History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 167

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

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Ira Freysinger remained at home until the age of twenty-three years, when he started out in life for himself, working by the day as a farm hand until 1892, when he purchased his present home, which consists of thirty-eight acres and upon which he does general farming. In 1891 he married Clara Fortney, the esti- mable daughter of Zachariah T. and Sarah ( Wilson) Fortney. Mrs. Freysinger is a de- vout member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Freysinger is a stanch Democrat in politics. He is a representative farmer of Monaghan township, and is also one of its most honest and upright citizens.

DANIEL B. BAER, a retired farmer now living in Washington township, near Hall postoffice, was born in that township, in 1848, a son of Isaac Baer, who was a son of David Baer. The latter was a farmer in Manchester township. York county, and was a worthy, Christian man, a member of the Mennonite Church. His remains lie in the cemetery at- tached to Baer's meeting house, in Manchester township. The children of David Baer were : John, Gabriel, Joseph and Isaac.

Isaac Baer, father of Daniel B., was born in Manchester township. York county, and he remained at home assisting his father until the

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

age of twenty years, when he came to Wash- ington township and here bought a farm of 145 acres, from his father-in-law, Daniel Bru- baker. He continued to farm very successfully for a number of years, retiring some years prior to his death, which occurred when he was seventy-five years of age. He married Annie Brubaker, who lived to the age of eigh- ty-four years. Both parents of our subject were members of the Mennonite Church, and they were interred in the cemetery at the old Hershey meeting house in Dover township. They had five children: Maria, wife of John Harbolt; Annie, deceased; David, who died aged six years; Isaac, who died aged nineteen years ; and Daniel Brubaker.

Daniel B. Baer was named for his grand- father. He was educated in the township schools, and attended a summer school at Knowlton through two sessions, after which he taught school for six months at that place. He then settled down to farming in his native township, purchasing his father's farm, on which he made many improvements, and on which he lived until 1900. Then he removed to a small farm of fifty-six acres, on which he constructed a very comfortable dwelling, and where he is spending the evening of lite sur- rounded with many comforts.

Mr. Baer married Sarah Jane Hershey, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hershey. Mrs. Baer died March 19, 1905, and was buried at the Hershey meeting house in Dover township. Their children were: Mary E. is the wife of Jonas Smith; Isaac married Cora Bailey; Joseph married Bessie Hill; Annie married Walton Baugher ; Lillie; Ella married George Zeigler; and Jacob married Laura Zimmerman. Mr. Baer has ten grandchildren, and is the center of much loving and dutiful attention. He has been a member of the Men- nonite Church since he was twenty years old. He bears the weight of his years well, and en- joys good literature and the visits of his many friends.

LEWIS BARBEHENN. One of the most successful country stores to be found within the limits of York county, is that now owned by Lewis Barbehenn, successor to S. B. Brod- beck. He does a thriving business both whole- sale and retail, and his store is more modern in its appointments and his stock of goods more complete than one might expect outside of the large cities. of the State.

Lewis Barbehenn came of German parent- age. His grandfather, Henry, lived and died in Germany. A son, Henry (2), came to America in 1855, landing at Baltimore, and proceeded to Gettysburg, where for forty years he was superintendent of the city gas works. He is still living, but for the past few years he has been retired from all active work. He married Mary, daughter of Jacob Bortner, of York county (her mother was a Strickhouser ), and the children born to their union were named George, Nathaniel, Henry, Lewis, Ed- ward, Katie, Mary and Annie.

Lewis Barbehenn was born in Gettysburg, Pa., in 1862, and was educated in the common schools of that city. He began his business life as a clerk in a confectionery store in his native town, and worked there for four years, but in 1881 he entered the employ of Mr. S. B. Brodbeck, of Brodbecks P. O., and was asso- ciated with him twelve years. At the end of that time he bought out his employer and has since been conducting the store for himself. It had a good start under Mr. Brodbeck and Mr. Barbehenn has carried it on to a more pronounced success.

Mr. Barbehenn married Miss Mary E. Hoff, daughter of Adam Hoff, of Seven Val- ley, York county. Five children have been born to them, Wilford, Beulah, Goldie, Mary and Katie. Mr. Barbehenn is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is very active in the work of the Sunday-school. His political faith is embodied in the platform of the Repub- lican party. He has proved himself a good business man, and has won a high place in the esteem of the community.

