History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 63

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

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Business. The three hundred acres

of fine fa mm sh he has cultivated

with jre1

business in York

Mr. j . 0 rn April 18, 1853, in the historic old place valston farm," one mile le was the eldest of the John and Margaret

e others being Emma, und, and John M., a hotel Mrs. Dodson's father. mitive of Germany, and rman Lutheran minister. dassed his early childhood E'rthplace, where he had itages. He was eight rents removed to New and Co., Pa., and at feat to work near Greens- naining with the same reventeen. He then empl.

du as a salesman, for " he sold sewing ma-

+ that for half a year, but he was anxious wwwn account, and he . here he was soon es- After a period of

ner with great suc- ce- le enter l The of business by associating hin North Western

Fertilning Comjw go, with which

he was connected

rerre. JIe com- ihanded malary wand dollars a of that com- year, and . 1

pany. Meantime "0, before

nering this relação. b

Napldo-

Jam (general super intende Cambria

Wire Works ) embarked went Insi-

n ted very profitably. In For Ve Diesen

ij to-date agriculture has naturally co mira god share of attention from Mr. D. sop. a In 1894 he purchased a tract of lan caring nic acres in Lower Chancef. trump t is one of the most fertile plac. m Y of centy, and certainly one of the m. highly up ved Mlr. Dodson having broug' it to its present condition by a generous ] judicion. expenditure of his means, govern by clar creristic discrimination and skill. 1' out buildings are models of tasteful archu ture. and the creamery located upon the pr , city is perfect in its appointments. In 1x Mr. Dodson bought another farm, of 1 acres, upon which he immediately erecte . barn 90x40 feet in dimensions, provided every known convenience, said to be the fi equipped barn in southern Pennsylvania. ! residence 'one mile from this place. now home ot the Dodson family, was. purchase John H. Small, and is a beautiful villa desis for comfort a well as appearance, being 1. ed by steam muy highted by gas manufact on the grounds. The site is a charming and the surroundings indicative of the and individuality of a man who knows 1 employ his leisure as well as his business ? A ten-pin aller and tennis courts for t' joyment of the family and the numerou they entertalh are features of the which are skilfully laid out and embell a style above criticism.

In 1005 Mr. Dodion purchased then and stock of the "Hotel National". therein his son-in Lix. A. F. Rowe ager and propriet and under his ment the hostelr ., taken first rant the popular hotel of southern Penny

Mr. Dodson his risen in the sheer pluck. He is one of those men born to prosper for though he has had

345

BIOGRAPHICAL

share of reverses he has the faculty of "keep- one that died in infancy. Those who survived ing at it" which leads to success. He has are: Calvin, a York county farmer; Martha, gone into many a venture with nothing more wife of Frank Sachilla, of New Oxford, and substantial in the way of capital than his cred- John F. The mother of this family was the it, which valuable asset, however, he has been daughter of a prosperous farmer of Adams county. careful never to impair by unfair or injudi- cious transactions. As this fact is as much for the benefit of his business associates as for him- self it betokens the highest order of integrity, and Mr. Dodson has never failed to justify the confidence reposed in him. He was a res- ident of Johnstown at the time of the great flood and suffered serious financial loss.

Socially he holds membership in the order of Elks, I. O. O. F. and Royal Arcanum. He is a Republican, and so popular in his party that he was nominated in the convention of 1894 for county treasurer ; at the election which followed he polled the largest vote ever given a Republican candidate for that office.

Mr. Dodson married Miss Sarah C. Gore, daughter of Henry and Nancy ( Pedan) Gore. the former an old and substantial citizen of Johnstown, Pa. Nine' children were born to this union, all of whom survive but John Henry, who died in early childhood. Louis M. married Martha Kiner. Mary Edith is the wife of Joseph H. Wallazz, a graduate of Girard College, now a resident of York, where he is the efficient representative of R. G. Dun & Co. Margaret is the wife of A. F. Rowe. previously mentioned as the proprietor of the "National Hotel." of York. Sarah Jane, as- sistant to her father, is the wife of Carl Witt- mer, receiving and paying teller for the York Trust Company. William M., Jr., married Florence Stair. Henry Ralston, George Willis and Emma Isabel are at home.

JOHN F. CHRONISTER has been a resi- dent of the city of York. Pa., since March, 1898. He was born in Adams county, Pa., Feb. 7. 1866, son of Singleton C. and Rebecca (Cashman) Chronister.

(I) Jesse Chronister was a successful farm- er of Adams county. Pa., where the family has been known for many years, and where there are prominent representatives of it at the present time.

