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 178

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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 178
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 178

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JOSEPH HOLTZ, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. New Chester, was born in Straban Township, this county, September 2, 1839, a son of Frederick and Sarah (Snyder) Holtz, natives of York and Perry Counties, Penn., respectively. The family are of French- German descent. The Grandfather Holtz was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; while crossing the ocean was shipwrecked, but was saved by clinging to a mast. After arriv- ing in America, he worked in the powder-mitl at Philadelphia, to pay his passage money. Frederick Holtz was married in York County, in 1833, and had a family of seven children, of whom Joseph is the sixth. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. For three years he was engaged in the grocery and produce business in New Oxford, under the firm name of Myers & Holtz. Since then he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and is the owner of 163 acres of land. The names of his brothers and sisters are as follows: Caroline, Sarah (wife of P. C. Ilarbold), Susan (wife of B. F. Leineberger), David (a farmer), Abraham (a phy - sician, who died in Hampton) and G. W. (farmer).

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ISAAC N. HULICK, farmer, P. O. New Chester, was born on the farm where lie now resides, in Strahan Township, this county, January 7, 1840, a son of Jacob'and Sarah (Mon- fort) Hulick; former a native of Pennsylvania, both of low Dutch origin. Latter died June 18, 1858. His father, a tanner in early life but later a farmer, died March 29, 1882; he came into possession of the farm in 1839 from the executor of David Demeree. Isaac N., the eldest of the family of two children, was reared on the farm, receiving his educa- tion in Hunterstown Academy. He engaged in farming and owns the farm of ninety-eight acres where he now resides, which is well improved and well stocked. In 1868, he married Elizabeth A. Haverstock, a daughter of Isaac Haverstock, who was a farmer and of Ger- man origin, and their children are as follows: Jacob M., Sarah Olive, William N., Mary Jane and John Luther. Mr. and Mrs. Hulick are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican in politics.

J. B. LEAS, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Menallen Town- ship, September 2, 1823, sou of Joseph and Margaret (Bender) Leas, natives of this county. The father was a brick-layer in early life, and later a farmer. His family consisted of three sons and three daughters, J. B., being the second child. The early life of our sub- ject was spent with his parents on the farm, and his educatiou was acquired at the district school, and from his youth to the present has followed agricultural pursuits. By his energy and industry he has succeeded and is now the owner of 187 acres in Strahan Town- ship, on which he resides. In 1850, he married Mary A. Walter, a daughter of Adam Walter, of Gettysburg. Her parents are of German origin, while Mr. Leas is of French and German. To them have been born six children: Louisa S., Ellen Mary, Maggie So- phia, Anna K., J. Walter and John H., a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Leas are members of the Lutheran Church in which he has been deacon; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He possesses the respect and confidence of the community in which he resides. In politics he is a Republican.

CORNELIUS LOTT, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Plainview, was born in Mount- pleasant Township, this county, in 1821, to Henry (a farmer) and Magdalena (Houghtelin) Lott, natives of Adams County and of Holland-Dutch descent. In a family of eleven children, Cornelius is the eldest. He spent bis earlier years with his parents on the farm; received his education in the school of his neighborhood; and since youth has followed agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 150 acres of land, where he now resides. In 1849 he married Elizabeth Beggs, who died in 1853. in Lauderdale County, Tenn., where be resided at that time. He then married, in 1857, Mary J., daughter of John Mcllhenny, and of Scotch-Irish origin. She has borne her husband four children, three of whom John K., David G. and M. Lizzie are living. Mr. Lott is a member of the United Preshy- terian Church, in which he has been elder for eight years, and Mrs. Lott is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican in politics; and takes an active interest in school matters and the education of his children, two of whom are teachers. He was jury commissioner from 1867 to 1870.

JOHN H. MAJORS, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Adams County, Penn., May 25, 1832, and is a son or Robert and Margaret (Kerr) Majors, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent, former of whom was a farmer iu early life, but later followed mill- ing for many years, and died in Straban Township, this county, in 1854. Their family consisted of two children: John H. and Margaret Jane (married to Harney Scott, now deceased). John H. was reared on the farm, educated in the district school, and chose farming for his vocation, which he has continued to follow to the present time. He owns ninety-four acres of land, well stocked and improved. November 24, 1857, he married Martha Jane, daughter of Hugh Mellhenny, who is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-four years; has retired from active duties, and now resides in Gettysburg. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Majors are as follows: Margaret Jane, wife of S. R. Bayly; Robert K., a farmer; and Anna H. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Majors is a Republican. He and wife are very highly esteemed in the community to which they belong.

