USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania > Part 77
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85
Dunkle, R. B., Callensburg p. o., Licking, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Morgan) Dunkle, was born in Clarion county in 1853, and commenced business for himself in 1872, opening a wagon-making and repairing shop, and now has a large and increasing business. He was married in 1872 to Jemima Barr, a daughter of Henry and Susan Barr. Jemima died in 1886, leaving two daughters-Lizzie May and Jessie Maud. His father, Thomas, was born in Centre county in 1821; enlisted in May, 1861, in Co. A, 103d Pennsylvania Regiment, and was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks; after serving three years and three months he returned to Callensburg, where he resided, fol- lowing his occupation, that of cabinet-maker, until April, 1882, when he returned to his native county. His oldest son, W. L. Dunkle, now occupies the old furniture store at Callensburg. The other sons, J. C. and E. W., reside at Pittsburgh.
Edwards, William H., Foxburg p. o., Richland, was born in Canada on February 6, 1845, and came to the United States in 1862, and to Clarion county in 1870. He is- the head of the firm of W. H. Edwards & Co., oil-well tool manufacturers. He was married on January 13, 1868, to Adelia Cox, of Titusville, Pa. They have had seven children-Mary C., William H., Agnes E., Nellie, Frank, Rose and Ella.
Eicke, C. W. H., West Monterey p. o., general manager and now part owner of the the Mineral Ridge Coal Company, was born in Germany, and came to America in 1857, residing in New York until 1871. He then settled in Clarion county as manager of the mines, and was the first to introduce coal mined from this section in the northern mark- ets. After a test with coal from different mines for steam producing qualities, received a large contract from N. Y. C. R. R., which continued for ten years; capacity 80,000 tons per year. The company, now conisting of T. T. Skidmore, Colonel Smith's heirs and Mr. Eicke, own the mineral right to five hundred acres, forty houses and a farm of 106 acres. Mr. Eicke has a fine herd of Jersey cattle, among which is one of the most val- uable cows in the country.
Elder, Samuel, Rimersburg, was born in Clarion county on December 28, 1813, and was married in 1844 to Jane Mortimer, who was born in Madison township on Octo- ber 5, 1817. They had a family of ten children, six of whom are now living-Sarah Elizabeth, Mary E., Maggie, Nannie E., Samuel B., and John. Samuel B., was married in 1881 to Maggie L. Thompson; John married Mary B. Summerville in 1886; Sarah E. now resides with her mother. The father, Samuel, died on September 22, 1884. He was a son of John and Betsey (Corson) Elder, who had a family of eight children, two of whom are now living-Nancy and Polly Jane Mortimer. David was born in Clarion county, and was a son of John and Polly (Mortimer) Elder, who were among the pioneers of the county. They had a family of twelve children, seven of whom are now living.
Faller, Jacob, Fryburg p. o., Washington. In the year 1842 Jacob Faller came to. Washington township, Pa., and erected a cabin in the southeast part of the township. The family comprised nine children, four of whom were born in Philadelphia, and five were natives of this town. These children were Susan, Jacob, Rebecca, John, Conrad, Sarah, Michael, Frank, and Mary Ann. Jacob, the second child, is one of the most respected and substantial residents of the township of Washington. For twenty-five years he has held the office of justice of the peace, and has also frequently held other
xvi
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
town offices. He married Mary A. Gribel. They have had a family of nine children. Mr. Faller learned the trade of carriage-making, but recently has turned his attention to farming, and is now one of the most thrifty farmers of the town. In politics he is a consistent Democrat. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Fassenmeyer, Baltzer, Fryburg p. o., Washington, and his family emigrated from Baden, Germany, to this country in 1828. In the family were seven children, four of whom were born abroad-Felix, Catherine, Igatha, and Casper, who were natives of Baden, and Magdalena, Jacob, and Joseph were born in Washington, Clarion county, Pa. Baltzer Fassenmeyer died on May 3, 1868. He was a soldier in the old country, having served under Napoleon, was captured and confined on the island of Galarera, but escaped and returned to his home. Joseph, the youngest child, was born August 19, 1837. He was married in 1859 to Francisca Spiegle. They had one child, who was born in 1862. Francisca died in 1863. He married for his second wife Philomena Dotz. They have had a family of eleven children. In 1875 Mr. Fassenmeyer started the Jamestown Hotel, having received quite an estate from his father, upon which he has enlarged, and is now counted among the progressive residents of Jamestown. In politics he is a Democrat, and has frequently held town offices.
