History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 171

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

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Jacob Eyster, the grandfather of Charles L., married Rebecca Sellers, and they were both natives of York county. They had these chil- dren : John, Israel, Henry, Peter, George, Anna, Caroline and Adam. Jacob Eyster died when a comparatively young man, but his wife

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

lived to 1885, reaching the age of eighty-three years.

George A. Eyster, in 1865, married Sarah Harbold, daughter of John Harbold, a native of York county, and he now resides in Jack- son township, where he owns and successfully cultivates a small farm. In religious belief he is a Lutheran. Mr. Eyster is a stanch Democrat, and he held the office of supervisor one term, also serving in minor township offices.

Charles L. Eyster is the only child of his parents. He remained home until twenty-two years of age, working on the home farm and receiving his education in the common schools of the township. Mr. Eyster has always rent- ed farm property and he is now capably operat- ing his father-in-law's farm. On Dec. 2. 1888, he married Emma J. Whitman, daughter of Daniel Whitman, and two children have been born to this union, Harry E. and George D. The family are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, of which they are liberal supporters. In politics Mr. Eyster is a Demo- crat, and he is serving as a member of the school board. He and his wife are among the highly respected residents of their locality, and representatives of substantial York county families.

FRANK G. YINGER, who is living re- tired on his farm in the borough of Manches- ter, was born in 1849, son of John and grand- son of Paul Yinger.

The great-grandfather of Frank G. Yin- ger came to York county and settled in New- berrytown, where his son Paul was born. Paul learned the blacksmith's trade and went to Manchester, now Manchester borough, where he followed his trade for about twenty years, living retired for about fifteen years prior to his death, at the age of eighty-two years. He married Christiana Snyder, of Lancaster coun- ty, and the children born to them were: Eliza- beth, who died in Ohio; Anna Maria, who died in Iowa: Paul, who died at Columbia, Lancaster county ; George, who died in York; Jacob, living in York; John, the father of our subject ; Samuel, living in Manchester borough and Daniel, who resides in Lancaster county.

John Yinger learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for about thirty-five years. He located at Manchester borough, where he built a fine brick house, which our subject now

owns and occupies. Ten years prior to his death, John Yinger lived a retired life, and he died in 1894, his wife passing away in 1893. Both were buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Manchester borough. In politics Mr. Yinger was a Republican. He married Annie Good, who was the daughter of Henry Good, of Lancaster county, and the children born to them were: Frank G .; Emma married Frank Heistand and lives at Spring Grove; Charles married Tillie Brenneman, and lives at Mt. Wolf; Henry married Eliza Fell, and resides in York; Benjamin married a Brenneman, and is an engineer at Emigsville; Amanda Diehl lives at Mt. Wolf.

Mr. Yinger attended the schools of Man- chester borough until eighteen years of age when, under his father, he learned the black- smith's trade and opened a shop at Mt. Wolf. Later he sold this shop to his brother Charles. and bought the old home in Manchester bor- ough. For a short time Mr. Yinger carried on cider making, but the building which he used for that purpose burned down in 1904, and has not since been rebuilt. Mr. Yinger retired from active life in 1904.

Mr. Yinger married Catherine Shriver, who died in 1887. One child was born to this union, Laura, who married Jacob Everhart, and lives at home. Mr. Yinger is prominently identified with the Republican party, having served as councilman of the borough nine times. He is a man of the highest type, and has many stanch friends throughout York county.

GEORGE S. ANDERSON. Among the prominent citizens of Rossville, Warrington township, York county, may be mentioned George S. Anderson, a retired farmer, who was formerly a dealer in leather and hides, and who is a survivor of the great Civil War. Mr. Anderson was born March 20, 1837, in Middle- town, Dauphin county, son of James N. and Rebecca (Schull) Anderson.

James N. Anderson was born in York county in 1808, about one mile from Anderson- town, Monaghan township, and after his edu- cation was completed he learned the tanner's and currier's trade, which calling he followed all of his life. He died Dec. 9, 1893, and Re- becca Schull, his first wife, died in 1837, the mother of : George S., William S., and Amer- įca S. Mr. Anderson's second marriage was

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to Mary Sanderson. He was a member of the Church of God. In politics he was first a Whig, later joining the ranks of the Republican party.

