USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of the Nineteenth Congressional District, Pennsylvania > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of the Nineteenth Congressional District, Pennsylvania > Part 50
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liam A. and Mary Ann (Herron) Hagerty, and was born near West Middletown, Washington county, Pa., March 27th, 1852.
His father and grandfather Hagerty were members of the old Seceder church of Mount Hope, his grandfather being an elder in that church for over forty years. and his father having organized the first Sabbath school ever held in it. He was superintendent for nineteen years.
Mary Ann Herron was the daughter of Capt. Andrew Herron, of Buffalo village, Washington county, Pa. He was for many years a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church of Buffalo. He was a cousin of the Rev. Francis Herron, D. D., who was one of the most prominent figures in the early history of Presbyterianism of West- ern Pennsylvania. He was pastor of the First Church of Pittsburg for about forty years, and it is to him more than to ally other man that the Western Theological Seminary of Allegheny owes its existence.
Wm. A. Hagerty and Mary Ann Herron were married March 2Ist, 1848, and to them were born Thomas A., Andrew N., Rankin J. R., Elizabeth A., Mary S., and Wm. H., all of whom are living.
Andrew Neely Hagerty, the subject of this sketch, was the second son. He made public profession of his faith in Christ at the age of sixteen, uniting with the United Presbyterian Church of West Alexander, Penna., near which town the family had moved in 1868. At the age of seventeen he became convinced that his life's work must be in the ministry. He was in no hurry, however, but taking Jesus as the Supreme example in this as in every line of life, deliberately planned that he should not enter the active duties of his life's work before he "began to be about thirty years of age." He remained on the farm, helping his father, until in his 21st year.
In the autumn of this year, 1873, he en- tered the academy at West Alexander, an institution of the old school, from whose limited dimensions have gone many men whose names have become famous and whose lives have blessed the world.
The school had for its head Prof. John Cross Frazier, a most excellent instructor, who devotedly loved a diligent student, but as religiously hated a lazy one. The fact that the young student was a peculiar favorite with his instructor, indicates the character of his first year of study. The next two winters he taught in the public schools in the vicinity of his home, studied and recited in the evenings and helped on the farm in the summer. In the spring of 1875 he went to Waterford, Erie county, Pa., to become the assistant to his brother Thomas, who was the head of the academy at that place. Here he completed his preparation for college in addition to teaching the mathematics of the academy.
In 1877 he entered the Freshman year in Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa., and was graduated from it in the classical course in 1881. He entered the Theological Seminary of the United Presbyterian church in Allegheny in the fall of the same year, graduating on March 27th, 1884, his thirty-second birthday, thus carrying out his purpose formed when he chose his pro- fession. Mr. Hagerty's education having been completed, he was licensed by the Presbytery of Chartiers, in the Mt. Pros- pect United Presbyterian church, April 8th, 1884. The field chosen for the first years of his ministry was the West. Ac- cordingly he received appointments by the Committee of Missions, for the year following, in Illinois, Kansas and Iowa. His first preaching was in the church at Hanover, Jo Daviess county, during the month of September. From there he went to Olathe, Kansas, preaching there
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on the first Sabbath of October. A few weeks later the congregation gave him a unanimous call to become their pastor, which was accepted, and on the 19th of January, 1885, he was ordained and in- stalled pastor of the church. This con- gregation had for a number of years been the victim of bitter internal dissensions, which had greatly weakened it. They however, rallied around their new pastor with enthusiasm, and during the short pastorate of a little less than three years, a handsome new church was built, and the membership more than doubled.
In July, 1887, Mr. Hagerty was asked by the Board of Home Missions to take charge of a new mission in Castroville, California, which he accepted and entered upon the work in September. His people were strongly opposed to his leaving them, unanimously refusing to accept his resignation when first offered. Mr. Ha- gerty remained less than one year in this charge, but during that time a small con- gregation was organized from the Scotch Canadians who occupied the farms of the valley, the people of the town being almost wholly Roman Catholics. This was the first Protestant church of the town.