JACOB G. McILHENNY, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Hunterstown, was born in Adams County, Penn., February 19, 1830, a son of Hugh and Ann (Taughinbaugh) McIlhenny, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish and English origin; former of whom was a miller and a farmer, but made milling his principal occupation. They had a family of eight children, five of whom are living, and of whom Jacob G. is the second. Our subject was reared on a farm, educated at the common schools, and learned the mill- ing trade with his father, which business he followed for twenty years, but of late years he has devoted his time to cultivating the farm where he now resides, and which consists of 180 acres, all acquired by his own exertions. Mr. Mellhenny was united in marriage, in 1854, with Miss Sarah A., daughter of Henry Lott, a farmer. Her paternal and mater- nal ancestors were Holland-Dutch and early settlers of this county. Mrs. Mcllhenny was a very successful school teacher, and taught in Adams County for several terms. Our subject and wife are the parents of the following children: Henry Lott, now a practicing physician in the State of Kansas; William Bell, a farmer in Adams County; Jacob Harri- son, a teacher in Kansas; Robert Alexander, a merchant in Ohio; John King, with his

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father on the farm: Rebecca (deceased) and James Gray. The family arc members of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Mellhenny has been trustee many years. He takes great interest in church and school matters; has served bis district as school director for six years. In 1883 he was elected county commissioner of Adams County, and served one term. Politically he is a Republican.

JACOB RUMMEL, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Ilunterstown, was born in Adams County, Penn., December 13, 1825, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Stallsmith) Rum- mel. They were of German orgin, and had a family of twelve children, of whom Jacob is the youngest. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the district school, and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, and devoted his time to that ocenpation for ten years; then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has since success- fully followed, and has a fine farm, on which he and his family now reside. lle was mar- ried, March 16, 1848, to Julian Eckert, of German extraction, daughter of Henry Eckert, a farmer, and an early settler of Adams County. Mrs. Rummel bore her husband eight children, four of whom are still living: Charles H., a farmer; Rosanna C .; Emma; Jacob E., a farmer, residing in Straban Township. Mrs. Rummel died January 19, 1884, a member of the Reformed Church, of which Mr. Rummel is an elder. He enlisted, in 1864, in Company K, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Second Brigade, Second Corps, and served until the close of the war. Politically he is a Re- publican.

JACOB C. SCHRIVER, carpet weaver, P. O. Gettysburg, was born December 7, 1816, a son of John and Elizabeth (Chronister) Schriver, natives of Adams County, and of German origin. The ancestors of our subject came from Germany to America about 1726; one settling in Hampton, Reading Township, one at Annapolis, Md., and another at West Philadelphia. Our subject is a member of the Hampton branch of the family. Ilis father was a weaver by occupation, which he followed until his eighty-fourth year, and died in his eighty-eighth year; his wife lived to be eighty four years old. Jacob C. was edneated in the district school, and early in life learned the weaver's trade with his father, and has made that his principal business in connection with bis farm, which con- sists of eighty-two acres of land. In 1840 he married Elizabeth Reynolds, a daughter of Jonathan Reynolds, and of French and German descent. Her father, who was a

farmer, died at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Schriver had a family of eight children, five of whom are still living: Anna Maria, wife of John Rummel; Emma Amelia, wife of IIenry Weigle; Sidney S .; Francis R., a farmer, and Sadic A. The family are members of the Reformed Church, of which Mr. Sehriver has been elder and deacon. He has also served as register and recorder of Adams County and school director, and served nine years as postmaster at Hampton, from 1851 to 1860.

