Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 153

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 153

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Joseph Keck, the maternal grandfather of U. S. Grant McHenry, was a native of Penn- sylvania, of German descent. He was a saw- yer by trade and followed that occupation in Jefferson county for some years, also devot- ing some attention to farming. He married Sophia Spare, and both died in Jefferson county.

U: S. Grant McHenry attended public

Isaac McHenry, eldest son of Maj. James school, meantime assisting his father upon the and Elizabeth (Stuchel) MeHenry, was the farm, and was thus engaged until fifteen grandfather of Grant McHenry. He was years old, when he went West to Kansas. He born July 4, 1797, in North Mahoning town- there found employment with the Chicago Cattle Company, with whom he remained six years, at the end of which period he returned to Jefferson county, Pa. For the next thir- teen years he worked for the Big Run Tan- nery Company, owned by Irwin & Son, and then for seven years was with the Jefferson Traction Company. He has since been at Lucerne, in Center township, Indiana county, having come there Jan. 18, 1910, as electrical engineer, in which capacity he was employed for sixteen months. He has since been pump- man at shaft No. 3, in which responsible posi- ship, and in his early days followed farming in his native township, assisting to clear and operate the home farm, also engaging in lumbering. Later he moved to Jefferson county, first to what is now Punxsutawney, and made the first settlement at Fordham. After his marriage he and his wife lived for a time in Porter township, that county, and subsequently on what is known as the old Bath farm at Whitesville, thence removing to the vicinity of Frostburg, Jefferson county, where Mr. MeHenry was engaged in farm- ing for over fifty years. In 1886, however, the farm was sold and the old couple moved tion he has given excellent satisfaction to all --- on Nov. 16th-with their son George W., concerned. He is an intelligent. and reliable to a farm which had been bought in East man, and has made himself valuable to his

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

employers by efficient service and prompt at- of whom are residents of Iselin; and May tention to all his duties. Blanch, who is deceased.

In 1887 Mr. McHenry was married to Cora H. Stumpf, daughter of Andrew J. and Martha Jane (Stuchell) Stumpf, and they have had three children: J. V., who resides at Dubois, Pa .; John Craig, of Lucerne, Pa .; and L. B., who lives at home.

Politically Mr. McHenry is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks lodge at Punxsutawney, Pa., No. 301.

HARVEY H. FENNELL, a farmer of Armstrong township, was born in Bell town- ship, Westmoreland Co., Pa., Jan. 27, 1880, son of John A. and Selina (Mc Williams) Fennell.

Mr. Fennell was educated in the schools of Westmoreland county and Armstrong township, this county, the family moving here while he was still a lad. When he was eighteen years old he went to Avonmore, Westmoreland Co., Pa., where he worked in the rolling mills for two years. Later he came back to Armstrong township, and now owns ninety-two acres of good land, on which he is carrying on agricultural pursuits, with commendable methods and satisfactory re- sults.

.On Sept. 14, 1900, Mr. Fennell married (first) Mary Emma Fee, who was born on a farm in 1875, daughter of Andrew and Nancy (Allison) Fee. One child, Mary Alice, was born of this marriage. Mr. Fennell's second marriage was to Miss Cora B. Kunkle, daugh- ter of Lemuel Kunkle. Mr. and Mrs. Fennell are the parents of the following children: Blanche Marie, Grace Luella and Martha Belle. The family is well and favorably known throughout the neighborhood, and deservedly respected.

LEONARD K. FASSETT, postmaster at Reed, and manager of the store of the Ridge Supply Company there, was born at Carbon Run, Bradford Co., Pa., Sept. 4, 1878, son of Emory and Jennie (Carey) Fassett.

Leonard K. Fassett moved with his par- ents to Jefferson county and was brought up in Coal Glen, where he was sent to school. Later he engaged as clerk in the store of Abbott & Blake, remaining with that con- cern for fourteen years, and receiving a sal- ary which ranged from the twenty dollars a month with which he started to the fifty dol- lars per month which he was receiving when he left in 1904 to come to Indiana county as head clerk for the Ridge Supply Com- pany at Iselin. In 1907 Mr. Fassett was made manager of the branch store at Iselin No. 3 Mines, which position of trust he has held ever since, proving himself capable of discharging the responsible duties pertain- ing thereto. In that same year he was ap- pointed postmaster at Reed, when that was made a fourth-class office, and has since held the position, increasing the efficiency of the service.

