Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families, Part 76

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 76

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In politics Mr. Babble is a strong Demo- crat. He has served as judge of elections, and could have filled many offices, but has uniformly declined with the exception of the postmastership at Carlisle Springs. He is a thoroughly respected man, has reared a fine family, and is indebted to no man for his success.

Mr. Babble has been twice married, (first) to Phoebe Wertz, who died Oct. 26,

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1873. and (second) to Elizabeth Swartz. His children are: Emma, Mrs. Daniel Kunkle, of Cumberland county : Martha Jane, Mrs. Daniel Hoy, of Silver Spring township; Mary Ann, wife ( first) of William Vogle- song, and (second) W. A. Armstrong ; Catherine, Mrs. Isaac Brenizer, of Cumber- · land county ; Clara, Mrs. Daniel Witmer, of Cumberland county ; Susan, Mrs. Abraham Bierbower, of Cumberland county ; William H. and Samuel C., of Steelton, Pa .; and Talbert McClelland, of Philadelphia. Both Mr. and Mrs. Babble are members of the German Reformed Church of Carlisle Springs.

SAMUEL HEMMINGER (deceased), who during life was one of the substantial residents of South Middleton township, Cumberland county, was the son of John Hemminger.

John Hemminger was born in Middlesex township, Cumberland county, and was edu- cated in the pay schools of his neighbor- hood. When thirty years of age, he was united in marriage with Eliza Heagy, of Middlesex township. He then purchased a farm in South . Middleton township, which contained 200 acres of land, and was located two miles west of Carlisle. In 1865 he went to Carlisle, and lived retired from business life until his death, which took place in 1878. The children born to himself and wife were: John. deceased; Jane A., now deceased, who married Lafayette Peffer, and lived in Dick- inson township this county ; Sarah deceased ; Samuel, deceased; Catherine, who married Edwin Graham, and lives in the West; Will- iam, deceased, who married Elizabeth Tritt, daughter of Major Samuel Tritt; Joseph, who married Caroline Houston, daughter of John Houston, and both are deceased; Mary, who married William R. McColloch,

and lives at Shippensburg; Hettie, who mar- ried Joseph Beetem, and lives at Carlisle; Jacob, who married Ellen Drawbaugh ; George, a physician of Carlisle; and Susan, deceased.

The late Samuel Hemminger was born Jan. 28, 1827. In his young manhood he went to Indiana, but later, returned to Cum- berland county. He married Elizabeth Line, daughter of George Lefevre and Maria Line, and he and his bride settled upon the Ridge farm in Silver Spring township. There they remained until 1870, when they returned to South Middleton township, and resided on the old farm of 113 acres, which they pur- chased in 1869. There Mr. Hemminger continued farming until his demise, which occurred Oct. 28, 1881. For many years, he was a prominent Democrat, and served faithfully as a school director in South Mid- dleton township. He was a consistent and active member of the Lutheran Church, and was a truly good man, who lived out in his life the precepts of his faith. Seven chil- dren were born to himself and wife: Mil- ton L., of Newton township, Cumberland county ; John W .. who married Laura Bear, daughter of David Bear, of Nebraska; George E .. at home; Maria, deceased; and Samuel C., Joseph, and Mary E., all at home.

Mr. Hemminger possessed those qualities calculated to endear others to him, and he had many friends outside his immediate home circle. His death was deeply felt in the community, where he was regarded as a successful and practical farmer and honor- able business man.

ENOS M. RUSSELL, one of the prom- inent men of Cumberland county, Pa., a resi- clent of Elkwood and an honored survivor of the great Civil war, was born Feb. 22,

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IS40, in Chester county, a son of Harlan and Eliza (Martin) Russell.

Harlan Russell was born probably in Chester county also and was a carpenter by trade. He married in Chester county and settled near Doe Run, where his first wife died in 1847. Later he married Mrs. Sophia Drummond, and died in the fall of 1885, at the home of his son Enos, his second wife having died some five years previous. The children of Harlan Russell were as follows: Calvin was in business in St. Louis, Mo .. for some years, and then went to Salt Lake City. where he became overseer of railroad build- ing ; he was shot in 1868 by two of his em- ployes. Mary. Mrs. William Robinson, died in Chester county in 1864. Lewis died aged ten years. Phoebe married her brother-in- law, William Robinson. Emma married Samuel Lloyd, of Spruce Grove, Lancaster county. Martin, is in the sheep herding busi- ness at Three Creek, Idaho. The early mem- bers of the family came to America from Scotland, landing first in Maryland.

