History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 169

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

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Mr. Hershey was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Krug, daughter of John and Susanna (Willet) Krug, and to their union children as follows were born: Freeling, a farmer residing near York; Sarah, Mrs. L. M. Bechtel : Minnie, Mrs. Henry Utz; Arlington D., a clerk in the dry goods establishment of Elmer E. Wentz: Calvin A., employed in the Hanover Shoe Factory; Cletus Garfield; and Nancy Ann, at home. Mr. Hershey is not only a successful man, but is one of pleasing personality, whose genial manners have made him many warm friends, by whom he is highly esteemed.

JACOB KESSLER BAKER was born on his father's homestead farm, in Paradise township, May 31, 1865, and is descended of German ancestors who spelled the name Becker.

Jacob Baker, his grandfather, spent nearly all of his life in North Codorus township. where both he and his wife died in the faitlı

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of the Reformed Church. Their children were: Abraham, a merchant who lived and died in Hanover; Jacob; Henry, who married Christiana Altland, and resides in Maryland; John, of Spring Forge, York county, a shoe- maker by trade, who married Amanda Stam- baugh; Catherine, Mrs. Daniel Stauffers, of Porters; and Amanda, of York, who married first a Mr. Fuhrman, and second, Mr. Conly, both now deceased.

Jacob Baker, father of our subject, was born in North Codorus township, and grew to manhood there, acquiring a common-school education. He learned tailoring in Jefferson borough, and followed that as a journeyman there and throughout North Codorus and Par- adise townships. In February, 1863, he re- moved to Newtown and established himself as a tailor in connection with a mercantile busi- ness, continuing until 1895, when he retired. He now lives below the homestead. He mar- ried Miss Eliza Kessler, born in North Co- dorus township, daughter of George Kessler. The following children were born to them: Mary Ann, Mrs. L. H. Miller, of Jackson township; Lydia Ann, widow of Jolin G. Wantz, of York; Maquilla, at home; Savilla and Mantilla, died young: Jacob Kessler, our subject : Amanda, deceased wife of Eli Mum- mert; Lillie; and George, of Paradise town- ship.

Jacob. Kessler Baker began to attend school at the age of six years, under Dr. Hol- linger, now of Abbottstown. He . continued in the township schools until seventeen years of age, some of his other teachers being : Isaac Miller, now a banker at East Berlin; E. A. Rice, a banker of York; and Absalom Baker. He also attended the East Berlin Normal School for three terms under J. C. Hilder- brand, and two terms at Millersville Normal. He then purchased instruments, books, etc., and engaged for a time in the study of sur- veying, following this occupation for several years. He began teaching at the age of sev- enteen years, at the Anstine school, Windsor township, remaining for one term, and since then has spent his time in his native township, where he has taught for twenty-four years. For ten years he conducted a select school in Paradise township, called the Paradise Nor- mal School. In 1886 Mr. Baker married Miss Emma Jane Becker, of North Codorus town- ship, daughter of Emanuel and Eliza ( Myers)

Becker. They began married life on a small home in Paradise township, one mile west of Newtown, and here he resided for eight years. They then purchased the farm immedi- ately above this, now owned and occupied by George Hamme, and there spent nine years, after which the present farm was purchased, known as the "old tavern farm," consisting of II2 acres.

Mr. Baker is a stanch Democrat, and has served as township clerk, on the election board, as judge of election, and two terms as justice of the peace, refusing to serve his third term in the latter office, although elected. He is a devoted member of Holtz-Schwamm Reformed Church, was formerly a deacon, and is now superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Baker's children are as follows: D. Webster, educated in the public schools, and the York and Millersville Normal schools, has taught for one year: Minerva Eliza; Ira J., died small : and Stella J.

Mr. Baker started in life a poor boy, and whatever success has attended his efforts is due to his frugality, thrift, energy and deter- mination. He is very highly esteemed in Par- adise township, where his many sterling traits of character are appreciated.

CLAYTON B. KING, of Washington township, was born in that township, Nov. 24, 1862, son of Christian and Elizabeth King, and is of Scotch-Irish descent.

Jacob King, his grandfather, was a shoe- maker by trade, and followed his business first in East Berlin, Adams county, and then came to York county, here engaging in farm- ing. He owned a fine property in the neigh- borhood of Hall, where he died at the age of eighty-four years, and he was buried at the Bethlehem Meeting House in Washington township. He had two sons, Samuel and Christian, the former of whom died in Adans county.

