Notes:

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania, J.H. Beers & Co., (Name: Beers & Co, 1898;).

Edwin S. Bierly, the younger, was born at Rebersburg. Penn., in 1869. A few years after his birth his parents moved on a farm two miles southwest of Rebersburg, where his early boyhood was spent. After attending the schools of "Brush Valley he in 1888 spent one winter term at Central Pennsylvania College with his brother Elmer. Here he completed the junior year of the Elementary (Normal) Department with the class of 1891. Being unable to pursue his studies until January of 1891, he then was admitted into the Junior class of the State Normal at Lock Haven. At the middle of the spring term he was compelled to leave the Normal through sickness (the measles) contracted through his chum. He then returned to Central Pennsylvania College, and completed the "Elementary (Normal) Course" with the large class of 1892. Aftter attending Central Pennsylvania College sev- eral more terms as a student of the scientific course, he, on the following year, entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn., where he remained during the winter term of 1895; but had to leave college on account of sickness before the expiration of the college year. He then remained at home the greater part of the year on account of sickness and then entered Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport; but after being there six weeks he was again compelled to leave school through lack of health. Shortly afterward he was appointed general book agent for the "Minter Book Company", Harrisburg, Penn., and was quite successful in this work in the summer of 1896. On October 8, 1896, he was married by Rev. Faus, his M. E. pastor, to Miss Sadie Erhard, a daughter of Cyrus and Catherine Erhard, of Rebersburg. Mrs. E. S. Bierly was and is a dressmaker by trade, but worked almost all the time in Lock Haven. She is a very in- dustrious and ambitious young woman, and highly respected by all. She has a good common- school education, having attended the Normal Select School conducted by Supt. C. L. Gramley, at Rebersburg. The following year he and his wife spent with his parents until January, 1898, when he regained his health and returned to Dickinson Seminary as a student of the Theological Department.
In politics, he too is a "chip off the old block" namely a Democrat. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and has always taken an active part in Church work at Kreainerville, his. home Church, as one of the principal officials.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63795361/edwin-s-bierly

Edwin married Sara Catherine “Sadie” Erhard on 08 Oct 1896. Sara (daughter of Cyrus Erhard and Catherine Brungart) was born on 15 Jun 1872 in Salona, Clinton County, PA; died on 1 Dec 1938 in Miles Township, Centre County, PA; was buried on 5 Dec 1938 in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Myer Wesley Bierly was born on 21 Jul 1900 in Pennsylvania; died on 21 Apr 1919 in Salisbury, Herkimer County, NY; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.

Notes:

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania, J.H. Beers & Co., (Name: Beers & Co, 1898;).
235 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

JOSEPH C. BIERLY. The Bierly family has held for so many years a prominent place in this section, that the purpose of this work would not be fulfilled if the part which they have taken in local history were not given a place. Like most of the early settlers, they are of German extraction, the name having been formerly written Bherly. The founder of the line in this region, Melchoir Bierly, came from Bavaria, Prussia, with his wife, before the Revolutionary war, probably before the French and Indian war, and about the time of the Revolutionary war, located in Snyder county, near Mahantango creek. During that war they were obliged to flee from the Indians, probably at the time of the "Run away" in 1778, which has become a historical event, and they never returned, as Melchoir Bierly found employment in the iron works of Lancaster county, and made his home there. He met his death while crossing the mountains to visit friends. He had two sons, of whom the elder. Nicholas, settled in Ohio; and Anthony was the grandfather of our subject.
Anthony Bierly was the progenitor of all the Bierlys in Sugar Valley, Clinton county, and Brush Valley, Centre county. He came from the region of the Mahantango, near McKee's Half Falls (now in Snyder county), in 1791 or '92, and leased from Col. Samuel Miles a tract of 300 acres of land a short distance north of the present site of Rebersburg. Tradition says that he was the first man to travel over the Brush Valley Narrows with a team after the completion of the road there, and a tedious journey it was, according to all accounts, the way being extremely rough, and for lack of other accommodations the party was compelled to camp out at night. On arrival at their destination a log cabin was constructed, and the work of subduing the wilderness and creating a home was begun. Naturally, Anthony Bierly became a leader among the pioneers of the locality, and his foresight and public spirit deserve recognition at this day. He was one of the leading men in the building, in 1804, of the first church in Rebersburg. He died April 7, 1825, aged about eighty-two years, and his wife, Anna Maria Warner, who was born November 15, 1752, passed away April 3, 1844, the remains of both being laid to rest in the Lutheran and Reformed cemeteries at Rebersburg. They had twelve children: (1) Margaret married (first) John Phillips, (second), Peter Greninger, and (third) a Mr. Carter, and died in Venango county, Penn. ; (2) Nicholas died near Rebersburg, July 25, 1848, in his seventy-fourth year (his wife, Lucy (Buchtel), died March 26, 1851); (3) Lizzie married Peter Berry; (4) Catherine, a taiioress by occupation, never married; (5) John, who was born in Northumberland county, February 8, 1779, married Catherine Berry, and died in 1870 in Sugar Valley, near Tylersville; (6) Sarah married (first) Henry Greninger, and (second) George Lesh; (7) Eva married Michael Ketner; (8) Rosina married Christian Gramly, and died in Miles township. Centre county; (9) Barbara married Fred Womeldorf, and died in Sugar Valley, (10) Anna married Philip Glantz, of Sugar Valley; and her death occurred there; (11) Anthony, Jr., is mentioned more fully below; and (12) Mary (Mrs. Michael Kahl) died in Brush Valley, and is buried at Rebersburg.


