BIO: ISAAC STRAW, 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, pages 515 & 516.
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  ISAAC STRAW, proprietor of a large general mercantile business at Westover, 
where he is also largely interested in lumber, was born in Ferguson township, 
Clearfield county, Pa., Nov. 14, 1863.  His parents were Enoch I. and Mary H. 
(Williams) Straw, and he is a grandson of Joseph Straw, who came here as a 
pioneer settler from Center county.  The grandfather, who married M. Thompson, 
was engaged in lumbering as his life occupation.
  Enoch I. Straw was born in Clearfield county and followed farming and 
lumbering all his life, dying in the year 1900.  He was a member of the Baptist 
church.  In politics he was a Democrat and at different times held local office, 
serving as collector and also on the school board.  His wife Mary was the 
daughter of George Williams of Center county, her mother's maiden name being 
Wagoner.  Of their family, in addition to our subject, there are now living the 
following children:  Lydia, who resides with her brother Isaac; Laura Belle, who 
is the wife of John McKugan of Jordan township; and Hattie, wife of Orlando 
Williams, residing on the old home farm.
  Isaac Straw after completing his school attendance as a scholar, taught school 
for three terms from the age of 20 years, nine months of this time being spent 
in New Washington.  In 1887 he came to Westover, becoming a partner in the firm 
of Michaels & Straw, general merchandise business.  Later Mr. Straw bought out 
his partner and has conducted the business alone up to the present time.  His is 
one of the largest supply stores in this part of the county and in its operation 
Mr. Straw has shown excellent business capacity.  Mr. Straw is a charter member 
and is on the advisory board of the Order of Unity of Pittsburg, which was 
organized in 1906.  He was also one of the organizers and directors and for two 
years vice-president of the Farmers & Travelers National Bank of Clearfield, 
which was organized in 1907.  Of the Reading Life Insurance Company of Reading, 
which was organized in 1909, Mr. Straw was one of the charter stockholders and 
directors.  He is also interested in lumbering to quite an extent and has large 
farming interests in this vicinity.  He is member of the Grange at Harmony, Pa.  
A Democrat politically, he has served on the borough school board four terms, 
and is now auditor, serving his fourth term in this office.  He takes an active 
part in public affairs and is in every way a useful and progressive citizen.
  Mr. Straw married Miss Mary Walls of Cherry Tree, and of this union there is 
one son, Clay M., born June 17, 1893, who is now a student at Juniata college, 
Huntingdon, Pa.