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 67

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 67
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 67
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 67
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 67

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Mr. Prentiss married, October 27, 1832, Lucinda, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Morse) Blaisdell, of Cumberland county, Me., and they have had three children: Horatio K., who died in 1857: Ellen L. (Mrs. Joseph G. Spiller, now at Cheboygan, Mich. ) and William A. (now at Prentiss Vale). Mr. Prentiss has been postmaster at Prentiss Vale nearly forty years. Po- litically he is a Republican and an advocate of prohibition, having long been a teetotaler, Maine Law Prohibitionist and anti-slavery man, and, in his own words, he is thankful that he has never made drunkards, but has done some little to benefit humanity. Mr. Prentiss was active in forming a Con- gregational Church at Prentiss Vale, which at one time had more than thirty members, but which is now nearly extinct, owing to deaths, removals and other causes.

THOMAS D. ROSS, M. D., Duke Centre, is a native of Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he was reared and educated. He began the study of medicine, in 1871, with Dr. Wilson, and later with Dr. A. Ross, of Chautauqua county, N. Y. He entered the medical department of the University of Woos- ter, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1875, and was graduated in 1878. The same year he began the practice of his profession in Duke Centre, where he has since been located, and has built up a large and successful practice. He is a member of the Mckean County Medical Society, and of the F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat.

ROBERT SHAFER, hardware merchant, Duke Centre, is a native of Mercer county, Penn., but was reared and educated in Lawrence county. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B. One Hundred and Thirty-first Penn-

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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.

sylvania Volunteers; participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chan- cellorsville, and was honorably discharged from the service in May, 1863. He then located in the oil district, and has been engaged. more or less, as a pro- ducer in the fields of Butler, Venango, Clarion and Bradford. He located at Duke Centre in 1880, and here embarked in the hardware trade in 1887. He is a member of the G. A. R . and of the A. O. U. W., Select Knights. Mr. Shafer served as burgess of Duke Centre one term, and as councilman one term, during its incorporation. Politically he is a Democrat.

FRANCIS W. SPRAGUE, oil producer, Duke Centre, was born in Bath, Me., October 16, 1825, a son of Peleg and Charlotte W. (Owen) Sprague. His ancestors came from England to America about 1630. He was reared in bis native town, and when eighteen years of age removed to Taunton, Mass., where he learned the machinist's trade, and resided for twelve years. In January, 1856, he settled in Otto township, Mckean county, where he has since resided, and cleared and improved the farm he now occupies. He was in the lumber business in Otto township, the first eight years of his residence, and for a number of years worked at his trade in Olean, N. Y. Since 1878 he has been a producer of oil, and has twelve producing wells on his farm, seven of which he opened. Mr. Sprague married, in 1847, Mary, daughter of Cyrus and Sylvia (Philbrick) Baldwin, who settled in Otto township in 1855, and who were formerly of Maine. The issue of this marriage was ten children: William F., Everett E., Mary E. (Mrs. M. Fisher), Emma L. (Mrs. Edward Bryant), Sarah J., Merritt B., Cyrus W .. Mertie A. (Mrs. D. E. Jones), Annie L. and Fred W. (deceased). Mrs. Sprague died March 4, 1881. Mr. Sprague has always taken an active part in local politics, and from 1870 to 1874 held the office of county auditor. Politically, he was originally a Whig, and cast his first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor in 1848. He has been a sup- porter of the Republican party since its organization; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Congregational Church.

WILLIAM F. SPRAGUE, farmer, P. O. Duke Centre, was born in Mans- field, Mass., October 1, 1848, a son of Francis W. and Mary (Baldwin) Sprague. He was reared in Otto township from eight years of age, and was educated in the common schools. He began life as a lumberman, which occupation he followed from sixteen years of age until 1876, when he engaged in farming, which he has since carried on, and since 1885 has to some extent been engaged in the oil business as a producer. January 1, 1874, he married Ellen, daughter of H. B. and Electa (Covert) Baker, of Otto township, and they have three children living: Francis H., Eugene and Walter. Mr. Sprague is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a Republican, and has held many of the local offices of the township. being at present township assessor.

