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 18
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
tended lectures in the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He afterward entered Hahnemann's Medical college, at Philadelphia, and graduated from there in 1859. After his graduation he practiced for a short time in the state of Maryland, and later at Benderville, Pa. In the spring of 1865 he came to Lock Haven, where he remained until the fall of 1867, when he went to Augusta, Ill., remain- ing there until the spring of 1873. He then returned to Lock Haven, where he has since resided. For many years Dr. Smith was the only homeopathic physician in Clinton county. He has served eleven years as city physician. Dr. Smith was married April 9th, 1863, to Mary Ellen Chatam, a daughter of Hon. James Chatam, at one time sheriff of Clinton county. Their children were Laura K. and Cora J. Smith ; both deceased.
GEORGE CORSON BURNLEY, M. D.
George Corson Burnley was born at Upper Darby, Delaware county, March 6th, 1866. His father is Rev. Charles W. Burnley, now a resident of Williamsport. Dr. Burnley graduated from Hahnemann medical col- lege, Philadelphia, April 2d, 1890, and located in Lock Haven April 23d of the same year. He was married September 2d, 1891, to Miss Clare E. Cochran, of Erie, Pa. His office and residence is at No. 15 West Main street, Lock Haven, Pa. Dr. Burnley is a member of the Homeopathic school of medicine, and is rapidly rising in his profession.
THOS P. MEYER, D. D. S.,
LOCK HAVEN, PA.
DENTAL SURGERY.
T' HE first man to practice dentistry in Lock Haven was an individual named Houseal, who extracted teeth and done filling, but did not manufacture new teeth. Dr. Martin, of Jersey Shore, and Dr. Lock, of Williamsport, made periodical visits to Lock Haven and to other parts of the county, and considerable rivalry is said to have existed between the two men. Dr. Vallashamp also traveled the county for sev- eral years. Dr. Russell came from Muncy, and located in Lock Haven about 1850; he remained five years, when Dr. Weiler purchased the busi- ness, and in his turn conducted it until his interests were purchased by Dr. J. S. Mader, in 1861.
DR. J. S. MADER.
Dr. J. S. Mader, who is the oldest resident dental surgeon in Lock Haven, was born in Bavaria, Germany, August, 1836. His father came from Germany, and settled in Lock Haven in 1847. When young Mader reached his fourteenth year he went to Jersey Shore and began the study of dentistry with Dr. H. H. Martin. In 1859 he came to Lock Haven and began the practice of dentistry with Dr. Weiler, and in 1861 pur- chased the interest of his partner, and has since done business for him- self. Among his pupils were Dr. William Blesh, now practicing his profession in Lock Haven; Dr. Bennet, of Renovo; Charles C. Cole, now a dental surgeon of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Dr. Snyder, of Coudersport, and Dr. Mader's two sons.
Dr. Mader was elected coroner in November, 1876, and held the posi- tion, without opposition, until 1891, when he was succeeded by Dr. Full- mer, of Renovo. He has also served two terms as councilman, being elected a member of the first city council of Lock Haven.
THOMAS P. MEYER, D. D. S.
Dr. Thomas P. Meyer was born in Miles township, Centre county, Pa., August 29th, 1842. He enjoyed only the educational facilities which the rural districts of that period afforded; but, being an apt student, he ad- vanced himself sufficiently to take charge of a public school at the age of seventeen years. He continued teaching during the winter terms, and attended the summer sessions of the Academy at Aaronsbnrg, Pa., for several years, and soon acquired a reputation as an efficient teacher. When the Civil war broke out his patriotism impelled him to march in defence of his country. He enlisted in August, 1862, with almost a hun- dred of his acquaintances of Brush Valley, Centre county, Pa., and these were afterward organized as Company A, 148th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.
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Mr. Meyer enlisted as a private, and went through all the rough ex- perience of a soldier's life; performing his duties faithfully, and taking part in many severe engagements, among which were the battles of Chan- cellorsville, Gettysburg and the siege and capture of Petersburg and Richmond. He was promoted three different times; was in command for a long time of the Regimental Pioneer corps, and during the Gettysburg and Bristoe campaigns, as well as during the long siege of Petersburg. he had charge of the Brigade Pioneers. During the battle of Auburn Mills, October 14th, 1863, Mr. Meyer, with a number of others, was captured, and was dependent during the following winter upon the hospitalities dispensed by the generous officials at Libby prison, Castle Thunder and Belle Island. He was exchanged, and returned to his regiment and served until the end of the war; receiving his discharge in June, 1865. After this he went West and spent several years on the plains. Return- ing East, in 1872, he was elected principal of the Third ward schools of Lock Haven, Pa., which position he held for thirteen years, when he abandoned the teaching profession for that of dentistry, taking a second dental collegiate course at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where he graduated March 19th, 1890. Mr. Meyer is married to Lucetta Bierley, a daughter of John and Priscilla Bierley. They have two children. In politics Mr. Meyer is strongly Democratic, and a very useful member of his party.
