BIO: William Long, Jefferson 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. 
Chicago, Ill.: J. H. Beers, 1898, pages 1068-1069. 
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WILLIAM LONG.  As a  representative of the intelligent and hardy 
pioneers who opened up Jefferson county for settlement, and have since 
taken a conspicuous part in developing it, we are pleased to place in 
this volume a brief sketch of the life of the gentleman whose name 
introduces this notice.  For many years he was actively identified with 
the farming and lumber interests of Young township, but has now 
practically laid aside business cares.
  William Long was born in Haines township, Centre county, Penn., near 
Cooks Mills, September 14, 1816, a son of Joseph Andrew and Margaret 
(Kuntz) Long, natives of Germany and Dauphin county respectively.  The 
father, Joseph Long, was about nineteen or twenty years of age when he 
emigrated to America, locating in Centre county, Penn., where he worked 
at the tailor's trade for many years.  During the war of 1812 he aided 
his adopted country, and when hostilities had ceased returned to Centre 
county.  In 1824, he left Centre county, and arrived in Punxsutawney 
February 24, of the same year, but being an invalid at that time was 
unable to do much work; his death occurred in the latter part of 
November, 1832.  He built one of the first houses in Punxsutawney, 
which is still standing, and is yet known as the Long building - a 
landmark of pioneer days.  His wife passed away in 1884, at the 
advanced age of ninety-three years.
  Although his school privileges were meagre, William Long made the 
most of his advantages, and obtained a fair knowledge of the common 
branches of learning.  He was reared on the frontier farm, and early 
became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the 
agriculturist and lumberman, which occupation he followed throughout 
his active business life,  In 1824 he had accompanied his parents to 
Jefferson county, and was only sixteen years of age at the time of his 
father's death.  During his early days he raised a company in Jefferson 
and Indiana counties called the "Jefferson Rangers," for the Third 
Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, and was commissioned as 
captain by Gov. Porter.  This regiment proffered its services to the 
government during the Mexican war, but was a couple of days too late.
  In 1842 William Long was married to Miss Susannah Miller, who was 
born in Tyrone township, Huntingdon Co., Penn., September 18, 1819, a 
daughter of John M. Miller, who afterward moved to near Trade City, 
Indiana Co., Penn.  Eight children graced their union, and seven of the 
number are still living:  Anna E., now the widow of John Cary; James 
K., a prominent contractor and builder, of Clayville, Penn.; Mary M., 
wife of Harry L. Armstrong, of Clayville, Penn., Samuel H., a resident 
of Lincoln, Kans.; Kate M., wife of John B. Johnston, of near Horatio, 
Jefferson county; David B., of South Young township, Jefferson county; 
and Martha, wife of J. A. Snyder, of Covode, Indiana Co., Penn.  The 
one deceased is William C., who passed away August 19, 1887.  The wife 
and mother departed this life April 19, 1895, at the age of seventy-six 
years and eight months.  Although William Long never aspired to office, 
he is a stanch Republican in politics, and in his religious views he 
holds membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  He is one of 
the honored and valued citizens of the community, and well deserves the 
high regard in which he is universally held.
  David B. Long, the youngest son of our subject, now operates the old 
farm, making his home with his father.  He was reared upon the place, 
and for some years successfully followed school teaching, but later 
devoted his time and attention to farming.  In connection with the 
latter he is a contractor and collector for The Johnston Harvester 
Company, of Batavia, N.Y.  In 1883 he was married at Lincoln, Kans., 
to Miss Olive B. Askey, a native of Bellefonte, Centre Co., Penn., and 
they now have six children, namely:  Max W., Paul N., Harry A., Zola 
I., Ethel D. and Morris Dean.
  Mrs. Long is a consistent member of the Baptist Church; fraternally 
Mr. Long is connected with the Knights of Pythias; in politics he is a 
stalwart supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party, but 
is no politician in the sense of office seeking.