Frampton, Byron H.

Byron H. Frampton - Commemorative Biographical Record

BYRON H. FRAMPTON, the present postmaster of Clarion and for years an active and leading business man of that borough and of Clarion county, was born in Clarion township, October 31, 1857, and is a representative of one of the earliest families of the Commonwealth.

William Frampton, as far as is known, was the progenitor of the family in America. He was a Quaker or Friend, and was associated with William Penn in the first settlement of the State, holding high positions in the infant colony. In 1686 he was keeper of the seal, and in a book containing the early records of their proceedings (a copy of which is in the possession of Judge Tuttle, of Warren, Ohio), also in "Colonial Records, Vol. I." Carnegie Library, Allegheny, Penn., William Frampton is frequently spoken of. He was a peominent merchant of the then young city of Philadelphia, and, in the book referred to, is given an invoice of goods imported by him. He was a prominent member of the Council of Legislature of the Colony or Commonwealth.

Samuel F. Frampton, the father of B.H. Frampton, and the son of David Frampton, who was a direct descendant of the William Frampton mentioned, was born here in Clarion county, (then Armstrong county), A.D. 1813, his mother being, before marriage, Miss Hannah Lebaugh. Samuel Frampton married Eveline Reynolds, who, too, was a native of Clarion county, where both passed their lives, he dying in 1886, and she in 1896, being among the very best people of the county, having lived useful lives. He was engaged largely in farming, and amassed considerable of a fortune. He was a most active and enterprising citizen of Clarion county, and left his impress upon the community. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank, of Clarion, Penn., also of Reid Institute, which was for many years one of the best institutions of this section. The children of this couple were: Melinda, who is the wife of R.S. Cathus; Richard R., who is a prominent oil merchant of Oil City, Penn.; Elizabeth E., who married J. H. Elliott; Minerva J., who is the wife of Hon. J.H. Wilson; Anna B., who is the wife of Dr. W.L. Williams, of Ridgeway, Penn.; David T., who resides at Clarion; Eva A., who married T.M. Kier, now of Peru, Ind., and she is now deceased; Ida M., who is the wife of Rev. John S. Wrightner; and Byron H., who is the subject of this review.

Byron H. Frampton was reared on his father's farm, remaining there until twenty-two years of age. He received his education in the public schools and at Reid's Institute. On leaving the farm he went to Callensburg, and became engaged in mercantile pursuits, following that business there for three years. He was next occupied for two years in the lumber business, following which again he went into merchandising, this time at Clarion. He was a successful merchant of the borough for the succeeding seven years when he engaged in the insurance business and became interested in oil producing, and followed these lines of business several years. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of Clarion, and has since filled the position with ability.

On April 12, 1882, Mr. Frampton was married to Nellie M. Mohney, who was born at Strattonville, Penn., in 1862, and is a daughter of Peter Mohney, a prominent merchant at Strattonville, Penn. To this marriage have come two sons and one daughter, Villard, Samuel, and Romaine. The parents of these are identified with the Baptist Church; the father has been leader of the choir for the past twelve years. Both are interested in all work having for its object the elevation of morals and the good of the community. Socially, Mr. Frampton is a member of the F. & A. M., and I.O.O.F. In politics he is a Democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party, and has ever been active in party work. Postmaster Frampton is one of Clarion's good men and one of its best citizens.

Source: A biographical sketch of Byron H. Frampton and his 3 preceding generations, as published in the book, Commemorative Biographical Record, published 1898.
Location Clarion County, PA