USA > Pennsylvania > Cambria County > History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III > Part 55
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Henry J. Raab, son of John and Elizabeth (Vomhof) Raab, was born January 27, 1863, and until his thirteenth year attended the public and parochial schools. He was then engaged for eighteen months in cigar-making, and for the same length of time worked at the carpenter's trade. He next served an apprenticeship of three years at the ma- chinist's trade in the shop of the Cambria Iron Company, in whose service he remained for fourteen years, at the end of which time he became a partner in his father's business. He belongs to the Benevolent
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Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias. the Knights of the Mystic Chain, the Heptasophs and the Turnverein. He is a member of the German Lutheran church.
Mr. Raab married, January 20, 1889. in Johnstown, Lizzie Schatz, and they are the parents of a son and a daughter: Harry and Leona.
Charles Vomhof Raab. son of John and Elizabeth (Vomhof) Raab, was born September 19, 1872, and received his education in the public schools of Johnstown and in German private schools. At the age of six- teen he completed his course of study, and for a short time was engaged in the cigar business with Charles Murr. In 1892 he became clerk of the Belvidere Hotel, and continued at same for two years: was em- ployed for one year in his father's store, becoming. in 1895, a member of the firm. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Heptasophs, the Johnstown Turnverein and the Germania Quartet Club. Politically he is an independent voter. He is a member of the German Lutheran church.
Mr. Raab married. July 25. 1895, in Johnstown, Carrie Emma Kuntz, and they have one child, Robert Vomhof. Mrs. Raab is a daugh- ter of Joseph Kuntz, who was one of the first councilmen of Johnstown. He is now seventy-six years old and is still a resident of that city.
AUGUST DANGES, deceased, for many years a worthy citizen of Johnstown, and until the close of his life associated with the Cambria Iron Company, was born June 10, 1830, in Germany, and was still a boy at the time of his father's death.
He received a common school education, and at the age of fourteen was brought to the United States by his mother, who settled in Johns- town. In that city August learned the blacksmith's trade, which he made the occupation of his life. For a long period he was employed by the Cambria Iron Company, and at the time of his death was still in their service, a fact which speaks volumes for his ability and faithful- ness. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. In the sphere of polities he adhered strictly to the principles of the Democratic party. He was a member of the German Lutheran church.
Mr. Danges married, April 18, 1856, in Johnstown, Wilhelmina Oyler, and their children were: Mary, wife of John Pendry, undertaker of Johnstown. Emma, wife of William Sheeler. of Westmont. Amelia, wife of Charles Breibeck, of Bens Creek. Elizabeth. Henry, died June 14, 1893. The death of Mr. Danges occurred about twenty-eight years ago, and was sincerely mourned, not only by his family and friends, but by all who were in any way associated with him, his upright character having commanded universal respect.
Mrs. Danges was born March 20, 1832, in Waldeck, Germany, and lost her parents when a child. In 1854 she came to the United States, landing in New York after a voyage of seven weeks from Bremen on the sailing vessel "Europia." She went to Johnstown. where she lived with friends until her marriage. At the time of the flood, Mrs. Danges, being then a widow, was the proprietor of a millinery store on Franklin street, which she had conducted for ten or fifteen years, having her home in the same building. She lost all her property, but had cause for thank- fulness in the fact that none of her family perished. After the Hood she built her present home on Potts street. She is a member of the German Lutheran church.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lenox and Tliden Foundations, 1909
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William H. Bechler,
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
WILLIAM H. SECHLER. an eminent lawyer of Ebensburg, Cam- bria county, Pennsylvania, now living in East Conemangh, and who has served two terms as district attorney of that county, is a representa- tive of an old and honored family of the state which has furnished its full quota in defense of the country of its adoption, and members of which have been prominent in every walk of life. The pioneer ancestor of all the Sechlers in America was a native of Germany, who came to this country at the time of the first visit of Penn, in 1682. He was one of the earliest settlers of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and his descendants migrated to the various other counties of the state and established their homes there.
Henry Sechler, grandfather of William H. Sechler, and several generations removed from the pioneer ancestor of the family, was a man of wealth and influence in Montgomery county, and a prominent member of the Reformed church. He was a soldier during the war of the revolution, and served with bravery under Washington at the battle of Germantown. He married and raised a family.
