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 88

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 88
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 88

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).

JOHN SHOPP, retired farmer, near Shiremanstown, was born July 6, 1794, on the place where he now resides. His farm is one of the original tracts, called " Manington," for which a warrant was granted May 17, 1767, by Thomas and John Penn. After but two intermediate transfers. it was purchased, September 20, 1774, by Ulrich Shopp, grand- father of our subject, and has continued in the ownership of the family ever since. Ulrich Shopp left, inter alia, a son John, who married a Miss Annie Hershey, and they had eleven children: Elizabeth, Magdalena. Christian, John (our subject), Sarah, Samnel, Ja- cob, Annie, Fannie, Catharine and David. They were a long-lived family. Magdalena died when a child, David in his seventieth year, and the others at ages ranging from eighty to eighty-nine years. John is the sole survivor. He was born in the small log schoolhouse which now stands near St. John's Church, one-fourth mile from his farm, but which at that time was near the site of his present residence. He followed farming until about twenty years ago, when he retired, and has since been engaged in no special active business. He has long been an active member of the United Brethren Church, the first edifice belonging to that denomination in the neighborhood having been built on land which he gave for that purpose, together with sufficient ground for a grave-yard. In Jannary, 1841, he married Nancy, daughter of Martin and Fannie Nissley, of Dauphin County. She died July 7. 1841. March 16. 1843, he married Louisa, daughter of Rev. John Crider, who was born October 11. 1806, near Chambersburg, Penn. They had two sons, one of whom died in infancy; the other is J. H. Shopp, Esq., of Harrisburg, who was born January 20, 1850. He was educated at Dickinson College, from which he was graduated in 1872. Afterward he read law, and was admitted to the bar of Dauphin County, February 9, 1878, In 1881 he entered into partnership in the practice of law with llon. David Mumma, one of the prominent citizens of that place. April 8, 1884, Mr. Shopp married Alice ME., daughter of George Cunkle (deceased), formerly of Harrisburg. The elder Mr. Shopp has a singularly bright recollection of matters pertaining to the carly history of this section of Cumberland County, covering the greater part of the present century, and communicates his recollections in a clear and entertaining manner. Through- out his long life he has ever borne the reputation of a man of unblemished character, and has had in a large degree the esteem and respect of his neighbors, who hope to see him live to the full measure of a century.

ELI C. SHUMAN, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of Manor Township. Lancas- ter ('o., Penn., born January 1, 1830; his father, Jacob B. Shuman, and his grandfather, Christian Shuman, were also natives of Lancaster County, as were also his mother and grandmother. His mother's maiden name was Fanny Urban, and his grandmother's name was Anna Brenneman. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Bernard Mann, of the same place, and continued to live on his father's farm until 1860, when his father bought

484

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

the farm in Hampden Township, where they still live. He has a family of seven daugh- ters and two sons. His daughter Laura is married to Jacob Bretz, son of Jacob Bretz, Sr., a farmer, of the same township; Elizabeth is the wife of George Dietz, son of Chrn. Dietz, of the same township; Catharine is the wife of David V. Kapp, son of Wm. Kapp, of Silver Spring Township, this county; the other children are unmarried, their names are Maggie, Harriet, Ida, Fannie B., B. Frank and Albert N. Mr. Shuman devotes his whole time to farming. Ile and his wife and two of the daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Salem.

GEORGE W. SHUMBERGER, teacher and merchant, P. O. Good Hope, is a well known young man in Hampden Township, this county, where he was born and raised. Both his parents are natives of this county and live in Hampden Township, where his father carries on the tailoring business. George W. was born in 1855; remained at home working for his father on a farm he was cultivating, until twenty years of age, when he engaged in the profession of teaching, for which he had qualified himself by persistent study, having attended normal school but one term. In 1878 he married Sallie, daughter of John Simmons, of Silver Spring Township This union has been blessed with four daughters. Our subject continued teaching until 1883, when he purchased the general store at Good Hope, this county (formerly conducted by Samuel McGaw), and the same year he was appointed postmaster. The following year he resumed teaching, which he still continues, his wife assisting him in his other business. Mr. Shumberger has been twice elected justice of the peace, but would not serve; he has been towusbip clerk and auditor, and inspector of elections, the duties of which positions he performed with fidelity and care. He is emphatically a self-taught and self-made man, nniversally esteemed for his exemplary conduct and character. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is an elder.

