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 83
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Samuel Weber, son of Jacob and Anna ( Sherk ) Weber, passed his early years in Fredericksburg, and acquired a good education in the public schools. He inherited his father's energetic spirit and soon developed habits of accur- acy and self-reliance. His first essay in the business world was as book- keeper. and there his methodical ways and his executive ability won the ap- proval of his employers, and he remained there several years. Naturally prudent and economical, he husbanded his means, and by the time he was twenty-seven he was able to go into business for himself. and purchasing a modest stock of goods, took his place among the merchants of the town. He soon placed his business upon a firm foundation, and his courtesy to his cus- tomers coupled with his honest representation of his commodities won in- creasing patronage as the years went by. Under the administration of President Johnson, Mr. Weber was made postmaster, and filled the office to
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the satisfaction of all. Success attended all his efforts and though his death came at the prime of life, he had accumulated a considerable competence.
Samuel Weber was a man of high moral principles, and his strict integ- rity called forth the unbounded esteem of his friends. In all the affairs of the community he was prominent, and especially was he interested in educational matters, and he gave most efficient service as school director for many years. As a member of the Reformed Church he endeavored consistently to carry its teachings into the walks of everyday life.
About 1854 Samuel Weber was united in marriage with Sarah Preisler, of Landisburg. daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Smith) Preisler, and a representative of an early Pennsylvania German family. To this marriage came seven children as follows: Mary B .; George P., a druggist in Dallas, Texas ; Laura J., of Fredericksburg ; John A., a druggist at El Paso, Texas; Anna Elizabeth, a retired teacher of Fredericksburg: Charles Henry, a drug- gist at Poplar Bluff, Mo .; and Edward B., a bookkeeper and clerk in a drug store at El Paso, Texas. Mrs. Weber and her daughters. Laura J. and Anna Elizabeth, reside in the old family home in Fredericksburg, where they are greatly beloved for their many good qualities of mind and heart, and where they hold a prominent place in the social and religious circles.
TOBIAS ROBERTS, late a well-known and respected citizen of Leb- anon county, was born in Cornwall, England, in January, 1825. His early life was passed in his native land, but on reaching manhood he came, about 1845, to America. For some years he resided in different parts of the coun- try, but finally came to Lebanon to make it his future home. He was mar- ried in 1865 to Miss Mary Walt, who was born February 8. 1826, daughter of John Walt. of Montgomery county, was the father of five other chil- dren : Deborah, Amanda, Hannah, Reuben and John, all natives of Mont- gomery county. The Walts were one of the oldest families of this part of Pennsylvania.
To Tobias and Mary Roberts came six children: Richard and Mary, deceased : James, who married Jennie Kendall and lives in Lebanon; John, who married Elizabeth Light, of Lebanon : Miss Amanda, who lives at home ; and Jennie, wife of Harry Atkins. About 1870 Mr. Roberts became engaged in work at the Cornwall Ore Mines, continuing there until the time of his (leatlı. He started out in life a very poor boy, but by hard work. industry and economy he managed to save a considerable amount of his earnings. He was an ardent Republican and a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. A man with a sound mind, true to his convictions, he was a
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devoted husband, and a kind and loving father, who was known for his hon- esty and sobriety in living. He died in 1882, leaving a widow and five chil- dren to mourn his loss. His widow still survives him. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a noble, kind-hearted Christian woman, who is spending her old age in retired life in Lebanon, and is one of its most esteemed residents.
JOHN H. SHENK, carriage and wagon maker, of Annville, was born in that village, September 15, 1847, a son of Christian Shenk, born in 1822, in Annville township, and grandson of Abraham Shenk, who was born in 1790, in Annville township, and died in 1849. The origin of the Shenk fam- ily in America was when three brothers came to Lancaster county. Pennsyl- vania, from Switzerland, their names being Joseph, Scep and John. A son of one of these was Joseph Shenk, who was the great-grandfather of John H.
