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 156

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Publisher: W. Taylor
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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 156
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 156


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JOSEPHI E. WIERMAN, miller, P. O. Mummasburg, was born in the vicinity of York Springs, this county, May 4, 1837, and is a son of Joseph and Susan Wierman. He was reared to milling, and in the schools of his district obtained a practical education.


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After attaining his majority he worked in mills in the counties of Cumberland, York and Perry under instructions. As his first business venture he leased and conducted his father's mill, in 1876, one year; then the Bermudian Valley Mills, near Bragtown, three years; then Fred Asper's mill. one year; and afterward the Deardorff mill, for one year; and in 1884 he purchased and took charge of his present property, the Willow Grove Mill. Mr. Wierman is a practical miller and thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business. Iu 1862 he enlisted in Company 1, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg, served his time of enlistment, nine months, and was honorably discharged. He married, in 1880, Miss Anna Myers, an exemplary Christian lady, and a member of the Reformed Church.


CHAPTER LI.


CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF MCSHERRYS- TOWN.


EPHRAIM BOLLINGER, P. O. Sell's Station, was born September 30, 1836, on the first farm below Hanover on the York road, Pennsylvania. The genealogy of this family dates back to Switzerland whence the great-grandfather, Jacob Bollinger, immi- grated to America when the Indians roamed over this county; he settled in York County, Penn., where some of his descendants yet live. The men in this family followed milling, the trade descending from father to son. Jacob Bollinger's son Jacob had a mill six miles below Hanover, which burned down about 100 years ago, and which was one of the first in York County. Jacob Bollinger, Jr., reared a family of eight children, of whom four survived, and of these, Jacob M., who was a miller in early life, married and then became a farmer. He moved to Carroll County, Md., and, after living there nine- teen years, returued to Pennsylvania twenty-nine years ago, and settled near Christ Church, in Union Township, this county. He died in Conowago Township, Adams County, March 13, 1886, aged seventy-nine years. He was for three years director of the almshouse in Gettysburg, and filled minor township offices; was well known and estecmed, and for over sixty years was a member of the Reformed Church, serving as an elder and filling other responsible offices. He was a major in the Pennsylvania Militia and by most people was known as Maj. Bollinger. He was married in York County. Penn., to Miss Nancy, daughter of Daniel Sprenkel, and who is yet living, the mother of six chil- dren: Louise, Ephraim, Benjamin (deceased), Eli, Jessic and Mary. Ephraim Bollinger was reared ou a farm and has chiefly followed agricultural pursuits. For the last twenty years he has owned and operated the old Kitzmiller mill, built in 1738. Over the mill door is a large stone on which is inscribed the following names and dates: "Hanson Martin Kitzmiller, Aug. 1738: Ano 1755; I. H. G. K. M., May 12, 1791." Probably the dates of the building and re-building of the mill. Ephraim Bollinger was married Decem- ber 24, 1876. to Miss Sarah Loho, who has borne him two children: Mary Irene and Jacob Roy. Politically, though our subject is identified with the Democratic party, he votes for the best man. He has himself filled minor township offices and has been also assessor, collector, auditor, etc.


REV. P. FORHAN. father superior of Conowago Chapel, P. O. McSherrystown, is a native of County Kerry, Ireland. He came to America at an early age and was educated at Woodstock College, in Baltimore, Md. He then taught in the Baltimore, Worcester (Mass.) and Georgetown Colleges, and was in Washington before he came to Conowago Township, this county, in June, 1883. He has been Father Superior here ever since and is assisted by five fathers: Haugh, Emig, Manus, Richard, Finnegan, and three brothers. Ilamilton. MeGunigle and Donovan. The different churches located at Hanover, Oxford and Paradise are supplied by Conowago Chapel, and much of its present admirable con- dition is due to the earuest efforts and endeavors of Father Forhan, who is beloved and honored bv all with whom he comes in contact.