AMOS C. WERTZ, fence builder, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of this county, born in Monroe Township in 1840. His father, Samuel Wertz, still lives, aged eighty years. His mother, nee Elizabeth Fry, died six years ago. Both parents were natives of York County, Penn. The father of Samuel Wertz was a native of Baltimore, Md., and died in York County, Penn., when Samuel was but six years old. Samuel learned the trade of shoe-making, and, notwithstanding his advanced age, still carries it on in Silver Spring Township, his son Adam doing the more active part of the work. Amos C. Wertz, when eleven years old, hired out on a farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Ohio, where he stayed four years, and from there enlisted, in 1862, in the Ninety-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Six weeks later he was captured and sent to the Confederate prison at Versailles, Ky., where he was soon paroled, and, after experiencing many hardships, made his way to Columbus, Ohio. Ile soon re-enlisted in the general mounted service of the Regular Army, and his record is a brilliant one. In August, 1865, he received his discharge (as sergeant), and on the back of it the officer mustering him out has put a list of the battles and skirmishes in which our subject took part, numbering thirty-five. This splendid record is one to which he can point with just pride. He received several wounds, but fortunately has not been permanently disabled, although he will always feel their effects. In 1869 Mr. Wertz was married to Rebecca, daughter of William Miller, of Hampden Township, this county; they have no children. Mr. Wertz bas been school director and secretary of the board for four years, auditor six years and collector two years. In every position to which he has been chosen he has faithfully dis- charged its duties. An intelligent and upright man, a brave soldier and a good citizen, he has always borne himself with honor, and has acquired the respect of all who know him.

GEORGE WILT, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of East Pennsborough Town- ship, this county, as was also his father, John Wilt. His grandfather came from Germany many years ago. Our subject was born in 1822, and ten years later his father died on the farm where our subject now resides, to which he had removed two years previously (it belonged at that time to the estate of George Mann). At his death he left four children: George; Catherine, wife of Samuel Newcomer, of Mechanicsburg; Mary, who died a few years after the death of her father; and Elizabeth, wife of Christian Dietz. After the death of his father George continued to live on the farm, which was rented to Frederick Muma, who farmed it for seven years. About four years after her husband's death. Mrs. Wilt bought the farm at an appraised valuation, and at the time specified took charge of it her- self, and with the aid of her son conducted it for twenty-nine years; she then rented the farm until her death in 1874. George bought his sister's interest in the farm, and hecame sole owner. He has never married, is no politician, and has never held any office, except that of school director, his farm of 156 acres demanding his whole time and attention. He is spoken of by all who know him as a man of the highest character.

485

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF NEWBURG.

ZACHARIAS BASEHORE, farmer, P. O. Newburg. Of the remote ancestry of this branch of the Basehore family but little data can be obtained. but it is probable that they were natives of Lebanon County, Penn., as William, the father of our subject, came from that county. He was married in Cumberland County, Penn., to Susannah Orris, about 1837, and had probably been a resident here as early as 1830. By trade he was a shoe-maker, and soon after marriage settled in Lizertsburg. North Middleton Township. His wife was born in this county, a daughter of Christopher and Margaret (Bistline) Orris, who for many years were residents of Cumberland Valley. Zacharias, the eldest son, was born in 1840, and later other children followed, viz .: Isaac, Maria, and one that died in infancy. In 1849 the death of the father occurred, and in 1854 the mother was laid to rest in the village cemetery. The children were thus separated-Isaac was taken care of by Will- iam Lutman, of Perry County; Maria resided with Alexander Corman, of North Middle- ton Township, with whom she found a comfortable home until her marriage with George Drawbaugh, a member of one of the old families of this county. Our subject had to earn his own living from the age of nine. He was first put in charge of an uncle, Christopher Orris, and two years later was indentured to Jacob B. lloover, who was to find him suit- able clothing in return for his work, and to give him a good freedom snit at the age of fourteen. When our hero arrived at that age he found himself a lusty lad with a suit worth 75 cents on his back, not a dollar in his pocket, but with the world before him. His first venture was an engagement to Jacob Niekey for $6 per month; that winter he also attended school, and he had previously managed to pick up a fair education. From this date he received better wages, and after his marriage commenced farming on his own account. August 15, 1860, he was wedded to Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Julia Christlieb, and a member of one of the most important families in Mitllin Township, this- county. Their domestic life was commenced on the John Ahl farm, in Mifflin Township, and four years later Mr. Basehore sold his stock and engaged in different lines of trade, rapidly accumulating money until his purchase of his present farm in 1879. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Basehore are Mina J., George B. Mc., Sarah E., Laura J., John C., Jacob C., Carrie M., Elizabeth and William. Mina J. is the wife of Daniel Mowery, and Sarah E. is the wife of George Laughlin. The others still remain under the paternal roof. Our subject is a self-made made, and is not only one of the wealthy and influential men of the township, but is allied to a family which for more than a century has been of note and importance in the business and political world.