PHILIP WEBER, a highly esteemed, re- tired citizen of York, and an honored veteran of the great Civil war, was born in Germany, Dec. 24, 1843, son of Oswalt and Christina (Offman) Weber, both natives of Hesse-Cas- sel, Germany.

Oswalt Weber, the father, was a cooper and brewer, which occupations he followed un- til his death in 1874, being aged fifty-eight years. His wife died in 1883, and both are buried in their native land.

Philip Weber received his education in Germany, attending . school until fourteen years of age, when he learned coopering and brewing-lines he followed until May 28, 1861, when he came to America, landing at Baltimore, Md. He later moved to Frostburg,

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Md., where he remained until Sept. 1, 1862, the invigorating discipline of the farm and when he enlisted in Company A, 3rd Md. V. I., and participated in the following battles: An- tietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; Winchester, Va., June 13-15, 1863; Mine Run, Nov. 26-28, 1863; Monocacy, Md., July 9, 1864; Fort Steadman, March 25, 1865; Bunker Hill, Frederick City, Fort Hudson, Fort Hell and Leesport. On July 29, 1864, he received a sun stroke at Harper's Ferry, was sent to Frederick Hospital and later to Chestnut Hill, Philadel- phia, Pa. On May 25, 1865, Mr. Weber was honorably discharged at Baltimore, Md., after having served two years and eleven months, and having participated in some of the most important battles of that great struggle.

Three days after his discharge from the army Mr. Weber was united in marriage with Catherine Fike, daughter of John and Bar- bara Fike, of Lower Windsor township, and after marriage went to Frostburg, Md., where he was employed in a coal mine until 1867. He then went to Lower Windsor township, where he was engaged in cigar making, and re- mained one year, at the end of this time remov- ing to Cumberland, Md., where he also en- gaged in cigar making. Here he continued until 1873, when he removed to York, and manufactured cigars until 1902, since which time he has lived retired.

Mr. Weber is a member of General Sedg- · wick Post, No. 37, G. A. R., and.of Working- men's Beneficial Association No. I, of York. His religious connection is with the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Repub- lican. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Weber are as follows: John died in infancy ; Dora Annie, who lives in York, married Lewis Berkheimer; Henry, who lives in York, mar- ried Hattie Rensel; Christina, deceased, is in- terred at Prospect Hill cemetery ; John died in Frostburg, Md., where he is buried; Augustus lives in York; Frederick married Margaret Shenberger, and lives in York; Catherine, de- ceased, is buried at Prospect Hill cemetery ; Lillie, deceased, is also buried there; Malvina, is buried at the same place ; Mary is the wife of Raymond Manley, and resides in York; and Clara resides in York.

ALEXANDER DIETZ was born Jan. 14, 1854, on the farm in Hellam township, York county, now occupied by his cousin (Michael Dietz).

Mr. Dietz passed his boyhood days under

duly availed himself of the advantages offered in the excellent public schools of the township, Samuel Paules being named as one of his most able and honored instructors. He continued to attend school until he had attained the age of twenty years and secured a teacher's certi- ficate, but never devoted himself to practical teaching. In his boyhood days his parents re- moved to a farm in close proximity to the vil- lage of Yorkana, and there he developed into manhood. At an early age he learned the trade of cigar making, becoming a skilled arti- san in that line, and in 1875 he engaged in manufacturing on his father's farm, eventu- ally founding a business which demanded the employment of a force of several skilled work- men. He there continued operations for a period of sixteen years, at the expiration of which, in 1892, he was appointed deputy col- lector of internal revenue for the Ninth district of Pennsylvania, under the administration of President Cleveland, retaining the position four years and three months, and having his official headquarters at Yorkana. Upon his retirement from office Mr. Dietz effected the organization of the Yorkana Cigar Company, in which he owns one-half of the stock, and thereupon purchased the finely equipped plant of H. L. Dellone, in Yorkana, where he has since continued in active supervision of the enterprise, which has grown to be one of ex- tensive scope and marked commercial import- ance. A force of forty operatives is now em- ployed in the factory, while the trade of the concern extends into the most diverse sections of the Union. A fine line of cigars is manu- factured, among the leading brands turned out by the company being the "George B. Mc- Clellan," "No Discount," "Twin Sisters" and "La Flor De Humbert." Mr. Dietz is recog- nized as a progressive, alert and reliable busi- ness man, and through his discrimination and able management has established the thriv- ing local industry at whose head he now stands. He is essentially public-spirited in his attitude and has taken an active interest in political affairs ever since gaining his elective franchise, having been a zealous worker in the ranks of the Democratic party and prominent in its local councils and work. He is a mem- ber of the German Reformed Church, and his wife is an attendant of the same religious body.

