History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics, Part 160

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320

USA > Pennsylvania > McKean County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 160
USA > Pennsylvania > Potter County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 160
USA > Pennsylvania > Elk County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 160
USA > Pennsylvania > Cameron County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 160

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MICHAEL WEIMER, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of George and Eve Weimer, was born in Alsace, France, in 1824. He came with his parents to America in 1830, locating in Roulette township, where he was reared. After reaching manhood he located on the farm he now owns in Roulette township, and engaged in business as a farmer, also dealing extensively in lumber. He was married in 1849 to Rebecca, daughter of Elder Barr, and their children are Loetta, wife of William Tauscher; Sarah, wife of Perry Brock; George; Eve, wife of Isaac Dingman; Nettie F., wife of Llewellyn Matteson; Ida, wife of Delno Wright; Viola, wife of Edgar Whaley; Augusta, wife of R. Lee Burt; Gracie, wife of William Ruby; Emily and Michael. Mrs. Weimer died April 13, 1887. Both were members of the Free Will Baptist Church. Mr. Wei- mer is a member of the Democratic party. During the war he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered out of the service in 1865.

R. L. WHITE, merchant, Roulette, son of David and Martha J. White, was born in Leroy township, Bradford Co., Penn., in 1840. About 1853 his parents removed to Sweden township, Potter Co., Penn., and purchased a tract of over 200 acres of land; this was cleared, and they became prominent citizens of that township. Their family consisted of eleven children, viz. : Franklin, who died at the age of fourteen years; Rodney L. ; Adeline (deceased) who married Charles Wygant, of Cherry Flats, Tioga county; Frederick D .;

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Delivan (deceased), a former resident of Bradford, Penn. ; Warren; William; Martha (Mrs. C. Chase): Franklin 2d; Milton and Mary (twins, Mary died when seven years old, and Milton is now on the old homestead). Six of this family are living. Hon. R. L. White received his education in the common schools and the academy of Potter county, and in 1866 married Fronia E., daughter of H. L. Bird, of Sweden township. After his marriage he located on a farm in Sweden township, where he lived until 1874, when he removed to Roulette, and embarked in the mercantile business. Mr. White is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M., of Coudersport Chapter, No. 263, R. A. M., and of Roulette Lodge, No. 322, I. O. O. F. He cast his political fortunes with the Republican party, and was elected county commissioner, serving one term. In 1867 he was re-elected, and served a second term. In the fall of 1879 he was elected a member of the legislature, and served during the winter of 1880-81. He has always been identified with local matters, and has filled a prominent place in the locality he has chosen for his residence. His purse and influence are always extended in furthering any proposition looking to the advancement of local interests, and he is liberal in his charities and a friend to the needy. His children are Mabel, Elmer B. and Harry D.

GEORGE WIEDERICH, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of Jacob and Sally Wiederich, was born at Inglesy, France, in 1821, and came with his parents to America in 1829, locating in Roulette, then a wilderness, there being but one house and a blacksmith shop where the thrifty borough of Coudersport now stands. His father purchased a tract of land, which he cleared, and he became a prosperous farmer. Their children were Sally (Mrs. Isaac Lyman), Margaret (Mrs. Henry Reynolds), Caroline (Mrs. Charles N. Barrett) and George. After the father's death the mother made her home with her son George. George Wiederich was reared in Potter county, and remained on the homestead with his parents until his marriage, after which he took charge of the farm, and at his father's death succeeded him in its ownership. He married Kate, daughter of Henry Yentzer, and they have six children: Alice, Orlando, Lettie, Edith, Della and Volney. In politics Mr. Wiederich is a Democrat, and has served his township as school director.

JOHN YENTZER, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of Henry and Mary Yentzer, was born in France in 1827, in the province of Alsace, now belong- ing to Germany, and with his parents came to America in 1834, locating in Roulette, where he was reared and educated. In 1852 he bought the farm he now owns, and began life as a farmer and lumberman, which is still his busi- ness. He was married in 1859 to Hannah Baker, and they have five children: Arthur, David, Myron, Melvina and Sophronia. Mr. and Mrs. Yentzer are members of the Free Will Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held various official positions in his township, which he has filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

L. B. YENTZER, P. O. Roulette, son of Henry and Mary Yentzer, was born in France, near Strasburg in 1832. His parents came to America in 1834, and located in Roulette Township, Potter Co., Penn., where the father purchased a farm, cleared it and engaged in farming. They reared a family of seven boys and two girls, all living but Peter, the third-born child. Their names are as follows: Horace, Daniel, Peter, George, John, L. B., Frederick, Mrs. Katherine Weidrich and Mrs. Caroline Tauscher. Here the parents spent their declining years, surrounded by their children, and in the enjoy- ment of every material comfort. L. B. remained with his parents until their decease. May 25, 1863, he married Pauline Neefe, of Sweden township, and located on the old homestead farm, which is now a very desirable property.