Enos M. Russell, now one of the promi- nent men of his locality, and one who has been the recipient of many honors, has had. also, more to contend with than many of his fellow citizens. Left motherless at the tend- er age of seven years, after which his father broke up housekeeping for a time, he had few educational advantages and lost that tender maternal care which smooths the path of childhood. At the age of fifteen years he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and completed his term of apprenticeship in Chester county just in time to enlist almost at the very outbreak of the Civil war. He became a member of Company A, Ist Pennsylvania Reserves, on April 20, 1861. a private under Capt. McIntire and Col. Rob- erts. He accompanied the regiment in all its campaigns until the battle of South

Mountain, when his left leg was shattered, below the knee. Remembering, as we do, the great lack of surgical appliances at that time, and the almost total absence of the merciful anesthetics of the present day, we, of a younger generation, read of the suffer- ing of the war heroes of 1861 with moistened eye and deep sympathy. From the battle- field Mr. Russell was conveyed to the hos- pital at Middletown, Md., and later home. As soon as possible he was fitted with an artificial leg, which kept him from return- ing to the active service of his country and prevented work at his trade. In looking about Mr. Russell learned two new trades, both at Coatesville, Pa., one being the mak- ing of a patent pocket which is a pro- tection from pickpockets, and the other me- chanical dentistry. During a visit to Car- lisle, in 1863, he was on horseback, by the side of Gen. Smith, when the Confederates advanced on the city, and they just escaped the first shell which was fired into the city, the court house, near which they were stand- ing, probably being the target.

In the winter of 1868 Mr. Russell went to Harrisburg and was employed during that session at the State Capitol as a paster and folder of records. In the spring of 1869 he hired with Judge A. O. Hiester on his truck and fruit farm, and was there seventeen years. He was repeatedly elected tax col- lector of Susquehanna township, Dauphin county, and from that was appointed, Jan. 26, 1887, as messenger of the Flag room, by Gov. Beaver, being reappointed under the administrations of Pattison, Hastings, Stone and Pennypacker. In the spring of 1887 he removed to Harrisburg, where he made his residence until November, 1899, when he came to Lower Allen township, and in 1902 removed to his handsome new home in Elk- wood.

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

On Oct. 2. 1870, Mr. Russell was mar- ried ( first ) to Mrs. Mary Rinebarger, daugh- ter of Benjamin Unger, a member of one of the oldest families of Dauphin county. Mr. Unger died with our subject, at the age of eighty years. Mrs. Russell died Dec. 3. 1892. and is buried in Paxton Church cem- etery. Susquehanna township, Dauphin county. She was a devout member of the M. E. Church. On Feb. 1, 1894, Mr. Rus- sell was married (second) to Miss Carrie Coyle, who was born in Lancaster county, daughter of Henry and Susanna ( Becker) Coyle, the former of whom was a farmer all his life. His death took place in 1857, in Lancaster county. Later his widow married Frederick Heiner in Lancaster county and they subsequently removed to Perry county. Mr. Heine: enlisted in the 49th P. V. I., and after his return from the army lived for a time in Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa., re- moving to Harrisburg, where he died July 21. 1891. His widow still resides in that city.

Mr. Russell has but one child, a daugh- ter Mary, who became the wife of W. F. Kepler. May 7, 1892. The latter was born May 1. 1869, at Quincy, Franklin Co., Pa., and was educated in the district schools, and is now employed by his father as flor- ist. in Lower Allen township. He is a son of John A. and Martha ( McCleary) Kepler, both of whom were born in Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Kepler, have three children, Mary A., Martha V. and Esther R. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kepler are members of the U. B. Church at New Cumberland. In politics Mr. Kepler is an Independent Republican. He is prominent in a number of fraternal orders, belonging to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, No. 335, Chambersburg; the Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 185, New Cumberland ;

Red Men. No. 183, New Cumberland; and Heptasophs, No. 42, of Harrisburg.

While residents of Harrisburg Mr. and Mrs. Russell were associated with the Fifth Street Methodist Church, in which he served many years as trustee and steward and taught a Bible class in the Sunday-school. At present both are valued members and liberal supporters of the Methodist Church in New Cumberland. He first united with the church in 1870, in Coxtown, Dauphin county.

Mr. Russell cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He belongs to Grand Army Post No. 58, of Harrisburg, and is a 'welcome mem- ber and comrade of the Knights of Malta, No. 96, of Harrisburg; and the Heptasophs, No. 42, of the same city.

JOHN K. KNISLEY, now living prac- tically retired, who has been one of the prominent business men of Upper Allen township, Cumberland county, was born Feb. 13, 1835, in York county, Pennsylvania.

