USA > Pennsylvania > Bedford County > History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and personal history > Part 33
USA > Pennsylvania > Somerset County > History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and personal history > Part 33
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Uriah Mostolle, father of Percy L. Mostolle, was born in Friedens, Somerset county, and his active career was devoted to farming and the building of houses, in both of which enter- prises he met with a large degree of success. He enlisted as a private during the Civil war, this fact testifying to his love of country. He is a leader in the Evangelical Lutheran church, and since attaining his majority has cast his vote for the can- didates of the Republican party. He was united in marriage to Ellen B. Lowery, born in Brothers Valley township, Somer- set county, a daughter of Samnel and Susan (Mosholder) Lowery.
Percy L. Mostolle received a common school education in nis native town, Friedens, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, after which he served an apprenticeship at the trade of painting, be- coming a skillful and expert workman in all its various branches. Subsequently he became a contractor painter and enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest contractor in Somerset county. His first contract, which was for the paint- ing of twenty buildings, was made in 1898, and from then up to the present time (1905) his business has increased steadily
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in volume and importance, and he now requires the services of ten workmen to fill his orders. He has received the contract for some of the most prominent buildings in Somerset county, and his work has always been performed in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner, each contract receiving his own personal supervision. In addition to this he is extensively engaged in the real estate business, which adds considerably to his income. Energy, enterprise and an indomitable will are the prominent traits of his character, and to these qualities may be attributed the success which has crowned his efforts. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Friedens, and a leader in the Christian Endeavor Society connected therewith. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His polit- ical support is given to the candidates of the Republican party, in which he takes an active interest, although never seeking or holding public office. Mr. Mostolle, although young in years, is one of the enterprising and representative citizens of Friedens, and a bright future is in store for him.
JOHN ALTFATHER.
John Altfather, a retired agriculturist of Berlin, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was born on a farm near Berlin, Penn- sylvania, January 8, 1834, the son of Daniel and Maria (Jolin- son) Altfather. He is the grandson of Frederick Altfather, who was a native of Germany.
Daniel Altfather was born near Berlin in 1808, and was by occupation a farmer and miller. In political relations he was a Democrat, and in church connections a member of the Reformed church. He married, in 1830, Maria Johnson, of English descent, who was born in 1810 in Berlin, Pennsylvania, and still living, at the age of ninety-six years, and in fairly good health. When eighty years of age she met with an accident that interferes with her walking. Otherwise she is a wonder- fully well preserved woman. The children born of this mar- riage are: John, of whom later; Henry D., a farmer of Ur- sina, Pennsylvania; William P., an electrician in Texas; Daniel, a farmer of Virginia; Susan, married William Dively, of Rox- bury, Pennsylvania; and Margaret, married Albert Gressinger, of Berlin, Pennsylvania.
John Altfather, son of Daniel and Maria (Johnson) Alt- father, was educated in the township schools, and assisted on the home farm until he was sixteen years of age. He then went to work in a flour and grist mill and learned the trade of miller. This occupation he followed in connection with farming until 1867, when he purchased his present farm, and to this he gave his entire attention until his retirement a few years ago., It is well situated and adapted to stock and grain raising. In polit-
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ical relations he has always been a Democrat, casting his first vote for James Buchanan in 1856. Although a loyal and pa- triotic citizen, and one who has always evinced a lively interest in the welfare of the community, Mr. Altfather has never as- pired to the honors or emoluments of public office. He has been a member from his youth of the Reformed church, in which he has served as deacon and is now elder. He was a teacher for years in the Sabbath school of his church, and was a mem-
ber of the building committee when the present brick church edifice was erected in Berlin in 1883. Although the victim of several accidents at the mill and on his farm, Mr. Altfather, at seventy-three years of age, is in good health, and on clear Sundays always occupies his seat in church. He is of an ex- ceedingly genial nature, and has learned the art of growing old gracefully. He is universally respected and admired. He is a firm "good roads" advocate, bewailing the present inferior methods.
Mr. Altfather married, February 14, 1861, Catherine Hay, a daughter of Simon and Lydia Hay, a prominent family of Somerset county. The father, Simon Hay, died at the age of ninety-six years. Catherine (Hay) Altfather was educated in the common schools and resided at home until her marriage. Of this marriage the following named children were born: Annie, 1864, married, February, 1903, Frank L. Mead, an en- gineer, and they live at home with her parents; John C., 1867, was educated in the township schools, and is now engaged in agricultural pursuits; he married Elizabeth Levy, of Berlin, and they have one child, Lewis V .; Edgar T., 1869, lost his life by being caught in the belting of a flouring mill at Ursina, Penn- sylvania, when but twenty-one years of age.
