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 42

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 42
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 42
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 42
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 42

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F. W. DAVIS, president of the First National Bank, Bradford, was born near the city of Bradford. Penn., June 8, 1844, the eldest of four children of R. W. and Sarah C. (Moore) Davis, former a native of Vermont, and latter of New York, of English descent. His father was a cabinet-maker by trade, which he followed in Chautauqua county, N. Y., until his removal to Brad- ford in 1842, where he continued the business until his death in 1876. F. W. Davis attended the common schools until seventeen years of age, at which time the war broke out, and in November, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and rendered faithful service until the close of the war, at which time he held the rank of first lieutenant. He was with his regiment in all its battles and skirmishes. They were on detailed duty the greater part of the time, fighting bushwhackers, and were present at the capture of Fort Harrison, below Richmond. After his return home Mr. Davis was employed as clerk and bookkeeper, taking a regular course at Eastman's Business College, and in 1870 he embarked in the drug business, which he continued until 1878. When the First National Bank of Bradford was organized be became one of the stockholders and a director; in 1887 he was elected vice president, and in 1888 president. He has been one of the

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

leading citizens of Bradford, and has built one of the best blocks in the city : is owner of considerable real estate, having devoted a portion of his time to that business. . Mr. Davis was married in 1868 to Albina T. Sanford, dangh- ter of George Sanford, of Bradford, and they have one child, Sarah G. Mrs. Davis and her daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat, and he is a member of Union Lodge No. 334, F. & A. M.

F. G. DAVIS, of the firm of Brennan & Davis, jewelers and booksellers, Bradford, is one of the leading business men of the city, where he has spent his life. He became established in his present business in 1SS3, and as suc- cess came to the firm they have gradually increased their stock until it is now unexcelled in variety and quality in the city. Mr. Davis was born in Bradford, Mckean Co., Penn., August 8, 1851, a son of R. W. and Sarah (Moore) Davis. He was the youngest of three children, and is a brother of F. W. Davis, pres- ident of the Bradford National Bank. He was married at Fredonia. N. Y., in 1876, to Eva Cowdrey, who died in 1882. Mr. Davis has one son, Clyde H. Davis.

P. H. DAVITT, proprietor of bottling works, Bradford, is a native of Ire- land, born March 14, 1854, a son of John and Nora (Rush) Davitt. In 1866 he came to America with his parents. who settled in Erie county, N. Y., where the father worked at the stone masons' and plasterers' trades, and later became a contractor and builder. In 1878 the subject of our sketch came to Bradford, soon after opened his bottling works, and has built up a good trade in his line. Mr. Davitt was married in New York in 1889 to Miss Ella J., daughter of Jolin Considine. Mr. and Mrs. Davitt are members of the Catholic Church and he is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Association. He is a Democrat in poli- tics, and has served as a member of the select council.

ALBERT DEGOLIER, oil producer. Bradford, was born in Keating town- ship, Mckean Co., Penn., June 4, 1831. a son of Abel and Elizabeth (Overhi- ser) DeGolier, natives of Western New York and descendants of the earliest settlers, the former of French ancestry and the latter of English and Mohawk Dutch. The father moved to Mckean county in 1830 and died in 1833 at Smethport, when only thirty-one years old. The mother's health failing, she was obliged to give over her children to the care of others. Albert found a home with Warren Edson, who gave him the benefit of the common schools, and as he grew older he assisted in the work of the farm. He started in life for himself as a farmer, and in 1860 went to Iowa, where he remained six years. In 1866 he returned to McKean county, and embarked in general mercantile trade, which he continued ten years, and in 1876 became interested in the pro- duction of oil. Mr. DeGolier was married October 17, 1853, to Miss Eleanor, daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Faloon) Hutchinson, natives of Ireland, who came to McKean county in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. DeGolier have had eleven children, seven of whom are living: Charles Fremont, Elmer A .. Spencer M., Elizabeth A., Mary A. (Mrs. J. L. Barrett), Margaret L. and Eleanor J. Emma E., Ella O. and John died in infancy; the second son. Albert E., died March 15, 1886. Politically Mr. DeGolier is a Republican. He has served as a member of the school board and also of the common council of Bradford.

