Biography: BEDFORD, Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., PA, pp. 68 - 125

BEDFORD biographies contributed by Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com

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                             BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
                                 VOLUME XXXII

                CONTAINING LIFE SKETCHES OF LEADING CITIZENS OF
                        BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
                                 PENNSYLVANIA

    Who among men art thou, and thy years how many, good friend? - XENOPHANES

              BOSTON: BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1899

                        SELECTED BEDFORD BIOGRAPHIES

Included in the file, in this order, are the biographies of:

Elliott, Thomas
Smith, John W.
Nycum, Simon
Lee, David W.
Shoemaker, Henry F.
Hall, Benjamin
Shafer, John H. L.
Sweet, William H.
Rose, William H.
Reed, John Philip
Huffman, Josiah
Miller, William C., M.D.
Breneman, Michael B., M.D.
Fyan, William Lyons
Boor, Baltzer F.
Davis, William S.
Beegle, Francis
Deremer, John
Stoler, David M.
Sliger, George E.

[68]

THOMAS ELLIOTT, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Cumberland Valley, Bedford 
County, Pa., was born in this township, November 5, 1832, a son of Samuel and 
Margaret (Rose) Elliott.  He is of English ancestry, and comes of pioneer stock, 
his paternal grandfather, also named Thomas Elliott, having settled in 
Cumberland Valley township when this section of the State was but a part of the 
frontier wilderness, abounding in game.
  Samuel Elliott spent his entire life of seventy-six years in Cumberland Valley 
township, where he cleared and improved a good

[69]

homestead from the forest-covered land.  He was industrious and self-reliant, 
and as a public-spirited citizen was always ready to aid movements to increase 
the growth and prosperity of the town and county.  In politics he affiliated 
with the Democrats.  Of the children born of his marriage with Margaret Rose the 
following are now living: Thomas, the direct subject of this brief sketch; 
Francis S.; Harriet, wife of Lewis Hite; Nathaniel P.; Amanda, wife of Joseph 
Bruner; Henry, of Bedford, Pa.; and Hannah, who married John Price, of 
Frostburg, Pa.  The first five of these still continue their residence in the 
township in which they were born and reared.  The deceased children are: three 
that died in infancy; John, who was accidentally killed while serving in the 
Civil War; Margaret, who married Buchanan Cessna, of Centreville, Pa.; and 
Rachel, who married Benjamin Valentine.
  Thomas Elliott was brought up on the home farm, where he early obtained a 
practical knowledge of the various branches of agriculture.  Although he had but 
meager opportunities for his schooling in his boyhood, he has a retentive 
memory, and by judicious reading has always kept himself well informed on 
current topics.  He has carried on general farming after the most approved 
methods of his time; and his farm, which covers more than two hundred acres, is 
one of the best in its appointments and improvements in the neighborhood.  He is 
a self-made man, the fine property which he has accumulated being the fruit of 
his many years of diligent labor.  A Democrat in his political views, he takes a 
deep interest in local matters, and has served as Road Supervisor and as 
Inspector of Elections.
  On November 23, 1865, Mr. Elliott married Miss Elmira Boor, daughter of the 
late Nicholas Boor, of Cumberland Valley, Pa.  Of the five children born into 
their household, one died in infancy and four are living, namely: Cora M.,; 
Margaret A., wife of Thomas Hardinger; Henry R.,; and Myrtle A.

[70]

JOHN W. SMITH, who at one time represented Bedford County in the State 
legislature, is a prosperous merchant and one of the prominent citizens of 
Yellow Creek, Hopewell township.  He was born in October, 1841, in Muskingum 
County, Ohio, a son of John P. Smith.  He comes of thrifty pioneer stock, being 
the grandson of John Wheeler Smith, who settled in Hopewell township, Pa., in 
the early part of the present century, and as a man of industry and ability 
greatly assisted in developing and improving this section of Bedford County.
  John P. Smith was born and reared in Hopewell township, where for several 
years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits.  He lived a

[71]

few years in Muskingum County, Ohio, and afterward returned to Bedford County, 
which he made his permanent home.  For a time he was a clerk in a general 
merchandise store in Everett, Pa., but he spent the larger part of his active 
business career in Hopewell township.  He died during the Civil War.  He was a 
leading politician, and served most ably in many of the local offices of 
Hopewell township.  He married Maria Eachus, a native of Franklin County, 
Pennsylvania, and they reared the following children: Mary, wife of Thomas J. 
Kay, of Kansas; Amanda, wife of John W. Steele, of Hopewell township, Pa.; John 
W., the subject of this sketch; Rufus E., of Hopewell township; William P., also 
of Hopewell township; James V., of Everett, Pa.; and Eliza, deceased.
  John W. Smith remembers nothing of his life in Ohio, as he was but a small boy 
when his parents returned to Bedford County.  He received a substantial 
education in the schools of Hopewell township and village, and afterward taught 
school several terms in different districts.  In 1861 he enlisted as a private 
in Company C, One Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was 
assigned to an independent division at first, under Generals Lander and Shields, 
but was afterward a part of the Army of the Potomac.  Mr. Smith with his 
comrades was at the battles of Winchester, Kelly's Ford, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, and the Wilderness, where during the second day's fight a ball 
passed through his left elbow, inflicting a serious wound that incapacitated him 
from duty for a while.  Subsequently, at the battle of Port Republic, he was 
wounded in the hip, and, being captured by the enemy, was taken to Belle Island 
Prison, where he remained a short time.  He was captured at Chancellorsville, 
also, and was confined first in Libby Prison and then in Belle Island, where on 
this second occasion he was kept about a month.  During the three and one-half 
years in which he served, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and was 
discharged as such at the expiration of his term of enlistment.
  After his return from the army Mr. Smith was employed for a while in a 
wholesale house in Philadelphia, Pa., and was subsequently clerk in a store in 
Everett, Pa.  In 1870, in company with Rufus E. Smith, he established a 
mercantile business at Yellow Creek, Hopewell township, becoming head of the 
firm of J. W. Smith & Brother.  A few years later he purchased the interest of 
the junior member of the firm, and has since carried on the business alone.  As 
a merchant, by his honest and upright methods he has secured an extensive and 
lucrative patronage, and has met with excellent financial success.
  A Republican in his political affiliations, enterprising and progressive, he 
has long held a place of influence in the community, and has filled nearly every 
office within the gift of his fellow-men.  For years he has been a School 
Director of Hopewell township, and is now treasurer of the School Board.  He has 
been township Auditor, and under a former law was Assistant Assessor.  At the 
present time he is serving as Justice of the Peace.  In 1890 and

[72]

1891 he served as a Representative from Bedford County to the Pennsylvania State 
legislature.  Fraternally, Mr. Smith belongs to L. R. Piper Post, G.A.R., of 
Hopewell; to the Everett Lodge, F. & A.M.; and the Everett Lodge, I.O.O.F.  He 
is a member of the Reformed church, which he is serving with fidelity as an 
Elder.
  Mr. Smith married in 1877 Rebecca Gorsuch, of Hopewell township.  They have 
three children, namely: Marjorie, who is the wife of D. M. Byers, of Loysburg, 
Pa.; Martha; and William G.

