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 158

Author:
Publication date:
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 158
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 158

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).

JOHN S. FORNEY, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in that town February 17, 1830, a son of Samuel and Eliza (Swope) Forney: she is a daughter of Henry Snope Swope, natives, the former of Hanover. York Co. Penn., and the latter of Tancytown Md., of French and German extraction, respectively. Samnel and Eliza Forney were parents of eleven children, of whom seven grew to manhood and womanhood. John S., who is the youngest child, was reared in his native town, attending the common schools and Pennsyl- vania College. In 1849, in his nineteenth year, he went to the far West, stopping one win- ter at Salt Lake City, and proceeding to California in the spring, where he was engaged in gold mining. He remained in California until 1859, when he returned to this county, and purchased his present farm, consisting of 150 aeres of land, on which he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising, and, since 1864, has carried on a dairy, keeping twelve cows. In 1862, Mr. Forney was married to Mary E., daughter of David Sebriver, who was born in this county September 22, 1811. Her mother's maiden name was Susannah Hartzel, and her ancestors were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania, her grandfather, John Schriver having been a soldier in the war of 1812. ller parents are now living on the old home place, where they were residing during the battle of Gettysburg, being within the rebel lines. Gen. Lee and his men were about the place, and took all their stock, as he did of others, but treated them civilly. Mrs. Forney's brother, John S., was a soldier in the civil war, also, a member of Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. To our subject and wife have been born three children: Henrietta L., wife of George Z. Lower; Susan and David J. The parents are members of the German Reformed Church, of which he has been a trustee and elder. In politics he is a Republican.

JEREMIAH T. HARTZEL, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Franklin Township. Adams County, Penn., January 25, 1849, a son of Samuel E. and Rebecca (Thomas) Hartzel. Samuel E., who is the son of George and Mary (Brame) IIartzel, is also a native of this county, born June 29, 1816. He is still a resident of the county, a farmer and stock-raiser. He obtained such an education as the rural district schools of the time afforded. and in 1839, was married to Rebecca Thomas, a lady of Ger- man descent and a daughter of Andrew Thomas. Jeremiah T. was reared on a farm in

21A

402

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Adams County, received a fair common school education and chose farming as his occu- pation, which he has since followed, and at which he has been reasonably successful, his accumulations being the result of his own exertions. In connection with agriculture since 1878, he has carried on a dairy, which is known as the Katalysine dairy, and keeps about twenty cows on an average. In 1874 he was married to Olive E., daughter of Daniel Plank, and a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent. and to this nnion have been born John, Harvey, Mahlon Plank, Charles K., Samuel, Elmer and May Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzel are members of the Reformed Church at Gettysburg, in which he has been a dea- con. Mr. Hartzel served in 1877 as a deacon, tax collector in 1878. school director in 1883, and as connty commissioner in 1885. In politics he is a Republican.

CAPT. JAMES HERSH, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born at New Oxford, Adams County, Penn., January 24, 1833, a son of George and Nancy (McClellan) Hersh (the lat- ter a sister of Col. McClellan, of Gettysburg) natives of Pennsylvania. His father was of German origin and early in life a merchant, but later a farmer. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics was first a Whig and then a Republican, His death oc- curred in 1871. James Hersh, who is ninth in a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, was reared on the farm and wisely chose the latter occupation of his father for a life work. He obtained a fair education in the common schools of his neighborhood and in New Oxford Academy, On the breaking out of the civil war he en- listed in Company I. Eighty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and September 12, 1861, was promoted to the office of second lieutenant of the company. and March 1, 1863, to that of quartermaster of the regiment. He was captured and made a prisoner June 15, same year, at Winchester, Va., and was confined nine months in Libby prison. He was exchanged and joined his regiment at Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864, and was discharged from the service at expiration of his term, October 13, 1864. He has since followed farming, excepting while sheriff of Adams Connty, from 1872 to 1875. The captain grows and deals in fine stock, and has done much to improve all kinds of stock through his portion of the State. He raises and deals in thoroughbred and trotting horses and Jersey cattle. In the hog line he gives attention to the Poland-China and Berkshire breeds, and among his poultry can be found the Bronze turkey, the Pekin duck and the Leghorn and Plymouth Rock chickens. He farms 600 acres of well-improved land. In 1880 he was a delegate to the convention at Chicago, which nominated James A. Garfield for president, being one ofthe famous 306 that voted for Gen. Grant, and holding the medal which was given him in honor of the event, and which he appreciates very highly. Capt. Hersh is a member of the G. A. R .; also of the National Guards of Pennsylvania, with the rank of captain.

