Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 88

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 88
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 88
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 88
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 88

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tice Trunkey of the supreme court, presiding at a special court in Clarion, remarked that nowhere in the State had he found the standard of excel- lence up to the manners and forms of practice adopted and in use by the firin of Wilson, Jenks & Reed. A rigid adherence to the rules of court and practice established for thein a record quite exceptional. With regard to their ability, prob- ity, fidelity to their clients, and kindred qualities, the well-known record of this firm speaks more emphatically than could any ordinary words of eulogy. During the continuance of this co-part- nership, Mr. Wilson was engaged in extensive outside business transactions, for which his early education and experience gave him exceptional advantages. In company with a practical inan as partner, he bought five thousand acres of the best pine timber land in Clarion and Jefferson counties, and employed large numbers of men in manufacturing lumber. At first he attended simply to the financial part of the business, the purchase of supplies, etc., but finally bought out his partner and conducted the business alone for many years, adding to it the manufacture of coal boats for the transportation of bitumi- nous coal from Pittsburg to New Orleans. He also held large interests in oil production, which he managed successfully. A hig hearted, man. recognizing the value of the men who served him, his relations with them were al- ways kindly and congenial, and it is a remark- able fact in his life that he never had a lawsuit with one of his employees. Generous as well as just in all his dealings with men, his benevo- lence was proverbial. His purse was always open to any charitable object and his name led the subscription lists for Church and other charities with the largest sum. One simple but most thoughtful instance of his character in this re- gard, out of many that may never be known, may be properly given here. Hearing of the sudden and imperative need of the people of a neighboring town. which had been destroyed by fire. he sent to each of more than fifty fainilies. a barrel of flour, a munificent gift, the adequacy and wisdom of which will be readily conceded. Being a Republican in a Democratic county, giving a majority of usually eighteen hundred, Mr. Wilson had no opportunity for political pre- ferinent. though he controlled the State and Federal Republican patronage for more than twenty-five years, and generally either went a delegate to the Republican conventions or was represented in them by his friends. In 1882 he was specially selected to present to the Republic- an State convention the name of ex-Senator

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Internal Affairs, who was nominated on the first ballot. In 1879 the Legislature passed a judicial apportionment bill, erecting Clarion into a separ- ate judicial district. As soon as the bill passed the members of the Clarion Bar and the officers of the court, without distinction of party, in a strong petition to the governor recommended Mr. Wilson for appointment as president judge. No other name was presented. The bill, how- ever, was afterward vetoed by Gov. Hoyt. In the last judicial apportionment, Clarion county was made a separate judicial district, it having more than forty thousand population required by the constitution. Jefferson county being contig- uous and having less than forty thousand popu- lation, was attached to Clarion for judicial pur- poses, the two forming the 18th Judicial District. In the year 1881 an election for president judge was held in the 18th District. In Clarion county the Democrats nominated James B. Knox, and the Republicans unanimously nominated Theo- philus S. Wilson; but as it was apparent to the political sagacity of Mr. Wilson that the Demo- cratic nominee would certainly be elected, he de- clined to be a candidate, and the result proved the wisdom of his judgment, for Judge Knox was elected, his majority in Clarion county being over seventeen hundred. " He was commissioned and entered upon his duties in January, 1882, and died in December, 1884. A successor was then appointed by the Democratic governor, Pattison, and served during 1885. At the next election he obtained a plurality vote at the primary meeting, after a vigorous contest. Meanwhile Mr. Wil- son's name was presented, with his consent, be- fore the Republican primary. As soon as it was known that he was willing to run, no other name being offered, he received the whole party vote at the primary meeting in Clarion county, and was unanimously declared the choice of the county convention. In Jefferson county no name was publicly announced except his, and when that county convention assembled he was the only can- didate. On the day preceding the State conven- tion the judicial district convention met in Jeffer- son county, and on the first ballot Mr. Wilson was made the nominee, and was the unanimous and un- opposed choice of his party. In regard to this, many of Mr. Wilson's friends considered the nomination an empty honor in view of the preponderating Democratic strength in the district. But Mr. Wilson having entered the lists, was not there for defeat. Possessing remarkable political gifts, a skill in organization rarely equalled, and an energetic determination that filled his followers with enthusiasm, these qualities were at the serv- ice of his friends. The result was a campaign of

