History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 100

Author:
Publication date:
Publisher: W. Taylor
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 100
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 100

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

MANASSEH HERMAN, farmer. P. O. New Kingstown, was born in 1829, on the old homestead, which has now been in the Herman family four generations; the farm is called " Maple Hall," and on it Mr. Herman has passed his entire life. He was educated at the common schools, and later took an academic course at New Kingston. Ile then went West. and on his return, in 1859, married Miss Mary E. Meily, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Fry) Meily, of Cumberland County. To them have been born five children: Warren S., A. Lorena, Mary E., Rachael A. G. and Manasseh H. After marriage Mr. Herman and wife went to housekeeping on the old homestead, and here they have reared their family. Mr. and Mrs. Herman are devout members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg; the children are all members of the same church, with the ex- ception of the youngest. In polities Mr. Herman is a Democrat. as was his father before him. Mrs. Herman was one of the first graduates of the Irving Female College, Mechan- iesburg. The eldest son is a graduate of the Carlisle High School, of the class of 1882. Mr. Herman is a careful farmer and a reliable man. (For early history of the family see sketch of John E. A. Ilerman).

JOHN W. HERSIIMAN, farmer, Ilogestown. The great-grandfather of this gentle- man settled in Franklin County, Penn., more than 100 years ago, and his son, Frederick,

540

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

was born in that county in 1777. Frederick Hershman was twice married, and was the father of five children by his first wife: John, Jeremiah, William, Daniel and Mary. His wife died, and he married Miss Sarah Ackerson, of Franklin County, Penn., and to this union were born four children: Joseph, Logan, Sarah J. and Annie. In 1835 Frederick Hershman moved to Cumberland County, where he owned a good farm near Shepherds- town. He died in Silver Spring Township, aged ninety-four years. He was a man of easy disposition, honest and upright: in politics a Democrat. William Hershman, his son, was born in Franklin County, Penn., October 7, 1802, and learned the trade of a miller; married Miss Rebecca, daughter of George Willson, of Franklin County, Penn., and this union was blessed with eighteen children: Elizabeth, Jeremiah W., John W., Catharine, Sarah, Isabella, Margaret, William, Armstrong J., Mary, Rebecca, Henry I., Angelina, Martha, Laura, Agnes, Nancy J. and one who died in infancy. In 1833 Mr. Hershman moved to this county. He was a Democrat politically. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. He was well known as a man of integrity. John W., his son, was born in this county February 11, 1834, and learned the trade of carpen- ter, which he followed for twenty-five years, and was the architect and builder of several of the principal buildings in Mechanicsburg, Penn., viz. : Market house, Methodist Church, "American House" and " Merchants' Hotel." In 1858 he married Miss Mary Arbegast, of this county, by whom he has nine children: Raymond L., reading law in the office of William Penn Lloyd; William M .; Elmer O., married to Miss Mary Lichtenberger; Anna E., Minnie K., Harry N., Sarah J., Carrie E. and George W. In 1878 Mr. Hershman commenced farming, an occupation which he has since followed. Politically he is a Democrat.

SAMUEL HESS, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The Hess family, who originally came from Germany, settled in this country at a very early date. The Christian name of the grandfather is not known, but he was a substantial farmer in Lancaster County, Penn. Ile had two sons, Michael and Christian, and he went to York County and bought each of these sons a fine farm. Michael (father of our subject) was born in Lancaster County, Penn .; married Barbara Leib, of the same county, and after marriage moved to the farm in York County, which had been the gift of his father. To this couple were born five children: Abraham, John, Samuel, Michael and Annie. Mr. Hess was a careful farmer, and owned one of the finest farms in the whole county; he was accidentally killed. Sam- uel Hess, his son, was born in York County, Penn., August 11, 1818. He was very young when his father died, and lived with his mother until his marriage. March 20, 1845, with Miss Catharine Bitner, of York County, daughter of Samuel and Annie ( Mish) Bitner. This union was blessed with three children: Anuie, Henry and Barbara. Mr. Hess bought his present homestead about the year 1858. In 1876 Henry Hess, his son, married Miss Annie M., daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Morrett) Bobb, and to this union have been born three children: Amos E., Berttie M. and Lizzie R. The entire family have won the respect of their friends and neighbors for sterling worth, industry and honesty.

