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 56

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 56
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 56
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 56
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 56

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The members of the bar of Mckean connty desire to express their deep sorrow over the death of Brother D. R. Hamlin. His amiable disposition, his gentlemanliness, his uniform conduct to all, and his hospitality, won the affections of his brethren of the bar as his ability, modesty, honesty, and truthfulness won their respeet. The members of the bar desire further to express their sympathy with the parents and widow of the deceased in the loss of son and husband so richly endowed with qualities which make the relation- ship of parents and children one of unalloyed satisfaction, and the association of husband and wife uninterrupted happiness: John C. Backus, N. B. Smiley, J. M. MeClure, com- mittee. It was ordered that the resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the court, and a certified copy be sent to B. D. Hamlin and family. Appropriate and feeling remarks

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were made by the following gentlemen: Judge Olmsted, and Messrs. Backns, Gortou, Keenan, Smiley, Milliken, King. Smith, Cotter, McSweeney. Weil, Chapman. McClure and Rose.

At a regular meeting of the Smethport Hose Company. No. 1, the following resolutions were adopted:

WHEREAS, The final roll has been called and one whose name appeared at the head of our list as the first honorary member of our association has courageously and even cheerfully answered its imperative summons, whereby we have lost a genial companion, a well-loved friend, a ready helper, and a generous benefactor; and, WHEREAS, For the first time the darkened chambers of the silent city have been opened to receive one of our members, we, the officers and members of the Smethport Hose Company, No. 1. express our sincere sorrow for the loss of one whose aid aud' advice have been invaluable to our success, and whose patience and cheerfulness under great affliction were proverbial; and we desire hereby to express our heartfelt sympathy with the parents and family of our de- ceased brother, Delano R. Hamlin, in their great bereavement. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the widow of the deceased brother, and a copy furnished the MeKean Miner and the Mckean Democrat for publication: F. W. Brownell. S. Gor- ton. T. F. Richmond, committee.

At a regular meeting of McKean Lodge, No. 388, A. Y. M., the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:

WHEREAS, It has pleased the Great Master of the universe, who doeth all things well, to call from this world of labor, sorrow and pain our beloved Brother, Delano R. Hamlin, whose life has ever been an exponent of the beneficent principles taught within the lodge and who by the constant exercise of charity, patience and resignation under suffering, and the faithful discharge of every duty, had endeared him to his fellows. Resolved, That while we mourn the loss of a friend and brother, we bow submissively to the decree of the great and all-wise Master, and tender to the bereaved family of our departed brother our deepest sympathy in this their great affliction. Resolved, That these resolutions be en- grossed upon the minutes of the lodge, a copy presented to the family of our deceased brother, and that they be published in the Miner and Democrat: H. F. Barbour, L. O. Chadwick, G. M. Smith, committee.

ORREN E. HAVEN, farmer, P. O. Smethport, is a son of Luther and Jemima (Colegrove) Haven, and was born in Norwich township, Mckean Co., Penn., December 1, 1820. His father came from Chenango county, N. Y .. about 1820, and located at Colegrove, where he engaged in farming, remain- ing there until 1847, in which year he removed to McHenry county, Ill., where he died March 1. 1855, and his wife November 11, 1861. Their children were Lorinda P .. Jasper J., Benjamin C., Orren E., Helen O., Edson G. and Ed- mund F. (twins), and Fidelia C., eight children, all living, the eldest now seventy-three years old and the youngest sixty-one. Their father took an active interest in educational matters, and during his residence in Norwich township paid one-third of the entire sum raised for educational purposes. Orren E. Haven made his home with his parents until twenty years of age, and having received a practical education became a teacher; for some time was also engaged in searing timber. In 1851 he married Eunice, daughter of Henry Lasher, of Norwich township, Mckean county, and located in Keating town- ship, on a farm he had previously purchased and where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Haven have three children: D. L., Clyde P. and Mittie L. They are members of the Old Norwich Church. In politics he is a Republi- can, has filled nearly all of the local township offices, and was urged to accept the nomination for county commissioner, but declined.

F. S. HOLMES, proprietor of planing-mill, Coryville, was born in Gen- eseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1850. He learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and located at Coryville, Penn., in 1874, where he had a planing- mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1885, after which he built what is known as the Iron Mill, of which he is at present proprietor. In 1874 he married Ella C., daughter of A. H. Cory, of Coryville, and they have a family of four

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children, Mr. Holmes is a member of Eldred Lodge, No. 5, F. & A. M., and in politics is identified with the Republican party. He and his wife are mem- bers of the United Brethren Church.

