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 109

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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 109
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 109

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JAMES D. GREASON, farmer, P. O. Greason, was born April 2, 1822, in West Pennsborough Township, this county. His father, James Greason, born November 25, 1776. in this county, was a son of William and Agnes (Waugh) Greason. James Greason, Sr., completed his literary course in Dickinson College. Carlisle, graduating in 1795, being a school-mate of President Buchanan. After graduating he pursued a legal course at Car- lisle, and was admitted to the bar. He married Miss Mary Carothers, of this county,

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about the latter part of the year 1804. and at once retired to a farm in Silver Spring Town- ship, but soon moved to a firm in West Pennsborough Township (a portion of the Caro- ther's estate), to which he added, until he finally possessed about 800 acres in the Greason School District. He erected buildings on most of the farms during his life. He died July 4. 1855, his wife having preceded him in 1854. Our subject completed his education io the academy at Shippensburg, and, in the spring of 1813, opened a drug store in that town. where he continued until 1845, when he established himself in the same line of business at Nashville, Tenn. He returned from there in December, 1847, and has lived in Cumber- land County ever since. January 10, 1834, he married Miss Elmira J. Bitner, and located at once on the family homestead, where they now reside, and where his father lived from 1826 until his death. They have here a fine farm of 150 acres, on which they have erected a fine residence, and also own 110 acres adjoining, and also 135 acres from his father-in- law's estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Greason have been born two children: Henry Bitner (deceased in infancy) and Ralph. They have also brought up in their family Miss Grace Eppley, Mrs. Greason's cousin.

JOHN GREIDER, retired farmer, Plainfield, was born October 1. 1812, in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland Co., Penn. His parents, Jacob and Anna (Bowers) Greider, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., were among the early settlers of Silver Spring Town- ship. this county. JJacob Greider was stricken down with apoplexy in 1827; his widow survived him until 1858, and was nearly eighty-five years old when she died. Of their nine children three are living: Henry, of Kosciusko County, Ind ; Mrs. Anna Railing, of Des Moines, lowa, and John. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm. and attended the schools of the home district. He was married, September 4, 1834, to Miss Catharine, daughter of John and Catharine (Keiser) Heikes, the former a native of York County, and the latter of Perry County, Penn., and who settled in West Pennsborough Township, this county, in very early times. and now lie buried on the farm. Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Heikes all lived to an advanced age: Mrs. Rachel Paul. George, Mrs. Elizabeth Leas, Mrs. Catharine Greider. David, Mrs. Rebecca Weisley-all now deceased but Catharine. Mr. Greider, after farming for three years, kept store three years at West Hill and in 1844 located on Conodoguinet Creek, and has resided here since that year. They possessed a fine estate of 300 or 400 acres at one time, most of which they have divided among their children, but still own the West Hill Mill, which is a fine property. To Mr. and Mrs, Greider have been horn eight children-six of whom are now living: Mrs. Rachel Zolen (of Steele City, Neb.). Jacob, John. David and Mrs. Anna Diller (twins, now living near Steele City, Neb.) and George (of Belle Plain, Kas.). Mr. Greider, though a Republican in politics, has not cast a vote since he voted for Henry Clay, in 1844. He was an acquaintance and admirer of Bayard Taylor. He has been a man of very active life and industrious habits; has been a careful and extensive reader, a close observer of men and affairs, and being a natural orator has been called to preach at funerals, etc , for the past twenty-five years. His children, all well educated, are taking a high position in business and society.

GEORGE GROVE, physician. Big Spring, has been one of the most active members of the medical profession, and is to-day the oldest practicing physician in the Cumberland Valley. He was born August 11, 1811, in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., son of Ja- cob and Elizabeth (Welsh) Grove, three of whose daughters, all widows, are still living: Mrs. Nancy Seibert, of Chambersburg; Mrs. Jane Pfeffer and Mrs. Mary Jeffries, of Phila- delphia. Our subject received his scholastic education in Chambersburg; graduated with honor, in 1836. at the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Penn .. his diploma bear- ing the signatures of some of the most noted men in the State: Granville S. Pattison, M. D .; George MeClellan, M. D., father of Gen. George B. Mcclellan, and also of Samuel McClellan, M. D., who is one of the finest obstetricians in the United States. Dr. Grove was married, April 6, 1837, to Miss Louisa Horn, of Hagerstown, Md., who bore him four daughters and two sons (both named George, the first of whom died in infancy, and the second enlisted in Company D. Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, when only seventeen, and died a few weeks later in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn.). The daughters are Josephine, Mary, Elizabeth and Emma L. Josephine and Emma are living, and in every respect inherit the noble qualities of their mother, who died October 27. 1847. Dr. Grove subsequently married Mrs. Martha Burkhardt, who bore him one son, Diller, now a resi- dent of Carlisle. The Doctor's third wife was Mary A. E., daughter of John and Louisa Trego. He was an iron manufacturer and merchant of Cumberland Valley. After fifty years of active practice the Doctor is still hale and vigorous, his hair is raven black. and his step is assprightly and elastic as that of a youth of twenty. Possessed of a liberal education and brilliant mind, he has for many years been considered an authority on medical matters in this and neighboring counties, and his position is a really enviable one among the faculty in the State. llis daughters have also received a liberal education, and their accomplish- ments afford additional pleasure to their father, who has devoted so much of his valuable time to them.

