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 84
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BIOGRAPHICAL. ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY. 765
ciation, having held the latter position for a number of years. From the time he cast his first vote Mr. Arnold was a Democrat, and he was honored with election to the offices of school director, township assessor, and various other township positions within the gift of the people. Like his parents before him he was a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. His beloved wife died September 13, 1898, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was the mother of eight children, as follows: Isabella, who married Augustus Eckenroth, of Myerstown; Lorenzo, a farmer of North Lebanon township; Sarah, who died. at the age of nineteen years; Augustus P .; Miss Catherine, at home ; William J., a farmer of North Lebanon township; Moses J., a farmer and dairyman on the old homestead; and Jacob, who lives on the old home- stead.
AUGUSTUS P. ARNOLD was born in South Lebanon township, October 31, 1858, he being the fourth child in the order of birth in the family of Moses Arnold. He was educated in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen went to learn the cabinetmaking trade with Joseph Bowman, which callling he has followed in the leading cities of Pennsylvania, and in the West as far as Kansas City, Mo. Later he took up farming in conjunction with his trade, but being a thorough mechanic, he prefers to spend the greater portion of his time along the lines of his calling, and he keeps in touch with advanced ideas. On February 4, 1897, he was married to Rebecca Allwine, daughter of Philip and Sarah Allwine. Three children have been born to this union: Sarah, Catherine and Annie. Both Mr. Arnold and his wife are connected with St. Mary's Catholic Church. They reside in East Lebanon, on Cumberland street, where they have a beautiful home and extend a kindly hospitality to their many friends.
JOHN BEATTIE, M. D., an energetic and skillful physician and sur- geon of Lebanon, Pa., a man of travel and experience, highly educated both in and outside of his profession, was born October 10, 1868, at Lattakia, Syria, Turkey, a son of the late Rev. John Beattie.
Rev. John Beattie was born at Middletown, N. Y., and was educated at Union College, where he was prepared for the ministry. Under Rev. Dr. Wilson, of Philadelphia, he read theology, and in 1856 he was sent by the Presbyterian Church to Syria, where he founded the Mission at Lattakia, and where his death occurred.
The early days of Dr. Beattie were spent in Syria, where he was instructed by private tutors, and later went to school at Camden, Del. In 1887 he came to Lebanon, Pa., and took a position in the office of the then Pennsylvania
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Bolt & Nut Works, and two years later he went West. In 1892 he entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in the class of 1895. Following his graduation he spent about four- teen months in the practice of his profession in Schaefferstown, Lebanon county, as a partner of Dr. James W. Keath, and in the spring of 1897 he entered Dr. Steadman's private hospital in Boston, Mass., as assistant physician and surgeon. Here Dr. Beattie was eminently successful and spent one year, gaining very valuable experience. In the fall of 1898 he went abroad with a patient, and spent the years intervening until 1901, in foreign travel.
In December, 1901, Dr. Beattie returned to Lebanon, remembering old friends and associations of former years, and among these he settled down to practice his profession, in which he had grown skilled and educated through many unusual experiences and advantages.
PETER BESHORE, one of the highly esteemed and prominent citizens of Myerstown, and proprietor of the Myerstown Livery Stables, was born in 1836, in Berks county, son of Daniel and Mary (Leash) Beshore. of the same county.
The family history of the Beshores in America is traced back to Michael Beshore, who came with a brother from Germany, in the early history of the country, and settled in Pennsylvania. This brother was killed by an Indian prior to the Revolution, when the settlers went through stirring times. Among the large family of Michael, the emigrant, was a son Michael, a farmer and prominent man, who settled in Lebanon county, but later made his home in Berks county.
Daniel Beshore, son of Michael and father of Peter, was a successful hotel man for forty-two years. He and his wife Mary became the parents of seven children: Luella, who married Isaac Dubbs, of Rothsville; Peter: Hannah, now the widow of Levi Smith: Sallie, widow of L. Weber, of Berks county ; Mary, married to Peter Bensing, of Urbana, O .: Elizabeth. married to Gideon Wengert; Lavina, who married Amos Etter, of Berks county. Daniel Beshore was a stanch Whig, and later a Republican. In addition to his hotel interests, Mr. Beshore was a farmer and met with success in his various undertakings.
