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 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118
John M. Rupp received a common school education in Hampden township, and also attended the Cumberland Valley Institute for three years. After leaving school at the
362
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
age of twenty-two years, he was employed by his father until he settled on his present farm, where he has since remained.
On Oct. 9. 1873. Mr. Rupp married Ellen Spidle, who was born Aug. 23, 1857, daughter of Jacob and Catherine ( Wallace) Spidle, of this county. Five children were born to them, namely: John M., Jr., living in Monroe township, married Barbara Heiges, and they have one child, Romaine ; Jacob S. married Pearl May Minich, of Hampden township, and has four children, Walter, Frank, Mervin and Guy, all at home : Margaret Estella is at home; Neuma A. married Harvey Albright, of Silver Spring township; and Edgar F. is still a student.
Mr. Rupp belongs to the German Bap- tist Church and is a good and worthy resi- (lent of this locality, noted for his industry, benevolence and hospitality. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
JOHN FREDERICK HUMMEL, JR., one of the successful business men of Worm- leysburg, engaged in the tinning business in all its branches, was born in East Penns- boro township in 1866, a son of John Fred- erick Hummel.
Valentine Hummel, his grandfather, was born in Juniata county, Pa., and in young manhood engaged in mercantile business at Hummelstown, in Dauphin county. Later he transferred his business interests to Har- risburg and carried on a store on Market street for many years. His death occurred in 1880 and he was interred at Hummels- town. His three sons were Valentine, Frank and John Frederick.
John Frederick Hummel was born in Harrisburg, where he was educated in the common schools, and then went to Mifflin, in Juniata county, where he learned the tin-
ning business. He lived there five years and then moved to Harrisburg, where he en- tered into the employ of Fagen & Maever. After a number of years with that firm. he in 1887 engaged with the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company as traveling tinner, a position he still fills. He married Emma J. Maeyer. daughter of John and Annie Maeyer. who were natives of Harrisburg. One son was born to this union, John Frederick, Jr. Mr. Hummel's second marriage was to Mary Flickering, of Harrisburg.
John Frederick Hummel, Jr., attended the schools of East Pennsboro township until the age of eleven years, when he went among strangers to make his own way in the world. He spent one year in East Pennsboro town- ship and one year in York county, and seven years with Lewis Brinton, in East Penns- boro township. His eighteenth year was spent on the farm of William Eichelberger. and he was nineteen years old when he went to work for the N. C. Railway Company, remaining with that corporation from June to September, after which he went into the car shops at Harrisburg as sawyer and planer. Dull times came on and, as indica- tive of the just and kind nature of Mr. Hummel, when another workman who was married and had a family dependent upon him would have been dispensed with had he remained he gave up his position to the other man. From February to May 1, 1886, he worked for the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, and then went to Harrisburg and entered the works of Fagen & Maeyer, to learn the tinning business. There he re- mained fifteen years, becoming a skilled me- chanic.
In 1900 Mr. Hummel came back to Wormleysburg and engaged in the tinning business for himself, now having a well equipped shop on Front street, facing the
J. Fred. Hummel
363
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
river, where he manufactures furnaces and all kinds of roofing, spouting and trimmings, employing four competent men. His trade extends to Harrisburg and to adjacent coun- ties. Mr. Hummel deserves the success which has come to him, for he has earned it through his own persevering industry.
In 1888 Mr. Hummel married Kate Boak, daughter of Lewis and Mary Boak, formerly of York county, but later of Worm- leysburg. They have four children, Russell, Ruth, Beatrice and Jennie, all at home.
In politics Mr. Hummel is a Democrat, but he takes only a patriotic citizen's interest in public affairs. He is a deacon in the Church of God at Wormleysburg, is also one of the trustees and is treasurer of both church and Sunday-school, having been active in its affairs since 1900. He finds time also to teach in the Sunday-school, where his sery- ices are highly valued. His reputation is that of an honest, upright man, and as such he commands the respect of all who know him.
WILLIAM M. COPE. Among the sub- stantial pioneer families of Cumberland county, is the one represented by William M. Cope, a retired carpenter and contractor, now living at Stoughstown, Newton town- ship. The birth of this excellent man oc- curred at Springfield, Cumberland county, Sept. 14, 1832, son of Benjamin and Sarah (McDowell) Cope.
