History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III, Part 87

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

USA > Pennsylvania > Cambria County > History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III > Part 87

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Jacob S. Stutzman was educated in the district schools of Upper Yoder township, and has always followed agricultural pursnits. In March, 1885, he purchased from the Cambria Iron Company the farm, consisting of eighty acres, on which he now makes his home. This farm he had previously rented from January 9, 1881, and it was as a result of his industry that he made it his own. He afterward added to it twelve acres from the George Yonker farm. In the spring of 1901 he sold this property and went to the west, returning in the autumn of the same year. For one year thereafter he was employed by the Cambria Steel Company and then repurchased the farm he had formerly owned. On this land he has since lived, engaging in market gardening and find- ing in Johnstown a ready sale for all his produce. For three terms he held the office of assessor and for nine years has served as judge of elec- tion. He is a Republican, and a member of the German Baptist church.

Mr. Stutzman married, February 4, 1880, Lena Kriss, and they became the parents of the following children: Cora, wife of Melvin Rowland, three children. Minnie, wife of L. L. Mann, one child. Annie. Charles Henry. Emma. Blanche. Edna. Leona. The mother of these children died February 20, 1898. Mr. Stutzman married, Feb- ruary 8, 1903, Ella Meyers, becoming by this marriage, the father of

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

one child. Ruth. Mrs. Stutzman was born on a farm in Upper Yoder township, and is a daughter of Noah and Elizabeth Meyers, whose other children were: Jennie, Sarah, Ananias W., Lemon and John.

YOST HOCHSTEIN, a leader among the successful farmers of Upper Yoder township, was born October 25, 1832, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, son of Yost John Hochstein, a native of the same place, who in 1855 emigrated with his family to the United States, settling at Ben's Creek, Cambria county. He had been educated in his native land and had also learned the tailor's trade, but never followed it in this country, being employed as an iron-worker at the open-hearth furnace situated at Ben's Creek. He attended the German Lutheran church. Yost John Hochstein married, in Germany, Sophia Mertz, also a native of Hesse-Darmstadt. and they were the parents of three sons and two daughters : William H., deceased; Carl, also deceased; Sophia, widow of August Savering, two children: Elizabeth, widow of Henry Shaffer, seven children ; and Yost, of whom later.

Yost Hochstein, son of Yest John and Sophia (Mertz) Hochstein. received his education in the schools of Hesse-Darmstadt, and after coming to this country studied English in the evenings, his days being spent in hard work. Such were his aptitude and diligence that in a short time he acquired in this manner a fair education. His first em- ployment at Ben's Creek was as iron-worker at the open-hearth furnace, and in 1858 he went to California, remaining three years. In 1861 he returned to Cambria county and purchased a farm in Upper Yoder township, consisting of one hundred aeres and known as the "Arm- staedt place." Later he added to this estate by purchasing of L. Boyernd twelve acres, twenty-eight and five-sixth perches, and in 1878 · still further increased it by purchasing thirty-seven aeres. This land, when he came into possession of it, was for the most part woodland, but by industry and wise management Mr. Hochstein has achieved the payment of the mortgage, accumulated property in Johnstown and become the possessor of a considerable bank account. He served two terms on the school board. for six years held the office of supervisor of roads and for eight years that of tax collector. He is a Democrat, and attends the German Lutheran church.

Mr. Hochstein married Catharine Jokele. and they have been the parents of twelve children : August, born July 3. 1864. married a Miss Shinkel, two children. Conrad, born June 16, 1865, married a Miss Hasse, three children. William. born 1867. married a Miss Kniss, five children. Charles, born December 9, 1869. married a Miss Schaffer. Elizabeth, born May 13, 1871, wife of a Mr. Spangler, one child. George, born February 22. 1873. married a Miss Pierce, four children. Cath- arine. born November 5. 1876, died October 25. 1880 .. Lena, born Sep- tember 20, 1878, wife of C. Roth, four children. 3 Emma. born Decem- her 9. 1879. died October 15, 1880. John. born August 6. 1880. married a Miss Yost. Emilia. born July 18, 1882, wife of a Mr. Hasse, one child. Mary, born April 27. 1885.

