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 134

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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 134
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 134

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Dr. John Knox was many years a leading man in the county in his profes- sion. His son, Rev. John Knox, became the eminent divine of New York. Dr. Knox was one of nature's men of strong and positive convictions, who was naturally a powerful leader in his profession or in his church as well as in social life. His eminent talents as a physician, his great worth as a citizen, are now a pleasant theme for contemplation by the few aged and venerable men among us, the oldest of whom are carried back to the times of their early boyhood days, when they come to tell you of Dr. Knox.

Dr. James H. Miller was one of Dr. Crawford's earliest medical students in his office, and was a most worthy successor to his eminent tutor as well as to the practice of the eminent men we have named above. For many years he was the Nestor of physicians in all this part of Pennsylvania. When his advice or counsel in the most complicated and difficult cases was obtained, all were satisfied that all was done that could be accomplished, and the ablest of his contemporaries could seek no higher authority than Dr. Miller. He mar- ried a Miss Spear, of Franklin County, and removed to Baltimore, in 1825, where he at once became the leading physician. He died in the early " fifties," leaving no descendants. When Dr. Miller removed to Baltimore his extensive practice was divided mostly between Dr. David Horner and Dr. Charles Berluchy.

Dr. John Paxton was one of the early physicians who at one time became very prominent in the county. His family lived in Millerstown where he was reared. Upon completing his education he located in Gettysburg, gaining an extended and, for that day, lucrative practice, and there he died.

Dr. David Horner was born in Gettysburg, Penn., in 1797, and was a son of Robert and grandson of David Horner, who immigrated to this country prior to 1760. He read medicine under Dr. James H. Miller, and received his de- gree of M. D. from the Washington Medical College at Baltimore, Md. He died in 1858. (See his biography.)

Dr. Charles Berluchy was an uncle of Drs. Charles and Robert Horner, of Gettysburg. Dr. David Horner and Dr. Berluchy married sisters, Misses Allen, of Savannah, Ga. Dr. Berluchy was a native of Milan, Italy. In his native country he left the University of Milan and joined Napoleon's forces, and after the fall of Napoleon he came to America. He was wounded in the face in one of the many battles, and a great scar was the potent mark of his exposure to the enemy on the battle field. He came to Gettysburg about 1816, and located here in the practice of his profession. Under all disadvantages he gained an extensive practice, and became a prominent and influential citizen in his adopted country; was for some time postmaster in Gettysburg. He left here about 1855, and located in Pottsville, where he died about 1864. He left a widow and two sons. His son, Samuel Lilly Berluchy, became a very learned physician, but died young. The family have all died since the death of the father and husband.

Dr. Samuel Meisenhelder was born in York County, Penn., in 1818, and

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MEDICAL.

graduated in Jefferson Medical College in 1851, came to East Berlin in 1851, and died there in 1884. (See biography.)

Dr. John Parshall was here in the early part of the century. He came from Perry County, Penn., lived here and practiced successfully until about the year 1833, then removed to Tennessee, none of his family remaining here. He was the organizer and leader of the small colony that removed to Tennes- see. He was, it is said, a student of Dr. Miller.

Dr. Samuel E. Hall was also one of Dr. Miller's students, and had suc- ceeded in building up a good practice in Berlin, and, about 1837, removed to Gettysburg, where he had a large practice, and afterward went West. He is remembered as a good physician, but impulsive and sometimes warm in dis- cussions.

Dr. David Gilbert established himself as a physician in Gettysburg about 1830. He was very successful and was noted as a surgeon. It is said, in fact, that the only men to this time that could cut off a limb had been Drs. Craw- ford and Miller until Dr. Gilbert came. He practiced here about fifteen years and removed to Philadelphia, and became still more celebrated as a surgeon; was at one time a professor in the medical college there. He died in Philadel- phia, leaving a family. His son, Kent Gilbert, was also a physician and was elected coroner of Philadelphia.

