Jefferson County, Pennsylvania : her pioneers and people, 1800-1915, Volume II, Part 137

Author: McKnight, W. J. (William James), 1836-1918
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Jefferson County, Pennsylvania : her pioneers and people, 1800-1915, Volume II > Part 137

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In 1907 Mr. Giannopoulos left Greece for America, landing at New York City and thence continuing his journey westward to Allegheny county, Pa., where he had an uncle living about twenty miles from Pittsburgh. From that point he went to Beaver county, finding work in a glass factory at Rochester. But the plant closed down after he had been there ten days, when he left Rochester for Greensburg. West- moreland Co., where he spent one year. In July, 1908, he came to Punxsutawney, and started modestly as proprietor of a small boot and shoe shining shop on Mahoning street, at the site of the old Star Theatre. After two years at that location he moved into his own place of business on Mahoning street, having built the place there which he still owns and carries on, and as trade continued on the in- crease he opened a second shop, on Findley street, in 1911. On Sept. 13, 1916, Mr. Gian- nopoulos opened the handsomely appointed cigar store and billiard room at No. 200 North Findley street. known as the Royal Pocket Bil- liard and Cigar Store, transferring the old Findley street business to the new location. There are eight billiard tables in this commo- dious establishment, which is one of the finest of its kind in western Pennsylvania, and his stock of cigars and candies comprises every- thing demanded by the local trade. The entire equipment of the place is new and up to date, affording the best accommodations to the pa- trons, who enjoy the high-class service Mr. Giannopoulos has brought to their use.

After he had become well established Mr. Giannopoulos sent for his brothers Thomas and Gust, who came from Greece to join him and have since been associated with him in business, taking much of the responsibility. In

October, 1912, he made a return trip to his native land and went into its service during the Bulgarian war, serving a year in the army and becoming sergeant ; he received two medals for bravery. Then he spent a year with his pa- rents before returning to Punxsutawney to resume business, his affairs meantime having been well looked after by his brothers. They all deserve the good opinions they have won in Punxsutawney by their thrifty habits and other substantial qualities, and have made many friends in and around the borough who hold them in high regard.

JACOB E. YEANEY is one of the vigorous and progressive young men who are bringing to bear the most approved modern methods and scientific principles in the prosecution of farm industry, and has made a remarkably successful record both as an agriculturist and horticulturist. He gives careful study to each phase of farm enterprise, is liberal in expen- ditures for improvement of the soil, and in raising fine live stock is utilizing the same pro- gressive policies. His success and enterprising spirit fully entitle him to be designated as a representative farmer, fruit grower and stock raiser of this section of the Keystone State.

Mr. Yeaney, whose fine farm is eligibly sit- uated in Beaver township, a half mile north east of I angville, was born near Shannondale, Clarion Co., Pa., on the 20th of October, 1885, and is a son of Abraham and Fiana ( Bower- SOx) Yeaney. both reared and educated in Clarion county. Jacob Yeaney and wife were born and married in Germany, but all of their sons were born in the United States. Jacob Yeaney settled in Pennsylvania and became one of the sturdy pioneers of Clarion county, where he reclaimed and developed the farm now owned and occupied by his son Abraham. There he and wife passed their long and use- ful lives. Abraham Yeaney grew to manhood under the conditions of the pioneer days in Clarion county and was a young man when he purchased half of the old homestead. After his father died he purchased the remainder, and has continued to hold prestige as one of the substantial farmers and citizens of the community, where he has served in various township offices and been otherwise influential in community affairs.

Jacob E. Yeaney attended the public schools and continued to work on the home farm until he had attained the age of eighteen. He then found employment in the car shops in Butler. Pa., and later was employed one year in the Westinghouse electrical plant in the city of

