Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 90

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 90

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On Nov. 18, 1841, David Stiffey was mar- ried to Jane Frederick, who was born Jan. 19, 1821, and nine children came to this marriage, of whom Mary Jane, born Aug. 5, 1843, married John Gifford, and is now de- ceased ; James, born Aug. 30, 1846, married Lizzie Dick, and is now deceased; George, born Sept. 21, 1848, died April 29, 1858; Almira, born Aug. 28, 1850, married George Stahl, and is now deceased; Amanda, born Aug. 6, 1853, died May 10, 1858; Margaret, born Sept. 3, 1856, married A. W. Park; Albert, born Oct. 5, 1858, died April 29, 1862; Cyrus is mentioned at length below.

David Stiffey died Feb. 2, 1901, and his wife April 23, 1907, and they are laid to rest in Ebenezer Presbyterian Church cemetery at Lewisville, in Conemaugh township.

In addition to his farming interests Mr. Stiffey conducted a livery business from 1908 to 1912, at Livermore, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and in the latter year sold at a profit. He has always been in the foremost ranks of advanced agriculturists, and his ideas have been adopted by many of his neighbors. A man of intelligence, he keeps himself posted on current events, not only with relation to his business, but other matters, and his serv- ices have contributed much to the general welfare of his community. A strong Pro- hibitionist, Mr. Stiffey has always been will- ing to stand up for his principles, and has been active in the temperance cause. For a number of years he was a school director, and he has been a member of the village board of Livermore. The Presbyterian Church has in him an earnest member, and he has served as trustee and elder of the Ebenezer congre- gation. His influence is always exerted in behalf of moral uplift in church and everyday life.

Cyrus Stiffey was sent to the local schools and taught to work diligently upon the home farm, and do his full duty to his parents and SAMUEL L. MINSER, merchant and post- master at Arcadia, Indiana county, has lived at that point since 1903 and is a well-known business man of this section and a popular official of Montgomery township, having held several public positions. He was born in Indi- ana county, Sept. 22, 1877, a son of Mark and Elizabeth (Stanley) Minser. The father was a farmer and a minister of the Dunkard Brethren denomination. community. When he was twenty-five years . old he went to Blairsville, Pa., and embarked in a grocery business on Walnut street, which he conducted for seven years. He then re- turned home and assisted in the farming operations until the death of his father, when he bought out the other heirs and became the owner of the homestead of 145 acres, which he still conducts, although his residence is in the village of Livermore, Westmoreland Co., Pa. The farm is only one and a half miles tion in the common schools and at the Pur- from the village, just across the county line,

Samuel L. Minser received a good educa- chase Line academy, and he was a public and on the bank of the Conemaugh river. The school teacher in this county for four years. Stiffey home is one of the most comfortable in the village, and Mr. Stiffey goes back and forth between it and his farm every day.

In 1903 he came to Arcadia, where he has since resided, and he has been engaged in the mercantile business throughout the period of his residence there. In 1905 he was ap- pointed postmaster, which position he con- tinues to hold, and he has been elected to the offices of school director and auditor of Mont- gomery township.

On Sept. 25, 1883, Mr. Stiffey was married to Hannah Irwin, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Marshall) Irwin, and they had these children: Vernetta Jane, born April 4, 1885, attended the Indiana normal and is now teaching school; Charles Irwin, born On Nov. 23, 1898, Mr. Minser married Sept. 6, 1887, is now attending the seminary Martha Gilpatrick, of Indiana county,

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daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Owens) Gilpatrick, farming people. Six children have been born to this union, namely: Mabel buying a farm of 127 acres in Rayne town- E., Florence M., Elizabeth E., Dorothy (de- ceased), Martha and Olive I. ship upon which he remained until the spring of 1905, when he retired. He sold this prop- erty to a coal company, the land being under- SIMON THOMAS KANARR, a resident of White township, Indiana county, belongs to a family of Holland Dutch descent which was founded in this section of Pennsylvania many years ago by his great-grandfather, Andrew or Andreas Kanarr, who moved from Lehigh county, Pa., to Westmoreland county. His wife was Salome Musick. laid with valuable coal deposits. Mr. Kanarr has since made his home in the borough of Indiana, living at No. 229 Philadelphia street. He has devoted most of his time to his private affairs, but he is a public-spirited citizen whose support can be relied upon in movements affecting the welfare of the com- munity. In politics he is an independent Re- publican. His religious connection is with the Lutheran Church.

