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 107

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 107
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 107

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first purchase by the great-grandfather. Of the immediate family of Christian Herman are three children: Jacob, John and Marion. Amos Mumma and his wife have four chil- dren: llerman J , Alberta J., Levi II. and Lydia II. These children, as they grow older, can read with pride the history of their lineage, which extends back from both branches more than a century. Mr. Mumma has always been one of the most energetic and impul- sive of men, brave and intrepid. He twice tried to enlist in the army during the late war of the Rebellion, but his youth prevented the accomplishment of his intention. As a man, a neighbor, and a citizen, Mr. Mumma has no superior, and is in all respects worthy to bear the name of his illustrious ancestors.

JOHN MUMMA, farmer. P. O. Mechanicsburg, the second son of Jacob Mumma, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1836, and resided with his father until 1863, when he commenced business for himself on a farm near Mechanicsburg. Nine years later he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Rudolph and Mary (Schopf) Hertzler, old residents of Cumberland County, but natives of Lancaster County, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. John Mumma have been born six children-all living: Charles II., Mary A., Grace E., Blanche V., Jacob R. and John 1. Our subject first purchased land in 1865, which he still owns. He bought the present homestead fifteen years later. This farm is very attractive, and its comfortable surroundings and fine improvements make it indeed an elegant home. Mr. Mumma, one of the representative men of the town- ship, is a member of one of its oldest families, and merits the greatest confidence reposed in him by the public.

ELI MUMMA. farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born, in 1850, on the old homestead in Silver Spring Township. this county. His father, Jacob Mumma, has been so liberal with his money and enterprising in spirit that he has stood at the head of the business industries and substantial improvements for fully half a century. Eli Mumma, the young- est son of Jacob and Catharine Mumma, received a practical education in the common schools, and has thus far passed his life on the farm, preferring agricultural pursuits to either a trade or profession. November 25, 1873, he was married to Annie B., daughter of Joseph and Sarah E. (Fritchey) Eberly, of Hampden Township, this county. To this union were born two sons and five daughters: Thomas C., Wilbur A., Annie B., Mary E., Martha F., Sarah E. and Emma J .- all of whom reside in the county. The death of Joseph Eberly, the father of Mrs. Mamma, occurred April 5, 1885, at the age of sixty-five years and seven months. The married life of Eli Mumma and his young wife was com- meneed on his father's farm under the same favorable auspices which have continued to this day. In 1875 they moved to the farm on which they now reside. One child-Joseph E .- was born on the grandfather's homestead; Mabel G. and Ilarry H. were born on their father's farm in this township. Politically and socially Mr. Mumma is of that liberal class whose object is to further the business and social interests in the community. Pos- sessed of abundant means, a fine farm and happy family, he is surrounded by everything to make him happy.

Il. O. SHELLEY, miner, P. O. Shepherdstown, was born in Lancaster, Penn., but later went to Dauphin County, where he owned a farm. In 1869 he commenced mining iron ore in York County, Penn., where he continued until 1878, opening a mine on Dan Lan- dis' farm in 1874, and which he sold in 1875, but in 1883 again leased and has operated sinee. An analysis of the ore from this mine, in 1874, gave sixty-two per cent in the fur- naces. The analysis made in 1884 showed fifty two per cent of the mixed oxides. In 1855 H. O. Shelley was married to Fanny Nisley, daughter of Henry and Mary Nisley, and who was born on the island bearing that name in the Susquehanna below Middle- town. In 1867. our subject came to Upper Allen Township, this county, and purchased a farm, on which he moved in 1868, and which he has since operated in connection with mining. The children of Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Shelley are five in number: Samuel mar- ried Ella Coover, a daughter of one of York County's first families: Elias wedded Annie, daughter of Christian Hertzler, of this county; David, Lizzie, wife of William Nisley, of Mechanicsburg, and Annie. Mr. Shelley has repeatedly been solicited to become a candidate for official positions, but has always declined, preferring to manage his own busi- ness affairs and thus keep aloof from such annoyances as small offices provoke. lle is one of the most highly respected men in his neighborhood, and lives in a style becoming a man of education and refinement.

