My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH BRUCE HEZLEP, merchant, post office Turtle Creek, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1821. His grandfather, George Hezlep, married Esther Bruce (a descendant of the celebrated Robert Bruce), and emigrated from Scotland to Ireland. Their son Samuel, with his wife Jane Walker and son Joseph Bruce Hezlep, came to America in 1841, and settled near New Wilmington, Mercer county, Pa., where Samuel and his wife died. When twelve years old Joseph B. began linen-weaving, which he followed four years, and became so proficient that the premiums he earned sufficed to keep him in clothing. On arriving in this country he followed farming for a time, then spent two years at blacksmithing, but becoming satisfied that he could not make a skillful mechanic, began peddling goods through the country about Pittsburgh. In 1846 he married Martha Rath, a native of this county, and a daughter of Adam and Mary Rath, natives of Ireland. After his marriage Mr. Hezlep opened a small store in Snowden township, which was attended by his wife while he bought up produce for the Pittsburgh market. Beginning with one horse, he gradually extended his operations until he kept four horses busy, and so continued eight years. In 1857 he came to Turtle Creek and bought out a mercantile stock worth over $5,000. This was steadily increased till it reached $60,000 in 1865, when the whole was destroyed by fire. Unfortunately, there was only $11,000 insurance, with which he made a new beginning. Four years later his dwelling, which was erected at a cost of over $3,000, was also burned. Besides the usual goods found in a general country store, Mr. Hezlep carries stoves and furniture, and under present low values his stock is rated at $18,000. Both he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Hezlep has served as judge of election, and for three years as school director. While a republican in principle, he has recently acted with the prohibitionists. His four sons are all deceased; three died in infancy, and Samuel Adam at the age of thirty-five years; the latter married Eliza Curry and became the father of four children, only one of whom, William, is living, residing with his widowed mother at Turtle Creek.

Mr. Hezlep was postmaster over five years, getting his appointment in 1861. The rebellion commenced about that time, and lasted for four years, and as he was postmaster he did not have to go to war; but when Abraham Lincoln asked for 300,000 more soldiers he put his name down in a company of cavalry which Hon. James I. Larimer had raised. Each member had to take his own horse, but it so happened just about that time that Lee surrendered, and peace was declared, so the services of him and his company were not required. He lives in the center of the village; is doing the largest business and has the finest stores in the place. His real estate is worth over $30,000, besides his personal property, and he feels very thankful for the very liberal patronage and the many friends he has in and around the village of Turtle Creek.