BIOS: Surnames SAU to STA - Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, 
and Representative Citizens, Jesse C. Sell, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold, 1911. File 12.

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CALVIN GRANT SAUER, general manager, secretary, and treasurer of a large
department store at Williamsburg, Pa., was born August 31, 1869, in Bedford
County, Pa., and is a son of George and Mandilla Sauer.
     George Sauer was a native of Germany and in 1855 came to the United
States and located in Bedford County, Pa. In 1872 he came to Roaring Spring,
Blair County, Pa., and for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits, but
spent the last twenty years of his life in retirement. He was politically
identified with the Republican party, and was religiously a member of the
Reformed church. The parents of our subject reared the following children: 
Calvin Grant; Anna, who is the wife of John B. Miller; Raymond G.; and Norman F.
     Calvin Grant Sauer is one of the leading business men of Williamsburg,
and was one of the organizers of the store of which he is now manager and is
also secretary and treasurer of same. Charles M. Schwab, the steel magnate of
South Bethlehem, is the largest stockholder of the company. For twenty years
before coming to Williamsburg, Mr. Sauer was engaged in a general mercantile
business at Altoona, under the firm name of Sauer Bros. and at present is
senior member of that firm, doing business at No. 1314 Eighth Avenue. In 1908
the firm erected a building at the cost of $25,000, and they handle everything
found in a modern mercantile establishment. The junior member of that firm is
Raymond G. Sauer, who has charge of the Altoona business. The store is
located in a building, which was built in 1895 and 1896, and occupies three
rooms on the first and second floors each, the third floor of the building
being devoted to the opera house of the borough, and it has a seating
capacity of 1,100 people.
     Mr. Sauer was married in 1896 to Mary A. Nease, of Washington, who is a
daughter of Jacob and Abigail Nease, who came here from Washington County,
Pa. Mr. Sauer is politically a Republican, and his religious connection is
with the Reformed Church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 641.

HARRY M. SAUSSER, chief clerk of the Tyrone Division of the Pennsylvania
Railroad, at Tyrone, Pa., who has been identified with this company for the
past twenty-four years in some capacity, was born at Berrysburg, Dauphin
County, Pa., September 10, 1864. His parents were William J. and Sarah M.
(Matter) Sausser.
     William J. Sausser and wife were both born in Dauphin County, where
their fathers, Jonathan Sausser and A. J. Matter, both of German ancestry,
had settled very early. William J. Sausser was a dealer in granite and
marble, until 1866, at Berrysburg and afterward at Tyrone, where his death
occurred when aged but forty-five years. His widow survived him for a long
period, her death occurring in 1907, at the age of seventy-three years.
William J. Sausser was a charter member of the Lutheran Church at Tyrone, his
name being the first signed on the church list and he continued his membership
as long as he lived. Five children were born to William J. Sausser and wife,
as follows: Angelica, who is the wife of W. H. Bollinger, of Tyrone;
Christian W., who is a general merchant at Bellwood, Pa.; Edwin C., an
employe of the Tyrone Paper mill; Harry M.; and Jean R., who is a milliner
and resides at Tyrone.
     Harry M. Sausser has been a resident of Tyrone since 1866. He obtained
his education in the public schools and left the Tyrone High School in 1880,
following his father's death, becoming a bookkeeper for Study Bros., general
merchants, remaining with that firm until November 22, 1886. At that time he
accepted a clerkship in the office of the superintendent of the Tyrone
Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad. His efficiency and fidelity brought
promotion and in December, 1903, he was advanced to be chief clerk for the
road at this point. Aside from his personal business, Mr. Sausser has been a
very active and useful citizen and at present is serving as a member of the
school board and also of the board of health. In politics he is a Republican.
     Mr. Sausser married Miss W. J. Bollinger, and they have a pleasant home
at Tyrone, their residence being at No. 236 E. Tenth Street. Mrs. Sausser was
born at Rock Springs, Center County, Pa. For the past eighteen years Mr.
Sausser has been extremely active in the affairs of the Lutheran church, in
which he was carefully reared. He has served as a member of the church
council and as superintendent of the Sunday-school and has been interested in
all the uplift movements of the church. For a quarter of a century he has been
identified with the Y. M. C. A., and has served as a member of the board of
directors and as a trustee, being treasurer of the latter organization. Mr.
Sausser is a broad-minded, earnest man and the devotion he has shown to those
things which work for the general welfare, is creditable both to his head and
heart.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 953.

ISAIAH SCHEELINE, a prominent member of the Blair County Bar, and a native of
Altoona, Pa., was born in 1878, and is one of the leading business men of the
younger generation of this city. His elementary education was obtained in the
common schools of Altoona, graduating from the High School with the class of
1894, and after spending one year at Lafayette College, he graduated in law
from the Dickinson Law School with the class of 1899. Mr. Scheeline then
spent some months in Pittsburg, Pa., since which time he has been located at
Altoona, where he has attained considerable prominence in his profession and
practices in the various courts of the state as well as in the middle and
western districts of the Federal Courts. In addition to his practice Mr.
Scheeline is also interested in the Westfall Company of Altoona. He is
politically an adherent of the Democratic party, but until 1910 never entered
actively in politics. He is the present nominee of his party for congressman
from this district. Mr. Scheeline is a member of the Hebrew Reformed
congregation, is president of the United Hebrew Charities, is a member of the
University Club, and the Beacon Light Club, and is fraternally a Mason, a
Shriner and an Elk.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 612.

J. P. SEEDENBERG, M. D., who has been a resident of Altoona for over two
decades and who stands among the foremost men of the medical profession here,
was born in Blair County, Pa., and is a son of the late E. B. Seedenberg, who
died in February, 1908. For many years he was a prominent citizen of Altoona,
was a member of the city council and served as chief of police under Mayor
Giles.
     J. P. Seedenberg was a student in the Altoona schools until he entered
upon the study of medicine. When prepared he entered Jefferson Medical
College, Philadelphia, and was there graduated in the class of 1907. After
serving as an interne, he came to Altoona to begin practice and for one year
was resident physician at the Altoona Hospital, since which time his practice
has been general and remarkably successful. He is a member of the Blair County
and the Pennsylvania State Medical Societies.
     In October, 1908, Dr. Seedenberg was married to Miss Marcella Dalton, of
Altoona. They are members of the Second Lutheran church. He is identified with
the Order of Heptasophs.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 796.

JAMES A. SELL. The subject of this sketch was born in Freedom Township, Blair
County, November 23, 1845, and has resided in the county all his life. His
ancestors came from Germany in 1729 and settled in Adams County. His
grandfather, Abraham Sell, located at what is now Blair Township, near
Brookes Mills. At this place his father, Daniel, was born and he spent his
entire life in the community. He was joined in marriage with Rachel Detwiler
in 1832. To them were born eight sons and a daughter, the latter dying in
infancy, while the sons are still living, six in Blair County and two in
Missouri. Daniel Sell died in 1901 at the age of 91 and his wife a few years
later at the age of 90. She was a woman of remarkable force of will and
strength of character.
     James A. was the sixth of the family and continued at home on the farm
until he became of age. He united with the Church of the Brethren, March 6,
1863, and was elected to the ministry, October 24, 1865, when less than 20
years old. At this time he engaged in teaching school and when he attained
his majority he accepted a position as associate editor of the "Companion," a
church paper published at Tyrone, Pa., by H. R. Holsinger. His services in
this capacity were highly acceptable, but this relation by force of
circumstances was brief, lasting but a year. Confinement in an office was
impairing his health and he was obliged to take up out-door work. He turned
his attention to the carpenter trade and soon became an efficient workman.
     He was called to the ministry at a time when it was not common to
advance very young men to this office. He gave immediate promise of
efficiency and his services were in great demand. He was called the "boy
preacher," and traveled extensively in the central part of his own state and
in Maryland, speaking with power and attracting by his vigor and youth, as
well as by his clear thought and eloquence, the young both in and out of the
church. Ordained to the office of bishop at the age of 24, it was said that
he was the youngest elder in his church.
     He had a scholarly cast of mind. He was denied the advantage of a
college education, but he was a close student and an inveterate reader, and
many of his discourses and much of his writing bear proof of high imaginative
and poetic quality. He had and still possesses a keen appreciation of the
beautiful, as many of his descriptive sketches indicate. The poetic element
was very strong in his nature and some of his productions are worthy of
recognition for their literary merit. He composed the song to which music was
specially written to celebrate the bi-centennial services of his church. He is
also the author of quite a number of other hymns. The most remarkable thing is
the inexhaustible store of fitting sentiment he possessed, suited to all
occasions. He possessed a wonderful power of fittingly weaving into his
discourses the choicest gems of standard literature, and his addresses have
always been the delight of the cultured.
     It has been a matter of much regret to himself and no less to those who
appreciate native ability, that he did not enjoy in his youth the opportunity
for a liberal literary training. His educational advantages were limited to
the common schools, which in those days were inferior in methods and
deficient in books. His father's library consisted of the Bible, Nead's
Theology, a Lancaster Almanac and a few school books. He had a natural love
of study and while other young people were amusing themselves in games and
social pleasures, he devoted his time to study. The dearth of books led him
to read the Bible closely. The simple theology of Nead interested him in the
study of the doctrines of the church in which he became deeply grounded. As a
preacher his more studied discourses were of the doctrinal type and he was
always in great demand where such presentation was needed.
     After serving his congregation continuously for forty years, he was
relieved of the charge at his own personal request. His words in making this
request were: "I feel that the church has bestowed upon me honors and opened
up opportunities for culture and development, and now I desire to afford the
same privilege to others." His zeal was not abated and his mental and
physical powers are well preserved and he does considerable preaching.
     On the 19th day of October, 1867, he was joined in marriage with Esther
B. Stiffler, of Canoe Creek. To them were born four sons, Matthew W., now
deputy prothonotary of Blair County; Jesse C., associate editor of the
Altoona Gazette; D. Elmer, a teacher and justice of the peace, at McKee's,
and Howard M., engaged in newspaper work at Hollidaysburg,
     In 1870, he located at Leamersville, where he has lived continuously to
the present time.  In 1882 he purchased a tract of land and engaged in fruit
culture, in 1890 having the largest peach orchard in Central Pennsylvania. He
was in great demand as a speaker to discuss fruit culture at farmers'
institutes. His success as a fruit grower gave force to what he said and
there followed a wonderful revival of this important branch of husbandry in
the county. Thousands of trees were planted as the result, and to him
rightfully belongs the credit of reviving an industry that has made for many
others a profitable industry.
     Had he given more attention to his mechanical work he would doubtless
have made a master builder. He could design large buildings and construct the
finest cabinet work. He was indeed self-made and many sided. Although he was
always engaged and often thronged with pressing demands, he still found time
to read and write. He contributed to the church paper on religious, and to
the secular papers on moral and industrial subjects. He was at once minister,
carpenter, fruit grower, and author, but he will perhaps be remembered best as
the author of the booklet, "The Lost Brothers of the Alleghenies," which will
be found reprinted in the present volume.
     He is now feeling the weight of the years of his simple yet strenuous
life, and with a pardonable pride in his pioneer work, he lays no claim to
leadership, leading a quiet life surrounded by his books, of which he has
accumulated a great number, extending far and wide into the field of
literature. He is modest and conservative, wise in his judgment and untiring
in his devotion to peace.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 538-540.