Anthony Bierly, Jr., the father of the subject of this biography, was born September 8, 1787, and was but a child at the time of the removal to Centre county. He learned the blacksmith's trade in Aaronsburg, and followed it for many years in Brush Valley and later in Rebersburg. His parents were well-to-do, and gave a liberal start in life to all the other children; but owing to some misunderstanding he received but little if any assistance from them. He succeeded, however, and had an extensive business, employing several hands. Of large build and active temperament, he was capable of doing an immense amount of work; but although he made a great deal of money he never became wealthy, as his kind and generous disposition was often imposed upon to his loss. He was a stanch Democrat, and a leader in many local movements, serving for some time in the Home Militia as chief musician.
In 1814 he married Miss Maria Kratzer, who was born near Shamokin, Penn., in February, 1793 and died February 9, 1860; his own death occurred July 18, 1857. Both were devout members of the Evangelical Church of Rebersburg, where their remains now rest. They had eight children, as follows: Meichoir, born July 20, 1815; John is a blacksmith at Tylersville, Penn.; William, born September 19, 1818, is a farmer and shoemaker at Rebersburg; Susan, born June 20, 1824, is now Mrs. Joseph Miller, of Rebersburg; Rachel, born in 1826, married Rev. George Young, an Evangelical minister, who died at Baltimore; George is a blacksmith and miller in Nittany Valley; Daniel, born September 9, 1828 (now deceased), was a blacksmith at Tylersville, and Joseph C, born February 22. 1834, is referred to below.
Joseph C. Bierly is one of the substantial citizens of Brush Valley, and the history of his life reveals a character which is well worthy of respect. As a boy he attended the schools of Rebersburg but with no regularity. From eight to twelve years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's trade. Few men of his standing have had such meagre opportunities, and knowing as he does the value of an education he has ever been a firm friend of progress in our commonschool system, and his two sons have enjoyed every advantage that he could procure for them in their preparation for life's duties. Mr. Bierly learned his trade in Rebersburg with his brother Meichoir, receiving at the end of a three-years' apprenticeship one pair of shoes and a Kentucky jean "womise." His annual vacation of two weeks he spent in the harvest field, earning a. little money for clothes, and other necessaries; but when his term as an apprentice expired he was in debt to the amount of $30. He began work at Tylersville as a journeyman at $15 a month; later he worked elsewhere, and being a thorough master of the trade he commanded excellent wages. After saving a considerable sum of money, he returned to Rebersburg and formed a partnership with his brother Melchoir; later, however, he built a shop of his own and carried on his trade successfully for several years.
In February, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Judith Meyer, a native of Brush Valley, born March 20, 1835, and a daughter of Henry and Hannah (Bierly) Meyer. Desiring the wholesome surroundings of farm life for his family, Mr. Bierly purchased first from S. S. Wolfe a farm of 140 acres near Rebersburg, and has since resided there, except during four years spent on the farm of his father-in-law, east of the same town. Building a shop upon his property, which now includes more than 200 acres, he followed his trade for some years. In the fall of 1879 he had the misfortune to lose his left arm by accident, a fall entangling him in the machinery of a thresher; but this handicap has not prevented him from continuing his habitual activities, seeming in fact to stimulate him to greater efforts. For thirty-seven years he gave much attention to veterinary practice, being a friend and admirer of that noble animal, the horse, of whose fine points he is an excellent judge. His success in this line of work has been marked, his services being often sought from a distance.
Despite his shrewdness and caution in business affairs, Mr. Bierly has at times met with reverses, one individual alone causing him a loss of $5, 000, which would have been greater had he not sought the protection of the courts. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he yet impresses one as a strong character, and his influence among those who know him is great. He is a stanch adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, but in local affairs he disclaims the necessity for partisan bonds, and votes for the best man. He speaks with manly pride of the helpful influence of his estimable wife, attributing no small portion of his success in life to her. Their two sons are a credit to them, and the money so freely spent in giving them a thorough education was well invested.