P. D. HOPKINS, merchant, Smethport, son of P. C. and Anice (Franklin) Hopkins, was born at Lenox, Susquehanna Co., Penn., in 1848. With his parents he removed to Lafayette township, Mckean county, where his father engaged in farming, and in 1863 the latter proceeded to Michigan, where he died in the fall of 1887. His widow makes her home with P. D. Their chil- dren were Clark B., Mary E. (now Mrs. William Foster), Patience C., Sarah L., Clarissa, Edwin I., Alonzo F., Caroline A. (now Mrs. Stephen Pattison) and P. D. P. D. Hopkins was reared and educated in Mckean county, and after his school days engaged in business at Smethport as a dealer in general merchandise, in the building he still occupies. In 1884 he married Annie E., daughter of William and Mary Wilkinson, and they have one child, Bessie. Mr. Hopkins devotes his entire time to business, and although a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party is no politician. He and his wife attend the services of the Baptist Church.

OLIVER IRONS, farmer, stock raiser, and proprietor of cheese factory. P. O. Smethport, is a son of Gideon and Miami Irons, and was born in Keating township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1823. Gideon Irons was a native of Rhode Island, and removed to Keating township at a very early day, where he mar- ried Miami Stark, and engaged in farming. They were the parents of the following-named children : Oliver, Clark, Otis, William, Stephen, George, Olive, Sirena and Lydia. Oliver Irons made his home with his parents until 1851, when he married Ann Housler, and to them were born six children: Wilbur O., Malissa A., Florence A., George C., Willis W. and Isadore A. He has devoted his attention to farming and stock raising, and has also erected a cheese fac- tory on his farm, with a capacity of four tons annually. The milk is supplied from his own cows, and his cheese have more than a local reputation. Mr. Irons is a worker in the Democratic party.

OTIS IRONS, farmer, P. O. Smethport, son of Gideon and Miami Irons, was born in Port Allegany, MeKean Co., Penn., in 1830. Gideon Irons, who was a native of Rhode Island, came to McKean county at an early day, and located on Potato creek where he engaged in business as a farmer and lumberman, and where both he and his wife died. Otis Irons made his home with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he bought the farm he now owns in Keat. ing township, to which he removed after his marriage, and where he has since been engaged in farming. He was married in 1870 to Sarah Hand. In poli- ties he is a Democrat.

STEPHEN IRONS, farmer, lumberman and oil producer, P. O. Smeth- port, is a son of Gideon and Miami Irons, and was born in Smethport, Mckean Co., Penn., in 1834. Gideon Irons was born in Rhode Island and was one of the oldest settlers of McKean county, Penn. Stephen made his home with his parents until 1855, when he married Julia, daughter of Joel Cross, of Chau- tauqua county, N. Y. The mother of Mrs. Julia Irons, before marriage, was Miss Julianna Medberry, a native of Connecticut, born in 1812, and daughter of Joseph Medberry. They then located on Marvin creek, and from there removed to Minnesota, in 1864, but on account of the ill health of Mrs. Irons returned to Keating township, McKean Co., Penn., and in 1868 he pur- chased the old homestead in Irons Hollow, where he has since been engaged in farming, as well as in the oil and lumber business. Their children are Eu- gene, Gideon, Jeptha and Mrs. Emma Chadwick. Mr. Irons has been honored in having been supervisor of his township two terms. He is a Democrat in pol-

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ities. Mrs. Irons, although belonging to no church, is a believer in baptism and the Church of God.

