Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 56

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 56

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Almeda, born in March, 1913.

GEORGE A. CONRATH, president and manager of the Penn Enamel Sink Company, one of the flourishing industries of Indiana borough, is one of the substantial and pro- gressive business men of Indiana county, where he has passed all his life. He was born July 24, 1873, in Green township, son of Nathan Conrath, and is a grandson of John Conrath, a native of Germany, who founded this family in the United States, coming to this country in young manhood.

Nathan Conrath was born in Mifflin county, Pa., and followed farming throughout his residence in Indiana county. He married Susan Ham, who was born in Center county, Pa., and to them were born five children, namely: Isaac N., Amanda (wife of Samuel Freedlin), Frank, Sarah C. (wife of W. S. Pittman), and George A. The parents were members of the Baptist Church. The mother died in 1906, the father on Jan. 3, 1912.

George A. Conrath obtained his education in the public schools. When a youth he com- menced to work in a flour mill, and followed milling for about four years. In 1898 he engaged in the enameling business, at Blairs- ville, and while there mastered the details of that line of work, his experience proving most profitable. Locating at Indiana in 1906, he established the Penn Enamel Sink Company, of which he was made president the follow- ing year. He has served as manager from the beginning, and has continued to act as president and manager since the incorpora- tion, in 1910, with a capital stock of $100,000. The company manufactures sinks, lavatories and all kinds of enameled goods, and has the reputation of turning out as high-class prod- uct as can be found in the United States. The trade is in a highly prosperous condi- tion, and the high standard of the output is its best advertisement, a ready market be- ing found for all the goods, either at home or abroad. Mr. Conrath's success and his activity in trade circles has entitled him to a place among the leading manufacturers in the county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the B. P. O. Elks.

In 'August, 1906, Mr. Welch was married to Carrie Coup, who was born in Brushvalley township, a daughter of Wallace W. Coup. Mrs. Welch attended the public schools of her neighborhood and the summer normal .con- ducted by Mr. Welch, and for two years was Mr. Conrath married Sarah Waterson, daughter of John Waterson, and their family consists of six children : A. Chloe, Virginia, Mathias, Effeline, George and Audley. a teacher in Center township, so that she and her husband are very congenial, having many tastes in common. In religious faith she is a Presbyterian. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have become the parents of three children: Mar- WILLIAM SCHRADER was one of the ion, who was born in August, 1907; Leonard best-known millers in Indiana county during

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

his active career, and also followed the bak- McDonald, William Edward and Reynolds. ing business for a number of years. For a (2) Elizabeth married J. R. Lewis, of Pitts- short time he was engaged in farming. He burg, and their children are Edward, John was a native of Germany, born Oct. 22, 1846, and Elizabeth. (3) Margaret married Harry in Waldeck, son of William John Schrader.

Harris, of Indiana, and is the mother of two The father was a blacksmith by trade. He children, Dorothy and Margaret. (4) Will- iam Edward, of Mahaffey, Pa., married Ida May Robinson, and has three children, Paul, Myrtle and Rebecca. (5) Bertha Jane mar-

served in the Germany army, taking part in the war of 1848, and was wounded in the calf of his left leg, carrying the bullet the rest of his life. He died in his native place ried George Lydie, of Indiana. (6) Charles, in 1869, at the age of sixty-three years. He of Pittsburg, is a pharmacist. was a Lutheran in religious faith. William Mr. Schrader was confirmed in the Lu- theran Church in his native land, and he and his wife belong to that denomination. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics he is a Republican. His home is at No. 251 Church street. John Schrader married Dora Stormer, who lived and died at the same place, and their family consisted of five children: William; Charles, who died in Germany ; and Dora, John and Conrad, all of whom lived in Ger- many.

