Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families, Part 80

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 80

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Elmer E. Enck attended the township schools until he was eighteen years of age, and then worked for his father until he was twenty-nine years of age, when he was ap- pointed postmaster of Allen post office, in Churchtown. He has continued to discharge the duties of that office, and in conjunction with it operates a cigar store. He located in his present home at the time of his marriage.

In 1889 Mr. Enck married Miss Cora Gates, and the children are: Arthur, born May 8, 1900; and Romaine, born Feb. 14, 1902. Mr. Enck belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In his political faith he is a stanch Republican, and in his religious connection is a member of the Lutheran Church of Churchtown.

GATES. Mrs. Elmer E. Enck comes of an early settled Pennsylvania family. Her grandfather was born in York county, and was a cooper by trade, coming to Cumber- land county when about sixty years of age, and there dying aged eighty-one years.

Levi Gates, son of John, was born in

York county, and came to Cumberland county when a boy, learning the saddler's trade, which he followed until his death in 1898. He had his place of business on the present site of the post office at Churchtown, and conducted his establishment there for forty-two years. During his life, he spent fifteen months at Boiling Springs. He mar- ried Ellen Tomey, of Cumberland county, who died in 1880, at Churchtown. The chil- dren of this marriage were. Mrs. Harry Markley; Mrs. John Nickey: Addison ; Jennie Gross : Sheridan, who died at Toledo, Iowa, in 1904; Mrs. Elmer E. Enck; Harry L. ; and Linden.

GEORGE WILLIAM GEBHART, formerly one of the well-known railroad men of Cumberland county, but now living re- tired in a comfortable home in Lemoyne, is one of the self-made men of his locality, and as such receives, as he deserves, the respect of his fellow citizens. He was born March 6. 1846, in Dover township. York Co., Pa., a son of Nicholas and Theresa Catherine (Gebhart ) Gebhart.

Nicholas Gebhart was born in 1812. in Baden, Germany, and came to the United States in 1836. At York. Pa .. he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed many years. Soon after his arrival in York he married Theresa Catherine Gebhart, who was born in Wurtemberg. Germany, and came to the United States with her brothers. In 1867 the parents removed to Adams county, Pa., after keeping a hotel for over two years in Dover township, York county, and followed farming on a small scale. There he died Jan. 19, 1885. his widow sur- viving until Feb. 22, 1895. In their own land they had been reared Catholics, and in America brought up their children in the same faith. The children were: Jacob, who

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married Mary Ann Neff: Mary, wife of Henry Kuhn, of Adams county; Nicholas, who married Mary Staub, and they reside at Centennial. Adams county : George Wil- liam. of this sketch: Frank K., of Sugar- town. Pa. : Kate, who married Peter Wager- man. of Adams county ; Christian, who mar- ried Louisa Wagerman, of Adams county: Theresa Elizabeth. who married Henry Rang, of Machiastown. York county; and Martin, of Adams county.

Mr. Gebhart's maternal grandparents came to the United States, and the grand- father died on the way between Missouri and Pennsylvania. He was a peddler of notions.

George William Gebhart may be called the father of Riverton as his house. erected in 1890, was the first one in the village. Un- til he was twelve years old he attended the winter sessions of the district school, spend- ing his summers in farm work. After leav- ing school he hired out to Christian Hertzler. of Churchtown, and received his board and $18 a month. For three years he continued with Mr. Hertzler and then entered Benja- min Givler's mill, on Yellow Breeches creek. on a part of Mr. Clark's farm. His next employer was Michael Landis, a farmer near Churchtown, and he hired out to different men for the next seven years, his value as a workman continually increasing. In 1866 Mr. Gebhart entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Steel Co., at Steelton, as a laborer, but had worked only six months when an attack of malaria, which was epi- demic there on account of the swampy con- dition of the surroundings, made him seek other employment. This proved tobe driv- ing the omnibus for the "Bolton House" at Harrisburg, and he remained there two years. In 1869 he went on the railroad as section hand on the Northern Central, served three years, and was then promoted to as-

sistant foreman. After six years in this po- sition he was made foreman, and continued thus until 1899. when he resigned, and has lived retired ever since. Through many hardships Mr. Gebhart has made his own way to success, and he was fortunate in se- curing a wife who assisted him in every way she was able, so that they both can now en- joy the results of their former industry and economy.

