Notes:

Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 for Isabelle Royer
Name: Isabelle Royer
[Isabelle Harper]
Gender: Female
Race: White
Marital Status: Widow
Age: 88
Birth Date: 26 Aug 1830
Birth Place: Centre County, Pennsylvania
Death Date: 10 Dec 1918
Death Place: Porter Township, Clinton, Pennsylvania, USA
Father Name: Johnathan Harper
Father Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother Name: Kreamer
Mother Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Informant: C.C. Royer, Mill Hall, PA
Certificate Number: 188630

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88926307/isabella-royer

Inscription:
w/o Philip
89y 3m 20d

Family/Spouse: Philip Royer. Philip (son of Daniel Royer and Rachael Shutt) was born on 11 Nov 1825 in Pennsylvania; died on 30 Jun 1895; was buried in Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery, Lamar, Clinton County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Simon was a son of George Harper.
SIMON HARPER, president of the Penn Valley Banking Co., Centre Hall, and a retired merchant, is one of the substantial citizens of Penn's Valley, and few as good examples of self-made men are to be found in the locality, certainly none better.
Mr. Harper comes of an old family, and was born July 31, 1842, at Spring Bank, Miles township. Centre county, youngest living child of George Harper, who was born in Berks county, Penn. , a son of Henry Harper. George Harper received but limited schooling, chiefly in the German language, and was reared to farming pursuits. In Brush Valley he married Elizabeth Kreamer, who was born, in 1804, in Bethel township, Berks county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob Kreamer, who. came to Brush Valley in 1814, and where Mrs. Harper was reared from the age of ten years. Her youth was passed amid pioneer times and scenes, and she was well fitted to endure the hardships and trials destined for her later life. At the time of their marriage, her husband had little or no means, and his parents were not in a position to aid him. However, nothing daunted, Mr. Harper bought a farm, at Spring Bank, in Brush Valley, going heavily in debt for the same; but he prospered, and with the help of as noble a wife as ever lived, the debt was soon decreased. He died May 20, 1843, at the comparatively early age of forty-one years, leaving a widow with a family of children, our subject being but an infant. The husband and father was buried in the cemetery at Rebersburg. The following is a brief record of the children: Sarah married George Weaver, and lives in Rebersburg; John, a farmer, died in Potter township; Mary A. married Jonathan Gramley, and died in Brush Valley; Jonathan, by occupation a merchant, died in Bellefonte; Isabella is the widow of Philip Royer, of Nittany Valley; William is retired, and makes his home in Bellefonte (he served three years, during the Civil war, in Company A, 148th P. V. I.); Rebecca married Absalom Harter, and died in Millheim, Centre county; Jared, a merchant, lives in Bellefonte; Simon, our subject, comes next; and George, the youngest in the family, died in infancy. Of these, Simon bears a striking resemblance to his father, who was a man of slight build. He was a Democrat, but took no especial interest in politics, simply recording his vote quietly and unostentatiously. In religious faith he was a member of the Reformed Church, which his wife also attended, although not a member thereof, she being a Lutheran, but later also joined the Reformed Church.
Dying a comparatively young man, George Harper had not opportunity to pay off all the indebtedness on the farm, and his dying request to his wife was that the homestead should not be sold, as he felt certain that by her careful and frugal management the debt thereon would before long be cancelled. It was a heavy undertaking for her, the widowed mother of a large family, none of whom yet out of their "teens;" but her husband's dying words inspired her with fresh hope and courage, and with a will she went bravely to work. Early and late she "kept her shoulder to the wheel," doing a man's labor in the fields, and in the evening returning to the home never so wearied but that she would complete the domestic duties of the day. In course of time her self-denying efforts were crowned with success, and this noble woman found herself and children under a roof free at last of all encumbrance. The homestead property remained in the family until 1856, in which year they moved to Rebersburg, and there Mrs. Harper resided until 1866, when she removed to Bellefonte with her son Simon, to whom her attachment was very great. Our subject paid for her support until, in 1866, he got a home of his own, from which time she passed her declining years with him, dying September 27, 1892. She was laid by the side of her husband in Rebersburg cemetery, an elegant monument, erected by our subject, marking their last resting place. Mrs. Harper was a true Christian woman, a constant reader of the Bible, in both English and German, while during the later years of her life a great part of her time was spent in prayer.