Peter Beshore was reared upon the farm and received an excellent public school education. At the age of fifteen years, he began to learn the shoe- maker trade. In June, 1862, he was married to Miss Lavina Smith, a daugh- ter of Jacob Smith, and five children have been born of this marriage. two of
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY. 767
whom are now living: Elsworth, a druggist of Pottstown, Pa. ; and Wayne, at home with his father. Of the children born to Mrs. Beshore's parents, four are living : Caroline, Susan, Lavina and Henry, worthy representatives of an old and aristocratic family of Pensylvania. After marriage, Mr. Beshore settled on a farm, but later sold it and became a veterinary surgeon. Succeeding in this line, he came to Myerstown, and for three years acted as veterinary surgeon for Jacob Behney, in his Horse Hospital, in connection with one of the largest boarding and sales stables in the county. After the expiration of the three years, he began dealing in horses, and in 1900 he purchased his present stables and now conducts a high-class boarding and sales stable, carrying a fine line of good horses and vehicles, for the accon :- modation of the general public. His knowledge of horses and their various ailments has proven very valuable to him in his chosen profession, and he enjoys a very large trade from the leading people of the city. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but while he supports the candidate of his party, he has never had time to accept office. He models his life upon broad, generous lines, aiding those less fortunate than he, and never turning a deaf ear to those deserving of assistance. In his family, as well as among his friends, of whom he has many, Mr. Beshore is greatly admired and highly esteemed for his numerous excellent traits of character.
SAMUEL WITTLE, proprietor of the "Union House." Lebanon. Pa., is a native of Penn township, Lancaster Co., Pa., near White Oak Church, where he was born August 25, 1851, son of Jacob and Juliana ( Heagy) Wittle, both natives of Lancaster county, and of Swiss descent.
The great-grandfather came from Switzerland, but nothing further is known of him, or of the grandfather, but the father, Jacob Wittle, was a carpet weaver by occupation, although at the time of his death he was engaged in farming. Eleven children were born to himself and wife: Mary, deceased, married David Pfautz; Elizabeth, widow of Henry K. Denhim; John, deceased: Katie, deceased wife of William Wechter; Jacob, deceased; Miss Barbara : Samuel; Annie, deceased ; Daniel, deceased; and Henry, a resident of Mt. Joy, Lancaster county; and one who died in infancy.
Samuel Wittle was reared on a small farm in Pennsylvania, Penn town- ship, and was but fourteen years of age when his father died. His education was obtained in the public schools of his district, but when sixteen years old he began to support himself. working among the farmers for a time, after which he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he was employed for six years. In 1884 he located in Cornwall township, Lebanon county, where he
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spent four years, working at the furnaces. He then removed to Lebanon city, and again followed his trade, doing the frame work on several buildings on Cumberland street. An opening occurring at Schaefferstown, he settled in that locality, and erected a first-class bakery, which he operated for fifteen years, and meeting with marked success. At the expiration of the fifteen years, he removed to Lebanon city, and February 8, 1900, took charge of the "Union House," at the corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets, and he operates it as a first-class hotel, which is liberally patronized by the people of Lebanon as well as by the traveling public. He also conducts a large livery and feed stable, and retains his interest in the bakery.
On May 16, 1875, Mr. Wittle was married to Amanda Yocum, daugh- ter of Joshua Yocum, born in Schaefferstown, July 19, 1858. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wittle: Mary Y., born February 1, 1889, and Violet Y., born March 7, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Wittle were both reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and are consistent members of that de- nomination. Mr. Wittle belongs to the Fireman's Aid Society, and has a number of friends in that association as throughout the county, where he is so well and favorably known.
CHARLES S. McGOVERN. one of the well-known citizens of Leba- non, and for many years a trusted employe of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad at Lebanon, was born January 5, 1853, in New York City, a son of the late Patrick McGovern, and a brother to James F. McGovern. He was in his third year when his parents removed to Lebanon. The trip here from Reading, where the family spent a month or so after leaving New York, was made on a canal boat, the family and household goods being transported on what was known as a "flitter," a term applied to boats used for moving furniture in those days. He was educated in the parochial school and also the public schools in Lebanon, and when in his fourteenth year went to work in the pipe mill. Following this he became a "tool boy" for Charles McFad- den, a contractor, with whom he remained for two years. He then spent a year and a half on the farm of W. F. Shunk, a son of Governor Shunk, of Pennsylvania, which farm was located one and a half miles from Lebanon.