JESSE C. SELL, is a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania. He is the second
son of James A. and Esther B. Sell, and was born in Leamersville, July 21,
1872. His great-grandfather, Abraham Sell, was one of the pioneer settlers of
the Juniata valley in Blair township, having moved there about the close of
the Eighteenth century. His grandfather, Daniel Sell, was also a life-long
resident of Blair county and died at the advanced age of 90 years.
     His mother's maiden name was Stiffler. His great-grandfather on the
maternal was Henry Stiffler, who settled in the Loop, in Frankstown township,
also about the close of the Eighteenth century. His grandfather, Joseph
Stiffler, spent his entire life in Frankstown township and died at the ripe
age of 91 years. Thus the subject of this sketch is a thoroughbred Blair
countian and a descendent of a hardy stock.
     At a very early age he evinced a fondness for books, and such was his
desire for learning, and it came to him so easily, that when he commenced
going to school when only four years old he started in the second reader
grade. Within two years he had made such progress that he was regarded as the
best speller in the school and was studying all the branches taught in the
school, displaying an especial fondness for history. He commenced teaching
when 17 years old, but held a good certificate two years before. Teachers
were not admitted to the profession under 18 years of age, but an exception
was made in his case. He taught school for eight years, in Freedom, Blair,
and Logan townships and in Newry borough and attended school at the Roaring
Spring Academy, conducted by Prof. W. R. Vaughn and at Juniata College,
Huntingdon.
     After leaving college he commenced the study of law under the
instruction of William S. Hammond and J. Banks Kurtz, in Altoona, and was
admitted to the bar on September 7, 1896. He opened an office in Altoona, but
the strenuous work of preparation had undermined his health and he was
compelled to give up his practice and retire from active business to
recuperate. His strong constitution was in his favor and within a year he was
again able to enter upon the world's activities. He now turned his attention
to journalism and accepted a position on the editorial staff of the Altoona
Times. In 1903 he was tendered the position of city editor of the Altoona
Evening Gazette, which he has retained to this time. During the greater part
of this time he has acted as editor of the paper, doing most of the editorial
writing.
     In politics Mr. Sell is a staunch Republican and has taken an active
part in the political affairs of the city and county. He was elected a member
of the city common council from the Fourth ward in February, 1908. He
introduced, and the councils passed, ordinances providing for semi-monthly
payday for municipal employees, providing for an inspection of all electric
wiring and creating the department of city electrician, abolishing paving and
sewer viewers and other important legislation.
     On June 27, 1901, he was married to Annie R. Maher, a daughter of
Michael and Mary Maher of Altoona.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 493.

JOHN G. SELLERS, proprietor of one of the leading meat markets in
Hollidaysburg, Pa., is also the owner of two other markets, one at Gaysport,
Pa., and the other at Altoona, Pa., and he is also the owner of seven
residences in this borough. He was born January 10, 1865, at Hollidaysburg,
Pa., and is a son of David M. and Rebecca R. (Martin) Sellers, both deceased.
     John G. Sellers was reared and educated in Hollidaysburg, and during his
early manhood worked on the railroad about four years, and subsequently spent
four years in the employ of H. L. Bunker, who operated a meat market at
Hollidaysburg. In 1889 he opened his market which is located on the diamond,
in Hollidaysburg, of which his son, Edgar Sellers, has practically entire
charge, and in 1898 he established a market in the Shoemaker building at
Gaysport, Pa. The latter market is managed by his brother, William Sellers.
His shop on Sixteenth Street, Altoona, was purchased in September, 1910, from
J. A. Jones, and is under the management of his son, Harry B. Sellers. Mr.
Sellers devotes the greater part of his time to buying and dresses all of his
own meat, and the slaughter house, which is located on Juniata Street, is said
by the state inspector, to be the finest in Pennsylvania, the interior being
of concrete, with cement blocks, slate roof, and is fire proof.
     Mr. Sellers is politically a Republican, and is now serving his second
term as a member of the borough council. He is fraternally a member of the
Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the Artisans, and the Woodmen, all of
Hollidaysburg. He is a member and trustee of the M. E. Church, and has been
superintendent of the Sunday School for fourteen years. He is a stockholder
in both banks of this borough, and is auditor of the County Capital Building
Association. He resides with his family at No. 804 Juniata Street. On
February 18, 1885, Mr. Sellers was united in marriage with Miss Virginia
Hughes, a daughter of Stephen Hughes, deceased, and of their union were born
the following children: Harvey B., Edgar, Earl, and Helen.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 511.

MILTON B. SHADE, a well known citizen and representative business man of
Freedom Township, Blair County, Pa., a member of the firm of Shade Bros.,
general blacksmiths and repairers, at Leamersville, was born in this village,
December 9, 1866, and is a son of John and Mary (Rhodes) Shade.
     John Shade and wife were born in Blair County, where the former died in
May, 1907. His widow, who is now in her eightieth year, is one of the
respected and beloved residents of Freedom Township. For fully a half
century, the late John Shade was in the wagon-making business and had a shop
at Leamersville, and at one time had a large trade.
     Milton B. Shade attended the public schools and when old enough to make
a choice of trades, decided to be a blacksmith. He served an apprenticeship
at Waterstreet, in Huntingdon County, and afterward carried on a blacksmith
business for himself on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Fifteenth Street,
Altoona, for a number of years, under the present firm name of Shade Bros. In
1901 he transferred his business to Leamersville, where he has a host of
friends and enjoys liberal patronage. He is serving in his second term as a
member of the school board of Freedom Township, and takes an active part in
public matters affecting his section.
     Mr. Shade was married to Miss Sarah Young, of Waterstreet, Pa., who died
in 1900, leaving three children: Willmina M., Mabel M., and Irma.  Mr. Shade
is a member of the Lutheran church. He is very active in the fraternal order
of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at East Freedom, of which he was the
first noble grand and which he is now serving as chaplain. He is identified
also with the Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, at Claysburg, and is a member of
the National Horseshoers' Association, Local No. 494, at Altoona. Mr. Shade
has a good business and a comfortable home, all of which he has secured
through his own efforts and he stands well in every way with his fellow
citizens.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 766.

WILLIAM SHARBAUGH, M. D., a prominent physician and representative citizen of
Altoona, Pa., has been identified with the medical profession of this locality
for the past 18 years, and has won the esteem and confidence of his patrons
and fellow citizens.
     Dr. Sharbaugh was born in 1849 at Summitt, Cambria County, Pa., and was
there reared and received his educational training. He was engaged in the
drug business in Clearfield County, Pa., from 1872 until 1887, and then
attended the Baltimore College of Physician and Surgeons, graduating from the
Kentucky School of Medicine of Louisville with the class of 1891. He soon
afterward embarked in the practice of medicine at Altoona, Pa., where he has
established an extensive and lucrative practice. He is a member of the
Homeopathic Medical Association of Central Pennsylvania and of the C. M. B.
A. of Altoona. Dr. Sharbaugh was joined in the bonds of wedlock, in 1882,
with Catherine Bottorf of Clearfield County, Pa., and of their union have
been born seven children. The religious connection of the family is with the
Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 782.

HON. EDMUND SHAW, formerly a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, in
which he served two terms with distinction, is a leading member of the Altoona
bar, and also a veteran of the great Civil War. He was born near Phillipsburg,
Center County, Pa., December 4, 1836, and is a son of John and Mary (Waring)
Shaw.
     The Shaw family comes from North Ireland. Family records tell that from
County Derry, in 1795, two brothers of this name came to Pennsylvania, one of
them being Robert Shaw, the grandfather of Hon. Edmund Shaw, of Altoona, He
was twice married and the third son of his first union was John Shaw. 
     John Shaw, father of Hon. Edmund Shaw, was born in 1809, in Mifflin
County, Pa. He remained in his native place until he reached manhood and then
moved to Phillipsburg, in Center County, where he followed the trade of a
cabinetmaker until 1835. He then purchased a farm in Decatur Township,
Clearfield County, Pa., where he carried on agricultural pursuits until
within a few years of his death, when he retired to Phillipsburg and died
there in 1869. He was an attendant of the Presbyterian church, although not a
member, but was liberal in its support. In politics he was a Democrat and at
different times was elected to township offices, serving with honesty and
efficiency. He was married the first time to Jane Ann McKirk, who died
without issue. His second marriage was to Mary Waring, who was born in
England in 1809, and accompanied her parents to Phillipsburg in 1821. Her
death occurred four years after that of her husband, and two of their eight
children yet survive.
     Edmund Shaw was afforded excellent educational advantages. He attended
both Cassville Seminary and the Normal School at Millersville, preparatory to
entering upon a career as a teacher, but by the time he had completed his
first term in the college, the Civil War had broken out and the attention of
the young student was attracted to afar different sphere of activity. On
September 16, 1861, he enlisted for three years, in Co. K, 110th Pa. Vol.
Inf., thereby displaying a deep seated patriotism rather than the temporary
enthusiasm which characterized many. His promotion was rapid, from a private
in the ranks he was successively made corporal, sergeant and sergeant-major
of his regiment, his further advancement being halted by the ball of an enemy
on the field of Chancellorsville. He had participated in all the previous
battles and marches of his regiment and on one occasion had been made a
prisoner by the enemy, but as he was then wounded, he was willingly paroled
by the enemy to save themselves the trouble of giving him medical care, and
thus probably escaped a long season in one of the pestilential prison pens of
the South, from the hardships incident thereto if not death. The injuries to
his leg were so serious that his final recovery was a marvel. For ten days
after he was wounded he lay on the battlefield and after he was found he was
sent to the Union Hospital at Falmouth, Va., and later the Chestnut Hill
Hospital at Philadelphia. No further active service in the field was possible
and he was then detailed as a clerk in the office of the provost marshal at
Washington, D. C., where he retrained until he was honorably discharged
September 16, 1864. For one year he was compelled to use crutches.
     Doubtless life looked different to many of the returning soldiers of
that mighty struggle and many, like Mr. Shaw, had given the very flower of
their youth to the service of their country. His education had fitted him for
a professional life and his thoughts and ambitions now turned to the law, and
wisely as was subsequently developed. In the course of months he became a law
student at Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, where he was creditably
graduated in 1867. He then took up his residence at Martinsburg, West Va.,
being admitted to the bar there in 1868, and during his five years of
practice at that point made substantial advances and in 1872 was elected
prosecuting attorney of Berkley County. He continued in office until 1873.
     In looking about for a more remunerative if not more appreciative
professional field, Mr. Shaw determined on Altoona and came to this city in
1873 and in the same year was admitted to the Blair County bar. Altoona has
been his settled home ever since, although, during an extensive practice that
has taken him to many other sections to appear in the higher courts, and
during many years in public life, inducements have been offered him to take
up his residence in other cities. He has, however, always been loyal to
Altoona, believing in her future and reciprocating the cordiality and
confidence of his fellow citizens.
     An enthusiastic Republican, Mr. Shaw has been one of the leaders in his
party in state politics. In 1884 he was elected to the Pennsylvania
Legislature. Approval was shown of his acts as a statesman by his reelection
in 1886, and he served through two terms to the entire satisfaction of his
constituents. His professional prominence was recognized to some degree in
this body by his appointment as a member of the two chief committees, the
judiciary and that of General and Municipal Corporations. To legislation of
all kinds designed to benefit the public instead of combinations of capital,
Mr. Shaw gave his hearty support and when he returned to private life it was
with the confidence of the people unimpaired. As a citizen of Altoona he has
many times proved his interest and usefulness, serving in the city council
and on advisory boards. In 1882 he was a member of the civic organization
known as the Committee of Forty-eight. In charitable and benevolent movements
he has always been interested and his influence may be counted on when public
spirited enterprises are under consideration. Since returning to private life
he has continued active in the practice of law and ably represents a
professional body that counts many brilliant men among its members. He
maintains his offices in the Wilson Building, on one of the leading
thoroughfares of Altoona.
     Mr. Shaw was united in marriage on December 14, 1869, to Miss Mary E.
Smith, who is a daughter of the late Dr. David R. Smith, who was formerly a
very prominent physician, widely known throughout the Cumberland Valley. Mr.
and Mrs. Shaw enjoy a beautiful home which stands at No. 1130 Fourteenth
Avenue, Altoona.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 715-717.

OLIVER W. SHAW, a leading citizen and successful agriculturist of Blair
Township, Blair County, Pa., resides on his well improved farm of seventy
acres, to which he came in 1892. He is a native of Blair County, born in
Freedom Township, March 31, 1862, and is a son of Samuel and Anna (Wilt) Shaw.
     Samuel Shaw was born also in Freedom Township and passed his whole life
there, dying in 1891. His father, Thomas Shaw, was a native of the north of
Ireland and was one of the very early settlers of Freedom Township, Blair
County. In politics, the late Samuel Shaw was a Democrat, and in religious
faith and observance, a Lutheran. He married Anna Wilt, whose father, Capt.
Peter Wilt, was a pioneer in Freedom Township, and six of their family of
children still survive, namely: Peter A., who is in business at Altoona;
Samuel T., who lives in Blair Township; Oliver W.; Jennie M., who is the wife
of Albert Growden, of Reed City, Mich.; Ellen E., who is the widow of Michael
Stultz, formerly of Frankstown Township but now of Los Angeles, Calif.; and
Martha M., who is the wife of Scott Wilson and resides near Los Angeles,
Calif.
     Oliver W. Shaw remained in Freedom Township through his school period
and until 1892, when he came to Blair Township and started a dairy business
on his present farm and for a number of years was engaged in the wholesale
milk business. Later, when he somewhat curtailed his business activities, he
disposed of a part of his farm, and the village of Shawsville, named in his
honor, was laid out according to his ideas and plans.
     Mr. Shaw married Miss Margaret J. Hanna, who was born in Cambria County,
Pa., where her father, Thomas Hanna, still resides, being now in his
eighty-first year. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaw five children have been born, namely:
Byron E., Thomas T., Verus P., Martha I, and LaRue. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are
members of Zion Lutheran Church at Hollidaysburg. In politics he is a
Republican and he has frequently been his party's choice for township
offices. He has served several terms on the school board of Blair Township,
of which he is treasurer, and is serving in his first term as township
auditor. He is identified fraternally with Waneta Lodge, No. 1142, Odd
Fellows, at Hollidaysburg, and formerly was connected with the Junior Order
of American Mechanics, at the same place. He belongs also to Scotch Valley
Grange, No. 510, and served one year as secretary of this organization. Like
other far seeing and sensible men, Mr. Shaw recognizes the practical benefits
that accrue to the farmer through some of the latter-day scientific
inventions, and thus he became one of the promoters and is now the president
of the Loop Telephone Company, which has proved a profitable investment.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 773.