JACOB F. STAUFFER, contractor and builder, Shepherdstown, was born in York County. Penn .. in 1841, son of Frederick and Maria (Orry) Stauffer, who were probably married in 1830, and were the parents of nine children, of whom Jacob F. is the eldest son; then followed Susan, Moses, David, Samuel, Joseph, Maria, Frederick and Lydia. Our subject learned his trade in his native county and followed the business for twelve years previous to coming to Cumberland County. He was married December 2, 1860, to Sarah, who was the youngest of the ten children of Michael and Lydia Shellenberger, old residents of York County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob F. Stauffer are David; Ellen, wife of George Cromlich: Melinda, wife of Calvin Weaver: Lilly and Sally (born in York County), and Ilarry, Benjamin F., Walter, Maggie, Birdie and Lydia who were born in this township. In 1871 Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer came to this township and the

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farm where they now reside was purchased. Since coming here, however, our subject has given but little attention to farming, devoting all of his time to his trade. He built several large edifices, which will stand for years, monuments to his skill and industry, notably the Mennonite Church on Slate Hill; a fine residence for Samuel Eherly, also one for Daniel Ebersole: a residence for George Hummel, and has recently completed a nice church for the Mennonite congregation at Churchtown. By strict attention to business Mr. Stauffer has prospered financially, and is recorded as one of the substantial men of the Cumberland Valley.

JOHN SWARTZ, tailor, Shepherdstown, was born in Silver Spring Township, this county, and from the age of fourteen years has been a resident of Shepherdstown. His parents, John and Nancy (Mohler) Swartz, lived near the tan-yard in Silver Spring Town- ship. John Swartz, Sr., learned the carpenter's trade of John Snavely (who died in 1849) early in life, and worked on the State House at Harrisburg. John Swartz. Sr., was born in this county in May, 1791, and died in August. 1866. His wife, Nancy Mohler, was born in September, 1799, and died in December, 1846. They had seven children, of whom John, Jr., is the fifth born. At the age of fourteen our subject came to Shepherdstown and became an apprentice to his uncle, Michael Hoover, who carried on a tailor shop in that village. When his trade was completed, in 1848, John Swartz, Jr., assumed control of the shop, and from that day to this has conducted business for himself. February 8, 1855, our subject married Magdalena Hetrich, born in East Hanover Township, Lebanon Co., Penn., June 25, 1834, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Urich) Hetrich. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz commenced house-keeping where they now reside and there their children were born, viz .; Sarah A., born September 14, 1856; Albert H., born June 17, 1859; William S., born April 8, 1864, died October 30, 1864; and Harry C., born September 9, 1867. The children received liberal educations and Albert has chosen the profession of teaching. Harry follows in the footsteps of his father and is a tailor; Sarah, is the wife of A. H. Mohler, doing business at Shepherdstown. Mr. Swartz was drafted during the late war of the Rebellion, but furnished money to procure a substitute, as he was a man of peace and not in favor of war. Ile has filled numerous township offices with credit; has been a member of No. 215, I. O. O. F., since 1851. During a residence of forty-three years Mr. Swartz has not been absent from Shepherdstown for two weeks at one time. His business, his family and his home are located there, aud no man in the valley is more con- tented.

HIRAM WATTS, farmer, Shepherdstown, is the only one of his immediate relatives who came to this county, but his name is well known in this and adjacent counties. He was born in York County, Penn., January 21, 1824, and is second son of Andrew and Eliz- abeth Watts, who resided on a farm in Newberry Township, that county. and were the parents of two sons and seven daughters. Our subject came to Upper Allen Township, this county, in 1846, engaging with George Nebenger to work on a farm. December 3, 1848, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Charles and Susan (Keiper) Bingaman, for- merly of Lancaster County, but who came as early as 1820 to Shepherdstown (then known as Jennystown). Of the two sons and six daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Bingaman, Mrs. Eliza A. Morrett, Mrs. Catharine Kohler, Mrs. Rebecca Blosser and Mrs. Watts are still living. The year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Watts commenced housekeeping near Shepherdstown, and afterward built themselves a cottage in the village. For eleven years he worked at the carpenter's trade, earning the money which gave him a start in the business world, and in 1855 commenced farming. He prospered, and, in 1876, pur- chased the nice farm on which he now resides, and there were born his children: Lewis, Charles, Lizzie, Ira and Clara. Lewis married Mary Miller, and resides at Dillsburg; he is engaged in the drug trade. Charles is employed in the office of the Cumberland Val- ley Railroad at the same place. All the children are finely educated, and well fitted to at- tend to any business or grace any position in society. The parents live on the farm, sur- rounded by their children, and enjoy the comforts which come to those who have lived long, useful lives. When it is taken into consideration that Mr. Watts left the parental roof at the age of eight years, made a living, accumulated a fine property, and, besides, has maintained and educated a family that ranks second to none in the land, he certainly deserves great credit. He was judge of elections in 1857, and for many years served in an official capacity on the school board.