DAVID P. FORNEY. farmer, Hanover, York County, Penn., was born February 14. 1837. in Hanover. Penn. The progenitor of this well known family was John Adam Forney (formerly spelled Fornich), a tailor by occupation, who came to America about 1721 from Wachenheim. Germany, with his wife and four children, and settled near the site of Han- over. One of the ancestors of our subject, Philip Forney, lived on a part of the old home- stead purchased of the Penns, and reared a large family. Philip Forney's son. David, married a Miss Nace, a daughter of Mathias (a tanner), and Elizabeth (Bowman) Nace, who were prominent people in Hanover. David Forney was a tanner by trade;


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he and his wife died in Baltimore, Md., leaving one son, Mathias Nace Forney, who was born in Baltimore, and there married Amanda Nace (a cousin), daughter of Hon. George Nace, of Hanover, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Nace Forney had six children: George N., Catharine N., wife of Rev. J. B. Bittinger, D. D., of Sewicklyville, Penn .; Louise E., wife of Henry Wirt. of Hanover, Penn, ; Anna M. : Mathias N., a resident of New York, formerly editor of the Railroad Gazette; and David P. Our subject was educated in the schools of Hanover and at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Penn. He has been a farmer nearly all his life, and at present has 185 acres of land under a good state of culti- vation. He was united in marriage with Miss Amanda, daughter of Dr. G. W. Hinkle and granddaughter of Judge Ilinkle, of Hanover, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. David P. Forney have seven children now living: Anna, George, Harry II., Lucy, Catharine, Maggie and Philip. Squire Forney has been identified with the Republican party, but frequently votes for the best man regardless of party. In the spring of 1885 he was elected justice of the peace and is filling the office with marked ability.


JOHN P. JOHNS, stockman, MeSherrystown. John Johns, a Quaker, and a native of Wales, immigrated to America with William Penn. The Johns settled in Lancaster County, Penn., and there were several children in the family at the time, of whom John Johns, Jr., was then twelve years old. He, John Johns, Jr., married and had six children- three sons and three daughters; he and his wife died on the old homestead in Lancaster Coun- ty. Penn. Their son. John, married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Miller, and they also died in Lancaster County and are buried in the Johns' Cemetery. John and Elizabeth Johns had seven children-five boys and two girls. Of these, John married Elizabeth, daughter of David and Rosannah (Schwartz) Melhorn, and had a family of eleven children who at- tained maturity: John 11., Eli, M. Matilda, Hattie, David, Jeremiah, Amanda, Elizabeth, Juliann, Susannah and George W. Of these four are still living; all were married except M. Matilda, who is now living on the old farm in Conowago Township, this county, where her parents came in 1832 after the death of their parents and there died also. All the Johns were farmers. Of the children of John and Elizabeth, Jeremiah married Elizabeth Oister (who survives him and now keeps hotel at McSherrystown), and had six children: John, Jacob, David (deceased), Alice E. (deceased), Jeremiah and Samuel. Jeremiah Johns, Sr., was a farmer and kept hotel in MeSherrystown, where he died. Of the chil- dren of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Oister) Johns, Jeremiah was married January 29, 1846, to Hannah E. Eyster, whose ancestors were of German extraction. Her grandfather, George Daniel Eyster, born June 6, 1757, married Magdalena Schlagle November 14, 1780. He was a tanner and farmer, and died near Hunterstown, aged seventy-nine years; he had eleven children all of whom are deceased. One of his sons, Peter Eyster, born in Adams County. Penn., died in York County, Penn., aged seventy-one years, was a farmer; was twice mar- ried. and by his first wife Elizabeth (Weaver), who died at the age of fifty-nine, had eight children: George D., David (deceased), Jacob, William, Elizabeth, Mary M., Sarah A. and Rebecca A. (latter deceased). John P. Johns, the subject of this biography, is a son of Jeremiah and Hannah E. (Eyster) Johns, born August 15, 1846, in McSherrystown, Penn., where he received a common school education. He farmed until he attained his majority. and then engaged in the harness business for several years, after which he bought and sold horses. He commenced on a small scale, but, finding that he was suited to the busi- ness, soon devoted all his time to it and has been one of the most successful men in this line in this part of the county. His stables are located in McSherrystown, Berlin, Adams County and Gallipolis. Ohio. He buys many horses in the West, especially in Ohio, and in the winter buys mules in Kentucky. His sales are generally in Southern Pennsylvania and Maryland, and his business transactions last year amounted to $108,000. Our subject was married to Miss Mary. daughter of Egbert Eckert, by whom he has one son, Henry Augustus, who was born October 23, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Johns are members of the Lu- theran and Reformed Churches, respectively. Politically Mr. Johns is a Republican. He is a self-made man in every respect, owing his success to his own energy, perseverance and good business principles.


