USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > Commemorative biographical encyclopedia of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania : containing sketches of prominent and representative citizens and many of the early Scotch-Irish and German settlers. Pt. 1 > Part 45
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ing. His descriptions of the large towns he had seen, the great academies in which he had studied, and the wonders of science that were taught therein were listened to with astonishment. He was paid by subscription, and boarded around among the subscribers. This arrangement was regarded as an honor by the parents, and a pleasure by the scholars. It secured for the latter special favors during that week from the teacher, and the love their parents bore the learned one seenred for them during that time a more elaborate bill of fare than usual.
The school term rarely lasted more than three months in the year. In this primitive state of society, there were no amusements or distractions imported ready made from without. Other diversions of a more useful character, such as singing schools, debating societies, spelling schools, etc., took their place.
Thomas McGovern was not as quick and bright in his studies as his brothers and sisters. He developed very slowly. This may have been owing to the defective sys- tem, which then consisted too much in dry rules and formularies. He looked upon these as exceedingly arbitrary, and would not sub- mit to them without restraint till he saw the reasons why they claimed his submission. He was not, however, skeptical in the com- mon sense of the term ; on the contrary, he had a great veneration and confidence in men who were able to write books. Ile was particularly fond of physics, popularly called natural philosophy; and the problems in the department thereof denominated me- chanics afforded an extensive field for the exercise of a mind like his, which was naturally rigid and logical rather than dis- cursive and imaginative in its conclusions. He was passionately fond of machinery, and any hours he could steal from other en- ployments were devoted to this pleasant and favorite study. He was never regarded as a speedy messenger to go to the mill for grist, for the pleasure he enjoyed in examin- ing the machinery was sure to extend his stay long beyond the appointed time for his return.
Theoretical knowledge will not long re- main at rest within the lines of its own pro- vince, but frets and chafes for freedom of action in the domain of practical life .. This was particularly true in his case. He quickly learned to use the tools of the artisan, and his success in repairing, making and invent-
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ing such instruments as were needed in that primitive state of society soon acquired for him the title of a genius. When enough of the forest was cleared away to make a farm, and a house and other buildings erceted to constitute a home, he was sent to St. Joseph's College, Susquehanna county, Pa., where he pursued his studies for two years. In Sep- tember, 1855, he went to Mt. St. Mary's College, Emmitsburg, Md., and after con- tinuing his studies there for four years, grad- uated at the commencement of 1859 with the degree of B. A. Among his classmates were young men of a high order of talent, particularly M. A. Corrigan, the present Most Rev. Archbishop of New York.
In 1861, Thomas McGovern received the degree of A. M. He made a portion of his theological studies at Mt. St. Mary's Semi- nary, after he had graduated from the col- lege. His first rector then in the seminary is now the Most Rev. William Henry Elder, D. D., Archbishop of Cincinnati, a man of holy life, and a model of saintly virtues. Bishop McGovern always regarded Mt. St. Mary's as his alma mater, not only because she honored him with her collegiate diplomas, but because she also called him to import- ant offices of trust during his sojourn in the college. "The Old Mountain," as the col- lege is familiarly called by the students, re- sides in the sanctuary of his dearest recol- lections. He concluded his. theological course in the seminary of St. Charles Bor- romeo, Eighteenth and Race streets, Phila- delphia, since removed to the large and im- posing buildings at Overbrook Station.
He was ordained priest December 27, 1861, by the Rt. Rev. James F. Wood, D. D., afterwards Archbishop of Philadelphia. He was assigned to the charge of Pottstown and Douglasville after his ordination, and was subsequently called as assistant in St. Michael's church, Second and Master streets, Philadelphia, and later to St. Philip's church, Second and Queen streets, in the same city.
In June, 1864, Father McGovern was sent to Bellefonte, Centre county, Pa., to at- tend the station attached to it. His mission embraced Centre, Juniata and Mifflin conn- ties. He labored in this mission for six years; built a new church in Bellefonte, or- ganized sodalities, beneficial and temperance societies to arouse the zeal and fervor of Catholic piety. In 1868 the Diocese of Harrisburg was organized by the Holy See, and on July 12, the Rt. Rev. F. Shana-
han, D. D., was consecrated its first bishop. The Rev. Thomas McGovern's spiritual al- legiance was made to him. He remained in Bellefonte until December, 1870, when he was appointed to St. Patrick's church, at York, York county, Pa. Here his energy and zeal again found a large field of labor. In July, 1873, he was transferred to Dan- ville, Montour county, Pa. This had been a large and flourishing parish while iron rails carried the commerce of the country. He at once set to work to make improve- ments such as the growing demands of re- ligion required, but the financial crisis of that year frustrated many of his fondest hopes. Yet he struggled faithfully during the long years of depression in thai tewn, and if he did not accomplish all his soul craved, he left after him monuments that will make his memory enduring. To recre- ate his body and mind, he made a very ex- tensive tour through Europe, Africa and Asia, in 1881-2. He traveled over twenty- three thousand miles, made the tour of Pal- estine and Syria on horseback, and lodged under tents for thirty-eight nights.
