History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III, Part 39

Author: Storey, Henry Wilson
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 940

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Rev. Julius Csucska was born in county Beregszölos, Hungary, March 24. 1855, son of Rev. Andy and Therezia (Boksay) Csucska. The father was a minister in the Greek Catholic Church in his native land, Hungary, the place where Rev. Julius Csncska was born. They had four sons, who were ordained priests in Greek Catholic Church, all of whom are dead, except Julius, and one daughter, who is also deceased.

Rev. Julius Csucska was educated at Unghvar and Budapesth. His theological education was obtained at the following places: Puznyakfalva and Beregszölös. He was ordained in December, 1879, in the town of Unghvar, and took up the work in the ministry in his native land. In 1895 he accepted professorship of literature; this he filled until 1901 ; he was also vice rector in Bishoff high school in Unghvar. June 15, 1901, le came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He has been a tireless worker and has accomplished wonders. He covered a large district, but at present is con- fined to Johnstown and Conemaugh. Aside from his work as a priest he has devoted much attention to newspaper work, editing the Wauka, a re- ligious adviser ; this was published in his native land. Since coming to Johnstown he founded the Ceskornoga, a religious journal for his people. which he still edits. He is a linguist of no mean ability, speaking fluent- ly six or seven different languages.

Rev. Stephen Chermitzky, in charge of the Hungarian Catholic con- gregation of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, after being graduated from the University of Budapesth, Hungary, became tutor in the family of Baron Revay. Three years later he was appointed to the professorship of relig- ious instruction in the various high schools of Saraspatak. He was thus engaged until the latter part of 1904, when, at the request of Rev. P. J. Donahue, Bishop of Wheeling, he was officially sent to America.

The Hungarian Catholic congregation of Johnstown is of recent es- tablishment. This religious movement was organized in 1904, under the leadership of Michael Tendora and Joseph Karaffa. Right Rev. Garvey.

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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

Bishop of Altoona, was instrumental in securing for them the services of Rev. Stephen Chermitzky, who has since had charge of this congregation, and under whose guidance and instruction it is in a very satisfactory and flourishing condition. The congregation, which numbered about one hun- dred families, succeeded in raising a fund of about seven thousand dol- lars before the end of the first year. There was a large mortgage resting on the plot on which they intended ultimately erecting a church building, located at No. 524 Chestnut street, and so they determined to worship at first in a remodeled tenement house which was consecrated by the Bishop of Altoona, August 19, 1906. This is the first entirely Hungarian Catholic congregation in this diocese, and it is expected that there will soon be a sufficient amount of money collected, with the aid of those living in the vicinity of Johnstown, to erect a suitable house of worship. The con- gregation is a very devout one, and is constantly increasing in numbers.

W. WINSTON DAVIS, the present assistant postmaster at Johns- town, is descended through the following genealogical line:

(I) Morgan Davis, the great-grandfather, who was born in Tre- degar, Wales, in 1784, and died in the summer of 1862, Johnstown, was a miner in Wales. He married and the following were his six chil- dren who lived to maturity: Richard, who came to the United States in 1837 and 1840, was accidentally killed in the mines near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; David M., born in 1811; Eliza, the oldest of the family, came to the United States in 1828: Martha, came to America in 1840; Sarah, and one other daughter whose name is not known.

(II) David M. Davis, son of Morgan Davis and wife, was born at Tredegar, Wales, in 1811. He married Elizabeth Watkins, of Rumey, Wales. in 1833 and at once emigrated to this country. They came in an old-fashioned sailing vessel and were thirteen weeks making the voy- age. By reason of rough seas their vessel was partly wrecked. and the passengers were without food and fresh water until they chanced to pass another ship and secured sufficient supplies to complete their voyage. They settled first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and from there removed to Brady's Bend. Armstrong county, where they remained until 1854, at which time they removed to Johnstown. While living at Pittsburg and Brady's Bend he followed mining, and at Johnstown he held a con- tract for delivering all the coal consumed by the Cambria Iron Company for use in their rolling mills. He continued at this until about 1863. when he retired from active life and lived in Johnstown until his death in the summer of 1873. Politically he was a Republican and was a mem- ber of the school board and on the Millville borough council. He was a deacon in the Welsh Presbyterian church of Johnstown, of which he was one of the founders. He was of a literary mind and frequently wrote articles for the Welsh newspapers in America. He was considered good authority on all Biblical questions, as was his father. His wife died at Johnstown in 1849, and like many another was first buried in Sandy Vale burying ground. but later her remains were removed to Grand View Cemetery. She was an exceptional woman for charitable deeds and Christian works. Not unfrequently did she leave her home nights and care for the needy and suffering sick within her community. To this truly worthy couple were born the following fifteen children :

Eliza- beth. Morgan. Thomas D., Ann. Richard D .. David M., John, Martha Ann. Eliza Jane. John Morgan. George. Margaret, William George, and two who died in infancy. Richard D., David M., Martha Ann and John M. are the only survivors.

