Jefferson County, Pennsylvania : her pioneers and people, 1800-1915, Volume II, Part 140

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 140

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tional Bank of Indiana, Pa., and also in the old Mahoning Bank of Punxsutawney, the latter established in 1870. It had a prosper- ous existence for many years. Nor did he shirk responsibilities in the matter of secur- ing good government, helping to choose com- petent officials and himself holding a number of township offices, including those of school director and supervisor. He was also active in the Presbyterian Church, which he served as elder. In fact, he was one of the leading citizens of his day, and displayed such execu- tive qualities and undeviating integrity that he was entitled to the high regard and con- fidence he won. He died on his farm Oct. 10, 1886, and was long survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Simpson), who passed away Aug. 9, 1909. They are buried in the old cemetery at Punxsutawney. They were the parents of seven children, namely : Minerva, Jane, N. S., Joseph Pogue, Anna (married William E. Simpson), S. Taylor and Laura (married David Hamilton).

Joseph Pogue North, son of John and Eliz- abeth ( Simpson) North, was born in Canoe township, Indiana Co., Pa., and was but two years old when his parents settled in Young township on the present home of his son Ed- ward G., in time buying his father's farm and there residing till the close of his life. In early manhood he was engaged in lumbering and rafting, later giving all his attention to farming and stock raising, and was considered one of the most successful business men in the township, where he also became-prominent in public affairs. On Aug. 26, 1864, he en- listed in Company C, 206th Regiment, Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served un- til near the close of the war. He was at Appomattox, at Lee's surrender, and par- ticipated in the grand review at Washington. He died upon his farm in 1909, and is buried at Covode, Indiana county.

By his first marriage, to Mary C. Martin, daughter of Adam Martin, Mr. North had three children: Edward G .. Howard (who is deceased) and Olive I. After the mother's death he married Mary C. Nichol, daughter of William E. and Margaret J. (Hamilton) Nichol, and she survives him with their only child, Helen, now the wife of Fred MI. Jones, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

After attending the public schools Edward G. North was sent to the Covode Academy, and later to the business college at DuBois, subsequently taking the agricultural course at State College. To broaden his ideas and fa- miliarize himself with the methods of oper-

ation in other sections of the country he then made an extensive trip through the Western States, his travels covering over eleven thou- sand miles, gathering practical experience which he has used profitably in the conduct of his own affairs. Upon his return home he took over the operation of the farm, which he purchased in 1915. It comprises two hundred acres, all under cultivation, and yielding abundantly in return for scientific tilling in combination with common sense. By the adoption of modern and tried methods of fertilization, rotation of crops and the breed- ing of high-grade stock, Mr. North is doing much to demonstrate more fully the suitabil- ity of this region as a better farming country. For some years he has been building up a herd of Polled Angus beef cattle, results more than justifying the venture and proving the wisdom of this line of stock breeding.

Mr. North married Wilhelmina Nicholason, daughter of John Nicholason, of Harmony, Pa., and they had one child, John Pogue. Mrs. North died Aug. 29, 1914, and is buried in the Circle Hill cemetery, at Punxsutawney. Mr. North's mother remains with him, her many gracious qualities contributing largely to make this one of the agreeable homes to be found among Jefferson county's hospitable citizens. The family are Presbyterians in re- ligious association.

PERRY L. WINGERT, of Young town- ship, who bears a well deserved reputation as one of the most progressive agriculturists in the southern end of the county, has made a success in his own work which has affected the well-being of the whole section where he resides. He is a representative member of a substantial old family which has been re- spected for industry and integrity of char- acter through the several generations of its residence in Jefferson county. His grand- father. Henry Wingert, a native of Germany, came into this region with several other Ger- man families and was a pioneer in Young township, Jefferson county, making his home north of where the town of Walston is now located. By steady toil he cleared a farm, upon which he spent the rest of his life, dying there, and he is interred in the burial ground of the Elk Run German Reformed Church, at Punxsutawney. He had the following chil- dren: Elizabeth, Charlotte, Christine, Henry G., Samuel, Anna and William.

