USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Genealogical and personal history of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Volume I > Part 45
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(I) Conrad Hartenbach, a native of Germany, came to the United States with his family in 1852, settling first at Bocktown, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he tarried for six months before moving to the farm in Moon township, that county, where his descendants have since lived. This was a farm of about one-hundred acres, thirty of which were a part of the Stewart property, the remaining seventy belonging to the Baker Estate. He at once began to erect thereon a suitable dwelling for his family and shelter for his stock, also clearing about half of his farm. His first build- ings were later destroyed and in their place was erected the structure in use at the present time, in which he dwelt until his death. He married, in Germany, Fredericka Hammond, and had several children, one of whom was Adam, of whom further.
(II) Adam Hartenbach, son of Conrad and Fredericka (Hammond) Hartenbach, was born in Byron, Germany, died on the homestead farm in Moon township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. The greater part of his education was obtained in the public schools of his native land, coming
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when eighteen years of age to the United States with his parents, attend- ing school for one winter after his arrival in his new home. He assisted his father in his farming operations until the death of the elder Hartenbach, when he assumed charge of the homestead property, and there lived until his death. He was an industrious farmer, of simple habits and life, and with his wife a member of the German Protestant Church, of Monaca. He married Lucinda, daughter of Henry Eckart, born in Saxony, Germany. Her parents brought her to the United States when she was eight years of age, her father becoming the owner of land near Melrose, Pennsylvania, which he cultivated during his active career. Henry Eckart was the father of six sons and two daughters. Children of Adam and Lucinda (Eckart) Hartenbach: Henry C., of whom further; Rose, married Henry Sohn.
(III) Henry C. Hartenbach, only son and older of the two children of Adam and Lucinda (Eckart) Hartenbach, was born on the homestead farm in Moon township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. In his youth he was a pupil in the public school of the neighborhood, and was reared to a farmer's life, which he afterward adopted. He has never conducted opera- tions on any but the home farm, the scene of his present activities, which consist of general farming and dairying. His stables contain stock of high breed, carefully and intelligently tended, and the air of the place is one of successful prosperity. Three generations of his line have lived on the farm now owned by him and have tilled the same soil that yields him sustenance, but none has obtained therefrom more bountiful rewards than have re- sulted from his labor. Independent of party ties, Mr. Hartenbach has served for twelve years as a member of the school board, and is with his wife a member of the German Protestant Church.
Mr. Hartenbach married, in 1890, Rosena, daughter of John Adam and Catherine (Meyer) Nordheim. Her father, John Adam Nordheim, was born in Saxony, Germany, in May, 1834. He came to the United States when he was nineteen years of age, locating first in Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania, where for several years he worked at his trade, that of cabinet maker. From that city he moved to Pine Creek, farming in that locality, going thence to Economy township, where he owns a farm of about ninety acres, cultivating this land with profit. His wife, Catherine, was born in Switzerland and came to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from her homeland as a young lady of nineteen years. Children of John Adam and Catherine (Meyer) Nordheim: 1. Albert, an employee of a traction company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. William, a grocer of Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania. 3. Rosena, of previous mention, married Henry C. Hartenbach. 4. Edward, a farmer and oil gauger. Children of Henry C. and Rosena (Nordheim) Hartenbach: Edith, Alvin, Clalia, Ralph, Howard. Alvin married, May 27, 1914, Ethel Betz, daughter of Earnest Betz, of Free- dom, Pennsylvania; he has taken up his residence on the homestead, thus making the fourth generation to operate and till its soil.
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The family bearing this name came to America in the early
MATEER days of the settlement of the state of Pennsylvania, and they have borne their share bravely and consistently in upbuild- ing the fortunes of the commonwealth in various directions. While they have been identified with a variety of business interests, they have devoted themselves, on the whole, more especially to the agricultural field.
(I) Jacob Mateer, who died in his native land, Germany, had a num- ber of sons-John, George, Jacob, Christian and Michael-who came to America, and located in various parts of the United States. John made his home in what is now Louisville, Kentucky, at a time when that populous city had but three residents.
