USA > Pennsylvania > Cambria County > History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III > Part 83
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
founder of the family. William J. Headrick erected a church in this cemetery, which is used by various denominations.
He married, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Catherine Gray, of Jack- son township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John Gray, a blacksmith, who came to the United States from Scotland. The children of William J. and Catherine (Gray) Headrick were: 1. John A., a carpenter of Tusseyville, Pennsylvania, married Sally Wright. 2. Will- iam George Washington, see forward. 3. George T., was a traveling sales- man in the employ of the Westinghouse Company, and lost his life at the time of the earthquake in San Francisco in April, 1906. 4. Mar- garet, married Frederick Custer, of Conemaugh. 5. Harry W., is a super- intending machinist in Chicago, Illinois. 6. Walter A., a farmer in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, married Nutzenbougher. 7. Lu, an engineer, resides in Allegheny, married Matilda Stany. 8. Ernest C., a machinist in Chicago, Illinois. 9. Lawrence, a machinist in Al- legheny, Pennsylvania.
William George Washington Headrick, second son and child of Will- iam J. and Catherine (Gray) Headrick, was born on the Island, Johns- town, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1857. He attended the public school on the Island, and then became a student at the Head- rick School, acquiring an excellent education. Upon the completion of his studies he commenced to assist his father in the cultivation of the farm, and continued this until he was eighteen years of age, when he en- tered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a fireman. He was promoted to the position of engineer in 1880, and since 1891 has been running on that section known as Cambria Coke Run, which is sit- uated between Conemaugh and Dunbar, Pennsylvania. So faithful and conscientious has he been in the discharge of even the smallest details connected with his duty that in all the years of his service for the com- pany he has been in but one accident-a headon collision on the south- west branch at a point called Hunkers. Mr. Headrick was buried under the debris, but when released it was found that he had escaped without a scratch. He is held in high esteem by his fellow workers as well as by those at the head of the company. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, but will not be bound by party rules, and insists upon forming and following his own opinions. He and his family are members of the United Brethren church of Conemaugh.
He married, in Conemangh, February 22, 1877, Ella Kate Furlong, born in Conemaugh, February 9, 1859, and a student at the public schools until the age of eighteen years. She is the daughter of Lawrence L. and Eva (Gouchmour) Furlong, the former of whom was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1833, and was brought to Johnstown in early boyhood. His first occupation was working along the canals, driv- ing the mules. He then became an engineer on the Pittsburg local and the Johnstown accommodation trains, holding this position for many years, until, during the great railroad strike of 1877, he was wrongfully blamed for the misdemeanor of someone else, and was requested to resign. He then became a stationary engineer in the Gautier department of the Cambria Steel Works, retaining this position until the disastrous flood of May, 1889, when he removed with his family to Duquesne, Pennsyl- vania, and accepted a position in the steel works in that town for a time. He was active in the public affairs of this town. and served as a burgess for the period of four years, and also for some years as truant officer. He is now (1906) living in retirement. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. Their chil-
HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
dren were: 1. Margaret, deceased. 2. Robert, resides in Mckeesport, Pennsylvania. 3. Ella Kate, who married Mr. Headrick, as above stated. 1. Jennie, deceased. 5. William, lives in Denora, Pennsylvania. 6. Ida Belle, deceased. 2. Jesse, resides in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. 8. Maggie, deceased. 9. Lawrence, deceased 10. Albert, lives in Duquesne, Penn- sylvania. 11. Herman, resides in Hawkins Station, Pennsylvania. 12. Andrew. a resident of Conemaugh.
CHARLES CLAY HEADRICK, for many years a highly respected citizen of Johnstown. Cambria county. Pennsylvania, whose present place of residence is at No. 13% Coal street, who has been in the employ of the Gautier department of the Cambria Steel Works for the past twenty- five years, and whose reputation during the progress of the Civil war is worthy of special mention, and will be found in detail below, is a de- scendant of John Headrick, an account of whom is to be found in the sketch of William George Washington Headrick, which immediately pre- cedes this.
