USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers > Part 109
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
hold, the former of whom, born Dec. 10, 1818. died April 20, 1896 ; the latter, a daughter of Joseph and Catharine ( Loraw ) Yagi, born Nov. 25. 1820, died Aug. 13, 1902. To Peter G. and Eliza Weinhold were born children as follows : Henry W., of Read- ing, a florist in the employ of the Pennsylvania Rail- way Company. was born in East Cocalico Feb. 17, 1867, and on Dec. 24, 1891, was married to Clara A. Ludwig. Frances W., born July 16, 1868, on Nov. 24. 1889, married Henry W. Lutz, a farmer near Hel- ler's Church. Solomon W., a farmer and laborer . near Leacock, was born Dec. 19, 1869, and married Adelia R. Espenschied Feb. 25, 1897. Clara W. is the wife of Joseph H. McGlaughlin. Pierce W., born July 25, 1873, died June 4, 1874. Annie E .. born Nov. 10, 1876, was married Oct. 12, 1899, to Abram S. Getz, a laborer and farmer of Leacock, Pa. James, a plumber and gas fitter of Reading, Pa., was born Dec. 23, IS78. Minnie, born Dec. 31, 1886, is at home. All the family attend Heller's Salem Re- formed Church except the parents, who are members of the Muddy Creek Reformed Church.
Philip Weinhold, the father of Peter G., was born No :. 39. 1796, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Grill) Weinhold, and on reaching man's estate wedded Elizabeth Kress.
SAMICEL S. STAUFFER, a substantial and well-known farmer of Mt. Joy township, was born April 12, 1867. on his present home farm, which is the old homestead of the Stauffer family, where many of the name have first seen the light in the past.
Mr. Stauffer is a son of Abraham G. and Har- riet (Shelley) Stauffer, the former of whom was born in 1842 on the present farm, son of Jacob Stauffer; the mother was born in Rapho township, daughter of Henry Shelley. Abraham G. Stauffer removed in IS91 to Lebanon county, where he is engaged in farming. During his residence in this county he was identified with many of its sound in- stitutions, notably the Elizabethtown National Bank, in which he was a director from its organiza- tion until the spring of 1901. His wife was born in December. 1844, and died Dec. 21, 1901, aged fifty-seven years, two days. She was a member of the German Baptist Church, to which her husband also belongs. To Abraham G. Stauffer and his wife were born the following named children : Harry S., who is a stock dealer living in Manheim ; Samue! S .; Fanny S., who married Albert Garber, a merchant in Lebanon county ; Harriet S. and Ja- cob S., both of whom died young; Andrew S., who owns a warehouse and is engaged in the fruit busi- ness in Palmyra, Pa .; David S., also residing in Palmyra: Katie S., who resided with her parents and died Aug. 22, 1901, aged twenty-four years, fourteen days : Abraham S. and Mamie S., both of whom died young ; and Anna S., at home.
Mr. Stauffer was reared on the farm and has passed his whole life there, engaging in farming
922
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
from his youth. The place is one of the valuable estates which help to make Lancaster county famous as a farming section.
On Nov. 29. 1892, Mr. Stauffer was married, in Manheim, to Miss Amanda B. Graybill. and to this union has been born one daughter, Minnie G. Mrs. Stauffer was born Ang. 12, 1870. in Penn township, daughter of Seth and Fannie (Bentz) Graybill, of Lancaster county. Mr. Graybill was born in 1845, and is now a retired farmer of the village of Penn- ยท ville, having lived free from business care for the past six years. His wife was born in 1850. Both are valued members of the German Baptist Church. Their children were as follows: Amanda B., wife of Mr. Stauffer : Joseph B., a farmer of Penn town- ship : and Hayden B. and Noah B., both deceased. The family is of Swiss origin, and the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Stauffer was Joseph Graybill, of Lancaster county, who married a Lutz.
Mr. Stauffer is identified with the Republican party, and is one of the progressive and intelligent young men of his locality.
BENJAMIN M. SHENK, one of the highly esteemed retired fariners of Lancaster county, is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families in this locality. This family originated in Switzer- land, coming to America about 1730. Michael and his son. Henry (it is thought ) succeeded him. John Shenk. the great-grandfather of Benjamin M., was a son of Henry. and he lived and died in Pequea township. His life was devoted exclusively to farming pursuits and to the ministry of the Old Mennonite Church. The children he left were: Henry : John: Anne, who married a Snavely; and Mary, who married a Hostetter.
