Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 71

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

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ter Military Academy, and Stevens Institute. After the death of his father he married and resided in Washington, D. C. He was a Vol- unteer for the Spanish-American War and served in the Phillipines. Entering as a priv- ate Company C, 45th U. S. Vol. Inf., he later became Sergeant, in Company C, Ist Regt., U. S. Engineers. Receiving an honorable dis- charge, he accepted service the following day as 2nd lieutenant of Company C, Ist Regt. U. S. Engineers. He was mustered out and re- turned to the Pacific Coast disabled from the effects of a wound, and a victim of malarial and typhoid fevers, followed by tuberculosis, and subsequently died in New York, September 19th, 1910 at the age of forty-one years and eleven months, leaving a son, Aristide ( fourth of the name in direct descent), who resides in Georgetown, D. C.

Adala Henrietta, born August 24th, 1845, died in infancy at Ebensburg, Pa. Clara Vir- ginia, was born at Ebensburg, Pa., October 4th, 1847.

Charles William, born in Hollidaysburg, Pa., December 2nd, 1849, died there in infancy, and was interred in the family vault at Ebens- burg, Pa.

Florence Victoire, born in Hollidaysburg, Pa., January 25th, 1854, married Prof. Fitz- Gerald Tisdale of New York, December 23rd, 1885, and resides there.

After his marriage Dr. Rodrigue lived suc- cessively at Sunbury, Pittsburg and Ebensburg prior to 1846, in which year he came to Hol- lidaysburg, Pa. Here from 1851 until 1856 he and his wife occupied what was known as the Williams homestead on Mulberry near Front Street. The ground was acquired in 1831 and later was built upon and owned by William Williams and three ladies of the name of Williams, who deeded it in turn to William Williams and his wife. This is the property which Mrs. Ruthven one of the two surviving daughters of Dr. Rodrigue has purchased with the intention of converting it into a fit- ting memorial of her father. This lady who has traveled far and wide and enjoyed social distinction in many lands, has chosen in

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preference to any other place, for this pur- pose, the old homestead which to her is hal- lowed ground because of her revered father's presence here during her infancy. Coming from her winter home in Florida after a journey round the world for her health in 1896, she took up her residence in this old homestead July 5th, 1910. Her subsequent purpose with respect to it is expressed in the following communication in answer to queries from friends and kindly pub- lished by the editors of the leading newspapers of Hollidaysburg and Altoona. Of the former town is a gentleman whose life I am told had been saved in infancy by Dr. Rodrigue and who on that account had been named for him by grateful parents. Mr. A. R. Traugh and is gratefully appreciated in his turn as a highly esteemed editor (of the Standard) and friend.

"Here in Hollidaysburg my father and mother came in their youth and devotion, living and suffering the usual vicissitudes of all who live and strive to build up this rare and generously endowed country ; yet, in a great measure, struggling with the hardships of undevelopment. Unbroken roads, heavy snow drifts, mountains to circle or surmount, with or with- out food day and night, was the task in those days, 1840-46, for the physician, which, even to a young man, was a menace to health and success.

My father, then scarcely forty years of age, loved his profession and held it sacred, even above his life and family, if necessity called. That he held a deep and sincere place in the hearts and memories of his patients, we, who are left, rejoice to see testified how many have kept him in remembrance, for it was his joy and pleasure to give relief to poor and wealthy alike. Far and near, in remote places difficult to reach, no matter what the hour day or night, he was always willing and prompt to respond to the call of suffering. I am glad to find the old home still within the bounds of renovation, and purpose residing here, hoping my married sister and brother, the only remaining members of the family, may unite their homes with mine.

My intention is eventually to complete a medical library of reference for physicians, with a board of trustees, and who, together with others throughout the State, may meet here for consultation-a dispensary and also a ladies' auxiliary to the Red Cross of America, a lecture room for charitable purposes, and first aid to the wounded." This interesting pamph- let is dated August 31, 1910.

The writer of the above, formerly Clara Vir- ginia Rodrigue, was married May 15, 1883, to James Alexander Ruthven, a resident of New York, where he died November 22, 1889. He was a son of James Ruthven and wife who resided forty-four (44) years in West 23d Street. He was a graduate of Col- umbia College and the Yale Law School, and occupied a prominent professional and social position in New York. A daughter by a pre- vious marriage survives Mr. Ruthven, making her home in England with her two sons. Be- fore leaving Hollidaysburg for Kansas, Dr. Rodrigue had been one of the founders of the Blair County Medical Society and its first vice- president.

