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 92

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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 92
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 92

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SAMUEL CHRISTLIEB, retired, Newville. In the year 1765 Frederick Carl Christ- lieb (grandfather of Samuel) emigrated, with his wife, sons Frederick Carl and Jacob and step-son George Buck, from Durkheim, Rhenish Bavaria. to America, landing at Baltimore, Md. The sons, who were in their minority, located near the boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland and close to the Susquehanna River, where they re- mained for several years. The parents, soon after their arrival in Baltimore, found their way to Newville, this county, and were among the earliest German settlers in this locality. The mother died in a few years, and her remains were interred in the Big Spring burial- grounds. A few years later the father died while en route to a physician's home in Vir- ginia, where he hoped to get relief from the disease which cansed his death. The family did not become permanently settled for several years after their arrival in America. Charles Christlieb and his step-brother George Buck came to Mittlin Township, and their brother Jacob settled in Virginia. Charles Christlieb was born in Germany in 1750. After his marriage with Catharine Umberger, of Lebanon, Penn., about 1780, he settled in Mifflin Township, this county. To this union were born six sons and one daughter: John, Charles, Solomon, George, Sarah (married to a Mr. Koutz), Isaac and Jacob (twins), who were born in 1791. Charles Christlieb died in 1837, aged eighty-seven, and his widow a few months later, aged ninety-three. Jacob, the father of our subject, was married, April 13. 1834, to Julia Ann Morritt, by whom he had ten children: Samuel, Mary J., Ann, Elizabeth, Nancy, Sarah, David, Lavina, Levi and Ellen (twins). Jacob Christlieb was a quiet bnt enterprising farmer, and was noted for his liberality and Christian spirit. He was for almost three-quarters of a century a communing member of the Lutheran Church, and from 1833 he was a member of Zion Church at Newville. He died at the residence of his son Samuel, May, 9, 1884, aged ninety-three years, one month and

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twenty-one days. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. S. A. Diehl, from a text selected by himself, viz. : "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for your- selves, and for your children." Luke xxiii, 28. He came "to the grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in its season." Three sons, seven daughters, forty-eight grandehildren and sixteen great-grandchildren yet remain to do honor to his good name. Our subject was born on the homestead October 10, 1826. In 1851 he married Matilda Hershey, of Mifflin Township, and their wedded life was commenced on her father's farm, where they remained twelve years. Their children, Esemiah C., Ida M. and William A., were born on that farm; thence Mr. Christlieb moved to a farm near Newburg, remaining there two years, when he returned to his father's homestead, where he remained nutil 1882, when he purchased a neighboring farm and erected an imposing residence, a large barn and commodious out-buildings, taking possession the same year. The eldest daughter is the wife of Henry J. Whistler; the other children reside at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Christlieb are a model couple and are reverenced in their neighborhood.

ALBERT S. GILLESPIE. farmer, P. O. Newville, born September 13, 1846, in Frankford Township, this county, is a great-grandson of William Gillespie, a native of Scotland, who immigrated to America about the year 1700, and settled in Cecil County, Md., where he lived until the year 1766. He then sold his plantation there and purchased a large tract of land in what is now known as Frankford and Mifflin Townships, Cumber- land County. His family consisted of ten children: Robert, Margaret, Samuel, Eloner, James, Nathaniel. George (who died in infancy), Ann, William and George. Of these, the youngest sou. George, married Sarah Young, of Cumberland County, and they reared a family of ten children, all of whom were born in Frankford Township this county. Their names are William, Elizabeth, Eloner, Mary, Nelly, Margaret, Ann, James, Samuel and George. Of these the youngest son, George, the only one living, married Lucinda B. Stewart, by whom he had eight children: Sarah B., Thomas G., Robert, Albert S. (our subject), James, Elizabeth J., Samuel B. and Mary E. This large family was reared on the farm, still George Gillespie's property, though a few years since he moved to Newville, where he lives a retired life. His wife died in 1875. having lived to see her children com- fortably settled and the beautiful Cumberland Valley transformed into a miniature paradise. Albert S., our subject, was married September 19, 1878, to Amelia, daughter of James T. and Martha Stuart, of this county, Rev. Erskine, a Presbyterian divine, performing the ceremony. The housekeeping of the newly wedded couple was com- menced on the farm since purchased by them, and which is now one of the most attractive in the valley. The neat brick residence, fine barn and commodions ont-buildings are situated within a valley flanked on three sides by the Blue Mountains, which is picturesque either in summer or midwinter. Their children, three in number are Joseph S., M. Jane S. and George Y. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie are members of the Presbyterian Church, having remained truc to the faith of their ancestors. Ile has refused to fill official positions in the township, which, by reason of good judgment and a practical education, he is eminently qualified for, but always lends his influence toward the advancement of the business, social and educational interests of the township. The Gillespies were among the first settlers in this part of the county.

