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 108

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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 108
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 108

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WILLIAM C. BRADLEY, retired, P. O. Newville, was born near West Chester, Chester Co., Penn., in 1813, son of Joseph and Hannah (Carpenter) Bradley, who were the parents of eight children, of whom William C., Jason, Thomas, Caroline and Emmor are living. Our subject received a liberal education, and his first venture in a business way was with Robert Coleman, at Martick Forge, in Lancaster County, in 1836. At that time the Colemans were the best known iron manufacturers in the State, and from a small beginning the business has grown, until now their interests are second to none in the United States. For a number of years onr subject was book-keeper, and afterward managed the business at Lebanon, Speedwell and Martick Forge. From Speedwell he went to Oregon. Baltimore County; from there to Columbia, Lancaster County; and thence to Har- risburg, where he took charge of Mr. McCormick's iron works, and, later, was interested in the manufacture of iron near Harper's Ferry on the Potomac. At numerous places in the Cumberland Valley and along the Potomac, he has managed the business of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens. Mr. Bradley has chiefly been interested in the iron trade, and is well known by all the manufacturers. Ile was married, in 1840, 10 Harriet Thomas, and this union was blessed with eight children, of whom five are living: Sallie (wife of T. C. Babb, of Philadelphia, Penn.), Susie (wife of George C. Kelly, of Lewisburg), Caroline, Albina and Harriet, who reside with their father in the pleasant mansion near the borough of Newville. Mrs. Bradley died in 1879, and the daughters now make the old home pleasant for their father; and amid the many comforts which surround men of wealth and refined tastes, his days are serenely passed. Our subject's life has been an active one, but his step is still elastic, though his hair is white as snow. He has now retired from active busi- ness and bears a name never smirched with dishonor.

FRANKLIN PIERCE BREHM, manufacturer, Plainfield, was born September 20, 1853. in Frankford Township. this county, where his father, Henry Brehm, still resides. Our subject followed farming until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began learn- ing coach-making under George Strohm, of Plainfield. this county. completing his appren- ticeship in three years, and then worked four years for Mr. Strohm. Hle located at Good Hope, this township, in 18:0, and established a general coach house. which he continued until he built his present large and commodious establishment in the fall of 1885, into which he moved in the first week of December following. He has a large three-story

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building, 45x60 feet, well fitted up, where he carries on a very extensive business, manu- facturing buggies, carriages, spring wagons, sleighs, etc .. employing from nine to twelve hands. llis goods have an excellent reputation, and besides supplying the home demand, he has quite a large shipping trade throughout the East and West. In addition to his busi- ness property, Mr. Brehm has built himself a very handsome residence not far from the station. He married, February 7, 1872, Miss Katie A. Beidlow, and has two children: Bessie Maude and Harry LeRoy. Mr. Brehm is an enterprising business man and an up- right and useful citizen. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and has been for seven years superintendent in the Sabbath-school at Plainfield. In politics he is a Democrat.

DAVID BRICKER (deceased), a native of Lancaster County, Penn., was a son of David Bricker, who immigrated to that county from Germany with his brother Chri-to- pher before the Revolutionary war. He raised his family in that county, and there re- sided until his death. He had a son-Christopher-who was a soldier in the Revolution. David Bricker, our subject, married a Miss Erb; came to Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1794, and acquired an estate of over 400 acres, including a part of the town of Newville. He lived to be nearly ninety years of age, his wife having died about four years before his death. They raised a family of six children: Levi (died in Westmore- land County, Penn.), John, Jacob (died in Mechanicsburg), David, Mrs. Mary Dork and Mrs. Margaret Ann Heffleman, all died at Newville. this county. The second son, Jolin, married Miss Eliza House, and settled in the Cross Roads District, in West Pennsborough Township, and here resided until his death. He died February 16, 1875, at the age of eighty-four years; his widow now resides in Newville. They raised a family of five sons: John H .; William H., of Beaver Falls, Penn., the present register of Beaver County; P. D., an attorney at Jersey Shore, Penn .; Samuel, of North Vernon, Ind .; George S., of Newville.

