Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families, Part 56

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 56

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On Jan. 12, 1875, Mr. Highlands was married to Laura R. Williams, who was born in Southampton township, a daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Maxwell) Williams, and who was educated in the public schools at Leesburg. Six children have blessed this union : Mary. wife of Hugh Rebuck ; Anna Mabel, a graduate of the Cumberland Val- ley State Normal, class of 1899, and for four years a successful teacher ; Lorin J., a grad- uate of the Model Department of the Cum- berland Valley Normal School; Berenice E., a graduate of the same institution; and Georgia Williams and Alva Belle, at home. The family are all very popular and they hold an enviable social position.

U. G. EPPLEY, proprietor of the "United States Hotel" at Mt. Holly Springs, Cumberland county, is a native of North Middleton township. same county, born July 3. 1867, son of Samuel and Amanda E. (Hoon) Eppley.

Mr. Eppley was reared in his native township, and educated in the district schools of his neighborhood, and the Greason acad-

emy. After completing his course of study, he engaged in clerking in a grocery store in Carlisle for five years, and then entered the livery business on South street, near Han- over, continuing for nine years, during which time he handled many horses, and was very successful. Selling his livery business in 1900, he went to Mechanicsburg, and bought the "National Hotel," which he conducted until Sept. 15, 1902, when he sold out, and in April, 1903, he took charge of the "United States Hotel" at Mt. Holly Springs. Since he was a lad of seventeen or eighteen, he has been engaged in handling horses, and he is still interested along this line, making a spe- cialty of high grade horses. When but nineteen years old he made his first trip to Kentucky with the purpose of buying horses. In all of his operations in horse flesh, Mr. Eppley has been associated with Thomas. M. Derr, and they have the honor of bringing to Cumberland county the finest horses which have ever been within its confines. Some of the best track horses in this portion of the State, have passed through his hands, and he is a recognized authority. The famous "Rockport," who made a record of 2:1114, in 1903, was bought by him at Lexington, Ky., and later sold. Since then this horse has attained still greater speed. He is at present the owner of two horses, "Bonita Boy," a pacer, which he brought from Lex- ington, Ky., in 1904, and which has a record of 2:2234, and "Mt. Holly Boy," a green pacer with good prospects.

In connection with his hotel, Mr. Eppley operates a fine livery business, and is an ex- tensive dealer in hogs and cattle, his business operations attaining stupendous figures. He ships his stock to all parts of the country, and is one of the leading stockmen of this section of the State. Mr. Eppley is well- fitted for his business of conducting a hotel,

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and makes his hostelry an ideal home for the traveling public. In manner he is genial . and courteous, and he has hosts of friends wherever he is known. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and a hard worker for his party. Fraternally, he is a member of the K. of P .. the B. P. O. E. and the Royal Ar- canum, and he is also a member of the Cum- berland County Fair Association.

On Oct. 13, 1897, Mr. Eppley was mar- ried to Miss Fannie Hoffman, daughter of Lewis and Clara Hoffman, and one child, Paul Willis, was born to them in 1900.

EARL PETERS, nurseryman at Mt. Holly Springs, is a native of Adams county, Pa., and a son of John and Amanda Olney ( Haskell) Peters, both living at Uriah, that county. The father is engaged in the same business as our subject, and in partnership with him, under the firm style of Jolin Peters & Co. In Pennsylvania, and also in other States, they grow largely peach, apple, pear and other trees, making a specialty of peach trees. Their nurseries in this and Adams county cover 100 acres, and their packing and storage houses are at Hunter's Run, this county. .

Earl Peters was brought up in the murs- ery business, and since 1897, he has been associated with his father. The retail busi- ness is conducted under the name of the Woodview Nurseries, and through it they cover every state east of the Mississippi river. Until Jan. 1. 1903, Mr. Peters made his home at Urial, and while there he served as postmaster. Since then he has lived in Mt. Holly Springs.

On Dec. 28, 1898, Mr. Peters married Miss Marion V. Fell, daughter of James B. and Josephine ( Conrad) Fell, of Bucks county. Pa., of English Quaker ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have two children, John

Byron and Marion Kirk. Fraternally, Mr. Peters is a member of the Masonic order, Hebron Lodge, No. 465, New Oxford. Pa .; and the I. O. O. F .. York Springs Lodge No. 211.

JOHN B. OCKER, one of the young and progressive farmers of Middlesex town- ship. was born in Pennsboro township. Cum- berland county, March 12, 1876. son of John and Mary (Sites) Ocker.

