History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 112

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

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Mr. Snyder has been director of the Fair- view Mutual Fire Insurance Company. for a period of twenty years. In politics he is a Republican and in the service of that party has always been active, and has served as il- spector of elections. Honest and upright in all of his dealings, Mr. Snyder is highly es- teemed in Fairview township.

GEORGE LICHTENBERGER, one of the venerable, highly respected and retired farmers of East Manchester township, who be- longs to one of York county's old families, was born Sept. 8, 1829, in Manchester township, son of George and grandson of Caspar Licht- enberger.

Caspar Lichtenberger was born in York county on the old homestead, the deed for which bears the date of Sept. 12, 1745, was signed by Thomas and Richard Penn, and is now a precious relic in the possession of George Lichtenberger. It is a matter of his- tory that Caspar Lichtenberger took the con- tract to construct the Harrisburg turnpike. He married Magdalena Neiman, and his death oc- curred in 1834; both he and his wife were buried at the cemetery adjoining Quickel's Church, in Conewago township. To himself and his wife were born the following children : George, Sr., the father of our subject; Ru- dolph, who died in East Manchester town- ship; Benjamin, who died in East Manches- ter township and was buried there; Henry, who died in East Manchester township: Sam- uel, who died young; and Eve, who died in Manchester township. Caspar Lichtenberger was a man of energy and courage, accom- plished much good work and was able to leave a large estate to his family.

George Lichtenberger, Sr., was born in 1794 in Manchester township, and received a common-school education. He was a farmer all his life, buying the old homestead, adding another 145 acres of land to the original tract, and later buying of Jacob Strickler 224 acres of land known as the River Hill farm, which our subject improved and upon which he built fine, substantial buildings. During his life Mr. Lichtenberger was also a distiller. His death occurred July 15, 1854, and he was

buried in Quickel's cemetery at Conewago. In 1820 he married Mary Ann Loucks, a daughter of Jacob Loucks, and when she died in 1889 she was buried beside her husband. The children born to them were: Henry died in York; Sarah Ann died when nineteen years of age; Margaret died at the age of seventeen; George; Elizabeth, de- ceased, married Henry Bear; Samuel married Susan Rutter, who died in 1905, and was buried at Prospect Hill cemetery; Mary mar- ried George Wolf, died at Mt. Wolf and is buried at Manchester; Leah married Allen Litzenberger, and lives in Decatur, Ill .; and Jesse died young.

George Lichtenberger attended the town- ship's schools and the graded schools in York for three sessions, until the age of twenty-four. He taught school in this township, one term te the Sipe's school, and one term at Bril- linger's. In 1858 he married Phoebe Prowell, daughter of Samuel and Ann (McGary) Prowell, born in Fairview, Manchester town- ship, then called Liverpool. At the death of his father Mr. Lichtenberger fell heir to the River Hill farm, which for many years he continued to operate and improve, but latterly has re- linquished it to other hands, considering that the weight of advanced years has earned him relief from such burdens.

To George Lichtenberger and his wife the following children have been born: Carrie, who died at the age of eleven years; Edward, who married Nellie Henry, and is a jeweler at Reading; William, who married Carrie Gardner, and is in the tinning business at Red Lion, York county; Margaret, who married E. S. Eyster, and lives in York; Annie, who married C. R. Koop, and died in Baltimore; and George, who died at the age of four years. Mr. Lichtenberger is a Dunkard in faith, while his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. He is well and favorably known, and is regarded with high esteem throughout York county.

GEORGE MUNCHEL (deceased), who was well known in the business world of York county, was a native of Oberwaesting, Ba- varia, Germany, born Dec. 12, 1823. His parents were poor, and he early commenced to learn a trade that he might become self-sup- porting. He completed his apprenticeship as a shoemaker, and on July 2, 1847, came to

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'America. For some months after his arrival he was located in Baltimore. In that city, at St. Alphonsus Catholic church, Aug. 20, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Elsesser, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 12, 1823, and whom he had met on his voyage to the United States.

In the fall after their marriage the young couple came to York, and their first home was on South Penn street, later at No. 244 West Market street, the latter place being now known as the "Alvern." Mr. Munchel applied himself to his trade with great success until about 1876, when for some few years he en- gaged in the hotel business, conducting the "Ninth Ward House." During the years he was engaged in the shoe business he had the largest establishment of its kind in the town, employing a number of hands in the manufac- ture of boots and shoes. He also carried a fine line of custom-made shoes. Although quiet and reserved in his manners, he was one of the best known men in the town, and he had warm friends all over the county. His business methods were above reproach, and it was his upright character and genial manners that earned for him the popularity and honest re- spect in which he was held. In 1890 he re- tired from active business, and his lamented death occurred Aug. 17, 1902. His good wife had preceded him some years before, passing away June 4, 1893. They were faithful mem- bers of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Munchel had assisted in the erection of the first Catholic church in York.

To George and Elizabeth Munchel was born a family of nine children. (1) John, born Sept. 20, 1849, died at the age of two and one- half years. (2) Mary, born July 23, 1851. died aged eight years and four months. (3) Margaret, born July 19. 1853, married Con- stantine Bittner, of Columbia, Pa., and died Feb. 12, 1876. (4) Anthony was born Sept. I, 1855. (5) Agnes, born Jan. 20, 1858, died unmarried March 4, 1881. (6) John, born Jan. 8, 1860, was a cigar-maker and was fore- man in the shop of his brother Anthony. He had also learned the barber's trade. His death occurred July 3, 1900, his wife, formerly Mol- lie Meter, and six children surviving and resid- ing in York. (7) Albert, born Feb. 27, 1862, resides in York, where he is employed in the postoffice. (8) Rosina E., born June 1, 1864, married George Mann, of York, senior member

of the firm of Mann & Co., contractors and dealers in stone. (9) Francis Xavier, born April 19, 1867, died Sept. 22, 1878.

ANTHONY MUNCHEL has spent his entire. life in the city of York, and there where he is so well known, he stands high in the estimation of his friends and acquaintances as a man of sterling integrity and business sagacity. He learned the shoe trade with his father at an early age, but, finding that the work was not conducive to his health, abandoned it after some years and learned the cigar-maker's trade. He began for himself in a small way, grad- ually increasing his business until his estab- lishment and his goods were known all over this part of the country. He gave his atten- tion to the manufacture of the best quality of cigars, and some twenty-three years ago opened a store in connection with his factory. there carrying a complete line of cigars, to- bacco and smokers' supplies and doing botlr a wholesale and a retail business. He has been identified with various enterprises in the city, and has always had the best interests of his town and county at heart, being ever ready to give of his time or means to further their interests. He was a member of the first city council of York, representing the Ninth ward, and has always been a stanch Democrat.

In May, 1881, Mr. Munchel was married to Miss Annie Louisa Palmtag, of York, and they have two children : Beata E. and Flor- ence R. Mr. Munchel has been a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, which his family also attend. He has been connected with the choir for thirty-two years, and his daughter, Beata E., is the organist. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Knights of St. Paul, Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick Association.

ANDREW F. McCLEARIE, the owner of a 106-acre farm in Lower Chanceford town- ship, was born March 7, 1836, on the old Mc- Clearie homestead about one-half mile from his present farm.

Andrew McClearie, the great-grandfather of Andrew F., was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and came to America prior to the Revolution. He first settled near Guinston church, and acquired 400 acres of land, some of which he took up as government land and some of which he bought outright. The land is now included in the Showalter, the Nelson

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Gemmell and the William Gemmell farms, as well as Mr. McClearie's property of 106 acres. Eighty-three acres of this land has always been in the McClearie family. Andrew Mc- Clearie's first home, which was built in 1788, was burned to the ground, and in 1800 he re-built. It was a stone house, which stands on the farm of Roy Showalter, and there Andrew McClearie lived until his death. One of his older sons, Andrew (2), received part of this land-a tract of 159 acres-and followed farming all of his life. He married Ann Fullerton and died on his farm, where his wife also passed away. They were both buried at the cemetery at Chanceford church, in which the family had worshipped. They had children as follows: Andrew, who died in his youth; William, the father of Andrew F .; Isabella, who died single; and Mary, who married Samuel Kirkwood.

William McClearie was born in a small log house, which stood on a hill on his father's farm, in 1796. He was reared to a farmer's life, but learned the trade of cooper and mill- wright, the latter of which he followed most of his life. He married, Oct. 25, 1826, his wife being a daughter of John McClearie, who was a brother of Andrew, the grandfather of Andrew F. Mrs. McClearie's mother's name was Patterson. Mr. and Mrs. William Mc- Clearie were members of the Chanceford Presbyterian Church. Mr. McClearie was a Democrat in politics and served for a term as constable of the township. He died in 1873, while his wife survived until 1876. The chil- dren born to this couple were as follows: One died in infancy; Isabella born April 30, 1828, married, Sept. 4, 1856, William Rey- burn, and died in 1882; Margaret Mitchell, is deaeased; Ann, born July 24, 1833, died unmarried : Andrew Fullerton is mentioned below: John Patterson, born Aug. 19, 1838, married Lydia Kempton, and located at Santa Rosa, Cal .; Nathan William, born March 25, 1841, died in boyhood; Agnes, born Dec. 12, 1846, died in childhood.

Andrew Fullerton McClearie was reared to agricultural life and attended the old log school known as the Chanceford school. The desks were built around the walls, of rough boards, and the seats were also made of unfin- ished pine boards. The studies were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, the reading be- ing principally from the Bible. The teachers

were sometimes efficient, but the majority were not, and Mr. McClearie recollects that they were the kind that did not spare the rod. At the age of twenty years he spent three months learning the carpenter's trade with William Howett, of Fawn township, with whom he remained six years. The first wages Mr. McClearie received were $6 per month, from that sum being advanced successively to $II, $16 and $19, the last named being the top notch of wages paid at that time.

Mr. McClearie was drafted into service in the Civil war, and was mustered in Nov. 12, 1862, to serve a nine months' term in Com- pany I, 166th P. V. I., served his full time, most of which was spent stationed at Suf- folk, Va., and was discharged at Harrisburg with an honorable record. After his term of service had expired Mr. McClearie returned home, and resumed his trade of carpentering, in his spare time attending to his farm. In 1878 he abandoned his trade and devoted his whole time to farming, working but once at carpentering after that year, when he built a barn for John Kilgore.

In 1872 Mr. McClearie married Miss Ellen Grove, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Thompson) Grove. Mrs. McClearie was born in 1835, and died in 1901. She had been a devoted member of the U. P. Church at Air- ville from girlhood, and was a good Christian woman. Mr. McClearie joined the Chance- ford Presbyterian Church before marriage, and later became a member of the Pine Grove Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. McClearie, Mary J., who re- sides at home with her father.

EDWIN S. MINNICH. The enterprise, industry and determination essential to a suc- cessful career in any field of human endeavor, are possessed in a significant degree by Ed- win S. Minnich, who conducts a large and prosperous business at Brillhart, where he is a dealer in agricultural implements and ma- chinery, and also retains a general supervision of his fine York township farm. He was born on a farm in Spring Garden township, York county, Dec. 7, 1852, son of Reuben F. Min- nich, who was one of the honored and influen- tial citizens of that section of the county.

The first representative of the Minnich family in York county was Simon Minnich,

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the great-grandfather of Edwin S., and the traveler returns," his death having occurred name has been identified with the annals of the State from a very early period in its history, as is evident from the fact that this Simon Minnich was born in Berks county, Pa., about the year 1756. It is ascertained that he made his advent in York county on or about the 7th of April, 1786, and settled in Spring Garden township, where he took up. a large tract of wild land and forthwith reclaimed it from the wilderness. A portion of this land is still in the possession of his descendants. He also became the owner of a large tract in Manches- ter township, where he passed the closing years of his life. Of the children of this worthy pioneer ancestor, his namesake, Simon, Jr., was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch1.

Simon Minnich, Jr., was born in Spring Garden township, York county, in 1786, and was reared amid the environments and influ- ences of the pioneer era, early beginning to lend his aid in the task of developing and cultivat- ing the home farm, while his educational ad- vantages were, of course, limited, owing to the exigencies of time and place. He became a successful farmer of Spring Garden township, continuing to reside on the old homestead until the close of his life and ever retaining the high regard of his fellow-men. His re- mains rest in the Prospect Hill cemetery, in his native township, as do also those of his beloved and devoted wife, whose maiden name was Lena Geiselman. They had three sons- George, Simon and Reuben F., all of whom are now deceased. The daughters were Harriet, Lena and Susan, all being deceased except Lena.

