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 154

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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 154
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 154

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SERGT. N. G. WILSON, superintendent of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Get- tysburg, was born in Adams County, October 6, 1832, a son of Benjamin and Susan (Wierman) Wilson. The birth of Benjamin, who was a farmer, occurred March 7. 1801, and his death September 4, 1834. Susan, his wife, was horn June 6, 1808, and died June 26, 1884. Benjamin and Sarab Wilson, the great-grandparents of Sergt. Wilson, were among the early settlers of Adams County. Their marriage occurred December 14, 1774, and they died-Benjamin August 3, 1813, and Sarah November 12. 1815. The grand- parents of our subject were George and Sarah Wilson, whose marriage occurred May 30, 1718, and their death October, 27, 1839. and March 30, 1831, respectively. Sergt. Wilson was one of three children born to his parents: Sarah, born July 1, 1831, N. G., horn Oc- tober 6, 1832, and Benjamin F., horn December 9, 1834. Our subject was brought up on his grandfather's farm, where he remained until he was sixteen years of age, when he com- menced to learu the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for several years. He learned to run an engine and for a period conducted a stationary engine in Bendersville; subse- quently he followed teaming, which occupation he left to enlist in Company G, One Hun- (Îred and Thirty-eighth Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years as first sergeant, preferring that rank to a commission which was tendered him. Sergt. Wilson received a severe wound in the right hand from a rebel sharpshooter at the battle of Monocacy, Md., July 9, 1864, which has made him a cripple for life, de-

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priving him almost entirely of the use of his hand, two fingers having been shot off. At the close of the war he returned to his native country and continued his business as a teamster until 1873, when he was appointed to his present position by the Secretary of War. He is a Republican in polities. He was elected as one of the directors of the Battle-field Memorial Association in 1880, and is a member of the G. A. R. of Gettysburg. lle has been the corresponding secretary of Corp. Skelly Post, No. 9, at Gettysburg, also quartermaster of the same since 1878. In 1852 he was married to Willimina E. Eyster, who died March 2, 1855, leaving one daughter, Sarah R. February 12, 1857, our subject was then married to Eleanora Walter, by whom he had one child, Susan. The Sergeant is the recipient of many tine presents and mementos from the Grand Army Organiza- tions, as tokens of their high regard for him. It will not be saying too much to add that his courtesy and gentlemanly bearing have won for him an esteem that is nnexcelled among any of the members of the G. A. R. of the United States.

REV. EDMUND J. WOLF, D. D., professor of Biblical and Ecclesiastical History and New Testament Exegesis, in the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, elected in 1873, is a native of Center County, Penn., born near Rebersburg, December 8, 1840, a son of Jacob (a farmer by occupation) and Mary (Gast) Wolf, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ori- gin. Our subject, who is next to the youngest of nine children, attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and. for a time, the academy at Mifflinburg, and subsequently that at Aaronsburg. He clerked for a period, and prepared himself for college during the two years he was engaged as a teacher in the academy of Bellefonte, Penn., and in 1860, en- tered the sophomore class in Pennsylvania College, and graduated in 1863, taking the first honors of his class. During the invasion of the State that year by the Confederate troops. he served as a non-commissioned officer in the Twenty-sixth Regiment, Pennsyl- vania Militia. Subsequently he took a course of theological study at the Seminary of Gettysburg; then pursued his studies in Germany, where he attended the Universities of Tübingen and Erlangen. He returned to the United States in 1865, and was for two years engaged in ministerial work in Northumberland County, Penn., and for six years in the city of Baltimore. In addition to the professorship above given, Dr. Wolf for several years taught Dogmatic Theology in the seminary, and since 1880 he is joint editor of the Quarterly Review of the Lutheran Church. The degree of D. D. was conferred on him in 1876 by Franklin and Marshall College. In 1871 he was the alumni speaker of the seminary. He has twice visited Europe, and traveled extensively through England, Ger- many, France and Switzerland. In 1877 he declined the presidency of Roanoke College in Virginia. In 1865 Dr. Wolf was married to Miss Ella Kemp, of Reisterstown, Md., a daughter of John and Ellen Kemp, the former of German and the latter of Scotch- Irish descent, and to the marriage have been born M. Roberta, attending Wellesley Col- lege ; Edmund J., now a sophomore in Pennsylvania College; Charles S .. Carroll K., Robbin B. and Ethel S. Among the Doctor's publications are "the Christian Church" (translated); "Quarterly Review. XX., 418:" " Practical Expositions of the Scriptures" (translated); "Lutheran Quarterly, II. 179;"' "The Retreat of Science on the Antiquity of the Human Race " (translated), Ib. III, 450; "Inaugural Address," Ib. IV. 419; artiele on " Luthe- ran Church in America," in the Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia; "The Church's Future;" "The Drama of Providence on the Eve of the Reformation;" sermons in the "Homiletic Review " and the " Pulpit Treasury," ete. Dr. Wolf is a frequent contributor to various religious periodicals, and is a member of the society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis. I. GEORGE WOLF, grain dealer, Gettysburg, was born in Adams County, Penn., April 1, 1821, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Horn) Wolf, the latter a native of Adams County, and of German descent, her father, J. G. Horn, having been a native of Germany. Isaac Wolf was born in Lancaster County, Penn., of German origin, and was a successful farmer. John Wolf, the father of Isaac, and a farmer by occupation, died in 1814. J. George Wolf is the eldest of seven children, and was reared on the farm of his father, an occupation he followed for twenty-five years. In 1872 he came to Gettysburg, and in 1878 embarked in his present business. lle was married, in 1844, to E. C. Bittinger, of German origin. Nicholas Bittinger, her grandfather, was a captain in the Revolution, and was also of German origin. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolf were born eight children: C. M., a lawyer, of Ilan- over; Joseph B., a Lutheran minister of Glen Rock, York County; E. M, a farmer of Adams Connty ; Lucilla Jane; Howard, a carpenter in York: Rev. L. B., now a missionary in India; S. A., a professor in Gaston College, North Carolina; and David M., who is with his father. The family is identified with the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Wolf has held most of the offices; has been superintendent of the Sabbath school. In politics he is a Republican. He has been a justice of the peace, and held several of the offices in the county where he resided before moving to Gettysburg. He has served as a member of the town council of Gettysburg. He is a conscientious business man and a highly esteemed citizen. Mrs. Wolf's death occurred in 1875, and subsequently Mr. Wolf was married to. hts present wife, whose maiden name was O. C. Miley, a native of Pennsylvania, and of French origin. She is also identified with the Lutheran Church.

