BIOS: File 17 - 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 17, listing the page where they appear in the book: Bell, Maj. Francis M., page 404 Bell, Rev. Peter G., page 251 Beyer, William, page 247 Brenaman, James A., page 465 Brotherlin, H. Hale, M.D., A.M., page 335 Burley, Jonathan H., page 402 Enzbrenner, John M., page 336 Ewing, Cicero M., M.D., page 406 Fox, Jacob A., page 505 Glunt, Jonathan, page 249 Halton, John, page 403 Heess, Albert S., page 248 Heinsling, Henry T., page 334 Henderson, David, page 252 Leighty, James F., page 502 Long, Dr. Charles, page 405 McAllister, Hon. Archibald, page 442 Smith, Albert S., M.D., page 253 Stephens, William H., page 504 Webber, John W., page 503 MAJ. FRANCIS M. BELL, who made a splendid record as an officer during the civil war, served for nine years as postmaster at Tyrone, and is now engaged in the grocery business in that city, is a son of John and Margaret (Johnson) Bell, and was born near Spruce Creek, Centre county, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1826. John Bell (father) was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, but emigrating to America in early manhood, located in Centre county, Pennsylvania, and passed the greater part of his life in Spruce Creek, that county. In later life he removed to Molesburg, same county, where he died, in 1836. He was a merchant, and accumulated considerable property. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and always active in support of the various interests of his church, serving as steward and class leader for a number of years. He married Margaret Johnson, by whom he had a family of seven children: James, deceased; Mary Jane; Johnson, also dead; Francis M., the subject of this sketch; Margaret Ann, deceased; Washington Irving; and one now dead. Maj. Francis Bell was reared on a farm, in Centre county, this state, and received his education in the common schools of that early day. After leaving school, he engaged in farming for a time. In 1845 he removed to this county, and six years later located where Tyrone now stands, being here when the first house was built. He soon embarked in general merchandising, and followed that business successfully until the breaking out of the great civil war. When echoes from the opening thunders of that gigantic struggle reverberated among the hills and along the valleys of the old Keystone State, the latent patriotism of her people flamed up, and the spirit of military ardor which had slept for years suddenly stood forth as in revolutionary times. Among the peaceful citizens who woke to find the blood of soldiers coursing through their veins, and were quickly transformed into the finest volunteer army that ever marched to the tap of a drum, was Francis Marion Bell. He sacrificed his business for love of the stars and stripes, and regardless of financial inducements, of the tender ties binding him to home and friends, became a member of Co. D, 3d Pennsylvania infantry, and was immediately elected and commissioned as lieutenant of his company. He served with that company for three months, and then went to Harrisburg with one hundred and forty-six men, most of whom he had recruited, and enlisted in the 125th Pennsylvania infantry, being commissioned captain of Co. A, of that regiment. With that rank he served during the term of the enlistment, and when the company was mustered out of the service, Captain Bell immediately re-enlisted in the 46th infantry, and was at once elected and commissioned major of the regiment. With his command he participated in the battles of Falling Water, Antietam, Chancellorsville, South Mountain, and numerous minor engagements and skirmishes. The division with which he served was hurried forward as reinforcements at the Battle of Fredericksburg, but arrived on the ground too late for actual participation in that contest. After the downfall of the Confederacy and the discharge of Mr. Bell from the service of the United States, he returned to Pennsylvania, and entered the employ of the great corporation known as the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, being stationed at Tyrone, where he served in various capacities, and finally became baggagemaster at that place. He remained with the railroad company for a period of fourteen years, and in 1876 resigned his position to become postmaster at Tyrone, to which office he had been appointed by President Hayes. He served acceptably as such through two administrations, and for more than a year after the close of his second term. In 1885 Major Bell engaged in the grocery business in Tyrone and has continued in that line ever since, meeting with good success, and now controlling a large and prosperous trade. Major Bell married Mary Davison, a daughter of John Davison, of Tyrone. To this union was born a family of eleven children: John A.; William and Ella, deceased; Harry F., married and resides at Tyrone, and is a brakeman on the Pennsylvania railroad; Beverly W., deceased; Anna, at home; Asbury W., dead; Jane G., Carrie and Elsie, living at home with their parents; and one which died in infancy. Politically, Major Bell has always affiliated with the Republican party, and in the main has given that party an unqualified support on all measures of public policy, especially on questions relating to the protection of American industries. In local affairs he has sometimes chosen to exercise a greater degree of independence. He as served as a school director, assessor, and member of the council of Tyrone, and in these positions, as in all the relations of life, has conscientiously discharged his duty, and won the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Christy Stiles REV. PETER G. BELL, who has served efficiently and continuously as a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran church since 1862, is a son of William and Elizabeth (Good) Bell, and was born near Williamsburg, Blair county, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1835. His paternal grandfather, James Bell, was brought, when a child, from the land of the Scotch-Irish, by his parents, to Dauphin county, near Harrisburg, where he resided until his death. He was twice elected to the State legislature. William Bell was born in 1801, and after learning the trade of carpenter came to Blair County, where he became a contractor on the old canal, and constructed the Crooked dam, on the Juniata River, for canal purposes. In 1839 he purchased the farm in Pleasant valley now owned by his son, ex-Sheriff G. Thomas Bell, and in 1868 came to Altoona, where he died in August 1877, aged seventy-six years. He was an old-line whig and republican, and served as one of the first three commissioners of Blair County. He was one of the founders and first ruling elders of the Second Evangelical Lutheran church of Altoona. A writer in the Lutheran Observer, in September, 1877, speaking of Mr. Bell's death, says: "he was always liberal in his contributions to the church and charitable institutions. His benevolent contributions were frequent and generous, but his last gifts were more in keeping with those enlarged views of Christian beneficence. His character was by no means all made up of liberality, but the usual Christian graces and virtues found among the best of Christians were centered in him. He carried his religion with him, and let his light shine. He was a faithful Christian father, and affectionate husband, and made himself generally useful in and out of the church." William Bell married Elizabeth Good, a daughter of Peter Good, and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and who died in 1866, at fifty-six years of age. Mr. And Mrs. Bell left six children: David; Rev. Peter G.; Capt. James M., of the 7th United States cavalry, and at present in charge of Fort Myer, Virginia; Mrs. E.P. Miller, of Kansas City; G. Thomas, ex-Sheriff of Blair county (see his sketch); and Mrs. Lewis Walton, of Altoona. Peter G. Bell was reared from four years of age on the old Bell homestead, in Pleasant valley, and received his education at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, from which he was graduated in the class of 1860. He then entered the theological department of the same college, from which he was graduated in 1861, and in the spring of the next year was called to the Tarentum, Pennsylvania, charge of the Evangelical Lutheran church, which embraced three congregations, one in Allegheny and the other two in Westmoreland county. At the end of three years he left the Tarentum field to assume charge of the New Castle pastorate, of Henry county, Indiana, where he remained until the summer of 1870, when he took charge of a mission field, embracing Polo and the surrounding country, in Ogle county, Illinois. Five years later he went to Springfield, that State, and served as pastor until 1877, when he returned to New Castle, at which place he served as a supply for two years. At the end of that time he became pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Indiana, this State, which he served until 1882, in which year he came to Altoona, where he has resided ever since, except about two years. For three years he served the Allegheny charge. For the past few years, owing to the ill health of his wife, he has not assumed regular pastoral duties beyond serving as supply. He now supplies the congregations of New Florence, Westmoreland County, and Morrellville, Cambria County. On August 28, 1861, Rev. Bell married Nettie R., daughter of Warner Hatch, of Springfield, Ohio. They have three children, two sons and one daughter, Ida M., wife of F.W. Spaulding, a druggist of South Norridgewock, Maine; Warner H., who married Drucilla Holland, and is the managing editor of the Altoona Gazette; and W. Frank, who is city editor of the same paper. Rev. Peter G. Bell is a republican in politics, and is a stockholder in and president of the board of directors of the Gazette Company, which is publishing the Altoona Gazette, now edited by his two sons. This company was incorporated April 4, 1892, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. Their paper is a seven-column folio, published every evening except Sunday. It is republican in politics, and has already made quite a record by the successful manner in which it secures all the important local and general happenings of the city. The company also issues a weekly. The enterprise of the editors of the Altoona Gazette was well illustrated in its issue of Mary 17th last, when in twenty minutes after the adjournment of the Republican county convention at Hollidaysburg the Gazette was being sold on the streets of that town with a complete report of the convention and the portraits of its nominees. The Gazette Company has just published a directory of Blair County, and by its present efficient management and the large circulation of its paper gives promise of future stability and prosperity. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Tina Erb WILLIAM M. BEYER, now a resident of Altoona, and a member of the Blair county bar, is the youngest son of Aaron and Lydia (Ramey) Beyer, and was born in Antis township, Blair county, March 5, 1854. His paternal great-grandparents came from Germany and settled near Frederick Town, Maryland, where their son, Rev. David Beyer (grandfather) was born September 7, 1763. Rev. David Beyer was left at an early age, by the death of his parents, to do for himself. He learned the trade of miller, and so well understood milling that his flour, when sold in Baltimore, always brought the highest price. He located in Tyrone township about 1797, and built a brick house and saw and gristmill. In 1833 he sold this property and removed to Antis township, where he purchased land and erected the old Beyer flouring mill. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1809, was afterward licensed as a minister, and preached for many years without pay or recompense. He died December 1, 1841, and left nearly one hundred descendants. He married Sarah Crumm, of Maryland, and reared a family of thirteen children, of whom Abraham, David, Aaron, and John remained in this State, while three daughters married and settled near Akron, Ohio, and the remainder of the sons and daughters settled in other States. Aaron Beyer (father), the youngest son, was born August 23, 1811, and died in 1887, aged seventy-six years. He learned the trade of miller, which he followed at Union Furnace and for Henry Spang and his father until 1833, when he removed to Tuckahoe valley, in Antis township, where he built and operated the present Beyer mill, and was also engaged in merchandising. He was always a stanch supporter of the Republican Party. He was a member, trustee, and class leader of the Methodist Episcopal church for half a century. His life was devoted to useful work, and the moral and religious improvement of his community. On January 12, 1831, he married Lydia Ramey, a daughter of Frederick and Martha (Keller) Ramey, and who was born March 4, 1811. To their union was born thirteen children: Francis D., who is a leading lumber manufacturer of Tyrone; Elizabeth J.; Martha A.; Rev. James S., who served three years in the Union army, and since then has been engaged in the Christian ministry; Catherine B.; Angeline; Emeline; Mary A.; Sanford D., who enlisted in Co. B, 110th Pennsylvania infantry, and was killed March 25, 1865, in front of Petersburg; A.W.; Sarah B.; Lydia R.; and William M. William M. Beyer was reared in Antis township, and received his early education at the public schools, afterward graduating at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, with the degree of A.M. He read law with Hon. Samuel Steel Blair, of Hollidaysburg, was admitted to the bar in 1881, and since then has been engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Altoona. Mr. Beyer has dealt largely in real estate for several years, and at the present time is actively engaged in that line of business. He is a republican, but takes no active part in politics, and gives his time to his profession and the real estate business. On July 24, 1884, Mr. Beyer was united in marriage with Effie V. Mong, of Meadville, Crawford county. Their union has been blessed with one child, a daughter, named Bernice L. The Beyer family was prominently identified with the pioneer interests and the early development of the northwestern part of Blair county, while many of its descendents have been among the representative citizens and business men of that section from the pioneer days down to the present time, and it devotion and loyalty to the Union has been attested by the number of its sons who served in the Federal armies during the late great civil war, in which five of them gave their lives as sacrifices that their country might live as an undivided nation. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Tina Erb JAMES A. BRENAMAN, the veteran painter and dealer in painter's supplies, at Altoona, who for more than two decades was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in their painting department, is a son of Samuel and Emma (White) Brenaman, and first saw the light of this world on January 15, 1846, at Eldorado, Blair county, Pennsylvania. The Brenamans are of German descent, but are an old resident family of the Keystone State. Samuel Brenaman (father) is a native of what is now Blair (but was formerly Huntingdon) county, being born in 1812. He now resides in the city of Altoona, in the eightieth year of his age, having lived here since 1865. After removing to Altoona he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and was with that company for many years. Since 1884 he has lived a retired life, being no longer able for active business. In politics he has been a straight republican ever since the organization of that party in Pennsylvania. He married Emma White, by whom he had a family of children. Mrs. Brenaman is a native of this county, of Scotch descent, a devoted member of the United Brethren church, and is now in her seventy-fourth year. James A. Brenaman was reared principally in the city of Altoona, and received his education in the common schools here. In 1862 he started in to learn the trade of house and sign painting, and has been identified with the painting business ever since. From January, 1862, to March, 1882, he was employed in the paint department of the Pennsylvania railroad, and during six years of this time he served as foreman in that department. In 1882 he formed a partnership with S.H. Bowers, under the style of Brenaman & Bowers, and engaged in contract painting. This firm existed until 1887, when Mr. Brenaman purchased the interest of his partner in the business, and admitted his brother Samuel H. Brenaman, into partnership with himself, under the firm name of Brenaman & Brother. They did business up to 1890, when Samuel H. Brenaman sold out to his brother and retired from the firm. Since that time the subject of this sketch has operated the business alone and in his own name. In connection with painting he also conducts a store, located at No. 1207 Ninth avenue, where he carries a nice stock of wall paper and all kinds of painters' supplies. He does a large business in contracting and painting, and by energy, enterprise, and careful attention to details, has become very prosperous and successful. On the 4th of July, 1867, Mr. Brenaman was wedded to Sadie Paul, of the city of Johnstown, this State. She is an intelligent, capable woman, and has done much to further her husband's success in life. In his political affiliations Mr. Brenaman has always been republican, and while not a politician still takes a deep interest in the success of his party and its principles. He owns some valuable real estate in this city, and can point with pride to his successful business career. He is a regular attendant on the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes liberally towards its support. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Janet Ebaugh H. HALE BROTHERLIN, M.D., A.M., a popular young physician of Hollidaysburg, who has been in practice here since 1885, is a son of John and Martha Gregg (Kinne) Brotherline, and was born in this city, May 30, 1859. The Brotherlines are of German descent. Thomas Brotherline (grandfather) was a native of Huntingdon, this State, but removed to Frankstown at an early day, where he was engaged in the butchering for many years, and where he died in 1833, aged fifty years. He married Sarah Davis, by whom he had a family of nine children, four sons and five daughters. John Brotherline (father) was born at Frankstown, in what is now Blair county, in 1812. He received a good common school education, after which he studied law, was admitted to the bar of this county, and for many years practiced his profession in the courts of this and adjoining counties. He excelled as a counselor at law. He was also proprietor and editor of the Blair County Whig, which was a warm and zealous advocate of the Whig party, and was recognized as a political force in that day. Its editor was as ardent and eloquent in his support of the party measures on the stump as in the columns of his journal. He also took an active part in every enterprise calculated to advance the interests of the county, or develop its latent resources and possible industries. He lived in Hollidaysburg nearly all his life, and died at his home here in 1879, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. He was eminently a self-made man, having