(II) Singleton C. Chronister died when his son T. F. was only eighteen years of age. He and his wife had six children. three of whom are now deceased : John Wilbur, Jane, and

(III) John F. Chronister was given the educational advantages of the public schools, and after finishing his course he worked upon the farm until twenty-two years of age. At that time he turned his attention towards carriage building, and learned the trade in East Berlin. Finishing his time there, he went upon the road for three years as a trav- eling salesman for a large vehicle house. He next turned his energies toward farming, pur- chasing a good property at East Berlin, and until March, 1898, he conducted it successfully, but upon that date, he removed to York, to as- sume management of the Martin Carriage Re- pository. In January, 1906, he became floor walker and manager of the clerks in the well known K. W. K. store at No. 35 West Market street, York.

On Dec. 30, 1889, Mr. Chronister married Annie E. Nickey, daughter of Jacob Nickey. a substantial farmer of East Berlin. One child has been born to them. Melvin J., a bright young fellow, now attending school. Mr. Chronister belongs to the Foresters of Amer- ica, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, as well as other fraternal associations, and is deservedly popular in all of them. His religious affiliations are with the Bethany Reformed Church. to- ward whose support he contributes very liber- ally. Mr. Chronister has always been a stanch Republican, but aside from casting his vote for the candidates of his party. has not as yet taken an active part in public affairs. He is a reliable, steady. industrious man, who makes friends easily, and he stands high in the esteem of his acquaintances and business associates.

FREDERICK WILLIAM NEUHAUS, a farmer and tobacco raiser, located in North Hopewell township. was born on his father's farm. Sept. 17, 1851.

Conrad Neuhaus, grandfather of Freder- ick W., was born and reared in Wetzlaau. Neu- breisen, in the Rhine country. Germany, where he followed tailoring. He brought his family to the United States in 1817. sailing from Bremen on a sailing vessel

346

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

to Baltimore, Md., where they landed after a stormy voyage of nine months, during which time the wife and one son died, both being buried at sea. Conrad Neuhaus was a man in comfortable circumstances, but the trip nearly exhausted his funds, and he made his way to Stewartstown, where he engaged in tailoring for a number of years. At the time of his arrival in this locality there were but two houses, those of Mr. Stewart and a Mr. Meads. After a time Mr. Neuhaus purchased 300 acres of land in and about what is now Winterstown, and there he followed tailoring in connection with his agricultural pursuits. He traded this tract of land for the one now owned by our subject, it at first being over 300 acres in area, but since has been divided up into a number of farms. Mr. Neuhaus oper- ated a still on this place for a number of years, and also brewed beer, which he sold in Bai- timore. He was married twice, his second wife being a Shrewsbury lady, and he lived in the latter place retired some years prior to his death, which occurred in his fifty-sixth year. He was a member of the Reformed Church. He was a believer in the policy of protection. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neuhaus were as follows: Jacob is mentioned below. John, who died in Indianapolis, Ind., was a distiller and followed that occupation in many parts of the West, and his son George became private secretary to a general in the Civil war. Elizabeth, who married Maurice Berhahn, who was shot in the face in the Mexican War, died in the State of Indiana, near Fort Wayne. Hen- rietta, Mrs. Michael Ziegler, died in North Hopewell township. Conrad became a rancher in Texas, and afterward laid out the town of Belknap, Texas, with his brothers. William and Charles ; they often took large droves of cattle to St. Louis, Mo., being assisted by Mexican cowboys, and on one trip to St. Louis they put up at an isolated inn, where they were at- tacked by Indians, Conrad being killed and scalped, while William escaped, Charles having remained at home. When the Civil war broke out William enlisted in a Confederate Regi- ment, and died in the service. When grand- father Neuhaus died. Jacob Neuhaus, the fath- er of our subject, settled up the estate, each child receiving $600 or $700. Charles wrote to Jacob to send him $500 and to keep the bal- ance until he came home. The money was sent. but a little later a demand came from Charles

to send the entire amount saying he had not received any money. Luckily, Mr. Neuhaus had kept the receipt, and in the proceedings that followed, showed that he had sent the money. The last heard of Charles, he was in Parker Co., Texas. He had married three times.

Jacob Neuhaus, the father of our subject, was born in Germany. Oct. 23, 1815, and was but two years old when brought to America by his parents. He went to the subscription and private schools at Stewartstown, and later taught the pay and public schools of the town- ship. He was educated in both German and English. Reared to farming pursuits, he also learned milling, which he followed for four years at Stormer's mill. When his father re- moved to Shrewsbury he sold his farm to Ja- cob, and here the latter continued for several years. Fourteen years ago Jacob Neuhaus gave up active life, and four years later divided up his property among his children, our subject taking the home place. Mr. Neuhaus is of the Reformed faith .. In politics he was a Whig. and on the organization of the Republican party became one of its stanch advocates.