A. F. SHERMAN, a well known dairyman of Allegheny Township, Blair County,
Pa., has resided on his present place near Cross Keyes, since 1892, where he
has 106 acres devoted to dairy purposes. He was born in Shendoah County, Va.,
August 23, 1843, and is a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Hollar) Sherman, both
natives of Virginia.
     A. F. Sherman remained in his native county until he was eighteen years
of age, after which he traveled in several states and shortly after the close
of the Civil War, about 1866-7, he came to Blair County, Pa., where he has
resided ever since. He engaged in farming and for twenty years was also
connected with brick making, but since 1892 has devoted himself almost
exclusively to his dairy interests.
     Mr. Sherman was married February 6, 1868, to Miss Melinda Piper, who was
born in Allegheny Township, Blair County, February 21, 1849, a daughter of
Daniel and Catherine (Stiffler) Piper. The father of Mrs. Sherman was born in
Maryland and the mother in Bedford County, Pa. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Piper settled in Allegheny Township some seventy-five years ago, and died
here, and their burial was in the Carson Valley Cemetery, of which Mr.
Sherman had been a trustee for several years. Six children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Sherman, namely: William A., who is a merchant at Cross Keyes; 
Franklin E.; Carrie V., who is the wife of Harvey S. Shaw, of Allegheny
Township; and Anna M., who is the wife of Dayton Bowen, of this township. Mr.
and Mrs. Sherman are charter members of Allegheny Grange, Patrons of
Husbandry, at Duncansville. In politics he is a Democrat. In the accumulation
of his property, Mr. Sherman has been greatly assisted by his wife, to whom he
gives much credit. They are among the most highly esteemed people of this
section.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 667.

WILLIAM S. SHIMER, V.S., who is proprietor of a modern, thoroughly equipped
veterinary hospital in Altoona, is a man who stands very high in his
profession.  He has practiced in Altoona for many years and is generally
credited with being the best qualified veterinary surgeon in Blair County. 
He was born at Shimersville, Lehigh County, Pa., April 26, 1865, and is a son
of William S. and Hannah S. (Shantz) Shimer.
     The Shimers have been residents of Pennsylvania since 1740, at which
time the paternal great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch settled in
Lehigh County, and his name and memory are perpetuated in the town of
Shimersville, on the site of which, in early days, lay his pioneer farm.
Practically all the members of the family in those days were agriculturists.
     William S. Shimer was reared on the old homestead. He attended school in
Shimersville, and was later a student at that noted Lutheran educational
center, Muhlenburg College, at Allentown. On his father's farm he learned
much concerning the various ailments of dumb creatures, and when he came to
choose a career, he decided to prepare himself for veterinary work. After an
exhaustive course of study, he was graduated in 1885 from the Ontario
Veterinary College, in the Dominion of Canada. He has since been successfully
engaged in the active practice of his profession, and is numbered among its
foremost representatives in this section. He has a model infirmary, fitted up
with every modern convenience that he has found of practical value, and there
gives sick and wounded animals the most careful scientific attention. He has
frequent calls to exercise his skill from other counties and at almost all
times has valuable animals under treatment from the great stock farms. He
belongs to a number of organizations connected with the interests of this
branch of medical science. The doctor was reared in the faith of the
Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 934-935.

HARRY W. SHIREY, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at
Williamsburg, Pa., was born January 17, 1883, at Youngstown, Westmoreland
County, Pa., and is a son of C. F. and Sibilla (Bossart) Shirey.
     C. F. Shirey made farming his life occupation and resided for many years
in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., where he was held in high esteem.
He was politically a Democrat and served as auditor and held almost every
office in Unity Township. He was a member of the Lutheran church.  C. F. and
Sibilla Shirey were parents of the following children: Edgar R., who is an
attorney of Greensburg, Pa.; Estella, who is the wife of Rev. F. E. Strobel,
pastor of the Lutheran Church of Ridgway, Pa.; Charles M., who resides on the
home farm; T. Logan, who is a clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company;
Harry W., subject of this record; and Frederick, who is attending the Latrobe
High School.
     Dr. Harry W. Shirey was reared in Westmoreland County, Pa., and after a
common school education, taught three terms in the schools of Unity Township.
He then entered the employ of the Mellon National Bank of Pittsburg, for whom
he dealt extensively in real estate, and then entered a medical college at
Philadelphia, graduating with the class of 1907. He first embarked in the
practice of medicine at Numidia, Columbia County, Pa., and two years later
came to Blair County, and located at Williamsburg, where be has now been
engaged in practice for one year.
     In June, 1907, Dr. Shirey married Miss Mabel Lawrence, who is a daughter
of Douglas and Catherine (Gault) Lawrence, of Philadelphia, who also have one
son, John Ross Lawrence. Dr. and Mrs. Shirey have two children, Mabel Sibilla
and Warren Lawrence. Dr. Shirey is fraternally a member of the I. O. O. F.,
Goodwill Lodge, of Numidia, Pa., and the Heptasophs, at Williamsburg, and a
Mason, Portage Lodge, Hollidaysburg. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
In politics he is a staunch Democrat.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 925.

BENJAMIN F. SHOEMAKER, whose valuable farm of 100 acres, lying in Taylor
Township, Blair County, Pa., is devoted to farming and stock raising, is a
representative citizen of this section and an honored survivor of the great
Civil War. He was born in Somerset County, Pa., September 6, 1843, and is a
son of John and Hannah (Severs) Shoemaker, both of whom were born also in
Somerset County.
     Benjamin F. Shoemaker was six years old when his parents moved to Middle
Woodbury Township, Bedford County, Pa., and there he grew to manhood and
obtained his education in the district schools. In August, 1861, he enlisted
for service in the Civil War, entering Co. C, 110th Pa. Vol. Inf., which
became a part of the Army of the Potomac, and remained a brave, willing,
efficient soldier and brought credit on the Federal blue on many a
battlefield before he received his final and honorable discharge, on July 3,
1865. The battle of Winchester, Va., in March, 1862, was the first of a long
series of important engagements in which he took part which included: Fort
Republic, Cedar Mountain, Second battle of Bull Run, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and
Petersburg. At the time of the surrender of the Confederate forces at
Appomattox, his command was not far distant from the famous meeting place of
Generals Grant and Lee. Mr. Shoemaker was promoted to the rank of second
sergeant of his company as a reward of faithful service. He is a valued
member of Lieut. Lower Post, No. 82, G. A. R., at Roaring Spring, in which he
has served as vice commander.
     After the close of his military service, Mr. Shoemaker returned to
Bedford County and remained there until 1871, when he came to Blair County
and settled in Taylor Township, and in 1899 came to his present farm, near
Ore Hill. Mr. Shoemaker devotes considerable attention to his stock
interests, growing a fine grade of cattle and also horses.
     Mr. Shoemaker has been thrice married. His first wife was Miss Elizabeth
Teeter and after her death he married Miss Sarah Bulger, who, at death, was
survived by one daughter, Sarah. His third marriage was to Miss Leah
Kauffman, who was born in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Michael
Kauffman, of Taylor Township, and they have two sons: Warren and Jesse. Mr.
and Mrs. Shoemaker are members of the Church of God, at Woodbury, Pa. He is a
Republican in his political views but has never accepted any office except
that of school director in which he served one term. Mr. Shoemaker is an
example of a successful self made man, and he is respected and esteemed by
his neighbors and fellow citizens.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 634-635.

JOHN HENRY SHOEMAKER, proprietor of Hotel Franklin, is one of the
enterprising business men of Gaysport, Pa., and was born October 7, 1874, at
Hollidaysburg, Pa., and is a son of Simon and Barbara (Webb) Shoemaker.
     Andrew Shoemaker, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany
and one of the pioneer settlers of Blair County, having worked here on the
canal previous to the advent of the railroad in this section of the country.
Andrew Shoemaker died on his farm in Allegheny Township, Blair County, Pa.,
at the advanced age of eighty-six years, and was the father of four children:
Simon, John, Joseph and Andrew.
     Simon Shoemaker was born and reared in Hollidaysburg, Pa., and for
thirty years ran a dairy wagon to that borough, but is now living in
retirement on his farm near Delight Park. Mr. Shoemaker is now sixty-one
years of age, is politically a Republican, and is now serving his second term
as director of the Poor. He is fraternally a member of the B. P. O. E. Mr.
Shoemaker married Barbara Webb, who was born in Chester County, Pa., and to
them were born the following children: William, who is deceased; John Henry;
Mamie, who married Benjamin C. Wilt; Stella, who is the wife of William
Mallagan; and Joseph, Jesse, and Charles.
     John Henry Shoemaker was reared to man's estate at Hollidaysburg and was
educated in the Catholic schools of that borough. He subsequently ran a dairy
wagon to Altoona, Pa., for about eight years, then sold his route to Charles
Kepple, and purchased his present hotel in Gaysport from George Strout. The
Hotel Franklin is a brick building, containing fourteen bedrooms, and is one
of the leading $1.00 and $1.50 per day houses of this borough. Mr. Shoemaker
was married April 28, 1895, to Fannie McGuire, a daughter of Patrick and
Frances (Fagan) McGuire, and of their union two children have been born:
Alma, and Margaret. The family holds membership with St. Michael's Catholic
Church. Mr. Shoemaker is politically identified with the Republican party.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 497-498.

SIMON SHOEMAKER, a well known resident of Allegheny Township, Blair County,
Pa., who resides in a comfortable home on the outskirts of Hollidaysburg, was
born in Greenfield Township, Blair County, September 14, 1849, and is a son of
Andrew and Anna (Keller) Shoemaker.
     Andrew Shoemaker and wife were both born in Germany, natives of Baden,
and in 1848 they came to American and located at what was known as Allegheny
Furnace, in Blair County, Pa. The father was a soldier in the Civil War but
lived to return, and died in Blair County. Of the children of Andrew and Anna
Shoemaker, four sons survive; Simon; John, residing at Tipton, Blair County;
Joseph, residing in Allegheny Township; and Andrew, residing in Allegheny
County.
     Simon Shoemaker attended the district schools in his boyhood and the
schools of Hollidaysburg. He engaged in farming for a number of years and in
1889 located on his present place. For nearly thirty years he conducted a
milk route through Hollidaysburg and had retained some families as customers
during the entire period. He sold out his route in 1905 and has lived retired
since then. He is a member of the board of directors of the Blair County Home.
     Mr. Shoemaker married Miss Rachel Webb, a native of Chester County, and
a daughter of William Webb, formerly of Hollidaysburg, and six children were
born to them: John H., who is proprietor of the Franklin House, at Gaysport,
Pa.; Mary, who is the wife of B. C. Wilt, of Hollidaysburg; Stella, who is
the wife of William Malligan, of Gaysport; Joseph Irvin, who lives at
Hollidaysburg; Jesse R. and Charles C., both of whom live in Blair Township;
and William, now deceased, who was formerly proprietor of the Logan House at
Hollidaysburg. In politics, Mr. Shoemaker is a Republican. He is a member of
the order of Elks, at Altoona, and of the Duncansville Grange, at
Duncansville, Pa.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 602.

