History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 132

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

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and makes annual trips to favorite ground .in Maine or the Rockies, besides going yearly to North and South Carolina for quail and duck.

In 1871 Mr. Deardorff was married to Miss Sarah E. Grove, a native of York coun- ty, and they have had five children. The only daughter, Bertha, died at the age of seven. Harvey G., the oldest son, is now in business in Vineland, N. J., but previous to the spring of 1903 was located in Philadelphia where he carried on a cigar store and manufactory. He is now operating a lumber yard and planing mill and carries on an extensive business, since he purchases large tracts of timber both for cutting and marketing. His wife was formerly Miss Susanna Givens, of York. The second son, Kurvin C., was educated in York, and is still at home. Although a jeweler by trade, he is now engaged as bookkeeper in the offices of the York Gas Company. Arthur E. Deardorff, also educated in York, assists his father in his business; he was married, in 1901, to Miss Sadie Heckler, daughter of George Heckler, and they had two sons, George D. and Lloyd C. (deceased). The fourth and youngest son. George, formerly a bookkeeper in a dry-goods store, in Denver, Colo., and later employed in a similar capacity in the York County National Bank, at York, died March 3, 1905.

HENRY S. TYSON. The founder of the Tyson family in America was Benjamin Tyson, who emigrated from England and became a permanent settler of the Buckeye State. He was a man of mighty stature, towering six feet four inches, and was one of the courtly gentlemen of that day. He was the father of two daughters and one son.

Henry Tyson, son of Benjamin, was born and reared in Ohio. When a young man he moved to York county, Pa., where he bought a farm in North Codorus township, living thereon for the balance of his days. In con- nection with his farming he did some vet- erinary work. In politics he was an old-line Whig, devoting himself to the cause of the colored race and assisting many slaves to es- cape to Canada. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Tyson reached the ad- vanced age of eighty-one years. His wife was a Miss Susanna Shultz, a native of York coun- ty, who lived to be eighty-six. She was a

daughter of John Shultz, a farmer of York county who came from Germany. The chil- dren born to Henry and Susanna Tyson num- bered ten, all reaching maturity, but only three are now living. Joseph was a farmer and hotel keeper in York county. Emanuel, a lifelong farmer, now aged eighty-six, resides at Glen Rock. Susanna married George Walter, a car- penter of York county. Sallie became the wife of Peter Bentz, a farmer of North Codorus township. Elizabeth married Abraham Green- walt, a butcher in York. Henry S. is the sub- ject of this sketch. Lydia is the widow of Jolın Raush, a farmer of Spring Garden town- ship. John and Benjamin were twins; the former enlisted in the 87th Pa. Vol. Inf., served three years as a dispatcher during the Civil war, later re-enlisted under Gen. Custer, and is supposed to have been massacred by the Indians with his ill-fated command. Benja- min also served three years in the 87th Pa. Vol. Inf., and after the expiration of his term, went to Gettysburg, Pa., married a Miss Read- ing, of that city, and settled there permanently as a butcher. Edwin, whose death occurred at Philipsburg in 1900, had learned the butcli- er's trade in York under his brother-in-law, Mr. Greenwalt, and then settled at Bellefonte, where he followed that occupation for sixteen years. Moving to Philipsburg, he passed the remainder of his life there, the last seven years in retirement.

Henry S. Tyson was born Oct. 8, 1829, and was reared on his father's farm. Although he attended the district school, his education was limited, and, to quote his own words, he "graduated from the brier and stone field." At the age of nineteen he went to York, learned the carpenter's trade there under E. C. Lowman and then, returning to North Codorus township, built a sawmill which he operated for two years. The next two years were spent in the dry-goods business at Smyser's Station, when he married and located at Hanover Junc- tion. After spending some years on a small farm there, he moved to his father-in-law's homestead and for two years took charge of the distillery which Mr. Hoke had conducted on the place. Mr. Tyson's next location was in Cumberland, where he superintended the Ege's Forge farm about two years. Returning to Mr. Hoke's farm in York, he burned lime there for a time, and then for three years managed the homestead of his widowed sister, Mrs.

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Raush. The next seven years were spent as the house in which he now resides, and is a son superintendent of Small's ore bank, after which of Samuel and Catherine ( Schenberger) Ruby. he returned to York and kept a livery stable His father was likewise born in Lower Wind- for a year. Two years were spent on Jacob Brillinger's farm in Spring Garden township; the next period he was in charge of the York City Hospital, was a short time manager of the waterworks, and then was located for six years on P. A. & S. Small's farm, operating 335 acres of land and feeding large herds of cattle. Afterward for three years lie super- intended George Small's farm, at Grantley Place, that tract consisting of 200 acres, and finally returned to York to take up his abode on property which he owns at No. 336 South Duke street.

Mr. Tyson's marriage took place May 28, 1857, and his bride was Miss Leah Elizabeth Hoke, who was born March 9, 1834. To this union only two children were born: Herman, who died when one year old; and Mary J., who married E. G. Quickle, employed at the Spangler Manufacturing Works in York. There are two granddaughters : Lillian, a st11- dent at the Lutherville Seminary or Maryland College : and Mary Louise, who is in the York public schools. Mr. Tyson is now a stanch, active Republican, in his earlier days being an old-line Whig.

Mrs. Tyson was a daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Free) Hoke, both now de- ceased. Herman Hoke was born Oct. 9, 18II, the oldest of three sons, Herman. Emanuel and John. The parents were John and Catherine ( Harmon) Hoke, natives, respectively, of Adams county and of West Manchester town- ship, York county, and the paternal grand- father was Conrad Hoke, born in Germany. Herman Hoke was married Sept. 19, 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Free, of Hopewell township, and a family of seven children were born to them, as follows : Leah E., Mrs. Tyson ; Adam H., who married Miss Sarah Smyser, and died March 17, 1901 ; Sarah A., Mrs. Noah Ness ; Catherine and Rebecca L., residing at the old homestead: Emma J., who married Samuel Ritter, and died Oct. 28, 1901 ; and Mary A., deceased. Mr. Hoke passed away Dec. 20, 1891, while his wife ended her earthly pilgrim- age July 1, 1888, aged eighty years and eleven months.

SAMUEL BARTON RUBY was born March 8, 1849, in Lower Windsor township, in

sor township, the year of his nativity being 1815, and the place of his birth the farm now owned by Isaac Hinkle. He received a com- mon-school education and passed his boyhood days on the farm, while in his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, beginning his practical apprenticeship when a mere child. He fol- lowed his trade during the major portion of his long and worthy life and ever commanded the unqualified esteem of those who knew him and appreciated his sterling character. He died on his old homestead Dec. 15, 1865. In poli- tics he was an old-line Whig, and later a stanch Republican, taking an intelligent and unvary- ing interest in the issues of the day and being prominent in public affairs in his locality. In the memorable campaign of 1841, when "Tip- pecanoe and Tyler too" was the slogan of his party, he enthusiastically participated in loca! politics, being a skillful fifer and finding his services as such in demand in connection with the various demonstrations of the campaigns. His fife is now in the possession of Samuel B. Ruby and is a highly prized heirloom. Sanınel Ruby was also a captain in the militia of Lower Windsor township, having been ap- pointed to this office by the Governor. He and his wife were devoted and prominent members of the Evangelical Church, in which he served as class-leader and exhorter, also being an active worker in the Sunday-school.

Catherine (Schenberger) Rudy, mother of Samuel B., was born in Lower Windsor town- ship March 9. 1821, the farm on which she was born having been in the vicinity of Wood- stock Forge and in the locality known as Forge Hill. She was a daughter of John Schen- berger, who died just before her birth, a fact which later brought into evidence a peculiar custom of the early days: Persons came fre- quently to secure hairs from her head, the be- lief being that the use of a hair from the head of a child who never saw its father would prove efficacious in curing the whooping-cough. The maiden name of her mother was Ziegler. The death of Mrs. Catherine Ruby was a de- cided loss to her community, as she possessed many strong and tender traits of womanly character which earned for her general affec- tion and esteem. Of her children we have the following brief record: William died in child-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

hood ; Margaret is the wife of Daniel Kline, of Adams county ; Joseph A. married Sarah Geist and they reside in the city of York, this county ; Samuel B. was the next in order of birth ; John Wesley, who first married Anna Dietz and after her death wedded Emma Emig, is now a resident of California ; Emma died in childhood ; Catherine Delilah is the wife of Al- bert Bair of Adams county; George A. like- wise resides in that county and has been twice married, the maiden name of his first wife be- ing Sevilla Miller; Ida is the wife of John J. Fry, of York.

Daniel Ruby, grandfather of Samuel B., was one of the sterling and honored pioneers of Lower Windsor township; his farm was located near the present town of Wrights- ville-the property now owned by Isaac Hinkle. He was the father of seven children, namely: Polly, John, George, Katy, Samuel, Daniel and Peter.

Samuel B. Ruby was reared to maturity in his native township, and his early educational discipline was secured in school district No. I-in what was commonly known as the Kline school-where he continued his studies during a portion of each year until he had attained the age of sixteen. For the ensuing two years he was employed in operating a stationary engine at Ore Bank, York county. At the age of eighteen he entered into partnership with his brother Joseph A., running a blacksmith's shop in Lower Windsor township, both having learned the trade under the direction of their honored father. Thereafter Samuel continued to be actively engaged in his trade for nearly a quarter of a century, or until 1890, when he located on the Daniel Leber farm in Lower Windsor township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for the following three years. At the expiration of that period he re- sumed his trade, returning to his old home place, and having since conducted a general blacksmithing business, giving special atten- tion to coach and carriage building, and being known as a very skillful and reliable workman in the line to which he has devoted so many years of his life.

Mr. Ruby is a loyal and public-spirited citi- zen and has ever evinced an abiding interest in all that has concerned the welfare of his township and county, while he has been an earnest champion of the principles of the Re- publican party since attaining his legal ma-

jority, having cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. U. S. Grant. He served one term as assessor of Lower Windsor township, and for nine consecutive years held the office of school director, being first appointed to this position to fill the unexpired term of John Ban- croft, Sr., and having been retained in it by successive re-elections. He also served as judge of elections several years ago, and has since been again called to that office. He and his wife are prominent and valued members of the North Trinity United Evangelical Church, in Lower Windsor township, and in that body Mr. Ruby has served as trustee, steward, su- perintendent of the Sunday-school and as an exhorter. He is a member of the directorate of the Lower Windsor Fire Insurance Com- pany, of which he is assistant secretary.

In the year 1872 Mr. Ruby was united in marriage to Susan Anstine, who was born and reared in Lower Windsor township, a daugh- ter of John and Eliza (Kise) Anstine, and of this union have been born three children name- ly : Della, who is the wife of Charles Warner, of Hellam township; Charles, who married Matilda Kizer, and who resides in York; and Flora, who remains at home.

JESSE KNAUB, contractor and builder in stone and brick, at York, was born in Spring Garden township, York county, March 16, 1846, son of John Knaub.

Jacob Knaub, his grandfather, was a native of York county and was a school teacher by profession, but engaged also in farming in Spring Garden township. To him and his wife, who before marriage was Elizabeth Bashore, were born : Mrs. William Nisely, who died in Spring Garden township; Mrs. 'Elizabeth Bashore, who lives in York township at the age of eighty-four years; Leah ( deceased ) who was the wife of Christian Seiple; John, the father of Jesse, and Jacob, of Perry Co., Penn- sylvania.

John Knaub was born in Spring Garden township, in 1813, where he received a com- mon school education and was reared to be an agriculturist. He farmed in his native township during his entire life, owning about 300 acres of land near Brillinger's Mill. He married Sarah Zellers, both husband and wife dying in 1891, within a few days of each other, and being buried at Mount Zion cemetery in Spring Garden township. They were mem-

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BIOGRAPHICAL

bers of the Reformed Church in whose work they took an active part. In politics Mr. Knaub was a Democrat, serving on the elec- tion board, and as township supervisor and tax collector. The children born to this worthy couple were as follows : Henry, who was killed on the Northern Central railroad, at Reynold's Mill, York county ; Samuel, a farmer of Man- chester township: John, deceased; Jesse; Wil- liam, a farmer of York township: Mary, who died in Windsor township; and Susanna, the wife of Emanuel Dellinger living in York township.

Jesse Knaub attended the district school of Spring Garden township until sixteen years of age, and assisted his father on the home farm until 1868, when he married Sevilla Jane Wilt, born in Conewago township. York coun- ty, and daughter of George Wilt, a farmer. After their marriage they resided for a few years with Mr. Knaub's father, the young huis- band learning the stone and brick-mason's trade which he has followed since 1871. In 1885 he built his present home, at No. 695 East Philadelphia avenue, and among other build- ings erected under his contract may be men- tioned the plant of the York Manufacturing Company, the York Safe & Lock works and reservoir at York, the construction of which gave employment to a large force of skilled workmen.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Knaub-Katie, Florence and one infant, all of whom are deceased. He is a Democrat. He is a valued member of the St. Mark's Lutheran Church of York, and is highly es- teemed as a man of honesty and integrity.

FREDERICK GERKENSMEYER, the founder and one of the members of the firm known as the Codorus Planing Mill Company, has for over twenty-five years been a resi- dent of the city of York, but all the earlier part of his life was spent in Germany, where, in 1852. he was born near the town of Bunde, Prussia.

Frederick Gerkensmeyer was educated in the public schools of Germany, and after finishing the required courses, began learning the car- penter's trade. He was employed in one of the largest plants in the world, where thousands of skilled workmen are regularly engaged. In time the young man decided to try his fortunes in America, and so left Germany, stopping en route in London, England, where he remained for a short stay. On June 1, 1879, he landed in New York, remaining in the city only from morning to evening, and then proceeded to join a friend at Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa. After a week there he located permanently at York. He was employed at his trade by different con- tractors and builders for many years, but finally, in 1902, founded the Codorus Planing Mill Company, in which he is a stockholder and director. H. M. Williams is the presi- dent and Daniel Lauer, the secretary. The company is located on West College and Stone avenues, and does a thriving business as con- tractors, builders and dealers in lumber.

In 1881 Frederick Gerkensmeyer was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lipper, a daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Sultzer) Lipper. She was born in Germany in 1854, and came to America at the age of twenty, landing at Baltimore, Md. Mr. and Mrs. Gerkensmeyer are the parents of three chil- dren, Elizabeth, Philip and Adolphus, and the family reside in a handsome home, at No. 577 West College avenue, which was built in 1902. Mr. Gerkensmeyer has also erected a number of fine dwelling houses in the Ninth ward. In political matters he is not active, but is a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. In religion he is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and for three years served on the church council. Mr. Gerkens- meyer is a man whose opinions and influence command consideration, both in business and church circles, and he is among the most highly esteemed residents of the city.

SAMUEL S. SMITH, a farmer and busi- ness man of Windsor township, was born on his father's farm in that section. Feb. 10, 1859, son of Samuel and Maria (Tschopp) Smith. The Smith family originated in England and the first to come to America was the great- grandfather, who located temporarily in York county ; but later, as the family annals relate,

Philip Gerkensmeyer, father of Frederick, left his native Germany, where he worked as a day laborer. Thrice married, the only child born of his first union was Frederick, our sub- ject. The children born later were Mary, Elizabeth, Annie, Louise and Frederick (2), the last named being now in the shoe business in Germany. The father died at the age of he moved westward, traveling on an old gray seventy-five years.

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horse who carried both him and his younger son. The older son. Daniel. remained in Wind- sor township, where he spent most of his life farming. although he was a weaver by trade. He married a Miss Schmuck, and they had a large family, as follows: Polly, Mrs. Sampson Emenheiser, the only surviving child; John, who moved to Cumberland county in his youth ; Jacob, who died in Hopewell township; Michael, who died in Paradise, York county ; Catherine, Mrs. Benjamin Paules, of York township: Daniel of Windsor township; Wil- liam, of Clearfield county, Pa. ; and Samuel. Both parents died in Windsor township. Mr. Smith was a Democrat, as the word was ap- plied in his day.

Samuel Smith was born in 1831, and was given a common-school education. He learned the carpenter's trade, but was occupied for the most of his life in farming. He was always interested in local politics ; was elected town- ship supervisor. and in both local and national affairs supported the Democratic party. He belonged to the United Brethren Church. His wife was Maria Tschopp, born in Windsor township in 1833, daughter of Peter and Cathi- erine (Levernight) Tschopp. Her father was a farmer in that region, and there died. The children born to Samuel and Maria Smith were: Reuben, of Red Lion; Franklin, of Windsorville; Samuel S .: Rebecca Jane, who died unmarried: and Amanda, Mrs. Edwin Sprenkle, of Freysville. Samuel Smith passed from this world in 1893. The estate which he left was settled by his son Samuel S.

Samuel S. Smith was educated almost en- tirely in the Windsorville school, but spent one term in the Miller school in Windsor town- ship. His first teacher was D. W. Maish, and his last one. J. A. Miller. He left school when he was nineteen, and for the next four years worked on the farm. after which he was em- ploved for two years in similar work for John Gable. He had learned carpentry, and his next step was to establish himself in Windsorville in that trade. He built a residence there, but at the end of two years sold it and returned to farming. He bought his present place of seventeen acres, formerly owned by John Gable, and gave most of his attention to it, although he frequently did carpenter work and for a period of four years was engaged in pack- ing cigars for his uncle, S. L. Tschopp. He has also carried on cigar making in a small

way since 1881. In 1900 he decided to go into business and opened the store which he is still conducting. He commenced with a good stock and has been very successful in the enterprise. He has recently built a handsome brick house just west of his store, one of the finest homes in the town.