JOHN KEATING was born at Adare, near Limerick, Ireland, in 1760. The family was of Norman stock, emigrating to Ireland under Henry II. They were dispossessed of their lands by Cromwell. John Keating's grand- father, Byron Geoffrey, fought at the battle of Limerick, and was banished to France at the capitulation; subsequently he returned and married the daugh- ter of Thadeus Quin, the progenitor of the lord of Adare, to whose title was afterward added that of Dunraven. When John Keating was five years of age, his father moved to France in order to escape religious persecution. There he was granted letters patent of nobility by Louis XV in recognition of the title held by the family in Ireland, previous to the forfeiture of their estates. Of his six sons, five entered the French army, one of whom attained the rank of general of division, and died from the effects of imprisonment dur- ing the "reign of terror." Geoffrey Keating, the Irish historian, was the brother of John Keating's great-great-grandfather. John attained the rank of captain in the Irish Brigade, Walsh Serrant Regiment, and was awarded the cross of St. Louis in recognition of his meritorions service, a rare distinction. After the execution of the king, John, who was stationed in the West Indies, in 1795, refused command of the forces stationed in San Domingo, proposed by the government, resigned from the French service because of his disap- proval of the attrocities of the revolution, and came to this country, bearing letters to Washington and others. He was immediately sought after by cap- italists abroad to represent their interests here, and became the agent of large landed estates in Pennsylvania. The part of his life of especial interest to the people of the counties, for whom this volume is compiled, relates to his connec- tion with the large body of lands acquired near the close of the last century, and known as the lands of John Keating & Company. The entire manage- ment of this property devolved on him. This region was then a dense wilder- ness, with not a white man dwelling in or near it. Mr. Keating at once set out to " settle" it in the interest of the owners, and for the benefit of such as he could induce to become pioneers, and come to it with their families to make homes. The labor, privation and peril attending such an endeavor are shown in other parts of this volume. He came early and frequently on the grounds. The trip then cost much more thought and exertion than are now required to circumnavigate the globe. The skill exercised to make the settlements he founded self-supporting, and at the same time render some revenue to the owners of the estate, though of a different sort, was hardly less than that neces- sary to conduct a campaign in the wars in which he had been engaged. He at once adopted a policy of great generosity; granting land in limited quanti- ties to heads of families, without other considerations than its occupancy and improvement; giving contracts for sales at low prices and on long terms of payment; contributing money to build roads and to establish schools and places of religious worship. No settler who desired to remain was ever ejected because of his inability to pay for land he had contracted to purchase. Mr. Keating was known to many of the settlers as the "Squire," and his coming among them was an epoch in their isolated lives, they calling him so for ad- vice in all their affairs, both business and domestic. His decisions were regarded by them as wise and just, and were generally accepted. He had a sympathetic and endearing word for all. These visits were continued for well nigh fifty years, and until he saw unmistakable evidence of the comparative comfort of the inhabitants he had placed here. When great age came upon him and these visits ceased, his people continued to inquire after him in terms of affection.

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At the news of his death. some of the old men who knew him as their patron saint, and were indebted to him for all they possessed, shed tears. He was an intimate, social friend of Horace Binney, John Sergeant and others equally eminent in the professions, literature and business, and resided in a handsome old-style mansion on Fourth street, below Walnut, in the city of Philadelphia. this then being the locality of the homes of its most cultured residents. The management of such estates, together with the financial and charitable institu- tions, with which he became connected in Philadelphia, occupied the balance of his days. He died in 1856, at the advanced age of ninety-five years, but still in the midst of active work, having scarcely ever known a day's sickness. In religion he was a devout Roman Catholic, and left an example of piety and good deeds, which his children and children's children cherish as their richest inheritance. Mr. Keating married Eulalia Des Chappelles, daughter of a rich sugar planter of San Domingo, who was forced to fly from that island during the negro uprising, and take refuge in Wilmington, Del. Mr. and Mrs. Keating had two sons- John Julius and William H .- who became eminent in their chosen professions, were both members of the legislature, but died in their early manhood. They had one daughter who married her cousin, Jerome Keating, and became the mother of Dr. William V. Keating, the eminent physician and surgeon of Philadelphia, who at his grandfather's death, in 1856, took charge of the landed estates his grandfather had so successfully con- ducted. Dr. Keating possessed the same noble and generous qualities of his grandfather, and while he was distinguished in the medical world, he became equally endeared to the people where the lands were situated. Dr. Keating has two sons residing in Philadelphia, both of whom have already made a mark in their respective professions: John M. Keating (a physician and med- ical director of a prominent insurance company in Philadelphia, and lately elected president of a society composed of all the principal medical directors of the United States) and J. Percy Keating, a lawyer of excellent attain- ments. Dr. Keating has four accomplished daughters, two of whom are well married, and all reside in Philadelphia.