COL. J. BLAIR SHOENFELT, a prominent and successful business man of Muskogee,
Oklahoma, where he is extensively interested in the production of oil, is a
scion of an old and representative family of Blair County, Pa. Colonel
Shoenfelt, as he is familiarly known to his many friends, is a summer
resident of Blair County, occupying his estate, which is situated near
Roaring Spring. He was born at East Sharpsburg, Blair County, Pa., February
14, 1859, and is a son of George M. and Christiana (Burkett) Shoenfelt.
     George M. Shoenfelt was born in Taylor Township, Blair County, in 1822,
and has always resided there. His father was Jacob Shoenfelt and his
grandfather was William Shoenfelt, the latter of whom came as a pioneer to
Taylor Township, from Hagerstown, Md. Jacob Shoenfelt, grandfather of Col.
Shoenfelt, is remembered as one of the finest specimens of physical manhood
ever produced in Blair County. He was noted for his size, his strength and
his power of endurance as well as for his sterling qualities of mind and
character. His business was farming but in early days he did a large amount
of teaming also and transported merchandise from Baltimore to this section
and also pig iron from Maria Forge to Pittsburg.
     George M. Shoenfelt, father of Col. Shoenfelt is now in his
eighty-eighth year and still remains hale and hearty. In early manhood he
taught school and later made farming his main interest. He has served many
years on the township school board and is now its president and in spite of
his age takes much interest in its deliberations and his sound advice is
followed by his fellow members. He married Christiana Burkett and the names
of his surviving sons are as follows: Horace G., of East Sharpsburg; Ethan
Allen, of Roaring Spring; J. Blair, of Oklahoma; George, also of Oklahoma;
Adam, of Taylor Township, Blair County; Daniel, of Geneva, N. Y.; and Edward,
of Taylor Township.
     J. Blair Shoenfelt was reared on the home farm in Taylor Township and
was afforded excellent educational advantages, these including attendance at
the Brethren's Normal School at Huntingdon, Pa., and three years as a student
at the University of Indiana, where he was graduated in 1880. He had studied
law and was admitted to the bar of Indiana, in March of that year, and
shortly afterward went to South Dakota, finding what promised to be a good
opening in a professional way, at Estelline, in Hamlin County. In November,
1880, he was elected the first county judge of Hamlin County and served on
the bench for several years. After South Dakota became a state, he was
elected the first circuit judge of the Third Judicial Circuit of South Dakota
and served in that position for two years. He continued in the practice of law
at Estelline until 1890, when he removed to Douglass, Wyoming, where he also
became prominent in his profession and a leader in public affairs. He was
elected prosecuting attorney and served through several terms, giving
Converse County an honest and progressive administration. While a resident of
Wyoming, he was honored by the late President McKinley who appointed him
Indian agent, the appointment coming to Col. Shoenfelt without any
solicitation on his part.
     Col. Shoenfelt entered upon the duties of agent for the five civilized
Indian tribes of Indian Territory, on June 30, 1899, and served with
efficiency until June 30, 1905, when he resigned. When he took charge of the
office, two clerks only were employed and as an indication of the activity
and business enterprise of the new agent, it may be mentioned that when he
retired the departments he had organized required eighty stenographers and
about 150 bookkeepers, clerks and other minor officials. The business
transacted was vast in extent and volume and never had the Indian affairs of
that section been in such complete order. For a number of years he has been
prominently identified with the oil industry in Oklahoma and also in valuable
mines in Mexico. His business interests are varied and important particularly
along these lines. He is a director and a member of the advisory board of the
Mid-Continent Life Insurance Company, which has its headquarters at Muskogee,
Okla., and he is a director of the Altar Placer Gold Mining Company, which
has headquarters at Hermisillo, Mex., of which he is also president.
     For a number of years Col. Shoenfelt has been interested more or less in
military matters. He was colonel of the first regiment of the Wyoming National
Guards which was recruited for the Spanish-American War and by order of the
adjutant-general went to Cheyenne, Wyo., where it went into camp and was
drilled in preparation for active service and was ordered to the front just
before the termination of the war. He continued to serve as colonel of this
regiment as long as he remained a resident of Wyoming and is affectionately
remembered by his old comrades.
     Colonel Shoenfelt was married in May, 1883, to Miss Anna E. Isenberg,
who was born at Alexander, Pa., and is a daughter of J. Miller Isenberg, of
Johnstown, Pa.  Col. and Mrs. Shoenfelt have three children: Pearl, who is
the wife of Dr. C. A. Thompson, of Muskogee; Cecil E., who is general
superintendent of the Blair Oil Refining Company located at Muskogee, a very
successful young business man; and Doris E., who resides with her parents.
During the winter months the family resides at Muskogee, taking a prominent
part in the pleasant social life of the place, but when summer comes, the old
farm in Taylor Township offers a welcome and attractions that only one's
native place can give. During February, March and April of 1910, Col.
Shoenfelt and family enjoyed an extended West Indian cruise and visited the
Isle of Pines and other points of interest.
     In political adherence, Col. Shoenfelt is a Republican but in late years
has declined all political honors, his extensive business interests absorbing
his time and attention to a large degree. He is prominently identified with
Masonry and belongs to the minor branches as well as the Commandery at
Muskogee and also is connected with the Elks at this point.
     Col. Shoenfelt has had an interesting career and has done his full share
in bringing about the development of sections of the Union which, in his
youth, were considered entirely uncivilized. He went into the far West with
the training of a collegian, the courage of a brave man and the enterprise
which overcomes difficulties. Called upon to assume judicial duties before he
had enjoyed any measure of legal experience, he made no mistakes and when he
retired from one official position it was but to assume the duties of a still
more important one.  In South Dakota, Wyoming and Muskogee, Okla., he is
looked upon as a foremost citizen but it is when he returns to Blair County
that he realizes the pride and affection with which his fellow citizens claim
him as one of their own.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 822-824.

JOHN K. SHOENFELT, justice of the peace and a leading citizen of
Duncansville, Pa., is proprietor and manager of one of the largest industries
of the place, the Shoenfelt Marble & Granite Company works, which manufactures
and deals in monuments and headstones and does all kinds of cemetery work. Mr.
Shoenfelt was born at Woodbury, Bedford County, Pa., January 13, 1852, and is
a son of Joseph M. and Nancy (Keagy) Shoenfelt.
     Joseph M. Shoenfelt and wife were both born in Blair County. The
paternal greatgrandfather of John K. Shoenfelt was Jacob Shoenfelt, a native
of Germany, who came to what is now Blair County, Pa., in 1730, and settled
near what is now Roaring Springs. He reared a family, and of his sons, Jacob
Shoenfelt, father of Joseph M., continued to live in the same vicinity, where
he owned farm land. When Joseph M. Shoenfelt went into business it was as a
miller, and during the larger part of his life he operated the old style
water mills with dam, in different parts of Blair and Bedford Counties.
     John K. Shoenfelt attended school in South Woodbury Township, in Bedford
County, and also the Bedford County Normal School, then situated at Bedford,
and was graduated from that institution in 1872. For eight consecutive years
afterward he taught school, being located in Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon
Counties, Pa., and was an interested and successful teacher. In 1882 he came
to Duncansville and has resided here continuously ever since. He was one of
the promoters of the Duncansville Building and Loan Association, of which he
has been president for sixteen consecutive years, and for four years was
treasurer of this very prosperous business enterprise. Since 1890 he has been
identified with his granite and marble business, one that has been
continuously successful, one reason perhaps being found in the motto of the
firm: Courteous treatment and careful attention to orders. In politics he is
a Republican and for several years he was president of the borough school
board. For over a quarter of a century he has served in the office of justice
of the peace.
     Mr. Shoenfelt was married to Miss Jennie Hicks, of Williamsburg, Pa.,
and they have had eight children, namely: Nannie G., who is the widow of H.
T. Boland, of Portage, Pa.; Carrie, who resides at Youngstown, O.; Raymond A.
and Lloyd J., both of whom reside at home; Edith, who is the wife of W. V.
Webb, of Duncansville; and Emily, Nellie and Charles E., all of whom reside
with their parents. Mr. Shoenfelt is one of the representative men of this
section of Blair County.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 611-612.

R. W. SHOENFELT, owner of a foundry and machine shop at Williamsburg, Pa.,
was born March 20, 1869, in Blair County, Pa., and is a son of John and Maria
(Whittaker) Shoenfelt. John Shoenfelt followed milling during his early life,
but later engaged in farming in Blair County. His marriage with Maria
Whittaker resulted in the following issue: James; Sarah, who is the wife of
H. D. Brumbaugh; Harry; R. W., subject of this record; Ellen; Margaret;
Jennie, who is the wife of D. D. Detwiler; Charles; Irwin; Carrie; Homer;
Susan; and Elmer, deceased. John Shoenfelt was politically a Republican, and
was religiously a member of the Reformed church, his wife being a member of
the Progressive Brethren church.
     R. W. Shoenfelt obtained his educational training in the common schools
of the county, then learned pattern making in the shops at Hollidaysburg,
Pa., and subsequently followed his trade at various places until 1908. At
that time he purchased a foundry and machine shop at Williamsburg from
William Leisig. This was shortly afterward destroyed by fire, and replaced by
a more modern shop, where Mr. Shoenfelt carries on a general foundry work in
connection with the manufacturing of mine car castings. He employs about
three men the entire year.
     On March 6, 1895, Mr. Shoenfelt married Blanch Carney, who is a daughter
of Samuel and Charlotte Carney, well known residents of Hollidaysburg. She has
four sisters: Anna, Delia, Rebecca, and Irene. Three children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Shoenfelt, namely: Lottie, J. Lee, and Ethel, the last
mentioned being now deceased. Mr. Shoenfelt is politically a Republican, and
the religious connection of the family is with the Baptist church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 853.

CAPT. JAMES S. SHOLLAR, who served with credit in the Civil War, is now
living in retirement at Williamsburg, Pa., where for many years he followed
carpentering and contracting, and has been a resident of this borough since
1857. He was born April 11, 1842, in Blair County; Pa., and is a son of Jacob
N. and Julia (White) Shollar. The father was a native of Lancaster County,
Pa., and the mother of Huntingdon County. He was the youngest of six children
born to his parents, namely; Christopher, Margaret, Martin, Nancy, Thomas and
James S.
     James S. Shollar was educated in the common schools of the county and
then learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed in connection with
contracting ever since. At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted for
three months' service with the 3rd Pa., Vol. Inf., then enlisted for nine
months with the 125th Infantry, and his third enlistment was with the 208th
Pa. Inf., being advanced from the ranks to the captaincy of his company and
serving in that capacity one year. He is politically identified with the
Republican party and has served three years in the town council. He is a
member of the G. A. R. Post No. 474 of Williamsburg. Religiously he is a
member of the Presbyterian church.
     On December 27, 1863, Capt. Shollar married Miss Isabel Cooper, a
daughter of Samuel Cooper, who was a carpenter by trade and a well known
resident of Williamsburg. She is one of the following children born to her
parents: James; Isabel; Louis; Thaddeus, who died during the Civil War;
Samuel and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Shollar have reared the following children:
Guy, who is engaged in carpentering at Altoona; Juniata, who is the wife of
Aaron Snyder; Archie and Charles, twins; Frederick, who is an architect at
Altoona; and Bessie, who is the wife of Floyd Koble.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 627.

DAVID L. SHOWALTER, who is one of Taylor Township's most substantial
citizens, renting the farm of 175 acres which belongs to Mr. Snowberger, and
owning a farm of 134 acres, which is located near the borough of Roaring
Spring, has made a specialty of the dairy industry since 1892, when he came
to the first named property. He was born in Huston Township, Blair County,
Pa., in October, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Lynn) Showalter.
     Joseph Showalter was born in Huston Township, Blair County where his
father and mother had founded the family home after their marriage. His
mother was a native of Germany. He passed his life in Huston Township and was
a farmer all his days. His death occurred many years ago. He married Mary
Lynn, who was also born in Blair County, and of their children the following
survive: Susan, who is the wife of Samuel Frederick, of Bedford County;
Jacob, who resides in North Woodbury Township; Felix, who lives in Huston
Township; David L., who is a resident of Taylor Township; Mary, who is the
wife of John Smith, of Taylor Township; and Adam, who lives in Blair Township.
     David L. Showalter was reared in Huston Township and attended the
neighborhood schools through boyhood and then turned his attention to
practical farming. In 1892 he removed from Huston Township to Taylor Township
and here has built up a large dairy business and has fitted out his farm with
commodious buildings especially adapted to this enterprise. He keeps about
twenty-eight milk cows of the Durham, Jersey, Swiss and Holstein breeds and
carries on his operations according to modern methods. He operates a milk
route through Roaring Spring.
     Mr. Showalter married Miss Mary C. Sorick, who was born in Blair County,
a daughter of the late Adam Sorick, of Huston Township, and they have had
seven children, namely: Ida M., who is the wife of Walter Eastep; Elmer;
Ezra; Harry; Adam; Roy, who is deceased; and Andrew. Mr. Showalter and family
are members of the Reformed church at Roaring Spring. He is a politician just
to the extent of good citizenship and casts his vote with the Republican
party.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 802-803.

