Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 94

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 94

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John Wiley, son of John and Margaret (Mateer) Wiley, was born in 1807. His edu- cation was obtained at the local subscription schools, and in his early life he worked with his father, becoming familiar with farming and milling. After reaching manhood he en- gaged in various occupations. Moving to Dilltown in 1840 he followed farm work there, and subsequently located at Blairsville, where the latter part of his life was spent and where he died March 3, 1867, aged fifty-nine years, eight months, fourteen days. He was buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Blairsville. Mr. Wiley was a member of the Lutheran Church and in politics was first a Whig. afterward a Republican. His wife, Sarah (Altman), daughter of George Altman, died in Blairs- ville Feb. 4, 1891, aged ninety years, twenty- two days, and was buried in the cemetery there. Seven children were born to their union : James Martin; Amy, who married Joseph McWhiney and resides at Parkers- burg, W. Va .; Martha, who died in young womanhood ; Matthew, who lives at Allegheny and is in the railway express service; and three who died young.

James Martin Wiley was four years old when the family moved to Dilltown, where he grew up and attended school. In his youth he worked at farming, and for a time was fireman on the Pittsburg branch of the Penn- sylvania railroad until he enlisted, in May, 1863, becoming a member of Company E, 1st Battalion, six months' cavalry, under Captain Trimble. He served until December of that year, being mustered out at Pittsburg, and upon his return home resumed railroading, on the West Pennsylvania branch. For fif- teen years he was conductor on local freight trains, during that time making his home at Blairsville. When he gave up railroad work, in September, 1879, he settled down to farm-

He bought a 170-acre tract from Samuel Ear- hart known as the James Dixon farm, and here engaged in farming and stock raising until he relinquished arduous labor, his sons now look- ing after the place, which is finely kept up. Mr. Wiley was an industrious and thrifty man throughout his active years, and the leisure he is now enjoying is well deserved. He has a genial disposition and high char- acter, and he is a man who has done his duty in every relation of life. He has served his township as school director for two terms and as supervisor one term, and is a member of the Blairsville M. E. Church. In political sentiment he is a Republican, but votes inde- pendently. He was formerly a member of the G. A. R., belonging to Blairsville Post.

On Oct. 20, 1868, Mr. Wiley married, in Derry township, Westmoreland county, Re- becca Akers, who was born April 21, 1841, in Fulton county, Pa., daughter of Timothy and Mary Ann (Barton) Akers. Seven children have been born to this union : Elrod; Annie ; Amy, wife of John Bishop; Scott, a farmer, now settled in Nebraska; George, residing in Blairsville; Herman, who is on the home- stead; and Harry, on the homestead. Mrs. Wiley is a member of the Blairsville M. E. Church.

AZARIAH J. LYDICK, postmaster at Lovejoy, in Green township, Indiana county, is of pioneer stock, his grandfather, John Lydick, having settled in this region at an' early day. John Lydick was born in Ger- many. On coming to Indiana county, Pa., he located in Cherryhill township, where he bought land and engaged in farming the re- mainder of his life, dying in that township about 1856.

William Lydick, son of John, was born in Indiana county Dec. 22, 1817, and died Feb. 4, 1884, in Green township, at the place where he was born. He began farming at an early age, and followed it all his life. He married Jane McGuire, also a native of Indi- ana county, daughter of James McGuire, who was born in Ireland and became an early set- tler in this county ; he was a farmer, and in his younger days taught school in the county. Mrs. Jane (McGuire) Lydick died Jan. 14, 1899. She and her husband had a family of four children : Samantha, who married John Wheeler, of Dixonville, Indiana county ;

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Elliott, of Indiana borough; Azariah J .; and near the home farm. His wife passed away on Jane, deceased.