Mr. Gebhart was married, Aug. 15. 1870, in the German Catholic Church at Harris- burg, by Rev. Father Koppernagle, to Miss Margaret Neff, who was born in Perry county. When she was one year old her parents located near Port Royal, Juniata county, where she grew to womanhood. From the age of eleven years she has been self-supporting, and has proved a capable, estimable woman in every relation of life. Her father, John Neff, was born in 1809, in Ireland, and accompanied a brother to the United States when he was six years of age. John Neff married Sally Kalebaugh, who was born in York county, and they lived in Perry county and then in Juniata county, moving to Cumberland county in 1870. Mr. Neff died in 1887, at Boiling Springs, Cum- berland county, in his seventy-ninth year. Mrs. Neff survived until April 2, 1901, reaching the age of eighty-eight years. John Neff and his wife had children as follows: Sarah married Joseph Hosler, of Silver Spring township, Cumberland county ; Har- riet married Adam Fisher, of Mifflin, Jun- iata county; Christian, of Juniata county, married Mary Sween, of Cumberland coun- ty; George is now a resident of Kansas (he served one year in the Civil war) ; Henry, who served three years and nine months in the Civil war, resides at Bowmansdale ; Mary- Ann married Jacob Gebhart, brother of our subject, who served nine months during the

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Civil war, and died April 12, 1875; Augus- tus, of Harrisburg. was another member of this patriotic family, giving one year to ser- vice in the Civil war ( he married Mrs. Lydia Fistle) ; Margaret is Mrs. Gebhart; Amanda is the widow of William Hamilton, of Boil- ing Springs.

Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart are consistent members of the German Catholic Church at Harrisburg. In politics he is a stanch Dem- ocrat. They had one child, that died in in- fancy, and they took a child to bring up, Lawrence E. Gebhart. son of J. J. Gebhart, who died when this son was an infant. Lawrence E. Gebhart died after being with Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart eight years and five months.

ESLINGER. The family of Jacob Es- linger, Sr., was born in the Susquehanna river town of West Fairview, Upper Pre- cinct of East Pennsboro township, Cumber- land county, Pa .. during the first half of the decade following the close of the Civil war. The father died May 4. 1875, at the age of fifty-two years, leaving the widow, Mrs. Leah Jane (Megonnel) Eslinger, formerly of York county, to care for three small chil- dren, yet in their infancy, and without any financial support whatever. The mother's desire was to rear these children in her own household, which she accomplished by extra good management, hard work and much self-denial and discomfort.

William Sherman Eslinger, the senior member of the family, was born June 17, 1865, and by occupation was a corrugator of flouring-mill rolls, in which work he was quite proficient. Prior to taking up this work he was an ironmaker in the nail depart- ment of the Harrisburg Nail Works, at West Fairview, Pa. On April 1, 1896, he entered the mercantile business in his native

town, where he remained until April 28, 1902, when his mental faculties became de- bilitated, superinduced by an accident he was in on the Norfolk & Western railway at Mondell Switch, near Hagerstown, Md., May 15, 1892, and after two years of suf- fering at the Cumberland County Home Hospital at Carlisle, he succumbed to peri- tonitis, which had pursued him continually from the very day of his misfortune until the time of his death, April 10, 1904.

Mary Elizabeth Eslinger, the second of the family, born March 7, 1869, is a piano and organ instructor, and fully master of this intricate art. She married George W. Bowman, Oct. 15, 1903.

ELIAS EDWARD ESLINGER, the youngest of the children, and the writer of this family biography, was born June 17, 1871, on the sixth anniversary of his brother's birth. He is a graduate of the West Fairview high school, and the Harrisburg ( Pa.) Business College, class of 1888. For five years he was an accountant in Harrisburg. In 1895 he graduated at the Central State Normal School of Pennsylvania, at Lock Haven, then read law one year, and taught in a busi. ness college. On April 1, 1896, he and his brother engaged in the general merchandise business at West Fairview, in which place and business he may still be found.

The members of his family have always lived according to their means, never letting the illogics, "Better be out of the world than out of fashion" and "let every day provide for itself," lead them into the obnoxious practice of dishonesty and degrading inso- briety. They have at no time defied the laws of the land by violating them, nor have they defended themselves for any grievance what- ever in any court of justice. They have al- ways found pleasure in not strewing their neighbors' paths with thorns and in believ-

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ing that comfort. peace and happiness are intended alike for all. and their hope of the future is seen through the transparency of living for others as well as for themselves. and in making success in life retaliatory and reciprocal.

