Notes:

Son of Henry Smull and his first wife, Elizabeth Royer.

On February 13, 1873, Mr. Smull was married to Miss Harriet Transue, who was born November 4, 1842, in Hublersburg, Penn., the daughter of Peter Transue, a well-known farmer,
and his wife, Elizabeth (Best), both of whom were natives of Northampton county, Penn.

THOMAS J. SMULL, a prominent merchant of Mackeyville, Clinton county, is a man who commands in a remarkable degree the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. His
popularity is based upon an appreciation of his sterling qualities of character, even his political opponents being stanch personal friends. As one evidence of this we may mention the fact that he has held the position of postmaster in his town for more than thirty years through all changes of administration, but other incidents are not wanting as will be seen in the following history.

Mr. Smull was born May 24, 1834, in Rebersburg, the youngest child of Henry Smull and his first wife, Elizabeth Royer, who are mentioned more fully elsewhere. When our subject was
but a few days old his mother died, and he was taken to the home of his grandfather, Christopher Royer, in the vicinity of Rebersburg. He attended school in the latter town, Mr. Mulford and Mr. Burkett being among his first teachers, and although the instruction was decidedly inferior in many respects to that given in the common schools of to-day, he managed to secure the rudiments of a practical education, and a good knowledge of the German language, English not being spoken. He remained in that locality until he was about fifteen years old, when, his grandfather having died, he went to the Nittany Valley to reside with a cousin, Samuel Royer. There he found the English language in common use, and for some time this was a handicap to him in his studies, but after six years' attendance(four months in each year) at the Clinton school he was qualified to teach. While in this school he made a yarn ball which he sold to a play-
mate, now the Rev. Dr. Dornblaser, and in later years, believing that he had driven too hard a bargain, he returned the money with compound interest to the date of payment amounting to more than two dollars. The transaction illustrates well the strict integrity which has characterized his business life. After leaving school he taught successfully for eleven terms, including a term in the " Clinton school," one in Mill Hall, and four in Madisonburg, Centre county. In 1857 he spent a few months near Valley Falls, Kans., and in 1859 he went to Illinois, where he remained a year, during which he taught one term of school in Stephenson county. Before returning home in June, 1860, he spent some time in Ohio and in Philadelphia, where he visited an uncle. He had been reared as a farmer boy, but, having a desire to enter mercantile life, he secured a position as a clerk with Joseph H. Long in a store in Lamar township. Clinton county, on the pike, near the Porter township line. While there he gained a practical insight into the business, and in the spring of 1866 he formed a partnership known as Beck, Smull & Co., and engaged in mercantile business at Hamburg (now Mackeyvillei, Penn., continuing one year. Another firm, which had started at the same time, got tired before the end of the year, and our subject, with F. E. Hays as a partner, secured the store and carried on business there until 1870, when Mr. Smull became the sole owner. He met with success, and in 1874 built a new store house to accommodate his increasing trade, but in 1889 tfiis was destroyed by a flood which carried away everything, causing a loss of $6,000. His safe was not found for more than two j-ears, when it was discovered imbedded in the debris a short distance below Mackeyville. One week before the flood Mr. Smull had drawn his check to pay for a lot of flour, canceling his only indebtedness; but his satisfaction was of brief duration, as one week later he was practically penniless. He soon learned the value of a "good name," his reputation as a straightforward, honest business man bringing its own reward. It so happened that Mr. Smull, who has been an ardent Republican ever since the organization of the party, was in the habit of holding heated discussions on the topics of the day with Mr. Perry W. McDowell, an equally ardent Democrat. These tilts were always friendly, a fact which speaks volumes for the good sense of both the gentlemen, and Mr. McDowell had no sooner learned of Mr. SmuU's misfortune than he determined to show his appreciation of the latter's worth by offering him sufficient ground for a store building. The land was at the opposite end of town from Mr. Smull's former location, and Mr. McDowell had refused numerous propositions from others who wished to buy it for business purposes. In 18S9 Mr. Smull erected a new store and residence upon the site mentioned, and he has since conducted his business there. He was obliged to make "anew start in life," but his credit was good, and he has had no trouble in sustaining an honorable place in business circles. Always jovial, he likes to perpetrate a joke, and can relish a joke from others, and no man in Nittany Valley has more or better friends than "Jeff Smull."