Azariah J. Lydick was born Sept. 22, 1848, in. Cherryhill township, and was four years old when his parents moved to Green town- ship, the family settling where the town of Lovejoy now stands. He attended school in Green township, and when a young man be- came interested in farming there, following agricultural pursuits until he assumed the duties of postmaster at Lovejoy, succeeding ceased; Henry, of Cherryhill township; and Amariah N. Buterbaugh. He received his David. appointment Oct. 1, 1912. As a farmer Mr. Lydiek was successful, and he still owns his

farm of eighty acres, which his son, Frank A. the home farm, there securing experience and Lydick, is operating under his direction. Mr. Lydick is regarded by all who know him as a thoroughly reliable man, his fellow citizens giving proof of their confidence in him by electing him to various local offices of trust. He served three years as auditor of the town- ship and seven years as school director.

On Dec. 29, 1873, Mr. Lydick married Mary Gallaher, who was born May 19, 1842, in Westmoreland county, Pa., daughter of Wil- liam and Sarah (Stockdale) Gallaher, both of whom are now deceased; they were old settlers in Indiana county. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lydick : Wil- liam, the eldest, who is deceased; Blanche, now the wife of Lawrence Shank, of Green township; Harry, a resident of Dixonville, this county ; Jennie, wife of John McCoy, living in Green township; Frank A., who lives in Green township on the farm of his father; Grace, wife of Lloyd Lightner, who is engaged in teaching public school at Love- joy ; Ella, at home ; and six who are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lydick are members of the Baptist Church.

ANDREW NISEWONGER. one of the successful farmers and stockraisers of Cherry- hill township, Indiana county, has spent his whole life in that section, having been born on a farm in that township May 25, 1851, son of Henry and Nancy (Mock) Nisewonger.

John Nisewonger, grandfather of Andrew, was born in the East, and became an early settler of Indiana county, settling on the farm on which Andrew Nisewonger now resides. He spent the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits, and died in Cherryhill township.

the old homestead. They were the parents of twelve children, as follows: John, who is deceased; Catherine, widow of John D. Meakins; Jacob, who is deceased; Andrew ; Mary, deceased; Christina, the wife of Silas Allen, of Indiana ; Susan, wife of John Jones, of Somerset county, Pa .; Nancy, wife of Em- ory Adams; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Brant, of Cherryhill township; Mary, who is de-

Andrew Nisewonger was educated in the district schools and spent his boyhood on training for his life work, which has been farming. In addition to carrying on general farming operations he operates a coal bank, and his ventures have been uniformly suc- cessful. He is known as one of his section's most substantial citizens, and served efficiently for five years as a member of the board of supervisors of Cherryhill township.

Mr. Nisewonger was married in 1878 to Susan Putt, who was born in Cherryhill town- ship, daughter of William Putt, an early set- tler and agriculturist of the locality. Mr, and Mrs. Nisewonger have had seven chil- dren: Jerry P., who is married to Julia A. Rolley, living at Clymer, Cherryhill township; William M., married to Lizzie Meekins, of Green township; Troger, at home with his parents; Earl E., also at home; Etta, wife of Clarence Shank, of Heilwood, Indiana county ; Agnes, living with her parents; and Lillie, wife of Elmer Lamer, of Cherryhill township.

JOHN LANEY, roadmaster of Center township, is one of the well-known residents of his part of Indiana county, having held his present position for twenty years contin- nonsly. He has given useful services to his fellow citizens there in various other public capacities. Mr. Laney was born Feb. 17, 1842, in Blacklick township, Indiana county, son of Hugh Laney and grandson of Alex- . ander Laney, who was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Hugh Laney was a native of Indiana coun- ty, born July 4, 1818, and died Oct. 8, 1870. In 1838 he married Sarah Learn, daughter of John Learn, of Cookport, Indiana county.

