USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > Biographical annals of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent men and representative citizens and of the early settled families > Part 16
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Abraham S. Horst was reared upon the homestead farm in South Leba- non township, and educated in the common schools of the neighborhood. When twenty-eight years of age he married and located in Center county, Pa., where for seven years he was engaged in farming. He then returned to the old homestead and has since been actively engaged in farming, his portion of the property consisting of eighty acres. The house standing upon his property was erected by his grandfather. Peter Horst, and in spite of its age is one of the most comfortable and substantial residences of the town- ship. It was built in 1837, but it is in excellent condition and affords a pleas- ant home for the family. The barns and fences, as well as the general appearance of the property, denote the industry and thrift of the owner, while the fields of grain and healthy orchard add to the pleasant surround- ings. Mr. Horst has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and has served as school director and assistant assessor of the township.
On March 26, 1868, Mr. Horst was married to Lavina Groh, who was
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born in South Lebanon township, August 16, 1847, daughter of Henry and Mary (Mayer) Groh. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Horst: Frank G., a carpenter at Cleona, married Miss Katie Phillips, and has two children, Allen and Sadie; Henry G., a farmer in South Lebanon township, married Sally Stahler, and they have one child, Oscar; Abraham G. is a farmer at home; and Allen G. is a student at the State Normal. Mr. Horst is a member of the Mennonite church, while his wife is connected with the Lutheran church. They both have many friends, to whom they dispense a most delightful hospitality, and they are numbered among the substantial and prosperous farming people of Lebanon county.
IMBODEN. The Imboden family is one of the oldest and most promi- nent in South Annville township, Lebanon county, a leading one in intelli- gence, wealth and business progressiveness.
The first settler of the Imboden name, known in this part of the Keystone State, was Philip, the grandfather of Samuel K. Imboden, who was one of a family of seven sons and two daughters born to the first generation of the family in what is now Lebanon, then Lancaster, and later, Dauphin county. These children bore the names of : Philip, Jacob, Solomon, William, Samuel, John, George, Elizabeth and Louisa. One of these sons located in the Shenandoah Valley and became the father of General Imboden, an officer of the Confederate army, who participated in the raid into Pennsylvania in 1863, when Chambersburg was burned, and was, also, in command of a brigade at the battle of Gettysburg. The children of Philip Imboden were as fol- lows: Solomon, issue, ten children : Philip, issue, one child; Daniel, issue, three children: Jacob, twice married, no issue; Samuel, twice married, issue, first wife, four children and one living, second wife. six children, two living : George, issue, seven children; and John, issue, three children.
Samuel Imboden, the father of Samuel K. Imboden, was born July 4, ISII, on the farm now owned by Jacob Behm, on the road from Annville to Campbelltown, in South Annville township, Lebanon county. In his young manhood he learned the trade of blacksmith, and worked at the same for five years, and then began farming on land a half mile east of Campbell- town. In 1865 he removed to Campbelltown and resided there until his death. He married (first) Nancy Kreider, daughter of Joseph Kreider, and an aunt of Andrew, David. Henry H. and Joseph Kreider, of Annville. To this union these children were born: Mary, who is the widow of Calvin Clendennin, of Bismarck, Lebanon county : Elizabeth, deceased, wife of John Risser, of Palmyra; Samuel, who died in infancy; and Nancy, deceased
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wife of Henry Fegan, of Campbelltown. The second marriage of Samuel Imboden was to Lydia Kreider, a sister-in-law, and the children of this union were: Moses K., deceased; Samuel K .; and Henry, Lydia and Lovina, all deceased; and Susan, the wife of Michael Moyer, of Campbelltown. The father of this family belonged to the Lutheran Church, while the mother was a Mennonite.
SAMUEL K. IMBODEN was born June 18, 1843. on the old homestead farm, near Campbelltown, and grew up there, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1865 he began to operate on his own account, and con- tinued to farm near Campbelltown until 1881, when he purchased the Hilig Hotel, at what is called Sporting Hill, east of Annville. This hostelry is situated on the Berks and Dauphin turnpike road. and during the succeeding ten years, weary travelers were sure of good entertainment at this hospitable inn. In 1889 Mr. Imboden retired from the active operation of this hotel, renting it to his son Albert. In 1891 he built a handsome residence just across the street, where the family resides. Mr. Imboden is now engaged in the lime business, quarrying it on his own land. Albert Imboden managed the hotel for three years and then was succeeded by John Arndt, but Mr. Imboden still owns the property.
