BIO: Sidney W. BAIRFOOT, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ SIDNEY W. BAIRFOOT, who in his lifetime was one of the prominent and representative citizens of Centre Hall, Centre county, passed away on the 26th of October, 1888, after a life of industry, and rich in those rare possessions which only a high character can give. He had labored with all the strength of a great nature and all the earnestness of a true heart for the bettering of the world about him, and when he was called to the rest and reward of the higher world his best monument was found in the love and respect of the community in which almost his entire life had been passed. In Milroy, Penn., Mr. Bairfoot was born COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 479 July 10, 1854, and he first came to Centre county when he was seven years of age, going with his mother to the home of ex-County Treasurer D. C. Keller, of Potter township, where she was employed as a seamstress. When she was ready to leave, such an attachment had sprung up between Mr. Keller and the child that she concluded to allow him to remain for a time; but each day tightened the bands of friendship and the intended temporary stay became permanent. Being an excellent boy, he fortunately had a home with one of the best families of Potter township, where his traits of character were appreciated, and he was treated as one of the family. In the schools of Centre Hall he obtained a good practical education. When a young man, Mr. Bairfoot began his business career as a clerk in a general store in Lewistown, Penn., where he remained for eighteen months, and subsequently for several years served as manager of a store for his uncle in Chicago, Ill. During that time, however, he contracted malaria, which necessitated his returning "home", as he called it. Mr. Keller being engaged in the buying and selling of stock in Centre Hall, he became familiar with the business, which he followed after that gentleman's election to the office of treasurer of Centre county, and for some time was his partner in business. He was the trusted confidant of Mr. Keller, and in no instance was that confidence ever abused. In all the relations of life he was upright and honorable, and thus had the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. On July 14, 1886, in Centre Hall, he wedded Miss Flora O. Neff, who was born February 2, 1855, the only child of Dr. P. D. and Sarah C. (Motz) Neff. Her birth occurred in Aaronsburg, Centre county, but since the age of three years she has made her home in Centre Hall. When twelve she entered the Moravian Academy at Bethlehem, Penn., where she graduated July 1, 1873. Dr. Neff, one of the most successful practitioners and business men of Centre county, was born in 1817, and was the son of Major John Neff, who was prominent in the early history of Penn's Valley. The latter was born in 1790, and died April 4, 1870, in Centre Hall. In 1858 the Doctor left Aaronsburg and located in Centre Hall, where he soon built up an excellent practice and accumulated a handsome property. He continued the prosecution of his profession up to his death, which occurred April 7, 1880, at the bedside of a patient in Potter township. His loving wife survived him until April 7, 1887, and both now rest in the cemetery of Centre Hall. She belonged to the well-known Motz family of Woodward, Penn., a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fisher) Motz. The Doctor and his wife were held in the highest regard throughout the community, with whose interests they had long and prominently been identified. His father being a farmer, the Doctor passed his early life on a farm, but he was always a great student, and his daughter has often heard him speak of his studying at nights and working hard to secure his education. He was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. In politics he was a Democrat, but not active or obtrusive in the work of the party. Early in the year 1886, Mr. Bairfoot purchased a stationery store in Bellefonte, which he conducted in partnership with Oscar Wetzel for a time, and then became sole owner, but failing health necessitated his selling out, which he did in May, 1888. He then removed to the old homestead of Dr. Neff in Centre Hall, where his death occurred. Politically he was a Democrat, but never aspired to public office. As a young man he was steady and reliable, which traits characterized his entire career. He was quiet and unassuming, a man of few words, but a great reader and excellent penman. When a boy, in Lewistown, Penn., he committed to memory a certain amount of the catechism, and far excelled the other competitors who were striving for the prize - a dictionary - which he presented to the Sabbath-school where he won it. He was a great Bible student, followed closely its teachings, and was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. His name will be cherished for many generations, as that of a man who acted well his part and lived a worthy and honorable life. Mrs. Bairfoot, who still survives her husband, occupies the old homestead of her parents, and is surrounded by many warm friends and acquaintances, who have for her the highest regard.