Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 35

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 35

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

home, and almost at once took up the carpen- life and is ready at all times to assist others ter's trade with Peter Beer, following that to success. occupation for some time in Jefferson and Clearfield counties. In 1876 Mr. McQuown went to the oil fields, where he was engaged in working at his trade. In 1868 he pur- chased his present property, a tract of sixty acres, on which he erected a round log cabin in the woods. Since 1878 he has given his time and attention to farming and his ven- tures have proved eminently satisfactory. From time to time he has made valuable im- provements on his land, which is now con- sidered one of the valuable tracts in his township, and his substantial buildings, his well-graded fields and his sleek, well-fed cat- tle, all testify to the presence of able man- agement, thrift and industry.

Mr. McQuown was a Republican until the year 1880, at which time he cast his fortunes with the Greenback party, and on that ticket was elected county commissioner, his col- leagues being James Johnson, of Center town- ship, and William Mabon, of East Mahoning township. During his administration several county bridges were built, including the stone arch bridge at Kelleysburg, which cost $1,200 and is still in a good state of preservation, not having cost the county one dollar for repairs up to the present time. At this time Mr. McQuown is independent in his political views. In 1902 he was elected justice of the peace, receiving his commission from Governor Stone, and in 1907 was reelected and received his commission from Governor Pennypacker, his present term expiring in 1914. He is a popular comrade of Frank Brown Post, No. 266, Grand Army of the Republic, at Rich- mond, and his religious belief is that of the Christian Church. He has always labored faithfully in behalf of the welfare of his com- munity, and has been the incumbent of many offices. For fifteen years he was a member of the school board, and during that time at different periods served as president, secre- tary and treasurer; for twenty-eight years he was judge and inspector of election; and he has also served as auditor, township clerk and assessor. Although a man of pronounced views as to what constitutes right and wrong, he is always fair and unbiased in his official decisions, and respects the rights and opinions of others. He is domestic in his tastes and temperate in his habits. a public-spirited citi- zen, an excellent official, and a whole-souled, generous man, who has succeeded in his own

On Aug. 14, 1869, James A. McQuown was married to Mary J. Shankle, who was born in Cherryhill township, Indiana Co., Pa., daugh- ter of Elias and Susan (Ayers) Shankle, old settlers of Cherryhill township. Nine chil- dren have been born to this union, as follows: Harry E., a farmer of White township, mar- ried Clara Gardner; Ada M. married Willis J. Farnsworth, a farmer of Grant township; Martin Luther, residing at Decker's Point, married Rose Riethmiller; James Ernest, a farmer of East Mahoning township, married Minnie Rorabaugh; Charles resides at home; Hazel Virginia, a graduate of the Summer normal school and Purchase Line academy, is now a public school teacher; Murray Clif- ford resides at Dixonville; Paul V. was edu- cated in the public schools and summer nor- mal school, and has been a teacher in Grant, Montgomery, Banks and Canoe townships; Ted is engaged in farming and resides at home. Murray C. and Ted McQuown are members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

A. J. WEIR ROBINSON, a farmer and stock raiser of Conemaugh township, was born in that township Aug. 14, 1856, son of James W. Robinson.

John Robinson, his grandfather, married Mary Weir as his first wife, and second Jane Marshall. Of the first union three sons were born: Robert W., who married Jane Ritchey, of Indianapolis, Ind .; Adam, who married Mary Foster, and lived in Westmoreland county, where he followed farming ; and James W. Of the second union, there were four sons and five daughters, as follows: John M., William M., Samnel S., Thomas W., Jennie S., Rachel, Jane, Eliza M. and Maria W.

James W. Robinson, father of A. J. Weir Robinson, was born Feb. 21, 1803, and died Feb. 4. 1865. He married Rebecca Weir, of Pigeon Creek, Washington Co., Pa., who was born in 1813 and died in 1895, and both are buried in Edgewood cemetery, at Salts- burg. They were the parents of six children : Sarah M., born Oct. 30, 1834. died unmarried ; Rebecca J., born Sept. 25, 1836, married Rev. W. W. Woodend, D. D., a Presbyterian min- ister, and is deceased; Martha E., born June 30, 1839, married Rev. S. J. Berlin, a Luth- eran preacher, and both are deceased: Wil- liam Thomas, born April 27, 1841, served in the Union army during the Civil war, hav- ing enlisted in 1863, and died in 1865; Ella

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

M., born Sept. 13, 1849, died unmarried; A. acres, and has since continued to carry on his J. Weir is mentioned at length below.