Charles Clay Headrick, son of John and Margaret (McConnell ) Headrick, was born on what was called the Island, and is now (1906) in- cluded in the tenth ward of Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1844. His parents at the time lived in the "Old Bull's Head Tavern," which had been established, and was conducted by his father at the time. He attended the schools of this district until he was eight years of age, his first teacher being a Mr. Douglas. His father then purchased a farm in Taylor township, and he attended the public schools there and lived there until he was sixteen years of age. At this time his father returned to the town, and young Charles began the active work of life as a driver of mules at the coal bank of the Cambria Iron Company, under the direction of Thomas Butler. He continued thus employed until 1861, when he enlisted on August 20, as a private for three years. He was assigned to Company G, Captain James A. Skelly, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, Colonel Samuel P. Spear, commanding. He was mustered into service August 27, 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This regiment was originally known as Harland's Light Cavalry and was raised as an independent regiment during the months of August and September, 1861, by Colonel Josiah Harland, of Philadelphia, under special authority from the war department. It was assigned to General Innis Palmer's brigade, and on October 16 marched from Camp Harland, Washington, District of Columbia, to Camp Palmer, near Ball's Cross Roads, Virginia. There it waited for instructions and drill. It having been ascertained that congress had only authorized the raising of regi- ments by states, and that the formation of independent regiments was ir- regular, this was given its official designation as the One Hundred and Eighth Regiment of the line, and the Eleventh Regiment of the Penn- sylvania Volunteer Cavalry. After three months' stay at Camp Palmer, spent in instructing and drilling the recruits, the regiment moved to An- napolis, Maryland, where it was taken by transports to Camp Hamilton, near Fortress Monroe, Virginia, where it remained for about six months, engaged in drilling and light duty. Colonel Harland was succeeded in his command by Colonel Samuel P. Spear, in Angust, 1862. The regi- ment served with Kilpatrick's, later Kanty's, and MacKenzie's divisions, Cavalry Corps, Army of the James. During this time it participated either as a regiment or in detachments in the following engagements : Big Bethel, Suffolk. five engagements; Franklin, Beaver Dam Church. Deserted House, Norfolk, Carrsville, South Anna, Blackwater, Garrett
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
Station, Flat Creek or Batton Bridge, City Point. Petersburg, Staunton Bridge, Fair Oaks, Reams Station (two battles), James River, Darby- town Road, Richmond, Deep Bottom, Newmarket Heights, Five Forks, Deep Creek, Amelia Court House, and Appomattox. They were also in a number of raids and expeditions involving encounters with the enemy, and which are not mentioned above. After the surrender of Lee, the command was engaged in duty at Richmond, Chancellorsville and other points in Virginia. Mr. Headrick was with his command at all times, aud rendered faithful and meritorious service, receiving his honorable dis- charge at Jones Neck, Virginia, August 26, 1864, by reason of the ex- piration of his time of enlistment.
Upon his return from service in the army he accepted a position in the boiler shop of the Cambria Iron Company, remaining in that de- partment until November 1, 1866, when he received a position at Pitts- burg as fireman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, on trains running be- tween Pittsburg and Altoona. Three years later he was promoted to the position of engineer on the same division, and acted in that capacity until June, 1881, when he resigned in order to accept a position in the Gautier department of the Cambria Steel Works, where he has since that time rendered conscientious and efficient service. About 1875 he pur- chased some land and erected his present home on Coal street, where he has since resided. Ile is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, and a stanch Republican. He is connected with the following organiza- tions: Emery Fisher Post, No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic, De- partment of Pennsylvania ; he is past commander of this post ; member of the Union Veterans Legion, in which he has served as past colonel ; Knights of Malta, No. 218, and Order of Foresters.
Mr. Headrick married, January 23, 1872, Mary E. Sargent, born in the frame house which stood on the present site of the Shonort store, at the corner of Coal and Railroad streets, and when she was eight years of age her parents removed to Kernville, now (1906) the fifth ward of. Johnstown, and she was a student under Mrs. Sheperd, who conducted the first school in that district. Two years later her parents removed to Centerville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, lived there for about three vears and then returned to Johnstown, locating in what is now known as the thirteenth ward. Mary E. Sargent left school at the age of seven- teen years. She is the daughter of Smith and Mary (Kinton) Sargent, the former born in Lowell, Massachusetts, October 22, 1796. He left the parental roof when he was a mere boy and made his way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, later locating in Johnstown. He engaged in the grocery business at what was known as "The Ship" or "Five Points." Later he was in the hotel business in Railroad street for a time, and then a lock tender on the canal in Indiana county. After his return to Johnstown he accepted a position with the Cambria Iron Company, and held this to the satisfaction of those in anthority until the infirmities of old age com- pelled him to abandon active work. He dies at the age of eighty-seven years. He was the son of Edwin Sargent, a soldier of the war of the revolution. The Sargents were descended from old New England fami- lies which were noted for their longevity. Mary (Kinton) Sargent was a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of James and Mary (Gordon) Kinton. She died at the age of fifty-eight years. Mrs. Mary E. (Sargent) Headrick is an active and honored member of the Woman's Relief Corps, No. 27, auxiliary to Post No. 30 of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a devout member of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Headrick have no children.