JOSEPH L. PAUL. D. D. S., of Gallitzin, was born October 27, 1876. at South Fork, son of Joseph S. Paul, and grandson of Jacob Paul, whose father was a German and lived in one of the eastern conn- ties of Pennsylvania. Jacch Paul was born in 1791. and purchased of the state three hundred acres of land, which he cleared and on which he built a saw mill, being a lumberman as well as farmer. He was a

609

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

Whig and a supporter of the Evangelical church. Mr. Paul married Catharine Stull, and the following children were born to them : 1. John, married Barbara Iluffman, has seven children : Archie, Zachariah, An- drew, Israel. Jacob, Percilla and Harriet. 2. David, married a Miss Dishong, has one child. Frederick. 3. Lewis, married a Miss Ernest. has one child. Sylvester. 4. Jacob, married Barbara Kring, had six children : Jeremiah, William H., Mary and three who died in infancy. 5. Samuel, married Mary Sill, had one child, Isadore. 6. Daniel. mar- ried Elizabeth Rhoades, and moved west. 7. Elizabeth. wife of John Dummeyer, had seven children: Catharine, Israel, Zachariah. David, Andrew, Elizabeth and Sadie. S. Barbara, wife of Emanuel Gramling, had four children : Isadora. Sadie, William and an infant. 9. George S., married (first) Mary Altimus, who died without issue: married (second) Lonisa J. Snyder, who bore him five children: Georgianna, married Dr. J. S. Koontz; Charles O .: Katie C., deceased ; Harry S., and Earl S. 10. Joseph S .. of whom later. 11. William, married Sarah Betchley. had one child. Maria.

Joseph S. Paul, father of Joseph L. Paul, was born June 4, 1837, in Richland (now Adams) township. He began his active career as a farmer and Iumberman. also worked for two years at the trade of car- penter. From 1862 to 1865 he was employed as brakeman and fireman by the Pennsylvania railroad, after which he was for four years a sta- tionary engineer. He then again entered the service of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company, as clerk at the station of South Fork, where he sold the first ticket to the Centennial Exposition in 1876. In 1902 he received the appointment of postmaster of South Fork, an office which he still holds. He is a Republican and a member of the Evangel- ical church. Mr. Paul married, April 11. 1861, Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Berkhart, of Cambria county, and they have been the parents of the following children: 1. George A., born January 3, 1862, died March 12, 1892. 2. Elmer E., born August 4, 1863, married Jennie Barber, of Cumberland Valley. Maryland, and they have two children : Elizabeth and Thomas. 3. Harrison L., born June 26, 1866, with Ameri- can Bridge Company. Pittsburg, married Mary Stuart, of Sharon, and has two children : Laurence and Helen. 4. John M., born September 27, 1867, with Associated Press. New York city. 5. Christiana Jennie, born December 18. 1868. employed in postoffice. 6. Elizabeth A., born De- cember 31, 1873, married Emerson W. Border. 7. Dr. Joseph L., see forward. 8. Charles E., born January 28, 1879, engaged in electrical business in Pittsburg. 9. Clara M., born January 13, 1883. 10. Earl C .. born November 6, 1885, employed in postoffice.

Joseph L. Paul, son of Joseph S. and Elizabeth ( Berkhart) Paul. was educated in the public schools of South Fork and at the Morrell Institute of Johnstown. He then learned telegraphy, and in 1893 en- tered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. From boy- hood his ambition had been to become a dentist, and accordingly in 1898 he resigned his position and entered the Baltimore Dental College, grad- nating therefrom in 1901. He immediately began practiee in Gallitzin, where he has since remained. In politics he is a Republican, and in re- ligion holds the faith of the Protestant church. In 1906 he was nomi- nated by the Republicans of Gallitzin, endorsed by the Citizens' party. for council and was elected, which is an unusual occurrenee, owing to the fact that the borough has about four hundred more Democrats than Republicans. He is a member of Lodge No. 175, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. of Johnstown; Gallitzin Lodge, No. 1129, Independent

610

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

Order of Odd Fellows: Carroll Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias, Balti- more. Maryland; Sibewan Tribe. No. 463, Improved Order of Red Men, and member and treasurer of the J. L. Mitchell Concert Band.

Dr. Paul married, September 21, 1903, Anna E., daughter of John Plunkett. of Gallitzin, and they have two children: Mary Leona, born June 19, 1904; Queen Edna, born February 25, 1906.

EPHRAIM J. DOTTERER, who holds the responsible position of corresponding clerk in the Gautier department of the Cambria Steel Company, is a representative of a family which has been domiciled in Pennsylvania for some generations.

Jacob Dotterer, grandfather of Ephraim J. Dotterer, married Eliza- beth Nencomer, and had four children: John, Milton. JJacob, Ilenry, of whom sketch follows.