Jacob Neuhaus was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Hildebrand, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Mitzel) Hildebrand, the latter of whom was a sister of Jacob Mitzel, of York. To this union were born: Frederick William ; Henry, of North Hopewell . township: Charles WV .. of the same township: and Orvilla, Mrs. Christian Eitzert, of Shrewsbury.

Frederick William Neuhaus was born on his father's farm, and attended the schools of Shrewsbury township and North Hopewell township until the age of nineteen years. He worked on his father's farm, and also learned the mason's trade. He was employed on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, on stationary engine beds, and many points at Luzerne county and thereabout, for four years, and then engaged in tobacco farming, renting a farm. In 1895 he took the home farm, which he has profitably farmed, and he has been particularly successful in raising tobacco. On March 18, 1878, Mr. Neuhaus was united in marriage with Miss Martha Thompson, born in what is now East Hopewell township. Aug. 30, 1853. Mrs. Neuhaus was educated in the public schools and at Stewartstown Academy. She began teaching at the age of nineteen years, her first school being Collins school in East Hopewell

347

BIOGRAPHICAL

township. Here she was superintendent for one has followed in connection with stair building term, and the next three years were spent at the Hildebrand school in North Hopewell town- ship. Mrs. Neuhaus' father, William Thomp- son, was a shoemaker by trade, an occupation he followed in East Hopewell township. Her mother was Mary Ann McCleary, a sister of John McCleary, of North Hopewell township.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neu- haus are as follows: Viotti E., who taught school for six years, is now a bookkeeper in Glen Rock; Jacob F., for three years a school teacher and now a hardware dealer, of Glen

Rock, married Miss Lillian Rehmyer; Melvin years, and after one year spent in the high L., is a graduate of Patrick's Business College ; Harry T., is attending Millersville Normal school; Gertrude V. E., is attending the same school; Allan T. and Charles Owen are at home. Mr. Neuhaus cast his first vote for President Grant, and has voted for every Re- publican candidate since that time. He has served his township as assessor for three years, and proved a capable, popular official. He takes a great interest in educational matters. Mr. Neuhaus and his estimable wife are members of Sadler's Reformed Church, in which he has been a deacon for many years, and in the Sun- day-school of which they have both been teachers.

WILLIAM HENRY HIBNER has spent

Mr. Hibner is a member of Calvary Pres- his life in York and is a highly esteemed resi- \byterian Church, in which he is trustee and dent of that city, of which he is a native, born on South Queen street Sept. 23, 1854, son of Frederick and Harriet (Hartman) Hibner. treasurer, also being librarian of the Sunday- school. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has served as registrar and assessor for Mr. Hibner's great-grandfather belonged to a prominent family of France and came to America with LaFayette as an aide. His son, Frederick, was born in York and was a lock- smith by trade. He married a Miss Dunlop, and to this union were born children as follows : Daniel, a resident of York, is in his eightieth year; Frederick is mentioned below: George died in York: Jacob died in York: Sarah mar- ried John Borland and died in York. one year, being the first Republican to be elect- ed from his ward. Fraternally he affiliates with Humane Lodge, No. 342, I. O. O. F., in which he is a past grand. and secretary of the lodge: Mt. Vernon Encampment, No. 14, I. O. O. F. ; Conewago Tribe, No. 37, Improved Order of Red Men, in which he has been chief of records for the past twenty-five years, is past sachem. and has been representative to the Grand Coun- cil for seven years : Chosen Knights Command- ery, No. 174, Knights of Malta ; and the York Conclave, No. 124. I. O. H. Mr. Hibner is a member of the Rescue Fire Company, having joined that organization in 1882, in which he was secretary for ten years and trustee for five years. He is also a member of the York Vol- unteer Firemen's Relief Association.

Frederick Hibner (2), the father of Will- iam Henry, was born on the old Hibner home- stead in York, where the Hell brewery now stands, about 1829. He was left an orphan at the age of ten years, and was reared by a Mr. Wilson, near York Furnace. He received a common-school education, and learned the car- penter's trade with Jacob Quickel, which he

up to the present time. For many years lie was engaged in contracting. In religion Mr. Hibner is a Presbyterian. In politics he is a Republican. He married Miss Harriet Hart- man, who was born March 13, 1828, in York. daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Goodling) Hartman, and to this union have been born : Frederick, of York; William Henry ; and Mill- ard Fillmore, who died at the age of three years.

