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 57
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
Clarence K. Brandt, the fourth member oi the above family, was educated in the common schools. When a boy he went to
Mechanicsburg with Dr. M. B. Mosser to learn pharmacy, later going to Philadelphia with W. K. Boileau. About that time, he entered the Philadelphia College of Phar- macy, from which he graduated in 1883. He soon thereafter went to Minden. Neb .. where he opened a drug store, and remained until 1891. when he took a trip through the western states, and for a short time was asso- ciated with W. R. Bennett & Co .. in Omaha. His next location was in Chicago, where he remained until 1900, when he removed to Boiling Springs and embarked in a papering and paperhanging business in which he has been very successful. Mr. Brandt is a first- class mechanic, inheriting his father's me- chanical genius, and he is a man highly 're- spected in the place. In politics he is a Re- publican, but his close attention to business has so far prevented him from taking an active part in public affairs.
The Brandt family is not only one of the oldest in Cumberland county, but as has already been shown, its members are among the well known, substantial and repre- sentative people of the several communities in which they make their homes. Some of the most important institutions in the finan- cial and industrial life of this section of the State owe their being to the energy and fore- sight of some member of the Brandt family. while in political matters, the representa- tives of this family, have borne well their part.
JACOB H. REIFF, one of the leading young attorneys of New Cumberland. Lower Allen township, Cumberland county. Pa., was born near Lewisberry, Fairview township. York county, Nov. 7. 1869. From young boyhood he was determined upon a profes- sional life, and after attending several schools
399
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
he entered the Kutztown State Normal School, where he thoroughly prepared hin- self for Dickinson College. Entering that institution in 1891 he graduated in the clas- sical course and law department in 1895. He was admitted to the Cumberland County Bar in June, 1895 ; to the Dauphin County Bar in July. 1896, is also a member of the York County Bar, and has been admitted to the Superior and Supreme courts. Upon entering on the practice of his profession Mr. Reiff settled at New Cumberland, where he has since made his home and established business among an excellent class, the num- ber of his clients constantly increasing.
In politics Mr. Reiff is a Republican, and he is interested in effecting improvements in the church and the city. His religious con- nections are with the Methodist Church, and he is a teacher in the Sunday school, and one of the model young men of New Cumber- land. Fraternally, he is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M. and the Modern Woodmen. Needless to say his professional thorough- . ness and brilliance, his moral stability, and his fitness as a leader, have contributed to- ward making him very prominent and im- mensely popular in every particular.
JACOB KITCH, a farmer of Middle- sex township, was born in what was then North Middleton, Cumberland county, Dec. 31, 1843. The name is an old one in Penn- sylvania, where his great-grandfather; Mar- tin, his grandfather, Jolin, and his father, John (2), have all lived before him.
John Kitch (2) was born and reared in Cumberland county, passing his days on a farm in North Middleton township. He married Miss Eliza C. Mickey, now de- ceased, daughter of Lewis Mickey. who was at one time a hotelkeeper in Shermans Dale, Perry county.
Jacob Kitch grew up on the John Noble farm in Middlesex township, dividing his time between farm work and attendance at the country schools, until he was nineteen. Two years later, Aug. 20, 1864, he enlisted at Mechanicsburg in Company E, 200th P. V. 1., under Capt. Levi M. Coover and Col. C. W. Diven, served till the close of the war, being at Fort Steadman and in the fight be- fore Petersburg, and then returned home, which was practically at the close of the war. In 1866 he married, and for a year thereafter did work by the day among the farmers until he had earned enough to start for himself, beginning on a rented farm. By 1882 he was able to buy a farm of 106 acres, on which he lived ten years before moving to his farm of 212 acres, upon which he resided until April, 1904, when he moved upon a tract of twenty-two acres one mile south. He still owns the other place and has been uni- formly successful in all his operations upon both farms.
On Aug. 23, 1866, Mr. Kitch was mar- ried to Miss Hattie Kell, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth ( Shughart) Kell. both now deceased. The father was one of the prominent farmers of the county. A large family has been born to Mr. Kitch and his wife, as follows: Lizzie, now Mrs. David Baker, of Carlisle; Mary Ann, now Mrs. David Keller, of Carlisle; George, at home; Jennie E., wife of J. E. Strickler, of Monroe township; William, a farmer, who married Miss Lizzie Wilson; Edward, who married Anna Wolf, and lives on the home farm; Alta, Agnes and Ida, all at home.