William Schrader went to school until he was thirteen years old. Until he was fifteen he worked on the sugar beet farms and then went to St. Petersburg, Russia, where he re- mained for nine years. meanwhile learning the baker's trade. He then came to America, sailing from St. Petersburg to Hamburg, and thence to New York City, where he landed Oct. 10, 1868. Thence he came direct to Indiana county, Pa., where his uncle, Charles Stormer, a miller and farmer, was located. Mr. Sehrader worked for a time in his mill, and then rented the Henderson mill at Blairs- ville, which he carried on on his own account for two years. By that time the new roller process took the place of burr milling. Mr. Schrader next rented the McKee mill, near Ernest, this county, where he made consider- able reputation as a miller, his flour taking first premium at the Indiana county fairs for in the Province of Ontario, Canada. four years. From there he came to Indiana borough, where he worked two years for Charles Gessler. Mr. Gessler going to Ger- many at the end of that time, Mr. Schrader rented his hakery for a year and a half. He next moved to Punxsutawney, where he was in the baking business, running the People's · Bakery for twelve years, until he traded it for a farm of 150 acres in Brushvalley town- ship. The next three years he devoted to the cultivation of that place, and then selling the coal and surface rights retired to the borough of Indiana.

FRANK H. LEARN has been engaged as a dealer in flour since his removal to Indiana, in 1903, and bought his present store in August, 1910. He was born Jan. 1, 1863, on the old Learn homestead, near Cookport, Indiana county, son of Henry and Catherine (Kunkle) Learn.

The Learn family has long been settled in Pennsylvania. John Learn, great-great- grandfather of Frank H. Learn, was mur- dered by the Indians at Tannersville, North- ampton (now Monroe) Co., Pa., July 3, 1781. He had five sons: George, who with his wife and child was killed at the same time his father met death at the hands of the savages : Andrew, mentioned below; Jacob, who re- mained on the old homestead: John, who set- tled in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where his descendants still live; and Peter, who settled

Andrew Learn, son of John, removed to Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1775. He mar- ried Susan Yockey, and they are buried in the St. James' Reformed Presbyterian, Church cemetery in Westmoreland county. Their children were: John, George and Andrew.

John Learn, son of Andrew and Susan (Yockey) Learn, was born in 1785, and set- tled in 1829 on the farm at Cookport, Indi- ana county, now known as the old Learn homestead. He married Elizabeth Ashbaugh, and they had a family of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom reached maturity. He died at Cookport April 3, 1858, and Mrs. Learn died Nov. 26, 1864, aged seventy-five years, eleven months, twelve days.

On June 13, 1872, Mr. Schrader was mar- ried, in Indiana, to Mary Ann Faith, of that place, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Barnhart) Faith. Six children have heen born to them, namely: (1) Harry Franklin, Henry Learn, son of John and Elizabeth (Ashbaugh) Learn, was born April 20, 1826, of Indiana, a policeman, married Maggie Mc- Donald. and they have four children. Margery. near Apollo, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

on the old Learn homestead at Cookport in consideration were residents of Lebanon 1893. His wife, Catherine (Kunkle), born county, Pennsylvania. Jan. 25, 1831, daughter of Henry and Catha- Henry Frantz, the first of the name of whom there is record, lived in Lebanon county, and was there killed by the Indians. He was the great-grandfather of Jacob Frantz, of Ross- moyne, Indiana county. rine (Mundshower) Kunkle, died there Aug. 10, 1907. They were Lutherans in religious connection, charter members of the church of that denomination at Cookport. Two chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Learn : Frank H. and Oakley E., the latter living near Cookport.

Frank H. Learn lived on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-three years. He attended the local public schools until he was eighteen, and has always been a close reader, never relinquishing his in- terest in books and study. In his twenty- fourth year he left home, and lived at Cook- port for the six years following, running a temperance hotel, and then for ten years en- gaging in the mercantile business at Barnes- boro, Cambria county. In 1903 he came to the borough of Indiana and entered into busi- ness as a wholesale jobber in flour, which he still continues in connection with the general store at No. 366 Philadelphia street, which he bought in August, 1910. He makes a specialty of the Superlative and Marvel brands of flour, and handles feed, chop, middlings and bran, having a profitable trade in his various lines. He is a straightforward and capable busi- ness man, and has gained a firm standing among the substantial business men of the borough by his enterprising methods and honorable transactions.

A number of years ago Mr. Learn became grove, Pa., in 1803. Growing to manhood interested in the Prohibition movement, and there, he received what education the local he has long been an active worker in the or "Pennsylvania Dutch" school afforded. local ranks of the party. He has served as From early boyhood he worked hard in the a delegate to State and national conventions, flourmill, learning all the details of the busi- and has been the candidate of the party for various offices, at present for representative in the State Legislature. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he officiates as elder.