Henry Shenk, son of Rev. John, became the grandfather of Benjamin M., of this sketch, and he was born in Pequea township, where he tilled the soil. His duty led him in the direction of a relig- ious life, and for four years he was a minister in the Old Mennonite Church, and on June 3, 1843, he was ordained a bishop. For a number of years he was a power in the church, operating in the Con- estoga, Millersville, Rohrerstown and Manor dis- tricts. His simple, pions life, combined with his ability as a preacher, exerted a great influence for good, few men ever having been more highly es- teemed or more dearly beloved. As a fitting close to a life of estimable deeds, he died suddenly, Oct. 22, 1865, aged seventy years, eleven months and twenty days, after giving testimony after a sermon preached by his co-worker. Jacob Brubaker. of Manor District, Rev. Joseph K. Brubaker being also present, in the Stone Meeting House, in Pequea township.
The marriage of Rev. Henry Shenk was to Susanna Huber, and they became the parents of twelve chiliren: John, who died in 1892: Henry, who died Jan. 6. 1854; Michael, who died young ;
Tobias, who resides in Manheim township : Mary. deceased : Jacob, of Pequea township: Isaac, twin to Jacob, deceased; Rudolph. of East Drumore township : Samuel, of Pequea township : Susan. the widow of Andrew G. Bower: Benjamin. deceased ; and Anna, the wife of Martin Herr, of Pequea township.
John Shenk, father of Benjamin M .. was born on the old homestead in Pequea township. Aug. 28. 1816, and lived there until 1842, when he moved to Lancaster township, locating on the farm which Benjamin M. Shenk now owns, giving his whole attention to the cultivation of his land for a number of years. He was, however. an intelligent and pub- lic-spirited man, was active in the ranks of the Re- publican party, filling many of the local offices with great efficiency, notably those of assessor. auditor. school director and supervisor. Mr. Shenk was identified with many of the public enterprises of his locality, and until the time of his death was a director in the Marietta Pike road. As a consistent member of the Old Mennonite Church. his life was filled with good and charitable deeds. His relia- bility was recognized in the demands made upon him in the matter of settling up estates, many trusts being confidently placed .in his hands. His mar- riage was to Miss Magdalena Musser, and they had a family of six children, three of whom died in
Shenk was the original settler on the oldl homestead, . childhood. the others being: Henry, a farmer in
Penn township: Benjamin M., of this sketch : and Susan, wife of Rev. Abram B. Herr. The mother of these children died Aug. 13. 1861, and Mr. Shenk married Mrs. Magdalena Bassler, and he died May IO. 1892.
Benjamin M. Shenk was born on the farm where he now resides, on Aug. 21. 1844, grew un acquainted with all the necessary details of a farmer's life, and after completing the common school course. settled down to a farming life. After his marriage in 1870 he began farming on the home place, which was his by inheritance, and here, until the spring of 1001. he followed agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the most substantial and highly esteemed citizens of this county. For as long a period as seventeen years Mr. Shenk has been a school director, always cast- ing his influence in the direction of progressive edu- cational methods, and has stanchly supported the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Shenk has been identified with a number of the important en- terprises of the county, notably the Mutual Insurance Co., having been a director for many years. Many of the complicated estates of this neighborhood have been placed in his hands for adjustment. his fellow- citizens being so well assured of his integrity, ability and uprightness.
The marriage of Mr. Shenk was to Miss Leah G. Charles, and to this union were born five children. two of whom died young. the others being: John C., a farmer of East Hempfield township : Abram C .. : a farmer on the home place : and Anna C., residing with her parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shenk are
923
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
consistent members of the Old Mennonite Church, and are kind, neighborly and hospitable, and among the very best people of their township.
EDMUND GARDNER was born Nov. 8, 1870, at Colemanville, Lancaster county, where he now re- sides. He comes from an old Pennsylvania family.
Valentine Gardner, his great-grandfather, lived and died in Martic township, about one and one- half miles from the home of Edmund Gardner. He was a tanner by trade, and carried on that business for some years in connection with farming. carting his leather by team to Philadelphia and Baltimore. His wife's maiden name was Good.
John Gardner, the grandfather, was born in Mar- tic township in 1808, and lived at home until he was about twenty-eight years of age. He was educated in the common schools of the county. At the age of twenty-eight he went to Conestoga township, and engaged in farming, which he continued until 1871, when he retired from the active affairs of life. He married Miss Leah Shenk, of Conestoga township, in 1836, and they were the parents of eleven chil- dren, of whom eight died in infancy or early child- hood. Those who grew to mature years were: John Wesley, father of Edmund : Leah, wife of Jo- seph Clark, of Mt. Nebo; and Valentine, who at the age of twenty-one was drowned. in 1871, while skating on the Pequena. Mr. Gardner and his wife were members of the M. E. Church, he being one of the trustees and a steward for about thirty years.
