Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 122

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I > Part 122

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Harrison Lloyd Taylor, son of William H. Taylor, obtained his education in the public schools of Pittsburg, and learned the carpen- ter's trade, at which he worked for a few years. He gave this up to take a commercial course in Duff's commercial college. When the First National Bank was founded in Black- lick, in 1907, Mr. Taylor accepted the position of assistant cashier, and filled it with satis- faction to his employers until 1909, when he was elected cashier of the institution. He has since then proved a most valuable employee, filling this position of trust and responsibility. in an able manner. The First National Bank of Blacklick was organized Jan. 14, 1907, with Dr. J. W. Carson as president ; Mr. W. H. Ash- baugh was its first cashier, serving for one year, and was succeeded by Mr. Wiley, who was cashier until January, 1909, when Mr. Taylor was elected to that office, and Mr. Mc- Crea was elected president. The members of the board of directors of this bank are: Will- iam H. Robinson, Sumner Graff, W. F. Elkin, James Gardner, M. S. Bell, G. M. Doty, J. R. Housholder, S. J. Sides, J. F. Gerhard, Will- iam P. McCrea, William H. Ashbaugh and H. L. Taylor.

Mr. Taylor is well known in Blacklick and holds the esteem of all who come in contact with him, socially or in business. He has always been a Republican in his political views, but takes no active part in politics, giving his whole time and attention to his work. Mr. Taylor is unmarried.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

bers of the profession in this section of Penn- sylvania, being prominently associated with the various medical organizations and active in promoting progressive methods and advanc- ing modern ideas. Dr. Earhart was born in Indiana county June 15, 1858, but comes of an old York county family which has been set- tled there since Colonial times. His great- great-grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution.

Anthony Earhart, the Doctor's great- grandfather, was born in York county and settled there. His son Michael, the grand- father, was also a native of that county, and came to Indiana county, where his death oc- curred about 1856.

John K. Earhart, son of Michael, was born in 1820, in Indiana county, Pa., and died in 1898. By occupation he was a farmer and carpenter. He was a member of the M. E. Church. His wife, Wilhelmina ( Henderson), daughter of Joseph and Avy Henderson, and three children were born to them: Newton, who is deceased; Emma, who is the wife of George Flemming ; and E. Bruce.

was born in 1827, in Huntingdon county, Pa., Pa. They have two children, John W. and

E. Bruce Earhart began his education in public school in Indiana county and later went to the Eldersridge academy. He took his collegiate course at Mount Union College, at Alliance, Ohio, and pursued his medical studies at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating from the medical department of that institution in 1890. In 1891 he began independent practice at Cincinnati, and re- mained there one year, in 1892 settling at Saltsburg, Pa., where he has since resided and found his life work. Some years ago he took a post-graduate course at the New York Poly- clinic, graduating in 1903. Dr. Earhart is an indefatigable worker, and besides attending to the large private practice which has come to him as the result of faithful services to his patrons he acts as examiner for several of the leading life insurance companies doing The early members of this Mack family in Indiana county were among the most respected of the pioneer settlers in what is now East and West Wheatfield townships, and its founder here was Robert Mack, grandfather of Robert G. Mack. Robert Mack was a native of County Down, Ireland, born about 1763. There he grew to manhood and married Margaret Campbell, who was born about 1769, and four business in this locality and gives considerable time to hospital work. On Aug. 15, 1909, Dr. Earhart established a general hospital at Salts- burg, which was promptly recognized as an important acquisition in the town, being equipped with all the modern appliances for the treatment and care of the sick. It has accommodations for thirty-five patients, and has been a success from the beginning. This children were born to them in their native institution has given Dr. Earhart an oppor- home: John, born about 1797; Robert, born

tunity to do justice to his surgical cases, in which he has been eminently successful, his reputation in that branch being particularly creditable. His greatest interest has been in the line of the rapid strides made in surgery and preventive medicine. Dr. Earhart is a member of the Indiana County Medical So- ciety (which he has served as vice president), the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Socially he belongs to the I. O. O. F., and his church connection is with the Presbyterian denomina- tion. As a citizen Dr. Earhart is a force for good in his community. Though not a seeker for public honors or active in official circles, he works quietly but effectively to promote the general welfare along the most approved lines of modern social life.

