Biographical Sketches - Fox Township - Horton Township
FOX TOWNSHIP
J. HENRY, BEADLE, superintendent of stores for J.H. Steel & Co., Dagus Mines, was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., September 14, 1851, a son of Jesse and Annie (Oldknow) Beadle, natives of England. Mr. Beadle received an ordinary education, and for the past fifteen years has been connected with J.H. Steel & Co., in different capacities. In 1878 he came to Elk county, and has since had charge of the stores at Dagus Mines. He is Republican in politics, and was a delegate to the State convention in 1888; was appointed the first postmaster of Dagus Mines, and is now serving his second term of office. He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and takes an active part in Sabbath- school work, having served as superintendent of the Dagus Mines Sabbath- school for a number of years. His natural disposition is gentle and unobtrusive; while, as a man of business, he is characterized by industry, energy and strict integrity.
CLINTON A. BUNDY, lumberman, Kerseys, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., September 8, 1840, a son of Elijah and Lavina (Vial) Bundy. During his youth Mr. Bundy was engaged in farming, until he entered the United States service. He enlisted in April, 1861, and was assigned to Company G, First Pennsylvania Volunteer Rifles, "Bucktail" Regiment. He served until April, 1863, when he was honorably discharged, but in January, 1864, he re- enlisted in the same company, and served until the close of the war. Mr. Bundy married, March 22, 1864, Miss Emma Sophronia, daughter of William and Elizabeth Meredith, and to them have been born five children, viz.: B.L. (of Kersey), William S., Mary M., Fannie and Free. He is actively engaged in the lumber business, and. is counted as one of the live, enterprising citizens of Kersey. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as assessor and supervisor of Fox township. He is a member of Ridgway Post, G.A.R., and of Kersey Lodge, No. 967, I.O.O.F., also of Rebecca Degree and the Sons of America. Mr. Bundy and family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.
PATRICK CALLAHAN, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, son of Jeremiah and Margaret (Reede) Callahan, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., in 1847, and has since been engaged in lumbering and farming. He was married, July 3, 1883, to Miss Margaret, daughter of James Sheely, of Fox township, and they have four children, viz.: Mary Cecelia, Jeremiah Frederick, Annie Margaret and Alice Agnes (twins). Mr. Callahan is an active worker in the Democratic party, is a member of the school board, and has also served as treasurer of the township. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
WILLIAM CALLAHAN, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., on his present farm, October 12, 1853, a son of Jeremiah and Margaret (Reede) Callahan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Luzerne county, Penn. They located, about 1844, upon a farm in Fox township. Jeremiah Callahan was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church. He died in 1879; his widow still survives him, and makes her home with her son, William. They reared a family of twelve children, eleven of whom are yet living, viz.: James (in Penfield, Penn.), Patrick (in Fox township), Jeremiah (in Horton township), William, Elizabeth (wife of Frederick Dickinson, in Ridgway, Penn.), Mary (wife of Stephen Fox, in Horton township), Maggie, Ellen (wife of Patrick Flynn, in Penfield), Catherine, Martha, and Emma (wife of John Bentzer, in Kersey). Mr. Callahan was educated at the township schools, and has always been engaged in farming and lumbering. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Catholic Church.
JOHN COLLINS, proprietor of the Collins House, Kerseys, was born in Cork, Ireland, May 26, 1828, a son of John and Elizabeth (Ryan) Collins. The father came to America, obtaining employment as a day laborer, and afterward, in 1836, sent for his family, finally moving them to Lancaster, Penn., where he obtained employment with the Side Water Canal Company. He died in that county, and the mother was afterward married to John Sullivan, who came to Elk county in 1841, and engaged in farming in Fox township. John Collins was the only child by the first union, and was eight years of age when he came to America. He obtained but a limited education, and early began to work in the lumber woods. In 1868 he established a hotel at Kersey, but had the misfortune to be burned out in July, 1880. He then purchased his present property, where he has since been located. He married, in 1850, Miss Ann Agnes Malone, a native of Elk county; she died in January, 1875, leaving four children, viz.: Mary, who married John McMackin and died in May, 1882, leaving three children: James E., Harry L. and Edward— three other children born to Mr. and Mrs. McMackin died before their mother; Elizabeth, the second child of John and Ann Agnes Collins, is living at home; the third died in infancy, and John James, the fourth child, died in August, 1887. John James had married Miss Alice Mann, by whom he had two children, viz.: Thomas, at home, and Mary Rose, who died in May, 1889. Mr. Collins has always been an active worker in the Democratic party, and has served one term as county treasurer, also filled the offices of school director and supervisor of the township for many years. He is a member of the Catholic Church.
