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 105

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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 105
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 105

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married, in 1834, to Martha Eliza Bell, a native of Adams County, Penn., of Scotch-Irish origin, and who died in 1881, leaving an only child, Martha J. (now the wife of Thomas M. Craighead), who was born and reared in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Craighead have one child, James Bell Weakley Craighead, who was his grandfather's pet. Mr. Craig- head's ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania and prominent people. Mr. and Mrs. Craighead are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Weakley died February 28, 1886, a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he took an active in- terest, and of which, at the time of his death, he was trustee.

THOMAS WOLF, boss in the finishing department of the Mount Holly Paper Manu- facturing Company, Mount Holly Springs, was born in Mount Holly January 3, 1848, son of George and Nancy (Wolf) Wolf. George Wolf was born in Germany, and there married his first wife; his second wife (our subject's mother) was born in Cumberland County, Penn., and was of English origin. George Wolf was a millwright by trade, and, after coming to America, worked considerably at his trade in Cumberland County, and also for the Mount Holly Paper Company. Our subject, the eldest of a family of three children. received bis education in his native place, and in early life commenced work in the finishing department in the Mount Holly Paper Mills, and, with the exception of two years that he spent in Massachusetts, engaged in same kind of work, he has since been constantly employed there, and now has full charge of the finishing room. Thomas Wolf was married, in 1869 to Annie M , daughter of Isaac and Susan (Sheffler) Fleming, and of English descent. The children born to this union are Grace A., Mary and George R. Mrs. Wolf is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Wolf is a Democrat. He is a member of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 650, I. O. O. F., and a member of Holly Gap Lodge, No. 277, K. of P.

CHAPTER LIX.

UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

JOSEPH R. BALSLEY, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, a native of this county, is a son of George Balsley, who was born in Harrisburg, Penn., in 1806, and came to this county in 1812. The father of George Balsley died when the children were quite young, so he was early forced to earn his own living. As he grew older he worked on a farm for two brothers named Long, taking his wages out in flour, which he carried to his mother, who kept a little bakery in Harrisburg, thus enabling her to maintain herself and chil- dren. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Atick. From this period in his life George Balsley gradually accumulated and stored his earnings until his first purchase of land, about 1843. He learned the trade of coach and wagon-making with George Drawbaugh, in Frankford Township, this county, and after his apprenticeship was ended established a manufactory of his own at Milltown, Lower Allen Township, later, he purchased land on Cedar Springs Run, near Milltown, erecting a large manufactory, and had an extensive trade. George Balsley married Miss Margaret Ressler, and reared a family of three children: Catharine, Marian and Joseph (Elizabeth died in infancy). Catharine became the wife of John Hickernell, of this county; Marian is the wife of William Westhafer; Joseph enlisted in Company D, Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 23, 1863, and, although not partici- pating in any of the great battles, was in a division that guarded outposts, acted as scouts, and did other duties equally arduous, as will be seen by the records of the Virginia cam- paign. After his term had expired, Mr. Balsley returned to Cumberland County. In 1866 he was married to Miss Mary M., daughter of John and Anna (Stambaugh) Gleim. Her parents, for sixty years prior to her marriage. have been residents of this county, and reared a large family of children, nine of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Balsley have resided on the farm which has been under his management for seventeen years. He is a large ship- per of stock, and has done extremely well, being a careful buyer of cattle, sheep aud hogs. Of the children of Joseph R. Balsley and wife, Annie, the eldest daughter, was born at the Balsley homestead, now the Hartzler property, August 22. 1867; was married Decem- ber 19, 1884, to W. Harlacher, a York County gentleman, well known as a commercial salesman; Maggie was born in 1868, and died in 1871; Lillie was born in 1871; Ella was born in 1873, and Edna was born in 1880. Mr. Balsley is a self-made man, generous. puh- lic spirited, and foremost in all that advances the business and social prosperity of the of the public.

