History of Mercer County, 1888, pgs 1081-82 -
Our subject was born July 12, 1824, at Mercer, and all of his education was gained entirely at home. In 1846 he married Miss Annie Maria Howe, who was born in Sheffield, England, and is a daughter of Robert Howe, of Jackson Township. By this union they have four children: Robert, of Worth Township, married Mary C., daughter of Samuel Perrine, of Sandy Lake Township, and has five children, Ellsworth, Ida, Elden, Herman, Nelson; Margaret, living at home; Tina, Mrs. Martin Hicks, of Sharon, has one child, Maggie; Elizabeth, Mrs. James Dick, of Irwin Township, Venango County, and has two children, Nicholas, Linnie. Our subject first began farming in Jackson Township, and remained there until 1857, when he purchased his present farm which contains extensive veins of coal, which he has opened. In 1883 he established a general store on his farm, which he has since conducted. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until January 28, 1863. He has held the office of school director and supervisor of the township, and has always voted the Republican ticket. He is also a member of Worth Lodge No. 554, I. O. O. F., and of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Hendersonville, having been steward of the church for over twenty years, and superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years.