History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 100

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1390

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When a small child John Fertner, our sub- ject, was brought to East Hopewell township by his father, and there he received his educa- tion and was reared to manhood. His first teacher was Lizzie Hyson, and when he left school, at fourteen years of age, he had been under the tuition of Lydia Kurtz. He was reared to the life of an agriculturist, and at the age of fourteen years began work among the farmers of his section, receiving at first six dollars and a half per month. He received these wages for two years, and then went to work by the day. continuing thus until he was twenty-four years of age. He then farined tobacco on shares until he was twenty-six years old. On April 30, 1890, he married Miss Gus- sie Pomeranning, daughter of Fred Pomeran- ning, of Chanceford township. To Mr. and Mrs. Fertner these children have been born : John (deceased), George, James, Carl and Harry. After his marriage Mr. Fertner pur- chased his present place of thirty acres and en-

gaged in the poultry business, and for the last six years has made a specialty of White Wyan- dottes. About 1900 he added horticulture to his poultry business, and now raises fine crops of pears, apples, plums, etc. Mr. Fertner has made a success of his business and is counted among the substantial men of his township. He is a member of St. James Lutheran Church, and has been sexton in that church. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN REESER, for a number of years one of the prominent farmers of Conewago and Manchester townships, and for thirty years a justice of the peace, had lived retired from the spring of 1871 until his death in 1892.

Mr. Reeser was born in Manchester town- ship, Jan. 8, 1812, son of William Reeser, and was reared in his native place, where he re- ceived his education in the public schools and academy .. After his marriage Mr. Reeser pur- chased a farm of 160 acres in Conewago and Manchester townships, making his home on the Conewago side. He was a prominent man in his time, and took a deep interest in all that promised to benefit his community. For thirty years he was justice of the peace, and served one term as auditor of York, representing the Democratic party. In his later years he was a member of the Reformed Church.

Mr. Reeser married Miss Elizabeth Hake, who was born Feb. 16, 1816, and who died June 26, 1883, the mother of the following children : Mary Ann, born Dec. 29, 1835, died April 16, 1838; Louisa, born April 30, 1837, died June 29, 1837 ; Sarah Ann, born June 27, 1838, died Ang. 13, 1841 ; Eliza, born Sept. 12, 1840, died Sept. 28, 1840; one born Jan. 27, 1842, died on the same day : Emma, born July 12, 1843, married William H. Kochenour and died Dec. 19, 1904; Jacob, born June 25, 1844, is a resident of York; Elizabeth, born June 26, 1846, married George Dick, of York; Ann, born Dec. 24. 1848, married John Bahn. of York; Franklin was born March 19, 1851 ; Susan, born Sept. 19, 1853, died at the age of six years, six months and twenty-six days ; and Jolın. born July 7. 1856, is a resident of Adams county.

FRANK REESER was born on the old home- stead where he spent his boyhood days. He was educated in the public and private schools and the academy, and then taught two winters in the district schools. In 1871, he went West to

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Decatur, Ill., where he was employed in the boot and shoe business for two years, and then and there, for a period of eleven years, engaged in the line of leather and findings, saddlery and hardware. He then engaged in the tiling busi- ness at Litchfield, conducting a large and profit- able trade. In 1888, he returned to Pennsyl- vania, and located at York, where he engaged in the shoe business for some eight years, and subsequently dealt in real estate. Mr. Reeser was a charter member of the York Silk Manu- facturing Company, of which he and Mr. Mus- ser were at one time sole owners. He sold out and became a charter member of the Monarch Silk Mills, of which interest he has also dis- posed. Mr. Reeser has always been identified with any enterprise that proves itself beneficial to the city.

Mr. Reeser was married Jan. 15, 1878, to Miss Louisa H. Hake, daughter of Henry and Emma E. (Vandersloot) Hake, born in Cone- wago township. They are the parents of Ar- thur H., who, on Jan. 1, 1903, became a mem- ber of the wholesale grocery and drug firm of C. W. Brant & Co., having a full half interest in the business. He is a thorough young busi- ness man, having received his education in the public schools of York, and at Patrick's Business College. Mr. and Mrs. Reeser are members of the Union Lutheran Church of York and reside at No. 422 West Market street.

PHILIP HENISE, who was for twenty- three years engaged as a merchant in Zions View, Conewago township, was born April II, 1841, in Dover township, son of David and Lydia (Ilgenfritz) Henise.

Barnett Henise, great-great-grandfather of Philip, came from Germany and settled in Dover township, and our subject still possesses the original deed of 1762 to the tract of land, then comprising 196 (now 113) acres. Bar- nett Henise died in Dover township, and at his death his son John inherited the farm, which he worked until his death in Dover town- ship.

Philip Henise, son of John and grandson of the emigrant, came to the property through his father, and like his parents followed agri- cultural pursuits all of his life. Mr. Henise was the father of these children : Hannah, Louisa, David, Magdalena and Elizabeth. David Henise was born in Dover township,

and purchased the old farm, upon which he worked until a few years before his death, when he went to the borough of Dover and spent the balance of his days in retirement. Mr. Henise married Lydia Ilgenfritz, who died in Dover borough, and both husband and wife were interred at Strayer's Church, Dover town- ship. Their children were: Philip; Peter, liv -. ing in York; Sarah, who married Edward Kee- sey; and Amanda (deceased), who married Martin Hamm.

Philip Henise attended the schools of Dover township until he was eighteen years of age, and then engaged in farming for ten years. In1 1867 he removed to Zions View, Conewago township, where he bought property and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he was eminently successful, carrying on the business for about twenty-three years. Mr. Henise re- sides at home, making improvements, and owns the old family tract, having two farms, of 100 and 113 acres, respectively, in Dover town- ship; also a magnificent farm of 150 acres in Conewago township, upon which he is superin- tending the work. Besides all these Mr. Henise is the fortunate owner of a fine piece of timber land.

Mr. Henise married Catherine Eisenhart, daughter of John Eisenhart, who died in 1895 and is buried at Strayer's Church. The chil- dren born to this union were: Elsie, who mar- ried John Shettle (deceased), of York; and Violetta, who married Frank Irvin ( deceased). Mr. Henise's second marriage was to Leah Mary ( Mechling) Boyer, daughter of Henry Mechling. Mr. Henise is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he is an elder. In political matters he is a stanch Democrat, at present serving as auditor of the township. His standing in the community is that of an honest, upright and public-spirited citizen, ready to support and preserve good government.

FRANKLIN EVANS, of Lower Windsor township, who has passed practically his entire life in York county, was born on a farm in Hel- lam township, York county, Feb. 7, 1842, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah ( Hetrick) Evans, the former of whom was born in this county in 1814, while the latter was born at Seven Val- ley, York county, in 1820. The father passed his early life in Hellam township, where he was reared to maturity on a farm. receiving limited educational advantages. He eventually en-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

gaged in farming on his own responsibility and continued to be identified with the agricultural affairs of Hellam township for many years, finally removing to a farm eight miles from Baltimore, Md., where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1885, at the age of seventy-one years. His widow survived until January, 1904, and her death occurred in Red Lion, York county. Both were devout Christians and in every relation of life com- manded general respect and esteem. In poli- tics the father was an unswerving Democrat, being a man of strong mental traits and well fortified in his convictions and opinions. Of the three children Franklin was the first-born ; William, who married Miss Amanda Landis, is engaged as tobacco stripper at Red Lion, York county ; and Emanuel, the youngest child, died in early youth.

Franklin Evans was afforded the educa- tional privileges of the common schools of Hel- lam township, which he continued to attend at intervals until he had reached the age of eigh- teen years, while on the farm he was early in- ured to the labors of the field. He remained at home until his marriage, June 29, 1865, at which time he was twenty-three years of age. After assuming the new responsibilities Mr. Evans and his father located on the Henry Flory farm, in Hellam township, where they were engaged in general farming for the en- suing two years, after which Franklin individ- ually continued operations for an equal period. He then rented a house and for a number of years worked on various farms by the day. In 1872 he purchased his present farm from Moses Emenheiser, the tract comprising forty one acres of excellent land, all of which is available for cultivation. On the place he has made many improvements, especially in the erection of minor farm buildings for the storage and protection of produce and live stock. He erected his present commodious and attractive residence in 1899, the former dwelling on the place having been destroyed by fire in that year. His wife has proved an able coadjutor and has, by her counsel and her active co-operation, greatly contributed to the success which has so significantly crowned his efforts. The farm is devoted to general agriculture, special atten- tion being given to the raising of tobacco.

In politics Mr. Evans is found stanchly ar- rayed as a supporter of Republican principles and policies, and though never ambitious for

public office, he has never failed to do his part in upholding those enterprises and measures which tend to conserve the general welfare. Both he and his wife are valued and zealous members - of the Canadochley Lutheran Church.

On June 29, 1865, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Sarah Abel, who was born in Lower Windsor township Dec. 17, 1844, daughter of John and Mary ( Keller ) Abel. Her father was one of the honored and influ- ential farmers of the township, where he died in 1865, at the age of sixty-four years. He held various township offices, and both he and his wife were devoted members of the Can- adochley Church, in whose cemetery both were laid to rest, the devoted wife and mother hav- ing been summoned to the life eternal in 1894 at the age of eighty-five years. Of the chil- dren of this worthy couple it is recorded that John removed to Missouri, where he died a number of years ago; Hannah is the widow of a Mr. Hudson of Missouri; Sophia, also re- sides in that State, being the widow of Ru- dolph Flory, who died there; Mary is the wife of Samuel Winters, of Lower Windsor town- ship; George likewise removed to Missouri, where he married and where he passed the re- mainder of his life; Samuel, a bachelor, is also a resident of Missouri; Henry, who married Miss Mary Fouth, resides on the old home farm, in Lower Windsor township; Peter, who married Elizabeth Fouth, is also a farmer of that township; and Moses, who married Celina Hengst, is a farmer of Hellam township. Mrs. Evans was reared in her native township, and her early educational training was secured in what is known as the Kline school. Concern- ing the five children of Mr. and Mrs. Evans the following brief record is given: Samuel, born Feb. 17, 1866, died Aug. 5, 1866; John Edward, born May 17, 1867, married Mary McCann and they reside in Baltimore, Md .; Mary Matilda, born Sept. 10, 1869, is the wife of Nelson Sheetz, a cigarmaker, and they re- side in Martinsville: Sarah Ann, born Jan. 21, 1871, is the wife of Daniel Fry, of Chance- ford township; and Emanuel, born March 19. 1875, died Sept. 20, 1875.

WILLIAM H. YOST, of North York bor- ough, was born in Dover township, in 1847, son of Charles and Sarah (Lauer) Yost. The Yost family is of German origin, and Abra-

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ham Yost, the grandfather of William H., was born in York county, being a farmer of Dover township. He married a Miss Feiser, both he and his wife dying in Dover township, where they were also buried.

Charles Yost was born in Dover township, where he received a common-school education, and worked upon his father's farm until his marriage to Sarah Lauer, of Dover township. Mr. Yost first bought his father's fine farm, and in the spring of 1849 purchased the old Andrews farm, which is now owned by his son, William H. Yost. Charles Yost built a fine residence here, but for some years prior to his death lived in York City, retired from ac- tive labor. His death occurred in 1887, and he is buried at Prospect Hill cemetery, where his wife is also interred. Mr. Yost was a Re- publican, and while in Manchester township served as school director ; he was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, in which he held all of the offices. The children born to him and wife were: Eliza and Ellen reside in York; Sarah Ann, died young, and William H.

William H. Yost came with his parents from Dover township to Manchester township when he was two and one-half years old, and received his education in the public schools, the York County Academy and the Millersville Academy, subsequently teaching school for three years in Manchester township. In 1873 he married Amanda E. Sprenkle, born Oct. 17, 1851, in Manchester township, daughter of George and Sarah (Emig) Sprenkle, the par- ents of Mrs. Yost being residents of Manches- ter township, where Mr. Sprenkle died in 1905. After his marriage Mr. Yost located on the family farm, a tract of ninety acres to which he fell heir at the time of his father's death, and another fine property of 115 acres in the same township; he also owns a farm of 119 acres in Dover township. Mr. Yost remained on the family homestead about thirty years, building a fine residence in North York bor- ough. He removed thither in 1901, and buy- ing a small tract.of land from Harry L. King built thirty-one houses, most of North York borough standing on his farm. Mr. Yost is prosperous and enterprising, and has hosts of friends in the community. To himself and wife these children have been born: Harvey L., born Dec. 7, 1874, died at the age of six years, Jan. 9, 1880, and is buried at Prospect Hill cemetery: Sadie, born July 10, 1877 ; Charles

Edward, born in August, 1879, attended the York County Academy and the Millersville Normal School, graduated from the Shippens- burg school in Cumberland county, attended schools in the West, taught school five years in North York borough, was principal ot schools there for three years, was a councilman of North York and is at present teaching in Bradford, Pa. ; William Albert, born Aug. 13. 1881, died Nov. 13, 1889: Clayton S. and Net- tie S. were born Dec. 19, 1883, but the former died Feb. 13, 1885, while Nettie is a graduate of Patrick's Business College of York; Allen Winfield, born April 5, 1886, is attending the academy at York; Susie Ellen, born July 11, 1888, is attending school in York; Paul S., born Dec. 17, 1891, and Flossie Maria, born March 3, 1894, are both at home. In politics Mr. Yost is a firm supporter of Republican principles, and in religion is affiliated with the Moravian Church.

ANDREW SCHWENK. In the death of Andrew Schwenk, who passed away at 5:25 o'clock on the morning of March 20, 1903. the city of York lost an adopted son who had indi- vidually done much for it. At all times he was in the forefront in everything that tended to the general municipal welfare and improvement : in business he was characterized by strict integ- rity, and socially possessed an innumerable cir- cle of friends drawn to him through his genial nature and warm-heartedness.

Mr. Schwenk was a native of Germany, born in September, 1848, at Burdenberg, where his trade of filemaker was learned under his father. When twenty-one years of age he came to the United States, and followed his vocation in the southern States, chiefly at New Orleans. After being thus employed for nine- years he located in York, where he resided up to the time of his death, during which period he pursued his trade as a file manufacturer and. file cutter, his skill as a workman being evi- denced by his continuous and increasing suc- cess. His interest in municipal affairs was thoroughly recognized by the citizens of the Third ward, who for three consecutive terms. returned him as one of their representatives to the common council. While a member of that body he served on the Water conimittee for two years, and at other periods of his aldermanic career was connected with several of the im- portant committees, being ever on the alert to

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

advance legislation that tended to the perma- nent betterment of the city and also to the wise expenditure of the municipal revenues. Mr. Schwenk has always been a steadfast Re- publican, ready to render his party a service, and at the same time mindful of the welfare of the city, regardless of politics. In line with his knowledge of city affairs the Republicans nominated him as one of their candidates for the short term of the city assessorship, to which office he was elected. In his official capacity Mr. Schwenk made a decidedly favorable im- pression with property owners, regardless of their political belief. His honest and fearless attitude in the work of assessing properties was characteristic of him as a holder of other posi- tions of trust, and it was these sterling quali- ties that made him a good councilman, re- spected alike by Republicans and Democrats. In 1903 he was renominated to the office, for the long term of three years, and the best proof of his ability and the regard in which he was held by the people lies in the fact that lie was the only man recorded in the history of York. who had ever been elected to succeed himself as city assessor ; that too, by a good majority.

In 1882 Mr. Schwenk was married to Miss Mary Bergman, daughter of John and Anna Bergman, of York. To this union were born : Amelia, a stenographer for C. C. Spahr ; Laura, a teacher in the Garfield school of York: and Annie. The widow and her three daughters reside at No. 324 North George street, where they have lived since Mr. Schwenk's deatlı. Fraternally Mr. Schwenk was connected with the Harmonia Lodge of Odd Fellows, Sandi- lands Commandery, Knights of Malta, and in his religious views was a member of Zion Re- formed Church. Mr. Schwenk's body was placed in its last resting place in Prospect Hill cemetery, surrounded by a host of sorrowing friends and relatives. The Rev. George Sti- bitz, pastor of Zion Reformed Church, con- ducted the services, paying a glowing tribute to the deceased and speaking comforting words to the family. At the conclusion of the relig- ious rites, the Knights of Malta took charge and rendered a short service. Mayor Gibson and members of the common council attended in a body and acted as an escort to the cemetery. During the day, the family residence was vis- ited by numbers of friends and former associ- ates of Mr. Schwenk to take a last look at their departed friend, and as they gazed at the life-

less form lying in the casket, with not a trace of the terrible suffering through which he had passed. many a tear was shed and great regret expressed for the untimely death of one of York's most progressive citizens.

J. W. ANDERSON belongs to an old family of Hopewell township. He was born Feb. 5, 1837, in Fawn township, York county, a son of Joseph R. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Anderson.

John Anderson, the paternal grandfather, was a native of York county where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He mar- ried Agnes Duncan, and they had children as follows: David. John, Robert. Andrew, Wil- liam, and Joseph R. John Anderson was an elder in the Center Presbyterian Church.

James Wilson, Mr. Anderson's grand- father, resided at Mine Branch, and was known as "Mine Branch James" to distinguish him from numerous others of the same name in that locality. He owned farms in Hope- well township. Pa., and in Harford county, Md., was an elder in the Presbyterian Church of the latter county, and was in all regards a highly respected man. He married Elnora Manifold, and they had these children : James and Benjamin, both of whom died in young manhood; Elizabeth, who married Joseph R. Anderson ; Rachel A., who married Jacob Gladen; Elnora, who married Robert Kilgore; Sarah Ann, who married Samuel Wallace, and Martha, who married James Gilbreath.

Joseph R. Anderson was a farmer in Fawn township, where he was also an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a highly respected citizen ; he was buried in Center Church ceme- tery. He married Elizabeth Wilson, and their children were: James. W .: John H .: Joseph W .: Reed W .; Agnes, who married John Gailey: Ellen, who married Alexander D. Wilson; Rachel, who married John Brown, and Martha ( deceased).

J. W. Anderson, in all essentials, is a self- made man. His educational opportunities were only those afforded by the common schools, the greater part of his intellectual training be- ing obtained at the Blue Ball log schoolhouse in Fawn township. He continued to work the home farm and carry on a fertilizing business until thirty-four years of age, when he settled on his own homestead in Hopewell township. Here he continued to farm and to conduct a

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fertilizing business in connection with it for several years. In 1872 he enlarged his in- terests, entering upon the manufacture of lum- ber, the bailing of hay and the threshing of grain, being for some years extensively en- gaged in all these enterprises. He is yet in- terested in the lumber business, being president of the Stewartstown Lumber Company, a posi- tion he has held since its organization. He is also a stockholder and one of the directors of the Stewartstown Furniture Co .; a charter member and one of the directors of the First National Bank of Stewartstown; one of the stockholders and managers of one of the best weekly papers in this part of the county, the Stewartstoren News; one of the charter mem- bers of the Stewartstown Railway Company, of which he has been president ( succeeding the late James Fulton, whose death occurred in 1895) : and is also one of the charter mein- bers of the Stewartstown Water Company, and for the past ten years has been a member of the board of managers of the Agricultural So- ciety of York county. It will thus be seen that Mr. Anderson is closely identified with the leading and successful business enterprises and public-spirited movements of his section. No man could have arisen to such prominence without possessing a high order of business ability and the standing and reliability inspired by sterling traits of character.

Mr. Anderson was married Feb. 28, 1871, to Louisa Gemmill, daughter of Benjamin Gemmill. Three children were born to this union, namely : Marian E., who married John Manifold: Howard W., who married Jennie Liggett : and Joseph R., who married Mar- garet Manifold. In addition to carefully man- aging his own affairs, which consequently have prospered to an unusual degree, Mr. Ander- son has always found time to attend to matters pertaining to the welfare of the community. His interest has continued undiminished in the public schools and his children have been afforded advantages far in excess of his own. He is known as a strong supporter of temper- ance and was one of the organizers of the lodge of Good Templars, filling all the offices in that body during the life of the organization. He is also a liberal supporter of religious work, and has long been a member of the Presby- terian Church and a member of the board of trustees.

EMANUEL B. GOOD was born June 28. 1835, in Manchester township, son of Jacob Good.

Jacob Good was born Dec. 15, 1790, at the old home in Manchester township, and received a common-school education, working on various farms until he was able to buy a part of the homestead upon which he resided for several years. Later he removed to Lower Windsor township, near Prospect, where he engaged in farming for six years, at the end of that time returning to Manchester town- ship and buying 100 acres of fine land, lo- cated about two miles south of Manchester borough on the old Board road. There he remained until his death, which occurred in 1863. Jacob Good was a type of the class of men who succeed in life, one who knew how to join a working arm to a thinking head, and one who also had the ability to make and keep warm friends. He was very warmly es- teemed throughout Manchester township.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 100

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1390

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1390