SAMUEL SHULL, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. New Chester, was born on the farm where he now resides November 9, 1840, a son of John (a farmer) and Elizabeth (Cashman) Shull, natives of this county, and of German descent. The family of John Shull consisted of cleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and four are now liv- ing, of whom Samuel is the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, and acquired his education in the district school. He chose agricultural pursuits as a vocation, which he still follows, and is the owner of the farm where he now resides. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, was slightly wounded, and served until the close of the war; when the time of his first enlistment expired he again enlisted in the same company. In 1870 he married Miss Retura E. Eiholtz, daughter of John Eiboltz, and of German origin: she bore her husband the following-named chil- dren: Grace A., Anna U., Emma M., Gertrude E. and Kate V. Mrs. Shull died in 1882, a member of the Lutheran Church. In this church Mr. Shull has been deacon. lle bas also been clerk and inspector of elections; is a member of the G. A. R .; a Republican in politics.

PETER STALLSMITH, farmer and stock-raiser. P. O. Gettysburg, was born near that place September 23, 1913. to John and Catherine (Knop) Stallsmith, natives of Penn- sylvania; the former a cooper in early life, but later a farmer; he reared a family of ten children, of whom Peter is the fourth. Our subject was educated at the country school, grew to manhood on the farm, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he still fol- lows. In 1839 he married Rebecca Rinehart, a daughter of John Rinehart, and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Stallsmith were the parents of the following children: Mary Jane, wife of Emanuel Reed; William Henry, died in 1862; Rebecca, wife of E. W. Deardorff; John A., married to Sally Blair. Mrs. Stallsmith died in 1868, and in 1869 Mr. Stall- smith married Mrs. Hannah Herr, a daughter of George and Mary (Bream) Hartzel. Mrs. Stallsmith had one child by her first husband: Freddie Anna Herr, now the wife of George Stallsmith. The family are members of the German Reformed Church, in which Mr. Stallsmith has been deacon and elder. He votes for the man, not for the party, on politi- cal questions. He is a useful. influential citizen.

WILLIAM CLAYTON STORRICK, farmer, stock-raiser and school-teacher, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in this county, September 16, 1856, a son of Adam and Margaret (Seltzer) Storriek, natives of Germany. Adam came to America in 1832, and in 1840

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settled in this county. He was a tailor in early life, but later a farmer. and died in 1881; his widow, who came to America in 1833, now resides with her son. Their fami y con- sisted of seven children, five of whom are living, and of whom William C. is the youngest. Our subject was reared on the farm. and educated at the country school and at Gettys- burg Normal School. He commenced teaching at the age of seventeen. and tanght twelve terms in this county, four schools in all. In 1879 he married Mary J. Brinkerhoff, of Hol- laud Dutch descent, and their children are Charley C., Nina G. and Norman W. Mr. and Mrs. Storrick are members of St. James' Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Re- publican.

SAMUEL H. TAUGHINBAUGH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. New Chester. was born in Reading Township, this county, June 12. 1838, a son of John L. and Barbara (Shank) Taughinbaugh, natives of this county, of German origin. John L. was a saddler, a trade he followed successfully through life. Samuel H., the eldest of the family, was reared on the farm, attended the common schools and also Cumberland Valley Institute, and taught school for two winters, but has made farming his principal occupation, in which he has met with success. He is the owner of 270 acres of well improved land-the farm where he resides, near New Chester, consisting of 130 acres. He married. in 1861. Sarah E., daughter of Samnel Deardorff, a farmer of German descent. Their children are Christian D., Anna C., William A., Samuel Emory, Charles G., Jacob Harvey. Sarah Ida and Alice May. Mr. and Mrs. Tanghinbaugh are members of the Lutheran Church. In polities he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM F. THOMAS, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born near East Berlin, Adams Co., Penn .. September 17, 1834, son of Isaac C. Thomas, who was born April 10, 1807, and Anne Riffle, who was born February 29, 1809. Isaac C. Thomas had, by his first wife, six children: Sarah A., born September 23, 1829; Mary Jane, born September 23, 1830; William F .: Isaac R., born January 28, 1836; Joseph, born May 19, 1838; Catharine, born August 14, 1840. By his second wife. Sally Riffle, who was a sister of his first, there was but one child-Lydia Ann-born February 9, 1842, married to Adam Bupp, now with her mother near East Berlin. Isaac C. Thomas was a Whig in politics, a member of the Catholic Church. He died March 11, 1856. William F. Thomas, in his early day, learned the mason trade, and went to Fulton and Schuyler Counties, Ill., in 1853. and worked at the mason trade one year. In 1854 he went on the Ohio and Missis- sippi Rivers as second engineer one year, and had to leave the boat on account of illness of his father, who died March 11, 1856, and since that time Mr. Thomas has remained in Adams County. In 1859 he married Susanna Yoe, who bore him fourteen children, all of whom are living at home: Joseph I., born August 10. 1860; Mary A .. born August 15. 1861; William F. Thomas, Jr., born October 17, 1862; Henry Edwin, born December 17, 1863; Jacob L., born February 1, 1865; George A., born March 11, 1867; Lydia Jane, born August 1, 1868; Sara Catharine, born June 24, 1870; Susanna Ellis, born January 25, 1872; James Adam, horn March 4. 1873: Amanda Ella, born December 25, 1874; John Andrew, born January 1. 1877; Elza Anna, born July 2, 1878; Theodore Pius, born Decem- ber 17, 1879. The family are all members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Thomas is a Democrat. He was elected director of the poor in 1884, and has now served three years. Since residing permanently in Adams County he has followed agricultural pursuits successfully, and is the owner of some very fine stock, making a specialty of Hereford cattle.

