Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 93

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 93

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· Mr. McIntire married Miss Jennie A. Helsel, who was born in Freedom Township, Blair County, a daughter of John and Margaret Helsel, the former of whom is deceased. The latter resides east of Hollidaysburg. Nine children were born to this marriage, as follows : Margaret L., Mary C., Jennie P., Dora E., James P., Homer, Russell, Kenneth, and one that died in infancy. The eldest daughter, Margaret L., is the wife of D. A. Finnegan, of Blair Township. In politics he is a Re- publican. He is identified fraternally with Hollidaysburg Lodge, No. 119, Odd Fellows and Appalachian Encampment, No. 69, and be- longs also to Scotch Valley Grange, No. 510, Patrons of Husbandry.

HARRY H. HART, the popular proprietor of the Bingham Hotel, which is situated on Twelfth Street, Altoona, Pa., has been a resi- dent of this city for about ten years and is well and favorably known in business circles. He was born in the city of New York, Septem- living, namely : Martin L., of Gaysport, Pa .; , ber 18, 1870, and is a son of Richard K. and Amanda (Fero) Hart.

Harry H. Hart is next to the youngest of a family of four children, the others being May, Francelia and Albert. During his school period his parents lived at Philadelphia, Pa., and there he attended both the common and High schools. After coming to Altoona he accepted employment in the Altamont Hotet in this city and remained with that house for about eight years. In February, 1909, he took charge of the Bingham Hotel, a twenty-room building, which is equipped with all modern

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improvements and comforts. He has proved a very popular host and is doing a large business.

Mr. Hart was married in 1903, at Williams- port, Pa., to Miss Anna C. Haag, a daughter of Christian Haag, a resident of Puxatawny, Pa. Mr. Hart is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles at Altoona. He is identified with the Republican party.

JOSEPH B. CONDRON, contractor and builder, is a successful business man of Holli- daysburg, Pa., and the descendant of an old and honored central Pennsylvania family.

He is a son of Tames Condron and was born at Frankstown, Blair County, Pa., on October 9th, 1855. Hollidaysburg was the scene of his schooldays and early career. In 1878 he went to Arizona, where he for five years enjoyed the stirring life of the Western plains and foothills.

In 1883 he returned to Hollidaysburg and embarked in the planing mill and lumber yard business. His plant is located on South Mont- gomery Street, on the site of the boat yard of the olden-time Pennsylvania Canal, and is well equipped and modern.

Mr. Condron takes an active interest in public affairs. He is affiliated with the Re- publican faith, is serving his third term as a member of the Town Council, and is a former President of that municipal body. He is a stockholder and officer of The Hollidaysburg Improvement Company and is also a stock- holder in The First National Bank of Holli- daysburg. He is a musician and possesses a rich and clear tenor voice, which renders him a favorite in all the church and social functions of the town. His talents .also shine to ad- vantage in the degree work of Wanita Lodge No. 1142, I. O. O. F.

Mr. Condron was married to Miss Mary Isabella Kinports, now deceased. To their union were born four children: Miss Kath- erine Bella, Miss Isabella K., and Mr. J. Donald Condron, at home ; and Mrs. Ella Jene Calvin, wife of Samuel Calvin, of California. An- nouncement was recently made of the engage- ment of Miss Katherine Bella Condron to Mr.

Joseph Reed, of Chicago, Ill., a former Holli- daysburg boy, and a son of Charles H. Reed.

In 1908, Mr. Condron married Miss Lavinia Patterson Burchinell, and dwells with his wife and children in the beautiful East End of Hollidaysburg.

CHARLES GEESEY, one of the foremost members of the Blair County bar, who has been actively engaged in the practice of his profes- sion at Altoona since 1891, has served with credit in public office and has been a sym- pathetic and helpful citizen in those movements which have contributed to the general welfare of this section. He was born in Frankstown Township, Blair County, Pa., April 10, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Koofer) Geesey.

The Geesey and Koofer families came to Blair County, Pa., from Germany, at an early day. Henry Geesey, father of Charles and son of Conrad Geesey, was born after his parents had moved to this county, and he was occu- pied through life with farming and working as a mechanic, in Frankstown Township. He married Elizabeth Koofer and they had nine children.