In Spring Garden township. York county. Oct. 20, 1879, Mr. Dietz was united in mar-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

riage to Annie Hiestand, who was born and been prominent and influential in local affairs, reared in that county, daughter of William and Rebecca (Dull) Hiestand, and of this union have been born three children, namely : Harry James, who married Anna Budding and who is employed in the office of the York Gazette; Maggie, who is the wife of Dr. John E. Inners, of Yorkana; and Gertrude, who is the wife of John Anstine, also of that place.

Henry Dietz, father of Alexander, was born on the same homestead farm, in Hellam township, York county, Aug. 24, 1833. His initial scholastic training was secured in the Garber school, under the instruction of Peter Ruby, of Long Level, and upon the founding of the free-school system he continued his studies in what was known as the Ruby school, his teachers there having been the late David Strickles and Christopher Stoner; later he at- tended five sessions of the Pine Swamp school. in Hellam township, where he secured instruc- tion in both English and German, under a Mr. Musselman, from New Holland. All those mentioned were considered able instructors in their day and all were strict disciplinarians, so that their pupils usually made good progress. Henry Dietz, father of Henry, died when the latter was a lad of nine years, and thereafter the boy was reared principally in the homes of those not his kindred. He attended school but little after reaching the age of fourteen years. The first money which he earned was that se- cured for working on the farm of John Her- shey, in Hellam township, his compensation being $5 per month and board. He had pre- viously received his board and clothes only. At the age of sixteen he entered upon an ap- prenticeship at the blacksmith's trade under the direction of Henry Neff, of Hellam town- ship, and he continued to follow that vocation for four and one-half years, meantime marry- ing soon after reaching his legal majority. In 1855, at the age of twenty-two, he purchased twenty acres of land in Lower Windsor town- ship, located on the Delroy road, one-half mile distant from Yorkana, and there he continued to be engaged in farming and gardening until 1892, when he rented his farm to his son-in- law, John Lefever, and took up his residence in the village of Yorkana, where he has since lived retired. Later he sold his farm to his son David S., and in 1894 erected his attrac- tive modern residence in Yorkana. In politics Mr. Dietz has ever accorded an unwavering allegiance to the Democratic party, and he has

though never ambitious for office. He and his family are members of the Reformed Church at Canadochley, in which he has been an elder for a score of years past, a member of its board of trustees for many years, and presi- dent thereof at the present time. About three decades ago he served one term as township supervisor. For twenty years he was a mem- ber of the directorate of the Western Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of York county, and its president for eight years of that period.

In Hellam township was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Dietz to Elizabeth Leiphart, who was born in Lower Windsor township, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Sloat) Leip- hart, the former a weaver by trade and also a farmer on a modest scale. The following is a brief record concerning the children of Henry and Elizabeth Dietz: Alexander has been fully mentioned; Annie, born Sept. 13, 1857, is the wife of William Leonard, of York; Amanda, born Aug. 28, 1861, is the wife of John Lefever, of Lower Windsor township; Susanna, born Dec. 3, 1862, is the wife of Mark Landis, of Hellam township; Amos W., born Feb. 1, 1866, married Emma Poff, and they reside in Yorkana; Henry H., born Sept. 5, 1868, married Gertrude Leiphart, and they also make their home in Yorkana; Elizabeth, born Aug. 1, 1871, remains at the parental home ; David S., born Aug. 19, 1873, married Lydia Sentz, and they reside in Lower Wind- sor township.

Henry Dietz, Sr., grandfather of Alexan- der, was born on the present farm of Eli Dietz, in Hellam township, July 3, 1809. He passed his entire life there, following the noble voca- tion of farming, and he died Oct. 17, 1842. He married Susanna Lehman, who likewise was born in Hellam township, Jan. 27, 1812, and who died Dec. 22, 1892. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fisher) Lehman, worthy pioneers of Hellam township. After his marriage Henry Dietz settled on the farm of his uncle, Daniel Dietz, in Hellam township, and there engaged in farming on the crop- sharing system, so continuing until his death at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. His children were six in number, name- ly : Henry, Jr., father of Alexander; David, who was born Dec. 24, 1834, married Rebecca Paules (now deceased), and is a representa- tive farmer of Lower Windsor township; Jo- seph, born Oct. 23, 1836, likewise a successful

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farmer of that township (his first wife was Lydia Ferree and his second, who is still living, was Kate Poff) ; Leah, born Aug. 27, 1838, the widow of Michael Crumling, residing in Lower Windsor township; Susanna, horn July 31, 1840, residing in Center Square, York county, the widow of Frederick Stauffer ; and Alexan- der, born Jan. 27, 1842, who died on the 8th of the following November. Further interest- ing data in regard to this old and honored fam- ily, which has many representatives in the county, may be found on other pages of this work.

