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 87

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

USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 87
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 87

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

WILLIAM JACKSON WALLACE, farmer, P. O. Newville. The grandfather of our subject settled in this township some time after his immigration from Ireland, on land of which the farm of William J. was a part. He was married here and reared a

470

HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP.

family. Those who arrived at maturity were: James, who was married to Susan McCrea, and lived on the homestead, where he died; Thomas, who went to Ohio when young, married a Miss Watt, and died there; John, who lived on a farm adjoining the home- stend, married a Miss Mary Thompson, removed to Newville, and died there in 1876; Jane, who married a Mr. Shoemaker, went to Monmouth, 11., where he died; Margaret, who died unmarried: Nancy, the wife of Thompson Mathers, of Mifflin Township, this county, where she died; William, the youngest son, who was born in 1800, and lived on the farm, until a few years before his death, at Newville, in 1874. He married Miss Mary Wherry, of llopewell Township, and had nine children: John W., who died at home unmarried, aged about twenty-two; James M., who also died single: Margaret, the oldest of the girls, who died young; Agnes S., living in Newville; Lizzie E., killed by a train at Harrisburg; Anna Mary, who died after reaching maturity; Ida X. and Lanra M .. twin sisters (the former died when a young lady. the latter is living at Newville), and William Jackson, the youngest of the sons. Our subject was born March 20, 1839, and worked on the farm until his marriage, when he moved to the farm, which he had previously purchased. The homestead became his on his father's death. December 27, 1870, he married Miss Mary G., daughter of Rev. James Shields, of Juniata County, who was born, September II. 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace had one son, James Shields, who was born September 8, 1873, died July 11. 1886. He had been school director for nine years, and was justice of the peace for the five years previous to his death. lle was a member of and ruling ekder in the United Presbyterian Church at Newville. He had the reputation, in his commu- nity, of being a conscientious man, and a good citizen. His widow is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Newville.

CHAPTER XLVII.

HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP .*

ABRAM A. BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is a son of Abram Bowman, now of Upper Allen Township, formerly of Fairview, York Co., Penn., where our sub- ject was born November 27, 1851, and where he lived until 1878, when he removed to a farm owned by Samuel Eberly, nearly adjoining his present residence. In 1881 Abram A. and his father purchased a fine farm, on the road known as "Brandy Lane," from the heirs of J. Best, and in 1884 the former bought the old Barnhart mansion farm, and now farms both places, living on the first mentioned property. In January, 1875, he married Elizabeth, danghter of Samuel Eberly (one of the best known residents of Hampden Town- ship), and they have one son. Samuel A. Although Mr. Bowman is still quite a young man, yet he has already achieved a good measure of success. What property he has ac- quired has been by his own unaided exertions, and, should his life be spared, the energy and business capacity he has already exhibited, will undoubtedly place him in the front rank of the citizens of this county.

DAVID DIETZ, farmer, P. O. Shiremanstown, is a native of York County, Penn., born in 1826, son of Daniel and Lydia (Stoner) Dietz. His grandfather was George Dietz. His father and his grandfather were born on the same farm, making two generations born on the same property. In 1837, when David was eleven years of age, his parents re- moved to East Pennsborough Township, this county, buying the place known as the "Carothers' farm," which has been in the possession of the Carothers family for one hundred years. Here the father, Daniel Deitz, died in 1860, aged sixty years; his widow died in 1866. David worked on his father's farm until his marriage, in 1850, with Caro- line, daughter of Christian Sheely, of Hampden Township. A year later his father gave the management of the farm to him, and he lived there until 1869, when he bought the place on which he now resides, in Hampden Township, about one mile north of Shire- manstown. Ile, however, still owns the old homestead, which is farmed by his son, Dan- iel. David Dietz has had nine children, two of whom are deceased. Daniel is the eldest living, and is married to Susan, daughter of William Mechling, and carries on his father's farm; Simon, his second son, is married to Barbara, daughter of Jacob Eberly, and car- ries on farming. Three daughters are married: Mary Ellen, wife of John HI. Smith, of Mechanicsburg, Penn .: Annetta, wife of Jonas C. Rupp, of Monroe Township, and Car- rie M., who married Frank S. Hertzler, of Lower Allen Township: the two younger daughters are at home. Mr. Dietz was elected county commissioner in 1869, serving his

* See also borough of shiremanstown, page 456.

