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 155

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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 155
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 155

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DANIEL D. GITT, farmer. P. O. Arendtsville, was born in Adams County, Pent .. March 20, 1817, eldest son of Henry Gitt, who is a grandson of James Gitt, who emigrated from Ireland and settled near Hanover, Penn. Henry Gitt had six sons and four daugh- ters, seven of whom are now living. He kept hotel for about forty years where the Philadelphia & Pittsburgh Turnpike erosses the Baltimore & Carlisle Turnpike, in Adams County: he also farmed extensively, having 700 acres in one body. D. D. Gitt devoted R portion of his early life to merchandising: was engaged extensively in lumbering at one time; and traveled considerably as an agent for the Grover & Baker Sewing Machine Company. lle is the inventor of some useful articles, prominent among which is one to support in bed invalids in a sitting posture, at any desired angle, which is extensively used: also an invalid bed highly useful in cases of extreme helplessness or fractured limbs. In 1841 Mr. Gitt married Miss Hannah Wierman, daughter of Isaac Wierman, a prominent representative of Adams County in the State Legislature a number of its ses- sions. Mr. Wierman died at the age of seventy-two years. Ile was the grandson of William Wierman, who emigrated from Holland, and located on 1.200 acres of land bought of William Penn's sons on Bermudian Creek. Mr. Gitt has three sons and one daughter: Thomas W. is despatcher of trains at Harrisburg, Penn., for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company (he married Rosa De Huff, of Mifflin, Penn., and they have two daugh- ters and one son), M. Fannie B. married Henry Koser, a farmer, near Middletown, Adams County (they have one daughter and one son); Henry W. is weighmaster and colleetor at Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania Canal Company (he married Martha Siers, of Harrisburg; they have two daughters); Isaac C. is collector at Columbia, Penn., for the Pennsylvania Canal Company, and also a merchant (he married Georgie A. Bennet, of Columbia, Penn.) Mr. D. D. Gitt is an uncompromising Prohibitionist; he and family are church members.

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CYRUS S. GRIEST, farmer, P. O. Guernsey, was born in York County, Penn., in 1835, a son of Cyrus and Mary Ann (Cook) Griest, natives of York County, Penn., who settled in Menallen Township in 1839, and there passed the balance of their lives. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom are living: Iliram, George M. (deceased), Jane, wife of William Whitson; Ann M., Cyrus S., Jesse W. (deceased), who was Indian agent seven years in Nebraska; Maria E., wife of Charles J. Tyson; Lizzie, wife of An- drew Koser, and Amos W. Cyrus Griest, Sr., died in 1869, aged sixty-eight years .. Mary Ann Griest (his wife) died in 1884, aged seventy-seven. Both were members of the So- ciety of Friends. Cyrus. Sr., was a son of Willing and Ann (McMillen) Griest, natives of York County. Willing was a son of Willing, Sr., who was the first white male child born in Wilmington, Del., then Willingston, and for which he was named. The early ances- tors of the family came from Ireland, and as far back as the knowledge of them extends they belonged to the Society of Friends. Cyrus S., our subject, was partially educated by private instruction at home, in addition to public school instruction, supplemented by a course in the Academy at London Grove, Chester Co., Penn. In 1861 he married Miss Letitia daughter of John Broomell, of Chester County, Penn. A year later he purchased his present farm, which has since been his home, with the exception of two years, during which he resided in Gettysburg. His farm consists of 136 acres of well improved land. In 1885 he completed a modern creamery at Sunnyside, the first one in the county. lle keeps the most profitable grades of stock, having a fine herd of Guernsey cows. To Mr. and Mrs. Griest have been born seven children, all living: E. Belle, Mary E., Florence, Lizzie, George, C. Arthur, Maurice. The eldest three are graduates of the West Chester Normal School, and rank high as teachers. To the cause of education Mr. Griest is de- votedly attached. He and his wife are birthright members of the Society of Friends. On his entrance into business his capital consisted of $800, and he incurred a debt of $5,000, which has long since disappeared. The improvements he has made have cost him more than as much as the purchase price of the farm. Mr. Griest is one of the few who have never tasted whisky nor tobacco in any form.