Vol. III-37
542
HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
HARRY SWANK. The Swanks of Pennsylvania are of German origin, and while the representatives of that surname in the state are not numerous there are among them men of character and of action. whose part in the industrial and commercial history of the Commonwealth has gained for their family name an enviable standing in all circles.
Of the branch of the family in Pennsylvania the American ancestor was Jacob Swank, who was one of the pioneers of Somerset county, where he was a farmer. He married and had children. but authentic records of them are meagre.
Samnel Swank, son of Jacob Swank. was born in Somerset town- ship, 1198, spent his life in that locality and died in 1879. He married Katherine Snyder, daughter of Josiah Snyder, who also was an early set- tler in Somerset county and a thrifty farmer.
Jacob Swank, son of Samuel and Katherine (Snyder) Swank, was born January 6. 1828, in Somerset county. He engaged in business pur- suits and for several years carried on a pottery at Davidsville. Somerset county. Mr. Swank came to Johnstown, 1854, where two years afterward Hiram Swank joined him and together they engaged in the pottery busi- ness under the firm name of J. Swank & Company. The business was continued several years with good success, and in 1862 the firm purchased of Charley Frank the hardware business which was thereafter conducted under the firm name of J. & H. Swank. In 1882 the partnership inter- ests were divided. Jacob taking the hardware store and his brother the pottery. Later Newton Swank. a son. became a partner. the firm name being changed to that of J. Swank & Son. In May, 1889, Jacob Swank. his wife and two youngest children lost their lives in the awful flood of that year, after which the business interests were looked after by his sons, who for some time had been associated with him. For more than thirty years Jacob Swank was identified with the business history of Johnstown. and his efforts were rewarded with success. He is remembered as an honest. capable. straightforward business man and a respected citi- zen in the community. For many years he was a trustee of the Savings Bank. also stockholder in the First National Bank. For many years he was a member and trustee of the English Lutheran church. In politics he was a Democrat. and for some years a member of the city council.
Jacob Swank married Catherine Border. daughter of Samuel Border, a cabinetmaker and farmer of Somerset county. and their children were: 1. Morrell. born August 6. 1857, married (first) Ella Fry, who was drowned in the flood disaster of May 31. 1889: married (second) Aram- inta Fry, a sister of his first wife. 2. Newton B., married Naomi Par- sons. and is now engaged in business in Johnstown. 3. William, married May Stickler and lives at Walnut Grove. near Johnstown. 4. Harry, see forward. 5. George Washington, treasurer of the Swank Hardware Com- pany. 6. Etta. wife of Charles R. Glock. of Johnstown. 7. Frederick. drowned May 31. 1889. 8. Jennie. drowned May 31. 1889.
Harry Swank, fourth son and child of Jacob and Catherine (Bor- der) Swank, was born, in Johnstown, January 6, 1868. He was educated in the public schools, and after completing his studies worked in his father's hardware store and acquired a thorough knowledge of the busi- ness. Previous to the death of his father he had charge of the machine and blacksmith department, and afterward, on the organization of the Swank Hardware Company. he had especial supervision of the builders' hardware stock.
