History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 172

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

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To Jacob and Catherine Gingrich these children were born: Susan married Samuel Seiple, of Springetsbury township; Mary mar- ried Henry Dellinger, of York; Sarah married Charles Eisenhart, of York: Elizabeth mar- ried Milton Shamberger, of York; Daniel is a

carpenter at Indianapolis, Ind .; Jacob resides in McDonough Co., Ills .; Michael is a laborer in York; Eliza married Miles Garbrick of Springetsbury township; Catharine married Daniel Kennedy, of Springet; Amanda, married H. Cann, of Springetsbury township; William W .; Ellen married Robert Morrow, deceased; Franklin is a cigar maker of York ; and Malinda died in infancy.

William W. Gingrich was reared on the home farm and attended the schools of the township. At the age of sixteen he started out in life for himself, working for a while at various occupations. He then learned the cigar making trade, at which he was employed for some eight years, two years of this time be- ing spent in Indiana and Illinois. After his return to Pennsylvania, he learned the carpen- ter's trade and followed this for three years, when he again engaged in cigar making. This he followed until 1893 when he embarked in the mercantile business, which he has since con- tinued with remarkable success. He carries a full line of general merchandise, and is con- sidered one of the substantial business men of the township.

On April 8, 1888, Mr. Gingrich married Miss Annie E. Jacoby, daughter of Daniel and Susan Jacoby. They have an adopted daugh- ter, Alverta. In religion they are members of the Lutheran Church, and are among the liberal supporters of that religious organiza- tion. Mr. Gingrich is a Republican in politics, but has always refused to hold public office. During his many years of business life in this locality, Mr. Gingrich has attracted to him the esteem of his fellow citizens, partly on account of his honest business dealing, and partly be- cause of his pleasant, genial personality.

JOHN THOMAS GEMMILL, residing on his fine farm farm of 115 acres in East Hopewell township, was born Jan. 13, 1846, on the farm upon which he now resides. His home was erected by his grandfather, Major Robert Gemmill, and the farm has been in the possession of the family ever since, with the exception of a few years, when it was owned by Trout & Coulter, to whom it had been sold by the heirs of our subject's father. Mr. Gemmill purchased it from these gentlemen in 1875, and has resided on it ever since.

Thomas Gemmill, father of John Thomas, was born on this farm July 26, 1809. and his

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

death occurred Dec. 3, 1848, when our subject many in an early day and purchased 360 acres was two years old. On Nov. 30, 1837, he of land on the Little Codorus Creek, previous- married Miss Mary A. Caldwell, born April ly owned by the government. There he built the mill and made his home for the rest of his life. 8, 1816, in Chanceford township, and they had these children: Sarah, born Sept. 24, 1838, married John C. Liggett, and died in this (II) Peter Diehl, son of John A., inherited the mill, and it was rebuilt by him. township; Robert, born Feb. 28, 1840, died in infancy ; William C., born April 9, 1842, died in the West; Margaret J., born March 21, 1844, married John D. Manifold, and died in York; John Thomas, our subject; and Alex- ander R., deceased.

On the death of his father, our subject be- ing but two years old, was taken to the home of his aunt, Mrs. Margaret Wallace, who lived in East Hopewell township. This good wo- man also adopted our subject's two sisters, Sarah and Margaret. Mr. Gemmill was given the usual winter term education at the town- ship schools, which he attended until eighteen years old. His mother had gone West, on the death of his father, taking the infant son, Alexander R. Mrs. Gemmill died in Ohio, where her youngest son grew to manhood and married Miss Ann Duncan, daughter of An- drew Duncan, of Cross Roads. He returned to East Hopewell township, after having grown to manhood, and lived for a time at Mark Say- lor's hotel, and he died at Winterstown.

John T. Gemmill remained with his aunt until grown to manhood. He was married Dec. 6, 1877, to Miss Martha Ellen Gemmill, born in East Hopewell township, July 30, 1857, daughter of Thomas and Maria Ann (Bell) Gemmill, both of whom are deceased. After marriage Mr. Gemmill settled on his present

