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 110

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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 110
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 110

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ALEXANDER S. MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a grandson of James Montgomery, who was married, April 30, 1812. to Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander and Sarah Scroggs, who, at that date, owned all the land on both sides of the spring in the neighborhood where our subject resides. Alexander Scroggs, who, in an early day, always carried his trusty rifle on bis back while plowing, one day discovered what he thought to be a painted savage following him while at work. The sharp crack of the rifle announced the shot that laid the marauder low, and after washing off the paint, Mr. Scroggs found that a white man instead of an Indian had attempted to murder him. On this farm bushels of arrow-heads have been unearthed, which were probably made and hidden by the Indians in an early day. Alexander Scroggs died in 1826, aged nearly sev- enty-seven years; his wife died in 1804. They reared a numerous family, the descendants of whom are all now deceased but our subject, who is also the last of the Montgomery family. James Montgomery and wife had two children: Robert and Sarah J. (married to A. L. Irvin in 1839). Robert was born September 12, 1814, and married. in 1847, Rachael Thompson, who was born in 1813, and to this union were born Elizabeth, Alexander S. and Jane. The eklest daughter is the wife of S. M. Skinner, with whom Jane resides. All were born in the ancestral Seroggs mansion, which, in an early day was used as a fort in which the family were frequently sheltered from the Indians. Robert Montgomery, the father, died April 11, 1879, and his wife October 20, 1862. Alexander S .. the only son of this couple, was born March 17, 1851; was married November 14, 1877, to Clara, daughter of John and Maria Elliott. residents at that time of Plainfield, this county. The union of this young couple was blessed with three children: Sarah J., Rachael M. and Clara E., all of whom were born on the homestead, where four generations of the family have been born, and of which Mr. Montgomery is sole heir, who, no doubt, will, in his turn, transmit it to his children. In 1872 Robert Montgomery was elected associate judge, serving out his term with distinction. As a man and jurist he occupied the high- est place in the estimation of the public, for his official life was characterized by many acts of kindness and public spirit.

MRS. EMILY W. MYERS, P. O. Newville, was born near Big Spring, Cumberland County, Penn., July 12, 1849. youngest daughter of Joseph and Mary S. (Woodburn) McKee, and was married, July 31, 1872, to John B. Myers, son of John B. and Eve (Bower) Myers, and born October 21. 1834. The original John B. Myers was of German descent; came to this county from Lancaster County, Penn .. more than a century ago. He was the father of the following named children: John B., William A., Samuel, Catharine, Anna, Elizabeth, Maria, Sarah and Agnes. He purchased a farm (a part of the original Schuyler tract), and was one of the few who were able to withstand the terrible financial depression following the Revolutionary war, when the Continental money became worth- less, and men holding thousands of dollars were reduced to poverty by the depreciation of this currency. Full of enterprise Mr Myers pushed bravely on, and instilled in his son the same enthusiasm characteristic of his race and name, and succeeded in holding the property and becoming quite wealthy. After the marriage of John B. Myers. Jr., and wife, they commenced their domestic life on the pleasant homestead where the widow still resides. Up to the age of forty-five years he had long resisted the match-making mammas, but the many charms of Miss MeKee won him from the ranks of batchelordom, and to the time of his death occasion never arose for regret that he had formed this alliance with a daughterof one of the oldest and most noted families in Cumberland Valley. Mr. Myers was a successful farmer. He and his wife, devout members of the United Pres- byterian denomination, were prominent in church work. Retiring in manner Mr. Myers had great love for home, his wife and his children-Mary E., Harriet J., Joseph Mc. John B., Sarah J. and Maggie Y., all living but John B. and Maggie. March 21, 1884, the death of the kind husband and father occurred, since which time Mrs. Myers has man-

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aged the farm, her husband having such confidence in her ability that she was left sole executor, and well does she preform her trust. Her home is neat, cheery and attractive, and the bright children evince a careful training.

