Clearfield County PA Archives - Photos: MOULTHROP, Alonzo S. Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Ellis Michaels, , Oct 2008 Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/ ________________________________________________ http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/photos/moulthrop-alonzo-s.txt Photo may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/photos/moulthrop-alonzo.jpg Alonzo S. Moulthrop, leading citizen of Clearfield County photo scanned from Roland D. Swoopes "Twentieth Century History of Clearfield County, PA and Representative Citizens", published 1911, page 586 HON. ALONZO SYLVESTER MOULTHROP, a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, serving in his third term in that august body and ably and usefully representing his constituents, has been a resident of DuBois, Pa., since 1876. He was born at Westport, Clinton County, Pa., April 2, 1863 and is a son of Sylvester and Ellen (Winn) Moulthrop. Sylvester Moulthrop was born in Carbon County, Pa. From 1863 until 1865 he was a soldier in the Civil War, serving as a member of Co. I, 143d Pa. Vol. Inf., and after the close of the war returned to his home practically unharmed. In 1876 he moved to DuBois with his family and embarked in a general mercantile business which he continued until his death which occurred April 23, 1883, in his forty-seventh year. His widow survived until December 24, 1904, she being sixty-eight years old. They had five children, namely: Frank, who died at the age of thirteen years; Alonzo S.; John Oliver; Isabella, who is the wife of J. E. Swartz, of DuBois; and Francis, who died young. Alonzo S. Moulthrop was thirteen years old when his parents came to DuBois and has seen this place grow from a little town of 400 population to the thriving center it now is and he has been connected with its business interests for many years. He had the distinction of being the first newsboy and also was employed in the capacity of post boy, carrying the mail from the east side to residences in other sections, being in the employ of Postmaster David Throw. Mr. Moulthrop thinks that about this time also his future political ambitions had their inception and humorously relates how he and a few companions, in a stirring political campaign, in 1876, managed to make a display of banners and bunting on the public thoroughfare that materially aroused enthusiasm where it had been lukewarm and won for the young patriots and politicians the approval of the candidates. Mr. Moulthrop never changed his political adherence and in the course of time proudly cast his first Presidential vote for Hon. James G. Blaine. In his boyhood, as indicated, Mr. Moulthrop early began to make his own way in the world and hence had no school advantages to boast of except those he provided for himself, night study and the reading of good books filling his mind with useful information that he was naturally quick enough to make use of in his daily life. For about six years he was in the employ of P. S. Weber, who conducted a general store at DuBois, and in 1882, with D. E. Hibner, he bought out the general store of John Goodyear. Mr. Hibner was succeeded by a Mr. Miller, and the latter by George McClellen, when the firm style became Moulthrop & McClellen and so continued until the great fire of 1888 burned their stock. After this disaster, Mr. Moulthrop and partner embarked in the carpet and shoe business, Mr. McClellan being succeeded by H. E. Ginter and the new firm continued until 1892, when Mr. Moulthrop sold his interest. He had no idea, however, of retiring and on January 1, 1893, he entered into partnership with his brother, J. O. Moulthrop, in the hardware business on West Long Avenue, and later, as it expanded and demanded larger quarters the Moulthrops added to their floor space and now occupy Nos. 223-225 W. Long Avenue. They carry a large stock and they also operate four drilling machines and outfits for well drilling, coal testing, etc. Enterprise and energy have marked the course of Mr. Moulthrop all his business life and the independent position he fills in commercial affairs, he has won for himself. He is a director of the DuBois National Bank and of the Keystone Mercantile Company, vice president of the State Mercantile Insurance Company, at Huntingdon, Pa. and also director of the Central Y. M. C. A. In 1907 he was elected a member of the General Assembly, on the Republican ticket and in 1909 was re-elected to this distinguished position, and also in 1911, approval being thus repeatedly shown of his conduct of public affairs. Aside from purely personal matters Mr. Moulthrop has been an active and useful citizen, earnest in his support of law and order and willing to share in the responsibilities which rest on all good citizens. He was one of the organizers of the Sons of Veterans at DuBois and was the first captain of the order and in 1898 was state commander. During the Spanish-American War he organized a military company which offered their services to the Government but the war closed before the company was called to the front. Since 1885 he has been a member of the volunteer fire department and continues his interest in this organization. Mr. Moulthrop was married on December 25, 1890, to Miss Elizabeth Ginter a daughter of H. E. Ginter, a representative citizen of DuBois, and they have one son Henry Sylvester. The family residence is at No. 221 W. Long Avenue. Mr. Moulthrop belongs to the Elks and to the Acorn Club. Mr. and Mrs. Moulthrop are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee and since 1880 has been an official in the Sunday school.