Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 94

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 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 94

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RICHARD J. CHANDLER owns and oper- ates a fine farm of 100 acres in Porter township, Clarion county, where he has made his home since 1845. He is a man of excellent business capacity, and his habits of thought and observation have tended to provide him with a good fund .of general information, which has proved valuable in every respect.

Mr. Chandler was born August 4, 1827, in what was then Mckean county, but is now a part of Cameron county, Penn., and is a son of John Chandler, a native of New Jersey. The grand- father, Pontius ,Chandler, was born in Holland, and belonged to a good old family of that coun- try. Both he and his wife died in New Jersey. When a young man John Chandler located in Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Penn., where he mar- ried Miss Ann, daughter of Col. Elihu Chadwick, who was one of the most prominent men of that community, and was an officer in the Revolu- tionary war, having devoted seven years of his life to the struggle for independence. The fol- lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chandler, namely: Elihu, Rebecca, Ann, John, Richard J., Rachel, Lydia and Jeremiah. Besides our subject, Mfrs. Rebecca Freeman, of Cameron county, is the only one now living. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, and a Whig in politics, died in Porter township, Clarion county, : at the age of fifty-four years, and his wife de- parted this life at the age of seventy-four. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and reared her children in that faith. While not a member of any religious denomination, her husband attended Church and was a believer in the Bible.

In the county of his nativity, Richard J. Chandler was reared to. habits of industry, and there continued to make his home until locating

upon his present farm in Porter township. Clar- ion county, in 1845. Three years later he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Randolph, a daughter of Nathaniel Randolph, and a native of Ohio. Her parents both died in Tama coun- ty, Iowa. Seven children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Chandler, namely: James, now a resident of Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa; George H., of Manhattan county. Kans .; W. E., who lives on the home farm; Einma, wife of Calvin Wiant, of Porter township, Clarion county; two who died in childhood; and Mrs. Rebecca Luch, who died in November, 1895, at the age of forty-six years.

Mr. Chandler possesses a gocd voice, singing either tenor or soprano, and for forty years he has been leader of the choir of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member. His voice seems especially adapted to singing those old tunes which every one loves to hear at re- vivals or. at Church services. His life is exem- plary in all respects, and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation. He is a strictly temperate man, having never tasted liquor, and he has the esteem of his friends and the confidence of the public.

W C. MILTENBERGER, the senior editor of the Republican Gasette, of Clarion, and one of the proprietors of the paper, was born in Pittsburg, Penn., in 1848, descending from ancestors who were closely identified with the early iron interests of that city.

George Miltenberger, his grandfather, at the time of his death was one of the oldest citizens of Pittsburg. He was the senior member of the firm of Miltenberger & Brown, who erected and owned the first rolling-mill that assisted in envel- oping the city in smoke, which later gave it the name of the " Smoky City." George B. Milten- berger, the father of W. C., was one of the old- time steamboat agents of the same city. From 1856 to 1865 the family resided at Columnbus, Ky., and the subject of this sketch was a ines- senger in the quartermaster's department at that place for a year. In 1866 he clerked in a dry- goods store in Oil City. Penn. Returning to Pittsburg in 1867 he was examiner of one of the largest dry-goods stores at that time in the city. Later he was employed by the P., F. W. & C. Railroad Company in Allegheny City as chief manifest clerk, which position he held six years. After this he was for a time assistant clerk at the general delivery window of the Pittsburg

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post office. Following this position he removed to Rochester, Penn., where he was in the book and stationery business with his brother-in-law, W. J. Brown, under the firni name of Miltenber- ger & Brown. On the dissolution of the firm, Mr. Miltenberger joined Mr. A. M. Johnson and formed a partnership in the real-estate business as A. M. Johnson & Co. From Rochester he came to Clarion, and for about eight years was connected with the Clarion Democrat as collector and solicitor, local editor, and also attended to the books. On January 1, 1896, he and W. H. Pickens formed a partnership under the firm name of Miltenberger & Pickens, and took charge of the Republican Gazette, of Clarion, Penn., and they have since successfully conducted the paper. .

