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 80

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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 80
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 80

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DAVID KNIGHT WAGNER, of the firm of D. K. & John C. Wagner, publishers, Ship- pensburg, was born in Shippensburg, this county, February 6, 1832, son of David and Cathar- ine Elizabeth (Gessner) Wagner, former a native of Cumberland County. of German descent; latter born iu Hanover, Germany. David Wagner was a wagon-maker, and carried on this business extensively in Shippensburg for many years, but after the Cumberland Val- ley Railroad was built to this place he embarked in the grain and produce business, own- ing his own cars. He was twice married, and had eleven children; he died here in No- vember, 1845. Our subject (child by second wife) received his education in the public schools of his native town, and early in life was employed as salesman; subsequently learned the printing trade, and, in 1851, formed a partnership with J. Bomberger in the publication of the Shippensburg News, but in 1856 he sold his interest, and, until 1861, was employed a part of the time as traveling salesman. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves as a member of the regimental cornet band, and served until it was honorably mustered out of service, in 1862. He then worked at printing in Bedford County, Penn., until 1866, when he purchased the Fulton Republican at McCon- nellsburg, Penu., which he sold out in 1867, and the same year the present firm was formed, and purchased and are publishing the Shippensburg News. They established the News, book and stationery store in Shippensburg. Mr. Wagner was married, in 1869, to Susan, daughter of Mr. John Gish, late postmaster at Shippensburg. Mr. Wagner is a Republican in politics. He served as member of the school board for several terms, and is its late secretary. He is a member of Colwell Post, No. 201, G. A. R .; of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, and also of the Masonic order.

JOHN CAREY WAGNER, of the firm of D. K. & John C. Wagner, and brother of D. K., was born July 31, 1838, in Shippensburg, this county, and is the youngest member of the family. He received his education iu the public schools and academy in Shippensburg, and in 1853 learned the printing trade. In the fall of 1856 he went to Knoxville, Tenn., and worked in the office of The Knoxville Whig (the editor at that time being Parson Brownlow), remaining there until 1860, when he went to Newville, and engaged in publish- ing The Star, in company with James M. Miller. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H. Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving as sergeant until discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment. In 1864 he was detailed into the United States Telegraph Corps (having learned telegraphy before he enlisted), aud served in that capacity until 1866, when he took charge of the Baukers' and Brokers' Telegraph Line, at Somerville, N. J., where he remained until 1868, when he returned to Shippensburg and took his present posi- tion. He was married, December 29, 1869, to Miss Emma, daughter of John S. and Ra- chael (Talbott) Morrow, of Newville, this county, of Scotch-Irish descent. They have five daughters living: Ella F., Mary T., Blanche G., Isabella M. and Katharine A. Mr. Wagner is a member of Conedoguinet Lodge, No. 173, and Valley Encampment, No. 34, I. O. O. F., and of the Grand Lodge and Encampment of I. O. O. F. of Pennsylvania; also a member of Colwell Post, No. 201, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM M. WITHERSPOON, physician and surgeon, Shippensburg. was born in Franklin County, Penn., October 17, 1844. son of William Noble and Mary Ann (Lytle) Witherspoon, natives of Pennsylvania, former a farmer of Scotch descent, latter of Irish descent; their family consisted of seven children, four of whom are now living, William M. being the third. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the commou school, also the academy at Chambersburg, Penn., and afterward taught school for one term. He commenced the study of medicine, in Chambersburg. Penn., under the eminent physician Dr. J. L. Suesserott, remaining with him one year and a half, and then entered the medi- cal department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1869, and has been in active practice in Shippensburg ever since. He was married, in 1881, to

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Flora, daughter of John Bridges, a lady of Scotch descent. The Doctor and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Cumberland County Medical Society. In polities he is a Republican.

CHAPTER XLI.

BOROUGH OF NEWVILLE.

