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 172

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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 172
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 172

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GEORGE W. WILSON, uurseryman, P. O. Flora Dale, was born April 6, 1830, and is a sou of William B. and Mary (Wierman) Wilson. He enlisted in the Union Army in 1861; was appointed first lieutenant of Company G, One IIundredth and Thirty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with the company and regiment until the summer of 1864, when he was detached from his regiment and given command of the Second Brigade, Third Division of Sharpshooters of the Sixth Army Corps, serv- ing until January 7, 1865, when he was discharged on account of physical disability. In September, 1853, he married Margaret Porter, of Gettysburg, a daughter of John Porter, of Martinsburg, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had five children: William B., who married Ollie J. Van Lear, and died at Pittsburgh, Penn., February 7, 1886; B. F. Wil- son, now a nurseryman at Bendersville; John E., a jeweler at Pittsburgh, and Charles S., who lives at home. Mr. Wilson was formerly a Republican, but, being a strong temper- ance man, acts with the Prohibition party.

THOMAS H. WRIGHIT (deceased) was born in Menallen Township, this county, October 30, 1806, and was a son of William Wright. He followed farming, and was highly respected. Ile married Charlotte J. Steward, a native of Butler Township, this county, born May 3, 1811, a daughter of David Steward. By this union there are two children: Rachel A., born December 25, 1849, now the wife of Eliakim Walhey (they reside on a part of her father's homestead in Menallen Township, this county), and Albert S., boru December 30. 1845. Mr. Wright was a member of the Society of Friends. His wife was reared a Presbyterian, and, although never joining, usually accompanied her husband to the Friends' meetings. Mr. Wright died July 8, 1882, and his widow August 18, same year.

ALBERT S. WRIGHT, retired farmer, Bendersville, was born December 30, 1845, and is a son of Thomas H. aud Charlotte J. (Steward) Wright. He began farming a part of the old homestead on his own account at the age of twenty-four, and followed agri- culture until the spring of 1885, when failing health compelled him to abandon the arduous duties of the farm. He then came to Bendersville, and erected a commodious brick house, where he now resides. He still, however, retains 150 acres of the homestead. He married, November 11, 1869, Sarah M. Bender, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Slaybaugh) Bender, and they have one son, Scott S., born September 29, 1879. Mr. Wright is a member of the Society of Friends, but his wife is a Lutheran, and he usually accompanies her to her church. Mr. Wright's ancestors were Scotch-Irish, and first came to America about 1691-92, or shortly after the battle of the Boyne, in which some of them were participants. The first of the family, however, that it is possible to identify by name, was John Wright, who was a member of the Society of Friends, a farmer. He lived many years in this county, and died in 1821 or 1822, aged about eighty years. His wife was Elizabeth Hammond, a native of this county, born near the Friends' meeting house; she died in 1823 or 1824. William, their son, was born September 29, 1778, in Menallen Township, this county; November 30, 1803, he married Rachel Thomas, a daughter of Abel and Ellen (Roberts) Thomas, natives of Berks County, and who came to Adams County in 1801. William, who had been a farmer all his life, died March 8, 1853; his wife was born March 8. 1778, and died April 19, 1836. They are both buried in the Friends' burying-ground in Menallen township. Their children were Ellen, Thomas H., Elizabeth, Abel T., Isaac J., Savannah R., all now deceased, except the youngest two.

CHAPTER LXIII.

MOUNTJOY TOWNSHIP.

SMITH BARR, farmer, P. O. Two Taverns, was born on the farm where he and his family now reside, in Mountjoy Township. Adams County, Penn .. and is descended from one of the old pioneer families of this county. James Barr, Sr., the great-grandfather, a native of Ireland (but of Scotch descent) came to America before the Revolutionary war, and settled on the farm where our subject resides, marrying a Miss Watson. James, his son, who was but a boy when they settled here, in the course of time was united iu mar- riage with Miss Leckey, and they became the parents of three sons and four daughters: George, Mary, James, Sarah, Nancy, Margaret and Alexander. Of these, James was also born on the old homestead; he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Joseph Hunter, who bore him seven children: James W., Jane A., Isabella, Smith (our subject), Sarah M., Albert L., and Agnes S. James Barr, the father of these children died in 1852, aged sixty- seven; and his widow departed this life in 1870, aged seventy-nine years. Smith Barr was

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educated near home and is now one of the successful farmers of Adams County, owning the old homestead, with good substantial buildings thereon. He was united in marriage, June 2. 1959, with Miss Harriet Horner, daughter of Eli Horner. of Cumberland Town- ship, this county. To this union have been born two children: Mervin G. and Margaret 1. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church, at Piney Creek, of which Mr. Barr has been elder nearly twenty years. Our subject enlisted his services in defense of his country during the late civil war, serving in Company G, One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Politically he has ever been identified with the Re- publican party, and has served his township as justice of the peace for the last eight years with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constitutents. He and his family are loved and respected by all who know them.