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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

(III) Thomas D. Davis, son of David M. and Elizabeth (Watkins) Davis, was born in 1840, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Early in life he followed coal mining, the family having moved to Johnstown in 1854, he accompanying them and there following the same line of work for several years. In 1866 he engaged in the general merchandising busi- ness, which he continued until his death, September 23, 1894. He had but a limited education at school, but by self culture became a well posted man. He was of the Republican party in politics, and in religion was an elder in the Welsh Presbyterian church. He was a member of Mineral Lodge, No. 89, of the order of Knights of Pythias. He was a most excellent man in whom all might well confide. When he first em- barked in trade he was located at the corner of Main and Market streets, remaining until 1874, when he removed to Westmoreland county and opened a wholesale store at the borough of Irwin, where he remained about two years and then returned to Johnstown, where he en- gaged in business at his former stand, continuing there until the flood of May 31, 1889, after which he was located at the corner of Market and Locust streets. Here he continued until his death. His was an honor- able, upright career. He was buried in Grand View cemetery, in the family lot.

In 1866 he married Jane Charles, of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, who was born in North Wales, died March 11, 1904, and rests in Grand View cemetery, Johnstown. She was an unusually bright, intelligent woman, whom to know was but to admire. She possessed some literary ability and frequently wrote for the press. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Davis were as follows: Elizabeth Margaret, deceased. Jen- nie, deceased. David Charles, deceased. Walter Winston, see forward. Elda May, born 1878, married Charles Longenecker, of Bedford, Penn- sylvania, who is now in the employ of the Colonial Steel Company at Beaver, Pennsylvania, and they have one son, Charles, born 1905. Rob- ert Charles, now a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. Nellie, deceased.

(III) Richard D. Davis, son of David M. and Elizabeth (Watkins) Davis, was born in 1843. He received but a limited school education and early commenced to learn the trade of painter. He worked at this for others until 1867, when he opened a shop of his own and has continued ever since and now does contract painting work. Politically he is a Republican, and like most of the Davis family adheres to the Presby- crian faith. Among the local offices he has held in Johnstown may be named school controller, common councilman, and a member of the board of revision of taxes. He married, 1884, Mary Jane Howell, of Ebensburg. Their only child is Clarence Reed Davis, who is still at- tending school.

(III) John M. Davis, son of David M. and Elizabeth (Watkins) Davis, was born February 7, 1853, at Brady's Bend, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and accompanied his parents to Johnstown when one year of age. He attended the Johnstown common schools, and was an em- ploye in the steel and rolling mills until 1879, when he engaged in the coal trade and is still an operator, located in the seventh ward, Johns- town. In politics he is a Republican ; he has served as city councilman, . street commissioner and tax 'collector. He was united in marriage, in 1879, to Emma Jane Reese, of Johnstown, and their children are: Ida, born 1880, now a stenographer for the Cambria Steel Company. Bertha. born 1882, still at home. Elizabeth, born 1884. Hellen, born 1898, dicd 1902.

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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

(11I) David M. Davis, son of David M. and Elizabeth (Watkins) Davis, was born in 1844. When young. like all the early members of the Davis family, he was put at work. He first was a driver in the coal mines and later became a regular miner. He served in 1864-65 as a soldier in the civil war. He also learned the brick-laying trade and fol- lowed mason work and the construction of tunnels for the railroad com- panv. Since 18:4 he has been engaged in merchandising at Irwin, Penn- sylvania. He is a Presbyterian, and in politics votes the Republican ticket. He is connected with various civic societies. He was married to Victoria Rees, of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, and has four children living and sev- eral deceased.