11ENRY B. WEANER. farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in this county September 22, 1827, a son of Conrad (a farmer by occupation) and Sarah (Bream) Weaner, natives, respectively, of York and Adams Counties, Penn. Their family con- sisted of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity, of which number, Henry B. is the second. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the common schools, and at the age of eigliteen commenced to learn the carpenter trade, a vocation he followed twelve years. In 1856 he married Margaret E. Cashman, a lady of German origin. daugh- ter of William Cashman; she bore her husband seven children, of whom the following are living: Cornelius J., James O. G. and Phebe Jane. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Weaner has served his township as school director; has been suc- cessful in business, at present owing 125 acres of land. Politically he is a Democrat.

JOHN WERTZ. farmer and stock-raiser. P. O. Gettysburg, was born on the farm where he now resides, November 7. 1819, a son of Henry and Susan (Thoman) Wertz, natives of York County, Penn. The paternal and maternal ancestors were natives of Switzerland, and early settlers of Straban Township, this county. The Wertz family first settled in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1743, where the grandfather of our sub- ject and his three brothers enlisted in the Revolutionary war, in which struggle the last tbree mentioned lost their lives in defense of their country. Henry Wertz, who was a farmer, settled on the place where his son now resides, in 1810. His family consisted of six children. Our subject was reared on the farm and received a common school educa- tion. He chose farming for bis vocation and is the owner of 128 acres of land. He is a Democrat; is unmarried; served twelve years as school director in this township. He is a deacon in the Reformed Church, a great reader and well posted.

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MARTIN S. WITMOR, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Table Rock, was born in this county. August 24. 1829, a son of Henry and Catherine (Enholz) Witmor; the former of whom was born in Maryland, July 4, 1801, and died in 1874; was a farmer and served in several minor oflices while a resident of Butler Township; latter was born in this county, in 1803, and is still living with her son (our subject); she is of German origin. They were parents of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Martin S. being the second. He was reared on the farm, attended the common schools of his native county, and em- barked in the nursery basiness, which he followed until 1850, and during that time also paid some attention to farming, but made the nursery business his principal occupation. Ile is the owner of the old homestead of 112 acres of fine land well improved. In 1865 he en- listed in the One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged at the close of the war. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of the Reformed Church, and has served his township as assessor.

J. R. WITMOR, elder brother of our subject, and who resides on the adjoining farm, was born in this county, May 12. 1827; was reared on the farm and for a time engaged in the nursery business, since which he has followed farming and stock-raising. In 1858 he married Margaret Toot, daughter of Jaeob Toot, who was a farmer and of German origin. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Witmor are as follows: Anna Maria; William 11., a farmer; Franklin G. and George E. Mr. Witmor is a member of the Reformed Church, Mrs. Witmor of the Lutheran. Mr. Witmor owns 138 acres of well improved land.

CHAPTER LAVIII.

TYRONE TOWNSHIP.

