History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 92

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I > Part 92

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).

ERASTUS H. WEISER

509

THE BENCH AND THE BAR

Rear Admiral Samuel R. Franklin and a director in the Farmers' National Bank; Colonel Walter S. Franklin. He had two York Electric Railway; York Water Com- sons, William F. and Charles S. Weiser. pany and for a period of thirty-five years was William F. Weiser died at York in 1906. secretary and treasurer of the York County Mutual Insurance Company. Ile was an elder in St. Paul's Lutheran Church of York. In politics he was an ardent Repub- lican and in 1800 was induced to accept the Charles S. Weiser, the second son, gradu- ated from Yale Law School in 1893, and has since practiced law in New York City. The genealogy of the Weiser family, of which Erastus H. Weiser was an honored repre- nomination for judge of the courts of York sentative, will be found in the second vol- County. Although his party was then in ume of this work.

JOHN F. SPANGLER, son of Ferdinand L. and Amanda (Wright) Spangler, and grandson of Dr. John and Margaret (Leatherman) Spangler, was born at York in 1831. Conrad Leatherman, his great-grandfather, was the most promi- nent merchant of York during the Revo- lution. He was educated at Marshall College at Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and at Princeton College, New Jersey. He then read law under the direction of Erastus H. Weiser at York, and was admitted to the bar in 1857. He never devoted much atten- tion to the practice of law. In 1861-62 he represented York County in the State leg- islature. He devoted most of his time to the study of ancient and modern history and literature, meantime accumulating a large library. He took a special interest in the study of geneology and mineralogy as a di- version. Mr. Spangler spent the last ten years of his life in the city of Philadelphia, where he died August 31, 1897.

SILAS HERR FORRY was born in York, September 26, 1838, son of Abraham Forry, an influential citizen who had been five times elected chief burgess of York. He was educated at the York County Acad- emy, which he attended for a period of twelve years. Having a natural inclination for the law, he entered the office of Vincent K. Keesey at York and after two years of diligent study was admitted to the bar in 1861. He soon built up a large practice and was recognized as one of the most ju- dicious and careful lawyers that ever prac- ticed before the courts of York County. He was exact, painstaking and discreet in all his legal business, which was largely an office practice or practice before the Or- phans' Court. Mr. Forry was identified with many interests in the city and county of York. He was one of the organizers and director of the Western National Bank :

the minority, he received a large and en- couraging vote. Mr. Forry died at York, May 26, 1897.

MARTIN S. EICHELBERGER was born in York in 1836 and received his pre- liminary education at the York County Academy. He was graduated at Yale Col- lege in 1858 with honors in a class of 102, and while in that institution was one of the most popular men. On account of his literary attainments and personal pop- ularity he was elected one of fifteen mem- bers of his class to the Skull and Bones So- ciety of the college. Mr. Eichelberger practiced law at York during his whole pro- fessional career and devoted his leisure time to a diligent study of history and literature. He took a special interest in studying the annals of York County, and accumulated a large library of books relating to Ameri- can history. This library he left to Yale College. He was a member of the State Historical Society: a director in the York County National Bank and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He died at York. July 10, 1893.

JAMES KELL was born in Westmore- land County, Pennsylvania, in 1828, and spent his early years largely in Franklin County. He came to York in 1856, when he became a teacher in the public schools. Meantime he read law with Henry L. Fisher, and was admitted to the bar in 1862. and practiced his profession at York during the remainder of his life. Mr. Kell was one of the founders of the Republican party in York County and was chairman of the Re- publican County Committee for a period of five years. In 1875 he was a candidate for additional law judge of York County when Pere L. Wickes was elected. In 1877. he was appointed register of wills by Governor Hartranft to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the incumbent in office. He was postmaster of York from 1884 to 1888 dur-

510

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ing the administration of President Arthur. army and continued in service five years, Mr. Kell served as school director, was a director of the Orphans' Home and the York Collegiate Institute. He was a past master of York Lodge, No. 266, F. & A. M. He died at York, June 4, 1899.

