Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 93

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 93

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Lewis S. Wissinger was born May 11, 1840, in Plumcreek township, Armstrong county, and was a boy when the family came to Indi- ana county. He attended public school at Indiana until nineteen years old, meantime commencing to work among farmers during the busy season. When nineteen he went to Cambria county, where he was employed at

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Va., in August, 1863, and Mr. Wissinger took he was engaged as a brick contractor, and part in all the engagements of his command subsequently made farming his occupation. He was a Lutheran in religious connection. His wife died shortly before him, in 1879, at the age of seventy-five years. They were the parents of the following children : Mary Jane, who died unmarried; Hannah, Mrs. Amos Altimus, deceased ; Sarah, Mrs. George Flickinger, deceased; Elias, deceased, who was married and lived in Ohio; Elizabeth Ellen, Mrs. Lewis S. Wissinger; and Luther. deceased. until the close of the war, receiving his dis- charge May 21, 1865, at Falls Church, Va. He returned home and then traveled through northeastern Pennsylvania as a book agent, until the following spring. Early in 1867 he was married, after which he lived two years in Cambria county, thence moving to Wash- ington township, Indiana county. In .com- pany with his brother Ellis he bought a farm of 115 acres in that township, Lewis S. Wis- singer devoting himself to the cultivation of that place for the next seven years. He then JAMES C. DOUGLAS, a druggist of Ro- chester Mills, and ex-county appraiser, was sold and moved to the farm in White town- ship where he now resides, at that time the born in Westmoreland county, Pa., near Lat- property of his father-in-law. Leaving his robe, Sept. 15, 1874, son of James C. Douglas. family here he next went into the oil region, Archibald Douglas, his grandfather, was born at Glasgow, Scotland, and came to Pennsylvania in early manhood, settling in Westmoreland county, where he followed farming near Mount Pleasant, becoming a justice of the peace and prominent man. Politically he was a Democrat. The Presby- terian Church held his membership and he served it as an elder. where he did carpenter work for two years. From there he went to North Dakota and found work on ranches for one summer, and then returned for his family. Taking up a claim of 160 acres along the Northern Pacific railroad, in Barnes county, they lived there for twelve years, and upon their return to Pennsylvania again took up their home on the farm in White township where they now live. Mr. Wissinger is regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his community and is highly respected.

On Feb. 14, 1867, Mr. Wissinger married Elizabeth Ellen Kurtz, who was born Dec. 23, 1845, in White township, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Long) Kurtz. She of life, from the effects of his army service. received a good education in the public He served during the Civil war as a member of Company E, 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and did his duty as a soldier as well as a citizen. He voted the Republican ticket upon every occasion. He was a Pres- byterian in religious faith. James C. Douglas married Eliza Blair, who survives him, being now sixty-seven years old, and making her home with her son James C. He is the younger of her two children, the other being Edward A., who is county recorder of Lorain county, Ohio. schools, and in 1863 began teaching subscrip- tion school at Plumville. She followed the profession for several years before her mar- riage, and met her husband while teaching in Armstrong county, near his home. They have had four children: Laura May, de- ceased, who was the wife of L. M. Hum- phrey ; Elizabeth, married to Ed. Sawyer, of Chicago, Ill .; James C., of Owatonna, Minn., who married Laura Larson; and Lena Dell, Mrs. David Zufall, of Ernest, Indiana county. Mr. and Mrs. Wissinger are members of the M. E. Church at Indiana. He is a Republican on political questions, and socially a member of the G. A. R., belonging to Post No. 28, at Indiana.

Samuel Kurtz, father of Mrs. Wissinger, was born in 1804 near Mauch Chunk, Pa., and died at his farm at Ernest, in White township, Indiana county, in 1880. He moved to this county just after his marriage, finally locating on the place where his daughter, Mrs. Wissinger, now live's. Before settling there

James C. Douglas, son of Archibald Doug- las, and father of James C. Douglas, was born in Westmoreland county, where he was reared and educated. Devoting himself to agricul- tural life, he became a heavy land owner, eventually making his home at Latrobe, where he died Oct. 1, 1874, while still in the prime

James C. Douglas was educated in the schools of Latrobe, and taking up the study of pharmacy attended the Pittsburg College of Pharmacy, and successfully passed the ex- amination of the State Board of Pharmacy. Following this he was in the drug business as a clerk in Punxsutawney, Pa., until 1902, when he came to Rochester Mills and estab- lished the first drug store in the place. Since then he has been very successful, carrying a full line of drugs, stationery and similar goods, and enjoys a liberal patronage from

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

the people of his community and the sur- Dora Houck, of Purchase Line, Indiana rounding district. A Republican, he was ap- county, daughter of Henry and Mary Houck, pointed in 1911 as county appraiser, and held the former of whom is a stonemason and farmer. Mr. and Mrs. McKee have one child, Gretta Vance. that office for one year. He has served as judge of election in Grant township, and as a member of the township committee of his party. The Methodist Church holds his membership, and he serves that body as a trustee. Fraternally he belongs to the Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 936, at Richmond Mills, and to the Odd Fellows.

