BIOGRAPHY: Tarring Davis, History of Blair County, PA, Vol. II, 1931 - File 3 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 - 61 HARRY LANG JOHNSTON has been managing editor of the Altoona Mirror for nearly a quarter of a century and has been identified with newspaper work since 1892. Born at Hollidaysburg, Pa., April 1, 1873, he is a son of William Noble and Laura (Lang) Johnston, both natives of the same place, the former having been associated with Hollidaysburg newspapers throughout his life. He obtained his education in the public schools and learned the trade of printer in the shop of the Democratic Standard, of Hollidaysburg. In 1892, he became a compositor with the Altoona Times, of which he was made city editor in 1893, a position which he retained until June, 1900. At that time, he became a reporter with the Altoona Mirror, was subsequently advanced to the city editorship, and was appointed managing editor in 1908. He has since occupied that position. He has served as president of the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association, since merged with the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers' Association. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and served as president of the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce in the same year. He attends the First Baptist Church. During the Spanish- American War, he served as regimental sergeant-major of the Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Johnston married Annie Cherry Bunker, daughter of Benjamin M. and Louisa (Glant) Bunker, the former a building contractor of Altoona, and they have two children, Helen Louise, teacher of modern languages, McKeesport High School, and Anna Margaret, the latter of whom is the wife of Frederick B. Sheldon. WILLIAM P. MILLER, superintendent of the cost department of the Penn Central Light & Power Company, is a native of Duncansville, Pa., where he was born February 14, 1903, the son of Dr. Emory and Hannah Elizabeth (Parker) Miller, the former of whom was born in Belvidere, New York, and the latter in England. The father was a prominent physician of Duncansville and practiced there until the time of his death in 1913. He and his wife, who has since married John E. Kelley, of Altoona, became the parents of three children, William P., Emory Parker, and Mary Audrey Foster. William P. Miller began his education in the public schools of Duncansville and graduated from the Altoona High School BLAIR COUNTY HUSTORY, VOL. 2 - 62 in 1922. In the same year, he entered the employ of the Penn Central Light & Power Company and the following year witnessed his promotion to the superintendency of the cost department. Mr. Miller married Enna Elizabeth Cyphers, and they maintain their home in Altoona. Mr. Miller is a communicant of Temple Lutheran Church and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. OSCAR N. EDMONDSON, master mechanic at Altoona for the Pennsylvania Railroad, was born here, June 26, 1884, a son of John and Rosa (Norton) Edmondson, the former a native of Arch Springs, Blair County, and the latter of Newton Hamilton, Pa. The father spent the greater part of his life in Altoona, where he followed the trade of blacksmith until the time of his death in 1928. He and his wife, who is deceased, became the parents of six children: Norval W., Kenneth, Oscar N., Hazel, Vera, and Flora. Oscar N. Edmondson attended the schools of Altoona and Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, having qualified for the university by night study, where he graduated in mechanical engineering in 1911, his collegiate training having been preceded by a period in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Following his graduation from Purdue University, Mr. Edmondson entered the engineering department of the company and in 1914 became a special apprentice. This work completed, he was made inspector, then motor car inspector under general superintendent of motor power, assistant master mechanic of the Juniata shops, general foreman of erection and machine shops at Juniata, and master mechanic of machine shop at Altoona, May 1, 1927. He is a member of the Masonic and Delta Tau Delta fraternities, Chamber of Commerce, Altoona Cricket Club, and Blair Motor Club. At Purdue University, he was elected to membership in the honorary engineering fraternities of Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Xi. Mr. Edmondson married Hazel McCartney, daughter of O. L. and Julia McCartney, of Altoona, and they maintain their home here. WILLIAM R. ZERN district manager at Altoona for the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, was born at Denver, Colorado, July 17, 1885, a son of W. and Anna E. (Reeser) Zern, both natives of Pottsville, Pa. The father, who went West when he was a young man, was a compositor at Denver on the two daily newspapers of the city, winning a reputation of being one of best and fastest compositors in that section. He died in 1919, and his wife resides with their daughter, Mrs. Emma Zern English at Carney's Point, New Jersey. William R. Zern attended the public schools of Denver for four years and completed his education in the Philadelphia schools, graduating from Central Manual Training High School in 1903. For two years, he was employed as a draftsman in Philadelphia and then became a clerk with the Pennsylvania Railroad, working in the Transportation Department of that company at Philadelphia. At that time, he became associated with the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company at Altoona as sales representative, his advent to this work having been preceded by a course in insurance at Carnegie Institute of Tech- BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 62 nology, Pittsburgh. In 1913, the district branch was established at Altoona by H. J. Seads to represent the company in the counties of Blair, Bedford, Somerset, Huntingdon, and Fulton, and following the death of Mr. Seads in 1929, Mr. Zern was appointed district manager in his stead. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Life Underwriters' Association and a member of the Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church. Mr. Zern married Nettie Young, daughter of James T. and Margaret (Dougherty) Young, of Ebensburg, Pa., the former of whom has been justice of the peace and chief burgess of that community for the past ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Zern are the parents of one son, William R., Jr. ANGELO A. SANTELLA, attorney of Altoona, was born at Felsi, Italy, February 25, 1901, and was brought to this country in 1902 by his parents, Saverio and Concetta (Santella) Santella. The father is a merchant at Altoona, and he and his wife became the parents of ten children, of whom the others are: Alfred, John, Florindo, Guido, Eugene, Nicolene, Edith, Carmen, Elsie, and Angelo. Angelo A. Santella attended the graded and high schools of Altoona, after which he matriculated at Dickinson College, from which he received the degree of bachelor of arts in 1924, with honors. Took special work in Economics. His legal studies were pursued at Harvard Law School, from which he graduated with the degree of bachelor of laws in 1927. Returning to Altoona, he became associated with John J. Haberstroh in practice for nearly two years. He was admitted to the bar, March 29, 1928. He engaged in the general practice of law for himself, February 1, 1929, and maintains offices in the Union Bank Building. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a communicant of the Italian Methodist Episcopal Church, treasurer of Blue Lodge, Pefection, No. 430, at Altoona, treasurer of Italian Methodist Episcopal Church, member of Blair County Bar Association and also the State Bar Association, at Dickinson College Honorary Debating Society, Tau Kappa Alpha, and at Dickinson given the Daniel Pierson Silver Medal for oratory. JOSEPH G. KING, engineer and general contractor of Altoona, is a native of Baker Summit, Bedford County, Pa., where he was born January 19, 1881. John S. King, his father, was born at Houstontown, Fulton County, Pa., and spent the greater part of his life at Baker Summit, Pa., where he farmed until the time of his death in 1908, his wife dying in 1922. He married Esther A. Long, a native of Baker Summit, and to this union were born these children: David L., of Waterside, Pa.; John L. is deceased; Elias L., of Wilkinsburg, Pa.; Susanna Mary, of Altoona; Esther A. is deceased; and Joseph G. Joseph G. King attended the public schools of Baker Summit, supplementing this training by private study and courses with the International Correspondence School. In 1903, he entered the employ of the Engineering Department of the Altoona & Logan Valley Railway remaining there until 1907, when he became identified with the engineering and contracting firm of H. G. Hinkle, of Altoona. In 1913, he estab- BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 64 lished his present business and has laid sewers and paved streets throughout this section of the state. He is a member of the Masons, 32nd Degree, Consistory also York Rite and Shrine, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias and member on the church board of the First Lutheran Church. He was united in marriage to Katherine L. Calvert, daughter of John S. and Sarah Jane (Riggle) Calvert, of Altoona, both deceased. John S. Calvert was born at Carlisle, Pa., and died in 1888, his wife was born in Logan Township, Blair County, and died December 19, 1929. JOHN D. COATES, superintendent of the State Employment office, at Altoona, was born in this city, March 18, 1901, a son of John A. and Margaret L. (Geisinger) Coates, natives, respectively, of Bedford and Blair Counties, Pa. The father, who died in 1911, was a car builder in the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad for many years, and he and his wife became the parents of three children, Edgar, John D., and Margaret, who married Sanford Bryan, of Altoona. John D. Coates secured his training in the graded and high schools of Altoona and found his first employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he remained for three years, learning the trade of toolmaker. He then became assistant manager for the firm of Hughes & Dyer, of Altoona, and continued in that work some three years. At that time, he was appointed to the superintendency of the state Employment office by Gov. Gifford Pinchot and has since retained that position. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Scottish Rite 32nd degree, and attends the Lutheran Church. On September 18, 1930, he married Alminna Cessna, daughter of J. Roy and Florence Cessna, the former of whom is engaged in the general insurance business at Bedford, Pa. CHARLES E. COLE, proprietor of the Penn Central Coffee Shoppe, was born in Altoona, July 3, 1897, a son of James Foster and Katherine (Downs) Cole, natives, respectively, of Orbosonia and East Freedom, Pa. The father associated for thirty years with the Penn Central Light & Power Company and its predecessor as superintendent of construction and operating departments at Altoona. He and his wife were the parents of four children: Alton, James, Charles E., and Mildred. Charles E. Cole was educated in the graded and high schools of Altoona and in 1916 entered the employ of the Penn Central Light & Company in the sales department. In July, 1917, he enlisted in the army for service in the World War, serving until August, 1919, as corporal with the Fourth Machine Gun Battalion, Second Division. Following his discharge, he returned to his former position with the Penn Central organization, remaining until January 23, 1927, when he established the Penn Central Coffee Shoppe, of which he is sole owner and manager. He is a member of the American Legion, attends Christ Reformed Church, and is a Republican in politics. He was united in marriage to Grace Swan, daughter of William and Margaret Swan, of Altoona. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 65 W. C. GAENZLE, business manager of the Altoona Tribune, is a native of Lancaster, Pa., where he was born May 16, 1899, one of a family of seven children of George F. and Rosa (Hartlieb) Gaenzle, the former a native of Baden, Germany, and the latter of Reading, Pa. The father came to the United States with his parents when he was four years of age and with them settled at Hamburg, Pa. He entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad and spent the greater part of his life as an engineer with that company at Lancaster, where he now resides. The other children of the family are as follows: Paul F.; George F., Jr.; Joseph F.; Luther E.; Emma, the wife of J. H. Hook, of Aspinwall, Pa.; and Cora, who married George W. Shimp, of Reading, Pa. W. C. Gaenzle graduated from the Lancaster High School in 1917 and for four years thereafter was employed by the Armstrong Cork Company, of Lancaster, working in the cost accounting department. For a like period, he was advertising manager for the Lancaster New Era, after which he came to the Altoona Tribune. In 1928, he was made business manager of the Tribune and has since occupied that position. Mr. Gaenzle took for his wife Loretta G. Abel, daughter of Abraham and Frances Abel, of Columbia, Pa., and they have four children: Gracetta, Jay, Janet, and Gordon. WILSON A. TURNER, recorder for Mountain Commandery , No. 10, Knights Templar, and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine, at Altoona, was born in this city, December 12, 1858. Edmund H. Turner, his father, was born at Williamsport, Maryland, and took up the study of medicine, which ill health forced him to forego. First at Cumberland, Md., as merchant; then to Harrisburg, Pa., in manufacturing plant there; then to Altoona, employed by P. R. R.; then to Saxon [Saxton], as assistant superintendent of R. R., and Huntingdon & Broad Top R. R.; afterward became superintendent of mines for the Kemler Coal and Iron Co., then returned to Altoona with P. R. R. Co., 1879. 1888-1889 was mayor of Altoona, Pa., and died here July 12, 1896, having celebrated his seventy-fourth birthday on the preceding Christmas Day. He married Julianna Wilson, who was born at Lynchburg, Virginia, December 18, 1831, and died in 1923, and to this union were born these children: Howard E., deceased, Weisel E., deceased, Wilson A., Julianna W., and Mary V., who is regent of the Col. John Proctor Chapter, D. A. R., at Altoona. Edmund H. Turner was prominent in the affairs of the Masonic fraternity and at one time served as commander of the Knights Templar of Pennsylvania. He was senior warden of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Wilson A. Turner obtained his education in the public schools of Saxton and then became a machinist in the employ of the Huntingdon & Broad Top R. R., at Saxton, and later with the P. R. R., at Altoona. He continued with this company from 1879 to 1910. In the meantime, he had become recorder of Mountain Commandery, Knights Templar, May 1, 1902, and recorder for Jaffa Temple of the Shrine, November 1, 1907, and the pressing demands of his lodge work has made it necessary for him to give his entire time to it since 1910. He has held offices in all of the local Masonic bodies. He is a member of BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 66 the Sons of the American Revolution, attends St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and is a Democrat in political allegiance. He is a member of Logan Lodge, No. 490, F. & A. M., since February 14, 1882. He was master of that lodge in 1909. In 1882, he also became a member of the Mt. Royal Arch Chapter, No. 189, and served as High Priest in 1889. He joined Mt. Commandery No. 10 Knights Templar, in 1884, and was eminent commander in 1900. He became affiliated with the Shrine in 1892. WEBSTER M. LOGUE, superintendent of District No. 2, of the Prudential Life Insurance Company, at Altoona, was born at Clearville, Bedford County, Pa., February 4, 1881. He is a son of Millard Fillmore Logue, who was born at Hyndman, Pa., who has farmed in Bedford County since 1887, and married Hannah Robinson, of Rainsburg, Bedford County, she being deceased. He and his wife are the parents of two children, of whom the younger is Alvin R., a farmer of Woodbury, Pa. Webster M. Logue, the other of these sons, attended the public schools of Woodbury Township, Bedford County, taught school three years in the same township, and then attended the Cumberland Valley State Normal School, from which he graduated in 1905. After teaching in the boroughs of Hopewell and Woodbury, he went to Mt. Jackson, Virginia, where he established the high school and remained in charge for three years. After two years as principal of the Logan Township High School, he worked as a clerk for a short time with the Pennsylvania Railroad, subsequently spending three years as principal of the Juniata High School. He became identified with the Prudential Insurance Company as agent at Hollidaysburg, Pa., for eighteen months and then served eight years as assistant superintendent under Woods B. Irvin at Altoona. He was transferred to Newcastle, Pa., as superintendent there, returning to Altoona with the lapse of two and a half years to assume the superintendency of this district in 1929. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Patriotic Order Sons of America, and as a Republican in politics, he served as a member of the Logan Township School Board from 1918 to 1924, during most of which time he was president of that body. Mr. Logue married Mary Weber, daughter of Levi R. and Nancy (Stonerook) Weber, of Woodbury, Pa., and to them have been born three children: Virginia, who graduates from Indiana State Teachers' College, class of 1931; Richard, at Junior High; and Harold. JOHN P. LAFFERTY, II, funeral director, of Altoona, is associated in business with his father, C. B. Lafferty, of whom more is contained elsewhere in this work. Born at Altoona, September 18, 1902, he attended the public schools, graduating from high school in 1919. He studied a year at Lafayette College and two years at Gettysburg College, after which he entered the employ of the General Construction Company, of Altoona, and continued with this organization until 1929, when he became associated with his father in the operation of the funeral home at No. 2309 Broad Avenue. He is a Knight Templar and a Shriner and is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Lafayette College. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 67 He is affiliated with the American Business Club and Altoona Cricket Club. Mr. Lafferty was united in marriage to Georgia Stevens, daughter of Walter, assistant station master with Penna. R. R., at Altoona, and Maude Stevens, Bellwood, Pa. They have one child, John P., III, born March 2, 1931, at Altoona Pennsylvania. LEONARD MILLER, wholesale hardware dealer and banker of Altoona, was born at Newry, Pa., January 1, 1863, a son of Ambrose and Annetta (Ott) Miller, natives, respectively, of Germany and Alsace, Lorraine. Ambrose Miller came to the United States alone and settled in Newry where he followed the trade of weaver, thereafter engaging in weaving bed spreads, his work gaining considerable fame in this section. Leonard Miller acquired his early education in the public schools of Newry, then worked for a year in a stone-quarry near that town, and spent a year and a half as a weaver with the Waterside Woolen Mill. In September, 1883, he established at Newry a broom factory and April 1, 1886, removed to Altoona. Here, he converted his business to a wholesale hardware concern, which he now operates under the name of Leon Miller & Sons, for he has taken his sons, H. R. and D. S. Miller, into partnership with him. The firm distributes its merchandise in the counties of Blair, Bedford, Somerset, Indiana, Huntingdon, Cambria, Mifflin, and Centre and employs ten persons. Mr. Miller is the owner of the Altoona Manufacturing Company wholesale dry goods and notions concern, which he established in 1902, and also president of the Lincoln Deposit & Trust Company, of Altoona, an office he has held since April, 1922. Mr. Miller married Anna M. Young, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Westzer) Young, of Altoona, and to them have been born these children: H. R.; D. S.; Roy F.; Robert L.; Lavina Elizabeth, who is the wife of Dr. H. L. Wagner, of Altoona; Margaret, the wife of William Reisemier, of Altoona; and Adelaide, who is attending Drexel Institute, Philadelphia. HARRY E. CLARKE, attorney of Altoona, was born at Mt. Union, Pa., August 29, 1897, a son of Harry L. and Mertie (Ewing) Clarke, the former a native of McConnellstown, Pa., and the latter of Newton Hamilton, Pa. In 1900, the father came to Altoona, where he has since been employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad as engineer. One of four children, of whom the others are Lester E., Robert E., and Hazel, Harry E. Clarke graduated from the Altoona High School in 1915, and was thereafter employed by the Aetna Powder Company Mt. Union, Pa., until he enlisted for service with Company G, 10th Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, for service on the Mexican Border in 1916. Returning to Altoona, he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad until July 15, 1917, when he enlisted in Company G, 110th Infantry, 28th Division with which he served twenty-seven months, seven months of that time being in France. He held the rank of sergeant and was wounded in action in the Aisne-Marne offensive. Following his discharge, he attended the law school of Dickinson College, from which he graduated in 1922. He was admitted to the Blair BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 68 County Bar in the same year and entered upon the active practice of his profession at Altoona. He holds the rank of captain in the Pennsylvania National Guard being assistant division judge-advocate in the 28th Division. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Forty-and-Eight Club, and Delta Theta Phi fraternity. He was service officer of the Legion from 1923 to 1928, was commander in the latter year, and was one of the Board of Home Directors from 1928 to 1930. He attends the Third Presbyterian Church and is a Republican in politics. On May 4, 1917, Mr. Clarke married Zatae Lear, daughter of John Lear, dispatcher, P. R. R., and Amanda Lear, of Altoona, and they have a son, Harry E., Jr., born January, 28, 1921, at Altoona, Pa. MARTIN H. PARKINSON, JR., auditor for the Penn Central Light & Power Company, of Altoona, was born in Philadelphia, September 19, 1898, a son of Martin H. and Elizabeth A. (Scott) Parkinson, the former a native of Philadelphia and the latter of New York. The father has spent his entire life in Philadelphia where he has been associated with the textile industry for many years. Martin H. Parkinson attended the public schools of Philadelphia and in 1914 entered the employ of Day & Zimmerman, the holding company for the Penn Central Light & Power Company, and during the succeeding years, he studied in night classes at the University of Pennsylvania Finance and Commerce. When the United States entered the World War, Mr. Parkinson enlisted in the 11th Engineers, with which he served twenty-one months in France with the rank of master engineer. Following his discharge, he returned to the Day & Zimmerman organization, meanwhile continuing his studies at the university until he was graduated in 1924. In 1925, he came to Altoona as auditor for the Penn Central Light & Power Company and has since held that position. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, York Rite, Shrine, American Legion, and Kiwanis Club, and Park Hills Golf Club. Mr. Parkinson took for his wife Esther T. Tomlinson, of Salem, Ohio, and they are the parents of two children, David T. and Bruce S. He and his wife are communicants of the Episcopal Church. GEORGE J. DONOVAN, M. D., anaesthetist and X-ray specialist of the Altoona Clinic, was born at Fredericton, New Brunswick, January 1Z, 1901, a son of John Samuel and Jessie (Caldwell) Donovan, the former a native of St. John, New Brunswick, and the latter of Fredericton. The mother is deceased, and the father is now engaged in shoe manufacturing at Philadelphia. Doctor Donovan attended the graded and high schools of his home community, graduating from the latter in 1919, and studied at McGill University, Montreal, from which he graduated in 1925 with the degree, M. D. C. M. For a year, he was an interne at Mercy Hospital, Altoona, and since 1926 has been associated with the Altoona Clinic, where he has charge of all X-ray and anaesthetic work. He is a member of the Medical Society of Pennsylvania and the Blair County Medical Society. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 69 BYRON M. SELL, M. D., has been connected with the Altoona Clinic since 1925, was born in Altoona, July 5, 1897, a son of D. M. and Nancy Alice (Dilling) Sell, the former of whom is a merchant of Altoona and the latter of whom was born at Morrison's Cove and is deceased. He is one of a family eight children, of whom the others are: Lorna, Aganes, Mary, Annetta, Corinda, Catherine, and Olive. Doctor Sell graduated from the Altoona High School in 1916, received the degree of bachelor of science from Juniata College in 1922, and then attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he won his doctorate in medicine in 1924. He served a year's interneship at the Scranton State Hospital and in 1925 formed the connection with the Altoona Clinic which has existed to the present time. He married Ada Shank Cassell, of Soudertown, Montgomery County, Pa., and they have four children: Byron Stover, Daniel Edwin, Carl Ellis, and Virginia Cassell. Doctor Sell is a fellow of the American Medical Association and a member of the State and County Medical Societies. He is a minister and member of the Church of the Brethren. HARRY C. SMITH. supervisor of grade schools in Altoona, was born September 13, 1875, at Henrietta, Pa., of which place his parents, John B. Smith and Mary Ann (Byers) Smith, were natives. The father was a farmer and registered veterinarian and died in 1917, his wife having died in 1914. They were the parents of five children, of whom the others are Frederick E., Franklin I., Margaret and Nellie J. Harry C. Smith acquired his early education in the public schools of North Woodbury Township, Blair County, and attended Lock Haven Normal School, the University of Pittsburgh. and Pennsylvania State College. He began teaching in September, 1894, at Middletown, Pa., where he remained three years, followed by a year at Lowes, a year at Millerstown, and a like period at Logan Township, Blair County. He spent the next year as principal of Hamilton Grammar School and held a similar position at the Fairview school for two years thereafter. The ensuing four years found him in the mercantile business, returning to Altoona in 1908 to teach mathematics in the high school. From 1910 to 1920, he was principal of the Irving School here, Webster School being added to his duties during the last five years of that time. For three years, he was principal of the Jefferson and Stevens school and was head of Washington School one year. From 1925 to 1929 he was supervisor of the work in upper grade schools, and in the latter year was made general supervisor of all grades below high school. All special schools of the city were also under his direction. Mr. Smith is active in the affairs of the Trinity Reformed Church as superintendent of the Sunday school, teacher of the Bible class, and choirmaster for twenty-six years. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America and the various Masonic bodies, including Logan Lodge, No. 490, Chapter, Council, Commandery, and Shrine. Mr. Smith married Ella R. Freet, of Altoona, whose father is George L. Freet and mother, Barbara Freet, deceased. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 70 ALVA E. DAVIS, real estate dealer and insurance man of Altoona, was born at Clappertown, Blair County, May 21, 1874, and is a son of Jesse L. and Alice Roselin (Nepper) Davis, the former of whom is a native of Springfield Mines, this county, and the latter of Royer, Blair County. The father is now living retired in Altoona at the age of eighty-two years and was here employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad for many years. His wife is deceased. They were the parents of six children: Homer, George, Alva E., Charles, Laura, and Maggie. Alva E. Davis attended the public schools of Houston Township, tutored under Dr. J. C. Nugent, and took a commercial course at the Iron City Business College, Pittsburgh, training which he supplemented by an executive and commercial law course with the La Salle Extension University. For two years, he clerked at Wertz., Pa., spent eight years with P. R. R. in the mechanical department at Altoona, and in 1908 went into business for himself, selling the concern, a mercantile establishment, in 1913. He then became general manager of the wholesale grocery concern of Wray Moore & Company, Ltd., remaining with that organization until it was sold in 1924. During this period, he had become interested in a chain store, which he continued to manage until 1926, in which year he established his real estate and insurance agency with offices in the Lincoln Trust Building. He is a member of the board of directors of the Lutheran Brotherhood Life Insurance Company, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has been president of the Logan Township School Board for the past eight years. A member of the Lutheran Church, he is teacher of the Men's Bible Class, president of the Federated Bible Classes of Blair County, and vice-president of the Allegheny Synod Laymen's Association of Central Pennsylvania. He organized the Juniata Gap Civic Association, of which he was president eight years, is a past president of the Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Davis married Louise Lytle Kurtz, daughter of George F. and Kate (McCloskey), Kurtz, of Altoona, and they have one daughter, Ruth Kurtz. DAVID A. ROYER, of the firm of Royer & Anglemyer, architects, was born at York, Pa., November 2, 1895. His parents, John W. and Lydia (Aldinger), being natives of Westminster, Maryland, and of York County. The father was engaged in the flour and feed business in York County for years and now resides on a farm near Union Bridge, Maryland. He is a minister of the Church of the Brethren, and he and his wife, who is deceased, became the parents of these children: Anna R., the wife of Saylor Weybright, of Thurmont, Maryland, James A., David A., J. Elmer, Jacob N., and George A. David A. Royer attended the public schools of York and the Gettysburg Academy, graduating from the latter in 1914. He entered the University of Pennsylvania at that time, but when the United States joined the Allies in the World War, he enlisted in the Air Service, being commissioned second lieutenant. He was a pursuit pilot with the 25th Aero Squadron in France for thirteen months, his entire military service embracing thirty-one months. Following his discharge, he resumed his interrupted studies at the University of Pennsylvania, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 71 graduating in 1921, with the degree of B. S. in architecture. In that same year, he came to Altoona and was associated with Julian Millard until Mr. Millard was appointed state supervising architect. He then went into business for himself until two years ago when the present firm of Royer & Anglemyer was established. The offices of the company are maintained at No. 520 Commerce Building. Mr. Royer is a member of the Juniata Lodge, Consistory, and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine in Masonry, the American Legion, Altoona Cricket Club, Theta Xi fraternity, also Kiwanis Club, of which he is a district trustee. He holds a commission in the Officers' Reserve Corps, Second Lieutenant Air Service, and attends the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Royer was united in marriage to Mary Frances MacFadden, daughter of Harry A., deceased, and Sarah (Laubach) MacFadden, still living at Hollidaysburg, Pa., the former of whom was a prominent attorney of this county and lived at Hollidaysburg. Mr. and Mrs. Royer have two children: George Howard, born October 4, 1925, and John William, born March 27, 1928. CHARLES B. LAFFERTY, owner and manager of the Lafferty Funeral Home, of Altoona, was born in this city, October 16, 1876. John P. Lafferty, his father, was a native of Indiana County, Pa., but came to Altoona at an early age, subsequently establishing an undertaking business here which he operated until 1907, at which time he retired. He died November 13, 1924. His wife, who was Lavina Isett, born at Arch Springs, Pa., died March 7, 1930, at Altoona, Pa. Charles B. Lafferty obtained his early education in the public schools of Altoona, graduated from the Renaurd Training School of Embalmers in 1895 and from the Massachusetts College of Embalming in 1898. He then became associated with his father in the undertaking business and so continued until 1907, when he went to El Paso, Texas, where he remained until 1911. In that year, he returned to Altoona and formed a partnership with Homer F. Tobias, a relationship that existed until 1929. At that time, Mr. Lafferty established his present business at No. 2309 Broad Avenue. He is a charter member and past president of the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter Commandery, and Shrine in Masonry. He is a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church and is a Republican in political matters. He took for his wife Eleanor Clark, of Altoona, whose parents were Wm. W. Clark and Mary McMicken Clark, both of Lock Haven, Pa., and to them have been born three children: Kenneth and Eleanore both deceased, and John P. with his father in the present business. RONALD C. ANGLEMYER, of the architectural firm of Royer & Anglemyer, of Altoona, is a native of Leetonia, Ohio, where he was born July 12, 1896, a son of Charles and Anna M. (Cope) Anglemyer, both of whom were born in Leetonia, where the father is now station agent for the Erie Railroad. Graduating from the Leetonia High School in 1914, Mr. Anglemyer took up the study of architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 72 with the class of 1921. For three years thereafter, he was divisional survey engineer for the Bell Telephone Company at Harrisburg, Pa. He became a member of the architectural firm of Wittman & Royer, at York, Pa., and was later associated with the firm of Lawry & Green, of Harrisburg, until 1928. In that year, he came to Altoona, where he has since been in partnership with David A. Royer under the style of Royer & Anglemyer, with offices in the Commerce Building. In Masonry, he is a member of the Leetonia Blue Lodge, the Consistory, and Zembo Temple of the Shrine, Harrisburg. He is also a member of the University Club, of Harrisburg, and attends the Lutheran Church. He married Eleanore C. Walter, of Harrisburg. HENRY B. REPLOGLE, M. D., president of the Altoona Clinic and one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of this city, was born at Woodbury, Bedford County, Pa., March 8, 1882, a son of Jacob Z. and Elizabeth (Brown) Replogle, both natives of the same county, the former of whom was born at Patter Creek, now Maria, and farmed until the time of his death in 1906. Doctor Replogle attended the public schools of his home community, took his preparatory studies under Dr. I. D. Metzger, and matriculated at Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he received his doctorate in medicine. For a year and a half, he was an interne at the Bellevue and Metropolitan Hospitals, New York, and came to Altoona in 1907 to engage in active practice. He has taken further work at the Polyclinic Hospital and the New York Post Graduate Medical College. In 1921, he formed a partnership with Dr. William K. Mathewson for the establishment of the Altoona Clinic, of which he has been president since the institution was incorporated in 1927. He is also associate surgeon of Mercy Hospital. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Medical Society of Pennsylvania, Blair County Medical Society, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Koharsan, and Blairmont Country Club and attends the Second Lutheran Church. Doctor Replogle married Cora Lee, daughter of W. S. Lee, of Altoona, and to this union were born three children: Elizabeth, deceased; Dorothy, and Warren. For his second wife, Doctor Replogle took Mary Elizabeth Wichum, daughter of George Wichum, of Altoona. JAMES E. CORN, manager of the Blair County Credit Bureau, was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, May 30, 1899, a son of H. T. and Martha Frances (Smith) Corn, both natives of the same county, where the father has farmed all of his life. He is one of a family of eight children, of whom the others are: Quincy, Bessie, Erna, Hardy, Marvin, Jesse, and Ralph. He acquired his early education in the public schools of Stokes County and at the Oakridge Military Academy, where he studied three year, after which he matriculated at the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1922. He became associated with credit bureau work at Bluefield, West Virginia, where he remained from May, 1922, to February, 1926, when he came to Altoona to establish the Blair County Credit Bureau, of which he is now manager. Employ- BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 73 ing some twenty-three persons, the bureau has 785 members and has affiliations with 1200 other credit bureaus throughout the world. Branch offices are maintained at Tyrone and Patton, Pa. Mr. Corn is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 32nd Degree, and the Lions' Club and attends the First Baptist Church. He married Lillian M. Brammer, daughter of Peter and Eliza Ann (Helms) Brammer, of Patrick County, Virginia, and they have two children: James E., Jr., born February 24, 1928, and Frances Dolores, born December 31, 1929. J. EMORY SHUTE, business man and leader of civic affairs in Altoona, was born at Gettysburg, in 1867, the son of Theodore F. and Laura Shute. The father was a veteran of the Civil War. J. Emory Shute attended the public schools of his native town and became a barber after completing his formal education. In 1887, he moved to Altoona where he opened the largest, modernly [sic] barber shop in the city, which he conducted for several years. His keen business ability and capacity for organization together with his realization of the importance of progressive business methods soon made him a power in the business and civic circles of Altoona and Blair County. In 1910, when the Penn Central Power Company combined with the Edison Electric Company, the Citizens' Light and Power Company, the Huntingdon Light and Power Company, the Mt. Union Light and Power Company and the Lewistown Light and Power Company, Mr. Shute was selected by the management of the combined organization to serve as Manager of Public Relations. In this capacity he managed collections, real estate, and rights of way, in addition to adjusting claims of the consolidation. In 1920, when the Company offered preferred stock for sale he was placed in charge of the Investment Department. Since 1920, this department has grown from a few shareholders to more than 13,000 of whom 90 per cent are consumers, customers or employes. In 1927, he became vice-president of the Company. In addition to this position with the Penn Central Power Company, he is president of the Standard Building and Loan Company of Altoona and is a director in the following ones: Lakemont Park Company, of Altoona; Altoona and Logan Valley Electric Railways, Municipal Service Company, of Altoona; Keystone Public Service of Oil City, Glen Rock Electric Light and Power Company, of Glen Rock, York County; Edison Light and Power Company and the York Steam Heating Company, both of York; the Northeast Transportation Company of Ohio and the Youngstown Suburban Tourist Line at Youngstown, Ohio. His fellow citizens in Altoona consider Mr. Shute to be one of their outstanding civic leaders for he is always identified with progressive movements for the purpose of civic improvement. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Altoona. Mr. Shute married Miss Grace Myers, of Altoona, and they have the following children: John C., a ward of the government, from being in action overseas during the World War, aviation section in France; R. M., electrical engineer; Thomas M., engaged in the automobile business; Virginia and Margaret Shute Wharton; Fred S. Shute, deceased. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 74 GUY S. TIPPERY, D. D. S., has been engaged in the practice of dentistry at Altoona since 1908. Winfield Scott Tippery, his father, was born at Waterstreet, Huntingdon County, Pa., February 22, 1811, and resided there until June, 1887, when he removed to Altoona. His death occurred here, November 6, 1923, and his wife, Ida Mary (Wertz) Tippery, who was born on a farm near Hollidaysburg, Blair County, November 27, 1857, now resides in Altoona. An only child, Doctor Guy S. Tippery was born at Waterstreet, November 21, 1878, attended for two years the Schaefferville School, and then the graded and high schools of Huntingdon County. From the University of Pennsylvania, he received the degree of doctor of dental surgery in 1908, took special work in special course relative to dental work, and in the same year entered upon the active practice of his profession at Altoona. Professionally, he is a member of the National, State, and County Dental Societies, and his fraternal affiliations include membership in the Blue Lodge, Chapter Council, Knights Templar, Shrine, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He is a Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in community affairs, for he is now serving as a member of the Altoona School Board. As a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Doctor Tippery participated in football, baseball, basketball, and track and has retained his keen interest in athletics to the present time. For many years, he had sole charge of all athletic activities at the Y. M. C. A., and for several years was chairman of the athletic committee of the Altoona schools. During the war, Dr. Tippery did a great deal of special dental work. He is a communicant of the Second Lutheran Church, member of Church Council and Secretary of the Church. Doctor Tippery married Carrie Agnes Moore, and to this union have been born two children, Janice Carver, born in July, 1912, and Miriam Winifred, born in April, 1920. CHARLES W. FILER, sole owner and manager of Filer's Transfer, has been engaged in business at Altoona for a quarter of a century. Born in this city, May 5, 1890, he is the son of Charles and Sarah (Burns) Filer, who have spent most of their lives in Altoona. The father, after more than fifty years of service with the Pennsylvania Railroad, is now living retired. Charles W. Filer obtained his education in the public schools of Altoona and in 1905 entered the transfer business, his equipment being one horse and a wagon. From such an humble beginning, he has developed his present organization, operating twelve trucks and employing fifteen men in local and long distance hauling, his equipment being completely motorized. Mr. Filer is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Josephine Steuer, daughter of Anton and Mary Steuer, of Altoona. Mr. Filer is a member of the Altoona Chamber of Commerce. J. CLYDE CASSIDY, manager and part owner of the Cassidy Candy Company, of Altoona, was born here, February 5, 1894, and is a son of Charles H. and Laura (Haas) Cassidy, who are natives of Altoona and Port Royal, Pa., BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 75 respectively. Charles H. Cassidy operated a lumber yard and planing mill at Altoona for many years, disposing of his interests to the Fluke Company in 1918. In 1920, he joined his son in the establishment of the Cassidy Candy Company, which they now conduct as a partnership. The other children of this family are: Boyd, in insurance business; Ralph, connected with Cassidy Candy Company; Arthur; John, salesman; Robert, student at University of West Virginia; Nora; Edna, married Gerald Mays, of Altoona; Ruth, and Dorothy. J. Clyde Cassidy graduated from the Altoona High School in 1912, and from Gettysburg College, with the B. S. degree, in 1916. He then entered the lumber business with his father, but when the United States entered the World War, in 1917, he enlisted in the 17th Machine Gun Battalion, Sixth Division, with which he served sixteen months, a year of that time in France. Following his discharge from the army, he and his father formed a partnership for the manufacture of all kinds of chocolate covered candies, adopting the firm style of the Cassidy Candy Company. The succeeding decade has witnessed the rise of the company to a position of eminence in the central portion of the state. Mr. Cassidy is a member of the Masonic fraternity, including the York Rite, Shrine, the Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce, and attends St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He took for his wife Florence Zeth, daughter of George and Anna (Snyder) Zeth, of Altoona, and they have two children: Elizabeth Ann and James Clyde, Jr. JOHN S. MAUK, of the Juniata firm of funeral directors of Roher & Mauk, has been established in business here for more than twenty years. Born at Claysburg, Pa., September 29, 1886, he is a son of George Washington and Henrietta (Shaffer) Mauk, the former a native of Claysburg and the latter of King, Bedford County, Pa., the former of whom operated a drug store at Clays- burg for many years. After completing a public school education at Claysburg, Mr. Mauk engaged in undertaking work with a Mr. Walters, of Claysburg, and continued there until he entered the Eckles' College of Embalming, Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1909. In the same year, he came to Juniata to join Newton E. Roher in the establishment of the firm of Roher & Mauk, a partner- ship which has since obtained. In 1923, the partners expended in excess of S30,000 in erecting their present chapel and mortuary and securing new ambulances and funeral coaches. Mr. Mauk is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Funeral Directors' Association and is affiliated fraternally with all Masonic bodies, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Lions' Club. He attends the Lutheran Church. Mr. Mauk took for his wife Margaret Shaal, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Hutchinson) Shaal, of Greenwood, Pa., and they have four children: Preston, Robert, Richard, and Marguerite. NEWTON E. ROHER, funeral director of Juniata and a partner in the firm of Roher & Mauk, was born on a farm in Huntingdon County, Pa., June 25, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 76 1870, a son of E. L. and Eleanor (Greenland) Roher, both of whom were natives of that county and are deceased. The fifth in order of birth of a family of eleven children, Mr. Roher attended the Cherry Grove schools in Huntingdon County and for nine years thereafter was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad, five years at Pitcairn and four at Juniata. In December, 1906, he graduated from the Eckles College of Embalming, Philadelphia, and in the same year entered upon that field at Juniata. In 1911, April 1st, Mr. Mauk was taken in as a partner of the firm. In 1923, the company erected a thirty thousand dollar chapel and added new ambulances and funeral coaches to their equipment. Mr. Roher is also a director in the First National Bank of