ADAM HIEBERLIG, farmer, Newburg, is a great-grandson of Rudolph Heberlig, who came from Switzerland before the Revolutionary war and settled in Berks County, between Reading and Adamstown, Penn. He was twice married, and by the first wife had four children: John and Rudy, and two daughters whose names are unknown. Of these, John was married in Berks County, Penn., to Martha Schoenhour, and had six sons: Rudy. John. Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, Joseph, and two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. In 1811 the family immigrated to this county and settled at Glenn's mill, near Newville, where they both resided until their death. John Heberlig, the father of our subject, was married to Barbara Failor. December 20, 1821, who bore him four children: Jane John, Joseph and Christopher. She died December 11, 1827, and January 29, 1829, he was again married, this time to Margaret Failor, a sister of his first wife, and to this union were born seven children: Adam, Benjamin, Margaret, Elizabeth, William, Mary J. and Benjamin F. (the first sou bearing the name dying in infancy). John leberlig purchased 314 acres of land in Hopewell Township, this county, in 1829, and in 1854 he bought the farm now owned by his sons Adam and Benjamin F., and in 1864 the farm where he now resides. He has been noted during his long life for energy and perseverance, and, perhaps, no man has done more for the improvement of this township-purchasing tract after tract of land. making substantial improvements and erecting fine residences on cach. His second wife died December 17, 1867, since when he has resided with his daughter, Elizabeth, widow of Benjamin Ilefflefinger. He was born February 23, 1795, has been a farmer all his life, and when the writer called was shoveling snow with the ease of a man fifty years of age. Of his immediate family only himself and one sister, Elizabeth Lehman, now a widow of eighty-seven years, are living. Adam, eldest son of John Heberlig by second wife, was born October 16, 1829. Ile was reared on the homestead farm, and his educa-

486

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

tion was obtained in the common schools of this township, and until his marriage lie re- mained with his father. In 1854 he engaged with his brother Joseph in farming. April 17, 1856, he was united in marriage, by Rev. David Hefflefinger, with Elizabeth, daughter of John and Jane (Beatty) Schulenbarger, of Mithlin Township, this county. In October of that year he brought his young wife to the pleasant home they now occupy, and here were born their children: Margaret J., Mary A., Martha E., George B. Mc., Myra B., William M. and Annie L., all living except the eldest, who died November 19, 1861. Our subject has been one of the most successful farmers of his township. He is known as a leader in politics in his neighborhood. His well-known business qualifications were early recognized by the people, and, in 1861, he was elected assessor, and with but short inter- vals has been an official to date. In 1883 he was elected director of the poor, which office he still holds. He has filled every office within the gift of the people of his township, except three minor offices, which of itself is proof of his popularity.

JOSEPH F. HEBERLIG, farmer, P.O. Newburg, is the second son of John and Barbara (Failor) Heberlig; was born October 12, 1825 in the old stone house near Glenn's mill in New- ton Township, this county, on the place his father first settled after coming to Cumber- land County. Until he was twenty-three years of age our subject worked for and made his home with his father. His first business experience for himself was in 1852, when he farmed the homestead on shares, and the next year in partnership with his brother Adam. December 7, 1853, he was united in marriage with Catharine A., daughter of Peter and Margaret Myers, of Adams County. Their married life was begun in the house which lie purchased in 1858, and there his children were born: John C., Margaret J. (married to Samuel G. Lehner. December 18, 1877), Peter H. (deceased) Andrew R. (married Emma Spangler, December 26, 1882), Jeremiah H. (deceased) and Mary A. (deceased). Mr. Heberlig has been quite a prominent man in the township from the beginning of his busi- ness life. In recognition of his capabilities and worth he has been "repeatedly elected to office, and several terms has served as inspector, school director, judge of election, and two terms as supervisor. As an enterprising agriculturist his farm gives the best evidence. As a man the voice of his neighbors tell the story: as an official his re-election verifies all that has been said.