Christian King, father of Clayton B., was born in Washington township, York county, receiving a common school education. He bought his father's farm of 117 acres and de- voted his whole life to farming, remaining there until his death at the age of seventy- seven years. He married Elizabeth Ketter- man, daughter of George Ketterman, of North Codorus township. She died at the age of seventy-three years, and is buried at Strayers

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Church in Dover township. He was buried at the Bethlehem Meeting House in Washing- ton township. Christian King was a stanch Democrat, and he served his township as tax collector during the Civil war, and also was elected assessor. His children were: Jane, wife of Lewis Kidd; Mary A., wife of George H. Foust, a teacher in York; Lizzie Ellen, wife of John E. Knaub, of York; and Clay- ton B.

Clayton B. King was educated in the pub- lic schools of his native township, and at the age of sixteen years became a teacher, teach- ing sixteen consecutive terms in York county -the Weaver school in Washington town- ship, a summer school at Rothville, two sum- mers at Wellsville, the Fairs school in Codorus township for four years, was one year at Bort- ner's, one year at Strick's, four years at the

Harmony Grove school, Dover township, and after coming back to Washington township he taught the Asper school for one year, and then was for four years at Danners, going from there to Reading township in Adams county where he taught the Baker school. In 1896 he gave up teaching. He served as as- sessor of his township for three. years. In recent years he has been engaged in farming, and has made a success, owning fifty-five acres of the old homestead which he has divided into three tracts. He has made many excel- lent improvements and erected commodious and comfortable buildings. He is a strong Democrat, and his party has recognized his ability and fidelity.

Mr. King married Alice Detter, daughter of John Detter, of York county. He is one of the leading members of the St. Paul Lu- theran Church, and is now serving on its of- ficial board as secretary.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HORN, re- siding on a farm in Springetsbury township, was born Nov. 15, 1853, son of George and Mary Ann ( Wagner) Horn.

The paternal grandfather, John Horn, came from Germany when he was a boy and settled in Windsor township, York county, where he became one of the well-known farm- ers. He owned a good sized farm there and operated it till a short time before his death, when he moved to the upper part of the town- ship, near Longstown. There he died well- advanced in years. He was a member of the

United Brethren Church. He married Miss. Elizabeth Deckman, and they became the par- ents of the following children: Michael ;. George; John; Henry; Daniel and Peter, twins; Philip; Elizabeth; Mattie, Mrs. Eman -. uel Stiles; and Catherine, Mrs. John Blymyer. These children all settled down in York coun- ty, adopting various occupations as farmers, blacksmiths, wagonmakers or shoemakers.

George Horn was reared on the farm in .. Windsor township, and though he had few opportunities for attending school, was a great reader and became very well educated .. He was an expert in figures. Especially con- versant with the Bible, he could quote passage. after passage verbatim. He was an active member of the United Brethren Church, and was for many years class leader. Mr. Horn started in life as a blacksmith, but after a few years he gave up that calling, and about 1857 bought a farm of 11972 acres in the south- western part of Springetsbury township. The- line between that and York township passed directly through the place and the oven was so situated that the bread was baked in York and eaten in Springetsbury. Mr. Horn's active- life was spent there in farming, but a few years before his death, which occurred in. February, 1894, he retired and passed his last days free from care. In politics he was a Republican. Mr. Horn was married three times. By his first wife, a daughter of Jacob Gable, he had two children, who died young .. By his second wife, Miss Mary Ann Wagner, he had four : Emeline, Mrs. John Stump, of Windsor township; Andrew W., who lives- with his brother, Benjamin F .; Benjamin F .; and Caleb, a blacksmith by trade, but now employed as night-watchman in the Dallas -. town bank. Mrs. Horn died in 1857, and Mr. Horn married (third) Miss Susan Arnold, daughter of George Arnold, of Spring Gar- den township, who survives. Three children were born to this union: David, a farmer in Springetsbury ; Catherine, Mrs. Samuel Adair, of York township; and one that died in infancy.

Benjamin Franklin Horn was reared on the farm and given a common-school educa- tion. In his nineteenth year he took up the trade of a carpenter, but after five months trial returned home and worked for his father until 1876. In that year, having previously married, he rented one of his father's farms,

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and started out for himself. After nine years than in the application of science to the man- factures and arts. It is the very foundation in this place, he bought a tract of forty-five acres, also belonging to his father, and ever of modern development along the practical since has been engaged there in farming. He has one of the attractive homesteads of that section, and in 1898 built his residence, de- signed by himself, a modest home but pleasant and thoroughly modern in its appointments. Besides his farming interests he is a stock- holder in the Farmers' Fertilizer Company. In politics he is a Republican.