J. W. Hendrix, born in York County in May, 1823; graduate of the Uni- versity of Maryland, March, 1849; resided at New Oxford. He died May 26, 1885, deeply lamented by a wide circle of sincere friends. [Sce biography elsewhere. ]

Joseph A. Shorb was for thirty-five years a prominent physician and leading citizen in the county. He died in 1855, deeply lamented by a wide circle of friends and relatives-a good man, a wise physician and beloved friend. He was the father of thirteen children, two of whom are living. [See biography elsewhere. ]

ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY,

This society was formed in Gettysburg June 14, 1873, by Drs. R. B. El- derdice, Robert Horner, W. J. McClure, J. L. Baehr, A. Holtz, C. Thompson and J. W. C. O'Neal. A. Holtz, chairman; E. B. Elderdice, secretary; J. L. Baehr, treasurer. There were then about thirty-five practicing physicians in the county. At the regular meeting in June, 1873, the attendants were Drs. H. S. Huber, J. P. Brenneman, W. C. Stem, E. W. Mumma, Charles Horner, R. N. Meisenhelder, F. C. Wolf, A. B. Dill. Permanent officers elected: Robert Horner, president; H. S. Huber and A. Holtz, vice-presidents; E. B. Elderdice, recording secretary; William J. MIcClure, corresponding secretary : J. W. C. O'Neal, treasurer.

June 8. 1SS1, the Legislature passed an act requiring the prothonotary of each county to provide a book in which shall be kept a registry of each prac- ticing physician in medical surgery in the county; the record keeping an ac- count of the deaths or removals from the county of physicians. The act goes on to specify the qualifications in point of medical education each practitioner shall have before he can practice. Any one, however, in the continuous prac- tice since 1S71 can continue practice without the qualifications required by law.

Present licensed practitioners in the county are as follows:

George B. Aiken, a native of Baltimore, who received the degree of M. D. at the University of Maryland, March 10, 1836, settled in McSherrystown, where he has been continuously in the practice.

208

HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

James B. Combs, nativity, Huntington County, Penn. ; residence Round Hill, Huntington Township; took his degree at the Medical College of Ohio. March 1, 1851, and also graduated in the Medical and Surgical University of Philadelphia, February 23, 1872, and for some years practiced medicine in Baltimore.

E. W. Cashman, a native of Bendersville, Adams County, now residing in York Springs; graduated in the University of Pennsylvania, May 1, 1886.

Daniel L. Baker, resides in East Berlin.

Aaron L. Bishop, native of Littlestown, where he has continued to reside all his life. A graduate of the University of New York, March 1, 1847.

John C. Bush, born in Baltimore; graduated in University of Maryland in March, 1854; resides in Mountjoy Township, where he has had a continuous residence.

Abraham Piere Beam, of Franklin County; a graduate of Jefferson Med- ical College March, 1876; residence, Fairfield.

Jesse P. Brennaman, native of York County; graduate of University of New York. He located in Arendtsville and finally in Gettysburg.

John G. Brown, born in Adams County; residence, Hampton, in this county. He graduated in the University of Maryland March 1, 1878.

David A. Diller, native of York County. He took his degree in the Eclec- tic Medical College of Pennsylvania April 21, 1864. He resided in York County until 1859, and since then has resided in York Springs, this county.

Howard L. Diehl, a native of Littlestown; residence, Gettysburg; gradu- ate of Hahnemann Medical College, of Philadelphia, March 1, 1876.

John Russell Dickson, born in Adams County; residence, Straban Town- ship; received the degree of M. D. at the University of Pennsylvania, March 15, 1880. [See biography. ]

A. B. Dill graduated in Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1865. His family were early settlers in this country. His residence is York Springs. [See biography elsewhere. ]

Jeremiah Diore, born in the Mauritius; residence, Biglerville; graduate of Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, March 29, 1884.

A. M. Evers, a native of Rockingham County, Va. ; lived in Frederick, Md., and removed to New Oxford, in this county.

Robert Breckimidge Elderdice, born in Cecil County, Md .; was a gradu- ate of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, June 25, 1858.

