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A HISTORY
OF THE
JUNIATA VALLEY
AND ITS PEOPLE
UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF
JOHN W. JORDAN, LL.D.
Librarian of Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
' "v
VOLUME III
ILLUSTRATED
;"',1^EW-.¥0RK'.' '•
LEWIS HISTORICAL- P^XOtlSHliSTG COMPANY
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
R 191+ , L
r
HISTORY OF THE JUXIATA VALLEY 945
fare of his cily. and is there held in esteem as an honorahle bnsiness
man and good eitizcn.
lie married ( lirst ) in Jnly, 1879, Elizahetli, daughter of Alexander
Campbell of Huntingdon. She died December 20, 1886; issue: i. Elmer
N., born January 18, 1881, now a bookkeeper for the Bayer-Beaver
Company ; he married Mabel Isenberg ; children : Frederick Allen,
Geneveive Isenberg. 2. Florence, deceased. 3. Herbert, deceased. Mr.
Rupert married (second) May 30, 1889, Laura C. Carver, daughter of
George Carver, died January 14, 1913, and his wife, Anna Bare, who
survives him; children: 4. J. Lillian, born December 17, 1893, graduate
of Huntingdon high school, class of 191 1, and the Business Department
of Juniata College, 1913. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rui)ert and their daugh-
ter, J. Lillian, are members of the Church of the Brethren, which he
serves as deacon.
\\'illiam Emmert Swigart, son of \\'^illiam J. and Carrie
SWIGART M. (Miller) Swigart, was born June 5, 1883, in Hunt-
ingdon, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He de-
scends from German-Swiss ancestors, the first of whom emigrated to
the United States when the country was yet young. The family has
for generations been closely identified with the best interests of Penn-
sylvania, and particularly Huntingdon county, and the Juniata Valley
section.
He obtained his early mental discipline in the common schools of
the borough, and later matriculated at Juniata College. He entered the
teachers' department, and graduated with distinction in 1900. In 1906
he graduated, after having taken a classical course. Previous to leaving
the halls of learning he entered pedagogy as a profession, and for one
year engaged with signal success in teaching. He had in the meantime
acted as special agent for the Penn IMutual Life Insurance Company,
and in 1907 he, with John W. Harshbarger as partner, engaged in the
insurance business on a large scale, representing many of the most
important and soundest companies in the United States. His patrons
declare that he has one of; ti'i.e be^t„''can'cl.uct?d ;Agencies in the Juniata
Valley. Mr. Swigart is regarded as one _of the foremost citizens of
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, wh<;re. he-Tfsicl'es, In his business dealings
he is scrupulously exact and fair, anxl.. hfts '.wOn' a success which is most
946 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
creditable, as it has come to him as the result of his own business
acumen and personal merit. In politics he is a Progressive, aiding that
youngest of political parties in every manner in his power, but he has
never held nor aspired to office. He has been a member of the Board
of Health of Huntingdon, on which he did faithful work for the public
sood. He and his wife are members of the Church of the Brethren,
supporting it generously. He married, June 6, 1907, Eva Workman,
daughter of Mrs. Jemima Workman, formerly of Ohio, but who now
makes her home in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. She is of straight Eng-
lish and German descent. Children: i. John, born August 30, 1908.
2. Dorothy, born July i, 1912.
Wilfred Osborn Neff, a well-known citizen and public offi-
NEFF cial of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, is a descendant of a
family with a most interesting history. The Neff family,
now so numerous in various parts of Pennsylvania and in some localities
in the west, had its origin in Switzerland, where there are very many
of the name, especially in Canton Zurich. There they belong, as their
descendants in America take pleasure in pointing out, to the most sub-
stantial class, whose lot in life is neither poverty nor riches, but useful
activity with consequent prosperity. They are said to be among the
most prosperous and best educated artisans of Europe, and that traits
of heroism and intellectual aspirations are still latent is clearly proved
by incidents of family history which are handed down from genera-
tion to generation. The Neffs in America are able to trace their
ancestry to the earlier half of the sixteenth century. In the struggles
for liberty in the little land of Switzerland they bore their share bravely,
and have transmitted their admirable qualities to their descendants.
The earliest known ancestor, Adam Neff, with his trusty sword, rescued
the standard of Zurich from the hands of the invaders at the battle
of Cappel, October 11, 1531. In the next century Barbara Neff lent
new luster to the name by the martyrdom she suft'ered for her devotion
to the Reformed faith. In later times Felix Neff, the "pastor of the
high Alps," is fondly bsmhmbe^ed'Apr: htS; sJiort life of Christian zeal
and fidelity to his flock,' scattered m^i iijg-' Alpine heights, and for his
missionary labors in spreadirig tif-pj^l^i among the destitute and igno-
rant dwellers in remote httmlets! .'!]^a'ul 'Neff, a celebrated publisher of
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 947
Stuttgart, Germany, is another of this famous family. The picture of
St. Isaac of Dalmatia, in the catiicdral at St. Petersburg, is by the cele-
brated painter, Timoleon Carl von Neil, who died in Russia in 1879.
Representatives of three generations of the Neff family came to
this country about 1717 — Francis Neff, his sons, Francis Jr., Henry and
Daniel, and the sons of Daniel, also named Henry and Daniel. They
settled near Little Conestoga creek, in Lancaster county. Hans Hein-
rich, or John Henry Neif, brother of Francis Neff, the first regularly
educated physician in Lancaster county, appears to have settled here
somewhat earlier. He was widely known throughout the country and
spoken of with respectful affection as the "old doctor." The descend-
ants of Franz or Francis Neff" are spread throughout Lancaster and
Huntingdon counties, and in Ohio, Virginia, and other parts of the
United States. The family has become allied by marriage with some
of the most prominent families in the country. The early settlers of
this name were generally Mennonites, or members of the Reformed
church. Governor Gordon, of Pennsylvania, says of them (Colonial
Records, Vol. Ill, page 296) : "That they came into the province
under a particular agreement with the late Honourable Proprietor, Wil-
liam Penn, at London," under whom they took up lands, and that they
"have generally so good a character for honesty and industry as de-
serves the esteem of this government, and a mark of regard for
them."
(I) Isaac Neff, grandfather of Wilfred Osborn Neff and a descend-
ant of the Francis Neff mentioned above, lived near Petersburg, Penn-
sylvania, where Neff's Mills now stands. He was a merchant and a
miller. In political matters he gave his allegiance to the Republican
party, and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church.
He married Susan Neff, who was his first cousin, and they had chil-
dren: Edwin John, see forward; William A., died in Cleveland, Ohio;
Frances M., married John McMulIin, and died in Iowa; Isaac, is a vet-
eran of the civil war and now lives in Ohio; Susan, married John Mor-
ton, and resides in Philadelphia ; Lizzie, who died in infancy.
(II) Edwin John, son of Isaac and Susan (Neff) Neff, was born in
Petersburg, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1825, at Neff's Mills, Hunting-
don county, and died on his farm at Warriors Mark, in the same county.
May 27, 1893. He was a miller by trade, but was obliged to abandon
948 HISTORY OF THE JUNL\TA VALLEY
this occupation, as the constant inhalation of the mill dust seriously
affected his health. In place of this he engaged in agriculture, of which
he made a decided success. During the civil war he was in service for
nine months, enlisting in 1864 in the Ninety-first Pennsylvania Volun-
teers. He participated in no actual engagements, but was almost in
danger of starvation at Appomattox. He was a Republican in his
political views, and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
church.
He married Mary Ellen Harris, born in Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, and died at Warriors Mark in 1894. Her parents were
both natives of Ireland and settled at Manor Hill, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, where he was a distiller. They were members of the
Catholic church, and he was a Democrat. Their children were : John,
a distiller, died unmarried at Monroe Furnace, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania ; Catherine, married John Isenburg, at Petersburg ; Charles,
a farmer of Manor Hill, Pennsylvania, was in service four years during
the civil war ; Mary Ellen, mentioned above ; William, in the provision
business, died at Harrisburg ; Reuben, a farmer living in Tyrone, Penn-
sjdvania. Mr. and Mrs. Neff had children: i. Wilfred Osborn, see
forward. 2. Frances, never married. 3. A\'illiam A., was a farmer and
married (first) Lettie Beck, (second) Laura Beck. 4. Edwin J., mar-
ried Annie Fetterhoof, of Huntingdon county. 5. Carrie May, married
H. L. Grazier, a farmer of Huntingdon county. 6. Susan E., married
Ernest Addleman, a veteran of the Spanish-American war.
(Ill) Wilfred Osborn, son of Edwin John and Mary Ellen (Har-
ris) Neff, was born at Warriors Mark, Huntingdon county. Pennsyl-
vania, January 17, 1859. He was educated in the public schools of War-
riors Mark, and at the Birmingham Seminary, from which he was
graduated in 1874. For some years he was engaged in farming, aban-
doning this occupation in 1891 in favor of work on the railroad for
the period of one year. He then received an appointment to an official
position in the Pennsylvania State Reformatory at Huntingdon, which
he filled very acceptably for twenty-one years, but in May, 1912, was
obliged to take a leave of absence on account of illness. He took up
his residence in Huntingdon in 1891, and has resided there since that
time. He is Republican in political matters and has held a number of
township offices. He is a member of Warriors Mark Presbyterian
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLF.Y 949
Clnirch, antl of Lodge No. 152, TndepL'iKk'iU Order of Otld Fellows of
Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Mr. Neff has never niarrietl.
William D. Kinsloe, M.D., of Huntingdon county,
KINSLOE Pennsylvania, descends from a family long established
in the Keystone state. He is the son of H. C. and
Elizabeth Kinsloe, and was born July 30, 1872, at Newton Hamilton.
He was educated in the public schools, Bucknell University and Hahne-
mann Medical College, from which he graduated with distinction in
1895. He moved to Denver, Colorado, where he entered upon the prac-
tice of medicine, remaining two years. At the expiration of that time
he went to Alaska and again took up his profession. He returneil to
Pennsylvania and entered the mercantile business at Newton Hamilton,
in which he continued for six or seven years, or until 19 10. He next
entered a partnership with A. B. Galbraith, under the firm name of The
Huntingdon Milling Company. They leased the old Isenberg IMill oppo-
site the city of Huntingdon, in Smithfield township, and have conducted
an eminently successful business since its inauguration. Besides doing a
general milling business, they handle all kinds of grain, hay, coal, flour
and feed. In addition to local business they ship their produce to many
places. They have five or six competent men in their employ. Dr.
Kinsloe has in charge the disposing of their products. He is a Repub-
lican, an Elk and was a member of the Greek letter fraternity Sigma Chi
at college and still holds his membership.
The history of this branch of the Hall family begins in
HALL Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, with Laban Hall, of Eng-
lish parentage, who came into the county from Marvland
when a young man. He there became a farmer and stock raiser, living
in both Penn and Tod townships. He was a Whig in politics, and both
he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He
died in 183 1 in Tod town.ship. He married Jemima Antha Clark, who
died in Henderson. Children: i. Antha, married Jacob Fink, a farmer.
2. James, a blacksmith, 3. Thomas L., born in Penn township, died
January 6, 1866, a stonemason and farmer. He enlisted in the nine
months' service men; went to the front with the 125th Regiment, Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company I ; was wounded in the left arm
950 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
at the battle of Antietam, September, 1862, and honorably discharged.
He married Catherine Harker. 4. Elijah, a farmer. 5. Laban (2) (of
whom further). 6. Mary, married John Sparr. 7. Sarah, twin of
Mary.
(II) Laban (2), son of Laban and Antha (Clark) Hall, was born in
Penn township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1831, died June,
1882. He was educated in the public schools and all his life was a
farmer of Huntingdon county. He enlisted in the Union army in
1864 in Company L, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was in service in
North Carolina at the time of the surrender of General Johnston. He
was honorably discharged at the close of the war and returned to his
Huntingdon county farm. He was a Democrat in politics, serving as
school director and in other township offices. He was a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both he and his wife belonged
to the Lutheran church. He married in 185 1 Christina, daughter of
Jacob and Mary (Focht) Hettrick, both born in Blair county, Penn-
sylvania — he a blacksmith and farmer, both he and his wife belonging
to the Lutheran church. Their children were: George; Christina;
Philip; Jacob, a soldier of the civil war, serving in Company I, 13th
Pennsylvania Cavalry ; Samuel ; John L. ; Catherine, married William
Hern; Elizabeth, married John Hall; and Solomon, married. Children
of Laban (2) Hall: Josiah C, of whom further; Jacob, born in 1854,
a farmer; George, born 1856, died 1863; William, born 1862, now an
employee of the Pennsylvania railroad; Harry, born in 1864, now a
retired merchant; Alice, born 1866, married Henry Musser and resides
in West Virginia.
(III) Josiah C, eldest son of Laban (2) and Christina (Hettrick)
Hall, was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1852, He was
educated in the public schools and spent his early life on the home
farm. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in
Huntingdon county for about five years. He then entered the employ
of the Pennsylvania railroad as bridge carpenter, later moving to Hunt-
ingdon, where he has since been engaged in contracting and building.
He is well established as an honorable, capable builder and has erected
manv of the residences and blocks in Huntingdon and vicinity. Mr.
Hall is a Democrat in politics, serving in the city council and as school
director. He is a member of Mount Moriah Lodge, Free and Accepted
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 951
Masons, and has taken all the degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry np
to and including the thirty-second. In religious faitii he is a Presby-
terian.
Ele married, in 1874, Anna, daughter of John and Eva Nunier, the
former a carpenter and builder. Children: i. John Herbert, born June
25, 1876; graduate of Huntingdon high school; graduate of Juniata
College, class of 1895 ; graduate of University of Pennsylvania, class
of 1899; now an architect, residing in Huntingdon. He married, in
190 1, Ada Moore, and has Hilda and Beatrice. 2. George, born 1878;
graduate of Huntingdon high school; engaged for several years as a
clerk in Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Altoona, Pennsylvania ; now engaged
in business with his father ; married Freda Hess, and has a daughter
Virginia. 3. Edith, born 1883 ; graduate of Huntingdon high school,
and spent one year at Juniata College, two years at Wilson College. 4.
Loyce, born 1886; graduate of Huntingdon high school; spent one year
at Juniata College, then five years at Wilson College, whence ishe was
graduated.
This branch of the Reed family descends from James Reed,
REED of Scotch descent, who came from Lancaster county, Penn-
sylvania, to the Buffalo Valley.
(II) William, son of James and Jane (Ogleby) Reed, was born in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, about 1775. He settled in Union
county, Pennsylvania, where he became a prominent farmer and a lead-
ing member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Jane Gil-
lespie, and reared a large family. Both he and his wife died at the
Union county farm.
(III) James, son of William and Jane (Gillespie) Reed, was born
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, died in Hartleton, Pennsylvania.
He spent his active years on the paternal farm in Union county, and
after the death of his father purchased a part of the homestead from
the heirs. Later he bought the remaining portion and there lived
until sixty years of age. then moved to Hartleton, where he lived retired
until his death. He was a very pious man. and for forty-five years
was an elder of the Presbyterian church, bringing up his children in
strict acccirdance with his own rigid faith. In political faith he was a
Whig, warmly supporting the anti-slavery movement, and uniting with
952 HISTORY OF THE JUNL\TA VALLEY
the Republican party when that organization was first formed. He
took an active part in civic affairs; served as school director, and by
his influence aided in all progressive movements. He married Mar-
garet Wiley, whose grandparents came from Scotland, settling in Union
county, Pennsylvania. Grandfather Wiley was a well-educated man, a
school teacher, and served as an officer in the revolutionary army.
Both were rigid Presbyterians. Children of James and Margaret Reed :
I. Uriah, a practicing physician, died at Jersey shore, Pennsylvania. 2.
Jane, married (first) Paschal Chambers, (second) David Kleckner, and
died in Davis, Illinois. 3. Harriet, died in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania,
unmarried. 4. Catherine, died in Jersey Shore, unmarried. 5. John,
died in youth. 6. Robert, married Caroline Bergstresser, of Selinsgrove,
Pennsylvania, and settled in Tiffin, Ohio, where he died, a farmer. 7.
Sarah, married Joseph Richard, whom she survives, a resident of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa. 8. Mary Ann, married Alexander Clemens, and resides
in Rocky Ford, North Dakota. 9. William, of whom further. 10.
Susan, married George Hicks, and resides in Mifilintown, Pennsylvania.
II. George, a retired druggist of Vineland, New Jersey. 12. David, a
farmer of Waterford, Colorado.
(IV) William, ninth child of James and Margaret (Wiley) Reed,
was born near Laurelton, Union county, Pennsylvania, February 21,
1839. He obtained his early education in the township schools, then
attended Mifflinburg Academy two terms, finishing his studies at New
Columbia (Pennsylvania) Normal School, which he attended two terms.
He taught several terms in the public schools, but the call to arms in
1861 found him ready to march to the defense of the imperilled Union.
He enlisted in June, 1861. in Company H, 8th Regiment Missouri Vol-
unteer Infantry, being at that time in Illinois, and crossing to Missouri
to enlist. He served three years, and saw war in all its horrors. He
fought at Fort Donelson, Russell's House, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas
Post, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, siege of Corinth, Jackson,
and in many other engagements between the armies of the north and
south. At Vicksburg he ' was one of the immortal one hundred and
fifty men who, forming a "forlorn hope," by a desperate charge cap-
tured an important point and made the capture of a line of breastworks
possible. This charge ranks in military annals as one equalling any
made at Gettysburg, even that of Pickett, in the final effort to dislodge
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
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HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 953
the Union forces. The survivors of tlie charge were awarded a Ijronze
nied.il for their bravery, and in 191 1 those still surviving received in its
place a gold medal, attesting the high honor in which they are held.
Mr. Reed values this as one of his greatest treasures, and nothing he
possesses has a higher value to him than the mute testimonial of the
part he bore in defense of a united country.
After receiving an honorable discharge at the expiration of his three
years of service, Mr. Reed returned to Pennsylvania, locating in Hartle-
ton, where for two years he engaged in mercantile life as senior member
of Reed & Lucas. He next located in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, where
for eleven years he was a drygoods merchant. In 1879 he located in
Huntingdon, opening a drygoods store on Penn street. His business
soon outgrew the Penn street store and was moved to more suitable
quarters in the Opera House block, where for six years a successful
business was conducted. In 1892, a still larger store being needed, Mr.
Reed erected a four-story brick block fifty by ninety-two feet on the
ground, to which he moved on its completion in that year, and where he
yet remains in successful business operation. In 1903 the firm name
became William Reed & Sons Company, its present style and title. A
wise, careful, vet progressive man of afifairs, Mr. Reed has not only
founded but has carried to success one of the strong, reliable commer-
cial houses of Huntingdon. While the burden has been largely shifted
to younger shoulders, he is yet the guiding master spirit. Xor has he
been simply a worker for personal gain. The city of his adoption has
profited by his public spirit, and no movement for the betterment of
Himtingdon, either in civic or in industrial advancement, but has had
his active support. He served nine years as a member of council, and
for many years as a member of the board of trade, using his best efiforts
in both bodies to further the cause of progress. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church, and in politics is a Republican.
Mr. Reed was one of the founders of the "Huntingdon Home for
Orphan and Friendless Children," a philanthropy with w'hich he has
been actively connected since its foundation, over a quarter of a century
ago, and he is president of its board of managers. The direct impulse
that led to the establishment of this home came from his wife, Mrs.
Margaret Ellen (Glover) Reed, whose tender sympathy, extending be-
yond her own household, urged her husband to go in tlie early dawn
954 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
of a bitter cold day in January, 1881, to look after a family of poor
children on the outskirts of the town, and from which act, so remindful
of the "Good Samaritan," grew the commendable charity above men-
tioned. This seed, sown by a tender-hearted woman, has brought forth
a harvest the value of which cannot be overestimated, although she did
not live to see the full fruition of her hopes, and the editor of this
work takes a genuine pleasure in reproducing (and entirely without
solicitation) from a contemporary publication the history of "The
Home," as a tribute to the memory of its inspirer, and as an incentive
toward charitable deeds :
"A Bit of History. — Whatever may have been the preliminary
thought with reference to an institution for the care of poor children in
Huntingdon, the direct impulse to the movement was given by a woman
whose tender sympathies extended beyond her own immediate house-
hold.
"When Mrs. Ellen (Glover) Reed urged her husband, Mr. William
Reed, to go in the early dawn of a bitter cold day to look after a family
of poor children on the outskirts of the town, she set moving a combi-
nation of activities which resulted in what is now known as the 'Hunt-
ingdon Home for Orphan and Friendless Children' and all its branches.
It was in the evening of that same day, in the store of Mr. Reed, after a
discussion of the experience of the morning that a 'Home' or a place of
temporary care for these children was suggested.
"This event occurred in the early days of January, 1881. Such re-
lief as was possible was given the family in its uncomfortable C|uarters
at the time, and an effort was made to enlist the town in the establish-
ment of a home, or an association for the care of these and other cases.
There was no lack of sympathy, but the question that stood in the way
of progress was one of finance.
"Hearing of the movement to do something for children, a good
woman in another county gave twenty cents, and another in an adjoin-
ing state offered $25. A collection amounting to $4.25 v^^as taken up in
a prayer meeting. A small house was rented, and across the crackling
snow crust, at sunset, March i, the first little girl, sick with pneumonia,
was carried into the little brown house on Sixteenth street, and the
'Home' was a reality.
"Funds came from unexpected sources in unexpected ways. Then
the children of the county were taken on contract, leaving a large amount
to be raised from private sources. To the credit of public sentiment it
may be said that for twenty-five years never passed a month when all
bills for current expenses were not met, and when at the completion of
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 955
the group of buildings and the eciuipnient of the grounds a debt of $800
remained, a "Thanksgix-ing Offering' brouglit in $1,546.06.
"The influence of this movement did not stop at Huntingdon. Not
to speak of several other similar institutions that developed indepen-
dently under its inspiration, at Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1883, was
started a home which tluplicated the Huntingdon work, and for ten
years continued jointly under the same superintendence. This institu-
tion found in Mr. B. F. Newcomer, of Baltimore, a generous benefac-
tor, who through his life and at his death gave in all nearly $40,000.
"The Huntingdon Home for Orphan and Friendless Children was
chartered in January, 1883. The board of managers are elected by the
churches of the town, giving it an undenominational character."
Mr. Reed married (first) September 10, 1868, Margaret Ellen,
daughter of Andrew Glover, of Hartleton, Pennsylvania; she died De-
cember 7, 1888. He married (second) February 5, 1890, Mary Alice
Pellman, of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. Children, all by first wife:
Jessie, born September 29, 1869, died aged four years; Margaret, born
July I, 1871, died aged two years; Charles Lincoln, born February 8,
1873, now a partner of William Reed & Sons Company, married Mar-
garet, daughter of R. M. Speer; Arthur Wiley, December 3, 1874, now a
partner of William Reed & Sons Company, married Elsie Smith; James
Craig, born October 12, 1878, now a practicing physician of Saxon,
Pennsylvania, married Annie, daughter of Dr. Rohrer; William Glover,
born December 5, 1881, now a clerk in his father's store, married Marion
F. Kline; Robert Bruce, born June 6, 1883.
Now aged seventy-four years, Mr. Reed has realized the three great
aims of his life — "to be proprietor of a good store, to own and have a
good home, to be a good citizen." In attaining these, many other good
things have come to him. not the least of which are temporal prosperity
and the unbounded respect of his townsmen.
Than the Miller family there is none better known nor
MILLER more respected in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
where the immigrant ancestor located soon after his ar-
rival in this country. It has been established in the Juniata Valley since
1700. has prospered and grown exceedingly numerous.
(I) Benjamin Miller was born in Huntingdon county, lived and died
there. He was a merchant and did a large business. Both he and his
956 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
wife were members of the Presbyterian church, and were active in
their work for it. He married EHzabeth AUison, also of Huntingdon
county, and of English descent. Children: i. R. Allison. 2. Harry E.,
of whom further. 3. Mary, married Dr. Neff. 4. Died young. 5. Died
young. 6. Died young.
(II) Harry E. Miller, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (AUison) Mil-
ler, was born in Huntingdon county, and there died, July, 1892. At-
tending fine private schools and, being of a studious disposition, he
acquired an unusually thorough education. In 1861 he enlisted in the
125th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served out his enlistment.
After peace was declared between the North and South, he returned to
Huntingdon county and resumed his former mode of life. He re-
entered the mercantile world, doing a successful general merchandise
business for years; he later relinquished it and accepted a position as
bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Huntingdon, which place he
retained for years. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
church. They lived a quiet life, doing good to their fellowmen in an
unostentatious way. He married Mary B. Miller, daughter of Henry
and Mary (Hofifman) Miller, she a daughter of Dr. Jacob Hoffman, of
Huntingdon county. Henry Miller was the son of Jacob and Harriet
(Ashman) Miller, early settlers in Huntingdon county. For a time he
did a large general merchandise business, and later various kinds of
clerical work. Children of Jacob and Harriet (Ashman) Miller: Henry,
, father of Mrs. Harry E. Miller; Ashman; Elliott. Henry Miller, son
of Jacob and Harriet (Ashman) Miller, was born in Huntingdon county,
on the Miller homestead. He was well educated and taught school for
years. Later he was county commissioner's clerk for Huntingdon
county. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. He married Mary Hoffman. Children : William Ash-
man, a veteran of the civil war, resides in Florida ; Nannie, married
Dr. E. J. Greene, of Peoria, Illinois; Harriet: an infant: Mary B. (Mrs.
Harry E. Miller) ; Rose, married Irvin Hatterman, of Washington,
D. C. ; Lilian, unmarried ; iNIargaret, married J. C. Campbell, of New
York City, deceased, she resides in Huntingdon. Children of Harry E.
and Mary B. (Miller) Miller: i. Elizabeth, unmarried. 2. Clyde, died,
aged twenty-six. 3. Edwin, died, aged four. 4. Mary, died young.
5. R. Allison, of whom further.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 957
(III) R. Allison Alillcr, son of Harry E. and Mary B. (Miller)
Miller, was born January 6, 1884, in Huntingdon county. After com-
pleting his education he learned plumbing and engaged in that occupa-
tion for some time. In 1906 he entered the New York Trade School
and perfected himself in that line, learning the latest applied methods
of the trade. He established a shop in Huntingdon, where he did a
thriving business, commanding at once a large patronage. He next
added a complete line of hardware, and at the present time (1913) has
one of the best equipped and most up-to-date stores in Huntingdon
county and the Juniata Valley. He takes great pride in giving satis-
faction to his customers, does his work thoroughly and expeditiously.
His wife is a member of the Reformed church, but he has no church
affiliations. He is a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 200, Free and
Accepted Masons. Huntingdon; Royal Arch Chapter, No. 201; Stand-
ing Stone Commandery, Knights Templar; Mountain Council. No. 9,
R. and S. M. ; also Jaffa Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. In politics he is a
progressive, reserving the right to vote for the man he thinks Ijest suited
for the office. He has never held, nor desired, office.
On February 22, 1902, he married Dora E. Adams, daughter of
John ^^'. and Anna E. (Hull) Adams, natives of Center county, where
he was a painter. He came to Huntingdon in 1900, and is now instruc-
tor of painting in the Reformatory in Huntingdon.
In 1848 Francis Otto Beaver, a German boy of sixteen
BEAVER years of age, came to the United States, founding the
family of which George D. Beaver, of Huntingdon,
Pennsylvania, is a representative.
Francis O. Beaver was born in Wiirtemberg, Germany, November
18, 1835, one of a large family of children, of whom William, Fred-
erick and Sophia, wife of Jacob Reichley, were also members. Francis,
the fourth child, came to the L^nited States alone in 1848, and for a
few years labored at whatever his hands found to do. He secured an
education prior to coming to this country, to which he added in this
country the English branches and a knowledge of drawing, which he
turned to account as a draughtsman. Later he learned marble cutting,
which he followed in Fredericksburg, Maryland, York, Pennsylvania,
finally settling in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in 1864
958 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
in the same business, continuing about two years. He then entered the
employ of James Greene, who was the owner of a marble yard at
Huntingdon. After working for Mr. Greene several years as journey-
man, he was admitted to a partnership, later becoming sole owner by
purchasing Mr. Greene's interest. He conducted a prosperous business
alone until 1902, when he admitted his son, George D. Beaver, to a
partnership. In 1909 he retired from business and two years later, in
191 1, died, after a successful life of seventy-six years, sixty-three of
which had been spent in the United States, and for nearly a half a cen-
tury Huntingdon had been his home. He was an untiring worker, pos-
sessing all the sturdy, admirable characteristics of his race, rising to suc-
cess through his own energy and business ability. He was a trustee and
an elder of the Lutheran church, which he served with devotion and
zeal. He took little active part in public affairs, but was affiliated with
the Democratic party. He married Elizabeth Flenner, daughter of
David Flenner, of Scotch descent, a farmer and a Lutheran. He had
children: Jonathan; David; Samuel; William; Stewart, a soldier of
the civil war — these five deceased ; Elizabeth, Alfretta and Margaret.
Children of Francis and Elizabeth Beaver: Stewart, born 1865, died in
infancy; Charles, died in early boyhood; Ida, married A. B. Baker, no
issue; George David, of whom further; and a child, died unnamed.
(II) George David, only son of Francis O. and Elizabeth (Flenner)
Beaver to survive boyhood, was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania,
November 30, 1878. He was educated in the public schools and in
Juniata College, where he spent one year in the commercial department.
He then began working in his father's marble yard, and as the years
passed became an expert engraver and worker in stone. Later he was
admitted to a partnership, and in 1909 he purchased the entire busi-
ness, his father retiring to a well-earned rest. Since 1909 Mr. Beaver
Jr. has conducted the business alone. He cuts and engraves stone for
whatever use intended, either for building purposes or monumental.
He carries a large assortment of rough material of the various stone
used and executes any design submitted or will both design and execute.
He transacts a large and profitable business, ranking among the sub-
stantial men of his city. He is a member of the council, elected as a
Republican to represent the second ward. Both he and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian church, and he of the Masonic order, be-
HISTORY OF THI-: JUNIATA VALLEY 959
longing to Mount jMoriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons ;
Standing Stone Chapter, No. 201, Royal Arch Masons; Huntingdon
Conimandery, No. 65, Knights Templar; and Java Temple, A. A. O.
N. M. S.
He married, in 190J, Daisy P. Castner, daughter of James and
Mary (Hassinger ) Castner. James Castner served in the civil war until
its close, and was engaged in many battles fought during the struggle
between the states. Children of George D. and Daisy P. Beaver:
Francis, born September 27, 1903; Elizabeth, died in infancy.
From Germany came the Fetterhoofs. settling in
FETTERHOOF Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, where the first rec-
ord is found of Michael Fetterhoof. He left Le-
banon county at an early date, settling in Spruce Creek Valley in Hunt-
ingdon county, where he owned a tract of four hundred acres, which
he partly cleared and cultivated until his death. He married Elizabeth
Rinehart, also of German birth. They were both members of the
Lutheran church — quiet, industrious, thrifty Germans, prosperous and
respected; children: John; Joseph; Samuel; George; Michael (2), of
whom further; Lydia, married Michael Lowe; Margaret, married John
Shafifer; Elizabeth, married Jacob Shaffer; Susanna, married Charles
Merriman.
(II) Michael (2), son of Michael and Ehzabeth (Rinehart) Fet-
terhoof, was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and spent his early
life at the farm. He moved to Huntingdon county with his father,
assisted in clearing and cultivating the Spruce Creek Valley home-
stead, and on the death of his father inherited that propertv. He
brought the whole tract under cultivation and there lived the remainder
of his life a prosperous, contented, respected farmer. He was active
in the Whig and Republican parties, holding several township otSces.
He clung to the religion of his fathers and was a pillar of strength to
the Lutheran church of his neighborhood. He married Eliza Beghel,
daughter of George and Elizabeth Beghel, both born in Germany.
George Beghel was a mason by trade and a strict member of the
Lutheran church. He had five children: Eliza, married Michael (2)
Fetterhoof (of previous mention) ; Nancy, married David iNIyers; Mar-
garet, married John Matson; Mary, married James Riley. Children of
96o HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Michael and Eliza Fetterhoof : Samuel, deceased; Mary, married Wil-
liam Shaffer; Jesse, a farmer, deceased; Elizabeth, yet living, married
Thomas K. Henderson ; Daniel, a farmer, deceased ; George, a farmer,
yet living; John, a farmer, yet living; William Beghel (of whom fur-
ther) ; Margaret, deceased; Francis, died in infancy.
(HI) William Beghel, son of Michael (2) and Eliza (Beghel) Fet-
terhoof, was born at the original Fetterhoof homestead in Spruce Creek
Valley, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1843. He attended
public school and spent his early life on a farm. Later he learned the
tanner's trade and engaged in business with his father-in-law, David
Mong, also conducting farming operations. He married in 1870, and
in 1889 moved to Huntingdon, where he was appointed guard at the
State Industrial Reformatory,, a position he yet occupies. He is a
Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church. He
married ^Margaret, daughter of David Mong — he born in Clarion county,
but resided in Huntingdon county from boyhood until death ; he owned
the tannery located about one mile from Warriors Mark, which he
operated until his death; he was a Democrat in politics, and in religion
a Lutheran; two of his nine children yet survive. Children of AVilliam
B. Fetterhoof: Harry Burkett, of whom further; Edith, died 1903,
aged twenty years; Lois, resides at home; Virginia, died in infancy.
(IV) Harry Burkett, only son of William Beghel and Margaret
(Mong) Fetterhoof, was born at Warriors Mark, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, July 28, 1871. He was educated at a private school in
Warriors Mark and at Juniata College, whence he was graduated, class
of 1895. He then began the study of medicine at Hahnemann Homeo-
pathic Medical College in Philadelphia, whence he was graduated, M.D.,
class of 1899. He at once began the practice of his profession in Hunt-
ingdon, where he is firmly established in honorable, successful general
practice. He is a member of the medical stafif of Blair Memorial Hos-
pital ; belongs to the Pennsylvania State and Huntingdon County Home-
opathic Societies, and is actively interested in the work of both. His
skill in diagnosis and treatment of baffling diseases is recognized by his
brethren of the profession, by whom he is often called in consultation.
His private practice is large and he is held in highest esteem by a large
circle of personal friends and by all who know him. In political belief
he is a Republican, and in religious connection a Presbyterian.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 961
Dr. Fetterhoof married, in January, 1906, Mary J\I. Orr, born in
Philadelphia, daughter of Smiley and Martha Orr, of that city.
Mrs. Margaret (White) Grimison, whose
WHITE-GRIMISON well-located millinery parlors in Huntingdon
are so well known, is a granddaughter of
Anthony \Vhite, a Scotchman and early settler of Huntingdon county.
He married Elizabeth Fox, and both were devout members of the
Methodist Episcopal church; children: William; Simon, a farmer;
James, a blacksmith; Anthony (2) (of further mention) ; David; Sarah;
Martha, married Ferdinand Corbin; Elizabeth, and others.
(II) Anthony (2), son of Anthony (i) and Elizabeth (Fox) White,
was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1825, died aged sev-
enty-nine. He was educated in the public school, and on arriving at
suitable age learned the mason's trade and until 186 1 followed his trade,
making a specialty of the bricklaying branch of the business. He en-
listed in 1 86 1 in Company B, 49th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, and for three years and three months did a soldier's duty.
He saw hard service with the Army of the Potomac; was engaged in
many of the historic battles that were fought during the war between
the states, but, surviving all the perils of war, returned in safety, bear-
ing that prized possession of every true soldier, an honorable discharge.
He resumed his bricklaying trade, located in Huntingdon, and was
until his death almost continuously employed in bricklaying operations.
He was an expert mechanic, a good soldier, and a true, loyal citizen,
highly respected. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith
a Methodist. He married EmmeHne Focht, daughter of Jacob and
Barbara Focht, of German parentage. Jacob Focht was a mason by
trade, and resided in Big Valley, Pennsylvania. Both he and his wife
were thrifty, industrious Germans and members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. They were parents of : Susan, married David Lantz ;
Catherine, married Isaac Steeley; Emmeline, married Anthony (2)
White, of previous mention; Lee, twin of Emmeline, a merchant; Silas,
and others. Children of Anthony (2) White: r. Alice, married Wil-
liam Black ; child, Richard. 2. Margaret, of whom further. 3. Katha-
rine, married Howard C. Hartley, a travelling salesman for I. S. Custer
& Company, of Philadelphia.
962 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
(III) Margaret, second daughter of Anthony (2) and Emmehne
(Focht) White, was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, February 4,
1873. She was educated in the pubHc schools and began her business
life with the firm of William Reed & Sons, with whom she remained
twelve years. She became well known as one of the leading sales ladies,
and, when she opened her own parlors in Huntingdon, at once secured
a generous patronage, which has grown to most satisfactory propor-
tions. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a
woman of most kindly, generous impulse.
Miss White married, in 1901, William A. Grimison, a wholesale
and retail confectioner of Huntingdon, an efficient, enterprising and
prosperous merchant of that thriving city; a Republican in politics, and
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Huntingdon, and of
the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Grimison had by a former marriage two chil-
dren : Lewis, now engaged with his father in business ; Anna, educated
in the public school, and a graduate of Juniata College, now residing at
home.
From distant Germany came John Morning-
MORNINGSTAR star, a blacksmith. He settled in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, and there followed his
trade until death. He possessed the German attributes of industry and
thrift, prospered in his alien home, and left a large family to perpetu-
ate his name and many virtues. His wife, Mary Rufif. was also of Ger-
man parentage ; children : Maria, married a Mr. Hufi^man, and moved
west ; Teeny, deceased ; Margaret, deceased ; Rachel, deceased ; Eliza-
beth, deceased; John; Adam, of whom further; Matilda; Sarah.
(II) Adam, son of John and Mary (Rufif) Morningstar, was born
February 23, 1819, died in 1856. He learned the blacksmith's trade
with his father and followed that occupation all his life. He was a
Democrat in politics, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Hefright, who came
to this country from Germany, in 1832, settling first in Huntingdon,
later moving to Pittsburgh, where he was proprietor of a hotel. He
was a member of the Roman Catholic church, married and left issue :
George, deceased, a soldier of the civil war ; Frank, deceased, a contrac-
tor and builder; Louis, deceased, an employee of the Pennsylvania rail-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 963
road ; Henry, deceased, also a railroad employee ; Catherine, married
August Letherman, a merchant; Mitty, married a Mr. Davis; Alary,
married Thomas Westbrook; Elizabeth, married Adam Alorningstar ;
their children: Mary M., born March 31, 1S45, married Solomon Os-
walt, a lumberman; Annie E., born November 29, 1846, married John
R. Hershey, an engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad ; John Henry,
born November 27, 1848, deceased, a teamster and quarryman; Emma,
died in childhood; George P., born December 8, 1851, an employee of
the Pennsylvania railroad; Thomas, died in infancy; Louis Adam, of
whom further.
(Ill) Louis Adam, son of Adam and Elizabeth (Hef right) Morn-
ingstar, was born in Huntingdon, October 22, 1855. He was educated
in the public schools of Huntingdon, and first began as a wage-earner,
working in a brick yard, continuing five years. For the next ten years
he worked in a planing mill. Leaving the mill he entered the employ
of the Pennsylvania railroad as engine cleaner, being promoted brake-
man in 1882, holding that position five years. He was then raised to
the rank of assistant conductor on local trains, serving as such eleven
years. He was then promoted to conductor, a position he now fills,
having worked his way upward from the very bottom of the ladder to
his present important position. He has proved faithful and capable in
every position held, and ranks as one of the company's most trusted
employees. In political faith Air. Alorningstar is a Prohibitionist, and
both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and to Broad Top
Lodge, No. 158, Order of Railway Conductors; and is also a member
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Relief Association, Pennsylvania railroad
veterans.
He married, in 1887, Flora V., daughter of John and Margaret
Apger; child: Mabel Gertrude, born March 17, 1888, graduate of
Huntingdon high school, and of Juniata College, now residing at home.
This name, honored wherever found, was originally
CHISOLM Chisholm, borne by a numerous and powerful Scottish
clan from a period remote in Scotch history, known
first as the Clan Siosal. or the Chisholms. Many of the clan fought
under A\'allace and Bruce, and as a clan they warmly espoused the
964 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY ■
cause of "Prince Charlie" in his attempt to wrest the thrones of Eng-
land and Scotland from the House of Hanover. A claymore used by
a Chisholm at the battle of Bannockburn is yet treasured as a priceless
memento of the loyalty of their race and of their valor on the field of
battle. At CuUoden the chief of the clan was slain in one of the des-
perate charges of the Highlanders against the solid columns of English
troops, and when the battle was lost, Prince Charles, trusting his person
to their honor and devotion, was guided from the field by three of the
Chisholm clan and secreted until opportunity was ripe for his escape.
Although a reward of £30,000 was offered by the English crown for
his capture, these men were true, and safely they conveyed him to the
coast. One of these men, Hugh Chisholm, on shaking hands with the
Prince, vowed he would never again offer his right hand to another, a
vow he religiously kept. After the battle of Culloden the great-great-
grandfather of Dr. Henry Clay Chisolm, of Huntingdon, escaped from
the field, and, with others of "Prince Charlie's" defeated adherents,
came to America. He was twenty-three years of age when the party
landed in South Carolina and settled at Charleston. His son dropped
the second "h" from the name, and in this branch it is still written
Chisolm. The emigrant married and founded a family that has always
been a prominent one in the South and wherever found.
The grandfather of Dr. Chisolm was William J. M. Chisolm. a
grandson of the founder. He was born about the year 1800, and died
in Kemper county, Mississippi, in March, 185 1. He settled in the state
of Georgia after his marriage, residing there, a wealthy planter and
slave owner, until 1846, when he located in Kemper county, Mississippi,
on a large plantation which was his home until death. I-Cemper county
was then infested by a body of lawless men who by their deeds of vio-
lence and disregard for human life had seriously retarded the growth
and development of the county. With the coming of the Chisolms and
others of similar temper, a better condition was brought to pass,
although many years have entirely obliterated the evil name given that
district by these evil men. William J. M. Chisolm and his wife were
both members of the Baptist church, active supporters and workers for
the good of their community. In purchasing the Kemper county plan-
tation the father incurred a heavy obligation which would in time have
been discharged, but his death five years after the removal there left
HISTORY OF THE JUXIATA VALLEY 965
the family with a large estate heavily encumbered by debt. Ere his
death lie exacted a promise from his eldest son, William Wallace
Chisolm, that he would stay with his mother, discharge the debt, and
educate and provide for his three younger sisters. William J. M. Chis-
olm married Dorothy L. Swanson, born in Georgia, in 1802, died in
1882, daughter of a cultured, wealthy family of that state. She was a
woman of rare force of character, thoroughly imbued with love and
devotion to the Southland, but outspoken in her sentiments of loyalty
when the disruption of the union of states was attempted. Of their
ten children, two are yet living: Leonard Marbrey Chisolm, of Rio,
Mississippi ; and Mrs. India Calvert, now living in Texas.
(IV) William Wallace, eldest son of William J. M. and Dorothy L.
(Swanson) Chisolm, was born in Morgan county, Georgia, December
6, 1830, died at the hands of the "Ku Klux Klan," April 29, 1877, o"^
of the last victims of that lawless band that had so long terrorized Kein-
per county, Mississippi. He was as well educated as was possible in
his native county, which he left at the age of sixteen years, going with
the family to the new plantation in Kemper county. He was barely
of legal age when in 185 1 the death of his father left him the head of
the family. Bound not only by his promise to his dying father but by
his natural inclination and devotion, he assumed the burden of clearing
the debt from the estate and the education of his younger sisters, a task
that after years of toil was faithfully performed. In 1S56 he married,
and from that year dates the beginning of an eventful, prosperous life,
tragic only in its ending. With the assistance of his wife, an educated
Southern woman, he began a course of study and reading that broad-
ened and deepened his outlook on life, preparing for the higher posi-
tions he was destined to occupy. At the same time he entered with
zest into the development of the agricultural resources of his planta-
tion, and soon became marked as one of the leaders in his county. On
January 30, 1858, he was chosen magistrate at a special election, and the
following October was again chosen at the general election to fill the
same office for a term of two years. He filled this important office with
honor, and two years later, in November, i860, was elected probate
judge of the county, an office he held through successive reelections until
1867, when he resigned in favor of John McRea, the appointee of the
provisional governor of Mississippi. At each of his three elections to
966 . HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
the office of probate judge his opponent was Judge Gill, an older man,
and next to Judge Chisolm the most popular official ever elected in
Kemper county. In all these years, while enjoying in so high a degree
the respect and confidence of his fellows, Judge Chisolm was a pro-
nounced Union man, and an uncompromising foe of the party of dis-
union. He was a Whig in sympathy, and himself a slave owner, son of
a slave-owning father, yet the property interest did not overbalance his
love of country. There being no Lincoln ticket in Mississippi, he voted
for Bell and Everett, the nominees of the Southern Unionists against
the Breckinridge ticket nominated by the seceding Democrats to oppose
Douglas, the regular Democratic nominee. Both as a citizen and as a
civil officer, Judge Chisolm was steadily opposed to secession, and re-
fused to lend to it any personal aid. He never bore arms except in
the third days' militia, and then under protest. Yet, Whig and Unionist
as he was, young and inexperienced in politics as he was, his strong
character and open defiance of the strong sentiment of the county so
impressed and won the respect and hearts of the voters that he was con-
tinued in an elective office all through the war period and early recon-
struction days. A greater tribute never was paid mortal man than this
voluntary homage of his political enemies. After resigning his position
as judge he filled other offices in Kemper county, and strove with all
his mighty influence to bring order out of the chaos which the changed
relations between the races had left the South. Ku Klux bands rode
the neighborhood and under cover of the movement to control the
negroes many of the lawless characters of Kemper county committed
their awful crimes of violence to property and person. In the fall of
1876 Judge Chisolm was elected to congress, and, on April 27 following
was foully murdered in his own home at De Kalb, Mississippi, together
with his eldest child, Cornelia J., a beautiful young lady of nineteen
}'ears of age, who bravely defended her father until stricken down by
the cruel blows of human fiends. A son of Judge Chisolm, a lad of
fourteen years, John Mann Chisolm, was also killed in the brave fight
against overpowering numbers. In his death. Judge Chisolm not only
proved the strength of his devotion to law and order, but in dying won
a victory for his cause, as the wave of horror that swept over North
and South at the brutal murders aroused such a feeling that this was
the last lawless outbreak of the reconstruction period. A wonderful
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 967
life was his — duty, its guiding star — and, as son, husjjand, father, citi-
zen and patriot, full of honor from earliest manhood to its tragic end.
He was tried by every test, and found "not wanting." Surely an in-
spiration, this life lived for a decade among political enemies, at a time
when men's worst passions ran rampant, yet honored and so loved that,
over his bier passion and hate were swept away and man's better nature
revived.
Judge Chisolm married, October 29, 1856, Emily S. Mann, born in
Alabama, who survived him until October, 1904. Children: i. Cor-
nelia Josephine, born in Kemper county, Mississippi, February 11, 1858,
died in De Kalb, Mississippi, April 29, 1877, while defending her father
from attack. "Her young life yielded up on the altar of filial love and
devotion cannot have been lived in vain. The lesson taught by her
example will live long after the generation and spirit that prompted
those inhuman acts shall have been forgotten or numbered with the
things of the past." The following lines are from a poem to her mem-
ory, written by Stephen S. Harding, on the first anniversary of her
death :
Cornelia Chisolm :
Hadst thou but died in classic Rome,
Where thy great namesake died.
Thou wouldst have lived in Parian stone.
Supreme in excellence alone;
Through the long ages dim,
Thy very name the poet's synonym
For filial love and courage deified.
2. Henry Clay, of whom further. 3. Julia August, born October 13,
1861, died November 21 following. 4. John Mann, born October 5,
1862, shared the fate of his father and sister, April 29, 1877. 5. Ida
May, born October 16, 1865, died January 11, 1866. 6. William Wal-
lace (2), born October 19, 1866; now a practicing lawyer of Hunt-
ingdon, Pennsylvania.
Emily S. (Alann) Chisolm, mother of the foregoing children, was
a daughter of John W. Mann, of Amelia Island, Florida, a prominent
lawyer and a gentleman of high literary and social standing. She was
a granddaughter of Thomas Mann, a soldier of the revolution, born in
Virginia, of the third generation from the founder in America, a Scotch-
968 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
man and merchant from Edinburgh, owning the ship in which he trans-
ported his goods and family to America. Thomas Mann early entered
the revolutionary army, and served through the entire struggle that fol-
lowed ere liberty was gained. He was shot through the knee at the
battle of Cowpens; was again wounded by a party of Tories and left
for dead, a ball entering the left side of his chest, passing through into
the shoulder, where it remained to his death, aged eighty- four years.
He was captured during the battle of Brandywine, and for some time
held captive on a British prison ship. The Manns were prominent in
the early settlement of Florida, where Thomas Mann held a Spanish
grant and was an early settler where Fernandino now stands, being cred-
ited with the erection of the first house on the site of the present city.
John W. Mann, son of Thomas Mann, married Nancy Gresham, daugh-
ter of Rev. Wheeler Gresham, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal
church, ordained by Bishops Asbury and Coke, of the early church.
After marriage, Mr. Mann moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where his
wife died. Later he moved to Columbus, Mississippi, where he prac-
ticed law. During the war he left home on a journey and was never
again heard from. He had three children, including Emily S., wife of
Judge William Wallace Chisolm.
(V) Henry Clay, eldest son of Judge William Wallace and Emily
S. (Mann) Chisolm, was born in Kemper county, Mississippi, October
3, 1859. His boyhood was spent in De Kalb, Mississippi, where his
early education was obtained in the city schools and under private
tutors. Later he entered Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, but was
compelled to leave that institution in 1877 on the death of his father.
From March, 1878, until September 8 he held a position in the office
of the surgeon-general at Washington, D. C, then resigning and enter-
ing a commercial college at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, whence he was
graduated in 1879. From that year until 1883 he was a clerk in Gov-
ernor Hoyt's office at Harrisburg. In 1883 he spent a few months in
Idaho, then returned east and spent a term at Columbia College, Wash-
ington, D. C. He had previously spent some time in the study of medi-
cine, and in 1885 determined to complete his course and settle down to
permanent professional work. In 1885 he entered Hahnemann Medi-
cal College in Philadelphia, whence he was graduated M. D., class of
1888. He at once began practice in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in asso-
HISTORY OF THE JUXTATA VALLEY 969
ciation witli Dr. Hugh I'ilcairn, l)ut after eighteen months in lliat city
removed to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He (|uickly built up a good
practice, and there remains well established and prosperous. He ranks
high in his profession, both in medicine and surgery, possessing the
confidence of his people and the respect of his brethren of the medical
profession. He is a member of the Pennsylvania State Homeopathic
[Medical Society, the State Aledical Society, Huntingdon County Medi-
cal Society, the Alumni Association of Hahnemann College; serves on
the Huntingdon Board of Health, and is a member of the medical staf¥
of Blair Memorial Hospital, which he also serves as trustee. Both the
doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to ■Mount Moriah
Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons ; Standing Stone Chapter,
No. 201, Royal Arch Masons; Huntingdon Commandery, Xo. 65,
Knights Templar; also Jafifa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, of Altoona, Pennsylvania. He also is a member
of the Knights of Pythias. In political faith he is an ardent Republican,
and takes lively interest in public affairs. He was elected state senator
in 1896, receiving the largest majority ever given a candidate for that
office in the thirty-third district.
Dr. Chisolm married, in Harrisburg, April 28, 1883, Lillian, daugh-
ter of John and Catherine Gross. Children: Cornelia, born February
13, 1886, died February 8, 1887; Anna Gresham, born December 31,
1887, married Ellsworth C. Dunkle, and resides in Erie, Pennsylvania;
Emily Mann, born February 22, 1892, residing at home; William Wal-
lace (3), born March 8, 1894, now a student at Hahnemann Homeo-
pathic Medical College, Philadelphia.
John McCahan, of Huntingdon, Huntingdon county,
McCAHAN Pennsylvania, descends from Protestant Irish stock.
The immigrant founder of the family in America,
John McCahan, was born in the north of Ireland. In 1792 he came to
the L^nited States, first locating in Baltimore, Mar}dand, where he was
apprenticed to Steele & McClain, printers. In 1795 the firm failed, and
he went with another firm. Later he settled in Huntingdon county,
Pennsvlvania. At that time there was no postoffice, and few comforts
in that section of Pennsylvania. In 1801 he established a business in
970 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Huntingdon county, which continued until 1833. He also dealt in real
estate, in which venture he was successful. When he died, in March,
1857, he was one of the wealthy men of the county, in the upbuilding
of which he did his part. He was a large landowner, a man of local
prominence, though leading a quiet and unostentatious life. He was a
Presbyterian in faith, and was a Whig in politics. He married Martha
Anderson, in May, 1803, a native of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish
ancestry. Children: i. John K., born August i, 1804. 2. James An-
derson, born Alarch 6, 1807, died in infancy. 3. James, born August,
1809. 4. Mary, born August 21, 1812. 5. Thomas, of whom further.
6. Jane, born March 31, 1819.
(II) Thomas McCahan, son of John and Martha (Anderson)
McCahan, was born October 14, 1815, in Huntingdon county, and died
December 15, 1869, in Walker township, Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania. He was reared on his father's farm, received his education in
the common school, and became a farmer on reaching his majority.
After his father's death, as well as before, he managed the estate, Avisely
and well. He was also connected with the Mill Creek furnace. He was
a Whig during the life of that party, afterward becoming a Republican.
Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Before his
death he had acquired a large land holding. He married (first) Rachel
Higgins, born in 1816, in Blair county, Pennsylvania, died January 20,
1854, in Smithfield township, Huntingdon county, a daughter of a
family long resident in Blair county. He married (second) Sarah
Peightal. Children by first marriage: i. John, of whom further. 2.
Mary, married Howard Smith, ticket agent at Duncannon, Pennsyl-
vania. 3. Rachel, died in infancy. Children by second marriage : 4.
Jennie, lives in Huntingdon. 5. Harry, lives in Missouri. 6. Minnie,
married G. B. Rex, an attorney in Huntingdon.
