USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume II > Part 35
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(III) David Greenbanks, son of David and Eliza (McNeely) Sellers, was born near Dauphin, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1844. He was educated in the public school and remained at the home farm until sixteen years of age. In 1860 he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad as brakeman, remaining one year. He was then employed on bridge construction until his enlist- ment in 1865, in Company A, IOIst Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was in service nearly a year, then received an hon- orable discharge. In the latter part of 1865 lie entered the services of the Pennsylvania railroad as fireman, continuing as such for five years, finally in 1870 receiving his promotion to the coveted position on the right hand side of the cab. He was assigned to the freight service, continuing until 1909, when he was retired. being one of the oldest engineers in the service of the company at the time of his retirement. He then retired to his fruit farm of thirty-five acres, purchased in 1909 by Mr. Sellers and his son-in-law, George Edward Hess. The farm, located one mile west of Duncannon at Juniata Bridge, is a ver- itable bower of beauty, with its many rows of apple, peach, pear and cherry trees in bloom and is a source of pleasure to its owners, as re-
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turns are received from the bountiful yield resulting. The best known methods of fruit culture have been employed, and so model an orchard is it that it is used by the State Board of Agriculture as one of its few demonstrating stations. The raising of garden produce is carried along with fruit culture, a ready market being found with the Pennsylvania railroad, furnishing their dining cars and commissary department with the delicacies of garden and orchard. Here after his many years of life spent on the gleaming rails, rushing his engine through sunshine and storm, through daylight and gloom, drawing the products of mine, factory, mill and farm to supply the needs of every clime, the veteran of forty-four years of faithful service spends his days in the peace, quiet and beauty of his own acres. He is a member of the Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers, the Grand Army of the Republic; and both he and his wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Sellers married, in 1873, Annie Taylor. Children: Ada, mar- ried George Edward Hess, now a partner with Mr. Sellers in the fruit farm at Juniata Bridge (see Hess family forward) ; Howard, deceased; Mary, resides in Harrisburg; Ruth, Mabel.
(The Hess Line).
George Edward Hess descends from German ancestors, early set- tlers in Marysville, Pennsylvania. His grandfather Hess was a lum- berman of Perry and Dauphin counties, also a veteran of the civil war. His wife Martlia was also of German descent.
Philip Hess, father of George E. Hess, born at Marysville, became a truck farmer, owning a farm of eighty-six acres just north of Harris- burg. He continued there for many years in successful business, sup- plying the Harrisburg and western markets on the Pennsylvania rail- road with the products of his carefully cultivated fields. He finally retired to the village of Minnick, where he died August 24, 1899, aged about sixty-five years. He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He mar- ried Nannie Hight, born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, who survives him, residing in Minnick. Her father was one of the early Pennsylvania railroad men, and rode with the first train that ever crossed the middle division of that road. Children : Anna, died aged
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eighteen years ; George Edward (of whom further) ; Frank, killed while in the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad, unmarried; William, a wholesale produce dealer on East Pratt street, Baltimore, Maryland, married Bess Wagner, and their children are Margaret Frances and Florence.
George Edward, eldest son of Philip and Nannie (Hight) Hess, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1870. He was educated in the public schools and in a private school in Harrisburg, after which he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad as freight brakeman. He was later advanced to the passenger service, and on May 13, 1906, was promoted to conductor. His run was No. 1019 fast mail west, and No. 8 day express, East Altoona to Harris- burg. This continued until July 4. 1909, when he seized an opportunity to return to the business of his boyhood days, truck and fruit farming. He joined his father-in-law, David G. Sellers, then recently retired from the post of engineer with the Pennsylvania, in the purchase of the thirty-five acre tract at Juniata Bridge, which they have developed into one of the most productive and beautiful fruit farms in the state. An ex- perienced gardener, Mr. Hess has also developed a truck business as well, and supplied the restaurants and dining cars of the Pennsylvania system with the delicacies for which they are famous. ITis shipment of parsley alone is eighteen half-barrels weekly. A recently added feature of this wonderful little farm is a poultry department, with incubators brooders, and all the equipments of modern chicken raising. The fruit raised includes every variety that can be profitably grown in that climate, and so scientifically has the farm been arranged and the fruit cared for, that in its second year the State Board made it one of their demon- strating stations, and used it as an object lesson for fruit and truck farmers.
