History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 138

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

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BIOGRAPHICAL

assist in the work of the farm to a greater ex- tent than the others, remaining at home during the winter terms of school in order to ride the horses about on the barn floor and thus tram- ple and thresh out the wheat. His first teacher was Frederick Faringer, and his entire school- ing was irregular and desultory. After the establishment of the free-school system a school house was built on the farm of his uncle, John Will, and he was able to there continue his studies for a few weeks. He early manifested an appreciation of good books, and throughout life has been fond of reading and study, so that he has in a large measure overcome the educational handicaps of his youth. Mr. Kel- ler continued to assist in the work of the home farm until he had reached the age of twenty- six years, when he made a final settlement with his father. While he thereafter continued to remain at home for some time, he worked for various farmers and also derived considerable income from the judicious use of his trading propensities-buying and selling stock, pro- duce, etc. In 1861 he was married, and forth- with began operations on the farm which he now owns and occupies, at first working on shares and, after the death of his father, pur- chasing the property from the other heirs. He continued to farm on shares for about a decade, carefully conserving his resources, and thus having a small capital on which to base further operations. He purchased a farm on the line between Lower Windsor and Hellam townships, locating there and continu- ing to farm on the place until 1884, when he returned to the old homestead, which he had purchased at the death of his father, as before stated. Here lie has erected a fine modern residence, having one of the most attractive rural homes in the county, and being one of the successful farmers and influential citizens of his township. All the buildings on the home farm are of the best type and the place, which comprises 160 acres, is under a high state of cultivation. He also retains his other farm, which is eighty-five acres in extent.

In his boyhood Mr. Keller united with the Canadochley Lutheran Church, being con- firmed by Rev. Jonathan Oswald, and he has since continued a zealous member of that re- ligious body, taking an active interest in all de- partments of its work. Having served for more than a decade as chairman of its council, he finally asked to be

relieved from further active service in that line, because of his advancing age, and his belief that younger men should begin to as- sume the responsibilities and active labors. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and he has served most acceptably in the various town- ship offices, though never a seeker of such preferment.

On Feb. 28, 1861, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Keller to Leah Dietz, who was born and reared in York county, daughter of George Dietz, a representative farmer of Hel- lam township. Mr. and Mrs. Keller have one son, Horace Dietz, who was born Aug. 5, 1865, and who is now one of the interested principals in the wagon-gear manufactory at York. In February, 1904, he was united in marriage to Catherine Wellenseck, of York.

MILTON MONTGOMERY is the owner of a fine tract of 121 acres in Chanceford town- ship, and is a veteran of the Civil war.

William Montgomery, his father, was born in the North of Ireland, where he received a common-school education, and emigrated to America when a young man. He married in Delaware county, Pa., Jane Smith, born in Del- aware county and daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. After their marriage they located in Peach Bottom township, where Mr. Montgom- ery bought land and followed farming until his death in 1864, aged about fifty-five years. His first wife had died when Milton was a child, and Mr. Montgomery's second wife was Sarah Shiry, who married again after Mr. Montgomery's death. William Montgomery was a Presbyterian in his religious views. Originally he was a Democrat, but during the war changed his views and became a supporter of the Republican party. Mr. Montgomery's children by his first wife were: Milton and Mary Jane, who married Luther C. Manley, of Philadelphia. To Mr. Montgomery and his sec- ond wife these children were born: John, of Fawn township; Fanny Ann, married and liv- ing in Baltimore; Julia Catherine, married; Henry Lincoln, of Lower Chanceford town- ship, who married a Miss Howard; William, who lives on the home farm, and married a Miss Stevens; and one that died in infancy.

Milton Montgomery was born in Peach Bottom township, Sept. 5. 1846, and reached maturity on the home farm. He received a common-school education and at the age of

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

seventeen years left his home to enter military Warner, of Chanceford township; and Clar- service. He enlisted at Carlisle (Pa.) bar- ence H. resides at home. racks, in the spring of 1865, joining Company F, 149th Regt., P. V. I., and served until the REUBEN T. SMITH, cigar manufacturer at Red Lion, was born May 10, 1853, in Wind- sor township, York county, son of Samuel and Maria (Shope) Smith. close of the war, when he was mustered out, receiving his discharge at Harrisburg, Pa. He returned to York county, and went to work as a farm hand, which occupation he followed for ten years.