(II) Michael Mateer, son of Jacob Mateer, was born in Alsace, now German territory, at that time the property of France, and was educated in his native land. At the age of twenty-two years he emigrated to America, and located in the city of Pittsburgh, where he had found employment in the Stackhouse Foundry. Later he established a dairy, but after a short time sold this, and purchased one hundred acres of land in Butler county, Pennsylvania. About 1832 he removed to Monaca, Beaver county, Penn- sylvania, on land now occupied by his son George, and there his death oc- curred. At the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred and thirty-six acres of land at Monaca, fifty acres in another place, and twenty- seven acres in still another. He was engaged in general farming, dairying and stock raising, He always had a fine herd of Durham cattle, and a large number of sheep. From the very beginning he had made his own way, and the energy which enabled him to win a way to a moderate fortune, enabled him to acquire a large one in the course of years. He gave his political support to the Democratic party, and for a time held the office of supervisor, although he never was desirous of holding public office. His religious membership was in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Mateer married Margaret Rook, also a native of Alsace-Lorraine, and they had children: Margaret, Mary Ann, Eliza, Michael, Carl I., George, see forward; Louise. Mrs. Mateer was a daughter of George and Hannah Rook, both born in Alsace-Lorraine, who emigrated to America and made their home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Rook was killed there while constructing a cellar, the walls of which caved in and buried him. Mr. Mateer was also working there at the time, was buried up to his neck, and was rescued with difficulty.
(III) George Mateer, son of Michael and Margaret (Rook) Mateer, was born in Moon township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1846. He was educated in the public schools of his native township, and has spent his entire life on the homestead farm. He has one hundred and fifty-eight acres of land, a large part of which he has under general cultiva- tion, and he utilizes the remaining portion for stock raising. He and his wife are members of Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church. Like his father, he affiliates with the Democratic party, and he has been honored with the
George & Mary E. Matter
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offices of school director and supervisor. Mr. Mateer married, in 1875, Mary E., daughter of Michael and Mary Jane (Nickum) Baker, both born in Moon township; a granddaughter of George Baker, and of George Nickum, who was a member of a family connected with the early history of Beaver county. Mr. and Mr.s Mateer have had children: 1. John Richard. 2. James Michael, married Elizabeth Todd; child, George F. 3. George A., deceased. 4. Alice M., deceased. 5. Lenora, deceased, wife of Sidney Huffmyer; left two children: George W. and Ethel May. 6. Harry E., married Minnie Berger. 7. Bessie Olive, married George A. Harley; children: Margaret L., George Edwin, John Mateer, Herbert James, 8. Sarah Blanche, married James Schachren; children: James Keath and Harold Joseph.
The Parsons of America had their origin in four brothers PARSON of the name who came to this country from that of their birth, England, the seat of the family for numerous gen- erations, one locating in New York, two going to York county, Penn- sylvania, the fourth settling in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, the last being the emigrant from whom the line herein chronicled descends.
(I) William Parson, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, a descendant of the emigrant who settled in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, owned land and farmed in that locality. He married Margaret Jones, and had children, one of his sons being Franklin D., of whom further.
(II) Franklin D. Parson, son of William and Margaret (Jones) Par- son, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and followed agriculture as a life work for twenty-five years. He entered the mercantile business and for five years was the proprietor of a store in Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania, three years later becoming a hardware dealer in New Bloomfield, Perry county, Penn- sylvania, continuing for several years. After his retirement from business and the cares of active life he made his home in New Bloomfield. At the time of the Civil War Mr. Parson was drafted for service, as was his brother, J. L., the latter suffering imprisonment in Libby Prison. He mar- ried Margaret E. Seibert, a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Chil- dren: Flora, married Warren K. Clauser; Elmer S., of whom further.
