Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 19

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 19

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).

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

strong township one term, studied two terms at the Jacksonville Academy and then re- sumed teaching, being engaged one term at the Hilltop school in Armstrong township and one term at No. 5 school in Conemaugh township. Then she married in 1864, and settled with her husband in Armstrong town- ship, of which she is a highly respected resi- dent. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson had children as follows: (1) Elmer Lynch, born Jan. 17, 1865, is now connected with the pottery busi- ness at Carlton, Ohio. He married Millicent Rhoades, who died March 28. 1893, the mother of two children, Roy Evan and Clara Ellen. He has since married (second) Luella A. Hard. (2) Nancy Narcissa, born Jan. 14, 1867, married J. M. Hawk, and resides at Beaver Falls, Pa. They have had children : Le Moyne (deceased), Meriam (deceased), Warren Clifford, Raymond Perry and Clara Esther. (3) Clara Mary, born May 24, 1869, married Joseph Lytle MeGanghey, a resident of Armstrong township, this county. (4) William Brice, born Oct. 12, 1871, died in 1880. (5) Randal Wiggins, born Feb. 2, 1874, graduated from the Pittsburg College of Pharmacy (Western University of Penn- sylvania), and now has a drug store of his own at Avalon, Allegheny Co., Pa. He mar- ried Margaret Pierce. (6) Walter Lowry first became a druggist and then took up the study of medicine, graduating from the West- ern Pennsylvania Medical College, Pittsburg, and he is now engaged in practice at East Mc- Keesport. He married Villa K. Fleeger, and they have two children, John Walter, born in June, 1906, and Annita Elizabeth, born Aug. ing Dr. Donaldson; at Belmont, Ohio, four 20, 1910.

The Mccullough family, to which Mrs. township, Indiana county, and taught three John W. Henderson belongs, came to this years. Having studied theology, he was or- country from Ireland. David McCullough, dained a minister of the Lutheran Church in her grandfather, was born on what is now 1866, and 1877 moved to Brushvalley, Indiana county, and became pastor of the Lutheran Church there. He died Feb. 10, 1913, at Homer City, this county. the Samuel Stephens farm in Armstrong township. Indiana county, and died at Elder- ton, Armstrong county. He married Eliza- beth George, a native of Ireland, and they had the following children: Samuel, James, Martha, John, David (died young), David (2) (died young), Jackson, William, David (3), Robert and Alexander.

Samnel Mccullough, father of Mrs. John W. Henderson, was born in 1813 in Arm- strong township, Indiana county, on what is now the Samuel Stephens farm, and later lived near Elderton, Armstrong county. By trade he was a tanner and harnessmaker, fol- lowing that line at Elderton for two years, and he also conducted a tannery on his farm,

which is now owned by Mrs. Henderson. He bought hides all over the county, tanning them and shipping the leather to Pittsburg, and was a well-known man in this section in his day, his various business ventures bring- ing him in touch with a large number of peo- ple. In politics he was a Democrat and dur- ing Buchanan's administration was appointed postmaster at Tannery village; the office has been abandoned since the establishment of the rural free delivery service. He also served as school director. Mr. McCullough died on his farm Dec. 23, 1875, and was buried in the cemetery of the West Union United Pres- byterian Church in Armstrong township. His wife, Martha (Wiggins), was born Nov. 20, 1820, on what is now the Thomas Whatt farm, daughter of Andrew and Rebecca (Lytle) Wiggins, and died in March, 1875, on the Mc- Cullough home place. She is buried in the same cemetery as her husband. Mrs. Hender- son and Andrew W. were their only children.

ANDREW WIGGINS MCCULLOUGH, son of Samuel, was born April 13, 1839, in Arm- strong township, and there began his educa- tion at the Hilltop schoolhouse. Later he attended the academy at Jacksonville. Dur- ing the Civil war he enlisted in Company I, 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Cap- tain Coder, and served one year. Most of his earlier manhood was spent in teaching. He taught at Saltsburg and Pineflats, in In- diana county; at Ironton, Ohio, for three years being principal there; at New Wilming- ton, Pa., college three years; at Saltshurg again ; at Eldersridge, Indiana county, assist- years; and then came back to Armstrong

Mr. McCullongh married Susan Simpson, of Eldersridge, in Young township, Indiana county, and they had the following children : Charles Clarence, Samuel Noel, Frank (de- ceased), Ella Jane (married William Nevins, both deceased), Dial Lewis, Herbert. David Elmer, Margaret (married Herbert Myers), Herman and John.

