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 71
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John H. Light was reared on a farm and acquired his education in the common schools. At the age of seventeen years he began work on his own account, and his ability and efficiency soon commanded the attention of those by whom he was employed. Three years later he took charge of the Lebanon County Alms House farm, under the direction of the steward then in authority there. continuing to perform the various duties of this position through seven years. Mr. Light then removed to Fairland and remained there one year, returning to the Alms House as steward, in April. 1894, and has since filled the responsible duties of the office to the complete satisfaction of all concerned. His long association with the affairs of the Alms House has made him thoroughly acquainted with the needs of this institution, while his upright character and kindly disposition make him a most excellent per- son to have charge of the property and wards of the county.
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On March 31, 1886, Mr. Light was united in marriage with Carrie E. Freylinghousen, who was born in May, 1867. in Jonestown, Lebanon county, daughter of George W. Freylinghousen. To this union have been born the following children : Bertha G., born September 27, 1888; Horace F., born November 9. 1890: Mable M., born May 6, 1895; J. Mark, born February 14, 1899; and Edith I., born April 30, 1902. Mr. Light is fraternally asso- ciated with Camp No. 32. P. O. S. of A., of Avon. His political identification is with the Republican party. By his upright and manly life and his wise, economic and careful management of the institution just spoken of, Mr. Light has won the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
Peter Casper Freylinghousen, the grandfather of Mrs. Light, was born in Germany, May 14. 1792, and came to America while quite small. His marriage was to Anna Maria Heilman, and their living children are: Peter. of Jonestown ; Sarah, the wife of Thomas Miller : Miss Elizabeth : and Ellen. wife of John L. Saylor, of Annville. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Light was John Wagner, who married a Miss Elizabeth Desh, and of their children the following still survive: Caroline, Sabrina H. and Lydia M. George W. Freylinghousen, the father of Mrs. Light, was born December 27. 1832, at Jonestown. Lebanon county, and died suddenly August 7, 1903, and Caro- line Wagner. the mother of Mrs. Light, was born February 17, 1837, at Fred- ericksburg, Lebanon county. Her brothers and sisters are as follows: George W .. John P. and Harry H., all residing near Jonestown; Mary E., married to John H. Brewer, of Hebron, Lebanon county ; Anna S., married to Jacob Boger, a farmer and carpenter. in North Annville : Clara M., married to Robert Donmoyer, of Fredericksburg, Lebanon county; and Mabel E., married to Frank Stutzman. of Jonestown.
DANIEL R. HERTZLER, one of the good farmers and valued citi- zens of Jackson township, resides on his well-improved farm which is most favorably situated two miles southeast of Myerstown, and about one mile northwest of Richland. His birth took place in this township. January 16. 1848, and his parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth (Royer) Hertzler, belonged to two of the most highly respected old families of the State.
Elizabeth Royer, the beloved mother of Mr. Hertzler, was a direct de- scendant of Jacob Royer, who was one of the early settlers of Lancaster county. Extended mention of this notable family will be found in another part of this work. On the paternal side. Mr. Hertzler's great-grandfather. John Hertzler, came to America from Germany and settled in Berks county about 1750, where his son Christian was born. The children of Christian
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Hertzler were: Levi, Ephraim, Jonathan, Sarah, Elizabeth and Rebecca.
Jonathan Hertzler, father of Daniel R., was born in 1801 and died in 1888, the father of sixteen children, fourteen of whom lived to maturity, namely: John; William; Sarah, who married Daniel Royer; Levi, of Kan- sas; Leah, wife of John Kline: Elizabeth, widow of John Witter; Susanna, deceased; Mary Ann, wife of Samuel Witter, of Myerstown; Amanda, wife of Jacob Foltz; Jonathan, of Kansas; Emma, wife of Joseph Royer, now deceased : Ephraim, also deceased; Daniel R .; and Anna, who married Reu- ben Royer, of Kansas, and died leaving a family of fifteen children. Jonathan Hertzler was for sixteen years one of the leading farmers in his locality, in- dustrious, peaceful and home-loving. He was a consistent member of the German Baptist Church.
Daniel R. Hertzler was reared on his father's farm and has followed general farming all his life. His fine property contains 108 acres of well-tilled land which has been placed in its present excellent condition by Mr. Hertz- ler's industry. For many years he has been regarded as a leading citizen on account of the interest he has shown in all matters pertaining to the growth and development of the township's resources, his efforts to improve the stock, to insure good roads and to advance the cause of public education. Mr. Hertzler is identified with the Republican party. Like his father, he is a member of and a liberal contributor to the German Baptist Church of Tulpe- hocken.