Samuel Enterline, born in Dauphin County, Penn .; graduated in Eclectic Medical College, of Philadelphia, February, 1867; first located in York Coun- ty, then came to present residence in Huntington Township.

John C. 'Felty, born in Adams County; graduated in University of Penn- sylvania, March 13, 1873, and in 1870 and 1873 received from Pennsyl- vania College the degrees of A. B. and A. M .; residence, Gettysburg. He has so improved the opportunities of his school days as to readily take a prom- inent place in the ranks of his profession. [See his biography in the biograph- ical part of this work. ]

Edwin Knox Foreman, born in Frederick County, Md .; graduated at the University of Maryland, March 1, 1862; practiced medicine in Mechanics- town and Elkton, Md., and then located in Littlestown. He is an eminent and learned physician. [See elsewhere his biographical sketch. ]

Charles Edward Goldsborough, a native of Frederick County, Md .; attend- ed lectures in 1855-56 in University of Maryland; was then examined and placed in service of United States Army in 1861, and became acting assistant surgeon in 1862, and served two years; altogether was four years in the United

EMmmma M. D.

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MEDICAL.

States service, then practiced his profession one year in Hampton, when he permanently located in Hunterstown. He is a prominent and influential man in his profession. [See biographical sketch elsewhere. ]

Charles Peter Gettier, a native of Maryland; graduated from New York Homeopathic Institution March 1. 1867, and located in Littlestown, where he has been very successful in his professional practice. [See biography. ]

John E. Gilbert, a native of Gettysburg; graduated at the University of Pennsylvania March 1, 1877, and located in his native town; died in April, 1882, in Gettysburg.

Wilson F. Hollinger, a native of Adams County; graduated at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania March, 1874, and located in Abbottstown.

Alex. W. Howard, born in Adams County: graduate of the University of Maryland, March, 1870; residence, Bendersville. He is already one of the connty's prominent physicians. [See biography elsewhere. ]

Charles Horner, born in Gettysburg, a graduate of the University of Penn- sylvania, March, 1846; received the degrees of A. M. and M. D. in Pennsyl- vania College in 1843 and 1846.

Robert Horner, born in Gettysburg; received the degree of M. D. at the University of Pennsylvania in March, 1849, and the degree of A. M. in Penn- sylvania College, Gettysburg, in June, 1875.

Ephraim Howard, a native of Adams County; residence, Straban Township. Jonathan Howard, a native of Littlestown, received no regular degrees; practiced medicine in Mountpleasant Township, and resides in Littlestown.

Andrew Howard, of Mountpleasant Township, received no degrees.

Charles W. Johnston, born in Bedford County; received his M. D. in March, 1875, at Jefferson Medical College; resides in Abbottstown.

John Shorb Kinzer, born in Littlestown; graduated in the University of Maryland March 3, 1881; resides in Germany Township; was conferred the degrees of A. B. and A. M. at St. Mary's College in 1878 and 1880.

Thomas Kenedy, a native of Adams County, graduated at Keokuk, Iowa, Medical College February, 1874: resides in Bermudian.

Virgil H. B. Lilly, a native of Adams County: graduate of University of Maryland in March, 1869; resides in McSherrystown; a scientific man in his pro- fession, a ripe scholar and valuable citizen. [See biography in another column. ]

Hiram W. LeFevre, born in Adams County; graduate of the University of Maryland, 1872; resides in Littlestown.

Israel P. Lecrone, born in York County; received his degree of M. D. at Jefferson Medical College in March, 1871; resides in Arendtsville; of a large family, there being eleven children, of whom five are now living. [See ex- tended biography elsewhere. ]

Richard McSherry, born in Martinsburg, Va .; graduated at the University of Maryland in March, 1880: residence, Germany Township; commenced the practice of his profession in Pittsburgh.

