Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 37

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 37

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).

The founder of the Work family in Indi- William Work, son of William and Miriam (Scroggs) Work, was born Dec. 10, 1800, in Ligonier Valley, in Westmoreland coun- ty, and was brought by his parents to what is now East Mahoning township, Indi- ana county, in early childhood. He received a thorough common school training under his father's tuition, and began to follow farming in his boyhood, continuing that calling all his life. He owned a farm near Little Mahon- ing creek, near what is now Richmond, and spent the rest of his days there, successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock raising. On July 15, 1827, Mr. Work married Nancy Brown, who was born May 12, 1809, daughter of Jeremiah Brown, and died Sept. 24, 1854. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and is buried in the Mahoning Church cemetery. Ten chil- dren were born to this union: (1) Jeremiah Brown, born Oct. 24, 1828, died March 23, 1852. (2) James M., born April 8, 1830, was engaged in business as an undertaker at Marion Center, and served as county com- missioner. He died Nov. 23. 1895. On Oct. 13, 1853, he married Margaret Hamilton, and for his second wife he married Mrs. Annie Rebecca (Getty) Morton. (3) David B., born March 14, 1832, is mentioned below. (4) Euphemia S., born March 30, 1834, married William Hamilton Oct. 15, 1856, and died about 1890. (5) Elizabeth B., born April 21, 1836, died Sept. 23, 1853. (6) Susan C., born May 23, 1838, married in 1860 J. Thompson Hamilton, of East Mahoning township, and ana county was William Work, a native of Cumberland county, Pa., born in 1760, of Scotch-Irish descent. He grew to manhood there, and it is not known whether or not he took part in the Revolutionary war. In 1792 he married Miriam Scroggs, who was also born in Cumberland county, in 1775, daughter of Alexander and Rachel (Ireland) Scroggs, the former a Scotchman. Mr. and Mrs. Work crossed the Allegheny mountains in 1801 and made a location in Westmoreland county, Pa., near what is now New Florence, spending three years there. Thence they moved to Indiana county in 1804. settling in what is now the western part of East Mahon- ing township, in which section Mr. Work was a pioneer farmer. He was also one of the first teachers there, when the schools were run on the subscription plan, and held in log structures with oiled paper windows and primitive furnishings. Here he passed the remainder of his days, dying Ang. 1, 1828, of cancer; he was buried in Gilgal cemetery. Mr. Work was one of the founders of Gilgal Church, from which he withdrew, however, in 1818, on account of doctrinal differences, joining the organization of the Associate Church at Mahoning. His wife died July 28, 1850, and is buried in the same cemetery. They were the parents of fourteen children : (1) Rachel, born Oct. 6, 1793, married Robert Hamilton, and died April 8, 1878. (2) .James, born March 2, 1795. married Mary Ewing, and died Aug. 17, 1860. (3) Lettice, born July 7, 1796, married John Ewing, and died died in January, 1908. (7) Mary Jane, horn

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

June 8, 1840, married Jan. 12, 1860, Amos tural interests, Mr. Work was engaged in the S. Miller, of Canoe township, this county, and Inmber business for seven years while a resi- died Dec. 10, 1910. (8) William Alexander Scroggs, born Feb. 2, 1843, is mentioned be- low. (9) Joseph B., born April 22, 1845, been in his other undertakings. Though past died April 11, 1852. (10) Silas Warren, born Sept. 19, 1848, is mentioned below. dent of Canoe township, running a sawmill, and he was as successful in that line as he has eighty, and a steady worker throughout his active years, he enjoys excellent health, and, surrounded by his children and grandchil- dren, in comfortable circumstances, is pass- ing his years in enviable content.

On Dec. 17, 1863, William Work, the father, married (second) Mary T. Hamilton, who was born Feb. 3, 18-, daughter of James Hamil- ton, and they had two children: Clara B., born Sept. 17, 1868, married Samuel L. Rowe, justice of the peace, of East Mahoning town- ship; John C., born Feb. 22, 1870, a resident

Mr. Work has been actively interested in the various vital issues which have agitated the country in his day. He served in the Union army during the Civil war under two of East Mahoning township, married Olive enlistments, the first time joining Company Winecoop and (second) Mrs. Shugart. Mr. A, Independent Battalion, under Col. John Work died on his farm Nov. 7, 1878, and was C. Lininger and Capt. Thomas J. Moore, for buried in the Mahoning Church cemetery. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

six months, at the end of which time he re- ceived an honorable discharge. On Aug. 26, 1864, he again enlisted, becoming a member of Company A, 206th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Thomas J. Moore and Col. Hugh J. Brady, and was out until the close of the war, his command being one of the first to enter Richmond after the sur- render. He was mustered out June 26, 1865. Mr. Work suffered neither sickness nor in- juries during his army service, and returning home at its close resumed his agricultural work.