DR. WILLIAM BLESH.
William Blesh was born May 13th, 1847. He began the study of den- tistry with Dr. J. S. Mader in May, 1866, and in March, 1869, opened an office for himself in the Benage block, Main street. In 1871 he moved his office to the second floor of Schroeder's block, where he has done busi- ness ever since. He is a first-class workman, and enjoys a very lucrative practice. In connection with dentistry he has dealt considerable in real estate and Inmber, and at present owns several valuable properties in the city of Lock Haven. He has also had patented several inventions, useful to members of the dental profession. He has always been greatly inter- ested in developing the mineral resources of the county, and was the first one to prove the existence of natural gas and oil within its limits.
GEORGE EADIE, D. D. S.
Dr. George Eadie was born at Oakland, Brant county, Ontario, Canada, September 19th, 1859. He received his early education in the schools of his native town. He came to the United States in 1882, and spent one year in the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, and then entered the Philadelphia Dental college, graduating from there in 1884. After graduating he located at Angelica, N. Y., where he prac- ticed his profession for two years; then came to Lock Haven in 1886, and has been here ever since. His dental office is located on the second floor
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of the Kreamer block, 912 East Main street. Dr. Eadie has been very successful in his business since locating in Lock Haven. His reputation for good work is above par, and, for a young man, his success is remarkable.
DR. W. M. HUBLER.
Dr. W. M. Hubler, the efficient assistant in the dental office of Dr. George Eadie, was born at Tylersville, Clinton county, Pa. He is a son of Dr. J. D. Hubler, a well known citizen and dental surgeon of that place. Dr. W. M. Hubler graduated from the Central State Normal school in 1889, and from Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, Phila- delphia, February 27th, 1891.
H. E. BRADY, D. D. S.
Dr. H. E. Brady was born at Mill Hall, June 15th, 1863. He received his education in the schools of Mill Hall, and at the Central State Normal school, at Lock Haven. In 1886 he entered the Philadelphia Dental col- lege, and graduated from there in March, 1888. After assisting his father for one year, he located in Lock Haven, where he is at present practicing his profession with the best of success.
DR. C. R. GOOD.
Dr. C. R. Good, veterinary surgeon of Lock Haven, was born in Muncy township, Lycoming county, May 19th, 1861. He attended the public schools until 1878, when he entered the Muncy Normal school, which he attended for two years, He then taught school for several years, after which he spent one year at the Millersville Normal school; then fol- lowed the profession of teaching until 1885. In the fall of 1885 he went to Toronto, Can., and spent two years in the Ontario Veterinary college. He graduated from there March 31st, 1887, and began the practice of his profession at Lock Haven in May of the same year. Dr. C. R. Good was married in February, 1890, to Lulu Courter, of Blanchard, Centre county, Pa. He took up his residence and opened an office at No. 212 Grove street, where he is now located. He has been very successful in his work, and has gained quite a reputation in the adjoining counties.
The other physicians of Lock Haven are: Dr. R. Armstrong, Dr. J. S. McGinnis and Dr. A. Preison. The former is one of the leading physi- cians of the city, and has for a number of years been a trustee of the Lock Haven Normal school. The latter conducts a drug store, and has an extensive office practice.
PROMINENT CITIZENS OF LOCK HAVEN.
HON. A. C. HOPKINS.
