USA > Pennsylvania > Bedford County > History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and personal history > Part 32
USA > Pennsylvania > Somerset County > History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and personal history > Part 32
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
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the place. He was also interested from the start in the affairs of the borough near by, where he expected to live many years. Every worthy enterprise received ms hearty support. He made a long trip over the mountains, during which journey he contracted a severe cold, which was too much for his none too strong constitution, and as a result he became ill and finally passed earthly scenes while yet in the summer of his life. He died June 12, 1901, and was buried in the old family burying ground in Maryland, his native state. Mr. Koontz was polit- ically a Republican, but never sought office, preferring a re- tired, quiet home life, seeming to live for the joys and com- forts of his family, to which he was greatly attached.
He married, October 19, 1890, Mary E., daughter of Alex- ander and Mary E. (Loar) Davis, and granddaughter of James Davis, who was a native of England, and who was killed during the Civil war. Alexander Davis, father of Mrs. Koontz, was born in Vale Summit, Maryland, and is a staunch Republican. By his wife, above named, ten children were born, including Mrs. Koontz. Though advanced in years and always industrious, hard-working people, they still sur- vive in the enjoyment of perfect health. To Mr. and Mrs. David W. Koontz were born three children: David, January 6, 1892, died May 8, 1892; Margaret E., May 29, 1893; Mary B., January 17, 1896.
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Koontz has managed the farm and made many valuable improvements on the prem- ises; she had a good residence erected in Somerset, costing over four thousand dollars. She also owns a valuable property in Maryland, her native state, including numerous residences. She also owns other farm lands than the homestead adjoining Somerset, where she now resides with her two daughters, who are being educated at the public schools of the borough.
FRANK H. SUFALL.
Frank H. Sufall, a furniture dealer and undertaker of Somerset, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was there born in November, 1849, the son of Solomon and Jane C. (Gilbert) Sufall, who were the parents of the following children; Ethelinda C., Anna M., Lovetta J., George P: (deceased), Ed- gar G., Harry G., Frank H., of whom later.
Frank H. Sufall obtained his education in the common schools of his native county, and at the age of fifteen went to work at the pattern maker's trade. He also learned the buggy maker's trade, and worked at both for some time, and was engaged for fifteen years in the manufacture of farming mills. He subsequently embarked in the furniture and undertaking business. After five years in this line he formed a partner-
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ship with Harry A. Countryman, with whom he has been asso- ciated for the past four years. They are both thorough, capable business men and conduct an extensive and profitable business. Mr. Sufall holds membership in the Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 438, Somerset.
December 21, 1889, Mr. Sufall married Lizzie A. Sumpstine, born February 2, 1861, daughter of Jacob Sumpstine. Her father was a native of Somerset county, and met his death in the Civil war, being then quite young. Mrs. Sumpstine died at the home of Mrs. Sufall in 1905. The following named chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Sufall: Georgie F .; a stenographer, married Princeton Wagner, and they reside at her home; Jennie W .; Elizabeth F. The death of Mrs. Sufall occurred February 10, 1905.
MILTON SHERMAN PECK.
Milton Sherman Peck, a representative citizen of Somerset county. Pennsylvania. was there born in Addison township, July 1, 1865, a son of William and Mary (Weimer) Peck.
Jacob Peck (great-grandfather) was a farmer by occupa- tion. John Peck (grandfather), son of Jacob Peck, was born in Somerset county. He followed the occupation of a farmer, and was a Republican in politics. He married Lizzie . Maust. William Peck (father) was born in 1843 in Addison township, and he also follows agricultural pursuits for a livelihood. He is an enterprising. industrions farmer and a useful member of the community. His wife, Mary Weimer, was born in Milford township. Somerset county. a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Reitz) Weimer. Samuel Weimer was a farmer all his active working life. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of Christian and Emma (Barr) Reitz. Samuel and Mary Weimer had the follow- ing children : Ruth, William, Ralph, Alma and Mary. William and Mary (Weimer) Peck were the parents of children as fol- lows : Harvey, deceased; Milton S., of whom later; Jonas; Al- bert; Charles.
Milton Sherman Peck acquired his English education in the common schools. Immediately after leaving the school- room he adopted the occupation of a farmer, in which he has since continued, and in which he has achieved the most gratify- ing success. He is Republican in his political affiliations. Mil- ton S. Peck married. December 14, 1890, Anna Gnagey, horn July 12, 1862, a daughter of Rev. Joel and Catherine (Fike) Gnagey. Her great-grandfather. Christian Gnagey, came to this country from Switzerland in 1733, settling in Brothers Val- ley, Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, Christian Gnagey, was born in Somerset county, was a Republican in politics, and fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. His wife was Barbara Plucker.