John Ocker is a native of Cumberland county also, born in November. 1843. A man of much natural ability, he was given a good education, but instead of taking up some professional life decided to remain a farmer, an occupation to which he had been accustomed from boyhood. He now resides on a farm in West Pennsboro township. Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife, who is also a native of the county, and a daughter of Jacob Sites, have had a family of twelve children, namely: Susan, who married Page Line, and lives near Carlisle; William, deceased, who lived to the age of seven ; Annie, Mrs. Elmer Jacoby, who lives near Newville: Frances, wife of Harry Rutz, of Silver Spring township: Emma, who mar- ried Charles Leib, of Boiling Springs, Pa .; John B .; Addic, deceased; Alfred and Viva, twins; Samuel E. ; Henderson ; and Jacob.

John B. Ocker attended the public schools of the township until he was eighteen and the next year, in 1895. married and set- tled down as a farmer. His wife, who was Sarah Anthony, of Frankford township, Cumberland county, has borne him four chil- dren, Leroy, John, Bertha and Norman. They lived in Upper Frankford township until 1903, when Mr. Ocker bought his present farm, a tract embracing eighty acres. Here, in connection with his farming opera- tions, he has one of the very latest im-

John B. Ccke

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proved hydraulic cider presses. Mr. Ocker is thoroughly modern in his methods, wide- awake and energetic, and is one of the rising young farmers of the region. In his politi- cal sentiment he is a Republican.

MARTIN N. KAUFMAN, of New Cumberland, Cumberland county, was born July 24, 1845, in York county, Pa., and at- tended the common schools there up to the age of twelve years, when he removed with his parents to a farm near New Cumberland. Here lie attended the district school up to the age of twenty. After leaving school he taught for a short time, as supply, but con- tinued to make his home with his parents and assisted in the farming until he was twenty-five years old. At this age he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Steel Com- pany. remaining with them for the long period of thirty-two years, leaving their em- ploy in July, 1903. For twenty years he was in charge of the men about the furnaces in the rail mill and was an employe who pos- sessed the entire confidence of the company.

About 1876 Mr. Kaufman purchased a home, and, after making additions to it, was married, at New Market. to Sarah Long. of York county, a daughter of Herman and Mary Ann ( Parthemore) Long. Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman have two children : Clyde H., of Harrisburg; and Edna. at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican. For several terms he served as school director, and he has always taken an interest in public matters.

Abraham Kaufman, father of Martin N .. was born and reared on a farm in York coun- ty and married Susan Neiman of the same place. He then moved to New Market and worked at the mason trade until 1857. when he settled on a farm in Cumberland county.

Prior to his decease, he returned to New Market, where he died in 1888, aged sixty- nine years. His wife survived until 1896, dying at the age of seventy-five years. She was a member of the German Baptist Church. The children of Abraham Kauf- man and his wife were: Martin N., whose name opens this sketch; Elmira, wife of Samuel Fisher, of York county; Mary, wife of George D. Mathias, of Harrisburg; Susan, wife of Jacob Gurtner, of York coun- ty : George, of New Market; and Abraham and Leah, of New Cumberland. The pater- nal grandfather, John B. Kaufman, was born in York county, and died in Fishing Creek Valley, where he was a farmer.

HARRY S. THOMMAN, who bears a name familiar among agriculturists in Cum- berland county, is a prosperous farmer of Middlesex township, where he is located on a farm formerly owned and operated by his father. His great-grandfather, who was a native of Switzerland, came to America in boyhood, and located in York county, Penn- sylvania.

Henry Thomman, grandfather of Harry S., was born in York county, where he re- . mained until his marriage. Some years after that important event he moved to Juniata county, where he lived on a farm for a few years, and then purchased a farm in Perry county, near Milford, where he passed the rest of his days. He died there, and is buried in the New Bloomfield cemetery. He mar- ried Magdalene Hoffman, of York county.

