Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 96

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 96
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 96
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 96
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 96

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The knowledge Charles S. Shaw acquired in the schools of Clarion county has been greatly supplemented by reading and travel in later years. During his youth he learned the trades of horse shoeing and of painting, and became quite an expert workman in both lines. Go- ing to Manhattan, Kans., in 1874, he was on the State agricultural farm for one year, and then returned to Callensburg, Penn. In 1880, he removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for two years and a half, and on his return to Pennsylvania, in 1882, he lo- cated in Parker City, but in the following year again took up his residence in Callensburg, where for four years he served as postmaster under President Cleveland with credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of the public. On March 15, 1897, he purchased the interest of Robert Orr in the livery stable, of which he is now one of the proprietors. The firm is con- posed of two of the most progressive business men of the town, and well deserve the liberal patronage which they receive.

In 1869 Mr. Shaw was married to Miss Jenny R. Rogers, of Callensburg, a daughter of George Rogers, of Erie, Penn., and to them were born four children: Lizzie May, wife of H. Tipphry. of Callensburg; William Elliott, a resident of De Kalb, Ill .; Mary M., wife of Roy Labaugh, of Clarion county; and Henry W., who died at the age of six months. Mr. Shaw was again mar- ried, this time on September 8, 1896, to Miss Charlotte, daughter of Isaac Hepler, of Clarion county.

While a resident of Callensburg, Mr. Shaw served as burgess for three terms, and proved a most popular official, always discharging the du- ties of that responsible position in a capable man- ner. He is an honored member of the Odd Fel- lows Lodge No. 860, of Callensburg, and of the Junior Order of American Mechanics No. 419. In all the relations of life he has been found true

and faithful to every trust reposed in him, and has therefore made many warm and admiring friends.

S E. KISER. Prominent among the success- ful oil producers and agriculturists of Clar- ion county, may be named the subject of this his- torical notice, whose home is in Paint township.

Mr. Kiser is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Oil City, June 13, 1863, and is a son of J. H. and Lucinda (Winger) Kiser. The father was born near the same place, and as his parents were in limited circumstances, he began the struggle of life by doing odd jobs around the fur- naces during his boyhood and youth. Being in- dustrious, economical and ambitious, he was finally able to purchase real estate near Oil City, and for some time successfully engaged in buying and selling oil territory. He was a careful spec- ulator, and consequently became one of the wealthy oil producers of Clarion and Venango counties. Purchasing a farm near Edenburg, in the former county, he resided upon that place for eleven years, and then sold to the Columbia Oil Company. In 1861 he purchased the Bren- neman farm in Paint township, containing 216 acres of well-improved and valuable land, which he now owns, and in 1887 bought what is known as the Isaman farm, near Shippenville, where his son Harrison now resides.

The subject of this sketch is the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being as follows: Harrison, born in Oil City, in 1355, married Flora Dahle, of Clarion county, and with his family lives on a farm near Shippenville. Sarah, born in 1857, is the wife of Allen Crawford, of Shippenville, where he is engaged in oil tool dressing. They have a fam- ily of six children. Susan, born in 1859, mar- ried John Sherry, of Edenburg, Clarion county, by whom she has five children, and they now live on his farm near Strattonville. E. W., born in Edenburg, in 1865, married May Call, of Ship- penville, and has three children. They reside on a farm owned by his father near Shippen- ville. Bertha, born in Clarion county, died at the age of six years. Josephine, born in Clarion county in 1875. is the wife of Frank Fisher, of Shippenville, by whom she has three children.

In the schools near his childhood home S. E. Kiser pursued his studies, and under the parental roof grew to manhood. At Shippenville, in 1881, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Cook, of Paint township, Clarion county, a daughter of George and Opey Cook, the former a prominent lumberman of that region. Eight

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children blessed this union, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Bertha J., 1882; George H., 1884; William H., 1886; Ralph A., 1890; Clarence C. and Clara C. (twins), 1892; and John and Frank (twins), 1896.