While on the farm he began learning telegraphy from a man who had served in the Signal Corps in the Civil War. In 1870 he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, in the roadway department, and was also an assistant in the shipping department, and later worked with the engineer corps. During this time he took lessons in telegraphing in the evenings, and on March 29, 1872, he was made assistant to the yard master at
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY. 769
Lebanon and telegraph operator at the water tank, on the corner of Front street and the railroad tracks, which is a most important position, and which he has held continuously, a period of thirty years. He is the third oldest man in point of length of term employed by this road at Lebanon.
In 1883 Mr. McGovern purchased his present handsome and comforta- ble residence at No. 39 East Cumberland street, which is just outside the city limits. At that time he was in the country, but since then the city has encroached nearer and nearer until he is now in town, though still outside the corporate limits. He also owns other excellent realty in the neighborhood.
On November 26, 1878, Mr. McGovern was united in marriage with Catherine A. Greth, born in North Annville township, January 1, 1857. daughter of John S. and Hannah (Geesman ) Greth, the former of whom was born in 1817, in North Lebanon township and died in December. 1891. The mother was born in 1819, in Lebanon, and died in September, 1887. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. McGovern was Samuel Greth, who removed from Reading to Lebanon at an early date in the history of the city. To Mr. and Mrs. McGovern the following children have been born : Charles Francis, born September 30. 1879: William James, born May 28, 1881 : Paul Michael, born July 22, 1883: Catherine Elizabeth, born June 15. 1885; John Joseph. born November 11, 1887; Gertrude Alice, born November 17, 1890, died February 20, 1892; George Aloysius, born July 3, 1893 : and Robert Edward, born April 15, 1895, died February 4, 1902. Mr. McGovern and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He is a member of the R. C. B., the Pennsylvania C. B. L., and the A. O. H.
HORST. The Horst family was founded in America by three brothers who came originally from Switzerland, one settling in Groffs Dale, Lancaster county, one in Lebanon county, and the other in York county. Pa. The old home of the family in Lebanon county contained four hundred acres, and is now held by the fifth generation from the original purchaser. A prominent and representative member of this old and honored Lebanon county family is found in Harry B. Horst. one of the educated, progressive young farmers of North Cornwall township. Mr. Horst was born November 24. 1864, at Schaefferstown, Lebanon county, a son of Joseph S. and Mary S. ( Brubaker ) Horst, both of whom were natives of this county, the latter being a daughter of Abraham and Barbara (Snavely) Brubaker, the former of whom was born in 1806. in Lancaster county, and died in 1886. He was a son of Abraham and - (Shirk) Brubaker, and came to Lebanon county when a young man and married a daughter of John Snavely and located on
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the farm of his father-in-law, where he remained all his life, becoming the owner of the Snavely homestead of 280 acres, and followed farming all his days. Mr. Brubaker was a most consistent and worthy member of the Men- nonite Church, being one of its useful men, having been carefully reared in its teachings by his father, who for years was one of its accepted ministers. His father-in-law also was a minister of the same church. Two children only were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker. Mary, who became the wife of Joseph Horst : and Lydia, who died when she was twenty-one years of age. unmar- ried. Mrs. Horst was born June 7. 1839.
Joseph S. Horst was born in South Annville township. Lebanon county. in 1833. and died in 1897, aged sixty-four years, a son of Joseph and Barbara ( Shink ) Horst, and he was reared and spent his life in South Annville town- ship. His education was obtained in the local schools during boyhood and later he studied both at the Millersville Normal School and at a Business College in Baltimore. When his education was completed he engaged in teaching for several years and then spent one year operating a warehouse business. Later Mr. Horst accepted a clerical position in the mercantile estab- lishment of John George, in the city of Lebanon, where he remained for sev- eral years and then took up farming on his father-in-law's farm, about 1861. continuing the same until 1890. By inheritance he became the owner of this fine farm, comprising 280 acres, and he also owned two farms in North Corn- wall township. one containing 140 acres, and the other, of 115 acres, being the farm which his son Harry B. now so successfully operates. Mr. Horst was a very successful business man, a hard worker, keen and shrewd, a man of the highest business and personal integrity. He was one of the organizers of the Myerstown National Bank and a member of its board of directors from the beginning until his death, and was in addition. a stockholder in the Leba- non banks. Mr. Horst was also public-spirited and ready to assist all enter- prises approved by his very superior business judgment. For many years he was an active member of the U. B. Church and a most liberal supporter. His family consisted of four children, namely: Abraham, a farmer of North Cornwall township: Harry B .; Frank, a farmer on the old homestead near Schaefferstown: and Uriah, who also resides on the same old farm.