JOIN ALEXANDER AHL, M. D. (deceased), was a grandson of John Peter Ahl, who came to this country about the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and soon entered the Continental Army as surgeon; at its close he began practicing in Rockingham County. Va., but some years later was ordained in the Lutheran Church, preaching in it up to the tinie of his death, which occurred in Baltimore at the advanced age of ninety-six years. John Peter Ahl had four sons and two daughters, his son Jolin being father of Dr. John A. Ahl. Hle was also a physician in Rockingham, where he mitrried Naney Ellen Vanghan, and re- moved to Franklin County. Penn. Ten years later he came to Shippensburg, this county, staying but a few months; thenee moved to Newville, where he practiced until his death, which occurred April 9, 1844. 1Ie had five sons. Jolin Alexander Ahl was born in Stras- burg, Franklin Co., Penn., August 13, 1813, and subsequently determined to follow his father's profession, reading in his father's office and attending lectures in the University of Maryland and in Washington Medical College in Baltimore, obtaining his degree there in 1838. He practiced in Centreville, Penn., for ten years, then moved to Churchtown, same State, where he obtained a lucrative practice, thence he went to Brandtville, Penn., practicing and milling and grain-dealing for about six years, when he eame to Newville, this county, engaging in paper manufacturing, and shortly thereafter associating with him in the business his sons John S. and Q. P. All. He was also extensively engaged in for- warding business and in real estate with his brothers. A stanch Democrat, not having held office before, he. in 1856, was elected to Congress by 1,561 majority over Gen. Lemuel Todd, who had carried the district two years before by a large majority. He served his constituents admirably, and on his return devoted himself with characteristic energy to his large business interests, in which he was eminently successful, acquiring a large estate. Ile was a presidential elector in 1860. On April 22, 1845, he was married to Elizabeth, danghter of James Williams, by whom he had eight children: John Sherrod, Q. Parker, Abram Williams. Elizabeth W., Laura Bell, Emma Louisa, Frank Woodard and Augusta Vaun. Q. Parker, the second son and only child living. was born July 19, 1847; is uumar- ried and lives with his mother in Newville. Dr. John Alexander Ahl died April 25, 1882. An energetic and upright man, who often helped the deserving, he was a credit to his family and name, and when he died left to his widow and son the priceless heritage of a good name.

PETER AUGUSTUS AHL and DANIEL VAUGIIN AHIL. The paternal ancestors of these gentlemen were originally from Berlin, Prussia. The grandfather, Dr. John Peter Ahl. came to America about the opening of the Revolution and settled in Bucks County, Penn. He entered Washington's army as surgeon, and remained as such until the close of the war. After the restoration of peace, he settled in Rockingham County, Va., where he practiced medicine for a number of years. Abandoning medicine, however, he was or- dained a minister of the Lutheran Church, his field of labor being Baltimore, where he remained in pastoral work until the time of his death, at an advanced age. He had four sons and three daughters. John, one of the sons, adopted medicine as a profession, and graduated from the schools of Baltimore; began his practice in Rockingham County, Va., where his father had practiced before him. There he married Miss Nancy Ellen Vaughn, and shortly after removed to Strasburg, Franklin County. this State. He remained here about ten years, and then removed to Shippensburg, and thence to Newville, Penn., fol- lowing his profession in each of these places. He died at Newville in 1844, and his re- mains rest in the old church-yard of the Presbyterians at that place. He left five sons and three daughters: Samuel Snyder, Carey Watkins, John Alexander, Peter Augustus, Daniel Vaughn, Catharine Washington (married Rev. Jacob Newman, a minister of the Lutheran Church), Martha Jefferson and Mary Etta, all of whom were reared and educated in Newville. Samuel followed the occupation of hatter, and carried on the manufacture of hats largely and profitably in his native place until his death. Carey engaged in school-teaching. subsequently following the mercantile business, besides dealing in real estate, and finally became a well known and successful iron master. John adopted medi- cine as his profession, practicing successfully in Centreville, Churchtown and Newville.