EMANUEL L. KNEPPER.
Emanuel L. Knepper, a farmer and stock dealer of Som- erset county, Pennsylvania, was born in Brothers Valley town- ship, March 22, 1865, the son of Lewis J. and Magdalena (Meyers) Knepper.
John Knepper (great-grandfather) was born in 1765. He removed to Somerset county, locating in Brothers Valley town- ship. He was a shoemaker by trade. He married Anna Maria Glessner, by whom children were born as follows: William, who served in the war of 1812; Jacob, John, Lewis, Peter, Jon- athan, George, Simon, Henry, Benjamin, Elizabeth (Mrs. Hauger) ; Catherine (Mrs. Hay) ; and Polly (Mrs. Haas).
John Knepper (grandfather) was born in Somerset county in 1795. He was the first Abolitionist in Brothers Valley, and the only voter in the township who cast his ballot for the Free Soil candidates. He married Susan Stahl, and children were
Vol. IJI 20
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born as follows: Lewis J., Solomon, David, John, Peter, James, Sarah (Mrs. Coleman), Elizabeth (Mrs. Graham), Re- becca (Mrs. Cober), Polly (Mrs. Smith), and Susan (Mrs. Myers). John Knepper, father of the above named children, died in 1857.
Lewis J. Knepper (father) was born November 29, 1819, in Brothers Valley township. He was educated in the public schools of the township, in which he afterward taught for twenty-one years. Abandoning the profession of teaching, he turned his attention to farming, which occupation he followed for the remainder of his active working life. In politics he was a Republican, and during his life held many township offices. In early life he connected himself with the German Baptist church, and died in that faith. He held the office of deacon in his church for thirty-five years. He was interested in all branches of church and benevolent work, and assisted William G. Schrock to establish the first Sabbath school in the Brothers Valley congregation. Mr. Knepper was twice married: First to Magdalena Meyers, September 9, 1849, born January 24, 1824, a daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Lichty) Meyers. Of this marriage children were born as follows: Mary A., de- ceased; Jacob M .; Solomon M .; William M., deceased; Eliza- beth S., Ellen R., and Emanuel L. After the death of his first wife, which occurred in October, 1865, Mr. Knepper married Elizabeth Walker, and to them were born four children, Charles W. and Edward, both farmers of Brothers Valley, and Henry and Emma, who died in childhood. The death of Lewis J. Knepper occurred April 6, 1888.
Emanuel I. Knepper was educated in the public schools of the township and in the Berlin Normal school. He attended school and assisted with the farm work until he was sixteen years of age, when he commenced teaching school, and was so occupied for six years. At the age of twenty-three he married and commenced farming, on the farm which he bought in 1892. It comprises two hundred and sixty acres of land, on which is a sugar camp of 1,200 vessels, producing about 4,000 pounds of maple sugar annually. In 1895 he commenced the buying and shipping of cattle, which has since become his principal business. He is also an extensive feeder of live stock, using the entire grain and hay output of his farm in that way. This branch of his business has necessitated the building of a large barn, equipped with modern appliances, which has just been completed. Mr. Knepper uses all modern labor-saving devices in his farming operations.
In politics he is a staunch and loyal Republican, and has always evinced a lively interest in the advancement and prog- ress of that party. He is a school director, and has held many
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township offices. He is a director of the First National Bank of Berlin and of the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company, Som- erset county. He is a member of the German Baptist church and Sunday school, and has been deacon in the church for eight years.
He married, October 21, 1888, Emma S. Schrock, daughter of Rev. William G. Schrock (see Schrock sketch). Emma was born on her father's farm, November 3, 1865, and was educated in the public schools, Berlin Normal school and Juniata College, Juniata, Pennsylvania. Of this marriage one child has been born, Lewis Schrock, September 11, 1889. He is a manly lad, receiving his education in the public schools and normal school. The large interests of Mr. Knepper involves the employment of many men, which materially adds to Mrs. Knepper's duties as housewife, yet there is always room for one more at their hospitable board, and no stranger is ever turned away.
AARON BRANT.