Mr. Douglas was married to Larue Minish, and they have one child, James C.

JAMES ARMOUR McKEE, a resident of Banks township, Indiana county, has been engaged in farming at his present place since 1907. He was born in Banks township, Dec. 29, 1877, son of James and Rebecca (Pollock) McKee. His grandfather, William McKee, was a native of Indiana county, and married Phoebe Wilson, also a native of this county, born in South Mahoning township.

James McKee, father of James A. McKee, was born in 1841 in Sonth Mahoning town- ship, Indiana county, and followed farming all his life. He died Sept. 2, 1908. He served as school director of his township. In 1864 he married Rebecca Pollock, a native of Ireland, daughter of Andrew and Martha (Steel) Pollock, farming people, who came from Ireland, and settled in East Mahoning township, Indiana Co., Pa. Mrs. McKee, now (1912) seventy-nine years old, continues to make her home on the old farm. She is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to which her husband also belonged. They had a family of six children: (1) Clark is a well-known citizen of Banks town- ship, Indiana county, where he is engaged as a farmer and lumberman. He has held sev- eral important township offices, having been auditor two years, tax collector six years and

G. Lewis, a farmer and merchant ,and they have two children, Moraan Lewis and Wil- lard. (3) Phoebe Martha is the widow of James Wineman, a farmer, of Blacklick township, Indiana county. (4) Robert M., a farmer of Banks township, married Bessic McHenry, of Marion Center, Pa., daughter of G. W. MeHenry, a farmer, and they had two children, George James and Rebecca. hat store. Still later he moved to Pittsburg, (5) James Armour is mentioned below. (6) John Wilson, farmer of Banks township, former auditor of that township, married

James A. McKee attended the public schools in the vicinity of his home and farmed with his father until he commenced on his own account, in 1907, settling in his native township. He occupies one of the estate farms, at what was formerly called New Washington, and has been very successful in his work, to which he gives intelligent care, adopting the best methods and keeping abreast of modern ideas. He has held the office of tax collector, in which he served one term of three years.

On Oct. 17, 1907, Mr. McKee married Sarah Emma Elbel, of Banks township, daughter of Charles Edward and Regina (Reno) Elbel, farming people, and they have one child, James Edward, born June 19, 1910. Mr. Me- Kee is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Bear Run, in Banks township, and Mrs. McKee belongs there also.

HUGH E. WILLIAMS, a farmer at Pine Flats, in Green township, Indiana county, was born in Allegheny county, Pa., Jan. 8, 1845, son of John E. Williams and grandson of Hugh Williams.

Hugh Williams, the American founder of the family, was a native of Wales, and com- ing to America settled at Pine Flats, Green township, Indiana Co., Pa., where he became the owner of a farm. This he worked hard to clear and develop, and it was the first property to be placed under cultivation at Pine Flats. It comprised 100 acres. Upon this land Hugh Williams erected a house and barn, built from logs chopped from his prop- erty, and did his work so well that the barn is still standing, although over sixty years assessor three years. (2) Joseph Elder, a old. Hugh Williams was an excellent type farmer of Banks township, married Ida Lewis, of the hardy people of his native land, who of Locnst, Indiana county, daughter of W. accomplish much and are noted for their sterling honesty.

John E. Williams, son of Hugh Williams, and father of Hugh E. Williams, was also born in Wales, and came to the United States when still a very young man, a short time prior to his father. He first located at Man- . chester, La., but soon afterward went to New Orleans, where he found employment in a

Pa., and there married. For the following fourteen years he resided in that city, in 1853 coming to Pine Flats, in Green township, Indi-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ana county, to join his father, and settling on in its growth. A man of high moral char- the property his father had cleared. John E. acter, he has exerted a strong influence for Williams married Mary L. Lewis, a daughter good in his community, and is highly re- of Richard Lewis, of Pittsburg, and their garded by all who know him. children were: Richard; Hugh E .; Mary, who married Eli Jones, of Ebensburg, Pa .; and Sarah, who lives with her sister Mary.