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He was also interested in the manufacture of flour and iron. Engaging in politics, he represented the interests of the Democratic party of the congressional district composed of the counties of York, Cumberland and Perry, during the administration of President James Buchanan. Peter Augustus, one of the subjects of this sketch, was born in Stras- burg. Franklin County, this State. He secured a good education, and chose the occupa- tion of druggist. At an early age he entered upon his studies under the direction of Sam- uel Elliott, a practiciug druggist of Carlisle, remaining with him about two years. He then abandoned the profession and engaged in mercantile pursuits. Daniel Vaughn, the other subject of our sketch, and the youngest of the family, was born in Strasburg. He early evinced a natural business talent and a speculative turn of mind, and at the age of fifteen he was employed as clerk in the store of his brothers, Carey and Peter, at Church- town. remaining several years as salesman in their stores in Churchtown, Shepherdstown and Shiremanstown. in their native county. In this business he continued until the death of his brother, Samuel, who requested that his brother Peter and himself return to New- ville and reside with their mother and sisters, Martha and Mary. They complied with his request, made their home with them, and cared for them during their lives. From this time the history of the two brothers is identical. Together they remained, being unmar- ried, and together they engaged in a great many large, varied and successful enterprises, which gained for them a celebrity throughout the State. Originally without capital and entirely self-made, they were characterized by a boldness in their financial undertakings and a public spiritedness in their enterprises which won for them a wide reputation for daring, energetic and successful speculators, railroad and iron men. Daniel, the younger of the two, early displayed an inclination for stock-dealing and speculating in venture- some enterprises. Their first large and successful dealings in stock was in connection with Charles Beltzhoover, of Boiling Springs, Peun., with whom they carried on an ex- tensive business as dealers and shippers of horses and mules. They coutinued the busi- ness themselves, after the retirement of Mr. Beltzhoover, their retail sales of mules alone amounting to as many as 600 head annually. Their stock was principally purchased in the States of Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois. In 1856. at the outbreak of the Mormon war, they secured a contract from the Government for the delivery, at Fort Leav- enworth, Kans., of 1,500 head of broken mules, for the transportation of the troops from that place to Salt Lake City. These mules were nearly all purchased in the State of Pennsylvania, and delivered at the required point, a distance of nearly 2.000 miles, in sixty days. This was their first Government contract. They also, during the same year, furnished 200 head of mules at Pike's Peak. for the Pike's Peak Overland Stage Company.

They continued in the mule trade until the breaking out of the civil war, amassing a considerable fortune, having, in the meantime, entered into the irou trade, by the purchase of the "Carlisle Iron Works," and acquiring, besides, a large amount of real estate, con- sisting of mills, farms and mineral lands. The Carlisle Iron Works property comprised some 10,000 acres of valuable timber and mineral lands. The furnace had fallen into dis- use before their purchase of it from Peter F. Ege, its former owner. They rebuilt the works, in connection with their brother, Carey, who held an interest in the property, and the man- ufacture of iron was carried on by them largely and profitably for many years. They also purchased the abandoned " Big Pond Furnace " property in Cumberland County, rebuilt it and established the manufacture of charcoal iron at that place, and continued its manu- facture until the sale of the property, with their developed ore lands adjoining, to the Phila- delphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. Daniel also held, at this time, an interest, in connection with Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, in the Caledonia Iron Works, Franklin County, and rebuilt it, after its destruction by Gen. Lee's army, during the memorable invasion of 1863. The Mount Pleasant Iron Works, located at Richmond, Penn .. now known as the Richmond Furnaces, and the Beaver forges and furnaces, located at Fort Loudon, in the same county, were purchased and rebuilt by them. After developing large quantities of iron ore on these properties in connection with these works, they agitated and, with other capitalists, carried to completion the construction of the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad, having its terminus at Mount Pleasant, near Cowan's Gap, and connecting with the Cumberland Valley Railroad at Chambersburg. This short liue was a link of the great route projected by them through the southern portion of the State, from Harrisburg westwardly, connecting with the Connellsville Road, and its western terminus being Pitts- burgh. It was originally known as the Miramar Railroad & Iron Company, with Daniel as its president. The undertaking was abandoned, on account of the antagonism of its rival, the powerful Pennsylvania. The abandoned line had been well chosen, as it was practically the same route adopted and located by the present South Pennsylvania or Van- derbilt Trunk Line. At these places they were large manufacturers of irou for a number of years, but they finally disposed of the works, with a large amount of ore lands, to the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad & Iron Company, Daniel being one of its officers. They also acquired and rebuilt the old Gov. Porter Furnace. in the city of Harrisburg, now owned by the car manufacturing company of that city. The Antietam Furnaces, in Mary- land, formerly known as the " Brinn " Iron Works, were purchased and rebuilt by them during the war, and were profitably opcrated for a number of years. They also acquired

