USA > Pennsylvania > Clinton County > Historical and biographical work, or past and present of Clinton County, comprising a sketch of every town and township of the county from date of settlement up to the present time > Part 17
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CHARLES CORSS, ESQ.,
LOCK HAVEN, PA.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
city of Lock Haven he has served as a member and president of the board of managers of Highland cemetery company, as a member, president and vice president of the board of trustees of the Central Normal School Asso- ciation of the state of Pennsylvania, as mayor of the city, as president of the board of trade of the city, as president of the Lock Haven library company, and since February 12th, 1878, has been on the committee ap- pointed by Hon. C. A. Mayer, president judge of the twenty-fifth judicial district, to examine applicants for registration as law students, and for admission to the bar of Clinton county.
T. T. ABRAMS.
T. T. Abrams was born in Wormelsdorf, Berks county, Pa., February 22d, 1828; attended common schools until 17 years of age, when he began teaching, and part of the year attended Marshall college at Mercersberg, Pa., (now Franklin and Marshall college;) came to Williamsport, Pa., in 1846, where he taught the Williamsport academy for five years, at the same time studied law with General Robert Fleming; was admitted in the courts of Lycoming county in 1851. In 1852 he located in Lock Haven, and began practicing law in Clinton county in partnership with H. T. Beardsley, Esq. There were then but six members of the bar, Mr. Abrams making the seventh, and the second year went into partnership with Hon. L. A. Mackey. This continued until Mr. Mackey became a banker, when he and Cline G. Furst, Esq., formed a partnership, and in 1858 he became a partner of Judge Mayer. Mr. Abrams practiced law in Freeport, Ill., for some six years, and came back to Lock Haven in 1873, where he has been in active practice of law ever since. He served as district attorney of Clinton county for four years. He succeeded Hon. James W. Quiggle, who was elected state senator. He served as school director for a number of years in the early history of the town. It was during his term of district attorney that the first murder trial in Clinton county was tried-Commonwealth vs. Pfoutz. Mr. Abrams is now 60 years old; is still in active practice, and holds his own in the profession in any of the legal contests that come up in court. Age doesn't seem to affect him in his practice. July 29th, 1892, T. T. Abrams was appointed district attorney to succeed A. W. Brungard.
GENERAL JESSE MERRILL.
General Jesse Merrill was born in New Berlin, Union county, Pa., March 28th, 1836. He is a son of James Merrill. who was a prominent lawyer of Union county, and a member of the Pennsylvania constitu- tional convention of 1838. The subject of this sketch attended the pub- lic schools of New Berlin until he reached his sixteenth year. He then spent one year at the l'uscarora academy, in Juniata county, Pa., after which he began teaching school, and followed the profession for about four years. He then began the study of law with his brother at New Berlin. The following year he entered the law office of Lawson & Brown, at Milton, Pa., where he remained at his studies until 1859, when he was
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admitttd to practice law in the courts of Northumberland county, Pa. He shortly afterwards came to Lock Haven, where he has remained ever since. General Merrill enlisted in Company D, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the spring of 1861, and received a commission as second lieutenant. In the fall of the same year he was detailed for duty in the signal service corps. When the signal corps was organized as a separate branch of the service, he was transferred from his company with the rank of captain. In January, 1862, he was appointed to organize the signal service in the army of the Ohio, and he took command the following spring. By virtue of his position as signal officer, Captain Merrill was on the staff of Gen- erals Buel, Rosecrans and Thomas, as they in succession commanded the army of the Ohio, which afterwards became the army of the Cumberland. In the fall of 1864 he went East on a sick leave, and was soon after as- signed to duties in the army of the Potomac and James, and later to the department at the South, where he had his headquarters at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Here he remained until mustered out of service, in Oc- tober, 1865. It was at this time that he was brevetted major by President Johnson for long, faithful and meritorious services. He returned to Lock Haven in November, 1865, and resumed the practice of law. In April, 1871, he was appointed major-general of the National Guard of Pennsylvania by Governor Geary. It was during his term as commander that the 11th Division was called out to quell the riot at Williamsport. In 1880 General Merrill received the Republican nomination for assem- bly, but was def ated by S. Woods Caldwell, the Democratic nominee.