On May 27, 1886, Mr. Learn married Clara May Gibson, daughter of Robert Gibson, of Blackliek township, this county, and they have become the parents of eight children, two of whom are deceased, the survivors being : Viola Grace, wife of Dr. C. G. Harmon, of West Lebanon, Pa .; Howard G., of Indiana, who married Hazel McCoy; George Blair, at pres- ent a student in the Indiana State normal school; Elizabeth; Robert Henry, and Ruth.

FRANTZ. The Frantz family is supposed to be of German extraction, and the earliest known ancestors of the branch here under

Daniel Frantz, son of Henry Frantz, was born in Lebanon county, and there grew to manhood, learning the trade of miller. He came to what was then a portion of Union county, Pa., married Catherine Shafer, and settled down about ten miles north of Selins- grove, now included in Snyder county. There he followed his trade of miller for years, and also worked as a millwright. Later he moved to Jefferson county, locating at Mahoning Creek, where he operated the old Bell mill for some years and spent the remainder of his useful life. His remains were laid to rest in Paradise cemetery, in Jefferson coun- ty, and his wife lies by his side. Both were consistent members of the Lutheran Church. They were earnest Christian people, who worked hard and tried to do their duty as they saw it. Their children were: Henry, who died in Snyder county; Eve, who married John Armstrong, and died in Clearfield coun- ty ; John, mentioned at length below; Daniel, who died in Jefferson county; Joseph, who died in Clearfield county; and George, who died in Jefferson county.

John Frantz, son of Daniel Frantz and father of Jacoh Frantz, was born near Selins-

ness from the bottom up, and so was well fitted for milling when he was able to embark in that line for himself. His first property was known as the Mount Pleasant Mills. In 1848 he moved with his family to Jefferson county, at the Douthers, near Bank creek, and engaged in farming for a period, but later resumed milling operations at Sports- burg, Pa., where he conducted a mill for some time. Still later he moved to Indiana county, taking charge of the Samuel Good mill, in West Mahoning township. After a year, how- ever, he went to Armstrong county and con- ducted a flourmill in Cowanshannock town- ship, for a year, leaving that location for Valley township. In the latter locality he found employment for his skill in operating the John Sechrist mill for four years, and from there went to Red Bank township and

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

conducted a mill at Eddyville for two years. of each child was regarded as an asset. The At the expiration of that time he returned early schools were conducted on the subscrip- to Cowanshannock township, and for a period tion plan, and English and "Dutch" were resided with his son Jacob, but his last two months were spent at the home of his son Israel, at Stump Creek, in Henderson town- ship, Jefferson Co., Pa., where he died in 1874; he was buried in a cemetery at Trout- ville, Clearfield Co., Pa. From the formation of the Republican party he gave its principles and candidates his hearty and effective sup- port. Early in life he was a Presbyterian, but later was received into the communion of the Catholic Church, in which faith he died.

John Frantz was married in what was at that time a part of Union (now Snyder) county to Mary Steffey, who was born in Union county, daughter of Jacob Steffey, and died in 1843. She was buried at Richfield, Union county. Mrs. Frantz was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children of this marriage were: Amos, who died in young manhood in Jefferson coun- ty; Eli, who died in Jefferson county ; Eliza- beth, who married Samuel Royer, and died in Union county; Susannah, who married James MeCracken, and died in Clearfield county ; Mary, who died young; John, who was a soldier during the Civil war, and died in Clearfield county; Daniel, who died in Colorado; and Jacob, who survives.

After the death of his first wife John Frantz married (second) Rachel Hefley, of Union county, and they had one daughter, Catherine, who married Thomas Collins, of Butler coun- ty, and died in Clearfield township. Mrs. Mountain. There he was changed to Chat- Rachel Frantz died in Butler county at the home of her daughter, and was buried in Clearfield township, that county. Both were devout members of the Catholic Church.

