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 75
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William H. Baeshore, soldier, teacher, politician and farmer, lived upon the home farm until he enlisted, and attended the district school. After returning home, being then still a boy, he went to Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, and for three years attended the Ohio Southwestern Normal School, leaving it one year before ready for graduation. After this he taught school two . years in Warren county, Ohio, and then returned to his old home in Penn- sylvania. On October 9, 1869. he was married to Lydia E. Miller, daughter of Jolm and Hannah ( Eversole ) Miller, and she died April 26. 1896, leav- ing Mr. Baeshore alone, as no children were born to them. She is laid to rest in the beautiful Jonestown cemetery. Mr. Baeshore has always been a Republican, as was his father, who was also a Whig in his earlier days. In the fall of 1872 Mr. Baeshore was elected clerk of the Orphans' Court of Lebanon county, and took possession of the office January 1. 1873, and dis-
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charged its duties with faithfulness and honor, after which he retired to his farm and there remained twenty years. He then removed to the home on which he now resides, although he still retains the old farm, which has been in his family for so many years.
On September 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Ninety-third Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and in December, 1863, he, with the majority of his regiment, enlisted for three years more. He par- ticipated in the following battles: Williamsburg, Va .; Fair Oaks; Battle Orchards; Gaines Mills; Gaines Hill; Savage Station; Charles City Cross Roads; White Oak Swamp; Malvern Hill, and the skirmishes in MeClellan's Peninsular campaign in the summer of 1862. Next he took part under Gen. Pope, and was in the engagements of Chancellorsville and Second Bull Run. He was then assigned to the command of Gen. Burnside, at Freder- icksburg ; he was with MeClellan at Antietam, and with Meade at Gettysburg. With his regiment he started out with Grant in the Wilderness campaign, and took part in the marches and skirmishes of the army up to and including the battle of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Courthouse, where he lost his left arm as before stated. After being wounded, he was sent to a hospital at Baltimore, thence to Indianapolis, Ind., and later to Pittsburg, where he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home to resume the life of a private citizen.
JOHN A. WESTENBERGER. The car of Progress has attained such speed that farming has become almost a lost art in some sections of the densely populated East. In Mr. Westenberger, however, we have one of the men who have made farming in this latter day a paying business, and he is one of the most worthy representative citizens of that class in Lebanon county. He is a man of parts in his neighborhood, being a member of the school board, and found at the head of all movements that look to the better- ment of society.
Mr. Westenberger was born on the farm now owned by .A. E. Ebersole. about one mile south from Annville, in South Annville township. November 14. 1863. Henry Westenberger, his grandfather, was born on a farm near Schaefferstown. Lebanon county. Marshall Westenberger, father of John A., was born in South Annville in 1826. and died in the year 1883. In 1860 he bought the Jacob Biely farm, in North Annville township. one and a half miles from Belle Grove, where he continued to reside until his death. He married Priseilla Biely, who was born on the old Biely farm, now owned by her son, in 1836, and died in February, 1898. aged sixty-two years. She was
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the daughter of Jacob Biely, who was born March 1, 1809, and died Septem- ber 7, 1869. He married Polly Nye, who was born March 29, 1813, and is still in life and in fair health. Jacob Biely was one of the early settlers of North Annville, and one of the leading farmers there for a long period. To the marriage of Marshall Westenberger were born four children,-Eliza- beth, John A., Alice and Michael. In an epidemic of diphtheria in 1871 three of these children died within a week, leaving our subject the only surviving child, and he barely escaped with his life.
John A. Westenberger passed his boyhood in the duties and pleasures of farm life in that early day, and was given a fair education in the district schools. He remained with his father and mother as long as they lived, and began housekeeping for himself in 1884, at the old farm, where he remained until the spring of 1902. At that time he purchased the old homestead of his grandfather Biely, where he has since resided. He still owns his father's farm of sixty acres, the Biely farm containing 113 acres. These farms are both in a high state of cultivation, with commodious and up-to-date buildings for the care of stock and the conduct of successful farm business. Mr. West- enberger was married in the fall of 1883 to Kate Hostetter, who was born November 4. 1861, in South Annville township, daughter of Henry and Nancy ( Naftzinger) Hostetter, both of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Westenlerger have four children : Harry, Stella, Harvey and Carrie.