John Wesley Gardner was born in Conestoga township, Feb. 14, 1840, and lived at home until he was twenty-two years old. He received a common- school education. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 122d P. V. I., was mustered into service Aug. 11, 1862, promoted to corporal Jan. 21, 1863, and with his company was mustered out of the service May 15, 1863.
In 1866 John W. Gardner married Miss Henri- etta Costello, of Conestoga township, and they be- came the parents of two children: Florence, who is the wife of H. B. Barr, of Colemanville; and Ed- mund. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. Gardner was trustee and steward of the church for a number of years, and was also superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was engaged in merchandising for about thirty years, and retired in 1894. Edmund Gardner, his son, continuing the business to the present time. John W. Gardner is a member of Stewart Post. G. A. R., of Rawlinsville : of the K. of P .. at Rawlins- ville ; and the A. O. K. of M. C., No. 158, of Mt. Nebo.
Edmund Gardner remained at home with his parents, and upon the retirement of his father, in 1894, took charge of the business. During his youth he was educated in the county schools, and supplemented this training with a two-years course at the State Normal School at Millersville. He has given his entire attention to the mercantile business,
and has been very successful in it. Politically he is a Republican, and was made postmaster March 30. 1894. He is a member of the Charles M. Howell Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 496, of Millersville : and is also a member of the A. O. K. of M. C., No. 158, Mt. Nebo.
On Aug. 16, 1893, Mr. Gardner was married to Miss Mary, daughter of P. C. Hiller, of Conestoga township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are members of the M. E. Church of Colemanville, and he is one of the trustees. They have four children, namely : J. Harold, Grace. Reba and Clare, all at home.
Although a young man. Mr. Gardner has already gained a permanent standing in the community, and is regarded as a useful, progressive and liberal- minded man in both business and social circles, well deserving the high esteem in which he is heid.
MRS. MARY SALENA ( PROSSER) BAUMI- GARDNER, widow of the late Henry Baumgardner, was born about sixty-five years ago in Hartford, Conn., daughter of James L. and Mary ( Lillibridge) Prosser, and remained with her parents until her first marriage. James L. Prosser was an extensive farmer, and a horse and cattle dealer of prominence in one of the very wealthiest sections of the United States. Of his family, all are now deceased but Mrs. Baumgardner and her sister, Mrs. Brown, who lives at Lexington, near Boston. The others were : Jolin, who died aged twenty-one; Levi, who amassed wealth in speculation and employed it in charity ; Amisa, who died young ; and Angeline. who married Park Fellows, formerly of Syracuse. N. I., now a wealthy resident of San Francisco, Cal. This family is of noble lineage, but Mrs. Baumgardner's proudest boast is that she is the daughter of an honest man.
Mary Salena Prosser first became the wife of Jay Cadwell, who came of an honorable family- people whose word was as good as their bond. His brothers are all deceased, and his sister is still liv- ing on the old place a few miles from the city of Hartford, which has been in the family for over two hundred years. After his marriage Mr. Cad- well came to Lancaster county, Pa., and engaged in tobacco culture, which venture proving disastrous he remained only one season. Going to Philadel- phia, he opened the first silver-plating establishment there, as a member of the firm of Filley, Mead & Cadwell. His health failing, he was advised to re- main in the open air as much as possible, and ac- cordingly returned to Lancaster county. where he commenced to buy stock. He eventually took up the cork manufacturing business, in which he was engaged up to the time of his death, March 24, 1874. His remains rest in Lancaster cemetery. Mr. Cadwell had been successful in business, but ill health and the results of the panic of 1873. together with the fact that he had bet heavily on the election of Horace Greeley, of whom he was a great admirer. left him in debt, and his widow was left with a heavy
921
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
burden to shoulder. His assets were equal to his liabilities, but the material had to be worked up and put on the market, and she took up the work cour- ageously, and the fact that she had a daughter to be cared for was a wonderful incentive for her to make the effort. Her father and brother came to Lan- caster and offered her their assistance, but though they were men of wealth she only expressed her gratitude and persuaded them to return home, say- ing she felt confident that she would "come out all right," and she did. She managed her husband's plant and business for eight years with great suc- cess, only abandoning the business when the estab- lishment was destroyed by fire; but she had previ- ously paid the entire indebtedness, dollar for dollar, and felt that she could afford to retire.