EVERETT E. SPRAGUE, oil producer, Duke Centre, was born in Mans- field, Mass., July 31, 1850, a son of Francis W. and Mary (Baldwin) Sprague. He was reared from six years of age in Otto township, where he received a common-school education, and began life working in a saw mill. Afterward, in 1878, he located on the farm he now occupies, which he cleared and im- proved, and on which he has since resided. He has been interested in pro- ducing oil since the first excitement at Duke Centre in 1878, and is now operating nine producing wells. He married, January 1, 1874, Eva, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Judkins) Bunker, of Otto township, and they have three children: Eva, Eugene and Willie. Mr. Sprague has taken thirty-two degrees in Freemasonry, and is a member of lodge, chapter, council, com- mandery and consistory. In politics he is a Republican.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

G. A. WILLIAMS, oil producer and proprietor of a meat market, Duke Centre, is a native of Toronto, Canada, where he was reared and educated. He came to the United States in 1868, and located in Pleasantville, Venango Co , Penn., where he conducted a meat market four years; he afterward had a market in Edenburgh, Clarion Co., Penn. In 1879 Mr. Williams located in Duke Centre, where he has since carried on the leading meat market of the place. He has been identified with the oil industry since October, 1887, and is at present the owner of six producing wells in the Allegany county (N. Y.) field. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the A. O. U. W .. Select Knights. In politics he is a Republican.

CHAPTER XXVI.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-LIBERTY TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF PORT ALLEGANY-ANNIN AND CERES TOWNSHIPS.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF PORT ALLEGANY.

F. H. ARNOLD, Port Allegany, son of the Hon. A. S. Arnold, was born at Smethport, Mckean Co., Penn., in April, 1834. He attended Smethport and Condersport academies, and completed his education at Addison, Steuben Co .. N. Y. His father, who was a native of Chenango county, N. Y., where he married Ellen M. Medbury, came to Smethport, Mckean county, about 1832, where he was engaged in business. as a dealer in general merchandise until his removal to Port Allegany in 1836. He was one of the prominent and able men of MeKean county, and his business career was one of uninterrupted success. He was honored by being made a member of the legislature, and was also associate judge of the county, and to him the citizens of Port Allegany are largely indebted for the proud position it occupies among its sister boroughs of the county. His death occurred in April, 1874. and Ellen M., his widow, still has her residence in Port Allegany. Judge Arnold, at the time of his decease, was the wealthiest man in Port Allegany. He was generous to the poor, charitable to the worthy, his aim being, in helping himself, to be of benefit to others, and his death was regretted by all. He was one of the very small number of men of whom it can be said: "Their works never die." The children of Judge and Mrs. Arnold were F. H. and V. A., the latter of whom died when twelve years of age.

F. H. ARNOLD, subject of our sketch, when a young man became associated with his father in his large business interests, the firm name being A. S. Arnold & Co., which continued until the death of the father. By the thorough business training received during the father's lifetime, the son was pre-emi- nently qualified to continue successfully the large enterprises his father had inaugurated. F. H. Arnold and E. B. Dolley, gentlemen now well known to the business men of Mckean county, formed a partnership, purchasing the lumber and mercantile interests of A. S. Arnold & Co., and are still extensively engaged in business, affording employment to many men.

Mr. Arnold has been prominently identified with all local improvements looking to the permanent prosperity of the borough, and upon the incorpora- tion of the First National Bank. May 2, 1888, he became its first president,

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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.

a position he still holds. He was largely instrumental in the organization of the Port Allegany water-works, becoming the first president of that company: is also a stockholder in the Coudersport & Port Allegany Rail- road. an organization free from all indebtedness, and of which no stock is on the market. Mr. Arnold has, with others, three gas wells, and entertains designs to put down in the near future enough to afford a supply for the entire borough. It is almost superfluous to add that his influence and aid are cheerfully extended to any purpose having for its object the welfare and prosperity of Port Allegany. Mr. Arnold is a supporter of the Democratic party ; is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 505, F. & A. M, of Arnold Chapter, R. A. M., and of St. John's Commandery, K. T. He married (January 1, 1857) Justina P., daughter of Levi Coates, formerly of Mckean county, Penn., and they have one child, Kate D .. now Mrs. E. P. Dalrymple.

