BIO: Henry C. WARFEL, Centre County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB

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.
_____________________________________________________________________ 

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  311

  HENRY C. WARFEL, of Philipsburg, Centre county.  Among the only 
series of medals of honor granted by Congress for heroism during the 
Civil war is one inscribed: "The Congress to Private Henry C. Warfel, 
Company A, First Pa. Cavalry."  The deed of valor thus commemorated was 
in truth worthy of such distinguished notice, being the capture of the 
colors of a Virginia regiment at the battle of Paines Cross Roads, 
April 5, 1865.  Private Warfel's military record is one in which any 
American would take pride, and the medal and the documents relating to 
his soldierly achievements are cherished possessions.
  The opening of the Civil war found Mr. Warfel a boy of sixteen, an 
apprentice in a tinner's shop at Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., Penn., and 
notwithstanding his youth his heart was fired with patriotic ardor, and 
he longed to do battle in the defense of the Union.  As the outlook 
grew darker, and it was seen that the struggle would be longer and more 
deadly than was at first anticipated, he prepared to go, and in August, 
1862, enlisted in response to the call for men for nine months' 
service, joining Company I, 125th P. V. I.  His regiment was assigned 
to McClellan's forces, and the time was mainly spent in Maryland.  His 
first term of enlistment was signalized by the fierce engagements at 
Antietam and Chancellorsville; but nothing daunted by this baptism of 
fire he re-enlisted, in 1863, in the 195th P. V. I., and was 
immediately transferred to Company A, 1st P. V. C.  He served until the 
close of the war, participating in all the movements of his regiment, 
including the campaign before Petersburg, and was at Appomattox at the 
time of Lee's surrender, also marched in the Grand Review at 
Washington.  After receiving his discharge on May 27, 1865, he returned 
to his work as an apprentice, and when his trade was learned was 
employed by a railroad company for about two years.  A trip to Illinois 
occupied six months, and in February, 1869, he went to Philipsburg, 
where he has ever since followed his trade, and has established himself 
in business as a tinner and plumber.  On May, 15, 1892, he was 
commissioned postmaster at Philipsburg, by President Harrison, and 
served four years with ability and credit.  A steadfast Republican, he 
wields some influence in the councils of the party in his locality, and 
he has also been active in affairs in his borough, serving as Burgess 
for four years.  In religious faith he is a Presbyterian.
  Mr. Warfel was married in Philipsburg, in 1874, to Miss Sarah A. 
DuBree, a native of Bucks county, Penn., born in 1851.  Three children 
have brightened their home, of whom the eldest, Emma D., is the only 
survivor. (2) Juniata F. died in 1889 at the age of eight and one-half 
years. (3) D. DuBree lived to the age of only three years and two 
months.
  The early life of our subject was spent in Huntingdon county, Penn., 
where he was born September 14, 1844, and he was educated in the 
schools of Mill Creek district.  His family has been long established 
in Huntingdon county, his grandfather, George Warfel, having settled 
there in early manhood.  He was of German descent, but was a native of 
this State.  He had a numerous family of children, our subject's father 
being the eldest, but the names of all are not now recalled.  John died 
at Frankstown, Blair county; Philip is living in the West, probably in 
Iowa: Margaret married Jacob Baker, of Alexandria, Penn.; and Sarah 
(deceased) was the wife of Jacob Walters, of Huntingdon county.
  Adam Warfel, the father of our subject, was born in Huntingdon county 
in 1813, and passed his life there, his death occurring in 1880.  By 
occupation he was a blacksmith, and he was a highly respected citizen, 
a member of the Baptist Church, and an influential worker in the 
Republican party.  In 1863 he was elected county commissioner.  His 
wife, Barbara Foster, was born in Bedford county, Penn., in 1820, and 
is now living near Huntingdon, Penn.  Of their children, eight lived to 
adult age, viz.: (1) Nancy is the widow of Simon Bales, of Huntingdon 
county; (2) George is a blacksmith in that county; (3) Henry Clay is 
our subject; (4) James is a clerk and bookkeeper in Pittsburg; (5) 
Elias H. W. is a tinner in the same city; (6) William is a blacksmith 
at Pittsburg; (7) John is a machinist in Philadelphia; and (8) Juniata 
is the wife of H. H. Pensyl, of Altoona.