Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 90

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 90
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 90
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 90
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 90

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In early manhood Mr. Kissinger married Miss Cynthia A. Hicks, a native of Ohio, by whom he had three children: Mary Elizabeth, now the wife of William Wallrobenstein. of East Brady, Clarion county: James P., a resident of East Brady; and Cinderella Catherine, who died in childhood. The wife and mother, who was a devout Catholic and a most estimable lady, died : May 18, 1875. Mr. Kissinger was again married December 20, 1878, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Greer, a native of Mercer county, Penn., and a daughter of John Greer. She, too, was a faithful member of the Catholic Church, and died December 17, 1896. In his political affiliations Mr. Kissinger is a Democrat, and be-

ing a progressive, public-spirited man, he takes a deep and commendable interest in the welfare of his country, and in days of peace, as well as in days of war, he has ever been found true to his duties of citizenship.

C HARLES BROWN. Among the reliable and substantial farmers of Red Bank town- ship, Clarion county, there is probably none who stands higher in the public estimation than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He was born May 7, 1847, on the farm where he still makes his home, and to its cultivation and improvement he now devotes his energies. It comprises fifty acres of rich and arable land under a high state of cultivation and well improved with good and substantial buildings.

The paternal grandparents of our subject, William and Nancy (Scott) Brown, were natives of County Donegal, Ireland, where they lived for inany years, but spent their last days in Red Bank township, Clarion county. They were . Episco- palians in religious belief, and most estimable people. The parents of our subject, Robert and Margaret (Hume) Brown, were also born and reared in County Donegal, Ireland, but soon after their marriage they bade good-bye to the Emerald Isle and came to the United States. They located upon the farm now owned by our subject, and there the mother died at the age of fifty, and the father at the age of eighty-one. They were earnest, consistent Christian people. members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and politically. Mr. Brown was a stanch Republican. Their family numbered ten children: John H. (who served as a soldier in the 103rd P. V. I. during the war of the Rebellion, and is now a resident of Kansas), William A., Ann J. , Amelia. Martha, Scott, Elizabeth, Charles, Samuel and Marv.

Charles Brown was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys, pursuing his studies in the country schools and aiding in the work of the fields. At the early age of sixteen years he manifested his patriotismn by enlisting at Red Bank in the 152nd P. V. I., or the Third Heavy Artillery, and was mustered into the United States service at Camp Copeland, Pittsburg, February 14. 1864. As a member of Capt. Kirt's company and Col. Roberts' regiment. he was first stationed near the James river, and later took part in the battles of Petersburg and Bermuda. He belonged to an independent bat- tery, and while stationed at Fortress Monroe had the honor of guarding Jefferson Davis when the Confederate President was a prisoner at that

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place. As the war had ended and his services were no longer needed, Mr. Brown was honora- bly discharged in November, 1865, and returned home.

At the age of nineteen Mr. Brown married Miss Josephine Lavan, a native of Summit coun- ty, N. J., who at that time was only seventeen, and she has proved a true and faithful helpmeet to her husband. She is the fourth in the order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being: Kinyon. Sarah, Elias, Mary, Martha, and Milroy. Her parents, Lorenzo S. and Eliz- abeth (Slack) Lavan, were both natives of New Jersey, but the mother died in Clarion county, Penn., at the age of fifty-nine, and the father in Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn., at the age of seventy-one. Both were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and had the re- spect of all who knew them. The father; who was a blacksmith by trade, served for three years as a soldier in the Union army, belonging to Capt. Means' company, 62nd P. V. I. His son, Kinyon, now a resident of Venango county, Penn., was for three years in Capt. Brady's com- pany, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves, and Elias was for fourteen months a member of the Penn- sylvania Cavalry, and is now a resident of Clar- ion county.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four sons living: Irvin C., Emory C., Samuel P., and Robert L .; and one, Malcolm P., who died at the age of seven years. The parents both hold member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, socially, occupy an enviable position. Mr. Brown affiliates with the Republican party, and is very popular in the neighborhood where he has so long made his home.

