USA > Pennsylvania > Cambria County > History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Volume III > Part 33
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GEORGE F. LINGENFELTER, a member of the firm of McDer- mott, Wertz & Company, one of the largest milling concerns in Johns- town, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, is a representative in this genera- tion of a family whose pioneer ancestor came to America many years ago with the French Huguenots settling in Virginia.
George Lingenfelter, grandfather of George F. Lingenfelter, was born in Virginia in 1790, and was one of three children. His two broth- ers were: Martin and Michael, who served in the war of 1812. George married Elizabeth Steine, and their children were: John G., of whom later; Martin, married Nancy Noffsker; Valentine, married Elizabeth Moses; James, married Mary Lingenfelter; Christina; Michael; and Sarah, the three last named unmarried.
John G. Lingenfelter, eldest child of George and Elizabeth (Steine) Lingenfelter, was born in Claysburg, Blair county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, died in 1902. He followed the occupation of farming and was a man of prominence and influence in his day. He served as county treasurer for one term and held several other township offices. He was a member of the Reformed church. He married, 1850, Catherine Farber, born in 1824,
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died 1876, daughter of Harmon and Catharine (Stephens) Farber, who had two brothers: Benjamin, married Ellen Davis. and Peter. The children of John G. and Catherine ( Farber) Lingenfelter were: Myles, married Mary Stiffler: Thaddeus. married Jennie Young; Mark, married Alice Noffsher ; Harmon, unmarried : George F .. of whom later; Harry, married Lulu Bowser: Rebecca, married Lloyd Beegle; Christina, unmar- ried ; and Sarah. unmarried.
George F. Lingenfelter, fifth son and child of John G. and Cather- ine (Farber) Lingenfelter, was born in East Freedom, Blair county, Pennsylvania, February 21. 1861. He was educated in the public schools of his district. and was apprenticed to the flour milling business, serving his apprenticeship in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He removed to Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, in 1884, and was made head miller for the Johnstown Milling Company, a position he held for some years. He formed a partnership with McDermott & Wertz in 1891. and the firm is now (1906) known as McDermott, Wertz & Company. He is one of the most prosperous and enterprising of the business men of Johnstown, and enjoys an enviable reputation for integrity, reliability and business acumen. His political faith is pinned to the Republican party, and he is a member of the Lutheran church. He is also a member of the following fraternal organizations: Johnstown Lodge, No. 538, Free and Accepted Masons : Portage Chapter, No. 168. R. A. M .; Oriental Commandery, No. 61. K. T .: Syria Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburg.
He married. April 8. 1899, Mary B. Gocher (see Gocher sketch), and they have two children : Robert, born March 4, 1900; John, born April 9, 1904.
J. SWAN TAYLOR, M. D .. a highly respected citizen of Johnstown, Cambria county. Pennsylvania, and a physician whose valned services are always in demand, is a member of an old and honored family of Pennsyl- vania.
James Taylor, great-grandfather of J. Swan Taylor, was a native of county Armagh. Ireland, where he married, and shortly afterward emi- grated to the United States. In religion he was of the Presbyterian faith. and became a member of Ebenezer church of that denomination. He died in 1850. Ifis children were: John, of whom later: James. who died in the United States regular army : and a daughter who died in infancy.
John Taylor. eldest son and child of James Taylor, was born in West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1836. He then removed to Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred in 1854. Politically he was a Whig. He also was a member of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. He married Ellen Miller, daughter of Samuel Miller. and had children: John M .: Samuel M .; Dr. James, of whom later : David M. : Hugh M. : and William.