John Laney obtained his education in the free schools' of Center township, which in his boyhood afforded but scanty opportunity for learning. At the age of fifteen he moved

Henry Nisewonger, son of John and father of Andrew Nisewonger, spent his whole life in farming in Cherryhill township, and met an accidental death, drowning in Twolick creek, with the family to Green township, this

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

county, and during the next few years found was ordered to Nashville, and soon afterward employment at lumbering and coal mining, being thus engaged until the Civil war broke out. He served as a soldier in that conflict for something over three years, and upon his return again lived in Green township for a short time. In 1887 he went to Clearfield county, this State, remaining one year, and for another year was at Livermore, West- moreland county, at the end of that time set- tling in Center township, where he has since had his home, and for some time en- gaged in coal mining. He was then made supervisor of his township.

Mr. Laney has been closely associated with the administration of public affairs in his township for over thirty years. He became auditor in 1881, and filled that office for a term of three years. In 1885 he was elected school director, which position he has filled without interruption down to the present time, and in 1892 he became supervisor, which position he has also continued to hold ever since. He has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican ticket, and quite prominent in the activities of the party in his district.

On Sept. 11, 1865, Mr. Laney married Isa- bella Kerr, of Pleasant Valley, Indiana coun- ty, Pa., and she died March 9, 1880, the motlier of five children : Norman, Woodroe, Bayard R., Fernando Cortez and Renova. On Sept. 30, 1887, Mr. Laney married (second) at Ridgway, Pa., Lydia Kinter, of Rayne town- ship, Indiana county, and to this union were born three daughters: Mary L., who is teach- ing public school in Homer City; Sarah G., wife of Watson Griffith, of Homer City; and Mildred Irene, at home.

assigned to Miller's 3d Brigade, Negley's 2d Division, 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. It took part in the following actions : Lavergne, Neeley's Bend, White Creek, Charlottesville, Franklin Pike, Mur- freesboro, Tullahoma or Hoover's Gap, Tenn., Dug Gap and Chickamauga, Ga., Chatta- nooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Buzzard's Roost or Tunnel Hill, Resaca, Rome, Dallas, New Hope Church and Kene- saw Mountain, Ga. From there it was or- dered to Chattanooga to guard supply trains, thence to Tullahoma, where it was assigned to the 4th Division, 20th Corps, and took part in an engagement at Pulaski, Tenn., from there going to Nashville and Franklin, Tenn., where it was mounted and sent under General Rousseau against the Confederate cavalry in southern Tennessee, afterward returning to Nashville. Mr. Laney's company was detailed for about three months to guard railroad bridges on the Louisville & Nashville railroad in Alabama, and also to guard supply trains from July until October, 1864, near Chatta- nooga; was also mounted and took part in a raid to Florence, Ala. Mr. Laney did his duty faithfully and earned high commenda- tion from his officers for soldierly conduct on the field, on the march and in camp. He was honorably discharged at Kittanning, Pa., Nov. 4, 1864, his term having expired. Mr. Laney joined Indiana Post, No. 533, G. A. R., and transferred afterward to Maj. A. J. Bo- lar Post, No. 28. He has been prominent in the work of that body, being a past com- mander, has been chaplain (two terms), of- ficer of the day and trustee, and in every way in his power has promoted the welfare of the order. He formerly belonged to Homer City Council, No. 185, Jr. O. U. A. M., of which he was an honorary member.

Mr. Laney has a highly creditable war rec- ord. Ou Sept. 10, 1861, he enlisted, from In- diana county, for three years' service or dur- ing the war, and was mustered in at Kit- tanning, Pa., Oct. 12th as a member of Com- pany D (under Capt. Michael Forbes and IRA ALLISON MYERS, proprietor of the City Grocery, at Indiana, Indiana county, was born Sept. 12, 1867, at Cookport, Indiana county, and belongs to the fourth generation of his family in this county. The name was originally spelled Moyer, and Martin Moyer, his great-grandfather, was a native of Ger- many, where he and his wife Catherine were married. They came to America before the Revolution, and he first bought land in Bed- ford county, Pa., later moving to Indiana county, where he purchased a farm in Cherry- hill township upon which he passed the re- later under Capt. Robert H. McCormick), 78th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, Col. William Sirwell, commanding. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Orr, on the Allegheny river, near Kittanning. On the 14th it was ordered to Pittsburg, and on the 18th by transports to Louisville, Ky., thence going by rail (twenty-four miles) to Nolin's Station, on the L. & N., railroad, where it was attached to Gen. A. McD. Cook's division, Army of the Cumberland. In De- cember the regiment was moved to Munford- ville, and occupied at drill and in picketing mainder of his life, dying there. He was a the south bank of the Green river. Later it farmer all his life. His children were: Jacob,

