabeth Wood, of New York State; Maria, wife of John Moyer, of Beaver township, Clarion county; Mrs. Mary Switzer, of the same township; Mrs. Judy Ault, of Foxburg, Penn .; Louise Fye (deceased); Sarah, wife of H. Knight, of Beaver township; George Johnson, of Ohio; Frank, of Beaver town- ship; and Mrs. J. Wilcox, of Richland township.

Reared in Richland township, Adam John- son received his education in its public schools. On starting out in life for himself he was em- ployed at day labor, and later successfully engaged in teaming for twelve years. He pur- chased his first oil well in 1887, and as he pros- pered in this business venture, he has added to his property from time to time until he now owns more wells than any other one man in Richland township, having eighteen in all. Two are located in Salein township, four in Beaver township, and the rest in Richland.

On February 7. 1878, in Franklin, Penn., Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Emily Stitt, a native of Armstrong county, where she was born in 1857, a daughter of George and Susanna (Heighfield) Stitt, the former of whom was a soldier in the Civil war and died in Libby prison. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born nine children, as follows: Luella May, Dessie (de- ceased), Stella Bell, Sarah (deceased), Grover C., Effie Grace, Ruth E., Esther Blanch and Henry Clyde. The family make their home in Richland township, where Mr. Johnson owns a small farm of twelve acres, and also had twenty-two acres additional in the same township, and a tract of IOS acres in Beaver township. The land is all under excellent cultivation and well improved, showing the owner to be a thorough and sys- ternatic farmer, as well as a wide-awake, pro- gressive business man. Probably no man in Clarion county is a better representative of the purely self-made man than Mr. Johnson. All that he has has been honestly acquired through his own efforts and good management, and his great success should furnish both lesson and incentive, as does his life and example of honest worth and unswerving integrity. Although never an office seeker, he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in all measures calculated to prove of public benefit.

JOHN J. ASHBAUGH, a highly respected and influential citizen of St. Petersburg, was born November 26, 1842, on the farm in Richland I township, Clarion county, which he still owns.

@Adam Johnson

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The family is of German origin and formerly spelled the name Eschbach. Daniel Ashbaugh, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and in early manhood married a Miss Likes. At an early day they migrated to Clarion county, and died near St. Petersburg. Their son Daniel was a soldier of the war of 1812.

Jacob Ashbaugh. our subject's father, was born in Sugar township, Armstrong Co., Penn., in 1800, and was eight years old when brought by his parents to Richland township, Clarion county, where he was reared amid pioneer scenes. He became a very successful agriculturist and transformed a wild tract of land into a highly cultivated and desirable farm. Politically, he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and religiously was a faithful member of the Reformed Church. As a public-spirited citizen, he was thoroughly inter -. ested in whatever tended to promote the moral or material welfare of the community.

In Richland township was celebrated the mar- riage of Jacob Ashbaugh and Elizabeth Jackson, who was born near Allentown, in Berks county, Penn., and whose father was a native of eastern Pennsylvania. She died in 1844, at the age of thirty-six years, and the father of our subject passed away on the old homestead in Richland township at the ripe old age of eighty-nine. They were the parents of four children, namely: Elizabeth, deceased wife. of Abraham Soliday; Mary, wife of Reuben Sterner; Mrs. Sarah Shoup, of St. Petersburg; and John J., of this sketch.

During his boyhood and youth, our subject attended the common schools and assisted in the labors of the home farm. On January 4, 1862, he joined Company H. 103rd P. V. I., com- manded by Capt. J. F. Mackey and Col. T. F. Lehman, and with his regiment participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Chickahom- iny Swamp, White Oak Swamp, seven-days fight on the Peninsula, Charles City Cross Roads, Kingston, where the regiment lost eighty-eight men, White Hall and Goldsboro. He was cap- tured at the surrender of Plymouth, N. C., and was held a prisoner at Andersonville, Ga .. and Florence, S. C .. from April 20, 1864, until the I Ith of the following December. He was paroled in April. 1865, and sent to Roanoke Island. During the latter part of his service he was a musician in the drum corps, and when the war was over, he was honorably discharged June 25, 1865, and returned to his home in St. Petersburg, where he still lives. ' He owns a fine farin of eighty-four acres adjoining the town, but his residence is within the corporate limits. In connection with farming lie is also interested in

the oil business, and is successfully carrying on operations along both lines.

