USA > Pennsylvania > Greene County > History of Greene County, Pennsylvania > Part 77
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
exhibition of his prowess, and felled several of them to the ground in good old British style. He was overpowered, taken back into ser- vice and kept seven years from his family. But his long service as a sailor made him familiar with the seaport towns and the American coast, so taking advantage of the situation in the darkness of the night, while near shore, he leaped overboard and swam ashore, and finally united with his family. We know little of his family, except that his son John, who was G. F. Headley's great-great-grandfather, died while in the Patriot army, he being old enough to have a son engaged in the same struggle. Robert Headlee, a nephew of John, was in the expedition sent against the Indians, who committed the Wyoming massaere. Ephraim, G. F. Headley's great-grandfather, lived during the Revolution in New Jersey, not far from Trenton, being within sound of the battle fought at that place. After the war he emigrated to North Carolina, but disliking the country, he removed to Greene County, Penn., where he reared a large family.
W. O. HEADLEE, farmer and teacher, Mount Morris, Penn., was born January 27, 1858, in Perry Township, where he grew to manhood. He was reared on the farm with his parents, receiving a common school education. He also attended the High School at Mount Morris. Mr. Headlee has been for eight years teaching in Perry Township, but engages in farming as his chief pursuit, and owns a well improved farm of 100 aeres. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret, daughter of Phineas Headley. Mrs. Headlee is of English origin. They are the parents of four children, viz: Cora, Ray, James Fay and Effie. Mr. Headlee is a Democrat. Ile and wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ile is a self-made man, is industrious and energetie, and has a great many friends throughout the county.
JOSEPH IIEADLEE, farmer and stock-grower, is deseended from the early setttlers of Greene County. Ile was born September 9, 1834, and is a son of Jesse and Maria (Cox) Headlee. His mother ivas a native of New York. His father who was born in this county, was eminently successful as a farmer and owned 400 acres of land at the time of his death, March 15, 1876. Of his ten children, Joseph is the fourth and was reared on the farm in Perry Township. Mr. Headlee is an energetie, industrious farmer and owns ninety- three aeres of well improved land where he resides, near Mount Morris, Penn. He was united in marriage in Greene County, in 1869, with Catherine, daughter of Alexander Henderson. Her mother's maiden name was Catharine Lemley. To Mr. and Mrs. Headlee were born four children, viz: Earnest, Clyde, Mark and M. D. Mr. Headlee has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1852. Ile is a member of the board of trustees, and take great interest in the welfare of his ehosen denomination. He
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
was drafted in 1863 and served his regular term in the army. Mr. Headlee is a member of the G. A. R., belonging to the Jesse Taylor Post, No. 450, of Mount Morris, Penn.
J. S. HOY, farmer and stock-grower, born in Whiteley Township, this county, January 18, 1843, is a son of James and Isabella (Kuhn) Hoy, also natives of Greene County, and of German origin. His father died in 1880. He was a farmer and stock-grower, and reared a family of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the third. J. S. was reared in Perry Township, where he has lived since he was one year of age. He received his education in the common schools in this township, and has made farming his life work. Mr. Hoy's farm contains 159 and three quarters acres of well improved land. Ile was married in this county, January 13, 1869, to Melissa, daughter of Isaac and Anna (Myers) Lemley. Her mother was born in Virginia, and her father in Perry Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have an interesting family of four children; viz., Eliza J., James Isaac, David Arthur, and Cassie Ellen. Mrs. Hoy died in 1884, a faithful member of the Sonthern Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hoy is a Democrat. He is a genial, agreeable gentleman, and has a wide circle of friends in the county.
