History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 96

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288

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BRANTON H. HENDERSON, vice-president of the First National Bank, was born in Norristown, Montgomery County, Penn., December 24, 1823, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Branton) Henderson, of that town. His father was a lawyer of the Montgomery County bar, and died when our subject was a small child. In 1827 his mother, with her two sons, Samuel and Branton H., came from Norristown to Mercer, Penn., accompanied by her brother, Samuel Holstein. The latter was for many years one of the prominent attorneys of the Mercer County bar, where he resided until 1854. He then removed to Neshannock Falls, Lawrence County, Penn., where he owned a mill prop- erty, and lived at the Falls until his sudden death at New Castle, in 1869. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Mercer, and Allegheny College, Meadville. He early engaged in mercantile pursuits in Mercer, and in 1858 removed to New Castle with his mother, leaving his brother Samuel in Mercer, where the latter followed merchandising up to within a few years of his death, which occurred at Mercer in 1862. Samuel's first wife was a daughter of Judge Thomas S. Cunningham, a pioneer lawyer of the Mercer bar, and left one son, Matthias H., now vice-president of the Sharon National Bank. By his second wife he left three children, who, with the widow, re- side in Philadelphia. Mrs. Elizabeth B. Henderson died in New Castle in 1871, and in 1872 Branton H. and his nephew, Matthias H., removed to Sharon, where both have since resided. Mr. Henderson became interested in the development of the coal fields in 1865, and has been largely interested in the iron interests of the valley during the past twenty years. In 1868 he or- ganized the firm of Henderson, Allen & Co., who built the Allen furnace, later

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

known as the Henderson furnace, at Sharpsville, in that year. In 1872 he was one of a company who established the Spearman furnaces of Sharpsville, and is still interested in that enterprise. He has been connected with the First National Bank of Sharon since 1873, and vice-president for the past two years, while his nephew has been interested in the Sharon National Bank since its organization in 1875. The Henderson family are Episcopalians in religious faith, and both Branton H. and Matthias H. are prominent members of the Masonic order.

WILLIAM HENLAN, proprietor of meat market, was born in Meadville, Penn., November 8, 1829, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Williams) Henlan. His father was a native of Newfoundland, of Irish ancestry, and came to Mead- ville in early manhood, where he married Mary A. Williams, who was born in that city in 1813. Her parents, Isaac and Margaret Williams, removed from Carlisle, Penn., to Meadville, Penn., late in the last or early in the present century. Isaac Williams was a shoemaker, and both he and wife died in Mead- ville. John and Mary Henlan reared two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. The father was a tailor by trade, and served in the War of 1812. He died ten years ago, and his widow is still a resident of Meadville. Our subject left Meadville at the age of sixteen, and going to Warren, Ohio, served an apprenticeship of three years to the tin and coppersmith trade. In April, 1849, he came to Sharon, and for the next twelve years worked in the tin-shop of E. A. Wheeler, in the meantime engaging in business in Sharon on his own account for about three years. After leaving the employ of Mr. Wheeler he began working for C. G. Carver, Esq., with whom he remained nearly eighteen years. In December, 1878, he bought an interest in his brother John's meat market, some four years afterward purchased his brother's remaining interest, and has since continued the business alone. Mr. Henlan was married in 1851 to Miss Mary J., daughter of William and Julia A. (Reno) Trotter. The lat- ter was born in Sharon, and is living with Mr. Henlan at the ripe old age of nearly eighty-four years. Five children have been born of this marriage, three of whom survive: Julia E., wife of William Dickson, of Sharon; Conrad C. and Gaylord L. Mr. Henlan is a Democrat in politics, and a leading gospel tem- perance worker. He has been burgess of Sharon two terms, served in the council several years, and has also been a director on the public school board. He was once the Democratic candidate for the Legislature, and cut down the Republican majority from 1,200 to sixty-eight votes. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Henlan is a member of the Masonic or- der, A. O. U. W. and the E. A. U., and is one of the oldest and most re- spected citizens of Sharon.