Samuel Knisley, his grandfather, was born in Cumberland county, where he fol- lowed the trade of miller at Hertzler's mill, which is locally well known. His death took place in 1820, at the age of forty years. His wife was Mary Kaufman, of Boiling Springs, who died in 1846. They had chil- dren : Samuel, Jacob, Christina and John. Christina died in 1884, unmarried, at the age of fifty-eight years.

Samuel Knisley was born in 1810, in Cumberland county, and carried on a farm of seventy-five acres in Upper Allen town- ship for years. His death took place in 1851. He married Hannah Gribble, of Cumberland county, who died in 1870, and they had the

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

following children: Jacob, Levi, Harriet, Mary Ann, Priscilla, Christina, Caroline, Jane, Almira and Hannah, all of whom have passed away except Christina, who married William Gates. They reside near Wellsville, and have one child, a daughter.

Jacob Knisley married Nancy Halferty, daughter of Edward Halferty, of York county, and died in 1893, survived by his widow until 1900: they had children-John. Levi ( deceased ) and Margaret.

John Knisley, father of our subject, was born at Hertzler's mill, in Cumberland county, in 1799. He followed the milling business in connection with farming. In 1820 he married Mary Kaufman, and they had two children, as follows : Mary, wife of David Plank, settled in Illinois; Catherine married Jacob Baer, and they settled in Ohio. All have now passed out of life. John Knisley's second marriage was to Elizabeth Sultzberger, of Cumberland coun- ty, who died at Mechanicsburg, aged ninety- five years. They had these children : David, Ann, Elizabeth, Leah, Hettie, John K. and Hannah, of whom David was a car- penter and farmer; he first married Eva Allison, who died in 1848, and he married for his second wife Sophia Dare, who died in 1899, surviving her husband seven years. Ann married David Cocklin, of Cumberland county, and died in 1878, her husband dying in 1880, both in York county ; their children were John K., Catherine, Jane. Samuel, George, Delia, Emma. Fannie, Calista, and Susan (who died in infancy). Elizabeth is the widow of Abram Sheaffer, and lives in York county, he having died in 1885, leav- ing children-Martha, Wesley. Lizzie, Em- ma. Jacob, Calvin and John. Leah married D. A. Fulton, a carpenter now living in Cameron county, and died in 1893, survived by these children-Thomas, David. John,

Bertha, Harry and Jane. Hettie married David Rinderknecht, of Cumberland county. and died in 1874, surviving her husband four years and leaving one son, George. Hannah married David H. Coble, a farmer of Upper Allen township, and their children are James, Annie, Elizabeth, Agatha, Lizzie. Irene and Minta.

John K. Knisley was educated at what was known as the Feiley school, and when his school days ended, engaged in quarrying and lime burning for a period of five years. Then he learned pump making with John Grable, at Siddenstown, and followed it off and on for the following six years, after which he engaged extensively in a lumber business, working in Cameron and Elk counties until 1870, when he moved into Shepherdstown and bought the property on which he at present resides. From 1870 until 1872 he was variously engaged, and then accepted the superintendency of the lime kilns belonging to the capitalist, John C. Miller, of Shepherdstown, with whom he continued for fourteen years. Following his retirement from the lime burning busi- ness he helped in the building of many houses and barns in his vicinity, being a practical and skillful workman in almost any line, but for some years he has been retired from the cares of business, residing in his pleasant home in Shepherdstown, where he is highly esteemed.

In 1869 Mr. Knisley married Eliza Jane (Kerr) Cocklin, of York county. Her grandfather, William Kerr, came to Amer- ica from Ireland in boyhood, and settled in Bedford county, Pa., where he engaged in farming and lived to an old age. His son William, father of Mrs. Knisley, was born in 1800 in York county, and married Eliza- beth Gates, who died in Upper Allen town- ship in 1904, aged ninety-nine years. They

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had the following children: John died in infancy; Henry died in 1894, aged seventy years ; William died in 1895, aged seventy years; James died in infancy; Thomas died in 1895, aged fifty years; George died in ISSO, aged forty-one years; Jonathan is a resident of Maryland; Margaret died in infancy ; Sarah is a resident of York county; Eliza Jane is the wife of John K. Knisley. Henry Gates, grandfather of Mrs. Knisley, and his father. also named Henry, were natives of Germany and settled in York county. Henry Gates, the younger, married Elizabeth Gibboney, who was a native of York county, of Scotch-Irish descent.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Mr. Knisley is a Republi- can. For many years he has been a leading member of the German Baptist Church, and Mrs. Knisley is a member of the Reformed Church.