Hugh E. Williams was in his ninth year when brought by his father to Pine Flats, and he continued his educational training at this place. Until he was thirty-six years old he worked with his father, and then took charge of the homestead and continued to operate it for himself, devoting himself to general farming until 1907, when he practi- cally retired. During the years that he was engaged in agricultural pursuits he made a success of his undertakings, and was justly numbered among the leading farmers of his township, as well as a public-spirited citizen.

On Nov. 7, 1872, Hugh E. Williams mar- ried Elizabeth Williams, a daughter of Wil- liam Williams, and she died Aug. 4, 1912, a good and faithful wife and mother, devoted to her home and family. Among her neighbors she was a beloved friend whose charities and kind acts are tenderly remembered. Mr. and Mrs. Williams became the parents of the fol- lowing named children: Benjamin married Gertrude Glasford and has one child, Arthur ; he lives at Pine Flats. Edward H. married Eva Wilderson and has children, Grace, Clyde, Mildred, Mabel and William. Clemen- tine married Irwin Myers, of Pine Flats, and has children, Roy, Thelma and Hugh. Frank W., who is a resident and merchant of Pine Flats, married Ina Glasford, and their chil- dren are Elizabeth, Helen, Harold and Ruth. Merl, who married Vernie Motron, lives at Johnstown, Pa. Catherine married James Davis, lives at Heilwood, and has two chil- dren, Leland and James. Don Hugh and Yencer, twins, died when five months old.

Since casting his first vote Hugh E. Wil- liams has been a consistent Republican, but never held any office aside from that of supervisor, to which he was elected for a term of one year. The Baptist Church of Pine Flats has had in him one of its most earnest members, and during his earlier years he was extremely active in promoting its good work. At present he is serving it as trustee and deacon. When the present church edi- fice at Pine Flats was erected Mr. Williams served on the building committee, and ren- dered very valuable assistance in that connec- tion. For four years he was superintendent of the Sunday school, and still takes interest

MRS. JENNIE ALTEMUS, merchant and postmistress at Strongstown, in Pine town- ship, Indiana county, is a daughter of Patrick E. Gillespie, and granddaughter of Patrick Gillespie.

Patrick Gillespie, the grandfather of Mrs. Altemus, emigrated from Ireland to the United States, and locating in Cambria county, Pa., died there. He was a farmer all his life. He married Catherine Rice, and they had the following children: Edward, who is deceased, is buried at Hurst's ceme- tery; John died of starvation in Anderson- ville prison during the Civil war; Patrick E. is deceased; Frank resides at Pittsburg; Mark is deceased; Mary is deceased. Mrs. Catherine (Rice) Gillespie was interred at Carrolltown, Cambria Co., Pennsylvania.

Patrick E. Gillespie, son of Patrick Gilles- pie, was born in Bedford county, Pa., April 4, 1836, but came to Strongtown early in life and became a prosperous merchant of that place, carrying on a large business for twenty years, and in conjunction therewith operat- ing the hotel. In 1863 Patrick E. Gillespie married Martha J. Stephens, a daughter of William Stephens, of Pine township, and they had children as follows : Mrs. John P. George, who died May 15, 1892; Ella, who married W. G. Orner, of Strongstown; Jen- nie, widow of W. H. Altemus; Kate, who married H. S. Orner, of Morrellville; Maggie, who married M. S. Rodkey, of Mitchells Mills; William, who resides at Pittsburg, married to Sophia Reed, a sister of Attorney Reed, of Ebensburg; Robert, who married Agnes Hines; and Gertrude, who married J. H. Rank, of Indiana, Pa. Mrs. Patrick E. Gillespie is still living, making her home at Strongstown.

Throughout his mature life Patrick E. Gillespie was a Democrat, and he held the offices of school director and tax collector of his township. A Catholic, he was a member of St. Patrick's parish of Camerons Bottom, and is buried at Camerons Bottom, near Heilwood. His death occurred April 4, 1901.

