History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 145

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

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II > Part 145

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The Hall and Davis families joined the

795

BIOGRAPHICAL

Quaker colony, and because of their faith did not take part in the Revolution. Isaac Hall, the father of our subject, was born in Chester county, in 1803, and died there in 1844. He was a carpenter by trade, and became well known as a contractor and builder. He mar- ried Rachel Davis, of Chester county, who died at the age of eighty-five years, having borne her husband these children : Thomas and. Mary died in Chester county; William mar- ried Mary Ann Rambo, and died in Chester county ; Davis, diexl at the age of fourteen years; Lewis, who married Margaret Ellen White, farmed the place our subject now owns, and died in Hopewell township; Isaac, lived and died in Chester county, and there married Miss Cox; Hannah married Webster Miller and died in Chester county; Sarah, married Henry Null; and Samuel.

Samuel Hall was born near Waynesburg, Chester county, June 12, 1831. He was edu- cated in the public schools, and ever since boy- hood has evinced a great fondness for good literature, having, however, in his early life, poor chances to appease his literary appetite. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and followed that occupation until 1856, in Chester county, when he removed from that county and came to York county, renting for one year the farm at what is now Mitzel's Mill, and the next eight years farmed as a tenant near Stewartstown. At the end of that time he returned to his old home in Ches- ter county, where he resided for twenty-one years. At the end of this time he again located in East Hopewell township, purchasing his present farm, where he has since resided. This farm, which consists of forty acres, was pur- chased from his brother, and he has made won- derful improvements in the way of new build- ings, etc.

Mr. Hall was reared to the Quaker faith, but is a member of no church. He has been a lifelong Republican.

WILLIAM FRANKLIN KOHR, who re- sides on his well improved farm of 108 acres in Manchester township, York county, is one of the leading farmers of the section. Mr. Kohr was born in 1861, in Manchester town- ship, son of Daniel and Elizabeth ( Roth) Kohr.

Peter Kohr, the great-grandfather of Will- iam F., was born in Lancaster county and, com- ing to York county, located in West Manches-

ter township, where he bought about 200 acres of fine land, later removing to East Manches- ter township, and he died at Emigsville at a ripe old age. To Peter Kohr and his wife the following children were born: Thomas, Mi- chael, Lewis, and two daughters.

Lewis Kohr was born in 1801, in Lancaster county, and came to York county with his father, when about twenty years of age. Here he learned the milling business, and followed this line in East Manchester township, at My- ers' Mills, later buying a mill along the Harris- burg turnpike, near Emigsville. The mill, which is known as the old Schultz Mill, is over 100 years old and is still standing in a reason- ably good condition. Mr. Kohr devoted about thirty years to milling and farming, and was the owner of five farms of 156. 151. 121, 60 and 2 acres, respectively. He married a Miss Westheffer, daughter of Conrad Westheffer, and they both died in Manchester township, where they are buried. The children born to this couple were as follows: Henry; Daniel ; Leah, who died in Decatur, Ill .; Reuben, living in York. Mr. Kohr's second wife was Re- becca Westheffer, a sister of his first wife, and to them these children were born: Adam, who married May Fink, and died in Manchester township; Louisa, who married William Nei- man and lives in York; Lewis, who married. and is a United Brethren preacher, living in Hanover ; Louise, who married George Sheaf- fer; Mary, who married Fred Neiman. and lives in Manchester township; Jacob, who mar- ried Ellen B. Brown, of Macon Co., Ill .; and Zacharias.

Daniel Kohr was born Feb. 27, 1827, in Manchester township, and received a common school education. He married Elizabeth Roth. daughter of Christian Roth, and then located in Manchester township, where he followed farming. Mr. Kohr bought over 300 acres of land in Springetsbury township which he di- vided into three farms, also owning two fine farms in Manchester township of 108 and 155 acres, respectively. He was a very prosperous farmer, and his whole life was devoted to agri- cultural pursuits. His death occurred in Springetsbury township, where his wife also died, and where they are both buried. Mr. and Mrs. Kohr were the parents of the fol- lowing children : Annie Julia married Franklin Keller, and resides in Springetsbury township; John married Sallie Myers, and lives in Spring-

796

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

etsbury township; Lewis lives in the same township; Ellen married Zacharias Horn, and lives in Yoe; William Franklin ; Emma, mar- ried a Kauffman, and lives in York city; Syl- vester, single, lives in Manchester township; Daniel married Leah Herbst, and resides in Manchester township; Alice married E. Spren- kle, and now resides in Hellam township; and Alfred and Jane died in infancy.