SEBASTIAN HERRMANN, proprietor of the National Hotel, was born in Sim- mershausen, Bavaria, Germany, August 14, 1835, and is a son of Fabian and Magdalena (Dach) Herrmann, also natives of Bavaria, where the father died in 1879, and where the widow still lives. In June, 1854, Sebastian immi- grated to Sharon, and began working in the coal mines of Hickory Township. He remained in that township and business principally till 1880, when he purchased his present hotel property in Sharon, where he has since carried on business. Mr. Herrmann was married in Greenville, Penn., by Rev. Andrew Schweiger, August 17, 1858, to Anna Kirch, daughter of Peter and Magda- linda Kirch, deceased, natives of Luxemburgh, Germany, who has borne him eight children, seven of whom survive: Magdalena (wife of Conrad Watson, of Sharon), Elizabeth (wife of James Claffey, of Sharon), Margaret (wife of Albert Wengler, of Sharon), John C., Atilia, Mary and Albert. The family belong to the Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Herrmann is a Democrat.

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

FREDERICK HOELZLE, wholesale and retail dealer in meats, was born in Baden, Germany, November 6, 1836, and is a son of Stephen and Fred- ericka (Scheible) Hoelzle, who lived and died in their native land. Frederick served an apprenticeship at the butcher trade in Germany, and in April, 1854, immigrated to the United States, and spent two years at his trade in Phila- delphia. In April, 1856, he came to Sharon, and the following spring opened a butcher-shop on State Street. He has since been successfully engaged in that business, being to-day one of the wealthiest citizens of the town. Mr. Hoelzle was married in March, 1857, to Miss Sophia Doerr, of Sharon, but a native of Germany. Of this union ten children were born, five of whom are living: Charles, Frederick, Henry, Nora and Eva, while Elizabeth died at the age of fourteen and the remaining four in infancy. Both he and wife belong to the Reformed Church. He is a Republican, and has filled the office of councilman two terms, and is a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities.

JACOB HOELZLE, proprietor of meat market, was born in Baden, Germany, March 15, 1841. His parents were Stephen and Fredericka (Scheible) Hoelzle, who spent their lives in Germany. Our subject learned the butcher's trade in his father's shop, and in October, 1860, he immigrated to Sharon. In the spring of 1863 he opened a meat market, in which business he has ever since been engaged. Mr. Hoelzle was married March 3, 1864, to Miss Louisa, daughter of Ignatz Dahringer, a native of Baden, Germany, who immigrated to New Castle, Penn., in 1848, moving from there to Lowellville, Ohio, and from there to Sharon, where he now resides. Mrs. Hoelzle was born in Germany, and is the mother of ten children, six of whom are living: Emma, wife of John Wagner, of Sharon; Mary, Frank, George, Elizabeth and Elmer. William died aged fourteen years, and the three others in infancy. Mr. Hoelzle is a Republican, and a member of the Masonic fraternity, I. O. O. F. and P. H. C., and his family belong to the German Reformed Church.

PETER HOFFMANN, dealer in stoves, tin-ware and hardware, was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 3, 1831, and is a son of Frederick and Margaret (Waltzer) Hoffmann, of that country. Peter grew up in his native land, and in December, 1854, immigrated to Mercer County, Penn., and began working in the coal mines of Hickory Township. One year afterward he brought out his parents, both of whom spent the balance of their days in Hickory Town- ship. He followed coal mining for twenty years, then opened a bank for him- self, which he operated successfully six years, and then retired from the busi- ness. In 1884 he opened the store now managed by his sons. Mr. Hoffmann was married January 4, 1856, to Miss Charlotta Gimbel, a native of Bavaria, who immigrated to Mercer County with her parents. They reared nine chil- dren, seven sons and two daughters: Peter, Charlotta, wife of Jacob Hassel, of Sharon; Frederick, Karl, Katherine, wife of Jacob Hassel, of Sharon; Cal- vin, Edward, Albert and Wilhelm. The family' belong to the German Re- formed Church, of Sharon, and in politics Mr. Hoffmann is a Republican.

CHARLES W. HoYT, physician and surgeon, was born June 11, 1839, in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Boyce) Hoyt, of that county. The Hoyts were among the first settlers of Massachusetts, being there as early as 1620, from which time they trace their genealogy. The ancestors of this branch removed from Amesburg, Mass., to New Hamp- shire, where the father of our subject was born March 9, 1809. In early man- hood he removed to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he has since resided. Charles W. received his education in his native town, in the high-school, and subsequently attended Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn. He began the

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

study of medicine in 1866, under the instruction of Drs. Glidden and Rice, of Panama, N. Y., receiving his degree from Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital College in 1870. Dr. Hoyt began the practice of his chosen profession at, Panama, N. Y., removing to Sharon, Penn., in 1870, where he has since been engaged in active practice. He was the first announced homeopathic physi- cian in the county, has built up a large and lucrative practice, and is recog- nized as one of the leading physicians of the Shenango Valley. He was mar- ried in 1861 to Miss Emeline Polley, of Panama, N. Y., of which union four children survive: Frank H. (a practicing physician associated with his father), Emma, Josephine and Myrtle. Dr. Hoyt went into the army in 1862, as lieutenant in Company F, One Hundred and Twelfth New York Volunteers, serving six months. He is a Republican, and one of the best known and most popular physicians of Mercer County.

