Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 126

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing
Number of Pages: 1036

USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Altoona > Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens > Part 126

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HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY

In 1902, Mr. Greevy was elected City Solici- tor of the city of Altoona, which position he held for three years. In 1904, he was the Democratic candidate for State Senator in the district composed of Cambria and Blair coun- ties, but went down to defeat with the "Roose- velt Avalanche" which swept the country in that presidential year, although he ran over nine thousand ahead of his ticket in the two counties.

In 1910 there was a vacancy on the Demo- cratic State ticket for the nomination for the office of lieutenant governor. Mr. Greevy was persuaded to allow his name to be used to fill the vacancy. With A. Webster Grim, the Democratic candidate for governor, he made a canvass of the entire State, but owing to an in- dependent political rebellion in Pennsylvania, in which both Republicans and Democrats par- ticipated, and in the formation of the Keystone party, the Democratic ticket was defeated, al- though Mr. Greevy ran over twenty-five thou- sand ahead of the Democratic candidate for governor in the state.

At the Democratic caucus of the members of the legislature of 19II, held in Harrisburg in January of that year, Mr. Greevy received seven votes for the office of United States Sen- ator. Mr. Greevy has a close and intimate knowledge of political conditions in Pennsyl- vania, keeping in close touch with the leaders at various points. He is a staunch believer in the old-time Jacksonian Democracy and an active supporter of those principles. He has been a resident of Altoona since 1873.

Mr. Greevy was married November 3, 1874, to Miss Katie G. McNally, who was formerly a resident of Hollidaysburg, Pa. They have two children, Walter S., who is at present a member of the Common Council of the city of Altoona, and Helen, wife of Arthur B. Clark, who is now filling his second term as city treas- urer of the city of Altoona.

DANIEL S. BAKER,* a prominent farmer and representative citizen of North Woodbury Township, who owns 108 acres of valuable land, has been a resident of Blair County since 1886 and took possession of his present farm

in 1894. He was born in Bedford County, Pa., October 30, 1856, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Snyder) Baker, both of whom were na- tives of Bedford County. It is probable that both grandfathers, who were early settlers in Bedford County, were natives of Germany.

Daniel S. Baker to a large extent is a self- made man, his early advantages being those he provided for himself. From youth he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, until 1886 in Bedford County and since then in Blair County. He carries on farming, stock-raising and dairy- ing and has met with the almost certain success which attends close attention to business and practical methods, the value of which he has learned by experience.

On January 30, 1881, Mr. Baker was mar- ried to Miss Sarah Dilling, a daughter of the late John H. Dilling, of Blair County and they have had the following children: Calvin D., Bertha D., Elvin D., George D., Roy D., El- wood D. and John E., the last named being de- ceased. Mr. Baker and wife are members of the German Baptist church. In politics he is a Republican but has never consented to hold any office except that of school director, in which he served faithfully and usefully for six years.

DAVID R. WHITE,* a well known and highly respected citizen of Snyder Township, Blair County, Pa., is engaged as a brick mason at Tyrone but since 1897 he and family have resided on a valuable farm of ninety-seven acres, which his wife inherited from her father. Mr. White was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., August 3, 1849, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Sloan) White, who also had a daughter, Emma, who is the wife of Samuel Stauffer.

David R. White attended the district schools in his boyhood and afterward learned the brick-mason's trade, which he has followed more or less continuously ever since. On No- vember 12, 1873, Mr. White was married to Miss Martha McClain, a daughter of Augustus and Rachel (Cain) McClain. They had two children, Martha and Mary, the latter of whom is the wife of Edward Hammil. To Mr. and

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Mrs. White eight children have been born, namely: Gertrude, who is the wife of John Feters; William; Nelson; Jesse D .; Rachel, who is the wife of Scott Sessaman; David C., Austin and Ella. The sons of Mr. White carry on farm operations, the two older ones being married and residing on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. White and his sons are Republicans. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

REV. JOHN H. BRUMBAUGH,* who, for sixteen years has been a minister in the Church of the Brethren and an elder in the same since 1908, resides on his valuable farm of 125 acres, situated in Pleasant Valley, Hus- ton Township, Blair County, Pa. He was born February 24, 1853, near Woodbury, Bed- ford County, Pa., and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hoover) Brumbaugh.