H TON. A. C. HOPKINS, present member of congress from this district, was born at Villenoria, Chautauqua county, N. Y., September 15th, 1837 He received his education in various schools, and in Novem- ber, 1856, began the profession of teaching at Troy, Bradford county, Pa. From there he returned to his native county, and for a time followed the mercantile business at Jamestown, Westfield and Forest Hill. In 1862 he engaged in the mercantile business at Troy, Bradford county, Pa., where he remained for five years. In 1867 he came to Lock Haven, where he has been actively engaged in the lumber business ever since. Mr. Hopkins is, and has been for a number of years, a member of the lumber firm of Hopkins & Weymouth, with main office on the corner of Water and Grove streets, Lock Haven, Pa. He never aspired to any political office until 1890, when, at the urgent solicitation of friends, he allowed his name to be used as a candidate for congress. He received the nomination of his party, and at the November election, 1890, was elected over Mortimer F. Elliott, Democratic candidate from Tioga county. Mr. Hopkins, while a member of congress, served on several important com- mittees. His efforts to promote the welfare of his constituents won for him the kindest regards. His chances for a second term are good, and there is no doubt but what his strength has greatly increased since his first election. He is a good, substantial citizen, never behind in works of charity and benevolence. His party may well feel satisfied with their choice of a candidate to represent them in the fifty-third congress.
JOHN W. SMITH.
Hon. John W. Smith was born on a farm at "Monseytown Flats," in what is now Woodward township, September 26th, 1829. All the education he received was gleaned from the inferior common schools of that day. His father was Adam Smith, who came to the West Branch valley with his parents, who settled on what was called the "Monseytown Flats" about the year 1800. The subject of this sketch remained on his father's farm until he reached his twenty-third year. when he married and began business for himself as owner and proprietor of what was known as the "White house," a hotel which stood on what is now the property of Isaac Packer. While acting as landlord of the White house he began dealing in square timber, which business he followed for many years. He remained in the White house about four years, and then moved to Lockport, where he remained for about three years. He then purchased the Eagle hotel in Lock Haven, and conducted the busi-
HON. A. C. HOPKINS, LOCK HAVEN, PA.
.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
ness there for four years. He then sold the property and bought the old homestead, where he lived for two years, and then returned to Lock Haven. Four years later he purchased the Fallon house. Mr. Smith has occupied several important positions both in city and county politics. In 1857 he was elected county auditor. In 1863 was elected sheriff of Clinton county, and re-elected in 1869. In February, 1873, he was elected mayor of Lock IIaven, serving two years. In 1876 he was elected associate judge of Clinton county, and served one term. Since that time he has served the people of his ward as councilman. Besides his official services he has always been one of the foremost to develop the natural resources of Clinton county. In politics Judge Smith has always been a straight-out Democrat, and was elected to the various offices he has filled with very little opposition.
JAMES JEFFERIS.
The subject of this sketch was born at West Chester, Chester county, Pa., December 15th, 1832, and came to Lock Haven with his parents 111 1835. His father, James Jefferis, purchased a large part of the Hender- son tract from Jerry Church and built the residence on corner of Bald Eagle and Henderson streets, which has been occupied by the family ever since. The number of acres purchased by Mr. Jefferis was about 120. The amount paid was $9,000. This land was farmed by him until his death, and afterwards by his son, the present James Jefferis. The dwelling erected in 1835 was at one time the finest residence in the town, and probably the most substantial one, as it has stood the storms of almost sixty winters, and is yet in a perfect state of preservation. Mr. Jefferis received his early education in the old school house on Main street, under such teachers as Black, Hunt and Mckean. Among his school-mates were the McCormicks and Flemings. He also attended several terms at the "old academy." In 1854 he went to Wisconsin, where he spent six years engaged in farming. He returned to Lock Haven in 1860 and farmed the Jefferis homestead until 1880. The farm by this time had all been laid out into building lots, hence that occupa- tion was at an end. In 1883 Mr. Jefferis was elected mayor of the city of Lock Haven and re-elected to the same position in 1885. He served his ward as a councilman for six years, and also as school director for the same length of time. Ex-mayor Jefferis was married in 1856 to Helen J. Bates. They have had five children; two are yet living. They are Miss Elizabeth and Joseph Jefferis. The ex-mayor is one of Lock Haven's most esteemed citizens, and has never failed to answer to the call of duty in any instance, when the best interests of the town or city were at stake.