WILLIAM WESTHAFER farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is of German ancestry. His grandfather, Abram Westhafer, who settled in Lancaster County about 1792, Was married to Catharine Eschleman, and reared a family: George, Jacob, Peter, Susannah and Rebecca. Peter Westhafer married Maria Baker, a resident of York County. Penn. (where he was then living), and who died three years later. August 20, 1829, he married Annie M. Stave. In 1860 Peter Westhafer and wife came to this county and settled near the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, on the Bosler farm. Their children, Jacob. William, (four deceased.) Leigh, Lucy A., Catharine, John, Edward. Eli, Abraham, Susannah and Mag- gie, were all born in York County. Of this family William, Lucy, Leigh and Kate live in Cumberland County at the present time. Most of Peter Westhafer's time was spent in farming, although he was by trade a shoe-maker; he, also kept the National Hotel in Me-

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chanicsburg at one time, and afterward owned and operated a dry goods and grocery store. He was considered one of the most enterprising men in the county, and always did bis share to advance the business and social interests of the community. He died greatly regretted: his widow still resides in Mechanicsburg. William Westhafer was married. in 1861, to Miss Marian, daughter of George A. and Margaret (Ressler) Balsley, one of the oldest and most highly respected families of the county. George A. and Margaret Bals- ley were married February 19, 1833, by the Rev Nicholas Stroh, and were the parents of seven children, only three of whom are now living: Joseph, Mrs. Westhafer and Catha- rine. Our subject commenced farming for himself in the spring of 1861, on the old Bosler farm, and from the start has been very successful; everything he touched prospered, and his profits accumulated until he bought a couple of lots and erected a house at the corner of Marble and York Streets in 1865. His next purchase of real estate was on the opposite side of the street and a lot of twelve acres near Mechanicsburg which he still owns. In 1878 he moved to the Levi Eberly farm, and is now making money as easily as he did in his younger days; besides his farm interests he is also an extensive dealer in live stock. To Mr. and Mrs. Westhafer have been born three children: George E., born in 1863, and William B. and Grant S. (twins), born October 5, 1871. All are active promising young men, who have received a practical education, and are worthy to bear their father's name. Mr. and Mrs. Westhafer have been consistent members of the United Brethren Church since 1873. Politically our subject is a Republican.

SARAHI WORLEY, Shepherdstown, is a daughter of George and Anna M. Daugherty, one of the old and prominent families of York County, Penn., where they were born and bred. and reared a family of nine children: Sarah. Ann, Maria, John, George, Will- iam 11 .. Emna J., Rachael E. and Thomas L. Though these children were all born in York County, all live in Cumberland County except Emma and Thomas L. Our subject was born April 23, 1828. March 26, 1854, she was married to William W. Kline, a son of William and Jane (Goudy) Kline. They commenced housekeeping near Siddensburg, where Mr. Kline, a millwright by trade, worked at his business for some time. They came to Shepherdstown in 1855 and took charge of the only hotel in the place, and there prospered. To Mr. and Mrs. Kline were born five children: Mary Il., born Jannary 28, 1855, is the wife of John E. Acker, of Mansfield, Ohio; Benjamin, married to Ella T. Brubaker. manages a hotel at Hogestown, this county; Jane A., William R. and Ella M. W. W. Kline entered the army in 1861, served nine months, and then re-enlisted in Com- pany A. One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Ile par- tiripated in the thickest of the fight at the bloody battle of Gettysburg, and in many a hotly contested skirmish of the Virginia campaign. While his regiment was guarding the railroad at Weldon, N. C., it was captured by the rebels and the men confined in Libby prison, the name of which is vet spoken of with horror by every one who was unfortunate enough to experience the sufferings entailed upon the miserable victims confined within its walls. Three months after his captivity, November 25. 1864, the veteran soldier, kind husband and loving father was horne from that miserable place an emaciated corpse. D 'ath had released him from suffering further privations; hunger, thirst and cold were remembered no more; of wife and children were his last thoughts. In 1868 Mrs. Kline was again married, this time to J. B. Worley, a well known business man of this county, and after their marriage again engaged in hotel business in New Cumberland, and pros- pered. No children were born to this union. In 1875 Mr. Worley died, leaving his widow and step-children well provided for. The mother of Mrs. Worley, who still lives with her son George, has attained the ripe old age of eighty years.

