BIO: Jerome SPIGELMYER, 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. _____________________________________________________________________ 478 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. J. SPIGELMYER is unquestionably one of the most influential and wide- awake business men, whose lives have become an essential part of the commercial and industrial history of Centre county. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resistless will power, are the chief characteristics of the man. He is not only one of the most enterprising merchants of Millheim, but also conducts the leading livery stable in the place, and is extensively engaged in the coal and sawmill business, thus giving employment to many men, and advancing the interests of the community. Mr. Spigelmyer was born July 23, 1853, in Hartleton, Union Co., Penn., and is a worthy representative of one of the old families of that place. His father, Shem Spigelmyer, was there born, and was a son of Daniel Spigelmyer, a prominent merchant and farmer of that locality. Shem Spigelmyer wedded Mary J. Lashell, and to them were born seven children who are yet living, and four now deceased. Those who still survive are G. R., a merchant of Bellefonte, Centre county; Mary, widow of James Haas, of Mifflinburg, Penn.; Shem, also a merchant of Bellefonte; J., of this sketch; Hannah J., wife of James Chambers, of Mifflinburg; Charles D., of Williamsport, Penn.; and Lydia L., wife of James Aurand, of Milroy, Penn. The father was for many years successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits, but is now living a retired life at the age of seventy-four, a highly respected and valued citizen of the community where he makes his home. He was practically thrown upon his own resources when a young man, and through his own efforts amassed a comfortable competence. He faithfully performs every duty of citizenship, and at the polls uniformly votes the Republican ticket. For years he has been a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, to which his estimable wife also belonged. She departed this life in Mifflinburg when over sixty years of age, and there her remains were interred. She was of Scotch descent, while her husband was of German origin. During his boyhood our subject attended the public schools of his native place, and later was a student in the seminary at New Berlin, Penn. When old enough to see above the counter he began assisting his father in the store, out of school hours, and thus early acquired a good practical knowledge of business methods. Before attaining his majority he became a member of the firm of Spigelmyer & Sons, who were then conducting stores in Hartleton and Woodward, Centre county. At the age of twenty-one he was married, in Mifflinburg, to Miss Mary C. Aurand, a native of Lewisburg, Penn., and a daughter of John Aurand, a farmer by occupation. She received the benefit of more than ordinary education, being a student in advanced institutions of learning. By her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Carrie M., an accomplished young lady. On dissolving his business connection with his father and brothers, Mr. Spigelmyer first established a store in Centre Hall, Penn., but after one year removed to Rebersburg, Centre county, and in 1880 established his present general store in Millheim, which he has since successfully conducted. In connection with his various business enterprises he also owns three good residences and three store buildings. He is one of the most progressive, public-spirited and enterprising citizens of Millheim, doing all in his power to further the interests of the place, and promote the general welfare. In manner he is pleasant and genial, in disposition kindly, and the high regard in which he is universally held is well deserved. He is a stalwart Republican in politics, and though the town has a strong Democratic majority, he was elected chief burgess, a fact which plainly indicates his popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. Socially he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle No. 353, of Millheim, and his estimable wife is a member of the Evangelical Church. 1880 Woodward Township, Centre County census - Jerome Spigelmyer, 27 Mary Spigelmyer, 25 Carrie M. Spigelmyer, 2