CHARLES BARNES, manufacturer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is the son of Philip and Eliza (Thompson) Barnes, of York County, Peun., descendants of the first settlers of that

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county. Enoch Thompson, grandfather of our subject, served as a soldier in the war of 1812: the company of which he was a member, after enlistment, marched from York to Baltimore. He served during the entire war, and was a pensioner in the latter years of his life: his wife. Catharine, was the mother of a large family, and died at an advanced nge. William Barnes, the paternal grandfather of Charles, was married to Mary Whit- come, of York County, and also had a large family, of whom Philip, the youngest, by trade a tanner, was the father of our subject. Philip and Eliza Barnes had ten children: Alexander. Catharine, Albert, Elizabeth, William, Amanda, Charles, Jennie, Margaret and Frank. Of these, Alexander was the first man to enlist from Warrington Township, serv- ing until the war closed: Albert, who also enlisted early in the campaign, was killed by guerrillas while skirmishing in Virginia; William also served until the war closed. Charles Barnes, our subject, was born February 20, 1850, in York County, Penn., and was appren- tied to learn the whip trade. He served his apprenticeship, and continued ten years longer with the firm of A. & J. E. Wells. July 31, 1870, our subject was married to Miss Mary E. Burns, daughter of William and Evaline Burns, of Warrington Township. York Co., Penn., and to this union were born two children: Clara M. and Harry. Three years after marriage Mr. Barnes came to Mechanicsburg and established a small business, manufac- turing whips on a $25 capital. He hired one man, and when a small lot of whips was fin- ished. peddled them through the country. During his first year he used only 250 sides of leather, now hic averages 2,000 per annum. The goods manufactured are solid leather whips, and his is the only industry of the kind in the State. He has been very successful, and now owns an attractive residence, besides his manufactory, which is run by steam, and furnishes employment for twelve hands.

JACOB BOWMAN. farmer, P. O. Bowmansdale, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1814. His widowed mother, Margaret (Barkey) Bowman, came to Cumberland County the following year; she subsequently married Dr. Jacob Bowman, of Lancaster County, and after his death came to Mechanicsburg, and afterward married John Karns, by whom she had eight children. Our subject learned the blacksmith's trade with David Sponsler, Sr., completing same in 1820. In 1842 Jacob Bowman was elected captain of Mechanicsburg Volunteer Infantry. Another company was formed in 1849, known as the " Quitman Guards." which was attached to the First Battalion, Cumberland County Vol- unteer Infantry. The captain received a major's commission, bearing the signature of William F. Johnston, governor of Pennsylvania. The next official recognition received by Maj. Bowman was his election as sheriff of Cumberland County. His commission bears date October 31, 1855, and the autograph of Gov. James Pollock. After serving his term faithfully and well, Sheriff Bowman was again elected to a military position as captain of the " National Blues." a volunteer company formed at Mechanicsburg April 17, 1859. He was the best drill master in this region, as is attested by his numerous commissions. No braver. better. or more patriotic man ever graced the soil of Cumberland County. For seven years Jacob Bowman was one of the directors of the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad. He has built a fine warehouse, and has done much to further the interests of the village of Bowmansdale by liberal subscriptions of money and donation of valuable time. As a public-spirited citizen. ex-Sheriff Bowman has few equals and no superiors in this eounty. He was married, in 1842, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Haymaher) Reeser, and to this union were born uine children: Alfred, Annie Elizabeth, Sarah, Laura, Alice, Clara, William P. and Raymond. Mr. Bowman is the second oldest ex-sheriff living in the county, and is highly revered and universally beloved by her people.

DAVID BOWMAN, farmer, P. (). Mechanicsburg, is a son of Daniel and Mary (Smith) Bowman, who were long residents of Pennsylvania; Daniel being born in Lancas- ter County, and his wife in Germany, from which country she came with her father and step-mother at an early day. After their marriage Daniel Bowman and his wife settled near Lancaster, in Lancaster County, Penn., hut ten years later moved to Cumberland County, and settled four miles southeast of Carlisle, and here two daughters, Ann and Mary, were born (Benjamin, David and Abraham were born in Lancaster County). The family subsequently moved to York County, just across the line, and there the parents lived and died, leaving a large family, of whom Mrs. Annie Weaver, Mrs. Mary Mohler, Mrs. Lydia Smith, Daniel and David are yet residents of the county. David Bowman married. September 19, 1865. Miss Rebecca Miller, who was born in this township, on the farm now owned by Israel Miller. Her parents. Peter and Catharine (Weltmer) Miller, came to the county in 1832. They had seven children: Elizabeth, Susan, Daniel. Mary, Peter, Rebecca and Israel (by a former marriage with Elizabeth Weltmer. Peter Miller had three children: John, Catharine and Abraham). Our subjeet enlisted in Company K, Ninth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, September 2, 1861: participated in twenty-three engagements, among which were the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Jackson. Atlanta and Raleigh. In these battles he never received a scratch, and. for meritorious conduct, was promoted from the ranks to first lieutenant of the company in January, 1863, and served faithfully until mustered out July 18, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Bow- man's only child, Frank, was born October 11, 1866 and will complete his education soon, and then probably follow in the footsteps of his father as an agriculturist. In 1871 Mr. Bowman purchased his farm of fifty-three acres in this township.