In 1874 Mr. Horn was united in marriage to Sarah J., daughter of Henry Knaub, of Springfield township. They have two chil- dren : Amelia, who married George Emen- heiser, a machinist in East York, and has had four children: Stewart, Albert, Elizabeth Jane and one that died in infancy; and Mel- vin B. F., who lives at home, attending school. The family are highly esteemed and respected throughout the community.

JACOB H. HANTZ (deceased), for many years engaged in painting in York, Pa., was born in that city Feb. 21, 1832, son of Henry and Anna Mary (Strine) Hantz, the former well known in the early days in both York city and county as the proprietor of the old hotel that stood where "City Hotel" now stands, at York, and the owner of what is now the "Wilson Hotel" at Wrightsville-his death occurring in the latter town.

Jacob H. Hantz followed the occupation of house painting until about five years be- fore his death, which occurred in January, 1887. He was also known as a landscape painter.

Mr. Hantz married Elizabeth H. Russell, only daughter of Joseph and Leah ( Kauffelt) Russell. Four children of this union survive : James H .; Annie C .; and Lena H., both dec- orators of china; and Mrs. J. R. Hueter, of York.

Joseph Russell, father of Mrs. Hantz, was born in Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa. He was employed on the old Grubb furnace in York county and on different public works, especially on various railroads in this county. He died in 1882, aged seventy-four, and was buried in Prospect Hill cemetery in York.

GILBERT C. LANDIS. In no province of human activity has greater progress been made within the past quarter of a century

lines of the day, and those who recognize the fact are strictly in the march of events. Those who superintend the details of great industries in order that continuous expansion will ensue must be scientists as well as mechanics. Ap- plying these general remarks to the operations of the American Phosphorus Company, whose extensive works are at Cly, York Co., Pa., it may be inferred that their substantial future is assured from the fact that besides being officered by moneyed and practical business men, the manufacturing processes are superin- tended by a trained and broad-minded sci- entist, who is the chemist of the establish- ment, Gilbert C. Landis. He resides at No. 729 West King street, York, Pennsylvania.

The building of the plant of the American Phosphorus Company was commenced in April, 1905, and the manufactory was in operation by the first of September, of that year. It consists of two fire-proof brick build- ings, with cement roofs and floors, each 200 x 35 feet in dimensions, and all the rooms separated by 13-inch brick walls. The different quarters comprise office, laboratory, repair shops, ore-mixing and calcine room, trans- forming room, four furnace rooms, boiler room for steam heating, and refining and storage rooms. The entire plant, which covers two acres of ground, is operated by electricity, which is furnished by the York Haven Water Power Co. The buildings are so designed that the plant can be increased to four times its present capacity, without interfering with the manufacturing operations.

The raw material is mined from the com- pany's land in Cumberland county, Pa., and transported to Falls, York county, which is the main shipping point of the establishment, the facilities being furnished by the Northern Central railroad. Phosphorus is used in the manufacture of matches and bronze, and in medicinal chemistry. It is transformed into a commercial product by subjecting the phos- phorus ores, mixed with suitable fluxes and chemicals, to the heat of the electric arc. Su- perintendent Landis has designed a furnace especially adapted to that work, patents for which are now pending.

The present plant of the American Phos- phorus Company employs about twenty men,

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and is in operation every day and hour of the year except Christmas. The company is cap- italized at $500,000 and was incorporated in New Jersey. Its officers are : T. Henry Asbury, president; Charles W. Asbury, vice-president ; Clinton Gage, secretary; and Harry E. As- bury, treasurer. The Messrs. Asbury are also owners of the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

EUGENE R. ALBAUGH, M. D., a prominent physician of Codorus township, was born there Aug. 17, 1854, a son of Dr. Will- iam Albaugh.

Abraham Albaugh, grandfather of Eu- gene R., was a farmer in Carroll county, Md., remaining in that State till his death, which oc- curred at the age of seventy. His wife, Chris- tina (Bahn) Albaugh, died when fifty years old, leaving eight children, Amos, Peter, Abra- ham, William, Henry, David, Diana and Angeline.