Mr. Ashbaugh was married in 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Hannah, daughter of John and Rebecca (Sipler) Vensel. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living at the age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Ash- baugh have five children: William A., who is now cashier of the St. Petersburg Savings Bank; Howard W., also a resident of St. Petersburg; Forest C., who is clerking in a general store in St. Petersburg; Nettie R .; and Charles B. They have also lost one daughter-Lottie, who died at the age of three years. The children all have been provided with good opportunities for obtaining an education.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Ashbaugh is a Democrat, and he has faithfully served his fellow citizens as assessor, member of the city council and burgess for two terms. He is one of the leading members of Lookout Post No. 425, G. A. R., and is the present commander. He be- longs to the Reformed Church, was a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of the house of worship, has served as trustee, and is now an elder in the Church. His influence is great and always for good, and his sympathy, his benevolence and his kindly greet- ings have gained for him the friendship of a wide circle' of acquaintances. He is a man of the times, broad-minded, public-spirited' and pro- gressive.

O SCAR A. ROSE, a leading wagonmaker and blacksmith of Shippenville, Clarion county, has been prominently identified with the indus- trial and business interests of that place since 1875.

Born in Jackson, Ohio, March 24, 1842, Mr. Rose is a son of Robert and Elmira (Edsal, Rose. The father was also a native of Ohio, his birth occurring in 1809, in Mahoning county, but the grandfather. David Rose, was born in Pennsyl- vania, of Puritan ancestry. The mother of our subject was a native of New York City, where she successfully engaged in teaching for a time. and later became one of the first teachers of Ma- honing county, Ohio. In early life her husband was a tin peddler, traveling through Ohio, but later purchased a farm in Mahoning county, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Rose died upon that place in 1865. and his death occurred in Jackson in December. 1889. In the family of this worthy couple were four sons and two daughters, namely: Henry, who still resides on the old home farm in Ohio; Oscar

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A., of this sketch; Ogden and Wallace E., who also make their home in Ohio; Sarah, wife of J. M. Howard, of Mahoning county; and Mrs. Mary Bellard, of Ohio.

The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native county, and at Jackson, Ohio, learned the wagonmaker's trade, which he followed in that State until the outbreak of the Civil war. At Jackson he enlisted. October 14, 1861, for three years, in Company C, Sixth Ohio Cavalry, and with the Army of the Potomac par- ticipated in the battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic. By an Act of Congress, he was hon- orably discharged July 8, 1862, but on the 15th of the following August, he joined the Twenty- first Indiana Battery, Light Artillery, and was sworn into the United States service at South Bend, Ind., being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He took part in the battles of Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and at the last named was detailed in the Fifth United States Battery and stationed in front of Chattanooga during the siege of that place, where he remained for two weeks. He then went with his command to Lookout Mountain, and, when that stronghold was taken, proceeded to Nash- ville, where he was transferred to Company K, Eleventh Veteran Reserve Corps, with which he served until hostilities ceased. He participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., and then was sent to Albany, N. Y., where he was finally discharged August 8, 1865.

Returning to his home in Jackson, Ohio, Mr. Rose resided there until 1869, when he removed to Titusville, Penn., and later to Oil City, work- ing at his trade in both places. Subsequently. he lived in Salem, Penn., and from there came to Shippenville, in 1875. He has since been one of the representative and prominent business men of the place, taking an active interest in its welfare, and doing all in his power to advance its prosperity.

On September 9, 1872, in Titusville, Mr. Rose was married to Miss Rachel Morehead, a native of Venango county, Penn., and a daugh- ter of John and Jennie (Crawford) Morehead, who were also born in thatcounty, where the fa- ther engaged in farming until his death in 1873. The mother died in the same county in IS85. Her father, Esquire Crawford, was a Continental soldier during the Revolutionary war, and spent his last days in Venango county. Mrs. Rose's paternal grandfather. Jackson Morehead, was also an honored pioneer of that county, where his death occurred. Mrs. Rose is one of a fam- ily of twelve children, of whom the following are still living, namely: Mrs. Martha Lowley, of

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 86

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