[73]

SIMON NYCUM, one of the prominent citizens of East Providence, Pa., is a 
prosperous farmer, enterprising business man, and able financier, residing at 
Ray's Hill.  A son of the late John Nycum, he was born December 25, 1818, in 
Snake Spring, Bedford County, where his paternal grandfather, William Nycum, was 
a pioneer settler.
  John Nycum removed from Colerain township, this county, where he lived a few 
months, to Ray's Hill in 1820 or soon after.  A man of untiring energy, willing 
to seize every advantageous opportunity to improve his financial condition, he 
bought a tract of land in East Providence, Pa.; and in addition to general 
farming, he also established himself as merchant, and opened a hotel at Ray's 
Hill.  He managed each industry with ease, and in 1838 further enlarged his 
operations by erecting a tannery on his farm near his store.  This he conducted 
several years in conjunction with his other work.  He also found some time to 
devote to local matters, serving as Auditor of the township several years.  In 
his early life he was a Whig and later one of the stanchest supporters of the 
Republican party.  He died in 1879, aged eighty-one years.  Of his union with 
Mary Shatzer, of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, several children were born, three 
of whom survive, namely: Simon, the subject of this biography; Andrew J., of 
Everett, Pa.; and John, of Chicago, Ill.
  Simon Nycum came with his parents to Ray's Hill when about three years of age.  
A year or two later he began to prepare for the battle of life by entering the 
subscription school of the district, which was held in a rude log house, 
furnished with slab seats that were supported by wooden pegs, the writing desks 
for the older scholars being made of boards fastened up against the sides of the 
building.  He afterward completed his education at an academy in the town of 
Bedford.  While yet a youth he learned the necessary details of general farming 
on the parental homestead, on which the larger part of his life has been passed.  
He also assisted his father in the tannery, and by the time he was of age was so 
thoroughly acquainted with its management that he was given the sole charge of 
it.  He superintended its operations several years, after which he resigned his 
work to his father.  From 1840 until 1847 Mr. Nycum conducted a hotel in 
addition to farming, and from 1847 till 1867 he ran a grist and flour mill, 
known as Nycum's Mill, on Brush Creek, East Providence township.  About the year 
1848 he built a tannery near the mill.  This he operated for twenty years or so, 
in the meantime neglecting not the care and improvement of his homestead 
property.  During these latter

[74]

years he was engaged largely in agricultural pursuits.  The success he has met 
in his various lines of industry shows that he possesses versatility of talent 
and a marked degree of executive ability.  When the Bedford County  almshouse 
was established, Mr. Nycum was one of the seven men appointed by the governor to 
select a suitable site and superintend its construction.  In politics he is an 
uncompromising Republican.  Fraternally, he is a member of Ray's Hill Lodge, 
I.O.O.F., to which he has belonged ever since its organization.
  On February 13, 1838, Mr. Nycum married Mary A., daughter of Joseph Sparks, an 
early settler of East Providence, Pa.  She died February 6, 1892, having borne 
him ten children, namely: Martha, deceased; William H., a resident of Kossuth 
County, Iowa; John Q., of Ray's Hill; George W., of Mount Carroll, Ill.; Henry 
C., of Wilkinsburg, Pa.; Joseph W. S., of Wilkinsburg; Simon F., of East 
Providence township, Pa.; Mary E., wife of the Rev. John W. Poffenberger, pastor 
of the Lutheran church at Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, Pa.; Susan E., wife 
of John S. Hershberger, of Everett, Pa.; and Albert L., of Bedford, Pa.  Mr. 
Nycum is a Deacon of the Lutheran church, of which Mrs. Nycum was also a member.

DAVID W. LEE, proprietor of Fruit Hill farm in Bedford township, Bedford County, 
Pa., is carrying on a substantial business as a general farmer and milk dealer, 
and is known as one of the most progressive and prosperous agriculturists of 
this vicinity.  He was born in Bedford township, July 15, 1841, being a son of 
Nathan and Martha (Hunt) Lee.  He comes of distinguished Colonial stock, the 
emigrant ancestor from whom he is descended being, it is said, the founder of 
the family from which Generals Robert E. and Fitz-Hugh Lee sprang.
  Nathan Lee was a son of George Lee. He passed his entire life within the 
limits of Bedford County, and died November 19, 1875.  He married Martha Hunt, 
daughter of Thomas Hunt, and of their children the following are now living: 
David W., the special subject of this sketch; Henry W., of Bedford, Pa.; 
Winfield S., of Hyattsville, Md.; George W., of Bradley, Ill; Benjamin Franklin, 
of Wilkinsburg, Pa.; and John C., of Hillsboro, Md.
  Thomas Hunt, the maternal grandfather, was born and reared in Dublin, Ireland.  
When nineteen years old he emigrated to America, and for some years afterward 
resided in Bedford, Pa.  Subsequently, removing with his family to Cumberland 
Valley township as a pioneer, he took up and patented a large tract of land, and 
from that time until his death was there engaged in farming pursuits.  A man of 
great intelligence and strong personality, he was influential in the 
administration of local affairs, and while living in Bedford served several 
years as Justice of the Peace.
  David W. Lee was reared and educated in Bedford township, and during the 
larger part of his active life he has devoted his time mainly to the cultivation 
of the soil.  In 1867 he pur-

[76] DAVID W. AND ELIZABETH (WEISEL) LEE [photo]

[77]

chased his present fine farm of two hundred acres, which he has since managed 
most skillfully and successfully, carrying on general farming and dairying.  He 
has built up a large milk route in Bedford, and from his dairy of Jersey cows, 
numbering from thirty to thirty-five, he supplies his customers with pure milk 
and cream.
  When the railway between Bedford and Cumberland was built, he had charge of 
the construction of more than two miles of it, and when the town of Bedford 
decided to establish water works he was awarded the contract for the same, and 
superintended the construction of the plant.  A practical business man, willing 
to serve the public to the best of his ability, Mr. Lee has often been called to 
places of trust.  He is now president of the board of trustees of the Job Mann 
Fund of twenty-five thousand dollars, left by the late Hon. Job Mann, the income 
of which is to be used to educate poor but talented young men for the ministry.  
He is a director of the Bedford County Agricultural Society, and has served as 
one of the School Directors for Bedford township.
  During the Civil War Mr. Lee served for two years in Company B, One Hundred 
and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; and, as a member of Colonel Roy 
Stone's "Bucktails" was at the front in the battles of the Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersburg, and in 
numerous minor engagements.  Fraternally, he is a member of Major William Watson 
Post, G.A.R.  Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the 
Republican party.
  On December 4, 1867, Mr. Lee married Miss Harriet Boor, also of Bedford 
county.  She died May 9, 1879, leaving five children, namely: Ella J., wife of 
Harry Fodders; Charles E.; Samuel E.; Nettie M.; and Ross F.  He subsequently 
married, February 19, 1880, Miss Elizabeth Weisel, daughter of John Weisel, late 
of Bedford, Pa.  By this union he has one child, Minnie R., the mother being 
deceased.  Mr. Lee and his children are active members of the Presbyterian 
church, in which he was faithfully served as an elder for many years.  The death 
of Mrs. Elizabeth Lee occurred on March 10, 1899.  She also was a member of the 
Presbyterian church.

