Jefferson County, Pennsylvania : her pioneers and people, 1800-1915, Volume II, Part 86

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 86

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trude .A., a graduate of the Clarion Normal School and now a teacher in Allegheny county ; Harry T., at home ; Jennie M., also a graduate of the Clarion State Normal School, and teach- ing in Allegheny county : Wayne J., at home; Grace E., a student at the Clarion Normal School ; and Lydia P., who is attending school in the home locality.

LANFORD C. CARRIER is a typical mem- ber of a family whose distinctive qualities have made its representatives valuable citizens. Dili- gent and progressive in the pursuit of business affairs, he has also found opportunity to show his public spirit in various ways, official and unofficial, having served his fellow citizens in the administration of the local government, and having been equally faithful to the inter- ests of the community when exercising his in- fluence in the capacity of private citizen.

There are many of the name of Carrier in what is now Clover township, whither Euphras- tus Carrier, father of Lanford C., brought his family as early as 1829. Six brothers, Hiram. Darius, George, Nathan, Euphrastus and John Carrier, had in 1820 purchased ninety-six acres of land and all the mills at Troy, and they and their descendants continued to own them for many years, rebuilding the mills several times. Nathan Carrier especially became extensively interested in lumbering. Ile died at the age of seventy-three years, his wife passing away in 1884; they had a family of nine children, three sons and six daughters.

Euphrastus Carrier was born Feb. 19, 1799. in Massachusetts, and learned the trade of mill- wright, becoming highly proficient in the call- ing so many of his family adopted. In 1828 he settled on the farm in Clover township now known as the old homestead of this branch of the family and owned and occupied by his son Milton H. Carrier, but the same year went to Connecticut and married, returning to this section in the fall of 1820 with his wife and child of a few months. He had bought fifty acres in Clover ( then Rose) township, and subsequently purchased seventy acres more. developing the place until he had a valuable farm and comfortable home. He lumbered on the Clarion river and Red Bank creek, be- ing a thrifty and enterprising man and making his way in spite of the drawbacks which he found here. He lived to the age of eighty years, dying in 1870. Mr. Carrier married Harriet R. Buell, who was born Jan. 3. 1806. in Colchester, Conn .. and died Jan. 13, 1896. They were the parents of eight children, six sons and two daughters, all now deceased but

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Lanford C. and Milton HI. The six sons were : Albert Ackley, Griswold B., David F., Euph- rastus, Lanford C. and Milton H. Of these the eldest, Albert A. Carrier, was born April 23, 1829, in Colchester. New London Co., Conn .. and followed the same business as his father, uncles and brothers; in 1878, in part- nership with G. B. and S. D. Carrier, he built a sawmill at Troy. On Sept. 12, 1850, he mar- ried Almira McCann, who died in October, 1879, the mother of twelve children. Subse- quently he wedded Sydney Tong, of Cecil county. Md .. by whom he had three children.

Lanford C. Carrier was born April 14, 1843, in Clover township, where he was reared and educated, being allowed the best advantages possible under the circumstances. He began lumbering in youth, and continued it for a period of fifty years, acquiring extensive in- terests in the business to which he owes much of his prosperity. Farming has also occupied a large share of his attention, and he owns a beautiful property near Summerville, a tract of one hundred acres where he has made his home for the last thirty-four years.

On Oct. 22, 1882. Mr. Carrier was married to Elizabeth M. Garvin, of Corsica, Jefferson county, daughter of Joseph Garvin, who had a family of eight children. Mrs. Carrier died March 25, 1911, the mother of ten children, namely: Corinne, born March 12, 1884, is the widow of Winfield Cochran, a printer, of Brookville : she has two daughters, Mary Ger- trude and Emma Elizabeth. Harriet E., born Ang. 24. 1885, married Charles Cummings, a farmer near Corsica, and has one child, Frances Fay. Marvin Euphrastus, born Aug. 25, 1887, a steel worker at Indiana Harbor, Ind., married Daisy Shields. Albert Buell, born Sept. I, 1889. died in infancy. Frances Fidelia, born July II. 1891. is living at home. Sarah Altha. born Sept. 4. 1893, married George Inman, of Canton. a master mechanic. Harry Lanford, born April 6, 1895, a railroad man, is located at Clearfield. Ruth Enot was born May 6, 1897. Ackley Burton, born Aug. 14. 1899, died when six years old. Mary Mildred. born Jan. 22, 1901, died April 18, 1902.