For six years Mr. Imboden served as school director of South Annville township. In 1881 he was elected a member of the board of county com- missioners for three years, serving with fidelity to the public in this important capacity. Following this he engaged for some three years in the cattle busi- ness.
In 1864 Mr. Imboden was married to Julia, daughter of Daniel Heil- man, born October 18, 1844, in Londonderry township, and the issue of this union is as follows: Albert, Samuel H., Raymond D., Cora, and Ellen and Morris, deceased. The religious connection of the family is with the Lutheran Church. Fraternally Mr. Imboden belongs to the I. O. O. F. He is a man much respected in his locality, not only for his honorable business methods, but also for his neighborliness and kind and friendly attitude to all, justly being regarded as a representative and prominent citizen.
SIMON P. SMITH. The retirement of Simon P. Smith and his faithful wife to their pleasant home in Lebanon. in 1901. followed over forty years of unceasing activity on their finely developed farm near this town. They are still the possessors of the land which has witnessed their rise from comparative poverty and obscurity, and are able to enjoy in peace and quiet the affluence wrought by their labor and wise planning.
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Simon P. Smith was born June II, 1839, a son of Peter and Elizabeth ( Harst) Smith, now deceased. The family owes its origin in this country to an ancestor who found his opportunities in Germany too limited, and who arrived in Lebanon county during Colonial days. Peter Smith, the grandfather of Simon P., was a farmer in this county, and his children were called John, Henry, Joseph, Peter, Isaac, Jacob, Catherine and Maria. His son Peter was a farmer in this county during the whole of his active life and to himself and wife were born eight children : Adam; Cyrus; Monroe, of South Lebanon township; Simon P., of the city of Lebanon; Joseph, of Virginia; and Benjamin, Elizabeth and Maria, of Lebanon county, all deceased. All of the children lived on farms, either their own or their hus- bands', and all were fairly successful and prosperous. Peter Smith was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Mennonite Church.
Simon P. Smith married, in South Lebanon township. November 26, 1863. Maria, daughter of Rudolph and Elizabeth Kreider, members of old families of the county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, of whom Harvey is a minister in the United Evangelical Church, of Mohrsville, Berks county, Pa .; and Cora is the wife of Milton Urich. Mr. Smith was reared to farming, and he always considered that he was better fitted for that kind of occupation than any other. His success is proof of the correctness of his surmise, and he has dignified the most useful and necessary calling to which the energies of man are directed. He is an enthusiastic Prohibitionist, and has done much to further the cause of tem- perance among his friends and fellow townsmen. The United Brethren Church has no more active worker, and he has faithfully served its interests as deacon, steward and trustee. He enjoys not only the respect, but the appreciation and good will of all who know him.
MAJOR H. P. MOYER, cashier of the Farmers National Bank, of Lebanon, is one of the city's prominent citizens, and one who has been identified with much of its growth and present prosperity. The birth of Mr. Moyer took place at Sinking Spring, Berks County, Pa., August 28, 1844, and he is a son of Rev. David and Mary ( Feffley) Moyer, both natives of Berks county.
Rev. David Moyer was born at Reading, Pa., in 1825, and died in 1868, a son of David Moyer, a native also of Berks county, of German ancestry, his father being a native of Germany. Rev. David Moyer was a prominent clergy- man of the United Brethren Church, and served successfully charges at Myers- town, Schaefferstown, Jonestown. Annville and Heilmandale, in Lebanon
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county, and Millersburg, Uniontown, Linglestown and Harrisburg, in Dau- phin county. His wife, Mary ( Peffley ), survives, and resides at No. 813 Wal- nut street, Lebanon, and is most highly esteemed by all who know her. The eight children born to Rev. Moyer and wife were: Major Harry P .; John P., who was prominently identified with the public school work in the State of Louisiana, where he died at the age of thirty years; Martin P., who is a prominent citizen of Fort White, Florida, engaged in fruit-growing and cattle-raising; Nelson P., who resides at Washington, D. C., where he is employed in the Government Bureau of Printing: Mary E., wife of R. R. Eschleman, of Reading; Kate, who married A. P. Swope, of Lebanon ; Emma, who married S. S. Bomberger, of Lebanon; and David, of Philadelphia.
Major Harry P. Moyer was ten years of age when the family came to Lebanon county and located at Myerstown, and he there attended the public schools and later the Myerstown Academy, and was still a student at the outbreak of the Civil war. In August, 1862, he enlisted for a service of nine months, in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, but preferring to enter the cavalry service, he severed his con- nection with the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment, and on Sep- tember 1, 1862, re-enlisted, entering Company E, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, for three years, in which he gallantly served his country until the close of the war. In many ways Mr. Moyer has a very remarkable record. His service from September 1, 1862, to June 16, 1865, included 1,015 days, during which time he was never absent from his command. and bravely bore his part in every engagement in which his company took part, a long and thrilling list: Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Aldie, Upperville, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Beaver Creek, Boonsboro, Falling Waters, Brandy Station, Raccoon's Ford, Barnett's Ford, Martin's Ford, Stephensburg, Rap- pahannock Station, Oak Hill. Thoroughfare Gap. Bealton's Station, Mine Run, Kilpatrick's Raid, to Richmond, Todd's Tavern, Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Hanover Farm, Old Church, Cold Harbor, Trevillian Station, White House, White Post, Cedarville, Berryville, Kearneysville, Leetown, Smithfield, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Luray, Gordon- ville, Sheridan's Raid to the James River. Stony Creek, Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, Scott's Cross Roads, Drummon's Mill. Sailor's Creek, Appomattox Station, Appomattox Court House, and many other skirmishes in which comrades fell. While serving in the Shenandoah Valley Mr. Moyer was captured by the Confederate Guerrilla Mosby, but was re-captured by the Union forces on the same day. Among the souvenirs which grace the walls of Major Moyer's library in his home is an official record of the Seventeenth
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Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, giving names and dates of ninety-two engagements in which the regiment participated. This record he prizes very highly. A brave soldier, he has retained a taste for military affairs, and on July 25, 1885, became a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and was appointed sergeant major of the Third Brigade, National Guard of Pennsylvania, and on June 28, 1887, was appointed quartermaster of the Third Brigade, with the rank of major, by commanding officer Gen. J. P. S. Gobin, being re-appointed June 26, 1890, and again re-appointed June 26, 1895. Major Moyer was with the brigade when it was called upon to suppress the Homestead riots, and also at the time its services were required in the coal regions of Hazleton. The post of duty has always been the place of his choice, and he is highly appreciated by his comrades, both in war and peace.
After his return from the Civil war Mr. Moyer entered Lebanon Valley College, and graduated from that institution in 1868. This was followed by several years of successful teaching in the public schools. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Baumgardner, of Dauphin county, daughter of John Baumgardner, and removed to Lebanon county in 1870, entering the employ of John H. Shugar, wholesale and retail grocer. For five years Mr. Moyer continued with Mr. Shugar, and then accepted a position as chief clerk in the United Brethren Mutual Aid Society of Pennsylvania, a prominent life insurance company located at Lebanon. In 1890 he was elected a director in the institution, and served in the capacity of superin- tendent of agents, and also as treasurer of the company until 1894. when he resigned. In 1892 Major Moyer became the prime factor and promoter in the organization of the Farmers National Bank of Lebanon, and was elected cashier, a position he has acceptably filled ever since. His unusual business ability has also been recognized by other business organizations, and he is a director and the treasurer of the Lebanon Valley Savings and Loan Association of Lebanon; treasurer and director of the Safety Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Lebanon; treasurer and director of the Central Market House Company ; director in the West End Rolling Mill; and presi- dent of the Lebanon Board of Trade.
Major Moyer has been active in politics, and served the city of Lebanon as clerk for five years, and for the same number of years as city treasurer. For four years he served in the Select Council, and was on the school board for three years, in all these offices giving close and careful attention to the various demands of each, having an unusual capacity for work. Aside from business he has found time actively to support the United Brethren church,
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and serve as Sunday school superintendent, and also to look into charitable and benevolent enterprises. His social faculties also have not been neglected, his membership with Sedgwick Post, No. 42, Grand Army of the Republic. the Patriotic Order Sons of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's, and other fraternal associations, giving him a large circle of congenial associates. His two accomplished daughters are M. Ella and Sidnie M., and his family home in Lebanon is an abode of frequent hospitality, comfort and culture. His interests are so large and his connections so numerous that few citizens of Lebanon are unacquainted with him; they respect and honor him not only as an energetic, public spirited and successful business man, a brave and fearless soldier, but also as an estimable and representative private citizen.
SAMUEL FELTEROLF, a prominent farmer and well-known citi- zen of North Londonderry township, was born August 6. 1839. in Upper Macungie township. Lehigh county, about eight miles distant from Allen- town. His parents were Samuel and Julia (Grammes) Felterolf, the former of whom was born in ISo8, in Albany township, Berks county, and died in 1884, and the latter of whom was born in 1807 in Lehigh county, and died in Lebanon county in 1891. The paternal grandfather was Adam Felterolf, a native of Berks county, who married Susan Sheiben, and later removed to Columbia county, Pa., where both died. Their children have all also passed away, their names being as follows: Peter, Gideon, Samuel, Rachel, Daniel, Michael and Adam.
In 1851 Sammuel Felterolf and his wife moved to Lebanon county, in the spring of that year settling in Hanover township, where they resided until 1866, when they removed to the farm on which their son Samuel now resides, and there their last days were passed. By trade the father was a mason, and he followed same for some thirty years in Lehigh county. Both parents were consistent members of the Lutheran church. Their chil- dren besides Samuel were: Maria, wife of Cornelius Fox, of East Hanover township, now deceased; Tilman, a resident of Licking county, Ohio: Eliza, wife of Henry Ricker, of North Londonderry township: Susan, wife of Har- rison Shiffler, of Missouri: Rebecca, wife of Elias Hartz, of Palmyra; and Peter, a resident of Columbia county:
Samuel Felterolf was but twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Lebanon county. He secured a good common-school education. At the age of thirty years he married. and left the parental roof one year after (having in the meantime operated the home farm), locating in East
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Hanover township, Dauphin county, where he remained for eight years, farming for his father-in-law. Then he came back to the old farm, as his father was growing somewhat feeble, and he managed the place until his parents' death. after which he purchased it. It comprises 124 acres of fine land, and is situated two miles north of Palmyra. Mr. Felterolf is a pro- gressive and enterprising farmer, thoroughly understanding his business, and is classed with the excellent agriculturists of the township.
In 1871 Mr. Felterolf was married to Mary Reigert, who was born on the old Reigert farm in Dauphin county, a daughter of John and Bar- bara (Behm) Reigert, the latter an aunt of Rudolph Behm. of Palmyra. The children of this marriage are: Annie. Emma. Mary, Ella, Susan. Clara (the wife of Rudolph Ensminger of North Londonderry township). Harry (farmer on the home farm), and Kate. The religious connection of the family is with the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Felterolf is identified with the Republican party.
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EDWARD SCHMALTZ, whose attractive, well improved farm stands in one of the pleasant suburbs of Richland, is a man of great energy and marked business ability. Starting life with nothing but his own brains and muscles to depend upon, he has in the steady pursuit of one main indus- try-farming-amassed considerable property and won a leading place among agriculturists of his section. He was born in Bern township, Berks county, March 18, 1836, son of John and Rebecca (Spatz) Schmaltz.
Samuel Schmaltz, grandfather of Edward, came from Germany to the Colonies some time prior to 1775. As a loyal, patriotic American, when the Revolutionary war broke out he enlisted, and as a man of marked military ability served as captain under George Washington. By his mar- riage there were two sons: Benjamin and John, the latter mentioned below.
John Schmaltz, father of Edward, was one of the prominent agricul- turist of Millcreek township. In a well-ordered home he received careful rearing, and at an early age was given practical experience in farm manage- ment. Both environment and education decided him upon reaching man- hood to devote his attention to agriculture, and becoming successful he continued it for the most part throughout his business life. During his young manhood Mr. Schmaltz married Rebecca Spatz. who was a faithful helpmeet for many years. She is now deceased. By this union there were eight children, three of whom married as follows: Annie E .. to Ludwig Fisher, of Berks county (she died in 1901); Elmyra, to Israel Shirk, a farmer of Berks county; and Ella to Peter Steiner, of Pottstown; Edward is
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mentioned below; John is a farmer of Berks county; Franklin is a resident of Jackson township, this county ; and James, of Myerstown; Rebecca mar- ried B. W. Bennage, of Jackson township. The father of these children settled upon a farm in Millcreek township about 1849, and there passed the rest of his life, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He improved the property, kept the place thoroughly intact, and was considered one of the prosperous, progressive farmers of the county. He died at the age of sixty-seven years.
Mr. Schmaltz was energetic, thrifty and capable, and won the respect not only of agriculturists, but of the business and professional men in his community. He took an active part in the public affairs of his township, and in politics affiliated with the Republicans. He was a man of marked integrity of character, and the Reformed Church counted him among its most consistent members.
Edward Schmaltz was about fourteen years old when his parents set- tled upon the Millcreek farm. He received the ordinary rearing of a farmer's boy of his day-plenty of practical discipline in the everyday work of the homestead, and in the free schools of his neighborhood thorough training. in the rudiments of knowledge, and in self-control and attention. A whole- some regard for agriculture decided him upon reaching manhood to engage in that pursuit, and having natural ability and practical knowledge of the work his efforts were crowned with success. When twenty-four years old, September 13, 1860, Mr. Schmaltz married Mariah Halstein, of Millbach, who was born in 1841, daughter of John and Mary (Moyer) Halstein, who are mentioned below. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmaltz have been born nine chil- dren : Mary, who married George Peiffer, of Berks county; Calvin, a resi- dent of Richland, who married Mary Brown; John, who assists his father on the home place, and who married Noma Light ; Henry, a resident of Rich- land ; Adam, who is living at home, and who married Clara Grenawalt ; Emma, who married William Rauch, of Richland; Edward, a resident of Palmyra, Pa. ; Penrose, who is living at home; and Monroe, who is also at home.
After his marriage Mr. Schmaltz settled upon a seventy-acre farm within a quarter of a mile of Richland, and there he has since resided. He has improved the property, kept the buildings in good condition, and has carried on a very successful business. Wise in his management, his well cultivated fields have produced abundant harvests, and, always finding a ready market for his products, he has not had the misfortune of seeing things go to waste. His farm is now one of the most attractive and valuable pieces of property for its size in the township, and there he is still enjoying the results of his years of hard labor.
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Mr. Schmaltz's well directed efforts, and his keen intelligence, have brought him to the front in the public affairs of the community, and for many years he has acted as school director, filling the position with marked ability. In religious circles he is highly esteemed, and is now deacon and trustee of the Tulpehocken Reformed Church, of Richland. He is strictly honest, square in all his dealings with his fellow men, and entirely worthy of the trust imposed in him. Politically he affiliates with the Democrats.
The Halstein family, of which Mrs. Schmaltz is a member, were among the pioneers of Millcreek township. Her father, John Halstein, married Mary Moyer, and they had five children: Mariah (Mrs. Schmaltz), who has been mentioned; John, a resident of Millbach; Retisa, who married John Bomberger, of South Lebanon township; Emma, the wife of John Reist, of Heidelberg township; and Hiram, a resident of Lebanon.
JOSEPH G. HIBSHMAN, late one of the prosperous and enterpris- ing citizens of Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, was born July. 8, 1837, a son of Samuel and Martha (Gibble) Hibshman, of whom the former is deceased, but the latter is still living, making her home in Jackson township.
Samuel Hibshman was a son of John Hibshman, an old settler of Leba- non county, whose father is supposed to have emigrated from Germany at a very early date. John Hibshman's wife, Elizabeth, bore him a son, Samuel (who in time became the father of Joseph G.), and other children, as fol- lows: John, of Lancaster county; Samuel, of Ohio; Joseph G .; Katherine, who married Simon Dohner, of Jackson township; Mary, who married Martin C. Hacker, of Millcreek township. Samuel Hibshman, the father, was an industrious man, and successfully followed his trade, that of a shoemaker. In religious matters he was a member of the German Baptist church.
Joseph G. Hibshman was reared on his father's farm, receiving a com- mon school education. After attaining his majority, he hired himself out as a laborer and worked energetically to accumulate sufficient money to establish himself in business. For a number of years he was a dealer in junk and scrap iron, and built up a good trade in that line, and owned a comfortable home, all of his success being due to his unaided efforts and thrift.
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