J OHN W. MILLER, an oil producer of Turkey City, and one of the leading business men of the community, was born December II, 1852, in Clarion county, and belongs to a family noted for its patriotism and bravery, having been well represented in the different wars of this country. ^

Jacob Miller. his grandfather, a soldier of the war of 1812, was born in Northampton county, Penn., of Scotch ancestry, and married Lavina Flick, daughter of Jacob Flick, of German de- scent. In 1831 they located in Clarion county. but later migrated to Dane county, Wis., where they spent their remaining days. The grand- father died at the age of eighty-four, and the grandmother at the extreme old age of ninety- nine, being at that time the oldest woman in the Badger State. He was a farmer by occupation,

a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were faithful members of the Reformed Church. In their family were the following children: John, Charles, Elizabeth, William, George, Betsy, Peggy Ann, Reuben, Polly, Lydia and Jasper.

George Miller, our subject's father, was born August 22, 1829, in Toby township, Clarion county, and was here reared to manhood. On the 4th of July, 1861, he enlisted for three years in Company E, 62d P. V. I., and participated in the battle of Yorktown, the second battle of Bull Run, the engagement at Fredericksburg. the seven-days' fight on the Peninsula, and the battle of New Hope Church. At North Anna he was wounded in the left elbow by a minie ball. but refused to go to the hospital. His term of service having expired, he was honorably dis- charged July 14, 1864, and returned to his home, but never regained his health. He was first married to Sarah Ann Boyd, who died during his service in the Union army. Of the six children born to them, three are still living: John W., Jacob and Matilda. William died November 21, 1897. In 1865, Mr. Miller was again mar- ried, his second union being with Catherine. daughter of H. Hile, and to them were born the following children: Lydia, Maggie A., Lizzie. George, Huldah, Isabel, James, Algena and Mary.

John W. Miller spent the days of his child- hood in much the usual manner of farmer boys. attending school, when his services were not needed at home. He now owns a tract of twenty acres in Richland township, Clarion coun- ty, upon which are good and substantial build- ings and three oil wells. He gives the greater part of his time and attention to the oil busi- ness, and is meeting with a fair degree of suc- cess in his undertakings. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republic- an party, while, socially, he affiliates with the Knights of the Maccabees, and, religiously. he is a member of the Methodist Church. Wherever known he is held in high regard, and he has many warm friends throughout his native county.

In 1874 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss E. Jenny Shoup, and they have be- come the parents of the following children: Ed- ward, Archie H., Homer M .. Charles Wesley, Myrtle May, Jessie, Francis M., all living, and Freddy, who died at the age of five years.

William Shoup, the father of Mrs. Miller, has for the past two years successfully engaged in merchandising at Chestnut Ridge, and also owns and operates a farin of eighty-five acres in Rich- land township, Clarion county. He was born in that township, July 4. 1826, and is a son of David and Rose Ann (Shakely) Shoup. His

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father, a native of Armstrong county, and of German extraction, opened up a farm in Rich- land township, and for many years successfully operated the same. He died in May, 1888, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years and six- teen days, and his wife, who was a native of But- ler county, Penn., died in 1850. Her father, Milford Shakely, was a soldier of the Revolu- tionary war and a pioneer of Butler county. David Shoup was the father of fourteen children, eight by his first marriage, of whom six are still living: William; Mrs. Texas, of Richland town- ship; Mrs. James; Mrs. Holmes; Mrs. Susan Jackson, of Richland township; and David, of Red Bank, Clarion county. For his second wife David Shoup married Lavina Gouther, who still lives on the old farm, and is the mother of six children, five still living.

William Shoup was reared and educated in Richland township, where he wedded Mary Ann Heator, a native of the same township, and a daughter of Jacob Heator, a Revolutionary hero, and a pioneer of Clarion county. Nine children graced this union-Mrs. Susan Neeley, of Rich- land township; Jane, wife of John W. Miller, of this review; Jacob Wesley, who died August 4, 1897; David, a resident of Richland township; William, of Ohio; Solomon, of Richland town- ship; Frank, at home; Eddie, of Richland town- ship; and Myrtle, at home.

BENJAMIN F. AMSLER, a worthy repre- sentative of the agricultural and industrial interests of Clarion county, is now carrying on operations as a farmer in Washington township, and also owns and operates a portable sawmill of twenty-three horsepower, with a capacity of 20,000 feet of lumber per day. In both occupa- tions he is meeting with a well-deserved success, and is justly ranked among the substantial and reliable business men of the community.