Mr. Kiser's first purchase consisted of a farm in Geauga county, Ohio, where he made his home for one year, and at the end of that time rented the property and returned to Shippenville, where he engaged in pumping oil for his father for the same length of time. Since 1883 he has owned and operated a farm in Paint township, Clarion county, and upon the place has six oil- producing wells, which add not a little to his income. He has been very successful in busi- ness affairs, and now owns 336 acres of valuable farm and oil lands, including a 120-acre farm in Elk township, Clarion county, which he pur .- chased in 1896.

Politically, Mr. Kiser is a firm Republican, has voted with the party ever since attaining his majority, and has efficiently served as school director for six years. Religiously, he and his family are all Protestants, and are highly re- pected people.

C H. PAINTER is a prominent real-estate dealer and collection agent of Knox, Penn., giving special attention to the leasing of property containing oil and gas wells. He is a native of Clarion county, born' in Limestone township some sixty-four years ago, and is a son of John Painter, Jr., a native of Westmoreland county. Penn., and an early settler of this section of the State. The paternal grandfather, John Painter, Sr., was also born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and was a soldier of the war of 1812. He became a resident of Clarion county in 1802, and here spent his remaining days. He married a Miss McGiffin, who was of Scotch and English extraction.

John Painter, Jr., was a farmer by occupation. On attaining to man's estate he was united in marriage with Miss Frances Kearns, who was born in Butler county, Penn., of Scotch parent- age, and they became the parents of the follow- ing children: Eliza, deceased; James, who died in Dallas, Tex .; Robert, a lumberman, of Jeffer- son county, Penn .; William, who prepared for the legal profession under the direction of Judge Campbell, of Clarion county, and died in Texas, in 1858: C. H., of this review; and Mary, de-

. ceased wife of Wilson Bell, of New York. The father was a stalwart Democrat in politics. and in religious belief both he and his wife were Pres- byterians.

On. the old home farm C. H. Painter was reared to habits of thrift and industry, and after attending the common schools of the neighbor- hood, he was a student for a time in an academy in Ohio. For two terms he successfully en- gaged in teaching, and then was engaged in the lumber business for ten years. He also spent twenty years in the oil fields, buying and selling oil territory, and in this way he did considerable business for the Standard Oil Company. For fourteen years he made his home in Shippenville, Clarion county, and the following six years were spent at Fern City. During the Civil war he assisted in raising a company, which became Company F, 67th P. V. I., and he was commis- sioned second lieutenant of the same.

In 1857. in Clarion county, Mr. Painter was married to Miss Elizabeth Neal, a daughter of Samuel Neal, who was of Irish descent, and came to the county in 1835. Five children blessed this union, namely: Minnie, now the wife of L. G. Baker, of Elk township, Clarion county; Anna, wife of Esquire Hack, of Shippen- ville; Samuel, an oil producer of Butler county, Penn. ; Charles, of Clarion, Penn., who is a grad- . uate of the Clarion Academy and of the Williams Commercial College, and is now manager and bookkeeper for the lumber firm in Sullivan county, Penn .; and Mattie, wife of Charles Cromer, of Toledo, Ohio. The sons are reliable and success- ful business men, and the family is one of prom- inence in social circles.

Mr. Painter has been called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who departed this life July 12, 1890. She was an earnest, con- scientious, Christian woman, a loving wife and tender mother, and always a friend to the poor and needy. In politics Mr. Painter is a free-sil- ver Democrat, and has always been an active and : prominent worker in the interests of his party. Socially, he affiliates with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Improved Order of Red Men. Throughout life he has ever borne his part in the work of development and prog- ress in his native county, and is therefore desery- ing of honorable mention.

TOHN RITTS owns and occupies a valuable farm of 105 acres in Richland township, Clarion county, pleasantly located one and a half miles from St. Petersburg. The land is under a high state of cultivation, and yields bountiful harvests in return for the care and labor bestowed upon it. Upon the place are two good houses and substantial outbuildings, and also six oil wells, which are in successful opera- !

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tion. To farming and oil producing Mr. Ritts has devoted the greater part of his attention throughout his active business life, but is now practically living retired on account of ill health.