John Sechler, son of Henry Seehier, was born near Pottstown, Mont- gomery county, February 28, 1812. He had learned the trade of shoe- making, and pursued this occupation until 1838, when he migrated to Blair county, Pennsylvania, when he abandoned it for that of milling, with which he was occupied during the remainder of his life. He then, in succession, assumed charge of mills at Bells Mills, now Bellwood, Cherry Tree, Indiana county, 1849: Mitchels, 1856; Duncan's (Red Mill), 1860; Summerhill, 1866; near Altoona, 1868; near Ebensburg, 1869, and while at this place formed a partnership with his two sons, William H. and George K. He and his son, George K., took charge of the Red Mill at Black Liek in 1875 and operated it for two years, at which time he retired from active business life, having been stricken with blindness in 1870. He removed to Altoona, Blair county, where he died and his remains are interred. He was a member of the Re- formed church, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He mar- ried Catherine Gwinner, daughter of Gottlieb Henry Gwinner, a tanner of Blair county, and they had four sons and seven daughters.
William H. Sechler, eldest child of John and Catherine (Gwinner) Sechler, was born in Frankstown, Blair county, Pennsylvania, Septem- ber 8, 1840. His early education was received in the common schools of his native township, and he then attended the old Indiana Academy. He adopted the profession of teaching, and was engaged in this work from 1856 until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Com- pany A, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves. at Ebensburg. May 20, 1861. He was appointed to the rank of corporal, took an active part in the battle at Mechanicsville, but in the next battle in which he was a par- tieipant, that of Gaines' Mill, he was taken prisoner with his entire regiment. He spent twelve days in Libby prison, and was then given charge of a detachment of Union soldiers who were sent to clear off the prison site at Belle Island. There he remained, paroled, with four thousand others, until sent to the Union lines, September 12, 1862. He was in the convalescent camp at Washington, District of Columbia, until January 24, 1863, when he was discharged because of physical disability. He returned to his home and became clerk for the city commissioners, and then decided to make the study of law his lifework. He read law under the preceptorship of F. A. Shoemaker. Esq., of Ebensburg, and was admitted to the bar of Cambria county. September 26, 1864. For some years he remained as commissioner's clerk, but established himself
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in the practice of his profession in 1869, and continued this until his removal to East Conemangh, with the exception of a few years-from 1881 to 1885-spent in Johnstown. He was one of the most prominent and popular members of the Cambria county bar. He has the happy faculty of winning both the friendship and respect of those with whom he associates, is at home anywhere, and can adapt himself to any com- pany. He is a born orator, and when he addressed an audience his earnest and well-chosen words, convincing arguments and logieal deduc- tions always made a strong impression. In his political faith he has always been a Democrat, and is strong with his party and the public. He served as district attorney from 1871 to 1875, and was elected for a second term in 1880 without opposition from the Republican party. He is past grand of Highland Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and a member of Emory Fisher Post, No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic.
He married, January 25, 1865, Margaret Lloyd. born 1842, died September 2, 1894, daughter of Rees S. Lloyd, a well known farmer of Cambria township. Their children were: 1. Anna Eliza, married Forest Green, of Altoona ; she died at Tampa, Florida, May, 1906. 2. John L., formerly editor of the South Fork Courier, now proprietor of the Bon Air Hotel, in East Conemaugh ; he married Frances Miller and resides in Altoona, Pennsylvania. 3. Alice. 4. Miriam, married Joseph Simp- son. superintendent of the long-distance telephone line from Buffalo, New York, eastward. 5. Charles H .. enlisted in the Regular Artillery, Tenth Battery, is a sergeant and has charge of the stock connected with the battery. -
WILLIAM HENRY STUVER, of Johnstown, manager and treas- urer of the Consumers' Meat Company. was born January 22, 1875, on a farm in Black Liek township. Cambria county, son of William and Mary (Brallier) Stuver.