HENRY F. SHOEMAKER, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Colerain township, 
his native place, is a representative of one of the older pioneer families of 
this section of Bedford County.  He was born September 5, 1855, son of Josiah 
and Barbara E. (Stuckey) Shoemaker.
  Josiah Shoemaker was a son of Henry P. and Charlotte (Pensyl) Shoemaker, and 
was born December 25, 1827, in Colerain township, where he spent his entire 
life.  Although in his youth he had but limited schooling, he acquired a vast 
fund of useful knowledge by reading and observation.  Engaging in agricultural 
pursuits as a permanent occupation, he applied himself intelligently to im-

[78]

prove his farming estate; and before death called him to rest from his labors, 
on December 14, 1875, he had accumulated some property, and was numbered among 
the more influential citizens of his day.  He was ever keenly interested in the 
promotion of the cause of education, and for many years was a member of the 
School Board of Colerain township, a large part of the time serving as secretary 
of the board.  An active member of the Reformed church, he was for a number of 
years a Deacon and an Elder.  Politically, he was a sound Democrat, and, 
fraternally, he belonged to the Rainsburg Lodge of Odd Fellows.
  In December, 1852, he married Barbara E. Stuckey, who was born in Colerain 
township, where her father, Simon Stuckey, was a prominent citizen.  She was one 
of a large family of children, of whom the following are now living: Mrs. John 
A. Gump, of Everett, Pa.; Margaret, widow of the late Morgan Cessna, of 
Rainsburg, Pa.; Mrs. Shoemaker; George W. Stuckey, also of Rainsburg; William H. 
Stuckey, of Everett, Pa.; Sophia, wife of A. J. Pennell, of Rainsburg; and 
Martha A., widow of William Ditch, of Rainsburg.  Eleven children were born of 
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah shoemaker, namely: Henry R.; Mary A., wife of 
Charles Morgart, of Rainsburg; Charlotte V., deceased; William E., of Rainsburg; 
Margaret A., wife of John C. Koontz, of Colerain; Minnie L., wife of William J. 
Diehl, of Charlesville; John C. and Charles H., of Iowa; Simon E., of Indiana; 
Job M., a student at Angola, Ind.; and Josiah P., of Rainsburg.  The mother is 
still living, and makes Rainsburg her home.  She is a woman of much force of 
character and a consistent member of the Reformed church.
  Henry F. Shoemaker was reared and educated in Colerain township.  When twenty 
years of age, owing to the death of his father, he assumed the entire control of 
the ancestral farm, containing three hundred and fifteen acres of land, the 
estate including other property.  He has been exceedingly successful, his 
thorough knowledge of agriculture enabling him to carry on his labors after the 
most approved modern methods.
  Politically, Mr. Shoemaker has not swerved from the principles to which he was 
bred, being a sound Democrat.  He has held various offices of trust, having been 
Assessor of Colerain township three years and a School Director and secretary of 
the board six years.  He was also one of the first Board of Directors of the 
Friend's Cove Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and is at the present time one of 
its Executive Board.
  On May 4, 1876, Mr. Shoemaker married Margaret Sollenberger, of Colerain 
township, by whom he has seven children, namely: G. Roy, Nellie B., Florence, 
Samuel V., Ada, Ross, and Frederick.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker are members of 
the Reformed church.

[80]

BENJAMIN HALL, a well-to-do agriculturist of Hopewell township, Bedford County, 
is a typical representative of the self-made men of our country that have 
achieved a grand success in life by sheer persistency and stability of purpose.  
He was born December 11, 1823, in Somersetshire, England, where his parents, 
Thomas and Elizabeth Hall, were born and lived and died.
  Mr. Hall was educated in the free schools of Somersetshire, and while in his 
native country became familiar with the various branches of farming as there 
carried on.  He married at twenty-four years of age, and less than two years 
later, in 1849, he emigrated to America.  Taking passage at Liverpool on a 
sailing vessel, he arrived in Philadelphia, Pa., after a tedious voyage of six 
weeks and three days.  Coming immediately to Bedford County, he settled in 
Hopewell township; and the following year, being very much pleased with his new 
home, he sent for his wife and child.  He began work as a farm hand for James 
Price, and continued in this capacity for six years.  At the end of that time he 
began farming on his own account by renting land.  He succeeded fully as well as 
he anticipated, and subsequently bought land of his own.  By dint of unceasing 
toil, he acquired some money, and from time to time added to his original 
purchase, until now he is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred acres at 
Yellow Creek.  In the management of this large estate, which is well equipped 
and well stocked, he has shown excellent judgment and great enterprise.  In 
addition to the fine set of farm buildings that he keeps in such good repair, he 
has a grist-mill on the banks of the creek.
  On December 28, 1847, in Wales, he married Catherine Price, who was born in 
Wales, May 15, 1828, a daughter of John and Ann (Jones) Price.  A large family 
of children were born to their union, of whom the following survive: Margaret A. 
and James T., both of Hopewell; John W., of Kansas City, Mo.; Mary A., wife of 
Andrew Creps, of Hopewell; William P., of Slayton, Minn.; George P., of 
Hopewell; Rebecca M., wife of Samuel Fluck, of Hopewell; Henry G. and Charles 
W., both of Hopewell; Catherine E., wife of George Gorsuch, also of Hopewell.  
Mr. and Mrs. Hall also have an adopted daughter, Iva G., to 

[81]

whom they have given the same tender care that they did to their own offspring.
  Mr. Hall is a strong Republican in politics; and, while he takes no active 
part in the affairs of the town, his opinion on public questions invariably 
carries weight.  Mrs. Hall is a member of the Presbyterian church.  Both are 
highly esteemed in the community, and have the cordial esteem of their 
neighbors.  On December 28, 1897, they celebrated their golden wedding 
anniversary at their pleasant home, making it a joyful occasion for their 
relatives and friends.

[82]

JOHN H. L. SHAFER, a well-known and successful farmer and stock-raiser of 
Bedford County, owns one of the best-equipped farms in Bedford township.  He was 
born October 17, 1844, in what is now called Snake Spring township, in this 
county, being a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Lutz) Shafer.
  Adam Shafer was born October 15, 1815, in Blair County, Pennsylvania, where 
his father, John Shafer, settled on coming to this country from the Fatherland 
in the early part of the present century.  When Adam was twelve years of age, 
his parents removed to Bedford County and located in Snake Spring township.  
Having grown to manhood, he cleared and improved a good homestead, on which he 
was engaged in general farming until his death, May 24, 1897.  A man of strict 
integrity, honest and honorable in all of his dealings, he was highly respected 
throughout the community in which the greater part of his long life was spent.  
He was a Republican in his political affiliations, and warmly supported the 
principles of that party.  He married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Rosanna 
Lutz, the former of whom was born in England, and the latter in Germany.  After 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lutz settled on a farm in Lutzville, Snake Spring 
township, Pa., being among the pioneers of that place; and there Mr. Lutz 
operated a carding-mill for many years.  Adam Shafer and his wife united with 
the Lutheran church at Colerain when comparatively young, and Mrs. Shafer is now 
one of its oldest members.  Of the children born of their union five are now 
living, namely: Simon L., of Bedford township, Pa.; Catherine, wife of Solomon 
S. Diehl; John H. L., the special subject of this brief sketch; Mary E., wife of 
Rufus England, of Snake Spring township, where they occupy the old Shafer 
homestead; and Sarah A., wife of John W. Imler, of Bedford township.
  John H. L. Shafer was educated in the public schools of Snake Spring, and 
while living at the parental home obtained a practical knowledge of the various 
branches of farming.  Shortly after coming to Bedford township, when a young 
man, he bought his present farm of three hundred and thirty-six acres, on which 
he has since made improvements of an excellent character.  Energetic and 
industrious, he

[84] JOHN H. L. SHAFER [photo]

[85]

has met with success in his independent calling, and through his diligent 
efforts has rendered his homestead property one of the most attractive in the 
neighborhood.  In politics he is an ardent supporter of the principles 
promulgated by the Republican party.  In his religious belief he is a Lutheran, 
and is not only an active member of the church of that denomination at Cessna, 
Pa., but has been its treasurer and an Elder for a number of years.
  Mr. Shafer married on October 3, 1868, Miss Catherine Warsing, of Bedford 
County, Pennsylvania.  They have three children, namely: Martin L., Edward G., 
and Harry A.