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Their children are Gustave H., Lena Raymer, Edward C., Florence, Burdette and Carroll. They are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Yentzer is a Democrat. He has held various official positions in the township, and is a gentleman highly respected by all who know him.

DANIEL YENTZER, farmer, P. O. Roulette, was born in France in 1821, and came with his parents to America in 1834. In 1849 he married Mary A. Shafer, located in Pleasant Valley township, and engaged in farming, remain- ing there about thirty-six years, when they removed to Roulette, where Mrs. Yentzer died in November, 1884, leaving four children: Henry B., John L., Daniel T. and Mary (now Mrs. William Ernst). In 1886 Mr. Yentzer married, for his second wife, Mrs. Angeline Peckham, daughter of Luther Kinney, for- merly of Clarksville, Allegany Co., N. Y., who also had three children: Car- rie (now Mrs. Wilson McDowell, of Pleasant Valley), Nellie (now Mrs. John Smith, of Annin township, Mckean county) and Lillie P. Mrs. Yentzer is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Yentzer of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a promiment citizen, and has held various positions of trust and honor in the township of Pleasant Valley.

HOMER TOWNSHIP.

JAMES H. QUIMBY (deceased) was born in Steuben county, N. Y., Octo- ber 10, 1834. He lived in his native county until eighteen years of age, when he came with his parents to Potter county, Penn., where they bought a tract of wild land, in Homer township, which he improved and made his home until his death, and here his family still reside. He was one of the first settlers of the township, and was a successful farmer and lumberman. He died October 26, 1872. Mr. Quimby was married, November 14, 1855, to Miss Charlotte Foster, who was born in Susquehanna county, Penn., November 14, 1835, and was brought by her parents to Homer township, Potter county, in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Quimby had a family of five children: Nora (married, and living with her husband on a farm in Kansas), Flora (wife of Charles Head, now liv- ing at Hot Springs, Dak. ), Sylvia (wife of Frank Munroe, and living in Kan- sas), Alvin and Rose. The last two reside with their mother on the old farm, where Mrs. Quimby is taking care of Grandfather James E. Quimby, who is now eighty-four years of age. Mrs. Quimby is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

D. C. WHITE, farmer, P. O. Coudersport, is a native of Tompkins county, N. Y., born December 7, 1820, a son of Dr. Austin White, who moved to Pot- ter county, Penn., in 1839, and was the first physician in Harrison township, where he lived until his death, Angust 7. 1869. He left a family of seven children: Sally, Jane, Esther, Fannie, D. C., Miles and Harriet. D. C. White came to Potter county with his parents in 1839, and lived in Harrison town- ship until February, 1882, when he moved to Homer township, buying the farm where he now lives. He has been prominent in public affairs, and has held the office of county treasurer one term, and various township offices. He was married, March 1, 1840, to Miss Susan Fie, of Jefferson county, Penn .. and they have five children: William J., of Coudersport; Mary A., wife of George Carr, of Troopsburg, N. Y .; George; Jane and Sophronia.

PORTAGE TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF AUSTIN.

E. O. AUSTIN. farmer, P. O. Austin, Penn. Mr. Austin is a son of Oramel Austin, and was born in Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1825. He received a limited education in his native county, and in 1841, with his par- ents came to White's Corners, Harrison township. Potter county, remaining

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HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

there until 1856, when he removed to what is now the borough of Austin, then in Sylvania township. He soon after built the road from North Whar- ton (now Costello) to his place, three miles. In 1870 he built the State road from Austin to Keating Summit, to bring his township in connection with the W. N. Y. & P. R. R. which was built in 1872-73. He bought a tract of land, which he cleared, and was largely instrumental in the location of extensive manufacturing interests. His solicitation with Mr. Goodyear largely influenced Mr. Garretson to locate his business there in 1885, and this resulted in the location of other important mills and enterprises. He was educated as a civil engineer, and was largely concerned in surveying and engineering in his county some years ago. The town, which was named Austin in honor of E. O. (he being its founder), was incorporated as a borough October 19, 1888. It is located on a tract of 147 acres belonging to Mr. Austin, and was laid out on plans drawn by him. He has always been prominently identified with the town, doing all in his power to promote its interests. Mr. Austin began life as