WILLIAM HAY was born in York, August 15, 1835, of one of the representa- tive families of York County, his ancestors having been prominently identified with the growth and development of local affairs in business and professional lines for four gen- erations before him. He was educated at the York County Academy and Pennsyl- vania College at Gettysburg, graduating from the latter in 1856. He read law in the office of Evans and Mayer and was admitted to practice November 1, 1858. Immedi- ately after his admission he formed a part- nership with Thomas E. Cochran, which continued until the death of the latter. Mr. Hay was a man of culture and refined taste and exceedingly courteous and considerate in his intercourse with his fellow man. In his practice he was earnest, industrious, port. . At the time of his death, May I, skillful and vigilant in behalf of his clients and stood for all that was elevating and en- nobling as a lawyer and a man. He died at York, in May, 1885.

COLONEL LEVI MAISH, lawyer and member of Congress, was born in Cone- wago Township in 1837. He studied law under D. J. Williams of the York Bar, and after attending lectures in the law depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, was admitted to the bar in 1864. Colonel Maish had a brilliant military career during the Civil war. His military experience and his public life are recorded in a biography found among the list of Congressmen pub- lished elsewhere in this book. He prac- ticed his profession at York from 1864 until the end of his last term in Congress when he took up his residence in Washington, D. C., where he practiced before the Court of Claims. He died February 26, 1899.

FRANK GEISE was born in Paradise Township, York County, May 22, 1837, and was of German parentage. His boyhood was spent on the farm and his educational facilities were the common schools. After a term in a hardware store, he attended the York County Academy, and later the Cum- berland Valley Institute, teaching school in the meantime. In 1861, he enlisted in the

attaining the rank of captain. Upon his retirement, he was appointed a clerk in the interior department at Washington, and while thus employed utilized spare time in the study of law. He attended Columbia law college, from which he graduated in 1869, and at once came to York and was admitted to the bar. He soon acquired a good practice and also took a leading part in politics. Two years after his admission he was elected prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, which office he held for three years. When he had been at the bar about fifteen years, he entered into partner- ship with E. D. Ziegler and Joseph R. Strawbridge, from which some years after- ward Mr. Ziegler withdrew, the firm con- sisting then of Geise and Strawbridge, which continued until the death of Mr. Geise. He was public spirited and progres- sive and a number of enterprises and insti- tutions, industrial and charitable, owe their existence and success, in part, to his sup-

1900, he was mayor of the city of York, in which office he had instituted many reforms and changes looking toward a better and more economical administration of munici- pal affairs.

GEORGE W. HEIGES was born in Dillsburg, York County, May 18, 1842. He was educated in the public schools and the York County Academy. In his youth he worked a while at the trade of a painter, but soon abandoned it to follow educational pursuits. He taught for some time in the York County Academy and in a local nor- mal school, and subsequently was principal of the York Classical and Normal Institute. He read law with D. J. Williams and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He soon ac- quired a remunerative practice and a high standing at the bar. He represented this county in the legislature in 1873 and 1874 and later was twice elected chief burgess of York. He was tall, of fine presence, courte- ous and deferential. He died December 3,

1900.

JOHN BLACKFORD was born at Sharpsburg, Washington County, Mary- land, December 3, 1842. His father was a well known farmer of Washington County and his mother was the daughter of Rev. Lewis Mayer, D. D., an eminent clergyman

5II

THE BENCH AND THE BAR

of the Reformed Church. His grandfather, Colonel John Blackford, was an officer in command of Maryland troops during the war of 1812. Mr. Blackford obtained his education in the public schools of Shep- herdstown, Virginia, and the York County Academy. In 1868 he began the study of law in the office of his uncle, John L. Mayer, then one of the leaders of the York County Bar, and was admitted to the practice of law in the courts of York County, August 22, 1870. He occupied the same office with Mr. Mayer and assisted him in his extensive practice until the death of the latter in 1874. Mr. Blackford was elected to the office of District Attorney in 1874 and served one full term of three years, displaying ability in the performance of his duties. In 1881, he was a prominent candidate before the Dem- ocratic County Convention for the nomina- tion of judge. During his professional ca- reer he was counsel for several large cor- porations, including the Peach Bottom Rail- road Company, and the Hanover Junction, Hanover and Gettysburg Railroad Com- pany. After the death of John L. Mayer he entered into partnership with W. F. Bay Stewart in the practice of law. In 1883, Mr. Blackford was married to Miss Nannie Ziegle, daughter of Colonel Thomas A. Ziegle, of York. He died August 22, 1884.

WILLIAM H. KAIN was born in West Manchester Township, January 4, 1848. He obtained his education in the public schools, the York County Academy and Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg. Im- mediately after leaving college in 1871, he was appointed county superintendent of schools in place of Stephen G. Boyd, who resigned to become president of the Peach Bottom Railroad Company. In May, 1872, he was elected to the same office and re- elected in 1875, serving for a period of six and a half years. After retiring from the superintendency, he read law in the office of John Gibson and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He had acquired a liberal education and conducted a successful legal practice during his short professional career at the bar. He died at York, February 3, 1883, at the early age of 35. He was married to . Clara, daughter of Colonel George Hay. Their son, George Hay Kain, a graduate of Pennsylvania College and Yale Law School, was admitted to the bar at York in 1902.

ELI Z. STRINE was born in Strines- town, York County, June II, 1842. He ob- tained his education in the public schools and in 1862 came to York and entered into the mercantile business, which he followed until 1872. He studied law under Edward D. Ziegler and was admitted to the bar of York County, February 14, 1873. He prac- ticed law successfully for the remainder of his life. In 1863, during the Gettysburg campaign, Mr. Strine joined the Fifth Army Corps as a volunteer at Hanover, marching with it to Gettysburg, and on July 2, saw active service in the field. This experience in the army increased his military ardor, and in 1866 he was second lieutenant of the Ziegle Guards, a local military company at York. In 1868 and 1869, he was first lieu- tenant and afterward captain of the Worth Infantry. He was captain of the York Continental Rifles, late Company C, Eighth Regiment, National Guards of Pennsylva- nia, in 1870. In 1875, he organized the York Grays, which later became Company A, Eighth Regiment, N. G. P., of which he served as captain until 1893, when he re- signed and his name was placed on the roll of honor by order of Governor Robert E. Pattison. Captain Strine commanded his company when the National Guard of Penn- sylvania was called out to quell the Home- stead riots in Western Pennsylvania. He was a member of the legislature of Pennsyl- vania from York County, in 1886-7. He was re-elected in the fall of 1903. Soon after his election, he took sick and died in 1904, while the legislature was in session.

STEPHEN G. BOYD was born in Peach Bottom, December 6, 1830. He obtained his education in the public schools, White, Hall Academy and Millersville State Nor- mal School. He spent several years as a successful teacher in York and Wrights- ville and served two years as a member of the State Legislature. In 1869, he was elected county superintendent, and in 1871, during the last year of his term, he com- pleted plans for the construction of a rail- road from Delta to York. During the suc- ceeding six years he was president of this company, which built and operated this road. He then projected a plan for the completion of the Baltimore and Delta Rail- road, and was its first president. He was editor of the York Gazette for three years.

512

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

during which time he studied law, and was agricultural region, for which he always re- admitted to the bar, August 1, 1893, at the tained the fondest attachment. He ac- age of 62. He followed his profession during the remainder of his life and died at York, September 27, 1899. quired his education in the schools of his native county and during his early manhood devoted his attention to different pursuits. Having inherited strong intellectual endow- ments he turned his attention to the law, and was admitted to the bar at York, in 1853. He soon rose to prominence as a

ARTHUR N. GREEN was born in Cum- berland County, where he began the study of law and was admitted to the bar. In 1858, he came to York, where he followed his profession the remainder of his life. counselor and advocate. In 1858 he was From 1871 to 1874 he filled the office of the Democratic nominee for Congress to represent the district composed of York, District attorney for York County. He held various positions of responsibility and Cumberland and Perry counties and was de- trust, and during nearly his whole career of feated by Benjamin F. Junkin, of Perry County. During the remaining period of forty-eight years at the bar, had his office on the second floor of the Lehmayer build- his life he affiliated with the Republican ing. Mr. Green died January 22, 1905.