480

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

term of three years to the great satisfaction of his fellow.citizens. He has heen school director also for many years. the last three as secretary of the board. He has also been assessor several times, besides filling several minor offices. In every position to which he has been called he has discharged its duties with credit to himself and satisfaction of his constituents. He and his wife are prominent members of St. John's Lutheran Church. David Dietz is universally esteemed by all who know him, and bears a well-deserved repu- tation as a mau of upright character and the most unblemished integrity.

CHRISTIAN DIETZ, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is the younger son of Daniel and Lydia (Stoner) Dietz, and was born in York County, Penn., on the same farm where his father and grandfather were born. He is fifty-three years of age, having been born in October, 1832. His parents came to this county in 1837, buying the well-known "Caroth- ers' farm," which had been owned by that family for 150 years. Here Christian lived until the spring of 1851, when his father turned the farm over to his elder son David, himself and family removing to a house he had built on that part of his own farm lying in the then new township of Hampden. Here Christian lived until his marriage, in 1856, with Elizabeth, daughter of John Wilt of East Pennsborough Township, he then removed to a farm bought by his father, in 1852, from Anderson and William Orr. Here he stayed until the spring of 1882. when he removed to a new house which he built at the lower end of his farm, to which he had added fifty acres bought from James Orr, and this, with the original Orr Farm of 160 acres, which he got from his father's estate, and ninety-five acres which he purchased from Susan Sierer, gives him a fine farm of 305 acres in one traet, making him about the largest land-owner in Hampden Township, and one of its heaviest taxpayers. He has five children: George W., married to Lillie C., daughter of Eli C. Shuman (he farms his father's upper farm); Alice J., wedded to Frederick Mum- ma, grocer, of Mechanicsburg; Rebecca E., Milton C., and Katie N., who are unmarried and live at home. Mr. Dietz has held several township offices, and has been school di- rector for eighteen years, assessor two terms, county auditor, and held several minor offices. He has worthily discharged the duties of every position, and should his fellow-citizens call him to a still higher post of honor, which seems probable, his life and charater, which are open and known to all men, are a guarantee that he will faithfully discharge the trust committed to his care.

SAMUEL EBERLY, retired farmer, P. O. Shiremanstown, is a native of this county, born near Mechanicsburg in 1820, sou of John Eberly who came to Hampden Township from Lancaster County, with his father, when a young boy. John Eberly's father bought a farm of 288 acres of land (a part of which is now owned by the subject of this sketch), where he lived, and on his death his son John inherited that part of the land, which, on his (John's) death, was inherited by Samuel, and on which the latter has since resided. In 1843 Samuel Eberly married Susan, daughter of Christian Garver. She died in 1851, leaving one son and three daughters, of whom one has since died. The following year Samuel Eherly married Frances, a sister of his first wife, and in this year he retired from active farm labors, which he has never resumed. He built for himself, in 1877, a substan- tial and commodious brick residence on the Pittsburgh & Harrisburg Turnpike, which in- tersects his farm. The house denotes that he is a man of taste and refinement, being much superior in appearance and internal arrangement to the majority of the houses in the. valley. His family consists of his wife; his son, Simon, now forty years of age, who married Ellen, daughter of Samuel Bashore, an old settler and near neighbor; Sarah A., wife of John Strong, residing on a farm in Silver Spring Township, owned by Mr. Eberly; Mary, wife of Benj. F. Zimmerman, who also lives on a farm, owned by her father, in Hamp- den Tp .; these are the children by his first wife, as was also Frances, who married J. B. Lindeman (he built a house immediately adjoining Mr. Eherly's, and they had just moved into it when Mrs. Lindeman died). By his second wife, who died February 23, 1886, Mr. Eberly has five daughters: Elizabeth, wife of Abram A. Bowman of Hampden Township; Kate, wedded to Jacob S. Miley, of Silver Spring Township; and Ellen, Emma, and Ida, living at home. Mr. Eberly has accumulated large means. He owns five farms: The one on which he lives contains 176 acres, for which he gave $19,000 to his father's estate; one in Silver Spring Township. 126 acres, which cost $10,775; one of 128 acres in Hampden Township. for which he gave $14,000; one of 105 acres, in Silver Spring township, cost him $13,573; and another in Silver Spring Township, costing $18,000. Besides these, he bought, in 1869, a farm on the turnpike, of 132 acres, which cost him, including improve- ments, over $30,000 (this latter farm he subsequently deeded to his son Simon, for much Iess consideration). He has also property of other kinds. Since 1831 he has been largely engaged in the business of settling estates, having been administrator, executor, trustee, guardian, or agent for no less than fifty-two estates, few of which are now unsettled. He has also written twenty-nine wills, his neighbors knowing his sterling worth, good judgment, and strong common sense, insisting on him acting for them. He has written, since 1861, 1, 762 letters, of which he keeps a record. Mr. Eberly is practically a self-made man. Starting in life with scarcely any education, he is a bright example of what may be accomplished by rigid adherence to truth, justice and right, hacked by industry. First, a poor and comparatively uneducated lad, to-day no man in the community stands higher

