History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 109

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

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Daniel Seitz received a thorough common- school education, and first engaged in the cooper's trade. He later embarked in the mer- cantile business in Springfield township, an oc- cupation he carried on for a number of years, in connection with farming. Mr. Seitz was buried at Mt. Zion cemetery. He married Annie Dice, daughter of John Dice, and after Mr. Seitz's death she married Henry Myer. They are buried at Mt. Zion cemetery. There was no issue by the last marriage, but to Mr. and Mrs. Seitz were born: Leah, widow of the late Daniel Ludwig, living in Baltimore : An- nie, deceased, wife of Adam L. Reeser; Mary,

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who has the old homestead in Springfield town- St. John's parish, where he has served as a ship consisting of seventy acres, and makes her home near Potosi postoffice; and Christina, widow of Jacob Herbst, living in Baltimore. Mr. Seitz was a fine business man, and in every venture in which he engaged met with remark- able success. He was well known and highly respected in Springfield township.

AUGUST SONNEMAN. The record of the business and civil life of York has held many prominent names, and for more than a third of a century has appeared that of Au- gust Sonneman, packer and dealer in leaf to- bacco, several times member of the city council, a loyal friend and useful citizen.

Mr. Sonneman was born near Eimbeck, in the town of Sievershausen, Hanover, Germany, May 12, 1842, son of Carl and Antoinette (Wedekind) Sonneman. Carl Sonneman was sexton of the Lutheran Church, and besides his duties in that position, followed the trade of linen weaver. Mrs. Antoinette ( Wedekind) Sonneman was a daughter of Carl Wedekind, of Sievershausen.

August Sonneman passed his boyhood and youth in the Fatherland, acquiring the excel- lent school training characteristic of German institutions, and learning habits of industry and economy. At the age of seventeen he came to America, landing at Baltimore, Md., in 1859, and there he soon found employment in the tobacco business. He held his first posi- tion two years, and at the end of that time came to York, here following his trade for four years. He was thrifty of his means, and had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to go into business for himself, and ac- cordingly began the manufacture of cigars. This he carried on successfully until 1867, when he enlarged the scope of his operations by adding the packing of leaf tobacco. The latter showed such excellent returns that little by little it advanced in importance until it far outclassed Mr. Sonneman's original venture, and today the packing of leaf tobacco is his chief industry.

Mr. Sonneman has had interests outside of the tobacco trade, and he was one of the orig- inal stockholders and builders of the City Mar- ket. He has been equally prominent in many other progressive movements of the town, and he has ever lent his aid to worthy causes. As a consistent Lutheran he has been active in

. trustee for some years. He also represented his church on different occasions as lay dele- gate to the Synod. In municipal affairs he has played a prominent part, and was a member of the first city council of York. In 1893 he was elected assessor for the First ward, his term expiring in 1896. As a public official his serv- ices cannot be over-estimated. Gifted with wisdom and practical judgment, and having by his long experience a thorough knowledge of business affairs, he has been able to lend valuable assistance and to give sound advice to the local government. His ability is so well known, and his public spiritedness so open and free that men in all walks of life have sought his counsel. It is given to but few men to so merit the high esteem of their fellow men.

Mr. Sonneman has been twice married. On March 18, 1865ghe wedded Charlotte Wauker, daughter of Francis and Julianna Wauker, of York. Eight years later the wife died leaving besides her husband, one son and three daugh- ters : Antoinette Julianna, born Feb. 27, 1867, married, Nov. 5, 1890, William Grothe, of York; Wilhelmina Charlotte, born June 3, 1869, married Ferdinand Bloom, of York; Charlotte Augusta, born Dec. 7, 1870, mar- ried Gustav Mehl, of York; and Carl August Franz, born April 28, 1873, died in childhood. On Oct. 27, 1874, Mr. Sonneman was married to Catharine Smith, who was born in Lub- becke, Prussia, Germany. Two sons and two daughters have blessed this union, namely : Anna Katharine, born July 25, 1875, who was united in marriage, April 26, 1900, to Charles A. Givler, of York; August Carl Heinrich, born Nov. 5, 1878; Carl Wilhelm Franz, born March 10, 1880; and Louise Marie Katharine, born Jan. 21, 1892.

HENRY BURG, of East Prospect, bears a name which has been linked with the annals of York county from the early pioneer days.

