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 78
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J. FRANK BEHNY (deceased). late proprietor of the well-known "Railroad Hotel" of Lebanon. also for many years a prominent cigar manu- facturer, was one of the best-known and most public spirited men of his city. He was born February 20, 1850, son of John and Catherine ( Bixley) Behny, for some years well-to-do farming people.
John Behny spent the early years of his business life on a farm, engaging in agriculture rather extensively. but later he moved to Lebanon and became a horse dealer, continuing the business for some time with much success. During his young manhood he married Catherine Bixley, and they had three children : Mary, Amelia and J. Frank.
J. Frank Behiny received the ordinary rearing of a farmer's boy, and in the public schools of his vicinity procured his early education, which was thorough and practical. Later he attended college for one term, and then
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left school to take up the active duties of life. Possessed of considerable business ability he soon began hotel keeping, and giving excellent public satisfaction, at the same time being able to make it pay, he continued the busi- ness at different times for the greater part of his mature life. During his early life he had learned the trade of cigar making, and as a young man he also followed this occupation to some extent. Later he opened a cigar factory on Eighth street, where he manufactured some very excellent brands. He finally purchased the "Railroad Hotel" in Lebanon, made it thoroughly first class in every respect, and, securing a large patronage, conducted the business with success for the rest of his life. He died November 20, 1892.
On July 12, 1872, Mr. Behny married Emma Baum, a fine business woman, who is at present running the "Railroad Hotel," which was left her by her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Behny had four children, two of whom have lived to maturity : Robert is now a printer in Lebanon ; and John, a pattern maker and machinist of Philadelphia, is the inventor of a water power fan.
Mr. Behny was always alive to questions of public interest and as an ardent Republican took an active interest in local politics. He filled several city offices with rare ability. Fraternally he belonged to a number of societies in Lebanon. As a man of firm religious convictions he was a member of the United Brethren Church. He was generous, well liked, and had a large circle of warm friends.
Jacob Baum, father of Mrs. Emma Beliny, was a prominent agriculturist of Dauphin county, Pa., for a number of years, and was also engaged for some time in the meat business. By his wife Elizabeth, he had eight children, six of whom grew to maturity: Catherine, who is now deceased; Rebecca; Albert : Emma, who is mentioned above; Ellen, now deceased ; and Jacob, a cigar manufacturer of Lebanon.
AMOS H. BIEVER, proprietor of the "Hotel Biever" in West Leba- non, is one of the popular and representative citizens of the city, a leader in the Democratic party and an ex-president of the select council. He is broad- minded and liberal in his views, and possessed of the energy and push that win in any contest which he enters.
Mr. Biever was born in East Hanover township, Dauphin county, Pa., July 13. 1853. son of William L. and Sarah A. (Hufnagle) Biever. The father was born in Berks county, in 1823, and died in 1897. Grandfather Isaac Biever. who came from Berks county to Lebanon county, and later removed to Dauphin county, was an excellent farmer in his day and followed
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that occupation until his death, which occurred in the latter county. Mr. Biever's mother was born in East Hanover township in 1833, where her father, Jacob Hufnagle, was one of the successful farmers, who at one time engaged in distilling whisky in the old-fashioned way : he died at the advanced age of eighty-six years. The father of Mr. Biever was also a farmer during his lifetime. His family consisted of three sons and five daughters.
Amos H. Biever passed the period of his boyhood and youth in the diver- sions and labor common to farm life in that day, early developing a strong physical frame, which made him, in connection with a willingness to work, of great service to his father in the conduct of the farm. While busily engaged one day at about sixteen years of age, in helping about a threshing machine, he accidentally came too near the machinery, and his right arm was crushed in such a fearful manner as to necessitate its amputation. This incapacitated him for further service on the farm, and his training was thence- forward in preparation for a professional career. He had received an excel- lent common school education, which was now supplemented with a course in a Normal School. He then began teaching in the common schools of Dauphin county, and for a period of twelve years was one of that county's most successful teachers. An opportunity offering; and tiring of the hum- drum of the schoolroom, he began a mercantile business at Manadahill, Dauphin county, and at which place he also received an appointment as post- master. He continued this business with varying success until 1890, when he sold out and removed to West Lebanon. Here he passed the following two years in the mercantile business, and in 1892 opened the "Hotel Biever," at No. 359 North Eleventh street, and where he has since continued with marked success. The "Hotel Biever" is run on a high plane, and the genial hospitality of its host attracts to it a good class of custom.
Mr. Biever had always evinced a lively interest in politics, and from his youth was wont to take part in the different campaigns in one capacity or another. He soon became a prominent worker in Lebanon, and had the old Sixth ward at his fingers' ends, so far as knowledge of voters was con- cerned. His genial personality added to his popularity, and his good business judgment marked him as a man much needed in the select council. It had always been regarded as a hopeless task, however, to attempt to overcome the large majority of the opposition in the Sixth, it being nearly two to one. This task was successfully accomplished in 1896 by our subject, and that against one of the most popular men in the ward that the opposition could put up. He was elected for a period of four years, and again received the majority of the votes. In 1900 he was made president of the council, which
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office he held until his term expired. While in the council Mr. Biever dis- played a fine grasp of public questions, and proved one of the most useful members the Sixth ward ever had in that body.
The happy temperament of Mr. Biever makes him a popular member of a number of fraternal organizations, among which are the following: The Knights of the Golden Eagle, Lodge No. 497, and of which he is treasurer and representative: the Ancient Order Knights of the Mystic Chain, Lodge No. 6; the German Beneficial Association of Lebanon; the Knights of Fidelity ; and the American Aid Association. In all of these organizations Mr. Biever takes an active interest and is a stanch upholder of the principles for which they stand.
On September 23, 1875, Mr. Biever was married to Annie E. Yorty, who died September 11. 1901. She was the daughter of Jacob and Lavinia (Eckert) Yorty, and was born in East Hanover township. Dauphin county, October 8, 1857, she being one of a family of three daughters and seven sons. Mrs. Biever was a helpful, loving wife and a kind mother to her chil- dren, of whom she had four, as follows: Annie Etta, born March 20, 1877. married David Krietz, of Lebanon ; Mary Elizabeth, born November 4, 1878, married Raymond Moeckel, of Lebanon: Annie L., became Mrs. Charles Steely, and lives in Lebanon; and Walter Davault was born October 19. 1892. The high quality of citizenship displayed in the career of our subject is responsible for the unanimous feeling of confidence engendered in the hearts of his host of friends, to whom he is ever loyal.
J. ADAM ARNOLD, a worthy member of one of the old families of Lebanon county, and a representative farmer and dairyman of North Leba- non township, was born August 22. 1849, in North Lebanon township. a son of Joseph and Sarah ( Allwine) Arnold, the former of whom was a son of Peter and Barbara ( Arentz ) Arnold.
Peter Arnold was a prominent farmer for many years in North Lebanon township, in advanced life moving to Lebanon City, where he died at the age of eighty years, leaving a numerous family. He was a most exemplary man, and one of the leading members of St. Mary's Church in Lebanon.
Joseph Arnold, son of Peter, died in 1895. at the age of seventy-two years, having also been a large farmer of North Lebanon township and also an excellent business man as well as prominent citizen. He handled agri- cultural machinery for a long period, and he capably served the township as school director and as supervisor. His widow survived until October 24. 1902. when she passed away at the age of seventy-nine years, in the faith
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of the Roman Catholic Church, a most estimable Christian woman. The children born to Joseph Arnold and wife were: Aaron, a clerk in Reading; J. Adam; Edward, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Joseph, who is a farmer on the old homestead; Pierce, who is a freight handler in Lebanon; and Vincent, who died in young manhood.
J. Adam Arnold was reared on the farm in North Lebanon township and from his early youth has been interested in agriculture. His education was the best to be secured in the local public schools, and at the age of twenty-one years he started upon his individual career, as a cabinetmaker, having learned this trade also, with Joseph Bowman. After working at the trade for seven years, he returned to farming, locating on the property he now occupies, which contains IO1 acres, situated two and one-half miles north of the city of Lebanon. Here Mr. Arnold carries on general farming and dairying, operat- ing a very satisfactory milk route in Lebanon, but lately has given over much of the active business to his sons. Mr. Arnold is well known through the township as one of its reliable and representative men and he has been promi- nent in the agitation for good roads and school privileges, serving efficiently as school director.
On January 20, 1870, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Catherine Rein- sel. born April 26, 1852, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Ann (Arnold) Reinsel, the latter of whom is still in good health at the advanced age of ninety- one years. The six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Arnold were: (1) Syl- vester, who married Miss Lizzie Arnold, has one daughter. Sarah, and they reside in Lebanon where he is in the employ of J. F. McGovern. (2) Augustus, who is the farmer on the homestead, married Miss Mary Arnold, and they have had children. Simeon. Lucy, Ritta (deceased). and Raphael. (3) Fran- cis. deceased, was employed at the North Lebanon furnace, where he was asphyxiated. (4) Edward is deceased. (5) John, who resides at home. is a laborer. (6) Mary, who is the wife of Harvey B. Leiss, of North Lebanon township, has two children, Raymond and Cecilia. The family has long been among the liberal and highly valued supporters of the Catholic Church at Lebanon.
M. H. WILHELM, a well-known young citizen of Annville, and mana- ger of the milk depot of the Reading Dairy Company. of Annville. was born March 23. 1864, on a farm in Lebanon county, son of Henry and Maria ( Heilman ) Wilhelm. both of whom were born on farms between New Market Forge and Palmyra, in Lebanon county.
Henry Wilhelm was born in 1833, a son of Henry W. Wilhelm, an early
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settler of Lebanon county, and the mother was born in 1835, a daughter of Daniel Heilman. They reside in Palmyra, highly esteemed residents. Their children were as follows: Annie, the wife of John R. Light, a farmer of South Annville township: Kate, the wife of Adam Kunkel, a farmer of North Annville township: Mary, the wife of H. F. Stauffer of Millville, N. J .: Emma, the wife of John H. Plouch, of Palmyra: Lillie, the wife of David Light, of Belle Grove, Lebanon county ; Ellen, the wife of William L. Ulrich, of South Annville township: David. of Palmyra; Abraham and Henry, of Lebanon county ; and M. H.
M. H. Wilhelm was reared on his father's farm until he reached his eighteenth year, and acquired his education in the public schools. In 1882. with his brother Henry, he went to Massillon. Ohio, where they passed nine- teen months working on farms. Upon his return to Lebanon county he accepted a position in the warehouse of W. L. Kreider, at Palmyra, remaining so employed for a year. He then learned telegraphy in the depot, at Palmyra, and for several years was in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company as telegrapher. In 1898 he took charge of the milk depot of the Reading Dairy Company, at Annville, and has capably filled the posi- tion ever since.
HOMER D. MAULFAIR. a well-known and leading citizen of Leba- non, Pa., pleasantly located at No. 934 Walnut street, was born at the Union Water Works, North Annville township, Lebanon county, September 15. 1867. a son of Augustus Maulfair. His education was gained in the public schools, at Palatinate College ( Myerstown, Lebanon county), and at the Normal School at Annville. After finishing his education, he accepted a position in the dry goods store of C. Shenk, Lebanon, where he was employed for several years. Leaving that house, he was for a short time engaged in the retail grocery business in Lebanon, and then entered the establishment of Mrs. Lowrey, the well-known baker of Lebanon, where he remained for one year. At the expiration of that period, he purchased the bread business of Mrs. Lowrey, she retiring from that portion of the trade, and confining her attention to the baking of pretzels for which she was deservedly famous, and he did his baking in her ovens, which he rented from her. \ year later. he was enabled to build his own ovens at No. 934 Walnut street, where he has since continued. In addition to his large business in his specialties, he is also sole agent for the Lowrey pretzels in Lebanon county. His business is steadily increasing, and he has every reason to be proud of his success.
On March 7. 1889. Mr. Maulfair was married to Jane B., the daughter
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of William and Susan (Brownberger) Boyd, born at Colebrook, Lebanon Co., Pa., November 19, 1865. Mrs. Maulfair's father was born at Birdsboro, Berks Co., Pa., March 13, 1823, and died in 1875. Her mother was born July 6, 1830, and died September 12, 1902. These parents were married at Lancaster, Pa., by Rev. John Baker. William Boyd was the son of William, a farmer, and for some time was a clerk at Mt. Hope furnace, going thence to Colebrook, South Londonderry township, where he purchased a farm and followed the life of an agriculturist for a number of years, finally becoming manager of the farms of William Freeman, one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Lebanon, and holding this position for seven- teen years, at which time he retired from active life, and removing to Leba- non city, spent the remainder of his days in that locality. The children born to himself and wife were: Edward, born October 28, 1850, at Mt. Hape, Pa., married Mary G. Missemer, and resides at Manheim, Pa .; Henry, born November 17, 1852, at Mt. Hope, married Susan C. Jordan, and resides at Sidell, Ill .; Sarah, born April 28. 1855, at Mt. Hope, married John H. Snavely, and resides in Lebanon: Mary, born April 30, 1857, at Mt. Hope, married Ambrose Eby, of Bismarck, Lebanon county ; William, born May 20, 1860, at Colebrook, Lebanon county : Ellen, born July 2, 1863, at Colebrook, married William Schools, of Lebanon; and Jane B. The following family have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Maulfair : Boyd A., born January 29. 1892, died October 12, 1893: Susan Catharine, born May 27, 1895; and Lamont, born July 20, 1896, died August 20, 1896.
HENRY S. BOMBERGER. Among the prominent, substantial and representative farmers and esteemed citizens of Lebanon county, is Henry S. Bomberger, who owns one of the finest and best improved farms of Corn- wall township. Its excellent situation, one and one-half miles southwest of the city of Lebanon, not only increases its value in the market. but makes it an ideal place of residence.
Mr. Bomberger was born September 14. 1855, in Bethel township. Leb- anon county, a son of Samuel and Martha ( Stauffer) Bomberger, the former of whom was a son of Daniel Bomberger. Samuel Bomberger was a farmer all his life, and was a much esteemed member of the community. His death occurred in 1863, at the age of forty-seven years, that of his wife in 1888, at the age of sixty-one years. Both parents were worthy members of the Mennonite Church. They reared six of their seven children, the names of these being: Mary, the wife of Moses Kreider, of North Lebanon township; John, a resident of Palmyra, North Londonderry township, where he is a
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farmer and merchant : Leah, the wife of Henry Smith, of Cornwall township; Sarah, the wife of Michael Shenk, of Lebanon: Henry S .; Abraham, who died in childhood; and Samuel, who conducts a restaurant business in Lebanon.
Henry S. Bomberger was five years of age when his parents removed from Bethel to Cornwall township, and was reared on a farm and received a fair cducation only, his agricultural duties requiring the greater part of his time during his youth. In 1876 he began farming on his own account, where he has since made his home, and this fine estate, as noted above, is one of the most valuable in the township. The property, since coming into his possession, has been so improved that it is almost transformed, and to its attractive surroundings, Mr. Bomberger and estimable family add a gracious hospitality. He owns here 150 acres, and carries on general farming and conducts a fine dairy of twenty cows.
Politically Mr. Bomberger, like his late father, is identified with the Republican party. He is a man held in high esteem in his locality and has most capably filled a position on the school board for the past eight years. On October 16, 1875. he was married to Miss Veronica Brubaker, a daughter of Abraham and Hettie ( Reist) Brubaker. of near Schaefferstown, where Mrs. Bomberger was born. Her father is deceased. having passed away in 1864, at the age of forty-six years, but the mother resides with her daughter above mentioned. Abraham Brubaker was one of the leading farmers of his locality. His three daughters were: Mary, who died at the age of twenty- two years: Veronica ; and Amanda, who died at the age of five years.
A family of seven children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bomberger, namely: Martha, who died at the age of twenty years; Mansuetus, who died at the age of eighteen years; Edith, Harry, Sarah, and Samuel, at home ; and Helen, who died at the age of five years. The family is one of the most respected in Cornwall township.
HENRY B. WESTENBERGER, a wholesale and retail ice dealer. large property owner, and all around popular citizen of Lebanon, was born on his father's farm in this county, September 13. 1838. a son of Samuel and Catherine (Becker ) Westenberger. now deceased, a grandson of Henry, born in Lancaster. Pa .. and great-grandson of the emigrating ancestor, who came from Germany and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
Samuel Westenberger, father of Henry B., was a blacksmith by trade, but in later years turned his attention exclusively to farming. He was suc- cessful in both occupations, was a man of upright character, a stanch Repub-
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lican, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Of his three children, Henry B. was the youngest, the others being Susan and Catherine.