S AMUEL REED, one of the most energetic and progressive citizens of Porter township. Clarion county, was born March 25, 1834, upon the farm where he is still living. David Reed, his grandfather, was also a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was of Scotch lineage. He was one of three brothers, the others being Giles, who located in Virginia, and the one who removed to the Southwest. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey David Reed married Miss Polly Knight, who was of German descent.

James Reed, the father of our subject, was born in 1799, on Crab Tree run, in Westmore- land county, Penn., and was ten years of age when he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Armstrong county, where the later learned the blacksmith's trade. In Clarion coun- ty he married Miss Jane Blair, who was born on Sugar creek, in Armstrong county, a daughter of Alexander Blair, of Irish descent. In 1830 Mr. and Mrs. Reed located upon the farm where our subject now lives, and, in connection with its improvement and cultivation, the father also worked at his trade. He died on this place at the age of seventy years, honored and respected by all who knew him. His estimable wife, who. was born in 1804. was called to her final rest November 8. 1875. Both were faithful mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, and he was a Whig in politics, a warm admirer of Henry Clay.

John V. is a resident of Armstrong county, Penn., and Knight, of Wayne county, Ill. Sam- nel is the next in order of birth. Mrs. Mary Witmer lives in Licking township, Clarion coun- ty. Henrietta is deceased. James Irvin, a sol- dier of the Fifth Ohio Battery during the Civil war, participated in the battle of Jackson, Miss., and other engagements, and died at Memphis, Tenn., October 28, 1863, at the age of twenty- three years. Four children died in infancy.

Samuel Reed was reared on the home farm, received-his education in the local schools, and during his youth learned the manufacture of char- coal. In December, 1861, he began driving a . team for the government at Camp Gaully, in West Virginia, and was thus employed for nine months. Later he was a resident of Ohio, and on November 1, 1864, enlisted in the 67th O. V. I. For a time he was under Gen. Butler with the Army of the James; he participated in the battle of Fort Gregg, April 2, 1865, when he was wounded in the elbow of the left arm. At the hospital the surgeon said the limb would have to be amputated, but Mr. Reed refused to have the operation performed. He remained in the hospital at Houston Cross Roads from April 6 until June 18, when he was honorably dis- charged and returned to Ohio. In 1867, how- ever, he located on the old homestead in Porter township, Clarion Co., Penn., where he is still living. The farm comprises fifty-eight acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and well inproved.

Mr. Reed is a charter member of Capt. Case Post, No. 239, G. A. R., of Piollett, Clarion county, in which he has filled all the chairs. For five years he served as supervisor of Porter township with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents, and is justly numbered among the valued and useful citizens of his community.

MAJOR R. MORGAN, the cashier of the Foxburg Bank, has been closely identified with the business interests of the city for over twenty years, and his name is inseparably con- nected with its financial records. The first bank- ing institution with which he was connected was the Foxburg Savings Bank of Foxburg, Clarion county, where he received a salary of only $7.50 i per month; but so faithfully did he perform his duties that he was gradually promoted, and con- timed in the employ of that concern until 1876. He then accepted a position in the St. Peters- burg Savings Bank, of St. Petersburg, where he

In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children, nine sons and three daughters. David Blair, the oldest, went to California, via the Isthmus and died in that State in 1852. Alexander broke the first sod, in 1842, for the St. Charles furnace, for the firm of Tole & : remained until about 1878, when he returned to Adams, and died in Alabama, in April, 1896. | Foxburg as acting cashier of the Foxburg Sav-

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ings Bank. In 1881 the Foxburg Bank was established in the place of the Savings Bank, since which time Mr. Morgan has acceptably filled the position of cashier thereof, Joseph M. Fox being president. This bank to-day is one of the most solid financial institutions of Clarion county.

Mr. Morgan was born May 17. 1858, in Erie county, Penn., and is a son of Capt. Charles B. Morgan, an officer in the Union army, who was first a member of Company A, 83rd P. V. I., and later of a United States cavalry regiment. When the war was over he was reported among the missing, and no clew of his death has ever been found. He was a native of Vermont, and left home at the age of fourteen, after which he made his own way in the world unaided. He left a widow and three children, but Gol: Alonzo and Fred F. are now deceased, so that our sub- ject is the only one now living. The mother is now the wife of John F. Baker, and is a resident of Foxburg.