In 1869 Mr. Hertzler married Miss Eliza Royer, of Millcreek town- ship, one of a large family born to Daniel Royer and wife, as follows: Abra- ham and Joseph, of Lancaster; Sarah, wife of William Frank, of Richland; Catherine, wife of Abraham Landis, of Richland; Leah, wife of John Spayd, of Ohio; and Eliza, wife of Mr. Hertzler. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler were: Irwin R. : Martin, who married Rosanna Bucher of Myers- town; Agness, wife of David Dechert of Jackson township; Elizabeth, de- ceased ; David: Lloyd; Macie, who married Joseph Layser, of Jackson town- ship; William; John; Daniel; and Sarah. This has been one of the prolific families of the neighborhood, forty-two children resulting from the marriage of three members. This has, however, only added to the good citizens of Jackson township, for no family stands higher in public esteem. Honest, industrious, law-abiding people, who by example and precept illustrate the virtues of honorable living, form a class of citizens of which any county has reason to be proud. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler are plain, practical people, hospi- table and kind-hearted, and are valued in their church and neighborhood, and beloved in their home.
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CHARLES A. LENIG, one of the respected citizens and the popular postmaster of Campbelltown, Lebanon county, was born in May, 1871, a son of Henry F. and Susan F. (Petry) Lenig, the former of whom was born October 30, 1832, at Annville, a son of John Lenig, and the latter December IT, 1836, also at Annville, daughter of John and Kate ( Bender) Petry.
Henry F. Lenig was a blacksmith by trade, learning at Palmyra, and work- ing for a time at Fontana before he returned to Annville. He was in his native town at the beginning of the Civil war, and to the call for loyal troops in 1862, he responded, enlisting on October 22d for three years, and being mustered in at Philadelphia, in Captain W. D. Banks' Battery H, Third Pennsylvania Heavy Battery, under Captain Serback. [The name Lenig was misspelled in making out the papers and stands on the records as Lanick, but this did not interfere with his brave attention to duty.] The regiment did not perform service as a whole but was sent out in detachments on both land and sea, serving thus both in army and navy. Battery H was stationed at Baltimore, Md., and engaged in duty on the fortifications of that city, and later served in the Gettysburg campaign. Mr. Lenig shared the fortunes of Battery H in all its movements and duties, from the time of enlistment until his honorable discharge at Baltimore, July 25, 1865, by reason of General Order, No. 168, Headquarters Maryland Department, Baltimore, Md., July 14, 1865. After returning from the war he located in Campbelltown, and started the coach-making business in a large shop opposite the Rising Sun Hotel, and there he continued for sixteen years, doing a large business and giving employment to as many as twelve hands. In 1882 he sold his busi- ness, and worked at his trade until about 1887, opening then a confectionery store which occupied him until his retirement in 1897, at which time his son succeeded him. His death took place December 31, 1900. He was a man who was held in the highest esteem, a brave soldier and a good citizen. His family consisted of six children as follows: John Albert, born September 6, 1860, died September 4, 1863: Kate Ellen, born February 7. 1862, died August 27. 1863 ; Henry Franklin, born January 3, 1863, resides at Reading, Pa .; William M., born August 24. 1866, died August 16, 1869: Charles A., born in May, 1871; and Ida Elmira, born February 22, 1876.
Charles A. Lenig was born in the brick residence across the street from the Campbelltown Hotel and was educated in the public schools, after com- pleting the course entering the establishment of Harry Coppenhaver, the present sheriff of Lebanon county, where he learned the carriage painting business, remaining for ten years with Mr. Coppenhaver. Then he went to Reading, and worked there at his trade for three years, but in 1897 succeeded
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his father in the confectionery business in Campbelltown. On September 17. 1898, he was appointed postmaster and was re-appointed October 1, 1902, his service being efficient and satisfactory.
In 1891 Mr. Lenig was married to Ella Oberholtzer, born in Campbell- town, daughter of Christian and sister of ex-Sheriff John Oberholtzer of Lebanon. The one son of this marriage, George C .. was born September 24, 1902. Mr. Lenig is not only a fine workman and excellent business man and efficient public officer, but he is most socially inclined, and is a very popular and active member of Camp No. 192, Palmyra P. O. S. of A., and Swatara Tribe of Red Men.
