History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 136

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

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

In the year 1885 Jacob A. Maul married Miss Susan Bentzcl, daughter of John J. and Sarah (Harbold) Bentzel, of Dover township. Mrs. Maul has a fine home in Dover borough. To Mr. and Mrs. Maul the following children have been born: Sarah Ann, who died at the age of five years ; John A., living with his aunt on the old homestead; and Robert Jacob, Lucy Elmira and Daniel Webster, all at home. Mr. Maul is a Democrat, and has served on the council and school board of Dover borough, being held in the highest esteem by all who have had dealings with him, whether along business, social or political lines.

FREDERICK W. GROTHE, of Carroll township, York county, is at the present time a resident of York. He was born in that city Jan. 23, 1865, son of Frederick Grothe.

The grandmother of Frederick W. came to America when eighty years of age, and died in York, her husband having passed away in Ger- many. Their children were: Henry, Charles, Frederick, Mary and Annie.

Frederick Grothe, father of Frederick W., was born near Wurtemberg, and emigrated to America at the age of fourteen years, engag- ing in railroad work, around Pittsburg. He settled in Springetsbury township, at a place called Possumtown, where he engaged in the horse business, later locating in York in the cattle trade. By his business ability and good management he became very wealthy, the last ten years of his life being spent in retirement. He died at the age of seventy-four years. He owned vast tracts of land in York, and had several farms in different parts of the county. In religion he was a Lutheran. He was a di- rector of the Drovers & Mechanics Bank, be- ing one of its first directors, assisting to found the institution, which is now one of the larg- est banking houses of York. He was three times married. His first wife was Mary Stall- man, and after her death he married the mother of our subject, Christianna Swartz. They were the parents of the following children : Eddie, Charles, Frederick W., Hattie and Daisy. Mr. Grothe's third wife was Lillie Fisher, who died in April, 1901.

Frederick W. Grothe is the only living child of his parents, and he inherited a portion of his father's property. He attended school until sixteen years of age, and then assisted his father in his business operations. On Feb.

23, 1882, he married Ida S. Gotwalt, daughter of Albert and Julia ( Horn) Gotwalt. After marriage Mr. Grothe spent thirteen years on his beautiful 158-acre farm in Carroll town- ship, and in 1904 located in York, at No. 146 North George street. Since coming to the city he has engaged in the horse business, super- intending his farm in Carroll township. Mr. Grothe is a very active business man, inheriting his father's ability in that particular to a marked degree. In religion he is a Lutheran. He is a member of the Heptasophs, No. 306; the Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 324; the Union Fire Company, of York, and the Relief Association.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Grothe have been as follows: Frederick C., who mar- ried Katie Hake, resides in York, and has one child, Frederick A .; William A. died at the age of one year, four months and twenty-four days; Goldie May is attending the Professor Prowell Business school of York; and Roy A., Grover F. and Hattie V. are at school. Mr. Grothe keeps well abreast of the times, and may be justly regarded as a very important citizen of York, being honorable and trust- worthy, capable and public-spirited.

OLIVER HAKE, of Fairview township. is a descendant of the old Hake family of York county, and was born in Manchester township, Feb. 25, 1849. Jacob Hake, the grandfather of Oliver, was a farmer of Manchester town- ship, where he died. His children were : Jacob, John, Henry, Frederick, Daniel. Elias and Andrew C. Andrew C. Hake was born in Manchester township, where he received a common-school education. He engaged in farming and distilling in his native township, later moving to Fairview township, where he followed agricultural pursuits. There he died aged seventy-six years. He married Rebecca Isaac, of Bainbridge, and she died at the age of forty-five, the mother of these children : Oliver, Henry. Milton, Webster, John, Emmeline, Jane, Leah and Louisa.

Oliver Hake attended the schools of Man- chester township until seventeen years of age and remained at home' with his father until his twenty-ninth year, at which time he was married to Annie Hart, daughter of Michael Hart. She died shortly after marriage, at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving one child, Merle B., who died aged sixteen. Mr. Hake married (second) Mrs. Anna Mary Grove, the

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BIOGRAPHICAL

widow of Henry C. Grove, who was drowned in the dam at Lewisberry, Aug. 5, 1882, at the age of twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Grove had two children: Wagner H., who graduated at Baltimore, March 12, 1900, is in Columbus, Ohio, where he is assistant secretary of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and ma- ried Alta Ruth Robinson; Clyde, who married Jennie Anderson, is farming in Fairview town- ship. Mr. Hake is the owner of two fine farms in Fairview township, which compare favor- ably with any others in the locality. In poli- tics a Republican, he is influential in township political affairs, and may often be found serv- ing on the election board. In his religious views he is a Lutheran, of which church he is at present a trustee.