Dr. James Taylor, third son and child of John and Ellen ( Miller) Taylor, was born near Craig's Mill. Lovalhanna township, Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, October 9, 1822. He received his education in the subscription schools of his native county and in Indiana county. after which he attended Blairsville Academy for two years. During the next two years he was actively engaged in teaching. and then began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. E. P. Emerson. of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, in 1845. Three years later he entered the Franklin Med- ical College, remained there one year, and then entered Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1851. He chose West Fairfield as a proper place in which to settle and begin the practice
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of his profession, which he followed up to the time of his death, April 30th, 1902, and never found cause to regret his choice. He joined the Presbyterian church at West Fairfield, and his political affiliations were with the Republican party. Ile served many years on the school board, and in 1861 represented Westmoreland county in the Pennsylvania legis- lature, making an enviable record. He married, January, 1849, Susan MI. Ogden, daughter of Colonel Amos and Elizabeth Ogden. Their children were: 1. Dr. J. Swan, of whom later. 2. Dr. Amos O., a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, who located in Bedford county, Pennsyl- vania ; but now is practicing in Altoona, Pennsylvania. 3. Jefferson W., a member of the bar of Westmoreland county, located at Greensburg. 4. Joseph M., a graduate in Medicine of the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Baltimore, Maryland, class of 1885, diploma endorsed by Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. Also a graduate of the Jefferson Medical Col- lege of Philadelphia, the same year, 1885. Practiced at West Fairfield, Westmoreland county, with his father until the latter's death, April 30, 1902, and then took his father's practice and continued therein until July 3, 1906, and then came to Johnstown.
J. Swan Taylor, M. D., third son and third child of Dr. James and Susan M. (Ogden) Taylor, was born in West Fairfield, Fairfield town- ship, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1858. His early ed- ucation was received in the common schools of the township, and he then attended the Elder's Ridge Academy, Indiana county, Pennsylvania. From this he went to the Western Reserve Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, and then to the Eclectic College in Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1881. He commenced his professional practice in West Fairfield in association with his father, and continued there for three years, then went to Larimer, in the same county, where he practiced for the next four years. He then removed to Johnstown, Cambria county, Penn- sylvania. May 30, 1889, and has won the confidence and respect of a large number of patients as well as of his fellow practitioners. He has con- tinued his practice in Johnstown up to the present time (1906), and is now located at No. 408 Franklin street. IIe is a member of the Presby- terian church, and affiliates with the Republican party. Although he is one of the busiest practitioners in Johnstown he still finds time to devote to reading and to many outside interests, notably fraternal and other or- ganizations. Ile is a member of the Pennsylvania State Central Medical Society ; has been for many years a member of the Order of Odd Fellows of Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania: is past chancellor of Linton Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and is a life member of the follow- ing; Ancient York Masons; Lodge No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons ; Urania Chapter No. 192, R. A. M .; Kedron Commandery No. 18, K. T .; Pittsburg Consistory : Syria Temple ; the Royal Arcanum ; and the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks of Johnstown, Lodge No. 175. He is also past state commander of the Pennsylvania Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States, and of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Naval and Military Order of the Spanish-American War. In the last-named order he holds the rank of commander of the state of Pennsylvania, and in both orders is esteemed as one of the most valuable and active companions. He enlisted in Company H, Fifth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, with the rank of captain, May, 1898, and was mus- tered out November 11, 1898.
He married, June 27, 1889, Ella P. Gore, daughter of the late Thom- as and Amanda (Mitchell) Gore, whose children were: John, Willis, James, George, Mrs. J. W. Barnett, Amanda J, Ella P. Thomas Gore's
Vol. III -- 15
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family were among the first settlers of Johnstown. The children of Dr. J. Swan and Ella P. (Gore) Taylor were: A child which died in in- fancy : Amanda M., born October 4, 1891; and James Thomas, born July 7, 1898.
MAJOR JOHN LONG DECKER, who has held several positions of trust and responsibility in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and is one of the valued citizens of Johnstown, in that county, is one of that brave body of men who are the pride of our nation. His record of service during the Civil war is one of which any man may well be proud, and a detailed ac- count is given hereinafter.
James K. Decker, father of John Long Decker. attended the steam boilers and was in the employ of the Cambria Steel Company for a num- ber of years. He was a member of the Order of United American Me- chanics. He married Martha Jane Long and had children: Martha J., married Thomas Patterson, deceased ; Annie, married John M. Frederick; Catherine, married Herman H. Wilson; Margaret, married John W. Price; Eveline, married William Stearn, deceased; Emma, married Da- vid Snavely; John L., see forward.
