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 173

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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 173
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 173

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SIMON HARNISU, farmer, P. O. Bonneauville, was born November 9, 1824, in Heidelberg Township, York Co., Penn. The Harnish family originally came from Germany, and after arriving in America first settled in Lancaster County, Penn., but their descendants soon scattered themselves over different parts of southern Pennsylvania. Samuel Ilarnish (grandfather of our subject), who was a farmer, settled in the valley of Pigeon Hills. One of his brothers settled near Chambersburg, and another near Carlisle, Penn. Samuel Harnish was a Democrat in politics, served as county commissioner; married Elizabeth Burghart, and had nine children: Jacob, Elizabeth, Samnel, Sally, Barbara, John, Michael, Nancy and Daniel. The parents died on the old homestead at an advanced age. Of their children, Jacob, born March 11, 1794, was a farmer; married

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Nancy, daughter of Samuel Bechtel, and who died aged thirty-five, the mother of seven children: Elizabeth, Sarah, Simon, Barbara and Anna (twins) Joseph and Magdalena. Jacob Ilarnish's second wife was Sarab, daughter of John Meyers; she died aged fifty-five. the mother of three children : Maria, Jacob and John; Jacob Harnish died near the old farm in' this township, aged eighty years and five months. Simon, his son, was educated in common schools, and farmed until he was twenty-one: then learned the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed twenty years, in Adams and York Counties, Penn., and in Carroll Coun- ty, Md. He finally settled down in Conowago Township, where he successfully prose- cuted his trade fourteen years. After this he embarked in mercantile business at White Hall, where he continued four years, and kept a general store in Bonneauville, Penn., one year. In 1871 he removed to the farm where he has been ever since, and has 120 acres of land. Ile was married here to Miss Margaret. daughter of Henry Shriner, of German descent, who was a resident of Carroll County, Md., and to this union were born six sons and two daughters: Theodore H .; William F. P., an artist who died in Milford, Ill., aged twenty-one years: Clinton S., Charles S., Harry W., Oliver P., Abarilla J. (deceased) and Nannie L. Mr. HIarnish is a member of the German Reformed and his wife of the United Brethren Church, Politically Mr. llarnish has been identified with the Democratic party, and has filled township offices. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and has been school director for over twenty years.

HARRY J. LILLY. (See next sketch below). The great-great-grandfather, Samuel Lilly, came from Bristol, England, landing at Philadelphia, Penn., thence went to Ches- ter County, Penn., but after a short time came to Conowago Township, Adams County, Penn., (where his great-grand-daughter, Sarah Lilly, still resides) in 1733. He was nine months making the trip from England, being wrecked on the coast of Ireland. He learned the trade of fuller, in his native land, and first settled on the west side of Conowago Creek, on account of the water-power, and erected a factory, which was carried on for many years, his son succeeding him, but which was finally abandoned, as it did not pay, cloth being manufactured so cheap in Eastern cities. No vestige of the building now re- mains, everything being torn down. Samuel Lilly, also, operated a feed and saw-mill, which was replaced by a stone mill. He entered a great deal of land, and the homestead he first settled is still in possession of his descendants. When he first came to this town- ship the Jesuits had the only log church, which was served once a month by priests, who came from Harford Co., Md. Indians still roamed over the forests. Mr. Lilly was a man of great physical endurance, and, although not of large size, was undaunted by dis- couragements or obstacles that were thrown in his way. He had several sons and daugh- ters, and one of his daughters married Dudley Digges, who at one time owned much land around Conowago Chapel, and was shot by one of Michael Kitzmiller's boys. Samuel Lilly's sons-Richard, John and Thomas-were mentioned in his will, which was signed . by John Digges, Henry Slagle and Archibald Irwin. Sarah Lilly, a daughter of Samuel Lilly, who was a grandson of Samnel Lilly the first, was born October 22, 1800, and has always resided on the homestead, with the exception of the time she attended school in Baltimore, and to-day, although she has seen more than four-score years, she is one of the most sensible ladies in the county; she still owns several hundred acres of the original homestead, which is farmed by her nephews, Edgar and Jolin L. Jenkins. Miss Lilly is a member of Conowago Chapel, which her ancesters helped build, and is most highly re- spected by its members, who are in perfect harmony with all denominations.

