History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 121

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

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On March 18, 1876, Mr. Flinchbangh was minited in marriage to Miss Caroline Kohler. who was born and reared in York county, daughter of George and Sarah Kohler, both of whom are now deceased; her father was a farmer by vocation. Mr. and Mrs. Flinch- bangh have two children, Ellen and John Fred- erick, both of whom remain at the parental home.

JOHN J. FRANK, a lifelong resident of York, is the general agent for the Fairbanks Scales Company, representing the company direct in central Pennsylvania. He was bornz on North George street, in the house that stood next to Small's warehouse. July 4. 1840.

Nicholas Frank, the father of our subject, came from one of the old and wealthy families of Bavaria, Germany, owning lands on the Rhine. He served fourteen years in the Ger- man army, seven on his own account, and seven. years for a brother. He was in the cavalry service, was a fine horseman and was noted for his skill with the sabre. He came to the United States with a large fortune, dying here at the age of seventy-six years. He married Maria Adelaide Bruggerman, born Ang. 23, 1813, and she died Sept. 25, 1868. They were mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. To them these children were born: Mary, who died in in- fancy ; John J. ; George Joseph, deceased : Mary Ann. deceased; and Adelaide Ellen, deceased.

John J. Frank attended the public schools in York, and learned the trade of building oscil- lating steam engines with Marion Gardner. with whom he remained three years. He then engaged with Inglefritz & White, car builders and builders of reaping and mowing machin- ery. After leaving this firm Mr. Frank learned the scale business with Root & Case, proprie- tors of the York Scale Works, established in 1838, located on West North street, near North George street, and was soon promoted to be foreman. On the death of Mr. Case, in 1882, Mr. Frank purchased a one-half interest in the business, which was then known as Root & Frank. A few years later, Mr. Frank pur- chased Mr. Root's interest, becoming sole owner, and he continued the business for about ten years, at the end of which time he sold the buildings to the York Carriage Manufacturing Company, and disposed of his machinery and appliances, selling his patterns and good will to the Fairbanks Scale Company. In 1892 he

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

became general agent for the Fairbanks Scales Company, and has continued with this firm to the present time, covering their interests in the greater part of the State of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Frank was married in 1860, in York, to Miss Elizabeth Danner, who died Jan. 22, 1902, aged sixty-three years. In October, 1904, Mr. Frank married his first wife's sister, Mary A. Danner. By his first wife Mr. Frank had these children : Harry Emerson, who mar- ried Sue Hiestand Gable, of Hellam, Pa. ; and Mazie Adeline, the wife of the Rev. Charles M. Barnitz, now stationed at Osceola Mills, Clearfield Co., Pa. Mr. Frank's first wife was actively interested in church work, attending Zion's Lutheran Church, and was prominent in the Ladies Aid and Missionary societies, and her sister, the present Mrs. Frank, has been similarly active. For eighteen years Mr. Frank has been an elder in this church, which he joined when a boy, has also been a teacher in the Sunday-school, and he is treasurer of the pew collections. Fraternally Mr. Frank is con- nected with Mt. Zion Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 74, and 'Mt. Vernon Encampment. He has been a Republican all his life. Mr. Frank is a self-made man, having amassed a fortune through honesty, thrift and industry. He is one of the largest property holders in the city of York, and a heavy stockholder in some of the leading banks, and other large corporations of York.

SAMUEL W. MYERS, a well known farmer of Monaghan township, York county, who has followed the pursuits of an agricult- mirist all his life, was born in that township Nov. 16, 1851, son of Samuel and Leah (Kim- mel) Myers. He worked on the home farm until he was twenty-four years old, when he started in life for himself. In 1875 he rented a small place, and worked by the day until 1876, when he went to farming on the place where he now lives. He farmed for a number of years and then bought the farm of his father, consisting of seventy-eight acres, and by hard work has succeeded in establishing himself in a comfortable home. In 1874 Mr. Myers married Miss Matilda C. Taylor, daugh- ter of John I. and Ellen Taylor, who was born in New Jersey. Her parents were both natives of Scotland, and Mr. Taylor was one of the best mechanics in the State. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers are as follows : Ira N., Leo B., and Milton D.

Mr. and Mrs. Myers, in religious belief, are connected with the Church of God. As a stanch Republican Mr. Myers has been quite prominent in politics, having been judge of elec- tions and served as a juryman. Whatever suc- cess he has gained has been honestly earned, and he is highly esteemed as a good farmer, a desirable neighbor and a first-class citizen.