Robert N. Meisenhelder, a native of York County; graduate of Jefferson Medical College, March, 1871: resides in East Berlin. [See family biograph- ical sketch in another part of this work. ]

E. W. Mumma, nativity, Waverly, MId. ; received the degree of M. D. at the University of Maryland, March 10, 1851; residence. Bendersville. The Mum- ma family name is among the earliest of the historical names of the early fathers of this portion of the State: a name prominently connected with nearly every historical event in this part of the country from the middle of the eight- eenth century to the present time. [See Dr. Mumma's biographical sketch elsewhere. ]

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

John H. Marsden, born in Adams County; took his degree of M. D. in March, 1848, at Jefferson Medical College; resides near York Springs.

Emanuel Melhorn, born in Adams County; graduate of Pennsylvania Uni- versity in 1857; resides in New Chester.

Isaac W. Pearson, a native of Adams County, born June 6, 1824; com- menced the study of medicine in 1848 and practice in 1850 in York Springs. His ancestors came with William Penn. [See biography on another page. ]

Alfred Myers, born in Baltimore; a graduate of Jefferson Medical College in March, 1875; residence, Hampton.

D. H. Melhorn, born in Adams County; a graduate of Jefferson Medical College in March, 1882: residence, New Chester.

Agideous Noel, a native of Adams County; graduate of the University of Maryland in March, 1862; residence, Bonneauville. [See biography. ]

John W. C. O'Neal, born in Virginia; was educated in the grammar schools and in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg; received his degree of M. D. at the University of Maryland in March, 1844; practiced medicine in Hanover from 1844 to 1849, then practiced in Baltimore from 1849 to 1863, and in Hanover for a time, when he removed to Gettysburg, his present home, where he is still in the practice of his chosen profession. By right of priority, at least, he stands at the head of the long column of men eminent in the profession in this county. (See another page for an extended sketch of Dr. O'Neal.)

Walter H. O'Neal, born in Baltimore, educated in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg; attended medical department University of Maryland; graduated in 1871; appointed medical attendant for the county in 1872; served six years and resigned, and located in Luzerne County, and practiced there five years and returned to Gettysburg, his present residence, and took charge of his father's extensive practice.

Jacob R. Plank, born in Cumberland County; graduated from Washington Medical College in July, 1873; residence, York Springs.

R. Milton Plauk, a native of Cumberland County, graduated in March, 1880, at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore ; residence, York Springs.

George L. Rice, born in Baltimore; a graduate of Washington University, Baltimore, in February, 1872; residence, McSherrystown; a man learned in his profession, and much esteemed in private life. [See biography elsewhere. ]

Charles H. Rupp, a native of York County, commenced practice in 1863 and has been in continuous practice to date.

C. K. Rether, born in Adams County, graduated in 1884 from Jefferson College; residence, Biglerville.

J. L. Sheetz, born in Berks County, received his degree of M. D. in March, 1879, at the University of Pennsylvania; resides in New Oxford.

Joseph W. Smith, a native of York County, graduated from Bellevue Med- ical College, New York, in March, 1870; residence, New Oxford.

Charles E. Smith, born in York County, graduated from Hahnemann Med- ical College, March 9, 1873: residence, Center Mills.

R. S. Seiss, born in Frederick County, Md., graduate of University of Maryland, March, 1852; residence, Littlestown. As a physician, a man highly prized by his brethren, and in social and business life esteemed greatly by a wide circle of friends. [See extended biography elsewhere. ]

Joshua S. Kemp, born in Baltimore, took his degree of M. D. at University of Maryland in March, 1858; residence, Littlestown. [See sketch in another column ].

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MEDICAL.

Edmund F. Shorb, a native of Adams County; graduate of University of Maryland, March, 1846; residence, Littlestown. The son of Dr. Joseph A. Shorb, and is worthily carrying on the work where his eminent father left off. [See biography. ]

Abraham S. Scott, a native of Adams County; residence, Fairfield.

William O. Smith, born in Franklin County; graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, March, ISTS; residence, Cashtown.