Mr. Hess is a Republican in politics ; was collector of taxes of the Fifth ward in Harrisburg, two years deputy sheriff under H. C. Wells, and for one year in charge of the collection of city taxes. He ran for councilman for his ward and, although polling the largest vote of any candidate on the ticket, was defeated by one vote. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Conductors and of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Relief Association. Mr. Hess married, March 1, 1894, Ada, daughter of David G. and Annie (Taylor) Sellers, and has a daughter, Esther.
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The paternal grandparents of the late Albert Millar of
MILLAR Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, were Henry and Mat- talina (Brenn) Millar, both born in Germany. His ma- ternal grandparents, John and Ann ( Burns) McMullen, were of Scotch- Irish descent.
(II) William D., son of Albert and Mattalina Millar, married Elizabeth McMullen, who bore him seven children.
(III) Albert, sixth child of William D. and Elizabeth ( McMullen) Millar, was born near the village of Gap, Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania, March 16, 1860, died in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1906. When he was seven years of age his parents moved to Harris- burg, where he attended the public schools, his brilliant mental quali- ties winning him the commendation and respect of his teachers and class mates. He was graduated from high school at the age of sixteen years, winning the honor of being Salutatorian of his class. Being compelled to earn his own living, he entered mercantile business as a clerk, but soon afterward became an employee of the Jackson Manu- facturing Company in their engine room. He soon won the attention of his employers, who, seeing the mettle of the lad, took him from the engine room and placed him in the office, where he again quickly demonstrated his ability, winning rapid promotion. He was later assigned to the office of the firm in Pittsburgh as bookkeeper, remaining two years. These years had but strengthened his purpose, formed long before, to become a lawyer, and at the end of his two years in Pittsburgh he returned to Harrisburg and registered as a law student in the office of Joshua M. Wiestling, then one of the leading members of the Dauphin county bar. On Feb- ruary 13, 1884, after passing a creditable examination he was admitted to the bar and for one year practiced alone. He quickly gained a client- age and secured recognition from the older members of the bar by his conscientious and skilful handling of the cases entrusted to him. During his second year he was admitted to a partnership with Judge George Kunkel, later president-judge of Dauphin county, this associa- tion continuing until 1898, when Mr. Millar was elected district attorney for Dauphin county. He was thrice elected solicitor of the county and in 1894 was elected district attorney, continuing by re-election for two terms. On retiring from that office he was appointed by the town com-
Allem Millor
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missioners, in 1904, continuing in that office until his death two years later. His private practice was largely in the appellate courts of the state and in the United States courts, he having been admitted to all state and federal courts of the district. His fame was not confined to Dauphin county, but he was frequently engaged in important litiga- tion in other counties. As an attorney he was learned in the law and skilful in its application, conscientious and faithful, keen of perception and a hard worker, giving his cases thorough preparation. Before a jury he was clear and forceful, presenting his facts in a clear, logical, convincing manner, trusting to the strength of his presentation, rather than to rhetoric-never seeking an opportunity to display his eloquence to dazzle a jury, but in well chosen language stating facts and prece- dents to jury and court. He was always courteous in all his dealings with the court and fair to his brethren of the bar, winning from judges and lawyers a confidence and esteem terminated only by death. As a prosecutor he was relentless with the guilty, but while giving them privileges accorded them by the law, always, if possible, brought them to conviction and punishment. While stricken in the prime of life, he gained prominence at the bar and in public esteem that only falls to the lot of a natural leader. He was one of the most brilliant and prominent lawyers of that section and won his prominence fairly.