Reuben F. Minnich, father of Edwin S., was born on the ancestral homestead, in Spring Garden township, May 14, 1824, and there was reared to maturity, receiving a good com- mon-school education and in due time making for himself a place among the prominent and successful farmers of the county, while he so ordered his life in all its relations as to gain and retain the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, being a man of sterling integrity and one who stood as an exponent of the highest type of citizenship. He eventually purchased the old homestead upon which he was born, and there continued to reside until he was summoned to that "un- discovered country from whose bourne 110

011 Oct. 14, 1894, while interment was made in the Prospect Hill cemetery, where rest the bodies of his honored parents. In 1851 was solemnized the marriage of Reuben F. Minnich to Miss Elizabeth Spangler, who was born in Jackson township, York county, in the year 1829, being a daughter of Zacharias Spangler, who was a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of the county. Mrs. Minnich survived her husband and now resides in the city of York. She is a devoted member of the Lutheran church, while her husband be- longed to the German Reformed church. In his political affiliations Mr. Minnich was a Democrat. Of their children Edwin S., of this sketch, was the first born; Emma is the wife of Aaron F. Loucks, of Spring Garden township; Agnes married Abraham Kauff- man and is now deceased; Leander, who mar- ried Clara Illyes, resides on the old homestead in Spring Garden township, having inherited the property after his father's death; Ezra P. married Miss Mary Seigle and they reside in the city of York; Priscilla and Simon died in childhood ; Flora B. and Rosa E. are twins, the former being the wife of Newton Glatfelter, of York, while the latter is unmarried and re- sides with her mother in York.

Edwin S. Minnich secured his early edu- cational discipline in the public schools of his native township, while he continued to be as- sociated with his father in the work and man- agement of the home farm until he had at- tained the age of twenty-seven years. Shortly after his marriage he located on his present place, which is one of the model farms of York township, comprising seventy-seven acres of most arable and productive land, while the im- provements are of superior order, including a commodious and attractive residence and other substantial and well equipped buildings. Mr. Minnich gave his undivided attention to the management of his farm until 1897, when he embarked in the implement business at Brill- hart, a station on the line of the Northern Central railway, and in the immediate vicinity of his homestead farm. There he erected a large warehouse, which affords accommoda- tion for his extensive stock of farming imple- ments and machinery of the best standard man- ufacture, while his business shows a satisfac- tory increase in scope and importance each successive year. The enterprise is one of the

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

largest of its kind in this part of the county, and always lived in that section. Their chil- and its proprietor is known as a progressive, dren were: James and Robert, of Illinois ; David, of Kentucky; William, who died in Fawn township, unmarried; Easter, who mar- ried Thomas McAllister; and Joseph Reed. reliable and enterprising business man. In addition to the farming implements of minor order he also handles all kinds of farm ma- chinery, including grain drills, binders, mow- ers, rakes, tedders, horse powers, threshers, separators, grain fans, farm wagons and other vehicles, plows, spring harrows, spike har- rows, rollers, corn planters and shellers, feed cutters, silos, etc. During a portion of each season also Mr. Minnich is on the road as traveling salesman for one of the leading silo manufactories of the Union. In politics he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Dem- ocratic party, while he has ever shown a loyal interest in public affairs of a local nature, hav- ing served as township auditor and county committeeman, of which latter office he was an incumbent for three terms. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, but is not formally identified with any religious body; his first wife was a consistent and active mem- ber of the Lutheran Church.

On Dec. 23, 1879, Mr. Minnich was united in marriage to Miss Ellen A. Henry, who was born in Springfield township, July 29, 1854, being a daughter of John R. and Lydia Henry. No children were born to this union. Mr. Henry was a member of one of the old and prominent families of the county and was an influential citizen and prosperous farmer of Springfield township. He was at one time county poor director, while he also served with marked acceptability in the various township offices. Mrs. Minnich was summoned to eternal rest Dec. 22, 1902, and her remains were interred in the Schusters Church ceme- tery, Springfield township. She was a woman of gracious personality and had a wide circle of friends in her native county. On May 14, 1905, Mr. Minnich was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mrs. Ida C. (Smith) Gotwalt, widow of William Gotwalt, and a native of Washington township, York county.

