History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 72

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

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Levi M. Myers is one of the leading citi- zens who is well known in the agricultural, so- cial and political circles of Monaghan town- ship. He was born Jan. 22, 1873. son of Will- iam A. and Mary ( Hamacher) Myers, and a grandson of Jacob and Mary (Getz) Myers. He was educated in the common schools of his native township and at the State Normal school at Millersville. After completing his education he taught school for twelve consecutive ses- sions (eleven terms in Monaghan township), and became well and favorably known through- out that section as a successful educator. Pos-

sessing unusual musical talent he decided to adopt music as a profession and with this end in view, placed himself under excellent in- structors, one of his preceptors being the dis- tinguished Prof. Knoche, of Leipsic. Germany, who is now holding a high musical position at Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Myers entered upon the teaching of music, but after completing one term concluded to return to his native place, where he became interested in agricultural pur- suits and particularly in the growing of fine apples and peaches. His fine farm of 350 acres is all under cultivation, and he has been most successful in this venture. In politics Mr. Myers is a stanch Democrat. In the fall of 1902 he was his party's choice for the State Legislature and was elected to that body in November of that year. He served two years during which period he made himself felt in committee work, having been assigned to Counties and Townships and Banking. Mr. Myers worked hard in the interests of his con- stituents, and his record at Harrisburg is one which is eminently satisfactory.

The marriage of Levi M. Myers took place Feb. 22. 1894, to May Moore, daughter of Jacob A. Moore, a native of York county. She comes of a distinguished family, her grand- father being the well known Judge Moore of York county. The only child of this union, Helen, is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are consistent members of the Church of God, commonly denominated Bethel Church.

Mr. Myers' upright character and unim- peachable honesty have, upon many occasions, stood in the way of his political advancement. but his friends and associates know that through all the stress and turmoil of campaign work, he has always stood firm on the founda- tion stones of principle. His convictions of right have been more to him than the highest political honors in the land, and the high es- teem in which his fellow citizens regard him. is sufficient testimonial to his sterling char- acter.

HARRY F. BOWMAN, a business man of Hanover, was born in Heidelberg township, Jan. 16. 1871, son of Harry W. and Mary ( Bollinger) Bowman. The father was born on the old Bowman homestead in the town- ship named. Oct. 16, 1840, and was one of the prosperous farmers of that locality. He

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was a prominent Democrat and an influential party worker, also serving York county in the capacity of registrar of wills for a term of three years. He died in November, 1904, but his wife still resides in Hanover. The chil- dren born to Harry W. and Mary ( Bollinger) Bowman were: Virginia, who married Dr. L. H. Stoner, of Porter's Sideling: Harry F., of this sketch; Ida, who married C. S. Shirk, a hardware merchant of Hanover; Mary, who resides with her mother, and Annie B., who married T. J. Major, a candy manufacturer of Hagerstown, Md. Harry W. Bowman was a great friend of education, and devoted much of his time in elevating its standard, serving many years as a school director both in his native township and in Hanover. He was the son of Henry K. and Katharyn (Snyder) Bow- man, and the land which for generations was tilled by the Bowmans was originally pur- chased by the ancestors from William Penn.

Harry F. Bowman was reared a farmer's boy and received his primary education in the district school, completing his mental training as a student of York County Academy. Pos- sessing an aptitude for commercial life, he be- gan life for himself as a clerk in a hotel. and continued thus for twelve years. In 1899 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket as candidate for recorder and was elected by a good majority. He assumed the duties of his office for a term of three years and fulfilled them to the credit of himself and to the satis- faction of his constituents. At the expiration of his term of office he returned to Hanover, where he began to trade in horses and mules, a business in which he has since engaged ex- tensively and successfully, buying Western horses and Kentucky mules very largely. Be- sides owning valuable city property Mr. Bow- man is the possessor of two good farms, one of which is located in Washington township, York county, and the other in close proximity in Adams county. He is an enterprising and sagacious business man, and his keen judgment gives him an honorable place among the prom- inent citizens of this thriving city.