C. S. McCORMICK.
Probably one of the best known citizens of Clinton county at the pres- ent time is C. S. McCormick. Mr. McCormick is a son of Robert Mc- Cormick. He was born near Lock Haven in 1835. His early life was spent on a farm, and his early education was received in the pioneer schools of this section. In 1854 he entered La Fayette college, and grad- uated from that institution in the class of 1858. . After his graduation he read law in the office of C. G. Furst, Esq., Lock Haven. He was ad- mitted to the Clinton county bar in 1860. Mr. McCormick married, in 1862, Sue Fleming, a daughter of Algeron S. Fleming. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church of Lock Haven, and has been one of its ruling elders since 1874. He has been superintendent of the Presby- terian Sunday school for many years. He ranks among the leaders of the Clinton county bar, and has frequently been spoken of as a candidate for the judicial chair of the district, and as a candidate for congress.
HENRY T. HARVEY.
Henry T. Harvey was born at Salona, Clinton county, Pa., October 22d, 1842. He is the son of Dr. George C. Harvey, who practiced medi- cine in this vicinity for twenty years, and was one of the associate judges of Clinton county. Henry T. Harvey attended the old Lock Haven
T. C. HIPPLE, ESQ.,
LOCK HAVEN, PA.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
academy for three years, when that institution was under the principal- ship of Professor Rodgers. After leaving the academy he attended the Pennsylvania state college, and was graduated from that institution in 1862. He then began the study of law with Orvis & Corss, and completed his law studies with T. T. Abrains. He was admitted to practice in De- cember, 1864. In 1869 he was admitted to practice in the United States courts. Soon afterward he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of district attorney. In 1872 he declined the county nomina- tion for congress. In 1876 he received the nomination of Clinton county for congress, but did not allow his name to go before the nominating con- vention of the district. In 1872 Mr. Harvey was married to a daughter of Ex.Governor James Pollock. In 1876 he was a delegate to the National Republican convention, which met at Cincinnati, and voted for Blaine for president. He has been a member of the State normal school board of trustees since the organization of the school, and also a member of the board of trustees for the Pennsylvania state college. He has been a di- rector and solicitor of the State bank of Lock Haven for several years, and is the president of the Lock Haven trust and safe deposit company, which he was instrumental in organizing.
TORRENCE C. HIPPLE.
Torrence C. Hipple was born in the town of Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, Pa., December 13th, 1845. His early education was received in the schools of Jersey Shore. In 1861 his parents moved to Lock Haven. Mr. Hipple graduated from Dickinson seminary, in 1865, with highest honors. After reading law for three years in the office of Mayer & Ball, of Lock Haven, he entered the law department of the University at Albany, N. Y., and graduated from that institution in 1868. After his graduation he was admitted to the Clinton county bar. Since that time he has followed the practice of law, and rapidly forced his way to the front rank of his profession. Mr. Hipple is one of the most useful and public spirited citizens of Lock Haven. His worth as a lawyer and as a citizen is acknowledged by his fellow men. He has risen to his present high standing among the members of his profession by energy and hard work. Mr. Hipple is a prominent member of the Knights Templar, be- ing one of the past grand commanders of the Grand commandery of that honorable fraternity. He has held several positions of honor and trust, and has never been found wanting. In fact he is one of the representa- tive citizens of Clinton county, worthy and capable of occupying any position within the gift of the people.
W. H. CLOUGH.
W. H. Clough was born at Moultonborough, New Hampshire, Febru- ary 4th, 1842. He received his education in the public schools, and at Franklin academy, at Dover, N. H. He entered the command of General
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Buell in 1861, and, with the exception of one year, served during the whole of the war. He was a member of Company E, 7th Pa. Cavalry. Receiving his discharge, in 1865, he came to Lock Haven, where he acted as book- keeper until 1868, when he entered the law office of Charles Corss, Esq., where he read law for two years, and was admitted to the Clinton county bar in 1870. In 1876 Mr. Clough was appointed district attorney to fill out the unexpired term of William Parsons. In 1877 he was elected to the said office, and served one term. With the exception of two years, spent in the West, Mr. Clough has followed his profession in Lock Haven since 1870. On April 1st, 1890, he entered into partnership with John B. Myers, and since that time he has been senior member of the firm of Clough & Myers. Mr. Clough is a Democrat, and a useful member of his party.
JOHN B. MYERS.
John B. Myers, junior member of the firm of Clough & Myers, was born in Lock Haven, August 2d, 1862. He attended the public schools of the city, and graduated from the High school in 1877, after which he spent two years at the Lock Haven normal school. In 1879 he entered La Fayette college, and graduated from that institution in the class of '82. After his graduation he read law in the office of C. S. McCormick, and was admitted to the bar of Clinton county in 1885. He was city solic- itor for several years, and the firm of which he is a member is acting in that capacty at the present time. Mr. Myers was connected with his present partner, W. H. Clough, in defending John Johnson, who was accused of being an accomplice of Luther Shaffer in the murder of the Colbys, and through their untiring efforts Johnson was acquitted. J. B. Myers is an ardent Republican, and one of the leaders of his party. Al- though one of the youngest members at the bar, he is meeting with abundant success.
