Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families, Part 50

Author: Genealogical Publishing Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Genealogical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 994

USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families > Part 50

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Jacob Monosmith was attending the vil- lage school when his father died, and he then went to work by the month, for the father of Mr. Shelley, his teacher, and although he re- ceived but a few dollars a month, he was given a chance to attend the district school. Later he was able to earn fifty cents a day. and he remained with Mr. Shelley, off and on, some five years. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at it one sea- son. In October, 1862, he became a mem- ber of Company C. 3d Pennsylvania Artil- ery, under Captain Boone, and served through three years. Although hundreds of times exposed to almost certain death, he es- caped, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, at Fortress Monroe. After his return Mr. Monosmith worked at farm- ing until 1891, when he became mail carrier, and has continued in this employment. He is a valued citizen, and has served in the town council. In politics he is a Republican.

ROBERT MICKEY, a prosperous farmer and enterprising citizen of Oakville post office, Newton township, traces his line to his great-grandfather, Robert Mickey, who founded the family in this country.

(I) Robert Mickey, great-grandfather, emigrated from Ireland, to what is now Newton township, and was one of the first settlers in the valley, and he and his wife

Agnes lived out their span of days there, and their remains were interred in the Big Spring cemetery, at Newville.

(II) One of their sons, Robert Mickey. the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1746. He inherited that part of the original tract on which his grand-son now lives, and to which he has added largely, and lived all his life on the farm, where in 1767, he built the stone house, in which our subject was born. Robert Mickey married Ezemiah Kelly, of York county. His death occurred Dec. 22, 1828, when he had attained to the venerable age of eighty-two years. His widow lived to be seventy-five years of age. and died Dec. 8, 1830. Their children were : Andrew, Thomas, John, James, Mary. Agnes and Margaret, all now deceased.

(III ) James Mickey, the father of Rob- ert, our subject, was born Feb. 15. 1795. He became a farmer and never removed from the family home in which he was born. He died in the year 1835. On April 15. 1818, he married Lucetta Carothers, of Sil- ver Spring township, who was born Aug. II. ISOI, and died March 20, 1862. Six chil- dren were born to them, two of whom died young. One daughter, Ezemialı, born April 26, 1820, became the wife of Joseph Moody. removed to Ohio, and died there. The liv- ing are: Mary Ann, born Feb. 19. 1828. wife of William W. Frazier, who lives in Missouri; Hays, born Aug. 6, 1833. mar- ried Elizabeth, daughter of John Kelly. of York county, and now resides in California : Robert, the eldest son, born Jan. 14. 1823. until three years ago, lived in the house built by his grandfather, but in 1880, built his present house, across the road from his birth- place.

For several years prior to the father's death, the farm was rented, but when Robert was eighteen years of age, he took a part of

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it into his own hands, and a few years later bought the shares of his two sisters, so that he now is the owner of over three-fourths of the manor farm. The remainder is owned by his brother. He also owns adjoining property, known as the Thomas Mickey farm. In November, 1846, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John McCulloch, of Newton township. To this union thirteen children have been born, three of whom died young. The survivors are: Sarah Belle, wife of James Hamphill, living in Kansas : John E .. a merchant of Oakville: Lucetta, wife of William Park, of Franklin county ; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John Witherspoon, of Franklin county; Robert Austin, who married Mary Belle McCoy, and lives on his father's farm; Ira, who married Sarah Hood, and was in the employ of the Carlisle Mani- facturing Company, of Carlisle, when he died, March 19, 1887: Andrew Elmer. Eugene Sherman and Helen, all three living at home : and Quinn Thornton, graduate of Lafayete college and now an attorney of Shippens- burg. Mr. Mickey has never filled office, but has the best interests of the township at heart. and can always be counted upon to uphold justice and to advance his locality. He belongs to Big Spring Presbyterian Church, in which he takes a leading part, and toward the support of which he is a liberal contributor. Mrs. Mickey died Sept. 21, 1893. aged sixty-six years, seven months and four days. She was a consistent mem- ber of the Big Spring Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM E. SHAPLEY, M. D., a representative of one of the old and honored families of the Cumberland Valley, and now a prominent business citizen of Shippens- burg, was born there, son of Joel and Lacy Hays ( Connelly ) Shapley.