MORRIS LEMLEY, farmer, stock-grower and drover, was born in Perry Township, April 2, 1834. ITis parents, Samnel and Mar- garet Lemley, were natives of Greene County, and of German ex- traction. His father, who was a farmer by occupation, moved to Iowa in the latter part of his life, where he died at the age eighty- six. Morris, the fifth in a family of ten children, was reared on the farm and attended the common school. He made his own way in the world, and is the owner of eight hundred acres of land-360 in his home farm. Mr. Lemley's example is worthy of emulation. He first engaged in farming on rented property, and by his patient toil and unfailing industry has succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune. In 1854 Mr. Lemley married Miss Martha Jane, daughter of Job_and Margaret (Simington) Phillips. Their children are: Margaret A., wife of William Headlee; Samuel, a farmer; Emeline, Elizabeth, Josephus, and Spencer who died at the age of twenty-one years. Mr. Lemley is a Democrat. He and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CLARK LEMLEY, farmer and stock grower, Brock, Penn., was born in Perry Township, November 20, 1849, and is a son of Isaac and Anna (Myers) Lemley. His mother was born in West Virginia. Ilis father is a native of this county and a prominent farmer of Whiteley Township. Clark is the third in a family of six children. He was reared in this county, where he received a common school education. Mr. Lemley has met with suceess as a farmer and owns 152 acres of good land where he resides. In 1870 he married Miss
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Rachel, daughter of Eli and Mary (Dulaney) Headlee. Mr. and Mrs. Lemley's children are Haddie L., William L., and Alva G. Mr. and Mrs. Lemley, with their oldest daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat in politics. ASBERRY LEMLEY, farmer and stock-grower, was born June 20, 1823, on the farm where he now resides in Perry Township. Ile is a son of David and Ruhana (Snider) Lemley, being the oldest of their eight children. His parents spent the most of their lives on a farm in this county, where Asberry was reared and received his education in the common schools. He has made farming his chief pursuit, and is the owner of 300 acres of well improved land. Mr. Lemley was united in marriage, October 12, 1849, in Greene County, Penn., with Miss Rachel, danghter of John and Lydia Ileadlee. Mrs. Asberry Lemley is of English and German origin. They have eight children; viz., Ruhana, wife of William Howard; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Patterson; L. L., David, Lydia, Martha, wife of Jonathan Kennedy; and Mary. Mr. Lemley is one of the most indus- trions and successful business men in his township.
J. W. LONG, deceased, was born in Perry Township, this county, December 3, 1836, and died October 4, 1885. He was a highly respected citizen and one of Greene County's most successful business men, being at the time of his death the owner of over 800 acres of land. Mr. Long was the son of George and Mary (Berge) Long who were natives of Ohio, and of English descent. They spent most of their lives in Greene County, Penn., where his father made farming and stock-growing his chief pursnit. In 1860 the subject of our sketch married Minerva C., daughter of L. G. Van- voorhis, a prominent farmer of Dunkard Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Long were born six children-F. G., proprietor of the Com- mercial Hotel at Oakland, Maryland; Frank W., a farmer; Fannie E., John J., Loyd L.and Lawrence George (deceased.) Mr. Long was a Republican in politics. He took an active interest in the schools of his township, and for many years served as school director.
WILLIAM LONG, a farmer and stock-grower, residing near Mount Morris, Penn., was born near Garard's Fort, this county, December 22, 1831. He is a son of Samuel and Adaline (Mestrezat) Long, who were of French and Irish lineage. His father, who was farmer all his life, was twice married, and reared a family of six children, of whom William is the oldest, by the last marriage. IIe was reared on the farm in Whiteley Township, receiving his early education in the subscription schools. He made farming his chief pursuit, and has met with success, being at the present the owner of 400 acres of good land in this township. In politics Mr. Long is a Democrat, as is also his son, Merritt Leonard Long, who was born in this township, March 7, 1869. Ilis daughter Fannie E., was born
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March 30, 1876, in Perry Township. William Long's father died in 1886, and his mother in 1880.