Aaron Brant, a progressive, practical farmer of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was born near Berlin, April 23, 1842, a son of Henry and Sarah (Schrock) Brant, and grandson of Conrad Brant, who was a farmer of Brothers Valley township, and whose paternal great-grandfather came to this country from Amsterdam, Holland.
Henry Brant (father) was born in 1809, and was one of a family of twelve children. He was a farmer by occupation, and achieved good success in this line. In politics he was a Whig, but after the formation of the Republican party gave his sup- port to that organization. He served his township in the offices of school director, supervisor and assessor. He married Sarah Schrock, a daughter of Conrad Henry and Barbara Schrock. He and his family were members of the Reformed church. He died in 1899, at the advanced age of ninety years.
Aaron Brant acquired his education in the common schools of the township, and since a boy has always given his entire at- tention to agricultural pursuits. He is largely interested in im- proved stock raising, and the best of blooded Alderneys and Durhams are among his stock. In horses he also has fine breeds, one of them being a prize winner. His farm contains one hundred and seventy-four acres, with fine orchards and large outbuildings. He is a Republican in politics, and al- though deeply interested in the success of the party, has never aspired to holding office. He is a member of the Reformed church in Berlin.
Mr. Brant married, February 7, 1867, Amanda Shaulis, daughter of Emanuel and Julia Ann Shaulis, both of whom are members of the United Brethren church. Emanuel Shaulis was
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a farmer, and died May 28, 1904, aged eighty-four years. His widow is still living in her eighty-fifth year. Mr. and Mrs. Brant are the parents of twelve children, viz .: Sanford, born March 18, 1868, a farmer of the Valley; he married Cynthia Wilkins, and they have five children. Matronah, born March 20, 1869, learned the trade of dressmaker, and worked in Pittsburg and other places; married Simon P. Foust, a farmer of Brothers Valley, and they have two children. Carrie M., born Decem- ber 14, 1870, died December 26, 1876. Ulysses G., born Sep- tember 1, 1872, married Margaret Layman; he is in partner- ship with his father in the cultivation of the home farm. Samuel H., born December 25, 1873, married Edith Marger; he is a farmer and miner and lives in Brothers Valley. Elsie Grace, born November 25, 1875, married Joseph J. Picking, a liveryman of Somerset, and they have one child. Julia Ann, born November 24, 1877, married Samuel M. Coldenburg, and lives in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Margaret A., born August 6, 1879, lives at home. Oscar S., born November 29, 1880, mar- ried Tracey L. Layman. Sallie J., born October 15, 1882, mar- ried Jesse Aults; he is a bookkeeper employed by the Pennsyl- vania railroad in the union station at Pittsburg. Emanuel A., born November 6, 1884, died February 9, 1892. Gretta E., born June 15, 1886, lives at home.
These children were given an education in the public schools of the county, and they are all filling their several sta- tions in life with credit to themselves and parents. Mr. Brant, now sixty-four years of age, retains the full vigor of manhood, and takes an active part in the labors of the large farm, while Mrs. Brant retains the management of the home.
ALEXANDER COLEMAN.
Alexander Coleman, a prosperous farmer near Althouse, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was born in Brothers Valley township, May 27; 1851, a son of Jacob J. and Mary (Musser) Coleman.
John Coleman (grandfather) was born January 15, 1777, and was of German origin. He settled in Brothers Valley town- ship, and followed the occupation of a farmer and blacksmith. He was a Whig in political proclivities, and served his township as justice of the peace. In church connections he was a Lu- theran. He married, October 28, 1800, Elizabeth Maurer, and to them were born nine children, seven sons and two daughters, namely: William, Joseph, Samuel, Daniel, David, Maria, Philip, Jacob J .. and Rachel. These children are now all de- ceased. John and Elizabeth Coleman died at an advanced age.
Jacob J. Coleman (father) was born February 3, 1817, son of John and Elizabeth (Maurer) Coleman. He was educated in
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the subscription schools of the period and always followed the occupation of a farmer. He was a Republican in politics, and held at various times the offices of school director and justice of the peace. In religious faith he was a member of the Lu- theran church, in which he held the office of deacon. Mr. Cole- man was twice married, first to Susannah Miller, who died De- cember 23, 1847; and, secondly, November 5, 1848, to Mary Musser, born February 5, 1829, and lived on the adjoining farm. She was the daughter of Henry Musser. who was a farmer and blacksmith. Of this marriage the following named children were born: Sarah died in infancy; Alexander, of whom later; John, died in infancy; Eliza, born October 13, 1854, married C. F. Zimmerman, and lives in Stoystown, Pennsylvania; Henry E., born November 28, 1856, married Mary J. Kimmel, and they live on a farm in Brothers Valley township; Emma S., died in infancy; Ada E., born April 4, 1864, married J. M. Shober, died May 28, 1902; Alice J., born July 2, 1866, married Charles Bald- win and lives in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The death of Jacob J. Coleman occurred in 1890, and that of his wife in 1892.