DAVID BROWN WORK, third son of William and Nancy (Brown) Work, now living re- tired on a part of the old Work homestead near Richmond, in East Mahoning township, was born on the paternal farm March 14, 1832. He attended school in the home district, but as school was held only three months of the year, during the winter season, he had more opportunity to acquire knowledge by experi- ence, helping with the work on the home farm from early boyhood. He was thus engaged Formerly a Republican in his political views, Mr. Work now supports the Prohibi- tion party, being a stanch believer in temper- ance and an earnest advocate of the cause, which he has aided by example and influence for many years. He has taken some part in the administration of local affairs, having served twelve years in Canoe township and three years in East Mahoning township as assessor, and he was tax collector in Canoe township in 1869. He is a member of the G. A. R., belonging to Brown Post at Richmond. His religious connection is with the United Presbyterian Church. until twenty-four years old, when he bought a seventy-acre farm in the same township, near Marion Center, known as the Robert Hastings place, which he operated for a year. In 1857 he went to Canoe township, this county, and bought a tract of 125 acres in the woods, which was owned by John Pollock, and on which stood a log cabin. There he settled down to what was practically pioneer life. He cleared 100 acres of the land, and put it under cultivation, this tract being now cultivated by his sons. In 1860 he built a frame barn, later erected a substantial frame dwelling, and during his long residence on the In 1854 Mr. Work was married, in South Mahoning township, to Sarah E. Colkitt, a native of that township, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stout) Colkitt. She died in Jan- uary, 1867, the mother of five children, four of whom, however, died in infancy, the sur- vivor being Ida M., wife of Peter C. Pierce; they have three children, Veda (wife of Ed- ward Potts), Hallie (who married Charles Mccullough), and Floyd, the daughters liv- ing in Canoe township, the son at Akron, (second) Frances Emaline Colkitt, who was place put up other buildings convenient or necessary, having a well-equipped property. There he made his home until 1895, in which year he returned to East Mahoning township, settling on forty-five acres which formed part of the old family homestead tract, and on which he made numerous improvements. He erected a dwelling house, barns and other buildings, and engaged in farming and stock raising there until 1911, since when he has led a retired life. He now occupies a house op- Ohio. On Sept. 3, 1867, Mr. Work married posite that tract, which his younger son now operates. Though he has always had agricul- born in South Mahoning township, daughter

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

of John and Mary (Hover) Colkitt, being a ing. He has made numerous improvements half-sister of his first wife. Five children on the place, which is generally considered have been born to this marriage, viz. : Charles one of the best kept properties in the town- C., who is now on his father's old homestead, ship, Mr. Work and his wife taking great is unmarried; Silas Clark, who is working his pride in its neat and attractive appearance, bespeaking the thrift and good taste of the occupants. Besides looking after his own affairs Mr. Work has given considerable at- tention to public matters and has taken an active part in their administration in his town- ship, having served as tax collector, as su- pervisor, and for thirteen years as member father's old homestead in Canoe township with his brother Charles, married Nancy Brochler, and they have three children, Ru- fus, Myrtle E. and Earl; Alice married Aus- tin Gary Bowers, of Canoe township, and has four children, Charles, Laura, Flora and Mil- dred; Floretta C. married Harvey D. Wid- dowson, a merchant, of Rochester Mills, this of the school board, of which he has also been county, mentioned elsewhere; Edgar S., who treasurer. is operating his father's East Mahoning farm, a stanch Republican, and has been a member He has been active in politics as of the township election board, serving as election inspector.

married Lizzie Simpson, daughter of Wesley Simpson, and they have four children, Mary Alice, David Brown, Frank Wesley and Lile Roy.