JOSEPH WIDDOWSON RANKIN, though one of the youngest of the group of wide-awake business men who have brought the borough of Clymer, within the compara-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

tively brief period of its existence, to a fore- of Joseph W. Rankin, he is interested in the most position as a business center in Indiana Dixon Run Lumber Company, of which he county, has been one of the most active and is the secretary. He is also associated with most successful in achieving results of the two other most important concerns in the greatest importance to the general welfare. borough-the Citizens' Water Company, of which he is president, and the Clymer Na- tional Bank, in which he holds stock, and of which he was formerly vice president. Mr. Rankin holds membership in the Clymer lodge of the I. O. O. F. and in Indiana Lodge, B. His principal interests are in the lumber busi- ness, but he has numerous other connections which make his influence felt in many things vital to the advancement of this section. Mr. Rankin was born Feb. 16, 1880, on a farm near the town of Hillsdale, in Montgomery P. O. Elks. township, Indiana county.

William Rankin, father of Joseph W. Ran- kin, was also born in Montgomery township, and was a son of Hughı R. Rankin, a native of Hillsdale, Indiana county. In early life he engaged in the lumber business, which he con- tinued to follow for many years, later set- tling on a farm in Montgomery township which he cultivated for a considerable period, being there thirty years. Thence he moved to Green township, where he and his wife still have their home at Purchase Line. He married Nancy F. Buterbaugh, who was born in Grant township, Indiana county, daughter of Frederick Buterbaugh, who at one time served as commissioner of Indiana county. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin had the following chil- dren: Margaret, who is the wife of D. H. Tomb, a prominent lawyer of Indiana, Pa .; John H., deceased; F. C., deceased; Dean S., who lives on the old home place; Ruth, who died in infancy; and Joseph Widdowson.

Joseph Widdowson Rankin obtained his education in the country schools in his native township. Later he attended a commercial school in Detroit. His first work was on a farm, but for some years after giving up agri- cultural work he was employed as a traveling salesman, visiting almost every State in the Union during the five years he was thus en- gaged. He also saw considerable of South America during that period. Returning to his native county he settled at Clymer, which was then in its infancy, and few men have had more to do with founding its business enterprises, establishing its government upon a modern basis and promoting its develop- ment along the most approved modern lines. He assisted in the organization of the bor- ough, has held nearly all of the borough offi- The parents of Mrs. Warrick were of Ger- man birth, and were married in the Father- land, one child being born to them there who died on the ocean while they were making the journey to this country. Mr. Nealer, a farmer, first settled in Clarion county, but subsequently moved to Indiana county, but ces, and is at present serving as treasurer, in which position his ability and excellent management are fully appreciated. Upon settling here he embarked in the lumber busi- ness, later adding the coal business to the original line, and besides this independent venture, which he carries on under the name his death occurred at Brady, in the former

On July 12, 1910, Mr. Rankin married Ella M. Evans, daughter of John E. and Ellen M. (Allen) Evans; all of her surviving brothers and sisters live in Clymer. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have a beautiful home in the borough.

JAMES WARRICK, deceased, who for many years was engaged in the contracting business in Indiana, where he is remembered as the builder of the city jail, Mrs. Reeder's house, the Lutheran church, Mr. Courtney's residence, the Wissell home, and other struc- tures, was born in 1831 in Westmoreland county, Pa., where were born also his two brothers, George and Charles, and his sister, Rachel.

Mr. Warrick was reared in his native county and there attended public school, following which he learned the trade of brick mason with his brother George. He came to Indiana before his marriage, and was here married Jan. 15, 1880, to Margaret Nealer, who was born at New Bethlehem, Clarion Co., Pa., Ang. 16, 1862, went to the schools of Clarion county, and at the age of sixteen years was brought to Indiana by her parents, Henry and Margaret (Ziegler) Nealer. Mr. and Mrs. Warrick went to housekeeping on Church street until he erected a home at No. 280 Philadelphia street, and at this home he died Oct. 16, 1890, at which time he was one of the leading contractors of the city. He was a Democrat in his political views. Mr. and Mrs. Warrick had four children : Minnie, who is deceased ; Nevada, who married George Lydick, and died leaving one daughter, Frances Charlotte; and Virginia and John, twins, who died young.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

county, whither he had removed some time respect, Mr. Clark taking great pride in hav- before. His wife passed away at New Bethle- ing his home neat and attractive, and its ap- hem. They had the following children: The pearance indicates the prosperity and intelli- one who died at sea; Mrs. Warrick; Annie, gent management for which Mr. Clark has who married Henry Steving, of Indiana; justly won a high reputation. Catherine, who died unmarried; Paul, of East Brady, Pa .; and Mary, who died un- married.