(V) Jacob Diehl was born March 13, 1832, and was reared on the farm, attending place, which he had purchased two years be- the public schools. He remained at home till fore, and where he has successfully been en- gaged ever since in general farming and to- bacco raising. To Mr. and Mrs. Gemmill have been born: Andrew Thomas, at home; and James Monteville, who died in infancy. he was twenty-five years of age, and then be- gan farming on his own account on one of his father's farms. This occupied his whole at- tention till 1897, when he retired from active work. A strong Democrat, Mr. Diehl has al- ways been one of the best workers for his party, JACOB DIEHL. One of the landmarks of Springetsbury township was the Diehl mill, which was the first one built on the Codorus and which until 1900 stood on the site of the present Hively mill. It was built by John Adam Diehl, the first of the family to come to America, and descended from father to son for a number of generations. So closely was it associated with the family name that even the new mill is often called by the old appellation. and has served as a delegate to various conven- tions, and been a member of the county com- mittee on several occasions. He has filled a number of township offices including those of director of the poor and treasurer, and is rec- ognized as one of the most reliable, efficient and influential men of his party. Twice mar- ried, Mr. Diehl was first united to Miss Mag- daline Dietz, daughter of Jacob Dietz, of Springetsbury township. They were the par- ents of five children: (1) Jacob L. was em-

(I) John Adam Diehl came from Ger-

(III) Jacob Diehl, one of the several sons of Peter, was the next owner. He and his brother Nicholas bought the estate left by their father from the other heirs. Jacob's part in- cluded the mill, and he also owned four still houses and several good farms. The land for the county almshouse was a part of his prop- erty, and was purchased from him. He was one of the progressive men of the county, and one who was thoroughly alive to its interests. In his family of six there were two sons, and the mill descended to the younger, Daniel.

(IV) Charles Diehl, elder son of Jacob, gave his entire attention to farming and owned over 200 acres. In political bias he was a life- long Democrat. He married Miss Leah Lut- man, daughter of John Lutman, and they had a family of eleven children, as follows: Lucin- da, Mrs. John Rutter; John, deceased; Susan, who married the late Henry Miller; Anna Mary, Mrs. George Rutter; Jacob; Amanda, wife of the late Emanuel Bear; Alfred, of De- catur, Ill .; Charles, of Illinois; Samuel, de- ceased ; Edmund, a resident of Oklahoma ; and Rachel, deceased wife of George Matthews. Charles Diehl and his wife were both members of the Lutheran Church of York.

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BIOGRAPHICAL

ployed in the mill for eight years, but is now engaged in farming at Pleasantville, where he owns some good land. He married Miss Mary Ellen Inners, and has two children, Jacob M. and Wilbert A. (2) Ada Agnes married Al- bert Cunningham. (3) Alfred N. is a cigar manufacturer at Pleasantville. (4) Ed- mund D. is a decorator, with the firm of Watt & Bro. of York. (5) Martha Ann married Henry Billett, of Hanover. Jacob Diehl mar- ried (second) Miss Sarah C. Runkle, also de- ceased. Mr. Diehl is a member of the Lutheran Church.

(VI) Alfred N. Diehl, born Oct. 24, 1862, was educated in the public schools and remained with his father till he was twenty-one. He then began in his present occupation of cigar making at Springet. He employs from five to seven people, puts out annually fifty cases of cigars, of medium grade, and gives his entire attention to this business. He was married to Miss Annie Shepp, daughter of William Shepp, of Springetsbury township, and they have had fourteen children: Elmer, Minnie, Charles, William, Francis, Daisy, Stewart, Sallie, Lester, Mary, Viola and three who died in childhood.

GEORGE A. FARCHT, a prominent bus- iness man of York, who is at present yardmas- ter at York for the Northern Central railroad, was born in Manchester borough, Manchester township, York county, Jan. 4, 1863, son of John and Leah ( Ramsey) Farcht, and grand- son of Christian and Polly (Schwartz) Farcht.

Christian Farcht was born in York town- ship, where he received his schooling, later learning the carpenter's trade, which he follow- ed until his death in 1857, at the age of sixty-six years, being buried at Roller's school house, Conewago township. He married Polly Schwartz, and their children were: John; Ly- dia, born in York township, died in 1840, and was buried at Quickel's Church; Catherine, born in Dover township, died in 1891, and was buried at Roller's school house; and Henry, born in Dover township, died in 1900, and was buried in Manchester borough.