The name was originally spelled Burgholt- house, and the original progenitor in America was George Christian Burgholthouse, grand- father of Henry. This worthy ancestor emi- grated from the German Fatherland to Amer- ica in 1803, being accompanied by his wife and family of four sons and setting sail for the new world from Amsterdam. Of the four children Barnhart Henry, father of Henry, was the youngest, being two years of age at

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the time. The family landed in New York City, and soon afterward settled in the imme- diate vicinity of Canadochley church, in Lower Windsor township, York county, their abid- ing place being on the church property. The grandfather was a talented musician, and for many years he was organist in the church. In his youth his father had given him a certain amount of money, all of which he expended in securing a literary and musical education, being a man of fine intellectuality and a successful teacher in the schools of York county for many years. These schools were maintained on the subscription plan, German being the language used, as the greater portion of the early set- tlers in the locality were of German birth or lineage. He finally became heir to the property of his brother, who died in Germany, having had no children, while his wife preceded him into eternal rest. The estate was worth about $300,000, but owing to improper management on the part of its custodians, the grandfather of Mr. Burg realized from it only about $70,000. He finally purchased the farm now owned and occupied by Samuel Burg, who is mentioned elsewhere, and there he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. He devised his entire estate to his wife, who retained possession during her life, re- maining on the old homestead, which was op- erated under the supervision of the father of Henry Burg.

Grandfather Burg was a Whig in politics, and both he and his wife were zealous members of the Lutheran Church. Of their children the following record is offered: Frederick, who married Elizabeth Will, removed to Adams county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming until his death; Daniel removed to Indiana and there passed the residue of his life; William, who married a Miss Dosch, died in Lower Windsor township; Barnhart, father of Henry, was the next in order of birth ; Cath- erine, who became the wife of John A. Jacobs, died in Chambersburg, Pa .; Rebecca became the wife of George Thomas and they located in Freeport, Ill., where she died; Helen, be- came the wife of Dr. Abraham Bittner, of Lancaster county, where both died; all of the daughters were born in York county.

Barnhart Burg was born March 12, 1801, in Dover, England, the supposition being that his father was there engaged in teaching at the time. He was reared to manhood in York

county, receiving his early educational train- ing in the German school taught by his father, in Lower Windsor township, and making good use of the somewhat limited opportunities thus afforded him. After the children had attained maturity his father engaged in the manufact- uring of cigars, and Barnhart learned the trade. The products were all long-fillers and designated as "twist-heads," while a market for the cigars was found in Marietta, Lancas- ter county, whither they were taken in a mar- ket-basket. On one occasion the children in the family made a competitive test of skill in the manufacture of cigars, and in the one day William turned out 3,000, while the lowest record was over 2,000. After the purchase of the farm Barnhart continued to be identified with its work until the death of his father, when he assumed the management of the place, as has already been noted. He there continued to be successfully engaged in farming until about 1859, when he retired from active la- bors, passing the remainder of his days in the residence now owned by his son Henry in East Prospect. He was the owner of 500 acres of the best land in Lower Windsor township, the property being later divided among his chil- dren. In his early years he was a stalwart Whig, but later supported the Know-Nothing candidates, and finally gave his allegiance to the Republican party, in whose ranks he re- mained until his death, which occurred April 2, 1872. He was a devoted member of the United Evangelical Church and a veritable pillar of strength in the organization at East Prospect, being for many years a member of its board of trustees and also serving as class- leader and exhorter, having been consecutively in office for a long term of years and up to the time when he was summoned to his final re- ward. He was a close and appreciative Bible student and his conversation gave evidence of his marked familiarity with the Scriptures, from which he often quoted at length and with absolute accuracy. He was a man of large physique, weighing 240 pounds, and was genial kindly and tolerant, so that he enjoyed not only the unqualified confidence and esteem of all who knew him, but was also looked upon as a generous and true-hearted friend.

Barnhart Burg was twice married, having first wedded Helen Dellinger, of Lower Wind- sor township. who died in the township named in 1831, leaving four children, namely : John,

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who was born Nov. 21, 1821, died in 1889, in although he was able to take advantage of but York, where he was engaged in the insurance three of the winter terms, he laid a foundation on which to build from the lessons gained in the school of experience. At the age of four- teen years he became a clerical assistant in the general store of his brother John, in East Pros- pect, receiving no compensation but his board and clothing. When he had attained the age of eighteen he felt that he ought to receive pay for his services and thus resigned his position in order to find some remunerative employ- ment. He was examined by Superintendent Kirk to determine his eligibility for the position of teacher in the common schools, and was suc- cessful, securing his certificate and teaching during three winter terms, in the meanwhile assisting his father on the farm during the summer seasons. business ; his first wife was Anna Hively, and his second Lydia Oleweiler. George, who was born Dec. 14, 1823, died in Lower Windsor township, in 1901; he had been thrice mar- ried, the maiden names of his wives being Leah Handle, Eliza Kinard and Mary Ann Gilbert, the last named still surviving. Eliza- beth, born May 3, 1827, became the wife of Jacob Sitler and died in Lower Windsor town- ship, in May, 1877. Samuel, who was born Sept. 20, 1829, resides on the old homestead and married successively Rachel Fry and Eliza Shultz, the latter still living. In 1833 Barn- hart Burg was again married, his second wife being Catherine Anstine, who was born in Lower Windsor township July 3, 1808, a daughter of George Anstine, a prominent farmer and pioneer of that section of the coun- ty. Mrs. Catherine Burg was summoned to rest Jan. 30, 1890, and this brief record of her children is herewith given: Henry is men- tioned more in detail below. William, born April 8, 1836, has been thrice married-to Della Ruby, Leah Gilbert and Mary Gilbert; he is now a resident of Lower Windsor town- ship. Mary Jane, born Oct. 20, 1837, is the wife of Abraham Detwiler and they reside in WVinter Park, Fla. Simon Wesley, born Feb. 12, 1841, died in May, 1886, being survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Della Shock; he was graduated at a leading medical college in Philadelphia and was engaged in the practice of his profession at New Berlin, Union Co., Pa., up to the time of his death. Moses, born Oct. 7, 1843, lived for a number of years in Kansas and thence removed to Ore- gon, where he died in 1897; he is survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Henrietta Woodmansy. Reuben, born Dec. 31, 1845, married Elizabeth Heim, and they reside in Columbia, Lancaster county. Milton, born Feb. 26, 1848, first married Della Fry, and after her death wedded Emma Fry; he is now a resident of Lower Windsor township. Wal- ter, born Dec. 14, 1850, married Emma Bentz, and they reside in York.

Henry Burg was born on the old homestead farm, in Lower Windsor township, Aug. II, 1834, and, owing to the exigencies of time and place, his early educational advantages were limited. He attended the township schools until he had reached the age of fourteen, but,

On Sept. 1, 1856, Mr. Burg was married to Rebecca Gilbert, daughter of Samuel Gil- bert, who for many years was a justice of the peace in Lower Windsor township, as well as a major in the State militia. His wife, Re- becca, was a daughter of Peter Keller, one of the pioneers of the county. After his mar- riage Mr. Burg engaged in farming on one of the places owned by his father, thus continu- ing for four years and being similarly engaged for the succeeding two years on a farm owned by his father-in-law. He then engaged in gen- eral merchandising at the corner store in East Prospect, continuing there for six years and meeting with marked success. Later he pur- chased his present fine farm, locating on the property and there giving his undivided atten- tion to its cultivation for a score of years. The farm originally comprised 363 acres, but he has sold a large portion, retaining 125 acres. In 1891 Mr. Burg left the farm and took up his residence in East Prospect, where he has a pleasant home. In the same year he was ap- pointed justice of the peace, at the request of citizens of the borough, in place of George WV. Ferree, who did not accept the commission, and thereafter he was thrice elected to the office, refusing to accept his commission on the third occasion. He made an excellent record as an official, having sent but one case to the higher court. In 1899, against his vigorous protest, Mr. Burg became postmaster at East Prospect, a petition having been sent in asking for his appointment and signed by numerous leading citizens of the section. He at first re- fused to permit the consideration of his can-

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didacy, but the position was finally conferred upon him, this being one of the few cases where the office has assuredly sought the man. He has served many times as township asses- sor and for twenty-nine years was a school di- rector of the township, his record in this con- nection having been exceeded by only one man in the county. Mr. Burg cast his first Presi- dential vote for the candidates of the Know- Nothing party, but has been a stalwart suppor- ter of the Republican party since its organiza- tion. He is affiliated with Winona Lodge, No. 944, I. O. O. F., in which he has twice passed the various official chairs. When eighteen years of age Mr. Burg united with the United Evangelical Church, and he has ever since been a zealous and consistent member of that body, as is also his wife. He was for twenty years a trustee of his church and has also served as class leader and in other official positions. He is well known in this county and, because of his many attractive qualities, one has only to be- come an acquaintance in order to be a friend.

The following is a brief record of the chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Burg: Malinda, who was born Sept. 1, 1858, died Sept. 31, 1866; Harris Winfield, born Nov. 27, 1859, remains at home; Edwin McClelland, born Sept. 3, 1861, died April 9, 1862 ; Samuel Wesley, born Jan. 12, 1863, married Clara Heim, and his death occurred, in East Prospect, Sept. 16, 1903; Annie, born Aug. 4, 1865, is the wife of John F. Gilbert, of Lower Windsor town- ship; Katy, born Jan. 12, 1868, is the wife of Samuel Martin, of the same township; Eliza- beth, born Nov. 28, 1869, is the wife of Har- vey Dietz, of Hellam; Helen, born Dec. 17, 1871, is the wife of Jesse Zearfoss, of Lower Windsor township; Oscar, born July 4, 1877, married Eneda Thomas, and they live in East Prospect.

JOHN ANDERSON, one of the highly respected retired citizens of East Hopewell township, York county, was born May 20, 1829, in the vicinity of Mt. Pleasant, Hopewell township, son of Andrew and Eleanor ( McAl- ister ) Anderson.

John Anderson, the founder of the Ameri- can branch of the family, was born either in Scotland or the north of Ireland, and his mar- riage to Agnes Duncan took place about 150 years ago. He emigrated to America and set- tled on the land upon which his descendants

have since lived, and which has always been known as the Monmouth tract. His children were: James, who established a home and family at Covington, Ky .; Robert, who was a member of a volunteer company in the war of 1812-15, and who married Nancy Thompson and with four children went to Springfield, Ohio, where he followed the carpenter's trade ; John, who married Sarah Brooks and located at Greenfield, Ohio, where he died; David, also a soldier of the war of 1812-15, who settled in Illinois and married there ; Joseph, who became a resident of Fawn township, York county, and who married Betsy Wilson; Andrew, who was the father of the present John Anderson; Wil- liam, who lived and died in Fawn township; and Esther, who married Thomas McAlister, and settled in Hopewell township.

Andrew Anderson, father of John, was born on the Monmouth tract, March 20, 1800. Like other farmer boys belonging to pioneer families, his boyhood and youth were spent in hard work, with few amusements, such as chil- dren of the present day demand, and very iim- ited educational opportunities. Yet he grew into a self-reliant, sensible man, one in whom public confidence was placed and to whom pub- lic trusts were given. For forty years he was an elder in the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. He faithfully served in township offices and left behind an honorable, unstained name. He died Dec. 15. 1865, the death of his wife hay- ing taken place on the 28th of the previous August. The season saw the passing of many venerable residents of the township, old friends not being long separated, viz .: An- drew McAlister and wife, Robert Bell and wife and . Frederick Flinchbaugh and wife. Andrew Anderson married, Aug. 27, 1822, Eleanor McAlister, the ceremony being per- formed by Rev. S. Martin ; she was a native of Hopewell township. They had three children, namely : Elinor Eliza, born Sept. 9, 1826, married Samuel P. Wiley (deceased), and lives in East Hopewell township: John; and the twin brother to John died in infancy.

John Anderson has lived on his present farm since April 1. 1830, the date of his father's removal thither. He attended the old Cross Roads School, this being first a subscrip- tion school. He recalls Nellie Duncan, Eliza- beth Ellison, Polly Branyan and a Mr. Tyson as early teachers, these instructors not ventur- ing further than the rudiments. When the

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public school was established, Mr. Anderson attended three months each winter until he was about sixteen years of age. The next two years he assisted on the farm, and at the age of eighteen he began to drive team for his father, hauling wood and grain to York and Baltimore, and bringing back lime and other necessities. The clothes for the family were made from flax spun by the busy hands of the faithful and thrifty mother, wool from the home raised sheep in a like manner supplying warm clothing with which to face the rigors of a Pennsylvania winter. Mr. Anderson con- tinted to make himself useful after the manner of the young men of his day in the vicinity. neither paying board nor receiving wages until within one year of his marriage. When the father died he took the farm of 120 acres (paying his sister her share), devoting it to general farming and sheep raising. The east end of the family residence was built in 1809 by Robert Anderson, an uncle: it was of hewn logs, and the two stories on the west end were added forty-nine years ago, the barn being built fifty years ago and the spring-house forty- eight years ago.