WILLIAM H. SWEET, a wide-awake, enterprising citizen of Saxton, Pa., is actively 
identified with its business interests as an extensive coal operator and as a 
general merchant.  He was born October 10, 1847, in Fayette County, 
Pennsylvania, a son of John and Mary E. (Willetts) Sweet.
  Mr. Sweet's father was born and bred in England and lived there until after 
his marriage with Mary E. Willetts. In 1838 he came to America with his wife and 
family, and located in Fayette County, this State, where for a number of years 
he was busily employed as a contractor for sinking shafts in coal mines.  
Removing to the Broad Top region, Huntingdon County, in 1856, he successfully 
plied his vocation until his death in 1859.  He left his widow with a large 
family of children, of whom the following survive, namely: Mrs. John Whitehead, 
Mrs. Hugh Rohland, Mrs. William Powell, Mrs. James Howells, Mrs. Hannah Howells, 
Mrs. Eliza Edmonds, Mrs. Emma Horton, William H., and John.
  William H. Sweet began active life with but limited educational advantages, 
having attended school but little after his tenth year.  In the Broad Top region 
in which his parents settled when he was a young lad, he grew to manhood, and 
from the age of nine years until twenty-five worked under ground in the mines.  
The following five years he was superintendent at Dudley, Huntingdon County, of 
the coal mines owned by Wood & Bacon, of Philadelphia.  Going then into business 
himself as a coal operator, equipped with a thorough knowledge of mining and 
with good executive ability, he has since met with excellent success in this 
line of industry.  In 1883 Mr. Sweet took up his residence in Saxton.  He has 
here built up a large trade in general merchandise, and obtained a secure 
position among the leading men of the town.
 He is a Republican in politics, and has served a number of years on the school 
boards of both Saxton and Dudley boroughs.  In 1894 he ran as a candidate for 
the nomination of Representative to the State legislature, but in the convention 
lacked one and one-half votes of election, a defeat almost as good as a victory.  
He is an Odd Fellow and a Mason, belonging to Coalmont Lodge, No. 561, I.O.O.F., 
of Coalmont, Pa., and to Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 300, F. & A.M., of Huntingdon.
  On July 4, 1870, Mr. Sweet married Sarah E. Barnett, of Huntingdon, Pa.  They 
have seven children living, namely: Jesse A.; 

[86]

Elsie J., wife of W. W. E. Shannon; Mary E., James H.; Cloyd E.; Ralph M.; and 
Martha E.

WILLIAM H. ROSE, one of the leading citizens of Cumberland Valley, Pa., is 
prominently identified with its agricultural interests as the owner of a fine 
farm and with its mercantile interests as the proprietor and manager of a well-
stocked general store in the village of Centreville.  He was born December 5, 
1842, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of the late Henry Rose.  His 
paternal grandfather, Arthur Rose, the founder of that branch of the Rose family 
now living in Bedford County, was a pioneer settler of Cumberland Valley 
township, and by his energetic and persevering toil assisted in its gradual 
development.
  Henry Rose was born in Cumberland, Md., from whence his parents removed when 
he was but a boy to Cumberland Valley, Pa.  Here he grew to manhood, and in 
course of time became a successful agriculturist and a citizen of influence.  He 
filled many important local offices with fidelity and ability, including those 
of School Director, Tax Collector, and Assessor, he being at one time the 
principal Assessor of the township.  He married Talitha Ash, of Bedford County, 
Pennsylvania, and of their children the following are now living: William H., 
the special subject of this biographical sketch; Arthur, of Cumberland Valley; 
Emanuel, also of Cumberland Valley; Jennie, wife of A. W. Zembower, of 
Cumberland, Md.; Amanda, widow of the late John Bruner, of Cumberland Valley; 
and Alice, wife of Henry Whip, of Mann's Choice, Pa.
  William H. Rose received his education in the public schools of Cumberland 
Valley, and during the days of his youth obtained a practical knowledge of 
general farming.  While yet young he displayed signs of the energy and activity 
which have since become marked features of his character.  He first began the 
battle of life on his own account as a farmer, and by making a good use of all 
opportunities offered him be became successful, being now the owner of a 
valuable farming estate of three hundred and twenty-five acres.  To the 
development and care of this farm he formerly gave his whole time; but of recent 
years, since 1885, he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits, his store of 
general merchandise being located in Centreville, where he has a profitable 
local trade.  Mr. Rose served as Postmaster of Cumberland Valley during two 
years of President Cleveland's first administration, and besides having been one 
of the Board of School Directors for nine consecutive years he is now serving 
his third year as Justice of the Peace.  He is actively identified with the 
Democratic party in politics.  He belongs to Centreville Lodge, I.O.O.F., in 
which he has filled all of the more important offices, and is a faithful member 
of the Lutheran church.
  Mr. Rose and Elizabeth, daughter of the late William Deremer, of Cumberland 
Valley township, were married on January 24, 1864.  They are the parents of six 
children, namely: Viola V.; Minnie E., widow of the late William

[87]

T. Nave; David C., Henry C.; Roy L.; and Ella N.

JOHN PHILIP REED, retired attorney-at-law, an esteemed citizen of Bedford 
borough, was born in Schellsburg, Bedford County, Pa., January 13, 1817, son of 
Michael and Elizabeth (Schell) Reed.
  His paternal ancestors dwelt in Germany until the early part of the last 
century, when, in the year 1727, his great-great-grandfather Reed, John Philip, 
first, a native of the Palatinate, Germany, was compelled to flee on account of 
religious persecution.
  Coming to America with his family, John Philip Reed, first, purchased from the 
Penns land in the northern part of Montgomery County and settled there.  His son 
Michael, the eldest of eight children, is the next lineal representative of the 
branch.  He was a tanner and shoemaker by trade, and made shoes for soldiers in 
the Revolutionary army.  John Philip Reed, second, son of Michael, is thought to 
have been born in Montgomery County.  He settled in Washington, Franklin County, 
where he followed his trade of a carpenter in connection with farming.  He 
acquired a handsome property, and bore an excellent reputation among his 
neighbors for honesty and uprightness.
  Michael, second, son of the second John Philip and father of Mr. Reed whose 
name appears at the head of this sketch, was born in Franklin County, 
Pennsylvania, in 1788.  From his father he learned the trade of a carpenter and 
builder, to which he added that of cabinet-maker.  Taking up his residence in 
Schellsburg about 1810, soon after attaining his majority, he plied his vocation 
successfully for a number of years, adding new honors to the name which his 
father had borne so well.  When the Bedford and Stoyestown pike was proposed, 
the manager of the company that was to build the road selected Mr. Reed as 
surveyor.  He had no knowledge of surveying, but was told that he could learn 
easily.  Consequently he took up the study privately, constructed his own 
quadrant, and laid out the road successfully.  It crosses a ridge of the 
Alleghany Mountains.  After that he was frequently called upon to do surveying, 
and at his death was probably better versed in the topography of Bedford County 
than any other man.  In politics he was a Democrat, and served in the 
Pennsylvania legislature in 1833 and again in 1836.  He was for many years a 
Justice of the Peace in Schellsburg, and did most of the conveyancing in this 
section.  All in all, he was a man of unusual activity and practically a self-
made man, having had few advantages in his younger days.  His wife, Elizabeth, 
was a daughter of John Schell, formerly of Berks County, when he removed to what 
is now known as Schellsburg, of which he was the original proprietor, and laid 
out the town.
  Michael and Elizabeth (Schell) Reed had nine children, of whom eight reached 
mature years.  The following is a brief mention: Elizabeth, who married Godfrey 
Yeager (both deceased); John Philip, special subject of this sketch; Maria, 
widow of John Munich, of Bedford; Jacob, a resident of Bedford; Michael