John Farcht was born in York township, Dec. 22. 1827, and when six years old was brought by his parents to Dover township, where he attended the common schools until eighteen years of age. He then went to Con- ewago township, and later to Manchester town-

ship, where he worked on different farms un- til twenty-eight years old. On Aug. 5, 1855, he married Leah Ramsey, born March 6, 1832, daughter of John and Sarah (Haines) Ram- sey, the former of whom was a miller in New- berry township. After his marriage John Farcht went to work for the Northern Central railroad, remaining with that company until 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, 166th P. V. I., to serve nine months, and then re- turned home, re-enlisting in 1864. He was captured by the Confederates and taken to Libby Prison for sixteen days, and to High Point for two days, later to Salisbury, where he remained until March 1, 1865. Mr. Farcht, although never engaging in any serious con- flict, had a great deal of skirmish work to do, and was also ordered to do a great deal of picket duty. After his discharge from the army he returned to Manchester borough, and again worked for the Northern Central Railroad, continuing in their service thirty-one years. He was pensioned by that company in 1901, since which time he has lived retired in Man- chester borough. The children born to John and Leah Farcht were as follows: William Henry, born April 4, 1856, married Tilda Brosch, and lives in Columbia, Pa .; John Wes- ley, born May 28, 1858, married Hattie Hein- dle. and lives in York: Leah, born June 28, 1860, married Edward Doll, and lives in York; Joseph, born May 13, 1865, married Anna Kunkle, and lives in Manchester borough; Mary Alice, born March 29, 1871, married Ed- ward Brown, and lives in Manchester borough ; Edward, born Oct. 19, 1873, lives in Baltimore ; Susan Charlotte, born Dec. 13, 1876, died Dec. 20, 1876 ; and George A.

George A. Farcht received a common school education in Manchester township. where he remained until sixteen years old, at that time finding employment on a farm in the same county for one year. At the age of seventeen years he went to Lancaster county, and worked as a farm hand, then returning to Manchester township, and working on a farm until twenty years old. At that age he began railroading for the Northern Central Railroad. in which company's service he has since re- mained. He started as a brakeman, a position he held for eight years; was then made a con- ductor, occupying this position for twelve years ; and in 1903 was made day yardmaster of the Northern Central Railroad, at York.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

In 1881 Mr. Farcht and Miss Mary L. Henry and Elizabeth ( Strickhouser ) Hershey, Hinkle were united in marriage. Mrs. Farcht of Codorus township, and she died in 1897, leaving two boys : Henry G., a carpenter with Hench & Dromgold, who married Amanda Strickhouser ; and Edwin C., our subject. is a daughter of Asher and Angeline ( Kough- enour) Hinkle, and to this union has been born one child, William H., born Sept. 21, 1882, living at home. George A. Farcht is a mem- ber of the Mystic Chain, York Castle No. 34; the Emigsville Mutual Relief Association and the Order of Railway Conductors. He and his estimable wife are consistent and devoted members of the Reformed Church of York, in the work of which both are very active. The family is a well known and highly respected one in York, and Mr. Farcht is to be envied for his reputation as a man of honor and in- tegrity.

EDWIN C. EICHELBERGER, who has been a resident of York city for twenty-five years, is well known as a skilled mechanic, and has been in the service of his present employers, the widely known building and contracting firm of Oermann & Blaebaum, since 1884. He was born Jan. 22, 1852, in Heidelberg town- ship, York county, son of Michael D. and Elizabeth ( Hershey) Eichelberger.

George Eichelberger, his grandfather, was an infant when his father died, and he grew up on the home owned by his great-grandfather, purchasing this farm when he became of age. In 1822 he married Sarah Diehl, and they reared a family of eight children. Mrs. Eich- elberger died in 1865 in Hanover, while Mr. Eichelberger survived until 1869, when he passed away, aged sixty-nine years. Four of his children died before him, namely: Anna Maria, who died aged seventeen years; Sarah, who died at the age of fourteen years; George, deceased when nine years of age, and Michael D., the father of Edwin C., who passed away aged thirty-five years, in 1863, and was buried at Bears cemetery. The children of George Eichelberger who survived him were: Martin, born in 1823, married in 1844 Catherine Geisel- man; Franklin, who married Louise Hershey, died in the upper part of Adams county, where he had reared a large family ; Charles F., who married Susan Menges, died near Hanover, Pa .; Louise Catherine married William J. Young, a well-known grain elevator man of Hanover, where they reside.

Michael D. Eichelberger was born in Heid- elberg township, and was a lifelong farmer. He married Elizabeth Hershey, daughter of

Edwin C. Eichelberger attended the com- mon schools until he was nineteen years of age, and then learned the carpenter's trade with George Sheaffer, of North Codorus township, with whom he remained three years. He then located in York (1880), and was employed by Weiser Brothers for four years, at the end of that time engaging with his present employers, for whom he does most of the skilled work, turning, scroll work, etc. On April 2, 1906, he was promoted to foreman of the planing mill.

In 1872 Mr. Eichelberger married Susan Strickhouser, daughter of Henry and Isabella (Zellers) Strickhouser, and to this union have been born: Grace, now the wife of Clifford Drenning, of Baltimore; Harry L., who is de- ceased; Percy, who died in infancy ; and Wil- lard M., a clerk.