(IV) Walter Winston Davis, son of Thomas and Jane (Charles) Davis, was born at Johnstown. March 17, 1824. He was educated at the public schools of Johnstown, his native place, and later was em- ployed in clerical positions including that with the Johnson Company ; the Cambria Ice Company; the Citizens' National Bank, etc .. until Jan- uary 1, 1905. when he was appointed assistant postmaster under Levi J. Foust. In politics he is an ardent Republican. He has served as clerk of the common council several terms, and resigned such position to ac- cept that of assistant postmaster at Johnstown. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. In civic societies he is much interested and connected with the following: Johnstown Lodge. No. 538. F. and A. M .; Portage Chapter Royal Arch Masons. No. 195: Oriental Commandry, Knights Templar, No. 61; Linton Lodge, No. 451, Knights of Pythias; Johns- town Lodge of Elks, No. 175.

Mr. Davis married, September 26, 1901, Mary von Lunen, daugh- ten of Louis and Emily (Griffith) von Lunen (see sketch of the von Lunen family). The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis are: Bea- trice von Lunen, born September 1. 1903; Winston Louis, born January 15, 1906.

CAMPBELL ROBISON, chief clerk in the Gautier Department of the Cambria Steel Company, in Johnstown. Cambria county, Penn- sylvania, traces his descent to Scotch. Irish and German ancestry.

(1) John Robison, grandfather of Campbell Robison. was born on the ocean while his parents were on their way from Scotland to America. He married Rachel Potter, and they had children: 1. Robert P., of whom later. 2. John M. 3. William J.

(II) Robert Potter Robison. first child of John (1) and Rachel (Potter) Robison, was born near Jenners Cross Roads, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, June 19. 1824. While still a young man he migrated to the west and located at Cadiz. Ohio. Here he learned the trade of cabi- net making. and after following that occupation for some time in the west, returned to Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1850. He then went to Johnstown and entered the employ of William F. Orr, and then worked for about two years as a clerk in Somerset county. He again returned to Johnstown and obtained employment with the Cam- bria Iron Company as house contractor. While filling this position he erected some of the first buildings ever put up by this company. Later he was promoted to the pattern shop and remained thus occupied until the breaking out of the Civil war. He immediately enlisted for three months in Company G, Third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. as an orderly sergeant. Before the expiration of the time of enlist- ment he had been advanced to the grade of second lieutenant. He then re-enlisted for three years in the famous Fifty-fourth Regiment of

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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

Cambria county, and was actively engaged in many of the most hotly contested battles of the war. At its termination he became one of the founders of the Johnstown Mechanical Works, with which he was con- nected for about eight years, and then was the agent for a sewing ma- chine company for four years. He was appointed by the governor of the state auctioneer of the borough of Johnstown. and at the end of his term of office he returned to the pattern shop of the Cambria Iron Com- pany, where he was engaged during the remaining active years of his life.

He married, August 17, 1853. Mary J. Shaffer, daughter of Michael and Catherine (Flick) Shaffer. and granddaughter of Henry and Eliza- beth (Smith) Shaffer. Catherine ( Flick) Shaffer was a daughter of George and Mary ( Lichtenberger) Flick. The children of Henry and Elizabeth (Smith) Shaffer were: 1. Michael. 2. Emanuel. 3. Susan. 4. Barbara. 5. Simon. 6. Margaret. . Mary A. The children of Michael and Catherine (Flick) Shaffer were: Alexander and George, both deceased. The children of Robert Potter and Mary J. (Shaffer) Robison were: 1. John P., deceased. 2. William F., deceased. 3. Bertha, married Willis A. Moses. 4. Campbell. the subject of this sketch. 5. Edgar N. 6. Harry, deceased. 2. Minnie M., married H. M. McDowell. 8. Marion, married Herbert E. Latta. 9. Kate, married Frank J. Me- Mullen.

(III) Campbell Robison. third son and fourth child of Robert Potter (?) and Mary J. ( Shaffer) Robison, was born on the old home- stead in Johnstown. Cambria county, Pennsylvania, October 6. 1861. He had the advantage of an excellent common school education and was graduated from the high school of Johnstown in 1872. He at once ob- tained employment with Wood, Morrell and Company, in their shoe shop. under the supervision of Mr. Alexander Kennedy. Here he remained for two years and was then advanced to work in the general office of the same firm. After two years he went to the Gautier Department of the Cambria Steel Company for one year, and then held the position of as- sistant invoice clerk for two years, later becoming head invoice elerk. which position he held until 1889. He was then promoted to the re- sponsible position of bookkeeper and auditor, and in 1891 was again ad- vanced, this time to the position of chief clerk of the Gautier department, a position which he fills to the eminent satisfaction of the company, at the present day. He is conscientious and systematic in the performance of the numerous duties entailed by this very important position, and. while exceedingly just, demands exact and methodical work from those under his command. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion, a member of the First Lutheran church. He is also a member of the fol- lowing named organizations: Cambria Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons : past chancellor of Johnstown Lodge, No. 157, Knights of Pythias ; charter member of Lodge No. 175, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and its second exalted ruler and a life member ; and a charter mem- ber of the Protected Home Circle Lodge, No. 12.