HARRY B. HORST was reared on a farm, and after completing the course of the public schools, entered the State Normal School at Millersville. After teaching one term, Mr. Horst took a trip through the South, occupying one year, following this with five years of agricultural activity. In 1888 he decided to see the great West and started out on what proved to be a very extensive trip, his visit covering all the States and Territories west of the
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Mississippi River, and all the points of general interest, including Yellowstone Park and Yosemite Valley, and during his two years of absence he also visited Mexico. With commendable thrift, he endeavored to pay his expenses, turn- ing his talents to good account. and came home educated, broadened and with many new interests which will last through his life.
In 1890. after his return, Mr. Horst resumed farming, in some ways, on different lines, adopting new methods and the machinery which his wide travel had taught him to sensibly make use of. hence few agriculturists in his locality attain more success than he does. Mr. Horst was one of the organ- izers and is a director of the Lebanon County Trust Company. He is always found in sympathy with the progressive element in Lebanon county, and has shown himself public-spirited in no small degree. In addition to his farm he owns valuable property in Lebanon and has erected a handsome block of houses in this city.
In 1895 Mr. Horst was married to Miss Ella Risser, daughter of Martin N. Risser, of Milton Grove. Lancaster county, and they have two interesting children-Mary and Ada. Both Mr. Horst and wife belong to the U. B. Church and they are among the most worthy and respected residents of the community.
GEORGE E. KEMBEL, furniture dealer of Lebanon, is one of the hustling young merchants of the town, and one of its most enterprising and thrifty citizens. He was born in Schuylkill county, Pa., September 8, 1872. a son of Levi and Mary ( Hinninger ) Kembel. natives of the same county. and the former a farmer and merchant who died in April. 1002. Levi Kem- bel was well known in Schuylkill county, as was also his father, Peter, also born in that county. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the United Brethren Church. To himself and wife were born: Noah. of Leb- anon: Amanda, the wife of Michael Dissinger, of Lebanon : George E. : and John. of Lebanon.
No indulgent early fortune mapped out a royal road to success for George E. Kembel. and the fact that he was born in a little one-story log cabin on a farm, and that now, at the age of thirty, he lives in his own twenty-thousand-dollar mansion, argues a good deal of hard work and ready grasp of opportunities. At the age of fourteen he correctly discerned the limi- tations by which he was surrounded, and thenceforward the little log cabin ceased to be his shelter and home. Arriving in Lebanon without a dollar to his name, and with little education, but with the trade of carpentering fairly learned while working on an adjoining farm for five dollars a month in
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Schuylkill county, he found employment in the Colebrook furnaces, and later with the North Lebanon furnaces. He then worked on a farm in Lebanon county for nine months, and during that time managed to save one hundred of the one hundred and eight dollars received for these services. He after- ward clerked in the store of his brother-in-law, Michael Dissinger, and so apt was he in learning the business that he finally bought out Mr. Dissinger, and went into the furniture business on Ninth street. At a later period he removed to his place of business on Eighth street, renting at first, but eventually purchasing the property. He then built a new business house, and afterward bought property on Eleventh street. His home, known as the John Lick mansion, at No. 315 Eighth street, is one of the finest in the town, as well as one of the hospitable and social centers for the best people.
In 1893 Mr. Kembel married Ella S. Schalley, of Lebanon, and a daugh- ter of Adam and Mary ( Brandt ) Schalley. Mr. and Mrs. Schalley were the parents of the following children : David ; Edward; Anson ; Emma ; Charles ; Ella S .. now Mrs. Kembel; and Titus. Mrs. Kembel was born May 2. 1872. and comes of one of the old highly respected families of Lebanon county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kembel are popular in their neighborhood. and Mr. Kembel is cited as an illustration of the power of brains and ability over practically adverse early circumstances.
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