J. B. G. KINSLOE.
The following excellent sketch of J. B. G. Kinsloe was prepared by J. F. Meginness, author of the "History of the West Branch Valley :"
"Mr. Kinsloe, one of the oldest printers, editors and publishers in the state, was born near Mexico, Mifflin county, Pa., (now Juniata,) April
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5th, 1820. In the spring of 1827 his parents removed to Lewistown, the county seat, and on the evening of their arrival young Kinsloe made the acquaintance of Levi Reynolds, editor and proprietor of the Mifflin Eagle, and was a daily visitor to the office, spending his leisure hours in acquiring a knowledge of the 'art preservative,' until in 1834, when he became a journeyman printer, at $16 per month, in the office of the Lewistown Gazette. During the administration of Joseph Ritner, Mr. Kinsloe served as clerk in the prothonotary's office under William Brothers. In 1838, in company with his eldest brother, W. A. Kinsloe, he published the Eagle, afterwards called the Clintonian, in Lock Haven. At the close of the memorable campaign of 1840, the paper was suspended, when Robert McCormick and the subject of this sketch soon after renewed it under the name of the Clinton County Whig. In 1841 he purchased an office in Mifflintown, and removed it to Thompson- town, where he became the publisher of the Juniata Free Press, and a monthly journal called The Temperance Agent. In 1842 he removed the office to Shippensburg, Pa., where, in connection with his brother, he commenced the publication of The Cumberland Valley, also continuing The Temperance Agent at the same point. Afterwards we find him in Philadelphia during the exciting times of the native American riots, and up to 1846, in the office of the Daily Spirit of the Times, as foreman and night clerk. During 1849 and '50 he was in the employ of L. Johnson & Co., the oldest type founders in America, as general jobber, engaged in getting up their magnificent specimen book. In that establishment he acquired much useful knowledge relating to the secret of fine printing. Soon after this he received a "call" to Knoxville, Tenn., where he removed, in 1851, and took charge of The Presbyterian Witness, with Rev. A. Blackburn as editor. The Knoxville Register was put up at public sale in a few years after his removal to the place, and he purchased it. Rev. A. Blackburn's interest was sold to W. A. Kinsloe, and under the firm name of Kinsloe & Brother the first power press was introduced into East Tennessee. In 1854 they purchased Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, retaining Mr. Brownlow as editor. W. A. Kinsloe remained in Philadelphia, while J. B. G. had the entire management and control of the large establishment, to which he had added a first-class bindery and a monthly medical journal, edited by Dr. Richard O. Curry. Soon after W. A. sold his one-half interest to Charles A. Rice, to whom J. B. G. also sold in 1859, and shortly after this W. G. Brownlow purchased it at sheriff's sale, and J. B. G. continued with him as business manager until the Whig ceased to exist-when Tennessee was declared out of the Union -the last paper being printed and sent out after Brownlow had left the city, with the hope of stealing through the rebel lines at Cumberland Gap, or some other point in the mountains. Mr. Kinsloe remained in Knoxville throughout the fearful struggle, and until six months after Burnside's army captured the place. This occurred about the middle of the afternoon, and as Kinsloe had purchased a job office of J. A Sperry, just before the evacuation of Knoxville by the rebel forces, he issued a
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small daily the next morning, and continued its publication until the return of Parson Brownlow, who at once resuscitated the Whig. Mr. Kinsloe then took a position in the custom house, where he remained until April 14th, 1864, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and purchased a one-half interest in the West Branch Bulletin, Williamsport, of P. C. Van Gelder, about the 1st of June, 1864, and in May, 1868, he was elected city clerk of the select branch of city councils, of Williamsport, which position he filled acceptably for two years, and until that branch discontinued. In November, 1869, the Bulletin and Lycoming Gazette were consolidated, and the Gazette and Bulletin Publishing association organized, with J. B. G. Kinsloe as business manager and treasurer. On the 9th of September, 1871, he disposed of his stock in the association, but remained in the office until the 28th of February, 1874, performing whatever duties were required of him. In March following he purchased the Clinton Republican of George D. Bowman, which he is now suc- cessfully editing and publishing."
Mr. Kinsloe has been a useful and prominent citizen of Lock Haven ever since he took up his residence within her limits. He has been for years a trustee of the Lock Haven Normal school and one of the school's best friends. He dissolved his connection with the Presbyterian church in 1861, and since that time has filled the position of steward or trustee, and holds the latter position in Trinity M. E. church of Lock Haven at this time.
ROBERT STEWART BARKER.
