Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 136

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 884

USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II > Part 136

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

WILLIAM C. TREESE, of Lovejoy, In- diana county, proprietor of livery, feed and sales stables, has been in business there since 1904, and though one of the younger element in that section has made a substantial place for himself by his enterprising methods and accomodating service to all his patrons. His family has been settled in this section for some time.

George Dreese (he followed the German spelling of his name), his grandfather, was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in Huntingdon county, as was his wife, Rebecca (Blaugh). They came to Indiana county in 1856, settling in Green township, where he bought the farm which he cultivated until his death. He and his wife attained old age. They had a family of ten children, of whom Emanuel died in infancy ; Elizabeth, the eldest, became the wife of Levi M. Buterbaugh, of Green township, and died May 1, 1893; Kate married John Roley, of Montgomery township, Indiana county ; John lives in Green township; Aman- da married Washington Fridley, of Mont- gomery township; Minnie married William Humphries, of the State of Indiana; George lives in Montgomery township; Emeline is the wife of Dal Mumau of Glen Campbell, this county ; Adeline is the wife of Anthony Arm- strong, of Montgomery township; and Grant is a resident of Green township.

John Treese, son of George, was born in 1854, at the old homestead in Indiana county, and bought a farm in Green township, where he carries on general agriculture. He married Clara Lydick, who was born in Indiana county, daughter of Alexander Lydick, who settled in Indiana county at an early day. Mrs. Treese died at the age of thirty-two years, eight months, twenty-seven days, the mother of five children, namely : Cora, who is the wife of Gus Rice, of Green township; Edith, wife of Peter Rogers, of Cambria county, Pa .; Ona, wife of George Beers, of Indiana county; William C .; and Ford, a resident of Dixonville, Indiana county.

William C. Treese was born Jan. 15, 1884, in Green township, where he received his edu- cation in the public schools. When a boy he worked on the home farm, helping his father, but he was only a young man of twenty when he started in on his own account, coming to Lovejoy in 1904 and engaging in the livery business which he has since carried on. He has extended the scope and size of his enter- prise, now having a feed and sales stable also, and is engaged in the breeding of high-grade draft horses, owning Prince Albert and Modoc, two fine draft animals. His equipment is ex- tensive and being added to constantly, so that he has rigs of all descriptions for business and pleasure and is fully able to supply the local demand.

In April, 1904, Mr. Treese was married to Zella Learn, who was born in Green township, daughter of John A. and Jane (Larney) Learn, both of whom are now deceased; they were old settlers in Indiana county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Treese : John, Clarence and Jay. Mr. and Mrs. Treese attend the Lutheran Church at Cookport, and socially he belongs to the Knights of Pythias (at Starford) and the Loyal Order of Moose.

PAUL LEIB, proprietor of the City Bakery, of Indiana borough, Pa., is a native of the Fatherland, having been born in Wur- temberg, Germany, Jan. 21, 1887, son of Joseph M. and Catherine (Schott) Leib.

The parents of Mr. Leib are still residents of Germany, where the father is a brewmaster. He spent three years in the German army. They had three children: Joseph, who still lives in the old country ; Paul; and Carl, who came to the United States in 1904, and was accidentally drowned at Blacklick, in Joseph- ine lake.

1500

HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Paul Leib attended the schools of Germany for eight years, following which he learned all faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church.

the trade of baker, serving an apprenticeship and working there as journeyman for three years. Feeling that he could better himself in America, in 1903 he took passage for this country with an uncle, and after landing at New York City came directly to Indiana, Pa., and went to work in the bakery of W. S. Gess- ler, a cousin. He remained in Mr. Gessler's employ until 1909, in which year he purchased his interest in the business, and since that time has built up a large trade on his own account.

Mr. Leib is a member of St Bernard's Roman Catholic Church, and in political mat- ters is a Republican. He gives his entire attention to his business venture, and has had no leisure to devote to public matters outside

Earl C. Osmun was educated principally of that interest which every good citizen takes in the schools of his home locality, supple- in his community's welfare.

JOHN REZZOLLA, proprietor of a flour- ishing general merchandise business at Cly- mer, Indiana county, is an Italian by birth, over, he came to Indiana, Pa., to enter the and a son of Alexander and Mary (Verina) employ of Manley J. Hedden, proprietor Rezzolla. His parents, both natives of Italy, of the laundry now owned by Mr. Osmun have lived there all their lives, and have never visited the United States.