D. DEGOLIER, gardener, P. O. Bradford, was born in Prattsburgh, Steuben Co., N. Y., July 16, 1820, a son of Samuel and Esther (Olds) De- Golier, natives of Saratoga county, N. Y., and Vermont, respectively. In 1831 Samuel, James, Abel and Nathan DeGolier came to McKean county, and took up land in Bradford township, which is now known as DeGolier settlement or station. James was in the war of 1812; Samuel was an active business man.

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and filled various offices in Bradford township, and was a prominent member of the Baptist Church. He died in 1844. His widow married Phineas Hall and died in 1870. Three of the children of Samuel and Esther DeGolier are yet living: R. A., of Northport, Mich. ; Esther, wife of Daniel Dikeman, of Bradford township, and the subject of this sketch. D. DeGolier married, in 1842, Miss Dersy C., daughter of Simeon Morris, of Bradford township. She died in 1881, leaving three children: Sylvester B., living at home; Maur- ice, of Wisconsin: aud W. F., of Florida. Mr. DeGolier was next married to Mrs. Lavinda E. Emery, of Erie county, N. Y. He was engaged in the mercantile business at Bradford for five years, and, with this exception, he has always been engaged in farming and market gardening. He had always been identified with the Republican party, and served as justice of the peace of Bradford township for ten years, but since the formation of the Prohibition party has been identified with it. He is a deacon and trustee in the Baptist Church, of which he has been a member fifty-four years.

C. DEHART, superintendent of a district for the New York Pipe Line Com- pany, Bradford, was born in Auburn, N. Y., January 2, 1846, a son of Joseph and Margaret DeHart, natives of New York, and of French descent, former of whom died in 1881. C. DeHart was reared in Titusville, and in his youth began to work at the oil wells. For eighteen years he has worked for pipe line companies, and for sixteen years has been in the employ of the New York com- pany in various capacities, coming to Bradford in 1877. Mr. DeHart was married, in 1871, to Mary, daughter of William Carey, and they have three children: Mabel, Lloyd and Helen. Mrs. DeHart is a member of the Catho- lie Church. In politics Mr. DeHart is a Republican.

R. A. DEMPSEY. ex- mavor of Bradford and capitalist, was born in Venango county. Penn., April 26. 1837, the eldest of three children of Thomas C. and Mary Ann (Arthur) Dempsey, natives of Pennsylvania, former of Venango county, of Irish and German descent, and latter of Warren county, of Scotch and English descent. The father died in 1884, at an advanced age. R. A. Dempsey was reared a farmer, and followed that vocation until 1862, when he enlisted in Company E. One Hundred and Twenty-first Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry, and by promotion finally was commissioned first lieutenant. His regiment participated in many hard fought battles. Near Petersburg, Va., October 1, 1864, he was captured and was held prisoner three months and two weeks at Salisbury. Being detailed to cut wood, he found an opportunity to make his escape, and joined the Union lines in Tennessee. After the close of the war he returned to Pennsylvania, and for a time was engaged in mercantile business, later in oil producing, and since 1871 has owned and conducted an oil refinery. In 1882 he became a member of a manufacturing company at Custer City that has been extensively engaged in the manufacture of high ex- plosives. He is also interested in the cattle business in Kansas, owning a large tract of land. He has been a successful business man, and is now one of the leading citizens of Bradford. He has served as supervisor of Bradford township, also as school director, and in 1886 was elected mayor of the city. He has served two terms as postmaster, one term in Venango county and one in MeKean county. He is a member of Bradford Post No. 141, G. A. R., and has held all the important offices in his post. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and encampment, of the Knights of Labor, and of several beneficiary societies. In politics Mr. Dempsey is a Republican. He was married in No- vember, 1859, to Martha E. Campbell, daughter of Joseph Campbell, and they have four children: Mary (wife of Frank Howard), Lizzie, Nora and Lulu. Mrs. Dempsey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

C. W. DENNIS, a member of the firm of Spence & Dennis, dealers in tor- pedoes and nitro glycerine, Bradford, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., October 30. 1853, a son of Joseph W. and Delia (Tolles) Dennis, who were also natives of New York, of English descent. Joseph W. Dennis is still a resident of Buf- falo, and is aged sixty-two. Mrs. Delia Dennis died in Detroit in 1858, and in

1867 Mr. Dennis married Lucy M. Newman, of Nunda, N. Y. After his mother's death our subject lived with an aunt, sister of his mother, several years, in Albion and Marion, Ohio; then lived on a farm near Kenosha, Wis .. for eight years, and then returned to Buffalo, N. Y., in 1869; he had good educational advantages, and after leaving school clerked for his father, who was a government contractor. In 1877 he came to Bradford and engaged in the oil business, adding the torpedo interest in 1878. In 1883 Spence & Dennis obtained the agency for the Torpedo Company of Delaware, and have met with good success in this line. Mr. Dennis was married January 24, 1883, in Buffalo, to Miss Jennie, a daughter of Capt. James W. Moore. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights of Honor, as well as of the Royal Arcanum.