After four years of widowhood Mrs. Cadwell was united in marriage with Henry Baumgardner, a prominent citizen of Lancaster, where he had a suc- cessful business carcer, and both made and lost a great deal of money. He died in May, 1898, and is buried in the Lancaster cemetery.
Notwithstanding her strenvous life, Mrs. Baum- gardner is a remarkably bright, active and even youthful lady for her sixty-five years. She was the first subscriber in Lancaster county to Dun's Mer- cantile Agency. She and all of her connections are of the most prominent and leading citizens, and all are well-to-do in the world. She is a member of the Lancaster Historical Society, and of the Y. M. C. A. Auxiliary Body, socially prominent and clever, and a woman of engaging manners and of charitable disposition and habits.
.
Mrs. Baumgardner's daughter, Ida, is the wife of H. C. Moore, and has three children. Samuel, Edith and Mary S. Mr. Moore is a prominent citi- zen of Trenton, N. J., being president of two traction companies. Mrs. Baumgardner has a niece, MIrs. George Field, living at Newton Center, Massachu- setts.
NORMAN M. CHRIST, an enterprising and . rapidly rising young farmer of Manor township, was born in Conestoga township, Lancaster county. Feb. 3. 1872. a son of Michael K. Christ, who resides two and one-half miles southwest of Millersville, and is one of the most respected farmers of Manor town- ship.
Michael K. Christ was born in Manor township, Lancaster county. Sept. 1, 1850, son of Amos B. Christ, a native of the same township. Michael K., was renred on the home farm, was educated in the district schools, and also attended the State Normal School at Millersville for three terms, in 1868-69- 70. He taught in the winters of those years, and in the fall of IS70 located at Masonville. In 1876 he purchased a farm of eight and one-half acres in Manor township, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has also passed considerable time in clerking, and in 1889-90-91-92 was collector of taxes for Manor township ; in 1897 he was mercan-
tile appraiser for Lancaster county ; in 1898 he was delegate to the Republican State Convention. having previously attended several county conventions. Mr. Christ has acted as administrator of several estates.
Michael K. Christ was married Aug. 17, 1870. to Miss Mary S. Miller, daughter of Christian and Barbara Miller. both of whom are deceased. To this union have been born four children. viz. : Nor- man M., with whose name this sketch opens ; Ben- jamin M., a veterinary surgeon, at home : Haldy MI .. a graduate of the Millersville State Normal School, class of 1897. and since a teacher of shorthand and typewriting at home; and Ida V., also at home, a teacher of music.
Norman MI. Christ received a sound public-school education. and at the age of twenty years began farm- ing by working out by the day. By saving his earn- ings he was able, in the fall of 1896. to purchase twenty acres of the Jacob Doerstler farm. one- quarter mile east of Creswell, which place he has greatly improved. having one of the finest little places in the county ; he carries on general farming, and also deals in fertilizers.
On June 18, 1891, Norman M. Christ married Miss Sarah Sneath, who was born in Manor town- ship, daughter of William A. Sneath, deceased. To this marriage have been born three children. Blanche, Irene and Walter.
Norman M. Christ is one of the active young Re- publicans of Manor township, and takes a deep in- terest in the party's affairs, but although frequently solicited to accept nomination for public office has persistently refused to become a candidate. Mr. and Mrs. Christ are members of the Evangelical Church, and are among the most respected of the residents of Manor township.
WALTER M. ESHLEMAN, proprietor of the "Buck Hotel." in East Drumore township. Lancaster county, was born in Marticville April 20. 1868. son of Martin and Hattie ( McCardee) Eshleman. Mar- tin Eshleman was born in Martic township in 1840. and his wife was born in Conestoga township in 1843.
Henry and Mary Eshleman. the grandparents, were both natives of Lancaster county, and of Ger- man parentage. They lived in the Revolutionary period. Henry Eshleman owned much land in this section of the county, and both he and his wife died in Martic, on his old homestead. They had ten chil- dren : Henry, who lives in East Drumore township : Samuel, a butcher in Marticville : Calvin, who died at the home of his parents: Maris, a butcher. who died at the old home unmarried ; Eli, who died at the old homestead, leaving a widow and nine children. Martin. Jacob, Daniel, George, Eli, Elizabeth ( who married Joseph Rankin), Susan ( who married Chris- tian Andrews), Mary ( who married Henry Hoover) and Lydia (who married Martin Eshleman ) : Eliza. born in Marticville, who married Jacob Johnson, of Smithville, Lancaster county, and died leaving a family ; Susan, who married John G. Good, and is the
925
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
mother of four children, Elizabeth (wife of George W. Hiney), Mollie ( wife of John Plank), Barbara (wife of Samuel Young) and Henry (deceased) ; Cilinda, deceased, wife of Joseph Hoover ; Louisa, wife of Alexander Humphrey, of Lancaster; and Martin.