E. L. KEENAN, attorney at law, Smethport, son of John and Eliza (Lloyd) Keenan, was born in the city of Philadelphia in 1844. There he pursued his studies, read law, was admitted to the bar on his twenty-first birthday, and first began the practice of law in that city. In 1870 he mar- ried Miss Mary S. Feitig. and removed to Venango county, same State, re- maining until 1879, when he located at Smethport, Mckean Co., Penn., where he has built up a good practice. He had always voted the Democratic ticket until 1SSS, when the issue on the tariff compelled him to suspend his connec. tion with his old party, and become a supporter of Harrison. In 1884 he was delegate to the National Democratic convention held at Chicago, which nom- inated Cleveland for president; and in 1886 was the Democratic candidate for member of congress from the Sixteenth Congressional District of Pennsyl- vania, but was defeated by the Republican candidate, Henry C. McCormick, of Williamsport; in 1877 he was the candidate of the Democratic and Union Labor parties for additional law judge for counties of Mckean and Potter. Mr. Keenan is one of the self-made men of the day, and has won an eminent reputation at the bar; by application he has secured a fine property and enjoys the respect and confidence of the community in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan are the parents of three daughters: Mary E., Lulu E. and Dora V. He is a vestryman of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, of which his family are also members.

J. T. KENT. farmer and lumberman, P. O. Coryville, is a son of R. C.

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and Prudence (Wood) Kent, and was born in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1844. In 1853 R. C. Kent removed from New York State to Liberty town- ship, Mckean Co., Penn., and thence to Keating township, same county, and located on the farm J. T. Kent now owns. He had a family of twelve children, six of whom are living, viz .: Cordelia, wife of Manville Tuttle; Louise, wife of S. Tuttle; Laura, wife of F. Moody; Alvina, wife of H. R. Frisbee; America, wife of Asa Champlin, and J. T. Our subject was reared in Keating township, and after his marriage located on the home farm which he now owns, and has since been engaged in farming and in the lumber trade. He was married in 1866 to Charity Otto, and they have a family of four chil- dren: Frank, Winnie, May and Fred. Mr. Kent is a Prohibitionist in politics.

G. W. KING, farmer, East Smethport, was born in Smethport, Penn .. August 8, 1844, a son of H. B. and Jerusha (Rice) King, both natives of Rhode Island. H. B. King came to Smethport about the year 1818, and here met and married Miss Rice, who bore him nine children, of whom G. W. is the only one now living. The father died in June, 1880, the mother in June, 1862. H. B. King was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Smethport for over half a century, and in his death the church met with a great loss. G. W. King, the subject proper of this sketch, received his edu- cation in the public schools of Smethport, and in 1861 he enlisted in the United States service, in Company E. Fifty-eighth Regiment, P. V. I., served five months, and was discharged on account of disability. In December, 1863, he married Miss Henrietta, daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Dart) Rifle, of Hamlin township, Mckean county, who bore him one son, Wilford A. In 1881 G. W. King embarked in the mercantile business in Mount Jewett, Mc- Kean county, and there remained two years, at the end of which time he came to Smethport, where he was engaged in the same line of business for a short time. In December, 1881, he married Miss Clara E. Hauer, of Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co., Penn., and by her has had three children: Horace B., Roxie and Lloyd L. Mr. King and family live on the old homestead. which he farms. He is a member of Smethport Lodge, No. 389, I. O. O. F., and has held various township offices. In politics he is a Republican.

MRS. C. A. McCOY, Smethport, daughter of Dr. George and Lavinia (Cannon) Darling, was born in Massachusetts in 1813, and with her parents removed to Bunker Hill, Penn., or what is now known as Clermont, in 1822. where her father engaged in the practice of medicine. which he continued un- til his removal to Jefferson county, Penn., where he died November 16, 1869. His wife died in 1831, after which he married, for his second wife, Julia Clark, and she died in Jefferson county. He was the father of seven children. three sons and three daughters by his first marriage, and one daughter by his second. Miss C. A. Darling was married to Dr. W. Y. McCoy, December 13, 1832, and located at Smethport, where she had lived since fourteen years of age, and where Dr. McCoy first began the practice of medicine, which he con- tinued until failing health necessitated his retirement. By close application to his profession, although beginning poor, he acquired a handsome compe- tency. He died January 5, 1886. This union was blessed in the birth of ten children, six of whom are now living: Hannah L., wife of the Hon. Henry Hamlin; Charlotte M., wife of J. C. Hamlin; Ellen M., wife of Adelbert Bishop, an architect of Buffalo; Henry L., a practicing physician of Smeth- port; Alice E., widow of D. R. Hamlin; Edgar B., a druggist of Mount Jewett. Mrs. McCoy is still living on the old homestead, where for forty years she has resided, and in her declining years is surrounded by her chil- dren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who are never so happy as when