WILLIAM ALEXANDER SCROGGS WORK, son of William and Nancy (Brown) Work, re- ceived his education in the home locality and worked on the home place until he was seven- teen years old. He then began work in the lumber regions, being employed in Clearfield, Forest, Elk and Clarion counties, teaming and jobbing during the winter season. He got out considerable boat lumber, ship timbers and spars. In August, 1861, he enlisted for serv- ice in the Union army, becoming a member of Company A, 61st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Creps, of Indiana county, and Col. O. H. Rippy, of Pittsburg. The command was attached to the 6th Corps, Light Division, of the Army of the Potomac, and Mr. Work participated in many battles, including Fair Oaks. Malvern Hill, Antie- tam, Williamsport (Md.), Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Fort Stevens, Charleston, Ope- quan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, siege of Petersburg and fall of Petersburg. He served over three years, was promoted to sergeant at Bellplain, and was mustered out at Pittsburg in 1864. Returning home he remained there two years, working on the Mr. and Mrs. Work are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Richmond, this county. He belongs to the G. A. R., holding membership in the post at Punxsu- tawney. farm, and was engaged in lumbering oue winter season. Then he commenced farming for himself in Canoe township, Indiana coun- ty, buying a tract of fifty acres, to which he subsequently added thirty acres, operating SILAS W. WORK, youngest son of William and Nancy (Brown) Work. was born Sept. 19, 1848, on the farm near Richmond in East Mahoning township. He grew to manhood on that place, and in his boyhood attended the country school taught by Thomas Hindman, in all eighty acres, devoted to general crops and stock raising. He also dealt in cattle and horses. In 1889 Mr. Work sold out his interests there and moved to the Samuel Ross farm ( his father-in-law's) in East Mahoning township, a tract of eighty-five acres, where Mr. Weiner, Miss Rachel Lewis and Miss Elizabeth Lewis. Leaving school when thir-

he carries on general farming and stock rais-

On Oct. 5, 1865, Mr. Work married Mary Ann Ross, who was born March 21, 1847, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cowan) Ross, the former a native of County Monag- han, Ireland, and a pioneer settler in East Mahoning township. They have had children as follows : (1) Harry C., born Aug. 31, 1866, now acting as agent for the National Biscuit Company, married Florence Hunt. (2) Bes- sie L., born April 20, 1868, married Oct. 18, 1887, Harvey Widdowson. (3) Ross B., born Dec. 27, 1870, now engaged in business as a shoe dealer at Grinnell, Iowa, married Rachel Pollock. (4) N. Jean, born May 11, 1873, married McMurry J. Thompson, a history of whose family will be found elsewhere, and they reside at Heilwood, Pa. (5) Mary Eva- line, born June 3, 1878, married James Mor- ris, a railroad engineer on the Buffalo, Roch- ester & Pittsburg road, and they reside at Punxsutawney, Pa. (6) Homer Ney, born June 6, 1881, now general foreman for the Western Union Telegraph Company at Al- bany, N. Y., married Mary Griffith, of Marion Center. (7) Lola Nell, born Oct. 15, 1886, married Robert M. Sutter, who is superin- tendent of the electric light plant at John- sonburg, Pennsylvania.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

teen years old, he helped with the work at 5, 1831, who married a Miss Henry and lives home until his enlistment, when he was but in Clarion county, Pa .; Margaret, Mrs. Henry a boy of fifteen, for service in the Union army. Orr, who died in Indiana borough; Peter ; and His brothers David and Alexander were at the Mary Jane, Mrs. Sharp Neal, of Jefferson county, Pa., where she died. front, and as he was rather lonesome at home he determined to follow their example, his father's opposition proving in vain. In 1863 he became a member of Company C, 2d Bat- talion, under Capt. William Neal and Colonel

Peter Riddle was but four and a half years old when his mother died, and his father mov- ing out west to the State of Indiana he went to live with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. John C. Lininger, for six months' service, Margaret Pounds, who raised him. She kept after which he reenlisted, becoming a member of Company B, 67th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Samuel MeHenry, serv- ing to the close of the war. He was the youngest from this section to carry a gun in in his early years. He was well looked after, defense of the Union. Returning home at the end of the war he remained on the home until he reached the age of nineteen, and had farm until his marriage. He then bought and located upon the farm in Grant township where he continued to live for a number of years, thence coming in 1886 to his present place, a tract of thirty-two acres in East Ma- honing township, within the limits of the bor- ough of Marion Center. He is engaged in farming and draying, and is well and favor- ably known in this district, being one of the useful and esteemed citizens of his community. He has taken an active part in the adminis- tration of civil affairs in Marion Center, hav- ing served as street commissioner, and being at present a member of the borough council. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and in political association was a Re- publican until the organization of the new Progressive party, whose principles he favors. tavern for many years at Georgeville, Indi- ana county, having a double log building of six rooms, known as the Georgeville Tavern, and young Peter did chores around the place was allowed to attend school part of each year the usual experiences of the youth of that day. His first teacher was James Van Horn. The old subscription school was held in a log building, furnished with slab benches and heated by a log fire, the pupils chopping the wood during the noon hour. He lived with his grandmother until her death, in 1862, when she was eighty-five years old; she had given up the hotel and tavern many years be- fore. After her death Mr. Riddle worked around among farmers, and then began to work as drover for his cousin, William Cham- bers, and his partner, John Brady, receiving fifty cents a day. He was next employed at cutting pine timber, at the same wages, get- ting up before "sunup" and walking miles to the tract where the work was going on. After a year or two at this work he became On Jan. 1, 1868, Mr. Work married Caroline Simpson, of East Mahoning township, daugh- ter of John Simpson, who married Mary Ann Hastings. Mrs. Work died April 8, 1913. a drover on his own account, in 1863, buying horses, cattle, sheep and hogs in Indiana, Arm- strong, Jefferson and Clarion counties. The first horse he owned was bought with money PETER RIDDLE, late of Indiana, was for over twenty years of his active life engaged in business as a drover, and after settling in the borough of Indiana carried on the livery business a few years before retiring. He was born Jan. 24, 1834, in East Mahoning town- ship, Indiana county, and the family is of Scotch-Irish extraction. His grandfather, William Riddle, was a farmer in East Mahon- ing township. Indiana county. saved while he was working for fifty cents a day, in the timber. He continued to follow droving until 1887, when he removed to In- diana, at which place he afterward had his home. For three years after removing to the borough he was in the livery business in part- nership with Calvin Bley, and after giving that up he lived retired. He died Dec. 25, 1912, in his seventy-ninth year, and is hur- ied in Oakland cemetery, Indiana. Mr. Rid- dle was always a man of honorable dealings proach, and he was respected by all his fel- low citizens. He was a Democrat on political questions.