On Dec. 27, 1871, Mr. Montgomery mar- ried Mary A. Taylor, daughter of Thomas R. and Mary (Pitts) Taylor, born in Lower Chanceford township, on the Taylor home farm, where she remained until marriage, at- tending the common school. Thomas R. Tay- lor was a well known farmer of his day, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. In poli- tics he was a Democrat. He was the son of Ellezor Taylor, a farmer, whose father was a native of Ireland. Mrs. Montgomery's mother was the daughter of Michael Pitts, a farmer of German descent, and Elizabeth (Swisher) Pitts, of Chanceford township. Thomas R. Taylor died Aug. 29, 1885, aged eighty years, while his wife passed away in July, 1874, six- ty-six years of age.

After his marriage Mr. Montgomery farmed on shares for a few years, and then bought his present home of 121 acres. He erected a new home and substantial out-build- ings, and has since successfully carried on gen- eral farming and tobacco raising. When Mr. Montgomery left home he was the possessor of $2.50, a strong will, tireless energy and a strong pair of hands. Whatever he has ac- complished, whatever success he has attained, has been through the force of his own industry. He is a self-made man, one who has climbed the ladder of success, round by round, and reached the top unaided. He has an honorable war record, and is very highly esteemed in the community in which he resides. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, but has invariably refused to accept public position. Mrs. Montgomery is connected with the New Harmony Presbyterian Church, and has been very active in its work, especially in its Sun- day-school. She is also a member of the home and foreign missionary societies.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Milton Montgomery are as follows: William T., of Chanceford township, married Molly Warner ; John A., of Lower Chanceford township, mar- ried Lizzie Posey; Marian E. married Porter

Samuel Smith was born in Windsor town- ship in 1832, and after completing his educa- tion in the common schools engaged in farm- ing, which occupation he followed through life. His last years were passed in retirement at Windsorville, where he died in 1893, aged six- ty-one years. In politics he was a Democrat, and served as township supervisor several times and as school director. He married Maria Shope, born in 1852 in Windsor township, daughter of Peter and Kate (Lebenight) Shope. Mrs. Smith still survives, having reached the age of seventy-four years. Their children were as follows: Reuben T .; Frank, of Windsorville : Rebecca Jane, who died aged twenty years; Samuel S., a merchant at Wind- sorville; and Amanda, Mrs. Edwin Sprenkle.

Reuben T. Smith was reared on the home farm and commenced his schooling at . Wind- sorville, his first teacher being Jacob Flinch- baugh. He completed his education under Grier Barnett, at the age of fifteen years. When he was eighteen years old he began to learn the milling business under W. G. Meads, in Windsor township, following that vocation for four years and operating the Jacob Allison mill. He then made cigars for ten or twelve years and later worked at cigar packing for seventeen years. Thus Mr. Smith became thoroughly experienced in the business, and was well prepared for competition with other business men when he started in for himself in 1901, in the factory now utilized by F. B. Shindler, at Red Lion. In the fall of 1903 he moved into his present commodious, well-ap- pointed factory, where he keeps twenty-five hands constantly employed, making a medium grade principally and shipping to all parts of the country. After leaving the mill he resided at Windsorville until 1889, when he settled at Red Lion.

At Windsorville, in 1875, Mr. Smith was married to Lizzie E. Herman, of Windsor township, daughter of Samuel E. and Saralı (Bull) Herman, and these children were born to this union : Burt C., of Red Lion, who mar- ried Sadie Grim; Irene, Mrs. C. E. Smithi, of

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BIOGRAPHICAL

Red Lion ; Thomas C., of Red Lion, who mar- Gross have been : Emma Isabella, the widow ried Sadie Roser; Augustus; Daisy Belle; of Daniel G. Neiman; Laura H., wife of J .. Edwin H .; Maggie G .; Harry C .; Reuben Allen Altland, who lives in West York bor- ough, and Annie H., at home. In politics Mr. Gross is a Republican. He is a member of the Union Lutheran Church, of York. His fra- ternal connection is with York Post, No. 37, Grand Army of the Republic. Roy; Earl, deceased; Verna Romaine; Leone ; and Mina. Mr. Smith and his family belong to the U. B. Church. He believes in the prin- ciples of the Democratic party, and is serving his second term on the school board. For the past quarter of a century he has been a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and is past grand of his lodge.