Mr. Ritts was born on the old homestead where he still resides, in 1839, and is a son of Eli Ritts, a native of Berks county, and a repre- sentative of an old and highly respected Penn- sylvania-Dutch family. Being an industrious, energetic man and a good financier, the father met with excellent success in his business enter- prises, and accumulated a large and valuable property. On attaining to man's estate he mar- ried Miss Kate Ashbaugh, who was born in Clar- ion county, and was a daughter of Daniel Ash- baugh, one of its honored pioneers and prominent citizens. Seven children blessed this union: Daniel, John, Sophia (who makes her home with our subject), Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Nathan, and Sally. In the exercise of his elective franchise Eli Ritts always supported Democratic princi- ples, and he always took a deep and commend- able interest in public affairs. He was officially connected with the Lutheran Church, of which he was a prominent and active member. He died at the age of seventy-eight, and bis esti- mable wife was called to her final rest at the age of eighty-one. Both enjoyed the respect and es- teem of all who knew them, and their friends were many.

John Ritts spent his boyhood and youth like most farmers' sons of his day, aiding in the labors of the field and attending the local schools when his services were not needed at home. For three months during the Civil war he served in the Union army, and on his return home re- sumed agricultural pursuits. He has met with a fair degree of success both in farming and in the oil business, and is accounted one of the reliable and substantial citizens of his community. Po- litically, he is a stanch Democrat, and religiously, is a member of the Lutheran Church. His ster- ling worth commends him to the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, and no man in Richland township is held in higher regard.

J TOHN FOLK, whose bravery as a soldier was tested upon many a Southern battlefield dur- ing the Civil war, has in times of peace won an enviable reputation through the sterling quali- ties which go to the making of a good citizen. He is a resident of Porter townhsip, Clarion coun- ty, born October 1, 1844. in Centre county, Penn. His grandfather, John Folk, was a na- tive of Germany; both he and his wife died in Dauphin county, this State.

Jonathan Folk, our subject's father, was born in Dauphin county, where he learned the black- smith's trade, which he later followed in Centre county throughout the remainder of his life. He was married to Hannah Bathost, a native of Centre county and a daughter of Henry Bathost, who was of English descent. She died at Milesburg. Centre county, when past the age of sixty years, while the father departed this life in Altoona, Penn.,. at the age of eighty-one. He was a Republican in politics, and a Methodist in religious belief.

The following children were born to Jonathan and Hannah Folk: Harry A., a soldier of the 45th P. V. I., who was wounded by a shell, and is now foreman of railroad shops; John is of this review; Joshua, who was also wounded by a shell while serving in the 184th P. V. I., is now an ex-policeman living in Bellefonte, Penn .; U. S .. who died in Janesville, Penn., at the age of twenty-three years; Archibald, who is employed in the railroad shop at Altoona, Penn .; and Eli, who is working in the saine place.

John Folk obtained his education in the schools of Centre county, and at the age of twelve years began learning the blacksmith's trade under his father's able direction, after which he was employed at Martha Furnace. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company D, 54th P. V. I., and when discharged he re-en- listed at Bellefonte, Centre county, in December, 1863, in the 45th P. V. I., under Col. Theodore Gregg, a nephew of Austin Curtin, the "War Governor." Mr. Folk participated in the bat- tles of Bristol Station and Rapidan, and was all through the Wilderness campaign. He received a bayonet wound in the leg while serving as color guard, but resolved to save the flag or die and not be taken prisoner. He also had his right thumb shot off, and for some time was confined to the hospital. Later he was stationed at City Point, Va .. until the close of the war, and was then honorably discharged at Alexandria, Va., August 14, 1865, when he returned home with a war record of which he may be justly proud.

Mr. Folk continued to make his home in Cen- tre county until 1878, when he came to Clarion county, spending the first three years in Brinker- ton. Since that time he has lived upon his pres- ent place in Porter township. Here he owned twenty acres of fine land, on which he has erected a nice comfortable residence, and thereon made many other valuable and useful improvements, which add greatly to its attractive appearance. He raises a fine grade of cattle and horses, and also continues to work at his trade.

On May 12, 1866, in Hublersburg. Centre county, Mr. Folk was married to Miss Sarah

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Catherine Funk, a native of that county, and a daughter of George W. and Susan (White) Funk, both now deceased. Her father was a member of the 45th P. V. I., and laid down his life on the altar of his country, having been killed at the battle of South Mountain. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Folk: George W., who died at the age of twenty-three years; W. A., a resident of Reynoldsville, Penn. ; Harry A., a plumber of Fort City, Penn. ; Her- bert A., who lives in Clarion county; James A., at home; and Jenny M., wife of Christ Miller, of Ford City.