Rt. Rev. J. F. Shanahan, D. D., passed away September 24, 1886. Rev. Thomas McGovern was appointed his successor by Pope Leo XIII., January 15, 1888, and he was conscerated in the pro-cathedral, in Harrisburg, March 11, 1888, by the Rt. Rev. William O'Hara, D. D., of Scranton, Pa., as- sisted by Rt. Rev. Richard Gilmour, D. D., of Cleveland, Ohio, and Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson, of Columbus, Ohio. Other emi- nent prelates and clergymen also honored the occasion by their presence. Bishop Mc- Govern is a gentleman of wide and generous impulses. In religion he aims to be chari- table, like his Divine Master. He is a Cath- olic from deep convictions, and holds him- self in honor bound to defend them. The following character is given him by D. H. Brower, Esq., in his history of Danville :
"Rev. Thomas McGovern is a man of marked ability, energy and executive power. As a controversialist he is a dangerous op- ponent, and seems to be armed at every point to battle for the church and defend the faith he professes. Yet he is liberal and generous, courteous and pleasant to all, and holds an honorable place in the community at large."
During the year 1895 he made a visit to the Holy See, at Rome, and on his return to Harrisburg, was accorded a hearty reception
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by his parishioners, which showed their love and respect for their bishop and the high esteem in which he was held by theni.
-SANGREE, REV. MILTON H., pastor of Fourth Reformed church, Harrisburg, Pa., parsonage 1508 Market street, was born in Washington county, Md., November 7, 1832, son of Abraham B. and Margaret (Tritle) Sangree. Hisgrandparents on both sides came from Switzerland, and are supposed to have been descendants of French Protestant refu- gees. His grandfather, Michael Sangrce, was married about 1790, in York county, Pa., to Miss Elizabeth Burkholder; they had nine children : Jacob, John, Christian, Abraham B., Joseph, Benjamin, Esther, Jane and Elizabeth. Abraham B. Sangree, father of Rev. M. H. Sangree, was born in York county, Pa., February 15, 1799. He was a miller, and continued in this occupation during the greater part of his life; but a few years before his death he bought a farm in Huntingdon county, Pa., which is still called the " Sangree Farm," and which he culti- vated until his death, March 16, 1868. He was married in 1830, at Smithburg, Md., to Maria Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Huyett) Tritle, who was born in Washington county, Md., November 15, 1808. Their children were : Rev. Milton H., Arietta, wife of William Smith, a veteran soldier, deceased, Amanda J., Melinda, wife of Dr. William H. Aller, of New York, deceased, Luther, enlisted in company C, Fifty-third regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, De- cember 13, 1862. The life of the father was shortened by grief for the death of this son. He died March 16, 1868, aged seventy years. He was an elder in the Reformed church at McConnellstown, Pa.