agricultural interests, although at times he

James W. Robinson was reared on his has branched out in other directions. His father's homestead in Conemaugh township, farm is one of the finest in Conemaugh town- and there spent his useful life. In time he ship, and he devotes it to general farming and became the owner of 200 acres of fertile land, and having learned agriculture from the in- itial steps pursued that calling all his life stock raising, conducting his operations ac- cording to advanced methods, for he is a firm believer in scientific agriculture. His with very satisfactory results, branching out property is well supplied with modern machin- until he became an extensive stockman, rais- ery and he takes advantage of governmental experiments to aid him in his work. His resi- dence is the one built by his father in 1833, and rebuilt in 1859, and Mr. Robinson has added much to its original equipment in the way of comforts, having a very desirable home. His barns are thoroughly up-to-date in every respect, and it would be difficult to find any agriculturist of Indiana county who has a better equipment all through than Mr. Robinson. ing cattle and horses that were recognized as the best in this part of the State, all of blooded stock. In 1833 he erected a substantial and comfortable residence, now the property of his son A. J. Weir Robinson, and remodeled it in 1859. In addition he put up barns and other outbuildings to correspond, and took a pride in keeping his premises in excellent order. Although he died before many mod- ern inventions came upon the market, he took advantage of the assistance offered by those of his day, and his farm was a model for his neighbors.

In 1898 Mr. Robinson built a butcher shop near his residence and went into the whole- sale and retail meat business which he carried on until the spring of 1912, when he retired. At one time he operated several butcher wagons, which carried meat about the town- ship. Mr. Robinson drilled a well one hun- dred feet deep, and pumps this bountiful sup- ply by the Kewanee system to his house, barns and outbuildings. When the Eldersridge and West Lebanon Telephone Company was organized· he was one of its promotors and founders, and carries a large amount of its stock. The Saltsburg' Presbyterian Church has in him a warm supporter, and for the last twenty-eight years he has been one of

Early recognizing the importance and neces- sity of good roads, he advocated improving the public highways, and after the office was created was one of the first men to serve as road supervisor. While always active in town- ship affairs he did not desire office, but pre- ferred to use his influence in his private capac- ity. Generous and consistent as a member of the Presbyterian Church, his devotion was re- warded by his election as elder, but he de- clined the honor, declaring he felt that with the numerous duties resting upon him as a farmer and business man he could not do jus- tice to the office. During the years of his its trustees, and for eight years has been an mature life, he kept the interests of Cone- elder. From 1883 to 1898 he rendered val- maugh township close to his heart and when uable service as a school director, has been he died this locality lost one of its best and township assessor for the past ten years, and most representative citizens. Devoted to his like his father has always been deeply inter- home and family he found his pleasures in ested in the welfare of the township and the betterment of its conditions. the circle of his relatives, and was deeply mourned when death claimed him.

On Feb. 16, 1882, Mr. Robinson married A. J. Weir Robinson, son of James W. Eva L. Guthrie, daughter of William and Robinson, was brought up in his native town- Eliza M. (Robinson) Guthrie, of Dayton, Armstrong Co., Pa. One daughter has been born of this union, Ella Mand, born Feb. 16, 1883, who is at home, a most charming young lady. Mrs. Robinson presides over her home ship, and early taught the habits of industry and economical management that have aided him in his more than ordinarily successful career. During his boyhood he attended the Robinson district school, No. 1, and later for delightfully, and she and her daughter en- two terms went to the old Saltsburg academy. tertain hospitably, having drawn about them Being only nine years old when he lost his a congenial circle. father, he owes his careful training to his good mother. He assisted with the work at WADDLE. The Waddle family is counted among the old established residents of Penn- home until seventeen years of age, and then, although young for the responsibilities, took sylvania, dating back to Colonial days, and charge of the farm, then consisting of 200 its representatives have been prominent fac-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

tors in the maintenance of peace and the de- and grandson of James Waddle, was born velopment of the natural resources of their country.

May 28, 1857, in Conemaugh township, Indi- ana Co., Pa. He grew up in the locality, re- James Waddle, grandfather of Samuel and James Elmer Waddle, was born in West- moreland county, near Loyalhanna, and died in that locality, being interred with his three wives in the cemetery at the Loyalhanna ceiving his educational training in the local schools, and taught habits of industry and thrift by his parents, while living at home and assisting his father in the salt works and on the farm. In 1881, after he had attained Church, in Westmoreland county. James to his majority, Mr. Waddle bought the old Waddle was married first to Anna Burns, who became the mother of the following children : John Kelly farm of 131 acres, which he has devoted to general farming and stock raising. Frank, William, John, James, Samuel, Mar- Later he purchased a sixty-acre tract in West- tha, Mary, Margaret, Jane and Sarah. He was a farmer, operating extensively on a large tract of land, and was one of the leading agri- culturists of Westmoreland county in his day.

