Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers, Part 70

Author: Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899. dn; Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: [Chicago, Ill.] : Beers
Number of Pages: 1186

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 70

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Mr. Beates was married first in January, 1894, in Columbia. Pa., to Miss Frances Miller, a daugh- ter of Joseph Miller, of West Hempfield township. She was born there in 1871, and she died in 1897, and was buried in Silver Spring cemetery. On Jan. 28, 1868, at Oberlin, Pa .. Mr. Beates wedded Miss Ellen S. Dishop, and to this union two interesting children have been born, Bertha and Alvin H. Mrs. Beates was born Sept. 6. 1872. at Oberlin. Dauphin county, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine ( Metz) Bishop, farming people of that locality, the former born in 1833. and the latter in 1843. They both are members of the Lutheran faith, and are among the esteemed citizens of Oberlin. Their children are: Albert G., who resides on the old homestead ; Oliver C., who is the principal of the Oberlin Schools ; Ida B .; Ellen S., Warren J., Katie E., Hiram E. and Norman D., all of these residing with their parents, with the exception of Mrs. Beates and Albert G., the latter having the old homestead, which is located one-half mile from where the family reside. The paternal grandparents were Peter and Catherine (Millicen ) Bishop, of Lancaster county, who died in Dauphin county, having moved there following their marriage. The maternal grandparents were George and Sarah (Fisher) Metz, of Dauphin county.

Following the death of his first wife, Mr. Beates went to Marietta and worked for one year in a 3 planing mill. in that place, but later returned to the farm, where the family enjoy every comfort of life I and extend a generous hospitality to their numer- ous friends. The political faith of Mr. Beates is that of the Republican party, while his religious connec- tion is with the Lutheran church.

JACOB STONER. the efficient treasurer of Lan- caster county. comes from old Mennonite ancestry who fled to this country at an early day, to escape bitter religious persecution in their native land. Jacob Stoner, his grandfather, was a farmer of Dauphin county. Pa., but removed to Lancaster county in middle life.

Saint Stour

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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY

Jacob Stoner. father of Jacob. was born in Dauphin county in 1804, and died in Manheim town- ship, this county, in 18St. Susanna Funk, his wife. :orn in 1813, died in 1889. She was the daughter of a well-known farmer of Manor township. They had twelve children, four of whom are now living: Iscol. who is mentioned below: Barbara, wife of Hostin B. Herr. a machinist of Lancaster: Fanny, Fife of Jacob P. Hollinger; and Susan, wife of Christian Haverstick, a farmer of Manor township.

Jacob Stoner was born in Indiantown. Manor township. Feb. 19, 18.42, and received his education 1 in the public schools of Lancaster township, to which section his father had removed when he was a chill of only one year. After leaving the district school mung Stoner attended the State Normal School at Millersville for a time, but after teaching school two T. B. Achoon received his early education in the home schools, and remained with his parents until they died. In por be married Alice Trimble. terms he returned to farming, which he has made his principal business in life. In igor he put his farm into the care of a tenant, and has given up hard and i who was born in Dremore township in 18;4. daugh- laborious farm work, feeling that he has richly ter of John and Amanda Connelly ) Trimble : her earned a few years of case and comfort.

For twelve | mother died when she was a child, and she made her years he was a member of the board of school direc- I home with the parents of her husband. They set- tors. and for some seven or eight years has been on the Republican county committee. He is prominent in Masonic circles, having risen to membership in the commandery. tled on his father's homestead. where Mr. Acheson put up a new house in ison. There he has engaged in farming very successfully in the present time. They have four living children : . Mary E., born in 1800 : Anna G., born in INOS: Ruth, born in 1805; and gabel A., born in IN. o.

Mr. Stoner was elected county treasurer of Lan- caster county in 18gg by a good majority. Ile is a man of fine social qualities and generous impulses, and his integrity is beyond question. He enjoys the esteem of the public, and his ciection to the responsi- ble position of treasurer of this wealthy county is a tribute to his integrity and ability.

T. B. ACHESON, a retired farmer of East Drumore township. Lancaster county, was born in Elen township in October. 1839, son of Cuningham and Anna ( Marklev ) Acheson.

Cimingham Acheson was born in Ireland in Istr. son of George Acheson, who came to this country and made his home in Philadelphia, where he died leaving two sons, Charles and Cuningham, who set- tied on farms in Lancaster county, where they lived and died. Frank and Ross Acheson, sons of Charles. still live in this county.

