USA > Pennsylvania > Cambria County > History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III > Part 90
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Mr. Hubbard married Sarah J., daughter of W. C. and Emeline Moore, of Clinton county, and their family consists of the following children : Joseph W., born June 9, 1894. Donald E., born February 21, 1896. IIelen H., born September 14, 1898. Eveline R., born No- vember 1. 1899. William G., born June 16, 1901, died July 21, 1901. Robert, born April 16, 1903.
MARK MARCELLA, of Johnstown, proprietor of the Rathskeller, presents a good example of the enterprising Italian-American citizen. Mr. Marcella was born April 25, 1871, in the town of St. Mark, Italy, son of Michael and Columba Marcella. Michael Marcella was a farmer. He and his wife, who are both now deceased, were the parents of ten children, of whom Mark was the eldest son.
Mark Marcella was sent to the schools of his native place until the age of eleven years, when he began to work on the farm for his father, being thus employed until his seventeenth year. In 1888 he emigrated to the United States, sailing from Naples and landing in New York, an entire stranger, with but four dollars in his pocket. Under these trying circumstances he showed his pluck. He remained three months in New York, and by frugality and careful management made his liv- ing by selling produce. At the end of that time he went to Derby, Con- necticut, and there found work difficult to obtain. but finally secured employment in grading a railroad. The work, however, was so laborious that he returned to New York, making on the way some experiments in the tonsorial art. having learned the trade at home and in this country. After reaching New York he spent one week in selling produce, and was then hired by an Italian boss to work on a water tunnel at Sing Sing, New York, the labor to occupy six months. He was given, as the sharer of his toils a mule which everyone else had found unmanageable, but by a clever device of his own he succeeded in taming the animal's refractory spirit. After finishing his work at Sing Sing, he returned to New York, and spent six months working as a barber. He was then employed on public works in New Jersey, the agreement being that he was to receive one dollar and twenty-five cents with tools furnished, or one dollar and forty-five cents with tools provided by himself. This was in February; he worked but fourteen days and received only four- teen cents owning to the extortion of the commissary.
In company with a friend Mr. Marcella walked to Jersey City, the journey occupying two nights and three days. They had only the four- teen cents between them, and on the way went into a store where they asked for eight cents' worth of bread. Owing to their inability to speak English. the clerk understood them to say "butter," and furnished
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them with that article. They had some tea. and on their way boiled it, put in the butter and drank the mixture. They had then six cents left, which was exactly enough to pay their ferriage from Jersey City to New York. They stopped one very cold night at a railroad station and begged the agent to allow them to take shelter there, which he did after much entreaty. During the night, however. he unexpectedly ejected them. telling them where they could find lodging at a factory. They were sent from the factory by the watchman and returned to the station. Finding some straw in a stock car, they built a fire, laid down beside it in the snow and went to sleep. Mr. Marcella's shoes were burned and he made the remainder of the journey without them.
Ile went to his old boarding-plaee, but owing to the ravages made in his appearance by exposure. was not recognized by the proprietor. He succeeded, however, in obtaining a change of clothing, and remained there for three days in hed, recovering at the end of that time and going to Scranton, where for nine months he was employed as boss on public works. He sneceeded in accumulating some money, went to Rochester, New York, and purchased a barber shop which he conducted for three months. He then sold out and for the next three months was employed as bartender in that city. Going to Phillips, New York. he again sought employment on public works, and at the end of a month was made clerk and interpreter to the contractor. This position he re- tained for nine months, clearing over one thousand dollars, and once more returned to New York. where in a short time he dissipated his means in social enjoyment.
Finding himself compelled to resume work, he went to Mahaffey, Pennsylvania, as boss under George Good. a contractor, who did not observe the terms of the agreement. in consequence of which Mr. Mar- cella went to Gallitzin in response to an advertisement which he had seen in a paper. At Gallitzin he made arrangements to bring a gang of men for repair work on the Portage tunnel. The work occupied four months. during which time he was boss of the gang. Desiring to settle down after his wanderings and hardships, he worked for eight months with a floating gang on the Pennsylvania railroad. after which he mar- ried and moved to Cresson, where he worked one year on a construction train of the Pennsylvania railroad. He bought a house in Cresson and built a store and barber shop. both of which he condneted for eleven years with much success. clearing. in that time. twenty thousand dollars. He then disposed of his business and purchased his present hotel. which he has since improved building up a large connection. He is a member of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Marcella married, September 20. 1891, in Gallitzin. Annie Mero. of that place, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Marcella have three children : Clauda. Rosso and Raymond.