Their last years were spent in Clinton county, and their remains now rest in the cemetery at Mt. Bethel. Mrs. Smull was the fourth daughter and fifth child in a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters. Four children have brightened our subject's home, two of whom died in infancy, (i) Lilly E., born July 22, 1874, lived only eighteen months.
(2) Thomas J., Jr., born September 22, 1875, is a successful teacher, having begun that occupation before he was seventeen years old ; he was married March 28, 1894, to Miss Mary Bennison, daughter of Capt. S. H. Bennison, a leading citizen of Centre county, and granddaughter of P. W. McDowell, and they now reside in Mackeyville. (3) James L. , born June 7, 1879, is also a licensed teacher, and at pres ent resides at home. (4) Martin D., born August 24, 1871, died at the age of ten months.
As Mr. Smull values education highly, he has endeavored to give his sons good opportunities, and they do credit to his efforts. He has always been a leader in his community, being ready to forward any progressive movement, and for six years he served as school director. He was influential in securing the post offlce at Mackeyville, and the citizens evidently consider him the only suitable person to take charge of it. During the Civil war he was a member of the 28th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, and for six weeks was engaged in "emergency service."
The family is identified with the Methodist Church, of which Mrs. Smull is an active member. He is a member of the G. A. R.

Our subject has made many original printed speeches, seldom quoting from other speakers,and was always sufficiently humorous to do as the poet said: "Made many laugh that never
laughed before, and those that laughed, laughed the more." His own productions of anecdotes are used, frequently with considerable effect, by younger speakers in the central part of Pennsvlvania.

Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania Page 670

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108730818/thomas-j-smull

Plot 9.4.22-130

Notes:

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 524
George Smull was a grandson of Henry Smull, and a son of Reuben Smull (son of Henry and his second wife, Catherine Kreamer.