Prof. H. E. Bierly was born in the house now owned by Hon. Henry Meyer, Rebersburg, Penn. , January 28, 1866. He attended the common schools of Miles township, until he was eighteen years of age, not having a chance to attend the summer schools on account of too much work on the farm. He then determined to get a better education, and in 1884 entered Union Seminary (now Central Pennsylvania College), New Berlin, Penn. This institution he attended most of the time between the years 1884-1888, during which time he nearly completed the classical course and prepared himself for Princeton University, which he entered in 1888 as a member of the class of '92. He spent five years at Princeton University, four as an under-graduate, taking the "A.B. course" and one year as a post-graduate, studying physiological psychology under Prof. Ormond, also the philosophy of religion, under the same professor. The next year, 1893-94, he was unanimously elected "Professor of the Natural and Physical Sciences" in Belleview Collegiate Institute, at Caledonia, Mo., where he taught one year, at the expiration of which time the Institute was partially closed.
The next year he attended Harvard and Boston Universities, studying metaphysics under Prof. [Josiah] Royce and cosmology under Prof. [William] James, of Harvard University, and comparative theology and history of religious history of Christian doctrine, in the School of Theology, of Boston University. It was then that he became acquainted with Pres. G. Stanley Hall [of Clark University], John Fiske, Joseph Cooke, Professors Carpenter and Davids, of Oxford University. This year in Boston, and as a student of both of these Universities, was of the greatest value in his educational history.
The next year he was "Professor of Mathematics and Science" in Missouri Military School, Mexico, Mo., which was destroyed by fire at the expiration of that year.
During the following year he was engaged in writing a thesis on the "Origin and Development of the Conception of God", also in child-mind investigations in central Pennsylvania, in connection with Pres. G. Stanley Hall, of Clark University, Mass. and Prof. Earl Barnes, of Leland Stanford University, Cal.
At present (1898) he is professor of philosophy and science in Virginia College for Young Ladies at Roanoke, Va., one of the best of the Southern female colleges, in which he occupies a very responsible position, next to the presidents thereof.
As a student Prof. Bierly became intensely interested in philosophy, through Sir William Hamilton's lectures on metaphysics, the various works and writings of James McCosh, primarily, and through the edited works of Kant, Fichte, Schelling and Hegel, achieving a natural inclination to speculative studies. At the same time he is greatly interested in biology, through a Natural History Society, which was organized by Prof. H. N. Conser, Ph. D., at Central Pennsylvania College, and which led him to reading of nearly all the works of Darwin, Huxley, Romanes and Herbert Spencer. It was the works of James McCosh that took him to Princeton University, whose lectures on metaphysics he attended in his freshman year, this being the last course on that subject given by McCosh, with whom he as a student was very well acquainted, and upon whom he called quite often, having received special recognition, encouragement and kindness from McCosh while alive.
While a student of Princeton University he made a special study of philosophy and biology, having taken all the branches the university offers on both philosophy and biology. He took honors in the latter subject, and was offered a fellowship in osteology by the Chicago University, which he, however, did not accept, as he did not desire to give so much time in that particular line of investigation, having decided to make the study of philosophy a life vocation.
He attended and was a member of the World's Congress of Philosophy held at Chicago during the World's Fair [1893], at which time he became personally acquainted with Prof. Josiah Royce, professor of philosophy in Harvard University, who has been his private adviser and director in philosophy ever since.
Prof. Bierly is a member of the Pennsylvania German Society, and of several Psychological and Scientific Associations. He contributes a series of articles on the various conceptions of God for "The Preachers Helper". Just now (1898) he is more extensively engaged in child-mind investigations than ever, with Pres. Hall, Prof. Earl Barnes, Prof. Royce, also contributing a series of articles on child-mind study for several child-study magazines. He has also addressed and lectured before quite a number of teachers' associations and institutes in Missouri, Pennsylvania and Virginia on various, but mostly psychological subjects.
During the [William Jennings] Bryan campaign [for the Democrat presidential nomination] in 1896, on account of not being hard pressed for work, he became very much interested in politics, through his cousin, Hon. Willis R. Bierly, of North Dakota. On account of the Democratic party splitting, Mr. Bierly was requested by the foremost politicians of the county to take a hand in politics and rally the Silver forces, as he did, and has done valuable service for his Valley and the county, having been elected president of the Bryan and Sewall Club of Brush Valley, which was composed of about two hundred members.
He is a member of the M. E. Church, which he joined while a student of Princeton University. He was one of the three first members of the M.E. Church of Kreamerville, and rendered very effectual services in the building up of the Methodist Church at this place, having been appointed for this especial work, lasting several years, by the quarterly Conference (Methodist)."

Edwin S. Bierly, the younger, was born at Rebersburg. Penn., in 1869. A few years after his birth his parents moved on a farm two miles southwest of Rebersburg, where his early boyhood was spent. After attending the schools of "Brush Valley he in 1888 spent one winter term at Central Pennsylvania College with his brother Elmer. Here he completed the junior year of the Elementary (Normal) Department with the class of 1891. Being unable to pursue his studies until January of 1891, he then was admitted into the Junior class of the State Normal at Lock Haven. At the middle of the spring term he was compelled to leave the Normal through sickness (the measles) contracted through his chum. He then returned to Central Pennsylvania College, and completed the "Elementary (Normal) Course" with the large class of 1892. Aftter attending Central Pennsylvania College sev- eral more terms as a student of the scientific course, he, on the following year, entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn., where he remained during the winter term of 1895; but had to leave college on account of sickness before the expiration of the college year. He then remained at home the greater part of the year on account of sickness and then entered Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport; but after being there six weeks he was again compelled to leave school through lack of health. Shortly afterward he was appointed general book agent for the "Minter Book Company", Harrisburg, Penn., and was quite successful in this work in the summer of 1896. On October 8, 1896, he was married by Rev. Faus, his M. E. pastor, to Miss Sadie Erhard, a daughter of Cyrus and Catherine Erhard, of Rebersburg. Mrs. E. S. Bierly was and is a dressmaker by trade, but worked almost all the time in Lock Haven. She is a very in- dustrious and ambitious young woman, and highly respected by all. She has a good common- school education, having attended the Normal Select School conducted by Supt. C. L. Gramley, at Rebersburg. The following year he and his wife spent with his parents until January, 1898, when he regained his health and returned to Dickinson Seminary as a student of the Theological Department.
In politics, he too is a "chip off the old block" namely a Democrat. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and has always taken an active part in Church work at Kreainerville, his. home Church, as one of the principal officials.