Peculiar conditions existed in Kansas in 1856, but it was as a man of civilization and of peace that Dr. Rodrigue went there for his recovery of health. How desirable it would have been could he have lived to a serene old age, but for many years afterward neither safety nor serenity was assured there to any public man.

Mrs. Ruthven in recalling her family's his- tory, remarks that three members of her father's family died between the ages of forty and forty-seven years, each one having known the horrors of war, either through active partic- ipation or in its effects. Her eldest brother, Andrew, while serving the government as post- master fell a victim to the factional disturb- ances at Lecompton, Kansas, two younger brothers served later in the Civil War and a nephew in the Spanish-American and Philip- pine Wars, as stated.

THADDEUS C. LINGENFELTER. de- ceased, was formerly one of the best known

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and most highly esteemed residents of Green- field Township, a member of a large and in- fluential family and a man of sterling character and excellent business qualifications. He was born in Greenfield Township, Blair County, Pa., August 15, 1848, and was a son of George and Barbara (Claar) Lingenfelter, and a grandson of Jacob Lingenfelter and Frederick Claar, early settlers. Of the family of eleven children born to his parents, Thaddeus C. is the only one deceased, his death taking place July 19, 1909.

Thaddeus C. Lingenfelter grew to manhood in Greenfield Township and obtained his educa- tion in the district schools. He early engaged in farming and lumbering and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted and remained in the service for almost a year. His subsequent life was passed in Greenfield Township. He was a man of industry and business prudence and was able to leave a valuable farm of 116 acres to his widow and surviving children.

On February 9, 1873, Mr. Lingenfelter was married to Miss Margaret Stine, who was born in Greenfield Township, Blair County, Pa., October 5, 1854, and is a daughter of David and Catherine (Dively) Stine. The Stines are of German extraction. David Stine was born in Blair County and enlisted as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was captured by the Confederates and incar- cerated in Libby Prison, where he died from inhuman treatment. His widow still resides in Greenfield Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Lin- genfelter eleven children were born, and of these the following survive: Rachel E., who is the wife of George Carpenter, of Fulton County, Ill .; Effie, who is the wife of William Knisley, of Altoona, Pa .; Mollie E., who is the wife of Harry Black, of Greenfield Town- ship; Blaine L., who resides in Greenfield Township; Mazie M., who is the wife of Ed- ward Dibert, of Altoona; and Lucy B., Jennie F., John G. and Earlston W., all reside in Greenfield Township. Elsie and Lydia D. are deceased.

In politics Mr. Lingenfelter was a Repub- lican. He was deeply interested in the public

schools and served for some time as school director. He was one of the most active mem- bers of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Claysburg. His friends were many in every walk of life and in his death his community lost a worthy citizen. His widow continues to carry on the farm industries with the assistance of her sons. She is a valued member of the Reforme:l Church at Claysburg.

WALTER B. GLENN, owner and pro- prietor of the Leroy Hotel, a leading hostelry of Altoona, Pa., which is favorably located on Chestnut Avenue, opposite the post-office, is a well known business man of this city. Mr. Glenn was born at Altoona, September 27, 1874, and is a son of William H. and Naomi (Rickel) Glenn.

William H. Glenn was a prominent citizen of Blair County for many years and was very active in the public affairs of Altoona. He served for nine years as county coroner, being elected on the Republican ticket. His death occurred November 28, 1904. He married Naomi Rickel, who survives, and they had two children : Walter B. and Harriet B., the latter of whom resides with her mother and conducts a millinery business.

Walter B. Glenn attended the public schools until he was fourteen years of age, since then he has been entirely self supporting. Through enterprise and industry he established himself in the ice business at Altoona, in which he con- tinued until August 6, 1908, when he took charge of his hotel. He has an excellent loca- tion and as his house is comfortably equipped and the cuisine is of more than usual excellence, he is enjoying a large amount of patronage.

On January 10, 1906, Mr. Glenn was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Jane Lee, a daughter of John Lee, of Pittsburg, who for twenty-three years had control of the restaurant in the Union Station at Pittsburg, Pa. Mrs. Glenn is a member of the Catholic Church. Politically Mr. Glenn is active in local affairs, giving sup- port to the Republican party. He is a mem- ber of Lodge No. 102, Elks, at Altoona.