Mr. Carrier is a Methodist, while his wife united with the Presbyterians. He supports the Republican party and in the Civil war period was a Union sympathizer, showing his convictions in service with the Northern army. During Lee's raid into Pennsylvania he joined the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. His neighbors and acquaintances in Clover township have given proof of their confidence in his character and ability by choosing him

for public office, and he has served them effi- ciently as school director and township col- lector.

DANIEL C. McGREGOR is the owner of some two hundred acres of valuable farming land in his section, including his home farm of eighty acres in Porter township, the place where his grandparents settled more than three quarters of a century ago. He is one of the substantial citizens of that township, where he has filled several public positions, performing his duties well in every association. Daniel and Catharine McGregor, the grandparents. came to western Pennsylvania at an early day. settling first in Indiana county and later in Porter township. Jefferson county. Here he purchased eighty acres of timberland. upon which he built a log house and barn, devoting the rest of his life to the development of this property, which has been improved entirely by the McGregors. His family consisted of eight children, namely: Mahlon, George, Dan- iel. William. Levi, Margaret, Lucinda and Catharine.

Mahlon McGregor, father of Daniel Mc- Gregor, was born east of the mountains, in Huntingdon county, and was about three years old when the family moved to Indiana county. He grew up there and on the Porter township farm, and also lived in Ringgold township, this county, before his removal to Indiana county. after his second marriage. There he bought a farm, which he afterwards sold, spending his latter years at Dayton, Armstrong county, where he died about 1896, when over seventy years old. He married Margaret Chambers, a native of Indiana county, who died in 1844, leaving two children: James, of Indiana county, who died in the fall of 1915; and Daniel C. For his second wife Mahlon Mc- Gregor married Margaret McClellan, who was born in Indiana county, daughter of James McClellan, and survived him but is now de- ceased. Of the children born to this union four attained maturity : Elizabeth C., de- ceased. was the wife of John Ellenbarger, of Armstrong county : Robert married, and is a resident of Kittanning : Margaret is the wife of Henry Neale, of Indiana county; Scott married and settled near Dayton, where he has a livery business.

Daniel C. McGregor was born June 3, 1842, in Porter township, on the farm where his father first located. and where his mother died. As he was then but eighteen months old he went to live with his grandparents at his pres- ent farm, where most of his life has been

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spent, his education having been obtained in the local schools. He continued to reside there for a year after his marriage, looking after the cultivation of the place meanwhile, and then purchased an adjoining tract of seventy acres from Levi McGregor, upon which he resided for the next two years. At the end of that time he sold it and bought his grand- father's property, to which he returned, and his home has been there ever since. After years of judicious management it is in excel- lent condition, both as to land and buildings, and Mr. McGregor has also acquired other property, having two hundred acres in all. accumulated by thrift and intelligent use of opportunities. He is regarded as a capable business man, one who has so thoroughly gained the confidence of his fellow citizens by success in his own undertakings that he has been considered eligible for public trusts. He was overseer of the poor for six years. and a school director fifteen years, giving con- scientious service which justified the hearty support he received from his neighbors as a candidate. He has always been a Republican and during the Civil war was a Union sympa- thizer, serving several months in the army. He enlisted in February, 1865, in Company C, 78th P. V. I., and remained in the service until the war ended.

In 1862 Mr. McGregor married Elizabeth Adams, a native of Porter township, daughter of Richard Adams, one of the early settlers there. She died in 1901, at the age of fifty- seven years, a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which faith Mr. McGregor was also reared. Of the eleven children, Lula and Minnie died in childhood, the latter at the age of three years. Martha, born on the homestead in 1863. married James Bush, now a resident of Indiana county, and had six chil- dren, Della, Lavina, Clark, John, William and Max. four of whom survive. James E., born in 1865. married Zelda Neal, of Porter town- ship, where they lived for a time, heing now residents of Clarion county : they are the par- ents of Lottie, Essie, Harry, Bert and Daniel J. Mahlon R., born in 1867, was formerly a resident of Big Run, and is now located in Porter township: he married Mattie Elkin and has five children. Sarah Jane married George Barnett, of Porter township, now of Indiana county, and has a family of four children. Margaret married West Welshorn, of Porter township, and has three children. W. T., who lives in Ringgold township, married May Har- rison, of that township, and they have one child. Duff. John, who is now operating the

home farm for his father, married Clara Max- well, and their family consists of five children. Annie is the wife of James Currin, of Hazle- ton, and has one child. Daniel Clark, also of Hazleton, is married and has four children. Mr. McGregor has thirty-three living grand- children and nineteen great-grandchildren.