Major John Long Decker, only son of James K. and Martha Jane (Long) Decker, was born in Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1839. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native town. His occupation was that of rail mill heater in the employ of the Cambria Steel Company, and he was with that company practically from the time it was organized. He has served four years on the police force of Johnstown and was assessor of the Fifth ward for two years. His present occupation is that of janitor of the Alma building, a position he has held for fifteen years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his political affiliations are with the Republican party. He is associated with the following organizations: Johnstown Council No. 401, Royal Ar- canum, of which he is a charter member ; member of Alma Lodge No. 523, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and member of Banner Council No. 17, Senior Order United American Mechanics. He married, at Marietta, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 11, 1867, Annie B. Beatty, born January 17, 1845, daughter of William J. and Charlotte Beatty, who had children: Annie B .; William J., Jr., unmarried; Elizabeth, a widow ; Sarah, unmarried ; Emma E., a teacher in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Rebecca, a widow. Major John Long and Annie B. (Beatty) Decker had children : William B., born April 2, 1868, married Emma Bryan ; James E., born January 29, 1871, married (first) Lillian F. Shugars, married (second) Sarah Stem; Bertha M., born May 17, 1875; Harry F., born April 24, 1879.
The military record of Major Decker is as follows: He enlisted from Cambria county to serve three months, and was mustered into the United States service April 20, 1861, as a private in Captain John P. Suter's Company K. Third Regiment Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col- onel Francis P. Minier commanding. This regiment was one of the first organized in answer to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers to de- fend the Union, at the outbreak of the war. Companies G and K were the first troops to occupy Camp Curtin, arriving there on April 18. The com- mand was composed of volunteer companies organized and existing before the war. They were mustered into service and left camp by rail the same evening for Baltimore, Maryland, but were halted at Cockeysville, the bridge at that place having been destroyed, encamped there until the 22nd, then returned to York, Pennsylvania, where they went into camp and were
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thoroughly drilled and disciplined. The commissary department had not yet been fully organized and the men would have suffered for lack of pro- visions had it not been for the generosity of the citizens of York in con- tributing supplies. They moved to Camp Chambers, three miles from Chambersburg, May 27, and later were assigned to Wyncoop's Second Bri- gade, Kein's Second Division of General Patterson's Army of the Shenan- doah. This army was organized to operate against the forces in the Shen- andoah Valley, who were threatening the adjacent parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania. It moved by rail to Hagerstown, Maryland, June 7, marched thence to Funkstown, and took up a position to operate against the enemy established at Harper's Ferry under General Joseph E. John- ston. It moved to Williamsport, July 1, and on the following day partic- ipated in the skirmish at Falling Waters, forded the stream, and marched into the country of the enemy, who was driven back to Winchester, where he remained entrenched, Patterson's army arriving at Martinsburg, Vir- ginia, July 3. The regiment was then detached from the brigade and or- dered to Williamsport to guard the main depot of supplies and the ap- proaches thereto. remaining on guard and garrison duty until July 25, when, its term of service having expired, it was ordered from Hagerstown to Harrisburg, and there mustered out, July 29 and 30, 1861. After bear- ing a faithful part in all the operations of his command, as above out- lined, Major Decker was honorably discharged with his company at Har- risburg, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1861, and immediately re-enlisted to serve three years or during the war, and was mustered in at Harrisburg, Sep- tember 5, 1861, as a private in Captain John P. Suter's Company A, Fif- ty-fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel J. M. Campbell commanding. He was honorably discharged at South Branch, West Vir- ginia, February 10, 1864, by reason of re-enlisting the same day as a vet- eran volunteer, to serve another term of three years, or until the close of the war, in the same company and regiment. This regiment rendez- voused at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where it was organized and mustered into the service, and on February 16. 1862, left camp for Washington, District of Columbia, encamped near Bladensburg cemetery, was armed with Belgian rifles, and was thoroughly drilled and disciplined. It was ordered to Harper's Ferry, Virginia, March 29, 1862, reported to Colonel D. S. Miles, and was stationed on guard duty along fifty-six miles of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, between Cumberland, Maryland, and Martinsburg, Virginia. For nearly a year it was entrusted with the im- portant duty of guarding this great thoroughfare through territory main- ly hostile, protecting the few loval inhabitants, scouring the country and fighting the guerrilla bands of Edwards, White, Imboden and McNeil, cap- turing many prisoners, horses and arms, and participating in engage- ments at Back Creek Bridge, Virginia, September 22. and Mengares Mills, Virginia, October 25, 1862. Company K, stationed at Little Ca- capon. and Company B, stationed at Paw Paw, were surrounded by an overwhelming force of the enemy, under Imboden, October 4. 