Fellers, William, Newmansville p. o., Washington, son of Andrew and Mary Fellers, was born in Centre county, Pa., on April 8, 1817. When William was fourteen years of age the family went to Stark county, O., where they resided for about seven years. William then returned to Pennsylvania, where, in 1840, he was married to Barbara Ann Singhose. In August, 1853, they took up their residence in Washington township, Pa., on lands bought from Rev. John Leech. William Fellers is one of the progressive men of the town. In every enterprise for the welfare of his people he is foremost. Although a strong Republican, he has frequently held town office in his township with a strong Democratic majority. He had a family of twelve children. nine of whom are now liv- ing. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ferguson, J. E., New Bethlehem, was born in Armstrong county in 1861, and set- tled in Clarion county in 1886. He became engaged in the general livery and exchange stable business upon settlement here. He was married in 1883 to Sarah Jane Seanor, of Armstrong county. They have had one son-Noah E.
Fisher, Charles, Valley p. o., Elk, is a farmer, and was born in Hanover, Germany, on March 7, 1836, and was a son of Philip and Caroline (Pirl) Fisher. He settled in Beaver township in 1864, and located in Elk in 1869. He was married that same year to Charlotte, a daughter of Frederick Wedekind, of Elk township. They had a family of nine children-Charles, Henry, Amos, Christena, Frank, William, Louisa, Regina, and May.
Flaherty, Matt S., New Bethlehem, was born in West Virginia in 1857, and was a son of John and Bridget (O'Neil) Flaherty, who were born in Ireland and married in Baltimore. They had a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living-John, Maggie, Matt S., Delia, Pat, Mary, Kate, Jane, and Ella. They settled in Clarion county in 1872. Matt S. became a clerk at an early age, and had but few advantages in obtaining an education, but he fitted himself and graduated from the commercial college, and in 1882 became manager for Jones & Bronker, and in 1883 he became the manager of the Northwestern Coal and Mining Company. He has also held other im- portant offices of trust.
Foster, John Redick, New Bethlehem, a banker of the borough, was born in Arm- strong county, Pa., in 1844, and settled in Clarion county in 1872. He was one of the founders of the New Bethlehem Savings Bank, and became cashier and a director. He is president of the gas company, and has also held several of the borough offices. He was graduated from the Elder Ridge Academy, and also from the Iron City Mercantile College, and was an early merchant in Armstrong county, Pa., and retired in 1872. He was married in 1870 to Mellie B. Belville, of Illinois. They have had two daughters- Minnie Maud and Syd Carl. John Redick Foster was a son of Thomas H. and Eliza Jane (Redick) Foster, who died, leaving a family of five children-John R., Clarissa, Mary L., Lizzie E., and Lulu E.
xvii
BRIEF PERSONALS.
Fox, John W., Pollock p. o., Perry, was born in Clarion county in 1849. His par- ents were George W. and Addie (Coursin) Fox. John W. was married in 1870 to Sarah E. Best, of Clarion county. They have had a family of nine children-Charles H., Edwin I., John W., William F., David S., Roy L. E., Celia E., Herbert G., and Robert C. Mr. Fox has followed the milling business all his life, and business which his father followed before him, and is considered one of the best in his section. He now holds the office of school director. He was a candidate for the Legislature in 1886.
Frazier, William H., New Bethlehem, was born in Monroe township, Pa., in 1839. He was a son of Henry and Margaret (Delp) Frazier. Margaret was born in Clarion county, Pa., in 1818, and died in 1874; her husband was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1812, and died in 1882. They were married in 1832. Henry settled in this county with his mother and brother John. Henry and Margaret had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living. Three sons enlisted and served in the late war-George W. enlisted in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, served out his term of enlistment, enlisted again, and served to the close of the war; William H., in Seventy- eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, enlisted on August 29, 1862, was wounded, losing two fingers of the right hand, for which he now receives a pension. He was discharged on October 26, 1863. Thomas M. enlisted in Company F, Sixty-third Pennsylvania Reg- iment, in 1861, served out his term of enlistment, re-enlisted, and died at Yorktown, Va. The rest of the children now living are James W., John S., Calvin R., Harlon R., Mary A., and Ella Silva. William H. Frazier was married in 1860 to Rachel Shankle, who died in 1870, leaving a family of three children-Oscar L., Elfida E., and William M. A. Mr. Frazier then married his second wife, Catharine Shankle, in 1871. She died in 1885, leaving two children-Charles E. and Sarah E. He then married his third wife, Eliza A. Nolf, in 1886.