Henry Dotterer. youngest of the four children of Jacob and Eliza- beth (Neneomer) Dotterer, was by occupation a slate roofer for a num- ber of years, and then established himself in business as a dealer in slate, at South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. where he was a very sneeessful business man. He enlisted in the army, and served three years during the Civil war with commendable bravery. He was in active service at the battle of Gettysburg. He was a member of the German Re- formed church. He married Elizabeth Mohr, and they had two chil- dren : Charles H., and Ephraim J .. of whom sketch follows.

Ephraim J. Dotterer, second son and youngest child of Henry and Elizabeth (Mohr) Dotterer, was born in Quakertown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He received an excellent commen school education, and then sought and obtained employment with the Cambria Steel Company as stenographer and typewriter. His reliability and faithfulness in the performance of the duties assigned to him did not escape the notice of those in authority, and he was advanced until he now holds the position of corresponding clerk in the Gautier department. He has made many friends, as is but natural, considering the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, and his readiness to assist those in difficulties. He is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church, and of Johnstown Lodge, No. 175, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Efks. He is unmarried.

CHARLES FRANCIS BRANDLER. the efficient purchasing agent for the' Lorain Steel Company, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was born at Cumberland. Maryland, May 12, 1876, son of Conrad and Frances (Maurey) Brandler.

The grandfather. John N. Brandler, came to America from Wur- temburg, Germany, about 1842. and settled in Cumberland, Maryland. He had married in his native country, Mary --- , by whom was born four sons and one daughter, as follows: Henry B., born in Germany; J. N. M., born in Germany: John, born in Cumberland, Maryland; Margaret. born in Cumberland, Maryland; Conrad, born in Cumber- land, Maryland. The father of this family was by trade a carpenter. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat, and in religion a Lu- theran. He died in Maryland, in 1881. and his wife about 1874.

Conrad Brandler, father of Charles F. Brandler, was born in 1853, and died aged about twenty-eight years. in 1881, at Newark, Ohio. HIe received a common school edneation, and learned the machinist's trade, working at it in Baltimore, Maryland. Cumberland, Maryland and Newark, Ohio, where he was made master mechanie of the Balti- more & Ohio Railroad Company. He died in the prime of his young

611

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

manhood, at a time when all bid fair for a successful career: also at a time when his family most needed his guidance and support. He was reared in the Lutheran church, but became identified with the Catholic church at the time of his marriage to Frances Maurey, who was the daughter of Francis A. and Dorothy ( Wohn) Maurey, both natives of Germany. Politieally Mr. Brandler was a Democrat. The children born of this union were as follows: 1. Helen, born at Cumberland, Maryland. 2. Charles F., see forward. 3. Ora E., born at the last named place. 4. Clarence J., born at Newark, Ohio. All now reside at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The mother lives with her son, Charles F. The family removed to Johnstown in 1903, coming from Cumberland, Maryland, where they resided after the death of the father.

Of the mother's parentage and family it should be said that her parents were united in marriage in the United States. at Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The father died in 1898 and the mother in 1900. Their children were: 1. Catherine, wife of John Paulus, of Cumberland, Maryland. 2. Helen, wife of Henry Wegman, of Cumberland, Mary- land. 3. Frances M., the mother of Charles F. Brandler. 4. Emma, a nun in the convent at Trenton, New Jersey. 5. Frank, conducting a hotel at Cumberland, Maryland ; 6 --- , wife of P. Lavelle, of Johns- town, Pennsylvania. 7. Rose, single. 8. Clara. wife of P. Martin, of Cumberland, Maryland. 9. Joseph, married Mary Winner, now of Frostburg, Maryland. 10. Annie, wife of George Church, of Richmond, Virginia.

Charles F. Brandler, of this notice, received his education at the parochial schools of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and Frostburg, Maryland, and soon entered a newspaper office, where he remained a few months, when he commenced clerking in a grocery store, remaining four years. His next occupation was in the yard office of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road Company, at Cumberland, Maryland. From that position he came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. and entered the employ of the Lorain Steel Company and learned the machinist's trade, following it for four years, when, by reason of his fitness and faithfulness, he was promoted to receiving elerk for the company, and after, two years promoted to purchasing agent, which place he still holds. Having been left without a father's eare and protection at a tender age, he has had to make his own way in life, but by thrift and good judgment has succeeded re- markably. In polities Mr. Brandler is an independent voter. In re- ligion he is connected with the Catholic church. The only civic society to which he belongs is Lodge No. 175 of the Elks, at Johnstown, Penn- sylvania.