The early life of Maj. R. Morgan was passed in Titusville and Petroleum Center, having a good home in the former place with O. K. Howe, who was one of its most prominent citizens, and served as burgess for a time. Mr. Howe was in rather limited circumstances during his last years, at which time our subject had a chance to return in part the kindness shown him during his boyhood days. The education Mr. Morgan acquired in the public schools has been so supplemented by read- ing and study in later years, that he is now a well-informed man.

In 1888 was celebrated his marriage with Miss Adaline M. Sackett, a lady of culture and refinement, who was born in New York, and is a younger sister of Mrs. Joseph A. Harper, of Harper Brothers Publishing Company, still a resident of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan oc- cupy a beautiful cottage in Foxburg, where hos- pitality reigns supreme, and their many friends are always sure of a hearty welcome. . They. hold membership in the Episcopal Church, and since its organization Mr. Morgan has served as : treasurer. He is a worthy illustration of a self- made man; early thrown upon his own resources, he has through his own efforts attained to an en- viable position in both the business and the social world.

W A. SLAUGENHAUPT, M. D., whose careful study and thorough investigation of the science of medicine has made him one of the successful and able practitioners of East Brady, Clarion county, was born August 2, 1857. in Porter township, Clarion county.

The Doctor is a son of John and Mary Ann (Polliard) Slaugenhaupt. The father, who was born in Toby township, Clarion county. was a son of William Slaugenhaupt, who was born in Maryland, in 1798, spent the greater part of his life in his native county. The Doctor's father was reared and educated in Clarion county, and having arrived at years of maturity married Miss Mary Ann Polliard, a native of Porter township. Clarion county, and a daughter of George and Mary Polliard. the former born in Clarion coun- ty, the latter in Luzerne county, Penn. Mr. Slaugenhaupt was a farmer, and in 1863 pur- chased the Col. Boyle farm in Porter township, where he made his home until his death in July, 1893. His wife is still living on the farm. In their family were four children: W. A., our sub- ject; Thomas R., a farmer of Porter township; James B., who is living on the old homestead: and Emma J., wife of Robert Logan, of West Monterey, Clarion county.

. Dr. Slaugenhaupt was reared in Porter town- ship and acquired his education in the academies at Rimersburg, Callensburg and Millville. In 1876 he began teaching in Porter township, and afterward followed the profession in Armstrong county. In 1880 he went to Clearfield county. where he followed teaching for two years in New Millport, after which he became a member of the Faculty in the Normal at Clearfield. He also engaged in political work, making speeches throughout Clearfield county, after which he re- turned to Porter township. Clarion county, and took up the study of medicine. In 1883 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in Baltimore, Md., and was graduated with the class of 1885. In May, of that year, he located in St. Petersburg, where he remained until his removal to East Brady, in 1887. Here he has since engaged in general practice and now enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. He is a valued member of the County Medical Society, and is well versed in his chosen calling.

On October 21, 1891, Dr. Slaugenhaupt was married. in Curlsville, Clarion county, to Miss Stelle V. Hutchinson, who was born in Corn- planter township, Venango Co .. Penn., a daugh- ter of Robert M. Hutchinson, one of the early settlers there. The Doctor is a member of Or- cana Lodge No. 413, K. P .. the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of the Maccabees, and also the Kittanning. Penn., Lodge No. 203. B. P. O. Elks. His political support is given the Democracy. but his attention is not given to seek- ing office, his time being fully occupied with his professional duties. In June. 1892. the Doctor was appointed United States pension agent, and

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served until May, 1897. At a meeting of the Grand Union of the Equitable Aid Union held in Franklin, June, 1895, he was elected Grand Medical Examiner for the State of Pennsylvania, and served in that capacity for two years. He is a man of pleasing personality, a popular and highly respected citizen, and a worthy representa- tive of one of the pioneer families of the county.

W ILLIAM McDOWELL is one of the most influential and highly respected citizens of Beaver township, Clarion county, where he owns and operates a fine farm of 1 30 acres. Be- ing a thorough and systematic farmer, he has placed the land under a high state of cultivation, and the well-tilled fields yield to the owner a bountiful return for the care and labor bestowed upon them. There is a good bearing orchard upon the place, and the buildings are all neat and substantial.