(III) John McCahan, son of Thomas and Rachel (Higgins) Mc-
Cahan, was born November 6, 1S48, in W^alker township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. His education was received in the common
schools of the township, and was necessarily limited. He left the farm
when quite j-oung and entered the railroad world, serving in various
capacities. He later returned to farming, in AValker township, and
purchased three hundred and forty-two acres of land. Here he farmed
for years, bringing the land to an unexcelled fertility, and producing a
HISTORY OF TUB JUXIATA VALLEY 971
heavy yield of grain, corn, and utlier farm products. Until 1905 he
continued on this place, when he sold it for a large sum, and moved to
Huntingdon. In 1908 and 1909 he erected a handsome lilock of com-
mercial buildings, which he rents and the management of which is his
care. Air. McCahan is a Republican, aiding his party in every manner
in his power, and when a resident of Walker township he was prevailed
upon to accept township offices, in each discharging his duties satisfac-
torily to his constituency.
He married. August 17, 1871, Maria Nash, of Huntingdon, who
died April 16, 1909, daughter of John and Sarah (Lutman) Nash, of
Huntingdon: he died in 1896. Mr. Nash was the editor and proprietor
of the Huntingdon Journal. Mrs. McCahan was a devout and consis-
tent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Children of John and
Maria (Nash) AlcCahan : i. Thomas, born in 1872, an engineer on
the H. & B. T. Railway. 2. John, born in 1874. employed by a con-
tracting firm. 3. Mary, born in 1876; married Charles Pennell, of Dun-
cannon, Pennsylvania. 4. Richard, born in 1878; superintendent of
bridge and structural concern in Greensburg, Pennsylvania; married
Naomi Maxwell. 5. Frank, born in 1880; is foreman in shops at
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, under his brother Richard.
This branch of the Jacobs family is of true German and
JACOBS Scotch descent, the grandparents of Roy Warren Jacobs,
of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on both sides, being born
in Germany and Scotland, respectively. The paternal grandfather,
John Jacobs, married and lived in the province of Omstadt, Germany,
until after the death of his wife. In 1840. being then advanced in
vears, he came to the United States with three children, settling: in
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he died. He was a shoemaker by
trade, and a member of the Presbyterian church. His eldest son, Bar-
ney, became a farmer of the state of Illinois, married and left five
children. Alargaret, the only daughter of John Jacobs, married Adam
Homan, and died in Black Log Valley, Huntingdon county. John (2),
the second son, is of further mention.
(II) John (2), son of John (i) Jacobs, was born in Omstadt, Ger-
many, in 1832, and in 1840 was brought by his father to this country.
Two years later he was bound out to serve without pay until eighteen
9/2 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
years of age to Edward Zerner, who taught him the tanner's trade.
At an early age he married and settled in Shirleysburg, having as near
nothing upon which to start married life as was possible. He secured
work upon the Pennsylvania railroad, then in course of construction,
receiving as wages eighty cents daily. He only worked one day at this
figure, his immediate boss taking an instant liking to the boy and pro-
moting him to the position of camp steward at a dollar per day. He
worked sixty-one days at this job, then with sixty dollars and eighty
cents in his pocket walked home, carrying his shoes in order to save
the wear the long walk would subject them to, travelling in his bare
feet. Reaching home he decided to begin the butchering business, and
a day later walked to a neighboring farmer and purchased a calf, paying
therefor five dollars. He then tied the calf's legs together, slung him
over his back, and in that manner carried the animal to his home in
Shirleysburg. By the aid of his wife the calf was killed and dressed,
after which he peddled the meat about town in a basket. This was his
first start in a business that was destined to grow to large proportions.
He continued his basket peddling of meat for one month, then was
able to purchase a horse and wagon, paying therefor the sum of ten
dollars and fifty cents, the quality probably being on a par with this
low price. Little by little he expanded, until within ten years he was
proprietor of a dressed meat business supplying the towns of Shirleys-
burg, :\It. Union, Mapleton, Alill Creek, Orbisonia and Shade Gap,
employing on the road four teams and three single horses. He later
purchased a low-lj'ing farm of one hundred and eight acres, adjoining
Shirleysburg borough, principally a duck and frog pond. He cut one
load of swamp grass the first year, also sowing a field of buckwheat.
When ready to harvest he bargained with a neighbor to cut and flail
it out for him, agreeing to give him eleven bushels of the yield. When
measured up there was only nine bushels of the grain, but Mr. Jacobs
paid up. He then began a systematic plan of drainage and fertilization,
with the result that in 1888 he had one of the best farms in the county,
selling it in that year for $13,000 cash. In 1889 he retired from busi-
ness, living in Shirlej'sburg until his death, April 24. 1913, aged eighty
years nine months sixteen days. His career was a most remarkable
one, and again proves that industry and courage can overcome all obsta-
cles. He was an elder of the Presbyterian church, and a liberal con-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 973
tributor to church support. He was always interested in public affairs,
but held no otitices, and was not a strict party man. His business affairs
were well conducted, and all concernctl in it felt the inspiration of the
owner's example. He was a hard worker, but after his retirement gave
himself up to well-earned ease. At the age of eighteen years he mar-
ried (first) Isabel Peterson, born in Shade Valley, in 1834, died in Sep-
tember, 1892. He married (second) Mrs. Susan Dotsom, of Blair
county, Pennsylvania, who survives him. Children by first wife:
George E., died in Altoona, in 191 1 ; Lowry R., now living in Hunting-
don, retired; Albert, now a farmer of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania;
Mary, died in childhood; John, an employee of the Pennsylvania rail-
road, residing in Altoona; Joseph, died in infancy; Elmer, now a hotel
keeper and farmer of Huntingdon; Annie, married W. H. Lightner, a
merchant and farmer, now living in Shirleysburg ; Roy \\'arren, of
whom further; Harry, an employee of the "East Broad Top" railroad,
and a resident of Shirleysburg. Isabel (Peterson) Jacobs was a daugh-
ter of Robert and Ellen Peterson, both born in Scotland. On coming
to the LTnited States, Robert Peterson settled in Huntingdon county,
purchasing a farm in Shade Valley. He built a sawmill on his farm
and in time worked off the timber, converting it into lumber, for which
he found a ready sale. He cultivated this farm after clearing it, con-
tinuing his residence there until his death at the age of eighty-four
years. He and his wife were original members of the Shade Gap Pres-
byterian Church, which Robert served as an elder. He lived a quiet,
retired life, but was a man of deep piety, widely known for the honesty
and purity of his life. He died about 1876, his wife about twenty years
prior to that date. He married (second) Susanna Morrow. Children
of Robert and Ellen Peterson: John, a farmer, died in Cambria county;
David, a farmer, died in Shade Valley; Mary Ellen, married George
Cree, and died in Cambria county ; Jesse, a carpenter and farmer, died in
Shade Valley; Isabel (of previous mention), married John (2) Jacobs;
Anna, married John Mathews, and died in Cambria county ; Belle, mar-
ried Daniel Matthews, and died in Cambria county; Reed, died aged
nine years; James, a farmer, died in Shade Valley; Elizabeth, married
James Dever, and died in Shade Valley.
(Ill) Roy Warren, son of John (2) and Isabel (Peterson) Jacobs,
was born in Shirleysburg, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, August 25,
974 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
1866. He was educated in the public schools, and spent his early years
on the farm. At the age of sixteen years he began business life as a
merchant, opening a grocery novelty store and meat market under his
own name. He prospered and a year later opened a meat market at
Mt. Union, and the same year bought and sold fifty-six horses, shipped
three carloads of cattle and fourteen hundred sheep to a market in
Philadelphia, an amount of business that was worthy of a much older
and more experienced dealer. He continued this place for two years,
then sold out his Shirleysburg business and located in Altoona, Pennsyl-
vania, where he established a grocery store, and a month later married.
He purchased a home in Altoona, but two and a half months later his
bride died. He then sold his home and business in Altoona and returned
to his father's home in Shirleysburg, where for seven weeks he was
seriously ill with typhoid fever, the same disease that carried off his
wife. On his recovery he located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he
entered the employ of the Scranton Steam Heat and Supply Company
as an apprentice. He won the confidence of his employers, who at the
end of his first year promoted him to be outside superintendent over
thirty-seven men. A year and a half later he was admitted to 'the firm,
purchasing a one-third interest that in two years Avas increased to a
half interest. The firm name was then changed to Evans & Jacobs, so
continuing one year, when Mr. Jacobs sold his interest and removed to
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, where he established in the same business
as at Scranton. Nine months later, in 1889, he located in Huntingdon,
still continuing in the heating and supply business. He opened a store
on Penn street, in Huntingdon, where he continued in successful busi-
ness until 1897. During this period he had perfected and patented an
improved boiler and radiator, known to the trade as the "Keystone."
The demand for these led to the formation of the Kej^stone Boiler and
Radiator Company, of which Mr. Jacobs was vice-president and man-
ager until 1902, when he retired from the company. He then engaged
in the coal and real estate business, and has attained the same success
in that as in his other business enterprises. He is president of the Broad
Top Coal and Mineral Company, president of the Possum Hollow Coal
and Coke Company, and a director and large stockholder in the Kishaco-
quillas Valley railroad. He was the founder and promoter of the Hunt-
ingdon, Lewistown & Juniata Valley Traction Company, and controls
HISTORY OV THE JUNIATA VALLEY 975
and practically owns the entire road, which when completed will com-
prise fifty-one miles; the organization was effected in 1906. Mr. Jacobs
is also the founder of Jacobs" Addition, just across the river from Hunt-
ingdon, in Smithfield township; and is a large owner of farm land
(about sixteen hundred acres) just outside Huntingdon, and consider-
able other property in that borough, and other lands that he rents to
more than fifty tenants. This record of a busy life, although started
under more favorable circumstances, compares favorably with that of
his honored father. It is a record extending from boyhood to mature
years, and is one of constant progress during the thirty years he has
been in active business. Now, in the prime of life, Mr. Jacobs can
review the past with satisfaction, and from it the young man of to-day
can gather an inspiration that will help him to do likewise. Industry
and integrity are the mainsprings of success, and no better illustration
of the truth of this can be found than in the lives of John and Roy
Warren Jacobs, father and son.
Air. Jacobs is a Republican in politics, since 1908 has been chief
burgess of Huntingdon, and it is generally conceded by his constituents
that his has been the most efficient adnfinistration in the history of the
borough. Outside his business associations, he is regarded as the most
liberal and public-spirited citizen the borough has ever had, and as an
evidence is presented the fact that at the present time (1913) he is
ofifering free a tract of fifty acres to be used for manufacturing purposes.
Mr. Jacobs married (first) in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Kate, daughter
of Rev. J. H. Bradford, of Baltimore, Maryland, who only survived
her wedding day about two and a half months. He married (second) in
1891, Emma Gipple, of Huntingdon, who died in 1892. He married
(third) in 1897, Minnie G. Taylor. Children by third wife are Roy
^\'arren, Walter T., and Robert S. Jacobs. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are
members of the Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the Royal
Arcanum and the Order of Heptasophs.
There is no record found that positively identifies the Sears
SEARS family of Maryland with the early New England settler,
but the belief is well founded that Robert Sears, the revo-
lutionary soldier of Fauquier and Loudon counties, Virginia, was a
descendant of Richard Sares. who died in Plymouth colony, and was
976 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
buried August 26, 1676. He was survived by his wife Dorothy and
sons Paul and Silas. There were, however, several families of the name
Sears found in Virginia about the year 1750, all claiming English origin,
except the family of Sears in Prince George county, Virginia, who
claimed French descent.
(I) The earliest definite record of this branch is of Robert Sears,
of Fauquier and Loudon counties, Virginia, who was a soldier in the
revolutionary army for seven years. About the year 18 12 he emigrated
to Ohio, where he died. He married Eleanor Dallas, said to have been
a relative of Vice-president Dallas, and had issue : John, born in Loudon
county, Virginia, September 2"], 1764; Robert (2), of whom further;
Sarah, married Presby Harding; Elizabeth, married John Luke; Mar-
garet, married Henry Harding ; Thomas ; Samuel, settled in Kentucky ;
Mildred, died in Ohio.
(II) Robert (2), son of Robert and Eleanor (Dallas) Sears, was
born in Loudon county, Virginia, in 1766. He inherited lands from
his father in the state of Maryland and moved to that state, where for
several years he was a resident of the city of Baltimore. He married
and left male issue.
(III) Thomas, son of Robert (2) Sears, was born in Baltimore,
Maryland, where he was educated, married, lived and died. His busi-
ness life was spent in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad in a
clerical capacity. He was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, which he served as trustee. He married Violet Lilly, also of
Maryland birth. They had sons: George, Samuel Wesley, W^illiam; and
three other children, whose names are not recorded.
(IV) Rev. Samuel Wesley Sears, son of Thomas and Violet (Lilly)
Sears, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, died in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, June 3, 1896. He was educated in divinity, and became an or-
dained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, a profession fore-
shadowed by his good Methodist name, bestowed by a Methodist father
in honor of the great founder of Methodism, John Wesley. Rev. Sam-
uel W. Sears was a member of the old Baltimore Conference that had
jurisdiction over a large number of churches in southern and central
Pennsylvania. Later the conference was divided, and the East Balti-
more and Central Pennsylvania conferences created. Rev. Sears joined
the Central Pennsylvania body, and thereafter spent his life in the ser-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 977
vice of several of the churches governed by that conference. Under the
itinerant system employed by the Methodist church, his removals were
frequent, but in all his charges he was deeply appreciated and beloved.
He was pastor of churches at Bedford, Lewistown, Altoona, Harrisburg,
Chambersburg, Bloomsburg in Pennsylvania, and at Cumberland, Fred-
erick and Hagerstown in Maryland. In the spring of 1896 he retired
from active work in the ministry and three months later was called to
his reward. His work as a minister of the Gospel covered a continuous
period of forty-four years, and they were years of earnest, faithful ser-
vice for the cause he loved. He is remembered with affection and re-
spect in the many churches he served and many men and women now
bearing honors in both church and state date their christian experience
from his teachings or kindly words of advice. He was also an honored
member of the Alasonic order. Rev. Sears married Elizabeth R. ]\IcCa-
han, died in December, 1891, daughter of John McCahan, a farmer of
the Juniata Valley, well-to-do landowner, and devoted Methodist. Chil-
dren of Rev. Samuel W. Sears: i. George, died in childhood. 2. Eliza-
beth Sarah, died aged twenty-three years, of yellow fever, in the city of
Panama, where she was a teacher in the American College. 3. Margaret
A., now residing in Huntingdon county, unmarried. 4. Dr. William
Hardin, of whom further. 5. Edgar R., now residing in Cincinnati,
Ohio, a clerk in the offices of Baltimore & Ohio railroad. 6. Irene L.,
married J. W. Barbour, and resides in Chambersburg. 7. Samuel Wes-
ley (2), now organist, choirmaster and director of the choir school of
St. James Protestant Episcopal Church, Philadelphia. 8. Murray C,
now a jeweler, of \\'alla Walla, Washington.
Mrs. Elizabeth R. (McCahan) Sears was a descendant of Patrick
McCahan, who came from Ireland, settling in Juniata county, where he
married a Quakeress and had issue. John, son of Patrick McCahan,
was born in Juniata county, where he resided until 1856, then moved to
Huntingdon county, where he resided until death, a farmer in both
counties. He married Sarah Reynolds, also born in Juniata county,
daughter of Stephen Reynolds, of English ancestry, granddaughter of
Benjamin Reynolds, one of the twelve sons of Henry Reynolds, a
preacher of the Society of Friends, who came from Nottingham, Eng-
land, at an early date, settling in Cecil county, Maryland. He was twice
married and besides his twelve sons had two daughters. Benjamin
978 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Reynolds married May Job, and had six sons, of whom Stephen was
the eldest. A grandson of Benjamin, Dr. John Reynolds, was one of
the heroes of the Alamo, who perished at its capture, March 6, 1836.
Stephen Reynolds had three wives and sixteen children. His second
wife, Elizabeth Ricketts, bore him six, of whom Sarah was the fifth;
she married John McCahan. Their children were: Jacob S., a farmer;
Stephen R., a freight conductor, killed in a collision on the Huntingdon
& Broad Top railroad; Jane A., married E. B. Crum, a one-time editor
of the Altoond Tribune; Elizabeth R., of previous mention, married Rev_
Samuel W. Sears, and died in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; Mary, who
became second wife of her brother-in-law, E. B. Crum; J. Fletcher, died
in the Union army during the siege of Vicksburg; Deborah, married
George A. Black; and David, the last survivor, born January 27, 1830,
and from 1856 in the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad.
(V) Dr. William Hardin Sears, son of Rev. Samuel W. and Eliza-
beth R. (McCahan) Sears, was born in Cumberland, Maryland. He was
educated in the public schools of the different towns his father served
as pastor, including the Bedford high school and Lewistown Academy,
being a graduate of both. Deciding upon a medical profession, he en-
tered Medico-Chirurgical Medical College at Philadelphia, from whence
he was graduated M.D., class of 1898. For two years thereafter he
was resident surgeon at Philadelphia General Hospital, and in 1900
did post-graduate work at the Polyclinic and other hospitals of Phila-
delphia. In that year he located in Huntingdon, where he is now
well established in practice as a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear,
nose and throat. Well equipped and thoroughly prepared as he was
before beginning practice as a specialist in these diseases. Dr. Sears has
not depended upon past learning, but for at least two months in each
year studies the different phases presented in large hospitals of the
country, particularly Philadelphia, and thus keeps in touch with all
modern discovery, thought or treatment. He is a member of the Amer-
ican Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical and Hunting-
don County medical societies, the American Academy of Ophthalmology
and Laryngolog3% taking an active interest in the work of all. He
is a member of the staff of Blair Memorial Hospital, and surgeon in
charge of the eye, ear, nose and throat department; also is ophthalmolo-
gist at the Lewistown Hospital. He has served as trustee of Blair
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 979
Memorial Hospital since its organization, and with Drs. Frontz and
Chisolni formed the medical representation on the building commission
in charge of its erection and equipment. He is highly regarded by his
brethren of the profession, who recognize his ability in his specialties,
while as a man and citizen he is held in high esteem wherever known.
Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
Dr. Sears married, May 3, 1893, Ethel Maude Odiorne, also born
in Alaryland; children: William Odiorne; Walter Coffin, died aged
seven years; and Philips Shirley.
The Culbertson family of Pennsylvania, of which
CULBERTSON William Wilson Culbertson, of Huntingdon. Penn-
sylvania, is a member, is of Scotch-Irish origin,
and came to this country a number of generations ago.
(I) William Culbertson, grandfather of William Wilson Culbertson,
was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania; most of his life was spent
in Mifflin county. He was occupied as a laborer and a farmer, and was
a member of the Lutheran church. He married Rebecca Kohill, and
had children: Joel, a carpenter, who resided in Allenville, Mifflin
county, Pennsylvania ; Samuel, a laborer ; Nancy, married David John-
son ; Ezra, a farmer in Clarion county, Pennsylvania ; John, a saddler by
trade; James, see forward: William, a farmer of Clarion county, Penn-
sylvania ; Polly, married Edward Wheaton : Patty, married Charles
Crownover: one child died in childhood and another died in infancy.
(II) James, son of William and Rebecca (Kohill) Culbertson, died
in Alifflin county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1903. His education was
acquired in the common schools, and his entire life was passed in Mif-
flin county, where he was occupied as a farmer and laborer. He was a
stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and a devout member of the
Lutheran church. He married Rachel Jenkins, of Stone Valley, Hunt-
ingdon county, Pennsylvania, also a member of the Lutheran church,
who had brothers : Ira, engaged in track contract work for the Penn-
sylvania Railroad Company ; John, deceased : and Matthias, who died in
1878: her sister, Harriet, married Joel Culbertson. Mr. and ^Nlrs. Cul-
bertson had children : William Wilson, see forward : Oliver, born in
1849, "^^'^s a carpenter by trade, and died unmarried: Miles, born in
1852, was a farmer, married Mary Steely, and had: Mary and Emma:
98o HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Oscar; William, a farmer; James, a farmer; Harry, a farmer; Rachel,
died in infancy.
(Ill) William Wilson, son of James and Rachel (Jenkins) Culbert-
son, was born in Allenville, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, April 17,
1847. The public schools of his native town afforded him the oppor-
tunity of gaining a sound, practical education, and upon its completion
he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. He followed this
occupation for a number of years, then engaged with the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, March 12, 1872, contracting to do their carpenter
bridge work, and this connection has now been in force for about forty
years. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
- He married, 1869, Sarah, born February 10, 1850, daughter of
Henry and Chestina (Hufford) Brindle, of Belleville, Mifflin county,
Pennsylvania, where Mr. Brindle followed his calling of coopering.
They have had children: i. Anna Tawanda, born October 30, 1870;
married James B. Sleeman, a mechanic in the employ of the J. C. Blair
Company, and they have had children: Sarah, born in May, 1893;
Elizabeth, December 6, 1894; Helen, January, 1896. 2. Harry James,
born March 10, 1873, <i'^d ^^ 19 10, was a carpenter by trade. 3. Rachel,
born April 18, 1876; married William King, and had children: Cleo;
Frederick; William, died in infancy. 4. Chestina, born December 8,
1879; married Stewart Lynton, and has one son: William Richard. 5.
William John, born August 8, 1889, is a tinner in the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company ; unmarried.
The name of Harshbarger is of German origin,
HARSHBARGER and the family now bearing it in the state of
Pennsylvania has been richly endowed with the
admirable traits which were so characteristic of their forbears who were
among the earty settlers of the state. Horatio C. Harshbarger, of Hunt-
ingdon, Pennsylvania, who has failed a number of public positions, is
a representative of this famity.
(I) Jacob Harshbarger, his grandfather, was born in the state of
Pennsylvania, of German descent, and was occupied as a cooper during
all the active years of his life. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. He married Hannah ; children: Abram, de-
ceased : David, also deceased, was a well-known physician ; Bud. see
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 981
forward; William, engaged in farming; Sarah, married Nicholas Con-
roy; ]\Iary, died unmarried.
(II) Bud, son of Jacob and Hannah Harshbarger, was born May 7,
1826, and died February 7, 191 1. He was educated in the public schools
and at a suitable age was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, an
occupation he followed for some time and then abandoned in favor
of a farming life. Prior to the civil war he had enlisted as a member
of Jackson's Artillery. His political affiliations were with the Demo- .
cratic party, and he held a number of public offices, among them being
those of supervisor and school director. He and his wife were members
of the Brethren church. Mr. Harshbarger married, August 29, 1848,
Martha, born October 3, 1825, died January 23, 1869, daughter of
Stephen and Hannah Curwin. Mr. Curwin, who was born in America
of German parentage, was a shoemaker by trade. He and his wife
were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and had children:
Isabella, married David Barree; Martha, mentioned above; Lettie, mar-
ried William Fagen ; Joseph, in the employ of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company ; Stephen, engaged as a drayman in the west ; James,
with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. Harshbarger
have had children: Jacob, born November 4, 1849, is a farmer and
carpenter; Horatio C, see forward; Joshua, born May 5, 1854, is a car-
penter and cabinetmaker; Agnes Mary, born June 26, 1856, married
Miller Graffie; William, born June 15, 1858; George, born July 15, 1859,
died August 23, 1861 ; Winfield, born July 25, 1861, has been a farmer
all his life; Henry, born January 17, 1863, is a miller; James, born
August 9, 1868, is a farmer and also a fruit agent of Mifflin county.
(III) Horatio C, son of Bud and Martha (Curwin) Harshbarger,
was born at McAlevys Fort, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, October
II, 1853. He was educated in the public schools of his township, and
for twenty years was closely identified with farming, and then engaged in
wagon building and blacksmith work. In 1883 he established himself
in business as a carpenter and general contractor, and has continued in
this up to the present time. He has been a strong supporter of Demo-
cratic principles, and has served the public as township supervisor two
terms, as postmaster, and as steward of Juniata College.
He married (first), 1876. Hannah, who died August 10, 1889,
daughter of William and Leah Miller, the former being a miller by
982 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
occupation; (second), 1901, Effie L., daughter of James and Adeline
(Shipton) Hoover, the former a cabinetmaker and lumberman in
Clearfield. Children by the first marriage: i. Bud, born March 17,
1877; educated in public schools and at Juniata College, from which he
was graduated with the degree of Civil Engineer, and is now engaged in
the practice of that profession; married Dora Heffright. 2. Mary, born
January 24, 1S81, died in infancy.
The family which bears the name of Africa is well repre-
AFRICA sented in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and it has
been connected with important public matters for several
generations. The name is of German origin, and the spelling is almost
identical with the German form.
(I) Andrew Jackson Africa, a lineal descendant of the emigrant
ancestor, Christopher Africa, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, 1S22, and died March 2, 1904. During the earlier portion of his
life he was engaged in the trade of shoemaking, but later became the
railway agent at Cove Station, a post he occupied for a period of thir-
teen years. Returning to Huntingdon, he was made a car inspector, in
which position he served very efficiently tmtil he lost one of his arms,
when he was appointed to the position of night caller, in which he served
until incapacitated by old age. He was retired, and was "on relief" for
a period of twelve years. He was Republican in his political views, and
a member of the Baptist church. He was married by the Rev. Jesse
Williams, October 28, 1852, to Maria Dufiield Peebles King, born Jan-
uary 19, 1827, died January 28, 1892 (see King line forward). Chil-
dren: I. Martha Belle, married, April 13, 1875, William C. Bartol;
children: Mary, married, June 5, 1903, Lewis E. Theiss; Belle; William
A.; Helen King; they live in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. 2. William
Carey, resides in Huntingdon, where he is a hardware merchant and also
manager and part proprietor of the store operated by Africa Brothers.
3. Thomas Edgar, see forward. 4. Vinton Zimmerman, hardware mer-
chant.
(II) Thomas Edgar, son of Andrew Jackson and Alaria Duffield
Peebles (King) Africa, was born at Cove Station, Perry county, Penn-
sylvania, February 3, 1858. He acquired a sound, practical education
in the public schools of his township, and supplemented this by assidu-
(m^. &
c^i^
HISTORY OF THI-: JUXIATA VALLEY 983
ous study at home, so that he was easily enabled to pass the necessary
examination for admission to the eligible list of those who desired to
become members of the clerical force of the postoffice. May 11, 1874,
he entered upon the duties of his position as a clerk in the Huntingdon
postolfice, and the following October he was appointed assistant post-
master. He was railway postal clerk from 1879 to 1882 on the trip
from New York City to Pittsburgh, a very important section of the
road. He resigned from this position, returning to Huntingdon, and
assuming the duties of his former position as assistant postmaster, and
is still engaged in this at the present time (1913)- During his tenure
of these various offices Mr. Africa has seen a great revolution in post-
office methods. The local postoffice has been brought up to a high
state of efficiency. Rural Free Delivery has been added to the service,
and the parcels post and the postal savings have been introduced. Mr.
Africa takes an active part in a number of other business enterprises,
among them being: Director in the L'nion National Bank and the
Franklin Building and Loan Association. He is also the junior partner
in the firm of Africa Brothers. He affiliates with the Republican party
in politics, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Improved Order of Heptasophs. He and his wife are members
of the Baptist church.
Mr. Africa married, May 15, 1884, Anna E., daughter of Henry
Snare, of Huntingdon. Children: i. Henry, graduated from Bucknell
College, took a post-graduate course at Columbia University, New York
City, and is now studying sociology in Berlin, Germany; he is a very
fine musician, and is considered an artist in his performances on the
pipe organ and piano. 2. Walter T., educated at Bucknell College and
the Banks Business College of Philadelphia ; he is now bookkeeper for
the Colonial Pine Lumber Compan}', Wilson, North Carolina.
(The King Line).
(I) Alexander King, from whom the Kings of Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, trace their descent, is described by those who knew him
as a Scotch-Irishman, a strict Scotch Presbyterian, in personal appear-
ance a man of medium height and weight. He came from Ireland to
America in 1773 or 1774. On January 10, 1776, he enlisted at New
London Crossroads, Chester county, Pennsylvania, as a soldier of the
984 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
revolutionary war, under Captain Henry Darby, in the Delaware regi-
ment commanded by Colonel Haslett. He was then a young man, pre-
sumably twenty- five years of age, and served under these officers for
one year, during which time he was in the disastrous battle of Long
Island, after which, retreating with his regiment, he fought at White
Plains, under Washington. Here he received a slight wound in the hand
from a Hessian's bayonet. He continued with his regiment in the peril-
ous flight through New Jersey, and was at the taking of the Hessians
at Trenton, after the famous crossing of the ice-filled Delaware river.
The time of his enlistment having expired, Alexander King remained at
home for one month, and then, February 10, 1777, re-enlisted in Cap-
tain Benjamin Fishborne's company of the Fourth Pennsylvania Regi-
ment, commanded by Colonel William Butler. Under Fishborne and
under Captain Thomas Church, in whose company in the Fourth Penn-
sylvania he also fought, he served with some distinction, being promoted,
February 11, 1780, from corporal to sergeant of his company. He
fought in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and afterward
at Monmouth on the memorable sultry day in June. Marching with
his regiment to Schoharie, New York, where the winter was passed, he
was ordered the following summer to join the expedition under General
Sullivan against the Indians in Genesee county, same state, and upon
his return he, together with his company, joined the main army. He
remained in the service until the month of January, 1781, when he was
discharged by Colonel Butler on account of sickness, and returned to
his home. His application for a pension states that he had been
wounded in the hand by a Hessian bayonet and was afterward injured
in the foot. He made his application for a pension April 14, 1818, at
which time he was residing in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and
was sixty-four years of age. His pension was allowed for five years'
actual service as corporal and sergeant during the period of the revoki-
tionary war.
Family tradition says that he came to America from the north of
Ireland, where he and his wife, Nancy Jackson, were married. In the
first United States census, taken in 1790, Alexander King is listed as
living in New London township, Chester count}-, Pennsylvania. He
came to Huntingdon not later than 1796, a proof of this being an entry
on the county records which gives Alexander King, of Huntingdon, as
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 985
the purcliaser of Lot No. 181, on January 30, 1797. He probably re-
moved directly from Chester county to Huntingdon county. He died
August 8, 1826, and was buried in the Rivervicw cemetery, Huntingdon,
his younger son, Thomas, being buried in the plot with him. The
graves are unmarked at the present time, but the exact location is
known to members of the family. Alexander King's watch fob, his
cane, and a thimble which had belonged to Thomas are in the posses-
sion of members of the King family. Alexander King was admitted to
membership in Lodge No. 56, Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons,
at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania June 24, 1800, and was buried with the
usual Masonic honors. Alexander King married, in Ireland, Nancy
Jackson, who died in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1825, and is
buried beside her husband. They had sons: i. John, probably born at
London Crossroads, Chester county, Pennsylvania, settled in Bedford
county, Pennsylvania ; married Christine Berkstresser ; children : Wil-
liam R., James, Harry S., Caroline, John, Margaret, Thomas, Nancy,
Alexander and Elizabeth. 2. Thomas, see forward.
(II) Thomas Sr., son of Alexander and Nancy (Jackson) King, was
probably born at London Crossroads, Chester county, Pennsylvania, in
1779. He removed to Huntingdon county with his father and spent the
remainder of his life there. Like his father, he was a tailor by occupa-
tion, and was also a member of the Presbyterian church and a member
of the Masonic fraternity. He served a short three months' time in
the War of 1812, under Captain Robert Allison. Thomas King was
married in Huntingdon, 1803, to Martha Norris, by the Rev. John
Johnston, and their children were: i. William Henderson, born August
22, 1803, married Mary Ann Dobbins. 2. Ann, born March 29, 1806,
died October 17, 1871 : married George Glazier. 3. Margaret, born May
14, 1808, died July, 1878: married Joseph Hayes, of Wilmington, Dela-
ware. 4. John, born July i, 1810, died May 8, 18 18. 5. Mary, born
August 5. 1S18, died August. 1880: married Christian Long. 6. Martha,
died December, 1822, in childhood. 7. Elizabeth, born November 6,
1820, died January 28, 1896: married William Johnston. 8. Sarah, born
July 18, 1823; married Peter Shaver. 9. Maria Duffield Peebles, see
forward.
(III) ]\Iaria Duffield Peebles, daughter of Thomas Sr. and Martha
(Norris) King, married Andrew Jackson Africa (see Africa I).
986 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
The Wright family herein recorded was founded in
WRIGHT Huntingdon county at an early day by John Wright,
who was of the Maryland family of Wrights, a promi-
nent family of Eastern Shore. They stood at the head of political affairs
in Maryland from the time of their first arrival from England, and
served their state faithfully in peace and in war. The ancestor, Solomon
Wright, emigrated to Maryland in 1673. He was a justice, member of
the legislature, 1709-1 1 ; vestryman of "Old Chester Church," and deputy
of the province. His wife's name was undoubtedly Hynson, daughter
of Thomas Hynson, also an early settler. Solomon Wright had issue,
Thomas Hynson, Nathaniel, Charles, John, Edward, Fauclough, Ann
and Rachel. From these sprang the numerous Wright family of Mary-
land, ever illustrious in church and state. Nathaniel Wright in 1694
was one of the vestry of "Old Wye," and with other members of the
family ordered a "pulpit and reading desk" to be placed in the church.
In 1727 Solomon and Solomon Wright Jr. were the "only members
present at a meeting of the vestry of Old Chester Church." In 1722
Thomas Hynson Wright was vestryman at both "Old Wye" and "Old
Chester churches." Solomon Wright was present at a court held in
Queenstown in 17 14, and General Samuel Turbutt Wright was chosen
as the best Cjualified person in his county to take charge of the public
magazine and to lead the troops of his country in the event of military
operations. In 1771 Thomas T. and Solomon Wright represented their
company. In 1774 the delegates were Turbutt and Solomon Wright,
who were also appointed to try all persons for treason on the Eastern
Shore, and many Wrights fought in the army of independence. Since
revolutionary days the Maryland family has been prominent in every
walk of life. This record follows the branch that shortly after the
revolution settled in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where in busi-
ness, church and public life they have maintained the high reputation
of their ancestors.
(I) Some time prior to the formation of Huntingdon county, 1787,
John, Abraham and William Wright, three brothers, settled in what is
now Clay township, coming from Baltimore township, Maryland. Abra-
ham lived for many years in Hare's Valley, northeast of Saltillo, where
he was a well-known justice of the peace; later he moved to the west.
John Wright brought with him his wife, a Miss Hendon, or Hynson,
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 987
whom he had married in Baltimore. He settled on a tract lying along
Three Springs Creek, in L^iion township, where he resided several years.
Later he purchased from Samuel Lilly a tract of about three hundred
acres, lying on both sides of Trough creek, between the Dean and Chil-
cott farms, which had been improved in 1773 by Samuel Dean. Children
of John Wright: Thomas (2), married a daughter of Joshua Gosnell,
and moved to Ohio ; Temperance, married John Shaw ; Betsey, married
Robinson Chilcote; Jemima and Amelia, who married Estep brothers;
Abraham, of whom further.
(II) Abraham, son of John Wright, was born September 7, 17S5, in
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and there died September 28, 1866.
After his marriage he bought a farm in Trough Creek valley, which he
cultivated until his retirement on account of old age. He was a man of
honorable character, industrious and prosperous. Both he and his wife
^v'ere devoted Methodists and active workers in the church. He mar-
ried, in 1810, Catherine Mireley, born in Baltimore, Maryland, Septem-
ber 6, 1792, died on the home farm, in Trough creek valley, March 16,
1881. Children: i. Isabel, born April 2, 181 1. married David Swope,
a farmer, of Trough creek valley, but late in life moved to Mapleton,
where she died. 2. Jordan H., born September 28, 1812; lived and died
in L'nion township, a farmer. 3. Michael, born August 28, 1814, died
in Union township: was a farmer. 4. Levi, born July 4, 1816; was a
farmer of Union township, and hotel keeper at Mapleton; married
Rachel Chilcott. 5. Simeon, born April 28, 1818, died in LInion town-
ship, a fanner. 6. Eliza, born October 16, 1821 ; married Richard Chil-
cott, and died at their farm in Trough creek valley. 7. Catherine, born
September 7, 1823; married Samuel Foust, a farmer of Henderson
township, where both died. 8. Elizabeth, born December 29, 1825;
married George W. Pheasant, and died in Trough creek valley. 9.
Matilda, born January 25, 1828; married John S. Pheasant, and died
near Mill Creek, Union township. 10. Abraham W., of whom further.
II. James C, born April 19, 1839; died at the W'right homestead.
(III) Abraham W., son of Abraham and Catherine (Mireley)
Wright, was born in Trough creek valley, Huntingdon countv. Pennsyl-
vania, February 4, 1835. ^^ there was educated and grew to manhood
and married. After his marriage he still continued farming in the
valley, but in 1870 moved to a farm aliout two miles away, where he
988 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
yet resides. He has been a landowner ever since he was a young man,
having bought and sold several farms in Huntingdon county, near his
present home. From 1876 to 1879 he was a commissioner of Hunting-
don county and has served as school director several 3'ears. Both he
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for
many years Mr. Wright was a steward and trustee. He has prospered
in his undertakings, and now is enjoying an honored old age at his farm
on and near which his entire life has been passed. He married Mary
Matthias, born in Huntingdon county, January 11, 1834, and now,
after passing a happy married life of over fifty years, she resides in good
health and contentment at the old farm with her aged husband. She
is the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Taylor) Matthias, early settlers
of Huntingdon county and of Trough creek valley. He was a farmer
during his life, which ended while still a young man, his widow mar-
rying (second) Abraham Elias, whom she also survived, spending her
last years with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham W.
Wright. By first husband she had three children : Henry, died young ;
Catherine, married James Kirkpatrick, who lost his life in the Union
army; and Mary, wife of Abraham W. Wright. Children of Abraham
W. Wright and wife : Hutchison H., died in infancy ; Watson W., born
March 24, 1857, now a farmer of Trough creek valley; Margaret, born
April 27, i860, married W. T. Boring, and resides at the Wright home-
stead; George Wilson, of whom further; William L., born January 15,
1865, now a farmer of Trough creek valley.
(IV) George Wilson, son of Abraham Wesley and Mary (Mat-
thias) Wright, was born in Trough creek valley, April 27, 1862. He
was educated in the public schools and spent his early life at the home
farm. He early began teaching in the public schools, continuing for
thirteen terms, the last three years being spent as principal of the schools
of Mapleton borough. In 1884 he married, and soon afterward estab-
lished a mercantile business in Mapleton, which he successfully con-
ducted until 191 1, when he retired, having been elected prothonotary
of Huntingdon county. During the administration of President Har-
rison he was appointed postmaster of Mapleton, serving a term of four
years. During his mercantile life he engaged in other activities, includ-
ing the organization of the First National Bank of Mount LTnion, of
which later he became a director. His term as prothonotary began
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 989
January i, 1912, and will continue for a term of four years. He has
always been an active worker in the Republican party, and has held the
offices of school director, chief burgess, councilman and justice of the
peace, resigning the latter office when elected prothonotary. In all these
positions he has served with honor and fidelity, holding to an unusual
degree the confidence of the electors of his borough, regardless of poli-
tics. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church ; Mount Moriah
Lodge No. 300. Free and Accepted Masons ; the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows ; and the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Mr. Wright married, March 14, 1884, Mary A. Dell, born in Union
township, daughter of Jonathan and Emmeline (Chilcote) Dell, of an
old county family (see Dell). The only child of George Wilson and
Marv A. Wright is Myrtle, married William A. Foster, resides at
Columbus, Ohio, and has a son, George David Foster.
The Steel family, of which Harry E. Steel is a represen-
STEEL tative in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, at the present time
( 1913), have been identified with the history of that section
of the country almost from the time of its first settlement. They have
frequently filled public positions with credit to themselves and benefit
to the community.
(I) Samuel Steel, the American progenitor of the family, was born
in Ireland about the year 1770, and came to America in his early youth.
He was among the very early settlers in Huntingdon, where he achieved
a position of influence in the community, and where his death occurred
in 1853. For many years he was engaged in a mercantile line of busi-
ness, and his name appears on early receipts in 1795. From 1800 until
1825. a quarter of a century, he was the postmaster in Huntingdon, and
under his regime everything was conducted in a most systematic and
satisfactory manner. He married and had several children.
(II) George, son of Samuel Steel, was born in Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, and there his entire life was spent. He was a Republican
in his political ideas, and at one time filled the office of postmaster. He
married Elizabeth McMurtrie Steel, and both he and his wife were con-
sistent members of the Presbyterian church. Children : Elizabeth,
married ]\Iilton S. Lytle, and now resides in Philadelphia ; INIartha, mar-
ried (first) Howard Cruitt, (second) E. T. Swain; Mary Ellen, married
990 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
J. C. Carroll, deceased; Samuel A., see forward; George G., now retired,
was prothonotary.
(III) Samuel A., eldest son and fourth child of George and Eliza-
beth (McMurtrie) Steel, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
April II, 1843, ^nd died December 20, 1903. During the civil war he
was employed in a storehouse in Louisiana, and upon its close he re-
turned to his home and was engaged in farming for a period of two
years. He then established himself in the lumber business, operating a
saw mill, and this concern was known as the Samuel A. Steel Lumber
Company of Huntingdon County. He kept one mill constantly busy
and the company was in a most flourishing condition. He served as a
commissioner's clerk from 1887 until 1893, and he held the office of
prothonotary from 1896 until 1902. When he was succeeded by his
brother he served in the office for one year as a clerk. In 1903 he was
made a member of the board of managers of the Pennsylvania Indus-
trial Reformatory, and was still filling this office at the time of his death.
He was a member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs, and he and
his wife were members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Steel married Elizabeth A., daughter of Jacob and Mary Landis,
both natives of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred,
while his wife died in Huntingdon cotmty. Mr. Landis was a miller
and merchant at Middletown, and at one time represented his section
in the legislature. They had children : Minnie F., married J. C. Fezell,
and lives in Grand Island, Nebraska ; Robert, who was a soldier in active
service during the civil war, was a machinist, and is now living retired
in Middletown, Pennsylvania; William, is a cabinet maker and lives
in Toledo, Ohio ; Elizabeth A., mentioned above. Mr. and Mrs. Steel
have had children: George L., is in the employ of the J. C. Blair Com-
pany, and lives in Huntingdon; Harry E., see forward; Samuel McCul-
lock, born September, 1869, and died June 25, 1872; Robert M., lives
in Huntingdon, where he is the proprietor of a grocery store, and is a
veteran of the Spanish- American war; Chalmers A., is a druggist in
Tyrone ; Mary, married Fay E. Colony, a civil engineer, at present en-
gaged in state highway construction work; Elizabeth, married Elias G.
Phillips, and lives in Huntingdon; Cora, married Frederick D. Bayer,
resides in Huntingdon.
(IV) Harry E., second son and child of Samuel A. and Elizabeth
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 991
A. (Landis) Steel, was born in lluntingdnn county, Pennsylvania, Sep-
tember II, i8(j7. The public schools of his section of the country
supplied him with a sound, practical education, and he left them at the
age of fifteen years. At this time he commenced to learn the drug
business, and, in the course of years, acquired a very thorough and
satisfactory knowledge of this profession. In 1896 he established him-
self in this line of business, purchasing the store and good will of H. W.
Leister, of No. 418 Penn street, and has been identified with this since
that time. Mr. Steel is very careful and painstaking in his methods of
doing business, and so successful has he been that, in 1904, he was
enabled to remodel the entire place, which has greatly added to its
attractiveness. By many this is now considered the finest store of its
kind in the place, and the town is justly proud of it and its courteous
and capable proprietor. Mr. Steel is active in all that concerns the
public welfare of the community, and politically is identified with the
Republican party. He has served very ably as a member of the school
board, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Steel are with the Improved
Order of Heptasophs and the Patriotic Order of Sons of America,
and the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Steel married, September 9, 1890. Lola C, born in Huntingdon,
daughter of Simon P. and Martha J. Wensel, and they have children :
Gaynelle and Max Wensel. Mr. Steel is a director of the Juniata Val-
ley Street Railway Company.
The Bergan family of Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
BERGAN vania, is represented in the present generation by Patrick
H. Bergan, superintendent of the Huntingdon Water
Supply Company, and came to this country originally from Ireland.
They belong to that class who have brought to the L^nited States the
numerous traits of industry, energy, frugality and perseverance, which
have been main factors in building up the prosperity of the country.
(I) Kiren Bergan, grandfather of the Mr. Bergan mentioned above,
w'as born in Queens county. Ireland, and his entire life was spent in
his native land. He married and had a number of children, of whom
the four mentioned here came to this country : John, who made his home
in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred ; Ann, who
992 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
married John Whalen, and now resides in Wayne county, Pennsyl-
vania; Susan, married Patrick Banks, and died in Carbondale, Pennsyl-
vania; Patrick, see forward.
(II) Patrick, son of Kiren Bergan, was born in Ireland in the year
1830, and died in Mayfield Boro, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1900.
At the age of seventeen years he emigrated to the United States, settling
at Waymart, Pennsylvania, and found employment as a railway en-
gineer on the old Delaware & Hudson Gravity railroad. After his
marriage he removed to a suburb of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and
there formed a connection with the Hillside Coal & Iron Company, his
position being that of superintendent of their supply house. Some years
prior to his death he retired from active employment. He was a stanch
supporter of the Democratic party, was of considerable prominence in
politics locally, and served for many years as tax collector of the dis-
trict. He married Mary Farley, born in Ireland in 1842. She is the
daughter of Patrick and Ann (Caffery) Farley, both natives of county
Cavan, Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1848, and settled at Way-
mart, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, where he became a prosperous
farmer, retiring with a considerable fortune. All the male members of
his wife's family were wheelwrights in Ireland. They had children:
Thomas, was a canal man and later a farmer, died at South Canaan,
Wayne county, Pennsylvania; Mary, mentioned above; Elizabeth, mar-
ried Charles Ouinn, and resides in Mayfield, Pennsylvania ; Andrew, is
a railroad man, and now lives retired at Carbondale, Pennsylvania. Mr.
and Mrs. Bergan had children: William J., died at Scranton, Penn-
sylvania, where he was the superintendent of the Temple Iron Com-
pany of Scranton; Patrick H., see forward; Anna, married P. F.
Hughes, and died at Carbondale, Pennsylvania ; Elizabeth, deceased,
sister of the Immaculate Heart, was an instructor at Mount St. Mary's,
of which she was one of the seven organizers; Kiren C, is the man-
ager of an ice plant at Ithaca, New York; Thomas F., died in Phila-
delphia ; Mary, died unmarried ; John, lives at Dunkirk, New York,
where he holds the position of inspector for the Pennsylvania railroad
at the American Locomotive Works; Andrew, died in childhood; Nel-
lie, also died in childhood ; Gerald, died in infancy.
(Ill) Patrick H., son of Patrick and Mary (Farley) Bergan, was
born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1865. He acquired a
f 'f
Otyt.yt_^^
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 993
reasonably good education in ihc public schools of his district when
one takes into account the fact that at the early age of ten years he
was obliged to commence to assist in contributing to the family sup-
port. His first position was as a mail boy in the employ of the Hillside
Coal and Iron Company, and he remained with them until January 15.
1901, having in these years risen to the responsible position of engineer.
The general manager of the company was also the president of the
Huntingdon Water Supply Company and, having formed a clear judg-
ment of the value of the services of Mr. Bergan from personal observa-
tion, he offered him the position of superintendent in the Huntingdon
Water Supply Company, an offer which was accepted, and ^Ir. Bergan
has had an opportunity since that time to show his true metal. His
executive ability is of an unusually high order, and he has a grasp of
detail which is truly remarkable. The company whose work he superin-
tends furnishes its water from Standing Stone creek, and they now
(1913) have about thirteen hundred customers. The officers of the
company are as follows : James D. Stocker, of Jermyn, Pennsylvania,
president ; Frank R. Stocker, secretary and treasurer ; Albert J. Walker,
chief engineer. The pohtical affiliations of Mr. Bergan are with the
Democratic party, and he has served as a member of the common
council of Alayfield, Pennsylvania. Both he and his wife are members
of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and he is a member in the fourth
degree of the Knights of Columbus, also of the Huntingdon Club, the
Royal Arcanum and the Improved Order of Heptasophs.
Mr. Bergan married, June 20, 1899, Margaret J., born in Jermyn,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Patrick Collins. They have had children :
Raymond; Mary; Frank, deceased; Anna.
The Dorris family, distinguished in the business and pro-
DORRIS fessional life of Huntingdon for several generations,
springs from Thomas Dorris. who came from Ireland in
1809 with wife and children. He made settlement at Alexandria in
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and there lived and died, leaving an
only son and five daughters, all born in Ireland.
(II) William (i), oldest child of Thomas Dorris, was born in Ire-
land, prior to the year 1800, died in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, in 1867.
He came with his parents in 1809 and spent his early life on the home
994 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
farm near Alexandria, Huntingdon county. After attaining his ma-
jority he entered the mercantile business, first at Hollidaysburg, but
soon after moved to Huntingdon, locating at the northwest corner of
Fourth and Penn streets, where in 1826 he erected the building yet
standing on that corner. There he remained in successful business until
his retirement about 1855, his last years being spent in full enjoyment
of the fruits of his years of labor as a merchant. He was a Presbyterian
and taught his family according to the tenets of that faith. He affiliated
with the Democratic party until the war between the states, then
transferred his allegiance to the Republican party. He was a notary
public for many years, but sought no political office. He married Nancy
Stitt, who bore him a large family of children, only three, however,
surviving infancy: i. Margaret, married Zachariah Gemmill, and moved
to Philadelphia, where both died. 2. William (2), of whom further.
3. Anna, married Robert Dorsey, and died in Spruce Creek township,
Huntingdon county.
(Ill) William (2), only son of William (i) and Nancy (Stitt)
Dorris to survive infancy, was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Sep-
tember 10, 1822, died there September 2, 1904. He was educated in the
public schools and academy of Huntingdon, then entered Lafayette Col-
lege, whence he was graduated, class of 1840. He then began the study
of law in the offices of Miles & Taylor, of Huntingdon, at the same
time acting as clerk in the office of the prothonotary of Huntingdon
county. After passing required examination, he was admitted to the
Huntingdon county bar, August 15, 1843. Six years after his admis-
sion, Judge Taylor, of the law firm of Miles & Taylor, was appointed
president judge of the newly created twenty-fourth judicial district
and withdrew from the iirm, ]\'Ir. Dorris taking his place, the new firm
practicing as Miles & Dorris. This association continued many years,
until the removal of the senior partner, John G. Miles, to Peoria, Illi-
nois, about 1870, Mr. Dorris continuing in practice alone, having his
offices and residence at the northwest corner of Fourth and Washington
streets, within two hundred feet of his birthplace. He continued to
practice imtil 1887, when he was joined by his son, John D., the firm
name then changing to W. & J. D. Dorris. In 1895, after continuously
practicing in Huntingdon for over half a century, the old veteran re-
tired to a well-earned rest which covered a period of nine years before
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 995
he entered upon an eternal rest. The hrm of Miles & Dorris had been
resident attorneys for the Pennsylvania railroad during the time of its
construction, and until the dissolution of the firm, Air. Dorris continued
in that capacity until his retirement, the same position now being
held by his son, John D. William Dorris was a learned lawyer, honor-
able and upright in his practice, never lowering the dignity of his pro-
fession nor violating its ethics for a temporary advantage. He was
highly honored by the members of the bar, who chose him as president
of the Huntingdon County Bar Association. He was one of the oldest
practitioners in the county, and his long career but shed lustre upon the
profession he adorned. During the war between the states he was
appointed, in 1862, colonel of the Third Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia,
and as such served during the threatened invasion of Pennsylvania that
was repelled at Antietam. where his regiment was held in reserve. He
was a Republican in politics, but never accepted public ot^ce, the law
being to him all in all. Both he and his wife were members of the
Presbyterian church, which he served as an elder. Colonel Dorris mar-
ried (first) Elizabeth Davidson, born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
October i, 1818, married, at "Locust Hill Farm," near Greencastle,
Pennsylvania, died in Huntingon, September 3, i860. She was the only
daughter of Elias Davidson, a farmer near Greencastle, in the Cumber-
land Valley, Pennsylvania. She had two brothers : \A'i!liam \V., a whole-
sale dry goods merchant of Philadelphia, who died in 1867; and John,
who died in youthful manhood. After the marriage the young couple
resided on Third street, Huntingdon, in a stone house once owned by
Governor Porter. Colonel Dorris married (second) Julia jNIiles. Chil-
dren of first marriage: i. William W., born in Huntingdon, March i,
1852; admitted to the bar April 12, 1876, practiced many years; now
living in Huntingdon, retired. 2. John Davidson (of whom further).
Children by second marriage: 3. Anne, married W. W. Chisolm, and
resides in Huntingdon. 4. Julia, resides in Huntingdon. 5. Mary H.,
married Herbert Miller, and resides in Huntingdon.
(IV) John Davidson, second son of Colonel William Dorris and
his fiirst wife, Elizabeth Davidson, was born in Huntingdon, Pennsyl-
vania, October 14, 1858. He was educated at the Huntingdon Academy
and Lafayette College, graduating from the latter institution, class of
1878. He studied law with his honored father, and in 1880 was ad-
996 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
mitted to the bar. In 1887 he was admitted to a partnership with his
father, practicing as W. & J. D. Dorris, until the retirement of the
senior partner in 1895. John D. Dorris then formed a partnership with
Judge Austin O. Furst, a former judge of the forty-ninth judicial
district of Pennsylvania, then comprising, the counties of Centre and
Huntingdon. The firm of Furst & Dorris continued in successful prac-
tice until dissolved by the death of Judge Furst in November, 1906.
Since then Mr. Dorris has practiced alone. He makes a specialty of
the law of corporations, and is local counsel for the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company; general counsel for the East Broad Top Railroad and
Coal Company, and general counsel for the Rock Hill Iron and Coal
Compan}^ He is learned in the law, and his opinions carry the weight
of authority on points of law. He is a director of the First National
Bank of Huntingdon ; director of the East Broad Top Railroad Com-
pany; director of the Shade Gap Railroad Company; and has other
business connections of importance. He is a member of the American
Bar Association, of the executive committee of the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association, and member of the Huntingdon County Bar Asso-
ciation, taking active interest in the work of each. In December, 1903,
he was appointed a member of the board of managers of the Pennsyl-
vania Industrial Reformatory at Huntingdon, a position he yet holds.
His college fraternity is Sigma Chi (Lafayette) ; his political faith is
Republican, and his religious belief, Presbyterian. He is a member of
the Art Club of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Altoona Cricket Club;
Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club ; and the Pennsylvania Society of New
York.
He married (first), in June, 1895, Eva Shedd, of Boston, who died
July 19, 1896. He married (second), March 15, 1901, Anne Rea, born
in Danville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Alexander and Anne Rea.