Juniata, and for a period of eleven years was a school director of this borough. He is a life member of the Blue Lodge, Consistory, and Shrine in Masonry and is affiliated with the Odd Fellows, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. Mr. Roher married Ida M. Nonemaker, daughter of George and Matilda (Lamberson) Nonemaker, farmers of Huntingdon County, Pa., and to this union have been born four children: Aubrey L., Avah Mildred, George N., and Olin B. JOSEPH V. FRITSCHE, manager of Freihofer's A. B. C. Bakery, at Altoona, was born at Philadelphia, December 15, 1892, a son of Adolph and Elizabeth (Yeager) Fritsche, both of whom were natives of the same city and are deceased, the father having been a baker all his life. He attended St. Ludwig's Parochial School, Philadelphia, and for two years worked in a machine shop in that city. In 1911, he became associated with Freihofer's A. B. C. Bakery, at Philadelphia, remaining there seven years, during which time he became acquainted with the fundamentals of the bakery business. For six years, he was district manager at Camden, New Jersey, for three years, as sales manager and spent a year and a half as manager at Sunbury, Pa., before coming to the Altoona plant as manager in 1928. The business was established in this city in 1925 and employs some fifty persons, operates fifteen trucks, wholesale work only, bread, rolls, full line pastry except pies. Mr. Fritsche is a member of the Keystone Bakers' Association, also American Bakers' Association, Kiwanis Club, Y. M. C. A., of Altoona, Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia Motor Truck Club, and the Knights of Columbus, in which he has attained the Third Degree. He attends Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Fritsche married Frances Mary Hoffeld, daughter of Charles and Annie Hoffeld, of Philadelphia, and to them have been born six children: Joseph, Jr., with father as receiving clerk; Madeline attending high school, at Altoona; Helen, John, George, and Dolores, attending grade schools of Altoona. JAMES E. HARSHBARGER, proprietor of the J. E. Harshbarger Dairy, was born at Old Fort, Centre County, Pa., January 7, 1882. H. K. Harshbarger, his father, was born in Centre County and spent his entire active life in that county operating threshing outfits in the vicinity of Centre Hall. He now lives BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 77 retired at Altoona. H. K. Harshbarger and his wife, Lydia (Confer) Harshbarger, who was born at Spring Mills, Centre County, and is deceased, became the parents of these children: William; James E.; Harry; Maxwell; Elsie; Bessie; Frank, deceased; and Jessie, deceased. After completing his public school training, James E. Harshbarger studied for a year at the University of Pennsylvania and then took a commercial course at the Sclussler Business College, Norristown, Pa. For a time, he worked as a bookkeeper in Philadelphia. On June 1, 1907, Mr. Harshbarger came to Altoona to establish the J. E. Harshbarger Dairy Company, which he has since operated. The concern now employs sixty-five persons and has twenty-four retail milk routes covering the cities of Altoona and Hollidaysburg, all kinds of dairy products being handled by the company. He is a member of the Rotary Club and attends the Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church. Jennie McFarland, daughter of Albert and Adelaide McFarland, the former of whom has been engaged in the undertaking business at Bellwood, Pa., for more than forty years, became his wife, and to Mr. and Mrs. Harshbarger have been born seven children: James E., Jr., Charles Howard, Albert Henry, Roy Willard, Russell Guy, Kathleen, and Marian. JOHN B. McCULLOUGH, manager of the Altoona plant of the Penn Cress Ice Cream Company, was born at Cresson, Pa., December 12, 1891, a son of Michael and Mary (McGough) McCullough, both of whom were natives of Loretto, Cambria County, Pa., and are deceased. The father came to Altoona in 1912, his death occurring here ten years later, 1922. He and his wife were the parents of nine children: Cecelia, Bertha, George, Emma, John B., Demetrius, Leo, Edith, and Charles. John B. McCullough attended the graded and high schools of Cresson and for eleven years thereafter was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Ice Company, of Altoona and Cresson, Pa. When the United States entered the World War, he enlisted in the 110th Engineers, 35th Division, with which he served fifteen months as corporal, a year of this time being spent in France. Following his discharge, he engaged in the tire business until 1921 and for a time thereafter with Metropolitan Insurance Co. In 1923, he became associated with the Penn Cress Ice Cream Company, whose home office is at Cresson, Pa., and in the same year opened the Altoona branch plant, of which he has since been manager. The concern ships its products to points within a radius of 150 miles of Altoona and employs eight persons in the factory. The owners of the concern are J. R. Trexler and M. J. Hawe, of Cresson. Mr. McCullough is a member of the Republican Club and the Yellow Dogs, and American Legion, and attends St. Mark's Catholic Church. Ethel Murray, daughter of Bernard and Anges Murray, of Cresson, became his wife and they have four children: Mary Elizabeth, died July 21, 1924, Ruth, Dolores, and Velma. SHERMAN A. HITE, deceased, was prominently identified with business interests of Altoona as founder of the firm of S. A. Hite & Sons. Born at Roaring Spring, Blair County, April 22, 1868, he began life there as a barber, removing BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 78 in 1892 to Altoona, where he joined a brother in the establishment of a paint shop on Broad Avenue. After a few years, he became an employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the paint shops and continued there until 1902. In that year, he established the present business, first engaging in house painting. Appreciating the coming importance of the automobile, he erected a shop for car painting, in 1905, to which six subsequent additions have been made, the firm now doing wall papering and house painting besides all body repairing and painting. On January 1, 1920, he took his three sons into partnership, since which time the concern has operated under the name of S. A. Hite & Sons, and has come to be the largest of its kind between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. The death of Mr. Hite occurred December 21, 1927, and since that time the members of the firm have been Mrs. Hite, Park S., Harold S., and Lawrence S. Hite. Crissie Snowberger, a native of New Enterprise, Bedford County, Pa., became his wife, and their children are the three sons who are now members of the firm. In Masonry, he was a member of Logan Lodge, No. 490, F. & A. M.; Mountain Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar; Mountain Chapter, R. A. M., No. 189; and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine. PARK S. HITE graduated from the Altoona High School in 1907 and was thereafter employed in the offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad until 1917, when he went to Washington, D. C., to assist in Government railroad work during the World War. For a year after his release from war work, he was in the employ of the Brady Brass Company, of New York, and on January 1, 1920, became a member of the firm of S. A. Hite & Sons. He married Grace Zimmerman, of Altoona, and they have one son, Robert. He is a member of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Yellow Dogs, and the Boy Scout Council and has attained the Knights' Templar Degree in Masonry as well as membership in the Shrine. HAROLD S. HITE obtained his education in the Altoona schools and for eighteen months worked with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1912, he became associated with his father in the painting business and was admitted to partnership, January 1, 1920. He married Inez Leonard, of Altoona, and they have a son, Leonard, and a daughter, Anne Louise. LAWRENCE S. HITE, of the firm of S. A. Hite & Sons, obtained his schooling in Altoona and was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad. During the World War, he spent two years in military railroad work. He became a member of the firm, January 1, 1920, and has since been associated with his brothers in business. He took for his wife Emily Lantz, of Altoona, and to this union has been born a son, William Lawrence. W. LEE MARTIN, president of the Columbia Construction Company, of which his brother, Arthur I. Martin, is secretary and treasurer, heads one of BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 79 the leading contracting concerns of this section of Pennsylvania. The field covered by the corporation includes railroad, municipal, and institutional building, not only in Altoona but also in other sections of the country. In Altoona, the company has built Jaffa Mosque, the new city hail, the Spence building, additions to S. A. Hite & Sons' buildings, the Penn-Alto Hotel annex and others, while elsewhere it has erected a large railroad icing station in North Carolina and the State Teachers' College building at Indiana, Pa., among its other construction jobs. W. Lee Martin was born in this city, February 12, 1893, a son of Samuel A. and Cora M. (Gamble) Martin, the former a native of Carlisle, Pa., and the latter of Newton Hamilton, Pa. The father spent the greater part of his life in Altoona, where he was employed for many years as a foreman of the Pennsylvania Railroad, his death occurring here in 1926. He and his wife became the parents of four sons, of whom the others are: John, city treasurer of Altoona; Harry, and Arthur I., secretary and treasurer of the Columbia Construction Company. W. Lee Martin graduated from the Altoona High School in 1911, and the studied civil engineering at Pennsylvania State College, completing his course there in 1916. In the same year, he entered contracting as an employe of the firm of H. S. Kerbaugh and, later, A. L. Anderson Brothers, of Altoona, firms that were engaged in general railroad contracting. When the United States entered the World War, he won the commission of second lieutenant of infantry and served in the army one year. Following his discharge, he again turned to contracting and with his brother established the Columbia Construction Company in 1920. Mr. Martin is a member of all Masonic bodies, Scottish Rite and Shrine, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Chamber of Commerce, and Phi Kappa Psi, college social fraternity. He was united in marriage to Charlotte Muir, daughter of William D. and Annie Muir, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and to them has been born one son, Charles Muir. PATRICK E. O'LEARY, who is engaged in a general practice of law at Altoona, comes of Irish parentage, for his father, Dennis J. O'Leary, born in County Cork, Ireland, and his mother, Catherine (Duffy) O'Leary, was born in County Moyo [Mayo], Ireland. The father came to the United States when he was eighteen years of age and located at Toledo, Ohio, where he remained until 1903. Since that time, he has been a resident of Altoona, where he is a foreman with the City Water Bureau. He and his wife are the parents of eleven children: Rev. Joseph D., who was educated at the American College in Rome, and after three years as assistant rector at St. John Galbert Church, he was first assistant at the Altoona Cathedral, and has been sent back to Italy for further training and special work in Canon Law, there acting as assistant to Vice-Rector American College, Rome; Patrick E.; Mary A., graduate of Indiana State Teachers' College and teacher in the Altoona schools; Thomas F., graduate of Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, 1931; John C., student at American College at Rome; Julia B., student at Indiana State Teachers' College; Kathleen M., deceased; Anna Cecilia, deceased; Eileen J.; Rita