Politically, Mr. Kitch has always sup- ported the Democratic party, and has been an active worker in its ranks from the day when he cast his first vote for George B. McClellan. He has served as judge of elec- tions, was twice elected township auditor,
400
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
and has tilled the offices of both annual and triennial assessor, discharging the various duties most efficiently. He belongs to the G. A. R., Colwell Post, No. 201 ; his church affiliations are with the Lutherans. Mr. Kitch is a prominent and influential citizen. and is widely known through the county.
MARTIN A. GOODHART. Among the leading representatives of the best in- terests of Churchtown. Monroe township, is Martin A. Goodhart, born April 14, 1861. in Penn township, this county, son of Alex- ander, and grandson of Isaac Goodhart.
Isaac Goodhart was of German origin, born in Lancaster county, but he came to Cumberland county, settling in Penn town- ship at Palmstown, where he married a Miss Palm, of the same place, her people being among the first settlers of the county. Locat- ing on the old Palm farm, he later added to the property, and lived there about thirty years, dying about 1870. His wife also died of their home place. They had a family of ten children : Elizabeth died at Palmstown; Rebecca died in West Pennsboro ; Lewis died in Penn township; William died in West Pennsboro; Isaac died in Newton township ; Alexander is livng at Palmstown; Marian is living at Mifflin ; Anna is living on the old homestead ; Mary resides at Palmstown ; and Drucilla makes her home in Stoughstown.
Alexander Goodhart, son of Isaac and father of Martin A., was born at Palmstown in 1832, and was educated at the common schools. His boyhood and youth were passed in work upon the farm. In 1850, he married Mary Ann Bectem, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Beetem, of Penn town- ship. After their marriage they located in Penn township, where he now resides, liv- ing on a portion of his father's homestead, and there his wife died in 1882. The chil-
dren born to himself and wife were: W. B. married a Miss Rhoads, and is a teacher liv- ing at Newville: Berdilla lives in Upper Allen township; James A. died in Penn township. aged twenty-six years; Howard, living in Upper Allen township, is in the mercantile and milling business; Elmira married John Dalton, and is living at Ches- ter City, Pa. ; John ; Mary Jane married John Widder. and lives at Gettysburg, where he is in a lumber business; Martin A .; Ella is living in Upper Allen township; Edwin is living at Mount Rock, West Pennsboro township where he is a merchant.
Martin A. Goodhart was well educated in the common schools of his neighborhood. In 1885 he married Sarah Beck, a daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Wise) Beck, of North Middleton township. After marriage the young couple located in Dickinson town- ship, where they lived a year, and then went to West Pennsboro township, spent a year. and finally came to Churchtown, Monroe township. in 1892, where he engaged in a general mercantile business, making it the leading store of the place. In 1903. lie bought the old George Strock farm of forty- two acres at Churchtown, and has a beauti- ful home there. The children born to himself and wife were: Bessie, born in 1886; Fred, born in 1888; Helen, born in 1890, attending school at Newville; Elmer, born in 1891 : Jeannette, born in 1894; Paul, born in 1898; Lester and Leone, twins, born in 1902. In politics Mr. Goodhart is a Republican, but he has never aspired to public office. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Churchtown, of which he has been a deacon for six years, and he takes a very active part in Sunday-school work. Mr. Goodhart is a man well and favorably known in this com- munity, where his honorable methods of doing business, and pleasant, genial manner
401
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
have made for him many friends, and firmly established him in the confidence of his fel- low townsmen.
DAVID S. RICE, who is engaged in farming and stock growing in South Mid- dleton township, Cumberland county, was born Jan. 5. 1836, in Adams county. Pa. He comes of Revolutionary stock, his grand- father, Daniel Rice, having served in the Revolutionary war. Daniel Rice was born in Northampton county, Pa., and moved to Adams county, settling near Bendersville. He was the father of five sons, Christopher, John, Daniel, Peter and Henry, all of whom are now deceased.
Peter Rice, father of David S .. was born near Bendersville, Adams county, Pa .. and received a common-school education in Ger- man and English. He was reared to farm- ing on the old homestead, and followed that occupation all his life. He was twice mar- ried, first time at the age of twenty-one years, and the second time to Elizabeth Plank, also a native of Pennsylvania. There were four children by the first union and eight by the second, David S. being the third child by the second wife. The father was a member and very active worker in the Luth- eran Church near Bendersville, and held al- most all the offices in that congregation. He voted the Democratic ticket. His death occurred in May, 1861, and his wife passed away several years later.