masterly ability, which succeeded in turning the vote to the extent of an average of fifty in every election district in Clarion county. The situa- tion was deemed so important that the State or- ganizations took an active part in the campaign, State Chairman Hensel sending Democratic speakers into the county, and State Chairman Cooper and United States Senator Quay aiding the Republican side with effective efforts. The returns surprised even the most sanguine sup- porters of the Republican candidate. Not only was Mr. Wilson elected, but, in a district fre- quently giving a Democratic majority of three thousand, stood a Republican majority of over four hundred-a phenomenal result that was the subject of the liveliest congratulations among the Republicans throughout the State. On the Bench Judge Wilson continued to have the same success and to hold the same exalted reputation that had accompanied him through all his professional ex- perience. He soon became noted for the remark- able method and order which characterized his judicial work. His mind never wandered or was confused; his rulings of law were seldom ques- tioned; his memory exhibited a rare tenacity; his industry was unflagging. It is said of him that where formerly many writs of error were taken annually from the Clarion courts to the supreme court, and many decisions reversed, during the first two years of Judge Wilson's term only two writs were taken, one in each year, and. in each case his decision was affirmed. One of the cases thus appealed was the celebrated King homicide case, of which the Supreme Court said, in affirm- ing it: "The assignments of error must all be dismissed, for the charge of the learned and able Judge was full and complete on every point, and we do not see how a better one could be framed." A man of fine presence and address, Judge Wil- son was gifted with peculiar qualities for the ac- quisition and retention of the affection and esteem of those who knew him. Genial and frank in his manner, he was possessed of a dignity which made him an imposing figure in whatever society he entered. A thoroughly educated and highly cultured gentleman, he had also a bonhomie which rendered him strikingly attractive to his associates.

In 1859, Judge Wilson was married to Amanda Lowry, eldest daughter of William H. and Eliza Lowry, whose father was one of the most prominent citizens and merchants in Clar- ion county, and to the union were born five chil- dren: Edward M., Minnie, Harry R., Elizabeth and Theophilus L. Judge Wilson died while hold- ing court for Judge White, at Indiana, Penn .. July 6, 1891.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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D AVID W. GOHEEN, of New Bethlehem, belongs to one of the leading pioneer fami- lies of Clarion county. His grandfather, James Goheen, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., was of Welsh lineage, a Presbyterian in religious belief and a farmer by occupation. He spent his last days in Porter township, Clarion county, dying there at an advanced age.

Davis Goheen, father of our subject, was born in 1802, in Lancaster county, where he grew to manhood, and in Boalsburg, Centre Co., Penn., he married Miss Sarah Marian, who was born in that county, of Scotch ancestry. Com- ing to Clarion county in 1837, he purchased a large tract of land in Porter township, which he converted into a fine farm, making it his home for many years. He, too, was a faithful mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and - was a cheerful contributor to all objects calculated to promote the moral, educational or material wei- fare of the community. On the organization of the Republican party he became one of its stanch supporters, and previous to the war he had kept a station on the famous "underground rail- road," aiding many a poor negro on his way to Canada and freedom. He was a very large man, and one who enjoyed the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact. He died in 1877 at the age of seventy-five years, having long survived the mother of our subject, who de- parted this life at the age of thirty-five.

In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, four sons and five daughters, namely: John, a resident of North Point, Indiana Co., Penn .; Mrs. Elizabeth Shoemaker, of Porter township, Clarion county; Mrs. Nancy Kirk- patrick, of Clarion county; James, who died in 1859 on the Plains en route to California; Mary and Sarah Ann, both deceased; George, a mem- ber of Company A, 105th P. V. I., who was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run, Au- gust 29, 1862, and died July 11, 1865, at North Point, Indiana Co., Penn., leaving a widow and two children; David W .; and Ruth, who married C. D. Brown, and died leaving two children.