BENJAMIN F. HEBERLIG, farmer, P. O. Newburg, is the youngest son of John Heberlig; was born in 1844 on the ancestral farm. He remained with his father until his marriage, in 1868, with Miss Harriet L., daughter of Henry and Catherine Holhy, at that time residents of Hopewell Township, this county. The ashes of both now mingle with the silent dust, their demise occurring at the home of Mr. Heberlig. The home life of the young couple was begun on the farm which is now their residence, and which was a part of the third tract purchased by his father. Seven children have blessed their union, of whom Albert E., Anna J., Charles F., John W. and Bessie May, are living. In 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Heberlig removed to Hedgesville, W. Va., remaining there four years, and while a resident there Mr. Herberlig was honored by being elected mayor, and since his return to Pennsylvania he has served as judge of election. While in Virginia Mr. Heberlig was engaged in the lumber business, of which he made a success. He owns and operates a saw-mill near his present residence and within a few rods of the old site of a mill built by his father in 1853. In 1869 he purchased his present farm, and which will probably be his home for years.

DAVID HEFFLEFINGER, cooper, Newburg. It can positively be asserted that Philip lIefflefinger was a resident of Cumberland County as early as 1780, and prior to coming here, was a resident of Lebanon County, Penn., where he was married to Cath- arine Eichholtz. He was a fifer during the Revolutionary war and participated in the battles fought in that struggle. It is stated that on one occasion after his return home he asked his mother to bake some cakes, such as soldiers made by cooking their dough in the ashes. " Hunger is the best cook, my son," said his kind old mother, "but I will bake you some." After Philip Hefflefinger came to Hopewell Township, this county, he purchased a farm, which for many years has been known as "Sodom, " in consequence of two distilleries and a tannery located there. On this farm Philip and his wife reared the following chil- dren: Philip, Jacob, Samuel, John, William, David, Thomas, Mary, Elizabeth and Cath- arine, of whom William is the only one now living. Thomas, the youngest son, the fa- ther of our subject, was a farmer, but devoted part of his time to getting out coopers' sup- plies and lumber of all kinds, from the fine timber which then abounded here. He was born in 1804; was married in 1827, to Agnes Watson, born August 31, 1803, daughter of William and Susannah (Weicklein) Watson, residents of Newton Township, where some of the descendants yet reside. Thomas Hefflefinger purchased a small farm. half a mile east of the paternal homestead, and in 1840 bought the Boyd farm in the same vicinity, and on this farm lived until his death. His first wife died in 1868, and January 18, 1870, he wedded Mrs. Martha Dougherty, of Roxbury, the ceremony being performed by Rev. William Krouse. Mrs. Martha Hefflefinger's maiden name was Shoemaker, and she was descended from old Roxbury ancestry. On the first farm were born William, David, Thomas, Alexander, Joseph, John and a daughter (deceased). On the Boyd farm were born Benjamin, Ann E., Agnes, Sarah J., Philip (deceased) and Adahzillah. The father

487

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP.

died in 1878 and his widow in 1880. David, our subject, was born September 5, 1829. His boyhood was passed on the farm and his education was gained in the common schools. He remained at home until of age, and in 1851 went to Orrstown, Franklin Co., Penn., and there learned brick-making. In the autumn of the same year he commenced the cooper's trade in Greenwood. He was married, in 1855, to Elizabeth J., daughter of Cor- nelius and Mary (Mumper) Baker, of Perry County, Penn. Henry Mumper was a prominent distiller and farmer, wagoned on the road and so on to Baltimore, residing near German- town. Penn. Of the ten children born to this union seven are living: Mary E. A., Sarah A., William A., Annie L., John C., Thomas M., and Elice E. Frank H., an infant, and David C., are deceased. Mary E. A. is the wife of George H. McCoy; Sarah A. wedded Jacob A. Burkholder, and William A. married Emma Clippinger. In 1856 our subject established a shop in Mifflin Township, this county, and also made bricks at the same time in Perry, Franklin and Cumberland Counties. In 1860 he came to Newburg, and has continued brick-making and coopering in the village to date. In all his undertakings he has been successful and has accumulated a competence.

