History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 149

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

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Joseph E. Schall (2) was born at the corner of Philadelphia and George streets, and spent his entire life in York City. By trade he was a carpenter, and helped to build many buildings. in this city. He died at his home on North George street, June 26, 1894. Mr. Schall mar- ried Maria Gardner, daughter of Jacob Gard- ner, and she is still living, aged seventy-nine years. The children of this union were : Mary, who married Charles Ebaugh, of York; Will- iam J .; and Charles, of York.

William J. Schall'received his education between the ages of six and seventeen years. and then started to learn the plumbing trade, with D. D. Doudel, which apprenticeship laster three years. He then followed this trade as a journeyman for four years, when he opened a shop for himself at the corner of North and George streets, where he remained three years. At this time he removed to the lower end of

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South Queen street, also operating his shop Stone Church in Codorus township. He mar- · on South George street, where he remained ried (second ) Barbara Fishel, who still resides nine years, and then located at his present place of business, No. 336 South Queen street, turn- ing the stable that stood on the rear part of the lot, into a shop. Here he has become very suc- cessful and he enjoys a large business and the confidence of the people. He is painstaking in his work, as the excellence of the latter testi- fies, and never fails to give satisfaction.

Mr. Schall was married in York, in 1880, to Miss Rebecca Landis, daughter of Reuben and Lydia Landis, both of whom are deceased. One child was born to this union, Daisy May, who died at the age of fifteen years. Mr. Schall is a member of the First Reformed Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and has been active in the ranks of that party since he attained his majority, casting his first vote for Governor Andrew H. Dill, while his first presidential vote was cast for Hancock. In fraternal circles, Mr. Schall is well known, be- ing a popular member of Keystone Conclave, No. 12, of the Heptasophs.

SOLOMON F. ROSER, a merchant lo- cated at Green Ridge Station, on the Western Maryland railroad, is a worthy descendant of one of York county's oldest families. He was born June 24, 1870, in Codorus township, son of Levi E. and Lucy Ann ( Rohrbaugh) Roser.

Lawrence Roser, the first of the family in America, came from Germany and settled in York county, and then moved to Adams county, Pa., but in a few years returned to York county where he died. His children were: George, John, Philip, Elizabeth, Barbara, Christina, Re- becca and Lawrence.

Philip Roser, great-grandfather of Solomon F., was born in Codorus township. In early life he followed the trade of a weaver, but later engaged in farming in Codorus township, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. He married Christine Brenneman, who died at the age of forty-five years, and both are buried in Codorus township. Their children were: John, David, Jesse and Mary (who mar- ried George Markel).

John Roser was born in Codorus township, where he followed farming. He married (first) Julia Eppley, daughter of John and Mary (Breeker) Eppley. She died aged sixty- two years, and was buried at the well-known

at York. The children of the first marriage were: Levi E .; Mary, wife of Jacob Miller; and Ephraim, Julian, Lydia and Sarah, all de- ceased. The children of the second marriage were : John, Paul and Bert. John Roser was a very prominent farmer in his locality for many years, living retired the latter part of his life. His death took place at the age of sixty-nine years, and he was laid to rest in the Stone Church cemetery.

Levi E. Roser, father of Solomon F., was born March 4, 1840, in Codorus township. The earlier part of his life was spent at home and he first engaged in farming. but later was employed in a mill as chopper for three years. In 1895 he bought the old Klinedinst property with twenty-five acres of land in Codorus township, and he is still engaged in the milling business at that point. He is a Democrat in his political views. He is one of the oldest members of Shrewsbury Lodge No. 143, I. O. O. F., having joined in 1865. Levi E. Roser married Lucy Ann Rohrbaugh, daughter of Solomon and Catherine ( Brenneman ) Rohr- baugh. Their children are: John, E., living near Larue, engaged in farming, married Julia Diehl, now deceased; Israel, at home : Heister, who married Savilla Rohrbaugh, and is fore- man of S. B. Brodbeck's creamery at Green Ridge, Pa .; Solomon F .; William H., who married Ellen Utz, and resides at home assist- ing his father in the mill ; Sarah, wife of George Messersmith, of Codorus township; and Amanda, wife of Chester G. Rohrbaugh, of New Freedom, York county.

