BIOGRAPHY: Tarring Davis, History of Blair County, PA, Vol. II, 1931 - File 4 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 - 91 ROBERT E. FLUKE, has been established in the real estate, building, and insurance business at Altoona for twenty years. James B. Fluke, his father, was born in Bedford County, Pa., and was a general contractor and planing mill operator of Altoona until the time of his death, which occurred December 30, 1920. He married Laverna S. Boor, who was born in Bedford County and died January 30, 1920, and to them were born these children: Hubert W., Robert E., Georgia, Stella, Cora, Myra, and Helen. Robert E. Fluke was born in Bedford County, November 23, 1891, and obtained his elementary and high school education in Altoona and then studied pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating from that institution in 1910. Thereafter, until 1920, he was associated in business with his father and has continued alone since his parent's death in that year. Mr. Fluke married Zelia J. Phillips, who was born at Jeannette, Pa., a daughter of John H. Phillips. SAMUEL IRWIN FORSHT, deceased, was for many years a well known and highly respected figure in fraternal, industrial and business circles of Altoona and Blair County. He was born on his father's farm, near Martinsburg, February 27, 1862, a son of Jacob and Jane (Solesbey) Forsht. Samuel Forsht attended the schools of Blair Furnace, after which he assisted his father in the duties of farming until he was twenty-three years of age. He then removed to Altoona, in 1885, when he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as a machinist, retaining his association with that organization until February 1, 1906, when he retired to engage in the coal and feed business. He purchased the site of the old Lutheran Church, on Third Avenue and Seventh Street, and remodeled the building to use for his business, ably conducting it until his demise on February 1, 1917. Mr. Forsht was a charter member of the Altoona Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Junior Order of United American Mechanics and of the Juniata Grange. His religious faith was that of the Lutherans. Miss Annie Bailey became the wife of Mr. Forsht on October 4, 1883. She is the daughter of Samuel Bailey and Elizabeth (Neiderriter) Bailey. Samuel Bailey was a native of Baileyville, having been born there March 9, 1827, and by occupation was for many years a stage driver, having been over such old-time routes as the Lewistown-Bellefonte route over seven mountains and from Tyrone to Philipsburg, Curwensville and on to Meadville. He was a man well liked for his generous and friendly disposition. He served four years in the 110th Pennsylvania Volunteers during BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 92 the Civil War. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Forsht: J. B. Forsht; S. I. Forsht; C. W. Forsht; F. W. Forsht, deceased; Harry; John; Alfred C.; P. E. Forsht; Bertha, deceased; Myrtle, deceased; Olive M.; Ruth; Esther; Alice, and Floria. Mrs. Forsht takes active part in social and welfare work in Altoona. She is identified with the Rebeccas, Pocahontas Lodge, Grand Army of the Republic, and served as treasurer of the Juniata Grange for the last twenty years. She makes her home at 625 Fifth Avenue, Juniata, where she enjoys a large circle of friends. RUSSELL B. GARVER, secretary and general manager of the Roaring Spring Blank Book Company, was born at Roaring Spring, December 27, 1892, a son of Abraham Lincoln and Ella (Bare) Garver, the former of whom was one of the founders of the company with which his sons are now associated. After graduating from the Roaring Spring High School, he matriculated at Williams College, from which he received the degree of bachelor of arts, in 1915. For two years and a half thereafter, he was employed as a chemist by the Pennsylvania Railroad and for a similar period worked for his father as a clerk. In 1920, he was elected secretary of the Roaring Spring Blank Book Company and has since assumed the duties of general manager of the enterprise. The concern was established in 1886 by D. M. Bare, A. L. Garver, D. R. Wike, and E. G. Bobb as a partnership and was incorporated in 1907. Producing blank books, copy pads, school stationery and similar materials, the concern ranks as the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania and has agents throughout the United States and the West Indies. Fraternally, Mr. Garver is a Mason, having attained the Thirty-second Degree in the Scottish Rite, and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, Blairmont Country Club, and Altoona Cricket Club. He is a Republican and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was married June 28, 1919, to Elizabeth Beck, and to them has been born three daughters. JOHN GEISLER, JR., was for many years prior to his death a well known and respected employee of the Pennsylvania Company. He was born June 27, 1875, in Altoona, a son of John and Catherine (Crawford) Geisler. John Geisler, Sr., is a retired veteran of railroad service. John Geisler, Jr., received his education in the public schools of his home. Upon leaving school, he learned the trade of baker, which he followed for a few years. His next occupation was that of a moulder, and after working in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, for four years, returned to Altoona, where he became employed in the blacksmith shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. At the end of five years, he was transferred to the planing mills, where he worked for fourteen years, after which he became a machinist and he followed this occupation until his death which occurred August 27, 1929. Bertha M. Estright, daughter of William S. and Susan S. Estright, became the wife of Mr. Geisler on August 24, 1898. To this union were born the following children: Margaret, now Mrs. Harry Flory; Catherine, now Mrs. Edward Smith; Nettie, now Mrs. Harold Brown; Raymond, and BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 93 Gertrude. Mr. Geisler was a member of the Eagles, Railroad Relief and Railroad Floral Associations, and his religious belief was that of the Lutheran faith. The death of Mr. Geisler was a severe loss to his family and his wide circle of friends. Mrs. Geisler maintains her residence at 210 First Avenue, Altoona. WILBUR P. GETTMAN, proprietor of the Gettman Auto Company, authorized Ford dealer in Altoona, was born at Pittsburgh, January 22, 1890, and is a son of Philip and Mary K. (Riesmeyer) Gettman, who are both natives of that city, where they now live retired, the father having been engaged in the wholesale produce business for many years. Graduating from the Pittsburgh Central High School, in 1907, Mr. Gettman studied electrical engineering at Carnegie Institute of Technology, from which he graduated in 1911. For three years, he was identified with the Western Electric Company. He then entered the automobile business at Pittsburgh for himself, handling electric cars and just before the outbreak of the World War, he secured a Ford franchise for that city. When the United States joined the Allies in the war, Mr. Gettman sold his business and enlisted in the Motor Transport Corps, training at Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, Florida. Following his discharge, he was granted the dealer franchise for Altoona and established the Gettman Motor Company, in September, 1919. Fifty-five persons are employed. Mr. Gettman is a member of the various Masonic bodies, including the Consistory and Shrine, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Pittsburgh Rotary Club. He is a communicant of the First Lutheran Church. He was united in marriage to Sara M. McFall, daughter of David and Mary McFall, of Monongahela City, and to this union have been born two children, Richard and Nancy. ERASTUS B. GARBER, is manager of the Roaring Spring Planing Mill, with which he has been associated for a quarter of a century. A son of John J. and Adeline Garber, of whom more is contained in the biographical record of Lewis Garber, he was born in Roaring Spring, in 1886, and here received his education in the graded and high schools. For a year and a half after his graduation, he was employed by the wholesale grocery concern of J. A. Kooler & Company, of Altoona, Pa., but returned to Roaring Spring in 1905 to become associated with the planing mill. In 1920, he was elevated to the managership of the plant and has since continued in that capacity. Interested in local affairs, he is a Democrat in his political allegiance and is a member of the Reformed Church. In 1913, Violet Smeltzer, of Baker Summitt, Pa., became his wife and they have one daughter, Kathryn Agnes, who is attending the local high school. LEO ANDREW GARBER, agent at Roaring Spring for the Pennsylvania Railroad, was born here March 3, 1880, a son of John J. and Adeline Garber, of whom more is contained in the biographical record of Lewis Garber. After completing his education in the graded and high schools of Roaring Spring, he became an apprentice telegrapher, April 1, 1894, under the instruction of Samuel BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 94 Hamilton. In 1896, he went to Hollidaysburg, where he served under Richard Roelofs until 1900. In that year, he was appointed extra agent for the Middle Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and since December 1, 1905, has represented his company at Roaring Spring. A Republican in politics, he has taken an active part in borough affairs, having held the office of auditor and that of burgess since January 1, 1930. He is steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the Masonic fraternity, Odd Fellows, Sons of Veterans, and Business Men's Association. In May, 1900, he married Martha Zook, daughter of Charles W. and Sarah Zook, and to them have been born these children: Charles Edwin, an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad; John A., principal of the Roaring Spring High School; Esther A., a teacher in the graded schools of Roaring Spring; Eleanor Z., a student at the Lucy Webb National Training School for Nurses; and Martha J., a student in the local high school. Mrs. Garber is also active in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where she is assistant teacher in the primary Sunday School. Mr. Garber, in addition to his other interests, is a director of the Roaring Spring Building & Loan Association. LEWIS FRANCIS GARBER, manager of the D. M. Bare Paper Company, of Roaring Spring, Pa., was born here in 1874, a son of John J. and Adeline (Bonner) Garber. The father was superintendent of the pulp division of the paper company until the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1927, at the age of ninety-one years. The mother, now in her eighty-third year, is a resident of Roaring Spring. Lewis Francis Garber obtained his education in the public schools of Roaring Spring. While but a boy, Mr. Garber entered the employ of Mr. D. M. Bare and in 1891 became bookkeeper of the D. M. Bare Paper Company. He has since been in continuous association with the enterprise, of which he has been general manager since 1915 as well as a director. He is also a director of the Roaring Spring Bank and owns, in partnership with Ivan E. Garver, the planing mill here. He has attained the Thirty-second Degree in Masonry and is a member of Jaffa Temple of the Shrine. He and his family are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of whose official board he is a member. In 1896, he married Mildred Cree, of Roaring Spring, and they have two children: Melvin C., who is associated with the paper company; and Margaret, wife of Carl Martin, of Roaring Spring. CHARLES ALBERT GREER, secretary of the Mirror Publishing Company, is one of the well known newspaper men of Altoona. Adam J. Greer, his father, was born at Reedsville, Mifflin County, Pa., served with the Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, and was a successful newspaper man. He published papers at Lockhaven, New Berlin, and Mifflintown and had been editor of the Altoona Tribune for many years prior to his death here. He married Elizabeth Baird, of Academia, Juniata County, Pa., and they became the parents of these children: Winfield, deceased; Matilda McClure, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 95 of Swarthmore, Pa.; and Charles Albert. Born