1862. and captured after a sharp fight. Upon the organization of the Eighth Army Corps of West Virginia, the regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade. Second Division. Companies B and K were exchanged in December, and returned to the regiment, and the command was relieved from guard duty, moved from Romney. January 6, 1863; attached to the Fourth Brigade, First Division, and marched April 3rd, in pursuit of the enemy, fighting at Burlington, Virginia, April 3, 1863; Purgitsville on the 6th; and Gowan's Ferry on the 7th. July 6 it moved by forced marches in pur- suit of Lee's army, retreating from Gettysburg; engaged the enemy at
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Hleagueville, July 12 : and at Cherry Run, July 19, 1863, then returning to Romney. August 15 it was removed to Petersburg, West Virginia, and employed in fortifying; engaged the enemy at that place, September 1. November 6 it moved to Springfield, and was assigned to the First Bri- gade, Second Division. In the spring of 1864 it marched under Sigel, later under Hunter and Crook, bearing a gallant part in the battles of Newmarket, Virginia, May 15. 1864; Piedmont, or Mount Crawford, June 5; Lexington, June 11; James River, June 14; Blue Ridge or Peaks of Otter. June 15; Lynchburg, June 17 and 18: Liberty, June 19; Salem, June ??. It marched across the mountains to Camp Piatt, on the Ka- nawha river. suffering untold hardships, and moved thence by Parkers- burg, West Virginia, to Martinsburg, Virginia, arriving July 14. Joined in the pursuit of Early; fighting at Snicker's Gap, or Island Ford, Vir- ginia, July 18, 1864: Kernstown or Winchester. July 23 and 24; Mar- tinsburg. July 25. Participated under Sheridan in his brilliant cam- paign in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, including the battles of Ce- dar Creek, August 12. 1864: Charlestown, August 17 : Halltown, August 19: Berryville, September 3: Opequon, or Winchester, September 19; Fisher's Hill, September 22; Strasburg, October 13: Cedar Creek, or Mid- dletown. October 19, 1864. Moved to City Point; Virginia, via Washing- ton. District of Columbia, and on February 7, 1865, the Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves were consolidated with the Fifty-fourth, under Colonel A. P. Moulton. They were assigned to the Second Brigade, In- dependent Division, Twenty-fourth Corps, Army of the James, with which it participated in Grant's final campaign, fighting at the White Oak Swamp, Virginia. March 23, 1865; Hatcher's Run, April 1; Fort Gregg, April 2; High Bridge, Virginia, April 6, 1865, where a small force en- gaged in a desperate struggle with the vastly superior numbers of the enemy; they were surrounded and taken prisoners, and marched four days without rations, with the fleeing rebel army. They were released at the surrender at Appomattox. Virginia, sent to Parole Camp. Annapolis, Maryland, and there mustered out.
For gallant and meritorious service Mr. Decker was promoted as fol- lows: From private to third sergeant. 1861; first sergeant. 1862: first lieutenant. December 14, 1864: captain, February 12, 1865; major, April 3. 1865. He was not mustered on his major's commission, owing to the close of the war. In the battle of Lynchburg. Virginia, he was severely injured by the bursting of a shell and confined to the hospital at Clarys- ville, Maryland. for about three months. He then rejoined his command in the Shenandoah Valley. With this one exception he was at all times with his command. bearing a loyal part in its campaigns and battles, and achieving a gallant record as an officer and a soldier. He was captured with the regiment at High Bridge, Virginia. April 6, 1865; released at Appomattox. April 9; sent to Annapolis. Maryland. and there received a final honorable discharge with his company. May 31, 1865, by reason of General Order No. 77, at the close of the war.
HON. EDWARD E. HOHMANN, prominently identified with the business interests of Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, having represented his county in the state legislature for several terms has oh- tained many of his characteristics of thrift, industry, integrity and ambi- tion from his German ancestors.
George N. Hohmann, father of Hon. Edward E. Hohmann, was born in Bavaria. Germany. June 12, 1812, died October 15. 1872. He was a tailor by occupation. and emigrated to the United States in 1848. He lo-
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cated in New York City, where he spent six months, and after another six months spent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he went to Bedford county in that state, and from thence to Johnstown, Cambria county, where he settled permanently in 1852. He opened a tailor shop on Main street, on the site on which his sons are at present (1906) conducting their business. His brother, Christian H. Hohmann, was a well known composer of music, and it thus happened that George N. dealt in musical instruments as well as followed his trade. The musical compositions of Christian H. Hoh- mann are in use in all the conservatories of music in Europe. George N. married, 1846, Elizabeth Muller, born September 19, 1819, died October 17, 1905. Their children were: George H .; Elizabeth K .; and Edward E., see forward.