William Henry Hibner completed his com- mon-school education at the age of sixteen school learned the carpenter's trade with his father, serving a. three years' apprenticeship. and remaining with him one year after. He then entered the employ of Jacob Sechrist, with whom he continued until the latter retired from business, since which time Mr. Hibner has been employed by Mr. Sechrist's sons, Jacob and Adam. Mr. Hibner has worked at all branches of his trade, working inside, outside and in a planing-mill. He has charge of the work of his employers and has proved a steady. effi- cient workman. He has worked on some of the largest buildings in York, including the City Market. M. B. Spahr's two fine dwell- ings, the York high school, the "Hotel Royal", etc.

William Henry Hibner has been twice mar-

348

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ried. On June 15, 1876, in York, he was Wolf, lives in Philadelphia, and has two sons, united in marriage by A. H. Rice, a United Maynard and Braynard. Brethren minister, to Alice J. Carson, of York, daugliter of Colon and Mary Carson, and she died in 1880. In 1889 Mr. Hibner was married (second) by Rev. Mr. Livingstone, an Evan- gelical minister, to Miss Mary A. Lau, of York, daugliter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Shaffer) Lau. Mrs. Hibner's parents are still living, and reside in Codorus township. To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hibner have been born the follow- ing named children : Evelyn May, Ida Ardell, Frederick Henry and Mary E.

H. CLAYTON SHELLY, of Carroll township, comes of an old Pennsylvania fam- ily, whose ancestors were originally English, but had emigrated to Holland at a time now unknown.

Abraham Shelly came from Holland to Bucks county in 1734, took up considerable land and made it a permanent home. His chil- dren were Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Christian, John and Michael.

Jacob Shelly was the father of Francis, Abraham, Jacob, Samuel, Daniel, John, Jo- seph and David.

Daniel Shelly, the great-grandfather of Hi- ram Clayton, settled on an island in the Sus- quehanna river, which was afterward called Shelly's Island.

Daniel J. Shelly, son of Daniel, married Magdalene Bowers, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bowers, and granddaughter of Mich- ael and Maria Bowers. The children born of this union were five in number: (1) Anna E., born in 1817. died at the age of twenty ; she was the wife of John Gladfelter, who lived to be eiglity years old. Their only child, Jerry, married Miss Mary Jones, of Lancaster coun- ty. and lives near Middlesex. (2) Susanna, Born in 1818, married Joseph Stickel, and moved to the West where both died. They left one son. (3) Benjamin is mentioned be- low. (4) Ephraim, born in 1822, married Miss Harriet Spangler, of the well-known York county family. Their only child, John Wesley, married Miss Frances Rebman, and had four daughters, Annie, Hattie, Emily and Mary. (5) Daniel, born in 1825. married Miss Dinah Gratz. Of their children, Mary Mag- dalene, Elizabeth, Emily, Emma and William, are all deceased; Benjamin married Miss Cora

Benjamin Shelly was born on Shelly's Is- land in 1820. As he grew older he learned the carpenter's trade. from his father-in-law, George Fauss (also spelled Fahs), and followed it until he was thirty years old. The rest of his active life was passed in farming in Adams county, where he was also prominent in politi- cal affairs and served as county assessor for two terms, besides being on the board of school directors for so many years. Originally a Re- publican, he joined the ranks of the Prohibi- tionists six years before his death. A member of the United Brethren Church, he was also one of its well-known local preachers. His de- mise, an event deeply lamented, occurred March 25, 1889, when he was aged sixty-nine. On Nov. 17, 1840, he wedded Miss Catherine J. Fauss, daughter of George and Hannah (Lane) Fauss, and granddaughter on the maternal side, of Peter and Jane Lane. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Shelly : Han- nah Alice, born Sept. 21, 1842. now deceased married Abram Meals, also deceased, and had children, viz .: Alice Catherine (who married John H. Stock, and has Ruth, Esther, Evelyn, Mabel and Paul D.), Cora M. (who married William Bahn, and has one child, Mildred), Lottie V. (who married William Brough, and has no children), Hayes M. (who married William Jacobs, who has one son, Murray F. M.) and Georgia (who married Elmer Rich- wine) : Daniel F., born May 20, 1846, married Miss Catherine Bream, and has one child, Nel- lie C .; and Hiram Clayton. Mrs. Catherine J. (Fauss) Shelly has passed the eighty-fifth milestone in life's journey, and now makes her home with her son, Hiram Clayton.

