History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 106

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

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Samuel Leber was a mere boy at the time of his father's death, and inherited a consid- erable patrimony, but this was dissipated by his unfaithful guardian before he had attained years of maturity, so that he was practically compelled to become the architect of his own fortunes. He was reared on a farm and re- ceived such educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. He became the owner of a good farm of 120 acres, portions of which he sold at various times, however, until his home- stead comprised only thirty-five acres. When he came into possession of the farm the dwell- ing on the place was a log house of the primi- tive type, and this he twice remodeled dur- ing his life. This ancient dwelling is still standing in an excellent state of preservation, being more than one hundred years old and now regarded as one of the landmarks of the county. In politics Mr. Leber was originally a Whig, but identified himself with the Re- publican party at the time of its organization, ever afterward remaining a stalwart advocate of its principles. He held various local of-

On Aug. 6, 1821, was solemnized the mar- riage of Samuel Leber to Lydia Hetzel, who was born in Lower Windsor township, Dec. II, 1802. She was a Lutheran in her re- ligious faith and was a woman of noble at- tributes of character, being held in affectionate regard by all who came within the sphere of her kindly influence. She was summoned into eternal rest May 15, 1869. Samuel and Lydia Leber became the parents of the following named children : Leah, who was born Jan. 7, 1823, died Oct. 6, 1840; Eliza, born Nov. 18, 1824, was married to John Keller May 9, 1844, and they reside in Holtz, York county ; Henry, born June 27, 1827, married, Nov. 8, 1844, Catherine Beaverson, and he died Feb. 4, 1863: Rebecca, born March 2, 1830, died Jan. 3, 1905 ; Samuel, born Feb. 24, 1832, died Nov. 30, 1863; David, born July 19, 1834, was married, Oct. 1, 1857, to Magdalena Hengst, and he died on the old homestead, in Lower Windsor township, in November, 1898: Susanna, born Dec. 29, 1836, died Oct. 12, 1840; Jacob H. was the next in order of birth ; Maria, born May 4, 1840, was married, Nov. 2, 1865, to Philip Stine, and they reside in Windsor township; George W., born July 4, 1843, married, Oct. 22, 1868, Henrietta Reisinger, and they reside in Windsor town- ship; Sarah, born Nov. 8, 1846, died July 30, 1849.

GEORGE LIGHTNER, who is now spending his declining years in the peace and comfort of a retired life upon his fine farm of 102 acres, located along the Harrisburg turn- pike, was formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits in Manchester township, where he spent nearly his entire life. He was born in Manchester township, on the old homestead, in 1823, son of Charles and Sarah ( Myers) Lightner, and a grandson of George Lightner.

Nathaniel Lightner, the great-grandfather of George, was of German origin, and was

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

born in York county. He took up a tract of 165 acres of fine land along the Harrisburg turnpike, and was one of the earliest settlers of that section of York county, where he died.

George Lightner, son of Nathaniel and grandfather of our subject, was born in 1768, in Manchester township, and bought the old homestead which he farmed until his death. He married a Miss Campbell, who died young. Mr. Lightner's death occurred in 1830, and they were both buried at the old George street cemetery. The children born to George Light- ner and wife were: Julia Ann, married John Lehr, who died in Manchester township; An- drew died at Harrisburg; Leah died single on a part of the old homestead in Manchester township; Nehemiah died in Ohio ; George died in York; Mary died when an infant ; Charles is mentioned below.

Charles Lightner was born in 1798, at the old homestead, where throughout life he was a farmer. In 1820 he married Sarah Myers, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Myers. Mrs. Lightner was born in 1800 in Manchester township and died on the Lightner homestead in Manchester township in 1846, aged forty- six years, two months and five days. Charles Lightner survived her until July 23, 1866, and both he and his wife were interred at the Prospect Hill cemetery on the family lot. Mr. .. Lightner was a school director and a stanch Republican. In religion the family were valued members of the Lutheran Church. To Charles and Sarah Lightner the following children were born: Eliza married Henry Leber, and died in York; George; Sarah died on the old homestead, Sept. 30, 1851, aged twenty-six years and seven days; Samuel mar- ried Malinda Herman, and died at the old home; Charles married Annie Herman and lives retired in North York, and Lucinda died unmarried aged fifty-eight years.