ASHBEL F. BARD, Port Allegany, son of Robert and Marion ( Freeman) Bard, was born at Farmersville. Cattarangus Co., N. Y., in 1817. His parents were among the pioneers of that county, and for twenty-five years his father was proprietor of a hotel. His mother died about 1861, and his father about 1865. They had four children: A. F., Abigail (deceased), Margaret and Samnel P. Ashbel F. made his home with his parents until he became a merchant at Franklinville: afterward removed to Wisconsin, where he remained three

years. He then returned to New York and engaged in farming. and in Octo- ber, 1870, located at Port Allegany, where he embarked in the hardware trade. He married Julia A., daughter of William Waring, of Franklinville, and they have five children: Robert C., William H., Nathan R., Julia A. (Mrs. M. A. Lillibridge) and Carlton R. Mr. Bard has associated with him two sons, Rob- ert C. and Nathan R., the firm name being A. F. Bard & Co. Robert C. was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion. A. F. Bard is a Democrat in his political views.

NATHAN R. BARD, Port Allegany, third son of A. F. and Julia A. Bard, was born in Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1848. He made his home with his parents until fifteen years of age, when he learned the tinner's trade, and in 1870, removed to St. Paul, Minn. In 1872 he married Mary F., danghter of Samuel Stevens, of Concord, N. H., and soon after returned to Port Allegany, where he became associated in the hardware trade with his father. In 1983, with Hon. A. M. Benton, he went into the lumber business at Roulette, the firm name being A. M Benton & Co., Judge Olmsted, of Con- dersport, being one of the firm. In 1888 his interest was purchased, and he retired: A. M. Benton's interest has now been bought, and the firm will be- come N. R. Bard & Co. Mr. Bard is a member of Liberty Lodge. No. 505. F. & A. M., and a charter member of Arnold Chapter, R. A. M. He was the second burgess of the borough, and has been one of the leading citizens. In polities he is a Democrat. Mr. Bard is an enterprising, public-spirited man. and is pro ninently identified with the business interests of Port Allegany.

SOLOMON H. BARRETT, Port Allegany, son of Nathaniel and Lydia Barrett, was born in Bethlehem, N. H. (near Mount Washington), in 1809. With his parents he removed to Paris, Oneida Co., N. Y., remaining there un- til his removal to Smethport, Penn., in 1831. He was both a miller and mill- wright, and speedily found employment at Smethport, where he remained sev- eral years. In November, 1842. he remove.] to Port Allegany, where he built a grist mill for Sartwell & Arnold, and operated it four years; this mill was taken down in 1849, during which year Mr. Barrett erected the grist-mill now owned by Arnold & Dolley, and of which he was for thirty three years the pro- prietor. In 1836 he married Mary A., daughter of Charles Manning, for merly

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of Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., and to them were born six children: Charles N., George C., Clarence G., H. Jay (deceased), Lettie (Mrs. F. L. Rhodes, in Da- kota, ) and Nellie A. (Mrs. J. W. Kershner, in Port Allegany). George C. and Clarence G. are also in Dakota, married, and engaged in farming. Mr. Bar- rett is one of Mckean county's oldest pioneers. When he first came to Port Allegany there were but three buildings in the place, with no residences be- tween that town and Smethport, and the county was a comparative wilderness. He is a member of the Democratic party, and held the office of postmaster sev- eral years.

C. N. BARRETT, contractor, Port Allegany, is a son of Solomon H. Bar. rett, and was born in Olean, N. Y., in 1838. His parents eventually removed to Port Allegany, with whom he made his home until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H. Forty-sixth Regiment, P. V. I., as private, and was afterward promoted to second lieutenant. He was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, and again at Cassville, Ga., during Sherman's campaign. He served nearly four years, and was mustered out of the service in July, 1865. Returning to Port Allegany, he built the planing-mill property he recently sold to C. E. Grover, and operated it up to that time, and was also engaged as contractor and builder. He has been a leading citizen of Port Al- legany, being prominently identified with its organization as a borough, and is recognized as a stirring and enterprising man who works for the interest of the town. He and C. A. Larrabee were instrumental in the establishment of Henry Metcalf Post, G. A. R., at Port Allegany, in which he is an active worker. Mr. Barrett was married in October, 1862, to Caroline J .. daughter of Jacob Wiederich, of Roulette, Potter Co., Penn., and to this union one son, Arthur, was born in 1873.