Before her first marriage Mrs. Hake's name was Sutton, and her father, Rankin Sutton, came from an old and respected family of Fairview township. He was born May 8, 1823, and is still surviving, making his home on the old Sutton homestead in Fairview town- ship, called Pinetown. He married Lydia Kneisley, a daughter of Anthony Kneisley, and they had these children: Sarah, Matilda, An- nie M., John R., Elwood, Hannah and Laura.

WILLARD B. JOHNSTON, dealer in hardware and contractor in excavating, sewer construction and gas and steamfitting, is not only one of the leading business men of Spring Grove, but is also a public-spirited citizen, and one of the efficient and influential Democrats of that locality. Mr. Johnston was born in Jefferson county, W. Va., Aug. 17, 1866, son of James M. and Catherine ( Abel) Johnston. The accurate knowledge regarding the family history is somewhat meager, although it is known that the paternal grandfather was Da- vid Johnston, who was born in Virginia and who for a number of years engaged very suc- cessfully as a manufacturer of woolen goods. David Johnston was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Church. He was three times married, and was a man of much influence in his community. The ma- ternal grandfather was Henry Abel, who de- scended from an old and aristocratic Virginia family.

Willard B. Johnston received an excellent education, first at the district school, and later at private school. He then learned the trade of a plumber with Hantz & Kidd, of York, Pa. In

1888, Mr. Johnston located at Spring Grove, Pa., and embarked in a plumbing business carrying a large stock of plumbers' supplies, tinware, stoves and hardware; he still conducts this store, although he has branched out in other directions. He has become a leader in the work of excavating for the construction of sewers, the laying of water mains and other similar lines. In fact, he holds nearly all the contracts in Spring Grove and neighboring towns, and during the season, gives employ- ment to a large force of men. Mr. Johnston's business is steadily growing, and he has estab- lished a very enviable reputation for honesty of dealing and thoroughiness of work, being individually respected because of his energy, capability and reliability.

Mr. Johnston was married in 1888, to Miss Laura Loucks, of York, Pa., a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Slagle) Loucks. In politics, Mr. Johnston is a Democrat, and has been honored with several important offices within the gift of the people. In 1899, he was elected chief burgess of the borough of Spring Grove for a term of three years, and was a member of the city council for a like period. In addition to his other interests, he is a stock- holder in the First National Bank, and vice- president of the Friendship Hose Co. He has been identified with many of the changes which have taken place for the better in his vicinity, and certainly deserves honorable men- tion with other contemporaries.

GEORGE SPAHR, owner of the old Brinton farm of 126 acres, probably the oldest in Fishing Creek Valley, Newberry township, is a self-made man, and was born in 1850, in Fairview township, son of John and Elizabeth (Rudy) Spahr, and grandson of Adam Spahr.

The first of this family to settle in America came from Germany in the early part of the seventeenth century. There were two brothers, one of whom had a family of nineteen chil- dren and the other, twenty-two children. John Spahr was born in Dover township, where he learned the blacksmith's trade and engaged in it for about thirty years. He located in Fair- view township and bought a small tract of twenty-five acres of land, where he farmed in conjunction with his trade. He then spent one year in Newberry township, after which he returned to Fairview township, and for four years worked the Shuler farm. He then set-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

tled on the Doll farm in Conewago township, his farming interests demand the bulk of his remaining there one year, after which he re- time and attention. He is one of the leading citizens of Newberry township, honest and up- right, and always ready to do his part in pro- moting public improvements and in advancing the interests of the school and church. turned to Newberry township and bought sev- enty-seven acres of land, upon which he re- mained for thirteen years. He then bought a small tract of twenty-two acres, upon which he erected all of the buildings, and there he died The children born to George Spahr and his wife were: Susie, who married John Stoner, is living in Newberry township; Wil- liam, residing upon and assisting in the oper- ation of his father's farm, married Carrie Shelley, daughter of Edward Shelley, and they have two children, Ruth and Leona; Harry died in Steelton in 1900, and is buried at Pad- dletown church; Lizzie married Samuel Hart- man and lives at Yocumtown, York county; and Clara, Daisy, Nora, John and Howard, all reside at home unmarried. The Spahr family is well known throughout York county, and is very highly respected. at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. Spahr married Elizabeth Rudy, a daughter of George W. and Mary (Miller) Rudy, and she died in 1898, she and her husband being buried at the Paddletown church in Newberry township. Mr. Spahr was a man of popularity and sterling worth of character. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Spahr are as follows: William died at the age of twenty-one years; Annie, living at York, married Milton Reigart, deceased ; Lena married Josiah Taylor, and lives at Me- chanicsburg, Cumberland county ; Mary died unmarried at the age of forty-four years ; Ellen, who died in May, 1902, married Benjamin Be- shore ; George ; and David, who is living on the old home in Newberry township, married Ella Woods.