CAPT. WILLIAM J. LEAHY, of Falls Creek, has been a resident of several counties in this section of Pennsylvania during the course of a long life, and in every one has qualified as a citizen of worth. His substan- tial business position testifies to the prosperity of his private undertakings, and his connec- tion with public affairs has been marked by valuable official services. Captain Leahy early manifested his desire to do his duty as faith- fully when it concerned the general welfare as when it seemed most vital to his own interests, as his Civil war record shows. In fact, his activities throughout life have been of the most creditable order, and the deep respect in which he is held expresses deserved recogni- tion of his straightforward course.

Captain Leahy is of Irish nationality, hav- ing been born at Dublin, Ireland, June 10, 1840, son of William and Mary (Dunn) Leahy. His father, likewise a native of Ire- land, brought his wife and family to America in the year 1845, and for about six years after- wards they lived in New York State. Thence they came to Pennsylvania, settling in Big Fox township, Elk county. in the vicinity of St. Marys, where Mr. Leahy engaged in farm- ing. He was an early resident of that locality and became quite well known and influential in politics especially, having been a popular stump speaker, in which capacity he did par- ticularly effective work during Hiester Clymer's gubernatorial campaign. William Leahy (the father ) died at the age of seventy- four years, his wife at the age of seventy, and they are buried at Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Pa. They were members of the Roman Cath- olic Church. Of their three children, Tressa is the widow of John McCluskey, and is now residing at Freeport, Ill., with her son Wil- liam; John P. is living at Johnsonburg. Elk Co., Pa., engaged as a mechanic.

William J. Leahy had such public school advantages as were available after the family settled in Elk County, attending at Centerville under the instruction of Professor Brock- banks, and later he studied in Allegheny county for two terms. Until he reached young manhood he lived for the most part amid primitive rural surroundings, which he

WO Leahy

NEW YORK . LIBRARY

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left shortly after reaching his majority to enter the service of his country, as a Union soldier in the Civil war. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 2d Regiment, United States Sharpshooters (known as Berdan's Sharpshooters), joining at Ridgway. Shortly afterwards he was made orderly sergeant, and on July 28, 1862, he was promoted to second lieutenant, holding that rank until he resigned, in Virginia, Jan. 8, 1863, after try- ing military service. His command was at- tached to the Army of the Potomac, and had its full share of the hard struggles which characterized the operations of that body, and Captain Leahy's individual service forms an honorable part of its activities. A roster of the officers and men of the company is given at the close of this article, and further men- tion will be found in Chapter X, in the his- torical section of this work.

At the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1866, Captain Leahy located. in Clearfield county, where he became interested in con- tracting, following such work there until 1875. He then turned to agriculture, settling on the Daniel Reichert farm in Bald Eagle township, Clinton county, in the Bald Eagle valley. For almost twenty years he continued his residence in that county, where in 1888 he was honored with election to the office of sheriff, filling it for one term with conspicu- ous efficiency. Upon his retirement he went back to the farm until 1894, the year of his removal to Falls Creek, where he has since maintained his home. During the early years of his residence at Falls Creek Captain Leahy represented Hon. A. C. Hopkins, of Lock Haven, in the real estate business, and also looked after Mr. Hopkins's lumber interests in this section, duties for which his experi- ence and familiarity with local conditions admirably fitted him. Here, also, he has re- ceived definite assurance of public confidence in his ability and integrity, having been ap- pointed postmaster of Falls Creek during President McKinley's administration, which office he held for eight years. At present practically all of his time is given to real estate transactions, with which he has kept in close touch throughout the period of his residence at Falls Creek, having become an authority in that line. In 1894 he built the well known "Evergreen Hotel" there, which he conducted for eight years. He has a handsome home at Falls Creek, and always delights in extending its hospitalities to his friends, who are numerous.

The Captain has kept up a number of social

connections. He joined the Grand Army a number of years ago, as a comrade of John S. Bitner Post, No. 182, of Lock Haven, trans- ferring later to Easton Post, No. 249, of DuBois; he was one of the organizers of the Elks lodge at Lock Haven (No. 182), and is now affiliated with the lodge of that fraternity at DuBois. His political support is given to the Republican party, and in religion he holds to the faith of his parents.

In 1866 Captain Leahy married Matilda A. Hewitt, who was born in Huston township, Clearfield county, daughter of Thomas W. Hewitt. During her young womanhood she taught school in Clearfield and Elk counties. Mrs. Leahy died Ang. 15, 1915, in the Meth- . odist hospital on Broad street, Philadelphia, and is buried at Lock Haven. No children were born to this marriage.