Dr. William Albangh was born in Car- roll county in 1829, was sent to the common schools, and graduated at New Windsor (Md.) College. After deciding on his pro- fession he went to the Washington University, at Baltimore, and when his course was com- pleted began practicing in his native county, but soon removed to Codorus township, York Co., Pa., where he spent the rest of his life in his chosen work. He was very intellectual, was finely trained, and was an exceedingly popular physician. He died when only fifty- four years old, and was buried at the "Stone Church." Dr. Albaugh married Miss Harriet Cramer, of Codorus township, and the follow- ing children were born to them: Mary, wife of Jacob Bair, of Glenville; Josephine, who died when thirty-nine years of age; Eugene R .; George E., Henry M. and Howard, the three last named deceased; Capitola B., wife of John Hoffman; Maurice C., married to G. McAbee, and living in Railroad Bow, York county ; and Gertrude May, wife of Henry Shearer, of Maryland. Mrs. Harriet (Cramer ) Albaugh was the only daughter of Henry and Eva (Lehman) Cramer, both now deceased. and buried at the "Stone Church." The father, a carpenter by trade, died when sev- enty-two years old and his wife at the age of thirty-four. They had four sons, Solomon, Eli and Israel, all deceased, and Henry, living in Baltimore. Mrs. Albaugh now makes her home with her son, the Doctor.

Eugene R. Albaugh was sent to the town- ship schools and later to the Glen Rock Acad- emy. He decided to adopt his father's pro- fession, and after reading medicine under his direction for a time entered the Baltimore College of Physicians and Surgeons, in 1873, and in 1875 was graduated. He finally re- turned to Codorus township, and as his father had by that time passed away he took his place and has ever since been practicing in that locality, a physician both skillful and popular. He is enthusiastic in his profession, and is a well-known member of the York County Medical Society.

Dr. Albaugh was married in 1893 to Miss Catherine R. Henry, of East Berlin, Adams county, daughter of Rev. S. S. Henry. They have two children, Ruth and Russell, both at- tending school. In the spring of 1905 Dr. Albaugh began building a handsome residence, which he calls Farm Cottage, located on his farm two miles south of Glenville, on the road from York to Baltimore. Dr. Albaugh is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is much interested in local affairs, is a Democrat in his political views and has served the community as school director. He belongs to the Bonnair Band, and is the only charter member still in the organization. Fraternally he is a member of the P. O. S. of A., and a charter member of Excelsior Grange, of Glen Rock.

JOSEPH KAUFFMAN (deceased) was a most highly esteemed resident of Spring Garden township, York county, where he was born, and where he died at the age of sixty- six years. His whole life was spent in agri- cultural pursuits.

Mr. Kauffman was a son of Joseph and Catherine (Huber) Kauffman, the former of whom was probably born in Lancaster coun- ty, Pa., where many families of the name re- side. After his marriage he settled on a farm of seventy-seven acres, just east of Stony- brook, where he died in middle life, survived by his wife, who reached the age of sixty-two years. They had four children, as follows : Mary, who married Deitrich Steiner, of this county ; Catherine, who married Daniel Wit- mer; Lydia, who married George Bohn; and Joseph. An aunt of these children married into the Kendig family.

Joseph Kauffman, whose name introduces this sketch, married Susanna Sprenkle, who was born in West Manchester township. Mr.

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Kauffman owned a farm of 200 acres east of of the 142 under cultivation. His present Stonybrook, and there he reared his most ex- handsome residence was built in 1900, and it is considered one of the finest farm homes in the township. Mr. Myers has built fine out- buildings, the water supply is excellent, and his farm is well situated, being about one and one-quarter miles south of Mt. Pleasant, six miles from Dillsburg and thirteen miles from Harrisburg. The schools in the locality are excellent, and the churches conveniently near. cellent family, numbering eleven children, namely : Henry, who is deceased; Joseph, a resident of Windsor township; Emanuel, now deceased; Isaac, of Springetsbury township; Abraham, deceased; Israel, of Springetsbury township; John, of York; Mary, residing on the old farm; Sarah, wife of Michael Smyser, of York; Susan, wife of Eli Kendig, of Phila- delphia; and Martin, of Philadelphia. The be- loved mother of this family lived to the age of eighty-three years. Both Joseph Kauffman and his wife were consistent members of the Mennonite Church. They were well known, and were respected by everyone.

Israel and Mary Kauffman, brother and sister, reside on a well cultivated part of the old homestead, consisting of twenty-seven acres, and they have one of the most comfort- able homes in the township. Miss Kauffman is a member of the Mennonite Church, and a lady beloved for her many excellent traits of character.