Joel Shapley, at the time of his death,

Jan. 27. 1903, was the oldest citizen of Ship- pensburg. He was born July 16, 1812, at Halifax. Dauphin county, Pa., son of Rufus E. and Lydia Shapley, late of Carlisle. When quite young he removed with his parents, to Carlisle, and there learned the cabinetmak- ing trade. While still a young man he came to Shippensburg, whither several of his brothers had preceded him, and for a time carried on cabinetmaking on the grounds now occupied by the Presbyterian Church, which grounds he subsequently owned. In 1835 he was married (first) to Margaret Porter, and one daughter of this marriage is still living. Mrs. William Harris, of Cres- ton, Iowa. Mrs. Shapley died in 1839, and he married ( second) Lacy Hays Connelly, of near Plainfield, who died some years ago. about 1890. The children of this marriage were: Joseph, deceased; Emma, deceased. wife of Rev. J. W. Feight; William E. ; and Charles W .. of Carlisle. In young manhood he united with the Methodist Church, and during all his long and busy life he was sub- ject to its teachings and liberal in his sup- port. He generously aided in the erection of three Methodist churches at Shippens- burg, and it has been said of him that he was not only a liberal, but a cheerful giver. Although not a man of robust appearance, his orderly life kept his organs and faculties in perfect health, and until the natural in- firmities of age fell upon him, he scarcely knew what it was to be ill. Living so long in one community he noted the wonderful changes as the years passed by. In company with the late Captain Mifflin, Dr. W. E. D. Hayes and William Griffin, he rode on the first train that passed over the Cumberland Valley Railroad tracks to Chambersburg.

William E. Shapley was educated in the public schools and Williamsport Seminary, at a later date taking a course of lectures at

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the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. He then returned to Shippensburg, and took charge of his father's estate, which consisted of a large amount of property through the city. He has managed the building and rebuilding of many dwellings and stores, much of the property being situated in the best portions of the city.

In 1896 Mr. Shapley was married to Julia D. Mifflin, of Shippensburg, daughter of Joseph and Julia ( Stewart ) Mifflin, a dis- tant relative of Dr. Alexander Stewart. Mrs. Shapley, through her grandfather. is a Daughter of the Revolution. Mr. Shapley is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, whilst his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

MARCUS HELLER, a prominent con- tractor and builder of Shippensburg. was born in this county, on a farm five miles east of Shippensburg, May 29, 1866.

Matthias Heller, father of Marcus. was born in Germany in 1828, and emigrated to the United States when a young man. After his marriage he followed farming in which he was successful. He reared his family to habits of industry and integrity, and became a very valued citizen of his adopted country. His wife, Mary A. Hoch, was born in 1832, daughter of Elias and Mary (Lasher ) Hoch. The children born to the parents of Mr. Hel- ler were: Catherine, deceased; Amelia; Mat- thias J., who resides in Franklin county; Marcus; George W., a farmer ; and Susan, who resides with her mother at home.

Marcus Heller spent his youth on the farm, and attended school at Cherry Grove school house, where as a boy he spent the happiest days of his life. When only seven- teen, he left school to learn the trade of a carpenter with Thomas Baker. After com-

pleting his apprenticeship, he traveled as a journeyman over different parts of Pennsyl- vania. Returning to Shippensburg he worked at his trade for several years, and then started into business on his own account, and put up some of the finest residences, churches and business blocks in Shippensburg, as well as flat buildings, including the handsome Methodist Church edifice, and the home of Mr. Clever, which is a model residence in every respect, and is a monument to the skill of Mr. Heller.

In 1889, Mr. Heller married Miss Mar- garet Coleman, of Mongul, Franklin county, who was born in 1867, daughter of Adam and Susan (Swigert) Coleman. The chil- dren born to this tinion are as follows : Clar- ence A., John O., Mabel V., Hannah, Elva M., Emma J., Susan and Wilbur M. Mr. and Mrs. Heller are members of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Heller is trustee. In politics he is a Demo- crat of the old stamp, but he has never as- pired to a public life. He began his business career in a small way, steadily working his way to the top, and he is now generally recognized as one of the leading contractors of Shippensburg. During the season he gives employment to a large force of men, and is regarded as an excellent employer.

SAMUEL DARR, a well known citizen and agriculturalist of Monroe township, be- longs to an old Cumberland county family. His grandfather was born in this county, and was a farmer near Newville, for many years, and died there. His children were: George, who died near Newville; Henry, who died in South Middleton township; Daniel, who died in Newville; and William, father of our subject, who died in Monroe township.