Charles Geesey was the youngest member of the large family and probably the most ambi- tious. Although he enjoyed no other educa- tional opportunities than those offered by the district schools he had so thoroughly mastered the ordinary branches that he was readily ac- cepted as a school teacher when but seventeen years of age and his complete success gave him encouragement to continue in this occupation. For some years thereafter he taught school only in the winter seasons, giving his summers to farming and also, at times, attended the Juniata Collegiate Institute. Later, as he be- came better known and better qualified he de- voted his summers also to the class room, spending fourteen years in the educational field, some eight of them being given to the public schools of Altoona. During this time he also gave some attention to studies in other professions before deciding to direct all his efforts to the acquirement of a legal education.

HON. EDMUND SHAW

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Subsequently he became a law student under Hon. Martin Bell and in 1891 he was admitted to the bar.

In addition to the professional reading above referred to, Mr. Geesey long had been a student of public questions and had identified himself with the Republican party. His clear views and convincing arguments expressed on many occasions attracted the notice of party leaders in the county and in 1876 he was put forward as a candidate for register and recorder. Al- though he was defeated for this office it was by so small a majority that in 1881 his party again presented him to the county convention, as opposed to six other candidates, for the office of prothonotary of Blair County. He was nominated and subsequently elected and served with the greatest efficiency and useful- ness for three succeeding terms. After retiring from this office he opened up his law business at Altoona, made rapid progress and has stood high in his profession for a long time.

Mr. Geesey was married in October, 1871, to Miss Anna B. Smith, a daughter of the late William Smith, and they have seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely: Mary E., Roy S., Charles H., Edna A., Walter A., Grace K., and Hilda W. Of the sons: Roy S. Geesey is engaged in the insurance business with an office in the Central Trust Building; Charles H. is with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; Walter A. is a teacher and resides at No. 914 Sixth Avenue, Altoona. The eldest daughter, Mary E., is the wife of Guy R. Lingafelt, who was elected on the Republican ticket in November, 1909, prothonotary of Blair County. Edna A. is now Mrs. Alfred M. Kell of York, Pa. Grace K. is now Mrs. Bernard Stevenson of Syracuse, N. Y. Mr. Geesey's residence is at No. 914 Sixth Avenue and his law apartments are in the Central Trust. Building. He is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs also to the Heptasophs.

GEORGE ALLEN TIPTON, general farmer and well known citizen of Taylor Township, Blair County, Pa., was born in this

township, December 6, 1861, and is a son of George and Susan (Shoenfelt) Tipton.

George Tipton was a son of one of the early families of Blair County, in which he spent his life, the later years being passed on the farm on which his son, George Allen, now lives. He was a Republican in politics but never aspired to office, his idea of a good citizen being one that conscientiously works for law and order with no thought of reward. He was a worthy man in every particular and was a member of the Lutheran church. He married Susan Shoenfelt, a daughter of Jacob Shoen- felt, who came early to Blair County and settled on Plum Creek, in Taylor Township. Four of the children of George and Susan Tip- ton still survive, namely: John, of Taylor Township; Jacob, of Huston Township; Wil- liam, of Huston Township; and George Allen, of Taylor Township.

George Allen Tipton was six years old when his parents moved from Taylor into Huston Township, where he obtained his common school education and lived until he had grown to manhood, when he accompanied his parents back to Taylor Township and has lived here ever since. He carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Tipton was married June 22, 1909, to Miss Minerva Linn, a daughter of Alexander Linn, of Ore Hill, Blair County, and they have an infant son whom they have named George E.

HON. EDMUND SHAW, formerly a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, in which he served two terms with distinction, is a leading member of the Altoona bar, and also a veteran of the great Civil War. He was born near Phillipsburg, Center County, Pa., December 4, 1836, and is a son of John and Mary ( Waring) Shaw.

The Shaw family comes from North Ireland. Family records tell that from County Derry, in 1795, two brothers of this name came to Penn- sylvania, one of them being Robert Shaw, the grandfather of Hon. Edmund Shaw, of Al- toona, He was twice married and the third son of his first union was John Shaw.

