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 93

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 93
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 93

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).

GEORGE M. BRANDT, manufacturer and postmaster, Brandtsville. Martain Brandt, the great-grandfather, who emigrated from Hummelstown, Dauphin Co., Penn., to Cum- berland County, Penn., in 1773, built a stone house in 1776, a barn in 1777, and a large man- sion in 1779. The two houses are in good condition to-day, and are now owned by Henry Hesey. He was a large land-holder, owning about 1,000 acres of land. He had six children: Catherine, Martain. Betzy. Adam, David and IIenrietta. Martain Brandt, Sr., departed this life March 26, 1835, aged eighty-five years, five months and fifteen days. Barbra Brandt, wife of Martain Brandt, departed this life February 26, 1855, aged seventy- nine years, eleven months and sixteen days. Martain Brandt, Jr., grandfather of Geo. M. Brandt, was born on the homestead, in this township, inherited from his father and which has been in the family since 1773. He was also a manufacturer, and built a saw-mill and a elover-mill. He married Miss Catherine Beltzhoover, of this county, October 16, 1810, who bore him six children: Rachel, Miebael G., Samuel, George, Henry and Sarah. IIe met his death by an accident, caused by a runaway team, and died July 24, 1833, in his forty-ninth year. Ilis widow lived to be eighty-four, and was remarkably well and active up to her last day. Michael G., the oldest son of this couple, born in the old homestead August 23, 1816, was a farmer and manufacturer, carrying on the business of his father. He married, April 5, 1846, Miss Eleanor, daughter of Jacob Emmett, of York, York Co., Penn., and to this union were born seven children: Henrietta E., George M., Jennie M., Jacob E., Samuel H., Lydia E. and Annie K. Ile erected the homestead, workhouse, and, in fact, most of the buildings on the property. He manufactured both red and yellow ocher and lumber. He was a very prominent man, and did a large busi- ness in iron ore and other enterprises, among which was buying and selling stock. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. In polities he was a Republican. He was a liberal man and did a great deal for the poor, and some of the neighbors depended on him for any aid they might require, and he acted as bondsman for many men. When the railroad was built through Brandtsville, he assisted the enterprise in every way. He. is well remembered for his mild and pleasant ways and honorable dealings. George M. Brandt, our subject, was horn on the old homestead July 2, 1848, and passed his early days assisting his father. June 20, 1872, he married Miss Mary C. Lehman, of this. county, and to this union were born seven children: Bertha G., Ellen E., Eva R., Laura E., Mary C., Michael E. and Marey G. Mr. Brandt lives with his large family on the old homestead, and on land which has been in the family for 113 years. Ile carries on the manufacture of lumber and red and yellow ocher, and conducts a coal yard and ware- house besides two farms. He is postmaster of Brandtsville. In politics he is a Republican. He is a man of most excellent reputation and standing as a business man.

DAVID L. CLARK. farmer. P. O. Mechaniesburg, Penn. The family originated in England. John Clark, the grandfather of David L., was born there in 1727, and came to America when a young man; he married in this county, and became the father of seven children-four sons: John, Thomas, James and William, and three daughters. John Clark, Sr., entered 300 acres of land, and built the first flouring-mill in this county on the

508

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Yellow Breeches Creek; lived to be nearly seventy-nine years old, and was greatly re- spected for his sterling worth. William Clark, the father of our subject, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., October 12, 1768; married Sarah Lamb, March 5, 1798, and had eleven children-nine sons and two daughters. He inherited half of his father's prop- erty (150 acres of land and the mill), and was a prominent man in the community, serving as justice of the peace for more than twenty years. One of his sons, Richey Clark, of Dillsburg, Penn., inherited 72 acres of the original tract, and which has thus remained in the Clark family for more than 140 years. David L. Clark, the present representative of the family in this county, was born June 13, 1808, on the banks of the Yellow Breeches Creek, at Clark's mill, this county. He married Elizabeth Mumper May 1, 1828, and to this union were born four sons and four daughters: William, John, Andrew A., David R., Sarah A., Margaret J., Hannah C. and Mary E .- all living but one that died in infancy. Our subject lived one year at the mill after marriage, and then began farming on his father's farm, near Mechanicsburg, where he remained eighteen years, and at his father's death the farm hecame his by inheritance. 'He has resided, in all, thirty-four years on this one farm. In 1862 he built his present residence at the Trindle road. Mr. Clark has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for nearly fifty years. an elder in it for the past twenty-five years, and is now the oldest male member of the Mechanicsburg Church. Never an office seeker, he has held some minor offices, being a strong Repub- lican in a Democratic county. That Mr. Clark has always been true to his convictions, and had full faith in the Government in the dark days of its trials in 1863, is shown by the fact that though while he was building his present substantial brick residence the great battle of Gettysburg was being fought about 25 miles away, yet he continued his building at the time of Gen. Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania.