JOHN R. KIRBY, the genial and popular proprietor of the Somer- set House, in Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, takes pride in tracing his aneestry to the sturdy natives of Ireland.

John Kirby, father of John R. Kirby, was the son of Daniel Kirby, 2 farmer and stock raiser of Ireland, and was born in Castlebar, county Mayo. Ireland. He was possessed of a bright and inquiring mind, but his opportunities for obtaining a good education were few, his time in school was limited, and the knowledge he acquired was due to his own efforts. In his early youth he was obliged to assist on the farm. He concluded that the new world held better promise for success than the old, and set sail with his wife and infant child, Patriek, for the United States, leaving one child, Thomas, with relatives in his native land. They embarked in Liverpool, England, for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,

612

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

in 1847, and arrived after a voyage of six weeks. Their journey had been paid as far as the city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He obtained work as a laborer in one of the canal warehouses, and later received a position in the store of Wood, Morrell & Company as a clerk. He was among the first men they employed as clerks, and he remained with them for a period of more than thirty years, during the greater part of which time he was foreman of the feed department. He had been an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and in 1882 was elected county commissioner, and was elected to succeed himself for a period of ten years, when he retired from the political field. His death occurred December 1, 1894. He was a man of sterling qualities, quiet and fond of his books and home life, but ever ready to leave both if the needs of his party or charity made demands upon his time. He was a member of St. John's English Catholic church. He married, 1844, Catherine Rainey, who died January 28, 1888, daughter of Patrick Rainey, a mill owner in Ireland. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kirby are buried in Lower Yoder cemetery. Their children were: 1. Thomas, who came to this country in 1847 with an annt, Mrs. Neal Dugan. He married Annie Benbow, and died January 15, 1905. 2. Patrick, resides in East Conemangh, married ( first) Ellen Neff, (second) Ella Rigby. 3. Bridget, married H. M. Herman, of Johnstown. 4. James, deceased. 5. John R., of whom see forward. 6. William R., married Lena Dunn, and were both drowned in the great flood. 7. Mary, married James P. Kelly, of Altoona, Pennsylvania. 8. David, married Sadie Dunn, and resides in Johnstown.

John R. Kirby, fourth son and fifth child of John and Catherine (Rainey) Kirby, was born March 4, 1856, in the old home in Coal street, in the second ward of Conemaugh, which is now (1906) known as the tenth ward of Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. He attended the public schools of that district, his first teacher being John A. Allen, and his last T. J. Chapman, until he had attained the age of sixteen years. He then obtained a position in the rolling mill of the Cambria Iron Company, and continued with them until 1876, when he commenced to learn the trade of milling in the flour mill in Woodvale. After hav- ing served his time of apprenticeship he remained as assistant to the miller until the flood of 1889, which destroyed the mill. The following vear he established himself in the hotel business in the Unverzagt build- ing in Railroad street, and two years later became the proprietor of the St. Charles Hotel in Washington street. After another two years he took possession of the Commercial Hotel on the same street, and conducted this for one year. He then built the Commercial House and retired from business from 1895 until 1903, when he bought the Somerset House, the hotel with which he is at present connected, from W. J. Gardner, and has given it his personal attention since that time. It is considered a model hotel of its size in the city, the rooms being handsomely and com- fortably furnished, the cuisine excellent, and the hotel most completely equipped in every possible direction. Ever since his early manhood he has been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and he is a devont and consistent member of St. John's English Catholic church.

Mr. Kirby married, February 27, 1881, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Kate Mulvehill, of Johnstown, daughter of Peter Mulvehill, who up to the time of the flood of 1889 owned the farm on which Westmont bor- eugh is now located. He married Elizabeth York, both being natives of Ireland, who came to the United States when they were young and settled in Johnstown. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John R. Kirby

613

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

were: 1. Elizabeth, married Charles Cole, of Johnstown, and has one child, John B. 2. Gertrude, married Ira Horner, and resides in Wheel- ing, West Virginia. 3. Mary, died in infancy. 4. Thomas, resides with his parents. 5. Nellie, married John Williams, and resides with her parents. 6. William JJ., a student at St. Francis' College in Loretto, Pennsylvania.