W. A. WHITE.
W. A. White was born in what is now Beech Creek borough, Clinton county, April 9th 1843. His early education was obtained at the public schools of the borough. From 1856 to 1860 he attended the West Branch High school at Jersey Shore, Pa., where he completed the course and prepared for college. In 1861 he entered Jefferson college-now Wash- ington and Jefferson-located at Little Washington, Washington county, Pa., graduating from that institution in 1865. He then came to Lock Haven and read law in the office of Cline G. Furst, Esq., and was ad- mitted to the Clinton county bar in 1868. After his admission to the bar he entered into a partnership with T. C. Hipple, which lasted for two years; he then started an office of his own, and has remained by him- self ever since.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
PAUL S. MERRILL, ESQ.
Paul S. Merrill was born December 24th, 1809, at Newberryport, Mass. In early youth he left his home and located at Blanchard, Maine, where he remained for a number of years. In June, 1870, he located in Lock Haven, where he has remained ever since. Mr. Merrill was married November 17th, 1835, to Caroline Blanchard, of Cumberland, Maine. They have had ten children, seven of whom are living. They are George B. Merrill, of Williamsport; John C. Merrill, of Lock Haven; Mrs. George A. Shappleigh, of Denver, Col .; Miss Dora B. Merrill, of Akron, Ohio; Mrs. Elizabeth Carskaddon and Misses Margaret and Eva Merrill, of Lock Haven.
Mr. Merrill has been for many years secretary and treasurer of the Highland cemetery company, and for several years has held the same position in the Lock Haven library association. He has been a trustee of the Central state normal school ever since it was established.
Paul S. Merrill was admitted to the bar of Clinton county in 1870, and to the Lycoming county bar the same year. He is a liberal hearted man, always ready to help those in distress. Although now in his 83d year he has not given up active business, and can daily be seen at his office.
NOTE .- Paul S. Merrill died suddenly Sunday morning, June 12th, 1892, and was buried in Highland cemetery, Wednesday, June 15th, 1892.
B. F. GEARY.
B. F. Geary was born at Hublersburg, Centre county, Pa., November 20th, 1861. He is a son of A. C. Geary, who for many years was justice of the peace of Walker township, and treasurer of Centre county from 1869 to 1872. The family moved to Lock Haven in 1874, and the subject of this sketch attended the public schools of the city until 1877. In the fail of that year he entered the Lock Haven normal school, where he graduated in the elementary course in 1879, and in the scientific course in 1881. He taught school for three years after his graduation, and then read law. He was admitted to the Clinton county bar in 1885. For one year after his admission he was a partner of his brother, E. P. Geary, but withdrew from the firm in 1886. He entered the office of W. C. Kress, Esq., and in 1890 became his partner. In February, 1891, Mr. Geary was elected a member of city council from the Third ward of Lock Haven. He was married in June, 1890, to M. Allison White, daughter of the late W. A. White, of Clintondale, Pa.
T. M. STEVENSON.
T. M. Stevenson was born near Cedar Springs, Porter township, No- vember 25th, 1860. IIis early education was received at the public schools. In January, 1881, he entered the Central state normal school, and graduated from that institution in 1882. After teaching one term, he entered Eastman's business college at Poughkeepsie, N. Y .; graduated
14
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
from there in June, 1883. He then entered the office of H. T. Harvey, Esq., where he read law for two years. He was admitted to the Clinton county bar, May 19th, 1885, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Stevenson was married, in 1886, to Maggie Shoemaker, daughter of Rev. Shoemaker, of Jacksonville, Centre county, Pa.
HENRY T. HALL.
Henry T. Hall was born in the borough of Mill Hall, October 25th, 1858. He attended the public schools of the borough. In 1878 he entered the Lock Haven normal school, and graduated from that institution in June, 1880. The following winter and for three successive winters he had charge of the Mill Hall schools. In 1883 he began the study of law in the office of H. T. Harvey, Esq. In 1885 he went to Kansas, where he was admitted to practice law in the courts of Cowley county. He re- mained but a few months, being called home by the serious illness of his mother. He then decided to remain in the East, and for a time clerked in the store of Fredericks & Munro, at Farrandsville. In 1889 he was admitted to practice law in the courts of Clinton county. He entered the law office of T. C. Hipple, and has been a prominent fixture of that gentleman's establishment ever since. In July of 1892 he received the nomination of the Republican party for district attorney of Clinton county, and at present writing is a strong candidate for election to that office.
