BIO: Felix M. BURKHOLDER, Centre County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich

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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.
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  F. M. BURKHOLDER (deceased) was one of the valued and highly esteemed 
citizens of Potter township, Centre county.  He was born September 24, 
1839, in Derry township, Dauphin co., Penn., but in infancy was brought 
to 

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  229

Centre county by his parents, Felix and Elizabeth (Meyer) Burkholder.  
Although he never served an apprenticeship to the miller's trade, he 
learned that business while assisting his father in the operation of 
his mill, but throughout his early life was principally engaged in 
agricultural pursuits on the home farm.
  While cradling wheat during the harvest of 1861, Mr. Burkholder 
sprained his left leg in such a way as to necessitate its amputation 
five years later, and for two or three years during that interval he 
suffered in untold agony and was obliged to use crutches.  His early 
education was somewhat limited but after the loss of his limb he 
resolved to further continue his studies in order to support himself by 
teaching, and attended school at various places, including Penn Hall, 
Millersville and Potters Mills.  Obtaining a certificate he 
successfully engaged in teaching some nine years, and became one of the 
leading educators of Potter township.
  In Centre Hall, September 7, 1876, Mr. Burkholder was married to Miss 
Mary E. McClintock who was born in Potter township, June 11, 1845, and 
is one of the four children of Alexander and Elizabeth (Reichley) 
McClintock, the others being Sarah C., wife of William H. Mapes of 
Camden county, N. J.; Samuel R., of Harris township, Centre county; and 
Ann E., who died in childhood.  The McClintock family is of Scotch-
Irish extraction, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Burkholder being a 
native of the North of Ireland.  Her grandfather, Samuel McClintock, 
was a carpenter and farmer.  The father, a farmer by occupation, died 
in Potter township at the age of sixty-six years, the mother at the age 
of seventy-one, and they now rest in the Sprucetown cemetery.  In 
religious belief they were Methodists, and were highly respected 
citizens of the community in which they made their home.
  After his marriage, Mr. Burkholder located on the same property where 
his widow still resides.  He remodeled the house, erected a good barn, 
and made that place his home until his death on May 24, 1893.  His 
remains were interred in the Tusseyville cemetery.  About 1873 he 
commenced the sale of agricultural implements throughout Centre county, 
and became quite a successful agent.  This business gave him a wide 
acquaintance, and his circle of friends was extensive.  His funeral was 
the largest ever held in Centre Hill, people coming from miles around 
to pay their last tribute to the deceased, whom all honored and 
respected for his sterling worth and many excellent traits of 
character.  He was a successful business man, leaving to his family a 
comfortable competence; a kind husband and a loving father, whose 
interests centered around his home.  An earnest Christian, he was a 
devout member of the Reformed Church, in which he was serving as elder 
at the time of his death.  His political support was given the 
Republican party.  Mrs. Burkholder still resides at the home left her, 
and in the settlement of her husband's affairs, displayed excellent 
business ability.  She is a lay who has the respect of all who know 
her, and her circle of friends is only limited by her circle of 
acquaintances.  Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burkholder, 
their names and dates of birth being as follows:  Effie E., March 13, 
1878; Morris A., October 20, 1879; Wilbur E., July 4, 1881; Harry F., 
May 13, 1883; and Ammon R., April 3, 1886 - all at home except Morris, 
who is working on a farm and Wilbur, who is attending school.

1880 Potter Township, Centre County census -
Felix M. Burkholder, 40  
Mary E. Burkholder, 35  
Effie E. Burkholder, 2  
Morris A. Burkholder, 9M  
Elizabeth Mc Clintock, 64