JACOB HEMMINGER, retired, Newville, was born in Mifflin Township, this county, March 16, 1810. His parents, Jacob and Susan (Ramp) Hemminger, were both born in Berks County, Penn., and with their two children, John and Elizabeth, came to Cumber- land County in 1804, remaining the first year with Mr. Hemminger's brother near Carlisle, Penn. About 1806 he purchased the farm where onr subject now resides and on which he was born. Two children, Mary and Catharine, were born on this farm prior to Jacob, and Benjamin was born afterward. Catharine married Jacob Bowman and, with her brother (of whom we write), represents the entire Hemminger family of the original stock. The honse now owned by our subject was built prior to the purchase of the farm by his father, but has since been repaired and is yet a handsome substantial dwelling. Jacob Hem- minger, Sr., was a prominent man in the Lutheran Church; he cared little for politics. He was a tailor by trade, which occupation he followed in the winter, devoting the summer to farming. He died in 1830 and his widow in 1862. Jacob Hemminger, Jr., purchased the homestead in 1838, and in 1844 wedded Mary, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Sensabaugh) Brehm, of this township, Rev. John Heck performing the ceremony. On the farm where he was born and reared. Jacob and his young wife com- menced their domestic life, and there were born their six children: John D., Samuel H., Susan M .. Elizabeth, Mary and Annie M. John D. married Maria Fry, and, after her death, Mrs. Elizabeth Green; Samuel H. wedded Martha J. Lenny: Susan M. and Eliza- beth reside with their father; Annie M. is the wife of Samnel J. Zeigler; Mary married John E. Lehman. Our subject learned the wheelwright's trade of John Albert, who, in 1830, had a shop near Conodoguinet Creek. A few years later Mr. Hemminger established a shop on his own farm, and has carried on the business steadily for more than half a century. He has been a successful business man, and has reared a family who do credit to the old name they bear. The death of Mrs. Hemminger occurred in 1857, since which time the danghters mentioned above have been housekeepers for their father. Our sub-

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ject voted for Gen. Jackson and Martin Van Buren, but after that time was a Whig, and since the formation of the party has been an ardent Republican. He is one of the oldest living residents of Mifflin Township, and bears a reputation for honesty and uprightness. Eight grandchildren look up to the venerable man, and it is hoped that his last days will be pleasantly spent on the ancestral manor amid peace, comfort and plenty.

W. H. McCREA, teacher, Newville, is a grandson of William McCrea, who left County Tyrone, Ireland, for this country, in June, 1790, bringing with him his wife, Mar- garet (Ballentine). daughter, Sarah, and an infant son, Walter, who died on shipboard and found a grave in the broad Atlantic. They settled the same year near Newville, in West Pennsborough Township, this county, and after residing there several years moved to the vicinity of Bloserville, in Frankford Township. William McCrea was a weaver by trade and followed this occupation until his death. To him and his wife were born eight chil- dren, all natives of this country but the two already mentioned: Sarah, wife of James Wallace; Walter (deceased); Martha, wife of Alexander Logan; Catharine, wife of Robert Giffin; Margaret, wife of James Hume; Jane, wife of Robert Fenton; William, married to Mary, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Mentzer) Snyder, and John. Of these Jolin was born May 28, 1803, and followed the occupation of farmer until his fifty-first year. June 15, 1854, he married Barbara M. Snyder (sister of his brother William's wife), the Rev. Joshua Evans, a Lutheran divine, performing the ceremony. Several years prior to his marriage, John McCrea had purchased the mill property and farm formerly owned by Samuel J. McCormick, at sheriff's sale. Mr. McCormick was a noted man in the valley in his day, his ancestors being among the first settlers of Doubling Gap. For a quarter of a century the mills were operated under the supervision of Mr. McCrea, who disposed of the property, in 1868, to Maj. Henry Snyder, but it is still known as the McCrea Mills. Two children were born to John McCrea and wife: W. H. and Mattie E., who became the wife of H. M. Koser, in 1882. John McCrea died March 19, 1879, at the ripe age of seventy- six. He was born and reared amid the privations attending a pioneer's life, but in his last years witnessed the substantial development of his beloved county. His first ballot was cast in 1824 for Gen. Jackson, and from that date he never swerved from the Demo- cratic party, in fifty-five years never missing an election, either special or general. W. H. McCrea, his son, was born January 13, 1856, in Mifflin Township. From his early childhood he showed a fondness for books, and at an early age was sent to the brick schoolhouse near the mill, and William M. Hamilton, who was for a number of years an able instructor. gave him his first start. As our subject increased in years and knowledge a desire came to him to impart his information to others, and he taught his first term in the Blean Schoolhouse, Mifflin Township. The following year he received a course of in- struction at the normal school in Shippensburg, after which, for five consecutive terms, he taught in the Blean School, He accepted a position in the grammar school at New- ville in 1880, and two years later was promoted to the position of principal, in which he has since continued. As a practical educator he has but few equals and no superiors in the county. Courteous, social, talented, and coming from ancestors noted in this county as honest and practical men, the people of Mifflin Township have reason to be proud of W. H. McCrea who was born, bred, reared and educated in their midst, and here has de- veloped into one of the most widely-known educators in the county.