NATHANIEL BEERLY, who for eighteen years past has held the office of justice of the peace in and for Boggs township, Centre county, is a typical American, and has record as a soldier and a successful business man, who as a public-spirited citizen commands admiration and esteem. He possesses rare talent for music also, and this gift has been devoted to the public service in the leadership of the Milesburg band, which under his able direction won the first prize in the famous tournament at Hecla Park, August 30, 1894, as the best band in central Pennsylvania.
The biography of this gentleman is of unusual interest. He was born September 28, 1843, Clinton county, and is a descendant of one of the most prominent pioneer families. The name was originally written Bierhley, later Bierly, and this form is still adhered to by other branches of the family; but our subject's father, Peter Beerly, chose to adopt the new spelling, which has been continued by his children. The first ancestor, of whom there is authentic record, was Melchoir Bierly, our subject's great-great-grandfather, who came from Bavaria, Prussia, in Colonial times with his wife and two sons — Nicholas, who settled in Ohio and was never married, and Anthony, our subject's great-grandfather. Melchoir Bierly located in what is now Snyder county, on the banks of the Mohantango creek, but during the great " Runaway" caused by the Indian troubles of 1778 he left that locality and went to Lancaster county, where he remained. His wife brought from the old country a beautifully ornamented bottle, which is now a cherished relic in the family of a great-grandson, Melchoir Bierly, of Rebersburg.
Anthony Bierly, our subject's great-grandfather, was a man of note in his day, possessing an unusually keen intellect and forceful character. He was versed in the ancient science of Astrology, and practiced it for a time at Guy. In 1791, probably in the spring, he came to Brush Valley and settled with his family upon a tract of 300 acres, which was leased from Col. Samuel Miles.
Mr. Bierly and his son Nicholas, our subject's grandfather, had come to the place in the fall previous to clear a portion of it and plant grain for the next summer's harvest. About half an acre had already been cleared by Mr. Strawbridge, who had also built a hut there, and when Mr. Bierly first came, there were a few huts standing in the woods through other parts of the Valley.
Mr. Bierly's house was situated about half-way between the present homes of Peter S. and Anthony Bierly. There are upon the place several apple trees which were brought from the old-home, and one now measures thirteen and one-half feet in circumference. During the Revolutionary war Anthony Bierly while living on the Mohantango served in the militia, but it is not known what engagements he took part in. On one or two occasions, he with other parties followed Indians who had murdered white families. When he brought his family to Centre county he came through Brush Valley Narrows, over the road which Col. Samuel Miles had opened but a short time before, and it is said that Mr. Bierly was the first man. who traveled over it in a vehicle. He took an active part in the development and improvement of his locality, and was especially interested in the village of Rebersburg, which was established upon his tract of land. He died in 1825 at the age of eighty-two, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Warner, were both buried in the Lutheran Reformed Cemetery at Rebersburg. Neither has a tombstone with an inscription. Their children, none of whom are now living, were: Nicholas, our subject's grandfather; John; Anthony, Jr.: Margaret, who married John Philips; Mary, wife of Michael Kehl; Sarah, who married (firsts Henry Greninger, and (second) George Lesh; Anna, wife of Philip Glantz; Barbara, wife of Frederick Womeldorf; Rosina, who married Christian Gramley; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Berry; Eva, wife of Michael Ketner, and Catherine, who never married.
Anthony Bierly, Jr. , made his home upon a portion of the original tract, and died there July 18, 1857, aged sixty-nine years, ten months and ten days. He married Maria Kratzer, and had the following children: Melchoir; John; William; Susan, who married Joseph Miller; Rachel, wife of Rev. George Young, a minister of the Evangelical Church, who died many years ago; George; Samuel; and Joseph.

John Bierly, second son of Anthony Bierly, Sr. , was born February 8, 1779, in Northumberland county, Penn., and was about twelve years of age when he came to Brush Valley. His mother used to tell him how she secreted him in a sugar trough in the wood when he was a few months old, while the rest of the family fled on account of an attack upon the settlement by the Indians. The savages did not discover him, and he was found uninjured on the return of the family when the danger had passed. He married Miss Catherine Berry, of Lancaster, and lived near Rebersburg for forty-five years, but later re- moved to Sugar Valley, where he died in 1870 at the age of ninety-one. Most of his children settled in Sugar Valley. Hon. Willis R. Bierly, his grandson and a son of Peter S. Bierly, was a member of the State Legislature from Lycoming county.
Nicholas Bierly, the grandfather of our subject, located upon the original tract, and passed his life there, dying July 25, 1848, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife Lucy was a daughter of John Buchtel, who came to Centre county about the same time as the Bierlys. She died March 26, 1851, aged seventy-three years, and both were laid to rest in the Lutheran Reformed cemetery at Rebersburg. They had ten children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Nicholas, February 12, 1799, died in Sugar Valley, aged seventy-eight; Hannah, May 26, 1800, married Henry Meyer; Michael, November 25, 1801; John, September 25, 1803; December 6, 1805 , moved to Ohio ; Anthony, August 26, 1807 ; Reuben, March 8, 1809, moved to Missouri; Peter, April 13, 814, is mentioned more fully below; Simeon, March 25, 1817; George, July 17, 1819, settled in Ohio.
Peter Beerly, our subject's father, was a wagonmaker in Clinton county until 1847, when he moved to Boggs township. Centre county, and continued that business throughout his remaining years. He was a man of influence, and in his last years was a Republican in politics. His death occurred December 7, 1868. His wife, Sarah Karstetter, daughter of Rudolph and Margaret Karstetter, was born June 26, 18 14, and died March 30, 1887. They were married February 19, 1837, and had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are here given: Robert, December 2, 1837, is a wheelwright and manufacturer at Central City, and a leading citizen, of whom a biography appears elsewhere; Rebecca, April 2, 1839, widow of David Watson, resides in Boggs township. Centre county; Messulan, September 14, 1841, enlisted in the army during the Civil war, and died a soldier's death February 8, 1863; Nathaniel, September 28, 1843, is the subject proper of this sketch; Tartulious, June 20, 1846; Agnes, September 24, 1849, married Byron Teller, a pumpmaker in Boggs township, Centre county; Newton, September 29, 1852, died March 4, 1853; and Lemuel, May 30, 1858, who is also a musician.
Squire Beerly began his business career in his father's wagon shop, but at the age of nineteen i he enlisted in Company B, 148th F. V. I., under Col. James F. Weaver. He spent three years in the service, and was detailed as member of a brass band. He fortunately escaped all wounds, although he took part in many hotly contested [battles, including those of the "Wilderness, j Spottsylvania, Gettysburg and Petersburg. Not until peace was restored did he return home. He worked with his father for three years, and after the death of the latter continued the business in partnership with Robert Beerly, the brother mentioned above, until 1891. They were also engaged for some time in cider making. In 1894 Squire Beerly became interested in mercantile business at Central City with Louis F. Wetzler, his present partner, and has since conducted it successfully.
On June 1, 1874, Squire Beerly was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Heaton, but no children blessed their union. Mrs. Beerly was born February 12, 1853, a daughter of Andrew and Liddie (Poorman) Heaton. Politically the Squire is a Republican, with a decided leaning toward free silver; and in religion he favors the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. Socially he belongs to the Grange, the G. A. R. and the "Veteran League, and at times held various township offices, having been a justice of the peace since 1879.
As director of the Milesburg band Mr. Beerly has achieved a success in which every one in the community feels personal pride. On the occa- sion of the band tournament referred to above, the citizens of Milesburg sought to give expres- sion to the popular feeling by giving an ovation to the hero of the hour, Squire Beerly. The borough council took appropriate action, and an elegant banquet was prepared by the ladies of the town at Bogg's Hall. The affair was a surprise to the Squire, who, on his arrival at Central City from Bellefonte, was met by the constable and given to understand that he was wanted in Milesburg to answer to a serious charge. Much be- wildered, but willing as a loyal citizen to submit to the authority of the law. he entered one of the carriages in waiting and soon found himself the chief figure in a triumphal procession headed by the Milesburg band, the chief burgess and the members of the borough council. On arriving at the banquet hall in Milesburg the assemblage was called to order by the clerk of the council, and various speeches were made during the evening, the Squire being presented with a beautiful gold-mounted ebony baton, which he modestly received with a few well-chosen words.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/206519397/joseph-c-bierly