CHARLES E. GREEN, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., August 6, 1847. He was educated in the township schools and has always been engaged in farming. James Green, his grandfather, was born in Chester county, Penn., and was a shoemaker by trade. In politics he affiliated with the Whig party, and was the first postmaster of Kerseys, which office he held until his death. John Green, father of Charles E. Green, was born in Centre county, Penn., October 12, 1799, and came to Elk county, with his parents, in 1817, where they entered a 200 acre tract of land, which they cleared and improved. John Green married, July 7, 1825, Ann Kyler, who died July 1, 1827, leaving one child, Eliza Ann, who married Aaron Harrington, and died, leaving three children, viz.: James Bruce, Benjamin Franklin and Mary. Mr. Green was next married, March 26, 1829, to Miss Mary Thompson, who was born in Centre county, Penn., August 9, 1809. Six children were born to them, five of whom are living, viz.: Catherine, wife of John Comley, of Centre county; Rebecca E., wife of John Nulf, of Horton township, Elk county; James R., of Fox township; Elizabeth, wife of John Bonham, of Centre county, and Charles E. Mr. Green built a log hotel on his farm, but afterward established the Green House at Kersey, which he sold. He was a prominent Republican in politics, and for many years was postmaster of Kerseys; in religion he was a Quaker. He died October 23, 1883; his widow is still enjoying good health at the age of eighty years. Charles E. Green married, December 23, 1869, Miss Esmeralda Meredith, and to them have been born five children, named as follows: Harry, Grant, Jennie, Mary Ethel and Claty C. Mr. Green, politically, is a Republican, and has served as auditor and constable of Fox township. He is a member of Olympia Lodge, No. 967, I.O.O.F.; Patrons of Husbandry, No. 628, and Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 403. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ANDRE W HAU, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., November 4, 1859, a son of Andrew and Walbergh (Heigle) Hau, natives of Bavaria, Germany, who emigrated to America about the year 1843. They were married in this country and settled on a farm in Fox township. The mother died September 28, 1872, and the father in 1884. The latter was a prominent Democrat, and filled various township offices, and was also a member of the Catholic Church. Their family consisted of nine children, three of whom are living: John A. (of Fox township); Andrew and Teressa (wife of Allois Urmann, of Kersey, Penn.). Andrew Han received an ordinary education, and has been principally engaged in farming. Since 1887 he has acted as proprietor of the German House, at Kersey. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Catholic Church, and of St. Boniface Society.
P.W. HAYS, justice of the peace and farmer, P.O. Dagus Mines, was. born in Juniata county, Penn., January 5, 1829, a son of Edward and Catherine (Gilnett) Hays, who moved to Elk county in 1841, and purchased 200 acres of land in Fox township. The father died about one year after moving to the county, and the mother in 1877. The living children are Catherine (wife of Elias Moyer, of Fox township), Susanna (wife of Christian Graybill, of Snyder county, Penn.), Enos (of Fox township), John (of Oak Ridge, Mo.), P.W., Edward (of Luthersburg, Clearfield Co., Penn.) and Sarah (wife of James Taylor, of Fox township). P.W. Hays received his education at the log school- houses of that period, and at the age of twenty years purchased one- half his mother's farm, which he worked for two years. He afterward began repairing watches, etc., and also learned the art of photography. In 1855 he was elected justice of the peace of Fox township, and has since held that office, with the exception of from 1862 to 1865, when he served as sheriff of Elk county. He married, November 22, 1855, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Wilson, of Fox township, and they have five living children, viz.: Viola (wife of Joseph Starr, of Fox township), Carrie (wife of Walter Rogers, of Horton township), Charles (at home), Ida (wife of Myron Rickard, of Fox township) and Eva (at home.) Mr. Hays is an active worker in the Democratic party, and has filled the offices of auditor, school director~ treasurer, etc. For six years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Earlville, Penn. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., the Masonic fraternity, and the Patrons of Husbandry. He attends churches of all denominations.
JOHN HERSHEY, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Juniata county, Penn., April 5, 1819. His parents, John and Catharine Hershey, were natives of York and Cumberland counties, Penn., and died when he was but a few years of age. He was reared in Huntingdon and Blair counties, and received an ordinary education. He began life as a farm laborer, and worked for one man in Blair county for eight years. December 25, 1855, he came to Elk county, and for eight years was in the employ of J.S. Hyde, and drove a team from Ridgway to Warren, Jamestown and Olean. He afterward was employed four years by Dr. Earley, of Ridgway. About 1868 he settled upon his present farm in Fox township, and has since improved and cleared the same. He has always been a stanch Republican, and cast his first vote in 1840 for Gen. W.H. Harrison. He has served as township assessor for three years, and auditor for three years. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and was one of the principal movers in erecting the church at Kersey. Mr. Hershey, although leading the rough life of a woodsman and lumberman for many years, has never used tobacco or spirituous liquors in any form, nor has he ever played a game of cards or base ball, or engaged in any such nonsense, because, he holds, all must render up a strict account for the precious time allotted each one whilst upon earth, and time and life are too valuable to be spent or wasted in such sports or pastimes.
WILLIAM E. HEWITT, farmer, P.O. Dagus Mines, was born on his present homestead, in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., January 29, 1841, a son of Jeremiah and Sarah M. (Hoyt) Hewitt, the former of whom was born in Greenwich, N.Y., July 19, 1813, the latter a native of Vermont. Jeremiah Hewitt and wife both moved to Clearfield county, Penn., with their parents, and after their marriage, which occurred December 20, 1835, settled upon their present farm in Fox township. Mr. Hewitt has always been identified with the Republican party, and has filled various township offices. For many years he has been steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife died in February, 1881. They reared a family of eight children, seven of whom are living: Leora, wife of Elias Horning, in Clearfield county; Rhobe M., wife of Ransom T. Kyler, in Fox township; William E.; Aurilla, wife of Norman G. Bundy, also in Fox township; Hiram W., in Minnesota; Armina C., wife of Charles Rogers, also in Minnesota, and John C., in Dakota. William E. Hewitt received an ordinary education, and enlisted in the service of his country October 18, 1861. He was assigned to Company F, Fifty- eighth P.V.I., and served as corporal of his company until the close of the war. Since then he has been engaged in farming, and is also a partner in the grocery and meat business of Burchfield & Co., of Brockwayville, Penn. He married, December 25, 1865, Miss Eunice A., daughter of Rasselas W. Brown, of Jones township, and they have two children: Ellen M. (attending school at Syracuse, N.Y.) and Grace C. Mr. Hewitt is a Republican in politics, and has filled various township offices. He is a member of Ridgway Lodge, F. & A.M.; St. Mary's Post, No. 216, G.A.R., and Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 403; he is a steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MICHAEL KEELEY, farmer, P.O. Dagus Mines, is a native of the County Galway, Ireland, and came to America in 1860, locating on his present farm in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn. He married, March 17, 1861, Miss Mary Keeley, by whom he has three children: John, Ellen and Winifred. He is a member of the Democratic party, and served as tax collector from 1883 to 1889, except the years 1884 and 1888. He is a member of the Catholic Church.