JONATHAN BEAR (deceased), for many years a prosperous farmer of West Pennsboro township, Cumberland county, was a native of that township, born July 4. 1819. He was a grandson of John Bear, and a son of Samuel Bear, who married Sarah Zeigler, daughter of Philip Zeigler. They settled in what is now known as Bear's district, in West Pennsboro township, and there Mr. Bear passed the remainder of his days, dying April 30, 1855, in his sixty- eighth year. His widow died in Plainfield, Dec. 26, 1871, aged eighty years and five months. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, eight of whom reached maturity : Catharine (Mrs. Steiner), Jonathan, Mary (Mrs. Seitz), Rebecca, Elizabeth, John, David and Philip,

Jonathan Bear was reared and educated in his native township, and on commencing farming on his own account settled on the

farm near Conedoguinet creek, where he resided until August, 1884. He then moved to the place which has since been the family home, a beautiful little tract of six acres near Elliottson, and also retained the ownership of a fine place of 132 acres in West Penns- boro township, now owned by S. L. Eppley, his son-in-law. On Jan. 11, 1849, Mr. Bear married Miss Maria Bear, daughter of Henry and Polly (Bear) Bear, of Lancaster county, Pa .. and to this union were born nine children, four of whom survive : Abner, Mary ( Mr3. Eppley), Sarah and Elizabeth, the two last named now living at the home in West Pennsboro left them by their father. Abner is living in Mechanicsburg ; he mar- ried Rebecca Huston, and they have had five children : Charles, who is in New York ; Harry L., in Waynesboro; Bessie M., who is teaching school in Mechanicsburg; and Dale and Clarence, who are still going to school. Of the deceased, Ellen died when seventeen years old; Emma, when fifteen; Samuel, when nineteen; and Rebecca and Catharine died when small.

Mr. Bear lived retired for the last few years preceding his death, which occurred in 1895, and the wife passed away in 1896. He and his family adhered to the faith of the Reformed Mennonite Church. They are among the best people of the community, and the family has always been noted for thrift and integrity.

JOHN B. SWARTZ, a man of intelli- gence and excellent business capacity, who is largely interested in the development of Cumberland county, was born on a farm in Huntingdon county, Pa., Dec. 31, 1842, son of Joseph and Susan (Shade) Swartz, worthy citizens of German descent.

Joseph Swartz, the father, was born in Perry county, Pa., in 1826, and he died

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

Feb. 18, 1890. He was one of the prosper- ous farmers of Hopewell township, Cumber- land county at the time of his demise. In religious belief he was a Baptist, while in political matters, he voted the Democratic ticket. His wife, Susan Shade, was born in Perry county, in 1827. The following chil- dren were born of their marriage, all of whom lived to maturity: Jesse; Catherine; John B .; Peter B .; Samuel M .; Martha M., wife of Matthew Kling; Elizabeth, deceased; Joseph, deceased; David, deceased; Anna, deceased ; and Daniel, deceased.

John B. Swartz was educated at the dis- trict school in Perry county, near which he resided, and he moved with his parents to Hopewell township, Cumberland county, where he continued his studies two winters. Until he was twenty-four the young man re- mained with his father on the farm, then, in November, 1866, he married Miss Elizabeth Mitchel, of Hopewell township, daughter of William and Mary Hannah Mitchel, born in that township, Jan. 31, 1841. After his marriage Mr. Swartz settled in Hopewell, on a rented farm, and engaged in farming and stock raising, in which he was quite suc- cessful. Later, he bought a farm in Mifflin township, and moved there, soon buying a farm adjoining, making 300 acres in all, and upon it he erected an excellent house and barn. He continued to live upon it until 1900. In the meanwhile he erected a saw- mill. which he operated, his product being hard lumber suitable for railroad use and car building. In 1900 he removed to New- ville, where he has since made his home, looking after his various interests, his son Joseph renting the farm.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Swartz were : Mervin H., of Hopewell town- ship, a successful merchant; Frank S., of Newville, where he conducts a blacksmith

and repair shop, and sells machinery; Will- iam N., in the United States mail service, his route being from Newville and Heberlig to Tabor; Joseph A., farming the home place; Ralph, who engages in farming, and also operates a milk separator; John A., of Bridgewater, Mifflin township, where he conducts a feed mill and engages in farming ; Rena, at home. Mr. Swartz is a Democrat in politics, and ably served as assessor of Mifflin township for three years, was auditor for two years, and supervisor two years. Mrs. Swartz is a member of the United Brethren Church.

JEREMIAH GLATFELTER, one .of the successful farmers and much respected citizens of Middlesex township, Cumberland county, was born Dec. 10, 1839, in New- berry township, York county, Pa., the only child of Jolin and Annie E. (Shelley) Glatfelter, his mother dying when he was only sixteen days old.