Full as was his life and busily employed as he was in his legal business, he did not neglect his duties as a citizen, but took the deepest interest in the politics of his county and state. In fact, he made poli- tics his recreation, never being happier than when in the thick of a political fight on behalf of his friends. In his early life he engaged in these conflicts for pure love of the battle and never outgrew his genuine pleasure in campaigning, although not for personal gain. He wielded a large political influence. His resourcefulness, keen sense of humor and unswerving devotion brought to him a host of loyal and admiring friends from all walks of life. He was public spirited, interested in the cause of education and in the welfare of the community, and gave to the city a liberal donation of land for park purposes, in order that his fellow citizens might have adequate opportunity for recreation and enjoyment. His was an open-handed generosity, yet his charity was never ostentatious. Of him it may truly be said : "He was a friend of the people." A fair estimate of the life and character of the man
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as a citizen is given in the loving tribute paid to him by his lifelong friend and former law partner, President Judge Kunkel, at the meeting of the Bar Association convened at the time of his death :
"I have listened with extreme satisfaction to the kind tributes which love and friendship have paid to the memory of our departed friend and brother, and it is needless to say that in them I sincerely join. The life that has gone out I knew and loved. The attributes of his mind you have had an equal opportunity with me to know and admire, but, touching the qualities of the heart and soul, my long and intimate ac- quaintance with him have given me a truer knowledge and a fuller admiration.
"The character of our friend can best be portrayed by reference to those qualities, which, though common to human nature, were singularly absent in him. He disdained show and ostentation. He was frank and open. He was unpretentious. He was without guile. He was incapable of pretence or simulation, and he sought to be taken for what he really was and for no other. But, remarkable above all else, he was a man in whom there was no envy. In this world of strife and conten- tion, where, in the struggle for preference and power, for wealth and station, this characteristic of human nature is displayed, he rejoiced in the success and advancement of others, friend or foe, and felt in no degree the sensation of envy's influence.
"With these qualities there were combined in him unswerving loy- alty to friends and an unselfish and untiring activity for their interests. His course was one labor of friendship; his public and his private life one sacrifice for others. His stay here has been brief, but, in that brief period, he has spent the energy and achieved the success of many years. "To say his presence among us will be missed is to say what may be said of anyone. but to say his forceful influence in public life, his delightful companionship at the bar, and his unostentatious beneficences in private life will be missed, is to express in feeble and inadequate terms the deep and lasting impression his life and character have made upon his fellows. The body may decay, the physical presence of our friend and associate may pass from our view, but the delightful memories, which have entwined themselves about his strong personality. can never die. In this world of evanescent things these will remain."
On September 10, 1902, Mr. Millar married Josephine B. Michener, of Duncannon, Pennsylvania ; children : Albert Elkin, born June 12, 1903, and Josephine M., born August 23, 1906. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Millar returned to Duncannon with her children, and there resides, occupying her old home.
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(The Michener Line).
The first emigrant of this name to arrive in Pennsylvania from France settled at Plymouth, Montgomery county, where he reared a family and lived until death.
Eleazer Michener, his son, was born in Plymouth, which was his home until after his marriage and the birth of some of his children. About 1838 he moved to Penn township, Perry county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased and cultivated a farm until his death many years later. He married Mary Fye ; children : Jonathan, a farmer, lived and died on the Perry county homestead farm; Katherine, died young, un- married ; Philip, a noted worker in the Lutheran church, died in Dun- cannon ; Joseph, of whom further; Martha, died in December, 1912, unmarried; Eleazer (2), a veteran of the civil war; Doan, killed in a railroad accident ; Lewis, died aged twenty-seven years; Washington, the only survivor (1913), lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Joseph, son of Eleazer Michener, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, in 1830, died in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1907, aged seventy-seven years. He was in his ninth year when his parents moved to Perry county, and there he was educated and ever afterward lived. He was for many years a contractor and builder of Duncannon, later engaging there in the grocery business, and contint- ing until his death. He was an honorable, capable builder and a good business man. While raised in and always partial to the Lutheran church, he never formally connected with any religious body. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, holding the perfect esteem of his breth- ren. In political faith a Republican, he held several of the town offices. He married Margaret M. Mell, born in Petersburg (now Duncannon), Perry county, in 1836, died in Perry county, March IO, 1912, aged seventy-six years, a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church. She was the daughter of Adam and Agnes (Reed) Mell, both old settlers of Perry county. Adam Mell, of German parentage, lived in Duncannon and there died. His wife survived him many years until 1865, but never remarried ; children of Adam Mell: Matilda, married John Topley, and died in Duncannon ; Sarah, married Joseph Waite, and died in New Buffalo; John, a veteran of the civil war, died in Duncannon : Christina, married Theodore De
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Normandie; Catherine, the only survivor, married Samuel Saul, and resides in California ; Harvey, died in Harrisburg ; Margaret M., mar- ried Joseph Michener, of previous mention ; children : Edward, married Hannah Gross, and resides in Duncannon; Mary Agnes, married An- drew Shull, and resides in Harrisburg; Matilda, married Andrew George, and resides in Duncannon; Martha Ann, married William Owen, and resides in Duncannon; Josephine B. (of previous mention), widow of Albert Millar, resides in Duncannon in the home of her girl- hood; Anna D., married Frank Harper, and resides in Duncannon.