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

who married and remained in Bedford coun- in 1894 he worked on the home farm for a ty; Barbara, Mrs. Allen, who remained in time, and then taught one year, in the winter Bedford county; Mathias, who died in Bed- of 1894-95, at the Hill school in Pine town- ford county ; John, who worked around fur- naces ; Mary, Mrs. Jacob Putt, deceased ; Mar- tin ; and Simon, deceased. ship. He was next engaged as hotel clerk at the old "Clawson House" in Indiana, where he remained for two years, after which he clerked two years at the "Indiana House" for J. W. Clements, and two years at the "Merchants' Hotel" in Johnstown, Pa. Re- turning to Indiana he started a grocery, on Philadelphia street, at the Pennsylvania rail- road, in 1905 opening his present store, which is known as the City Grocery. Mr. Myers is an energetic and enterprising man, genial in his relations with all who come in contact with him, and his high personal and business qualities have combined to bring him success.

Martin Moyer or Myers, son of Martin and Catherine Moyer, was born in 1799 in Broad Top, Bedford county. Pa., and was reared there. Coming to Indiana county, he located on a farm at Greenville, and his death oc- curred in 1876 at Mitchells Mills, this county. He always followed farming. He and his wife were Presbyterians in religious connec- tion. They had three children: William H .; Martin, who married Delilah Belle Flenner, and died in 1894 (he was a member of the 206th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry dur- ing the Civil war) ; and Jane, Mrs. Carlton Ferguson, deceased.

William HI. Myers, son of Martin Myers, was born in 1839 on the home farm in Cherry- hill township, near Penn Run, and there grew to manhood, in his boyhood attending the lo- cal district schools. He followed farming most of his active life, in his young manhood working on neighboring farms and doing odd jobs, and he also learned the trade of cooper, manufacturing hogsheads, etc. He worked at coopering in connection with farming, fol- lowing his trade exclusively for several years after his return from service in the Civil war, and in 1867 engaging in farming as a "crop- per." He continued thus until his removal to Indiana borough, since when he has been employed at woodwork on wagons, etc.

On July 9, 1863, Mr. Myers enlisted at Indiana for six months' service, joining Com- pany F, 2d P. V. I., under Capt. Daniel Tink- ham. He was engaged principally in guard duty, being stationed along the Baltimore & Ohio railroad from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry, and received his discharge Jan. 21. 1864. Mr. Myers is a member of G. A. R. Post No. 28, and is a Republican in politics. He is not a member of any church.

On July 6, 1865, Mr. Myers married Mar- garet Allison, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Allison) Allison. They have had a family of five children: Ira Allison; C. Frank, at home; Cora, Mrs. Harry Fee, of Indiana; Laura, who is at home; and Lisle, who died in 1910.

On June 15, 1899, Mr. Myers was married in Indiana to Annie Rowe, daughter of Adam and Susan F. (Wilson) Rowe, and they have had one child, Genevieve, born Dec. 5. 1902. They own their home at No. 450 Philadelphia street, which was built by Mrs. Myers' father. Mr. Myers belongs to the B. P. O. Elks, be- ing a charter member of Lodge No. 931, of Indiana, and his religious connection is with the English Lutheran church. He is a Re- publican in politics.