achieved success in the face of adverse circumstances, by untiring industry and a perseverance which eliminated all considerations of failure. He served as paymaster, with the rank of major, during the Civil War, and was a prominent man in this county for many years. He was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church, and was always active in support of the various interests of his church. He married Martha Gregg Kinne, a native of Centre county, this State, who still survives him. To them was born a family of six sons: James Irwin, John, Henry Hale, Davis Willard, Eric Gregg, and Ner. Brotherlin--E. Gregg and H. Hale being the only ones now living. Mrs. Brotherline is of Scotch-Irish descent, a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, and resides in a comfortable and handsome home in the city of Hollidaysburg. Her father was Henry Hale Kinne, he having married Sarah Gregg, a daughter of Andrew Gregg, who was a United States Senator. H. Hale Brotherlin grew to manhood in Hollidaysburg, and received a good English education in the public schools of this city. He afterward attended the Hollidaysburg Academy, took a course of training in Bryant & Stratton's Business college, and then entered Princeton college, from which he was graduated in 1880. He immediately matriculated at the Jefferson Medical college of Philadelphia, and three years of earnest and faithful study was graduated from that institution in 1883. Since 1885 he has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Hollidaysburg, in which he has been a very successful and has attained a high standing. He is still an earnest student of his profession, and keeps thoroughly posted on the experiments and discoveries constantly being made in the field of medical science. Dr. Brotherlin is a member of the County and State Medical societies, and also the Academy of Medicine at Altoona. He has served as president of the County Medical society, and is now a member of its examining board. He has been physician of the Blair county alms house for several years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Hollidaysburg, and of Juniata Lodge, No. 232, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is now junior warden. He is also a thirty-second degree Mason. In politics he is a stanch republican, giving that party a hearty support on national and State issues, but inclined toward independence in local politics. Transcribed and submitted to Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by denise JONATHAN H. BURLEY, the senior member of the business firm of Burley & Graham, is a descendant of the old pioneer Burley family of Sinking valley, whose progenitor was descended from Lord Burleigh, of England. He is a son of Joseph and Mary(Hopkins)Burley, and was born October 3, 1822, in the house in which his grandfather lived and his parents were married, and in which he was married the second time, in Antis township, Blair (then Huntington) county, Pennsylvania. The Burleys are of English extraction, and the name Burley was originally written Burleigh, as they are descended from Lord Burleigh, who figured so conspicuously in English history during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Prior to the American revolution, three of his descendants who were brothers, came to America and settled respectively in New England, Virginia and New Jersey. The brother who settled in New Jersey was Isaac Burley, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. In 1798 he came to Sinking valley, where he died, and of his children, Isaac was killed in Ohio by Indians, Joseph died young, Jacob went to West Virginia, and John (grandfather) remained in Sinking valley. John Burley was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1823. He married Elizabeth Roller, who died at ninety-three years of age, and was a daughter of Jacob Roller, a native of Holland, who settled in Sinking valley with his family of seven sons and two daughters. The sons were: Jacob, who was killed by Indians in Tyrone township, as is related elsewhere in this volume; John, Henry, Baltser, and Caleb, who went west, and Philip and Peter, who remained in Huntingdon county. John and Elizabeth (Roller) Burley had six sons and two daughters, of whom were: Joshua, Jacob, John, Joseph and William. Joseph Burley (father) was born in Sinking valley, May 1,1798 and died at Tyrone, June 17, 1873. He was a stonecutter by trade, a farmer by occupation, a whig and republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On January 10, 1822 he married Mary Hopkins, who was born October 8, 1790, in Chester county, and died January 12, 1875 at Tyrone. They had four children, three sons and one daughter: Jonathan II; Sanford D., a millwright, who married Susan Phillips, and resides in Tyrone; Martin, of Tyrone, who served in the Federal army from 1861 to 1865, as a soldier in the 14th Pennsylvania Infantry for three months, and then as a corporal in the 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry for three years; and Margaret, who married William Neveling and is now dead. Jonathan Burley received his education in the old subscription schools of that part of Huntingdon which is now Blair county, and learned the trade of cabinet maker at the village of Warrior's Mark. He then worked as a journeyman until the fall of 1851, when he came to Tyrone, where he engaged in the dry goods and grocery business, which he followed for three years. At the end of that time, in 1854, he opened a cabinet making and furniture establishment, which he operated until 1863, when he associated with himself as a partner in the store and furniture business Frank Cramer, under the firm name of Burley & Cramer. This firm lasted until 1881, when Mr. Cramer retired, and Martin Burley came into the new firm, which continued until March 1891. In September of that year Mr. Burley formed a partnership with Samuel Graham, under the firm name of Burley & Graham, undertakers. Jonathan H. Burley has been twice married. On January 9, 1851, he married Susanna, daughter of John A. and Edith Neveling, and who died May 20, 1867, and who left four children: Edith; Melissa, wife of Dr. H.J. Evans, a homeopathic physician of Altoona; Mary Etta, and Bertha. Mr. Burley was remarried on March 16, 1870, to Elizabeth J. McFarland, who was a daughter of Alexander and Jane McFarland, of Antis township, and died in September 4, 1874, leaving one child, Jennie, who attended Indiana State Normal School of Indiana, this State, and Chambersburg College, and is now a teacher in the public schools of Tyrone. In politics Mr. Burley was formerly a whig, but is now a republican. He was the first burgess of Tyrone, which position he held for eighteen months. He served two terms as school director, and also two terms as a member of the town council. He has always resided in the county, excepting the years 1844, 1845 and 1846, which he spent in Cleveland and New Orleans. Mr. Burley is a man of good judgment in financial matters, has a large trade in his particular lines of business, and in every public office which he has held he has rendered good service with credit to himself. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Christy Stiles JOHN M. ENZBRENNER, the proprietor of the Empire Brewery, of Altoona, and a member of the Tammany democratic club of that city, was born in Altoona, Blair county, Pennsylvania, on September 8, 1860, and is a son of George J. and Elizabeth (Laubacher) Enzbrenner. The Enzbrenners are of old German stock, and George J. Enzbrenner was born in 1815, in the kingdom of Bavaria, in the southern part of Germany. He was reared in his native land, and served an apprenticeship in a brewery. Germany at that time was recovering from the heavy shock which it had received from the policy of Napoleon Bonaparte prior to annihilation of his power on the field of Waterloo, and although reviving industries offered increased opportunities for the young and ambitious, yet Mr. Enzbrenner did not accept any situation that was within his grasp, and sought, in America, for a wider field than what the Fatherland afforded. He landed in New York City in 1849, and in a short time settled at Hollidaysburg, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Altoona. He resided there until his death, December 21, 1880, at sixty-five years of age. Soon after coming to Altoona he started the first brewery of that place. It was known for many years as the Enzbrenner brewery, and then its name was changed by his son, John M., to that of Empire brewery, by which it is now known. George J. Enzbrenner was a democrat in political opinion, and in religious faith and church membership was a Catholic. His success in the new world justified his wisdom in leaving the shores of the old one. He married Elizabeth Laubacher, a native of Wittenburg, Germany, who was born in 1825, and is a consistent member of St. Mary's Catholic church of Altoona, where she resides. Mr. And Mrs.Enzbrenner reared a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. John M. Enzbrenner grew to manhood in Altoona, and received his education in the public schools of that city. Leaving school he learned the trade of baker, which he followed from 1877 to 1882, and during a part of that period of time was the proprietor of a first class bakery. In the last named year his brother Conrad, who had charge of the Enzbrenner Brewery, died, and he succeeded him as proprietor of the brewery and changed the name Enzbrenner to Empire, as has been stated before in this sketch. The Empire brewery is at No. 1424 Thirteenth avenue, and has a capacity of six thousand barrels per year. Mr. Enzbrenner has a very large home trade, and fills many orders from various cities and towns in this and adjoining counties. He seems specially qualified for the brewery business, in which he has made quite a reputation for furnishing a choice and pure article of beer. In addition to his brewery he owns some very valuable property in Altoona. He is a member and liberal supporter of St. Mary's Catholic church, and has held membership for some time in the celebrated Tammany Democratic club of Altoona. He is an ardent democrat, has always been an active supporter of his party, and has strong faith in the future triumphs of its principles. On May 5, 1884, he married Rose Kiesel, a daughter of Coonrod Kiesel, of Altoona, and their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, two sons and two daughters: John, Barbara, Catherine, and Charles. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by denise CICERO M. EWING, M.D., one of the leading physicians of Blair county, who has been in successful practice at Tyrone for nearly twenty years, is a son of Andrew and Drusilla (Scott) Ewing, and was born August 14, 1840, in the Ligonier valley, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The family is of Scotch-Irish extraction. Robert Ewing (grandfather) was a native of Westmoreland county, this State, a farmer by occupation, and died on his farm there in 1854, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He served in the war of 1812, and during the early Indian disturbances in his vicinity, when the whites were forced to retreat to Fort Ligonier. He was a member and elder of the Presbyterian church, and married Elizabeth Salisbury, by whom he had a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters. Andrew Ewing (father) was born on the old homestead, and lived there for a number of years, when he removed to Ligonier, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, he being one of the victims of the Johnstown flood in 1889. He and one son had started to visit his sons, John Ewing and the subject of this sketch, at Tyrone, and on reaching Johnstown was engulfed in the maelstrom that wrought such ruin in the Conemaugh valley as to render it historic for all time to come. Like many another unfortunate who lost his life in that terrible disaster, his remains were never recovered, and no one knows where his dust reposes. In politics he was a democrat, and an active and influential member of the Presbyterian church at Ligonier. He was tweice married. First to Drusilla Scott, in 1837, to whom were born two sons and a daughter: Louisa, deceased; Cicero M., the subject of this sketch; and John, who married Mary Hoover, resides at Tyrone, and is a travelling salesman for W.T. Allen & Co., clothiers, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Drusilla Ewing died March 8, 1843. Mr. Ewing then wedded Ruth Clark, and to this union were born six children, three of whom died in infancy. Those who survived are: Jackson S., a druggist, of Tyrone, who is also at present engaged in the furniture business; Sarah J., married Samuel Overcosh, a farmer of Westmoreland county; and Elizabeth D., married Edward Lohr, a carriage manufacturer, of Latrobe, Westmoreland county. The mother still survives, and resides with her daughter, Sarah Overcosh, at Ligonier. Cicero Ewing received a good education in the common and select schools of his native county, and at the age of twenty one years began reading medicine with Dr. L.T. Beam, of Ligonier, who perished in the Johnstown flood. Later he entered the Philadelphia Medical and Surgical university, from which he was graduated February 22, 1866, and began the practice of medicine at Strongstown, Indiana county. He remained there for nearly three years, when he removed to Greenville, same county, where he practiced until April, 1873, at which time he located in Tyrone. Here he has ever since been engaged in private practice, and on account of his thorough knowledge of his profession, and his great skill in combatting disease, he has become deservedly popular as a physician, and enjoys a large and lucrative practice. In the fall of 1861, Dr. Ewing enlisted at Ligonier as a private in Co. E, 11th Pennsylvania infantry (Captain McCurdy's company), but remained with the company only six weeks before being discharged on account of physical disability. In 1865 he again enlisted, this time in Company E, 211th Pennsylvania infantry, and was assigned to duty as acting hospital steward. He aided in the organization of this company, and was tendered the position of second steward, but declined the proffered honor, preferring to serve in the line of his profession. On December 25, 1866, Dr. Ewing was united in marriage to Mary Roberts of Indiana county, and to them were born two children: Cora E., and Jesse, the latter now deceased. Mrs. Ewing died in 1871, and two years later Dr. Ewing wedded Mary Duncan, also a native of Indiana county. To this union have also been born two children: Cecil A., and May D. In politics Dr. Ewing is a staunch republican, and has served one term as school director. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Tyrone, of which he is now a trustee, and which he served as steward for twelve years in succession. His career as physician has been successful and honorable, and he is eminently worthy of the wide popularity he enjoys. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Christy Stiles JACOB A. FOX, a resident of Altoona, and who owns and operates the largest marble cutting establishment and the largest marble yards in the county, is a son of Jacob and Lydia (Matters) Fox, and was born at Annville, North Annville township, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1857. The Fox family, although of German lineage, yet is by residence one of the old families of the Keystone State. George Fox, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a life-long resident of Lebanon county, where he married and reared a family. His son, Jacob fox (father), was born in 1825, at East Hanover, and now resides at Annville, that county. He received his education in the old subscription schools when they were about to be succeeded by the present free school system, and then learned the trade of shoemaker, which he followed during the winter seasons until about 1872. His time, during the summer months, he gave to brick making, but some years ago he retired from active life. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and a republican in politics, and in 1892 was elected road supervisor of his township. He married Lydia Matters, who was born in Lebanon county in 1832, and is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. and Mrs. Fox reared a family of children. Jacob A. Fox grew to manhood at Annville, and received his education in the common schools. He earned the trade of marble cutter at his native village, and in 1878 came to Altoona, where he served for two years as foreman of Dr. Pierce's marble yard, on Seventeenth street. At the end of that time, in 1880, he went to the marble yard of Demetrius Bradley, where he worked until the death of Mr. Bradley, in 1883. In September of that year he opened a marble shop for himself, and has continued successfully in the marble business until the present time. His shop, yards, and office are at No. 1,127 Seventh avenue, where he is well prepared to fill any order in his line of business. He has the largest and most heavily stocked marble yards in the county, and makes a specialty of fine monuments of granite and Italian and all other leading or desirable kinds of marble. He employs first-class workmen, personally supervises his business in all of its details, and furnishes his patrons with the best of work. In 1878 Jacob A. Fox was wedded to Sallie, daughter of Abraham Berry, of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Fox has been born a family of four children, three sons and one daughter: Ervin, Clarence, Earl, and Viola. In politics Mr. Fox is a republican, and while no politician, yet gives his party a whole-hearted support. He is a member of the United Brethren church of Altoona, which was organized in 1869, and a member and past officer in the Patriotic Order Sons of America. Mr. Fox is a very pleasant and courteous gentleman, a good neighbor and useful citizen, and an honest, reliable man, who has carved out by his own unaided efforts a successful career in business life. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Daneen Smedile JONATHAN GLUNT, senior partner in the well-known firm of Glunt & Crum, at Altoona, and an extensive owner of coal and timberlands in this State, may be ranked among the most enterprising, successful and highly esteemed citizens of the county. He is the eldest son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Long) Glunt, and was born in Allegheny Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1829. The Glunts are of German descent, but the family has been resident of the adjoining commonwealth of Maryland for many generations, and has been distinguished by all the sturdy virtues of their thrifty race. Adam Glunt (grandfather) was a native of Maryland, but removed to Pennsylvania in 1803, locating in what is now Greenfield Township, this county. He was a farmer, and followed that occupation until his death. He married, and reared a large family. Among his sons was Abraham (father), who was born in Maryland in 1796, but was brought to this State by his father when only seven years of age. After attaining manhood he worked as a laborer and contractor, and was remarkable for his vigorous constitution and great strength. He was a democrat in politics, and on the breaking out of the civil war, although then in his sixty-fifth year, he enlisted in the 84th Pennsylvania infantry, passing as a man of forty-five. In the summer of 1862 he was attacked by a disease in the army, and securing a furlough, came back and died in six weeks, at his home in Logan township, this county, aged sixty-six years. By his marriage to Elizabeth Long he had a family of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters. The daughters all died years ago, but eight of the nine sons are yet living. Mrs. Glunt was born in what is now Blair county in 1807, and now resides in Fairview, in Logan township, being in her eighty-fifth year, and very active for a woman of her age. She is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and has been connected with that denomination for a period of fifty years. Jonathan Glunt was reared on the farm in Allegheny Township, this county, and his education was obtained in the common schools of that day and neighborhood. Soon after leaving school he engaged in the lumber and saw mill business in Cambria county, and this has been his principal business ever since. In 1859 he removed to the city of Altoona, where he has continued to reside until the present time, though he retained and managed his large lumber interests in Cambria County until 1889. In 1883, in company with Louis Plack and A.J. Crum, he erected the extensive planning mill and lumber-working establishment known as the Union Planing mill, located on Ninth Avenue and Eighth Street, and still retains his interest in this enterprise, the style of the firm now being Glunt & Crum. Mr. Glunt is also extensively interested in coal and timber lands in Somerset, Cambria, and Bedford counties, beside owning considerable real estate in the city of Altoona, and ten acres of valuable land where he resides just outside the city limits. His present prosperous and independent condition is the result of hard work, backed up by the great energy and ability which was his chief inheritance. For Mr. Glunt began life as a poor boy, and his successful business career shows what may be accomplished by the young man who marks out a course in life, and allows nothing to divert him from it at any time. On December 14, 1858, Mr. Glunt was married to Rachel Miller, a daughter of Peter Miller, of the township of Logan, this county. This union was blessed by the birth of eight children, three sons and five daughters: Alice V., who married Whitman Newcomb, and now resides in Logan township; Mary B., the wife of Blair Commesser, who resides at Bellwood, this county; Peter W., married Mamie C. Dunn, of Cambria county and Edith, Frank B., William R., Minda G., and Carrie R., living at home with their parents. Mrs. Glunt is an earnest, intelligent, and capable woman, and to her wise counsels and unfailing courage and enthusiasm Mr. Glunt attributes much of his success in life. Politically Mr. Glunt is an ardent republican and an active worker for the success of his party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of Altoona Lodge, No. 472, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and very popular among business men as well as in social circles. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Tina Erb JOHN HALTON, proprietor of a machine shop in Altoona, is of that class of substantial men who give to a city or town much of the business prosperity it may possess. He is a son of John S. and Jane (Darby) Halton, and was born in County Meath, province of Leinster, Ireland, August 15, 1844. John Halton Sr., was born in 1816 in one of the rural districts in County Meath, which is northwest of the ancient city of Dublin, and in the eastern part of Ireland, where for centuries the only vocation open to the poor, or the man of limited means, has been the tillage of the soil, although on every hand on this beautiful island is an eternal contrast of wealth and poverty. John Halton, sr., grew to manhood and became a farm hand in his native country, where agriculture was the only industry to which common people could resort for livelihood. At thirty-four years of age he had saved, by care and economy, sufficient means to leave a country cursed by land monopoly and political greed, and seek a home in a land where all industries are open to the efforts of everyone. He settled at Altoona, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1879, when in the sixty-third year of his age. Of the numerous families who were at and around Altoona when he came but three remain at the present time. Mr. Halton was a hard-working man, a democrat in politics, and a zealous member of the Catholic church. He married Jane Darby, who was born in the same year and in the same county, and reared in the same religious faith as himself, and who died in 1881, at the age of sixty-five years. They reared a family of children. At six years of age John Halton was brought by his parents to Altoona, where he grew to manhood, and received his education in the common schools. Leaving school he learned the trade of machinist, which he followed for fifteen years in the machine shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. At the end of that time, in 1872 he engaged in the business for himself, and opened his present machine shop. His establishment is thoroughly fitted up for his particular line of business, and nothing but first-class work is allowed to go out from the shops. He has a large trade, which is constantly increasing. He is a democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Halton is a skilled mechanic, a man of good judgment, and has acquired a competency through his own unaided efforts. He believes in building up his own city, and has invested largely of his own means in city property, which is now considered to be worth over forty thousand dollars. In 1876 Mr. Halton was united in marriage with Mary Rodgers, daughter of Andrew Rodgers, of Philadelphia, this State, and their union has been blessed with two children: Mary R and Edward R. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Christy Stiles ALBERT S. HEESS, the well known and popular Altoona baker, whose goods are now used all over western Pennsylvania, is a man who has won success in life by steadily applied effort and that determined will power which knows no such word as defeat. He is a son of David L. and Catherine (Hasse) Heess, and was born, August 23, 1837, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, in the southwestern part of the German empire. The family has been residents of that country for unknown generations. There the father of the subject of this sketch was born and reared, and there he died, in 1848, at the advanced age of sixty-two years. He was a blacksmith by occupation, and a devout member of the German Lutheran church. He married Catherine Hasse, by whom he had a family of children. She was native of Wurtemberg, a member of the Lutheran church, and died in 1849, in the forty-ninth year of her age. Albert S. Heess was reared in his native town in Germany, and received his education in the national schools of that country. After leaving school he learned the baker's trade in Wurtemberg, and in 1854, when only seventeen years of age, he pushed out from his native place and started for America, determined to find or make for himself a home in the western world. He landed on these shores with no capital except a stout heart and willing hand, but was not long in securing employment at his trade in the city of New York. A little later he came to Philadelphia, and from that city to Lancaster, where he worked as a journeyman baker for sometime. Energetic and self-reliant, he soon determined to start in business for himself, and casting about for a location, was attracted by the young and bustling city of Altoona. Here he located, in the fall of 1860, and opened a small bakery. His means were moderate and his business small, but his work gave satisfaction, and as the years went by his trade increased and he began to prosper. He worked on with the steady persistence of a man who knows he is bound to win at last, and in 1873 added a complete outfit of cracker machinery to his plant, and began furnishing all kinds of crackers in addition to his bread and cakes. His business continued to increase, and everything moved along successfully until April, 1886, when a disastrous fire completely destroyed his fine bakery. This was a circumstance calculated to test the grit of any man, but Mr. Heess was not dismayed nor discouraged. He immediately set about rebuilding on a still larger scale. His establishment is located on the corner of Thirteenth Street and Eighth Avenue, employs nine men and three girls, and has a capacity requiring more than twenty barrels of flour per day. The building is sixty by one hundred feet in dimensions, and is supplied with the latest and most approved machinery and appliances of every kind, all driven by a twenty horsepower engine. The product includes bread, cakes, and crackers of every description, which are disposed of at retail and wholesale, not only in Altoona, but all over western Pennsylvania. He owns considerable valuable real estate in this city. In 1859 Mr. Heess was wedded to Amelia Engle, a daughter of John and Gertrude Engle, of the kingdom of Prussia, in northern Germany. To Mr. And Mrs. Heess has been born a family of six children, four sons and two daughters: Albert, John, George, Louis, Emma, and Gertrude. Politically Mr. Heess is a democrat, and while not taking an active part in politics, has been elected and served for two years as a member of the city council, and was also a member of the school board for a number of years. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, active in the support of church interests, and stands as a worthy type of the successful businessman. His career vividly illustrates the fact that perseverance and industry must finally win in the battle of life. He is public spirited and enterprising, and is now serving as president of the Fairview Cemetery association, and is also a stockholder in the Mountain City Electric Light Company. Mr. Heess is a prominent Mason, being connected with Mountain Lodge, No. 281, Free and Accepted Masons; Mountain Chapter, No. 189, Royal Arch Masons; and Mountain Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and quite popular. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Tina Erb HENRY T. HEINSLING, a resident of Altoona, and a member of the bar of Blair county in active service, is a son of Tobias and Ann (Hammond) Heinsling, and was born at St. Clairsville, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1851. Tobias Heinsling was born three years before the close of the last century, and grew to manhood in his native province of Hesse Darmstadt, which is now a part of the great German empire ushered into existence by King William and Count Bismarck, who both believed in the unification of Germany. Tobias Heinsling was variously engaged in Germany until he was thirty-five years of age, when in 1846, he left the Fatherland to cross the dark Atlantic and settle at St. Clairsville, in Bedford county. When he was once settled in his new home he opened a shoe store, which he conducted until his death, which occurred in 1854, when he was in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was reared and trained in the Lutheran faith, and at an early age became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, in which he was an active and zealous worker. He became a democrat after he came to the United States, and married Ann Hammond, a native of the city of Philadelphia, who died in Altoona in 1889, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. She was reared a Presbyterian, but afterward united with the Evangelical Lutheran church, of which she was a consistent member until her death. Henry T. Heinsling spent his boyhood days at St. Clairsville, and received his education in the common schools and Missionary institute of Selinsgrove, Snyder county. In 1875 he resolved upon a professional life, and made choice of jurisprudence. He then left St. Clairsville, and in the same year came to Altoona, where he read law with Neff & Riley. He was admitted to the bar of Blair county in August, 1877, and has been engaged ever since in the practice of his profession in the city of Altoona. He is a conservative democrat in politics, and has served the last ten years as city clerk. Mr. Heinsling gives careful attention to his cases, and spares no time or pains to advance his clients' interest. He has familiarized himself with the different branches of law in which cases are likely to arise in the courts of Blair and adjoining counties, and has grown into a good and desirable practice. On February 20, 1885, Henry T. Heinsling united in marriage with Sarah C. Loudon, daughter of John Loudon, of Altoona, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Heinsling have been born three children: Juniata, Ruth and Elizabeth. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by denise DAVID HENDERSON was born June 30, 1797, in Bald Eagle valley, in what is now Taylor township, Centre county, Pennsylvania. His father, Robert Henderson, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and emigrated to this country from County Derry during the revolutionary war. He reared a family of nine sons and one daughter. He died when David was but seven years old, leaving him at that tender age to the charity of a cold, unfeeling world. He was apprenticed to Joseph Wagner to learn the shoemaking business. Some years afterward he commenced working at his trade in Franklin Township, his only capital being the forty dollars received for his horse. Here he did a large amount of work for the extensive iron works in that neighborhood. He received his pay in bar iron, which he wagoned to Pittsburg twice a year. In 1821 he married Margaret Conrad, a most estimable lady, who, after a life of exemplary Christian piety and usefulness, died April 10, 1877, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. Henderson, in 1831, commenced farming on the farm now known as the homestead, one and a half miles from the village of Spruce Creek, in Franklin township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. For the farm he paid the then large sum of seventeen hundred dollars. To the pursuit thus adopted by him he ever afterwards devoted his undivided energies. In the year 1864 he purchased a property in the village of Spruce Creek, to which he removed, and where he spent the last years of his life, dying October 7, 1882. He died surrounded with all the comforts of life which wealth, domestic happiness, and filial affection were capable of affording, and universally esteemed and respected. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Tina Erb JAMES F. LEIGHTY, a prominent builder and contractor, who has erected many large and substantial buildings at Duncansville and elsewhere, is a son of David and Catharine (Stifler) Leighty, and was born November 28, 1864. Jacob Leighty (grandfather) went to Hagerstown, Maryland, where, after residing a few years, he removed to Dry Run, Blair county, and from thence to Poplar Run, where he died. By occupation he was a farmer, and in political sentiment he closely adhered to the principles of the Democratic party, which elected him to the office of justice of the peace of Logan township, this county, in which he served for one term. He was a Lutheran, and reared a family of four sons: David, Peter, Edward, and Henry. David Leighty (father) was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, and afterward removed to Dry Run, and after a residence of a few years there came to Poplar Run, where he remained but a short time. He then removed to Red Cap Hill, where he purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He afterward sold this farm, and resided successively at Poplar Run, Dry Run, and at Duncansville, Having sold his real estate interests at the latter place, he purchased a tract of land at Newry, Blair county, where he is comfortably situated, and has one of the most desirable farms in the county. He was a democrat, and was elected to the office of constable of his township. In religious faith he believes in the principles of the Lutheran Evangelical church. He married Catharine Stifler, by whom he had a family of five sons and five daughters: Elizabeth, married William Buckel, who is a blacksmith at Newry; Sarah, wife of William Yackley, of Dry Run, who is engaged in farming; Samuel, married Lillie Knee, and is a prominent builder and contractor at Duncansville; Edward H., died in 1888; Mary (deceased); David H., Harry J., Lloyd A., Ella, and James F. James F. Leighty was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools. In 1885 he began business for himself as a contractor and builder at Tyrone, and there remained a few years, when he became an employee of T. M. Ake, and afterward was engaged with James Barry, of the same place, for some time. After this he again entered into business for himself, and now enjoys the command of an extensive trade. In 1891 he erected nineteen dwellings and three large barns, besides doing various other kinds of carpenter work. In 1889 he was united in marriage with Jennie A. Sell, of Learnersville, Blair county, and their union has been blessed with one child, a son, named John H., who was born August 24, 1890. James F. Leighty owns valuable real estate at Duncansville, and has a very neat and comfortable residence at Y Switches, on Railroad street, in the suburbs of the same place. He is a democrat, and attends the Lutheran Evangelical church. Starting in life with a capital of but one hundred dollars, by industry, honesty, and good management he won a competency for himself, and enjoys the reputation of being a good and reliable contractor and business man. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Daneen Smedile DR. CHARLES LONG, was born in South Woodbury township, Bedford county Pennsylvania, September 12, A.D. 1841. His father was a farmer of a progressive turn, a man of influence in his community, and a warm friend of popular education in his day. He reared his family in quiet upon his farm, and gave both his sons and daughters a liberal education in some of the then available select schools and academies. Charles attended Cassville seminary, located at Cassville, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently took a course at the Millersville State Normal school at Millersville, Pennsylvania. After teaching in the public schools in his native county, and at the Franklin Collegiate institute, at Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, he engaged himself, as a student of medicine, with Dr. Samuel H. Smith of Woodbury, Pennsylvania, and entered the medical department of Union university, at Albany, New York, and graduated with the class of 1867. Immediately after graduation, he located at New Enterprise, near his native home, and engaged in the practice of his profession. In the fall of 1867 he became a student in Bellevue Medical college, New York and graduated with the class of 1870. Returning to New Enterprise, he resumed his practice and continued uninterruptedly until September 1, 1888, when he sold out to Dr. H.M. Griffith. After spending three months in the dispensaries and clinics of Philadelphia, he went to New York, in January, 1889, and spent one year in the post-graduate school and clinics of the different dispensaries of that medical center, as an assistant and student. In February of 1890 he came to Altoona, and opened an office on Eleventh street, near Twelfth avenue, where he is now located, and enjoying a lucrative practice. The doctor is a republican in politics, a pleasant and courteous gentleman, well known, wide-awake and progressive, in the vigor of manhood with the prospect of many years of usefulness in store for him. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Christy Stiles HON. ARCHIBALD McALLISTER, an ex-member of Congress, is one to whose virtues, manliness, and genius the history of Blair county should give ample space, as well as to record his enduring service to the county, and his honorable career in business life. He was a son of ~John C. and Frances (Hanna) McAllister, and was born at Fort Hunter, near Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1813. His paternal great-great-grandfather, Archibald McAllister, came from Scotland to America in 1746, and settled at Big Spring, Cumberland county. He married Jane McClure, and had eight children. His second son, Richard (great-grandfather), went to York county, where he bought a large tract of land called "Diggs' Choice." He was a man of eminence and distinction; was made lieutenant of the district by the council of Philadelphia, and had large jurisdiction. He laid out the town of McAllister, now Hanover, York county; became quite wealthy in the iron and mercantile business, and married Mary Dill in 1748. During the latter part of 1775 the men of York county, as recommended by Congress, were enrolled in militia companies. The companies were consolidated into five battalions to form a regiment of minute men, and Richard McAllister was made colonel. In 1776 Col. Richard McAllister's regiment was sent to join General Washington, and fought gallantly on Long Island. Col. Richard McAllister died October 7, 1795, and his remains were buried in Mount Olivet cemetery, Hanover. Archibald (grandfather), son of Col. Richard McAllister, was a captain in the revolutionary war, and at the age of twenty fought at Monmouth and Germantown. In 1785 be bought Fort Hunter, in Dauphin county, and lived there the rest of his life, where three succeeding generations of his descendants lived and died, and their remains sleep in a private cemetery. He owned nearly a thousand acres of land in one tract, was wealthy and while a practical farmer, yet devoted some time to fancy and theoretical farming. He was one of the three largest landholders in the eastern part of the State, and was a strict Presbyterian and a strong Jacksonian democrat. He served in the revolutionary war under the direct command of Washington, from whom he afterward received many letters, which are still in the family. He died in 1832. His first wife was Elizabeth Hayes, by whom he had no issue, and after her death he married Elizabeth Carson, by whom he had six children. His son, John C. McAllister (father), was a life long resident of Fort Hunter, where he died in 1862, at seventy-three years of age. He was a prosperous farmer, a strong democrat, and an influential Methodist. He served as canal commissioner and as flour inspector, and married Frances Hanna, by whom he had twelve children, nine sons and three daughters. Mrs. McAllister, who was a zealous and working member of the Methodist Episcopal church, was a daughter of John Hanna, whose father, Rev. John Hanna, married a daughter of John Harris the founder of Harrisburg. Hon. Archibald McAllister received his education at Carlisle, and then was successively general manager of Paradise, Martha, and Middletown furnaces, of Dauphin and Blair counties. In 1842 he became manager of Springfield furnace, which position he held until his death. He died July 18, 1883, and his remains were interred in Mountain cemetery On December 2, 1840, Mr. McAllister married Henrietta, daughter of Hon. Samuel and Sarah (Provence) Royer, of Springfield Furnace, now Royer. To their union were born five children. Mrs. McAllister was born September 5, 1822, and still resides at her beautiful home at Royer, where she has one of the finest farms in the county. Her paternal ancestors, the Royers, are of German descent, and the family in Pennsylvania was founded by two brothers, Samuel aud Sebastian, who settled at Royer's ford, Montgomery county, from which Samuel's son, Daniel, who was a tanner, removed to near Waynesboro, in Franklin county, and afterward to Blair county, where he built Springfield furnace in 1815. He married Ann Stoner, and his son, Hon. Samuel Royer, the father of Mrs. McAllister, was born near Waynesboro, Franklin county, and died at Springfield furnace in 1860, aged sixty-five years. He was a prominent iron master, and; with his brother John, erected Franklin and Cove forges, where they made charcoal iron. He was an influential man, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a whig, and represented Huntingdon county, in 1832, in the legislature. He was also a member of one of the constitutional conventions. He married Sarah Provence, by whom he had six children, and after her death married Mrs. Martha (Patton) McNamara, by whom he had three sons and one daughter. Hon. Archibald McAllister was a man of fine physique, standing over six feet in height, of commanding yet dignified appearance, and whose face was said to have borne a striking resemblance to that of Daniel Webster. He was a Methodist, but contributed liberally to all denominations, and was extremely popular in central Pennsylvania. He was a man of great executive ability, and supported the Democratic party until about 1880, when he became a prohibitionist, and was prominently identified with that party until his death. Archibald McAllister represented the Seventeenth Congressional district in the Thirty-eighth Congress, from 1863 to 1865, with ability and distinction and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He served on the military Committee, and was one of the few democratic members of the house who supported President Lincoln's emancipation proclamation. He was never afraid of his belief, and faith and courage with him always stood together, and stood him well in hand in his Congressional career, as it is difficult now to realize the duties and responsibilities of a member of Congress during the late civil war. Mr. McAllister was a clear headed and able manager, whose industry and comprehensive grasp of details in any matter made him invaluable alike in Congress, or in any business enterprise in which he engaged. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Esther McDermott. emamcd@erols.com ALBERT S. SMITH, M. D. One of the most important professions in the world is the medical profession, in whose ranks are to be found those who are specially qualified for their noble calling in which they are eminently successful. Of this worthy class is Dr. A. S. Smith, of Altoona. He is a son of Dr. Samuel Haller and Mary (Rupley) Smith, and was born in the borough of Woodbury, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1853. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Smith, was born in the latter part of the eighteenth century, in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, from which he removed to Juniata county, where he purchased a farm and commenced to make a comfortable home for himself, in which commendable employment he was interrupted by the messenger of death while in the bloom of health and early manhood. He died of typhoid fever, aged forty-three years. He was an industrio8us, hard working man, and an earnest member of the German Baptist, or Dunkard church. His son, Dr. Samuel Haller Smith (father), was born on his father's farm, near McCalistersville, Juniata County, on October 29, 1811. Left in his tender years without the protecting care of a father, he was compelled to push his own way through school and into a profession. He attended an academy at Lewiston, Mifflin County, and by hard work secured means sufficient to enter upon the study of medicine. He read with Dr. Mealy, of Liverpool, Pennsylvania, and entered the old Pennsylvania Medical college, of Philadelphia (now extinct, but then situated on the corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets), from which he was graduated about 1832. Leaving Philadelphia, he practiced for a few years in Huntingdon County, and then removed to the borough of Woodbury, in Bedford County, where he has been in continuous and active practice for nearly fifty-five years. He is a general practitioner, works hard, and has a practice that extends for twenty-five miles around Woodbury. He stands high in his profession, is a member of the German Baptist, or Dunkard church, and has always been an ardent democrat, yet does not allow political matters to take much of his time from his professional labors. He owns considerable real estate, has several fine farms, and has been very successful in land investments. He married Mary Ann Rupley, who was born October 16, 1815, and to them were born seven children, of whom five are living: Calvin, of Altoona, who married Matilda Davis, and follows farming; Carrie; William R., who served through the civil war in Co. F, 134th Illinois volunteer regiment, and then came to Altoona, where he was in the mercantile business for some time, and is now an alderman in the Third ward; Anna, wife of DR. I.N. Bowser, of Martinsburg; and Dr. Albert S. Albert S. Smith grew to manhood in his native borough, and received his education in the common schools and Millersville State Normal School, where he took a special course as preparatory to the study of medicine. He then entered the office of his father as a medical student, and after close and careful reading went to Philadelphia, where he took a three years' course in Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated on March 12, 1876. During his attendance at this college he had the benefit of private personal instruction under the preceptorship of Prof. Oscar H. Allis, a very fine and extremely popular surgeon of the Quaker City. Two weeks after graduation he entered an examination, held by medical experts, for the position of resident physician to the celebrated Blockley hospital of Philadelphia. Of the numerous applicants - some of whom were successful physicians of experience and practice -he made next to the highest average, and gave such other evidences of special qualification and fitness for the position, that he was unanimously elected as resident physician, and served as such for eighteen months. At the end of that time he commenced a successful private practice in Philadelphia, where he remained for four years. In March, 1882, he left Philadelphia, and came to Altoona as a desirable field for the practice of his profession, and his choice was so well made, and his practice has always been so large, that he has never regretted his choice, and has remained in the Mountain City ever since, although he has received flattering offers at different times to locate to other places. On February 22, 1882, Dr. Smith united in marriage with Martha S. Tate, daughter of Samuel H. Tate, an attorney at law, and a resident of Bedford, Pennsylvania. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have two children: Albert Tate and Humphrey Dillon. Doctor Smith is a member of Mountain Lodge, No. 281, Free and Accepted Masons; Bedford Chapter, No. 255, Royal Arch Masons; and Mountain Council, No. 9, Royal and Select Masters. He is also a member of Mountain Lodge, No. 837, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Camp No. 31, Order of Patriotic Sons of America; and Altoona Lodge, No. 102, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a republican in politics, and while not indifferent to public matters, from those of municipal interest to those of National import, yet gives his time to the demands of his large and constantly increasing practice. Aside from his private practice, Doctor Smith has been frequently called to act in a public capacity for the benefit of the sick and the health of the city. After the Altoona hospital was built he served for three years as one of the visiting committee of that institution. He also served one year as physician-in-chief to the county home, and three years as physician to the poor of the city of Altoona and Logan Township, and was a member of the board of health for three years. Dr. Albert S. Smith is a large man, of fine personal appearance and pleasant address, courteous and kind, and in bearing so gentlemanly that he is easily approached by all---high and low alike. He is active and energetic, and has honorably won his way to the front ranks of his profession. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Tina Erb WILLIAM H. STEPHENS, a member of the city council of Altoona, and a wounded veteran of the army of the Potomac, is a son of Nicholas R. and Ruth Curry) Stephens, and was born near Hollidaysbury, Blair county, Pennsylvania, on April 6, 1840. His paternal grandfather, Nicholas Stephens, was a native of Germany, who came to near Hollidaysburg, where he purchased a farm and reared a family of thirteen children. In 1850 he sold his farm and removed to Benton county, Iowa, where he died. He was a hard working man, and a consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. His son, Nicholas R. Stephens (father), was born near Hollidaysburg in 1824, and learned the trade of carpenter. In 1850 he went to Benton county, Iowa, where he worked at his trade for two years, and then returned to Blair county, in which he followed mining for several years. He died in Altoona in 1890, when in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was an old-line whig and republican in politics, and in 1861 enlisted as a soldier in the Federal army for a term of nine months, of which he served the last six months in the construction corps. He was a Lutheran in religious faith, and married Ruth Curry, who was born in 1812, and is now a resident of Altoona, where she is a member of one of the Catholic churches of that city. William H. Stephens grew to manhood in his native township, and received his education in the common and normal schools of Pennsylvania. In 1863, when dangers were settling thick around the Federal cause, and grave fears existed in many parts of the north concerning the preservation of the Union, Mr. Stephens attested his devotion and loyalty to his county in her hour of need by enlisting in Company D, 13th Pennsylvania infantry. He served in the army of the Potomac in Maryland and Virginia, and in May, 1864, crossed the Rapidan, and was in the terrific Wilderness struggles until he had his right arm shot off in the thickest of the fight at Cold Harbor. He was removed to a hospital, and after his arm was healed he was placed on light service, from which he was not discharged until 1866. He then returned home, attended school for two years, and was engaged in teaching in Frankstown and Logan townships until 1882. In that year he came to Altoona, where he embarked in his present grocery business. In 1870 Mr. Stephens married Maria Reem, daughter of Lieut. Charles Reem, who was a native of near Hollidaysburg, and fell in defense of his country's liberties in the battle of Winchester. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have a family of six children, two sons and four daughters: Cora J., Annie R., Howard A., Olive G., John Edgar, and Flora M. William H. Stephens is member of the Catholic church of Altoona, and Stephen C. Potts Post, No. 62, Grand Army of the Republic. He has been successful in the grocery business, and has a good patronage. He is a republican in politics, and has always taken an active part in municipal and political affairs. He is a resident of the sixth war, and was elected as alderman from that ward in 1885. Toward the close of his term he was re-elected in February, 1890, for a second term, on which he is now serving in a very creditable manner to himself. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Daneen Smedile JOHN W. WEBBER, the well known contractor of Altoona, is a man who has won success in life by first deserving it, and then with indomitable courage compelling it. He is the eldest son of Andrew and Sarah (Wilson) Webber, and was born May 22, 1829, in Venango county, Pennsylvania. Andrew Webber (grandfather) was a native of Germany, but left the Fatherland while yet a young man to make himself a home in America. He settled in Centre county, Pennsylvania, where he became a farmer and passed his life in agricultural pursuits. After spending a number of years in Centre, he removed to Venango county, where he ended his days at the advance age of ninety years. He married and reared a large family. Andrew Webber (father) was born in Centre county, this State, where he was reared and educated. When a young man he removed with his father's family to Venango county and continued a resident of that county until 1870, when he went to Mercer county, Illinois, and from there to Poweskiek county, Iowa. In the latter county he ended his earthly pilgrimage in 1882, at the ripe old age of four-score years. He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics a Jacksonian democrat. In early life he learned the trades of tanner and shoemaker at Bellefonte, this State, but soon abandoned them, and devoted the remainder of his active life to farming. He wedded Sarah Wilson, by whom he had a family of children. She was a native of Venango county, of Scotch-Irish descent, and died in that county. She was for many years a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and was highly esteemed by her neighbors and friends. John W. Webber was reared in his native county in the Keystone State, and acquired a good common school education. After leaving school he learned the trade of house and sign painting, and shortly afterward, in 1849, removed from Venango to Huntingdon county, where he worked at his trade until 1852. He then came to the city of Altoona, this county, where he has ever since resided. In that same year he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in the painting department of their car shops at Altoona, and a few years later was promoted to be master painter for that company. He occupied that important position until 1875, when he resigned and engaged in contracting and building in that city, which business he has conducted ever since. He is active and enterprising, gifted with capacity for details and good business judgment, and has achieved remarkable success. In 1850 Mr. Webber was untied in marriage with Harriet Lias, a daughter of Abraham Lias, of Huntingdon county, this State, and to their union was born a family of three children, two sons and a daughter: Harry W., Mollie M., and James L. Mr. Webber has for many years been a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Altoona, and is serving as steward and trustee of his church. He is also a member of Logan Lodge, No. 490, Free and Accepted Masons; Mountain Chapter, No. 189, Royal Arch Masons; and Mountain Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar. Politically he is a republican. His business life has been successful and honorable, and he stands high as a citizen. During the civil war, in 1863, he enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment, and served three months. By his ability, industry and enterprise, Mr. Webber has accumulated a handsome competency, and now lives in an elegant home in the city of Altoona, surrounded by all the comforts of life, and popular alike in business, religious and social circles. Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb archives by Daneen Smedile