Mr. Westenberger is a man of influence in his community, highly respected for his many good traits of citizenship. He has served his town in different public offices of trust, and is at present a school director of North Annville township, having served since 1897. In church affiliation he is a leading and active member of the Lutheran Church of Belle Grove, the family having always been connected with that church organization. He takes an active and helpful interest in anything that pertains to the welfare of young people, not only giving much time to providing good literary schools in the district, but for fourteen years serving as the efficient superintendent of the Sunday School of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Westenberger and his family have a large circle of friends who hold them in the greatest esteem.
HOWARD C. SHIRK, one of the most prominent members of the Bar of Lebanon county, was born in the city of Lebanon, December 26, 1857, son of the late Samuel U. Shirk, a native of Swatara township, Lebanon county. The grandfather was Abraham F. Shirk, and the great-grandfather was Samuel Shirk, the last two also being natives of Lebanon county. The family came to Lebanon county, from Lancaster county. It originated in the
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Palatinate, in Germany, but came into Pennsylvania from Schoharie county, New York State. The mother of Howard C. Shirk was Malinda Cassiday, a daughter of Phares Cassiday, one of the leading contractors of his time in this portion of Pennsylvania, he holding contracts for the building of the Cornwall railroad. in the widening of the old Union Canal. etc. His wife was a member of the old and prominent Raguee family of Annville, Lebanon county. Samuel U. Shirk was for many years a leading merchant in Leb- anon county, and died in 1870.
Howard C. Shirk was reared in Lebanon, attending the city public schools, from which he was graduated in 1873, and then continued his studies for one year under a private tutor. After this, he read law with the late Amos R. Boughter, and was admitted to the Bar, January 6, 1879, and since then has been continuously in active practice, and long since attained high rank among the leaders at the Bar. He has never held public office, declining all proffered nominations, but has taken an active interest in all public affairs, and especially so in all judicial elections. The following corporations have secured his services as attorney : The Robesonia Iron Company ; The Cornwall Iron Company ; The Cornwall Railroad Company: The Pennsylvania Steel Company; and The Lebanon Rolling Mills. The above corporations are the leading ones in this section of Pennsylvania, and some of them the largest in the State. He is also attorney for the Freeman Family of Cornwall; The Myerstown National Bank; the Lebanon National Bank, he having become a director of the latter on July 10, 1894, and its vice-president December II. 1895.
ADAM C. KLOPP, of the firm of A. C. Klopp & Sons, dealers in grain. lumber and coal, is one of the leading business men of Sheridan. Though his father paved the way to his business career, he has proven himself by no means inferior as a skillful manager, and the present flourishing condition of the business is in a large measure due to his skillful financiering and his energy in pushing affairs. He has only recently taken a leading place in the firm, but has in that short time evinced marked executive ability in directing affairs. As he is now only fifty years old, with a large force of practical experience for a guide, the outlook for his business and his fortune is certainly most encouraging.
Mr. Klopp comes of an old and prominent Pennsylvania family. His great-grandfather Klopp probably came to this country from Germany, and John Adam Klopp, his grandfather, was one of the prominent agriculturists of Marion township, Berks county, where he cleared up a fine farm for him-
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self, and carried on a successful industry for many years. He was energetic, thrifty, and capable, and aided materially in developing the resources of the county. He reared a family of strong, sturdy children, having nine in all; Eliza, Benjamin, Benneville, Samuel, Jonathan, A. C., Eli, Sara and John.
A. C. Klopp, father of Adam C .. inherited his father's large capacity for work, and much shrewd business ability. He was born in 1819, and passed many years of his life in Berks county. In a home where each had his task to perform, and a proper time for doing it, he was trained to habits of order, self-reliance and industry. By making the best of his chances in life, he early gained some practical business knowledge, and after reaching manhood opened lumber, grain and coal dealing establishments in Stouchsburg and Sheridan. Wise management, good stock and promptness in filling orders won him a good trade from the start. From year to year he enlarged his business to meet the growing needs of the places, and. being reliable, he be- came known far and near, and continued to prosper. Some years ago he found it necessary to take in his sons as members of the firm, and they together conducted the business under the firm name of A. C. Klopp & Sons during the rest of his life. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-two, dying in 1901.