JOHN C. KEISER, merchant, Plainfield. was born September 29. 1833. in Perry County, Penn., son of Jacob and Catharine (Ritter) Keiser, natives of that county, who

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Joented in West Pennsborough Tp., Cumberland Co., Penn., in early times, but afterward moved to Perry County, and there resided until their death. Our subject, the youngest in a family of four sons and three daughters, at ten years of age entered the store of his brother in-laws. D. & J. Kochendofer, at Loysville, Perry County, and there remained until he was twenty years old He spent four years in the West, engaged in mer- cantile pursuits in Rock Island. Ill .. and Davenport, Iowa. He came to Cumberland County and established a general store at Greason, in 1859, which he has carried on ever since locating at different times at West Hill, Good Hope, Mount Rock. Heberlig and Plainfield. He settled down permanently at his present stand in Plainte d in the spring of 1855. and here keeps a full stock of dry goods. groceries and general merchandise. He has built himself a fine residence and store building, and has, besides, a farm of eighty acres in Benton County, Minn. By strict attention to business Mr. Keiser has built up a large trade with the surrounding community. Hle married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Humer, of Carlisle, Penn., in 1860, and they have had five children: David K., Mrs. Cora C. Smith, Mary E. (deceased). Anna R. and Grace R. Mr. Keiser is a Republican in politics. Ile hell the appointment as postmaster at Plainfield from 1875 to 1877; Mount Rock from 1878 10 1880; Ifeberlig in 1881. Mr. Keiser is one of the active enterprising business men, and is respected by all who know him.

WILLIAM KERR. a native of Huntingdon County. Pern., was born October 30. 1791, and came to West Pennsborough Township, Cumberland Co., Penn , in 1825, and on June 26, the same year. married Miss Eliza Belle, daughter of David and Isabel Sterrett, natives of this county and very prominent pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr lived one year in Hunting- don County after their marriage and then settled permenently in West Pennsborough Township, this county. in 1826. and here acquired a fine estate. Mr. Kerr was a very act- ive, public spirited citizen, devoting most of his attention to the management of his es- tate. He was one of the original founders and a member of the board of directors of the banking house of Kerr, Brenham & Co., since known as the First National Bank of Car- lisle. Ilis useful life ended September 20, 1874, his wife having preceded him December 23, 1844. Of their children four attained maturity: Elizabeth Jane and Mary Isabel (both deceased), William A. and David S., living.

WILLIAM A. KERR, farmer, P. O Kerrsville, was born. November 30, 1829; ac- quired his education in the academies of Iluntingdon Mount Joy, Lancaster County; Juniata County, and Good Hope, of this township. Hle married, January 10. 1854, Miss Elizabeth B. Orr. of Franklin County. Penn .. and then settled down where they now re- side. To this union have been born two children: Mary Eliza and William Orr.

DAVID STERRETT KERR, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was educated in common school and Mount Joy Academy. and has resided on the homestead farm all his life. These gentle- men have made many valuable improvements in the estate handed down from their an- cestors.