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Pittsburgh, where he familiarized himself with the manufacturing of dynamos. After leav- ing Pittsburgh Mr. Veaney passed a year trav- eling through the west, and visited twenty-two states, utilized his observative faculties and gained valuable experience of a practical order. Upon his return to Pennsylvania he showed good judgment by locating in Jefferson county, where, on the 8th of December, 1911, he effect- ed the purchase of his present 144 acres, all available for cultivation excepting about ten acres. This is the old homestead of David M. Brosius, who had made excellent improve- ments and kept the farm in good condition throughout. There was considerable of the land covered with stumps and underbrush, and in eradicating these impediments, in the install- ing of good ditches and otherwise improving the property the present owner has expended fully fifteen hundred dollars. His energy has been on a parity with his discrimination and good judgment and in bringing the soil back to its original integrity he put on in 1916 twenty-three cords of lime. Mr. Yeaney has been specially successful in raising potatoes of the finest grade, his yield averaging from two thousand to three thousand bushels a year. With four years' crops of potatoes and fruit he paid for his farm, and this is the best voucher for his progressiveness and success. He has about twenty-five acres of orchard, devoted to the propagation of peaches, apples, pears and cherries, and much of it is composed of young trees, which are given the scientific attention of the present day. He has set out many new trees of native stock, does his own grafting and continues to enlarge his orchards from year to year. He has not been able to supply even the local demand for his superior fruit. but it is certain that with his policies the prod- ucts of his orchards will greatly increase in scope and will command the maximum prices in the metropolitan markets. Mr. Yeaney has manifested his resourcefulness by purchasing thoroughbred Holstein cattle and developing a fine herd of this popular breed. His home is a substantial. commodious and attractive building, erected by the former owner. Mr. Brosius, about 1896; the barn was built about twenty years previously. The farm has an abundant supply of pure and sparkling water coming from springs.

Mr. Yeaney is a representative of the modern type of "hustler." and is a man of thought and action. He is fond of sports afield and afloat, in which he finds relaxation. He has not been imbued with any political ambition but gives his support to the Repub-

lican party. He was reared in the faith of the Reformed church, and is a communicant, but attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal Church at Langville, of which his wife is a zealous member.

On the 23d of October, 1909, was solemn- ized the marriage of Mr. Yeaney to Dollie Brosius, who was born and reared on the farm now her home and who was eighteen years of age at the time of her marriage. She is a daughter of David M. and Juniata (Lang) Brosius, who now reside in Perry township. The Yeaneys are popular in the representative social life of their community, and have four children, Clarence, Blanche, David and Mervin.

LORE VERNE is one of the sons of fair Italy who has made good use of the opportuni- ties afforded in the United States and whose industry has brought to him well merited inde- pendence and prosperity. For a full quarter of a century he gave efficient service as boss of railway workmen, and is now engaged in the mercantile business at Brockwayville, a citizen of loyalty and sterling character and one who commands unqualified esteem.

Mr. Verne was born in the immediate vicin- ity of Rome, "the eternal city," on Dec. 10, 1867. His father was a successful wool buyer, possessing considerable influence in community affairs, and the financial status of the family was such that Lore was given excellent edu- cational advantages. He early began to assist his father in making trips through the agri- cultural and stock growing districts for the purpose of buying wool. He was but fourteen years old at his father's death, thus becoming exempt from military service. as he was the eldest of the children and the principal aid in the support of his widowed mother and the younger children. He had carefully saved his earnings and was not without financial re- sources when he landed in New York City in 1888. He soon proceeded to Philadelphia, and found remunerative employment in railroad. grade-construction work. He proved a cap- able workman, his ambition and ability giving him advancement. and he finally was made a boss of workmen. For twelve or more years he was employed in that capacity by the DuBois Contracting Company, of DuBois, being in charge of construction work in various parts of the country. In the year 1899 Mr. Verne engaged in the general merchandising at Brock- wavville, and from a modest beginning has built up a substantial and prosperous business. his store being one of the well appointed estab-

JEFFERSON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

lishments of this thriving little borough. He gives his support to the Republican party and he and family are earnest communicants of St. Tobias Catholic Church.

At Shawmut, Clearfield county, in April, 1891, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. V'erne to Grace Crepo, who was born in Lorene, near the city of Naples, Italy, in June, 1875, and came to the United States about five months prior to her marriage. She accom- panied her widowed mother, three brothers and four sisters to America, her father, a farmer, having died when she was but five years old. The mother bore the maiden name of Rosie Grippo and passed the closing years of her life in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Verne, at Brockwayville, where she died in 1913, a devout communicant of the Catholic Church. Of the other children it may be noted that Tony is a resident of Chicago; Angela is the widow of Lane Murphy and also resides in Chicago; Carmelli is the wife of James Ross. of Brockwayville; Agnes is the wife of Frank Muscantry, of New York: Samuel is next in the family ; Ellen, the wife of Louis LaSalvia, and Angelo likewise live in Chicago.

Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Verne five are living, and their names and respective dates of birth are here noted : Jo- seph, Dec. 27, 1893; John, Jan. 10, 1900; Nellie, March 8, 1902: Petra, May 9, 1904; and Amelia Irene, Dec. 21. 191I.