Adam Thomman, son of Henry, was born in York county, and there passed his boyhood. He attended the German schools in his native county, but after the removal of the family to Juniata county he was given the advantage of the English subscription schools. After his marriage he lived three

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years on a rented farm in Lykens Valley, and in 1843 he moved to what is now Middlesex township, there purchasing a farm of 120 acres. mostly cleared land. from the McClin- tock family, consisting of Robert. Alexan- der. Abraham and Polly McClintock. This farm was one of the first settled in that sec- tion, and was first owned by one Henderson. The original house, a log building. stood until 1854. when Mr. Thomman tore it down and erected the present dwelling. The old log barn was moved farther east and stood until 1901, when the present fine structure, 78 x 46 feet, was erected. Until 1875 Adam Thomman worked industriously in the cul- tivation of his fine farm, which that year he placed in the hands of his son Harry S., who was to receive half the proceeds for his work. Adam Thomman married Nancy Strickler, who was born near Wrightsville. York county, in 1811, daughter of Christian Strickler, and was reared to womanhood in her native county. but was living with her sister at Milford when she met Mr. Thom- man. She died in 1850. and in 1853. for his second wife. Mr. Thomman married Margaret Ziegler, who was born in Adams county, daughter of Martin Ziegler. She (lied in 1892, in the faith of the Reformed Church. The father passed away in 1886. He, too, was a member of the Reformed Church. His first wife. the mother of his children, was a member of the River Breth- ren. To Adam and Nancy Thomman were born six children: (1) Magdalene married Philip Ziegler, and died in Harrisburg. (2) Mary married John Bucher. of Carlisle. (3) Susan became the wife of John Gieling. and died in Carlisle. (4) Harry S. is men- tioned below. (5) Sarah is Mrs. David Voglesong. of Silver Spring township. (G) John, when of age, learned the milling trade in York county, but later came home, and

afterward spent one year in Illinois, going thence to California, where he. also spent a year. Failing health caused him to return to Pennsylvania, but after six months he again went to California, and was heard from in Nevada, then from Chili, South America, which latter place he left on ac- count of earthquakes, and he was last heard from in Bolivia, South America.

Harry S. Thomman was born in Lykens Valley, Dauphin county, Nov. 7, 1841. His early years were passed on the home farm. His first schooling was received in the old Elliott school, which was built on a part of his father's farm, and he continued at school until he was twenty years old. He has been accustomed to hard work from his early boyhood, and has all his life had a practical knowledge of farming. About 1875 he be- gan farming the home place on shares, this arrangement lasting until 1892, when his stepmother died. At the father's death the farm was left so it could not be sold as long as the widow lived. In 1892 the farm was placed at public sale and Harry S. Thom- man bought it. Since it came into his pos- session he has greatly improved it. and has entirely remodeled the dwelling-house, mak- ing of it a comfortable modern home. The neat surroundings and the generally orderly appearance of the farm betoken the indus- trious, practical farmer who takes just pride in his possessions.

On Nov. 7. 1878, in Middlesex township, Mr. Thomman was married to Emma C. Garman, who was born in Silver Spring township. Dec. 19, 1856, daughter of Michael and Susan ( Albright ) Garman, the former a native of Lancaster county, who was brought by his parents in boyhood to Cumberland county. Michael Garman spent the greater part of his life as a farmer in Silver Spring township, on the farm form-

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erly owned by his father, and late in life retired to New Kingston, where he died in 1897. Mrs. Susan (Albright ) Garman was born in Perry county, daughter of William Albright; she married first Benjamin Gar- man, and after his death, Michael Garman. To Michael and Susan Garman were born the following children: Emma C., Mrs. Thomman: Benjamin, who married Susan Ziegler, and lives on the home farm ; George, who married Annie Burget, and lives in Cumberland county; Savilla Jane, who mar- ried John Young, of Cumberland county ; Sarah Alice, wife of Clayton Snell, of Silver Spring township; and Ida Elmira, wife of Leonard Ziegler, of Silver Spring township. After the death of the mother of these chil- dren Michael Garman married Caroline Daron, who bore him two children. Daniel (who died at the age of seven ) and Harry.

The marriage of Harry S. and Emma C. Thomman has been blessed with two chil- dren: John H., born in April. 1880; and Ida Laura, born July 22, 1882. The family all belong to the Reformed Church, and are much interested in its work. the husband and father having for eighteen years served as (leacon. Mr. Thomman has been keenly alive to public questions, and he keeps thor- oughly posted on the events of the day. He cast his first presidential vote for Gen. George B. McClellan, and has ever since been a stanch Democrat.

WILLIAM R. WHERLY, who is now engaged in farming in Penn township. Cumberland county, is a native of that town- ship, and though his mature life was spent in the West up to within the last few years, he. has now returned to his birthplace to set- tle down to agricultural life.