In the department of politics. the sons have long followed the pennon of a leader in the ranks of the Democratic party, but they at no time have felt obligated to sup- port the ticket, as neither cash nor office magnetized their votes, exercising their right of franchise as non-coerced citizens. By so doing they directed their strength to the wel- fare of the whole country.

Jacob Eslinger, the father of these chil- dren. was of German descent. his father, a native of Germany, immigrating to the United States about the year 1800. He was an ironworker and contractor for the sinking of hand dug wells. He was a soldier in the Civil war and traversed the Dismal Swamps and much of the South, and although he re- mained a private until his honorable dis- charge, at Harrisburg, Ang. 3. 1865, he was ever found ready and willing to do a faithful soldier's part. He is survived by one brother Samuel, Sr., who is nearing the fourscore mark ; his other brothers, Levi. Adam. Nich- olas, Joseph and John, are deceased ; Paulina, his only sister, was married to George Mann, Sr., a farmer, and with her husband has joined "the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm."

The mother of this household was Leah Jane ( Megonnel) Eslinger. Her brothers, William, a miller, Henry, a farmer, and David, an ironworker, are still living, and her sisters, Susan Yinger and Harriet Wit- mer, still survive. Elizabeth ( deceased) married John Graybill, of Ohio, a public school teacher, whose daughter, Miss Susy Edith Graybill, is a professor in the Mas-

silon (Ohio) public schools. Her father was a native of York county, following farming as an occupation, and he was a man given to charity and hospitality, with malice towards none. Her maternal grandfather served in the war of 1812, and while crossing the Ca- nadian border, en route to his home in Penn- sylvania, illness intercepted him under the soothing silence of a gigantic sycamore, where his journey abruptly came to an end.

Mrs. Eslinger inherited her father's tem- perament and hence was always found cheer- ful and obliging. During life she met with many misfortunes, and was for many years on her own physical resources in the support of herself and two families of three small children each, yet she reared them without a father's care. She died Nov. 22, 1901. in the seventieth year of her age, with the dying words on her lips, "Jesus take me home."

J. R. HOSLER, for a number of years a prosperous farmer of South Middleton township, and a successful traveling man. is now one of the honored residents of Car- lisle. He is a son of Henry and Hettie ( Rit- ner ) Hosler.

Henry Hosler was born in 1818, in York county, Pa., but when a boy went with his father to Dillsburg, Pa., where the latter had purchased a large tract of land, consist- ing of 300 acres of woodland. It was his in- tention to cut off the lumber and char the stumps, but while engaged in this laborious task, he died, aged thirty-three years. Henry Hosler later came to Cumberland county, and lived with an uncle, John Hosler, being at that time only twelve years of age. He was to attend school in North Middleton township in the winter, and work on the farm in the summer, but was deprived of that op- portunity, and when only fifteen he began

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wagoning to Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Baltimore, which he followed for several years. He then entered the employ of Jacob Ritner on the farm. While there he married and removed to Paris, Illinois.

In 1853 Henry Hosler married Hettie Ritner, daughter of Jacob and Alice (Scott) Ritner, of Cumberland county. Immediately after his marriage he went to Paris, Ill., and there remained two and a half years, when he returned to Pennsylvania and settled on the farm of Jacob Ritner, in South Middle- ton township, and farmed 150 acres until 1879, when he built a residence on West street. Carlisle, and lived retired until his death in 1902. He passed away firm in the faith of the Evangelical Church, of which both he and his wife were members. She died in 1903, at her. home on West street, Carlisle.

J. R. Hosler was born at Paris, Ill., May 24, 1855, but he was brought to Cumberland county when a small boy by his parents, and educated in the schools of South Middleton township, continuing to attend school until seventeen years of age. He then came with his father to Carlisle, and was given the ad- vantage of a course at the Spencer Commer- cial School, from which he was graduated in 1880.

In 1883. Mr. Hosler married Frances E. Myers, daughter of Dr. W. G. and Eunice (Pearson) Myers, of Philadelphia. The young couple went to live upon the Hosler farm in South Middleton township, where our subject made a great many improve- ments, including the erection of a residence. After about seven years, he built on A street, Carlisle, but after a few years, returned to the farm, and there remained until 1903. when he moved to his father's late residence on West street, Carlisle, now his permanent home. Mr. Hosler has traveled extensively

over Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Delaware for the Deering Company, of Chicago, and has been their representative for about three years. One child has been born to himself and wife. Joseph Ritner, now a bright little fellow, attending the Franklin school of Carlisle. In politics, Mr. Hosler is a Republican, but has never sought office. Mrs. Hosler is a member of the St. John Episcopal Church of Carlisle. Mr. and Mrs. Hosler are very highly esteemed people, who have many warm, personal friends in Car- lisle and South Middleton township.