LEWIS C. MEGAW, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a grandson of James and Sarah (Murrell) McGaw, who were married in West Chester, Chester Co., Penn., November 27, 1804. James McGaw was a native of Belfast, Ireland, whence he emigrated in conse- quence of participating in a rebellion against the crown of England. In 1817 he came to Mifflin Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., with his wife and one son, Samuel, settling on the John Cutshall farm. He also owned the farm, now the property of John Hurst, which remained in the McGaw family from 1817 to 1882. He was in his day a prominent local Democratic politician, and, although not a member, he was an ardent supporter of the Presbyterian Church, contributing largely to the Big Spring Church. His son Sam- uel was born April 17, 1807; was married about 1826 to Elizabeth Gurrell, who was born in Newville, Penn., and whose entire life was passed in Cumberland County. Their domestic life was commenced ou his father's farm, where their children-Sarah, James, Belle, Jane, Mary and Scott-were born. When Samuel McGaw came to the farm where our subject now lives, he was accompanied by his mother, who made her home with him until her death. On this farm were born the other children of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mc- Gaw: John, George, Lewis C. and Ellen. All of the ten children reached adult age. George enlisted in Company F, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in 1861; was captured at Brandy Station in 1863, and confined in Libby Prison, from whence, a few months later, the gallant soldier was carried an emaciated corpse. Lewis C. Megaw, our subject, was born February 24, 1845. Leaving home iu 1870 he began lumbering in Clinton and Potter Counties, Penn., and Allegany, N. Y. Returning to this county in 1876 he was married to Miss Julia, daughter of George and Margaret (Kulp) Carl. Mr. Megaw and his young wife commenced housekeeping on the farm where he was born and reared, and here four children were born to them: Samuel, George, Florence and Grace. Mr. Megaw has been an enterprising and prosperous farmer, and, like his ancestors before him, has taken

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an active part in local politics. He has been elected an official of the township several terms, which of itself is suthcient proof that he has served his constituents faithfully and well. Coming from a family of the highest respectability and having a wife belonging to a family that for more than a century has been identified with the growth and prosperity of Cumberland County, it is with pleasure that a place is given them in the history. The name was MeGaw originally, but the children have by common consent changed it to Megaw, but it still shines as brightly now as did that of James McGaw, who had to flee for his life from the isle of Erin.

JOSEPII MINNICH, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a son of Daniel Minnich, who came with his parents from Perry to Berks County, Penn., in 1808. There were a number of sturdy sons and danghters, and a farm was purchased, on which not only the grandparents but also the parents of our subject lived and died. Daniel Minnich (son of George Minnich) was married to Mary Kozer, in 1823, and abont that date purchased the homestead in this county. Their children were as follows: Jeremiah, John, Eliza, Daniel, William, Joseph, David, George. Andrew and Columbus. Of these, Eliza is the wife of Daniel M. Derr, and she and our subject reside in this county; William was a soldier during the late war of the Rebellion, the others remaining on the farm. Joseph Minnich was married, May 18, 1865. to Catharine A., daughter of Samuel and Mary Collor, of Perry County, Penn., the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Peter Song, a Lutheran divine. They commenced house-keeping, in 1869, on the Westhafer farm, near Green Spring. The first years of wedded life were spent on the farm with his parents, and there Ida E. and Annie M. were born. The only son, Daniel, was born on the Woodburn farm near Newville. In 1880 Mr. Minnich purchased a nice farm near the pleasant village of Newville, and he is con- sidered one of the prosperous farmers of Mifflin Township, ranking high in the estimation of the public as a good business manager. The home is made pleasant by the comforts which come to those who make their money honestly, and by the good taste of mother and daughters. The parents are worthy members of the Lutheran Church and have reared their children in that faith.