John Connor Cope, the grandfather of our venerable subject. married Catherine Deemer, and died at Springfield, being buried at the Rhodes graveyard, Newton township. The Copes are descended from German ancestry, while the McDowells are of Scotch-Irish extraction.
Benjamin Cope was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Sept. 10, 1788. By trade he was
a shoemaker, and he followed that calling the greater portion of his life, principally in Cumberland county, whither he was taken by his parents in infancy, the family at that time locating on what was then known as the Charles Meyers' farm. After he married Benjamin Cope settled at Springfield, where he carried on his business and reared his family, dying there Oct. 21, 1870. In poli- tics he was a strong advocate of the princi- ples of the Democratic party, and for many years was justice of the peace. He and his wife were members of the Big Spring Church, and very worthy people. Mrs. Cope passed away May IS, 1870, a little more than six months before her husband. The fol- lowing children were born to this couple : Samuel, born June 4, 1822, resides in South- ampton township; Catherine Deemer, born Aug. 24, 1824, unmarried and housekeeper for our subject; Elizabeth Montgomery. who married Jacob Reddick; William M .; and one who died in infancy.
William M. Cope, the youngest of the family, received his education in the village school at Stoughstown, and learned the trade of a carpenter with Jacob Reddick of that place, completing which, he worked as a journeyman, and then became a contractor and builder. He built up a large trade. many of the substantial houses, barns and cther edifices in Stoughstown and vicinity testifying to his skill and excellent workman- ship. While he is advanced in years, he still does a little work more as a pastime than anything else. He is the owner of several houses in Stoughstown which he rents, and is in very comfortable circumstances. In politics he is a Democrat, and is familiarly known as Squire Cope. Both he and his sister Catherine are honored members of the Big Spring Church at Newville. Mr. Cope is a man who makes friends wherever he
36 .;
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
goes, and being possessed of a genial dispo- sition, he is a great favorite. His life among his fellow townsmen has been upright and honorable, and he has set an example to those coming after, which is worthy the man and his religious creed.
DAVID KOSER. SR. After a long. useful, honorable and helpful Christian life, David Koser. Sr., died Jan. 1, 1904. at his home in Shippensburg. He was born July 2, 1825, in Franklin county, Pa., son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Plasterer ) Koser, and grandson of Jacob Koser, who came of Hol- land ancestry.
Jacob Koser, father of the late David Koser, was born in 1781. in Lancaster coun- ty. Pa., and he died July 26, 1850. He mar- ried Elizabeth Plasterer, born in 1784, also in Lancaster county, and these children were loorn to them: Margaret, who married Wil- liam Green; George, deceased; Elizabeth, who married John Reside: William : Mary, who married Samuel Rank, and removed to Ohio in 1855: Samuel. deceased: Sarah, who married William Martin: Lydia, who married John Etter; David; and Jacob Jr.
The late David Koser grew through boy- hood on his father's farm and attended the subscription school held near his home in the old log school-house, this training ending at the age of fourteen years. From then until his marriage he remained at home, assisting his father on the farm, learning all the de- tails which helped to make his own farming successful. In the spring of 1849 he settled in Southampton township, Cumberland county, and engaged in farming and stock raising on a farm belonging to his father. Later he purchased the farm in Southampton township, where he spent so many years. It contained 140 acres which he placed under a fine state of cultivation, as he also did an-
other farm in the same township, which con- tained eighty acres and was long known as the old Kanagy farm. All of his property was accumulated by Mr. Koser, through his own efforts, the reward of his industry, thrift and good management. Mr. Koser im- proved his property with excellent dwellings and bank barns, and had accommodations for the sheltering of his large amount of stock and cattle. He had demonstrated the value of the best breeds and long was recog- nized as a successful grower of fine stock of all kinds.
In 1848 the late Mr. Koser was married to Margaret C. Hoover, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Smith) Hoover, of Franklin county, and a family of five children was born to them, as follows: George A., a suc- cessful farmer ; David C., a resident of Ship- pensburg : Joseph, residing near Newburg ; Benjamin F., of Strasburg, Va .; and Mary C., wife of William Coffey, of Shippensburg.