Cuningham Acheson, father of T. B .. settled on the present Acheson home in East Drumore town- ship, where both he and his wife spent their lives. He died in 1887, and his widow in February, 183g. Among the improvements he made were only small buildings, the present large and handsome structure having been put up by his son. T. D. One of the old-time Presbyterians, he was a helpful and devont member of the Church. In politics he was a Demo-

by whom he has had six children. May, James, John, Robert. Agnes and Anna ( who died in early woman- hood. () Isabell. born in 1842, married Benja- min Finley, of Harrisburg, where she died in Foot. icaving one daughter, Laura. (5) Robert, born in 1846, married Sadie Goodman, of Philadelphia, where they were living at the time of his death, in ISSO. He was a conductor on the Pennsylvania rail- road, and was killed in an accident, leaving a widow and one daughter. Catherine. (6) Emma, born in IS49, became one of the successful and accom- plished teachers of Lancaster county, and married Mahlon Erb, of Martic township; they have the following children -- Annie twho married Amos Patten, of Columbia). Oscar. Mahlon. Robert and Alma.

Mr. Acheson has always been a Democrat polit- ically. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith, and socially he belongs to Dramore Lodge, No. 509. I. O. O. F. A few years ago Mr. Acheson sufferedla serious accident, and has not been able to engage in active work for some time. Notwithstanding his sore affliction, he has a cheerful disposition, and looks upon the brighter side of things. To those who know him well his finer nature stands out bright and clear. He is proud of his devoted wife and family.

JOHN M. BOWMAN. a retired farmer of Prov- idence township. Lancaster county, is a well-known resident and estimable citizen of that locality. He was born Aug. :. 1930. in Strasburg township, son of Isaac and .Ann (Ausser, Bowman, both of whom are deceased.

Isaac Bowman, the father, was a son of John Bowman, who had a large family. of whom Joseph. Isaac and Maria were the only ones to grow to ma- turitv. Isaac Bowman was born in 1802, and died in 1880, and the record of the intervening years is that of a worthy citizen and good man. Aboat 1829 he married Ann Messer. daughter of John Musser, and the following children were born to them: fohn M .: Elizabeth. deceased: Henry, who lives in resident of Lancaster county : Joseph, who lives in Philadelphia : Amanda, and Benjamin, both de- ceased : and Ann. who is the wife of Abraham: Bru-

crat. Mr. and Mrs. Cuningham Acheson were the

parents of six children: ( 1) Mary, born in 1838. | Dauphin county: Susan, who is deceased: Isaac. a is unmarried and lives in Harrisburg with her sister. (2) T. B is mentioned below. (3) George born in TS.11. learned the carpenter's trade, and setthe in Philadelphia, where he married Miss Eila Kelly, . baker, a minister of the Mennonite Church.

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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY

In 1853 John M. Bowman was united in mar- in the history of his times as the "Great Commoner." ringe with Miss Catherine Overly, of Camargo vil- | This place was selected by himself as his final how. lage, who died in 1859. They had children as fol- because there was inscribed on its gateway, "T !! only Cemetery in Lancaster where there is no dis- tinction as to race, color or religion." lows: John F., of Lancaster city: Elizabeth (de- ceased), wife of Daniel M. Stauffer, of Lampeter township : and Charles J., of Lancaster city. On March 28. 1866, Mr. Bowman was married ( sec- ond) to MIrs. Martha (Boreman) Starr. born in 18;0, and this marriage has been blessed with eight children. namely: Catherine, born in 1866; Benja- min G .. in 1868; Elinora. in 1870: Martha. in 1872; Enos E., in 1873 ( deceased) : Rheubine H., in 1875; 1 Ezra A .. in 18,8; and Sarah, in 1830.

Mr. Bowman passed his early life on the farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits, combined with sawmilling, all his active life. His career has been a very successful one, although he has de- pended upon his own resources from the age of twelve years. Of careful, frugal habits, and en- dowed with energy and determination, he soon ac- cumulated means, and now, in the evening of life, i is most comfortably situated. His farm in Provi- dence township is valuable and well improved.

In his political views Mr. Bowman is a member of the Republican party, and he takes an interest in all its movements. Although he is not formally con- nected with any religious body, he upholds the Chris- tian religion, and gives of his means to further 'worthy enterprises. Mr. Bowman is one of the hon- orable and upright men of Providence township.

1 1

HENRY MICHAEL SHREINER is the son of Martin Shreiner. and the grandson of Martin Shreiner. His great-grandfather came from Ger- many, and settled in Lancaster county at a very early period in its history, and here the ensuing genera- tions have been born and nurtured.