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John Shaw, father of Hon. Edmund Shaw, was born in 1809, in Mifflin County, Pa. He remained in his native place until he reached manhood and then moved to Phillipsburg, in Center County, where he followed the trade of a cabinetmaker until 1835. He then purchased a farm in Decatur Township, Clearfield County, Pa., where he carried on agricultural pursuits until within a few years of his death, when he retired to Phillipsburg and died there in 1869. He was an attendant of the Presbyterian church, although not a member, but was liberal in its support. In politics he was a Democrat and at different times was elected to township offices, serving with honesty and efficiency. He was married the first time to Jane Ann McKirk, who died without issue. His second marriage was to Mary Waring, who was born in England in 1809, and accompanied her par- ents to Phillipsburg in 1821. Her death oc- curred four years after that of her husband, and two of their eight children yet survive.

Edmund Shaw was afforded excellent edu- cational advantages. He attended both Cass- ville Seminary and the Normal School at Millersville, preparatory to entering upon a career as a teacher, but by the time he had com- pleted his first term in the college, the Civil War had broken out and the attention of the young student was attracted to a far different sphere of activity. On September 16, 1861, he enlisted for three years, in Co. K, IIoth Pa. Vol. Inf., thereby displaying a deep seated pa- triotism rather than the temporary enthusiasm which characterized many. His promotion was rapid, from a private in the ranks he was suc- cessively made corporal, sergeant and sergeant- major of his regiment, his further advance- ment being halted by the ball of an enemy on the field of Chancellorsville. He had partici- pated in all the previous battles and marches of his regiment and one one occasion had been made a prisoner by the enemy, but as he was then wounded, he was willingly paroled by the enemy to save themselves the trouble of giving him medical care, and thus probably es- caped a long season in one of the pestilential prison pens of the South, from the hardships

incident thereto if not death. The injuries to his leg were so serious that his final recovery was a marvel. For ten days after he was wounded he lay on the battlefield and after he was found he was sent to the Union Hospital at Falmouth, Va., and later the Chestnut Hill Hospital at Philadelphia. No further active service in the field was possible and he was then detailed as a clerk in the office of the provost marshal at Washington, D. C., where he remained until he was honorably discharged September 16, 1864. For one year he was compelled to use crutches.

Doubtless life looked different to many of the returning soldiers of that mighty struggle and many, like Mr. Shaw, had given the very flower of their youth to the service of their country. His education had fitted him for a professional life and his thoughts and ambi- tions now turned to the law, and wisely as was subsequently developed. In the course of months he became a law student at Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, where he was cred- itably graduated in 1867. He then took up his residence at Martinsburg, West Va., being ad- mitted to the bar there in 1868, and during his five years of practice at that point made sub- tantial advances and in 1872 was elected prosecuting attorney of Berkley County. He continued in office until 1873.

In looking about for a more remunerative if not more appreciative professional field, Mr. Shaw determined on Altoona and came to this city in 1873 and in the same year was ad- mitted to the Blair County bar. Altoona has been his settled home ever since, although, dur- ing an extensive practice that has taken him to · many other sections to appear in the higher courts, and during many years in public life, in- ducements have been offered him to take up his residence in other cities. He has, however, al- ways been loyal to Altoona, believing in her future and reciprocating the cordiality and con- fidence of his fellow citizens.

An enthusiastic Republican, Mr. Shaw has been one of the leaders in his party in state politics. In 1884 he was elected to the Pennsyl- vania Legislature. Approval was shown of his

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acts as a statesman by his reelection in 1886, and he served through two terms to the en- tire satisfaction of his constituents. His professional prominence was recognized to some degree in this body by his appointment as a member of the two chief committees, the Judiciary and that of General and Municipal Corporations. To legislation of all kinds de- signed to benefit the public instead of combina- tions of capital, Mr. Shaw gave his hearty sup- port and when he returned to private life it was with the confidence of the people unimpaired. As a citizen of Altoona he has many times proved his interest and usefulness, serving in the city council and on advisory boards. In 1882 he was a member of the civic organiza- tion known as the Committee of Forty-eight. In charitable and benevolent movements he has always been interested and his influence may be counted on when public spirited enterprises are under consideration. Since returning to private life he has continued active in the prac- tice of law and ably represents a professional body that counts many brilliant men among its members. He maintains his offices in the Wilson Building, on one of the leading thor- oughfares of Altoona.