DR. MICHAEL L. HOOVER, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The grandfather of the sub- ject of this sketch lived in this county in an early day, and was a farmer and land-holder. He married Miss Catharine Wonderlick, of Cumberland County, and had five children: John. Elizabeth, Annie, Mary and Catharine. He was a member of the Lutheran church. John Iloover, his son, was born in this county in 1787, and married Lydia Leidig, of Leb- anon County, Penn. He was a farmer, a member of the Lutheran Church, and lived in the old homestead until his death, which occurred in his thirty-fourth year. His widow lived to be seventy-seven. To them were born four children: Michael L., John L., Sarah A., and Sarah E. Our subject, who was born in 1820. on the old homestead in this county, when young, learned the carpenter's trade. In 1844 he married Miss Mary, daughter of John W. and Catharine M. Millisen, of Dauphin County, Penn., and after marriage he began farming. To this union were born ten children: Anna C., Myers J., Eva J., Adam A., Sarah E., Margaret A., Laura V., John W., Clara A. and George M. Mr. Hoover had sad trouble in raising his children, eight having sickened and died in early life. The physicians employed were powerless to save them, and this determined Mr. Hoover to study medicine himself, to save the remainder of his family. if possible. He bought med- ical books and studied hard. and in his own family became successful. His friends and neighbors then pressed him to treat them, and gradually he gained a regular practice. He never attended a medical school, though after he attained success he was urged to do so, and was offered a diploma if he would attend medical lectures for a short time. Having gained liis medical knowledge by his unaided efforts he preferred to continue in his own way, as he was uniformally successful. The people had confidence in him, and his success justified his ideas. His son, John W., married Miss Alice L., daughter of Isaac Sadler, of Carlisle, Penn .; Laura V. married George W. Hoover, of Churchtown, son of Jacob Hoover (have two children: Guy II. and Frank J.); the youngest son of our subject, George M., is a student at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster. Penn.

JOHN JACOBS, farmer, P. O. New Kingstown. Among the prominent families of Cumberland County is that of Jacobs, of Scotch-Irish descent. The grandfather of our subject, who settled in York County, Penn., came from Ireland and was a blacksmith by

541

SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP.

trade. He was the father of four children: David. Elizabeth. Joseph, and one sou who died young. Joseph Jacobs, his son, was born in York County, Penn., in 1798, and came to Cumberland County when a lad of about twelve years. He was a carpenter by trade. Ile married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Duey, of Cumberland County, Penn., and to them were born three sons: David. Ephraim and John. Joseph Jacobs was a Demo- erat in political opinions, was a member of the Lutheran Church, and died at the early age of thirty-seven. John, his son, was born in this township in 1830, and was but four years of age when his father died. By good management his mother secured a home, and gave her son all the advantages in her power. In 1864 our subject was elected sheriff of Cumberland County. In 1865 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Michael and Salome (Senseman) Kost, of this county. This union has been blessed with two children: Salome E. and Thomas Ralph. In 1866 Mr. Jacobs entered into partnership with Moses Bricker in the Letort Forge, in which he was engaged ten years. Ile then moved to his present farm and homestead. Mr. Jacobs is a stanch Democrat aud has held several township offices. He is a stalwart man of fifty-six years and of easy and dignified manners. He takes life philosophically, and is one of the farmers who spend their evenings with the newspapers. He is well known throughout the county as a man of character and ability.

JOHN P. KAST, teacher, P. O. Mechanicsburg. Among the prominent families of Cumberland Valley and the earliest settlers appears the name of Kast, of hardy German stock ; the family retain many of the characteristics of the stalwart pioneers who first set- tled in this beautiful valley. Michael Kast, the great-grandfather of our subject, emi- grated from Germany in 1761, and bought land of the proprietary government about six miles west of Carlisle, in South Middleton Township, this county. Here he settled and remained until his death. He was the father of two sons, of whom, George, was born, lived and died on his father's homestead. He, George Kast, was the father of four sons: George, Philip. John and Jacob. Of these, Jacob was born in 1792, on the original home- stead, where three generations of Kasts had now been born. In 1820, Jacob Kast married Miss Margaret, daughter of Benjamin Swartz, of Cumberland County, and to this union were born nine children: Catharine I., J. Benjamin, Jacob K., Margaret, Samuel J., David E., John P., Sarah and J. Theodore. Jacob Kast bought a farm in Silver Spring Town- ship, where he settled and lived until his death. He was a Lutheran in religious belief; in politics a stanch Democrat. Ile was a man of strong determination and great will power, but though always strict with his family he kept his promises and was kind and gentle to all. Jobn P. Kast, his son, was born on his father's farm, in this county, in 1831. He acquired his education in the common schools and at the Cumberland Valley Institute, Mechanicsburg. He began teaching at nineteen. In 1856 he went to Nebraska, then a Territory and considered in the far West, where he located land (which he still owns), taught school, and subsequently was elected county superintendent of schools of Sarpy County, and later passed his time farming and surveying. In 1859 he returned home and resumed school-teaching. In 1865 he married Miss Sarah C., daughter of George and Eliza (Hacket) Longsdorf, of this county. This union bas been blessed with six children: Ella L., George A., Laura M., Charles L., Foster F. and Wilber B. Mr. Kast has taught school in all twenty-nine years, a record only equaled in this county by his brother, David E., who has been engaged in school work for thirty-eight years, and the number of pupils who have been instructed by the two brothers number thousands.