Emmanuel United Methodist

Row 5, #8. Next to wife, Judith (Meyer) Bierly, and son Harry

Joseph married Judith Meyer in Feb 1866 in Centre County, PA. Judith (daughter of Capt Henry Meyer and Hannah Bierly) was born on 20 Mar 1835 in Miles Township, Centre County, PA; died on 15 Mar 1917; was buried on 19 Mar 1917 in Evangelical Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: Centre Mills, PA

Notes:

Genealogy of the Meyer Family by Henry Meyer

Judith, born March 20, 1835; married Joseph C. Bierly. The family live on a farm near Centre Mills, Pa.

Children:
Henry Elmer, born Jan. 28, 1866
Edward S., born June 20, 1869.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/206519455/judith-bierly

Emmanuel United Methodist

Row 5, #8. Next to husband Joseph and son Harry.

Other Events:

• Occupation: blacksmith
• Census: 1850, Miles Township, Centre County, PA

Notes:

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania, J.H. Beers & Co., (Name: Beers & Co, 1898;).

Anthony Bierly, Jr.,... was born September 8, 1787, and was but a child at the time of the removal to Centre county. He learned the blacksmith's trade in Aaronsburg, and followed it for many years in Brush Valley and later in Rebersburg. His parents were well-to-do, and gave a liberal start in life to all the other children; but owing to some misunderstanding he received but little if any assistance from them. He succeeded, however, and had an extensive business, employing several hands. Of large build and active temperament, he was capable of doing an immense amount of work; but although he made a great deal of money he never became wealthy, as his kind and generous disposition was often imposed upon to his loss. He was a stanch Democrat, and a leader in many local movements, serving for some time in the Home Militia as chief musician.
In 1814 he married Miss Maria Kratzer, who was born near Shamokin, Penn., in February, 1793 and died February 9, 1860; his own death occurred July 18, 1857. Both were devout members of the Evangelical Church of Rebersburg, where their remains now rest. They had eight children, as follows: Meichoir, born July 20, 1815; John is a blacksmith at Tylersvilie, Penn.; William, born September 19, 1818, is a farmer and shoemaker at Rebersburg; Susan, born June 20, 1824, is now Mrs. Joseph Miller, of Rebersburg; Rachel, born in 1826, married Rev. George Young, an Evangelical minister, who died at Baltimore; George is a blacksmith and miller in Nittany Valley; Daniel, born September 9, 1828 (now deceased), was a blacksmith at Tylersvilie, and Joseph C., born February 22, 1834.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58590413/anthony-bierly

Anthony married Maria Magdalena Crotzer in 1814. Maria was born in Feb 1793 in Shamokin, Northumberland County, PA; died on 09 Feb 1860 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Find a Grave gives her maiden name as Kratzer.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58590465/mary-ann-bierly

Notes:

Linn's History
Henry Meyer son of Col. Henry Meyer came to Brush Valley with his parents as a child. He resided on his fathers farm. He belonged to the old German stock which first settled Brush valley. Of robust body a& vigorous mind, he was able to communicate his stories of stirring incidents of his early days. He died 12/28/1881, aged 86 years, 3 months & 26 days.
His wife's maiden name was Bierly daughter of Nicholas Bierly. Children: David of Nittany Valley, Daniel of Illinois, Samuel of Milesburg, Professor Henry of Rebersburg, Mary intermarried with Rev. George Weirick (deceased) she is now Mrs. John F Price of Sugar Valley, Matilda married Samuel Mingle of Lock Haven & Judith wife of Joseph Bierly of Rebersburg.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64031786/henry-meyer

Section 1, Row 14, #5. Between step-mother Margaret and his brother Jacob. Henry (Capt. Henry Meyer 1795-1881) is also acknowledged on a cast bronze plate affixed to a marble stone "in memoriam of the Meyer family buried in this plot."