John Rezzolla was born Oct. 25, 1883, in Italy, and received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native country. Subsequently he was given a special course in law, having intended entering that profes- sion. In 1902, however, feeling that there was a better field for a young man and ambitious youth in America, he left his native country and came to the United States, landing at New York City on March 25 of that year. From the metropolis he made his way to Brockway- ville, Jefferson Co., Pa., and after spending one year at that place removed to Arcadia. There he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, becoming a clerk in a general store, and in 1906 came to Clymer, then a young but growing town. At the time he came to his present location he erected a modern store building, and his energy, ability and en- terprise have resulted in his building up a prosperous business.

On Nov. 2, 1909, Mr. Rozzella was united in marriage with Jennie Renzulli, who was born in Italy June 27, 1893, daughter of Louis and Mary (Ventura) Renzulli, who make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Rezzolla. Mr. and Mrs. Rezzolla have had one child, Evelyn, born Oct. 9, 1910.

Mr. Rezzolla, his wife and her parents are

EARL C. OSMUN, senior member of the firm of Osmun & McFarland, proprietors of the Indiana Steam Laundry, of Indiana, Pa., was born June 30, 1886, at Hinsdale, N. Y., son of Dana and Winifred ( Willover) Osmun.

Dana Osmun was a farmer during his short life, which terminated in Cuba, N. Y., when he was only forty-one years old. His widow survives him, residing at Hinsdale, N. Y. They had children as follows: Edna, who married John Clapp, of Hinsdale, N. Y .; Earl C .; and Esther, who is at home with her widowed mother.

mented the study done there with a course at a commercial college at Rochester, N. Y. During his vacation periods he worked on his father's farm. His school days

and his partner. In July, 1912, Mr. Os- mun bought the interest of Mr. Hedden, and taking Sylvester H. MeFarland into partner- ship formed his present firm. The business is on a sound paying basis, and satisfaction is given by the new firm, as it was under the old management. Mr. Osmun is a member of the First Baptist Church of Indiana. In politics he is an independent voter. A young man of high principles and good business judgment, he is making a success of his life, and has a bright future.

MANLEY J. HEDDEN, a farmer and pro- duce raiser of Cuba, N. Y., formerly the pro- prietor of the Indiana Steam Laundry, of Indiana, Pa., now owned by Osmun & McFar- land, was born June 29, 1874, at Hinsdale, N. Y., sou of John and Matilda (Witter) Hedden.

Amos Hedden, his grandfather, was born in New York State, and spent his latter years at Hinsdale, that State, conducting the farm upon which he died.

John Hedden grew to manhood's estate at Hinsdale, N. Y., and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. After the death of his father, the family moved to Richburg, N. Y., where he still resides. In religious faith he is a Baptist, and consistent in his support of the principles of his church. Formerly a Republican, Mr. Hedden of late years has sup-

1501

HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ported the Prohibition party, as its platform township, Indiana Co., Pa., Oct. 20, 1880, more nearly embodies his own conceptions of son of Jacob and Martha J. (Nelson) Burkett. right and wrong. Mr. and Mrs. John Hedden Joseph Burkett, the paternal grandfather of Harry Washington Burkett, was a native of Bedford county, Pa., and brought his fam- ily to Indiana county during the year known as that of the "Big Frost." Here he spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. became the parents of the following children : Dana G., who resides at Hinsdale, N. Y., mar- ried Lillian Snyder ; Nellie, who married Wal- ter J. Anderson, is now a widow and lives at Indiana, Pa .; Myra Bell married Frank Will- over and resides in Hinsdale, N. Y .; Clara married De Forest Jordan, of Cuba, N. Y .; Della married Calvin Adams, of Richburg, N. Y. : Manley J. lives at Cuba, New York.

Manley J. Hedden was reared at Hinsdale, N. Y., and attended the schools of that place and those of Cuba, finishing in the high school of the latter place. When he was seventeen years old he left school to begin farming. About 1898 he established a steam laundry at Richfield Springs, N. Y., building a plant and putting things in excellent condition, after which he sold, and coming to Indiana, in 1902, opened up what is now the Indiana Steam Laundry, which he conducted until he sold it in July, 1912, to Osmun & McFarland.