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listening to Grandma's interesting recitals of events relating to the long ago. Mrs. McCoy had three brothers and two sisters, also a half-sister, the record of whom is as follows: Jedediah was at an early day one of the noted practi- tioners, and was very prominent in the medical profession, died in 1871, at Smethport; Paul E. was a banker at Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn. ; George, Jane and Mary died comparatively young; Mary, the half sister, married Henry Gray, a merchant of Brookville, Penn.

HENRY L. McCOY, M. D., Smethport, son of Dr. William Y. and Char. lotte A. (Darling) MeCoy, was born in Smethport, MeKean Co., Penn., in 1846. His maternal grandfather, Dr. George Darling, was the first medical practi- tioner of MeKean county. Henry L. was educated in Smethport, and read medicine with his father, who was a noted physician of his day, also with Prof. Sanford Eastman, of Buffalo; he then attended two courses of medical lectures. and graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1868, commencing the prac- tice of medicine in Smethport. In the winter of 1870-71 he attended a course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City; thence returned and resumed practice at Smethport. In September, 1869, he married Clara, only child of P. Ford, and to them four children have been born: Alice, Grace, Agnes and Charles. Dr. McCoy is a member of Mckean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. ; Bradford Chapter, No. 258, R. A. M., and Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., lodge and encampment. He is senior warden of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, of which his family are members. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat.

MRS. LOUISA MCCLURE, Smethport, was born in Lockport, N. Y., in 1846, and was educated at Lockport, Oberlin and Buffalo. She was married in 1867 to John Francis McClure, who was employed in the telegraph office at East Buffalo (Stock Yards) until the consolidation of the Western Union and Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Companies. He then received an appointment at Larra- bee, Penn., to which place he removed and there remained four years. On B. A. McClure's removal to Coudersport, John F. McClure became his successor at Smethport, a position he occupied until his death, which occurred Septem- ber 20, 1887. He was a gentleman possessed of exceptionally good abilities, of sterling integrity and of moral worth.

He was a member of the K. O. T. M. Mrs. McClure is a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

JOSEPH M. McELROY, prothonotary, Smethport, son of William and Catharine (McClintock) McElroy, was born in Allegheny county, Penn., in 1842. He attended the common schools and took part of an academic course, but was compelled to leave school before completing his studies. When four- teen years of age he began supporting himself, and for three years was em- ployed as salesman for a mercantile firm in Pittsburgh. When the war broke out in 1861 he enlisted in the first call for volunteers for three months, but a severe attack of diphtheria prevented his serving. Under the call for three years he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, and joined his regiment at Washington in November, 1861. He participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, the Seven- Days' fight in front of Richmond, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chan- cellorsville, where he was slightly wounded and was captured; he was con- fined at Belle Isle, but was paroled after fourteen days, and being ex- changed afterward took part in the Wilderness campaign and in front of Petersburg; was also with Sheridan in the valley, when his term of service ex- pired. November 2, 1864, he was honorably discharged from the service, and arrived at Pittsburgh in time to cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. After remaining home a month he went to Franklin, Venango Co.,

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Penn., where he was engaged in the coal business, and upon the opening of the Allegheny Valley Railroad in 1869 he went to Oil City, where he lived ten years and was prominent in the organization of the city government, was a member of the council, and also mayor one term. In March, 1879, he removed to Bradford, where he has also been prominent in public affairs and served one term as president of the city council. He was in the coal trade in Bradford until 1884, when he was elected prothonotary of the county, which necessitated his removal to Smethport, and in 1887 he was re-elected. Mr. McElroy is an able man, and has taken a lively interest in all that pertains to the county's welfare. Although so prominently identified with public affairs. he still finds time to attend to an extensive business, and his friends find him always court- eous and genial and ready to extend to them the hospitality of his home. Mr. McElroy was married in 1868 to Martha J. Woodburn, daughter of John Woodburn, and they have had three children, two of whom, Fred and Howard, are living. He takes an active interest in Freemasonry, and is a past eminent commander of Trinity Commandery, K. T. He is also a past commander of Post No. 347, G. A. R., and is a member of the A. O. U. W.

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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