LEVI HARTZ, a well-known and leading citizen of the Second ward. Lebanon, for many years an engineer on the Cornwall & Reading Railway, was born in Cumru township. Berks Co., Pa., March 9, 1847.
The parents of Mr. Hartz were Philip and Justina (Ludwig) Hartz. both of whom were natives also of Berks county, the father being of English descent, and the mother of German. The mother died in 1863, and the father in 1882. There were born to these parents six sons and four daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters are living.
Levi Hartz was reared partly in Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties, the vicinity in which his parents lived being in all three counties, and he had school opportunities in each. In 1865, when nineteen years of age, he began his railroad career by securing a position on the East Pennsylvania Railroad. now a part of the Philadelphia & Reading system, at which he continued for five months. Following this he fired an engine for four years on the above road, at the end of which time he was promoted to engineer and given an engine. In 1877 he left the railroad which had then been leased to the Phila- delphia & Reading, and went to engineering at Temple Furnace, five miles from Reading, where he ran an engine for two years, when he was promoted to the position of night "founder" (foreman), at which he continued for three and one-half years. Temple Furnace shut down at this period. and for the next six months he was employed at the Reading Steam Forge. In 1883. Mr. Hartz was given an engine on the Cornwall & Lebanon Railway. and re- moved to Lebanon, where he has since resided, being continuously in the employ of the Cornwall & Lebanon road, and is in the confidence of the com- pany, one of their most valued engineers. On occasions he has temporarily filled the position of master mechanic of the road.
For years Mr. Hartz has been a leading citizen of the Second ward, and has taken an active interest in political affairs, faithfully laboring for the
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city's interest. In February, 1898, he was elected to the select council of lebanon, where he served with credit to himself and constituents, and profit to the city, for four years, his term expiring April 7, 1902. His course in the select council was one prompted by an earnest desire to promote the best interests of the city, and to manage her institutions and affairs in a manner to give the greatest good to the greatest number of people. So satisfactory was the course, and so excellent his qualifications and fitness for office, that he was solicited and could have had a nomination for mayor.
Mr. Hartz is a member of the I. O. O. F., and B. of L. E. fraternities, of the Union Volunteer Fire Company (he served as chief engineer for Leb- anon for seven years) and of Salem Lutheran Church.
Mr. Hartz was married (first) on October 21. 1865, at Reading, to Mary Magdalene Thompson, born in that city April 6, 1848, daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Boyer) Thompson. She died August 26, 1890. To this union the following children were born: Charles Albert, born February 18, 1867, who resides in Reading: Arthur Luwellen, born April 24, 1868, fire- man and extra engineer on the Cornwall & Lebanon Railway, and residing in Lebanon ; George Oscar, born July 14, 1869. fireman and extra engineer on the Cornwall & Lebanon Railway, and residing in Lebanon ; Howard T .. born August 30, 1873. who has charge at night of the Cornwall & Lebanon Railway round house, and residing in Lebanon: Walter S., born November 4. 1875, a machinist in the shops of the Cornwall & Lebanon Railway, and living in Lebanon; Bessie May, born October 28, 1878, a trained nurse now in the State of Iowa : Sarah Deborah. born August 30, 1880; Edward Clinton, born in 1881, who died October 7, 1881, aged eighty days; Justina F .. born February 16, 1883. now taking the course in Drexel's Home, Phila- delphia, preparing to be a trained nurse; and Levi Earl, born January 19. 1885, and died in 1893. On September 17, 1891, Mr. Hartz was married (second) to Clara Steely, daughter of Jared Steely. She was born March II, 1867, in Schuylkill county, Pa., and one daughter has been born to this union, India Irene, born July 9, 1892.
GEORGE W. DONGES (deceased). The death of George W. Donges, on February 19, 1902, at his home in Myerstown, Pa .. removed from Lebanon county one of her most honorable, influential and valued citi- zens. By birth and immediate ancestry, Mr. Donges belonged to Pennsyl- vania, his birth occurring at Campbelltown. April 19, 1844, and he was a son of George W. and Henrietta (Stoner) Donges, both natives of Lebanon county and members of its oldest and most prominent families.