Mr. Hedden was first married to Winifred Wasson, of Cuba, N. Y., a daughter of Robert Wasson. She died in 1902, the mother of three children: Ralph, Glen and Lyle, who are attending school. On Sept 20, 1905, Mr. Hedden was united in marriage with Mabel C. Neal, of Indiana, Pa., at Olean, N. Y., and by this marriage has children as follows: Raymond Neal, Roy Manley, Mabel and Richard Monroe. Mrs. Hedden was born Nov. 18, 1882, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (McClure) Neal, the former of whom died in Indiana in 1901. He was born at Mckeesport, Pa., seventy-five years ago, and moved to Indiana county forty years ago, becoming one of the substantial agriculturists of his locality.

Mr. Hedden resides on a farm of 140 acres in New York State. His leading crop is hay, but he also raises large quantities of potatoes for the market. In religious faith he is a Baptist, while his wife is a Lutheran. Like his father, Mr. Hedden espouses the cause of prohibition and gives it valuable support. His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows, the Maccabees and the Royal Arcanum.

HARRY WASHINGTON BURKETT, junior member of the firm of J. Burkett & Son, for several years engaged in general merchandising at Ambrose, in South Mahon- ing township, was born on a farm in Grant

Jacob Burkett, son of Joseph Burkett, and father of Harry Washington Burkett, was born near Bedford, Bedford Co., Pa., in 1856, and was a youth when brought to Indiana county by his parents. He was engaged in farming with his father until 1893, in which year he brought his wife and son to South Mahoning township and purchased fifty acres of land known as the Joshua Lydick farm, which he continued to operate for seven years. He then turned lis attention to the general merchandise business at Ambrose, and in 1902 the firm of J. Burkett & Son was formed. In 1907 they purchased the store which they carried on until recently and twenty-five acres of land. Theirs became one of the largest and best stocked stores of its kind in South Mahoning township and was conducted in such an able manner as to gain and retain the patronage of the entire coun- tryside. Mr. Burkett still owns and operates his farm, and while his son managed the store he traveled through his own and other town- ships selling goods with a team. Mr. Burkett has always been known as an industrious. hard-working man, able in business and public-spirited as a citizen. For many years he supported Democratic policies and prin- ciples, but at this time is giving his support to the Prohibition party, being a firm believer in temperance. Every movement beneficial to South Mahoning township or its people can rely upon his hearty cooperation, and the signal service he has rendered his community in assisting in its growth and development . entitles him to a place among its representa- tive citizens. In 1879 Mr. Burkett was mar- ried to Martha J. Nelson, who was born near Elderton, Armstrong Co., Pa., a daughter of the late Samuel Nelson, and sister of Ulysses Grant Nelson, of Brushvalley, Indiana county, in whose sketch, in another part of this work, may be found a review of the Nelson family. Mrs. Burkett is a woman of much business ability, but has given the greater part of her attention to her household duties. Like her husband she is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church and is active in its work.

1502

HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

She and her husband had but one child, Harry Washington.

Harry Washington Burkett, son of Jacob Burkett, was given excellent educational ad- vantages, attending the public schools of Grant and South Mahoning townships and a business college at Columbus, Ohio. He had been reared to agricultural pursuits, but in 1902 formed a partnership with his father in the mercantile business at Ambrose. To this enterprise Mr. Burkett gave his entire time and attention, showing business ability far above the ordinary, and it was largely due to the conscientious attention that he paid to every detail that the business proved such a success. The firm of J. Burkett & Son re- cently sold its mercantile interests at Am- brose. Like his father, Mr. Burkett is pos- sessed of progressive ideas and methods, and all movements calculated to advance Am- brose or its interests, whether educational, industrial, commercial or social, find him an ardent supporter and tireless worker. Mr. Burkett has never indulged in intoxicating liquor, and is a stanch supporter of the cause of temperance, invariably voting the Prohibi- tion ticket straight. He is a member of the Baptist Church.

On July 24, 1908, Mr. Burkett was united in marriage with Minnie Brondon, who was born in South Mahoning township, Indiana Co.,Pa., daughter of Hugh Brondon, an agri- culturist of that township. She is a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and is well known and highly esteemed in church and social circles. To Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Burkett there have been born two daughters, Martha Elizabeth and Marjory Helen.

The firm of J. Burkett & Son gained an enviable position in the business world of Indiana eonnty through honorable and up- right dealing, and its members are numbered among South Mahoning township's most sub- stantial citizens. They have prestige in busi- ness, public and social life, and are well worthy the high regard and esteem in which they are universally held.

Kline, by whom she had two children: John, now a resident of West Wheatfield township, Indiana county; and Samuel, who died in West Wheatfield township.