WILLIAM H. DENNIS, senior member of the firm of Dennis & Booth. who has been identified with the building up of the city of Bradford from the early days of the oil excitement, was born in England, of English parents, in October, 1852, son of James and Sarah (Stephens) Dennis. Early in life he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. In 1872 he came to Pennsyl- vania and settled in Carbondale. Lackawanna county, where in 1875 he was mar- ried to Maggie C., daughter of David and Charlotte (Farquharson) Andrew. who were natives of Scotland, coming to New York in 1853, and settling in Ontario county, where Maggie C. was born in June, 1854. In 1876 Mr. Den- nis entered into partnership with I. S. Jones, and the firm of Jones & Dennis in 1877 moved to Bradford, where C. S. Booth was added. and the firm of Jones. Dennis & Booth did an extensive business both in Bradford and adjoin- ing cities. Among the buildings erected by thein are the Producers' Petroleum Exchange, the Central school-building, the Baptist and Methodist Churches, L. Emery, Jr., & Co.'s stores, the residences of George A. Berry, Esq., Sena- tor Emery and many others. In 1886 Mr. Jones withdrew and Dennis & Booth, in addition to their building business, engaged in the production of petroleum, having purchased some valuable oil lands in Foster township, Mc- Kean county. From the start this firm have held the position of leaders in the building business, and at the present time employ a large number of skilled workmen. Mr. Dennis also does architectural drawing, furnishing plans and specifications for buildings when desired. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have six children: Lizzie B., Lottie S., Margie A., Marion H., Charles J. and Edith M. Both are members of the Baptist Church, which, in 1878, they took a prominent part in organizing in Bradford and in which he has for years held the office of deacon and church clerk. He is also president of the Young Men's Christian Association of Bradford, a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance, and in politics votes the Prohibition ticket.

DAVID A. DENNISON, managing editor of the Era, Bradford, Penn., was born at Cromwell, Conn., in 1856, where his parents had settled after their immigration from Cork, Ireland, about forty-five years ago. The family moved to Pennsylvania before the war of the Rebellion, and in this State the subject of this notice received an elementary education, while assisting on the home farm in Crawford county. In 1878 we find him in the State of Iowa, where he followed agricultural pursuits, but deeming the hills and valleys of the Keystone State a much happier clime, he returned hither, where he was

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engaged in various industries until 1887, in which year he was appointed to a position on the staff of the Era at Bradford. From the age of fifteen Mr. Dennison had been a contributor to several publications, and after coming here he acted as correspondent of the Elmira Sunday Telegram, and other papers, on oil-field news and other subjects. On July 3, 1889, he was pro- moted to the managing editorship of the Era, vice Mr. C. H. Steiger, trans- ferred to the Toledo Commercial.

JOHN A. DIETER, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., February 28, 1835, a son of John and Annie C. (Kline) Dieter, natives of New York State, who came to Mckean county, Penn., in 1848, and purchased a farm in Bradford township. The father was a stone mason, brick layer and plasterer by trade. In politics he is a Republican, and filled vari- ous township offices; although not a member of any church, he was a con- scientious Christian man, and his wife was a member of the United Brethren Church for many years. He died in 1857 and his widow in 1881. Ten children were born to them, eight of whom are still living: Barbara J. (wife of William Baker, of Bradford township), Samuel Jackson (of Michigan). Michael K. (of Chautauqua county, N. Y.), John A., Eliza C. (wife of John Mack, of Ohio). Mary C. (wife of Spencer Tibbitts, of Custer City), Martha M. (wife of Henry Hammond, of Colorado) and George W. (of Cattaraugus county, N. Y.) John A. was reared mostly in McKean county, and obtained but a limited education, as he had to assist his father in clearing and improving the farm and attending stone masons. He was married May 2, 1865, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Charles Hayter, of Eden, or Marshburg, McKean county, and they have four children: Charles Stanley, John Franklin, Emma Frances and Henry Joseph, all living at home. Mr. Dieter has been identified with both the Republican and Democratic parties, and of late years has been a strong supporter of the Prohibition party. He has always been a prominent member of the United Brethren Church, and for years has been a licensed exhorter and class leader.