JOHN H. BRICKER, farmer and nurseryman. P. O. Newville, was born March 13, 1836. He married Miss Catharine Shannon June 8, 1858, and after living in Monroe Town- ship ahout four years, settled on the present home farm. Mr. Bricker enlisted, in August, 1861, in the Third Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry; was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the Virginia campaigns of that year, receiving disabilities in December necessitating his discharge. Returning home he has devoted himself to the arts of peace. He established a nursery on his farm in 1867, and now does a large and suc- cessful business, supplying the large home trade and shipping to the West and South. Mrs. Bricker died February 18, 1873, leaving two children: William, of Williamsport, Penn., and Mary. Mr. Bricker afterward married, in September. 1875, Miss Julia Bolen, and to this union have been born two children: John F. and Ellen. Mr. Bricker is a supporter of the Republican party; takes a deep interest in the cause of education, and has served his township as school director for about twelve years; is an upright and useful citizen, and enjoys the respect of the community.

HENRY J. BRINKERHOFF, merchant and postmaster, Mount Rock, was born November 19, 1855, in Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn. His father, John J. Brinkerhoff, a native of same county, aud a descendant of one of the oldest families in the county, mar- ried Miss Sophia Saltzgiver, of the same county. He was a merchant; died in 1855, leav- ing a daughter (now Miss Clara Grammar, of Ahipona), and a son (Henry). Mrs. Brinker- hoff afterward married John Peoples, and now resides at Lisburn, Penn. Our subject was brought up in the family of his uncle, M. G. Saltzgiver, in Cumberland County, prin- cipally in Dickinson, Monroe and Newton Townships. When about seventeen years old he began clerking in a general store in Leesburg, afterward carrying on a store for three years, at Huntsdale, for Mr. Ernst. In 1878 he embarked in business for himself at Bar- nitz Station, this county. In March, 1883, he established himself at Mount Rock, under firm name of Brinkerhoff & Co., and here keeps a full stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, caps, notions and a complete line of articles necessary to supply the wants of the community. By his courtesy to customers and strict attention to business he has built up a large and flourishing trade. He was appointed postmaster of Mount Rock at the time he took charge of the store; was also instrumental in establishing the postoffice at Barnitz, which be held during the time he lived there. Mr. Brinkerhoff was married, in 1875, to Miss Anna M. Watson, of Stoughstown. To this union have been born three children: George Erskin, William Henry and Sallie Bertha. Our subject is an earnest Republican, and takes a deepinterest in public affairs. He is an enterprising and success- ful business man and an upright, useful and respected citizen.

THOMAS R. BURGNER, miller, P. O. Plainfield, was horn July 14, 1838, in Lebanon County, Penn., son of Jacob and Anna Maria (Raub) Burgner (the latter was a member of an old and influential family in this county). They located on the old homestead of Mr. Burgner's family, where Mrs. Burgner still resides at an advanced age, but in robust health. Mr. Burgner died July 13, 1896, aged seventy-four years. Our subject, the eldest in a family of ten children, learned the miller's trade in 1854; enlisted. October 17, 1862, in the Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and was assigned to the Army of the James. Early in 1863 he was recommended, and passed an examination, for the position of military li- brarian, and had charge of the historical collections and artillery-school stores at Fortress

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Monroe, Va., until the expiration of his term, and during this time he also held the posi- tion of reporter for general courts-martial and military commissions. He was discharged October 17, 1865, bearing an excellent military record. Our subject was married, Devem- ber 1, 1857. to Miss lazzie Eckert, of Newville, this county, a daughter of John Eckert, who was born near Carlisle, this county, moved to Virginia in 1860, and died in 1880 at the age of eighty years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Burgner were Mary Agnes, John E., of Nebraska, Alice C .. Francis Henry (deceased), Lizzie A., Emma C. Ida Margery, Beckie Ray, Thomas U. S., Carrie Lucretia and Arthur LeRoy. Mr. Burgner has spent three years in the nursery and mercantile business at Shiremanstown, six years in the em- ploy, as miller, of T. B. Bryson, of Mechanicsburg, and for the past twelve years has been engaged in milling on Conodoguinet Creck, this township. Ile was elected auditor of Cumberland County, on the Republican ticket, in 1875; re-elected in 1878, and during his term of service many reforms were accomplished in county affairs, due to his energy anıl interest in the welfare of the people. Personally Mr. Burgner is a gentleman of portly and commanding physique, genial and courteous disposition, and has a host of warm friends in Cumberland County.