MICHAEL SHAMBAUGII, farmer, P. O. Newville. It is safe to say that George Shambaugh, the grandfather of Michael, came to Cumberland County prior to the year 1790. His parents, of whom no history can be obtained, had two sons and several daugh- ters, but only the sons, George and Philip, can be located, both of whom settled in Frank- ford Township, this county, and George's youngest son, John, born in this township, and now ninety-two years of age, resides in Harrison County, Ohio. His sons were named Jacob. George, John and Philip, and there was one daughter, Catharine, who married Ja- cob Holtz, of Richland County, Ohio. Philip, the youngest son, married Elizabeth, daughter of Adam and Mary Kessler, of Perry County, who was born in Frankford Town- ship, this county, in 1798. At the time of his marriage Philip Shambaugh resided in Perry County, and he commenced housekeeping in Toboyne Township, where he afterward purchased a farm. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom John, Sarah, Mary and Michael are living. Michael, the last named, was married, in the autumn of 1851, to Mary A., daughter of Daniel and Esther Cutshall, of Toboyne Township. Perry Co., Penn. They commenced wedded life on the paternal homestead with but little of this world's goods ($80), but they went to work with a will, and he soon purchased an in- terest of one of the heirs, and when the place was sold, after the death of his father, he owned half the proceeds. Four children were born on the homestead-the first died in in- fancy; then came Lavina J., Josiah and Isaac. Josiah married Bessie Kremer, Isaac married Rebecca Dewalt, and Lavina is the wife of John Hoover. All have done well, and Mr. and Mrs. Shambaugh may congratulate themselves on having such representa- tives. In 1866 our subject and his family came to Mifflin Township, this county, and af- ter renting his farm for one year, purchased it, and has since, by economical habits and industry, earned enough to pay for the splendid tract, and on this farm the youngest son, John F., was born. For an upright, conscientions man Mr. Shambaugh ranks high in the estimation of his neighbors, and those who know him best testify to his mental and moral worth. He has a fine farm and comfortable home, and has never made a dollar dishonestly.

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CHAPTER LII.

MONROE TOWNSHIP.

GEORGE BELTZHOOVER, farmer, Boiling Springs. The grandfather of the sub- ject of this sketch, George Beltzhoover, the first of this name of whom we find any record, served in the war of 1812; moved from York County to this county, and here bought land. He was the father of eight children by his first wife: Catharine, Michael, George, Elizabeth, Jacob, John, Rachael and Sarah; by his second marriage with a Mrs. Gross he had one son, Daniel, who lived to be over seventeen years of age. His son, Jolin, was born in York County, Penn., in 1798, came to this county with his father when a boy, and became a farmer. He married Margaret Smith, in 1822, and had three chil- dren: George, Anne and Mahala. Mr. and Mrs. John Beltzhoover were members of the Lutheran Church; in politics he was a Republican. He was a land-holder (part of the es- tate is still in the family), and lived on his farm near Boiling Springs over fifty years. His house was the scene of one of the most cowardly and brutal robberies ever per- petrated. At the time (July 29, 1878), his household consisted of his aged wife, over seventy-six years of age, a female servant, sixty years old, and himself, abont eighty. The old gentleman and lady slept down stairs and were awake at the time the robbers ef- fected an entrance, who bound him and his servant with a cord from the bed, after beat- ing Mr. Beltzhoover with a club until his head was cut open. The old lady, though treated roughly, was not injured severely, and was forced to act as their guide. Bnrean drawers were ransacked and were "thrown on her feet so that the nails came off her toes," and their contents scattered on the floor; the house was thoroughly searched for about two hours and over $100 in silver coin and greenbacks secured. The alarm was given by the servant, who worked herself loose and made her escape while the robbers were in the house, and saved the house from fire and probably the lives of the aged couple, by bringing timely assistance. Word was sent to all the different places in the county and a reward of $100 offered for their arrest. Constables Johnston and Altland. of Dills- burg, got on their trail the morning after the robbery and tracked them to a barn abont six miles below Dillsburg, where they were secreted in a hay-mow. On going in one en- tered on his toes and the other on his heels. In the morning the constables searched the hay-mow bnt failed to find them, but in the evening the barn was again visited, and on hearing a slight noise in the mow they proceeded to the spot and probed with a pitch- fork, when one of them said he would come out. Two rough looking men crawled from their hiding place, and were immediately taken before Mr. and Mrs. Beltzhoover, who identified them as being the party who twenty-four hours before had disturbed their quiet home by cowardly ill-treating and robbing them. J. C. Lehman, Esq., of Boiling Springs, before whom they were next taken, then committed them to jail. One of the men came from Pottsville and the other from Harrisburg, and their names were John Lemon and John Myers, both of whom were recognized by the jail officials as tramps, both being young men not over twenty-one years of age, heavy set, but not tall. On being searched the money taken from Mrs. Beltzhoover was recovered, also a watch and chain, two re- volvers and a razor. The money was equally divided between them. Mr. Beltzhoover paid the reward at once. The prisoners were sent to the penitentiary. Mr. Beltzhoover lived to be nearly eighty-four years of age, considered one of the best citizens of the county, and always contributed largely of his means to build up the township. George Beltz- hoover, son of the above, was born in Monroe Township, this county, in 1823, on his grandfather's farm. He married, in 1846, Miss Maria C. Niesley, of this county, daughter of Jacob Niesley, and this union was blessed with six children: Mary E., John A., Mar- garet A., Maria C., Clara E. and Monroe C. Mr. and Mrs. George Beltzhoover are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican.