In 1895 Dr. Earhart was married to Abria Alcorn, daughter of William and Nancy ( Walters) Alcorn, of Westmoreland county, Nancy.

ROBERT G. MACK, the owner of Grand View farm, a remarkably fine estate of 210 acres underlaid with valuable coal and lime- stone in East Wheatfield township, Indiana county, is a representative of the type of busi- ness farmers who have caused agriculture to become recognized as a scientific pursuit worthy of the most intelligent. Moreover, he was one of the first to realize that there was a practical solution to the problem of changing conditions which made rural life undesirable. His work along that line has gone ahead steadily since he first became interested. Par- ticularly noteworthy are the successful efforts he made to promote that boon to farmers everywhere, the rural free delivery service, and his labors for good roads and the better- ment of the public school system. He owns and lives upon part of the original tract settled by his grandfather over a century ago.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

about 1799; James, born March 3, 1800; and and on the construction of the Pittsburg and Jean, born about 1803. In the early part of Philadelphia pike. But farming and stock 1803 Robert Mack with his wife and four raising were his principal businesses the re- children left their native home for America. While they were crossing the Atlantic ocean, on a slow-going sailing vessel, their little daughter Jean died and was buried at sea, the body being placed in a sack, weighted at the feet with sand. The burial service was read by the captain. After landing in the New World the family made their way west of the Alleghenies, locating first near Pitts- burg, Pa., and later in Wheatfield township, Indiana Co., Pa., where Mr. Mack settled down to farming on a 400-acre tract. Here in the wilderness he had to erect the log cabin for his family, and began a long, hard fight for existence, farming by day and clearing

mainder of his life, and he was very success- ful. He was hard-working, and not only re- spected for his sterling qualities but well liked by all who knew him. He died on the farm Oct. 3, 1891, and was buried in Bethel Church cemetery. Like his father he was a stanch Democrat and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. In Wheatfield town- ship George Mack married Martha McDonald, who was born Feb. 13, 1825, daughter of Sam- uel MeDonald, and died Nov. 25, 1894. She was a member of the U. P. Church and was buried in Bethel Church cemetery. Nine children, one son and eight daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mack: Robert G. was land at night. So rugged was the pioneer life born Feb. 26, 1846; Sara Ellen, born Oct. 12, 1848, married Solomon Plowman, and died in East Wheatfield township; Mar- garet, born Feb. 10, 1851, married Al- phonse Cunningham, a history of whose fam- ily is found elsewhere in these volumes ; Melissa, born Dec. 3, 1854, married Dins- more Dick, of Brushvalley township, a his- tory of whose family is found elsewhere in these volumes; Mervilla, born Oct. 6, 1856, married James Mack, of West Wheatfield township; Martha Elizabeth, born May 15, 1859, died April 23, 1864; Mary Alice, born Nov. 4, 1861, died March 31, 1864, she and Martha dying of scarlet fever within a few weeks of each other; Araminta Selena, born Nov. 4, 1864, married Elmer E. Dick, of West Wheatfield township; Priscilla Jane, born Nov. 22, 1867, married Thomas S. Lynn, of West Wheatfield township, a history of whose family is found elsewhere in this work.

that the cabin door was never known to be closed. Rattlesnakes abounded in numberless dens. By steady industry and thrifty habits he managed to develop his farm and make many improvements, and there spent the re- mainder of his life, dying Aug. 2, 1850. He was buried in Bethel Church cemetery, in what is now West Wheatfield township, and a headstone marks the last resting place of him- self and wife. Mr. Mack in religious principle was what was known as a Seceder, later join- ing the Bethel United Presbyterian Church. He was an old-line Democrat on political ques- tions. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying on the farm Nov. 17, 1839, at the age of seventy years, and was laid to rest in Bethel cemetery. She, too, was a member of Bethel United Presbyterian Church. She was the mother of thirteen children, those born in Wheatfield township being: David; William ; Samuel; Armstrong; George; Jean (2), who married William McClain, and died in West Wheatfield township; Margaret, who married Hugh St. Clair, and removed to Iowa; and Elizabeth (Betsy), who married William Campbell, being his second wife.