The birth of our subject occurred May 26, 1843, in Porter township, Clarion county, where he passed the days of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of fariner lads, aiding in the work of the fields and attending the common schools. Later he was also a student in an acad- emy in Centre county when the Civil war broke out. On August 23, 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany A, 105th P. V. I., under Colonel Mcknight, who was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. Mr. Goheen was in active service until hostilities ceased, and, having re-enlisted as a veteran vol-

unteer in the same regiment, participated in many hotly-contested battles, including those from Yorktown to Appomattox Court House. He was wounded in the inouth at Locust Grove, having two teeth knocked out, and was also wounded at Petersburg, Va., and at Gettysburg, Penn. When the war was ended and his serv- ices were no longer needed, he was honorably discharged July 11, 1865, and returned to his home in Porter township. In 1875 he moved to the city of Philadelphia, Penn., where he re- mained until after the close of the Centennial. Since 1887 he has made his home in New Beth- lehem, Penn., and devoted his time and attention to fire insurance and pension business. He has been one of the most successful pension agents in the county, having practiced before the pension bureau for twenty-five years; he does quite an extensive insurance business, and represents some of the best old-line fire insurance companies in the United States. He served a term as justice of the peace, and has been a notary public for sixteen years.

On May 7, 1867, Mr. Goheen was joined in wedlock with Miss Ella Ardery, a daughter of John and Susan (Lowery) Ardery, of Corsica, Penn., both now deceased. In their family were only two children: Mrs. Pence, of Limestone, Clarion county, and Mrs. Goheen. To our sub- ject and his wife have been born four children: Ivy M., Ruth Garfield, Nellie, and a son who died in infancy. Mr. Goheen has ever been a loyal citizen, co-operating in all that is calculated to promote the interests of his town, State or coun- try. The Republican party has always found in him a stanch supporter; he has served as a dele- gate to many of its conventions, and has always kept well informed on the issues and questions of the day. He was a charter member of Captain Core Post No. 237, of Piollett, Clarion county, and is now commander of Colonel Lemon Post No. 260, G. A. R., of New Bethlehem. Reared in the Presbyterian Church, he has always ad- hered to that denomination.

S QUIRE JAMES S. CRAIG. The invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy, in- dustry and ability a successful career, and the truth of this assertion is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Craig, who since 1885 has suc- cessfully conducted a drug store in St. Peters- burg, Penn., and been numbered among its lead- ing business men. He is a registered pharma- cist, and has had eighteen years experience in his present business. His fine store is stockep with a full and complete line of drugs, patent

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medicines, etc., and it is also headquarters for the long-distance Bell telephone.

Mr. Craig was born July 21, 1846, in Liberty township, Mercer Co., Penn., his parents being James Boggs and Elizabeth (Simpson) Craig. The father, a native of Liberty township, Mer- cer county, was a farmer and stock-dealer by oc- cupation, and died in Grove City, in 1892, at the age of seventy-one. The mother is now in her seventieth year, and is still a resident of that place. Being of Scotch-Irish descent, the fa- ther was reared in the Presbyterian Church, and was always a firm adherent of that faith. His political support was given the Democracy; for thirteen years he capably served as constable in his township.

The subject of this sketch is the oldest in a family of ten children, the others being as fol- lows: Mrs. Mary Long, of Whitehall, Mich .; Mrs. Maggie Barr. of Pierport, Mich .; Ermina, wife of Albert Mechling, of Sunbury, Penn. ; John F., a druggist of Clintonville, Penn .; W. H .. proprietor of a restaurant in Grove City, Penn. ; Ollie, a registered nurse in the State Hospital at Cleveland, Ohio; David and Laura, who died in youth; and Martha, who died at the age of twenty- seven years.

During his boyhood and youth James S. Craig attended the common schools, and also be- came quite familiar with the cattle business and the work of the farm. On starting out in life for himself he was engaged for several years in the oil-fields of Butler and Clarion counties as an operator and producer; since then he has given his attention exclusively to the drug business in Byrom Center, Butler county, and St. Peters- burg. Clarion county.