CURTIS KOST, justice of the peace, P. O. New Kingstown. Among the prominent families of Cumberland County and the very earliest settlers appears the name of Kost. They are of German descent. The great-grandfather, John George Jacob Kost, early set- tled in this township, buying land of the Indians, and part of the old mansion place, so called from being the old family residence, was bought from the Indians for three yards of calico per acre. John George Jacob Kost, the son of above, was born in the old log house which bears the date 1776 over the mantel. He married Miss Catharine Howk, and to them were born two children: Michael and a daughter that died in infancy. Michael. born Jannary 14, 1807. married Miss Salome Senseman, of this county, and to this union were born six children: Jacob, John, Mary, Adeline, Daniel and Curtis, Michael Kost was a successful man and increased the paternal estate to 600 acres. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. He was county commissioner for three years and held various town- ship offices. Of a mild and pleasant disposition, he was beloved by all his family, and in personal appearance his son Curtis greatly resembles him. He lived to the age of seventy- four years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, as is also his widow, who is now aged seventy-eight years. Curtis Kost was born May 10, 1838. on the old homestead, where he remained until his marriage with Miss Margaret Amstrong, to which union were born three children, all of whom died young. The mother died September 14, 1863. No- vember 20, 1870. Mr. Kost was again married, this time to Miss Nancy, daughter of John and Nancy ( Boyer) Losh, of Perry County, Penn. To this union have been born eight children: Elsetta A., Abbie S., George L., Emma E., Cora E., Robert R., Maggie E. and Rebecca W. Mr. Kost followed agriculture until 1884 on the farm inherited from his father, and which has been in the family four generations. In 1885, he was elected justice of the peace, and is now living in New Kingston. Mr. Kost is also a stanch Democrat and

542

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

has stood by his party in the dark days of defeat and in the bright sunshine of victory. He is a prominent man in the community and is well known throughout the county. He has the reputation of being a sensible and gentlemanly business man.

JOHN M. LOUDON, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The great-grandfather of this gentleman was the first of the name of whom there is any record. He was of English origin, and settled on the State Ridge, in Silver Spring Township, this county, and when he died his farm was left to his children, but was afterward bought by his son, James, who later sold it. In these early times the Indians were very numerous, and their depre- dations troublesome. At one time when some children were going to school they saw a party of Indians, and ou reaching the schoolhouse told their teacher, who did not seem to fear any trouble, for he told them to recite one lesson, and then he would let them go home. In a few moments the "red-skins" were upon them, and, though the teacher begged for mercy for the children, they were all mercilessly killed and scalped but one, who escaped to tell the horrors of the tale. At this time Silver Spring Township was covered with small oak scrubs. The first settlements were made on the ridge, on account of water being easy to reach there. James Loudon, grandfather of our subject, was born on his father's farm. He married Mary Pinkerton, and by her had one son-Mathew- who was born in 1812, on the old homestead. He (Mathew) married Catharine Myers, of Monroe Township, this county, and to this union were born John M., Albert J. and Eliza- beth. After his marriage Mathew Loudon began farming near Trindle Spring, where he remained for about seven years. He then bought a farm in Silver Spring Township, where he reared his family. Ile and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he was a Republican. In 1881 he bought the present homestead, then called the Longsdorf farm. He was a careful, honorable man, and attended strictly to his business. rearing his family to the principles of industry and truth. John M. Loudon, his son, was born on the old homestead May 27, 1841, and passed his early life on his father's farm, gaining his education in the common schools. In 1875 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Jones) Ellis, English people, who first set- tled in Tennessee. This union has been blessed with four children: Margaret E., Mary C., John Matthew and Lillie E. In politics Mr. Loudon is a Republican. He owns one of the best farms in this township, and the entire family have the respect of the com- munity.