John Kanarr, only son of Andrew, was born Sept, 4, 1807, at Grapeville, Westmore- land county, and there grew to manhood. He went to school very little, obtaining his edu- cation mostly through his own efforts, and learned the trade of cabinetmaker. In No- vember, 1838, he married Anna Magdalene Bruder, who was born Dec. 6, 1811, and to them was born a family of seven children: George A., born Aug. 14, 1839, who served one year during the Civil war as a member of Company G, 206th P. V. I .; Moses, born Dec. 14, 1840; Jacob, born March 31, 1843; Aaron, born June 21, 1845, who served one year during the Civil war, in Company F, 206th P. V. I .; John, Jr., born Feb. 12, 1847; Henry, born Aug. 9, 1849; and Elizabeth L., born May 10, 1854. The father of this family died July 1, 1879, in Grant township, Indiana Co., Pa., and the mother died Dec. 5, 1880. They are buried in Shiloh's cemetery at Deckers Point, Indiana county.

Jacob Kanarr, son of John, is now retired from farming, and has made his home in Indi- ana since the spring of 1905. He was a prosperous agriculturist throughout his ac- tive years. Born March 31, 1843, in Hemp- field township, Westmoreland Co., Pa., he received his education in the common schools, and was familiar with farm work from early boyhood. In 1853 the family left Westmorc- land county, settling in Montgomery town- ship, Indiana county, where Jacob grew to manhood. In 1864 he was drafted for service in the Union army, being assigned to Com- pany B, 101st Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, with which he served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge May 6, 1865. Returning home, he resumed farm work. Within a few years he located in a place of his own in Grant township, this county, which he bought from his father-a tract of seventy-four acres where he resided for some time. Later he bought his father-

in-law's place of 180 acres in the same town- ship, which he sold three years afterward,

In 1869 Mr. Kanarr married Martha Jane King, of Indiana county, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Caldwell) King, and they have become the parents of eight children, namely : Simon T .; Elizabeth Clara, Mrs. John P. Lydick, of Indiana county ; Nacy C., Mrs. Clem. Henry, of Indiana; Hester J., who is unmarried; Mary M., unmarried; Ira Guy; Mortimer; and Carrie, Mrs. Robert Helman, who lives on the home farm.

Simon Thomas Kanarr was born Nov. 24, 1869, in Grant township, near Deckers Point, and obtained his education in the public schools, first attending the Kinnan school, and next the Ray school. His first teacher was S. B. Work. In 1883 he moved with his par- ents to Rayne township, where he continued his education, attending school until twenty- one years old, and he continued to reside at home until 1890. Then he worked a short time for John McHendrick, in Cherryhill township, and in 1891 entered the employ of Archie Nichol, in White township, remaining with him over a year. For the next thirty- two months he was in the employ of James Gompers, and from 1895 to 1897 worked for Daniel Smith, in Burrell township. He was married in the spring of the latter year, and then lived with his father-in-law until 1899. in which year he purchased the Ralston farm of 103 acres, to which he has since added forty-three acres, parts of the O'Neil and J. J. Stephens farms, now cultivating 146 acres. His property is all in fine condition and he produces considerable small fruit in addition to general crops. He also engages in stock raising, and his enterprise and well-directed industry have brought him continued success. He has given all his time to his work, voting independently and taking no active part in politics or public affairs of any kind. He and his wife are members of the First United

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Presbyterian Church at Indiana, and he is married Charles A. Nichol and lives in White at present serving as one of the trustees of township, Indiana county; Harry M., born that organization.

On April 14, 1897, Mr. Kanarr was mar- ried to Anna Jane Stephens, who was born May 24, 1875, in White township, Indiana county, daughter of John J. and Ann (Trimble) Stephens. The ceremony was per- formed in Indiana by Rev. J. Day Brownlee. Five children have been born to this mar- riage : John Raymond, Walter Ralph, Muriel Monroe, Ruth Evangeline and Chester Clyde.

MOSES KANARR, retired farmer and sur- veyor, now living in the borough of Indiana, was born Dec. 14, 1840, son of John and Anna Magdalene (Bruder) Kanarr, and was twelve years old when brought to Indiana county. He grew to manhood in what is now Grant township, and attended school in both West- moreland and Indiana counties; he was a pupil at the Purchase Line academy in Indi- ana county. He studied surveying near Greensburg at a school conducted by A. L. Altman, who was subsequently made surveyor of Westmoreland county, and after complet- ing his course was engaged in teaching school for three terms, in Indiana. In time he be- gan to farm in Grant township, thence mov- ing to White township, where he carried on farming for twenty-six years, cultivating the tract of 140 acres which he owned. Upon his retirement Mr. Kanarr sold the surface of this farm, but he still holds the coal rights. From March, 1873, he followed his profession of surveyor in addition to looking after his farm work, and he has become widely known over this region in that connection. He moved to the borough of Indiana in 1906.