Samuel Brumbaugh was born in Blair County, and was a son of Rev. George Brum- baugh, who was a well known minister and elder in the Clover Creek Church near Will- iamsburg. Samuel Brumbaugh spent his en- tire life in North Woodbury Township, Blair County, after settling there in the infancy of his son, John H. He followed an agricultural life and as a worthy member of the Church of the Brethren, set a good example. He married Elizabeth Hoover, whose many virtues are re- membered by her children, and he passed away about 1874.

John H. Brumbaugh was very young when his parents brought him to North Woodbury Township, and there he was reared and at- tended school. He is a man of extensive read- ing and keeps thoroughly informed concerning all that will assist him in being a leader and ex- pounder in the church, realizing the responsi- bilities which, in these modern days, rest upon the church elders. He is a man of wide influ- ence and is much beloved. Since 1890 he has resided on his farm in Pleasant Valley, which he devotes to farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Brumbaugh has been thrice married. His first wife was Miss Rebecca Metzker, who died after the birth of ten children, seven liv-

ing: Elizabeth M., wife of John S. Rhodes, of Huston Township; Daniel M., of Wood- bury Township; Catherine M., wife of Harvey Loose, of Martinsburg; Samuel M., of Huston Township; Ida, wife of Lawrence Sparr, of Williamsburg; Anna, wife of James Gorsuch, of Williamsburg; Mary A., wife of William Estep, of Williamsburg. Mr. Brumbaugh was married second to Miss Elizabeth Beach. They had six children born to them and four survive their mother: Minnie, Howard, Blair and El- wood. Mr. Brumbaugh's third marriage was to Mrs. Martha Showalter, widow of Jacob Showalter, formerly of Roaring Spring. She was born in Taylor Township and her maiden name was Smith. In politics Mr. Brumbaugh is nominally a Democrat but has strong prohibi- tion tendencies. He has served six years as a member of the school board of Huston Town- ship and has always lent interest and influence to the upbuilding of the public schools and edu- cation in general.

HARRY K. HAMMOND,* deceased, for- merly one of Altoona's most respected citizens, whose long continued business efforts had made him known over a large part of Blair County, was born in 1822, in Catherine Township, Blair County, Pa., and was a son of William Hammond.

The Hammond family probably originated in Ireland, and a strain of English blood may have been introduced through marriage before the Pennsylvania Hammonds crossed the At- lantic Ocean to America. The earliest settler of the name in Blair County came at a remote period. The paternal grandfather was Will- iam Hammond and both he and his son Will- iam were natives of Virginia. They were forgemen and farmers and the older William Hammond probably built the first forge ever set up in Catherine Township, Blair County, which was the section in which the Hammonds lived for many years, the father of Harry K. Ham- mond dying there in 1871, at the age of seven- ty-one years.

Harry K. Hammond was probably the eldest of his parents' family and his earlier years were spent on his father's farm, and he later resided

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in Woodbury Township, where he was man- ager of what was known as the Franklin Forge. He also engaged in merchandising at Williamsburg and was successful in his differ- ent undertakings and was a man of high per- sonal standing. He gave support to religion and education and gave his children many ad- vantages. He married Jane Davis, who was born in 1822, in Blair County, and died in 1866. Her father, George Davis, served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was an early settler in Blair County. Harry K. Hammond and wife were members of the Presbyterian church. Their names are perpetuated in their children as are also their sterling traits of character. One son, William S. Hammond is one of Al- toona's leading lawyers, prominent citizens, and influential politicians.

FRANK W. ACKLIN,* proprietor of the Walton Acklin Co., jeweler and one of the largest real estate owners in Tyrone, Pa., was born in Brownsville, Fayette County, Pa., June, 1866, a son of John and Hannah Rebecca (Ja- cobs) Acklin. The parents of Mr. Acklin were both natives of Brownsville, Pa .; both are now deceased. John Acklin, the father, was a glass manufacturer by occupation. Mr. Ack- lin's ancestors on both sides were early settlers in Fayette County.