Henry G. Wingert, father of Perry L. Win- gert, was born upon his father's homestead farm in Young township, Jefferson Co., Pa.,

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there spent his youth, and early became accus- tomed to farm duties and lumbering. For four years he lived in Clearfield county, and upon his return located in McCalmont town- ship, where he resided for some years. Later in life he purchased the Judge Allison farm at Marchand, Indiana county, and he died at that place in the year 1897. His first wife, Pauline ( Walker ), died in Brady township, Clearfield Co., Pa. To that union were born four children, Theodore, Jefferson, Perry L. and Joseph. For his second wife Mr. Win- gert married Rosie Knoerr, and they had a large family, namely: Emma, Tilden, Char- lotte, Beulah, Clara. Charles, Laura. Ella, Frank and Clark.

Perry L. Wingert was born in 1871 in Brady township, Clearfield Co., Pa., being but a young child when the family returned to Jefferson county. He attended the public schools in McCalmont township, and while helping his father had plenty of opportunity to learn the details of farming and lumbering, being principally engaged at the latter during his young manhood. For a period of eight years Mr. Wingert was in the mercantile busi- ness, at Marchand, Indiana Co., Pa., and since withdrawing from trade has given practically all his attention to farming. In 1898 he pur- chased the old Joseph Jordan farm in Young township, Jefferson county, a fine tract of one hundred acres upon which he has since re- sided, and which is a most desirable piece of property, both as a home place and as a fer- tile. productive farm. Mr. Wingert com- menced to improve the place as soon as it came into his ownership, and he has culti- vated it with the utmost care, rotating crops according to the most approved methods, con- serving all its natural resources. keeping the fields with the neatness of true economy. and in other lines following the most scientific and up-to-date ideas. He erected new buildings throughout, finding the modern. conveniently arranged structures most easily cared for and kept up. indicating careful management and well digested plans. His barn is one of the finest in that section, the dwelling modern and well equipped in accordance with the demands of modern architecture. The location of this property is ideal, being on the State road lead- ing from Punxsutawney to Indiana. Mr. Wingert has here found ample scope for the exercise of progressive ideals in the better- ments that redound not alone to personal but to general benefit. He has served as school director in Young township, striving to give

the present and future generations the benefit of superior educational advantages.

Mr. Wingert was united in marriage with Anna Hawk, daughter of Frederick Hawk, and four children have been born to them: Fred, Dayatrice, Earl and Charles. He and his family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

11. W. ZELL, agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Brockwayville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania.

THOMAS REED, now venerable in years. was brought by his parents to Jefferson county as a child of four, his memory thus com- passing the span that extends between the primitive pioneer days and the twentieth cen- tury of splendid prosperity and progress. Though more than fourscore years of age. he still remains on his homestead in Perry town- ship, where he is passing the congenial twi- light of a useful life in serene peace and con- tentment, after a career of earnest endeavor and upright living. He has contributed largely to the development and advancement of Jef- ferson county, represented it as a soldier during civil strife, and is a sterling pioneer accorded and entitled to honor by his fellow citizens.

Mr. Reed was born in Northumberland county, Pa., in 1833, son of Philip and Eliza- beth (VanKirk) Reed, who in 1837 estab- lished their home in the forest wilds of Ring- gold township, where the father, obtaining a tract of 160 acres of land, began the arduous work of reclaiming a farm. He was of Ger- man lineage, while his wife was of English and Holland-Dutch ancestry. On the old homestead these revered pioneers passed the rest of their lives. Philip Reed was a weaver by trade, and building a loom he manufactured cloth that brought him a trade which extended far and wide and greatly enlarged his ac- quaintance. He was a Democrat, of keen mind and well fortified opinions, and he and his wife found the faith of the Lutheran Church in accord with their religious views. They had eleven children, those reaching ma- turity being: Mary Ann, or "Sallie." married Jesse Geist, and both are deceased, as are also Lucretia and her husband, John Mowry : William resides with one of his sons near Ringgold, this county; Catherine, wife of Eli Geist. is deceased : Mathias was a resident of Jefferson county at the time of his death : Thomas was the next : Elsie became the wife of Joseph Mottern, and both are deceased ;

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Job was killed in the siege of Petersburg, in the fall of 1864, serving with the 105th Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry; Rebecca is the widow of Simpson Sprankel and resides near Grange, this county. Two children died young.