(III) Elmer S. Parson, son of Franklin D. and Margaret E. (Seibert) Parson, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1867. He began his education in the public schools of his birthplace, later study- ing in the Dry Run and the New Bloomfield academies, completing his scholastic training in the College of Central Pennsylvania. Including time spent both before and after his college course, he was for four years a teacher in the public schools of his native county, a calling he abandoned in favor of clerical and mercantile occupations. Soon after his marriage, in 1890, he moved to Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania, becoming a bookkeeper in the employ of the Mount Jewett Tanning Company, and for the two fol-
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lowing years was identified with the general store of that place with his father, and for eight years in mercantile business on his own account. In the fall of 1903 he came to Harmony township, now Ambridge, and es- tablished in the furniture business, in which line he continues until the present time, conducting a generous business and prospering therein. His store carries a complete stock of attractive furniture of all grades, dis- played in an inviting manner, where all tastes may be gratified, and the well-known business platform of the store, "The best and full value," in- duces the best of local trade. Mr. Parson and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being superintendent of the Sunday school for ten years, and in political action is in accord with the Republican party, having been Beaver county's school directors delegate to the convention held in Harrisburg for three years. When Ambridge was incorporated as a borough, he was one of the members of the committee arranging for its establishment, and at the present time, as for the past seven years, he is a member of the board of education. Mr. Parson is progressive and energetic, and a supporter of many modern ideas in local government, ever willing to discard the old order when advantageous innovations make their appearance, and during his connection with local public affairs has infused much of life and vigor into its institutions. He affiliates with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is director in Am- bridge Savings & Trust Company.
Mr. Parson married, November 26, 1890, Sarah J., daughter of Wil- liam and Margaret (Kelly) Cisney, a native of Huntingdon county, Penn- sylvania. Children: 1. Russell C., a senior in Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia. 2. Ruth M., was educated in Oberlin and Beaver colleges, now a teacher of music in Conway and Ambridge. 3. Elmer S. Jr., a senior in Ambridge high school. 4. Willard S., a sophomore in Ambridge high school. 5. Esther J., just completed the grammar school course. 6. Frank. 7. Sarah.
HERRMANN The name of Herrmann is one to be met with fre- quently among those of German descent in this country, and it is found in a variety of forms, among which are: Herrman, Herrmann, Hermann, Heerman, etc. The name, in a broad trans- lation, means a leader of men, and those bearing it in America have proved themselves excellent citizens and in many cases have risen to high rank in the profession or industry with which they were identified.
(I) Leopold Herrmann, a native of Preushholling, Germany, was a carpenter and general wood worker. His entire life was spent in his native land, where he married Louisa Buntt, born in Albing, Germany. They had eleven children, of whom but two are now living.
(II) Louis Herrmann, son of Leopold and Louisa (Buntt) Herrmann, was born in the eastern part of Prussia, Germany, October 5, 1869. He was educated in Germany, attending the public schools, and at a suitable
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age was apprenticed to learn the butcher's trade. Finding that conditions were unfavorable in his native land, and thinking that he would find better opportunities for advancement in the United States, he came to America about 1886, and went directly to South Side, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his sister had preceded him and was living. He found employment in the trade in which he had attained proficiency, working in Allegheny for a time, then spent seven years in the employ of the Swift Company. For almost four years he was employed in the west at the same trade, and for a time in Cincinnati, Ohio, for Charles Winter Brothers. Returning to Pittsburgh, he was appointed a member of the police force of that city, a position he held eight years, removing to Economy, Pennsylvania, in 1903, where he engaged in the butcher business. He followed this for some time, then closed his store, but continued at his old employment. July 31, 1913, he was appointed constable, an office he is now filling with dignity, and with satisfaction to his superiors and the citizens in general. He is a staunch supporter of the Republican party, and his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Herrmann married, in 1902, Eleanora Hannah Elsesser, born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, daughter of Adolph and Mary (Hide) Elsesser. Mr. Elsesser had a coopering business in Allegheny; he was a native of Germany, and died January 29, 1914; his wife was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Herrmann is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann have children: Stella Lena, Lewis Henry, Minnie Louisa, Helen Hannah, Frederick John,
MCCRORY The name of McCrory is well and favorably known in the business world of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where members of this family have now been settled for a num-
ber of years.