Simon Harper, the subject proper of these lines, received his education in part at the schools of the Harter district, in Miles township, in part at those of Rebersburg, whither the family had removed when he was about fourteen years old, and as a farmer's boy his boyhood days were passed. At the age of seventeen we find him, for the first time in the arena of business life, in the capacity of clerk for Thomas Wolf, at Wolfs store, Brush Valley, his first salary being $75.00 per annum, with four weeks vacation during the harvest season, although the usual amount paid a new clerk was $50.00, so valuable already were his services, and so well appreciated. Later he clerked for W. J. Hosterman, in Rebersburg, from there going to Bellefonte, where he was in the employ of John Awle, when, the Civil war being at its height, he enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, 148th P. V. I. In this regiment he served faithfully until compelled by sickness to retire into the Veteran Reserve Corps, much against his inclination, for he persisted in remaining with his company longer than his health warranted. At the close of the war he was a member of Company E, 3rd Veteran Reserve Corps. After the war was over he was sent to Augusta, Maine, to muster out Maine troops, after which he was mustered out at that city, and he then returned to Rebersburg.
On May 18, 1866, Mr. Harper and his widowed mother removed to Bellefonte, where, along with his two brothers, Jonathan and William, he commenced the general mercantile business, with which he was identified some fourteen years. During that long period of activity, his natural industrious disposition and consequent hard work impaired his health so much that he had to retire from the firm. In March, 1880, he took up his residence in the village of Centre Hall, where he recuperated, buying a nice home, to the improvement of which he spent no little time and money. At this time there were but two stores in Centre Hall, and after four years Mr. Harper decided to open a third, trusting to his previous experience and natural business qualifications for success of his venture. It required enterprise and energy, both of which characteristics he amply possessed, and possesses, and in 1884, in partnership with H. W. Kreamer, he opened a general merchandise store, which ere long became the leading one of the kind in the vicinity. In April, 1896, our subject disposed of his interest therein, and retired from active business life. He still owns a one-half interest in the store building; a one-fourth interest in the bank building and bank at Centre Hall; a substantial residence in the same village, and 350 acres of land in Potter township. As already stated, he is president of the Penn Valley Banking Co., at Centre Hall, and is a leader in enterprises tending to the advancement of his section of the county.
On December 28, 1879, at Bellefonte, Simon Harper was married to Miss Maggie E. Klinger, who was born at Buffalo Run, Penn., May 29, 1854, youngest in the family of ten children — five sons and five daughters — born to Jesse and Mary (Kocker) Klinger, who came from Dauphin county to Centre county some years ago. Mr. Klinger was a blacksmith by trade, in politics a stanch Republican, and for several years was justice of the peace at Bellefonte, where he died October 1, 1889, his wife passing away March 18, 1893, and they sleep their last sleep in the cemetery at Bellefonte. They were members of the Reformed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Harper have one child, Harry W. , born October 17, 1882, living at home. In politics Mr. Harper is a lifelong Democrat, always interested in the success of the party, but never an office-seeker. For one term he served as chief burgess of Centre Hall, and has been elected to other offices, which, however, he declined to accept. Socially, he is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge at Centre Hall, and of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 153, at Bellefonte.
In matters of religion he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, and he was one of the committee who had charge of the church building, a handsome one, at Centre Hall, and it was at his suggestion that brown stone was used in its construction. He is an elder in the Church, and is one of the most liberal contributors and leading members, and has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. Taken all in all, Mr. Harper is a typical representative self-made man, One who by his own perseverance, energy and sound judgment, has risen, rung by rung, to the summit of the ladder of success. On business and financial matters he is an acknowledged authority, and his opinion and counsel, which are often sought, are sure to be respected. His acquaintance in Penn's Valley is thorough, and he is held in the highest esteem.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53972453/george-harper

Son of Henry & Agatha (Wolf) Harper.