at Lockhaven, Pa., September 30, 1850, Charles A. Greer acquired his education in the public schools of Mifflintown and the Academia Academy in Juniata County. He learned the trade of printer in the employ of the Democrat and Register newspaper of Mifflintown, where he remained until he was twenty years of age. At that time, he came to Altoona, where he worked for a year as compositor with the Evening Sun. For twenty-one years thereafter, he was associated with the Altoona Tribune and then became one of the publishers of the Times. In July, 1911, Mr. Greer came to the Altoona Mirror, working as proofreader, later in the business office, and finally as librarian. He was also elected secretary of the Mirror Publishing Company, and though he has been retired from active newspaper work since July, 1928, he retains his duties as secretary of the concern. During the years 1906- 07-08, Mr. Greer served as bond clerk in the office of the state treasurer at Harrisburg, under William H. Berry and John O. Sheets. He is a Democrat in politics, and his fraternal affiliations are with the Hiram Lodge, No. 616, Blue Lodge, Altoona, Free and Accepted Masons, Consistory and Shrine in Masonry, and the Elks, of which he is a past exalted ruler also past district deputy grand exalted ruler. He is a member of the First Methodist Church. Mr. Greer was first married to Margaret Matilda Showers, of Mifflintown, who died leaving these children: Helen D., the wife of Dr. H. D. Kessler, deceased, of Buffalo, New York. They were the parents of two sons: George H., and Charles Greer; Lloyd L., who married Jessie Herr, now living in Pasadena. They have one daughter, Alice; Anna P., who married J. Edgar Lingenfelter, of Pasadena. They have six children: Ruth, Ann Barley, Jane, John, and Robert; Edwin S., an employee of the New York Times, who married Edna Sheld, and who are the parents of one son, Robert; and Margaret, the wife of Boyd McHaffney, of Pasadena, they being the parents of a son, Robert. For his second wife, Mr. Greer took Elizabeth M. Wolff, daughter of Charles J., a native of Turbetville, Pa., and Matilda Wolff, a native of Cambria County, Pa. J. HARRY SHEARER, president of the Penn Central Light & Power Company, Altoona, was born at Philadelphia, November 2, 1868, and is a son of Jacob J. Shearer, prominent oil refiner of that city, and Alice N. (Pine) Shearer. After completing a public and private school education in Philadelphia, Mr. Shearer entered electrical work with the Thompson & Houston Company, Philadelphia, 1890- 91, and was with the electrical operating department of the Powellton Electric Company of that city from 1891 to 1892, electrical work at the Chicago World's Fair engaging his attention until 1893. He then entered the employ of A. Von Rosenawag & Company, agents for the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, and with them was engaged in electrical construction work in Mexico until 1898. In that year, he enlisted in the United States Navy for service in the Spanish-American War, having charge of the electrical equipment of the U. S. S. New Orleans until the close of the war in 1899. He participated in the Battle of Santiago and other naval engagements. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 96 After spending several months in the test department of the General Electric Company, he returned to Mexico in the middle of 1899 to be general superintendent of the National Electric Light Company until 1901, which was consolidated with the Mexican Power & Light Company in that year. At that time he went into business in Mexico City under the name of Gardner & Shearer to perform electrical and mechanical contracting. In 1907, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Shearer continuing the business as the Shearer Electrical Construction Company. In August, 1911, he left Mexico at the outbreak of the revolution and allied himself with the Kelvin Engineering Company, of N. Y., for whom he traveled in the West Indies. On his return from the West Indies, in 1913, he went to Cambridge, Md., began the merger of several properties under the name of the Kelvin Engineering Company, which was later taken over by Day & Zimmerman Engineering Corporation of Philadelphia, Mr. Shearer being placed in charge. In 1916, he became general superintendent of the Penn Central Light & Power Company, Altoona, was elected vice-president on March 1, 1923, and became president of the organization, March 19, 1929. He is thus the executive head of about twenty-five companies all managed and operated by the Penn Central Light & Power Company, and in addition to this he is President of several large utility companies in the state of Ohio. He is also a director of the First National Bank of Altoona, the Pennsylvania Coal & Coke Corporation, of New York, Pennsylvania State Chamber of Commerce, and the Altoona Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Engineers' Club, Philadelphia; the Society of American Military Engineers, Washington, D. C.; American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Altoona Rotary Club, Altoona Cricket Club, Blairmont Country Club, Juniata Colony Club, Mt. Union, Pa.; Council of Boy Scouts, and trustee of the Y. M. C. A. He was president of the Pennsylvania Electric Association in 1924-25 and has served on various committees of the National Electric Light Association. He was a member of the first Regular State Militia of Philadelphia, Pa. On February 10, 1902, Mr. Shearer married Lurline Elizabeth Branch. CLARENCE HAIR, secretary and sales manager of the D. M. Bare Paper Company, of Roaring Spring, was born at Woodbury, Bedford County, Pa., in 1867, and is a son of Samuel R. and Margaret (Smith), both deceased, the former of whom was a hatter by trade. Educated in the public schools of Woodbury, he was assistant postmaster from 1890 to 1895, at which time he came to Roaring Spring to enter the employ of the D. M. Bare Paper Company. He was soon placed in charge of the shipping department and for the past twenty years has directed the sales organization of the concern. He is secretary and a director of this enterprise and a director of the Roaring Spring Bank. A member of the Church of God, he has served as an elder for twenty-five years and has taken an active part in Sunday School work. His fraternal affiliations are with Roaring Spring Lodge, No. 539, F. & A. M. In 1889, Mr. Hair married Barbara Hoffman, and to this union have been born two sons, H. W., who served as a second BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 97 lieutenant in the World War and is credit man for the Whittaker Paper Company, East Orange, New Jersey, and C. W., a salesman for the same company at Harrisburg, Pa. J. ALTON HELLER, late deputy Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds in Blair County, had a very active career in many fields of activity. He was born on September 24, 1877, in Juniata County, Pa., a son of James A. and Jane (Bogenreif) Heller, both natives of Pennsylvania. J. Alton Heller attended the public schools of his native county and came to Hollidaysburg as a young man to enter the candy manufacturing business with Mr. Samuel McCurdey, where he continued for about six years. On November 14, 1898, Mr. Heller married Miss Hattie Mentzer. After his marriage he engaged in the coal business with his father-in-law, continuing in that work until he was appointed postmaster at Hollidaysburg in 1901. After a few years he was made Deputy Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for Blair County, a position which he filled with distinction for eighteen years. Mr. Heller was an exceedingly generous man and any one in need of advice or material aid always found a wise counsel in him. His many friends were grieved to learn of his sudden death on September 7, 1929, while in the prime of life. Mr. Heller was a leading member of the Lutheran Church and Sunday School in Hollidaysburg, where he served as choir leader in the church and superintendent of the Sunday School. He was fraternally connected with the I. O. O. F., and was a thirty-second degree York Rite Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Heller were the parents of two children: Mildred E., and J. Donald. The latter married Elizabeth Delozier and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Evelyn. JOHN H. HILEMAN, deceased, prominent business man and city councilman, was born October 3, 1846, at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. His parents were Samuel Hileman, a millwright, and Sarah (Easey) Hileman. John H. Hileman was educated in the Hollidaysburg schools and in the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster County. After completing his work at the normal school he served an apprenticeship as machinist for four years in the Pennsylvania Railroad Shops at Altoona. He left his position with the railroad company to become a post-office clerk in Altoona, serving under Mr. Patten. After five years in the latter position, he adopted a business career and conducted a grocery store for five years in Altoona. When the war between the North and the South developed, Mr. Hileman served as corporal under Captain Huff. He returned from the war and about 1880 reentered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as machinist, a position he held until his death on July 24, 1904. Mr. Hileman became identified with the growth of the city of Altoona, for he served as a member of the common council for one year and in the select council for eleven years. In fraternal affairs he was an active member of the Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O. F., the P. O. S. of A., and the Railroad Brotherhood of Trainmen. He was a member and deacon of the Broad Avenue BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 97 lieutenant in the World War and is credit man for the Whittaker Paper Company, East Orange, New Jersey, and C. W., a salesman for the same company at Harrisburg, Pa. J. ALTON HELLER, late deputy Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds in Blair County, had a very active career in many fields of activity. He was born on September 24, 1877, in Juniata County, Pa., a son of James A. and Jane (Bogenreif) Heller, both natives of Pennsylvania. J. Alton Heller attended the public schools of his native county and came to Hollidaysburg as a young man to enter the candy manufacturing business with Mr. Samuel McCurdey, where he continued for about six years. On November 14, 1898, Mr. Heller married Miss Hattie Mentzer. After his marriage he engaged in the coal business with his father-in-law, continuing in that work until he was appointed postmaster at Hollidaysburg in 1901. After a few years he was made Deputy Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for Blair County, a position which he filled with distinction for eighteen years. Mr. Heller was an exceedingly generous man and any one in need of advice or material aid always found a wise counsel in him. His many friends were grieved to learn of his sudden death on September 7, 1929, while in the prime of life. Mr. Heller was a leading member of the Lutheran Church and Sunday School in Hollidaysburg, where he served as choir leader in the church and superintendent of the Sunday School. He was fraternally connected with the I. O. O. F., and was a thirty-second degree York Rite Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Heller were the parents of two children: Mildred E., and J. Donald. The latter married Elizabeth Delozier and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Evelyn. JOHN H. HILEMAN, deceased, prominent business man and city councilman, was born October 3, 1846, at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. His parents were Samuel Hileman, a millwright, and Sarah (Easey) Hileman. John H. Hileman was educated in the Hollidaysburg schools and in the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster County. After completing his work at the normal school he served an apprenticeship as machinist for four years in the Pennsylvania Railroad Shops at Altoona. He left his position with the railroad company to become a post-office clerk in Altoona, serving under Mr. Patten. After five years in the latter position, he adopted a business career and conducted a grocery store for five years in Altoona. When the war between the North and the South developed, Mr. Hileman served as corporal