S. L. JOHNS, manufacturer and merchant, McSherrystown, was born November 25. 1859, in Conowago Township, near Hanover, son of Jeremiah Johns. Our subject received a common school education, but is chiefly self-educated. Quite early in life he became interested in eigar manufacturing, and at the age of eighteen engaged a man, John F. Keefer, as journeyman, and both went to work making cigars, Mr. Johns learning as he worked, not knowing anything about business when he commenced. He soon mastered the trade, however, and, from time to time, employed more workmen, increasing his trade every year and almost every day. Success is ever ready to reward the ener- getic, and our subjeet had the satisfaction of seeing his business grow from a small beginning to its present proportions. He commenced February 17, 1878, and to-day manufactures about 4.500,000 cigars annually, employing, in various depart- ments, nearly 110 men, women and children, more than half of whom are employed in MeSherrystown. He is also engaged in packing tobacco, having warehouses in Lancaster County, Penn., and is also buying tobacco in New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, consuming and selling from 600 to 800 cases of leaf tobacco annu-


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ally. He also exchanges tobacco for cigars, and last year handled nearly 6,000,000 cigars. June 5. 1886, Mr. Johns opened a grocery and confectionery store in MeSherrys- town, another marked improvement to the town. He was married December 26, 1882, to Miss Emma, daughter of Peter Strashaugh, and by her he has one son-G. Milton Blaine -born March 13, 1884. Politically onr subject has been identified with the Republican party, and has ever taken an active interest in all the public affairs of the township; was one of the men instrumental in getting the turnpike from Hanover to MeSherrystown, of which he has been director since its completion. He was also instrumental in having MeSherrystown incorporated, and was elected its first burgess. When the McSherrystown Building Association was talked about lie at once became an active advocate of it, and has served as director for five years. In 1883, being mindful of the welfare of the working people, he, himself, started the Sevies B Building Association, of which he is now president, and which is the means of building bomes for his workmen, where even a young man, hy making a small weekly payment, soon has a home. Thus we give a brief sketch of the active career of a self-made man, who has promoted the welfare of the town and people, and who is an example of what a young man of energy and good business principles can accomplish.