Among the prominent old families of Dickinson township,
WOODS Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, was the Woods famil}^
There was a large family of that name in the central part
of the township, owning in the aggregate about one thousand acres
"square." Richard Woods was prominent in his day, as was Captain
Samuel Woods, who was a large man, weighing over two hundred
pounds, always walked with a stoop, was quiet and almost forbidding
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 997
in his manner, but in reality was one of the kindest and most benevolent
of men. He is said to have been the determined juror who held out
for the acquittal of Professor McClintock, who was tried for inciting
the riots in Carlisle.
(I) Rev. James Sterrett Woods, D.D., the first of whom definite
record can be given, was born in Dickinson township, Cumberland
county, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1792. He obtained his literary and
collegiate education at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, then
entered Princeton Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey,
where he pursued studies in divinity and was graduated. He was
licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, New Jersey,
in October, 18 18, and was received as a licentiate by the Presbytery of
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1819, having accepted a
call from the Presbyterian congregation at Waynesburg (now IMcVey-
town) for one-half his time at a salary of $400 annually. He was
ordained and installed as pastor April 5, 1820. In April, 1823, he was
appointed stated supply to the congregation at Lewistown, and was
installed pastor there for one-half his time, April 28, 1824, at a salary of
$300 yearly. He served these congregations jointly until 1837, when
both gave him a call for his full time. He accepted the call of the First
Presbyterian Church of Lewistown at a salary of $600 and continued
the faithful pastor of that church until his sudden death, June 29, 1862.
In 1850 the College of New Jersey (Princeton College, now University)
conferred upon him the degree of D.D. His term of service at ]McVey-
town and Lewistown covered a period of forty-two years. For thirty-
eight years he served Lewistown church and for thirty-five years gave
the First Church his entire time. Dr. Woods was a sound, clear and
practical preacher; his ministry was a successful one, and he built up a
strong, useful church in Lewistown. He excelled in pastoral work, and
was deeply interested in young people, not alone those of his own church,
but of the whole community. He was very fond of children, with whom
he was very popular, and was careful with their religious training. He
was very hospitable and generous, and to all who knew him he was a
valued friend. He was entirely honored by the entire citizenship of
Lewiston for his holy, zealous, christian life and sterling, manly
qualities. On the day of his funeral, as a mark of respect to his mem-
ory, all business places in the town were closed. Rev. Woods married
998 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Marianne Witherspoon, of Princeton, New Jersey, who died July lo,
1846; she was a daughter of Rev. John Witherspoon, a president of the
College of New Jersey (Princeton University), and one of the Signers
of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. A clock pre-
served as a priceless heirloom in the Woods family was brought from
Scotland by a Witherspoon in 1768, was formerly the property of John
Knox, and is now over three hundred years old. Children of Rev.
James S. Woods: i. John Witherspoon, died January 7, 1839. 2. Sam-
uel S., president judge of the twentieth judicial district of Pennsylvania,
died February 5, 1873. 3. David W., a lawyer. 4. James S. (2), a
lieutenant in the United States regular army, killed in the Mexican war,
at the battle of Monterey, September 21, 1846. 5. William H., a grad-
uate of Princeton, class of 1848, principal of Lewistown Academy, and
from 185 1 to 1855 with his brother Alexander M. was in charge of the
preparator}^ department of Lafayette College, then principal at ]\Iiln-
wood Academy until 1862, then entered the law, for which he had pre-
viously prepared, moving to Huntingdon in 1863, and there continued
in practice for many years ; married Frances T. Williamson. 6. Alex-
ander M., of whom further.
(II) Rev. Alexander M. Woods, son of Rev. James S. and Marianne
(Witherspoon) Woods, was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, July 12,
1831, died in Mahanoy City, Penns3dvania, in 1897. He was a graduate
of Princeton College and of Princeton Theological Seminary, becoming
a regularly ordained minister of the Presbyterian church. After leaving
college and before entering regular ministerial work, he was with his
brother, William H., in charge of the preparatory department of Lafay-
ette College, at Easton, Pennsylvania, 185 1 to 1855. His first pastorate
was at Hartsville, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until
1869. He then accepted a call from the church at Mahanoy City, Schuyl-
kill county, Pennsylvania, where he labored faithfully until his death
in 1897, a period of twenty-nine years. He was a man of holy life, a
devoted minister of the gospel, held in high esteem by his brethren of
the ministry and by the congregations he served. His talents were of a
high order, and his work for the cause of christian living productive of
abundant results. He married, in Washington, D. C, Mary D. Ritten-
house, born in that city, daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Henrietta
(Davidson) Rittenhouse, both of whom died in Washington. Benjamin
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 999
F. Rittenhouse entered the service of the register of the treasury of
the United States as a clerk at the age of fourteen years, and was contin-
uously an employee of that office for sixty-two years, retiring the last
two years uf his life, which covered the long period of seventy-eight
years.
Children of Rev. Alexander M. Woods: Henrietta, a resident of
Washington, D. C, unmarried; James Sterrett, of further mention;
Franklin Rittenhouse, a civil engineer, now of New Castle, Pennsyl-
vania; and two who died in infancy.
(Ill) James Sterrett (2), son of Rev. Alexander M. and Mary D.
(Rittenhouse) ^^■oods, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, August
8, 1863. He was educated in the public schools, finishing his studies in
Mahanoy City high school. He then began the study of law, and
from 18S3 until 1885 was a student in the law offices of William H.
Woods, of Huntingdon, his paternal uncle. In December, 1885, he
was admitted to the Huntingdon county bar, and at once became a
partner of his preceptor, then practicing as W. H. & J. S. W'oods, and
so continuing until 1910; since that year Mr. Woods has practiced
alone. He has been successful in his profession, and ranks with the
leaders of the Huntingdon county bar. He is a member of the state
and county bar associations, and since February 19, 1891, has served
as secretary of the county organization. He is a member of the Masonic
order, belonging to Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted
Masons: Standing Stone Chapter, No. 201, Royal Arch Masons; and
Huntingdon Commandery, No. 65, Knights Templar. His other orders
are the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the Royal Arcanum.
Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
He married, January 18, 1899, Lenore, daughter of Joseph G. and
Lucretia (Duffey) Isenberg — he an ex-sherifif of Huntingdon county;
child: Joseph Blair, born October 31, 1899.
The Read family of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, herein re-
RE.-\D corded, date in the United States from the year 18 18, the
first American residence being in Philadelphia, where the
first American born child of the family first saw the light. The founder
of this branch was Thomas Read, born in county Armagh, Ireland.
He married in his native land, in the year 1818, and at once set sail
6'^
looo HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
for the United States with his bride. They settled in Philadelphia,
where their first child, a son, was born. A few years later Thomas
Read located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he established a gen-
eral store. In 1829 he engaged in the drug business, at what is now
No. 410 Penn street, a location occupied by his grandson, Harry W.
Read, also a druggist. This site from time immemorial has been occu-
pied as a drug store. Two years before Thomas Read opened his
drug store Kitty Westbrook there sold "yarbs"' and told fortunes. After
her came Dr. Hoffman, who continued in business until 1829, when he
sold out to Thomas Read. Dr. Hoffman, a professor of the University
of Pennsylvania, was a pioneer in the field, and one of the successful
men of his profession. On this old site Thomas Read continued in
successful business until his death in 1855, well and favorably known
in business and public life. He ever cherished the warmest affection
for the "old sod," and every Irishman was a welcome guest at his home.
He was prominent in public affairs, and was one of the commis-
sioners appointed by the government to represent the United States at
the Crystal Palace Exposition, held in London, England. In religious
faith he was a devoted member of the Episcopal church. His wife was
.a woman of spirit, active in the church and helpful in all forms of
village life; children: John, of whom further; James S., died in Texas,
a schoolmaster; Richardson, died in Iowa, a farmer; Thomas (2), died
in Salem, Ohio, an optician and jeweler; Anna Mary, deceased, mar-
ried Miles J. Saunders. None of these five children died in bed; all
died suddenly of heart failure.
(II) John, eldest son of Thomas Read, the emigrant, was born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 29, 18 19, died in Huntingdon, Penn-
sylvania, January 19, 1890. When a boy he was brought to Huntingdon
by his parents. He was educated for the ministry of the Episcopal
church, and was a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, one of
his classmates being the later famous statesman, James G. Blaine. On
his return from college he decided that his duty la}^ at home as his
father's business assistant. Abandoning his ministerial ambition, he at
once entered heartily into the drug business, which Avith his advent
entered upon a new era of expansion and prosperity. The building was
enlarged, new departments added, and, although temporarily retarded by
a fire in the building, great advancement was made. During the latter
a.
oL
HISTORY Ol'" THE JUNIATA VALLEY looi
years of the father's life the greater l)urclen fell upon the son, who
later became sole owner. In 1865 he erected a new building especially
adapted to his business, the first modern store building in Huntingdon.
He continued in successful business until his death, and then passed to
his son a business founded upon the solid basis of fair dealing. He
was a man of culture and, although engrossed in business, never lost
his love of scholarly pursuits, but kept in close touch with the world of
learning. He was a member of the Presbyteran church, which he served
for several years as trustee. He served in the Home Guard during the
war between the states, and was called out to repel invasion. In political
faith he was a Republican. John Read married Anna M. Hagey, born
in 1820, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, the family home being
on the Raystown branch of the Juniata river. She died in Huntingdon
July 28, 1912, a devoted member of the Presbyterian church: children:
Charles, died at Huntingdon, a druggist: Thomas R., now a retired
druggist, living in New York City ; James, Bessie and Chalmers, died in
childhood, their deaths all occurring within the same week ; Harry Wil-
cox, of whom further : Margaret, now residing in Huntingdon, un-
married : two other children died in infancy.
(Ill) Harry Wilcox, son of John and Anna M. (Hagey) Read, was
born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1855. He was educated in
private schools at Huntingdon and at the Iron City Business College,
Pittsburgh, whence he was graduated, class of 1876. The latter course
was taken after a course of law study continuing one year and a short
experience in the insurance business. During the Centennial Exposition
held in Philadelphia in 1876 he was in charge of an exhibit, and after
the close of the exposition remained in Philadelphia as a bookkeeper.
On account of his brother Charles' illness, he returned home in 1877,
and on his recovery became manager of the drug business founded by
his grandfather and continued by his father. Later he purchased the in-
terests of the other heirs, and became sole owner of the old business and
of the branch store in Huntingdon, established several years prior to
the death of John Read. This business, the oldest in Huntingdon under
one name, he continues under the same prosperous conditions that have
ever attended the Read fortunes. He was one of the organizers, direc-
tor and present vice-president of the Grange Trust Company of H^unt-
ingdon, a prominent and prosperous financial institution of Huntingdon.
I002 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Mr. Read is prominent in the Masonic order, being a past master of
Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons; past high
priest of Standing Stone Chapter, No. 201, Royal Arch Masons; past
eminent commander of Huntingdon Commandery, No. 65, Knights
Templar; and a thirty-second degree Mason of Philadelphia Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is a member of Syria Temple
(Pittsburgh), Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and
of the Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Read married Isabella McCormick Cunningham, born in Hunt-
ingdon county, daughter of Robert and Agnes (Oaks) Cunningham.
Robert Cunningham died in Philadelphia in 1876. Children: i. Dr.
John, a graduate of the medical department. University of Pennsylvania,
now a practicing physician of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 2. Agnes C,
residing at home. <; 3. Robert James, a graduate of Princeton LIniversity,
now engaged in the drug business with his father, the fourth generation
in that business in the same town and on the same site. 4. Thomas
Preston, graduate of University of Pennsylvania, A. B. ; graduate of
School of Pharmacy, at Philadelphia, M. D. He is also engaged in the
drug business with his father, and is pharmacist at Blair Hospital. 5.
Isabella, residing at home. 6. Harry Wilcox (2), a graduate of Hunt-
ingdon high school and Mercersburg Academy; died at age of nineteen
years. 7. Richard, died in infancy. 8. Margaretta, graduate of Hunt-
ingdon high school, class of 1913.
The Waite family, originally settled in Berks count}', Penn-
WAITE sylvania, moved at an early day to that part of Bedford
county later set off as Blair county. The earliest record is
of Jacob and Mary Waite, who lived in Tyrone township, Blair county,
until late in life, when they moved to Franklin township, Huntingdon
county, where both died. He was a stone mason, a trade he followed
all his active life. Both were members of the Presbyterian church ;
Jacob, a Whig in politics; children: i. Joseph H. (of whom further).
2. John, died in Ohio. 3. Benjamin, died in Ohio. 4. Caspar, died in
Blair county, Pennsylvania. 5. Rebecca, last survivor of the family,
now living in York county, Pennsylvania, aged over ninety-four years,
widow of James Fisher. 6. Mary, died unmarried at age of forty. 7.
Abraham, died in Ohio. 8. Catherine, married Andrew McKee, and
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1003
died in Clarion county, Pennsylvania. W ilh llie exception of Mary, all
of them lived to be over eighty-five years of age.
(II) Joseph H., son of Jacob and Mary Waite, was born in Tyrone
township, Blair county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, died in Warriors Mark
township, Huntingdon county, in January, 1908. He spent his early
years in Blair county, but in 1869 purchased a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in Warrior's Mark township, on which he resided until his
death. He was a successful farmer and a well-known auctioneer, hav-
ing cried at public sale many thousands of dollars worth of farm land
and farm property in that section. He was a Republican in politics, and
a member of the Presbyterian church; his wife a Methodist. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Keith, born in Spruce Creek township, Huntingdon
countv, Pennsylvania, in 182 1, died in Warriors Mark township, in
1893, daughter of Andrew and Mary (McPherran) Keith, of Scotch-
Irish descent, early settlers in Lancaster county, later of Spruce Creek
township, Huntingdon county, where they died; both were members of
the Methodist Episcopal church; children: i. Elizabeth, married Joseph
H. \\^aite. 2. John, died in Blair county, Pennsylvania. 3. Samuel E.,
died in Iowa, a real estate dealer. 4. Mary, married Dr. Wishart, and
died in Martinsburg, Blair county, Pennsylvania. 3. Andrew, died in
Spruce Creek township, a teacher. 6. Adam, died in Huntingdon county^
a mine manager. Children of Joseph H. Waite: i. Theodore, a mer-
chant of Huntingdon county, died in 1908. 2. Alvin, accidentally killed
at age of twelve. 3. Andrew, resides in Warrior's Mark, a clerk. 4.
Mary, married J. H. Mattern, and resides in Warrior's Mark. 5.
Hayes H., of whom further. 6. George, resides in Tyrone, Pennsyl-
vania, an auctioneer. 7. S. Blair, resides in Tyrone township, a farmer.
8. Joseph L., now superintendent of mines in Georgia. 9. Lillie, mar-
ried I. S. Buck, and resides in Warrior's Mark.
(III) Hayes H., son of Joseph H. and Elizabeth (Keith) Waite,
was born in Tyrone township, Blair county, Pennsylvania, January 27,
1852. He obtained a good education in the public schools and in private
schools of Warrior's Mark, and from 1874 until 1879 taught in the
public schools. Deciding upon the legal profession, he pursued the
study of law under Hon. George B. Orlady, and was admitted to the
Huntingdon county bar at the January term, 1883. He at once began
practice in Huntingdon, where he is well established in general court
1004 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
practice, largely civil. In 1893 he was elected district attorney of
Huntingdon county, serving with credit a term of three years. He is a
member of the Huntingdon County Bar Association; Mount Moriah
Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted ilasons; Standing Stone Chapter,
No. 201, Royal Arch Masons; Huntingdon Commandery, No. 65,
Knights Templar; the Patriotic Order Sons of America; and both he
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He married, in 1874, Jennie Burkett, born in Warrior's Mark town-
ship, daughter of Peter H. Burkett, deceased. Children: i. Alvin
Burkett, graduate of Huntingdon high school, Dickinson College and
Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, a graduate M.D. of the
latter institution, class of 1902; now physician in charge at the Penn-
sylvania Industrial Reformatory of Huntingdon; married Kate Wil-
loughby ; children : Maurice and Kenneth. 2. Clarence, educated in the
public schools; married Dorothy Kauffman, and resides in Huntingdon,
Pennsylvania. 3. Adeline, residing at home.
This branch of the Bayer family came to the Juniata Val-
BAYER ley of Pennsylvania from Maryland, from whence came
John Bayer when a young unmarried man. He was born in
Washington county, Maryland, where he grew to youthful manhood,
learning the trade of miller. He later settled in Franklin county, Penn-
sylvania, married, and there resided until his death, February 27, 1875.
He was a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife were members
of the German Reformed church. He married Mary Ann Miller, born
in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, died May 25, 1880; children: John,
died aged four years; Sarah Ann, died aged sixteen years; David B.,
now a tile manufacturer of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Joseph M., died at
Tyrone, Pennsylvania, 191 1; Adam, now a farmer of Bellefontaine,
Ohio ; Henry, now a farmer of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania ; Mar-
garet J., now proprietor of a ladies' notion store in Huntingdon, un-
married; Theodore F., of further mention.
(II) Theodore Franklin, youngest child of John and Mary Ann
(Miller) Bayer, was born in Antrim township, Franklin county, Penn-
sylvania, April I, 1863. He was educated in the public schools of
Antrim, and began business life as a clerk in a store at Hagerstown,
Maryland. After five years spent as clerk his ability was recognized
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1005
and his service rated so highly that he was admitted to a partnership
in the business. He continued as such live additional years, then in
partnership with his cousin, B. F. Greenawalt, established the Cumber-
land Dry Goods House at Cumberland, Maryland. Later Mr. Bayer
sold his interest and returned to Hagerstown, where for two years he
was engaged in business with Abner \V. Barnhart. In 1894 he located
in Huntingdon and in partnership with L. M. Keplar established the
wholesale grocery house of Bayer & Keplar. In 1896 Mr. Keplar sold
his interest to John G. Beaver, and the firm became Bayer & Beaver.
The business prospered to such an extent under the wise guidance of
its owners and so expanded that in 1903 it was incorporated as the
Bayer-Beaver Company, with a capital stock of $125,000. Started
originally in a store in the opera house block on Washington street,
the firm moved in 1900 to a three-story building, Third and Allegheny
streets, which has since been enlarged to one of five stories and base-
ment, with a ground area seventy by eighty feet. A force of sixteen
men is kept constantly employed, four of these being traveling salesmen,
covering the retail grocery trade in the counties of Huntingdon, Bed-
ford, Blair, Mifiiin, Juniata, and a part of Fulton. This most satisfac-
tory business has been built up since 1894, when Messrs. Bayer & Kep-
lar first began in a modest way, acting as their own traveling salesmen.
The progress has been gradual but continuous, the conservative and
honorable course the house has always followed winning and holding
the trade that appreciates, supports and stays. The officers of the cor-
poration are: T. Frank Bayer, president; Edwin A. Beaver, vice-presi-
dent; M. W. Isenberg, secretary; Fred D. Bayer, treasurer. Mr. Bayer
is also a director of the Grange Trust Company of Huntingdon. His
nearly twenty years of successful business life in Huntingdon mark
him as a merchant of ability and progress, while his merits as a citizen
have been also recognized by his selection to civic posts of honor and
trust. For six years he has served as a member of the city council, and
in 1908 he was chosen delegate to the Republican National Convention
held in Chicago. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order,
belonging to Mount Moriah Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; Hunt-
ingdon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Standing Stone Chapter, Royal
Arch ]\Iasons; Commandery of Huntingdon, Knights Templar; and to
Java Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Altoona, Pennsylvania.
ioo6 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Other fraternal orders with which Air. Bayer is connected are the Royal
Arcanum and the Heptasophs. In religious faith both he and his wife
are members of the Reformed church.
He married (first), December 2, 1885, May Elizabeth Barnhart,
born in Washington county, Maryland, died in 1889; children: i. Fred
B., now treasurer of Bayer-Beaver Company; married Cora E. Steele.
2. Elizabeth, a teacher in the William Penn Girls' High School of Phila-
delphia. Mr. Bayer married (second), in 1892, Miss Mary E. Shaffer,
of Cumberland, Maryland.
There is little or no connected record of the Smucker
SMUCKER family in Pennsylvania before Jacob Smucker, a far-
mer, landowner and pump maker of Mifflin county,
famous for his skill in the manufacture of the wooden hand pumps,
which were the forerunners of our present metal and power pumps. He
was a member of the Lutheran church ; in politics he was a Republican.
He married Catherine Lee, a native of Mifflin county, and resided near
Belleville, Mifflin county. Children: Barbara, married Jacob Focht;
Margaret, married John Ealy; Jemima, married David Long; Felix, a
farmer, died at Lewistown; Amos (of further mention).
(II) Amos, son of Jacob and Catherine (Lee) Smucker, was born
in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, died at Ardenheim, Pennsylvania, May
20, 1898. He obtained an education in the public schools, and early in
life learned his father's trade, which he followed for many years, main-
taining the reputation for high excellence and efficiency gained by his
father's work. He purchased a farm in Brady township, Huntingdon
county, of about eighty acres, on which he resided, later moving to
Ardenheim, where both he and his wife died. Both were members of
the Lutheran church, while in political belief he was a Republican. He
married Elizabeth Focht, a native of Germany, who came to this country
with her parents when a child, died at Ardenheim, Pennsylvania, May
15, 1893, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Focht, born in Germany,
who settled in Huntingdon county, where both died ; they had two
children — Jacob, died in Allensville, Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth (of
previous mention), married Amos Smucker. Children of Amos and
Elizabeth Smucker: i. Infant, died unnamed. 2. Infant, died unnamed.
3. Louisa, died young. 4. Miles, died young. 5. Jacob, a drayman.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1007
(lied at Huntingdon, February, 1913. 6. J. E., of further mention.
7. Martlia, married Andrew Mason, and lives in Wadsworth, Ohio. 8.
William, a laborer, lives in Huntingdon. 9. Amos, a guard at Pennsyl-
vania Industrial Reformatory, lives at Huntingdon. 10. Alfred, an
employee of Grange Trust Company; lives in Huntingdon, Pennsyl-
vania. II. Eva M., married G. G. Harman, M. D., and lives in Hunt-
ingdon. 12. Amanda, married Charles Croft (deceased), and lives in
Huntingdon.
(Ill) J. E., son of Amos and Elizabeth (Focht) Smucker, was born
near Belleville, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1843. He obtained
his education at Lewistown Academy, and for six months held a posi-
tion as a mercantile clerk in the same town. At the time of Lee's invas-
ion of the north he enlisted, July 10, 1863, in Company C, 46th Regi-
ment Volunteer INIilitia, and until August of the same year was sta-
tioned at Philadelphia on duty quelling the rioting and disturbances
attendant upon the drafting operations. He was discharged from this
duty that month, and on April i, 1864, re-enlisted in Company C, 45th
Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, serving until June 14, 1865,
when he was discharged because of disability resulting from a wound
received at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. The efifects of this injury kept
him in the hospital until December 25 of the same year. He saw a
great deal of active service, and was in the campaign of the Wilderness
under Grant, and was slightly wounded, ]\Iay 6, 1864. His regiment was
also actively engaged in the following encounters : Spottsylvania, May
12, 1864; Ny river. May 10; Po river, May 21; North Anna river,
]\Iay 24, 26; Totopotomy, May 27; Bethesda, May 31. 1864; Cold
Harbor, June 1-3: Petersburg, December 25, 1864, to April 3, 1865;
Fort Hill, April 2, 1865; Appomattox, April 9, 1865. After the war
was over he returned to Pennsylvania and settled in Huntingdon county
with his parents until his marriage in December, 1865. In November,
1866, he moved to Huntingdon, and December i, 1866, assumed the
duties of recorder and clerk of the orphans' court. He was re-elected
in 1869 for another three years' term and served until 1872. In that
year he entered the firm of Smucker, Brown & Company, furniture
dealers, from which he withdrew two years later. He then moved to
a farm of three hundred and thirteen acres in Wayne township, Mif-
flin county, which he had purchased, but after four years of farm
ioo8 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
life he moved to Huntingdon, where he has accepted positions at various
times as executor, trustee, or guardian of forty-one estates, many of
which he still administers. As one of the prominent business men of
the town he was largely instrumental in the organization of the Rays-
town Water Power Company, of which he has been president since its
organization in 1906. He is interested in many other of Huntingdon's
institutions ; was the organizer, director and trust officer of the Grange
Trust Company; a trustee of the Orphans' Home; a commissioner of
Blair Park; and for twenty-five years has been vice-president of the
Franklin Building and Loan Association. He is a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and with his wife a member of the
Presbyterian church, in which organization he is president of the board
of trustees. He bears a reputation of merit and honor among Hunting-
don people, and is noted for his integrity in business dealings and for
his deep and active interest in church affairs.
He married (first), December 28, 1865, Sarah Lane, a native of
Mill Creek, died February 1897; (second) Carrie Moore, daughter of
Porter Moore, June 23, 1897. Children of first wife: Mary, died aged
two years; Florence, died aged three years; Lawrence, died in infancy;
Blanche, died aged twenty-four years ; Mary, married Walter R. Myton,
an architect, and lives in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Child of second
wife : John Moore, born March 8, 1903.
The Etniers of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, descend from
ETNIER French ancestors, the emigrant settling in Germany Val-
ley, Huntingdon county, where lived Peter Etnier, the
first of whom there is record. From France the family settled in Eng-
and and in Ireland, from whence came the emigrant to America about
the time of the revolution.
(II) Peter Etnier was born in Germany Valley, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, June 23, 1788, died October 30, 1870. He became a
farmer of Path Valley, where he owned land and prospered. He later
in life sold his farm and moved to Shirleysburg, where his last years
were spent. Both husband and wife were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. He married Martha Elizabeth Smalley, born in
Huntingdon county, on the farm at the mouth of Augwick creek, April
4, 1791, died February 2"/, 1862. Children: Hannah, born December,
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1009
1810, married William Pollard, of Philadelphia; Oliver, of whom fur-
ther; jMartha, born February 2, 1814, married Samuel Miller; David;
Lewis; Sarah; Devan B. ; Eliza; Margaret; Jane; Harriet; Julia, died
young; Julia (2), married Benjamin R. Foust, a member of the Penn-
sylvania legislature of 1878; twins, who died in infancy. Of these
children, Oliver, Lewis, Harriet, Julia, Devan, Eliza and Jane remained
in Pennsylvania, the others settled in Ohio and other western states.
(III) Oliver, son of Peter and Martha E. (Smalley) Etnier, was
born on the farm in Path Valley, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
August 16. 1812. He there grew to manhood a farmer, later learning
the cabinetmaker's trade and operating a saw mill which he owned. He
was a prosperous resident of Shirley township, and is remembered as a
most hospitable man at whose home every caller was made welcome
and entertained with that freehanded hospitality that one so long re-
members with pleasure. He was a Whig and a Republican, serving
nearly all his adult years as a member of the school board of Shirley
township. He was a devoted Methodist, and served as trustee. He
married Catherine, daughter of Abraham Long, a minister of the
German Baptist church, probably the first of his peculiar sect (Dunkard)
to preach in Huntingdon county. He was a farmer as well as a
preacher, and owned several farms in the valley. He organized a
congregation and built the old stone church near Shirleysburg, in which
he preached, and generations of Dunkards since have worshipped.
Children of Oliver and Catherine Etnier: i. David, lived and died in
Mount Union, Pennsylvania, a merchant. 2. Abraham, died in Phila-
delphia, a wholesale shoe dealer. 3. Elizabeth, married S. M. Wood-
cock, and died in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. 4. Alfred, of whom
further. 5. Wilson, died in Asheville, North Carolina, a fruit farmer.
6. Henry, now living in Mount Union, a retired farmer. 7. John, died
at I\Iill Creek, Pennsylvania, in November, 1912, a merchant.
(IV) Alfred, son of Oliver and Catherine (Long) Etnier, was
born in Shirley township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, July 21,
1836, died in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, March 11, 1903. He was
educated in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen years be-
gan teaching, continuing until 1861, when he enlisted in the famous
"Bucktail" regiment, serving four years, and participating in the many
battles in which the "Bucktails," as part of the Army of the Potomac,
loio HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
bore a heavy and honorable part. On his return from the war he re-
sumed teaching, later entering mercantile life with much success. His
first store was at Otelia, moving from there to State College, then to
Huntingdon, then back to the farm, then to Lewistown, thence to
Armagh, finally settling in Huntingdon, where he spent his last two
years of life. He is buried in Mount Union cemetery, and will long
be remembered as a quiet, Christian gentleman, less interested in the
accumulation of dollars than in the welfare of his many friends. He
was a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and a faithful worker for all that was good. Alfred Etnier
married, February 2, 1870, Frances Johnston. Children: i. Edith
Hunter, died aged twenty-one years ; a music teacher. 2. Charlotte
pjelle, born September 16, 1873, died November 6, 1912; a trained
nurse; she began training for her profession in the Presbyterian Hos-
pital in Philadelphia, later taking a post-graduate course in the Wom-
an's Hospital in New York City. After the Spanish-iVmerican war
she was second head nurse in the first American hospital in Havana,
later returning to New York, where she continued her profession until
death. 3. Fred Guy, of whom further. 4. Douglass, died aged two
years.
Frances (Johnston) Etnier is the daughter of John Lowry and
Elizabeth Hunter (Bell) Johnston, granddaughter of Dr. Alexander
Macbeth and Elizabeth (Lowry) Johnston, and great-granddaughter
of Rev. John Johnston and his wife, Jeannie McBaithe, he a native of
Ireland, she of Scotland. Rev. John Johnston came to America in
1774, settling in Hart's Log Valley, in Huntingdon county. He was
installed as a minister in 1787. He married his wife Jeannie in this
country, and left sons, Alexander, Andrew J., Thomas and John. Dr.
Alexander M. Johnston was born at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, and
there practiced medicine for fifty-seven years. His wife, Elizabeth
Lowry, was a daughter of Lazarus and Elizabeth (Holliday) Lowry.
Dr. Johnston was an eminent physician, noted in consultation cases, and
lived to the great age of ninety-seven j^ears.
John Lowry Johnston was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania,
and after a commercial course in Spencer's Business College in Phila-
delphia, became a bookkeeper for his father-in-law Bell, although mar-
ried later. A few years after his marriage he moved to Indiana county,
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY ion
Pennsylvania, later returning to his former position. After the death
of his wife he moved to Baltimore with a daughter, and there died,
aged eighty-seven years. He married Elizabeth Hunter Bell, eldest
daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Alorrison) Bell, and granddaugh-
ter of Edward and Elizabeth Bell, natives respectively of Scotland and
Ireland, coming to this country unmarried. After their marriage they
settled in Blair county, at what is now Bellwood, named in his honor.
There he built two large mills, a general store and a blacksmith's shop,
also acquiring large farming interests. He discovered coal underneath
his land, and was one of the early ironmasters of that section, operat-
ing a charcoal furnace in connection with his other interests. He left
six sons and two daughters : Samuel, James M., David, Richard, Mar-
tin, Adie K., Elizabeth and JNIary Ann.
Samuel, son of Edward Bell, was born in Blair county, later set-
tling in Huntingdon county, where he became a prominent iron manu-
facturer and leading man of business. He was a Democrat in poli-
tics, and was a member of the Pennsylvania legislature. About the
year 1830, and while a member, he delivered the first speech ever de-
livered in the house in favor of prohibition of the liquor traffic. He
married Elizabeth Morrison, and had issue : William ; Elizabeth
Hunter, who married John Lowry Johnston ; Hannah, Annie and
Robert.
Frances, daughter of John Lowry and Elizabeth Hunter (Bell)
Johnston, married Alfred Etnier, of previous mention.
(V) Fred Guy, only son of Alfred Etnier to survive infancy, was
born in Armagh, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, December 6. 1877. He
was educated in the public schools, finishing his studies at Mount Union
high school, from which he graduated. He began business life with
his father, with whom he was associated in mercantile life until the
latter retired from business. In 1901 he entered the government employ
as clerk in the railway mail service, and so continues. His run is now
from New York to Pittsburgh, one of the most important of the railway
postoffices in the country. Mr. Etnier is a Republican in politics, and
connected with various organizations, social and fraternal. He married,
!May I, 1907, Mrs. Gertrude (Carothers) Eby. Children by her first
husband: Edith G., Harold M. ; and Hazel, who is the wife of J. H.
McClure.
IOI2 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
The Etnier home is at No. 821 Washington street, Huntingdon,
although much of Mr. Etnier's time is necessarily spent on the road.
The first member of this branch of the Wilson family
WILSON of whom there is record is Joseph Wilson, a native of
Baltimore, Maryland, who died in Centreville, Mary-
land. His early life was spent in Hagerstown, Maryland, but in 1846
he moved to Martinsburg, Blair county, Pennsylvania, where he fol-
lowed the coachmaker's trade, specializing in the building of the Cones-
toga wagons, used so extensively in the teaming of that day. In poli-
tics he was a Whig. He and his wife were communicants of the Lu-
theran church. He married Miss Jennings, who died at Martinsburg.
After her death he moved to Cumberland, Maryland. Children: i.
Sarah, died in Cumberland, Maryland; married (first) Amos Chil-
cott, (second) Thomas Growden. 2. Thomas, a Methodist Protestant
minister, died in Southern Maryland. 3. Jane, died at Greensburg,
Pennsylvania; married Thomas McQuaid, who died at Salem, Penn-
sylvania. 4. Elias, twin of Jane, of further mention. 5. Rachel, mar-
ried George Hampson (deceased), and lives in Greensburg, Pennsyl-
vania. 6. David, twin of Rachel; a minister of the Methodist Protes-
tant church, died at Denver, Colorado, March, 1907, and is buried in
Frederick City, Maryland.
(II) Elias, son of Joseph Wilson, was born in Hagerstown, Mary-
land, May 20, 1S20, died in Cassville, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1899.
When he was eight years of age his parents moved to Martinsburg,
Pennsylvania. After learning his father's trade, that of coachmaker,
he settled in Cassville, where for the rest of his life he resided. He
enlisted in Company I, 12th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, and
after serving for four months as drum major was honorably dis-
charged for disability. While in the service he also had charge of a
wagon train. He was a Republican in politics, and for twenty-five
years held the office of justice of the peace, as well as other local posi-
tions. He married Sarah, born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
March i. 1824, died January 23, 1906, daughter of Peter Wolfkill, a
native of Franklin count}^ Pennsylvania, who moved to Huntingdon
county. Peter Wolfkill for a time followed the blacksmith's trade,
later abandoning this to engage in teaming on the National Pike be-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1013
tween Baltimore and Pittsburgh. He and his wife were members of
the Lutheran church ; he was a Whig in pohtics. Children of Peter
Wolfkill: I. Leali, died at Mill Creek, Pennsylvania; married John
Ritter. 2. Catherine, married David Ritter, and lives in Canton, Ohio.
3. Julia, died in Mill Creek, Pennsylvania; married Robert ]\Iorgan.
4. Sarah, of previous mention, married Elias Wilson. 5. Name un-
known. Children of Elias and Sarah (W'olfkill) Wilson: i. Joseph,
a coachmaker of Cassville, Pennsylvania, died April, 19 12. 2. David
C, of further mention. 3. Alice, married Martin Stever, and lives
near Cassville. 4. Laura, married Alfred Smucker, and lives in Hunt-
ingdon. 5. Mary. 6. William, a skilled worker in both wood and iron;
lives in Dobbin, West Virginia. 7. John, a railroad contractor, of
San Antonio, Texas. 8. Samuel Graham, of further mention. 9.
Harry, a coachsmith and undertaker, of Broad Top, Pennsylvania.
(Ill) David Cunningham, second son and child of Elias and Sarah
(Wolfkill) Wilson, was born at Cassville, Pennsylvania. October 8,
1848. He obtained his education in the Cassville Seminary, later learn-
ing the coachsmith's trade, which he followed in his native town for
twenty-five years. In 1906 he was engaged as instructor in black-
smithing at the Pennsylvania Industrial Reformatory, a position he
still fills. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, a Progressive in
politics, and with his wife is a member of the ^Methodist Episcopal
church.
He married Elizabeth Steele, daughter of Charles Calvin Steele,
a native of Huntingdon county. Children: i. Robert L., educated at
■Millersville State Normal School, Williamsport Normal School, Med-
ico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, whence he was graduated
M. D., 1904: now practicing at Jeannette, W'estmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania. 2. Ada, married Dr. Lawrence Smith ; lives in Pitcairn,
Pennsylvania ; children : Elizabeth and Emma.
(Ill) Samuel Graham, eighth child and fifth son of Elias and
Sarah (Wolfkill) Wilson, was born in Cassville, Pennsylvania, Sep-
tember 8, 1863. He obtained his education in the public schools, and
later learned the coachsmith's trade, which he followed for eight years
in Cassville. The lumber business then claimed his attention, and this
he followed in Huntingdon county for eighteen years, during which
time it is estimated that he cut about eight million feet of lumber.
IOI4 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Then for three years he engaged in general farming, abandoning this
to learn automobile repairing, which he followed in Philadelphia and
Greensburg. In 19 lo he moved to Huntingdon county, opening a
garage in Smithfield, doing general repair work, as well as handling
an agency for the Buick Motor Car Company and for the Martin
Truck Company. His business has grown steadily, and has become a
lucrative source of income. His fraternal affiliations are with the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks; politically he is a Progressive. He is unmarried.
Located on the eastern shore of the Schuylkill river, in
ROYER Montgomery county, distant from Philadelphia thirty-
two miles and from Norristown sixteen miles, is the bor-
ough of Royers Ford. The name is derived from an ancient ford over
the Schuylkill at this point, which took its name from a family by name
Royer, who are said to have owned the land many years ago and prior
to the use of the stream for purposes of navigation. Subsequent to the
erection of dams and the consecjuent destruction of the fords in com-
mon use, a bridge was constructed here, but the name Royers Ford
was still retained by the villagers, and, when a borough was formed,
the ancient name was retained.
The Royers were originally from Alsace-Lorraine, and were early
settlers at Trappe, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. There were
several of the name in Providence township and all were men of more
than average ability and ambition. There is little known of the foreign
history of the family. Tradition says they were of German origin,
and there is good grounds for the belief that the ancestors were French,
driven into Germany as Protestants, and finally settling in Alsace-Lor-
raine, a province peopled by both French and Germans.
(I) The emigrant ancestor, Sebastian Royer (originally Reyer),
came to Pennsylvania about 1718, with four sons, the two elder set-
tling on the Schuylkill, at or near Royer's Ford.
(II) John, son of Sebastian Royer, was a farmer of Schuylkill
county, where his life was spent after coming to this country. He
married Anna Catherine Apfel, and had nine children.
(III) Joseph, son of John and Anna Catherine (Apfel) Royer,
was born in February, 1784, two miles west of Trappe, in Providence
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1015
lowiibhii), in llie then county of Philadelphia. He was a man of broad
intellect, earnest purpose and superior social qualities. Though a man
of limited education, he was widely read and able to converse fluently
on the various subjects of his day. His ability and high character
brought him into prominence in the Democratic party, which in 182 1
and 1S22 elected him to the state legislature. In 1837 he was appointed
associate judge of Schuylkill county, a position he did not solicit, but
which he tilled with dignity and honor. He was several times the can-
didate of his party for congress, but never gained a favorable verdict
at the polls. He married, in 1818, Elizabeth, daughter of David and
Mary Catherine Dewees. Children: i. Francis. 2. J. Warren, born
July 21. 1820, in Trappe; graduate of Lafayette College; entered
Princeton College, whence he was graduated, class of 1842; entered
medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was
graduated M. D., 1845. He practiced all his life at Trappe, became
eminent in his profession, and prominent in his town; he married, in
1863, Anna, daughter of Henry Herbert, of Frankford, Philadelphia;
children: May. Ralph, Carl, Joseph, Warren, Jessie and Henry. 3.
Lewis, of whom further. 4. J. Dewees, died in early manhood. 5.
C. John. 6. Horace, state senator in 1865, and a man of prominence.
7. Henrv, a graduate of Yale; an attorney-at-law, and a colonel in the
civil war. 8. Josephine, married Martin Luther Kohler, a lawyer and
real estate dealer of Philadelphia.
(IV) Lewis, third son of Judge Joseph and Elizabeth (Dewees)
Royer, was born in Trappe, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. March
31, 1822, died in October, 1905. He obtained a good English education
at public school and under a private tutor. For three years he taught
school in Berks county. Pennsylvania, at the expiration of which time
he entered the office of Dr. Jacob Tryon, of Rehrsburg. that county,
there beginning the study of medicine. Subsequently he attended lec-
tures at the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania,
whence he was graduated M. D. in the spring of 1843. He began the
practice of his profession in Rehrsburg, and some years later removed
to Schuvlkill Haven, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, remaining there
for ten vears. In 1859 he located in Philadelphia and engaged in the
wholesale drug business. In 1867 Dr. Rover returned to Trappe, re-
siding there until 1884, when he moved to Norristown. Dr. Royer
ioi6 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
was largely interested in the manufacture of iron and the mining of
coal in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in connection with the Rock
Hill Iron & Coal Company, in which he was personally active until his
death. At one time he was president of the Tradesmen's National
Bank, of Conshohocken. Dr. Roj^er's political associations were for-
merly with the old-line Whig party, having cast his first vote for Henry
Clay, but in later life he became a Republican. For one term he was
coroner of Schuylkill county, and in 1878 was elected to the state
senate, and served on various important committees. His religious
views were in accord with the doctrines of the German Reformed
church, of which he was a faithful member. He represented the best
type of the professional man, active in practice and in public affairs,
as well as a valuable member of any community. He married, in 1841,
Isabella, daughter of Dr. Jacob Tryon, of Berks county. Children :
Emma, deceased, married Dr. William Jansen, of Cincinnati, Ohio;
Isabella, married Dr. William Ashenfelter, of Pottstown, Pennsyl-
vania; Henrietta, married Jacob V. Gotwalts, of Norristown, Pennsyl-
vania; Horace T., married Katherine, daughter of Henry W. Kratz;
Grace, deceased; Alice, deceased; Louis CoUard, of whom further;
Joseph W., deceased; child, died in infancy.
(V) Louis Collard, son of Lewis and Isabella (Tr3'on) Royer, was
born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1859. He ob-
tained a preliminary public school education and entered Ursinus Col-
lege, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated, class of
1878. After his graduation he engaged in mercantile business with
his father for fifteen years, during this time establishing in the mer-
cantile line at Shade Gap in partnership with John C. Taylor and with
his father, Lewis Royer, under the style of Royer & Taylor. This
connection continued, but Mr. Royer moved to Huntingdon, opening
an insurance agency, a business in which he was successfully engaged
at the time of his death. His other business interests were in coal
lands and with the Rock Hill Coal & Iron Company. A Republican in
politics, he had never been very active therein, although he held the
office of school director. He was a member of the Masonic Order,
belonging to lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine, also to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he and his wife belonged to the
Presbyterian church.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1017
He married, November 3, 1S78, Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Henry
and Anna (Musser) Graybill. Henry (iraybill was a minister of the
Brethren church. Children of Henry and Anna Graybill: James, a
broker; Christopher (deceased), a banker, of Kansas; Martha, mar-
ried Harry Kaufman; Mary, married John Freeman; Sarah, married
Abram Fetterolf; Elizabeth, of previous mention, married Louis Col-
lard Royer; Magdeline, died in infancy; Amanda; Rebecca and Henry,
all deceased ; Jacob, a professor in an engineering school at Seattle,
Washington. Children of Louis CoUard and Elizabeth (Graybill)
Royer: i. Edna Bell, born August 30, 1879; graduate of Huntingdon
high school; did special work in Juniata College, 1900, and also did
special work in Boston; graduate in music in Philadelphia Conserva-
tory; taught in the public schools, 1900 to 1906; superintendent of
music in schools of Columbia, Pennsylvania, 1907 to 191 1; student at
University of Washington, at Seattle, during the summer of 1909, and
at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, in 191 1. 2. Martha, born
1883, died in infancy. 3. Roberts Dale, born November 2, 1884;
graduate of Huntingdon high school, class of 1901 ; Bucknell Uni-
versity, 1905, C. E. ; connected with engineering department of a west-
ern railroad, 1905 to 1909; with the East Broad Top Railroad, 1909
to 191 1, and from that date until the present, general manager of the
Tuscarora Valley Railroad; married, in 1905, Rebecca Carpenter, of
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. 4. Lillian, born 1886 ; graduate of Hunt-
ingdon high school; married Matthew Thomson Dill, D. D. S., now
practicing at Biglerville, Pennsylvania ; children : Jean, born June 2,
1907; Elizabeth, September 23, 1910.
Although Robert Barber, head of the Lan-
BARBER-TAYLOR caster county branch of the Barbers of
Pennsylvania, is the progenitor of the Bar-
ber family herein recorded, the family history in Pennsylvania properly
begins with his uncle, Robert Barber, of Chester, Pennsylvania, who
came to the province in 1687. He was a member of the Society of
Friends and soon became prominent in the Chester Meeting. He was
one of the committee appointed to supervise the building of the first
meeting house in Chester, and was married in that meeting, in i6go.
He was cordwainer (shoemaker) and worked at his trade for several
ioi8 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
years, also cultivated land which he purchased from time to time in and
around Chester. He married Hannah Ogden, and died without issue
in 1709, his will being probated October 2, of that year. By its pro-
visions much of his property was left to his nephew, Robert Barber,
son of his brother, John, whom he had brought from England and
taught his trade.
(I) Robert Barber, son of John Barber, of Yorkshire, England,
and nephew of Robert Barber, of Chester, came to Pennsylvania to
join his uncle about the year 1699, as an apprentice to the shoemaking
trade. He inherited a large share of his uncle's estate and soon took
the latter's place in public and religious affairs. He actively entered
politics at an early day. He was defeated for the office of sheriff' in
1719, but in 1721 was elected coroner of Chester county. In 1724 he
was elected a member of the board of assessors of the county, and,
while acting in this capacity, and on duty in Conestoga township, he
discovered an attractive tract of land on the Susquehanna that he after-
ward purchased. In 1726 he took up five hundred acres on the eastern
bank of the river, above where the city of Columbia now stands. This
tract was conveyed to him by purchase, August 19, 1726, by the agent
of the proprietors. In 1728 he settled on this tract and built his resi-
dence just below the present site of Columbia, and on May 8, 1729,
he was appointed first sheriff of Lancaster county. He was reap-
pointed in October of that year, but was not a candidate the following
year, Lancaster having been made a county seat, much to his disap-
pointment. He was for many years prominent in Lancaster county
affairs, warmly espoused the cause of the Penns in Cresap"s war,
although he did not bear arms, being a member of the Society of
Friends. In his latter years he dropped out of public notice, and was
occupied in the support and care of his large family. He died in Co-
lumbia, September, 1749, aged about fifty-seven years. He is buried
in the old Columbia cemetery, which was called in early days the
"Brick graveyard," because enclosed by a wall built with bricks
brought from England. Being a Friend, his grave was unmarked, and
now all trace is lost.
He married, in Chester Meeting, 5 mo. 17, 1718, Hannah, daughter
of William Tidmarsh. Children: Eleanor, born 11 mo. i, 17 19, mar-
ried John Wright; John, 8 mo. 13, 1720, married Mary ; Robert,
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1019
of whom further; Thomas, 10 mo. 20, 1724, died a minor; Nathaniel,
9 mo. 9, 1727, married Mary Connor; EUzabeth, i mo. 24, 1729, died
a minor; Mary, 3 mo. 8, 1732, married Thomas Minshall; Sarah;
James, married Martha Henry.
(II) Lieutenant Robert (2) Barber, son of Sheriff Robert (i)
Barber, of Cohmibia. was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, 10 mo. 10,
1722, died October 4, 1782. He was lieutenant of the first company
formed in Hempfield townshii), Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in
1775. This company was captained by James Barber. Samuel Bar-
ber was second lieutenant, and John Barber private, all brothers. Lieu-
tenant Robert Barber took the oath of allegiance to the state of Penn-
sylvania in Hempfield township, July i, 1777. He received sixty acres
from his mother and built the brick house in Columbia on the same plot
on which his father's house formerly stood. This house was built in
1763, and it was there that the "Paxtang Boys" stopped on their re-
turn from their crime of murdering inoffensive, friendly Indians.
In i8go the house was occupied as an office by the Susquehanna Iron
Company and by the superintendent as a dwelling.
Lieutenant Barber married, 9 mo. 26, 1746, Sarah, daughter of
Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright) Taylor, of Tinicimi Island, Pennsyl-
vania. She was born 12 mo. 3, 1729. died October 6. 1793. Children;
I. Hannah, born 9 mo. 17, 1747, died 9 mo. 28, 1747. 2. Eleanor,
born I mo. 24, 1749. 3. Hannah, born 9 mo. 25, 1750, died 10 mo.
19, 1750. 4. Robert, of whom further. 5. John, a soldier of the revo-
lution, born October 26, 1753, died November 2, 1806, unmarried.
6. Samuel, born in Philadelphia, February 26, 1756, died February 26,
1801, unmarried. 7. Hannah, born November 12, 1758, died Sep-
tember 9. 1803. 8. Thomas, born October 14, 176 — , died in Union
cotmty, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1827; married, January 8, 1783.
Mary, daughter of Dr. Samuel Boude. 9. Elizabeth, born July 13,
1762, died October 25, 1838; married James (2) Wright. 10. James,
died in infancy. 11. Sarah, born May 21, 1766, died June 3, 1841, un-
married. 12. Susan, born July 13, 1769, died June 28, 1824, unmar-
ried. 13. Rhoda, born March 17, 1775, died March 14, 1849, nnmar-
ried.
(III) Robert (3), eldest son of Lieutenant Robert (2) Barber,
was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania, August 28, 175 1, died in Union
I020 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
county, Pennsylvania, November 2^, 1841. He took the oath of allegi-
ance to the state of Pennsylvania in Hempfield township, July i, 1777.
In 1785 he moved, in company with his brother Thomas, to Northum-
berland (now Union) county, Pennsylvania, and in that year was
taxed on four horses, two cows and five hundred acres of land. He
had owned this land prior to coming to take possession and it is likely
it was purchased for him and his brothers by their father, Lieutenant
Robert Barber. "In the fall (of 1772) Robert Barber, Esq. built the
first house on the White Springs tract of which we have any knowl-
edge, as he recites — in a lease dated August 9, 1773, to John Scott,
that he leased him the house he had built last fall at the head of White
Springs, for seven years. It was on the Edward Lee warrantee which
Barber had purchased in August from Reuben Haine." This was the
tract upon which Robert (3) Barber settled in 1785. The old log
house, built in 1772, was the first built in Buffalo Valley, and is still
standing, although it has been moved from its original position about
one hundred yards, and has been covered with weather boards. It is
about twenty by twenty-five feet in size, with a large stone chimney
that occupies nearly the entire width of one end. In 1791 Robert (3)
Barber built a saw mill on his farm on White Spring Run, and in 1797
he built a grist mill on the same stream. In 1805 and 1806, in part-
nership with Solomon Heise, of Columbia, he built the largest flouring
mill in the country on Penn's creek and also a saw mill. He occupied
his farm for fifty-six years and served as justice of the peace for Buf-
falo township many years, having been commissioned November 29,
1792. "Squire" Barber was a man of great force of character and
exercised a strong influence among the first settlers.
He married, September 23, 1775, Sarah, born in Columbia, Penn-
sylvania, May 19, 1754, daughter of Dr. Samuel and Mary (Bethel)
Boude. Children: i. John, died in infancy. 2. Samuel, died aged
five years. 3. Sarah Boude, born January 10, 1779, died November 2,
1869 ; married Benjamin Chambers. 4. Mary Boude, born November 13,
1780, died May i, 1852; married Joseph Chambers. 5. Eleanor, died
in infancy. 6. Robert, born May 28, 1783, died November 16, 1862;
married, December 16, 1804, Esther Shively, and moved in 1838 to
Stephenson county, Illinois. 7. Thomas, born February 20, 1785, died
April 14, 1856; married, March 26, 1812, Elizabeth Clingan. 8. Sam-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 102 1
uel, of whom further. 9. EHza!)eth, Ijorn February 28, 1789, died
unmarried July 5, 1867. 10. Hannah, born March 9, 1791, died un-
married July 26, 1826. II. Eleanor, born April 21, 1793, died un-
married August 25, 1872. 12. James Wright, born August 5, 1795,
died May 30, 1877; married, February 5, 1823, Susan, born July 16,
1801, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Boude) Barber; they settled in
Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1843.
(IV) Colonel Samuel Barber, eighth child of "Squire"' Robert (3)
and Sarah (Boude) Barber, was born in BulYalo Valley, Union
county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1787, died March 2, 1846. He was
an influential politician, an ardent Democrat, and a member of the
first general assembly that met west of the Allegheny mountains. He
was elected colonel of the Forty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania ]\Iilitia,
in 1825; was a splendid swordsman and horseman, and very popular
with the soldiers. He was a man of position, convictions, well in-
formed and possessing a splendid voice that commanded attention at
all times. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church,
although the family had been Friends hitherto. He married, Febru-
ary 14, 1811, ]\Iary, born January 22, 1791, daughter of Dr. Robert
Van Valzah (see Van Valzah family in this work). Children: i.
Robert B., born February 3, 1812, graduate of JeiTerson College,
1833, member of Union county bar, deputy attorney-general of Penn-
sylvania with rank of colonel : married Mary Jane Foster. 2. James
Wright, born June 11, 1814, died August 11, 1858; married Margaret
Park Chamberlain; in 1847 moved to Stephenson county, Illinois. 3.
Elizabeth Sutherland, born October 11, 1816; married James Dale
Chamberlain; moved to Toledo, Ohio. 4. Samuel S., born January 13,
1819, died November 28, 1880; married Emmeline Miles Foster. 5.
Thomas Van Valzah, born August 10, 182 1 ; married Gertrude Wool-
sey. 6. John Van Valzah, born May 19, 1824; married Elizabeth
Ochiltree Rezner; became a merchant of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. 7.
Sarah Hannah Boude, born November 3, 1826; married Samuel Dale
Chamberlain ; resided in Toledo, Ohio. 8. William Edward, born
April 21, 1829, died in infancy. 9. William Benjamin, of whom fur-
ther. 10. Ellen Mary, born May 8, 1830; married John Hayes, a mer-
chant of Mifflinburg. 11. Joseph Chambers, born December 25, 1832,
died in Monroe county, Wisconsin, September 22, 1880; married
I022 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Louise Rittenhouse. 12. Edward Sutherland, born May 5, 1835, died
February 20, 1846.