George married Elizabeth Kreamer. Elizabeth (daughter of Jacob Kreamer and Catherine Geisler) was born on 28 Dec 1804 in Berks County, PA; died on 27 Sep 1892; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth's son Samuel Harper:

SIMON HARPER, president of the Penn Valley Banking Co., Centre Hall, and a retired merchant, is one of the substantial citizens of Penn's Valley, and few as good examples of self-made men are to be found in the locality, certainly none better.
Mr. Harper comes of an old family, and was born July 31, 1842, at Spring Bank, Miles township. Centre county, youngest living child of George Harper, who was born in Berks county, Penn. , a son of Henry Harper. George Harper received but limited schooling, chiefly in the German language, and was reared to farming pursuits. In Brush Valley he married Elizabeth Kreamer, who was born, in 1804, in Bethel township, Berks county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob Kreamer, who. came to Brush Valley in 1814, and where Mrs. Harper was reared from the age of ten years. Her youth was passed amid pioneer times and scenes, and she was well fitted to endure the hardships and trials destined for her later life. At the time of their marriage, her husband had little or no means, and his parents were not in a position to aid him. However, nothing daunted, Mr. Harper bought a farm, at Spring Bank, in Brush Valley, going heavily in debt for the same; but he prospered, and with the help of as noble a wife as ever lived, the debt was soon decreased. He died May 20, 1843, at the comparatively early age of forty-one years, leaving a widow with a family of children, our subject being but an infant. The husband and father was buried in the cemetery at Rebersburg. The following is a brief record of the children: Sarah married George Weaver, and lives in Rebersburg; John, a farmer, died in Potter township; Mary A. married Jonathan Gramley, and died in Brush Valley; Jonathan, by occupation a merchant, died in Bellefonte; Isabella is the widow of Philip Royer, of Nittany Valley; William is retired, and makes his home in Bellefonte (he served three years, during the Civil war, in Company A, 148th P. V. I.); Rebecca married Absalom Harter, and died in Millheim, Centre county; Jared, a merchant, lives in Bellefonte; Simon, our subject, comes next; and George, the youngest in the family, died in infancy. Of these, Simon bears a striking resemblance to his father, who was a man of slight build. He was a Democrat, but took no especial interest in politics, simply recording his vote quietly and unostentatiously. In religious faith he was a member of the Reformed Church, which his wife also attended, although not a member thereof, she being a Lutheran, but later also joined the Reformed Church.
Dying a comparatively young man, George Harper had not opportunity to pay off all the indebtedness on the farm, and his dying request to his wife was that the homestead should not be sold, as he felt certain that by her careful and frugal management the debt thereon would before long be cancelled. It was a heavy undertaking for her, the widowed mother of a large family, none of whom yet out of their "teens;" but her husband's dying words inspired her with fresh hope and courage, and with a will she went bravely to work. Early and late she "kept her shoulder to the wheel," doing a man's labor in the fields, and in the evening returning to the home never so wearied but that she would complete the domestic duties of the day. In course of time her self-denying efforts were crowned with success, and this noble woman found herself and children under a roof free at last of all encumbrance. The homestead property remained in the family until 1856, in which year they moved to Rebersburg, and there Mrs. Harper resided until 1866, when she removed to Bellefonte with her son Simon, to whom her attachment was very great. Our subject paid for her support until, in 1866, he got a home of his own, from which time she passed her declining years with him, dying September 27, 1892. She was laid by the side of her husband in Rebersburg cemetery, an elegant monument, erected by our subject, marking their last resting place. Mrs. Harper was a true Christian woman, a constant reader of the Bible, in both English and German, while during the later years of her life a great part of her time was spent in prayer.