JACOB FRANTZ, son of John Frantz, is now living retired from the activities of life in Rossmoyne, South Mahoning township, In- diana Co., Pa., enjoying in his declining years the fruits of his earlier labors, and has every reason to be proud of what he has accom- plished in his busy career. He has been spared to see his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren grow up about him. Mr. Frantz was born in what was then Union (now Sny- der) county, Pa., near Selinsgrove, Aug. 20, 1838. Brought up to hard work and thrifty habits, he attended school in his native place as much as possible; but he was only ten years old when the family moved to Jeffer- son county and thereafter he had no educa- tional opportunities, work being always placed before schooling in those days when the labor time on fifty-one acres which he bought. How-

both taught. When he was only twelve years old he hired out to George Gorley and worked on his farm for two years, receiving four dollars per month for his services, in addition to his board. Returning home, he was put to work at milling, and proved so capable that he continued with his father until he was ready to go into business for himself, mean- time acquiring thorough and practical knowl- edge of milling and millwrighting. In 1859, when he became of age, he began operating his first mill, renting a place at Pine Creek, in Armstrong county, where he remained one year, when he went to Glade Run and con- ducted the John Sieger mill for over a year. For the next two years he operated the George Howser mill in Brady's Bend township, and from there went to Eddyville, same county, and for eighteen months operated another mill.

During this period of his business activity the Civil war had been declared, and like other loyal Northern men he felt that he must not allow private interests to interfere with his duty to his country, so he enlisted on Aug. 12, 1863, in Company B, 78th Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, Captain MeCanna and Colonel Sirwell commanding. Mr. Frantz was in the 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Re- saca, Allatoona, Big Shanty and Kenesaw tanooga to guard trains, transferred to Com- pany A, 78th Regiment, and served until hon- orably discharged, Sept. 11, 1865, at Nash- ville, Tennessee.

Returning home, Mr. Frantz resumed his milling operations, spending three years at the Denny mills in Butler county. Going back to Armstrong county, he located in Val- ley township, where he commenced farming on a tract of eighty-seven acres. He farmed this property, but preferring milling to agri- cultural work, traded his land for a mill in Cowanshannock township, known as the Hosic mill. This was the first mill he owned, and he conducted it for four and a half years. Sell- ing this property, he came next to Mahoning township and rented the Samuel Good mill, one that his father had conducted some years before, and ran it for eighteen months. Later Mr. Frantz went to Oliver township, Jefferson county, and once more began farming, this

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ever, after two years he rented his farm, and miller in Maryland, married Margaret Ward- going back to Armstrong county operated a ing, and they have had children, Blanch (un- mill at Phoenix, in Wayne township, for three married), Nellie (wife of S. Davis), Viola, years. Again he rented the Denny mill in George' (a Presbyterian minister), Bertha, Butler county and operated it for four years. Frank, Jane, Paul, Jacob and a son that died in infancy; Jacob N. died at the age of thir- teen; John W. died at the age of ten years ; Thomas H. is mentioned at length below; James D. is also mentioned at length below ; Nora married F. R. Wingard, of South Ma- honing township, and has children, Jacob Frantz, Bertha, Gladys, Clark and Olif. Then he went to Eli Coulter, at Sprankle Mills, in Jefferson county, for two years, and then in 1886 came to Indiana county, and lo- cating in South Mahoning township hought the old mill known as the Williamson Mill, then owned by George Langendorfer. Taking his son Thomas and later James D. into part- nership with him, he developed the business to somewhat extensive proportions, under the name of Jacob Frantz & Sons, until 1892, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Frantz retired, his sons continuing the busi- ness under the style of Frantz Brothers. Dur- ing the period that he was at the head of the firm numerous improvements were made in the plant, new machinery being installed and new methods adopted.

For the last twenty-seven years Mr. Frantz has been living at Rossmoyne. Although now advanced in age he is very active in mind and body, in full possession of all his faculties, and takes a deep interest in local affairs, about which he is well informed, as well as those of national character. Until the first Cleve- land campaign he was a Democrat, but at that time hecame a Republican, and has since been stanchi in the support of the principles and candidates of the party. For years he served capably as township supervisor, but aside from that has not aspired for office. A man of kindly impulses and charitable in- tent, he has endeavored to govern his life ac- cording to the teachings embodied in the Golden Rule. He is a member of Shields Post, No. 38. G. A. R., of Covode, West Mahoning township, this county, and for forty-one years has been an Odd Fellow. He is a past grand and member of the grand lodge of the State, and has attended the grand lodge four times.