The Genealogy of the Meyer Family: Page 64: Buried between his step mother Margaret and his brother Jacob.

Henry married Hannah Bierly. Hannah (daughter of Nicholas Bierly and Lucy Buchtel) was born on 26 May 1800 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; died on 16 Dec 1892 in Centre County, PA; was buried in Evangelical Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Row 6, #12. Next to son David B. Meyer and daughter-in-law Fyetta.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64032219/hannah-meyer

Emmanuel United Methodist

Notes:

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania, J.H. Beers & Co., (Name: Beers & Co, 1898;).

page 235 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

BIERLY. The Bierly family has held for so many years a prominent place in this section, that the purpose of this work would not be fulfilled if the part which they have taken in local history were not given a place. Like most of the early settlers, they are of German extraction, the name having been formerly written Bherly. The founder of the line in this region, Melchoir Bierly, came from Bavaria, Prussia, with his wife, before the Revolutionary war, probably before the French and Indian war, and about the time of the Revolutionary war, located in Snyder county, near Mahantango creek. During that war they were obliged to flee from the Indians, probably at the time of the "Run away" in 1778, which has become a historical event, and they never returned, as Melchoir Bierly found employment in the iron works of Lancaster county, and made his home there. He met his death while crossing the mountains to visit friends. He had two sons, of whom the elder. Nicholas, settled in Ohio; and Anthony.
Anthony Bierly was the progenitor of all the Bierlys in Sugar Valley, Clinton county, and Brush Valley, Centre county. He came from the region of the Mahantango, near McKee's Half Falls (now in Snyder county), in 1791 or '92, and leased from Col. Samuel Miles a tract of 300 acres of land a short distance north of the present site of Rebersburg. Tradition says that he was the first man to travel over the Brush Valley Narrows with a team after the completion of the road there, and a tedious journey it was, according to all accounts, the way being extremely rough, and for lack of other accommodations the party was compelled to camp out at night. On arrival at their destination a log cabin was constructed, and the work of subduing the wilderness and creating a home was begun. Naturally, Anthony Bierly became a leader among the pioneers of the locality, and his foresight and public spirit deserve recognition at this day. He was one of the leading men in the building, in 1804, of the first church in Rebersburg. He died April 7, 1825, aged about eighty-two years, and his wife, Anna Maria Warner, who was born November 15, 1752, passed away April 3, 1844, the remains of both being laid to rest in the Lutheran and Reformed cemeteries at Rebersburg. They had twelve children: (1) Margaret married (first) John Phillips, (second), Peter Greninger, and (third) a Mr. Carter, and died in Venango county, Penn. ; (2) Nicholas died near Rebersburg, July 25, 1848, in his seventy-fourth year (his wife, Lucy (Buchtel), died March 26, 1851); (3) Lizzie married Peter Berry; (4) Catherine, a taiioress by occupation, never married; (5) John, who was born in Northumberland county, February 8, 1779, married Catherine Berry, and died in 1870 in Sugar Valley, near Tylersvilie; (6) Sarah married (first) Henry Greninger, and (second) George Lesh; (7) Eva married Michael Ketner; (8) Rosina married Christian Gramly, and died in Miles township. Centre county; (9) Barbara married Fred Womeldorf, and died in Sugar Valley, (10) Anna married Philip Glantz, of Sugar Valley; and her death occurred there; (11) Anthony, Jr., is mentioned more fully below; and (12) Mary (Mrs. Michael Kahl) died in Brush Valley, and is buried at Rebersburg.

Page 243 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Anthony Bierly, ... was a man of note in his day, possessing an unusually keen intellect and forceful character. He was versed in the ancient science of Astrology, and practiced it for a time at Guy. In 1791, probably in the spring, he came to Brush Valley and settled with his family upon a tract of 300 acres, which was leased from Col. Samuel Miles.

Mr. Bierly and his son Nicholas, our subject's grandfather, had come to the place in the fall previous to clear a portion of it and plant grain for the next summer's harvest. About half an acre had already been cleared by Mr. Strawbridge, who had also built a hut there, and when Mr. Bierly first came, there were a few huts standing in the woods through other parts of the Valley.
Mr. Bierly's house was situated about half-way between the present homes of Peter S. and Anthony Bierly. There are upon the place several apple trees which were brought from the old-home, and one now measures thirteen and one-half feet in circumference. During the Revolutionary war Anthony Bierly while living on the Mohantango served in the militia, but it is not known what engagements he took part in. On one or two occasions, he with other parties followed Indians who had murdered white families. When he brought his family to Centre county he came through Brush Valley Narrows, over the road which Col. Samuel Miles had opened but a short time before, and it is said that Mr. Bierly was the first man. who traveled over it in a vehicle. He took an active part in the development and improvement of his locality, and was especially interested in the village of Rebersburg, which was established upon his tract of land. He died in 1825 at the age of eighty-two, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Warner, were both buried in the Lutheran Reformed Cemetery at Rebersburg. Neither has a tombstone with an inscription. Their children, none of whom are now living, were: Nicholas, our subject's grandfather; John; Anthony, Jr.: Margaret, who married John Philips; Mary, wife of Michael Kehl; Sarah, who married (firsts Henry Greninger, and (second) George Lesh; Anna, wife of Philip Glantz; Barbara, wife of Frederick Womeldorf; Rosina, who married Christian Gramley; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Berry; Eva, wife of Michael Ketner, and Catherine, who never married.