The officers of the 2d United States Sharp- shooters were: H. A. V. Post, colonel ; Francis Peteler, Homer R. Stoughton, lieu- tenant colonels; A. B. Jones, Edward T. Rowell, majors; Lewis C. Parmellce, ad- jutant ; Charles P. Hale, surgeon; A. A. C. Williams, William B. Reynolds, assistant sur- geons; Benjamin S. Calef, quartermaster ; Lorenzo Barber, chaplain; Samuel Shoup, sergeant major ; William P. Shreve, quarter- master sergeant; C. B. Brigham, hospital steward; Charles W. Turner, commissary sergeant. Company C was commanded by Capt. John W. Dewey; First Lieut. Bankson T. Morgan; and Second Lieut. Robert Warner; Sergeants William J. Leahy (pro- moted to second lieutenant July 28, 1862, re- signed Jan. 8, 1863, on account of wounds received Sept. 17, 1862), Ira J. Northrop, Benjamin S. Corey, William T. Hosley; Cor- porals John McMurray, Samuel Hull, George M. Crandall, John Carey, Samuel Lattimer, Horace Il. Furman. Privates: Jared Abbott, Banister Benn, George W. Boals, Joseph B. Brown, David Beach, Americus Byam, John Callen. Eli H. Chilson, Rufus M. Chilson, Rus- sel H. Coats, Michael E. Crow, William C. Dickenson, Chauncey N. Dimmick, George W. Dunkle, Daniel Dickens, Daniel A. Easter- brooks, William B. Forest, Henry J. Fall, Ulysses A. Farnsworth, John S. Geer, Henry C. Hosley, Joseph H. Houghtaling, Samuel J. Howard, John M. Hoyt, Leroy C. Jacox, Wil- liam E. Jacox, Obediah Johnson, James Law, Samuel Lewis, Thomas Long, Isaac Lyle, Wil- liam D. Lyle, David H. McCauley, William Mccullough, Isaac G. Miller, John Mott, John B. Mulkins, Andrew J. Newman, John W.

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Pearsall, Julius Prindle, Ashabold M. Pease. Laetus E. Pease, Russell Perkins, Frederick Peters, Joseph Quick, John Quinn, Edgar E. Riddell, Franklin Rumbarger, Albert G. W. Sanders, George W. Saunders, Benjamin W. Scott, Lyman W. Scott, Michael Shartraw, George H. Stewart, Anthony Studor. Jr., Wes- ley C. Thompson, John H. Twining, Levi N. Vanover, Horace Warner, Hiram Warner, James Watts, Martin Willard, Samuel F. Wil- liams, John Zimmett.

JAMES KEARNEY, one of the venerable and revered pioneer citizens of Snyder town- ship, died on the Ist of November, 1906. The . Brockwayville Record printed the following estimate of his character :

"James Kearney, one of the oldest and best known residents of this section, died suddenly at his home yesterday morning, heart disease being the immediate cause of deatlı. Mr Kearney, who had passed the threescore and ten milestone of life, had been in poor health for several months, but he was always able to be around and seemed to enjoy life at his pleasant country home. His death was a shock to the bereaved family as well as to the com- munity. The death of Mr. Kearney removes one of the finest and one among the most influential men of the valley. Having lived here for many years, he was well known and held in high esteem, his death being thus deeply deplored throughout the community."

James Kearney was born in County Donegal, Ireland, about the year 1829, and was a lad of twelve when he accompanied his widowed mother, two older brothers and one sister to America, in a tedious voyage on an old-time sailing vessel. After a short stay in Phila- delphia the little family established a home in Cecil county, Md., where James was reared to adult age, attending school when oppor- tunity offered, though gaining the greater part of his education through self-discipline and association with men and affairs. In the win- ter of 1852-53 Mr. Kearney joined his older brother, William, in the Beechwoods district of Jefferson county, the devoted mother fol- lowing in the spring, the remainder of her life having here been spent with her children. In 1855 Mr. Kearney was married and estab- lished a residence on the farm which is still the home of Mrs. Kearney, hallowed through the memories and gracious associations of many years. It was still covered with native timber and after making a clearing Mr. Kear- ney erected a small frame house, and with the earnest cooperation of his young wife turned