Mr. Wherly's great-grandfather was born in France, and thence went to Germany.

though it is not known in what part of the country he settled. His son George, the grandfather of W. R. Wherly, was born in Germany, and lived and died in that coun- try, but beyond this little is known concern- ing him. We have no record of the maiden name of his wife, by whom he had six chil- dren: Mary, Eva, George, Michael. Chris- tian and Jacob. Of the family only two came to America, Christian and Jacob. the latter marrying and settling in Harrisburg. Pa., where he died leaving no children.

Christian Wherly. father of W. R .. was born in Germany in 1815, and was nineteen years old when he came to America. He landed at New York, but soon located at Petersburg, Adams county, Pa. He did not remain long at that place. either. coming to Cumberland county and settling at Center- ville, in Penn township, where he com- menced to follow his trade, that of shoe- maker. He married Nancy Chesnell. who was born at Mt. Joy. Lancaster county, Pa .. and was seven years old when her parents. John and Elizabeth ( Hertman ) Chesnell. came to Penn township. Cumberland county, where her father bought a fine farm of about seventy-five acres. There Mr. and Mrs. Chesnell.passed the remainder of their lives, the mother dying at the age of seventy-two years, the father reaching the advanced age of eighty-two. Both are buried at the Cen- terville cemetery, in Penn township. They hatl three children besides Mrs. Wherly, namely: Elizabeth, Jacob and John, the lat- ter dying in infancy.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wherly located in Centerville, where he fol- lowed his trade for a short time, finally commencing farming on the old homestead of his wife's family, the farm of seventy-five acres in Penn township previously men- tioned, which he subsequently bought. He

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built a fine barn and house, and made numer- ous other improvements on the place. where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. Mr. Wherly was a poor boy when he emigrated to the United States, but his na- tive industry and perseverance were all the capital he needed to make a success in life, and he became quite well-to-do. He was respected by his neighbors and fellow citi- zens in all the walks of life, and was chosen to the offices of supervisor and school direc- tor in Penn township, discharging the duties of same with his customary ability and fidel- ity. He was a Democrat in political faith, and he and his wife were Lutherans in re- ligious faith, holding membership in the church at Centerville. The father died in 1882, the mother in March. 1899, and both are buried at Centerville. They were the parents of six children : Elizabeth and Sarah, who are living on the homestead in Penn township; Martha, who died when thirty- four years old; John, living on the farm of his brother William. in Penn township, who married Ellen McGannegal and has chil- dren-Clinton, Elsie and Keller; William R., whose name introduces this sketch ; and Jacob, who is engaged in farming in Mis- souri.

William R. Wherly was born in 1847 in Penn township, along the Yellow Breeches Creek, and received his education in the local public schools. He lived at home assisting his father out of school hours, until the age of eighteen years, when he went West, and for two years was in Kansas. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he found employment with the street car company, and there he continued, remaining with the one concern, for twenty-six years. In 1900 he came back to Cumberland county, where he bought the old J. L. Tritt farm of eighty- three acres, where he has since resided, and

to the cultivation of which he devotes all his time. He is a well-liked man, held in the greatest respect by all his friends and ac- quaintances. He adheres to the traditions of the family, being a Democrat in politics and a Lutheran in religion; he attends the church at Centerville. Mr. Wherly has never married. .

JOSEPH PLOUGH, now living re- tired from active labors, for many years was a prosperous farmer of Monroe town- ship, Cumberland county, and is now a very highly respected resident of that township. He is a son of John, and a grandson of John, the latter having been born in Switzerland, but came to York county, Pa., where he bought a tract of land, and followed farm- ing. He married a Miss Hess, of York county, where they both died, their children having been: Samuel died in Cumberland county; John and Susan both died in Cum- berland; Nancy is living in Shiremanstown, Cumberland county, and David died when a young man.

John Plough was born July 15, 1811, in York county, where he received his edu- cation. On Nov. 10, 1835, he married Martha Erb, daughter of John and Fanny ( Barrick) Erb, of Lancaster county. They came to Cumberland county in 1837, settling in South Middleton township, but later bought a farm of 104 acres in Dickinson township, where the father died at the age of forty-nine years, his wife passing away at the age of forty-two years.

Joseph Plough was born in 1836, in York county, and was one year of age when brought to Cumberland county. Like the other boys of his neighborhood, he had a common school education, and grew up on the farm. In 1866 he married Annie Bow- man, a daughter of John and Martha ( Herr)

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Bowman, of New Holland, Lancaster coun- ty, Pa. After marriage. the young people located in Monroe township, and, buying a farm of forty acres, operated it for nineteen years. Mr. Plough then came to his present home, where he has a handsome brick house. and he has made it his residence for seven- teen years.