A. M. BENTON, Port Allegany, son of Noah S. and Nancy (Lampkin) Benton, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., in October, 1816, his parents being among the pioneers of that county. They were in Canada at the beginning of the war of 1812, but returned to the States, locating in New York State, where their last two children were born. two having been previously born in Can- ada and six in Vermont, ten in all, of whom but two are living: Tallman, a resident of California, and A. M. Noah S., father of A. M., died in Living- ston county, N. Y., in 1829, after which his widow made her home with A. M. until her decease, which occurred in January, 1874, when she was aged ninety- nine years, nine months and four days. A. M. remained at home until his father's decease, and, although at that time only thirteen years of age, it became necessary for him to engage in some occupation. From then until 1838. he pursued various vocations, and during that year he located at Mill Grove, N. Y .. on the Allegheny river; five years later he removed to Potter county, Penn .. and in 1845 settled at Port Allegany, MeKean Co., Penn., where he engaged in business as a lumberman. Then he purchased a mill, and, being successful. within two years he erected two others, and for a period of twenty-six years was extensively engaged in the pine lumber trade in Liberty township, and in 1870 built in Eldred. In November, 1845, he purchased his first bill of goods for a general store, and became a merchant. Mr. Benton is one of that class of men who are indebted only to themselves for the successes they have achieved. Beginning his career as a poor boy, by his own efforts he secured a handsome competency, and, although deprived of the advantages of a liberal education, was a close observer of men, and found much of value in what many would have passed unheeded; in fact, in many spheres of life his success can be attributed to his habit of close observation, indomitable energy and honesty of purpose, united with abundant natural abilities. Among other things he

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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.

was largely interested in the organization of the Buffalo & Washington Rail- road, now known as the Western New York & Philadelphia, and was a director during the first three years of its existence, obtaining its first charter and per- fecting its organization. Being the only director outside of Buffalo, he re- signed to make room for one from that city, who could devote more time to its interests, and be more acceptable. He was also a director in the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad. In 1859 he received the nomination to and was elected a member of the legislature, serving during the winter of 1859-60; he again received the nomination in 1860, but was defeated by a small majority, that being the year of Lincoln's election to the presidency. In 1863 he was re-elected by a large majority from the same district, embracing five counties: Clearfield, Elk. Mckean, Jefferson and Forest. In 1855 he was elected commissioner of the county, serving four years, and has frequently had the honor of representing his constituency as delegate to State conventions. As an illustration of his intuitive knowledge, a little incident is related in connection with his official life as a member of the legislature. It appears a railroad measure was about to be acted upon. the lobbyists were in force, and Mr. Ben- ton was approached by one of the distinguished members from Philadelphia, who, extending the usual courtesies, asked Mr. Benton how he stood upon the Union Railroad bill. The bluntness of his reply is characteristic of the man: "I haven't stood upon it, sir," adding an adjective to make his meaning more emphatic, and continuing, said that the " morning papers could contain no article from a reporter stating that the member from the Wildcat district of Pennsylva- nia had been sold out," adding emphasis with more adjectives. But now, in the evening of his years, possessed of an abundance of this world's goods, on ac- count of disease he is compelled to forsake and abandon the honors most men prize. and to retire from active business life. having made a disposition of his large interests to afford relief from all business cares. In March, 1845, he married Beulah G., daughter of Freeman Hill, of Friendship, Allegany Co .. N. Y. To them were born three children: Volney H., who was a resident of, and engaged in the coal business in. Ohio, but who, while in Michigan on busi- ness in March, 1888, dropped dead; Frances, now Mrs. H. L. Chapman, of Jack- son, Ohio, and Kittie, now Mrs. J. F. House, of Buffalo. The mother died De- cember 6, 1886. Mr. Benton has always been an active supporter of the Democratic party.

CHARLES W. BURR, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Port Allegany, is a son of Edgar W. and Jane (Hardes) Burr, and was born in the county of Kent. England, in 1840. His parents married there, and came to America in 1848, where they located on a farm on Portage creek, Liberty township, Mc- Kean Co., Penn., in 1854, and in 1856 removed to the place Mr. Burr now owns on Lillibridge creek, and which he cleared. To them were born three sons and six daughters: Charles W .. Edgar, Jane, Ellen, Charlotte, Orsavillia. John, Viola and Rose. The mother died in 1888, and the father now makes his home with his son, Charles W. Charles W. Burr remained at home until 1862, when he married Eliza M., daughter of William Grigsby, of Liberty township; then in 1868 located on the farm he now owns in Liberty township, which he cleared and improved, and he is now one of the successful farmers and lumbermen of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Burr have five children: Willie L., Elmon, Mart, Freddie and Grace. Mr. Burr in politics is a Demo- crat; has been supervisor, school director, and has held various other official positions.