(V) William Benjamin, ninth child of Colonel Samuel and Mary
(Van Valzah) Barber, was born in Buffalo Valley, Union county,
Pennsylvania, May 8, 1830. He married and lived on the old Barber
homestead at White Springs, owning other land in the valley, and
was a prosperous farmer. Both he and his wife were members of the
Cross Roads Presbj'terian Church. He married, February g, 1854,
Mary Agnes Rezner, born January 2, 1835, daughter of James Rezner.
Children: i. Spencer Finney, born January 22, 1855; married Ada
Byron Rutherford; moved to near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 2. Su-
san Clark, of whom further. 3. Marianna Bonnell, born September
II, 1858. 4. Fannie Jane, June 4, i860. 5. Henrietta Chambers, May
17, 1863; married, December 26, 1889, James E. Cardwell, of Chester,
Pennsylvania. 6. Eleanor, born August 8, 1865, died August 17, 1867.
7. James Wright, born June 6, 1867. 8. Hannah M., born March 7,
1869, died in infancy. 9. Elizabeth O., born July 22, 1871, died in
infancy. 10. John V., born November 23, 1873, ^^^^ May 6, 1876.
II. Grace Rezner, born February 9, 1877. 12. Eva Schuyler, born
October 27, 1879.
(VI) Susan Clark, eldest daughter of William Benjamin and
Mary Agnes (Rezner) Barber, was born in Buffalo Valley, Union
county, Pennsylvania, November 4, 1856. She married, February 19,
1880, in Mifflinburg, Thomas Brainard Taylor, born in Mifflinburg,
Pennsylvania, November 12, 1844, son of John M. and Isabella (Sil-
verwood) Taylor, and grandson of William and Mary (Harvey) Tay-
lor. William Taylor was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a
shoe dealer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and a Quaker in
religion. He and his wife were the parents of four children : John
M., Andrew, Margaret, Susan. John M. Taylor was born in Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, 1818, a merchant by occupation, held the posi-
tion of postmaster in 1850, a Democrat in politics, and a Friend in
religion. He married, in 1842, Isabella, born in Mifflinburg, Pennsyl-
vania, 1822, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Smith) Silverwood, the
former named born in England, and the latter in Mifflinburg, Penn-
sylvania. Children : James Edwin, born 1842 ; Thomas Brainard,
1844; Henry A., 1846; John Newton, 1848; Mary E., 1849; William
>-^ /^3^^^>^, '^^'^^.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1023
Henry, 1850. Tliomas Brainard Taylor attended the public schools
of Mifllinburg, receiving a practical education. From 1868 to 1872
he was engaged in the mercantile business, firm of Taylor & Van Val-
zah, after which he began the manufacture of buggies and carriages,
continuing until 1910, when he retired from active business pursuits,
and he is now enjoying the fruit of his labor. He is a Presbyterian
in religion. Children of Thomas Brainard and Susan Clark (Barber)
Taylor: i. William Silverwood, of whom further. 2. Mary Isabel,
born September 3, 1885, unmarried. 3. Spencer Barber, born August
30, 1887; superintendent of cold storage department of Armour Pack-
ing Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(VII) William Silverwood, eldest son of Thomas Brainard and
Susan Clark (Barber) Taylor, was born in Mifflinburg. Pennsylvania,
July 10, 1881. He was educated in the public school, graduate of Mif-
flinburg high school, class of 1897. He then entered Philadelphia
Dental College, whence he was graduated D. D. S., class of 1901. He
practiced his profession in one of the leading dental offices of Pitts-
burgh for one year, and in January, 1902, located in Lewistown, where
he established dental offices and is now well established. He is well
versed in modern dentistry and its kindred subjects, the dentist of to-
day requiring as intimate a knowledge of human anatomy as a physi-
cian. Dr. Taylor and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian
church; he is a Republican in politics.
He married, in 1907, Florence R. Rutherford, born in Union
county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel and Bertha Rutherford.
Child, William Silverwood Jr. The family home is at No. 23 North
Main street, Lewistown, where Dr. Taylor built in 1908 a two-story
brick residence and office.
The Sheaffer family, of Huntingdon county, de-
SHEAFFER scends from one of the Palatines of the same name,
who emigrated from Germany about 1672, coming
to the New ^^'orld with a number of his neighbors. It is thought that
he married the daughter of a comrade, perhaps from his part of their
native land. His numerous descendants are among the first citizens
of Pennsylvania, the colony in which the immigrant Sheaffer elected
to try his fortune in the new country.
1024 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
(I) William Sheaffer, a descendant of the immigrant, lived and
died in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. There is little that this gen-
eration knows of him except that he was a prosperous farmer and
lived and died on his farm. Among his children was William Sheaf-
fer, of whom further.
(II) William Sheaffer, son of William Sheaffer, was born in 1809,
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1851. He left Lan-
caster county when a young man and went to Bellville, Pennsylvania,
and engaged in the wool business with a Mr. Gibbony, he being the
buyer for the firm. Here he remained seven years. At the expiration
of that time he bought a farm in Shirley township, Huntingdon county,
and remained on it until his death. He was a good farmer, energetic,
industrious and frugal, and accumulated a competency. He married
Mary Anne Hinds, born October 25, 1807, in Decatur township, Mif-
flin county, Pennsylvania, and died May 12, 1879; she was the daugh-
ter of Stephen and Mary (Lee) Hinds, who were married November
4, 1793. He was of straight English descent, and was born in Little
Britain, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and when a young man moved
to Mifflin county, where his wife was born. She was a member of
the famous Lee family of New England, and was distantly connected
with the Lee family of Virginia. After the death of her husband,
April 7, 1838, she continued to live on the farm. Children of Mr. and
Mrs. Hinds: James, born June 11, 1795, died August 7, 1795; Ra-
chel, born August- 1, 1796, died 1850, married Mr. Sigler; William,
born December 17, 1798, died March 28, 1820; Elizabeth, born De-
cember 29, 1800, died February 25, 1840, married Mr. Miller, of Mif-
flin county; John, born January 30, 1803, died April 16, 1845; Sarah,
born October 30, 1805, died November 17, 1806; Mary Anne, married
William Sheaffer; Sarah, born November i, 1810, married Mr. Sims,
of Lewistown, Pennsylvania; Stephen Andrew, born November 30,
1812, died October 31, 1867, lived in Mifflin county; Isabella, born
September 24, 1816, died in Ohio, married Mr. Hamilton. Children
of William and Mary Anne (Hinds) Sheaffer: i. Alexander, de-
ceased, a physician in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. 2. Catherine, mar-
ried Felix Norton, lives in Pennsylvania. 3. John, died, a farmer in
Illinois. 4. William T., of whom further. 5. Mary A. J., married
Henry Black, and died in Newton Hamilton, Pennsjdvania. 6. Emma,
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1025
deceased, married T. C. Van Zant, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.
(Ill) William T. Sheatter, son of William and ]\Iary Anne (Hinds)
Sheaffer, was born March 7, 1845, in Shirley township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on his father's farm, and
attended the public schools in Germany Valley, after which he ma-
triculated at the Shirleysburg Academy, receiving instruction from
Rev. ]\Ir. Sheaffer. His father died when he was four years old, and
after he left school the home farm was sold. Mr. Sheaffer decided
on dentistry as his profession, and entered the Philadelphia Dental
College, from which he graduated with degree of D. D. S. His first
trial at dentistry was in HoUidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was
assistant to Dr. Roher for a short while. Looking over the field he
decided to try 'Mt. L'nion, Pennsylvania, and there established an office,
where from the first he had a large and increasing practice for twenty-
five years. The sedentary life impaired his health, and after much
thought, pro and con, he relinquished his practice, and gave up his
oflice and began contracting on a large scale. In this line of endeavor
he contracted for the building of railroads, public highways, etc. Be-
fore giving up his profession of dentistry he had bought the River
Bottom farm near Mt. Union, and is now the owner of four farms,
while his wife owns two, in all aggregating over one thousand highly
fertile acres. On April i, 1913, he added the old Fretchy place, in
Smithfield township, Huntingdon county, to his land holdings. There
are two hundred and twenty acres in it. He has improved it wonder-
fully and at the present time makes his home on it. It is one of the
handsomest country places in Huntingdon county, and here he enter-
tains lavishly his friends, with the assistance of his wife, in true Penn-
sylvania style.
Both Dr. Sheafifer and his wife are members of the Pres-
byterian church. He is a Democrat and has served as school
director. He assisted in organizing the Grange Trust Company of
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and was elected its first vice-president,
and at the present time he is president of that financially sound insti-
tution. He is connected with the Mt. Union Land Company, and has
other important moneyed interests. Dr. Sheaffer is one of the first
citizens of Huntingdon county, ranking among the leading representa-
tives of its industrial interests and commercial strength. In his busi-
I026 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
ness dealings he is scrupulously exact, and his merited success has
come to him as the result of foresight, executive ability and keen dis-
crimination, combined with a courtly, polished manner, which won for
him many patrons in the days when he practiced dentistry.
He married, February 25, 1875, Narcissa Shaver, born March 15,
1845, at Mt. Union, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and Catherine
(Wallace) Shaver. Children: i. Mary, born January 10, 1876, mar-
ried Thomas Kurtz. 2. Alexander Hinds, born September 17, 1877,
married Hattie Yokum; dealer in real estate in Spokane, Washington.
3. Elsie Cobert, born September 25, 1879, died unmarried, August 10,
1905. 4. Narcissa Frances, born April 19, 1882, married George
Gearhart, of Lockhaven, Pennsylvania, where he is superintendent of
highway construction. 5. William Wilson, born March 4, 1884; in
construction business as contractor in Mt. Union; married Edith An-
derson.
(The Shaver Line).
Narcissa (Shaver) SheafTer descends from a long line of splendid
colonial ancestry on both the paternal and distaff sides. The immi-
grant ancestor of the Shaver family came from Germany to the Prov-
ince of Virginia while that colony was yet in its swaddling clothes.
He settled on the James River, some distance from the colonial capital,
Jamestown, became a tobacco planter, and accumulated a large amount
of this world's goods. He was a highly edvicated man and used his
knowledge for the benefit of his neighbors as well as himself in turn-
ing to account the natural resources of the country, especially his
botanical lore. Among his descendants was Nicholas, of whom fur-
ther.
(I) Nicholas Shaver, a descendant of the immigrant of the name,
was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and here lived and died.
Among his children was Nicholas Jr., of whom further.
(II) Nicholas Shaver Jr., son of Nicholas Shaver, was born in the
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. He moved from his native colony to
Pennsylvania, before 1785, as he purchased. May 24, 1785, a farm in
Shirley township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he located, '~|n
lived and died. He was the earliest settler in the township and had
no neighbors except those miles distant. He bought part of his land
from the original owners, the Indians, giving them a fair price for
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1027
their lioldings. He died in 18 10, and his sons Peter and John were
appointed administrators of his estate. He married EHzabeth , in
Virginia, and she came with him and their children to Pennsylvania.
Children: i. Peter. 2. John, of whom further. 3. Jacob, lived in
Westmoreland count)', Pennsylvania. 4. Leonard, married Rachel
Ricketts; lived in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. 5. Phoebe, married
Caspar Booher. 6. Catherine, married Joseph Cochenour. 7. Susan-
nah, married Peter Snyder. 8. A daughter, name unknown, married
Mr. Ripple.
(Ill) John, son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Shaver, was born Sep-
tember II, 1762, in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and died Octo-
ber 16, 1829, in Shirley township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
and is buried in the family cemetery at Mt. Union. He was reared on
his father's tobacco plantation, in the chivalrous atmosphere of his
native colony, and was there educated. It is said of him that he was
a most perfect type of a southern gentleman. He moved to Pennsyl-
vania about 1784 and located at Oughwick Mills, Shirley township,
Huntingdon county. In 1802 he changed his place of abode to what is
now known as Mt. Union, the same county. He was one of the larg-
est land owners in the county and one of its most progressive men.
He erected a large store house on the present site of Mt. Union. At
one time the Shavers and their relatives, about seventy in number,
counting the children, and their connections through marriages with
IMessrs. Booher, Snyder and Ricketts, owned one continuous line of
farms about five miles in length, extending from the Juniata river at
the bend, where the creosoting plant is now located, up through Hill
Valley, very near where the Brewster tannery stood. He married
Mary Glass, also of Virginia. Children: i. Samuel, born 1795, died
1870; married Catherine Vandewater, and lived on farm adjoining his
father's. 2. Jacob, born 1796, died 1878: married (first) Jane Morri-
son; (second) Julia Morrison, sister of first wife; lived near Newton
Hamilton, Pennsylvania. 3. Henry, born 1797, died 1870; married
Hannah Morrison; lived at mill near father. 4. John, born 1798, died
1863; married (first) Jane Hanawalt; (second) Sarah King; he was
once sherifif of Huntingdon county. 5. Nicholas, born 1801, died
1884; married Keziah Etnier; lived in what is now Mt. L'nion. 6.
Ann, born 1803, died 1878: married John Morrison; lived on Shirley
1028 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Road. 7. AVilliam, of whom further. 8. Catherine, born 1808, died
1863; married Joseph Lankton; lived and died on farm near Lewis-
town, Pennsylvania. 9. George, born 18 10, died 1880; married Mar-
garet Mcllhenney, lived near Ipavia, Fulton county, Illinois. 10.
Peter, born 1813, died 1894; married Margaret Morrow; lived on farm
adjoining his father.
(IV) A\'illiam, son of Major John and Mary (Glass) Shaver, was
born October 10, 1804, in a log house where the Shaver store house
now stands at Mt. Union, Pennsylvania, and died August 10, 1855.
He was a farmer, living near Mt. L'nion, and was a prominent and
influential man in his township. He was a strong Whig, and always
voted the ticket; and was captain of militia. Both he and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian church. He married Catherine
Wallace, born September i, 1818, near Granville, Mifflin county, Penn-
sylvania, and died March 19, 1900; she was daughter of Robert and
Ann (Wilson) Wallace. After the death of Mr. Shaver his widow
married John D. Stewart, in 1863. Robert Wallace, father of Cath-
erine (Wallace) Shaver, was born in Belfast, Ireland; he ran away
from home when a small lad and came to the United States, landed
in Virginia, and eventually moved to Philadelphia, and while there he
engaged extensively in the mercantile business. Later he moved to
Mifflin county on a farm that he had purchased. While in Philadel-
phia he married Ann Wilson, daughter of James Wilson, one of the
framers of the Declaration of Independence, which he signed; he also
assisted in framing the constitution of the L^nited States; he was a
federal jiidge imder President Washington; was a trustee of Prince-
ton L'niversity, and one of the noted jurists of his day. At the pres-
ent time his decisions .are quoted as authority. He had two daughters :
Ann, who married Robert AA'allace, and Mary Jane, who married Mr.
Crossett, and died in Philadelphia. After the death of Judge Wilson's
wife he married a widow with several children; these children took
the name of Wilson, and on the death of Judge AA^ilson took many of
his important papers, which are in the possession of their descendants
at the present time. Children of Robert and Ann (Wilson) Wallace:
Catherine, married William Shaver; and others. Children of W'illiam
and Catherine (Wallace) Shaver: i. Mary Ann, deceased; married
Luther Sidel, of Philadelphia. 2. Amanda, deceased ; married Jacob
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1029
Covert, of Trenton, New Jersey. 3. Narcissa, married William T.
Sheaffer. 4. Elsie J., married John S. Bayer, of Huntingdon, Penn-
sylvania ; he was formerly a merchant, and is now in the planing mill
business ; was register and recorder, also served as representative of his
district two terms. 5. John B., died in infancy. 6. Robert, died in
infancy. 7. Catherine, married Robert Heller; resides in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. 8. William, died in infancy.
William Henry Pennell, of Duncannon, Pennsylvania,
PENNELL descends from straight Irish ancestry on the paternal
side, the race that has done so much to develop the vast
latent resources of this country. His father, Andrew Pennell, was
born in Ireland, and upon coming to America first resided in Norris-
town, Pennsylvania, in 1836, and he engaged in contracting for quar-
rying stone. He married Margaret Horneth, born in Norristown,
Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. After their marriage they moved
to \Mieatfield township, Perry county, Pennsylvania, where he bought
four hundred and fifty acres of land partially improved. He erected
a new barn, remodelled the dwelling house and made other improve-
ments. Later he built a new house and other barns, making it one of
the model farms of that section of the state. He was a Republican,
voting with and upholding the tenets of that party at all times. Both
he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and
actively supported it. In 1858 he built a church for that demonination
on a portion of his farm, donating church and land to the members
of that creed in the community. This edifice is still standing and is
known as the Pennell church, a monument to his religious zeal and his
pious life. Children: i. John, a railway foreman: died in Harris-
burg, Pennsylvania : he was a member of the Bucktail Regiment from
Pennsylvania, which did such valuable service for the L^nion : he was
wounded at Grangeville, was honorably discharged, but on recovery
he reenlisted in the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the
close of the civil war. 2. Robert, makes his home in Williamstown,
Pennsylvania : he served three years in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry
during the civil war. 3. George, a prominent citizen of Duncannon,
Pennsvlvania : he enlisted in the 133d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan-
try at the outbreak of the civil war, and served out the time of his
1030 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
enlistment; later he entered the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment;
is now president of the Bank of Duncannon. 4. William Henry Pen-
nell, of whom further. 5. Thomas, a farmer in Wheatfield township.
6. Andrew, died in Newport, in 1910. 7. Hanson, an upholsterer in
Newport, Pennsylvania. 8. Mary, unmarried; makes home with her
brother James, on the Pennell homestead. 9. James, unmarried; lives
on homestead.
(II) William Henry, son of Andrew and Margaret (Horneth)
Pennell, was born March 23, 1842, in Wheatfield township. Perry
county, Pennsylvania. He attended the public schools of the town-
ship and was reared on the Pennell homestead. He grew to man's
estate in the quiet surroundings of the farm and home life, and was
about to decide on following the occupation of his father when the
war cloud of 1861 burst over the country. In 1861, at the age of
nineteen, he enlisted in the 20th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment
for six months' service, but served seven. On being discharged he re-
enlisted in the 21st Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry and remained
with it until the close of the war. He saw much active service, and
was in the battles of Petersburg and Fort Hell, went through the
bloody Wilderness campaign, and reached Gettysburg the day follow-
ing the decisive battle which gave the field and victory to the Union
troops. He was in about fifty engagements, great and small. At
Petersburg he lived for days in a mine underground, and did notable
service at that crucial time. After peace was declared he returned to
Pennsylvania to take up again the broken threads of life. On look-
ing around he decided on oil speculation, as that business was then
claiming a large share of public attention, and went to the oil fields
of Pennsylvania. Here he remained one year, and at the expiration of
that time he went to Duncannon and opened a livery stable, combining
with it a butcher's shop. Disposing of this dual business, he was
offered and accepted the position of nail shipping clerk at Duncannon
for the Steel Company. In 1870 or thereabouts he received the appoint-
ment of postmaster at Duncannon, and retained the position for eight
years. Owing to a change in party and administration at AVashington
he resigned this position and engaged in selling farm machinerj^ In
1897, after the inauguration of President McKinley, Mr. Pennell was
a second time appointed postmaster, which post he holds at the present
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1031
time (1913), and is the oldest postmaster in length of service in this
part of the state. Since his first appointment as postmaster the office
has been raised from the fourth to the third class, and there have been
established four rural routes which are served from Duncannon. Over
95,000 pieces of mail are handled monthly. He is a Republican, and
at one time was tax assessor for the borough. Both he and his wife
are members of the Presbyterian church. He is commander of Lieu-
tenant \Villiam Allison Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and has
been for the past fifteen years, and is a bright member of the Knights
of Pythias.
He married Jane Brown, born in Duncannon. Children: i. Sa-
rah C, married H. A. Birmingham, and lives in Kansas City, Mis-
souri; one son, Herbert. 2. William Henry Brown, assistant post-
master; married Margaret Smith. 3. Maggie, died aged fourteen
months.
The records of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, while
HARMAN frequently mentioning the name Harman, give no
clue to the ancestor of the family or when they came
into the county. The first member of the family named is Jacob, an
old resident of Belleville, where he plied the shoemaker's trade and
where he and his wife died. He married and had issue: Isaac, Sam-
uel: Lewis, of further mention; Jackson; Mary; Catherine and Eliza.
(II) Lewis, son of Jacob Harman, was born in Mifflin county,
Pennsylvania. January 24, 1826, died in Belleville, same county, De-
cember 23, 1895. He was a farmer all his life, and with his wife be-
longed to the Lutheran church, of which he was a deacon. Politically
he was a Democrat, never holding public office. He married Mary
Jane Gable, born in Brady township, Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, January 30, 1828, died near Belleville, August 4, 1880, daughter
of George, born in Lancaster county, March 14, 1796, died in Hunting-
don county, November 3, 1833, a shoemaker, and Elizabeth (Weaver)
Gable, born in Lancaster county, September 5, 1810, died at Allens-
ville. May 9, 1877. George Gable was a member of old Mount Mo-
riah Lodge, No. 178 (now No. 300), Free and Accepted Masons.
Children of George and Elizalieth Gable: Mary Jane, of previous
mention, married Lewis Harman; \\'illiam M. ; Catherine and Martha.
1032 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Children of Lewis and Mary Jane Harman: i. Melissa E., married
James Harman, deceased, and lives in Yeagerstown. 2. William M.,
a butcher of Harrisburg. 3. George G., of further mention. 4. Jacob
E., postmaster at Yeagerstown. 5. Martha J., died in infancy. 6.
Philip M., a farmer, died near Belleville, aged forty-seven years. 7.
Martha Catherine, married Charles Yingling, and lives at McKeesport,
Pennsylvania. 8. John Lewis, a contracting drayman of Pittsburgh.
9. Mary J., died aged forty-three years; married Frank Haffly. 10.
Isaac Thomas, a postman of Helena, Ohio.
(Ill) Dr. George G. Harman, second son and third child of
Lewis and Mary Jane (Gable) Harman, was born at the cross roads,
about two miles below Belleville, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, May 16,
1854. Deciding upon the medical profession as his walk in life, he
entered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, after preparatory
Study at Kishacoquillas Seminary, in Mifflin county, and Susquehanna
College, at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Before entering the medical
college he read medicine with Dr. M. F. Hudson. After receiving his
degree of M. D. from Jefferson College with the class of 1880, he be-
gan to practice at Allensville, where he continued for two years, mov-
ing thence to Reedsville, remaining there five years. In 1887 he came
to Huntingdon, where he has since remained, having built up a large
practice among the best people of the city. He is a member of the
County Medical Association, of which he is president; Pennsylvania
State Medical Association, of which he has been vice-president, and a
member of the judicial council of the state board of trustees and the
American Medical Association, to whose annual congress he has sev-
eral times been sent as representative from Pennsylvania. He is ex-
aminer for a number of life insurance companies, and for three terms
served as coroner of Huntingdon county. For five years he was assis-
tant surgeon of the Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania National Guard, and
belongs to the Military Surgeons' Association and the National Society
of Aneesthetists. He also holds the responsible position of president
of the medical and surgical stafif of the J. C. Blair Memorial Hospital,
where he does much practical work, as well as exercising supervision
of that of others, he being one of the most skilled anesthetists on the
stafif. In politics he is a Republican; he has been president of the
council for seven years; a member of the board of education, acting as
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1033
secretary for tlic past four years; and by virtue of his office as coroner,
became acting slierifY for one montli following the death of Sheriff
Wilson. The only organization with which he is connected in a purely
business relation is the Grange Trust Company, in which he is a direc-
tor. He holds high rank in the Masonic fraternity, being a member
of Lewistown Lodge, No. 203, Free and Accepted Masons; Standing
Stone Chapter, No. 201, Royal Arch Masons, in which he is a past
high priest; Huntingdon Commandery, No. 65, Knights Templar, in
which he is past commander; and Jai¥a Temple, Ancient Arabic Or-
der Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Altoona. He also holds member-
ship in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he and his wife
are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has served for twenty
years as elder and deacon. Dr. Harman's life, since he has been a
resident of Huntingdon, has been one of ceaseless activity, embracing
all phases of professional, fraternal and political existence, and in all
he has won honors.
Dr. Harman married, October 25, 1882, Eva M. Smucker, daugh-
ter of Amos and Eliza1;)eth (Focht) Smucker, a native of Brady town-
ship, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. Children: i. Earl S., city
passenger agent of the Northern Pacific Railroad at Pittsburgh; mar-
ried Ethel M. Chaney, and has a daughter, Helen. 2. Jay Lewis, nowr
employed in an architect's office in Clifton, Arizona. 3. George Blair,
a graduate of Huntingdon high school.
The branch of the Fisher family of which this sketch
FISHER treats has been resident in Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, for a number of generations, and has been promi-
nently identified with a variety of activities in that section of the
country.
(I) Isaac Fisher, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
well known as a stage driver in the early days of this county,
driving the stage coach which plied between Huntingdon and Holli-
davsburg until the construction of the Pennsylvania railroad put an
end to this form of business. For some time he was busy as a canal
man, then handled the mail for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
for a number of years. He married (first) Anna Lindsay, by whom
he had three children: James, William Henry and Deranda. Name
I034 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
of second wife not known. His third wife was Rhoda Africa, by
whom was a child, Edmond.
(II) William Henry, son of Isaac and Anna (Lindsay) Fisher, was
born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he was educated in
the public schools. At a suitable age he was apprenticed to learn the
printer's trade, and while doing this he spent all of his spare time in
acquiring learning of every nature, and worked on the Huntingdon
Monitor, and so continued until the building of the Huntingdon &
Broad Top Railroad, when he accepted a position as conductor in its
service. A few years later he established himself in the restaurant
business, with which he was connected until his retirement in 1890, a
period of twenty-five years. His political affiliations were with the
Republican party, for which he did excellent service, notably while he
was still employed on the above-mentioned paper. He and his wife
were both members of the Presbyterian church. He married Rebecca
Long, who had sisters: Alice, married a Mr. Potter; and Sadie, mar-
ried George Martin, and has one child, Frank, and a brother, Chris-
tian Garber. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher had children : Harrv, engaged in
business as a barber; Anna, married John Swivel, also a barber, and
has one child, Charlie; George Weistling, see forward; Leberta, mar-
ried William H. Lang, a painter, now deceased, and had two chil-
dren, Lawrence Fisher and George Lewis Lang.
(III) George Weistling, son of William Henry and Rebecca
(Long) Fisher, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, May
16, 1871. He received a thorough and practical education in the public
schools of his native township, and at a suitable age established him-
self in business, dealing in newspapers and cigars, and also conducting
a barber shop until 1890, in which year he purchased the restaurant
managed for a quarter of a century by his father. The following
year he rebuilt this, putting in all the most modern improvements in
this line, and also operated a bakery whose daily output in bread was
three thousand loaves. He employs now in all, for the restaurant and
bakery combined, a force of ten men and five women, and his patron-
age is widespread. Mr. Fisher takes pleasure in providing for the
comfort and health of those in his employ, and the most sanitary ar-
rangements are to be found in both places. He is activeh^ connected
with a number of other important business enterprises, among them
1/^/s^^^^^
THE
D 1 1 P i
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1035
being a director in the Grange Trust Company, director in the Juniata
Street Railroad Company, and treasurer of the Huntingdon Hosiery
Company. He has played an important part in the politics of the
section, giving his support to the Independent Republicans, and has
served six years as a member of the town council and three years as
chief burgess. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights, of Pyth-
ias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Fisher is
president of the Association of Master Bakers of Pennsylvania, 1912-
1913-
Mr. Fisher married, June 2, 1892, Gertrude, daughter of David and
Elizabeth (Foust) Decker, the former a merchant of Mill Creek, Penn-
sylvania. Children: Paul Russell, born April 7, 1894: and George
Donald, born April 8, 1900. Both Mr. and IMrs. Fisher attend the Pres-
byterian church.
The first member of this branch of the Davis family of
DAVIS whom there is record is William Davis, born in Blair
county, Pennsylvania. He was left an orphan at an early
age and was brought to Penn township, Huntingdon county, by his
paternal aunt, Mrs. Jane Geissinger, who made the journey across the
mountains on horseback to bring the child to her own home. He
grew up at the Geissinger farm and at a suitable age learned the car-
penter's trade, becoming an expert mechanic. After his marriage he
located at Marklesburg, where he worked at his trade, later becoming
a contractor, many buildings in that locality yet standing as mute wit-
nesses of his industry and skill. After several years as a successful
builder, his health failed, compelling a change of occupation. He pur-
chased a farm in the neighborhood, spending the years 1870 to 1875
thereon, then retired to a home in Huntingdon, where he died in 1876.
He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were mem-
bers of the Lutheran church. He married (first) Mary Grove, who
died 1869. (second) Mary Moyer, wdio survives him. Children by
first wife: John C, now living in Huntingdon, retired: George, died
in Iowa: Henry H., of whom further; William, now a merchant of
Mount Union, Pennsylvania ; Maurice, of W'aynesboro, Pennsylvania,
employed in a farm implement manufactory: Susan, married James
Coy, whom she survives, a resident of iNIill Creek, Pennsylvania:
1036 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Annie, married George W. Rupert, and resides in Huntingdon. Chil-
dren of second wife: Frank, a lumberman, resides near Huntingdon;
Irvin, with J. C. Blair Company, resides in Huntingdon.
i\Iary (Grove) Davis was a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth
(Beightel) Grove, both born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where
they married. Later they came to Huntingdon county, where Daniel
purchased a farm of over two hundred acres in Woodcock Valley, near
Grafton, on which they lived the remainder of their lives, quiet, indus-
trious, prosperous Mennonites. Children: John and Jacob, died
young; Isaac, died in Penn township, Huntingdon county, a farmer;
David, the last survivor of eight children, now residing with his son
Daniel on the old Grove homestead; Elizabeth, married Thomas
Hamer, of McConnelstown ; Susan, married Abraham Johnson, a car-
penter, and lived at Marklesburg, where she died ; Mary, of previous
mention, first wife of William Davis ; Martha, died in ]\Iarklesburg,
married George Brumbaugh, and was the mother of Dr. M. G. Brum-
baugh, superintendent of the Philadelphia schools.
(II) Henry H., son of William Davis and his first wife, Mary
Grove, was born in Marklesburg, Pennsylvania, August 28, 1859. He
was educated in the public schools of Penn township and at Juniata
College, then for eight years was a teacher in the public schools. He
then spent three years in the government railway mail service as clerk,
running between New York and Pittsburgh. He then engaged in the
lumber business near Grafton, Pennsylvania, then was a mercantile
clerk until 1895, when he established and until 1909 successfully con-
ducted a general store at Grafton. In that year he closed out his Graf-
ton interests and located at No. 420 Washington street, Huntingdon,
where he opened and now conducts a prosperous general store. Mr.
Davis is a Democrat in politics, serving from 1906 until 1908 as county
commissioner. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed
church. He is a capable business man, and interested in all that per-
tains to the welfare of his community.
He married Nannie, daughter of John and Catherine (Van De-
vender) Householder, of Marklesburg, Pennsylvania. Children: May,
now and for the past five years cashier for the firm of William Reed;
Carrie, resides at home, a dressmaker; Charles, an employee of the
W^estinghouse Electric Company, married Alice Kurtz, and resides in
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1037
W'ilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Grace, resides at home; Cora, resides in
Wilkinsbnrg, with her brother Charles; Lena, resides at home, a high
school student; Harry, a high school student; John.
Dr. Howard Clinton Frontz, of Huntingdon, Pennsyl-
FROX TZ \ania, descends from Swiss forbears, seated for several
generations in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. His
father, George Clinton Frontz, was born in Lycoming county, Penn-
sylvania, December 7, 1841, died there July 22, 1880. He spent the
greater part of his business life in Hughesville, engaged as a merchant.
He enlisted on August 14, 1862, as a private in Company H, 131st
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry ; was promoted corporal,
January i, 1863, and mustered out with his company, May 23, 1863.
He married Sarah Emma Kistner, born September 15, 1845, died July
17, 1883. Children: Harry Kistner, a practicing dentist of Rollins-
ville, Colorado: Cyrus Benjamin, a practicing dentist of Denver, Colo-
rado ; Howard Clinton, M. D., see forward ; Chalmers Eugene, Lutheran
minister at Tiffin, Ohio; Jacob Arthur, private secretary to president
of the International Correspondence Schools, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Howard Clinton Frontz, third son of George Clinton and Sarali
Emma ( Kistner ) Frontz, was born at Hughesville. Lycoming county,
Pennsylvania, September 8, 1871. He obtained his early education in
the public schools at Hughesville, Pennsylvania, and in 1887 entered the
preparatory school of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
remaining there and in the college until December, 1889. He then en-
tered the employ of the Williamsport & North Branch Railroad Com-
pany, continuing until 1S91. He then entered the medical department
of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated M. D. in
June, 1894. From July i until December 31. 1894, he was resident phy-
sician at the City Hospital, Williamsport. Pennsylvania. From Janu-
ary I. 1805, ""til April I, 1908, he was physician in charge at the Penn-
sylvania Industrial Reformatory at Huntingdon. He then resigned and
at once established in private medical and surgical practice in Hunting-
don, where he is highly esteemed as an honorable, skilful physician.
He is a member of the American Medical Association; the Medical So-
ciety of the State of Pennsylvania and the Huntingdon County Medical
Society, taking active interest in the work of each, keeping in close
1038 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
touch with the latest thought and discovery in medicine, or surgery,
through the medium of these societies and their pubUcations. He is a
trustee and surgeon of the J. C. Blair Memorial Hospital; is surgeon
for the Pennsylvania railroad, the Huntingdon & Broad Top Railroad ;
the East Broad Top Railroad; also county medical inspector of Hunt-
ingdon county, physician in charge of Tuberculosis Dispensary No. 47,
Pennsylvania Department of Health, and medical examiner for several
leading insurance companies. He is prominent in the Alasonic fra-
ternity and holds past official honors in lodge, chapter and commandery.
He is past master of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted
Masons; past high priest of Standmgstone Chapter, No. 201, Royal
Arch Masons; past eminent commander of Huntingdon Commandery,
No. 65, Knights Templar; member of Mountain Council, No. 9, Royal
and Select Masters, of Altoona; member of Harrisburg Consistory,
thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite ; member of Jaffa
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and is
district deputy grand master of the thirty-fourth district. Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Masons. In politics he is a Repub-
lican; in religious faith a Lutheran.
Dr. Frontz married (first), in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, December
5, 1895, Agnes Montgomery, who died March 16, 1900, daughter of
Christian and Sarah (Zarr) Springer. He married (second), June 10,
1903, Jessie Rachel, daughter of Timothy H. and Martha (Mills)
Akers. Children of first marriage: Alice Louise, born May 2, 1898;
Maurice Clinton, March 7, 1900; child of second marriage: Richard
Akers, born November 21, 1906.
Jacob Harshbarger, of Center county, Pennsyl-
HARSHBARGER vania, descended from honorable German stock
long planted in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer
and cooper of considerable means, and was highly esteemed in the com-
munity in which he lived. He married Hannah Palmer, daughter of
Budd and Polly Palmer, natives of Berks count}', who early moved to
Center county and settled at Spring Mills, and there died, he in 1842,
and his wife in 1864. Their, children: Joseph, a cooper, died at Pot-
ter's Bank, Pennsylvania ; Phoebe, died unmarried ; Catherine, died un-
married; Hannah, married Jacob Harshbarger. Children of Jacob and
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1039
Hannah (Palmer) Harshbarger: i. Abraham, died aged twenty years.
2. Budd, a cooper and farmer, died in December, 1912, aged eighty-
four, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. 3. David, a physician, died in
Bradford county, Pennsylvania. 4. Sarah, married Nicholas Conroy,
died at Manor Hill, Pennsylvania. 5. Mary, died in childhood. 6.
William, of whom further.
(II) William Harshbarger, son of Jacob and Hannah (Palmer)
Harshbarger, was born April 24, 1838, in Center county, Pennsylvania.
He received his education in the common schools of the county, and, on
reaching manhood engaged in farming, which he continued for fifty
consecutive years. He retired some time ago, and at the present time
(1913) resides in Alexandria, Pennsylvania. At the call to arms in
1861 he enlisted in Company I, 205th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
and served one year. He was in the battles of Petersburg, Fort Sted-
man and Wcldon Railroad. Both he and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a strong Republican. He mar-
ried, April 5, i860, Anna Matilda Claybaugh, born in Blair county,
daughter of John and Nancy Claybaugh. Children: Sarah Jane; Nancy
Rebecca; Mary; John \V., of whom further; William; David; Elsie;
Emma, deceased.
(III) John W. Harshbarger, son of William and Anna Matilda
(Claybaugh) Harshbarger, was born December i, 1868, in West town-
ship, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. After receiving his prepara-
tory education in the public schools of the township he attended Juniata
College from 1888 to 1889. Leaving school he engaged in teaching,
and continued it for three years with unqualified success. In 1891
he entered the firm of R. A. Miller & Son, remaining with them seven
years. Wishing to enter the business world in his own behalf, he formed
in 1907 a partnership with W. Emmert Swigart, in fire and general
insurance and real estate. The firm has met with unbounded success,
and stands high in the commercial and industrial world. ]\Ir. Harsh-
barger is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Huntingdon, Penn-
sylvania, where he makes his home. He has established for himself a
name for sobriety, honor, fair dealing. His word is as good as another
man's bond. He is an ardent Republican, voting with and working for
the party. He and his wife are members of the First Baptist Church of
Huntingdon.
I040 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
On April 5, 1892, he married IMary Elizabeth Harris, born January
I, 1871, daughter of William and Catherine (Shires) Harris, he a tan-
ner and a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Children: i.
Vanelado H., born May 26, 1893. 2. May, born December 12, 1894.
3. Martha, born October i, 1900. 4. Catherine Ann, born April 13,
1904.
The Gerlock family, of Huntingdon county, is a com-
GERLOCK paratively new one on this continent, since the iirst
member to come to America did not emigrate until the
time of the civil war. This was Frank Gerlock (2), who settled in
Huntingdon, and there opened a blacksmith shop. He died in 1870.
There were three brothers to come — Frank (i), Frank (2) and Conrad.
It was a German custom to name two children by the same baptismal
name. Frank Gerlock (2) married Elizabeth Stang, who emigrated
from German}^ at about the same time her husband did, and died in
1907. Children of Frank (2) and Elizabeth (Stang) Gerlock: i.
Lewis, a machinist, died in Harrisburg. 2. Frank G., retired machinist,
lives in Harrisburg. 3. Louisa, married Richard R. Lutz, and lives in
Harrisburg. 4. Charles, died young. 5. Philip, died young. 6. An-
drew, drowned when about nine years of age. 7. Edward, a machinist,
died in Huntingdon, 1907. 8. Harry \\'illiam, of whom further.
(II) Harry William, youngest child of Frank (2) and Elizabeth
(Stang) Gerlock, was born in Huntingdon, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, July 18, 1869. He obtained his education in the public schools
of his native city, and after leaving school learned the machinists' trade,
which he followed for several j^ears. For several years he was an in-
structor in the Pennsylvania Industrial Reformatory. In 1890, in part-
nership with his brother Edward, he opened a foundry and machine
shop, doing repair work as a specialty. In 1907, upon the death of his
brother Edward, he purchased ground and erected a spacious shop
which, although it has been enlarged and the finest machinery installed,
is rapidly being outgrown, and plans have been submitted for a new
foundry, larger and better equipped than the present. His product, in
which he has specialized, is brick plant equipment, and he has acquired
a continent-wide reputation for excellence of workmanship and for the
high standard of machines shipped. He is an active member of Mount
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1041
Moriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons; also of Juniata
Lodge, No. 117, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife
are members of the Reformed church.
He married, February 15, 1903, Lillian Pearl, daughter of John and
Harriet Edelblute. Children of Harry W. and Lillian Pearl (Edel-
blute) Gerlock: Joshua Richard and Harry William.
The American ancestor of this branch of the Sellers
SELLERS family was Jacob Sellers, born in Germany. On coming
to America he settled on a farm in Cumberland, now
Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and in 1763 moved to Sellers Mills, in
that county. He married Barbara Pile, who bore him sons and daugh-
ters, including a son Harrison.
(II) Harrison, son of Jacob and Barbara (Pile) Sellers, was born in
Juniata county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1800, and all his business
life was identified with the iron industry in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. He mar-
ried Mary Williams. Children: i. Lemon H., of whom further. 2.
William, a railroad employee; married Molly Derrick. 3. Frederick,
married, living in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. 4. Mary, married Samuel
Riefine, a railroad employee of Duncannon. 5. Emma, married John
Heller, of ]\Iarysville, Pennsylvania. 6. Esther, married Robert Ham-
ilton, and lives in Duncannon, Pennsylvania.
(III) Lemon H., eldest child of Harrison and Mary (Williams) Sel-
lers, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, May i, 1846. He obtained his
education in the public schools, and all his life followed the calling of his
father, that of an iron worker, first in Coveallen, until 1883, when he
moved to ]\Iarysville, Pennsylvania. At the age of seventeen he enlisted
in Company B, 205th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving for
ten months. He is a member of the Evangelical church, while his wife
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Repub-
lican. He married (first) Rachel White, who died without issue. He
married (second) Ellen Beaver, widow of Samuel Beaver, a blacksmith,
and daughter of David Swartz, a farmer and land owner of Elliottsburg,
Pennsylvania, where he died in 1885. Children of David Swartz:
Jane ; Emma ; Catherine ; Ellen, of previous mention, married Lemon
H. Sellers; Daniel, who went to war in the L'nion army. Children of
I042 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Lemon H. and Ellen Sellers: i. Elmer J., of whom further. 2. Henry
S., born December 24, 1871; married Elizabeth Nauss. 3. Charles B.,
born October 3, 1873; married Emma Dick. 4. Thomas LeRoy, born
October 18, 1875, died August 2, 1877. 5. Harvey, born December 25,
1877; married Catherine Wellhouse. 6. Bessie, born November 2, 1879;
married Edward Brown. 7. Emma, born January 22, 1882 ; married
Charles Williamson, a contractor of Yonkers, New York. 8. Mabel,
born July 2, 1885. 9. Jennie, born December 2, 1887; married Joseph
Beers, a plumber and electrician of Marysville, Pennsylvania. 10. Mary,
died in infancy. 11. Nellie, born Alay 7, 1892.
(IV) Elmer J., eldest child of Lemon H. and Ellen (Beaver) Sel-
lers, was born in Duncannon, Perry county, Pennsylvania, February 14,
1870. He obtained his early education in the public schools of Coveal-
len and Marysville, and, as a young man, nineteen years of age, entered
the railway mail service, in which he has since continued, on the New
York and Pittsburgh route. He is a member of Lodge No. 458, Free
and Accepted Masons, of Perry county, and the Modern Woodmen of
America, of Marysville. In politics he is an Independent. He is a
member of the Evangelical church, his wife belonging to the Methodist
Episcopal church.
He married, June 15, 1899, Ada Garnett, daughter of John, a boat
builder of Buffalo, Pennsylvania, and Susan (Jackson) Garnett. Child
of Elmer J. and Ada (Garnett) Sellers: Jeanette Elma, born June 30,
1901.
The Sanderson family, of Huntingdon county,
SANDERSON Pennsylvania, as the name would indicate, came to
this country from Scotland. The earliest member
of the family of whom we have record was drowned while still in mid-
dle age, and his descendants are scattered all over the state.
(II) John Sanderson died at New Bloorafield, Perry county, Penn-
sylvania, November 23, 1875. Immediately after the untimely death of
his father, John Sanderson was taken by Catherine Thuma, and lived
there until he had attained young manhood. He was a half-brother of
Samuel S. Saul, who went to Illinois and later to Oakland, California.
He was apprenticed to learn the trade of plastering, with which he was
occupied until a few years prior to his death, when he was engaged in
-^j^^j. J^r. jS^t^L. c^Cc^^^
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1043
fanning, having become the owner of a farm in Center township, Perry
county, Pennsylvania. He was a Republican in his political opinions,
and he anil his wife were members of the Lutheran church. lie mar-
ried Sarah Rice, daughter of Samuel and l-^lizabeth ( Shull ) Rice, and
granddaughter of Conrad Rice. Samuel Rice was born in Saville town-
ship, where he was occupied as a millwright until his death. They had
children :
Samuel H., who went to Nebraska, where he was a farmer and
never married; Josiah W., a school teacher and farmer; Conrad S.,
married Sarah Hartman ; Sarah, mentioned above ; Catherine ; Mary,
married (first) John Robinson, (second) Isaiah Corl; Fannie, married
Washington Hench, a farmer in Perry county; Phoebe, married John
Peck, a blacksmith of Perry county; Elizabeth, married Samuel Orris, a
farmer of Saville township; Elinor, married James jMeminger, a
farmer of Saville township; Susan, married Joseph Kell, a farmer in
Saville township. John and Sarah (Rice) Sanderson had children:
George \\' ashington, see forward ; Samuel K., deceased, was a weigh-
master at Saxton, and married Lizzie Clemson; Theodore C, deceased,
was a trainmaster, and married Jennie Fickes, also deceased ; Catherine
S., married (first) John Eberly, (second) John Heston, both deceased;
Mary, deceased, married Thomas Sutch, a printer; Elmer, married
(first) Lillian Raine, (second) Maud Crum, and is a merchant at Sax-
ton; a child, which died in infancy; John M., married (first) Fannie
Hazzard, (second) Alice Yohn, was a railroad engineer and a farmer.
All of these children, except one, taught school for several terms.
(Ill) George Washington, son of John and Sarah (Rice) Sander-
son, was born in Saville township. Perry county, Pennsylvania. October
31, 1844. He was educated in the public schools of Ickesburg, and later
was a student at the Bloomfield Academy, which was under the super-
vision of Professor Stephens. He also attended a higher school in
Huntingdon county, and was then engaged in teaching for a period of
ten years, after which he established himself in the mercantile business,
with which he has been identified since that time. He is also connected
with several other business enterprises, and has been a director of the
Standing Stone National Bank since the organization of that institution.
He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. His political
af^liations are with the Republican party, and he has held the office of
I044 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
school director for many years. He is a member of Huntingdon Lodge,
No. 976, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Sanderson married, April 19, 1884, Harriet E., a daughter of
George Ashman and Hannah (Garretson) Miller, residents of Hunting-
don, where he was a furniture dealer. He also served as county treas-
urer and postmaster of Huntingdon. Children: i. Georgiana, 'married
Cloyd A. Shuss, and has daughters : Virginia Elliott and Harriet Eli-
nor. 2. Harriet, was graduated from Dickinson College in 1910, and
was a teacher of German in the high school in Huntingdon; married
J. C. Poffenberger, a civil engineer, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The Mierleys, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
MIERLEY are of German descent. In this branch the first record
obtainable is of John Mierley, born in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. He was a man of good education, and spent his
adult life engaged in teaching, alternating his profession with the opera-
tion of his farm. He was a one-time commissioner of the county; a
member of the Baptist church and highly respected in his community.
uTune Srii>-i- He married (first) . Children: Bruce, died in boyhood; Solomon,
deceased; George, of whom further; Barton, deceased. Pie married
Xfl-Htha (second) Sai»afitfear Clarkson. Children: Joanna, married William
Miller; Calvin, a farmer; Benjamin, deceased; 'Dr. Monroe, now a
practicing physician in Montana; Laura, now residing in Huntingdon
county.
(II) George, son of John Mierley and his first wife, was born
in Huntingdon county. He was educated in the public and nor-
mal schools of the county, and for fourteen years was a teacher in
the public schools, tie then purchased a farm of one hundred and
fifty acres, in Wayne township, Mifflin county, where he successfully
conducted farming and stock-dealing operations. Recently, however, he
rented his farm to a fruit-growing company, and, except for occasion-
ally dealing in real estate, is now retired from business. He is a Demo-
crat in politics, and served in Wa3'ne township as assessor. He and his
wife are both members of the Church of The Brethren. He married,
in 1876, Nancy Lane, daughter of James R. Lane, a farmer, minister
and ordained elder of the Church of The Brethren, in Huntingdon
county. His wife, a Miss Myers, bore him: Sarah, married B. F. Gar-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1045
ber; Nellie, died in infancy; Anna, married (first) Daniel Bechtel, (sec-
ond) Benjamin Grove; Nancy, married George Mierley; Virginia, mar-
ried Theodore Hollenberger ; Dr. Samuel, deceased; Frank, now living
in Wisconsin; Alice, deceased, married John Kiner; James G., now a
dentist of Philadelphia, married Mary E. Bartholomew. Children of
George and Nancy Mierley : i. Clyde Vernon, of whom further. 2.
Beulah, born in iS8£| a graduate nurse, now connected in her profes-
sional capacity with the Spence (or Spencer) school in New York City.
(Ill) Dr. Clyde Vernon Mierley, only son of George and Nancy
(Lane) Mierley, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Janu-
ary 17, 1878. He obtained his preparatory education in the public
schools, then entered Juniata College, finishing a three years' course.
In 1898 he entered the dental department of the University of Pennsyl-
vania, whence he was graduated D. D. S., class of 1901. He at once
began the practice of his profession in Huntingdon, where he is well
established in public favor. He keeps in close touch with all recent
advance or discovery in care or treatment of the teeth by post-graduate
courses at the university and through his memberships in the societies
of his profession. He is a member of the Pennsylvania State Dental
Society, the Central Pennsylvania Dental Society (of which he is an
ex-president), and the Edward C. Kirk Dental Society, in which he
served on the board of censors. He is an active, interested member
of these societies, and has contributed timely articles to their literature.
He is fraternally connected with the leading orders of his city, be-
longing to Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons ;
Standing Stone Chapter, No. 201, Royal Arch Masons; Huntingdon
Commandery, No. 65, Knights Templar; Jaffa Temple, Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine (Altoona) ; is past chancellor of Blue Cross Lodge, No.
295, Knights of Pythias; captain of the Uniform Rank, Knights of
Pythias, and has served as district deputy grand chancellor. In reli-
gious faith he is a Presbyterian. He married, in 1902, Florence E.,
daughter of John Kersey, deceased ; one child, James Kersey.
The \\'ible family, of Pennsylvania, is now in the fifth
WIBLE generation in this country, and the original settlement was
made in the state of Maryland. David Wible, the Ameri-
can progenitor of this family, was born in Germany, from whence he
1046 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
emigrated to America. He purchased a considerable tract of land in
Maryland, where he led an active and useful life.
(II) John, son of David Wible, was born in Maryland, in which
state his death also occurred. He and his brother, David Jr., took up
a tract of land, consisting of about three hundred acres, and engaged
in farming on an extensive scale. Their home was in Springfield town-
ship, and both were members of the Lutheran church. In their earlier
years they were strong supporters of the Whig party in politics, but
upon the formation of the Republican party they joined its ranks. John
Wible married Susan Glunt, and had children: William, was a farmer,
and his entire life was spent on the homestead farm ; Jacob H., was a
farmer in Springfield township; Mary, married Jonathan Anderson and
lived in Tyrone; Martha Ann, married Everett Brown, a farmer of
Springfield township; David, died at an early age; John G., see for-
ward.
(III) John G., son of John and Susan (Glunt) Wible, was born
July 3, 1839, in Springfield township, Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, and died in Three Springs, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1909.
He followed the occupation of farming all of his life, and was the
owner of a farm of one hundred acres in Springfield township. His
religious afiiliations were with the Baptist church, and he gave his en-
tire support to the Republican party. His activity was not unrewarded,
and he held a number of township offices many years. Mr. Wible
married Evaline, born August 28, 1842 (now living with some of her
children at Three Springs, Huntingdon county), daughter of Richard
and Elizabeth (Betsey) (Locke) Madden, the former born in Clay
township, Huntingdon county, a son of James Madden, whose grand-
father came to this country from Ireland and acquired a farm of sev-
eral hundred acres in extent in Cla}' township. Richard Madden was a
farmer, an ardent supporter of first the Whig and later of the Demo-
cratic party, and filled a number of local offices. They were of the
Baptist faith. Their children were: Jehu, a farmer and merchant in
Three Springs, married Jane Starr; Jane, deceased, married Jacob
Park, also deceased, who was a farmer and land owner; Charlotte,
married Daniel Swartz, a farmer of Three Springs; Margaret, married
Benjamin ]Morris, deceased, an Englishman, who was a printer in Phila-
delphia ; Enoch, engaged in the meat business in Mount Union, married
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1047
Mary Book; Evalinc, mentioned above; Amelia, married John Mat-
thews, engaged in the provision business in Altoona, Pennsylvania;
Richard Jr., deceased, was a farmer in Fulton county, Pennsylvania,
married Nancy Miller; Wealthy, deceased, married B. T. Rinker, who
is in the meat business in Mount Union, Pennsylvania; Anion, died in
service during the civil war. John G. and Evaline (Madden) Wible
had children: Allison A., see forward; Edward, living on a farm in
Springfield township, married Melissa Brown ; Ella, died at the age of
three years; John Wesley, died at the age of thirteen years; Frank,
formerly a school teacher, now engaged in farming, married Luetta
Kirkpatrick : Scott, unmarried, was at one time a school teacher and is
now a farmer: Charles, is a farmer on the old homestead, and married
Rosa Fleck : Jesse, is a clerk in the store of B. F. Goddard, in ]\Iaple-
ton, married Nellie Heeter; Lillian F., unmarried.
(IV) Allison A., son of John G. and Evaline (Madden) Wible,
was born in Springfield township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
August 22, 1863. His education was acquired in the public schools of
his section of the country and at the select school at Orbisonia, Hunt-
ingdon county. He supplemented this by close observation and dili-
gent study at his own home, and later taught school for a period of
fourteen years, while he spent all his spare time during his years of
study in assisting in the cultivation of the home farm. He next went
west to California, where he was in the employ of the West Coast
Lumber Company, and returned to the east in 1888. For a time he
was employed in the city of Pittsburgh, where he worked for the West-
inghouse IManufacturing Company for one year, then returned to Hunt-
ingdon county, where he was engaged in the lumber business for a
period of five years, and since that time has filled the office of com-
mission clerk in the court house. He owns a farm of thirty-four acres
in Three Springs borough, and he and his wife are of the Baptist faith.
His political affiliations are with the Washington party, and he is a
member of Court No. 512, Patriotic Order of Sons of America, of
Three Springs.