Casper Glatfelter was born in 1709, in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, and he emigrated to America and became the founder of the family in York county, Pa. This was the great-great-grandfather of our subject. John Glatfelter, son of Casper, was the father of George Glatfelter, who was born in 1788, in Warrington township, York county, and died in 1821.

John Glatfelter, son of George and father of Jeremiah, was born Oct. 15, 1813. in York county, and married Annie E. Shel- ley, born there in 1817. He removed to Goldsboro, where his wife died, leaving our subject an infant. Mr. Glatfelter married (second) Miss Susan Kratzer, born Aug. 28, 1805, in Warwick township, Lancaster county, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Marks) Kratzer. In 1842 he came to Cum- berland county, and after marriage, settled

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on the Kratzer home farm in Middlesex township. There he became a successful farmer. in 1871 retiring from active work, and dying July 23. 1896. His wife died Nov. 26, 1896. Mr. Glatfelter was a Whig in early life, and later was identified with the Republican party. He was a very re- liable man and held a number of the minor township offices. Both he and wife were consistent members of the Evangelical Church.

Jeremiah Glatfelter was reared in Mid- dlesex township. and when his father died was heir to the farm. being the only child of both marriages. Thus his whole life has been passed in this locality engaged in agri- cultural pursuits, in which he has been very successful.

On Nov. 26, 1863. Mr. Glatfelter mar- ried (first) Elizabeth Grubb, and (second) Nov. 18. 1879. Sarah Bricker, and (third) April 29, 1892, Mary E. Jones, daughter of Samuel and Hettie (Eshleman) Jones, the former of whom is deceased, the latter still surviving. They were prominent farming people of Lancaster county.

Mr. and Mrs. Glatfelter are members of the Evangelical Church, he having held official position in the same. In August, 1896, he donated to the Evangelical Church at Drytown, as a memorial of his parents, John Glatfelter and wife, the bell that graces the tower. 1

· GEORGE W. FOGELSANGER, a re- tired farmer and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, who lives in comfortable retirement at Shippensburg, Pa., was born July 14, 1834, on a farm some two miles northwest of that city, a son of Dr. Wendell and Betsy (Deihl) Fogelsanger.

Dr. Wendell Fogelsanger was born in Pennsylvania and belonged to one of the old

and prominent families of this section, being a son of David Fogelsanger, who was born in Germany. The latter emigrated to Amer- ica prior to the Revolutionary war, in which he took part, serving in the patriot army with the rank of a major-general. The mother of our subject was born in Cumber- land county, near the old Deihl homestead, a daughter of Peter and Esther (Rotz) Deihl, also old residents of this county. She died in 1869. The children of Dr. Fogel- sanger and his wife were: Barbara, de- ceased ; Elizabeth, deceased : David. of New- burg; Jacob, deceased; John, a farmer in Lurgan township, Franklin county; Wen- dell, a farmer in Southampton township, Franklin county; and George W., whose name introduces this sketch.

George W. Fogelsanger was reared on the farm and his education was obtained in the district schools, the sessions being held in the primitive log houses of the time. He remained on the farm until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the service of his country, entering Company D, 130th P. V. I., with Col. Zinn commanding, and before he again saw his peaceful home he had participated in some of the most decisive battles of the war, had suffered many of its misfortunes and had won the commendation of his comrades for his gallantry and valor. With his regi- ment, in the Army of the Potomac, he took part in the battle of Antietam, and those of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, at Chancellorsville being severely wounded through the body by a gunshot wound and also in the arm. He was honorably dis- charged after almost four years of service. Mr. Fogelsanger returned home, but it was a long time before he had recovered suffi- ciently from his wounds and exposure to be able to resume work of any kind.

On Dec. 10, 1857, Mr. Fogelsanger

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

married Lydia C. Black, of Shippensburg, daughter of John and Margaret ( Deardorf) Black, the former of whom was a soldier of the War of 1812. To this union the follow- ing children were born: Ida M., wife of John Deihl; John T., deceased; Anna May, wife of George W. Noftsker, the large car- riage manufacturer: Mary Jane, wife of Samuel Freet, a prominent contractor of Shippensburg; and Minnie G., wife of Robert Reed, an employe of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company.

Mr. Fogelsanger affiliates with the Re- publican party. He and wife are leading members of the U. B. Church, in which he has served as deacon, clerk and class-leader. Surrounded by his numerous family, which includes twenty-two grandchildren, this brave soldier and estimable citizen is passing the evening of life in the enjoyment of the respect and esteem of all who know him.

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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 76

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