George S. Anderson received his education in the schools of Monaghan and Warrington townships, and worked in the tannery with his father until the Civil War broke out. He en- listed Aug. 27, 1861, in Company H, 87th P. V. I., Sixth Army Corps, First Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Potomac, under Col. Hay, and later under Col. Shaw, and Captains Harmon and Gensler. Mr. Anderson was captured and made a prisoner June 15, 1863, at Winchester, Va., and was paroled after being confined eight weeks at Belle Island, Rich- mond, Va. Mr. Anderson was a participant in all the battles in which his company and regi- ment engaged, and has an honorable army rec- ord, being honorably discharged October 13. 1864, at York.

After the war Mr. Anderson returned to his home and engaged in tanning leather in company with his brother, William S., but was compelled to abandon this calling on account of his ill health, brought on by injuries received during his army service. He then engaged in farming, but was compelled to abandon this also, his state of health not allowing him to do any hard labor. He moved to Rosstown in 1874, since then making that place his home.

George S. Anderson married in 1869, Miss Elizabeth B. Donges, and one child blessed this union, Mary D., who, in 1902, married Lewis Speck, and died the same year. In re- ligion Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Lutheran Church of Rossville. In his political sympathies Mr. Anderson is a Repub- lican, and has served as township auditor and assessor.

WILLIAM HAGARMAN. a prominent contractor and plasterer. now devoting the major portion of his time to the latter business, lives on the Berlin road. in Jackson township. He was born Feb. 22, 1840, in Adams county. son of George and Catherine (Sauerbeer) Hagarman. Nothing is known of the grand- parents except that they had children as fol- lows: Thomas: George; Cecelia, who married the hero of Gettysburg, John L. Burns; and Andrew.

George Hagarman was born in Adams county and there grew to manhood. As a boy

he was bound out, and though during this time he received only limited educational advantages he showed himself a man of more than ordi- nary ability, through perseverance acquiring a good education and becoming an instructor of much note in those days, teaching school for forty-five consecutive winter terms. He own- ed a farm of about forty acres which he oper- ated during the summer months. Mr. Hagar- man was a Republican, and was appointed justice of the peace. During the Civil war he was commissioned enrolling officer. He and his wife were the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity: Nathaniel, George W .. Franklin, Hezekiah, William, Thomas. Mary. John. Joseph, and Catherine. The others were John and Daniel, and two who died in infancy. The family were all Catholics.

William Hagarman was born in Mt. Pleas- ant township. Adams county, where he received his education and grew to manhood. At the age of nineteen he commenced to learn the plastering trade, and after serving his ap- prenticeship went to Virginia in the spring of 1861, and was caught there at the opening of the Civil war. Though a Northern sympath- izer he could not escape, being pressed into service in the Southern army as a teamster. After serving five days he was arrested as a Northern spy and court-martialed, and, after being confined thirty-four days was given a pass through the lines and took a friendly leave across the Potomac. He served the United States government as a teamster in the Union army for nine months, at that time re- turning to York, and engaging at his trade at which he has since continued. Mr. Hagarman has been employed by some of the best con- tractors in the State, such as Nathaniel Weigh. Gilbert & Co., Eli Hellinger, Jacob Crist. Jacob Sechrist & Sons, and others. He owns a pleasant home and about ten acres of land about five miles west of York, on the Berlin road.

Mr. Hagarman has been thrice married. his first wife being Margaretta Miller, daugh- ter of Henry Miller. Nine children were born to them: William. Ambrose. Joseph, Charles. Mary, and four who died in infancy. Mrs. Margaretta ( Miller) Hagarman died aged thirty-six years, and Mr. Hagarman married Mary Gallagher, daughter of William Gallagh- er. Five children were born to them. namely : Tennie. Rosie. Margaret. George and Cecelia. Mrs. Mary (Gallagher) Hagarman died in

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

1889, aged thirty-two years. Mr. Hagar- man s third wife was Mrs. Priscilla Crist, widow of Henry Crist.

Mr. Hagarman is a Democrat, was a jus- tice of the peace for one term, and was also township auditor. In religion he is a Catholic. He is a reliable man and upright citizen, and is held in very high esteem.

JEREMIAH D. HESS, a worthy repre- sentative of the agricultural interests of York county, is the owner of a fine farm of 202 acres, located on the road between Dallastown and Paradise, in York township. He was born in Springfield township, Nov. 14, 1842, son of Peter and grandson of Henry Hess.