Hon. Edward E. Hohmann, second son and third and youngest child of George N. and Elizabeth (Miller) Hohmann, was born in Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1862. He enjoyed the ad- vantages of a good education, attending first the public schools and later Duff's College in Pittsburg. At the completion of his studies he returned to Johnstown and associated himself in the musical instrument business with his brother, George H., under the firm name of Hohmann Brothers, doing an extensive business now in sheet music as well as in instruments. Their methods are progressive and enterprising, and the business is in a most flourishing and satisfactory condition. Mr. Hohmann is a member of the Lutheran church. He has always taken an active and intelligent interest in the public affairs of the community, and has done much toward their improvement in many ways. In political affairs he has been espe- cially prominent. A leading Republican, he was elected a member of the state legislature in 1902, and re-elected in 1904, to the great satisfaction of his constituents. He declined a third nomination, although it was cer- tain that it would be unanimous. While he represented his county in the state legislature, he advocated a movement to have a new county formed out of parts of Cambria, Somerset. Westmoreland and Indiana counties, which county was to be known as Conemaugh county, with Johnstown as its county seat. Although not successful, as he was opposed by the most prominent element in the Republican party, still it was defeated by only a vote of fifty-nine to sixty. By so doing he won the admiration of his con- stituents, as he fought the cause of the people. He was urged to accept a renomination, but would not. He is connected with the following or- ganizations : Past grand master of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and now a member of the supreme finance committee; member of the Or- der of Heptasophs ; member of the Order of Iroquois ; and past president of the Fraternal Congress.
He married, October 2, 1884, Ida B. Wilson, daughter of Jamies M. and Esther ( Horn) Wilson, and they have one child: Vivian B., born September 24, 1885.
WILLIAM C. LEWIS. In May, 1834, William Lewis with his wife and their children sailed from England for America, and July 4 of the same year landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At that time William C. Lewis was a boy fourteen years old, and was taken from school and his books to cross the Atlantic ocean and thenceforth live in the country where his mother was born, but far away from her native home in Boston, Massachusetts. After staying for a time in Philadelphia, the family moved to the interior of Pennsylvania and settled at Hollidaysburg, then in Huntingdon county, but now the seat of justice of Blair county. Here the son would have continued his studies, but educational facilities in the
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region at that time were indeed meagre and the common school system of the state had not been established and besides the young man was the eldest son in a family of nine children and it soon became necessary that he find the means of his own support and prepare himself for future busi- ness life.
William Lewis, the head of this family in Pennsylvania, was born at Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, England, and was a dealer in groceries and drugs when he determined to emigrate to America. About the year 1817 he married Mary Ann Lake, a native of Boston, who had gone to live in Eng- land when she was a child. Both died in Pennsylvania, Mr. Lewis in 1854, and his widow in 1876. Their nine children were as follows: 1. Mary Ann, deceased. 2. William C., of Johnstown. 3. Thomas B., deceased. 4. Sarah Jane, born December 15, 1824, died February 16, 1881; mar- ried Christian Kuhn, who died several years previous to her death. 5. Alfred J., of Altoona. 6. George H., deceased, formerly of Philadelphia. 7. Eliza B., born August 18, 1832, died March 20, 1904; married Thom- as Clark, who died several years previous to her death. S. Emma Penel- ope. 9. Amelia L., of Altoona.
William C. Lewis, second child and eldest son of William and Mary Ann (Lake) Lewis, was born at Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, England, August 24, 1820, but for more than sixty years has been an important part of the life and history of Johnstown. After attending school a short time in his home town in Blair county, he laid aside the books and found employment at Hollidaysburg in a store which combined the business of a grocery and a bakery. There he learned the baker's trade, and on Au- gust 20, 1839, left that place and removed to Johnstown to live. From that time until April, 1847, he worked as journeyman baker, then became proprietor of a grocery, confectionery and bakery business and continued it until 1864, when he withdrew from mercantile pursuits and took up general fire, life and accident insurance.
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