T. FRANK KING, proprietor of Valley View Mills, P. O. Newville, was born April 19. 1×36. in Georgetown, pow a part of Washington, D. C. His father, John HI. King, a native of the eastern shores of Maryland, was a son of a sea captain. and his mother was born in the Carlisle Garrison. this county. John H. King early engaged in merean- tile business at Georgetown, and there married Miss Ellen Harriet, who was born in Mon- ro Township, this county. Her parents were also natives of this county. After a long and prosperous business career, Mr. King retired to Georgetown Heights, where be resided un- til his death, about 1855; his esteemed widow survived him until March, 1885. dying while on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Anna Ingraham, of Palmyra. Wayne Co., N. Y. Our subjeet received his education in the academies and colleges of Washington City; came to Carlisle. this county. at about nineteen years of age, and learned his profession at Hender- son's Mills. Ile married Miss Anna C. Bowers, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Bow- ers, of Carlisle, the ceremony being performed December 17, 1857, by Rev. C. P. Wing. After living at Georgetown three years; at Seneca Mills, Md .. about two years; near Spring Mills, this county, two years; Bucher's Mills, Silver Spring Township, two years; New- ville two years; and two years at Roxbury, Franklin County, they purchased the Shella- berger Mills on the Conodogninet Creek, West Pennsborough Township. this county, in 1873. and have resided here ever since. Here they own a fine mill with four ruo of burrs, doing a fine trade with the surrounding community, and shipping to more remote points. Mr. King is also deeply interested in the culture of bees, and has an extensive apiary of fifty bives, from which he realizes from one to two tons of honey annually. To Mr. and Mrs. King have been boin two children: Mrs. Margaret Mentzer and Harry M. Our subject has bern successful in life, and has acquired a fine property in residences and lots in Newville, besides the mill and farin where he resides. Ile is past master in the F. & A. M., and a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.

GEORGE LANDIS. farmer. P. O. Newville, a son of George and Elizabeth Landis, was born in Franklin County. Penn., Jannary 30, 1826, his father dying a few days before. Our subject came with his mother and other children (Jacob and Anna) to MitHin Town- ship. this county. in February, 1826. They were quite poor, and after coming to Millin Township the mother supported her family by the labor of her own hands until they were

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able to care for themselves. Mrs. Landis was married to John Negley ahout 1831, and by him had one son : Johu, now a resident of South Middleton Township. this county. George Landis remained with his step-father, working for his hoard and clothes, until he was thir- teen years of age, when he was indentured to Audrew Snoke to learn the blacksmith's trade, which apprenticeship he completed in four years, and then found himself the pos- sessor of $100, having received $25 per year for his services, he furnishing his own clothes. He worked the next year for his brother Jacob, for $5 per month, nearly all of which he saved, and then for five years worked in Newville, saving during that time enough money to establish himself in business. Having won the affection of Elizabeth H. Hoover, they were married, February 17, 1848, and in the spring moved to Mifflin Township, this coun- ty, where Mr. Landis worked four years at his trade, and then purchased the farm now owned by George Hosler. Full of enterprise, he rapidly improved his farm, for which he paid $1,800, and a few years later sold it for $6,000. Since then he has purchased other farms, and now owns not only his fine homestead in this township, but another farm in Mifflin Township. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Landis, eight now liv- ing: Margaret E., widow of John Lay; Eliza J., wife of P. A. Ployer; Levi F., married to Mary A. Brehm; William H., married to Elizabeth Brehm; George A., married to Ella Strohm: John M .; Harvey and Samuel (the last three named are still single). The success of Mr. Landis has been phenomenal. He still does his own smithing, has followed the trade in all forty seven years, and is one of the oldest blacksmiths in the county.

JOSEPH A. LINDSAY, miller, P. O. Newville, is a great-grandson of Samuel Lind- say, of Scotch origin, who early settled in this township and married Jane Martin, about 1766. and by her had five children: William, Robert, Jane, Margaret and Nancy. Robert Lindsay, who was a noted teacher in this county, married Elizabeth Conley, February 21, 1797, and was father of the following named children: Nancy, Joseph C., Samuel and Lacy. Of these children Joseph C. (father of our subject), was born in West Pennshor- ough Township, this county. in 1802; learned the miller's trade at the Shellabarger Mills (with the owners of that mill), and during his lite-time followed that occupation and at the time of his death had engaged forty years continuously in the business. He (Joseph C.) was married December 24. 1829. to Elizabeth Shellabarger. born September 15, 1809, by whom he had five children: Ann M., John, Lacy, Mary J. and Robert (the latter was burned to death in the Hays Mill in Frankfort Township, this county, March 2, 1849). The death of Joseph C. Lindsay's first wife occurred February 19, 1841, and September 20, 1845, he married Mrs. Barbara (Bear) Stevick (who by her first husband was the mother of David B. and Sarah A . wife of W. Scott McGaw; David B. Stevick married Ellen Black and resides in Carlisle). Mr. Lindsay's second marriage was blessed with one child: Joseph A., born June 27, 1846. The second wife died in 1885. Our subject learned his trade with his father and, after the death of the latter, purchased the mill, in 1880. He was married. in 1867, to Clara, daughter of John and Rebecca Rhodes, residents near Middle Spring. Frankliu Co., Penn. Of the five children born to this union two are liv- ing: Ralph and Laura.