EZEKIEL SOMERVILLE, lumber dealer and proprietor of a planing mill at Cherry- tree, was born in Cambria county, Pa., within three miles of Cherrytree, Sept. 5, 1858, son of James and Catherine (Leamer) Somerville. The founder of the Somerville family in America was of Scotch birth, and he mar- ried into Irish stock.

David Somerville, the grandfather of Ezekiel Somerville, was born in Blair county, Pa. He married Martha Galbreath, who was of Scotch ancestry, her family having come to Altoona, Pa., before the founding of the town, and owned the land upon which the borough is now located. After his marriage, David Somerville came to Cambria county, settling near Cherrytree, and investing in a farm, lived there with his father, who had been a Revolutionary soldier and who died there, his remains being interred in the local cemetery. There David Somerville also rounded out his life. He was the father of five children : James, who is mentioned at length below : Jane; John, deceased ; David, who was a soldier during the Civil war, and William, who resides at Clearfield, Pennsyl- vania.

James Somerville bought a farm at Gar-

Ira Allison Myers was educated in the coun- try schools near his home and Penn Run Academy, his teachers there being Prof. Steve Simpson and Clara Cameron (now the wife of Congressman Langham). Leaving school vans Mills, in Cambria county, which is still

E. Sonuville

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

owned by the family. In addition to opera- resident of Orlando, Fla., married Zoe Doug- ting his property he did carpenter work, hav- las, of Indiana county, and they have two ing learned the trade, and was a man of con- children, Martha and John; Rhoda, who mar- siderable property when he died at his home- ried Willis Barto, resides at St. Michael, Cambria county, and they have two children; Hope, James, Lee, Roy and Ted are at home. stead, Aug. 16, 1879. When his country had need of him he enlisted from Cambria county for service during the Civil war, in Company I, of a Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry regi- ment, and participated in the battles of Rich- mond, Petersburg, and other engagements. Following his honorable discharge at the close of the war he returned home to resume peace- ful occupations.

Mr. Somerville is a member of the Cherry- tree lodge of Odd Fellows and also belongs to the Sons of Veterans, acting as treasurer of that organization. Popular with his fel- low townsmen, he has been called upon to serve as township clerk, auditor, school di- rector and alderman in the Cherrytree coun- cil' upon several occasions, and was elected a justice of the peace, but did not serve. He is one of the foremost citizens of his section.

James Somerville had nine children : Sam- uel, who is deceased; Ezekiel; John, a resi- dent of Clearfield county ; David, who lives in the vicinity of Kinport, Cambria county; He is a well-informed man, and has traveled James, who is deceased; Catherine, also de- extensively, having visited a number of States and Canada. ceased; Mary Jane, deceased; Lucinda, the wife of Barney Ruffner, of Cherrytree, and Elnora, deceased.

Catherine (Leamer) Somerville, the mother of Ezekiel Somerville, was a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Ketner) Leamer, na- tives of Blair county, Pa., born near Mor- rison's Cove, who came to Cambria county later on in life. They had nine children : Mary Ann; Catherine; Margaret; Susan ; Maria, who married John Patterson and re- sides in Indiana county ; Jolin; Samuel, who is a resident of Glen Campbell; Julia, who married Simon McDonnell Buyers, of Cherry- tree, and Rebecca, who is deceased. Mrs. Somerville died Dec. 19, 1906.

Ezekiel Somerville spent his boyhood days on his father's homestead in Cambria county, and attended the local schools. In young manhood he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it until 1905, when he bought his present business, located at Cherrytree, which has continued to be his home ever since. Be- fore coming to Cherrytree, in 1892, he had devoted most of his efforts in a locality em- braced in Cambria county, where he gained a knowledge of the requirements of the build- ing trade which he is able to meet with his lumber yard and planing mill.

On June 21, 1888, Mr. Somerville was mar- ried to Lucy Johns, who was born in Green township, Indiana Co., Pa., daughter of James and Catherine (Shechler) Johns, both now deceased. The Johns family was one of the first to locate at Johnstown, Pa. James Johns was a farmer and lumberman and early set- tler of Indiana county. He and his wife had a large family.