ORLANDO A. JONES, physician and surgeon, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, August 19, 1863, and is a son of David A. and Cecelia (Armstrong) Jones, natives of Wales. The parents immigrated to Johnstown, Penn., about thirty-six years ago, and a few years afterward removed to Ohio, thence to the vicinity of Mercer, Penn., in 1868. They resided in this county several years, and then removed to Coalburg, Ohio, where the mother died in December, 1879, and where the father is still living. Dr. Jones grew up under the parental roof, and began reading medicine in 1880. He attended lectures at the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., and was graduated in March, 1886. He soon afterward located in Sharon, where he has built up a good practice. He is now in his second term as county physician of Sharon. Dr. Jones was married March 6, 1887, to Miss Matilda J. Herbert, of Coalburg, Ohio. The Doctor is a member of the Mercer County Medical Society, the I. O. R. M., is a Republican, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

JONES BROS., grocers, are one of the younger firms of Sharon. Con C. Jones, the senior member, was born in Hickory Township, Mercer Co., Penn., October 30, 1861, and is a son of Seth and Margaret (Smith) Jones, residents of Hickory Township. He grew up on the old homestead, and began clerking in Sharon in 1886. In July, 1887, the firm of Jones Bros., was formed. They purchased the grocery store of D. A. Clepper, and have since done a fair business. Con C. was married August 1, 1888, to Marie Struble, of Sharon. He is a Republican, a member of the Equitable Aid Union, K. of G. E., and Jr. O. United A. M. Wade B. Jones, the junior member of the firm, was born on the old homestead, August 20, 1865, and remained there nntil the present partnership was formed. He is a Republican, and was married June 29, 1887, to Sadie Martin, of Sharon, who is a member of the Baptist Church. Though a new firm, Jones Bros. have been doing their full share of the business in their line.

MATTHIAS KAHL, general grocer, was born in Prussia, Germany, November 6, 1846, and is a son of John and Mary Kahl, natives of Germany, who immi- grated to Madison, Ind., in December, 1853, and in 1855 removed to Hickory Township, Mercer Co., Penn. Here they resided until the fall of 1870, when they removed to a farm about three miles east of Greenville, where they are now living. Our subject grew to manhood in Mercer County, and in his early boyhood began working in the coal mines of Hickory Township, which he fol- lowed until the spring of 1884, a period of twenty-five years. In April, 1884, he opened his present grocery store in Sharon, and has since built up a good business. He was married, April 26, 1870, to Miss Rosa Connor, of Hickory Township. Of this union seven children have been born to them, six of whom

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survive: Mary, Catharine (deceased), Rosa, Annie, John, Martha and William. Mr. Kahl is a stanch Democrat, and in 1876 was one of the Democratic can- didates for the Legislature. The family are members of the Catholic Church, and he is one of the enterprising business men of Sharon. Mr. Kahl was one of the organizers of the Merchants' Protective Association in the spring of 1887, and has been president of the society since its organization.