JOHN N. SPENGER, one of the enterprising business men of Johnstown, was born January 11. 1863. in the old home on the "Island." now included in the ninth ward of Johnstown, son of John and Catherine ( Hornick) Spenger, and grandson of William and Anna Maria Spenger.
William Spenger (grandfather) was a native of Germany, and there followed the occupation of innkeeper. He married Anna Maria a widow, who had one child by her former marriage. She bore him ten children. namely. George. William. Theresa, Ursula. Rose. Catherine, Creverutia. Maria, Maria Anna and John. all of whom died in Germany with the exception of John.
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
John Spenger (father) was born in Statz Hansen, Bavaria, Ger- many, September 2, 1827, in a house which is still standing, now. used as an inn this having been for generations the home of the family. He received a good education in the schools of his native place, later learned the business of butcher, and subsequently went to Munich and learned the trade of maltster, which he followed there for some time, after which he went to London and engaged in the trade of butcher. In the early fifties he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York, where he worked for a time in a tannery operated by the Astors. He then went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and secured employment as a hand on boats running to New Orleans, Louisiana, but tiring of this after a few trips he located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and secured work in oil mines. According to an agreement made prior to his departure from Germany. Mr. Spenger, upon taking up his residence in Johnstown, send word to two of his old schoolmates. Mr. and Mrs. George Aigner, residents of Morrellville. Cambria county, to come to this country. About 1856 Mr. Spenger established himself as a butcher in East Conemaugh, and at the expiration of a year moved his place of business to what was then known as the "Island," where he remained for upward of twenty years. He was one of the pioneer butchers of Johnstown, and at that early period the labors of the call- ing were very arduous. He was assisted in his work by his sons, who be- gan to help in the business before they left school. In 1890 he retired. In the flood of 1889 his home on Vine street was destroyed, and his wife and one son perished, their bodies never having been recovered. He rebuilt on the old site. Politically he was a life-long Democrat. He was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church, and one of those who contributed toward the building of the edifice.
John Spenger married Catherine Hornick, and their children were : Rose, George, died in 1903, was engaged in meat business in Johns- town. Barbara. a nun in Benedictine order, stationed at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. John N., of whom later. William, of Johnstown. Conrad, of Wheeling, West Virginia. Edward, drowned in the flood. Catharine, nun in Benedictine order, Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Catherine, died in infancy. Alphonse. civil engineer, of Brooklyn, New York. The death of Mr. Spenger, the father. occurred in the spring of 1906; he was in- terred in St. Joseph's cemetery, Geistown, Pennsylvania.
John N. Spenger. son of John and Catherine (Hornick) Spenger, received his preparatory education in the parochial school of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church, and afterward spent two years in St. Vin- cent's College. Latrobe, Pennsylvania, completing his course of study at the age of seventeen. He then spent a year in traveling through the western states, and on, his return was employed by his father until the latter's retirement. After that event he succeeded his father in the business, moving, in 1890, to his present situation. In politics he is an independent voter, owing allegiance to no party. He is a member cf St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Spenger married, in 1892. in Johnstown, Amelia, daughter of the late George Mayers, and his wife, Ursula Mayers. Mrs. Spenger died in 1898, leaving two children: Cecilia and Agnes Spenger. Mr. Spenger married (second), in 1901. Annie C., daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Vandergrift) Carnahan, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and two children were born to them : Dorothy Isabelle and John N. Spenger, Jr. Mrs. Themas Carnahan is a sister of Captain Vandergrift.
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
GRIFFITHI FAMILY. (I) Owen Griffith, a native of Wales, emigrated to this country the latter part of the eighteenth century and located near the city of Philadelphia, either in Berks or Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He married. (wife's name unknown) and they had four children, hence it may be stated that he was the founder of this branch of the family in this country. Ilis children were: Thomas, William, Jesse, Abner, came west, first to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and later to Somerset county.
(II) Abner Griffith, fourth son of Owen Griffith, born January 22, 1784, died February, 1833. He married Mary, probably an Owen, daughter of John and Sarah Owen, born July 9, 1781. died April 5, 1858. They had children as follows: John, born July 11, 1807. Will- iam, born December 10, 1808. Sarah, born November 2, 1810. Mary Ann, born January 17, 1813, died 1865. Abner, born September 26, 1814, see forward. Levi, born September 17, 1816. Deborah, born June 20, 1819. Eli, born November 6, 1823.