David .S. Rice grew to manhood on a farm in his native county, and there received a good common-school education, attending school up to the age of seventeen years. He then commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, and he also learned chainmaking, working at these trades until he enlisted for service in the Civil war. On Ang. 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company F. 15th Pa. Cavalry,
and was given special work in the line of his trades, receiving an honorable discharge at the end of his term of enlistment. He held the rank of a non-commissioned officer. Since the war Mr. Rice has been engaged as a farmer and stock raiser, and has met with substantial success in that line, now owning the tract of ninety-six acres on which he makes his home. He is a man esteemed by all his associates, whether in business deal- ings or in private life.
In 1865 Mr. Rice was married to Miss Mary C., Royer, daughter of Benjamin Royer, a farmer, her parents both being na- tives of Pennsylvania and of German extrac- tion. Four children have blessed this union, Benjamin Elmer, Emma E., Seth Edwin and Robert E., the last named born May 22. 1885 ; he is still with his parents, and attends school in Carlisle. The mother of this fan- ily holds membership in the Lutheran Church. Mr. Rice is, in political sentiment. a stanch Republican.
GEORGE W. HEFFELMAN. a well known citizen of New Cumberland, Cumber- land county, was born March 14. 1860, in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a descendant of a Prussian officer who served through the Revolutionary war, under General LaFay- ette, and became a pioneer settler of New Cumberland.
Lieut. Adolphus Hovelman, as the name was spelled in early days, the great-grand- father of George W., came from Prussia and served under the great French officer until the successful close of the struggle for freedom, and then settled, first in Lancaster. later in Lebanon and finally in Cumberland county, Pa. His pioneer home was a house of logs, which stood on the site now occu- pied by the Herman Cigar Manufacturing Co., in New Cumberland. His death took
26
402
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
place in 1804 and that of his widow some years later. and both were buried in Poplar churchyard.
Michael Heffelman, son of Adolphus, was born in New Cumberland, and later kept the old stone hotel at Newville. We have not much reliable data concerning this old citizen, but it is known that he was a stanch Democrat, and that he and his wife were both leading members of the Presby- terian Church.
Michael Heffelman (2), son of Michael, was born at Newville, passed his boyhood in the old stone hotel, and attended the local schools. Although he learned the saddler's trade it is doubtful if he ever followed it, for after his marriage and the birth of one child he removed his family, by wagon, to Clinton, Wayne county, Ohio, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for many years. Later he removed to Cleveland and spent his active years there as a merchant, finally retiring to Clinton, where he died in 1871, survived by his widow until 1889.
On June 23, 1847, Mr. Heffelman mar- ried Hannah Reifsnyder, daughter of Adam and Nancy Reifsnyder, of Newville, and children as follows were born to this union : Mary, who married J. D. Eisenberger, of New Cumberland; John, who died aged eleven years ; Annie, who died in childhood ; Jasper, who died aged eleven years; George W .. of this sketch; and Viola, who is the wife of William Zellers, of Fairview town- ship. York county. In politics Michael Hef- felman was a Democrat. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian, and his wife was also a devout member of the same denomination.
George W. Heffelman was educated in the common schools and did his first work as a driver for the canal-boats, walking many miles along the tow-path. Later he learned the carpenter's trade in New Cum-
berland and followed the same for twelve years. For some years he worked in various places at different branches of wood work, being an expert in almost all lines. From youth he had been seriously inclined, and in 1890 was impressed with the duty of enter- ing the ministry. He was licensed to preach in the United Brethren Church and served two years as pastor of the churches at Ray- ville, Md., and Bendersville, Adams county, Pa. He then located at New Cumberland and took an active interest in political mat- ters, was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland and served until the close of his administration. In 1902 he was chairman of the Democratic county committee, and has always shown his devotion to his party. In 1904 he was persuaded by his friends to become a candidate for the State Legisla- ture, but he was defeated by a small ma- jority.
In 1885, at New Market, York county, Pa., Mr. Heffelman was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Fisher, a daughter of John K. and Elizabeth ( Whisler) Fisher, of that place. The six children of this union are: Grace, John, Ruth, Claud, Marion and Dorothy.
Mr. Heffelman is a valued member of Trinity United Brethren Church at New Cumberland and a member of the Quarterly Conference. His fraternal associations are numerous, he being a member of the A. F. & A. M., Jr. O. U. A. M., Red Men, Daugh- ters of Liberty, Heptasophs and Modern Woodmen.