THOMAS EHREIIART, farmer. P. O. New Chester, was born in this township, in 1825, and is a son of Thomas, Sr., and Margaret (Messersmith) Ehrehart, natives of York County, Penn., who settled in this county in 1808 or 1810. They first located in New Oxford, and ten years later located in Tyrone Township, where the father engaged in farm- ing and tanning; he was county commissioner one term, and held some of the offices of the township; was a gentleman of large business capacity, moderately successful, and a good liver. Thomas Ebrebart, Sr., had ten children: George, Sarah (deceased), Catherine, Elizabeth (deceased), Mary, Daniel, Thomas, Charles (deceased), Margaret (deceased). Agnes R. He and his wife belonged to the Lutheran Church, of which he was an official member; he died in 1855, aged sixty-eight years, and Mrs. Ehrehart only a few hours after the demise of her husband, and was buried in the same grave. Thomas Ehrchart (our subject) was reared to farm pursuits, and received a common school education. lle married, in 1851, Susanna, daughter of John Thomas, and located on the place where he now resides. He has filled some of the township offices. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and officially he has held the positions of deacon and elder. They are parents of four children: Milton J., Luther T., Margaret E. and Harry E. (latter de- ceased). Mr. Ehrehart owns a farm of 120 acres of land, which is well improved, produces grain and rears stock. Politically he is a Democrat.

GEORGE MECKLEY, farmer and justice of the peace. P. (. Heidlersburg, was born in Tyrone Township, this county, June 29, 1842, and is a son of George Meckley, Sr., who was a son of George, the latter being a son of John George, a native of Germany, and the founder of the family in this country. George Meckley, Sr., was born in York County, Penn., and removed to Adams County, Penn., with his wife and two children, Samuel and William, in 1836. He died in August, 1870, aged sixty-three years. His wife died in 1854, aged forty-five years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. He was a di- rector of the poor from 1863 to 1866. To him were born eight children, six of whom were horn in Adams County: Anna M. (deceased). Catherine (deceased), George. Elizabeth Ann, John F. (killed by a runaway team) and Lney A. Mr. Meckley married Lydia (Wolf) Flickinger for his second wife. George Meckley, our subject, was reared on a farm, and in the district schools obtained a practical education. In 1865 he married Mary Getz, and immediately afterward settled where he now resides, purchasing at the time 124 acres of land. In 1879 he was elected justice of the peace of Tyrone Township, and was re-elected in 1884, his term expiring in 1889; was director of his school district five years, for four of which he was secretary of the board; also served as secretary of the board of directors of the poor of Adams County, from 1882 to 1886. He is one of the directors of the Mum- masburg Mutual Fire Protection Society, having been elected in 1886. Mr. Meckley pos-

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sesses good executive ability, and in the discharge of his duty, whether of an official or private nature, he is always found on the side of safety and right. As proof of this, we cite the fact that, out of seventy-nine cases tried before his tribunal, only one has been ap- pealed. He and his wife are exemplary members of the Lutheran Church, with which they have been connected upward of twenty-five years. In the church, Mr. Meckley is au untiring worker, and a generous supporter of all Christian and benevolent enterprises. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meckley: Anna K., Mary A., William F., Min- nie E., Alta A., Clara M. G. and Maggie M. He affiliates with the Democratic party.

J. P. MILLAR, farmer, P. O. Heidlersburg, was born in Tyrone Township, this county, in 1826, and is a son of Peter and Anna Margaret (Yett) Millar; former of whom died in 1873, aged eighty-six years, and the latter January 30, 1873, aged eighty-four years. Peter Millar held some of the offices of the township. and he and wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and are consistent Christian people. J. P. Millar married, in 1863, Eliza Flickinger, and settled where he now resides. He is the father of five children: Maggie, wife of Franklin March; P. Emory, J. Harry, R. M., Katy and Emma. Our sub- ject is one of Adams County's self-made men. Having begun life with small means, he has succeeded admirably; carries on a farm of 100 acres, and owns another of 100 acres, all well improved. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church, with which they have been connected since quite young. For the past three years Mr. Millar has been an elder in this church, having previously been deacon. In politics he is a Democrat.

CHAPTER LXIX.

UNION TOWNSHIP.