In early life, Mr. Koser was a Whig, but later became identified with the Republican party. Through life he felt a lack of educa- tion which made him frequently anxious to decline political honors offered him, although his fellow citizens recognized in him the sturdy qualities which no amount of mere book knowledge could have alone given him. They prevailed upon him to serve two years in the city council, where his excellent com- mon sense and practical ideas were beneficial to the municipality. All his life he favored legislation for the advancement of education, and for a time was one of the directors of the Cumberland Valley State Normal school. Both he and wife were early members of the Lutheran Church, and for twenty-four years he served as an elder in that religious body, having been elected when but twenty-eight years of age. Prior to his decease he had refused re-election to this honorable and re-
365
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
sponsible position, claiming that younger inen should assume these duties. For a num- ber of years he served as director of the First National Bank of Shippensburg. Few men of his city enjoyed more fully the re- spect and esteem given to age, than did Mr. Koser.
The death of Mr. Koser was not alto- gether unexpected as the vital forces had been failing for about a year previously, but an apparent improvement had caused' his kindred and friends to hope for a longer sur- vival. To a remarkable degree Mr. Koser had retained his vigor and mental faculties, a condition which he ascribed in part, to an exemplary and temperate life. He will long be recalled as one of the honorable men of this community, one whose departure from it left it better than at his entrance, and one whose influence was always directed to the advancement of what was highest and best, what was charitable and kind, what was gen- erous and Christ-like.
S. P. BACASTOW, one of the most prosperous young business men of Monroe township, Cumberland county, is of German ancestry. It is not known whether two or three brothers of the same name (then spelled Backenstow) came to America from the Fatherland, but it is known that they settled in Berks and Dauphin counties, one of them, the great-grandfather of S. P. Bacas- tow, making his home in Dauphin county, Pa., where he engaged in tanning.
George Bacastow, grandfather of S. P., was born in Dauphin county, and there re- ceived a common school education. He learned his father's trade, tanning, which he followed all his life, and he died in Hummels- town, Dauphin county, in 1839. He had two sons, George and John, the latter the father of our subject. George Bacastow, the eldest
son, was born in Dauphin county, learned the tanner's trade with his father, and followed same until his death, at the age of thirty years.
John Bacastow was born in 1814 at Hummelstown, Dauphin county, and re- ceived his education in the common schools of the home neighborhood. During his early manhood he was not at all robust, so he engaged in farming in his native county. After his marriage he located at Highspire. in that county, where he remained a few years, and then moved to Hummelstown. where he passed the remainder of his days. dying in 1879, at the age of sixty-four years. He married Mary Brenner, daughter of Peter and Mary (Zimmerman) Brenner, of Dauphin county, and she still survives, now making her home with her son, S. P., in Monroe township. To Mr. and Mrs. Bacas- tow were born children as follows: Eliza- beth, wife of Daniel Kline, a farmer of Leb- anon county ; Rebecca, wife of Elijah Leese. a resident of Dauphin county, where he is en- gaged in farming ; Franklin P., a farmer in Dauphin county, who married Mary A. Urich; George T., who married Angie Crampton, and is engaged in farming in Kansas, about five miles from Arkansas City ; Morris H., who is a farmer in Kansas. and who married Elizabeth Hemperly: and Emma F., who is living with her mother and brother in Monroe township.
S. P. Bacastow was born Jan. 24, 1872. in Dauphin county. and received his early education there in the common schools. Later he attended the Lebanon Valley Col- lege for five years, graduating from that in- stitution in 1893. at the head of his class. Following this event he traveled for six months in the West, and on his return to Pennsylvania located at Sand Beach, Dau- phin county, where he engaged in the mill-
366
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
ing business. Remaining there two years, he came to Boiling Springs, Cumberland county, and for five years ran the old Boiling Springs mills, in 1902 settling at his present location. He is now doing business at the old Leidigh mills, at Leidigh's Station, along the Philadelphia & Reading railroad. enjoying as good a patronage as any of the mills along the Yellow Breeches creek. He also carries on a coal business, in which line he has made quite a success, being properly considered one of the most thrifty young men in the township.
Mr. Bacastow was married, June 18th, 1002. to Miss L. Goldie Rinehart, daughter of John and Sarah Jane Rinehart, of Boil- ing Springs. Mr. Bacastow follows in the footsteps of his forefathers, being a Demo- crat in politics and a Lutheran in religious faith. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 91, I. O. O. F .. Carlisle : Lodge No. 21. F. & A. M .. Harrisburg ; B. P. O. E., No. 578, Carlisle : Knights of Malta, Mechanics- burg; Knights of Pythias, Allen; Patriotic Sons of America, Hummelstown ; and Mod- ern Woodmen of America, of Boiling Springs.