In May, 1888, Mr. Hagerty was called to become the missionary pastor of the Second United Presbyterian church of Kansas City, Mo., which he accepted. This was a new organization, he being the first minister. They were about twenty-five members strong, worshipping in a dance hall in the eastern part of the city. The people were enthusiastic and united and went to work earnestly with their mission- ary. He remained with them until July, 1891, during which time a handsome chapel was built at a cost of about $10,000, and the membership grew to 125.
For some years Mr. Hagerty had been weighing the matter of passing from the
United Presbyterian Church into the larger and more liberal body of the Pres- byterian Church. This purpose he car- ried out, by placing his letter of ministerial standing with the Presbytery of Pittsburg, of the Presbyterian Church, at a meeting held by that Presbytery in the Mt. Wash- ington church, October 6th, 1891. After spending some months in visiting relatives in his native county, in February, 1892, he with his wife, made a visit to Philadelphia, intending only a stay of two or three weeks, then expected to return to the west, for settlement, where he had some open- ings in view; but being invited to supply a number of prominent pulpits of Philadel- phia, during the summer, and not having any positive calls elsewhere, he remained until November Ist, when he was asked to supply the church at Hagerstown, Md., during the winter. On January 22nd and 29th he preached in the First Presby- terian church, of Carlisle, Pa., and on the 22nd of February a hearty and unanimous call was extended, which he accepted. The church at Hagerstown also extended hiin a call which he declined. Mr. Hagerty entered upon the duties of his pastorate in Carlisle on the 16th of March, preaching his first sermon on the 19th. He was in- stalled by the Presbytery of Carlisle on the 27th of April following. During the almost five years of his present pastorate there has been a steady, healthy growth in every line of the church's work.
The First Church of Carlisle is one of the oldest as well as one of the most inter- esting and important of the churches in this section of the country. It has always been strong both in the number and char- acter of its membership, which strength is still retained, while some of the most dis- tinguished clergymen of the Presbyterian church have been its pastors, such as Dr. Nisbet, two Duffields, and Dr. Wing. The
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fine fortress-like stone building, now about 140 years old, stands as silent witness to the strong character of the men who laid the foundations of Presbyterianism in the beautiful valley of Cumberland. Built before our country's natal day, it was the rallying point for the men who pledged their lives and fortunes for that liberty which has become our precious heritage. Well may it be called "Mizpah." For to its sacred walls were whispered vows of deadly earnestness in ferved piety, and it stands as the watch tower of the Fathers over the faithfulness of the children.
On December 7th, 1876, Mr. Hagerty married Sarah Jane Smith, the daughter of Wm. Smith, a prominent farmer and citi- zen of Washington county and an elder for many years in the Pigeon Creek Presby- terian church. She had received lier ed- ucation in the Washington Seminary, and was in full sympathy with her husband's purposes of entering the ministry. Coming of Godly parentage and ancestry that for generations had been devoted to the church, she was eminently qualified for the important place she was called to occupy. Through all the years of preparation and subsequent labor she has proven herself worthy of the call into the ministry witlı her husband.
Mr. Hagerty has been twice a commis- sioner to the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, and an equal number of times a member of the Com- mittee of Missions of the same church. He has been one of the Executive Council of the Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip of the Presbyterian church since its organiza- tion in 1893. He is a clear and logical thinker and writer, a forcible speaker, us- ing no manuscript in the pulpit,and perfect- ly frank, as well as fearless in the treatment of all subjects that he discusses in his ser- mons. He has won the respect and esteeni
of all who know him, and lives in his work to which he is entirely devoted.
M AJOR CALVIN GILBERT, a pro- minent foundry and machine man of Gettysburg, was born in that borough April 8, 1839, the son of Daniel and Eliza- beth (Rice) Gilbert. The Gilberts are of English origin, Leonard Gilbert, the pater- nal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer of Straban township, through- out life, and was a Whig in politics. Daniel Gilbert, the father of our sub- ject was born in Straban township February 2, 1810, and after obtaining coinmon a school education learned the trade of coach-making, which he fol- lowed most of his life at Gettysburg. He was a Whig in politics and once held the office of assessor of the borough. Mr. Gilbert served one year in Company K, IOIst Regiment, Penn. Vol. Infantry. He married Amy E., daughter of a Mr. Rice. They had eight children: Calvin, our sub- ject; Henry S., Daniel, Perry, Arabella E., Jennie, Anna and Mary. Mr. Gilbert died December 3, 1882; his wife still survives.