In 1900 Mr. Fassett was married to Laura M. Kerry, of Carbon Run, daughter of Wil- liam Kerry, and one child, Emory, was born of this union. Mr. Fassett is a member of Blue Lodge No. 431, F. & A. M., at Salts- burg. Politically he is a Republican, and has given his party good service. The Metho- ist Church has in him a faithful member, he being connected with that denomination at West Lebanon, as is his wife. Not only is he interested in church life, but realizing the importance of the Sunday school he is active in its work and at present serving as super- intendent, and is an efficient teacher of one of the more advanced classes.

OLIVER C. FRY, of Indiana, Pa., who has been following the occupation of railway mail clerk for the last 'twenty-three years, was born in Salem township, Westmoreland Co., Pa., Feb. 12, 1850, and is a son of Isaac and Sybillah (Rimel) Fry.

Henry Fry, the great-grandfather of Oliver C. Fry, was born in Bavaria, Germany, whence he brought his wife and children to America, settling in Lancaster county, Pa., prior to the Revolutionary war, in which he took an active part. His old homestead in Lancaster county, where he died, is still standing, and his clock, which he brought from Germany, is now a possession of his great-grandson Oliver C. Fry. He had two children, Daniel and Andrew.

Emory Fassett was engaged in mining at Carbon Run, Pa., for a number of years, but later on in life moved to Iselin, in Young township, this county, where he is now liv- ing, having charge of the supply department of the Pittsburg Gas Coal Company at that point. He was married at Carbon Run to Jennie Carey, who was born at that place, and she has borne him eight children : Leonard K .; Clarence S .; Thomas, who is Andrew Fry, son of Henry, and grand- deceased; John, Elmer, Robert and Earl, all father of Oliver C. Fry, came to the woods of

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Westmoreland county with his brother, and ing now numbered among the most faithful and trusted employees in that branch.

in Salem township built a log house, which is still standing. He and his wife Susan were often compelled to take refuge in the old fort at Hannastown when in danger of attack by the Indians. Andrew and Susan Fry died in the old log house which still stands in Salem township. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Peter died unmarried at the old home; Ann, who married John Keb- ler, is also deceased; Mattie, who married

Isaac Fry, son of Andrew, and father of Oliver C. Fry, was born in 1810 on the home farm, and received but two and a half days' schooling in his life, in the little log school- house which was located five miles from his home, the Indians of that section being so active and so hostile that the early settlers were afraid to send their children away from the protection of their homes. Mr. Fry was reared to agricultural pursuits and on reach- ing manhood bought a farm situated a half mile from the homestead, where he continued to carry on operations until his death, May 9, 1908. He and his wife, who died May 14, 1905, at the age of eighty-four years, were members of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Fry was a stanch Democrat, serving in va- rious township offices. They had the fol- lowing children : Christina, who married Thomas Smaley, of Delmont, Pa .; Martha, who married William Walton, of Westmore- land county ; Oliver C .; John, deceased, who married Nance Smail; Lucetta, who is un- married; Calvin, living on the home farm; Jacob, who lives in Pittsburg, married to Elizabeth Elwood; and Jesse, deceased, twin of Jacob.

Mr. Fry was married Sept. 1, 1887, in Indi- ana, to Myrtle Weston, of Marion Center, Pa., daughter of John and Hannah (Johns- ton) Weston, and two children have been born to them: Myra, a graduate of the Indi- ana State normal school; and Bertha, a stud- ent in that institution.

Mr. and Mrs. Fry are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been an Philip Klingensmith, is deceased; Lovina, elder for eight years and a teacher in the who married George Fry, is deceased; Isaac is mentioned below; Betsey, who married Joseph Bush, is deceased; Joseph, deceased, married Sarah Portser; Andrew, deceased, married Mahala Kepple. Sunday school for twenty years. He is a stanch Republican in his political views, and fraternally is connected with Palladium Lodge, No. 346, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand. For fifteen years Mr. Fry was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, retiring with the rank of first lieu- tenant.

ROBERT H. DILTS, station agent for the Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad Company and agent for the American Express Com- pany at Plumville, South Mahoning town- ship, Indiana Co., Pa., was born in North Mahoning township, this county, in 1886, son of Wilson Allison and Mary J. (Widdowson) Dilts.

William Dilts, the great-great-grandfather of Robert H. Dilts, came in 1800, from the vicinity of Hagerstown, Md., to North Ma- honing township, and here spent the re- mainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. He married Mrs. Nancy (Watson) Keen, and they had one child, Peter.