COLEMAN LUELLEN, carriage and wagon manufacturer at Mount Morris, Greene County, Penn., was born in Monongalia County, West Virginia, February 8, 1840. He is a son of William G. and Mary (Norris) Luellen, also natives of West Virginia, and of Welsh and English extraction. Mr. Luellen was reared on the home farm in West Virginia, where he received his education. He worked on the farm until 1861, when he went to Greene County, Penn., to learn the blacksmith trade. He then enlisted under Capt. J. B. Morris, in Company F, Seventh Virginia Volunteer Infantry and served three years and two months. After his return from the war, Mr. Lnellen learned the wagon-maker's trade and has successfully engaged in that business at Mount Morris since 1868. He was united in marriage October 5, 1876, with Catharine, daughter of Philip and Rhoda (Dulaney) Hite. Their children are: Carrie L., Benjamin F., James W. and Luretta B. Mr. Luellen is a Republi- can and a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 450. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SPENCER MORRIS, M. D., Ph. D., of Greene County, Penn., was born at Garard's Fort, Penn., October 26, 1820. He is a son of Jonathan and Sarah (Clymer) Morris, who were of German and English extraction. . Ilis mother was a native of Bucks County, Penn. His father was born in Greene County; was a physician and merchant at Garard's Fort, and died July 19, 1848. Dr. Morris is a grandson of the Rev. John Corbly. The Doctor is the third in a family of four children. He was reared in the place of his nativity, and attended the common schools. He subsequently attended Greene Academy at Carmichaels, Penn., afterwards attended college in Vir- ginia. He then began the study of medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1846, and was for some time thereafter in successful practice of his chosen profession in Greene County, Penn. In 1871 he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, afterwards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the same institution. In 1873 he graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadel- phia. For fifteen years he was a popular quiz teacher in that city, having large classes of medical students. In the summer of 1886 he was elected to the chair of lecturer on the symptoms of diseases in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia. In 1851 Dr. Morris was united in marriage, in West Virginia, with Belinda A., daughter of John II. Bowlby, and their summer residence is near the Mason and Dixon Line in Perry Township This has been their quiet retreat for several years. Here the Doctor is sought after for his excellent medical advice by patients for miles around.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
LEVI MORRIS, son of George and Margaret Morris, was born on the waters of Whiteley Creek, on the 14th day of April, 1783. His mother was the oldest child of Rev. John Corbly, whose second wife and several of their children were massacred by the Indians at Garard's Fort, on the 10th day of May, 1781. Levi Morris was mar- ried to Lucretia Stephens in 1809. He bought a farm and went to housekeeping on Dunkard Creek, near the present site of Mount Morris. This farm was all in the woods and the nearest store was at Greensboro, twelve miles distant. There was but little use for a store, however, at that early history of the country, for the clothing worn by both sexes was domestic, or home-made, and coffee was used but once a week-Sunday morning. Mr. Morris, with three of his brothers, volunteered and served in Captain Seeley's cavalry company in the war of 1812. Soon after the war he bought another farm and laid out the town of Mount Morris, which bears his name, and re- sided there until his death. Soon after the war he was appointed justice of the peace, which office he held until near the close of his life. Living near the State of Virginia, a State in which a marriage license was required, and none being required in Pennsylvania, his office was the Gretna Green, to which many of the lads and lassies hied to have their nuptials consummated. Mr. Morris kept the first hotel in Mount Morris, and engaged in milling, farming and stock- raising, always keeping the best blooded stock in the county. Ile raised a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, each raising a family. Margaret married Patrick Donley; Louisa, George Lemley; Hannah, Abner Harrison; Josephus H., Temperance Smith; W. G., Emily Kirby; Jefferson S., Sarah Ingram; Edward F., Elizabeth Smith, and for second wife, Rhetta Roberts; Thomas I., Sarah Way; James B., Keziah Way; Levi A., Samantha Brown; and Lucretia, C. C. Hardin. Levi Mor- ris died an honored and respected citizen on the 20th day of Jann- ary, 1842, his widow and all their children surviving him. Lucretia Morris, his widow, died April 15, 1885, at the ripe old age of ninety- five years and four months. Her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren number over two hundred, and reside in several States. Their son, Major James B. Morris, is perhaps the best known man in the county. He is respected for his liberality and true manliness, both as a soldier and a citizen. He was reared and educated in Mount Morris, and has been employed in farming, milling and stock- growing. He was married in Monongalia County, W. Va., Angust 26, 1848, to Keziah, daughter of Gideon and Jane (Sturgis) Way, of English extraction. They were natives of Fayette County, Penn., but spent most of their lives in Monongalia County, W. Va. Major Morris and wife have a family of seven children -- Mary J., wife of W. F. Lewellen, of West Virginia; Belle M., wife of Jerome Van-
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voorhis, of Dunkard Township; Emma L., wife of J. W. Hatfield; George G., a physician at Washington, D. C., and F. K. and S. W., deceased. Their mother is a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Major Morris is a Republican, has been school director at Mount Morris, and was special agent for the U. S. Treasury Department for several years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Seventh West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and served as Captain until 1862, when lie was promoted to the position of Major, in which capacity he served until the expiration of his teri, then returned to Mount Morris. The first man killed from Greene County belonged to Cap- tain Morris' Company, and was killed October 26, 1861.