(III) Abner Griffith. son of Abner Griffith, was born September 26, 1814. He married, August 13, 1835, Mary Reighart, born August 24, 1810. He was a farmer by occupation. He was one of four pioneers who located in the wilderness and founded Somerset county, Pennsyl- vania. Here he took up a grant of six hundred and forty acres, which he cleared of timber and made for his family a good farm. He was of the Quaker faith, and in polities a Whig. His property consisted of six large farms, one of which he sold to Michael Stufft. A farm was given to each of his sons, and his personal property and ready money were divided among his daughters. His children were as follows: 1. Nehemiah R., of this notice. 2. Elias, born August 1, 1839, was killed at the battle of New Market, during the Civil war. 3. William, born May 31, 1841, now deceased ; married Ellen Hite. 4. Cyrus, born April 7, 1843. died at Andersonville prison, Georgia, during the Civil war. 5. Emily Ann, born January 25, 1845, married Louis Van Lunen, who is now deceased. 6. Anna Eliza, born October 16, 1846, married E. P. Detsler. 7. Maria Morilla, born July 10. 1848, wife of James D. Penrod. 8. Uriah A., born March 27, 1852 (see his sketch). 9. Mary, born May 20, 1856, died in infancy.
(IV) Nehemiah R. Griffith, son of Abner Griffith, was born Septem- ber 13, 1837. HIe was reared on his father's farm in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He obtained a good common school education at the local schools and at the County Normal. He followed teaching school five years: two terms in Richland township, Cambria county-1857-59; one term in Bedford county-1860; and two in Somerset county-1861- 62. When offered the Richland school he was advised by many, owing to the rough element prevailing in that section, not to accept the posi- tion, but he. being a young man of courage and having confidence in his own ability to manage an element of this type, accepted and made so complete a success that after the expiration of the first term his services were solicited for another. He decided to teach one more term, and then went to Bedford. where he taught one term. and then to Somerset coun- ty, teaching two more terms. In each of these positions he gave such complete satisfaction that school boards met and requested his return. In 1862 he went to farming in Somerset county, where he remained four years, and then removed to Yoder township, Cambria county, near Mill Creek, where he purchased a farm and later another tract, farther back. Subsequently he sold this property to the Cambria Iron Com- pany. He then removed to Conemaugh township and there bought two
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Astor, Lenox and Tildan Foundations. 1909
M. A. Sniffith
MR. Griffith
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Astor, Leno> and Tilden Foundations, 1909
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
hundred and sixty-two acres, and there he remained twenty years. after which he moved to Walnut Grove, where he had acquired fifty-three acres from his father. At about this time he engaged in the mereantile business, keeping for eight years the only general store in that vicinity. In 1900 he retired from all active service, having sold his stock of goods. At the present time (1906). he has a small farm which still gives him some employment. He also owns a comfortable residence in Walnut Grove. Like all the Griffith family, he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. For many years he was school director in Cone- maugh township. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and. is president of its board of trustees.
Mr. Griffith was united in marriage, September 18, 1860, to Re- becca Jacobi, by whom was born the following children: 1. Mary Mar- garet, born in Somerset county, June 19, 1861, married Jacob Reager, and their children are: William, Frank, Emma, Nicomiah, Zella and Harvey. 2. Edwin W., born September 12, 1863, died young. 3. William Grant, born June 1, 1865, in Cambria county, married, April 17, 1888, Della Shaffer, daughter of David Shaffer: their children are: Waldo, born September 12, 1889; Austin H. and Melom H. (twins), born Febru- ary 21, 1892; Melom died 1899: Ralph F., born October 9, 1894; Merle, born July 25, 1900. 4. Simon Lewis, born February 29, 1868, in Cam- bria county, married Annie Wilson, by whom he has had: Lester, Wal- ter and Eva. 5. Abner Franklin, born in Cambria county, August 27, 1869, married Blanche Shrader, by whom was born George Crawford, died in childhood, Stella, and Alfred, died in infancy. 6. Clara E .. born September 17, 1871, in Cambria county. married Karl A. Griffith, and has had: Park. Elsie. Margaret, Dalzell, Emily and Harold. 7. Sarah Jane. born Inly 8, 1873, died Angust 1, 1889. 8. Minerva Ellen, born August 4, 1875. in Cambria county, married John Lohr, and they are the parents of Ruth and Bessie. 9. Lucinda Elizabeth, born Feb- ruary 8, 1878. in Cambria county, married Ervin E. Stuver, and they have Verda and Edwin G. 10. Ida L., born .September 23, 1881, in Cambria county, married Lewis H. Adams of the Johnstown News Agency.