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Rev. Joel Gregory, father of Mrs. Peck, was born February 9, 1836, in Somerset, Somerset county, and was a minister in the German Baptist church, also following farming quite ex- tensively. His wife was Catherine Fike, the daughter of John and Mary (Miller) Fike, the former a native of Somerset county, and a farmer. Rev. Joel and Catherine (Fike) Gnagey were the parents of the following children: Amanda, Ellen B., Anna, lda C., Eliza, William F., John E., Emma, Sadie E., Grace E. and Della M. Milton Sherman and Anna (Gnagey) Peck have children as follows: May, born Decem- ber 8, 1891; Grace, July 6, 1894; and Ninia, July 19, 1894.
JACOB M. GLESSNER.
Jacob M. Glessner, of Shanksville, is a great-great-grand- son of Jacob Glessner, the tragic circumstances cf whose death so deeply stirred the people of Somerset county. His son, Joseph Glessner, Sr., was the father of Joseph Glessner, Jr. A complete record of the Glessner ancestry will be found on another page.
John M. Glessner, son of Joseph Glessner, Jr., was born November 21, 1832, and was a well educated man, teaching in the public schools up to the time of his marriage. After that event he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits in Stony Creek township. He served as supervisor and for many years held the office of justice of the peace. In early life he was a Democrat, but in 1856, when slavery became an issue, he joined the Republican party and adhered to it for the remainder of his days. He was an active worker in the Reformed church, which he served as deacon and elder until his death. He was for many years superintendent of the Sunday school of the Glade Reformed church.
John M. Glessner married, November 16, 1853, Polly Walker, born November 30, 1833, and their children were: Catharine, born December 18, 1854, widow of William H. Mil- ler, living on the farm with her son Norman. William J., born April 11, 1856, farmer of Somerset township, married Sarah Stoy and has thirteen children. Sarah, born Angust 16, 1857, wife of J. C. Scott, farmer of Stony Creek township, has four children. Joseph, born November 30, 1859, farizer of Somer- set township, married Susan K. Miller, and died in 1902, leav- ing two children. Ida, born May 31, 1862, widow of Michael J. Synder. manages her farm in Stony Creek township; she has five sons and her daughter is the teacher of Glade public school. Jacob M., of whom later. Mary, born January 24, 1867, widow of George E. Geisel, who was killed at a barn raising; Mrs. Geisel manages her farm near Glade church with the assistance of her son, Hiram J .; her daughter, Edith M., is a student at
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the State Normal school, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Edmund, born April 29, 1869, died at the age of three years. Melissa, born July 6, 1871, wife of Irwin E. Brant, farmer of Stony Creek township, has five children. John, born April 12, 1874, died in infancy. Harry H., born May 3, 1875, educated in com- mon and normal schools of the county, taught three years, grad- uated from State Normal school, Lock Haven, and Lafayette College. Took a course in University of California, where he is now an instructor. Married Mabel Mead, of California, and has one child. Mr. Glessner, the father of this numerous family, died August 10, 1893. His widow is still living, and makes her home with her son, Jacob M. She is a member of the Lutheran church, and is in good health and active at the age of seventy- two. This long continued vigor is an inheritance from her parents, Jacob J. and Catharine (Fritz) Walker, both of whom died at an advanced age. Mr. Walker was a lumberman and miller, a Republican and a member of the Lutheran church.
Jacob M. Glessner, son of John M. and Polly (Walker) Glessner, was born July 12, 1864, in Stony Creek township, where he received his education in the common schools. He has made farming the business of his life, and was his father's main assistant, never leaving him until separated by death. On his father's death he came into possession of the farm, which he had bought the year previous and which then contained three hundred acres, but which is now, in consequence of sales, reduced to one hundred and forty, nearly all of which are un- der cultivation. The land is especially well adapted to the raising of hay, which is baled and shipped to market in large quantities. Apples are the chief fruit products, and there is a sugar camp of three hundred vessels. The improvements are fine, and few farms can boast of better kept buildings. The place is well stocked with good horses and cattle. Mr. Glessner formerly did a large business in buying, feeding and selling cattle, but has practically retired from that branch of industry in order to give to his other interests all his time and energy. He was active in formning the Farmers' Union Telephone Com- pany, in which he has served as director, vice-president and manager of the line, and in which he is now a trustee. He is a stockholder in the Philson National Bank of Berlin, and has filled many offices of trust, having acted as executor of his father's estate and administrator of that of his brother Joseph. He has also been guardian of the two children of his sister, Mrs. Snyder, and- administrator of the estate of Jacob A. Stutzman. In addition to the home farm he owns a timber tract of one hundred and ten acres and has a one-half interest in five hundred and fifty-six acres of timber.