HENRY YINGLING, proprietor of the "Eagle House." Gettysburg, was born in Uniontown, Carroll Co., Md., November 24, 1831, a son of David and Elizabeth (Hite-

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shew) Yingling. His ancestors were among the early immigrants to America. David Yingling, an early settler of Maryland, was a builder and contractor, and of his teu chil- dren Ilenry is the third. Our subject grew to manhood in his native county, where he received an academic education. At the age of nineteen years he entered a store in Balti- more City, as a clerk, and as such served eight years, a part of which time he was em- ployed at Hagerstown, Md. In the year 1855, at the latter place, he embarked in the dry goods business, which he continued until 1858, and from 1858 to 1863, was proprietor of the Washington Hotel in the same city. In 1866 he bought a farm of 250 acres in Frank- lin County, Penn., known as the "Monterey Summer Resort," which he successfully man- aged until 1876, from which time until 1878 he successfully carried on a summer resort hotel. In 1878 he came to Gettysburg and took charge of the " Eagle House." In 1865, Mr. Yingling was married to Mrs. Pitt, nee Mary Adams. Mrs. Yingling had one child by her first husband, Anna Pitt, who is now the wife of Edgar Hoover, of Baltimore. In politics Mr. Yingling is a Democrat.

WV. T. ZIEGLER, liveryman, Gettysburg, was born in that place, October 3, 1840, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Radford) Ziegler, the former a native of Gettysburg and the latter of Maryland. Samuel Ziegler was a hatter by trade and carried on the business in Gettysburg. His death occurred in 1855, in the city of Philadelphia, where he had re- sided nine years. Emanuel Ziegler, the grandfather of W. T., was a soldier in the Revo- lution, enlisting in Adams County. W. T. is the fifth child of eight sons and daughters, and received his schooling in Philadelphia night-schools. He began learning the hatter's trade at the early age of ten years, and worked at the same for five years and a half. He then took up coach painting in Gettysburg, and worked at that occupation until the break- ing out of the Rebellion in 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. Mr. Ziegler was in the following battles during the late Rebellion, with the Third and Sixth Army Corps: Newton, Va., Winchester, Va., Stevens' Station, Va., Locust Grove, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Ann, Cold Harbor and Welden Railroad, near Petersburg, Va. In 1864 he was taken prisoner at the battle of Weldon Railroad, and confined in Andersonville prisou, and from which "pen" he was released with the last Union soldiers. On returning to Gettysburg after the war he fol- lowed coach painting for two years; then engaged in the manufacturing of coaches and carriages, carrying on the business for two years. In 1870 he embarked with the well- known battlefield guide, W. D. Holtzworth, in the livery business, which is his present occupation, and in which he has met with success. He is a member of Post No. 9, G. A. R., of which he has been post-commander. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat. He is at this time president of the school board. In 1867 Mr. Ziegler was married to Rebecca, daughter of Samuel Harmon, of Straban Township, and to them were born seven chil- dren: Samuel H., William E., Mary A., Sarab L., Charles T., John S. and Frederick. The family is identified with the Reformed Church.