GEORGE MESSINGER, farmer, P. O. Hogestown. The grandfather of this gen- tleman, John W. H. Messinger, a tailor by trade, immigrated to this country about 1765, when a young man of twenty, to make a home in the wilderness, settling in York County, Penn., where he bought a farm. He married Miss Catharine, daughter of John Goswiler, of Cumberland County, Penn., and to them were born ten children: Mary, Henry, John, Jacob, William, Catharine, Susannah and Bostorra (twins), Daniel and Margaret. In 1804 John W. H. Messinger moved to this county, and settled in Silver Spring Township, on the farm now occupied by John C. Ropp; after ten years he moved to Perry County, Penn., and bought a farm, where he lived until his death; he died at the age of seventy-five years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Jacob Messinger, his son (father of our subject), was born in Cumberland County in 1804, and when but a lad went with his father to Perry County, Penn. He married Miss Susannah, daughter of Abraham Jacobs, of Perry County, and two children were born to them: Mary and George. Jacob Mess- inger was reared a farmer, but later kept a tavern at Shermansdale, where he died, aged thirty-three years, a member of the Lutheran Church. George Messinger, his son (sub- ject of this sketch), was born in Perry County, Penn .. June 21, 1825. As his father died when he was but a small boy he early endured the hardships of having to live among strangers. At the age of eighteen he learned carpentering. In March, 1847, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fenical) Albright, of Perry County. This union has been blessed with the following named children: Mary, William, Henry, Henrietta, James D., Anna C. and Jeremiah A. Mr. and Mrs. Messinger had a sad loss in the death of three of their children: Mary, the wife of John A. Kimkle, and the mother- of five children at her decease; Henrietta, who died at the early age of ten years; and Amos C., who was stricken down just as he was entering manhood. These great trials have been met with patience and Christian resignation. In 1868 Mr. Messinger moved to this county, where he has since lived. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife of the German Reformed. In politics he is a Democrat. He is an industrious, care- ful farmer and an honest man. The Messingers still retain many of the characteristics of the hardy stock from which they sprang.

JOHN M. SHOEMAKER, music teacher and farmer, P.O. Mechanicsburg. The great- grandfather of this gentleman, Henry Shoemaker, emigrated from Germany to America at the age of seventeen, and settled in Berks County, Penn. His son Henry was born in Berks County, Penn., about the year 1751, and in the course of time became owner of a fine farm in that county; he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; was thrice married, twice in his native county, and by his first wife had two sons: Henry and Samuel. After she died he married a Miss Staumbugh, of Berks County, Penn., and to this union were born two sons: Jacob and John. (All the children were born in Berks County.) In 1807

543

SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP.

Henry Shoemaker moved, with his family, to Perry County, Penn., where he bought two farms and a distillery. He was a very intelligent man, well educated for that day, and the people were accustomed to look to him for advice on general subjects. By diligence and thrift he accumulated a large property. He was a Democrat politically; a member of the Lutheran Church. John Shoemaker, son of Henry, and the father of our subject, was born in 1803, and came with his father to Perry County, Penn., when but four years of age. lu 1825 he married Miss Elizabeth Bower, of Perry County, and to them were born six children: Susanna A., Anna E., Sarah J., William IL., John M. and Elvina C. He began farming in Perry County, but in 1858 moved to Cumberland County, where he had honght a farm, and remained the balance of his life. He was a Lutheran in religious be- lief. He died at Mechanicsburg in 1880, at the age of seventy seven years. He was a man of intelligence and probity. John M., his son, was born in Perry County, Penn., in 1845, and came to this county with his father when twelve years of age. Ile was a farmer until he was twenty-six years old, when he went West and taught music, for which he always had a talent. He was agent for the Estey organ, in which he was sue- cessful. At the end of two years he returned to Cumberland County, and has since sold organs, taught music and farmed. In 1885 he was united in marriage with Miss I. Lillie, daughter of Harrison and Rachel (Ilerman) Bowman, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker are members of the Lutheran Church at New Kingston, in which he has been organist for many years. In 1881 our subject bought the old homestead, where he has set- tled down to married life. His brother William H. owns an extensive organ factory at Ilarrisburg. The family comes of good stock and are people of sterling worth.