JOHN HENRY ANDERSON, of Fawn township, was born on the old homestead near Fawn Grove, York county, at present the resi- dence of Reed W. Anderson, Sept. 9, 1835, son of Joseph Reed and Elizabeth (Wilson) Anderson. The paternal grandparents were John and Agnes ( Duncan) Anderson, both of whom were born near Felton, York county,

Joseph Reed Anderson, who died in 1873, chose for his wife Elizabeth Wilson, and to their union were born children as follows: John H .; Joseph W., of Stewartstown, a di- rector of the York County Agricultural So- ciety, president of the Stewartstown railway, and a director of the Stewartstown First Na- tional bank; Reed W., of Fawn township; Agnes M., wife of J. A. C. Gailey: J. Ellen, wife of D. A. Wilson, of Gatchellville; Sarah E., Mrs. Zenas Dougherty, and Rachel A., wife of John M. Brown. Mrs. Elizabeth (Wilson) Anderson, who died in 1882, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson, the latter of whom belonged to the well-known Manifold family. The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were: four sons, who died in early manhood; Rachel, Mrs. John Wiley, of Fawn Grove; Jane, wife of Jacob Gladden, of Rocks, Md .; Mary, Mrs. Robert Kilgore; Sarah, wife of Samuel Wallace, of Pylesville, Md., and Martha, wife of James Galbreath, of Highland, Maryland.

John H. Anderson was educated in the public schools of Fawn township, and after finishing his education engaged in farming, which has since been his main occupation, al- though of late he has given over the manage- ment of his farms to one of his sons. He has since been a figure in the local business world. and was one of the founders of the First Na- tional Bank of Delta, of which he is still a di- rector. He is also an active worker in the Center Presbyterian Church, in which his father was an elder for many years and where he serves as a trustee. In 1867 Mr. Anderson was married to Elizabeth, daughter of David and Jane (Manifold) Wilson, and to their union have been born: Joseph Clay, who mar- ried Emma Lanius, and is in business in Stew- artstown; Harry M., who has entire charge of his father's farming interests, and D. Ross, who holds a clerical position with his brother, Joseph Clay.

Both the Wilson and Manifold families, with which Mrs. Anderson is connected, have long been well-known in Pennsylvania. David Wilson, Mrs. Anderson's father, was one of three sons-David, John and James. His wife,

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who was Jane Manifold, was one of a family of ten, as follows : Jane ; Eliza, Mrs. Salem Mani- fold; Ellen, Mrs. John Manifold; Mary, wife of David .Collins; Sarah, wife of Robert Smith; Amanda, Mrs. Matthew McCall: Al- exander and Joseph Wilson (twins), Clarkson and Samuel, who are all deceased. David and Jane Wilson were themselves the parents of Elizabeth, Mrs. Anderson; James, of Minne- sota ; Henry, deceased; Alexander; John H .; Amanda J., wife of William N. McAlister, of Laurel, Pa., and Helena, who died in child- hood. The Wilsons and Andersons alike are of Scotch-Irish ancestry and inherit in a marked degree the sterling qualities of that sturdy race. Many of them have been dis- tinguished both in peace and war; James, Henry and Alexander Wilson all served in the Civil war, and the very names carry with them the assurance of genuine manliness, honor and ability.

For several years Mr. Anderson has been interested in the project of building a line of railroad between Stewartstown and Fawn Grove, and in February, 1905, the New Park & Fawn Grove Railroad Co. was organized and incorporated with the following officers : John H. Anderson, president ; John C. Wiley, vice-president ; J. A. Gailey, secretary ; and A. M. Strawbridge, treasurer. The board of di- rectors consists of Simon G. Low, H. C. Mc- Elwain, A. M. Strawbridge, B. F. Morris, Milton E. Smith, N. A. Manifold, J. A. Gailey, J. Wiley Norris, J. W. Anderson, R. W. An- derson, W. R. Webb, Maurice Davis, R. S. McDonald, H. S. Merryman, John C. Wiley, A. W. Webb and M. W. Bahn. The road was to be completed early in 1906.

DAVID H. STROMINGER, a retired farmer of Fairview township, was born there March 25, 1833, and is of German origin, be- ing a son of John Strominger and a grandson of Michael Strominger. Jacob Strominger, the great-grandfather of David H., married Magdalena Haas in 1761, and was one of the early settlers of Hellam township, York county, where he followed farming all of his life. His son, Michael, was born in that township, and in 1802 located near Lewisberry borough, Fair- view township, where he bought a tract of land, consisting of about 300 acres, upon which he followed farming and distilling. With Dr. Lewis, of Lewisberry, Mr. Strom-

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 112

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