John H. Shenk was reared in Annville, and obtained his education in the public schools. At the age of fourteen he entered upon an apprenticeship with J. H. Rudy, of Annville, in the coachmaking trade. In 1867 he left Annville and went West and worked on the construction of the Pacific railroad for a period of four months. In November, 1868. he went to Chicago, where he spent a month, and from there to Michigan City, Ind., and spent the winter on the farm of his uncle, Samuel, near Monticello, Ind. In the following spring Mr. Shenk went to Indianapolis, and resumed work at his trade, re- maining three months, and later spent three months at Mt. Gilead, Ohio. going thence to Marion, Ohio, where his two maternal uncles, John and Adam Ault, reside. Mr. Shenk was determined to see still more of the country, and from Marion went to Massillon, Ohio, being employed for a time in the mower and reaper department of a large agricultural implement factory. His next business connection was with the Buckeye R. & M. works, at Canton, Ohio, from which point he went to St. Louis, Mo., thence to New Orleans, and then back to Massillon, from which place he returned to Annville in 1869. That same year he visited Mechanicsburg and Shippensburg. Pa., returning to Annville and then going to Hummelstown.
In 1870, after this most liberal experience, Mr. Shenk located at Jones- town, Lebanon county, and in December went into a carriage manufacturing business, forming a partnership with Mr. Umberger, under the firm name of Umberger & Shenk. This partnership continued for seven years, but in the spring of 1877. Mr. Shenk returned to Annville and opened a shop at his present stand where he has continued work at coach and carriage making
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and blacksmithing, being well known in the vicinity on account of his excel- lent work.
In 1871 Mr. Shenk married Miss Millie E. Dohne, who was born in Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, in 1847, a daughter of John Dohne, a miller by trade. On daughter was born to this union, Kate Magdalene. The religious connection of the family is with the Reformed Church. Few men in this locality have seen so much of their native land as has Mr. Shenk. An intelligent and liberal-minded citizen, he is very highly regarded in Annville.
JOEL DEWALD. When death, November 13, 1893, deprived Lebanon of this citizen, a loss was felt in both the business and social circles of that place. For over twenty-three years his residence and hardware store at No. 728 Cumberland street had been centers for visitors and customers, and. being a generous, obliging man, he had won for himself hosts of friends among them.
Mr. Dewald was born in Berks county, Pa., August 19, 1833, and was the son of Henry Dewald, who was a well-known tinsmith of Berks county for many years of his life. He married and had six children, five of whom are now deceased : Henry; Edward; Aaron, who now resides in Philadelphia ; Levina : Hannah ; and Joel.
Joel Dewald acquired his education in the public schools of his native county, acquiring habits of industry and exactness of much value to him in after life. While a boy he had taken a fancy to his father's business, and, deciding as a young man to follow it as an occupation. he entered the shop and gave considerable time to patient, thorough study of the tin and silver smiths' trades. Results showed that he had chosen the work for which he was fitted, and he continued the trades as a regular occupation. In Febru- ary, 1860, Mr. Dewald married Sarah Kline, of Berks county, and they had four children : Laura. who has never married, resides in Lebanon; Elmira is now deceased : D. Virginia is living at home ; and Rachel is deceased. Mrs. Dewald and her two daughters lead a somewhat retired life at their pleasant residence on Cumberland street. They belong to the United Brethren Church, and both in that religious body and outside have many warm friends.
It was in 1870 that Mr. Dewald settled in Lebanon, and there he after- ward made his home. Having laid up a small sum from his earnings as a tinsmith, he now opened a hardware store. He had no difficulty in drawing custom, and, being a shrewd purchaser and a wise manager, made money at the business from the start. Finding it paid to concentrate his energies upon this one industry, he continued it throughout his life. He accumulated con-
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siderable means, which upon his death fell to his wife and daughters. His store is still standing at No. 728 Cumberland street. For honesty and integ- rity in his business dealings Mr. Dewald won the confidence and respect of the public generally. Being a leader among his circle of acquaintances, as a Republican he exercised no small influence in local politics. For himself, however, he never sought office. Upon religious matters he had decided opin- ions, and was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church of Leb- anon for many years.
Benjamin Kline, father of Mrs. Dewald, came of an old and influential family of Berks county. After reaching manhood he settled upon a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was successful at that industry, and became thoroughly well known and rather prominent in his section. He married Catherine Lutz, and they had six children : James, now a resident of Lebanon ; Sarah, who is mentioned above: Martha: Anna and Virginia, who are deceased; and Franklin, who resides in Berks county.