ARMOR P. CLARK, of West Wheatfield township, Indiana county, a leading farmer Imogene and Samuel.

in his section, was born Nov. 2, 1867, on the farm he now owns and occupies. He is of Irish extraction, his paternal grandfather having been a native of Ireland, in which country he spent all his life.

On Dec. 20, 1898, Mr. Clark married Alpha M. Mack, daughter of R. H. Mack, of East Wheatfield township. She died April 7, 1905, and is buried in Bethel cemetery. Four chil- dren were born to this union : Virginia, Paul,

Mr. Clark is a member of the United Presby- terian Church at Bethel. In political connec- tion he is a Republican.

JOHN M. CARSON, postmaster at Homer Samuel Clark, father of Armor P. Clark, was born in 1815 in Ireland and came to America when a young man. For some time he lived in Pittsburg, Pa., and that vicinity, then coming to Indiana county. For a few years he followed farming at Homer City, was afterward a resident of East Wheatfield City, Indiana county, is a native of that town, born July 27, 1868. His grandfather, John Carson, was born in Perry county, Pa., where he grew to manhood. His father died in middle life, leaving a family. John, one of the sons, came to Indiana county, where his brothers Alexander and William settled, also township for some time, and then bought the his sisters Susan and Jane. He learned the trade of cooper in Perry county, but when

Wheary farm in West Wheatfield township,

a tract of 106 acres, most of which he had he located in Center township, Indiana county,

cleared and under enltivation at the time of his death. He put up buildings, and improved the property in many ways, being a thrifty, industrious man, one who was respected by his neighbors and held the confidence of all his fellow citizens. He died May 10, 1880, at the age of sixty-five years, and was buried in the Bethel cemetery in West Wheatfield town- ship. His wife, Jane (Oliver), also a native of Ireland, born March 16, 1825, came to America when sixteen years old, and died March 11, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Clark had a large family : Thomas, James, John, Samuel,

he rented a farm, and followed farming all the remainder of his life. He died on the farm at the age of seventy years. He was twice married, the second time to Elizabeth Steel, who was a native of Franklin county, daughter of Matthew Steel. She lived to the ripe age of ninety-two years. She was the mother of eight children: Mary, who died unmarried; James, deceased; Matthew, de- ceased ; John, deceased; William, deceased ; Estella, deceased; Robert P .; and Thomas, also deceased.

Robert P. Carson, father of John M. Car- Robert, Armor P., Mary (died young), Hester son, was born in Center township April 15, 1835, and educated in the public schools there. Although he worked on the farm until seventeen years old he also learned the shoe- maker's trade, in 1856 locating in Homer

(married J. R. Dick and Philip Rhen), Dassa (married Samuel Coleman), Viola (married Charles Duncan), Jennie (married John Auld) and Clara (married Lloyd Penrose).

Armor P. Clark received his education in City and following his trade. He has been in the public schools of his native township. He business there continuously for the past fifty-

was only a youth of thirteen when his father six years and is still actively engaged, being one of the best-known men in the borough, highly respected for his honest, industrious career. He has always been a good citizen and deeply interested in the welfare of his town. He cast his first vote for Lincoln and has been a stanch Republican since. Mr. Carson was married in Homer City to Mary C. Foust, who was born in Somerset county, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Carson attend the M. E. Church. They are the parents of ten children : Albert ; Kate, died, and he took hold of the work and re- mained on the farm, carrying it on for his mother after he was old enough. After her death, in 1900, he bought out the other heirs' interest in the place, becoming the sole owner, and he has devoted himself to general farming and stock raising ever since. This farm lies along the Clay pike about four miles from New Florence. There is a fine residence on the place, built in 1895, and the house and surroundings are carefully kept up in every who married Robert E. Roberts; Cora, who

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

died young; John M .; Loie Ellen, who mar- His wife, whose maiden name was Greene, ried Henry E. Phillips; Annie, married to was a descendant of the famous Gen. Nathan- John F. Barkley ; Edgar D .; Gertrude, mar- ael Greene. ried to Bruce D. Kramer; George H .; and Mary Estella, married to Henry A. Trusal.