Solomon F. Roser obtained his education in the township schools, which he attended until he was fourteen years of age, when he was em- ployed with S. B. Brodbeck, being general utility man for two years on the farm and in the store, but at the age of sixteen he began to be a regular clerk in the store, and remained there for two years, and then came to Green Ridge, taking charge of both store and warehouse. On March 15, 1892, Mr. Roser bought out Mr. Brodbeck, and since that period has been operating the business on his own account. Be- ing the only merchant at Green Ridge he has a wide field and does an immense business, carrying a well selected stock of all kinds of merchandise. He has added a department for the repairing of clocks and jewelry, and as he

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

makes it apparent that he desires to please, his trade is constantly on the increase.

Mr. Roser married Lucinda Caslow, daugh- ter of Jacob and Lucy ( Gentz) Caslow, and a member of a prominent family of York conn- ty. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Roser took part in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Roser have two children, Melvin G. and Florence.

In politics Mr. Roser is a Democrat. For a number of years he has been very active in the various fraternities, being a member of Rock Council, No. 54, Jr. O. U. A. M., of Glen Rock: No. 318, K. of P., of Hanover ; No. 908, I. O. O. F .. of Jefferson; No. 152, K. of M., of York; and the Royal Arcanum, of Hanover. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

ISRAEL FREY is a representative busi- ness man of the city of York, and is also a member of an old and prominent family of York county, which has been his home from the time of his birth. He is president and treasurer of the Spring Garden Brick Com- pany, which was incorporated in 1903, his asso- ciate in the enterprise being his brother, Clin- ton D., who is secretary and general manager .of the company. The plant of the concern is operated by steam power, and the equipment throughout is of approved modern type, insur- ing facility in manufacture and maximum evenness and perfection in the output. The office of the company is located on East King street, near the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the .extensive brick yards are on the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad, in the same section of the city. An average force of about twenty- five men is employed, while a large local trade is controlled and large shipments made to the «city of Baltimore, Md., and other points in "this section.

Israel Frey was born on the old homestead farm, in Spring Garden township, this county, Aug. 25, 1848, being sixth in the order of birth "of the eight children born to Israel, Sr., and Sarah (Reamer) Frey, both natives of York county and members of sterling pioneer fam- ilies of German extraction, and grandson of Samuel Frey.

Samuel Frey was one of the early settlers of Spring Garden township, where he devel- oped a farm, and continued to reside until his death.

Israel Frey, Sr., was born about 1814, and his death occurred in 1885. He was one of thie substantial farmers and highly honored citi- zens of Spring Garden township, where he con- tinned to reside until he was summoned from the field of life's endeavors. He was a stalwart Democrat in his political allegiance, and was a man of strong individuality and alert mental- ity, while both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the Lutheran Church. His wife, Sarah (Reamer), was a daughter of William Reamer, another pioneer of the county, and her death occurred in 1856.

Israel Frey, our subject, was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm, while his educa- tional opportunities in his youth were those afforded in the district schools of his native township. He attended school during the win- ter months, and assisted in the work of the farm during the summer seasons until he had attained the age of sixteen years, after which he learned the carpenter's trade. under the di- rection of Henry Sleeger, of Freystown, now of the city of York. After completing his apprenticeship Mr. Frey followed his trade until 1879, when he became interested in the manufacture of brick, as a member of the firm of Israel Frey & Company, which was suc- ceeded by the present company, incorporation having been made to facilitate and expand the business. The plant of the company is located on the Maryland & Pennsylvania railroad in Spring Garden township. Mr. Frey is a reliable, energetic and progressive business man, and is known as one of the loyal citizens of his native county. In politics he is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members of Trinity United Evangelical Church, while their pleasant residence property is located at No. 145 South Duke street, in one of the most attractive sections of York.

On June 29, 1873, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Frey to Miss Louisa Kalb, daugh- ter of John and Catherine (Schment ) Kalb, of Baltimore, Md., and they have had two sons, Percy Kalb, born Jan. 27, 1876; and Clarence Lee, born June 28, 1874, died Dec. 16, 1897.

E. L. APPLE, founder of the E. L. Apple Company, manufacturers of leather flynets at Wellsville, York county, one of Pennsylvania's large industries, which finds a market for its goods all over the United States, was born

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March 30, 1848, in Carlisle, Pa. He is a son age of sixty years, seven months and twenty- of Benjamin F. and Lydia (Heiges) Apple, one days. Like her husband she was a member and a grandson of Philip and Susanna (House) Apple. of the Reformed Church. Mr. Apple's second marriage, which took place in 1880, was to Mrs. Maria (Bupp) Hullinger, widow of Levi Hullinger, and she is still living in Harrisburg. In political matters Mr. Apple was & Repub- lican, but he never aspired to public office.