A. J. COLLINS, farmer. P. O. Two Taverns, was born November 14, 1849, in Adams County, Penn., son of Edward Collins. Ile was educated in the schools of this county, and his early life was spent on his father's farms. At the age of eighteen he entered the employ of Reyburn Ilunter & Co., of Philadelphia, in the lightning rod business, and for nine years traveled for the firm through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. After this he returned to his native county, and engaged in farming. Here he was married to Miss Maggie S., danghter of Joseph Mackley. To this union was born, October 28, 1879. one son-Ellis C. After marriage Mr. Collins farmed for two years on one of his father's farms. He next engaged in mercantile business at Two Tav- erns, keeping a general store and running a market car from Littlestown, Penn., to Balti- more, Md., for about five years. While making one of these trips, in the night of June 20, 1881. and while going at full speed, his car was run into by another car, and wrecked, and he lost his right leg. being otherwise injured. He proved by the suit which he entered against the railroad company, that the cars were running at a speed of fourteen miles an hour, and obtained a verdict for $8,000 damages, after which the suit went to the court of appeals, where the verdict was sustained, with interest from date of accident. The lit- igations lasted four years. Mr. Collins obtaining judgment May 27, 1884. Our subject's whole life has been an active one. He sold his interest in the mercantile business in March, 1883, when he bought his farm, on which he now resides, and which comprises 125 acres of land. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has ever taken an active inter- est in political matters.

ISAAC N. DURBORAW, farmer, P. O. Two Taverns, was born October 31, 1838. on his grandfather's homestead in this county. His great-great-grandfather, John Durboraw, a farmer by occupation, had three sons: Thomas (who begat John, Isaac and Absalom), John (who begat Thomas, John, Isaac, David and James). and Isaac. The last named farmed on land in this county, which is the site of Middletown; he, Isaac, married Martha Holmes, a descendant of an old family, and to this union were born the following named children: Thomas, John and Isaac. Of these Isaac came to Mountjoy Township, this county, and bought a farm of John McCallen, in 1804; he married Rebecca Beard, who died on our subject's farm. To Isaac and Rebecca (Beard) Durboraw were born William, Isaac H., John, Thomas and Samuel. Their son Samnel was born June 8, 1800, on an adjoining farm: was educated in the subscription schools, though was mainly self-edu- eated; he studied surveying, taught school in early life, and filled different township- offices, serving as school director for twenty-five years, justice of the peace thirty years, and as member of the State Legislature from 1858, being re-elected to the office in 1859. When the war of the Rebellion broke out he took an active interest in the cause of the Union, and was identified with the Republican party (formerly was a Whig). He was in the revenue service of Adams County during the war, and before the battle of Gettysburg; was taken prisoner by the rebels at Ilanover, but managed to effect his escape while they were trying to open the depot safe. He hid in the wheat fields till night, when the dr.w was on the grain, and caught cold, from the effects of which he died the following year. March 13, 1864. In his passing away Adams County lost one of her most useful and respected citizens. He was upright and honest, and known, far and wide, for his many good qualities of head and heart. Hon. Samuel Durboraw was thrice married, the first time to Miss Anna Brinkerhoff, who died, leaving one daughter. Mrs. M. R. Cress, who is yet living in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. His second wife, Mary J. Horner, was a daughter of Alexander Horner, one of the pioneers; she died here January 17, 1849, aged thirty-seven years, the mother of three children now living: Mrs. Sarah J. Coshun, Isaac N. and Mrs. Maria E. Hartman. His third wife, Mary R. Coshun, who is yet living, is the mother of the Rev. Charles T. Darboraw, now of Kansas. Isaac N. Durboraw was educated in the common schools, and for a short time studied under private tutor Converse, at Gettysburg; has been a farmer all his life, with the exception of the time he devoted to his country. He enlisted June 8, 1861, in Company K. First Pennsylvania Reserves (he wanted to enlist when the first gun was fired, but his father did not think he could spare him); he was elected corporal, and promoted to second sergeant, and participated in all the engagements in which his regiment took part, except during a short time he was sick, and was wounded at Charles City Cross Roads June 30, 1862. Our subject was married in the fall of 1864 to Miss Margaret E., daughter of Peter Conover. The children born to this union now liv.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

ing are Mary J., Willie G., Addison H., Isaac N., Jr., Robert H. and Charles H. (twins), Martha E. and Margaret E. Mr. and Mrs. Durboraw are members of the Reformed Church. Politically he has been a life-long Republican, casting his first vote for Abra- ham Lincoln. He has been elected five times justice of the peace in a Democratic town- ship, and, besides, has served as school director two terms.