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HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY

PROF. DAVID S. KEITH, formerly super- intendent of the public schools of Altoona, Pa., was identified with the educational interests of Central Pennsylvania more or less throughout his entire active career, only retiring in 1905, having spent some forty-one years as a teacher. He was born at Woodbury, Bedford County, Pa., March 26, 1847, and is a son of John and Mary (Shiffler ) Keith.

Adam Keith, the great-grandfather, was a native of England. He was af early settler in Huntingdon County, Pa., where he carried on farm pursuits and reared his family in Hope- well Township. John Keith, son of Adam, was born and reared in Hopewell Township and lived there until late in life when he moved to Wisconsin, where he died in 1858. He also was survived by descendants and one of his sons, John Keith the second, became the father of David S. Keith, of Altoona. This John Keith was born on the old homestead in Hunt- ingdon County and remained there until 1840, when he moved to Bedford County, this being seven years before the birth of his son, David S. During his earlier years he engaged in teach- ing but later became interested in agricultural pursuits and in 1871 located on a farm in Taylor Township, on which he died in 1874. He was a man of education and good judg- ment and at times held public offices. He mar- ried Mary Shiffler, a native of Blair County, who survived until 1889. They reared a family of six children. For many years they were active members of the Methodist Epis- copal church.

David S. Keith enjoyed many educational advantages and in preparing for the career of an educator had the approval and support of his father, whose reputation in that line ex- tended over a wide territory. When sixteen years of age, Mr. Keith took charge of his first school, in the year previous having been a student in Juniata Academy, at Martinsburg. Men of Professor Keith's quality of mind and ambition never "complete" their education- their outlook is too wide and their conception of human knowledge is too comprehensive. They recognize, however, and none better, the

value of training, and for many years Mr. Keith devoted a portion of his time to study in Normal schools, particularly the Normal School at Millersville, Pa. From the country schools of Huntingdon and Blair Counties, he was called to Indiana, Pa., to teach in the grammar school and he remained there until 1873, when he was appointed principal of the Altoona High School. Fourteen months later he was elected to succeed Prof. John Miller as superintendent of the whole school system of Altoona, and in accepting that important office, Professor Keith became a leading factor in the advancement of education in this section. For thirty-one years he remained superin -. tendent and no student of educational affairs in this city can be ignorant of the great advance made during those years. He came to this position not only thoroughly equipped as to education, but he was also a good organizer and was able to systematize the work and thereby gain the highest efficiency. In his views on public questions, Professor Keith has always been liberal and broad minded, and, while never seeking political favors for himself, has given hearty support to measures and men promising good government and better civic conditions. He has never entertained many business propositions aside from his profession, but he is a member of the board of directors of the Union Bank of Altoona.

On June 13, 1883, Professor Keith was married to Miss Margaret Crawford, daughter of Armstrong Crawford, a resident of Tyrone, Blair County. They have two sons : Charles Russell and Ralph Crawford. He has long been an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Altoona. To both the Masons and Odd Fellows he has given his fealty for years and has been active in these organizations in this city. He resides at No. 1004 Seventeenth Avenue, Altoona.

THOMAS ALLEN COLEMAN, an ex- tensive fruit grower and highly esteemed citi- zen of Logan Township, Blair County, Pa., resides on a farm of 110 acres and is the owner of a large vineyard. He was born on his pres-

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ent place May 28, 1858, a son of John and Isabel (Nelson) Coleman, and comes of one of the prominent and old families of the county.

Thomas Coleman, great-grandfather of our subject, resided just beyond what is now the city limits of Altoona, Pa. He was probably a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and died here in 1837, having located here some years previous to his death. John Coleman, grandfather of Thomas A. Coleman, was born in Logan Township and was the owner of the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. He married Betsy Shaw, and they reared the following children: Jane (Mrs. Smith), who lived in Logan Township; James, who was a resident of Logan Township; John F .; Eliza- beth (Mrs. Hagerty), who resided in Antis Township; Thomas, who lived on the old home place, which is now the Jaggard farm; and Francis, who died in early manhood.