EDWARD J. KUHN, stockman, P. O. Ilanover, York County, was born September 23, 1827, in Union Township, Adams Co., Penn. The family genealogy dates back to Germany. The paternal grandfather, John Kuhn, was reared on a farm in Berks County, Penn., and there followed blacksmithing and farming. He was married to Therese Fricker, and they both died in Conowago Township. this county, the parents of eleven children: Judith, Elizabeth, Margaret, John, Anna (died when a young lady), Joseph J., Catharine, Polly, Therese, Abalonia and Magdalena. Of these John is living, aged eighty- nine years. Joseph J., the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead October 4, 1803; was a farmer all through life; was educated in this county, and died in Oxford Township September 17, 1878. He married Jane MeCabe, of Hanover, York County, daughter of Edward and Rebecca (Hudson) MeCabe, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of Norristown, Penn. To this union were born eight children who attained maturity: Edward J., Louis D. B., Maria (married to Charles Leison, and died in Cuba), Charles, Jane E., Joseph A., John and George. Joseph J. Kubn was a Whig in early life, in later years a Democrat; he was much interested in military matters; was elected colonel of the Pennsylvania Militia before he was twenty-one, and received several appointments from the governors of the State. He filled township and county offices, and. in about 1870, was elected associate judge by the people, by whom he was well known and held in high estimation. Two of his sons are stockmen, two lawyers, two represent the medical profession, one of whom, Louis, was surgeon in the army and navy. Edward J. is the only son who did not receive a classical education, being chiefly self-educated. In early life he was a stockman. In 1854 he went to Missouri, and farmed in Lincoln County, and the next year married Miss Anna P., daughter of Dr. Presly Gill, formerly of Fairfax, Va. She died in Missouri in June, 1862, leaving three children: Charles F., a physician in New York; Anna, a sister of charity in the St. Louis Hospital, and William L., a resident of Hanover, York Co., Penn. Our subject left Missouri in 1864, and returned to Pennsylvania, where he traded cattle for eight years. He was married, on second occasion, in 1870, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Jacob Hilt, of Hanover, Penn .. and by this union there are five children now living: Mary A., Guy L., Bertha J., Amelia G. and Sarah E. Politically Mr. Kuhn is a Democrat. IFe is now engaged in the cattle business in this county. While residing in Missouri he drove cattle there from Texas, and thereby saw much of the West.


VIRGIL H. B. LILLY, physician MeSherrystown. Samuel Lilly, the progenitor of this well-known family, emigrated from Bristol, England, in 1730, previous to which he had married Miss Ann Price, two ceremonies being performed the same day to celebrate the union, one by the Catholic and the other by the Established Church. This grand old man settled in Adams Connty, Penn., where he bought and improved a farm (now owned by his grandson, Samuel Lilly Jenkins), called it Eden, and there died January 8, 1758, aged fifty-nine years. His ashes rest under the Church of the Sacred Heart, at Conowago; his wife, Anna, also died in Eden, in June, 1784, aged eighty-five years. They had seven children: Esther and Richard born in England, Thomas on the sea, and John, Samuel, Mary and Joseph at Eden. Of the above, John, born June 15, 1733, married Miss Verlin- da Hardy, of Harford County, Md., who bore him six children: Ann E .. Samuel, Richard, Mildred, Bennett and Henry. Of these Samuel, born March 23. 1768, near Cooptown, Harford Co., Md., died opposite Eden September 12, 1853. He was married to Miss Hannah Cooper, of Lancaster County, Penn., who died in December, 1835; they had three children that outlived them: John, Sarah and Virlinda. The last mentioned married William S. Jenkins, a great-grandson of Richard Jenkins, and had seven children. Sarah Lilly, born October 22, 1800, is still living in the white house near Conowago Church; John, born opposite Eden February 2. 1797, in Mountpleasant Township, this county, and died May 29. 1869, on the adjoining farm to which he was born. John Lilly married Hannah C. Stump a native of Harford County, Md., daughter of William H. Stump.


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Mrs. John Lilly died in MeSherrystown, Penn., November 22, 1880, the mother of six children all now living: Rachel, Mary V., Sarah, Samuel, William H. and Virgd 11. B. Our subject was educated in Conowago Chapel School and at Calvert College, Carroll County, M.d., after which he studied medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, having Profs. MeSherry and Butler for his preceptors. lle gradu- ated March 3. 1869, and settled in Mcsherrystown, this county, were he has since been located. The Doctor was married here May 28, 1872, to Miss Sarah C. Klunk, daughter of Joseph Klunk, and who was born here September 6, 1853. They have four children now living: Mary, John, Gertrude and Joseph K. The Doctor and wife are members of the Conowago Chapel. In polities he is a Democrat, and is now serving his second term as chief burgess of the borough. He is a member of Adams County Medical Society, and was its president in 1853.


