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. 2 > Part 41
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satisfaction until his death, March 11, 1887. Mr. Mumma was a director in the Hummels- town Bank, and filled many places of pub- lic and private trust, with the utmost effi- ciency and fidelity, establishing a reputation for ability and integrity. In all' circles, commercial, political and social, he was prominent and influential. Mr. Mumma was married to Mary, daughter of Christian Nissley, of Derry township, who with eight children survive him. These children are : Emma; Anna; Mary, wife of Edgar Hum- mel, of Hummelstown; Christian N., of Steelton; Alice; Bianche; Ralph, in the railway mail service, and Opal.
MATHESON, GEORGE, son of Adam and Isabella (Wright) Matheson, was born Oc- tober 27, 1828, at Jedburgh, Roxburyshire, Scotland. He enjoyed the benefit of only a common school education, and in June, 1845, left home and entered the employ, as an ap- prentice, of George and Robert Stephenson, the celebrated locomotive and engine build- ers, at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. He re- mained with them the full term of five years, making himself proficient in all departments of the business. He afterwards worked a few months in England, but in October, 1850, embarked from Glasgow for America. On the second day after his arrival in New York he commenced work in the shops of Hoggs & Delamater, and subsequently labored in and had charge of other works, finally set- tling down in the employ of the Old Novelty Iron Works, where he remained ten years. He then assumed charge of the erection of engines in the vessels which were fitted out by the Fulton Iron Works of James Murphy & Co., New York, remaining in that position several years. The Civil war being then in progress he had charge of all the outside work of that firm, including fitting out Gov- erument vessels. In 1864 he was appointed superintendent of the East River Iron Works, Samuel Secor & Co., at that time largely en- gaged in building marine and stationary engines. It was here he first became ac- quainted with the manufacture of tubing, having built the machinery for the Bergen Tube Mill, of New Jersey. In 1869 he en- tered into an arrangement with parties, after- wards incorporated as the National Tube Works Company, to erect works for them in East Boston, Mass., and subsequently acted as superintendent of these works until 1872, when it was decided to erect a more exten-
sive establishment at Mckeesport, Pa. Mr. Matheson took entire charge of the projected works, and they were built under his man- agement. He acted as general superinten- dent of the establishment until 1880, intro- ducing several improvements in tubing manufacture, and successfully operating Siemens' gas regenerator furnaces, which had never been used in this country for that purpose, and not successfully in England. In 1880 he removed to Middletown, and with his sons projected and established the large and successful works of the American Tube and Iron Company, and of which his sons, A. Scott and James H., have the general management. He married, May, 1850, Isa- bella Hewison, a native of Newcastle, Eng- land, and they had eleven children, of whom eight survive : A. Scott; James H .; Isabella H., who married John Sword, of Scotland ; Elizabeth; Mary A. H., who married A. W. Momeyer; Hannah H., William D., and Cornelia C.
McDANIEL, DR. HARRY M., Highspire, Pa., was born in York county, Pa., August 30, 1858; son of Isaiah S. and Harriet (Sunday) McDaniel. He was reared in his native county, and was educated in the public schools and at Lebanon Valley College, Ann- ville, Pa. He learned the trade of carpentry, and followed that occupation for eight years, after which he took up the study of medicine under Dr. J. W. Roop, then of New Cumber- land, now of Harrisburg. He later attended the lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., from which in- stitution he was graduated in 1883, and the same year received a diploma also from the University of Pennsylvania. In the latter part of 1883 he located at Highspire, where he has since been engaged in the general prac- tice of his profession. He has also been phy . sician of the county poor house for many years. In his politics Dr. McDaniel is a Re- publican. In 1892 he was married to Miss Annie G. Backenstoe, daughter of John Back- enstoe, of Union Deposit, Pa., and to their marriage there is no issue. Mrs. McDaniel is a member of the United Brethren church, of Highspire.
MYERS, J. R., grocer, Middletown, Pa., was born in York county, Pa., September 16, 1846; son of John and Maria (Roller) Myers. The father moved to Cumberland county when he was six years of age, and in
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1870 came from there to Dauphin county, where he engaged in farming in Upper Paxton township. He is now living with his daughter in Ida Grove, Iowa, his wife having died February 2, 1892. Their sur- viving children are : J. R., and Kate, wife of Owen J. Thompson, of Steelton, the only ones living in this country : Mary, Mrs. J. M. C. Halton, of DesMoines, Iowa; Matilda, Mrs. William Brady, Ida Grove, Iowa ; Lottie, Mrs. Herbert Myers, of Ida Grove, Iowa, and William L., of Grand Fork; N. D. The parents were members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Myers held the office of trustee in St. John's church of Cumberland county for many years.