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HENRY M. COCKLIN, retired, P. O. Bowmansdale. In 1772 Jacob Cocklin came to Cumberland County, Penn., and purchased the Spring Dale farm. Previous to his settle- ment here, however, he had been a resident of Lancaster County, Penn., going there from Germany in 1733. He had two sons (Jacob and David) and two daughters. Jacob Cock- lin, Jr., was the father of Michael, Jacob, David, Catharine, Margaret, Mary and Chris- tiana (his wife was Margaret Hoover, of Lancaster County, Penn.). Michael, the eldest son of Jacob, Jr., and Margaret (IIoover) Cocklin, rose to great prominence in the history of this county, by reason of his erudition and merit. Reared on a farm, with but the limited facilities for obtaining an education in the district schools, it is indeed remarkable that this man should become so noted and gain such a reputation among the people of his county and State for his wisdom, honor and public spirit. He was not married until his thirty - third- year, engaging in farming until that event. His marriage with Elizabeth Hopple was celebrated in 1828, and their housekeeping was commenced on the Spring Dale farm, which he then owned. Five chiktren were born on the homestead which bad been so long in the possession of their ancestors, viz .: George, Mary, Henry M., Andrew J. and Sarah E. In 1833 Michael Cocklin was elected a member of the General Assembly, and in 1834 was re-elected Having long noted the inefficiency of the school system then in vogue, he, with other members of the Assembly, promulgated a plan which was carried into successful operation, and the creation of a free school system was the result. After his second official term had expired he resumed farm life. Twenty-two years later, and much against his desire. the people of Cumberland County nominated and elected him associate judge (in 1856), which position he so satisfactorily filled that he was again elect- ed in 1861, and served another term of five years with equal honor to himself and liis con- stituents. The position was again tendered him, but was firmly refused, as his business affairs demanded his entire attention. Retiring from the bench at the age of seventy-one years with an unimpeachable record. Judge Cocklin found the old home farm a haven of refuge and rest from the cares and annoyances of public life. He was always an indefati- gable worker, and was administrator of many valuable estates. The management of the farm was given to his son Henry at the time he was elected judge, and this continued un- til 1884. In 1879 the death of Judge Michael Cocklin occurred, and his remains were in- terred with due solemnity in the cemetery near the Union Church. His aged widow still resides on the old homestead with her daughter, Mrs. Sarah E. Crist. Henry M. Cocklin, our subject, was married, in 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Line- bach) Himes. To this union were born six children: George M., Clara A., Mary J., Emma E., Andrew R. and William H. Mrs. Cocklin died in 1869, and in 1870 Mr. Cocklin was married to Mrs. Caroline F. (Gardiner) Cocklin, widow of Andrew J. Cocklin, by whom she had three children: Adda I., Michael G. and Lura M. By Mr. Cocklin's second mar- riage he has one child-Nevin Harbaugh. All the children reside in this county; the three children by Mrs. Cocklin's first marriage residing in a home by themselves at Me- chanicsburg. Our subject has been an active agriculturist for many years, and is one of the originators and charter members of the Grange movement in this county. Naturally of a retiring disposition he has persistently refused the official honors which have been fre- quently offered him, and only by great persuasion was he induced to become a trustee of the theological seminary of the Reformed Church, located at Lancaster.