[88]

(deceased); Joseph, living at Oakmont, Pa., who was a soldier in the Mexican 
War; Margaret, wife of Reuben R. Colvin, of Napier township; Charlotte, widow of 
Thomas B. McFadden, of Harrison, Pa.; and Peter, in Tyrone, Pa.
  John Philip Reed had but meager opportunities for an education, his early 
studies being limited to the branches taught in the common school of which he 
was an attendant.  In early manhood, when his father was away on surveying 
trips, he had charge of the carpenter shop.  In 1840 he was elected Justice of 
the Peace for a term of five years, being re-elected at the expiration o that 
time; and in 1848 he was elected for three years Prothonotary of the Courts of 
Bedford County and Registrar and Recorder.  He was then out of office for three 
years, and at the end o that time was elected for another term of three years.  
The three years he was out of office he studied law, and, being admitted to the 
bar in 1852, he at once engaged in practice.  He made a specialty of Orphans' 
Court practice.  He retired from active business in 1887.
  Mr. Reed was married in 1840 to Lucinda, daughter of Isaac Mengel, of Berks 
county.  Six children were born to them, namely: John Philip, a lawyer, of Los 
Angeles, Cal.; Schell (deceased); Mengel, a physician (deceased); Joseph A., a 
lawyer in Philadelphia; James B. (deceased) who was a resident of Baltimore; and 
George W., of Philadelphia.  The mother of these children died in 1876.  She was 
a member of the German Reformed church.  In 1880 Mr. Reed formed a second union 
with Sarah Allen, daughter of Philip Weisel, of Bedford.  She has one son, Paul 
Reed.
  Mr. Reed is a member of the Reformed church, and has been an Elder for many 
years.  He is secretary and treasurer of the Bedford Cemetery Association, and 
secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Job Mann Trust.  He was one of the 
promoters of the Bedford Railroad, and served as secretary and treasurer of the 
company for some years, and was secretary and treasurer of the Bedford Mineral 
Spring Company.

[89]

JOSIAH HUFFMAN, one of the County Commissioners of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, 
is a well-known citizen of Harrison township, where his birth occurred on April 
16, 1840.  The family to which he 

[90]

belongs is of German extraction, and was first represented in Harrison township 
by Adam Huffman, who came here in the latter part of last century, and here 
brought up his children.
  Samuel Huffman, son of Adam and the father of Josiah Huffman, was born in 
Harrison township, Pa., and until his decease, in 1885, was one of its most 
respected citizens.  He was a typical representative of the self-made men of his 
day, commanding success by his unremitting toil, and by his integrity winning 
the confidence and esteem of the community in which he lived.  In his religious 
belief he was a Lutheran, and during a large part of his long life was an active 
member of the church. Of his union with Mary Moser, of Bedford County, ten 
children were born, three of whom are dead.  The living are as follows: Hannah, 
wife of the Rev. Abraham Boor, of Terre Haute, Ind.; Catherine, wife of Solomon 
Bohn, of Harrison township; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Shipey, of Juniata, Pa.; 
Mary, wife of Daniel Kring, of Dawson County, Nebraska; Josiah, the subject of 
this sketch; Samuel, of Harrison township; and Martha E., wife of Charles 
Jacobs, of Schellsburg, Pa.
  Josiah Huffman, applying himself to his studies in the district schools of 
Harrison township in his boyhood and youth, obtained an education qualifying him 
to teach; and he subsequently taught school two winter terms in Londonderry and 
Harrison townships.  On August 18, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company D, 
One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which 
became a part of the Third Division, Sixth Corps, of the Army of the Potomac.  
He participated in the engagement at Locust Grove, and later, on May 6, 1864, in 
the battle of the Wilderness, where he received a gunshot wound in the left 
shoulder that incapacitated him for further work and necessitated his removal to 
the hospital.  The wound proved an ugly one, and he was subsequently confined in 
different hospitals until discharged from service, May 18, 1863.  Returning then 
to Harrison township, he has since, with the exception of six years spent in 
Dawson County, Nebraska, been here engaged in general farming.  His estate 
contains three hundred and fifty acres of land, a large part of which is in a 
high state of cultivation.  It is further improved by a fine residence and an 
excellent set of farm buildings, the fruits of industry, sagacious, careful 
management and thrift being everywhere in evidence.
  Mr. Huffman is a Republican in his political affiliations, and has served 
satisfactorily as School Director and as Auditor of the township.  While living 
in Nebraska, he served as a Commissioner of Dawson County; and in November, 
1896, he was elected County Commissioner for Bedford County, Pennsylvania, for 
three years.  Fraternally, he belongs to Harrison Post, No. 231, G.A.R., of 
Buffalo Mills, of which he has been Commander and is now Adjutant; to the Odd 
Fellows Lodge of that place; and to the Masonic organization at Bedford, Pa.
  On February 18, 1873, Mr. Huffman married Miss Mary A. Hillegass, of Juniata 

[91]

township, Pa.  They have a family of five children, namely: Howard A., Cora M., 
Erma G., Burl V., and Roy C.

[97]

WILLIAM C. MILLER, M.D., the leading physician and surgeon of Hyndman, Pa., and 
the present Representative from Bedford County to the State legislature, was 
born January 3, 1868, in Neosho, Mo., a son of James H. and Eliza (Colvin) 
Miller.
  James H. Miller was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, where he received 
the rudiments of his education.  In early life he taught school in Schellsburg, 
spending several years in Bedford County.  He served three years in the Civil 
War, being First Lieutenant of Company H, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, which formed a part of the Army of the Potomac, and with his regiment 
was engaged in many of the important battles of that time.  He subsequently 
became a lawyer, and practised his profession for a time in Newton County, 
Missouri, giving it up to accept the agency for the Navajo Indians at Fort 
Defiance, Ariz., a position to which he was appointed by President Grant.  On 
June 2, 1874, he was killed, losing his life while a comparatively young man 
through the treachery