J. R. Myers received his education in the public schools. In 1863 he enlisted in com- pany D, Twenty-eighth regiment, Pennsyl- vania cavalry, in which he served six months, and then re-enlisted in company D, Two Hundred and Second regiment, Penn- sylvania volunteers, and served until the close of the war. After his discharge he entered the New Berlin Academy, and re- mained two terms, after which he worked three years in the West Fairview rolling mill. In December, 1869, he came to Mid- dletown, and was for a time employed in the car shops, after which he clerked for B. S. Peters. He served for two years as brake- man on the Northern Central railroad, and in 1894 established his present business, which he has since continued. Mr. Myers is a member of the Middletown Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Columbia Commandery, K. of M. In his political views he is inde- dendent. He was a member of the school board three years and the president of the body two years, taking an active interest in all educational matters. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Susan Fake, of York county, Pa., and they had four children : John, of Middletown, married Miss Edith Maybury ; Frank, Minnie, and Carrie. Mr. Myers is a member of the Lutheran church and has served in the church council for twelve years, taking an active part in all church work.
McNAIR, ALVAN, Middletown, Pa., was born in Middletown, Dauphin county, P.a., August 31, 1843; son of Henry and Susanna (Rewalt) McNair, natives of Lebanon county. The paternal grandfather was a native of Scotland, came to America, and died at Lewistown, Pa. The maternal grandfather
died in Middletown when a young man. The parents came to Dauphin county when they were young people and married here. The father was engaged in the general mer- cantile business and also was a lumber dealer. He was a Democrat in political views. but cherished strong independent proclivities. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife was a member of the Lutheran church. He died in 1888 and his wife died 1871. They had three children : Alvan; William, shoe dealer, at Middle- town ; and Ellen, unmarried, died in 1893.
Alvan was reared at Middletown and re- ceived his education in the public schools. He learned the trade of painter and followed that occupation for some years. In 1873 he engaged in mercantile business, in which he continued one yearand then, in 1874, took up the real estate business and improved several properties. In 1861 he enlisted in company D, Sixth regiment, United States cavalry, in which he served as a non-commissioned officer for three years. He was wounded at the skirmish at Slatersville, after the battle of Williamsville. His regiment was with the Army of the Potomac and participated in the operations and battles of that body of soldiers. Mr. McNair is a stockholder in the Middletown National Bank. In political views he is a Democrat and has served as a member of the borough council for three years.
He married Miss Maria L. Swartz. She was a daughter of Rev. Solomon L. Swartz. By this marriage he had three children : Helen, Mary, and William. Mr. McNair was married, secondly, to Miss Ella Melborn, daughter of Oliver P. Melborn, an engineer, at the American Tube Works at Middletown and was killed by an accident. They had four children : Claude M., Ethel May, Harold Van, and Ruth Y. Mr. McNair attends the Lutheran church and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
NISSLEY, JOHN H., flour and feed dealer, Middletown, Pa., was born in Derry town- ship, Dauphin county, November 16, 1844; son of Martin and Barbara (Nissley) Nissley. Martin Nissley, Sr., the grandfather, was a farmer in Lower Paxton township, and re- tired, moving to Middletown, where he died. Martin Nissley, Jr., the father, was born in Lower Paxton township, in 1812, was reared on the farm, and after his marriage settled on a farm in Derry township, where he
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lived until his death, in 1882. His wife sur- vives him and lives in Annville, Pa. He was a member of the United Brethren church, in which he held various offices and was a trustee of the church for many years. In politics he was a Republican. He reared six children, two of whom died in infancy, and the others are : Fanny, Mrs. Franklin J. Witmer, of Annville, Pa .; Mary, Mrs. S. M. Hummel, of Derry Church, deceased ; Jacob, of Derry township ; and J. H.
John H. was reared in Derry township, educated in the public schools, and was en- gaged in farming in that township until 1892, when he retired from active work and moved to Middletown, where he established his present business. He is also a stock- holder in the Middletown Novelty Company. Mr. Nissley was married, in 1872, to Annie, daughter of Rev. Solomon Swartz, of Middle- town, and they have three children : Edward S., teller of the Union National Bank, of Mt. Joy, Pa .; Solomon M., at home; and Mary Barbara. In his political views Mr. Nissley is a Republican. He isa member of the United Brethren church, in which he was formerly a trustee, and aided in building the Derry church.