Calvin Gilbert acquired a common school education and then learned the trade of coach making under his father. This oc- cupation he followed until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Com- pany F, 87th Pennsylvania Regiment and served about sixteen months with that or- ganization as a private soldier. He then entered the commissary department and served in that capacity until October 26th, 1865. He was comissioned as captain and, by brevet, as major, gaining both promo- tions for the excellent record he made as a soldier. After the war Major Gilbert lo- cated in Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., and engaged in mercantile pursuits for three years. He then went into the foun- dry and machine business and retained his
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connection with that business in Chambers- burg until 1885, when he came to Gettys- burg and established his business there. The Major takes a marked interest in agri- cultural matters and is the owner of three farms near the town of Gettysburg. His business has been most successful owing to the intelligent methods upon which it has been conducted. Major Gilbert is a Re- publican in politics. During his residence in Chambersburg he was leader in every movement for the business interest of the town and for eighteen years a director of the public schools of that borough and since his removal to Gettysburg has served in a similar capacity and in addition as a member of the town council. In his party his position is one of influence and promi- nence. He has been a delegate to numer- ous county and State Conventions and at present is serving as a member of the State Committee. Mr. Gilbert is a member of several fraternal secret orders. He is a member of Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 336, Free and Accepted Masons; of Post No. 9, Grand Army of the Republic; of the Loyal Legion; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religion he is a Luth- eran. He attends church regularly and takes an active interest in its affairs.
March 12, 1862, he married Lavina L., daughter of William and Mary Rex, of Adams county. To that union have been born five children: Minnie, wife of Dr. L. F. Suesserott, of Chambersburg; Ida B., wife of Rev. G. Reen, of Mansfield, Ohio; Kate; Calvin K., and William D.
Major Gilbert is one of the most popu- lar men in Gettysburg and Adams county. He has a large following of friends and is highly esteemed for his probity and genial- ity.
M AJOR H. S. BENNER, a prominent veteran and ex-postmaster of Get-
tysburg, is a son of Christian and Susan- nah (Snyder) Benner, and was born in Straban township, Adams county, October I, 1830. The Benners are of German ex- traction. Christian Benner, grandfather of the Major was among the pioneers of this section of the State and came to Adams county in 1752. He was a farmer by oc- cupation. Christian Benner, father of our subject, was born in Adams county in 1807. He was also a farmer and followed that oc- cupation all his life. In politics he was a Democrat. In religion he was a member of the Reformed faith and was an active worker in the church at Gettysburg. He had five children, of which our subject was the oldest: H. S .; Sarah Ann, who married William E. Biddle, of Baltimore; Julia S., who married W. F. Walter; Simon C., who lost liis life in the war of the Rebellion in 1864; and Oliver F., a farmer; Mrs. Ben- ner, the mother of our subject, died April I, 1893.
Major Benner received a fair education in the schools of his community and those of Gettysburg. After leaving school he was apprenticed to learn stone cutting and having acquired that trade, he followed it until 1856. After that he was employed as agent for the Western Maryland rail- road, but at the out-break of the war he ex- changed the pen for the sword and entered the service as first lieutenant of Company K, 10Ist Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry. He served out the full term of his enlistment and February 5, 1863, re- enlisted in the same company and regiment. For meritorious action in battle he was promoted to the captaincy of his company in 1864, and shortly afterward was com- missioned Major of the regiment, the rank with which he retired at the expiration of his term of service and the close of the war in 1865. During ten months of the war he was a prisoner in the hands of the Con-
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federates, having been captured at Plym- oth, North Carolina, April 20, 1864. He was also twice wounded during the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. Returning to Gettysburg at the close of the war, Major Benner engaged in the produce business, until appointed postmaster during the first term of President Cleveland. Upon retiring from that office he engaged in the grocery business which he has since conducted upon a large and successful scale. In poli- tics he is a Democrat and for three years was chief burgess of the borough of Get- tysburg. He is a member of the Presby- terian church and takes an active interest in its welfare. He is a member of Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336, A. Y. M .; of Good Samaritan Chapter, No. 266, Royal Arch Masons; Gettysburg Lodge, No. 124, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of Un- ion Encampment, No. 136, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Post No. 9, Grand Army of the Republic of Gettysburg.