Ths Apple family is of German origin, and the great-grandfather of Mr. Apple came to America from Germany, settling in Pennsylva- nia. Philip Apple first located in Hanover, York county, and still later removed to Carlisle, Pa., where he followed his trade of butcher and saddle-tree maker all of his active life. He died in Hanover. He and his wife were the parents of these children : Charles, Alexander, Benjamin F., Emanuel, Elizabeth, Emmeline and Henrietta. In religious belief Mr. Apple and his wife were Lutherans. It is thought that he was a Whig in political sentiment.

Benjamin F. Apple was born in Carlisle Oct. 30, 1822, and his wife Lydia was born Jan. 20, 1816. He received his education in Cumberland and York counties. His father had returned to Hanover. when the son was fifteen years old, and there Benjamin learned the cooper's trade, as well as that of brickmak- ing, which vocation he followed until 1861, when he commenced farming in Washington township. From that occupation he retired about seven years prior to his decease, on Sept. 15, 1890, when he was aged sixty-seven years, ten months, fifteen days.

On Aug. 26, 1864, Mr. Apple enlisted in Washington township, York county, for one year or during the war, in Co. I, 209th Reg., P. V. I., 9th Army Corps (Capt. John Klugh, of Franklintown, commanding), and was wound- ed while in front of Petersburg, the injury in- capacitating him for the rest of his life. Mr. Apple served about nine months, and became a corporal, and his record is one of which any man might well be proud. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war by general orders.

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Apple were the parents of the following children: Henrietta, who married Michael Brown and was the mother of Emma, Ella and Lucy ; E. L. Apple, of this sketch; Sarah, who married Calvin Hinkle, and had these children-Alvin, Clay- ton, Minnie, Ella, James, Maggie and John ; John A. Apple, of York, who married Cather- ine Shaeffer ; and George W. Apple, who mar- ried Alice Crawford, of Indiana, and has three children-Marie, Jesse and Mamie. Mrs. Lydia Apple died in September, 1876, at the

E. L. Apple received his education in the common schools of York county, and was reared on the farm, upon which he remained until twenty years old. At that age he was apprenticed to Daniel Mummert to learn the harnessmaker's trade, and after two years, hav- ing completed his apprenticeship, he worked for Lewis Worley, at Petersburg, Adams county. In 1870 Mr. Apple opened a shop at his father's home, where he remained about one year. He then removed to Rossville, York county, and opened an establishment which he conducted until 1880, in which year he started his present business, the manufacturing of fly- nets, carrying it on at that place until 1892. He then removed his plant to Wellsville, and united with the Wells Whip Company, with whom he remained one year. When the United States Whip Company absorbed both the whip and net manufactories, a new independent net industry was formed under the name of the Wellsville Manufacturing Company, remaining as such until 1902. In that year, on Nov. 15th, the plant was destroyed by fire. Mr. Apple had withdrawn in September, 1902, and in January, 1903, broke ground for his present manufactory. The building is 126x28, two stories, attic and basement, and employment is given to an average of sixty hands. The trade of the firm is constantly increasing, three traveling salesmen being steadily em- ployed. Mr. Apple's management is of the best, and he is ably seconded by his partner, Mr. W. D. Brougher.

E. L. Apple was married Feb. 15, 1872, to Miss Katie Urich, daughter of John Urich, of Dover township, and these children have been born to the union: Gertrude married Russell R. Reiff, D. D. S., of New Cumberland, and they have one child, Lloyd E .; Grace E. is a bookkeeper and stenographer for her father; John F. is deceased ; Harvey B. works in the manufacturing department of his father's plant ; Lloyd is also engaged in the factory ; Raymond Dale is deceased.

In religious belief the family are members

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

of the M. E. Church. In his political views Mr. Apple is a Republican, has held the office of township treasurer of Warrington town- ship, and has been a school director of Wells- ville borough for six years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Heptasophs.

Mr. Apple is a well qualified, practical me- chanic, and much of the success of the industry of which he is the head is owing to his careful supervision, by which the high standard of the goods is maintained. Besides his connection with E. L. Apple & Co. he is the heaviest stock- holder in the Wellsville Manufacturing Com- pany's plant.