JOHN KOCH, merchant and hotel proprietor, Kerseys, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 27, 1834, son of Joseph and Catherine (Braener) Koch. The family came to America in 1846, and first located at St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., but in the latter part of the same year they moved to Kersey, same county, where they purchased a farm, which they conducted many years; also established the Koch House at Kersey, one of the early hotels of the place. In 1864 Joseph Koch & Sons established a general mercantile business at Kersey, which has since grown to be one of the largest and best stores in this part of the county. In addition to these interests the firm also carry on f arming and lumber manufacturing extensively. John Koch, the subject proper of these lines, was married in 1857 to Miss Margaret Buntzer, also a native of Bavaria, who came to America in 1847, and to this union have been born five sons and three daughters: Peter, Joseph, Nicholas, Robert, John, Mary, Maggie and Katie, all living at home. In 1864 Mr. Koch enlisted in Company A. Seventy- sixth Regiment, P.V.I., and served until the close of the war. He is identified with the Democratic party, and has served as postmaster at Kerseys since 1884; has also been school director, tax collector, etc., for Fox township. He is a member of the G.A.R., Lucore Post, No. 216, of St. Mary's, and is a member of the Catholic Church.
ANTHONY KOCH, butcher, Kerseys, son of Joseph Koch, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., September 15, 1853. He received a common-school education, after which he learned the butcher's trade. In 1887 he purchased the Franklin House in St. Mary's, which he conducted for a short time. In 1874 he married Miss Emma, daughter of Dr. H. Straessley, of Kersey, and by this union are born five children, named as follows: Minnie, Gertrude, Annie, George and Charles. Mr. Koch established his present successful business in 1880. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as supervisor of Fox township. He and family are members of the Catholic Church.
R.T. KYLER, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in what is now Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., June 12, 1830, a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Packer) Kyler, natives of Centre county, Penn. John Kyler, the grandfather of R.T. Kyler, was also a native of Centre county, and came to Elk county with his family in 1813, and took up a tract of land in Fox township. Jesse Kyler was horn in 1801, and always followed farming as an occupation. He was identified with the Democratic party, and served as justice of the peace of Fox township for many years, two terms as county commissioner, one term as county auditor, and also two terms as associate judge of the county. He died in 1880, and his widow in 1883. They were members of the Quaker Society. Their family consisted of seven children, four of whom are living, named as follows: Eli, of Warren, Penn.; R.T., Hays and Willis, of Fox township. R.T. Kyler was married, in 1855, to Miss Rhobe M., daughter of Jeremiah Hewitt. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and has served as county auditor, jury commissioner, and in all of the important township offices. He is a member of the K. of P. of Kersey, the Patrons, of. Husbandry and the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
HENRY LARGAY, farmer and lumberman, Kerseys, was born in what is now Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., February 11, 1839, a son of John and Catherine (McQuone) Largay, natives of County Armagh, Ireland, but who married in this country, and afterward settled upon the present farm of Henry Largay, in Fox township. They were members of the Catholic Church. Their family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz.: Henry, Ann (wife Pasco Shaver, of Fox township), Ellen (wife of James Winslow, of Benezette township), Susan (wife of Patrick Jordan, of Fox township), Catherine, Mary (wife of John Meenan, of Ridgway), John and' Patrick (of Fox township), Rosa (wife of Decatur Hewitt, of Benezette). Mr. Largay was educated at the township schools, and has always been engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and is a member of St. Mary's Post, G.A.R. He is independent in politics, and has filled various township offices. He also is a member of the Catholic Church.
REV. FATHER JOHN LINK, Kerseys, pastor of the St. Boniface parish, was born in the city of Allegheny, Penn., December 23, 1851. He was educated in the city schools, and studied for the priesthood at St. Vincent's College, Westmoreland Co., Penn., was ordained August 6, 1875, and was first located at Erie, Penn. By reason of his being familiar with both the English and German languages, he was transferred to Emlenton, Venango county, and East Brady, Clarion county, and he was active in building a new church in East Brady, Clarion county, and also organized a new parish there. In February, 1884, he was assigned to his present parish, where he has since made many improvements in the church, and established a school at Kersey, which has been in operation six years, he acting as principal, and being assisted by nuns from St. Mary's, Elk county.
JOHN A. MILLER, farmer and merchant, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 12, 1833, a son of John and Margaret Miller, who came to America in 1842, and first located at Mountmorenci, near Ridgway, Elk Co., Penn.; they then moved to Ridgway, and afterward moved to Fox township and took up a tract of land. John A. Miller received but a limited education, and has principally been engaged in farming. In 1872 he purchased an interest in the mercantile business with J.J. Taylor; the latter died in 1883, since which time Mr. Miller has conducted the business alone. In 1865 he married Miss Margaret, daughter of John Wunderley, a native of Bavaria, Germany, and a settler of Elk county, Penn. To them have been born eight children, named as follows: Catharine (wife of Emmanuel Fox), Margaret (wife of Alexander Fox), Esther (wife of Duke Emmett), Melinda, Caroline, Barbara, Lydia and Robert, living at home. Mr. Miller affiliates with the Democratic party, and has served as school director, supervisor, tax collector, etc., of the township. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church.