GEORGE H. SMULL. In endeavoring to give in this volume due recognition to all the prominent families of the section, we have found the most intelligent and progressive spirits the most helpful to the enterprise, and it is through the courteous co-operation of the subject of this sketch that we are enabled to present the following interesting account of the Smull family, which has been well-known in Brush Valley from pioneer times.
The first of the line in America was Smull, the great-grandfather of our subject. He was a native of Ireland, whence he came to this country in the latter part of the eighteenth century to locate in the eastern part of Pennsylvania.
Six of his children lived to adult age — two daughters and four sons, the names of the latter being Henry, Jacob, Peter and Jesse. The Smull family in Brush Valley is descended from the first three sons, who were skilled masons, and all went at the same time to Rebersburg to build the wall for the Lutheran Reformed Church. They remained in the Valley, and, living in German settlements, they and their children adopted the language and customs of their neighbors. Of the brothers, Jacob, in later years, did an extensive business in cutting tombstones for the Rebersburg cemetery from native rock, and several of these monuments are still standing. Jacob died at his home below Aaronsburg, and was buried at Rebersburg. Peter removed in later life to Stephenson county, Ill., and died there.
Henry Smull, our subject's grandfather, was born in eastern Pennsylvania, February 3, 1799, and, coming to Brush Valley in early manhood with no capital except his own abilities and strong physique, was obliged to work for many years as a day laborer. He saved his money, however, and in time managed to buy a farm between Kreamerville and Centre Mill. The care of the place devolved mainly upon his family as he continued to work at his trade. Politically he was a Democrat, but aside from voting regularly he took no active part in public affairs. He belonged to the Lutheran Church, and was a constant attendant and active worker, holding various offices. His last years were spent in Rockville, Penn., in well-earned leisure, his toil having gained him a comfortable competence, and his death occurred February 2, 1879, his burial taking place at Rebersburg. He was highly respected among his associates for his integrity, being known far and near as a "man of his word."
After his removal to Brush Valley Henry Smull married Miss Elizabeth Royer, by whom he had the following children: Polly (Mrs. William Walker); John, now postmaster at Rebersburg; Harrison, a stonemason by trade, who died at Rebersburg; Abigail, the widow of Francis Brownlee, of Freeport, Ill. ;Lovina, wife of William Bierly, of Rebersburg; Sarah, who married Samuel Gramley, and died at Rebersburg; and Jefferson, residing in Mackeyville, Penn.
The mother of this family died in 1834, and her remains were laid to rest in the family lot in Rebersburg cemetery. Henry Smull for his second wife married Catherine Kreamer, who was born near Kreamerville, October 22, 1806, a daughter of Jacob Kreamer, and died November 24, 1887, her funeral being held at Rebersburg.
There were five children by this union: Aaron, a resident of Rockville, Penn.; Reuben, our subject's father; Simon, a blacksmith by trade, who died in Madisonburg; Hannah, now Mrs. Levi Fullmer, of Rebersburg; and Henry, of Kreamerville.
Reuben Smull, the father of our subject, was born October 30, 1838, at the old home near Kreamerville. He first attended school at Rebersburg, with John Burkett as his teacher, and he afterward pursued his studies as he could in the intervals of farm work. Short as the winter terms were, he could not attend full time, his help being required at home. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the mason's trade with his father, and two years later, having become proficient in all branches of the work, he formed a partnership with his brother Harrison, and followed the business for several years.
In January, 1862, Reuben Smull was married in Brush Valley, at the home of the bride's parents, to Miss-Louisa Gramley, who was born near Rebersburg, June 12, 1841, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Schmeltzer) Gramley. The following year they spent in Rebersburg, and in 1863 they removed to a farm adjoining Kreamerville on the north, and then belonging to Joseph Kreamer. Mr. Smull rented this, and remained there until 1864, when he went to a farm near Rockville, and while engaged in agriculture did some work at his trade. In the spring of 1888 he purchased the Joseph Kreamer estate, and returning to it has since resided there, giving his attention to farming exclusively. The place makes an attractive homestead, and under the able management of its owner is a profitable investment.
Reuben Smull is a man of no pretensions, minding his own business, and this, by the way, is a characteristic trait of his family, which has produced a number of substantial, successful, yet unassuming citizens. He upholds the principles of the Democratic party on national issues, but where local questions only are involved, he declines to surrender his judgment blindly, and votes as he thinks the interests of the people demand. Official honors have no particular charms for him, but he has served as tax collector in Miles township. In religion he is a Lutheran, and he and his wife are both members of the Church.
The subject of this sketch, who is the only son of his parents, was born at Rockville, June 23, 1869. Inheriting the sterling qualities of his ancestry, he has the added advantage of good schooling, and the modern spirit of enterprise makes his talents practically available in lines in which former generations took no part. After completing the course of study in the local schools, he pursued other branches at Spring Mills and Selins Grove, Penn., and at Dakota, Ill. He was an apt student, learning rapidly, not only from books but also from observation, and several years spent in the 'West in his early "twenties" served to broaden his views of men and things in a practical way.
On returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Smull was associated for some years with the circulation department of the Kcyst07ie Gazette of Bellefonte, his duties taking him to all parts of central Pennsylvania. In February, 1896, he became identified with the New York Life Insurance Co., as a subordinate agent, and his abilities quickly won the approval of the highest officials.
His promotion followed not through any "influence," but because the shrewd men at the head of the company needed just such tact, energy and sound judgment as they saw revealed in his work. He is now the general agent for Centre, Clinton, Union and other counties, and exacting as are the requirements of the post, they are met promptly and satisfactorily.
On July 4, 1891, Mr. Smull was united in wedlock with Miss Daisy Blanche Stover, a native of Rebersburg, born May 15, 1873. She is a member of one of the oldest and most respected families of Brush Valley, and is the eldest of three children of Cornelius and ChestienStover. She is an attractive, accomplished lady, and held in high esteen by all her many friends. Mr. Smull built a pleasant residence in Rebersburg, which he now rents, he and his wife preferring to remain at their country home. Mr. and Mrs. Smull are members of the Lutheran Church, and are living supporters of its work.
In fact Mr. Smull has already shown his public spirit in many ways, being always ready to encourage any movement that might tend to progress. At one time he was a Democrat in politics, but of late he has endorsed the doctrines of the Republican party, and he is one of its advisers and counsellors in his locality. He is a direct descendant from John A. Smull, the author of Smull 's "Legislator's Hand Book and Manual of Pennsylvania."