JOHN L. MILLER, one of the enter- prising and highly respected citizens of Lower Allen township, who has met with de- served success in his undertakings, belongs to an old and honored family of Lancaster county, of German descent.
Martin Miller, grandfather of John L., moved from Lancaster county and settled at Wormleysburg. Cumberland county, and dlied at Good Hope, aged ninety years. He was the father of the following children : Martin, deceased, married a Miss Ottstot, and died at the age of sixty years, his widow and children now living at Hogestown; Daniel, who married Anna Rafensburg,
both deceased survived by a large family, was a stone mason and lived at Good Hope ; Catherine married an Ashenfelter, and they lived and died in Indiana; Rosanna married Benjamin Wagner, a stone mason of Good Hope; and John H., father of John L.
Jolin H. Miller was born in Cumberland county, and followed the tailoring trade at Siddonsburg. York county, later at Harris- burg, and also at Shiremanstown. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the 3d Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, in Com- pany E. under Captain Bowen, and during the greater part of the war was stationed at Fortress Monroe. During his lifetime he held various local offices, such as assessor and supervisor, and was always regarded with the respect accorded a man of high character. His death occurred in 1903, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife was Susan, daughter of John Freese of Cumber- land county. She died in 1903, at the age of seventy-seven years. The following chil- dren were born to them: John L .; Mary married Benjamin Erferd, a farmer living at Good Hope, and they have children, Sam- uel, John and Lizzie; Martin L., unmarried, lives at Harrisburg; Daniel W. married Ida, daughter of John Moyer, of Cumberland county, and they have one child, Sarah; Flora K. married Harry Heaggy, formerly of Adams county, now living at Harrisburg, and their children are, Sallie, Donald and Luther ; and Emma married Harry Kessler, and they have one child, and live in York.
"John L. Miller was born in 1854, in Shiremanstown, and received his schooling there and in York county. He began to learn the butchering business with Henry H. Stauffer, of Shiremanstown, and in 1881 he bought the business from his former em- ployer, and started in for himself. On ac- count of his industry and honesty, fair deal-
367
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
ing, and pleasant, obliging manner. Mr. Miller, has made a most gratifying success of his enterprise, and is fast becoming one of the substantial citizens of Lower Allen town- ship.
Mr. Miller married Lida E., daughter of the late A. H. and Mary E. Dill, of Cum- berland county, the latter of whom now lives in Shiremanstown, her son Harvey and daughter Lizzie, Mrs. J. B. Frey, also re- siding there. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one son, Robert B., who is attending school. Mr. Miller has been school director for three terms, and member of the borough council for nine years. Politically, he is a Republi- can, and religiously, is a member of the Church of God.
J. CLARK McCULLOCH, one of the leading general farmers of Newton town- ship, was born upon his present home, May 10, 1871, a son of William R. and Mary (Hemminger) McCulloch, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
The education of J. Clark McCulloch, who is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this county, was begun at the district schools, and completed at the Cumberland Valley Normal School at Ship- pensburg, when, after two years he returned home, and assisted his father until he at- tained his majority.
On Dec. 29, 1898, Mr. McCulloch mar- ried Miss Jane Means of Southampton town- ship, Franklin county, daughter of J. Mc- Cord and Catherine (McClelland) Means, prominent pioneers of Franklin county. Mrs. McCulloch was born and reared near Middle Spring, and there she obtained her primary education, later becoming a student in the Cumberland Valley Normal school at Ship- pensburg. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch settled on the McCulloch
homestead, where they have since resided. This farm of 146 acres, is one of the most valuable in the township, and was located by Mr. McCulloch's grandfather, John Mc- Culloch. The farm is well stocked with a good grade of cattle; the hogs are Poland China and Chester White breeds, while some of his cows are of the pure breed Jerseys.
One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch, Harold Ritchey. Politically Mr. McCulloch is a stanch Democrat, and has served one term as auditor of Newton town- ship. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church at Newville. Although still a young man Mr. McCulloch has already made himself felt both as a farmer and a politician, and the future before him is a very bright one, as his associates already speak of him for higher offices within the gift of the people, knowing that if he is so honored, the duties pertain- ing thereto will be honorably and faithfully performed.
