BIOS: William F. HOOVER, Hooversville, Somerset County, PA

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History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania; Bedford County by E. 
Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis 
Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906, ppg. 435/6

William F. HOOVER.

The name of the family of which William F. Hoover, of Hooversville, is a 
representative, was originally spelled Huber.  The race was planted in this 
country by George Hoover (or Huber), who was born in 1752, near Basel, 
Switzerland, and came to the American colonies with his parents and his only 
brother, Ulrich.  They arrived a number of years before the outbreak of the 
Revolutionary war, and settled in York, Pennsylvania.  At the time of the war 
George Hoover was in prosperous circumstances and loaned the struggling colonies 
twenty-two hundred pounds.  After the declaration of peace the debt was paid, 
but was later repudiated, having been liquidated in Continental money. 
George Hoover was married three times, his first wife being a Miss Shearer, by 
whom he was the father of eight children, six of whom, with their mother, died 
within six weeks.  His second wife was Catharine Miller, of York, Pennsylvania, 
who bore him the following children: Margaret, wife of Philip Fehl; Mary, wife 
of Henry Jones; Eve, wife of Frederick Eyeholds; Katie, wife of George Eyeholds; 
Jacob, married Barbara Moritz; George, married Susan Tate; Samuel, married 
Margaret Raffensberger, and after her death the widow of John Moles; Jonas, see 
forward; and two who died in infancy.
Jonas Hoover, son of George and Catharine (Miller) Hoover, was born August 14, 
1794, and served two years in the war of 1812, accompanying Colonel Scott in his 
march through Bedford county.  At Bedford he was taken ill, but recovered and 
rejoined his regiment at Erie.  He took part in both engagements at Fort Erie 
and in the battle of Niagara, where Colonel Scott was fatally wounded and was 
supported in his saddle by Mr. Hoover as his horse was led from the field.  Mr. 
Hoover was honorably discharged in 1814.  In 1836 he sold his farm at 
Chambersburg, and went to Somerset county, settling, in 1847, in Hooversville, 
which was named in his honor.  He gave his attention to farming, at the same 
time owning and operating a gristmill which had been built by John A. Clark.  In 
1847 Mr. Hoover erected near his mill another, which is still in operation.  
From 1852 to 1862 he served as justice of the peace in Quemahoning township, 
from which Hooversville was taken.  He adhered to the Democratic party and was a 
member of the German Reformed church.
After his discharge from the army Mr. Hoover married a Miss Dearderf, the issue 
of the marriage being three children: Catharine, Martha, and John, see forward. 
His second wife was Mary Lohrsbaugh, and their children were: David, George and 
Mary.  The third wife of Mr. Hoover was Elizabeth Krichbaum, and they were the 
parents of one child.  Amelia.  Jonas Hoover died January 10, 1874.
John Hoover, son of Jonas Hoover, was born January 24, 1824, in Somerset county, 
and was a miller by trade, owning and operating a mill at Holsopple.  April 1, 
1885, he sold the mill and settled on the farm known as the "Martha Riffle farm" 
at Hooversville.  He was a Democrat and always contributed liberally toward the 
support of churches of all denominations.  Mr. Hoover married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Jacob Blough, and their children were: Zephannah, born June 13, 
1850, died October 9, 1852; Mary C., born May 19, 1853, died February 19, 1858; 
Alonzo, born August 5, 1855, died September 21, 1855; Milton, born September 20, 
1856; Nelson, born October 17, 1858; Sarah J., born December 19, 1860; and 
William F., see forward.  Mr. Hoover died August 24, 1885, and his widow passed 
away April 29, 1894.
William F. Hoover, son of John and Elizabeth (Blough) Hoover, was born November 
28, 1862, and resides on the farm owned by his father.  His two brothers, Milton 
and Nelson, and his sister, Sarah J., make their home with him.  Milton has 
served in the council of Hooversville and also as inspector of election boards.  
Nelson has been, for one term auditor of Hooversville borough.  All the brothers 
are Democrats.  William P. and Nelson are members of the Christian church.