Simon Harper, the subject proper of these lines, received his education in part at the schools of the Harter district, in Miles township, in part at those of Rebersburg, whither the family had removed when he was about fourteen years old, and as a farmer's boy his boyhood days were passed. At the age of seventeen we find him, for the first time in the arena of business life, in the capacity of clerk for Thomas Wolf, at Wolfs store, Brush Valley, his first salary being $75.00 per annum, with four weeks vacation during the harvest season, although the usual amount paid a new clerk was $50.00, so valuable already were his services, and so well appreciated. Later he clerked for W. J. Hosterman, in Rebersburg, from there going to Bellefonte, where he was in the employ of John Awle, when, the Civil war being at its height, he enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, 148th P. V. I. In this regiment he served faithfully until compelled by sickness to retire into the Veteran Reserve Corps, much against his inclination, for he persisted in remaining with his company longer than his health warranted. At the close of the war he was a member of Company E, 3rd Veteran Reserve Corps. After the war was over he was sent to Augusta, Maine, to muster out Maine troops, after which he was mustered out at that city, and he then returned to Rebersburg.
On May 18, 1866, Mr. Harper and his widowed mother removed to Bellefonte, where, along with his two brothers, Jonathan and William, he commenced the general mercantile business, with which he was identified some fourteen years. During that long period of activity, his natural industrious disposition and consequent hard work impaired his health so much that he had to retire from the firm. In March, 1880, he took up his residence in the village of Centre Hall, where he recuperated, buying a nice home, to the improvement of which he spent no little time and money. At this time there were but two stores in Centre Hall, and after four years Mr. Harper decided to open a third, trusting to his previous experience and natural business qualifications for success of his venture. It required enterprise and energy, both of which characteristics he amply possessed, and possesses, and in 1884, in partnership with H. W. Kreamer, he opened a general merchandise store, which ere long became the leading one of the kind in the vicinity. In April, 1896, our subject disposed of his interest therein, and retired from active business life. He still owns a one-half interest in the store building; a one-fourth interest in the bank building and bank at Centre Hall; a substantial residence in the same village, and 350 acres of land in Potter township. As already stated, he is president of the Penn Valley Banking Co., at Centre Hall, and is a leader in enterprises tending to the advancement of his section of the county.
On December 28, 1879, at Bellefonte, Simon Harper was married to Miss Maggie E. Klinger, who was born at Buffalo Run, Penn., May 29, 1854, youngest in the family of ten children — five sons and five daughters — born to Jesse and Mary (Kocker) Klinger, who came from Dauphin county to Centre county some years ago. Mr. Klinger was a blacksmith by trade, in politics a stanch Republican, and for several years was justice of the peace at Bellefonte, where he died October 1, 1889, his wife passing away March 18, 1893, and they sleep their last sleep in the cemetery at Bellefonte. They were members of the Reformed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Harper have one child, Harry W. , born October 17, 1882, living at home. In politics Mr. Harper is a lifelong Democrat, always interested in the success of the party, but never an office-seeker. For one term he served as chief burgess of Centre Hall, and has been elected to other offices, which, however, he declined to accept. Socially, he is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge at Centre Hall, and of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 153, at Bellefonte.
In matters of religion he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, and he was one of the committee who had charge of the church building, a handsome one, at Centre Hall, and it was at his suggestion that brown stone was used in its construction. He is an elder in the Church, and is one of the most liberal contributors and leading members, and has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. Taken all in all, Mr. Harper is a typical representative self-made man, One who by his own perseverance, energy and sound judgment, has risen, rung by rung, to the summit of the ladder of success. On business and financial matters he is an acknowledged authority, and his opinion and counsel, which are often sought, are sure to be respected. His acquaintance in Penn's Valley is thorough, and he is held in the highest esteem.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58666054/elizabeth-harper

Notes:

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 254

GEORGE W. KREAMER, one of the most reliable and promising young business men of Centre county, now conducts a general merchandise store in the little village of Kreamerville.