CHARLES MILLER, merchant and tanner, Kerseys, and a son of Christof and Phelamene Miller, was born in Germany, in 1836, and was married in that country in 1857 to Miss Mary Jassel, daughter of John and Annie Jassel. In 1866 they immigrated to America, and for one year remained in New York City, where Mr. Miller acted as foreman in a shoe factory. In 1867 he moved to Kersey, Elk Co., Penn., and engaged in shoemaking until 1872, when he established his present tannery, where he manufactures upper leather as a specialty, which he ships to New York and Philadelphia. In 1879 he established his present general store. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have five children: William, Max, Charles P., John and Mary. Politically he is a Democrat, served as county auditor for three years, and for five years as school director of his township, being president of the board. He is a member of the St. Boniface Society and of the Catholic Church.
HEZEKIAH B. MOYER, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born September 24, 1850, in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., a son of Joseph and Sarah E. (Hays) Moyer. His father was also born in Fox township and followed the occupation of a farmer; politically he was a Democrat, and filled various township offices. He died in 1871, and his widow afterward married James B. Taylor, of Fox township. But two of the children by her first marriage are living: Hezekiah B. and Wallace, the latter of Centreville, Penn. Hezekiah B. received his education in the township schools, and has always followed farming. He married, in 1871, Miss. Alice Taylor, of Fox township, and to them have been born three children, viz.: James, Joseph and Edward T. Mr. Moyer, politically, is a Democrat, and has served as supervisor and school director of the township. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., of Kersey, No. 967.
ELIAS MOYER, farmer, P.O. Dagus Mines, was born in Centre county,. Penn., August 15, 1821, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Otto) Moyer, who came to Elk county in 1823, and entered a tract of land in Fox township. They were among the early prominent families of the township, and were members of the Presbyterian Church. Elias Moyer was educated at the township schools. He married, in 1842, Miss Catherine Hays, and three children were born to their union, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Moyer affiliates with the Republican party, and has, filled various township offices. The family are members of the Advent Church, in which he is a deacon and trustee. He served in the late Rebellion in Company A, Seventy- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and is a member of St. Mary's Post, G.A.R.
CONRAD MOYER, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in what is now Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., March 10, 1825, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Otto) Moyer. He married, in 1845, Miss Sarah, daughter of David Taylor, of Fox township, and twelve children were born to their union, ten of whom are living, viz.: John, in Fox township; Charles, also in Fox township; Wilmer, in Horton township; Enos, Marshall, Union and Elmer, in Fox township; Samantha, of New York State; Louisa, of New York State, and Susanna, wife of David Pontius, of Fox township. Mr. Moyer has always lived in Fox town8hip, and is engaged in farming. He affiliates with the Democratic party.
CHARLES A. MOYER, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., January 8, 1848, a son of Conrad and Sarah (Taylor) Moyer. He received a common- school education and learned the carpenter's trade, but has since been principally engaged in farming. He married, in 1869, Miss Maria, daughter of Henry Warner, of Jones township, and they have five children, named as follows: Minnie, Winnie, Franciena, Amos and Felix. Mr. Moyer has always been an active Democrat, and at the present time is auditor of Fox township.
SILAS W. MOYER, farmer, P.O. Dagus Mines, is a son of Jacob Moyer, who was born in Brush Valley, in what is now Clinton county, Penn., May 13, 1813, and came to Elk county with his parents in 1823. In 1833 he married Miss Sidney Taylor, and has since resided in Fox township. They reared two children: Mary J., wife of Henry M. Gross, of Fox township, and Silas W., who was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., February 4, 1843. After completing his education, he, in turn, engaged in teaching for some years. In 1881 he went to Rasselas, and acted as superintendent of the store for the Rasselas Lumber Company for six years. In 1887 he moved to his present location, where he has since been engaged in farming. He married, in 1863, Miss Olive Jane, daughter of Rasselas W. Brown, of Jones township. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Moyer is a Republican with Prohibition proclivities.
W.C. QUINN, physician, Kerseys, was born in Cottage, Huntingdon Co., Penn., August 14, 1860. His father was a shoemaker of industrious habits, but limited means. Dr. Quinn, after the completion of his public school work, took an academical course at Mooresville, Penn., then taught school four consecutive winters, after which he engaged in the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. W.S. Wilson, of McVeytown, Penn. He then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., from which he graduated with honors in March, 1884. The Doctor then opened an office, April 7, 1884, in Pine Grove Mills, Penn., where he remained in the active practice of his chosen profession until the fall of 1885, when he went to Wilsontown, Penn. In the spring of 1886, being specially induced, he moved to Centreville, Penn., where he enjoys an extensive and still growing practice. He married, in May, 1884, Miss Mary E. Lightner, daughter of Adam and Eliza Lightner, of Cottage, Penn. Dr. Quinn is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the county medical society.
DAVID ROBERTSON, P.O. Dagus Mines, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1846, and received his education near the city of London, England. After leaving school, he served a four years apprenticeship with the mechanical engineering firm of Mitchell & Wallace, Glasgow, who made a specialty of coal- pit machinery. After a voyage to South America, in 1865, he came to the United States and entered the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, at the anthracite coal mines near Scranton, Penn., working in various capacities inside and around the mines until 1873, when he was employed by the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company to take charge of the transferring of their coal from standard to broad- gauge cars at Waverly, N.Y. In 1874 he came to Elk county, as assistant superintendent of the Northwestern Mining & Exchange Company, and opened up the coal fields around Dagus Mines and on the Toby branch. Some years later he was promoted to superintendent, and is now the general superintendent of the Blossburg Coal Company and the Towanda Coal Company, whose mines and mills are in Tioga and Bradford counties, Penn., operated by the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company. The Northwestern Mining & Exchange Company, ten, years ago, mined less than 100 tons of coal daily, but are now producing 3,500 tons per day, besides shipping a large quantity of lumber and bark. They employ about 1,200 men, supplying the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad with coal, as well as doing a large commercial trade, including the Grand Trunk Railroad of Canada, the N.Y., P. & O.R.R., and numerous other railroads, also steamship lines, including the Guion Steamship Company, the Union Steamboat Company, and others. The mines and mills of the Northwestern Company are at Dagus Mines, Toby, Kyler's, Hellen Mills, Mead Run and Clarion. Mr. Robertson is superintendent of the Toby Branch Railroad and the Daguscahonda Railroad, which connect with the Pennsylvania Railroad system over which the coal, etc., is transported to market. In 1878 Mr. Robertson married Miss Annie Elizabeth, daughter of Ralph Bell, of Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., and by this union have been born three children: Edward, Jesse and David. Mr. Robertson owns a fine farm, and pays particular attention to the breeding of Jersey cows. He is a member of Elk Lodge, No. 379, F. & A.M., and of the American Institute of Mining Engineers. He is a Republican, but his life is too busy a one to permit him to take an active part in politics. He and his family attend the services of the Episcopal Church.