Michael Riddle, father of Peter Riddle, and business methods that were above re- was born in East Mahoning township, was reared to . farming, and followed that voca- tion all his life. After the death of his first wife, Catherine Pounds, he moved out to the

On March 1, 1880, Mr. Riddle was married State of Indiana, settling at Rockville, and in Indiana to Mary A. Bley, of Indiana, died there. He remarried. By the first union daughter of Conrad and Mary (Zimmerly) he had four children : William J., born May Bley, and she continues to reside at their old

HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

home, at No. 45 North Seventh street, Indi- in fraternal connections, being a member of ana. They had no children, but they raised Indiana Lodge, B. P. O. Elks, and a high Mason, belonging to Cambria Lodge, F. & A. M., of Johnstown (of which he is a past mas- ter), to the Consistory at Williamsport and to the Shrine at Altoona. a niece, Jennie R. Bley, daughter of John Bley, Mrs. Riddle's brother. She died Nov. 20, 1907; she had married Samuel J. Apple, and left two sons, Samuel R. and John A. Mrs. Riddle is a Lutheran in religious faith.

WILLIAM E. OAKES has an extensive lumber business at Clymer, Indiana county, where he has been settled practically since the town was founded. He was born April 14, 1867, near Blairsville, this county, son of John G. and Sarah (Kauffman) Oakes.

Edward Oakes, his grandfather, was from rie; Carroll; Frank; Bessie; Agnes, and Ireland, as was also his wife. They came to Pennsylvania in 1794, first settling near Ar- magh, Indiana county, and later moving to Burrell township, same county, near Blairs- ville. Edward Oakes was a soldier in the war of 1812 and also in the Mexican war. He was killed near his home, by a falling tree.

John G. Oakes, father of William E. Oakes, was born in 1832 in Blairsville. He was a farmer in his early days. In 1864 he en- listed in the Union army for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Battery K, 2d Pennsylvania Regiment, and serving until mustered out, in January, 1866. At the battle of the Wilderness he was wounded and captured, being taken to Libby prison, where he was held for nine months. After his discharge he returned to Blairsville, and

Dr. Bushnell obtained his elementary edu- cation in the public schools of his native town, and from there he entered Goddard Seminary, at Barre, Vt., from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1899. He then en- tered the medical department of the Univer- thence moved to the West, where he passed sity of Vermont, and after taking the full the brief remainder of his life, dying in Oc- course in medicine graduated in the class of

tober, 1867, near Iola, Kansas. Mr. Oakes

1903. Taking up the practice of his profes- married Sarah Kauffman, who was born in sion in Massachusetts, he stayed there a few 1839 in Johnstown, Pa., and whose parents, months, when he determined to come West, Jonas and Sarah Kauffman, were natives of and he located at Coral, Indiana Co., Pa. He Switzerland. Three children were born to practiced for three years here with Dr. W. this marriage: F. J., the eldest, resides in Fall River, Kans .; Jennie is the wife of J. E. Williams, of Johnstown; William E. is men- tioned below.