George W. Smith, nativity Adams County; attended two courses of lectures at Jefferson Medical College; received permission to commence the practice in 1860, and has been in the practice continually since; residence, Flora Dale.

J. B. Scott, born in Gettysburg; received his degree of M. D. at the med- ical department University of Pennsylvania, 1881, and the degree of A. B. from Pennsylvania College in 1877; residence, Gettysburg.

Abraham O. Scott, an eminent physician, a descendant of one of the earliest families, was born in 1825: graduated from Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, in 1850, and from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1853. [See full biography elsewhere. ]

Otho W. Thomas, born in Adams County; graduated at the University of Pennsylvania March 12, 1874; residence, Arendtsville, His parents were also natives of Adams County, a prominent and influential family. [See biography. ]

William C. Sandrock, born in Baltimore, graduated from Maryland College in Pharmacy in 1875; received his degree of M. D. at the University of Mary- land in March, 1878: studied medicine in Baltimore. He took first prize in his class in 1875; residence, New Oxford. [See biography elsewhere. ]

James Warren, born in Lancaster County, received degrees at Jefferson Med- ical College; been in the practice fifty years; at an early age became eminent in his profession; resides near Gettysburg. [See complete biography else- where.

J. C. Warren, born in York County; received his degree in Louisville, Ky., in 1873; began practice in Lancaster, Penn., then in three years came to Get- tysburg for a short time; thence moved to Stryanstown, York County, where he practiced eight years; then, in 1883, came to his present location in Butler Township. [See biography. ]

Sylvester B. Weaver, born in Carroll County, Md., graduated from Hahne- mann Medical College, Philadelphia, March, 1872; residence, Littlestown. [Sce sketch. ]

Frederick C. Wolf, born in Adams County, graduated at F. and M. Col- lege, Lancaster, in 1864; read medicine in the office of Dr. Peffer, Abbottstown; attended lectures at the University of Maryland; graduated in 1866; residence, Abbottstown.

James D. Weddelle, born in Washington County, Md. ; received degree of M. D. in February, 1872, in Washington Medical University, Maryland; resi- dence, Bigler.

William C. Stem, native of Adams County: passed the Philadelphia Medi- cal Institute in 1850; attended, about one year; clinical lectures in the Penn- sylvania Hospital and also lectures at the Willis Hospital; residence, Cash- town. [See biography elsewhere. ]

Charles W. Weaver, born in Glenville, Penn., graduated from Hahnemann Medical College, April, 1884; residence, Glenville.

James G. Watson, born in Franklin County; graduated in 1876, residence, Bonneanville; already a prominent and influential member of his profession. [See biography elsewhere. ]

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

T. T. Tate, born in Gettysburg: graduated from Pennsylvania Medical Col- lege in 1855; went to Iowa and practiced a few years, then resided in the vicinity of Springfield, Ohio, three years, and returned to Gettysburg; was surgeon of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry during the late war, and since has been a resi- dent and practitioner in his native town.

CHAPTER XXVII.

BERWICK TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF ABBOTTSTOWN.

rTHIS division of the county, including what are now known as Oxford and Hamilton Townships, was brought into the little republic of Adams County in 1800. In 1810 Hamilton Township was set off, and in 1847 Oxford Township was established, reducing the original area of Berwick to about 10,000 acres.

The head waters of Hamilton Creek rise in the northwestern part of Berwick, and flow north through Hamilton Township. Beaver Creek rises in the Seibrecht neighborhood, and flows north by east to Abbottstown, where it re- ceives its east fork. This fork and main stream may be said to form the eastern line of the township.

The Pigeon Hills and Egg Mountain, the latter entirely native, are wierd natural upliftings, bold, rugged and steep, brought forth to relieve the Atlantic slope. With the exception of these hills the township presents a rolling sur- face. The land is principally red gravel, well cultivated.

The geological characteristics are traces of copper and coal in the hills; hydro-mica slate, one mile and a half southwest of Paradise; impure lim- onite, in the same neighborhood; massive brecciated sandstone, impregnated with iron; limonite; dark blue and white crystalline limestone in Conowago and Berwick Townships, also ferruginous on Carlisle road. In 1843 lignite was found in this vicinity.