ROBERT M. B. HILL, farmer, P. O. Green Mount, was born in Liberty Township. Adams Co., Penn., May 5, 1822, a son of Martin and Jane (Johnston) Hill, also natives of Adams County, and of Scotch-Irish origin. Martin Hill was a farmer through life, and was the father of four children, of whom Robert M. B. is the youngest. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and received a common school education. In early manhood he went to McLean County, Ill., where for three years he was engaged in the butchering business, after which he returned to Pennsylvania, and located in Franklin County, and embarked in the dry goods trade. After remaining in the business one year he returned to Adams County, and engaged iu the nursery business as traveling salesman, in which he remained two years, since when he has made farming his occupation. He owns the farm on which he now resides, and has himself accumulated the most of what he possesses. In 1875 he was married to Levina Hess, danghter of Jonathan Hess, a native of Fulton County, Penn .; she is of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM C. LOTT, farmer, P. O. Seven Stars, was born in Mountpleasant Town- ship, Adams Co., Penn., March 15, 1829, son of William H. and Ester (Wilson) Lott, na- tives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch, Holland and English descent. The father, who was a farmer hy occupation, departed this life March 30, 1885, at the advanced age of nearly eighty-six years, having been the father of eight children, six of whom grew to maturity. Wm. C., the fourth child, passed the early years of his life on the farm with his parents, and at the district school obtained a fair English education. On reaching his maturity he began an apprenticeship at the miller's trade, at which he served eighteen months in two different mills, namely, Senft's and Kohler's, situated on the Little Conowago Creek. in Adams County, Penn. After becoming free of his apprenticeship he came to Cumberland County, Penn., and continued in the milling business there about four years; from there moved West, and engaged in the same line for a short time in Iowa and Indiana. He then returned East, and followed milling in Adams County, Penn., spending in all some sev- enteen years of his life in that business, and since then has devoted his time to farming. He owns the farm on which he now resides. February 25, 1858, Mr. Lott was married to Dehorah Wolf, daughter of Jacob Wolf, of Cumberland County, Penn., of German de- scent. To them have been born three children: Ella May, William Jacob and Charles Winfield (the latter died when nearly one vear old). William Jacob is a resident of Kan- sas. The family is identified with the United Presbyterian Church of Gettysburg, of

103

CUMBERLAND TOWNSITIP.

which Mr. Lott is a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat; he has served as township clerk.

JAMES H. MCCULLOUGHI. farmer near Gettysburg, was born in Franklin Township. Adams Co., Penn., October 6, 1849, a son of James and Jane (Cobean) Mccullough. na- tives of Adams County, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish origin. The father was a tiller of the soil and reared four children, of whom James H. is the youngest. Our subject grew to manhood on the farm, attended the common schools and the preparatory department of Pennsylvania College, and settled down as a farmer, which occupation he still pur-nes. and is owner of a well improved farm of ninety-four acres of land. November 19. 1874. he was married to Mary Elizabeth Reid, of Scotch-Irish descent. a daughter of Anthrew Reid, a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. McCullongh have five children: James R., William A., Jane (., Samuel II. and John E. The parents are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church at Gettysburg. In polities Mr. Mccullough is a Republican.

EMANUEL PLANK, proprietor of the Star Roller Mills, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Highland Township, Adams Co., Penn., February 9, 1845, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Forney) Plank, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, the former born in 1801 and the latter in 1506; both now living. They reared seven children, of whom Emanuel is the sixth in order. Our subject grew up on a farm and received such instrue- tion as the schools of the district afforded, and until 1883 was occupied in farming. In that year he began operating the Star Flouring Mills, which, since then, has been fully equipped with rollers. The mill, when Mr. Plank purchased it, had depreciated consid- erably, but in its improved condition, and through the efforts of its owner, now commands an extensive patronage. In 1864 Mr. Plank married Elizabeth, daughter of John Socks. of German origin, and to them have been born the following children: Laura. wife of Levi Renicker; Charles A .. Emory H. and Sally. The parents are members of the Ger- man Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Plank is a Democrat. He has held the offices of school director, tax collector and assessor.