(IV) Uriah A. Griffith, the eighth child of Abner Griffith, was born Mareh 27, 1852. His mother was Mary ( Reighart) Griffith. He was reared in Somerset county until six years of age, when his parents removed to Walnut Grove, Cambria county. His education was ob- tained in the public schools. Until he reached his majority he re- mained on his father's farm and assisted in the work of the place. He then found employment in the Cambria Iron Company at Homestead, Pennsylvania, and there remained over one year, then returned to Johnstown and became an employe of the Lorain Steel Company. After leaving the iron business he launched into the milk business for him- self. In this he succeeded well and continued in the same for fourteen years, selling out in 1903. Being in full possession of all his physieal powers, he did not care to remain unemployed, so he opened a grocery. store at Walnut Grove, in which he is now doing a good business. While never taking an active part in local politics, he has served his township as tax collector.
Mr. Griffith was first married to Mary Updegrave, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Updegrave. By this union two children were born-Grace, married Frank Repp and is the mother of Lillian and Walter : and George Earl. By his second wife, Mary (Bruce) Griffith,
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
a native of Scotland. he is the father of William, Edith, Norah, Emma, Marcus. Norman and Margaret.
(IV) Lowman Eli Griffith, son of Eli and Elizabeth (Reighart ) Griffith, was born in Conemaugh township, Cambria county, Pennsyl- vania. August 10, 1860. The father, son of Abner Griffith, was born in Somerset county, on his father's farm. in November, 1823. Children of Abner Griffith were: John O., died August 12, 1882. William, mar- ried a Miss Hare. Abner, married Mary Reighart. Eli, married Eliza- beth Reighart Deborah, married John Johnson. Sarah, married a Mr. Berkey. Eli Griffith, tather of Lowman Eli Griffith, was reared on the farm, and upon the death of his father helped his mother to manage until he had reached his majority, when he inherited his share of the estate (one hundred and sixty aeres). In 1857 he sold his share to his brother Levi, and then removed to Johnstown, where, at Walnut Grove, he purchased a traet of one hundred and ten aeres, which is now owned jointly by his children. Here he farmed and reared his family of sons and daughters. Politically he was first a Whig and later a stanch Republican, and it is related of him that he never voted other than a straight ticket. He died in 1902. His children were: 1. Oliver Lemuel, born May 1, 1841, married Maria MeCormiek, and had Ella, Lizzie and Olga. 2. Joshua, born October 13. 1843, married, January 25, 1860, Emma Thomas, by whom he has had children: Sadie, Effie, Forest, Elma, William and May. 3. Isaac E, born January 12, 1846, see forward. 4. Reuben L., born April 22, 1851, married, September 15, 1880, Sophia Glitch, born March 20, 1858; children : Laura Lulu, born September 26, 1881: Ralph, born June 4, 1883, died March 24, 1887; Regina, born June 13, 1885; Clifford, born September 15, 1887, died March 15, 1888; Mary Amanda, born April 15, 1889; Phillip G., born September 3. 1892, died March 22, 1895; Warren E., born Sep- tember 30, 1894; Richard C. E., born August 22, 1896; Lovise Evan- geline, born September 6, 1898. 5. Jonathan, born April 12, 1853, mar- ried, July 17, 1879, Mary L. Barber, and to them have been born Edgar. Wilbert and Alice M. 6. Mary A., born July 17, 1855, married Edward Witt, and has had children: Edith and Genevive. 7. Emma E .. born January 16. 1858. married JJohnson Blackburn, and has had: Lloyd. Leila and Lula. 8. Lowman E., of whom later. 9. Clara Jane, born August 3, 1863, died January 21, 1864. 10. Sarah Melissa, born April 4, 1865, married Henry Arthur. 11. William, born May 17, 1867, married Dollie Ready. and their children are Melissa Alverda, James Clifford, Lloyd Arlington and Frederick Raymond.
