BIOS: File 11 - Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair Co, PA: Samuel T. Wiley, Philadelphia, 1892. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Typing and proofreading by subscribers to the RootsWeb PABLAIR mailing list, as noted on individual transcriptions. Copyright 2001. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ Biographies in File 11, listing the page where they appear in the book: Bell, William, page 554 Burkholder, P.G., page 573 Coffman, Jane Gibson, page 590 Crawford, James, page 593 Davison, Capt. George C., page 555 Fisher, Isaac, page 592 Fleck, George, page 591 Forgeus, Rev. Solomon F., page 554 Halfpenny, Col. John, page 592 Harnish, William, page 466 Henshey, John, page 596 Holliday Family, page 594 Hoover, John B., page 467 McIntosh, Malcolm, page 593 Moffitt, Thomas F., page 588 Moore Family, page 589 Porter, John Lyon, page 558 Reem, Prof. William C., page 557 Rohrer, Hon. Jacob, page 595 Wheatley, William M., page 596 WILLIAM BELL who died in August 1877, was widely known and warmly esteemed as one of the most active and energetic members of this community. He was born in Dauphin county, and in early life was trained to be a mechanic. Studious application to his business and a natural aptitude for his calling led naturally to successful endeavors, and so in good time he rose to be a building contractor of more than ordinary importance. Upon taking a contract to construct what was known as "Crooked Dam" on the Juniata River (for canal purposes), in Blair county, he made his home in Williamsburg, and in the county resided ever after until his death. In the spring of 1839 he moved to the vicinity of Altoona, and devoted himself to farming pursuits. Upon the homestead he passed the remainder of his life, which in all it phases presented a wholesome influence and useful example. He lived to reach the age of seventy-six, his wife (Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Good) having preceded him to the "silent majority" by eleven years. He was among the formost workers in the Lutheran Church, and for forty-four years he was an active and zealous member therein, having, with his wife, joined the church (under Rev. Jacob Martin) in 1833, while living at Williamsburg. His religious faith was a model, and the ardent enthusiasm with which he devoted himself to church work a conspicuous illustration of that faith. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA USGenWeb archives by Janet Gray P. G. BURKHOLDER, an industrious and comfortably situated farmer of near Fostoria, is a son of John J. and Lydia (Trout) Burkholder, and was born at St. Clairsville, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1869. The Burkholder family has been resident of Bedford county for many years, and George Barkholder, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born and reared in that county, which he left in 1849 to settle in Antis township, this county, where he died at Elizabeth furnace. He learned the trade of millwright, which he followed until his death. He was a hard-working man, an old-line whig in politics, and married Hannah Smith, by whom he had twelve children, all of whom are dead but two: Henry, of Altoona, and Sarah, wife of Harrison Ammon, a farmer of Antis township. One of his sons, John J. Burkholder (father), was born near St. Clairsville, in Bedford county, in 1812, and came with his father to Blair county in 1849. He was a millwright by trade, and a republican in politics. He purchased a farm of fifty acres of land in Antis township, and followed farming and working at his trade until his death, which occurred August 31, 1886, when he was well advanced in the seventy-sixth year of his age. In 1837 he married Lydia Trout. To Mr. And Mrs. Burkholder was born a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters: Perry G., Margaret J., wife of Tony Mark, of Logan township; Henry; Lloyd, now dead; Mary E., wife of Norval Hock; a machinist of Bellview, this county; Thomas; Julia, now dead; Levanda, deceased; Martin, and Lloyd (2). Perry G. Burkholder grew to manhood on the farm, received his education in the common schools of Antis and Logan townships, and then was engaged in working on a farm until 1861, when he embarked in farming for himself, which he has followed continuously up to the present time. In 1880 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and eighty acres of land, near Fostoria, and which he brought into a fine state of cultivation and productiveness. He is an excellent farmer, and has been interested to some extent for the last few years in raising live stock, making a specialty of horses and cattle. Mr. Burkholder is a stanch republican in politics, and while not an extremist, yet always takes an active part in the interest of his party, and has served his township for several years as supervisor. Mr. Burkholder was united in marriage with Eliza J., daughter of James and Polly Mulholland, of Tipton, Antis township. Mrs. Burkholder died, and left two children: George and Frank. In 1866 Mr. Burkholder wedded again, and by his second marriage has five children, four sons and one daughter: Henry, of Altoona; Margaret, wife of Robert Hildeman, a carpenter of Altoona; William, of the same city; Walter, and Jabish. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Eileen JANE (GIBSON) COFFMAN, widow of Curtis Coffman (the latter a descendant of the old Coffman family of Blair county), is a daughter of James and Jane (Miller) Gibson, and was born in Scotch valley, Blair county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1826. Her paternal grandfather Gibson was one of the early settlers of the county, and had several narrow escapes from the Indians. He lived in those frontier days when the settler carried his trusty flint bock gun with him to the field to protect himself from the Indians, whose war parties frequently raided the settlements for plunder and scalps. Often when he or any of his neighbors would be called away for a few hours they would hide their children in the woods and cover them with leaves, where they would remain without making any noise until their parents' return. His son, James Gibson (father), was born near Frankstown, and removed, in 1857, to Reedsville, Indiana, where he died in 1864. He was a Lutheran in religion, and a republican in politics, and married Jane Miller, who is now dead. Mr. And Mrs. Coffman were the parents of nine children: Mary A., Catherine, William, Mrs. Jane Coffman, Elizabeth, James, Sarah, Jacob, and Agnes. Jane (Gibson) Coffman