Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 97

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 97
USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 97
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 97
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3 > Part 97

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(8) George W. Wray, also one of our sub- jects, was born in February, 1851, at his present home, where he grew to manhood, obtaining such an education as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded. He was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Love, of Mercer county, Penn., and later bought property in North Pine Grove, where he made his home for eighteen years. He then purchased a part of the old homestead, where he still resides. Throughout his business career he has engaged in lumbering and merchandising, and in 1894 purchased his brother's interest in the store, which he is. still successfully conducting. He has three children, all at home, namely: Bert, who was born in North Pine Grove in 1877, and was educated in the schools of Clarion and the Commercial Col- lege of Grove City, graduating from the latter; W. H., born in 1879; and Elizabeth, born in 1887. The store now owned by George W. Wray was built by the father, who conducted it until his death. It was then conducted by the estate until the death of the mother, when George W. purchased it of the estate.

(9) L. B. Wray, the youngest of the family, was born on the old homestead in Farmington township, in September, 1853, and on reaching manhood married Letitia Barr, of Clarion county, now deceased. Later he wedded Miss Clara Brockway, of Forest county, where they now make their home. Their children are-Ella, John, William, Emma and Ollie.

The Wray brothers are stanch supporters of the Republican party, and have served as school directors. In religious faith they are Presby- terians, and they cheerfully give their support to all enterprises which they believe are calculated to promote the moral, intellectual or material welfare of the community. Public-spirited, enter- prising and progressive. they are numbered among the valued and useful citizens of the community, and have the confidence and esteem of all with whom they come in contact, either in business or social life.

J TOHN F. BAKER, the well-known proprietor of the " American House " at Foxburg, was born August 28, 1834, in Buffalo, Erie Co .. N. Y., and is a son of Charles and Sarah (Noves) Baker, who were born, reared and educated in England. Both died in Buffalo, the father at

the ripe old age of eighty-four years. In their family were twelve children. Our subject ob- tained a good education in the schools of his na- tive city, and on starting out in life for himself secured a good position as steward on a lake ves- sel running between Buffalo and Chicago. For nine years he was thus employed, and proved a most successful and popular officer.

On October 6, 1861, Mr. Baker enlisted in Company I, 55th Ill. V. I., under Col. Daniel Stewart, and was first under fire at the battle of Fort Donelson. This was followed by the battle of Shiloh and the siege of Vicksburg, where the Rebels surrendered July 4, 1863. Mr. Baker was a member of the First Brigade, Second Di- vision, Fifteenth Army Corps, was in Gen. Ha- zen's command for a time, and was also under Gen. Sherman, being with the latter on his fa- mous march to the sea. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Savannah, Fort McAllister and Goldsboro, where he was honorably discharged after three and a half years of faithful and gallant service.

At the close of the war, Mr. Baker returned to Buffalo, where he spent a short time, and during the wild excitement in the oil regions. he went to Oil Creek, Penn., securing employment on the Miller farm during the great boom there. He also spent some time in Petroleum Centre, Pithole, Titusville, and Kane, where he was variously employed, but since 1872 has made his home in Foxburg. Clarion county. For eighteen months he held the oil lease on the Daniel Schuyler property, one year was engaged in the oil business with Jesse Smith, and then was con- nected with the Smily pipe lines for the same length of time. Since 1886, however, he has successfully conducted the "American House," which is noted for its excellent fare and the good accommodations it affords the guests. He is not only a popular landlord but is also one of the most highly respected citizens of Foxburg. For nine years he served as superintendent at this place, with credit to himself and the satis- faction of the company.

In 1867, at Petroleum Centre, Penn., Mr. Baker was married to Mrs. Jane Morgan, who belongs to a good family of Erie county, this State, where she was born, a daughter of John Steele. Her first husband, Capt. Charles Mor- gan, was a brave officer in the Union army, and died leaving one son, Major Morgan, now cashier of the Foxburg Bank. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been born four children: Charles Henry, one of the leading clerks in the employ of Joseph Horne, of Pittsburg, Penn .; Nina, wife of D. Allen, of Allen's Mills, Penn .; and Irene and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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John F., at home. The family are Episcopalians in religious belief, and are quite prominent in social circles.