The subject of this sketch was graduated at the age of sixteen years from the public schools of Brownsville. He then entered the jewelry business, at which he worked for some years in Brownsville. In the fall of 1887 he came to Tyrone and formed a partnership with Isaac P. Walton, a prominent jeweler of Tyrone, under the firm name of Walton and Acklin. This connection lasted up to within a short time of the death of Mr. Walton, when Mr. Acklin purchased his partner's interest. in the business and became sole owner of the Walton Acklin Co. His store is one of the largest between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, drawing its patronage from over a radius of many miles, and being well known over the en- tire state. Mr. Acklin's stock is valued at from $35,000 to $40,000, including a stock of diamonds alone valued at more than twenty

thousand dollars; in addition to which he car- ries a valuable and expensive line of cut glass and china ware. For fifty-two years the busi- ness has been conducted at its present location. One room is devoted exclusively to the jewelry and the other to cut glass and hand painted china of the finest quality. No better proof of the reliability of the house or the quality of the goods can be advanced than the large volume of business done.

Mr. Acklin is also one of the largest real es- tate owners in Tyrone and set the pace here for apartment houses. He purchased what is known as the Acklin block in Tyrone, and con- verted it into flats with all modern improve- ments, with some of the most desirable store rooms in Tyrone. He changed the block from plain to plate glass fronts. The property is centrally located and every room and apart- ment is rented. In 1910 he purchased the Ho- tel Myron, on Pennsylvania Avenue, which was a new and modern hotel, after which he made many improvements on it, converting it into a modern apartment house, with well ap- pointed flats and desirable store rooms, all of which are tenanted by a most desirable class of people. These flats are provided with every modern convenience to be found in the most desirable properties of similar kind in the large cities, such as running water, steam heat, baths, etc. He purchased the Jones building on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Twelfth Street and after spending a considerable amount of money on improvements made the property exceptionally desirable. The home of Mr. Acklin is second to none in Tyrone-a fine brick structure of modern architecture located on Lincoln Avenue and Twelfth Street. The interior is beautifully designed and so arranged that the lower floor can be thrown into a single room. In addition to other valuable invest- ments held by Mr. Acklin in real estate, he re-' cently purchased the Sholley property on Lin- coln Avenue, one of the most desirable proper- ties in Tyrone. Mr. Acklin is a leader in the movement that has resulted in the erection of so many desirable houses in Tyrone. He has a keen insight into the value of real estate and has made a number of excellent investments.

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There is not in Tyrone a man who can see what is needed to make an idle piece of prop- erty a profitable investment quicker than Mr. Acklin. Every piece of property owned by him is tenanted.

Mr. Acklin is a member of Tyrone Lodge, No. 494, F. & A. M .; also Jaffa Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Altoona; and the Harris- burg Consistory; also of Sinking Spring Lodge, I. O. O. F., Tyrone. In politics he was first affiliated with the Democratic party, but owing to the division of that party on so many important questions, he subsequently decided to cast his vote witl :. the Republican party and has done so for the past fifteen years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. A man of fine musical taste and rare vocal ability, he has served the church as chorister in a choir of twenty voices containing some exceptionally fine vocal talent.

Mr. Acklin married Miss Elizabeth Kaiser, a daughter of E. Kaiser, of Brownsville, Pa. Her father was a successful jeweler of that place. Mr. Acklin is a man of exceptional business ability, possessing a keen sense of honor and an affable disposition. Now in the prime of life, he has been the architect of his own fortunes, and his record would indicate that the future still has much in store for him. He is a member of the borough council from the Third Ward.

HARRY M. SAUSSER,* chief clerk of the Tyrone Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Tyrone, Pa., who has been identified with this company for the past twenty-four years in some capacity, was born at Berrysburg, Dauphin County, Pa., September 10, 1864. His parents were William J. and Sarah M. (Matter) Sausser.

William J. Sausser and wife were both born in Dauphin County, where their fathers, Jona- than Sausser and A. J. Matter, both of Ger- man ancestry, had settled very early. William J. Sausser was a dealer in granite and marble, until 1866, at Berrysburg and afterward at Tyrone, where his death occurred when aged but forty-five years. His widow survived him

for a long period, her death occurring in 1907, at the age of seventy-three years. William J. Sausser was a charter member of the Lutheran Church at Tyrone, his name being the first signed on the church list and he continued his membership as long as he lived. Five children were born to William J. Sausser and wife, as follows: Angelica, who is the wife of W. H. Bollinger, of Tyrone; Christian W., who is a general merchant at Bellwood, Pa .; Edwin C., an employe of the Tyrone Paper mill; Harry M .; and Jean R., who is a milliner and resides at Tyrone.