JOHN HENRY SINNER, of Washing- ton township, was born in Manheim township, York county, March 25, 1845, son of John H. and Barbara ( Bear) Sinner.

The grandfather of John Henry Sinner, also named John H., was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to America in 1835, land- ing at Baltimore, Md. After a few years he removed to Pleasant Hill, in West Manheim township, York Co., Pa., where he bought a small farm of eight acres of land, and he con- tinued to live there until his death, which oc- curred when he was aged eighty-seven years. Both he and his wife Catherine are buried at Sherman's Church in the same township. In his native land he was a tailor, but followed farming in America. His two children were John H. and Sophia.

John H. Sinner (2), son of John H., and father of our subject, was born in Germany, attended school there, and prior to coming to America with his parents served his allotted time in the German army. He crossed the ocean in another vessel, however, as his termn had not quite expired when his father sailed, and he did not reach Baltimore until 1840. Like his father he was a tailor in Germany, but farming possessed more attractions for him after coming to the United States. He fol- lowed farming in Manheim township until his death at the age of forty years. He married Barbara Bear, a daughter of Michael Bear, who lived near Hanover, Pa. She and her husband were interred at the Sherman Church burying ground. He was a highly respected man, one who was honest and upright in all his dealings. The children of the above union were: Katie, wife of John Biddle, of near Hanover; John H .; Jeremiah, deceased, who married Susan Kehr, and resides in Spring Grove, Pa .; and Sophia, wife of Christian Hoke, of Weigelstown, Dover township.

John H. Sinner, the third to bear the name, attended the schools of Manheim township until thirteen years old, and then spent his summers working for neighboring farmers, and

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BIOGRAPHICAL

his winters in a machine shop in East Berlin, taking a great deal of interest in the blacksmith business. He also drove cattle to Baltimore in the fall and winter seasons on some occasions. In 1864 he enlisted in the United States serv- ice, entering Company I, 209th P. V. I., and served faithfully until he was mustered out at Alexandria, June 22, 1865. He took part in a number of battles, including Fort Steadman and Petersburg, in all of which he bore himself as a brave and loyal man and courageous soldier.

After the close of the war, Mr. Sinner re- turned to York county, working a part of the time as a day laborer, and for three years was in the employ of John Hoover, in Adams coun- ty, and was with George Heiks one year. In 1870 he opened a blacksmith shop at Porters Sideling, where he lived for twenty-four years, working as a blacksmith for sixteen years, and during the remaining time was in the produce business. On Dec. 14, 1893, he came to his present home in Washington township, which consists of a tract of sixty-nine and three- tenth aeres, which he bought of John Shell. When Mr. Sinner purchased this farm it was in a very neglected state, and it required much hard and persevering work to make it what it is to-day, one of the best farms in the town- ship. He engaged first in a produce business, and had a marketing route in Baltimore, Md., but for the past few years he has given his at- tention entirely to general farming.

On Dec. 28, 1873, Mr. Sinner was mar- ried to Kate A. Hoffman, daughter of Michael Hoffman, of Codorus township. They have four children, J. Harry, Emma B., William Andrew and Emanuel J. The eldest son is a graduate of the York School of Business, and is a young man of talent, now engaged as book- keeper and stenographer with a lumber com- pany at Hanover. Emma B. married H. H. Wallace, of Washington township. William Andrew is at home assisting his father, and is the local correspondent of the East Berlin papers and the York Gazette. The youngest son is also at home. In politics Mr. Sinner is a Democrat. The entire family belong to the Reformed Church, in which Mr. Sinner has been a deacon for the past four years.

ness, conscientiousness in discharge of the du- ties of private life-and these are so combined as to make his a strong personality, command- ing respect and confidence-is one of the pop- ular business men of York, where he conducts a well-equipped establishment as a dealer in stoves and general house-furnishing goods. Mr. Walker comes of stanch Scotch-Irish stock, though the family was early founded in America and in the State of Pennsylvania.

Robert Walker, grandfather of James A., was a millwright by trade, and he died in 1837.