Milton H. Sangree attended the public schools of Huntingdon county, from which he entered Tuscarora Academy for a short time. He then became a teacher in the public schools of Huntingdon county, and continued in this service through eleven years, during which time he also traveled as far west as Topeka, Kan., and resided in Missouri for a short time. After his return from the West, Mr. Sangree enlisted, in Feb- ruary, 1865, in company K, Seventy-eighth regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, and was promoted to be second lientenant and served in Tennessee, and was discharged in Sep- tember, 1865. He did not take part in
any battle, but was detailed for post duty at Nashville, Tenn. Ile was afterwards superintendent of oil interests in Venango county, Pa., for two years. Esteeming it a duty and a privilege to become a, min- ister of the gospel, Mr. Sangree pursued a thorough course of study in the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg for three years. This course was completed in 1871, when he was ordained to the office of the holy min- istry. He was financial agent of Mercer College one year and was then called to be pastor of the Reformed church at Bloody Run, now Everett, Pa., which was a mis- sionary field of large extent; here he re- mained for seven years, and accomplished valuable results in gathering the people and organizing the work. His next charge was the Water Street church, Huntingdon, Pa. It was undertaken in 1879, held successfully for almost five years, and relinquished for that of Arendtville, Adams county, Pa., in 1884. In 1889 Rev. Mr. Sangree came to Steelton, Dauphin county, where he found a wide and important field for mission work, and where he was successful in building up a, large and flourishing congregation and erecting a beautiful church. After four and a-half years of service there he was sent by the board of home missions of the Reformed Church to East Harrisburg, to establish the Fourth Reformed church, of Harrisburg, which is his present charge. In all places where he has labored Mr. Sangree has been devoted, painstaking and successful. Mr. Sangree was married, October 6, 1856, at Three Springs, Huntingdon county, Pa., to Miss Jane E., daughter of George and Re- becca (Hubbell) Hudson. Their children are: Rev. Henry H., pastor of the Reformed church at Steelton, married Miss Helen Hoke, of Hanover, Pa .; Francis N., wife of Dr. Elmer C. Fahrney ; Ernest B., M. D., late of Philadelphia, well known as a phy- sician and scientist, having been pathologist in the Philadelphia hospital, assistant pro- fessor of pathology in the Medico-Chirurgical College, adjunct professor of pathology in the Philadelphia Polyclinic, and member of the Academy of Natural Sciences; was elected in the spring of 1896 to the chair of pa- thology and bacteriology in the Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., by unanimous vote of the board of trustees, Margaret T. resides at home, is a teacher of music ; Thomas C., also a physician, now in practice in New York, and, until recently, surgeon in
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the employ of the Red Star line, between New York and Antwerp; Hope M., wife of Walter Kauffman, Steelton, Pa .; Allen L., graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, resides in New York, is on the staff of the New York Sun, and George, living at home. Mrs. Sangree, wife of Rev. M. II. Sangrec, was born at Three Springs, Huntingdon county, Pa., in 1833. Iler father's ancestors were from England on his father's side, and Ireland on his mother's side. He was a farmer, as well as the owner of a large mill. He was married, in 1823, to Miss Rebeeca Hubbell, of the same nativity as himself. He had eight children, of whom five are living. Mr. Hudson died in 1856, aged sixty years ; Mrs. Hudson died in 1881, aged eighty years.
- SIMONTON, REV. ASHBEL GREEN, youngest son of Dr. William and Martha (Snodgrass) Simonton, was born January 20, 1833. His classical education began in the Harrisburg Academy, under the tuition of Rev. Mahlon Long. After two years' preparatory study he entered the College of New Jersey, from which he graduated in 1852, his scholarship and acquirements being of the first rank. In the autumn of the same year he went to the South with his brother James and took charge of an academy for boys at Starkville, Miss., where he taught with much success for eighteen months. In July, 1854, he re- turned to Harrisburg and entered upon the study of law. In the spring of 1855 he decided upon a theological course, and for this purpose prepared himself for entering the theologieal seminary at Princeton, which he. did in September of that year. He was licensed to preach by the Carlisle Presbytery, which met at Greencastle on the 14th of April, 1858. He had decided upon a mis- sionary life, and after consultation and appli- cation to the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions was ordered to Brazil. IIe was ordained by the Presbytery of Carlisle, at Harrisburg, April 14, 1859, and on June 19, following, he sailed from Baltimore in the merchant ship " Banshee " for Rio Janeiro. He arrived at the latter place August 12, and at onee entered upon his field of labor. In November, 1864, he took the lead in the establishment of the Impresna Evangelica, a semi-monthly newspaper for the dissemi- nation of religious information among the people of Brazil. Educated Brazilians acknowledged their surprise at the elegance
and foree with which he wrote in their native language and his leading articles in the Impresna were characterized by great ability, clearness and comprehension of the subjects treated. In the spring of 1862 he returned to the United States and married Helen Murdock, daughter of William Mur- dock, of Baltimore, Md., March 19, 1863, and sailed for Brazil May 23, 1863, reaching the harbor of Rio, July 16. His wife died after a short illness, July 28, 1864, which to a missionary in a foreign land was an incal- culable loss. But there was a duty to per- form and he labored zealously for the Master. Toward the close of March, 1865, he made a missionary tour into the Province of Sao Paulo, returning to his post in Rio early in May. The news of Lee's surrender, the suppression of the great Rebellion and the assassination of President Lineoln reached that eity in quick succession. When there was no longer any doubt that the last-men- tioned event had occurred, he was requested to preach a sermon to the American residents on the occasion, which was delivered at a special service, May 21, 1865, to the largest assembly of his eountrymen ever convened at Rio. Near the close of 1865 the Presby- tery of Rio Janeiro was organized at Sao Paulo, that being the mission station of his brother-in-law, A. L. Blackford. It was soon perceived that his overtaxed energies had begun to give way under the gradual ap- proaches of the disease which forever ended his earthly activities. Unable to continue his labors, he left Rio for the home of his sister, at Sao Paulo, the last week of Novem- ber, 1867, where after a brief illness, he died December 9, following. He was buried on the same day from the little church of Sao Paulo, two Englishmen and two Americans officiat- ing as pall-bearers, addresses being made in Portugese by Rev. Mr. Blackford and Rey. Emanuel Pires, singing the hymn, "We Speak of the Land ever Blest." The Rev. Mr. Simonton possessed a clear, penetrating intellect, a sound and discriminating judg- ment. His manner in public was quiet, un- affected, dignified and self-possessed. In relations of private life he was frank, genial, social, affectionate and noble-hearted.
