| 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. [2]
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1834 - 1901 (67 years)
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