481

HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP.

among all classes of people. That he may long be spared to his family, and for the benefit of the people who depend so largely upon his family, is the sincere wish of all who know him.

BENJAMIN ERB, farmer, P. O Mechanicsburg, is the youngest son of Benjamin and and Susan (Sadler) Erb, born in 1813, on his father's farm, a part of which he now owns and lives upon: it embraces most of the land between two bends of the Conodoguinet Creek, which bounds it on three sides. After his father's death Benjamin's elder brother, Joseph, bought the farm from the estate, and two years later sold seventy-seven acres on the point to Benjamin. Here Benjamin erected a new brick house and barns. His father was a native of East Pennsborough Township, this county. and lived in Wormleysburg; he bought a farm in that township, which he afterward soll. He then removed to the farm now occupied by his sons. Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, lived at home until he was twenty-six years of age, when he married Mary, daughter of Amos Hicks, of Mechanicsburg, Penn .; she died in 1876, leaving a son. Benjamin, Jr., now fifteen years old. In 1881 our subject was again married, this time to Miami, daughter of Peter Plank, of Mechanicsburg, Penn. They have one child, Charles, now three years old. After the death of his father, Mr. Erb farmed his father's farm for two years, and then removed to Shiremanstown: two years later he came back to his farm, and, after remaining here two years, he removed to Mechanicsburg, where he resided for six years. After his marriage with Miss Plank he came back to his farm and has since resided here. Ile is justly proud of his farm, as well as of his fine stock. Mr. Erb has never held office, and could scarcely be indneed to accept any, but his neighbors may not he disposed always to acquiesce in that decision. Should he be induced to accept a public position, his character is sufficient guarantee that he will worthily fill it.

CHIRISTIAN HERTZLER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born April 30, 1833, near Millersville. Lancaster Co., Penn. His father, likewise named Christian, was also born in Lancaster County, where he lived until our subject was four years old, when he removed to Monroe Township, this county, where he resided until his death, about twelve years since. On this farm young Christian worked until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time he married Eliza, daughter of Jacob Mumma, of Mechanicsburg, and took a farm of his father's, which he worked successfully for nine years, when he resold it to his father and bought his present farm of 110 acres, adding largely to the buildings and making it one of the best in the township, showing every evidence of thrift and comtort. To Christian Hertzler, Jr., and wife have been born nine children, who are now living, and two who died while quite young. The names and ages of those living are Anna Mary, twenty-five, wife of Elias Shelley, of Upper Allen Township; Martin Wilmer, twenty-three; Alice Jane, twenty-two; Ira Mumma, twenty; Cora May, fifteen; Christian Elmer, thirteen; Ella Eliza. eleven: Jacob Ray, nine; and Ada Grace, four. The last named five attend the Pike School. Mr. Hertzler has not been an office seeker, and has never held an office, except that of school trustee. In polities he is, like all the Hertzlers, a stanch Republican. He and his wife are members of the Slate Hill Mennon- ite Church, near Shiremanstown, and live np to their professions of religion, enjoying the confidence and esteem of all who know them.