On Aug. 10, 1864, Mr. Kanarr enlisted at Indiana, becoming a private in Company F, 206th P. V. I., under Capt. John A. Kinter and Col. Hugh J. Brady, his command serv- ing with the Army of the James.

On Feb. 27, 1868, Mr. Kanarr married, in Grant township, Martha J. Hamilton, of that township, danghter of John and Mary A. (King) Hamilton. Mrs. Kanarr passed away June 18, 1909. She was an active member of the M. E. Church, to which Mr. Kanarr also belongs, and he is conuted among the useful members of the congregation. In polities he a more pretentious frame dwelling in due is independent, voting for the candidates and measures he prefers, regardless of party.

Aug. 31, 1876, now chief engineer of the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal & Iron Company and three allied concerns, was married May 17, 1905, to Mary Elinor Reed, and they live in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

RUFUS ALEXANDER SUTOR, a farmer and stock raiser of East Mahoning township, residing near the line of Rayne township, was born in the former township, Dec. 3, 1853.

John Sutor, the founder of the family in America, was born in Scotland, and came to this country in 1799 with Robert McClaren, ·settling at Pittsburg. Later he went to Wash- ington county, Pa., and in 1822 came with his family to Indiana county. They located in East Mahoning township, near Marion Center, securing 200 acres in the woods. This farm is now owned by H. J. Thompson, of Marion Center, and is a valuable property, but at that time it was a wilderness, and John Sutor had to clear off the land in order to begin farming. He lived to be ninety-five years old, and his remains were laid to rest in the Gilgal Church cemetery in East Ma- honing township. He was a consistent mem- ber and elder of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and he held a number of the local offices. John Sutor married Ann Moore, of Philadelphia, who died on the farm and was buried in the same cemetery where her husband was later laid to rest. Their chil- dren were: William, John, Alexander and Thomas are all deceased; Eliza married a Mr. Lydick and (second) a Mr. Hastings ; Ann and Mary died unmarried; Robert died on the old homestead.

Alexander Sutor, son of John Sutor and father of Rufus Alexander Sutor, was born Feb. 15, 1809, in Washington county, Pa., near Pittsburg. He accompanied his parents to East Mahoning township in 1822, and like his father was a farmer and miller, having learned his trade at Pittsburg, and later on in life followed it in the vicinity of the "Iron City." Eventually he secured 212 acres in East Mahoning township, and built a log house on his property, which he replaced with time. He cleared off his farm and rounded out his days there, dying on it Feb. 5, 1893,

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. and is buried in the Marion Center cemetery. Kanarr: Mary Anna, born Jan. 6, 1869, Alexander Sutor married Jane R. Park, who was born in 1811 and died in 1908, and married Frank Stormer, and died in Indiana April 22, 1897; Clara May, born Feb. 2, 1871, they celebrated their golden wedding anni-

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versary in 1889. They had children as fol- dren, Charles and Earl; and Mary and Grace, lows: Robert P. enlisted in Company A, at home.

11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and died of typhoid fever while in the service ; Agnes married Thomas Craig and resides on the homestead; Annie, who married William Groose, resides in Indiana, Pa .; John, who was a soldier in the Civil war, resides at Chi- cago; Amanda died unmarried; Rufus Alex- ander is mentioned below; Margaret married W. D. Chilcott, of Orchard Park, N. Y. Mr. Sutor was a member of the Baptist Church and faithful to its creed. A Republican politically, he was proud of his connection with the party of Abraham Lincoln. As has been said of him:

"A contemporary of Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Sutor was one of the thousands who like him despised not the day of small things, but cheerfully helped to clear the way for the upbuilding of a great nation. An uncom- promising foe of slavery and every form of evil, he was a conductor of the 'underground railway' that helped so many slaves to free- dom. He gave his sons to the war to support the Union and crush slavery. Like Lincoln, fond of his fellow men, full of fun and ready with a good story to illustrate an argument or point a moral, his life had its tragedies, but for the most part he dwelt in the sunshine."