DAVID W. WORST, justice of the peace, Shepherdstown, was born October 2, 1839. His father David Worst, who was born in Frankford Township, this county, December 26, 1797, was a carpenter by trule, and carried on business in this county, many substantial buildings still standing as monuments to his industry. Ile also went to Cnba and erected a large number of sugar houses for planters on that island. January 30, 1834, he was married to Mary Ann Zearing, who was born November 7, 1814, and was a lineal descendant of the celebrated Rupp family. David and Mary Aon Worst were the parents of the following named children: Jacob, Sarah A., Daniel, David W., Eliza A., Susan A. Sarah A., Jacob Il. and Mary E, all of whom were born io Mechanicsburg. Penn., David Worst, Sr., died in 1859, and his widow subsequently married John Lininger Decem- her 29, 1851. and bore him three children: Catharine, Elizabeth and Alice V. David W. Worst, our subject, at the age of eleven years was turned out to shift. for himself, and was engaged by John Honser on a farm. At the age of eighteen he commenced a clerk- ship with Messrs Goswiler & Zook, in Shepherdstown, continuing with them a number of vears. May 31. 1866, he was united in marriage with Annie M., daughter of ex-Sheriff Bowman, and by this union are the following named children: Carrie I. Annie G., Mary E, Edith G. and Martha W. All are making rapid progress with their education and form a pleasant family circle, where books, music, etc., are prominent features. Mr. Worst's popularity in his county is shown in the fact of his being elected prothonotary of Cumberland County in the autum of 1872, which position he held three years with honor to himself and credit to his constituents. The people residing in his township nominated

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him justice of the peace in 1877, and re-elected him in 1882, his official torm expiring in 1887, and during his public life he bears a clean record. He is a straight Democrat and one of the most prominent local politicians in his township. Liberal in every thing which advanees the interests of society, he is ranked among the best citizens and most public spirited men of the county in which he has for a number of years been a central figure.

CHAPTER LX.

WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP.

JONATHAN BEAR, farmer, P. O. Plainfield, was horn July 4, 1819, in West Penns- borough Township, Cumberland Co., Penn. His father. Samuel, a son of John Bear, married Miss Sarah, daughter of Philip Zeigler, and settled in what is now known as Bear's District, West Pennsborough Township, and here resided until his death, which occurred April 30, 1855, in his sixty-eighth year; his widow died in Plainfield December 26, 1871, aged eighty years and five months. They reared eight of their ten children: Mrs. Catharine Steiner, Jonathan, Mrs. Mary Seitz, Rebecca, Elizabeth. John (deceased), David and Philip (deeeased). January 11, 1849, our subject married Miss Maria, daughter of Henry and Polly (Bear) Bear. from Lancaster County, Penn. They resided on the farm near Conodoguinet Creek until August, 1884, when they moved to their present residence, and now own a fine farm of 132 acres, besides a beautiful home of six acres where they reside. To them have been born nine children, of whom the following are now living: Abner, Mrs. Mary Eppley, Sarah and Lizzie. Ellen died at seventeen years of age, Em- ma when fifteen, Samnel when nineteen years old, and Refeea and Catharine when small. Mr. Bear and family belong to the Reformed Mennonite Church. He takes great interest in the education of his family and has given them good opportunities.

HENRY BEAR, retired farmer. Plainfield, was born March 17. 1824, in West Penns- borough Township, this county. About 1690 Michael Bear, a Mennonite minister, of Switzerland, fled from persecution to accept the generous offer of William Penn of a home in Pennsylvania. He settled in Berks County and has a large number of descendants. Michael, his son, had a son, Henry, who came to West Pennsborough Township, this county, in 1804, with his sons, Michael, John and Samuel. Of these, Michael was twice wedded, and by his first marriage (with Miss Esther Alter) had two children: Benjamin, who died in Summit County, Ohio, and Mrs. Esther Stephens, who died in this county. His second wife, Hannah Wax, was a daughter of Peter Wax, a Revolutionary soldier, who settled in Frankford Township, this county, coming from Schuylkill County, Penn., and lived to be ninety-four years of age; his wife died aged eighty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Bear settled near Plainfield. To them were born seven children, tive of whom attained maturity: Henry, Mrs. Margaret Greason (deceased), Maria, Maurice (deceased) and Mrs. Rachael LeFevre, of Carlisle. Mr. Bear was a very effective local preacher of the United Brethren faith; he died very suddenly December 16, 1849, while officiating in the pulpit, being striken down by apoplexy. He was a very active man, and exerted a wide influ- ence for good. Henry Bear, who has lived on the home-farm all his life, owns a fine farm of eighty acres besides his handsome residence and farm of four aeres where he re- sides. He was married, February 3, 1848, to Miss Margaret LeFevre, who died about two and a half years afterward. He next married, May 15, 1856. Miss Catharine Longnecker, and by her has one daughter, Mary. Mr. Bear, of Federalist descent, was formerly a Whig, afterward a Republican. He takes a deep interest in public affairs, and has ren- dered important services as a campaign orator. As a speaker he is elear, logieal and forci- ble, and carries the weight of his own convictions in his addresses. He is one of the lead- ing influential citizens of Cumberland County.