-SHANAHAN, JEREMIAH FRANCIS, D. D., first bishop of Harrisburg, Pa., was born at Silver Lake, Susquehanna county, Pa., July 13, 1834, son of John and Margaret (Don o van) Shanahan, both natives of Cork count y
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Ireland. His early Catholic education and training were serupulously attended to by his pious parents, who also provided for him a liberal course in the best schools. For three years he attended an ordinary school at Silver Lake, from which he went to St. Jos- eph's Academy, near Binghampton, N. Y., and was graduated therefrom with honor at eighteen years of age. His classical, philo- sophieal and theological courses were com- pleted at the Theological Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, at Philadelphia. His Qr- dination to the priesthood, by Bishop Neu- mann, took place July 3, 1859, after which he was appointed by the bishop, rector of the new Preparatory Seminary at Glen Rid- dle, Deleware county, Pa., and for nine years discharged the duties of the place with rare ability and gratifying success.
When the new diocese of Harrisburg was constituted in 1868, Father Shanahan was appointed its bishop. His eonseeration took place July 12, 1868, at the cathedral in Philadelphia. His installation took place on September 20, of the same year, at St. Patrick's, in Harrisburg, which then became the pro-cathedral. Here abundant and dif- ficult labors awaited the young bishop. His flock was sparsely scattered through cigh- teen counties, and were only partly supplied with under shepherds, each priest having a triple charge. All church activities were to be organized and set in motion. The. good bishop was equal to the demands of the sit- uation, and the wonderful enlargement and prosperity of the diocese demonstrated his ability, faithfulness and conseeration.
But the physical strength of Bishop Shan- alian proved inadequate to the strain of labor so constant and consuming, and his health gave way. He lived and labored long enough to organize the diocese, to plant schools and build churches, to win the ad- miration and affection of his people, and to gain the confidence and estecm of the entire community. He was called to his rest and reward September 24, 1SS6; and a hand- some and enduring monument, erceted by his grateful and loving parishioners, marks his resting place in the beautiful grounds of St. Patrick's pro-cathedral.
This eminent servant of God has a worthy successor in the bishoprick in the person of Archbishop Thomas McGovern, who found a happy and prosperous charge, and who is successfully continuing and extending the work so auspiciously begun by the first bishop.
- GILBERT, REV. DAVID MCCONAGHY, D. I)., pastor of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran church, Harrisburg, Pa., was born in Gettys- burg, Pa., February 4, 1836. He is a son of the late Dr. David and Jane E. (Brown) Gilbert. His father, David Gilbert, M. D., was born near Gettysburg, July 27, 1803; was an eminent physician and surgeon ; practiced in Gettysburg until 1852; after- wards resided in Philadelphia, and was for some years a professor in the medical de- partment of Pennsylvania College in that city ; he died July 28, 1868. Mrs. Dr. Gilbert died February 22, 1893, aged eighty- six. Four of their family of eight children are still living : Harriet B., wife of John M. Adler, M. D., of Philadelphia ; Boyd Anna, widow of the late Andrew Ross Potts, of Washington, D. C .; David MeC., and Miss Julia K. Their only other son was Dr. William Kent Gilbert, eldest of the family, at the time of his death coroner of Phila- delphia. Two of the children died in in- fancy ; the remaining one was Hannah M., wife of Jackson MeAbee, of Philadelphia.