In connection with this sketch Mrs. Myers says: "I consider it very important in writing the biography of the lives of different persons to know for what purpose they have lived, whether the life of each has been a success or a failure, a blessing of a eurse. In writing my own history, I would, in the spirit of meekness and deep hum ility, say that my object in life has not been to accumulate riches, neither have I coveted the hon- ors and emoluments of this world, nor was it any good in me but through the free grace and loving kindness of our Heavenly Father. I was led in very early life to accept the Savior, and ever since my heart's desire and prayer have been that I might be instrumental in leading precious souls to Christ, independent of rank or station, color or nation. Much of my time and means has been employed in devising ways by which the cause of mis- aions might be more rapidly advanced, thereby bringing glory to God and so rescue the perishing. And last. not least does my soul go out to the glorious temperance cause, and oh! how I long to be helpful in emancipating the millions of precious souls who are held captive under the terrible eurse of the rum traffic, and which is swe ping over our beloved land like a mighty flood; the sin, if not being repented, will bring down the vengeance of an offended Deity, and cause this great Nation to be obliterated from the face of the earth. I would add, in conclusion, when we were married my husband was not a Christian. I officiated as priest at the family altar and at the family board, and, having grace admin- istered to discharge my duty faithfully, 1 soon had the sweet consciousness of being the feeble instrument in my husband's conversion, and had his dying testimony as I saw his spirit leave the clay tabernacle to that 'house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' These few facts I have hastily penned, in the hope they may be productive of good as a stimulus and encouragement to some devoted wife who has an unregenerate hus- band,and as a legacy to my children to follow in my footsteps only in as far as I have fol- lowed Christ, and my earnest desire has been that each of their lives may be one constant sacrifice to labor for the Savior who has bought them at such an immense cost, even the shedding of His own precious blood."

BENJAMIN MYERS, retired, P. O. Big Spring, was born April 8, 1816, on the home- stead owned by John Armstrong. Rev Abraham Myers was the first of the Myers fam- ily to come to this county, probably in 1760, and was the first minister of the United Brethren faith in this locality. He subsequently married a Miss Baker, who bore him three sons: Abraham, Benjamin and John. The reverend gentleman not only engaged in farming, but for many years rode over a large territory while preaching, and his own house was one of the regular appointments. He died about 1825. Abraham, the eldest son. was born in 1789 on the farm now owned by Mrs. James Greason. He was married to Nancy Myers, whose parents were also early settlers in the valley. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Myers settled on the farm now owned by John Armstrong, and there reared a family of seven children: Samuel, James, Benjamin, Abraham, William G., Mary A. and Elizabeth. Of this family. William G., an M. D., practiced medicine for many years in this county, and now resides near Carlisle with his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Hosler. The other sons were farmers, but Benjamin is the only one residing in this township. In 1817 our subjeet married Mary, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Raber, of York County, Penn. (both now deceased), and to this union were born Samuel, George, Alfred. Joseph, John, Benjamin. Abraham, James, Ellen, Annie, Concordia W and Flora. Mr. Myers' married life was begun on his father's homestead, but three years later he purchased an adjacent farm, and in 1855 bought his present home, where for so many years he has lived and prospered. Some of the children are in the West, doing well, and those remaining with the parents make jovous the old home hallowed by so many pleasant memories.

LEVON IL. ORRIS, farmer, Newville, was born October 10, 1834, in Lizertzhurg. Ilis great-grandparents, with their children, were forced to fly from Ireland, leaving be- hind them a large estate. When Christopher Orris (grandfather of subject) was a mere Ind he came to North Middleton Township, this county, and remained in the employment of Abraham Waguer until his marriage with Anna M. Bistline. John, the eldest son, was born in August, 1809, followed by Elizabeth, Margaret, Maria. Christopher, Sarah A., Catharine, Susan, George B. and Zacharias. When the war of 1812 broke out Christopher Orris started to Carlisle, intending to volunteer, but the tears and entreaties of his wife and young chi dren caused him to relinquish the idea. He was a good man and reared his family in the Lutheran faith of which church he was a member. John Orris was married October 10. 1833. to Elizabeth Koser, whose people were among the first settlers in the neighborhood, and many of the relationship arc yet residents of Cumberland County. Levon H., Margaret and Rebecca were born prior to their parents' removal to Frankford Township near the Lutheran Church, where the other children were born: John. Eliza J. and Sylvester, all now deceased. Sylvester dying in defense of his country at Alexan- dria, Va., during the late Rebellion. Levon II. Orris learned the tailor's trade with his father, working for him until 1855, when he married Nancy A., daughter of Moses and Maria ( Sulleuborger) Whistler when he began farming in Mifflin Township on his wife's land. In 1859 he purchased a nice farm in Frankford Township, this county, residing

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there twenty-one years, during which time John S., Harvey H., Levon II. and Nannie M. were born (the birth of the first child occurring ten years after marriage). Mr. Orris has not only been a very enterprising man, but a liberal one, and many have had canse to re- member him with gratitude. Mr. Orris has filled many offices of trust, and was chosen to represent the Democratic party as treasurer from a list of twenty-two candidates, was elected by a good majority in 1873, and served his official term with credit. In 1881 he purchased his present farm near Newville, and pays attention entirely to agriculture and stock-raising.