William Darr, born in the vicinity of

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Newville. learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that for a number of years. After his marriage he located first at Plainfield, West Pennsboro township, and after two years went to South Middleton, and two years later to Frankford township. In the latter place he remained eight years, but in 1840, he settled permanently on the farm now occupied by his son Samuel, in Monroe township. where the remainder of his life was passed. his death occurring at the age of sixty-seven years. William Darr mar- ried Rebecca Margaret Diller, daughter of

Casper Diller, of Monroe township, and they had these children born to them: William, who lost his life by drowning; Peter and Sarah both died in South Middleton town- ship: John died in Carlisle; Samuel; David died in Virginia; Annie resides in Alle- gleny : Eliza is a resident of Carlisle ; Israel died in Carlisle; Joseph died in Winchester, Va. : Henry resides at Harrisburg : and Mar- garet resides in Monroe township.

Samuel Darr was born in 1829. in South Middleton township, and obtained his educa- tion in the public schools, after which he learned the carpenter's trade with his father, working with him until he was twenty-one years old. Mr. Darr then went to Virginia, but after a month there, returned to Penn- sylvania and secured profitable employment in putting up coal breakers, in Schuylkill county, where he remained for fourteen years. His next move was into Snyder county, where he followed farming and also ran a small canal boat, until 1888, when he came to Monroe township. Here he owns a compact little farm, which engages his at- tention and supplies all his demands.

When he was about twenty-two years of age, Mr. Darr married Mary Matilda Min- ich, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah Minich, of Schuylkill county, and they had five chil-

dren, the survivors being: Mary A., who married Lewis Goodling, lives in Snyder county; Sarah A., who married George Myers, lives in South Middleton township; and Maggie M., who married Frank Pant- ery, lives in Carlisle; Jacob M. and Samuel Andrew both died in Snyder county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Darr are members of the Ger- man Reformed Church at Churchtown. Po- litically, Mr. Darr is a Republican, and was supervisor of Monroe township for five years.

That misfortune comes sometimes to those who have spent most exemplary lives, was proved by an occurrence which brought great loss and physical injury to Mr. and Mrs. Darr, on June 4, 1902. The commu- nity was shocked to learn that these most highly respected and esteemed residents, had been attacked by six burly tramps, who treated them with much severity in an at- tempt to find a large amount of money, which they had reason to think, had been paid to Mr. Darr a short time before. This amount they did not get, but before they es- caped, they secured a valuable watch and some $50 in money. The local authorities did their best, but succeeded in capturing and convicting but one of the gang, who has the chance of spending almost ten years in the Eastern Penitentiary, where he will have an opportunity to ponder over his wicked- ness. The shock and cruel treatment, re- ceived at this time, which stirred the indig- nation of the neighborhood, still are felt by Mr. and Mrs. Darr.

JOHN EDWIN HEBERLIG, one of the well known farmers of this county, be- longs to one of the old and well established families. He is a great-grandson of Ru- dolph Heberlig, the founder of the family in America.

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Rudolph Heberlig came from Switzer- land prior to the Revolutionary War and settled in Berks county, Pa., between the present cities of Reading and Adamstown. He was twice married, his four children being born to his first marriage and his two sons bearing the names of John and Rudolph.

John Heberlig was born in Berks county, and there married Martha Schoenhoner. They had eight children, namely : Rudolph, John, Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, Joseph, Mary and Elizabeth, all of whom were born in Berks county. In 1811 they removed to Cumberland county, and settled on a farm near Glenn's Mills, not far from Newville, where both parents died.

Rudolph Heberlig married Susan Hard, of Berks county, and they reared ten chil- dren, namely : John, Jacob, Daniel, Rudolph, Samuel, Catherine, Susan, Elizabeth, Mar- tha and Mary. The mother died in 1862, and the father in 1863.

Daniel Heberlig was born May 30, 1812, and lived at home until his marriage, in March, 1836, to Sarah, daughter of Peter Utley, born in 1818, in Frankford township, Berks county, and died April 9, 1863. They were the parents of twelve children, and the family record is as follows: Samuel, born Jan. 17, 1838, resides in Carlisle ; Mary Jane, born Sept. 28. 1840, married John Heberlig, of Newville, Pa .; Margaret, born Aug. 25, 1842, died Jan. 3, 1897 ; Rebecca, born May 28, 1844, died April 24, 1867; William, born July 9, 1846, died Nov. 28, 1851; David Porter, born June 28, 1848, died May 13, 1850; Susanna E., born Feb. II, 1850, died Dec. 2, 1850; Sarah Belle, born Dec. 2, 1851, died Dec. 14, 1857 ; Anna Martha, born Jan. 14, 1854, died Nov. 24, 1902; Daniel, born July 21, 1856, died Feb.

6, 1857: Nancy Ellen, born Ang. 7. 1858, died May 26, 1861, and John Edwin, born Sept. 27, 1861: Mr. Heberlig married (sec- ond) Mrs. Rebecca E. Dobbs.