Joseph Kissinger was reared in East Wheatfield township, and attended the coun- try schools. After his marriage he bought the old homestead, a tract of 166 acres which he farmed for thirty-five years, and died there in 1891, at the age of sixty-nine years. In religion he was a Lutheran and a zealous church worker, serving for years in the ca- pacity of elder; he was one of the founders of the New Florence Lutheran Church. In polities he was a Republican. He married Elizabeth Shott, who was born in Germany, and when twelve years old came to the United States with her parents, John Shott and wife, who were accompanied by several children. Mr. Shott settled on a farm in East Wheat- field township, Indiana Co., Pa., where he died. Mrs. Kissinger, now (1913) ninety- one years of age, lives with her daughter Jennie, Mrs. Nipper, in Blaeklick township, this county. She is a devout member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Kissinger had the following children: John II., of Blairsville, was a music teacher for twenty- five years, and is now engaged in the milk business; he married Elizabeth Wakefield. Joseph, a farmer of East Wheatfield town- ship, married Lucinda Van Horn. Samuel, a market gardener, of Homer City, married Mary Mangus. Jennie is the wife of Chester Nipper, of Blacklick township. Catherine is Mrs. Moses Lehr, of Pitcairn, Pa. William is mentioned below.

William Kissinger grew to manhood on the home farm in East Wheatfield township. He attended the Culbert public school near his home until he reached the age of sixteen, and worked at home on the farm, receiving a thorough training for agricultural pursuits under his father. After his marriage he bought a farm of 130 acres in East Wheat- field township, upon which place he lived for fourteen years. Selling that place he bought 130 acres in Blacklick township, where he resided eleven years, at the end of that period selling it and buying his present property, a tract of five and a half acres at Indiana borough. It is at No. 310 Locust street. Mr. Kissinger put up new buildings here and made numerous other improvements, having a beautiful home, which is a credit to his in- dustry and taste, and the land under his skill-

WILLIAM KISSINGER, truck farmer of Indiana, Indiana county, where he has a small but valuable property particularly well adapted to the needs of his business, was born on his father's farm in East Wheat- field township, this county, Jan. 19, 1863. His grandfather, who was a farmer in that township, died in 1825. Joseph Kissinger, father of William, was his only child. His widow remarried, becoming the wife of a Mr. ful cultivation yields profitable returns.

1503

HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

On Jan. 13, 1885, Mr. Kissinger married Emma Clarke, of Johnstown, Pa., daughter of Samuel and Eva Clarke. She died in 1895, the mother of four children, namely : Walter Irving, who has a hardware store at New Florence, Pa., where he resides, married Fanny Campbell; Vincent, of Pittsburg, Pa., a railway mail clerk, married Laura Rising; Merle Clyde, now of Pitcairn, Pa., employed in the drafting department of the Westing- house Company, was for two years a student at the Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio (he married Mary Wise) ; Charles Frank, now a market gardener at Derry, Westmore- land Co., Pa., was formerly engaged in teach- ing (he is unmarried). In 1897 Mr. Kis- singer married (second) Annie Dick, of Brushvalley township, Indiana county, daugh- ter of Alexander and Mary (Kelley) Dick, and they have had two children, Joseph Alexander and William Hood. Mr. and Mrs. Kissinger are members of the Presbyterian Church. In his political views he is a Re- publican.

WILLIAM NELSON TEMPLETON, who is connected with the A. F. Kelly store, at Clymer, is a native of Indiana county, born in Green township March 6, 1878, son of Robert and Keziah (Patterson) Templeton. Grand- father Templeton came to Indiana county, Pa., at a very early day and followed farming all his life.

Robert Templeton was born near Indiana, in Indiana county, and resides on his large farm, having been an extensive farmer and large stock raiser for many years, dealing in and shipping sheep as a specialty. During the Civil war he served in the Federal army for three years, as a member of the 67th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He mar- ried Kezialı Patterson, who was born in Green township, Indiana county, daughter of Thomas Patterson. Thomas Patterson came to Indiana county, Pa., among the early settlers and became a man of considerable local prominence, serving for many years as a justice of the peace. He was a farmer and also a shoemaker.

Nine children were born to Robert Temple- ton and his wife, three of whom died in in- fancy, and Lucy, the third youngest, is also deceased. The others are: Laura, who is the wife of H. E. Moorhead, of the East End, Pittsburg; John Charles, a school teacher; Myrtle, who is the wife of Scott Harris, of Bisbee, Ariz .; Ralph, who lives in New Jer- sey ; and William N.

