Obituary

Philipsburg, PA-For more than 50 years, Henry C. Warfel has been a resident of Philipsburg, and has been one of the town’s respected citizens.  Yesterday at 4:55 (June 17, 1923) he passed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. P.E. Womelsdorf on South Centre St.  He was a tinner and plumber by trade and had a shop here for a number of years.  He served a term as postmaster, was burgess of the town and officially received President Harrison when the latter made his visit to Philipsburg nearly 35 years ago.  He was a councilman for a term or two, and for about a dozen years was justice of the peace, resigning when he became ill last winter.  When the remains of the unknown soldier were brought from France and buried at Washington Mr. Warfel was one of the official participants, receiving his invitation from the war department.  Until age sapped his energy he was one of the leaders in this community, taking part in all the celebrations and the various undertakings in which all the people are interested.  He had the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens throughout the long years he lived here.  He was an active member of the Presbyterian church and of the John W. Geary Post # 90, Grand Army of the Republic.

Born at Mill Creek, Huntingdon county, Sept. 14, 1844, Mr. Warfel’s early life was spent in the region near his birthplace.  He enlisted from Huntingdon county for service in the Union army.  He became a Private in the infantry, as well as the cavalry, serving throughout the Civil war.  He was in many of the fiercest battles.  He was with the 125th Pennsylvania Regiment at the battle of Antietam, where his company was badly decimated.  Mr. Warfel was a member of the Medal of Honor Legion, having been decorated for bravery in capturing a rebel flag at the battle of Paine's Cross Roads, VA.

Though possessing strong convictions and positive and aggressive where he felt he was in the right, Mr. Warfel was fair and just to those he disagreed with.  He possessed unusually sound judgement and was never careless or indifferent in his statements regarding events or happenings of the past.  Any information that came from Mr. Warfel could be depended upon as correct as to names, places and dates.

Besides his wife, (Sarah Ann DuPree Warfel) Mr Warfel is survived by one daughter, Emma, wife of P.E. Womelsdorf, and one sister and brother: Mrs. N.N. Pennsyl, of Altoona, and John Warfel, of Philadelphia.

Funeral services will be held at the Womelsdorf home Tuesday afternoon at 2:30.  Dr. John T Scott will have charge.  Burial will be in the Philipsburg Cemetery.