Robert Reel Walker, father of our subject, was eighty-two years of age at the time of his demise in 1899. He was a carpenter and mill- wright, and passed practically his entire life in Butler county, Pa. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane H. Wallace, was born in Butler county, and is still living, now at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Of the eleven chil- dren in the family one died in infancy, and the others were : Alpheus, a contractor and builder of Washington, Kans .; Asher B., en- gaged in the oil business in Bradford, Pa .; Horace, a driller of artesian wells at St. Au- gustine, Fla .; John H., engaged in the whole- sale paper business in Erie, Pa .; Samuel R .. a contracting carpenter of Harrisville, Pa .; William W., a banker and oil producer of Parkersburg, W. Va .; Innocenza, who mar- ried John S. Hodil, a wholesale grocer of Alle- gheny, Pa .; Jennie and Catherine, at the old homestead; and James A.

James A. Walker was born in Harrisville, Butler Co., Pa., June II, 1854, and in that locality he secured his early educational train- ing in the public schools, which he attended until he was fifteen years of age. He then en- tered a country store, and was employed there until he had attained his legal majority. There- after he was identified with the general hard- ware trade in the city of Bradford, Pa., until 1889, when he came to York, and here engaged in his present line of enterprise, in which he has since continued. His establishment has from the beginning been located at No. 48 North George street, and a select and compre- hensive stock is carried, while by fair dealing and correct methods he has built up a most prosperous business, based upon the popular confidence and esteem which are so uniformly accorded him. The attractive family home is at No. 422 North Beaver street. In politics

JAMES A. WALKER, in whose charac- ter is represented the qualities of upright man- hood, loyalty in citizenship, reliability in busi- Mr. Walker maintains an independent attitude,

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and fraternally he is a Knight Templar Ma- along the Northern Central railroad at Golds- son, and is also a member of York Lodge, No. boro, and finds ready sale for his products in 213. B. P. O. E. the community.

On May 19. 1880, Mr. Walker was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie G. Elrick, daugh- ter of Dr. Jolin H. Elrick, a prominent prac- ticing physician of Harrisville, Pa. Of the five children born to this union, the first born died in infancy, not named; Mary Jane and James A. died in infancy ; Charles E., who is a graduate of the York Collegiate Institute, is bookkeeper for his father; and Elizabeth is a member of the class of 1906, York Collegiate Institute.

CHARLES A. SPANGLER was born in Newberry township, in 1867, son of Jacob and Mary (Krone) Spangler, and at Goldsboro in his native township is engaged in business.

Jacob Spangler, grandfather of Charles A., was born in Lancaster county, and died in York county.

His son, Jacob Spangler, Jr., was born in Lancaster county, where he was a laborer. Locating in 1860, in Newberry township, York county, he followed fence making and farm- ing, and died in 1891. His wife was Mary Krone, daughter of George Krone, and she is now living at Goldsboro with our subject. The children born to Jacob and Mary Spang- ler were : Alfred, who married Ida Mansberger, and they live on the old homestead in New- berry township; Francis, who married Barbara Mann, and they live at West Fairview, Cum- berland county, where he follows farming ; Zacharias, who died young: George, who died at the age of eighteen years ; Edward, who mar- ried Lydia Gensler, and lives in York; Harry, who married Annie Zinn, and follows farming in Cumberland county ; Charles A. ; and Dora, who married Louis Gross, an undertaker and furniture dealer of Goldsboro.

Charles A. Spangler attended the Mt. View school of Newberry township until eighteen years of age, and then went to Clay county, Iowa, where he followed farming five years, at the end of that time returning to Newberry township. In the years of 1901 and 1902 Mr. Spangler had charge of the flour mill of P. A. & S. Small. At this time he engaged in the wholesale and retail flour, feed, grain, and salt business, which he has continued up to the present time, and has been very successful in this undertaking. He has a large warehouse

Mr. Spangler has never been married, and lives at home with his mother. In politics he is a Republican, and has served very accept- ably as councilman and borough treasurer. He is a member of the Church of God, in which he is deacon, and has been very active in Sun- day-school work. He is very highly esteemed in the community, and counts his friends in hosts.

George Krone, Mr. Spangler's maternal grandfather, was born in York county, near York, son of John Krone, who was a shoe- maker by trade, and died in York county. George Krone followed farming in Newberry township, and died near York, where he is buried. Mr. Krone married Dorothy Mickey, daughter of John Mickey, and she died in York, being interred at Quickel's Church, Conewago township. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Krone were as follows: Henry, who died in York in 1900; Sarah, who married William Bowers, and lives in York county; Mary, mother of our subject; Catherine, who married Zacharias Miller, and died at Spring Grove; Caroline, who married John Willis, and died at Goldsboro; John, living in Adams county, near Gettysburg; George, living in York city; Emanuel, who died at York Haven; Jacob, a resident of Baltimore; and William Fritz, a 'half-brother to Mrs. Spang- ler, who lives in Conewago township.

CHARLES C. KOTTCAMP. We have at this point the privilege of entering a brief re- view of the career of one of York county's exemplary citizens and successful business men -one who has in a significant sense been the architect of his own fortunes, but who has not hedged himself in with selfish personal in- terests, but has ever proved loyal to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in time of peace, while in the war of the Rebellion he went forth to do valiant service in defense of his country. Mr. Kottcamp is senior member of the well-known firm of C. C. Kottcamp & Son, which has a well-equipped establishment in the city of York, and which controls a large business in plumbing, gas-fitting, slate roofing, spouting, etc., while carrying also a full line of stoves, ranges and supplies.

Charles C. Kottcamp was born in Germany

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May 13, 1846, and was there reared to the age of seven years, when his mother, Regina (Weiman) Kottcamp, emigrated to America, the father having died in Germany. They landed in the city of Baltimore, Md., and settled in York, Pa. The devoted mother passed away in 1887.

Charles C. Kottcamp early found it in- cumbent upon him to aid in the maintenance of the family, so that his educational advan- tages were limited to the district schools, which he attended until he had attained the age of twelve years. He then began the practical work of life, while he has never failed to profit from the valuable lessons to be gained in the school of experience. He entered the employ of Daniel D. Doudle, with whom he learned the tinner's trade, serving a three years' ap- prenticeship in York. In July, 1864, Mr. Kott- camp, who was then about eighteen years of age, enlisted as a private in Company H, 200th P. V. I., commanded by Col. Deven, and with his regiment he continued in active service until the close of the war, receiving his honorable discharge in May, 1865. He was assigned principally to garrison duty and was stationed at Fort Steadman, Va., taking part in several battles and skirmishes in that locality. On March 25, 1865, while with the reserves in the rear at Fort Steadman he was wounded and taken to City Point Hospital, later to Armory Square, Washington, whence he was ordered to Camp Curtin for his final discharge.

After the close of his military career Mr. Kottcamp returned to York and completed his apprenticeship at the tinning trade. In 1867 he started in business on his own account, in the lines to which he is now devoting his at- tention. He has built up a fine industrial enter- prise, one of the principal ones of its kind in this section. The headquarters of the firm are located in a substantial frame structure at No. 515 West Market street, the building being two stories in height, and 16x75 feet in dimen- sions, while it is well-stocked in all depart- ments, and well-equipped for the easy handling of a large business. In 1901 Mr. Kottcamp admitted his son, Harry E., to partnership, and the present firm name was adopted at the time. The junior member of the firm is an energetic and capable young business man and proves a capable coadjutor to his father. Mr. Kott- camp's course of action in all the relations of life has been such as to gain and retain the un-

qualified confidence and regard of his fellow- men. In politics Mr. Kottcamp is a stanch Re- publican, but he has never sought official pre- ferment. Both he and his wife are prominent and valued members of the First United Brethren Church, with which he has been identified for more than two score of years.

In 1868 Mr. Kottcamp was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Rudisill, of York, daughter of Rev. Abraham Rudisill, who was a prominent member of the clergy of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Kottcamp passed to the life eternal in 1890. Her children were : Myrtle C., bookkeeper and stenographer in her father's establishment; A. Francis, a druggist in Brooklyn, N. Y. : Dr. Edward C., a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, now engaged in practice in Philadelphia : Harry E., associated with his father in business ; Her- bert A., a skilled electrician employed at his profession in Baltimore, Md .; John P., a grad- uate of State College, near Bellefonte, Center Co., Pa., and now an instructor; and Horace A., a student. In 1892 Mr. Kottcamp was mar- ried to Miss Sallie Reisinger, of York, daugh- ter of William Reisinger. Mr. and Mrs. Kott- camp have one daughter, Regina M., who is at- tending the city schools.

WILLIAM E. SPRENKLE, one of the substantial and representative farmers of Jackson township, was born in West Manches- ter, York county, Feb. 16, 1857, son of George W. and Sarah (Emig) Sprenkle.

David Sprenkle, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born on a farm in York county, and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. As a man he was a model citizen, and owned one of the finest farms of West Manchester, which is now owned by the Sprenkle family. He married Lydia Witmer, daughter of early set- tlers, the family being well known in this county.