William Franklin Kohr received his edu- cation in the schools of Springetsbury town- ship, supplementing this with a course in the graded schools of York, and taught school for eleven years in York county, achieving quite a reputation as an educator.

Mr. Kohr married Lillie Sipe, born in York county, daughter of John Sipe. After marriage they located in Springetsbury town- ship, and in 1899 removed to Manchester town- ship, where Mr. Kohr had fallen heir to one of his father's farms. The farm consists of 108 acres of fine land, which Mr. Kohr has cultivated to a high degree. He makes im- provements every year, and devotes his entire time to farming.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kohr these children have been born : Roger ; Grace ; and Annie, who died at the age of two years. Mr. Kohr is a stanch Democrat, and has held the offices of township clerk and inspector of Springetsbury township. Mr. Kohr is a member of the Reformed Church, while his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church.

DANIEL SPANGLER, of Red Lion, was born Oct. 24, 1861, in Springetsbury township, York county.

William Spangler, his grandfather, was born and reared in Springetsbury township, York Co., Pa., and died there. He married Catherine Eckert, and they had a family of twelve children.

John E. Spangler, father of Daniel, was born in Springetsbury townshp, where he fol- lowed farming all his active life, and now lives retired. He married Sarah Doran, a native of Hellam township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Spang- ler have reached the age of sixty-eight. They reared a family of twelve children. John E. Spangler is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife belongs to the U. B. Church.

Daniel Spangler was reared on his father's farm, and attended school in Windsor town- ship until the age of seventeen years. He was

nineteen years old when he went to learn the carpenter's trade with William Stabley, of Yoe, and this trade he followed for nine years, for eighteen months engaging in contracting. About 1885 he embarked in the cigar business, beginning with one assistant, but his business has grown until he now employs as many as one hundred hands. In 1892 he removed his business to Red Lion and built a factory on High street, which he later converted into a dwelling when he built his present large fac- tory. He manufactures a medium' brand of cigars, a demand for which has been created. and in one year he has shipped seven hundred cases. His business has prospered through his own intelligent efforts.

Mr. Spangler has also been energetic in promoting the affairs of the borough. His in- fluence has been felt in almost all of the public- spirited movements of the town. He assisted in the organization of the electric light company and was one of its directors for several years ; he helped to organize the water company, and was one of its directors for years; was also one of the founders of the First National Bank of Red Lion, of which he was a director for years, and was one of the main promoters of the Red Lion Fire Company.

Mr. Spangler has been a lifelong Republi- can, casting his first vote for Harrison. He was one of those who helped to organize the village into a borough, and the first office to which he was elected after the change was that of judge of elections. He has done much for educational advancement here, serving as school director since 1902, and throughout that time has been secretary of the school board.

In 1881 Mr. Spangler was married, in Red Lion, to Fanny Reisinger, of Wrightsville, daughter of Frank and Barbara (Walleck) Reisinger. They have two children : Gertrude, who attended Patrick's Business College at York; and Florence, a student in high school. Both young ladies are well educated.

Mr. Spangler is one of the leading mein- bers of the Lutheran Church at Red Lion, sec- retary of the council and joint council of the church, one of the deacons and a valued teacher in the Sunday-school. Fraternally he is con- nected with the I. O. O. F. and the Encamp- ment at Red Lion ; and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

SAM E. S. STONEBRAKER, for several years the manager of the "Colonial Hotel," at

797

BIOGRAPHICAL

York, Pa., has been identified with the hotel business for some time. Mr. Stonebraker was born Feb. 5, 1873, at Hagerstown, Md., son of D. Hewitt and Caroline ( Winders) Stone- braker, who were of old families of Maryland.

Mr. Stonebraker's early life was spent in his native State, and he was reared on his father's farm. At an early age he engaged in the mer- cantile business, taking the management of a department store when only fifteen years of age. At the age of twenty-two years he en- tered the employ of the Government, being in the secret service of the Department of Mail, with his headquarters at New York City, and remained in this service for four years. He then took charge of the "Hotel Hamilton" at Hagerstown, Md., from which place he came to York, and in 1898 began managing the "Co- lonial" for Mr. Campbell, continuing at that place quite successfully. Mr. Stonebraker is a member of the F. & A. M. of York, No. 266; Howell Chapter, No. 199; and the B. P. O. E., No. 213.