JOSEPH BERKHEIMER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in York County, Penn., July 14, 1833. His grandfather, Valentine Berkheimer, was born in same county, and was a fuller by trade. He married Elizabeth Lauchs, of York County, and had eight children: John, Samnel, Henry, George, Andrew, Elizabeth, Catharine and Leah. He was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics, a strong Democrat. John Berkheimer, our subject's father, a shoemaker by trade, was also born in York County in 1803; was married to Miss Lydia, danghter of John and Elizabeth (Sifert) Slothower. To this union were born the following children: Joseph, Henry, Catharine, Susan, Elizabeth, Leah and Rebecca. He was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics, a Democrat. He

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was honest and industrious, a kind father and husband, and died in his seventy- sixth year. Our subject, who learned carpentering, came in 1851 to this county, and followed his trade. In 1853 he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Jacob and Fannie (Musser) Eckert. This union has been blessed with seven children: John, Agnes, Alice, Joseph, Mar- garet. Jacob and George. Subject and wife are members of the German Reformed Church. In 1882 he moved with his family to his present residence. Politically, like his father, Mr. Berkheimer is a Democrat. In 1864 he enlisted at Carlisle in Company F, Two llundred and Ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for one year; went with his company to Baltimore; and thence to City Point; from there to Point of Rocks, where a severe battle was fought; thirteen were killed or taken prisoners from Company F alone. Mr. Berkheimer was in another battle at Mead's Station, where the regiment suffered severely, Company F losing fourteen men-seven killed and seven taken prisoners-includ- ing llenry Lee, of Carlisle, who was badly wounded. The war closing, Mr. Berkheimer returned to Harrisburg, where he was mustered out in 1865. When he went to war Mr. Berkheimer left a family consisting of his wife and five small children, who may now point with pride to their father's record as a soldier. Mrs. Berkheimer's great-grand- father Eckert came from Germany when a young man, and settled in York County, Penn., over a hundred years ago, and followed the business of a real estate dealer. but subse- quently moved to Laneaster County, Penn., and there died. Of his four children, two were sons: Michael and Philip. Michael was born in York County, a wagonmaker by trade; married Catharine Young, of York County, and had the following named children: Henry, John, Jacob (father of Mrs. Berkheimer), George, Henry, Mary and Elizabeth. Michael Eckert was a member of the German Reformed Church, a sober, industrious man, always attentive to his business. Jacob Eckert was born in York County in 1803; learned wagon-making; married Miss Fanny Mercer, of York County, and had a family of six children: Michael. John, Joseph, Catharine (Mrs. Berkheimer), Susan and Faunie. In 1833 Mr. Eckert moved to this county, and in 1878 to his present farm, and is now a ven- erable gentleman, who has lived an honorable and valuable life.

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

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