In 1895 Mr. Bowman married Leona Grenewald, daughter of Leonard H. and Anna (Hall) Grenewald, of Hanover ; they have one child, Leona Frances. Mrs. Bowman's father is a prominent politician, and a former sheriff of York county. Mr. Bowman is a prominent

member of Hanover Lodge, I. O. O. F., hav- ing passed all the chairs; is also a member of the Elks, and of the Mystic Chain.

HENRY FLINCHBAUGH, a retired farmer of Springfield township, York county, was born in Spring Garden township, Aug. 10, 1835, son of John and Dolly ( Smith) Flinch- baugh, the former of whom, a laborer, died when Henry was two years old, while the lat- ter died at Blimyer Church, York township, when he was also very young. His brother and sisters were: John, Eleanor, Matilda and Dolly.

Henry Flinchbaugh was raised with John Godfrey, until he was eighteen years old, work- ing eight months of the year for $25, continu- uing this arrangement for three years. He then purchased the old Keeney farm, upon which he lived and farmed for twenty-nine years. He also owned a property of 210 acres, known as the Feigley farm, which he later sold, and he now resides on a small place of one and one-half acres, near Loganville, which he purchased in 1901. He was first married to Mary J. Kenney, who died at the age of fifty-seven years, and, he was united ( second) to Sarah Brillhart Greiman, daughter of Jacob and Sarah ( Myer ) Brillhart, and the widow of Jacob Greiman, who died April 10, 1892. Mrs. Greiman's children were: Charles S .. a grad- uate of Patrick's Business School at York; Amanda, who joined the Dunkard Church in 1902, and resides at home, and Jacob H., who is also at home.

Mr. Flinchbaugh at one time possessed con- siderable property in Springfield township. but sold most of it, being now the owner of a three- acre tract of land along the Baltimore Pike. In political principle he is a Democrat. He joined the Dunkard Church at the age of thirty-five years, and is very prominent in all its affairs. He and his wife are people of sterling character and enjoy the esteem of all who know them.

ALEXANDER D. SMYSER, of Man- chester township, York county, who is actively engaged in the stone and lime business near Emigsville, was born in 1848, in Jackson town- ship, son of Daniel and Catherine ( Wiest ) Smyser, and a grandson of Mathias Smyser. Daniel Smyser was born March 20, 1807. in

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

West Manchester township and followed farm- ing, first in the place of his birth, later remov- ing to Jackson township and finally to York city, where he lived in well earned retirement. for a number of years prior to his death, which occurred in 1862. Both he and his wife are buried! at the Prospect Hill cemetery. To Daniel and Catherine Smyser the following children were born: John married Caroline Bott, and is living retired in York; Mary, de- ceased, married Andrew J. Myers, who is also deceased, and they were both buried at the Prospect Hill cemetery ; Michael married Lena Menges and is living retired in Spring Grove; Alexander D .; and Louisa married J. M. Gross; M. D., of Dover.

Alexander Smyser received his education in the public schools of West Manchester town- ship and remained with his father until his mar- riage. working upon the home farm. In 1869 he married Louisa Jane Yost, daughter of Peter Yost; she died in 1880 at the age of twenty-eight years leaving one child, Clayton A., who married Georgie Kissinger, and is a clerk for Lippincott & Co. of Columbia, Pa. In 1881 Mr. Smyser married Amanda Metzler, daughter of George Metzler, of Dover town- ship, and they have had three children : Harry E., who died at the age of seventeen years, and is buried at the Prospect Hill cemetery; and Bertha and Alexander, who both reside at home.

After his first marriage Mr. Smyser located in Jackson township, but about eleven years la- ter, after his wife's death, he removed to York, where he now resides, his home being located at No. 703 West Market street. His business interests are large and he is at present very ex- tensively engaged in the stone and lime busi- ness, to the successful conduct of which his time and ability are fully devoted. He em- ploys about fifteen hands, and finds ready sale for his finished products in York county. Mr. Smyser is up-to-date in every respect and has all the latest improvements in machinery. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion is a valued member of the Lutheran Church. He is a man of high standing in his locality, both personally and financially.

THOMAS J. O'NEILL, secretary and treasurer of the Hanover Silk Company and general manager of the large mill of that com-

pany at Hanover, York Co., Pa., is not only well known in that connection but as an all-around business man. In fact, he is a typical business man, seeing advantages for his own particular interests in the progress of other concerns, which, whenever possible, he encourages and supports with his means and influence. He has been identified with the silk manufacturing industry since 1882, and has held responsible positions with several import- ant companies.