JOHN LININGER. farmer, P. O. Good Hope, was born near where he now lives, in 1837, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Monasmith) Lininger, both natives of this county. His grandfather was born in Franklin County, whence he came to this county, where his son, Jacob, was born and reared, but about thirty-five years ago he removed to Iowa, where he still lives. At the age of four years John was adopted by John Basehore, who owned the farm where Mr. Lininger lives. John worked for his foster father nntil 1854, when he went to Mechanicsburg to learn the trade of carpenter. At this he worked for four years, when he married Miss Mary Jane Baschore, a niece of his foster father. John then took charge of the farm until Mr. Baschore's death, in 1870, when the farm was be- queathed him for a consideration. He has had three children, of whom one is now living: John B., now (1886) twenty-six years of age, who is married to Susan, daughter of Henry O. Booser, of East Pennsborough Township. Mr. Lininger has, for the past twenty years, had to contend against the misfortune, which then happened to him, of losing his right hand in a threshing machine. Five years ago Mr. Lininger was duly elected and ordained a minister of the River Brethren, and is also actively engaged in the manage- ment of his farm; on Sundays officiating in his ministerial capacity wherever services are held, the Brethren having no church edifice in the district, services being mainly held in the residences of members, and sometimes in edifices owned by other denominations. Mr. Lininger is regarded, not only by members of his own church, but by all who know him, as a man of strictest probity and integrity.

WILLIAM B. LOGAN, farmer. P. O. Good Hope, was born near where he now lives, in 1845, son of William Logan, a native of Lebanon County, Penn., who came to this county in 1842, and died in 1878. His grandfather, likewise a native of Lebanon. named William, died during the war of 1812. Our subject lived on the home farm until 1867, when he married Mary J., daughter of Christian C. Rupp, of Silver Spring Township, this county. They have seven children: Abner C., Dessie Kate, John R., Frances, Lizzie

482

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Blanche, Ira N. and Mary. Two other children died in infancy. Mr. Logan taught school from 1861 until 1883. On the death of his father, in 1878, he purchased his pres- ent farm from the estate, remodeling the dwelling, building a new barn, etc., and theu rented it until 1883, when he occupied it himself, combining farming with school-teach- ing. In 1884 he was elected county auditor, which position he uow holds. He and his wife are communicants of Salem Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Logan is still a young man, with every prospect of a useful and honorable career before him, and is universally esteemed. Ile will fill, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents, any po- sition to which he may be chosen. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES E. MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, lives on the farm on which he was horn in October, 1851, on the banks of the Conodoguinet Creek, near Lindeman's mill. His father, James Martin, is also a native of this county, and formerly cultivated the farm on which his son James E. now lives, but retired in 1871, and now lives with his daugh- ter, Elizabeth, wife of William Sherban, in Mechanicsburg. Penn. Our subject's mother was Caroline, daughter of Peter Fessler, of Harrisburg, Penu. James E. Martin lived with his father until the latter gave up the farm; then our subject went to live with Mr. Sherban, at Oyster's Point. In 1881 Mr. Martin married Miss Alice, daughter of William Sadler, of Camp Hill, East Pennsborough Township, this county, and they have one child, Willie, a particularly bright little boy of three years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Martin removed to the farm. Mr. Martiu has, besides Mrs. Sherban, another sister, Jenuie, wife of Jolin Funk, of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Martin has four sisters: Nettie, Laura, Emma and Effie. Laura is wedded to Jacob Worst, of Upper Allen Township, this county. The others are unmarried and live at home. Mr. Martin, it will be seen, is quite a young man, who, it is to be hoped, has a long and useful career before him.

He is in- dustrious and careful, aud a gentleman of excellent character, and deserves success.

JOHN M. RUPP, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is one of the descendants of John Jonas Rupp, who came to this county from Reihen, Grand Duchy of Baden, in 1751, and first located in Lancaster County, or what is now known as Lebanon Couuty. He was the progenitor of the numerous family of Rupps which are found scattered all over this part of the country. From Lebanon he came to Cumberland County, and built the stone house now occupied by the subject of this sketch, and lived there until his death. One of his sons was Martin, grandfather of John M., who lived for a time on a farm near the stone church, of which he was one of the principal builders. He afterward removed to the Samuel Eberly farm, where John, father of our subject, was born January 17, 1801. The following April John Jonas Rupp died. and Martin took possession of the house, and at his death, in 1843, left it to his son John, who had married, in 1840, Anna, daughter of John Markley, who kept the old Trendle Spring tavern. Mr. and Mrs. John Rupp had a family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom died young. except Mary. wife of Charles Hertzler, and John M. The subject of this sketch was boru in March, 1844. He and his sisters inherited the house and farm on the death of their father in 1872. Mr. Rupp is thus the direct representative of the original founder of the family in this county. In October, 1873, he married Ellen. daughter of Jacob Spidle, of Hampden Township, and they have two boys and two girls: Johu M., Jr., Jacob S., Maggie E. and Naomi; all at- tending school. In early life Mr. Rupp dealt in patent rights; was also engaged in mining enterprises, but uow gives his attention and eutire time to his farm, which affords him ample occupation. His farm comprises 117 acres, and is one of the most fertile in the val- ley. He is a member of the Allen & East Penusborough Society for the Recovery of Stolen Horses and Mules, and the Detection of Thieves. He is also a life member of the Horticultural Fair Company of Mechanicsburg, where he makes yearly exhibits. Among other curiosities which he has shown there is some soap made by his great-grandfather, and a specimen of the first apple-butter ever made in the county. He is a member of the Dunkard Church in Upper Allen Township, and is a man of excellent report among his neighbors.