History of Centre and Clinton Counties, Pennsylvania; John Blair Linn; Philadelphia; Louis H. Everts; 1883.
Anthony Berly (Bierly)
(1747-1825)

He was one of the pioneer settlers of Brush Valley. He leased a tract of three hundred acres, on part of which Rebersburg is now situated, from Col. Samuel Miles in 1791, and it is probable that he brought his family into the valley in the spring of the same year.

They came from Mahantango Creek, now Snyder County. Mr. Bierly and his son, Nicholas, had been up during the previous fall to clear and put in grain a small piece of ground for the family¡¦s subsistence. A Mr. Strawbridge had cleared about half an acre; and built a hut on this tract when Mr. Bierly first came, and there were a few huts standing in the woods through other parts of the valley. Mr. Bierly¡¦s house was situated about midway between the present homes of Peter S. and Thony Bierly. There are several apple trees around the place which were brought from below, one of which measures thirteen and one-half feet in circumference.

During the Revolutionary War Anthony Bierly served in the militia, but it is not known in what engagements he took part. On one or two occasions, he, with other parties, followed Indians who had murdered white families. This occurred while he was still living along the Mahantango. He came to the valley with his family through Brush Valley Narrows, over the road which Samuel Miles had opened but a short time before, and was the first man that traveled it in a conveyance. Anthony Bierly was a native of Bavaria; his parents and an only brother, Nicholas, came to America at the same time probably, but in what year is not known. His brother settled in Ohio somewhere. His father¡¦s name was Melchior, and he lived along the Mahantango also until the Indian troubles of 1778, when he left with the ¡§great Runaway,¡¨ and never returned from the eastern part of the State. His wife brought along a beautifully ornamented bottle from the old country, which is today a cherished relic in the family of a great-grandson, Melchior Bierly, of Rebersburg. Anthony Bierly was married to a Miss Warner; he died in 1825, and was eighty-two years of age; both he and his wife lie buried in the Lutheran and Reformed graveyard, Rebersburg, and neither grave has a tombstone with an inscription. Children:
Nicholas
John
Anthony
Margaret, married to John Philips; Mary, married to Michael Kehl
Sarah, first married to Henry grenninger, and after his decease to George Leash
Anna, married to Philip Glantz
Barbara, married to Fredereick Womeldorf
Rosina, married to Christian Gramly
Elizabeth, married to Peter Berry
Eva, married to Michael Ketner
Catharine not married

All the children are dead. (Meyer)
Wife: Anna Maria Warner
Parents: Melchior Bierly and Maria Barbara Ocker


Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34029337/anthony-bierly

Anthony married Anna Maria Warner. Anna was born on 15 Nov 1762 in Pennsylvania; died on 3 Apr 1841 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34029486/anna-maria-bierly

Other Events:

• Residence: Brush Valley, Centre County, PA

Notes:

See Section 1, Row 14, #7. Stone says "father". It's next to the stone for Margaret Meyer w/o Henry. The stone that reads "Henry Meyer 1795-1881 on the other side of Margaret's stone is for her step-son, Henry. It is very probable that this stone marked "father" is for Henry, the father of Henry & Jacob, and husband of Margaret. However, there is also a stone for Heinrich Meyer, 15 Oct 1764 -17 May 1820 (in German) farther along in Row 14 at #30. This stone is next to stone for his son, Wilhelm. This leaves the question of who the stone marked "father" is for.

Henry Meyer 1764-1820 is also acknowledged on a cast bronze plate affixed to a marble stone "in memoriam of the Meyer family buried in this plot.

Genealogy of the Meyer Family by Henry Meyer

Henry (son of Jacob, son of Gr. Meyer), my paternal grandfather, was married first to Mary Steese, daughter of Jacob Steese of Penns township, now Snyder County, Pa., and resided with his family near Straubsburg (Freeburg) for several years. Three of the children were born there, Henry Jacob and one — the oldest — which died in infancy. Either in 1797 or 179S the family moved into Brushvalley, Centre County, Pa., upon a tract which had been partially cleared by John Meyer who was married to grandfather's oldest sister Catharine. See page 39. Mary Steese is said to have been a very stout and strong woman and that she had charge while still single, of a grist-mill, an occupation which on account of the rude and inconvenient construction of the mills of that age, required considerable physical strength. She died in August, 1801 of a malignant fever which was- contracted while visiting with her husband her brother Frederick Steese, Snyder County (now) who was low with this fever and which he had contracted while he and his father were in Philadelphia buying goods. (Note. — Their father also took the fever in Philadelphia and died there.)

Grandfather's second wife was Margaret, daughter of John Adam Harper of Pennsvalley, who was at one time one of the associate Judges of Centre County, his term beginning in 1800. The date of the marriage I have not ascertained. Grandfather was a large man, weighing over two hundred pounds, being over six feet tall and of symmetrical build. He possessed great muscular strength and activity, and was proficient in all the athletic accomplishments of his day. Although, being of a reserved and non-aggressive disposition, he was, nevertheless, a principal in many a fierce encounter in his younger days; but it is to be hoped only in self-defense or in behalf of his friends of whom there were a legion. It is said that his brother Philip in whom the quality of meekness was not overwhelming in his earlier manhood, had, on a number of occasions to be extricated out of serious difficulties. Grandfather was well known in Centre, Snyder (now), Northumberland and other of the lower counties, in all of which he had many friends; and no doubt, not a few enemies who coveted the honor of conquering him. But he was never "knocked out." In our day a reputation of that quality is not so desirable, but in his time it was considered a proof of cowardice and consequent disgrace not to resent a real or imaginary insult b} r physical force. And it was the case, too, that a man's reputation as a pugilist was a standing challenge — a chip on the shoulder as it were — of which every other aspirant for like honors would feel in duty bound to take cognizance.

