BIO: Harvey D. VAN PELT, 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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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  203

  HARVEY D. VAN PELT (deceased) was for many years one of the leading 
citizens of central Pennsylvania.  He was prominently connected with 
the development of the industrial interests, and his industry and 
enterprise were important factors in the material welfare of the 
community in which he lives.  Monuments of brass or stone are not 
needed to perpetuate his memory, for he is enshrined in the hearts of 
many friends who witnessed his upright life and recognized his sterling 
worth.
  Mr. Van Pelt was born in Tomkins county, N.Y. in 1840, and during his 
youth lived the free open life of a farmer boy on the family homestead 
near Slaterville, N. Y.  In the summer months, he followed the plow and 
aided in the harvest fields, while in the winter season he attended the 
public schools of the neighborhood.  His parents were Lorenzo and Betsy 
(Rice) Van Pelt, and he was the eldest of three children, the others 
being E. G. of Ithaca, N.Y.; and Romelia, wife of R. G. H. Speed, of 
Slaterville Springs, N.Y.  The father of this family followed farming 
in his early life and was afterward a dealer in patent rights.
  After mastering the rudimentary branches of learning in the common 
schools, Mr. Van Pelt pursued an academic course of study in Ithaca and 
Groton, N. Y., after which he took a commercial course in Cleveland, 
Ohio.  He then went on a trip down the Mississippi river with the 
Government Engineering Corps, and soon after his return to the North 
removed to Centre Hall.  He came to that town as a patent right 
salesman; but seeing that there was a favorable opening for the foundry 
business, he turned his attention to that industry, and for a time was 
employed as bookkeeper in a foundry.  Subsequently he purchased an 
interest in the business and became the leading partner in the firm of 
Van Pelt, Shoop & Co.  Through out his remaining days he was identified 
with that industry, and his capable management made it a profitable 
source of income.  His business ability, however, was by no means 
limited to one undertaking, for he successfully controlled a number of 
interests which resulted not only to his own material benefit, but 
proved of value to the community as well. He was associated with Gov. 
Beaver, Gen. Hastings and Col. Spangler in the founding and upbuilding 
of the town of Hastings, Cambria Co., Penn.  In April, 1888, he went to 
the site of the village, which was then a wilderness, cut down the 
trees, blocked out the town, measured the streets and staked off the 
houses; in brief, he was the active manager and promoter of Hastings, 
which in two years attained a growth nearly as great as Centre Hall.
  On February 21, 1878, in Centre Hall, Mr. Van Pelt was married to 
Miss Anna Spangler, daughter of ex-Sheriff Spangler.  She was born in 
Adamsburg, Snyder Co., Penn., December 12, 1853, and completed her 
education with an academical course.  She is a cultured lady, presiding 
with grace over her hospitable home, and to her husband was a cherished 
companion and helpmeet.  They had three children:  John, born January 
21, 1880; Helen R., born February 27, 1882, now attending Wilson 
College in Chambersburg, Penn.; and Bessie M., born in September, 1888, 
died in September, 1889.
  In politics, Mr. Van Pelt was a Democrat who loyally supported his 
party, but never sought office.  In 1890 he went to Hastings to look  
after his business interest in that place, returning home in April.  
Three weeks later on the 3d of May, he died, and a noble life was thus 
ended.  While he made no profession of superiority to his fellowmen, 
all recognized him as a man of unquestioned integrity and 
irreproachable character.  He was upright in his dealings, courteous at 
all times, considerate of the feelings of those with whom he was 
associated and ever a true gentleman in the highest and best sense of 
the term.  All who knew him mourned his death and the sympathy of the 
entire community was extended to his family.  His wife and children 
still reside in the pleasant home which he left to them in Centre Hall, 
and their circle of friends is extensive.