HARRY J. LILLY, farmer, P. O. Centennial, was born on his father's old home- stead, a part of the Lilly tract. in Mountpleasant Township, this county, September 18, 1848. His grandfather, Henry Lilly, was born in Eden. Oxford Township, Adams County, and, at an advanced age, built the house where our subject now resides, and a mill. He, Henry Lilly, was twice married, first to Miss Kane. a native of Harford Co., Md,, who died, leaving three sons, who grew up to manhood: Thomas, who was educated at George- town College, of which he subsequently was teacher, and then treasurer, and finally a priest ; later was stationed at St. Inigoes, in Maryland; afterward was sent to St. Joseph's Church, at Philadelphia, and there died; George, who farmed here until 1860, when he went to Texas; Col. James, who resided in this neighborhood until 1859; when he went to Richmond, Va., where he remained till Fort Sumter was fired on, when he went to White Sulphur Springs, Va., and there resided until 1873, when he moved to Hinton, W. Va., where he died in 1881, aged seventy-four years. None of these three sons were married. Mrs. Ilenry (Kane) Lilly died at an early age, and Henry Lilly subsequently married Catharine, daughter of John Sneeringer, and who died at an advanced age in Mc- Sherrystown, Penn .. the mother of six children: Joseph, John, Henry, Samuel, Caroline and Mary. Of these, Joseph was born in 1816, on the old Lilly farm; became a farmer and miller, and while still single, in 1832, moved to the place where our subject now re- sides: he died August 14, 1869, at Indianapolis, Ind., where he was under treatment for cancer in the face. Politically he was a Democrat, as were all the members of the family but the eldest, who was a Whig. Joseph Lilly was married to Catharine Reily, who is now seventy years old, a daughter of Edward Reily, an old pioncer, who came here about 1797. Of the six children born to Joseph and Catharine Lilly, three attained maturity: Mary

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J., Harry J., and Edward, now residing at Cape Girardeau, on the Mississippi River. 150 miles south of St. Louis. Of these, Harry J. was educated at Calverd College, New Windsor, Carroll Co., Md., with the exception of two years, when he took his father's place at the mill. Our subject has followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns abont seventy-five acres of the old farm; he has been quite a traveler, and has made many trips to St. Louis and other western points. Our subject was married in Baltimore County, Md., September 13, 1876, to Miss Helen Jenkins, who was born in March, 1856, daughter of Edward F. Jenkins, formerly a citizen of Baltimore, Md. This union has been blessed with four children: M. Josie, Edward J., Mary L., Alfred Austin. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly are members of Conowago Chapel. Politically he is a Democrat, and has been iden- tified with this party nearly all his life.

EPHRAIM MILLER, farmer, P. O. Granite Hill, was born August 26, 1828, on the old homestead, in this county, where his father, John II. Miller, had settled in an early day. The Millers are descendants of Michael Miller, who came from Germany in an early day and settled in this connty, near Round Top, where George Luckenbaugh now lives. Michael Miller was married here to a Miss DeGraff, and died at an advanced age. His widow was over ninety at the time of her decease. Of the several children born to this couple, Jolin. a native of this township, first engaged in farming and huckstering in early life, but later kept a store in Mountpleasant Township, where our subject now resides. He commenced doing business on a small scale, with one horse, but afterward used four horses. He was quite sueeessful, financially, and in the course of time became a wealthy man. He bought land from time to time, till he owned about 545 acres. Ile was a busy man, and built and repaired much property. Politically he was a Democrat. He married Sarah Flater, who died here, aged seventy years, Mr. Miller being seventy three at the time of his demise. To this conple were born eight children: Elizabeth, Noah, Catharine, John, Michael, Margaret, Mary Ann and Ephraim. Of these, Ephraim attended the county school, which was held in a cabin, and was eondueted on the old subseription plan. He and his brother John took up their father's business (general store), and after his death were in partnership for fourteen years. John next died, and Ephraim became sole pos- sessor of the business, and has also a farm of 155 acres. Ephraim Miller has been a suc- cessful business man, as was his father before him. He was married, June 5, 1849, to Miss Susan, daughter of David Showalter, who has borne him four children-three daughters: Lida K., Cora A. and Sarepta Aliee (latter of whom died in infancy), and one son, Charles H., a bright lad, who died when fifteen years old. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the United Brethren Church of Christ. Politically he is a Democrat.