JACOB G. BASEHOAR, farmer and miller, P. O. Littlestown, was born August 1, 1828, in Union Township, this county; son of George Basehoar, Sr., who was born Dec- ember 26, 1800, near Pequea, Lancaster Co., Penn., and died in April, 1878, at Littlestown, Adams Co., Penn. George Basehoar, Sr., came to Union Township, this county, in 1828; settled ou the farm now owned by Elias Basehoar, and was a farmer all his life. He married Miss Mary Grove, boru near New Holland, Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of Ja- cob Grove, and who died on the homestead, aged forty-five years, the mother of nine children, who reached maturity: Mrs. Susan Kindig, Jacob G., Mrs. Margaret Swartz, George D., Mary A., Samuel, David, Elias, and Mrs. Sarah Geiselman. Jacob G. Base- hoar was reared and educated in his native township, and has been a farmer and miller all his life, operating the mill built by his father in 1845, and owns a farm of 150 acres of well improved land, on which be built a barn in 1863. Our subject was married, in Novem- ber. 1851, to Miss Lydia Bitinger, born August 25. 1828, in Germany Township, this county, daughter of Frederick Bitinger. Four children were born to this union, all living: Charles H., John B .. Mary A. and Edward D. The whole family are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Basehoar has generally been identified with the Republican party, but at home, in township affairs, he votes for the best men. He has been successful financially, having secured a well earned competence, and intends to retire from active business.

GEORGE D. BASEHOAR, farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born on the old homestead in this township, March 10, 1837. son of George and Margaret (Grove) Basehoar. He was educated in this county. and has been a farmer all his life. Our subject was married here, February 23, 1860, to Miss Louisa Duttera, born in Adams County, Penn., in December, 1836, daughter of John and Margaret (Weikert) Duttera, who were among the old settlers of Uuion Township. George D Basehoar and wife were the parents of eight children: Heury H., E. Frances. George W., Louise Ann. John D. (killed by an accident at ten years of age); Sarah E., Jennie D. and Daniel D. The family are all members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Basehoar resides on a farm of 123 acres of land with good im- provements, and is counted among the well-to-do farmers of this township. He has beeu identified with the Republican party all his life.

HARRY FELTY, farmer, P. O. Red Land, was born September 1, 1863. on the old homestead which his grandfather, Harry Felty, got from his father-in-law, John Young, one of the earliest settlers 'in this county. Harry Felty, Sr., was born and raised in Hanover, Penn., where his parents, who came from Germany, died. He died on the home farm, aged eighty-four years; aud his wife Sally ( Young) died there, aged forty-four years. They were parents of four children: Mrs. Catharine Geiselman, Mrs. Rebecca Young,

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Mrs. Anna M. Faver and Harry. Harry Felty, Sr., was married, on second occasion, to Miss Schwartz. Of his children, John H. married Sarah, daughter of Jolin Spangler, and she bore him four children: George W., Mrs. Jane Rife, Emma and larry. Our subject was educated at the Union Schoolhouse, has been an agriculturist all his life, and is now farming on the old homestead. He was married, August 28. 1884, at Gettysburg, Penn., to Miss Sally, daughter of Edward Stambaugh, by whom he has one son. Mark II., born July 17, 1885. Mr. Felty ia a member of the Reformed Church and Mrs. Felty of the Lutherau denomination. Politically our subject is a Republican, as was also his father.

IION. DANIEL GEISELMAN, farmer, P. O. MeSherrystown, was born February 19, 1819, in York County, Penn. The family was originally of German descent, though the great-grandfather came to America from Switzerland (the family in the old country were of noble birth), first settling in Berks County, Penn. Frederick Geiselman (grandfather of our subject), a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, went to York County, Penn., in an early day, and there died at the age of eighty-four. His wife, Eva (Pheanus), also died in York County when nearly seventy years old. They had nine children, all of whom married and reared families of their own. Of these Michael, who followed farming and tanning in early lite, married Catharine, daughter of Jacob Keller. Michael Geiselman and wife died in Hanover, Penn., aged sixty-eight and seventy-four, respectively. They were members of the Lutheran Church. They reared a family of eight children: Daniel, Samuel, Mary, Catharine, Jacob (deceased), Michael, Sarah and Louisa. Daniel Geiselman attended the common schools of Adams and York Counties, but is principally self-educated. lle has been a successful farmer and is still owner of 144 acres of good land. He was united in marriage, in this township, with Fannie, daughter of Abraham Rife, by whom he has eight children now living: George R., M. Alexander. Daniel, Elder, Mary, Ellen, Clara and Sarah J. Mr. and Mrs. Geiselman and family are members of the Lutheran Church, at Ilanover. Our subject is identified with the Democratic party, and has filled many township offices of trust; was elected assessor; then county commissioner, and from 1875 to 1876 was a member of the State Legislature. He has always held to the true principles of his party, and has filled the offices, to which he was elected, with ability.