PASCO SHAVER, farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Schoharie county, N.Y., February 16, 1833 a son of George and Jane (Mulford) Shaver. He was reared and educated in that county, and in 1859 came to Elk county, but went back again in 1861, and remained in New York State engaged in farming until 1873, when he returned to Elk county and has since lived on his present farm of 400 acres. He married, in 1861, Miss Ann, daughter of John Largay, of Fox township, and they have five children, viz.: Myrtle, wife of Harry Trude, of Fox township; Mary, Alvin, Charles and William, at home. Mr. Shaver is a Democrat, and is tax collector of the township. His wife is a member of the Catholic Church, while he belongs to the Protestant faith, and is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
JOHN SPLEEN, merchant and lumber manufacturer, Kerseys, was born in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., October 15, 1853, a son of Jeremiah and Catherine (Donovan) Spleen, natives of Ireland, who engaged in farming in Fox township, where the father died. The mother is still living. John Spleen received an ordinary education, and early began work in the lumber woods as a day laborer. At the age of thirty years he began to manufacture lumber for himself, and now operates two mills in Fox township, with a capacity of 6,000,000 feet. In September, 1888, he established his present grocery business at Kersey. He married, in 1886, Miss Annie Kramer, of Wilcox, Elk county, and they have two children— a son, named John, and a daughter named, Florence. Mr. Spleen is independent in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church.
GEORGE F. SPULLER, proprietor of the Spuller House, Kerseys, was born in St. Mary's, Elk Co. Penn., February 20, 1856, a son of Matthias and Barbara (Verner) Spuller, natives of Paris, France, and Alsace, Germany, respectively. They were married in this country, first locating in St. Mary's, then settling in Kersey, where the father was for some years engaged in the butcher business. He was a Democrat in politics, and was a member of the Catholic Church. He died in 1882, but Mrs. Spuller still survives. Sixteen children were born to their union, nine of whom are still living, viz.: John, of Kersey; Joseph, of Smethport, Penn.; George F.; Catherine, wife of Frank Showers, of Benezette; Barbara, wife of E.B. Emery, of Allegheny City; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Pontzer, of Fox township; Mary, wife of John Wilhelm, of St. Mary's; Josephine, wife of Jonathan Davis, of St. Mary's; Rosa, wife of George McCloskey, of Johnsonburg. George F. Spuller moved with his parents to Iowa when three years of age, and came to Kersey at the age of eleven years. He received a common- school education, and has been engaged in book- keeping, clerking, etc., having lived in Baltimore, Md., Pittsburgh, and in Indiana county, Penn. In 1880 he purchased his present hotel, which he has since conducted. In 1882 he married Miss Cassie, daughter of James McCloskey of Fox township, and they have three children: Fred G., Bernard. F. and James M. Mr. Spuller is a Republican in politics, and has served as township auditor for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Spuller are members of the Catholic Church.
C.H. STRAESSLEY, harness- maker, Kerseys, was born in Clarion county, Penn., January 24, 1857, a son of Dr. Herman and Caroline (Grover) Straessley, natives of Germany, who came to America and first settled in Lycoming county, Penn. The father practiced his profession in that and Clarion counties, and in about 1870 they moved to Kersey, where the father died May 20, 1884. C.H. Straessley received a common- school education, and learned the harness- maker's trade, which he has since followed, conducting a store for one year in St. Mary's, and establishing his present business in 1879. In 1883 he married Miss Maggie, daughter of Peter Pontzer of Kersey, and they have three children: Herman, Mary and Edward. He affiliates with the Democratic party, is treasurer of the township, and is a member of the Catholic Church.
LEWIS THOMAS, proprietor of the Exchange hotel, Kerseys, was born in South Wales, in 1842, a son of David and Barbara (Williams) Thomas, both of whom died in that country. Mr. Thomas came to America in 1866, and first located in Tioga county, Penn., where he found employment as a coal miner for nine months. He then came to Elk county and found employment at the Shawmut mines until 1869, when he moved to Benovo, Clinton county; lived there until July 17, 1870, when he moved to Centreville, Elk Co., Penn., where he found employment as a coal miner until 1880, when he established his present hotel. He married, in Wales, in 1864, Miss Ann Owen, and they have four children, named as follows: David Thomas (of St. Mary's, Penn., married to Miss Tinnie Puncheon, and has four children: Lewis, Jeanette, David and William), Lewis Thomas, Jr. (an employee of the P. & E.R.T. married to Miss Anna S. Emmett, of Kersey, and now residing at Johnsonburg, Elk county), Margaret and William John (at home). Mr. Thomas is a member of the Democratic party, and belongs to Renovo Lodge, No. 595, I.O.O.F. He and family are members of the Baptist Church.