(I) John McCrory, who was born in Ireland in 1811, died in Johns- town, Pennsylvania, where he had lived for some years. He emigrated to the United States in the year 1847, and for a considerable length of time lived in various places along the shores of the Hudson river. He then removed to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His occupations were of a varied nature, and he was a highly esteemed member of the community in which he resided. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he proffered his services to the land of his adoption, but was not accepted for military duty because of his deafness. Mr. McCrory married in Ireland, Mary Boyle, and they were the parents of eight sons and four daughters.
(II) James McCrory, who was the second youngest child of John and Mary (Boyle) McCrory, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1863. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native town, and upon its completion commenced to work in a steel mill. He was employed there in various grades until 1903, at which time he engaged in the hotel business in Ambridge, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and is now the pro-
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prietor of the Hotel Grand in that town. This, under his able management, is conducted upon the most modern and improved principles, and is of the highest degree of excellence among hotels of its size. The cuisine is unex- ceptionable, the service of the best, and the comfort of its numerous patrons is looked out for in every detail. Mr. McCrory is a member of the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He exerts considerable influence in the community, and his unaffected and cordial manner have much to do with his success as a hotel proprietor. Mr. McCrory married, in 1894, Emma Bower, born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They have children: Raymond John, James Joseph, Frances, Laurence Burn, George, Thomas Francis.
The French family of Bonzo had its inception in the United BONZO States with the arrival of four brothers who came thither from Alsace, France; George, Lewis, Charles, John, whose arrival was dated 1807. They were sons of Charles Bonzo, a lifelong resi- dent of Alsace, and after coming to the United States John cast his lot apart from his three brothers, journeying to Kentucky, where his descend- ants yet flourish. The others went to the western part of Pennsylvania, taking up land on Brush Creek, Beaver county, Lewis later locating at Fombell, Pennsylvania. Charles and George became large landholders, the former at one time having title to nine hundred and sixty acres near Union- ville, Pennsylvania. Charles Bonzo married Catherine Goehring, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, of German descent, and had children: Henry, of whom further; George, deceased; Charles, lived near New Brighton, Pennsylvania; Sophia, married Coston Burns; Elizabeth, married George Coleman; John, lived on the homestead; Harrison, a farmer on the home property; Lottie, married Charles Graham.
(III) Henry Bonzo, son of Charles and Catherine (Goehring) Bonzo, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, died at the place of his birth in 1893. His education was obtained in the public schools of the vicinity, and upon attaining his majority he came into the possession of a part of the homestead, owning six hundred and sixty-six acres at his death. Although he met with reasonable success in his agricultural pursuits, he was best known as a breeder of horses, both draught and road animals being raised on his land. He was a gentleman of courteous instincts, was held in high favor by his friends and neighbors, and lived a generous, gentle, Christian life. When the Oak Grove Lutheran Church contemplated the erection of a tabernacle, he donated the site, one of the most pleasant and beautiful in the neighborhood, and played, as well, an important part in its founding, his purse strings being ever loosened when an unforeseen need of expendi- ture arose. To educational projects he likewise gave abundantly of his time and means, establishing the school house that was named by his fellows in his honor. The above are merely illustrations of the forms in which his disinterested regard for the good of his community found expression,
.
Dr. C12Bonzo
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good works almost numberless being placed to his credit. He married Anna, daughter of Abel and Anna (Born) Burns, born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, her father of Irish, her mother of English descent, early residents of Brush Creek, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he was a farmer. Children of Henry and Anna (Burns) Bonzo: Elmer, lives on a section of the old farm; Ann, married Henry Wolf, of Ambridge, Penn- sylvania; Charles Leslie, died aged two years; George R., a resident of Beaver, Pennsylvania; Charles Ross, of whom further; Ethel, married Harvey Brennan, of Ambridge, Pennsylvania.