Frederick Hake, the grandfather of Mrs. Gross, was a resident of Conewago township, and kept a hotel there, and, although there is no hostelry there now, the place is still called "Hake's Hotel." Mr. Hake was also a farmer

DANIEL S. GROSS is a carpenter in York, and is employed at Herman Noss's . and a manufacturer of cigars. His children planing mill. He was born in West Manches- were Henry, John, Andrew, Elizabeth, Julian ter township, June 4, 1843, son of Samuel M. Gross. and Sallie. Henry Hake, the father of Mrs. Gross, also kept the hotel in Conewago town- ship, and, like his father, also engaged in farm- ing, being a very large land owner. Prior to his death he lived retired for a number of years. Both he and his wife are buried at Quickel's churchyard. They left these children : Salome C. E., who became Mrs. Gross; Emma Isabella, who died at the age of eighteen years ; and Louise H., the wife of Franklin Reeser, of York.

Daniel Gross, the grandfather of Daniel S. Gross, was a native of Manchester town- ship, where he was a lifelong farmer. He married Miss Elizabeth Myers, and they had these children : Benjamin : Daniel; Eliza, who married Andrew Hake: Louisa, deceased, who lived in Manchester borough; Samuel M., the father of Daniel S., and Sarah, who married John Shettel.

Samuel M. Gross was, like his father, a native of Manchester township, where he was born in 1814. There he was a farmer and miller, and died at the age of thirty-three years, leaving his widow, who had been Elizabeth Shettel, with these children : Daniel S .; Amanda, wife of Peter Schindle, of Golds- boro; Caroline, wife of S. L. Glatfelter. of Conewago township; and William S., who is employed with Hench & Dromgold.

Daniel S. Gross attended Bear's school in Conewago, where he received a fair education. He followed farming until Aug. 24, 1864. when he enlisted in Company D, 200th P. V. I., in the nine months service. On his discharge he returned to Conewago township, where he learned the carpenter's trade. On Nov. 24, 1868, he married Salome C. E. Hake, daughter of Henry and Emma (Vandersloot ) Hake, afterward locating in Harrisburg for a year and working at his trade. He then returned to Conewago township, where he was occupied in agricultural pursuits on the well known Hake farm, remaining there thirty years and coming to York in 1901. Since that year he has been engaged with Herman Noss, and makes his home at No. 219 Carlisle avenue, York. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.

JOHN W. MITZEL, proprietor of Mit- . zel's mills and a successful business man of East Hopewell township, was born one mile south of Hellam Station, on the Liephart farm, Sept. 24, 1863, son of Adam Mitzel.

Adam Mitzel was born in Hopewell town- ship, York county, and grew up to farm labor. He went to Hellam township, there married Mary Ann Sprenkle, and afterward rented a farm for several years, finally abandoning agri- culture and living in York, where he died in 1899. Mrs. Mitzel survived until 1902, when she passed away, and both were interrel at Kreutz Creek church. In religion the family were Lutherans. In his political sympathies Mr. Mitzel was a Republican. They were the parents of these children : Jacob F., James E., and William H., of York: Ellen, Mrs. J. W. Brenneman, living near Yorkana; John W., of East Hopewell township, and George A., who located in California.

John W. Mitzel reached manhood in his native place and attended the township schools there until eighteen years of age. Although reared as a farmer's boy, at twenty years of age he commenced to learn the miller's trade with George W. Dietz and Henry Liephart.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

He began milling at the Strickler mill in born in Adams Co., Pa., daughter of Calvin Chanceford township, and remained there for Beecher, and to this union the following chil- dren were born: Daisy Maude; Nora Ann, who died at the age of six years; Mabel Beecher ; and Paul Edgar. Mrs. Mitzel died May 27, 1901, and is buried at Kreutz Creek church, Hellam township. one year. at the end of which time he entered the George Liephart mill, where he spent four years, after which he remained for eight years at the Smyser mill near York. While there, in company with Henry Liephart, he engaged in the warehouse business, at the Bender ware- house, York. At the end of six months they JOHN ANDREW STROMINGER, of Fairview township, who devotes his entire time to agricultural pursuits, was born Oct. 6, 1846, on the old homestead in the township named and upon which he now resides, son of John and Rachel (Kilmore) Strominger. He at- tended the public schools of the township until about seventeen years of age and assisted his father on the home farm. In 1873 he married Adeline Eichelberger, daughter of John and Jane (Eckels) Eichelberger, both of whom died in Andersontown, where they are both buried. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Strominger located on the old homestead, which they bought in 1878. The farm con- sists of 102 acres of fine farm land, and the house (which was built in 1854) and the barn (built in 1850) are both good, substantial structures of stone. Mr. Strominger has pros- pered, having devoted all of his life to farming operations, and is considered one of the sub- stantial men of his community. dissolved partnership, Mr. Mitzel purchasing Mr. Liephart's interest and removing the busi- ness to the Joe Miller warehouse, corner of Philadelphia and Carlisle streets. He was there but two weeks, when the building was damaged by a cyclone. When Mr. Mitzel as- sumed the business at the warehouse, it had been greatly decreased, but the new manager put new life into it. To enlarge the business, Mr. Mitzel, William A. Smyser and William H. Butts founded the Smyser, Butts & Mitzel Co., and this association continued for two years, when Mr. Mitzel sold his interest to his partners and took charge of the Loucks mill at Hellam Station. There he remained eiglit years. In the fall of 1902 he purchased his present mill and farm, and since that time has been successfully engaged in their joint man- agement. The mill was built over one hundred years ago. At the time of making the above purchase, Mr. Mitzel also bought the Rainbow mill and farm, one-quarter of a mile from his home. This latter mill was erected by William Mitzel, one of his relatives, about fifty-five years ago.

Mr. Mitzel is a self-made man. Leaving home at the age of nineteen, to work as a mil- ler at seven dollars per month, he is now the owner of 268 acres of farm land, of two mills, and of a constantly increasing business. Every dollar of his present competency has been ac- quired honestly and laboriously. Fortune show- ered no special favors on him; he saw business possibilities and was quick to accept them. He is very well known in the community in which he resides, and is highly respected.

Mr. Mitzel was reared to the faith of the Lutheran Church, and is a member of the or- ganization at Hellam. He is a stanchi Repub- lican, and is serving his first year as school director of his township, having served two years in that capacity while in Hellam town- ship. He was formerly a member of the P. O. S. of A. Mr. Mitzel was married in York, Feb . 26, 1888, to Miss Alberta C. Beecher,

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. John A. Strominger were as follows: Sibbie Jane, who died at the age of twenty-five years, is buried at St. John's cemetery in Fairview town- ship, and was the wife of Charles Bonner; and Carrie Elizabeth, who resides at home. In his political associations Mr. Strominger is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are very highly esteemed in the community, and he is justly regarded as a good, useful citizen.

JOHN MEISENHELTER. a retired farmer of Manchester township, who is now living in North York borough, has for a num- ber of years been one of York county's success- ful men. He was born Jan. 8, 1853, son of David H. and Mary ( Sipe) Meisenhelter.

Henry Meisenhelter, the grandfather, was born in York county, where he engaged in farming and distilling in Conewago township until his death, which occurred in his fifty- seventh year. He was buried in Conewago township. The children born to him and his wife were: George, Levy, Henry, Rebecca,

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Mary, Leah, Lovina, Harriet and Dayid H. David H. Meisenhelter was born in 1815 in Conewago township, and received very little education. He followed farming in Conewago township and died in 1897, at York, Pa. He married Mary Sipe, who died in 1883, and is buried at Quickel's Church. The following children were born to them: one who died in infancy ; Margaretta died aged seven years ; Henry died at the age of seventeen years ; Mary married (first) J. M. Kilmore, (second) Eli F. Knaub, and lives in York ; and John.

John Meisenhelter received his education in Conewago township, attending school until he was seventeen years of age and subsequently removing to Indiana and Illinois, where he fol- lowed farming for four years. He then re- turned to York county and engaged in farm- ing, was in business from 1882 to 1884, and then moving to Lewisberry borough there continued his successful mercantile career from 1884 until 1897. He then commenced milling and farming in Manchester township, and in 1904 located in North York borough, where he has since lived retired from active labors.

In 1882 Mr. Meisenhelter married Celinda K. Stouch, daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Yost) Stouch, of Dover borough, and these children have been born to them : F. P. married Flora Grim and lives in North York; Maggie married Tempest Baublitz and lives in North York: William H., who married Lizzie Jor- dan. is a graduate of the York County Acad- emy and a teacher at Lightner's school: David S. is a stenographer: Lydia Mabel and Mary May (twins). Robert Guy, Edna M. and George Dewey all reside at home. In politics Mr. Meisenhelter is a Democrat, and while in Manchester township was school director. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, and are active in its support.