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Jarge holdings of valuable ore lands adjoining these works in the States of Maryland and Virginia, which they operated in connection with the mineral lands purchased of the United States Government, at Harper's Ferry, the whole comprising about 2,500 acres. The " Mammoth" Ore Banks, at Cleversburg, and many other rich and valuable lands were owned and controlled by them during their active operations in the iron trade in that loeality, the development of which led to the organization of the Caledonia Iron Land & Railroad Company, and subsequently merged into the Harrisburg & Potomac. Daniel was its principal projector and its president, while to Peter belongs the honor of its construction, the road being practically owned and controlled by them. Upon the completion of the railroad, their various ore lands in its vicinity became very valuable, and large quantities were disposed of to the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Com- pany, and to the Crane Iron Company, of Catasauqua, Penn. The road was eventually absorbed by the Philadelphia & Reading, and is now owned and operated by that com- pany, with Daniel as one of its directors. In connection with railroads they have also the honor of being the projectors of the York Springs Railroad, and of exerting a considera- ble influence in the location and construction of the Western Maryland extension into the Cumberland Valley, which adds so materially to the manufacturing interests of Waynes- boro and the prosperity of the other towns and the valley through which it passes.

During the war they furnished large supplies of various kinds to the Government. and, in connection with William Calder, of Harrisburg, large numbers of horses and mules, at one time furnishing a number of horses to Gen. Averill's command, while engaged in active operations on the field at Culpeper C. H., Va. This achievement gained for Daniel the title of colonel, by which he was ever after familiarly known. During the darkest days of the Rebellion, when the integrity and financial condition of the Government was in doubt, and when other prominent and leading contractors refused, they undertook and furnished the army 1,000 horses and 1,000 mules in less than thirty days' time. Being of a speculative nature, possessing unusual sagacity, shrewdness and foresightedness in their enterprising projects, they secured and controlled large quantities of real estate in the counties of Cumberland, Franklin, Adams, York, Huntingdon, Clinton, Fulton and Perry, and the adjoining States of Maryland and Virginia, also valuable lands in Minne- sota. They were extensively engaged in the manufacture of straw board paper, and pos- sessed large milling interests in various parts of the country. The "Tyboyne Tannery," in Perry County, is owned and was operated by them a number of years quite profitably. The famous Doubling Gap, White Sulphur and Chalybeate Springs in Cumberland Coun- ty, owned by them, is a popular summer resort, largely patronized on account of the nat- ural beauty of the surroundings and its healthy and delightful location. They also have obtained control of the Cumberland Valley Fruit Farm adjoining, which has been beanti- fied, the buildings repaired and is a valuable acquisition and desirable annex to these springs.

Newville, the place of their early home, their residence now and during their re- markable business career, has not escaped their enterprising spirit. The old hotel prop- erty at the railroad station, with the land adjoining, was purchased by Peter. He rebuilt, remodeled and enlarged it, and made it as commodious as any in the valley. The lands between the station and the town were laid out in lots; and a beautiful street, with shade trees planted along its sides, and adorned by large and spacious mansions and the neat and attractive residences of the town business men and a stately church editiee. This most beautiful town now takes the place of what was before broken hills and pasture lands. Warchouses and dwellings were erected by them around the railroad station, and their numerous farms surrounding the town were all handsomely improved by the remod- eling and construction of elegant residences and large and commodions barns. Their en- terprising spirit yet manifests itself, for, having attained to that age that they should cease their labors and rest upon the fruits of their achievements, yet their active minds will allow of no rest, and even now they are engaged in projecting a railroad from Perry Coun- ty, vin Doubling Gap Springs, to connect with the Cumberland Valley, Western Maryland and the South Pennsylvania Railroads. Notwithstanding the occupation of their minds in so many worldly enterprises, gigantic in their nature and wonderful in their results, and the continued strain upon them in these undertakings, a reflection on their mortality has not escaped them nor heen forgotten. A large, beautiful and costly monument, of elaborate design, surmounted by a figure of Faith, pointing heavenward, has been erected by them in the old Presbyterian church-yard. underneath which lie the remains of their beloved parents, a loving brother and two affectionate sisters, and where, in due course of time. they also hope to repose in peace beneath it, a fitting monument to their genius and ability and a commemorative history of the lives of these two enterprising and re- markable men.