Mr. Wible married (first), July 20, 1884, Ada B., who died Octo-
ber 18, 1902, a daughter of Abraham and Rebecca J. (Stevens) Corbin,
the former at one time a school teacher and later a farmer, and is now
deceased. Mr. Wible married (second), April 7, 1906, Cora May,
I048 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
born in Middlesex county, New Jersey, a daughter of Alexander and
Sadie (Ashley) Randolph, the former a farmer and speculator. Chil-
dren by the first marriage: i. Idessa Beatrice, born July 27, 1885;
married Ray VV. Gutshall, a clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany at Mount Union ; they have four children : Melvin Wayne, Clar-
ence Dean, James Norman and Sylvia May. 2. Leona Maud, born De-
cember II, 1887, died June 25, 1888. 3. John Lloyd, born May 10,
1889. 4. Lester Lowell, born September 5, 1893, died at the age of
eleven years. 5. Forest Bryant, born August 14, 1895, now lives in
Iowa.
There are many branches of the Gibson family scattered
GIBSON throughout the United .States, some of them coming
from England and some from Ireland. This particular
branch had its origin in Ireland.
(I) Abraham Gibson, of Irish descent, was born in Blair county,
Pennsylvania, in the year 1827, and the greater part of his life was
spent in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was a mechanical engineer and
was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for a period
of twenty years. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
church. He married Sarah Hamor, born in 1839, died February 2,
1874, and they had children: Orlando, see forward; Harry, who lives
in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a carpenter in the employ of the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad Company; George, who was a boiler maker by trade,
was killed in Sacramento, California; Mary, married Charles C. Allen,
of Huntingdon, and now lives in Philadelphia ; Orphia, married George
Shoemaker, and lives in Sacramento, California; Elizabeth, married
Harry Clark, also of Sacramento.
(II) Orlando, son of Abraham and Sarah (Hamor) Gibson, was
born in Duncansville, Blair county, Pennsylvania, July 18, 1852. He
was educated in the public schools of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and at a
very early age entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany, with which he has been connected in various capacities since that
time. He was placed in charge of the locomotive boiler washing de-
partment November i, 1867, and on June 12, 1868, he commenced
learning the special work of a machinist in the machine shop. From
this department he was transferred to the Altoona yards and became a
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1049
fireman there, June i, 1869. Faitlifnl attention to all the details of his
work has always heen one of his characteristies, and in January, 1870,
he drew the premium offered to liremen for economy in the use of the
company's stores and fuel while discharging their duties. After the
erection of the new car shops at Altoona, Mr. Gibson was placed in
charge of the steam heat department, January 4, 1870. On April 2 of
the same year he was sent on the road as a fireman, and held this posi-
tion until September i, 1872, when he was advanced to the post of
engineer, served until August i, 1887, when he was appointed foreman
of the car department and master mechanic of the machinery depart-
ment of the shops at Huntingdon. In 1906 he was transferred to the
shops at Hollidaysburg, and is now (1913) in charge of the air-brake
department. In many directions Mr. Gibson has made his influence felt
in a beneficial manner. He is the inventor and patentee of the Africa
& Gibson car replacer, now used by the Pennsylvania railroad system,
and also has a patent on a mechanical device known as a train con-
troller. He was one of the organizers of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Department of the Young Men's Christian Association in Huntingdon,
and was president of this branch for one year. He was also the or-
ganizer of the Veteran Employees' Association, Middle Division, Penn-
sylvania Railroad, and filled the ofiice of vice-president for some time.
He is a past chief of Standing Stone Castle, No. 176, Knights of the
Golden Eagle, and of Juniata Commandery, No. 66, of the same order.
In his political views Mr. Gib$on entertains independent opinions, and
he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
j\Ir. Gibson married, in Altoona, July 18, 1872, Annie C, born in
New Bloomfield, Perry county, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1854, a daughter
of Joseph and Charity Marshall, and a sister of Helen Marshall, who
married Calvin Etter, a merchant of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs.
Gibson is a member of the Presbyterian church. Children: i. Harriet
Flora Belle, born August 13, 1873, c''^^ May 13. 1912; married John
Kaylor, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, now deceased; one son: John,
born in 1900. 2. William Albert, see forward. 3. Blanche C, born
February 10, 1877; married Ernest M. Newell, who died October 26,
1912: children: Dorothy and Ernest. 4. James Marshall, a machinist
at Altoona, born October 24, 1879: married Pearl Weaver; children:
Donald and Anna. 5. Mary M., born February 16, 1883; married
1050 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Jerry Foster, manager and proprietor of a restaurant. 6. Oliver Eld-
win, born June 25, 1889; is a machinist at Altoona; married Myra
Fluke.
(HI) William Albert, second child and eldest son of Orlando and
Annie C. (Marshall) Gibson, was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, De-
cember 24, 1874. He lived in Altoona until he was nearly thirteen
years of age, when the family moved to Huntingdon. He acquired a
good practical education in the public schools of Huntingdon, and, at
the age of fifteen years, became a fireman in the employ of the Penn-
sylvania Railroad Company. Two years later, 1901, he was advanced
to the position of engineer, in which responsible office he is actively en-
gaged at the present time. He has been commended for the faithful
manner in which he has discharged the duties which fall to his share,
and there is every reason to believe that still further advancement is in
store for him. He is a member of Lakemont Division, No. 730, Broth-
erhood of Locomotive Engineers, and also of Standing Stone Con-
clave, No. 134, Improved Order of Heptasophs, of Huntingdon, Penn-
sylvania.
Mr. Gibson married, June 14, 1899, Etta C. Hertzler, a daughter of
Daniel and Mary Hertzler, of Huntingdon. Mr. Hertzler is a mail
carrier at Huntingdon, and was in service during the civil war; he
enlisted in 1865 in Company E, loist Regiment Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, and served until the close of the war. Mrs. Gibson has one sister,
Mrs. Lloyd T. McClellan, of Huntingdon. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have
had children: Floretta Hertzler, born July 4, 1900, attends school; an
infant daughter, born September 24, 1902, died September 26, 1902;
William Albert Jr., born October 17, 1904, also attends school.
The Starr family, of Penns3dvania, was largely if not
STARR wholly descended from James Starr, the immigrant men-
tioned below. The New England family is descended
from Dr. Comfort Starr, who was born at Ashford, county Kent, Eng-
land, where he practiced his profession before coming to xA-merica in
March, 1634, in the ship "Hercules." He had brothers, Jehosophat and
Joyful Starr, a sister Suretrust and sister Constant, both of whom
married and came to Charlestown, Massachusetts. Comfort Starr set-
tled at Cambridge, Massachusetts, removed to Duxbury, returned to
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 105 1
Boston, near the Charlestown ferry. His descendants were especially
numerous and prominent in Connecticut.
(I) James Starr, the immigrant ancestor, was born, according to
records of the Friends, December 28, 1676, son of John and Mary
Starr, of Coot Hill, province of Ulster, Ireland. Another record gives
the birthplace of John Starr, presumably John, son of James, as county
Cavan, Ireland. James Starr married, August 22, 1705, Rachel Lay-
bourne, who was born in October, 1686, daughter of Joseph Laybourne,
of Blake Hadley, county Durham, England, and his wife Rachel, now
of Ardnahue, county Carlow, Ireland. James Starr was a farmer in
county Cavan. He came in 1712 and settled in New Garden township.
He was a Quaker. In 17 14 he was clerk of the Newark monthly meet-
ing, and overseer of the New Garden meeting. L'pon the establish-
ment of the latter as a monthly meeting, he served as clerk from 1718
to 1726. and was elder in 1727. In 1731 with his family he removed
to Charlestown township, the present site of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Children : Joseph, mentioned below ; John, had son Jeremiah, born
1725, married Hannah Sharpless, born 1726-7 (p. 188, Sharpless Gene-
alogy) ; James. Rachel, Moses, Samuel, Susanna.
(II) Joseph, son of James Starr, was born in county Cavan, Ire-
land, December 19, 17 10, and came with his father to Pennsylvania.
He married. May 16, 1739, at Goshen meeting, Rebecca Lewis, daugh-
ter of Griffith Lewis, of Whiteland. and wife Mary. They lived in
Charlestown. Children : Joseph, Samuel : James, mentioned below ;
Isaac, married Elizabeth Longstreth, daughter of Bartholomew and
Ann.
(III) James (2), son of Joseph Starr, was born June 28, 1744. at
Charlestown. Pennsylvania, and died at Middletown, in that state, May
20, 1812. He married Sarah Minshall, daughter of Sarah (Smedley),
Thomas (2). George Smedley (i). Children: Ann, born January 18,
1770; Aquilla. July 29. 1771, lived at Chester; Sarah, October 16, 1772;
James, August 21. 1774: Joseph, August 21, 1774, twin; Rebecca,
March i, 1776; Beulah, September 11, 1778; Mary, August 13, 1780;
John Minshall, November 30, 1783.
(IV) The names of all the heads of families in Pennsylvania, ac-
cording to the first federal census, taken in 1790. included those men-
tioned above, and doubtless all are descendants of James Starr (i).
1052 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
The}^ are: George, John (2), Martin, Ann, Arthur, Christopher, Con-
rad, Ehjah, George, Henry, Isaac, Jacob (2), James (4), Jeremiah,
John (10), Joseph, Moses (2) and Thomas Starr (2). Moses was
then hving in Northumberland county. He was doubtless son of Moses,
grandson of James (i).
(V) The grandfather of John McCuUoch Starr, descendant of
James, through his son Moses, married Nancy . Among their
children were Amos, James, Moses, Richard and others.
(VI) Amos Starr was born May 5, 1819. He married Nancy
Ellen, daughter of James and Nancy (Brown) Hight. Her parents
were also early settlers in Henderson township, Huntingdon county.
Her father was a farmer and owned large tracts of land. He farmed
in what is now West Huntingdon. He was a soldier in the Mexican
war. Both parents were members of the Baptist church. Mrs. Starr is
their only surviving child. She is now (1913) eighty-four years old.
Mr. Starr was a butcher, residing in Huntingdon during most of his
active life. In politics he was a Republican, and both he and his wife
were devoted members of the Baptist church. Children: i. Ada E.,
born July 29, 1859, resides at Wabash, Indiana; married Alexander
Mills. 2. John McCulloch, mentioned below. 3. Ella, born February
14, 1863, lives at Tyrone, Pennsylvania; married Moses Hamer. 4.
Asahel James, born December 18, 1865, a butcher by trade, now re-
tired, living at Huntingdon.
(VII) John McCulloch Starr, son of Amos and Nancy Ellen
(Hight) Starr, was born January 18, 1861.
The name of Kenyon is of English origin, and has
KEN YON been familiarly known in the state of Pennsylvania for
a number of generations. The members of this family
have always been earnest in showing their patriotism and devotion to
their country, and when war demanded the sacrifice of even life itself
they were always among the foremost to offer themselves. James Oli-
ver Kenyon, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, represents the family in
that section at the present time.
(I) James Kenyon, grandfather of James Oliver Kenyon, is the
first of whom we have detailed information. He was born and raised
in Big Valley, and died at the age of fifty-six years, in Huntingdon
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1053
county, Penns3'lvania, where his entire life had been spent. He was
a shoemaker by trade. He married Mary Hall and had children: i.
Alfred, a farmer by occupation, who took an active part during the
civil war as a member of a cavalry regiment; he was also active in the
public affairs of his section, and served one term as county treasurer.
2. Delilah, married \\'illiam Eckley. 3. Harriet, married Samuel Steel.
4. Matthew, see forward. 5. John, died in early manhood. 6. Amanda,
deceased.
(II) Matthew, son of James and Mary (Hall) Kenyon, spent all
his life, with the exception of the years of the civil war, in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the public schools of the
district, and devoted himself to a life of farming. He enlisted as a
private in Company C (afterward transferred to Company B), 49th
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. His actual participation in
the conflict was from the time of his enlistment, August 25, 1S61, until
his honorable discharge, September 10, 1864, and during this period he
was in thirteen battles, among these being Yorktown, Williamsburg,
White Oak Swamp, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Antie-
tam, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and others, and also a
number of skirmishes. Upon his return from the war he resumed the
peaceful avocation of farming, and was also prominent in the public
afifairs of the community and held a number of local offices. Both he
and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. He married Susie
Hetrick and had eight children. She is the daughter of Michael and
Susan (Acker) Hetrick, of Blair county, Pennsylvania, whose other
children were: John, a farmer; Michael, a farmer and carpenter;
Jacob, a carpenter and farmer ; Mary, married David Clapper ; Sarah,
deceased ; Eliza, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon have had children :
James Oliver, see forward; Florence, born in 1868, married Harry
Jackson, a farmer; a child, died in infancy; Harriet, born in 1874, mar-
ried William Overnour, a farmer; Alfred, born in 1876, is a plumber
in the employ of his brother; John Sidney, born in 1878, is in the em-
ploy of the J. C. Blair Company, in Huntingdon: Samuel, born in 1882,
is a brakeman on the Pennsylvania railroad.
(III) James Oliver, eldest child of Matthew and Susie (Hetrick)
Kenyon, was born in Henderson township, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, June 8, 1866. He was educated in the public schools of the
1054 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
township, spending his leisure hours in assisting his father in the cul-
tivation of the farm, and devoting his entire time to this occupation
until he had attained his majority. He then removed to Huntingdon,
where he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
Upon leaving them he was with the Steel Car Company for about one
year, and then for a time supervised the heating and plumbing depart-
ments of the Huntingdon Tile Works. His next position was with
William McPeak, of Hickory, Pennsylvania, a contractor and carpenter,
and when he left his employ Mr. Kenyon returned to Huntingdon and
resumed his occupation of plumbing. He established himself in busi-
ness independently in 1896, and has been successfully identified with this
since that time. He is a member of the Baptist church, while his wife
gives her religious allegiance to the Methodist Episcopal church. He
is a member of Court No. 321, Patriotic Order of Sons of iVmerica;
Modern Woodmen of the World; also of Camp No. 79, Sons of Vet-
erans.
Mr. Kenyon married, February 25, 1892, Matilda, daughter of
Joshua and Rebecca (James) Bard, the former a stone mason. They
have had children: Cecil, born October 2, 1892, is in the employ of
his father; Edna, born August i, 1894, was graduated from the high
school, and is now at home; Alfretta, born March 14, 1896, is a student
at the high school; Luther, born May 26, 1899, attends school; Martha,
born January 28, 1901, is at school; Helen, born August 12, 1902, at-
tends school; Alice, born [March 11, 1907, is also at school.
Originally residents of North Carolina and Georgia, this
ELLIS branch of the Ellis family of the L'nited States settled in
the state of Indiana, from whence they came to Hunting-
don, Pennsylvania. The earliest member of the family was John Ellis,
a farmer of South Carolina, and also of the states of Georgia and
North Carolina. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Both he and his wife Lucinda died in the South. Children : \A^illiam
Curtis, of whom further; John, a farmer; Lucinda, deceased; Hamil-
ton, now a farmer of the state of Nevada; Joseph, now a farmer in
Texas; Franklin, a soldier in the war between the states; Lovic P., a
farmer and merchant of the state of Georgia; Willis M., also a farmer
and merchant of Georgia.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1055
(II) William Curtis, son of John and Lucinda l^llis, was born in
Georgia, October i, 1835. He obtained a good common school educa-
tion in his. native state, and for several terms taught in the Georgia
schools. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed sev-
eral years. Abandoning his trade, he began the study of medicine
under Dr. Lowry, and after obtaining the required proficiency engaged
in the manufacture of medicine several years in the state of Indiana.
Later he moved to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he opened a store
for the sale of drugs, medicines of his own compounding, and notions.
He is a successful business man, stands well in his community, and both
he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dur-
ing the civil war he served for eighteen months in Company C, 40th
Regiment Georgia Infantry.
He married Serepta S. Rucker, born January 27, 1834. Children:
I. William Virdes, of whom further. 2. James, was last heard from in
Cincinnati, Ohio. 3. Mary, married Elmer Hemphill, of Huntingdon,
Pennsylvania. 4. Arabella, died in childhood. 5. John, deceased. 6.
Homer, deceased.
(III) William Virdes, son of William Curtis and Serepta S. (Ruck-
er) Ellis, was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, May 29, 1866. He
was educated in the public schools, then for a few years worked at car-
pentering with his father, and at other employments. In 1890 he moved
to Huntingdon, where he entered the employ of the J. C. Blair Com-
pany, first as general workman, soon, however, winning promotion to
a foremanship of the receiving department. He is a Republican in
politics, and is affiliated with Huntingdon Camp, No. 321, Patriotic
Order of Sons of America, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran
church.
For twelve years Mr. Ellis was a member of the Pennsylvania Na-
tional Guard, in which he was enrolled June 29, 1891, first as a private,
then as sergeant, was soon promoted to second lieutenant, and later
resigned. He enlisted in the national army service during the Spanish-
American war: was mustered into service May 11, 1898, and was mus-
tered out with his regiment, November 7, of the same year, and holds
an honorable discharge.
He married, in November, 1907. Mintie, daughter of Michael and
Nancy Shultz, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania.
J 056 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
John Woolf Jordan, LL.D., eldest son of Francis and
JORDAN Emily (Woolf) Jordan, was born in Philadelphia, Sep-
tember 14, 1840. He received his education in private
schools of that city, and graduated from Nazareth Hall in 1856. Lafa-
yette College conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. in 1902. He is
librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; editor of the Penn-
sylvania Magazine of History and Biography ; president of the Penn-
sylvania Federation of Historical Societies; vice-president of the
Colonial Society of Pennsylvania; registrar of the Pennsylvania Soci-
ety Sons of the Revolution; vice-president of the Swedish Colonial
Society; honorary member of Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati;
and connected with many learned societies. He is also a commissioner
of Valley Forge Park; a commissioner for the preservation of the pub-
lic records of Pennsylvania, etc. During the "Emergency" of 1863 he
served in Starrs' Battery, attached to the 32d Regiment Pennsylvania
Militia.
Dr. Jordan's contributions to local and general history are numer-
ous. He edited "Extracts from the Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer, of
Philadelphia, 1765-98," and among his other contributions are, "A Red
Rose from the Olden Time, 1752-72," "Friedensthal and its Stockaded
Mill," "Narrative of John Heckwelder's Journey to the Wabash in
1792," "John Heckwelder's Notes of Travel to Ohio, 1797," "Bishop
A. G. Spangenberg's Journey to Onondaga in 1747," "Military Hospi-
tals at Bethlehem and Lititz During the Revolution," "Revolutionary
History of Bethlehem, 1775-83," "Franklin as a Genealogist," etc.
Dr. Jordan was twice married, and has three sons and one daughter.
The Hoover family, of Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
HOOVER vania, has been resident in that state for a number of
generations, and they have as a general thing been
engaged in agricultural occupations. They came to this country from
Germany.
(I) Ludwig Hoover, the first of whom we have recorded infor-
mation, owned an extensive piece of property in Huntingdon county,
and cultivated this in a model manner. He and his wife were mem-
bers of the German Reformed church. They had children: Jacob G.,
also a farmer of Huntingdon county; Benjamin, see forward; Cath-
-zr-zr-zrt^^-?^
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1057
erine, married Washington Norris; Elizabeth, married AUiston Norris,
a farmer.
(II) Benjamin, son of Ludwig Hoover, died in 1893. He was
successfully engaged in cultivating the homestead farm, during the
greater part of his life. This farm consisted of two hundred and
fifty acres of land, a good part of which was planted in fruit trees.
He was a popular man in the community in which he resided, and, as
a representative of the Democratic party, held a number of local public
offices. He was a member of the Reformed church, whose principles
he strictly upheld. He married Mary, daughter of Theobald Fouse,
who was born in America, of German descent. He was a farmer and
a member of the Reformed church, and became the father of: Adam,
a farmer: Christopher: John, a farmer; Frederick, deceased, was in
active service during the civil war; De Walt, a soldier during the civil
war; Samuel, was a farmer, and is now living retired in ]Marklesburg,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania; Mary, who became the wife of Ben-
jamin Hoover. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have had children: Sarah, de-
ceased : Reuben, a farmer, married Annie Fenstermaker, deceased ; Cath-
erine, married Frank Fink, engaged in the hardware business, in Hunt-
ingdon. Pennsylvania; Nancy, married William Heffner, a farmer;
Elizabeth, married J. K. Brumbaugh; and Benjamin Franklin, see for-
ward.
(III) Benjamin Franklin, son of Benjamin and Mary (Fouse)
Hoover, was born in Penn township, Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, July 18, 1873. He was educated in the public schools, from
which he was graduated with a very creditable record, and then stud-
ied for one term in Juniata College. Upon the conclusion of his edu-
cation he became associated with his father in farming interests, and
has alwavs been occupied along this line. Educational matters have
always engaged a goodly share of his time and attention, and it has
been his pleasure to further the cause of education in every manner
that lay in his power. In conformity with this idea he is serving as
a school director at the present time. The Democratic party has his
strong support in political matters, and he has held a number of local
offices, filling them to the entire satisfaction of the community. He
is a consistent member of the Reformed church.
Mr. Hoover married, in 1894, Lucy Hellyer, a daughter of Ed-
1058 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
ward and Elizabeth (Putt) Hellyer; her father, a miller of Penn
township, Huntingdon county. One year after his marriage he pur-
chased one hundred and fifty-four acres of land, and is now also
engaged as a dairy farmer. They have had children : Charles Ed-
ward, born August 31, 1905, attends school; Reuben Merle, born No-
vember 27, 1906, also attends school; Benjamin Carl, died in infancy.
James Grubb sailed from London, England, in the stout
GRUBB ship "Fortune," John Green, master, in 1647, ^'"^^ landed
on the shores of Massachusetts Bay, after a long and
tempestuous voyage, during which time the vessel was given up by
those who were awaiting the arrival of friends on her. James Grubb
settled first at Salem, Massachusetts, and worked for his board and
clothes, as he was almost destitute, having lost everything of value
while on the voyage. He later left Massachusetts and went into the
colony of Delaware, where he located, married and lived the rest of his
life. He became known as an Indian fighter. He was expert with a
gun, and possessed a keen and accurate eye, both of which requisites
were a necessity in his continual warfare with the savages who abode
in Delaware. Among his children was James Jr., of whom further.
(II) James Grubb Jr., son of James Grubb, the immigrant, was
born in Delaware and lived there all of his life. He was noted as a
hunter of game and Indians, having a special antipathy toward the
latter. He was one of a scouting party out to locate a band of In-
dians on the warpath, when they were surprised and made captives.
They were held by the foe several months, Grubb making his escape
one night as his captors slept. He never saw any one of his fellow
prisoners again, the supposition being that they were killed and scalped
out of revenge because of his escape. He had a large family of
children, among them being James, Isaac; and Abraham, of whom
further.
(III) Abraham, son of James Grubb Jr., was born in Delaware
about 1680. He began early to fight the Indians, and he was one of a
party of men who stood the savages off until a company of soldiers
arrived from the nearest garrison to the relief of the small settle-
ment. At the sound of the drum and fife the red men broke for
cover, but were pursued by the besieged, when they ran into the arms
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1059
of the soldiers and were externiinateil to the last warrior. Among
his ehildren was Isaac, of whom further.
(IV) Isaac, son of Abraham Gruhb, was born in Delaware. He
lived a quiet life, and farmed when permitted by his red neighbors.
He had a large family, among them being William, of whom further.
(V) William, son of Isaac Grubb, was a native of Pennsylvania,
where it is thought that his father moved about 1746. His name ap-
pears on the roster of one of the companies furnished by the colony
to the Continental army. Among his children was Samuel, of whom
further.
(VI) Samuel, son of William Grubb, was born in Pennsylvania,
about 1780. He was a farmer by occupation, following it until his
death. He married Hannah Boyer, in 1805. He was among the first
to enlist in the war of 1812. On his return to his home in Pennsyl-
vania he again took up farming. Among his children was Abraham,
of whom further.
(VII) Abraham, son of Samuel and Hannah (Boyer) Grubb, was
born May 15, 1818, in Hopewell township. He was a farmer of Berks
county for many years. He owned at the time of his death about
three hundred acres. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, as was his
wife. He married Mary Norris, daughter of an old pioneer family
of Berks county. Her parents, Isaac and Martha Norris, lived on the
farm on which the former was born, and which his grandfather had
cleared while the Indians were still inconvenient and dangerous neigh-
bors. Among the children of Abraham and Mary (Norris) Grubb
was Joseph, of whom further.
(VIII) Joseph, son of Abraham and Mary (Norris) Grubb, was
born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the schools
of the township, and on reaching his majority decided that he would
follow the family occupation of farming. He remained with his
father, and after the death of the latter he remained on the homestead.
He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church.
He married Rebecca Bowers, who was born on the farm on which her
son, Isaac Bowers Grubb, now lives. Children : Mary, now Mrs.
J. R. Schell; Isaac Bowers, of whom further; Sherman, of whom
further; Martha.
(IX) Isaac Bowers Grubb, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Bowers)
io6o HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Grubb, was born October 8, 1866, in Penn township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. He received his early education in the com-
mon schools of the township, and began farming very early after leav-
ing the school room. He has one hundred and forty-three acres of
cleared land and some woodland, which comprise a valuable farm. He
is one of the foremost farmers of his section, being up-to-date in every
particular. He does a succesS'ful general farming. He is a member
of the Lutheran church, like all of his family; and gives his political
support to the Republican party.
He married, December 26, 1895, Rachel Schultz, born in Lincoln
township, Huntingdon county, a daughter of Martin Schultz, of that
township. Children: Joseph Carl, Martha Lena, Catherine, Harold,
Gertrude.
(IX) Sherman Grubb, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Bowers)
Grubb, was born March 25, 1869, in Penn township, on his father's
farm. He received his education in the public schools, and became a
farmer on reaching maturity. He purchased one hundred and forty
acres of land, which he brought to a high state of productiveness, and
where he was a general farmer. On April i, 19 10, he purchased a
home in Marklesburg, Pennsylvania, and moved to it. He was en-
gaged one summer in the sand cparry northeast of Marklesburg, and
at the present time (1913) is employed, for the second summer, in
the stone quarry near Marklesburg. He is a member of the Lutheran
church; is a Republican, and has served as school director.
He married, June 15, 1890, Maud S. G. Garner, daughter of Sam-
uel Garner. Children: Earl Sorick, Pearl S.
The records of the lives of individuals are of interest
SCHELL to the modern citizen, not alone for their historical value,
but for the example and the inspiration they afford.
Yet we need not look altogether to the past. The records of the lives
of men of the present generation afford examples which will be an in-
spiration to generations yet to come. And in this connection it may
be said that it is not alone the men who are in the public eye who
mold the fortunes of a nation. The men who carry on successfully the
daily and more homely operations of life are no less to be valued for
their efforts in those directions. Among the most useful, and least to
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1061
be spared of these lines of industry, is that of farming, and it is of a
family whose members have been farmers for generations that this
sketch treats.
(I) George Schell, a miner, is the earliest progenitor of George W.
Schell, of Aitch, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, of whom record
is found. He was a member of the Lutheran church, married and had
issue.
(II) Samuel, son of George and Mary Schell, died in 1907. He
was educated in the public schools, and until he was twenty-one years
of age followed the occupation of a collier, abandoning this to engage
in farming. He was ver}^ successful in this imdertaking and, from
renting ground to cultivate, became the owner of eight hundred acres
of excellent farm land. He was a Republican in politics, and was ac-
tively interested in all local affairs. He and his wife were members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Mary Richardson, who
died in 1909. Chiklren: i. Blair, a lumberman. 2. Scott W., a farmer
of Huntingdon county. 3. William, died aged seventeen years. 4. Cath-
erine, married Jeremiah Keith, formerly a farmer, now proprietor of a
general store at Marklesburg. 5. Susan, married Martin Donelson, a
farmer. 6. Martha, married W. S. Fouse, a farmer. 7. George W.,
of further mention. 8. Jonah R., a farmer. 9. Ann, married Benjamin
Franklin Fouse, a merchant. 10. Horatio L., a farmer and merchant.
(III) George W., son of Samuel and INIary (Richardson) Schell,
was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, November 26, i860.
He attended the public schools of Lincoln township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, later studying in Michigan, thus obtaining an
excellent education. L'pon returning home he cultivated his father's
farm until the latter's death, when he purchased one hundred and
seventy acres of land and at the present time conducts fruit raising and
dairy operations thereon. In both of these lines he has been very suc-
cessful, his fruit being noted for its size and lusciousness, and his
dairy a model of cleanliness. Politically he is a Progressive Republi-
can, and both he and his wife are members of the ]Methodist Episcopal
church.
He married (first) November 25, 1884, Lilly May IMoore, (second)
Cora Gill. Children of first marriage: i. Samuel, born July 26, 1885;
attended Juniata College, followed the teacher's profession, now pro-
io62 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
prietor of a store in Altoona, Pennsylvania. 2. Frederick Morrow, of
whom further. 3. Robert, born 1888, died in infancy. 4. Eliza, born
May 5, 1889, lives at home. 5. Jessie, born March 27, 1892, lives at
home. Mr. Schell's second wife bore him a son who died in infancy.
(IV) Frederick Morrow, son of George W. and Lilly May (Moore)
Schell, was born in Hmitingdon county, Pennsylvania, December 21,
1887. After the completion of his education, which he acquired at
the common schools in his district, he commenced to assist his father
in the cultivation of the farm, and thus became familiar Avith every
detail of the work to be done in the most practical manner. He is now
the owner of a fine farm, which is largely planted with fruit trees, and
has a young orchard, which is now in fine bearing condition. He affili-
ates with the Republican party in politics, and is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Schell married, June 11, 1908, Lizzie B., a daughter of Jacob S.
and Anthy (Black) Hoover, the former a farmer. They have had
children: Lillie Marie, born April 25, 1909; Beulah, born March 20,
191 1. In 1909 Mr. Schell purchased a farm of two hundred and twenty-
five acres in Huntingdon county. He is very energetic and systematic
in his methods, and keeps well apace of the times in current events in
the agricultural world. This enables him to take advantage of all new
discoveries in this field, greatly to his benefit.
Daniel L. Grove, of Grafton, Pennsylvania, is a member
GROVE of the old Grove family of that state, which has long
been established in the Juniata Valley. Than the Grove
family there is none better known or more highly respected in that
section of the commonwealth.
(I) Daniel Grove descended from Jacob Grove and his wife, Mar-
garet Summers, who were people of prominence in the early days of
Huntingdon county. Daniel came from Lancaster county with his
parents, and finally located on the place now owned by his grandson,
Daniel L. Grove, in Penn township, Huntingdon county. He pur-
chased wild land, cleared it and erected the first house on it, which
stood the wear and tear of time for many years. He married Mary
Peightal, also of Lancaster county. Among their children was David,
of whom further.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1063
(II) David Grove, son of Daniel and Mary (Peightal) Grove, was
born on his fatlier's farm in Penn township; reared on the homestead,
and educated in the pubHc schools. He early entered upon an agricul-
tural life, and lie fore the close of his career he established a reputation
for success in everything that he undertook, which was the result of
discriminating judgment, and not good luck. He takes an active in-
terest and a large part in the affairs of the township, and his advice is
sought by many. He was drafted during the Civil W^ar, but his father
paid a sum of money and he was released from serving. He, with his
wife, is a member of the Reformed church. He is unremitting in his
interest in it, and aids it generously. He still lives on the homestead.
He married Emeline Lininger, born in McConnellstown, Huntingdon
county, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Speck) Lininger. Mr. Lin-
inger was born in Germany, and early in life came to this country and
located in Huntingdon county, where he farmed and later died. His
wife was born in McConnellstown, there reared on her father's farm.
Among their children are: Daniel L., of whom further; Martin, of
whom further: and David.
(III) Daniel L. Grove, son of David and Emeline (Lininger)
Grove, was born October 25, 1863, on the Grove homestead. He re-
ceived an unusually good education in the public schools of his native
township, has farmed all of his life, and at the present time (1913) is
living on his own place of sixty fertile and highly cultivated acres. Be-
sides farming he makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred horses and
cattle, especialh- the former. At this time he has a long-pedigreed
colt, the sire of which was imported from England. He also takes
great pride in his hogs, breeding only the best. He ranks as one of the
progressive farmers, not only of his township, but the state of Penn-
sylvania. He, with his family, belongs to the Reformed church, and he
to the Democratic party, for which he works and uses his influence.
He has never asked for nor held office, devoting all of his time to his
business interests.
He married, in 1883, Anna Myers, born in Penn township, the
daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Garner) Myers. He was the
son of Daniel and Mary (Grubb) Myers. Phillip Garner, the father of
Mrs. JNIyers, was an old resident of Pennsylvania. Abraham ]\Iyers
was educated in the public schools, was a member of the Refonned
io64 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
church, a good citizen and an upright man. His children: Reuben;
Ehzabeth Ann; Mihon; Jane; Sarah Catherine: William: Alice: Ida;
Benjamin; Maggie; Frank; Anna, married Daniel L. Grove. Children
of Daniel L. and Anna (Myers) Grove: i. Emma Catherine, died
young. 2. Mary Alice, at home. 3. Carrie Elizabeth, at home. 4.
Charles Andrew, at home.
(Ill) Martin Grove, son of David and Emeline (Lininger) Grove,
was born December 24, 1865, on the Grove homestead. He was edu-
cated in the public schools, reared on the farm, and early began farm-
ing on the home place, and now operates sixty-five acres to great ad-
vantage. He is a staunch Democrat, voting with and using his influ-
ence for that party; and is a member of the Reformed church. He
wields much influence for good in his township. He married, Decem-
ber 29, 1886, Sarah Catherine Myers, born in Penn township, a daugh-
ter of Abraham and Catherine (Garner) Myers. Children: i. David
H., born March 4, 1888, a farmer in Penn township; he married Grace
Boyer. 2. Clara May, born September i, 1891, at home. 3. Lloyd
Myers, born August 24, 1894.
The immigrant ancestor of the Leininger family, of
LEININGER Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, was Frederick,
who came to this country from Germany, in 1832,
being the first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania. His wife Mary
came to the United States at the same time, they making their first
home in Canoe Valley, later moving to McConnellstown, where he cul-
tivated a farm of one hundred acres. They Avere both members of the
Reformed church, and he a Democrat in politics. His wife was like-
wise of German descent. Their children: Jacob, a shoemaker; Isaac,
a carpenter; Peter, died in early manhood; John, a farmer: George, of
further mention; Emily; Maria.
(II) George, fourth son and child of Frederick and Alary Lein-
inger, was born in Germany, in 18 19, and there attended school until
he was thirteen years of age, when he came to this country with his
parents. He became a farmer of Huntingdon county, owning at his
death two hundred and seventy-five acres of the finest land in the valley.
He was a member of the Reformed church, and politically was a Demo-
crat. He married Sarah Grubb, of German descent. Children : Solo-
HlSTOK\' Ol- THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1065
nion, of further mention; Samuel, a retired farmer, horn 1852; Harry
S., a farmer and owner of the old homestead in Walker tnwnship,
Huntingdon county.
(HI) Solomon, eldest child of George and Sarah (Grubh) Leinin-
ger, was born in Walker township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
December 18, 1847. He obtained a public school education and engaged
in farming as his life occupation, a pursuit he has followed on a one
hundred and fifty-acre farm in his native township since 1878. He is
a strong supporter of the Prohibition party, conducting his own habits
in accordance with the principles he so stoutly defends, and has been
elected to many local offices, including auditor and school director. His
religious affiliation is with the Reformed church.
He married. May 25, 1871, Mary M. Yocum, daughter of Isaac
and Mary Yocum. Children: i. Emma Grace, married David Sum-
mers; children: Marion, Lola, Elizabeth, Henry S., Ella, Alice, Char-
lotte. 2. IMary B., married Elmer Grove; children: Edward, Walter,
Ralph and Mary. 3. Sarah Alice, a seamstress, lives at home. 4. Lot-
tie B. 5. Ella M., employed in a tailor shop at Huntingdon. 6. Frank
Y., educated in the public schools and at the ^Mission Institute, a minis-
ter at Prattsville, New York ; married !Maud Palmer ; they have no
children.
The Richardson family, of Huntingdon county,
RICHARDSON is of Irish descent, and is but three generations
old in this country. The first member of the
family of whom record remains is William Richardson, who died at
Spruce Creek, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1837. He ob-
tained his education in the public schools of the place of his birth, and
in later life conducted auction sales for the Blair & Bedford Company,
as well as being the proprietor of a hotel. He was a Democrat in poli-
tics, and extremely active in local afifairs, being captain of the company
of militia.
He married Catherine Kyper of German descent, who died in
1898. Children: i. Thomas, a farmer, carpenter and cabinetmaker,
a veteran of the Mexican and civil wars, in the latter receiving a dis-
abling wound. 2. Margaret, deceased; married William Enyeart. 3.
]\Iary, married Samuel Schell. 4. Rebecca, married a Mr. Jones. 5.
io66 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Rachel, married Sn3'der. 6. Eliza, deceased. 7. Harris, of fur-
ther mention. 8. William, a retired farmer. 9. Catherine Anne, mar-
ried David Wiley, a farmer, who served in the civil war, receiving a
commission.
(II) Harris, son of William and Catherine (Kyper) Richardson,
was born in McConnellstown, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Sep-
tember 4, 1833. He was educated in the public schools and spent his
early life farming, owning a farm at Mount Airy of one hundred acres,
with modern buildings thereon, and another one of one hundred and
eighteen acres in Lincoln township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania.
He is a Republican in politics, and has alwaj's been extremely active in
local and county affairs. He has held numerous offices, among them
director of the poor, county treasurer, jury commissioner, county audi-
tor, and for ten years associate judge of Huntingdon county, a position
he still fills. Among the local offices to which the confidence and re-
spect of his fellow citizens have raised him are the following: Con-
stable, justice of the people for thirteen years, school director, assessor
for twelve years, and judge of election for one term. He has been
one of the most faithful of public servants, and has been allowed to re-
linquish any of his offices only under vigorous protest by his friends
and admirers, who realize that the honorable qualities embodied in Mr.
Richardson are rarely coupled with executive ability such as he pos-
sesses, and that in his renunciation of public office they lose a most ca-
pable, upright and high-minded official. He belongs to the Lutheran
church.
He married, December 31, 1854, Sarah Hendershot. Children: i.
Susan. 2. John T., a farmer; married Emma Detwiler. 3. Sarah, mar-
ried H. J. Boyer, a farmer. 4. Isabel, married David Fredericks, a
farmer. 5. [Mary, married L. B. Garner, a passenger conductor on the
Huntingdon & Broad Top Railroad. 6. Isaiah, a farmer, owning a
farm of one hundred and fifty acres; married Sadie Shultz. 7. Martha,
married Elsworth Dell, an employee of the Huntingdon & Broad Top
Railroad; lives at Grantsville. 8. Margaret, married George Emeigh,
a car inspector at Altoona. 9. Ida, married Thomas Gosnell, an em-
ployee of the Huntingdon & Broad Top Railroad. The home of Mr.
Richardson is upon a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres at
James Creek Mills.
^c^y^ ^ c^/W^^^?^^ ^3^^/i^^
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1067
The Schirni family of Pennsylvania is descended from
SCHIRAI the Schirm family of Stuttgart, Germany, where it has
heen located for untold generations. A member of it is
Herman Schirm. the writer on political economy : and Gustav Schirm,
the popular poet of the Fatherland, belongs to it. The immediate an-
cestor of the American branch lived and died in Germany, as did the
distafif progenitor. They were members of the Lutheran church, and
were prominent people in their native city.
(I) George Schirm was born in Germany, and there received a
careful education. At the age of eighteen he emigrated to the United
States and finally located at Huntingdon Furnace, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, where he was employed at the furnace for many years.
He gave this up and took charge of the hack horses for Mr. Hamilton,
and through his care and knowledge the stock increased its earning
capacity wonderfully. He relinquished this position and became a
farmer in Carrol \^alley, where he remained several years. Later he
mo\Td to Alexandria, Huntingdon county, and there died. He was a
Lutheran, and supported the Republican party with his franchise. He
married Dora Rabold, like himself, of German extraction. Children:
I. Frederick. 2. David. 3. John. 4. Maggie. 5. George. 6. Hays H.,
of whom further. 7. Christina. 8. Caroline.
(II) Hays H. Schirm, son of George and Dora (Rabold) Schirm.
was born August 29, 1863, at Huntingdon Furnace, Huntingdon county.
Pennsylvania. He received his education in the public schools, and on
leaving decided that he would become a farmer, in which vocation he
has met with unbounded success. He purchased five hundred and twen-
ty-eight acres in Porter township, Huntingdon county, and does an ex-
tensive general farming. He also breeds registered Holstein cattle.
About 1906 he established a portable saw mill business, and has since
operated it with distinct success. He had accjuired valuable experience
at this work, and knew how to handle it to the best advantage, and in
consequence it has been a paying proposition from the beginning of the
venture. He is a member of the Lutheran church, as are the other
members of his family. He votes the Republican ticket, but has never
held office, as his business enterprises preclude time given to outside
afifairs. He ranks with the honest, upright and progressive citizens of
Porter township, where his largest interests lie.
io68 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
He married, March 3, 1883, Jennie Goodwin, daughter of David
Goodwin, an earl}^ settler in the township, whose family has long
been established in Huntingdon county. Children: Ella, deceased;
George, in partnership with father; Thomas and John, live in Alex-
andria; Dora, David, Hays, Lewis, Wilson, Theodore and Walter —
all these at home.
James B. McMeen, of East Waterford, Juniata county,
McMEEN Pennsylvania, is descended on the paternal side from
fine old Irish stock which was transplanted to the New
World in the latter part of the seventeenth century; and, which, find-
ing a congenial soil for its activities, has grown like the proverbial green
ba,y tree, its branches spreading in many directions. The history of the
INIcMeen family is inseparably connected with that of Juniata county,
as well as of the state of Pennsylvania. It has done its part, through
succeeding generations, toward the upbuilding of the state.
(I) William McMeen was probably born in county Derry, Ireland,
about 1670, and after reaching adult age came to America, then a vast
wilderness. He probably landed in New York, drifted to Pennsylvania,
and located in Cumberland county. He took up wild land, cleared it,
and on it erected houses for his family, crops and stock, meanwhile
fighting Indians, who were both vicious and numerous at that time.
He was a Presbyterian in faith, a heritage he has left to his descend-
ants. He was probably buried at Silver Spring. He was a man of
means and was highly respected by his neighbors. Among his children
were two sons — Josiah, of whom further, and Robert.
(II) Josiah, son of William McMeen, the immigrant, was probably
born in Cumberland county, in old Pennsboro township. He grew up
there amid the dangers of Indian warfare, receiving the education that
the time and place afi^orded. On June 7, 1750, he took out a warrant
from the Penns for a tract of land, about three hundred acres and al-
lowances. This tract he cleared, improved, and lived on it until his
death in 1784. He was a Presbyterian by inheritance and predilection,
an honorable friend and a good neighbor. He married Grizella Elliott,
of Pennsboro, who was a member of a family that was at that time
prominent, and which has since become more so. Children : Grizella,
married David William Martin; John, married Miss Naylor, of Lan-
HISTORY OF THE JUxXIATA VALLEY 1069
caster county; William, married ALary Elliutt; Robert, of whom fur-
ther.
(HI) Robert, son of Josiah and Grizella (Elliott) McMeen, was
born about 1760. in Pennsboro, on the jMcMeen homestead. At the
death of his father he inherited one-third of the homestead, and in 1790,
with his two brothers, he conveyed his rights to Daniel Shelley. John
and his wife moved to Bufifalo Valley in (now) Union county. Wil-
liam and his wife, accompanied by Robert, then unmarried, moved to
what is now Juniata county. William and his wife located in Turbett
township, west of Juniata river. Robert crossed the river and settled
in Lost Creek Valley, where he purchased and made his home upon
Epenetus Hart's warrant. In 179.2 he married Margaret Curran, and
they lived and died, he in 1828. on the Hart land. Like his forbears,
he was a member of the Presbyterian church. Robert McMeen was
a lieutenant of militia in old Cumberland county. On his farm in Lost
Creek Valley he built a substantial log house which has since been
"pebble-dashed." He was a leader in his community, and one of its
most prominent men. Children: i. Josiah, born in 1793, lived and
died in Juniata county. 2. William, of whom further. 3. Eleanor,
born in 1799; died unmarried. 4. Samuel, born in 1803: moved to Por-
tage county, Ohio, and there died : married Elizabeth Wilson. 5. Mar-
garet, born in 1805; married Jacob Adams, in 1827; lived and died in
Juniata county.
(IV) William, son of Robert and Margaret (Curran) McMeen,
was born on the Lost Creek McMeen homestead in 1795. He was
reared on the farm and was given the best education that the era per-
mitted. In 1840 he purchased the Thomas Boal farm in the same town-
ship, w'hich was known as the Edward Armstrong survey, taken origi-
nally by Lieutenant Edward Armstrong, who was in command of Fort
Granville when it was besieged and the garrison destroyed and himself
murdered by the French and Indians in 1756. W^illiam McMeen mar-
ried, in 1826, Margaret Banks, a daughter of James and Catherine
(Nelson) Banks, of the old and prominent families of Banks and Nel-
son. William and his wife w^ere members of the Presbyterian church
and were among the prosperous people of the community. Children :
I. Charles, born in 1826; died in his twenty-eighth year. 2. Josephine,
born 1828, died about 1900; married (first) Samuel Brown, to whom
I070 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
one daughter was born, Margaret, widow of John A. Robinson, of Tus-
carora, by whom she had six children: John A., Josephine Bratton,
Sarah, Thomas A., Margaret and Annie Parker. Josephine married
(second) Lewis Burchfield; no children. 3. Chiliom, born 1830; died
in Ma)^ 1912, near Coffeyville, Kansas, leaving sons and daughters;
married Frances Kurtz. 4. John, born in 1S32; died in 1899; mar-
ried Amanda Rogers. Children : Charles, William Andrew and Ruth,
who is the wife of William Wallace, a steel maker of Pittsburgh. 5.
]\Iary, died in childhood. 6. Catherine, born in 1836; died in 191 1;
married (first) J. Dorrance Allen, of Bradford county, Pennsylvania,
and their children are : Margaret Mooers, of Elmira, New York ; John
Allen, of Pittsburgh. Catherine married (second) James McCabe. 7.
David, died in infancy. 8. Thomas, died in infancy. 9. Robert, born
November 20, 1842, a practicing attorney in Miffiintown; married Ann
Eliza Parker; one son, Andrew Parker. 10. James Nelson, of whom
further. 11. William Banks, born in 1852, and who died of sunstroke
in 1857.
(V) James Nelson, son of William and IMargaret (Banks) Mc-
Meen, was born November 8, 1844, in Juniata county, Pennsylvania,
and here grew up. He married Catherine S. Watts, born in 1844, a
daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann (Kauffman) Watts. After mar-
riage James Nelson and his wife settled on the old McMeen homestead,
comprised at that time of one hundred and fifty acres. Here they lived,
and he died March 26, 1883. His wife died in the old home, also.
Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and were regarded as
among the good, progressive citizens of the township. Children: i.
Mary Ellen, living in Lewistown, unmarried. 2. John A., unmarried;
makes home in Coffeyville, Kansas, on his farm. 3. William C, a tin-
ner at Newcastle, Pennsylvania; married Hattie Forest; two children:
Irene and Katherine. 4. Hugh, a merchant in Lewistown, Pennsyl-
vania; married Lydia Lesh; two children: James Noll and Margaret.
5. Anna Lou, married John Graham, a farmer in Spruce Hill town-
ship, Juniata county; children: William and Katherine. 6. James B.,
of whom further. 7. Katherine S., married Guy McCoy, of Lewis-
town; two children: Adelaide and Mary.
(VI) James B., son of James Nelson and Catherine S. (Watts)
McMeen, was born on the old McMeen homestead in Juniata county,
HISTORY 01- THI-: JUNIATA VALLEY 1071
October 7, 1880. He was educated in the Oakland puljlic schools and
Airy View Academy. Leaving school he began his business life as a
clerk in the E. E. jMcMeen store at Mifflin, from which he was trans-
ferred at the end of three months, to a store owned by the same tirm
at Lewistown, where he remained four years. In 1905 he moved to
Waterford, and established a general mercantile business for himself.
The stock has more than doubled since the lieginning, and the volume
of business is constantly increasing. Besides the mercantile business,
Mr. ]\IcMeen is engaged in other lucrative enterprises. He is a Demo-
crat in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church. He is es-
teemed as one of the most progressive men of his section.
He married, February 14, 1907, Mabel S. Loudon, a native of
Juniata county, and a daughter of James Loudon (see Loudon, this
work). Mr McMeen has three children: Ruth Loudon, Naomi Ray,
and Pauline Ida.
Samuel Watts, father of Mrs. James Nelson McMeen, and his wife,
Mary Ann Kauffman, were probably natives of Greenwood township,
and moved to Lost Creek soon after marriage. They were among the
prosperous and substantial families of the township. Children: i. Cath-
erine S., married James Nelson McMeen (see McMeen V). 2. Lizzie,
died in infancy. 3. Calvin Blythe. 4. Wesley W. 5. Samuel D. 6.
Addison. The family is widely scattered over the United States and
also appears in Canada.
The Peightal family, of Pennsylvania, of which
PEIGHTAL James Peightal, of McConnellstown, Huntingdon
county, is a member, has been resident in the state
for a number of generations, and have borne their share bravely in the
upbuilding of its prosperity.
(I) John Peightal catne from Berks county, Pennsylvania, with his
family, about 1822, and settled near Grafton, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, where he bought a considerable amount of land. In those
early days traveling was done by wagon, and the journey was a long
and fatiguing one. He engaged in farming, and also opened and con-
ducted a hotel, which was considered a very fine one for those days.
He was still very young when he died, his death being the result of in-
juries he had received at a barn raising. He married Sarah , who
10/2 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
died shortly after their arrival in Huntingdon county. They had four
sons and two daughters.
(II) Samuel, son of John and Sarah Peightal, was born in Berks
county, and came to Huntingdon with his parents. He married Mar-
garet Fink, a daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Fuke) Fink, who
came to this country in the early thirties and settled at Yellow Creek,
Bedford county, Pemisylvania. They had children: Elizabeth, mar-
ried Andrew Smith; Margaret, married Mr. Peightal; Sarah, married
Daniel Grove; John, was murdered in 1869; Isaac, lived to an advanced
age; Henry, reached old age in Walker township; Samuel, died in
McConnellstown. Mr. and Mrs. Peightal had children: Sarah, mar-
ried William Kyper; John F., died in Nashville, Tennessee, of disease
contracted while in service as a member of Company K, 78th Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry ; James, see forward ; Calvin, of Hunt-
ingdon; I. N., of Greencastle; H. R., of McConnellstown; Elizabeth,
married Thomas Davis; Mary E., married J. W. Loyd; Maggie, mar-
ried John S. Loyd, of Walker township; W. M., a merchant of McCon-
nellstown.
(III) James, son of Samuel and Margaret (Fink) Peightal, was
born in Woodcock Valley, Pennsylvania, April 26, 1847. He was edu-
cated in the district schools near his place of residence and, at the age
of seventeen years, enlisted in the Union army, in August, 1864, in Com-
pany H, 208th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was
honorably discharged June i, 1865. He engaged in general farming in
Walker township, and removed to McConnellstown in 1892, where he
is still active in the same occupation. His political opinions are inde-
pendent as far as local matters are concerned, but Republican in what-
ever concerns the national situation. For a period of twenty-five years
he has served as a justice of the peace, and has also held a number of
minor offices. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows of Huntingdon, of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, of McCon-
nellstown, and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
He married, November 29, 1870, Sarah A. Flenner, of Indiana
county, and had children: Elsie, married C. A. Shock; Ira S., in the
banking business at Leslie, Missouri; J. C, is a banker of Sejanour,
Missouri; Stewart, died at the age of eighteen years; Marjorie, died
in her third year.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLF.Y 1073
The Wolfe family, of Pennsylvania, is of direct German
WOLFE origin, and is probably connected with the famous Ger-
man family of the same name in Heidelberg, from which
have descended so many illustrious men. The first of the Wolfe family
came from the Fatherland in 1771, and located in Berks county, Penn-
sylvania, Tulpehocken township. At the call to arms to fight the
English, in 1776, he was among the first to enlist. He was of vast
assistance to his different commanders in interpreting for them and the
Hessian soldiers who had been sent by the king of England against the
Colonials. After the war of the revolution was over he returned to
Pennsylvania and resumed farming. Among his children were : An-
thony, of whom further; Leonard, moved to New York and there died;
a third son became a citizen of Baltimore, Maryland ; and a fourth set-
tled in Ohio, when that country was yet young.
(II) Anthony \\'olfe. son of the German immigrant, was born in
Soppota, Berks county, Pennsylvania, probably soon after the revolu-
tionary war. He received such education as was obtainable at that
time, but was taught German by his father. He became a farmer, took
up much wild land, cleared and improved it, and was one of the wealthy
men of his day. He settled in Center county, and there established
\\'olfe's store, known far and wide as the one place where all kinds
of useful articles could be bought; also operated a saw and grist mill.
It more nearly approximated the present-day department store than any
of its competitors, in that the line of goods carried were those in de-
mand at that time. He also erected a mill, which proved a blessing, not
only to himself, but to his neighbors, and people in adjoining counties.
He was the parent of a large family, among them being Henry, Jacob,
and John, of whom further.
(III) John, son of Anthony Wolfe, was born in Center county,
Pennsylvania. He was reared on his father's farm in Center county,
Pennsylvania. He became a farmer on reaching maturity, and lived in
the county of his birth until his death. He was a Democrat, voting the
ticket all of his life. He was also a member of the Lutheran church.
He married Barbara Wise, the daughter of a neighboring farmer, also
of German extraction. There were many children in the Wise family,
but a brother, Thomas, is the only one of v.'hom there is any
definite knowledge. Children of John and Barbara (Wise) Wolfe: i.
I074 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Samuel. 2. William. 3. Daniel. 4. Israel, of whom further. 5. Su-
san (Mrs. Joseph Hoy), of State College. 6. John. 7. EHzabeth (Mrs.
Peck). 8. Allie (Mrs. Harvy Gorman). 9. An infant, died soon after
birth. 10. Frank, killed in the battle of Pool River, during the civil
war. II. Charles.