(IV) Dr. Charles Ross Bonzo, son of Henry and Anna (Burns) Bonzo, was born on Brush creek, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1878. After primary instruction in the Bonzo school, founded by his father, he attended Peirsol's Academy at Bridgewater, the New Brighton public schools, and Butcher's Business College of Beaver Falls. Having successfully completed his preliminary education he appeared before the state medical board of examination and passed the tests of that body with a high average. The following four years he spent in attendance at the University of Western Pennsylvania (University of Pittsburgh) and the Ohio State College at Columbus, two years being passed in each institution and he was awarded his M. D. from the latter, April 16, 1903. His degree legalized his practice in Ohio, but he was ineligible to follow his profession in any other state. This difficulty he overcame by once more successfully passing the examinations of the Pennsylvania state board, and immediately settled in Ambridge, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, before its incorporation as a borough, the only physician who has practiced in that place before and after it received its charter. While his practice has claimed his best at- tention, he has found time to investigate and to invest in certain profitable oil properties, and he is a stockholder and charter member of the Beaver County Fair Association. He is a Republican politically and has ever taken an active part and deep interest in local public affairs. He holds member- ship in the County and State Medical societies, the Protected Home Circle, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. Bonzo married, in 1899, Maude Tinsman, of New Brighton, Penn- sylvania. They are the parents of one child, Bernard Le Roy.
Peter Maratta, who was one of the early settlers of Hope- MARATTA well township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where his descendants now live, became a man of influence in the community in which he resided. He lived to an advanced age, and raised a large family. He married Nancy, a daughter of William McGee, who was a native of Ireland. He also settled in Hopewell township at an early day, taking up about one thousand acres of land. He erected several houses, and like almost all the male members of his family was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
(II) Daniel Maratta, son of Peter and Nancy (McGee) Maratta, was
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born on the homestead in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the schools of Hopewell township, and then devoted himself to a life of farming, his place consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he resided until his death. He married Esther Oliver, who was of German descent, her family having come to Beaver county in the early days, and been occupied generally as carpenters and river men. They had children : James, who was in active service three years, 1861-64, as a member of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; Sarah Ann; Nancy; Margaret; Peter H., of further mention; Martha.
(III) Peter H. Maratta, son of Daniel and Esther (Oliver) Maratta, was born in Hopewell township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1844. The public schools of his native township furnished him with an excellent practical education, and he was then apprenticed to learn the car- penter's trade. He was connected with this and contract work for some years, then for twelve years was engaged in teaming on the oil fields. Now he is living in retirement in New Sheffield, Beaver county, and occupies him- self in a small way with farming. He inherited three shares of the Maratta homestead but sold them. He is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and has served as supervisor of Hopewell township for a period of four years. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Maratta married, December 31, 1868, Adaline, daughter of Michael and Jane (Nickum) Baker, both natives of Moon township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and granddaughter of George and Jane (Quinn) Baker, of Moon township, one of whose sons, Joseph, was a member of the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs, Maratta have had children: Hattie, wife of C. D. Haffey; James O., died, leaving a wife and one child; Joseph A .; Ada B., deceased; Maude; Eva C., wife of James Hineman, of Sheffield; Ross W., married Lottie Hall, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania; Verne E., married Catherine Fath, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania; Clyde L., mar- ried Fern Alexander, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania.
BAKER The Baker family of this review came to this country from
Germany. There were three brothers-George, Jacob, Peter- who came with their father, George Baker, while Elizabeth and Henry, two other children, remained at their birthplace, Strassburg, Ger- many.
(I) George Baker, born in 1732, died April 17, 1802. He came to America about 1750, and located on Raccoon Creek, Beaver county, Penn- sylvania. He was the first permanent settler in his section of the country which was in what is now Moon township. He located at Baker's Station in 1774 and took part in the Dunmore war, a block house having been pre- viously erected. Their cabin, in which they lived with their children- George, Daniel, Michael-was attacked by the Indians. One Indian came down the chimney, and attacked Mr. Baker with a large knife. The blow
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