[98]

of the Indians.  His wife, formerly Eliza Colvin, of Bedford County, is now 
living in Schellsburg, Pa.
  William C. Miller was but four years of age when he came with his widowed 
mother to her former home at Schellsburg, Pa., in whose public schools he 
received his first knowledge of books. He afterward continued his studies at 
Woodbury, a nearby town, and at an early age entered Lafayette College, at 
Easton, Pa., a well-known institution of learning, in which he remained two 
years.  He subsequently attended the medical department of the University of 
Virginia for a year, and in 1888 was graduated from the University Medical 
College of New York City.  A few weeks later Dr. Miller settled in Chancyville, 
Pa., where he continued to practice a year.  Going thence to Everett, Bedford 
County, he remained there until 1890, when he removed to Hyndman, where by his 
professional skill he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice, having 
won in an eminent degree the confidence and good will of the entire community.
  He is a prominent member of the Bedford County Medical Society and of the Tri-
State Medical Association, and is one of the Board of United States Pension 
Examiners for Bedford County.  Fraternally, he belongs to Hyndman Lodge, No. 
589, F. & A.M., of which he is Past Master; to the Odd Fellows Lodge, of 
Everett, Pa.; and to the Knights of Pythias at Hyndman.  Politically, he is 
identified with the Republican party, which in November, 1898, elected him to 
the State legislature.  While living in Everett, Pa., Dr. Miller married Miss 
Carrie R., daughter of James A. Sill, who was formerly treasurer and 
commissioner for Bedford County.  The Doctor and Mrs. Miller have one child, 
William J. Miller.

[99]

MICHAEL B. BRENEMAN, M.D., a prominent physician and surgeon of Saxton, Pa., is 
also proprietor of the leading drug store in this town.  He was born May 22, 
1838, in Porter township, Huntingdon County, Pa., a son of Isaac and Mary 
(McDivitt) Breneman.  His parents

[100]

were both lifelong residents of this State and for many years prosperous members 
of the farming community at Porter township.  The father came from substantial 
German stock, and the mother was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, both being descended 
from early settlers of Southern Pennsylvania.
  Michael B. Breneman obtained his early education in the common schools of 
Porter township, and made further advances in learning at the Williamsburg 
Academy and the Cassville Seminary, both institutions of learning well-known in 
Pennsylvania.  He subsequently taught school for nine successive winters, and 
with the money thus earned continued his studies, paying his own expenses during 
the time.  In August, 1862, giving up for a while his personal ambitions, he 
enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Potomac.  At the battle of 
Antietam he was wounded by a minie ball in the left leg, and ten days later was 
brought to his home in Huntingdon County.  The following winter, although forced 
to use crutches, he taught school.  At the close of the term he entered the 
Cotton Factory Hospital at Harrisburg for treatment, and two weeks later, on 
April 6, 1863, he was honorably discharged from the service.  For several years 
thereafter he continued his life as a teacher, but in the meantime took up the 
study of medicine, and in 1870 was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia.  Dr. Breneman began the practice of his profession at Morris 
township in his native county, remaining there until 1872, and during the next 
seven years being located in the neighboring town of Dudley.  In the spring of 
1879 he settled in Saxton, Bedford County, where he has met with well-deserved 
success in his professional labors, and has built up an extended reputation as a 
conscientious and skilful practitioner.
  On September 5, 1869, Dr. Breneman married Anna M. Shaffer, of Huntingdon 
County, Pennsylvania.  Of the children born of their union five are living, 
namely: Paul B., an instructor in the State College at Centre County, 
Pennsylvania; William E., a physician, in partnership with his father; M. 
Blanche, a student at Irvin College in Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Glen S.; and Robert 
M.  Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Masonic 
Order, having been made a Mason at Huntingdon and an Odd Fellow at Coalmont, Pa.  
He is also a comrade of Hefner Post, No. 166, G.A.R.; and he belongs to the 
Reformed church.

WILLIAM LYONS FYAN, Chief Burgess of Bedford borough and a prominent merchant, 
was born here, March 18, 1839, son of Robert and Alice (Byrne) Fyan.
  Robert Fyan, Sr., grandfather of William Lyons, was a native of Dublin, 
Ireland, and a well-known resident there over a hundred years ago.  He was 
engaged in the manufacture of linen, and he owned three vessels, in which he 
shipped his goods; but, owing to the prominent part which he took in the 
Rebellion of

[103]

1798, he was obliged to leave the country.  He accordingly emigrated to America, 
here becoming a merchant in Dublin township, in what was then Bedford County, 
but is now Fulton County, Pennsylvania.  He was one of the early settlers of the 
county.
  Robert Fyan, Jr., was born in Dublin, Ireland, whence he came to this country 
with his parents when about seven years old.  He grew to manhood in Dublin 
township, Pa., where he attended the sessions of the public schools, and between 
terms was employed as a clerk in his father's store, living at home until he 
reached his majority.  He then started a store on his own account at Dublin 
Mills.  About three years later he removed to Loretta, Cambria County, where he 
entered the hotel business and kept a store for three years.  He came from there 
to Bedford about 1836, and opened a store, which he conducted as long as he 
lived.  His wife, Alice, was a daughter of Lawrence Byrne, of New York City, 
whose wife was a resident of Bedford.  Four children blessed their union, 
namely: John L., who was a prominent attorney and First Lieutenant of the 
Twelfth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry; Robert W.; William Lyons; and Mary.  
John L. Fyan died at the age of twenty-seven years.  Mary, who is the widow of 
M. B. Doyle, lives in Toledo, Ohio.
  The Hon. Robert W. Fyan (deceased) was a man of considerable prominence in the 
State of Missouri, where he made his home.  He was Captain and Major of the 
Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry and Colonel of the Forty-sixth 
Volunteer Federal Infantry.  He was Circuit Attorney of the Fourteenth Judicial 
Circuit, 1865-66.  He was elected Judge of the district in 1866, and re-elected 
in 1868 and 1878-80.  In 1882 he was elected to Congress from the Thirteenth 
District of Missouri.  He was a member of the Constitutional Convention that 
framed the present constitution of Missouri.  He was a member of the Forty-
eighth, the Fifty-second, and the Fifty-third Congress.
  William Lyons Fyan acquired a public-school education, and supplemented in by 
a course of study at Villanova College, Delaware County.  He then became a clerk 
in his father's store.  Upon his father's death he succeeded to the business, 
which is now the oldest established in Bedford County and continues to hold its 
place as one of the leading stores.  Mr. Fyan is a Democrat in politics, and has 
filled nearly all the town offices.  For twenty years he was a member of the 
Council, and he is now serving his second term as Chief Burgess.

[107]

BALTZER F. BOOR, an enterprising farmer and a representative citizen of Bedford 
township, Bedford County, Pa., is well known in this vicinity as a public 
official, having been a School Director several years and the Postmaster at 
Burning Bush since 1879.  He is of German descent, and was born November 30, 
1843, in Cumberland Valley township, being a son of Samuel M. and Sophia 
(Fletcher) Boor.  His grandfather, Michael Boor, the son of a Revolutionary 
soldier, was born in Virginia, but removed with his parents to Cumberland Valley 
township in the early period of its settlement, and during his remaining days 
was engaged in the pioneer labor of clearing and improving a tract of wild land.