JOHN KINDIG. farmer, P. O. Sell's Station, was born November 26, 1819, in Spring Garden Township, York County, Penn. His father, John Kindig, also a native of York County, a farmer and distiller, came in 1837 to Conowago Township, this county, where he died aged eighty-one years. Ile married Mrs. Catharine Longnecker, nee Lindermoot, who was born in Lancaster County, Penu., and died in York County, Penn .. the mother of four children by her first husband and of eight by Mr. Kindig: Levi, Matilda, John, Anna, Jacob, Sarah, Martin and Mary. Our subject was reared on the farm and has followed agriculture all his life. He was married in Conowago Township, this county, March 26, 1846. to Susan, daughter of George Basehoar. She was born in Lancaster County, Penn., November 23, 1826, and died June 8, 1878, the mother of ten children, all of whom are now living: Henry, Mary C., Lucy M., Emma J., Alice R., Susannah M., George D., Charles W .. Samuel G. and Franklin D. The family are all members of the Lutheran Church. John Kindig came to Union Township, this county, in 1848, and bought the old Jacob Wagner farm, and has now 140 acres of land with good improvements, most of which he has made himself, as he has been a very industrions farmer. Politically he is a Republican.

JOSEPH L. SIIORB, farmer, Littlestown. The ancestors of this old pioneer family left Lorraine when it was attached to France. because they loved the old German father- land and language better than the French. Three brothers, supposed to have been named John, Jacob and Anthony, immigrated to America, and settled in Pennsylvania. One kept a hardware store in Hanover, York County, buying his stock in Germany, and making seven sea voyages for the purpose; one settled in York County, near Hanover, and the other near Goshen Huppen, Berks County, and there they farmed, and their descendants lived for many years. John Shorb, the brother that settled in Ilanover, was the great-grandfather of our subject. Ile married a lady by the name of Fricker. who bore him three sons and one daughter: Anthony, Jacob, John and Mrs. Mary Obold. (f the sons Jacob and John finally settled in Frederick County, Md., and Anthony (who died in Conowago Township, this county, in' 1500) married a Miss Obold, by whom he had six children, four of whom attained maturity: John, Anthony, Ir., Joseph and Mrs. Mary Shultz. Of these, Anthony Shorb, Jr .. moved to Tyrone, Blair County. Penn .. and there engaged in the iron business as a member of the firm of Lyon, Sherb & Co. He died in Littlestown while on a visit to relatives. Joseph was a physician, who lived and died in Littlestown, Penn. Mrs. Mary Shultz died in Missouri. John. the eldest, a farmer by occupation, was married in Littlestown, this county, to Miss Mary. daughter of Samuel Beccher, and of the eight children that blessed this union all attained maturity: Basil A., Joseph L., Alexander C., Samuel J., Edward, Matilda M., Sallie and Johanna. John Shorb's first wife died February 15. 1833, and his second marriage was with Mrs. Susan Stonesifer, who also died near Littlestown, the mother of one child, James E., now re- siding in St. Louis, Mo. John Shorb bought the farm where his son Joseph L. now lives, was a successful farmer, and died near Littlestown, this county, February 5, 1847, aged

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sixty-two years. He took an active part in public matters, and was much respected by all who knew him for his honesty and uprightness. He had a remarkable memory, and possessed those sterling traits of character for which the whole family, from the great- grandfather down to our subject, have been noted. Joseph L. Shorb was born on the old homestead March 19, 1812, and has heen a farmer as well as a business man. When the Littlestown Savings Institution was started he became its president, and remained so for eighteen years, when his health failed him and he refused a re-election. He has served as justice of the peace for forty years, which shows for itself how well he is loved and respected by his neighbors. In the evening of life Mr. Shorb may look back over a busy career that can give him unqualified satisfaction.

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

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