Mrs. Jennie Altemus was born Jan. 5, 1869, and in 1887 was married to W. H. Altemus. They had the following children: Nora; Patrick Edgar, who married Ora McCreery, of Johnstown, Pa .; Harry, who is at home; Eva Clare; Veda Dell; Gertrude, who is de-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ceased ; Nellie, at home; and Margaret. Mr. burg road. He conducted his general store Altemus died Dec. 28, 1909, when forty-six years old. He was born in 1863, in Buffing- ton township, Indiana Co., Pa., and his edu- cational training was secured in the district schools of his neighborhood. His first work was assisting his father in operating the homestead. Until he was twenty-five years old he remained at home, and then began huckstering through the country, making a success of it for six years. During this period he was learning the wants of the people, so that when he embarked in a mercantile busi- ness at Strongstown he was able to conduct it intelligently and profitably, and his widow is carrying it on along the lines laid down by him, and profiting by his experience. Mr. Altemus was appointed postmaster of Strongs- town, and when he died his widow succeeded lıim in that office as she did in his business.

Politically Mr. Altemus was a Republican, and was an efficient school director for six years. A man of high moral character, he gave his support to those measures he believed would work out for the ultimate good of the general public. Although not connected with any religious organization, he was brought up in the Methodist faith. His remains were laid to rest in the graveyard at Strongstown.

Mrs. Altemus is a fine example of the mod- ern business woman. Although she had never entered business life prior to her husband's death, she bravely assumed the responsibil- ities he was forced to lay down, and has not only succeeded in keeping trade, but is rear- ing her children to be fine men and women. Trustworthy, honorable and energetic, Mrs. Altemus is holding her own in her commun- ity, and stands very high in the public esteem.

for a period of eight years, at the end of which time he sold out and bought the Thomas Elder farm of 150 acres in Conemaugh town- ship, upon which place he spent the remain- der of his life, carrying on farming. He also dealt in live stock, going over the country buying stock, which he shipped to Philadel- phia. In politics he was a Democrat, and he took considerable interest in the activities of the party and in local public matters, served his township as supervisor, tax collector and auditor, and was once the Democratic can- didate for county treasurer. In his early life he was a member of the United Presby- terian Church, but later joined the Pres- byterian Church at Saltsburg, to which his family also belonged. Mr. Nowry married Margaret Catherine Cline, daughter of Philip and Mary (Irvine) Cline, and they had two children, James Irvine and William Marshall. Mr. Nowry died Oct. 1, 1909, Mrs. Nowry passing away Aug. 13, 1911. They are buried in Edgewood cemetery at Saltsburg, this county.

James Irvine Nowry was born June 15, 1868, in Conemaugh township, at the place on Blacklegs creek now owned by Dr. Earhart. He began his education in the neighborhood, at common school, later attending the acad- emies at Eldersridge and Saltsburg, and the State normal school at Indiana. For two years he taught school in Conemaugh town- ship, and then for a year was engaged in carrying the mail over the rural free delivery route No. 2, out of Saltsburg. He has since been farming at his present place, a tract of 150 acres, upon which extensive improve- ments have been made during his residence there, being up-to-date and enterprising in every branch of his work. He and his brother cultural pursuits he has carried on stock ing cleared considerable timberland. Under his land are rich deposits of coal.

JAMES IRVINE NOWRY, a progressive own this place. In addition to general agri- farmer and public-spirited citizen of Cone- maugh township, Indiana county, is a native raising and lumbering to some extent, hav- of that township and has passed all his life there. The family has been settled in that section for many years.

Like his father Mr. Nowry is a Democrat and actively interested in the political af- fairs of the locality, and he has been honored with election to various township offices, in all of which he has given faithful service, having been general township assessor, tax collector, member of the school board for the last six years, and member of the election board several times since he reached his majority.

Robert Nowry, father of James Irvine Nowry and William Marshall Nowry, was born in 1830 along the Blacklegs creek, in Conemaugh township, on the site now owned by Martha Nowry's heirs, and there he re- ceived his education in the common sehools. Later he taught school for more than thir- teen years, being engaged in both Indiana and Armstrong counties, after which he engaged in the mercantile business at what is now On Feb. 1, 1898, Mr. Nowry was married Grangers' Hall, on the Clarksburg and Salts- to Margaret Frances Gordon, daughter of

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

John and Frances (McCrady) Gordon, and Mrs. Fry: Frank, living in Washington they have two children, Mabel Frances and James Cline. Mr. and Mrs. Nowry are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church at Saltsburg.

WILLIAM MARSHALL NOWRY, a progressive farmer and public-spirited citizen of Cone- maugh township, Indiana county, is a native of that township and has passed all of his life there. Mr. Nowry was born Oct. 23, 1873, in Conemaugh township, on the site now owned by Dr. Earhart. He received his edu- cation in the common schools and at Elders- ridge academy. He is a Democrat, and has been honored with election to various town- ship offices.