THOMAS A. DERICK. a prosperous and extensive agriculturist, successful manu- facturer of spokes and wheel rims and hard lumber, and one of the leading business men of Newville, Cumberland county, Pa., was born in Perry county. Pa .. Nov. 2, 1858, son of Peter and Leah ( Bristline) Derick. George Derick, the grandfather of Thomas A., was born in Dauphin county, Pa., and died in 1875. He married a Miss Troutman, daughter of Andrew B. Trout- man. His second wife was Miss Sarah Roath, who was of German parentage.

Peter Derick, son of George and father of Thomas A., was born in Dauphin county in 1832, and his wife was born in Perry county, in 1838. Soon after marriage they moved to Cumberland county and located near Newville, where the father engaged actively in farming and stock raising, and they lived there for a number of years, finally removing to Frankford township. three miles northwest of Newville. Peter Derick became one of the prosperous farmers of that locality, purchasing a farm of 140 acres upon which he died in 1901. His remains were tenderly interred in the Newville cemetery according to the services of the Zion Luth- eran Church, of which he was a member,

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and in which he took a prominent part dur- ing his lifetime. He was a man of intelli- gence. well read for his time. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Derick : Thomas A. : George A., a farmer ; Louis Foust : Mary E., deceased; and Charles T .. road foreman for the Pennsyl- vania Railway Co., at Altoona. Pennsyl- vania.

After attending the Green Spring school- house Thomas A. Derick went to the New- ville high school, where he completed his school days and returned home, assisting his father until the latter's death. In 1891 Mr. Derick married Mattie Mentzer, of Grea- son. Cumberland county, Pa., the eldest daughter of Francis Mentzer, a prominent citizen of Newville, in which place he was a general merchant for many years. They were the parents of four children: Mary L., Francis P., George C. and Charles MI.

Following his marriage Mr. Derick lo- cated at Newville, engaged in the mercantile business, and conducted a general store until 1893. In the meanwhile he was interested in other matters, and in 1894 organized a company and began the manufacture of spokes and wheel rims. Associated with him was William A. Hefflefinger, and the firm name was Derick & Hefflefinger. The plant was enlarged, new machinery intro- duced, and the concern was so operated until 1899. when John J. Hursh became the part- ner of Mr. Derick, the name becoming Der- ick & Hursh, as it still continues. The firm employs a large force of men, and the prod- uct finds a ready market over a wide terri- tory. Another large interest of Mr. Derick is his farm of 380 acres, part woodland, upon which he has a profitable sawmill, and he saws out a good portion of the timber used in the factory, and also timber for the manu- facture of hardwood. He also owns a good

dairy, milking thirteen Jersey and Holstein cows of high grade. His farm is conveni- ently located in Newton township, Cumber- land county, and is a very valuable property.

Mr. Derick affiliates with the Democratic party, and was honored by election as a miem- ber of the city council, where he made him- self felt by his sound judgment and excellent business methods. He is a prominent Ma- son, being connected with Big Spring Lodge, No. 361, A. F. & A. M., of which he is treas- urer ; he is also a member of Newville Lodge; No. 173. I. O. O. F. ; of the Royal Arcanum, of which lodge he is treasurer ; and he is a member and trustee of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He and his wife are con- sistent members of the Zion Lutheran Church, and Mr. Derick has served as sec- retary of the Sunday-school. The entire family are prominent in church work, and are relied upon for all charitable work of this class. Socially, Mr. Derick is very popular, as is also Mrs. Derick and the young people, and their pleasant home is a favorite gather- ing place for the many friends of all, for the Dericks are noted for their hospitality. The success which has attended Mr. Derick in every undertaking has been attained through hard work, excellent management and keen business judgment.

GEORGE A. GAMBER, proprietor of the Green Spring Mill, Newville, Cumber- land county, once known as the Snyder Mills, was born in this county, in April, 1836, son of William and Agnes ( Sites ) Gamber.

William Gamber was born in Dauphin county, Pa., in 1800, son of George Gamber, a native of Germany. He learned the trade of a shoemaker, and in the car- lier days, woukl go from family to family making shoes, and he worked at his bench for fifty years. His wife

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Agnes Sites, daughter of George Sites, was born in Cumberland county, near New- ville, about 1806, and she died in 1863. The children born to William Gamber and wife were as follows: Catherine, Eliza, Sarah, Joseph, John, George A., Mary, Matilda, Margaret, William and Emanuel (a wid- ower now residing in Ohio).