JOIIN HEIGES, farmer, P. O. Guernsey, was born in Adams County, Penn., July 16, 1830, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Chronister) Heiges, natives of Pennsylvania, who lived many years in this county, but later removed to York County, then to Clearfield County, Penn., where they died. John Heiges was partly reared on the farm, and when old enough learned the carpenter's trade on the completion of which he moved to Clear- field County, Penn., and followed the same successfully for twenty-five years. He was married in the above county, October 3, 1853, to Telithia E. Rishel, who has borne him five children: Frederick, Clara E. (deceased), Abraham R. (deceased), Almeda J. and Franklin L. Mrs. Heiges died August 5, 1884, aged forty-eight years, and Mr. Heiges' second marriage occurred February 11, 1886, with Jane Peters. In 1875, Mr. Heiges pur- chased the 200 acres of land where he now resides. His farm is well improved, far above the average. He is an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church, and while living inu Clear- field County held the offices of elder and deacon; has also filled some offices of this town- ship. Mr. Heiges began life a poor boy, having but 62 cents when he arrived in Clearfield County, but has acquired a large property, aggregating many hundreds of dollars.

HENRY KOSER, deceased (name formely spelled Kozer), was the founder of the family in America. He settled on the place where his grandson, Henry, now resides, in the year 1808, and subsequently married Susanna Hartzell. On the land he purchased (124 acres) he lived and died. He was the first postmaster of Bigler, and as such served many years; was an enterprising man and accumulated a large property. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. They had four children: Henry G., Alexander, Rachel and Eliza (twins), all of whom grew up, had families, and are now deceased. Mr. Koser flied in 1860 and his wife in 1863. Henry G., their eldest son, was born on the homestead, November 21, 1814, and married, October 17, 1839, Margaret, daughter of Andrew Brugh. He was a successful farmer and held some of the offices of the township. In early life he and his wife belonged to the Lutheran Church, but later joined the German Baptists. To them were born seven children, six now living: Sarah Ann, Andrew, Henry, Margaret, Mary L. and Emma J. Mr. Koser died July 12, 1884, and is buried on the place where he was born; his widow. who was born March 26, 1815, is still living. Henry Koser, third in line of descent, was born on the homestead in 1847. April 25, 1872, he married Frances, daughter of D. D. Gitt, who has borne him two children: Henry F. and Clara Alberta. In 1884 Mr. Koser erected buildings on the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad, Biglerville, for trade in phosphates, lime, bark, etc. He is an enterprising and public-spirited gentleman, and was active in soliciting subscriptions to aid in building the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad; was a member of the building committee of the Evangelical Church, Middle- town; was one of the founders of the Centerview Cemetery, chartered January 12, 1885, and was the first president. Politically he is a Democrat. His wife is an exemplary mem- ber of the Lutheran Church.

HENRY LOWER (deceased) was born in Adams County, Penn., in 1813, and is a son of Conrad and Catherine Lower. There was at least one generation in America before Conrad Lower. Henry Lower settled where his son, C. A., now resides, in 1854, purchas-

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

ing at that time 140 acres of land and mill property, and he operated the mill in conner. tion with farming until his decease. He was a self-made man, having begun life a poor boy: was industrious and had good business tact and capacity. In all his business under- takings he was successful, and he accumulated a fair amount of property. He and his wife were acceptable members of the Reformed Church, of which he was a generous sup porter. He married Hannah Doterrer, who bore him three children: John S., Conrad .1. and II. R. His death was caused by an accident in 1868, a bank caving in on him, killing him instantly. Conrad A. is the second son, and was born in 1838. He was reared to the milling business, which he followed a number of years, Having abandoned that. he devotes his time to overseeing his property. The present mill building was erected in 1859 by his father. It is erected on the site occupied by a stone mill which was built over 100 years ago. Conrad A. fully inherits his father's enterprise, and is one of the public-spirited and progressive men of the county.

JOHN MINTER, farmer, P. O. Bigler, was born in Franklin County, Penn .. in 1825. and is a son of Michael and Sarah ( Hoffinan ) Minter, natives of Adams County. Michael was a son of Martin Minter, who was also born in Adams County. The father of Martin (name unknown) was born in Germany. Michael died in Franklin County in 1827. After his death his widow, with his five children-Catherine. Elizabeth, Sarah, Michael and John- removed to this county. Later she married Peter Gross, and moved to Stark County. Ohio, where Mr. Gross died. Ilis widow died in Somerset County. Pean., in 1884, aged eighty years. Martin Minter lived the most of his life in Franklin Township, and reared a large family of children, now nearly all deceased. John Minter, at the age of eighteen. began to learn the blacksmith trade, and for thirty years followed the same in this county. In 1860 he purchased ninety-four acres of land, seventy-six of which are under cultivation and well improved. He had not a dollar to begin life with, but through persisteney and industry has built up a snug little fortune of about $15,000 or $20,000. He has been col- lector for school and State taxes. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. of which Mr. Minter has served as elder. He married, in 1848, Anna Steinour, who has horne him eight children, seven of whom are living: Emaline, William, John, Thomas, Amos, Allen, Clara and Sarah C. (latter deceased). Mr. Minter votes with the Republican party.