Mr. and Mrs. Somerville became the parents of children as follows: Marvin, who is a 81

DAVID W. DAVIS has lived at his pres- ent home in Armstrong township, Indiana county, since he was seven years old. He was born in Center township, this county, March 11, 1845, son of John Davis and grand- son of John Davis.

John Davis, the grandfather, was born near Blairsville, Indiana county, and in 1840 settled on a tract of 240 acres in Center town- ship, for which he took out a patent. He fol- lowed farming, lumbering and stock raising all his life, and was much interested in fine horses. He married Mary Gordon, and they had the following children: Alexander died at Erie, Pa., when twenty-one years old; William (de- ceased) married Sarah Rhea and had chil- dren, John (who was in Company A, 135th Pennsylvania Regiment, Volunteers, during the Civil war, and died in hospital at Wash- ington), Alexander, Sarah, Martha, Johnson and Thomas; Mary married James Robinson ; Jennie died when seventy years old, unmar- ried; David is deceased; John is mentioned below; Johnson (deceased) was in Company B, 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the Civil war, and later was engaged as a stone- mason in the town of Indiana.

John Davis, son of John and Mary (Gor- don) Davis, was born on a farm in Center township, where after reaching manhood he operated a farm of 100 acres. Thence in 1851 he moved to Armstrong township and bought the William Beaty farm of 106 acres, which he cultivated. He was a man of energy and intelligence, prominent in all township affairs and active as a leading member of the Crete United Presbyterian Church, which he

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

served as elder and member of the building given much time to making himself proficient committee. He married Priscilla Martin, in both vocal and instrumental music, play- daughter of Jonathan Martin and one of a family of twenty-seven children; her mother's maiden name was Downing. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of the following: Martin was killed at the battle of the Wilder- ness, while serving as a member of Company K, 105th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- On Oct. 1, 1867, Mr. Davis married Sarah W. Lowman, who was born in Armstrong township, daughter of Michael and Nancy (Walker) Lowman, and died Oct. 28, 1901, aged seventy years. They had one daughter, Clara Jane, who married James H. Miller, teers; David W. is mentioned below; John Anderson, M. D., a physician, located at Bloomfield, Ill., married Mattie McMillan; Watson, now living in Oregon, where he is engaged in fruit growing, married a Miss Plummer (by whom he had one daughter), and and they make their home with her father. (second) a Nismith (they have one son) ; James Gordon, M. D., deceased, who prac- ticed medicine at Jacksonville, Pa., married Netta Graham; Nancy Jane died when three years old.

David W. Davis obtained his education in the common schools. When eighteen years old he enlisted, in February, 1864, becoming a member of the United States Signal Corps, with which he served until April 4, 1866. He was with Sherman from Chattanooga to At- lanta, was transferred from the Army of the Tennessee to the Army of the Cumberland and sent into eastern Tennessee to head off Lee. Then his command was ordered to Texas to enforce the Monroe doctrine, as part of the 4th Army Corps. After his return home Mr. Davis learned the trade of carpenter, as well as tanning and harnessmaking, in which lines he was engaged for twelve years. At the end of that time he bought his father's farm in Armstrong township, which he has since conducted, following farming and stock raising. Local enterprises have always en- listed his attention and encouragement, and he has been actively associated with several important ventures, having been president of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company for the last fifteen years, and being also presi- dent of the Parkwood & Indiana Telephone Company. Politically he is associated with the Republican party, by which he has been chosen for various township positions, having served as school director (eight years), road supervisor (nine years) and election judge. Socially he is a member of William Armstrong Post, No. 303, G. A. R., of Shelocta, Pa. He formerly belonged to the Odd Fellows. He has held membership in the Bethel United Presbyterian Church since 1870, and has been tenor leader of the singing in that church for the last thirty-five years. Music has been his greatest pleasure all his life, and he has

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 94

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