VINCENT O.BOLD, farmer, MeSherrystown, was born March 12, 1827. The gene- alogy of the O. Bold family dates back to Germany, whence the great-grandfather, Sebas- tian O. Bold, immigrated to America when quite young and settled in Conowago Town- ship. Adams County, Penn., where he owned three farms and was a wide-awake business man, possessed of good judgment. He was the parent of four children: Anthony, Joseph, Mrs. Ignatius Miller and Mrs. Shorb. Of these Anthony O. Bold married a Miss Malts- berger, from Gottenhopen, near Philadelphia, Penn., and had four children: Sebastian, Ignatius, Snsan and Rebecca. Anthony O. Bold was an old man when he died in Cono- wago Township, this county, where also died his wife. The whole family were members of Conowago Chapel, and took an active interest in its erection. Of the children born to this couple, Iguatius was born here; he was a farmer and died on the old farm, aged about seventy-one years; he married Miss Nancy, daughter of Michael and Catharine Delbone, the former of whom was of French descent and the latter of German lineage. To Ignatius and Nancy O. Bold were born four children: Vincent, Josephine, Rebecca, Gabriella, former wife of Dr. Smith. Rebecca, who died in Virginia, was a member of the Sisters of the Visitation Order. Our subject attended school in Conowago Township, but is mainly self-educated. He taught school in early life (one winter), has been a farmer since, has led a very active business life and may be said to be one of the most energetic business men in the county. When the first railroad was built from Hanover Junction to Hanover he took a lively interest in it, and encouraged others to do the same, and was also interested when the short line railroad was built, his brother-in-law, Dr. Smith, being a director at that time; at present our subject is a director of the road and the second largest stockholder. When the First National Bank was started in Hanover, Mr. (. Bold invested in it, is now one of the heaviest stockholders, and has been a director for twenty- three years. At present he has over 600 acres of land in the vicinity of MeSherrystown, and also owns two mills. He has deeds of farms which are dated back as far as 1761, 1764, 1784, 1791 and 1796. Ile annually feeds on bis farms eight car-loads of cattle, or 160 head. He has the largest interest in the pike from MeSherrystown to Hanover. Mr. O. Bold has been offered different county offices, but has refused, believing his sphere of duty was nearer home. He was married to Miss Louise, daughter of John Smith, and she bore him four children who have since died: Ignatius, a student at Windsor College (died aged twenty- three years and six months), Mary was twenty-six when she died: Rebecca was aged nine- teen and Anna eighteen when they died. They were educated in the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph.


J. A. POIST, cigar manufacturer, McSherrystown, was born February 4, 1850, in Mountpleasant Township, this county. His grandfather kept the "Three Mile House." near Baltimore, and was supposed to have been of French extraction. James Poist, our subject's father, was born in 1812, and died in Conowago Township, this county, July 15. 1869. lle was, by occupation, a farmer: married Susannah Fleshman, who was born in Mountpleasant Township, this county, daughter of Philip Fleshman. The children born to this union were Anna S .. Mary, Sylvester (deceased). Philip. William, John A .. James, Ignatius and Harry. John A. Poist was educated in Adams County, Penn. In carly life he was a farmer. He came to McSherrystown in 1870, and learned and followed the plas- terer's trade, after which he learned and became an expert in the cigar-making business. He commenced business for himself, on a small scale, in 1877; worked his way up, until now he is one of the lending manufacturers in this place, and is a successful business man. lle makes about 1,500,000 cigars annually, selling them mostly by wholesale. J. A. Poist was married in MeSherrystown, Penn., to Miss Clara Hombach, who was born here. daughter of Dr. William Hombach. They have two children: Mary and Estella Poist.