The Swank Hardware Company of Johnstown was the successor of the firm of J. Swank, Son & Co. In 1886 Mr. W. E. Parke was admitted
583
HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
to the firm, the name being changed from J. Swank & Son to J. Swank, Son & Company, which continued until time of flood, 1889. The day following the great disaster the present members of the firm began the work of reconstruction and drove the first nail in the rebuilding of Johns- town ; they conducted business that day, Saturday, June 1, 1889, and the following days secured quite a creditable stock of new goods. This busi- ness was begun in a small temporary structure which they occupied for several weeks, at the expiration of which time they erected on the site of Greer's furniture store a building in which they conducted business for several years. They then erected a frame building at the corner of Main and Bedford streets, which they occupied until 1898, when it was re- placed with a five-story brick building, which was burned March 28, 1906, wherein the firm lost heavily. They are now building a modern six-story building, of reinforced concrete construction. and when completed they will have in their combined stores and warehouses over five acres of floor space devoted to the hardware and vehicle departments, with housefur-
nishing department. When the new organization was affected, June, 1898, they were associated under a partnership agreement until 1902, which included the three brothers-Morrell, Harry and George W .- and the brother-in-law. Charles R. Glock. In 1901, owing to the increased business, they incorporated under the firm name of Swank Hardware Company, with a capital of $250,000, with Harry Swank as president, Charles R. Glock as vice-president and manager. George W. Swank as treasurer and Morrell Swank as secretary. In 1902 the Bantley Hard- ware concern was purchased and stock changed to housefurnishings. In 1896 Newton B. Swank withdrew from the firm and assumed the imple- ment and vehicle end of the business, which he conducted independently until 1906, when the consolidation of N. B. Swank and Swank's house- furnishing department was effected, making it by far the largest mercan- tile concern between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, in fact in all western Pennsylvania. Almost since the business was founded its proprietors have given attention to the wholesale trade, but within the last several years the jobbing trade has become first in importance in the company's operations. Several traveling salesmen are now on the road, and the region covered by them includes all the territory of which Johnstown is the business center and even extends into the state of Maryland.
Besides being president of the Swank Hardware Company and man- ager of its housefurnishing department, which duties occupies much of his time, Mr. Swank is in many ways closely identified with industrial, com- mercial and financial interests in Johnstown, and is in all respects a suc- cessful. competent business man. At one time he was treasurer of the B. H. Campbell Brick Company of Johnstown, and is now vice-president and a director of the First National Bank; director of the First National Bank of Rockwood, Pennsylvania : trustee of Vigilant Fire Company, di- rector of Johnstown Sanitary Dairy Company and of Johnstown Ice and Cold Storage Company. In each of these corporations he has a financial interest. In politics he is a Republican, but inclines to be independent in disposing his vote, favoring principles and men rather than party in the election of public officers.
Mr. Swank married, June 5, 1889. Sarah E. Hartzell, daughter of Napoleon B. and Jane ( Penrod) Hartzell, formerly of Stovestown, Penn- sylvania, and now of Johnstown. Children of Harry and Sarah E. (Hart- zell) Swank: Luke Hartzell, born February 21, 1890; Anna Jean. born June 14. 1892.
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
WILLIAM SLICK, one of the oldest and most highly respected citi- zens of Johnstown. Cambria county, Pennsylvania, who has now retired from active business life and lives in retirement in his commodious home at No. 412 Napoleon street, is a representative of a family whose pioneer ancestor in this country emigrated to America many years ago from Holland.
(1) Dr. Slick, great-grandfather of William Slick. was born in Holland, and upon arriving in this country selected Hagerstown, Maryland, as his future home. He married and among his children were: John of whom see forward; William and Jacob.
(II) John Slick, son of Dr. Slick (1), was born in Hagers- town, Maryland. He migrated to Bedford county. Pennsylvania, where he made his home. He married Elizabeth Winsom, and they had children : 1. William, see forward. 2. Jesse, a tailor in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. 3. John, who married (first) Vickroy. (sec- ond) Susan Frame. He was a fuller by trade and a local preacher of renown. 4. Caleb, married (first ) Catherine Slick, and (second )
Hare. 5. Joseph, married Isabella Frame. 6. Jacob W.
(III) William Slick. eldest child of John (2) and Elizabeth (Win- some) Slick, was born in Hagerstown. Maryland, April 2, 1786. He came to Johnstown, Cambria county. Pennsylvania, in 1808, and operated a tannery on Main street. After some years he removed to Geistown in the same county, where he received a grant of land of one hundred and thirty-three acres, which he cleared of timber and cultivated. He erected a fine dwelling house and other buildings, and besides farming it very profitably, he operated a tannery. On this farm the greater part of his life was spent, and he attained a prominent and influential position in the community, as is evidenced by the many township offices he was called upon to fill, and in which his wise judgment was of great benefit to the community. He was justice of the peace for very many years, and at various times held the offices of school director, supervisor and con- stable. A short time before his death he disposed by sale of this property, and returned to Johnstown, taking up his residence with his son Joseph, in whose home he died in 1826, at the advanced age of ninety years. He took an active part in the political councils of the Whig, and later in those of the Republican party, and was a stanch supporter of any measure which tended to the public welfare. He married, 1807, Rebecca Hemp- hill, born in Bedford county, daughter of Robert and Nancy (Carney) Hemphill. and they had children: 1. Robert H., who was a teacher in the public schools and died at the age of twenty-four years. 2. Eliza, married William Maitland, and had children: Robert and Asbury. 3. Nancy. married John Emsbaugh, and had a large family. 4. Julia Ann, married Robert E. Rogers, and had children. 5. John, married (first) Barbara Hay, (second) Margaret Border, and by the second marriage had a numerous family. 6. Benjamin F., married (first) Annie Gordon, (second) Annie Cushom. 2. William, see forward. 8. Joseph. 9. George R.
