History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 61

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

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334

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

May 7, 1842, married John Campbell, of Low- and although in a strong Democratic county er Chanceford township, where they now re- was defeated by but a small majority. He mar- side; and Robert Cathcart, born Aug. 2, 1843, enlisted about Sept. 17, 1864, and fought until the close of the war as a member of the 30th P. V. C., under Capt. A. B. Frazer, and died April 27, 1867.

Francis G. Wilson was born May 26, 1834, at the old homestead, and there grew to man- hood. When a young man he worked as a mill- wright for one year. He started to school at the age of six years, and continued his educa- tion until twenty-one, having been a student for a time at Stewartstown Academy. He began teaching in the public schools of Harford coun- ty, Md., in 1856, beginning with the spring term, and teaching nine months there, and he then taught in Lower Chanceford township for one session, and then two sessions at the home school, continuing teaching for seventeen years. During the summer months he remained at home, farming. His father made provision in his will that the farm might be divided into three sections, one section to go to each son. James, the eldest, chose the homestead tract, our subject took the lower end, and John T., the youngest, took the western part. Mr. Wilson's tract consists of fifty acres, upon which he erected his home in 1879, and moved into it in January, 1880. In the spring of the same year he erected his barn, and he also put up other farm buildings, and since that time he has con- tinued there, engaged in general farming.

Mr. Wilson was married Sept. 22, 1870, to Miss Mary J. Baird, born Sept. 28, 1844, daughter of Thomas Baird, deceased, a farmer of Hopewell township, and his wife Susan (Hartman) Baird. These children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson: (1) Margaret Elizabeth, born Aug. 16, 1871, was a teacher for seven years; she married E. W. Ramsay, and they reside in Pittsburg, Pa. (2) Susanna Florence, born March 10, 1873, was educated at Stewartstown Academy and Millersville Normal, and was a teacher in the public schools for six or seven years; she married James K. Grove, of Muddy Creek Forks. (3) John Milton, born Feb. 23, 1875, attended Stewarts- town Academy, has been teaching for the past ten years, beginning teaching at the age of eighteen years, and is now principal of the pub- lic schools of Stewartstown, and has a private school during the summer. He was a candi- -date for prothonotary on the Republican ticket,

ried Ella Waltemyer. (4) Mary Roberta, born Oct. 30, 1876, was educated in the public schools and Stewartstown Academy, and taught school five years; she married Lawrence M. Brown and resides in Fawn township. (5) Francis Garfield, born March 24, 1880, is at home operating the farm. (6) Blanche Ade- laide, born Oct. 12, 1884, has taught school two sessions, and is now at the Millersville Normal school. (7) Rachel Estella, born Oct. 26, 1886, is at home.

Mr. Wilson and his family are Presbyter- ians in their religious faith. He is a Repub- lican in politics, has been a school director for six years, has already served six years as town- ship auditor and has been elected for three years more.

OLIVER W. KELLER, cashier for the York Card & Paper Co., one of the successful industries of York, is a member of the well- known Keller family, one which has long been established in York county, the name ever standing for the highest type of loyal citizen- ship in each generation.

Peter Keller, grandfather of Oliver W., was a successful farmer near Yorkana, this county, and there continued to reside until his death.

George Keller, son of Peter, was born and reared on the old homestead and likewise be- came a prosperous farmer and influential citi- zen of Lower Windsor township, and is now living retired in Delroy, York county. As a young man he married Miss Charlotte Myers, who was likewise born and reared in York county, where her father, Jacob Myers, was a prominent farmer. The ten children of George and Charlotte Keller were: Elmira J. and Cal- vin W. remain at the parental home; Oliver IV .; Elizabeth D. is the wife of Reuben Fitz- kee, of Philadelphia : David A. is foreman of a large cigar factory of Delroy, this county ; Reu- ben A. is a prosperous farmer of Lower Wind- sor township : Kate is with her parents ; George H. resides in York, where he is engaged as a head machinist : Harry P. is a successful teach- er in the public schools of Lower Windsor township; and Grace R. is likewise a popular teacher, and lives at the parental home.