was reared to womanhood on her father's farm, and received her education in the subscription schools of that day. She was united in marriage with Curtis Coffman, who was born in 1809, in Juniata county. He came in early life to Franstown township, and by hard labor and careful management, in which he was ably assisted by his wife, he acquired a farm of eighty acres of well improved and very desirable land. He was a republican in politics, and died in 1876. To Mr. And Mrs. Coffman were born five children: James L., born December 14, 1855, married Annie Hetrick, and is engaged in the general mercantile business at Yellow Springs, of which place he is postmaster; Curtis, born in 1857, married Rebecca Keller, and is now engaged in farming; William B., born in 1859, is now engaged in cultivating the home farm; Banks, born in 1861; and Mary. Since her husband's death Mrs. Coffman has resided on the home farm, which she has managed very successfully. She has erected a good barn, and made many other useful and valuable improvements which have added greatly to the appearance and much to the value of the farm. Mrs. Coffman was a helpmeet in the true sense of the word to her late husband. She is pleasant and agreeable, and her children's happiness and prosperity are now her greatest care. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Eileen JAMES CRAWFORD came from Ireland some time before the revolutionary war in quest of a home. He settled, it is thought, in the eastern part of the State of Pennsylvania. He married a Miss Jordan, who was also a native of the Emerald Isle, and soon after moved to what was then Bedford county, and near where Hollidaysburg now stands, where he bought a tract of wild land. He made some improvements, and built a house, from which he was driven by the Indians, and compelled to take refuge in the fort. On his return he found only a bed of ashes where he had left a comfortable home. He next located near the village of Newry, in Huntingdon county, then Bedford, where he cleared and improved a farm, on which he died. William Crawford, son of James, was born on the Newry farm on the 4th day of May, 1786. Arrived at manhood, he married Miss Fannie Moore, and commenced life on his own account as a farmer. In 1829 he sold out and moved into Sinking valley, locating on the farm now owned by Reuben Fox, on which he died in 1833. They reared a family of eight sons and one daughter; their average height was six feet and a quarter of an inch, average weight two hundred and two pounds. Their third child, Robert Crawford, was born near Newry, September 3, 1818. He was eleven years of age when his father moved into Sinking valley, which from that time until his death was his permanent home, save three years in Canoe valley, and a season spent in traveling. His educations was, like the farmer boys of that time, such as could be obtained by a few weeks' attendance at the district schools during the winters of his early boyhood. On the 18th day of February, 1847, he was joined in marriage to Miss Mary Fleck, daughter of David and Mary (Ramey) Fleck. She was born in Sinking valley, December 24, 1826. Her grandfather, George Fleck, who was of German origin, was an early settler in the valley. He had a family of eight children, of whom David was the seventh. In 1843 Mr. Crawford went to Missouri, where his brother David had already gone, but, not liking the country, he returned to Sinking valley, making the entire distance on horseback. His start in life was made when but eighteen years of age, working on a farm at eight dollars per month during the summer. After his marriage he bought, in partnership with one of his brothers, a farm in the upper end of the valley. In 1849 he sold his share to his brother, and then for a couple of years worked at whatever he could get to do; then for three years worked a rented farm in Canoe valley. He then bought the farm now owned by John Isett, on which he remained eleven years, then sold out and bought the farm now owned by his heirs, and on which he died July 21, 1882. The farm was cleared when he bought it, and became, under his management, one of the fine farms for which the valley is noted, the buildings, fences, etc., being improvements made by him. He was a republican in politics, and held some of the township offices, but not at his request. For many years he was a member of the Lutheran church, and was many years an officer therein. He died full of years, mourned and regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were born the following children: Amanda J., died September 29, 1856; David W.; William, died January 29, 1852; Mary F., died June 21, 1853; Elizabeth, Olivia A., Luther F., John R., and Elmer. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns CAPT. GEORGE C. DAVISON is a well known architect, contractor and builder of the borough of Tyrone, and sole proprietor of the Tyrone Brick Works. He is the president of the Tyrone Industrial Company, recently organized for the purpose of carrying on manufacturing enterprises of various kinds in that city, and is an active, far-seeing business man, possessed of executive ability. He is a son of John A. and Ellen (Dunlap) Davison, and was born at Tyrone Forges, Blair county, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1845. His paternal grandfather was John Davison, an ironmaster, of Cecil county, Maryland, who failed in business during the trying times that resulted from our second war with Great Britain, and in 1814 removed from Maryland to Tyrone Forges, this county, where he is entered the employ of Lyon, Shorb & Co., and superintended the erection of the machinery in their slitting mill and nail factory. He was a whig in politics. He served as captain of a company of Maryland volunteers during the War of 1812. He died at Tyrone Forges about 1820. His wife was a Miss Armstrong and they reared a family of six children, two sons and four daughters. John A. Davison (father) was born in Cecil county, Maryland in 1803, but while yet a lad came with his father's family to Tyrone Forges, this county. He passed nearly all his life in this county, and died on his farm, west of Tyrone in 1876. He was the first machine nail cutter in central Pennsylvania, and operated the first nail machine ever set up in this section, working under the superintendence of his father, and in the employ of Lyon, Shorb & Co., at Tyrone Forges. He remained with that firm until 1848, acting as forge carpenter, weighmaster, etc. In 1848 he purchased a small farm in Snyder township, where