BIOGRAPHY: Tarring Davis, History of Blair County, PA, Vol. II, 1931 - File 2 Contributed July 2003 for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Sharon Russell Judy Banja Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ A HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA UNDER EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF TARRING S. DAVIS LUCILE SHENK ASSOCIATE EDITOR VOLUME II PUBLISHERS NATIONAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC. HARRISBURG 1931 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 31 JOHN LESLIE CARNS, who is engaged in business with his father at Claysburg, was born here, February 20, 1888, a son of Jacob and Matilda (Shock) Carns, of whom more precedes this review. He obtained his early education in the local public schools and then attended the Eckles College of Embalming, from which he graduated in 1907. He was licensed by the State Board of Embalming in I909 and has been associated with his father in the furniture and undertaking business, since his graduation from college, under the firm name of Jacob Carns & Son. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors' Association and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A Republican in politics, he has served as township auditor for the past fifteen years. In April, 1914, Mr. Carns married Anna Wertz, of Claysburg, and to them has been born one child, Dorothy E. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Lutheran Church. WILLIAM ALBERT NASON, M. D., is known to the people of Roaring Spring as the founder of Nason Hospital. Born at Townville, Crawford County, Pa., he is a son of Dr. William and Catherine (Breed) Nason, both deceased, the former of whom studied at the University of Pennsylvania and practiced medicine at Townville all of his life. The other children of this family are Lillian Lehenthaler; Charles A. W., of Townville; Dr. Frank Thoburn, retired physician of McKeesport, Pa.; and Dr. John B., a practicing physician of Tyrone, Pa. William A. Nason studied medicine at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1887, and the Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, from which he graduated in 1892; having taken his pre-medical work at Allegheny College. He entered upon active practice at Pleasantville, Pa., but soon located at Titusville, Pa., where he remained until 1896. In that year, he established himself in Roaring Spring, founding the Nason Hospital as a private institution in the same year. Filling a long-felt need, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 32 the hospital was immediately successful and was chartered as a public institution in 1900, though Doctor Nason continued as superintendent until the time of his resignation in December, 1929. He has specialized in surgery throughout his career and is reputed to be one of the ablest surgeons of this section of the state. It is believed that Doctor Nason was the first to perform an appendectomy in Blair County, and he continues as chief of the hospital staff. Since the hospital was chartered in 1900, a training school for nurses has been maintained, seven graduates of this school having served in France during the World War and more than a hundred being head nurses in various hospitals. Doctor Nason is surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad in this section and is a member of the Pennsylvania Railroad Surgeons' Association. He is a member of the American and Pennsylvania State Medical Associations, a member and was president of the Blair County Medical Society, and was a trustee for six years and vice-president one year of the state society. He has been a member of the Townville Lodge of Odd Fellows for forty-seven years and in Masonry is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery, and Consistory together with the Shrine. He is past high priest of the Hollidaysburg Chapter and past master of the local Blue Lodge. He is also a member of the Rotary Club and the official board of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a communicant. In 1888, Doctor Nason married Elizabeth Pennell, who died leaving two children, Marjorie, the wife of Walter Hite, and Alice, professor of physical education at West Virginia Wesleyan College. In May, 1905, he married Sarah Baughman, of Blairsville, Indiana County, Pa., Mrs. Nason being a member of the Ladies of the Oriental Shrine, of Altoona, Pa. JAMES ELMER BUTTS, director of the Morrison Cove Vocational School, is a native of Altoona, Pa., where he was born in 1891, a son of W. A. and Alice (Bowser) Butts, both deceased and both natives of Morrison Cove. Mr. Butts obtained his early education in the public schools of Bedford County, graduated from Juniata Academy in 1916, and won the degree of bachelor of arts from Juniata College in 1920. In 1925, he completed work at Columbia University which gave him the degree of master of arts. In 1920, Mr. Butts came to the Morrison Cove Vocational School as a teacher and at the end of three years was appointed assistant director. In 1925, he became director of the institution and has since continued in that capacity. He has been coach of the athletics teams of the school since 1920 and takes a deep interest in athletic matters. He is a communicant of the Church of the Brethren. In 1925, Mr. Butts was united in marriage to Gladys Pyle, of Scottville, Pa., she being a daughter of G. D. and Cora Pyle. HARVEY MILTON LIEBEGOTT, furniture dealer and funeral director of Duncansville, Pa., was born at New Enterprise, Pa., February 22, 1890, a son of Christian and Annetta (Furry) Liebegott. The father entered the furniture and undertaking business at New Enterprise in 1885 and removed to Duncansville BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 33 in 1891, continuing in the same work here. In 1914, he built a large and well equipped business house, where he continued until the time of his death, August 4, 1924. His wife followed him in death, October 25, 1925. At the time of his father's demise, Harvey M. Liebegott purchased the business and has since continued as sole proprietor, though his brother, Charles E. Liebegott, is associated with him in the business. On January 1, 1918, Mr. Liebegott enlisted in the Air Service and served at the ground school at Ithaca, New York, until July 17, 1918, when he was discharged. He re-enlisted in the Medical Corps on August 29, the same year, and served until May 6, 1919. In Masonry, he is a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter, Commandery, Consistory, and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine and is also a member of the Altoona, Pa., Lions' Club and the Central Pennsylvania and State Funeral Directors' Associations. Always interested in athletics, he was a pitcher with the Duncansville baseball team for many years. GIDEON DAVID LLOYD, deceased, was a prominent lumberman of Roaring Spring. Born at Pleasant Hill, Cambria County, Pa., July 29, 1873, he was a son of David and Mary Lloyd and grew to manhood in his native community, Going to Pittsburgh, Pa., he was employed as a Street railway motorman for several years and then became identified with the E. V. Babcock Lumber Company as superintendent of the concern's operations at Ashtola, Somerset County, Pa. After seven years so spent, he formed a partnership with M. E. McNeal, of Windler, Somerset County, ill health causing him to sell out his interests and retire from business a year prior to his death. He and Mr. McNeal acquired the Peter Duncan timber tracts in 1916, one comprising 1,700 acres and the other 1,545 acres, and supplied the timber for the Berwin-White Coal Company. Following a severe attack of influenza in 1918, Mr. Lloyd's health failed steadily until he was called by death, June 17, 1921. He was a member of the Somerset Lodge of Masons and the Woodmen of the World and attended the Roaring Spring Christ Reformed Church. In 1906, Mr. Lloyd married Nannie Ritchey, of Blue Knob, Pa., and to them were born two children, Violet, married Mr. Blair Cree, of Roaring Spring, Pa., manager of Shaffer Mercantile Co., here, and Paul, at State College. DANIEL B. KULP, supervising principal of the Williamsburg schools, is a native of Pottstown, Pa., where he was born in 1901, a son of William K. and Alice M. Kulp, residents of Chester County, Pa. He acquired a public school training, graduating from Pottstown High School in 1919, and then studied at Ursinus College, from which he received the degree of bachelor of science in 1923. In February, 1931, he will complete work that will bring him the degree of master of arts from the University of Pennsylvania. He began his teaching career at Philipsburg, Pa., as instructor in science and athletic coach, remaining there two years. Thereafter, until 1927, he was a teacher in the Hollidaysburg High School, coming to Williamsburg as supervising principal in that year, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 34 where he has since remained. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Pottstown Lodge, Harrisburg Consistory, and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine in Masonry. He attends the Baptist Church and supports the Republican party in politics. D. RAYMOND SOLLENBERGER has been teacher of history in the Williamsburg High School since 1925. David S. Sollenberger, his father, was a farmer by vocation and died August 10, 1930, while Lydia K. (Kensinger) Sollenberger, his mother, now resides at Williamsburg. Born on a farm in Huston Township, Blair County, in 1897, Mr. Sollenberger attended the graded schools of his native community, Juniata Academy, and Juniata College, receiving the degree of bachelor of arts from the college in 1925. He also spent a summer session at Columbia University. His teaching career began in the autumn of 1921, and after he had received his degree, he came to the Williamsburg High School as instructor in history and has since retained that position. A communicant of the Church of the Brethren, he is a minister of that denomination and a teacher and superintendent in the Sunday school. His fraternal affiliations are with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He was united in marriage, June 16, 1925, to Orpha Holsinger, and they are the parents of one child, Corena Louise, who was born June 27, 1928. J. M. WOODCOCK is secretary, treasurer, and general manager of the Morrison Cove Telephone Company. Born in Bedford County, Pa., in 1857, he obtained his education in the public schools of his native community and thereafter taught school until 1880. In that year, he established a mercantile enterprise at Waterside, Bedford County, and continued in active operation of this business until 1922. His first connection with the telephone field came in 1903, while he was still a merchant at Waterside, but so successful did he prove himself to be that he closed out his store in 1922 in order that he might give his entire attention to the increasing demands of the new venture. Since 1922, he has resided at Martinsburg, where he is secretary, treasurer, and general manager of the Morrison Cove Telephone Company, a corporation serving the entire valley. He is a member of the Independent Pioneer Telephone Association of the United States and of the Telephone Pioneers of America. He has served one term as school director and is a member of the Church of God. In 1887, he took for his wife Susan C. Noble, of Bedford County, who died in 1913, leaving these children: William Irvin, who is associated with the Alabama Water Power Co., of Birmingham, Alabama; Mary B., the wife of William Henry Woodbury, of Lakemont, Pa., and Ruth, who married Ray Stonerook, of Akron, Ohio. On January 10, 1918, Mr. Woodcock married Gertrude Stoner. On December 1, 1929, all the common stock of the Morrison's Cove Telephone Company was sold to the United Telephone and Electric Company, of Abilene, Kansas, a very strong and progressive western organization, main office at Abilene, Kansas. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 35 They now own and control very valuable property in this state, valued in excess of $5,000,000. Main office for Pennsylvania is located at Harrisburg. This property has practically all been purchased within the past two years. The name of the Morrison's Cove Telephone Company (now only a link in the above organization) has not been changed. All the faithful employees, including J. M. Woodcock, as general manager, have been retained. MARTIN ADAM LINGENFELTER, tax collector for Greenfield Township where an ancestor was one of the first settlers of this section of Blair County, was born in 1859, at Claysburg, Pa., and now resides on land where the old family homestead stood. His parents, Adam and Elizabeth (Stephens) Lingenfelter, were of German and Irish extraction, respectively, the father spending his life in farming. Martin A. Lingenfelter obtained a public school education and for a period of twenty years farmed and taught school in the vicinity of Claysburg. In 1890, he entered the employ of the State Department of Highways and so continued until 1927. In 1906-7, he assisted in the building of one of the first macadam roads laid in Blair County. A Republican in politics and an active worker in the interests of the party, he was elected tax collector for Greenfield Township in 1929, one of his forebears having been one of the first settlers to take up land in this township. In 1882, Mr. Lingenfelter married Laura Snowberger, who died in 1922, and to this union were born eleven children, of whom these seven survive: Thomas J., Charles, and Henry, who operate the Hudson and Essex Garage at Claysburg; Clair M., engaged in the radio business at Claysburg; Mrs. P. M. Stufft, of Claysburg; Mrs. Marie Berg, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Ida E. Elliott, of Hollidaysburg. SYLVESTER PAUL KOELLE has been supervising principal of the Claysburg schools since 1928. Born in Altoona, Pa., in 1901, he is a son of Balzer and Louise (Gern) Koelle, the former of whom is deceased and the latter of whom resides in Altoona. He obtained his education in the graded and high schools of Altoona, graduating from the latter in 1918, and then matriculated at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., from which he received the degree of bachelor of arts in 1922. In February, 1931, he received his master's degree in arts from Pennsylvania State College. He began teaching in the fall of 1922 in Bedford County and the following year came to the Altoona High School, where he remained until 1928. Since that time, Mr. Koelle has been supervising principal of the Claysburg schools. In Masonry, he is a member of the Blue Lodge, Harrisburg Consistory, and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine and also holds membership in the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity of Franklin and Marshall College. He attends Bethany Lutheran Church. In 1924, he was united in marriage to Edna G. Schuler, daughter of Adam and Rebecca Schuler, of Altoona. Mrs. Koelle is a member of the Eastern Star. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 36 WILLIS W. EISENHART has been superintendent of the Tyrone schools since 1921. He is a son of J. F., a resident of Abbottstown, Pa., who was engaged in the produce business, and Catherine (Wolf) Eisenhart, deceased, a daughter of Frederick Wolf (Mumert) Wolf. The Wolf family was very prominent during the Civil War against the Copper Head Society. Mr. Eisenhart was born at Abbottstown, May 29, 1877, and obtained his early education in the public schools of that community. He took teacher-training work at the Shippensburg State Normal School, graduating in 1897, and subsequently received from the University of Pennsylvania the degrees of bachelor of science, 1917, and master of arts, 1921. He inaugurated his teaching career in 1894, in Adams County, Pa., where he remained five years, followed by three years in Lancaster County. For twelve years thereafter, he was supervising principal of the Morris Township Schools, Clearfield County, and spent three years in a similar capacity at Clarion, Pa. During the war he was at Clarion, Pa., where he was very active in Red Cross work and also taught children Community Life. In 1921, Mr. Eisenhart came to Tyrone as superintendent of schools and has since occupied that position. He is a member of the National and State Educational Associations and of Phi Delta Kappa fraternity. He is a member of the Knights Templar Consistory and Jaffa Shrine, and attends the Lutheran Church, where he is a teacher in the Sunday school. In 1904, he was united in marriage to Ella B. Good, of Terre Hill, Lancaster County, a daughter of Benjamin Good, a contractor of Terre Hill, Lancaster, and Lucella (Coffrey) Good. Mrs. Eisenhart died July 13, 1928. MAJOR BENJAMIN CHARLES JONES, prominent attorney and president of the Tyrone Herald Company, of Tyrone, was born here, June 9, 1896, a son of Claude Jones, who died May 3, 1924, and of Stella Alice (Armor) Jones. who died November 11, 1926, a granddaughter of General Philip Benner, who served on Washington's staff during the Revolutionary War. The father was the son of Col. David M. Jones and a nephew of Major C. S. W. Jones, both veterans of the Civil War and the latter commander of the Pennsylvania cavalry during the Spanish-American War. Claude Jones became a partner with his uncle in the publication of the Herald in 1887 and subsequently became president when the Tyrone Herald Company was incorporated in 1905, after the death of Major Jones, continuing in that capacity until his death. Benjamin Charles Jones graduated from the Tyrone High School in 1912 and matriculated at Princeton University, from which he received the degree of Litt. D., in 1916. He studied in 1919 at the University of Paris, France, and in 1921 graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with the degree of doctor of laws. When the United States entered the World War, he enlisted in the army, receiving the commission of first lieutenant, and served throughout the war with the 311th Machine Gun Battalion, 79th Division. He was cited in general orders for gallantry in action and at the close of the war was promoted to captain. Returning to his home after receiving his discharge from the army, he engaged in the practice of law and for several years was engaged in educational work. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 37 He was instructor in economics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1920, and instructor in business law the following year; he was a teacher of business law at Temple University in 1922, and Drexel Institute in 1923. In 1921, he opened law offices in the Land Title Building, Philadelphia, and engaged in the practice of his profession there. Upon the death of his father in 1924 he moved to Tyrone where he has since practiced law and has been president of the Tyrone Herald Company, succeeding his father in that office. He is a member of the Law Association of Philadelphia and the Princeton Club of that city. During his college days, he was a member of the Hare Law Club and is a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. In 1923, he was made major of infantry, and assigned to the 315th Infantry, 79th Division. In 1927, he became major of Cavalry and took command of the 52nd Machine Gun Squadron, Pennsylvania National Guard. In 1929, he took command of the 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry, Pennsylvania National Guard, and now holds that command. He served for two years as special deputy attorney general of Pennsylvania (1929-1930). He has been commander of Howard Gardner Post, American Legion, of Tyrone (1927) and president of the Tyrone Kiwanis Club (1930). He attends the Presbyterian Church. In August, 1929, Major Jones married Kathleen Adaline Stover, daughter of James Garfield and Drucie (Lykens) Stover, of Tyrone. He has one son, Benjamin Charles, Jr. SAMUEL GRAHAM, funeral director of Tyrone, Pa., was born in 1861, in Kent County, Delaware, a son of John G. and Mary Elizabeth Graham, both deceased, the father having been a merchant by vocation. Educated in the schools of his native county, Mr. Graham studied embalming in New York City, graduating in 1891. In that year, he came to Tyrone, where he went into partnership with Jonathan H. Burley, who had established the business here in 1850. In 1905, Mr. Graham became sole owner of the concern and in 1920 bought the present property at No. 115 West Tenth Street, where he maintains one of the best equipped establishments in the county. Since that year, the firm has been known as Graham & Son, Samuel Graham, Jr., being associated with his father. Mr. Graham is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Elks and is affiliated with the Harrisburg Consistory and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine in Masonry. He attends the Episcopal Church. In 1891, Mr. Graham married Elizabeth Rickard, of Camden, Delaware, and they have one son, Samuel, Jr., who was born in 1898. Samuel Graham, Jr., graduated from the Eckles College of Embalming in 1920 and has since been associated with his father under the firm style of Graham and Son. In 1927, he married Gertrude Sullivan, of Tyrone, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Ann. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. HOWARD L. ORR, postmaster and dealer in agricultural implements, of Tyrone, was born at Sinking Valley, Pa., December 25, 1864, a son of George W. Orr, who was born in Sinking Valley and died in 1894, and of Rachel (Stalker) BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 38 Orr, a native of Warriors' Mark, Huntingdon County, Pa. John Orr, grandfather of Howard L., was born in Scotland, July 11, 1787, and became one of the early settlers of Sinking Valley. Howard L. Orr, educated in the public schools of his native community, was reared on the home farm and there resided until he was thirty-six years of age. In 1902 he removed to Tyrone, where he purchased the agricultural implement business of Harvey M. Cray. He immediately enlarged the scope of the enterprise to include the handling of wagons, buggies, saddles, robes, and similar merchandise in addition to agricultural implements, making the concern the largest of its kind in the city. Mr. Orr is also a director of the Blair County National Bank & Trust Company. He is a Republican in politics and has served twenty years on the city council. On August 15, 1928, he was appointed acting postmaster of Tyrone, his appointment being confirmed December 15th, following, and now discharges the duties of that office. He is a member of the Allegheny Gateway Encampment of Odd Fellows and attends the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a trustee for twenty years. In 1899, he married Cora B. Brightenbaugh, and they are the parents of a daughter, Thelma Belle, a graduate of the local high school. JOHN A. HILLER, owner of the W. F. Hiller Agency, oldest insurance agency in Tyrone, was born here in 1895. William F. Hiller, his father, was the founder of the business, which he conducted through a long and useful life that was terminated by death in 1919. He married Sarah Valentine, who still resides in Tyrone. Their son, John A. Hiller, was educated in the graded and high schools of Tyrone, but his career in the insurance field was barely started before he entered the army for service in the World War. He was trained at Watervliet Arsenal, New York, serving two months. He was then transferred to Air Service and attached to headquarters of Spruce Production in Portland, Oregon, where he remained until the time of his discharge in 1918, his entire service embracing a year and a half. Returning to Tyrone, he resumed his duties with his father and has continued in charge of the agency since his parent's death in 1919. The agency, which the son operates under his father's name, represents eighteen of the oldest and strongest fire and casualty insurance companies in the United States and ranks as one of the oldest in this city. Mr. Hiller is a member of the American Legion, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, Kiwanis Club of which he is secretary, the Consistory and Shrine in Masonry, the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Association of Insurance Agents. He is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. In 1920, Mr. Hiller married Rosalie Black, who died February 1, 1928, leaving one son, John A., Jr., who was born October 7, 1921. ARTHUR VOSBURG VANNEMAN, of Tyrone, was born at Havre de Grace, Maryland, in 1888, and is a son of Robert Kerr and Laura (Nesbit) Vanneman, both of whom are deceased. He acquired his early education in a private school at Port Deposit, Maryland, from which he graduated in 1905, and then BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 39 studied civil engineering at Cornell University, from which he received his degree in civil engineering in 1909. He was first employed as a construction engineer by C. A. Sims & Company, with whom he remained two years, and then spent a year with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. From 1913 to 1921, he was employed by the Tyrone Gas & Water Company and was in charge of operation of that organization. Since 1917, Mr. Vanneman has been president of the Tyrone Lime & Stone company and of the Laurel Run Coal Mining Company and is well known in this section for his operations in atone. A Republican in politics, he has served as a member of the Tyrone council and school board. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1912, Mr. Vanneman married Lenita Gambrill, of Havre de Grace, and to them have been born three children: John Robert, Mary Elizabeth, and Virginia, all of whom are attending school. FRANK KING TROUTWINE, deceased, was one of the prominent and able members of the Blair County Bar. A son of J. Leonard and Frances May (Grove) Troutwine, he was born at Tyrone, Pa., May 3, 1892, and, except for his college years, resided here all of his life. After attending the Tyrone public schools, he entered Franklin and Marshall Academy, Lancaster, Pa., where he studied two years before entering the college of that institution, where he received his A. B. degree. Following his graduation therefrom, he completed his legal studies at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving the degree of bachelor of laws in 1916. In the same year, he was admitted to practice before the Blair County Bar and entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he soon rose to a position of eminence. His demise occurred December 25, 1928. He was keenly interested in the affairs of the community and of his church, Trinity Episcopal, of which he was treasurer and vestryman for several years prior to his death. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, Elks, Blair County Bar Association and State Bar Association, American Legion, and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at Franklin and Marshall College. He was president of the Sterling Lime & Stone Company, organized a short time before his demise. He was united in marriage, October 4, 1922, to Elizabeth Goheen, and they became the parents of three daughters: Patricia G., Christine C., and Frances King. Speaking of Mr. Troutwine at the time of his death, a Tyrone newspaper said: He was a young man of lovable personality, full of cheeriness and human kindness, yet withal, firm for the right and dauntless in courage. He was devotedly attached to his family, their welfare and happiness being the greatest desire of his heart. Taking lively interest in public affairs, he was a useful public citizen." HARRY NELSON GLASS, funeral director of Tyrone, has been established here for nearly a decade. A son of Elias G. and Mary (Wolfe) Glass, the former deceased and the latter a resident of Millerstown, Pa., he was born at Martinsburg, Pa., in 1893, and obtained his early education in the public schools of Millerstown. He prepared for his life work at the Eckles College of Embalming, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 40 from which he graduated in 1916, and in the same year entered the employ of Mr. Fuoss, of Bellwood. In 1918, he was inducted into the army for service in the World War, serving with the infantry until December, 1918, when he was discharged. He returned to Bellwood, remaining there until 1922, when he opened his present funeral home at No. 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone. He maintains motor ambulances and a thoroughly equipped mortuary. He is a member of the Logan Lodge, No. 490, at Altoona, Consistory, at Harrisburg, and Shrine, at Altoona, in Masonry, the Kiwanis Club, and Chamber of Commerce, and attends the Reformed Church. In 1922, he married Mabel E. Boyd, of Bellwood, and they are the parents of a daughter, Frances Susan, who was born October 21, 1924. MAJOR LUTHER F. CRAWFORD, M. D., was a highly esteemed physician in practice for nearly four decades, and was regarded as one of the foremost medical men of Blair County. He was born in Sinking Valley, Blair County, January 1, 1859, and is the son of Robert and Mary F. (Fleck) Crawford. Robert Crawford, of Scotch- Irish descent, was a native of Blair County, and engaged in farming all his life. He died in the year 1882. Mary F., the mother, was of German descent. She was born in Sinking Valley; and died in 1902. Luther F. Crawford received his early education in the public schools of Blair County, later entering the Millersville State Normal School. At the completion of his normal school training he taught for a period of nine years in the Blair and Huntingdon Counties schools; after which he prepared for the medical profession in the Eclectic Medical College, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1890, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then came to Tyrone and began to practice his profession. Dr. Crawford has succeeded eminently in his chosen work. He was for a number of years on the Medical Examining Board of the State of Pennsylvania. Dr. Crawford aside from his profession found time to be interested in the welfare of various other activities, and had been vice-president of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Tyrone, of which institution he had been a director for many years; was president and director of the Tyrone Gas and Water Company; vice-president of the Bayer-Gilliam Wholesale Grocery Company; vice-president of the Mishler Theatre of Altoona; and director of the Superior Silica Brick Company. Dr. Crawford was inspector of the schools of Tyrone for many years; an office to which he was appointed in recognition of his intelligence and interest in education. Dr. Crawford's military activities began as early as 1877, with the Sheridan Troop of the Pennsylvania National Guard with which troop he was connected until 1910. He served in Porto Rico during the Spanish-American War as captain of Troop B and after the death of Major C. S. W. Jones, founder and first commander of Sheridan Troop, Captain Crawford was appointed major of the squadron. Dr. Crawford was a member of the Blair County Medical Society, the American Medical Society, the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, the Tyrone Lodge of I. 0. 0. F., Tyrone Chamber BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 41 of Commerce and the United Spanish-American War Veterans. He was commander of the Department of Pennsylvania Spanish-American War Veterans in 1928. In the year 1877, Dr. Crawford was united in marriage to Harriet B. Bryan, a native of Birmingham, Huntingdon County; and of this union there are three children: Dr. James Calvin, a physician of Orange County, California; Mary Mabel, wife of Hugh McKnight, a merchant of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Virgil L. Crawford of whom there is more in the following sketch. Dr. Crawford died August 21, 193O, at age of 71 years. VIRGIL L. CRAWFORD was born in Tyrone, Pa., March 4, 1891. He is the son of Dr. Luther F. Crawford and Harriet B. (Bryan) Crawford, the former being born in Sinking Valley, Blair County, and the latter in Birmingham, Huntingdon County. Virgil L. Crawford received his education in the grade and high schools of Tyrone, in Susquehanna University and in the Pennsylvania State College, from which he was graduated in 1915 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. On completing his education he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as a draftsman, and remained there for a period of two years, in the interim having become an expert engineer. In the year 1921, Mr. Crawford became manager of the Tyrone Gas and Water Company, his father's concern, where he has remained up to the present time. Despite Mr. Crawford's youth he has become a very prominent engineer in Pennsylvania. He is also well known in the club and fraternal world, being a member of the Tyrone Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, Tyrone Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce of Tyrone, Civic Club, Tyrone Post of the American Legion, Tyrone Golf Club, the Centres Hill Country Club, and the Varsity Club of the Pennsylvania State College. During Mr. Crawford's college career he gained a reputation for his athletic ability, which up to the present time still claims a great proportion of his time, and he continues to follow these rather enthusiastically, although golfing predominates, being president of the Central Counties Golf Association and captain of the Tyrone Golf Club. Mr. Crawford served at Camp Lee, Virginia, during the World War. In the year 1923, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Maud Harrison Love, of Altoona. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford reside in Tyrone and are very active members of the Lutheran Church of this place. KENTON ROY MILLER, of the firm of Rearick & Miller, furniture dealers and funeral directors of Martinsburg, was born near Henrietta, Blair County, Pa., September 17, 1898, a son of Rev. J. B. and Anna (Brown) Miller, who now reside at Curryville, Pa. He was graduated from the Altoona High School in 1918, and then took a two-year, pre-medical course at Juniata College. Matriculating at the Eckles College of Embalming, Philadelphia, he completed his studies June 1, 1923, and successfully passed the state examination for a license. At that time, he came to Martinsburg, where he entered the employ of J. P. Rearick, with whom he went into partnership, December 1, 1925, under the BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 42 firm style of Rearick & Miller. In 1930, the establishment was completely remodelled and re-equipped to include all the appurtenances of a well kept funeral home and furniture display room. Mr. Miller is a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternity and attends the Church of the Brethren. In 1925, he married Miriam Rearick, daughter of J. P. Rearick, and they have two children: Donald K. and Jeanne Marie. HARRY DREW STROUP, assistant manager of the three plants of the West Virginia Paper Company, with offices at Williamsburg, Pa., is a native of Tyrone, Pa. having been born there, May 30, 1888, a son of John B. and Lillie M. (Bridenbaugh) Stroup, the former of whom is deceased and the latter of whom resides at Hollidaysburg, Pa. He obtained his education in the graded and high schools of Tyrone and the Kiskiminetas Springs Preparatory School. In 1907, he came to Williamsburg to enter the employ of the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company and applied himself to learning the various phases of the business. On May 9, 1927, he became superintendent, succeeding his father in that position at the time of his parent's death, and on May 1, 1929, was made assistant manager of three mills operated by the company in Tyrone, Williamsburg, and Piedmont, West Virginia. He has attained the Thirty-second Degree in Scottish Rite Masonry and is a member of the Shrine. In 1910, Mr. Stroup married Kathryn A. Fay, of Williamsburg, and they are the parents of one daughter, Madolyn L., who is attending college. Mr. Stroup is a member of the Blairmont Country Club, Juniata Valley Colony Club, and Huntingdon Country Club. EDWIN ST ANTON HOOKER is general manager of the three plants of