John M. Carson attended public school in Homer City. At an early age he started out to make his own way, finding his first employ- ment in the planing mills of J. M. Guthrie & Co., of Homer City, where he remained twelve years, during half of which time he was fore- man. His next position was with the Prairie State Incubator Company, of Homer City, by which concern he was employed for a period of eleven years, five of which he was foreman of the plant. On Nov. 4, 1903, under the ad- ministration of President Roosevelt, he was appointed postmaster at Homer City, suc- ceeding B. B. McConnaughty. The office was at that time in the fourth class. On Feb. I, 1906, it was raised to third class, and on Jan. 3, 1910, to second class, being the first office in the county raised to second class within such a short period. Mr. Carson was reap- pointed by Roosevelt, and again under Taft, having held his position continuously since he first assumed its duties. His business-like management and the satisfactory service he has given to his fellow citizens have won him their respect and a well-deserved reputation for ability and efficiency. He is a member of the Postmasters' Association. For eight terms he has been a member of the Homer City school board, on which he is still serving, and has been president the last two years. He is a leading member of the M. E. Church, in which he holds the office of trustee. Socially he belongs to I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 41, at Homer City, and to Indiana. Lodge, No. 313, F. & A. M.

In 1891 Mr. Carson married at Homer City Elizabeth Sloan, and they have three chil- dren: Martha, who is a clerk in the post- office ; Jay, and Robert.

William Gates, the Doctor's father, was a farmer and stock dealer. He married Eliza- beth Dunn, and they were the parents of two children: William Dunn and Adelia, the lat- ter the wife of Lewis Chatham. Mr. Gates died in 1878, his wife surviving until March, 1909. They were members of the M. E. Church.

William Dunn Gates attended district school at Springfield and the elementary and high school at Troy, Bradford county. His father dying when he was quite young, it became necessary for him to rely upon himself at an unusually early age, but he was ambitious to become a professional man and let no obsta- cles stand in the way of an education. He was industrious and economical, as well as studious, and he applied his hand earned savings to this end, attending school as far as his means would permit. The law first at- tracted him, and he read for a short time along that line, but soon abandoned it for the study of medicine. After reading under Dr. H. D. LaPlant, of Sayre, Bradford Co., Pa., he en- tered Hahnemann Medical College, at Phila- delphia, where he completed the four years' course, graduating in 1898. The same year he began practice at Indiana, where he has since found his field of labor. He has built up a large practice, being one of the busiest general practitioners in this region, and be- sides acts as examiner for the Standard Mu- tual Life Insurance Company of North America and for the Pension Life Insurance Company of Pittsburg. For ten years he was surgeon for the Joseph Horton and Graceton Coal and Coke Companies, and he served a term of three years as coroner of Indiana county. He is a member of the Indiana County Medical Society and of the Indiana Physicians' Protective Society, and also be- longs to the Pennsylvania State Homeopathic Society, to the Clinical Congress of Surgeons of North America, and to the National Medi- cal Association. Fraternally he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the B. P. O. Elks at Indiana. He is a Republican in his political views, and in religious connection a member of the M. E. Church.

WILLIAM DUNN GATES, M. D., has a large practice in and around the borough of Indiana, where he has been located since 1898. He is a native of Bradford county, Pa., born Oct. 24, 1865, at Springfield, where his father, William Gates, was also born. Seth Gates, his grandfather, was born in one of the New England States, presumably Connecticut, and was a farmer during the greater part of On Oct. 23, 1902, Dr. Gates married Carrie Baldwin, of Sayre, Pa., and they had one his life. He was a descendant of the well- known General Gates, of Revolutionary fame. child, Ruth A. His second marriage, on Nov.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

12, 1912, was to Carrie Burnham Hill, of in Cherryhill township, son of John Martin, Indiana, Pennsylvania.

HARRY E. LYDICK, who was engaged in the drug business in the borough of Clymer, Indiana county, for several years, was born April 17, 1873, in Cherryhill township, and belongs to one of the oldest families of this region.

John Lydick, his great-great-grandfather, the founder of the family in this country, was a native of Holland. On coming to America he first settled at Hannastown, Westmoreland Co., Pa., where lie engaged in farming. In the year 1760 he brought his family to Indiana county, settling in what is now Cherryhill township, where they built a fort, part of which is still standing. The following year the hostility of the Indians drove them back into Westmoreland county, where they re- mained for seven years before again ventur- ing to live at their new home. When they returned they settled permanently in Cherry- hill township, on the farm which is still in the family, and here John Lydick died at an advanced age. He served in the Revolution- ary war. One of his descendants is Harry S. Lydick, of Pittsburg, deputy United States district attorney, who is a second cousin of Harry E. Lydick.

Jacob Lydick, son of John, grew to man- hood in Cherryhill township, where he lived and died. He reached the ripe old age of ninety-four years.

Patrick Lydick, son of Jacob, also passed his entire life in Cherryhill township. Like his father and grandfather he lived to be very old. His family consisted of three children, all now deceased.

Russell Lydick, son of Patrick, was born March 20, 1834, in Cherryhill township, on the farm where his great-grandfather had set- tled, and farmed there all his life, dying on that place Jan. 18. 1900. He married Nannie Martin, who was born in Cherryhill township March 12, 1851, and to them were born five children, three sons and two daughters, namely: William, the eldest, resides on the old family homestead in Cherryhill township; Elizabeth is the wife of Levi Ilonek, of On- berg, Indiana county ; Harry E. is mentioned below; John P. also resides on the old home place, he and his brother William cultivating the property; Ella M. is the wife of Earl Long, and resides in the borough of Indiana. Mrs. Lydick died May 20, 1882.

a native of Ireland, who on coming from that country to the United States settled in that township and engaged in farming there. His son William also followed that occupation, and both died in Cherryhill township. William Martin married Martha MacCanley, who was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and was only three years old when her parents came to America. The family lived first on Long Island, and then came to Armstrong county, Pa., where they made a permanent settlement. William and Martha (MacCauley ) Martin had a family of nine children, two of whom sur- vive: John, who lives at Tyrone, Pa .; and George, living at Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Harry E. Lydick obtained his schooling in Cherryhill township. Meantime he began farming, but when eighteen he began to teach school there, being thus engaged in his home township for seven years and later in Rayne township, this county, for one year. Taking up the study of pharmacy, first under Dr. Stevens, he engaged in the drug business after the completion of his course, establishing his store at Clymer in 1906. That was in the early days of the borough, and he assisted in organizing the town. His business expanded steadily with its growth, and he built up a prosperous trade, which continued on the . increase until he disposed of his store recently. Mr. Lydick is a member of Indiana Lodge, No. 346, I. O. O. F.

On Aug. 24, 1909, Mr. Lydick married Esther Delmer, the ceremony taking place at Niagara Falls, N. Y. She is a native of Houtz- dale, Clearfield Co., Pa., born April 20, 1889, daughter of Enoch and Mary (McCabe) Del- mer, natives of England, the father born in London, the mother in the County of Durham. They settled early at Houtzdale, and Mr. Del- iner engaged in mining. He and his wife now live in Cambria county, Pa. They have had the following children : Priscilla, wife of Clarence Getty, of Houtzdale. Pa .: Maggie, deceased, wife of David Davis, of Seranton, Pa .: Mary, wife of Frank Kittleberger, of Clearfield, Pa .; John, living at home ; Esther, Mrs. Lydick ; and James, Nan, George, Nellie and William, all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Lydick have had one child, Russell, who was born Jan. 29, 1911.

EBENEZER W. SMITH has been leading a somewhat retired life since 1904, when he moved to the borough of Cherrytree, giving

William Martin, father of Mrs. Nannic (Martin) Lydick, was born in February, 1819, up farming, to which he had previously de-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

voted all his time. However, he has not relin- attended public school. Farming was his oc- quished all active connection with the business world, serving as president of the National Bank of Cherrytree, with which institution he has been associated for several years. Born in Green township, this county, Sept. 18, 1842, he belongs to a family which has been settled there for almost a century.

cupation from the time he began work, and he remained on the old Smith farm in Green township until about eight years ago, in 1904 abandoning active agricultural work and mov- ing in to Cherrytree. In connection with his farm work Mr. Smith also carried on lumber- ing to some extent. He has long been an Richard W. Smith, his grandfather, was a native of New Jersey, born Oct. 19, 1768, near Newark. When a young man, in 1788, he settled in Marion county, Va. (now West Vir- ginia), and engaged in lumbering and farm- official of the National Bank of Cherrytree, and is now the executive head of that institu- tion, holding a substantial and influential position among the recognized leaders in finan- cial circles in the community. He was one of ing, also buying and selling cattle and stock. the organizers of the County National Bank In 1824 he moved to Indiana county, Pa., his of Punxsutawney, Pa., which he is now serv- ing as a director, and is a stockholder in the Savings & Trust Company, of Indiana. family following him to this section in 1828. They lived in Green township, where he bought land and prospered, adding to his pos- sessions until he owned one thousand acres. At first the nearest postoffice was Indiana, Diamondville being established later. Richard W. Smith remained on his farm there until his death. He married Elizabeth Walker, who was a native of Greene county, Pa., born Oct. 1, 1779.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 19

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