BIOS: Edward L. COUNTRYMAN, Jefferson, Somerset County, PA

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Vol. XXXII, Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of 
Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. Boston, Biographical Review 
Publishing Company: 1899, pp 310-311.

  Edward L. Countryman, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of the town of 
Jefferson, Pa., was born November 27, 1859, in the neighboring town of Somerset, 
Somerset County.  He is a son of the late Jacob B. Countryman.  His paternal 
grandfather was Benjamin Countryman, who was born at Brother's Valley, Pa., 
February 18, 1794, and died in Somerset, this State, May 23, 1881.
  Benjamin Countryman was a general farmer, and followed his independent calling 
in Brother's Valley and in Milford township during his earlier years, but later 
moved to Somerset, and having bought a farm near the village of Lavansville, 
there passed the remainder of his days.  A man of strong individuality, honest 
and upright, he served in various official positions, and was an active adherent 
of the Republican party.  Both he and his wife belonged to the Lutheran church.  
He married Catherine Lang, a daughter of the Rev. William F. Lang, one of the 
first ministers of the Lutheran church in Somerset.  She was born February 1, 
1794, and died May 12, 1880.  Of their nine children three are living, namely: 
Eliza, who is the widow of Jacob Cable, and has one child, George A.; Lavina, 
wife of John Dietz; and Frank B., who married Mary Ann Lichty.
  Jacob B. Countryman was born in Milford, Pa., December 16, 1819, and was 
baptized in the church at Centreville village.  Reared to agricultural pursuits, 
he purchased land in the town of Somerset soon after his marriage, and continued 
to till the soil until his death, November 27, 1889.  He was prominent in 
religious affairs, being for a long period a Deacon of the Lutheran church and 
for twenty years previous to the time of his death an Elder therein.  As one of 
the most active Republicans he served efficiently as Supervisor at different 
times, and for two years was Deputy Sheriff of Somerset County.  He married 
Lydia Schallis, a daughter of David Schallis.  She was born in Jefferson, Pa., 
April 10, 1823, and died December 5, 1891.  They had nine children, of whom six 
are living, namely: Mary K., who is the wife of Simon P. Weimer, and has one 
child, Edward; Belinda M., wife of Wesley Brougher and mother of four children- 
Grace, Frank, Clark, and Edward; Washington F., who married Sarah J. Gardner, by 
whom he has four children- Elsie, Dora, Luther, and Ray; Edward L., the subject 
of this sketch; Harry L., who married Ellen Musser, and has two children- Jacob 
and Ellwood; and George L.
  Edward L. Countryman received his education in the public schools of 
Lavansville, and afterward assisted in the care of the home farm.  On the death 
of his father he bought out the remaining heirs of the estate, and for three 
years carried it on successfully.  In 1894, in company with his brother George 
L., Mr. Countryman purchased the farm on which he now lives.  The brothers, who 
have two hundred and thirty-seven acres of arable land, devote themselves to 
general farming, and are extensive dealers in stock of all kinds.
  Mr. Countryman was married September 8, 1896, to Miss Sarah A. Saylor, who was 
born in Middle Creek township, where her parents, Joseph J. and Sarah (Miller) 
Saylor, spent their early married life on a farm.  Mr. and Mrs. Saylor later 
moved to Milford, where both spent their declining days, the former dying at the 
age of sixty-one years, and the latter at the age of seventy-two years.  Both 
were members of the Millerite church.  Of their six children, three are now 
living, namely: Uriah M. Saylor, who married Annie Smith, and has one child, 
Idelline May; Sarah A., now Mrs. Countryman; and Mayland M., who married Mattie 
Weil, and has two children- Clifford W. and Zelia.  Mr. and Mrs. Countryman are 
active workers in the Lutheran church, with which both united when young.  In 
politics he affiliates with the Republican party.