He has served as inspector, judge of election and township
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auditor. He affiliates with Shanksville Circle, No. 33, Knights of the Golden Eagle, having passed all chairs and holding the rank of past noble chief. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of Glade Reformed church, in which he has served as deacon and also as superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Glessner married, October 1, 1891, Maggie M. Stutz- man, and they are the parents of three sons: William Earl, born April 22, 1893; Albert R., June 20, 1896; and Harry Lee, December 31, 1898. Mrs. Glessner is a daughter of Jacob A. and Mary Stutzman, the former a farmer of Stony Creek town- ship, a Republican and a member of the Reformed church. He died in 1903 at the age of sixty, and his widow, who has at- tained that age, and is in good health, resides with her daugh- ter. Mrs. Stutzman is the mother of ten children, all of whom are living. One of them, Maggie M., was born April 23, 1872, received her education in the township schools, and is the wife of Jacob M. Glessner. Mrs. Glessner is a member of the Re- formed church.
EMIL D. DAUB.
Among the residents of Somerset, Somerset county, Penn- sylvania, who have achieved success in their active careers and made for themselves honorable records as successful business men, due to thrift, perseverance, natural shrewdness and far- seeing business sagacity, may be mentioned Emil D. Daub, who is now living retired, enjoying to the full the consciousness of a life well spent and of duties faithfully and conscientiously per- formed. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1856, a son of John and Emilie Danb.
Emil D. Daub obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of his native city, and this was supplemented by a course in the Iron City College, Pittsburg. He then turned his attention to business and entered the wholesale and retail grocery store in Pittsburg conducted by his father, remaining in his employ until 1880, in which year he and his brother, Theodore G. Daub, formed a partnership and conducted a busi- ness along the same lines under the firm name of John Danb's Sons. This connection continued up to 1900, a period of twenty years, during which time they built up an extensive and profit- able trade, carrying a large stock of finely selected goods, the best the markets afforded, and giving to their numerous cus- tomers prompt and efficient service. Since the retirement of Emil D. Daub from the firm, the business has been conducted by Theodore G. Daub, who holds a high place in the business cireles of Pittsburg. Emil D. Danb has taken an active in- terest in all enterprises projected for the advancement and welfare of the community in which he resides, and is held in
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high esteem by all who have the honor of his acquaintance. He is a Republican in politics, the principles of which party he believes to be for the best form of government.
JOSIAH W. PILE.
Josiah W. Pile, a farmer and influential citizen of Mil- ford township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was there born April 8, 1844, son of Joseph and Mary (Bartman) File, both of German descent, their great-grandfathers having been na -. tives of Germany.
John Pile, the paternal grandfather of Josiah W. Pile, was born in Somerset county. He settled in Milford township, Som- erset county, and was by occupation a farmer and distiller. His wife was Elizabeth Dull, and one of their children was a son, Joseph.
Joseph Pile, son of John Pile and father of Josiah W. Pile, was born in Somerset county, 1804. He was a farmer and stockdealer, and was an industrious, useful citizen. He mar- ried Mary Bartman, and their children were: Peter, resides in New Centerville, Pennsylvania; Moses, a farmer of Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania; Catherine, married Simon Vought, and resides in Somerset, Pennsylvania; George, a resident of Rockwood, Pennsylvania; Josiah W., of whom later; and Sarah Caroline. Joseph Pile and his wife were members of the Lu- theran church. The death of Joseph occurred in 1877, and that of his wife about 1869.