Henry Hess was born in Springfield town- ship, and there was reared to manhood, his en- tire life being passed in that vicinity engaged in farming. He married Barbara Goodling, of York county, and both rest in the cemetery, the churchyard of Salem church, at Paradise. Their children were: Peter is mentioned fur- ther on; Samuel and Henry died in Springfield township; John died in York township; Eliza- beth became the wife of Joseph Hildebrand, and her death occurred on the old homestead of her parents, in Springfield township; Chris- tiana became the wife of Abraham Snyder, and died at Loganville; Marian, the widow of George Messersmith, died in Codorus town- ship, in March, 1904; Lydia, the wife of Dan- iel Ness, died in York township; and Sarah is the wife of Jeremiah Bupp, of Springfield township.

- Peter Hess, son of Henry and father of Jeremiah D., was born on the old homestead farm in Springfield township, and there he was reared to manhood, receiving such educa- tional advantages as were afforded in the com- mon schools. He was associated in the work of the home farm until the time of his mar- riage, after which he was engaged in farming on his own responsibility in Springfield town- ship, whence he finally removed to York town- ship, purchasing what was known as the Leber farm, of two hundred and four acres-the place now owned and occupied by our subject- and here he continued to be successfully en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until he was summoned from the scene of life's endeavors, his death occurring in 1874. He was a Re- publican in politics, and both he and his wife were faithful and valued members of Salem

Church, at Paradise, in whose cemetery the remains of both now rest. Peter Hess was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Day, who was born and reared in York township, daugh- ter of Philip Day, a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of York county. Their children were: Jeremiah D .; Amanda, widow of Joshua Leber, resides in Dallastown; Oliver married Abbie Hartman, and they reside in Paradise township; Sarah is the wife of Peter Shearer; and Ellen is the wife of Adam Shearer, of York.

Jeremiah D. Hess passed his youthful years on the homestead farm in Springfield township, and his educational discipline was secured in the township schools, which he continued to attend until he was nineteen years of age. Thereafter he continued to be associated with his father in the work and management of the farm until his marriage, in 1869, shortly after which important event in his career he began farming on his own account in the same town- ship, where he remained two years. At the expiration of that time he came to his present farm, which his father had purchased several years before. Upon the death of his father he bought the interests of the other heirs, and has since given his attention to the supervision of his fine landed estate, which now comprises two hundred and two acres, as he sold off two acres to be used for residence purposes. The soil is fertile, and has been wisely cared for, while the permanent improvements consist of new and modern buildings. Mr. Hess is recognized as a progressive and up-to-date farmer. He is an advocate of Republican principles, and both he and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran Church at Paradise.

In 1869 Mr. Hess was married to Miss Emeline Shearer, who was born and reared in Springfield township, a daughter of Solomon and Rebecca (Goodling) Shearer, the former of whom died in York township, and is buried in the cemetery at Paradise, while his wife still survives him, maintaining her home in Springfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Hess have six children, namely: Eli, who married Miss Annie Inners, is a cigarmaker by trade and resides in Rye, York township; Pious, re- maining at the parental home and associated in the work of the farm, is also a merchant at Rye; Adam, who likewise remains at home, married Miss Hattie Ness; Oliver Allen, who married Miss Agnes Reichard, resides in York

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township, a cigarmaker by vocation; Rebecca is the wife of Tempest Ness, of York township; and Solomon Peter is identified with the work of the homestead farm.

GEORGE MANN. Among the strong business firms of York, Pa., may be numbered that composed of George Mann, Youra H. Fleck and Seth D. Jones, and carrying on an extensive business in cut stone contracting, they handling large blocks of granite suitable for the base of monuments, curbing, etc. They are the leading contractors of York, and their field of operations extends throughout this city and neighboring towns and cities. The yards are conveniently situated in West York, adjacent to the. N. C. railroad, with siding connection, and are well-equipped with all machinery and appliances necessary for the proper conduct of their line of work, including a fine steam plant, with a series of gang saws, where stone is sawed out and prepared for trimming all kinds of buildings, and a series of derricks for han- dling, loading and unloading on cars, con- structed on the latest and most approved plans, capable of hoisting and lowering blocks weigh- ing fifteen tons.