A. W. McCORMICK.
A. W. McCormick, son of C. S. McCormick, Esq., was born in Lock Haven, March 4th, 1864. He attended the public schools of the city until 1880, when he entered New Windsor college, at New Windsor, Md., where he remained until 1882. He then entered La Fayette college, Easton, Pa., from which institution he graduated in 1886. After spend- ing two years reading law with his father, he was admitted to practice in the courts of Clinton county. Mr. McCormick is an ardent and active Democrat, and quite a shrewd politician. He was chairman of the Dem- ocratic county committee for three years, and served two years as city auditor. Mr. McCormick was married December 3d, 1889, to Miss Annie Chamberlin, step-daughter of Hon. A. C. Hopkins, of Lock Haven.
The other members of the Clinton county bar at the present time are: S. R. Reale, J. W. Yongman, W. F. Shraeder, C. G. Furst, Sydney Furst, Orin T. Noble, M. C. Lingle, Joseph Parsons, J. W. Group, B. F. Winters, W. C, Hollahan, A. W. Brungard, A. F. Ryon and E. P. Geary.
R. B. WATSON, M. D.,
LOCK HAVEN, PA.
PHYSICIANS OF LOCK HAVEN.
R. B. WATSON, M. D.
D R. R. B. WATSON was born at Gettysburg, Adams county, Pa., in 1838. He prepared for college at what was then called the Lawrenceville school, at Lawrence, N. J. He entered Princeton college in 1855, and graduated from that institution in 1859. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. W. Q. Davis, of Milton, Pa. In 1861 he entered the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and graduated from there in 1863. He then went to the war, and after a few months was appointed surgeon for the United States Army hospital, at Chester, Pa., which position he held until April, 1865. In June, 1865, he came to Lock Haven, where he soon acquired a lucrative practice. Dr. Watson was married in December, 1866, to Emma L. Graffius, daughter of Abraham Graffius, one of Lock Haven's oldest and most prominent citizens. His wife died in 1884, and in September, 1887, he married Miss Anna Elliott, of Jersey City. At the present time Dr. Watson is president of the Clinton County Medical society, State mem- ber of the Pennsylvania Medical society, a member of the American Medical association. and a member of the National Association of Rail- way Surgeons. He is one of the trustees of the Great Island Presbyterian church, and has been for ten years a trustee of the Lock Haven Normal school, as well as one of its strongest supporters. He is one of the best physicians in the city of Lock Haven, and one of her most useful citizens.
F. P. BALL, M. D.
Dr. F. P. Ball was born May 22d, 1856, at Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pa. He is the eldest son of S. D. Ball, Esq. The family moved to Lock Haven in 1860. Dr. Ball attended the city schools until 1872. He entered the Pennsylvania university, at Philadelphia, in 1874, and graduated from there in 1877. After his graduation he acted as subor- dinate physician at the Wilkes-Barre hospital for a term of six months. He then located at Chester, Pa., where he practiced for two years. He next located at Salona, Clinton county, Pa., where he remained until he came to Lock Haven, in the fall of 1881. Dr. Ball was married in 1883 to M. Louise Mackey, daughter of the late Hon. L. A. Mackey. His office and residence are located in the Mackey mansion, corner of Grove and Water streets. Dr. F. P. Ball is now president of the West Branch Med- ical association, a member of the Lycoming County Medical society, the Clinton County Medical society, and of the American Medical association. He is considered one of the leading physicians in Clinton county, and enjoys a lucrative and constantly increasing practice.
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J. H. HAYES, M. D.
Dr. J. H. Hayes was born April 9th, 1841, in Northumberland county. He attended La Fayette college in 1856, and graduated from that institu- tion in 1859. He then read medicine, and graduated from Jefferson Medical college in 1862. He at once entered the Army of the Potomac, and served until his regiment was mustered out of service, in 1865. Dr. Hayes began the practice of medicine in Lock Haven in 1865, and has been one of the city's most prominent physicians ever since. He was married in 1869 to Annie H. Mackey, daughter of the late Hon. L. A. Mackey. They have two sons, Mackey and W. Bruce. The former is assistant in the State bank, and the latter book-keeper for the Pennsyl- vania Pulp and Paper Mill company of Lock Haven.