the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company. A native of Tyrone, he was born August 7, 1882, a son of Cornelius Hull and Frances (Sanders) Hooker. The father is deceased, and the mother is a resident of Tyrone. After completing the prescribed courses of the graded and high schools of Tyrone, Mr. Hooker studied at Pennsylvania State College. In 1903, he became identified with the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company and has worked his way steadily upward until he now holds the position of general manager of the three plants operated by the organization. He is also a director of the company and of the First National Bank, of Tyrone. He is a Republican in politics and attends the Presbyterian Church. In 1913, Mr. Hooker was united in marriage to Margaret Shuman, of Tyrone, and they are the parents of four children: Elizabeth, Edwin, Jr., Margaret, and Sarah. HARRISON HENRY, superintendent of the Tyrone plant of the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company, was born in January, 1861, at Hollidaysburg, Pa., a son of Frank and Martha (Webster) Henry, both of whom are deceased. The father was employed in various iron works during his life. Harrison Henry obtained his schooling at Maria Forge, Henrietta, and Roaring Spring, Pa., and at an early age served his apprenticeship in paper making. In 1878, he became BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 43 associated with the paper mills of Morrison. Bare & Cass of Roaring Spring, and in 1890 entered the employ of the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company at Tyrone as papermaker. Later he was made night foreman of the plant, a position which he retained until 1906. In that year, he was elevated to the superintendency of the mill and has since been connected with the company in that capacity. In 1891 he married Tillie Miller, of Tyrone, and they maintain their home at No. 131O Lincoln Avenue, Tyrone. Mr. Henry is a member of the Portage Lodge, No. 220, F. & A. M., Hollidaysburg, Consistory at Harrisburg, and Shrine at Altoona, the Odd Fellows, and the Chamber of Commerce. ROBERT HENDERSON HAMILTON, deceased, was for many years identified with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in Altoona. He was born in Altoona, a son of John and Elizabeth H. (Litle) Hamilton, natives of Pennsylvania. Robert Hamilton received his education by private instruction under Professor Stewart at Greenwood, Blair County, and entered Lafayette College as a sophomore with the class of 1874. Upon completing his college course, Mr. Hamilton engaged himself as a civil engineer, surveying lands for the construction of railroad lines. At the age of twenty-seven, he accepted the position of passenger agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Thereafter he was successively assistant conductor and conductor. He retired from active service at the age of seventy. Mr. Hamilton died in 1926, at Altoona, an esteemed citizen whose passing saddened his family and a large circle of friends. He was a member of the Railroad Relief Association and the Order of Railroad Conductors. His church affiliation was Presbyterian. Mr. Hamilton married Rose Wolf, a native of Easton, Pennsylvania, on November 27, 1878. She was the daughter of Henry Clay Wolf, a native of Monroe County, a highly respected public official and manufacturer and Hannah Miller Wolf, also a native of Monroe County. They became the parents of four children: Florence, married to Louis Harmon, of Altoona; Ruth H., deceased; John Clay; and Marian Elizabeth, married to Prussey B. Shuss, of Trenton, Missouri, a veteran officer of the World War and now manager of the Missouri Public Service Company. Mrs. Hamilton makes her home at 1212 Fourteenth Avenue, Altoona. HOWARD ROY DIEHL, lumberman of Blue Knob, Pa., was born here in 1882, a son of Aaron and Catherine (Imler) Diehl, of whom more is contained in the biographical record of John C. Diehl. He was educated in the public schools of his native township, and since the completion of his schooling, he has devoted himself to the lumber business, operating sawmills throughout this section. He is now engaged in business with R. B. Long, and though he owns a mill, he is not now operating it. He is the proprietor of a seventy-acre farm where he raises cattle and manufactures butter, an enterprise in which he has been uniformly successful. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, the Reformed Church, of which he is an elder, and is secretary of the Blue Knob Service Line. In 1901, Mr. Diehl married Ida Sylania Dively, of Claysburg, Pa., and they are the parents of three children, as follows: Clyde R., who resides in Altoona, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 44 where he is employed by the P. R. R. as a car builder; Grace Irene, of Altoona; and Richard Franklin; who lives with his father and works on the farm. JOHN C. DIEHL, of Blue Knob, Blair County, was born here August 28, 1864, a son of Aaron and Catherine (Imler) Diehl, both natives of Greenfield Township, this county. The father was a carpenter and cabinet maker, trades which he followed in conjunction with farming and general repairing. He died in February, 1910, and his wife in 1914. He was active in the affairs of the town- ship, serving as assessor and member of the school board. He was a Democrat in political allegiance and a communicant of the Reformed Church. He and his wife were the parents of these children: Maria, John C., G. Calvin, Della, Alfred N., and Howard R., whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. John C. Diehl obtained his education in the schools of Greenfield Township, after which he taught school for one term. For a period of twenty years he was engaged in the lumber business operating sawmills and then entered blacksmithing, in which field he is still engaged at Blue Knob. He is a skilled worker and has built up a fine business. A Democrat in politics, he served twenty years as a justice of the peace and six years as secretary of the school board of this township. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and as an elder of the Reformed Church, received a medal for fifty years of service in Sunday school work. He was married May 28, 1889, to Leona Walter, a native of Greenfield Township, her death occurring December 25, 1929. They became the parents of these children: Elmer, who married Lizzie Wentz, of Blue Knob, and died in April, 1926, leaving four children; Edna, Claire, Elden, and Bruce; Harvey, who married Ruth Con, of Blue Knob, and has a daughter, Zoella; and Alice, who married Stuart Richey, of Blue Knob, and has four children, Miriam, Edna, Anna, and Harold. HARRY SLEP, whose death occurred June 16, 1922, was the founder of the Altoona Mirror and president of the Mirror Printing Company, of which he was the active head until the time of his death. He was born at Hesse-Cassel, Germany, October 24, 1836, a son of Louis and Fredericka Slep, and came to the United States with his family when he was ten years of age. The Sleps left Bremen, Germany, in August, 1846, aboard a little sailing ship, and so stormy was the weather that fourteen weeks were required for the passage, the demasted vessel making port at Baltimore. From there, the family traveled by wagon to Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, where they separated, Harry Slep remaining in that community in care of an uncle. At this time, he conceived the ambition of becoming a printer, and one day he met a man named John Orth driving a cow to Harrisburg. Orth promised to get young Slep a job in Harrisburg if the boy would drive the cow to that city. George Bergner, editor of the Vaderlands Waechter and later state printer, at the solicitation of Orth agreed to take Harry Slep on a six months' probation period, at the end of which time he was to become an apprentice. So able and willing did he prove to be that he BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 45 was made foreman of the job printing shop when he was sixteen and became a journeyman printer when he was eighteen. During this time, he had applied himself diligently to learning the English language. In 1855, he formed a partnership with an attorney named McLaughlin to purchase the Mechanicsburg Gazette, an enterprise from which he withdrew in six months to return to Harris- burg, where he again entered the employ of Mr. Bergner, then owner of the Harrisburg Telegraph, to continue there until the early Sixties. He then became foreman of the Harrisburg Patriot and Union and continued in that position until he took charge of the Meadville Republican, a position which ill health forced him to surrender. He was then successively employed at Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Williamsport, and Harrisburg again as foreman of Theodore F. Sheffer's Shop. In March, 1871, he came to Altoona as foreman of the job printing department of the Altoona Sun, and on October 21, 1872, he established the Mirror Printing House on Thirteenth Street between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues, soon removing to the present site of the Goldschmid Building at Eleventh Avenue and Twelfth Street. At this location, June 13, 1874, was first issued the Evening Mirror, George J. Akers managing the editorial and news departments of the business, the firm name being Slep & Akers. The partner withdrew from the firm in 1877 to be succeeded by W. J. Fleming, who in turn left the concern after a short while. Ill health forced Mr. Slep to sell the paper to W. K. Buckingham and W. S. Nicodemus, who were soon superseded by their backers, Alexander & Herr. E. B. Haines became the owner in 1879, changed the name to the Call, and moved it to Harrisburg shortly afterward. On March 28, 1878, Mr. Slep issued the Volksfuehrer, a weekly and the first German newspaper in Altoona, continuing its publication until March, 1881, when he sold it to Louis G. Lamade, the present owner. Mr. Slep meanwhile conducted his job shop in association with his eldest son, William H. Slep, and on June 16, 1888, he revived his old newspaper under the name of the Altoona Mirror, a style which still obtains, the volume and number being resumed at the point where the old paper had been changed to the Call. The firm of H. & W. H. Slep was formed July 4, 1890, and from that time forward, the Mirror entered a period of steady and substantial growth. The death of William H. Slep, December 8, 1906, again placed the entire burden of management on the shoulders of the father, who at that time purchased his son's interests and formed the Mirror Printing Company, a corporation, of which he was president to the day of his death. He and his wife, Anna C. Slep, lost their second son January 7, 1921, Edward J. Slep having been associated with his father for some years. J. G. Humes, stepson of Mr. Slep and for several years general manager of the business, died November 17, 1921. Daniel N. Slep, a third son, is now president of the Mirror Printing Company, and two daughters, Cordelia, the wife of A. J. Holtzinger, of Altoona, and Mame, the wife of S. Arthur Coffey, of Harrisburg, survive. A third daughter, Mrs. Alice Haggerty, died some years ago. A member of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Slep was active in the affairs of that body, serving forty years as deacon and for many years as superintendent of the primary department of the Sunday school. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 46 DANIEL N. SLEP, president of the Mirror Printing Company, of Altoona, was born in this city October 20, 1872, a son of Harry and Anna C. Slep, of whom more is contained on other pages of this work. He obtained his education in the graded and high schools of this city and then became identified with the Altoona Mirror, then published by his father and brother. His entire career has been bound up with that of the newspaper and printing company, for with the death of his father in 1922, he succeeded to the presidency of the Mirror Printing Company, carrying on the principles of clean journalism and first-class printing that have been the guiding factors of the concerns rise to prominence. Mr. Slep is a member of the American Publishers' Association, Central Pennsylvania Typothetae, Pennsylvania Dailies' Association, and the United States Chamber of Commerce. He attends the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Slep was married in 1897 to Elda Pearl Potter, a native of Altoona, and to them have been born these children: James G., who served in the United States Army during the World War; Daniel R., deceased; Eugene G., and Philip P. FREDERICK G. GRIMSHAW has been works manager of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Altoona since 1925. John and Martha A. (Mottershead) Grimshaw, his parents, are both natives of England, the former having been born at Macclesfield and settling at Paterson, New Jersey, in 1869, where he engaged in silk manufacturing until his retirement from active life. Frederick G. Grimshaw was born at Paterson, November 26, 1878, and obtained his early education in the graded and high schools of that city and the Stevens' Institute Preparatory School, Hoboken, New Jersey. He than studied mechanical engineering at Cornell University, graduating in 1900, and until 1902, he was employed at the Cooke Locomotive Works, at Paterson. At that time, he came to Altoona, where he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad as special apprentice. His subsequent promotions in the company have been as follows: yard clerk, Youngwood, Pa.; assistant yard master, East Pittsburgh, Pa.; assistant master mechanic of the Monongahela division; master mechanic of the West Jersey Sea Shore at Camden, New Jersey; assistant engineer of motive power of the Western Pennsylvania division; assistant engineer of electric equipment at Philadelphia; superintendent of motive power, New York; assistant to the general manager, Pennsylvania Lines east of Pittsburgh, at Philadelphia; superintendent of the Eastern division; superintendent of motive power of the Eastern Ohio division, at Pittsburgh; general superintendent, motive power of the Southwestern region at St. Louis, Missouri; and, finally, works manager of the entire system at Altoona. Mr. Grimshaw is the immediate head of a shops organization comprising, approximately, 12,000 men and has occupied his present position since April, 1925. Mr. Grimshaw holds membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Altoona Rotary Club. He and his wife attend the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Grimshaw married Jessica Margaret McEnery, of Camden, New BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 47 Jersey, and they are the parents of six children: Tabitha, Anne, Jane, Frederick G, Jr., Sarah Lee, and Martha. JOHN J. McMURRAY, mayor of Altoona, was born in that city on December 13, 1876. He is the son of J. H. McMurray, a locomotive engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Clara J. McMurray. He was educated in the public schools of Altoona and after leaving high school studied mechanical engineering and drawing, and learned the machinists' trade, He was then employed in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Altoona where his work was of such high order that he was transferred to the Test Department for Expert Road Work. He continued in that department until honored by his fellow citizens in 1927, when they elected him mayor of Altoona. The high standards for progress that he maintains in his position as mayor of the city are characterized in the plat- form on which he was elected. It includes plans to industrialize Altoona and protect the unemployed by bringing new industries to the city. His interest in the young people of Altoona is evidenced in this plan too, because of the attractions new home industries offer them to remain at home. In 1927, during his first year as mayor, an industrial survey of the city of Altoona and Blair County was conducted for the purpose of determining just what the community has to offer in every phase of economic and social life. Its comprehensiveness, in that it includes reports on housing conditions, educational opportunities, public utilities, police and fire protection in addition to population statistics, makes it possible for any employer or employe to learn just what opportunities for future development a new business enterprise may have. Mr. McMurray is a leader in Masonic circles in Altoona and Pennsylvania as well. He is a Knight Templar and 32nd degree Mason and active in the Shrine of which he is a past potentate. In 1929 and 1930, he served as president of the Pennsylvania Shrine Council. The beautiful and spacious Jaffa Mosque in Altoona which has become a center of social activity in the city, exemplifies his interest in the progress of Masonry locally. Mr. McMurray is married and his wife was the former Miss Edithe Shaffer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shaffer, of Altoona. CHARLES F. ANDERSON, proprietor of the Wholesale Paper and Twine Company that bears his name, was born in Altoona, September 2, 1881. A. J. Anderson, his father, was a native of Martinsburg, Blair County, and began his career as a retail clothing merchant, a vocation which he later followed at Altoona. Here, he founded the Edison Electric Company, which he subsequently sold to the Penn Central Light & Power Company. He died in 1917 and his wife, Jennie C. (O'Hara) Anderson, who was born at Munster, Cambria County, Pa., died in 1925. Charles F. Anderson graduated from the Altoona High School in 1899, and for a short time thereafter was employed by the Union Furnace Manufacturing Company. He then spent two years in the coal business in Colorado and, after his return to Altoona, established the Anderson Paper & Twine Company in June, 1905. In 1918, he enlarged his facilities by the acquisi- BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 48 tion of a plant at Johnstown, Pa., and now employs some twenty-five persons. He is also a director of the First National Bank. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, trustee of Altoona Hospital, and the Blairmont Country Club. He is a Republican in politics and is a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, Pa. Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Margaret S. Beamer, of Tyrone, Pa., a daughter of James A. and Sarah Beamer, and to this union have been born three children: Jane; Sarah, the wife of George C. Wilson, Jr., of Tyrone, Pa., and Margaret. JOSEPH D. FINDLEY, M. D., has been engaged in practice in Altoona for thirty years and is of the third generation of his family to follow the profession of medicine in this county. Dr. William Robinson Findley, his grandfather, was born in Lewistown, Pa., and began practicing at Williamsburg, removing from Williamsburg, to Manor Hill, Frankstown, and finally Altoona, where he died in 1888. He became a member of the staff when the Altoona Hospital was organized, of which body both his son and grandson became members. Dr. William Martin Findley, father of Joseph D., was born at Manor Hill, Huntingdon County, Pa., came to Altoona with his parents in 1859, and began active practice here in 1867, continuing until the time of his death. He married Emma Dysart, a native of Hollidaysburg, who is deceased. Joseph D. Findley, their son, was born at Altoona, June 26, 1877, and attended the public schools of this city. He received the degree of bachelor of arts from Lafayette College in 1897, and then matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received his doctorate in medicine in 1900. He served a year's interneship at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, after which he inaugurated his practice in Altoona. He became a member of the staff of the Altoona Hospital in 1906, and was chosen chief of staff in 1919. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American, Pennsylvania, and Blair County Medical Associations. He also holds membership in the Rotary Club, Blairmont Country Club, University Club, of Philadelphia, and the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. Eliza Dean, daughter of John and Margaret (Bell) Dean, of Hollidaysburg, the former of whom was a justice of the peace in this county, became his wife, and to this union were born four children: Joseph D., Jr., Margaret D., Anna Martin, and Jane Dean. J. HOWARD TOBIAS, principal and one of the founders of the Altoona School of Commerce, was born at Everett, Pa., April 3, 1884, a son of John B. and Hettie M. (Davis) Tobias, the former a native of Lewisburg, Pa., and the latter of Hopewell Township, Bedford County, Pa. The father spent the greater part of his life in Bedford County as a hardware merchant at Everett, of which he was postmaster from 1893 to 1897. He retired from active life in 1909 and died in 1919, the death of his wife occurring in 1926. J. Howard Tobias attended the graded and high schools of Everett and studied at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1909 and 1910. Thereafter, until BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 49 December, 1923, he was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Altoona, first in the accounting division and then as accountant with the stores division. He accepted the position of credit manager and accountant with the Central Supply Company and continued in that position until he joined T. W. Tobias in the establishment of the Altoona School of Commerce in 1927. He is active head of the institution, which employs five teachers and is regarded as one of the leaders in its field in this section of Pennsylvania. During the World War, Mr. Tobias served in the accounting division at the Paris headquarters of the Y. M. C. A., from July, 1918, to January, 1919. He is a member of Logan Lodge, No. 490, F. & A. M.; Mountain Chapter, No. 189, R. A. M.; Mountain Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar; and the Shrine. Mr. Tobias married Edna Grazier, daughter of J. A. and Sarah E. Grazier, of Altoona, the former of whom is deceased, and to them have been born three children: Elizabeth Eleanor, John Grazier, and Robert Howard. ISAIAH SCHEELINE, attorney of Altoona, is a native of Altoona, where he was born March 10, 1878, a son of Alexander and Julia (Goldschmidt) Scheeline, both natives of Germany, the former having been born at Thalesming. Alexander Scheeline came to the United States in 1853, when he was twenty years of age and for a time engaged in farm work in Chester County, Pa. After spending six years in California, he returned to Pennsylvania, locating first in Bedford County and later in Altoona, 1873, where he engaged in the clothing business. He died in 1921 at the age of eighty-eight years and his wife in 1904. Isaiah Scheeline attended the local public schools and studied at Lafayette and Dickinson, completing his legal studies at the latter institution in 1899. He was admitted to the bar in 1902 and has since carried on a general legal practice. He is president of the Westfall Company and vice-president of the Central Trust Company, both of this city. He is a Democrat in politics and was the candidate of his party for election to Congress in 1910 and was candidate for Presidential elector at large in 1928. He is a member of the welfare board of this city, a Trustee of Altoona Hospital and one of the directors of the Altoona Foundation, a member of Blairmont Country Club, Summitt Country Club, and Tyrone Golf Club. His fraternal affiliations include the Masonic fraternity, Shrine, Elks, and Odd Fellows. He attends Temple Beth Israel and is serving on the American-Jewish committee. He is an honorary member of Phi Epsilon Phi fraternity. Mr. Scheeline took for his wife Julia Schoenfeld, and they have one son, Isaiah, Jr. Mrs. Scheeline was formerly head resident of the Irene Kauffman Settlement, Pittsburgh, and was field secretary for the Playground and Recreation Society of America, an organization that came into being through the efforts of President Roosevelt. During the World War, she was engaged in the work of the War Camp Community Service. CHARLES RICHARD MALLERY has been practicing law in Altoona for a decade and a half. He was born in Altoona, June 18, 1888, a son of James R. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 50 and Laura (Hatton) Mallery, natives, respectively of New York City and Crawford County, Pa., and both deceased. Charles R. Mallery attended the local schools and received the degree of bachelor of arts from Bucknell University in 1909. His legal studies were pursued at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1913 with the degree of bachelor of laws. He was admitted to practice before the bar of Philadelphia County and soon afterward located in Altoona, where he has since been engaged in a general law practice. He is an attorney for the State Capitol Building & Loan Association. During the World War, Mr. Mallery served in the Field Artillery. He is a member of the American Legion, Odd Fellows, Sigma Chi fraternity, and the various Masonic bodies, including the Williamsport Consistory and the Shrine. MITCHELL MacCARTNEY, attorney of Altoona, is a son of B. F. and Mable (Mitchell) MacCartney, the former a native of Altoona and coal dealer of this city and the latter a native of Hamilton, Jefferson County, Pa. He was born at Hamilton, Pa., March 24, 1897, and obtained his early education in the public schools of Altoona, graduating from high school in 1915. He took a liberal arts course at Lafayette College, which he completed in 1919. He is a member of Zeti Psi fraternity at Lafayette College, and studied for his profession at Harvard Law School, from which he was graduated in 1922. During the following year, he carried on post-graduate studies at Columbia Law School. He was admitted to the Blair County Bar and began active practice here in January, 1925. He conducts a general practice and maintains offices at No. 1104 Twelfth Street. Mr. MacCartney married Gwendolyn Wilt, daughter of J. S. and Bessie Wilt, of Altoona. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blairmont Country Club, First Presbyterian Church, and is a Republican in politics. Mr. MacCartney during the World War was in the Naval Aviation section serving as Chief Quartermaster at the U. S. Ground School. PAUL J. SMITH, attorney of Altoona, was born in this city, December 30, 1905, a son of Irwin W., a native of Martinsburg, Pa., and Helen (Lehman) Smith, born at the same place. The father has spent the greater part of his life in Altoona, where he is prominent in banking circles, was cashier of the Union Bank of Altoona. After graduating from the local high school in 1923, Paul J. Smith matriculated at Pennsylvania State College, from which he graduated in 1927, and then entered the University of Michigan Law School, from which he received the degree of June Doctor in 1929. Returning to Altoona, he was admitted to practice before the Blair County Bar, October 21, 1929, and has since been engaged in a general practice, maintaining offices at No. 332 Central Trust Building. He is a member of the Phi Lambda Sigma, Professional Barristers' Club of the University of Michigan, Order of the Coif, Blairmont Country Club, and American Business Club. He is a Republican in his political affiliation and attends the Second Lutheran Church. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 51 IRVIN W. SMITH, of Altoona, was born at Martinsburg, Pa., September 23, 1877, a son of George D., a native of the same place, and Nancy (Wike) Smith, who was born in Houston Township, Blair County. The father spent his life on a farm near Martinsburg and was active in affairs of the township, serving as school director and secretary of the township school board for many years. He died in 1892, and his wife in 1916. They were the parents of these children: David W.; Calvin W.; James W.; Harry W.; Irvin W.; George C.; Preston C., Elizabeth; Mary, the wife of George. W. Hughes; and Clara, deceased, who married E. E. Shriver. Irvin W. Smith attended the public schools of Houston Township, Blair County, and thereafter taught school for six years, five in Houston Township and one in Logan Township. During this time he took courses at the Millersville State Normal School, from which he graduated. After spending three years as a clerk with the Pennsylvania Railroad, he became a bookkeeper with the Union Bank of Altoona, July, 1905, was promoted to assistant cashier, and finally was elected cashier, a position which he held for many years. He is a director of the Altoona Market Company, Citizens' Ice Company, and the Eastside Building & Loan Association and is treasurer of several other building and loan concerns. He attends the Second Lutheran Church. Mr. Smith married Helen Louisa Lehman, daughter of David S. and Louisa (Straesser) Lehman, and to this union have been born four children: Paul J., an attorney of Altoona; H. Elizabeth, a teacher in the public schools of Logan Township; Fred I., and Robert L. Mr. Smith is a member of the Blairmont Country Club. CHARLES A. AUKER, who has been practicing law at Altoona since 1925, was born at Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa., January 10, 1899, a son of R. L. Auker, a native of the same place, and Minnie Nora (Stoner) Auker, born in Fermanagh Township, Juniata County. The father spent his entire life at Mifflintown, where he was engaged in the monument business, his death occurring November 13, 1929. Charles A. Auker acquired his early education in the public schools of Mifflintown, graduating from high school in 1916, after which he matriculated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., from which he graduated as a member of the class of 1920 with the A. B. degree. He served three months at Dickinson in the S. A. T. C. during the war. He then taught school at Nazareth Military Academy, Nazareth, Pa., in Dover, New Jersey, and Sommerville, New Jersey. Returning to Dickinson College, he studied for his profession there, receiving the degree of bachelor of laws in 1925. He is a member of the Beta Theta Ti fraternity. In the same year, he came to Altoona, was admitted to the bar, and has since conducted a general practice, maintaining offices at No. 1321 Eleventh Avenue. He is a member of the various Masonic bodies, the Shrine, Chapter, and Commandery, Kiwanis Club, and Clover Club, and State and County Bar Associations. He married Grace Jacoby, of Altoona, daughter of Howard and Gertrude Jacoby, and they have one son, Charles A., Jr. Mr. Auker is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a Republican in politics. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 52 CHARLES M. KURTZ has been engaged in the practice of law at Altoona for twenty years. Born on a farm near Thompsontown, Juniata County, Pa., December 19, 1882, he is a son of Abraham and Mary (Bergey) Kurtz, the former native of the same place and the latter of Oakland Mills, Juniata County. The parents are deceased, the father having spent his entire life as a farmer on what has been the Kurtz homestead for nearly two hundred years. Charles M. Kurtz attended the graded schools of his native place and graduated from the Altoona High School in 1903. He completed a liberal arts course at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., in 1907 and received his degree of bachelor of laws from the Dickinson Law School in 1909. He was admitted to the bar in Blair County and initiated his practice in 1910, since conducting a general legal practice. He maintains offices in the Second National Bank Building. He is a member of the various Masonic bodies, including the Shrine, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, and a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Kurtz married Gail Winter Scott, daughter of J. E. and Elizabeth (Laizure) Scott, of New Hope, Pa., and to this union have been born three children: J. Scott, Elizabeth Laizure, and Charles Hertzler. WILLIAM H. HANNUM, of Altoona, is adjuster for the Bureau of Rehabilitation of the Department of Labor and Industry. Lewis W. Hannum, his father, was born at Concordville, Delaware County, Pa., and spent the greater art of his active career as a miller at Chatham, Chester County, Pa., now living retired at West Grove, Chester County, at the age of eighty-five years. His wife, who was Jennie E. Farner, a native of Oakville, Cumberland County, Pa., is deceased. William H. Hannum, their son, was born at Chatham, October 1, 1880, and there obtained his early education. He spent three years as a rural mail carrier at Chatham prior to taking a commercial course at the Schissler College of Business, Norristown, Pa. At that time, he came to Altoona, where he spent fourteen years in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the accounting division. on November 1, 1920, he was appointed adjuster for the Bureau of Rehabilitation of the Department of Labor and Industry and has since discharged the duties of that position. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic fraternity, and the Odd Fellows, and he attends the First Lutheran church. Mr. Hannum married Villa M. Carolus, daughter of Maurice D. and Caroline Carolus, of Altoona, and they have one daughter, Helen Elizabeth. G. NEVIN DIVELY has been practicing law at Altoona for five years and is rapidly coming to the front in his chosen profession. Benjamin F. Dively, his father, is a native of Claysburg, Blair County, and has spent his entire life here, now serving as superintendent of state highways at that place. He married Geneva Claar, born in Queen, Bedford County, Pa., and to this union have been born these children: G. Nevin; Virgie D., who married Warren C. McCarty, a prominent educator; Mary F., who married Wesley Weyant of the General Refractories Co., Sproul, Pa.; W. Lester, electrical engineer, gradu- BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 53 ate of University of Pittsburgh, Pa., with the Century Electrical Co.; Philadelphia, Pa., Benjamin F., D. D. S., graduate of University of Pennsylvania, practicing at Alexandria, Pa.; and Margaret. G. Nevin Dively attended the public schools of Greenfield Township and the Millersville State Normal School, after which he taught school one year. At this time, the United States entered the World War, Mr. Dively enlisting and serving eighteen months in the Quartermaster Corps as sergeant major. Following his discharge, he matriculated at Dickinson College, from which he graduated in 1922 with the degree of bachelor of laws. During the succeeding year, he was principal of the Jefferson School, Altoona, and became a teacher of history in the junior high school. In 1925, he initiated his practice before the Blair County Bar and maintains offices at NO. 1321 Eleventh Avenue; Mr. Dively married Esther Hower, of Mifflintown, Pa. He is a member of the American Legion and has attained the Thirty-second Degree in Masonry, he being a member, also, of the Shrine. He and his wife are communicants of the Reformed Church. Mr. Dively is a member of the County Board of Viewers appointed by the County Court. He is president of the Millersville Teachers' College Alumni Association; member of the Shrine Club of Altoona, and Acacia Club. He has been superintendent of the Sunday School of the Reformed Church for six years. RUTH FORSHT bears the distinction of being the only woman engaged in the practice of law in Altoona, her native city. Samuel I. Forsht, her father, was born in Martinsburg, Blair County, and spent the greater part of his life at Juniata, this county. He was an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad until 1900 and thereafter owned and operated the Juniata Flour & Feed Company until the time of his death, February 1, 1917. He married Annie Bailey, a native of Pennsylvania Furnace, Centre County, Pa., and now a resident of Altoona, and to this union were born these children: Jacob, Samuel I., Jr., Walter E., Clarence W., John R:, Alfred C., Paul, Ruth, Olive May, Esther, and Alice. Ruth Forsht graduated from the Juniata High School in 1911, taught one year in the Juniata schools, and was employed for a short time thereafter at Gloversville, New York. She returned to Altoona to become associated with the Shaeffer Stores Company and later with the Pennsylvania Railroad as assistant chief