JACOB C. COCKLIN, farmer, Shepherdstown, is one of the few persons in this town- ship who have in their possession the original title deeds bearing the signature of John, Thomas and William Penn. In the document in Mr. Cocklin's possession, it is stated that the transfer of 249 acres was first made to Andrew Miller for the sum of £38 123. This transfer was made January 14, 1742. The property first came into the possession of John Cocklin in 1763. At the death of John Cocklin the farm was willed to Deterich Cocklin, his son, who married Catharine Coover, and had five children, of whom Samuel, Maria and Jacob C. are now living. There were only a few acres cleared of the original tract purchased from William Penn, and where the cemetery is now located two children were buried. All the forests have since been cleared away, and the beautiful farm in the valley was made so by the hard toil of generations of Cocklins now passed away. Jacob C., the youngest son of Deterich and Catharine (Coover) Cocklin, has always been a farmer. and resided with his parents until their death; the father died in 1846 and the mother in 1861, both living long enough to reap the reward of their early labors, and died full of years and good deeds. Jacob C. Cockfin was married, May 31, 1846, to Elizabeth, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Keller) Nisewanger. They commenced housekeeping on the farm so long in the possession of the Cocklins, and have, from their earliest married life, been both prosperous and contented. They are the parents of five children, of whom Kate, John, Edward and Lizzie are living. John is married to Agnes Trimble, Edward married Hettie Myers, and Lizzie is the wife of John Zeamer. The old home is one of the most cheerful in the valley, and the family rank among the best and most highly respected in the land. Mr. Cocklin has always been noted for his enterprise, and his children may feel pardonable pride in not only his good record but also that of past generations of Cocklins.

JACOB H. COOVER, retired farmer, Shepherdstown. For more than a century the name of Coover has been familiar in this county. The great great-grandfather came from

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UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

Coburg. Germany, with four sons: Dederich, Gideon, George and Michael. They were a long-lived race, and all reared large families. Michael Coover was a member of the first State Legislature, serving two terms. Dederich was the grandfather, and his son Dederich, the father of Jacob II. Coover, the subject of this sketch. Dederich Coover, Jr., was born on the farm of his father, who, at that time, owned a section of land which included the greater part of what is now the site of Shepherdstown, but which was then a wild waste of land, for the pioneer's ax had made but few inroads in the great forests. and only log houses were to be seen, few and far between. Dederich Coover, Ir., married Catharine Cocklin, who bore him seven children: John B., David, Jacob H., William, Levi, Frances and Catharine. Our subject's paternal grandparents' family consisted of seven sons and three daughters, all of whom were born in this township, and which, up to date (1885) has been the birthplace of five generations of Coovers. The name was origi- nally spelled Kobar, but later was written and used by the descendants "Coover." Dederich Coover, Jr., was a pro ninent personage in the county at an early date, being not only a large farmer aud land-owner, but also a distiller. He operated a still where Ira D. Coover now lives, nearly a century ago, and, later, one where his son William now resides; a part of the latter building is still standing. He was an active man, both in business and poli- tics; was an old line Whig of the strictest type, and during the career of that party filled a number of offices in the township. Conscientious in all things, strictly honest and a God-fearing man, he possessed great popularity among the people. Jacob H. Coover, our subject, was born within one mile of where he is now living, February 3, 1808; early at- tended school, and acquired an excellent education. Ilis first schooling was obtained on the Ira Coover farm. in a house furnished for school purposes by his father. He taught school seven years prior to his marriage, and several terms afterward. March 1, 1836, our subject married Rachael, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Strock, of Churchtown, and commenced housekeeping on the farm which be had previously purchased, and which is still in his possession, and there resided until within the past four years. Here were born Emma. Elmira E., Catharine, Mary, Clara and John A. Jacob H. Coover has been one of the foremost citizens in furthering the business and social interests of the community. For more than forty years he has been one of the directors, and for the past two years vice-president of the Allen & East Pennsborough Fire Insurance Company. (Of the original officers, only one other-William R. Gorgas-is now living.) He has settled numerous es- tates, and has always been noted for his integrity and fairness. . To his children he will leave an unsullied reputation and a name ranking among the oldest in the county.

WILLIAM COOVER, farmer, P. O. Shepherdstown, was born, in 1818, on the Coover homestead, in this county, and is the fourth son of Deitrich and Catharine (Cocklin) Coover. Dederich Coover, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., August 20, 1745; was a blacksmith by trade; and in 1772 engaged in business in Upper Allen Township, and for many years did a large credit business, as is attested to by the ledger in possession of William Coover. The first entries in this book were made in May, 1772. All the accounts were closed and the book balanced in 1791, at which time he was expecting to reap a large reward for bis labors, but, unfortunately, he received his pay in Continental money, which was carefully treasured up until it became worthless, and his prospects for a competence were rudely swept away. Dederich Coover's first mar- riage, June 5. 1768, was with Maria Hauk, and his second union, February 12, 1822, was with Salome Horning, who lived almost a century. At the time of the Whisky Insurrec- tion in Pennsylvania. Deitrich (William's father) was working at the forge in llarrisburg, and Gen. Washington, who, with a detachment of cavalry, was passing, stopped to have some horses shod.

