Individual Details

Death

Mr. John S. Isett died at his residence in Spruce Creek at half-past 6 o'clock on Thursday evening.

John S. Isett was born October 14, 1799. He had done but little except going to school until his return from Alexandria in April, 1814, where he had been attending school a couple of years. He there had obtained a good education for that day. In his father's mill he learned the miller's trade. In 1817 he took charge of the mill, receiving the same share of profits as other millers did. When he had accumulated four hundred dollars he determined to go to St. Louis, where he expected at once to become rich. In company with John Wray, he bought in Pittsburgh a skiff, in which they went to Cincinnati, thence in a raft to Louisville, and then by steamboat to Shawneetown, and there on foot by the way of Kaskaskia to St. Louis. Not finding employment to suit him he went to Carlisle, Mo., where he met Dr. J. H. Lambert and family, with whom he visited a short time, then went into partnership with the doctor in a small store. He was soon taken sick, and on his recovery found his business in such a condition that he was glad to accept the doctor's offer to take his money back and work on a salary. He got the work, but owing to the failure of the doctor he never got his money, and he returned to his home a sadder but wiser young man than when he left it. In 1824 his father built a new mill (the one now at Arch Spring), which he managed, as well as a store owned by him and his brother-in-law.

On the 19th day of July, 1825, Mr. Isett was married to Miss Mary Ann Bell, daughter of Edward Bell, of Antis township, Blair county, and sister of Rev. A. K. Bell, of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Isett there have been born eight sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and four daughters are still living. In 1826 his father (Jacob Isett) bought of ex-Governor Heister the Spruce Creek property, and in 1827 the family moved to the new purchase, which has since remained their home. In 1828 the present mill at Spruce Creek was built by John S. Isett, which he managed in connection with the mercantile business. In 1831 he built his present residence. In 1836 he built a small bloom forge with one hammer and two refining fires, which he carried on until 1861. In January, 1839, he was appointed by Hon. Thomas Burnside, president judge of the Huntingdon court, sequestrator of the Huntingdon, Cambria and Indiana turnpike company, which pike extended from Huntingdon borough to Blairsville, in Indiana county, Pa., and for twenty-six years he had charge and control of the road. In his political views he was a democrat.

Mr. Edward B. Isett, president of the Altoona bank is a son of the deceased. Mr. Isett was a public spirited citizen and a generous, open hearted gentleman. He was buried in a casket made of black walnut, obtained from a tree planted by himself, and which stood in the centre of one of his fields. The funeral services took place at his late residence commencing at 1 o'clock p. m. Saturday, and was conducted by Dr. Henry T. Childs, a member of the Society of Friends, of Philadelphia. Trains from the east and west stopped at Spruce Creek for the accommodation of those wishing to attend the obsequies. At the conclusion of the services the funeral proceeded to Sinking Valley, where the interment took place.

Burial

Row 3.