RAPHAEL SHERFY ( deceased) was born in Cumberland Township, Adams Co., Penn, June 26, 1843, a son of Joseph and Mary (Hagen) Sherfy, natives of Adams Coun- ty, the former of German, the latter of Scotch-Irish descent. They reared six children. of whom Raphael is the eldest. Our subject, not liking farm work, and having a taste for books, while attending the district schools prepared himself to teach, and in thut pro- fession did the first work in life for himself. Young Sherfy was engaged in teaching eight terms, with the object in view of obtaining a classical education, in which, however. he was thwarted by a loss with which his parents met in the destruction of their barn hy fire, after which it was thought that the means necessary for an education could not be expended: but Mr. Sherfy, being ambitious and industrious, devoted his spare time in canvassing for some good book, and being well known and of high- standing, and having a large circle of friends, he was generally successful. He seldom failed in any enterprise he undertook. He liked to work among the trees, and made the nursery and growing of fruit his business: he also took an interest in bee culture, and was meeting with marked success in both until his death, which occurred in 1882. He was a member of the German Baptist Church. In 1871 Mr. Sherfy was married to Miss Ellen, daughter of Jonas and Mary (Hartman) Rebert, both of German descent: former a farmer and a native of York County, Penn., latter born in this county. To our subject and wife were born the follow- ing named children: Mary Gertrude, Annie Rebert, Bertha Otelia, Carrie Belle and Rat- phael. Mrs. Sherfy is a member of the German Baptist Church. Since the death of Mr. Sherfy the widow has had full charge of the nursery and fruit-growing farm, which she also conducts. Six acres of the farm are given to the nursery; fruits are grown on the land. a portion of which is a peach orchard of fifteen acres. The buildings upon the place are neat and substantial.

GEORGE SPANGLER, retired farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Straban Town- ship, this county, December 19, 1815, a son of Abraham and Mary (Knupp) Spangler, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, the former a farmer by occupation. Abraham and Mary Spangler were the parents of ten children, all of whom grew to man- hood and womanhood, George being the oldest. Our subject grew up on a farm and received such an education as was obtainable at the schools of his district, and has since made farming the occupation of his life. By good management, economy and industry Mr. Spangler has succeeded in acquiring a competency sufficient to comfortably support himself and life companion in their declining years, and has given to his children a good start in life. March 26, 1841. he was married to Elizabeth Brinkerhoff, daughter of Cor- nelius and Elizabeth (Snyder) Brinkerhoff, natives of Pennsylvania and of Holland-Dutch and German descent, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Spangler have been born the follow- ing named children: Ifarriet J., wife of Samuel Swartz; Sabina Catherine, wife of Will- iam Patterson, a farmer of Cumberland Township, this county, who served in the One Hundred and First Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in the civil war; Daniel, who is engaged in the carpenter business in the West; and B. J., a farmer of Cumberland Township, who, in 1876, was married to Sally M. Conover, who bore him one child, Mary E. B. J. votes, as does his father, the Democratic ticket, and is a member of the Lutheran

404

BIOGRAPIJICAL SKETCHES:

Church, to which his parents belong. George Spangler has been an elder in this church for many years, and his son, B. J., has been a deacon in the same church.

JAMES WARREN, M. D., near Gettysburg, was born in Strausburg, Lancaster Co., Penn., April 4, 1813, a son of James Warren and a grandson of James Warren, James being a favorite name of the family. James Warren, the second, was born in Chester County, Penn., of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and married Catherine Aument, a native of Lancaster County and of German descent, and to their union were born eleven children. He was a blacksmith by trade, and performed service in the war of 1812. Our subject was the third child and grew to manhood in his native town, where he obtained his liter- ary education. His medical education was obtained in Jefferson Medical College, where he graduated in 1835. After his graduation he located as a practitioner in his native county, where he was so occupied for seven years. Ile then removed to York County, where he remained in active practice of his profession for nearly twenty-five years. In 1876 he came to Adams County and located on a farm near Gettysburg, and has here con- tinned practice. Dr. Warren has been twice married; first, in 1835, to Harriet Black, a daughter of James Black, a surveyor, and to this union were born two children: Arabella (deceased) and Beatrice (wife of Brice Clark). The mother of these children died in 1843, and in 1845 the Doctor was married to Eliza Lutman, a daughter of John Lutman, a farmer. She is of English and German origin. Her maternal grandfather, Samuel Lin- ton (an Englishman by birth), served in the Federal Army during the entire Revolution- ary war and never received a pension, for which he applied in the year 1833 or thereabout, as he did not survive to receive any. By the latter marriage the Doctor has had four children: Lucius A., a physician of Lancaster, Penn .; Everard P .. a physician, of Golds- borough, York Co .. Penn .; John C., a practicing physician in Adams County, and Evangabell. Mrs. Warren is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Warren cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, and since the war of the Rebellion has been neutral in politics.