SAMUEL R. COOVER, postmaster, Shepherdstown. There are numerous men in this township bearing the name of Coover, but the branch of the family to which our subject belongs is composed of himself and his brother George. Of the remote ancestry of our subject but little is known. His father, George Coover, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1808, and while yet a young man learned the trade of furniture-making. carrying on a manufactory in New Kingston for a long while. His success in business warranted him in taking a wife, and, about 1831, he was married to Catbarine Reeser, a representative of one of the old families in this county. They commenced housekeeping in New Kingston, and reared five children: Sarah, Mary, Elmira. George and Samuel R .. all of whom now live in this county. In 1859 the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to John Brownwell, at Roxbury, to learn the trade of shoe-making, which he completed. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D. Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving until the ex- piration of his term; then enlisted for 100 days in Company 1. One Hundred and Ninety- fifth Pennsylvania Infantry ; re-enlisting for one year, at the expiration of the 100-days' service, in Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Independent Battalion. Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. Ile was en- gaged in numerous skirmishes, but never wounded; most of his service was in the Vir- ginia campaign. His brother George was also a soldier, and served during most of the war. After our subject returned home he worked for several years at his trade. In 1867 he was married to Mary E., daughter of David and Mary (Zering) Worst, old residents of

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the county. Soon after his marriage Mr. Coover commenced business for himself in Shepherdstown, and is now conducting the only shoe store in the village, which might be properly termed the pioneer store. To Mr. and Mrs. Coover were born five children, of whom three are deceased, and two living: Samuel R., Jr., and Emma M. Mr. Coover has always been a conservative man politically, but is a conscientious Republican, always voting with that party. By reason of his well-known ability as a business man, he was commissioned postmaster at Shepherdstown in 1870, and has filled that position for fifteen consecutive years. This office, notwithstanding the change in governmental policy, re- mains in his undisturbed possession, which well bespeaks the confidence of his political opponents in his ability and fitness for the position. He is a member of Post No. 415, G. A. R .; is a member of the United Brethren Church.

SAMUEL CRIST, farmer, P. O., Shepherdstown. The voluminous family history of the talented Judge Michael Cocklin will be found elsewhere in the series of biographical sketches, and to avoid repetition mention is not here made of it in this connection, except in so far as it may relate to his daughter Sarah E., the wife of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Samuel Crist was born in Holtswamp, Adams Co., Penn., May 5, 1825. His parents, John and Eve (Strayer) Crist, were natives of that county, the mother being born near Dover. The father was for many years a mason, and numerous houses and barns in Adams County yet remain as monuments of his skill. The children of John and Eve Crist were ten in number: Andrew, Elizabeth, Sarah, Henry, Leigh, Lydia, Samuel, Catharine, Susan and John. Our subject learned the trades of mason and plasterer of his father, with whom he worked until 1855. 'In 1851 he was married to Henrietta C., daugh- ter of Dr. Joseph Bauman, of Ephratah, Lancaster Co., Penn., who for many years was both clerk and physician at the Pine Grove Smelting Works, being well known in Lancas- ter and Cumberland Counties. By this marriage Mr. Crist was father of five children, all now deceased: Elmira L., Annie M., Joseph M., Samuel and Clarence May. The death of Mrs. Crist occurred March 25, 1863. In 1866 Mr. Crist came to Mechanicsburg, and for one year engaged in the retail grocery trade. February 17, 1867, our subject married Sarah E. Cocklin, the cermony being performed by the Rev. John Ault, at the Reformed Church in Mechanicsburg. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Crist went to the home farm of Judge Cocklin in this township, and here Mr. Crist was duly installed as a farmer. Judge Cocklin and his wife were living a retired life on the Spring Dale farm, and the paternal roof since then has given them sheiter. There the children, Andrew M., Caroline E., Henry D. and Ida M. were born. Mr. Crist has for forty years been an active member of the Reformed Church, serving it in various official capacities. He was also engaged in teaching for eighteen consecutive years, and has for six years served on the school board, and at different dates has served as assistant assessor in his township. October 16, 1863. Mr. Crist was drafted and served for nine months in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Pennsylvania Militia, doing duty at Suffolk, Va., and though he engaged in numerous skirmishes escaped the dangers of the most memorable battles of the war. Our subjeet is one of the pioneer Grangers in this county, and is now a member of Monroe Grange, No. 363.

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

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