When grown to man's estate Henry B. Westenberger started out on his own responsibility, and, profiting by years of experience under his father's instruction, engaged in independent farming for about thirteen years. He then came to Lebanon and engaged in the coal business, and was afterward in the foundry business for a couple of years. For the following six years he engaged in the manufacture of brick, and was then interested in the manu- facture of ice and the burning of lime, in which he has since been so successful. For the past thirty years he has been one of the hustling business men of Lebanon, and has to show for his industry several fine houses and lots, and other valuable property in the town. He was at one time president of the Lebanon Stove Works, and has been variously interested in public and private enterprises. In politics a Republican, he has, nevertheless, strong inde- pendent tendencies, and invariably votes for the man best qualified to serve the public interests. He is fraternally connected with the Woodmen of America, and the Firemen's Aid.
On July 15, 1860, Mr. Westenberger married Sarah Miller, daughter of Abraham Miller, and of this marriage there have been born three children, Selesa Salena, Clara Permelia, and Caleb, the latter of whom is in partnership with his father.
JOHN H. SHERK, one of the well-known representative and substan- tial citizens of Lebanon county, is a member of an old and honored family of North Annville township. and was born March 22, 1853, on the old Sherk homestead. located one and one-half miles north of Annville.
The parents of John H. Sherk were John E. and Mary (Wenger) Sherk, the former of whom was a son of John Sherk, who was the original owner of the Sherk homestead. John E. Sherk was born December 13, 1809, and died January 4, 1865. In his early days he was a school teacher, but later engaged in farming and became a prominent and highly respected citizen of his township. The mother, Mary Wenger, was born February 2, 1823. on a farm west of Jonestown. Lebanon county, daughter of Abraham and Barbara (Light) Wenger, who had a family consisting of five daughters and three sons, as follows: Eli, who married Kate Sherk: Sallie, who married John Phillip: Magdalena, who married David Rauk: Mary, who married John E. Sherk; Henry, who married Sarah Light: Abraham, who married Kate Light, sister of Henry's wife: Barbara, who married Rudolph Klein : and Catherine, who married Samuel Oberholtzer. Mary and Catherine
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being the only survivors. The children born to John E. Sherk and wife were : Clara, deceased, who married Samuel Kleinfelter, had one child which died at the age of five years; Catherine, who died in infancy; John H .; and Barbara Ellen, who married Aaron L. Horst, of Belle Grove.
John H. Sherk was reared on the home farm and secured his education in the common schools of his locality, and in Annville, later spending two years in a store in Monroe Valley, clerking for D. G. Smith. He then spent another season at school, returning for one year to Mr. Smith at Mount Nebo. However, Mr. Sherk decided to turn his attention to farming and stock-raising and operated the home farm until the death of his father, and later managed it for his mother. For some four years Mr. Sherk has been much interested in the breeding of fine horses for market, finding ready sale at New York, and he has also done an extensive business in cattle raising.
Mr. Sherk was married to Miss Fanny Bomberger, born January 20, 1859, on the farm which is now the property of H. Moyer, near Campbell- town. Londonderry township. She is a daughter of Henry and Fanny (Bachman) Bomberger, the latter of whom was a daughter of John Bach- man, while Henry Bomberger was a native of South Lebanon township. Mrs. Sherk was the seventh member of a family of eight children born to her parents, these being: Nancy, deceased, wife of John Hallinger; Leah, deceased, wife of Jacob Balsbaugh; an infant, deceased, aged three months ; John H., who married Amanda Brightbill; Simon P., deceased, who married Lizzie Kreider, deceased; Joseph, died aged eight years; Fanny, the wife of John H. Sherk; and Henry K., who married Alice Behm. A family of five children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherk, namely : John H., who was born February 12, 1883, married Ellen H., daughter of Ezra Kreider, of North Annville township, and had one child, now deceased; Mary Ella, born in 1885; Abel Herman, born January 7. 1894: Cyrus B., born August 12, 1897; and Enos Joseph, born December 4, 1898.
The religious connection of this family is with the United Brethren Church. Mr. Sherk is fraternally connected with Lebanon Lodge. No. 85, A. O. U. W .. and since his majority, has been one of the leading members of the Republican party in North Annville township, at that early age being elected auditor. He is one of the reliable and representative citizens and he enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends.
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