under Captain Huff. He returned from the war and about 1880 re-entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as machinist, a position he held until his death on July 24, 1904. Mr. Hileman became identified with the growth of the city of Altoona, for he served as a member of the common council for one year and in the select council for eleven years. In fraternal affairs he was an active member of the Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O. F., the P. O. S. of A., and the Railroad Brotherhood of Trainmen. He was a member and deacon of the Broad Avenue BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 98 Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hileman was married to Virginia C. Hight, daughter of John M. Hight, an Altoona contractor, and Sarah Ann Hight. The following children were born to them: Hazel; Margaret; Eloise, married to James G. Fink, of Huntingdon, Pa., who served two years overseas in the World War with Company F, 103rd Engineers, and who are the parents of the following children: Sarah, Virginia, Francis, Eloise and James Graham, Jr.; Grace, married to Ralph Porter, of Pittsburgh, and are the parents of one child, Grace; and Samuel, who died in 1929, who served as a sergeant in the World War in Company G, being stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia, for three years. Mrs. Virginia C. Hileman resides at 2629 Oak Avenue, Altoona. JOHN EDWIN HOOVER, identified with the milling business of Roaring Spring since 1906, was born in Huston Township, Blair County, June 6, 1872, a son of Daniel G. and Elizabeth Jane (Rhodes) Hoover, both natives of this county. The father, surveyor, farmer, and teacher, was born July 28, 1838, and died November 23, 1910, and the mother was born April 18, 1851, and died May, 1915. The former was of German parentage and the latter of Scotch, Irish extraction, her father having served in the Union Army during the Civil War. John Edwin Hoover attended public and private schools and thereafter worked with his father until 1899. He then located at Rodman, Pa., where he was employed in the milling business of G. W. Mock, those seven years constituting the formative period of his career, for in 1906 he went into the flour and feed milling business at Roaring Spring. Here, he has since continued, engaging in a wholesale and retail trade in feeds, grain, and flour. He has ever been an active citizen in civic affairs, serving eight years as a member of the borough council, four of which saw him holding the office of president of the borough. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and S. O. U., and of the Lutheran Church, he is treasurer and a member of the Board of Trustees. He was united in marriage, March g, 1911, to Lola Dorothea Van Allman, daughter of William, deceased, and Susan (Walls) Van Allman, a resident of Roaring Spring. JOHN P. HOUSUM, deceased, leading tinsmith of Altoona, was born in that city on October 13, 1872. His parents were John P. Housum, a veteran of the Civil War who spent forty-two years as a machinist for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Housum. John P. Housum, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the Franklin School in Altoona and learned the trade of tinsmith as an apprentice for Westley England. After four years he obtained a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Altoona as tinner, and later as brakeman. In all he was connected with that organization for eight years before conducting a business of his own. He built and operated a tinsmith's shop at 8th Avenue and 17th Street, Altoona, for five years and then received an injury there that forced him to retire. Shortly afterwards he died on March 14, 1919. He was a popular man and had many friends in the community who, with his family, were saddened by his death. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 99 Mr. Housum was active in fraternal affairs, for he was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the White Cross. His religious affiliation was with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. In October, 1897, he married Miss Elizabeth Malone, of Chambersburg, at Hollidaysburg, Pa. The latter was a daughter of Robert Malone, Civil War veteran and teamster, and Margaret (Shearer) Malone, a native of Hollidaysburg. Mr. and Mrs. Housum had the following children: John, employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; Charles, who was a truckman and died April 2, 1931, leaving his wife, Ruth, and two children, Charles and Duaine; McEldowney, a boilermaker for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; Raymond L., in the service of the federal government at Washington, D. C.; Margaret, married to Rev. Fleck, a Methodist minister at Mercersburg, Dora, now Mrs. Albert Schroeder, whose husband is a boilermaker for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and Harold H., a member of the class of 1931 at the Altoona High School. Mrs. Housum makes her home at 2017 7th Avenue, Altoona. ROBERT R. HUGHES, plumbing and heating contractor of Altoona, was born in this city, June 10, 1888, a son of James C. and Elizabeth (Walton) Hughes. The father spent his entire life in Altoona, where he was engaged in the hardware and grocery businesses and was also interested in the Altoona Brick & Tile Company. Robert R. Hughes was educated in the Altoona public schools and then apprenticed himself to the plumbing trade in the employ of Frank Tierney, of Altoona. Thereafter, he was employed by the plumbing concern of Elway & Chamberlain until 1911, when he became a partner in the firm of Hughes & Menchey. This partnership was dissolved in April, 1929, and in November of the same year, Mr. Hughes established his present plumbing and heating business at No. 2400 Beale Avenue. In Masonry, he has attained the Thirty-second Degree and is a member of Jaffa Temple of the Shrine, while his other affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias, Knights of Karkosan, Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Lions Club. He attends the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hughes took for his wife Nell Katherine Schoenfelt, and they have one daughter, Ruth Louise. JOHN C. IVORY, of the retail lumber and milling concern of J. C. Ivory & Son, was born October 7, 1867, in Cambria County, Pa., which was the birthplace of his parents, Jeremiah and Cecelia (Carl) Ivory, the former of whom was a farmer in that county all of his life. The other children of this family are: Edward, Gilbert, Lawrence, Mary, Ella, Ida, and Stella. John C. Ivory obtained a public school education in Cambria County, learned the trade of carpenter, and came to Altoona, in 1889, where he followed his trade until 1904. In that year, he entered the retail lumber business, adding general mill work to his retail selling. Homer W. Ivory, his son, is now in business with him under the firm style of J. C. Ivory & Son, a concern that is a recognized leader in its field. Mr. Ivory has attained the Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus, is a member BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 100 of the Knights of St. George, and is a communicant of St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Ivory first married Anna Seymore, who died, leaving six children: Homer W., Marie, Regina, Gertrude, Clara, and Edna. Alice Lynch became his second wife. CHARLES J. KERNS, manager of the Altoona office of the Household Finance Corporation, was born at Barnesboro, Cambria County, Pa., May 31, 1904, a son of J. Irwin and Bertha (Moore) Kerns, natives, respectively, of Curwensville and Lakewood, N. J. After completing his public school education, Mr. Kerns was employed in Philadelphia for five or six years and then entered the employ of the Guarantee Loan Company. In February, 1927, he became associated with the Philadelphia office of the Household Finance Corporation and came to Altoona as manager here in April, 1929. The Household Finance Corporation is one of the oldest and largest concerns of its kind in the country and recently cut its monthly interest rates to two and a half per cent. The Altoona office has extended its services to more than three thousand clients and maintains its offices in the Penn Central Building. CHARLES C. KIMES, part owner and manager of the Dohleimer Body Works, of Altoona, was born at Indiana, Pa., May 29, 1881. Fred Kimes, his father, is a native of the same city and has been a lumber dealer in that county for many years. He married Emma Hart, a native of Diamondville, Indiana County, who died in 1920, leaving these children: Flo, Rhoda, Charles C., Jesse, Olin, Thomas, L. R., Ralph, and Paul. Charles C. Kimes attended the public schools and the Indiana State Normal School. He then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as laborer, being promoted to warehouseman at Ebensburg, Pa., to brakeman in 1901, and to conductor in 1914. In 1926, he retired from railroad service to accept the appointment from Governor Fisher of factory inspector, a position which he filled until 1930. In that year, he formed a partnership with E. J. Bigley in the Dohleimer Body Works, which is one of the largest concerns in this section of the state engaged in automobile body repairing. Mr. Kimes is a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the Red Men. He was united in marriage to Sarah Bell Breth, daughter of Henry M. and Molly Breth, of Clearfield County, Pa., and they have four children: Mary E., Grace Edna, Donald J., and Charles B. Mr. Kimes attends the Methodist Episcopal Church and is a Republican in his political allegiance. ISAAC H. LAFFERTY, deceased, was prominent in Blair County business circles for many years. He was a native of Hollidaysburg, where he was born on March 11, 1843, the son of Harry H. and Mary Lafferty. Mr. Lafferty was a self-made man and as a lad enlisted in the United States Navy during the Civil War. He saw extensive service, and was one of the few seamen to survive the attack upon the war vessel "Black Hawk," when it was blown up and sunk. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 101 After peace was declared he returned to Blair County and determined to learn the machinists trade. For a few years he followed that occupation in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Altoona. His indomitable will and untiring energy gave him the incentive to leave the employ of the railroad company and enter business for himself. As a result, he opened a fish, fruit and oyster store in Altoona. After a few years he removed his business to Harrisburg but returned to Altoona. Here he established his business on a much larger scale, and for twenty years the Lafferty Market, on 17th Street, served a large and extensive clientele in Altoona and vicinity. Mr. Lafferty was a communicant of the Episcopal Church, a Republican in politics, and fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. His keen intuition and understanding nature made him respected and esteemed among his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Always thoughtful of the welfare and comfort of his family, his death on December 21, 1893, came as a distinct shock to them, and as a decided loss to the citizens of Blair County. Mr. Lafferty married Miss Ellen Penn Coart, at Lock Haven, Pa. She was a daughter of James and Anna Louis Coart, both of whom were natives of England. Ellen Penn Coart was born while her parents were on board the vessel "William Penn," enroute to the United States, on August 31, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Lafferty were the parents of the following children, all of whom have attained places of respect and prominence in the state: Anna Mary; Lillie May; Alice Amanda; Emma Viola; Ellen Penn; Ivie Edith; Robert Cleveland; Antionette Pearl; Charles Frederic, deceased; David Edward, deceased; and Harry James, deceased. ROY ALBERT LAMBERT, proprietor of the oldest drug store of Roaring Spring, Pa., was born in 1882 at Coalport, Clearfield County, Pa., a son of Thomas M. and Matilda (Baughman) Lambert, both deceased, the former of whom was a blacksmith throughout his active life. He obtained his early education in the graded schools of Coalport and the Bellwood High School and then matriculated at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated in 1908. For two years thereafter, he was employed in the W. B. Brown Drug Store, of Philipsburg, Pa. In 1910, Mr. Lambert came to Roaring Spring, where he purchased the Elden Pharmacy, which he has since operated. He has equipped the store with the most modern store fixtures and handles a complete line of drugs, musical instruments, and radios. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association, is a member and former president of the Rotary Club, and in fraternal circles is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Consistory, and Shrine in Masonry. He takes a deep interest in boy welfare work and was chairman of the finance committee in the recent Boy Scout Drive. In 1909, Mr. Lambert married Alfarata Wharton, of Bellwood, Pa., and they have one son, Russell Wharton, who was born in 1910 and is taking a liberal arts course at the American University, Washington, D. C., in preparation for ministerial work. Mrs. Lambert is a member of the Order of BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 102 the Eastern Star, and both she and Mr. Lambert are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. LOUIS LASS, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Altoona for eight years. He was born at Grodno, Poland, January 31, 1897, and was brought to the United States in 1899 by his parents, George and Sarah (Friedman) Lass, the former of whom now resides at Brooklyn, New York, and the latter of whom died in 1924. Doctor Lass acquired his early education in the graded schools and Boys' high school of Brooklyn, New York, and took his pre- medical studies at New York University. He then matriculated at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, from which he received his doctorate in medicine in 1921. He served a year's interneship at the Altoona Hospital and in 1922 entered upon the active practice of his profession here. He is one of the staff of the Altoona Hospital and a member of the American Medical Association, Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Blair County Medical Society. On August 12, 1924, Doctor Lass married Clarissa Belle Silverman, daughter of Louis and Amelia Silverman, of Altoona. JACOB KETTLE LATHERO, deceased, for more than thirty years in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, was born in Hartzlog Valley, Pa., on March 9, 1850, the son of Washington and Hannah Lathero. He received his education in the public schools of Hartzlog Valley, and when twenty-one years of age entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a brakeman. After working in various positions for the company, he entered the Dispatcher's Office and after a few years was promoted to train dispatcher and assistant yardmaster, a position that he held until his death on May 2, 1911. He was a member of the Methodist Church and of the following fraternal organizations: Knights of Pythias, I. O. O. F., Knights of Malta, and the Pennsylvania Railroad Relief Club. Mr. Lathero married Miss Margaret A. McCartney, daughter of Alfred and Barra Ellen (Moyer) McCartney, residents of Burnham, Pa., in 1866, at Altoona. They had the following children: William E.; James G.; Mary G., married to Mr. Foster Hornden, of Altoona; Catherine C., married to Chris McGregor, now deceased, and the parents of three children: Warren, Margaret, and Grace; Ida Mae, married to Ralph Brubaker, of Altoona, and they have three children: Wendel, Eugene, and Ralph, Jr.; Chester A., who married Edna Hines and are the parents of two children: Robert and Ada; Charles L., who married Cora Snyder and are the parents of one son, David; Harry J., and Warren H., who is deceased. Mrs. Lathero resides at 116 East Sixth Avenue, Altoona. WILLIAM J. LINE, deceased, rose from the position of messenger for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to that of engineer, and for forty years was an honored and respected employee of that company. He was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, on January 30, 1865, a son of Reinhart Line, a native of Germany BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 103 who came to the United States as a boy, and Hannah J. (Snyder) Line. Reinhart Line was an expert cabinet-maker and maintained high standards in that art. The family moved to Altoona, in 1872, when William was seven years old. The latter was educated in the public schools of this city and his first position was that of messenger boy for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Intelligent, keen and alert, he rapidly advanced in the service of that organization so that in a few years he was an engineer on a passenger train. In this responsible position he made an enviable record, and his death, which occurred while he was on duty was a great blow to his family and host of friends. It resulted while he was operating a passenger train through a dense fog on the main line on March 2, 1921. A freight train, obscured by the fog, halted on the road, and the train that was run by Mr. Line crashed into it unavoidably. The services this man rendered to his company and to his community, and his devotion to his family, who continue to carry out the high standards of citizenship that he set for them, can never be evaluated. Mr. Line attended the Lutheran Church. He was affiliated with all the railroad brotherhoods and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On August 19, 1903, he married Miss Rose L. Hardman, at Altoona. She was a daughter of Dr. S. M. Hardman, a physician who maintained a large practice in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he spent most of his life, and Mary (Cummings) Hardman, also a native of that state. Mrs. Line came to Blair County in 1895 and is at present a resident of Altoona where she resides at 3509 Shawnee Avenue. Mrs. Line has one son, Dr. Lloyd E. Ritts Line, who is a practicing physician in Altoona. He was educated in the greatest medical centers of the country, at Philadelphia, New York and St. Louis. In the latter city he completed his professional training and was granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine, graduating in June, 1930. J. C. SCHOLL, general superintendent of production for the Penn Central Light & Power Company, Altoona, was born on a farm at Bellefonte, Pa., October 6, 1867, a son of William and Rebecca (Kephart) School, both deceased, natives of the same community. He attended the graded and high schools of Bellefonte and then studied electrical engineering at Pennsylvania State College but left college before graduation to go to work in 1890 in the Juniata shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad. After a year in this work, he became associated with the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, now the Penn Central Light & Power Company, beginning as a fireman. He was successively promoted to engineer, chief engineer, superintendent of the power plant, and finally general superintendent of production, the position he now holds. He is a member of the various Masonic bodies, including the Shrine, and holds membership in the jesters, Modern Woodmen of America, Kiwanis Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He is president of the Pennsylvania Central Beneficial Association and president of the Penn Central Athletic Association. He attends the First Lutheran Church. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 104 Mr. Scholl was united in marriage to Sarah Williams, daughter of Evan and Matilda Williams, of State College, Pa., and they have one son, William A., born September 27, 1892. Mr. Scholl was graduated from Renssaeler College, at Troy, N. Y., in 1918, in chemical engineering. During the World War he was connected with the Chemical Warfare Department. GUY RUSSELL LINGAFELT, retired, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., held the office of prothonotary of Blair County for many years. Born in this county, in 1869, he is the son of James M. and Lucretia A. (Rhodes) Lingafelt, the former of whom served as postmaster of Hollidaysburg for many years and also held the position of deputy prothonotary of the county. He obtained his education in the graded and high schools of the city and during the World's Fair period at Chicago, Illinois, worked in a clerical capacity at the Illinois metropolis, returning to Hollidaysburg in 1883. In 1894, he was appointed clerk in the office of the prothonotary under J. L. Hartman and was later appointed deputy prothonotary during the incumbency of Harry E. Ferguson. In 1909, he was elected prothonotary of Blair County to succeed Mr. Ferguson, taking office in 1910. He was returned to this position at successive elections until 1922, when he retired from active life, being succeeded by the present prothonotary, Paul L. Hall. Mr. Lingafelt is a Republican in politics and has been an earnest worker in the interests of the party in the county. In 1890, he married Mary Elizabeth Geesey, daughter of Charles Geesey, a former prothonotary and member of the Blair County Bar. Mrs. Lingafelt died December 28, 1928, leaving four children: Donald P., Maude L., Betty Rentz, and Kenneth K. ROBERT DONALD LORENZ, well known attorney of Roaring Spring, Pa., was born here, September 8, 1889, the son of Henry Clay and Laura A. (Learner) Lorenz, the former of whom died in July, 1921, and the latter in November, 1922. The father was engaged in the insurance business and was justice of the peace for many years at Roaring Spring. Robert D. Lorenz graduated from the local high school, in 1901, and in his college work received the following degrees: Bachelor of Science, Dickinson Seminary, 1908; Bachelor of Philosophy, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., 1911; Bachelor of Laws, Yale University, 1913; and Master of Arts, Dickinson College, 1913. His college education completed, he came to Roaring Spring, where he engaged in the insurance business with his father and entered upon the active practice of law. Since the death of his father, he has continued the business alone and for six years occupied the office of justice of the peace. He is a member of the American, Pennsylvania State, and Blair County Bar Associations, Theta Pi Pi fraternity at Dickinson Seminary, Phi Delta Theta fraternity at Dickinson College, Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity of Yale University Law School, Odd Fellows, Patriotic Order Sons of America, Altoona Lodge of Elks, Blairmont Country Club, and the Roaring Spring Rotary Club, of which he was the first president and an organizer. He is solicitor for the Roaring Spring Bank and has developed a large legal practice among the BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 105 people of this section of the county. During the World War, Mr. Lorenz was active in Liberty Loan Drives and other war activities, was secretary of the Blair County Legal Advisory Board, had charge of the Military Entertainment Committee, and was head of the Public Service Reserve for this section of the county. When the Roaring Spring Athletic Association was organized in 1916, Mr. Lorenz was a strong factor in this movement. On August 7, 1923, he married Ethel Loretta Minds, of Ramey, Clearfield County, Pa., and they have a daughter, Julia Anne, who was born April 18, 1927. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lorenz are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ROBERT McDOWELL. In every community it is the substantial, upright citizens who laid broad and deep the foundation of its material welfare, and on them rear the fair fabric of progressive prosperity. Among this valuable class of men, none stand higher nor command more respect than does the late Robert McDowell. He was born February 27, 1856, in Lewisburg, Union County, a son of George McDowell and Margaret (Dean) McDowell. George McDowell was well known as a farmer in his community and as a young man served in the Union Army in the Civil War. The mother was a member of a distinguished pioneer family. Robert McDowell received his education in the public schools of Lewisburg, and because of the death of his parents when he was still a boy, it became necessary to turn his hand to the support of his younger brothers and sisters. He learned the moulder's trade which he followed for many years in Williamsport, until his close friend, Mr. William Wilson, persuaded Mr. McDowell to locate in Altoona, where he became employed as a moulder for the Pennsylvania Railroad, retaining his association with that organization until his death which occurred April 9, 1914. Mr. McDowell was an energetic and ardent Republican and took a very active interest in making the party to which he belonged worth serving. He served two terms as a member of the city council and also served for many years as city commissioner. He was a member and leader of the First Presbyterian Church, holding the office of deacon for many years. He was fraternally identified with the various bodies of the Masonic Order, and the Knights of Pythias. It was as a man of ardent interest in the community in which he lived that he served best and most. He was continually working for the betterment of Blair County and its affairs, and gave unselfishly of his time and ability whenever needed for the improvement of his community. On December 22, 1881, Mr. McDowell married Ida May Kolley, a native of Altoona, and a descendant of one of the first settlers in Blair County. She is the daughter of Bernard Kolley, who identified himself as a bridge contractor and owner and operator of the Union Hotel on Twelfth Avenue, in Altoona, and Elizabeth (May) Kolley, daughter of John May, a pioneer of Altoona, who was a farmer, owning most of the land that southwestern Altoona now occupies. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McDowell: Ralph Walker, a graduate of Annapolis Naval School and Jefferson Medical College, now serving as an officer and surgeon in the United States Navy; John May, a graduate of West BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 106 Point Military School, now located in Washington, D. C., with the rank of major, who during the late war served with the rank of colonel; Gale Dean, who served his country in the World War as a lieutenant, now engaged in the real estate business in Altoona; Earl Fries; and Lillian Irwin, now Mrs. L. M. Ryan. The withdrawal of the splendid influence which Mr. McDowell exercised is one that will not easily nor quickly be replaced. Mrs. McDowell maintains her residence at 1412 Washington Avenue, Altoona. CLAY U. MARTIN, owner and manager of the Altoona Paint & Glass Company, was born at Roaring Spring, Blair County, October 22, 1886, a son of George R. and Henrietta (Feather) Martin, the former a native of Franklin County, Maryland, and the latter of Blair County. The father spent the greater part of his life in Roaring Spring and Altoona, operating the Martin Art Glass Company for the manufacture of leaded art glass windows and doors. He died here, November 17, 1929, and his wife, June 12, 1913. The other children of this couple are as follows: Evington W., Jesse C., Miles M., Merrill A., Selby H., Helen I., Bessie E., and Melzzie C. Clay U. Martin graduated from the Roaring Spring High School in 1902 and for three years thereafter was associated in business with his father. He then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Altoona, continuing that association twelve years. He again joined his father in the art glass business and so continued until 1921, when he established the Altoona Paint & Glass Company, which he has since operated. Mr. Martin is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery, and Shrine in Masonry and attends the Lutheran Church. He was united in marriage to Grace Steel, of Hollidaysburg, daughter of A. Bruce and Mary (Crane) Steel. JOHN ANDREW MARTIN, deceased, rose from the position of laborer for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to that of foreman and for thirty-two years was an honored and respected employee of that company. He was born in York County, on May 12, 1854, a son of Samuel Martin, a farmer and expert machinist and owner of a saw-mill, and Elizabeth (Kilgore) Martin. John A. Martin received his education in the public schools of York County, after which he attended an academy in his home. He learned the trade of wheelwright, which occupation he followed for several years. In 1891, he removed to Altoona, and entered the steel and iron shop of the Pennsylvania Railroad as a laborer. Intelligent, keen and alert, he rapidly advanced in the service of that organization so that in a few years he was made foreman of his department. In this responsible position he made an enviable record, and his death which occurred December 24, 1923, was a great blow to his family and a host of friends. Mr. Martin was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. On October 29, 1885, he married Emma Cooper, daughter of William and Harriet (Pearson) Cooper, both natives of England, the former of whom, located in York County in 1849, later retiring on a farm near Philadelphia. Four children were born to this union: Harriet, deceased; Elizabeth M., married to Rev. Griffin, residing in BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 107 southern Iowa; Emma, married to R. S. Douglas, of Altoona, connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad; and Idabelle M., married to Harry G. Council, a teacher, living in Altoona. Mrs. Martin resides at 317 Cherry Avenue, Altoona. J. FOSTER MECK, attorney of Altoona, has been engaged in practice here for more than thirty years. His parents, deceased, were J. Frank and Catherine (Burket) Meck, natives, respectively, of Carlisle and Martinsburg, Pa., the former having been a painter in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad for many years. J. Foster Meck was born in Altoona, March 1, 1877, and after his graduation from high school, read law in the offices of Craig and Bowers, of this city. He was admitted to the bar, December 18, 1898, and has since conducted a general practice. For twenty years he was court reporter and for the past twelve years has been a member of the Board of Education. He formerly served as a Republican member of the city council and is now serving on the Board of Parks and Recreation. He is also a director of the First National Bank. He is a director of the Blairmont Country Club and Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club, and a member of the Rotary Club and Masonic fraternity, as well as the Blair County, Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations, and the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a communicant of the Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church. Mr. Meck was united in marriage to Margaret Hazlett, of Altoona, who died leaving two children: Regina C., a student at Mt. Holyoke College, and John F., now attending Dartmouth College. WILLIAM F. MERRYMAN, deceased, leader in civic and social circles in Tyrone, was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, on September 25, 1860, a son of Thomas and Ann (Miller) Merryman, an eminent farmer of his native county. William Merryman received his education in the schools of Centre County, and in his youth entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Following this, he assisted his father on his extensive farm. In 1895, he moved to Tyrone, and again became associated with the railroad industry as a fireman. He was successively advanced to freight engineer and passenger engineer. Mr. Merryman was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Encampment, Junior Order of United American Mechanics and Brotherhood of Engineers and Firemen. He served the community in which he lived as a member of its council. His religious convictions were those of the Presbyterians. On March, 1891, he married Annie Elizabeth Beck, a daughter of Henry L. and Sarah (Clapper) Beck, the former of whom identified himself as a contractor of Warrior's Mark, Huntingdon County. Four children were born to this union: Oscar, deceased; Guy L.; Mary Grace, now Mrs. I. L. Tuttle, of Springfield, Ohio; and Alice Leona, now Mrs. Carl Kinsel, of St. Petersburg, Florida. Mr. Merryman passed away July 27, 1925, leaving a host of friends and associates to mourn his departure. Mrs. Merryman still resides at 409 Seventeenth Street, Tyrone. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 108 AMMON D. MINGLE, part owner and manager of the Roaring Spring Department Store, was born at Woodward, Centre County, Pa., August 31, 1889, a son of David G. and Lydia L. (Vonada) Mingle, the former of whom was a farmer and died January 8, 1929, and the latter of whom now resides at Woodward. After completing the prescribed course of the public schools, he was a teacher for several terms and then attended the Rochester Business Institute, Rochester, New York, from which he graduated in 1910. For two years thereafter, he was instructor in bookkeeping in the same school and in 1912 became associated with the Logan Coal Company, of Carrolltown, Pa., as bookkeeper, paymaster and assistant manager for three years. He was then transferred to Dunlo, Pa., in the same capacity but remained there only until October 15, 1915, when he came to Roaring Spring as manager of the D. M. Bare Department Store. In 1917, Mr. Mingle purchased an interest in the concern which at that time adopted the name of the Roaring Spring Department Store, the ownership of which he shares with Ivan E. Garver. The store handles a complete line of goods with the exception of furniture. Mr. Mingle is also director of the Roaring Spring Building and Loan Association. A member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, he has been treasurer of the Sunday-School for fifteen years and is active in other church work. He helped organize the Rotary Club and has served as its secretary since its inception, and was also an organizer of the Business Men's and Professional Men's Association, of which he was president for a number of years. In the summer of 1930, Mr. Mingle and Mr. Garver purchased the Garver Block in Roaring Spring and the following November organized the only store of its kind in Morrison Cove, a dollar store with a variety of articles ranging in price from five cents to one dollar. Mr. Mingle is a Republican in politics and has served on the Roaring Spring School Board for a number of years. In February, 1909, he married Lodie Wolfe, of Rebersburg, Pa., and to them have been born five children: Phyllis, Violet, Doris, Jean, and Ammon D., Jr. JOHN BLAISDELL NASON, M. D., well known physician of Tyrone, was born in 1871, in Crawford County, Pa., a son of Dr. William Albert Nason, of whom more is contained on other pages of this work. He attended a state normal school and then matriculated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, from which he graduated with the degree of doctor of medicine in 1894. For four years thereafter, he practiced in Crawford County and for five years in McKean County, Pa., coming to Tyrone in 1903. Here, he has carried on a general practice in medicine and surgery and is a member of the staffs of the Altoona Hospital and Phillipsburg State Hospital. During the World War, Doctor Nason served in the Medical Corps of the army. He is a Fellow of the American Medical Association and a member of the Pennsylvania State and Blair County Medical Societies. He is a director and vice-president of the First National Bank, of Tyrone. His Masonic affiliations include membership in the Chapter, Council, Commandery, Consistory, and Shrine. In 1895, Doctor Nason married Stella Lyman, and they are the parents of three children: Mrs. Ardis Williams, of Philadelphia, and John B., and Lyman B., of McKeesport, Pa. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 109 FRED G. PEARCE, advertising manager for the Altoona Mirror, has been associated with that newspaper since 1909. Born at Cornwall, England, June 29, 1880, he is a son of Tobias and Martha (Dunn) Pearce, both natives of that country, the former of whom was an employee in the Cornish tin mines until the time of his death. The mother now resides in the United States, whither she came in 1896 to settle at Shamokin, Pa., having been preceded to this country by three sons. Fred G. Pearce came to the United States with his mother and obtained his education in the English schools and the public schools of Shamokin, where he was employed by the Susquehanna Mining Company, after completing his studies. He next became a clerk with the Altoona Mirror, in 1909, was advanced to the collection department, and then came to the advertising department as solicitor. In 1918, he was made advertising manager and has since occupied that position. He is a Blue Lodge Mason and a charter member of the Kiwanis Club and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Florence Teitsworth, of Shamokin, Pa., daughter of Lloyd B. and Bessie (Reese) Teitsworth, and they have two children: Martha Elizabeth, a teacher in the schools of Altoona, and Robert Lloyd, a student in the Dental College of the University of Pennsylvania with the class of 1932. ELMER FRANKLIN PEFFER, deceased, was one of the leading young business men of Altoona, without mention of whom any biographical history of the city and county would be incomplete. He was born near Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa., on January 29, 1890, a son of Walter Peffer, a native of Pennsylvania who was an extensive farmer, and Sarah Jane (Mower) Peffer. Elmer F. Peffer was reared on his father's farm and received his education at Dickinson Preparatory School, Carlisle. He taught school for two years and then enrolled at Pennsylvania State College. There he majored in civil and electrical engineering, and was granted the degree of B. S. in Civil Engineering, in 1914. Altoona offered excellent opportunities for enterprising, well-trained engineers and Mr. Peffer was quick to realize it. He became a draftsman in the office of Mr. Doer of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company here soon after he left college. The Penn Central Light & Power Company, impressed by the initiative, excellent training and business ability of Mr. Peffer, induced him to leave his position with the railroad company in 1916, to enter their offices. He did so and became assistant new business manager, and continued in that capacity for the remainder of his life. Mr. Peffer was conscientious, faithful, sympathetic and hardworking, performing the duties of his office exactingly. He was respected and revered by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and during the many months of illness that preceded his death on July 21, 1929, his desk was left vacant, a tribute to his character and his relationship to the work and the personnel of the Penn BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 110 Central Light & Power Company. He was regarded as a leading younger citizen in business and fraternal circles of the county, many of whose members mourned his early death. In addition to his connection with the Penn Central Light & Power Company, Mr. Peffer was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, he was a 32nd Degree Mason, and his blue lodge was Logan Lodge, No. 490, at Altoona, his shrine was at Altoona and his consistory at Harrisburg. On March 14, 1916, Mr. Peffer married Miss Irene Stone Pressell, in the First Presbyterian Church, of Altoona. The latter is a daughter of James Pressell, a native of Blair County, who was an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and was the victim of an accident in 1890. Mrs. Peffer's mother was Hortense Wilson, daughter of Sterrett Wilson and Kate (Brindle) Wilson, the latter a descendant of a pioneer Hollidaysburg family. Mrs. Peffer was reared in Altoona, attended the Franklin School here, and in 1912 matriculated at the Bellefonte Hospital, from which institution she graduated. For several years before her marriage, Mrs. Peffer practiced her profession. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peffer: Sarah Jane, on July 20, 1918; and Ann Elizabeth, on September 24, 1924. They reside with their mother at 103 Aldrich Avenue, Altoona. DAVID PERRY, attorney, of Altoona, was born in this city, October 16, 1896, a son of Albert and Agnes (Evans) Perry, the former a native of Somersetshire, England, and the latter of Shamokin, Pa. The father came to the United States in 1886 and spent twenty years in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Shamokin and Altoona, serving as foreman of the metal yards until his retirement. David R. Perry graduated from the Altoona High School in 1914, studied at Susquehanna University and Cornell University, from the latter of which he graduated in 1918, and at Dickinson Law School, Carlisle, Pa., from which he received the degree of bachelor of laws in 1921. He was admitted to the Blair County Bar in the same year and has since engaged in general law practice here. In April, 1917, he enlisted in the United States Army Ambulance Service, with which he served a year in France and Italy, and was discharged in April, 1919. He is a member of the Scottish Rite, Shrine and the Thirty-second Degree in Masonry, and is a member of the Odd Fellows, Patriotic Order of Sons of America, and the Delta Chi fraternity of Cornell University. He also holds membership in the Lions Club, Bond & Key, Inter Fraternity Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Blair County Historical Society, and the Blair County, Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations. He is particularly active in the affairs of the Lions Club of which he is past district governor. On November 29, 1930, Mr. Perry married Margaret L. Hover, daughter of Steven W. and Georgia (Hornsburg) Hover, the former of whom is a member of the Altoona High School faculty. Mrs. Perry is a graduate of Wittenberg College, of Springfield, Ohio, with a degree of bachelor of arts, and a post-graduate of Kansas University. Mr. and Mrs. Perry are members of the Lutheran Church. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 111 WILLIAM WERTZ KEAGY, it falls to the lot of comparatively few men to complete a career of such constructive endeavor, such widespread beneficence, as that of the late William Wertz Keagy. The ramifications of his career were many and diverse, but he will be remembered chiefly as a prominent merchant, banker, fraternal leader and citizen. His death, following an extended illness, lost to Blair County a man they could ill afford to lose, but one whose deeds will live after him. William Keagy was a native of Woodbury, Bedford County, Pa., a son of Michael and Nancy (Wertz) Keagy, the former identifying himself as an eminent farmer and a descendant of early Colonial stock. He was born January 15, 1861, and received his education in the schools of Bedford County. He began his career in Altoona, in 1878, as a delivery boy in the grocery store, of his uncle, W. S. Lee, later becoming a clerk. In 1885, he established his own grocery business at Eighth Avenue and Eighth Street, where he continued with marked success until 1895. He then entered a partnership with L. Z. Replogle in the closing [sic] business continuing in that venture until 1904, when he opened the "Famous Clothing Store," at Eleventh Avenue and Thirteenth Street, with C. R. Fluke as his partner. In 1914, he disposed of his interests and again entered the grocery business with his son, Charles M. Keagy, as partner, and he continued active in this until his retirement in 1920. Mr. Keagy was a charter member and director of the Mountain City Trust Company and a director and past president of the Union Building and Loan Association. He served for one year as city appraiser of mercantile establishments. He was a leader and member of the Church of God, acting on the church council, serving for twenty years as its treasurer, elder and superintendent of the Sunday School. He was also a member of the Altoona Volunteer Fire Department, and was fraternally identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Mountain City Lodge, No. 837, and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Keagy married Rose B. Hoffman, a native of Bedford County, a member of a pioneer family. Upon retiring from active affairs Mr. Hoffman located in Martinsburg, Blair County. Mr. and Mrs. Keagy became the parents of two children: Mary Alma, who is the wife of Lee C. White, of Altoona, and the parents of two sons: Joseph and Charles; and Charles M., who married Olive Seedenburg, and they are the parents of one son, Billy. William Wertz Keagy died at his home February 27, 1922, and thus ended a career brilliant and useful to a marked degree. Mrs. Keagy still resides in their beautiful residence at 1526 Fifth Avenue, which was built by Mr. Keagy in 1904. ROBERT LAWRENCE PIPER, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of medicine at Tyrone for nearly four decades. Of Scotch extraction, he was born in Bedford County, Pa., in 1865, at the old Piper Fort, which was built in 1776, by Col. John Piper for protection from the Indians, and is the son of James and Lydia (Fink) Piper, farmers of that county. After graduating from York Colle- BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 112 giate Institute, Doctor Piper studied at Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, where he was granted his doctorate in medicine in 1892. In the same year, he entered upon the active practice of his profession at Tyrone and now maintains offices at No. 1251 Logan Avenue. He is a member of the American and Blair County Medical Associations, Medical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Homeopathic Medical Society, of which he is a past president, and the Masonic fraternity. In 1893, Maud Eberly, of York, Pa., became his wife, and they have two children: Robert Lawrence, Jr., and Mrs. Agnes P. Jeffery, of Tyrone. For ten years, Doctor Piper served on the school board. ROBERT D. PRICE, managing editor of the Altoona Tribune, was born at Waynesboro, Pa., and is a son of H. S. and Alice (Weaver) Price, the former a native of Waynesboro and the latter of Marion, Pa. The father is a machinist by trade and has spent his entire life at Waynesboro. Robert D. Price obtained his early education in the public schools of Waynesboro and then matriculated at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa. He left college before his graduation, however, to enter the employ of the News Journal, of Lancaster. In 1926, he came to the Altoona Tribune as reporter and in February, 1928, assumed the duties of managing editor, a position which he still retains. Mr. Price married Genevieve Esterline, daughter of Roy and Genevieve Esterline, of Altoona, and they maintain their home in this city. Mr. Price attends the Reformed Church and is a Republican in politics. CHESTER WILBUR QUERRY, cashier of the First National Bank, of Roaring Spring, is a native of Mapletown, Huntingdon County, Pa., where he was born in 1895, a son of Jesse E. and Flora (Miller) Querry, the former of whom is a retired lumberman of Mapletown. Educated in the public schools and Juniata College, he taught for four years in the schools of Huntingdon County and entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1917 as agent at Mapletown. He left the employ of the railroad in 1926 to become associated with the First National Bank, of Claysburg, as assistant cashier, occupying that position until April 17, 1928, when he was appointed cashier of the First National Bank of Roaring Spring, the office he now holds. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, Bedford Lodge of Masons, and the Rotary Club and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1917, Mr. Querry married Hulda S. Roland, of Colfax, Pa., and to them have been born four children: Lorma E., Merle U., Robert LeRoy, and Max Joseph. JAMES KINE RAY, late leader in fraternal and business circles of Blair County, was born in 1859, at Philadelphia, a son of Daniel P. and Anna (Kine) Ray. The father was a native of New Hampshire, who was reared in Philadelphia, and later removed to Tyrone where he established a tannery and became one of the successful and prominent men of the county. James K. Ray obtained his education in the public schools of Philadelphia and the Pierce's Business BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 113 College. Having completed his schooling, he entered into his father's business, taking complete charge of the office work, and the buying of materials. He proved very instrumental in developing the extensive interests with which he was connected. Mr. Ray served his community as its mayor for one year. He was also an outstanding figure in Masonry, having attained the Thirty-second Degree. On September 1, 1876, Maria Moore Cadwallader became the wife of Mr. Ray. She was the daughter of Horatio P. Cadwallader, a native of Centre County who identified himself as a manufacturer of woolen goods, and Mary Love (McClockey) Cadwallader, a native of Centre County. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ray: Dr. Daniel P. Ray, of Johnstown; John W., deceased; Horatio C. Ray, a mining engineer in Africa; Anna Marie, of Tyrone; and Emily Carr, deceased. Mr. Ray passed away February 13, 1926, and his widow who survives him maintains her residence at 805 Washington Avenue, Tyrone. ALBERT CLAYTON REED, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War, who conducted a contract painting business with his brother, Charles Reed, at Hollidaysburg, until 1886. He was born there on January 25, 1845, a son of Joseph Reed, a native of Mifflin County, and Elizabeth (Glazier) Reed. Joseph Reed was an early settler in our county-seat and an expert cabinetmaker, when that craft was essential in the manufacture of furniture. Albert C. Reed attended the public schools in Hollidaysburg, and when he was sixteen years of age ran away from home to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War. At Harrisburg he was sent back and two years later was accepted in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, after which he remained in the service for the duration of the war. As a young man he learned his father's trade and remained in the latter's employ for several years. Then he entered the painting, contracting business with his brother, and together they developed a business that was one of the most outstanding of its kind in Blair County. The strenuous life at the front during the war, and the frequent hardships experienced there, weakened his resistance and was responsible for his early death, when only forty-one years old, on April 6, 1886. The Reed family have always been known for their longevity, and his death was a source of much sorrow to his family, business associates and many friends. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and acted as financial secretary of the Phoenix Fire Company of Hollidaysburg for a long time. Mr. Reed was united in marriage with Miss Leanna I. Jacobs, of Hollidaysburg, on December 27, 1876. She was a daughter of George A. Jacobs, a native of Mifflin County, and Mary Susanna (Orr) Jacobs, of Hollidaysburg. Her father was a pioneer in Hollidaysburg where he became a leading carpenter contractor, and built many of the finest residences in the town. He served in the Union Navy during the Civil War. Mrs. Reed was educated in Hollidaysburg and was a member of the teaching profession for many years. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reed, and they have all attained positions of BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 114 note in their respective communities. Arthur is a druggist at Brownsville, Fayette County; Esther is married to Rollin F. Douglas, and resides in Altoona; Sarah is a member of the faculty of a private school at Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Reed makes her home at 504 Logan Avenue, Altoona. ARTHUR MACKEY RIDDELL, deceased, was a popular business man of Blair County and was recognized as one of the county's most substantial citizens. He was born July 7, 1865, in Philadelphia, a son of John and Mary Ann (Mackey) Riddell, both natives of Ireland, the former identifying himself as an expert finisher of ladies' shoes. Arthur Mackey Riddell was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, after which he was employed as a telegrapher for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia. Subsequently he became associated with the David E. Williams Company, coal operators, starting as a clerk in Glenn Campbell, Indiana County, about 1888. Intensive application to detail together with hard work won for him gradual promotions until he was transferred to Altoona as superintendent of operations in Blair, Cambria and Indiana Counties, remaining in that responsible position until his death on April 20, 1929. During the earlier years of Mr. Riddell's life he served as director of the First National Bank of Glenn Campbell and as a member of the school board. He was fraternally associated with the various bodies of the Masonic Order and the Jaffa Shrine at Altoona. He was an active member and trustee of the Second Presbyterian Church. Mary Highberger, of Westmoreland County, became the wife of Mr. Riddell on February 18, 1889. She was the daughter of John H. and Mary (Moore) Highberger, of whom the former was one time postmaster of Glenn Campbell and county commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Riddell became the parents of the following children: Gene R., deceased; Mary R., deceased; Sarah Mackey; Arthur, deceased; Mary Moore, now Mrs. Wm. Murray; Helen F.; and Elizabeth R., now Mrs. A. L. Brittingham. Mrs. Riddell makes her home at Third Avenue, Altoona. CHARLES DICKENS RIGG, deceased, late leader in musical circles of Blair County, was born at Altoona in 1882, a son of George Rigg, prominent local merchant, and Elizabeth Rigg. Charles Dickens Rigg studied in the public schools of Altoona, and when he was but fourteen years of age his father died, and the youth aided his mother, who continued to conduct her husband's grocery business. As a lad he showed artistic tendencies and began the study of music under Professor Grippich, an outstanding instructor in violin of the Nineteenth Century. His aptitude in playing the violin, which was his best medium of musical expression although he learned to play almost all orchestral instruments, was such that Mr. Rigg quickly rose to leadership in his profession. For years no social activity in the county was considered complete or successful without the presence of Charles Dickens Rigg and his orchestra. He directed the orchestras at the Mischler and Orpheum Theatres, the Colonial Hotel, and organized the Rigg-Blairmont Orchestra. In addition to directing orchestras, he taught BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 115 music and formed a business partnership with W. H. Russell, known as the Russell & Rigg Music House. These manifold activities were curtailed by his death at Altoona on March 2, 1929. His passing was mourned by his family, many friends and acquaintances who had come to depend upon this master musician to contribute to the cultural development of the community. Mr. Rigg was an artist of considerable ability in addition to his musical talents, and he has many fine oil paintings to his credit. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Altoona, and was politically identified with the Republican Party. Fraternally, he was affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and had professional contacts in his membership to the Musicians' Union. He married Miss Myrtle McGinty, who was piano accompanist for his orchestra at Altoona in 1907. She was a daughter of James W. and Ella May (Davis) McGinty. Mr. and Mrs. Rigg were the parents of two children: Harold James Rigg, and Janet Louise Rigg. The former is following in his father's profession, and is well known as a leading young musician in Altoona and a member of the Joe Malloy's orchestra. After his father's death, he continued to conduct the Riggs- Blairmont Orchestra for a short time. Mrs. Rigg maintains her residence in Altoona at 1009 Twenty-second Avenue. WESLEY E. ROMBERGER, supervising principal of the Roaring Spring public schools, was born in 1901 in Dauphin County, Pa., a son of Charles M. and Edith B. Romberger. After graduating from the Millersburg High School, in 1918, he entered Pennsylvania State College, receiving the degree of bachelor of science in 1922 and that of master of science in 1924. In 1922-23, he taught at Pennsylvania State College and was then connected with the high school at Windber, Pa., until 1925. In that year, he began a three-year period at the Juniata High School and in 1928 was offered the position of supervising principal of the Roaring Spring schools, an office which he still retains. He is a member of the honorary musical fraternity of Phi Mu Alpha and of Kappa Kappa Psi at State College, where he was also a member of the wrestling team and studied flute and piccolo technique. He attends the United Evangelical Church. In 1924, Mr. Romberger married Florence Glace, of Selinsgrove, Pa. Mrs. Romberger is a communicant of the Lutheran' Church. JAMES RAMSEY SALMOND, late merchant of Altoona, was a native of Scotland, where he was born on June 29, 1899. His father was William Salmond, who was an engineer on the railroad in Scotland, and his mother was Agnes Wartrobe (Hoog) Salmond. The Salmonds came to the United States about 1882, and James Salmond's first occupation in this country was that of a traveling salesman for the Harris Suspender Company. After a number of years he came to Altoona and was a member of the firm of Cook, Salmond, and Cowden for six years. He then went back to New York and again became associated with the Harris Suspender Company, where he remained for eighteen years. In 1919, he returned to Altoona and entered the wholesale dry goods business with his son, BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 116 William. Father and son continued in this business until the death of James Salmond, on January 24, 1927, at which time the son took over the entire management of the business. Mr. Salmond was educated in Scotland, was actively connected with the work of the Presbyterian Church and was a Mason. He married Miss Mary Olmes at Canterbury, N. H., on July 2, 1891. Mrs. Salmond was a daughter of August and Mary (Houser) Olmes, of Mifflin County. Mr. and Mrs. Salmond had five children: William and James, who own and operate four Thrift Stores in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, who died when two years of age; Mary, wife of Thomas Dobson; and Ethel, wife of Lewis L. Quinn. Mrs. Salmond, the widow, is living at 1201 Sixteenth Avenue, Altoona. STEPHEN CHARLES SCHILLING, late prominent business man of Hollidaysburg, was born in that town, September 6, 1878. His parents were William Schilling, a pioneer resident of the county, who was a contracting carpenter, of Hollidaysburg, and Margaret (Carling) Schilling, also a member of a pioneer family. Stephen Charles Schilling was educated in the public schools of Hollidaysburg, where he spent his youth. He served an apprenticeship of three years in the roofing business under B. F. Overly, at Greensberg, Cambria County, before entering that business for himself at Hollidaysburg. He learned the carpenter's trade under his father's direction. For seventeen years he managed the leading roofing business in the town. His first contract was for a roof on the local Episcopal Church. He designed and built the beautiful house in which his family now reside at 714 James Street, Hollidaysburg. It is an example of his ability as an architect as well as of the high quality of workmanship that he maintained. Most of the finer slate roofs in Hollidaysburg buildings are his products. The last work he completed was the Lutheran parsonage. Mr. Schilling was ever a just man, honorable and with high ideals. He was always a fair competitor and as such gained the respect and love of all those who were privileged to know him. He died on October 9, 1924, and Blair County lost an outstanding and progressive citizen. Mr. Schilling was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He never aspired to political positions, although on several occasions was urged to run for office. On November 27, 1913, he married Miss Emma J. Posten, of Hollidaysburg. She was a daughter of David Posten, a farmer who was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., and Elizabeth Hamilton Posten, also a member of a pioneer Huntingdon County family. Mr. and Mrs. Schilling had no children. RUSSELL M. SMILEY, real estate and insurance man of Altoona, was born in this city, October 30, 1892, a son of J. W. and Margaret (Johnson) Smiley, the former born in Pittsburgh and the latter in Altoona. The father came to Altoona in young manhood and is now active in the operations of the Altoona Iron Company, of which he is part owner. He and his wife, who is deceased, became the parents of two sons, of whom James J. Smiley is the older. Russell M. Smiley graduated from the Altoona High School in 1910 and then matricu- BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 -117 lated at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., from which he was graduated with the class of 1914. He became a special apprentice with the Pennsylvania Railroad and remained with that company two years, after which, in 1916, he entered the employ of A. L. Anderson & Brothers, railroad contractors, a corporation with which he remained until 1918. At that time, he entered the army, serving a year in France