Robert G. Mack, only son of George and Martha (McDonald) Mack, was born on the homestead Feb. 26, 1846, and was educated in the public schools of the township. He worked under the direction of his father from early boyhood, and always remained on the farm, which is a part of the original Mack homestead. Here he continued with his par- ents until they died, caring for them in their old age with the loving devotion which only a good son and his wife could give. He made extensive improvements on the farm, in 1875

George Mack, son of Robert, was born in Wheatfield township in May, 1818. His op- portunities to acquire an education were limited to the advantages offered at a little log subscription school which was held only a few months during the winter season. He was engaged from early boyhood at farm building a fine home and in 1889 a commodious work, and grew to manhood on the home place barn, and other buildings. The place is known with his father. For a period he also worked as Grand View farm because of the fine view on the construction of the Pennsylvania canal of the surrounding country which is afforded

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

from the location. Mr. Mack has been ex- Wheatfield township, daughter of Samuel and tensively engaged in stock raising and gen- Elizabeth (Fulcomer) Butler. They have a eral farming, keeping a tract of 200 acres family of four children: (1) Curtis Butler, born Jan. 9, 1876, was educated in the public schools and has worked from carly age with his father on the farm, now taking the bur- den of its operation and following in the foot- steps of his father with equal thrift and de- termination; he is specially interested in the raising of horses. He is a member of the U. P. Church and a Republican in politics. He is married to Laura Luther, daughter of Isaac D. Luther. (2) Maude Estella, born May 5, 1878, died June 12, 1880. (3) Emma Pearl, born Nov. 12, 1879, was educated in the public schools, at summer normals under Prof. C. A. Campbell and Prof. J. T. Stewart, at Grove City College, and taught school several terms in Buffington and East Wheatfield townships. She is now the wife of William N. Liggett, a well-known lawyer of Indiana, Pa. (4) Mattie Adell, born Aug. 21, 1883, was educated in the public schools of East Wheatfield town- ship. She married Lyman D. Mabon, of West Wheatfield township, where they now reside. under thorough modern cultivation. He is a firm believer in the soil being a safer invest- ment and yielding greater returns than a banking institution, and utilizes his farm profits in the enrichment of his land and pur- chase of labor-saving machinery until his acres yield a vast tonnage and his farm equipment is perhaps the most complete in the county. He is a man of enterprise and progressive ideas, not only on matters affecting his work but on all subjects which deal with the best welfare of the community, always supporting every undertaking intended for the benefit of the neighborhood and its inhabitants. He was the earliest promoter of the rural free delivery in his township, opposing prejudice with time and money until the system was put into oper- ation. For seven years Mr. Mack was a mem- ber of the township school board and served as secretary of that body. He takes an active part in literary societies and teachers' insti- tutes. The mere statement of his official con- nection with local educational matters con- veys no idea of the deep interest he has taken BENJAMIN F. COE, M. D., physician and surgeon, of Clymer, was born at Gillett, Brad- ford Co., Pa., July 8, 1872, son of Caleb E. and Ethlenda (Boughton) Coe. in the schools of his home neighborhood or the work he has accomplished for their im- provement along the most advanced lines. He is a man who demonstrates his worth in every Harmon Coe, a native of Connecticut, moved from that State to Delaware county, N. Y., and thence to Bradford county, Pa., where he farmed, and he built the first sawmill in the latter county. There he spent the remainder of his useful life, and died upon his farm. During the war of 1812 he served his country as a soldier. situation in which he is placed. He was a road supervisor and an early advocate of good roads. He is a leading member of the Bethel U. P. Church, of which he is ruling elder and trustee, and at present serving on the build- ing committee. He is a teacher in the Sunday school and superintendent, and active in all church work. For fifteen years he helped conduct a union Sabbath school in a local schoolhouse in addition to discharging his regular duties in the Bethel United Presby- terian Church. Although his hours of labor are determined only by the limitations of day- light, he has always found time to help in- crease the social happiness of his family, friends and neighbors. The Mack home is noted for its frequent social gatherings char- acterized by healthful enjoyment and unsur- passed hospitality, and Mr. Mack is never happier than when his neighbors have gath- ered about his table.

