BIO: John F. GALLAHER, Clearfield County, PA
 
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From Twentieth Century History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania,
and Representative Citizens, by Roland D. Swoope, Jr.,
Chicago: Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, 1911, page 483.
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  JOHN F. GALLAHER, a prosperous farmer and justice of the peace at New 
Washington, Burnside township, was born in Bell township, Clearfield county, 
Pa., February 11, 1861, a son of James and Mary L. (Horton) Gallaher.  His 
paternal grandfather, also named James, settled with his family in Clearfield 
county in 1806.  He was a Revolutionary soldier and took a prominent part in the 
various Indian troubles of his day, being well known as a sturdy and fearless 
Indian fighter.  His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Ramsey, was probably 
of Scotch descent.  His occupation was lumbering and farming.
  James Gallaher, Jr., father of our subject, was born in Huntingdon county, 
Pa., in 1801 and accompanied his parents to Clearfield county.  He followed his 
father's occupation and was a good example of the hardy type of settlers who 
developed this region from a wilderness to the rich and well cultivated 
territory it is today.  He became a member of the Republican party after its 
formation and at different times held many local offices.  His death took place 
in 1880.  He was twice married:  first to Sally Lee, of which union there were 
six children, the only one now living being Margaret, wife of Dr. McCune, of 
Middletown, Va.  Mrs. Sally Gallaher died in 1858, and Mr. Gallaher was married 
secondly to Mary L. Horton, who was born at Athens, Ohio, May 13, 1826, a 
daughter of Isaac and Rose (Funston) Horton.  Of this second union there were 
born, in addition to our subject, the following children now living:  Rose, who 
became the wife of W. Carlysle; Virginia I., residing at New Washington, Pa.; 
and George W., a resident of Clearfield.  A half brother, James H. Kelley, 
residing at Clearfield, holds the office of district attorney.
  John F. Gallaher after his school days were over, was associated with his 
father in farming and lumbering up to 1895, at which time he retired from active 
participation in those industries, taking up his residence in the borough of New 
Washington.  A Republican in politics, he has held office as commissioner and as 
a member of the school board, and is now serving in his fourth term as justice 
of the peace.
  Mr. Gallaher married Cora Mahaffey, who was born December 14, 1867, a daughter 
of William and Mary M. (Estricher) Mahaffey, her grandfather being Thomas 
Mahaffey, of the prominent Clearfield county family of that name.  Mrs. Gallaher 
died April 27, 1910.  She and her husband were the parents of the following 
children:  James Kelley, now aged 21 years, who was a soldier in the war in the 
Philippines; Frank B., aged 19, who resides in Pittsburg; Rose, 18, who is 
keeping house for her father, John F., our subject; Eva M., 16, who is attending 
school; John, 12, who is also attending school; Mary, 11, and Burt, 8, and one 
that died in infancy.