JACOB C. PENSYL, shoe-maker, P. O. Guernsey, was born in this county in 1842. and is a son of Ilenry Pensyl, also a native of this county, and now deceased. Jacob (. learned the shoe-maker's trade early in life. November 6. 1861, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. In the spring of 1862 he was at the front in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the battles of Williams- burg and Fair Oaks. After the evacuation of Harrison's Landing the regiment was de- tached from the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the battle of Blackwater, Va., where, Mr. Pensyl says. the rebels used guns that, when discharged. made no report. The regiment was next sent to New Berne. N. C., and was afterward in the battles of Kingston and Plymouth. N. C .. where Mr. Pensyl was captured. in April. 1864, and confined in Andersonville Prison four months; then was removed to Charleston, where he was con- fined six weeks, and, after remaining a prisoner seven weeks more, in Florence, was pa- roled and returned home. When exchanged he returned to his regiment and did duty in the hospital, and received his discharge in July, 1865. After his return home he suffered for a long time from ill health, being unable to help himself for months. In 1868 he mar- ried Isabella Peters, who has borne him one child. C. Irene. Mr. Pensyl owns eight acres of well improved land; is a member of the United Brethren Church, and belongs to Seigt. T. F. Elden Post, No. 507. He votes the Republican ticket.

J. A. H. RETIIER, P. O. Bigler, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 9, 1821. and is a son of John Michael and Anna Martha Rether, natives of Germany, who lived and died in that country. The boyhood of our subject was passed in the village of Rhiden- berg, where he acquired a practical education in the village schools. He learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop, who was also by trade a smith. In 1810 he sailed for America, and after a voyage of nine weeks, landed at Baltimore. The second day af- ter his arrival in that part he secured employment at his trade, remaining there three years. During that time he assisted in the construction of the first locomotive that went to Russia to be used on the first railroad in that country. In 1813 he located at Me- Sherrystown, this county, and established a shop, which he carried on three years; then removed to Hunterstown, where he continued his trade until 1849, when he bought prop- erty in Middletown. erected a shop, and here at present he may be found, little the worse to all appearances for the fifty years of incessant toil he has passed through, For two years during the war he served in the mechanical department of the United States Service. mostly at the front; his brother, Sebastian, was also in the service, a member of the First Maryland Cavalry and died while in the service; another brother, Martin, resides in Ger- many, and another in Bedford County, this State. Mr. Rether has one sister, Margaret, who married John Leach of Crawford County, Kas. In connection with his trade, Mr. Rether also carried on a farm, hotel and brick-yard, etc., etc., doing a general and sue- cessful business. He left the "fatherland" with barely enough money to pay. his passage

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to our shores, but gradually has made his efforts tell, and his progress is marked by a per- manent growth in property, the value of which will foot up to $20,000. Through endors- ing the paper of others he lost some $3,000, but adversity never "downs" a man of his pluck and energy. He was appointed postmaster at Bigler under President Buchanan's administration and efficiently served until the inauguration of President Cleveland. Or township offices he has held those of collector, treasurer and auditor, and discharged the duties of each impartially and to the satisfaction of his townsmen. Politically he is an adherent of the principles of Republicanism, and never fails to help his party with his vote and influence. In 1849, he married Sophia, daughter of Peter Smith of this county, born .loly 6, 1832, and to them have been born eight children-four living: Alseua 1., wife of Israel Shank; Clarence, a physician; George A. and Charles; the deceased are Frances Eugenia, John E., Peter R. and Etna May. Mrs. Rether is a member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Clarence Rether was born in 1856, and after completing a course at the Adams County Normal school. followed teaching five years. In 1881 he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1884; practiced one year in Philadelphia and the same length of time in Centerport; located at Middletown in 1886. August 31. 1893, he married Elizabeth A. Herrmann, daughter of Dr. August F. Herrmann, A. F., and has one daughter Edua D. George A. Rether was born in Middle- town, Penn., November 2, 1863. In 1876 he entered the Ilyghenian College, at Oxford. Penn., where he completed a full course of the college, and in 1879 he entered Bryant, .Stratton & Saddler College, of Baltimore, Md., where he graduated in penmanship and book-keeping (commercial) department. Ile taught public school two years in Adams County and one year in the college of Girard, Kansas, as teacher of penmanship and book-keeping. In 1853 he commenced business in Middletown, dealing in coal aud lumber, and in 1884 he erected a large warehouse on the line of the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Rail- road at Middletown, aud in 1886 built a planing-mill, sash and door factory. February 22. 1886, he married Anna C., second and youngest daughter of Senator Ezra Minnick of Middletown, Md. Charles Rether, in 1880, completed a full course at the Hyghenian College, Oxford, Penu. He employs several hands in the manufacture of cigars, for which industry he travels as salesman.