In 1867, in Mercer county, Mr. Craig was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth McCon- nell, who was born in Butler county, and success- fully engaged in teaching for several years previ- ous to her marriage. Her parents, Samuel and Sydney Elizabeth (Rainey) McConnell, were na- tives of Ireland, and, when children on the same ship, caine to America. They were married in Butler county, Penn., and there died. . The fam- ily of Mr. and Mrs. Craig numbers five children: Harry F. and Samuel B., both druggists of Noblestown, Penn. : Burt James, who is engaged in the same business in Chicora, Penn. ; Laura Jean, a graduate of the high school at St. Peters- burg; and Bessie McConnell, a student in the high school of St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania.

Squire Craig is one of the leading members of the Reformed Church of St. Petersburg, has served five years as deacon, and for the past ten years has been superintendent of the Sunday-

school, during which time he has been instru- mental in increasing the membership from forty to two hundred and twenty-five. He has also been very prominent in fraternal organizations, belonging to the Ancient Order of United Work- men, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Royal Arcanum, Camby Lodge No. 520, F. & A. M .. in which he served as worshipful master in 1893. The Democratic party has always found in him an earnest advocate, and he has been a delegate to a number of county conventions, and on his party ticket was elected county coroner, and is now serving his second term, which will expire in 1899. Mr. Craig has served for twenty years as justice of the peace, and on February 15. 1898, was elected for another term of five years, dating from the first Monday in May, 1898, it being his third term in St. Petersburg borough. He is a progressive man who has always sought to enlighten and elevate the people among whom he has lived, and his life is exemplary in all re- spects.

W HALL SLOAN, who is one of the act- ive, energetic merchants of the borough of Clarion, Clarion county, where he is conduct- ing a first-class grocery, is a native of the county, born May 16, 1851, in Limestone township.

Samuel and Eliza (Sloan) Sloan, his parents, were natives of Pennsylvania, born May 25, 1 808, and 1815, respectively. They were farming peo- ple of industrious habits and Christian lives. He was greatly interested in the Church and in edu- cational matters. She died in 1882, and he in 1887. Their children were Wilhelmina, Marga- ret J., Harriet E., Mary A., Caroline, John W., S. Grier, W. Hall, John E. (deceased), and Rosa (deceased).

W. Hall Sloan was reared on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1890. In his youth he attended the neighborhood schools, and passed one year at Clarion Academy (now the State Normal School). In 1890 he disposed of a portion of his farm and went into the grocery business in Clarion. Since that year he has con- ducted one of the best groceries of the borough, keeping a choice stock of the very best goods in the market. He is obliging and accommodating. and is meeting with that success that comes from close application to business and the properly caring for of their patrons. He also owns a farm of forty acres whereon on is produced, which yields. him a good royalty.

Mr. Sloan was married to Miss Rose Guthrie. who was born at Clarion, Penn., and is a daugh- ter of Jolin L. Guthrie, of Clarion. To this

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marriage six children were born, namely: Samuel J., Alice, Edward, Elizabeth, William R. and John E. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has cared nothing for public favor, and has not been an active politician. He has been a member of the borough council, and his services in that body of the city were appre- ciated. He is a man of good judgment, and his ideas are practical. Socially he stands high in the community.

W S. MITCHELL, a prominent representa- tive of the industrial and political inter- ests of East Brady, Clarion county, belongs to that class of men whose discretion, enterprise and sound judgment have been the · essential factors in promoting the prosperity of the com- munity with which they are connected. He was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., February 14, 1854, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Ann Mitchell, natives of England, in which country they were reared and married.

Coming to America, they located in Schuyl- kill county, Penn., where the father worked in the mines. He afterward removed to Irwin, Penn., and in 1869 to Catfish. Penn., where he was employed as mine boss until 1879. In that year, in company with Mr. Stevenson, he opened the Pine Run Mine, which he operated until 1887, when he opened the Diamond Mine, in Madison township, Clarion county. In 1892 he went to Virginia, where he organized the Pine Run Coal & Coke Company, conducting a mine for some time, when he sold out. He died in East Brady in 1892, the result of blood poison. He was a Republican in politics, and acceptably served in the office of burgess. During the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in Westmoreland county, as a member of the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, in which he served for more than three years. He afterward became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and also belonged to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife died in East Brady in October, 1895. This worthy

couple had a family of ten children, namely: IV. S .; George, of East Brady; Mrs. L. R. Lane and Mrs. Nettie Wiseman, both of East Brady: Mrs. Sarah Campbell, whose husband is railroad agent at Red Bank; John; Adda; William; Mrs. Deborah Morrison, of East Brady; and Thomas, who died in 1870.