MERVIN LINDSEY RALSTON, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born in West Penns- borough Township, this county, February 15, 1857. His father. Andrew Ralston. a son of David and Lucy (McAllister) Ralston, was born in Mifflin Township, this county. Oc- tober 6, 1827, and was married February 26, 1852, to Jane E. Lindsey, a native of West Pennsborough Township, this county, and daughter of James Lindsey. She died Feb- ruary 26, 1857. Of their children, Mervin L., the subjectof this sketch, is the only sur- vivor. After the death of his first wife, Andrew Ralston married Miss Anna B. Mc- Elwaine, who died, leaving three children: Joseph B., Ella N. and Ilarry M. Andrew Ralston departed this life July 1, 1885. After the death of his mother Mervin L. Ralston was reared in the family of his uncle, James M. Ralston, in Dickinson Township, this county, until he was nine years of age; since then he has resided on his father's old farm, which he now owns, having purchased the other heirs' interest in the same. He has here a fine farmi of 102 acres of fertile and well improved land. March 15, 1883, Mr. Ralston married Josephine Duffy and they have one daughter: Florence I. Onr subject is an en- terprising, successful young farmer, an upright and useful citizen, highly respected by the community in which he lives.

JOSEPH RITNER (deceased), ex-governor of Pennsylvania, was born where the city of Reading, Berks Co., Penn., now stands, March 25, 1780. His grandfather, John Ritner, a descendant of one of the noble families of Silesia, located for some time in Alsace, then a part of France, but afterward came to America and settled in Berks County, Penn .; his son, Michael, who was a soldier of distinction in the Revolution, serving until its close, swam Long Island Sonnd, being one of the very few that escaped by that route, and he was in the service at the time of the birth of his illustrions son. He followed the trade of weaver, locating in turn at Lancaster, Carlisle and York, where he died. Our subject, at twelve years of age, was hired out by his father to Jacob Myers, a farmer near Churchtown, this county, but who afterward moved to near Newville, and there Joseph Ritner lived until his marriage, May 26, 1801, wi h Miss Susan daughter of Jacob Alter. In 1803 they moved to Westmoreland County, Penn., with her father, of whom Mr. Ritner bought a tract of land in Washington County (about six miles west of Washington and three north of Taylorstown), and there devoted himself to the development of his estate; he served under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812; was nominated to the Legislature, with- out his knowledge, in 1821, on the Democratic ticket, and triumphantly elected. He was re-elected six consecutive terms, serving as speaker three terms, being unanimously elected the last time-the only instance on record in this State. He was a candidate of the Dem- ocratic Anti-Masonic party for governor in 1829, 1833 and 1835, being elected the last time. The acts of his administration were in the highest degree beneficial to the people of Pennsylvania. It was during this time (in 1836) that the present efficient school law was finally enacted and the State debts reduced over $100,000, a striking contrast to the administration immediately preceding and succeeding. He took a decided stand against the formation of monopolies in coal, land and railroads; opposed re-chartering State banks, then making application, and pointed ont the evils that would result if they were successful. Ifis veto was disregarded, and the evils he predicted speedily followed, causing general financial distress throughont the State. The great statesman, Thaddeus Stevens, was his intimate friend, and the plans marked out by Gov. Rituer were generally followed by Mr. Stevens. Of the circumstances of his last race, in 1838, it is sufficient to say that had there been a more fair and honest election the State might have been spared the unfortu- nate administration of Gov. Porter. At the close of his term Mr. Ritner purchased the bank farm, formerly owned by Gen. Foster, at Mount Rock, West Pennsborough Town- ship. this county, where he resided the remainder of his life. He was an intimate friend of Gen. Harrison, who favored him whenever the opportunity offered. He devoted his attention to managing his estate until his retirement in 1848, continuing to take an active interest iu public affairs. He lived a temperate and regular life, enjoying robust health. Personally he was of medium stature and portly build, weighing about 240 pounds during the latter half of his life. He passed away painlessly, through natural decay, ending his eventful and useful life October 19, 1869, in his ninetieth year. Gov. Ritner was a man of clear, quick perceptions, strong and persevering will, and of unimpeachable honesty, ever interested in the welfare of the people. He was opposed to the institution of slavery, a foe to secession, and at the decline of the Whig party became a Republican. During his service in the Legislature he was cotemporary with Dr. Jesse R. Burden, William M. Meredith, Joel B. Sutherland, Jonathan Roberts, James L. Gillelen and other illustrious men, from among whom he was chosen to the highest positions and received the most dis- tingnished honors. Gov. Ritner's beloved wife died in 1853. They reared nine children,