(IV) Israel, son of John and Rebecca (Wise) Wolfe, was born
February 12, 1831, in Center county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1907,
at Madisonburg, Pennsylvania. He was one of the best educated men
of his day, attending both public and private schools, and besides an
English education he was also educated in German. He became a mer-
chant tailor, which occupation he followed with great success during
his active life at Madisonburg. He was a staunch Democrat, and held
many elective offices in his township. He was a devout member of the
Reform church, and was active in its support and upbuilding. He
married Sophia Frazier, born January 24, 1833, in Center county,
daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Bender) Frazier, residents of Center
county many years, where he was a millwright. Children, besides
Sophia: Sarah (Mrs. BHnt) ; Susan (Mrs. George Frederick); Eliza-
beth (Mrs. WiUiam Rockey), moved to Nora, Illinois; Daniel, a farmer
in Center county, later moved west; William, a dealer in stock in Iowa;
Lewis, a farmer in Iowa. Children of Israel and Sophia (Frazier)
Wolfe: I. Emma, died, aged four years. 2. George, rural route agent
at Spring Mills, Center county. 3. Lewis Elry, of whom further. 4.
Thomas, deceased, was in employ of The Osborn Implement Company.
5. Anna B., married Charles Brown, of Center county, a blacksmith.
(V) Lewis Elry Wolfe, M. D., son of Israel and Sophia (Frazier)
Wolfe, was born April 9, 1866, in Madisonburg, Center county, Penn-
sylvania. He received a liberal education in the public schools of his
native town, after which he matriculated at the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland, graduating with distinction in
1891. He began the practice of medicine in Snyder county, Pennsyl-
vania, remaining eighteen months. He was offered a lucrative practice
in Millmont, Union county, Pennsylvania, where he stayed three years ;
after which time he was in Beavertown, Snyder county, with a year in
Freeburg and two years in Lancaster county. He next located in Mar-
klesburg, Huntingdon county, remaining there until the present time
(1913). He ranks as one of the most expert surgeons in that section
HISTORY OF THE JUNL\TA VALLEY 1075
of the state, and one of the most careful and conscientious practitioners.
He has Iniiit up a large and exceedingly lucrative practice, and is a part
of the professional, social and religious life of Marklesburg. He was
a Democrat until the question of free silver was injected into the party,
when he became a Republican, holding what he deemed the public good
was above all party lines. Since the organization of the Progressive
party he has given to it his allegiance. He has held many local political
ofifices, but has never sought or electioneered for them. He was for-
merly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was
connected with the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is a member of
the county, state and national medical associations. His wife and
elder children are members of the Lutheran church.
He married (first) in 1888, Alice Snmll, born in Center county,
Pennsylvania; died in 1905; married (second), in 1906, Grace Grove,
of Marklesburg. Children by first marriage: i. John, born in 1889;
educated in the public schools; attended the Valparaiso University; after
his vacation did not return to school, owing to an urgent ofifer of a posi-
tion with the Huntingdon & Broad Top Railway Company: after sever-
ing his conhection with the railway he accepted a position with the
Western LJnion Telegraph Company, at Newark, New Jersey. 2.
Blanche, born in 1892: educated in the public schools, graduated with
honors in spring of 1913 from Millersville Normal School. 3. Charles,
born in 1894: an employee of the Western Union Telegraph Company,
at Newark, New Jersey. 4. Helen, born in 1897, at home. 5. Lewis,
born in 1899, at home. Children by second marriage: 6. !\lildred, born
in 1907. "J. Benjamin, born 1909, died aged two weeks. 8. Evelyn, born
1912.
The ancestor of this branch of the Phillips family is
PHILLIPS James Phillips, who came to Virginia early in the
eighteenth century from the south of Wales. He mar-
ried a Miss Griffin and settled in the county of Stafford.
(II) William, only son of James Phillips, was born in Stafford
county, Virginia, in 1746, and died about the year 1800. He married
Elizabeth Fowke, who bore him twelve children, many of them living
to old age.
(III) John Hilton Phillips, son of William Phillips, was born in
1076 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Alexandria, Virginia, in 1797, died in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
in 1840. He was a man of good education, and was an expert carpen-
ter and cabinetmaker. He came to Pennsylvania when young, settling
first in York county, where he married, then lived in Middletown until
1839, when he moved to Huntingdon county, settling at Alexandria,
where he died two years later. He taught school during his latter years
and was so engaged at the time of his death in Alexandria. He was a
Democrat in politics, and a man of influence in his different homes. He
married Mary Ann Shope, born in York county, Pennsylvania, January
I, 1805, who survived him and married (second) James Ross of Ebens-
burg, Pennsylvania; she died December 31, 1886.
(IV) William Malcolm, only child of John Hilton and Mary Ann
(Shope) Phillips, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1826.
He was educated in the public schools of Middletown, Pennsylvania,
and at the age of thirteen years accompanied his parents to Alexandria,
Huntingdon county, where his father died two years later. He worked
at different employments, obtaining a good business training, and about
1845 started a small confectionery store in Alexandria, which he con-
ducted a few years, then purchased a tannery, which he also operated as
successfully. He continued both store and tannery, and as prosperity
came he added a line of jewelry and enlarged the store. In 1861 he
built a large store building, which he opened as a general store, and suc-
cessfully conducted until 1895, when he retired to a well-earned com-
petency. At this time he was one of the oldest merchants in the town,
having been in continuous business for half a century. During those
years and since his retirement he has been actively interested in many
enterprises, but perhaps his closest connection has been with the First
National Bank of Huntingdon, of which he has been a director for thir-
ty-two years, or since its organization as a national bank. He also
served many years as vice-president and on the death of its president,
William Dorris, he was elected to succeed him as president, an office he
now holds. He is a wise, conservative banker, and as a business man
has been enterprising, upright and successful. He is held in high
esteem in the town which has been his home since boyhood and where
his life has ever been known to all men. He has also stood for upright-
ness in business, as well as private life, while his hand has ever been
extended to help the less fortunate. He was strongly opposed to sla-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALT.F.Y 1077
very, and \varinl_\- supported the L'ninn cause during the eivil war. He
was a Republican lor many years, tlien transferred his allegiance to the
Prohibition party, taking an active interest in both. He was the Pro-
hibition canditlate for associate judge of Huntingdon county, and has
in every way used his best efforts in behalf of the cause of legal prohi-
bition of the liquor traffic. He is a member of the Presbyterian church,
as was also his wife.
Mr. Phillips married, November 20, 1849, Susan Moore, who died
April 4, 1897, aged sixty-nine years, daughter of Major William Moore,
an old resident of Alexandria. Children: i. Anne ]M., born October
25, 1S50, died September 13, 191 1; married Samuel Hatfield; no chil-
dren. 2. Mary, born August 10, 1852, died November 10, 191 1; mar-
ried James Dysart ; children : Paul and Susan. 3. John, born May 3,
1854; niarried Eliza Bucher; children: Walter, Susan, George Irvin,
JMarion, John (deceased), Eliza, William C. and David. 4. William
Moore, born February 7, 1857, died 1873. 5. Caroline, born January
27, 1859; married John L. Porter, and resides in Tyrone. Pennsyl-
vania; one child, Susan, deceased. 6. George, born November 14, i860,
died June 7, 1899, at Boulder Springs, Montana; married Susan Bu-
cher; children: \\'illiam 'SI. and Robert S. 7. Charles, born June 5,
1865; now a salesman, residing at Tyrone; married Nora DeLong;
they have one child, Harry M.
The founder of the American branch of the Knode fam-
KNODE ily, of Pennsylvania, was born in Germany, but was of
Swiss descent. He emigrated to Maryland, where he set-
tled, lived and died. He was a farmer, and gave attention to stock
raising, and it was he who first imported Swiss cattle into this country.
He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. Among his children
was Jacob, of whom further.
(H) Jacob Knode, son of the German-Swiss emigrant, was born in
^Maryland, on his father's extensive plantation. He was probably edu-
cated in Maryland, though it was the custom before and after the revo-
lutionary war to send the children back to the Fatherland of their
parents to acquire learning. He was a farmer, married in Maryland,
and lived and died there. Among his children was Henry, of whom
further.
lO/S HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
(III) Henry, son of Jacob Knode, was born in Washington county,
Maryland. He was a farmer, like his forbears. He moved, in Septem-
ber, 1810, to Porter township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and
here died. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served as lieuten-
ant. On his nine hundred acres of land in Huntingdon county he raised
all kinds of farm products. He also devoted a part of his time to stock,
of which he made an unqualified success. He was a Democrat during
his younger days, but voted the Republican ticket after the organization
of that party. He erected a barn in 1825 on his place, which is still
standing. He was one of the progressive men of his day. He was ex-
ceedingly loyal to the Union, and at the outbreak of the civil war he saw
many of his descendants enlist. He married Mary Huyett, of Mary-
land, of German descent. Both lived to be very old, he dying at the age
of eighty-seven years, in Porter township. Children : Lewis, of whom
further ; and Daniel P., Jacob, Joseph, William, and daughters Maria
and Amelia.
(IV) Lewis, son of Henry and Mary (Huyett) Knode, was born in
Washington county, Maryland, in 1810, and moved with his parents
when quite young to Porter township, Huntingdon county, Pennsjd-
vania. He was educated in the common schools of the township. He
purchased a portion of the Knode estate, and later acquired the rest.
He has remained a farmer all of his life, devoting his time to tilling the
soil and raising stock. At the time of his death he resided in Hartslog
Valley.
He married Sarah Roller, born in 18 18, near Spruce Creek, in
Canoe Valley, Huntingdon county. Children: i. Mary Jane, now Mrs.
Neff. 2. Anna M. 3. Calvin. 4. Roller, deceased. 5. Lewis Good, of
whom further. 6. Jacob N. 7. Amelia, deceased.
(V) Lewis Good Knode, son of Lewis Henry and Sarah (Roller)
Knode, was born November 19, 1849, ^^ Hartslog Valley, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. He received his preparatory education in the
public schools, and then attended a preparatory school. Finishing his
course, he taught three terms successfully, but, preferring a less sedentary
life, he engaged in farming. He purchased land, and now has one
hundred and ten acres of highly fertile cleared land on which he farms
and raises Polled cattle, Cotswold sheep, Berkshire hogs and Percheron
horses. He is one of the advanced farmers in his district, progres-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1079
sive and up-to-date. He voted the Republican ticket until reccntl}-.
when he became a Progressive.
He married, in 1887, Ada Work, who died December 24, 1899;
married (second) Ellen Miller, in May, 1904; she died in February,
1906. Children by first marriage: Allen; Harry, at home.
The Hoover family, of Huntingdon county, Penns)'!-
HOOVER vania, is of direct German descent. The immigrant
progenitor came with a group of Palatines about 1760.
Landing in Philadelphia, they made their way into the interior, and
there at once began to contribute to the wealth of the province of Penn-
sylvania by becoming farmers. Hoover most probably located in what
is now known as Huntingdon county, as the family has lived in that
vicinity for generations. Among his descendants was Ludwig, of
whom further.
(I) Ludwig Hoover, the first of whom there is any definite knowl-
edge, was born on the Hoover farm, near Grafton, Penn township,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and there lived and died. It was
a large and fertile place, and, with the aid of his numerous sons he did
general farming. He was a Democrat when that party was in the
zenith of its political power. He and his family were members of the
Lutheran church, many of the latter in time becoming adherents of
the Reformed church. He married twice: by the first marriage
there were four children, while by the last the issue was three children.
Among the children of the first marriage was Jacob G., of whom fur-
ther mention follows.
(II) Jacob G.. son of Ludwig Hoover, was born in 1S31, in the
Hoover homestead, near Grafton, Huntingdon county. He received
a limited education in the common schools of Penn township, Hunt-
ingdon county, and was reared on the farm, remaining a farmer all
of his life. He was one of the able men of his township, and greatlv
respected. He was a Democrat by conviction, voted with and worked
indefatigably for the party. At one time he was supervisor, in which
capacity he gave the utmost satisfaction to the township. He and his
family were members of the Reformed church, in which he was an
active participant. He married Antha Ellen Black, born in 1841, near
Broad Top City, Pennsylvania. Like her husband she was reared on
io8o HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
a farm, and descended from an old and important family in that sec-
tion. Children: Henry; George, of whom further; Joseph, Lewis, El-
mer, Anna, Orbison, Alice, Oscar, Elizabeth and Frederick.
(Ill) George Hoover, son of Jacob G. and Antha Ellen (Black)
Hoover, was born Februar}' 26, 1863, on the Hoover homestead, in
Penn township, near Grafton, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He
received his mental training in the township schools, and was reared
on the farm. On reaching maturity he entered the lumber business,
which he pursued with great success until his retirement five years
ago from active participation in it. He is a strong Democrat, support-
ing that party and its principles in every manner whatsoever. He is one
of the representative, progressive citizens of Grafton, and is held in
high regard.
"A truly great life," says Webster, "when Heaven
LOWRIE vouchsafes so rare a gift, is not a temporary flame,
burning bright for a while and then expiring, giving
place to returning darkness. It is rather a spark of fervent heat, as
well as radiant light, with power to enkindle the mass of human mind ;
so that, when it glimmers in its own decay, and finally goes out in
death, no night follows, but it leaves the world all light, all on fire,
from the potent contact of its own spirit." A truly great life, lived
in the unconsciousness of true nobility, was that of J. Roberts Lowrie,
for many years a prominent business man and an honored citizen of
Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania, where his demise occurred December
10, 1885, at the age of sixty-three years.
The founder of the Lowrie family in America was John Lowrie,
a native of Scotland, whence he emigrated to Pennsylvania in the
pioneer period of this commonwealth. He settled in Sinking Valley,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and there was engaged in farming
and milling enterprises for a number of years, eventually removing to
Butler county, where he passed to eternal rest. Lie had a sturdy con-
stitution and a Godly heritage to give his children. Prior to coming
to America he married Amelia Cameron, of the clan Cameron, in Scot-
land, and several children were born to this union, among them being
three sons, namely: Matthew, at one time mayor of Pittsburgh; Wal-
ter, mentioned below; and John, who died young. Mr. and Mrs.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1081
Lowrie were devout members of the Presbyterian church and in its
faith they reared their children.
WaUer Lowrie was born in Scotland and was brought to America
by his parents when he was a child of but eight years of age. After
reaching man's estate he began to study under the tutelage of the Rev.
John H. McPherrin. At various times he taught school in order to
defray his expenses for a higher education. He established his home
at Butler, Pennsylvania, and from that district was elected to the state
senate. In 1818 he became a member of the United States senate and
he served in that capacity with the utmost efficiency for a period of two
terms, at the expiration of which he was secretary of the senate for
some years. He resigned the latter position in 1836 in order to accept
the office of secretary of the board of foreign missions on its organiza-
tion, and immediately removed to New York City, which metropolis
represented his home until his demise, in 1868. He was wonderfully
eifted as a lina;uist and as an orator, and after entering the mission
work of the church all his energies were devoted to bettering condi-
tions in that department. He gave three sons to foreign mission work
and also one grandson, Rev. J. Walter Lowrie, D.D. His life was one
of broad understanding and zealous adherence to duty. He exercised
a commanding influence over men, not as the result of a conscious am-
bition or of a studied purpose, but rather from an instinctive homage
the world awards men of exalted character and incorruptilile princi-
ples. Possibly if he had cherished more personal ambition he would
have filled a broader place than that which he occupied, for, in the
requisites of mental gifts and wide attainments and high moral con-
ceptions, he had few superiors, and was fitted to adorn any place within
the gift of his fellow-citizens. But he chose a sphere more congenial
to his tastes than dizzy elevation would have given. Hon. Walter
Lowrie was a man swayed by a conscience enlightened by the truth
and spirit of God. His ambition to be right and do right was the para-
mount incentive, and he counted not the cost in the attainment of so
noble an end.
Hon. Walter Lowrie was twice married ; first to Amelia IMcPher-
rin, and second to Mary King Childs. The following children were
the outcome of the first union : John C, a missionary in India and
later secretary of the board of foreign missions, his entire service in
io82 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
this field aggregated sixty years; Matthew, a lawyer of Butler county,
Pennsylvania, died young; Mary, became the wife of a Mr. Baird, and
died in Pittsburgh; Walter Macon, a missionary to China, was mur-
dered by Chinese pirates in the China sea; Eliza, died young; J. Rob-
erts, the immediate subject of this review; and Reuben, who became a
missionary to China and died after six years' service. There were
no children born of the second union, and Mrs. Lowrie survived her,
honored husband only a few months.
Jonathan Roberts Lowrie, whose name forms the caption for this
article, was born at Butler, Pennsylvania, March i6, 1823. He was the
fourth son of Hon. AValter Lowrie and Amelia (McPherrin) Lowrie.
He was reared to the age of eight years in the place of his nativity,
and after the death of his mother, March 5, 1832, the family home
was established in Washington, D. C, where the father was then sec-
retary of the senate. The ensuing four years of Mr. Lowrie's life
were passed in the national capital, and there he formed the founda-
tion for the splendid education he afterward obtained. In 1836, when
the father was appointed secretary of the Presbyterian board of for-
eign missions, the family removed to New York City. In the latter
city, with his brother Reuben, the young J. Roberts attended the L^ni-
versity of New York. In 1838 he entered the freshman class of Lafay-
ette College and in the following year was matriculated as a student
in Jefiferson College, in which excellent institution he was graduated
as a member of the class of 1842, with valedictory honors. At Jef-
ferson College he was a valued member of the Franklin Literary So-
ciety and a charter member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He selected
the legal profession as his life work, and immediately after leaving
college began the study of law in the city of Pittsburgh, under the
able preceptorship of his cousin, Hon. Walter H. Lowrie. He was
admitted to the Blair county bar, July 27, 1846, being one of its origi-
nal members, and he initiated the active practice of his profession at
Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. He was thus launched forth in his busi-
ness career at the comparatively early age of twenty-three years, and
ere the span of his life covered many more years he had won consider-
able renown as a brilliant young attorney. While in the midst of his
legal success, however, he was overtaken with ill health, and was
obliged to give up the active practice of law, for which he was so emi-
J. a c/Cl.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOP, LFMOX AND
riLO^N FOUNDATIONS.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1083
nently well fitted by nature and training. In this connection the fol-
lowing statement has been made concerning him : "One especial gift,
useful in any walk of life, invaluable in the law, was his in unusual de-
gree: he had a native power of persuasion which compelled others to
look from his point of view, to see things as he saw them. This must not
be confounded with plausibility — the art of making the worse appear
the better reason; on the contrary, it arises from logical powers, belief
in self, earnestness, and sincerity."
We shall pass over the period of his withdrawal from the practice
of law, it being filled with fierce and chafing regret, not unmixed, how-
ever, with cheerful resignation. In the spring of 1854 he removed
from Hollidaysliurg to Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania, in which latter
place he became legal adviser to the firm of Lyon. Shorb & Company,
at that time the largest iron manufacturing firm in the United States.
Its possessions embraced valuable properties in Pittsburgh and St.
Louis, and it also held about twenty thousand acres of land and ore
rights in central Pennsylvania. His work at first lay chiefly in per-
fecting the surveys of its lands and establishing more firmly the titles
thereto, this line of work keeping him in the open air and rapidly im-
proving his health. With the passage of time his position in connection
WMth this firm became of vast importance. The financial crisis of 1873
bore heavily upon the business interests of Pennsylvania and particu-
larly afTected the affairs of the above iron manufacturing concern.
Only by the most skillful management was insolvency avoided. Disso-
lution, however, was necessary, and Mr. Lowrie was appointed trustee
of the assets of the firm, with the herculean task of rescuing the proper-
ty from embarrassment. An enormous indebtedness, pressing creditors,
and no immediate relief in sight were the difficulties of the situation.
For seven long years Mr. Lowrie devoted himself to the work of
rehabilitation, with the satisfaction, at the close of that period, of sur-
rendering his trust with every dollar of indebtedness of the estate paid
in full and of restoring to its owners a large property entirely unen-
cumbered. This has been recognized as a triumph of honest, faithful
and intelligent business management, which has scarcely a parallel.
The arduous and confining work made heavy inroads upon Mr. Low-
rie's health, however, and it was not with such astonishing success that
he carried on the work of recuperation in this connection. He had
io84 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
the best medical attention afforded in this country and even went
abroad to the celebrated Carlsbad Springs for relief. All was in vain
— he finall}' returned home to pass his remaining days among his dear
ones. His demise occurred in his residence at Warriors Mark, De-
cember 10, 1885, at the age of sixty-three years. His remains are in-
terred at Warriors Mark.
While in Hollidaysburg, Mr. Lowrie was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Lyon, the ceremony having been performed February 15,
1848. She was a daughter of John Lyon, of the firm of Lyon, Shorb
& Company. Mrs. Lowrie was called to the life eternal March 7, 1863.
She is survived by three children : Sarah Roberts, who is living with
her stepmother in the beautiful family home in Warriors Mark; Wil-
liam Lyon, a prominent physician and surgeon at Tyrone, Pennsyl-
vania; and Roberts Jr., a lawyer of note in Philadelphia. December
27, 1866, Mr. Lowrie married Miss Matilda Hamill Nassau, daughter
of Rev. Charles W. Nassau, D.D., of Lawrenceville, New Jersey. This
union was prolific of five children, as follows : Charles Nassau, a
landscape architect in New York City; Matilda, died in youth; W'alter,
a Presbyterian minister in New York, where he died in 1901 ; Cal-
houn Stewart, died at the age of seventeen years ; and Matthew, a law-
yer in the city of Pittsburgh. The widely renowned Lowrie home in
Warriors Mark is surrounded by lawns and many rare species of trees
and plants. Mr. Lowrie was a botanist of note and collected speci-
mens of plant culture from different sections in order to further beau-
tify his home grounds. Where once was a potato patch is now a lawn
and where there was a cornfield is now a grove. Following are some
paragraphs, bearing on Mr. Lowrie's character, taken from an article
written by Hon. J. M. SuUivan at the time of Mr. Lowrie's demise.
The same appeared in the Butler Citizen:
"The fidelity of Mr. Lowrie's friendships will be attested by all
who were honored with his confidence. He was an undemonstrative
man; he did nothing for show. He would rather be right than popu-
lar. He shrank from public observation, except where duty called.
Among the most prominent traits of his character were manly inde-
pendence, unflinching firmness, calm, cool self-reliance in business mat-
ters, always regulated by the strictest integrity. His large business ex-
perience brought him in contact with every phase of character. He
was a close observer, and was rarely deceived in the men with whom
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1085
he dealt. He was an earnest, inflexible, upright business man. But,
underlying these strong qualities, and only fully discovered by those
who knew him best, were the gentlest and tenderest affections. No
husband or father had a more loving heart. His sympathies went out
to those in suffering and want, and he never turned from an appeal of
sorrow. With his own hand he ministered to every case of distress
within his reach, and there is many a poor mountaineer today mourn-
ing in Mr. Lowrie's death the loss of his last earthly friend. Mr.
Lowrie was liberal in his charities, but was always best satisfied when
none knew of them but the receivers. Home was his earthly paradise.
In its sunlight he gathered strength and inspiration for the weighty
business duties of the world. . . .
"Mr. Lowrie, naturally gifted with talents of a high order, was a
scholar and a gentleman of refined and highly cultivated tastes. His
ample library was an attractive resort to him among the other pleasures
of his home. There he enjoyed the companionship of the best authors.
He was much interested in geological research, and many fine geo-
logical specimens enriched his cabinet. He was almost an enthusiast
in the study of botany. His own botanical collection was one of the
largest in the state, and was frequently referred to by distinguished
botanists for aid in their researches. . . .
"Mr. Lowrie took a deep interest in the affairs of the nation. He
was a close observer of current events, and was thoroughly patriotic
in all his convictions. He was fearless in declaring his opinions on
all questions affecting national or state policy, and always ready to
give a reason for his political faith. But he had an innate aversion to
the methods of modern politics, and his manly nature shrunk from
contact or association with the selfish political tricksters and schemers
who have so offensively obtruded themselves into the management of
public affairs. He never held nor desired to hold any political position
himself, and discouraged his friends from seeking promotion through
any of the corrupt channels in these days leading to political prefer-
ment. His learning and ability, his manly courage, his broad, well-
balanced mind, hiscalm, cool, intelligent judgment under other aus-
pices might have been invoked to render the state valuable service."
From a brief article, written by Rev. Robert Hamill, D.D.,
who was a college classmate of Mr. Lowrie, the following is here in-
corporated :
"Mr. Lowrie's crowning grace was his unpretending modesty. This
gave emphasis to all his other excellencies. While possessed of a de-
gree of intelligence which rendered him competent to be an instructor,
he preferred to take the position of a learner. While he had pro-
io86 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
nounced views, intelligently formed, he was ready to defer to others
rather than to thrust his own into the front. With attainments and
qualities of mind and heart which fitted him to be a leader, he was
disposed to shrink from, rather than to court, prominence; ever de-
preciative of, rather than disposed to magnify, himself. Developing
such characteristics, it is not strange that he should have been uni-
versally held in high esteem. He was justly honored and beloved by
all:
None knew him but to love him,
None named him but to praise him.
Those who were associated with him in all the different walks of life
— the community in which he dwelt, the church in which he was a faith-
ful office-bearer, as well as those in closer relations — all loved him.
While they cherish sacredly his memory, they have never ceased to
feel and mourn his loss. May they have grace to emulate his bright
example."
Mr. Lowrie was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and
he was elected and ordained a ruling elder in the church of that denomi-
nation in Birmingham and Warriors Mark. He was a careful student
of the doctrines and history of the great denomination to which he be-
longed, and tried as best he could to glorify Christ through the love
and devotion of his individual life. His place in the home and in the
church is vacant, but a mansion has been filled in Heaven.
This branch of the Wilson family descends from John
WILSON Wilson, born September 26, 1751, at Newtown, Lima-
vaddy county Londonderry, Ireland, emigrated to the
United States in September, 1770, landing at New Castle, Delaware.
One month later he settled in the Kishacoquillas Valley, two miles west
of Reedsville, in then Cumberland (now Mifflin) county, Pennsylvania.
He soon afterward moved ten miles farther west in the same valley to
what is now Menno township, where he engaged in farming and lived
for sixty-one years, dying September 11, 1832, aged nearly eighty-one
years. He joined the Presbyterian church in his native land, and on
coming to America brought a church letter or certificate of member-
ship, which he deposited with the West Kishacoquillas Presbyterian
Church, of which he was ruling elder for about forty years. He mar-
ried, in 1782, Margaret Fleming, born at Faggs Manor, Chester county,
HISTORY Ol- THE JL'XTATA VALLFA' 1087
Pennsylvania, Uecfnibcr 17, 1764, died June 2, 1829, daughter of Juhn
and Mary (Hayes) Fleming. Children: i. David, burn September 11,
1783, died unmarried, June 11, 1822. 2. Mary, born September 30,
1785, died October 8, 1852; married Richard Allison. 3. Ann, born
August 28, 1787, died December 29, 1837; married William Hazlett.
4. Sarah, born July 17, 1789, died August 14, 1850; married Robert
Reed. 5. John, born July 3, 1791, died March 12, 1870; married Mary
Scott, died September 22, 1878, aged seventy-one years. 6. James,
born August 22, 1793, died January 6, 1837; he married (first) Jane,
died May 26, 1829, sister of Rev. Matthew B. Hope, D.D., missionary
to China, later secretary of General Assembly Board of Education, and
still later a professor at Princeton College; he married (second) Isa-
bella Stewart. 7. George, of whom further. 8. Margaret, born July
2, 1797, died February 18, 1848; married, March 20, 1825, James Wil-
son, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania; their eldest son, James, a caval-
ryman, was killed at Hartsville, Tennessee, in the ci\il war; another
son, Samuel R.. was wounded at Fort Blakeley, Alabama, while lead-
ing his men, dying eight hours after the amputation of his leg; he was
a graduate of Princeton, and preparing for the ministry; John F., an-
other son, was a graduate of Princeton, captain in the civil war, was
seriously wounded at Vicksburg, and left for dead on the field of bat-
tle; he revived, walked from the field, and eventually recovered his
health, losing one eye and one arm, permanently disabled ; he was com-
missioned judge advocate in Virginia under President Lincoln, and
was postmaster at Lynchburg, Virginia, eight years under President
Grant. 9. William, born August 28, 1799, died March 14. 1881 ; he
was a major of militia, and a member of the Pennsylvania legislature;
he married (first) January 21, 1823, Eleanor Bailey, died October 13,
1848, aged forty-six years; he married (second) Mrs. Rebecca Gon-
zalis, died January i, 1875, in her fifty-eighth year. 10. Thomas Jef-
ferson, born November 18, 1801, married Margaret Fleming; children:
John F., Joseph C, Thomas J., Elizabeth, Margaret, Sarah and Ma-
tilda. II. Rev. Samuel, D.D., born September 24, 1804, graduate Jef-
ferson ]\Iedical College, Philadelphia, but later studied at Princeton
Theological Seminary and became a minister of the Presbyterian
church; later opened a female seminary and boys' school, but later
returned to the ministry, serving churches in Fayette county and in Illi-
io88 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
nois, and in 1886 was living in Fairfield, Iowa; he married Anna Maria
Rodgers, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. One of his sons, Captain
John P. Wilson, was shot through both arms at Gettysburg. Later was
wounded in the thigh, while serving under General Sheridan, had the
leg amputated, but died at the hospital at City Point, April 15, 1865,
five hours before President Lincoln was assassinated. Another son,
•James G. Wilson, became a banker at Streator, Illinois; his brother.
Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D.D., was a professor at Parsons College,
Fairfield, Iowa. 12. Robert Fleming, born February 9, 1808, began
study for the ministry, but died September 30, 1824. John Wilson,
father of the foregoing children, was accompanied to America by his
brother David, and two sisters w'ho intermarried with the Black, Get-
tys, Fleming and McNitt families of the Juniata Valley.
(II) George, fourth son and seventh child of John and Margaret
(Fleming) Wilson, was born in Menno township, Mifflin county, Penn-
sylvania, May 28, 1795, died there, August 19, 1862. He grew to
manhood at the homestead farm, which was his home luitil his mar-
riage at the age of twenty-five years. He then became the owner of
one of his father's farms in Menno township, known as the "Three
Spring Farm," and moved thereon with his bride. He was a man of sub-
stance and followed agriculture as an occupation, living from marriage
until death on the Three Spring Farm. Both George Wilson, his wife
and family were members of the Presbyterian church, belonging to
the West Kishacoquillas congregation, except one daughter-in-law,
Mrs. Robert Fleming Wilson, who was a member at Canonsburg. He
married, February 22, 1821, Mary (Nancy), born in the Kishacoquil-
las Valley, November 27, 1802, died November 3, 1877, daughter of
Robert Taylor. Children: i. Jefferson Taylor, a wealthy farmer,
owning, besides the homestead, lands in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska ;
married Sarah Ann Gonzales; children: Henry G., Rebecca G., George
T., Robert ]\I. and Nannie T. 2. John Williamson, of whom further.
3. Rev. Robert Fleming, graduate of JefTerson College and Princeton
Theological Seminary, ordained a minister of the gospel, November 29,
1856, and served many Presbyterian churches of the Juniata Valley as
pastor; he married, September 24, 1856, Elizabeth C, second daugh-
ter of James McCullough, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; children:
Nannie E., James M., Anna M., and Mary Josephine. 4. Margaret
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1089
Jane, married Andrew W. Campbell; their daughter, Lizzie M., was
the only child to reach adult years. 5. Rev. Miles Cooper, graduate of
Jefferson College and Princeton Theological Seminary, spent many
years in teaching and preaching, being a regularly licensed minister of
the Presbyterian church; at the time of his death, June 15, 1870, he
was pastor of the church at Sidney, Iowa; unmarried. 6. Henry Smith,
a farmer of Mifilin county, owning, beside his line home farm, lands in
Kansas and Nebraska; he married Sarah Elizabeth Fleming; children:
George T., Annie, Jennie T., James M., Richard and Joseph F. 7.
Nancy Ann, died unmarried. 8. Rhoda Mary, married Joseph W.
Fleming, a farmer, merchant, and one time sheriff of Mifflin county;
children; Nannie T., George, John, Mary, Stella and another. 9.
Sarah Reed, married John A. Campbell, a farmer.
(Ill) John Williamson, second son of George and Mary (Nancy)
(Taylor) Wilson, was born on "Three Spring Farm," Menno town-
ship, ]\Iifflin county, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1823, died in Belleville,
Pennsylvania. July 6, 1900. He attended the public school of his day.
but he and his elder brother were early drafted into farm service as
their father's assistants. He continued on the home farm until his
marriage in 1847, then in 1848 rented a farm in Menno township from
his uncle, John Wilson, and there remained fourteen years. His wife
then failing in health, he was persuaded to give up the farm and take
up his residence with her parents, remaining there until the death of
Mrs. Wilson soon afterward. Some years prior to his death, George
Wilson had purchased a farm adjoining, which with the home farm,
he left his sons Jefferson T., John W. and Henry S. John W. sold
his interest to his brothers and purchased a farm a mile distant, ad-
joining the mill and farms of the McClelands. On this farm, which
in early days was the site of a fort, he spent nineteen years, selling
out in 1884 and moving to Belleville, where he lived retired until his
death, except for the care of his farm properties in Mifflin county,
(Pennsylvania), Iowa and Nebraska. He was a wealthy, prominent
farmer, but always interested in military affairs. He was an officer
of a Mifflin county cavalry company, and subsequently commissioned
by the governor as major. During the civil war he volunteered for
state defense and materially aided the L^nion cause. He was a Repub-
lican in politics, and held many local offices, including justice of the
I090 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
peace, an office he held for twelve years prior to his death. He was
interested in the local grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and a director
of the Kishacoquillas Turnpike Company. In religious faith a Pres-
byterian, he was for many years an active member of the West Kisha-
coquillas congregation. It is said of him that he never used intoxi-
cants or tobacco in any form, but always was an earnest worker for
the cause of temperance. He married (first) in 1847, Margaret N.,
daughter of "Squire" James Willis, of the adjoining township of
Union; he married (second) December 6, 1866, Elizabeth A., daugh-
ter of Benjamin Carver, a farmer of the Kishacoquillas Valley. Chil-
dren of Major John W. Wilson by his first wife: i. Rachel Matilda,
married James C. Fleming, and resides in Tama county, Iowa. 2.
Ida, married M. F. Kenyon, now residing in Oregon. 3. George T.,
deceased. 4. James I. 5. An infant. Children of Major Wilson by
second wife : 6. Bettie L., married W. J. McNabb, and resides in Belle-
ville, Pennsylvania. 7. John Taylor, of whom further.
(IV) John Taylor, only son of Major John W. W'ilson and his
second wife, Elizabeth A. Garver, was born in Union township, Mif-
flin county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1874. He obtained his early edu-
cation in the public school, prepared at Indiana State Normal, and en-
tered the L-niversity of West Virginia, whence he was graduated A.B.,
later LL.B. After a year spent in the office of T. F. Newlin, of Pitts-
burgh, he was admitted to Allegheny county bar in 1897, and in 1898
was admitted to the Mifflin county bar, locating at Belleville, where he
is well established in general practice. In 1900 he was elected district
attorney of Mifflin county, serving with credit until 1904. He vi^as
then appointed county solicitor, which office he now holds. He has no
criminal practice, but confines his practice largely to the orphan and
probate courts. He has been admitted to all state and federal courts
of his district, his practice extending to all. He is a Republican in poli-
tics, and besides those mentioned has held several public offices, includ-
ing that of auditor of Mifflin county 1898 to 1901. After his father's
death he succeeded him as justice of the peace, but later resigned. Mr.
Wilson is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and the Royal Arcanum, of Lewistown; the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of Belleville; and both he and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian church.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1091
He married, May 12, 1898, Minnie M. Simpson, born in Hunting-
don county, daughter of David R. and Hannah Simpson. Child : John
\V. (2), born January 20, 1899. The family residence erected by
Mr. Wilson in 1900 stands on the "hill" in Belleville, and bespeaks the
tine taste and culture of its owners. ]Mr. Wilson also owns a farm of
one hundred and thirteen acres in ]\Ienno township, which is devoted
to general farming purposes.
An essentially representative citizen of W'arriors
RUMBERGER ]\Iark township, in Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, is George Edwin Rumberger, \vho is here
most successfully engaged in the great basic industry of agriculture.
His finely improved farm of eighty acres is eligibly located one mile
distant from Warriors I\Iark and on it he is engaged in diversified agri-
culture, stock raising and dairying. A native of the old Keystone com-
monwealth, his birth occurred on the farm on which he now resides,
April I, 1870. He is a son of Oliver S. and Elvira (Rider) Rum-
berger, concerning whom a sketch appears on other pages of this work,
and as easy access can be had to it further details in regard to the
family history are not deemed essential at this point.
To the common schools of W^arriors Mark township, George E.
Rumberger is indebted for his early educational training. He famil-
iarized himself with farming on his father's estate, a part of which he
himself now owns. His farm comprises eighty acres and it is splen-
didly improved, with spacious, modern buildings. He makes a specialty
of dairy work, marketing considerable butter every week. He is a
fine business man and a loyal and public-spirited citizen. In politics
he is an unswerving Republican and he has served for several terms as
school director. He is affiliated with the Grange, and in religious mat-
ters is a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his
wife is a Lutheran.
January 29, 1895, Mr. Rumberger married Miss Luella Rebecca
Wilson, a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter
of Christopher and Mary (Wheeland) Wilson, the former of whom is
deceased and the latter of whom resides in Warriors Mark. Mr. and
Mrs. Wilson were both born and reared in Huntingdon county. The
paternal grandparents of Mrs. Rumberger were Thomas and Chris-
I092 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
tina Wilson and her maternal grandparents were John and Susan
Wheeland. Four children have come to bless the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Rumberger, namely: Ethel j\Iae, born April 29, 1896; Calvin
Lee, born September i, 1898; Almeda Wilson, born May 12, 1906;
and Verna Elizabeth, born March 28, 1908.
Edwin J. Neff, of \\'arriors Mark, Huntingdon county,
NEFF Pennsylvania, descends from German ancestry. The first
of the family to leave the Fatherland to try his fortunes
in the Xew \\'orld accompanied a body of Palatines, who crossed the
iVtlantic ocean in 1752. Like his companions he settled in Pennsyl-
vania, and his name, Andrew Nefif, is on the list of incoming immi-
grants during that year, in the Historical Department of the State of
Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by occupation, which he followed
after reaching America; and a member of the Lutheran church, which
faith is still that of the majority of his numerous descendants.
(I) Isaac Neff was a direct descendant of Andrew Neff, the Ger-
man immigrant. He was born in Pennsylvania and there lived and
died. He settled in Huntingdon county and became the proprietor of
the Petersburg House, which he conducted with great ability. He
married Susan Neff, probably a cousin, who was also born in Penn-
sylvania. He was one of the popular hotel keepers of his day, and had
a large acquaintance, not only in his immediate vicinity, but also over
the state. He was ably seconded by his wife, who was famous for
her cooking and the dainty and tempting meals that she prepared for
the guests of the Petersburg House. Children: i. Edwin J., of whom
further. 2. William, died in Cleveland, Ohio. 3. Isaac, last heard of
in Cleveland, Ohio. 4. Susan, married John Morton, of Philadelphia.
5- Anna ]\Iary, died in youth. 6. Fannie, married John McMillan, and
died in Iowa.
(II) Edwin J. Neff, son of Isaac and Susan (Neff) Neff, was born
in Stone Valley, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He received his
education in the common schools, and on reaching maturity began farm-
ing. After his marriage he located in Warriors Mark, Huntingdon
count3^ and purchased one hundred -and eleven acres of land, which he
soon converted into one of the finest farms in the township. Here
he lived and died, an influential man, and a good one. He and his wife
HISTORY 01' TIIK JUNIATA VALLEY 1093
were members of the Presbyterian church, and he was a Republican
and held township offices under that parly, lie married Alary Ellen
Harris, born in Stone Valley, where her family had long been settled,
and ranked among the prominent ones of the community. Children:
I. Wilfred, a turnkey at Pennsylvania Industrial Reformatory. 2.
Fannie, unmarried; lives on homestead. 3. William, lives on home-
stead. 4. Edwin J. Jr., of whom further. 5. Carrie, married Harry
Grazier, of Warriors Mark township. 6. Sue, widow of Ernest Addle-
man, lives at Bridgeport, Connecticut.
(Ill) Edwin J. Neff Jr., son of Edwin J. and Mary Ellen (Harris)
Neff, was born March 6, 1865, in Warriors Mark township, Hunting-
don county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on his father's farm and re-
ceived his education in the public schools of the township. On reach-
ing maturity he decided on farming as his vocation; and for several
years he rented various farms in Center county, Pennsylvania, where
he met with success. He farmed in Buffalo Run Valley, Center county,
for a time; after which he moved, in 1900. to Franklin township, Hunt-
ingdon county, and leased land from Clark Grazier, since deceased.
He immediately began improvements on the land and buildings, and
has by keen judgment made it a financial success. He does general
farming along scientific lines, and is one of the progressive agricul-
turists of his section. He is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and belongs to the Encampment. He is a staunch Pro-
gressive in politics. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church; but
he has no church affiliations.
He married, September iS, 1889, Anna Fetterhoof. daughter of
Daniel Fetterhoof, the descendant of an old and distinguished German-
American familv. Children: Eugene and Stewart.
The Lehman family, of Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
LEHMAN vania, is of direct German extraction. The German
immigrant, Gustav Lehman, who founded the Ameri-
can branch, probably landed in America about 1789-1790, and settled
in Pennsvlvania. Among his children was John, of whom further men-
tion is made below.
(II) John Lehman, son of Gustav Lehman, was born in Pennsyl-
vania, and there lived and died. He was a farmer by occupation, and
1094 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
owned a good deal of land, which was divided among his heirs after
his death. Among his children was Henry, of whom further.
(III) Henry Lehman, son of John Lehman, was born in York
county, Pennsylvania. Like his forbears he followed farming as his
vocation. He was one of the progressive men of his day, and his place
was a model. Among his children was Henry, of whom further.
(IV) Henry (2), son of Henry (i) Lehman, was born in York
county, Pennsylvania, on his father's farm. He died while yet in the
prime of life. Children by his wife Mary: i. Daniel. 2. Henry. 3.
Joseph, died young. 4. John, died young. 5. Samuel, of whom fur-
ther. 6. Mary (Mrs. Sipe). 7. Elizabeth (Mrs. Sipe). 8.
(Mrs. Daron).
(V) Samuel Lehman, son of Henry (2) Lehman, was born in 1818,
in York county, Pennsylvania, and died in Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1885. He was reared on the farm and received his edu-
cation in the common schools. In 1839 he moved to Huntingdon
county and was employed for a time in Neff's mill, near Petersburg.
After marriage he engaged in farming, and became the possessor of
a farm of seventy-two acres, which he increased to eighty-two acres
before his death. He erected substantial buildings and remained on the
place until his death. He was a Republican and was active in local
politics. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, and he was a trustee. He married Mary Ann Llutchi-
son, born in Warriors Mark township, Pennsylvania, in 1819, and died
near the place of her birth, on the land that she inherited from her
father, in 1877. She was the daughter of Archibald and Mary (Hys-
kell) Hutchison. He was the son of William Hutchison, who came
over from Ireland before 1798, and settled first in Tyrone, Pennsyl-
vania, afterward going to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he died.
Archibald married and remained in Pennsylvania, where he died in
1851. He married Mary Hyskell, born in Germany, daughter of Ben-
jamin and Margaret (Spensard) Hyskell. Children: John; Benja-
min ; William ; Eliza ; Margaret ; Mary Ann, married Samuel Lehman ;
and John. Children of Samuel and Mary Ann (Hutchison) Lehman:
I. Amanda, unmarried, makes home with her brother, Frank Scott
Lehman. 2. William, died in infancy. 3. Samuel, died in infancy.
4. Mary, married George Schubert, of Altoona. 5. John R., lives at
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1095
\\ arridrs Mark, employee of the State Internal Department. 6. l'"rank
Scott, of whom further.
(VI) Frank Scott Lehman, son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Flutch-
ison ) Lehman, was born August 27, 1859, at Warriors Mark, on the
farm he now lives on. He received his mental training in the common
schools of the township, and early took up farming. He managed
the homestead before his father's death, and after that event he pur-
chased the interests of the other heirs and remained on it, doing gen-
eral farming and specializing in dairying. He keeps a large number
of thoroughbreds of high pedigrees. His dairy, which is conducted
along modern lines, is supplied by twelve or fifteen cows, which give
an unusual yield of milk. Mr. Lehman is one of the up-to-date farm-
ers in his section, and uses the latest methods to produce desired results.
He owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of land. He is a Republican
and has been school director three times; both he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee
of many years' standing. He is a member of the Modern W'^oodmen
of America and of the Grange.
He married, in 1892, Zula Rumberger, a daughter of O. S. Rum-
berger, mentioned elsewhere. Children: i. Frances, born May 23,
1893, graduated in class of 1913 at Warriors Mark high school. 2.
Pauline, born April 3, 1900. a student in high school.
The history of the Isett family in Huntingdon county be-
ISETT gins in 1787 with Jacob Isett, born in Bucks county, Penn-
sylvania, February 16, 1769, of German Lutheran parents.
He was a shoemaker, and in 1787 came to Sinking Valley, working at
the lead mine fort at his trade. There was no money to be had, his serv-
ices being paid for in wheat at fifty cents per bushel. He accumulated
two hundred bushels, that, when the price advanced to one dollar and fif-
ty cents per bushel, he sold, thus giving him a capital on which he built
his future fortunes. He bought the Arch Spring property, and in 1787
built a saw and grist mill. The mill was a crude affair, the stones for
grinding being brought from nearby mountains, and for those who
wished their flour bolted, a rude bolter was used, turned by hand. He
later bought what was known as the L^nion Furnace power, intending
to build a merchant and grist mill. In 1798 he built on the Little Juni-
1096 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
ata river the foundation for a dam, dug part of a mill-race and put
in head-gates, but saw all his labor washed away by floods the follow-
ing spring. His millwright, after an inspection of the x-\rch Spring
power, gave him so favorable a report that in 1799 he built there a
stone grist mill, forty by forty-five feet, three stories high. Here he
conducted a prosperous business in connection with mill and store un-
til his death in 1852. He married, in 1795, Eleanor Stockdale, born
of Presbyterian parents, in county Down, Ireland, died in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, in 1827, coming to this country wath her pa-
rents, settling in Baltimore, where the father died two years later. Her
mother married again, and later the family settled in Canoe Valley,
Huntingdon county.
(II) John S., one of the seven children of Jacob and Eleanor
(Stockdale) Isett, was born in Franklin township, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, October 14, 1799, died in 1883. He was given a good
education, attending school until 18 14 at Alexandria. He was of-
fered by his father the choice of a college education at Carlisle or a
position with the clearing gang, choosing the latter. The following
fall he became clerk in the store of Cyrus Cartwright, but after five
months returned home and began learning the miller's trade in his
father's mill. In 1817 he was placed in charge of the mill, receiving
the same share of the profits as the other millers. When he had saved
$400 he determined to go to St. Louis, Missouri, then considered an
Eldorado. His father consented to his going, telling him, however,
that when his money was gone he could return and have his old posi-
tion. In company with John Wray he went to Pittsburgh, where they
bought a skifif in which they made their way down the Ohio to Cincin-
nati. They continued their journey to Louisville by raft, thence by
boat to Shawneetown, thence by foot to St. Louis. He did not there
find employment to his liking, and went to Carthage, Missouri, where
he entered into partnership with Dr. J. H. Lambert, starting a small
store. He was taken ill, but finally reached home minus all he started
Avith, but far richer in experience. After a j^ear spent on the farm he
returned to the mill. In 1824 his father built the stone mill at Arch
Spring, which the son managed, as well as a store, which he operated
in partnership with a brother-in-law. In 1826 his father, Jacob Isett.
purchased of ex-Governor Heister the Spruce Creek property, and in
HISTORY OF THE JUXIATA VALLEY 1097
1S2- the family moved to the new purchase. In 1828 John S. Isett
Ijuilt the Spruce Creek mill, which he managed in connection with a
mercantile business. In 183 1 he built a large residence at Spruce Creek
and continued in successful business until his retirement. He owned
and conducted several farms, built in 1836 a small bloom forge, with
one hammer and two refining fires, which he operated until 1861, and
for twenty-six years from January, 1839, had charge and control of the
Huntingdon-Cambria & Indiana Turnpike Company, having been ap-
pointed sequestrator in the former year by Thomas Burnside, presi-
dent judge of Huntingdon county. In 1844, with his son John H. he
visited Hot Springs, Arkansas, thence by wagon traveled through Ar-
kansas. ^Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. In 1845 he again visited ^Missouri
with his son Edward B., purchasing a tract of land on which he in-
tended to settle, but never carried out his intention. He continued in
business until a few years prior to his death, residing at the old home
in Spruce Creek, quiet and retired. He was a Democrat in politics,
liberal in his religious views, just to all, honorable and upright in all
his dealings. He married. July 19, 1825, Mary Ann. daughter of Ed-
ward Bell, of Antis township, Blair county, Pennsylvania, and they had
twelve children: i. Edward B., of whom further. 2. Jacob, died in
Spruce Creek, a farmer. 3. Mary I. 4. Annie, married Chauncey Sar-
gent, whom she survives, residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and To-
ronto, Canada. 5. John H. 6. Lucetta. 7. Frank, died in Hollidays-
burg, Pennsylvania, while still a young man. Five children died in
infancy.
(Ill) Edward B.. son of John S. and Mary Ann (Bell) Isett, was
born Tulv 24. 1826. at Spruce Creek. Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania.
He obtained his education in the public schools and was trained in busi-
ness methods at his father's various business plants. After his marriage
he settled at Cold Spring Forge, where for several years he was en-
gaged in the manufacture of iron. From 1861 to 1864 he operated the
Elizabeth Furnace, in Blair county, then returned to Spruce Creek,
where he engaged in mercantile business and conducted a farm in part-
nership with his father. As the latter advanced in years he surrendered
more and more of the burdens of business to Edward B.. especially in
the milling department, which latter business he conducted many years
until his retirement. In 1912 he moved to Bellwood, where he yet resides.
&
1098 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
He was during his active life one of the leading business men of his
section; was for a quarter of a century president of the Altoona Bank,
of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and has been for many years a director of
the First National Bank of Huntingdon. He engaged extensively in
lumbering in Clearfield, Cambria and Jefferson counties, also operating
for several years in coal enterprises. His mercantile business he con-
ducted alone for some time, then as Isett & Thompson. His various
enterprises were well conducted and uniformly successful. He is a
Democrat in politics, a member of the Presbyterian church, and is the
oldest living member of Mountain City Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, of Altoona.
He married Elizabeth B. Dysart, daughter of Joseph Dysart, an
old resident of Eden Hill, who spent his last years in Tyrone, Penn-
sylvania, who married and had issue: Elizabeth B., deceased, mar-
ried Edward B. Isett; Sarah, deceased, married McClain; Annie,
deceased, married Dr. Conrad ; John, died in Dixon, Illinois ; James,
died in Altoona, Pennsylvania ; William, died in Dixon, Illinois. Chil-
dren of Edward B. and Elizabeth B. Isett: John Bell, of whom fur-
ther ; Samuel, died aged thirteen years ; Mary, died aged seventeen
years ; Alice, married Louis Henderson, and resides in Nachusa, Illi-
nois; Sarah, married J. G. Humer, and resides at Altoona; Sidney T.,
of Avhonl further; Eleanor, married Dr. Edmund Owens, and resides
in Dixon, Illinois ; Lusetta and Wilson, died in infancy.
(IV) John Bell, eldest son of Edward B. and Elizabeth B. (Dy-
sart) Isett, was born at Cold Spring Forge, January 14, 1853. He
was educated at Bellwood Academy, Lititz Academy, and State Col-
lege. After finishing his studies he engaged with his father at milling
for several years, then bought the mill and operated it until 1885. He
then moved to Indianapolis, where he erected and for five years oper-
ated a factory devoted to the manufacture of corn goods. He sold
out his factory interest in Indianapolis, then located in Maryland, where
he leased a flour mill at Conococheague, located on a creek of the same
name. After running the mill for one year the dam was destroyed by
a flood, when he moved to Hagerstown, Maryland, spending a year
there. In 1893 he returned to Spruce Creek, settling on one of the
Isett farms, but after one year bought a farm in Hanover county, Vir-
ginia, which he operated for seven years. He then became agent for
'^
(/ O^de^^
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1099
the Western Maryland Railroad Company at Hagerstown, Maryland,
and also owned and operated a coal and grain business, but, after
eighteen months, returned again to Spruce Creek, renting the old Isett
mill of his brother, and operating it for five years. He then retired, but
still manages his own farm and those belonging to his father. He re-
sides in the old brick house of the Isetts, which he purchased on his
last return to Spruce Creek. He is a Democrat in politics, and a mem-
ber of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Isett married, September 5, 1878, Lusetta Banks, born April
30, 1856, died April 29, 1912, daughter of Ephraim Banks, of Wilkes-
Barre, Pennsylvania.
(IV) Sidney T., son of Edward B. and Elizabeth B. (Dysart)
Isett, was born February 18, 1867, at Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania. He
was educated in the public schools, Muhlenberg College, and Millers-
ville State Normal School. After completing his studies he entered
the Altoona Bank, at Altoona, later becoming manager of his father's
lumber interests in Jefferson county, twelve miles from Punxsutaw-
ney. He then engaged in farming until 1901, when he became pro-
prietor of the Isett mill at Spruce Creek, where he conducts a general
milling business. He ships to various points, also supplying a large
local demand : also owning and operating three farms in the township,
thereon conducting general farming operations. Both he and his wife
are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a Knight of Pythias,
and a Democrat in politics. He married, June 9, 1904, Edith B.,
daughter of John Waite, of Eden Valley. Children : IMuriel, Edward,
Mary and Elizabeth.
For many generations the Henderson family has
HENDERSON been in Pennsylvania, contributing by their in-
dustry and initiative to the wealth and general
prosperity of that commonwealth. The immigrant ancestor came from
England in the days when the English crown colonies in America were
attracting some of the brightest minds, indomitable spirits and far-
seeing men of the Mother Country. David Henderson, the immigrant,
located in Pennsylvania, having drifted into the colony from New
York, where he landed in 1680. His descendants are today among
the highly respected citizens of the Keystone state.
1 100 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
(I) Robert Henderson, a descendant of David Henderson, was born
about 1797 in Bald Eagle Valley, Center county, Pennsylvania. He
was a farmer and owned the land that he tilled. He married Isabella
Lindsey, bom in Bald Eagle Valley, the daughter of a neighbor.
Among their children was David, of whom further mention is made
below.