Fritz, Hezekiah R., Leeper p. o., Farmington, was born in Berks county, Pa., on August 19, 1821. He was the third of eight children born to John and Catharine Fritz, an old and respected family of Berks county. Hezekiah came to Richland in 1840, where, in the same year, he married Caroline Klingler, by whom he had fourteen children, eleven of whom are now living. Mr. Fritz was always known as an industrious, honest citizen. He was often honored by his fellow townsmen with town offices, and held the position of justice acceptably for a term of five years. By trade he was a mill- wright, but most of his latter years were spent in farming and lumbering. He died on January 25, 1883. He was an earnest member of the German Reformed Church of Beaver township, but for many years past the family have resided in Farmington, Pa.
Fuller, William, West Freedom p. o., Perry, of the St. Clair Hotel, West Freedom, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1814, and was a son of Jabiel and Betsey (Ran- sier) Fuller. At an early age he fitted himself for a physician ; retiring from the profes- sion he gave his attention to farming. He was married in 1835 to Lauretta Colton. They have had four children, two are now living-Charles and William H. H. She died on June 11, 1855, at the age of forty-two years. In December, 1855, he married Miss Amanda R. Covert, of Lawrence county. They have also had four children, two are now living-Thomas Sankey, Eldridge Frank, Edwin F. (deceased), and Lily May. In 1881 he purchased the St. Clair Hotel, which he has lately remodeled, and is now known as one of the best kept hotels in the county.
Fulton, James Jackson, Rimersburg, an active man of this county, was reared under the strict discipline of the old Associate Church. He was born in Armstrong county on August 25, 1829, and was married on April 19, 1855, to Miss Eliza Huey, who died on June 8, 1861. They had three children, two of whom are now living-Jennie L. and George L. James Jackson was drafted into the late war, but rejected on account of a crippled foot. He married for his second wife Martha J. Henry. They also had three children, two of whom are now living-Pearl E. and Minden Orr. Martha died on July 12, 1867, and he married his third wife, Nannie P. Johnston, a daughter of James and Mary Patton, and the widow of Lieutenant W. H. Johnston, who was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. J. J. Fulton was a son of James and Jane (Templeton) Fulton.
B
xviii
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
James was born on August 15, 1780, in County Derry, Ireland, and his wife on Sep- tember 15, 1787. His mother's name was Agnes. She, with her four sons, emigrated to America in 1794, and landed in Philadelphia after a voyage of thirteen weeks and three days. From here they went to Westmoreland county, where Robert, one of the sons, died. They remained here until the spring of 1801, when they, with other families living in the same vicinity, moved into Armstrong county, now Clarion county, and settled not far from where the town of Clarion now stands, and which was then an unbroken wilderness. This family consisted of the mother and her three sons, James, Henry, and Cochran. On the 19th of March, 1805, James Fulton and Jane Temple- ton Reid were united in marriage. They had a family of twelve children-Cochran, Joseph R., Henry, Robert R., William, David, James Jackson, Mary, Nancy, Jane H., Elizabeth W., and Salina M. Of these, Mary, William T., and Nancy are now de- ceased. Mr. Fulton was one of the founders of Piney Church, and was chosen ruling elder. He was drafted during the War of 1812, but was discharged on account of ces- sation of hostilities. Little does the present generation know of the hardships, suffering, and the vast amount of labor through which the brave men and women, the early pio- neers, had to pass. About the year 1804 business called Mr. Fulton to the eastern part of the State. At this period of our country's history houses were few. This trip was made in winter and on foot. Reaching his place of destination he transacted his busi- ness and then started on his return trip. Leaving Bloom's Tavern, on the Susquehanna River, early in the morning, he had thirty-three miles to travel by the old State Road in order to reach Port Barnett, there being no inhabited house between these two points. Soon after starting it began to snow and continued to do so all day, which made travel very fatiguing. He reached Sandy Lick Creek about three o'clock, and yet had ten miles of his journey before him, which was by far the most perilous and fatiguing. During the latter part of the day a man on horseback had passed over the road, and, with the exception of this track, he had the road to break. The shadows of evening began to appear, and the sun was fast sinking in the west ; darkness was gathering about him, and he yet alone in the wilderness. Seeing a dead tree by the roadside, and going to it he thought to gather some dry material and make a fire. After making all of his preparations he undertook to strike fire with his steel and flint, but from long exposure his hands refused to fulfill their office; and disappointed in this he felt that he must push on. The last ray of day had faded from the western horizon; night, with all its darkness and horrors, was upon him, and he could hear all around him the howls of the hungry wolves, who were ready to devour him should he for one moment hesitate and give up. After night set in, in order to keep in the road he had to get down and feel for the horse tracks, which were now almost filled with snow. Cold, numb, and wearied from the half-bent position in which he had to travel made his progress slow, but " on- ward " was his watchword. At last, nearly exhausted and almost ready to yield him- self to the hungry wolves, he raised his head, and to his joy saw a dim light in the dis- tance. Gradually the distance between him and the light became shorter, and he at last reached the house, but he was so exhausted that he could not walk up the steps. He finally succeeded in throwing himself against the door, when Mr. Barnett opened it, and seeing who it was helped him in and supplied all his wants. This was about three o'clock in the morning. The remaining part of his trip was made in safety. His wife died on January 20, 1833. On the 14th of May, 1836, he married Elizabeth English. They had two children-John M. and Sarah E. Elizabeth, his wife, died on April 11, 1862. During the early " fifties " Mr. Fulton and his son J. J. were conductors of what was called the Underground Railroad. The escaping fugitives came to his house in numbers from two to nine. One Saturday evening nine came, and he fed and sheltered them in his barn over the Sabbath, and Monday morning, before daylight, conveyed them to the next station. This same act was done frequently, both by father and son.