When Mr. Anderson joined the old Hope- well Presbyterian Church, sixty years ago, Rev. Samuel H. Smith was then pastor, who has long since passed to his reward. For nearly fifty years Mr. Anderson has been arı elder. In all the church improvements he has taken a very active part, assisting to excavate for the foundation of the new church building and contributing to its erection. Mr. Anderson entered life a Whig, and when the Republican party was organized he adopted its principles and has since supported its candidates. He has never sought political office, but has served three terms as school director. He is a well informed man as to township affairs and turns his influence in the direction of law and order.

The settling of Robert Anderson (the uncle of John), at Springfield, Ohio, as early as 1818, procured John Anderson introduction to the lady who later became his wife. She was his cousin, Sarah Jane Anderson, whom he met on a visit to Springfield, and whom he married on Nov. 18, 1856. They have two children, viz. : Elinor E., who is Mrs. Thomas Ryder, of Prairie du Chien, Wis. ; and Agnes Emma. The latter first married George Briggs and they had two daughters-Nellie and Car- rie Irene; second, James E. Herr, and one

daughter has been born to them-Hazel Jane Anderson.

Mr. Anderson is a man well preserved both in mind and body and he attributes the vigor which he enjoys, in great measure, to his ab- stinence from an intemperate use of tobacco. Until the weed was prescribed by a physician, he never smoked, and then only after he was fifty years of age; otherwise he has never used it.

VALENTINE J. TROUT is one of the prominent men of East Hopewell township, York county, being identified with its agricult- ural interests to a very large degree. He was born on the home place in Chanceford town- ship, Aug. 30, 1850, son of Hon. Valentine . Trout, whose sketch appears elsewhere.

Valentine J. Trout attended the home school at Guinston, until the age of eighteen years. He remained at home until his mar- riage, and after that event, for seven years, he farmed the home place for his father. In 1879 he purchased his present place, which consists of 118 acres, originally part of the Gemmill property. This was almost entirely in the woods at the time, but Mr. Trout has made it one of the fine farms in a township noted for its valuable property, and on it he carries on general farming. Mr. Trout joined the Guinston U. P. Church soon after mar- riage, and is a devout and faithful member there, now serving in his ninth year as trus- tee. Although his father is a Democrat, Mr. Trout is a dyed-in-the-wool Republican.

On Jan. 16, 1873, Mr. Valentine J. Trout was married to Miss Mattie Martin, of Lower Chanceford township, daughter of Samuel Martin, and to them have been born these chil- dren : Clarence was born April 21. 1876; Thomas M., of East Hopewell township, mar- ried Miss Flahart; Mary E. married Samuel D. Lutz, of East Hopewell township; W. Ar- thur. born Aug. 6, 1880, on the home place, attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, and is now a student of the business college at Springfield, Mass .; he is a member of the U. P. Church, and is a Republican ; and Nellie Ida is at home.

EDWARD WITMER, in whose death, which occurred in 1904, the city of York lost one of its most progressive and public spirited citizens, was born at Stony Brook, York coun -

V. J. Trout

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ty, where he received a common school educa- berland, and she belonged to a family of chil- tion. For. short periods he was a farmer and a dren as follows : Sarah A., deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Stouffer; Caroline, the widow of Samuel Billette, living at Lewis- berry ; Joseph who married Mary A. Boak, and lives on the old Anderson homestead in Mon- aghan township; George W., of Harrisburg; Mrs. Hoff; William, of Kansas, and Emma, the wife of Samuel Schaefer who lives also in that State. carpenter, learning the latter trade in Windsor township. In 1881 Mr. Witmer located in York and engaged in the hotel business at Cen- tre Square. In 1894 he bought the George Sheaffer hotel, and in 1904 erected the "Spring Garden Hotel," one of the most up-to-date hos- telries in York, located at the corner of Frank- lin and East Market streets. It has forty rooms and is equipped with all modern im- provements.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 109

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