(II) David Henderson, son of Robert and Isabella (Lindsey) Hen-
derson, was born in Center county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer
and owned his farm, besides holding other real estate. When quite a
young man he married Margaret, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth
' (Shank) Conrad, who came from Lancaster county, settled near Hunt-
ingdon Furnace, Huntingdon county, and there lived and died on his
farm. Among the children of David and Margaret (Conrad) Hender-
son was Samuel Conrad, of whom further.
(III) Samuel Conrad Henderson, son of David and Margaret
(Conrad) Henderson, was born April 22, 1832, on his fathers farm in
Huntingdon county, and died near the place of his birth in 1895. He
received his education in the common schools and was reared on the
farm, and on reaching maturity engaged in the family vocation. In
1864 he moved to one of his father's places and there established him-
self, and later bought the property of his parent. He was one of the
able men of his township and was accorded the highest respect by his
neighbors and friends. He was actively interested in politics, voting
the Democratic ticket, and was at one time chosen to the office of
school director.
He married, in i860, Julia A. Wilson, born in Huntingdon county,
the daughter of Samuel and Martha (Stephens) Wilson, both of whom
descended from straight English ancestry. He was a large mining
man, his interests extending through many branches of that industry.
He lived near Huntingdon Furnace, and died in Warriors Mark town-
ship. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Baptist
church. Children of Samuel Conrad and Julia A. (Wilson) Hender-
son: I. Frank, drowned in 1892, at Sioux City, Iowa, with his wife
and child, Edna, an infant in arms. 2. Martha. 3. George, died of
pneumonia. 4. James. 5. Walter. 6. Robert, married Elizabeth Hal-
lead; children: Lillian, Robert, Gerald. 7. Jesse. 8. Mary, 9. Clara.
10. Lucy. II. Died unnamed.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY iioi
Andrew William Oliver, of Graysville, Huntiugchju
OLIVER county, Pennsylvania, descends from ancient and hon-
orable Irish stock. James Oliver, his grandfather, was
born in Londonderry, Ireland, and never left his native land. He was
the oldest son, and according to the laws of primogeniture he inherited
the family estate. He had a younger brother, John, who came to
America in 1828, learned the saddler's trade, in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl-
vania, and settled in Covington, Kentucky, and eventually located in
Pembroke, Kentucky, married and died there in 1S72. James Oliver
married Sarah McCurdy, in Ireland. Among their children was James,
of whom further.
(II) James Oliver, son of James and Sarah (McCurdy) Oliver, was
born in Londonderry, Ireland, and there educated. While yet a youth he
accompanied his brother John when he emigrated to the United States
in 1828. He located first in Mifflin county, I'ennsylvania, where he
married. He moved to Center county, Pennsylvania, and from there
to Huntingdon county, in 1844. He purchased the Thomas Ewing
place of one hundred and fifty acres, to which he soon added forty
more acres, and there lived until his death, March 6, 1891. He was
a prosperous and successful farmer, and was exceedingly ambitious,
especially for his children. With John Archey he bought the James
Ewing farm and later the Thomas Lyon estate, making his land hold-
ings large. He was a Republican after the organization of that party
and held local offices. Both he and his wife were members of the Pres-
byterian church. He married Margaret Campbell, born in Mifflin
county, and died in Huntingdon county in 1880. She was the daugh-
ter of John and Rachel (Oliver) Campbell, both of whom were of
Scotch-Irish descent and old residents of Mifflin county. Their ances-
tors were in Mifflin county more than one hundred and forty years
ago, and some of them were soldiers in the War of the Revolution.
The entire estate still bears the Campbell name, and now numbers four
farms. Children of James and Margaret (Campbell) Oliver: i. James,
died in infancv. 2. Sarah Rachel, unmarried, makes home with her
brother. Andrew William. 3. John, a prominent and noted Presbyter-
ian minister in Irvine, Pennsylvania. 4. Andrew William, of whom
further. 5. Sidnev Ellen, married Dr. Thomas C. Van Tries, died in
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
II02 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
(III) Andrew William Oliver, son of James and Margaret (Camp-
bell) Oliver, was born September 14, 1848, in Graysville, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the common
schools and then attended the Airy View Academy. Leaving school
he became manager of his father's farm, at the age of fourteen. He
proved a careful, painstaking manager of affairs, and continued in that
position until his father's death in 1891. He purchased a portion of
the homestead and added it to that which he had inherited and contin-
ued to farm. In 1887 he moved onto the present home place of one
hundred and sixty-seven acres, south of Graysville. Here he erected
comfortable, substantial houses, still in use, and did general farming.
He has one of the model, up-to-date farms in Huntingdon county, and
is both progressive and original in his methods of tilling the soil. He
is a Republican, actively supporting and working for that party, and
has been supervisor of the county, elected on the Republican ticket.
Like his forbears in Ireland and the L^nited States, he is a Presbyterian,
as is his wife. Mr. Oliver stands for all that is high toned and upright
in the community. He is an advanced man in his views and methods,
but adheres strictly to the right in all cases and on all questions. No
man in his county ranks higher than he, and he commands universal
respect. He married, December 16, 1885, Jennie Cummins, born in
Pennsylvania, near McAlevy's Fort. She is the daughter of Sterrett
and Agnes Cummins, both of whom descend from old and important
families in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Oliver is the cousin of Agnes Cum-
mins, mentioned elsewhere. Children: i. Agnes, born February 24,
1888, died aged fifteen years. 2. James Sterrett, born September 4,
1 89 1, educated in Juniata College and Mercersburg Academy; farms
at home. 3. Stanley Campbell, born March 16, 1895 ; being educated
in Juniata College.
Traced through a long line of German ancestors, who, in
BUSH their varied walks of life, bore the name with credit and
honor, the Bush family is found in Huntingdon county,
where planted by the emigrant, Augustus, in the year 1852. He was a
member of the German Reformed church, as was his wife, Catherine
Rudolph, likewise a native of Germany. Children: i. Valentine, a
retired farmer of Juniata township, married Harriet Garner. 2. Wil-
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1103
Ham, a farmer, married Ada Yocum, of Walker township, and lives in
Juniata township. 3. Silas, a farmer of Juniata township, married
(first) Anna Garner, died Sei)tember 29, 1891, (second) Jennie Parks.
4. Christian, of further mention. 5. John, married Jennie Shenefelt,
employed in Huntingdon. 6. Elizabeth, married Lincoln David. 7.
Jennie, twin of Elizabeth, married Amos Kelly. 8. JMary, married
John M. Heffner. a farmer of Juniata township. 9. Rudolph, a farmer.
10. George, died in infancy. 11. Caroline, died in infancy.
(II) Christian, son of Augustus and Catherine (Rudolph) Bush,
was born in Juniata township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Au-
gust 5, 1862. He obtained his education in the public schools of his
native township and early in life began to work on the farm, an occu-
pation in which he continued until 1903. He then abandoned general
farming operations and began to specialize in the raising of fruit, and
at the present time ( 1913) owns a fine fruit farm near Huntingdon.
Politically he is a Republican, and from 1906 to 1908 was county com-
missioner. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. He married, in 1881, Sadie Ridenour, born April 7,
1862, daughter of Levi and Nancy (Foster) Ridenour, natives of Ger-
many, who settled in Huntingdon county. Children of Levi and Nancy
Ridenour: Missouri, Alice, Annie, all three deceased; and Sadie, of
previous mention, married Christian Bush. Children of Christian and
Sadie (Ridenour) Bush: Ralph Luther, of further mention: Elsie,
born in May, 1887, lives at home; and Gladys, who was born January
26, 1894.
(III) Ralph Luther, first child and only son of Christian and Sadie
(Ridenour) Bush, was born in Juniata township, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, December 31, 1882. He was educated in the public
schools of Huntingdon, and until 1903 was employed on his father's
farm. In this year he entered the employ of the J. C. Blair Company,
and has from one of the lowest positions on the force risen steadily
until at the present time he is shipping clerk. He is a Republican in
politics, and is associated fraternally with the Knights of Pythias.
Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
He married, August 31, 1910, Mary Katherine Raymond, daughter
of Augustus Ravmond, a railroad employee, who was killed on the
Pennsylvania railroad in 1894.
1 104 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
The McAteer family has been identified with the early
McATEER history of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and has
been distinctly prominent in promoting the industrial
and financial conditions of that section. The various members have
also been prompt in showing their devotion to their country in times
of trouble, and more than one has sacrificed his life in defense of the
rights of the country.
(I) Patrick ]\IcAteer, who was a native of county Antrim, Ireland,
emigrated to America when he had attained manhood, in 1795, and set-
tled within the present limits of West township, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to Cambria county, in the
same state, where the remainder of his life was spent. He was en-
gaged in agriculture and the lumbering industry, and, in association
with j\Iichael McGuire, built the first saw mill in West township.
Among his children were: Jonathan, see forward; James; William;
Patrick; and several others.
(II) Jonathan, son of Patrick McAteer, was born in Emmitsburg,
Maryland, 1793, and died at Altoona, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1868.
He was occupied with farming in Huntingdon county until i860, when
he removed to Altoona, Pennsylvania, and there lived in retirement. In
political matters he was a Whig, and in religious, a Catholic. At one
time he held the rank of captain of the militia. Mr. McAteer married
Mary Noble, born in Porter township, Huntingdon county, in 1799,
died in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1871. She was the daughter of
Samuel and Elizabeth (Spencer) Noble, and the granddaughter of
John Spencer, a native of Ireland. John Spencer settled in what is
now known as Porter township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
prior to the revolution. He served in the Continental army and at-
tained the rank of major. His home was near Alexandria, where his
death occurred about the year 1820. He had a number of children,
among them being: John Jr., who went to Ohio in 1805, and was
captain of a company in the war of 1812; William, twin of John Jr.,
removed to Ohio in 1816; Robert, who moved to Ohio in 1824; Eliza-
beth, who married Samuel Noble, lived where Altoona now stands, and
became the mother of Mrs. McAteer; Margaret, married John Agle,
of Alexandria, and later removed to Ohio; Mary, married William
McElroy, of the vicinity of Barree Forge; IMartha, married Jeremiah
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1105
Cunningham, of Shaver's Creek Valley, and had children: David and
Mrs. George Wilson. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan McAteer:
I. Patrick H., who served in the Union army during the civil war.
Company C, 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was promoted to a captaincy,
and died in 1869. 2. Samuel A., was a farmer until the year 1865,
when he removed to Altoona, Pennsylvania, entered the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and died at his post as conductor of
a passenger train, January 17, 1886. 3. Matthew, was also in the
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Compan}', and died in Hunting-
don. 4. Henry J., see forward. Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Ellen and
another child died very young.
(Ill) Henry J., son of Jonathan and Mary (Noble) McAteer, was
born in Logan township (formerly West township), Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, January 4, 1838. He received a common school
education in the schools of his native township and at the Mooresville
Academy, and then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company as a passenger brakeman in 1859. In due course of time he
was advanced to the position of conductor, retaining this position until
1869, at which time he was elected to the legislature, served one term,
and was re-elected to succeed himself. He then engaged in coal opera-
tions in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, and has been connected with
this and with farming since that time. He resides in Alexandria, and
for the past quarter of a century has owned and managed two farms
of two hundred and eighteen acres and one hundred and sixty-five
acres of land, respectively. In 1884 he was elected to the senate of
Pennsylvania for a term of four years, and during this time served
on the committees of appropriations, banks and education. He also
frequently represented his district in the national and state conventions.
From 1893 until 1897 he was deputy surveyor of the port of Philadel-
phia. Prior to this time he was a member of the World's Columbian
Commission, having been appointed to this post by Governor Patter-
son. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the Mount
Maria Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons.
Mr. ]\IcAteer married. October 26. 1865, Clara Porter Houtz,
bom in Alexandria, a daughter of Dr. Daniel and Susan (Bucher)
Houtz, and had children: i. An infant, deceased. 2. Mary Clare,
died at the age of ten months. 3. Dorothy Bucher, married John E.
iio6 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Black, a dealer in glass sand, who lives in Pittsburgh; they have no
children.
William Lower, a well-known farmer of Petersburg,
LOWER Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, represents a family
which has been identified with various trades and call-
ings for many years in the state.
(I) John Lower, his paternal grandfather, located in Williams-
burg, Blair county, Pennsylvania, after his marriage, and there the
remainder of his life was spent. His trade was that of shoemaking, at
which he was successful. He married Isabella Laney, a native of Ire-
land, who was brought to this country by her parents in her early
youth and settled in Pennsylvania. They had children : James ; Ben-
jamin; Mary Jane; Isabella; Henry, see forward; Joseph, a preacher
in the Presbyterian church, and the only one of these children now
(1913) living; Margaret.
(II) Henry, son of John and Isabella (Laney) Lower, was born
in Blair county, Pennsylvania, and died in Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1875. After his marriage he settled in Williamsburg,
Blair county, and was engaged in work as a bricklayer, and subse-
quently removed to Huntingdon, where he followed the same calling.
He married Susan Swope, who died in 1907 at the age of eighty-two
years. She was a daughter of John and Mary Martha Swope, and a
granddaughter of William Swope, who was one of the early settlers of
Huntingdon county. John Swope settled at McConnellstown, Pennsyl-
vania, after his marriage, where he was for a time an ironmaster, and
later a merchant and miller. He had children : Elizabeth ; Louisa ;
i\Iary; Susan, mentioned above; Henry; Peter. Henry and Susan
(Swope) Lower had children: i. Mary E., married William Miller,
now deceased, and lives at Petersburg with her two children : Walter
L. and Ada E. 2. John, is a bricklayer, and resides in Huntingdon with
his daughter Annie. 3. William, see forward. 4. Harry, a farmer
living in Petersburg. 5. Annie C, married Frederick D. Neff, has one
son, Roy, and lives in Steelton, Pennsylvania. In political matters Mr.
Lower was a Democrat. He was a member of the Presbyterian church,
while his wife was a member of the Reformed church.
(III) William, second son and third child of Henry and Susan
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1107
(Swopc) Lower, was born in Huntingdon, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, Feliruary 11, 1852. His education was acquired in the public
schools of his native township, and during his spare time he was of
great assistance to his father in the cultivation of the homestead farm.
In 1872 he engaged in farming in Henderson township, and resided
there for a period of twehe years. Four years were spent in Shaver's
Creek Valley, and he then purchased a farm of two hundred and eight-
een acres in Logan township, outside of Petersburg, on which he still
resides. He occupies himself with general farming, and has improved
this property in every possible direction. He erected a number of new
buildings, and is a progressive farmer in every sense of the word. He
sold a strip of his property to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, so
that the extent of his property at the present time is two hundred and
eleven acres. Mr. Lower has never married. He is broad minded and
liberal in his ideas, and takes an active interest in whatever concerns
the welfare of the community.
Gustav Altman, of Alexandria, Huntingdon county,
ALTALAN Pennsylvania, descends from German ancestry, and is
of the first generation born in the United States. His
grandparents were Wilhelm and Ida (Fritsche) Altman. He was born
September 28, 1819, probably in Dessau, Germany; was a goldsmith
and jeweler, and served in the German army. His wife died in 1858
and he married again, and was living with his second wife when his
death occurred, on July 17, 1875. Children by first marriage: i. Franz,
deceased. 2. Gustav, of whom further. 3. Wilson, a merchant in
Rochester, New York. 4. Carl, railway employee in Bremen, Germany.
5. Matilda (Mrs. Buzzard), of Staten Island. 6. Emil, died in New
York. 7. Ida, died in Germany.
(II) Gustav Akman, son of Wilhelm and Ida (Fritsche) Altman,
was born at Dessau, on the Elbe river, in Central Prussia, July 11,
1839. He attended school in his native town of Dessau, until he was
fifteen, when he went to Bremen and sought a berth on a sailing vessel
without success. \\'hile in Bremen he was told of the wonderful oppor-
tunities in the United States, and he sailed, alone, for New York. The
passage occupied fifty-two days; the vessel was becalmed twice, which
lengthened the voyage. Reaching New York he went immediately to
rio8 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
his uncle's home in New Jersey, and remained with him a year and a
half, working on the farm for $4 per month. At the expiration of that
time his uncle exchanged his farm for property in New York, and
young Altman accompanied him to that state, and found work in a ma-
chine shop, where he labored for a year. Being young and adventurous,
he decided that he would like to try whaling as a means of gratifying
his love of traveling. With a companion he started for New Bedford,
going by boat as far as Newport and the rest of the trip by rail. On
applying for a position on a whaling vessel he was refused employment,
and, very much disappointed, the two began to retrace their steps, walk-
ing to Newport, as they had no money to pay their fare. He offered
in payment of transportation from Newport to New York his coat, in
which was a book that he had brought from Germany, and in which
were the pictures of his parents and some souvenirs from the Father-
land. He asked, after he had delivered the garment, to be permitted to
take the pictures, but was refused this simple and just recjuest. Reach-
ing New York he was too proud to seek his uncle and let him know of
his circumstances, and went to Honesdale, Pennsylvania, where he
found employment in the coal mines of the Pennsylvania railroad.
When he had saved forty or fifty dollars he went on foot to New York,
for the purpose of redeeming his coat and securing the pictures, but was
unable to find the man who had taken them in pledge of the future
payment of one dollar. He then returned to Pennsylvania and was
employed in threshing for a few days. He went on foot to Porter
township, Huntingdon county, and solicited work, and obtained it on
various farms. He worked for Samuel Nefl^ the following winter for
board and schooling, and remained with him until 1859. Later he was
employed by Benjamin L. Nefif. He then rented the Neff mill from
Mr. Neff, on shares, with Mark Bodley. He continued this until the
breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted at Petersburg, Pennsyl-
vania, in Company H, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Captain Jo-
seph Johnson, for three months. The company went to Harrisburg,
then to Carlisle, then to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when the regiment
was assigned to Negley's brigade, under General Pattison. They were
ordered to Martinsburg, Virginia, and were in the fight at Falling
Waters. They were sent back to Carlisle, where they were paid off and
discharged. Mr. Altman resumed charge of the mill temporarily, after
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1109
which he went to Ohio and worked in ■\lassillon in a mill. From there
he wx'nt to Cincinnati, Ohio, antl from there to I'aducah, Kentucky, and
to Huntsville, Alabama, where he was assigned to the Twelfth Indiana
Artillery to take charge of the ammunition wagons. Here he had camp
fever, and was sent to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was honorably
discharged. He returned to Pennsj-lvania, where he became temporarily
connected with the Home Guards. He later joined a company in the
Forty-sixth State Militia. On February 29, 1864, he enlisted in Com-
pany C, Captain Lawson, of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and w^ent to the front. He was with Sherman when he went through
Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina. He fought at Tunnel Hill,
Georgia, May 7, 1864. He was badly wounded, September 5, 1864, by
a bursting shell, and was in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, when
he was discharged, June 13, 1865. He went at once to Petersburg,
Pennsylvania, where he resumed milling. In 1866 he was made head
miller. He next rented a mill in Alexandria, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, from James Dysart, and where he lived until his death, March
6, 1913. He was a Republican and was actively interested in politics.
He was reared in the Lutheran church in the Fatherland, and reinained
a member to the last day of his life. He married Margaret Guisler, a
daughter of Michael and Rosanna Guisler. Children: i. Ida, married
Frank Fouse, and lives in Alexandria. 2. Bertha, married George
Lloyd; lives in Alexandria. 3. Sarah, died in infancy. 4. John, died
in infancy. 5. Gustav, of whom further. 6. William, died in infancy.
(Ill) Gustav Altman Jr., son of Gustav and Margaret (Guisler) Alt-
man, was born September 20, 1879, in Alexandria, Pennsylvania. He
received an excellent education in the public schools of his native place,
afterward attending the Lebanon Business College. Leaving college
he entered his father's mill and became its manager for three years
while it was still under the firm name of Phillips & Altman. He, with
Mr. Barrick, purchased the mill from Phillips & Altman. and Gustav
Altman Jr. managed it alone for two years. His next venture was the
purchase of his partner's interest, leaving him sole proprietor, and for
the past three years he has been owner and manager, during wdiich
time he has greatlv increased the volume of business, added to the ca-
pacity of the mill and does general milling, shipping to all points in
Central Pennsylvania. He has bought a handsome residence on ]\Iain
mo HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
street, in Alexandria, and here makes his home. He is a RepubHcan,
working actively for the interests of the party. He is a member of the
Reformed church, as is his wife. He is also a member of the Sons of
Veterans. Mr. Altman is regarded as one of the up-to-date business
men of his section, and through his efforts has contributed to the indus-
trial growth and wealth of Alexandria.
He married, in 1903, Ida Pearl Miller, born at Spruce Creek, Hunt-
ingdon county. Children: i. Seward Earl. 2. Kermit.
The Stover family, of which John Stover, of Spruce
STOVER Creek township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, is a
member, is one of the oldest in point of residence in
Juniata Valley, where it has been established for many succeeding gen-
erations. The founder of the American branch, David Stover, came
from England about the year 1738, and probably landed on Manhattan
Island, New York. He was from Derbyshire, and was a farmer and
horse breeder. With him came his family, a wife, four sons and two
daughters. He located in New Jersey, but later went into Pennsyl-
vania, took up wild land, improved and farmed it until his death.
Among his children was David Jr., of whom further.
(I) David Stover, son of David Stover, the English emigrant, was
born in England, and came with his parents to America when he was
two years old. He grew to manhood in New Jersey, and there married
Ann Janes, or Jaynes. When his father decided to go to Pennsyl-
vania he and his family accompanied him. As they were journeying
through the vast wilderness they were attacked by a roving band of
Indians and renegade white men, and the children and wife of David
Jr. were killed. Later he married Mary Hunter, and among their chil-
dren was Daniel, of whom further.
(II) Daniel Stover, son of David and Mary (Hunter) Stover, was
born in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer and a member of the company
of home guards, organized for the purpose of keeping watch on the In-
dians. He entered the Continental army from Pennsylvania and served
the entire time of the revolutionary war. At the close of the war, after
articles of peace had been signed between England and the colonies, he
returned to Pennsylvania, began farming, and married Susan Holmes.
Among their children was Jacob, of whom further.
HISTORY OF TIIR JUNIATA VALLEY iiii
(III) Jacob Stover, son of Daniel and Susan (Holmes) Stover, was
born in Pennsylvania about 1800. He was a farmer and a carpenter,
and assisted in erecting many of the most substantial buildings in the
Juniata Valley. At this dual occupation he amassed quite a handsome
fortune. Among his children was Daniel, of whom further.
(IV) Daniel Stover, son of Jacob Stover, was born near Markles-
burg, Pennsylvania. He received a meager education in the common
schools of the township in which his parents lived, and on reaching
man's estate he followed the family vocation and became a farmer, and
acquired much land. He was a man of great influence in his com-
munity, upholding the law and assisting in its enforcement. He died
near Marklesburg, and was there buried in the family cemetery. His
children, all of whom are dead: i. Jonathan. 2. Daniel. 3. Jacob, of
whom further. 4. Catherine, married John Walls. 5. Nancy, died un-
married. 6. Fannie, married Augustus McDermott, of Scotland, who
settled in Pennsylvania. 7. Mrs. Hamer.
(V) Jacob Stover, son of Daniel Stover, was born in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, and there was reared on the family homestead.
He attended the common schools in his vicinity, and on leaving selected
farming as his vocation. He married the daughter of a neighboring
farmer, rented a place on Spruce Creek, in the township of the same
name. In 1850 he moved with his family to Warriors Mark township,
where he purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which
he soon converted into a producing farm. He erected comfortable
houses for himself and stock, and made a model place for those times.
He prospered greatly and later purchased a nearby place of almost equal
acreage. He became, through his progressiveness, conspicuously iden-
tified with the best interests of his community, and was one of its promi-
nent and most highly respected citizens; and when he died, in 1888, he
was greatly mourned by his friends and neighbors. He was an ardent
Republican, working for the party; and held several local offices, to his
credit and the satisfaction of his constituency. He and his wife were
devout members of the United Brethren congregation, supporting the
church generously. He married Mary Waite, born in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1893, ^ daughter of Casper and Es-
ther Waite. both of whom were of English extraction, and who were
early settlers of Sinking Valley, where he owned much property, such
1 1 12 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
as farming lands and cattle, and where they both died. They lived quiet,
retired lives, doing good among their less fortunate neighbors, by whom
they were highly esteemed. Besides Mrs. Stover, who was their eldest,
their children were: Esther, married Augustus Weekland; Eve, mar-
ried George Walter; Daniel; Henry; Abram; John, all of whom are
dead. Children of Jacob and Mary (Waite) Stover: i. Susannah,
married John ^^'allace, and died in Sinking Valley. 2. Esther, married
D. P. Henderson, of Spruce Creek Valley. 3. Fannie, deceased; mar-
ried George Bridenbaugh. 4. John, of whom further. 5. Miles, a
farmer in Warriors Mark Valle)^ 6. Mary, married Pierce Gray, of
Center county, Pennsylvania. 7. Emory J., farms homestead.
(VI) John Stover, son of Jacob and Mary (Waite) Stover, was
born on the farm he now owns in Spruce Creek township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1849. He was reared in the free
life of his father's farm and attended the public schools of the town-
ship. He remained at home with his father until he reached the age
of twenty-seven, when he married and took charge of one of his
father's farms on Eden Hill. After the death of Mr. Stover Sr., John
Stover purchased the interest of the other heirs, and since that time
has made many notable improvements in the buildings, erectings others,
and bringing the land up to a high state of productiveness. In 1907 he
bought two hundred and thirty-nine acres, making his land holdings
three hundred and eighty-six acres, upon which he does successful
general farming. He is one of the prosperous, substantial men of his
section, and wields an influence for good, right living and thinking.
In politics he has followed in the footsteps of his father and is a Re-
publican. He has served as school director and supervisor; and both
he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Than
Mr. Stover there is no more highly respected citizen in Huntingdon
county.
He married, in Februar}^, 1879, Mary C. Gray, born in Center
county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John W. Gray, a prosperous farmer
of that county. Children of John and Mary C. (Gray) Stover: i.
Blanche, at home with parents. 2. Edwin, unmarried, assists father in
managing the farm. 3. Victor, a farmer in ]Mifflin county, Pennsyl-
vania ; married Virginia Ayers ; one child : Dorothy. 4. Agnes, at
home. 5. Harold, assists father on farm.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1113
George Fetterhoof, of Spruce Creek, Ilunting-
FETTERHOOF don county, Eennsylvania, descends on both the
paternal and distaff sides from honorable German
ancestr}-, the founders of both American Ijranches having come to
America before the revolutionary war. The paternal immigrant pro-
genitor probably reached Philadelphia in 1760, or thereabout. In the
Pennsylvania records of the soldiers of the revolution George Fetter-
hoof is named several times, and he participated in many of the most
notable battles. After the cessation of hostilities he returned to Penn-
sylvania and engaged in farming. Among his children was Michael,
of whom further.
(II) Michael Fetterhoof, son of the German immigrant, George
Fetterhoof, was born in December, 1802, in Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, and died in Spruce Creek township, same state, in December,
1858, on his birthday. He received his education in the common schools
and on reaching his majority followed the family vocation of farming.
After his marriage he moved to Morris (now Spruce Creek) township,
and continued to till the soil. He purchased two hundred and fifty-
four acres of wild land, cleared and cultivated it, and erected thereon
substantial buildings for himself and cattle. Here he lived until his
death. He was a Whig in politics, but had decided to give his allegiance
to the Republican party, which had just come into existence, when he
died. He held many township offices, in each case giving satisfaction
to his constituency. Like his wife he was a devout member of the Lu-
theran church, and aided it in every way possible. He was one of the
highly respected and influential men of Morris township, and was
famous for the sound advice that he gave to those who asked of him
counsel. He married Eliza Beighel, born in Huntingdon county, in
1812. She was the daughter of George and Mary (Rhinehart) Beighel,
who were early residents of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Fetterhoof
died in Huntingdon county, in 1874, surviving her husl)and many years.
George Beighel, the German immigrant, came to America about 1760
from Stuttgart, Germany. He was a saddler, and worked at his trade
after reaching Philadelphia. He later moved into the interior and be-
came an agriculturist. ;\mong his children was Michael, the father of
Mrs. Fetterhoof. The father was a saddler by vocation in Carlisle, but
after marriage he moved to Huntingdon county and located near Spruce
1 1 14 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Creek. He engaged in farming and became an extensive land owner.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, bearing arms for two years, and
made a gallant record. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and
led a quiet, unostentatious life. Besides Mrs. Fetterhoof, he was the
parent of ten or twelve other children, all of whom are dead, but whose
descendants live in the state of Pennsylvania. Children of Michael and
Eliza (Beighel) Fetterhoof: i. Samuel, a farmer; deceased. 2. Mary,
deceased; married William Shaffer. 3. Elizabeth, married Thomas
Henderson; lives at Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania. 4. Jesse, a farmer;
deceased. 5. Daniel, a farmer and soldier in the civil war; deceased.
6. George, of whom further. 7. John, resides in Tyrone, Pennsylvania.
8. William, an official of the Pennsylvania Industrial Reformatory at
Huntingdon. 9. Margaret, twin of William; died at age of twenty.
10. Frances, died when a child.
(Ill) George Fetterhoof, son of Michael and Eliza (Beighel) Fet-
terhoof, was born May 7, 1838, in Morris (now Spruce Creek) town-
ship, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on his father's
farm and educated at the common schools of the township. Reaching
manhood he decided to follow farming as his vocation, and after the
death of his father in 1858, he, with his brother Daniel, purchased the
interests of the other heirs and ran the homestead in partnership until
the death of the brother. Since which time Mr. Fetterhoof has man-
aged the place alone, meeting with imbounded success, which was in-
sured by his systematic and modern methods of farming. In 1875
he erected a handsome and commodious residence on the place and has
lived in it since that time. He does general farming and stock raising,
and is known in his section of the township as an advanced farmer and
an honorable and upright citizen. He votes the Republican ticket; and
has been supervisor and school director for many years. He and his
family are members of the Lutheran church, and at one time he was
an elder and deacon. He ranks high in the local lodge of the Knights
of the Golden Eagle, with which he has been actively connected for
many years.
He married, in 1878, Margaret Chamberlain, born in Huntingdon
county, a daughter of James and Susan (Ginter) Chamberlain, old
residents of Pennsylvania, who are descended from English stock.
Children: i. Ada C, unmarried, at home. 2. James Jesse, died aged
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1115
two. 3. Rosa, at home, a teacher ; educated at Juniata College. 4.
Lewis, died aged two years.
One of the most numerous families in Pennsylvania, or
YOUNG in all of the eastern part of the United States, is that
bearing the name Young. Some branches of the family
claim English descent, but those of the name in Center county, Penn-
sylvania, trace their lineage to German forbears. The family has been
long seated in Pennsylvania, and times without numlicr the surname ap-
pears in the public records of the state, but never with sufficient fullness
to establish a clear line to the emigrant.
David H. Young was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, died
November 23, 191 1, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He there
spent his entire youth, obtaining his education in the public schools.
Upon reaching man's estate he began a pedagogical career, abandoning
this to engage in farming, an occupation he followed in Center county
until 1887, and in West township, Huntingdon county, on the old
McFarland farm, until 191 1. He took a great interest in and was an
active member of the Patrons of Husbandry. Both he and his wife
were members of the Lutheran church. Politically he was a Democrat,
and was extremely active in local afTairs. On August 28, 1862, in
answer to the president's call for troops, he enlisted in the Union army,
serving as a private in Company D, 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer In-
fantry. He took part in the battle of Chancellorsville, where he was
twice wounded, and in his helpless state, narrowly escaped burning to
death, when the woods to which he had been carried were set afire by
exploding shells. An honorable discharge was granted him soon after
this battle, on account of disability. In this conflict between the states,
two of his brothers, Samuel and William, met their death on the field
of battle. He married Catherine Carper, daughter of Philip Carper, a
miller and farmer of State College, Pennsylvania. Children of David
H. and Catherine (Carper) Young: i. William B., a carpenter of
West Virginia. 2. Charles H., lives on the homestead near Markles-
burg. 3. J. Elmer, of further mention. 4. Catherine, married William
Boyer, and lives near Marklesburg, Pennsylvania. 5. Mary, married
James Isett and lives in Ashcom, Pennsylvania.
J. Elmer Young, third son and child of David H. and Catherine
iii6 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
(Carper) Young, was born at Pine Grove Mills, Center County, Pennsyl-
vania, January 31, 1873. He obtained his education in the public schools
and spent his early life on the farm. When a young man he learned the
miller's trade and followed that occupation for nine years with unvary-
ing success. In December, 1901, he purchased the store and stock of
E. W. Laird, a general merchant of Petersburg, a business he still con-
ducts. Here he has by constant attention and deference to the desires
and needs of his patrons organized a business at once flourishing and
lucrative.
A Democrat in politics, his worth and sterling qualities have been
recognized by his townsmen, who have elected him to the office of
president of the borough council, an organization he governs with great
satisfaction to the constituency which elected him, and with no less
satisfaction to the opponents of his party. He was a director of the
Shaver's Creek Bank at the time when that institution was chartered
as the First National Bank, and continued in the same capacity in the
latter organization. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America and Knights of
the Maccabees.
He married, March 23, 1897, Mary Guisler, daughter of Martin
and Susan Guisler, natives of Petersburg, members of a family old in
the annals of the state. Children: Frances and x\lma. Mr. Young
and family are members of the Lutheran church, taking a prominent
part in the affairs of that body, he being an officer in the church and
teacher in the Sunday school.
Of pure and honorable Irish stock is the Archey family,
ARCHEY of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, of which Francis
Wallace Archey, of Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsyl-
vania, is a worthy member. The members of it were petty farmers in
Ireland for many generations, adding by their industry, thrift and
economy to the wealth of their native land. The family also had the
distinction of being Protestant, adhering firmly to the Presbyterian
church, and rearing their children in that austere faith. The founder
of the American branch of the family was Frank Archey, of whom
further.
(I) Frank Archey was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, about 1790.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1117
He was reared there by Christian parents, and received such educational
advantages as were afforded Ijy tlie time, place and circumstances. He
followed the family occupation of farming, and must have been success-
ful, as he was able to pay the passage of himself, wife and four chil-
dren when he emigrated to the United States in 1847. He did not live
long to enjoy the pleasures and comforts of his new home in Grays-
ville, Franklin township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He left
to his descendants an unstained name for integrity and honesty which
they cherish until this day. His children were: i. John, of whom
further. 2. Francis, was one of the earliest employees of the Pennsyl-
vania railroad, at Altoona, Pennsylvania, and died there. 3. George,
makes his home in Graysville, where he is a nuich respected citizen.
4. Ellen, married and moved to Illinois with her husband.
(II) John Archey, son of Frank Archey, was born in 1825, in
county Tyrone, Ireland, and died in 1890, in Graysville, Pennsylvania.
He emigrated with his parents from the land of his nativity in 1847,
and, being the eldest of the family of children, it devolved upon him
to assist his father. He worked as a day laborer and by the month ; was
thrifty, energetic and economical, and finally saved enough money to
purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Franklin township, at
the rear of the village of Graysville, and east of the mountain. Here he
made a comfortable home and farmed successfully until his death. He
was noted in his section for his excessive industry and close attention
to the smallest detail on his farm, and by this method he overcame all
obstacles, such as confront the recently arrived immigrant, or those of
the first generation. His life was unpretentious and quiet, but is an
object lesson of real value to the observing and thoughtful. It brings
out prominently the characteristics that win, offers encouragement to
young men who are willing to work with their hands and heads, and
proves that there is rarely a road to a competence in this country other
than by work. He was a very staunch Republican after that party
came into being, and he worked for its interests to the end of his life.
He served as school director and road supervisor, and in both offices
gave entire satisfaction. As were his people before him, he was a de-
vout Presbyterian, the faith fitting his character perfectly. He was a
trustee of the church in Graysville for many >-ears. He married Cath-
erine Brett, born in county Tyrone, Ireland, August 18, 1839, and died
iii8 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
in Graysville, Pennsylvania, January 4, 19 13, aged seventy-three. She
was one of thirteen children. With her brothers, Thomas and George,
the first going to Wisconsin and the latter to the state of New York, she
emigrated, in 1850, when only a girl of twenty-one, to Montreal, Can-
ada, where they lived a short while, coming then to Huntingdon county,
where she met and married John Archey. Like her husband, she was a
devout Presbyterian, attending that church until her death. Children :
I. Francis Wallace, of whom further. 2. John, a carpenter in Grays-
ville; married Olive Woomer. 3. Harry, a dentist in Plymouth, Lu-
zerne county, Pennsylvania; married Sarah Armstrong. 4. Mary Jane,
married W. C. Baker, of Chester, Pennsylvania. 5. Ella, died aged
sixteen years.
(Ill) Francis Wallace Archey, son of John and Catherine (Brett)
Archey, was born April 13, 1858, in Graysville, Franklin township,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, on his father's farm. He received
his preparatory education in the common schools of the township, and
then attended the Selins Grove Academy two terms. As a boy he
worked on his father's farm during vacations, and he early entered ag-
ricultural life after leaving school. In 1883 he went to Houtzdale,
Pennsylvania, where he mined coal in Clearfield county for eight years.
He saved his money, as had done his father before him, and in 1891
he moved to Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania, where he purchased
the implement store of W. E. McWilliams. On April 2, 1891, he was
appointed postmaster, and has served in that capacity continuously since
that time, running at the same time his implement business. He has
dispensed the Lnited States mail to the inhabitants of Pennsylvania
Furnace with zealous care, and has not had in all these years a single
complaint registered against him. He has erected a commodious build-
ing, which he uses for his store and the postoffice, besides which he has
purchased a comfortable home for himself and family. He is a strong
Republican, working for and using his influence in behalf of that party;
and has served as township auditor most acceptably. He was reared
in the Presbyterian faith and gives his adherence to that church. He
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a thirty-second degree
Mason, member of Tyrone Lodge, No. 194; the chapter at Altoona,
and commandery; Mountain Council, No. 10; Harrisburg Consistory;
ff i^A^/^.J<y
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1119
and a member of the Alystic Shrine, Jaffa Temple, Altoona. He ranks
as one of the influential and progressive citizens of his town, township,
county and section.
He married, April 9, 1891, Nina J. Patton, born in Mifllin county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of William Patton, of English descent. Chil-
dren : I. Harry, died at the age of sixteen months. 2. Wallace, born
March, 1895. 3- Catherine, born May, 1897.
The American branch of the ancient Irish family of Irvin
IRVIN was established in the United States by Andrew Irvin, the
immigrant, who left Ireland about 1812, and located in
Cecil county, Maryland. He lived there for several years before he
migrated to Center county, Pennsylvania, where he farmed, led a quiet
and retired life, and where he and his wife eventually died. He mar-
ried in Ireland before emigrating, and his wife Rachel and young chil-
dren accompanied him to the United States. Rachel Irvin was an ex-
cellent wife, was of fine Scotch-Irish descent, and proved a helpmeet in
every way. They were the parents of fourteen children, among whom
was Patterson, of whom further.
(II) Patterson Irvin, son of Andrew and Rachel Irvin, was born
in 1829, in Center county, Pennsylvania, after his parents had migrated
from Maryland; and died in 1897 in the county of his nativity. He
was reared on his father's farm, and on reaching maturity began farm-
ing. This he followed for some time; later he contracted for making
charcoal for the numerous furnaces in that section. He finally located
at, or near, Curtin's Iron Works in Bald Eagle Valley, Center county.
and there passed the remainder of his days. He was a man of great
integrity and energy and as such was much respected. He was a devout
Presbyterian, as was his wife, and has been his family before him, both
in Ireland and the United States. He married Susan Garrett, born in
1842, in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and died in Center county, in
19 1 2. She was the daughter of Daniel and Susan Garrett, natives of
Snyder county, where their families had resided for generations. They
later moved to Bellefonte, Center county, where they died. Daniel Gar-
rett was a contracting teamster and was an exceedingly busy man during
the early days when there were fewer railroads. Both were members
of the Presbyterian church, and he was active in local politics. Chil-
II20 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
dren of Daniel and Susan Garrett : William, a blacksmith, killed by an
automobile in 1910; Solomon, forgeman in Bellefonte; Charles, forge-
man in Bellefonte; Frank, lives at State College, Pennsylvania; Susan,
married Patterson Irvin; Ellen, married William Bell, of Kansas; Kate,
died unmarried, in 1910, in Bellefonte. Children of Patterson and Su-
san (Garrett) Irvin: i. William, a teamster in Huntingdon county. 2.
Daniel, a farmer in Center county. 3. Julia, married William Gates,
of Center county. 4. Laura, married William Mountz, of Franklin-
ville, Pennsylvania. 5. James Barnhart, of whom further. 6. Harvey
J., a blacksmith in Altoona, Pennsylvania. 7. Oscar G., a plumber in
Altoona.
(Ill) James Barnhart Irvin, son of Patterson and Susan (Garrett)
Irvin, was born April 25, 1861, at Curtin's Iron Furnace Works, in
Bald Eagle Valley, Center county, Pennsylvania. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools in Center county, and was reared on the
farm. He decided, on reaching his majority, that he would enter the
industrial world for himself, and rented a farm in Center county. For
fourteen years he rented farms in Center and Huntingdon counties.
In 1905 he moved to his present location in Warriors Mark township,
Huntingdon county, bought eighty acres, where he has since lived, doing
general farming. He has brought his land to a high state of fertility
through intensive farming. He is a Republican, supporting the party
by his franchise and working for it in a quiet way. He and his wife
are members of the Presbyterian church; he is an M. W. A.
He married, August 9, 1882, Virginia Geist, born in Huntingdon
county, a daughter of William Geist. Children of James Barnhart and
Virginia (Geist) Irvin: i. Kent, an employee of the Pennsylvania
railroad, at Warriors Mark ; married Ethel Buck ; one child, Chalmer.
2. Andrew G., a machinist, an employee of the Pennsylvania railroad, at
Juniata, Pennsylvania; married Bertha Harris; one child, Isabel. 3.
Fern M. 4. Susie, a graduate of Warriors Mark high school.
It is always pleasing to the biographer or student of human
DAVIS nature to enter into an analysis of the character and career
of a successful tiller of the soil. Of the many citizens
gaining their own livelihood, he alone stands preeminent as a totally
independent factor, in short, "monarch of all he surveys.'' His rugged
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1121
honesty and sterling worth are the outcome of a close association with
nature, and in all the relations of life he manifests that generous hospi-
tality and kindly human sympathy, which beget comradeship, and which
cement to him the friendship of all with whom he comes in contact.
Successfully engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of high-
grade cattle and horses, Mr. Henry Davis is decidedly a prominent anil
popular citizen in West township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania.
where he has resided during the greater part of his long and successful
career and where he is the owner of a large estate of five hundred and
six acres.
The farm on which he now resides, in West township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, is the birthplace of Henry Davis, the date of his
nativity being April 5, 1842. He is a son of Henry Davis Sr., a native
of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in the year 1820.
The maiden name of his mother was Catherine Walheter, born at Water
Street, Morris township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1822.
The paternal grandfather of the subject of this review was Louis
Davis, a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated, and
where was solemnized his marriage prior to his immigration to Lan-
caster county, Pennsylvania, in 181 5. Louis Davis became the father
of a large family of children, three of whom are mentioned here:
Henry Davis Sr. ; Mrs. Elizabeth Kinch, formerly a resident of War-
riors ]\Iark, Pennsylvania; and Samuel, who made his home with his
brother Henry, and who was a blacksmith by trade ; he never married.
Henrv Davis Sr. grew to maturity in Lancaster county, and there
availed himself of such educational advantages as were afforded in
that early day. As a young man he came to Huntingdon county and
here entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the trade of blacksmith.
He purchased ten acres of land in West township, on the banks of
Shaver's creek, from a Mr. Innis, and on that property erected a black-
smith shop. Part of this old log house still stands. Subsequently he
purchased a hundred-acre farm adjoining this plot and the same was
managed by his sons. He was active in his trade until within ten years
of his demise, which occurred in 1900, at the venerable age of eighty
years. In his young manhood he was a stalwart Democrat, but in
due time became an ardent Abolitionist, casting his vote for Abraham
Linculn. After the war until his death he was a radical Republican,
1 122 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
unswerving from party lines. He served with the utmost efficiency
as county commissioner of Huntingdon county, and for several terms
was director of the poor. His religious faith coincided with the tenets
of the Presbyterian church. He married Catherine Walheter, a
daughter of Henry Walheter, of German descent. Henry ^^^alheter
was a saddler by trade and at one time had a shop in \A'ater Street,
Morris township, Huntingdon county. Later in life he purchased a
farm in Porter township, this county, and there resided until his re-
tirement from active business, when he removed to Alexandria, where
he died. He had several children, concerning whom the following
brief data are here incorporated: John, died in the civil war; George
passed to eternal rest in the state of New Jersey; Catherine married
Henry Davis Sr., as already noted; Mary became the wife of David
Edmiston; Caroline is single and maintains her home in Alexandria,
Pennsylvania; and two other children died young. Henry and
Catherine (Walheter) Davis became the parents of six children, as
follows: I. Samuel T., married Elizabeth Fenstinar, and for many
years was a prominent physician and surgeon in Lancaster, Pennsyl-
vania; he died while on a hunting trip to old Mexico. 2. William M.,
married Ellen Foster, and he is engaged in his trade of blacksmith at
Cottage, Pennsylvania. 3. Henry Jr., is the immediate subject of this
review. 4. Miles L., is a civil war veteran; he is a doctor by profes-
sion, and resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania ; he married Laura E.
Wilson, who is now deceased. 5. Mary Catherine, wife of W. S. Liv-
ingston, a prominent citizen of Altoona, Pennsylvania. 6. John Wal-
heter, is postmaster and druggist at Burlington, New Jersey; he mar-
ried Marjory Grundaker.
Henry Davis Jr. was reared to adult age on the old homestead
farm, in the work and management of which he early began to assist
his father. His education was obtained in the neighboring district
schools. He was very ambitious as a youth and before he had reached
his legal majority was most successfully engaged in raising and sell-
ing horses. In due time he became a prosperous farmer and a well-
known breeder of horses and cattle. He has continued to buy and sell
stock of all descriptions up to the present time and never has less than
forty head on his estate. He makes a specialty of breeding Jersey
cattle, and has also dealt extensively in sheep. Shortly after his mar-
HISTORY OF TTTE JUNIATA VALLEY 1123
riage, in 1864, he bought <i tract of one hundred and fifteen acres of
land on Warriors Ridge, where he resided for the ensuing three years.
In 1869 he bought the old homestead on which he was reared and that
place has since represented the family home. He erected a spacious
barn in 1876 and has since remodeled the house. In recent years he
purchased a neighboring tract of one hundred and forty acres and he
has also acquired one hundred and twelve acres of woodland and one
hundred and four acres of improved farming land on the ridge. His
farming property now aggregates five hundred and six acres, all of
which is in splendid condition, the same yielding up fine crops each
year. Time and growing prosperity have proved Mr. Davis's innate
talent and ability as an agriculturist. All his business dealings have
been conducted in a fair and straightforward manner and his friends
are legion throughout Huntingdon county. Although seventy-one
years of age, he is still hale and hearty and is well able to care for his
farming and stock interests. Mr. Davis served in the civil war as a
member of Company G, 46th Pennsylvania Militia, which was used
mainly to repel local invasions. In politics he is a stalwart Republican,
and although often urged to run for public ofiice the only capacity in
which he would serve was as a member of the township school board.
October 4, 1864, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Davis and
Miss Mary Anne Wilson, who was born in Logan township, Hunting-
don county, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1844. She is a daughter of David
C. and Jane (Henry) Wilson, the former of whom was born and
reared in West township and the latter in Barree township, Hunting-
don county. Mr. Wilson was a farmer all his life, was a Republican
in his political affiliations, and for many years served as elder in the
Manor Hill Presbyterian Church. Mary Anne was the only child of
the Wilsons to grow to maturity. Another daughter, Eliza Jane, died
in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of nine children:
I. Elmer Miles, born October i, 1865; married Ella K. Koher, bom
January 19, 1866, in Jackson township, Huntingdon county, a daugh-
ter of Henry and Mary Ann (Thompson) Koher, the former for manv
years a merchant in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. Elmer Davis
lives on a hundred and forty acre farm adjoining his father's place.
He is a Republican, and is now serving his third term as school direc-
tor ; he is likewise an elder in the Presbyterian church. He and his
1 124 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
wife have three children: Floyd K., born December 30, 1893; Elmer
Earl, December 26, 1894; and Ernest Thompson, February 27, 1898.
2. Harry Alvin, born July 4, 1867; is an attorney in Altoona, Pennsyl-
vania; married Roberta Clark. 3. John Wallace, born June 27, 1868;
lives at Center Square, Pennsylvania, where he is engaged in buying
and shipping cattle; married Catherine McCall. 4. Nancy Jane, born
August 7, 1869, died June 27, 1886. 5. Ada Caroline, born August
10, 1871, died November 14, 1905; married Herbert Mateer. 6. Calim
Wilson, born July 29, 1875, died December 10, 1875. 7. Anna Cath-
erine, born September 13, 1879, died October 31, 1879. 8. Herman
Cloyd, born November 5, 1882, died June 21, 1886. 9. Efhe Claire,
born August i, 1884, died October 7, 1884.
Tempted by the promise that in the crown colony
THOMPSON of Maryland, America, he could worship God ac-
cording to the manner that had been taught him
by his parents, John Thompson, a Catholic subject of England, left his
home in Kirkfenton, Yorkshire, and sailed for America about 1680.
He settled near Baltimore, where he remained until his death. He was
a farmer, and in the new country pursued the occupation that had en-
grossed the time of his forefathers for generations. Among his chil-
dren was John, of whom further.
(II) John Thompson, son of John Thompson, the immigrant, was
born in Maryland, there grew to manhood, and followed farming. He
became a large landed proprietor and had slaves, like all planters in
the colony. Among his children was Peter, of whom further.
(III) Peter Thompson, son of John Thompson, was born in Mary-
land, and became a prominent planter and politician. He was one of
the men who spoke in favor of the colonies breaking with the mother
country, and was among the first to enlist in the Continental army,
despite the fact that one of his brothers advocated remaining under
the domination of England. At the successful termination of the war
of the revolution he returned to Maryland to resume the occupation of
planting. He had a large family, among whom was Peter, of whom
further.
(IV) Peter Thompson, son of Peter Thompson, of Maryland, was
born on his father's plantation, and there grew up, a country gentle-
HISTORY OF THE JUXL\TA VALLEY 1125
man. Owing to religious feeling he left his native state, moved to
Pennsylvania, and settled at Raystown Branch, on the historic Juniata
river, where he continued to live until his death, a gentleman farmer.
He was considered an advanced man at that time, and successfully
managed his land, it is thought with the help of negro slaves. Among
his children was John, of whom further.
(V) John Thompson, son of Peter Thdmpson, was probably born
at Raystown Branch. Huntingdon county, in the Juniata \'alley, where
he grew to maturity, married and became a successful farmer, known
for his enterprise. He was a strong Democrat, and, like his wife, was
a life-long Roman Catholic. He married Eleanor Burke, probably of
Scotch-Irish descent, the daughter of a neighboring farmer. Chil-
dren: I. Edward, of whom further. 2. John, lived and died in Juni-
ata township. 3. Peter, born in Juniata township, died in Blair county,
Pennsylvania. 4. Eleanor, married Abram Speck; died at INIill Creek,
Pennsylvania.
(VI) Edward Thompson, son of John and Eleanor CBurke)
Thompson, was born January 15, 1815, in Juniata township. Plunting-
don county, Pennsylvania, on his father's farm, and died there June
30, 1901. He grew to man's estate, received his education and began
to farm in his native township. He entered into partnership with his
brother John, and purchased land for farming purposes. Soon there-
after there was a dissolution of the partnership and a division of the
land, the buildings falling to Edward. He immediately began to reno-
vate and remodel them, and lived in the dwelling-house until his death.
He was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic church, though
not bigoted. He married Mary Forshey, a daughter of Obadiah and
Sarah (Kvler) Forshey. Mrs. Thompson was a devout member of
the Baptist church until her death, April 9, i860. Five or six years
after her death Mr. Thompson married a second time. Children by
first marriage: i. John Andrew, of whom further. 2. Sarah Ann,
widow of Calvin Corbin ; lives in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. 3. Wil-
liam, a farmer in Juniata township, now deceased ; married Jane Heff-
ner. 4. Ellen, married John Bagshaw : both dead. 5. Isaiah Griffith,
a retired business man of Pittsburgh : married Catherine IMcCann. 6.
George W., died soon after reaching his majority. 7. Henry, died in
infancy. Children by second marriage: 8. Mary Jane, married Rob-
1 126 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
ert McCann, of Pittsburgh. 9. Rachel, married Truman Speck, of
Huntingdon county. 10. Ada, married Clement Speck, of Huntingdon
county.
(VII) John Andrew Thompson, son of Edward and Mary (For-
shey) Thompson, was born June 29, 1847, '^^ Juniata township, Hunt-
ingdon county, Pennsylvania. He received his preparator}' education
in the common school of the township, finishing at the Millersville
State Normal, and entered at once into the profession of pedagogy,
which he has followed with success since. He taught four years in
Blair county, and since that time has devoted his time to the instruc-
tion of the 3'outh of Huntingdon county. In all he has taught forty-
one winters and five summers, and only for two years did he cease in
his labors of imparting knowledge to the young, when he claimed a
well-earned vacation. He is a prominent member of the Pennsylvania
State Teachers' Association, having on many occasions read before
that intellectual body papers on teaching. A few years after he began
his life work he purchased one hundred and forty-two acres of land
in Morris township, where he does general farming along scientific
lines. He is an Independent Democrat, and has served in several town-
ship offices of more or less importance. Both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Reformed church, in which they are prominent workers.
He is a member in high standing of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. Mr. Thompson is one of the best known and most generally
esteemed men in Huntingdon county. All of his former pupils are
still warm friends and admirers of him. He married, November 18,
1875, Frances Harnish, born in Huntingdon county, a daughter of
Peter and Catherine (Hommer) Harnish. Children: i. Blanche Ro-
berta, died aged three years. 2. Alberta K., a graduate of Millersville
State Normal School, after which she taught several terms ; married
Walter A. Geesey, of Altoona, Pennsylvania ; no children. 3. Bruce
Harnish, graduated from Millersville State Normal ; entered the Wade
Business College, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and died while yet a
student.
(The Forshey Line).