a poor boy, and is emphatically a self-made man. He has been justice of the peace about thirty years, or ever since 1857. with the exception of a few months; was elected county commissioner in 1863, serving two terms, and has been a school director forty years. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in the fall of 1862, and served until July, 1865, being chief clerk in the depart- ment of the Pamlico. Mr. Austin wrote the reminiscences of Potter county deposited with the State Historical Society, and a history of the county pub- lished in Egle's History of Pennsylvania, which has been of great value to the compiler of the history of Potter county. He is a correspondent of many papers, and is a writer of ability on any subject he chooses to discuss. He read law with Isaac Benson from 1847 to 1849, and fitted himself for the bar, although he had no intention of practicing. He is the leading citizen of the town of Austin, and no man in the county has a more extended influence or is more widely known and respected. He was married, in 1849, to Amelia Sted- man, who died, leaving five children, He afterward married Julia Allington, and to them have been born three children. Mr. Austin is a stanch sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M.

FRANK L. BLAISDELL, proprietor of the Kindling Wood Factory, Austin, son of E. F. Blaisdell, was born in Maine in 1852, where he was reared and educated. He came to Potter county, Penn., and began the erection of his works at Austin, in July, 1886, in company with his brother. Their sawing machinery and bundling presses are of his own invention. The Blaisdell Brothers are pioneers of the kindling-wood business, and were compelled to invent machinery to avoid infringement of patent, and have the best in the world. Their mill has a capacity of sawing 100 cords of four-foot wood daily, giving employment to 150 hands. Mr. Blaisdell was married in 1877 to Margaret Fenter, of New York City, and to them have been born five children. Mr. Blaisdell is liberal in religion and politics.

JOHN BROWNLEE, proprietor of saw-mill. P. O. Costello, is a son of Robert and Ruth Brownlee, and was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ire- land, in 1827. When he was two years old his parents moved to Killyleagh, County Down, where he was reared and educated, and learned the trade of baker and pastry cook. In 1851 he came to the United States, the passage occupying thirteen weeks, and located in New York City. The first engage- ment he had on this side of the Atlantic was as pastry cook on the steamship "Georgia," under Admiral Porter, running between New York City and Aspinwall. After following his trade five years in New York, he came, in

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

1856, through the influence of his half brother, Gorman Young, of Ohio, to Potter county, where he has ever since resided. He settled in Portage town- ship, on the place he now owns, which he purchased when it was a wilderness. This he cleared and improved, making it a very fine property. Coming here, as he did, with $2,000 in money, Mr. Brownlee was considered a capitalist in those days. He is the owner of a saw, grist, planing and shingle mill, and, in addition to attending to the work of his farm, has always been in the lumber trade. Mr. Brownlee has been twice married-first, in Liverpool, England, to Elizabeth Savage, of Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland, who bore him ten children, all natives of Potter county, except the eldest, who was born at 73 Fulton street, New York. Seven of the children are yet living. This wife dying, Mr. Brownlee afterward married Rebecca Courtney, of Ful- nek, a Moravian settlement in Yorkshire, England. Politically Mr. Brownlee is a Republican.

HARRY D. CASKEY, son of M. C. and Eliza L. (Thayer) Caskey, was born at Great Valley, N. Y., January 5, 1862. He received his education at the Chamberlain Institute. Randolph, N. Y., and entered the office of the Courant at that place as an apprentice, in 1878. Remaining three years, he moved to Warren, Penn., and worked in various offices in Western Pennsyl- vania and Western New York until 1883, when he puchased the office of the Cherry Creek (N. Y.) Monitor, and in partnership with John Ackley, con- ducted that paper until the close of the year, when he returned to Randolph. In the summer of 1884 he moved to Butte, Mont., and entered the Miner office. In 1885-86 he traveled through the West, and, returning to Pennsylvania, re- sumed work, establishing the Sharon Leader and Ceres Courant. After a term of fifteen months, he moved to Austin. September 1, 1887, and with the editor of the Reporter established the Austin Autograph. In April, 1888, he sold the office to Snyder & Co., who in turn, sold to W. H. Sullivan in November, 1888. In April, 1889, the latter sold to D. W. Butterworth, but in Septem- ber of that year Mr. Sullivan resumed possession of the office, and immediately turned it over to Mr. Caskey, who has been editor since its establishment here. His marriage with Miss Matie Brock, took place November 1, 1887, at Ceres, N. Y. Mr. Caskey has always been a Democrat, and his journal is strongly favorable to that party.

A. DEICHES, merchant, Austin, a son of W. Deiches, was born in Austria in 1852, and came to the United States in 1870. He first located in New York City, where he remained until 1886, when he removed to Austin, Penn., and became associated with S. Deiches in the clothing business. While in New York he was engaged in the manufacture of cigars at Brooklyn, and was also in the clothing business. He was the first to manufacture cigars in Austin, and still carries on an extensive business in that line. He was married in New York to Celia Tyroler, and they have three children. They are adherents of the Hebrew faith. In politics Mr. Deiches is a Republican.