JACOB E. MILLER, farmer, carpenter and undertaker, Bonneauville, was born Au- gust 23, 1828, in Straban Township, Adams Co., Penn .. son of Peter Miller, a native of Hamiltonhan Township, this county, who was a potter and farmer by occupation, and a Dem- ocrat in politics. He married Elizabeth Kemp, and had six ehildren: Catharine, whodied aged ten years; Mathias (deceased, aged twenty), Mrs. Mary Bricher (deceased), Jacob E., Mrs. Elizabeth Gitt, Peter, Jr. Peter Miller, Sr., died in Mountpleasant Township, and his wife in Oxford Township, this eounty. Great-grandfather Miller came from Germany. Jacob E. Miller was educated in the common schools, and in early life learned carpenter- ing, which he has followed more or less all his life. Since 1865 he has also been an under- taker. He was married, in Conowago, this county, to Miss Catharine, daughter of Henry Weaver, who has borne him six children, two of whom are living: John H. and Jacob F. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob E. Miller are members of the Catholic Church. Politically our sub- ject has been identified with the National Greenbaek party; is no offiee-seeker, and votes for the best mau. During the late civil war he responded to the nine months' call; was elected captain of Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, and filled the office till his term expired, and with his regiment participated in various engagements.

LEVI D. MILLER, farmer and merchant, Bonneauville, was born in Deeember, 1861, in Carroll County, Md., son of Louis and Elizabeth (Hann) Miller, who were parents of two children: Mrs. Mary E. Sherman and Levi D. Louis Miller was a native of Mary- land, a farmer by occupation, and died at Two Taverns, Adams Co., Penn., aged forty- nine years. Our subject, who was educated in the schools of his native county, worked on a farm until the spring of 1883, when he embarked in a mercantile career, becoming a partner with Jacob Sherman, a merchant of Two Taverns, Penn. They kept a general store for a year and a half, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Miller removed to Bonneauville, this county, where he engaged in the same business on his own account. and has been very successful. He was married here to Miss M. Ella, daughter of Michael Fiscel, a representative citizen of Mountjoy Township, this county. One child has been born to this union-M. Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Lutheran Church.

DR. AGIDEOUS NOEL, physician and surgeon, Bonneauville, was born in Mount- pleasant Township, Adams Co., Penn., son of Samuel E. Noel, whose ancestors were of French descent and settled in Adams County in the beginning of the eighteenth century, near the Pigeon Hills. The paternal great-grandfather, a farmer by oceupation, in an early day resided near East Berlin, this county, and died here at an advanced age; his son,

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Peter Noel, also a farmer, was a mill-wright by trade and died near Bonneauville, this county, aged over ninety years; he was a Whig politically. lle (Peter) was twice mar- ried; the first time to Miss Dull, who died leaving ten married children: Jacob, Samuel, Peter, llenry, Bernard, Lonis, Gerome, George, Elizabeth and Margaret. By Peter Noel's second marriage, with Elizabeth, danghter of Nicholas Noel, he had one son and several daughters. Of Peter Noel's children, Samuel, a batter by trade, married in this township, Barbara Kase, a native of Northampton County, Penn., and of German descent. Samnel Noel died October 9, 1860, and his widow August 20, 1871, aged seventy-six years. They had two children: Francis A., who resides on the old homestead, and Agideons. Our sub- ject received a primary education near home and his literary education at the New Oxford Institute. At the age of fourteen he became imbued with the desire of studying medicine, and read with Dr. M. D. G. Phieffer, of New Oxford, Penn., who was also the principal of the New Oxford Institute. He afterward attended the University of Maryland, at Baltimore, where he graduated in 1862. After graduating the Doctor located in Bonneau- ville, Penn., of which place he is now the oldest physician, and here he enjoys the esteem and respect of his neighbors and has a lucrative practice. Dr. Noel was married here to Mrs. Lucinda M. Swope, a daughter of Benjamin Landis (Mrs. Noel had three sons by her first marriage). During the late war Dr. Noel offered his services to his country, and September 5, 1864, was commissioned, by Gov. Curtin, first assistant surgeon of the Two Hundred and Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Third Division. Ninth Corps, Army of the Potomac. Ile served at the Third Division field hospital till the close of the war. and received an honorable discharge June 2, 1865.

FRANCIS POHLMAN, farmer. P. O. Centennial, was born June 7, 1848, at Mount Rock, Monatpleasant Township, Adams Co., Penn., son of Francis Pohlman, Sr., who was born near Osnabruck, Germany, and who came to America before he was of age. The latter was the youngest son in his father's family and, as was the custom in that country, supposed he would inherit his property, on which there was a small debt, so he came to America to make up the money owed, but found on his return to Europe with the necessary funds, that his eldest brother had taken possession, and as he did not wish to disturb him, though he was entitled to the place, he returned to America and to Adams County, Penn., where he farmed the latter part of his life. He wasalso a lime burner, and probably burned more lime than any other man in the county. He died at Mount Roek February 6, 1884, aged seventy years. He was married here to Mary Gosman, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, daughter of Frederick Gosman, and is yet living. Of the seven children born to them three are living: Francis, John and Mrs. Susie Kloak; Mary, another daughter, died at the age of sixteen. Francis Pohlman, Jr., was educated near home and at New Windsor, Md. He was married, in this township, to Miss Mary. daugh- ter of Dominie Gosman, and by this union there is one child, Joseph Dominie. Mr. and Mrs. Pohlman are members of Conowago Chapel. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party.

