J. Wesley Gephart and Ella Hayes
Husband J. Wesley Gephart 1
Born: 25 May 1853 - Millheim, Centre Co, PA 2 Christened: Died: Buried:
Father: Hon. John Philip Gephart (1827- ) 3 Mother: May M. Swartz (1829-1874) 4
Marriage: Oct 1879 5
Wife Ella Hayes 5
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Father: W. W. Hayes, Esq. ( - ) 5 Mother:
Children
1 M Wallace Gephart 5
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
2 M Wilson Gephart 5
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
3 F Elizabeth Gephart 5
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
General Notes: Husband - J. Wesley Gephart
The foundation for his education was laid in his native town, and in the schools of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He was prepared for college at the Bellefonte Academy, and was graduated from Princeton in 1874. He read law in the office and under the direction of Gen. James A. Beaver, of Bellefonte, later Governor of Pennsylvania, and then one of the judges of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth. Mr. Gephart was admitted to the Bar December 13, 1876, and, at the time, the press thus noticed the event: "Our young friend, Mr. J. W. Gephart, was admitted to practice law in the several courts of Centre county, on Wednesday last. Mr. Gephart's admission is the first that has occurred under the new rule of the Court appointing a permanent board of examiners, who are guided by a certain set of rules in the examination of applicants. Mr. Gephart is said to have given complete satisfaction to the board, who complimented him highly. He is a very diligent young man, of much natural ability, and his reading has been quite extensive. He has a logical mind, and a retentive memory, and his future promises brilliant things. We congratulate him." Less than two years afterward the press again remarked that: "Mr. Gephart, though young, is an exceedingly fine speaker, and gives promise of becoming a brilliant orator."
After his admission to the Bar, he became a partner of his preceptor, Gen. Beaver, which partnership continued until in November, 1893, when he retired in order to give his entire time to the Valentine Iron Company, with which he was connected from January 1, 1891, to November 1, 1895, and the new Central Railroad of Pennsylvania, of which he had been made the general superintendent. Ten years after his admission to the Bar the press said: "The distinguished law firm of Beaver & Gephart has added a new man to its membership in the person of John M. Dale, one of its former students. Up to 1873 the firm was McAllister & Beaver, and was continued under that name until January 7, 1877, when J. W. Gephart, son of Hon. J. P. Gephart, was taken into partnership. Just ten years later the firm became as above stated. The new member of the firm is a graduate of the State College, and about a year ago was admitted as a practitioner to the several courts of Clinton and Centre counties. Since then he has spent the major portion of his time in the office of Beaver & Gephart, with whom he read law. He is a young man of excellent qualities, and is well prepared for the profession upon which he so conspicuously entered. Both sides are to be congratulated-the firm in securing so able a young man, and the new member in becoming associated with so popular a firm. Mr. Gephart, a graduate from Princeton, made a right record during the first ten years." This firm enjoyed an extensive practice, and owing to the senior member's absence much of the time in his relations to the public affairs of the Commonwealth, a great deal of work fell upon the junior mem-bers, who proved themselves equal to the task. Mr. Gephart had the reputation of a close student, and was an indefatigable worker, and whatever he has taken hold of moved. Through the inspiration that his youth, energy, and ability gave to one of the languishing industries of Bellefonte, it became a success, and he became the president of the company.
His influence was felt in the cause of temperance, and for years he was an active worker in the Presbyterian Church, and the superintendent of its Sabbath-school.
In 1888 Mr. Gephart supported Harrison for President. He had been educated a Democrat. Commenting on a letter he had written expressing his views on the tariff question, and in justification of his intention of voting with the Republicans, the press said: "Never was so powerful a political bomb thrown into the Democratic camp of Centre county, as the able letter written by J. W. Gephart, Esq., and published in last week's issue of the Gazette. Everybody has read the letter-Protectionists, irrespective of politics, heartily endorse it, and Cleveland Free-trade Democrats are unable to refute or explain any part of it. They are simply dumbfounded, and know not where to look for relief. No one ventures to express the least doubt about Mr. Gephart's Democracy, for everybody knows that he has always stood by the Democrats through thick and thin. No one can raise the cry of disgruntled politician, for Mr. Gephart has never sought any office either large or small. No one can say aught against his professional or business qualifications, for he stands far above reproach in any capacity or department you choose to take him. So then Mr. Gephart cannot be attacked personally, politically or professionally. What are the Freetraders going to do about it? Inquiries have been received by mail, telegraph and personally for copies of the Gazette, containing the letter. A large number of extra copies of this week's issue were run off, and yet they were all gone before night of Friday last. A large addition of Gazette supplements containing the Gephart letter is now in print."
Notes: Marriage
The Watchman remarked on the occasion of their wedding: "He is, beside being a lawyer and a capable one, an accomplished printer, having learned his trade in the Watchman office, and to a great extent secured his college education by working at the business in Princeton, N. J. His bride is the accomplished Miss Ella Hayes (daughter of W. W. Hayes, Esq., formerly of this place, but now of Washington, D. C.), who almost since her childhood has been an inmate of the family of W. P. Wilson, deceased, on High street, a modest, excellent girl, with a fair share of personal attractions, who will make 'Wes' a faithful, good and loving wife. The marriage took place in the church, being solemnized by Rev. Mr. Laurie, in the presence of a dense congregation of people. The bridal pair were attended by six ushers, and as they advanced up the aisle they were greeted by looks of eager anticipation and delight-so susceptible are the multitude to the charms of a nuptial ceremony. Excellent music was rendered, and the floral decorations of the church were admirable. After the performance of the marriage rite the happy pair returned to the residence of Mr. Wilson, where they viewed the handsome gifts presented to them, among which were $140 silver service as a compliment from the members of the Bar, and $150 in pure gold."
1 —, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 458, 539.
2 —, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 458.
3 —, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 125, 538.
4 —, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 539.
5
—, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 459.
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