Isaac Lawrence Goss, during his life, was one of the im-
GOSS portant, progressive and successful business men of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. He was descended from English ancestry, the name being a famous one to this day in England, where it is written Gosse, and to which belonged the eminent poet, Gosse. The first of the name to cross the Atlantic to America probably reached New York about 1740, possibly earlier. He drifted into Pennsylvania, settled there, and reared his family, all of whom became substantial citizens.
(I) Jacob Goss, father of Isaac Lawrence Goss, was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, as was his wife, Sarah Stumpff. There they grew to maturity and married, making their first home in West Beaver township, Snyder county. He was one of the first wagonmakers in the county, and one of his specialties was the old fashioned "tar" wagon, which was universally used in that day. They lived in West Beaver until after the birth of their last child, when they moved to Mifflin county, bought land in Decatur township, cleared it, erected buildings, and put it under cultivation. From the first Mr. Goss was successful as a farmer, and he and his wife lived to an advanced age in the quiet surroundings of their home. They were both mem- bers of the German Reformed church, and in this faith reared their children. They ranked among the most respected members of the town- ship. He was a Republican, and worked actively for its principles. Children: 1. Margaret, widow of John Weader ; makes home in Sny- der county. 2. George, lived and died in Adamsburg, Pennsylvania. 3. John O., lived and died in Snyder county. 4. A boy, died in in- fancy. 5. Jacob Irvin, a retired farmer in Paintersville, Mifflin county,
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Pennsylvania. 6. William Howard, makes home in Paintersville. 7. Isaac Lawrence, of whom further. 8. Robert, died in infancy. 9. Jeremiah, died in Mifflin county. 10. Andrew, lives in Mifflin county. (II) Isaac Lawrence Goss, son of Jacob and Sarah (Stumpff) Goss, was born September 5. 1857. in West Beaver township, Snyder county, Pennsylvania. He received his education in the West Beaver township schools. On reaching his majority, with an axe as his sole personal possession, he went to a lumber mill in Mifflin county, where he was engaged as a chopper. Later he bought a team and finally, by dint of economy, assisted by shrewd judgment, he engaged in the lumber business for himself, thus demonstrating his ability to overcome that great handicap, the want of capital with which to begin business. In 1884 he formed a partnership with William Howard Goss, his brother, under the firm name of Goss Brothers, and they continued in the lum- ber business at Paintersville until the death of Isaac L., which occurred November 2, 1902. It had grown to large proportions and was extend- ing with each month. They owned several mills in Mifflin county and had extensive farming interests. In 1900 Mr. Goss erected a handsome home in Derry township, where he lived until his death. He was a Republican, working for the ticket in local, state and national affairs. He served one term as school director and one as supervisor, being the latter at his death. Like his parents, he was a member of the German Reformed church, as is his wife.