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George W. Donges, the father of the late George W., was born in 1804, in Lebanon county, and in 1835 established himself in a mercantile and tailor- ing business in Myerstown which he continued to conduct until his death in 1886. For a half century he was a leading merchant and tailor, and founded a business house which has expanded into one of the leading ones of the locality. In every way he was a most estimable citizen. Children as follows were born to his union with Henrietta Stoner: John A., a merchant in Myerstown; Sarah, the wife of Daniel Warrick, of Illinois; Mary E., of Myerstown; Ellen, the wife of Joseph S. Coover, of Myerstown; Amelia; Susan; and the late George W.
The children of the above family were reared and educated in Myers- town at school and academy, and prior to the outbreak of the Civil war, George W. assisted as a clerk in his father's store. In 1862 he became a volunteer member of the famous Second Bucktail Regiment, which went out for service under Capt. John H. Bassler, and he continued with his reg- iment until the close of the war. For gallantry and efficiency he was given a clerical position for a time, in Washington, D. C., his experience as a teacher having been of service to him in this position.
Mr. Donges was married to Miss Mary Tice, a daughter of Capt. William Tice, a soldier of the Civil war and a resident of Myerstown. The three children born to this union were: Nettie, who married Rev. J. H. Umbenhen, of the Lutheran Church at Pottsville: Miss Della, of Myerstown : and George W., Jr. Mrs. Donges died in 1875. The second marriage of Mr. Donges was to Mrs. Cassia Layser, a daughter of John and Cassia Keller, of Lancaster county, two children being born to this union, Miss Ida, of Myerstown ; and Amelia S., deceased.
Soon after the close of the war and Mr. Donges' return from Washing- ton to Myerstown, he entered into partnership with his brother. John A. Donges, in the mercantile business (the firm style becoming Donges Bros. ). which was continued at the old site where their father had established himself in 1835. The business qualifications of George W. Donges made him the manager and leading member of the firm, his judgment and foresight emin- ently fitting him for so important a position. His death while still in the prime of life and in the midst of a useful career, was both a grief and blow to his family and business associates. He was a man of genial pleasant man- nier, and gifted with a faculty of winning warm friends. In politics, he sup- ported the Republican party. In religious life he was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, and a liberal contributor to its support. Mrs. Donges
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and daughter reside in their attractive home in Myerstown and are among the most highly estemed residents.
The record of the branch of the Keller family to which Mrs. Donges belongs, is as follows: Jacob Keller, born in Rothinfluh, in Canton Basel, Switzerland, in 1706, died at Springville, Lancaster county, in 1794, and botli he and wife are buried at the Ephrata Cloister.
(II) Jacob Keller was born at Springville, in 1733, and died in 1804.
(III) Jacob Keller, born in 1761. died in 1830.
(IV) John Keller, born in 1784, died in 1875.
(V) John Keller, born in 1811, died in 1889. His wife Cassia Royer, born in 1815, died in 1871.
(VI) Cassia Keller, daughter of John and Cassia Keller, born in 1845. married George W. Donges.
MRS. C. E. BIBIGHAUS. In the death of this noble woman, No- vember 18, 1901, the city of Lebanon lost one of its public benefactors. From the time of her husband's death, nearly fifty years ago, she remained a widow, and much of her time was given to public and charitable works. Indeed, throughout her long life it was her sincerest aim to make every moment count. Her noble character and her high cultivation were partly the results of the beneficent influences by which she was surrounded all her life. Her father was Dr. Samuel Wiesting, a highly intellectual man, and a prac- ticing physician of Harrisburg, Pa., where he resided for many years. Her mother, Henrietta Wiesting, was a noble woman and a strong character, who lived to the advanced age of ninety-one.
Mrs. Bibighaus was born January 29, 1820, and under the careful guidance of her kind and wise parents grew to womanhood. On September 23, 1842, she married Thomas M. Bibighaus, a brilliant young lawyer of Lebanon, where they took up their residence. After about ten years of happy married life, in 1852, he died, leaving to her the care of six children, the result of this marriage : Henry T., who was a member of the Lebanon Bar, is now deceased: Alvin C. is deceased; Thomas W. is deceased; Henrietta E. and Caroline J. reside in Lebanon ; and Mariah C. is deceased. Henry T. and Alvin C. served in the Civil war.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Bibighaus performed her duties as a mother bravely, and gave her children a careful rearing. She also gave much time to religious and charitable work. As a member of the Reformed Church of her city she was exceedingly prominent in its various activities. With a friend, Mrs. Caroline Derr, she founded the Widows' Home of Leb-
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anon, one of the most beneficent institutions of that place. Her noble Chris- tian character was an inspiration to all who knew her, and together with her charming social attributes won for her hosts of friends.