John Edwin Heberlig was reared on the old farm which is locally known as the old Samuel Sharpe homestead. His education was obtained in the district schools, and his earliest instruction was received in the old Pine Woods schoolhouse. Subsequently he became a student of the Newville public schools, continuing there one term. Early he became his father's assistant on the farm, and remained at home until he reached his majority, when he married and settled on a part of the old homestead. This portion con- sisted of 105 acres, and there he has engaged in farming and stock and poultry raising, having made a great success of the latter in- dustry. Mr. Heberlig has taken a great deal of pride in his surroundings, and has erected a fine barn and good dwelling, and made numerous other substantial improvements, making the place both attractive and val- uable.

On March 15, 1888, Mr. Heberlig mar- ried Miss Ida Clouse, of Cumberland county, the third daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Finkenbinder ) Clouse. Her parents were old settlers of Mifflin township, this county. Two children have been born to this union, namely: M. Estelle and Mabel G. In poli- tics Mr. Heberlig is identified with the Dem- ocratic party, but has never accepted politi- cal office. He finds his enjoyment in looking after his family and home, and in perform- ing his duties as trustee of Zion's Lutheran Church at Newville, where both he and his wife are valned members. He is a man noted for his industry and excellent farming methods, as well as for his integrity of char- acter and neighborly kindness.

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

WILLIAM H. CARBAUGH, owner of the "United States Hotel" at Mt. Holly Springs, Cumberland county, has been the genial proprietor of this favorite hotel for the past ten years, and conducted it himself until the spring of 1903. when he retired. His birth occurred near Waynesboro, in Franklin county, July 26, 1845, and he is a son of Jacob and Sarah Ann ( Kuntz) Car- baugh, both now deceased. George Car- baugh, the grandfather, came from Germany when a boy, and lived to be forty-eight, dying in 1850 ..

Jacob Carbaugh, the father, died in Franklin county when fifty-two years of age, and his wife at Mt. Holly Springs, at the home of her son, when she was seventy-two years old. Both were born in Pennsyl- vania. Like his father, he was a farmer of Franklin county. He was a public-spirited man, and took a deep interest in the work of the Republican party, holding the posi- tion of school trustee for a number of years, and also acted as supervisor. He was a director of the Bank of Waynesboro, and set- tled many estates. He always stood ready to assist in doing good. In all of his opera- tions he prospered greatly, and he retained the confidence of the community to the day of his death. The family born to himself and wife was as follows: William H .; George W., a resident of Niles, Kans. ; Alice, deceased, who married Harry Leckram ; Jacob S., a resident of Dixon, Ill. ; Theodore, (leceased; and Howard, deceased.

William H. Carbaugh was reared upon the farm, and educated in the public schools. When he reached manhood's estate he began farming in Franklin county, and thus con- tinued for five years, after which he engaged in stock buying for twelve years. He then embarked in the hotel business, his first hos-

telry being located at Greencastle, where he conducted the "Antrim House"for three years. He then removed to Mt. Holly Springs and conducted the "Holly Inn" for three years, when he purchased the "United States Hotel," at the same place, and still owns the property, which is now leased. He is now again engaged in the stock business, and is very successful.

Mr. Carbaugh has been a publie bene- factor of MIt. Holly Springs, having done much to improve and advance the best in- terests of that place. In 1900 he erected his magnificent residence at the corner of Balti- more avenue and Pine street, which is the finest house in the borough. It is of brick, and adjoining his hotel property. Mr. Car- baugh served for three years as a member of the borough council, and is justly recognized as one of the leading men of Mt. Holly Springs.

On June 7, 1866, Mr. Carbaugh was united in marriage with Miss Anna A. Mor- gal, who was born in Franklin county, daughter of Philip Morgal, and six children have come to this marriage: Minnie mar- ried F. L. Shannon, of Mt. Holly Springs, and has one child, Charles; Laura married W. H. Butler, of Mt. Holly Springs, and has four children, Harry, Robert, Marie and Maud; Alice, Ruth and Rose are unmar- ried; Walter, the third child, is deceased.

Mr. Carbaugh was reared in the Re- formed Church, while his wife was brought up in the Mennonite faith. They are among the leading people of Mt. Holly Springs, and have hosts of friends throughout the State. Mrs. Carbangh's father, Philip Morgal, was born in Germany, and came to this country when a boy, becoming a farmer in Franklin county. He married a Miss Leah Lehr, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.