Lowman Eli Griffith was reared on his father's farm and obtained a common school education in the schools of his home township. He aided his father with the farm work until he reached his majority. when he took charge of the place and managed it until the estate was finally settled. He then went into the dairy business, which he carried on with success and profit for eight years. He has also dealt considerably in real estate, and at present is possessed of considerable realty in both Johnstown and Walnut Grove. He has numerous houses which he rents. and is about to ereet a comfortable residenee in which to reside in himself. The eoal rights of the land inherited from his father he has sold for a handsome figure. The interest he has ever taken in public matters and educational affairs is best seen by the long period he has held local office. such as school director and supervisor. He is the pres- ent president of the local school board, and has held some township official position for the last eighteen years.
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HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
(IV) Isaae E. Griffith, son of Eli and Elizabeth ( Reighart ) Grif- fith, who is now a retired mechanic, residing at Walnut Grove, near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. was born January 12. 1846, on his father's farm, where he was reared and attended the common schools of his home township. Early in life he seenred employment with the Cambria Iron Company, remained one year and then moved to Braddock, Penn- sylvania, where he was employed by the Carnegie Company, at their rolling mills. Here he remained for twenty years, holding various posi- tions, notably that of inspector of rails. In this capacity he was. also employed by R. W. Hunt & Co., of Chicago. for a period of six years. He then returned to Johnstown and retired from all active business, building himself a comfortable house, at Walnut Grove, where he now resides with his family.
He has been thrice married: First, May 31. 1877, to Ida St. Clair, by whom he had two children: Olive, wife of George L. Wise, of Brad- dock, and has three children : Harry, Raymond, Clarenee E. ; and Fred- erick. By his second wife, Annie L. (Barnhart) Griffith, he had : Roy and Margaret. His present wife was Amanda Perkins. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Knights and Ladies of Columbia, and Daughters of Liberty, No. 87, of Braddock. He is also a member of Royal Arcanum.
(IV) William Griffith, son of Eli and Elizabeth (Reighart) Grif- fith. was born May 17. 1867, on the old Griffith homestead in Cone- maugh township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. Here he was reared and from here he attended the common distriet schools, which gave him a fair edueation. Eight or ten years of his earlier life were spent on the farm, but later he went to work in the Johnstown Iron Works, at Moxham, when that company was reorganized and merged into the Lorain Steel Company, he assisted in taking out the old machinery. After two years with this company Mr. Griffith went into the employ of the Cambria Steel Company, with whom he remained seven years. In August, 1892, he bought from his cousin, Uriah Griffith, a dairy business, starting in on his own account. He has continued to success- fully operate this branch of business to the present date, supplying the people of the Seventh ward (Moxham) with his milk and dairy supplies. In addition to this milk business he carries on a twenty-acre farm. where he grows vegetables for the Johnstown market.
Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Dolly Ready, by whom he has had four children: Melissa Alverda, born April 30, 1893. John Clifford. born February 22, 1896. Lloyd Arlington, born March 15, 1898. Frederiek Raymond, born May 6, 1906. Mrs. Griffith is a dangh- ter of John K. and Sarah Jane (Dishong) Ready. Her father was born February 2, 1816, and died January 29, 1891. His wife, Sarah Jane, was born in 1821, died October 27, 1895. They were both natives of Fulton county, Pennsylvania. He was a well-to-do farmer, owning several large farms, one of which, the family homestead, he inherited from his father, whose name was probably John Ready. This Ready family came from Ireland several generations ago and settled in Penn- sylvania. John and Sarah Jane Ready were the parents of the follow- ing children: 1. Margaret, married Ermin Huber. residing in Laneas- ter City. 2. Mary. married Henry Appleman. 3. Kate, married Wil- liam Diggins, of Johnstown. 4. Rose, married Ephriam Foster. 5. Dolly, wife of William Griffith. 6. Alverda, married James Shelley, of Dale borough, Cambria county.
HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
REUBEN L. GRIFFITH. Among the representatives of the numerons and well-known Griffith family must be numbered Reuben L. Griffith, of Walnut Grove. The genealogy of the race will be found in the sketches preceding this work. Reuben L. Griffith is the fourth son of Eli and Elizabeth ( Reighart) Griffith, and was born April 22. 1851, on his father's farm in Somerset county.
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