JACOB B. BOESHORE, produce dealer and creamery proprietor, at Fredericksburg, is one of the solidly prosperous men of Bethel township, possessing in addition to his business interests one of the largest farms in Lebanon county, an interest in the family homestead and considerable valu- able real estate in Fredericksburg. Having for the most part amassed this property through his own wise management and faithful work, he is con- sidered a man of splendid business qualifications, and is a most efficient financier.
Mr. Boeshore is descended from John George Boeshore, who, in 1720, came from Germany to this country. He had one son. John Jacob, who was the next in direct line to our subject.
Michael Boeshore, son of John Jacob and grandfather of Jacob B., resided near Millersburg. Berks county, Pa. Reared to farm work, upon reaching manhood he engaged in that occupation, and followed it for the most part throughout his active life. He was a wise manager, and possessed of a large capacity for work, and carried his labors on to success. He was a strong man both intellectually and physically, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-five years. five months and fifteen days. By his marriage there were many children, six of whom grew to maturity.
Jacob Boeshore, son of Michael and father of Jacob B., also took a strong hand in the development of the agricultural resources of this section. Born near Millersburg, November 14. 1814, he there received careful rearing and thorough training for life's activities. The excellent agricultural open-
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ings in his section decided him upon reaching manhood to engage in that line, and he followed the pursuit in Lebanon county. In 1840 he married Lydia Bixler, who was born in Center, Perry county, Pa., in February, 1815, and when four years old came to the home of her uncle in Bethel township, Leb- anon county, where she grew to maturity. For eighty years she made her residence upon this place. She was a faithful wife for sixty-one years, and she died January 2, 1902, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. To her and her husband were born six children : Elias, who now resides upon the old homestead in Bethel township: Elizabeth, deceased: Solomon, a resident of Fredericksburg; Sarah, who married Levi Dubbs, and resides in Berks county (he is now deceased) : Jacob B., who is mentioned below : and Anna. who married John Frantz, a farmer of Berks county.
After marriage Mr. Boeshore settled upon the farm in Bethel township, Lebanon county, where his wife had been reared, and there he made his home for the most part throughout his life. He evinced great wisdom and prac- tical knowledge in his farm management, improved the property, and pur- chased other farms in the vicinity from which he also derived a large income. At the time of his death he owned three excellent well-improved farms in Bethel township. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years, dying in Fredericksburg, February 17, 1901. Mr. Boeshore's achievements won him a foremost place among agriculturists. He was progressive and well-in- formed upon all the latest movements in his line of work. In public affairs generally he also evinced a keen interest, and was a strong Republican in politics throughout his mature life. A man of irreproachable character, hon- est, straightforward, energetic. and perfectly abstemious in habits, he com- manded the highest respect of his fellow citizens. The German Baptist Church considered him one of its leading members.
Jacob B. Boeshore was born on his father's farm in Bethel township two miles east of Fredericksburg. On this excellent homestead he grew to man- hood and was carefully drilled to habits of usefulness and self-reliance. He attended the public schools of his vicinity, cultivating those studies neces- sary for the practical work of life. As a young man he embarked in business as a produce dealer, opening an establishment in Fredericksburg. Successful from the start he has continued steadily in this line, and has, from time to time. greatly enlarged his supply of goods and his accommodations, and has now an exceedingly flourishing business. Having made well out of it, he has gradually branched out in other lines, and in 1890, he opened a creamery in Fredericksburg, which he has also managed with good results. Some years ago he secured one of the best farms in the vicinity, a splendid 204-
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acre tract, near Bethel township, and he now owns half of the family home- stead, comprising 105 acres. A short time ago he erected a handsome resi- dence in Fredericksburg, where he and his family now live.
Mr. Boeshore married Mary Kreiser, of Myerstown, and after her death, Sarah Miller, of Jonestown, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Walker) Miller, of Lebanon county. By the first marriage there was one son, Harvey, who is now managing his father's creamery in Fredericksburg. By the second marriage there were four children: Miller, who is now a clerk in a large business house in Philadelphia : Beatrice, who graduated in music and is now teaching in Fredericksburg; Jay; and Miriam.
Mr. Boeshore has mainly confined his activities to the business field, but has nevertheless had the welfare of the general public thoroughly at heart, and has done much to promote local industries and enterprises. Large hearted, ready to shoulder his full share of life's responsibilities, he is a splendid citi- zen, and, as an unwavering Republican, he is influential in local affairs. He is abstemious in his habits, square in his business dealings, and his character is worthy of emulation. In religious sentiment he is liberal, but adheres to Christian doctrines.