The maternal grandparents of Miss Kauff- man were Daniel and Annie ( Mumma) Spren- kle, who lived in West Manchester township. Their children were: Daniel, a farmer of Man- chester township; Henry, who died young; John, a farmer of West Manchester township, who died at the age of seventy years; Mary, who married Daniel Graybill, of West Man- chester township; Susanna, who became the wife of Joseph Kauffman; and Nancy, wife of Jacob Balinger, of West Manchester township. Daniel Sprenkle died aged seventy-seven years, and his wife aged fifty-five years. They were worthy members of the Mennonite Church, good, pious people.

GEORGE E. MYERS, who is extensively engaged in farming in York county, is the owner of a fine tract of 142 acres of wood and farming land, in Monaghan township. He was born on his present home, Oct. 22, 1856, son of Samuel and Lealı ( Kimmel) Myers.

Mr. Myers was educated in the common schools of Monaghan township, and has re- mained on the old home farm all his life, with the exception of one year when he rented a piece of property in Mt. Pleasant. All of his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, he coming into possession of the home farm by purchase in 1887, and he has ninety acres

In 1883 Mr. Myers married Miss Clara Brandt, and these children have been born to them : Mamie B., C. Guy, Fannie B., Boyd S., Greta E. and Clara Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Myers and their daughter Mamie B. at- tend the Church of God, being devout mem- bers of the Bethel Church at Mt. Pleasant. In politics Mr. Myers is a Republican, but he has never taken an active part in party affairs. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors and all with whom he is brought in contact.

EDWARD LEBER, junior member of the architectural firm of Hamme & Leber, bears a name that has been an honored one in the coun- ty for generations, the maternal side of his family also having been connected with the his- tory of the county for over a century. The history of Mr. Leber's maternal ancestor, Col. John Hay of Revolutionary fame, and another of the same name, who won distinction in the war of 1812, is fully set forth elsewhere.

Edward Leber was born in the Borough, now City, of York, in the year 1871, and passed his boyhood days in pursuit of an education, attending the public schools and the York County Academy. He early developed a talent for drawing, and at an early age entered the office of Architect J. A. Dempwolf, in pursuit of his chosen profession. He continued his study at The Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology in Boston, and in the year 1901 became associated with his present partner.

Mr. Leber is active in York society, being a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery Ma- son, as well as a member in several of the city's leading social and business organizations. He is a member of the Greek letter college fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. In religious circles he is likewise active, holding member- ship in Zion Lutheran Church, of which con- gregation he is a member of the governing body. He is also conspicuous in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association, hav-

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ing been a member of the board of directors for upwards of ten years.

DAVID PRALL, proprietor of Deer Park Farm, is a highly esteemed, prosperous farmer of East Hopewell township, York county. He was born on his father's farm, near Draco, Hopewell township, Aug. 16, 1841, son of Asher G. and Mary (Trout) Prall.

Asher G. Prall was born in the eastern part of New Jersey. On reaching manhood he came to York county, and, in East Hopewell township, married Miss Mary Trout. At one time Mr. Prall and his brother, Squire Prall, owned the farm now owned by David Prall, and this they sold, Mr. Prall purchasing a farm of 100 acres near Draco, on which he died in 1889, aged eighty-one years, his wife having passed away the previous year, aged eighty-eight years. They were members of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Prall was a Democrat. The children of Asher G. Prall and his wife who grew to maturity were as fol- lows: Cornelius, who is on the home farm; Mary Jane, also at the old home; and David, our subject. Several children died in infancy.

David Prall grew to manhood on his father's farm and attended the Zion public school during the winter terms. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and has fol- lowed that occupation all of his life. In 1872 he married Miss Maggie Enfield, who was born in Fawn township, daughter of Andrew and Mary Ann (Blanie) Enfield, and to this union have been born the following children : Mary, Mrs. William B. Hershner, of East Hopewell township; Sadie, Mrs. David Wal- lace, of East Hopewell township; Carrie, Mrs. Joseplı M. Trout, also of this township; El- mer, Bertha and David, at home, and William S., the eldest, who died in York City in the spring of 1904. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Prall settled on the farm which they 110w occupy, Mr. Prall having purchased it from Squire Prall. The farm consists of eighty-five acres of good farm land, and Mr. Amos Heindel.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 169

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