Buried:
Plot: Section 1, Row 11, #26. Near wife and son John Christopher Smull.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76075473/henry-smull

Henry married Elizabeth Royer. Elizabeth (daughter of Christopher Royer and Magdaline Gross) was born on 23 Apr 1797; died on 26 May 1834; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76075893/elizabeth-smull

Other Events:

• Residence: Brush Valley, Centre County, PA

Notes:

Commemorative Biography of Central Penn:
Christopher settled in Brush Valley in 1807. The mill north of Rockville was built by him and he owned a large tract of land in that area. In addition he owned a distillery. His children were: Daniel, Henry, Amos, Jefferson, Joel, Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah & Barbara.

Buried:
Buried Section 1, Row 12, #25 next to wife Magdalena (Gross)

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76076522/christopher-royer

Christopher married Magdaline Gross. Magdaline was born on 09 Mar 1769; died on 17 Mar 1836; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76076603/magdalena-royer

Section 1, Row 12, #26, next to husband Christopher.

Other Events:

• Immigration: 1748, Germany

Notes:

The original Christopher Royer, whose genealogical history follows, was born at Rhine Pfaltz, South Germany, where he was also married. Their issue was one daughter. In 1748, the parents, with their only child, embarked for America. During the first part of their voyage, his wife became greatly distressed and troubled. She said, "In America all is wild, and there are no churches nor preachers," but the captain of the ship assured her that there was no need of troubling herself, that there were churches everywhere in America, which afterwards proved to be true, for the first sermon her husband heard was under a shady white oak tree, where the city of Lancaster now stands, which was then a small village. After receiving this assurance, she became more calm, apparently, but there must have been deep-seated anxiety in her mind, for some time later she become sick and died. She was buried in a watery grave, "the ocean," leaving her infant daughter in the care of her bereaved husband. This made the remainder of the journey very sad and lonesome. In due time, they landed at Philadelphia, Pa. He came to the locality, where the city of Lancaster now stands. His little daughter grew to womanhood among friends and at Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co. ,Pa., she married Jacob Gungle. While living at Lancaster, he married his second wife. Miss Catharine Royer, of American birth and of the same name, but so far as known there was no relationship between them. Here his oldest son, Johan George, was born.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60792966/georg-christoph-royer
Spelling of surname at time of burial was RYER.
Georg Christoph “Stophle” Royer.
Husband of Anna Barbara Degen (1st wife); Catharine Ryer (Royer) (2nd wife);
Father of Anna Margaretha by first wife and John George, Christian, Christopher Jr., Sebastian and Amos.

Georg married Catharine Royer. Catharine (daughter of Sebastian Royer and Agnes Elizabeth Flockwirth) was born in Sep 1728 in Lancaster County, PA; died on 28 Apr 1809 in Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Klopps Church Cemetery, Hamlin, Lebanon County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60801666/catharine-royer

Spelling at time of burial was RYER.
Daughter and youngest child of Sebastian Mathias Ryer (Royer) and Agnes Flockert;
2nd wife of Georg Christoph (Stophle) Ryer (Royer); Mother of John George, Christian; Christopher Jr., Sebastian and Amos.

Row 6 #12