George Spahr received his education in the public schools of Conewago and Newberry townships, attending school until about eight- een years of age, when he commenced work as a day laborer. For about ten years he con- tinued in this line, with the cultivation of to- bacco, and then bought a small tract of about twenty acres of land, erecting all of the build- ings thereon. In the year 1877 Mr. Spahr mar- ried Jane Bower, the estimable daughter of Henry and Mary (Keister) Bower, and after marriage continued tobacco farming and truck- ing for a short time in Newberry township, then locating on Jolin K. Willis' farm in Fair- view township, where he remained for ten years. He then bought the old Brinton farm of 126 acres, the first in the Fishing Creek Valley, Newberry township. Mr. Spahr made many improvements on the farm, and the fruit of his labors is shown by his present substan- tial financial condition. Mr. Spahr is fond of good literature, spending much of his spare time in reading and finding much of his recrea- tion and enjoyment in his library. Mr. Spalır is a self-made man. He is enterprising and full of energy, and his success in life has been brought about wholly through his own efforts. He is a member of the Democratic party and takes a lively interest in its success, although he has never sought public office, deciding that

HENRY HOFF was born Oct. 19, 1857, in North Codorus township, York county, son of Henry and Rosanna ( Emig) Hoff, and he is now engaged in contracting and building in York.

Henry Hoff, grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and distiller of North Codorus township, owning a large tract of land in that township, and farming it until his death. He was buried at Ziegler's church. The children born to him and his wife were: Adam, of Sev- en Valley; John, of North Codorus township; Lydia, the wife of Isaac Rennols, of Penn township; Caroline, the wife of Jesse Rise, who resides near Hanover, York county; Mrs. Harry Raver: Mrs. B. Spangler, of Jefferson borough; and Henry (2).

Henry Hoff (2), son of Henry, was born Jan. II, 1829, in North Codorus township, where he received a common school education and married Rosanna, daughter of John Emig; she was born Jan. 26, 1826. After his mar- riage Mr. Hoff commenced to farm on the old homestead, also carrying on distilling. He built a fine brick house and barn, where he lived until 1904, when he retired from active work. since which time he has resided in a small home adjoining his farm. He is a member of Ziegler's Lutheran Church, having served as a deacon, and in its work he has always been active and influential. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat and served his party as township treas- urer for fifty years. The children born to Mr.

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BIOGRAPHICAL

and Mrs: Hoff were as follows: Isabella, the His wife had died in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. wife of Henry Shaffer, of York; Susanna, who married Nathan Gladfelter, a cigar-maker of Seven Valley; Levi and Rosa, who died young ; and Henry (3).

Henry Hoff (3) attended Ziegler's school in North Codorus township until he was nine- teen years of age, and, after receiving his edu- cation, assisted his father for a short time 011 the farm. He then learned the cabinet-mak- er's trade, at which he worked for four years, and later, for a period of fourteen years, was employed as a house carpenter by Menough & Co., of York. He was engaged at pattern making for three and one-half years with E. G. Smyser, after which he clerked for one year, in 1899 engaging in the building and contracting business, since which year he has been very successful. Mr. Hoff employs thirty-two carpenters and a total force of about 100 men. Some of the finest buildings of York have been erected under Mr. Hoff's con- tracts, and he is considered a first-class busi- ness man in every respect.

On May 24, 1877, Mr. Hoff was united in marriage with Alphreatta Yingling, daughter of Frederick and Rebecca (Zinn) Yingling. Mr. Hoff is a prominent Democrat and was water assessor of the Ninth ward for six years. He also served on the select council for four years. In his religious views he is connected with Ziegler's Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hoff reside in a fine residence at No. 119 South Penn street, York.