JAMES B. ZIEGLER was educated at Pennsylvania College, and was admitted to the bar at York in 1864. From 1869 to 1872 he was Prothonotary for York County. Owing to his excellent management of that office and his adaptability to perform its duties, he was retained as deputy-pro- thonotary by his successors for many years. His familiarity with the county records in- duced the court to appoint him to various positions of responsibility and trust, which he performed with exactness and the great- est fidelity. Mr. Ziegler died at York, Jan- uary 15, 1906.

HIRAM S. McNAIR was born in Adams County, near the Maryland line, in 1838. He obtained his education in the public schools and Pennsylvania College, at Get- tysburg. In 1861 he enlisted as a sergeant in Cole's Maryland Cavalry and was pro- moted to the rank of lieutenant. In 1864 he resigned and organized a company, which he commanded in the Third Mary- land Cavalry. With the rank of captain he served under General Butler at New Or- leans, was promoted major of his regiment and took part in the Red River expedition under General Banks. After the war closed he studied law with Henry L. Fisher and was admitted to the York Bar in 1868. For a. period of eight years Major McNair was editor and publisher of the "York Re- publican." He died at York, November 3, 1906.

HENRY L. FISHER, in 1906 the oldest member of the York Bar, was born in Franklin County, of German ancestry, in 1822. He was reared on a farm in a fertile

party, but devoted his entire attention to the practice of law. For a period of forty years, Mr. Fisher was attorney on one side or the other in most of the important cases tried before the courts of York County. He was especially strong in formulating his facts and arraying them in such a manner as to enlist the attention of all his hearers. He was earnest and impressive in his ora- tory and occupied a leading position as a lawyer in southern Pennsylvania, his pro- fessional abilities being called into requisi- tion in the trial of numerous cases before the courts of the adjoining counties and the Supreme Court of the state. He was al- ways devoted to the interests of his clients and enjoyed a high degree of popularity as a successful lawyer. The treasures of liter- ature interested Mr. Fisher during his whole professional career. He spent his leisure time in the study of history, biog- raphy and the masterpieces of English and American authors. His poetic effusions, which occasionally appeared in the local newspapers, were bound into book form and published under the title of "The Olden Times." They are full of reminiscences of his early boyhood. His familiarity with the dialect of the Pennsylvania Germans in- duced him to write many articles in the language of his ancestors for the people whom he loved for their virtues, their in- tegrity and their honesty of purpose. "Die Alte Marick Haus in der mittel von der Stadt," published in a volume of 200 pages, was illustrated by many scenes and inci- dents in the early life of the Germans of southern Pennsylvania. This work is writ- ten in the local dialect, which he had studied

513

THE BENCH AND THE BAR

with the greatest care and diligence. "Kurz-Weil un Zeit fertreib," another of his publications, has been very popular with all its readers. In 1902, owing to the infirmities of age, Mr. Fisher retired from the practice of law.

LIST OF ATTORNEYS.

In 1749 a number of attorneys were present at the opening of the first court held in York County. Among the names re- corded are those of William Peters, John Lawrence, George Ross, David Stout, John Renshaw. These men were not resident lawyers. They came here from other counties to assist in opening the courts, and aid in conducting the trials of the first cases. During the next six years there was no citi- zen of York admitted to the bar. Sam- uel Johnston became the original member in 1755, and for several years he was the only resident lawyer at York. In colonial days and for many years after the Revolu- tion it was the custom for attorneys to travel from one county to another.

In the subjoined list of lawyers will be found the names of many who came to York in early days to conduct legal business before the county courts. They were ad- mitted to practice for that purpose, but can- not 'be considered members of the York County Bar :

Edward Shippen, 1751.

John Mather, 175I. Samuel Morris, 1751.

Joseph Galloway, 175I. Hugh Bay, 1752. Thomas Olway, 1753. William Parr, 1753. David Henderson, 1755. Samuel Johnson, 1755. James Bisset, 1759. William Atlee, 1759.

William McClay, 1760. James Smith, 1760. Lindsay Coates, 1765. James Reed, 1765. Jasper Yeates, 1765. Richard Peters, Jr., 1765. Stephen Porter, 1765. James Wilson, 1767. Jacob Rush, 1769. Stephen Watte, 1769. Christian Hoake, 1769. Thomas Hartley, 1769. John Hubley, 1770. David Grier, 1770. Andrew Scott, 1771. Andrew Ross, 1772. George Ross, Jr., 1773. John Reily, 1773. Robert Buchanan, 1773. Thomas Smith, 1774.

Jaspar Ewing, 1774. William Barton, 1775.

John Clark, 1779.

Stephen Chambers, 1781. Robert M'Gaw, 178I. John Lawrence, 1783. Matthew McAlister, 1783. James Carson, 1786. John Joseph Henry, 1786. James Hopkins, 1787. James Campbell, 1788. Ralph Bowie, 1789. Thomas Nisbit, 1789.

James Kelly, 1790. William Barber, 1793. William Ross, 1793.

Charles William Hartley, 1793.

David Cassat, 1794. James Smith, Jr., 1795. John McConaughty, 1806. Charles A. Barnitz, 18II. John Gardner, 1812. Samuel Bacon, 1815. Thaddeus Stevens, 1816. William Gemmill, 1818. Michael W. Ash, 1818. John Wright, 1818. James Lewis, 1820. Daniel Durkee, 1820. Thomas Kelly, 1820.

Webster Lewis, 1820. John Evans, 1822. Calvin Mason, 1822. George W. Klein, 1822. Samuel M. Barnitz, 1823. Edward Chapin, 1823. William C. Carter, 1824. George A. Barnitz, 1824. Robert S. King, 1825. William Miller, 1825. Morgan Ash, 1826. David F. Lammot, 1827. George Heckert, 1827.

William H. Kurtz, 1828. Ellis Lewis, 1828. James Kelly, 1828.

Robert J. Fisher, 1828. Thomas C. Hambly, 1829. Daniel M. Smyser, 1833. John L. Mayer, 1834.

Albert C. Ramsey, 1834. James V. Cooper, 1835. John G. Campbell, 1836. David G. Barnitz, 1838. Jacob S. Stahle, 1840. Jacob F. Welsh, 184I. William Garretson, 1842. Thomas E. Cochran, 1842. Thomas P. Potts, 1844. Vincent K. Keesey, 1844.

Pere L. Wickes, 1866.

Henry Black, 1866. Hugh W. McCall, 1866. Leander H. Myers, 1866. Edward W. Spangler, 1867. A. H. Chase, 1867. George W. Heiges, 1867. William L. Boyd, 1868. Hugh M. McClune, 1868. Hiram S. McNair, 1868. Edward D. Ziegler, 1868. James A. Weakley, 1869. Robert J. Fisher, 1869.

John Blackford, 1870. Edward Chapin, 1872. Nevin M. Wanner, 1872. Eli Z. Strine, 1873. D. Bigler Bailey, 1873. . W. F. Bay Stewart, 1873. Daniel K. Trimmer, 1874. Samuel V. Redifer, 1874. William H. Kain, 1875. H. H. Winter, 1875. George B. Cole, 1875. Luther J. Kraber, 1876. Horace Keesey, 1876. Charles M. Wolff, 1877. John M. Young, 1877. W. H. Sitler, 1877.

William S. Kenny, 1878.

Henry Y. Slaymaker, 1845. Andrew C. Deveney, 1878. Michael Gallagher, 1845. Charles Dennes, 1846.

James J. E. Naille, 1847.

William C. Chapman, 1847. Smyser Williams, 1879. Charles B. Wallace, 1849.

George W. Gross, 1879. William D. Gobrecht, 1849. C. B. Kauffman, 1879. William H. Welsh, 1849.

Josiah F. Rosenmiller. 1850. Henry C. Niles, 1880.

Richard P. Wilton, 1850. Thomas A. Ziegle, 1850. Erastus H. Weiser, 1851. John Gibson, 1851.

Horace S. Weiser, 1851. Henry L. Fisher, 1853. Alfred E. Lewis, 1855.

John M. Bonham, 1857. John F. Spangler, 1857.

Arthur N. Green, 1858.

Oscar K. Harris, 1858. William Hay, 1858. Henry W. Spangler, 1859.

Horace Bonham, 1859. James W. Latimer, 1859. George Fisher, 1859.

Robert Gibson, 1859.

William E. Mclaughlin,Charles E. Ehrehart, 1885.

James G. Glessner, 1888.

E. E. Allen, 1888. Robert F. Gibson, 1889.

John N. Logan, 1889.

George W. Bacon, 1890.

William B. Gemmill, 1891.

Martin S. Eichelberger, 1861. Robert J. Lewis, 1891.

Chauncey F. Black, 1861. James Kell, 1862. John M. Bailey, 1862.

John A. Hoober, 1891. W. G. Allen, 1891. Robert J. F. McElroy, 1891.

C. J. Delone, 1892. J. St. Clair McCall, 1893.

B. R. Paxton, 1893.

Archibald T. Patterson, 1864. John E. Vandersloot, 1893.

George W. McElroy, 1864. Jere S. Black, 1893. R. M. Russel, 1865. John W. Heller, 1865.

Frank Smyser, 1879.

David G. Ziegler, 1880. Theodore W. Noedel, 1880. John Luther Long, 1881. Philip J. Rau, 1881. Alfred S. Niles, 1881. George E. Neff, 1882.

Charles F. Haines, 1882. William A. Miller, 1882. N. Sargent Ross, 1882. Edward Stair, 1883. James H. McConkey, 1884.

Edwin S. Frey, 1884. George S. Schmidt, 1884.

John E. Kell, 1884. William J. Fulton, 1884.

Joseph R. Strawbridge, 1884. Charles A. Hawkins, 1885.

1859 David J. Williams, 1859. John W. Bittenger, 1860. Samuel Vandersloot, 1860. Silas H. Forry, 1861.

Jeremiah S. Black, 1861.

John W. Johnston, 1862. Levi Maish, 1864. James B. Ziegler, 1864.

Francis Farquhar, 1893. Stephen G. Boyd, 1893.

E. D. Bentzel, 1878. Samuel C. Frey, 1879. Richard C. Cochran, 1879.

William B. Donaldson, 1827.Frank Geise, 1869.

514

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

William L. Ammon, 1894. Allen C. Wiest, 1894. H. C. Brenneman, 1895. E. Dean Ziegler, 1895. C. Henry Shambach, 1895. Elmer S. Welsh, 1902. Frank M. Bortner, 1896. K. W. Altland, 1903. McClean Stock, 1903. Jacob E. Weaver, 1904. David P. Klinedinst, 1897. Samnel K. McCall, 1897. J. Howard Manifold, 1897. Spencer D. Wareheim, 1904. J. Edgar Small, 1897. John L. Ronse, 1898. Robert C. Bair, 1899. C. W. A. Rochow, 1899. E. G. Myers, 1900. John G. Miller, 1900.

W. E. Bushong, 1900.

R. P. Sherwood, 1901.

John J. Bollinger, 1901.

James J. Logan, 1901. W. W. Van Baman, 1901. Samuel S. Lewis, 1901.

Andrew J. Hershey, 1901. Donald H. Yost, 1902. George Hay Kain, 1902. Charles A. May, 1902.

Charles Reider, 1904. E. B. Williamson, 1904. Harvey A. Gross, 1904. Lee S. Fake, 1904. Robert S. Frey, 1904. E. A. Armstrong, 1905. J. M. Ebbert, 1905. T. F. Chrostwaite, 1905. Robert S. Spangler, 1905. Samuel Kurtz, 1905. E. Philip Stair, 1906. Panl O. Menges, 1906.

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.

History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 92

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1372

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372