JOHN J. FULTON, a highly respected citizen and retired farmer living at Shrews- bury borough, was born in Peach Bottom town- ship, York Co., Pa., in 1832, a son of John Fulton.

John Fulton, father of John J., was a prom- inent teacher in York county, following the profession for some twenty-five years. He also owned a farm of 300 acres of fine land. He married Elizabeth Cursell, who died in 1865 .. He survived until the age of seventy-three, and both were buried in their native township at Slate Ridge. They had these children : David, Robert, John J., A. J., Elsie J. (who married a McCurdy), and Mary A. (who married William Evans). All have passed away except John J.

John J. Fulton spent his school days in his native township, close to Delta, and continued a student until he was about eighteen years old, when he became his father's main help on the farm. After the death of his father, he fell heir to 108 acres of the homestead, and he lived there, farming with much success, until 1888. He then moved to Stewartstown and ran a temperance hotel for three years, during the period of the construc- tion of the Stewartstown railroad. Then he returned to his farm which he sold two and a half years later. For two years he resided with

his father-in-law, but in 1890 he bought his present property, consisting of ten acres all within the borough of Shrewsbury, where he has made many improvements.

Mr. Fulton was married (first), in 1861, to Sarah A. Heapes, daughter of John Heapes, o1 Harford county, Md. She died in 1876, and is buried at Slate Ridge. Three children were born of this union : William John, Hugh M. and Charles C., both of the latter being deceased. The eldest son attended the York Collegiate In- stitute and an educational institution at Eas- ton, for three years, and after graduating read law with Judge Fisher of York, and was ad- mitted to the Bar at York in 1883. Mr. Ful- ton was married (second) to Hannah A. H. Johnson, daughter of John Johnson, of York county.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Fulton are Lutherans. Mr. Fulton is a Democrat, but takes no very active part in political contests. He is pass- ing the evening of life in his beautiful home which has one of the finest locations in this town, standing on an eminence overlooking the surrounding country.

THOMAS PROWELL SWENEY is a native of Fairview township, where he was born Aug. 2, 1841, son of Charles Sweney.

Patrick Sweney, grandfather of Thomas P., was a farmer of York county, where he died, leaving children : John, Francis, Daniel, Gracie. Charles, Margaret and Susan.

Charles Sweney was born Jan. 27, 1801, and received a common school education. He followed farming in Fairview township, where. Feb. 27, 1834, he was united in marriage with Catherine Smith, who was born Nov. 27, 1809. daughter of John Smith, the well-known cab- inet maker of Lewisberry borough. Mrs. Sweney died Jan. 23, 1889, while her husband died Aug. 14, 1879, and the remains of both rest in Mt. Olivet cemetery in Fairview town- ship. A man of sterling worth of character. Mr. Sweney was very highly respected in the community in which he made his home for so many years. Mr. and Mrs. Sweney were the parents of children as follows : Anna May, born May .6, 1835, died young : John Henry, born March 18, 1838, died July 18, 1899: Thomas Prowell; and William A., born April 4, 1846. married Rosa Graft, and lives in Clearfield county. Their son, Charles F., is a bright young civil engineer, located in Belmont, New York.

798

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Thomas P. Sweney attended the schools of dangerous wounds, Mr. Aughenbaugh was tak- Fairview township until eighteen years of age, en prisoner and held as such for ninety-one days, and his experiences, as often related by him, were thrilling in the extreme. and from that age to the present time he has followed farming. From 1885 to 1889 he served in the revenue service, fulfilling his du- ties faithfully. In 1883 he purchased the Henry Mosey farm, which is situated on the road lead- ing from New Cumberland to Lisburn, where he is now located, carrying on general farm- ing and dairying. Mr. Sweney's farm consists of forty-five acres of good land, and his dairy business is quite extensive, he selling his milk at wholesale. His vote is cast in favor of the Democratic party, and he has served on the election board, and has been tax collector of his township.

WILLIAM N. AUGHENBAUGH, a re- tired farmer of North Codorus township, is an honored veteran of the great Civil war. He was born in Newberry township, Sept. 16, 1838, son of Simon, and grandson of George Aughenbaugh.

George Aughenbaugh was a farmer of Con- ewago township, where he died, being buried at a place called Aughenbaugh School House. He had children : George, David, John and Si- 111011.