November 15, 1870, Major Benner mar- ried Mrs. Sophia R. Shriver, nee Yount.
R EV. A. W. LILLY, D. D., for over 40 years the honored pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran church, of York, is a son of George and Catharine (Walter) Lilly, and was born at Turbotville, North- umberland county, Pennsylvania, Decem- ber 3, 1822. On the paternal side, Dr. Lilly is of English descent, while on the maternal side he is of German origin. Both families, however, were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and contributed their share of brawn and vigor towards its development. George Lilly, Sr., the pater- nal grandfather of Rev. Dr. Lilly, was a na- tive of Bucks county, this State, and his son George, father of our subject, was born in the initial year of the present century. He died in August, 1892, a nongenarian, whose years and experience are reached by
but few. His early life was passed within Northumberland county, where he wedded Catharine Walter, a daughter of Jacob Walter, of Lehigh county. By this mar- riage he had a family of 9 children.
After attending the early common schools and receiving some private in- struction by way of preparation, Mr. Lilly entered Pennsylvania College at Gettys- burg, and was graduated from that time- honored institution in the class of 1848. He then became a student in the Theolog- ical Seminary of the Lutheran church at the same place, whose course he finished in 1851. In 1851 he was ordained to the Lutheran ministry, and received a call to the Third Lutheran church of Baltimore, which he served as pastor from 1851 to 1855. In the latter year he was invited to accept the pastorate of Zion Lutheran church, of York, which had been organized in 1847, and whose first church edifice was dedicated in 1852. Coming to York in 1855, he entered upon his long and success- ful pastorate of Zion church, which has be- come an integral part of his life.
These many years have been filled with earnest labors and solicitous cares; for the true growth of a church is founded on the deepest and broadest foundations of true sacrifice and courageous self-denial. Under Dr. Lilly's ministrations the membership of Zion's church has increased from 125 to 500 souls, and the Sunday school has been easily doubled. In addition to this signifi- cant evidence of growth, the church edi- fice situated on South Duke street has been constantly enlarged and beautified until it now has a seating capacity of 700, and comports well with any other similar struc- ture in the city of York.
On November 4, 1851, Rev. Dr. Lilly was united in marriage with Margery A. Herman, a daughter of Martin Herman, of Cumberland county, and to their union
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have been born seven children: Walter H., deceased, in 1892; Mary E .; C. Foster, a druggist of Peoria, Illinois, wedded to Mary Waddell; Ellen C., wife of John M. Finley, of York county; Anna M., wife of Rev. Charles R. Trowbridge, a Lutheran minister, of Baltimore, Maryland; Martin G., deceased in 1895; and Margery D. H.
Rev. Dr. Lilly in point of service is the oldest Lutheran pastor in the city of York, having served for nearly 42 years contin- uously as the spiritual head ot Zion church. He is a sound theologian, a good organizer, a vigorous worker, and a pulpit orator of well recognized force. In 1885, he re- ceived the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Pennsylvania College, his alma mater, in attestation of his well known attain- ments. His sphere has not been confined entirely to his pastoral duties, but for a number of years he has served as a mem- ber of the Board of Directors of the Luth- eran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and also as secretary and presiding officer of his Synod at different times. For a per- iod of 14 years he was a member of the Board of Home Missions, and acted as president of the Board of Church Exten- sion from 1874 to 1891. Dr. Lilly is ener- getic and persistent in whatever he under- takes, and has been a tireless and faithful worker in the vineyard of his Master.
D R. JACOB D. HEIGES, the oldest dentist in point of practice, and one of the most prominent, in the City of York, Pennsylvania, is a son of Jacob and Eliza- beth (Mumper) Heiges, and was born at Dillsburg, York county, Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 18, 1833. He was reared at the above mentioned village, received his edu- cation in the common schools, and in 1854, commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. Behne, then a leading dentist of Mechan- icsburg, Cumberland county, Pa. He re-
mained under his preceptorship until Sep- tember 18, 1857, when he removed to York and began practice under the instruction of Dr. Tyrrell and also took a two years' course at the Baltimore Dental College from which he was graduated in 1863. He afterward remained with Dr. Tyrrell until the death of the latter, May 10, 1861, when he became his immediate successor, and has continued it successfully to the present time. Dr. Heiges is a master of the me- chanical and operative branch of his pro- fession, has made a special study of the anatomy of the teeth and head, and is re- garded as among the most skillful practi- tioners in his profession. He is a mem- ber of the Harris Dental Association of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of which he for some years was the president; of the State Dental Association, and is identified with other bodies of a professional nature.
