BIO: William RISHEL, Centre County, PA

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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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  WILLIAM RISHEL, one of the honored and most highly respected citizens 
of Tusseyville, was for many years actively identified with the 
agricultural interests of Potter township, Centre county, and is a 
worthy representative of a prominent pioneer family that has been an 
important factor in the progress and development of central 
Pennsylvania.  The grandfather of our subject came from the southern 
part of the State to what is now Centre county, long before it was 
organized, and the father, George Rishel, was born in Gregg township in 
the latter part of the past century.  When but a boy he came to Potter 
township, and cleared and developed a good farm near Centre Hill, where 
his death occurred when he was over seventy years of age.  As a farmer 
he was highly successful, owning three large farms at the time of his 
death.  He adhered to the principles of the Democratic party, and in 
religious faith was a member of the Evangelical Church.  He was united 
in marriage with Catharine Ream, who died when past her eightieth 
birthday, and to them were born eleven children - five sons and six 
daughters, of whom our subject is the ninth in order of birth.  One 
son, David, was an Evangelical minister, and three daughters were 
married to Evangelical ministers, viz.: Rebecca to Rev. Daniel Kerr, 
Susan to W. W. Orwig, and Sarah to John Kreamer.
  In George's Valley, Centre county, William Rishel, the subject proper 
of this review, was born July 25, 1820, and was reared in much the 
usual manner of farmer boys, assisting in the work of the home farm, 
and obtaining such an education as the district schools afforded at 
that early day.  He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one 
years of age, when he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret 
Heltman, who was born in Clinton county, Penn., in January, 1820.  One 
child blessed their union: Mary J., now the wife of Samuel Swartz, of 
Tusseyville.
  After his marriage, Mr. Rishel operated the old home farm in 
connection with his brother John, until 1862, when he purchased a farm 
near Tusseyville, but in 1860 removed to his present excellent farm, to 
which he has added until at present it comprises over 240 acres, 
divided into two farms, for which he paid $20,000.  To its care and 
cultivation he devoted his entire time and attention for many years, 
but has now practically laid aside business cares, and is enjoying a 
well-earned rest.  He was not only a thorough and skillful farmer, but 
also a shrewd and reliable business man, whose success in life was due 
to his own untiring and persistent efforts, guided by sound judgment.  
Having purchased different farms, he would improve and cultivate them 
for a short time, and then sell at a handsome profit.  By this means he 
has become one of the most substantial agriculturists of the community.
  Mr. Rishel is a stanch. Democrat in politics, and has been elected to 
official positions, but refused to qualify. He is one of the prominent 
and leading members of the United Evangelical Church, and to the 
erection of their new house of worship he was one of the most liberal 
contributors.  He has faithfully filled various Church offices, and is 
an active as well as devout member of the congregation.  His name is a 
synonym for honesty, his dealings have been characterized

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  261

by a straightforward, honorable business policy, and he, therefore, 
merits and receives the confidence and esteem of all who know him.  His 
noble wife has shared his trials and hardships, and to her no little 
credit is due for the success he has achieved.