Mr. McDowell was born in 1824, in Elk City, Clarion county, a son of John and Polly (Kiser) McDowell. The paternal grandparents were James and Mary McDowell, natives of the High- lands of Scotland, and of Scotch-Irish descent. For several years after coming to America they lived in Eastern Pennsylvania, but in 1813 emi- grated to Elk township, Clarion county, and later lived for a time in Venango county. The grandfather died, however, in Clarion county, in 1824, and his wife was called to her final rest in 1847. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and were sincere Christian people, their lives having ever been in harmony with their professions.

John McDowell, father of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, in 1790, and was therefore a young man on the removal of the family to Clarion county, where he was married to Miss Polly Kiser, whose birth occurred in Westmore- land county, Penn., in 1800. Her father, Peter Kiser, was one of the early settlers of Elk town- ship, having located there in 1817, and he con- tinued to 'make Clarion county his home until his death. John McDowell cleared and improved a farm in Elk township, and throughout life gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. He died upon that place in 1852, and his wife passed away in 1873, at the home of her son James. Both were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and were held in high regard by all who knew them.

In the family of this worthy couple were the following children: Mrs. Hannah Stringfiller, a resident of Beaver township, Clarion county; William, of this review; Mrs. Gould, who died

in Butler county, Penn., in 1897; James, a farmer of Elk township, Clarion county; Peter, who died when young; Mrs. Margaret Johnson, of Elk township; John, of Venango county; and Nancy, who died in childhood.

During his boyhood and youth William Mc- Dowell became quite familiar with all kinds of farm work upon the old homestead, including the arduous task of clearing the wild land and placing it under the plow. In 1865 he enlisted in the 56th P. V. I., and was ill for a time in a hospital in Philadelphia. On being discharged at the close of the war, he returned home and resumed agricultural pursuits.

In 1847 Mr. McDowell was married to Miss Anna E. Gates, who has proved to him a faith- ful partner on life's journey. She is a native of Centre county, Penn., and a daughter of Henry and Dorothy Gates. Her father was born in Dauphin county, and was a son of Henry Gates, Sr. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. McDowell only two are now living: John Wesley, and Bradley B., a resident of Titusville, Penn., Henry died in Texas, at the age of forty-nine years, Joseph, at the age of fourteen months, and Samuel in childhood.

The wife and mother is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a most estimable lady. The Republican party finds in Mr. McDowell a stanch supporter, but he has never cared for official honors. Through- out life he has made good use of his opportun- ities, and has succeeded in accumulating a com- fortable property. He is vigorous and well pre- served, with a remarkable faculty for the conduct and dispatch of business, and well deserves the success that he has achieved. Honest, upright and honorable in all things, he has become the center of a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances, who esteem him highly for his genuine worth.

P AUL B. BLACK, proprietor of the Centennial Stock Farm, in Elk township, is one of the most prominent business men of Clarion county, and is also a representative of one of its old and honored families.

Born February 2, 1836, in Elk township, near where he now lives, Mr. Black is a grandson of Frederick Black, who was born in Maryland, and was of Scotch and German descent. The father, William Black, born 1807, in Maryland, was one of the first settlers of Clarion county, where he first engaged in farming, but later became inter- ested in farming and also in lumbering. He was a wide-awake, energetic business man, upright

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and honorable in all his dealings, and was honored and respected by the entire community. In re= ligious faith he was a Lutheran, and in politics was first a Democrat, and later a stanch supporter of the Republican party.

In Clarion county William Black was married to Sarah Berlin, a daughter of George Berlin, one of the leading citizens of the county. She was born June 28, 1809, and by her marriage became the mother of the following children: George (now deceased); John R., Paul B., Mary (deceased), Frances (Mrs. William McClintock), Martha (deceased), and Mrs. Maggie Craig. The father departed this life in 1862, at the age of fifty-six years.

On the old homestead Paul B. Black grew to manhood, and in the public schools of the neigh- borhood acquired his education. During early life he successfully followed both lumbering and farming, and in 1876 purchased his present place, known as the Centennial Stock Farm. It com- prises 369 acres of the most desirable land to be found anywhere in the county, and in fact is one of the model farms. The elegant residence is surrounded by beautiful and well-kept grounds, the barns and outbuildings are neat and substan- tial, there is a fine orchard, excellent pastures and well-cultivated fields-all denoting the care- ful management and progressive spirit of the owner, who is acknowledged to be one of the most thorough farmers and best stock-raisers of the county. He has upon his place a herd of twenty-four head of Guernsey cattle, and also a flock of registered Shropshire sheep.