Robert Stewart Barker was born March 8th, 1838, in Pine Creek town- ship, Clinton county, Pa., about six miles east of Lock Haven. While he was yet an infant, his parents removed to Lock Haven, where he grew to manhood, and received his education in the common schools and the Lock Haven academy, an institution in which higher branches were taught than in the common schools of that day. On February 14th, 1865, he was married to Miss Ella J. Sloan, daughter of Alexander and Emeline Sloan. Mr. Barker is descended from an old and highly re- spected family. His father, William W. Barker, was born near Pine creek, at what is now known as Phelps Mills in 1806. He married Fanny Q. Stewart, a daughter of Robert Stewart, and died at an ad- vanced age, respected by all who knew him. Robert S. Barker grew to manhood, a giant in stature, standing six feet seven inches in his stockings. In 1878 he was elected sheriff of Clinton county on the Republican ticket. He served one term as treasurer of the city of Lock Haven, was elected mayor of Lock Haven in February, 1887, and was for many years chief engineer of the city fire department. In August, 1862, he volunteered to serve as a soldier in defence of his country, and was elected first lieutenant of Company H, 137th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers-Infantry. The regiment of which he was a member was sent at once to the front and put in active service. With his command he
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was engaged in the battles at South Mountain, Antietam, two battles at Fredericksburg and the battle of the Wilderness. He was promoted to the captaincy of his company, and was discharged honorably at Harris- burg in June, 1863. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster at Lock Haven, a position he is filling with credit, and in a manner entirely satis- factory to the patrons of the office.
WILLIAM P. MITCHELL.
William P. Mitchell was born at Howard, Centre county, Pa., January 22d, 1841. His father was Rev. Nathan J. Mitchell, a minister of the Disciple church, who died in 1879, at the age of 79 years, and his mother was a sister of ex-Governor William F. Packer. His ancestry on his mother's side can be traced back to 1660. Thomas Pierson, an ancestor, came to this country with William Penn in 1682. Mr. Mitchell attended the public schools of Howard township, and in 1858 and 1859 attended Dickinson seminary, at Williamsport. After leaving that institution he taught one term of school at Plunkett's Run, Clinton county, and also taught the grammar grade at Beech Creek one term. He then entered the law office of Orvis & Alexander, of Bellefonte, where he spent three years preparing for the law, but never applied for admission to the bar. When his law studies were finished, he began the business of surveying, a work in which he is still engaged. William P. Mitchell was married June 25th, 1863, to Susan F. Rothrock, a daughter of Dr. William P. Rothrock, then of Beech Creek, but now a resident of Kansas. They have had five children, one son and four daughters. Those living are Sadie C., Jennie R., now the wife of William M. Fredericks, Annie L. and Nellie B. Mr. Mitchell is probably one of the best known surveyors in the Keystone state. During the past twenty-five years he has sur- veyed land, and has been in court as a witness in land suits in thirty- eight counties of this state, and has also been called upon to testify in important cases in the United States court at Pittsburg, Williamsport and Philadelphia. One of the most important trials which he ever at- tended as a witness was that of the Houtz heirs, in Clearfield county, in which the title to a block of surveys upon which the town of Houtzdale is located was in dispute. This suit was tried in Centre county, before Judge Orvis, in 1879. Another important suit was that of the Northum- berlard Coal company, to decide the title to vast coal fields in Columbia and Northumberland counties. The suit was tried in the United States court at Pittsburg, and lasted forty-nine days. He was also a witness on the celebrated land case of Shepp, Dull & Sillyman vs. Eckley B. Coxe, which was tried at Pottsville a few years ago. This case created wide spread attention at the time, and lasted three months. Mr. Mitchell lived in Centre county until 1874, when he came to Lock Haven, where he has remained ever since. During the time he resided in Centre county, he served two terms as county surveyor. William P. Mitchell has the 1ep- utation, and justly deserves it, of being one of the best land surveyors in the state of Pennsylvania. His services are constantly in demand, and
WM. P. MITCHELL, SURVEYOR, LOCK HAVEN, PA.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
his ability acknowledged by the best land lawyers of the state. His skill at draughting is remarkable. It is said his maps of surveys are the finest presented before the United States court.
ARCHIBALD MUNRO.
Archibald Munro, one of the senior members of the firm of Fredericks & Munro, was born in Nova Scotia in 1834, and came with his parents to Farrandsville in 1838. They remained there during the time the Lycom- ing Coal company operated the mines; when that company gave up business in 1840 Farrandsville was a dead place. The Munro family then moved to Queen's Run, where they remained until the Farrands- ville Coal company began operation, in 1847; the family then returned to Farrandsville and the subject of this sketch entered the company's store as clerk. He remained in the employ of this company until they gave up business, in 1860. He then entered the employ of the Eagleton Coal and Iron company as timekeeper and paymaster. At this time Eagleton
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