LORENZO DRAKE, farmer and oil producer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Morris county, N. J., September 20, 1819, a son of Silas C. and Sarah (Hamilton) Drake, natives of that State. In 1840 they came to McKean county, Penn., and entered the tract of land in Bradford township now owned by Lorenzo Drake. Silas C. Drake was a captain of the New Jersey State Militia. He was a Whig. afterward a Republican, and filled various township offices. He died in Bradford township in 1858, and his wife in 1862. They reared seven chil- dren, three of whom are living: Clarissa, widow of John Rutherford, of Erie county, Penn .; Theodore F., of Great Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y .; and Lorenzo, the eldest, who removed with his parents from New Jersey to Tioga county, N. Y., when four years of age. He received a common-school educa- tion, and has followed the occupation of farming. In 1846 he married Miss Rhoda, daughter of Sheldon Tuttle, of Tioga county, Penn., and to them have been born nine children, named as follows: Silas, Ralph, Leroy, Russell and Gny. all farmers in Nebraska; Charles, civil engineer, at home; Millie, wife of Frank Smith, of Springville, N. Y .; Ida and Sarah A., at home. Mr. Drake is an active Republican.

S. R. DRESSER. manufacturer of oil well and gas well packers, Bradford. was born in Litchfield, Hillsdale Co., Mich., February 1, 1842, a son of Parker and Lydia (Cronkhyte) Dresser, former a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and latter of New York, of Dutch descent. The father died in 1872. Mr. Dresser, when a young man, went to La Fayette, Ind., where he clerked in a dry goods store, and in 1865 moved to West Virginia, and was there em- ployed in the oil fields. In 1872 he changed his location to Butler county and

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for three years continued in the oil business. In 1880, having invented his packer, he began manufacturing, and now has a good business. Mr. Dresser was married in 1864 to Vesta E., daughter of Chauncey Simpson, who died in 1883, and they had a family of five children, two of whom are living: Ione and Robert A. In 1885 Mr. Dresser married Caroline, daughter of Carl Kirsch. Mrs. Dresser is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Dresser is a Republican, and has held various official positions, being a prominent citizen. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of Bradford.

C. A. DURFEY, State oil inspector, oil producer and dealer in real estate, Bradford, is a native of Connecticut, born April 19, 1838, a son of Benjamin and Harmony (Kingsley) Durfey, also natives of Connecticut. His father was a prominent citizen of that State and served as a member of the legislature from New London county. He died in 1874, in the seventy-second year of his age. C. A. Durfey was the second in a family of six children. He learned the blacksmith trade in his youth, and during the Civil war was employed on gov- ernment work in the armory at Springfield, Mass. In 1865 he came to Penn- sylvania as superintendent of the Prescott and Seymour Oil Companies, and made his headquarters in Venango county twelve years. He then removed to Bradford county and worked in the oil fields, where he has since been success- ful as an oil producer. In 1877 he was appointed State oil inspector, a posi- tion he has since held. He has bought considerable real estate in the county, and has sold portions at quite an advance on the purchase price. Among his valuable possessions in the county may be mentioned the Durfey block, on Main street, Bradford, which is one of the handsomest buildings in the city. Mr. Durfey was married in 1864 to Lizzie V. Bowles, who died in 1872. leaving two children: J. W. and Gertrude S. In politics Mr. Durfey is a Democrat, and he has been a member of Bradford city council, and also of the school board.

EDGETT & McALLISTER, real estate, 1, 2 and 3 Bradburn block, 95 Main street, Bradford. The firm of Edgett & McAllister is composed of Roy W. Edgett and R. McAllister. They have been established in their present business only about one year, and in that time, by close application and careful study of values, have succeeded in steadily increasing the number of their transactions, until to-day they are among the leading real estate firms, and en- gaged in handling some of the very best properties in the country. They have a branch office at 315 Main street, Buffalo, N. Y., and handle property all over the United States. In addition, they enjoy facilities for placing loans on most reliable securities. They are always willing and anxious to assist in any laud- able effort to build up and maintain enterprises of a useful nature. They hold in the community an enviable position for their liberality and progressive spirit, and are gentlemen of pleasant and courteous manners.