PETER THOMPSON, carpenter and farmer, P.O. Kerseys, was born in Centre county, Penn., November 15, 1812, a son of Robert and Catherine (Wantz) Thompson, the former a native of Lancaster county, and the latter of Centre county, Penn. They came to Elk county in 1824, locating upon a farm in Fox township. Robert Thompson was a weaver by trade, but followed farming after coming to Elk county. He was one of the prominent men of his time, and filled various township Offices. He died in Clearfield county, Penn., in 1868, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Peter Thompson came to Elk county with his parents, and in 1836 married Miss Sally, daughter of John Kyler; she died in 1838 and he was next married, in 1842, to Miss Eliza Dixon, who died in 1845, leaving one son, Prochorus, of Warsaw, Jefferson Co., Penn. His next marriage was in 1846, to Miss Hannah Rogers, and by her he has ten children, viz.: Elvira (wife of Alonzo Myers, of Ridgway, Penn.), Herbert (of Lake City, Minn.), Eugene (of Horton township, Elk Co., Penn.), Gilbert (of Forestville, Penn.), Simon (of Brandy Camp), Reuben (of Horton township, Elk county), George and Ida (at home), Eliza (wife of Daniel Clark, of Ridgway) and Ada (wife of Isaiah Bell, of Ridgway). Mr. Thompson has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has served as justice of the peace for fifteen years, also filled other township offices. He is one of the oldest and best-known residents of Fox township, and has been a deacon in the Baptist Church for many years.
ALLOIS URMANN, proprietor of Elk Brewery, Kerseys, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1861, a son of Ludrich and Teressa (Shimburger) Urmann. Allois Urmann came to America in 1881, and in 1884 engaged in hotel- keeping at Kersey. In this he was successful, and he continued in same until 1885, when he purchased the Elk Brewery, and has since conducted the same, proving himself to be a man of marked business ability. He married, May 9, 1883, Miss Teressa, daughter of Andrew Hau, of Fox township, and to them have been born four children: Andrew, Teressa, Wally and Emma. Mr. Urmann is a member of St. Boniface Society, and is a Democrat.
HORTON TOWNSHIP
CHAUNCEY BBOCKWAY, farmer, P.O. Brockport, is a son of Chauncey and Rhoda (Nichols) Brockway, natives of Albany county, N.Y., who came to Elk county, Penn., in December, 1817, and located in what is now Jay township. Consider Brockway, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, traded property in Albany county, N.Y., for 400 acres of wild land, which was settled by his son, Chauncey. He was in the Revolutionary war. Chauncey, the father of Mr. Brockway, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and Chauncey, Jr., served nine months in the war of the Rebellion, in Company E, of the One Hundred and Seventy- second Pennsylvania Regiment. Chauncey Brockway, Sr., built the first saw- mill in the township, and was extensively, engaged in lumbering and farming. He was a Jacksonian Democrat, and was serving as county commissioner when Elk county was set aside from Clearfield county, and served as justice of the peace for thirty- one years. He and wife were members of the Free. Will Baptist Church, in which he was a deacon for many years. He died December 16, 1886, and his wife in April, 1885. Jonathan Nichols, the father of Mrs. Brockway, was a physician and Baptist minister, and came to Elk county in 1819. Mr. Brockway's family consisted of ten children, five of whom are living: Louisa, wife of Jacob Smeltzer, of Illinois; Lucy S., wife of Adam Shaffer, of Illinois; Chauncey; N.M., of Forestville, Jefferson Co., Penn., and O.C., of Indiana. Chauncey Brockway, Jr., was born at Brandy Camp, Horton township, Elk county, March 16, 1823, and received but a limited education, as he was put to work in the woods at twelve years of age, to assist in clearing the homestead. He has followed the occupation of a farmer, lumberman and gunsmith. He married, in 1844, Miss Margaret, daughter of David Taylor, of York county, Penn., and two children were born to this union: Gilbert, born in October, 1847, a merchant and farmer of Jefferson county, and Wilhelmina, born July 26, 1849. Mr. Brockway is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Church of the Messiah. N.M. Brockway, brother of the subject of this sketch, served as captain of a company in a three-months regiment, in 1863, at the time of Lee's invasion.
CHARLES A. BROWN, farmer, and superintendent for W.H. Hyde, P.O. Brandy Camp, was born in Elk county, Penn., October 8, 1851, a son of Andrew J. and Harriet (Coleman) Brown. Mr. Brown attended the township schools, and has always followed farming, owning a fine farm in Fox township. November 1, 1888, he came to his present location, where he superintends the farm and hotel for W.H. Hyde. June 3, 1873, he married Miss Georgia, daughter of Robert McIntosh, of Horton township, and they have two children: Chester S. and Edna A. Mr. Brown is identified with the Republican party.
C.L. CHAMBERLIN, of the firm of Horton & Chamberlin, Brockport, was born June 28, 1854, received the advantages of a good academic education, and has followed book- keeping as a profession, having kept the books of W.H. Horton for many years. In 1884 he established a grocery business at Brockport, under the firm name of Nulf & Chamberlin, which continued four years. At present Mr. Chamberlin and Daniel Nulf are conducting a pool- room, restaurant and barber shop. In April, 1889, he became a member of the firm of Horton & Chamberlin, by purchase of the interest of W.H. Horton in the old firm. In 1883 Mr. Chamberlin was united in marriage with Miss Agnes, daughter of William Cheatle, of Horton township, and they have two children: Claude and Donald. Mr. Chamberlin is a Republican, and has served as auditor, school director, etc., and also served for several years as town treasurer and treasurer of the school board. Mr. Chamberlin has two brothers: Celo W., of Punxsutawney, and William E., of Horton City. W.H. Horton, A.S. Horton (whose sketches appear elsewhere) and Mr. Chamberlin, are cousins. He is a member of Ridgway Lodge, I.O.O.F., and of the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
GEORGE W. CLINTON, farmer, P.O. Brockport, was born in Steuben county, N. Y., April 4, 1833, a son of Henry D. and Mary (Groves) Clinton, natives of Vermont and Steuben county, N.Y., respectively. In 1840 they moved to Potter county, Penn., and in 1843 to Elk county; they next purchased a farm in Huston township, Clearfield county, and finally located in Jefferson county, where the father died in 1872. The mother still survives, and makes her home with her son, George W. They reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz.: George W., Joseph (of Jefferson county), Eliza (wife of D.H. Trude, DuBois, Penn.), Charles, William and Jeremiah (all of DuBois) and Henry A. George W. Clinton is the eldest child. He received an ordinary education, and has since followed farming, land surveying, etc., settling in Horton township in 1859. He is identified with the Republican party, and in 1882 was elected county surveyor, serving one term. lie served ten years as justice of the peace, of Horton township, and was ten years secretary of the school board. He is a member of Cicero Lodge, No. 897, F. & A.M., of Brockwayville, Penn.