He received his early education in the schools of Jackson and West Taylor township, and when he was eight years old his parents moved to Rossdale. a suburb of Johnstown, and there he continued his studies in the Fourteenth ward school. under the instruction of Miss Mary Carmody. He left the public schools at the age of fourteen, but later spent six months at a night school presided over by Professor Rowe, of Rowe College. While still a boy he was employed in the meat shop of the firm of L. R. Brallier & Company, in which his father was a silent partner. He learned the business thoroughly and was employed by the firm until the age of nineteen, after which he was for about one year employed by his father, who was then conducting a retail meat shop on Iron street, in the Fourteenth ward. In 1895 Mr. Stuver purchased this business, and after conducting it for two years moved into new quarters in the same street. where he carried it on until 1903. In that year, in company with others. he organized the Consumers' Meat Company, in which he has since served as manager, and of which he was made treas- urer about eighteen months ago. The enterprise has made wonderful progress during the short time which has elapsed since its organization. this prosperity being largely due to the unremitting and well-directed efforts of Mr. Stuver. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and in the sphere of politics affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of no church.
Mr. Stuver married. June 1. 1897. in Johnstown. Clara E., born February 28 .. 1876, daughter of the late David Constable, and they
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are the parents of the following children : Warren Earl, born February 18, 1899. William Kenneth, born February 7, 1901. Wilbur Dean, born February 1, 1904. Wallace Stanley, born October 6, 1905.
JOHN CARTHEW. The late John Carthew, for many years identified with the mining interests of Johnstown, as was his brother, William Carthew, who died in that city seventeen years ago, and whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, was born in December, 1830. in Cornwall, England, son of John and Mary (Grace) Carthew.
When a lad of sixteen John Carthew left his native land for Aus- tralia. where he worked for seven years in the gold mines, after which he spent another seven years as a sailor and for three years was a resi- dent of Calcutta. In 1864 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Johnstown. The greater part of his life prior to this had been a series of wanderings. He had been thrice around the world and had crossed the Atlantic ocean twenty-four times. Being an expert miner, he readily secured work in the ore mines on Benshoff Hill, but after a time, de- siring to extend still further his knowledge of the world, he went to Nevada and California. where, for a brief period, he worked in the gold fields. He then returned to Johnstown, where he became connected with the water-works, being one of those employed in taking charge of the dams. Later he was employed by George Hay. who was then engaged in superintending the making of tunnels for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. As an expert miner Mr. Carthew's advice and assistance in this work were extremely valuable. He subsequently entered the service of the Cambria Iron Company. with whom be remained until about 1893. He was a charter member of Kiskiminetas Tribe of Red Men, and also belonged to the Knights of Honor. His political principles were those of a stanch Republican. He was a member of St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal church.
Mr. Carthew married, in 1863, in Wales, Mary Lewis, and they be- came the parents of the following children: John, died in infancy. John (2), of whom later. Mary Grace, trained nurse in Philadelphia. Eliza Ann, died in infancy. Margaret, wife of George C. Hanna, of Camden, New Jersey. Sarah, wife of C. E. Smith. of Philadelphia. Cyrus, of Wissahickon, Pennsylvania, married Marie Williams. Helen, teacher in Johnstown public schools. Robert, of Philadelphia, married Bessie Roland. Catherine, teacher in Johnstown schools. Freda, living in Philadelphia.
Mr. Carthew died at his home in Johnstown, January 6, 1906. He was highly esteemed for his many good qualities both as a man and a citizen, and his death was a source of sorrow. not only to his family and near friends, but to all with whom he was in any way associated. He was buried in Grand View cemetery.
Mrs. Carthew is a daughter of Lewis and Margaret Lewis, and a granddaughter of Thomas and Margaret Lewis. Lewis Lewis was born in Wales and all his life followed the calling of a farmer. He married Margaret Jones, and their children were: Lewis, died in Wales. Mar- garet, widow of Thomas Jones, living in Wales. Mary, born May 14, 1841, in Upper Darr. Wales. widow of John Carthew. Ann, wife of Richard Jones, died in Wales. Jane, living in Wales, wife of Isaac Jones. David, married Jane Jones, and died in Wales. Jonathan, liv- ing in Wales. married Mary Evans. Sarah. at home. Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Howell, both deeeased. The parents of these children both died in their native country.
HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
John Carthew, son of John and Mary ( Lewis) Carthew, was em- ployed in the open-hearth mill of the Cambria Iron Company at the time of the flood. Amid all the horrors of this appalling calamity he was enabled, by his extraordinary presence of mind. to save his life in a remarkable manner. Being on a roof, with others, he was observed to be intently gazing into the water in the mill yards. Upon the onslaught of the waters he was thrown into the air with the rest, and after making several revolutions came down on his feet. remaining. to the surprise of all, on the spot where he landed. whence he was afterward rescued. Knowing that in a certain place in the yards was a large pile of metal, he had decided to land upon it, and. wonderful to relate, had been able to accomplish his purpose in spite of the startling manner in which he was carried over. Although he recovered from the immediate effects of this experience, his system was weakened by it to such an extent that he shortly after fell a victim to typhoid fever and died December 20, 1889. He left a widow, Minnie ( Lightner) Carthew, and one child, John.