Harry M. Sausser has been a resident of Ty- rone since 1866. He obtained his education in the public schools and left the Tyrone High School in 1880, following his father's death, becoming a bookkeeper for Study Bros., gen- eral merchants, remaining with that firm until November 22, 1886. At that time he accepted a clerkship in the office of the superintendent of the Tyrone Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad. His efficiency and fidelity brought promotion and in December, 1903, he was ad- vanced to be chief clerk for the road at this point. Aside from his personal business, Mr. Sausser has been a very active and useful cit- izen and at present is serving as a member of the school board and also of the board of health. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Sausser married Miss W. J. Bollinger, and they have a pleasant home at Tyrone, their residence being at No. 236 E. Tenth Street. Mrs. Sausser was born at Rock Springs, Cen- ter County, Pa. For the past eighteen years Mr. Sausser has been extremely active in the affairs of the Lutheran church, in which he was carefully reared. He has served as a member of the church council and as superintendent of the Sunday-school and has been interested in all the uplift movements of the church. For a quarter of a century he has been identified with the Y. M. C. A., and has served as a mem- ber of the board of directors and as a trustee, being treasurer of the latter organization. Mr. Sausser is a broad-minded, earnest man and the devotion he has shown to those things which work for the general welfare, is credit- able both to his head and heart.

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HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY

CLAIR CRAWFORD FLECK,* who is en- gaged in general farming on a tract of 102 acres in Tyrone Township, Blair County, Pa., was born February 14, 1867, in Sinking Valley, Blair County, Pa., and is a son of Gabriel and Rebecca (Stoner) Fleck.

Gabriel Fleck always followed farming in Sinking Valley, and was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. He was politically a Republican, a member of the Lutheran church, and also of the Grange of Sinking Valley. His union with Rebecca Stoner resulted in the fol- lowing issue: Ira, resides in Russell County, Kansas; Ely, is a resident of Tyrone, Pa .; John Mosheim, died in infancy; Lindley, who is in the ministry, is a resident of Newery, Blair County, Pa .; Elizabeth is the wife of C. H. Jones, of Tyrone, Pa .; Clara, married B. F. Culp, of Altoona, Pa .; Cyrus, who is in the ministry, is a resident of Riegelsville, Bucks County, Pa .; Sarah Jane, who died December, 1893; Harry, superintendent of the schools of Tyrone, Pa .; John, who is engaged in farm- ing in Sinking Valley, Blair County, Pa .; Clair, subject of this record; David, a con- tractor of Altoona, Pa.

Clair C. Fleck was reared and educated in Sinking Valley, and has always followed farm- ing in a general way, now residing on a farm of 102 acres, which is located in Tyrone Town- ship. He is a man of public spirit and enter- prise, and has always taken an interest in all affairs which tend toward the advancement of the community in which he lives. In politics he is identified with the Republican party, and is fraternally a member of the Masonic order of Tyrone, and the Grange of Sinking Valley. He holds membership with the Lutheran church.

January 3, 1893, Mr. Fleck married Ella WVarfel, who is a daughter of John and Mar- garet Warfel, of Tyrone Township. Her father died in 1892, and the mother lives with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Bailey, of Tyrone. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fleck: Margaret, April 1, 1894; Marion, July 28, 1896; Ralph, November 11, 1899; Hazel, March 31, 1903; and Lillian, Septem- ber 12, 1905.

J. B. BEAM, contractor, builder and whole- sale dealer in lumber and builders' supplies, has been a resident of Tyrone, Pa., for twenty-two years and is one of the representa- tive business men of the borough. He was born in Cooper Township, Clearfield County, Pa., November 25, 1869, at what is known as Kylertown, a son of Nathan and Caroline (Miller) Beam.

Nathan Beam, who is one of Clearfield County's substantial citizens and successful farmers, was born on a farm in Cooper Town- ship, adjoining the one he owns, sixty-five years ago. His parents were Daniel and Susan (Cooper) Beam, pioneers to Clearfield County. Nathan Beam married Caroline Miller, who was born in Switzerland, and was brought to America when six years old by her parents, Jo- seph and Helena Miller, who settled in Cooper Township, Clearfield County. To Nathan Beam and wife four children were born, three sons and one daughter, as follows: Emil, who is a resident of Clearfield County; Edward, who lives at Pitcairn, Pa .; Osie, whose home is in Texas; and J. B., of Tyrone.