Martin Shreiner, the grandfather of Henry M., was the manufacturer of the celebrated eight-day Shreiner clocks,' the "grandfather" clocks once so popular, and now coming into favor again. Henry M. Shreiner is the possessor of the first of these clocks, the handiwork of his grandfather, bearing the inscription, "Martin Shreiner. No. I." It is as good as the day it was made. and would command an immense price if offered for sale, instead of be- ing preserved as an heirloom. The total number of these clock made by the elder Shreiner, so far as has been discovered. was 317, that being the number the family has been able to record. Every clock was numbered in the order of its manufacture. This Martin Shreiner helped while he was still an ap- prentice. in 1784. to build the town clock of Lancas- ter, which was in constant use until about two years ago, when it was removed from the court house to give place to a clock of modern design. Martin Shreiner was the founder and owner of Shreiner's cemetery. a beautiful burying ground in the western part of the city. It was named "Concord Cemetery." and in that silent and unpretentious city of the dead lie the mortal remains of Thaddeus Stevens, known

Martin Shreiner, father of Henry M .. was also a watch worker and a jeweler, and had his shop in an old-fashioned building, long since torn down : make way for the Lancaster Trust building. The site on which this building stands had been in the Shreiner family for three generations, and in that time there had never been a dollar of incumbrance placed upon it, an instance almost unparalleledi in the history of the State of Pennsylvania.

Henry Michael Shreiner was born in Lancaster Oct. 3. 1832, and is the oldest surviving member of this historic family in the city. When a boy he en- tered the jewelry and watchmaking establishment of his uncie. Michael Zahn, at No. 30 North Queen 1. street, and there he has remained fifty-five years, with good prospects for many years longer, as he presents a remarkably healthy and robust appear- ance. Beginning as an apprentice. he learned his trade, and then worked on journeyman's wages, fi- nally becoming, with his brother. owner of the bus- iness. and then for some years being the sole owner. A year or two ago he sold out the contents of his store by auction, and rented the room for another purpose, retaining for himself, however, a small cor- ner of the room for his bench and stand, that he might still care for his patrons, some of whom had given him their trade for half a century, and would have no other watchworker so long as he was alive and willing to attend to them.

HENRY SANDER, one of the leading agri- culturists of East Earl township, worthily repre- sents an old and highly respected family of Lancas- ter county. He was born in 1820, and is a surviving son of Peter Sander, long since passed out of life.

Henry Sander was reared to agricultural pur- suits and has followed farming all his life. Soon after marriage he purchased a farm of ninety-nine acres near Terrehill, and there he lived for a period covering forty years, moving then to a small place arijoining the family homestead, which he continued to cultivate for fifteen years. In 1895 Mr. Sander came to make his home with his son Isaac, three- fourths of a mile south of Terrehill. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, and has suc- cessively served his township as supervisor, and as a member of the school board.

Henry Sander was married to Miss Nancy Mil- ler. who was a daughter of Isaac Miller, born in 1824, in Cocalico township, and still survives. Both Henry Sander and his wife are consistent members of the Mennonite Church. Their children are: Mary Ann, who is the wife of John Weaver, of Terre- hill : David, who is a farmer of Brecknock township ; Hettie, a cigar-maker : Henry M .. a farmer on the old homestead : l'eter, a bridge-builder in the West ;

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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY

Isaac, a farmer in this township : and Lizzie, the wife of Samuel Zinn, a carpenter in Martindale.

HENRY M. SANDER, one of the prosperous and representative farmers of East Earl township, was born on the farm of his residence, Oct. 13, 1851, a son of Henry and Nancy ( Miller) Sander. He obtained his education in the public schools. and at the age of twenty-three took charge of the old home- stead farm, containing nearly a hundred acres of fine land, and located one mile south of Terrehill. Some two years later, he purchased the old home- stead and has devoted much care, time and money, in making it one of the most attractive country homes in this locality. General farming has been carried on in progressive lines, with improved ma- chinery and his success has been very gratifying.

On Nov. 19, 1874, Henry M. Sander was mar- ried to Mary M. Hershey, who was born Nov. 7, IS51, a daughter of Deacon John and Magdalina (Musser) Hershey, of Salisbury township. Three children have been born of this union: John HI .. born Feb. 10. 1876. married Fannie Zimmerman, and resides in Martindale, in this township, their three children being, Mary, Jacob and Francis ; Maggie, born July 2, 1879, is an accomplished seamstress and resides at home ; and Annie, born Feb. 25, 1884, also lives at home. All the members of this family belong to the old Mennonite Church, and are very highly esteemed in this neighborhood.

HON. HIRAM PEOPLES, ex-member of the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsyl- vania, and the proprietor of the most extensive fish hatcheries in this State, is a typical Pennsylvanian, and is known far and wide for his public spirit, his liberal promotion of all interests promising to be of lasting benefit to his State or locality, and for his progressive ideas along many lines.

The home of Mr. Peoples is in the commodious and comfortable dwelling house at New Providence, this county, which was erected here by his father, John Peoples, and which was the scene of his birth, on Feb. 14, 1835. His grandfather was a native of Chester county, but lived in Martic township, Lan- caster county, for a considerable period retired from activity, and there he died prior to the birth of his grandson.

John Peoples was also born in Chester county, but moved to Providence, Lancaster county, about 1822, where he became one of the most active and energetic men of his locality. In the building trade he was particularly active, erecting as additions to the village of New Providence, a large storehouse, four dwelling houses, a blacksmith and a wheel- wright shop and other structures, doing more in this line than any other man in the vicinity. John Peo- ples was prominent in public affairs in his communi- ty, faithfully served the county as director of the poor, and his efforts were always to be counted upon to assist in any public enterprise. He married Su- san Miller, thus connecting two honorable families.

Their children included three sons and four daugh- ters : Abner, Hiram, John M., Annie, Mary, Aman- da and Leah P .. and of these, Annie married George Witmer : Mary married John Rohrer ; Amanda mar- ried John Tweed : and Leah P. married Dr. Jolm K. Raub. Abner married Martha, the daughter of John Hess, of Strasburg township; John M. mar- ried Maggie Rover, of Pottstown, and he became professor of mathematics in the State Normal school at Lock Haven, Pa. The Miller family was one of the oldest in the State, its early settlers hav- ing been the founders of Millersville, which in after years became the seat of the widely known and justly celebrated State Normal School.

Hiram Peoples, who for many years has been in the public eye, was carefully educated, receiving in- struction in the public schools of his district, and later at White Hall Academy, going from there to the Millersville Normal school, where he attained distinction as an apt and appreciative student. After leaving the latter institution, he engaged in teach- ing for one term, but as he was gifted in a musical line, he decided to put his ability to practical usc, and for a considerable time he instructed pupils in vocal music, and also taught both organ and violin. His attention was then engaged in the mercantile business, but later he took up agricultural pursuits, locating on the old homestead, and for more than thirty years this has been his delightful home. This farm comprises ninety acres of land, but it is not operated for the cultivation of grains or vegetable products alone, his energies having developed other possibilities which he has brought to be certainties.

It was in ISSI that Mr. Peoples began the propa- gation of fish, introducing the German carp to this section, continuing its cultivation until 1900, since which time he has directed his efforts to the hatch- ing of black bass and gold fish, finding a ready and eager market all over the country. Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Reading and Lancaster are his nearest large consumers. but his business has far outgrown all local lines. Mr. Peoples owns the largest fish hatchery in the State, having twenty immense fish ponds on his estate, and it is from his fishing grounds that the State Fish Commission obtains its bass. It has required much business sagacity to inaugurate successfully and to conduct a business on these lines, and only a liberally educated man could have pros- pered as has Mr. Peoples. Both in public and pri- vate life he has shown his interest in this subject, in which he is most justly regarded as an authority, as well as a pioneer in this locality.

Politically Mir. Peoples is a Republican, and he has long been an important factor in that party. For five terms he was honored by his fellow-citizens of Lancaster county with election to the House of Rep- resentatives, being chosen for his last two terms, practically without opposition, so great is his popu- larity. His first term began in I877, his second in ISSI, his third in 1887 and his next in 1896, and he was re-elected in 1898, at the close of which term

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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY

he declined to be again a candidate for the coming election. During his long service, he was a member of many important committees, and chairman of three, notably the committees on Agriculture, on Roads, and on Game and Fish. and his efforts were instrumental in obtaining some very desirable legislation on these important matters. When the Fish Commission Bill was be- fore the Legislature, the attitude which Mlr. Po- ples took, attracted attention and much favorable comment all over this and other States. This was that the bill should provide more liberally for the management of fish culture, and less harshly in its prohibitory and protective features, advancing ar- guments and statistics in support of this position.