PHILOMATH.EAN SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE. On the 4th of February, A. D. 1831, more than a year before the State of Pennsylvania granted a charter to Pennsylvania College, the Philomathæan Society had its organization in the "Gettys- burg Gymnasium," on the corner of Washington and High Streets, Gettysburg, Penn. The students of the Gymnasium divided themselves into two equal parts, one part to form the "Phrenakosmian," and the other the "Philomathaan " Society. Prof. M. Jacobs was made chairman, and a constitution was adopted, the title "Philomathæan " (lovers of learning) being given to the society, the name being significant of the object of the or- ganization. The names of the founders, given in alphabetical order, are Samuel Oswald, Solomon Oswald, John Oswald, Christopher A. Tabler, Abraham B. Shuman, Daniel Mil- ler, Samuel Russel, Jolin Ulrich, Francis Springer, George Schmucker, William F. Wads- worth, Peter Sahn, William Mennig, Solomon Ritz, Walter J. Sloan and William Metzger. But two of the founders became graduates of the college-Abraham B. Shuman and Rev. William A. Wadsworth; and three are living, a half century after the organization-Rev. William Mennig, Rev. W. J. Sloan and Rev. Dr. Francis Springer. The first to pass the initiatory rites as provided for in the constitution were William W. MeClellan, of Balti- more, and Lewis Routzalın, of Frederick, Md. The professors of the several departments and the professors and students of the theological seminary, and several prominent citi- zens of Gettysburg were among the first honorary members admitted; thirty-one were elected at one time. Among the names are Clay, Webster, Jackson, Chief Justice Marshall, and other dignitaries of church and State. Soon after the societies were firmly established in their literary work they entered into an agreement in regard to the election of active and honorary members, and "articles of confederacy" were prepared. The regulations pro- hibited either society from admitting any member until he had been in the institution six weeks, but afterward, under the charter of the college, admission was allowed immedi-

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ately after matriculation. To prevent one society from too far outnumbering the other, the limit of membership was placed at two to one. This was the source of some trouble, and on the February 25, 1835, the faculty of college interposed, defining the limit of age, excess of membership, etc. Again, iu 1516, a new set of regulations was adopted, in which the societies arranged all matters pertaining to membership, publie celebrations, and all other mutual interests. Only the professors of the institution are eligible to honorary membership in both societies. In the early days of the society the place of meeting was kept in order by the members taken in alphabetical order; who also introduced new mem- bers and had to attend to the making of fire, lighting of lamps, etc. This office was aban- doned as soon as the society removed into the present college building, as a janitor was then necessary for the increased work in hall, library and reading-room. A mere desk was at first used for a library, secretary's use. lamps, etc. The initiation fee was origin- ally 50 cents, which rose to $2.50 and then to $5, at which figure it still remains. The first original declamation was in the German language. On February 17, 1832, the first anniversary celebration was held: speeches were made by two of the founders. The meet- ings were originally held in the Gymnasium building, and invitations sent to persons of a literary taste, afterward, until 1835, the celebrations were held in the German Church, then a few years in the Presbyterian, and in 1836 all public exercises of the society were held in Christ (College) Church. Biennial addresses were delivered, the society alternating in the choice. As the hall for the society in the present college building was not finished until almost a year after the college was occupied, the society met on the second story. The hall at the east end of the fourth story was assigned to the Philomathæan Society, and was neatly carpeted and papered, and busts of Washington and Franklin adorned the president's desk. In 1851 the hall was remodeled, and again in 1868, the latter time made necessary to a certain extent by damage done after the battle of Gettysburg by wounded of Gen. Lee's army, who were lodged in the hall.