LEMUEL S. HAKE, proprietor of "Lo- cust Dale" farm, has been a resident of North Hopewell township all of his life, having been born on his present farm Sept. 20, 1865.

Simon Hake, his father, was born in North Hopewell township, in a large brick house on the farm, near Lebanon church, then owned by the grandfather of our subject. He there grew up a farmer boy, and received a good educa- tion, and after marriage purchased his home farm of 150 acres, part of which he bought from a Mr. Phillips and part from a Mr. Sta- bley. Simon Hake died on this farm in 1891 and was buried at Lebanon church. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church, having been deacon for several years. In poli- tics he was first a Whig, later joining the Re- publican party. He married Miss Elizabeth Diehl, who is still living, at the age of seventy- two years, and children were born to this union as follows: Cornelius, of Winterstown ; Annie, Mrs. Joseph Shaull, of Cross Roads, York county; Jacob D., a real estate man of Reading, Pa .; Ellen, Mrs. Harry Venus, of Baltimore, Md .; Susan, Mrs. Harry Myers, of York; Lillie, Mrs. Dave Morrison, of Rinely, North Hopewell township; and Lemuel S.

Lemuel S. Hake attended the public schools of the township until eighteen years of age, going first to Samuel Miller, an old and well known teacher in this section, and later to Lillie Kurtz, who was his last teacher. Mr. Hake remained with his father until the latter's death, when he purchased the home from his mother. The farm consists of 100 acres, con- veniently and beautifully situated one and one- half miles west of Felton. Mr. Hake joined the Lebanon Lutheran Church and took an active part in the work of that organization until failing health made him give it up. For

many years he was a teacher in the Sabbath- school. Although a stanch Republican Mr. Hake would never run for office, preferring rather to give his entire time and attention to his farm and home.

Mr. Hake married Mollie E. Baughman, sister of William F. Baughman, and to this union were born the following children : Horace Eugene, Ethel V., Ruth E. and Vir- ginia.

ROBERT SCOTT, who is engaged in farming his tract of seventy-four acres in Lower .Chanceford township, was born in the house he now occupies Sept. 25, 1863, son of Robert S. Scott. His grandfather, John Scott, was born in Ireland, and emigrating to Amer- ica followed farming on the tract now owned by our subject. He died before our subject's birth. He and his wife had the following chil- dren : Elizabeth, Gavin, John, Robert S., Mary and Alexander.

Robert S. Scott was born on the farm, in the old house which has since been torn away, in 1824. He received a common school edu- cation, and when he became of age inherited part of his father's farm, upon which he re- mained all of his life. He died in 1885. Orig- inally he was a Presbyterian in religious faith, but later joined the Evangelical church. In poli- tics he was a Republican, and served his town- ship for several years as a member of the school board. He married Elizabeth Norris, who was born in Lower Chanceford township, in 1831., daughter of Jolin and Sally (McGuirk) Nor- ris, and she still survives. Their children were as follows: Sarah, Mrs. James E. Anderson, of Lower Chanceford township; Mary E., Mrs. Ambrose H. Barnet, of Lower Chance- ford township: Caroline, Mrs. Samuel C. Morton, of Chanceford township; Catherine, Mrs. S. S. Morton, of York: Robert; and John L., of Lower Chanceford township, who married Margaret Taylor.

Robert Scott received his education in the public schools, which he left when eighteen to go to farming. On the death of his father he bought the home place, which he has since operated, owning seventy-four acres. His farming operations have been more than suc- . cessful, and he is rated one of the substantial, representative men of the township. He is a member of the Pine Grove Presbyterian Church and takes a great interest in all church

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

work, holding the position of trustee. A stanch Republican, he has served his township for one term as assessor.

Mr. Scott was married Jan. 24, 1888, to Georgianna Swagert, of Peach Bottom town- ship, daughter of John A. and Sarah C. (Wise) Swagert, the former of whom is de- ceased, while the latter still survives. Chil- «dren as follows have been born to this union : Lula, who attends school in York; Raymond, at school; Mary E .; Harry ; Linnie, and Lya- cinth.