CHARLES L. MATSON is operating a tract of one hundred acres in Rose township, situated one mile north of Brookville on the Clarington or Sigel road, upon which place he has passed his life, having been born there Aug. 2, 1865. Mr. Matson belongs to the kind of stock from which good citizenship is ex- pected, and in both his business and public associations has shown himself a typical rep- resentative of his family. possessing reliable qualities of character for which its members have been noted in the several generations which have resided in this section of Pennsyl- vania.

John Matson. the grandfather of Charles L. Matson, was born in 1774 in County Done- gal, Ireland, on the shore of Loch Swilly, near Fannet. His parents, Uriah and Belle Mat- son, brought their family to this country in September, 1786, and they first settled in Chester county. Pa., later removing to the western part of the State and making a new home in Indiana county. Little is known of Uriah Matson except the information con- veyed by the church certificate which he

brought to this country with him, and which reads: "That the bearer thereof, Uriah Mat- son, and Belle, his wife, have been members of this congregation from their infancy, and always maintained an honest, sober and indus- trious character, free from public scandal of any kind; and now intending to settle in some of the United States of America, are therefore recommended as regular members of any Christian Society where God in His Provi- dence may appoint their lot. By James Delay, V. D. M. Dated at Fannet TIth June, 1786, County of Donegall, Kingdom of Ireland."

In 1803 or 1804 John Matson, son of Uriah, was married in Indiana county to Mary Ann Thompson, and shortly after the birth of their first child they removed to Jefferson county, which had just been organized in 1804. He purchased a large tract of land adjoining that on which the borough of Brookville was located on the northwest, and the farm which he cleared, and which has since in turn been occupied by his son Robert L. Matson and his grandson, Charles L. Matson, was a portion of that purchase. He and his wife continued to reside there during the remainder of their lives, Mr. Matson dying in 1866, his wife in 1876. They had a large family, all born on this farm except Isabella, the eldest, the others being : Jane. James, Clark, Uriah, John W., Rebecca, Lydia, Robert L., William F., Harri- son .A. and Mary Ann.

Robert L. Matson spent his life upon the farm in Rose township which his father re- deemed from the wilderness, and followed agriculture throughout his active years, becom- ing one of the successful farmers of his dis- trict. The property in his day had about the same area as at present, one hundred acres, and among the improvements which he put upon it still remaining is the present dwelling, he having built part of it. Though public- spirited in regard to matters affecting the gen- eral welfare he took no part in such activities, devoting all his time to his work. He retired a number of years before his death, but did not give up his interest in the condition of the farm or other affairs, keeping in touch with them to the end of his life. He lived to the age of eighty-nine years, dying March 29, 1909, highly respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Matson was a Mason from the time he reached manhood. and his religious connection was with the Presbyte- rian Church, at Brookville.

On Jan. 12. 1860, Mr. Matson married, at New Bethlehem. Clarion Co., Pa., Margaret Himes, a native of that county, born July 30,

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1839, daughter of John and Sabina (Space) ITimes, who lived at New Bethlehem. Mr. Himes was a cabinetmaker by calling. He died at the age of sixty years, his wife at the age of seventy-four. Mrs. Matson was the only one of their family to settle in Jefferson county. She still resides at the old home place near Brookville, with her daughter Anna and son Charles. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Matson : Laura is the widow of C. W. Espy ; Anna, unmarried, lives at home with her mother and brother ; Charles L. is now operating the home farm; Blanche is the wife of J. C. Campbell, and lives in Virginia; Mack is a farmer at East Greenville, Pa. ; William, who was engaged in sawmilling, died in West Virginia, in middle age; Harriet is the wife of Walter Craig, of Virginia : Nell is the wife of G. W. Ilayes, M. D., of Pittsburgh, a surgeon in Mercy Hospital.

Charles L. Matson had such educational ad- vantages as the local public schools afforded, receiving a thorough common school training. Meantime he also had the comprehensive agri- cultural training which his father was so well able to give him and which he has turned to such good account in the management of the home place since it came into his hands. About fifteen years before his father's death he took entire charge of the work there, and he con- tintes to care for his mother and sister, who reside at the old home with him. The land is devoted to general crops, systematically rotated. All the buildings now standing on the place are of his construction, and the ex- cellent shape in which the property is main- tained is sufficient evidence of his ability and modern ideas concerning farming. Mr. Mat- son has been interested in the affairs of local government, and has filled the offices of school director and supervisor faithfully, not disap- pointing his constituents in the kind of service which he gave during his official career. In political conviction he is a Republican, as was also his father. He has no church or fraternal connections. Mr. Matson has never married.