At first the library was very small, and all the money that was left after defraying other expenses was to be appropriated to the library. "Buffon's Natural History," pur- chased January 27, 1832, is recorded as the first book bought. In order to enlarge the library, members gathered books during their vacations. In this way several thousand vol- umes were collected and more than $100 annually expended. A permanent library fund of $1,000 was secured between 1853 and 1865, the interest of which is annually expended for books. A portion of a second $1,000 has been raised for the use of the library, Rev. S. S. Henry acting as agent for the society for a time. The original library room was enlarged in 1853, and again in 1880. At the present time the library contains almost 7,000 catalogued volumes and is handsomely furnished. An addition to the library, in 1861 & Philo reading-room, was established in the first story of the northeast corner of the col- lege building. The room is supplied with the prominent daily papers, monthly maga- zines, and all other valuable periodicals, for the use of members at all times except study hours. At several times during the history of the society the subject of obtaining a charter was discussed, and especially was this the case after the library fund was secured. Legal advice was taken and the faculty notified, but the society finally gave up the idea, as the charter of the college would cover the difficulties under which the society was laboring. More than 1,150 students, ahout 400 of them graduate members, have received part of their training at this society, and, "one of the closest bonds of Philial affection for alma mater is the connection with the Philomathæan Society." The Philomathæan So- ciety of the present is in a flourishing condition, having about forty-five members. The hall and library are in excellent condition, and, besides the library fund of over $1,300, has $125 in the treasury.

CHAPTER XLIX.

BERWICK TOWNSHIP & BOROUGH OF ABBOTTSTOWN.

DAVID HOKE, farmer, P. O. Hanover, York County, was born November 13, 1836. His father, David Hoke, Sr., was born about 1805 in York County, near Spring Forge. His boyhood and early manhood were spent in York County, and there his marriage with Barbara Bechtel occurred, shortly before leaving for Adams County. He came to Oxford Township in 1831, and located on the Martin Carl farm, upon which he remained until 1869, when he removed to Hanover. There he led a retired life for a number of years, and died in 1873. He was an ardent supporter of the Reformed Church, of which he was a devoted member. Mr. and Mrs. David Hoke, Sr., were blessed with ten children: Su-

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san, deceased: Rebecca, with whom the mother resides; Isaac, deceased: David, our sub- ject: Samuel B., who married Barbara Hershey: George, deceased; Abraham, married to Josie King; Barbara, deceased: Michael, deceased, and Solomon, who married Milly King. All of the children were born on the Martin Carl farm, and received their educa- tion in the schools near by. David, our subject, engaged in the business of lime burning for himself when twenty-one years of age; two years later he discontinued this and attended the Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster Co., Penn. After his education was complete he returned to the Martin Carl farm, where he remained until 1863, when he married Louisa, daughter of Michael and Mary A. (Barnitz) Carl. Their married life was begun in the mansion now owned by H. J. Myers, in New Oxford, which was then the property of Mr. Hoke. Two children were born to them: Helen Mary and Carl M. Mr. Hoke was two years in the commission business at New Oxford, but after the death of his wife, in 1868, he returned to the Adam Carl farm, his deceased wife's birthplace and former home, adjoining the Martin Carl farm, and has engaged in farming the splendid tract up to date. In 1873 Mr. Hoke's second marriage occurred with Annie E. Slagle, by whom he became the father of four children: Hattie S., Horace Z., Hermie G. and Robert Blaine. The fine farm on which Mr. Hoke resides has, under his successful management. become one of the nicest in its appointments and most commodious in Adams County. The buildings are modern. The surroundings present an air of solidity surpassed by none in the county. Mr. Hoke is a Prohibitionist, and has been a member of the school hoard several terms; he has also held other official positions in the township. His daugh- ter, Helen Mary, was married in June, 1885, to Rev. Henry II. Sangree, of Fairfield. this county, pastor of the Reformed Church in that village. Our subject's son, Carl M., is now pursuing his studies at Mercersburg College, Franklin County, Penn.

CHAPTER L.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM BREAM, farmer. P. O. Bigler, is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Fleayer) Bream, the former a native of this county, the latter of York County, Penn. Jacob was a son of Henry Bream, who was a native of Germany and immigrated to America with his family many years ago, settling in what is now Tyrone Township, this county, where the family made a permanent home. The elder Bream was a member of the Lutheran Church, and had three sons and six daughters. Jacob Bream was born in Tyrone Township, in which his life was passed. He was a well-to-do farmer and highly respected. He and his estimable wife were exemplary members of the Lutheran Church and had a family of ten children: Susan, Joseph. Margaret, Jacob, Daniel, Catherine, John, Samuel, Matilda and William. Mr. Bream died in 1835: Mrs. Bream died subsequently. William Bream. our subject, was reared to farm pursuits, and at the age of eighteen years commenced life on his own account, first as a laborer by the day and month. In 1840 he married Harriet Myers, and purchased and settled upon land where he has since resided. His farm comprises 160 acres of highly improved land, and in addition he also owns a village prop- erty in Middletown, the whole of which has been made by his own efforts. He has held various local offices, viz .: Assessor, school director, etc. To Mr. and Mrs. Bream have been born twelve children: Catherine, Matilda (who died November 29. 1862. aged eight- een years, four months and twenty-seven days), Samuel, William E., Mary, Susanna M .. Alice, John, Hannah, Anna, Ida and Henry, the last two of whom died in infancy. Mr. Bream and wife and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and active workers in the same. Ile is a strong adherent of the principles of Republicanism.