JOHN CUNEO, merchant, Brockport, is a native of sunny Italy, born in 1842. Coming to America in 1854, he located at Kersey, Elk Co., Penn., where he engaged as a laborer until 1874, when he moved to Brockport, same county, and in 1875 established here his present general store, which he has since conducted. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with them one year. He was then transferred to the Seventh Massachusetts Battery, and was honorably discharged at Chapin Farm, Va., in 1864. He married, in 1872, Miss Mary Catherine Fopeano, a lady of American birth and Italian descent, and they have eight children: Cecelia, Allie A., Phineas, Lucius, Thomas, Alena, Jennie and Ward. Mr. Cuneo is a Republican, and has served as postmaster of Brockport eleven years; at the present time he is one of the auditors of Horton township. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
HEZEKIAH HORTON, farmer, P.O. Brockport, was born at what is now Brandy Camp, Horton township, Elk Co., Penn., March 1, 1824, a son of Isaac and Lucy (Warner) Horton, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of Connecticut. Isaac and Lucy Horton were married in the State of New York, and in 1818 came to what is now Elk county, Penn., where they entered a tract of land on which Brandy Camp now stands, being among the very early pioneers of this region. Isaac Horton was instrumental in organizing Elk county, and Horton township was named in his honor. He was active in Democratic circles, and served as associate judge of the county five years. In the war of 1812 he was drafted, but sent a substitute. The children born, to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Horton were as follows: Minerva (wife of Joseph Taylor, of Ridgway, Penn.), Almira (of Bradford, Penn.), Matilda (wife of Frederick Shoening, also of Ridgway) and Hezekiah. The subject of this biographical record was reared in Horton township, receiving his education at the common schools, and has, made lumbering and farming the chief vocations of his life. In 1850 he married Miss Hettie, daughter of Daniel Oyster, of Horton township, and to this union have been born four children: Warren H. and Alonzo S. (of Brockport, Penn.), Ella A. and Minnie L., (at home). Mr. Horton, in politics, is a Democrat, and has filled various township offices. He and his family are members of the Universalist Church. D.C. Oyster, of Ridgway, Penn., is a brother of Mrs. Horton.
WARREN H. HORTON, Brockport. As a fair example of what a solid early training, a sound physical constitution, clear perceptions, mature judgment, an iron will and indomitable perseverance will produce, the subject of this sketch stands in the front rank in his county. Warren H. Horton was born October 23, 1851, at Brandy Camp, Horton township, Elk Co., Penn., eldest son of Hezekiah and Hettie (Oyster) Horton, the former a native of Horton township, and the latter of Northumberland county, Penn. The boyhood days of Mr. Horton were spent on the farm, his school advantages being no better than a fair average. The chief institution of learning which he attended was the Hellen School, which, added to a course at Harrisburg Academy, makes up his educational experience. About the time he arrived at maturity he began lumbering with his father, rafting and running lumber on the creek, in the neighborhood of which they had contracts. In this way he spent winter and spring, while summer and fall found him employed by Clark Wilcox, of the firm of Short & Wilcox, in the woods on Bear run, which lumber operations he subsequently came to conduct as manager arid owner, instead of working as a day hand. In 1874 Clark Wilcox died, and Mr. Short was left without an active manager. At that time Mr. Horton was twenty-three years old, but such was his shrewdness, sound judgment and acumen in business affairs, that Alfred Short could not fail to recognize in him a safe and capable man to manage a business, concern of considerable magnitude. Accordingly, in 1876, a proposition was made to Mr. Horton to become a partner with Mr. Short, which he accepted, and while he had but little cash capital to bring into the concern, he was possessed of keen sense and indisputable capacity, and under his sagacious control the business of the new firm of Short & Horton could not fail to prosper, and did prosper. In 1881 a consolidation with D.C. Oyster enlarged the responsibilities of the young man by adding the Keystone property, and Mr. Horton remained, as before, the head and manager of the entire business. In 1883 the property was sold to Gillingham, Garrison & Co., and this placing some leisure time on Mr. Horton's hands, he concluded to enter the arena of politics, which resulted in his being elected to the legislature from Elk county. In 1885 he bought an interest in the Ridgway Lumber Company, operating in the Black Hills above Ridgway, in Elk county, and at Kinzua, in McKean county. Some time later the company purchased the timber on the 6,000 acres of the Shawmut lands, and at once made preparations for operations on a gigantic scale. A saw- mill was built at the Mead Run School- house, since called Horton City, and a contract awarded to Mr. Horton to peel the bark and manufacture the lumber. The time being limited in which to get the timber off this large area of territory, it became necessary to do a large yearly business, and preparations were accordingly made for a cut of 15,000,000 feet first season. This was so satisfactorily accomplished that in the summer of, 1887 everything moved on a still larger scale. In the summer of 1887 Mr. Horton sold out his interest in the Ridgway Lumber Company, retaining, however, his contracts for manufacturing and peeling. He is also interested in timber lands in Missouri and in some mining property in Arkansas. In 1879 the subject of our sketch was married to Miss Clara Ferman, by whom he has two children: Ernest Clark and Heck. Mr. Horton is a member of Cicero Lodge, No. 897, I.O.O.F., of Brockwayville, and in politics he is a Democrat.