HENRY CARL, postmaster and mechanic, Plainfield, was born April 14, 1836, in Spring Township, Perry Co., Penn. His father John Carl, a native of same county, married Miss Elizabeth Smec; was a carpenter and weaver, and resided in this locality un- til his death in 1880, when seventy-three years of age. His widow, who survives him. re- sides on the same place, and is seventy-six years old. Of their children, Mrs. Catharine Snyder, Mrs. Sarah Ellen Hood, Mrs. Jane Sponsler and John A. reside in Carlisle; Eman- uel lives in Landisburg; Mrs. Amelia Fenicle and Adeline are still in Perry County. Our subject came to Cumberland County at sixteen years of age. Hle was married February

23, 1860, to Miss Sarah A. Watson, and after farming for twelve years moved to Plainfield in 1872, and here he has followed bis trade, that of a carpenter and joiner, ever since. He was appointed postmaster of Plainfield October 1, 1885, and at the time established a confectionery in the same room. Ile bas been industrions and successful in life, and has accumulated a comfortable bome property in Plainfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Carl were born four children: Charles Edwin, William W., Anne E. and Effe M. Mr. Carl has ever been a Democrat. Ile has served this township three years as school director.

He and his worthy wife are members of the Church of God.

WILLIAM CAROTHERS (deceased) was born January 12, 1789, in West Pennsbor- ough Township, this county, son of Andrew and Margaret (Geddes) Carothers, early set- tlers of Cumberland County. Our subject was twice married; on first occasion to Miss Ann, daughter of Abraham Line, one of the sons of the original George Line. They set- tled at once on the family homestead. on the Chambersburg Pike, and here Mrs. Caro- thers died In 1838. To this union were born four children-two of whom died in infancy, Ann Rebecca died soon after her marriage with James M. Carothers, and Margaret Jane. Mr. Carothers, who afterward married Miss Esther McFecley, died March 9, 1870, in his eightieth year, his widow following him January 19, 1873, in her eighty-ninth year. Mr. Carothers, who was an enterprising and successful farmer, acquired a fine farm of 200 aeres, on which he had a handsome residence and substantial farm buildings. He was a conscientious member of the Presbyterian Church. Miss Margaret Jane Carothers, the daughter who survives, now owns the family homestead, where she resides, and is also the possessor of a fine farm of 184 acres of fertile, well-improved land. She is a consistent member of the Evangelical Association, and is a lady of estimable Christian character, having the respect of the community.

JAMES M. CAROTHIERS, farmer, P. O. Plainfield, was born Angust 4, 1829, in the house where he now lives, in West Pennsborough Township, this county. His father, Will- iam M., a son of Armstrong Carothers, and also a native of this township, married Miss Fanny, daughter of George Clark, of Frankford Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., and granddaughter of William Clark, a colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolu- tion. About 1828 William M. Carothers and family located in the MeAllister District, West Pennsborough Township, this county, and here resided until his death. Their chil- dren are as follows: George, in Frontier Connty, Neb; Jane; Armstrong, who died in Wood County. Ohio; William W., in Big Spring, this county; Mrs. Martha Eliza Duffy, in Mount Holly Springs, this county; Rev. Martin J., a presiding elder in the Evangelical Association at Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn .; Mary (deceased) and James M. Will- iam M. Carothers ended a useful life July 21, 1864, and his esteemed widow followed him November 29, 1872, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. They were an upright pioneer people, and their memory will long be honored. Our subject completed his education under Prof. R. K. Burns, at Plainfield Academy, this county, and early adopted the pro- fession of teaching, which he followed for six years, leaving an honorable record as a faithful and efficient teacher. He remained at home and took care of his aged parents until their death. Be bas purchased the interest of the other heirs in the homestead, and owns a fine farm of fifty-two acres of fertile and well-improved land. Mr. Carothers was married March 30, 1866. to Miss Ann Rebecca, daughter of William and Anne (Line) Carothers, and who died October 14, same year. She was a lady of estimable Christian

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character, and her early death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Carothers was married on second occasion February 23, 1871, to Isabel J. Kernan, of this township, and has one daughter, Mary J. Mr. Carothers is a life-long Democrat, with strong tem- perance principles. He and his worthy wife are consistent members of the Evangelical Association, in which he is class-leader.

JAMES A. DAVIDSON, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was born July 11, 1827, in West Pennsborough Township, this county, son of Alexander Davidson. He was brought up on his father's farm, and received his education principally in the schools of the home district. September 1, 1853, he married Miss Nancy C., daughter of William Nettle, of this township, and they have resided on the family homestead here ever since. To them were born ten children, seven now living: Mrs. Jane Ellen McKeehan, Lucy Cordelia, Mary Alice, Mrs. Nannie Merrette Green, William Alexander, Anna Amelia and Carrie Rabecca. Mr. Davidson is a life-long Republican, and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He has served his township acceptably as school-director, assessor, and in other capacities, and is a highly respected citizen.