WILLIAM S. EISENHART, D. D. S., is following in the professional footsteps of his father, who was one of the distinguished and prominent members of the dental profession in Pennsylvania at the time of his death, as well as one of York county's influential and highly esteemed citizens.

Charles A. Eisenhart, D. D. S., father of William S., was born in York county, Feb. 22, 1844, son of Dr. Jacob Eisenhart. His lineage is traced back to stanch German origin in both the agnatic and maternal branches. His pater- nal ancestors settled in Pennsylvania in the Colonial era of our national history. Dr. Eisenhart was reared in his native county. He was a man of high attainments, especially in the line of his profession, to which he devoted the best years of his life, having been one of the leading dental practitioners of York coun- ty and well known to his confreres throughout the State. As a young man he was a successful teacher in the schools of Manchester township, and, after preparing himself for his profession, he removed to Michigan, and located in Mar- shall, Calhoun county, where, in 1860, he en- tered into a professional partnership with Dr. Eggleston; this mutually helpful alliance con- tinuing for a considerable length of time. Upon its dissolution Dr. Eisenhart returned to York, where he continued in the active practice of his profession until the time of his death, which oc- curred April 23, 1901. He made a special study of electricity, particularly in connection with operative dentistry as a substitute for the dangerous anesthetics, making application for a patent upon a method for thus applying electric- ity in extracting and filling teeth. The inven- tion is wonderfully successful and has inet with a large sale among leading members of the pro-

fession, while the device has brought the name of its honored inventor into wide repute. Dr. Charles A. Eisenhart was one of York's most progressive and public-spirited citizens, and commanded the high regard of all who knew him. He was for seven years a member of the board of education, was a stockholder in the York Safe & Lock Company, and at the time of his demise was president of the City Build- ing & Loan Association and of the York Tele- phone Company. In politics he was an uncom- promising Republican, and both he and his wife were zealous and valued members of the Luth- eran Church, of which their five children like- wise are members.

On Dec. 5, 1872, was solemnized the mar- riage of Dr. Charles A. Eisenhart to Miss Emma C. Pfahler, who was born and reared in York county, daughter of Charles and Cather- ine (Weiser) Pfahler. Mrs. Eisenhart died Sept. 2, 1898, at the age of fifty-two years, and she is survived by her five children, all of whom still reside in York, namely : William S., Luther P., Jacob C., Harry W. and M. Herbert.

Dr. William S. Eisenhart was born in the family residence, on West Philadelphia street, in the borough of York, April 27, 1874, and he had the advantages of a cultured and refined home, as well as those afforded in the public schools of his native city. He completed a course in the high school, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1892. He then passed one year in the study of den- tistry in the office and under the direction of Dr. Herbert Smith, one of Massachusetts' lead- ing practitioners, afterward matriculating in the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where he com- pleted the prescribed curriculum in both opera- tive and laboratory departments, and gradu- ated a member of the class of 1896, receiving his degree of D. D. S. He forthwith opened his present attractive and handsomely appoint- ed offices on West Market street, in the city of York, where he has built up a representative practice, having the best of mechanical and other facilities and being recognized as an able and progressive member of his profession. He is a member of the Alumni Association of Pennsylvania University, and is identified with the State and district dental associations, while in a social way he holds membership in the Bachelor's Club and the York Country Club, being especially popular in the social life of his

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native city, where his circle of friends is equal might well have discouraged him. He was to that of his acquaintances. He is a member born in North Codorus township, March 16, 1868. of the directorate of the York Telephone Com- pany and the City Building & Loan Associa- The Newman family is of Scotch origin, and the great-grandfather came from Scotland to Maryland and settled on a farm in Wash- ington county, where he died. His five chil- dren were John, Daniel, Jacob, Michael and Catherine. tion. In politics the Doctor gives his allegi- ance to the Republican party, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and in the council of that organization.

ROLAND F. SEITZ, who has been known to the citizens of Glen Rock, Shrews- bury township, as a composer and teacher of music, was born June 14, 1867, in Shrewsbury township, son of William and Magdalene (Zeigler) Seitz, the former of whom died when our subject was three years old.