Thomas Reed had occasional attendance at the little pioneer schools, and at the age of eighteen years began an apprenticeship to the trade of blacksmith, becoming a skilled work- man. He was employed for some time at Brookville, later erecting a shop of his own, at Sprankle Mills, where he continued for some time. He shod many a yoke of oxen, a job blacksmiths of to-day would be at a loss to undertake. Meanwhile he had become the owner of fifty acres of land, which he sold, and purchased another fifty acres in Perry township, later adding fifty acres thereto, constituting the farm on which he now re- sides with his son Parker, who became its owner some years ago.

In the autumn of 1863 Mr. Reed enlisted in Company K, 82d Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, and became a member of Company B after the consolidation with the 3d Pennsyl- vania Infantry. In the engagement at Sail- or's Creek, Va., in 1865, he was grazed by a bullet. the only injury he received in the various conflicts in which he bore a part. With the 6th Army Corps he was in the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out in Philadelphia. Upon his return home he resumed work in the blacksmith shop, coupled with the clearing and improving of his farm, his industry finally bringing anticipated pros- perity. Mr. Reed was originally a Democrat, but for many years past has been a Repub- lican. He is affiliated with the G. A. R. post at Sprankle Mills, and was one of the earlier members of the Grange. He and his wife long ago became active members of the United Brethren Church.

Mr. Reed married Barbara Mauk, who was born in Bradford county, Pa., and who was in her seventy-first year at the time of her death, Nov. 2, 1904. She was a daughter of Jacob Mauk, and the family name of her mother was Walters. Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of sixteen children, of whom two died in early childhood : Eve. Ann became the wife of William Roush, and both are now deceased, being survived by three children ; Clara is the widow of Washington Groves and the mother of ten children, including two sets of twins; Rebecca is the wife of Newton Kidder, only one of their three children surviving : Elmer J. and his wife reside at Cleveland, Ohio, and

have two children; Marsella is the wife of McClelland Milliron, and they have four chil- dren; Violet I.I. is the wife of Reed J. Luck- hart, and they have four children; William I. resides at Falls Creek, and he and his wife have five children; Margaret is the wife of Charles Strong, and they have three children ; John D. is deceased, and is survived by two children; Sylvester is a prosperous merchant at Sykesville, this county; Lott H., who is engaged in the undertaking business at Sykes- ville, has four children; Albert C. is a farmer and also conducts a general merchandise busi- ness at Eleanor, is married, and has one child living: Parker owns and manages the old homestead, as previously noted ; Flora M. died at the age of fifteen years. Thomas Reed's children and children's children delight to do him honor, and indeed he has the high regard of all who know him.

Parker Reed married Letha Watt, who was born in Oliver township, this county, daughter of Edward and Ella ( Huffman ) Watt. and they have a family of four children. The venerable father remains with this son and his family, who show the deepest filial solicitude for his welfare.

ADAM SCHWITZER is not only one of the representative exponents of agricultural in- dustry in Young township, but is also serving as mail carrier, on one of the rural free de- livery routes from the village of Harmony, and he is one of the well known and popular citizens of Jefferson county. Born May 25, 1871, in the then recently devastated district of Alsace-Lorraine, he is a son of John Adam and Madeline ( Anthony) Schwitzer, who still maintain their home there-the stage of so much of the sanguinary activity incidental to the great European war now raging. Of their children, Madeline died in her native land ; Jacob came to America and was a resident of Punxsutawney. Jefferson Co .. l'a .. at the time of his death: Adam was the next in the famn- ily: Caroline now resides in Paris, France ; Rosie remains with her parents in Alsace- Lorraine ; Louis died in childhood.

Adam Schwitzer was given the advantages of the excellent schools of Schalbach. and at seventeen years of age, in 1888, set out to seek his fortune in the United States. From New York City he proceeded to Connellsville, Fayette Co., Pa .. where he found employment as a coal miner, though his previous expe- rience had been principally in connection with agricultural industry. In November. 1888, he came to Jefferson county and located at Wal-

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ston, where for twenty years he continued to be associated with coal mining, until the 1st of May, 1908, when he was appointed carrier on a rural mail route from that place, in which position he is still serving with characteristic efficiency. Near Harmony he has become the owner of a nice little farm of ten acres, where he has a comfortable home. Endowed with a congenial nature, he has gained a wide circle of friends. He is a Republican in politics, is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also with the German Beneficial Union of Pitts- burgh, and he and his wife are communicants of the Reformed Church at Punxsutawney.