Mr. O'Neill is a native of England, born June 24, 1863, and was brought to America in 1868 by his parents, who settled in Allen- town, Lehigh Co., Pa. There he was reared, receiving his education in the common schools of the county and in youth learning telegraphy. After devoting the required time to gaining a knowledge of this business he obtained em- ployment with the Western Union Telegraph Company, and later with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, with which he remained until 1882. In that year he took a position with the Phoenix Silk Manufacturing Com- pany, of Allentown, as foreman of the soft silk department, having charge of 180 hands. This was at the time the mills were started, and he remained there five years, working in all of the departments and acquiring a thorough knowledge of the details of manufacture in the mammoth establishment. The position was one of the most responsible in the mill, re- quiring experience and familiarity with the working's of every department. His success there gained him the offer of the position of superintendent of the Bethlehem Silk mills, which he accepted, as it gave him the opportun- ity to add to his knowledge of business. Later he was with the Theodore Teitz Silk Com- pany, near Hartford, Conn., and then became secretary and general manager of the Hanover Silk Company.

Mr. O'Neill is particularly well known to the trade as a man of energy and progressive ideas. His good judgment and executive abil- ity would insure success to any enterprise, and the Hanover Silk Company owes much of its financial stability to his talent for effective management. But more than that, he possesses originality and inventive genius, and he is not only awake to the progress of the day but able to meet the latest demands in his line, so that his patrons are never disappointed either when

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looking fort attractive novelties or when call- ing for standard goods of known reliability. He believes in using all modern facilities for the dispatch of the work, and in employing them to the utmost. Indeed, it is largely ow- ing to his influence that the Hanover Silk mills are so thoroughly equipped, for he realizes that there is no economy in working with anything but the best. Successful competition would be next to impossible without it. Mr. O'Neill's reputation among business men is of the best, and he has used his best endeavors to have his company rank with the foremost in the United States, Its location in Hanover has not only been a happy one for the concern, but has aided the town and paved the way for the founding of other successful enterprises there.

Though his principal efforts are devoted to the Hanover Silk Company, Mr. O'Neill has been connected with numerous other important undertakings since his removal to Hanover. In 1893 he organized the Hanover Telephone Company ; in 1901 he was actively engaged in organizing the United Telephone Company, and still later the Cumberland Valley Tele- phone Company of Pennsylvania, operating in Lancaster, Dauphin, Cumberland, Adams and York counties, and assisted in organizing the Cumberland Valley Telephone Company of Baltimore, which operates in nearly every county in Maryland, and which is now leased and operated by the United Telephone Com- pany. He is a director of the Cumberland Val- ley Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, and the Cumberland Valley Telephone Company of Baltimore; secretary and director of the Win- chester Telephone Company of Winchester, Va. ; director of the Hanover and McSherrys- town Electric Railroad Company, and of the Hanover Heat, Light and Power Company, and president of the Hanover Market and Town Hall Company, as well as director of the · Hanover Agricultural Society. He is also the proprietor of the Littlestown electric light and power plant.

As may be judged from this brief resume of his various interests, Mr. O'Neill is a leader in local movements for the betterment of the community, for its steady advancement, and for the comfort and well-being of his fellow citi- zens generally. He is no less active socially, being president of the Hanover Outing Club, whose location is a beautiful spot on the banks of the Conewago, known as Waldheim

( Forest Home) ; he is also a member of the Arcadian Club of Hanover, and a charter mem- ber of Hanover Lodge No. 763. B. P. O. E., of which he was the second exalted ruler. Politically Mr. O'Neill is a stanch Democrat and zealous in the interest of his party, but he has no aspirations for official position.

Mr. O'Neill was married Jan. 28, 1889. to Annie A., daughter of the late Josiah W. Gitt. an honorable business man of Hanover, and a sister of G. D. and H. N. Gitt, both prominent business men of that place. Four children have blessed this union: Reginald. T. New- man, Geraldine M. and Helen.