Mr. Plough never took an active part in the war, on account of ill health, but his sympathies were all with the Union, and he is an ardent Republican. Both he and his excellent wife are members of the old Men- nonite Church. For over twenty-five years Mr. Plough has been a teacher in the Sab- bath school, and he is one of the most highly respected men of his township.

CLARENCE K. BRANDT. The Brandt family, one of the oldest in Cum- berland county, was founded in America by Adam Brandt, one of seven brothers who came to Cumberland county, Pa .. from Germany, and who was the great-grand- father of the present generation of Brandts of Boiling Springs. He was born Nov. 20. 1751, and he died at the age of eighty-six years, eight months and fifteen days. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eve Metzger, was born Nov. 14. 1752, and died Feb. 10. 1830.

( II) John Brandt, son of Adam. and grandfather of Clarence K. Brandt, was boni on what is now known as the Jacob Hertzler farm, in Monroe township, not far from Williams Grove, and he died Dec. 29. 1837. at the age of forty-five years. five months and twenty-five days. He was a farmer of importance in Monroe township. In religious affiliations he was a member of the Dunkard Church. John Brandt married Elizabeth Coover, who died Dec. 12. 1887. aged ninety-four years, nine months and

nine days. Eight children were born of this marriage : Mary Ann, who died April 17, 1867, aged fifty years, eleven months and eight days, was the wife of Isaac B. Mishler, who died Dec. 29, 1880, aged sixty-three years, one month and nine days ; Elizabeth, born April 24, 1818, married John Kline. and died March 13, 1884; William, who died in Churchtown, this county, married Elizabeth Goodyear. also deceased; Susan, widow of George W. Brandt, was born Feb. 7. 1824; Adaline died unmarried, Nov. 5. 1883, aged fifty-six years, one month and one day; Levi, superintendent of the Paxton mills. Harrisburg. Pa., married Ellie Bailey : Sarah died unmarried. Dec. 12, 1889. aged fifty-four years and ten months: Frances, born July 8. 1831. died unmarried. May 2, 1860.

(III) Susan Brandt, mentioned above as a daughter of John and Elizabeth Brandt. was married Aug. 16, 1849, to George W. Brandt, also a descendant of one of the seven brothers who came from Germany. He was born April 9, 1820. son of Martin Brandt. and died Sept. 18, 1866. His birth occurred at Brandt's mill. on the old home- stead, and there he spent his boyhood days. His education was received in the common schools, and when a young man, he learned the tailoring trade at Dillsburg. He then went to Shippensburg, Baltimore, and later to western points, finally locating at Colum- bia, Lancaster county, Pa., where he spent some three or four years. While there he in- vented a hay rake which became known as the Brandt rake, and he engaged in the man- ufacture of these rakes in Cumberland coun- ty. in conjunction with a Mr. Smedley, under the firm caption of Brandt & Smedley. After the business was well established, he came to Carlisle, and established a branch office, tak- ing charge of this end of the business, and so

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continuing until just before his death, when he sold his interests. In the time that elapsed between his abandoning his tailoring busi- ness and his entering the manufacturing workl. as well as some time after the he took up the latter, he was engaged in bottling minera: waters, with headquarters at Car- lisle. an 1 continued this enterprise for two years after he had assumed charge of the Carlisle branch of the rake manufacturing plant. In all of his operations, he was a very successful and enterprising business man. Early in life. he became a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife and children also belonged. Seven children were born to himself and wife: (1) Eugene Brandt died in infancy. (2) Josephine Lou- isiana Brandt was educated in the public schoo's and is now a celebrated artist in Oregon. her specialty being still life in oils. In addition to her talent in this direction, she also displayed remarkable talent in music. and was carefully educated in both vocal and instrumental music, attending for a time the Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati, Ohio. where she was under the personal direction of The dore Thomas. Prof. Newberry and Prof. Carroll, and she taught music for sev- eral years. (3) Catharine Virginia Brandt is now one of the most popular teachers of Carli-Je. Her education, which is an excel- lent one. was obtained in the common schools, (4) Clarence K. Brandt is men- tioned below. (5) Elizabeth C. Brandt is the wife of John S. Searight, of Carlisle. (6) Lee Alvin Brandt, who is now in the men's furnishing business at Chicago, was formerly a railroad man in the West. (7) Georgiara Brandt died in infancy.

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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 56

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