On Dec. 31, 1874, Mr. Mack married, in East Wheatfield township, Sarah Jane (Sadie) Butler, who was born Sept. 16, 1853, in East

Caleb E. Coe was born at Masonville, Dela- ware Co., N. Y., in 1832, while his wife was born in Columbia township, Bradford Co., Pa., in 1833. During the period of his active life Caleb E. Coe was a farmer, and he died in Bradford county, Pa., Sept. 7, 1911; his wife died March 7, 1903. They had ten children, nine being sons. Of these, Sarah, deceased, was the eldest child and only daughter ; Lyman is deceased; Caleb is deceased; Edgar is de- ceased; Scott is a resident of Elmira, N. Y .; Judson and Judd, twins, live in Osceola and Johnstown, Pa., respectively ; Benjamin F. is mentioned below; Montgomery is a resident of Sayre, Pennsylvania.

When his country had need of him Caleb E.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Coe enlisted for service in defense of the flag, rence, of Williamsport, Pa .; William, of from Troy, N. Y., in the 7th New York Cav- Lycoming county, Pa .; Margaret, wife of alry, for ninety days. He then reenlisted in Hiram Getchell, of, Emporium, Pa .; and Mrs. the 47th New York Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the conflict.

Daniel Boughton, Dr. Coe's maternal grand- father, moved from Connecticut to Delaware county, N. Y., and thence to Bradford county, Pa., arriving in the latter State about 1838. He farmed and was interested in lumbering, and rounded out a useful life. He, too, served in the war of 1812.

Benjamin F. Coe received his preliminary training in the country schools of Bradford county, Pa., and during his boyhood worked on a farm. Later he attended the University of Rochester (N. Y.) for two years, following which he worked as a telegrapher for the Northern Central Railroad Company. Hav- ing decided upon a professional career, he en- tered in 1892 the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., and was gradu- ated therefrom in 1895. Immediately there- after he began the practice of his chosen pro- fession, at Gazzam, Clearfield Co., Pa., where he remained ten years. At the expiration of that period he moved to Dixonville, and later established an office at Clymer, when the town was being organized. During the beginnings of this town Dr. Coe took a very active part in the work of getting its affairs in shape, and became well known to the people, not only professionally, but as a public-spirited citizen and reliable man. His practice has grown rapidly, and he now has many clients over a radius that embraces not only Clymer, but the surrounding country for a number of miles. He is also at the head of the Dixon- ville hospital, which he built in 1907.

On Oct. 8, 1896, Dr. Coe, was married, at Trout Run, Lycoming Co., Pa., to 'Elizabeth Cornwell, born in Lycoming county, Oct. 15, 1876, daughter of Thomas and Harriet ( Eng- lish) Cornwell. Her grandfather, Isaac Corn- well, came from Connecticut to Pennsylvania at a very early day, settling in Lycoming county, and was extensively engaged in lum- bering and farming.

Coe. The father of Mrs. Harriet (English) Cornwell came from England and located in Lycoming county, Pa., among the early set- tlers of that region.

Dr. and Mrs. Coe are the parents of two children, Marguerite and Barbara H. Dr. Coe belongs to the Indiana Lodge of Elks. Professionally he is a member of the Indiana County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and is president of the former. He and his wife are consistent mem- hers of the Baptist Church, and give liberally of their time and means toward its support.

HON. JOHN S. FISHER. The Fisher family through successive generations has re- sided in western Pennsylvania since Revolu- tionary times. In its different branches it is very numerous, especially in Westmoreland county, where the old stock originally settled. Many of its members have risen to distinction in business, in the professions, and in the service of their country, in times both of war and of peace.

The subject of this sketch was born in South Mahoning township, Indiana Co., Pa., May 25, 1867, to Samuel R. and Maria L. Fisher. His mother's maiden name was McGanghey, and she belonged to a prominent family of Indiana county. His father was a well-to-do farmer, highly esteemed by his neighbors, who honored him with many local offices. The grandfather of John S. Fisher was John Fisher, whose life was devoted to teaching, he being widely known in Westmoreland, Armstrong and Indiana counties as "Master Fisher."