John Coleman was born on what is now the Jaggard farm in Logan Township, and always lived in this vicinity. He began housekeeping in the old log house and in about 1848 built a plank house, which was wonderfully con- structed and is still water tight. He resided in. that house until about 1880, when he built a large brick house and continued his residence there until the time of his death, in 1903. He married Isabel Nelson, who was a native of Antis Township, and a daughter of James Nelson, and came of one of the old established families of this county. She died a few years before her husband, and of their union were born the following children: Martha J., who lives on the old place; James N., who resides in Colorado; Stephen, who died in 1872, in Kansas; William Z., who lives in Frankstown Township; Margaret E., who is the wife of J. B. Cox of Allegheny ; David D., who lives in Juniata; Thomas Allen; Anna L., who is the wife of Harry Manley of Antis Town- ship; and Caroline, who died in infancy. The family were members of the old Lutheran church of Antis Township.

Thomas Allen Coleman has always lived on his present farm except for a short time.

He has always followed farming and has made a specialty of fruit growing, raising peaches, apples, raspberries and grapes. He has the largest vineyard in this vicinity, having up- wards of 5,000 vines, mainly Concords and Wordens, and has about 1,000 peach trees.

Mr. Coleman was married December 14, 1882, to Miss Henrietta Kopp, who is a native of Logan Township, and a daughter of Andrew Kopp, who is a resident of Fairview. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman began housekeeping in the old plank house and after his father's death moved into the brick house. They are the parents of the following children: Charles T., who married Verda Bowman, and they have two children-Miles and James; Grace C., who is the wife of Frank Antes of Logan Town- ship; Martha K., deceased, who was the wife of Robert Shaw; Ernest, who died aged eleven months; John, who died in infancy; Edna; James; Isabel; Alfarata; Hetty, and Paul, who died aged eleven months. Mrs. Cole- man is a member of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Coleman is a Repub- lican in politics, and while not seeking political preferment, has served as auditor and is now supervisor of the township. He is identified with the I. O. R. M. and the Grange.

GEORGE W. MOCK and J. E. HOOVER, proprietors of a large business enterprise at Roaring Spring, which has been carried on at this place for many years under the business style of the Bare Milling Company, are ex- perienced grain and flour men and representa- tive ciitzens and members of old families of this section.

George W. Mock was born in Woodbury Township, Blair County, Pa., June 23, 1868, and is a son of the late Andrew Mock, who lived near Williamsburg, Pa. George W. Mock was educated in the public schools. Since 1899 he has been engaged in the milling business and for seven years he owned and operated a mill at Rodman, near Roaring Spring, coming to the latter place in April, 1906. He admitted J. E. Hoover to a partner- ship and the old name of the plant was re-

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tained. The Bare Milling Company manu- factures Bare's Best and Snow Flake flour, high grade chop, corn meal, pure rye, Graham and Buckwheat flours and are dealers in all kinds of grain.

Mr. Mock married Miss Lillian E. Hoover, a daughter of Daniel Hoover, of Huston Town- ship, Blair County, and they have two chil- dren: Daniel R. and Mary J. In politics Mr. Mock is a Republican but is only active to the extent of good citizenship.

JOHN E. HOOVER, part proprietor of the Bare Milling Company at Roaring Spring, was born in Huston Township, Blair County, Pa., June 6, 1872, and is a son of Daniel and Jane (Rhodes) Hoover, who still reside in Huston Township. Mr. Hoover obtained a public school education and grew up on his father's farm. In April, 1899, he became connected with a mill at Rodman, Pa., and in April, 1906, became a partner in the present mill business at Roaring Spring. The capacity of the pres- ent mill is seventy-five barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. Both Mr. Mock and Mr. Hoover are practical millers and they have three employes. They do both a wholesale and retail business and make a specialty of merchants' trade. Mr. Hoover is a Republican in politics and has frequently been elected to public office. He served as auditor in Huston Township and later in Taylor Township and has been clerk of the election board in the latter. He is identified with the Roaring Spring lodge of Odd Fellows and is also a member of the Sons of Veterans.

JOHN M. SNYDER, who is engaged in the practice of law at Hollidaysburg, Pa., has been a resident of this city for thirty years. He was born at Junction City, Kans., and was brought here by his parents in early youth. The late Harrison H. Snyder, father of John M., was a very prominent citizen of Blair County for many years. He was born here in 1837; in early manhood was admitted to the bar. During the time of his residence in Kan- sas, he was county attorney of Geary County and the noted "Wild Bill" was his chief mar-

shal. Mr. Snyder served as a soldier in the Civil War for three years, being a member of the 62nd Pa. Vol. Inf. His death occurred in 1891.