Mr. Peoples was united in marriage with Miss Maria Brackbill. a daughter of the late John Brack- bill, who was a prominent farmer of Strasburg. She is a descen Lint of Hans Herr, who was the founder of the Herr family in the United States, one of the largest and most influential families of Lancaster commy, prominent alike in agricultural and religious circles. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peoples, all of whom still survive: Capt. John B., the eldest, is the popular owner of the yacht the : "Lady Gay, " proprietor of "Peoples Bathing Resort." manager of the Woolworth Roof Garden, and he is also widely known in connection with the North- western Life Insurance Co .: Ida S. married Dr. Charles E. Helm. of Bart township; Angie Winona is at home : Annie Carlotta, who has inherited great musical gifts, is an artist on the violin, and resides : at home: and Maria married Martin Rush. who was formerly a farmer, but who later became a leaf tobacco dealer of Willow street.

This brief sketch but incompletely presents a few of the leading characteristics, interests and ac- complishments of a citizen of Lancaster county, who numbers among his friends and well wishers the ma- jority of those whom either the deman Is of business. the claims of public affairs, or the gentle amenities of social life have brought within his radius. Up- right. honest and public-spirited, his devotion to his locality is well known, and the people of Lancaster county point to him with pride as a representative citizen.

REV. JACOB K. NEWCOMER, a devoted servant of his Master and earnest worker in the Mennonite Church, was born on a farm two miles south of Mountville. Oct. 18. 1832, a son of Jacob Newcomer and his wife. Barbara Kauffman.

Jacob Newcomer, the father, was a native of Manor township, and died in INI, at the age of sixty. As he was the oldest son at the death of his ia- ther. there entailed upon him grave responsibility and weighty care for one so young-he being then a lad of twelve years. It devolved upon him to as- sist his mother in the care of the farm, and he passed his life in the old homestead. He was a man of deep and earnest piety, and an active member of the

Mennonite church, and for many years a deac that organization. His wife died in 1853. Ste : the mother of ten children, nine of whom rest " the age of maturity. Elizabeth, the eldest. mar. Abraham Sanders and is deceased. Barbara die .. married. Christian was the husband of Eliz: Mellinger, and he. too, has died. Jacob K .. ti ... ject of this brief biographical sketch, was the for. child. Joseph, the next in the order of birth .. farmer of Manor township: he has been twice mar ried. his first wife being Elizabeth Rohrer, and second Elizabeth Seitz. Mary became the wife Jacob Spavely. Catherine is the widow of Jac" Lindeman, of Manor. Abraham resides in the sap township; he married Mary Rutt. Isaac died : bachelor. Anna was taken away from carth in chil .. hood.

lacab K. Newcomer received his early educada in the common schools, and passed his youth un the paternal farm. At the early age of twenty -. he began farming on his own account. and is st. engaged in agricultural pursuits. His first fart: em- braced one hundred acres, and to this be has added thirty-one. It has been ocenpied and cultivated by his son since 1885. in which year he removed tr another farm -- of fifty acres-also owned by him. and on which he still lives. In 1887 his home was destroved by fre, and he at once erected a new and modern residence of han isome architectural appeal- ance. He has thoroughly improved both properties. ETe also owns twenty-one acres in Manor towaship. formerly the property of his brother Christian-a part of the old homestead.

Born of devout. God-fearing parents, and reared in the Christian faith from infancy, he carty became imbued with an earnest desire to be actively identi- Red with church work. In 1884 he entered the ?Ien- nonite ministry, and since then has labored carnest- ly among the churches of Hahecker's. Masonvite and Mountville. His life also has been a living ser- mon by way of godly example, while he and his de- vout wife have reared their large family "in the fear and admonition of the Lord."

Rev. Jacob K. Newcomer was married. Nov. 25. 1856, to Anna Buchwalter, who was born May 30. 1838, near Safe Harbor. Lancaster county. daughter of Jacob and Fannie ( Eschlauch, Bach- walter, both of whom are deceased. each dying at the age of fity-six years. This union has been blessed. with twelve children, and their grandchildren net- her twenty. (1) Aaron B., born March 12. 1853. died March t, 1899 : he was a farmer. and married Elizabeth Witmer. (2) Susanna B .. born Nov. 25. 350. is the wife of Benjamin Shertzer, of Millers- ville. (3) Anna B., born June 28, 1861. married Levi Brubaker, of New Danville. (4) John B .. bom (art. 1. 1863. died in infancy. (5) Elizabeth B. . (Mrs. Henry Haverstick ), of Washington borough. Lancaster county, was born Jan. 15. 1865. (6) Amanda B., born Feb. 23. 1867. married Amos Mar- tin, of Manor township. (7) Ida B. born Jan. 31.

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Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers, Part 70

Author: Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899. dn; Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1903 Publisher: [Chicago, Ill.] : Beers Number of Pages: 1186

Author: Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899. dn; Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: [Chicago, Ill.] : Beers
Number of Pages: 1186