himself vigorously to the making of land avail- able for cultivation. The years brought in- creasing prosperity, Mr. Kearney eventually becoming owner of a splendidly improved es- tate. He erected good buildings, including an attractive house. No man could have a higher sense of personal stewardship than did James Kearney, who was true to high ideals and whose achievements marked him as one of the world's noble army of productive workers. Possessed of broad mental view, lie took a deep interest in community affairs, an interest that was loyal, kindly and helpful. Ile served efficiently as school director, being for years secretary of the board. He was an ardent advocate and supporter of the cause of the Prohibition party. His mother, whose maiden name was Fanny McElhenny, attained a venerable age, dying in 1880. Of her chil- dren, William died in the Beechwoods in 1905, his son, William J., remaining on the old home- stead; Robert, who married Letitia Wiley, re- mained in Maryland; John died a bachelor in Snyder township : James was next ; Ellen died in childhood ; and Jane died in maidenhood.

In the Beechwoods, on the 19th of January. 1855. Rev. Mr. Ray solemnized the marriage of Mr. Kearney to Eleanor Smith, who was born on the 28th of March, 1839, on the home- stead now owned by her brother, Andrew W. Suitable record of her father, Matthew Smith, is found on another page. Mrs. Kearney re- members specially well the old-time log school- house equipped with puncheon floor, slabs for seats and plank desks. Iler first teacher was Eliza Bond, later the wife of Deacon William Smith, an uncle of Mrs. Kearney. The Kear- ney family are: Nancy, born June 8, 1856, is the wife of Samuel F. Miller, of Snyder township: James Smith, born Nov. 28, 1858, residing in Punxsutawney, married Etta, daughter of Rev. John Frampton: Matthew, born May 5. 1861, married Cynthia Ross, of Grange, and lives at Brockwayville ; Samantha. born Nov. 18, 1862, is the wife of Charles Fremont Green, of Canton, Ohio; William Elmer, born March 29, 1866, married Adelia McGill, and is a representative farmer of Snyder township: Fanny, born Jan. 14, 1870. is the wife of John B. McClelland, of Brock- wayville : Hugh Andrew, born March 2, 1872. wedded Elizabeth Hill and resides in Pitts- burgh : Elizabeth Anne. born March 8, 1876, is the wife of Dr. Frank C. Smathers, of Big Run ; Mary Ellen, born March 26, 1878, mar- ried Barrett Shaffner, and died at thirty-seven years of age: John Wesley, born Feb. 27, 1880, remains with his mother: Bertha Mar-

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garet, born June 9, 1882, is the wife of Fred- erick W. Daugherty, of Grove City, Mercer county ; Martha, born Jan. 12, 1887, is a trained nurse at Cleveland.

MATTHEW SMITHI. Measured by its in- tegrity and tolerance, as well as by material accomplishment, the life of this pioneer counted for much. It was his to meet a tragic death, on the 24th of September, 1895. and from a newspaper account we take the follow- ing expressions :

"After a long life spent in good deeds and useful living, Matthew Smith, the aged philan- thropist, prohibitionist and church worker of Grove Summit, met his death in a tragic man- ner. He was struck by a railroad train and was so badly injured that he died a few hours later. The accident occurred above Lane's

Mills. Mr. Smith was at the farm of his son-in-law, James G. Kearney, looking after some farm duties in the absence of Mr. Kear- ney. Mr. Smith desired to go to a neighbor's to perform an errand. and his route led him across the Ridgway & Clearfield railroad track. The point at which he is thought to have at- tempted the crossing was at a high embank- ment, and he stepped upon the track just in time to be struck by the passenger train north. Ile was seen by the trainmen just as they were upon him, and although the engineer blew the whistle it was too late. Mr. Smith was struck by the engine and hurled from the track. As quickly as possible the train was stopped and backed up to where the unfortunate man lay. He showed signs of life and was tenderly placed in the baggage car and taken on to Brockwayville. Drs. Coffin and Davenport were called, and it was then that Mr. Smith was identified. Ile rallied somewhat and ap- peared to regain consciousness enough to in- quire where he was and what had happened. He was conveyed to the home of his son-in- law. James Kearney, on the west side of town. and although he appeared to have Incid mo- ments. these were followed by sinking spells. and a few moments before six o'clock he sank into the sleep that knows no waking.

"In the church Mr. Smith had been a con- spicuous figure for many a year. From 1855 until his death he was a most earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of which he contributed not only in personal service but also in a lib- eral financial way, his annual contributions having run about two hundred dollars for many years. His house was always a resort for church people and his hospitality was un-

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Jefferson County, Pennsylvania : her pioneers and people, 1800-1915, Volume II, Part 86

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