SAMUEL M. SHRIVER, a prominent and respected citizen of North Woodbury
Township, Blair County, Pa., residing on his finely cultivated farm of
ninety-one acres, is a native of this township born here December 29, 1844,
and is a son of Samuel and Nancy (Metzker) Shriver.
     The father of Mr. Shriver was born in Adams County, Pa., where he
remained until he was fourteen years of age. The death of his father at that
time made it necessary for him to provide for his own support and he came to
what is now Morrison's Cove, in Blair County, and started to learn the
carpenter trade. After completing his apprenticeship he worked at his trade
for many years at Martinsburg and became one of the borough's best known men
and here his death occurred in the spring of 1880, when he was in his
eighty-third year. He was a man with strong convictions of right and was not
afraid to make them known even when they were generally unpopular. He was
identified with the Republican party. In 1836 he united with the Lutheran
church. Although he never sought public office he was frequently made a
school director and also served as a director of the Blair County Infirmary.
He married Nancy Metzker, who was born in Blair County and died in 1885. Of
their children four survive, namely: Elizabeth, who is the widow of Jonathan
Hoover, and lives in North Woodbury Township; Isaac M., who resides at
Curryville; Christiana, who is the wife of Abraham Kauffman, of North
Woodbury Township; and Samuel M.
  Samuel M. Shriver grew to man's estate in North Woodbury Township and
attended the country schools through boyhood, making such good use of his
opportunities that he taught three winter terms of school to the satisfaction
of the school directors. He carries on general farming, not entirely in the
old way, for he is a very intelligent and well informed agriculturist and
formerly was one of the active members of the Grange, Patrons of Husbandry,
at Curryville. In these days the children have the best of school advantages
and it is because wise, broad-minded and intelligent men like Mr. Shriver
consent to serve on the school board. He has served three years in North
Woodbury Township, being president of the board for one year and also serving
as its secretary. 
     On October 22, 1876, Mr. Shriver was married to Miss Mary A. Diehl, who
was born in North Woodbury Township, August 27, 1853, a daughter of Daniel M.
and Elizabeth (Zook) Diehl. Her father was born in York County, a son of John
Diehl, an early settler in Bedford County, and her mother was born in Blair
County, a daughter of Jacob Zook, who built one of the first houses at
Morrison's Cove.  Mr. and Mrs. Shriver have had two children, Daniel T. and
Mary, B., the latter of whom is now deceased.  Mr. and Mrs. Shriver are
members of the Church of the Brethren.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 595-596.

JOHN A. SHULTZ, manager of one of Roaring Spring's important industries, The
Planing Mill Company, contractors and builders, manufacturers of lumber and
mill work, coal, builders' supplies, hardware and plumbing, has filled this
responsible position since 1906 and is an experienced man in this line. He
was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., February 20, 1859, and is a son of
Benjamin F. Shultz. His parents were natives also of Huntingdon County and
both are deceased.
     John A. Shultz grew to manhood in his native place and there attended
school and remained on the home farm until he reached his majority. In the
following year he started to learn the carpenter trade at Martinsburg, having
some mechanical ability, and served through an apprenticeship of three years.
Later, after a full measure of experience, he began building and contracting
for himself at Martinsburg and continued in business there for twenty years.
His high standing as a business man, in large measure, was the reason of his
being called to Roaring Spring to become manager of this planing mill plant
and he has justified all expectations. The Planing Mill Company is comprised
of the following men of capital: D. M. Bare, Dr. A. L. Garver and Lewis F.
Garber, it being a Roaring Spring enterprise entirely. It is numbered with
the most prosperous industries of its kind in Blair County. Mr. Shultz has
charge of thirty employes. He has always been an interested citizen wherever
he has lived and has been recognized as such. For three years he was a member
of the Martinsburg city council and for six years a member of the school board
there. His political affiliation is with the Republican party.
     Mr. Shultz was married to Miss Annie Wolfkill, who was born in
Huntingdon County, Pa., a daughter of the late Henry Wolfkill. They have two
daughters: Ellen E. and Laura M., the latter of whom is the wife of M. R.
Keagy, of Roaring Spring. Mr. Shultz and family are members of the Church of
God, in which he is a deacon. He is an enterprising and successful man and is
one who has made his own way in the world, setting an example of industry and
perseverance that might be profitably followed by those finding themselves in
the same circumstances in their youth.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 497.

LOUIS SIGRIST, one of Altoona's best known German-American citizens, and
proprietor of the Sixth Ward Hotel, situated at Nos. 714-16 Seventeenth
Street, Altoona, was born in Germany, August 24, 1865, the second in a family
of four children born to Morris and Elizabeth Sigrist, who never came to
America.
     When fifteen years of age, Mr. Sigrist crossed the Atlantic Ocean to the
United States and came immediately to Altoona, and this city has continued to
be his home. During the larger part of his business life he bas been
connected in some capacity with the hotel business and thoroughly understands
it. For two years prior to coming to the Sixth Ward Hotel, he managed the
Union Exchange Hotel and came from there to his present property in 1907. He
has a commodious and well-kept-up building, with twelve sleeping rooms and
all modern conveniences. The Germans have an established reputation for fine
cooking and Mr. Sigrist gives his guests the best that is on the market.
     Mr. Sigrist married Miss Elizabeth Crum, a daughter of Casper Crum, of
Hollidaysburg, and they have the following children: Marie, Margaret, Anna,
Louis, Jr., Joseph, Agnes and George. Marie is the wife of Rudolph Ernest and
they have one daughter, Marie. Mr. Sigrist and family attend the Roman
Catholic church. In politics he is a Republican and fraternally he is
identified with the order of Eagles.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 636-639.

EUGENE A. SIPES, justice of the peace at Martinsburg, Pa., is also a
representative business man of the borough, being a member of the firm of
Sipes Bros., proprietor of the Sipes' Monumental Works, a large business
enterprise here.  He was born at Martinsburg, September 24, 1872, a son of
Uriah and Rebecca A. (Williams) Sipes.
     Uriah Sipes was born in Fulton County, Pa., a son of Emanuel Sipes, who
resided at Sipes' Mills, Fulton County.  When Uriah Sipes reached manhood he
went to Williamsburg and there learned the marble cutting trade and while
there married Rebecca Williams of that place. Several years later he moved to
Hollidaysburg and some years afterward, to Martinsburg, and early in the
fifties engaged in the monument business in which he continued until he
retired, when he was succeeded by his two sons, Robert H. and Eugene A. 
Uriah Sipes was a man of excellent business faculty and was also a valued
citizen, a Democrat in politics and for a number of years a justice of the
peace. His death occurred April 1, 1907, his widow surviving until April 25,
1910.
     Eugene A. Sipes was reared and educated at Martinsburg and after leaving
school entered his father's shop and learned the monument making business.
When the father retired, with his brother he succeeded to a business which
has been continuously carried on for over sixty years. All through Blair
County may be found beautiful and appropriate specimens of the work done by
this firm, both its age and reliability bringing custom.
     Mr. Sipes married Miss Justina Zook, a daughter of Frederick A. Zook,
residing on Yellow Creek, in Bedford County, and they have one son, Clifford
E. Mr. and Mrs. Sipes are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his
political views he is a Democrat. In February, 1907, he was elected a justice
of the peace, for a term of five years, assuming his duties in May, following,
and has proved an admirable and satisfying public official.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 537-538.

ISAAC SLIPPEY, the owner of 116 acres of valuable farm land situated in
Frankstown Township, Blair County, Pa., was born in this township, February
19, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Nancy (Shade) Slippey. The father was a
millwright. Both he and wife are now deceased. They were worthy people in
every way, good neighbors and good examples and were members of the Lutheran
church. Their burial was in the Geeseytown Cemetery. Their children were:
William A., Clarence, Isaac, Catherine and Blair.  Catherine, who is
deceased, was the wife of William Ritz.
     Isaac Slippey attended the country schools with his sister and brothers
and afterward worked for a time on a farm but subsequently learned the
carpenter trade which he continued to follow for some thirty years. For
twenty-six years of this time he was employed in the car shops in Altoona. In
1902 he purchased his farm from the other Slippey heirs and has carried on a
general farming line ever since and has had no reason to regret his change of
occupation and environment.
     In 1889, Mr. Slippey was married to Miss Mary Blanche Crawford, a
daughter of Henry and Mary Crawford, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Crawford
was a carpenter. The parents of Mrs. Slippey had the following children:
Jane, who married Michael Geesey; Sarah, who married John Robinson; Mary
Blanche, who is Mrs. Slippey; George; Ellen, who is deceased; Addie, who
married Harry Harpster; and Lilly. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Slippey - Edward, Walter and Mary, and all remained at home until April,
1910, when Edward joined the U. S. Navy and will probably see many parts of
the world before he returns again to the home roof. Mr. Slippey is a
Republican in his political views. With his wife he belongs to the Lutheran
church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 747.

JOSEPH BLAIR SLIPPEY, a well known farmer of Frankstown Township, Blair
County, Pa., who resides on and operates a farm of fifty-two acres, was born
in this township, October 24, 1859, and is a son of Joseph and Nancy (Shade)
Slippey, members of old township families. They had five children: William,
Clarence, Isaac, Catherine and Joseph Blair. Catherine married William Ritz.
     Joseph Blair Slippey attended the township schools in boyhood. His whole
subsequent life has been devoted to farm pursuits. He rents his present farm
from Samuel Rhodus and through his careful methods makes it a very productive
property.
     Mr. Slippey was married in September, 1886, to Miss Ella McKindry, a
daughter of Joseph and Susan (Scott) McKindry. They are among the old
settlers of the township. Mrs. Slippey is the youngest of their children, the
others being: Thomas, Mary, Alexander, Catherine, William, Jennie and Warren.
To Mr. and Mrs. Slippey seven children have been born, namely: Chester,
Irvin, Roy, Mabel, Clair, Ernest and Lola. Mr. Slippey and family belong to
the Lutheran church. He is a Republican in politics and has served as
township supervisor.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 533.

J. B. SMALL, who, with Frank Meintel, is the owner of the Hotel Antler, at
Gaysport, Pa., was born October 15, 1865, at Mont Alta, Franklin County, Pa.,
and is a son of H. Matthew and Annie E. Small, the latter of whom died May 21,
1909.
     H. Matthew Small is a native of Franklin County, Pa., and is now a
resident of Mont Alta, Pa., where for the past thirty years he has been
serving as a justice of the peace. He also deals extensively in flour, feed,
implements, etc. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. Mr.
Small is the father of the following children: John Benton, who is the
subject of this record; A. Dickson, who is employed by the Western Paper Box
Manufacturing Company; Agnes, who is the wife of J. B. Smith, who is a
merchant; Romane, who is a resident of Mont Alta, Pa.; Laura M.; Charles W.,
who is engaged in the livery business at Mont Alta; and Robert, who is a
blacksmith.
     John Benton Small was reared in Mont Alta and obtained his education in
the schools of that borough, and the Chambersburg Academy, and the Cumberland
Valley Normal, and is also a graduate of the Central State Normal, at Lock
Haven, Pa. He was president of his class during the term 1888-1889, and after
completing his education taught seven years in Franklin County. He was then
employed for a short time as a bookkeeper for C. A. Mitchell, a produce
dealer at Johnston, Pa., and for years afterward was proprietor of the
Mansion House, at Johnstown. Later he removed to Altoona, Pa., where he was
employed by Andrew Engle for two years. In 1902 he came to Hollidaysburg and
leased the old Kellerman House for five years, and in 1906, in partnership
with Mr. Meintel, built the Hotel Antler, which is a brick structure
containing twenty bed rooms, and has operated same since its completion as a
$1.25-day house.
     On October 12, 1893, Mr. Small was united in marriage with Agnes B.
Pousse, who was born in Saxony, Germany, and at the age of thirteen years
came to this country with her parents. Of their union have been born the
following children: Phyllis, Una, Edith, and Karl M.  Mr. Small has been a
lifelong Democrat and is now serving his ninth year as a member of the school
board of Gaysport, and also is a justice of the peace. He was a candidate on
the Democratic ticket, in 1910, for the state legislature from the Second
District. Mr. Small is fraternally a member of the K. of P., Logan Lodge, of
Altoona, also of the Red Men and F. O. E., of Altoona, and is a member of the
United Brethren church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 584.