William E. Oakes attended public school near Blairsville. His first work was on a farm in Kansas. He learned the carpenter's trade in Johnstown, Pa., and followed it there for fifteen years, in 1898 starting in business at Conemaugh, this county, where he still has interests. In 1904 he came to Lovejoy, In- diana county, and thence shortly afterward to Clymer, when the town had just made a start as such. He has been engaged in the lumber trade ever since he settled there, and has built up a lucrative business, being re- garded as one of the active and progressive his time and attention to that interest. Being residents of the place. He is very well known

On Jan. 28, 1890, Mr. Oakes was married, at Johnstown, Pa., to Emma R. Devlin, a na- tive of Johnstown, daughter of Theodore and Lydia Devlin. Mrs. Oakes died Aug. 13, 1911. She was the mother of ten children, namely : Clifford, now residing at Dixonville, this county, who married Ellen Clawson and has two children; Theodore; Earl; Ruth; Car- Olive.

E. M. BUSHNELL, M. D., of Blacklick, Indiana county, is one of the county's lead- ing young physicians and surgeons. He is a native of the State of Vermont, born at Williston Feb. 3, 1877, son of Nelson and Sarah (Marrs) Bushnell. Dr. Bushnell is a member of one of the oldest and best-known families of New England, whose members have all been capable and useful citizens of their various communities.

D. Gates, now one of the well-known practi- tioners of Indiana, Pa., and in November, 1906, located at Blacklick, in Burrell town- ship, establishing an office of his own. In the six years he has been there he has built up a most gratifying practice. He is energetic and conscientious, and has proved a most skillful physician. He is the physician for the Jose- phine Iron Company, where he has an office, and where he has an assistant for his work. His general practice takes him over a wide radius of territory. He is popular, genial and greatly respected in his community. He takes a deep interest in public schools and their improvement, and is one of the school directors of the township of Burrell, giving much of

public-spirited, his best efforts are given to aid

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

in the benefit of his town and county and their itt's death Mrs. Truitt returned, with her only people, but he is not an office seeker. He child, Harry W., to her old home in Oakland. votes the Republican ticket.

Dr. Bushnell married Winifred Gerard, of Burrell township, a lady of refinement and culture. She belongs to the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor is a member of I. O. O. F. at Blacklick, and also a member of the Woodmen of the World, for which he is medi- cal examiner. He is medical examiner for several insurance organizations.

HARRY W. TRUITT, D.D.S., now in com- mand of a creditable patronage in the bor- ough of Indiana, is a splendid type of the self-made American. He has made his way against many obstacles, which makes his suc- cess the more notable and deserved. Dr. Truitt was born Jan. 23, 1878, at Truittsburg, Clarion Co., Pa., which place was named in honor of his father.

George Washington Truitt, the Doctor's grandfather, lived and died in Madison town- ship, Armstrong Co., Pa., and was a farmer by occupation. He married Nancy Coursin, who was of Welsh extraction, and they had three children, all sons, namely: Seth C., of Clarion county ; Alcinus Glen; and M. M., of Armstrong county, who is on the old Truitt homestead in Madison township.

She now lives with him in the borough of In- diana.

Harry White Truitt was but seven years old when his father died, after which, until he was fourteen, he lived in Armstrong county. Af- ter his grandfather's death, he moved with his mother to Reynoldsville. His earliest am- bition was to obtain a good education, and his youth was one continuous struggle toward that end. After attending several elementary schools, he went to the high school and then to the DuBois business college. At the age of fourteen he became "devil" in the office of the Reynoldsville Star, and was the first boy to hold the position in that office. He had the honor of helping to put the Star in running. While thus engaged, he attended night school. Some idea of the untiring efforts and the sac- rifices he made to continue his education may be gained from the statement that while he was taking his business course at DuBois he made the round trip of twenty miles daily on an old bicycle, because he could not afford to pay the extra board. While attending the old academy at New Bethlehem, he had to walk three miles from Oakland each way. He took private lessons in Latin and German from Hannah Jane Nickle, of Reynoldsville, where she had a five and ten cent store, paying for his instruction by tending to her store during the noon hour. He pursued his pro- fessional course at the Medico-Chirurgical Col- lege. After graduating from that institution he opened an office in New Bethlehem, and met with gratifying success while located there, but in June, 1906, he removed to In- diana, where a larger field was opened for his efforts. His splendidly equipped offices are in the Savings & Trust Company's building, and his beautiful buff brick house is located on South Seventh street. Dr. Truitt is not only one of the successful dentists of the bor- ough but also one of its leading citizens. He stands high in his profession, and he had the honor of being chosen a delegate to the Re- publican national convention held at Chicago, and later as a Progressive delegate to that city. He was a member of the Steering com- mittee at the last State convention held at Harrisburg, and was chairman of the Wash- ington party of Indiana county, until his resignation.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 37

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