W. J. SHOEMAKER, M. D.
Dr. W. J. Shoemaker was born in Woodward township, Clinton county, Pa., September 20th, 1852. He attended the public schools until he reached his eighteenth year; then attended one term at the Clinton County Normal, held by Superintendent A. D. Rowe, at Salona. After one term spent in teaching, he entered the Millersville State Normal school, where he remained for one year. After teaching two years he entered the North Western College of Illinois, and graduated from that institution in 1879. After his graduation he spent a few months in the state of Nebraska, then returned to Lock Haven, where he read medicine with Dr. Armstrong. In September, 1880, he entered the medical de- partment of the University of Maryland, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1882. He then located at Mill Hall, Pa., where he fol- lowed his profession until the fall of 1886, when he moved to Lock Haven. Dr. Shoemaker was married June 20th, 1882, to Maria Stowe, of Quincy, Mass. His office and residence at this time is at No. 221 East Main street, in the brick dwelling occupied for many years by the late Dr. A. G. Walls. Dr. Shoemaker is at present president of Clinton County Medical association.
H. C. LICHTENTHALER, M. D.
Dr. H. C. Lichtenthaler was born in Lock Haven, July 27th, 1860. He received his early education in the different private schools of Lock Haven. In 1876 he entered Cheltenham academy, near Philadelphia, remaining there one year. In September, 1877, he entered what was called "Hill school," at Pottstown, Bucks county, Pa., and graduated from that institution in June, 1879. He then returned to Lock Haven, and began the study of medicine in the office of the late Dr. A. G. Walls. In September of the same year he became a student at the University of Pennsylvania, where he remained until he graduated, March 5th, 1882. After receiving his medical diploma, he opened an office in Lock Haven, April 2d, 1882, and continued to practice his profession here until No- yember, 1885, when he gave up his practice in Lock Haven and went to
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Larned, Kansas, where he remained until February, 1890, when he returned East and practiced at Mill Hall until the death of Dr. A. G. Walls. He then moved to Lock Haven, and in a few months took up his residence in the Walls dwelling, on Main street, where he at present resides and has his office. Dr. Lichtenthaler was married in May, 1886, to Miss Annie M. Reeser, of Lock Haven. He is at present city physician for Lock Haven, secretary of the Board of U. S. Pension Examiners, also medical examiner for the Royal Arcanum.
F. W. VANDERSLOOT, M. D.
Dr. F. W. Vandersloot was born at Abbottstown, Adams county, Pa., May 13th, 1831. When eighteen years of age he entered the Pennsyl- vania college, at Gettysburg, where he remained until 1853. He then entered the office of Drs. Gilbert & Huber, of Gettysburg, where he read medicine for two years. In 1855 he spent one season at the Medical University of Baltimore, Md., and took a second course at the medical department of Pennsylvania college, graduating from there in 1856. He also received a diploma from the Philadelphia hospital. He commenced practicing medicine at Quincy, Franklin county, Pa., and remained there one year; then moved to Abbottstown, where he followed his profession five years. From 1861 to 1863 he practiced at Prospect, York county, Pa. In the spring of 1863 he was appointed assistant surgeon, with the rank of lieutenant of cavalry, at Fortress Monroe, where he remained until mustered out of service, at Camp Cadwalider, November 9th, 1865. He also served, in September, 1862, during the emergency, as assistant surgeon in the 13th regiment, Pennsylvania militia. After leaving the army Dr. Vandersloot located at Fairfield, Adams county, and remained there until the spring of 1867, when he moved to Beuna Vista, Bedford county, Pa., and afterwards to Annville, Lebanon county, Pa. In 1871 he located at Nittany Hall, Centre county, Pa., where he remained nine years. In 1879 he sold out his practice. Two years later he located at Flemington, where he remained until 1887, when he came to Lock Haven. Dr. Vandersloot was married in Waynesboro, Pa., May 13th, 1857, to Eliza E. Crouse, of that place. They have eight children, all living.
FRANCIS S. SMITH, M. D.
Dr. Francis S. Smith was born at Sylvania, Bradford county, Pa., May 13th, 1829. His ancestry dates back to the days of the Revolution. His grand-father was one of the "Green mountain boys," who fought under Ethan Allen; he was a soldier on duty at the execution of Major Andre. His father was a veteran of the war of 1812, and Dr. Smith himself served during the Civil war as assistant surgeon in the 194th Pennsylvania regiment. Dr. Smith first came to Clinton county in 1839. He attended the common schools of that day, and also spent two years as a student at the Jersey Shore academy. He read medicine and at-
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