Martin Eshleman was reared on the old home- stead, and was engaged in farming until the break- ing out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the cav- alry service of the Guion army, and served under Sheridan. At Gettysburg he was seriously wounded, and lay for many house uncared for on that bloody field. Surviving the perils of the tented field and battle strife he came home, and is now living retired on the old family homestead, with all the comforts that industry and integrity have a right to expect. To him and his good wife have come four sons, all of whom are honorable and prosperous citizens of this county: (1) Harry, born in 1866, married Miss Bertha Shoff, of Martic township, where he is living. He is a supervisor. They have two children, Clyde and Florence. (2) Walter MI. is mentioned below. (3) Joseph, born in 1874, married Aliss Katie Handle, and is a farmer in Martic township. They have one daughter, Emma. (4) Ezra, born in 1877, lives at home, and is manager of the home farm.
Walter M. Eshleman grew to manhood under the parental roof-tree, and took up farming as his life business. In 1891 lie was married to Lizzie, daugh- ter of. Simon and Hettie Good. Mrs. Eshleman was born in Providence in 1870, and was educated in the local schools. Mr. and Mrs. Eshileman lived for a time in Alartic township, where he was a farmer, and bought and sokl stock on an extensive scale, a busi- ness he still follows. In 1900 he added to his other labors the cares of hotel-keeping, and has a hotel at the Buck, where he is doing a good business and has a fine patronage. Bessie, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Eshleman, was born Jan. 15, 1892.
Mr. Eshleman and his father are both Repub- licans. The grandfather was a Whig, and in time became a Republican. Fraternally Walter MI. Eshle- man belongs to the I. O. O. F. He was reared in the Mennonite faith, his mother being a member of that church.
In 1898 Mr. Eshleman made an extensive western trip, traveling in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, and returned by way of Ken- tucky and Virginia. Mr. Eshleman is a young man of excellent business qualifications, and is widely known, not only for his abilities as a stockman, but for his very successful management of the "Buck Hotel," which is one of the popular hostelries of the county.
LEVI B. HUBER, one of the progressive and prominent young farmers of Lancaster county, living about a mile southeast of Landis Valley, belongs to an old and honored family, and is a son of David B. Huber, of Fruitville. He was born Jan. 12, 1861, se- cured his education in the public schools, and, being
a man of keen perception and good observation, has become one of the best informed citizens of the county.
When a young man of twenty-two Mr. Huber began on his own account on the place he now occu- pies, known as Fountain Farm. It comprises sixty- two acres, largely devoted to potato growing. Mir. Huber keeps in touch with the advance of the times, being a reader of and occasional contributor to the agricultural press. He is interested in bees, and has five stands of the Italian variety. He also keeps some 300 hens, improved White Leghorns, and regularly supplies a number of the families in Lancaster with eggs.
Levi B. Huber was married, in November, ISS3, to Miss Elizabeth K., daughter of Benjamin R. and Anna S. ( Kreider ) Stauffer. She was born in East Lampeter township Alarch 3, 1863. To this union have come the following children: Cora S., born Oct. 25, 1885 ; Anna S., April 14, 1887 : Elizabeth S., July 27, 1888; Henry S., Aug. 13, 1889; David S., Dec. 15, 18go; Benjamin S., Feb. 26, 1892; Enos S., July 1. 1896; John S., July 3, 1898; Christian S., Feb. 11, 1894 (died March 17, 1895). Mr. and Mrs. Huber belong to the Mennonite Church, and he is assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-schicol.
MARIE REBECCA VAN NESS, M. D., not only won distinction in medical circles in Lancaster for her own success as a practitioner, but also as the wife of a distinguished physician and surgeon, Dr. William W. Van Ness, now retired after forty years of active practice. She is the daughter of the late David Saladin, who came to America from Baden- Baden, Germany, in 1831, and settling in Lancaster, engaged in mercantile trade there, having been a storekeeper in Europe. However, he abandoned that business, and became a contracting house painter. Nr. Saladin married Miss Mary Elizabeth Troyer, daughter of the late John Andrew Troyer, of Lan- caster, whose ancestors were of Revolutionary fame on both sides. To this union were born five children. only two of whom are living, Marie Rebecca and John F., the latter a wholesale dealer in millinery and silk at Greenville, Ohio.
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.