George W. Sprenkle, the father, was born in 1828, and still resides in West Manchester, living a retired life on his farm of 140 acres, which is in a high state of cultivation. His years of active life are now over, and he is now surrounded by all that makes life dear-affec- tionate friends, devoted descendants, ample means and a wide circle of estimable fellow cit- izens who hold him in the highest regard. His wife, Sarah, was, born on the old Emig home- stead in Jackson township, in the vicinity of

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Nashville, in 1830, daughter of Valentine and and when a young man learned the shoemak- Rebecca (Loucks) Emig. William E. ing trade, later in life working in Codorus Sprenkle is one of a family of five children, the township, where he died in 1844, and was buried at the Stone Church. He married Polly Dugan, and they had these children : Amos ; Henry; Lewis D .; Edward; Samuel; and Leah, who married Noah Gantz. others being : Amanda, wife of William Yost, resides in North York; Franklin E. is a pros- perous farmer; William E .; Isabella, is now Mrs. Lightner, and a widow; and George E. is a prosperous merchant and postmaster at Nashville.

William E. Sprenkle received his education in the district schools in West Manchester township, and at the age of seventeen started working on the home farm, assisting his father until he was twenty-three, at which time he commenced farming for himself, locating on the old homestead farm of Valentine Emig in Jackson township, which contained 190 acres.

In 1881 Mr. Sprenkle was married to Miss Mary Brillhard, of Springfield township, York county, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca ( Yost) Brillhard. Mr. Sprenkle passed away in 1899, a faithful wife and loyal friend. She was a devout member of the Reformed Church, and was buried at the Wolfs Church cemetery. On April 18, 1905, Mr. Sprenkle was married ( second) to Miss Mary L. Stump, of WVomels- dorf, Berks county, daughter of Wayne and Emma (Marshall) Stump. Mrs. Sprenkle is a member of the Reformed Church of Womels- dorf.

Mr. Sprenkle is the owner of two good farms aggregating some 400 acres, all in a high state of cultivation, upon which there are three years of age, when he purchased a fine good, modern, substantial buildings. He also farm of sixty acres near Bonair. He also that business since 1898, sending his butter to Baltimore, where he finds a ready market. In February, 1903, he was appointed manager of a mercantile store at Bonair and has held that position, for which he is well qualified, ever since. owns some ten houses in Nashville which he built and operated a creamery, and has been in rents, and a cigar factory. In politics he is a Democrat, and a member of the school board. In religion he is a member of what is known as Wolf's Reformed Church, in which he has been both a deacon and elder. Mr. Sprenkle took to agricultural pursuits at an early age, and has followed that occupation throughout life, meeting with great success. He is a care- ful business man, manages his affairs judi- ciously, and is possessed of tireless energy, He has many friends throughout the community and is exceedingly popular.

WILLIAM A. BUBB, a prominent mer- chant in Codorus township, York county, was born in 1858, in that township, son of Lewis D. Bubb, and grandson of Lewis Bubb.

Lewis D. Bubb, father of William A., was born in Codorus township, July 1, 1833, and there learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for fifty years. He then retired from active work, and since July 10, 1902, has lived a quiet life at Bonair. Mr. Bubb married Sarah Ann Shearer, daughter of Daniel Shearer, of Maryland, and she died in Septem- ber, 1902, being buried at Fiscel's Church, in Shrewsbury township. He is a Lutheran, and has served as deacon and as leader in the choir. For thirty years Mr. Bubb has been connected with bands, being first with the Codorus Union Band, and later organizing the well-known Bonair Band, of which he was leader for twenty-five years, and which started with six- teen members. Few men are better known in York county musical circles than he. Mr. Bubb's children are as follows: Lewis H., of Codorus township; William A .; Elmer B .; Daniel F .; Martha; Lydia A .; Alphus C .; Emanuel and Phoebe M.

William A. Bubb attended the township schools until sixteen years of age, and then worked for his father at farming until twenty-

Mr. Bubb married Levina Steffey, daughter of George and Lucy Ann Steffey, and their children are: Missouri, wife of Howard Sheaffer; George E., who assists his father in his various businesses ; and Noble M., wife of Charles King, living in Shrewsbury township. Mr. Bubb also reared a nephew, Charles Stine. who came to him at the age of four years, and is now a bright young man of nineteen years. Mr. Bubb is a Republican in politics, and a Lutheran in religion. He has for twenty Lewis Bubb was reared in Seven Valley, years played the cornet in the choir. He lias i

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 121

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