J. B. Beam is one of the successful men of this borough, who has fairly and honestly won his way to the front. During early youth he worked on his father's farm and attended the public schools and in his spare time learned the carpenter trade. This trade he followed in Clearfield County until 1888, when he moved to Tyrone, where he worked as a carpenter for several years and then went into contracting and building. At the present time he stands at the head of these lines of industry at Tyrone, and for several years past has averaged from _ thirty-five to forty residences a year beside a large amount of repair work. He also operates a planing mill and is engaged in the wholesale lumber business at Northwood, a suburb of Tyrone. He gives many men employment and his pay roll amounts to a large figure, all add- ing to the general prosperity. Mr. Beam owns real estate in both Northwood and the borough of Tyrone. In September, 1909, he erected an auditorium at Tyrone, with dimensions of 120 x 80 feet, which is used for public meet- ings, conventions and large assemblies of vari-

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ous kinds, space being afforded also for amuse- ments like roller skating and basket ball. Mr. Beam is president of the McConahey Realty Company.

Mr. Beam was married soon after coming to Tyrone, to Miss Effie Meredith, a daughter of William and Emma Meredith, of this place. They have four children: William N., who married Miss Caroline Nelson, daughter of N. O. Nelson; E. Caroline, Helen M., and J. Le- roy. The family resides at Northwood. They are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Beam is fraternally identified with the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Daughters of America, the Independent Order of Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Order of the Moose.

THOMAS M. FLECK,* a well known and substantial citizen of Tyrone Township, Blair County, Pa., where he lives retired on his farm, was born in this township, September 17, 1834, and was the only child born to Abraham and Mary (McKee) Fleck.

In his boyhood Mr. Fleck attended the dis- trict schools and when he grew to years of re- sponsibility he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed more or less all through his active years. He married Miss Sarah Stoner, a daughter of Christian and Mary Stoner, of Lancaster, Pa., and nine children were born to them, as follows: William, Charles and How- ard, all of whom are deceased; Lewis L. and Frank E., both of whom are employed in the Pennsylvania Railroad shops at Altoona; Mazie, who resides at home; Anna, who is the wife of Harry Lotz, of Sinking Valley; Ed- ward J. H., who is at work in the Altoona shops with his brothers; and Mrs. John B. Wilson, of Altoona. Mr. Fleck and family are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican and formerly was quite active in township affairs, serving thirty years as school director and several years as auditor. He is a member of the local Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. His home farm lies near Sink- ing Valley.

DR. WILLIAM HOWARD MORROW, a successful medical practitioner and highly es-

teemed citizen of Bellwood, Pa., has been identified with the business interests of this borough since 1887. He was born in Sinking Valley, Tyrone Township, Blair County, Pa., a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Crawford) Morrow, both of whom were also natives of Sinking Valley. His father was a farmer and general merchant, his death occurring on the farm in 1882.

Dr. William H. Morrow was reared on the farm and obtained his education in the com- mon schools, at Birmingham Seminary and the Millersville State Normal. During this time he taught school five winter terms very success- fully. His knowledge of the medical profes- sion was obtained at the Jefferson Medical Col- lege, of Philadelphia, Pa., and he first embarked in the practice of medicine at Grafton, Pa., where he remained but three months. He then came to Bellwood, and since 1887 has been ac- tively and most successfully engaged in follow- ing his profession in that place. He is a mem- ber of the State, County and American Medical societies and also of the medical staff of the Altoona Hospital. He is also a member of the Business Men's Association, of Bellwood, and affiliates with the I. O. O. F., the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Royal Arcanum, of which he is medical examiner. Dr. Morrow is a Republican in politics, although inclined to be independent, and served six years on the borough council, eleven years on the school board, of which he is now president and of which he was treasurer some years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he has been an elder for some years.

Dr. Morrow was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Crawford, who was born in Sinking Valley, and is a daughter of James Crawford. Dr. and Mrs. Morrow reside in an attractive brick home, which is heavily covered with vines. Both are held high in the esteem of their friends and fellow citizens.

JOHN KILGORE JOHNSTON, superin- tendent of the Tyrone Division of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad and one of the most efficient of the many officials of the model of all public service corporations, has been a resident of Ty- rone, Pa., since November, 1903. He was

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Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 126

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872- Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Number of Pages: 1036

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing
Number of Pages: 1036