ARTHUR WING LINE, a farmer of South Middleton township, Cumberland county, living about three miles southwest of the city of Carlisle, is a member of one of the oldest families of this section of Pennsyl- vania. He is a great-great-grandson of
403
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
George Line, the first of this branch of the family of whom we have record, and a great-grandson of William Line, who served as a minute-man in the Revolutionary war, ยท and also took part in the engagements ot Trenton and Princeton. It fell to his lot to take some of the Hessian prisoners as labor- ers on the farm. His sword is still preserved in the family. William Line married Maria Bear, and they had a large family, viz. : Emanuel, George, David, Mary (Mrs. Spangler), Catherine (Mrs. Eby), Nancy ( Mrs. Musselman), Sarah ( Mrs. Tritt), Susan (Mrs. Myers), Rebecca (Mrs. Giv- ler), Lydia (Mrs. Myers) and Rachel ( Mrs. Snyder.
David Line, son of William, married Sarah Myers, and they had the following named children: John, now deceased; Dr. William, of Nebraska City, Neb .; George, deceased, father of Arthur W. ; David ; Sam- uel C., deceased; Mary A., Mrs. Greason, deceased; Matilda, Mrs. Huston, deceased ; Sarah Jane, Mrs. Huston ; and Frances, de- ceased. The father of this family passed away Jan. 31, 1864, and the mother survived until June 1, 1882, reaching the age of eighty-one years.
George Line, son of David, was born July 6, 1826, in Dickinson township, Cum- berland county, and was married in Novem- ber, 1851, to Isabella W. Huston, daughter of Jonathan and Amy (Spear) Huston, the former of whom was born in Cumberland county, son of John and Margaret ( Huston) Huston ; the latter was a native of Maine, and came to Pennsylvania with her mother and step father, Mr. Wheeler, who moved the next year to Morgan county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. George Line lived in South Mid- dleton township until 1872, when they re- moved to West Pennsboro township, also in Cumberland county, and there they made a
permanent home. They had a fine farm of .136 acres, Mr. Line still retaining a place of 100 acres in South Middleton township. which is part of the tract purchased from Gen. Armstrong in 1778 by a member of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Line had six children. four of whom died of diphtheria within two weeks, in October, 1862. The survivors are Arthur Wing and Dionycious Page, the lat- ter a resident of West Pennsboro township. George Line was one of the most respected citizens of Cumberland county. He was a strong advocate of temperance, and in po- litical faith a Republican.
Arthur W. Line attended the local pub- lic schools until he was seventeen years old, after which he became a student in the Nor- mal School at Shippensburg. He was reared to farm life, and when he started on his own account settled on the old home place in South Middleton township, where he has ever since made his home. His place com- prises about 100 acres, located three miles southwest of Carlisle, and he has done very well in his agricultural work, his prosperity being the result of thrift and excellent man- agement, as well as unceasing industry. He is an intelligent citizen, and much respected by all who have met him. Mr. Line has spent his life in his native county with the exception of a trip West, which he took about the time he reached his majority.
In December, 1879, Mr. Line was mar- ried to Miss Laura E. Kissinger, daughter of George and Maria Kissinger, and two children have blessed this union: Camella Grace, who is at home; and George William, who is at present attending the Normal School at Shippensburg, Cumberland county.
HENRY FISHER. Among the brave defenders of his country during the Civil war, who now is living the life of a farmer
404
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
in Hampden township. Cumberland county, may be mentioned Henry Fisher, who was born in Huntingdon county, Pa., Oct. 9. 1841, son of Daniel Fisher, a native of York county. this State. from which locality the family originally came.
Daniel Fisher obtained a common school education. and when he had attained mature years, he went to Huntingdon county, and there followed the calling of a farmer. There he was married to Miss Catherine Waite, daughter of Joseph Waite. Eight children were born to them: Henry; John. who enlisted in Company 1. 93d P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Cedar Creek ; Sanford. a member of the same regiment and company, who was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg: Mary, who married John Doecker. and has five children ; Katherine, who married William Walton, and has three children, William, Goldie and Roy; Ap- polonia, who married Samuel Hollinger, and has nine children, Gertrude, Guy, Charles, Mabel, William. Franklin, Jessie, Florence and Samuel; Flora, who married Frank Phillips : and Miss Rebecca, living at home in York county.