HARRY B. LOOSE, one of the enterprising and progressive business men of Myerstown, Pa., engaged in the ice and hide business, belongs to an old and honored family of Lebanon county. The birth of Mr. Loose took place August 13. 1868, and his parents were Henry and Caroline (Bender) Loose, both of whom were natives of Lebanon county.
Henry Loose, the father of Harry B., was born in 1828, in Myerstown, and died in his home there in 1895, being survived by his venerable wife, who resides with her son. About 1821, John Loose, the grandfather, came to Lebanon county from Berks, where his father was one of the first settlers. : John Loose established the old Myerstown tannery in 1822. still recalled by the older residents, and continued in the tanning business all his life. His children were: John, Henry, Adam, Thomas, Catherine. Mary, Sarah, Pol- lie and Rebecca, all of whom have passed away with the exception of Re- becca, Pollie and Adam.
The father of Harry B. Loose was reared and educated in Myerstown, learned the tanning business with his father, and followed it for fifty years prior to his death. This business, in his time, was one of the very important industries of the country. About 1850 he married Catherine Bender, a daughter of George and Maria Bender, of Myerstown, born in 1829. and to this union was born one son, Harry B. Henry Loose was a man of settled
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religious and political convictions, a life-long Republican, and a most con- sistent member of the Reformed Church, the teachings of which denomina- tion he carried into his business dealings, making him known in the com- munity as a man of the most upright character. During his useful life he had held various township offices, and was a deacon in his church, and also treasurer and trustee. He left a large competency, accumulated by a life of industry. His many personal characteristics had so endeared him to all who knew him, that his nearest relatives received the heart-felt sympathy of the whole community in his loss.
Harry B. Loose was reared in the pleasant old town of his birth, and after completing the common school course, entered Palatinate, now Al- bright College, of Myerstown. In 1895 he was united in marriage with Miss Ida L. Troxell, a daughter of Reuben and Caroline Troxell, prominent resi- dents of Allentown, Pa., and to this marriage has been born one son, who bears the name of his honored grandfather, Henry Loose. Mrs. Loose has a brother, John Troxell, a druggist in Philadelphia, and a sister, Lillie, who is the wife of E. R. Hurd, of Nickerson, Kansas.
In politics Mr. Loose is an ardent Republican, and is fraternally con- nected with the order of Sons of America. For a considerable period he has been a member of the board of directors in the Washington Mutual Fire In- surance Company, of Lebanon, and has most efficiently served as president of the Lebanon County Fair Association. The ability with which he handles his private business entitles him to the respect and confidence of the public. With his little family he occupies one of the handsomest dwellings in Myers- town. He is a young man of sterling traits of character and most worthily represents this old Lebanon county family.
JOHN K. LIGHT, one of the progressive, enterprising and successful young farmers of North Jackson township, operating the old Josiah Uhrich farm, about one mile northwest of Myerstown, was born December 5, 1865, at Heilmandale, Lebanon county, a son of Hiram Uhrich and Maria (Kreider) Light.
The Light family has been prominent in the county for a century and a half. Peter Light, the great-grandfather, owned 500 acres of land a short distance from Lebanon, and this he left to his two sons. Jacob and David. His children were as follows: Jacob; David, who married Catherine Hun- sicker ; Peter ; and Elizabeth, married to Rev. Christian Peffley.
Jacob Light. son of Peter and grandfather of John K., married Eliza- beth Uhrich, a daughter of Henry Uhrich, born in East Hanover township,
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Lebanon county. Their children were: Hiram Uhrich; Elizabeth married J. H. Witmeyer; Barbara married Samuel Yeagley ; Magdalena married D. W. Zeller; Susan married Reuben L. Light; and Jacob U. married Salley Light.
Hiram U. Light married Maria Kreider, born in 1833, at Snitz Creek, Lebanon county, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shaeffer) Kreider. The children born to the parents of our subject were: Jacob K., who married Lucinda A. Rank ; Milton K., who married Anna Kreider; Reuben K., who married Ida Bomberger ; Lizzie M., who married W. J. Bowman : Daniel K. who married Emma Layser ; Annie, who died at the age of eight years; John K .. who married Katherine Uhrich; Allen U., who married Mary Steckbech; and Louisa, unmarried.