Fraternally Mr. Baker is a prominent mem- ber of the Grand Army Post No. 249, in which he has served as commander, and he also be- longs to Canby Lodge No. 520, F. & A. M., of St. Petersburg; Edon Chapter, R. A. M., of Clarion; the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 825 of Foxburg; the Knights of Honor; the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a man of broad and lib- eral views, devoted to his country's best interests, and gives a liberal support to all measures for its advancement.

H J. SLICKER. Among the prosperous and influential citizens of Richland township, Clarion county, whose position is largely due to his own efforts, the subject of this sketch deserves worthy mention. Since the start given him by his father, he has been the architect of his own fortune, and the success he has achieved in life has been in a great measure due to his indomit- able energy and laudable ambition. Since fifteen years of age he has been interested in the oil business, first as a pumper for others, and in 1885 drilled two wells in the Cogley field in Ash- land township, Clarion county. Three years later he began buying wells, and is now the owner of twenty of the best to be found in the county, five on his home farm, three on the Hiram Neely place, two on the John Ritts farm, four on the Keating farm, two on the Beery farm, and two on the places of Mrs. McCaffery, Mrs. Foust and Mrs. Master, and three on the Keating estate.

Mr. Slicker was born in Richland township, October 7, 1861, and is a son of Ernest and Magdalena (Smith) Slicker, both natives of Ger- many. They were single on coming to America and were married in Beaver township, Clarion county, after which the father worked at differ- ent furnaces, being employed for some time by Judge Keating. Later he purchased forty acres of the Wentling tract, to which he added until he had a fine farm of 175 acres of rich and arable land, and at his death he left a small farm to each of his children. Upon that place he con- tinued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1887. His political support was always given the Democracy. His wife departed this life at Kossuth, Ashland township, Clarion county, in 1894. Our subject was made execu- tor of his father's will.

In their family were nine children: Mrs.

Lottie Utzinger, of Ashland township; George. a farmer of Red Bank township, Clarion county; Mrs. Lena McDowell, of Butler county, Penn. ; John, of Limestone township, Clarion county; Mrs. Ellen Merket, who died in Monroe town- ship, Clarion county, in 1885; Mrs. Kate Fair- man, of Limestone township; Mrs. Lucy Ander- son, of Venango county, Penn .; H. J., our subject; and Mrs. Clara Dinger, of Armstrong county.

H. J. Slicker was reared and educated in Rich- land township. Since reaching manhood he has been interested in several different enterprises besides the oil business, and is now the owner of the old homestead, comprising 175 acres of valuable and well-improved land, which he suc- cessfully operates. He is also interested in dairy- ing, and for that purpose he has a fine herd of fourteen Jersey and full-blooded Holstein milch cows. He is a stockholder in the Alum Rock creamery, and is accounted one of the most en- terprising, energetic and reliable business men of the community.

In 1882, in Richland township, Mr. Slicker was married to Miss Alice, daughter of Daniel R. and Anna (Crum) Knight, of Clarion county. Her father died in Richland township, in 1895, but her mother still lives at the old homestead there. To Mr. and Mrs. Slicker have been born four children: Claude, Orpha, Homer and Ernst.

Politically, Mr. Slicker affiliates with the Democratic party, and has been called upon to serve as overseer of the poor in his township. He and his family hold membership in the Lu- theran Church at Blair's Corners, and in social circles occupy an enviable position. Posssessing unusual ability as a business man, he has a correct judgment as to values, together with admirable foresight, and his investments have almost invari- ably proved successful. Affable and courteous. in manner, he has made many warm friends.

G EORGE F. VOWINCKEL, SR., a promi- nent citizen of Clarion, who is active in va- rious business lines of that locality, is a native of Germany, born in 1846.

Anthony Vowinckel, his father, was born in Germany, and in 1847 came to America, and lo- cated at Hollidaysburg, Blair Co., Penn., where he began manufacturing soap and candles. He followed this business many years, and in 1883 retired to a farm, on which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1885. His estimable wife is still living. She was Catherine List, and : was also a native of Germany. Their children

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

were six in number, those now living being: Charles V. (a retired merchant), Mary (Mrs. J. L. Metzger, of Altoona, Penn.), and George F. (our subject).