In politics Mr. Eichelberger is a Democrat, and he served the terms of 1899-1900-1901 under Mayors Gise and Gibson as city assessor. He is a member of Grace Reformed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Eichelberger reside at their pleasant home, No. 316 North New- berry street, York, where their many friends are always sure of a hearty welcome.

JOHN C. TORBERT, who is residing on his well cultivated farm in East Hopewell township, was born in Fawn township, Dec. 6, 1854.

John Torbert, the father of our subject, was born in the West, and came to York county, where he engaged at his trade until the opening of the war, when he joined the 166th P. V. I., as a private, serving out his time. After the war he engaged in farming, and at this he con- tinued until his death in Fawn township. He married Emma Miller, a native of New York State, and she died in Lower Chanceford town- ship, having borne her husband ten children. After her death Mr. Torbert married (sec- ond) Mary Ann Burkholder, by whom he had nine children. Mr. Torbert married (third) Mary Martha Wayne, by whom he had two children. Eighteen of his twenty-one children attended Mr. Torbert's funeral.

John C. Torbert, our subject, had little

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BIOGRAPHICAL

chance for an education, attending in all only four months. His father being in the army dur- ing the Civil war, young Torbert was compelled to work on the farm, and at the age of sixteen years he left home and went to Williamsport, Pa., and worked in a sawmill for six months, at $2.50 per day. He then went to Baltimore, Md., and drove his team at the penitentiary for one year. Mr. Torbert next went to Wood- bine, where he farmed William Inglefritz's farm for three years. There he married, and settled on a small farm, near Laurel, East Hopewell township. He built a home, and learned the mason's trade with James Stewart, of Chanceford township. This he followed until 1895, when he located on his present farm of eighty-four acres, which was formerly known as the old Henry Mitchell farm.

Mr. Torbert and his family are members of the Cross Roads M. E. Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and he served thir- teen years as constable, was then out of office two years, at the end of which time he was ap- pointed to fill the unexpired term of Franklin Tyson, and in the spring of 1905 was again elected to serve three years.

Mr. Torbert married, in Hopewell town- ship, in 1876, Miss Ellen E. Snyder, daughter of John and Agnes (Sentz) Snyder. Their surviving children are: Agnes, Mrs. Jacob Gardner; John H., at home; Lottie and Maggie.

TITUS S. WELSH, a blacksmith and me- chanic of North Codorus township, was born in the house where he now resides, Oct. 26, 1862, son of William Welsh.

Abraham Welsh, his grandfather, married Mary McDate. He was a resident of Spring Grove, and was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed all of his life. Both he and his widow were buried at Lischy's Church in North Codorus township. They had these children : Maggie, George, Jane and William.

William Welsh was born in Spring Grove and received a common school education. He was at one time an engineer for the Northern Central Railroad, but was better known as a dealer in horses, engaging as such very exten- sively in Chester and Lancaster counties, and he is now living a retired life in the latter county. During the Civil war he served his country as a soldier and had a good record.

Titus S. Welsh's school days were spent

in North Codorus township. At the age of sevnteen years he began to learn the carpen- ter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of five years. He then served the township as con- stable for seven years, and also as assessor and township auditor. Mr. Welsh has followed the blacksmith's trade for sixteen years, and has a repair shop in connection, carrying on a very successful business. He also sells oils, cigars and tobacco. His place of business was at one time the location of a distillery, and is a very old and historic spot. He owns a farm of fifty-four acres, upon which he has made many improvements, making it one of the fine ones of the township. In June, 1905, he erected a fine new barn.

Mr. Welsh was married to Maggie Stam- baugh, daughter of Ephraim and Catherine (Kessler) Stambaugh, of Spring Grove, and to this union one child has been born : Robert Emig P., who is attending school. Mr. Welsh is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has served four years on the council. Fraternally he is a member of Mt. Olivet Lodge, No. 997, I. O. O. F., of Spring Grove, in which he has passed all of the chairs and is a trustee, and of the Grange, No. 810, of Hanover, and he has been a delegate to different conventions.

CONRAD BRODBECK, engaged in farming and milling in North Codorus town- ship, was born in that township, in November, 1859, son of Daniel Brodbeck and grandson of George Brodbeck, the family being among the earliest of the township.

George Brodbeck was born in North Co- dorus township and there engaged in farming until his death. He had these children : George, Jacob, Andrew. Jesse, Elizabeth, Mary and Daniel.