(IV) William Slick. fourth son and seventh child of William and Rebecca ( Hemphill) Slick, was born in Geistown. Cambria county, Penil- sylvania, August 8, 1823. His early years were spent on the farm of his father, and his education was acquired in the public schools of his native township. While still young, he was obliged to assist his father in the cultivation of the home farm and in the work connected with the tannery. and he thus obtained practical experience in both these useful branches of industry. He was thus occupied until he had attained his majority,
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
when he took up surveying as a profession, and was engaged in this line of work in Bedford, Somerset and Cambria counties. For a time he held a position with the Cambria Iron Company. but abandoned this and re- turned to his calling of surveying. He was occupied in surveying coal lands, locating for coal, surveying for coal operators, and settling land difficulties in general. In addition to his duties in this direction he found time to teach in the public schools of Richland township and Johnstown for thirteen terms with a most gratifying amount of success. He was also active in the political affairs of the county, and was elected to the office of county surveyor in 1856, holding it until the close of the Civil war. He now (1906) resides on a valuable piece of property on Napoleon street, Johnstown, his present residence having been erected in 1863.
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Mr. Slick married (first) June 29, 1848, Mary Jane Culberson, had children : Martha Ann. Doreas J., Hamilton B. and Janetta. He mar- ried (second) Kate Geissen, daughter of Henry Geissen.
THOMAS BARNES, a well known resident of Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. and a member of the firm of the Cambria Plumb- ing Company, in that city, is a representative of the third generation of this branch of the Barnes family in the United States.
John Barnes, grandfather of Thomas Barnes, and the first of the family to come to this country, emigrated from Swanage, England, with his family in 1830, and settled in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His home was located at the corner of Main and Walnut streets on the present site of the Capitol Hotel. He was a wheelwright by trade, and was one of the pioneers in the business life of Johnstown. For many years he was ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of steel for railroad purposes, his business being located where the present firm of Love & Sunshine. whole- sale grocers, is now situated. He married. in England. Elizabeth Chin- chon, 1816, and they were the parents of: 1. Charles, married Marv Sheppard, had one child : Mary, now deceased. ?. Ann, married Jacob Sharretts, had children : Belle, Kate. William. Ann and Edward. 3. John, married (first) Emma Sheppard. had children : Charles. Lida. Emma and John: married (second) Jennie Pringle. had one child. Ron- ald. 4. James, see forward. 5. Mary, married Perry Williams, and now resides at Shellburg. Bedford county, Pennsylvania. They have children: Bert, Robert. Lillian, Kate and Clarence. 6. Robert, a phy- sician in Youngstown, Ohio. He married Christina Ollendorffer, had children : Harry. Elizabeth, Charles and Myrtle.
James Barnes, third son and fourth child of John and Elizabeth (Chinchon) Barnes, was born in England in 1828, and was two years of age when he came to America with his parents. His education was ac- amired in the public schools of Johnstown, and it was in the same city that he learned the trade of wagon building under the able instruction of his father. He followed this trade throughout the greater part of his life. While still a young man he entered the employ of the Cambria Tron Com- pany, remained with them for a period of about four years. and, the gold fever being at its height just about that time, went to the state of Cali- fornia. There he worked for several years in the gold fields, accumulated a considerable fortune, and then returned to Johnstown, where he invest- ed his money in real estate and resided until the great flood of 1889. He married, at New Florence, August 5. 1864, Harriet McDowell. daughter of John R. and Hannah (Ward) McDowell. and they had children: Ar- villa. Robert, died in childhood. Thomas, see forward. Blanche. a
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