Rufus Alexander Sutor, son of Alexander Sutor, attended the local schools and worked for his father until he attained manhood's estate. Obtaining a portion of his father's homestead, he lias devoted his life to farming and stock raising and is now one of the lead- ing agriculturists of his township. The sub- stantial residence on his property was built by him and he has made many other im- provements which add value to the place. Formerly a Republican, he is now a Prohibi- tionist. Mr. Sutor has served as a school di- rector for two terms, was supervisor of his township for one term, and was always a faithful official. The Presbyterian Church holds his membership, and he has been trustee and elder of same for some years. Believing in the efficacy of the Sunday school, he has done much to advance it and extend the scope of its influence, both as a teacher and super- intendent.

In 1880 Mr. Sutor was united in marriage with Annie Brickley, who was born in Clear- field county, Pa., daughter of Daniel Brickley. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutor : Edna, who married Albert Botsford, of Rayne township, and has chil-

ALVERTUS PRESTON MARSHALL, a farmer of South Mahoning township, was born on the Robert Marshall homestead April 10, 1872, and is a son of Robert Marshall.

The first of this branch of the family in Pennsylvania was William Marshall, who was born in Ireland in 1722, and there grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Armstrong. In 1748 he came to the American Colonies and settled in the eastern part of Pennsyl- vania, where he followed farming. Later he moved to what is now Indiana county, but was then included in Westmoreland county, to which region his son, John Marshall, had gone some years previously. The family se- cured property in Conemaugh township, and on it William Marshall rounded out his useful life, passing away in 1796. His remains were laid to rest in Ebenezer Church cemetery. He was a Presbyterian in religious faith, and devoted to his church. His excellent wife passed away in 1806, having survived him some ten years, and was laid by his side in the little old cemetery. Among their children were: John, James, William, Andrew, Sam- uel and Margaret. He was a man of sub- stance in his community, and highly respected by all who knew him.

William Marshall, son of William Marshall the immigrant, came to Conemaugh township with his parents and there engaged in farm- ing, becoming the owner of a tract of 428 acres. Later he moved to Armstrong county, settling near Glade Run, where his cousin Archibald Marshall had located. On this new farm he spent the remainder of his life. His children were: Joseph, who married Eliz- abeth Marshall; William, who married a Miss Lewis; John, who married Martha Kirk- patrick; Elizabeth, who married John Mc- Clelland; Mary, who married Abel Finley ; Margaret, who married Benjamin Irwin; James W .; Robert, who married Mary Hind- man; and Samuel, who married Julia Lentz.

James W. Marshall, son of William Mar- shall, was born on Blacklegs creek, in Cone- maugh township, in 1796, and was taken to Glade Run, Armstrong Co., Pa., by his par- ents. There he grew to manhood, and in 1820 settled in what is now South Mahoning township, near the home place of others of the family. This was almost on the line divid- ing the south and west parts of Mahoning. His tract was a large one, and he went to work at once to clear it of the heavy timber.

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Although he had developments well started Stewart, who survives him. They had chil- at the time of his death, he passed away dren as follows: Rebecca J .; Margaret E., while still in the prime of life, in 1844.

James W. Marshall married Margaret Mar- shall, a daughter of Archibald Marshall, who settled in Glade Run, Armstrong Co., Pa., where his cousin William Marshall also lo- cated. Mrs. Marshall died in 1873, having survived her husband many years. Their children were: William; Margaret, who mar- ried Thomas Davis, and (second) Nathaniel Doty; Joseph W .; Archibald, who married Mary Ann Wadding; Robert; Catherine, who married Lewis Marshall and (second) Henry Bowser.

Joseph W. Marshall, son of James W. Mar- shall, was born Dec. 11, 1827, on the farm in South Mahoning township. When he was seventeen years old he had the misfortune to lose his father. Prior to that he had at- tended the local schools, and after his father's death he continued working on the homestead. When he attained his majority he obtained a tract of 120 acres of the home farm, ten acres of which were already cleared. With charac- teristic energy he began making improve- ments, putting up all the buildings on the property, including frame residence and barn, and carried on general farming and stock rais- ing until his death. While his life was un- eventful, he did his duty at all times, and brought up his family to be an honor to the name. A strong Whig, he espoused the prin- ciples of the Republican party upon its formation, and held many offices, including those of school director, assessor, supervisor and member of the election board. The Pres- byterian Church held his membership, and he was an elder in that body for years, being con- nected with the church of that faith at Plum- ville. Although he is now eighty-five years old he still possesses many of his faculties. He makes his home with his various children, by whom he is much beloved.