STEPHEN GIETTIER, farmer, P. O. Harney, Md., was born August 28, 1810, in Manchester, Carroll Co., Md., and was ten years old when he came to Adams County. Penn. John Giettier, father of our subject, died when the latter was about three weeks old, and the widow subsequently married John Morris (both are now deceased). The mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Boran, a daughter of Ezekial Boran. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Peter Giettier, was a native of Germany, and when young came to America. To John and Elizabeth (Boran) Giettier were born three sons and three daugh- ters: John, Joshua, Stephen, Elizabeth, Rachel and Anna. Stephen Giettier made his home near Hampton, this county, with Jacob Meyers, with whom he remained till he was sixteen years old, when he learned the shoe-maker's trade, which he never followed, how- ever, but engaged in farming there until some twenty-five years ago. when he came to Mountjoy Township, this county, and bought a farm of 180 acres, where he has since lived. He was married to Elizabeth Schroeder, by whom he had twelve children living: Henry, a resident of California; Stephen, Tobias, John, Charles, Elizabeth, Emelia, Maggie, Hannah, Rosannah, Emma and Ellen M. Mr. and Mrs. Giettier and children are members of the Mountjoy Church. Mr. Giettier is a Democrat in politics and has filled many offices of trust; is now school director, and at one time was supervisor of Menallen Township, this county. He has been a successful farmer, horse farrier and veterinary surgeon for fifty years.

ABRAHAM HESSON, P. O. Harney, Md., was born October 20, 1828, in Frederick County, Md. The family is of German descent, and the grandfather, who came to Amer- ica when a young man, settled in Carroll County, Md., where he farmed, and there died on the old homestead, aged ninety-five years. Of his family of eight children Daniel, who was born in Carroll County, Md., became a farmer; was married to Magdalena, daughter of Michael Harner, who hore him seven children: Caroline, Barney, Catharine, Abraham, Daniel, James and Margaret. Daniel Ilesson, Sr., died in Frederick County, Md., aged eighty-two, and his wife in Adams County, aged seventy-four years. Of their .children Abraham was educated near home and spent his early years on the homestead. At the age of nineteen he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for seven years, when he returned to farming, which he still continues. He owns, altogether, 140 acres of land, located in Adams County and Maryland. Abraham Hesson was married to Miss Ann M., daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Mehring) Waybright, natives of Adams County, Penn. (the latter of whom is yet living). Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Hesson have seven chil- dren: Abraham W., John P., Mary C., Caroline C., Jennie, Jacob and Harriet. They are both members of the Mountjoy Lutheran Church. Mr. Hesson has ever been identified with the Democratic party and has filled different township offices of trust.

GEORGE W. HOFFMAN, farmer, P. O. Two Taverns, was born February 22, 1838, in Mountpleasant Township, this county. His father, George Hoffman, was born Novem- ber 20, 1805, in Straban Township, this county, a son of Frederick Hoffman, who was born in 1773; married Miss Catharine Gilbert, to whom were horn twelve children. His father, Nickolas J. Hoffman, was born in Germany December 18, 1700. George Hoff- man married Lydia Stock, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., now nearly seventy-sev- en years old, and the only survivor of a family of fifteen children, all of whom grew up, married and were farmers. George Hoffman departed this life in Mountjoy Township in the fall of 1885, aged nearly seventy-nine years. To George and Lydia Hoffman were born seven children: Josiah (deceased), Catharine, Nancy, George W., Lydia, Margaret A. and Lucy A. B. George W. Hoffman was educated near home, but is principally self-ed- ueated. In early life he taught for eight winters, four of which were in the school he had attended in his boyhood in this township; but, his health failing, he had to give up teach- ing, and in March, 1865, left the school-room with part of a term untaught, and enlisted in the Union Army and served as a private in the One Hundred and First Regiment Penn- sylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, during the remainder of the war; since when he has been farming, and has now 120 acres of land in this township, composed of two small farms. He was married here in October, 1861, to Miss Agnes Sheeley, a native of the county, daughter of Andrew Sheeley. Our subject and wife are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has been a deacon for ten years. He has been a member of church since he was eighteen years old. Politically he was a Republican, and has filled different offices of trust in the township, and now he advocates Prohibition.