PETERS, BENJAMIN SNYDER, banker, Mid- dletown, was born in Londonderry township, Dauphin county, Pa., March 19, 1834; son of William and Elizabeth (Snyder) Peters. His grandfather, Jacob Peters, was a native of Lebanon county, and died there. He married Barbara Buley, of Lebanon, Pa., and she died at Altoona, Pa. Their son, William Peters, was born in Londonderry now Conewago township, October 27, 1811. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Abra- ham Snyder, a native of Switzerland. She was born in Londonderry township, April 15, 1812, and is still living. The father is deceased.
Benjamin S. received a common school edu- cation, and at the age of sixteen years entered a store at Kelly's Corners, Lebanon county, to learn merchandising, and was afterwards at Meyerstown. From 1858 to 1862 he was in commercial business at Palmyra, Lebanon county, after which he removed to Middle- town, where he entered into partnership with his uncle in the mercantile trade. Upon the dissolution of this firm he purchased the store of Yetman Eves, and for several years was the senior partner of the firm of Peters & Bros., retiring from business in January,
1883. The following year he again engaged in business with his son, under the firm name of B. S. Peters & Son, which conducted two stores. When the Farmers' Bank was organized he was made a director, and was chosen the president of the bank, which po- sition he has since held. Mr. Peters was married, in 1855, to Sarah, daughter of John and Polly (Beard) Rupp, of Lebanon county. Their children are: Jerome G., Emma, and Elizabeth, wife of Horace McKee, son of Rev. David Mckee and they have one child, Ben- jamin. Mr. Peters was one of the organiz- ers and one of the first directors of the Car Works. In political matters he is not an active partisan, but is a member of the Re- publican party. . His religious fellowship is in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is an active member, and of which he has been the treasurer for fifteen years.
REWALT, DR. J. W., Middletown, Pa., was born in Middletown, and was roared in his native town. He attended the common schools until he attained the age of fourteen years, when he became a clerk in a general store. After a short period of service in this position he entered the drug store of Mr. Blensinger, with whom he remained two years, and while thus enployed he was pros- ecuting his studies in pharmacy. After a thorough preparation he entered the Phila- delphia College of Pharmacy and was gradu- ated in the regular course from that institu- tion. Subsequently he formed a partnership with T. C. Laverty in the drug business, in which he continued for two and a half years, when the firm was dissolved, and Dr. Rewalt has since conducted the business. He has served on the school board for twelve years. He is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church.
RINGLAND, Dr. JOHN, Middletown, Pa., rc- tired, was born in Middletown, Pa., January - 9, 1825; son of James and Magdaline (Bom- berger) Ringland. John Ringland, the grand- father of Dr. John, was born in County Down, Ireland, as was also his wife. They came to America in 1792, and first settled in Chester county, Pa., from whence they removed to Lancaster county. James Ringland, the father, was a native of Chester county, and came to Dauphin county in 1822 or 1823, settling in Middletown, where he engaged in the mercantile business, in which be con- tinued until his death in 1831. He was
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originally a Presbyterian, and later united with the Lutheran church, of which his wife was a member. In politics he was a Whig, and served in various township offices. His children are: Dr. John; Joseph, deceased, merchant at Middletown, and formerly a currier; Eliza Jane, Mrs. G. L. Yetter, of Middletown ; and Mary M., wife of Benjamin F. Kendig, of Harrisburg. After his death his widow married Jacob Lindermuth. She died in 1887.
Dr. John Ringland attended the public schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to Lancaster and learned the printer's trade, which he followed for five years, after which he was in the lumber busi- ness for a short time. He read medicine under Dr. Benjamin J. Wiestling, and was graduated from the University of Pennsyl- vania in 1850. He practiced medicine for one year and a half, but was forced to aban- don professional work on account of impaired hearing. For four years he was engaged in the lumber business in Cumberland county as a member of the firm of Church, Lee & Ringland, after which he returned to Mid- dletown and embarked in the dairy busi- ness. In 1860 Dr. Ringland was elected re- corder of deeds of Dauphin county, and in 1863 was re-elected to the same office. He served as a member of the school board and of the council of Middletown, and has also served as justice of the peace for about seven- teen years. He was originally a member of the Whig party, and later joined the Repub- licans. In 1850 he was married to Miss Margaret E. Smith, daughter of Henry and Mary Smith, of Middletown. Their children are: Joseph H., John Augustus, Mary Jane, Louisa B., and Almeth K. The family were members of the Presbyterian church.