Mr. Schwitzer wedded Matilda Martzloff, who likewise was born in Alsace-Lorraine, but who represents a former prominent Swiss family. Of their children the eldest is Mary, who for five years acted as temporary sub- stitute for her father on the delivery route and who still remains at the parental home, as do also the other children: Madeline O., Paul A., Augustus C., Catherine L., Charles L. and Elsie L.

VICTOR O. HUMPHREYS, M. D., for- merly of Brockwayville, Jefferson county, Pa., now located at Port Allegany, Pennsylvania.

JOHN L. COUCH, one of the substantial farmers and sterling citizens of Perry town- ship, was born in Bell township, Jefferson county, Nov. 1, 1868, and is a representative of an honored old family. His father, John Couch, was born in one of the eastern coun- ties of Pennsylvania, and as a mere lad came to Jefferson county and found employ- ment on the farm of Squire John Lewis, of Perry township. Later he became promi- nently concerned with lumbering operations, and finally went to Pittsburgh, where he be- came a commission man, dealing extensively in lumber from this county. Big Soldier mines are situated on the farm once owned by him, and he was active in cutting and .rafting the timber from that property, generally run- ning his logs to Pittsburgh. He was about seventy-three years of age at the time of his death, which occurred about 1894. At the time of the Civil war he tendered his services to the Union, but was refused on account of physical disability. Politically he was a Demo- crat, and he served in various local offices in Bell township. including that of justice of the peace. Both he and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

For his first wife John Couch married

Elizabeth Ross, who was born in Jefferson county, and who died in 1846. Their two sur- viving children are: David W., a farmer near Sykesville, this county; and Daniel O., a farmer and justice of the peace in Gaskill township, this county. The maiden name of Mr. Couch's second wife was Elizabeth Kauffman. She was born in Gaskill town- ship in 1831, her parents being pioneers there. She surived her life companion ten years, arriving at the same age as he did, her death occurring in 1904. Samuel, eldest of the ten children born to this union, remains on the old homestead in Bell township; Louisa is de- ceased ; Mary is the widow of William Grube and resides on their home farm, in Bell town- ship; Martha Jane is the wife of Charles Kel- derwood, of Allegheny county ; Mary Matilda is deceased; Tirzah, who is unmarried, is a dressmaker by occupation; John Luther was the seventh child: William S. is a railroad man, and lives at Rosches Junction; Kelley is deceased ; one child died in infancy.

John Luther Couch was reared on the home farm and attended the local schools. His chief vocation has been farming, though he has been identified also with lumbering and with railroad work. In 1898 he purchased the old Martin farm, of one hundred acres, in Perry township, where he has since lived and worked as an agriculturist and stock grower. In his political allegiance he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are active members of the Perry Presbyterian Church.

In 1897 Mr. Couch wedded Elizabeth Zim- merman, daughter of Jacob Zimmerman, of Gaskill township, and they have two children : Mary Ella, born in 1900, and Luther Dean, born in 1902. Both have been given all local educational advantages, and Mary Ella has given evidence of musical talent developed under special teachers.

DON W. MEANS is a progressive young farmer in Perry township, residing upon and having general management of the fine estate which constituted the homestead farm of his wife's parents, the commodious brick resi- dence being a model rural home. The farm, comprising 225 acres, is one of the best im- proved and most valuable in the township.

Mr. Means represents the third generation of one of the old families of this locality. He was born at Grange, Perry township, Sept. 30. 1896. His father, Laverne Means, was born at Frostburg. this county, in 1874, son of Franklin and Mary Means, who had three children. Laverne Means now resides upon

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the old Schilling farm near the village of Grange, and is a substantial citizen. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Re- formed Church. Of their eight children Don W. is the eldest, the others being: Laura N. and Flora Belle, twins, Mary Irene, Maude Agnes, Mervin Laverne, Helen and Dwight. In September, 1916, Laura N. was married to McCurdy Bush; in April, 1916, Flora Belle became the wife of Aaron Mohney.

Don W. Means acquired his earlier educa- tional discipline in the public schools, later attending the Clarion State Normal School. He devoted about two years to teaching in the district schools, and thereafter was employed for a time in the Westinghouse electrical · works at East Pittsburgh. Resuming active association with agricultural pursuits, since his marriage he has resided on the Sprankle farm. He is affiliated with the local Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, and he and his wife are communicants of the Lutheran Re- formed Church, both being popular factors in the representative social life of the com- munity.