485

MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.

CHAPTER LXIV.

MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.

J. W. BACHMAN, farmer, P. O. New Oxford, was born in April, 1819, in Hanover, York Co., Penn. His grandfather Bachman was born and married in Germany, and when a young man came to America and farmed in York County, Penn., but was accidentally killed in Adams County, Penn., by a wagon running over him as he was returning from a mill after night. Hle left two sons and one daughter. Of these David, who was born shortly after the death of his father, learned the saddler and harness-maker's trade, which he followed nearly all his life. He married Rebecca, danghter of David Ifellman, and had six children: Ann, John W., Louise, Amelia, Emma and Maria. David Bachman and wife died at Hanover, York Co., Penn., aged eighty and sixty years, respectively. Of their children, John W., was educated in llanover, Penn., and there learned his father's trade and carriage-trimming, which he followed forty years and gave good satisfaction to his customers, having learned his trade thoroughly. Hle removed to his farm of forty aeres, in this county, in 1860, and has remained on it ever since, engaged principally in agricultural pursuits since coming here. He was married to Nancy, daughter of David Slagle, an old pioneer of Oxford Township. They have two children now living: Otis G. and Emma E. Otis G. has been a successful teacher most of his life and an active busi- ness man, well known nearly all over the county in local and political circles. Our sub- ject has been identified with the Democratic party all his life and has served his neighbors and friends in different offfees, especially in the capacity of justice of the peace, and was re-elected without opposition in the spring of 1885.

W. J. BEAMER, farmer and preacher, P. O. Granite Hill, was born in Gettysburg, Penn. The family originally came from Germany. The paternal grandfather of our sub- jeet was a farmer by occupation, and died near Taneytown. Md. Ilis son, Jacob, was horn near Taneytown, Md., was a carpet-weaver by trade, but followed farming in later years and died in Gettysburg, where he spent the last years of his life. Jacob Beamer was identified with the Whigs at first, but later voted with the Republican party. In early life he was a zealous member of and deacon in the Reformed Church, but in later years he was a member of the United Brethren denomination and was a class-leader. Jacob Beamer was married to Ann M. Wentz, of German descent, born in York County, Penn., May 24. 1815, daughter of John Wentz, who came here from York County, and died, aged eighty-four. near the famous peach orchard where he resided during the battle of Gettysburg. his own son being an officer of a Confederate battery that was stationed at the head of the lot, his nephew facing the battery in the Union Army. The widow of Jacob Beamer is still living. They were parents of ten children, of whom the living are Henry II., Harriet E., Walter J., Franklin S., Jacob HI., Emma C., Philip W. Of these, Walter J. was reared on the farm and attended the common schools in Gettysburg and vicinity, but is mainly self-educated. He joined the United Brethren Church when twenty-four years of age, and commenced to study for the ministry when twenty-six, and three years later was ordained at Shippensburg, Penn., since when he has been laboring for the Lord. His first charge was Fulton Mission, in Fulton County; he next had the Perry Circuit, in Perry County; then Shopps Station, in Cumberland County; and later the Otterbein Church, in Baltimore City. In 1880 he was elected presiding elder over the Chambersburg District, Pennsylvania Conference, which position he filled six years. Making his headquarters one year in Mechanicsburg, Penn., and then on his farm (of 144 acres) in Mountpleasant Township, this county, where he now resides, having charge of the llanover Church. Mr. Beamer was married, in this township, June 5, 1820, to Miss Sarepta Miller, a native of this county, daughter of John Miller of the old Miller family. Two children are the result of this union: Alice C. and Laura E. Our subject is identi- fied with the Republican party. During the war of the Rebellion he served two years for his country. He enlisted in June, 1863, first in the six month's service, in Bell's company of cavalry, and at the expiration of his time re-enlisted in the three years' service in the same company and regiment, and remained till the close of the war. He was in the battle of Cold Harbor, siege of Petersburg, where they were engaged in the entrenchments for one month (this was while in Company B. Twenty-first Regiment of Cavalry, being dismounted for five months); after which, with Gregg's Second Division, he participated in many skirmishes. After the war he returned to his farm, and subsequently entered the ministry.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