SHIREMAN, WILLIAM, farmer and stock raiser, Middletown, Pa., was born in Maytown, Lancaster county, November, 19, 1843; son of Aaron and Mary (Lentz) Shireman, both natives of Lancaster county. The father, Aaron Shireman, was born in the same house that Simon Cameron was born in. In 1867 he purchased a farm on the island opposite Buck Lock, where he resided for many years, but now lives with his son William. He is a cabinet maker by trade, and is also an active member of the German Reformed church. His family consists of three children: William, and two brothers, who reside at New Albany, Ind.
William received his education in the publicschools of Maytown, which he attended until sixteen years of age. He then learned the trade of cabinet maker with his father, and later on rented his farm on the island, which he worked for sixteen years, and eight years of this time he attended market regu- larly in Harrisburg. By his untiring energy and economy he accumulated sufficient money to buy a farm of his own, and in 1882 purchased what is known as "Hillsdale Farm," a most beautiful place, in Londonderry town- ship. Here he engaged in breeding and raising of thoroughbred stock, and is the owner of as fine stock as can be found in the county. He married Miss Sarah A. Long- necker, daughter of Jacob Longnecker, of Maytown, Lancaster county, in 1865. Their five children are: Anna, Mrs. Soloman M. Gingrich, Londonderry township; John W., of Royalton, who married Miss Ella Goss ; Rachael, Mrs. John W. Metzger, of Royalton; Minnie, and Edward L. In politics Mr. Shireman is a Democrat, and was honored by being elected county commissioner in 1893. He holds the office of trustee in the Middletown Presbyterian church, of which he is a consistent member.
REHRER, HENRY L., coal dealer, Middle- town, Pa., was born in Lancaster county, Pa., June 17, 1835; son of Jacob and Christina (Lott) Rehrer. The father was a native of Lancaster, and the mother of Berks county. He moved to Dauphin county in 1837, and located at Union Deposit, and conducted a distillery for General Hocker for some years. Later he came to Middletown, where he was in the lumber business for sixteen years and where he died in 1856. He was a prominent member of the Bethel church, and was also active in the Democratic party. His wife died in 1877. They reared seven children, four of whom are living : Henry L .; Jacob, of Royalton; Andrew, of Middletown ; and George, of Middletown. Their deceased chil- dren are: Mary L., Mrs. Henry Stipe ; John, and Nicholas.
Henry L. came with his parents to Dau- phin county when he was two years old. He was educated in the public schools, and for some years was engaged in boating on the canal and for eight years was proprietor of the Pennsylvania House. Subsequently he was appointed collector on the Union canal, and held the position for fourteen years. In 1876 he established his present coal business
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DAUPHIN COUNTY.
in which he has since continued. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of the Golden Eagle and of the Order of United American Mechanics. In politics he is a Democrat and has served six years in the borough council. Mr. Rehrer was mar- ried, in 1855, to Miss Mary, daughter of James Stephenson, of Easton, who died in 1889, leaving no issue. He was married, secondly, in 1893, to Miss Anna E., daughter of George Stackhouse, of Port Deposit, Md. They are' members of the Methodist Episcopal church. of Middletown.
-SWARTZ, REV. SOLOMON L., Middletown, Pa., was born in Lower Swatara township, Sep- tember 18, 1827. The first of the family in Dauphin county was Christian Swartz, a na- tive of Germany who came to America and settled first in Lancaster county, Pa. He removed from thence to Dauphin county and located in what is now Lower Swatara town- ship, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a farmer by occupation, and made many improvements on his place, among which is a store house erected by him in 1799, which is still standing. He reared two children, Jacob and Christian, who succeeded to his estate and lived with him until his death. Jacob B. married Miss Nancy Nissley, daughter of Martin Nissley, who died in 1844.
They reared three children, Rev. Solomon S. being the only survivor. He attended the public schools and subscription schools, and engaged in farming for several years. He made a profession of religion early in life and connected himself with the United Brethren church, taking always an active part in church work. In 1871 he made application to conference to be admitted to the ministry, and in 1879 was received and ordained to the sacred office. In 1891 he settled at Middle- town as a minister without charge and has been a resident of the place since that date. Mr. Swartz was married, in 1849, to Mary Nissley, a daughter of Peter Nissley, of Lan- caster county, by whom he has one child, Anna, wife of John H. Nissley, of Middle- town, Pa. He was married, secondly, to Miss Anna Wagner.