Henry Fisher was also educated in the common schools, which he attended until he was about eighteen years of age, when he left to work upon the farm. He was one of the first to enlist, the date of his enrollment being in September, 1861. He enlisted in Company I, 93d P. V. I., and was mustered into service Oct. 1, 1861. Mr. Fisher par- ticipated in twenty-one battles, some of them being the most decisive of the war. His regiment took part in the battles of Fred- ericksburg, Gettysburg, Second Battle of Bull Run, Cedar Creek, the Seven Days Fight in the Wilderness, and numerous oth- ers. In October, 1864, he received an hon- orable discharge, and was mustered out of
the service. Returning home to York county, he engaged in peaceful pursuits, and lias become an excellent farmer.
On Dec. 25. 1867. Mr. Fisher was mar- ried to Miss Katherine Sheely, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth ( Eichleberger) Sheely, of Cumberland county. Three chil- dren have been born to them: Flora and Margaret, both unmarried and living at home : and Minnie, who died in infancy.
Mr. Fisher and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, in which they are highly valued. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to politi- cal honors. His small farm of twelve acres is in a high state of cultivation, and his premises indicate that the owner is industri- ous, capable and thrifty. Both he and his wife are much esteemed. and have many friends in the neighborhood.
FRANCIS MENTZER, one of the rep- resentative men of Frankford township. Cumberland county, was born Feb. 4. 1840, in Frankford township, a son of Frederick and Martha ( Bowman) Mentzer. In 1860 he married Mary Drawbaugh, daughter of William and Polly ( Musser ) Drawbaugh. Mrs. Mentzer met her death Nov. 11, 1881. at the age of forty-one years, by the explo- sion of a coal oil lamp about eight o'clock in the evening. This estimable lady was the mother of the following children: Abner married Jane Zeigler, who died in Carlisle. and he subsequently married a Miss Gleim ; they live at Boiling Springs. Fred mirrie:1 a Miss McCaleb, and is located at Carlisle. where he is serving as deputy sheriff of Cumberland county. Mattie married T. ... Derrick and lives at Newville. Harvey mar- ried a Miss Musser and is located in Phila- delphia, where he is a prominent pharnicist. Francis married Emma Wolf and is located
405
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
in Frankford township. Minnie C. married J. S. Derr, and they live at Plainfield.
On Dec. 21. 1882. Mr. Mentzer married Catherine Mentzer, daughter of John and Eva ( Householder) Mentzer, of Frankford township, and children have been born to them as follows: Mamie, May 19. 1884. died May 4. 1885; Herman Clay. July 7. 1886: Bessie Annette, Nov. 9, 1888; John E., Oct. 7, 1893. In 1902 Mr. Mentzer re- tired to the old homestead in Frankford township. near Entlerville,which consists of a tract of 192 acres, of which seventy are in timber. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served his township as supervisor and reg- istrar. From 1900 to 1902 he served as steward of the County Home, and in every relation of life he has proved himself an hon- orable, upright man, and is deeply esteemed by all who know him.
On July 15. 1870, Mr. Mentzer sus- tained the loss by death of his brother, Wil- liam H. Mentzer. In March, 1883. another brother, John Mentzer, met his death by drowning, while attempting to ford the Conedogninet creek at Ahls Mill. near Newville.
WILLIAM A. ZIEGLER, a farmer and also mail carrier of Middlesex township, was born Oct. 10. 1848, on one of the farms in- herited by his father from the grandfather's large estate.
The first in the family in America was the great-grandfather, Philip Ziegler, who was born in Germany and came to America in 1765. He settled at first in Philadelphia, now Montgomery county, but in 1801 he re- moved to Cumberland county, and purchased a large tract of land in Middlesex township, the greater part of which still remains in the family. The portion on which the original homestead stood is now owned by A. J.
Ziegler. Philip Ziegler had but one son, also named Philip, but in the next generation there were several daughters and six sons : John, Abraham, Samuel. David, Jesse ( father of W. A.) and Philip.
Jesse Ziegler was born in Montgomery county. He married Miss Mary A. Peffer, whose girlhood was passed in Carlisle, and to their union the following children were born : Montgomery E., deceased : Sophie E., wife of Daniel R. Wilson, of Carlisle ; Amanda R .. deceased wife of C. P. Hum- rich : Eleanor H., who died young : Sarah E., Mrs. Levi Switzer, of Troy, Ohio; John H., of Middlesex township, who married Miss Sarah Lesher; Jesse P., of Plainfield, who married Miss Jennie Sellers; William A .; and Clara H., Mrs. Perry Ratcliffe, of Car- lisle.
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.