BIO: Daniel GARMAN, Centre County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja & Sabrina Marie Robb

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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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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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, pages 105-106

DANIEL GARMAN, of Bellefonte, Centre county, proprietor of the "Hotel Garman" 
and of the handsome opera house in the same block, has been for many years one 
of the substantial business men of that charming town.  While achieving success 
as a Boniface he has been no less fortunate in other lines, and notably so as 
the owner of extensive livery barns and as a dealer in horses.  Although he has 
of late delegated the active work to his sons, who seen to have inherited his 
capacity for business, he has by no means lost his influence and prestige in 
financial circles.
  Daniel Garman is a Pennsylvanian by birth, having been born near Harrisburg, 
Dauphin county, February 12, 1820.  His parents, George and Rebecca (Betzer) 
Garman, were both born and reared near Lancaster, Penn., but moved in 1806, 
shortly after their marriage, to Dauphin county.  The father operated a 
distillery in connection with his agricultural pursuits, and prospered so well 
that at the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-eight years old, 
he owned three good farms.  In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious 
faith he was a Lutheran.  The mother lived to the age of sixty-two years, and, 
of eleven children, nine - seven sons and two daughters - lived to adult age.
  Our subject, the fifth child in order of birth, grew to manhood at the old 
home, and at twenty-three started out to seek his fortune, locating first at 
Jersey Shore, Penn., where he learned the jeweler's trade, and was for three 
years in that business with his brother.  He also began there his career as a 
liveryman, which now dates back over forty-six years.  In 1856 he went to Lock 
Haven, Penn., and opened a jewelry store and livery stable, and engaged in the 
buying and selling of horses.  In 1857, while there, he was married to Miss 
Louisa Schroyer, who was born at Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1834, and 
in 1860 he moved to Bellefonte.  A large stock of horses which he bought at that 
time enabled him to establish himself in a profitable business at once; in 1861 
he purchased a hotel, and has ever since been connected with that line.  His 
present hotel and opera house were built in 1880, and his residence and barn in 
1887.
  In 1886, his pleasant home was darkened by the death of his faithful partner 
in the joys and sorrows of life.  Nine children of this happy union survive:  
(1) Edward is a merchant at Bellefonte.  (2) Allen S., who was born in 
Bellefonte, March 3, 1860, took a course in the high school, and then learned 
the harness maker's trade, which he followed for three years.  In 1890, as his 
father desired to be released from active business, Allen S. Garman assumed the 
management of the hotel and opera house, which he still conducts in partnership 
with his brothers, Carney M. and Charles B.  Allen S. is alert and intelligent, 
and finds time, notwithstanding his business cares, to take an influential share 
in the work of the local Democratic organization, and in public affairs 
generally.  On all questions of the day he keeps well informed, and in 
discussion he is amply qualified to hold his own ground.  (3) Ira D. Garman, 
third son of our subject, is a jeweler in Philadelphia, Penn.  (4) Minnie 
married Isaac Matland, of Williamsport, Penn.  (5) Carney M. is a partner in the 
hotel and opera house management.  (6) William is a clerk in the post office at 
Bellefonte.  (7) Charles B. is one of the partners in his father's business.  
(8) Rebe married Charles Cruse, of Bellefonte.  (9) Robert is a jeweler at 
Coatesville, Chester Co., Pennsylvania.
  Daniel Garman in his younger life took an active part in politics, and served 
in the borough council and on the school board.  He has been a Master Mason for 
forty-six years, and for thirty-five years has been identified with the 
Episcopal Church.