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You are here:  Cambria > Obituaries > PAUL, Joseph S. |
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Obituary Index PAUL, Joseph S. |
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SOURCE NOTATION: |
Johnstown Tribune, 20 Oct 1908, Contributed by David P. Ruckser |
SOUTH FORK LOSES PROMINENT CITIZEN Postmaster Joseph S. Paul Called by Death BURGESS AT ONE TIME Servant of Uncle Sam for past six years He was Born in 1837 in What Was at That Time Richland Township. His Father Being One of the Original Settlers of That Locality -- Dr. Paul, of Gallitzin, a Son. Special to The Tribune. South Fork, Oct. 20. South Fork lost one of its oldest, most widely known, and respected citizens this morning at 3:15 o'clock, when Postmaster Joseph S. Paul expired at his home on Railroad street, where he had lived since coming to the town about a half century ago. Mr. Paul was born seventy-one years ago; he was widely known by reason of his long residence here and because of his relations with the people during the time he was Burgess and Postmaster. He retained the last-named office for six years. Mr. Paul's age began to weigh heavily upon him about a year ago. His health began to fail and he grew gradually weaker until on the 8th of this month he was forced to take his bed. Joseph S. Paul was a son of Jacob and Catherine Paul and was born June 4, 1837, in Richland Township, now Adams Township. His father was one of the original settlers of this part of the State, having purchased from the State 300 acres of land in Richland Township, which he cleared and on which he operated a sawmill. Joseph S. Paul was one of eleven children. He lived with his father and mother on the farm in what was then Richland Township until he became of age. He began his active career as a farmer and lumberman and also worked for two years as a carpenter. He taught school in this county for several terms and then took up railroading. From 1862 to 1865 he was employed as a brakeman and fireman by the Pennsylvania Railroad, after which for four years he was a stationary engineer. Mr. Paul fell from his engine one day and injured himself so badly that he could not work for many months and he quit the railroad, although he was a clerk for some time at the station here and sold the first ticket from South Fork to the Centennial Exposition in 1876. He was for a time in charge of the boilers of the furniture manufacturing mills then located at Mineral Point. Later he was elected Burgess of South Fork, and in 1902 he received the appointment of Postmaster of the borough. He continued to occupy that office until his death. Mr. Paul was a Republican, a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and of the Evangelical Church. He was affiliated with the I.O.O.F. for fifty years. Joseph S. Paul was united in marriage April 11, 1861, with Elizabeth Burkheart, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Burkheart, of Jackson Township. She survives with the following children: Elmer E., train dispatcher, living at Gallitzin; Harrison L., of Pittsburg, connected with the American Bridge Trust Company of that city, a former resident of Johnstown; John M. Paul, of Kansas City, Mo., formerly a member of the New York staff of the Associated Press; Jennie C., at home; Charles E., at home; Mrs. Annie E. Border, of Altoona; Clara M., at home; Earl C., at home, and Dr. J. L. Paul, of Gallitzin. George S. Paul, of No. 569 Coleman avenue, Johnstown, and Mrs. Barbara Grumbling, of Dunlo, are brother and sister, respectively, of the deceased. The time of Mr. Paul's funeral will not be set until word is received from the son located in Kansas City, Mo. A telegram has been sent to him, but no answer had been received at an early hour this afternoon. |
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