MAHLON JOSEPH COLCORD, attorney at law, Port Allegany, was born in Eulalia township, Potter Co., Penn., July 4, 1853, a son of David D. Col-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

cord. He attended the district school during the winter season till sixteen years of age, and then moving with his parents to First Fork, Cameron county, same State, he worked at farming and lumbering until twenty-one years of age. Mr. Colcord then attended the academy at Condersport, a part of two terms, and began teaching, in which work he rose to some prominence in Potter and Cameron counties. In 1879 he attended the Central State Normal School at Lock Haven, Penn., where he graduated at the head of his class the following year. After teaching two years more, he began the study of law with Snyder & Dornan, at Port Allegany; was admitted to the bar June 1. 1883, and at once became a partner in the office of his preceptors. In 1886 Mr. Coleord married Edith Haskell, of Coudersport, eldest daughter of Edwin Haskell (editor of the Potter County Journal), and a graduate of the Central State Normal School. Starting in life with no other capital than good parentage. wholesome early training, and a good stock of pluck, Mr. Colcord has won his way to success by diligence, integrity, and an ambition to excel in what he undertakes. Unassuming always, but determined, and true to his convictions of the right, he is an excellent example of a self-made man. He has a lucrative and increasing law practice, being always reliable, and faithful to the interests of his clients. Mr. Colcord is a member of Liberty Lodge, F. & A. M., of Port Allegany, and of Amos D. Colcord Camp. S. of V., of Condersport.

J. B. COLCORD, physician and surgeon, Port Allegany, was born in Thurston, Steuben Co., N. Y., August 12, 1862, a son of Albert and Eliza- beth (Shearer) Colcord, who settled in Eulalia, Potter Co., Penn., in 1868, where the father, a blacksmith by trade, still resides. J. B. Colcord was reared in Potter county from six years of age, and was educated in the graded schools of Coudersport. In 1882 he began the study of medicine with Dr. E. S. Mattison, of Coudersport, entered the College of Physicians, of Baltimore, Md., in the fall of 1882, and was graduated in the spring of 1885. He be- gan the practice of his profession in Condersport in the same year, where he remained until August, 1886, when he located at Turtle Point, where he had an active practice, but April 1, 1889, he moved to Port Allegany, where he is now permanently located. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, and in politics is a Republican.

HORACE COLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Port Allegany, a son of Dr. Horace and Sally (Cone) Coleman, was born in 1821 on the farm he now owns in Lib- erty township, McKean Co., Penn. His father was of English descent, his mother a native of Connecticut. They were married in Pittsfield, Mass., and located in Otsego county, N. Y .; then removed to Liberty township, Mc- Kean Co., Penn., January 18, 1817, when this county was a wilderness. Here Dr. Coleman built a log house and engaged in farming, being also associ- ated with Capt. Dwight for a number of years in the lumber business. The Doctor was one of the first practitioners in Mckean county, and was the first postmaster in Liberty township. having the office at his residence for about twenty years. He and his wife reared a family of ten children: Joseph, Margaret (the late Mrs. Willis Barrett), Sarah (Mrs. David S. Hall, of Kane), Horace, Dwight (deceased). Julia A. (Mrs. John Crozier). William H .. Caro- line (Mrs. John Brewer), Orlando D. and Hannah H. The Doctor died Au- gust 20, 1859, his wife having preceded him January 19. 1857. He had suffered many of the privations incident to pioneer life. He packed and transported provisions on horseback from Jersey Shore, eighty miles distant. to his home in Liberty township. Horace Coleman was reared and educated in Liberty township, and has always lived on the old homestead. He is a member of the Democratic party, and has been road commissioner, supervisor fifteen or twenty years, and has held various other official positions.

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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.

WM. H COLEMAN, farmer. P. O. Port Allegany, son of Dr. Horace Coleman, was born in Liberty township, McKean Co .. Penn., in 1827, and was reared and educated in his native township, which has always been his home. In 1852 he married Sarah A., daughter of Andrew Fortner, after which event he located on the farm he now owns, and has since been engaged in farming and in the lumber trade. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have four children: Thomas G., Andrew H .. May A. (Mrs. Elden McDowell) and Willie F. Mr. Coleman is a Republican in politics. He is a prominent and influential citizen, and has occupied several official positions in the township.

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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