Hiram Clayton Shelly was born in Adams county, Nov. 22. 1852. He attended school there and in York Springs, and after complet- ing his education, he spent three years in the milling business. Returning to the farm, he worked there until the death of his father in 1889, which left the entire charge of the place upon his shoulders. He remained until 1902, when he bought his present farm of thirty-six acres in Carroll township, which has been a part of the Peter Shaeffer estate. He has brought the place to a high state of cultivation, and with its pleasant dwelling it makes a model farm.

3-49

BIOGRAPHICAL

Mr. Shelly was married, Sept. 10, 1878, to maining long in that city. On coming to York Miss Rebecca Wierman Ditmmer, and their only county he settled at Freytown, which is now a son. Benjamin Kieffer Shelly, was born June 26, 1887. In politics Mr. Shelly is a Repub- lican, and has filled the office of township as- sessor. part of the city of York, and here he engaged in work at his trade in association with George Pfaltzgraff. After a period of about eight years he bought out Mr. Pfaltzgraff, but sold out in 1854, and bought the property of Fred- erick Schatzberger, and continued to carry on a pottery business until 1878. For several years prior to his death, he lived retired, dy- ing at the age of eighty-five years. His re- mains were laid to rest in the Prospect Hill cemetery.

The DITMER Family, to which Mrs. Shelly belongs, is an old one and allied with many of the other well known lines in that part of the State. Her parents were Henry F. and Mary (Wierman) Ditmer, and she was one of eight children born to them. (1) Sarah A. is the wife of Jacob F. Lehmer, a justice of the peace, surveyor and farmer in Carroll township. (2) Mary married John C. Garretson, and lives in Iowa. They had nine children of whom eight are living. (3) Catherine J. became the wife of Michael H. Baker, both now deceased. Their children were: John A., who married Miss Ida Coder; Obed, who married Miss Clara Wise : George G., deceased, whose wife was Miss Alda Bingamon ; Mary E., wife

the wife of Smith Smock, and left one child, Cecil. (4) Frederick W. married Miss Susan Wiley and had three children. Sarah Grace, Harry and Nellie Rebecca. (5) Susan H. mar- ried Christopher Hershey. (6) Lydia M. mar- ried Lewis Arnold, of York county, and their children were : James D. ; Mary E., who mar- ried Cleason C. Kimmel, and had three chil- dren. William G., Lewis and Alta; Henry D., who married Miss Doll Freeland, and had one son, Freeland; Clayton S .; Richard L .; and Naomi L. (7) Rebecca Wierman became Mrs. Hiram Clayton Shelly. (8) Emma died young. Mrs. Shelly's paternal grandparents were Frederick and Sarah (Vogelsong) Dit- mer, while on the maternal side she was de- scended from her great-grandfather Dr. Will- iam Wierman, through his son Elisha, who married Miss Sarah McCreary, daughter of Mary Underwood. and granddaughter of Squire Elihu Underwood.

GEORGE BUSH, foreman of the black- smithing department of the York Manufactur- ing Company, at York, Pa., was born Nov. 19, 1842. in Germany, son of John Bush, who became a well-known citizen of York.

John Bush was born in Germany and learn- ed the trade of potter there. In 1846 he came

John Bush married Martha Elizabeth Pfaltzgraft, who was also born in Germany and was reared by an aunt. She died in York aged sixty-eight years, and was buried by the side of her husband. Both were members of the Dunkard Church. They had these children : Conrad, John, George, Katherine, Emanuel and Charles.

George Bush accompanied his father and of Oscar E. Bruelil ; and Norah, deceased, was mother to America, being at that time about four years of age, and he attended the common schools in York until he was fourteen. Then he began to work for his father at the pottery business during the winter seasons, and for neighboring farmers during the summers. mainly in Spring Garden township, and during this time he became a snare drummer in the Spring Garden Band.

In 1861 Mr. Bush enlisted in a regimental band for a service of three years, but later, by Act of Congress, the band was made a brigade band, and they shortly afterward returned home. He then learned the blacksmith's trade. which he has followed ever since, a period of forty years, for the past fifteen of which he has been with the York Manufacturing Company. and for eight years has been foreman of his department. This is one of the largest smith- ing shops in the city. In 1864. the war still continuing. Mr. Bush decided to again enlist and in March of that year he became a member of Gen. Hartranft's Brigade Band, First Bri- gade. Third Division, Ninth Army Corps, and as such assisted in the capture of Gen. Lee's forces on April 14, 1865. He was mustered out from his first enlistment at Cumberland. Md .. and from the second. at Harrisburg. Pennsylvania.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 63

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