Josiah W. Pile acquired his education in the public schools of Milford, and after leaving the schoolroom remained on the home farm for some time. In 1881 he removed to a farm where he resided until 1902, when he moved to Somerset. In 1864, at the time of the war of the rebellion, Mr. Pile enlisted in Company K, Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Two Hun- dred and Fourth Regiment, his commanding officers being Captain Hunt and Colonel Gallup. Mr. Pile joined the army at Pittsburg, and went from there to Washington, D. C., where he remained two weeks. He was then transferred to duty in the Twenty-second Army Corps, under the Second Division commander. He participated in the engagements at Salem and Rectortown, Virginia, and was honorably discharged July 5, 1865. Upon his return to civil life Mr. Pile turned his attention to the care of his farm, which he brought to a high state of im- provement and cultivation. He is a Republican in politics and has rendered his township valuable services as a town official. He served as auditor for three years, assessor three years, judge of elections one year, for a number of years as clerk of the township election board, and also on the Republican town- ship committee. Fraternally he is a member of the G. A. R.,
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William H. Weller Post, No. 549, at Rockwood, Pennsylvania. He and his family are members of the Christian church of Somerset.
June 26, 1873, Josiah W. Pile married Sadie Huston, a daughter of Chambers and Rebecca (Pritts) Huston, of Somer- set. Her grandfather. Peter Huston, was a first lieutenant in the war of 1812, serving under General Harrison. He con- ducted the Huston House at Somerset, Pennsylvania. His wife was a Miss Richards, and among their children was a son, Chambers. Chambers and Rebecca (Pritts) Huston were the parents of thirteen children, viz .: John, Chauncey, Samuel, James, Anna, Ellen, Alexander, Sarah and Jane (twins), Mary, Alice, Edward and Elizabeth. Of these, John, Chauncey and Alexander served in the Civil war. Chauncey enlisted in Com- pany A, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Captain R. P. Cummings, and was wounded in the battle of City Crossroads. He re-enlisted in the Sixty-first Regiment and served until the cessation of hostilities. Alexander also enlisted, and served for four years. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Pile was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Somerset county for eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Josiah W. Pile are the parents of two children. Annie, born 1876, and Elizabeth, born 1882. Annie was educated in the town schools and the county normal school, from which institution she was graduated, under the direction of Superintendent of Schools J. N. Berkley, when but seventeen years of age, and is now teaching in the home district. The younger daughter, Elizabeth, is still in school.
JOHN C. ANKENY.
John C. Ankeny, prosperous farmer of Milford township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was born at Marshalltown, Iowa, December 10, 1871.
His father was David E. Ankeny, born in 1836, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He learned the blacksmith trade in early life and completed with the training and speeding of horses. He followed it throughout life. About 1869 he re- moved to the sprightly inland city of Marshalltown, Marshall county, Iowa, where he worked at his trade until the summer of 1883, when he and his family visited his native state, and while at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, he was robbed and killed during the month of August. He married Delia Carpenter, daughter of John C. Carpenter and wife, by whom one child was born, John C., of whom later. Mrs. Ankeny married for her second husband, William Pettigrew, by whom she had three children: Archie, Inez and Lloyd, all of whom still reside in Nebraska. Mrs. Pettigrew died in September, 1902, at Salona, Nebraska. John C. Ankeny's paternal grandfather was David C.
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Ankeny, a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he farmed all his life. He died in 1886. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: Samuel, Elijah, Noah, Alexander, Andrew, Joseph, David E., Lizzie, Mary (married William Lowry) and Susan (married a Mr. Sellers). The Ankeny family were descended from German ancestry many generations back.
John C. Ankeny, a "Hawkeye" bv birth, attended the pub- lic schools of Marshalltown, Iowa, receiving a limited educa- tion. He came from lowa with the family in 1883, and with the exception of a few trips west, to Iowa and Nebraska, in settle- ment of his father's estate, etc., he has resided in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, ever since, and has followed farming, with the exception of a short period, when he teamed. Polit- ically .he votes with the Republican party, and in church rela- tions is a Lutheran. He married, at Oakland, Maryland, Lola Bruner, a daughter of Israel and Lovinia Bowman, of Milford township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ankeny was one of four children born to her parents. Mr. and Mrs. An- keny have four children: Bessie I., born November 25, 1893; Inez, January 25, 1895; Irma, July 25, 1899; Loita, December 29,1904.
GEORGE PARKS.
George Parks, an engineer in the employ of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company, was born in Johnstown, Pennsyl- vania, October 2, 1851, a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Cupp) Parks. Joseph Parks (father) is a native of Sheffield, Eng- land, born in 1814. He came to America in 1820 and settled in Johnstown. He became an engineer and ran the first engine out of Johnstown on Plane No. 1. The road was then controlled by the state. He was the first road foreman on the Pennsyl- vania railroad, and continued in that occupation until two years ago, when he was put upon the pension list. He married Rebecca Cupp, a daughter of Louis and Mary (Gorman) Cupp. Five children were born of this union, namely: George (of whom later,, Mary, Rubella, Kate and Phoebe.