On Ang. 31, 1915, Mr. Means married Anna May Sprankle, who was born on the old home- stead where they now reside Aug. 8, 1892. She is a daughter of Jerome C. and Helen (Mottern) Sprankle. Mr. and Mrs. Means have a son, Laurie Jerome, who was born April 22, 1916.

Jerome C. Sprankle was born on the old family homestead in Perry township Jan. I, 1856, being the son of Daniel and Jane ( Simp- son) Sprankle. His father came from Hunt- ingdon county in an early day, and acquiring about 225 acres of heavily timbered land for one dollar per acre started the reclamation of a farm. ITis original log house was later sup- planted by a good frame dwelling. on the oppo- site side of the road from the present brick residence, an imposing home, erected about 1910 by Jerome Sprankle. Daniel Sprankle (lied .April 12, 1892, when in his eighty-second year. He was a specially enterprising and successful agriculturist and stock grower, and had a reputation for keeping the best horses. He was an earnest member of the Presbyte- rian Church, as is also his venerable widow. and though in national politics he cast his vote in support of the Republican candidates, he early became in a more localized sense an ad- vocate and supporter of the Prohibition party. Jerome C. Sprankle well upheld the prestige of the family name, both as a citizen and as a progressive and successful farmer, eventi- ally becoming the owner of the large landed

estate, and is generally conceded to have been one of the leading farmers and influential citi- zens of the township. His wife was born in Ringgold township Aug. 21, 1859, and sur- vives him, remaining with her daughters on the old homestead. She is a daughter of Joseph and Elsie (Reed) Mottern, who were pioneers of Ringgold township and had a fam- ily of seven children. She became the mother of three children: Edna R. remains on the old homestead; Mary E. is the wife of Wilbur Robinson, a steel worker at Vandergrift; Anna May is Mrs. Don W. Means.

Frederick Sprankle, great-grandfather of Mrs. Means, was born in Indiana county, Pa., in 1784, of German ancestry, and established liis home in Jefferson county in 1824, where in 1834 he erected-in Oliver township-the historie mill that has given to the locality the name of Sprankle Mills. He died in 1852, at the age of sixty-eight years, his widow, whose maiden name was Margaret Bechtel, dying in 1859, at the age of seventy-one years. Their children were: John, Susan, Daniel, Mary A., Maria, George, Margaret, Emily, Frederick, William H. B., Elizabeth, and T. M. Susan became the wife of John Smith; Daniel, grandfather of Mrs. Means, married Jane Simpson; Maria became the wife of Benjamin Gilhousen; George married Susan Fetterhoff ; Margaret became the wife of Nathaniel Simpson : Emily married Andrew J. T. Craw- ford; Mary became the wife of David C. Simpson; Frederick married Catherine R. Snegley; William H. B. married Eveline Hickox: Elizabeth became the wife of James Walls and after his death wedded James B. Cochran; T. M. married Sarah Fetterhoff.

SPENCER MICHAEL FREE, M. D., sur- geon. of DuBois, Pa .; was born in New Free- dom, York Co., Pa., Sept. 10, 1856, son of Eli Wesley and Virginia Ann ( Michael) Free. He graduated B. A. from the Ohio Wesleyan University. 1877, receiving the degree of M. A. from that institution in 1880: received his degree of M. D. at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1880; post graduate, Johns Hopkins. 1885-87. He has practiced in DuBois since 1892 ; is surgeon at the DuBois Hospital : senior surgeon of the Adrian Hos- pital, Punxsutawney ; and consulting surgeon Indiana ( Pa. ) Hospital. Dr. Free was for- merly lecturer on medical ethics and economics at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. In 1887-1905 he was inspector for the State Board of Health, Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sur-

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geons ; member of the American Medical As- sociation, American Academy of Medicine, American Association of Railway Surgeons, Pennsylvania State Medical Society, etc .; member of the Acorn, Country, Sabula Outing, Pioneers', Shawnee Cabin ( DuBois ), Punxsu- tawney ( Punxsutawney ) and Acacia ( Wil- liamsport ) clubs ; and fraternally is a Knight Templar Mason, member of the Knights of Pythias, 1. O. O. F., and B. P. O. Elks. Ile is a Republican in politics. Dr. Free is the author of many unpublished addresses, also short stories, and about three hundred songs and poems. On Feb. 8, 1882, he married May Irene Elway, of Altoona, Pa., who died in IGIO.