RAYMOND FRED SMELTZER, one of the leading druggists and enterprising business
men of Williamsburg, Pa., was born May 12, 1883 at Altoona, Pa., and is a son
of Ferdinand and Anna L. (McConnell) Smeltzer, and a grandson of Peter
Smeltzer.
     Ferdinand Smeltzer came to Blair county from Cambria County, Pa., and
located at Altoona, where he is now engaged in shoemaking, but was formerly
an employee of the Pennsylvania railroad for many years. His religious
connection is with the Catholic Church, and he is politically identified with
the Democratic party. His union with Anna L. McConnell resulted in the
following issue: Charles, Anna, Mary, Edward, Joseph, Catherine, and Raymond
F., our subject.
     Raymond F. Smeltzer spent his boyhood in Altoona, and was educated at
the St. John Parochial School and the High School of this city. He also
studied pharmacy in Altoona, and was first employed in the A. F. Shomberg
drug store. He passed the examination at Williamsburg and also passed as a
registered druggist at Pittsburg, and in 1904 embarked in the drug business
at Williamsburg, where he has since been continuously and successfully
engaged in that business. Mr. Smeltzer is politically a Republican, and is
fraternally a member of the M. W. of A. of Williamsburg. His religious
connection is with the Catholic Church.
     In May, 1905, Mr. Smeltzer was united in marriage with Eva M. Brookbank,
whose parents had the following children: Clemmentine, who is the wife of
William Lingenfelter of South Fork; Ernest; Lila, who is a nurse at the
Morristown State Hospital; and Eva M.  Mr. and Mrs. Smeltzer have two sons;
Raymond Frederick, Jr., and Sterling Brockbank. The religious connection of
the family is with the Catholic Church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 867-868.

A. B. SMITH, D. O., who has been successfully engaged in the practice of
osteopathy and neurology at Altoona, Pa., for the past three years, is a
native of New York State, where he was reared to maturity. He obtained his
elementary schooling at Ithaca, N. Y., and in 1904 was graduated from the
McCormack Neurological College at Chicago, being subsequently engaged in
neurological practice in New York state for about a year. He then took a
course in the Union College of Osteopathy at Wheeling, W. Va., and after his
graduation therefrom practiced osteopathy for one year in Wheeling,
subsequently or about 1906 -coming to Altoona, Pa., where he has since been
successfully engaged in the practice of osteopathy and neurology.
     The science of osteopathy was founded on the philosophy that disease was
caused by the incoordination of the system in some or all of its parts,
wherein the muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones were out of alignment,
exerting undue pressure upon the nervous system and the fluid-carrying
vessels, thus causing inharmony in the body. The treatment by osteopathy
consists of a series of physical manipulations designed to restore harmony
throughout the body without the use of drugs; and this system of treatment
has been found adequate in the cure of disease.
     Dr. Smith is also a member of the Association of Independent Doctors of
Chicago, and in addition to his practice is interested in sundry flourishing
business enterprises. He is a member of the Masonic order, and his religious
affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church. He has proved himself
an active and useful member of the community with which he has cast his lot
and has won the regard of his fellow citizens with whom he has come into
contact.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 729.

ELI D. SMITH, one of Huston Township's prominent and reliable men, who is now
filling the office of township assessor, to which he was elected on the
Democratic ticket, was born May 2, 1857, on the farm of 200 acres which he
owns and resides on, this being one of the old and valuable properties of
Huston Township, Blair County, Pa.  His parents were Jacob B. and Susan
(Dilling) Smith.
     Jacob B. Smith was a lifelong resident of Huston Township. His father,
John Smith, came very early to this section, settling on the farm which has
descended from father to son for several generations. Jacob B. Smith followed
agricultural pursuits. He was a Democrat in politics and at times served in
township offices but he was a quiet, home-loving man and found his greatest
happiness in attending to his daily duties and providing for the comfort of
his family. He married Susan Dilling, who was also a native of Huston
Township, and of their children the following survive: David D., Jacob D. and
Eli D., all residing in Huston Township; Henry, residing at Martinsburg; John
D., living in Huston Township; and Elizabeth D., wife of Aaron B. Mock, of
Martinsburg. Jacob B. Smith and wife were members of the Church of the
Brethren.
     Eli D. Smith was reared on his present farm and since boyhood has taken
part in its cultivation. This large estate is known as Smithfield Farm and he
devotes it to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Smith was educated in the
public schools of Huston Township, and like his late father has always taken a
deep interest in them. He has served in many public offices and for six years
was tax collector of the township, is serving in his second term as assessor,
has also been auditor and judge of elections and for seven years was a justice
of the peace. This prominence speaks for itself as a proof of the confidence
in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
     Mr. Smith was married to Miss Sallie Likens, who was born at Mine,
Huston Township, a daughter of Isaac Likens, a well known citizen in former
days. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have thirteen children, namely: Clarence L. and
Eldie L., who live in Huston Township; Mary L., who is the wife of Samuel
Brumbaugh, of Huston Township; Lucy, who is the wife of Sanford Rhodes, of
Huston Township; and Allen, Heaster, Minnie, Olney, Aman, Denver, Beulah,
Gertrude and Robert.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 547-548.

FOREST VAN SMITH, who conducts an automobile garage and a repair shop for all
kinds of machinery, at Tyrone, Pa., has been a resident of this borough since
December 4, 1900, and has built up a fine business. He was born June 1, 1875,
at Mountaindale, Cambria County, Pa., and is a son of Marion G. and Sarah E.
(Ross) Smith.
     Marion G. Smith, who died in 1890, was filling the position of yard
foreman for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Bellwood. He married Sarah
E. Ross, who survives, with three sons and one daughter, namely: Forest Van;
George E., of Tyrone; Wellington, employed in the shops of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, at Eldorado; Bertha May, wife of Alfred Peterman, an
engineer on the P. & N. W. Railroad. Three sons and three daughters of the
late Marion G. Smith are deceased.
     Forest Van Smith accompanied his parents to Blair County in 1885. He
attended school at Bellwood until he was old enough to enter the shops of the
Bellwood Electric Company and he was employed there when the first trucks for
the Altoona trolley line were built, in 1891. He worked in these shops for
three and one-half years and then went for five more years with the P. & N.
W. Railroad shops, when he accepted a position on the W. Va. Central
Railroad, at Elkins, W. Va. In December, 1900, he came to Tyrone and entered
the Tyrone Foundry and Machine Company shops, where he remained until
December, 1909, when he embarked in business for himself, under the name of
the Keystone Motor Car Company. He has a large equipment of motor cars for
rent and does all kinds of repairing of machinery and deals also in
automobile supplies. As yet, Mr. Smith has a pretty clear field in his line
and is so thoroughly competent that there is every probability that he will
continue his leadership.
     In 1898 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Elizabeth Lovengood, a daughter of
Dr. W. Y. Lovengood, of Bellwood, and they have three children: Marion
Elizabeth, Harriet and Walter Van. Mr. Smith and family attend the Methodist
Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he is
identified with the Knights of Pythias and with the Heptasophs, both of
Altoona.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 930.

GEORGE W. SMITH, M. D., deceased, for many years occupied a prominent
position in the medical fraternity at Hollidaysburg, and stood high in the
affections of the people who had benefited through his care and skill and
whose hours of pain and sickness had been cheered and alleviated by his
helpful and genial presence.
     Dr. Smith was graduated in 1862 from the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania and in the same year located at Hollidaysburg,
which place continued to be his home through the succeeding years of his busy
and useful life. He identified himself with the leading medical organizations,
including the Blair County Medical Society, the American Medical Association,
and the Academy of Medicine and Surgery at Altoona. His ability, learning,
and professional enthusiasm brought him frequent and public recognition, and
his name was closely associated with the progress of medical science,
particularly in western Pennsylvania. He was a prominent Free Mason, having
been identified with the fraternity from early manhood. During the Civil War
he served as assistant surgeon of the 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
for one year, being then appointed a member of the U. S. Board of Examining
Surgeons at Altoona, Pa. He attended to the duties of this office without
changing his place of residence.
     Dr. Smith was married first to Miss Elizabeth T. McCune, who died in
1871, survived by four children: Ida, Mac, George, and Lillian. In 1874, Dr.
Smith was married to Miss Eliza B. Calvin, who survives him. She is a
daughter of the late Hon. Samuel Calvin. To this marriage three children were
born, namely: Rebecca, whose death occurred May 19, 1909, and who was the wife
of Albert C. Steck, a prominent attorney of Ottumwa, Iowa; Mary, the wife of
Frank McFarland, who is in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at
Hollidaysburg; and Samuel Calvin, who is a very prominent physician of
Hollidaysburg, with a residence and office on Allegheny Street.
     Dr. Samuel C. Smith is a graduate of Bucknell University and of
Jefferson Medical College, taking honors at the latter institution. He
married Miss Louise Warriner, the daughter of Rev. E. A. Warriner, for forty
years rector of the Episcopal church at Montrose, Pa. Mrs. George W. Smith
resides in a beautiful home at No. 208 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg. She
is a lady who has many friends among the best society of the place.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 791.

GUY H. SMITH, a progressive and successful farmer of Frankstown Township,
Blair County, Pa., who is the competent manager of all of the home farm of
250 acres which is tillable, was born on this place, January 10, 1871, and is
a son of William C. and Angeline (McKenzie) Smith.
     William C. Smith, who is one of Frankstown's substantial men, owns 577
acres of valuable land in this township, of which he is a native, born here
in September, 1846. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Brotherlin) Smith,
the former of whom was born in Frankstown Township in 1817. Samuel Smith was a
farmer all his life and was one of the reliable and responsible men of his day
and was made financial agent for the Government in handling funds in relation
to drafted men during the Civil War. He was a staunch Presbyterian and a
liberal member of the church. The Smith family came originally from Scotland
and in the person of James Smith, settled in Blair County in 1787.
     William C. Smith attended the district schools and spent one term at
Juniata Academy, and then turned his attention to farming and became
interested also in the sawmill industry. Industry and good judgment have been
elements in bringing about his financial independence, while honesty and
probity have made him a citizen worthy of the high esteem in which he is held
by his fellow citizens. Like his father and grandfather, he is a member of the
Presbyterian church. In 1869 he married Angeline, a daughter of Hamilton and
Angeline McKenzie, who came from Beaver County, Pa., to Blair County, in
1865. Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie had the following children: Cornelia, who is the
widow of Thomas Jackson; Margaret. who is the wife of W. J. Moore; Anna,
deceased, who was the wife of William Wilson; Alvin and Thomas, both of whom
are deceased; Emeline, who is the widow of M. M. More; James, and Angeline,
who is Mrs. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons: Guy H., and Samuel
Chester, both being farmers.
     Guy H. Smith was educated in the public schools and at Dickinson
Seminary, at Williamsport, Pa., for one term, after which he went into the
grocery business at Altoona, where he continued for six years. He then became
interested with his father in buying timber and manufacturing lumber, sawing
for the railroads. In 1907 he took upon himself his present responsibilities
and since then has confined himself closely to agricultural activities.
     On September 18, 1901, Mr. Smith was married to Susan Olive Stewart, who
is a daughter of Angus and Ruth (Robinson) Stewart, and they have one son,
William Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Presbyterian church at
Hollidaysburg. In politics he is a Republican. He served two terms acceptably
to his fellow citizens in the office of tax collector and one term in that of
mercantile appraiser.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 847-848.

JACOB D. SMITH, one of Huston Township's well known citizens and substantial
and practical farmers, owns 125 acres of valuable land which he devotes to
general agriculture. He was born in Huston Township, Blair County, Pa.,
February 11, 1842, and is a son of Jacob B. and Susan (Dilling) Smith.
     Jacob B. Smith and wife were both born in Huston Township, the Smith and
Dilling families being old and honorable ones here for several generations.
Jacob B. Smith was a son of John and Christena (Brumbaugh) Smith, also of
Huston Township. His business was farming and stockraising and with industry
and prudence he became the owner of six ordinary farms. He was much respected
by his fellow citizens and they elected him to township offices on many
occasions.
     Jacob D. Smith was reared in Huston Township and attended the country
schools. He has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits for many years but
in early manhood he worked for a time in a rolling-mill at Pittsburg. In
politics, like his late father, he is a Democrat, but he is not a politician
nor a seeker for office. During his life since boyhood he has seen marked
changes take place in Huston Township and some of the old families have
entirely disappeared and their farms are owned by later settlers.  Mr. Smith
is hospitable and a visit to his well cultivated farm and a view of his fine
stock are enjoyable experiences.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 774-775.