Elizabeth; and James M., BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 80 in school at Altoona. Patrick E. O'Leary obtained his early education in the parochial schools of Altoona, where he was born April 20, 1904, graduating from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School in 1919. After completing a business course at the same school in 1920, he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as clerk in the yards for two years. He then studied at St. Francis College, Loretta, Pa., and the Law School of Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, from which he graduated in 1927. While attending law school, he worked as title-examiner for the Potter Title & Trust Company, of Pittsburgh. Mr. O'Leary was admitted to practice before the Allegheny County Bar in September, 1927, and was subsequently admitted to practice in the United States District and Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts. He inaugurated his practice in Altoona, January 9, 1928. Mr. O'Leary is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Blair County Bar Association. D. GORDON BURKET, M. D., engaged in a general practice of surgery, at Altoona, was born in this city, November 9, 1896, a son of F. S. and Maude (Clarke) Burket, the former of whom was associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad until the time of his death, June, 1903, and the latter of whom is now a resident of Altoona. Doctor Burket attended the graded and high schools of this city and took his pre-medical work at Pennsylvania State College. In 1922, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with the degree of doctor of medicine and spent his interneship at the Altoona Hospital, for six months, and then at the University Hospital, Philadelphia. In 1925, he entered upon the active practice of his profession in association with Doctor W. H. Howell and has since continued here. He is a member of the staff of Mercy Hospital and is affiliated with the American Medical Association, Medical Society of Pennsylvania, Blair County Medical Society, and the Phi Rho Sigma, professional, and Alpha Omega Alpha, honorary scholastic, medical fraternities; J. B. Deaver Society, of Penn Medical School; this is named after Professor Deaver. He also holds membership in the American Business Club. Doctor Burket married Carmen Plack, of Juniata Gap, and they reside in Altoona. They have one child, Carmen Wayne Plack, born March 7, 1931. C. ARTHUR MILLER, part owner of the Altoona Sanitary Laundry, was born at Chambersburg, Pa., September 28, 1883, a son of John Amos, a teacher, and Susan (Embich) Miller, teacher until marriage, the former a native of Chambersburg and the latter of Green Village, Pa., wife's father, John Embich, and mother, Susan Embich, early settlers of Pennsylvania in Cumberland Valley, Pa., the father having been a school teacher in Franklin County until the time of his death. The other children of the family are William R., George W., Gertrude, May, Eleanor, and Ruth. C. Arthur Miller obtained his early education in the public schools and the Chambersburg Academy and for a time thereafter attended Pennsylvania State College. He began his business career by the purchase of BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 81 the Pennsylvania State Laundry, at State College, Pa., where he remained until 1918. In that year, he bought a half interest in the Altoona Sanitary Laundry from J. A. Marks, who had established the business in partnership with S. Steinberg, in 1915. The laundry is one of the leaders in Altoona and employs some fifty persons. Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Susan Bailey, of State College, Pa., and they have three children: Elizabeth; Arthur C., a graduate in high school, at Altoona, and Harold. He attends the Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. NORMAN R. SNIVELY, D. D. S., has been practicing at Altoona for more than twenty years. Born in this city, October 29, 1888, he is a son of Elmer E. and Melissa (Royer) Snively, both natives of Clover Creek, who are now living retired at Altoona. Graduating from the Altoona High School, in 1906, Doctor Snively studied for his profession at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received the degree of doctor of dental surgery, in 1909. The ensuing year he spent at the Philadelphia General Hospital, and in 1910, he established his practice at Altoona. He is a member of the American, Pennsylvania State, and Central Pennsylvania Dental Societies, Psi Omega fraternity, Rotary Club, and all Masonic bodies, both York and Scottish Rite, Shrine at Altoona. He was married June 19, 1912, to Eleanor Feltwell, daughter of A. L., of Altoona, who was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, and Lena Feltwell, of Tioga County, and to this union have been born three children: Norman, June, and Frank. T. W. TOBIAS, of the Altoona firm of accountants of Tobias, Seward & Rice, is a native of Everett, Pa., where he was born August 19, 1879. John B. Tobias, his father, was born at Lewisburg, Pa., and for some years followed the trade of tinner. He served as postmaster of Everett for four years, retiring from that office to enter the mercantile business, which he followed until the time of his death in 1919. He served as first sergeant in the Civil War with the 8th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment, in service four years and seven months, and was wounded and captured at Fredericksburg, spending six months in Libby prison. He served with the detail that witnessed the hanging of those who conspired the death of Abraham Lincoln, and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Hettie M. Davis, a native of Yellow Creek, Bedford County, Pa. T. W, Tobias, their son, graduated from the Everett High School, in 1896, and took a commercial course at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he graduated in 1899. He was thereafter associated with his father in the mercantile business until 1906, at Everett, Pa., when he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad accounting department, remaining there until 1913. From that time until 1921, he was county comptroller of Blair County. He has since been engaged in the public accountancy business for himself, the firm name being that of Tobias, Seward & Rice, with offices in the Altoona Trust Building. He is also secretary and treasurer of the BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 82 Grand View Cemetery Company, secretary and treasurer of the Construction Service Company, and a director of the Franklin Building & Loan Association. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Rotary Club, and as a Republican in politics, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1916. Mr. Tobias is also the owner of the Altoona School of Commerce. In 1908, he married Dorothy E. Barkley, who was born at Rainsburg, Bedford County, Pa., a daughter of George W. Barkley, who served in the Civil War, as a Corporal in Company E, 138th Pa. Infantry, three years, August 17, 1862, to 13th day of June, 1865. Mr. Tobias during the World War enlisted as second lieutenant Quartermaster Department, but was never called. He held a reserve officers commission as second lieutenant until his resignation in September, 1930. ROY L. AULTMAN, deceased, was prominently identified with the photographic business in Westmoreland County before coming to Altoona. He was born at Scottdale, that county, in 1886, a son of D. S. Aultman, engineer for the H. C. Frick Coal Company, and Alice Aultman. Roy Aultman attended the public schools of Scottdale and after graduating from the high school opened a photographic studio there. His business was characterized by progressive methods and his productions were always works of art. An unfortunate fire destroyed the studio building and Mr. Aultman decided to leave Scottdale and take a position that was offered him in the Gable Store, Altoona. Here he established the photographic department, made it a vital part of the business, and remained for six years. Not content to continue in the employ of others he left his position to enter the wholesale tobacco business. In a short time he became a leader among the younger business men of the city. Unfortunately his career was shortened by his death on June 3, 1929, at the age of 42 years, which was a source of much grief to his family and many friends. Mr. Aultman was a member of the United Brethren Church, and was a Mason, Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree, at Altoona. In 1907, he married Miss Ells Ruth, daughter of John W. Ruth, prominent lumber merchant of Scottdale, Pa., and Martha Ruth, at Scottdale. Mr. and Mrs. Aultman had three children: Kenneth R., employed by the Penn Central Light and Power Company; Dan W., of Armour & Co.; and Martha. Mrs. Aultman resides at 413 21st Avenue, Altoona. CHARLES B. BAUMGARDNER, deceased, for many years a prominent pharmacist, at 8th Avenue and 16th Street, Altoona, was born in that city on March 5, 1865. His parents were Jasper Baumgardner, a native of Switzerland, who followed the trade of stone mason, and Barbara Baumgardner, a native of Germany. Charles Baumgardner graduated from the Altoona High School, and decided to continue his education so that he might enter the pharmacy profession. Accordingly, he enrolled at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, and after receiving his degree he returned to Altoona. Here he established the BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 83 drug store at 8th Avenue and 16th Street which he conducted for the remainder of his life. His death occurred on May 31, 1925, in Somerset County, and the passing of this eminent, kindly, respected citizen was mourned by his many friends and business associates. Mr. Baumgardner was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church, and was professionally identified with the Blair County Retail Druggists' Association. On January 27, 1897, he married Miss Mary E. Shaw, daughter of Samuel K. Shaw, a harness manufacturer, and Mary (Wilt) Shaw, both natives of Blair County. Mr. and Mrs. Baumgardner had one son, Paul, who died in infancy. Mrs. Baumgardner lives at 2602 7th Avenue, Altoona. J. ELVIN BRUMBAUGH, postmaster of Altoona since 1922, was born at Clover Creek, Blair County, March 4, 1879, a son of William H. and Frances (Burget) Brumbaugh, both natives of Henrietta, Pa., and both deceased. The father was a manufacturer of farm implements and spent the greater part of his life at Clover Creek. J. Elvin Brumbaugh attended the schools of Martinsburg, Pa., and then pursued a commercial course at the Altoona Business College, training which he supplemented by courses with the International Correspondence School, Scranton, Pa. For a time, he was employed in farm work, was later associated with the Pittsburgh Limestone Company, Gannister, Pa., for two years, and then taught for four years in schools at Blue Knob, Clover Creek, El Dorado, and Allegheny Furnace. In 1901, he entered the postal service at Altoona as clerk. He became assistant postmaster, May 1, 1903, and held that position until he was appointed postmaster, March 1, 1922, an office which he now occupies. In Masonry, he is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery, Consistory, and Shrine, and is also a member of the P. O. S. of A., and the Kiwanis Club. He attends the First Lutheran Church and is a Republican in politics. W. E. BRUMBAUGH, owner and manager of the general insurance and automobile financing concern of W. E. Brumbaugh & Company, of Altoona, was born at Clover Creek, Pa., April 25, 1896, a son of Ira and Margaret (Ford) Brumbaugh, both natives of the same community, the former of whom has been a livestock dealer at Martinsburg, Pa., for many years. The other children of this family are: Agnes, Roy, Carl, Dorothy, and Milton. W. E. Brumbaugh attended the Clover Creek common schools and the Martinsburg High