George F. Vowinckel received a good com- mon-school education, and in his younger life assisted his father in his business. In 1869 he left the parental roof to go out into the world for himself, making a beginning in the fancy grocery business along the line of the Northern Pacific R. R., then being built, following its construc- tion between Cheyenne, Wyo., and Benton City. After an absence of two years in that country and line of business, he returned to Pennsylva- nia, and engaged in the lumber interests in Cam- bria county. He was successfully engaged in that line of business there for several years, when he moved to the State of Kentucky, and followed for two years the same business. In selling out his interests there he went to Pittsburg, and re- mained two years, and in 1883 came to Clarion, where he has since resided and been most act- ively engaged in business, being a man of great energy and snap. He at once entered into the affairs of the borough and county, and his pres- ence and influence have been felt in all move- ments looking to the advancement of the bor- ough and vicinity. Mr. Vowinckel is interested in various lines of business, among them saw and planing-mill, lumber, and agriculture. He is a director in the First National Bank of Clarion. He is a Republican, believing firmly in the prin- ciples of the party. He has not aspired to office, preferring to follow strictly a business life.

In 1870 Mr. Vowinckel was married to Miss Kate R. Walters, of Baltimore, Md. Their marriage has been blessed by five children, four of whom are living, and are as follows: George Frank, Jr., Arthur William, Mazie and John V. The parents of these are members of the M. E. Church. The father is identified with the F. & A. M.

W TILLIAM J. RIDDLE, a well-known car- penter and contractor of Foxburg, is one one of the most patriotic and loyal citizens re- siding in Clarion county, having faithfully served his country throughout two of her great wars.

One of the honored sons of Pennsylvania, Mr. Riddle was born in Indiana county, May 8, 1825, his parents being Michael and Catherine (Ponds) Riddle, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Indiana county, Penn. The pater- nal grandfather, David Riddle, was born in New Jersey, of Scotch and German ancestry, was a drover by occupation, and mnet his death by ac- cident. John Pouds, the maternal grandfather,

was a soldier of the war of 1812. When only three years old our subject lost his mother, who died leaving five children, the others being Mar- garet, Peter, Mary J., and John P. Later the fa- ther again married, and by the second union also had five children, but only two are now living: Eliza Catherine, and Roxanna. The father de- parted this life in Parke county, Ind., at a ripe old age.

In his native county, William J. Riddle spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1845, when the Mex- ican-war broke out. he joined the regular army, becoming a member of the 8th U. S. Inf., under Col. J. H. Emery and Capt. John Hosick. From Carlisle Barracks, Penn., his regiment went to the field of action, and he participated in the fol- lowing engagements: Palo Alto, Reseca de Palma, Monterey, Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec, Vera Cruz, and Mexico City. He was under the command of both Gen. Taylor and Gen. Scott, and at the battle of Buena Vista re- received a scalp wound. When the war was over he was stationed for three months at Fort Dodge, Iowa, which was then under the com- mand of Gen. P. F. Smith, was later at Lodge Pole Creek, Neb., and from there returned to Carlisle Barracks, Penn., where he was honor- ably discharged in 1852.

Returning to his old home in Indiana county, Penn., Mr. Riddle remained there until 1859, when he removed to Jefferson county, Penn., but two years later again laid aside civil pursuits to aid in the defense of the Union. Hardly had the echoes from Fort Sumter's guns died away when he enlisted in the three-months call, be- coming a member of Company I, 8th P. V. I., and when his term had expired he re-enlisted, August 27, 1861, in Company B. 105th P. V. I., for three years. He took part in the battle of Seven Pines, the seven-days' fight on the Penin- sula, the second battle of Bull Run, the siege of Yorktown, and the engagements at Fredericks- burg, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. After be- ing discharged in August, 1864, he returned to his home in Brookville, but the following Sep- tember joined Company B, 21st P. V. I., and participated in the engagements around Peters- burg and Richmond until General Lee surren- dered at Appomattox. During his service he was confined for four months in a hospital, but with that exception was always found at his post of duty, valiantly fighting for the old flag and the cause it represented. After participating in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., he was honorably discharged and returned home with a war record of which he may be justly proud.