THOMAS W. MAXWELL has been living in the Beechwoods district since 1864, owning and occupying the valuable property at Coal Glen known as Round Top farm, which was the home place of his parents for many years. The Maxwell family came to this country from the North of Ireland. Thomas Maxwell, the paternal grandfather of Thomas W. Maxwell. married Mary McKinley, of County Donegal, Ireland, and both died in that country. They

were the parents of twelve children, and all who reached maturity came to this country.

Samuel Maxwell, one of the sons of Thomas, was born in County Donegal in 1812, was reared in the typical manner of farmer boys of that day, and came to the United States when a youth of twenty. The condi- tions in his own land were poor and unprom- ising, and he came to America in the hope of improving his lot, in which he was not disap- pointed. Landing at Philadelphia, he worked on farms in New Jersey for a time, later join- ing a brother in Stockbridge, Mass., where he found employment in the quarries. While there he married, and in June, 1863-64, came to western Pennsylvania with his family, set- tling on a farm in the Beechwoods which he had bought while in New Jersey, paying for it as he earned the money. The tract con- sisted of 210 acres, now owned by his son Thomas, and here he spent the remainder of his life, dying on his farm Aug. 12, 1885. He was industrious and energetic, honest in all his dealings, a quiet, reserved man whose use- ful life and kindliness toward his neighbors won him the esteem of all. In religious con- nection he was a Presbyterian.

Mr. Maxwell's wife, Bridget, was born in Dublin, Ireland, her father dying in that country. She came to Boston with a cousin when thirteen years old, and died Jan. 2, 1897. being buried beside her husband in the Beech- woods cemetery. She was a Catholic in relig- ious faith. Five children were born to this marriage: Mary Jane. Mrs. W. H. Smith, deceased; Sarah Ann, Mrs. A. H. Preston, deceased ; Catherine M., Mrs. Samuel James Smith, of Washington township, Jefferson county ; Thomas W. ; and Samuel J., who went to California seven years ago and is employed there by the United States government (he married Clarissa Barr).

Thomas W. Maxwell was born Sept. 20, 1856, at Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass., and there began his education. After the family settled in the Beechwoods district he was a pupil in the Dennison school near home, and he grew up on the farm which is still his home, working with his father. Upon the latter's death he inherited half of the home property, and its cultivation has always been his chief occupa- tion. His work has heen successful and well rewarded, the land yielding well under his capable management, which is evident in the well-kept condition of all his environments. Mr. Maxwell has been a lifelong Democrat, but he has not taken any direct part in public affairs beyond casting his hallot for the can-

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didates he considers best suited for official responsibilities. In all his relations with his fellow men he endeavors to live up to the standards of good citizenship.

Mr. Maxwell married Rosie Bower, of Ilazen. this county, daughter of Jeremiah Bower, and they have one child, Sarah Edna, born Jan. 10, 1907. They are also rearing an adopted daughter, Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Max- well are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Coal Glen.

PETER SPANGLER, now living retired at Brookville, was born in Beaver township July 4. 1844, and is the son of Peter Spangler and grandson of Frederick Spangler. The latter was a native of Schuylkill county, Pa .. and brought his family to Jefferson county early in the nineteenth century, later removing to Illinois, where he died.

Peter Spangler. son of Frederick, was born in Schuylkill county, and accompanied his par- ents to Jefferson county. He was employed in the lumber woods and at sawmilling, but died prematurely on July 1. 1844. in Beaver township, only three days before the birth of his only child, and is buried in the Berkhouse cemetery. His wife was Catherine Plyler, daughter of Michael Plyler.

Peter Spangler secured what common school privileges were then available. early becoming familiar with farm work, which continued to be his principal business through life. Dur- ing the Civil war he enlisted in Company B. 135th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment, and reenlisted in Company B of the 211th Regi- ment. with which he served to the close of the war, his command being attached to the Army of the Potomac. Returning to Beaver town- ship he engaged in farming, buying the Upde- graff farm of fifty acres, where he continued to reside for over forty years. The property developed wonderfully under his care and suitable cultivation, demonstrating the worth of intelligent management combined with well directed industry. In October. 1910. he removed to Brookville to pass the evening of life amid agreeable surroundings, enjoying freedom from responsibility. He was never ambitious to participate in public affairs. but he has ever had the welfare of the community at heart and served in some of the minor township offices.