GEORGE DALLAS MOUL, a general merchant of Thomasville, Jackson township, is descended from old Pennsylvania families .and was born Oct. 24, 1854, to Peter and Polly (Lichty) Moul.

George Moul, his grandfather, was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, owned a good farm in Jackson township, and was a prominent man in his day. A Democrat, he was active in poli- tics, but could never be induced to accept any but township offices; he served as supervisor. Mr. Moul accumulated considerable property, and at his death, in 1894, his children were left in good circumstances. He married Polly 'Stambaugh, and they had eight children, John, George, Peter, Susan, Betsey, Harriet, Cath- erine, and one deceased, whose name is not known. The family were members of the Lutheran Church.

Peter Moul was born and reared in York county, and was educated in the public schools. He worked on his father's farm until he was able to buy one of his own, and he also kept a hotel prior to the Civil war, his house being located on the Berlin road, between York and Berlin. He was hard-working, known for his honesty and integrity, and succeeded in all his undertakings, becoming quite wealthy. He married Polly Lichty, and had two children, namely : Alice, who married Emanuel Stam- .baugh ; and George Dallas.

George Dallas Moul received what educa- tion the schools of Jackson township afforded and helped his father on the farm up to the age of fifteen, when he went to learn the trade of a painter, following same off and on for twenty-six years. In 1895 he went into busi- ness as a merchant, carrying full lines of dry goods, boots, shoes and shelf hardware, and has met with unusual success, his being one of the best country stores in the county, and re-

flecting great credit upon Mr. Moul's business acumen. Mr. Moul is a Democrat and active in the support of that party, but he has never been an office seeker. In religion he is a Lutheran.

Mr. Moul has been twice married, his first union being to Miss Jennie Myers, by whom he had one daughter, Lucy. Mrs. Jennie Moul - died, and Mr. Moul married Miss Sallie Myers, but no children have been born to this union.

DAVID R. BEAR, who, with his brother, Henry Bear, operates the farm of twenty-two acres formerly owned by George Kunkel, lo- cated on the Harrisburg pike, near Manches- ter, York county, was born in 1850, in Man- chester township, son of John and grandson of Jacob Bear.

Jacob Bear was born in Lancaster county, but spent his life in York county, where he took up a tract of 160 acres of land in Man- chester township, and followed farming until his death, at the age of ninety-seven years. His first marriage was to a Miss Shelley, by whom he had four children, Nancy, Sarah, Daniel and Moses. Mr. Bear married second a Miss Good, and they had children, John, Elizabeth, Susan, Fannie, Reuben and Mary.

John Bear, the father of our subject, was born March 14, 1817, in Manchester township, and remained home until his marriage to Leah Rhoad, daughter of Abraham Rhoad, and his wife whose maiden name was Moore. He lo- cated on the home farm, which he bought at his father's death, and here he engaged in raising tobacco, building a large tobacco shed and making great improvements. Mr. Bear died Oct. 9, 1880, aged sixty-three years, his wife surviving until Sept. 28, 1891, and they were both buried in Aughenbaugh's cemetery at Manchester. Mr. Bear was a Republican in politics, but never sought office. In religion he was a Dunkard. To John and Leah Bear the following children were born: William married Amanda Wilhelm, who died Jan. 2, 1899, and he follows farming in East Man- chester township; David R .; Henry bought his farm of twenty-two acres of George Kunkel, upon which he and David now reside; Fannie married M. Deitz, and resides in Hellam township, York county; Jacob R. married Ida Eisenhower, and owns the old homestead where he resides; Elizabeth resides with her

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brother Henry; Sarah A. married Benjamin Stoner and resides in Hellam township; Leah resides with her brother, Henry.

David R. Bear attended the township schools, residing at home with his father, whom he assisted until his death. When Henry bought the Kunkel farm, David re- moved to that place where he now resides. He and his brother have built a beautiful home and fine barn, and are successfully engaged in agri- culture. In every relation of life Mr. Bear is a most worthy citizen and honest man.

JOHN KOHR. The farming interests of York county, Pa., are in the hands of intelli- gent, enterprising and public-spirited men, among whom may be numbered John Kohr, of Springetsbury township, who was born in that township, Feb. 16, 1854, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Roth) Kohr, and grandson of Louis Kohr.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 167

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