Oliver W. Keller was born on the old homestead farm, near Yorkana, this county,

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BIOGRAPHICAL

May I, 1867, spending his boyhood days on men their dinners from the grandfather's his father's farm. After completing the cur- riculum of the public schools he taught one term in the public school of Windsor township, after which he entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College in the city of Philadelphia, where he completed a thorough commercial course and was graduated as a member of the class of 1888. He initiated his practical busi- ness career by taking the position of steno- grapher and bookkeeper for the A. A. Yerkes Manufacturing Co., in what is now known as the Codorus Paper Mill, in York. This plant passed into the control of the paper trusts, and Mr. Keller then became one of the promoters of the extensive concern known as the York Card & Paper Co., in which he was a chartered stockholder, while he has held the dual office of bookkeeper and cashier from the time of the organization of the company, in 1893, to the present, being recognized as a specially capable executive and administrative officer. In mat- ters political we find our subject stanchly ar- rayed as a supporter of the Republican party and its principles. Both he and his wife are consistent members of Zion Lutheran Church, of York, while they enjoy marked popularity in the social circles of the community, having a pleasant home on Philadelphia street.

On May 10, 1892, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Annie K. Ziegler, who was born and reared in York, where her father, William Ziegler, was a prominent contractor and builder. Mr. and Mrs. Keller have two children, Clarence Ziegler and Viola May.

SAMUEL SMITH MANIFOLD, owner of "Sweet Spring Farm," that fertile farm of 165 acres situated in East Hopewell township, close to High Rock, is one of the representa- tive men of this section. This farm is a part of his grandfather Henry Manifold's farm, who, however, never lived on this tract, his life being passed on the part now occupied by J. J. Manifold.

Benjamin and Ann Eliza (Smith) Mani- fold, parents of Samuel S., are both deceased. Benjamin Manifold was born and reared on his father's farm, and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He settled on this farm about the time of his marriage, and he erected the present buildings, and, during their con- struction, his wife frequently carried the work-

house. He became a prosperous man, was a stockholder in the old Peach Bottom Railroad and an influential citizen. He was a strong Whig and Republican, and it was said that he missed but two or three elections all his life, considering it a duty to cast his vote. He joined the Hopewell Presbyterian Church in boyhood, and, like other boys of his day, was more inclined to go bare foot even to public places, and his shoes were worn only during the time of service and then were carried home instead of being worn. Those were days when a new pair could not be bought just around the corner. Necessity taught people frugality, and they were all the better for it. He served as trustee of this church for some time, and al- ways was a liberal supporter. He died of par- alysis in 1898. The mother of our subject also was active in church relationships. She united with the Chanceford Presbyterian Church in girlhood, but united with the Hope- well Church after her marriage. She died in 1890, and both she and husband were interred in the cemetery of that church. Their chil- dren were: John H., of York; Harry C., a merchant at High Rock; Amanda Louise, Mrs. William Liggitt; Samuel Smith; Nettie, Mrs. J. J. Grove, of York; Lulu May, who died in 1885; Ella W., residing with her brother, Sam- uel S .; and Tabitha Mary, Mrs. W. W. Kurr, of this township.

Samuel Smith Manifold was born on this farm, as noted above, Dec. 26, 1858, and he was educated in the Collins township school. When he left school at the age of nineteen years, his teacher was Miss Maggie Neil, who is now the Widow Hyson. Mr. Manifold then enjoyed several months of study at Pleasant Grove Academy under Prof. James Yeats. Un- til the death of his father he worked on the home farm but shortly afterward became its owner and he has continued here ever since.

Mr. Manifold was married at the home of his bride in Fawn township, by Rev. R. G. Pinkerton, Oct. 3, 1901, to Miss Jennie Eliz- abeth Adams, eldest daughter of Samuel Adams, Esq., of Fawn township, a prominent citizen, and his wife, Sally ( Payan) Adams, both of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Manifold have two children: Jessie Eliza. born July II, 1903; and Samuel Benjamin, born Dec. 31, 1904. Both Mr. Manifold and

336

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

wife are members of the Hopewell Presby- no soldier anywhere has a finer record than terian Church. In politics he is a stanch Re- Sergeant Fry. publican, and he has been called upon at var- ious times to fill township offices.

JOHN FRY, the successful proprietor of the "Washington House", just across from the Pennsylvania railroad station, in York, en- joys not only a first-class reputation as a land- lord, but also has one of the most remarkable military records of any man in York.