George Parks obtained his education in the common schools of Johnstown, and at the early age of thirteen left the school- room to enter the more practical school of life. He found em- ployment with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and one year later was made fireman. After two and a half years of that occupation he was promoted to engineer, and has occupied that position ever since. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Parks married. August 5, 1873, Anna Colter, born January 20, 1859, daughter of D. W. and Anna (Tringle) Col-
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ter, and granddaughter of D. W. Tringle, who is postmaster of East Conemaugh. This family is of German origin. D. W. Colter (father) received his education in Willmore. He is a Republican in politics. He married Anna Tringle, daughter of Rev. Daniel Tringle, and their children were: Anna Colter (Mrs. Parks) ; W. P., a merchant on Franklin street, Johns- town; Thomas P .; D. P., a merchant, with place of business on Main street, Johnstown; Dorothy, wife of James Geterny, an engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad; Emma, widow of Henry Fite, who was a conductor of the Pennsylvania railroad and was killed on the road. Mr. and Mrs. George Parks are the parents of seven children, viz .: Gertrude, Blanch, Colter, Will- iam, Lillian, Ruby, Edward.
ALBERT R. MEYERS.
Albert R. Meyers, a carpenter of Rockwood, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was born May 30, 1880, in Upper Turkey- foot township, a son of Aaron and Susan (Snyder) Meyers, and grandson of Reuben Meyers, who was also a native of Turkeyfoot. He is of German descent. Aaron Meyers (father) was born April 29, 1855, and is a farmer by occupation. He married Susan Snyder, born March 20, 1850, and five children were born, viz .: Albert R. (of whom later), John F., David R., Anna C., Charles O.
Albert R. Meyers acquired his education in the common schools of his native place, and at the age of sixteen engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1900 he learned the trade of car- penter, in which occupation he is still very profitably engaged. He purchased his present pretty home in Rockwood, Decem- ber 22, 1901. He married, December 22, 1901, Mary Ellen Romesburg, born September 4, 1881, in Upper Turkeyfoot township, a daughter of Hiram and Phoebe (Fletcher) Romes- burg. Hiram Romesburg was born March 4, 1859, and is a farmer by occupation. He is the son of Jonas Romesburg, who was also a farmer of Upper Turkeyfoot, and of German de- scent. Hiram and Phoebe (Fletcher) Romesburg had children as follows: David M., Mary E., Harry J., Susan B., Elizabeth M., Cordie E., James N., Silas O)., William H. and Charles F.
MICHAEL H. MILLER.
Michael H. Miller, a farmer of Rockwood, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was born December 17, 1849, in Black township, Somerset county, the son of Jacob and Eliza (Lynt) Miller. Jacob Miller (father) was born in Somerset county, and was a. farmer by occupation.
Michael H. Miller received his educational training in the common schools of Somerset county, and at the age of eighteen
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left school and engaged in farming with his father on the home farm. In 1881 he went into the jobbing business, and has fol- lowed that in connection with farming ever since. He owns a small farm of four acres, on which he has erected a home. In political affiliations he is a staunch Republican.
Mr. Miller married, March 17, 1876, Miss Samantha Gruna- walt, born October 30, 1857, in Wellersburg, Somerset county, the daughter of Abraham and Meltonia (Wagner) Grunawalt, and one of seven children, namely: Samantha, Alford, Silas (deceased), Peter M., Mary E., William J. and Benjamin K. Abraham Grunawalt died in 1881. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Miller: Elmer W., Jan- uary 21, 1877; Lucretia A., April 11, 1878; Ada V., January 9, 1880; Cyntha L., March 16, 1882; Leora M., January 31, 1884; Mary Emma, December 28, 1885; Edna J. A., October 17, 1888; Benjamin H. A., March 1, 1891; and Delroy C. E., July 7, 1893.
PERCY LESTER MOSTOLLE.
Percy L. Mostolle, one of the young, prominent business men of Friedens, was born October 30, 1880, and is a lineal descendant of George Mostolle, who settled at Friedens, Som- erset county, Pennsylvania, in 1776, being among the pioneers of that town, and an active and prominent factor in the growth and development of the same. George Mostolle was a farmer by occupation, his operations being conducted on a large scale, and an earnest Christian, He married Mary Mowery, who bore him several children.
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