Samuel Waddle, son of James Waddle and father of Samuel and James Elmer Waddle, was born near Loyalhanna, Westmoreland Co., Pa., in 1818, and died in 1894. In 1846 he came to Indiana county, settling in Cone- maugh township, where he bought the salt works on the Osprey tract from a Mr. Ral- ston, as well as the farm known as the Thomas Reed property. This latter was one and a half miles from what was then known as Kelly's station, now Tunnelton. Here he continued to manufacture salt and operate his farm for the remainder of his life, although the last ten years he lived somewhat retired from arduous work. Although interested in the development and advancement of his town- ship and county, he did not take an active part in politics, for he was a retiring man, happiest when at home with his family. The Baptist Church at Tunnelton held his mem- bership and received his generous support. At his death he was laid to rest in the Salts- burg cemetery.

Samuel Waddle married Martha Smith, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ander- son) Smith, who now resides with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Dick, in Conemaugh township. The following children were born to Samuel Wad- dle and his wife: Anna Elizabeth, born Aug. 30, 1845, is deceased ; Martha Ellen, born Dec. 22, 1847, married Michael F. Dick, and had children Roy and Roxie, the former being in charge of the farm; Mary C., born April 29, 1850, married J. H. Lyttle; John A., born in July, 1853, married Mary Badger, and is a farmer of Westmoreland county; Samuel is

moreland county and operated it for many years, but sold it finally to the Keystone Coal Company. The Waddle homestead is beau- tifully situated on the Conemaugh river near Tunnelton, and it is well improved, Mr. Wad- dle having erected a comfortable residence, commodious barn and other outbuildings, as well as installed numerous modern conveni- ences that aid him in the conduct of his operations.

Samuel Waddle married Ida Anna Dixon, daughter of Joseph and Martha (Pierce) Dixon, of Conemaugh township. Mr. and Mrs. Waddle are the parents of seven chil- dren : Edward Ray, born in April, 1887, died in November, 1910, and is buried in Saltsburg cemetery; Floraf M. attended the Indiana normal school, was graduated from the Cline normal school and is now a teacher, having taught two terms at Tunnelton and being now engaged at Salina, Pa .; Phyllis M. taught

two terms of school at Tunnelton and is now teaching at Avonmore, Westmoreland Co., Pa .; Adella Ruth is now attending normal school at Indiana town; Susan Martha, How- ard Samuel and Ethel Elizabeth are at home.

A strong Democrat, Mr. Waddle has taken an intelligent interest in politics in his neigh- borhood, serving capably as township auditor for three years, supervisor for six years, and school director for six years. The Presby- terian Church holds his membership, and he served it for an extended period as trustee. A thoroughly reliable man and public-spirited citizen, Mr. Waddle has not only attained to well-merited prosperity, but has given his community faithfully service extending over many years, which is appreciated by his fel- low citizens.

JAMES ELMER WADDLE, son of the elder mentioned below; Frank E., born Dec. 13, Samuel Waddle, was born May 29, 1865, in 1859, married Matilda Patent, and died March 11, 1892; William S., born June 2, 1862, mar- ried Sarah Winings, and is a farmer of Derry township; James Elmer is mentioned below. Conemaugh township, Indiana Co., Pa. Grow- ing up amid the usual surroundings of a country boy of his day and community, Mr. Waddle attended school in district No. 9.

SAMUEL WADDLE, son of Samuel Waddle While going to school, his youthful energies

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

were employed at the salt works owned by and what its members have accomplished, and his father and in tasks about the farm. After are earnest in their endeavors to do nothing to take from its prestige. attaining to his majority, Mr. Waddle be- came interested along several lines of en- deavor before devoting himself to farming and stock raising. For a number of years he conducted a large general store at Tunnel-

SAMUEL A. KRIDER, who is in the grain business at Starford, Indiana Co., Pa., where he operates a flour and feed mill, was born ton, and when the Pennsylvania Railroad in Center county, Pa., Feb. 9, 1874, son of Company was doing its new grading in 1907, Rev. Samuel and Mary (Royer) Krider. Mr. Waddle was superintendent for C. A. John Krider, his grandfather, was born in Sims & Co., who held the contract for the the eastern part of Pennsylvania and in early work. After his father's death Mr. Waddle manhood came to Center county, where he established the family. He lived and died on his old farm there. bought out the other heirs and now owns the old Waddle homestead of nearly two hundred acres, on which he carries on general farm- ing and raises stock. He also is a heavy stock buyer and dealer, shipping to Pittsburg. Owing to his experience and the extent of his operations, Mr. Waddle is known all over the county as an expert on cattle, and his opin- ions are respected in relation to this line of work.