On January 22, 1863, Mr. Black was married to Miss Martha J. McGiffin, who was born Au- gust 17, 1840, near Summerville, Jefferson Co .. Penn., a daughter of Hugh McGiffin, and they have become the parents of eight children, namely: Willis E. (who died at the age of twenty-one), Edward F., Ellis C. (who died in childhood), Minnie L., Harry L., Bird, Myrtle C., and Larl.

Since casting his ballot for Lincoln, Mr. Black has Been a pronounced Republican in politics, and has been called upon to serve as a member of the school board. He is one of the leading members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and was for many years a deacon, and is now serving as treasurer of the Church. He also belongs to the Grange, No. 1019, Ashland, Clarion county, and his son, Edwin F., is one of the most active and zealous workers in the interests of that or- ganization of which he was master one year and is now lecturer. As a progressive and public- spirited citizen, Mr. Black has been prominently identified with the history of the county, and few 99

if any have done more for its upbuilding. He has been a champion of every movement de- signed to promote the general welfare. a sup- porter of every enterprise for the public good, and has materially aided in the advancement of all social, industrial, educational and moral in- terests.

JOHN MILTON CRAIG, EsQ., who for a quar- ter of a century has capably and satisfactorily served as justice of the peace in Piney town- ship, is one of Clarion county's native sons, and a representative of one of her old and highly re- spected families, whose identification with her history dates from an early period in the develop- ment of the county.

The paternal great-grandparents of our sub- ject, James and Margaret (Smith) Craig, spent their entire lives in County Antrim, Ireland, where the former engaged in farming. The grandfather, William Craig, also a native of that county, left Ireland July 17, 1783, and after a voyage of six weeks on the " Dublin Volunteer," he landed in Philadelphia. His brother, Alex- ander Craig, was a quartermaster in the British army during the Revolutionary war, and becom- ing impressed with this country, he tried to sell his commission with the intention of remaining in America. He had written William to this effect, but for some reason he returned to Ire- land, where he remained. In the meantime, however, William had started for America, and, on his arrival in Philadelphia, remained in that city for a short time, but later went in search of a cousin in New Jersey. Subsequently they lived for a few years in Lancaster, Penn., where he met and married Miss Mary Richards, and from there removed to Erie county. In ISII he lo- cated in Freeport, Armstrong county, later went to Indiana county, and in 1834 came to Clarion county, taking up their residence in Toby town- ship when it still formed a part of Armstrong county. They removed to Limestone township, Clarion county, in 1856, and there made their home until called to their final rest, their remains being interred in the Association Church ceme- tery in Rimersburg. Mr. Craig was a farmer by occupation, was an excellent penman, and was a prominent member of the Seceder Church. His children, who are all now deceased, were as fol- lows: John R. and Alexander, woolen manu- facturers: William, a farmer: James. a mill- wright, who built the first mill in Clarion county: Robert, father of our subject; Washington. a millwright and merchant; Martha, wife of Will- | iam Thompson: David R., who conducted a

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gristmill; Rufus, a farmer; and Amanda M., wife of Samuel Myers.

The early home of the maternal grandparents of our subject, William and Rachel (Thompson) Crowe, was in Ligonier Valley, Penn., but as early as 1802 they came to Clarion county, when it formed a part of Armstrong county, and here the grandfather engaged in farming throughout the greater part of his life, though he followed fishing to some extent. At their deaths they were laid to rest on the McAninch farm in Beaver township, Jefferson county. Their chil- dren were: James, deceased; Esther, who mar- ried M. Bowl, but both are now deceased; Jane M., who married E. McAninch and, after his death, Thomas Edmond; Nancy, the mother of our subject; Polly, widow of Henry McAninch, of Bellevue, Penn .; Eliza, who died unmarried; Ad- eline, who is the widow of Alvin H. Head, ex- sheriff of Elk county, Penn., and is now a resident of Dade county, Florida; and Rachel, who married Stephen Miner, but both are now deceased.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 94

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