ALONZO S. HORTON, of the firm of Horton & Chamberlin, merchants, Brockport, was born in Horton township, Elk Co.; Penn., March 2, 1856, a son of Hezekiah and Hettie (Oyster) Horton, the former a native of Horton township, Elk county, and the latter of. Northumberland county, Penn. Alonzo S. Horton received a common- school education, and first began work as a log scaler in the lumber woods in the year 1876, which vocation he followed six years. For two years he was engaged in the butcher's trade, then in July, 1885, in company with his brother, W.H. Horton, commenced his present mercantile business. This partnership existed until April 15, 1889, when C.L. Chamberlin purchased the interest of W.H. Horton, the firm name now being Horton & Chamberlin. Mr. Horton married, December 7, 1881, Miss Eleanora, daughter of Uriah W. and Sarah M. (Taylor) Rogers, of Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., and they have had three children, viz.: Rena V. (deceased), Edgar A., and. Jay W. (deceased). Uriah W. Rogers was a son of Uriah and Hannah (Rogers) Rogers, natives of Fox township, Elk county, and Mrs. Sarah M. (Taylor) Rogers was a daughter of Joseph W. and Margaret (Reesman) Taylor, also natives of Fox township. Mr. Horton is a Democrat in politics, has held the offices of township clerk for seven years, and has been auditor of the township.
H.D. PARSON, farmer, P.O. Brockport, was born in Geauga county, Ohio, January 6, 1836. His father, Loran Parson, was a native of Massachusetts, where he married Miss Harriet Hovey, and they afterward moved to Ohio, where the father died about 1860, and the mother in 1873. They reared eleven children, eight of whom are living: Orrin (in Geauga county, Ohio), Alvin (in Venango county, Penn.), Horatio (in Chautauqua county, N.Y.), Van L. (in Steuben county, N.Y.), Adam (in Cleveland, Ohio), H.D., Mortimer (in Cleveland, Ohio) and Oliver (in Warren, Penn.). H.D. Parson was reared in Geauga county, and received his education at the public schools. In 1869 he came to Elk county, and has since been engaged in farming in Horton township. He served, during the Civil war, with the ninety- days men. December 25, 1864, he married Miss Emma, daughter of Amos Fox, of Horton township, and she died April 9, 1877, leaving three children: Loran, Annie and Lillie. In 1879 Mr. Parson married Miss Maggie Holemyer, of Centreville, and they have two children: Emma and Louisa. In politics Mr. Parson is independent.
RICHARD TORPIN, JR., firm of Gillingham, Garrison & Co., lumber manufacturers, Brockport, was born in Warrington, Bucks Co., Penn., March 8, 1836, and was educated at the common schools of Montgomery county, and by his own study at home. His parents, Richard and Ann Jane (Crowley) Torpin, were natives of Yorkshire, England, and of Chester county, Penn., respectively. His father came to America in 1829 and engaged in farming in Bucks county, and in 1856 moved his family to Rock Island county, Ill. In 1857 Richard, Jr., went from there to California to take charge of a ranch for his brother- in- law, where he remained four years. He met with business reverses, and in 1861 went to Sacramento and obtained work as a day laborer for the Sacramento Valley Railroad. He then went into the freight department, and through strict attention to business, embracing every opportunity to win the good will of his employers, he was rapidly promoted. The flood of 1861 washed out the railroad, and. while many men refused to work to rebuild the road, Mr. Torpin went out upon the line to receive freight transported by boats and teams until the road was rebuilt to Sacramento. In 1862 he was made train- master, and located at Auburn Station. In 1863 he was made conductor, and while in this position had the misfortune to break his ankle, which disabled him for several months. As soon as able to be on duty again, he was appointed passenger and assistant freight agent, and afterward appointed general passenger and freight agent, in which capacity he served until the fall of 1865, when he came to Philadelphia and was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Elizabeth, daughter of William R. and Elizabeth Cash, by whom he has had four children. Not having any particular business, he took a course of study at the Crittenden Commercial College, from which he was graduated March 1, 1866. He then secured a position as book- keeper with the lumber firm of Taylor & Betts, with whom he remained until September, 1869, when he was offered a similar position with his present firm, with the understanding that he should be made a member, and has been a partner since 1876. They purchased property in Elk county in 1883, and after trying to leave their business to superintendents, Mr. Torpin found it necessary to move to Brockport, and has since resided there. He is treasurer of the firm and general manager of the Elk county department. In January, 1881, he was elected a director in the Kensington National Bank, of Philadelphia, and held that position until he resigned, in 1888. He is also a vestryman of Advent Protestant Episcopal Church of Philadelphia. Mr. Torpin's first wife died April 21, 1877, and he then married Miss Maria Louisa, daughter of Lewis R. Willard, of Montgomery county, Penn. The children by the first wife are Caroline Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan D. Barnsley, of Olney, Md.; Richard (third), of Philadelphia; Ellen Cash and Victorine Power. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 58, F. & A.M., of Sacramento, Cal., and at the present time is president of the school board of Horton township. Politically he is a Republican.
Source: Page(s) 760-773, History of Counties of McKean, Elk and Forest, Pennsylvania. Chicago, J.H. Beers & Co., 1890.
Transcribed February 2007 by Nathan Zipfel for the Elk County Genealogy Project
Published 2007 by the Elk County Pennsylvania Genealogy Project
Return to the Elk County Home Page