JOHN S. DAVIDSON, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was born March 2, 1829, in West Pennsborough Township, this county. His father, Alexander Davidson, also a native of this county, and a son of John Davidson, married Miss Jane, daughter of John and Jane Woodburu, of Dickinson Township, this county, and settled on a farm in the Kerrsville District, where they acquired an estate of about 500 acres of farm land. In 1858 they retired from active labor and located in Newville, where they resided until their death, Mr. Davidson dying October 19, 1865, aged seventy-eight, and his widow August 19, 1879, aged eighty-years and eight months. To them were born eight children. Our subject completed his education in the academy at Lititz, Lancaster Co., Penn .; was engaged in mercantile business in Plainfield, this township, from 1851 to 1859, and while there, Janu- ary 1, 1856, was married. In 1859 he retired from mercantile business and located on the farm of 150 acres, where he now resides, and which, in early times, was owned by Rev. Joshua Williams, a Presbyterian minister, who built the handsome residence in which he resides. Mr. Davidson is a director in the First National Bank of Newville, as was also his father before him. He is a Republican in politics, and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He has served the township many years in the school board, and was appointed government assessor of internal revenue for Dickinson, West Pennsborough and Frank- ford Townships.

HENRY DONER, retired farmer, Plainfield, was born August 4, 1818. in West Penns- borough Township, this county. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Doner, of Lancaster County, Penn., located in Frankford Township, Cumberland County. Penn., in 1805, and after four years finally settled in West Pennsborough Township, where they took up a new farm, which they cleared and developed. They raised a family of ten children, all of whom married: Mrs. Elizabeth Hale died at Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Abraham (deceased); Daniel died in Johnson County, Iowa; Johu, in Pennsborough Township; Nancy Wag- goner, of Newville; Jacob; Mrs. Fannie Line (deceased); Mrs. Maria Rudy, of Dauphin County. Penu .; Ilenry and David. Mr. Doner died February 25, 1853, in his seventy-sec- ond year; his widow followed him March 7, 1875, at the advanced age of ninety-six years, two months and twenty-six days. They were industrious pioneers, and their mem- ory will long be honored. Our subject was brought up on the farm on which he now resides, and received his education in the schools of the home district. August 3, 1848, he married Miss Mary Ann Leidick, of Silver Spring Township. this county, where she was born March 2, 1830, daughter of John and Margaret (Albert) Leidick, natives of this county, where they passed their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Doner have resided on the homestead farm ever since their marriage, and own a fine farm of 135 acres of fertile and well improved land, with elegant residence and out-buildings. To them were born four children: Elizabeth Ann, who died at seven years of age: Mrs. Margaret Ellen Bear, liv- ing on the homestead; Henry Calvin, who died in his twenty-second year, and Mrs. Laura May Moyer, who died in her twenty-first year. Mr. and Mrs. Doner are consistent mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Doner is a Republican in politics. He is an upright, useful citizen, a man of firm principles, and enjoys the highest respect and esteem of the community.

DAVID DONER, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was boru April 6, 1820, in West Penns- borough Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., son of Daniel and Elizabeth Doner. He was brought up on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the home district. He married, October 26, 1845, Miss Susan Miller, who was born in York County, Penn., and moved to Mifflin Township, this county, in girlhood, with her parents, Henry and Elizabeth Miller. After living eighteen years on their farm on the banks of the Conodoguinet Creek, this township, Mr. Doner finally located on the State road, where he now resides and owns a fine farm of 114 acres, with handsome residence and farm buildings, hesides another place of 106 acres on the creek. To Mr. and Mrs. Doner were born four children: Daniel Henry, who died in childhood; Joseph. who died at twenty- four years of age; Mrs. Elizabeth Bear, living on the home place, and Alfred M., of Plain- field. Mrs. Doner died April 5, 1885. Mr. Doner is an earnest Republican. He has lead

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Ile

an active industrious life, devoting himself mostly to the management of his farm. is an upright man of strict integrity, highly respected by the whole community.