WILLIAM H. CARBAUGH AND FAMILY

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WILLIAM H. BRETZ, Carlisle's old- est and most successful liveryman, is of German descent. His great-grandfather, Johan Wendel Bretz. landed at Philadelphia from the ship "Royal Union," Aug. 15, 1750, accompanied by his brothers, Ludwig and Henry, and at the time the vessel reached port Ludwig was on the sick list. According to a family tradition a brother Jacob also was with the party, but his name does not appear upon the ship's official list.

Wendel Bretz first settled somewhere in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, but the exact locality is not known. His descend- ants at an early date appeared in Clark's Valley, Dauphin county, where a son lived and engaged at farming. This son had a son Jacob, who owned and lived upon a farm in Clark's Valley, which he afterward sold, moving to Harrisburg, where he engaged at coach and cabinetmaking. He also worked at carpentering, and helped to build the fa- mous camel-back bridge across the Susque- hanna at Harrisburg. This Jacob Bretz married a Miss Boyer, of Dauphin county and by her had the following children : Mrs. Catharine Horn, of Danville: Mrs. Elizabeth Wiley, of York; Jacob; Dr. George Z., of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; and William.

Jacob Bretz, the third child of Jacob, was born at Harrisburg, Sept. 26, 1806. He learned the coachmaking trade, as did his father before him, and engaged at that avo- cation for many years. He married Mary Dipple, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Bell) Dipple, of Carlisle. The Bells were Scotch, and the Dipples were of Irish descent. Shortly after his marriage Jacob Bretz moved to Gettysburg, and there for several years worked at coachmaking. From Get- tysburg he removed to Carlisle, which place was his home all the rest of his long lifetime. On coming to Carlisle he first worked at

coachmaking for the late Jacob Sener, but later went into business for himself, and was Carlisle's principal coachmaker for many years. About the year 1855 he quit coach- making, and gave his time and attention to other enterprises, one of which was brick making. When the Carlisle Gas and Water Company put in its works, he obtained the contract to furnish the brick work for its res- ervoir, which he manufactured a short dis- tance north of where the reservoir is located, upon a farm now owned by Mrs. Gill. While in his prime Major Jacob Bretz, as he was familiarly known, was a man of great activ- ity and enterprise, widely known and well- acquainted with public affairs. He was in- terested in politics and mingled freely with the people, which, in 1844, resulted in mak- ing him the Whig nominee for Register of Wills. He was elected and discharged the duties of the office with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of the general public. After settling at Carlisle, his father, Jacob Bretz, the elder, then well advanced in years, came from Harrisburg and made his home with him until his death. He died in 1846 aged about seventy-six years. His remains were first interred at Carlisle, but in after years removed to Harrisburg.

Major Jacob Bretz was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was his father before him. He also belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and at the time of his death was the oldest Mason in Carlisle. He died in March, 1898. His wife, Mary (Dip- ple) Bretz, died in 1883, at the age of seven- ty-four, and their remains lie interred in Ashland Cemetery. Major Jacob and Mary (Dipple) Bretz had the following children : Eliza Jane, wife of Abraham Focht, of Schuylkill county ; William H., the subject of this biography ; Annie, married to Will- iam H. Corman, of Carlisle; Margaret Ame-

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lia, married to the late George C. Boyer. of Harrisburg; George M., late a photographer of Pottsville; Fannie, married to Sylvester Garwood, of Philadelphia: and Edward, who died in June, 1878, aged twenty-seven years.

William H. Bretz, the second child of Major Jacob and Mary (Dipple) Bretz, was born in Carlisle Sept. 2, 1832. He received his education in the schools of his native town and in the preparatory department of Dickinson College. On leaving college he embarked in the drug business, and for about six years conducted a drug store where now is the Cumberland Valley Railroad passenger depot. He next became interested in dent- istry, studying with his uncle, Dr. George 7 .. Bretz. In 1866 he entered the livery busi- ness, purchasing stables on Pitt street, Car- lisle, only a step removed from the corner on which he formerly engaged in the drug busi- ness. Here he has continued ever since, and be is now the oldest, best known and most successful liveryman in Carlisle. Along with his livery business he finds some time for other enterprises. He has been operating some in real estate, and at present owns a farm in North Middleton township, and an- other on the western borders of- Carlisle. He also takes an interest in the show and theatrical business, and for some years has successfully managed the Carlisle opera house. In matters of religion he affiliates with the Protestant Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican, but not a biased partisan or in any sense an office seeker. He has served one term in town council to which he was elected without any desire or effort on his part. He is a Mason, a Knight Templar and an Elk. He has traveled exten- sively, is a good judge of human nature, a practical business man and a worthy citizen.

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Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families, Part 50

Author: Genealogical Publishing Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Genealogical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 994

Author: Genealogical Publishing Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Genealogical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 994