JOSEPH PATTERSON, farmer and stock-grower, Brock, Penn., was born in Whiteley Township, this county, March 29, 1829. He is the oldest son of William and Rhoda (Whitlatch) Patterson, who were natives of Greene County, and of German and Irish ancestry. Like his father, Joseph has been a successful farmer through life. . In 1850 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Elizabetlı Mooney. Mrs. Patterson is of German and English origin. They have eight children, of whom William Franklin is the second. Ile also is a farmer and stock-grower, and was born in Whiteley Town- ship February 18, 1854. He received a common-school education, and early in life engaged in the mercantile trade at Waynesville for three years. He has since devoted his time to farming and has met with success. He is the owner of 1353 acres of well improved land. Mr. Patterson was united in marriage in Greene County, December 22, 1872, with Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Whitlatch, and they are the parents of seven children, viz: Rose, David, Enlow, Arthur, Norval, Ada and Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a trustee. He is a Democrat in politics.
MINOR N. REAMER, dentist, was born in Monongahela Town- ship, Greene County, Penn., February 2, 1846. He is a son of Benjamin and Anna Maria (Minor) Reamer who were of Welsh and German ancestry. His father, a farmer, died in 1866. Minor, the third in a family of four children, was reared in his native township attended the district schools and was subsequently a student in Waynesburg College for one year. Early in life he studied dentistry in Greensboro, where he commenced the practice of his profession in 1871, remaining there three years. He then located at Mount Morris, Penn., where he has since been actively engaged in the prac- tice of dentistry. The Doctor is a Republican. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G., Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served two years. He is an active member of the G. A. R., belongs to the I. O. O. F. and is officer of the day in Post No. 450, for 1888. In 1871 Dr. Reamer married Miss Fannie, daughter of G. C. Black.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Her mother's maiden name was Rebecca Sowers. They were of Ger- man extraction. Doctor and Mrs. Reamer are the parents of three children-Harry B., Nellie E. and Emma D. Their mother is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Z. T. SHULTZ, farmer and stock-grower, Kirby, Penn., was born in Whiteley Township, this county, July 20, 1848, and is a son of Elijah and Ruth A. (Bailey) Shultz, who were of German and English descent. His mother died in 1881. His father, now seventy-four years of age, is a resident of Waynesburg, Penn. The subject of our sketch was reared in Perry Township, where he has engaged in farming most of his life. He received a common-school education, also attended Waynesburg College and subsequently taught for five years. His home farm contains one hundred and twenty-seven aeres of well improved land. Mr. Shultz taught in this county, in Iowa, and West Virginia, but has devoted his time wholly to farming since 1872-the year he was married. His wife was Miss Hettie A., daughter of Justus and Mary (Bowen) Cowell, and their children are Minnie M., Harmon R., Elijah F., Gurney W. and Harold L. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as a school director in his township.
A. SNIDER, a retired blacksmith of Mount Morris. Penn., was born in Monongalia County, West Virginia, October 8, 1813. He is a son of Jeremiah and Anna (Rich) Snider who were also natives of West Virginia, and of German lineage. His great-grandfather came from Germany to America and settled in Virginia. Jeremiah Snider was twice married and reared a family of thirteen children. The subject of our sketch was the third child by the second marriage. He was reared on a farm and attended the subscription school in his native township. He was employed as a farm laborer early in life and in 1853 learned the blacksmith's trade with Daniel Bowen, in Waynesburg, Penn. He then engaged in that business at Mount Morris and has met with success. Mr. Snider is the owner of valuable town property and one hundred and sixty aeres of land in Perry Township. In 1838 he married Mary Bowers; they have had a family of six children; viz., Lneretia, wife of James Fox; Elmer, a blacksmith, and Lindsey. Jacob Rolla, Mary J. and Eliza, deceased. Mary J. was the wife of Oliver Evans, now deceased. Mr. Snider is a Democrat in polities. He has served as school director and three terins as assessor in his township. He and wife are prominent members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
JESSE SPITZNAGEL, farmer and stock-grower, Brock, Penn., was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, February 24, 1838. He is a son of Simon and Jemima (Miller), Spitznagel, who were also natives of Fayette County, and of English and German origin. His
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father was a successful farmer during his life-time. His family con- sisted of eleven children, of whom Jesse is the fifth. He was reared on the farm, has been successful in his chosen occupation and owns the farm of one hundred and five acres where he now resides. In 1856 Mr. Spitznagel married Miss Dorotha Whitlatch, who was a native of this county and of German extraction. To Mr. and Mrs. Spitznagel were born five children, viz .- Loziella, wife of Alphens Wade; Simon E., John, Lewis G. and Lucinda. Mr. Spitznagel is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his deceased wife was also a devoted member. Mrs. Spitznagel died March 5, 1887, a faithful wife and kind and loving mother.