JOHN SHAEFFER, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of Hampden Township, this county, boru on the old Shaeffer farm, at the foot of the Blue Mountains, in 1829. His father, John Shaeffer, was born on the same place, which his grandfather bought shortly after arriving in this country from Germany. This property is still held by the family, being now in the hands of John and his two brothers. At the age of twenty-one years John Shaeffer went West, but returned two years later, and engaged in the profession of school-teaching for the ensuing twelve years. farming in the summers. In 1862 he married Elizabeth A., daughter of Christian C. Rupp, of Silver Spring Township, this county. In 1864 he gave up school-teaching and gave his whole time to farm work. Iu 1871 he again began teaching. and taught for three years in Hampden, and one year in Hogestown. Then he again farmed for two years in Silver Spring Township, and while a resident of New Kingston, in that township, he was elected clerk of the courts and recorder, which position he filled for three years. On the expiration of his term of office, he bought the farm on which he lives, and now gives his attentiou exclusively to it. He has three daughters: Flora Jane, Bertha Frances aud Alta Mary, who live with their parents. In his official positiou Mr. Shaeffer made many friends by the thorough and conscientious

483

HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP.

manner in which he performed his duties, and should he again be called to serve his fel- low-citizens, which is likely, he will bring to the discharge of his duties the same sterling qualities which have distinguished his past career. He is one of the citizens of the county who must inevitably take a leading part in the administration of its affairs. He and his wife and two elder daughters are communicants of Salem Methodist Episcopal Church in Hampden Township.

ANDREW SHEELY, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is one of the oldest residents of the county, having been born near where he now lives, March 16, 1806. His father, John Sheely, was also born on the same farm, and died before the war of the Rebellion. Our subject's mother died while the Confederate forces were at Chambersburg, and, as Andrew Sheely says, was buried somewhat hastily for fear of a raid. Our subject's grandfather, also a resident of this county, when a young man went to Germany in search of a fortune said to have been left to him, but returned without it, and settled down to farming. in which he was successful, owning four farms at the time of his death. Andrew Sheely has seven children living-four daughters and three sons. His eldest son, William, in 1861, at the age of twenty-one years, enlisted in the Twentieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and three months afterward, while carrying dispatches, attempted to ford the Potomac River on horseback, at a place known as "Sir John's Run," and was drowned; his body was recovered by his comrades, was sent home and was buried in the cemetery attached to St. John's Lutheran Church, near hy. lle was one of the first of Cumberland County's heroes to give up his life for his country. One daughter of our subject is also deceased-Fanny, wife of Martin Wise. The children now living are Catherine (wed- ded to Solomon Beck, farmer, of Hampden Township), Elizabeth (wife of William Koser of Mechaniesburg), Susan (wife of John Blair, of East Pennsborough Township), Samnel (married to Margaret Bosley), Mary Ann (keeping house for her father), John (residing in Shiremanstown and married to Becky, daughter of Benjamin Spong), Levi (married to Sarah, daughter of David Sheaffer). Until he was about twenty- five years of age, Andrew Sheely lived with his father. He then married Fanny. daughter of John Eichelberger, of Lower Allen Township, and moved to the farm he now occupies, and on which he has ever since resided. His wife died in 1884. Although in his eightieth year, Mr. Sheely carries on his farm himself, and is hale and hearty. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church and enjoys the respect and esteem of the entire community.

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

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

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