JOHN NEELY, who owns and conducts a fine fifty-acre farm, and engages extensively in stock raising in Lower Chanceford town- ship, was born near Gordonville, Lancaster county, May 4, 1844, son of William and Jane (Frew) Neely.

William Neely, grandfather of John, died in County Derry, Ireland, where he had owned- a farm and was largely engaged in raising flax. His son William was born in County Derry, where he received a common-school education and was reared to an agricultural life. He was of the Irish gentry, and much of their time was spent in hunting foxes behind the hounds. William Neely married Jane Frew, daughter of James Frew, who came to America at the time Mr. Neely sent for his family. James Frew died in Philadelphia, where some of his family settled, in 1848, well-advanced in years.

Frew were the parents of the following chil- dren : Jane, mother of John Neely; Susan, who married John Burns, and died in Philadelphia ; Mary, who married John Campbell, and located in Illinois, where she died; Matilda, who mar- ried Richard Whiteside and lived and died in Philadelphia: John, who married a lady of Baltimore, Md., and settled in Philadelphia, where he died; and Thomas, who also died in Philadelphia.

In 1838 William Neely emigrated to the United States and the following year brought his family and that of Mr. Frew to this coun- try. The voyage was a long and dangerous one, the sailing vessel having sprung a leak in a storm, and all the male passengers had to take their turn at the pumps, while those not on duty were sent below and the hatches nailed down. The voyage was completed, however, and Mr. Neely bought land in Lan- caster county, near Gordonville, where he en- gaged in stock dealing. Soon after he sold this property and bought a larger tract near Stras- burg and many years before the railroad was built drove over the mountains the stock he had purchased in the West. Mr. Neely followed that occupation until old age incapacitated lıim, and was a thorough cattleman, his name being known throughout the county. After retiring from active life Mr. Neely sold his place and lived on a farm of 150 acres in Cole- rain township, which he sold eleven years later, and removed to a location near Oxford, Ches- ter county, remaining there for three years. He sold the farm named, and, with his wife, went to live with his son, Dr. S. F. Neely, of Leav- enworth, Kans., but returned to Pennsylvania after several years to reside with his son, Thomas, at Centerville, York county; at Thomas' death he returned to Dr. Neely and lived with him eleven years. He then again returned to Pennsylvania, and up to the time of his death lived with John Neely, paying several visits, however, to Dr. Neely, during his stay there. He died at the home of Jolin Neely, Sept. 16. 1897, being one hundred years, six months and three days old. Mr. Neely was of fine physique and in full possession of all his faculties at the time of his death. In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Democrat. Mrs. Neely died Feb. 19, 1893, aged eighty-six years, the mother of the following children, the

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

first five of whom were born in Ireland : Mary, tells its own lesson of the value of persever- who married Samuel Lyons, living in Phila- ance and industry. delphia at the age of seventy-four years ; Sam- uel, who died unmarried; Margaret, who mar- WILLIAM FRANKLIN ANSTINE, of Lower Windsor township, was born Oct. 15, 1855, on the farm now owned by Isaac Hin- kle, on the Wrightsville pike, in Lower Wind- sor township. ried John Gable of Philadelphia ; Thomas, de- ceased, who married Hannah Colvin; Eliza, who died at the age of twelve years; Shaw Frew, a practicing physician of Leavenworth, Kans., who married Martha Murphy, daughter of Col. George Murphy, of Chanceford town- ship: John; William, who died in Philadelphia at the age of twenty-one years; Ella, who married (first ) George Neely, of Leavenworth, Kans., where he died, and ( second) David Thomas, and now resides in Chicago.

John Neely was educated in different town- ship schools, but his learning was principally obtained in the schools of Colerain town- ship. Mr. Neely located in Centerville, Lower Chanceford township, where he learned butch- ering with his brother, Thomas, and this voca- tion he followed for twelve years, nine of which were spent in Airville, Pa. Mr. Neely was first married to Lizzie Johnson, June 15, 1870, and she died Sept. 19, 1888. Three sons were born to this union as follows: William N., born Sept. 30, 1871, died in infancy ; Wal- ter C., born April 12, 1873, married in 1899, in Philadelphia, Della B. Martin; and Robert E., born Ang. 4, 1875, married, in 1903, Nel- lie Bunting, and they live in Lower Chance- ford township. Mr. Neely's second marriage, Feb. 10, 1892, in Lower Chanceford town- ship, was to Mary B. Snyder, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Taylor) Snyder, and she was reared on the Peach Bottom township farm. She became the mother of the following children : Harry Campbell, born April 10, 1893; Marion E., born July 6, 1896, and Pauline E., born Jan. 1, 1899, died Jan. 10, 1899.