CHARLES SHREINER, cabinet-maker and farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. His grandfather, - Shreiner, a farmer by occupation, was born in Lancaster County; married Miss Barbara Fahreintrin, by whom he had four sons: Adam, Michael, Jacob and John. Of these sons, John was born in Lancaster County. Penn., September 26, 1775; in early life he learned cabinet-making, and he married Miss Rosanna Grosh, of Lancaster County, who bore him eight children: Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth. Margaret, Catharine. Charles and Martin. In 1828 John Shreiner moved, with his family, to this county, set- tling in Silver Spring Township. Ile lived to the age of seventy years, and was respected by all for his sterling worth. Charles Shreiner was born in Lancaster County, Penn., January 19, 1815, and came to Cumberland County with his parents. Ile too learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for several years. He then worked at honse- carpentering twenty-two years, building a large number of harns, etc. in this part of the valley. October 31, 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Longsdorf ) Bobb, of this county. This union has been blessed with five children. all now married: Margaret (wife of A. C. Miller, of Harrisburg, Penn.), John (married to Miss Elonora Morrett, of Hogestown, have five children: Charles T., D. Morrett, Mary E., Clara M. and Clarence M.), Catharine (wife of John Beck, of Mechan- iesburg), Samuel (married to Mary Porter, of Middlesex; have three children: Bessie M., Edith P. and Roy P.) and Martin (married to Emma LeRen, of Plainville, N. J.). Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shreiner are members of the Lutheran Church, as were all his ancestors before him. In politics Mr. Shreiner is a stanch Democrat. In 1872 he purchased his present residence, which is pleasantly situated near Mechanicsburg. Ile is a man of strict principles and bears the reputation of being very reliable and honorable.

JOIIN SIMMONS, farmer. P. O. Hogestown. The Simmons family originated in Germany, and immigrated to this country at an early date. George Simmons, a farmer by occupation and the father of John, was born near the line of Dauphin and Lebanon Counties. Penn. He married Miss Elizabeth Eckert, daughter of John Eckert, of the same locality. To them were born six children: Catherine, John, Jacob. George, Samuel and Elizabeth. About 1824, the father moved to and settled in this county. He was a Republican in political opinions; a hardworking and upright man. John Simmons, our subject, was brought 10 this county by his parents when he was a child. He grew up on the farm, and received a common sebool education. In 1851 he went to Illinois, but did not remain long. He married Miss Sarah Stine, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Croll) Stine, of Dauphin County. This union was blessed with three children: J. W., John F. and Sarah E. His wife died, and Mr. Simmons then married her sister, Miss Mary Stine, who has borne him two children: Samuel and Einma C. In 1856, Mr. Simmons moved to his present residence in this township. In political opinions he is a Republican. He is considered a reliable and upright man.

ABRAHAM SOLLENBERGER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The founder of the American branch of this family came from Germany and settled in Lancaster County, Penn., at an early day. John Sollenberger (grandfather of our subject) moved to Cumber- land County, with his wife and two sons, in 1795, and bought a farm in Monroe Township. His wife was a Miss Barbara Yockey, of Lancaster County. She bore him ten children: John, Michael. David, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth, Barbara, Sarah, Catharine and Abra- ham. They all married and were the parents of children. Mr. and Mrs. John Sollenber- ger were members of the German Baptist Church. Ile was well known for his honesty, and lived to the patriarchal age of eighty-four years. John Sollenberger, his son. was born

544

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

in Lancaster County, Penn., and came with his father to Cumberland County when but an infant. In 1818, he married Miss Hettie Scott, of Franklin County, daughter of William and Hannah (Howard) Scott. To them were born six children: Annie, Catharine, Abra- ham, John, Samuel and Joseph. In 1856 Mr. Sollenberger bought the old homestead where he lived until his death. He died, aged eighty four years and ten months. He was a man of excellent moral character. Abraham Sollenberger, our subject, was horn on the old homestead, which has now seen three generations at one time under its roof. In 1850 he married Miss Anna Seidle, a native of Lancaster County, Penn. To them was born one son, who died when but five years of age, a great misfortune, as they have since been childless. They adopted a friendless little child, however, whom they have tenderly cared for and educated, and who is now ten years old and is of a cheerful disposition and of more than ordinary intelligence They have named her Annie May Sollenberger. In 1855, Mr. Sollenberger purchased his present homestead, which is a fine farm near Mechan- icsburg. He and his wife are members of the church of his ancestors (German Baptist) and are well known for their kindness and good moral principles.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Author: Publication date: Publisher: W. Taylor Number of Pages: 1280

Author:
Publication date:
Publisher: W. Taylor
Number of Pages: 1280