JAMES W. SMITH, a member of the borough council of Roaring Spring, Pa., and a
leading citizen of the place, being interested in a number of its foremost
industries, is superintendent of the Roaring Spring Blank Book Company plant.
He was born in Huston Township, Blair County, Pa., December 30, 1870, and is a
son of George D. Smith, who was a substantial farmer of Huston Township for
many years, and a prominent citizen in his community, serving on the school
board and active in township affairs. When he died a few years ago his fellow
citizens mourned the loss of a worthy man.
     James W. Smith remained on the home farm until he was sixteen years of
age and attended the public schools of Huston Township. He came then to
Roaring Spring and entered the employ of the Roaring Spring Blank Book
Company, and has been identified with this concern ever since. He is
interested in the same as a stockholder and has a practical, working
knowledge of every department, having won promotion from the bottom until he
has become superintendent of the whole plant. Mr. Smith is one of the
borough's most interested and public spirited citizens. For three years he
served as auditor and in the spring of 1910 was elected a member of the
borough council, in which body his advice and business judgment prove very
valuable. In politics he is a Republican, but has independent proclivities.
     Mr. Smith married Miss Eliza Garver, a daughter of Samuel Garver, of
Roaring Spring, and they have had four children, two of whom, James R. and
Mary E., are living, while twin sons are deceased. They were the eldest born
and were named Arthur and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church at Roaring Spring, and he is serving as a trustee
of the same.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 707.

THADDEUS W. SMITH, a leading citizen and president of the board of auditors
of Taylor Township, Blair County, Pa., was born in this township, October 5,
1860, and is a son of Andrew and Emma (Wilderson) Smith, who are aged and
highly respected residents.
     Andrew Smith was born in Huston Township, Blair County, and is now in
his eighty-sixth year. When he was thirteen years of age his parents moved
into Taylor Township and he has resided here ever since, engaging in farming
during his active years. He married Emma Wilderson, who was born in 1834, in
Franklin County, Pa., and still is active in mind and body.
     Thaddeus W. Smith was reared on a farm and has been more or less
connected with farm life ever since. For twelve years he was employed in the
railroad shops of the Pennsylvania system, at Altoona. He has always taken
much interest in public matters, believing that the general welfare depends
to a large degree on people being well informed as to the duties of
citizenship and willing to assume responsibilities when called on to do so.
He is a Republican in political sentiment and has been elected to numerous
township offices, serving two terms as road supervisor and also as auditor.
He is recognized as one of the township's most progressive and well meaning
men.
     On February 16, 1888, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Susan R. Snowberger,
a daughter of John B. Snowberger, of Taylor Township. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are
members of the Lutheran church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 813.

DANIEL AND SAMUEL SNIVELY, progressive farmers and enterprising citizens of
Woodbury Township, Blair County, Pa., reside on a tract of ninety-one acres,
and were born on this farm, which they own in partnership, and are sons of
Christian and Barbara (Bayer) Snively.
     Christian Snively was a farmer by occupation and was a native of Blair
County, Pa., having been born on the farm above mentioned. His wife was a
native of Washington County, Md. After the Civil War he became identified
with the Republican party. The religious convictions of the family was with
the River Brethren church. Seven children were born to Christian and Barbara
Snively: Benjamin; Daniel; Samuel; Mary A., who is the wife of Samuel Sparr;
George A., who lives at Denver, Col.; Elizabeth; and Susan; who, died, aged
seventeen years.
     Daniel Snively was born January 16, 1846, and Samuel Snively was born
December 25, 1847. Both were educated in the district schools of Woodbury
Township. In the fall of 1864, when eighteen years of age, Daniel enlisted in
Co. B, 208th Pa. Inf., and served until the close of the war, and then
returned to the farm and has followed farming here ever since, he and Samuel
having purchased the home farm from the other heirs of the estate. Both
Samuel and Daniel Snively are Republicans in politics, the latter having
served as supervisor of this township. Daniel is a member of the G. A. R.,
Post Robert M. Johnston No. 464, of Williamsburg, and is also a member of the
Grange.
     In 1870 Daniel Snively married Mary A. Sorrick, a daughter of George and
Nancy (Cromer) Sorrick, who were among the early settlers of Blair County, the
family having been established here more than 100 years ago, and is one of the
following children born to her parents: J. C.; A. C.; Sarah J., who is the
wife of William Richardson; Alice, who married E. H. Rhule; and Mary (Mrs.
Snively). Mr. and Mrs. Snively reared the following children: Orville C.,
Austin C., Herman and Lula F., who married Elmer Treese, and has one son,
Lester. Mrs. Snively died September 20, 1899. The family attends the Lutheran
church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 681-682.

JOSEPH B. SNIVELY, proprietor of one of the leading furniture and undertaking
establishments of Williamsburg, Pa., is also a stockholder and director of the
Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of this borough, and comes of one of the old
established families of the county.  He was born August 16, 1849, in Blair
County, Pa., and is a son of David and Hannah (Bayer) Snively, who were also
natives of Blair County.  The family originally came from Germany and was
established in Blair County more than one hundred years ago, the old
homestead, which has been in the family for 115 years, having been purchased
from a Capt. Phillips.
     David Snively was a son of Jacob Snively, and was a farmer and miller
all his life. He was politically an adherent of the Republican party. He and
wife were members of the River Brethren church. Of his union with Hannah
Bayer were born the following children: Susan, deceased; Joseph B.;
Elizabeth, wife of William Lower; Sarah, deceased; Barbara; George; Jacob,
deceased; Hiram, deceased; Catherine, wife of Walter Worley; and Myra, who is
the wife of George Batzell.
     Joseph B. Snively was reared to manhood and educated in the county, and
became a miller by trade, having followed that business for a number of
years. Since June 14, 1898, he has been proprietor of his present furniture
and undertaking establishment, which occupies three ground floors and two
rooms upstairs.
     In March, 1868, Mr. Snively was united in marriage with Miss Sarah
Henderson, a daughter of George and Jane (Roller) Henderson, who were well
known farmers of Blair County, and of their union were born the following
children: David R.; Cora; Howard O.; Gertrude, who is the wife of Anderson
Fay; Frank Melvin; and Daisy. Mr. Snively is politically a Republican and has
served one terns on the town council, and one term as supervisor.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 845-846.

FRED S. SNOBERGER, one of the best known citizens of Blair Township, Blair
County, Pa., who has served in the office of tax collector for twenty years,
settled on his present farm of forty acres in 1890 and devotes it to general
farming. He was born in Taylor Township, Blair County, September 20, 1855,
and is a son of John M. and Rebecca (Shiffler) Snoberger.
     John M. Snoberger was born in Taylor Township and spent practically all
his life in Blair County, where his father, Frederick Snoberger, was a very
early settler. John M. Snoberger died March 1, 1905. He was a Republican in
politics and was held in general esteem by his fellow citizens, who elected
him road supervisor for a number of years. He married Rebecca Shiffler, who
was also born in Blair County, and of their family of children, the following
survive: Fred S.; Abraham L., who lives near Williamsburg, Pa.; William, who
lives at Lakemont, Pa.; Andrew, who lives at Altoona; Davalt; Elizabeth, who
is the wife of Thomas Whalen, of Blair Township; Susan, who is the wife of
Joseph Green, of McKees, Pa.; Barbara, who is the wife of Charles Baker, of
Taylor Township; Rachel, who is the wife of David Eversole, of Taylor
Township.
     Fred S. Snoberger grew to manhood in Taylor Township and obtained his
education there. He was married on February 19, 1880, to Miss Maria L.
Weaver, who was born in Blair Township, a daughter of George and Grace
(Ingram) Weaver, the former of whom is deceased. The mother of Mrs. Snoberger
was born in Chester County, Pa., but has spent the larger part of her life in
Blair County. Mr. and Mrs. Snoberger have had three children: Mary G., Olive
R. and Angus, the last named being now deceased. They are members of the
Presbyterian church at Hollidaysburg. In politics he is a Republican. He
served three years as supervisor of Blair Township and frequently as school
director beside his long period of continuous service as tax collector.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 743.

THEODORE D. SNOEBERGER, of the firm of Gorsuch & Snoeberger, at Martinsburg,
Pa., founders and machinists, manufacturers of all kinds of castings, farm
implements, etc., and dealers in pumps and fixtures, iron pipe, fittings,
valves, engine and cylinder oils, making a specialty of heating and plumbing,
is one of the representative business men of this place. He was born in Taylor
Township, Blair County, Pa., December 11, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and
Hannah (Deeter) Snoeberger. The former was a native of Bedford County and the
latter of Blair County.
     Theodore D. Snoeberger is a true example of a self-made man. He was only
four years old when his father died and when nine years of age he left the
shelter which had been his home and went to earn his own living. Farmers in
the neighborhood were glad to have the services of a bright and willing lad
in return for board and clothes, and so capable did he prove himself that by
the time he was twelve years of age he was able to secure wages, which he in
large part devoted to taking care of his mother whom he provided for
thenceforward until her death in the nineties. He has one surviving brother,
Daniel T., who is also a resident of Martinsburg. When he was twenty-one
years old, Mr. Snoeberger started to learn the carpenter trade and served an
apprenticeship of three years and for a long time afterward worked as a
carpenter and developed into a builder and contractor. Later he became
interested in the foundry and machine business and has worked alone and also
with partners, at Martinsburg, since 1874. The present firm of Gorsuch &
Snoeberger was organized in June, 1909. A large amount of business is done by
this firm in their various lines. Mr. Snoeberger is so well and favorably
known to his fellow citizens that many large contracts that might otherwise
have been placed with houses of reputation in larger cities, have been
entrusted to him and have been satisfactorily completed. Mr. Snoeberger was
married to Miss Hannah Smouse, a native of Bedford County, and they have one
daughter, Ada, who resides with her parents. Mr. Snoeberger and family are
members of the Brethren church.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 869.

DAVID G. SNYDER, a highly respected citizen of Taylor Township, Blair County,
Pa., who has resided on his valuable farm of seventy-two acres since the
spring of 1909, was born in South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, Pa.,
April 29, 1860, and is a son of Jacob U., and a grandson of John Snyder, the
latter of whom settled in Snake Spring Township, Bedford County, at an early
date. The parents of Mr. Snyder died in Bedford County.
     David G. Snyder grew to the age of fourteen years in South Woodbury
Township and had school privileges there, and then made his way to Yakima
Valley, in the State of Washington. Finding no favorable opening there for a
youth without capital, he returned to the East and after reaching Altoona,
Pa., learned the baking trade and followed the business for two years and
then came to Taylor Township and embarked in farming and stock raising. He is
a broad-minded, intelligent, thinking man and has always taken an interest in
educational matters and served for eight years as a school director in South
Woodbury Township and during a portion of the time was treasurer of the
school fund. Other local offices that he held there were inspector and judge
of elections. In all public positions he has given satisfaction because he
has performed his duties carefully and honestly. He casts his vote with the
Democratic party.
     Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Ella Kajarise, who was born in Bedford
County, and is a daughter of Samuel Kajarise, who now resides at Altoona. Mr.
and Mrs. Snyder have had six children: Claude, Charles R., Corinne F., Ruth
H., Hervey and Charity, the two last named being deceased. Mr. Snyder and
wife are members of the Brethren church at Altoona. Mr. Snyder made his own
way in the world, in youth having no influential friends to give him
assistance and inheriting neither money nor land, nevertheless the record of
his life shows that industry and honesty, fidelity and perseverance are
pretty sure to bring their reward.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 526.

JOHN M. SNYDER, who is engaged in the practice of law at Hollidaysburg, Pa.,
has been a resident of this city for thirty years. He was born at Junction
City, Kans., and was brought here by his parents in early youth. The late
Harrison H. Snyder, father of John M., was a very prominent citizen of Blair
County for many years. He was born here in 1837; in early manhood was
admitted to the bar. During the time of his residence in Kansas, he was
county attorney of Geary County and the noted "Wild Bill" was his chief
marshal. Mr. Snyder served as a soldier in the Civil War for three years,
being a member of the 62nd Pa. Vol. Inf. His death occurred in 1891.
     John M. Snyder was practically reared in Blair County and after
attending through the public school course he entered Lafayette College, at
Easton, Pa., where he was graduated with the class of 1894. He then studied
law with W. I. Woodcock and was admitted to the bar in 1896, and at present
is a practitioner in both the courts of the state and in the Federal courts.
As business opportunities have presented themselves, Mr. Snyder has
frequently taken advantage of them and is concerned with a number of
enterprises, officially and as a stockholder. He is vice president of the
Olanta Coal Mining Company; is president of the Thermic Coal and Supply
Company, of Hollidaysburg; and is a director of the First National Bank of
Williamsburg.
     In 1906, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Loretta R. Brown, of Pittsburg,
and they have one child, Harrison Coleman. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of
St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Altoona. He is prominent in Masonry and is past
master of Juniata Lodge, F. & A. M.; past high priest of the Chapter and a
member of Mountain Commandery, at Altoona, and of Jaffa Temple, Mystic
Shrine, also at Altoona. Mr. Snyder can claim the ancestry which entitles him
to membership in the Sons of the Revolution and he is identified with this
order at Philadelphia.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 520.