After leaving the butchering business Mr. Neely embarked in stock-raising, in which he has since continued with eminent success. In the year 1888, he bought his present well-cul- tivated farm of fifty acres in Lower Chance- ford township, and since he has become the owner has made many improvements. Mr. Neely is one of the grand old men of Lower Chanceford township. Of an excellent phy- sique, and dignified manner, he would attract attention in any gathering, while his social qualities win friends for him wherever he goes. Mr. Neely is a self-made man and his success

Jolin Anstine, his father, was likewise born and reared in that township, the year of his nativity being 1814. He learned the carpen- ter's trade in his youth, engaging in it for a mimber of years after leaving the farm and finally again turning his attention to agricul- tural pursuits, with which he continued to be identified during the remainder of his life, own- ing a well improved farm in Lower Windsor township, where he died April 5, 1877. He was a Whig in politics until the organization of the Republican party, after which he ever remained an unswerving advocate of the prin- ciples of the latter. He also had a loyal con- cern in local affairs and held various minor offices, including that of township supervisor. He was a sincere, earnest and consistent mem- ber of the Evangelical Church, in which he was an active worker, having served as class-leader and in other church offices. His wife, who was a devoted companion and helpmate during the long years of their ideal wedded life, died in 1905, aged eighty-five. She was held in af- fectionate regard in the community in which so many years of her life had been passed. while she, likewise, was a lifelong and zealous member of the Evangelical Church. Her maiden name was Eliza Kise, and she also was born and reared in Lower Windsor township, being a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the county.

Of the children of John and Eliza ( Kise) Anstine we have the following record: Mary Ann is the wife of Emanuel Detwiler, of Red Lion, York county: Catherine is the wife of William Haines, a farmer of Lower Windsor township: Eliza is the wife of Philip Heim, of East Prospect; Henry, who is a resident of Yoe, York county, married Rebecca Haines ; Leah is the wife of Barton Dellinger, of Lower Windsor township: Susan is the wife of Sam- uel B. Ruby, of the same township; Jane, who became the wife of Benjamin Ruby, is de- ceased ; William F. was the eighth child ; Wes- ley died at the age of twelve years; Henrietta died in childhood; Ida became the wife of

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BIOGRAPHICAL

George Heindle and is now deceased; and stine was reared in the faith of the Evangelical George, who married Elizabeth Helder, is a resident of East Prospect.

William F. Anstine was reared on the pa- ternal farm and attended what was known as the Kline school, in Lower Windsor township, until he had attained the age of sixteen years, though he usually was in school only during the winter terms, as his services during the summer seasons were demanded in connection with the work of the homestead. He was twenty-two years of age at the time of his father's death, and thereafter had charge of the homestead farm for one year. At various times, both before and after this period, he worked by the day on farms in the county. boarding one year with his brother-in-law, S. B. Ruby. Later he remained for a year in the home of another brother-in-law, Barton Dellinger. In the meanwhile he had become a capable carpenter and joiner, having had a practical apprenticeship under the direction of his father and others. He was married in 1879 and thereafter followed his trade for several years, after which he rented from Dan- iel Leber the sixty-three-acre farm which he now owns, working the same on shares for the ensuing eight years and then (after the death of Mr. Leber) purchasing the property. He has made many improvements on the place, which is one of the attractive and valuable properties of the township, while the owner has brought much of enterprise, energy and dis- crimination to bear on the various departments of the farm work; neither has he been denied a due reward of his efforts, being recognized as one of the reliable, thrifty and progressive farmers of York county. He gives consider- able attention to the raising of tobacco, and has the best of facilities for maturing and other- wise caring for the crop, having erected a good tobacco cellar on his farm, while the large corn barn on the farm was also built by him. He is held in high regard in his community and takes a loyal interest in local affairs of a public nature, though he has never been an aspirant for office, the only incumbency of the sort which he has filled being that of tax col- lector of his township, in which capacity he served one term. In politics he is an uncom- promising Republican, having followed in the footsteps of his honored father, who was a most loyal and enthusiastic advocate of the principles of the "grand old party." Mr. An-

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 136

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