George, Reuben, West Monterey p. o., Perry, was a son of Martin L. and Anna (Davis) George, and was born in Mercer county, Pa., in 1837. He was married in 1860 to Mary Jane Miller, of Clarion county, Pa. They have had a family of six chil- dren-Christian Ellsworth, Reuben George, William Martin, Adah M., Orlando Dud- ley, and Edna Beatrice (deceased). Mr. George, with his brothers Christian and Mar-
xix
BRIEF PERSONALS.
tin W., enlisted in Company E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served during the entire war under Generals Sherman and Rosecrans. On his return from the war he settled in Clarion county, Pa., as proprietor of the Monterey House, and general store. His father and mother died in 1854, he in the forty-second year of his age and she in her forty-fourth.
Giffen, esq., Alexander, Phillipston p. o., East Brady, was born in Scotland on March 5, 1809, and was a son of Captain James and Isabella (Halvey) Giffen, of Irvine, Aylshire, Scotland. He emigrated to New York city in 1830, where he married Mar- garet Brown in 1833. She was also born in Scotland. They have had a family of ten children, four of whom are now living-Alexander H., John J., Betsey M., and Marga- ret M. Mr. Giffen served an apprenticeship to the dry goods trade, and became a hotel keeper in Greenwich street, New York. He moved to New Orleans owing to poor health. He then went to St. Louis, then came to Pittsburgh, where he became engaged in business, and in 1848 came to Clarion county as a teacher and merchant. He has served as a justice of the peace for twenty years. He has also been postmaster, being. the founder of that office here.
Gilbert, Mathias, Blair's Corners p. o., Beaver, was born at Blair's Corners, Pa., on October 6, 1847 ; is a farmer, and now owns and occupies a farm of thirty-eight acres. His parents were Abraham and Amelia (Fritz) Gilbert, who came to Clarion county, Pa., from the eastern part of the State. Mathias Gilbert was married on October 6, 1878, to Lizzie L. Best, a daughter of John and Frances (Alt) Best, of Licking town- ship. They have three children-Ida M., Edith E., and Idella B.
Gilfert, Nicholas, Lickingsville p. o., Washington, was born in February, 1823, near Hesse Castle, Prussia, and with the family of his father, Charles Gilfert, came to the vicinity of Lucinda Furnace in the year 1835. Nicholas spent the early years of his life in cutting wood for the Furnace, and at work on the farm. His father died about 1854. In 1849 Nicholas married Elizabeth Sandrock. They had a family of nine chil- dren. She died in March, 1863. Having a large family of small children to care for, re- married in the fall of the same year to Regina Rader, who also bore him five children. Being an industrious, saving man, Mr. Gilfert has built up a comfortable fortune. Since 1878 he has been in the mercantile business at Lickingsville, Pa. Seven different times has he suffered loss by robbery-goods, cash and bonds to the amount of nearly ten thousand dollars have been taken from him. He is one of the trustees and a prominent member of the United Brethren Church.
Gilfillin, Archibald, Tylersburg p. o., Farmington, the second child of William and Eliza Gilfillin, was born in Farmington, Pa., on March 4, 1849. William, the father, was a native of Scotland, and his wife of Nova Scotia. When "Young Archie," as he is called, was but nine years of age he commenced work in the lumber woods, and con- tinued in its various details up to about ten years ago, when he went into the oil country. Recently, however, he has returned to lumbering. In his business enterprises Mr. Gil- fillin has been remarkably successful. When twenty-seven years old he married Martha, daughter of Porter Haskell. They have had four children. Although not an active man in politics, he is a firm Republican. Among his fellow townsmen he stands gen- erally respected by all as an active and thorough business man.