WILLIAM WIBLE. farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Straban Township, Adams Co., Penn., November 3, 1825, and is of German descent. He was reared in this county, where he received a common school education, and engaged in farming, which in the main has been his vocation. He started out in the world a poor boy, but by industry and economy has succeeded in accumulating a competency, his acres at one time numbering over 225, a portion of which he recently sold to the Battlefield Memorial Association. which leaves him a farm of 195 acres of well improved land. Much of the second day's battle of July, 1863, was fought on his farm. Mr. Wible is a reading man, and is one of Adams County's most enterprising and intelligent citizens. In 1849 he was married to Ros- anna Elizabeth Boyer, of German origin, and to them have been born seven children who are now living: George, a farmer; Charles Philip; Kent Kane, a resident of California and a graduate of Pennsylvania College; Henry Baugher, a carpenter and farmer; David Buehler, William Frederick and Cora Boyer. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Wible has been a deacon and an elder for twenty-five years; he also acted in the capacity of superintendent of the Sunday-school. He has served as a school clirector. He is a Master Mason. In politics a Republican.

WASHINGTON W. WITHEROW, miller and farmer, P. O. Green Mount, born near Fairfield, Adams Co., Penn., February 22, 1833, is a son of David and Nancy (Walker) With- crow, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a mill-wright by trade, and in early life pursued that occupation, but later followed farming. He died when our subject was fourteen years old. He had six children, all of whom grew to maturity, Washington W. being the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the com- mon schools of Fairfield, and worked at both farming and milling until 1865, when he bought the mill and property and has since carried on the business himself. In purchas- ing this mill he bought out the heirs, and settled a matter that had been in litigation for upward of forty years. In the mill are two sets of buhrs, one for grinding chop feed. and another for making flour; and attached to it is a small mill. In connection with the milling business, Mr. Witherow is engaged in farming. In 1863 be enlisted in Company B, in a regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served as a non-commissioned officer until he was honorably discharged in 1864. In 1861 Mr. Witherow was married to Mary Crooks, of Scotch-Irish origin, daughter of Rev. Robert Crooks, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to them were born seven children: Margaret Danner; Joseph Stewart, who is a miller and superintends the mill; Emmet Williams (deceased); Robert Crooks, a far- mer; David Walker, Emma Elizabeth, Mary Louisa (deceased). The family is identified with the Presbyterian Church.

10%

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

CHAPTER LIIL.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

REV. D M. BLACKWELDER, P. O. Arendtsville, was born November 28, 1830, near Concord, N. C., a son of Reuben and Catherine (Lipe) Blackwelder, who were own. ers of the plantation on which our subject was reared. Both his maternal and pater- nal ancestors were natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and when quite young settled in Cabarrus County, N. C .. prior to the Revolution. They all reared large families and lived to advanced ages. To Reuben and Catherine Blackwelder thirteen children were born, of whom Rev. D. M. is the second son. Our subjeet received his classical education at Roanoke College, Virginia, and graduated in June, 1857. In October of that year he entered the theological seminary, Gettysburg. Penn .. and graduated in June, 1859. On the 15th of September following, he was licensed to preach by the West Pennsylvania Synod at Hanover. Penn .; was called to his first pastorate at Pomaria, Newberry Co., S C., in November. 1859, and was ordained at Newberry Court House October 28, 1860, by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of South Carolina. March 2, 1860, he married Miss Jane ('., daughter of John McCleary (deceased), of Gettysburg, Penn The bride accompanied her husband to her Southern home, where she was warmly greeted by the people as the wife of their pastor. During the civil war, which brought such ruin and desolation to the South, they remained at their post, true to their country's Hag, on which account, perse- cutions and indignities were heaped upon them. At the close of the war they returned to Gettysburg, and Mr. Blackwelder took charge at New Chester, Adams Co., Penn., Decem- ber 18. 1865. Fifteen months later, he was called to the York Springs charge, Adam, County. Penn., where he labored three years. In 1870 he took charge of the Mifflingtown pastorate in Juniata County, Penn., where he remained six years; thence to Upper Stras- burg, Franklin Co .. Penn .. where he remained fifteen months. He took his present charge June 15. 1877. Eight children were born to Rev. Mr. Blackwelder and wife: The ellest, Edwin E., was born and died in South Carolina; Willie A. died at York Springs; the living are Carrie L .. Ernest T .. Maggie M., Charles G .. Annie M., and Luther D. Carrie L. is a graduate of Hagerstown Female Seminary, Maryland: Maggie M. will also graduate there; and the eldest two sons are now students of Pennsylvania College, Getty- burg. Rev. Mr. Blackwelder has attained a position of usefulness in his profession: his labors have been greatly blessed in the conversion of souls and the glory of God.