The BIBIGHAUS FAMILY, of which Thomas M .. the husband of Mrs. C. E. Bibighaus, was a member, is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the State of Pennsylvania. Henry Bibighaus, D. D., father of Thomas M., was a leading minister of the Reformed Church, and officiated in a church in Philadelphia for many years.
Thomas M. Bibighaus was born in Philadelphia, in 1817, and there resided for many years of his life. Coming of a scholarly family, he was given a very thorough education, finishing with a course in law. As a young man he opened an office in Lebanon, and practiced law with eminent success. A brilliant speaker and thoroughly well-grounded in his profession. he was soon recognized as a fetching political candidate, and about 1851. at the early age of thirty-three. was elected a representative to Congress. He was filling his place admirably and was opening the way for a more brilliant future, when death suddenly cut short his career.
NATHANIEL LIGHT, a well-known citizen of Annville. Lebanon county, was born on a farm in Bethel township, near Stoever's Mills, five miles north from Lebanon City, April 28, 1851, son of Isaiah Light, who was born in 1818, in the above mentioned Light homestead, and who died in 1891. The grandfather. Martin Light, was also born in the same old home which was built by his father, who came from Germany and was one of the early settlers in Bethel township. Lebanon county. The mother of Nathaniel Light was Catherine Smith, born October 13, 1820, on a farm in South Lebanon township. She was a daughter of John Smith, an early settler. long since passed away, but she still survives, a consistent member of the Mennonite Church. The father was a farmer all his life. Three children were born to these parents, namely : Amanda, born in 1848, married Samuel Kettering, a farmer living in North Annville township, his being the second farm from the turnpike, opposite the Heilig House: Nathaniel: and Sarah N., who died at the age of two and one-half years.
Nathaniel Light was reared on a farm and attended the common schools. and was also able to take advantage of the opportunities offered at Palmyra College, for several sessions. Later he engaged in farming in South Ann- ville township until 1897. when he retired from active labor and removed to Annville.
In 1871, Mr. Light was married to Emma E. Bomberger, born in South
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Annville township, daughter of Joseph Bomberger, who died in the summer of 1901. To this union twin babes were born, February 14, 1875, who were named Allen B. and Ellen K., the former of whom married Mary Detweiler, and the latter is single and resides with her parents in Annville. Mr. Light and family belong to the old Lutheran Church of Annville, and are among the most highly respected residents of the town.
H. M. MUTH, one of the representative and successful young farmers of Jackson township, a resident of the old family homestead, was born March 2, 1869, on the farm he now owns, located within one and one-half miles of Myerstown, on the northwest.
The parents of Mr. Muth were Jefferson and Sarah ( Hoak) Muth, the former of whom was born in 1826, and died in 1898, a son of John Muth, who was also a native of Jackson township, and a son of a German soldier who came to America with the English army during the Revolutionary war. Grandfather John Muth was the father of nine children, the four survivors being : Amelia, Catherine, Cyrus and Harriet. The children born to Jeffer- son Muth and wife were eight in number, the survivors being : John, William. Annie, H. M. and Frank.
Jefferson Muth was one of the industrious and energetic farmers of his locality, and he was widely known for his honesty and upright dealing. At the time of his death, by his great energy, assisted by his most admirable wife, he had accumulated large means and much property. In politics Mr. Muth was a Democrat. Like all his family he belonged to the Reformed Church, a leading member of the Myerstown Congregation. The mother of H. M. Muth belonged to one of the very old families of the county. She was much beloved in her family and the neighborhood.
H. M. Muth was reared on the homestead farm under the parental care of kind and indulgent parents, who, however, taught him habits of industry. After completing the common school course, the young man engaged in teaching in Jackson township, but when it came to selecting a life work, he chose that of farming. In 1892 Mr. Muth was married to Miss Lizzie Smith. daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Crouse) Smith. One daughter, Caroline. has been born to this union.
In 1899 Mr. Muth purchased the old Jefferson Muth homestead, com- prising eighty acres of well-improved land, and excellent and attractive buildings. Here a happy home life prevails, Mrs. Muth, who was born March 17, 1873, being a lady of housewifery accomplishments and most amiable disposition. She is one of the active workers in the Reformed
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