Mr. Spangler was united in marriage with Lydia Reitz, daughter of George and Eliza- beth (Dobson) Reitz. She died in 1903, aged sixty-three years, and is buried in the Berk- house Lutheran cemetery. Their children

were: Emma Frances, the wife of Morris Spare; Elmer E. is still a farmer of Beaver township, as is George; Harvey, who was a lumberman in West Virginia, died there in 1915 and is buried in Mount Pleasant ceme- tery ; Carrie is the wife of Ralph Gearhart, of Anita, Jefferson county ; John died in boy- hood ; Mary married Albert Hepler, living at Reynoldsville; Frank owns and operates the old homestead. The family are Lutherans in religious connection, and Mr. Spangler is a Republican.

JAMES HENRY MARSHALL, of "Beechlawn Farm." is one of the most enter- prising residents of Snyder township, and is a local official whose services have brought him into touch with practically every branch of the township government. His capable performance of all duties of public or private nature marks him as worthy the confidence and esteem so generally accorded him.

The Marshalls are of English origin. James Henry Marshall. the father of James Henry Marshall, having been born in England April 20, 1820. There he spent his early life, learn- ing the trade of weaver. Coming to Amer- ica at the age of twenty-three years, he first resided for a time in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., being a member of the old Marshall fam- ily of that city. But after a short time he came out to Jefferson county, Pa., where he invested in a tract of land at Sugar Hill, near Brockwayville. It was in the midst of a wil- derness, but he set about the work of clear- ing it at once, and with the aid of his family accomplished it in time, developing a valuable farmn, upon which he was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits the remainder of his life. He became one of the prominent and esteemed residents of the locality, taking part in its various activities of a social and public nature and proving a valuable citizen in the building up of the community. He served the town- ship as school director, was interested in pol- itics as a member of the Republican party. held membership in the Masonic fraternity, and with his wife was always active in the work of the local Episcopal Church. They had been reared in that faith, and were among the founders of the church in the neighborhood. built in 1871. Mr. Marshall assisted with the music. He died Aug. 5, 1874. In Philadel- phia Mr. Marshall married Ellen Robinson, like himself a native of England, who sur- vived him, passing away in Jefferson county Jan. 21, 1880. at the age of fifty-five years. They are buried at Sugar Hill. Seven chil-

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dren were born to their union: Martha Jane, wife of William W. Dougherty, of the Beech- woods, Jefferson county; Abraham, of Sugar Hill, Snyder township, who was accidentally killed by the kick of a horse (he was unmar- ried) ; Emma, Mrs. John Bryan, of Sugar Hill; Florence, wife of William F. Burch- field, of Harrisburg, Pa .; John E., of Sugar Hill, Snyder township, residing on part of the old homestead, who married Laura J. Arm- strong ; James Henry; and Charles Herbert, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

James Henry Marshall was born May 7, 1863, on the farm of which his present home is a part, attending the Sugar Hill school until he reached the age of seventeen years. His first teacher was Mattie Dennison. In 1880 he started to work in the timber, following lumbering in the winter season and farming in summer for a number of years thereafter. until the local lumbering industry had become practically a thing of the past. He helped to get out the last pine timber taken from this section, on the Mathers tract in Warsaw town- ship, and assisted in handling the last rafts that went over the dam at Brookville. "Beech- lawn Farm" was formerly included in the homestead, and it has been brought to its pres- ent fine condition mainly through his efforts. He finished clearing the land, exterminated the stumps, set out orchards, erected new buildings, and has steadily carried on the work of improvement, as the attractive appearance of the farm now clearly indicates. He has also taken a leading part in public affairs, hav- ing been chosen to a number of important local offices, all of which he has filled with business- like ability and a keen regard for the best interests of the people. For two terms he was supervisor: was auditor three or four terms ; town clerk several terms; and for the last five years has been State highway fore- man. the present good roads being largely the result of his skill, enthusiasm and untir- ing efforts. He is a Republican, and holds membership in the Sugar Hill Episcopal Church, serving as vestryman several years.

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Jefferson County, Pennsylvania : her pioneers and people, 1800-1915, Volume II, Part 137

Author: McKnight, W. J. (William James), 1836-1918 Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers Number of Pages: 972

Author: McKnight, W. J. (William James), 1836-1918
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers
Number of Pages: 972