Politically, Mr. Folk is an ardent supporter of Republican principles, and, socially, is a prominent member of Capt. Case Post No. 239, G. A. R., in which he has served as commander. He is also a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Squirrel Hill, Porter town- ship, in which he has held office. He is a man whose genial temperament, sound judgment and well-proved integrity have brought him the es- teem and friendship of a host of acquaintances far and near.

D AVID BOWMAN, who passed away at his home in Farmington township, Clarion county, in 1888, was for many years prominently identified with the business interests of that com- munity, and was numbered among its representa- tive and leading citizens. He was born in Scot- land, May 26, 1814, a son of Thomas and Annie (Black) Bowman, and 'on coming to the New World in 1838 first located in Canada. From there he removed to Pottsville, Penn., where he engaged in coal mining, and in that place he was married, in 1839, to Miss Ellen Robertson, whose birth occurred in Scotland, in July, 1820.

In October, 1840, the young couple came to Farmington township, Clarion county, and for two years Mr. Bowman worked in the Helen furnace. He then purchased 100 acres of wild timber land on the boundary line between Wash- ington and Farmington townships, three miles from Tylersburg, and there erected a little log cabin into which he moved his wife and two chil- dren. making it their home for a number of years. Later he erected a hewed-log house and good barn, and made many other improvements be- sides clearing the land. In 1865 he erected a store building in Newmansville, where he en- gaged in merchandising for a number of years. and subsequently was similarly employed in Ty- lersburg until his death.

Beaver Furnace in 1840, wedded Nancy Green, of-Forest county, Penn., and they now reside in Hickory, that county, where he is engaged in the mercantile business. He has four children, namely-Lester D., Leona, Glen F. and Ellen. (2) John R., born in Beaver township, Clarion county, in June, 1842, enlisted during the Civil war in Company A, 103rd P. V. I., was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, and died in the hos- pital at Fortress Monroe. (3) Martin, born on the present homestead of the family in 1844, be- came a member of the same company as his brother, and died from fever at Suffolk, Va. (4) Adam, born in 1846, died unmarried at the age of thirty years. (5) James, born in 1848, mar- ried Lizzie Walter, of Clarion county, and lives in Tionesta, where he is serving as cashier of the Citizens National Bank. His children are Ern- est, Effel and Fern. (6) Frank, born in 1850, married Frances Myers, of Clarion county, and they now reside at Bowman's Mills in Forest county, where he is extensively engaged in the. manufacture of sawed lumber. He has four children-Verne, Forest, Bell and Lula. (7) William, born October 29, 1853, is also engaged in lumbering in Bowmantown, Forest county. He first married Mary Williams, of Clarion coun- ty, who died leaving one daughter, Florence, and he later wedded her half sister, Alice Williams, by whom he has two children-Bessie and Von V. (8) EDWARD P., born May 2, 1855, was educated in the common schools, and lives on the home farm with his mother. (9) Margaret A. died at the age of twenty-four years. (10) Charles attended the public schools and later graduated at Duff's College in Pittsburg. He married Caroline Stockton, and for a number of years engaged in merchandising in Leeper, Clar- ion county. On selling out to Mr. Shotts, he bought the Green property in Tylersburg, where he has since successfully conducted a store. In 1893 he was elected county treasurer, and for three years most creditably and satisfactorily filled that position. His children are-Roy L.,

David, Edna, Tivila and Blanch. (II) Jane is the wife of Milton Ault, of Clarion county, and as she is a member of the Bowman firm at Bow- manville, Forest county, her husband now has charge of the company's store. They have one daughter, Ellen, who is now attending school.

After becoming an American citizen, David Bowman was always identified with the Demo- cratic party, and he held the office of school di- rector and treasurer of the board. From a poor boy working in the coal mines, hie worked his way steadily upward to a position of wealth and

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. David Bowman are as follows: (1) 'Thomas, born at | prominence through his own untiring industry

t Ł

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and good management. Although his educa- tional privileges were limited, he possessed a bright mind and was naturally shrewd, so that he was able to make the best use of his opportuni- ties. Broad minded and liberal in his views, he became a leader among men 'of enterprise, and his influence was always exercised on the side of right and order. Truly such a life is worth hav- ing been lived, and such lives deserve permanent record on the pages of their country's history, that others, seeing their good works, may follow in their footsteps. Mrs. Bowman is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington township, and is a most estimable lady, while the family is one of prominence in both business and social circles.