WASHINGTON S. SIBLEY has the dis- tinction of being the first citizen from Brock- wayville to serve as a member of the board of county commissioners in Jefferson county. His recent appointment to the position, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of H. M. Cochran, came as a well deserved recognition of worth and was favorably received through- out the county, where in a lifetime of hon- orable activity Mr. Sibley has established him- self among the substantial citizens of his day and enjoyed the rewards of such standing. His career has followed consistently the prin- ciples of upright conduct, and he is looked to for the same faithful service in his new duties that has characterized his performance of all responsibilities.

Mr. Sibley has been a lifelong resident of the county, having been born May 17, 1862, on his father's farm in Snyder township, where Crenshaw now stands. His father, the late Warren Sibley, was a veteran of the Civil war, and his grandfather, Ammi Sib- ley, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The latter was married in 1827 to Rachel White- hill, in Armstrong (now Clarion ) county. Ile had moved from Clarion county to Jefferson county in 1818, settling in what is now Snyder township, and became famous among the carly hunters and trappers of this region, being so engaged throughout his active years. Big game was plentiful here at the time of his arrival, and he killed seven elk in one day in what is now Heath township. He was a large man physically, and possessed the rugged strength and character to meet the hard conditions and struggles of the early days. His death occurred in Snyder town- ship in 1861, and his wife also died there. Of the nine children born to this pioneer couple, Warren was the second son.

Warren Sibley was born in Snyder town- ship, and settled on what is now the site of the village of Crenshaw. He died May 8, 1902, and his wife, whose maiden name was Lydia Moorehead, of New Bethlehem, Clarion Co., Pa., died May 8, 1913, at Brockwayville, Jefferson county. Of their four sons and four daughters, Ivan is a resident of the bor- ough of Brockwayville ; O. A. Sibley is estab- lished at Fredonia; Rev. O. H. Sibley is an M. E. minister, stationed at Brocton, N. Y .; Mrs. J. H. Groves is a resident of Kane, Pa. ; Mrs. O. T. Dunn, of Du Bois, Pa. ; two daugh- ters are deceased.

Washington S. Sibley spent his early life in about the same manner as the average farmer's son of the period, having such edu- cational advantages as the locality afforded and the customary practical training in the routine of the farm. When he started inde- pendently he went to work in the woods, lumbering being the principal occupation open to young men in those days, and he became one of the best known of the younger rafts- men on Toby creek. About twenty-four years ago, while employed at a sawmill near Sugar 1Till, he met with an accident, losing his right arm, and thereafter was engaged as a lumber inspector for a few years. Some twenty years ago he went into merchandising, opening a store at Brockwayville,, building up an excel- lent trade in groceries and similar commod- ities, and he devoted his time principally to this business until he sold it. in August, 1916, to G. C. Noblit. A few months ago he moved his home from Brockwayville' to his country place north of the borough, with the intention of developing an extensive stock raising busi- ness, but his appointment to the position of county commissioner has changed his plans for the present, as he will reside in Brook- ville for the more convenient discharge of his duties. Though never a seeker after public honors, he was chosen to a number of bor- ough offices while residing in Brockwayville, and his record of service there, as well as his success in the management of his personal affairs, augurs well for his efficiency in the position he has just assumed. When 11. 31. Cochran, late president of the board of county commissioners, died there were about twenty aspirants for the vacancy, and Judge Corbet, in selecting Mr. Sibley, paid him a high com- pliment. The term extends to Jan. 1, 1920. John G. North was chosen to succeed Mr. Cochran as president, and Mr. Sibley is sec- retary of the board, the other member being Harry M. Grube. I. M. Swartz continues as

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clerk, so the change has no effect politically. Mr. Sibley being a Republican, of the same party as Mr. Cochran. He has always taken an active interest in politics and local public matters.

In March, 1887, Mr. Sibley was married

to Elizabeth Gross, of Warsaw township, this county. Their only child, Oda, was a success- ful teacher in the local schools for several years, and is now taking up higher studies in Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N. Y., in the Domestic Science department.

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Jefferson County, Pennsylvania : her pioneers and people, 1800-1915, Volume II, Part 140

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