Mr. Amsler was born February 13, 1855, on the farm where he still continues to make his home, a son of Rudolph Amsler, whose birth oc- curred August 5, 1813, in Canton Aargau, Switzer- land. The grandfather, John Amsler, was born in the same locality, and in 1816 brought his fain- ily to America. He located near Fryburg in Clarion county, Penn., where he died at a ripe old age. Upon that farm Rudolph grew to man- hood, assisted in the labors of the fields; and when his services were not needed at home dur- ing the winter months, he attended the public schools of the locality. He married Miss Sarah Best, a native of Centre county, Penn., and a daughter of Conrad Best, who was born in this

State, of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, and became a pioneer of Clarion county, where he spent his remaining days.

Five children were born to Rudolph Amsler and wife, namely: S. J., now a resident of But- ler county, Penn. ; Mrs. Mary Thompson, of War- ren county; Mrs. Delilah Rearden, of Bradford, Penn .; Benjamin F., of this review; and Mrs. Adaline C. Sheetz, of Clarion county. In 1842 the parents located upon the present farm of our subject, which comprises ninety-seven acres of valuable and well-improved land. There is a fine large residence upon the place, a good barn. an orchard, and indeed all the accessories which make up a model farm of the nineteenth century. . Here the father died at the age of seventy-nine, honored and respected by all who knew him, but the mother is still living on the old homestead at the age of seventy-eight. He was originally a Whig in politics, and later a Republican, and was called upon to serve on the school board and as tax-collector of his township. For over forty years he was officially connected with the Lu- theran Church to which he belonged, and has also served as superintendent of the Sabbath-school.

Benjamin F. Amsler was reared to habits of industry upon the home farm, and in the com- mon schools of the neighborhood acquired his literary education. On August 28, 1875, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Lavina McKissick. who was reared and educated in Centreville, Penn .. and is a daughter of Thompson McKissick, an honored citizen of this section of the State. They have become the parents of five sons, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Ervin L., March 12, 1876; James F .. March 23, IS78; Lawney M., December 19, 1880; John W .. June . 22, 1883, and Benjamin T., Jr., September 22, 1887. The oldest son is now married, and lives on a farm in Washington township, Clarion county.

Politically, Mr. Amsler is identified with the Republican party, and socially, affiliates with Tecumseh Lodge No. 1033, I. O. O. F. He and his wife are both sincere members of the Lu- theran Church of Fryburg, and give an unquali- fied support to all measures calculated to advance tlie moral interests of the community. They are also faithful temperance workers, and do all in their power toward the elevation of humanity or the betterinent of mankind.

A C. HARDING, the well-known and popu- lar proprietor of the " Allegheny Hotel," Foxburg, Clarion county, has for many years been associated with hotel life, and is therefore

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in close touch with the traveling public. He is now conducting as fine a hotel as can be found on the Allegheny Valley railroad between Pitts- burg and Oil City. It is a commodious building pleasantly situated on the banks of the Allegheny river, containing thirty-six rooms, and the at- tendants are all pleasant and accommodating, taking pleasure in looking after the interests of the guests.

Mr. Harding was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., April 17, 1854, and is a son of C. F. and Ann (Edington) Harding, who were born, reared and married in the eastern part of that State. Emigrating to Cattaraugus county, the father · built the first steam sawmill in that region, and for many years successfully engaged in the manu- facture of lumber at Randolph, N. Y. Later he became interested in the oil business, but after- ward again engaged in the manufacture of 'lum- ber at Quaker City, Penn. He was a prominent luumber man, well known throughout western New York and northern Pennsylvania. Heandhis wife both died in Cattaraugus county, he in 1892, and she in 1888. Their family numbered seven children-three sons and four daughters-namely: Milo A., a resident of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Helen A. Burbank, of Irvington, Warren Co., Penn .; Mrs. O. M. Jefford, of New York City, whose husband is a bookkeeper_in the Seaboard Bank; Ada, who died in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., at which time she was the wife of a Mr. Wentz; Mrs. Carrie Martin, of Oil City, Penn .: A. C., of this sketch; and Dr. F. D., a dentist of Mo- nongahela City, Pennsylvania.

ing is certainly well deserved, and he is justly ranked among the leading hotel men of western Pennsylvania.