Peter Dilts, son of William Dilts, and great- grandfather of Robert H. Dilts, was born about the year 1785, and as a youth accom- panied his parents to North Mahoning town- ship. He followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a farmer, acquired one thousand acres of land, and became a well- known man in his section, serving as justice of the peace, county commissioner and asso- ciate judge. He died in 1856, at the age of seventy-one years, and was buried in Gilgal Church cemetery. Mr. Dilts was married to Jane Coulton, who died in 1821, and his sec- ond marriage was to Jane Kinter. His chil- dren were: Elizabeth, who married John Sprankle and (second) Daniel Fair; Wil- liam, who married Nancy McElhoes; John,

Oliver C. Fry resided on the home farm until he was seventeen years of age, attend- ing public school at Five Points during the winter months and farming in the summers until he was fifteen and then attending the Millersville State normal school for two years. In the fall of 1875 Mr. Fry came to Indiana and began teaching school at Bairdstown, in the winter season, in the meantime attending the Indiana normal school for six terms. He who married Margaret Means; Peter, Jr., followed teaching for nineteen years, being who married Mary Ewing; James, who mar- engaged sixteen years in White township, and ried May Hall; Jemima, who married Joseph entered the mail service March 1, 1888, be- Shields; Isabella, who married John Lewis;

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Henry Kinter; and Sarah J., who married daughter of William Widdowson, and nine James B. Work.

Henry K. Dilts, son of Peter, and grand- father of Robert H. Dilts, was born on the home farm and after attending the district schools worked on the home place, where he settled. He became the owner of a tract of 250 acres, all of which he put under cultiva- tion, and during the winter months engaged in lumbering, in addition to which he carried on the buying and selling of stock. For some years he followed the last named business as a drover, disposing of his stock east of the mountains. On the home farm, located near Trade City, he made many improvements, and there continued to reside for many years, but eventually moved to Marion Center, where he kept a hotel during his declining years and died in April, 1893, being buried in Gilgal cemetery. Politically he was a Re- publican. Mr. Dilts was active in the work of the Presbyterian Church. He served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Brown, and was school director and township superintendent of schools, displaying much executive ability in his official positions. Mr. Dilts married Nancy Allison, daughter of John Allison, and she died Sept. 3, 1912, while on a visit to her son, Wilson A. Dilts, and was buried in the Gilgal cemetery. She was a faithful mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. She had a family of nine children, as follows: Wilson Allison; Linus, living in Jefferson county ; William, who died in young manhood; Addie, who married Elijah Work; John, who died in young manhood ; Sarah Belle, who married Jesse Miller and resides in Pittsburg; Harry, a successful practicing physician; Thomas, residing at Blairsville, Pa .; and Ella, who married Charles Riblett, of Youngwood, Pennsylvania.

children have been born to this union: Luta, who married John Mayo, of Rochester, Pa .; Dora, Mrs. Moore, who was formerly engaged in school teaching; Robert H .; Nannie, a school teacher; Fay, who resides at home; May, also at home; June, who lives at Punx- sutawney, Pa .; and Silas and John, who are at home with their parents.

Robert H. Dilts, son of Wilson, Allison Dilts, was but two years old when the family moved to White Oak Flats, in South Mahon- ing township, and there he attended public school. Subsequently he became a pupil in the select school of Prof. Charles Stiffer, and then entered New Bethlehem business col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1905. Returning to his home, Mr. Dilts worked on the farm for two years, and in 1907 entered the employ of the Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad Company at Medix Run, Elk Co., Pa. Two months later, in July, 1907, he came to Plumville, to succeed S. C. Mains as agent of the company at that point, and since that time has continued to act in that capacity, in addition being agent for the American Express Company. Mr. Dilts is well fitted to discharge the duties of his posi- tion successfully, and his unfailing courtesy and obliging nature have made him a gen- eral favorite with the patrons of the road and have given him an assured popularity. Like his father Mr. Dilts is a stalwart supporter of Socialistic issues. He is known as one of the leaders of the younger faction in Indiana county, and their influence has been a dis- tinct factor in the gains that the party has made in Plumville and the surrounding coun- try. Both have given this subject much thought and wide study, and being men of intelligence their opinions carry much weight. In his religious views Mr. Dilts is liberal, his endeavor being to live up to the teachings of the Golden Rule. He is a popular member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows and of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers.