JOIN HENSEL, retired, Newburg, was born July 28, 1821, in this county, on a farm (now his property) which has been in possession of the Hensel family for sixty-seven years. Christian Hensel, his father, was born January 15, 1794, and came from Saxony, set- tled there in 1816, and was married in 1820 to Mary Shoemaker, born March 17, 1785, He had nothing when he came to this county; was a baker in Saxony and learned to still in America, and before his marriage had saved $200, which he invested in 200 acres of land. He built a distillery on the farm and for many years worked at his trade. John, his eldest son, relates that when a small boy he attended the still sometimes during the afternoons, and although a man sixty-five years of age has never tasted a drop of liquor, has never used tobacco, and has never sworn an oath in his life. The land was very poor at that time, but it has been brought up to a high state of cultivation and now brings large returns. To Christian Hensel and his wife were born three children, of whom John, born in 1821, and Elizabeth, born in 1823, reached adult age. The mother died in 1851 and the fatber in 1867. John Hlensel was one of the few children anxious for the welfare of their parents, and remained with his father until he died, and was forty-five years of age before celebrating his marriage, October 22, 1874, with Sophia Nicholas, who secured a busband noted alike for his honesty and kindness. This union has been blessed with two sons: Charles C. and John HI .; the former born October 4, 1875, and the latter April 28, 1879. Mrs. Hensel is thirty-eight years of age, and perhaps no better mated couple can be found in the township. She was a daughter of Charles Nicholas, who is now in the West. John Hensel succeeded to his father's estate, to which he has added by good man- agement. The Hensels have ever been noted for their liberality, and many poor people of Hopewell have cause to remember their many acts of kindness.

HENRY HURSH, hotel proprietor, Newburg. Henry Hursh, grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania 143 years ago, and from the most authentic informa- tion to be obtained was a resident, from the time of his birth, of Fairview Township. York County. His father had three children: Abraham, Henry and Susan, each of whom inherited large farms in that neighborhood. Henry was married as early as 1793, but to whom can not be learned, and three children were born: John, Joseph and Henry. Of these, John, the eldest, was born in 1794; married Barbara Brookart about 1817, and com- menced married life on a part of the grandfather's homestead, to which was added, by sub- sequent purchase, the Asten farm; and on this land were born nine children; Henry. our subject; John, married to Sarah Livingston; Joseph, married to - Hogan: Abraham, married to -Frank; Elizabeth, widow of George Rupp, and David, married to - Hale, are residents of Cumberland County. The deceased are Danicl, Susan and Mary. Our subject was born May 17. 1819, and remained with his father until his marriage, in 1841. with Catharine, daughter of Ilenry Deitz, of York County, Penn. His father owned a distillery, which Henry managed from the time he was old enough to attend to the busi- ness until after his marriage, when he tried farming on his own account. In 1843 he and his brother purchased the farm now owned by the Westhafer heirs. Farming was too dull for Henry Hursh, however, and he erected on this farm a hotel, which was known as the " Bulls Head," and was a great resort for cattle drovers, then very numerous in this county; he was a popular landlord, and made money in the business. In 1852 he left the " Bulls Head," and became proprietor of the " Big Springs Hotel," where he established a fine reputation for the hostelry. This place had been a losing investment for its former proprietors, but the cordiality and good business qualifications of the new host brought its usual reward, and he reaped a golden harvest. He also engaged in the stock business about the year 1855, with Col. Gracy and John Brown as partners. Later he purchased the " Black Horse" hotel in Shippensburg, which he conducted for a number of years, and then engaged in selling farming implements and cattle. Nothing proved so congenial to him, however. as hotel life, and again he took possession of the "Big Spring Ilotel," and later the " Union Hotel," in Shippensburg. The next year he engaged in the whole- sale and retail liquor business, in which he continued till the local option law was passed, when he removed to Ilagerstown, Md. After the repeal of that law he returned to Ship-

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