Alexander Coleman obtained his initial education in the common schools of this section, and later attended the normal school. He assisted his father with the farm work until he was twenty-two years of age, and for the four succeeding years was engaged in teaching in the Plank Road school, the same one that he had attended when a boy. Relinquishing this occu- pation, Mr. Coleman again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and engaged in farming on shares with his father-in- law. In 1882 he purchased his present farm, which comprises two hundred and sixteen acres, with large orchards of apple, cherry and pear trees. The farm is one of great value, being underlaid with the rich coal deposits of this section.
Politically Mr. Coleman accords allegiance to the Repub- lican party, and is an earnest, active party worker. He has held the office of school director, and is now serving as justice of the peace. Mr. Coleman is treasurer and a director in the Farmers' Union Association and Fire Insurance Company, of Somerset county, which office he has held for ten years. Fra- ternally he holds membership in the Valley Grange, No. 878, at Beachdale, of which he has been master for eight years and representative to the state Grange. For six years he has been a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, also the Maccabees, Buffalo Tent No. 367, Garrett, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Lutheran church of Berlin, with which he became con- nected when a young man.
Mr. Coleman married, December 2, 1877, Laura V. Shober, born April 3, 1858, a daughter of George W. and Leah B. (Berkley) Shober. George W. Shober was a farmer and died
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June 15, 1897. Leah, his wife, is still living at the age of seventy-three, and is a remarkably active, well-preserved woman. Mrs. Coleman obtained her education in the county public schools. Of this union one child was born, Hilda L., February 22, 1879. She was educated in the common schools and married Joseph Stahl, April 17, 1901. Mr. Stahl is a car- penter by trade. One child, Centureena Mazelle, was born to them; January 11, 1902. Under Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Cole- man's hospitable roof may be found four generations: Mrs. Shober (great-grandmother), Mr. and Mrs. Coleman (grand- parents.), Mr. and Mrs. Stahl (parents), and little Centureena Mazelle Stahl.
EDMUND K. SUDER.
Among the well known, practical and progressive agricul- turists of Somerset county, whose industry, perseverance and thrift have been the means of bringing to them good returns for their labors, is Edmund K. Suder, a resident of Berlin. He was born in Somerset township, Somerset county, Penn- sylvania, July 12, 1851.
John Suder, father of Edmund K. Suder, and son of Henry Suder, was born in Brothers Valley township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1819. He was educated in the schools adjacent to his home, and followed the occupation of a farmer up to the time of his death, which occurred during the July harvest of 1889, while driving a reaper, from which he fell life- less. He held many of the township offices, to which he was elected several terms, among them being that of collector, super- visor and school director; he also served as a director of the county poor farm. He was a member of the Reformed church, in which he served as deacon for many years, and during the last twenty-five years of his life efficiently filled the office of elder. He was active in all branches of church and religious work, and in all respects acted the part of an earnest Christian man. He was formerly a Whig and later a Republican in poli- ties. In 1843 he married Sarah Hay, born in the year 1825, a daughter of Valentine Hay, who died when she was but seven years old. She received a common school education, and later became a member of the Reformed church. Mrs. Suder died in March, 1906. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Suder, as follows: Susan, wife of Henry Stuck, resides near Berlin, Pennsylvania; Matilda, died in childhood; Henry, died at the age of twenty-two years: William J., a farmer of the Valley; Edmund K., of whom later: Sarah, wife of Simon Hay, a farmer ; Irvin H., a farmer of the Valley.
Edmund K. Suder was educated in the common and nor- mal schools of Somerset county, and at the age of sixteen was qualified to follow the vocation of teacher, in which capacity he
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served for two years. He then apprenticed himself to a car- penter, but owing to the death of his employer, he only followed this for one year, after which he returned to his father's farm. One year after his marriage, at the age of twenty-three, he pur- chased and removed to his present farm, where he has since re- sided. The farm contains one hundred and seventy-seven acres of land, well stocked and thoroughly cultivated. He purchases a large number of horses, cows and hogs, which he fattens for the market, using the production of his farm for this purpose. There is a sugar camp of five hundred vessels on the farm, pro- ducing from ten hundred to fifteen hundred pounds annually, and in addition to this there is a good orchard of one hundred and twenty-five apple trees of various kinds.