On July 4, 1861, Jacob Frantz was married to Hannah Howser, who was born in Valley township, Armstrong Co., Pa., daughter of George Howser. Mr. and Mrs. Frantz cele- brated their golden wedding on July 4, 1911, surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The occasion was one not likely to be forgotten and was enjoyed by all, especially by the venerable couple who for half a century had lived together in happiness and mutual service, each assisting the other in the duties of life.

THOMAS H. FRANTZ, fourth child of Jacob Frantz, was born Aug. 17, 1868, and until he was ten years old attended school, but since that time his educational training has been obtained through experience and observation. His services being needed in the mill, he was put to work early, and in return was given a good trade, learning milling and millwright- ing in all their details. When he was only twenty-two years old his father took him into partnership under the firm name of Jacob Frantz & Son, which was later changed to that of Jacob Frantz & Sons, when his brother James D. was admitted into the firm. This desirable association continued until 1892, when with the retirement of his father the two sons formed the firm of Frantz Brothers. In October, 1902, the mill was destroyed, en- tailing a loss of $7.500, but undismayed the two energetic young men rebuilt the same year, and now have a fine plant, a three-story structure which was put up at the cost of $13,000, and is fully equipped with modern machinery, roller process. The firm has also established a large store at Rossmoyne, where a full line of general merchandise is carried. In 1897, during the MeKinley administration, Mr. Frantz was appointed postmaster at Ross- moyne, which office he has filled ever since. He is responsible for the suitable name of Rossmoyne, as he selected it for the new of- fice, which is in the fourth class. He served very efficiently as school director for fifteen years, and is a local power in the Republican party. An Odd Fellow for over twenty years, he is interested in the work of that fraternity, has been a past grand for years and is also a member of the grand lodge of the State. He also belongs to the Plumville lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias at Sagamore and the Owls at Punx- sutawney. Mr. Frantz is one of the progres- sive business men of his township and stands very high in the public estimation.

Six children have been born to Jacob Frantz On Oct. 30, 1888, Mr. Frantz was married and wife: George, who is a millwright and to Melvina Lewis, who was born in Perry

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

township, Jefferson county, danghter of John busy to be interested in local improvements and Christina ( Doverspike) Lewis. Mr. and and lends his support to all which he believes will work for the ultimate good of the many. Mrs. Thomas Frantz have had the following children : Ina, who married O. A. Good, and has one child, Marlin; Delbert G., who has charge of the store of Frantz Brothers; Alma, who died when seventeen months old; Edna ; and Leland L.

JAMES D. FRANTZ, son of Jacob Frantz, was born March 30, 1870, in Cowanshannock town- ship. Armstrong Co., Pa. He received better educational advantages than his brother, at- tending school until sixteen years of age, when he entered the mill operated by his father and brother. He continued as an employee until 1888, when he was taken into the firm, the name being changed from Jacob Frantz & Son to Jacob Frantz & Sons. As before stated, in 1892, James D. and Thomas Frantz became sole proprietors of the milling prop- erty upon the retirement of the father, and the name was once more changed, becoming Frantz Brothers. This milling plant is one of the largest and best equipped in Indiana county, and an immense business is handled annually. In addition to milling the firm deals heavily in flour, grain and feed, and owns and conducts one of the leading mer- cantile establishments in this locality.

The enterprise of the Frantz family is well exhibited in the various undertakings of the two Frantz brothers. They are good busi- ness men, who know their different lines thor- oughly and how to operate them successfully. They have branched out more than their father, who confined himself to milling and farming, but they are imbued with the same honorable principles which characterize the elder man, and their name stands for all that is upright and noble.

James D. Frantz is a Republican and is serving as assistant postmaster at Rossmoyne, but he is no office secker. The Intheran Church holds his membership, and Mrs. Frantz belongs to the same religions denomi- nation. In 1891 Mr. Frantz joined the Odd Fellows lodge at PInmville, and he is inter- ested in its work.

On Oet. 3, 1895, James D. Frantz was kle, of North Mahoning township, this county, daughter of M. S. Sprankle, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Frantz are the parents of one son, Carl

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 56

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