DR. GEORGE L. RICE, physician and surgeon, MeSherrystown. was born January 15, 1850, at Baltimore, Md., son of John Rice, who was born March 21, 1810, in Bavaria. Germany; immigrated to America in 1837, and settled in Baltimore, Md. John Rice learned the saddler's and harness-maker's trade in his native land, and followed it in Bal- timore until 1871, when he came to MeSherrystown, Penn., where he died in 1877. lle was married to Lydia Riflle, a native of Hanover, Penn., and a daughter of Melchior Rif- fle, a hero of the Revolutionary war, and who participated in many of its battles. Our subject, the only child of this couple, was reared and educated in Baltimore, Md., and


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then attended the University of Virginia, and subsequently graduated at the Washington University in 1872. He first located in Baltimore, Md., and was prosector of anatomy at the Washington University until he came to McSherrystown, in the fall of 1877. He now has a lucrative practice here. 1Ie was married, November 11, 1875, to Miss Anna M. Brooks, a grandniece of the late Chauney Brooks, formerly president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and president of the Western National Bank when he died. To this union were born five children: Alfred Curtis, Mary Lorretta (deceased), Regina May (deceased), George L. and Joseph E. The Doctor and his wife are members of Conowago Chapel. He has served twice as school director and twice has been president and secretary of the board. He was one of the first councilmen of McSherrystown, and has been coroner of Adams County, Penn. He has been prominently identified with the Democratic party, and is now the nominee on that ticket for the State Legislature. Dr. Rice is well able to fill any position of trust to which he may be elected.


SAMUEL SCHWARTZ, retired, Hanover, York County, was born September 18, 1818, near Berlin, but in York County. The genealogy of this interesting family dates back to Switzerland, whence the great-grandfather, a farmer (and two brothers, all single at the time), emigrated when quite young, leaving the old country on account of a revo- lution there, and settling in Berks County, Penn. Ludwig Schwartz, the son of the brother that settled in Berks County, also a farmer, married a Miss Lesher and had ten children, who all reached a ripe old age. He was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, serving as a substitute for his father: he enlisted at the age of eighteen years, and re- mained in the service until the close of the war. He participated in many engagements, and at one time was taken prisoner and treated cruelly by the Hessians. Afterward the Hessians were defeated, and Ludwig met one of the officers on his father's farm, working as a day laborer (a prisoner of war), recognized in him one who had often abused him, and told his father unless he was sent from the place he would shoot him on the spot. The Hessian, it is needless to say, was sent away, for the old Revolutionary soldiers meant what they said. Ludwig Schwartz and his wife died in York Connty, Penn. Their son, John, was born in Berks County, Penn., and died in this county, aged nearly eighty years. He married Barbara, daughter of Simon Copenhafer, who lived near Hanover, Penn. She died on the homestead, aged eighty-two years and ten months. Of the nine children born to John and Barbara Schwartz, seven reached maturity and fonr are now living. John Schwartz had only a common school education, but he was a wide-awake business man; in early life he engaged in milling on Beaver Creek, in Paradise Township, York Co., Penn., but sold his mill in the spring of 1831 and came to Conowago Township, this county, where he bought between 300 and 400 acres of land, which is still owned by his children. Samuel, his son, was educated in Adams County, and has been a successful farmer, now owning the old homestead, which he has much beautified and improved. He was married, in this county, March 25, 1841. to Miss Maria Gitt, born October 17, 1817, daughter of Daniel Gitt, a member of the old Gitt family, and grand-daughter of William Gitt, who attained the age of ninety-seven years. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schwartz was born, February 10, 1842, one child-Henry Van Buren, a bright young man, who assisted his father on the farm and died at his home December 17, 1864. Our subject became dis- couraged with farming after the death of his son, and in August, 1881, moved to Hanover, Penn., where he now resides. He has been successful financially; has been director of the Littlestown Bank fourteen years, and director of the Hanover Branch Railroad three years, of which he is still a stockholder. He is also interested in the ore business, in com- pany with S. Boyer, near Littlestown. Mrs. Schwartz is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the Reformed Church, and has materially assisted in the building of three churches, especially of the one in Hanover. Politically he is a Democrat, but in local matters votes for the best men. He filled all the important offices in Conowago Township, where his absence is still felt in the community.




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