G. C. EDMUNDS, proprietor of a livery stable, Bradford, was born in Warren county, Penn., April 8, 1849, fifth in a family of nine children of Robert and Elizabeth (Caskey) Edmunds, former of whom came from Scotland to America and settled in Warren county, where he spent the last years of his life. G. C. Edmunds was reared in his native county, attending school when a small boy, but in 1862 he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade. After com. pleting his apprenticeship he engaged in business for himself, and for some time dealt extensively in horses. He also bought valuable oil land leases and has been successfully engaged in the oil business. Since 1870 he has been a resident of Mckean county. and at present devotes the most of his attention to the livery business, having stables at both Bradford and Kendall. In politics Mr. Edmunds is a Republican, and has held the offices of constable and road commissioner of Mckean county. He was married in Tennessee, in 1870. to

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Miss Eva, daughter of D. C. Hayes, and they have five children: Ina, Eliza- beth, George, Frank and Eva.

LEWIS EMERY, JR., Bradford, was born about two miles from the pretty little village of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., August 10, 1839. In 1842 his father had been engaged constructing a railway near Olean, N. Y .. for the old Erie, now the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad, and lost a great deal of money through the failure of that corporation. After severing his connection with the railroad he secured a contract on one of the levels of the Genesee canal. and when that company defaulted he was again a su fferer, financially: and. becoming disgusted with the state of affairs in the East, determined upon going to the West. In January. 1842, he started, with his family, to drive overland to Janesville, Wis. He was a thorough general mechanic, and an adept in all the varied details of woolen cloth making. When he reached Jonesville, Mich., on his westward journey, the loss of some of his live stock compelled him to make a halt, and the people of the surround- ing country, learning of his ability, persuaded him to settle among them, and they agreed to and did build a mill for him, allowing him to pay for it from the profits on his sales. He remained in Jonesville for seven years, during the latter part of which period he built another mill at Hillsdale, the county seat, to which place he moved with his family in 1849.

Hon. Lewis Emery, Jr., the subject of this sketch, after spending his early youth learning the trade of his father, and acquiring what rudimentary educa- tion the country schools afforded, was sent to Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich., where he finished his mental training. At the age of nineteen he en- gaged to teach the district school of Wheatland township, and continued to do so for two years; after which he resumed work at his father's flour mill, which he continued until he left the State. During his attendance at the Hillsdale College he met with, and formed an attachment for, Miss Elizabeth A. Cald- well, and on December 29, 1863, he married her at the home of her parents, in Vistula, Elkhart Co., Ind. Four children were the result of their marriage: Delevan Emery, born September 26, 1867; Grace Elizabeth Emery, born Jan- uary 27, 1874; Earle Caldwell Emery, born December 12. 1875, and Lewis Emery, born August 27, 1878. In May, 1864, he went to Southern Illinois and engaged in general merchandising, and also built a mill. The war was brought to a close soon after he went there, and, business coming to a stand- still, he concluded to seek other fields, and in August, 1865, started for the oil regions of Pennsylvania. He made his first stop in Pit Hole, Venango county, remaining a short time, and in that memorable year located his first well at Pioneer, that county, and shared the ups and downs of the producers of that period. For the next five years he followed the excitement, so characteristic of the oil country, with all its varied successes and disappointments, until, in 1870, he went to Titusville, Crawford Co., Penn., and was fairly on the way to wealth. H- rapidly rose to the top rank among the well-known producers of that field, and by his determination and enterprise, coupled with a strong sense of honor in all business dealings, he soon commanded the respect and confidence of the whole community. Like hundreds of others of the then prosperous producer4, the financial panic, precipitated by the failure of Jay Cooke & Co., of New York, caught him with the floating obligations that could not be quickly enough protected to save him from the desolating ruin that fol- lowed, and in the parlance of the country he " went to the wall," almost hope- lessly ruined. With a recorded debt against him that would have driven a less intrepid man to Innacy or, possibly, to the grave, he, with his characteristic enterprise and confidence in himself, was soon looking about for a way to

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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