When twenty-four years old Mr. Smith chose for his wife, Jane Knisley, who like him- self was born in Windsor township. Her father, William Knisley, who died in 1902, was a prominent farmer ; her mother whose maiden name was Spatz, now makes her home in Yoe, with her son Reuben. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, who were married in September. 1882, became the parents of six children namely : Perry Al- vin, who was born Jan. 13, 1884. but did not live; Sainie I., born April 14, 1885. now Mrs. Harry Creek, of Windsorville: Ernest C., born Oct. 26, 1887 : Raymond H., born March 2, 1896; Preston Miles, born Jan. 13, 1901, who died in infancy ; and Charles Clair, born Nov. 5. 1902.

Mr. Smith has always been an ardent Democrat, and a man keenly interested in pub- lic affairs. He cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Hancock, and has voted for every Democratic candidate for the office since. He has always done what he could for his party, but is not at all a professional politician. In 1890 he was elected township assessor for three years, and, in the spring of 1904, was chosen for a three years' term as school director. In religion he has been a member of the United Brethren Church since his twenty-fourth year ; has served as Sunday-school superintendent for sixteen years, and as trustee for twelve. His life has been consistent with his profes- sions, for his career has been one of invariable integrity, both in private and public life, and he has shown himself an official in whom the greatest confidence might be reposed. He had no capital to begin with, but has won his way to prominence by honest industry, and he is held in the highest respect and esteem by all.

HENRY BAKER was born in Windsor township, on his father's old mill property, May 2, 1849, son of Peter and Margaret (Miller) Baker.

Peter Baker was born near Berlin, Ger- many, and was reared and educated in his na- tive place. After leaving school he followed distilling, which trade he had learned. He

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was united in marriage to Margaret Miller, he was nineteen years of age. Mr. Baker was also a native of the same locality as her hus- married at the age of twenty, removing then to Columbia, where for ten years he worked for Henry Hollinger. He owned a home in that place, which he sold for $1,000, this money constituting the first payment on his present farm, Mr. Baker going into debt for the greater portion of the property ; but by hard work and perseverance, and with the aid of the money inherited from his father, he cleared his farm from all indebtedness. He has now eighty- six acres (having added to the original pur- chase), and his land is fertile and productive of good crops. About 1886 Mr. Baker erected a new residence, and since then has remodeled the barn, and built a summer house, a spring house, a bake oven and a smoke house. In 190I he erected one of the most complete tobacco sheds in the county, it being furnished with a fine cellar and stripping room. The posts in the curing room are detachable and may be removed with the rails upon which the tobacco is hung, thereby converting the shed into a fine barn. It is certainly a very con- venient device, the plans of which were ex- ecuted by Mr. Baker himself. band. In 1836 Mr. and Mrs. Baker sailed from Bremen to Baltimore, on the vessel "Felix," the voyage taking ninety days, as the ship was delayed by an accident. After landing in the United States, the parents came direct to York, whence they removed to Windsor township, where the husband engaged in day labor and rented a little home. By careful saving Mr. Baker was enabled to buy a tract of five acres of land, and by working for other farmers ac- cumulated enough to make other purchases un- til his farm finally comprised twenty-five acres. He farmed his property until 1871, when he sold it and located at Lancaster, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1891. aged eighty-four years, his wife having died in 1873, being then in her fifty-ninth year. In religion this good couple were Lutherans. Mr. Baker was a Democrat. Of the children born to him and his wife the eldest died in Germany: David, a market master of York, who married Mary Reichley ; Peter, an agricul- turist of Windsor township, married (first) to Susanna Emenheiser, and (second) to Mrs. Amanda (Dillinger) Herr; Margaret, who married (first) Joshua Oberdorf, and ( sec- ond) Benjamin Craley: Levi, a farmer of Windsor township, who married (first) Annie Schoff, and ( second) Ellen Mckenzie; Henry ; Angeline, who married John Chillas, of Lower Windsor township; Matilda, who died unmar- ried ; and Reuben, who died in infancy.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 132

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