Joseph Kreamer, father of our subject, was born near Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co., Penn., whence when two years old he was brought by his parents to Centre county, they locating at what is now known as Kreamerville. The grandfather became an extensive land owner and farmer of that place, where he spent his remaining days. He bore the name of Jacob Kreamer, and his wife in her maidenhood was Catherine Geisler. In their family were eight children:
John, a farmer, who died in Rebersburg;
Daniel, a hotel keeper and farmer of the same place, where his death occurred;
Elizabeth, deceased wife of George Harper, a farmer of Rebersburg;
Catherine, who married Henry Smull, and died at Rockville, Miles township. Centre county;
Mary, deceased wife of Frederick Burkert, a merchant of Rebersburg;
Hannah, who married Daniel Dubbs, a farmer, and is still living in Rebersburg; and
Sarah, wife of David Wolfe, who makes her home near that village.
The elementary education of Joseph Kreamer was received in the common schools near his home, and for a time he was a student in "Wolf's Store school." When he was sixteen years of age his father died, and the year following he left school, completing his education with a short course in the Muncy high school. Returning home, he took charge of the farm which his father had left him, and although quite young was very successful, as he was honest and industrious.
Being of an amiable disposition, he naturally found many who would help him in various ways, either by their advice or security when buying horses, stock, etc.
In 1834, Joseph Creamer wedded Miss Rebecca Reitzel, and to them were born two children: Catherine, born April 7, 1835, is the wife of William Wolfe, of Buena Vista, Ill.; and Mary, born in 1837, is the wife of John H. Reifsnyder, of Millheim, Centre county. The mother of these children died in 1856, and March 14, 1861, Mr. Kreamer married Miss Maria Haine, by whom he had four children: George W., whose name introduces this sketch; Margaret, wife of W. S. Musser, of Centre county; Ada K., wife of Harry Brown, foreman of a large manufacturing establishment in Colchester, Ill.; and Harry H., book-keeper for the Sterling Bicycle Works of Chicago. Mrs. Kreamer was reared and educated in Reading, Penn., and is the seventh in order of birth in the family of twelve children of Samuel and Margaret (Hoff) Haine. Her father was a tanner of Pine Grove, Schuykill county. She is still living in Millheim with her son-in-law, W. S. Musser, and is a highly respected lady who has many warm friends.
The father continued the operation of the farm now owned by our subject until his death, which occurred at Kreamerville, October 11, 1892, at the ripe old age of eighty years. He was a liberal, kind-hearted gentleman, a true friend, and lost many thousands of dollars by going security for others. He made no enemies, but had the love and confidence of all with whom he came in contact, and was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, to which he was a generous contributor. Politically he was an ardent Democrat, and was well posted on the questions and issues of the day, always voting intelligently.
George W. Kreamer is a native of Brush Valley, born near the present village of Kreamerville, January 1, 1862, and in the district schools of the neighborhood obtained his education. He began his business career as a clerk in the general store of Harter & Loose, of Rebersburg, and was later with C. C. Loose, of the same place. Subsequently he worked in the lumber woods, taking contracts for getting out lumber, and operated the home farm for some time. In the fall of 1893 he erected his present building, and began dealing in general merchandise in Kreamerville. Courteous and obliging, he has built up an excellent trade, his customers coming from miles around.
In September, 1885, in Brush Valley, Mr. Kreamer was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Hartman, a native of Rebersburg, and a daughter of Fred and Abigail (Bierly) Hartman. They have one child, Earl T. , born June 13, 1889. Mr. Kreamer follows in the political foot-steps of his father, supporting the men and measures of the Democratic party, and has served as inspector of elections, and constable of his township five years. Socially, he affiliates with the Grange, and religiously he and his wife are both faithful members of the Lutheran Church, while he has served as superintendent of the Sabbath-school for several years. His uprightness, integrity and public-spiritedness have won him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and he is classed among the most respected representative citizens of Centre county.



Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75889851/jacob-kremer

Jacob married Catherine Geisler. Catherine was born on 14 Jul 1779; died on 13 May 1848; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Name:
Catherina Giessler

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75889931/catherina-kremer