clerk of the Stores Department, leaving this company to teach in the Juniata schools for one year. Matriculating at the University of Pennsylvania, she received the degree of bachelor of science in 1924 and that of bachelor of laws in 1927. She was admitted to the Blair County Bar, October 10, 1927, and has since conducted a general practice, maintaining offices in the Myers Building. She is a member of the Phi Chi Theta and Phi Delta Delta Sororities, the Woman's City Club, of Pittsburgh, Mortar Board, the Association of University Women, College Club of Blair County, Quota Club, League of Women Voters, Republican Club, Music Club, Blair County Grange, and Business and Professional Woman's Club. A communicant of Trinity Lutheran Church, of Juniata, she is a teacher in its Sunday school. She is an active Republican, and during the BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 54 gubernatorial campaign of 1930, she served as secretary and treasurer for the Pinchot organization in Blair County. She was appointed by William G. Gordon, secretary of Banking, as Counsel to be Receiver in the liquidation or reorganization of the Mountain City Trust Co. W. FRANK VAUGHN, of the law firm of Vaughn & Vaughn, Altoona has been engaged in practice here for thirty-five years. George H. Vaughn, his father, spent the greater part of his life at Altoona, where he was engaged in manufacturing until the time of his death. He was a native of Blair County, and his wife, Anna M. Dicken, was born on a farm near Sharpsburg, Maryland, over which the Battle of Antietam was fought, the house in which she was born being destroyed during the course of the battle. Born at Newry, Pa., September 21, 1870, W. Frank Vaughn attended the schools of Altoona, graduating from high school in 1890. For three years, he read law in the offices of Milton Alexander, with whom he formed a partnership after he was admitted the bar, May 18, 1895. This relationship existed some three years, and when Mr. Alexander removed to Lancaster, Pa., Mr. Vaughn succeeded to his practice in Altoona. Thereafter, Mr. Vaughn practiced alone until his son, Kenneth B., was admitted to the bar in 1917, since which time father and son have been associated under the firm style of Vaughn & Vaughn. The son is a graduate Altoona High School and the Law School of Dickinson College, graduating from the latter in 1917. Mr. Vaughn married Margaret C. Aspell, who was born in Harrisburg, Pa., a daughter of Charles and Ella Aspell, and besides the already named, they have three children: Francis M., E. Wayne, and Patricia. Mr. Vaughn is a communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and is a Democrat. WILLIAM N. DECKER, secretary of the Altoona School Board since 1920, born in Hamilton Township, Adams County, Pa., March 30, 1873, and is son of Jeremiah G. and Susan C. (Weigel) Decker, natives, respectively, of Adams and York Counties, Pa. The father spent his life in Adams County as a farmer and shoemaker. William N. Decker was educated in the public schools of Adams County and the Shippensburg State Normal School, from which he graduated in 1895. He taught school in Adams County one year, in Lancaster County, Pa., three years, and for eleven years in Lehigh County, Pa., where he was principal of the schools at Macungie and Copley. A Democrat in politics, was elected to represent his county in the State Legislature in 1907 and was returned to that body at the succeeding election, 1909. In 1910, Mr. Decker came to Altoona, teaching first in the high school and later serving as principal of the Stevens and Jefferson Schools. In 1920, he was appointed secretary of the School Board and has since retained that position. He is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite 32nd Degree and Shrine and the Odd Fellows, and attends the Reformed Church. He married Hattie Schmoyer, of Macungie, Lehigh County, who died in 1907, leaving a daughter, Leah S. Decker, a teacher in the high school at Altoona. For his second wife, Mr. Decker took Vida BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 55 Wolcott, of Lykens, Pa., a daughter of Ira S. Wolcott, a retired school principal of Altoona, and Mrs. Ira S. (Lebow) Wolcott, deceased. Mr. Decker was Vice-President from 1930-31 and in 1931 President of the National Association of Public School Business Officials. JOHN KILGORE JOHNSTON, consulting engineer of Tyrone, retired from the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad, June 1, 1930, after an association of fifty years. Born at Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland County, Pa., May 8, 1860, he is the son of Joseph Jack and Louise Craig (Kilgore) Johnston. After graduation from Greensburg Academy and private instruction in engineering, he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as rodman in the engineering department in August, 1879. In January, 1885, he went to Reading, Pa., as assistant engineer of the Schuylkill division, became assistant engineer of maintenance of way at Altoona, Pa., in January, 1887, and was transferred to the Tyrone division in July, 1888, as assistant supervisor. Subsequent positions were as follows: assistant supervisor of the Middle division at Muffin; supervisor of the Monongahela division at Brownsville and Monongahela City; supervisor of the Schuylkill division at Norristown; supervisor of the Philadelphia division at Paoli; assistant engineer of the Renovo division engaged in construction work between Johnsonburg and Kane; principal assistant engineer at Altoona, November 1, 1902; and superintendent of the Tyrone division from November 1, 1903, to May 1, 1929, except for three months during the World War when he was superintendent of the Philadelphia division at Harrisburg. He was in charge of construction work aggregating more than fifteen million dollars during his year as principal assistant engineer at Altoona. When the Tyrone division was absorbed by the Middle and Williamsport divisions on May 1, 1929, Mr. Johnston became assistant general superintendent of the Eastern Pennsylvania division with offices at Tyrone, so continuing until the time of his retirement. High efficiency in transportation and the development of exceptional loyalty between men and management characterized the administration of Mr. Johnston as superintendent of the Tyrone division, and during the national shop strike, the men of the Tyrone shops were the only ones to remain on duty. The Tyrone division, under his direction, reached a point where it moved the greatest annual tonnage of any single track railroad in the world. Mr. Johnston instituted safety measures into the operations of his division that subsequently became cardinal points when the Safety-First Convention of the American Railway Association met at Chicago in 1923. In 1922, he became president of the Pittsburgh & Susquehanna Railroad and still retains that office. He is also president of the Moshannon Coal Company and trustee of the Rowland Trust and the estate of Annie C. Rowland. His services to the people of Tyrone are many, for he envisioned and secured the building of the athletic park at the north side of town, was a leader in the movement that secured to the city a new Y. M. C. A. building, and contributed the bronze memorial commemorating the men of the Tyrone division who served in the World Page 56 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY War. Mr. Johnston maintains offices in the Pennsylvania Railroad Station, where he is engaged in practice as a consulting engineer. SAMUEL JUBELIRER has been practicing law in Altoona since 1925. He was born at Brownsville, Pa., January 7, 1900, a son of Isaac and Fannie (Siegel) Jubelirer, both natives of Austria. The father came to the United States when he was fifteen years of age and has spent the greater part of his subsequent career at McKeesport, Pa., where he now lives retired. Samuel Jubelirer attended the public schools of McKeesport and the Pittsburgh Academy, and matriculated at Washington and Jefferson University, from which he received the degree of bachelor of arts in 1922. He served in the Student Army Training Corps while he was a student at that institution. His legal studies were pursued at the University of Pittsburgh, from which he won the degree of bachelor of laws in 1925. In the same year, he was admitted to the Blair County Bar and has since conducted a general practice in Altoona, his offices being located at No. 408-9 Commerce Building. Mr. Jubelirer married Dorothy Brett, of Altoona, and they have one child; James Lee. Mr. Jubelirer is a member of the American Legion and Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and attends Beth Israel Temple. BENJAMIN F. CLEAVES became vice-president of the Penn Central Light and Power Company, of Altoona, in 1928. Born at Addison, Maine, June 28, 1885, he is a son of Melvin and Gertrude A. (Plummer) Cleaves, both natives of the same state, the mother being born at Addison. The father spent the greater part of his life at Addison, where he now lives retired, as maker of carriages and sleighs. After graduating from the Addison High School, Mr. Cleaves took preparatory work at Maine Wesleyan Seminary and then matriculated at the Lowell Institute Branch of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While going to school he worked for the General Electric and Westinghouse Company and after finishing school came with the Penn Central Light & Power Company in 1911 as engineer of tests. He was made electrical engineer in 1916, assistant superintendent of electrical operations in 1924, general superintendent of operations in 1925, and vice- president in 1928. He is a member of the Lions' Club and the various Masonic bodies, including the Harrisburg Consistory and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine. Mr. Cleaves married Mabel Darlington, of Lewistown, Pa., and to this union have been born three children: Robert, Marjorie, and Gertrude Anglyn. In March, 1931, he was made vice-president of the Municipal Service Company having been chief engineer of this concern from 1928 to 1931. He is a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, and the National Electric Light Association. FRANK F. HENNAMAN, assistant to the president, Penn Central Light & Power Company, of Altoona, was born at Altoona, September 12, 1895, a son of John M. and Kate Irene (Hooper) Hennaman, both of whom were natives of Baltimore, Maryland, and are deceased, the former locating in Altoona BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 57 in 1878 and engaging in the wholesale grocery business until the time of his death. graduating from the Altoona High School in 1914, Frank F. Hennaman entered the employ of the Penn Central Light & Power Company as assistant statistician. In 1917, he entered the army for service in the World War and served at Camp Meade, Maryland, as major on the general staff, his service comprising twenty-two months. He holds a commission as major in the Reserves being commanding officer of the 343 Ammunition Train, Field Artillery. Following his discharge, he entered the employ of Day & Zimmerman, the holding company for the Penn Central organization, and was later made superintendent of the Huntingdon district for four years. He returned to Altoona to assume the duties of commercial manager and in 1926 was promoted to general commercial manager, and January 1, 1931, to assistant to the president. He is a school director, secretary of the Rotary Club, director of the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, Shrine, Masonic fraternity, Elks, Blairmont Country Club, Huntingdon Country Club, Nittany Country Club, National Electric Light Association, and the Jesters. He attends the Second Lutheran Church. Mr. Hennaman married Martha B. Heinsling, daughter of William J. and Nancy J. Heinsling, of Altoona. Mr. Hennaman is commander of the American Legion at Altoona. SCOTT S. CRANE, vice-president and general manager of the Altoona Logan Valley Electric Railway Co., was born at Harrisburg, Pa., February 9, 1860 and is a son of Irvin J. Crane, who was born at Liverpool, Perry