At Franklin, in 1883, Mr. Harding married Miss Carrie Sneathen, who was born in Pitts- burg, a daughter of William and.Sarah Sneathen. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still a resident of Pittsburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Harding have been born three children: Vera, Harry and Paul. In his political affiliations, Mr. Harding is a Republican, and he takes a deep and commendable interest in all objects tending to advance the public welfare.

G EORGE B. WHITEHILL, the scholarly and able editor and publisher of the Clarion Jacksonian, one of the organs of the Democratic party in Clarion county, is a native of the county, born June 20, 1865, in Limestone township.

Mr. Whitehill is the youngest in the family of eleven children born to Barton and Mary (Allison) Whitehill, seven of whom at this writ- ing (January, 1898) are living. In order of age those living are: Sarah Jane, widow of Thomas Stewart, late of Eldred township, Jefferson Co., Penn .; Anna Mary, who resides with her mother in Limestone township; Robert C., a justice of the peace of Millcreek township, Clarion county; Maggie A .. the wife of R. S. MoIntosh, of Brandy Camp. Elk county; Barton H., of Falls Creek, Jefferson county; and William A., who resides on the old place in Limestone township. Adelaide, the wife of Jeremiah Greely, died in 1895; John and Rachel died of diphtheria in childhood: and James died in infancy.

The public schools of Cattaraugus county afforded our subject his educational privileges, . and his business training was begun at an early Barton Whitehill, the father of these, was born in Centre county, Penn., and came to Clar- ion county when ten or twelve years of age. He died in March, 1887. His father's name was Criswell Whitehill. A large number of relatives of the family still reside in Centre county. Mary (Allison) Whitehill, the mother, who still lives at her home in Limestone township, is the daughter of Robert Allison, one of the earliest settlers in Clarion county, who was a veteran of the war of 1812, and a man who was respected and esteemed wherever known. age as night clerk in a hotel. Later he was pro- moted to day clerk, and thus worked his way upward through all the different positions until he is now at the head of one of the leading ho- tels in this section of the State. His motto in life has been "whatever you have to do, do it well," and, as he has strictly adhered to this rule during his twenty-three years' connection with the hotel business, he has met with a well- merited success. In 1874 he was first einployed in a hotel at Jamestown, N. Y., later spent some time in Bradford, Penn., and from there George B. Whitehill attended the common schools of his county until he was sixteen years of age, then went to the Belleview Academy, in Jefferson county, for one term, and the follow- ing winter taught school in Polk township. Jef- ferson county. His sister, Maggie A., who was one of the most able and successful teachers in the schools of the county, furnished our subject went to Franklin, this State, where he made his home for eleven years. During five years of that time he was manager of the "Exchange Hotel." With the exception of two years, he has been connected with the .. Allegheny Hotel " at Foxburg since 1888, and in 1895 succeeded James M. Panton as proprietor of the same. The reputation he has made in his chosen call- | the means to attend the Belleview Academy, and

Respectfully yours, Gio. B. Whitehill

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was the greatest help to him possible, for which he here gratefully acknowledges her aid and in- fluence in imparting a desire for knowledge, a useful life and all that is best in his character. Later he attended the Edinboro State Normal School one spring term, and was among the first to take advantage of the establishment of the Clarion State Normal School in 1887. Teach- ing each winter and attending the spring term at the Normal, he was finally graduated from the Clarion State Normal School in the class of '91, one of the best of his class. Following this, he taught for two years in the Clarion Public schools, and was for two years principal of the public schools of Mt. Jewett, Penn. In all he taught twelve terms in Clarion, Jefferson, Elk and Mckean counties. In September, 1895, Mr. Whitehill purchased a third interest in the Clarion Jacksonian, and a few weeks thereafter the Twice-a-week Jacksonian was started. On July 1, 1896, he became sole proprietor of the paper by purchasing the interest of his partner, John J. Shick. The Jacksonian, as the name indicates, is Democratic, and while not extreme- ly partisan will under the present management always be found true to Democratic principles. It is the only "twice-a-week" in its section, and has long been called "the paper the people read." Mr. Whitehill's education and long ex- perience as a teacher well fits him for the edi- torial chair as is evidenced by the increasing popularity of the paper since it came under his management. With his characteristic energy he has largely mastered the details of the work as well as learned much of its mechanical part. He is a charter member of the "Protected Home Circle " at Mt. Jewett, Penn., and a member of Clarion Lodge No. 252, I. O. O. F.

On September 12, 1888, Mr. Whitehill was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Carrier, a daughter of David F. and Sarah (Clark) Carrier, of Limestone township, Clarion county. Mr. Carrier is a respected citizen of his county, and a member of one of the largest and most prom- inent families in Jefferson county. In Septem- ber, 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Whitehill were called to mourn the death of their little daughter, Flor- ence Oleta. One son, Murton Rugh, born March 28, 1896, still survives. The parents are iden- tified with the M. E. Church, being members of that denomination at Clarion and its auxiliary societies.

J AMES B. STAHLMAN, a wide-awake and progressive agriculturist of Limestone town- ship, Clarion county, was born in 1856, on the farm where he yet resides, his parents being

Paul and Ann (Shaffer) Stahlman. The father was a native of Schuylkill county, Penn., but in early life came to Clarion county, where he suc- cessfully engaged in farming until called from this life in 1877. He was a quiet, unassuming cit- izen, yet had the respect and esteein of all who knew him. His wife is still living (1897), and enjoys fair health for one of her years. In the family are six children, four sons and two daugh- ters, namely: Mary Jane (wife of Levi Himes), Clara Elizabeth (wife of J. H. Bowersox), Fran- cis T., George W., Nathan U. and James B.

Reared on the home farm, the subject of this sketch obtained his education by attending the country schools of the neighborhood during the winter months when his services were not needed in the fields. He has practically devoted his en- tire life to agricultural pursuits, and now owns the home farm, which comprises 114 acres of rich and arable land, and is improved with neat and substantial buildings. The well-tilled fields testify to his skill and ability in his chosen call- ing, and in connection with general farming he is also successfully engaged in stock-raising, fruit and bee culture. Mr. Stahlman was reared in the Lu- theran faith but does not hold membership with any religious denomination. In politicshe isan ardent Democrat, and while not an aspirant for official honors he has filled a number of local offices to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, being the present auditor of his township, and town clerk. He is a worthy representative of one of the hon- ored pioneer families of Limestone township, and is held in high regard by all with whom he has come in contact either in social or business life.

J JOHN F. METZGER, although young in years, is one of the most energetic and enter- prising business men of Shippenville, Clarion county, where he owns and operates five valu- able wells, which were opened up by Crawford, McDowell & White in 1886. Since starting out in life for himself he has been interested in the oil business, which he has mastered in every de- tail. Upright and honorable in all transactions, he has not only won success in his chosen calling. but has gained the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

A native of Clarion county, Mr. Metzger was born August 23, 1869, in Piney township, a son of John and Anna (Fowser) Metzger, the former a native of Messingen and the latter of Wurtem- berg, Germany. In his native land the father was reared and educated, but when a young man crossed the ocean and took up his residence in Piney township, Clarion Co., Penn., where as a

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jobber he did quite an extensive lumber business. In that township he was married, and there his death occurred in 1881. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, was a Demo- crat in politics, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He had two brothers who came to America-George, who located in the West; and Peter, who afterward returned to the Father- land. Mrs. Metzger, who is a most estimable woman, now makes her home in Shippenville.

The subject of this sketch is ,the only one of the five children of the family who reached years of maturity. He began his education in the schools of Piney township, and after coming to Shippenville in 1882, continued his studies for a time. On leaving home, he was first employed in pumping and rig building in the oil fields of Butler county, and when he had saved sufficient capital to engage in business on his own account, he began buying wells in 1890

In 1892, in Shippenville,-Mr. Metzger was mar- ried, the lady of his choice being Miss May Cuneo, a native of Shippenville, Penn .. and a daughter of John and Jennie (Pisano) Cuneo, who were born in Italy and came to the New World in an early day, locating in Baltimore. The father died in that city, and the mother is now Mrs. Irving, a resident of Shippenville. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Metzger, namely: Iva May, Norbert Otto and Ethel Myra. The parents hold inembership in the Lutheran Church, while, politically, Mr. Metzger is identi- fied with the Democratic party. In giving close attention to his business interests, he has had lit- tle time to devote to political matters, but has always kept well informed on the leading ques- tions and issues of the day. He has started out in life under favorable auspices, blessed with a fair share of this world's goods and a host of friends, who bespeak for him a prosperous future.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 90

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