Daniel Brodbeck was born in North Co- dorus township, where he received a common- school education. He owned two farms in the township, one of 175 acres, and one of sixty acres. His death occurred at Jefferson bor- ough, when he was aged forty-eight years. He married Malinda Myers, who still survives, living in Hanover, and they had these children : Ellen, the widow of John Baker; Conrad; and Maggie, the widow of George W. Miller, of Abbottstown, Adams Co., Pennsylvania.

Conrad Brodbeck attended the schools of Jefferson borough. He married Jane Strick-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

houser, who was the daughter of Henry Strick- houser, of North Codorus township, and after marriage located at Jefferson borough for one year. In 1883 Mr. Brodbeck purchased his father-in-law's farm of 100 acres, upon which he erected new buildings and made many im- provements. In 1897, Mr. Brodbeck erected a modern mill, and since that time has been en- gaged in the milling business, owning a fine gasoline engine, which he uses when the water is low. He also engages in threshing.

Mr. and Mrs. Brodbeck have two children : Paul, who married Miss Werner, and farms in North Codorus township; and Williard, who resides at home. In politics Mr. Brodbeck is a Democrat. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been deacon and elder.

CHARLES H. DIETZ belongs to one of the old and honored families of York county, where his grandfather, Peter Dietz, lived and died.

Charles H. Dietz was the son of Jacob, and was born on his father's farm in Hellam town- ship, April 24, 1874. He was educated in the public schools and reared to farm life, but when he was fifteen he left home and began clerking in Crumling's store in Hellam, where he work- ed about two years. He then spent two years in business for himself at cigar making, in Delroy, York county, next spent a year raising tobacco and after that returned to cigar mak- ing, this time in Windsor township. From there he removed to York, and soon after, in 1898, came to Pleasantville, where he has since remained. While continuing the manufacture of cigars, he is mainly interested in his barber shop, which he opened on his arrival in Pleas- antville. He is a competent workman, owns a good property and is succeeding well. In his political views Mr. Dietz is a strong Democrat, and always has been active in politics, serving often as a member of the county committee. In the fall of 1903 he was elected justice of the peace for five years, and he is discharging the duties of that office with great efficiency.

On May 9. 1895. Mr. Dietz was married to Miss Annie Paules, daughter of Reuben Paules, and four children have been born to them, one of whom, Evelyn, is deceased. The others are: Penrose C., Myrtle M. and Viola. Mr. and Mrs. Dietz are members of the Re- formed Church, and the former belongs to the Pleasantville Relief Association.

ALBERT F. BRILLHART. Among the important industrial enterprises of York county is that conducted under the name of the Dallas Cigar Co., and of the same Mr. Brillhart is an interested principal. The company operate two well-equipped cigar factories, one in Dal- lastown and the other in Windsorville, and the annual output reaches a large aggregate. The subject of this review is a progressive and able business man, and is known and honored as one of the representative citizens of Dallastown.

Mr. Brillhart is a native son of York coun- ty, where he has maintained his home from the time of his birth, which occurred April 24, 1867, in Loganville. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah ( Rechart) Brillhart, both of whom were likewise born in this county, being representa- tives of old and well known families of this section of the State, and here the father follow- ed the vocation of mason for many years, hav- ing been held in high esteem by all who knew him. His death occurred in 1881, and his widow now maintains her home in Dallastown. Of their children we record that Albert F., our subject, was second in the order of birth : Peter met his death at the age of twelve, as the re- sult of a hunting accident; Annie died in in- fancy ; and Lucy is the wife of Henry Spaltz, of Dallastown. Joseph Brillhart had five brothers, Daniel, Jacob, John, Michael and Samuel, all of whom are deceased, and of the brothers and sisters of Mrs. Sarah ( Rechart) Brillhart we note that Gordon is deceased ; Lizzie is the wife of John Sellers, of York City : Annie is the wife of John Graybill, of York City; and Miss Rebecca resides in Hanover, Pa.

Albert F. Brillhart was reared to the life of the farm, and was afforded the advantages of the public schools of his native township. where he continued his studies until he had at- tained the age of eighteen years. He then served a two years' apprenticeship at the mil- ler's trade, in the mill of Jacob Neff, in Relay, this county. He, abandoned the work of his trade in 1889, when twenty-two years of age. and for the ensuing seven years he was engaged in work at the cigar maker's trade, in the fac- tory of Adam Rohler. of Dallastown. At the expiration of this period. in 1896. he entered the employ of John W. Minnich, who was en- gaged in the same line of enterprise in Dallas- town, being made foreman of the factory with- in a short time and thus continuing until July.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 172

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