Rev. David MeC. Gilbert pursued his early studies in the preparatory department of Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg; he was graduated from the college in 1857, and from the theological seminary, of the same place, in 1859. In October, 1859, he was licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments by the West Pennsylvania Synod. In the fall of 1860 he was ordained by the Synod of Virginia as a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In De- cember, 1859, he was called to the pastorate of the Central Evangelical Lutheran church of Staunton, Va., where he labored with fidelity and success until May, 1863. June 1, 1863, to July 1, 1871, he was pastor of what is now known as the Church of Ascen- sion, at Savannah, Ga. He then returned to his former pastorate at Staunton, and re- mained until April 1, 1873. He then took charge of a parish at Winchester, Va., and labored there until December, 1887, when he was called to his present pastorate ; he began his labors here on the first Sunday in De- cember, 1887.
Rev. Dr. Gilbert was married, in New Or- leans, October 29, 1866, to Miss Mary Rutledge, daughter of the late John G. and Catherine Fallingatt, of Savannah, Ga. Their children are: John G., attorney-at- law, Harrisburg, Pa., William Kent, Fred- erick M., Catherine, David McC., Jr., Marion
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Rutledge, Henry D., and Jane. Dr. Gilbert is at present president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania.
STECKLEY, REV. MATTHEW, was born in Germany, September 15, 1836, son of the late Ansulmes and Juliama (Fresse) Steckley. The parents were both natives of Germany and died in their native land. The father was a cabinet maker by trade, and was three times married. Matthew had but one brother. He received his education in Germany, hav- ing attended school until he was fourteen years of age. He came with some of his friends to this country, when he was eigh- teen years of age, and when nineteen years old began an apprenticeship at the trade of shoemaker with a man by the name of Bickel, on Walnut street in Harrisburg. After completing his apprenticeship he worked at his trade as a journeyman for Mr. Desh on Market street, for many years. He subsequently bought the property of Will- iam Verbeke, No. 404 Broad street, now Verbeke street, where he was engaged in business for himself until the war broke out. He enlisted in Angust, 1864, for ten months, in the Two Hundred and First reg- iment, Pennsylvania volunteers, in com- pany A, and having served his full time was discharged June 21, 1865. After his re- turn from the army he resumed the shoe business, in which he continued up to the time of his death, July 14, 1892, at the age of fifty-five years. His death was caused by swallowing a fragment of bone, which caused him four years of suffering-and which was finally removed after treatment at the hos- pital but not in time to save his life. Mr. Steckley was a regularly ordained minister of the United Evangelical Church, and served in the sacred office in Harrisburg for thirty-six years, where he was highly honored as one of the leaders of God's people. He had also been chaplain at the Almshouse for ' about twenty years. He served as school director in the city of Har- risburg for one term of three years. In his political veins he was an ardent Republican. He was a member of the Golden Eagles for four years, and was chaplain of his lodge. Mr. Steckley was married, February 20, 185S, to Miss Elizabeth Baker, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Sheets) Baker, to whom were born nine children : Emma, wife of Edwin Zeagler; Edwin; Maggie, wife of Jolin Lappley; Minnie, wife of William
Brummel; Annie, wife of Charles Storer ; Ber- tha, wife of Erwin Hershey ; William, Warren and Paul. The parents of Mrs. Steckley were both natives of Dauphin county, and both died in the county. They had one child, Eliza- beth, Mrs. Steckley. The grandparents were also natives of Dauphin county. Her grand- father was for many years engaged in the hat business. Both grandparents died in Dauphin county. William Steckley, son of Rev. Matthew Steckley, was born September 3, 1870, and was educated in the public schools. He is at present managing his father's business and is recognized as one of the leading young business men of the city.
-PFUHL, REV. JOIN GEORGE, pastor of St. Michael's German Lutheran church, of Har- risburg, Pa., was born in Treffurt, Province of Saxony, Kingdom of Prussia, March 30, 183S. He is a son of the late Christian Pfuhl and his wife Charlotte Von Keudel. The parents of Pastor Pfuhl were both na- tives of Prussia. They were born in Tref- furt, and lived there until 1866, when they removed to the Province of West Prussia, settling near the town of Culmsce, where the father died October 18, 1SS1, and the mother October 28, 1880. They had eight children, five of whom are living: Chris- tiana, widow of the late Wilhelm Boden- stein ; Dorothea, wife of Julius Fiedler; Caroline, wife of Hilmer Achilles; Augusta, widow of the late Theodore Rausch; and John George. The last-named and his nephew, Charles Bodenstein, of Philadel- phia, are the only members of the family residing in America.
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