IIENRY J. KNISS, a leader among the farms of Upper Yoder township, was born March 20, 1862, in the same township, on a farm within one mile of his present place of residence. He is a son of George Kniss, who was born in 1830. in Bessies, Germany, and subse- quently emigrated to the United States, settling in Upper Yoder town- ship. He first obtained work in the ore mines, and later was employed by the Cambria Iron Company, Johnstown, walking to and from work each day, a distance of five miles. In 1863 he purchased from the Cam- bria Iron Company one hundred and fifty acres of land, ninety of which were woodland, while the remainder were under cultivation. This farm is now the home of his son, Henry J. Kniss. He married Sophia Reitz, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and they were the parents of seven children. among them a son: Ilenry J., of whom later.

Henry J. Kniss, son of George and Sophia (Reitz) Kniss, received a limited education, his opportunities for mental enlture being merely those afforded by the distriet schools of Upper Yoder township. He acquired a thorough knowledge of farming, gardening and the dairy business and has made these branches of industry the occupation of his life, his application to them resulting in gratifying measure of suc- cess. He has filled at different times the offices of judge, inspector and clerk of elections, and gives his aid and support to the candidates and principles endorsed by the Republican party. He is a member of the English Lutheran church.

He married, August 25, 1887. Mary Berkey, and they have been the parents of the following children: Mamie, born October 5, 1888. Annie, born April 18, 1891. Ralph, born March 16, 1898. Walter, born June 14, 1900. Also one deceased.

WILLIAM H. BALDWIN, a well known contraetor and exeavator of Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, who has been closely iden- tified with the erection of some of the most important buildings in the city, is a descendant of a family which has been resident in the state of Pennsylvania for some generations.

Herman Baldwin, father of William H. Baldwin, was born on the family homestead in Somerset county, Pennsylvania in 1826. He was by trade a clockmaker. and for a time worked as a driver at Conestoga. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the Fifty-fourth Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served in all, three years. He par- ticipated in many of the most important actions of the war, and was confined for a time in the Confederate prisons. The exposure and hard- ships which he endured while in captivity, so undermined his health, that it finally resulted in a total loss of hearing. Upon the completion of his time of service he was honorably discharged, and returning to his home in Shanksville, resumed his occupation of clockmaking. His death occurred at his home about 1902.

He married Sarah Keller, and they had children : , 1. William H., see forward. 2. Sarah, married W. H. Brant. and has children : Herman,

Vol. III-39

614

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

Jonathan, Pearl, Nina, Rachel and Clyde. 3. Anna, married Joseph Snyder and has children: Jennie, Ward, Bun, Lillian, deceased, and Sadie. 4. Kate, married George Coleman and had children : Bessie, Ross, Orange and Benjamin. 5. Jennie. married Samnel Kimmel and had children : Frederick, James and Gladys. 6. Sidney, married W. C. Spang- ler and had children: Wade and Orlo.

William H. Baldwin, eldest child of Herman and Sarah (Keller) Baldwin, was born in Shanksville, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1849. He was reared on the family homestead and received his education in the publie schools of his native township. At an early age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of blacksmithing with his uncle. Benjamin Baldwin, and he then followed this calling for seven- teen years. He then removed to Cross Roads, where he was employed for two years as a mail carrier on two routes-one to Somerset and the other to Hooversville. He hired the Mourie Hotel at Cross Roads in 1888, and conducted it very successfully for one year, when, after the great flood, he removed to Johnstown, and immediately found profitable employment in contracting to remove the wreckage left by the flood. He decided to make his permanent home in Johnstown, and engaged in the grocery business, opening a store in Bedford street. About the same time he had erected for himself a commodious residence in Somer- set street, in which he and his family are residing at the present (1907) time. He soon abandoned the grocery business, however, seeing more profitable field of industry in connection with the numerous building operations at that time in progress. He accordingly established himself in the contracting business, for the hauling of building materials and excavating for foundations, on an extensive scale. During the construc- ton of the Johnstown Passenger Railroad, he hauled all the rails neces- sary for the building of the road from Morrellville to Moxham; also hauled the material and did the excavating necessary for the building of the Suppes building; hauled all the brick and lumber used in the con- struction of the High School and the Cambria Opera House; and similar work in connection with many of the other important buildings in the city. In polities Mr. Baldwin is a stanch Republican, having always done all in his power to further the interests of that party. He was elected justice of the peace for his ward in 1906, but his business interests absorb so much of his time, that he has never qualified for the holding of this office. He has four teams constantly at work, and during the summer months, five. His religious affiliations are with the United Brethren church, and he is an active worker in the interests of that institution.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III, Part 87

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