GEORGE LINE, farmer. P. O. Greason, was born July 6, 1826, in Dickinson Town- ship, this county, sou of David Line and grandson of William and great-grandson of George Line, which William Line served as a minute man in the Revolutionary war. He was in the service at the time of the Trenton and Princeton battles, and to his lot it fell to take some of the Hessian prisoners as laborers on the farm. His sword is still held as a relic of the family. William Line married Maria Bear, and their children were Emanuel, George. David, Mrs Marv Spangler, Mrs. Catherine Eby, Mrs. Nancy Musselman, Mrs. Sarah Tritt, Mrs. Susan Myers, Mrs. Rebecca Givler, Mrs. Lydia Myers and Mrs. Rachel Snyder. David, son of William Line, married Miss Sarah Myers, who bore him the fol- lowing children: John (deceased), Dr. William Liue (of Nebraska City, Neb.), George, David. Samuel C., Mrs. Mary A. Greason (deceased), Mrs. Matilda Huston, Mrs. Sarah Jane Huston and Frances (deceased). David Liue died January 31, 1864; his widow fol- lowed him June 1, 1882. aged eighty-one years. George, the son of David and Sarah (Mvers) Line, married November, 1831. Mrs. Isabella W., daughter of Jonathan and 'Amy (Spear) Hustou, the former of whom, a native of this county, was a son of John and Mar- garet (Hnston) Huston; the latter, a native of Maine, came here with her mother aud step- father, Mr. Wheeler, who went the next year to Morgan County, Ohio. After living in South Middleton Township. this county, until 1873, Mr. and Mrs. George Line settled per- manently in West Pennsborough Township, this conuty. where they now reside and have a fine farm of 136 acres, besides 100 acres in South Middleton Township, which 100 acres is a part of the tract purcha-ed from Gen. John Armstrong in 1778. Their living chil- dren are Arthur Wing and Dionysius Page; four died of diphtheria within two weeks, in October. 1863. Mr. Line has lived a long and useful life in this county; is a Repub- lican in politics with strong temperance principles: is an upright, useful citizen.

JOHN A. LINE, farmer, P. O. Greason, was born April 9, 1834, on the homestead farm, Dickinson Township. this county. During the time when the French Huguenots were settling in Switzerland, George Line, a native of Switzerland. sailed, with his wife and son, for America, but died on ship-board, and his widow located in Lancaster County,

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Penn .. where the young lad George grew up, and in course of time married Salome Zim- merman. lle was for many years proprietor of the famous Green Gardens, in Lancaster County, purchasing the property of Gen. John Armstrong, in Dickinson Township, this county. and settling here in 1728 He paid $9,000 Continental currency for the farm. Of George and Salome Line's sons, George L died November 5, 1835, David died in Lancaster County, and William. Abraham and John lived in Dickinson Township, this county. John married Miss Anna Barbara Le Fevre, and had three daughters: Salome (deceased), Mrs. Catharine Tritt (deceased), and Mrs. Mary Coulter, now living in Vermillion, Mar- shall County, Kas .; and three sons: George L., Daniel, burned to death in childhood, and John, who settled in Warren County. Ill. George L. Line married Miss Maria Line, daughter of Emanuel Line and granddaughter of William Line, and to this union were born four children: Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hemminger, John A., Emanuel C. and Abraham h. Mrs. Line died November 27. 1869. John A .. the eldest son, completed his education by taking a short course at Good Hope Academy and in White Ilall Academy, near Ilarris- burg, Penn. He married, December 29, 1868, Miss Mary B. Bowman, and March 30, 1869, they settled where they now reside, in West Pennsborough Township. this county, and have a fine farm of 82 acres of fertile and well-improved land. Their children are Miriam (deceased), Herman Bowman, Charles Eugene and John Raymond. Mrs. Line is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Line, formerly a Republican in politics, is now a Prohibitionist. Ile has served his township in various official positions. He took a thorough course in civil engineering and does a large business as surveyor in this county.