[108]

  Samuel M. Boor, who attained the venerable age of eighty-two years, spent his 
entire life in Bedford County, and with the exception of eleven years of the 
time was a resident of Cumberland Valley township.  A prominent farmer, capable 
and intelligent from a business point of view, he became one of the leading men 
of the place in his generation, and for several years was one of the Board of 
Directors of the Bedford County Almshouse.  He was an active member of the 
Lutheran church, and in politics his sympathies were always with the Democratic 
party.  Of the children born of his union with Sophia Fletcher, of Bedford 
County, four survive, namely: Joseph W., of Bedford, Pa.; Ellen, wife of John J. 
Wertz, of Cumberland Valley, Pa.; Elizabeth, wife of Martin Miller, of Hyndman, 
Pa.; and Baltzer F., with whose name the present sketch begins and with an 
outline of whose personal history it closes.
  Baltzer F. Boor in his early years attended the district schools of Cumberland 
Valley until familiar with the common branches of learning.  Deciding then to 
make farming the means by which he should earn a livelihood, he labored most 
diligently until he had acquired sufficient capital to purchase land of his own, 
and in course of time found himself the possessor of an estate of one hundred 
and twenty-two acres, on which he has since resided.  From year to year he has 
added improvements of an excellent character, and he is still conducting general 
farming thereon after the most approved modern methods.  In politics he is a 
Democrat and a vigorous supporter of the principles of that party.  He is also 
influential in fraternal circles, being a member of the Bedford Lodge of Odd 
Fellows.  On December 24, 1868, Mr. Boor married Mary C. Cook, who was born and 
educated in Londonderry township, Bedford County, being a daughter of the late 
John Cook.  Mr. and Mrs. Boor have five children, namely: Effie M., wife of 
Albert E. Hendershot, of Hyndman, Pa.; Nora E.; Bessie P.; Foster E.; and 
Russell C.

[110]

WILLIAM S. DAVIS, a prominent citizen now serving as Auditor of Hopewell 
township, Pa., has been a resident of this place ever since his birth on 
November 30, 1851.  He is a son of Alexander Davis and the grandson of Isaiah 
Davis, who, as a pioneer settler of the township of Hopewell, contributed his 
full share toward changing a pathless wilderness to a rich agricultural region 
capable of producing in great abundance the fruits of the soil common to 
northern latitudes.
  Alexander Davis, now a venerable man of eighty-five years, is spending his 
declining days in Everett, Pa., enjoying the leisure and comforts of life well-
earned by long-continued toil.  He was educated in the subscription schools of 
his early day, and when a young man was engaged for several terms in teaching in 
Hopewell township, Pa.  At a later period he learned the blacksmith's trade, 
which he subsequently followed during his years of activity in conjunction with 
general farming.  A man of resolute purpose, honest in his dealings with his 
fellow-men, he occupied a place of influence in Hopewell township, which he 
served many years as Justice of the Peace, being familiarly known for miles 
around as Esquire Davis.  He was also Postmaster at Yellow Creek for a long 
while.  The mail at that day was carried on horseback from Cumberland to 
Huntingdon.  He was a Deacon in the Presbyterian church, of which he was a 
prominent member and one of the most valued workers.  His wife, whose maiden 
name was Mary Snider, passed to life immortal in 1881.  They reared a large 
family of children, three of whom, all now deceased - Isaiah M., John N., and 
James P. - served in the Civil War.  The four surviving children are: Hettie M., 
wife of John B. Tobias, of Everett, Pa.; William S., the special subject of this 
sketch; and Thomas A. and Oliver F., both of Everett, Pa.
  William S. Davis received a practical education in the public schools, and 
since arriving

[113]

at man's estate has been identified with the highest interests of his township.  
By enterprising industry and progressive methods he has improved a good farm, on 
which he is successfully carrying on the various branches of agriculture.  He 
ranks high as a farmer, and in public affairs exerts a good influence.  He has 
served one term as School Director of Hopewell township, was for a number of 
years Assessor of the same, and has been Road Supervisor, and is now serving his 
second term as Auditor of the town.  Politically, he is a straightforward 
Republican, and, fraternally, he belongs to Amicitia Lodge, No. 775, I.O.O.F., 
at Loysburg, Pa.
  On September 7, 1872, Mr. Davis married Miss Isabella Fink, daughter of the 
late James Fink, of Hopewell.  She is the grand-daughter of an early pioneer of 
this township, one Valentine Fink, who settled here at an early day, coming from 
his former home in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.  James Fink was a man of 
considerable prominence in local affairs, and in addition to filling many of the 
township offices he was for many years a Justice of the Peace.  He died in 1872.  
His widow, whose maiden name was Susan Fluke, still lives in Hopewell township, 
an active an highly esteemed woman, who has just passed the seventieth milestone 
on life's journey.  Of their children seven survive, most of them living in 
Hopewell township, as follows: John W.; Solomon J.; Lydia A., wife of Levi 
Fluke; Mrs. Davis; Samuel M.; James M.; and Harry D.  Mr. and Mrs. Davis have 
one child, Alexander W. Davis.  Mr. Davis has been an Elder in the Reformed 
church, of which both he and Mrs. Davis are active members.

[116]

FRANCIS BEEGLE, a prosperous and progressive agriculturist of Colerain township, 
Pa., was born February 24, 1848, on the farm where he now resides, and which was 
likewise the birthplace of his father, Joseph F. Beegle.  He is of remote German 
ancestry and the descendant of one of the earliest pioneers of this section of 
Bedford County, his great-grandfather, Charles Beegle, the founder of the 
Pennsylvania branch of the Beegle family, having come from Loudoun County, 
Virginia, to Colerain, as one of the first settlers here.  Taking up a tract of 
unbroken land, from which scarce a tree had been cut, Charles Beegle redeemed a 
homestead from the wilderness.  His son Frederick, the paternal grandfather of 
Francis Beegle, eventually became the owner of this property, and he continued 
the improvements already begun, each year adding to the tillage land.
  Joseph F. Beegle, who was born in 1811, is one of the oldest and most highly 
esteemed citizens of Colerain township.  Reared to manhood on the ancestral 
homestead, which is not far from Ott town, he engaged in agricultural pursuits 
from youth to old age, and in his undertakings was abundantly prospered.  During 
his entire life he has earnestly supported the principles of the Democratic 
party; and, though never an aspirant for official honors, he has served a number 
of years as School Director of the township and as Assistant Assessor.  His 
wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Frantz, is now a bright and active woman 
of seventy-seven years.  She was born and bred in Allegheny County, Maryland.  
They are both members of the Lutheran church, in which he has served as Deacon 
and as Elder.
  Francis Beegle obtained his education in the district schools of Colerain and 
at a seminary in Rainsburg, Pa.  Following in the footsteps of his honored 
ancestors, he has devoted his energies to tilling the soil; and his well-
appointed farm, consisting of about three hundred acres, gives ample evidence of 
his diligence and skilful management.  An active adherent of the Democratic 
party, he has acceptably filled many of the more important offices of the 
township.  He has been Inspector of Elections, a School Director three years, 
Assistant Assessor, and is now serving his second term as township Auditor.  He 
is a

[117]

consistent member of the Lutheran church, in which he is an Elder.
  On January 17, 1878, Mr. Beegle married Mary J. Corle, a daughter of Abraham 
Corle, late of St. Clairsville, Pa.  Their union has been blessed by the birth 
of seven children; namely, Frederick O., Joseph A. S., Margaret D., Grave V., 
Benjamin H., Francis C., and Mary H.