ISRAEL GARRETSON, farmer and breeder of fine stock. P. O. Bigler, was born in York County, Penn., in 1830, where he was reared to the pursuits of the farm. Being of a studions disposition he made the best possible use of his school days, acquired a good, practical education, and at the age of nineteen years began teaching school, successfully teaching ten terms. He then began farming in a small way, and by dint of perseverance and intelligent application widened his knowledge of agriculture, soon becoming regarded as an authority on all matters pertaining to that pursuit. He remained in his native county until 1868, when he bought and settled on his present farm, which then contained 106 acres. He subsequently purchased eighty-four acres, and is now the largest and most successful grain and stock dealer in Butler Township. His farm is a model of neat- ness and convenience, and his improvements are modern and durable. His stock is se- lected with great care from those breeds which experience has proved to be the most

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profitable. In horses, the Percheron is his favorite, in neat cattle he keeps the Jerseys and Guernseys, and the herd consists of magnificent animals; and in sheep, the South- downs and Hampshire Downs, they being excellent wool producers, hardy and capable of taking on flesh rapidly. Mr. Garretson is a member of the State Board of Agriculture, and is now ( 1886) serving his second term of office. He has served on a number of impor- tant committees; was appointed chairman of the committee on farm implements and machinery, and has been a leading member of the County Agricultural Society for many years. As an exhibitor he has no superior. Ile is also a life me aber of the York County Agricultural Society. Having briefly sketched his tret and capacity in the discharge of business, it will in no sense be irrelevant to make a few statements regarding his moral and Christian worth as a citizen. The avowed enemy too the popular vices of the day. Mr. Garretson fearlessly condemns them, and by word and deed sets such examples as are wor- thy of imitation. " Be ye therefore temperate in all things " has been his motto through life. A slave to no habit, addicted to no vices, and free from the restraint of all compromising attitudes where honor and Christian virtues are concerned, he is all the more potent as an advocate of reform, the more powerful as an opponent in the suppression of evil. Fearless to advocate the right, to him more than to any other one belongs the credit of living caused the overthrow of King Alcohol in his vicinity. He met the petition of the drinkers in open court at different times with a remonstrance signed by many worthy citizens whom he personally solicited. His example in this respect has since been fol- lowed by others closing the doors of the drinking houses. October 20, 1859, he married Rachel, a daughter of Thomas and Jane Garretson, of York County. Our subject and wife have three children: Jacob B., Eli and Israel R. The entire family are members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Garretson holds, as one of the trustees, the property of this society in York County, which aggregates considerable value; also the records of the first monthly meetings of Warrington and Newberry (Penn.) Meetings, beginning in 1747 and ending in 1856. He has also the records of the Friends Society of Menallen particular meeting, and records of births and deaths of many members of the Warrington and New- berry Monthly Meetings. His father, Israel Garretson, was born May 7, 1798, and died June 20, 1880. His mother, Ruth (Walker) Garretson, was born December 25, 1804, and died February 6. 1880, and her children by Mr. Garretson were Jacob, born April 4, 1826; Lydia, born April 4, 1828; Israel, born July 25, 1830; Ruth A., born January 28. 1833; Mary, born January 6, 1836; Martha, born July 8, 1839; Robert N., born October 31, 1842. died April 7, 1846, and Maria, born June 7. 1815. Thomas Garretson, the father of the present Mrs. Israel Garretson, was born January 20, 1788, and died January 25, 1862. His first wife, Susannah Cleaver, was the mother of Isaac, born April 27, 1816, died May 7. 1816, and his mother died May 4, 1816. Thomas Garretson was next married to Mrs. Jane (Hoopes) Warner, the widow of William Warner, by whom she had Mary, born January 18, 1816, died October 10, 1821. Jane (Hoopes) Warner was born February 17, 1790, and died January 27, 1850. The children of Thomas Garretson by his second marriage were .Inlia A., born October 14, 1818, died September 19, 1823; Sarah. born October 21, 1820; Warner, born September 26, 1822, died March 7, 1823; Susan, born December 12. 1823, died February 23, 1853; Eliza J., born November 23, 1825. died April 11, 1848; Rachel, born September 18, 1827: Eli B., born September 2, 1830, died April 10, 1859; Alfred. born July 13, 1833, died Angust 14, 1847.

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

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