CYRUS DORNBACH, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The Dornbach family is of German origin, and came to this country at a period long antedating the Revolutionary war. The great-grandfather of our subject was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and was the first of the name of whom we have any record. George Dornbach (grandfather of Cyrus) was also born in Lancaster County, Penn., married Mary Brenicer, of the same county, and had the following children: John, Jacob, Elizabeth, Annie, Catharine and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. George Dornbach were members of the German Baptist Church. Their son, John, was born on his father's farm, in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1799; was a miller by trade. In 1829 he married Miss Sarah Mohler, of same county, and this union was blessed with two children: Levi M. and Cyrus. In 1832 John Dornbach removed with his family to this county, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Cyrus. He was a German Baptist, as was also his wife. In politics he was a strong Republican. He was a thorough-going business man, honest and upright in all his dealings, and at his death owed no man a dollar. He was universally respected by his friends and neighbors, being a kind hearted, generous man. Cyrus Dornbach, Jr., was born on his father's farm. in this county, in 1835, and has passed his entire life on the same land. In 1861 he married Miss Sarah Mater, of this county, and to them were born Ulysses G., John V., Alice S., Sarah M., Cora E., Mabel D., Noah and Rosa C. Mrs. Dornbach is a member of the United Brethren Church. Cyrus Dornbach is a Republican in politics.

CHRISTIAN FULMER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. Christian Fulmer, the grand- father of our subject, was born near Strasburg, Germany. He was the father of two sons: Christian and one who was killed in the French Army under Napoleon Bonaparte in the war for religious freedom which was waged against the Pope of Rome. Christian Ful- mer was born in 1791; married Sarah Peifer and had six children: Elizabeth, Christian, Charles, George, Barbara and Leah. About 1830 he moved to this country with his family, the mother wishing her sons to escape the rigid military regulation of that country, where all males of proper age are subject to enrolment. The family landed in Baltimore, and, finding relatives, came by their advice to Mechanicsburg. this county, where Mr. Fulmer found work at his trade. He later removed to Pittsburgh, Penn., remaining but a short time, however. He died March 19, 1843. He was a very pions man, a member of the Lutheran Church. Christian Fulmer, our subject, was born, (as was his father before him) near Strasburg, Germany, and came to this country with the family when a lad of eleven years. IIe underwent great privations when young, and could go to school but little. His father being sick and very poor, young Christian early began to assist the family by hard work and perseverance, helping his parents greatly until their death. Among our subject's earliest remembrances is the time when he was with the other children at his mother's knee, listening to the lessons taught by Christ in the New Testament. Mr. Fulmer greatly reveres his mother's name, for it was she who taught him the principles of honesty, saying that " An honest heart will prevail.". In early life our subject learned the trade of carpenter. In 1844 he married Miss Catharine Myers, and to them were born four children : Edmond, Christian, Susan and Catharine. After marriage Mr. Fulmer lived a short time in Mechanicsburg and then moved to his present residence. At that time the farm was small, but, by diligence, hard work and economy, more land was gradually bought and the farm increased. IIe is a man who loves honesty and carefulness, and teaches his children the principles of truth and uprightness. His son Edmond married Miss Mary Plough,

509

MONROE TOWNSHIP.

of this county, and has two children: Mary A. and Sarah S. His daughter Susan married John Warner, of this county, and has two children: F. Christian and Blanche, Mr. Ful- mer is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a very religious man. He has had many sorrows, but puts his trust in Him who doeth all things well for his final reward.

JOHN B. GARVER, German Baptist minister, P. O. Allen, is a grandson of Benja- min Garver, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., about the year 1771, his ancestors having emigrated from Germany at an early date. Benjamin Garver was a farmer and land- holder, and moved from Lancaster to Franklin County, Penn., at an early date, where the following named children were born: John, Daniel, Samuel. Benjamin, Joseph, Susan and Sarah. Ile lived to be sixty-five years of age. His son Benjamin, father of our subject, was born in 1810 in Franklin County, Penn., and began life for himself as a teamster. In 1836 he married, and in 1837 bought a farm in Franklin County, Penn. He was the father of eleven children: Elizabeth. John B., David, Levi, Benjamin, Samuel, Daniel, Christian, Amanda, William and Abraham. Benjamin Garver moved to Huntingdon County, Penn., in 1851; was a member of the German Baptist Church. He was a sober, industrious man, noted for his energy and honesty. John B., our subject, was born October 11, 1840, on his father's farm in Franklin County, Penn. He received his education in the common schools and at the academy at Shirleysburg, Penn. At the age of twenty-two, becoming interested in religion, he joined the German Baptist Church. The next year he was elected minister by the congregation. He began preaching immediately in Huntingdon County, Penn. In 1863 he married Miss Sarah S., daughter of Samuel Loutz, of Huntingdon County, Penn. To them were born two children: Ira A. and Loretta A. In 1870 his wife died, and in 1872 he married Miss Sarah D , daughter of George and Sarah (Baker) Brin- dle, of Cumberland County, and by her he has two children: Lizzie B. and Paulina E. In 1875 Mr. Garver moved to this county and began preaching. He and his wife are beloved by their congregation and the people for their Christian worth and high charac- ter. Mrs. Garver is a member of one of the oldest families in Monroe Township, her great-grandfather emigrating from Germany years ago, and was subsequently drowned while crossing the ocean, on a visit. George Brindle (Mrs. Garver's grandfather) was born in Cumberland County, Penn., and was a farmer, land-holder and distiller in Monroe Township. Ile married Elizabeth Bricker, of this county, by whom he had six children: John. George, Peter, Solomon, Elizabeth and Susan. Ile was a member of the German Reformed Church. George Brindle (father of Mrs. Garver) was born in this township in 1796; married Sarah Baker, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Keller) Baker, of Lancaster County, Penn., by whom he had seven children: Cyrus, Elizabeth, Amos, Barbara, Rebecca, George and Sarah D. (twins). Mr. George Brindle was a very prosperous man, a member of the State Legislature, and held other offices of trust. Ile was administrator of a number of estates and guardian of several families of children. He lived to the patri- archal age of eighty-five, respected by all, and his death was deeply lamented by his many friends.

JOHN HERTZLER, farmer, P. O. Allen. The grandfather of the subject of our sketch, a farmer during his lifetime, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1773. and married Miss Mary Brubaker, of same county, by whom he had nine children: Annie, Jacob, Mary. Christian, Elizabeth, John, Barbara, Abraham and Rudolph. He was a respected member of the Mennonite Church. Abraham. the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1812, and passed his early life on his father's farm. In 1837 he married Miss Mary Bender, of Lancaster County, Penn. To this union were born nine children: Rudolph, Christian, Michael, Charles, John, Elizabeth, Daniel, Mary and Amos. Abraham Hertzler moved to Cumberland County in 1852, and is now a vener- able gentleman, the snows of many winters having whitened his hair and beard. He is a devout Christian and a member of the Mennonite Church. John Hertzler, our subject, was also born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1846, and came to this county with his father when a boy. In 1876 he married Miss Martha Bowman. of York County, Penn., daughter of Christian and Susan Bowman, parents of the following children: Jolin, Jacob, Calvin. Samuel, Martha and Jane. Mr. Bowman is a member of the German Reformed Church, and is still living in York County at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. and Mrs. John Hertzler have two children; Earle B. and Elva Margaret. Mrs. Ilertzler is a member of the German Reformed Church. In politics our subject is a Republican. By his unaided efforts he has accumulated enough to buy a good homestead. pleasantly situated. Mr. Hertzler hokls to the principles taught him by his father-honesty. industry and care- fulness. His children may well be proud of these traits in the family character.

JACOB M. HERTZLER. farmer, P. O. Allen, is a grandson of - Hertzler, who was born in this country, and came to Lancaster County, Penn., when a young man. set- tling on a farm; he was the father of six children. Christian Hertzler, his son, born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1806. was a farmer by occupation; married Miss Barbara Mvers, and to this union were born eight children: Abraham, Mary, Christian, Samuel, Elias, Barbara, Jacob M. and Benjamin, all now living, except Abraham. Christian Hertzler moved to this county in 1839, and bought a farm in Monroe Township, which is now owned by his son Elias. Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hertzler were members of the

510

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Mennonite Church. In politics he was a Republican. He was a kind, pleasant man, governing his family more by love than fear, and was known for his honesty, industry and generosity to the poor. Ile died in this county in his sixty-seventh year. Jacob M. Hertzler, his son, was born in this county in 1848, and received such education as the public school then afforded. In 1873 he married Miss Emma, daughter of George Beltz- hoover, of this county, and the union was blessed with four children: Barbara R., James W., Emma L. and Jacob B. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has served as deacon three years. He renders all the assistance in his power to his church and the cause of Christ.

ELIAS HERTZLER, farmer, P. O. Williams Mill. The founder of this family came to this county from Germany at early day. The great-grandfather was born in Lancaster County, Penn., on a farm. Christian Hertzler, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1806, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Barbara Myers, and to this union were born eight children: Abraham, Mary, Christian, Samuel, Elias, Barbara, Jacob and Benjamin. Christian Hertzler moved to this county in 1837, and bought a farm in Monroe Township, which is now owned by his son Elias. Mr. Hertzler and wife were earnest members of the Mennonite Church; he was an ener- getic and upright man, accumulated a good deal of property, and gave each of sons a good farm. Elias Hertzler was born on the old homestead in 1837, and has spent his en- tire life on the old farm. In 1865 he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Jacob Lehman, of this county. This union was blessed with seven children: Clara Agnes, Sarah Jane, Albert Alcidor, David Lehman, Catharine Barbara, Alice Gertrude and Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler are members of the Mennonite Church. They met with a sad misfortune in the death of three of their children in the fall of 1884, by diphtheria, in the short space of a few weeks. This great affliction caused great sadness to their hearts, but, with trust in Him who doeth all things well, they have borne their great burden with Christian pa- tience and resignation.

E. J. HOOVER, druggist and farmer, P. O. Williams Mill. The great-great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch came to this country a great many years ago, and set- tled in Dauphin County, Penn. His son Christian Hoover was born in Dauphin County, married Susan Spidle, of Cumberland County, and had six children: John P. D., Chris- tian, David, Elizabeth, Catharine and Susan. Christian Hoover and his wife were mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. They first settled in Cumberland County, but later moved to Franklin County, where Mr. Hoover died at fifty years of age. John P. D., one of the sons of this couple, was born in Dauphin County, Penn., in 1789; married Hester Myers, and had six children who attained maturity: Henry, Elizabeth, John, Mandilla, George and Christian. John P. D. Hoover was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics he was a Democrat. John Hoover, the son of J. P. D. Hoover, was born in Franklin County Penn., in 1815; married Eliza Yessler, of Lancaster County, Penn., and this union was blessed with two children: Susanna and Elijah J. He is a Republican in politics. Elijah J. Hoover was born in 1844, in this county, learned the profession of druggist, and when Abraham Lincoln made his first call for 300,000 men, was among those who responded, enlisting, August 8, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. This was the original company raised hy Col. H. I. Zinn. He was in the bat- tles of Antietam and Fredericksburg (where Col. Zinn was killed) and Chancellorsville. He was mustered out in May 21, 1863. He re-enlisted January 4, 1864, as a veteran, in the Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and was stationed at Fortress Monroe. Here he was de- tached from his company and was put on the medical staff and served as acting steward in fort dispensary, Fortress Monroe, and prison hospital, Newport News, and in medical purveyor's office, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Richmond, Va. He was mustered out by special order, November 14, 1865. He then served under chief medical officer of B. R. F. & A. L. State of Virginia. He served until July, 1866. Returning home he married, in 1868, Miss Martha Crist, of this county. To them were born two children: Anna O. and Lizzie R. Mr. Hoover had the misfortune to lose his wife in 1873, and in 1877 he married Miss Kate Stambaugh, of this county, and commenced farming. He is a member of Post 415. G. A. R. He is a member of the German Reformed Church; in politics a Republican. Few men in this county have such a record as Mr. Hoover, and he justly deserves a place in its history for his patriotism.

JOHN HUTTON, farmer, P. O. Williams Mill. The Hutton family is of German origin. The great-grandfather, a farmer, lived in York County, Penn .; his son, John, who was born in that county was the father of four children: Elija, Jacob, John and Eliza. Jacob, the second son (father of our subject), was born in York County, Penn., in 1813, and was a farmer; in 1840 he married Miss Jane Strominger, and to this union were born eight children: Rachael A., Andrew, Jacob, Daniel, Lucinda, John, Alice J. and Paris. Jacob Hutton, Sr., was a Democrat in politics until the war, when he became a Republican. He has always remained at home, and, although living within six miles of a railroad, never rode on a train until about four years ago, when he took a short trip with his son. He is a man of great will power and stern determination, and is much re- spected in the community in which he lives, an upright and temperate man. Our sub-

511

MONROE TOWNSHIP.

ject was born in York County. Penn., in 1851, and passed his early life on his father's farm. At the age of fourteen, he became patriotic, and would have enlisted if not pre- vented by his father on account of his youth. At the age of eighteen young Hutton and twocompanions were stricken with the California fever. He took French leave, well knowing that his father would oppose the project, and with a few cents in his pocket man- agred, by working among the farmers, to get as far as Columbus, Ohio. He went thence to Burlington, Iowa, but becoming tired of his own daring, returned home, after an absence of nearly a year, but, unlike the prodigal son, came back in good health, well dressed and supplied with money. In 1876, he married Miss Catharine E. Reiff, of this county, daughter of John K. Reiff, and a descendant of a very old family, of German origin. The great- grandfather, Henry Reiff, who came to York County from Lancaster County, Penn., and formerly from Germany, was the father of two sons: Daniel and Henry (the latter the grandfather of Mrs. Intton), and tradition says brought a stocking full of gold, with which to buy the property. now the old homestead, originally comprising 300 acres of fine tim- ber land. Henry Reiff (grandfather of Mrs. Hutton) married Catharine Kilmore, of York County, Penn., and over fifty years ago built the mill now called Williams' Mill and the buildings on the old homestead. John K., the father of Mrs. Ilutton, was also born in York County, and came to this county with his father, married Catharine Dick, of York, York County, and had three children: John H., Catharine E. and Frances M. D. John K. Reiff was a member of the German Reformed Church, and died January 3, 1874, when forty-seven years old. When Gen. Lee's army invaded Pennsylvania, a detachment of troops took breakfast at the old homestead; they were polite, paid for their entertainment with Confederate scrip, and were very gallant to the ladies, giving them as mementoes huttons cut from their uniforms. This is the third generation which has lived in the old residence inherited from her father by Mrs. Hutton and conveyed by her to her husband. Mr. Hutton has been quite an extensive traveler, visiting sixteen States, Washington and the Gulf of Mexico, Luray caverns, Natural Bridge, Va., Mount Vernon, etc. He is a Re- publican in pohtics, a member of the State Grange, and one of the managing committee of the Granger's Picnic Exhibition, which is annually held at Williams' Grove, this county. Ile comes of a large and robust race, stands six feet and two inches in height, and weighs 210 pounds, the picture of stalwart manhood.

G. W. LEIDIGH, farmer, P. O., Allen. The founder of this family came from Ger- many to America long before the war of the Revolution. Adam Leidigh, the first of the name of whom there is any record, bought land in Monroe Township, this county. in 1791; he was a farmer and manufacturer. In politics he was an old line Whig; in relig- ion a member of the Lutheran Church. By industry, he accumulated a handsome prop- erty, and gave each of his sons a farm. He was the father of four sons: David. George, Jacob and John. He was a prominent man in the community, and trustee for at least one estate. From all that can be learned of him, he was a good business man and honorable in all his dealings. JJacob Leidigh, his second son, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., January 15, 1788; was a farmer all his life, inheriting his land from his father. He mar- ried Miss Sarah, daughter of Michael Leidigh, of this county, January 14. 1821 (she was of no blood relationship) and to this union were born five children; Mary A., Sarah, Catha- rine, George and Samuel. Mr. Leidigh was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics, an old line Whig; he died August 13, 1832. Ilis widow, who lived for many years, after- ward married Henry Gross, of this county, by whom she had one daughter: Eliza A. Mrs. Leidigh died in her eighty-first year. G. W. Leidigh was born in this county July 13, 1828, and, his father dying when he was only five years old, John Brindle became his guardian. At twenty he learned the miller's trade of Jacoh Goodyear, his brother-in-law. In 1851, he married Miss Mahala, daughter of John Beltzhoover, of this county, and this union was blessed with three sons: John B. (married to Miss Mattie A. Bowers, daughter of Jere Bowers, of this county), George M. (married to Gertie R., daughter of L. V. Moore, of this county), and Harry M., an attorney. In 1881, our subject bought the Junc- tion Flouring Mill, one of the oldest on Yellow Breeches Creek, being built in the last century, rebuilt in 1828, and again rebuilt by Mr. Leidigh, in 1865. The structure bids fair to stand for many years to come. Mr. Leidigh has followed the business of a miller for thirty-three years on the same creek, and for thirty five in the old mill which he now owns, and this makes him the oldlest miller on Yellow Breeches Creek. During the war of the Rebellion, when Gen. Ewell was stationed at Carlisle, a picket line was formed near Mr. Leidigh's residence. and Gen. Ewell sent him a very stern order to the effect that if any goods were smuggled or removed from the mill, he would burn the building to ashes. It is singular that although the neighbors, who were more or less remote, were plundered. not a single thing was taken from Mr. Leidigh's premises. Mr. and Mrs. Leidigh are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a hale, stalwart man, wearing his years lightly. Has done a large milling business-probably more than any other miller on the creek. He still continues active labor and lives in the same town- ship where he was horn and reared.

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