John Fry was born on the old homestead in Codorus township, York county, Jan. 3, 1846, and, his mother having died when he was three years of age, he was taken to rear by an uncle in Abbottstown, Adams county, where he obtained his education in the public schools. Leaving school Mr. Fry worked as a tanner until he was eighteen years old, and then en- listed as a private for a term of five years in the 3rd U. S. Cavalry. This was Oct. 15, 1863, and at the expiration of the five years, Mr. Fry returned to Manchester Borough, and lived with his sister Catherine. In 1869, he clerked in the "Motter House" for a time, when he again enlisted for a five-year term of service. In brief Mr. Fry served three terms of five years each in the 3rd U. S. Cav- alry, beginning as a private and being mus- tered out as sergeant. His first discharge was at Fort Craig, N. M., and bears the endorse- ment as to character "Excellent in every re- spect." The second discharge was from Fort McPherson, Neb., and the character endorse- ment is "Very good." The third and last dis- charge was at Fort Sanders, Wyo., and, like the first reads "Excellent in every respect." Mr. Fry has just reason to be proud of these discharge papers, as well as of the several war- rants of promotion, from time to time, for meritorious conduct, and it is safe to say that

Mr. Fry was proprietor of the "Northern Central Hotel," on North George street, for four years, and in about 1891 became the prop- rietor of the "Washington House," which he has conducted with great success to the pres- ent time. The "Washington" has forty large rooms, and its proximity to the railroad station makes it a most desirable place.

John Fry was married, Jan. 13, 1881, to

Mr. Fry is a son of Conrad Fry, of Co- Kate H. Smith, daughter of Jonas Smith, a dorus township, York Co., Pa., who in his miller of Manchester borough, and two chil- dren were born of this union: Perry, who died Aug. 30, 1900, aged eighteen years; and Robert S., who assists his father at the "Washington House." Mr. Fry belongs to the Heptasophs, the I. O. R. M., the Union Fire Co., No. 3, and the Fireman's Relief As- sociation, and is as popular in these organiza- tions as he is as a landlord. earlier manhood did freighting, by team, from York to Baltimore, and it was when engaged in this business, that, while stopping at one of the way houses, he met and married Annie Frey, the daughter of a farmer situated near the Maryland line. The parents of our sub- ject had four children : Mathias, a farmer of York county ; Catherine, the wife of John Ken - dig, of York; Cornelius, who died at the age of fifty-eight years; and John, our subject.

GEORGE THRONE (deceased), one of the most highly valued citizens of Springets- bury township, York county, was born Nov. II, 1853, on the farm which he later owned, situated two and a half miles east of the city of York, and there he died Oct. 7, 1885.

Mr. Throne was reared on this farm, and was educated in the Stony Brook schools, where he also taught school for four terms. He made up his mind in early manhood to devote his life to agricultural pursuits, and thoroughly pre- pared himself to be a first-class farmer, thus insuring success. Although not permitted a long life, he made his years useful, and he was very popular in his locality, being a man of upright character, and always willing to pro- mote the welfare not only of his family, but of his whole locality.

The late George Throne was a son of Sam- uel and Harriet (Green) Throne, both of whom were born in York county, where their lives were passed. Samuel Throne purchased 19I acres of good land in Springetsbury town- ship, which he improved with good buildings and a substantial brick residence. His death occurred from tetanus, caused by an accident to one his fingers. He left a family of nine children: Rebecca, Israel, Catherine, Joseph, Amos, Samuel, George WV., Lydia and John. After his death, his widow erected a good frame house near the brick one, and this is now occupied by the widow of our subject.

John By

337

BIOGRAPHICAL

On Oct. 24, 1872, George W. Throne was honorable in business, quiet in life and sup- porters of education and religion.

united in marriage with Annie E. Heistand, daughter of Abraham and Lealı ( Longeneck- er) Heistand. Seven children were born to this union, namely : . Abraham H., a former teacher and now a mechanical engineer re- siding at Plainfield, N. J., graduated from Pennsylvantia College, Gettysburg, and then took a four-years' course in mechanical en- gineering, graduating in 1900, with the de- gree of Bachelor of Science; Samuel E., a molder by trade, was educated in the home schools and York County Academy ; Catherine, at home, was educated in the home schools and at York Seminary ; Byrd H., who was edu- cated in the public schools and York County Academy, and who taught school for a time, married Carrie Reeser, and farms the home- stead besides running a thresher; Amos, edu- cated in the home schools and York County Academy, married Martha White, and they have one son, George; Susan, a graduate of York College, is at home; and Georgiana, who attended the home schools and York Collegiate Institute, resides with her aunts, the Misses Heistand. In 1900 Mrs. Throne bought her residence from the family estate, and has a very beautiful home.

