BIO: Charles B. NEFF, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2009. 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. _____________________________________________________________________ CHARLES B. NEFF, an intelligent and energetic young agriculturist of Potter township, Centre county, is unusually successful as a manager, his fine farm near Centre Hall being conducted in a model manner. Mr. Neff was born in Potter township, September 20, 1867, and belongs to one of the leading families of that locality. Major John Neff, his grandfather, a native of Lebanon county, Penn., born February 20, 1791, settled in Centre county in early manhood, and for some years followed the blacksmith's trade at Potters Mills. Later he purchased a large tract of land in the township on the Brush Valley road near the Harris township line, and engaged in agriculture, but continued to work somewhat at his trade in a shop which he built at the farm. As old age drew on he retired from active business and removed to Centre Hall, where he died April 4, 1870. He was a prominent citizen, one of the wealthy land owners of that locality, and his success was more notable from having been gained through his own exertions. In the Lutheran Church, of which he was a member, he took an active part, while in politics he was one of the leading Democrats of Centre county, and at one time was a candidate for the Legislature. Major Neff was married in Potter township, Centre county, to Miss Catherine Durst, who was born October 19, 1794, and died October 17, 1868. Her parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Herring) Durst, were well-known residents, and her father, who was an extensive farmer, wielded much influence in local affairs. In later life he removed to Centre Hall, and was identified with the development of the town. At the time of the introduction of the water works there he was a member of the company in charge of the enterprise. To Major John Neff and his wife the following children were born: Eliza (Mrs. Christian Dale), who died in Harris township, Centre county; Josiah, a farmer near Centre Hill, now deceased; Isabella (Mrs. Joseph Bittner), who died at Centre Hall; Peter D., at one time a 440 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. physician at Centre Hall, now deceased; John, a resident of Centre Hall; Lafayette, our subject's father; George W. (deceased), who was by occupation a miller and later a farmer in California; Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Crotzer), who died in Potter township, Centre county; Maria (Mrs. John Whittaker), who died in Petersburg, Penn.; Susan, who died at an early age; Daniel, who was killed in boyhood, while coming down Nittany Mountain, by a runaway horse that had been used to haul a heavy load up the mountain from Centre Hall; Barbara (Mrs. John Bittner), of Potter township, Centre county; Isaac P., a Lutheran minister at Milroy, Penn.; Evaline, who married Jacob Grove, and now resides in Kansas; William, a resident of Missouri; Luther, who met a soldier's death in the second battle of Bull Run, and was buried on the field; and Sarah, widow of John Sankey, of Centre Hall. The late Lafayette Neff, our subject's father, was born at the old home in Potter township, December 15, 1826, and was reared as a farmer boy, receiving such education as the local schools of that time afforded, the free system not being introduced until he was quite a lad. On December 26, 1854, he was married, by Rev. P. S. Fisher, to Miss Mary A. Ruble, who was born in Potter township, April 7, 1836, the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Miese) Ruble. Lafayette Neff located at the homestead, but later bought part of the old homestead, where he made his home until March 1, 1883, and then purchased the Peter Durst farm, where he passed away, April 23, 1895. His wife breathed her last February 12, 1894, and the remains of both were interred at the Centre Hill cemetery. He was a man of spare build, a hard worker, and always active, notwithstanding a lameness caused by a horse falling upon his left limb. As a farmer he was successful, securing a handsome competence by his able management, and 260 acres of land in excellent condition were left at his death. Public affairs received intelligent attention from him, and he was deeply interested in the Grange movement; also in the Democratic party, in which latter he was a prominent worker, holding various township offices. At one time he was a Lutheran in religion, but he afterward united with the Reformed Church. Our subject was the youngest of four children, the others being: James B., born March 18, 1857, is a merchant in Denver, Colo.; William R. and Calvin R. (twins), born March 19, 1860, both reside in Pennsylvania, the former in Potter township, Centre county, and the latter in Mifflinburg, where he is principal of the Mifflinburg high school. Charles B., was born September 20, 1867, in Potter township, Centre county, and was twelve years old when his parents removed to the farm which he now conducts so admirably. He and his brother, Calvin R., now own it in partnership, but as the latter is absent much of the time the responsible management falls upon our subject. He also prepared for the profession of teaching, his education being begun at the Pine Stump school, with Ferguson Potter as his first teacher. Twice he made arrangements to take charge of a school, but other duties interfering, he has always remained at home, where there is no lack of work to employ his energies. As a citizen he is progressive and public- spirited, but beyond giving his influence and his vote to the Democratic ticket he is not active in politics. On September 26, 1895, Mr. Neff was married, in Potter township, to Miss Maggie Moyer, who was born near Tusseyville, Penn., May 26, 1874, the third child and daughter of Henry and Elmira (Braman) Moyer. She has four sisters and one brother. Mrs. Neff is prominent in religious and social circles, and is a member of the Reformed Church.