ROBERT W. ZEARING, a market gardener of Middlesex township, was born in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland county, Jan. 4, 1874, son of J. S. and Catherine (Wit- mer) Zearing.
When Robert Zearing was a year and a half old, his parents moved to Middlesex township, and there he grew up on a farm, attending the country schools till he was seventeen years of age. He entered upon his present occupation of market gardening about 1897, and has found it a profitable em- ployment. That same year, April 29th, Mr. Zearing was married to Miss Sallie A. Keiser, but their married life was cut short by her untimely death the following De- cember ; she left a child that died in infancy.
Mr. Zearing is much interested in the work of fraternal orders, and is a member
36S
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
of the I. O. O. F .. belonging to Carlisle Lodge. No. 91, and he is a member of several others. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Zearing is an enterprising and progressive young farmer, and has the promise before him of a successful career.
JACOB WEAST, a prosperous retired farmer residing at Newville, was born in the township of Hopewell, Cumberland county, Nov. 12, 1837. a son of Leonard and Cathe- rine (Nickey) Weast.
Leonard Weast. the father, was born in Germany in 1800. and when only seven years of age was brought to America by his pa- rents. The family located on a farm near Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania. and there they remained fourteen years. Leonard W'east was originally a cooper, but later learned the trade of distilling in Newton, Cumberland county, under Stoff Au, and afterward engaged in the latter business on his own account. continuing it for twenty years, when he sold it and turned his atten- tion to farming, having purchased a farm in Mifflin township, to which he removed in 1845. In the spring of 1866 he removed to the borough of Newville, where he died in 1882. His farm, which he improved and brought to a high state of cultivation, con- tained 150 acres, and had upon it a number of excellent buildings. In politics Mr. Weast was a Republican. His religious affiliations were with the Bethel Church. Mrs. Cathe- rine (Nickey) Weast died in 1842, in her thirty-fifth year. the mother of these chil- dren : Jacob, Mary J., Eva A., Rebecca, Abraham and George, all now deceased cx- cept Jacob Weast.
Jacob Weast passed his youth upon the homestead, and obtained a fair education at the Craig schoolhouse in Southampton town- ship, Cumberland county. He left school in
his sixteenth year, and assisted his father on the farm until his twenty-second year, at which time he was married and settled on a farm in Hopewell township. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K, 12th Pa. Cavalry, Col. Geary commanding. The regiment was placed in the army of Gen. Sheridan, in the valley of Virginia, and he was largely en- gaged in garrison duty, guarding important points already taken. He served faithfully until June, 1865, when he was honorably dis- charged. Returning to Cumberland county, he located in Mifflin township, on his father's old homestead, and there engaged in stock raising and general farming until 1888, when he moved to Upper West Pennsboro and bought the farm known as the old Ahl farm, adjoining the corporate limits of Newville. It comprises 105 acres of excellent land, on which are a fine, substantial brick dwelling, a large bank barn and good outbuildings. While residing on the farm Mr. Weast was a breeder of fine Percheron horses, and when he left that place he disposed of his stock at excellent prices. Since his removal to his present home he has lived partially retired, although he looks after this and two other farms, the latter located in Mifflin town- ship.
Children as follows were born to Mr. Weast's marriage with Louvina Christlieb, of Mifflin township, daughter of Jacob and Julian (Morret ) Christlieb : George B., now a tinsmith of Harrisburg; Minerva A., wife of Cullen Alexander, of Carlisle; Min- nie, at home; William, deceased; Ervin, a baker in Carlisle; Albert, who resides in Idaho, where he is engaged in farming; Clara, now Mrs. David Heberlig, of Mifflin township; Thomas T., a farmer; Howard. in the employ of a wholesale hood store in Philadelphia, Pa., and Levi I., of Shippens- burg, Pa., in the implement business.
Jacob theast.
369
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
In politics MIr. Weast is a stanch Demo- crat, and he takes a very active interest in local, state and county politics. He was for ten years tax collector of Mifflin township. Fraternally he is a member of Newville Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of Joshua W. A. Sharp Encampment, No. 371, G. A. R., of which he served for some time as com- mander. Mr. Weast is a very acceptable member of the Lutheran Church at New- ville, of which he is a firm supporter, and he is widely known and well liked throughout his community.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.