Abraham Heistand, father of Mrs. Throne, spent his whole life in this township. By trade he was a carpenter, which he learned in opposition to his father, who would have pre- ferred him to have devoted his life exclusive- ly, instead of only partially, to farming. He was a prominent member of the Democratic party, and served a number of years on the school board. His death occurred in 1887, when he was aged seventy-nine years. His widow lived until 1899, and died at the age of ninety-one years. Both parents were worthy members of the Mennonite Church, good peo- ple who enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew them. They had these children : John, of York; Catherine and Sarah, resid- ing together; Christopher, a farmer of Spring- field, Ohio: Abraham, of Springfield, Ohio; William, of Springetsbury township: Susan and Amanda, residing with their sisters: Ja- cob, of Stony Brook; Annie, widow of the late George W. Throne; the youngest mem- ber being Alice, wife of John Roreback, of Hanover.

Both the Throne and Heistand families are old and prominent ones of this locality,

SAMUEL S. ALDINGER. The name Aldinger is one familiar in most parts of Ger- many, for the family archives go back almost to the beginning ot the Christian era to 56 A. D., when one Theobauld Aldinger is known to have lived in Augsburg. While a complete genealogy is to be found in the library at Vienna, the American descendants have 110 record of others of the name till A. D. 500, in the time of King Rudolph, when Pelagius and Andrew Aldinger lived in Augsburg. The family spread to Bavaria and Swabia, and Switzerland, these lines all going back to Ul- rich Aldinger, who was high bailiff of Augs- burg about 1,100, and who left three sons Nicholas was manager or director of whole- sale merchants at Leipsic, but afterward went back to Augsburg. His descendants through his four sons, scattered through Saxony, Sile- sia and northern Germany. Theodore, brother of Nicholas, moved to Cologne on the Rhine, and became the progenitor of the various branches in Alsace and Franconia. From him, too, the American branch traces its descent.

Christof, or Christopher Aldinger, the first to come to America, was the great-grandfather of Samuel S. He was a farmer and vine grower in Felbach, Wurtemberg. He mar- ried a Miss Rulf, and with his wife and family started for the New World in 1817, his pass given and sealed June IIth. They landed at Philadelphia, but soon went to York county, where they lived first in Windsor township. then in Dover township, where Mr. Aldinger taught school on the present site of Strayer's Church, and finally they located permanently in Heidelberg township. There Christopher Aldinger and his wife both died, and were bur- ied at Bears Meeting House. Their children were : Margaret, who married Jacob Menger- talen, and died in Warrington township: Bar- bara, who married Mathias Rickley, died in Warrington township, and was buried in York; Christiana, Mrs. Michael Lentz, who died in York: Fredericka, Mrs. Christian Wagner. who died in Philadelphia ; Elizabeth, who died in Windsor township, unmarried; Louisa, who married Henry Welk, and died in York; and C. Frederick. Christopher Aldinger was a member of the Evangelical Church.

338

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

C. Frederick Aldinger was born Aug. 14, born Dec. 21, 1847, married Miss Harriet Stiles 1798. He first learned how to make shoes, but and resides in York. did not follow that trade long, preferring to Jacob Aldinger first attended the township schools and then the Williams graded school in York township. On completing his educa- tion he taught for about eight years in Man- chester and Codorus, and then went to farm- ing, which occupied him for many years. He bought 217 acres of land in West Manchester township, and this land in time became part of the village of Eberton, now West York bor- ough, and so increased in value that Mr. Ald- inger sold all but seventy-five acres for build- ing lots. His own farming land has two nne dwellings and two large bank barns upon it, and is splendidly improved. He sold thirty- one acres in North Codorus township, and five acres of building lots at Brillhart's Station, York county. He also owns several fine dwell- ing houses in York, Pa. He married Eliza- beth Sprenkel. work in Mr. Rife's distillery in Adams county. After five years there he worked in Abraham Moyer's distillery in York county, and while thus engaged married his employer's daughter, Elizabeth, so named for her mother, Elizabeth (Erb) Moyer. Mrs. Aldinger was a native of Lancaster county. After his marriage Mr. Al- dinger lived on a farm near Hanover for four- teen years, and then bought a farm in York township. There he remained four years be- fore selling out, in order to go West and try farming in Iowa; but he decided that the East was a better field after all, and returning home in a year, he bought a farm adjoining his former home. In his latter years he retired from active life and made his home with a ¿daughter in Springfield township, where he died and was buried, his demise occurring April 6, 1882, at the age of eighty-three years, seven months and twenty-three days. His wife, who was born May 4, 1809, passed away Jan. 3. 1899, aged eighty-nine years, seven months and twenty-nine days, and was laid to rest beside her husband. They had a fam- ily of ten children, as follows: ( I) John M., the eldest son, born Oct. 5, 1828, is a shoe- maker living in York township at Brillhart's station on the Northern Central Railroad. He married Miss Julia Emig, and children were born to them as follows: Elizabeth, July 15. 1856, who died when a little over a year old; Mary M., Nov. 30, 1857; John F., Aug. 28, 1860; Charles J., March 12, 1863; George A., Feb. 13, 1866; Edwin L., March 17, 1868; Emma L., May 20, 1870; and Catherine R., May 4, 1873. (2) Emanuel, born Sept. 26, 1831, married Miss Leah Hummer, and lives near Davidsburg, Dover township. (3) Ja- cob, father of Samuel S., was born Feb. 22, 1833. (4) William, born April 7, 1836, mar- ried Miss Lydia Stiles, and lives in York town- ship, at Brillhart's Station on the Northern Central road. (5) Daniel, born Dec. 14, 1837, married Miss Louisa Koons, and lived in York. His death occurred Jan. 3, 1884. (6) Bar- bara, born Oct. II, 1841, married George Cra- mer, of Springfield township. (7) Matthew, born Dec. 4. 1843, is unmarried, and lives with his sister, Barbara. (8) Joel died in infancy. (9) Elizabeth died in infancy. (10) Abraham