He married, November 11, 1904, Annie Edwards, daughter of Eben L. and Caroline (Davis) Edwards. (See sketch of Ehner E. Davis.) Eben L. Edwards was born in Blacklick township, Cambria county, Penn- sylvania, in 1849. He is a son of Lewis L. and Ann (James) Edwards, and was a merchant. one of nine children. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell Robison-Mary Louise Robison, born January 10, 1906.

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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

CHARLES JOSEPH MAYER, ex-treasurer of Cambria county, Pennsylvania, was born July 13, 1858, at Johnstown, son of George and Ursula (Gairing) Mayer." The father was born in Deggingen, Wurtem- burg, Germany, February 13, 1828. By trade he was a painter and plas- terer. He was a graduate from the state (common) school of his na- tive city, and in politics in this country was Democratic. In religious faith he was a Catholic, being a trustee of Johnstown St. Joseph's church for a period of eighteen years. He died in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1900. He married, in Germany, Ursula Gairing, born May 27, 1830, in the same place in which her husband was born. By this union were born ten children, eight of whom died in infancy, and the surviv- ing were Emily and Charles G. Mayer. Emily, born in Johnstown, Penn- sylvania, became the wife of John M. Spenger; she died January 15, 1898, leaving two children, Cecelia and Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. George Mayer, subject's parents, emigrated from Germany, landing at Johns- town, Pennsylvania, Christmas day, 1854. The wife now (1906) is sev- enty-six years of age, and resides with her son.

Charles J. Mayer was educated in St. Joseph's parochial and the public schools of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He learned the trade of a sign-writer and painter, which he followed up to 1889, about the date of the great flood. His skill in his trade was well known and appreciated in and around the city of Johnstown. He has various property inter- ests at this date, including being a stockholder in the Johnstown Tele- phone Company, in which he is a director; the Pittsburg & Johnstown Long Distance Telephone Company, of which he is the treasurer; the United States National Bank, of which he is vice-president. He owns a beautiful home at 1130 Franklin street, Johnstown, including nearly eight acres of land upon which he has made and is still making many substantial improvements. There are few if any more picturesque places than this property. Mr. Mayer is identified with the Democratic party ; was elected treasurer of Cambria county in November, 1890, serving until January 1, 1894, and in 1886 he was chairman of the Democratic county committee. In his religious faith he is a Catholic, and a member of St. Joseph's church.

He was united in marriage, January 18, 1890, to Katherine Spitz- bart, the daughter of August and Margaret (Wunderlich) Spitzbart, who were married in Bavaria, Germany, and came to Johnstown in 1854. He was born September 15, 1821; died March 3, 1905. She was born De- cember 26, 1827; died March 5, 1905; both are buried at Johnstown. Mrs. Mayer's father, August Spitzbart, was a private in Company C, Ninety-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Reuben Snavely. The company was engaged before Petersburg, Vir- ginia, during the winter of 1864-65; was also in the battle of Sailor's Creek. Virginia, April 6, 1865, and with General Grant at the surrender of Lee.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mayer are as follows; all born at Johnstown, Pennsylvania: 1. Hilda Emily, born November 18, 1890. 2. Florence Ida. born March 25, 1892. 3. Eulalia Ursula, born June 11, 1893. 4. Carl Joseph. born February 25, 1895. 5. George Anthony, born April 23, 1897. 6. Clara Rose, born April 27, 1899. 7. Leo Frederick, born June 3, 1901.

ELMER E. DAVIS. former sheriff of Cambria county. Pennsyl- vania, and a broker of prominence in the financial circles of Johnstown. Cambria county, Pennsylvania, is a descendant of good old Welsh stock.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations, 1909

W. F. Mayer

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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

Richard Davis, grandfather of Elmer E. Davis, and the founder of the family in the United States, was a native of Wales. He emigrated to America in the early part of the nineteenth century, located in Car- roll township with his family, where he engaged in agriculture. Among his children was a son, Joseph.