He is a disciple of the principles taught in the Democratic party and has always heen an active and ardent supporter of his party and a liberal contributor to its insti- tutions. He has for more than 30 years been a member of St. John's P. E. church, and was many years a vestryman of the church. He is also a member of Continen- tal Assembly, No. 24, Artisans' Order of Mutual Protection; a member and Past Master of York Lodge, No. 266, Free and Accepted Masons; member and past High Priest of Howell Chapter, No. 199, Royal Arch Masons; a member and Past Com- miander of York Commandery, No. 21, Knights Templar and a Grand Perfect elect, and Sublime Mason of Harrisburg Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree. In 1865 he be- came connected with the York County Agricultural Association, being a life mem- ber thereof of which he was a manager for several years and of which he has been cor- responding secretary since 1887.
On September 18, 1867, Dr. Jacob D.
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Heiges was united in marriage with Miss Annie C. Smith, a daughter of William and Mary E. (Boyer) Smith, of York. They have eight children: William S., a drug- gist, of York; Thomas T., a draughtsman; Charles, superintendent of the York Ice and Refrigerating Company; Philip B., a student of architecture; Horace M., an electrician; J. Clifford, Amee E. and Robert R.
Dr. Heiges has paid some attention to the rearing and breeding of standard bred horses, and has to his credit reared some fine stock with which he has gained suc- cessful competition at county fairs, &c. He has built and improved a fine residence at 125 East Market street.
M ICHAEL SCHALL, the enterpris- ing proprietor of the Keystone Farm Machine Company, of York, Penn- sylvania, is a son of Michael and Charlotte Virginia (Connelee) Schall, and was born in York in December, 1869.
The Schall family which is an old and honored one in Pennsylvania, is of German lineage, the York county branch of which started from James Schall, grandfather of Michael, who settled near Wrightsville at an early date. He was a hotel keeper and general business man, lived in that section of the county for many years, and reached the age of 68 years. Some years prior to his death he removed to the city of York where his death occurred in 1865.
His son Michael Schall was born in York on October 8, 1828, and passed away on September 31, 1893. The latter received an academic education in the York County Academy, and started in life as the purchas- ing agent of P. A. & S. Small, of York, with whom he continued up to the year 1860. About this time he purchased the business of Ilgenfritz & White, car manu-
facturers, and continued that business until the time of his death. In addition to his plant in York he also had similar plants at Middletown, Glen Rock and Dauphin, Pennsylvania, all of which in their day proved successful projects. Besides these manufacturing interests he was associated with the Susquehanna Iron Company, at Columbia, the rolling mill now conducted by Steacy & Denney, of York, and with the Columbia rolling mills. About the year ...... in conjunction with James Danner he established a banking house in his native city under the firm name of Schall and Danner, bankers and brokers, which was conducted until the year 1892. In ad- dition to the above mentioned business re- lations, Mr. Schall was also a large real es- tate owner in York city and county and was an active promoter of many minor projects looking to the material and industrial de- velopment of his native city. He was a man of business foresight, good executive ability and possessed unusual sagacity in the conduct of his affairs. Politically he was an active Republican and for a period of eight years served as chairman of the Republican county committee. During the Garfield Presidential campaign he was made an elector from the State of Pennsyl- vania and cast his vote in the electoral col- lege of the United States for that honored and martyred President. In religious affil- iations, he was an Episcopalian, and was connected for a number of years with St. John's Episcopal church of York, as ves- tryman and for over half a century was sup- erintendent of the Sunday school connected with that body. He was united in marriage with Charlotte Virginia Connelee, a daugh- ter of Edmund Connelee, of Virginia, by whom he had the following children: Maria V., deceased; Sarah E., wife of Horace Keesey, attorney at law, of York; Lilly K., wife of Henry C. Niles, Esq., of York, Isa-
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