Samuel S. Aldinger, son of Jacob, was born in York township Nov. 10, 1859, and in early boyhood attended the public schools. Later he went to the York County Academy and Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa., and studied survey- ing, a general line of work which he has fol- lowed ever since he was twenty years old. He came to West Manchester township in 1878, and has since made his home there; at present he resides in a handsome house he has erected on a part of his father's old farm. By pro- fession he is a civil engineer, and is engaged all over the county, as he has built up a fine reputation for skill and reliability.

Mr. Aldinger chose for his wife, Miss Mary Gochenour, a daughter of Emanuel and Susan (Deardoff) Gochenour, of Washington township. Two sons have been born to them namely: Jacob G., who is a graduate of the York high school and is now employed as a draughtsman by the York Manufacturing Com- pany ; and William E., who is in school. Mr. Aldinger is a Democrat in his political beliefs, and in religious matters holds to the faith of the German Baptist Church, of which he is a member and a trustee. He stands high in the estimation of the community, and is a much re- spected citizen.

FRANK G. METZGER, secretary of the York Trust Company, is a member of one of the old and honored families of this favored section of the Keystone state.

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BIOGRAPHICAL

His grandfather, Jacob Metzger, was a der, the Knights of Malta and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

leading farmer of Newberry township, York county, and his father, William B. Metzger, was for many years prominently identified with mercantile interests in the county, having con- ducted a general store at Dillsburg. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having served during the greater portion of the period which marked the progress of the great conflict, and having re-enlisted at the expiration of his first term of enlistment. He died in 1884, at the age of fifty-six years, while to him was accord- ed the high regard of all who knew him. In early manhood William B. Metzger was united in marriage to Miss Emma Ginder, daughter of Daniel Ginder, who at one time held the of- fice of sheriff of York county, and of this union were born four children, namely : Ja- cob, superintendent of a meat-packing company in the city of Walla Walla, Wash .; Harry, buyer for the large mercantile establishment of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, in Reading, Pa .; Clara, wife of Samuel A. Williams, a cigar manufacturer of New Cumberland, Pa .; and Frank G.

Frank G. Metzger was born in Yocumtown, York county, Nov. 26, 1852, and there his boy- hood days were passed. He completed the course in the public schools, and then entered the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was graduated in the year 1874. After his return home he secured the position of bookkeeper for the firm of Elcock, Metzger & Co., dealers in general merchan- dise, at Dillsburg, this county. He remained incumbent of this position for five years, at the expiration of which, in the autumn of 1879, he became clerk to the county commissioners of York county, in which capacity he served until January, 1882, while he had in that connection the distinction of being the first Republican ever elected to that office in the county. For the ensuing decade Mr. Metzger was general agent and secretary of the York & Peach- bottom Railroad Co., and in 1892 he became bookkeeper for the York Trust Company, of which he was soon afterward chosen secretary. His executive talent has been a potent factor in conserving the interests of the company, which controls a large and substantial busi- ness. Both he and his wife are prominent members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Fra- ternally he is identified with the Masonic or-

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 61

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