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all of whom reared families but one-Joseph, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, but who resigned from the army, married, and took a professor- ship in Washington College; afterward received a commission as first lieutenant in the army. but died at home, in 1833, before assuming his duties; he had served with great dis- tinetion in the Black Hawk war. Abraham, a conductor on the Cumberland Valley Rail- road. died at Chambersburg. Penn., in 1852; Henry was killed by a railroad accident at Bur- lington, Iowa, in 1863: Michael died in Bloomfield, N. J., in 1879, was a civil engineer ou the Morris & Essex Railroad; Jacob, a farmer, died in South Middleton Tp., this county, in 1871; Mrs. Susan Kreichbaum died in 1854; Emma died in 1876; Mrs. Margaret Alter is now liv- ing at Kirkwood, Mo .; and Peter, the only surviving son, and who was born September 13, 1818. in Washington County. Penn., completed his education under Prof. Alfred Armstrong, of Harrisburg. Penn., eame to West Pennsborongh Township, this county, with his father, in 1839 and here rast his first vote for Gen. Harrison in 1840, and has supported the Whig and Republican parties ever since. He remained on this farm with his father, which place he purchased in 1856, and still owns, having here a fine farm of 156 acres. He married, February 16, 1843, Miss Mary Jane, daughter of William Davidson, and who died June 5, 1815, leaving one son, William D., now a clerk in the Treasury Department at Washington, D. C. Mr. Ritner married, in 1848, Miss Amelia Jane, daughter of Alex- ander Davidson, and she died October 18, 1870, leaving four children: Anna M., Mary D., Walter Clark and Joseph Alexander, having lost three in infancy. Mr. Ritner subse- quently married. November, 1872, Mrs. Jane Mary McKeehan. Mr. and Mrs. Ritner and daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a worthy descendant of a nohle father, a man of education and wide influence.

JACOB G. SHAW, farmer, P. O. Newville, was born in Penn Township, this county, July 10, 1838. llis grandfather came to Cumberland County in 1792, emigrating from Ire- land, was married to Hannah Rippet in 1802, and had the following children: John F., Isabella, Mary A., James R., Alexander, Joseph and Benjamin. (The last named was killed by Indians while trading between Fort Leavenworth and Santa Fe.) James R., subject's father, a native of Penn Township, this county, married Catharine Goodheart, after attaining his majority, and had four children: Hannah A., Mary M .. Jacob G. and Joseph A. (he was one of the brave soldiers who fell during the civil war; he enlisted in 1862. and after his term had expired re-enlisted for three years in Company D. One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and in 1864 met his death at the battle of Weldon Railroad, Va.) Jacob G. was reared on a farm, attended the pub- lic schools, completing his education in the normal school, and for twelve years engaged in teaching in this county. December 21, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane M .. daughter of William and Rebecca MeKeehan, of West Pennsborough Tp., this county, and who were among the most prominent of the pioneer families in Cumberland Valley. To this union have been born the following named children: Ira E., Ralph Me. and Jesse 11. One term of school was taught after Jacob G. Shaw's marriage, when his inclination turned to agriculture, and he purchased the handsome farm on which he resides, and in 1872 donned the babiliments of a granger, and with the energy characteristic of his people has made this business a success. He is now serving his third term as an official in the public schools of this township.

ISAAC D. STEINER, farmer, P. O. Plainfield, was born July 26, 1845, in Upper Allen Township, this county, son of Dietrich and Mary (Kaufman) Steiner, natives of York County, Penn .. who located in Upper Allen Township, this county, about 1830, and here resided until their death. Mr. Steiner dying in 1863, and his widow in 1864; they reared seven of their eleven children. Our subject, the next to the youngest, was brought up on his father's farm and attended the schools of the home district. He followed lumbering six years in Cameron, Elk and Clearfield Counties, Penn .. and one year in northern Miehi- gan. Returning to Cumberland County. he married. December 28, 1875. Miss Rebecca Jane Waggoner, of North Middleton Township, this county, daughter of the well known Jacob Waggoner. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Steiner have resided in Middlesex Township six years and in West Pennsborough Township eight years. Their children are Anna Mary, Robert W. and Clara Blanche. Mr. Steiner is a Republican in politics and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He has served his township in various offices of trust.