George Lightner received a good education in the subscription schools of his township, and supplemented this with a course of study at the York County Academy. He remained at home on the farm and cultivated it for thirty years, removing to West Manchester township where he spent a number of years, and then returned to the old home, built a beautiful residence along the Manchester road, and re- tired to enjoy the rewards of a wisely spent life. He was very successful and now owns a fine farm of 102 acres along the Harrisburg

turnpike and Manchester road, up to the bor- ough of North York. Mr. Lightner is a man of strict integrity and high sense of honor, and has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has had business dealings. He takes a great interest in the growth and im- provement of the community of which he has so long been a resident, and during the time he served his 'community as school director, his public-spirited efforts were directed to the upbuilding of the common schools. In politics Mr. Lightner is a Republican and, although never consenting to accept public office except the school directorship, has always shown great interest in the success of the party.

In 1852 George Lightner married Anna Mary Ebert, the estimable daughter of Col. Michael Ebert, of Spring Garden township, York county. Her death occurred in 1857, and came as a severe blow to not only her family, but her numerous acquaintances, who knew her as an honest friend in time of need, and a kind, charitable neighbor. The children born to George Lightner and his most estima- ble wife were: Samuel, who married Sarah Kauffman, and died on the old homestead; and Albert, who married Isabella Sprenkle, and died in Manchester township. Both boys were interred at the Prospect' Hill cemetery.

JACOB H. HUBER, a large land owner, who died in 1876, was born in Wrightsville, York county, in 1845, son of Jacob, a success- ful farmer and extensive land owner in Hellam township.

The common schools afforded Jacob H. Huber his literary education, supplemented by a course in the old York County Academy, and his father's farm gave him practical train- ing along agricultural lines. He devoted his time and attention to the careful superintend- ence of his farms in Hellam township, although his home was in a fine residence which he had erected at No. 200 East Market street. There his death occurred, and his remains rest in Prospect Hill cemetery.

Mr. Huber married Susan Lochman, daughter of the Rev. Augustus H. Lochman, D. D., a Lutheran clergyman, who preached in Christ church for forty-six years. One daughter. Annie L., lived to bless this union, and two children died in infancy. Mr. Huber was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at York, and actively participated in its work,

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being the youngest man who ever held the hon- ored office of deacon in that parish. At the time of his death he was trustee of York Col- legiate Institute. Mrs. Huber and Miss Anna L. reside in the family home and are highly respected by all.

REV. AUGUSTUS H. LOCHMAN, D. D., father of Mrs. Huber, was born Oct. 5, 1802, in the parsonage of Salem Church, Lebanon, Pa., being the son of Dr. George Lochman, its pastor, and Susanna ( Hoffman) Lochman. In 1815 his father moved to Harrisburg, Pa., when the son entered the academy there. In 1822 he became a Junior at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in July, 1823. He then studied theology with his father, and on June 16, 1824, was licensed to preach. In 1825 he became pastor of a charge in Cumberland county. In July of that year he was married to Anna Maria Parten- heimer, of Philadelphia, and they took up their residence in Mechanicsburg, then a village of a dozen houses. In 1826, upon the death of his father, he became his successor at Harrisburg. In April, 1836, he was called to York, where he remained as pastor until his resignation, June 12, 1880. During his entire ministry he was greatly beloved and eminently successful.

Dr. Lochman took an active part in all the general movements of the Lutheran Church in America; was a member of the first board of trustees of Pennsylvania College and a trustee of Franklin College; was for a long period one of the board of directors of the seminary, and for many years its president, and was president of the synod of Pennsylvania, as well as of the general synod. The honorary degree of D. D. was conferred upon him in 1856, by Pennsyl- vania College. He made a number of valuable translations from the German. He retired from the active pastorate, full of years and labors, after faithfully and ably serving this church for nearly half a century. It is recorded that during the first year of his service, the Second Lutheran Church of York (St. Paul's) was formed. In September, 1841, the old town clock was placed on the steeple by the county commissioners. In 1850 Zion Lutheran Con- gregation was formed. On Oct. 31. 1867, the jubilee of the Reformation was celebrated with much enthusiasm by the churches in York, in the afternoon all the Lutheran Sunday-school children of the city, '1,500 in number, assen- bling in this church. In 1874 the building was remodeled.

JAMES McCLURE, of Fawn township, residing near Muddy Creek Forks, is descended from the McClure family of County Armagh. Ireland, who were originally of Scotland, and were distinguished there among those who re- sisted religious and political persecution alike. Thereby they suffered much for conscience's sake and were compelled to flee to Ireland, where they took up a tract of 200 acres and. during the "piping times of peace," devoted themselves to farming.

The paternal grandparents of James Mc- Clure were William and Rachel McClure, and their children were: James, Sr .; John, of County Monaghan, Ireland; Jane, Mrs. Thomas Maffet; and Rebecca, Mrs. Robert Maffet.

James McClure, Sr., married Mary Jane McComb, who lived to be ninety years old. She was one of a large family, having eight sisters besides the following brothers: John and David, deceased; Thomas, who emigrated to the United States; William, who migrated to Canada ; and James, who died in Ireland.

James McClure was born in County Ar- magh, Oct. 17, 1841, and at the age of sixteen left his Irish home and went to England, where he entered the employ of a Scotch farmer in Cheshire, within two miles of the city of Bar- ton Head; there he worked for two years, and at the end of that time his employer gave him letters of recommendation to a Scottish gen- tleman of Oxen Hin' with whom he engaged as under-steward ? for nine months filled that position at a salary of three shillings per day. He then took the position of head- steward at a daily remuneration of four shill- ings, which was subsequently increased to five, owing to his qualifications for the position. In March, 1869, James McClure sailed on the vessel "Henry Clay" to the land of the Setting Sun and after a voyage of five weeks landed in New York, where in a short time he secured employment with Mrs. Skomaker in Long Island. There he remained three months and then journeyed to the home of his brother Thomas, in Chanceford, who had emigrated to the United States seven years previously. He worked upon various farms near Muddy Creek Forks for about nine months, and bought a tract of thirty-nine acres one and a half miles west of that place. The tract was then a for- est, but, with true Irish perseverance, young McClure erected a house and other buildings and in a few years acquired by purchase addi-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

tional property, which increased his holdings to 130 acres, on which he now resides and which is one of the best tilled farms in a sec- tion noted for its prolific agricultural properties.

On Dec. 31, 1869, James McClure mar- ried Mary Jane, daughter of Robert and Jane ( McKee) Taylor, of Chanceford. To them the following children were born: Cassie, wife of Charles Morrow, of Iowa; Elizabeth (deceased), who married John Adams ; Rachel (deceased), who married Elsworth High, of Philadelphia; Sarah, wife of Thomas Mc- Comb, a native of Ireland, who now resides upon the State farm in Media, Delaware county, Pa. ; Henry W., of Kansas; Andrew, at home; Margaret, wife of John Arnold, of Chanceford; and William J. McClure, who married and resides in Chanceford. Mrs. Mary Jane (Taylor) McClure had the follow- ing brothers and sisters: James, of Maryland; William, deceased; Robert, of Iowa; John, of Chanceford ; Letetia, deceased;and Agnes, who married John McClure, brother of James. Da- vid McClure, a brother of James, served in the English army and is supposed to have died or been killed in the service of the Crown.

In 1900 James McClure bought the Grove property adjoining his farm and increased his holdings to 400 acres. For many years he has bought and sold stock, tobacco, phosphate and other agricultural commodities, and in all his dealings has been the soul of honor. He has also long had dealings in that well known financial institution the First National Bank of York, as well as in the Farmers' National Bank of the same city. Mr. McClure is highly esteemed by all who know his .sterling worth, and inherits, in a marked degree, the strong characteristics of his Celtic ancestry.

HENRY A. WINEKA is another native of York county who has never abated his alle- giance to the place of his birth or to the voca- tion to which he was reared, and he is now one of the leading farmers and representative citi- zens of York township, being the owner of the fine old homestead place of seventy-five acres. He was born in York township, on the 14th of September, 1852, and is a representative of the third generation of the family in America and in York county.

Henry Wineka, his grandfather, was born in Germany, where he was reared and educated, there learning the trade of papermaking. He

became a very skillful mechanic. On emigrat- ing with his family to America he landed in the city of Baltimore, Md., where he made his headquarters for a time, and not being able to secure work at his trade he devoted his atten- tion to peddling for a short interval, after which he came to York county and located in West York. Here he secured employment in the line of vocation to which he had been so thoroughly trained. He remained there about five years, and then took charge of the Ehrhart mills, in York township, where he remained for a long term of years, being prominently con- cerned in building up the business and continu- ing in supervision of the operation of the mills until his final retirement from active labor, a few years prior to his death. His remains rest in the cemetery at Spry, York township, as do also those of his devoted wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Voss. Of their children we record that Henry became a prosperous farmer of York township, near the village of Spry, where he died; one child died in Ger- many, at the age of two years ; William was the father of Henry A. Wineka.

William Wineka was born in Germany, April 25, 1825, and there received his early educational discipline in the excellent national schools. Being a lad of only ten years at the time of the family emigration to America he attended school for some time after coming to York county, and finally entered the employ of P. A. & S. Small, of York, as a teamster, re- maining with them until the time of his mar- riage, at the age of nineteen years. Thereaf- ter he located on the homestead now occupied by his son Henry A., having purchased the property of his father, who early made invest- ment in lands in this county. The farm com- prised 130 acres, and here William Wineka gave his attention to the improvement and cul- tivation of his land, developing one of the best farms in York township and erecting substan- tial buildings of the best type, while he so ordered his life in all its relations as to com- mend himself to the confidence and high regard of his fellowmen, who had high appreciation of his worth as a man and a loyal citizen. He was a stanch advocate of the principles of the Dem- ocratic party and was a prominent and valued member of the United Brethren Church, in which he held the various official positions ; his loved and devoted wife was likewise a sincere and earnest member of the same church. Mr.

y A. Wineka

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BIOGRAPHICAL

Wineka was summoned to his reward March 15, 190I, at the age of seventy-five years, ten months and twenty days, and the resting-place of himself and his wife is marked by two of the most beautiful monuments in the United Breth- ren churchyard at Spry. The maiden name of Mrs. Wineka was Mary Flinchbaugh, and she was born and reared in this county, daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Kindig) Flinchbaugh. The date of her nativity was March 1, 1832, and she was summoned into eternal rest Feb. 28, 1891. Of the children of this union it is fitting that brief record be here entered : Amanda is the wife of Franklin Nevel, a farmer of York township; William died at the age of fourteen years; Benjamin died when eleven years of age; Eli passed away when ten years of age; Henry A. is the subject of this sketch ; Sarah A. died at the age of one year and Mary Alice at the age of eight years ; Fred- erick, who married Lillie Stauffer, is a pros- perous farmer of York township: Milton, like- wise a successful farmer of the same township, married Alice Lecrone.

Henry A. Wineka secured his early educa- tional discipline in the district schools of York township, where he continued his studies dur- ing a portion of each year until he had attained the age of seventeen. In the meanwhile he had assisted his father in the work of the farm, and after his marriage he assumed charge of the home place, which he operated for his father on shares, receiving half of the returns from the products of the place. Thus he continued until the death of his honored father, when he pur- chased the interests of the other heirs and be- came sole owner of the fine farm, which is one of the best in the county, not only in the mat- ter of fertility but also in the superiority and attractiveness of the buildings and other per- manent improvements. Mr. Wineka is essen- tially enterprising and progressive, brings to bear scientific methods in carrying on his farm, utilizes improved machinery and other facili- ties, and thus gains the maximum returns from his labors, being one of those who significantly demonstrate that the great basic art of agri- culture is worthy of the attention of able busi- ness men and that it offers an attractive field for action when correct methods and business principles are brought to bear. Mr. Wineka is one of the loyal and public-spirited men of his township and is ever ready to lend his aid in the promotion of worthy enterprises for the gen-

eral good, while his political support is given to the Democracy. He has never been ambi- tious for official preferment, but served one term as auditor of York township. Both he and his wife are valued members of the United Brethren Church at Spry.

On Feb. 8, 1885, Mr. Wineka was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Flinchbaugh, who was born and reared in York township, daugh- ter of Daniel and Mary (Grimm) Flinchbaugh, the former being one of the representative farmers of the county at the time of his death, while his wife likewise has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Wineka have four children, all of whom still remain beneath the home roof- tree, namely: Abbie May, Mary Iva, Harry William, and Paul Raymond.

JOSEPH MARKEY KEESEY, an hon- ored and well known farmer of East Hopewell township, York county, has followed the pur- suits of an agriculturist since boyhood. He was born in Hopewell township, at the Jacob Grove mill (which his father was operating at the time), Oct. 10, 1849, son of Jacob and Catherine (Hyson) Keesey. Until 1865 he re- sided in Hopewell township, when his parents removed to Chanceford township, on the Shenks Ferry road, two miles from Brogue- ville. In 1872 he went to live with Dr. B. F. Porter at Brogueville, whose farm he worked for one year at $18 per month. At this time Joseph's father decided to purchase a farm in Hopewell township, provided that his son would assist him. This he did, although Dr. Porter offered him $300 per annum as an in- ducement for the young man to remain with him. Mr. Keesey continued to assist his father at home for seven years, and then married and located on a twenty-six acre farm at Mt. Pleas- ant, East Hopewell township, which he bought from Jolin Rechard, of York. He remained on that place until 1894. when he sold to Frank Kurtz, purchasing his present farm of fifty-seven acres, upon which he has erected buildings of the most modern and substantial construction.

Mr. Keesey is a member of Hopewell U. P. Church, having joined that body in 1868, and he has always taken an active part in its work, serving as trustee and secretary of the Sab- bath school. He is a stanch Democrat and well posted on political questions. Mr. Keesey was married, Nov. 26, 1879, to Sarah Jane

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Grove, born in Hopewell township, near the Hopewell U. P. Church, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Collins) Grove. One child was born to this union-Roy W., Oct. 4, 1885, who, after attending the public schools, spent two terms at Millersville State Normal school.

The children born to Jacob and Catherine (Hyson) Keesey were as follows: Elizabeth, who married J. A. Bailey, of East Hopewell; John, who married Agnes Hyson, and lives in East Hopewell; Joseph M .; William, who married Sarah Bacon, and lives in Chance- ford township; Catherine, who married S. C. Edgar, of Hopewell township; Jane, who mar- · ried William Thompson, East Hopewell; J. R. W., who married Effie Hyson in East Hope- well township; and Miss Annie. All of these are living.

FREDERICK BLAEBAUM, the junior member of the firm of Oermann & Blaebaum, contractors and builders, has progressed to his present position from a humble beginning as an employee.

Frederick Blaebaum was born in West- phalia, Germany, Oct. 4, 1862, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Westerholt) Blaebaum. The parents are now both deceased, and of their family only the one son ever left Germany. He crossed the Atlantic when he was seventeen years old, having previously received a good education in the schools of his native land and a three years' training as a carpenter. On landing in America Blaebaum went di- rectly to York, and at unce secured employment in the establishment of which he is now a part owner. He came with very little money, but by industry and good management has achieved a large measure of success. The business was established in 1880, by Menauch & Co., and the present firm succeeded to the management March 14, 1899. In 1903 they met with re- verses, the plant being destroyed by fire, but the firm at once rebuilt on a more modern and extensive scale, and are again operating most successfully. The senior partner is Casper Oermann, and the firm's location is from Nos. 446 to 472 West Clark Alley. They do a gen- eral contracting and building business, have large lumber yards and operate an extensive plant for the manufacture of all kinds of fit- tings, such as sash, doors, blinds and interior decorations. In all their operations they em- ploy from fifty to sixty men, and their custom

work is far-reaching, as they ship their mill products to Columbia, Lancaster and other outside points. Among the many important contracts taken by the firm may be mentioned the Rosenmiller building, on West Market street, and the residences of George E. Neff and John Eimerbrink, all proving that Oer- mann & Blaebaum stand in the very front rank of the city's builders.

Mr. Blaebaum's domestic life has been as fortunate as his business career. He was mar- ried, in 1884, to Miss Emma Honzmyer, daughter of Charles and Mary Honzmyer, of York county. Three children have been born to their union, as follows: Charles, who mar- ried Miss Mazie Julius, and is employed by his father ; William, a student at Concord College, N. Y .; and Harvey, at home. Mr. Blaebaum and his wife are members of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. The family residence is at No. 472 West Philadelphia street.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 106

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