ROBERT II. FULTON, farmer, P. O. Newville, is the grand -on of Francis Fulton, who was born June 21, 1765, and with his parents came from Scotland and settled in Juniata County and had a large family of children. Francis Fulton was married to Sarah MeKinstry, born March 17. 1768, and they settled at " Quarry Hill," now in Penn Town- ship. this county. " At that time the Indians, who claimed a large part of this county, were very troublesome, and they captured grandfather's father and mother and all the rest of the family, except grandfather, and burned the house and killed one little boy. Grandfather was pursued, but he wrapped his clothes in a bundle, placed it on his head, and swam the Juniata River and crossed over to Cumberland County. The rest were taken to a Freuch settlement and sold, and after some time were released and settled where the city of Cincinnati now stands. Grandfather never knew what became of some of his brothers." On the Quarry Hill Farm were born twelve children: Jennie, the eldest, born July 13, 1786, followed by Mary, John, Elizabeth, James, Sarah and Annie, all born prior to 1800: Nancy, born January 16, 1802, now the widow of John Duncan, and resides at Peoria, Ill .; Francis II. Isabella; Keziah, and Matilda. All this family lived and died in this valley except Nancy Bell and John. James (father of our subject) was born October 10, 1795; was married to Grizzella, daughter of Robert Blean. of this county, and commenced domestic life on his wife's father's farm, and there the first daughter. Mary, was born. In 1834 James Fulton purchased the Duncan tract, purchased in 1788 of James Irwan and Isabella, his wife. On this farm was born Sarah (the first of the children married), wedded Robert Hood: Mary Craig, is the wife of Rev. John S. Mccullough; Francis, married Mary Jury; David B. died unmarried; Martha, unmarried, is a resident of Springfield, and James married Kate Bistline. Our subject, who was reared on the farm and edueated in the Big Spring Academy. eulisted, in 1862, in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Col. 1). B. Mckib- ben. Most of Mr. Fulton's service was in North Carolina, but the regiment also did duty in front of Richmond. He was promoted from corporal to sergeant of his company, and received his discharge August 18, 1863 November 26, 1863. his marriage with Minnie H. McCune occurred, and the young bride was taken to the old stone mansion, so many years in the possession of the Fultons, and which to-day is one of the oldest inhabited houses in the Cumberland Valley, and as substantial as ever. Robert Fulton and wife had fol- lowing named children: 1Ingh Brady McCune (born November 14, 1864), Ellie Blean, Jennie Belle, Albert William, Robert Howerd, Orthelia, Mary Bell and James Bruce (Jennie B. and Orthelia are deceased). This interesting family are the representatives of the grand old name they bear. Mr. Fulton and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Newville, in which he has been a trustee for a number of years.

ROBERT M. GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. Plainfield. The Graham family is one of the oldest and most reputable in the county. Four of its members have been associated with the legal profession for more than three-quarters of a century, serving also continually in official positions. William Graham (father of subject) was born in 1811, in Frankford Township, this county, son of Arthur and Nancy (McClure) Graham, and was married. in 1836, to Nancy Davidson, who bore him six sons: Robert M., John D., James M., Will- iam F., Arthur II. and Alfred M. All the sons, excepting Alfred M. (deceased), married and reside in Cumberland County. The eldest son, Robert M., was born November 12, 1837. and, from eleven years of age, resided with his uncle, Robert M. Graham. IIe received a liberal education in the schools of his township, and when twenty-one com- menved teaching school and for seven years followed this profession in Frankford Town- ship. this county (F. K. Ployer was one of his pupils). Elaving been raised on a farm, and preferring agriculture to a professional life, he subsequently took charge of his uncle's farm. In 1869 he was married to Rebecca J. McKeehan, whose ancestry dates back more than a century. She is a daughter of Joseph and Jane M. (Skiles) McKeehan. The mar- ried life of Robert and his young wife was commenced on his uncle's homestead. which has descended from father to son since the days of William Penn, from whom they have the original grant. On this farm were born their children, Joseph M., William F. and Clemens McFarland. Our subject's present home was the paternal homestead of Mrs. Graham, to whom it descended by inheritance. The first official term served by Robert M. Graham was commenced in the autumn of 1878, when he was elected prothonotary and retained as deputy by his successor and still continues in this office. In 1884 he was elected justice of the peace in this township, and as a conscientious official, publie-spirited citizen and good business man. he has few equals, and his neighbors unite in saying of him that " truly he is a man of the times."

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

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