James Elmer Waddle was married to Mar- garet Elizabeth Elrick, daughter of Robert and Jane (Anderson) Elrick. Mrs. Waddle was born near Social Hall, Westmoreland Co., Pa., but later lived at Lewisville, in Conemaugh township, Indiana Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Waddle are the parents of the fol- lowing children: Carrie Irene, born Nov. 21, 1887, married Clyde Lowman, son of Squire Hugh Lowman, and their children are Olive Gayle and Genevieve; Mary Bell, born March 14, 1890, married Dr. William Johns, of Mechanicsburg, Brushvalley township (she attended the Indiana normal and taught school for three terms in Conemaugh town- ship and one term in Saltsburg) ; Olive Mar- guerite was born Nov. 9, 1892; Velma Jane, Sept. 12, 1895; Arthur James, Feb. 7, 1898; Marion Elrick, Oct. 8, 1900; Samuel Paul, Feb. 22, 1903 ; Helen Elizabeth, April 14, 1906, and William Keneth, March 17, 1912. Olive and Velma graduated from the Saltsburg high school in 1911, and Velma is now attending school at Mechanicsburg.

Having virtually spent his life in Cone- maugh township, Mr. Waddle is naturally in- terested in local affairs and has given time and money to improve conditions. For nine years he rendered efficient service as super- visor of roads, and has often been selected as judge or inspector of elections.

The name of Waddle has long stood for in- tegrity of purpose and uprightness of living and those who bear it now are living fully up to the high standards raised by those who have gone before. They are proud of their family

Rev. Samuel Krider was born at Gatesburg, Center county, and was reared in that county. Up to the age of thirty years he was mainly engaged in teaching school, at that period of his life entering the ministry of the Lu- theran Church. Enlisting in the army at the age of eighteen, in September, 1861, he was discharged at the expiration of his term, in the year 1864. He belonged to Company E, 45th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and took part in the following engagements : James Island, S. C .; Fort Pulaski, Falmouth, Va .; South Mountain, Md .; Antietam; Fred- ericksburg, Va .; Jamestown, Ky .; Vicks- burg, Miss .; Jackson, Miss .; Cumberland Gap, Md .; Blue Springs, Ky .; Campbell Station, Ky .; Knoxville, Ky .; Wilderness, Va .; Cold Harbor, Va., and Spottsylvania, Va. He was wounded at Spottsylvania courthouse in the left arm and wrist, in October, 1864. After the war he taught school for nine years and then entered Susquehanna University, at Selinsgrove, graduating in 1884. He received his first call to Turtle Creek, Allegheny Co., Pa., where he was stationed for three years; his second charge was at Elderton, Armstrong Co., Pa., where he labored for several years, after which he was located seven years at Cookport, Indiana Co., Pa .; next at Hoovers- ville, Somerset Co., Pa., two years; then at Portage, Cambria Co., Pa .; lived in Greens- burg a little over one year, but was not in active work while there; and lastly was at Johnstown, Pa., after which he retired.

Mr. Krider married Mary Royer, who was born at Center Hill, Center Co., Pa., daughter of Samuel Royer, a native of Germany, who came to the United States and settled in Cen- ter county, Pa. He was a miller and con- ducted what was known as the Red mill, in Center Hill. Three children were born to Rev. Samuel and Mary Krider, namely : Samuel A .; John R., who died in 1904; and

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Alva R., who is in the news and stationery Ebensburg; to the Consistory at Williamsport, business at Johnstown.

Samuel A. Krider attended public school in Green township, and afterward taught school at what is now called Uniontown (Ber- ringer post office). He then became a clerk in a business house at Johnstown and while in that town was connected with the Johns- town Daily Times. His first independent start in business was made in July, 1898, at Windber, Somerset Co., Pa., when he had a general store which he conducted only a short time. After quitting the store he be- came engaged with the Kirk Hardware Com- pany, in that same place, and was manager for a little over one year, after which he entered the employ of the Eureka Supply Company, as assistant bookkeeper. He was with that com- pany for over four years, during which time he attained the position of head bookkeeper, holding that position until the latter part of 1904, when he resigned and returned to Indi- Barbara King.