Jacob Kreider, the maternal grandfather, was born in 1799, and died in 1883, and his wife was born in 1805, and died in 1874. Their children were : Maria, born in March, 1833, married Hiram U. Light; Catherine, born in 1836, married Joel Brubaker; John, born in 1839, married Rebecca Ketter- ing; Reuben, born in 1842, married first Eliza Ulrich, second, Leah Ulrich, sisters : Moses, born in 1844, married Mary Bomberger ; Jacob, born in 1849, married Hannah L. Roth. The maternal great-grandfather, John Kreider, was born in 1774, and died in 1816, and married Maria Kropp, of Cumber- land county, Pa. Their children were : Catherine, born in 1796, died in 1826, married Tobias Kreider; Barbara, born in 1797, married Michael Rider, of Center county, Pa .; Jacob, born in 1799, died in 1883, married Elizabeth Shaeffer; John, born in 1801, married Mary Bomberger of Center county, Pa. ; Maria, born in 1803, died in 1858, married Tobias Kreider ; Moses, born in 1805, died in 1877, married Catherine Kreider; Henry, born in 1807, died in 1826 unmarried; Elizabeth, born in 1812, died unmarried; Louisa died in infancy; Peter, born in 1815, died in 1851, married Catherine Hoke: and Rudolph, born in 1813, married Elizabeth Kreider.
John K. Light was reared on the farm and attended the schools of Swa- tara township, and since attaining manhood has always been occupied with agricultural pursuits. In 1896 he was united in marriage with Miss Kath- arine Uhrich, daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Hoffman) Uhrich, the former of whom was for many years one of the leading men of the township of North Jackson. Extended mention of this notable family will be found else- where. Mrs. Uhrich and her other daughter, Miss Elizabeth, an accom- plished teacher, also reside on the farm with Mr. and Mrs. Light. These children have been born to the latter : Sarah Ruth, Elizabeth Maria and John Uhrich.
For the past eight years Mr. Light has had charge of the Uhrich farm,
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operating it in the interests of his mother-in-law, his intelligent methods bringing very satisfactory results. The farm comprises 140 acres of fine land and it is all under excellent cultivation. In 1901 Mr. Light accepted his election as school director, a very wise choice of the township as few citi- zens are more intelligent or wideawake to the demands of the day. On sev- eral occasions he has served as judge and clerk of elections, filling each office with ability and serving his locality as becomes a good citizen. He is active in his support of the Republican party. For some time he has been one of the elders of the Myerstown Lutheran Church.
MOSES ARNOLD. who passed away March 14, 1903, was one of the old and highly respected citizens of South Lebanon township, and resided on his farm two miles southeast of Lebanon city. He was born on that farm March 25, 1827, son of Harmon and Elizabeth (Smith) Arnold.
Harmon Arnold was born in North Lebanon township, a son of Herman Arnold, one of the pioneers of Lebanon county. Elizabeth (Smith) Arnold was born in Berks county, Pa., near Bernville, now known as Mt. Pleasant, where she resided until her marriage, and then came to Lebanon county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Arnold settled in South Lebanon township, and cleared the farm of brush and timber, developing it into a val- uable piece of property. The old brick residence on the place was built in 1831. After the marriage of his son Moses, Harmon Arnold returned to North Lebanon township and spent the remainder of his life there. dying in 1870, at the age of seventy years. He followed farmng and teaming, and conducted a freight route between Lebanon and Philadelphia. He also owned some valuable mill property, and was one of the progressive men of the day, lending his assistance to all measures he deemed would prove of benefit to the community. His wife died at the age of eighty-seven years, a member of St. Mary's Church, to which he also belonged. To Harmon Arnold and his wife were born the following named children, besides Moses: Philip, Henry, Jared, Aaron, Rosie, Eliza, Katie, Cecilia, and four that died in infancy.
Moses Arnold was born and reared upon his father's homestead, and spent his life there, devoting his energies to farming and dairying. He enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest dairyman in this section. having pursued that calling for thirty-five years. His farm was well kept, and the buildings are excellent, the entire property testifying to his thrift and ability. In addition to his other interests Mr. Arnold was a stockholder in the Leb- anon National Bank, and a director of the Lebanon County Live Stock Asso-
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