He married Rebecca C. Kemberling, born in Mifflin county, Decatur township. a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Gibboney) Kemberling, who were old time residents of Mifflin county. He was a veteran of the civil war, and a prosperous farmer. His children were: 1. Pris- cilla, married Charles McElhoe, of Wagner, Pennsylvania. 2. Emma, deceased ; married Adam Goss. 3. Rebecca C., married Isaac Lawrence Goss. 4. Child, died in babyhood. 5. John, a railroad employee ; died in German Hospital, Philadelphia. 6. Albert, lives in Lewistown ; is ex-sheriff of the county. 7. Lizzie, married William Steininger of Maitland, Pennsylvania. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kemberling were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. The death of Isaac Lawrence Goss was universally regretted by those who knew him, especially those with whom he had done business. He was one of the honest, con- scientious and upright citizens of his community, and was held in the
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highest esteem. Children: 1. William R., born 1879; died in infancy. 2. James A., born November 27, 1881 ; lives in Maitland, Pennsylvania ; married Sadie M. Hummel. He was educated in the common schools of Mifflin county and the Kutztown State Normal, from which he graduated with honors. Leaving school he taught seven years in Mifflin county, making for himself a reputation as an educator. Since 191I he has engaged successfully in milling at Maitland. He has no chil- dren. 3. Sadie M., born May 6, 1883; married James L. Smith, a baker of Lewistown; one son, Russell. 4. Earl Woodford, born July 5, 1886; married Ellen Yeatter; lives in Maitland; no children. 5. Jacob Howard, born November 20, 1890; unmarried; a miller by trade, and a partner of James A. Goss, the firm being known as J. A. Goss & Company. 6. Died unnamed. 7. Hettie Sophia; married Samuel Richard, of Maitland. 8. Sherman Harrison, a student at Mer- cersburg Academy. 9. Ruth Rebecca, at home with her mother.
SMITH This branch of the Smith family descends from Andrew Smith, born in Switzerland, who early in life came to this country, settling in Baltimore county, Maryland. He was a tailor by trade, but varied this with farming operations. His wife came from Germany when a young woman, working for two years after her arrival to pay her passage money, under a custom then much in vogue.
(II) George, son of Andrew Smith, was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, where he grew to manhood and followed his father's trade of tailor. He married, in Queen Anne's county, Maryland, Mary Mani- nee, and later moved to Hopewell township, Huntingdon county, Penn- sylvania, where he still followed his trade. In the fall of 1812 he bought a farm of one hundred and forty acres, where Cassville now stands, there built a log house, and resided until 1829, his sons cultivat- ing the farm and the father working at his trade. In 1829 he sold his farm and moved to Tod township, where he bought ninety-eight acres which he improved and thereon passed the remainder of his life, and died in December, 1839. He was a Whig in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, Mary Maninee, was born in Maryland, of French parentage, died in Cass township, Huntingdon county, in 1855 : children : Eliel: William, died in Huntingdon county,
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Pennsylvania : Daniel, died in West Virginia; Sarah; Levi, of whom further ; George, died in Trough Creek Valley; Jesse P., born March 9, 1812, married Susan Gherrett; Andrew; Isaac, died in Kansas; Eliza- beth S., married Samuel Miller, and died at Mount Union, Pennsyl- vania ; Barton : Mary M., and one died in infancy.
(III) Levi, son of George and Mary (Maninee) Smith, was born in Hopewell township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1808, died from the effects of an accident, at his farm in Union town- ship, Huntingdon county, in 1873. He always followed the occupation of a farmer, settling after his marriage in Union township. His school- ing was in the old Stever school, in Cass township, where for a month or two each year he sat on rough pine slab seats, studying his book by light admitted through the paper covering the window openings. After his settlement in Union township he became duly prosperous, and was highly respected in his community. He held various township offices, and was a devout Methodist, being class leader, a teacher, and superin- tendent of the Sunday school. In political belief a Whig, he joined with the Republican party when the old party passed out of existence. He married Mary, daughter of Samuel (2) Pheasant, who when a young man came from Maryland, settling on a farm of sixty acres in Trough Creek Valley, which he purchased and improved. He added to his original farm by purchase, and there successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until his death, October 30, 1871, at the age of seventy- eight years.
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