TAMES AND GEORGE W. WRAY are lead- ing representatives of the business interests of Farmington township, where they are suc- cessfully engaged in merchandising, lumbering, farming and stock-raising. Energy, close appli- cation, perseverance and good management- these are the elements which have entered into their business career and crowned their efforts with prosperity.

William Wray, the father of our subjects, was a native of the North of Ireland, and when eight- een years of age sailed for the New World, first locating in Philadelphia, where he met and mar- ried Miss Ellen Boyd, also a native of Ireland. For a number of years he held the position of keeper of the Eastern Penitentiary in Philadel- phia, but in 1847 came to Clarion county, taking up his residence in North Pine Grove. He pur- chased a large tract of timber land in Forest county, and also 137 acres of farming land in Farmington township, Clarion county, of which only a few acres had been cleared and a log house erected thereon. This he later replaced by a large two-story frame residence, and also built good barns and other outbuildings. . Pros- pering in his undertakings, the father subse- quently bought another tract of 160 acres of tiin- ber land, a 200-acre wooded tract on Maple creek, 1 30 acres adjoining his home farm, and a third interest in a tract of timber land on Tom's run, where he successfully engaged in the manufacture of sawed lumber for a number of years. He was one of the largest dealers in square timber on the Clarion river, and shipped his products to the Allegheny City and Pittsburg markets. Through- out his entire life he continued to extensively en- gage in lumbering, and .also built coal boats for the Western markets. He was a progressive. wide-awake business man, straightforward and

honorable in all transactions, and the success which crowned his efforts was certainly well de- served. His death occurred in 1884, when he was aged eighty years, and his wife passed away in 1892, also aged eighty years. They were honored and highly respected citizens of the county, having the confidence and high regard of all who knew them.

Of their nine children, six were born in Phila- delphia, and the others in Clarion county: (1) John. born in February, 1831, received a com- mon-school education, and engaged in lumber- ing with his father for a number of years. He married Nancy Hays, of Forest county, who died leaving two children-William and Mary. Later he married Clara Sloan, of Clarion county, and they now reside in Tylersburg, where he is engaged in the lumber business. (2) Samuel, born in July, 1833. wedded Mary Schrecengost, of Forest county, where they are now living on a farm. They have one son- William. (3) Eliza, born in October, 1835, is the widow of William Hays, of Forest county, who died in Tylersburg, in 1885, leaving two children-Ellen, and William (who is married and lives in Forest county). (4) William, born in October, 1838, was killed while hauling lum- ber. (5) Albert, born in March. 1841, married Katie Frank, of Clarion county, and now resides on a farm adjoining the old homestead. His children are-Ella (who married George Sanger, of Jefferson county, and now lives in Forest county), Mary (wife of George Harger, of Forest county), Samuel, James, Lewis, Edward, Jennie, Sadie and Ruth. (6) Robert, born in Novem- ber, 1843, married Sarah Kerr, of Clarion county, and resides in Butler county, Penn., where he is engaged in farming. They have seven children, namely-William (a practicing physician of Kentucky), Curtis (who married a Miss Maitland, and lives in Butler county), Elva, Charles, Augustus, Harry and Archie.

(7) James, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Clarion county, in December, 1847, and received his education in its public schools. On starting out in the business world he engaged in lumbering and rafting on the Clarion river with his father. For the past twelve years he has successfully engaged in the manufacture of sawed lumber in partnership with his brother, George W., and they now ship their product over the Pittsburg & Western railroad to all points of the country. He established a large general store upon his farm, and is also inter- ested in agricultural pursuits and stock raising. In August, 1874, he married Miss Minnie Walter, of Clarion counry, and took his bride to the old

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homestead, where they have since continued to reside, having purchased the place in 1894. They have one daughter, Eliza J., born in June, 1875. She was educated in the Clarion Normal School and the Grove City College.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 96

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