John S. Fisher was educated in the Indiana public schools and the State normal school of Indiana, Pa., graduating from the high school department of the former in 1884, and from the normal in 1886. After graduating he spent several years teaching, during 1891, 1892 and 1893 serving as principal of the Indiana public schools. While teaching, he devoted his spare time and vacations to the study of law, having as his preceptor Samuel Cunningham, Esq., considered by many to be

Thomas Cornwell and his wife are now de- ceased. They' had a large family, namely : Susan, wife of William Follner, of Lycoming the leader of the Indiana county bar. In county, Pa .; Jerry, of Williamsport; Delilah August, 1893, he was admitted to the bar, and soon secured an extensive practice. A part- and Charles, both deceased; Isaac, of North- umberland, Northumberland Co., Pa .; Tor- nership was subsequently formed with his

Que S. Fischer

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

former preceptor, under the title of Cunning- infancy; Robert Miller, born Sept. 5, 1894, ham and Fisher. The firm commands one of and Mary, born March 26, 1898. the largest practices in Indiana county, and Mr. Fisher and all the members of his fam- its services are sought on one side or the ily are members of the First United Presby- other in nearly every suit of importance tried in the courts of the county.

In politics Mr. Fisher is an ardent Republi- can, and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the party. He served at vari- ous times as county chairman, and as State delegate. He was first nominated for State senator by popular vote in the Thirty-seventh Senatorial District by a majority of 4,646; was reelected practically without opposition in 1904, thus serving in the regular sessions of 1901, 1903, 1905 and 1907, and the special session of 1906. During this time he served in the chairmanships of the Judiciary Special, Corporation and Judiciary General com- mittees. He was selected as chairman of the Capitol Investigation Commission, which un- earthed the gigantic frauds in connection with the erection of the new Pennsylvania State Capitol.

In addition to his professional and political activities, Mr. Fisher has been connected with numerous business enterprises. He was among the first to realize the importance of our great coal deposits, and through his efforts were secured extensive developments in the Dixonville and Clymer. Brushvalleys, Coral, and Jacksonville and Lewisville fields. He was one of the founders of Clymer and has its people. Religion and education were so always taken a deep interest in its growth and prosperity. He is president of the Clymer Briek and Fire Clay Company and the Cly- mer Electric Company, and a director of the Dixon Run Land Company. He was one of the organizers of the Savings & Trust Com- pany, of Indiana, and has been a member of its board of directors since its organization. He is also largely interested in the State- Center Electric Company, which operates in the vicinity of State College, Pa., being a member of its board of directors, and is a director of the Clearfield Bituminous Coal Corporation. For many years he has served as a member of the board of trustees of the Indiana State normal school, in which posi- tion he has continued his interest in the cause of education. He helped to organize and is vice president of the Indiana County Hos- pital, and is president of the Pennsylvania Good Roads Association.

Mr. Fisher was married to Hapsie Miller, of South Mahoning township, on Oct. 11, 1893, and to this union four children have been born: Charlotte and John Royer, who died in to the fields, there to perish with hunger and

terian Church of Indiana, Pa., of which they are active and liberal supporters.

REISINGER OR RISINGER. The Risinger family of Center township, Indiana county, now represented by James M. and William P. Risinger, brothers, and Michael H. and Daniel E. Risinger, brothers, is descended from John Risinger, the pioneer settler of the family in Indiana county.

The Risingers have been settled in Pennsyl- vania for almost one hundred and seventy- five years. The first of the name in America was Hans Nicklaus Risinger, or Reisinger as it was formerly written, who emigrated from Germany to America in 1749. He came with his son John Peter in the ship "Dragon," George Spencer, master, with 563 passengers, foreigners from the Palatinate and Zwei- brucken, Germany. He is also mentioned in Rupp's "Thirty Thousand German Immi- grants." The Palatinates were a thrifty and industrious people who lived in the lower regions of the Rhine, and Prowell in his his- tory of the Palatinates and their emigration says : "The burghers of its cities were wealthy merchants. Its fertile fields and vine- elad hills brought competence and comfort to

well diffused that there were no other people of their day to whom in these respects the Palatines stood second. The situation of their native country, the highway of France into the heart of Germany, together with its beauty and fertility, made it a Naboth's vineyard to Louis XIV. of France, whose ambition was colossal." The revocation of the Edict of Nantes had driven thousands of Protestants from France into Germany, where they found a most needed asylum among their brethren of the Reformed and Lutheran faiths. The war of the Spanish succession gave to Louis XIV. the long-sought excuse to wreak a terri- ble vengeance on the inhabitants of the Pala- tinate. He sent an army of 50,000 men, with orders to its commander to ravage the country with fire and sword and to make the land a desert. The French went through the length and breadth of the country destroying cities, burning villages, stripping the people of their possessions, compelling them to pull down their walls, to stand by and see their wealth perish in the flames, and then driving them

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 122

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930