William Nelson Templeton obtained his educational training in the public schools and afterward taught one term in the old home school in Green township, and until he reached . his majority remained at home and worked for his father on the home place. After- ward he was employed for two years with the Cambria Steel Company, while for the last two years he has been connected with the A. F. Kelly store at Clymer, proving him- self a keen business man and a tactful, courte- ous and efficient employee.

On May 9, 1900, Mr. Templeton was mar- ried to Mabel C. Reed, who was born in Cherryhill township, this county, Feb. 11, 1879, a daughter of James L. and Caroline M. (Dick) Reed, who now live at Kenwood, in Cherryhill township. James L. Reed was in early manhood a cabinetmaker, afterward following carpentering and painting. He married Caroline M. Dick, and of their large family three sons and three daughters are living: Minnie, who is the wife of O. V. Householder, resides at Penn Run, Pa .; Re- becca lives at home; Earl D. is with the Eureka Hardware Company at Clymer; Ross lives at home; Otto is a teacher in Cherry- hill township; Mabel is Mrs. Templeton.

Mr. and Mrs. Templeton have had three children, namely : Carolyn Leone, born in 1902; Althea Ruth, born in 1907; and Robert Reed, born in 1912. The family belongs to the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Templeton is an elder and is also superin- tendent of the Sunday school.

GEORGE LIPTAK, proprietor of a meat market at Dixonville, Indiana county, is do- ing a prosperous business, having built up a good trade among the people of that town and the surrounding locality. He was born in Hungary in 1864, and his parents, John and Mary Liptak, died in that country. George Liptak lived there until 1889, acquir- ing his education in the public schools. Com- ing to America in the year named, he lived for two years at Adamsburg, in Westmore- land county, Pa., at the end of that time re- turning to Hungary for his family. Upon their arrival they settled at Adamshurg, re- maining there for four years, and thence com- ing to Dixonville, Indiana county, which has since been their home. When he removed to Dixonville Mr. Liptak began the meat busi- ness which he has since conducted and which under his good management has been enlarged to paying proportions. He owns his home and place of business, and is recognized as

1504

HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

one of the thrifty citizens of the community and miller. At present he resides in Mary- with which he has cast his lot.

In 1886 Mr. Liptak was married in Hun- gary to Julia Novonaty, of that country, and they have had a family of seven children: dian, a farmer, and Mrs. Davis was the sec- Mary, John, Stephen, Emma, Anna, Julia and Margaret.

James Davis, son of Samnel L. Davis, was born in Indiana county, and remained on his father's farm until the age of eighteen years, when he learned the blacksmith's trade, con- tinning to follow the same even after pur- chasing the farm on which his son, Cameron Davis, now resides. He married Evalyn Har- rold, and they reside at Penn Run. She was born in Indiana county, a daughter of Jacob Harrold, who was a farmer and tanner there. Two children were born to James Davis and his wife: Cameron and Zuela, the latter the wife of Jesse E. Mock, who is in the contract- ing business at Clymer, Pennsylvania.

Cameron Davis was reared on the home farm and attended the public schools of Cherryhill township. Afterward he taught one term of school in Cambria county, and two terms in Indiana county in Cherryhill and Rayne townships, and succeeded well as an educator, but the profession did not prove attractive enough to separate Mr. Davis from his agricultural activities, and he returned to the farm, where, in addition to carrying on a general agricultural work, he operates a dairy, and prosecutes his different under- takings according to modern methods.

On April 8, 1903, Mr. Davis was married to Nellie Frantz, and they have five children : Claire, Herman, Hale, Helen and James W.

Mrs. Davis was born in Armstrong county, Pa., May 1, 1882, a daughter of George E. and Margaret (Wardian) Frantz, and a grand- daughter of Jacob Frantz and Peter War- dian.

Jacob Frantz was of German ancestry and was born in eastern Pennsylvania. He was an early settler in Armstrong county and was a miller and millwright by occupation.

George E. Frantz, son of Jacob and father of Mrs. Davis, was born in Armstrong county, and he, like his father, became a millwright

land, where he still follows his trade. He mar- ried Margaret Wardian, who was born in Jef- ferson county, Pa., daughter of Peter War-

ond born of their children, the others being : Blanche, who resides at home; Viola, who is the wife of Thomas Moorhead, of Indiana; Bertha, who is the wife of Martin Fowler, of Penn Run; Arthur, who is attending a theo- logical seminary at Pittsburg, preparing for the Presbyterian ministry: Frank, who is in

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 136

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 884

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 884