Wilson Allison Dilts, son of Henry K. Dilts, was born in North Mahoning town- ship May 26, 1857. He received his education in the public schools and from earliest boy- hood worked on his father's farm. He con- tinued to remain under the parental roof, being thoroughly trained in all the details In 1907 Mr. Dilts was married to Lilla May Sager, who was born at Little Washing- ton, Pa., daughter of E. A. Sager, and she died Nov. 23, 1909, leaving two children : Raymond Eugene, who died Dec. 5, 1911; and Nancy Maria. Mrs. Dilts was a faith- ful member of the Lutheran Church. of farming and stock raising, until 1887, in which year he came to South Mahoning town- ship and located on a farm of sixty-two acres, the old Curren property, where he has since been engaged in general farming. For some years Mr. Dilts was a Republican, but at this time he is a stanch supporter of the prin- ciples, policies and candidates of the Socialist party. In 1883 he was married to Mary J. JAMES A. HANNA, a farmer and car- Widdowson, who was born at Dixonville, Pa., penter of Pine township, Indiana county,

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

was born Nov. 11, 1882, in Banks township, this county, son of James B. Hanna and Paul Lower was born in Blair county, Pa., grandson of George Hanna.

George Hanna resided at Burnside, Pa.

James B. Hanna was educated at the Brady school near Smithport. When still a child he began to work for his living, being employed on a farm with his uncle, and lived with his grandmother in Pine township. When he was able to buy a farm he purchased sixty-eight acres in Banks township. He also farmed for the Heilwood Company, and was a faith- ful worker and excellent man. A Republi- can in politics, he voted his party ticket, but never held office. He was a member of Wash- ington Camp, No. 616, of Gipsy, Indiana Co., Pa., and of the Knights of Pythias at Smith- port. In religious faith he was a Methodist.

James A. Hanna attended school at Smith- port, Banks township, until he was fifteen years old, when he began working in the lumber woods for Fry & Galey, for whom his father was then foreman, and spent five years at this kind of work. He also assisted his father in operating the Henry Prothero farm near Smithport, where he lived. In 1908 he began learning the carpenter's trade with Blair Hess, of Montgomery township, and upon completing his apprenticeship secured a position with the Heilwood Company, with whom he still continues. Mr. Hanna owns a farm of 125 acres near Heilwood, all of which is cleared except twenty acres of woodland.

On Oct. 19, 1909, Mr. Hanna married Bessie Pearl Steffey, a daughter of George Steffey and his wife Tressa (Gass), of Pine township. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna have had one child, Tressa, who was born Sept. 9, 1910. Mr. Hanna is a Republican, but like his father has never desired office. He belongs to Washington Camp, No. 616, of Gipsy, Montgomery township. His religions connec- tion is with the Lutheran Church of Pine township, and he is as much respected in it as he is wherever known elsewhere.

WILLIAM HARRISON LOWER, car-

The Lower family is of German origin, and

where he grew to manhood. On attaining his majority he came to Indiana county, locat- He was killed while in the service of his ing in Brushvalley township, where he pur- country during the Civil war, and his wife died when their son James B. was eighteen months old.

chased from William Rhodes what was known as the Shoemaker farm, a tract of 119 acres. Here he erected a residence and barn, made considerable further improvement, and con- tinued to be engaged in general farming and stock raising during the remainder of his life. He died on this farm and was buried in the Lutheran Church cemetery. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Lower served as deacon. In his political views he was a Democrat, but was independ- ent in his support of candidates. His wife, a native of Blair county, died at Nolo, in Pine township, and was buried in the Lu- theran Church cemetery in Brushvalley town- ship. They had a family of nine children: Samuel, Sarah, George, Catherine and John, all of whom are deceased; William Harrison; Addie, who married John Sester; Annie, twin of Addie, who married David Cramer; and Jennie, who married Hiram Strong and lives in Swissvale.

William Harrison Lower spent his boyhood days on the home farm, and secured his edu- cation in the Simons school. He remained on the home farm, and when he was twenty-three years of age was married and took charge of the old homestead, which he conducted for a number of years. He subsequently settled on the David Gamon farm, a tract of seventy- five acres in the same township, but after several years spent in farming and stock rais- ing sold out and moved to Homer City, there following the trade of carpenter and joiner until 1911. In that year he came to Swiss- vale, where he has since made his home, be- ing engaged in contracting and building in Brushvalley township, in partnership with L. S. Shaffer, although he is still the owner of the old homestead. Mr. Lower is an in- dependent Republican in his political views, and while a resident of Brushvalley township served as supervisor of roads. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, but has no fraternal connections, being domestic in his tastes and a great lover of home.