Grandfather was enrolled, as already stated, in some organization when but sixteen years old for the protection of the settlement against the Indians. He must have had a touch of the martial spirit as his connection with military organizations seems to indicate. Feb. 28, 1794 he was commissioned Major of the First Battalion 3nd Northumberland Brigade: Jan. 4, 1802, he was commissioned Lieut. Colonel of the 131. Regt. Militia, First Brigade 10th Div. composed of the counties of Mifflin, Huntingdon and Centre. I do not think he held any civil office except that of Justice of the Peace, commissioned Jan. 4, 1814, to succeed John Kryder who removed to Ohio about that date. Grandfather lived, as stated in another place, at the old home near Elk Creek, Brushvalley, until sometime after 1806 when he built a house on the main Brushvalley road, some twenty rods east of his son Reuben's present dwelling house. The barn which had been erected in 1806 stood still farther east and also along the main road. He was a millwright by trade, which occupation he followed a long time, but devoted his later years to farming. Among the grist-mills for which he performed the millwright work many be mentioned John Motz's mill, Woodward, Pa., erected in 1790; Tobias Pickle's mill now owned by J. K. Meyer, Brushvalley, erected in 1801 or 1802. I do not know that grandfather enjoyed any school privileges in his youth, yet he acquired a fair education in some way. He was an assiduous reader of both German and English books and periodicals, and wrote a beautiful hand in both languages. He was a stiff Democrat and in politics had very decided opinions. He was fond of social gatherings and as a citizen he was universally respected. He belonged to the German Reformed church and contributed liberally towards its support. Grandfather was born at Mühlbach, Lancaster (now Lebanon) county. Oct. 15, 1764, where his folks resided until about the year 1768-1770, when they re- moved to Straubsburg. See page 34. He died May 17, 1820. His death was quite sudden. Returning from a trip to Jersey Shore, Pa., he caught a severe cold which resulted in Brain fever, delirium and death. He had been an affectionate husband, a kind father and had been loved with tender affection by his family, and when his wife and children, gathered round his bier to gaze upon his face for the last time, mother says, they were overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. His second wife survived him many years; she died Feb. 27, 1871, aged 83 years 7 months 27 days: both are buried in the Lutheran and Reformed cemetery at Rebersburg. Pa.

There were ten children who reached maturity; of these, it is said, Dr. Jonathan Meyer most nearly resembled his father in physical feature.


Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63156145/henry-meyer

Pioneer Settler Rev War Soldier
From the Commemorative Biographical Annals:
Henry was born near Muhlbach Oct 15 1764 and died May 17 1820, he was twice married first to Mary Steese daughter of Jacob Steese of Penn twp Snyder County and second to Margaret Harper daughter of Hon. Adam Harper of Penn's Valley. Husband & both wives are buried in the Union Cemetery in Rebersburg. Mr. Meyer moved to Brush Valley near Wolf's Store in 1797 or 1798 and farmed but his trade was that of a millwright. He built many gristmill & sawmills in in Central Pa. He served as Justice of the Peace for many years. He was commissioned Feb 28 1794 Major of the 1st. Battalion 3rd Northumberland Brigade; Jan 4 1802 lieu-colonel of the 131st Regiment Militia 1st Brigade 10th Division. When but 16 years old he was recruited to an organization for protection from Indians.

Henry married Mary Steese. Mary (daughter of Jacob Steese) was born in 1765; died in Aug 1801 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

No tombstone left, exact location not known, but is within a few step of Philip Shott who died in 1802.

From the Genealogy of the Meyer Family by Henry Meyer, page 61:
Mary was the daughter of Jacob Steese of Penn's township Snyder County. She was Henry's first wife. About 1797 or 1798 they came to Brush Valley. Mary is said to have been a very stout & strong woman and while single had been in charge of a grist mill, an occupation requiring considerable physical strength. She died in August 1801 of malignant fever which she contracted while visiting her brother Frederick Steese in Snyder County. Tradition says it was yellow fever. She is buried in the Lutheran & Reformed Cemetery.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63156724/mary-meyer

Mary Steese Meyer (d, 1801, 1st wife) is acknowledged on a cast bronze plate affixed to a marble stone "in memoriam of the Meyer family buried in this plot".

Notes:

Page 244 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Nicholas Bierly, ... located upon the original tract, and passed his life there, dying July 25, 1848, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife Lucy was a daughter of John Buchtel, who came to Centre county about the same time as the Bierlys. She died March 26, 1851, aged seventy-three years, and both were laid to rest in the Lutheran Reformed cemetery at Rebersburg. They had ten children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Nicholas, February 12, 1799, died in Sugar Valley, aged seventy-eight; Hannah, May 26, 1800, married Henry Meyer; Michael, November 25, 1801; John, September 25, 1803; December 6, 1805 , moved to Ohio ; Anthony, August 26, 1807 ; Reuben, March 8, 1809, moved to Missouri; Peter, April 13, 814, ...; Simeon, March 25, 1817; George, July 17, 1819, settled in Ohio.


Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/114271206/nicholas-bierly

Nicholas married Lucy Buchtel. Lucy (daughter of John Buchtel and Catharina Scheler) was born on 24 Feb 1778; died on 26 Mar 1851 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Name:
Lutzann A “Lucy” Buchtel

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/114271035/lutzann-a-bierly