JOHN M. SORRICK, who carries on general farming on a tract of 187 acres in
Woodbury Township, Blair County, Pa., has been a life-long resident of this
county. He was born August 24, 1848, at Yellow Springs, Pa., and is a son of
Valentine and Eva (Henry) Sorrick.
     Valentine Sorrick was a native of Blair County, and his wife was born in
York County, Pa. They were members of the Lutheran church, and he was
politically identified with the Democratic party. The following children were
born to Valentine and Eva Sorrick: Catherine, now deceased; Samuel, deceased;
Susan, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased wife of William Lower; Jacob H.; Mary,
deceased wife of Alfred Hancuff; Eva, deceased wife of William Piper;
Rebecca, wife of George Aurandt; David, deceased; and John M.
     John M. Sorrick was reared and educated in Blair County and has always
followed farming, having purchased his present farm, which is part of the old
Sorrick homestead, in 1883, from his father's heirs. He has erected a fine
modern home on the farm, and is recognized as one of the leading and
enterprising citizens of the township. He is politically a Democrat, and has
served as supervisor and school director of this township. He affiliates with
the Farmers' Grange, and his religious connection is with the Lutheran church.
     On December 31, 1874, Mr. Sorrick was joined in marriage with Alice
Shaffer, a daughter of Frederick and Angeline (Anderson) Shaffer, who were
well known farmers of Blair County. Of their union have been born the
following children: Mary, who is the wife of William Aurandt; Clara, the wife
of Isaiah Garner; Elmer; Ella, deceased wife of Howard Wertz; Samuel, Harvey,
John, Lloyd, and Frank.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 785.

HARRY A. SPARR, superintendent of the quarry operated by the Americas Steel
and Wire Company at Wert Station and a director of the Farmers and Merchants
National Bank of Williamsburg Pa., has been a resident of this borough for
many years. He was born October 16, 1868, in Blair County, Pa., and is the
only child born to Albert D. and Sarah (Gibboney) Sparr, who are now
residents of Williamsburg. His father was for many years engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and is politically a Republican. His religious
connection is with the Lutheran church.
     Harry A. Sparr was reared in his native county and after a common school
education began clerking in a general store at Coldforge, where he remained
five years. He also spent nine years as a clerk in a general store at
Williamsburg, and since 1900 has been superintendent of the American Steel
and Wire Company's quarry, which is located at Wert Station, and gives
employment to 150 men. Mr. Sparr is also one of the directors of the Farmers
and Merchants National Bank of Williamsburg. He is fraternally a member of
the Juniata Lodge of Masons at Hollidaysburg, the Knight Templars and the
Shrine at Altoona, and the Heptasophs of Williamsburg. In politics he is
identified with the Republican party, and is religiously a member of the
Lutheran church.
     In 1898 Mr. Sparr was joined in marriage with Grace A. Louden, who is a
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Jane Louden, who were well known
agriculturists of Woodbury Township. Mr. and Mrs. Louden were parents of the
following children: Marion; James; Lucinda, wife of J. H. Likens, who is
moral instructor at the Huntingdon Reformatory; Ella (Mrs. Eicholtz);
Margaret, who is the wife of David Spealman; Sadie, who married George
Spealman; Idela, an instructor in the schools at Huntingdon, Pa., and Grace
A., who is the wife of the subject of this sketch.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 828-829.

DAVID H. SPEALMAN, deceased, who was one of Frankstown Township's most
respected citizens and a very successful farmer and stock raiser, was born in
Frankstown Township, Blair County, Pa., April 16, 1862, and is a son of David
and Susan (Maughmer) Spealman. They had three children, namely: George M.,
Sallie, wife of Winfield Keesey; and Catherine, wife of William Davis.
     David H. Spealman grew to manhood on his father's farm and obtained a
common school education. He was naturally bright in intellect and easily
mastered his lessons at school and later just as easily comprehended the
practical details which served to make him more successful as a farmer and
stock raiser than many others. He not only had the knowledge but knew how to
apply it. For some time prior to 1900, when he came to the farm on which his
family still reside, he lived on his father-in-law's farm.
     Mr. Spealman was married April 9, 1884, to Miss Margaret Loudon, a
daughter of Thomas and Jane (McCauley) Loudon, both of whom are now deceased,
their burial being in Fairview Cemetery at Altoona. They were good people,
worthy members of the Lutheran church. The brothers and sisters of Mrs.
Spealman were as follows: Lucinda, wife of John H. Lykens; James A.; William
Marion; Ellen, wife of George M. Eichholtz; Sallie B., wife of George
Spealman; Idella, a popular school teacher at Huntingdon, Pa.; and Grace A.,
wife of Harry A. Spahr. Of the above family, Mrs. Spealman is the sixth in
order of birth.
     To Mr. and Mrs. Spealman four children were born, namely: Bessie A.;
Florence H., who is the wife of E. Reed Mentzer; Jean W., who is a student in
a preparatory school for teachers; and Hazel E. The death of Mr. Spealman,
which occurred March 16, 1909, was much regretted in the neighborhood where
he had spent his life. In every relation of life he was a man to be honored
and respected. He was a Republican in politics but, with the exception of
serving as school director one term, had never held office. He was a member
of the Lutheran church to which his family is also attached.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, p. 589.

JOHN A. SPRANKLE, whose death occurred June 19, 1902, in Philadelphia, Pa.,
for many years was a leading merchant at Altoona where he built up a great
business from small beginnings, founding it on the rock of business
integrity. For years he was recognized as one of Altoona's most enterprising
merchants as well as representative citizens. He was unusually broad minded,
was liberal in his charities and generous in his support of all movements
that, in his judgment, would prove beneficial to his city. He was born in
Morris Township, Huntingdon County, Pa., July 3, 1829, and was a son of
Benjamin and Elizabeth (Anderson) Sprankle.
     John Sprankle, grandfather of the late John A. Sprankle, was born in
Germany and came from there to Pennsylvania, being a very early settler in
Huntingdon County. On his pioneer farm in Morris Township was born his son,
Benjamin Sprankle, in 1806. The latter led an agricultural life, cleared the
homestead and added to its dimensions and lived into extreme old age, at the
time of his death being the most venerable resident of Morris Township. He
and wife were among the very early supporters of the Reformed church at
Alexander, Pa.
     John A. Sprankle was one of a family of ten children and grew into youth
on his father's farm. Other sons of the family carried on the necessary
agricultural operations while he went to the little settlement gathered
around Rockhill Furnace and became a clerk in the general store of Izett &
Wigton, at that point. Finding this work congenial he decided upon a
mercantile career and in 1853 came to Altoona, and for seven years afterward
was a clerk in the employ of Alexander McCormick of this place. By 1861 he
had accumulated and had at command sufficient capital to start a general
mercantile business for himself, opening up a small stock at first and in its
disposal making so many business friends and winning such substantial
patronage, that by 1864 he found himself compelled to increase his
accommodations. He then erected a commodious building on the corner of Ninth
Street and Eleventh Avenue, and there carried on a very large and prosperous
business for many years. He acquired other valuable property at Altoona, and
in 1872, a little less than twenty years after coming to this city,
practically without means, was able to erect what was considered the most
palatial private residence on the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad between
Pittsburg and Philadelphia. His widow resides alone in this beautiful
residence, which is situated at No. 1403 Ninth Street, her surroundings being
all that taste and wealth can supply.
     In 1857, Mr. Sprankle was married to Miss Eliza A. McKnight, whose
father was the late Robert McKnight. For many years Mr. Sprankle was a member
of the First Presbyterian Church in which connection he was highly valued.
Mrs. Sprankle is also a member of this church and is likewise interested in
its various avenues of benevolence. In politics, Mr. Sprankle was a
Republican and was a zealous worker for many candidates of his party although
he invariably declined public office for himself.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 618-621.

HON. ANDREW S. STAYER, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of medicine and
surgery at Altoona, Pa., has long been eminent in his profession in Blair
County, and for years has also been prominently identified with other
interests vital to the progress and development of this section. He was born
on his father's estate in South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, Pa., May
21, 1848, and on the paternal side traces his ancestry to France and on the
maternal to Switzerland. His paternal great-grandfather accompanied General
Lafayette to America and served with him in the patriot army during the
Revolutionary War, afterward settling permanently in Bedford County, Pa. The
parents of Dr. Stayer are both deceased.
     Andrew S. Stayer made such good use of his educational opportunities in
his youth that by the time he was seventeen years of age, he had assimilated
enough book knowledge to be an acceptable teacher; and from that time on
until he began the serious study of medical science he alternated in teaching
school and attending the normal institute as a student. In 1870, when he began
attending medical lectures at the Michigan State University, he possessed a
well trained mind and one well stored with general knowledge.
     After another period spent in the office of his preceptor, Dr. Charles
Long, of South Woodbury, he entered Jefferson Medical College at
Philadelphia, from which justly famed institution he was graduated on March
12, 1873. He immediately located for practice at Roaring Springs, Blair
County, where, in the face of many discouragements, he finally won the
confidence of the public and there built up a large and substantial practice.
For many years he served as physician also for the outdoor paupers of Taylor
Township, and for ten years was a member of the school board. Realizing at
last, however, that his field of opportunity was too circumscribed where he
was situated, he surrendered the associations he had there formed, and coming
to Altoona, began anew the task of making himself a place and building up a
worthy name in a strange community. How thoroughly he has done this, his
fellow citizens well know. Not only has he won distinction in the ranks of
his chosen profession, but he has also achieved it in a wider field of action
- the arena of public politics.
     An active Republican, he was sent in 1880 as a senatorial delegate from
Blair and Cambria Counties to the Pennsylvania State Convention of the
Republican party that nominated James A. Garfield for the Presidency. In 1891
he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature and served until
1893. From April 5, 1879, until 1904, he was officially connected with the
Pennsylvania State Guards, being appointed by Governor Hoyt assistant surgeon
of the 5th infantry, and serving until February 12, 1880, when he was made
surgeon and served as such until April 29, 1883. On April 18, 1884, he was
appointed assistant surgeon and in the same month became surgeon, and through
subsequent appointments and promotions became major and surgeon of this
regiment. In 1904 Dr. Stayer was promoted to lieutenant colonel and chief
surgeon of the division and still holds that rank.
     Dr. Stayer has been a force in furthering educational legislation and
has long been a worker in church and Sunday school. His connection with Odd
Fellowship has been of long duration and of much importance. He has filled
the office of district deputy grand master in Blair County. In 1870 he joined
Cove Lodge No. 368 in Bedford County, into which he was initiated by J. I.
Noble. He also became a charter member of Archie Maxwell Lodge No. 145. He
was a charter member of Model Lodge No. 856, at Roaring Springs, and was its
first noble grand; and is also a charter member of Amicitia Lodge No. 775, of
Pattonsville, with which he continued to be identified until he moved to
Roaring Spring.
     In Masonry he is a Knight Templar and 32d degree Mason, belonging to
Portage Lodge, No. 220, F. & A. M., at Hollidaysburg; Woodbury Lodge, F. &.
A. M.; Hiram Lodge, No. 616, of which he is first worshipful master; of Mount
Moriah Chapter, No. 166, R. A. M., Hollidaysburg; of Mountain Commandery, No.
10, K. T., Altoona; and Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
which he is a past officer. He has been a member of the school board at
Altoona for ten years.
     On July 30, 1870, Dr. Stayer was married to Miss Rosa M. Brumbaugh, and
they have two sons and one daughter, the sons being named respectively, Edgar
Simon and Morrison Clay. Both have received the degree of A. B. and are
officers in the U. S. army. Dr. Stayer himself served in the Spanish-American
War, with the rank of major-surgeon of the 5th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Both
his sons were in the same regiment - one as a commissioned officer and the
other as a member of the hospital corps. Dr. Stayer's daughter, Clara Mabel,
is a graduate of Wellesley College, being especially well qualified in the
modern languages, botany, and landscape gardening.

Sell, Jesse C., Twentieth Century History of Altoona and Blair County,
Pennsylvania, and Representative Citizens, Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold,
1911, pp. 678-681.