EMANUEL RUDISILL, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born August 20, 1827, in Heidelberg Township, York Co., Penn. The family was originally of French or German descent. Three brothers came to Pennsylvania at an early date, one settled near York, one in Lancaster County, and one near Jefferson, in York County. Our subject's grand- father, Andrew Rudisill, was born and reared in York County, and was a son of Worley Rudisill, who was born at Codorus, same county. Andrew Rudisill was a poor boy when he started out in life for himself; was a shoe-maker by trade; became quite wealthy, and gave each of his four sons a homestead farm near Hanover, York County. He was an industrious man, a remarkable character, and was a representative eitizen of York County. He married Miss Elizabeth Wildesin, a descendant of one of the oldest families in York County, where her father's brothers used to hunt with the friendly Indians in an early day. Mrs. Andrew Rudisill died in York County when over one hundred and eleven years of age (when one hundred and three years old she would still go out fishing, and she kept all her faculties till the last). To Andrew and Elizabeth Rudisill were born four sons and three danghters, who lived to a good old age: Mary was ninety-one years and some months, John was ninety-one. Andrew was over ninety-one, Eve was eighty-six, Jacob was sixty-two, Henry, who is still living, is about eighty-eight, Elizabeth was fifty years old when she died. Of these, Jacob, who was also a farmer, married Christiana Lohr, who was seventy-two years old at her death. They both died in llanover, Penn. They had six children: Jacob, Emanuel, Rebecca, Christiana, John and Abraham. Of these, Emanuel Rudisill was educated near home and has been a farmer all his life; he now owns 230 acres of land in Mountpleasant Township, this county. Ile was united in marriage with Leah Spangler, born in York County, Penn., daughter of Zachariah Spangler. Twelve children were born to this union, all now living: Spangler, Alice, Worley, Charles, Martin, Frank, Jacob, Alverta, Katie, Andrew, Minnie and Rebeeea. Mr. and Mrs. Rudi- sill are members of St. James Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat, but is no office seeker, preferring a quiet life.

MELCHIOR SLINGHOFF, farmer, P. O. Red Land. was born September 29, 1838, in Hessen Cassel, Germany, son of Richard and Margaret (Rosenberger) Slinghoff (who died

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in Germany), the parents of three children: William, residing in Germany, Mary wife of Jacob Hupser, of Russell County Kas., and Melchior. Our subject went to school in his native land until he was twelve years of age, when he was left an orphan, and was sent by an uncle to the United States, he and his sister coming over by themselves, and landing at Philadelphia, Penn., where Melchior worked one month and then came to this county, where he worked on a farm for a time and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, and served as a nine months' volunteer. After that he obtained an honorable discharge, and shortly after went to Washington, D. C., where he worked at his trade for the Government, till the death of Abraham Lincoln, when he returned to this county, bought 150 acres of land and went to farming, in which he has been very successful. Melchior Slinghoff was mar- ried, October 13, 1865, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Daniel Bonnetts and by her he has six children now living: Charles H., Emma E., Sarah J., Ellen M., Millie R. and Lillie M. Mr. and Mrs. Slinghoff are active members of the German Reformed Church, in which he was deacon for about eight years. Our subject is one of the representative citizens of this township, is a Democrat in politics and has filled minor township offices.