Mr. Shaw was united in marriage on De- cember 14, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Smith, who is a daughter of the late Dr. David R. Smith, who was formerly a very prominent physician, widely known throughout the Cumberland Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw enjoy a beautiful home which stands at No. 1130 Fourteenth Avenue, Altoona.

EDGAR F. THOMPSON, owner and pro- prietor of a hardware business and blacksmith shop at Frankstown, Pa., where he is one of the prosperous and enterprising business men, was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., Decem- ber 30, 1873, and is a son of Wesley and Sarah (Rossman) Thompson.

The parents of Mr. Thompson reside at Mc- Alevy's Fort, Huntingdon County, where the father is engaged in the blacksmith business and is a well known and substantial citizen. He married Sarah Rossman and they have had

the following children: Penina, who is de- ceased, was the wife of Stewart Davidson; Ada, who is the wife of Rev. John Black, a minister in the Presbyterian church; Ella, who is the wife of Wilbur Irvin; Jennie, who is the wife of William Marrow; Wilda, who is deceased, was the wife of Thomas Stewart; Edgar F .; Eva, who is the wife of Edgar Irvin; and Walter.

Edgar F. Thompson obtained his education in the public schools and then learned the black- smith trade with his father. When prepared to start into business for himself he chose Frankstown for his home and built his shop here in which he started business on January 24, 1902. Being a well trained workman he secured plenty of custom and in 1905 expanded his business by adding the sale of hardware. He requires the assistance of one man the year round. Mr. Thompson has invested in resi- dence property also and has a fine home in the village.

On October 25, 1893, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Sarah Hannah Ayers, a daughter of Samuel and Emma Ayers, farming people in Huntingdon County. Mrs. Thomp- son is the eldest of her parents' family and she has the following brothers and sisters: Will- iam, Jacob, Fannie, James, Catherine, Harry, Ella and Mary. Fannie is the wife of George Henderson. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson four children have been born: Helen, Harry, Ethel and Vernard. Helen is deceased. Mr. Thomp- son and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views he is a Re- publican and he is serving in the office of school director. He is identified along fraternal lines with Lodge No. 282, F. & A. M., at Hollidaysburg; Lodge No. 119, Odd Fellows and the Knights of Maccabee, both of Holli- daysburg.

I. F. YEATER, D. O. S., who enjoys a large practice as an osteopathic physician and surgeon, maintains his office at No. 1213 Eighth Avenue, Altoona, Pa., of which city he has been a resident since the fall of 1892.

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He was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., in 1864.

Dr. Yeater was reared on the home farm and assisted his father until he reached man's estate, in the meanwhile securing a good educa- tion in the country schools and the High School at Orbison. His natural inclination was in the direction of a professional life but circum- stances were not favorable in his early man- hood and he therefor applied himself to learn- ing the carpenter and house building trades, which he followed some four years. He then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company as a car builder and continued in that line for ten years. When he severed this connection he decided to gratify the ambi- tion of his younger years and with this end in view he entered the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy, at Philadelphia, and was graduated president of his class in 1907, and in the same year was graduated from the Philadelphia School of Anatomy, under the celebrated Dr. Fritz. He came at 'once to Altoona and has found a ready field of work here, each year bringing more people to a realization of the practical benefits of his system of healing. He is a member of the Pennsylvania State Osteo- pathic Association and the American Osteo- pathic Association, the leading organizations of Osteopathy.

In 1903, Dr. Yeater was married to Miss Clara B. Hammond, of Franklin County, Pa. They are members of the Third Presbyterian Church and Dr. Yeater is a member of the board of deacons. He has been identified with this religious body since he was twenty years of age. He is a member of Mountain Lodge, F. & A. M., of the P. O. S. of A., of the Heptasophs and of the Modern Woodmen of America.

JOHN G. MOCK, a successful agricul- turist and representative citizen of Taylor Township, Blair County, Pa., was born on the farm on which he lives, September 15, 1868, a son of David B. and Susan (Goch- nour) Mock.

David B. Mock, who is one of the highly

respected residents of Taylor Township, be- ing now in his seventy-fifth year, was born in North Woodbury Township, Blair County, a son of John L. Mock, who was an early settler there. When thirteen years of age, David B. Mock accompanied his par- ents when they moved to Taylor Township, and ever since he has resided on the same farm. He married Susan Gochnour, who was born in Bedford County, and still sur- vives. Of their children, two are living: Annie K., who is the wife of Jacob S. Ware- ham, of Taylor Township, and John G., of this record. The two children deceased were: David and Catherine. David B. Mock and wife are members of the Church of the Brethren. He casts his vote with the Republican party.