ALVIN L. MENGES, senior member of the firm of A. L. Menges & Brother, mill proprietors of Jackson township, is one of the leading business men and prominent citizens of Menges Mills. The mills have a history dating back to 1793, when they were built by a Mr. Hershey, on the waters of the Codorus creek. They have been in operation ever since, and for a number of years were owned by the late Peter H. Menges, father of the present partners and formerly a substantial retired business man of Menges Mills. In

1890 a complete roller system was inaugurated and other repairs made, until this plant is now one of the best equipped in the county. The firm does merchant and custom milling, by water and steam power, and the capacity is from thirty-five to forty barrels a day.

Alvin L. Menges is a native of York coun- ty, being born on the old Menges homestead in Heidelberg township, Dec. 13, 1870, and is the second son of Peter H. and Catherine (Hinkle) Menges. His mother was born in Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa., April 23, 1837. eldest daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth ( Mc- Gile) Hinkle, natives of Lancaster county. Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Menges settled at Menges Mills the same year that Alvin was born. The Menges originated in Germany. the Hinkles in Germany, and the McGiles in Scotland, and the brothers of the present firm appear to have inherited many of the virtues and excellent characteristics of these nations. although they are true Americans.

Alvin L. Menges was educated in the dis- trict schools and the Baugher Academy of Hanover, a private school, spending three years at the latter institution. He then took a commercial course at the Bacheldor's Busi- ness College, York, and, thus equipped. as- sisted his father in the conduct of the mill. Later. Peter H. Menges turned the manage- ment over to his son, and in 1896 the present partnership, under the existing style. was formed, the junior member being William H. Menges. The senior partner is a thoroughly practical miller, is conversant with every de- tail of the business, and is well and favorably known to the trade. The mill is conveniently located in one of the best wheat belts of Penn- sylvania, and commands a large business.

On Feb. 25, 1896, Mr. Menges was mar- ried to Eva L. Tanger, of Hanover, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Hersch) Tanger. Two children have been born of this union, David L. and Elizabeth, but the latter is now deceased. In politics Mr. Menges is a Repub- lican, but has no time to aspire to public office. He and his wife are consistent members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. of Spring Grove. In addition to his milling business, Mr. Menges operated his father's farm of one hundred acres, while the elder Menges lived; it is now operated by his three sons. As al- ways, he is a very busy, enterprising man.

WILLIAM H. MENGES, the junior member

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

of the milling firm of A. L. Menges & Bro., Feb. 27, 1902, and is interred in the Prospect was educated in the district school in Heidel- Hill cemetery. Their children were: WVil- liam, a carpenter by trade, who married Re- becca Ruby, and resides in California ; Henry ; George, an engineer, who died in February, 1903, leaving a widow, formerly Amanda Got- walt. berg township, and later attended the Bauglier private academy, at Hanover, for one year. The following two years he passed at the York County Academy, York, where he prepared for the college at Gettysburg. Entering the classical course he was graduated therefrom in the class of 1896. Returning home, he en- tered into partnership with his brother, as be- fore stated. For years, he was at Spring Grove, in charge of the warehouse there, and he has proved himself thoroughly conversant with business methods.

The business house of A. L. Menges & Brother enjoys an enviable reputation for straightforward dealings, and the product turned out by the mill is of such superior qual- ity that a ready market is found at all times.

HENRY KNAUB, salesman of musical instruments, was born in Manchester township, York county, in 1848, son of George Knaub. His great-grandfather came from Germany and settled in Conewago township, York Co., Pa., being the founder of the Knaub family in this country. He was a farmer by occupa- tion and died in Conewago township.

Daniel Knaub, his son, was a stone-mason by trade living in Newberry township, near Newberrytown, and many barns and houses still stand in that section as evidences of his good workmanship. He died in Conewago township, at the age of seventy-three years, and was buried at Quickel's Church. Daniel Knaub married Eva Brunner, who died aged about seventy-nine years. They had these children : George, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Katie, Lydia, Annie and Daniel, all of whom are deceased except Daniel, a resident of Man- chester township.

George Knaub, the father of Henry, was born in 1820, in Conewago township, where he was a farmer, and for a number of years followed teaming to Baltimore. He married Elizabeth Ort, daughter of Jolin and Sarah (Wilhelm) Ort. After marriage he worked the George Smyser farm in Manchester town- ship: then spent two years on George New- man's farm, located in Conewago township near Quickel's church, and afterward moved to the Henry Smyser farm, about four miles from York, where he died in 1853, and was buried at Quickel's church. His wife died offices. Mr. Knaub is strictly temperate in his

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 138

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