he resided until his death in 1876. He was a whig and later a republican in politics, and served as school director, tax collector, supervisor, and justice of the peace. He held the latter office for a period of fifteen years in succession, and was elected for another term, but declined to serve. He was a man of high moral character and strict rectitude in all his dealings. He married Ellen Dunlap in 1829, and to their union was born a family of eleven children, six sons (two of whom died in childhood) and five daughters. Mrs. Davison was a native of Barree, Huntingdon county, this state, born in 1807 and died in Tyrone, October 12, 1889. She was a very capable woman and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than seventy years. Capt. George C. Davison was reared on his father's farm near Tyrone, accustomed to hard work during the summer, and attending school during the winter. He was an apt student, and acquired a good English education in the common schools of his native place. In 1862, when he was only seventeen years of age, his young mind became imbued with military ardor, and leaving the farm, he enlisted at Tyrone in Co. A, 125th Pennsylvania Infantry, and served with that company until May 1863, when he was discharged at Harrisburg. At the Battle of Chancellorsville he was wounded and left on the field for dead, but finally revived, was taken to the hospital and recovered. In 1864 he reenlisted as a veteran in a Pennsylvania battery, and served in the campaign of that year, participating in all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac from Rapidan to Petersburg. He was knocked down by the explosion of a shell at the Battle of Cold Harbor, and received a contused wound in the right forearm at the storming of the works before Petersburg. His battery was consolidated with the 2d Pennsylvania artillery in September 1864, and with that organization participated in the Battle of Chappen's Farm, north of James River and afterward held the line of fortifications at Bermuda Hundred until the evacuation of Richmond. After the surrender of Richmond this command was stationed in the city of Petersburg, Virginia until February 1866, and was mustered out of service at Philadelphia sometime during the following month. In 1875 he was commissioned captain of the National Guard of Centre county, this state, by Governor Hartranft, and served as such until September 1876, when he resigned and removed to Blair county, locating on the old homestead near Tyrone. In 1880 he moved into the borough of Tyrone, where he has since resided, and engaged extensively in contracting and building. He is also an architect of experience and ability, and a number of fine buildings in that place are built after plans originated by him. In addition to his other business, Captain Davison is sole proprietor of the Tyrone brick works. He has been successful in all business enterprises, and possesses good judgment and the energy necessary to make his mark in the business world. He is now serving as president of the Tyrone Industrial Company, recently organized for the purpose of carrying on manufacturing enterprises in that city. Politically he is a republican, very firm in his convictions and ardent in the support he gives his party. He has served as councilman of Tyrone. On December 29, 1868, Captain Davison was wedded to Westanna M. Jones of Tyrone, and to their union was born a family of five children, only two of whom now survive: Maude born September 17, 1870 and married William C. Grazier, a carpenter, residing in Tyrone; Oren J., born August 29, 1873, and died September 17, 1874; Viola, born May 1, 1875 deceased October 22, 1876; George L., born April 9, 1877 and passed from earth October 17, 1891; Leo P., born January 15, 1880. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Janet Gray ISAAC FISHER was a lawyer noted in the whole profession along the Juniata valley. In person, mind and manners he was peculiar. He was a member of the Huntingdon bar, and during the first years after the organization of the county attended all the courts. In person he was huge, weighing about three hundred pounds, generally neat in dress, seldom appearing in court without gloves; of very extensive reading, with no end of research in the particular case trial. He was the horror of the court, because of his unlimited citation of authorities. Always bland and respectful, but having a secret contempt for any lower one than the supreme court, he frequently said he would rather have one or two "good exceptions" in the court below than a verdict. He was a thorn in the side of Judge Burnside, and was about the only lawyer he was afraid of. While a law student Judge Black was present at the trial of several cases in which he was counsel. One case, between John Dougherty and Jack, Wigdon & Co., about the year 1853, was on trial. Mr. S. S. Blair and Mr. Fisher were counsel for Dougherty. A legal question arose during the trial, which was likely to prove disastrous to Dougherty's case. Mr. Blair was on his feet arguing the point with his usual force; the judge seemed to be against him, when Mr. Dougherty said, somewhat excitedly, to Fisher, "Why don't you say something, Mr. Fisher?" "Why, my dear sir," he replied, "whenever I attempt it, that young man of yours takes the words right out of my mouth." He was the man who, after the jury had rendered a verdict against him, and in face of the charge of the court, moved at once for a new trial, which was instantly granted, when he turned to the jury, who had not yet left the box, and with a wave of his hand, said, "You twelve lawyers can now go home!" He died about the year 1857. His last appearance was in the court at Huntingdon, on the hearing of a motion for a new trial. He always seemed to be moving for new trials. He had argued his reasons; the court's intimations were strong against him. Mr. Fisher suggested that the jury must have totally misapprehended the evidence. Judge Taylor said, "I see, Mr. Fisher, you have but little confidence in modern juries." Said Mr. Fisher, with a bow, and utmost blandness, "And very little more in modern courts." And with this parting shot at courts and juries, he left the court room, never to enter it again. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns GEORGE FLECK, of Montgomery county, who had served in the revolution, came to Sinking valley after that struggle, and settled on the farm afterward occupied by his grandson, Gabriel, He died about 1830, having reared a large family. Of these, George lived on the Watson Isett place until his death; when the family removed; Conrad lived on the present Jacob Fleck, place. He was married to Mary Moore, and they were the parents of Jacob, Perry, and Aaron Fleck, of the township. Their daughters married Robert Stewart, Jacob Hosler, Perry Orr, and O. E. Crissman, the latter of Roaring Spring. Henry, a third son, was married to Catherine Ramey, and lived on the place now owned by Israel Fleck. He was the father of John G., of Illinois, Israel, Henry, a Lutheran minister, and of daughters who married John Burket, Jacob Cortwright, William Bouslough, and David Crawford. Jacob, another son of George Fleck, was the father of Henry, Daniel, David, Conrad, George, Martin, Susan, Margaret, Catherine, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, and Caroline. David, a fifth son, was the husband of Mary Ramey, and lived on the farm afterward occupied by his son Gabriel, where he died in 1870, aged seventy-seven years. Their sons were Gabriel and Luther, and the daughters were married to George Lutz, Robert Crawford, John Carl, and John Keatley. The daughters of George Fleck were: Elizabeth, who married to Abram Crissman, and died near Bedford; Margaret, married to John Fleck, of Montgomery county; Catherine, who was the wife of Daniel Crissman of the valley; and Mary the wife of Peter Burket. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns REV. SOLOMON F. FORGEUS, an able and eloquent divine, the highly esteemed pastor of Logan's Valley Baptist Church, of Bellwood, and vice-president of the Baptist State Mission and State Education societies, is the only child of Christian and Rebecca (Linderman) Forgeus, and was born in South Coventry township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 19, 1844. His paternal grandfather, Andrew Forgeus, was one of the Hessian soldiers who were brought over from Germany by King George II, of England to aid in his vain attempt of putting down the American Revolution. He deserted from the British Army, and enlisted under Washington at Valley Forge. At the close of that war he settled in northern part of Chester county, where he followed farming until his death. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and reared a respectable and industrious family of several children. His son, Christian Forgeus (father), died in Berks county in 1853. He was a shoemaker by trade, but followed merchandising. He was a Lutheran in religious faith and church membership. For his second wife he married Rebecca Linderman, daughter of John Linderman, a native of Germany, who settled in Montgomery county. Solomon Forgeus was reared in his native county, and at eighteen years of age, on August 7, 1862 enlisted as a private in Co. C, 134th Pennsylvania Infantry, in which he served until May 26, 1863, when he re-enlisted as a private in Battery C, 3d Pennsylvania heavy artillery. On January 5, 1864, he was discharged from the battery in order to be commissioned second lieutenant of Co. G, 9th Regiment United States colored troops. He was promoted to first lieutenant January 7, 1866, appointed adjutant of the regiment April 1866, and discharged from Federal service December 19, 1866. He served in the armies of the James and the Potomac, and in Texas. Returning home from the army he resumed his school studies at Conoquessing Academy, of Zelienople, Butler county. At the completion of his academic course he entered Lewisburg university, from which he was graduated in the class of 1872. Leaving the university he commenced his studies for the Baptist ministry, and after some time spent at Cornell university he entered Crozier Theological seminary, from which he graduated in 1875. After graduation he was called to the Baptist church of Tunkhannock, Wyoming county, where he was ordained and installed as a pastor on August 12, 1875. He remained with that church until 1878, when he became pastor of Clark, Green and Mt. Bethel Churches of Lackawanna county, which he served acceptably for three years. At the end of that time he assumed charge of the Dunning church, of the same county, for which he labored successfully until October, 1881. Then he accepted a call to become pastor of Logan's Valley Baptist Church of Bellwood, where he has labored diligently and successfully ever since for the upbuilding of the kingdom of his Divine Master. October 28, 1875, Mr. Forgeus married Ida, daughter of Andrew Kennedy, of Lancaster county. Rev. and Mrs. Forgeus have four children, one son and three daughters: Susan, Royal, Margaret R., and Elizabeth. Rev. Forgeus, in politics, was formerly a republican but is now a prohibitionist, and has served as a member of the borough school board since its organization in 1888. His services for the advancement of his church and in the cause of education and Christianity have received recognition at the hands of the Baptists of the State, who, through their representatives in associations and other organizations, have made him vice-president of their State mission and educational societies, while he served for nearly ten years as secretary of the Baptist State Minister's Union. Solomon F. Forgeus, while pleasant and courteous, yet is firm in his convictions and decided in the course of action which he deems to be right upon any question or issue. He is a man of clear perception, good judgment, fine scholarship, and retentive memory. He is logical, interesting, and at times very eloquent in advocating what is right or denouncing that which is wrong. As a pastor his constant endeavor has been to declare to his hearers the word of life, and his sermons represent his own deep-felt convictions as to truth and duty. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Janet Gray COL. JOHN HALFPENNY removed from Oak Hall, Centre county, Pennsylvania, to the vicinity of Bell's Mills, in 1853. He had operated a woolen mill at Oak Hall for nine years. He at once began the manufacture of carpets, woolen cloths, and yarn, near Bell's Mills, which operations were continued until 1867. During that year he built new mills, which, furnishing employment to some ten or twelve men and women, were successfully operated until December 13, 1875, when they burned, and were never rebuilt. Colonel Halfpenny died January 8, 1882. He had served six years as commissioner of Blair county, also on the staff of Governor Pollock, hence the title of colonel. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns WILLIAM HARNISH, an old and reliable farmer and a highly respected citizen of Frankstown township, is a son of Tobias and Catherine (Keller) Harnish, and was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1817. Tobias Harnish was born in Lancaster county, where he was reared and received his education. Leaving school, he learned the trade of tanner, which he followed for some time, and then removed to Huntingdon county, where he died in Canoe valley. He was engaged for many years before his death in farming, and by industry, economy, and good management, acquired five good farms. He was one of the largest landholders in Huntingdon county at the time of his death. He was a hard working man who gave his time and attention strictly to his own business affairs. He married Catherine Keller, and reared a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters: Samuel, John, Jacob, William, Peter, David, Dorothea, Elizabeth, and Catherine. William Harnish was reared on his father's farm, where he was carefully trained to habits of economy, industry, and honesty. He received his education in the subscription schools when they were about to be superseded by the free schools. He came to Frankstown township, in which he has resided and followed farming ever since. He owns a good farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres of land that is well improved and carefully tilled. His farm is but a short distance from Hollidaysburg. He also owns another tract of about eighty acres of land which is well adapted to grazing purposes. In addition to farming, Mr. Harnis raises some stock, which he disposes of to dealers, for the eastern markets. William Harnish married Maria Ross, and to their union were born seven children, three sons and four daughters: Margaretta, born January 11, 1846, and died in 1850; Catherine M., born in 1848, married William Waters, and died in 1889; Juniata B., born September 18, 1849, and died in 1850; Samuel R., born February 2, 1851, and is employed in the Johnstown Company store at Gaysport, this county; William E., born October 12, 1853, and died in 1854; Archie C., born September 28, 1860, and is engaged in farming with his father at home; and Maria E., born January 15, 1865, and married to William Matthews of Hollidaysburg. In politics Mr. Harnish is a republican. He is a consistent and useful church member. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Janet Ebaugh JOHN HENSHEY (father of Deacon David Henshey, of Davidsburg) was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1776. After residing there and in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, for some years, he removed to Sinking valley in the spring of 1813, where, on the 2d of August of the same year, his son David was born. In all, his family consisted of four sons and four daughters. In 1824 he sold his interests in Sinking valley, and purchased of Thomas Ricketts three hundred and fifteen acres of land in Antis township, or the premises now occupied by the village of Davidsburg and the farm of David Henshey. He died in January, 1856. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns HOLLIDAY FAMILY. The Holliday family was founded by William and Adam Holliday, who came from the north of Ireland in 1750, and became the founders respectively of Gaysport and Hollidaysburg. They were in all the relations of life good and highly respected citizens. Each attained to a ripe old age, and when at last they successively laid down the cares and burdens of this life, when their eyes had closed in the sleep that knows no waking, their remains were reverently borne, to the "Hollidaysburg Burying Ground," and there (beside the children who were massacred in 1781) were placed beneath the mold of the valley they were the first to improve. True, no marble slab or granite column marks their last resting place, but a more imperishable monument than could be produced with either exists in the fact that a beautiful little town, standing where the Holliday brothers stood on that memorable day in 1768, still perpetuates their name. William Holliday, although he devoted much time to the cultivation of his farm, was (with his sons) also active in the work of repelling the attacks of the ruthless savages. His family consisted of his wife, his sons John, James, William, Patrick, Adam, and another (a lunatic) whose name is not remembered, and a daughter named Janet. Soon after the revolutionary war commenced James joined the Continental army. He was a noble looking young fellow, and obtained a lieutenant's commission. He was engaged in several battles, and conducted himself in such a manner as to merit the approbation of his superior officers, but in the thickest of the conflict at Brandywine he fell, pierced through the heart by a musket ball. A Hessian, under cover, had fired the fatal shot, but it was his last, for a young Virginian, who stood by the side of Holliday, rushed upon the mercenary and hewed him to pieces with his sword. With the Holliday family, however, as with many others, time has wrought numerous changes. The lands of both the old pioneers passed out of the hands of their descendants many years ago, and but few of the name even are found in this vicinity. After the revolutionary war, as previously mentioned, the general government purchased of Adam Holliday his tract of one thousand acres, and presented it to Henry Gordon, in restitution of what was considered an unjust confiscation during that war. This transaction made Adam Holliday a wealthy man during the remainder of his days. He died in 1801, leaving but two heirs, his son John and a daughter named Jane, who married William Reynolds, of Bedford county. After the estate was settled it was found that John Holliday was the richest man in this part of the county, if not, indeed, in the whole extent of the old county of Huntingdon. Born December 18, 1780, John Holliday, married Mary, daughter of Lazarus Lowry, in 1802. In 1807 he removed to the present site of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm and all the land upon which the town now stands from Doctor Anderson, of Bedford. Although a town was laid out there, and christened Johnstown in his honor, it seems that he had no faith in its future greatness, for after a few years he sold his lands to Peter Livergood for eight dollars an acre, and returned to Hollidaysburg. He there erected a two-story building of hewn logs, and occupied it as a hotel, also for the sale of general merchandise. About 1827-28 Mr. Peter Hewit, father of James M. Hewit, lately deceased, purchased this hotel and store property from John Holliday, and occupied it as a hotel, store, and postoffice [sic] until the year 1839, when it was torn down, and on the same site was erected the brick building now known as the American house. John Holliday continued to reside here until his death, which occurred December 20, 1843. To him and Mary, his wife, were born ten children: Adam, born November 9, 1804, and now resides in Oil City, Pennsylvania; Mary, born April 23, 1806, married Andrew Bratton, of McVeytown, and now resides in Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania; Sarah, born December 11, 1807, married Solomon Filler, a prominent builder of Bedford Springs, both dead; Lazarus L., born November 5, 1809, died in Missouri, July 17, 1846; John, jr., was born December 8, 181l, and after having fought by the side of Gen. Sam Houston, and other heroes, for Texan independence, died on shipboard, on his way from Vera Cruz to Galveston, August 2, 1842; Alexander L., born May 7, 1814; Jane, born August 27, 1816, became the wife of J. L. Slentz (she died in Pittsburg about the year 1869); Caroline, born July 12, 1818, married D. McLeary; William R., born September 16, 1820, now resides in the State of Massachusetts; Fleming, the youngest of the family, was born May 25, 1823, and is now a resident of the west. Jane Holliday, the daughter of Adam, was born October 10, 1783, and died May 10, 1865. She married William Reynolds, of Bedford county, who, as proprietor of the Bedford Springs hotel for many years, became well known. Among their children were William, Holliday, James, Henry, Mary, and Ruth. Henry, the only survivor, is now a resident of one of the southern States. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns JOHN B. HOOVER, one of the prosperous farmers of Huston township, is a son of Rev. John and Elizabeth (Broombaugh) Hoover, and was born on the old homestead in Huston township, Blair county, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1822. Rev. John Hoover was born near the famous battle ground of Antietam, in Maryland, in 1800, and at an early age came with his parents to Blair county, where he settled in Huston township. He followed farming, and was engaged for twenty years in the active ministry of the Brethren in Christ church, during which he never accepted pay or recompense for his services in the cause of his church and of Christianity. He was a man of earnestness in whatever cause he engaged, and remained active in his various labors until his death, which occurred when he was well advanced in his fifty-eighth year. He married Elizabeth Broombaugh. They were the parents of eight children, two sons and six daughters. John B. Hoover was born, reared and has always resided on his present farm. He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and then engaged in farming, which has been his principal business ever since. He still owns and personally supervises his farm of one hundred and forty acres, of which seventy-five acres are under cultivation, while the remainder is in woodland and pasture. In addition to farming he also operated a flouring mill for twenty-five years on Clover creek. Mr. Hoover was united in marriage with a Miss Noscar. To this union have been born eight children: Maggie, who married Peter Fry, and resides near Williamsburg, this county; Harriet, at home; Mary, married, and lives at Roaring Springs; William, attending school at Martinsburg, this county, and Anna, Reuben, Ruby, and Cecelia, living at home with their parents. John B. Hoover supports the cardinal principles of the republican party, although in local affairs casts his ballot for the best qualified candidate, irrespective of party affiliations. He is a church member, and has been successful in his various business enterprises. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Janet Ebaugh MALCOLM MCINTOSH came from Ireland, and settled on the farm in Juniata township now occupied by his grandson, Michael McIntosh, about 1802. The children who accompanied him on his migration from the old to the new world were John and Jane. Subsequently there were born to him and wife eight others: Alexander, Archibald, James, Mary, Margaret, Catharine, Ann, and Bridget. Of these, James learned the carpenter's trade with Baltzer Conrad, married Jane, the daughter of Henry McConnell, and settled in Newry prior to the year 1830. To them thirteen children were born, of whom nine are living: Henry, a merchant of Newry; James, ex-county commissioner of Blair county; Franklin, a merchant at Newry; William, formerly an engineer at the Pennsylvania railroad shops, Altoona; Benjamin, in machine shop at Philadelphia; Margaret, wife of William Douglas, Oil City; Pennsylvania; Emeline, at Newry; Matilda, wife of Samuel Roeloff, Gaysport, Pennsylvania; and Amanda, wife of Mr. Conrad, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns THOMAS F. MOFFITT, senior member of the marble cutting firm of Moffitt & Co., of Altoona, is one of the few natives of the great west who have come east and cast in their fortunes with Blair county. He is a son of John and Sarah A. (McGough) Moffitt, and was born in Cass county, southwestern Iowa, on New Years' day, 1858. John Moffitt was born in Ireland in 1832, came to New York city in 1845, and a few years later removed to St. Louis, Missouri, from which he afterward went to Case county, Iowa. While a resident of the Hawk Eye State he enlisted as a soldier in the Union service, and served for three years in one of the western armies. Shortly after the close of the late war he removed to Savannah, Missouri, where he has resided ever since. He learned the trade of marble cutter, which he has followed throughout life. He is a member of the Catholic church, and a democrat in politics, and has served as school director, beside holding various other township offices. He married Sarah A. McGough, who was born in 1868, in the city of Wheeling, and is a Catholic in religious faith and church membership. Thomas E. Moffitt, although born in Iowa, yet was principally reared in Missouri, where he received his education in the common schools and the Brothers' school of St. Joseph, Missouri. Leaving school, he learned the trade of marble cutter with his father, and in 1877 went to St. Louis, where he worked for three years. He then came to Altoona and followed his trade until 1887, when he embarked in the marble business, in which he continued up to 1889. In January of that year he formed a partnership with David A. Yon, under the firm name of Moffitt & Co., and they have been successfully engaged in the marble business ever since. Their office, shop, and yards are at No. 807 Green avenue, where they have good facilities for rapid, systematic and successful work in all the various branches of the marble business. They have a large stock of different kinds of marble and granite suited for monuments and all other kinds of cemetery work of any grade desired, from the plainest to the most elaborate, while specimens of Mr. Moffitt's artistic workmanship may be seen in nearly all of the largest and most beautiful cemeteries of Blair county and the central part of the State. In September, 1882, Mr. Moffitt was united in marriage with Katie Cole, daughter of Abraham Cole, then a resident of Altoona. Their union has been blessed with three children, one son and two daughters: Edna, Charles, and Nettie. Thomas E. Moffitt is a democrat in politics. He is a well respected citizen, an excellent workman, and a pleasant, sociable gentleman. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Eileen THE MOORE FAMILY, whose name is identified with Scotch valley as original settlers, came to this country probably about the year 1768 from Scotland. It consisted of Samel Moore, his seven sons and two daughters: Daniel, William, John, Samuel, James, David, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Jane. Their first stopping place in the interior was in Kishacoquillas valley, where the hardy Scots commenced clearing land; but the yield not being such as they were led to expect, the two elder brothers, Daniel and William, were sent abroad by the old patriarch to look for better land, and more of it. Accordingly, they shaped their course westward, prospecting as they went, until they reached what is now known as Scotch valley. How they found their way to that place, an unbroken wilderness, five miles from the nearest human habitation, or what the inducements were for stopping there, were puzzling questions then. Let the reader now look at the fine farms of Scotch valley and he will see those fine lands blooming like the rose in the future. They immediately occupied a large tract of land, built a cabin, and commenced clearing. The year following they went to Kishacoquillas, and brought on the father and the remainder of the family. Beneath their sturdy blows the giant oaks fell, and the wilderness was turned into fields of waiving grain, and they soon had a home that made them even forget the Highlands of Scotland. When the war broke out they were all stanch republicans, active and energetic men, and were foremost in all measures of defense for the frontier. William Moore, second son of Samuel, a useful man, loved and respected by all who knew him, met his death at the hands of an Indian, in August, 1778. During the troubles of 1779-80, when the frontiersmen fled before the assaults and merciless massacres of the Indians, the Moores returned to their former residence in Kishacoquillas. But the restless Scots did not remain away from their farm long. Some of them returned in a year, but the old patriarch, Samuel, did not return until after the surrender of Cornwallis. He was then accompanied by a colony of Scotchmen, consisting of the Crawfords, Irwins, Fraziers, Stewarts, Macphersons, and others, constituting from twenty-five to thirty persons. The descendants of the men who wound their way up the Juniata in Highland costume nearly three-quarters of a century ago with all their worldly possessions upon pack-horses, are also numerous, and many of them have risen to wealth and eminence by their own unaided exertions. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Eileen JOHN LYON PORTER, a member of the firm of Austin Brothers & Porter, of Tyrone, is a descendant of the old and honorable Scotch-Irish Presbyterian Porter family of central Pennsylvania. He is a son of George B. and Sallie (Lyon) Porter, and was born at Carlsville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1857. His paternal great-grandfather, Hon. Thomas Porter, was born in Ireland, and came to America at some time during the last half of the eighteenth century. He was a farmer by occupation, settled in Centre county, and died at Alexandria, Huntingdon county. He was a democrat in politics, a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church, and married Jane Montgomery, a native of Centre county, by whom he had three children: John, Charles and Elizabeth. After his death his widow became the wife of Dr. William Jackson, and died at Alexandria. The eldest son, John Porter (grandfather), was born at Alexandria, September 9, 1797, died at Pennsylvania Furnace, same county, March 24, 1881, and his remains were interred in the Alexandria cemetery. He served as an elder of the Presbyterian church for over sixty years, and was elected by the democrats, in 1830, to represent Huntingdon county in the house of representatives of Pennsylvania. He served as an adjutant in the 29th regiment State militia, was one of the incorporators of the Pennsylvania railroad, and was for many years in partnership with a Mr. Bucher in the mercantile business at Alexandria. On March 13, 1821, Mr. Porter married Mariah Bucher, by whom he had eight children, four sons and four daughters. One of these sons, George B. Porter (father) was born at Alexandria, March 13, 1826. He followed farming for some time, and then was engaged in the mercantile business in Alexandria. He is independent in politics, has served for several years as an elder in the Presbyterian church of Alexandria, and has always been active in the cause of religion in his community. On December 23, 1851, Mr. Porter married Sallie Lyon, who died May 15, 1860, and left three children: Myla wife A. M. LaPorte; John Lyon; and William L., who is secretary of the Young Men's Christian association of York, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Porter was born in 1831. She was a daughter of John Lyon by his third wife, who was a Miss Patton previous to her marriage. John Lyon was the senior member of the great iron manufacturing firm of Lyon, Shorb & Co., which owned several forges, furnaces and rolling mills in this State. He lived to be eighty-four years of age, and a fuller account of his life will be found in the sketch of Dr. W. L. Lowrie, of Tyrone. John L. Porter received his education at Lawrenceville High School, New Jersey, and learned the trade of machinist, which he followed until 1878, when he went to Spruce Creek valley, where he was engaged in farming for eight years. At the end of that time, in 1886, he came to Tyrone, and during the next year became a member of the present firm of Austin Brothers & Porter. In 1890 this firm erected their large and well equipped foundry and machine shop plant near Tyrone, on the Little Juniata River. Their principal buildings are machine shop, 40 X 100 feet, a foundry, 40 X 60 feet, and a pattern department and engine room in a structure 35 X 60 feet. They employ twenty men, have a large trade, and build a very large number of steam engines and shears to cut iron. They use first-class material, employ skilled workmen, and produce work that ranks high for quality and general excellence. November 25, 1880 Mr. Porter married Caroline, daughter of William M. Phillips, of Alexandria, Huntingdon county. To their union have been born two children: Susan M. (deceased) and Ruth. John L. Porter is a republican in politics, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tyrone. He is a good businessman, a practical and expert machinist, and an active worker in the Presbyterian Church, of which his paternal ancestors have been worthy members for generations. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Janet Gray PROF. WILLIAM C. REEM is one who has been engaged in teaching for a number of years and has made a good record in his profession. He is a son of Capt. Charles and Sarah J, (Ewing) Reem, and was born at Frankstown, Blair county, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1850. Capt. Charles Reem (father) was a native of the Keystone State, and when a young man located at Frankstown where he resided until the commencement of the late war. He enlisted in the 3d Pennsylvania infantry and after a service of three months he enlisted as second lieutenant of Co. A, 84th Pennsylvania infantry. On March 23, 1862, while serving as captain of his company, he was killed at Winchester, Virginia. By trade he was a shoemaker, and was engaged for several years in shoemaking at Frankstown. He was a democrat in politics, and married Sarah J. Ewing, a native of Pennsylvania, where she died March 21, 1889, at the advanced age of sixty-two years. She was of Scotch-Irish descent, and attended the Presbyterian church in Altoona. William C. Reem was reared in Blair county where he received his elementary education in the common schools, was further educated in the Soldiers' Orphans' school in Huntingdon county, and afterwards attended Juniata Collegiate institute at Martinsburg, Blair county. Leaving school, he began teaching in Logan township, and has been engaged in the profession of teaching ever since. Stability of character and fidelity to his profession have been the means of his commanding good positions. For a period of fourteen years he was principal of one of the high schools of Altoona, and for twelve years he had charge of the Webster school of the same place. In 1875 Mr. Reem was united in marriage with Nancy J. McCartney, a daughter of Douglass McCartney of Logan township. To them have been born a family of five sons: H. Roscoe, Harper L., Charles G., Marion D., and Dayton R. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church of their city. Mr. Reem is a member of White Cross Lodge, No. 250, Knights of Pythias; of Lieutenant S.C. Potts Post, Grand Army of the Republic; and a member of the Sons of Veterans; and Local Assembly, No. 5699, Knights of Labor. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the democratic Party. He is a resident of Logan township. Prof. Reem has been engaged in teaching for a number of years, has filled his different positions with honor and ability, and his labors have always given general satisfaction. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Janet Gray HON. JACOB ROHRER, who represented Blair county in the State legislature, was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1838. His father, Jacob (a native of Lancaster county), moved to Mifflin county about 1836, and for many years was a well known millwright. Of his nine children, eight are now living. Jacob A. Rohrer was early in life apprenticed to the saddlery business in McVeytown, his school education having been obtained in the common schools and at the Lewistown academy. In 1858 he began the study of dentistry with Dr. John Locke, of Lewistown, and in 1860 he embarked in dentistry practice, his field being in Mifflin and Huntingdon counties. In 1862 he entered the military service as a private in Co. D, 131st Pennsylvania volunteers. He was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, and after a five months' sojourn in hospital at Washington, was discharged with his regiment. Returning home he resumed his dentistry practice in McVeytown, whence, in 1864, he removed to Hollidaysburg. In 1882 he was put forward by the republican party as a candidate to represent Blair county in the State legislature, and gained his election by a handsome majority. He became a Free Mason in 1856, and three years later united with the Presbyterian church. In 1865 Mr. Rohrer married Susan, daughter of Col. John Huyett, of Huntingdon county. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns WILLIAM M. WHEATLEY was born August 22, 1827. His grandfather, John Wheatley, a native of Nottingham, England, was for a long time a well known merchant in that city, but by reason of his openly avowed sympathy for the French revolutionists, in 1788, coming into home disfavor, resolved to emigrate to America. He carried a stock of goods with him, and located in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, whither his friends, Doctor Priestly and Doctor Cooper, had preceded him. He traded his goods for a farm near the town, was a justice of the peace and scrivener during the later years of his life, and died at Northumberland in 1840, aged eighty-eight years. He had five children, of whom John Wheatley, Jr., was the second. The latter, who was born in Northumberland, married Harriet, daughter of Martin Withington, died in 1873, aged seventy-seven years. William M., his second child and oldest son, remained at home until he reached his twenty-fifth year. He tarried awhile in Missouri, and in the summer of 1857 married Mildred, daughter of William Humes (formerly of Rockbridge county, Virginia, but then of Morgan county, Missouri), whose father, John Humes, a famous master mechanic of his day, was the builder of the Harper's Ferry arsenal. On July 10, 1882, with A. R. Whitney, of New York, he founded the Portage Iron Company (limited). They purchased the old Portage Iron works at Duncansville, and at once enlarged the property to its present proportions. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Debbie Robinson Stearns