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William H. Hoover

William H. Hoover. Among those who have taken a prominent part in the upbuilding of Brush Creek, Mr. Hoover deserves especial mention. He was the senior member of the well known business firm of Hoover Bros., and the oldest son of George and Nancy (Gantz) Hoover, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He was born in Cumberland County, Pa., on the 14th of July, 1842, and his boyhood days were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads, he aiding his father during the summer months and attending the common-school in the winter season, but after quitting school he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. In August, 1864, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting among the boys in blue of Company G, Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Infantry, which was assigned to the Twenty-second Army Corps and was placed on the defense of Washington. After a year's service he was discharged at Harrisburg, Pa., and shortly afterward, he came to Brush Creek, arriving in September of that year. His first business venture in this place was in the line of merchandising. He purchased an interest in the store of J. W. Allen but his partners soon sold to Fred Glime, who a few months later disposed of his interest to Mr. Hoover. In 1869, Jacob O. Hoover, brother of our subject became his partner but this connection was short lived as Mr. Hoover sold to Mr. Moore. He then spent some time traveling in the South, after which he returned to Brush Creek, and from 1872 until 1875 was again in trade. Having sold his mercantile interests to Mr. McCrea he spent two years in the East, but in 1877 returned to his first love - Brush Creek - and has since been a member of the enterprising firm of Hover Bros., that is known throughout the county.

In Cumberland County, Pa., on the 15th of March, 1866, Mr. Hoover wedded Miss Susan A. Comrey, a native of that county. Unto them were born five children - George A., who is now telegraph operator at Fayette; Jacob E., who died in his twenty-first year; William H., yet at home; Anna K., who died at the age of three years; and Nancy who died in infancy. For a second wife Mr. Hoover chose Mrs. M. Daily, nee Frame. He was one of the trustees and an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was also a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. Until within the last two years he cast his ballot with the Republican party but since then supported the Prohibition party being led to that step by his ardent temperance principles. As a business man Mr. Hoover was very successful and the high esteem in which he was held was largely due to the honorable and impartial manner in which he treated all with whom he had to deal. Wm. H. Hoover died December 31, 1890, aged 48 years.