HON. J. E. SMITH, merchant, P. O. Centennial, was born near Bonneanville, Mount- pleasant Township, Adams County, Penn., March 28, 1829. [His grandfather, Charles Smith, who came from Germany when a young man, and settled in Mountpleasant Town- ship, was a farmer and distiller: married a Miss Spittler who bore him eleven children that attained maturity (eight at one time were cradling wheat in their father's field), all of whom married and had large families of their own, who showed the sturdy stock from which they sprang and made good members of society. The names of the living are Jolin, Andrew, Anthony, Jacob, Joseph, Charles, Peter, Adam, Elizabeth, Anna and Cathi- arine. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith died near Bonneauville, at a good old age; they were quiet country people, highly respected by those who knew them, and were devout Catho- lics, members of Conowago Chapel. Their son. Peter, also a farmer by occupation, died on a farm between Bonneauville and MeSherrystown, aged ninety years; he held some township and county offices, was a prominent Whig until the Know-nothing party sprang up, when he became identified with the Democratic party. He volunteered in the war of 1812 under his brother-in-law, Capt. Adams, and was one of the defenders of Baltimore. Peter Smith married Magdalena, daughter of Jacob Adams, of Oxford Township, this county, a miller and farmer by occupation. Mrs. Peter Smith died at the homestead, aged seventy- two years, the mother of eleven children, of whom eight reached maturity: Anna S. (now Sister DeSales, Order of St. Joseph). John E., David B., Peter G., Maria, Louisa, Anthony, Francis J. John E. was educated in the public schools and also by private teachers. In early life he farmed and taught school (five winters in all), and then entered a mercantile career at Irishtown, Penn., where he continued for five years; thence came to Mount Rock, where he has been keeping a general store; has been also engaged in the lime industry since 1855, and has done a large business (he has had several partners at different times), and for the past five years has manufactured cigars extensively, making usually 900,000 per annum, which he sells to Eastern markets. Mr. Smith has been twice married in this county. llis first wife, Maria, daughter of George Lawrence, died aged thirty-eight years, the mother of four children, all now living: Louise, Rosa, Gregory and Ignatius. His second marriage was with Miss Mary Jane, daughter of John Kuhn, and by this union there is one child living-Edgar. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are prominent members of Cono- wago Chapel. Politically he was a Whig, but left the party with his father, and for the same cause, and has since been identified with the Democratic party. He was elected justice of the peace about 1850, re-elected twice to this office, and in the fall of 1876 was elected county commissioner; was subsequently a member of the House of Representa- tives; and two years ago was appointed by Gov. Pattison to fill the office of associate judge of Adams County, holding the office one year.

D. C. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Centennial, was born November 5, 1836, in Mountpleasant Township, this county, son of Anthony B. Smith, who was born and died here. Charles Smith, the grandfather of our subject, and his brother, Andrew, were born in Alsace. Ger- many, and there their mother died, and their father. Gabriel Smith, re-married. The step- mother made home unpleasant for the boys, so Charles and Andrew obtained their father's permission to come to America, at the ages of seventeen and fifteen, respectively. They had to work their way over, paying for their passage by earning the money, Charles working at grubbing three and a half years for this purpose, and his brother four years and a half at spinning. Andrew Smith married and had children, but his family finally died out. Charles Smith came to Mountpleasant Township, this county, and here married and reared eleven children: John, Andrew, Elizabeth, Jacob, Charles, Mary, Joseph, Katie, Peter, Anthony and Adam. They all married, and had, collectively, 111 children (of the grand- children, only the last born of Adam Smith were twins). Of Charles Smith's children, Anthony died here in 1855, aged nearly sixty years. Anthony Smith was a farmer and weaver by occupation; he married Rachel, daughter of Jacob Adams. She died here in 1859, aged fifty years, the mother of eighteen children, of whom fifteen reached maturity and thirteen are still living. Of these, D. C., our subject, attended school in this town-

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ship, but is principally self-educated, especially in music. He was n musie teacher in early life, and still follows the profession in addition to farming, and is also an organist of Conowago Chapel. He taught school for ten years (three terms at Conowago Chapel), and also taught himself practical surveying. Hle was married here to Miss M. C., youngest daughter of Henry Spalding, and they have six children: Paul A., Rose G., Henry S., Mary M., Helen M., Mark J. The family are all members of Conowago Chapel. Politi- cally Mr. Smith is a Democrat.

CARROLL J. SNEERINGER, farmer, P. O. Centennial, was born June 3, 1833, in Mountpleasant Township, this county, son of John Sneeringer, a native of Conowago Township, Adams Co., Penn., and a descendant of the old Sneeringer family. John Sneer- inger was a farmer all his life; a Whig politically. Ile married Lydia House, by whom he had six children: Carrie, Carroll J., Joseph, William. Thomas and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. John Sneeringer died in this township, the latter at the age of seventy-five years. Carroll J. Sneeringer was educated in the town schools; was a carpenter in early life, and then was a successful merchant at Hanover, York Co., Penn., fourteen years. Hle first worked at carpentering there, and then embarked in the coal and lumber business. In April, 1880, he returned to agricultural pursuits, and purchased the old Reily farm, and has now 100 acres of land. Our subject was married in this township to Miss Sarah E., daughter of George Thomas, and by this union there are two children: Edgar and William, both of whom were educated at home and are now on the farm. Mr. Snceringer and family are members of Conowago Chapel. Politically he has been a Democrat all his life. He has been as successful as a farmer as he was as a merchant.

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

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