John G. Mock was reared on the home farm in Taylor Township and attended the public schools and one term of the Normal School at Millersville, Pa. He has devoted the larger part of his business life to farm- ing, having more than 100 acres of valuable land which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He is numbered with the substantial and reliable men of this section. His vote is cast with the Republican party, but his interest has never led him to seek office.

In early days the family name was spelled with an a instead of an o, then reading Mack, in place of Mock. John G. Mock is in the eighth generation in descent from Rev. Alexander Mack, who was the founder of what is known as the Church of the Brethren, of which Mr. Mock is a member, deacon and trustee, at Martinsburg. This pious ancestor organized the first church of this faith at Swartzenau, Germany, and later carried the good tidings to Germantown, Pa., where he, with others, founded the first Church of the Brethren in America, and he was the first minister. The society has in- creased in numbers but the old articles of faith are still subscribed to and the old cus- toms preserved. It is a noticeable fact that in the community where many members of

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this simple faith live, there will be found a perous people.

GEORGE WASHINGTON MOYER, a veteran of the Civil War, and a prosperous farmer of Logan township, is the owner of a fine farm of 150 acres and has been a resi- dent of Blair County, Pa., since 1859. He was born June 18, 1838, at Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pa., and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Swanger) Moyer, the lat- ter of whom died in the spring of 1854 at Lewiston, Pa. The father was a native of Dauphin County, and the paternal grand- father of subject was born between Ger- mantown and Philadelphia in what is now the city proper. Of the twelve children born to the parents of our subject, five died in infancy, and those living are as follows : Mary Jane (Ferguson) now deceased, was a resident of Altoona; Barbara (McCart- ney) deceased, lived in Altoona; Catherine (Lewis), died in Altoona; George W., our subject; Margaret, died unmarried in Cum- berland County, Pa .; James, who was killed on the Penna. R. R., was a resident of Altoona; and Peter S., who now is a resident of Pinecroft, Blair County, Pa.

George Washington Moyer was reared in Cumberland County, Pa., and when about 21 years of age came with his father to Blair County and settled just below Al- toona. He coaled some for Isett, also for Dr. Baker, and during the summer of 1860 coaled in Center County, Pa. He then re- turned to Blair County and in 1865 entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as laborer in the blacksmith shop at 12th street, Altoona, under foreman George Hawksworth, was promoted to the position of heater at the large finishing furnace in 1868 and was so occupied until the spring of 1884 when he retired and lo- cated on his present farm, which is known as the Homer farm, Homer Gap, Logan Township, which he had purchased in 1882. He has lived here continuously since that

time and has been successfully engaged in peaceful, law-abiding, industrious and pros- general farming. In 1894 he erected the commodious brick house in which he and his family now reside. In February, 1864, Mr. Moyer enlisted as a member of Com- pany G., 12th Pa. Vol. Cav., and served un- til the close of the war, his service being principally in the Shenandoah Valley. He was mustered out with the regiment at Philadelphia and discharged July 20, 1865, at Winchester.

December 25, 1869, Mr. Moyer was joined in marriage with Sue J. Nelson, who was born on the site of Fairview Cemetery, and is a daughter of Samuel and Jane (McPher- son) Nelson. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moyer: Samuel Jacob, who died in infancy; James Luther, who lives on the home farm, married Lizzie Horst, and they have four children-Esther May, Linnie P., Theodore Ray, and Francis I .; and Alfred D., Carrie Hagerty, and Mary, who all three died in infancy.

Mr. Moyer is one of the most prosperous farmers of Logan township, and is a man of sterling qualities and has been highly successful for one whose opportunities and educational advantages were so limited. Mr. Moyer was called upon in 1900 to settle the Coleman estate, and at his instigation there was established in 1907 a corporation in which he is a stockholder and director, and the Grand View Cemetery Association, which will be-owing to its fine location- one of the finest and largest in this section of the country when completed. Mr. Moyer is politically an independent voter; he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and his religious connection is with the Presbyterian church.

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Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 93

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