REV. ABRAHAM ROTH was born in York County, Penn., and married Maria. daughter of Johu Mumma, a native of this county. At the time of settling there he bought 212 acres of land and mill property, the mill having been erected by his wife's father in 1807. He was a Mennonite minister. having entered the ministry when a young man, and became an able preacher, rising to the distinction of a bishop. He was widely and favorably known, was an extensive traveler and an untiring worker, universally be- loved by all. He had six children: Jonas, Samuel, Daniel, Elizabeth, Susan and Maria M. Daniel and Maria M. are living, the former being minister of the same church and residing in Maryland. Rev. Abraham Roth died in 1854; his widow in 1858. Jonas Roth was born in York County, Penn., in 1800. Arriving at maturity he engaged in buying and selling stock and operating a distillery. Hle carried on a large business; was a man of sound business judgment and successful in his commercial undertakings. He mar. ried Barbara Kauffman, who bore him nine children: Maria (deceased), Elias, Jeremiah, Henry. Abraham, Reuben. Leander, Sarah and Susie. He died in 1871; his widow in August, 1884. Up to the time of the civil war he was a Democrat and since then was a Republican. Jeremiah is the second son and third child, and was born November 30, 1831. February 26. 1857, he married Eliza Ann, daughter of Joseph Deardorff. For ten years he traveled extensively in the fruit tree business over Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio. In 1872 he purchased the old homestead, and has since devoted him- self to the duties of the farm. Altogether he owns 143 acres of good land. He is the father of twelve children (ten now living): Susannah G., Beniah T., Henry C., Sarah A., Abuer-G. (deceased). Ida M., Jeremiah T., Renben S., Rachel E. (deceased), Eliza B., Rose E. and Daisy E. Mr. Roth votes the Democratic ticket.

JESSE SLAYBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Menallen, was born in Butler (then Menallen) Township, this county, in 1825, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Peter) Slaybaugh. natives of Adams County, who had a family of four children: Jesse, Henry, Maria and Elizabeth. Peter Slaybaugh was a weaver by trade, which he followed while he lived, and died in 1825. He was an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church. After her husband's death. Mrs. Slaybaugh married Jacob Weidner. by whom she had two children: Mary C. and Auna R. She died in 1876, aged seventy-eight years. Mr. Weidner died in 1868. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church. Peter Slaybaugh's father, Peter S., and Rebecca (Guise), his wife, removed to this county in its early settlement, and here lived and died. Their children were Jacob, Peter, David, Daniel, Nicholas, Abraham and Susanna, all deceased but Nicholas. The wife of Peter Slaybaugh, Jr., was a daugli - ter of Ilenry and - - (Schnar) Peter. Jesse, our subject, lived, from after three years of age, at home until attaining his majority. and in youth learned the blacksmith's trade. He established himself in a shop at Lower's Mill, and carried on his business nine years. In 1855 he purchased 114 acres of land, on which he settled, and where he now resides. He begau life a poor boy with little or no means, but by hard work and

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genuine pluck has acquired a large property. To Mr. and Mrs. Slaybaugh have been born four children: Elizabeth A., Henry P., Howard J. and Barbara E. The entire fam ily are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically Mr. Slaybaugh is liberal and votes for whom he thinks is the best man. He resides in the house built by Henry Slaybangh in 1814.