SAMUEL BUCHER, farmer, P. O. Mummasburg, was born November 21. 1819. His great-grandfather, more than 200 years ago, settled on a farm in York County, near the Adams County line. on the farm which has descended directly from that ancestor and is yet owned by Jacob Bucher, one of his lineal decendants. Upon that tract five genera- tions were born and six have lived. The authentic history of this family begins with Michael, the grandfather of our subject, who married Elizabeth Carr, and to whom were born John, Michael, Jacob, Mary and Elizabeth. The latter, the only one now living, re- sides in York County. aged eighty-five years; the eldest son, John, the father of Samuel, married, about 1819. Barbara Driver, and a part of the ancestral farm became his patri. mony. There he and his wife remained during life, and the new house was built across the line in Adams County. They reared the following children: Sammel, Elizabeth, John, Michael, Maria, Anna and Barbara. May 14, 1846. Samuel married Anna M. Crowl. In 1842 he purchased his present farm, on which is located one of the oldest tanneries in the township, and for thirty years has carried on the business of tanning. To our subject and wife seven children have been born: David M., Mary, Jacob F .. Elizabeth E., George E., Sarah E. and Samuel Gilbert: four are still living. Jacob F. married Fannie, a danghter of Levi Musselman, of Cumberland County, whose history will be seen in another part of this volume: Sarah became the wife of U. Grant Shook, of Franklin County. Mr. Bucher has in his possession one of the oldest Bibles in Adams County, date of 1:36. He is one of the best-known men of Franklin Township, and bears a name which has never been linked to dishonor. The Buchers have for many years been members of the Mennonite Church, but Mrs. Bucher belongs to the Lutheran Church.

GEORGE COLE, farmer and postmaster. P. O. Trust, is a native of Germany. Ilis father. George, came to Buchanan Valley, from near Chambersburg, Franklin County. in 1840; had been twice married, and his first wife, Margaret ( Krug) Cole, bore him three children: Jacob, Margaret and Martin. After her death he married Elizabeth Geltz, wh ,

406

BIOGRAPHIICAL SKETCHES:

became the mother of the following: George (our subject), John, Francis and Barbara, born in Germany, and Elizabeth, born in America. They emigrated from Berkenour, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1830, making Franklin County their stopping place. By trade the father was a cooper, which he also taught his sons, George and John, and after his death they established a shop on the homestead. They were both married on the same day, October 1, 1843, to daughters of George and Elizabeth (Bittinger) Strasbaugh-George to Nancy and John to Sarah-the ceremony being performed by Rev. Michael Dougherty. Both commenced life under the same roof on the Cole homestead, having Elizabeth and Francis with them, and this pleasant relation lasted fourteen years. To our subject were born Jacob J., Josephine E., Mary A., Sarah J. and Nancy J. (twins), Mary L., Elizabeth and John Francis, by his first wife; after whose death he married, January 9, 1865, Elizabeth Young, who bore him Francis X., George E., John A, and Mary E. Mrs. Elizabeth Cole died December 11. 1870, and June 19, 1871, Mr. Cole married his third wife, Sarah A. Noel. To this union one child (deceased) was born. During his long business career Mr. Cole has been a large land owner and has made many improvements in this beautiful valley. Always a man of enterprise. his large family were taught to work, and are to-day rising business men and women of Adams County. Miss Jennie S., his youngest daughter, manages the store, being well versed in the retail business, and is assistant in the postoffice. Only three of his first wife's chil- dren are now living: Jacob, Mary and Jennie. In 1840 there were but few Catholics and only the wall of a church here, aud the Coles were mainly instrumental in putting the church upon the substantial basis it now occupies, contributing largely with their time and means. Mr. George Cole was president of the committee of twenty horsemen that welcomed and escorted Rt. Rev. John Newman, bishop of Philadelphia, who came to this church to administer the sacrament of confirmation. When the procession came within a mile of the church a signal was given by the firing of a gun, and the church bell was rung until the bishop arrived at the church. When he entered the church the organ was played and the choir sang: Grosser Gott, wir loben Dich (Great God, we praise Thee). He declared that was the most royal reception ever given him in America. Mr. Cole was ap- pointed postmaster of the first postoffice in Buchanan Valley, established June 19, 1886. Mrs. Sarah Cole is one of eleven children. all living, and her parents celebrated their golden wedding May 22, 1830. Both are now deceased.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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

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