Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Mellott, Jacob L. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003 JACOB L MELLOTT, a thriving farmer and a well-known citizen of East Providence, Bedford County, was born in this township, July 31, 1845, a son of the late John W. Mellott. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Mellott, was an early pioneer of Bedford County, whither he removed from Fulton County, Pennsylvania, and for many years was employed in clearing and improving the tract of wild land that he had taken up in East Providence. He was industrious and energetic, and was held in high esteem by his neighbors as an honest and upright man. John W. Mellott was born in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, where he spent the first eight years of his life. Coming then with his parents to this township, he assisted in the development of the ancestral homestead on which he was reared, and after arriving at man's estate was engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account until his decease, which occurred September 22, 1897. He married Mary Lauterbaugh, of East Providence. Of their children the following- named are now living: Elizabeth, wife of William Brooks, of East Providence; Jacob L., the subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Simon Williams, of East Providence, Pa.; Anthony K., of West Providence, Pa.; Catherine, wife of George O'Neal, of East Providence; and Maria, wife of James Claybaugh, of East Providence. Both parents were active and consistent members of the Lutheran church. Jacob L. Mellott acquired his elementary education in the common schools of the neighborhood in which he was reared. Before attaining his majority he enlisted, on August 18, 1864, in Company K, Two Hundred and Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the James. On March 25, 1865, he fought in the battle at Fort Steadman, and a few days later was an active participant in the siege of Petersburg. In June, 1865, after receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to East Providence, where he has since made his permanent home. In 1882 he purchased his present farm, which is well adapted to general farming, and by his ambitious energy and skilful management has each year added to its improvements and value. Politically, he supports the principles of the Republican party by voice and vote; and fraternally, he is a member of the J. R. Callahan Post, No. 559, G.A.R., at Ray's Hill, Pa., in which he has filled many offices of importance. On November 16, 1871, Mr. Mellott married Isabella Mortimore, a daughter of John Mortimore, late of Colerain township, of which he was a lifelong resident. His father, George Mortimore, was one of its pioneer settlers. Mr. John Mortimore married Catherine Smouse, who was born and bred in Snake Spring township, Pa., and of their children the following survive: Josiah, of West Providence, Pa.; Mary J., wife of Thomas M. Triplet, of Everett, Pa.; Alexander, of Ohio; William, living, it is supposed, in the State of Washington; and Mrs. Mellott. Mr. and Mrs. Mellott are both members of the Lutheran church, in which he has served as Deacon. Eight children have been born to them, and six are living, namely: Georgie A., wife of W. John Croyle; Elsie, a teacher in the public schools of East Providence; Minnie; Russell M.; Ellis L.; and Flossie. The emigrant ancestor of the Mellott family is said to have come from France to America in Colonial times. He located probably in Pennsylvania. His descendants, we are told, are to be found in every State of the Union. Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa