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 21
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At the annual conference held in 1890. in Chambersburg, Pa., he was elected presiding elder and assigned to the Baltimore District. He served in this capacity for a period of four years. He was next assigned to Dallas- town. Pa., where he remained five years and enjoyed phenomenal success. He then accepted a call to serve the Church in Shamokin, Pa., at which place the property was very heavily involved in debt, but through his determined efforts this debt was greatly reduced during his three years' pastorate. Last October he was sent to the Salem Church in Lebanon, Pa., which is the mother of all the United Brethren Churches in this section of the country. While serving as presiding elder he received the degree of Ph. D. in course from his Alma Mater. He was twice elected a delegate to the General Con- ference, the highest legislative body of the church, and was a member of the General Missionary Board for four years. He edited a monthly paper for seven years, entitled The True Believer. He served as a trustee of the Lebanon College for many years, and was a member of its executive com- mittee. The Doctor has had some heavy and difficult charges, but by his inde- fatigableness has closed a good work on every appointment.
SALEM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH .. United Brethrenism had its beginning in Lebanon, Pa., more than a century ago. The first his- torical reference to the origin of the church in this place is found in the jour- nal of Rev. Christian Newcomer, who afterward became a bishop. He says: "May 27, 1797-This day a sacramental meeting is to commence at Martin- Kreider's, near Lebanon. Brother Crum delivered the first discourse." Under date of October 7, 1797, he says: "This forenoon we had a blessed meeting at Brother Martin Kreider's; in the afternoon we preached at Lebanon." Martin Kreider's place was located about a mile southwest of Lebanon. His grave is found in a private burial ground on the old home place. He was born February 14, 1740, and died November 14, 1827.
The early preachers preached at Martin Kreider's, at Abraham Draksel's near Ebenezer, in the First Reformed Church, and in other private houses, until "Light's Meeting House" was built, which took place in 1820. This meeting house was built by the Mennonites, and was deeded by Abrahamn Light. the grandfather of Solomon Light, of Annville, Pa., May 26, 1817, to Felix Light, Abraham Light, Jr., and Martin Light, trustees for the "Mennonite Society and Community." The consideration for the lot,
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located near the corner of Lehman and Seventh streets, was five shillings law- ful money of Pennsylvania, which is equal to sixty-two and a half cents of our money. This church was frequently used as a place of worship by preachers and people of a number of denominations other than the Mennon- ites. In it some very stirring evangelistic meetings were held, and many persons were won to Christ. Among those who were saved, or led into a deeper spiritual life at these early meetings, were Casper Sherk, a Mennonite preacher, and Felix Light. the former's son-in-law. They soon found a want of congeniality among the Mennonites because of an empty formality which prevailed among them, and began to associate themselves with other con- verted, spiritual co-laborers, such as Henry Landis, Martin Kreider, and others, who called themselves the unsectarian ( unparteuschen) Mennonites. Felix Light became a minister of great usefulness, and when his sons, John and Casper, started out in the ministry. they were classed among the "algemeinen brueder," or "Lichtes Leut," who later mostly merged formally. into the United Brethren in Christ. The meeting house became the property of our Church some time in its early history, but when, we have not been able to learn. Our preachers commenced to use it regularly in 1825, and continued to do so as long as it remained standing. The annual conference sessions of 1836 and 1839 were held in it, Bishop Samuel Heistand and Bishop Jacob Erb, presiding, respectively. The church was about 40 by 60 feet in size, and was built of brick. Rev. C. S. Crider, grandson of Rev. Martin Kreider, became the pastor of Lebanon station in 1845, and with the following mem- bers of the trustee board, Casper Light, William Light and Abraham Sherk, determined to build a new church. They bought two lots, numbering 275 and 276, on the corner of Ninth and Church streets, of Michael and Eliza- beth Haag for $200, and built on the corner lot a substantial two-storied lime- stone church. This was named the "Salem Church." The date of the deed is September 17, 1845, and the new building was begun during the same year. When the old meeting house was torn down much of the material was used in the building of a parsonage, No. 242 North Ninth street, which was after- ward sold. The present parsonage was built in 1873, and enlarged in 1903.
The corner stone of the old Salem church was laid by Rev. Simon Dreis- bach, assisted by the pastor, Rev. C. S. Crider. The building was dedicated October 18, 1846, by Bishop J. Russel, assisted by Rev. G. Miller and the pastor. The cost of the building was $4,000. Many precious seasons of grace were held in this church, and the congregation in due time became too large to be accommodated within its walls, and in 1890 arrangements were made to tear it down and build a larger structure. At this time the board of
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trustees was composed of the following brethren: Abraham Miller, Gideon Light and Abraham Herr. Rev. H. S. Gabel was the energetic pastor. Under the supervision of these strong men, backed by a loyal membership, the present commodious and beautiful church was erected. The corner stone was laid July 6, 1890, by Presiding Elder James Shoop, assisted by Revs. H. S. Gabel and S. Etter. On December 21, 1890, the first story was formally opened for divine services by Rev. C. J. Kephart, assisted by the pastor. On Sunday, May 15, 1892, it was dedicated with imposing ceremonies by Bishop E. B. Kephart, D. D., LL. D., assisted by the pastor, Rev. H. S. Gabel, Rev. J. G. Fritz and Rev. James Shoop. The clergymen of the various churches in the city were also in attendance, as well as a number of cur own pastors from surrounding charges. Over $8,000 in cash and subscriptions were secured on this occasion, covering the entire balance necessary to pay the total cost of the church, which was $18,700. The total estimated value of the church property, including the parsonage, three houses and several vacant lots, is estimated at $33.000. This does not include Ebenezer Cemetery, which is also owned by the church.
The following is a list of the preachers and pastors who preached in Lebanon since 1797: Christian Newcomer, Henry Crum, George A. Geet- ing, Joseph Hoffman, Abraham Draksel, Martin Kreider, Felix Light, Henry Heistand and John Neidig. In 1825 Lancaster Circuit was formed, and Lebanon was constituted a part of it. Jacob Erb served it in 1825-26; Gideon Smith, 1827; Simeon Dreisbach, 1828-29-30: Gideon Smith, 1831; David Runx, 1832; Jacob Roop and John Snyder, 1833: Daniel Funkhouser. 1834; John Snyder, 1835; Christian Hershey, 1836; John Eckstein, 1837; Daniel Funkhouser. 1838-39. In 1840 Lebanon Circuit was formed with Lebanon as a part, and Jacob Roop served it in 1840; Christian Peffley and Philip Fry, 1841 ; John Light, 1842-43-44: Christian S. Crider, 1845-46-47, under whom Lebanon became a station and was afterward served as follows : John A. Sand, 1848-49-50; Henry Shropp, 1851-52-53: George W. Hoff- man, 1854-55-56; David Hoffman, 1857-58-59; John Stamm and D. Strick- ler, 1860; A. Steigerwalt and C. J. Burket, 1861-62; J. B. Dougherty, 1863- 64-65; Jacob H. Mark, 1866-67-68; Henry Gelbach, 1869-70-71; Jacob Runk, 1872-73; James Shoop, 1874-75-76; E. Light, 1877-78; J. P. Smith, 1879-80-81-82: U. Gambler, 1883-84-85; D. S. Longenecker, 1886-87-88- 89; H. S. Gabel, 1890-91-92-93-94; J. H. Von Nieda, 1895-96; J. P. Smith, 1897-98-99: J. Runk and I. E. Runk, 1900; J. Runk and R. R. Butterwick, 1901; and I. H. Albright, 1901-02. The present membership of the church is 597.
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GEORGE BACHMAN. The Bachman family has long been one of the most prominent and wealthy agricultural ones of Lebanon county, owning many of the finest farms and most comfortable homes, and contributing also some of the county's best citizens. In George Bachman is found a worthy representative, and he was born April 9, 1840, a grandson of John Bachman of South Annville township, and a son of Christian and Sarah (Zinn) Bachman.
Christian Bachman, the father, was born January 17, 1812, and died January 2, 1900. His birth occurred on his father's farm in South Annville township, and there he remained until manhood, making trips during his school vacations to Manheim in Lancaster county, Lancaster City and Car- lisle, Dauphin county, where he was engaged in clerking. When but nine- teen years of age he embarked in a mercantile business at Fontana, Lebanon county, where he continued for seven years, and then went to farming in Cornwall township, on the land adjacent to the farm now owned by his son George. Mr. Bachman successfully operated this farm for some thirty-five years, and finally divided its 315 acres into two farms. In addition to this valuable property, he owned another farm of 162 acres, this being now occupied by his son John. Mr. Bachman was one of the heaviest land- holders in the county, and one of the leading and progressive farmers. Through his whole life he continued his industry, taking a constant pleasure in seeing the great yields of his fields and the increase of his stock. Mr. Bach- man was a man of many excellent traits of character which were generally recognized and which resulted in his having many friends. He was a mem- ber of the Republican party, but it was from principle and not with any desire for office. For many years he was an elder in the Reformed Church, a man whose example and precept thoroughly agreed. He was a widower for many years, his wife dying December 31, 1870, at the age of fifty-nine years, two months and twenty days. They had a family of twelve children born to them. namely : one that died in infancy; Malinda, who is the widow of Cyrus Ginrich, resides in Dauphin county; Annie, who is the wife of Christian Smith, of North Cornwall township; George, of Cornwall; Catherine, who died in childhood; John, who is a farmer of Cornwall township; Fannie, who is the wife of Henry Kreider, of South Annville township; Miss Sarah, who resides in Annville ; Rosanna, who died in childhood; Christian, who was a farmer of Cornwall township, died at the age of thirty-five years, leaving a widow and five children; Miss Emma, who resides in Annville; and Mary. who is the wife of Joseph Reist, of Annville.
George Bachman was reared on the farm and attended the local schools.
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remaining at home with his father, until the age of twenty-five years, at which time he married and then settled on a farm adjoining the one he now occupies. It contained 169 acres, and Mr. Bachman successfully managed that large property for a period of twenty years, locating then on his present farm of 166 acres. Here he owns one of the very finest farms of this great agricultural county, and operates it according to the best known methods, Mr. Bachman being an intelligent and progressive man. In politics he is a Republican, and like other men of reliability has found himself called upon to accept some public office, and is serving now as township auditor.
On March 9, 1865, Mr. Bachman was married to Mary A. Bowman. daughter of George and Fannie (Horst) Bowman, born Feb. 14, 1844. They have a family of seven children, namely: Fannie, born December 25, 1865, is the wife of Monroe Y. Croll, of South Lebanon township, and they have children, Abraham, George and Ethan; Christian Harvey, born Novem- ber 5, 1867, a farmer on his father's farm, married Fannie Yordie, and they have children, Aaron, Ada, Edna, Christian and Mary; Stephen, born August 22, 1870, a farmer of South Lebanon township, married Lizzie Bru- baker, and they have children, Isaac, Lizzie and George; George, born Janu- ary 28, 1874, died in December, 1878; Mary Ellen, born September 14, 1880, is at home; Oscar H., born August 27, 1882, a resident of Cleona, married Anna Hoffer, and has one child, Esther; and Sarah Z., born August 17, 1887, is at home. Mr. Bachman, his wife and children belong to the Reformed Church of Bismarck. The family is most highly esteemed in Cornwall township. Mr. Bachman is a man who is much respected both per- sonally and in business, and is regarded as one of the representative, public- spirited men of this locality.
JOHN B. OBERHOLTZER. This representative citizen of Lebanon, and popular ex-sheriff of the county, is at present the genial host of the "Colonial Hotel," and a gentleman upon whom the god of hospitality and good cheer has set his seal of approval; not to know our subject is to argue oneself a stranger in this section of the Keystone State. He was born at Campbelltown, Lebanon county, July 27, 1859.
John Oberholtzer, his grandfather, was the first of the name of whom we have accurate knowledge, he having been for long years an acceptable minister of the Mennonite Church in Lebanon county. His son, Christian, born in Campbelltown in 1822, married Elizabeth Beamsderfer. This lady was born March 2, 1837, and is still living. the object of the devoted attention of her large family. She was a daughter of Joseph, and he the son of Michael
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Beamsderfer, the former a native of Schaefferstown. Michael lived to the advanced age of ninety-six years, and died in 1876. Christian Oberholtzer, the honored father of our subject, died April 26, 1876. He was a farmer by occupation, and in mental equipment above the average of his class. Gifted with an observant mind and being a great reader he became a well-informed man. He was equally proficient in English and German, and was one of the best Biblical scholars in this section of the State. He was thrice married, the first wife bearing him a son, Harry C. Oberholtzer. His second wife died without issue. The children of the lady who now survives him are : Elizabeth, deceased; John B .; Fannie, deceased ; Leah, Mrs. Isaac J. Tschudy ; Emma, Mrs. William Wealand; Christian, clerk in the "Colonial Hotel:" Ella, Mrs. Charles Lenig; and Joseph P.
John B. Oberholtzer was well grounded in the elementary studies in the district school. Owing to the death of his father, he remained on the farm until three years past his majority. In the winter months he had picked up a good knowledge of carpentering, tin-smithing and mason work, and was able thus to turn many a dollar to the support of his mother's family. In 1883, however, he began life for himself, engaging with John F. Hain, the bottler of Lebanon, and with whom he spent the following three years. Six years were then passed in the hotel business, he having the advantage of train- ing under such experienced hosts as William H. Killinger and John R. Forney, who at different times were proprietors of the "Union Hotel." This experience was sufficient to qualify him to become "mine host" on his own account, and renting the "Farmers' Hotel" he dispensed hospitality for the following three years. Mr. Oberholtzer has always been a stanch Republican, and his faithful work in the ranks of that party, and the fact of his great popularity with the voters, made him an easy winner, when, in the primaries of 1897. he submitted his name for nomination for sheriff. The same elements com- bined to give him victory at the polls, and for a term of three years the courts of Lebanon had an able and impartial officer to execute their decrees. At the end of his terni of office, he again resumed the hotel business, this time taking charge of the "Colonial Hotel," on South Eighth street, which he is rapidly bringing to the front as one of the best hostelries of the county.
On August 26, 1882, Mr. Oberholtzer was married to Kate Eldora Graul, a native of Reading, Pa., who died in 1887. To this marriage was born a son, who died in infancy. On Thanksgiving Day. 1900, Mr. Ober- holtzer was happily joined in marriage to Emma Fisher, a lady of many
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graces of character, and a daughter of John Fisher, a prominent citizen of the county. She was born in Derry Church, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.
Fraternally Mr. Oberholtzer affiliates with the Odd Fellows, among whom, and all over the county, he is held in the highest esteem.
J. H. HORNE, M. D. In Dr. J. H. Horne, Millcreek township has not only a leading physician, but also one of the most honorable citizens of Lebanon county. Dr. Horne was born January 3. 1865, in Lower Heidel- berg township, Berks Co., Pa., a son of Charles and Sarah ( Heister) Horne, the former of whom was born in 1831, and the latter in 1832.
The great-grandfather of Dr. Horne was named Peter Horne, an Eng- lish Quaker, and one of the earliest settlers of Berks county. His son, also Peter, the grandfather of Dr. Horne, was a well-known farmer and upright citizen. His family numbered eight children, namely: John, deceased; Jere- miah, of Robesonia, Pa .; Elias, of Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., Iowa; Charles, father of Dr. Horne; Mary, wife of Reuben Fields, of Berks county; Malinda, wife of Isaac Graeff, of Robesonia; Amanda, wife of Alvin Lamm, of Lower Heidelberg, Berks county, and Amelia, wife of David Ringler, of Womelsdorf, Berks county. The father of Dr. Horne was a very sincere supporter of the Democratic party. He was always prominent in the Reformed Church, serving as elder and on the board of trustees. In 1852 Mr. Horne married Sarah Heister, a daughter of Isaac Heister, of Berks county. and a family of seven children was born to this union, as follows: Violanda. wife of Levi Gruber, of Brownsville, Berks county ; Peter, of Sinking Springs. Berks county ; Isaac, a farmer of North Heidelberg township, Berks county ; Adam, of Brownsville; Dr. J. H., of Newmanstown ; Sallie, wife of Harvey Wentz, of Chester Springs, Chester county ; and Lizzie, wife of James Fitler, a box manufacturer of Robesonia, Berks county.
The boyhood of Dr. Horne was spent on his father's farm and he attended the public schools in his locality. At the age of eighteen years he went to Aba, Hardin Co., Ohio, and there enjoyed Normal School advan- tages for three years, returning then to his home in Berks county. After three years spent in teaching, he began the study of medicine under Dr. D. H. Hain, of Mt. Pleasant, Berks county, with whom he remained three and one half years, in the meantime attending lectures at Jefferson Medical College. at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1891. He began the practice of his profession at Womelsdorf, where he remained two years and then, in 1893. settled at Newmanstown. Here he has built up a large and lucrative prac- tice. His close attention to the demands of his profession. his genial manner
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and agreeable personality, in combination with marked ability, have gained him the confidence of the whole community.
In 1892 Dr. Horne was united in marriage with Miss Sallie A. Knoll, daughter of John and Amanda ( Wenrich ) Knoll, of Berks county, and one son, J. Ellwood, has been born to this union.
Dr. Horne is a member of the order of K. of P., No. 169, of Newmans- town, and the Jefferson Medical College Alumni Association. He is examiner for six life insurance companies. Professionally he belongs to the Lebanon County Medical Society. He is a meniber and elder of the Reformed Church at Newmanstown. Dr. Horne is one of the very highly esteemed residents of this community, both personally and professionally.
GABLE. The Gable family, which is worthily represented in Heidel - berg township, Lebanon county, by John Wendel Gable and his son. John Franklin, was founded in America by John Gable (2), who was born Febru- ary II. 1756, near Zeifenbeck, Principality of Waldeck, a son of John Gable (1). With other young men he was sold by the government to King George III, of England, and with his regiment was taken to Baton Rouge, La .. thence to Vera Cruz, and finally to Havana, at which latter place he remained in bondage two years and seven months. He afterward came to Philadel- phia, from which city he came to Heidelberg, Lebanon county, where he found employment with Hones Shenk, and later with Mr. Krall. In 1788 he went to Warwick, Lancaster county, where he worked for Joseph Ging- rich. On August 23, 1789, he was married to Elizabeth Marzall, daughter of John Wendel Marzall, the latter a native of the Pfalz, Germany, who emigrated to America in 1762, purchased land near Lime Rock in 1764, and there lived until his death in 1804. John Gable and his young wife set up their house- hold in Mt. Joy in 1790, and in 1795 moved to Sporting Hill, Lancaster county, where he worked at the weaver's trade. In 1803 Mr. Gable moved to Warwick township, settling on a small farm of about twenty acres, which he received from his father-in-law, and which is now the site of Lime Rock Station, on the Reading and Columbia railroad. In connection with the culti- vation of his land he also worked as a weaver. His death occurred in 1852. To John Gable and wife were born four children, as follows: Maria, born August 17, 1790, married Rev. H. Scriba, a Lutheran minister at Man- heim, Pa .; John (3), born November 8, 1795: Christian, born April 28, 1803; and Catherine, born December 13, 1804.
John Gable (3) was married December 1. 1818, to Ann Maria Lutz, daughter of John Lutz, who was born in 1754, at Hanau, Germany, and
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came to America in 1775 or 1776. To John Gable (3) and his wife were born seven children as follows: Jonathan Monroe, born January 4, 1820; Mary Caroline, born July 16, 1821; Solomon Augustus, born January 30, 1825; John Wendel, born March 20, 1826; Davis Emanuel, born June 24, 1829; William Henry, born August 31, 1836; and Jacob Benton, born June 4, 1839.
JOHN WENDEL GABLE was born near Lime Rock. On October 31. 1848, he was united in marriage with Magdalene Diehm, who was born October 31, 1824, daughter of Isaac Diehm. and to this union came three sons, John Franklin, born April 28, 1850; Isaac Addison, born December 16, 1851, died May 22, 1863 ; and Levi D., born July 29, 1859, died May 4, 1863. Mrs. Magdalene ( Diehm) Gable was a noble Christian woman, devoted to her home and family, and living a life that showered richest blessings on those around her. She entered into rest eternal July 31, 1895, aged seventy years and nine months.
John Wendel Gable was a miller at the Speedwell Mills. In April, 1851, he moved into his own house near Pennville, Lancaster county, but in the spring of 1860 he moved with his family to Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, locating on a farmi of 100 acres which he had purchased the previous year. He began farming, and being a man of broad understanding and practical common sense, he did not follow the old beaten track in the methods employed, but cleared and prepared his land on scientific principles, until in a short time the appearance of his farm underwent a wonderful change, and in place of bush and brier grew waving fieldso f grain and tobacco. The oid brown sandstone house, which had been erected in 1749 by John George Smith, was completely renovated and repaired, until it bids fair to make a comfortable home for generations yet unborn.
Mr. Gable took a great interest in education, and has ever been the warm friend and supporter of the schools, giving his time and means freely to advance its cause and encourage others to do the same. He is an active worker in the Lutheran Church, and has always been devoted to the interests of the Sunday School, acting as superintendent for more than thirty years. For many years he has served in its council, and has done much to make his chosen faith an influence for good in the community.
JOHN FRANKLIN GABLE, the only surviving child of his father. was educated in the district schools and at Palatinate College. In 1867 he began teaching in the public schools, and continued this work with much success for twenty-two terms, working during the summers on his father's farm. The management of the farm has gradually fallen upon his shoulders,
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and he now takes entire charge of it, besides operating, with great success, the Locust Grove Flour and Grist Mill. Like his father he is a practical workman, and sees at once the correct solution of whatever problem life pre- sents to him. This, coupled with the executive ability that accomplishes what it undertakes, has brought much prosperity to him. In 1866 he united with the Lutheran Church, and has so ordered his life in harmony with the faith he professes, as to merit the high esteem of the community in which his life has been passed.
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