George Mann, senior member of the firm, was born in the city of York, April 14, 1864, son of Anthony and Dorothy ( Baine) Mann. When only thirteen years of age, Mr. Mann left the public schools, and for one and one-half years worked on a farm, and for three years more was engaged in truck farming. This long period at farming was broken by one sea- son's work, when he was eighteen, as mason and brick layer. In February, 1883. he be- gan stone cutting with John Roder, remaining with him until the latter's death-a period of about one year and seven months. Mr. Mann followed this trade ten years. In January, 1893, he associated himself with his present partners, under the firm style of Mann & Co., meeting with marked success from the start.

In 1888 Mr. Mann married Miss Rosine Munchel, of York, born June 1. 1864, daugh- ter of George and Elizabeth ( Elsesser) Mun- chel, and the following children have been born to them: Agnes E., born March 3, 1890; George A., born Dec. 4, 1891 ; Lawrence A., born Nov. 9, 1893; John H., born Sept. 8, 1895 : Mary B., born Oct. 28, 1900; Rosalie C., born July 27, 1902, died Jan. 16. 1905; Eliza- beth B., born June 26. 1904: and Anna M .. born Sept. 27, 1905.

Fraternally Mr. Mann is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Both he and his wife are consistent members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. As a business man Mr. Mann has gained and retains an enviable reputation for probity and uprightness, and has many warm personal friends not only in York, but through - out the county.

Anthony Mann, father of George, emi- grated from Germany in 1846, landing in Bal- timore, Md., after a long voyage in a sailing vessel. He was a carpenter by trade, and he came to York in 1853, purchasing a small piece of ground on South George street, in the Eighth ward. Mr. Mann found employment in the car shops. He died at the age of sixty- seven. In 1853, in Baltimore, he married Dorothy Baine, who came to America from Germany in 1851. She still makes her home in York, now being past seventy-two years of age. Their children were: Anthony, Mar- garet, Frank, Anna, John, George, Joseph, John (2), Mary, Barbara and Katie.

JOHN A. BISKER, farmer, residing in East Hopewell township, was born at the Grove Mill place, Jan. 13, 1857, and has passed all of his life in that township.

Henry Bisker, grandfather of John A., was born in Prussia, Germany, and lived in Co- dorus township, York county, where he en- gaged in farming and died at the home of his son, Andrew, in East Hopewell township.

John H. Bisker, our subject's father. was also born in Prussia, Germany, and came to the United States when a boy, with his parents, who landed at Baltimore, whence they came to Codorus township, locating on a farm. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and removed to East Hopewell township, where he rented a shop at Grove's Mill. There he married Elizabeth Bowman, of East Hopewell town- ship. He followed his trade until his removal to Baltimore, where he worked on public works at Sparrow's Point, and later returned to East Hopewell township, living with our subject for some time, Mrs. Bisker having died some time before. Mr. Bisker married (second) Lizzie Kauffman, of Yoe, and for the last three years has been making his home in Dallastown. He was a soldier in Company B, 130th P. V. I., and participated in many of the largest battles of the war. among which may be mentioned the battle of Antietam. He is a member of the Methodist Church. Up to a few years ago he

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

was a Democrat, but since that time has been ship; Michael, who died in York township; in sympathy with the Republican party. He Jacob B .; William, who died in York; An- drew, who lives in York; and George and Reuben, who both died in York. had these children : John A .; Maggie, Mrs. Strong Hollingshed, of Baltimore Co., Md .; James, of East Hopewell township, who mar- ried Miss Agnes Honigan ; Henry, of Yoe, who married Miss Annie A. Slenker; and Martin F. L., of Red Lion, who married Annie Ichard.

John A. Bisker was educated in the public schools, but had poor chances for a good edu- cation, having to work upon the farm when he grew old enough. He also helped his father at blacksmithing when he was sixteen years old, and learned the trade, which he followed several years, until his health failed, since which time he has not followed that occupa- tion so steadily. He worked for his father un- til his marriage and then purchased a piece of land and a shop from his father at Dolf, East Hopewell township, where he built up a fine trade. Here he also erected a fine home. When his health failed, he decided to sell, and disposing of his property to E. L. Grove, he lo- cated on his present ;'ace, which he rented for three years, at the end of which time he pur- chased it. He carries on general farming, also raises tobacco, his ninety-two acres being in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Bisker was reared in the faith of the M. E. Church, and attends at Prospect. He has always been a Democrat.

Mr. Bisker married, June 5, 1884, Miss Mary M. Runkle, a native of Chanceford town- ship, and a daughter of Charles and Sarah Runkle, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bisker have been born: Harry I., Lizzie, John, Martha, Robert, Joseph, Mabel and Clarence, all at home.