John M. Snyder was practically reared in Blair County and after attending through the public school course he entered Lafayette Col- lege, at Easton, Pa., where he was graduated with the class of 1894. He then studied law with W. I. Woodcock and was admitted to the bar in 1896, and at present is a practitioner in both the courts of the state and in the Federal courts. As business opportunities have pre- sented themselves, Mr. Snyder has frequently taken advantage of them and is concerned with a number of enterprises, officially and as a stockholder. He is vice president of the Olanta Coal Mining Company; is president of the Thermic Coal and Supply Company, of Holli- daysburg; and is a director of the First National Bank of Williamsburg.

In 1906, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Loretta R. Brown, of Pittsburg, and they have one child, Harrison Coleman. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Altoona. He is prominent in Ma- sonry and is past master of Juniata Lodge, F. & A. M .; past high priest of the Chapter and a member of Mountain Commandery, at Altoona, and of Jaffa Temple, Mystic Shrine, also at Altoona. Mr. Snyder can claim the ancestry which entitles him to membership in the Sons of the Revolution and he is identified with this order at Philadelphia.

CHARLES AUGUSTUS MARKS, pro- prietor of the Logan House, at Hollidaysburg, Pa., has been a lifelong resident of Blair County and comes of one of its old established families. He was born July 1, 1873, in Holli- daysburg, Pa., and is a son of William and Alena (Dross) Marks, both well known early residents of the county. The maternal great- grandfather of our subject, came by way of canal to Blair County, Pa., about seventy years ago, and settled on the site of the Logan House at Hollidaysburg, now owned by the. subject of this record, and the family has lived con-

J. BANKS KURTZ

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tinuously in this borough since that time. William Marks and his wife were both born in Pennsylvania, the former being still a resi- dent of Hollidaysburg, and the latter's death occurred July 30, 1909. They were parents of the following children: Charles A., sub- ject of this record; Amelia, who is deceased; Adelia, who married Clyde Manning; May, who is the wife of James W. Gromiller; and Leo, Francis, Gertrude, and Marguerite.

Charles A. Marks was reared to man's es- tate in Hollidaysburg, and attended the public schools until thirteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter trade, and for a time attended the night school. He was subse- quently employed at the Iron Nail Company, where his father was foreman, and was then fireman on the Pittsburg Division of the Penna. Railroad. About 1883 he became collector for the Hoster Brewing Company, and has con- tinued in the employ of that company to the present time, and in 1904 entered the hotel business. He first operated the Pennsylvania House, which he sold to his brother, Leo Marks, and since February 27, 1909, has been proprietor of the Logan House, which he bought from William Hughes.

Mr. Marks is politically a Republican and served twelve years as county committeeman from the Fourth Ward. He is fraternally a member of the F. O. E. No. 286, of Altoona, and the Artisans of Hollidaysburg. In. con- nection with his hotel business, Mr. Marks is also engaged in the retail business with Mr. Dross, their office being located in the Loop Station. Besides his hotel property he is also the owner of two residences in this borough. On November 9, 1889, Mr. Marks was joined in marriage with Miss Margaret Caldwell, who is a daughter of William and Alice Caldwell, and to them have been born three children: Claire, who is a student at Dickinson Semi- nary, graduated from the High School of Hollidaysburg with the class of 1907, when aged sixteen years; Hale; and Cloyd.

J. BANKS KURTZ, district attorney of Blair County, Pennsylvania, and a leading

member of the Altoona Bar, has been engaged in the practice of law, in this city, since 1893, in which year he was admitted to the bars of Cumberland, Juniata, and Blair Counties in quick succession. Mr. Kurtz was born in Del- aware Township, Juniata County, Pennsyl- vania, October 31, 1867, and is the oldest of a family of six children born to his parents, Abraham H. and Mollie E. (Bergey) Kurtz. His father was a prosperous farmer in Juniata County.

J. Banks Kurtz was educated in the public schools of his native county and at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. Before entering college he taught in the public schools for two years. Immediately after completing his college edu- cation he entered the Dickinson Law School, from which institution he graduated and re- ceived his degree in 1893. In the month of June he was admitted to the Cumberland County Bar, later to the Juniata County Bar, and in October to the Blair County Bar, following which he opened his law office at Altoona. He is also admitted to practice in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, the Su- preme Court of Pennsylvania, and the United States District and Circuit Courts. In 1908 Dickinson College conferred upon him the hon- orary degree of A. M.

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Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 71

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