SAMUEL KIMBERLY, deceased manufacturer, was born near Salem, Ohio, November 25, 1817, and was a son of Amos E. Kimberly, also a native of the Western Reserve. Samuel was reared in Columbiana County, and spent his early manhood near Austintown, Ohio. About 1861-62 he became interested in the development of the coal fields near Sharon, removing to that town in 1862, and at once becoming one of its most prominent business men. With the late Henry Forker, of Sharon, and Myron Arms, of Youngstown, Ohio, he opened the Keel Ridge Bank in 1863, one of the most successful mines ever oper- ated in Hickory Township. He was afterward interested with Enoch Filer and others in the Mount Pleasant, Hickory, Lackawannock and other mines. About 1865 he bought an interest in the Westerman Iron Company, which he retained several years. In 1869 he built the Keel Ridge Furnace, now owned by his son, P. L. Kimberly. He also had large interests at New Castle, where, in 1872, he purchased the Etna Furnace, which he operated success- fully for several years. At different times he was interested in the Wampum Furnace, the Eagle Furnace, at Youngstown, Ohio, and other enterprises. The great depreciation of property and securities following the panic of 1873 compelled him to close out his interests here in 1878, and a year later he removed to the West, finally locating at Geneva, Ill. After leaving Sharon he gave his attention mostly to iron ore mining, and at the time of his death was presi- dent of the Emmett Mining Company, whose offices are in Sharon. Mr. Kim- berly was twice married, first to Miss Minerva Lanterman, of Austintown, Ohio, who left at her death a family of three sons and one daughter: Amos E., German A., Peter L. and Mrs. Kate E. Murdock. He died February 25, 1885, at his home in Geneva, Ill., in his sixty-eighth year, where his widow still resides. Mr. Kimberly was a man of most active business habits, readily grasping at once the scope and details of large transactions, often involving .many thousands of dollars. In politics he was an ardent Republican, and took a deep interest in the success of that party.

JOHN S. KING, deceased merchant, son of Phillip and Susanna King, was born in Charlestown Township, Chester Co., Penn., April 26, 1813, and died at Sharon, Penn., December 4, 1864. In early life he held responsible positions as a salesman in mercantile establishments in his native county, and prior to reaching manhood he became proprietor of a general store at Port Providence, Montgomery Co., Penn. While thus in business he was joined in marriage January 30, 1834, to Catharine, daughter of Peter and Rachael Young, of his native township. She was born February 18, 1812, and died April 11, 1835, leaving one son, Ambrose M., who died four months afterward. Soon after the death of his wife Mr. King disposed of his busi- ness and engaged in superintending the building of bridges, etc., on the P. & R. R. R., and at Petersburg, Va. After building one lock and bridge on the James River Canal, near Lynchburg, Va., he returned to Chester County, Penn., during the fall of 1838. Mr. King was again married, at Norristown, Penn., September 16, 1841, to Mary C. McFarland, a native of Montgomery County, Penn., born November 26, 1813. He again engaged in the mercan- cantile business at Milford Mills, Chester Co., Penn., which he continued until 1846, when, in company with James McFarland, he removed to Mercer

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

County, locating at the Big Bend, on the Beaver & Erie Canal. He here en- gaged in the manufacture of iron from the native ores, and as a consignor of merchandise. This enterprise having resulted in financial loss to its owners, he engaged in superintending an iron furnace near New Wilmington, Penn., and continued in this business about one year. He then removed to Sharon. and in partnership with A. L. and George Cochran, of New Castle, engaged in mining and shipping coal from their mines in Hickory Township, which he continued up to the time of his death. By his second marriage the following children were born to him: Kate Y., wife of W. O. Leslie, of Sharon; Mrs. Myra S. McMartin, of Raton, N. M .; Arthur M., of Arkansas; Mary W., wife of G. D. Davitt, of Sharpsville; one daughter, deceased, and one died in in- fancy. His wife died December 1, 1854, and he survived her ten years, dying December 4, 1864. Mr. King was a prominent and active Republican politi- cian during his residence in Mercer County, and was a candidate for congres- sional nomination once or twice in the Republican district convention.

JOSEPH KING, justice of the peace, was born in Chester County, Penn., October 26, 1817, and is a son of Philip and Susanna (Slonaker) King, natives of that county, of German descent. Joseph grew up in that county, and received the usual advantages which the district schools afforded. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed it for many years, then went into farm- ing, which he continued until the spring of 1859. In November, 1860, he came to Sharon, and, in partnership with his brother, John S., and Wheeler & Irwin, started a stove foundry. He remained in the foundry business about twelve years, and then opened a stove and hardware store in partnership with his niece, Mrs. W. O. Leslie, in which he remained until 1874, when he sold out to Mr. Leslie. In 1876 Mr. King was appointed a justice of the peace, has been elected to the same office three times, and has filled it continuously up to the present, each term being for five years. The present term will not expire till May 1, 1892. He was married January 14, 1847, to Miss Barbara Strough, of Chester County, Penn., of which union two children grew to maturity: Elnora, wife of S. M. Dalzell, of Erie, Penn., and Addison S., born February 2, 1853, and died November 2, 1875. Politically Mr. King is a Republican, of strong temperance proclivities; has served in the council one term and nine years on the school board, and both he and wife are members of the Presby- terian Church, in which organization Mr. King fills the office of elder.