During his young manhood Mr. Klopp married Sara Loose, and they had five children, three of whom grew to maturity : Jerome, now a resident of Sheridan; Adam C., who is mentioned below; and Rebecca, who married Ezra P. Fisher, and resides in Philadelphia.
Mr. Klopp was a man who achieved success by directing his efforts in one main line of business. Though as a stanch Republican he was influential in local politics, he was wholly disinclined to office holding. In religious and social affairs he occupied a leading place and served at different times as elder and deacon of Trinity Reformed Church of Tulpehocken. Fraternally he affiliated with the I. O. O. F., of Womelsdorf : the G. F., at Stouchsburg; and the K. of P .. at Myerstown.
Adam C. Klopp was reared in an atmosphere of business. Born in Lebanon county. April 6. 1853. he grew to manhood in the vicinity of Stouchsburg. In the public schools of his neighborhood he displayed studi- ous habits, and a taste for intellectual pursuits, and at an early age entered the Palatinate School at Myerstown, where he cultivated the higher branches. The growing demands of his father's business decided him upon leaving school to become a member of the firm. His well trained intellect enabled him readily to master the details of the business, and he soon became an expert at detecting the different grades of lumber, coal and grain, and
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his keen study of the market and remarkable foresight soon rendered his services invaluable to the firm. Time proved he had made a wise choice of a calling, and he has since given the strength of his manhood to his business. Since the death of his father his responsibilities have been greatly increased, but the business has by no means suffered, and is now exceedingly flourishing.
Mr. Klopp has one of the handsomest residences in the township, the old Kauffman mansion in Sheridan. On December 10, 1874, he married Susan Valentine, of Womelsdorf, Berks county, and they have had four chil- dren, three of whom are living: Hattie M., a graduate of the Boston Con- servatory ; Roy V., now a resident of Sheridan; and A. Valentine.
Mr. Klopp is essentially a business man by nature. He is wise, dicern- ing, energetic and skillful in managing men and directing affairs. His achievements and integrity of character have won him the unbounded respect of the community. Trinity Reformed Church numbers him among its most active and substantial members. As a strong Republican he is also influential in local politics, but not, however, an office-seeker. Fraternally he stands high, and belongs to the G. F. and the P. O. S. of A., at Stouchsburg; and the K. of P. at Newmanstown. He is honest and square in his dealings, and a man of abstemious habits. Few, if any, men in Sheridan occupy a higher social position.
A. S. Valentine, father of Mrs. Klopp, comes of an old and influential family of Womelsdorf, where he was for years a prominent cigar manufac- turer, and a leading citizen. He married Henrietta Parsons, and they had five children : George, now a cigar manufacturer of Womelsdorf; Mary, who married Harry Balshy, another well-known cigar manufacturer of Womels- dorf; Eliza, the wife of John Obold, a hardware merchant, of Reading: Tillie, who married Dr. E. L. Klopp, a resident of Old Lane, Philadelphia ; and Susan, Mrs. Klopp.
WILLIAM H. HAUER, born April 27, 1849, and who died in 1881, at the early age of thirty-one years, was among the honored citizens of Leb- anon city. He was a son of J. C. and Susan (Louser) Hauer, of Lebanon. J. C. Hauer was a tobacco merchant in Lebanon for many years, and also took an active interest in all affairs of a local nature. He was the father of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity: Jacob, John. Harry, Eliza, Susan (unmarried), Katherine (the wife of Michael Reinoehl), William H. and Ella : all of whom except William H. and Ella, who are now deceased, reside in Lebanon.
William H. Hauer was married September 10, 1872. to Miss Catharine
.
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Good, of Lebanon, who was born August 24, 1852, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Good. Their marriage was blessed with three children : Elizabeth, deceased; Susan, wife of Frank E. Krause, a hardware merchant of Leb- anon ; Catharine G., who now lives at home with her mother. Mr. Hauer was a stanch Republican, and although not a member of any church was a believer in the Evangelical religion. He was reared in Lebanon and received his education in the public schools. At the time of his death he was a member of the J. C. Hauer wholesale tobacco firm. He was looked upon as one of the promising young men of the town, a splendid citizen, a devoted husband, and a kind and loving father. His wife was left with three small children to rear. She is one of a family of eight children, six of whom grew to maturity. Those of whom we have record are: Uriah, deceased ; Alvin D., who died out West; James Good, of Lebanon; Mary E., unmarried; Ella R., widow of Dr. E. R. Umberger, of Lebanon; Catharine G., widow of William H. Hauer; and Emma, the wife of William Spayd, of Lebanon. This family is one of the old and prominent ones of this part of Pennsylvania. Dr. Abraham Good, the grandfather of Mrs. Hauer, was one of the prominent physicians of his time in his section of the country. Mrs. Hauer and her youngest daughter, Catharine G., are now residing at their new home, No. 127 South Sixth street, Lebanon, and are among the honored citizens of Lebanon. 1 1
T. FRANK REAM, the popular proprietor of the Eagle Hotel at Palmyra, and one of the leading citizens of the place, was born at Reistville, three miles south of Myerstown, Lebanon county, July 25. 1864, a son of Frank K. and Sarah C. (Oaks) Ream.
Frank K. Ream was born near Schaefferstown, Lebanon county, while his wife was born in Allentown, Lehigh county, and is a daughter of Jesse Oaks. But one child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Ream, T. Frank. and he was ten years of age when his parents removed to Schaefferstown, where he attended the public schools. At the youthful age of sixteen, he began clerking in the store of Rex Weigley, at Schaefferstown, and after a year, accepted a similar position with the well-known firm of William Reist. at Reistville, and there continued for over four years. At this time he took charge of a store for Rex Weigley, at Millbach, where he remained until the death of Mr. Weigley, two years later. This changing his plans. Mr. Ream returned to Schaefferstown, and for four years lived retired. The following four years were spent in successfully operating the Franklin House at Schaef- ferstown, and in April, 1896, he removed to Palmyra, and purchasing the
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Eagle Hotel, took charge of the property, and has since conducted it upon modern methods and making it one of the most popular hostelries in that section of country.
Mr. Ream was married to Lucy Achenbach, born near Newmanstown, Lebanon county, daughter of Levi Achenbach. The following interesting family has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ream: Emma Lucy, born June 7, 1886; David Ralph, born August 2, 1887: William Raymond, born Novem- ber 21, 1888; Susan Elizabeth, who was born January 28, 1890; Sarah May, who was born January 30, 1892; George Levi, who was born April 29, 1893; Mary Ellen, born August 5, 1895, died June 30, 1898; Alvin Schell, born January 15, 1897 : Ida Jenkins, born June 11, 1898. In national matters, Mr. Ream supports the principles of the Democratic party, but in local elec- tions he believes in voting for the best man regardless of party lines. Few men in Palmyra have more friends than Mr. Ream, and his ability as a busi- ness man, and successful and pleasing host, is unquestioned.
WILLOUGHBY C. KLINE, M. D., one of the popular druggists of Myerstown, and also holding the degree of Doctor of Medicine, is a man of high standing and influence, and was born December 22, 1850, son of Henry and Lydia ( Wilhelm) Kline.
This Kline family was established in Pennsylvania by Joseph Kline, a native of Switzerland about 1720 or 1730, and located in Berks county, Pa. Among his sons was one named John, the great-grandfather of Dr. Kline, and he was the father of Elizabeth and John (2), the grandfather, and the latter had five children : Henry, Cyrus, Elizabeth, Lavina and Rosanna, all deceased except Cyrus and Rosanna.
Henry Kline, father of the Doctor, was born in 1825, died in 1899, and about 1848, married Miss Lydia Wilhelm, and their family was as follows: Dr. W. C .; Amelia E., wife of Israel W. Kline, of Berks county: Jane 1., married to John K. Frantz. of Lebanon, Pa .; and Mary, deceased. Henry Kline was a stanch Democrat, and a consistent member of the Reformed Church. He owned the old Kline home in Berks county, purchased by John Kline, his grandfather, and which was in the Kline family for 105 years, and this valuable property is now owned by Dr. Kline and wife.
Dr. Kline was reared upon the farm and received his early education in the schools of his district, but at the age of eighteen he entered the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, in 1869. graduating with the degree of M. D .. in the spring of 1872. After his graduation, he went to Reading. Pa., where he
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was employed in a drug store. In 1876 he began the practice of medicine in Millersburg, Berks Co., Pa., and remained there for three years. In 1879 he located in Myerstown and embarked in the drug business, which he has since followed, gradually giving up active practice, as his rapidly increasing business made additional demands upon his time and energy.
In 1878 Dr. Kline was married to Miss Amanda M. Ulrich, of North Lebanon township, daughter of Valentine and Catherine M. Ulrich, prom- inent farmers of Lebanon county. . This marriage resulted in two children : Katherine L., of Myerstown; and Ruth Amanda, who died in infancy. Mrs. Kline was one of a family of five children : John Ulrich, mentioned elsewhere; Valentine D., a retired farmer; George W., deceased; Mrs. Kline; and one who died in infancy. In politics, Dr. Kline is a stanch Democrat, and takes an active interest in local affairs. Dr. Kline is a member of the Reformed Church and Mrs. Kline of the Lutheran Church, and both are prominent in all good work. Fraternally Dr. Kline is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Myerstown; secretary of the Mount Hope Cemetery Association ; member of the Goodwill Fire Company, of Myerstown; a director in the Tulpehocken Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Myerstown; a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association, and one of the best known men in his profession in the entire county. Both he and Mrs. Kline are very prominent socially, and they have many friends in the city and surrounding country, who appre- ciate their many excellent traits of character.
FRANK W. HUNSICKER. One of the representative citizens of North Cornwall township, a prosperous farmer and dairyman, is Frank W. Hunsicker, who was born July 29. 1859, in Bethel township, Lebanon county, son of David and Lydia (Wenger) Hunsicker.
David Hunsicker was born in Lebanon county, a son of Christian Hunsicker, who, in his day, was one of the substantial men of Bethel town- ship. David Hunsicker was an extensive farmer, owning 133 acres of fine land in Bethel township, in the cultivation of which he spent his whole life. dying at the age of seventy-three years. His widow finds a pleasant home with her son, near Reistville. Both parents belonged to the Dunkard Church. and their lives were regulated according to its peaceful and simple teachings. The children born to David Hunsicker and wife were three in number, namely : Sarah, the wife of L. Blauch, of Lebanon ; Frank W., of Cornwall township ; and Uriah W., a farmer in Lebanon county.
Frank W. Hunsicker was reared on the farm in Bethel township, and
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obtained his education in the public schools. After, his marriage he very capably managed his father's farm for five years, moving then into North Cornwall township where he rented a small farm and engaged in farming and dairying. In 1902 he purchased his present farm of thirty-five acres and has devoted his attention to its operation ever since, making a specialty of dairying, and having a remunerative milk route. By paying close and care- ful attention to this business, Mr. Hunsicker has built up a large demand for all the dairy products he can provide, and he obtains the highest market price on account of their excellence.
On December 17, 1887. Mr. Hunsicker was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Zimmerman, daughter of Andrew and Mary ( Landis) Zimmer- man, the former of whom died in 1880, at Swatara Station, Dauphin county. at the age of forty-nine years. Mr. Zimmerman was born and reared in North Cornwall township, a son of Peter Zimmerman, who was long one of the prominent farmers of Cornwall township. The mother of Mrs. Hunsicker still resides in her home in Dauphin county. The birth of Mrs. Hunsicker occurred October 15, 1866, and she is the devoted mother of three interesting children, namely : Vara May, born March 20, 1891 ; Grover Z., born February 13. 1894; and Ralph David, born June 24, 1896.
In politics Mr. Hunsicker is identified with the Democratic party. He is a much respected man in his township, a good farmer, a careful dairyman. a kind neighbor and a devoted husband and father.
CHARLES F. ARNOLD. one of the leading citizens of Campbell- town, Lebanon county, and an extensive furniture dealer and undertaker, was born in the building where he now resides and carries on his business, October 24. 1854, a son of John H. Arnold, who was born at Manheim, Lan- caster Co .. Pa., in 1813, and died April 1, 1887. His wife, Catherine Con- dren, was also born in Lancaster county.
The paternal grandfather, Peter Arnold, married Elizabeth Herchilroth, and was born at Reading. Pa., where he learned the shoemaker's trade. From Reading he went to Manheim, where he married, his wife being a native of Lancaster county, but later returned to his native place, and there died. Of his relatives, it is known that he had two brothers, one a hatter and the other a banker. The children born to Peter Arnold and his wife were: Sarah, who married John Ebersole, and both are deceased; John H., father of our sub- ject : Peter, deceased, and several others who died in infancy.
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