LUTHER E. LANDIS, an enterprising farmer of Manchester township, York county, is the inventor of the Farmer's Friend Plow, a device rightly named, which has brought him not only money but fame. Mr. Landis was born Oct. 6. 1865, in West Manchester town- ship, son of Jacob B. and Susanna ( Gross) Landis.

Christian Landis, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in York county, along Codorus Creek, and followed farming in West Man- chester township, where he died, and his re- mains are buried at Prospect Hill cemetery. He married a Miss Bixler, and their children were: Alexander, who died in Windsor town-

Jacob B. Landis was born in West Man- chester township, and remained at home until his marriage to Susanna Gross. After that event he located in West Manchester township, at his father's old home. Here he remained for eight years, afterward going to Hellam township, but after two years returned to the old home. He spent fourteen years there, and then settled on Michael Gross' farm, in Man- chester township, near Manchester borough, remaining there four years, at the end of that time removing to Springetsbury township, where he died in 1888. He is buried at Pros- pect Hill cemetery. His wife died in York in 1898, and is buried beside her husband. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Landis were: Christian ; George; Sarah, who married Adam Spotts, and they are both deceased, being in- terred at . Green Mount cemetery; Lucinda ; Emma, who married Jacob Miller and lives in Conewago township; Jacob A., who married Anna Forry, and lives in Springetsbury town- ship ; Aaron; Susan, who married Cyrus Mus- ser, and died at Stony Brook, being buried there ; Oscar F., who married Lizzie Fahs, and lives in Windsor township; Bernard, who mar- ried Lizzie Reeser, and lives in West York borough, where he is chief burgess; Luther E. ; Flora R., who married Joseph Loucks, and lives in York; Edward, who married Rebecca Ness, and lives in Springfield township; Wilson H .; and Clayton M., who married Lillie Frey, and lives in Springfield township.

Luther E. Landis received his preliminary education in the township schools and supple- mented this with a course at the York County Normal school. He worked with his father at farming, remaining at home until, in the year of 1886, he married Mary E. Burg, born in Hellam township, daughter of C. C. and Mary ( Houser) Burg. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Landis located in Springetsbury town- ship, where they remained two years, and after spending a year in Hellam township, they set- tled in Springfield township, where they spent eight years. They finally located in Man- chester township, where Mr. Landis purchased the George H. Buck farm of 75 acres and 118 perches. He is also interested in the culture of plants and flowers.

Mr. Landis is the inventor of the Farmer's

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Friend Plow, receiving his patent in Noven- ber, 1903. It is attached to the plow beam in front and can be operated without touching the handles. It is a very ingenious device which will, no doubt, become something that the up-to-date, well informed farmer cannot afford to be without. His brother, E. M. Lan- dis, is greatly interested in the device.

Mr. and Mrs. Landis are the parents of the following children: Blanche M .; Martha M .; Alfred H., who died at the age of twelve years and six months; Elmer Luther ; Mary Ann; Sarah Rebecca; Florence May; Nettie I .; Christopher C .; Esther M .; Matilda E., and Philip William, at home.

Mr. Landis casts his ballot in support of the Democratic party, but has never been active in party work. Mr. Landis has been con- nected with the Mennonite Church since 1892, and is one of its valued members.

WILLIAM W. GINGRICH, who conducts a general merchandise store at the Glades, Springetsbury township, York county, is a native of that township, born Aug. 23, 1862, son of Jacob and Catharine (Kauffman ) Ging- rich.

Jacob Gingrich, grandfather of William WV., married Betsey Holder, and they lived to a ripe old age. They were members of the Lutheran Church.

Jacob Gingrich, father of William W., was born in Springetsbury township, then Spring Garden, Aug. 18, 1815, and died March 31, 1886. He was a carpenter by trade, but fol- lowed farming nearly all of his life. He mar- ried Catharine Kauffman, born June 27. 1825, daughter of Jacob and Polly ( Brillinger) Kauffman. Jacob Kauffman came from Lan- caster county and married, afterward engaging in farming. He was the possessor of a fine farm and lived to be nearly seventy years old. His wife was sixty-three years of age at the time of her death. They were the parents of fourteen children : John, Solomon, Jacob, Dan- iel, Henry, Samuel, Peter, Zachariah, George, Adam, Catherine, Eliza and two that died in infancy unnamed.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 171

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