Blair County PA Archives Biographies.....Confer, John W. June 17, 1862 - ????
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Source: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair Co, PA: Philadelphia, 1892.
Author: Samuel T. Wiley

JOHN W. CONFER, 
who has been largely instrumental in shaping many of the leading industries
of Duncansville, is a son of Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Stifler) Confer, and
was born in Duncansville, June 17, 1862.  Jacob Confer (paternal grandfather)
was a native of McKee's Gap, Pennsylvania, and removed to Claysburg, Blair
county, where he resided until his death.  In politics he was a firm
supporter of the Whig party, and a faithful attendant of the Evangelical
Lutheran church.  He married Elizabeth Kephart, of Claysburg, by whom he had
five children, two sons and three daughters:  David M., who was working for
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Huntingdon, this State, where he was
killed by an accident on the railroad in 1861; Keziah, married Thomas Elder,
of Hollidaysburg, and who is engaged in the railroad shops at Altoona,
Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, married Henry Trout, of Bellwood, and died in 1891;
Mary, married J. E. Shartzer, of Altoona, who is engaged in the railroad
shops in that city; and Samuel B.  Samuel B. Confer (father) was born at
McKee's Gap in 1831, and became a captain on the Portage railroad, serving
for a time in that capacity.  He was then employed by the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, under whom he served as a conductor for a period of twenty
years.  In 1855 he came to Duncansville, where he has resided ever since.  He
owns a large store in that place, and carries a full line of dry goods and
groceries.  He adheres to the republican party, and served one term as
commissioner of Blair county.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and is a tireless worker in the cause of Christianity.  He holds the
positions of trustee, Sunday-school superintendent, and class leader, and has
widened the circle of friends by his efforts for the advancement of morality,
law and good order. He married Elizabeth Stifler, and to this union were born
five children:  David Clarence, born May 20, 1857, married Alice M. Hyle, and
is a prominent physician of Duncansville, who was graduated from the medical
department of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1881; Lloyd
G., born June 10, 1860, is now a conductor on the Pennsylvania railroad,
resides at Williamsburg, this county, and married Nannie G. Wood, a native of
Hollidaysburg; Blanche, born March 11, 1866, died March 24, 1866; Nellie K.,
born February 19, 1877, and resides with her parents; and John W.
   John W. Confer was reared in Duncansville, where he has always
resided.  He received his education in the public schools of his native town,
and for a short time pursued special studies under Professor Stewart, of
Hollidaysburg.  He is associated with his father in the mercantile business
at Duncansville, and has been the general manager of the store for several years.
   On April 16, 1891, John W. Confer was united in marriage with Margaret
C. Gibson, of Duncansville, and to their union has been born one daughter: 
Pauline G., who was born January 31, 1892.
   In politics Mr. Confer is a republican.  He is an earnest Sunday-school
worker in the Methodist Episcopal church.  He is a prominent Mason, having
served in 1889 as master of Juniata Lodge, No. 282, Free and Accepted Masons,
of Hollidaysburg, and is now secretary of his lodge, and of Mount Moriah
Chapter, No. 166, Royal Arch Masons.  He is also a member of Mountain
Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, of Altoona, and has been enterprising
and faithful in the performance of all Masonic duties.  He is secretary of
the Building and Load association, secretary and treasurer of the Town Hall
association, and treasurer of the borough of Duncansville.  Mr. Confer has
made himself useful in building up an important industry of his town, and the
results of his patient labor are to be seen in his present large and
flourishing business.  
Transcribed and submitted to the Blair County, PA, USGenWeb ar

Additional Comments:
Originally submitted 2001. Transcribed by Tina Ludwig tina.ludwig@home.com

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