George A. Gamber received the greater portion of his education at what was called the Bridgewater schoolhouse. When he was only seventeen, he began teaching in the country, but not liking this calling, he learned the trade of milling, and completed it with Calvin McLeaf, proprietor of the Conedoguinet Mills in Hopewell township, and remained with him for two years. From the latter place he went to the Pifer Mills in Newton township, thence to the Allen Mills, and finally to the Maclay Mills, Lurgan township, Franklin county, Pa. In 1862 he entered the service of his country, enlisting in Company B, 158th P. V. I., Col. Mckib- ben commanding the division, and was soon thereafter mustered in, and ordered to New- bern, N. C., but was taken sick, and dis- charged on a surgeon's certificate, after an honorable service of fifty-seven days.

Returning to his home in Franklin coun- ty Mr. Gamber engaged in farming and stock raising, and so continued until 1880, when he went to Kansas. In that State he spent a year, and then returned to Pennsyl- vania, locating in Cumberland county, where he once more engaged in milling, operating what was known as the Maclay Mills for some years, and later, the Newville Mills, which were situated on the waters of the Big Spring. In 1890 Mr. Gamber took charge of the Green Spring Roller Mills, which were originally burr mills. Since taking charge of them, he has introduced new ma- chinery and processes, and manufactures a

very good product, while his business is a large one, extending over a wide territory.

In 1857, Mr. Gamber married Levina Mclaughlin, of Newburg, Pa., a daughter of Robert Mclaughlin, who was born in Newton township, this county. She died in 1896, leaving one daughter, Agnes S., who married Martin Walters, of Green Spring, Pa. In politics, Mr. Gamber is a Republican, but he has never aspired to public honors. Fraternally, he is a member of the Path Val- ley Lodge, No. 419, I. O. O. F., and he is also a member of Newburg Post, No. 292. G. A. R.

ELMER E. LAY. The business in- terests of Plainfield, West Pennsboro town- ship, Cumberland county, are in the hands of capable, intelligent, keen men, actively alive to the current affairs. Among these may well be mentioned Elmer E. Lay, a son of William Lay, and grandson of Samuel Lav.

Samuel Lay was born in 1812, in Perry county, Pa., where he was profitably en- gaged in farming, and there married, in 1832, Miss Anna Fought, also of Perry county. After a few years he removed to Indiana, and there died in 1871. Samuel Lay had the following children: William, the father of Elmer E .; Samuel, of Lock- haven, Pa .; John, of Colorado, at one time of Perry county; Harry, who died in Illi- nois; Susan, living at Carlisle; Mary Baker, who lived in Perry county, and is deceased ; Becky, living at Newville; and Maggie, liv- ing in Perry county.

William Lay, the father of Elmer E., was born in 1837, in Perry county, where he attended the common schools until he was seventeen years of age, and then began to learn the carpenter's trade, and at the same time engaged in farming. In 1858 he mar-

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ried Miss Carrie Kistler, daughter of Samuel and Catherine Kistler, of Perry county. He engaged in farming until Oct. 20. 1862, when he enlisted in Company F. 177th Reg- iment. under Capt. Filbert. Unfortunately this brave soldier became ill, and although honorably discharged he was too ill to be moved, and died in 1864. The following children were born to William Lay and his wife: Wilson, born in Perry county, in 1859: Ella, born in Perry county, who died in 1898. at the Carlisle hospital: Elmer E .; and Alvertta, born in Perry county, in 1864. who died in 1865.

Elmer E. Lay was born in Perry county in 1862. and attended the public schools until he reached the age of sixteen years. when he began learning the tinner's trade, becoming so proficient that he was able to do journey- man work during his third year. He then removed to Plainfield, and started in busi- ness for himself in 1887, on Wood street. In 1899 he embarked in a mercantile line, continuing his tinning business as well until about a year ago, when he disposed of that branch so as to devote all of his attention to his store, which is the only one in Plain- field. It is well stocked and an excellent quality of goods is carried. Mr. Lay owns the property he occupies, which is one of the most desirable business blocks in the village, has made many improvements on the prop- erty, and has a handsome hall over his store. where the lodge of American Mechanics meets ; he is a member of same.

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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 80

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