Joseph Davis, son of Richard Davis, was born in Wales about 1816, and came to this country with his parents when they settled in Carroll township. He was employed at first on the farm of his father, and followed this occupation throughout the active years of his life. In politics he was at first a Whig, but afterward became a Republican and a strong Abolitionist. He was the enlisting officer in his township. He was a member of the Calvinistic Methodist church, and died in 1874. He married Martha Davis, born in Wales in 1826, who came to America about the same time as he did, and who died in 1892. Their children were: 1. Thomas B., lives in Ebensburg, Cambria county, Pennsyl- vania. 2. Aaron, resides in Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. 3. A child died in infancy. 4. Owen, deceased. 5. Martha A., married John T. Lloyd, and resides at Johannisburg, South Africa. 6. Caroline, married E. L. Edwards. 7. Jonathan, located in Illinois. 8. Richard B., lives in Nevada. 9. J. Price, a resident of Johnstown of Cambria county, Pennsylvania. 10. Elmer E., the subject of this sketch. 11. Ed- ward B., deceased.

Elmer E. Davis, tenth child of Joseph and Martha (Davis) Davis, was born in Carroll township, July 6, 1862. His school education was limited, and he owes his success later in life entirely to his own efforts and ambition. At the age of fifteen years he began his business career as a driver on a bakery wagon, and he held this position for five years. He then associated with his brother in a business partnership and they opened a store for the sale of cigars and confectionery, and at the end of eighteen months they purchased the bakery with which Elmer E. had formerly been connected, the firm doing business under the style of Davis Brothers. At the end of two years J. Price sold his share in the busi- ness to Gomer Walters, and the firm thereafter was known as Davis & Walters. Mr. Davis purchased the interest of Mr. Walters in 1888 and conducted the business alone, with unvaried success until the great flood of May 31, 1889, which was so destructive to Johnstown and its vicinity. This flood destroyed his entire property, and he then engaged in the com- mission and brokerage business, handling hay, grain, flour, feed, etc. In this his industry, integrity, and excellent business methods have enabled him to build up a very prosperous business. He is ambitious, resource- ful, and of untiring energy. He takes a most active interest in all pub- lic matters, in which the welfare of his county is concerned. His polit- ical affiliations are Republican, and he was appointed deputy sheriff by D. W. Coulter, January 1, 1895; was elected sheriff of Cambria county in 1898.

He married, May 8, 1890, Ella Tremmellen, and they have children : 1. Donald Tremmellen, born May 1, 1891. 2. Martha J., January 12, 1893. 3. Russell, April 1, 1896. 4. Hellen Louise, June 3, 1902.

WILLIAM FREDERICK MAYER. One of the earlier residents of Johnstown was William Frederick Mayer, deceased. He was born in Brackenheim, Konigreich, Wurtemberg, Germany, August 22, 1830, and was the youngest of the three children of Johann and Friederika Mayer.

He attended the village school and was afterward sent to an acad- emy in the neighboring town of Heilbronn, where it was intended that he

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ORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

be fired for a schoolmaster. After the completion of the prescribed course he resumed his apprenticeship with his father, who had a furni- ture establishment. and soon after attaining his majority. determined upon sailing for America. He came to the United States in 1853 and after one year's stay in New York city located in Johnstown, Pennsyl- vania, where in 185 he married Christiana Leitenberger, with whose parents he had emigrated from the Fatherland. Shortly after marriage he and his wife went to Duncansville, Blair county. Pennsylvania. where they lived one year. Not long after returning to Johnstown he bought the lot on Market street which is now the southeast corner of Lincoln and Market streets. upon which he had erected a small house. Here he conducted a furniture store and repair shop and lived with his wife and children for several years. Coming into possession of an inheritance from his mother's estate in the old country. he bought, in 1863, the lot at 413 Main street. which has remained in the family until the present time. Not making the success out of his furniture business that he con- sidered satisfactory. he relinquished the venture and began working for the Cambria Iron Company. Although he was not. strictly speaking, a business man. his intimate knowledge of financial values came in good stead. and this fact, coupled with sobriety and industry. enabled him to accumulate a considerable amount of this world's goods. and he died leaving his widow in the possession of a comfortable competency. His death occurred August 21. 1896. He was the father of three children :

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History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III, Part 39

Author: Storey, Henry Wilson Publication date: 1907 Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 940

Author: Storey, Henry Wilson
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 940