JOSEPH COSHUN, farmer, P.O. Bonneauville. John Coshun, the great-grandfather of this gentleman, came from Flanders, and settled in New Jersey. He had three sons: John, loshna and Peter, and of these Peter settled in Frederick County, Md., Joshua in New York, and John in Mountpleasant Township, this connty, where he farmed and eventually died, aged sixty years. Ile, John, married Hannah, daughter of John Conover, a native of Long Island and of Dutch descent. John and Hannah Coshun had nine children, of whom Joseph married Sarah, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Barr) Robinson. Her mother was a daughter of William and Rebecca (Torrence) Watson, and the latter, Re- becca Torrence, was a danghter of Aaron Torrence. To Joseph and Sarah (Robinson) Coshun were born seven children: Mary R., Catharine, Amanda (deceased), John, Sarah, Ann .J. (deceased), and Joseph. Joseph Coshun, Sr., was a farmer by occupation; took an active interest in educational matters, serving as school director for a long time; he died in this township aged fifty-two, and his widow when sixty-fonr. Of their children ont subject was educated in this county, and is a farmer. Ile was married in Gettysburg, Penn., to Sarah J., daughter of Squire Samuel Darboraw, and by this union there are six children now living: Mary J., John N., Anna L., William, Emma J., and Alice F. Mr. and Mrs. Coshun are members of the Lutheran Church. He has been identified with the Republican party ever since its organization. During the late civil war he served as a member of Company C, Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, enlisting in March, 1865, and serving till the close of the Rebellion.

HENRY M. FORRY, farmer, P. O. Bonneauville, was born two miles northeast of Han- over, York Co., Penn .; son of John (a farmer by occupation) and Nancy (Myers) Forry. who died in Hanover, aged sixty six and eighty-three years, respectively. They had four- teen children: Jacob and John (twins), the latter living in Ohio; Eliza; Nancy; Mattie; Abraham; Maria; Henry; David, a farmer in Indiana: Amanda: Millie: Mrs. Barbara Kindig, who died in Washington, D. C .; Benjamin and Martin (the latter deceased), and Frances, married to Amos Rohrbaugh. The Forry family originally came from Germany. Henry Forry has been a farmer nearly all his life, though he resided for four years in Lit- tlestown, Penn .. but subsequently removed to Bonneauville, in the fall of 1865; bonght land, and has still a farm of 110 acres. He was married to Louise, danghter of Benjamin Landis, and she has borne him three children: John L., married to Addie, danghter of Levi Weikert (have one child. Charles Forry): Mary Jane (deceased), and Harry G., who was partly educated in the home schools, partly under the private instruction of Dr. A. Noel, partly at the Preparatory to Pennsylvania College and Select Classical School at Littles- town, Penn., necessary branches, preparatory to his taking a medical course. Our subject has ever been a Republican in politics.

MICHAEL H. GEISELMAN, farmer, P. O. Centennial, a native of this township, was born May 6, 1848, on the old homestead which his grandfather, Michael Geiselman, had purchased from MeCreary, who bought it from the Indians and from the Government. Michael Geiselman, Sr., was born in York County. Penn., and came here from near Abbotts- town, Penn .; married Catharine' Keller, and had seven children: Daniel. Samuel, Mary A., Catharine, Sarah, Louise and Michael. The parents died in Hanover, Penn., aged seventy-four and eighty-three years, respectively. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, a native of Prussia, married a Polish lady (both had immigrated to America in youth), and settled in York County, Penn., where they lived, died, and are buried. The grandmother was interred in winter time, under an apple tree, close to the house, which was on an embankment, fifty feet high, near Seven Valley, and over which the Northern Central Railroad now runs. Of the seven children born to Michael and Catharine (Keller) Geiselman, Samuel was born near Abbottstown, Adams County, Penn., has been a farmer all his life, but is now living retired in Hanover, Penn. He inherited the old homestead, and has much improved it. He married Catharine, daughter of Harry Felty, an old set- tler, whose father was a captain in the Revolutionary war. To this union were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy, and one, Samuel A., when twenty-two years of age. Those now living are Michael H., Mrs. Sarah A. Heaggy, Charles W., John C., a merchant at Hanover, Penn. Of these Michael II. was educated near home, has been a farmer all his life, and now owns a part of the old homestead. He was married to Miss Sarah E., daughter of George Basehoar, and by this union has six children: Mary K., Sarah G., Harris B., Annie M., Michael L. and Elsie I. Mr. and Mrs. Geiselman are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

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

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