[118]

JOHN DEREMER, who died on March 11, 1898, at his home in Cumberland Valley 
township, Pa., had spent the larger part of his life in this locality, where he 
was held in universal respect as a man of stainless integrity and sterling 
worth.  He was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in December, 1838.  His 
parents were William, Sr., and Mary A. (Vaughn) Deremer, of

[119]

whom further mention is made on another page of this volume, in connection with 
the sketch of his brother, William Deremer.
  John Deremer obtained a practical common-school education, and from his youth 
up was engaged in tilling the soil.  After his marriage he settled on the estate 
now occupied by Mrs. Deremer, and thenceforward took great pleasure and pride in 
adding to its improvements.  In his various undertakings he met with a large 
measure of success, becoming in the course of years one of the most prosperous 
farmers of this region and a citizen of considerable prominence.  A man of much 
public spirit, he gave active support to all movements designed to benefit the 
community.  He served as School Director of the township, and at the time of his 
death was filling his second year as one of the directors of the Bedford County 
Almshouse.  Politically, Mr. Deremer was a strong advocate of the principles of 
the Republican party, and fraternally he belonged to the Odd Fellows Lodge of 
Centreville, Pa., in which he had passed nearly all the chairs.
  In April, 1859, Mr. Deremer married Miss Julia A. Trout, who was born in 
Bedford County, a daughter of the late Henry Trout, a native of Germany.  Of the 
nine children that blessed their union, five are now living, all of whom reside 
in Cumberland Valley, namely: Ann R., wife of Campbell Nave; Alvin D.; Nora, 
wife of Frank Mickey; Charles T.; and John S.  Mrs. Deremer, a capable, 
energetic woman and an accomplished housewife, ably assisted her husband in his 
early labors, proving herself a true helpmate.  She is a member of the Methodist 
Protestant church, in which Mr. Deremer served as an officer for many years.

[122] D. M. STOLER [photo]

[123]

DAVID M. STOLER, a former Representative to the State legislature from Bedford 
County, is junior member of the enterprising mercantile firm of S. B. & D. M. 
Stoler, of Saxton, Pa.  He was born September 18, 1839, in Liberty township, 
Bedford county, which was also the place of birth and the lifelong residence of 
his father, Daniel Stoler, and of his grandfather, David Stoler.
  The Stoler family is one of the oldest and most respected of Liberty township, 
the emigrant ancestor having been Martin Stoler, who came from Switzerland to 
America in 1770.  He at once located on a tract of unbroken land in Liberty, 
Pa., and by heroic labor transformed it from its primitive wildness into a 
valuable farm, capable of yielding support for himself and family.  He was a 
fine type of the early pioneers who held their ground against the Indians and 
withstood the ravages of the beasts of the forest.
  Daniel Stoler, who was born in Liberty, Pa., eighty-nine years ago, is one of 
the oldest inhabitants of the township, and is held in high esteem as a citizen 
of sterling worth.  He has been influential in local affairs, and formerly 
served his fellow-townsmen in various official capacities.  He married Maria 
McDonald, a native of Liberty township.  Children were born to them as follows: 
David M., Mattie A. Entrekin, Samuel B., Annie L. Enyeart, Jacob C., Matilda K., 
Lydia S., Livingston, Mary E. Enyeart, Sally C., and George W. (deceased).
  David M. Stoler received his elementary education in the common schools of his 
native town, after which, being more favored than most boys of his time, he 
attended a seminary at Rainsburg and a collegiate institute at Martinsburg, Pa.  
Being then well qualified to take his place at the teacher's desk, he 
subsequently taught school with good success for several terms.  During the 
Civil War he served in the Quartermaster's Department at the cavalry depot in 
Washington, D.C., for a year and a half, being then transferred to Syracuse, 
N.Y., where for several months he was in the purchasing department of cavalry 
horses.  From there he was again sent to Washington, and he was connected with 
the Quartermaster's Department until the close of the war.  Mr. Stoler 
subsequently spent a short time in Muskingum County, Ohio, in the oil business; 
but not being pleased with the result of his investment, he returned to 
Pennsylvania, and in 1867 established himself in the mercantile business as a 
partner of Isaac K. Little, under the firm name of Little & Stoler.  A few years 
later, Mr. Stoler retired from the firm, and going West spent a short time in 
Colorado.  The present firm of S. B. & D. M. Stoler was formed in 1875, and has 
since carried on an extensive and profitable business in general merchandise at 
Saxton. 
  Mr. Stoler has been very active and influential in town and county affairs, 
having ren-

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dered efficient service as Burgess of Saxton and as a Director of the Saxton 
borough School Board.  He has also been Postmaster, and in the fall of 1880 he 
was elected to represent Bedford County in the Pennsylvania legislature for a 
term of two years.  Politically, he earnestly advocates the principles 
promulgated by the Democratic party.  Fraternally, he is a member of the Saxton 
Lodge, I.O.O.F.  A man of true Christian principles, he belongs to the Reformed 
church, toward the support of which he contributes liberally and in which he is 
an Elder.
  Mr. Stoler married, May 28, 1868, Margaret Snider, who was born and reared in 
Bedford County, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Steele) Snider.  Mr. and Mrs. 
Stoler have two children - M. Gertrude and Rufus R.

GEORGE E. SLIGER, of Bedford township, Bedford County, Pa., was born April 21, 
1861, in Cumberland Valley, Pa., which was the birthplace of his father, the 
late Frederick Sliger.  His grandfather, George Sliger, was born in Bedford 
County, and here he lived and died.  He became an early settler of Cumberland 
Valley, and for many years was one of the most active and respected citizens.
  Frederick Sliger was educated in the schools of Cumberland Valley, which he 
attended winters until far into his teens.  After serving an apprenticeship at 
the carpenter's trade he followed it for a few years as a journeyman and as a 
contractor, but subsequently purchased land in his native township, about two 
miles below Centreville; and from that time until his death, at the advanced age 
of eighty years, he carried on general farming work with signal success.  He 
took an intelligent interest in public matters, and firmly supported the 
principles of the Democratic party.  Active in religious affairs, he was a 
valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He married Caroline Vickroy, 
who survived him a brief time, and at her death left the following children: 
Harriet, wife of William D. Boor, of Cumberland Valley; Sarah L., wife of J. W. 
Deffibaugh, also of Cumberland Valley; Mrs. Emma A. Hite, a widow, living in 
Cumberland Valley; and George E., of Bedford township, of whom more is written 
below.
  George E. Sliger obtained a good common-school education in the district in 
which he was reared; and at the parental home, not far from Centreville, he grew 
to man's estate.  For four years of his early life he followed carpentering in 
Cumberland Valley, from whence he went to Altoona, Pa., where he was employed 
for two years in the Pennsylvania Railway shops.  In 1895, coming to Bedford 
township, Mr. Sliger bought his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, on 
which he has since been busily and profitably engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising.  On his estate are many valuable improvements, including a 
commodious brick residence, which, with its pleasant surroundings, forms a 
pleasing feature of the landscape.  Having never swerved from the political 
principles to which he was reared, he is a loyal adherent of the

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Democratic party.  As a man he is highly esteemed in business and social 
circles.
  On September 23, 1885, Mr. Sliger married Miss Laura N. Smith, of Cumberland 
Valley.  They are the parents of seven children, namely: Frederick H., Alice C., 
Ethel R., Ralph O., Clara M., Joseph R., and Floyd S.  Mr. and Mrs. Sliger are 
both members of the Lutheran church.