with the 19th Engineers with the rank of sergeant. Returning to Altoona after his discharge, he was associated with the W. I. Daugherty Hardware Store until 1923, when he became owner and manager of his present business. The concern was established in 1883 under the name of the McDonald Agency and was later operated by L. A. Woomer and Myles Keesey until Mr. Smiley acquired the business. Mr. Smiley is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Altoona Cricket Club, and Blairmont Country Club. He married Marguerite Daugherty, of Altoona, and to them have been born three children: Jane, William, and Russell. HOMER I. SMITH, has been engaged in practice of law at Altoona since 1916 and is a member of the firm of Scheeline & Smith. Thomas Irwin Smith, his father, was born in Frankstown Township, Blair County, and farmed there for a number of years before entering the grocery business at Hollidaysburg, where he now lives retired. He married Blanche Elizabeth Brua, a native of the same township. Homer I. Smith, their son, was born in Frankstown Township, September 3, 1891, and obtained his early education in the graded and high schools of Hollidaysburg, graduating from the latter in 1909. He attended Washington and Jefferson University, graduated therefrom in 1913, and studied law at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received the degree of bachelor of laws in 1915. He was admitted to practice the following year and thereafter engaged in a general business until 1920, when he became a member of the firm of Scheeline & Smith, with offices at No. 402 Commerce Building. In December, 1917, he entered the army for service in the World War and served until May, 1919, as sergeant in the Ordnance Department at New York City. He is a member of the American Legion, of which he has been commander one year, the Masonic fraternity, Blairmont Country Club, and the Beta Theta Pi college social fraternity. He attends the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Smith married Vera Elizabeth Garver, of Roaring Spring, Pa., and they have one daughter, Eloise Elizabeth. JAMES W. SMITH, plant superintendent of the Roaring Spring Blank Book Company, was born on a farm in Huston Township, Blair County, December 30, 1870. His father, George D. Smith, was a prominent farmer of that township, where he served as a member of the school board and held other township offices. Educated in the public schools of his native township, James W. Smith came to Roaring Spring in 1886 and entered the employ of the Roaring Spring Blank Book Company soon after its inception in that year. He has since been identified with this concern, having risen through the various departments until he is now BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 118 plant superintendent and a stockholder of the corporation. He has a deep interest in the welfare of Roaring Spring and has served as a member of the borough council, his political allegiance being given to the Republican Party. Mr. Smith married Eliza Garver, daughter of Samuel Garver, of Roaring Spring, and to this union have been born four children: Arthur and Samuel, twins; James R., and Mary E., all deceased except James R. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of which the former is a trustee. JOHN ELMER STERN, cashier and a director of the Roaring Spring Bank, was born here, in 1887, a son of David Stern, deceased, and Barbara (Wisler) Stern, a resident of Roaring Spring. Graduating from the Roaring Spring High School, in 1905, Mr. Stern became a clerk in the Roaring Spring Bank and worked his way upward through various positions until he was appointed cashier, in 1928, a position which he still retains. He is also a director of the institution. A Republican in politics, he is treasurer of the school board and has been treasurer of the township and borough since 1928. He is a member of the Roaring Spring Lodge of Masons, of which he is treasurer, the Williamsport Consistory, Jaffa Temple of the Shrine, Altoona, Pa., and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He is a communicant and elder of the Church of God. In 1919, Mr. Stern was united in marriage to Mary Smaltz, a native of Roaring Spring, where they maintain their home. GEORGE WARREN STOKES, deceased, was for many years a leading lumber dealer and builder in Altoona. A native of Tyrone, this county, he was born there on November 13, 1860, a son of William and Margaret (Wentz) Stokes. He attended the public schools of Tyrone and Altoona, and as a lad of fifteen entered his father's lumber mills, the latter being an extensive pioneer owner and operator, and when the family removed to Altoona, in 1870, George Stokes was appointed foreman of the Altoona plant and yards. In the last years of his father's life, he assumed the responsibility of the management of the entire business. After his father's death, he remained as foreman under Mr. Elder and Mr. Cassidy, the two men who purchased the business. Eventually he became a partner in the firm, which was then known as Stokes and Cassidy. They developed a great volume of business and were outstanding representatives among the lumber dealers in the county. He continued in this business until his death. Mr. Stokes was always prominently identified with the work of the Baptist Church. He served as deacon for many years, also president of the Board of Trustees of the First Baptist Church in Altoona. He was associated with a number of building and loan associations, past president of the Altoona Builders' Exchange, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a director of the National Retail Lumber Association. Mr. Stokes was married three times: first, to Bertha Shoemaker, deceased, of Altoona; second to Miss Lilly Laird, deceased, of Altoona; and third, to Miss Viola Jane Laird, on June 28, 1900. Mrs. Stokes was a daughter of John Laird, a farmer of Blair County, and Annie Elizabeth BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 119 (Leopard) Laird. Mr. and Mrs. Laird removed to the vicinity of Bellwood, this county, from Alexandria, Huntingdon County, shortly after their daughter's birth, and she was subsequently reared and educated there. They were the parents of six children: Laura M., Viola Jane (Mrs. George W. Stokes), William Collins, Russell Clidie, Harry B., and John Wesley. By his last marriage, Mr. Stokes became the father of seven children, all of whom survive him. They are: William Franklin; Margaret Rose; Ida Grace; Edgar L.; Harry B., deceased; Bertha May, and Arthur Warren. Mrs. Viola J. Stokes is a resident of Altoona where she maintains her home at 2022 Broad Avenue. GEORGE T. NOPHSKER, purchasing agent at Altoona for the Penn Central Light & Power Company and associate companies, was born at Bainbridge, Lancaster County, Pa., November 9, 1884. His parents, Jerome S. Nophsker, a native of Lancaster County, and Rosa Anne (Palmer) Nophsker, who was born in York County, Pa., are deceased, the father having been a merchant at Huntingdon, Pa., for the greater part of his active career. Another son of this couple, Howard W. Nophsker, resides at New Bethlehem, Pa. George T. Nophsker was educated in the graded and high schools of Huntingdon and Juniata College but gave up his schooling before he had finished college to enter the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Huntingdon and at Pittsburgh, where he was connected with the construction department until 1905. At that time, his superior, W. H. Johnston, Jr., left the railroad to go into railroad construction work for himself at Philadelphia, and Mr. Nophsker joined him in the venture. He was in construction work at Washington, 1907, with W. H. Johnson, Jr., and engaged in demolishing the old long bridge across the Potomac. He maintained that connection until 1911, when he became identified with the Penn Central Light & Power Company, but soon returned to the Johnson organization, this time staying but a year. He returned to the Penn Central Company and has since been identified with this concern. His work was first that of statistician, and he later headed the engineering department before assuming the duties of purchasing agent in 1914. Mr. Nophsker married Sarah Nash DeWalt, daughter of Charles F. and Ella (Nash) DeWalt, of Huntingdon, Pa., and to this union have been born two children, George Howard, born December 11, 1907, at Washington, D. C., and Jerome DeWalt, born January 18, 1918, at Altoona, Pa. Mr. Nophsker is a member of the Knights of Pythias. NICHOLOS TURNBAUGH, deceased, was for many years a respected and public spirited citizen of Tyrone. He was born in Blair County on March 30, 1850, a son of Henry and Catharine (Cherry) Turnbaugh, whose ancestors were active in the affairs of Blair County in anterior Revolution days. Nicholos Turnbaugh attended the public schools of Blair County, and as a lad entered into farming at Bellwood, Blair County. After three years, he removed to Tyrone, where he became identified with the paper industry later becoming associated with the West Virginia Paper Pulp Company as an expert finisher. BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY, VOL. 2 - 120 He continued his affiliation with this concern until his death which occurred August 7, 1914. Mr. Turnbaugh was an ardent member and worked for the interests of the Methodist Church. He served for many years as a member of the city council of Tyrone. His fraternal affiliations were with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Patriotic Order of Sons of America. On February 12, 1878, he married Harriet Thompson, daughter of Samuel and Susan (Strair) Thompson, both natives of Blair County. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Turnbaugh: Martin Edwin; Harvey Allen, deceased; and Claire. Mrs. Turnbaugh makes her home at 623 West 15th Street, Tyrone. FRED W. VAIL, has been district manager at Altoona for the past four years of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Born at Brooklyn, New York, June 5, 1887, he is a son of Charles A. and Mary (Beck) Vail, the former a native of Aalem, Germany, and the latter of the Province of Wittenberg, Germany. The father came to the United States when he was twenty years of age, locating first in Brooklyn, later in St. Louis, Missouri, and finally at Pittsburgh, Pa., in all of which cities he was engaged in the newspaper business. Ralph A. Vail, another son, now resides in Pittsburgh. Fred W. Vail was educated in the public schools of Pittsburgh, Pa., graduating from the high school there. For nine years, he was in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company and spent a year with the Western Union Company at New York. In 1912, Mr. Vail entered the insurance business as sales representative of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company at Pittsburgh, Pa., continuing there fourteen years until he was appointed district manager at Altoona in 1926. His office, which employs some thirty persons, serves the counties of Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon, Bedford, and Clearfield, the agency itself having been established here in 1900. Mr. Vail is a member of all Masonic bodies, Shrine, and the Lions Club and attends the Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church. He was united in marriage to Bertha Anthony, of Parker's Landing, Pa., daughter of William Anthony, and they have a married daughter, Mary McGregor Rothrock, located in Eldorado-Altoona. A. BERNARD VOGT, cashier of the Blair County National Bank, of Tyrone, was born in this city, in 1881. William Vogt, his father, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and came to this country in 1852 with his mother and a brother. He married Georgetta Sneringer, and both he and his wife, who are deceased, were members of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church. A. Bernard Vogt obtained his education in St. Matthew's Parochial School and the Tyrone High School and in 1901 entered the employ of the Blair County National Bank as clerk. In 1906, he was appointed cashier of the institution and has since discharged the duties of that responsible office. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks and attends St. Matthew's Church. In 1913, Mr. Vogt married Nellie Ann Fooks, of Laurel, Delaware, and to them has been born one daughter, Ann Elizabeth. Mrs. Vogt is a communicant of the Episcopal Church.