School, graduating from the latter in 1914. For a time, he studied at Juniata College and then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as relief agent on the Middle Division. In July, 1917, he enlisted in the 110th Infantry, 28th Division, for service in the World War and was later transferred to the 413th Telegraph Battalion, Signal Corps, with the rank of sergeant. He served in France from January, 1918, to May, 1919. Following his discharge, he became associated with the Insurance Management Corporation, of Huntingdon, Pa., spending three years with that company in the coal states of the Middle West. For a BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 84 year and a half, he was associated with the insurance house of H. H. Campbell Company, of Pittsburgh, leaving that concern to establish his present business at Altoona. He is a member of the various Masonic bodies, the Shrine, Knights of Pythias, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, and American Legion. Mr. Brumbaugh took for his wife, Nancy Rhodes, of Roaring Spring, Pa. EDWARD GRANT CARPER, postmaster of Roaring Spring and successful business man of the community, was born on a farm in Bedford County, Pa. David S. Carper, his father, engaged in farming until 1915, when he retired and moved to Roaring Spring, where his wife, Louisa (Ake) Carper, died in 1920. Edward G. Carper attended the public schools and the normal schools of Martinsburg and New Enterprise, where he prepared himself for the profession of teaching. He taught in the schools of Bedford County three years and spent fifteen years in the Blair County schools, being in charge of the Central Grammar School, in Freedom Township, and spending two years at the head of the Taylor Township School. He relinquished teaching in 1920 to accept the office of postmaster of Roaring Spring, a position which he has since retained through successive appointments. At this time, too, he sold his interests in a mercantile enterprise in which he had been associated twelve years with a brother, William Carper. He is president and a director of the Roaring Spring Baking Company, and was a director of Nason Hospital two years. He has served since 1905 as a member of the board of health, and as a communicant of the Church of God, has been superintendent of the Sunday School for twenty-five years. A Mason, be is a member of the Blue Lodge, Harrisburg Consistory, and Jaffa Temple of the Shrine, of Altoona. He is also a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. In 1904, Mr. Carper married Susan Kensinger, of Martinsburg, Pa., who died in 1924, leaving two children, Marion and Lois. In 1925, Mr. Carper was united in marriage to Lulu Snyder, daughter of Edward and Ruth Snyder, of Roaring Spring, and they have one son, Edward G., Jr., born in March, 1930. JOHN LOGAN CHAMBERLAIN, deceased, for many years a prominent pharmacist of Altoona, was born in Bedford County, on September 24, 1867, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Chamberlain, the former of whom followed the occupation of carpenter and farmer. John Chamberlain received his education in the schools of Bedford County. Upon completing his schooling, he taught school for a few years and later was a telegraph operator. In 1881, at the suggestion of his close friend, Mr. Pat Walls, he removed to Altoona, and entered the pharmacy business as a clerk for Mr. J. Ross Meeter. He earned his license to be a prescription clerk and upon the death of Mr. Meeter, established himself in business in the Meeter Building, which he conducted for the remainder of his life. His death occurred October 4, 1924, and the passing of this eminent, kindly, respected citizen was mourned by his many friends and business associates. Mr. Chamberlain was a devoted member of the Baptist Church and was fraternally identified with the Eagles, B. S. Davis Lodge of the Independent BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 85 Order of Odd Fellows and the Patriotic Order of Sons of America. He was also a stockholder in the Union National Bank. On June 19, 1886, he married Margaret McCollough, daughter of Andrew J. McCollough, for many years a construction foreman for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and a resident of Westmoreland County, and Maria (Wier) McCollough, a native of Indiana County. Mrs. Chamberlain lives at 1415 Washington Avenue, Altoona. JOHN CLARE, deceased, was for many years a leading employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, in Altoona. He was a native of Lancaster, where he was born on May 10, 1873, a son of John Clare, an employee in the Pennsylvania Railroad Shops, and Elizabeth (Nagle) Clare, member of a Lancaster County family. John Clare, the subject of this sketch, obtained his education in the Lancaster public schools, and formed an early affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. When he was sixteen years old, he left Lancaster and came to Altoona. Here he took a position as apprentice in the moulding shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and remained in that capacity for four years. Then he was transferred to the shops at Sixteenth Street and again to the South Altoona Shops where he was employed at the time of his death, on September 20, 1926. Mr. Clare was a kindly man, a sympathetic friend and neighbor, and his passing, while still in middle life, saddened the community in which he lived and worked. In addition to his church membership he belonged to the Pennsylvania Railroad Relief Association. He married Miss Nannie Brua, daughter of John Brua, a Blair County farmer, and Amanda (Young) Brua, at Altoona, on June 26, 1902. They had no children. Mrs. Clare lives in Altoona at 1604 7th Avenue. DR. CALEB HORACE CLOSSON, deceased. No history of personalities in central Pennsylvania, or of the leaders in the medical profession of the state, would be complete without a review of the life and services of Dr. Caleb Horace Closson, late of Altoona. The story of Dr. Closson's life, the eminent position he attained, not only within the confines of professional circles, but among the many other centers of society in which he made contacts, characterize the greatness of America as represented in the children of her pioneers. Dr. Closson was a descendant of a pioneer Blair County family, who resided on a farm at Tipton. There he was born on August 5, 1851, a son of Thomas Scott and Temperance (Meadville) Closson, who were both natives of the northeast section of this county. As a lad, Dr. Closson attended the public schools of Blair County and Tipton Seminary. When he was only about fourteen years of age, the Civil War was declared, and the pioneer spirit of adventure and service that was latent within him, urged him to enter and fight for the Northern Cause. He ran away from home, enlisted, and served for a year and a half, when he was discovered to be below the age limit and was honorably discharged. The services of this manly youth, who was still under sixteen years of age when the long war between the BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 86 states ended, are comparable to those of his pioneer ancestors, who virtually learned to use rifles in the protection of family and property against the inroads of the red men, as the modern child learns to read, are worthy of emulation. Honorably discharged from the service of the United States, Caleb Horace Closson turned his attention to the choice of a career. In fitting succession to his military career, he chose to fight disease, and make life happier and more comfortable for the afflicted. Accordingly, he entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, graduating there in 1873 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He established his first office and began practice on 9th Street, Altoona. At once his ability was recognized by his colleagues, many of whom early deferred to his keen, intelligent analyses of cases. He assisted Dr. Gamble for a time, and then was directly associated with the medical and surgical work of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company's Medical Staff. Dr. John Fay was the director of the staff and Dr. Closson, his assistant. Dr. Closson's surgical ability was of such high order that he was called upon to perform one of the most difficult and serious operations of the time, and the first case of its kind to be accomplished in the Altoona Hospital, that of amputating a leg. Incidents of this sort placed him at the head of his profession in the county, and gave him prominence in medical circles throughout the state. During his professional career he was a member of the Blair County Medical Society, of which he served as secretary, of the Altoona Board of Health, where he served in the same capacity, and was chosen by Blair County to be Physician to the Poor. In addition to these professional activities, he had so entrenched himself in the hearts of his fellow citizens, that they elected him to membership on the Altoona City Council, where he served wisely and sympathetically for several years. That Dr. Closson's life was well-rounded is exemplified in his varied interests. A charter member of Grace Lutheran Church, Altoona, he was faithful in the performance of the duties and obligations that the religious organization he adhered to, required of him. His death came in September, 1911, when he was just at the summit of his career, and years of service still lay before him. Friends, acquaintances and members of his family, persons from all walks of life, mourned the passing of this great physician, who had given so unstintedly of time and effort so that his fellowmen might be healthier and happier in mind and body. Dr. Closson was united in marriage with Miss Kate Christian Clark, who was a daughter of Major John Morris Clark and Catharine (Leonard) Clark, of Altoona. Major Clark was born in Philadelphia, in 1828, and began a long and honorable military career, when he entered the service of the United States during the Mexican War. His experiences there were of great value to the nation when he entered the service again, this time as a captain and later a major, in the Union Cause during the Civil War. Major Clark became a resident of Altoona shortly after the city was founded. Here he engaged in the real estate business, and became prominently associated with progressive movements in Altoona. His activities brought him recognition throughout Blair BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 87 County, and as a result he was chosen County Treasurer, an office that he held for sometime before his death in 1890. Major Clark married Mrs. Catharine Leonard Ferry, widow of Patrick Ferry. The Leonard family were pioneers in Blair County where they settled before the American Revolution. Dr. and Mrs. Closson were the parents of two daughters, Bertha Lloyd Closson, who married Russell Aukerman, of Altoona; and Maud Cecelia Closson, who married Dr. Frank W. Talley, a native of Connecticut. Dr. Talley was educated at the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1889. He studied extensively in European Medical Centers, particularly at the University of Berlin, following his graduation. Upon his return to the United States he entered the practice of medicine at Philadelphia, and there he married Maud Cecelia Closson, a graduate nurse of the Philadelphia Polyclinic Hospital. Dr. Talley died in 1907 and Mrs. Talley, who survives him, resides in Altoona at 206 Logan Avenue. Dr. Talley was a Mason. HARRY E. SLEP, vice-president of the Mirror Printing Company, of Altoona, comes of a family that has long been prominently identified with newspaper publishing in this city, for Harry Slep, grandfather of Harry E., was the founder of the Altoona Mirror. A biographical sketch of the grandfather and additional family records appear elsewhere in this volume. Edward J. Slep, father of Harry E., was born in Harrisburg, Pa., and died at Altoona in 