In politics Mr. Suder is a Republican, and his first vote was cast for the late Ulysses S. Grant. He held the office of supervisor of Brothers Valley township four terms, and that of school director three terms. At the age of fourteen he joined the Reformed church at Berlin, and has since held membership in that body. For many years he held the office of deacon, and since 1890 has been a member of the board of elders. He is also superintendent of the Sunday school connected therewith, and was a member of the building committee at the erection of the new church edifice. Mr. Suder, while a man "diligent in business," is deeply interested in all religious and educational subjects.
Mr. Suder married, November 23, 1873, Emma Glessner, of Stony Creek, a daughter of Jacob and Dinah (Walker) Gless- ner, the former named being a farmer of Stony Creek. Emma (Glessner) Suder was born November 7, 1855, educated in the Stony Creek schools, and is a member of the Reformed church. The issue of this union was eleven children, as follows: Effie M., born September 3, 1874, wife of C. C. Glessner, a farmer of Stony Creek, and they are the parents of one child, Edison G. Glessner. Viola G., born Angust 14, 1877, died August 12, 1878. Cora B., born January 17, 1879, passed through the normal school and became a teacher in the public school; she was married, June 14, 1906, to Harvey Walker. John Wallace, born April 11, 1881, learned the trade of a painter; now in Carleton, Nebraska. Clara S., born November 12, 1882, wife of Harvey Weigel, of Stony Creek; they are the parents of three children: Merlie, Nevin and Nelvin E. Annie L., born April 12, 1885, wife of Bert Bowers, a telegraph operator of Somerset township; they have one child, Walter G. Jacob G., born October 4, 1886, assists his father with his farming opera- tions. Sadie M., born October 23, 1888, is at present (1905) re- ceiving a musical education. Norman H., born October 25, 1890, is now being educated for a teacher at the Berlin Normal
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school. Edmund K., Jr., born November 26, 1892; also expects to adopt the profession of teaching. Eugene S., born Feb- ruary 1, 1898, now attending the schools of Berlin.
LEWIS BERKLEY.
Lewis Berkley, born June 23, 1860, on the farm in Brothers Valley he now owns and resides upon, is a son of Joel L. and Elizabeth (Wingert) Berkley, and grandson of Ludwig and Sarah (Beachley) Berkley, who were the parents of the follow- ing named children : Joel L., of whom later; Lewis, a resident of lowa; Eliza, wife of Ephraim Miller, they reside near Meyersdale, Pennsylvania; Mary, who resides in the west; Susanna, wife of William Ikenberry, they reside in Illinois. Ludwig Berkley was a farmer of Somerset county, a member of the German Baptist church, and a Whig in polities. He died when about forty years of age, and his wife survived him many years, passing away in 1892, aged eighty-five years.
Joel L. Berkley (father) was born upon his father's farm near Pine Hill, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1833. He followed farming as an occupation throughout the active years of his life. After his marriage, at the age of twenty-three, he pur- chased his father's farm, but after a short period of time dis- posed of it and purchased the farm in the Valley where his son Lewis now resides, which consists of two hundred and forty acres. Afterward he purchased the farm on which he now re- sides, of one hundred and fifteen acres. He has held the offices of supervisor and school director, rendering efficient service therein. He is a member of the German Baptist church, and since attaining his majority has been a Republican, easting his first vote for the candidates of 1856. On February 28, 1856, Mr. Berkley married Elizabeth Wingert, a daughter of George Wingert, a farmer of Brothers Valley. She is a member of the Reformed church.
Lewis Berkley was educated in the township schools, and then worked on the farm with his father until his marriage at the age of twenty-three. Ile then purchased the old home farm and has since resided thereon. The property consists of two hundred and forty acres, well enltivated and improved. There is a good orchard of apple trees, and a sugar camp of seven hundred vessels, producing in a good year three thousand pounds of maple sugar. The farm is well stocked with Belgian horses, Durham cows and Shropshire sheep. He also buys and feeds for market, using all the grain and hay which is pro- duced on his farm in this way. In 1903 he demolished the old house and built a handsome, modern briek residence, consisting of ten rooms, finely equipped with heating apparatus (hot water), modern plumbing and everything needful for the com-
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