SPENCER STEPHENS, farmer and stock-grower, Mount Morris, Penn., was born in Greene Township, this county, September 15, 1839. He is a son of Washington and Joan (Steel) Stephens, being the oldest of their eight children. ITis parents were of English an- cestory. His father was a farmer all his life. Spencer was reared on the farm with his parents, where he attended the district school. He has made farming his main occupation and owns the farm where he resides in- Perry Township. In 1865 he was united in marriage in Greene County, with Miss Abigail, daughter of Joseph Conner. Mrs. Stephens is of Irish and English extraction. Their children are Rebecca, Albert, S. C., Leroy, Mary Alice, Stacy and Clara. The family belong to the Baptist Church of which Mr. Stephens is
an official member. He is a Republican in politics. He takes an active interest in the education of his children, the oldest two of whom are teachers. In 1862 Mr. Stephens enlisted in Company A., One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was a non-commissioned officer and served under Gen. Hancock. Mr. Stephens was in the battles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and the Wilderness and served until the close of the war.
LEWIS WHITLATCH, farmer and stock-grower, Brock, Penn., was born in Perry Township, Greene County, Penn., January 10, 1855. His parents, Jacob and Catharine (Headlee) Whitlatch, were also natives of this county and of English extraction. His father, who was a farmer through life, died in 1884, a highly respected citizen. His family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom grew to matu- rity. Lewis is the ninth and was reared on the farm in his native township, where he attended the common school. Mr. Whitlatch has made farming his chief pursuit, and has also engaged to some extent in the mercantile trade. He has made a success of his busi- ness and owns a farm of one hundred and seventy acres. In 1884 Mr. Whitlatch married Hannah, daughter of William Conley. She is of English and German origin. They have one child-Goldie Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Whitlatch are members of the Methodist
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Episcopal Church. He has been a steward, class-leader and trustee in the church, and held various important positions in the Sabbath- school. In politics he is a Republican.
RICHHILL TOWNSHIP.
F. W. BALDWIN, farmer and stock-grower, Ryerson's Station, Penn., was born in Richhill Township, this county, July 15, 1846, and is a son of S. W. and Nancy A. (Barnett) Baldwin, who were of English, Irish and Dutch lineage. His mother was a native of Greene County. His father, who was born in Washington County, Penn., was a mechanic and farmer by occupation, and died in 1884. The subject of this sketch is the only member of his father's family who grew to maturity. IIe was raised on the farm with his parents and chose agricultural pursuits as his business through life. IIe also worked in his father's mill for years until the mill was sold. Mr. Baldwin is the owner of three farms, containing in all 271 acres. He has been very successful in his undertakings. Mr. Baldwin was united in marriage September 14, 1871, with Susan, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Nuss) Woodruff, who are of English and German origin. They have six children, viz. Eva E., John W., Mary A. L., George M., Ira C. and Michael, who died in his in- fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are members of the Baptist Church, in which he has served as deacon and treasurer.
ELLIS BANE .- Among the prominent farmers and stock-grow- ers who spent a long life in Greene County was Ellis Bane, deceased, who was born in Richhill Township, March 6, 1804, and died in 1882. He was a son of Jesse Bane, a pioneer settler of this county. The history of the family shows them to have been farmers, and usually successful. At the time of his death Mr. Bane was the owner of 400 acres of land. His remains lie in Leazure Cemetery; a handsome monument marks the last resting place. He was twice married. His second wife was Elizabeth Conkey. Three of their children are now living, the oldest being Ellis Bane, who now resides on the home farm, and owns 237 acres of well improved land. He was born in Richhill Township, received a common-school education, has been an industrious, energetic farmer, and successful in his busi- ness. Mr. Bane was married in October, 1886, in West Virginia to Lelia, daughter of Joshua and Rebecca (Fitzgerald) Hipsley. Mrs.
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