Roland F. Seitz attended the public schools of Shrewsbury township, and later learned the printer's trade, which he followed for about five years in the Item office at Glen Rock. From boyhood his musical talent has been marked, and he has given much attention to the study of music and the development of his talent. When quite a young man he began to write and teach music, and in 1894 he entered Dana's Musical College at Warren, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1898, having taken a regular course of study. After receiving his where he has since been engaged in teaching. composing and publishing music.

Some of Mr. Seitz's compositions have met with great success, having a large sale in nearly every State in the union as well as in Canada. Two compositions which have been particularly successful are those entitled "Institute" and "Brooks' Marine Band," having had a large sale since their publication. Mr. Seitz does quite a large business in the sheet music line, his name as composer being known in all parts of the country. For four years he was leader of the Glen Rock Band, an organization of high musical ability.

On Jan. 23, 1902, Mr. Seitz married Miss Mattie Heathcote, daughter of Charles Heath- cote, and one child has been born to this union.' Mrs. Seitz is a member of the Lutheran Church.

EDWARD B. NEWMAN, justice of the peace and high school teacher in Glenville, Co- dorus township, is a selfmade man, who se- cured his education and fitted himself for his present position in the face of obstacles that

John Newman was a farmer like his father, and lived on a tract of 100 acres in Heidelberg (now Penn) township, near the borough of Han- over. He operated his farm till he was about sixty years old, and then moved into the town, where he died eleven years later. He married Elizabeth Bortner, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Markel, who died when only thirty- seven years old, leaving one child, John B. John Newman is buried in Hanover, while his wife is buried at Fiscel's church, in Shrews- bury township.

John B. Newman was born in Shrewsbury township, Oct. 26, 1836, but was reared in Co- dorus township and North Codorus township, where he attended the public schools till he was sixteen. He then learned the blacksmith's trade under George Markel, and after working with him three years and a half, went to Seven Valley. There he followed various occupa-

musical education he returned to Glen Rock, tions, working as a farmer, a miner and an em-

ploye of the Northern Central Railroad. His residence in Seven Valley covered the period of the Civil war, and Mr. Newman witnessed Stewart's charge there. The war has always been a topic of much interest to Mr. Newman, and he is remarkably well informed on it, espe- cially on the events occurring in and around Seven Valley. In 1869 he opened a blacksmith shop near Glenville, on the road leading to Glen Rock, and conducted it for thirty-five . years and eight months, but Nov. 22, 1904. he moved into Glenville, making his home with his son. He still has a shop, however. and in spite of his age can shoe a horse as well as any one in the county.

The wife chosen by John B. Newman bore the maiden name of Lemanda Brenneman, and was born in old Codorus township, April 13, 1837, daughter of Christian and Christine (Markel) Brenneman. She was married to Mr. Newman Feb. 1. 1855, by Rev. Jacob Sechler, and they have passed more than half a century of wedded life together. Their chil- dren were born as follows: Sarah, born Feb.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

17, 1856, died Feb. 18, 1859; Lucy Ann, born April 13, 1857, died Aug. 14, 1857; John F., born March 31, 1858, died Sept. 9, 1858; Be- linda, born Feb. 22, 1860, died Aug. 7, 1860; Emma J., born May 27, 1861, married John D. Bortner and lives near Bortner's mill, Codo- rus township; Julian E., born June 8, 1864, is the wife of William Bahn, of West Philadel- phia; Mary Catherine, born Aug. 21, 1865, married John B. Beek, of Spring Grove; Wil- liam Henry, born Jan. 4, 1867, died Aug. 16, 1867 ; and Edward B.

Edward B. Newman first attended the Bort- ner school in Codorus township, then went to Glen Rock Academy for three terms, when it was taught by Prof. R. R. Rodes, and also spent three spring terms at the Glenville Acad- emy under Prof. John E. Bahn. His educa- tion, however, was secured by his own hard toil, as his lack of means necessitated his work- ing in any way available to earn the money for his schooling, which generally was enjoyed one term at a time. He learned his father's trade, and worked with him for over five years. His experience as a teacher has been quite ex- tensive, and it began in Manheim township, where he taught two years ; he then taught four years in Codorus township, one in Glenville Academy, six in Codorus again, and since 1902 has been at Glenville, which has the only town- ship high school in the county. Mr. Newman is principal of the Normal Department, and is well qualified for the position, meeting its de- mands most satisfactorily. In 1900 he was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1905.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 149

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