SWARTZ, MARTIN NISSLEY, deceased, was born in Lower Swatara township, Dauphin county, Pa., September 30, 1829; son of Christian and Nancy (Nissley) Swartz. His parents died and he was reared by his grand- parents and attended the schools of his na-
tive township. He grew up on the farm and chose farming as his occupation. After his marriage he located on the farm, which he occupied until his death, in September, 1878. He was a stockholder in the Bomberger Bank, of Harrisburg. Mr. Swartz was married, in 1858, to Miss Harriet, daughter of John and Catherine Wallower, of Dauphin county. Of their nine children five are living. The first is Christian Landis, born April 3, 1864, was educated in the common schools and in the Lebanon Valley College at Annville; worked for some time for the American Tube and Iron Company, and was also a clerk at Harrisburg; married, April 17, 1884, to Ann, daughter of Abraham C. Brinser, of Londonderry township, and their children are : Christian Ira, Ida May, Martin Oliver, and Milford Ross. The second is Oliver Martin, born March 20, 1866, at Middletown ; married in 1892 to Sarah Rose, of Harris- burg, and their children are: Oliver Henry, William Krebs, and Sarah Harriet. The third is Joshua William, born January 9, 1867, attorney-at-law, Harrisburg ; received his education at Annville, and was gradu- ated at Dickinson College, Carlisle. He married Miss Adella Gohen, daughter of John Gohen, of Indiana county, and they have one child, Joshua G. The fourth is Isaac Benjamin, born November 8, 1868, at- torney-at-law, Harrisburg; received bis edu- cation at Annville, Shippensburg and Dick- inson Law School, Carlisle, Pa., and was one term at Millersville Normal School. The fifth is Elijah Gabriel, born September 13, 1872, cigar manufacturer at Lebanon, Pa. Emma Catherine, born July 12, 1870, died in 1878, and three other children died in in- fancy. Mr. Swartz was a member of the United Brethren church.
-SHOPE, HENRY N., farmer, Highspire, Pa., was born in Lower Swatara township, Dauphin county, Pa., September 8, 1852; son of Na- thaniel and Martha (Gaynson) Shope. The grandfather located in Lower Swatara town- ship, and married Miss Martha Bannan. They were members of the old Mennonite church, and reared four children. The father was born in Paxton township in 1812, and was reared in the township. After marriage he located in Lower Swatara township, where he remained until his death, in 1877. In his religious faith he was a Mennonite, and was a bishop in that church. His wife died in 1892. They reared nine children : Mary,
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widow of Samuel Kohr, of Oberlin, Pa .; Martha, wife of Adam Hocker, of Mt. Wolf, York county ; Edward, of White Hill, Cum- berland county ; Eliza, wife of Samuel Zim- merman, of Lower Swatara township; Henry N .; Hettie, wife of David Martin, of Bain- bridge, Lancaster county ; Susan, wife of Jonas Zimmerman, of Oberlin ; Sarah, wife of David Kohr, of Lower Swatara township; and Adam, of Hummelstown. Henry N. was reared and educated in the township, and fol- lowed the occupation of farming, He was married, January 1, 1874, to Miss Sarah Mey- ers, daughter of Henry Meyers, of London- derry township. Their children are: Martha, wife of Elmer Handshew ; Harry M., Annie M., Bertha S., Eli C., William B., and Myrtle M. Mr. Shope is a Republican in politics. In religious faith he is a Mennonite, and is a minister in that connection.
STOUT, DAVID, Oberlin, Pa., was born in South Hanover township, Dauphin county, Pa., August 10, 1848; son of John and Leah (Metzger) Stout, natives of Dauphin county. Adam Stout, grandfather of David, was the first of the family to settle in the county, coming from up the river, and locating in Lower Paxton township, where he followed his occupation of weaving in connection with farming. John, father of David, was born in Lower Paxton township, February 2, 1814, and was engaged in farming, first in Paxton and later in South Hanover town- ship, where he died in 1890. His wife sur- vives him and is a resident of South Han- over township. Of their children six died young and the others are: Catherine, Mrs. John Allwine, of South Hanover township ; David, and Daniel M., of Derry township. The father was a member of the German Baptist church, and a Republican in his politics. David was reared in South Han- over township and attended the public schools. He was married, October 26, 1871, to Miss Louisa Albert, daughter of John and Sarah (Taylor) Albert, of East Hanover township. He located on the old homestead, where he remained eight years, and then, in 1891, purchased the Martin Swartz farm, on which he has since resided. In political matters Mr. Stout is with the Republican party, and has served as school director in South Hanover township. His children are: Sally Ann, wife of David E. Schaffner, of
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