JOHN K. LONGNECKER, farmer. P. O. Plainfield, was born September 29, 1839, in West Prunsborough Township. this county. His father, Benjamin Longnecker, a son of Isaac Longnecker, a native of Lanenster County, Penn., and an early settler in the lower part of Cumberland County, was born near Fairview, this county, and there married Miss Mary Reif, a native of Middleton. Dauphin Co., Penn., and settled permanently in Plain- field in 1833, where they died-Mr. Longnecker March 11, 1869, and his widow in 1885, aged eighty-five years. They reared nine of their eleven children: Mrs. Nancy Howen- stine. of Deentur, Ill .; Mrs. Mary Bear, of Wichita, Kas .; Mrs. Catharine Bear; Mrs. Elza Strohm; Mrs. Susan James (deceased); Mrs. Rebecca Carl (deceased); Sarah; Ben- jamin F., of Decatur. Ill .; and John K. At nineteen our subject engaged in teaching, and after following the profession four years, completed his education in the State Nor- mal School. at Millersville; then continued teaching at Plainfield seven years, making eleven years in all in the place. He enlisted October 16, 1863, in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; served under Gen. Foster, at Mid- dlebury. N. C., being detailed as clerk in the quartermaster's department during the en- tire term of service. He married Miss Sarah Belle Peffer, of Dickinson Township, this county, JJanuary 5. 1865, and then settled where he now resides, on the old family home- stead. They own here a farm of 70 acres, with handsome residence and buildings, all of which they have acquired by their own industry. To them have been born four children: Benjamin H., Mary R., Myrtle B. and Willie P. (deceased). Mr. Longnecker is a Repub- lican in politics. He has served as school director five years and takes a deep interest in the cause of education.

BENJAMIN MCKEEHAN. farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, is a grandson of Benjamin Me- Kechan, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, whose first settlement in Cumberland County. Penn .. was near the Conodogninet, in what is now West Pennsborongh Town- ship. At that time he was only eleven years of age, but three brothers came with him: John, James and Alexander; they were the possessors of plenty of ready money, for an immense tract of land was purchased, extending from within a half mile from Newville to Mount Rock. Benjamin MeKeehan was a Revolutionary soldier, and after the close of the war returned to this township; a few years later he married Margaret Wilson, and their first daughter Mary, was born June 15, 1782, followed by the birth of Chrissy in 1981. Jane in 1787. John in 1789, William in 1793, and Margaret in 1797. This pioneer couple died, the father October 23, 1814, and the mother April 24, 1829. The youngest son (father of our subject) was married. in 1833, to Rebecca, daughter of James McManes, who came from Ireland when a young man, and settled near Plainfield; was married to Ann Holt-oppel. and had the following children: Irvin. Esther, Rebecca and John. To William McKeehan and wife six children were born: Margaret, Benjamin, Thaddeus S., Grizzell. Reberra C. and Jane M. Thaddeus S. was a volunteer in Company E. One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry, and fell in the memorable bat- tle of Antietam. upon which bloody field he was buried. William McKechan lived a long and useful life, and died in April, 1871. His good widow finds a pleasant home with her son and daughter in the old mansion where her married life has been spent, and has passed her eighty-first birthday, having lived to see Cumberland Valley transformed from a forest into elegant farms, dotted with fine residences and prosperous villages. The children are of that intelligent class that may be expected from those who carry in their veins the blood of a Revolutionary soldier.

JOHN D. MAINS, farmer, Newville, was born in 1852, at Shippensburg, within & short distance of the Cumberland County line. His great-grandfather, Marshall M.

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Mains, came with his family from Bucks County, Penn., almost a century ago, and of his children Marshall M. (grandfather of subject) married, and had the following children: Marshall M., William, Griselda and Sarah; of these William and Marsball inherited the large farm near the then village of Shippensburg. The elder son married Sarah M. Bell, by whom be bad five sons and two daughters: Thomas B. (enlisted in the Second New York Cavalry, and, for bravery, was promoted first lieutenant of a colored regiment, and met his death while gallantly fighting in the battle of the Wiklerness), William J., James M , Jolin D. (our subject), Robert K., Jane M. and Margaret S. On the maternal side Mrs. Mains was a direct descendant of the Dunlaps, who for more than a century lived in West Pennsborough Township, and in their day were a numerous and influential family. John D. was in his third year when his mother died, and he then came to reside with John. Sarah. Nancy and Mary Dunlap, who lived in Mr. Mains' present residence, and here he was reared and educated. Sarah Dunlap, who was born in the old log house that stands near by. in 1792, died at the patriarchal age of ninety-three. John D. Mains became heir in part to the original Dunlap estate. Onr subject chose farming; was mar- ried, December 1, 1875, to Emma J., daughter of David G. and Griselda (Linn) Duncan. Their married life has been passed on the fine farm previously mentioned. and their chil- dren-Glenn D., Sarah G., Robert M. and Thomas B .- were the first born in a house that for three-quarters of a century has been occupied by a renowned family.

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

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