Mr. Krider was married at Lovejoy, Dec. 24, 1896, to Agnes P. Buterbaugh, daughter of A. N. Buterbaugh, whose father was one of the early settlers in Green township. Mrs. Krider is one of the following family: Harry R., who lives at Starford; Ollie, who is the wife of Thomas Fleming, of Windber; Mrs. Krider; J. H., who is manager of the Dixon Run Lumber Company, Starford, Pa .; Louie, who is the wife of M. L. McQuown, of Jose- phine, Pa .; and Blair, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Krider have two children, Beulah and Harry R. They belong to the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Krider has some addi- tional business interests, and is a director of the Clymer National Bank. He is active in Masonry, belonging to the minor branches at

and to the Mystic Shrine at Altoona.

CAPT. JOHN KINTER has been one of the most prominent residents of Rayne town- ship, Indiana county, a leader in movements for the welfare of his locality and a public official whose services have been satisfactory in every position to which he has been chosen. He was born Aug. 6, 1841, on the old Kinter homestead, in Washington township, now in- cluded in Rayne township, son of Isaac and Hannah (Myers) Kinter, and is the last sur- viving member of their family. He still oc- cupies the old homestead-the third genera- tion of his family to live there.

Philip Kinter, the first ancestor of this family in America, came to this country from Holland and settled in Huntingdon (now Cen- ter) county, Pa., at the headwaters of Spruce creek. He died in that county. He married

ana county, locating at Pleasant Valley. How- John Kinter, son of Philip, served as a soldier in the Revolution, enlisting three times ever, during this time, in October, 1900, he entered into partnership with A. N. Buter- and serving two months on each call. He baugh, in the general mercantile business, in married Isabella Findley and they had eight children, among whom were Isaac, Henry and John. In 1808 he removed from Center coun- ty to what is now Rayne township, Indiana Co., Pa., settling near Kintersburg, which was named after him. He died aged eighty- two years, his wife living to the advanced age of ninety-one. One of their sons, Henry, served in the United States army during the war of 1812 and was at one time sheriff of Indiana county. Windber, Mr. Buterbaugh taking charge per- sonally. They continued same until October, 1904, when they moved their stock from there to Pleasant Valley, Indiana county, and car- ried on the business there until January, 1905, when they sold out to another party. At that time they started in the feed business in Starford, Pa., under the name of Buterbaugh- Krider Company, and continued that until 1908, when Mr. Krider bought Mr. Buter- haugh's interest. He has since conducted the business himself. He was one of the pioneer business men at Starford and has resided there ever since the town was started.

John Kinter, son of John and Isabella (Findley), was born in 1786, came to Indiana county in 1808, and died on a farmu near the old homestead at the age of ninety-six years. His wife, Sarah (Ross), lived to the age of ninety. Their son, Isaac Kinter, born in Cen- ter county, Aug. 6, 1805, was the father of Capt. Jolın Kinter. He was one of the fore- most citizens of this section in his day, serv- ing for years as township treasurer, was su- pervisor and school director, and for one term county auditor. He married Hannah Myers, and they had eight children, all now de- ceased but John; his last brother died in 1912. The family have all been fighters and ready to give their services to their country, and three of the sons of Isaac Kinter served during the Civil war, John, D. M., and Peter C .; D. M. Kinter was a first lieutenant in the 6th Regiment, Missouri State militia (he be- came a minister of the Christian Church), and Peter C. Kinter became a member of Com-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

pany I, 135th Pennsylvania Volunteer In- Pa. Three sons and one daughter are de- fantry, dying of typhoid fever Oct. 18, 1862, ceased : Guy N., who died in 1902; D. Benton, at Washington, D. C.

John Kinter, son of Isaac, was reared to manhood on the homestead and followed farm- ing, which has been his occupation through- out life. On Aug. 7, 1862, the day after he reached the age of twenty-one, he enlisted in Company I, 135th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3d Division, 1st Army Corps. In 1862 the regiment did guard duty and patrol service at Washington, D. C., and Mr. Kinter saw service at the battles of Chancel- lorsville and Fredericksburg. He was dis- charged in May, 1863, and again entered the service in March, 1865, this time joining Company F, 74th Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, as first lieutenant, and was subse- quently promoted to captain, serving with that rank until discharged, Aug. 29, 1865. He was one of the scouting party that went out after Mosby. During his first enlistment he had served as drum major, and he still has the drum he carried. He is an honored mem- ber of John Pollock Post, G. A. R., and be- longs to the Park Veteran Military Band of Marion Center, Indiana county.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 35

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