County, Pa., and was a yardmaster for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Harrisburg, and Laura (Burr) Crane, who was born on a farm in Perry County. He obtained his education in the public schools of Harrisburg and in 1876 entered employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as telegrapher. He was promoted to train dispatcher in 1882 and was transferred to Altoona as assistant trainmaster in 1892. In 1895, he became superintendent of the Altoona and Logan Valley Railway Co., assumed the duties of general manager in 1900, and was elected vice-president of the company in 1925, a position which he still holds. He is a stockholder in this concern and also of the Home Electric Light & Steam Heating Company, of which he is vice-president. He is a member of all Masonic bodies, both Knights Templar and Consistory, the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Elks in fraternal circles, and is also a member of the Rotary Club. Mr. Crane married Elizabeth Wolfinger, daughter of Levi and Elizabeth Wolfinger, of Harrisburg, and he and his wife are the parents of a daughter, Miriam, wife of William R. Geesey, of Altoona. THOMAS R. DOBSON, new business manager for the Penn Central Light & Power Company, of Altoona, is, like his parents, a native of Allegheny Pa., where he was born June 3, 1900, a son of Samuel K. and Mollie (Rose) Dobson, who now reside in Altoona, where the former is in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He acquired his education in the graded and high schools BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 58 of Greensburg, Pa., and the Altoona High School, graduating from the latter in 1918. He then matriculated at Pennsylvania State College, from which he graduated in 1922, B. S. degree, and in that year entered the employ of the Penn Central Light & Power Company, for whom he had worked during his spare time as a student at college. After a six months' apprenticeship had been served, he was made power engineer and continued in that capacity until he was appointed manager of new business in 1929. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the American Business Club and attends the Episcopal Church. Mr. Dobson married Mary Salmond, of Detroit, and to them have been born three children: Richard T., Mary Elizabeth, and Joan. During the World War Mr. Dobson was in the Coast Artillery Corps, 112th Officers Training School, Fortress Monroe, Va., from August 2, 1918, to January 15, 1919. He is a member of the American Legion, Altoona, Pa. EDGAR D. WILLIAMS, superintendent of automotive equipment for the Penn Central Light & Power Company, Altoona, was born in this city, June 20, 1891, a son of John Henry, a native of Oak Hall, Centre County, Pa., and Annie Ross (Shuey) Williams, a native of Lemont, Pa. The father spent the greater part of his life as a stationery engineer, and he and his wife became the parents of these children: Mary, Margaret, Jeannette, Edgar D., John Henry, Jr., Ruth, George W., and Hazel. Edgar D. Williams attended the public schools of Altoona and found his first employment with the Altoona Silk Company, where he remained six years. In 191O, he entered the employ of the Penn Central Light Power Company as an oiler. He was successively promoted to lamp trimmer, service man, meter installer, survey engineer, assistant to chief planning clerk, and then chief planning clerk, superintendent of conveyances, and then superintendent of automotive equipment, the position he now holds. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and attends the Temple Lutheran Church. Mr. Williams married Anna Marie Gampe, daughter of Kuney and Mary Gampe, of Johnstown, Pa., and they are the parents of four children: Gertrude, Virginia, Shirley, and David. MARK I. JEWETT, manager of the Penn-Alto Hotel, Altoona, was born at West Salem, Wisconsin, June 2, 1878, and is a son of N. V. and Elizabeth Jane (Hemstock) Jewett, natives, respectively, of Antioch, Illinois, and Owens' Sound, Ontario. The father spent the greater part of his life as a farmer at West Salem, his death occurring there in 1922. The mother now resides at Denver, Colorado. Educated in the public schools of West Salem and Sparta, Wisconsin, Mr. Jewett enlisted in the Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry for service the Spanish-American War as soon as his schooling was completed, and served with this unit throughout the war, serving at Porto Rico, in Wilson's Brigade. In 1900, upon his discharge from the army, he entered the Railway Mail Service and so continued until 1919 at Minneapolis. 1n that year, he went to Cleveland as general auditor for the Olmstead Hotel Corporation. In June, 1922, he came BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 59 to Altoona as auditor for the Hotel Penn-Alto and has taken over the duties of manager of this hotel, July 15, 1925. Mr. Jewett is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blairmont Country Club, Spruce Creek Rod Club, Scottish Rite Williamsport Consistory, Jaffa Shrine at Altoona, Blue Lodge, No. 176, Minneapolis, Blair County Fish & Forestry Club, Blair County Motor Club, American Hotel Association, Pennsylvania Tourists' Association, Travelers' Protective Association, and the Hotel Greeters of America, V.F.W., Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce and Altoona Boosters' Association. Mr. Jewett married Gertrude L. Jones, of Sparta, Wisconsin, who died January I2, 1917, leaving two children, Glenn W. with the P. R. R.. at Altoona, and Harry I., hotel business, N. Y. In 1923, Mr. Jewett married Anna P. Warren of Washington, D.C., and to this union have been born two daughters, Martha Ann and Elizabeth Jane. WILLIAM H. WADE, vice-president of the Penn Central Light & Power Company, Altoona, was born in Montgomery County, Pa., August 7, 1893, a son of Charles W., born in Philadelphia, November 16, 1863, and Eva A. (Graham) Wade, born January 4, 1856, a native of Montgomery County. The father died September 16, 1928, and the mother died January 2, 1916; the father having spent his active career as a commission merchant in Philadelphia Pa. William H. Wade graduated from the Cheltenham High School and then studied electrical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received his degree. In 1914 he entered the employ of Day & Zimmerman as power engineer and in 1917 was appointed and sent by them to Altoona as new business manager, Penn Central Light & Power Company. In April, 1928, he was made assistant to the president and retained that position until December, 1930, when he was made vice- president. Mr. Wade served as president of the Pennsylvania Electrical Association in 1930 and now holds the position of vice-president of that body, serving also on the state committee on Rural Electricians, being chairman of Rate Committee. He is vice-president of the Hollidaysburg Y. M. C. A., secretary and treasurer of the Blair County Alumni Association of the University of Pennsylvania, and a member of the Altoona Chamber of Commerce, Blairmont Country Club, and Sigma Tau fraternity. Mr. Wade married Ruth S. Kennedy, of Altoona, daughter of Bruce D. and Fannie E. Kennedy, and to Mr. and Mrs. Wade have been born three children: Frances Virginia, Robert Graham, and Richard Stockton. Mr. Wade is a member of the Presbyterian Church, attending the first church of that denomination in Hollidaysburg, where he maintains his home. ERNEST E. HOSTLER, owner and manager of the Consolidated Traffic Bureau, of Altoona, is a son of John M., now deceased, and Agnes Hostler, both of whom were born in the same house in Sinking Valley, Blair County. The father spent most of his life in Altoona, where he was a car builder in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He and his wife became the BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 60 parents of three children, John C., Ernest E., and Elsie M. Ernest E. Hostler was born in Altoona, July 29, 1886, and acquired his education in the public schools of this city. He left school in 1901 to enter the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as a messenger, soon becoming head messenger boy and later office boy. He was promoted to clerk in the Department of Motive Power, to clerk and stenographer in the office of the general car inspector, and to a similar position in the office of the master mechanic. In 1911, he was transferred to the Traffic Department, remaining there until 1925, when he established the Consolidated Traffic Bureau. This enterprise, which he owns and operates, supplies a service to shippers in the counties of Somerset, Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Bedford, and Centre, offices being maintained in the Penn Central Building. Mr. Hostler was united in marriage to Lulu B. MacGregor, daughter of James E. and Sarah MacGregor, of Altoona, and they have a daughter, Henrietta E. JAMES MELVIN HUGHES, engineer of operation and equipment for the Penn Central Light & Power Company, was born in Altoona, August 11, 1893, and is a son of John C. Hughes, a merchant of Altoona, who died in 1922, and Hattie (Jordan) Hughes, a native of Myersdale, Pa., and now a resident of Altoona. James M. Hughes graduated from the Altoona High School in 1913 and entered Pennsylvania State College, from which he received the degree of bachelor of science in 1918. At that time, he entered the Air Service, training to be an officer, and was successively stationed at College Park, Maryland; Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh; Columbia University; Post Field, Oklahoma; and Gerstner Field, Louisiana. Following his discharge from the army, he came to the Penn Central Light & Power Company, working in the meter department and later as an electrical tester in the laboratory. On November 1, 1919, he entered the employ of the General Electric Company at Schenectady, New York, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, for eight months. He then returned to the Penn Central organization and assumed the superintendency of the laboratory in 1925, and in 1931 was made engineer of operation and equipment of Penn Central. He is a Mason, a member of the Shrine, and attends the Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church. He was united in marriage to Regina Roy, daughter of C. F. and Catherine Roy, of Altoona, and to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes has been born one son, James Melvin, Jr., born December 30, 1927. SAMUEL P. GLOVER, M, D., who specializes in treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat, was born in Hartleton, Union County, Pa., February 29, 1860, a son of Robert Van Valzah and Helen (Pelman) Glover, the former a merchant of Hartleton. After attending the public schools of his native community, Doctor Glover studied at Bloomsburg State Normal School, preparatory for Lafayette College, and the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received his doctorate in medicine in 1884. He served his interneship at Blockley Hospital, Philadelphia, afterwards taking post-graduate work in Vienna, Austria. For five years, he taught in the American College, Beirut, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 61 Syria, and then returned to the United States, entering upon the active practice of his profession at Altoona in 1891. During the Spanish-American War, he served as assistant surgeon, and for fifteen years, he was a surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He is a member of the staff of the Altoona Hospital. He has confined his practice largely to eye, ear, nose, and throat ailments and is highly regarded in that field. He is a member of the Blair County Medical Society, the Medical Society of Pennsylvania, American Medical Association and Academy of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, and is laryngologist at Chesson [Cresson] Sanitarium. He is also a member of the Elks, Blairmont Country Club, Pennsylvania Historical Society, and American Geographic Society. He was married February 25, 1897, to Mazie Pelman, and they have two children, Dr. Louis Pelman and Helen C.