W. S. Mitchell was reared in Schuylkill county until fifteen years of age, and then rc- moved to Westmoreland county, where he at-

tended school in Marion. He learned telegra- phy in East Brady, in 1869, and the following year entered the employ of the Allegheny Val- ley railroad at Catfish, afterward being located at various points along their line. He remained continuously with the company until 1887, and has since at various intervals been in their serv- ice for a limited period. At the time of the Johnstown flood he acted as telegraph agent at Red Bank. Thinking to find a more profitable field of endeavor in the coal regions, however. he became connected with that industry in 1887. The Diamond mines in Madison township, Cla- rion county, of which he is now proprietor, were sunk in 1887, and now furnish employment to about forty-five men. which number is increased when working to the full extent. The invest- ment is a profitable one, and his business inter- ests are well managed.

In :876 Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Truby, a native of Catfish, and a daughter of Henry Laffer and Ann Eliza (Mc- Clure) Truby, natives of Clarion county, and of German ancestry. Her father died many years ago, the mother in 1890 while returning by train to her home. In their family were six children: Mary Ann, wife of Frank Hoon, of Jamestown, N. Y. ; Jacob, of Avalon. N. J .; Mrs. Susan Har- ringer, of Du Bois, Penn .; Mrs. Rupert, who died in Madison township, Clarion county. in November, 1890: Harry L., of Chicago; and Mrs. Mitchell. To our subject and his wife have been born six children: May, Arthur, Pearl. Gertie, Harry, and Earl. In his political affiliations Mr. Mitchell is a Republican. and has been honored with several local offices, having served as audi- tor of East Brady, as a member of the council in 1890, and in November. 1896, he was elected burgess, being the present incumbent in that office. He discharges his duties with prompt- ness and fidelity, and is accounted one of the leading citizens of the community. Socially. he is connected with New Bethlehem Lodge No. 522, F. & A. M., and he attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Mitchell is one of the progressive business men of East Brady, whose success has been self-achieved and is well mer- ited.

TOSEPH SCHMADER devotes his time and energies to farming and lumbering in Farm- ington township. Clarion county, and the in- dustry which characterizes his business career has brought to him a fair measure of success. He was born in Knox township, same county. in 1852, a son of Simon and Mary A. Schmader.

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natives of Germany, who came to America in 1847. They located in Knox township, Clarion county, where the father has since followed the occupations of farming and lumbering. His worthy wife departed this life in 1892. In their family were eighteen children, namely: Eli, Jacob, Samuel, Joseph, John, Sebastian, Simon and Peter (twins, who died in childhood), Henry and Simon (living), Paul (who died when young), Sabina (living), Mary (who died in 1890), Eliza- beth, Catharine, Annie, Maggie and Anna M.

As his parents were in limited circumstances, Joseph Schmader was early forced to earn his own livelihood, and as a boy worked in the lum- ber woods and at boat building by the day. In 1879 he wedded Miss Mary T. Wolbert, of Clar- ion county, whose father, Conrad Wolbert, was a well-to-do citizen of Farmington township. After his marriage Mr. Schmader purchased six- ty-six acres of woodland in Farmington town- ship, and at once commenced to clear and im-

prove it. He rafted the square timber and logs taken from his land down the Clarion river to

the Western markets, and in this undertaking met with excellent success. His farm is now under a high state of cultivation, and he has erected thereon a large two-story residence and good barn. Throughout the summer months he engaged in agricultural pursuits, while in the winter he followed rafting and teaming until 1893, but since that time has given up the latter occupations. Adjoining his farm he purchased forty acres of the old Buzard, Ritts & Co.'s land and mill site, and has since cleared a portion of that tract. He also serves as general agent for the Chamberlin screw stump-puller, and also for the McCormick Harvesting Machinery Co., and is recognized as one of the wide-awake and most progressive business men of his community.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 88

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