JOHN BLAIR DAVIDSON, bank cashier, Newville. The great grandfather of this gentleman, John Davidson. was one of the first to take up land in West Pennsborough Township, this county. His farm is still in possession of a descendant. James A David- son. Ile was born in 1743 and died in 1823. His son. John, was born in 1772; was mar- ried to Elizabeth Young, and died in 1810, his widow dying in 1823; they had five chil-

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dren : Eleanor, John Young, Samuel, Nancy and William. Of these, Samuel was born April 20,.1804, and after getting such education as the schools of that day afforded he went to Carlisle, learning the trade of a tanner with Andrew Blair. Mastering the trade he came to Newville, and worked in a tannery, which he soon bought, and ran for a number of years. An upright, generous man he often helped others to his own detriment. October 19, 1830, Samuel Davidson married Catherine Leckey, born May 21, 1807, danghter of Alexander Leckey, of West Pennsborough Township, this county. To this union were born three children: Alexander Leckey (deceased in 1852); John Blair; and Elizabeth A. (residing in Newville). Mr. Davidson died in August, 1880, his wife in April of the same year. For forty-four years he was an elder in the Big Spring Presbyterian Church. John Blair Davidson was horn December 24, 1833, in Newville, Penn. He completed his education at Jefferson College, Washington County, Penn., graduating in 1852, and taught school ' for ten years, at the end of which time he went into the quartermaster department, at Washington, for five and a half years, where he learned those methodical habits which have done so much to make him successful. In 1869 he returned to Newville, and entered the First National Bank, and in 1882 was promoted to the responsible position of cashier. In October, 1857, he married Margaret Ellen, daughter of William Burnside, of Centre County, Penn., one of which family, Thomas, was judge of the Supreme Court of Penn- sylvania. They have one son, Samuel A., born in October, 1860, who lives with his parents. The family are all members of Big Spring Presbyterian Church. Mr. David- son is characterized by straightforward, unremitting attention to his responsible duties, which he discharges in a manner eminently satisfactory to the directors and to all with whom he is brought into contact.

WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON (deceased) was a descendant of the Davidson family who settled in West Pennsborough Township, this county, where they took up a tract of Iand in 1750, still owned by A. Davidson. John, grandfather of William M., was born in 1743 and died in 1823. He married, when quite young, a Miss Graham, who died, leaving four children. His second wife was Mrs. Lacey Sterrett, who had been a Miss Laughlin, of an old and widely known family. They had five children, one of whom, named William, was the father of the subject of this sketch. William Davidson was born December 23, 1788; was married November 3, 1814, to Miss Mary Miller, born November 19, 1791, and had the following children: John Laughlin, born November 10, 1816, died February 8, 1837: Elea- nor, born September 27, 1818. died September 2, 1838; Mary Jane, born May 9, 1823, died in June, 1845; William Miller, born November 19, 1820, died March 8, 1863. William Miller Davidson was married October 28, 1845, to Miss Margaret Eleanor, daughter of Dr. William M. [see sketch of Alexander Brady Sharpe, page 394] and Jane ( Wilson) Sharp, the latter a daughter of Rev. Samuel Wilson, pastor of Big Spring Church, Newville, for fifteen years, and who died, while pastor, March 4, 1799. Dr. William M. Sharp was born July 23, 1798, died August 20, 1835; his widow was born December 3, 1794, and died June 27, 1876. Besides Margaret Eleanor Mr. and Mrs. Sharp had three sons: Samnel Wilson, born March 27, 1822, died December 6. 1877; Alexander Elder, horn March 27, -, died December 13, 1860; Joshua Williams, born May 24, 1831, died in Jaffa, Palestine, April 7, 1881, and was buried in the Protestant Cemetery there. William M. Davidson and wife had three children, all now living: Jane Wilson and Mary Miller, who live with their mother in Newville, and Oliver Cromwell, who was born January 27, 1856, married in November, 1879, to Miss Mary C., daughter of William Mills Glenn (have one child), and live in West Pennsborough Township, just east of Newville. After her husband's death Mrs. William M. Davidson continued to live on her farm until 1880, when, with her two daughters, she came to Newville.

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

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