L'nder pressure of religious bigots and cardinals of the Roman
Catholic church, Louis XIV of France revoked in 1685 the Edict of
Nantes. Before this last disgraceful measure and crowning injustice.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1127
great numbers of French Protestants (known by the specific name of
Huguenot ) had escaped from their inhospitable country, and over a
milHon of the best and thriftiest subjects of the oppressed kingdom had
sought refuge elsewhere, and more than half the commercial and
manufacturing industries of France were crushed, resulting in busi-
ness stagnation and utter distress on every hand, except, of course,
for those Catholics in high places, who were given the property of
the Huguenots. In 1680, Andre Fourche, of the landed gentry of
France, foreseeing the inevitable, moved with his wife, Marie de Foix,
and children. Antoine, Andre, Jean and Jeanne Marie, to Mannheim,
at that time tlie headquarters of the Huguenot refugees. Here he
was associated with Count Antoine Pintard, David de Marest, Ma-
these Blanchan. Frederic de Vaux, Abraham Hasbroucq, Cretien Du-
yon, Meynard Journeay, Bourgeon Broucard, and others whose names
have since become indelibly linked with the progress of this country,
since all of them emigrated later to America, seeking a place where
they could enjoy religious freedom. In 1688 Andre Fourche sailed
with his family for America in company with other French families
and coreligionists. He located in New York, later going to New Jer-
sey. His son Antoine (Anthony) moved to Pennsylvania, where he
established himself, and from him descend the Forshey (as it has
come to be written) families of the state. He married Sara de Vaux,
a daughter of a Huguenot, and among their children was Jean.
(II) John Forshey (to give the anglicized form), son of Antoine
and Sara (de Vaux) Fourche, was born in Pennsylvania, and there
reached his majority. He married the daughter of a neighbor, like
himself a tiller of the soil. He was the parent of a large number of
sons, among them being Andrew, of whom further.
(III) Andrew Forshey, son of John Forshey, was born in Penn-
sylvania, and there lived and died. He was an Indian fighter, and was
with the Royal Americans when they met General Montcalm. He
married Nancy Hastings, the daughter of Henry Hastings, an Eng-
lishman who had but recently arrived in America. They were the
parents of five sons and two daughters. One of their sons was An-
thony, of whom further.
(IV) Anthony Forshey, son of Andrew and Nancy (Hastings) ^or-
shey, was born on his father's farm in Pennsylvania. He entered he
1 128 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Continental army from Pennsylvania in 1777, and served until peace
was declared between the Colonies and England. He returned to his
farm, and there died, a very old man. He had several sons, one of
whom was Jonathan, of whom further.
(V) Jonathan Forshey, son of Anthony Forshey, was born about
1800. He was a farmer and lived a quiet, retired life. He moved
to Huntingdon county, while in the prime of life and there died.
Among his children was Obadiah, of whom further.
(VI) Obadiah Forshey, son of Jonathan Forshey, was born in
Huntingdon county, and reared in Penn township. He was a pros-
perous farmer and a man of great influence, though he lived quietly
and unostentatiously on his place. He married Sarah Kyler, who had
great strength of character, and who was known for her charities.
Children: i. William, died in southern part of Huntingdon county;
married Rebecca Taylor. 2. Anthony, died in Penn township; mar-
ried Mary Jane McCall. 3. John, died unmarried. 4. Nancy, married
Jacob Boyer. 5. Mary, married Edward Thompson (see Thompson
VI). 6. Rebecca, married Samuel Kyle. 7. Elizabeth, became the
second wife of Edward Thompson after the death of her sister.
It is not necessary that the man who achieves success must
BUCK be of sterner stuff than his fellow-man, but there are certain
indispensable characteristics that contribute to the prosper-
ity of the individual; these are energy, enterprise and determination and
the ability to recognize and improve opportunities. These qualities have
been cardinal elements in the character of Isaac Scott Buck, and they
have accompanied him from a humble station in life to one of promi-
nence and affluence. Although raised a comparatively poor farmer boy,
he is now recognized as one of the prominent and successful agricul-
turists of Warriors Mark township, where he is the owner of three
farms, aggregating three hundred and fifty-seven acres.
Mr. Buck was born in Warriors ]\Iark township, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, August 22, 1852. He is a son of Isaac and Lydia (Kri-
der) Buck, the former of whom passed to the life eternal at Warriors
Mark, in 1902, and the latter of whom died in 1865. He lived to the
venerable age of eighty-four years. Isaac Buck's parents, John and
Catherine (Longenecker) Buck, were natives of Dauphin county, Penn-
HISTORY OF THE jLNIATA VALLEY 1129
sylvan ia. and there they were reared to maturity and married. They
came to Huntingdon county prior to the year 1830 and settled in War-
riors Mark townshi]), where he purchased a farm of two hundred acres
of timber land, which he proceeded to clear, and on wliich he erected
good, substantial buildings. Tlie residence was plastered on the outside
and has since been replaced by a nn)re modern jjuilding, but the old barn
is still doing service on this land. John Buck was a \Miig in his political
affiliations, and he was the popular and efficient incumbent of a number
of important offices of trust in his home community, where he was rec-
ognized as a man of mark in all the relations of life. He and his wife
were both members of the Dunkard church. He died in 1868 and she
passed away in 1875. When they came to Huntingdon county they
were accompanied by Mr. Buck's aged parents, both of whom are in-
terred in the family cemetery on the present Ross farm. Their graves
are marked, but their names are unknown. John and Catherine Buck
became the parents of nine children, as follows: Jacob was a farmer by
occupation, and he died near Eldorado, Pennsylvania ; Isaac, likewise
a farmer, was the father of the subject of this review and a brief sum-
mary of his life will be contained in a following paragraph; John Jr.
was a merchant at Ironsville during his active career and he died in
Huntingdon county ; Christian was a tanner by trade and his demise
occurred at L^nionville, Pennsylvania ; Nancy married David Grazier
and died at Tyrone, this state ; Benjamin died in Center county, where
he was engaged in farming operations during his active career ; Samuel
died at the age of sixteen years ; David is still living and a brief sketch
of his life will be found in the following paragraph: and Catherine mar-
ried Jeremiah Buck and passed to eternal rest at W'arriors ]Mark.
David Buck was born in W^arriors Mark township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsj-lvania, October 10, 1833. He is a son of John and
Catherine (Longenecker) Buck, as noted above. He was raised on his
father's pioneer farm in this section and attended the early subscrip-
tion schools in Huntingdon and Center counties. He assisted in the
work of the home farm until he had reached his twentv-third \Tar, when
he married and purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-nine
acres in W^arriors Mark township. He resided on this estate and won
success as an intelligent tiller of the soil, operating it for a period of
forty-three years. In 1908 he retired from active business life and
II30 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
since that time has maintained his home at Tyrone. His wife, whose
maiden name was Christina Beck, died in 1892. David Buck is the
only Hving member in a family of nine children. Although eighty
years of age he is still hale and hearty, and is popular among his fellow-
citizens by reason of his genial good nature and kindly spirit.
Isaac Buck, second in order of birth in the family of nine children
born to John and Catherine (Longenecker) Buck, was born probably
in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, the year of his nativity being 1818.
He was about twelve years of age at the time of his parents' removal
to Huntingdon county and here he grew up and was educated. After
his marriage he purchased a farm of one hundred and eighteen acres,
on which he erected good buildings and on which he resided until about
1886, when his son Isaac Scott Buck bought him out. He retired to the
village of Warriors Mark about 1890 and there died in 1902, aged
eighty-four years. His first wife, Lydia Krider by name, died in 1865.
Her father was a farmer and land owner near Warriors Mark, and he
died in young manhood, although his wife lived to be old and blind.
Mrs. Buck had two brothers, Henry and Joseph. For his second wife
Isaac Buck married Hannah Elder. He was a Republican in his politi-
cal convictions and he held various township offices. In religious faith
he was a devout member of the United Brethren church. Isaac and
Lydia (Krider) Buck had six children, as follows: Mary is the widow
of Martin Beck, and lives at Warriors Mark ; Jane died at the age of
sixteen years ; Diller married Lydia Goodman, and they reside at War-
riors Mark; Isaac Scott is the immediate subject of this sketch; Anna
married John Bell, of Warriors Mark; and Sarah Sabina is the wife of
John Dougherty, of Altoona.
Isaac Scott Buck passed his boyhood and youth on the farm he now
owns and operates and he obtained a good elementary education in the
neighboring district schools. He is a general farmer and has won
marked success as a breeder of high-grade cattle, keeping many head on
hand constantly for butter purposes. The estate on which he lives com-
prises one hundred and eighteen acres, and he likewise owns two other
farms, of one hundred and twenty-one and one hundred and eighteen
acres, respectively. He is strictly a self-made man, owing his splendid
success in life to his own inherent ability and energy. Although a stal-
wart Republican in matters of national import, in local politics he main-
HISTORY OF TIIK JUNIATA VALLEY 1131
tains an independent attitude, giving his vote to men and measures of
wliicii lie approves, regardless of party creed. He has served for many
terms on the local school board, and his religious faith is in harmony
with the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In 1880 Mr. Buck was united in marriage to Miss Lily Waite, a
native of Warriors Mark township, and a sister of H. H. Waite, who
is mentioned on other pages of this book. Mr. and Mrs. Buck became
the parents of eight children: Edith married Rev. Frank Fisher, of
Petersburg, and they have one son, Frank Jr. ; George married Verna
Conrad, and he is a farmer at Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania, and has
one child, Wilfred: Irma is at the parental home; Alma is the wife of
Ernest Nearhooff, of Warriors Mark township, and has two children,
Scott and George : Hazel, Walter and Donald are all at home : and Isaac,
twin of Donald, died in infancy.
Oliver Wilson Stevens, of Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania,
STEVENS descends from an honorable. Irish family that has con-
tributed by its valiant deeds and steadfast adherence to
the Protestant religion much to the history of the Emerald Isle. There
is scarcely a battle of note, since the first Irish kings, that a Stevens was
not in the forefront, fighting for the cause that he deemed just. There
was a Theodore Stevens, from Ireland, among the Crusaders, and a
John Stevens waged war in France under Henry V. When he was
complimented by Henry and called a "redoubtable Englishman," he
modestly disclaimed being an Englishman, and said proudly that he was
a native of Ireland. From this John Stevens descends the Stevens fam-
ily of Pennsylvania, of which Oliver W^ilson Stevens is a member.
(I) David F. Stevens was born in Ireland, April 6, 1808, and died
in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1883. He immi-
grated with his family to the L'nited States, and after locating in vari-
ous sections finally settled at Saltillo, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania.
He was a man of means before leaving Ireland, and on selecting Penn-
sylvania as his place of abode he purchased two hundred and ten acres
of land, which he cleared, improved, erected a dwelling and out houses
thereon, and cultivated until the day of his death. After reaching the
L'nited States he became a naturalized American citizen, and thereafter
took a keen interest in politics and all matters pertaining to the general
1 132 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
welfare, not only of his own community, county and state, but the
country as well. He held the office of justice of peace for many years,
and became famous in that section for administering justice impartially
to all who came before him for petty misdemeanors. He was one of the
influential men of his neighborhood, and was much esteemed by those
who knew him. He married, in Ireland, Elizabeth Fisher, born June
21, 1817, died in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1888.
Like her husband she was of a distinguished Irish family whose deeds
are recorded in history. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Stevens origi-
nally went from Scotland to Ireland, where he hoped to live a more
peaceful life than it was possible to do at that time in England or Scot-
land. Scotland was torn asunder by clan feuds and England was in the
throes of political revolution. In Ireland only, at that time, could peace
be found for those who did not mingle in politics nor take part in the
ever-recurring changes in the other two countries. Children of David
F. and Elizabeth (Fisher) Stevens: i. Jesse P., a butcher in Montana,
where he died. 2. James H., a retired farmer in Illinois. 3. Allan, a
miner, living at Six Mile Run, Bedford county, Pennsylvania. 4. Har-
riet, married W. P. Grissinger, and lives at Mt. Union, Pennsylvania.
5. Joseph, a carpenter in Orbisonia. 6. David, a veterinary surgeon in
Illinois. 7. Kate, married Benjamin Horton, deceased ; lives at Broad
Top City, Pennsylvania. 8. Fletcher, lives at Rockford, Illinois. 9.
Oliver Wilson, of whom further. 10. Elizabeth, died in infancy. 11.
Martha, twin of Elizabeth, died in infancy.
(II) Oliver Wilson Stevens, son of David F. and Elizabeth (Fisher)
Stevens, was born September 2y, 1857, in Saltillo, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania. He received a fair education in the public schools in
Cla}'' township, Huntingdon county, and on reaching adult age engaged
in farming on the homestead, which he managed for his father. In
1890 he changed his place of abode to Spruce Creek township, where
he purchased forty acres of land, afterward adding to it two hundred
and sixty acres. He erected new and modern buildings and continued
his improvements until he has today one of the model farms of that
section. He does a highh^ successful general farming, having brought
his tillable acreage to a remarkable state of productiveness. He sup-
ports the Republican party with his franchise, and has served as school
director. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, as is his wife.
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1133
and gives it substantial suppurt. He ranks as one of the leading men
of his community, is progressive, generous, honorable and thorough-
going and esteemed by his neighbors. He married, February 19, 1885,
Lillie May Jamison, born December 2, 1865, in Center county, Penn-
sylvania, a daughter of John and Catherine (Carter) Jamison. Chil-
dren of Oliver Wilson and Lillie May (Jamison) Stevens: i. Neva
Ethel, born July 3, 1886; married Clair Stewart; lives in Juniata, Penn-
sylvania; no children. J. Luki Catherine, born August i, 1888; married
Harry Batiiurst, lives in Birmingham, Pennsylvania ; children : Gladys
May, Martha Elizabeth. 3. Oliver, born November 17, 1892; died June
17, 1894. 4. John Stewart, born November 29, 1894, lives at home.
5. Franklin Beck, born August 21, 1897. 6. Thelma Virginia, born
January 13, 1901. 7. Alice Daisy, born September 20, 1903.
(The Jamison Line).
John Jamison, father of Lillie May (Jamison) Stevens, was born
in Center county, Pennsylvania, March i, 1832. He was educated in
the public schools of the day, and descending from a scholarly Scotch
family he absorbed easily the knowledge atiforded him in the primitive
schools of that time. He engaged in farming at an early age in Center
county; and in 1875, with his family he moved to Saltillo, Huntingdon
county, where he engaged in the same occupation, continuing it until
five years before his death, which occurred in November, 1898. During
the last five years of his life he was the proprietor of a hotel, which he
ran successfully. He married (first) Elizabeth IMarkle, by whom he
had nine children. He married (second) Catherine (Carter) Bathurst,
widow of Reuben Bathurst, by whom she had two children. Catherine
(Carter) Jamison was born in Center county. May 22, 1838. She was
a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Bathurst) Carter. John and Cath-
erine (Carter) Jamison were the parents of nine children, of whom
Lillie May (Jamison) Stevens was the eldest.
Joseph Carter, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Stevens, while of
straight English descent, was born and reared in Center county, Penn-
sylvania. He was a man of wealth and influence, and was an iron-
master in Center county, where he lived and died at a ripe old age. He
married Elizabeth Bathurst. born in Center county, and who died at
Pine Grove Mills, where she was interred. Her father was Sir Law-
1 134 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
rence Bathurst, who came from England to America in the early part
of last century, located in Pennsylvania, and became a gentleman
farmer. It is related of him that he grew disgusted with the manner in
which the laws were administered in England and decided to try the
new country across the Atlantic. He became so imbued with the idea
of democracy as he saw it in the United States that he returned to
England, disposed of his property, except that which was entailed, and
sailed soon thereafter with his family and servants to America. He
was an educated, cultured gentleman, and soon after he established him-
self in Pennsylvania his neighbors recognized him as their leader. In
taking out his naturalization papers he gave up his title and thereafter
was known as Mr. Bathurst. He reared his children in a democratic
manner, although furnishing them with means for exceptionally fine
educations, which distinguished them from their neighbors. His de-
scendants are among the prominent citizens in man}' portions of the
state today.
The name of Kenaga is one which occurs in the annals
KENAGA of the state of Pennsylvania for many years, although
some of the members wandered into Ohio and made
their homes in that state for a time.
(I) John Kenaga was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and
from thence went to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was engaged
in the occupation of farming until his death. He married Eva Seese,
of German descent.
(II) William O., son of John and Eva (Seese) Kenaga, was born
in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 22, 1837. He was the owner of con-
siderable landed property, and cultivated a large tract of it. He gave
his political support to the Republican party, and filled very acceptably
a number of local offices. He married in Ohio, Sarah Ann, born Au-
gust 6, 1842, daughter of William and Harriet (Shekels) Burris, both
born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and who had removed to a
farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kenaga had one
child :
(III) William Grant Kenaga was born in Odon, Indiana, Oc-
tober 2, 1868. He was educated in the public schools, and at Mount
Union College, Ohio, from which he was graduated. Having served
/fV
4^
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1135
an apprenticeship at brickmaking at Canal Dover, he went to Clovekmd,
Ohio, in 1890, and became connected with a firm in the manufacture
of brick. He remained in Cleveland until 1901, and the next three years
were spent in looking after the branch plants of the same concerns in
various parts of the Union. In 1904 he came to Alexandria, Pennsyl-
vania, and the result was the estal)lishment of the Federal Refractories
Company, which has been in existence since that time under his man-
agement. That this is an exceedingly responsible position is attested
by the following figures : The daily capacity of the plant is forty-five
thousand bricks; they employ two hundred and forty men: and they
have a monthly payroll of $13,000. They manufacture three kinds of
brick — magnesite, chrome and silica. The raw material for the first of
these products is received from Austria, and for the second from Japan,
Turkey and South Africa. The finished output is sent to all parts of
the United States and Canada. Mr. Kenaga is secretary of this corpo-
ration, and in addition to this has connections with a number of other
enterprises. He is a director and holds other office in the National Fire
Brick Company, the Minor Fire Brick Company, the Lockha\en Fire
Brick Company, and several others. He is a strong supporter of Re-
publican principles, and is a member of the following named organiza-
tions : r\Iount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons ;
Standing Stone Chapter, No. 201, Royal Arch Masons; Huntingdon
Commandery, No. 65, Knights Templar ; Jaffa Temple, Ancient Ara-
bic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Altoona, Pennsylvania, and
Harrisburg Consistory; also the Royal Arcanum, Modern Woodmen of
the World, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the latter of
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Kenaga married, December 20, 1891, Clara E.. born in Ohio, a
daughter of Judius Gleitsman. They have no children.
The Harencane family of Huntingdon county,
HARENCANE Pennsylvania, has long been established in .Amer-
ica. It is not definitely known when tlie immi-
grant ancestor landed in the New ^^^orld, but it is thought to l)e about
1752-1753. He probably settled in the British Crown Colony of New
York, as Henry Harencane enlisted in the Continental army from
Westchester county in 1777, served for five years unremittingly, and
1 136 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
was finally retired because of a dangerous wound received in a sharp
skirmish with a company of Hessian soldiers near New York City. He
eventually recovered and devoted the rest of his life to farming.
Among his descendants was Jacob, of whom further.
(I) Jacob Harencane, a direct descendant of the revolutionary war
hero, was born in the state of New York, at that time the province of
New York. He was a farmer by vocation, pursuing it until his death
in Pennsylvania, to which state he moved in early manhood. He was
the parent of several sons and daughters, among whom was Jacob S.,
of whom further.
(II) Jacob S., son of Jacob Harencane, was born in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, and died in the county of his birth, at the home
of his son, William S. Harencane, in April, 1909. After his mar-
riage he settled at Hill Valley, Huntingdon county, and continued farm-
ing on his father's land, with great success. Later, tempted by more
fertile land, he moved to near Huntingdon, and from there to the farm
of an uncle, where he remained for several years. He later retired
from active business life and made his home with his son. He and his
wife were members of the German Reformed church, actively partici-
pating in all of its work ; and he was a member of the Knights of the
Golden Eagle. He married Catherine Idinger, born in Huntingdon
county, who still survives him, making her home with her son, William
S. Harencane. Jacob S. and Catherine (Idinger) Harencane were
the parents of fourteen children: Ann Elizabeth, died aged six years;
Rufina Brisbin, married Scott Prough; Samuel Reed, deceased: Henry;
Clara Jane, married John Feaster : George, deceased ; Euna Mary, de-
ceased; Nora Susan, married John E. Snyder; WilHam; Marjorie Ellen,
deceased ; Ida May, married Emanuel Parks, who is now deceased ;
Florrance, deceased; Julia Catherine, deceased; Nellie Irene, deceased.
(III) William S., son of Jacob S. and Catherine (Idinger) Haren-
cane, was born April 6, 1871, at Warriors Ridge, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania. He was reared on a farm and received his education in
the public schools. He chose the family occupation of farming as his
vocation and while yet a youth entered upon it. For several years he
worked rented land, in which he was very successful. Giving this up he
was engaged in various capacities on public works for seven or eight
years, where he gave the greatest satisfaction to his employers. As his
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1137
father advanced in years it was his most cherished desire to see his sun
established on a farm of his own. To meet this wish of his parent,
and also to insure his future independence, he purchased ninety acres of
land in Porter township, Huntingdon county, which he improved in
every wa_\-. remodeling the buildings and bringing the land to a high
state of productiveness, and where he does general farming along ap-
proved scientilic lines. He is considered one of the substantial and
progressive men of Porter township. He is a Democrat, but has never
held, nor asked for office. Mr. Harencane is unmarried, his mother
looking after his household.
The Grove family of Pennsylvania may justly be said to
GROVE be American, in that the ancestor of it was in America in
1730, and since which time the members of it have
espoused every cause dear to the hearts of true Americans. Many of
the name fought the Indians, the French, the English, in both the revo-
lutionary war and that of 181 2, and in the civil war. Behind them is a
long line of unstained patriotic record.
(I) Jacob Grove, a direct descendant of the emigrant Grove, was
born in Penn township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was
reared on his father's farm and educated in the common and private
schools of the day. He early turned his attention to farming, lived and
died a cultivator of the soil. He spent the greater part of his life in
Penn township, where he owned two hundred acres of land, forty of
which were under cultivation, the other hundred and sixty being fine
timbered land. Because of his known honesty he was selected by dying
parents and the courts to act as guardian to many orphan children. He
married Margaret Summers, like himself of colonial stock. Their chil-
dren w^ere Andrew F., of whom further; Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret,
Jacob Jr., Samuel S. and Benjamin.
(II) Andrew F. Grove, son of Jacob and Margaret (Svnnmers)
Grove, was born on his father's farm in Penn township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the public schools
of the township and in the Tuscarora Academy at Academia, which was
one of the best at that time in the state. He prepared himself for teach-
ing, and on leaving school he became an instructor of the young, which
occupation he followed with great success. He was not only a thorough
1 138 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
scholar, and knew how to impart his knowledge to his pupils, but he was
also a strict disciplinarian. He next engaged in surve3'ing, and was in
great demand, as at that time the land lines were not well defined. In
1865 he established a general merchandise store in Grafton, Pennsyl-
vania, which he conducted until the time of his death, in 1890. In this
last venture he was very prosperous, and accumulated a handsome for-
tune. He married (first) Ann Corbin, born in Penn township, Hunt-
ingdon county, Pennsylvania, daughter of David and Nancy (Engle-
hart) Corbin. David Corbin accompanied his father, two brothers and
a sister from England to Virginia, where they located, and later came
to Pennsylvania, settling in Huntingdon county. Children of Andrew
F. and Ann (Corbin) Grove: Gaird Corbin, of whom further; Maude
T. and Ford J. He married (second) Annie Sprankle; by her had two
children, Frank and Harry.
(Ill) G. C. Grove, son of Andrew F. and Ann (Corbin) Grove,
was born October 16, 1868, in Penn township, Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania. He received an excellent education in the township
public schools, and on leaving entered the store of his father. He
eventually became manager of the mercantile business, and in 1890 he
became proprietor. Besides dealing in general merchandise he handles
wood, ties, bark, etc. He is one of the most up-to-date men in his
vicinity, and is regarded as a leading citizen. He is a Prohibitionist in
his political affiliations, sustaining the tenets of that party on all occa-
sions by argument and influence, and belongs to the Missionary Alliance
church.
He married, in Januar}^, 1898, Unity May Rickeard, born in Dudley
township. Children: i. Grace Naomi. 2. G. C. Jr. 3. Sarah Esther.
4. Maude Theresa. 5. Elijah Rickeard.
George Russell was the first member of this branch of
RUSSELL the Russell family to settle in Huntingdon county,
whither he came in 1795 from Berks county, the immi-
grant ancestor of the name having there made his home. He became
the owner of six hundred acres of land in Hopewell township, where
the family home remains. He married and had issue.
(II) Jacob, son of George Russell, was born in Hopewell township,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he died September 22, 1869,
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1139
in his seventy-seventh year. He conducted extensive farming opera-
tions on his farm of five iiundred acres, also raising horses for tiie mar-
ket. He was a Democrat in politics and filled the office of tax collector
of Hopewell township. He was a member of the Reformed church.
He married Catherine, daughter of Christian Weaver, of Hopewell
townshij), born 1808, died November 17, 1873. Children of Christian
Weaver, all deceased: Jacob, John A., James Christian, Catherine (of
previous mention) married Jacob Russell. Children of Jacob and Cath-
erine (W^eaver) Russell: i. Susannah, born in 1830, died December
22, 1876; married William Fisher, and lived in Bedford county. 2.
David Russell, a veteran of the civil war; deceased. 3. Mary, married
Thomas Keith, and lived in Martinsburg. 4. Isaac Russell, a veteran
of the civil war, lived in Hopewell township; deceased. 5. John W.
Russell, born April 30, 1844, died April 10, 1898; lived in the resi-
dence now occupied by James W. Russell. 6. Abram, deceased, a vet-
eran of the civil war, lived in Hopewell township. 7. Samuel, a resi-
dent of Hopewell township. 8. Daniel, deceased. 9. James W. Rus-
sell, of further mention. 10. Rosanah, died May 15, 1879. married
Philip Brumbaugh.
(Ill) James W., ninth child and seventh son of Jacob and Cather-
ine (Weaver) Russell, was born in Hopewell township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, in 1847. He obtained his education in the public
schools of his native township, and recalls with pleasant memory the
roughly hewn desks and the long, backless benches of slab pine. For a
time, until his father's death, he worked on the home farm, then ac-
cepting a position with the Huntingdon and Broad Top railroad, which
he held for six years. He then engaged as his brother's assistant on the
old homestead, assuming entire charge of the farm of one hundred and
ten acres, upon his brother's death. This he successfully cultivates at
the present time and is noted throughout the locality for the high grade
of Holstein cattle he has upon his farm. He is a Democrat in politics,
and, while he takes no active part in public affairs, as executive or office-
holder, nevertheless he is prominently connected with all the township
movements and improvements, his advice and counsel being constantly
sought and gratefully received.
He married, January 7, 1892, Margaret Dreece, born in Hopewell
township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, daughter of \\'illiam, a
II40 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
veteran of the civil war, and Mary Dreece. Child, Walter Scott, born
November 24, 1892, died aged ten years.
Harry Cresswell Miller, of Huntingdon county, Penn-
MILLER sylvania, a leading citizen and man of prominence in his
count}', descends from Irish and German stock long set-
tled in Pennsylvania. The emigrant, Matthew Miller, most probably
came to America in 1790, located in Pennsylvania, there farmed, lived
and died. Among his descendants was Jacob Corell, of whom further.
(I) Jacob Corell Miller was born on the Miller homestead, in Hunt-
ingdon county, and there farmed until his death, June 9, 1898. He
received his education in the schools of the township, at that time Barree
township. He purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land which
he improved, erected houses, and converted into a fine farm. He was
active in the social, political and religious affairs of the township. He
was a lifelong Democrat, voting with the party, and under it held vari-
ous local offices. He married Caroline Greene, born on the Greene
homestead in Huntingdon county. Children: i. John S., deceased.
2. Mary. 3. Charlotte. 4. Robert G. 5. Nancy P. 6. Ella, deceased.
7. Harry Cresswell, of whom further. 8. James Guinn.
(II) Harry Cresswell Miller, son of Jacob Corell and Caroline
(Greene) Miller, was born February 2, 1866, in Miller township, Hunt-
ingdon county, Pennsylvania. After receiving his education in the
public school he purchased in 1895 the Miller homestead place of two
hundred and thirty-eight acres, in Huntingdon county, where he does
general farming on a large scale. Mr. Miller is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church and of the Grange; and supports the Demo-
cratic party with his vote. He was school director sixteen years, and
was supervisor and treasurer for supervisors several years. He is ac-
tively interested in the affairs of the township and always stands for
the public good on all questions. He is one of the substantial farmers
of Pennsylvania, and has contributed his share toward maintaining the
high standard of citizenship for which the state is justly famous.
On November 28, 1894, he married Anna Thomas Bell, daughter
of Thomas and Mary Ann (Stewart) Bell, both of whom were reared
in Barree township. Through this marriage Mr. Miller is connected
with a large number of families in the Juniata Valley, besides being
O^-iv-rxjc^flk,^^
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1141
related to many families throutjh both his mcither and father. Thomas
Bell was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Moore) Bell. The Bells
are long residents of Pennsylvania, while the Moores are pioneers of
New Jersey. The father of Alexander Bell, Captain Jack Bell, was the
pioneer of Barree township, Huntingdon county, and to this day his
feats with gun and rod are related. Children of Harry C. and Anna
Thomas (Bell) Miller: i. Jacob Clarence, born October 15, 1895. -■
Thomas Bell, born October 6, 1897. 3. Robert Stewart, born June i,
1900. 4. Richard James, born December 22,. 1906. 5. Donald Franklin,
twin of Richard James, born December 23, 1906.
James ]\Iurray Africa, civil engineer, of Huntingdon,
AFRICA Pennsylvania, was born in the borough of Huntingdon,
April II, 1863, and is a son of J. Simpson and Dorothea
C. (Greenland) Africa. J. Simpson Africa was born in the town of
Huntingdon, September 15. 1832: his wife was a daughter of the late
Joshua and Elizabeth (Wright) Greenland, and was born in Cassville,
Huntingdon county, September 29, 1834. Mrs. Africa died in Novem-
ber, 1886. J. Simpson Africa died in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania,
in 1900.
During the childhood of James Murray Africa his parents removed
to Philadelphia and afterwards to Atsion, Burlington county, New Jer-
sey, where he attended a private school for a short time. In 1870 the
family removed to Huntingdon, where James Murray pursued his studies
in private and public schools, and at Juniata College. His education
was finished at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York,
where he took a thorough course in civil engineering, was graduated
June 13, 1888, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession,
making the town of Huntingdon his headquarters. In 1873 he entered
an engineer's office as student; in 1881 was appointed member of the
commission to determine the lines of Jackson, Miller and Barree town-
ships, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania: in 1882-83 was in charge of
the topographical and boundary surveys of coal and ore lands of R. H.
Powell & Company in Huntingdon and Clearfield counties, Pennsvl-
vania : also lands of Huntingdon & Broad Top railroad: in 1884 and
189 — ■ was elected city engineer of Huntingdon, and designed and con-
structed the sewerage system of the borough of Huntingdon; in June,
1 142 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
1888, graduated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York;
the same year he designed the water works for Palmyra and Riverton,
New Jersey, and was consulting engineer for the Union Trust
Company, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, furnishing funds for the
Westmoreland county water w^orks; October 20, 1888, was elected
a member of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia; in December, 1888,
became assistant engineer of the Chautauc[ua Lake railroad, Jamestown,
New York, of which he was made chief engineer in January, 1889; in
July of that year the office of general manager of the Chautauqua Lake
railroad was added to that of chief engineer, and he also became general
manager of the Chautauqua Steamboat Company; in 1890 was chief
engineer and general manager of the Etowah Iron Company, Carters-
ville, Georgia, and constructed twelve miles of railroad ; also designed
and erected a mill for the concentration of manganese ore; this office,
in February, 1891, he was obliged to resign on account of ill health, and
was until June of that year at the University Hospital in Philadelphia.
From July to December of that year he was in charge of the survey of
the lands pertaining to the Rockhill Iron and Coal Company of Hunting-
don county; 1892-93 was engaged in designing and superintending the
street improvements of the borough of Huntingdon; and in 1894 he was
elected chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Midland railroad, at the
general office, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. During the past twelve
years Mr. Africa has designed and erected six Howe truss wooden
bridges and a number of steel highway bridges not included in the
above enumeration of his engagements, and has been employed on
important surveys by Eckley B. Coxe, Drifton, Pennsylvania; William
Thaw, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; the Lehigh Valley Coal Company,
Pennsylvania; the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; the Pennsylvania
Canal Company; Cresson Springs Company, of Cresson, Pennsylvania;
Cambria Steel Company, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and the Tyrone
Mining and Manufacturing Company, Tyrone, Pennsylvania. He holds
at present the position of city engineer of Huntingdon. On September
2, 1896, he was elected a member of the American Society of Civil
Engineers. He designed the sewerage system for Lewistown, Penn-
sylvania, also that of Danville and Mt. Union, Pennsylvania, and was
engineer in charge of construction of the additions of the Standard
Steel Plant at Burnham, Pennsylvania, for the Baldwin Locomotive
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1143
Works of Philadelphia. This increased the plant from seven hundred
to four thousand five hundred men. He designed and superintended
construction of roads, waterworks, sewers, etc., of the Masonic Home
at Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and has just completed (1913) a reser-
voir and filter system for the Pennsylvania Industrial Reformatory at
Huntingdon; is also constructing (1913) a filter plant for the water
system of Huntingdon. He has erected many of the bridges on the
Huntingdon & Broad Top railroad, supplanting the old wooden trestles
with the more modern stone and concrete bridges, and has made surveys
on over two thousand properties in thirty-seven counties of Pennsyl-
vania, also surveys in twelve different states, varying in size from one
hundred to twenty-one thousand acre tracts.
Mr. Africa is past master of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, F. and
A. M., of which he has always been an active member; past high priest
of Standing Stone Chapter, No. 201, R. A. M; past eminent commander
of Huntingdon Commandery, No. 65, K. T., and a member of the Im-
proved Order of Heptasophs. Mr. Africa's political opinions are Demo-
cratic.
J. Murray Africa was married at Reading, Pennsylvania, June i,
1893, to Eleanor, daughter of Charles B. and Elizabeth jMcKnight, of
that city, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Africa have children : J.
Murray, Jr., born May 21, 1895; Charles McKnight, September 3, 1896,
and Hunter, June 2;^. 1900. The family attend the Presbyterian
church.
In Cromwell township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
STARR near Orbisonia, is located the splendidly improved farm of
H. A. Starr, the same comprising three hundred acres. On
this beautiful rural estate Mr. Starr was born and reared, the year of his
nativity being i860. He is a son of Michael and Clara (Krugh) Starr,
the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Franklin
county, Pennsylvania. The mother was a daughter of Michael and Mary
Krugh, both natives of Germany, whence they immigrated to America
in their youth, settling in Dublin township, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, where they gained prestige as farmers.
]\Iichael Starr passed his boyhood and youth in Franklin county,
where he was given the advantages of a public school education. As a
1 144 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
young man he came to Huntingdon county and began farming on a tract
of land in Cromwell township. He devoted all his time and attention
to diversified agriculture, and at the time of his demise, he was the owner
of two hundred and fifty acres of well cultivated soil. He served his
community as poor director and for many years was likewise school
director. He was twice married; first, to Mary Hoagland, and (second)
to Mary Krugh. The first union was blessed with five children : Simon,
Elizabeth, Jacob, Ann and John. Of the second marriage were born:
James, Francis, H. A., of whom further; Amanda, John and Samuel.
After completing the curriculum of the public schools of his home
place, H. A. Starr turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He has
always resided on the old homestead, and his present holdings amount
to three hundred acres, all of which is under cultivation. In 1897 he
erected a fine, modern barn, and he has since remodeled the residence.
He is a staunch Democrat in politics, and while he has never nm for
public office of any description he is ever alive to the issues of the day
and does all in his power to advance the progress and prosperity of his
community. He is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, and is
known as a man of his word and as one who is strictly reliable and
honorable in all his business dealings. In religious faith he and his
family are devout communicants of the Catholic church.
In the year 1884 Mr. Starr married Miss Jennie McGarvey. Mr.
and Mrs. Starr had six children : Amanda, Hilda, Lawrence, Lea,
Herbert and Dallas. Mrs. Starr is deceased.
Sprung from Irish stock, the Henderson family of
HENDERSON Huntingdon county has been in this country for
a number of generations. Robert Henderson, the
immigrant ancestor, came from County Derry, Ireland, to this country
during the revolutionary war. He reared a family of nine sons and
one daughter. He settled first in Chester county, and later moved to
what is now Center county.
(I) David Henderson, the first of the family of whom we have more
detailed information, was born in Taylor township, Center county,
Pennsylvania, in Bald Eagle Valley. Like his father he learned the
trade, of shoemaking, and followed this successfully for a long period
of time. For a while he was located in Franklin township, and lived
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1145
in various otiier places. He supplied the eniplnyes of neighboring forges
with their footwear, which was an ini[)()rtant contract at a time when all
work had to be done by hand. He llnally abandoned this business in
favor of farming and retired to his farm near Spruce Creek. Later he
removed to Spruce Creek, where he died, October 7, 1882, at the age of
eighty-six years. In 182 1 he married Margaret Jane, daughter of
■ — and Elizabeth Conrad, who died April 10, 1877. They
had children: i. Elizabeth, married Daniel Waite. 2. Robert L., was
a farmer, and died in Spruce Creek township, Huntingdon county, at
the age of seventy-four years. 3. Isabella, died at Tyrone; married
John G. Waite. 4. Mary A., never married, and died in May, 191 1, at
the age of eighty-nine years. 5. Thomas K., a farmer, and at one time
sheriff of Huntingdon county, died at Warriors j\Iark, aged seventy-
four years. 6. Samuel C, a farmer, died near Birmingham, Huntingdon
county. 7. Margaret Jane, married the Hon. Samuel Dysart, and both
died in Lee county, Illinois. He was commissioner of agriculture, and
in 1900 represented the L^nited States Agricultural Department in Paris,
France. 8. John, died in infancy about 1842. 9. David Porter, see
forward.
(II) David Porter, son of David and Margaret Jane (Conrad)
Henderson, was born in the house in which he has since lived, in Frank-
lin township, now Spruce Creek township, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, April 8, 1839. He was educated in the public school in the
vicinity, and from his early years devoted himself to agricultural inter-
ests. He enlisted, August 7, 1862, in Company C, One Hundred and
Twenty-fifth regiment, and was honorably discharged May 18, 1863.
The battles in which he participated were those of Antietam and Chan-
cellorsville. Because of his civil war record he is a member of the
Grand Arm)- of the Republic. After his marriage he rented the home
farm for one year, and purchased it in 1S67. This consisted of one
hundred and sixty-five acres in Spruce Creek township, and he has
added to it, so that it now consists of one hundred and eighty acres.
He has kept the old buildings in an excellent state, and has had the barn
remodeled. He is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has filled
very acceptably a number of local ofifices. He and his wife are memljers
of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee since
about 1875.
1 146 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
Mr. Henderson married, February 15, 1865, Esther Jane Stover,
born on Eden Hill, Spruce Creek township, December 28, 1848. She
is the daughter of Jacob Stover, born in Blair county, Pennsylvania,
who later engaged in farming in Huntingdon county, where his death
occurred. He married Mary Waite, who was born and died in Hunting-
don county. Jacob and Mary (Waite) Stover were members of the
jNIethodist Episcopal church, and had children : John, Miles and Emory,
all living in Huntingdon county; Susan, deceased, married John H.
Wallace ; Frances, deceased, married George Bribenbaugh ; Esther Jane,
mentioned above; Mary, married F. Pierce Gray, and lives in Center
county, Pennsylvania. Children of David Porter and Esther Jane
(Stover) Henderson: i. Mary Belle, married (first) Oscar L. Borst,
of Spruce Creek, Huntingdon county; (second) Newton Neidigh, a
farmer, and they live near State College, Center county, Pennsylvania.
2. Charles Milton, a farmer near Meringo, Center county, Pennsyl-
vania, married Cynthia Rider. 3. Warren M., see forward. 4. Eliza-
beth, married Rush Horrell, and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5.
John S., is a farmer on the old homestead; he married (first) Dora
Houtz, and (second) Edith Miller. 6. Cora Ella, married Wilson
Gramling, a farmer, and lives at Ashley, Indiana. 7. Esther, married
Walter L. Scultz, a merchant and farmer of Spruce Creek. 8. William
Wallace, a clerk ; he is unmarried.
(Ill) Warren M. Henderson, son of David Porter and Esther Jane
(Stover) Henderson, was born in Spruce Creek township, Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1869. His early life was spent on the
homestead farm, and his education was commenced in the public schools
of that locality. Later he took up sttidies in Juniata College and West
Chester State Normal School. AVhen seventeen years of age he began
teaching, following that profession four years in Franklin and Warriors
Mark townships. He entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company in 1890, at Pittsburgh. In 1901 he entered the Dickinson
Law School at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, also studying under John W.
Wetzel, of the bar of Cumberland county. He was graduated from the
law school, June 4, 1894, and was admitted to the Cumberland county
bar. On July 2, of the same year, he was admitted to the bar of Hunting-
don county, beginning to practice there the following month. He has
been practicing there constantly since that time, and by his honorable
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1147
and upright course in his legal dealings, has won for himself the respect
of the court and the trust and conhdence of a large clientele. He is a
member of the Huntingdon County Bar Association, and politically a
Democrat. He has served as borough attorney and as sheriff's attorney,
and for a time was chairman of the Democratic County Committee.
He is a member of the Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, Free and Ac-
cepted ]\Iasons; Standing Stone Chapter, No. 201, Royal x\rch Masons;
Juniata Lodge, No. 117, of Huntingdon, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
Mr. Henderson married, June 22, 1897, Elizabeth, daughter of Abra-
ham and Susan HefTner, natives of Huntingdon, and they have children:
Robert HefYner, born July 13, 1898; and Elizabeth, born July 5, 1907.
The Noltes of the Juniata Valley came to the United States
NOLTE from Germany, the emigrant ancestor being George (i)
Nolte, who came with wife and family in 1848, settling in
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, about 1850. Lie was a cooper by
trade, an honorable, industrious man, who spent his quarter century
of American life in Huntingdon county, and there died prior to 1870.
He had children: George (2) of further mention; John, whose inter-
esting and successful career is traced in another Nolte sketch in this
work : Nicholas, and Mary.
(II) George (2), son of George (i) Nolte, was born in Germany,
in 1820, there was educated, and learned the trade of cooper. He came
to the Linited States with his father, and settled in Huntingdon county,
where he followed his trade of cooper, learned the trade of stone mason
and worked in a brewery. He was accidentally killed on the Pennsyl-
vania railroad at Tipton, Blair county, Pennsylvania, and is buried in
Huntingdon. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran
church. He married Elizabeth Cough; children: Martha, never mar-
ried; Henry, died October 27, 1912, in Harrisburg, a Pennsylvania rail-
road conductor, married and left issue Ella and Hughes; John, now a
train dispatcher for the Pennsylvania railroad, located at Altoona, Penn-
sylvania, he married Laura Wharton; George (3), of whom further.
(III) George (3), son of George (2) and Elizabeth (Cough) Nolte,
was born at Lewistown, Pennsylvania, May 23, i860. He was educated
in the public schools of Huntingdon, and when a young man was em-
1 148 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
ployed in the Cambria Steel Works at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 1880
he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad, serving six years
as assistant conductor and for the past twenty-four years as conductor.
He is an old and trusted employee of the company and has fairly won
the respect and confidence of his official superiors and of those who
are under his orders. He is a member of the Lutheran church; the
order of Pennsylvania Railroad Conductors, the Pennsylvania Railroad
Relief Association, the Pennsylvania Railroad Old Veterans' Associa-
tion, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He married, June 21,
1888, Flora May, daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Ayres) Dickson.
Samuel Dickson is a fireman on the Pennsylvania railroad.
The Bayers came to the United States from Germany,
BAYER where for many generations they had been seated. The
emigrant ancestor settled in Maryland, from whence came
John Bayer when a young man. His father was a farmer of Maryland
and reared a large family including sons : John, Joseph, Daniel, Henry,
and George ; and daughters : Mary, Susan, Nancy, Katherine, Hannah,
and Barbara.
John Bayer, born in Washington, Maryland, there was educated and
learned the trade of miller. On coming to Pennsylvania he settled in
Franklin county, where he married and lived until his death, February
27, 1875. He married, in Franklin county, Mary Ann Miller, born
there and died May 25, 1880, daughter of Daniel and Margaret Miller,
both of German parentage — he a farmer of Franklin county: she had
brothers Adam and Levi, and sisters Katherine, Eve. Elizabeth and
Margaret. Children of John and Mary Ann (Miller) Bayer: i. John,
died aged four years. 2. Sarah, died aged sixteen years. 3. David B.,
a tile manufacturer of Bellefontaine, Ohio. 4. Joseph M., died in 191 1,
at Tyrone, Pennsylvania, a wholesale grocer. 5. Adam M., a farmer
of Bellefontaine, Ohio. 6. Henry, a farmer of Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania. 7. Margaret Jane, born in Franklin county, Pennsyl-
vania, March 29, 1859. She was educated in the public schools, and
for several years resided at home after reaching womanhood. In 1897
she opened a ladies" drygoods and notion store in Huntingdon, where
she proved an eminently capable, enterprising and successful business
woman. In 1907 she erected her present store building, a structure fifty
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1149
by fifty feet, three stories in height. She is a member of the Reformed
church, and interested in the woman's department of church and social
hfe. Miss Bayer is unmarried. 8. Theodore F., of whom further notice
will be found in this work.
Ireland herein records another contribution to the com-
STEEL monwealth of Pennsylvania in the Steel family of Hunting-
don county. The member of the family who first came
to America was Samuel Steel, a merchant. He located in Huntingdon
county at an early date and there founded the present family. Both he
and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian church. He
married Jane McCartney, also a native of Ireland. Children: i. Peggy,
married David Blair, a minister of the Presbyterian faith. 2. Betsey,
married John Williamson, a lawyer. 3. John, a physician of Hunting-
don. 4. George, of whom further. 5. David.
(II) George, son of Samuel and Jane (McCartney) Steel, was born
in Huntingdon, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 18 14, died there
April 23, 1872. He obtained his education in the public schools of the
place of his birth and early in life engaged in mercantile dealing, later
entering the lumber business, which he followed all his life. He was
a Republican in politics, and served one term as postmaster. Both he
and his wife were members and regular attendants of the Presbyterian
church. He married Elizabeth McMurtie, born September 25, 18 14,
died November 9, 1891, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Elliott)
McMurtie, natives of England, he a farmer, who came to America about
the last of the eighteenth century. They were married in 1791, and
were both members of the Presbyterian church. Politically he was a
sympathizer with the Tory party. Children of James and Elizabeth
(Elliott) McMurtie: Sarah, married a Mr. Garmer; Martha, mar-
ried Jesse ^March: Elizabeth (of previous mention), married George
Steel; Ellen, married Robert McCoy; Mary, married Dr. John McCul-
len, a physician of Huntingdon; David, a farmer; William, a farmer of
Shavers Creek, Pennsylvania ; Charles, a farmer of Shavers Creek :
Elliott (deceased), a farmer. Children of George and Elizabeth
(McMurtie) Steel: i. Elizabeth Jane, born October 3, 1843, married
Milton Libel, a historian. 2. Samuel Aston (deceased), born 1844.
for six years prothonotary of Huntingdon. 3. Mar}' E., Ijorn Feb-
I ISO HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
ruary 25, 1846, married J. C. Carroll (deceased). 4. Martha, born
]\Iarch 17, 1848, married E. T. Swain, a druggist of Renovo, Pennsyl-
vania. 5. George Given, of whom further.
(Ill) George Given, youngest child of George and Elizabeth
(McMurtie) Steel, was born in Huntingdon, Huntingdon county, Penn-
sylvania, April 17, 1856. He was educated in a private school taught
by Mr. Welch, and later attended the academy for several years. His
entire life has been spent in Huntingdon, where he has successfully
engaged in lumber dealing with his father, the grocery business, and
the wholesale distribution of ice cream, from all of which he has retired
and at the present time (1913) is serving as solicitor for the Huntingdon
National Bank, a position he ably and efficiently fills. He is a Re-
publican in politics, and for six years served the county as prothonotary.
Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, while fra-
ternally he is affiliated with the Order of Heptasophs.
He married, February 17, 1876, Ida T., daughter of John W. Mat-
terson, a lawyer, and Harriet (Snyder) IMatterson. Children of George
Given and Ida T. Steel: i. Harriet, born December, 1876; married
Theodore Humphreys, an engineer in the employ of the H. B. Smith
Company; children: George E. and Theodore Frank. 2. Mary Cath-
erine, born May i, 1878. 3. John Matterson, born June 26, 1880, a
physician of Huntingdon. 4. Addie, died in childhood. 5. Carlotto,
born February 4, 1884, died in childhood. 6. Irene, born August 2,
1885; married W. B. Fretchey, a commercial salesman of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. 7. Letta J., born January 18, 1887; married Earl B.
Swoope, a railroad crew checker at Altoona, Pennsylvania. 8. James
Richard, born May 16, 1891, employee of Equitable Life Insurance
Company. 9. Edmina, born June 28, 1893, ^ graduate of the normal
course, Juniata College; a school teacher. 10. Virginia, born March
5, 1900, died in infancy. 11. David Elliott, born April 2, 1901, attends
school.
Baldwin is an old name and appears as early as 672
BALDWIN A. D. It appears on the "Roll of Battle Abbey" and
has been a common name in both England and America
for many years. The founder of the family to which this branch be-
longs was John Baldwin, who came from Oxfordshire, England, about
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1151
1682, settling in Aston township. Chester (now Delaware) county,
Pennsylvania. He followed his trade of carpenter there for many
years, then moved to Chester, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in mer-
cantile life, acquiring a large and valuable estate. He was a member
of the Society of Friends, as was his wife, Catherine Carter, who, when
married to John Baldwin. 4 mo. 4, 1689. was the "widow Turner." The
line of descent was through John (2) Baldwin, who married 4 mo. 11,
1719, Hannah Johnson. Their son, John (3) Baldwin, married 9 mo.
9, 1743, Ann Pierce, and in 175 1 settled in East Cain township, Chester
county, on a tract of land (five hundred acres) purchased by his grand-
father in 1702.
(V) Robert, a grandson of John (3) Baldwin, was born in Chester,
Delaware county. Penns_\-lvania. He purchased a farm there when
tw^enty-two years of age and there lived until his death at age of ninety
years. He left three sons: Francis H., died unmarried in Delaware
county, a carpenter; Robert Porter, of whom further; William, a ser-
geant of artillery, serving in thirty engagements during the war between
the states, died in the state of Washington.
(VI) Robert Porter, son of Robert Baldwin, was born in Delaware
county, Pennsylvania, on the Baldwin homestead, there grew to man-
hood and learned the miller's trade. When a young man he moved to
Mifflin county, where he followed his trade, operating a mill near Mif-
flintown. He married about 1859. and two years later enlisted in the
Union army, serving in Company I, in a regiment of Pennsylvania volun-
teer infantr}' until the close of the war, when he was honorably dis-
charged. After the war he again engaged in milling at Mifflintown,
but finally returned to the old home in Delaware county, where he pur-
chased a part of the old homestead and there lived until his death. He
was independent in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He married (first) Martha Warner, who died in 187 1. He
married (second) Mary Knisely, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Chil-
dren by first marriage : George B. McClellan, a bricklayer and con-
tractor of Westchester, Pennsylvania ; Francis, of whom further ; James,
died aged twenty-seven years ; a child, died in infancy.
(VII) Francis, son of Robert Porter and Martha (Warner) Bald-
win, was born at Mifflintown. Pennsylvania. September 29. 1866. He
was educated in the public schools there and at "Thornbury Western"
1 152 HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY
in Delaware county. x\t about the age of seventeen years he began
learning the tailor's trade in Westchester and after becoming proficient
worked as a journeyman tailor in several Pennsylvania towns. In the
fall of 1892 he moved to Huntingdon and there started in business for
himself. He was first located on Penn street, but later moved to his
present place of business on Fifth street, where he is well established and
successful. He is a member of Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300, Free
and Accepted Masons; Standing Stone Chapter No. 201, Royal Arch
Masons; Huntingdon Commandery No. 65, Knights Templar; Jafi:a
Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; Patriotic Order Sons of America ;
the Royal Arcanum; and is a communicant of St. John's Protestant
Episcopal church.
He married, in February, 1889, Bertha, daughter of Jacob Taylor,
of Westchester, Pennsylvania; children: Edna M., resides at home;
Anna T., now studying kindergarten systems in a training school for
teachers at Baltimore, Maryland; Francis (2), graduate of Huntingdon
high school, class of 1914.
The Stryker family, of which William Shaw Stryker,
STRYKER of Alexandria, Pennsylvania, is a representative, is
descended from two brothers, who came over from
Holland more than two and a half centuries ago and settled in New
York. One was Peter, the lineal ancestor of William Shaw Stryker,
and the other was John, who settled in New Jersey. Peter located in
Long Island, where his descendants may still be found. The Strykers
were actively patriotic in revolutionary times. One of the famil}-.
General William S. Stryker, was adjutant-general of New Jersey during
the civil war.
(I) John Stryker was born, reared and married in New Jersey.
He was a poor man at the time of his marriage and, some time after
this event, with all his worldly property in an old wagon, which was
drawn by two blind horses, he moved to Huntingdon county and made
his home at Shavers Creek. So industrious and energetic a man was
he that, at the time of his death, he was able to give each of his sons a
fine farm, with the exception of Joseph, who preferred to take the value
of it in a fine education. For some years prior to his decease John
Stryker lived in Logan township. He married Elizabeth Thompson, of
HISTORY OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY 1153
New Jersey, and they had cliildren: i. Thompson, died in Blair county.
2. Peter, see forward. 3. Samuel, a farmer, died in California. 4.
Mahlon, died at Shavers Creek Valley. 5. Joseph, studied law and was
engaged in legal practice in Washington, District of Columbia, for a num-
ber of years. For six years he held the office of consul at rernambuco,
Brazil, and he died in Washington. 6. William, died on the home-
stead near Petersburg. 7. Eliza, married Adam Lightner, and died at
Grafton, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. 8. Mary, married Adam
Leffard, and died at McVeytown, Pennsylvan