R. J. GAFFNEY, Austin, son of Michael Gaffney, was born in New York City, January 14, 1863. He remained in his native city until nine years of age, when his parents removed to Valley Falls, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., where he remained some twelve years. After leaving school he was for some years working in the manufacture of mosquito nets, linen twines, and buckrams, in Valley Falls, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and March 15, 1834, left Valley Falls and returned to New York City, remaining there one year in the employ of Clarkson & Allen, painters and wall-paper decorators, as their collector. In March, 1885, he left New York City and went to Fish's Eddy, Delaware Co., N. Y., to take charge of a country store for Keery Bros., in connection with their chemical

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HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

works at that place: he remained with Keery Bros. three years, and, was at the time of leaving them, their general superintendent of chemical works and store, which, by the way, grew and prospered in his hands. March 15, 1888, he came to Potter county, Penn., erected the Austin Chemical Works, where he manufactures wood alcohol, acetate of lime and charcoal, and is also superin- tendent of the extract works. June 22. 1887, Mr. Gaffney married Hattie L. Sproat, of Valley Falls. He is a strong supporter of high license and firm against the removal of the internal revenue tax on grain alcohol.

W. H. SULLIVAN, Austin, son of Timothy Sullivan, was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, in 1864, where he was educated, graduating from the collegiate institute in 1880. In 1852 he became connected with the Buf- falo Hardware Company, and upon the completion of their works at Austin, in 1886, came here as their general manager. In December, 1SSS, with Mr. Har- vey, he leased both mills of the Buffalo Hardware Company, the upper one being the largest in the State, and one of the largest in the United States, giving employment to 275 men. He married Elizabeth, daughter of A. C. Calkins, of Buffalo. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, I. O. O. F. He is, in his political views, a Democrat, and was a member of the State Central Committee in 1888.

WHARTON TOWNSHIP.

SETH BRIGGS, manufacturer of lumber, P. O. Sanders, was born in Tioga county, N. Y., October 9, 1834. He came with his father, Seth Briggs (who was one of the first settlers of Wharton township), to Potter county, October 9, 1854. The family settled on a tract of wild land, and held it by peaceable possession, living on it twenty-one years. His father died in 1862, and although a resident of the county only eight years, was well-known and highly respected. In 1875 Mr. Briggs bought the saw-mill formerly owned by David Card, and now carries on an extensive business in lumber. He was married July 9, 1887, to Miss D. M. Horton, of Wharton. He has been a prominent citizen of the county, and has held various official positions. In politics he is a Democrat.

DAVID CARD, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Sanders, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., February 14, 1818. In his childhood his parents moved to Vermont and from there to Oswego county, N. Y., where they lived until 1850, when they moved to Tioga county, N. Y. Mr. Card bought a farm in Tioga county, living on it until 1858, when he came to Potter county, Penn., and exchanged his farm in Tioga county for a tract of wild land, heavily tim- bered, in Wharton township. He built a mill on his land, and has been ex- tensively engaged in the lumber business. He also has given his attention to agriculture, and owns a well-improved farm on the Sinnemahoning river, which is attractive, his residence and farm buildings being among the best in the township. Although deeply engrossed in his own business, he is interested in all matters of public benefit, and has held various official positions. Mr. Card was married, in 1851, to Miss Diadona Green, who died in 1858, and May 11, 1861, he married Miss Louisa Briggs, daughter of Seth Briggs, who came from Tioga county, N. Y., to Potter county, in 1854. Mr. Card has a family of five children: Della, wife of Henry Engle; Laura, wife of Wesley Harding; David; Cora, wife of Isaac Cornelius, and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Card are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

M. T. SEIBERT, farmer. P. O. Costello, was born March 26, 1826, in Berks county, Penn., where he was reared and educated, remaining with his father until he became a young man. He bought a farm in Berks county, and remained there until 1848, when he came to Potter county, and purchased a

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tract of wild land, but did not move to the county until 1871. He now has a good home in Wharton township, and is one of the prosperous farmers of the township. Mr. Seibert was married in October, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Good, who died in 1856. In November, 1866, he married Miss Amelia Bishop, of Berks county, and they have seven children: John M. (in Alabama), Luther B., (an attorney in Austin), Douglas S. (a merchant in Sanders), Mary L. (wife of George Olmsted, of Coudersport), Annie A. (in Eldred), Nellie G. and Nora V. Mr. Seibert is a member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M.

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Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1320

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320