Simon Aughenbaugh was a farmer of New- berry township, and married ( first) Miss Nail- er, by whom he had the following children : Henry, John N., William N., Catherine, George, Levina and Levi. After the death of his first wife he married Elizabeth Nye, and they removed to Cumberland county, near Car- lisle, where he purchased the Nobel farm of I42 acres of land, and where he died a short time after, at the age of forty-two years. Ten months later the family returned to York coun- ty, locating in Manchester township. ;

In 1865 Mr. Aughenbaugh married Mary Gentler, daughter of Peter Gentler, of West Manchester township. For one year after mar- riage Mr. Aughenbaugh hired out in that town !- ship, whence he went to Jackson township, be- ing employed there in a stone quarry for three and one-half years. At the end of this time he returned to West Manchester township, and purchased the farm of Jacob Baer, where he re- mained twenty-eight years. In 1897 he located on his present home of four acres, which he purchased of George W. Brenneman, near York New Salem, and here he has resided to the pres- ent time. To him and his wife were born the following children: Catherine, the wife of A. M. Glatfelter, who is farming in North Co- dorus township; Lydia Jane, married to M. G. Emig, of the same township; and Allen Mon- roe, now located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Aughenbaugh is a stanch Republican, and when in West Manchester township served as assessor, tax collector and supervisor. He is a member of Wolf's Lutheran Church.

JOHN AMBROSE TROSTLE is en- gaged in cultivating his farm in Paradise town- ship. He was born in Adams county, near Ab- bottstown, May 10, 1846.

John Trostle, the grandfather of our sub- ject, came from Germany, and settled on a farm near Holtz-Schwamm Church, where he died. He married, and had a large family of children, among whom was John (2), the father of our subject.

John Trostle (2) was born in Adams county, where he spent most of his life. He followed farming from early manhood until his death near Berlin. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. He married Miss Eve Shet- ler, and she also died in Berlin.

William N. Aughenbaugh received most of his education in Newberry township, al- though he also received some schooling in Manchester township. As his father had died when he was still a very small boy he was sent John Ambrose Trostle grew to manhood in the neighborhood of East Berlin, and attended the township schools, his first teacher being Professor Brown. He left school at the age of eighteen years, and remained with his fath- er until of age, when, at twenty-one years of age, he commenced to work out among the farmers, and also at times worked at painting. out among strangers to make his own way, being hired out in Spring Garden township for one and one half years. In 1861 he enlisted in gallant Company E, 87th P. V. I., tak- ing part in all of the engagements of that reg- iment except one. He served until Dec. 10, 1864, when he was discharged with the rank of corporal. Although never receiving any He was married in Paradise township, in 1874,

799

BIOGRAPHICAL

to Miss Maria Ferrer, daughter of John and away in 1889, is also buried. Samuel Rockey Leah Ferrer, both deceased, who owned the was a stanch Democrat in politics, while his farm which now belongs to our subject. At- religious connections were with the Lutheran ter marriage Mr. Trostle rented this farm, which became his on the death of his father- in-law. This was in 1886, and since that time Mr. Throstle has made many improvements, including the erection of a new barn, 75x46 feet, and other buildings. Mr. Trostle is a member of the Upper Conewago German Bap- tist Church, in which he is very active. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Trostle are as follows: Minerva; Jennie, who married Bert Stambaugh, of Adams county, and Edith.

SAMUEL F. ROCKEY, of York, was born Nov. 29, 1860, in Newberry township, York county, at the Ball Hills, son of Henry and Louise (Fohs) Rockey.

Frederick Rockey, the great-grandfather, came from Germany with his two brothers- Jacob and Leonard-and settled in York coun- ty, where Red Lion now stands. He followed brick laying, and was a very successful and skillful mechanic. Although he lived to old age, twenty years prior to his death he had a very serious accident, falling from a scaffold and receiving injuries which nearly resulted fatally; but the noted Dr. Speck, of Lancaster City, Pa., by his skill brought him back to health. Frederick Rockey is buried in the Lutheran cemetery on George street, in York, Pa. He married Elizabeth King, and the chil- dren born to them were: Sarah A., who mar- ried Samuel Downs, died near Newberry, and is buried in the Paddletown cemetery, New- berry township; Samuel; Jacob, who died at Red Lion; and John and George, who died in Conewago township.