WILLIAM CARTHEW. The late William Carthew, a successful miner and well-known citizen of Johnstown. was born in 1832, in Corn- wall, England, son of John and Mary ( Grace) Carthew, the former a worker in the lead and copper mines of Cornwall.
William Carthew was left an orphan at an early age, and while still quite young was thrown upon his own resources. His opportunities for acquiring an education were extremely limited, and when a young man he went to the lead and copper mines of North Wales, where he worked until about 1865, when he emigrated to the United States. On landing he went immediately to Johnstown. whither his brother John had preceded him. He found work in the ore mines under James Mor- ley, and at the end of two years was in circumstances which justified him in sending for his wife and four children. After a time he left the ore mines and went to work in the coal mines. still serving under James Morley. In the coal mines he was employed for eighteen years. building up for himself, during that time, a well-deserved reputation for ability and faithfulness. His financial success is attested by the fact that he was able to build five houses on New street. He was a public-spirited citizen and represented the Twelfth ward in the borough council. From the time of his arrival in this country his political allegiance was given to the Republican party. He was a member of St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal church.
Mr. Carthew married, about 1854. in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, Jane Evans. and the following children were born to them : John, died in 1905, in Johnstown. Lewis, of Johnstown, married Mary J. Harvey, seven children. Thomas, at home. Grace. wife of Daniel Lewis, died in Johnstown, leaving two children, William Roy and Marion. Harriet, wife of William Bailey, of Johnstown.
The death of Mr. Carthew, although occurring in 1889, the year of the flood, was in no way connected with that great disaster, being the result of asthma. a disease extremely prevalent among miners. In con- sequence of the state of his health he was forced to relinquish his labors and to live in retirement for a considerable period prior to his death. which was sincerely lamented by the many who knew him as an estimable man and an upright citizen. His was the first body to be carried in a hearse through the streets of Johnstown after the flood. IIe is buried in Grand View cemetery.
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
Mrs. Carthew is a daughter of Lewis Evans, a native of Wales. where he was employed in a woollen factory. After coming to the United States he settled in Pittsburg, where he worked in a nail factory. His arrival in this country was some years later than that of his daugh- ter and her husband: William Carthew. Lewis Evans married Jane Owens, and the following were their children : Jane. horn in December. 1834. in Montgomeryshire, widow of William Carthew. Lewis, in Wales. Thomas, of Danville, Pennsylvania. Winifred, died in Wales. Mrs. Evans died in Wales. and the death of Mr. Evans occurred in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM BENNETT, chief of police of Braddock, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, who has held a number of positions of trust and responsibility in the county, is one of the most valued citizens of the town, both for his present and past record. He participated in many of the most important battles of the Civil war, and a more detailed account will be given below.
Elisha Bennett. father of William Bennett, was born in 1818, died in 1882. He was a painter by occupation. came to Johnstown, Cambria county. Pennsylvania, in 1859, and spent the remainder of his life in that city. He married Letitia MeFarland, born 1821, died 1859. and they had children : 1. Robert. married Martha Graham. 2. Mary A., married John H. Powell. 3. Elisha. 4. William, see forward. 5. Chris- topher, married Ellen Gay. 6. Joseph, married Elizabeth Shaw. 7. James, married Kate Lang. S. Arthur, married Annie Whalen.