MARTIN THOMAS, farmer, P. O. Tahle Rock, was born on the farm where he now lives January 2. 1815, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Bear) Thomas, the former of whom was born and reared in Cumberland County, Penn. Jacob Thomas came, about 1809, with his wife and one child, and settled where Martin now resides, purchasing at the time 151 acres of land. Here he lived until his death, which occurred in 1822. Ile and his wife were members of the Reformed Church. He was the possessor of a good intellect, and kept himself well posted on the affairs of the day. Five children were born to him: George B., Martin, Polly (deceased wife of Joseph Hartzell, deceased), Catherine, Mar- garet (wife of John Latchaw). Mrs. Thomas died in 1871. The subject of this sketch was "put out" at the age of seven years, from which time he made his own way in the world. At the age of seventeen he began learning the shoe-maker's trade, which he only followed for a short time. Until his marriage he labored for about seven dollars per month. In 1837 he married Susan, daughter of Jacob Eaholtz, and afterward settled ou the home farm, which he rented seven years, after which he purchased it, and has since resided on it. Although starting in life a poor boy, Mr. Thomas has acquired a good home, and is living the declining years of his life amid peace and surrounded with plenty. Three children were born to him: George W., married to Anna M. Bushey (they had two children : Lettie A. and Kempher): Martin H., deceased, formerly a hardware merchant in Abbottstown (married Elsie Deatrick, both of whom died several years after their mar- riage, leaving one child, now an orphan, named Elsie); the youngest child died in infancy. Mrs. Thomas died January 22, 1879, aged seventy-two years and eight months. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Thomas belongs to the Reformed Church, of which he is a liberal supporter.

J. C. WARREN, M. D., P. O. Menallen, was born in York County, Penn., in 1852, and is a son of Dr. James Warren, formerly a prominent physician of York County, but now retired and living in Adams County. Our subject passed his boyhood in the city, and received his literary education in the city schools. In 1870 he entered the medical univer- sity, at Louisville, Ky., from which he graduated in 1873. He began practice in Lancaster, Penn., where he devoted himself to a remunerative practice for three years. He then moved to near Gettysburg, and practiced a short time; then located in Strinestown, York County, where he practiced successfully eight years. In 1883 he came to his present loca- tion, since which time he has built up a lucrative practice, which is constantly on the in- crease. October 9. 1883, he married Miss Eliza A., a daughter of John Dnll. Dr. Warren is a congenial, affable gentlemau, and decidedly popular, both socially and professionally. He is an acceptable member of the Reformed Church. Mrs. Warren's father, John Dull (leceased), was born in Butler Township in 1810, and was a son of Joseph and Mary (Weist) DnH, ofd settlers of the county, in which they lived and died. Both belonged to the Reformed Church. They were parents of four children: Benjamin, John W., Eliza and Mary. Ile died in 18 -. John Dull married, in 1842, Susanna, daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Myers, and for eight years after lived in Whitestown; he then settled on the farm where the family now reside. He was a member of the Reformed Church. As a successful business man he acquired a large property. Ile was the father of two children, one of whom is living-Eliza Ann, wife of Dr. Warren. Mr. Dull died in 1883. The par- ents of Mrs. John Dull died when she was a child, and their history is unattainable. To them were born seven children: Mary, Geirge, Gabriel, Margaret, Ilarriet, Elizabeth and Susanna.

A. A. WIERMAN, miller, P. O. Arendtsville, was born at York Springs, Adams County, in 1827, and is a son of Joseph Wierman, who was a son of Nicholas Wierman, an early settler of Huntington Township. Our subject was reared on the farm and in the mill, and received a good education. In 1856 he went West and visited many places of interest. Returning in 1859 be commeneed milling in Huntington Township, where he was engaged until 1866. at which time he purchased his present mill property, with eighty acres of land, formerly owned by the well-known Isaac Wierman. Ile is an energetic, enterprising gentleman, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his many acquaintances. Mr. Wierman has been twice married-first in 1859, to Mary J., daughter of John Day, forty-one years. and by her he had two children: Edward and Mary J. Mrs. Wierman died in 1879. aged lle was married to his second wife, Ellen, daughter of William Heller, in 1891, and two children have been born to this union: Zora and Maude. Mr. Wierman is a member of the Society of Friends, and his estimable wife is a member of the Method- ist Church. Ile is well posted in the current affairs of the day, and politically he is a Republican, and votes with that party on all questions of National importance.

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

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