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In 1855 Mr. Riddle was married to Miss Caroline McSharin, a representative of one of the highly respected families of Jefferson county, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Mrs. Margaret C. Buzzard, a resident of Oil City, Penn .; William, of Foxburg; James L., of Armstrong county, Penn. ; John D., and Mrs. Carrie Jane Petty, both of Foxburg. The parents are both earnest and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have the re- spect and esteem of all who know them. In military circles Mr. Riddle occupies an enviable position, and is to-day an honored member of the Grand Army Post No. 249, of which he is com- mander. As a citizen he stands ready to dis- charge every duty devolving upon him, and the best years of his life have been devoted to the service of his country.

J JOHN D. BELL, who is classed among the suc- cessful agriculturists of Farmington township, Clarion county, is well worthy of notice in a work of this character, and to be ranked among the men who have distinguished themselves as useful and enterprising citizens.

William Bell, his father, was born in Rich- land township, Venango county, Penn., in 1809, where he grew to "manhood and married Sarah Davis. He continued to reside upon a farm there until 1840, when he came to Clarion county and purchased 114 acres of timber land in Farming- ton township, on which he built a round-log house and stable. In the midst of the forest the family made their home while he cleared and improved his land; he afterward built a more pretentious hewed-log house. He died there in May, ISSo, and his estimable wife passed away the follow- ing September. Both were earnest and consist- ent members of the Presbyterian Church, and were widely and favorably known. In their fam- ily were two children, the only daughter being Elizabeth A., who was born in Venango county in 1836 and became the wife of J. Cook, of Clar- ion county. He was a lumberman, carrying on operations in both Forest and Clarion counties. Mrs. Cook is now deceased.

John D. Bell, the only survivor of the family, was born in Venango county December 20. 1833, and was ten years of age when brought by his parents to their new home in Farmington town- ship, Clarion county, where he grew to man- hood. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and assisted his father in the ardu- ous task of clearing and improving the farin. Upon the homestead he continued to reside until 1862, when he went to Oil City, Venango county,

and engaged in the oil business for about ten years, but at the end of that time returned to his farm in Clarion county. In 1892 he erected his elegant two.story frame residence, which is sup- plied with all modern improvements, so that he has one of the most desirable country homes in the locality.

In 1855 Mr. Bell married Miss May Patton, of Clarion county, a daughter of William Patton, of Rimersburg, and to them were born four chil- dren: (1) Linnia F., born in 1861, married John Hettish, of Marionville, Forest Co., Penn., where he owns valuable property and is engaged in the sawmill business. They have two sons, Merrell and John W. (2) William D., born in 1863, married Lou Jones, of Beaver county, and they live in Oakdale, Allegheny Co., Penn., where he is engaged in the oil business. (3) Harry G., born in 1865, at Oil City, married Lizzie Porter, of Allegheny county, and is now engaged in the grocery business in Oakdale. (4) One, unnamed, was born in Venango county, in 1867, died in childhood. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1874, and, two years later. Mr. Bell was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Neil, of Clarion county, a daugh- ter of John and Nancy (McCormick) Neil, pros- perous agriculturists of Farmington township.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell are both active and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Leeper, and being a strong temperance man and bitterly opposed to the liquor traffic, he gives his support at all times to the men and measures of the Prohibition party. His upright, honorable course in life has commended him to the confi- dence and esteem of all with whoin he has come in contact, his actions have ever been sincere, his manner unaffected, and his example is well worthy of emulation.

J JAMES McGUIRE. a worthy citizen and lead- ing farmer of Ashland township, Clarion coun- ty, was born April 11, 1850, in Monroe coun- ty, N. Y., and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Doyle) McGuire, natives of Ireland, who came with their respective parents to America in 1822. locating in New York State. The father was a farmer by occupation and carried on operations in Monroe county. N. Y., until life's labors were ended, in 1859. His wife, who was of Scotch ex- traction. died in 1857.

Thus, at an early age, James McGuire was left an orphan and was obliged to begin the bat- tle of life for himself. He was forced to endure many hardships and privations, and his school privileges were necessarily very limited, so that

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his education has mostly been obtained through his own efforts since reaching manhood. He is entirely a self-made man, having had no one to assist him, and he deserves great credit for the success that he has achieved.