KINTER FRY, of Plumville, Indiana county, is field manager for the T. W. Phil- lips Gas & Oil Company, having charge of sixteen wells located in that vicinity. He has been in the service of that company since December, 1909, and has resided at Plum- ville since the spring of 1910. Mr. Fry was born July 12, 1866, in Washington township, Indiana county, where the Fry family has been settled for over three quarters of a century. George Fry, his grandfather, a in an early day, buying a large tract of land upon which he farmed, clearing part of it. He died on his farm when seventy-one years old. George Fry married Catherine Fisher, and the following children were born to them : Joseph S .; Jacob, who died on the homestead ; Eliza A., who married Archy Pattison, and died in Louisville, Ky .; Nancy, who married Samuel Miller, and died in Advance; and Annie, who married Brice Henderson, and died in Washington township.

township; Kinter; Nannie M., wife of J. E. Carnahan, of Saltsburg, Pa .; Katie, wife of Thomas Templeton, of Rural Valley, Arm- strong county ; Jennie, Mrs. A. L. Johnston, living at Atwood, Armstrong county ; George, who lives on the old homestead in Washing- ton township; and Marlin, living in Plum- creek township, Armstrong county.

Joseph Fry served in the Civil war under two enlistments, the first time under Captain Nicholson in Company A, 135th P. V. I., for nine months; he reenlisted in the 14th Penn- sylvania Cavalry, commanded by D. K. Duff, and served to the end of the war.

Kinter Fry, eldest child of Joseph S. and Hettie (Wissinger) Fry, attended public school in his native township. He was reared to farm life, but has never been engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. Remaining at home until he reached the age . of twenty, he was thereafter employed for some time in sawmills in Indiana county, and then went to work for the Indiana County Gas Company, doing general work until pro- moted to the position of field manager. After about fifteen years' service with that concern

native of Somerset county, Pa., settled there he became field manager for his present em- ployers, the T. W. Phillips Gas & Oil Co., in December, 1909. In this capacity he has charge of sixteen wells in Indiana and Arm- strong counties, all in the neighborhood of Plumville, to which place he moved March 24, 1910. He owns his fine home there.

On Jan. 19, 1910, Mr. Fry was married to Sarah Martha Jordan, who was born in West Mahoning township, Indiana county, daugh- ter of Charles P. and Anna E. (Weaver) Jordan, and they have one child, Lawrence M., born Sept. 4, 1912.

Mr. Fry is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Plumville, and politically has always been associated with the Republican party. He took some part in public affairs while a resident of Washington township, and held the office of auditor.

Joseph S. Fry, son of George, was born Feb. 8, 1839, and obtained a common school education. He was reared to farming, and has followed that occupation all his life in Washington township, where he bought from his father the tract of 110 acres upon which he still resides. Mr. Fry is a prosperous farmer, and one of the highly respected resi- dents of his township, where he became very JAMES MARTIN WILEY, veteran of the Civil war, is now living retired on the farm in Blacklick township, Indiana county, where he has had his home for the last twenty-six years. He was born in Blacklick township, and belongs to a family of Scotch origin. His grandfather, John Wiley, born in 1775, came to western Pennsylvania about 1800, with his well known as a member of the school board for eighteen years. On Oct. 31, 1861, he mar- ried Hettie Wissinger, who was born May 7, 1835, in Cambria county, Pa., daughter of David and Mary (Wertz) Wissinger, and the celebration of their golden wedding anniver- sary, held at the homestead Oct. 31, 1911, was a merry occasion. There were fifty chil- brother Hugh, from Franklin county, this dren, grandchildren and other relatives pres- State, and settled near Blacklick creek in ent. Seven children were born to Mr. and what is now Burrell township, Indiana county.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

He followed milling as well as general farm- ing in Derry township, Westmoreland county, ing, having been the miller at Campbell's living there for seven years, at the end of mills in 1813, when those historic mills were which time he removed to his present loca- burned. His death occurred about 1837. He tion in Blacklick township, Indiana county. married Margaret Mateer, and they had chil- dren as follows: Jane, who married John McCracken; Robert, who married Jane Re- pine; Samuel, who married Sarah Wiley; Margaret, who married John Grant; John; Susan, who married William Forsha; Sarah ; Hugh, who married Rachel Forsha; James, who married Jane Patterson and (second) Mrs. Elizabeth Stevenson; Elizabeth, who married Elrod Johnson, of Westmoreland county; Mary, who married Joseph Lindy ; and Martha.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 93

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