The number of taxpayers in Berwick Township (1886) is 318; value of real estate, $230,993; number of horses, mules and geldings, 121; number of cows and neat cattle, 149; amount of moneys at interest, $22,146; value of trades and professions, $6, 160; number of pleasure carriages, 48; number of acres of timber land, 1,274. The population in 1800 was 1,333; in 1810, 1,799, in- cluding what is now Hamilton and Oxford Townships; in 1820, 1,664, includ- ing Abbottstown, 312, and Oxford, 142; in 1830, 1,417; in 1840, 1,462; in 1850, 811, including 3 colored persons: in 1860, 869, including 2 colored per- sons; in 1870, 507; in 1880, 514, and of Abbottstown, 368.

In Berwick Township the retailers of foreign goods, wines and liquors, in 1824, were George Bange and Joseph Carl, and of foreign merchandise alone, Joseph Eck and Daniel Heagy. Nicholas Carns, constable, made the returns.

The assessment roll of 1799, then including Hamilton and Oxford Town- ships, contains the following names and statistics of assessed valuation :*

*See also names and assessment of Abbottstown.

215

BERWICK TOWNSHIP.

NAME.

VALUE.

NAME. VALUE.

Thomas Acheson.

$159

John Karr. 808

Banard Allewelt. 541

George Kern.

928

Caleb Bails ..

220

John Knecht .. 68

Nicholas Berlin.

852

Peter Lang, or Long ..

608

John Bittinger. 2,584

Adamı Lang, or Long ..

Nicholas Bittinger 148

llugh Lynch, laborer.

Moritz Lorentz. 48

Samuel Baugher

1,058

Peter Bruch.

1,624

Jacob Becker.

Thomas Lilly.

2,080

Michael Bender.

600

Michael Babeletz.

406

Christian Lentz ..

1,164

Samuel Bowser.

528

Manus MeClafferty.

John Boland.

William Mumert.

Samuel Bowser, Jr.

Joseph Marshall.

952

Jacob Bobn.

624

Jacob Mosser.

428

John Beaker 1,076

Francis Marshall.

384

George Beaker.

460

George Beaker, of John.

Andrew Mawser

Martin Carroll.

1,704

Frederick Moyer

1,140

Michael Carroll.

1,920

Samuel Clark

Peter Marshall.

824

Christian Dick 1,192

Jacob Mumert.

John Dollinger, laborer

Jacob Miller

896

Joseph Ditto.

744

Edward MeBride ..

Peter Deiks.

Andrew Mellvain.

1,192

Daniel Deardurf.

724

Mathias Mumert.

733

Henry Eckenrode.

552

Samuel Mumert ..

192

Conrad Eckenrode.

888

John Mumert.

584

Peter Galley.

357

George Mill.

764

Patrick Galaher.

879

William Owings

Jacob Grasser. ...

488

Widow Patterson.

1,348

Valentine Groff.

216

Isaac Peter.

1,056

Thomas Gras

700

Herman Roth, weaver.

Edward Hunt.

Abram Serff.

916

Adam Huppert.

120

David Slagle*

1,246

Nicholas Hull.

474

Christopher Slagle.

1,072

Joseph Hanantz

970

Heury Slaglet.

2,956

John Herman.

1,154

IIenry Slagle, Jr.

1,332

John Herman, Jr.

552

Jacob Shank.

David Herman.

Ferd. Shultz. Jacob Slagle.

900

David Hiwer ..

862

David Sowers 492

456

Philip Ilartman, Jr.

William Smith.

624

Joseph Kitchen

436

Fred Stoll.

Richard Kitchen.

832

Jacob Sowers.

496

Jacob Kerbach.

636

Adam Sowers.

292

Peter Keplinger.

392

Jacob Shetranc.

748

John Krim.

208

William Shetrane, blacksmith.

Martin Kitzmiller.

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

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