Mr. Lower was married in Brushvalley penter and builder of Swissvale, Pa., was township to Jennie Murdick, daughter of born on the farm which he now owns in Chambers Murdick, and she died leaving Brushvalley township, Indiana Co., Pa., Oct. 23, 1862, and is a son of Paul and Susanna (Clapper) Lower.

three children: Mary, who is deceased ; Clyde, a resident of Swissvale; and Rowan, at home. Mr. Lower's second marriage was

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

to Mrs. Effie (Mack) Yonken, daughter of whose parents are residents of Mobile, Ala., John Mack and widow of Edward Yonken.

DANTE ZANONI, of Creekside, Indiana county, dealer in fresh and smoked meats, was born in Italy July 23, 1865, son of Louis and Louisa Zanoni. His father was a shoe- maker by trade, and both the parents died in Italy.

In 1905 he embarked in the butcher business at Creekside, which he has carried on ever since with gratifying results. He handles a varied assortment of fresh and smoked meats, and his prices and the quality of his goods have gained him creditable confidence and patronage among the people of Creekside.

Mr. Zanoni is married and his children are: Louis, Idena, Alex, Olga and Harris.

ROBERT ROLLEY, the popular pro- ing alleys at Clymer, Pa., was born Sept. 19, 1874, at Midway, Washington Co., Pa., son of John and Sarah Rolley.

At an early day the parents of Mr. Rolley removed from Midway, Pa., to Wellsville, Ohio, where John Rolley spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1900, while his widow still survives and makes her home at Wellsville.

The educational training of Robert Rolley was obtained in the schools of Wellsville, Ohio, and in that city he remained until he was of age. Having learned the barber's trade in his young manhood, he followed that business for some time in Wellsville, and later in East Liverpool, Ohio. In 1910 Mr. Rolley came to Clymer, Pa., where for some time he conducted tonsorial parlors, but sub- sequently opened a pool and billiard parlor, later added bowling alleys, and finally put in a stock of cigars and tobacco. He is enterpris- ing and progressive in his business methods and thoroughly deserves the lucrative busi- ness that has come to his establishment.

While still a resident of East Liverpool, Ohio, on July 2, 1902, Mr. Rolley was united in marriage with Anna McGuire, who was born in East Liverpool, and to this union one child, Pauline, was born. Mrs. Rolley died April 18, 1907, and on April 17, 1911, Mr. Rolley was married (second) to Elizabeth Anderson, also a native of East Liverpool,

where her father is engaged in farming.

WASIL ROMANCE, merchant, of White township, Indiana Co., Pa., was born in 1867, in Italy, son of John and Anna Eva Romance, both of whom died in that country.

In 1888 Mr. Romance came to the United States, and like so many of his countrymen has prospered in his new home. Landing Dante Zanoni learned the trade of stone- mason, and followed this calling for a time in New York City he worked at various occu- after coming to the United States, in 1897. pations, and in different places, until 1902, when he came to Indiana county. There he bought three acres of land half way between the town of Indiana and Ernest, on the turn- pike road, and established himself as a gen- eral merchant, having a large store, and other good buildings there. He has developed a fine trade.

Mr. Romance and his wife, Katie, have the following children : Anna, Katie, Marie, Wasil, Jr., Eva, John, Joseph, Susie and Cath- erine. Mr. Romance is an excellent business

prietor of a pool and billiard hall and bowl- man, and being genial by nature has made

many friends in his township.

DAVID BLUE, a retired farmer of Cham- bersville, Rayne township, Indiana county, was born in Ireland Feb. 14, 1831, son of John and Elizabeth (Campbell) Blue.

John Blue, was born in Ireland in 1788, and grew to manhood's estate in his native land, there attending school and learning the trade of weaver. Becoming an expert in his line he not only worked at his trade in Ire- land, but in Scotland as well, thus continu- ing until 1838, when he felt that he was not making sufficient progress or providing as he wished for his family, so with his wife and children he sailed from Belfast, Ireland, to Quebec, Canada. After arrival there he se- cured employment macadamizing roads, and later at widening the channel of the Erie canal. This brought him into the United States, and liking conditions here he moved to the Cornelius Campbell farm, three miles outside of Indiana, in Armstrong township, Indiana Co., Pa. For a number of years fol- lowing his advent into this county he worked hard and well as a farmer, carefully saving his money, and eventually was able to buy a farm of seventy-five acres in Rayne town- ship. This he conducted until his death, in 1866.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 153

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