Church of York. The children born to Sam- uel and Leah Rockey were: George W., of Newberry township; Maria Elizabeth, who married Joseph Myers, and lives in Newberry township; Henry, who is mentioned below; Angeline, who married Henry Stettler, died in Newberry township and is buried at Paddle- town; Sarah Ann, married to Abraham Wolf, and residing at Lewisberry borough; Rachel, widow of Joseph Strawbaugh, residing on Phil- adelphia street, York; Lydia, who died at the age of fifteen years, and is buried in the Miller graveyard; Leah, who died young, and is bur- ied in Newberry township; and Jacob.

Henry Rockey was born in Newberry town- ship and his education was received in the pub- lic schools. He was married while young and began at once as a farmer in the same vicinity, becoming well known and honored there. La- ter in life he moved to York, was appointed tip- staff by Judge Bay Stewart, and was so en- gaged for the rest of his days. His death oc- curred at the age of sixty-nine, while his wife died when only forty-two years old. Both are buried in Green Mount cemetery, York. The following children were born to Henry and Louise (Fohs) Rockey: William, a molder for the. York Manufacturing Company; Francis M., foreman in the molding department of that same company, in which he is also a stock- holder; Samuel F .; John; Louis ; and Elmer, deceased.

Samuel F. Rockey was sent to school in York until he was seventeen, and after that was engaged in a variety of occupations. For four- teen years he was in the transfer business with John Gross, and then went to John F. Thomas & Sons, by whom he was employed eight years. In 1900 he was appointed to be the janitor of the Burrowes school building on West King street, and has ever since been in that position, the duties of which Mr. Rockey performs most faithfully and satisfactorily. He is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M .. Codorus Council, No. 115, and is a member of the Reformed Church. In political sentiment he is a Democrat.

Samuel Rockey was born at Red Lion in 1798, received a common school education, and followed farming in Fairview township. He married Leah Kilmore, daughter of David and Elizabeth ( Malone) Kilmore, of Washington township, and after his marriage removed to Newberry township, renting a farnı of Mathias Boyer. Later he bought eighty acres in the same township, where he followed farming un- On May 14. 1883, Mr. Rockey married Miss Sarah Alice Huss, daughter of John Huss. and children as follows have been born to their til his death, which occurred in 1872. He is buried at the old Miller burying-ground in Newberry township, where his wife, who passed union : Francis W., a molder for the York

800

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Manufacturing Company; Harry, who died Crane, of York; Leah, residing with her sis- June 7, 1904, aged nineteen, and is buried in ter Matilda; and Sarah Jane, widow of the late Jacob C. Boring.

Green Mount cemetery ; and Edna Maria, who is attending school. The family home is at No. 561 West Prince street, where Mr. Rockey bought the property in 1890.

ELIAS GLATFELTER, one of the highly esteemed residents of Conewago township, York Co., Pa., was born Aug. 30, 1842, in that part of the county known as the Fishing Creek Valley, son of Elijalı and a grandson of Daniel Glatfelter.

Daniel Glatfelter was born in York county, this family being an old established one here, and he owned property which was improved with good buildings, in Conewago township, where he was actively engaged in farming un- til within a few years of his death. His wife was a Miss Currens, also of York county, and both lie buried at Roless Church in Conewago township. Their children were: Elizabeth, the wife of John Leach, died in the West where they had located; Jacob died unmarried ; Sam- uel married Rebecca Crissenger and died in Huntingdon county, Pa .; Daniel married Leah Byers, and died in Conewago township; Elijah ; and Susanna married Samuel Sipe, and died in Fairview township.

Elijah Glatfelter was born in 1817, in Con- ewago township, and obtained the best educa- tional advantages afforded by the country schools at that time, these being, as we know, very meager when contrasted with those of the present day. He grew into strong young man- hood and carried on farming many years af- ter his marriage on the home place, and then located in Dover township. where he bought a small farm and operated for a few years. Subsequently he bought a comfortable home in Dover borough, where he lived in compara- tive retirement. He died June 10, 1891. He married Mary Lefever, who died Nov. 14. 1894, and both are buried at Strayer's Church in Dover township. The children of Elijah Glat- felter and wife were: Matilda, a resident of Dover; Elias, of this sketch; John; Daniel, of York, who married Annie Pfoltzgraff; Eva Ann, wife of Levi Snellbecker, of Dover; Pe- ter, of Dover, who married Sarah Berkheimer ; George, who died young ; Samuel L., who mar- ried Caroline Gross, and is a farmer in Con- ewago township; Mary Ann, wife of Edward

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 145

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