Gilger, A. W., Lamartine p. o., Salem, was born in Richland township on November 19, 1848. He is a farmer, and owns one hundred acres. His parents were N. F. and Frances (Knight) Gilger, of Mariasville, Venango county. He was married on De- cember 24, 1874, to Ada Kribbs, a daughter of John and Mary (Peters) Kribbs. A. W. and Ada have had a family of three children-George B., Mary F., and Clara B.
Gillinham, John, Fern p. o., Ashland, is a farmer, and was born in Allegheny county on February 14, 1839. He was a son of William and Rebecca (Caldwell) Gillinham. John located in Ashland in 1876, and was married on September 12, 1865, to Mary E. Hess. They have had four children-M. Lucretia, Agnes L., George W., and John L. Mary E. was born on June 30, 1844, and was a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Perry) Hess, of Ashland.
Xx
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
Gloss, Philip H., Elk City p. o., Elk, was born in Armstrong county on August 12, 1829, and was a son of Martin and Sarah (Hoffman) Gloss. He settled in Clarion county in 1848, and has resided in Elk township for the past twenty years. He was married in 1850 to Miriam Bell, a daughter of Alexander and Martha (Chambers) Bell, of Paint township. They had the following children : Sarah E., Amos, William, James, Margaret, Martha, Jackson, Minnie, and John. His second wife was Elizabeth, a daughter of John and Barbara (Young) McLane, of Paint township. They have had two children-Jennie and Harley.
Goal, Fred, Fryburg p. o., Washington. John Goal was born in Germany, and spent his early life and was married there to Barbara Stroble. Soon after the year 1850 the family came to Washington township, where Mr. Goal bought a part of the old Stroble farm, near the center of the township. The children of this marriage were Frederick, Albert, John, Caroline, William, Adolphus, David, Frederick, Mary, and Katie. Of these only six are now living. John Goal died on May 5, 1873, and his wife Barbara died on August 1, 1883. Frederick still owns and occupies the old home farm of thirty-three acres. He was married in 1882 to Ella Elder. They have had two children. Although yet a young man Mr. Goal is one of the best farmers of the township, and his farm is among the best. The family are members of the Lutheran Society.
Gourley, James, Leatherwood p. c., New Bethlehem, was born in Westmoreland county in 1817, and was a son of Henry and Ann (Marshall) Gourley, who settled in Clarion county in 1834. They died in Monroe township-Henry in 1872, and his wife Ann, who was born in 1806, died in 1868. They had a family of seven children. James Gourley was married in 1840 to Nancy A. Brisben, of Monroe township. She was born in 1821. They had a family of seven children, five of whom are now living-George B., Eliza- beth, Andrew, James, jr., David, John, and Alva. John enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, in 1862, and died at Fredericksburg, while in service, in 1863. Alva was drowned at the age of twenty years. James set- tled in Porter township in 1867. He has held several of the town offices, and was numerator in taking the census of 1880. He is now a retired farmer.
Graham, George, East Brady, was born in Perry township on June 11, 1832, and was married on May 29, 1856, to Margaret H. Fritz, of Pottstown, Montgomery county, Pa. They have had seven children, five of whom are now known to be living-Ella M., Newton E., George, jr., Cecelia, and Frank. Mr. Graham became an early con- tractor and builder, and in 1874 formed the present firm of Graham & Cook, purchas- ing their factory building, and now do a large business in steam planing, sawing, and manufacturing all grades of sash, doors, blinds, shingles, and oil rig materials. Mr. Gra- ham was a son of William, jr., and Margaret (Mechling) Graham, of Butler county, Pa. They had a family of five children, three of whom are now living-George, Aaron, and Amanda, now the wife of J. P. Forcht. Margaret died in 1864, at the age of fifty-four years, and her husband, William, sr., died in 1872, at the age of seventy-four years. He was a son of William and Sally (Rogers) Graham. Sally was born in Ireland and her husband in Scotland. They were married in Carlisle, Cumberland county, and had a family of five children, only one of whom is now living-Samuel. William settled at the mouth of Bear Creek, Armstrong county, in 1795, coming from Washington county, and a few years later settled near the mouth of the Clarion River, then in Armstrong county, which was included in forming Clarion county in 1839. George was drafted in 1862 for nine months, and served in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, under Colonel L. W. Smith, of Pittsburgh.
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.