1921, the greater part of his life having been spent with this newspaper. Harry E. Slep was born at Columbus, Ohio, July 28, 1887, a son of Edward J. and Hattie E. (Williams) Slep, the latter of whom was born in Altoona and died in 1915. Mr. Slep obtained his education in the Altoona schools. His entire career has been a close association with the affairs of the Mirror Printing Company, with which he has been associated since 1901. He now holds the offices of vice-president and treasurer of that concern. Mr. Slep is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, American Legion, American Business Club, D. O. O. K., and the Reserve Officers' Association of the United States. He holds a reserve officers commission as second lieutenant in the Q. M. Dept., Motor Transport 3rd Corps Area, U. S. A. During the War, Mr. Slep served as a sergeant in the Medical Corps for eighteen months, enlisting at Altoona. PARSON H. CRAWFORD, advertising manager of the Altoona Tribune, has been associated with this newspaper for more than forty years. Born at Newville, Cumberland County, Pa., October 26, 1859, he is a son of John Jackson, a native of the same county, and Annie Elizabeth (Harris) Crawford, a native of Carlisle, Pa. The father was a merchant and justice of the peace at Newville, but after coming to Altoona, in 1881, he engaged in the bakery business. Parson H. Crawford was educated in the public schools of Newville and Huntingdon, Pa., and began his newspaper career with the Altoona Evening Sun, then owned by the Barclay Brothers. After several years there, he became associated with the Altoona Times, now merged with the Tribune, to which BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 88 paper Mr. Crawford came from the Times, his connection with the former dating from December 30, 1890. During the greater part of this time, Mr. Crawford has been advertising manager of the company. Mr. Crawford married Anne M. Green, daughter of Robert and Mary (Hartzle) Green, of Altoona. They have two children, Robert M., who resides at Buffalo, New York, and Florence L., the wife of Fred B. Lafferty, of Altoona. Mr. Crawford is a member of the Altoona Lodge, Fraternal Aid Union, and attends the First Presbyterian Church. ARTHUR A. CRUM, deceased, for many years a conductor on the Pittsburgh Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, was born at Wilmore, Cambria County, in 1858. He was a son of Oliver Crum, who had been a successful farmer, and Hannah (Smay) Crum, both of Cambria County. Oliver Crum, the father, was a Union soldier during the Civil War and met his death in the Confederate Prison at Andersonville, a victim of starvation. Arthur A. Crum married Miss Anna D. Pummer, daughter of James D. Pummer, merchant, tax collector and member of a district school board in Cambria County, and Eunice (Heinney) Pummer. Mr. and Mrs. Crum were the parents of seven children: Howard O., Jessie, Arthur, Lynn, Fay, Roy, and Ruth. In 1905, Mr. Crum died as the result of a railroad accident, while discharging his duties as conductor. His sudden passing was a great blow to his family and a large circle of friends throughout the county. NEWTON A. CRUM, deceased, brother, of Arthur A. Crum, was an Altoona hotel operator for nearly a quarter of a century. He was born in Cambria County, in 1856, and when first seeking employment obtained it in Altoona, where he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as machinist in the shops. After fifteen years of that service he decided to venture into business for himself. As a result he purchased the Clarditon [Clarendon ?] Hotel, at Altoona, where for twenty years he maintained an extensive reputation for hospitality, and became known through central Pennsylvania. He disposed of his hotel property and retired to Hollidaysburg and remained there for six years. He was so energetic and untiring that he could not be unoccupied contentedly. A position was offered him on the Altoona Police Force. He accepted it, and served the public in that organization for four years and then became county tax collector. At the time of his death, which occurred in Altoona in 1920, he was connected with a local silk mill. The boundless energy that he always displayed, and his capacity for making and retaining friendships, were greatly missed by his family, and by the innumerable persons with whom he had made contacts in his very active life. Fraternally he was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Newton A. Crum married Mrs. Anna Pummer Crum, his brother Arthur's widow, in April, 1911. The latter survives him and makes her home at 2413 7th Avenue, Altoona. HAYS W. CULP, attorney of Altoona for thirty years, was born in Sinking Valley, Blair County, December 2, 1868, and is the son of Samuel and Mary A. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 89 (Wilson) Culp, both natives of Huntingdon County, Pa. The father was a blacksmith by trade and spent his entire life in Huntingdon and Blair Counties. Hays W. Culp obtained a public school education, graduated from the Indiana State Normal School, in 1890, and from Grove City College, in 1893, and for three years read law in the offices of H. M. Baldrige, of Hollidaysburg. He was admitted to the Blair County Bar in 1896 and in the same year inaugurated his practice in Altoona, where he now ranks among the foremost members of the legal profession. He married Margaret Crawford, daughter of Foster and Lou M. Crawford, of Sinking Valley, and to them have been born three children: Samuel, Foster, and Margaret. Mr. Culp is a member of the Odd Fellows and Junior Order of United American Mechanics and attends the Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church. MARY G. DAVIS, probation officer with the Altoona Juvenile Court, is a native of this city and a daughter of the late J. Gemmill Davis and Eleanor Banks (Gardner) Davis, the latter a native of Spruce Creek. J. Gemmill Davis was born December 1, 1849, near Barree Forge, Huntingdon County, a son of Patrick Gilbert and Elizabeth (Osborne) Davis. On his father's side, he was a descendant of one of the oldest families in Virginia. The founder of the Osborne family in America, from whom Mr. Davis' mother descended, was a member of the Virginia house of burgesses from 1629 to 1632, representing William and Mary College, founded a short time previously. Mr. Davis' education consisted only of such advantages as were offered by the district school. He enlisted in the Union Army at the age of fifteen, in 1864, in the 195th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and then during the same year, he re-enlisted in the 79th Veteran Regiment. He was with Sherman in the historic march to the sea, during the Carolinas campaign, serving until the end of the Civil War. Upon his return home, he entered the employ of the Lyon, Short & Company, the great iron masters in this section of the state, at Bald Eagle Furnace, now Olivia, remaining with this firm until the furnace was closed down in 1867. During the next five years he was employed in a clerical capacity in various stores, during which he acquired a thorough knowledge of bookkeeping and a business training that qualified him for more important work that was to follow. In 1872, he moved to Chicago, where he engaged in business as a commission merchant. The following year he came to Altoona and entered upon the career that was eventually to place him in the forefront of the business life of the community. He entered the employ of the Altoona Bank as bookkeeper and was engaged in that capacity until 1895, when upon the resignation of Theodore H. Wigton, as cashier, he was elected to that position. He held that position until the merger and formation of the Central Trust Company until 1902, when he was elected secretary and treasurer. Subsequently, in 1917, he was made vice-president and manager of the institution. During the years of his service as cashier and secretary and treasurer, he also served as a member of the board of directors. During the World War, Mr. Davis acted as chairman of the Blair County Liberty Loan BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 90 organization and directed campaigns, contributing no small part to the success which crowned the several efforts. He was interested in several building and loan associations, was treasurer of the Blair Hotel Company which built the Penn-Alto Hotel and for many years was treasurer of the Altoona Hospital. Mr. Davis was twice married, his first wife being Eleanor Banks Gardner, to whom he was married in 1876. Three children were born to this union: Mary Gardner Davis; George Elliot Davis, of Philadelphia; and William Isett Davis, of Portland, Oregon. Following the death of his first wife, in 1894, he married Kate Isett, of St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1897. Three children were born to this marriage: Gemmill C. Davis, of Pittsburgh; John S. Davis, and Henry O. Davis, both of Altoona. Mr. Davis, prior to his death on May 31, 1930, was a member of Post No. 62, Grand Army of the Republic, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club, and his church affiliations were with the Hollidaysburg Presbyterian Church. Mary G. Davis obtained her early education in the local public school and National Park Seminary, Washington, D. C., training which she has supplemented by special courses taken at the Chicago School of Civics and Philanthropy and the New York School of Social Work. In May, 1912, Miss Davis entered upon her work with the Juvenile Court and has since continued in that position. She is a member of the Altoona Cricket Club, Quota Club, and American Association of Social Workers. EDWARD H. FLICK, attorney of Altoona, has a record of conspicuous public service to the people of the community. Born in Cambria County, August 16, 1860, he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Sharbaugh) Flick. His classical studies were pursued at St. Vincent's College, Beatty, Westmoreland County, and he studied law in the offices of A. V. Barker, Ebensburg, Pa., later judge of Cambria County, winning admission to the bar of Cambria County, in 1883, and to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in 1889. For a year, he practiced at Carrolltown, Pa., coming to Altoona, in 1884, where he soon developed a large practice. He entered public life in 1892 as successful candidate on the Democratic ticket for the office of city solicitor, but his bitter opposition to the construction of additional dams at the Horse Shoe Curve on the Pennsylvania Railroad brought his defeat at the succeeding election. Until that time, he was the only solicitor to publish a sworn statement of all money received by him and paid out during his term. He became an active member of the first Board of Trade and organized and chartered the Citizens' Ice Company, Citizens' Electric Light Company, and the Altoona Glass Company. He was the first to advocate public markets and organized a County Farm Bureau, for which he raised funds sufficient for its first year of operation, arranging the first corn show in the county. He organized and chartered the first shale brick company in the county, known as the DeHaven Brick Company, later the Altoona Brick Company, and as an activity of the first Board of Trade, assisted in the establishment of the Altoona Silk Mill. He became an organizer of three building BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 91 and loan associations, for one of which he has been solicitor for forty-five years. Through his expose in the press, he prevented the laying of an inferior quality of brick in a large paving contract. He is counsel for the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and other labor organizations. Through his efforts, Westmont subdivision was laid out and supplied with sewers, water, and light. Mr. Flick was united in marriage, June 30, 1891, to Annie O'Connor, of Pittsburgh, and they both attend the Catholic Church.