GEORGE STROHM, manufacturer, Plainfield, was born September 18, 1815, in Leb- anon County, Penn., son of George and Mary (Nipe) Strohm, natives of the same county, and who settled in Frankford Township. this county, in 1819, where they spent the active part of their lives, hut afterward moved to North Middleton Township, where George Strohm, Sr., died January 6, 1864. in his eighty-second year, and his widow February 5, 1866. in her seventy fifth year. They were the parents of the following named children: Mrs. Susan Shaw (deceased), George, Mrs. Mary Wagner, William, Mrs. Sarah Wagner, Mrs. Eliza Wagner, Mrs. Anna Wetzel, John (died at Decatur, Ill.). Mrs. Catharine Priest (deceased). Mrs. Leah Barnetts (of Decatur, Il1.). Mrs. Rebecca McKeehan (deceased) and David (died at Deeatur, 111.). Our subject was united in marriage, February 1, 1838, with Miss Eliza Longnecker, and resided on the farm until 1848, when he followed fence-mak- ing for several years. About 1854 Mr. Strohm began wagon-making at West Hill, this township, gradually enlarging his business (by making buggies, sleighs, carriages, etc.),

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and in 1860 established his present coach shop at Plainfield, this county, purchasing a farm, adjoining, of 36 acres, to which he has since added 27 acres more. His trade has steadily increased, so that he is now occupying three buildings and employing from eight to ten hands. He has admitted into partnership his son, David, who has worked in the establishment for twenty-one years, since he was twelve years old. They do a large busi- ness, making carriages, buggies, spring wagons and sleighs, and keep a complete line of light vehicles. Their goods have an excellent reputation for first-class material and supe- rior workmanship, and they supply a large domestic trade for Cumberland Perry and Adams Counties, besides shipping to the East and West To Mr. and Mrs. Strohm were born nine children: Mrs. Mary Ann James, Benjamin (of Battle Creek, Iowa), Mrs. Sarah Jaue Myers (of Carey, Ohio), Joseph Silas. George (of Battle Creek, Iowa), David E., John W., Horace L. (of Anthony, Kas. ) and Mrs. Lizzie G. Paul (of Wellington, Kas.). Mr. and Mrs. Strohm are members of the Church of God. He is an upright, useful citizen, and enjoys the respect and esteem of the community.

JOSHUA E. VAN CAMP, physician and surgeon, Plainfield. was born February 22, 1844, in Perry County, Penn., son of William and Melvina (Huffman) Van Camp, natives of the same county. Among the Holland settlers in Delaware was a family of Van Camps. Three of the sons, William, Maj. Moses and Jacobus, were farmers, and were among the Indian fighters of the early colonial wars and also of the Revolution. Their bistory is very fully depicted in Dr. Egle's History of Pennsylvania. William, above men- tioned, was the great-grandfather of our subject through his son Andrew and grandson William, who all lived in Perry County, Penn., and the original estate is still in posses- sion of the family. The property is on the JJuniata, within four miles of Newport. There our subject was brought up among the wild beauties of one of nature's most charming spots. After completing the course the schools of the home district afforded him. he took a literary course at the Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. He took up the study of med- icine in the spring of 1867, under Dr. J. E. Singer, of Newport, and graduated from the Michigan University, with the degree of M. D., March 30. 1870 After practicing two years in Markelsville, Perry Co., Penn., he located in Plainfield, this county, in 1872. and practiced his chosen profession He has made a fine reputation as a skillful and scien- tific physician, and has built up a large and influential practice, In the fall of 1880. the Doctor established a drug and grocery store, which he still carries on. He was married, November 3, 1870. to Miss Rachael M., daughter of David Keiser. of Middlesex Township. this county, and to this union have been born three children: David W., Anna M. and Rosa Alberta. During the late war, Dr. Van Camp enlisted, in August, 1862, in Company H. One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and parti- cipated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville; re-enlisted in September, 1864, in Company E, Two Hundred and Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try, and took part in the battles of Ilatcher's Run. Fort Steadman, Black Water and the fin'il charge on Petersburg. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, with rank of sergeant.

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

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