Joseph W. Marshall married Jane Davis, of South Mahoning township, a daughter of Abraham Davis, and she died in 1863. and is buried in the Mahoning Baptist Church ceme- tery; she was a consistent member of that church. The children of this marriage were: Adoniram Judson, who resides in Los Angeles, Cal .. married Clara Irwin and (second) Jane Orr; a son died in infancy, nnuamed ; Louise Ann married Job W. Luckhart of Punxsu- tawney, Pa., and is deceased; Clark G. had a twin sister, Lydia C., the latter dying in in- fancy. In 1865 Mr. Marshall married (sec- ily. He was noted for his temperate habits. ond) Mary Stewart, daughter of Thomas

who married Clark Sink; Harvey S., de- ceased, who married Bessie Hamilton, now the wife of John Kirkpatrick; Nettie Irwin, de- ceased ; Alice R., who married Elmer Shaffer, of Punxsutawney, Pa .; Lawrence J., who lives at Rochester, N. Y .; Minerva Mary ; Rainey W .; Rosella Sarah, who is deceased : Mason Forbes, of Punxsutawney, Pa .; Esther Frances, who married Homer Hiskell; and Bertha Dean, who married Homer Sadler.

The Marshall family is one of the largest in Indiana county, and its representatives have given much attention to agricultural matters. Many of the finely developed farms of this locality are owned and operated by men who sprang from the first William Marshall. The Marshalls are not confined to Indiana county, or Pennsylvania either, for they have spread over the country, and wherever found are prosperous and industrious, a credit to their name and a valuable addition to their com- munity. Good blood tells, and careful raising brings forth the best in a man. The descend- ants of the original Marshall who braved all the dangers, which were not inconsiderable in those early days, of crossing the ocean to an almost unknown land, do him credit, and owe much to him.

Robert Marshall, son of James W. and brother of Joseph W. Marshall, was born on the Marshall homestead in South Mahoning township, in 1831. He was thirteen years old when his father died, and his brother reared him to manhood on the farm, sending him to the local schools. When he attained his ma- jority he obtained eighty acres of valuable land from his father's estate, and bought seventy-six acres more of the estate, and on this property carried on general farming and stock raising. In addition he owned forty- three acres. His useful, npright life was spent upon the farm where he was born, and there he died in 1885, when only fifty-four years old, from the effects of typhoid fever. His remains were tenderly interred in the cemetery at Smicksburg. For many years he served the Presbyterian Church as an elder. and was one of its most valued members. A Republican from the formation of the party. he gave it his support, but did not aspire for public office aside from that of school direct- or, for he was exceedingly domestic in his tastes, and preferred to give his time and attention to his private affairs and his fam- and his upright, honorable methods of doing

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

business, and no man stood higher in the es- for her husband's success is due her. Mr. teem of his neighbors than he. While he and Mrs. Marshall are the parents of five children : A son who died in infancy, un- named; Mary Eveline; Earl Leroy ; Dee Bur- ton; and Dolly Catherine Marguerite. was not a young man when the Civil war broke out, he would have liked to serve his country as a soldier, had his strength per- mitted, but as it was he gave the Union loyal support in every way he could, and his con- tributions to the cause were exceedingly liberal.

Mr. Marshall is a Republican, and for six years served very creditably as tax collector, for seven years was auditor, for two years was supervisor, and for two years was clerk of the election board. Domestic in his tastes, he has tried to live according to the Golden Rule, and in consequence has few if any enemies. He is a citizen of highest worth, and stands well in all the relations of life.

His support of general morality was strong and courageous, for he never had any sym- pathy with wrong-doing, believing that if men controlled their habits they would not be led into breaking laws both human and divine. Like other members of his family he believed in and advocated temperance upon every occasion, and the efforts of such men as these have borne remarkable fruit, for South Mahoning township is one of the most law-abiding communities in the State.

Robert Marshall married Eveline Rowland, who was born in 1840, a daughter of Griffith and Mary (Mikesell) Rowland. Mrs. Mar- shall died Feb. 15, 1899, and is buried in Smicksburg cemetery. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Children as follows were born to. Robert Marshall and his wife: One- simus, who died young; James Franklin; Benjamin R., who is connected with the police department of Pittsburg; and Alvertus Pres- . ton, all of whom are worthy of their honored parents and the devotion given them when they needed it.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 90

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