BIO: Hiram DURST, Centre County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  381

  HIRAM DURST, one of the leading stock-dealers of Gregg township, 
Centre county, was born July to, 1842, at his father's home, a mile 
west of Earlytown, in Potter township, a son of George L. and Catharine 
(Moyer) Durst.  He began his education in the Fairfield school, and 
during his early boyhood accompanied his parents on their removal from 
his birthplace to another farm in Potter township, whereon he was 
reared to manhood; he then continued his education in the Plumb Grove 
school.  He has always been a stanch advocate of good schools, and has 
done all in his power to promote educational interests.  On the home 
farm he was trained to habits of industry and economy, and his father, 
who was one of the leading agriculturists, taught him excellent farming 
methods. He remained at home until his marriage.
  On January 1, 1864, in Hartley township, Union Co., Penn., Mr. Durst 
wedded Miss Amelia Schnure, a native of that county, and a daughter of 
Christian and Lydia (Kiester) Schnure.  After a short married life the 
wife died and was buried at Centre Hall.  Not long after his marriage, 
Mr. Durst and his brother Philip began the operation of the old 
homestead farm, and in 1868 the farm which he now owns and operates, 
comprising 103 acres, was set off from the remainder of his father's 
large property.  This tract was entirely unimproved save for new 
buildings which had just been completed, and were ready for his 
occupancy.  He was again married, December 26, 1867, in Potter 
township, Centre county, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Bible, 
who was born in Potter township about 1842, and is a daughter of 
William and Elizabeth (Bitner) Bible.  During her infancy her parents 
removed to Nittany Valley, where she obtained her education.  She was 
one of a family of three daughter and one son, and was the eldest to 
reach adult age.  When a young lady she was sent to a select school at 
Potters Mills, and afterward secured a certificate, but her health 
would not permit her to engage in teaching.  Her father followed 
farming throughout his life, and died at the age of eighty-four years.  
His wife passed away at the age of seventy-six, and both were buried in 
Centre Hall cemetery.
  Mr. and Mrs. Durst are the parents of the following children: (1) 
William B., born November 5, 1869, died October 20, 1887 (he was a 
bright young man, and received good educational privileges); (2) Katie 
E., born April 11, 1874, has engaged in teaching from the age of 
eighteen years; (3) Anna Lizzie, born June 4, 1880, is attending school 
in Spring Mills.
  Mr. Durst now gives his entire time and attention to his farm, and 
has placed his land under a high state of cultivation, its neat and 
thrifty appearance well indicating his careful supervision.  He is also 
extensively engaged in raising stock, and has some fine thorough-bred 
Shorthorn cattle, as well as a good grade of hogs.  His life has been 
one of industry and activity, and his resolute purpose and tireless 
energy are the important factors in his success.  As a citizen he is 
true to all the duties that devolve upon him.  His political support is 
given the Democratic party; in religious belief his wife is identified 
with the Reformed Church.