Until nineteen years of age Mr. McGuire worked as a farm hand in his native State, and then came to Titusville, Penn., where he was employed as a teamster for three years. During the following year and a half he engaged in team- ing on his own account, and then began to pump and drill oil wells, since which time he has been more or less actively connected with that work. He now has a half dozen wells in successful oper- ation, and also owns a fine farm of 120 acres in Ashland township, Clarion county, where he fol- lows general farming.

On Christmas Day, 1877, our subject was married to Miss Anna M. Weckerley, of Lime- stone township, Clarion county, and to them have been born five children: Margie M., Katie, Annie M., and John F. and an infant, both deceased. Mrs. McGuire and her daughters are members of the Lutheran Church, and in social circles the family holds a prominent posi- tion. For twenty years Mr. McGuire has been identified with the Masonic order, and is now a prominent member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He also belongs to the Pa- trons of Husbandry. As a Democrat he has ever taken an active part in local politics, and is at present serving as constable and collector in Ashland township. For almost a quarter of a century he has been a resident of Clarion coun- ty, and, as the years have passed, he has faith- fully performed his duties of citizenship, and his interest in the welfare and progress of the com- munity has never abated.

J OHN MORGAN, a member of the well-known firm of Fox & Morgan, oil producers of St. Petersburg, Penn., was born in Kittanning. Armstrong Co., Penn., in 1851.

John and Ann (Thomas) Morgan, his parents, were natives of Wales, where their marriage was celebrated. On coming to the United States they located in Armstrong county, living for a time at Brady's Bend, and later at Parker's Landing. From there they came to Foxburg, Clarion county, in 1858. The father was em- ployed as a whip sawyer, and also, as a puddler, he worked in furnaces. He engaged in garden- ing to some extent, and on coming to St. Peters- burg embarked in merchandising, in 1885. He died at that place in 1893, and his wife two years | later. In their family were four sons and three

daughters, of whom six are now living, namely: Morgan, who now has charge of the Fox estate; Mrs. Mary Mull, of Richey Run, Clarion county; John; Mrs. Matilda Roberts, of Allegheny coun- ty, Penn. ; Thomas, of Richey Run; and William, of Emlenton, Pennsylvania.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Rich- land township, Clarion county, and was educated in the schools of Foxburg. At the age of twenty- five he became interested in the oil business in Armstrong county, and has since been identified with that industry. For a time he carried on operations in Red Valley, Venango Co., Penn., but since taking up his residence in St. Peters- burg, in 1877, he has principally been employed in Richland township, Clarion county. About 1889, as a member of the firm of Fox & Morgan, he began operations in the Richey Run oil fields, and put down wells in the following order-on the Long and Wheeler tract, on the Kaufman property, the William Agnew, the Clark Agnew, and the William Jones farms, the Sherman prop- erty, the Master property, and the Clinton Ag- new place. They now have thirteen wells in successful operation in Richland township, and are doing a profitable and highly satisfactory business.

In 1871, in Richland township, Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Frances Gilger, a native of Venango county, Penn., and a daughter of Jonas and Hattie (Dravelbiss) Gilger, who were born in Pennsylvania and were pioneer settlers of Ve- nango county, where the mother died. The fa- ther's death occurred in Richland township Clar- ion county. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have two children living: Mrs. Hattie Shoup, of Gaily, Penn., and Herbert, at home.

Mr. Morgan has always been a Republican in politics, and is now an advocate of the free coin- age of silver. In St. Petersburg he has served as burgess and overseer of the poor with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. Socially, he affiliates with the Royal Arcanum lodge at that place. Of excellent business abil- ity and sound judgment, he has attained a prom- inent place among the substantial citizens of the community, and is a recognized leader in public affairs. He has won success through his own un- tiring efforts and good management, and the prosperity he has achieved is certainly well de- served.

C ALVIN COLLNER (deceased) was one of the most popular, public-spirited and enter- prising business men of St. Petersburg, where he spent his entire life, his birth occurring there

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April 3, 1856. His father, Lewis Collner, was also one of the most prominent and thorough- business men of Clarion county. The public schools of St. Petersburg afforded our subject his educational advantages, and at an early age he became associated in business with his brother, under the firm style of H. Collner & Bros. A man of progressive ideas and indomitable energy, he met with excellent success in his undertak- ings, and continued in active business until fail- ing health compelled his retirement.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 3, Part 97

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