JOHN K. BEIDLER, merchant, Plainfield. was born April 2. 1828, in Lebanon County, Penn., son of John and Anna (Kaufman) Beidler. the latter of whom died in that county. His father, who afterward married again, located in West Middleton Township, this eounty in 1840, and now lives a retired life in Plainfield, this town hip, aged eighty- three. Our subject married, in November, 1851, Miss Sophia Zeigler, of Middlesex Township, this county. He enlisted, in August, 1862. in Company F. Seventeenth Regi- ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry; was assigned to the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Hooker, and took part in many of the historie engagements of the Virginia cam- paigns. He received an honorahle discharge iu 1863, on account of disabilities received in the serviee. He left a fine reeord as a brave and faithful soldier, always ready for the

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call of duty. In 1866 Mr. Beidler established, and for three years carried on, a general store at Sterrett's Gap, Perry County: three years conducted business in Plaindeld. this county ; then for three years at West Hill, and then purchased property at Oakville and built a fine store building. There Mrs. Beidler died in March, 1877, leaving one daughter, Mrs. Lizzie M. Mickey. now living at Oakville. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Beidler again lo- cated at West Ilill. He was married, on second occasion, December 6, 1877, to Miss Anna M Matthews, of Berks County. Penn., and by this union has one son, Earl J. Mr. Beid- ler owns a tine business property in Plainfield and carries a complete stock of dry goods, groceries, hats, caps, boots, shoes, hardware, notions, and a full line of general merchan- dise. By striet attention to business principles and courtesy to all. he has built up a large and flourishing trade. Personally Mr. Beidler is a man of portly build and fine physique; genial and social in his disposition, he makes friends wherever he goes. lle is recognized as one of the leading business men and influential citizens of Cumberland County.

WILLIAM BLOSER, retired, Plainfield, was born December 11, 1818, in West Penns- borough Township, this county. Henry Bloser came, with his family, from Lancaster County, Penn., to Frankford Township, this county, in very early times. Ilis son. Dan- iel, was twice married; on the first occasion to Eve Keihl, a native of this county, and settled near llays Mill. this township. Mrs. Daniel Bloser died in 1824, and he subse- quently married Sarah Rex, and moved to Richland (now Crawford) County, Ohio, in ahout 1840, where they resided until she died, when he lived a retired life with his son until his death. Our subject, the second horn by the second marriage, and only one living of his mother's five children, received his education in the schools of the home district and early apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, which he has followed nearly all his life. Ile married, February 14, 1851, Miss Sarah Waggoner, a native of Frankford Township, this county, and to this union were born nine children, five of whom are living: Mary, Mrs. Kate Corman, Elizabeth, Mrs. Alida Smith and Anna. Mrs. Bloser died November 5, 1866. and Mr. Bloser subsequently married. April 7, 1868, Miss Mary A. Kendig, a native of this township, and who moved to Franklin County, Penn., at six years of age, with her parents, Emanuel and Anne (Bowers) Kendig, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., but residing in Cumberland County from childhood. They resided at Orrstown at the time of their death; Mr. Kendig dying April 11, 1863, and his widow. February 3, 1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Bloser were born one son (William Edward) and one daughter (Nora, deceased). Mr. Bloser has been industrious and successful in life and has acquired a fine farm of 204 acres in Frankford Township. In addition to this he owns a fine home in Plainfield and a handsome plat of four aeres, on which is established the Plainfield Cemetery, located in 1867. Mr. Bloser and his worthy wife and family are members of the Church of God, and he has been an elder ever since the church was established. He is a life-long Republican and an earnest advocate of the principles of temperance.

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

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