William Bennett, third son and fourth child of Elisha and Letitia (McFarland) Bennett, was born at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Octo- ber 18. 1845. He received a good common school education in the com- mon schools of the district, and commenced the active work of life in the employ of the Cambria Steel Company, in the puddling department. There he remained until 1871, then went to Monroe county. Michigan, and remained there until 1876, and that year came to Braddock. and worked in the converting mill until 1887. He then went to Duquesne for one year. returned to Braddock in 1888, and accepted a position as labor boss. Two years later he was elected by the borongh council as policeman, and in 1894 was appointed chief of police, an office which he now (1906) holds. He was a member of the common council for one year. He is a member of the First Baptist church. and affiliates with the Republican party. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Veteran Legion. He enlisted and was mustered into the service at Harrisburg. September 24, 1861, to serve three years or during the war, in Captain Patrick Graham's Company E. Fifty- fourth Regiment Infantry. Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel J. M. Campbell commanding. He was honorably discharged at Greenspring Run, Virginia, February 28, 1864, by reason of re-enlisting on the same day to serve a second term of three years or during the war, as a veteran volunteer in the same company and regiment. Under his first enlist- ment the regiment rendezvoused at Camp Curtin. Harrisburg. where it was organized and mustered into the service, and on February 17, 1862. left eamp for Washington. District of Columbia, encamped near Bladensburg cemetery, was armed with Belgian rifles, and thoroughly disciplined. It was ordered to Harper's Ferry. Virginia, March 29, 1862, reporting to Colonel D. S. Miles, and stationed for guard duty along fifty-six miles of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, between Cumberland. Maryland, and Martinsburg. Virginia, and for nearly one year was
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entrusted with the important duty of guarding this great thoroughfare through territory mainly hostile, protecting the few loyal inhabitants, scouring the country, and fighting the guerilla bands of Edwards, White, Imboden and McNeil, capturing many rebels. horses and arms, partici- pating in engagements at Back Creek Bridge. Virginia, September 22, 1862, and Mangares Mills. Virginia, October 25, 1862. October 4, 1862, Company K, stationed at Little Cacapon, and Company B, at Paw Paw, were surrounded by an overwhelming force of the enemy under Imboden, and captured after a sharp fight. Upon the organization of the Eighth Army Corps of West Virginia. the regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade, Second Division. Companies B and K were exchanged in De- eember and returned to the regiment, and the command was relieved from guard duty, moving to Romney, January 6, 1863, attached to the Fourth Brigade. First Division, and marched April 3 in pursuit of the enemy. fighting at Burlington, Virginia. Pugitsville on the 6th, and Gowan's Ferry on the 7th. July 6, moved by forced marches in pur- suit of Lee's army, retreating from Gettysburg, engaging the enemy at Hedgeville on July 17, 1863, and at Cherry Run, July 19, returning to Romney. August 15, 1863, moved to Petersburg, West Virginia, en- gaging the enemy at that place September 1, 1863. November 6 moved to Springfield and were assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division. In the spring of 1864 marched under General Sigel, bearing a gallant part in the battles of New Market, Virginia, May 15, 1864. After that battle General Sigel was relieved and General Hunter took command, under whom were fought the battles of Piedmont. or Mount Crawford, June 5; Lexington, June 11: James River, June 14: Blue Ridge, or Peak of Otter, June 15: Lynchburg. June 17 and 18: Liberty. June 19; Salem, June 22. Marched across the mountains to Camp Piatt, on the Kanawha river, suffering untold hardships, and thence via Parkersburg, West Virginia, to Martinsburg, Virginia. arriving July 14. Joined in pursuit of Early, fighting at Snicker's Gap, or Island Ford, Virginia, July 18: Kernstown, or Winchester. July 23: Martinsburg, July 25. Participated under Sheridan in his brilliant Shenandoah campaign, in- cluding the battles of Cedar Creek, Virginia. August 12, 1864; Charles- town, August 17; Halltown. August 19; Fisher's Hill, September 22; Winchester, September 19: Strasburg. October 13: Cedar Creek, or Middletown, October 19, 1864. Moved via Washington. Distriet of Columbia. to City Point. Virginia. and on February 16, 1865, the Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves were consolidated with the Fifty- fourth. under Colonel A. P. Moulton. Assigned to the Second Brigade, Independent Division, Twenty-fourth Corps. Army of the James, with which it participated in Grant's final campaign, fighting at White Oak Swamp. Virginia, March 23. 1865: Hatcher's Run, April 1: Fort Greggs, April 2. and High Bridge, Virginia, April 5, where a small force en- gaged in a desperate struggle with a vastly superior number of the enemy, were surrounded, taken prisoner. marched four days without ra- tions with the fleeing army, released at the surrender of Lee at Appo- mattox, Virginia, April 9, sent to Parole Camp. Annapolis, Maryland, and there mustered out May 31, 1865.
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