ARTHUR and MARIAN (Smith) KIRK are among the oldest living citizens of Sharon. The former was born in Scotland July 5, 1804, there grew to man- hood, and married Marian Smith, also a native of Scotland, born December 13, 1803. In 1839 they immigrated to Allegheny City, Penn., being then the parents of eight children. Four were born in this State, and a fact worthy of mention is that the whole twelve are living. Mr. Kirk learned the weaver's trade in his native land, and came out to take charge of a cotton-mill in Alle- gheny City, which position he held about ten years. He afterward erected a cotton factory near Saxonburg, Butler Co., Penn., which he operated a few years. About 1855 he came to Sharon, and went into the grocery business, which he followed successfully until his declining years compelled him to give up the active duties of a business life. He and wife are still residents of Sharon, and are in their eighty-fifth and eighty-sixth years, respectively. Both enjoy the blessing of good health, have been life-long Presbyterians, and in politics he is a Republican. George S. Kirk, harness and collar manufact- urer, and youngest son of Arthur and Marian Kirk, was born in Butler Coun- ty, Penn,, and learned his trade in Sharon, at which he worked till entering business for himself in 1869. He devotes his time to the manufacture of

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

harness, collars and carriage trimmings. In January, 1865, at the age of fifteen, he enlisted in Company G, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served till the close of the war, three of his brothers also serving in the army. Mr. Kirk is a Republican, and stanch in his devotion to the principles of that party.

JOHN S. KISSINGER, manufacturer and bottler of mineral waters, was born in Clarion County, Penn., January 7, 1854, and is a son of David and Siniah (Cochran) Kissinger, of the same county. Upon the death of his mother, which took place when John was about six years old, his father moved to Law- rence County, Penn., where John grew to manhood and received a common school education. He learned his present business in New Castle, and in January, 1885, came to Sharon and established a factory for the manufacture of all kinds of mineral water. He has since built up a lucrative trade, and is recognized as one of the young progressive men of the town. Mr. Kissinger was married June 15, 1879, to Miss Sarah Hunt, of Lawrence County, Penn., and daughter of Abraham Hunt, now a resident of Grove City, Penn. One son has been born to them, Walter C. Politically Mr. Kissinger is a Demo- crat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HARRY KLINE, contractor and builder, was born in New Castle, Lawrence Co., Penn., August 8, 1854, and is a son of Henry and Anna J. (Bell) Kline, both natives of Eastern Pennsylvania; he of German and she of Irish ancestry. Henry died in New Castle in 1861, and his widow came to Sharon with the children in 1865. Here Harry grew to manhood and learned the car- penter trade, at which he worked several years. He then began contracting and building, and in 1882 built a planing-mill on the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., which he has since operated. In 1886 he purchased his present lumber yard, corner of Railroad and Silver Streets, and in connection with his planing- mill does a good business in the contracting and building line. Mr. Kline was married in February, 1884, to Miss Mary Stickle, of Lawrence County, of which union two children, Henry and Mary, have been born. Politically he is independent, and is a K. of P., and one of the young progressive men of Sharon. He adheres to the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife is a Presbyterian.

LAFFERTY BROS., druggists, is one of the new firms of Sharon. John H. Lafferty was born in Jefferson Township, Mercer Co., Penn., June 14, 1863, and was principally educated in Sharon. He began clerking here in 1880, and has since followed that business. He is a son of James and Mary (Todd) Laf- ferty, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of Bruce County, Ontario, Canada. The parents were married in Canada, and soon afterward removed to Mercer County, where the father died August 26, 1883. The widow resides on the homestead in Jefferson Township. Mr. Lafferty is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and of the E. A. U., and in politics is a Demo- crat. He is a dealer in fine stock, and does considerable business in that line. Archie I. Lafferty, was born in Jefferson Township March 10, 1867, and received his education in this county. He learned the drug business with Dr. B. Love, of Sharon. After Dr. Love's death the business was conducted by our subject till April, 1887, when he purchased a one-half interest, and in December following, his brother, John H., purchased the remaining half. The firm of Lafferty Bros. has since carried on a successful business. In politics Archie I. is a Republican, and belongs to the E. A. U.

JOHN LEE, retired merchant, was born in Lancashire, England, May 6, 1828, and is a son of Jeremiah and Nancy (Jackson) Lee, both of whom spent their lives in England. Our subject grew up in his native land, and learned

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History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 96

Author: Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1288

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288