THE HANOVER SILK COMPANY is a source of pride to the town whose name it bears, for more reasons than one. It has marked the be- ginning of an era of progress and prosperity. and has not only been of material benefit to Hanover directly, but has also been the means of drawing to that place many other desirable enterprises.

The company was organized April 4. 1892. and Oct. Ist of the same year the machinery was started in the large mill. The enterprise was novel, in that nothing of the same nature had ever before been attempted in that sec- tion, and the outcome was therefore a matter of some doubt. The continued success and steady growth of the concern have demon- strated beyond question that the region affords every facility for the prosecution of the indus- try of silk manufacturing, and demonstrated it to such purpose that allied industries, hitherto chary about venturing into untried fields, have been attracted to the locality, with results which are mutually beneficial.

The three-story brick factory, 50x126 feet in dimensions, with a boiler and engine house 30x30 feet, is equipped with every appliance known to the up-to-date silk manufacturer for the prompt and efficient production of silk rib- bons in every variety and style, and the product is rapidly taking rank among the best turned ont in the country. No pains or expense are spared to obtain the most exquisite harmonies in colors, tints and combinations, and the product is minexcelled for quality and beauti- ful finish. The highest art in silk manufacture is displayed in the output of this concern, and the fact is recognized by the patronage of some of the largest silk purchasing houses in the United States.

While the company have been prompt to

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

use all the latest appliances in the way of en- removed to York county and located in Spring- field township, where he passed the remainder of his life. It is not known what his vocation was prior to coming to America, but he became identified with farming in the early years of his residence here. Of his children Jacob was the grandfather of our subject. gines, looms, warpers, winders, doublers, etc., they have also been considerate of the welfare, comfort and safety of their many employees. Fire extinguishing apparatus is liberally pro- vided on each floor, the danger of destruction from this source being reduced to the minimum. A thorough system of electric lights was in- Jacob Markey became a prosperous and stalled when the factory opened, and every -. honored farmer of Springfield township, and thing useful in the electrical line is found in the building-powerful dynamos and burners, call bells throughout the mill, telephone connec- tions from floor to floor, all of the best make known to the trade. The salesrooms for dis- tribution, in the care of H. L. Meyers & Wel- wood, experienced silk men, are located at Nos. 477-481 Broome street, in New York City; they have every facility for the storage and dis- tribution of an immense stock.

The Hanover Silk Company employs much skilled labor, has proved a reliable and paying investment for a large amount of capital, and requires in its management the exercise of the highest order of executive ability. The pres- ent officers of the concern are G. D. Gitt, presi- dent ; C. J. Delone, vice-president ; Thomas J. O'Neill, secretary and treasurer; H. N. Gitt, John Krug, directors. The goods of the com- pany find a market in all the large centers of trade, and they compete successfully with the leading concerns-the management originat- ing, devising and introducing new designs, bringing out many novelties of their own, and encouraging home talent in the production of their goods as much as possible. They are not afraid to branch out in new lines and make ex- periments, and their goods have a distinction which reflects the independence and originality of the heads of the enterprise.

DAVID J. MARKEY is a representative of the fourth generation of his family in York county, and has never deserted his native coun- ty, being located on his finely improved farm in York township. He was born on the old homestead farm, in that township, Jan. 24, 1844, son of Daniel Markey, who likewise was born and reared in York county, the year of his nativity being recorded as 1804.

The original American ancestor was Jacob Markey, great-grandfather of David J. This worthy pioneer emigrated from Switzerland to America early in the eighteenth century, and settled in Berks county, Pa., whence later he

died at the age of sixty years, his remains being interred in York township, as are also those of his wife, whose maiden name was Magda- lena Stump. Of their children, Caspar died in Washington township at the age of seventy- five years, eight months and twenty-nine days, having been a successful farmer of York town- ship; Jacob, who likewise was a representative farmer of York township, died at the age of seventy-six years, five months and two days; Michael, also a farmer of York township, died at the age of seventy-three years and nine days ; John, who died in Paradise township, was like- wise a farmer by vocation; Daniel was the father of David J. Markey; Elizabeth died in Washington township, at the age of seventy- four years and eleven months, and Sarah Fahs died in Paradise township, aged fifty-seven years, three months and twenty days.

Daniel Markey received a common-school education and in his youth learned the hatter's trade, at York. He engaged in that vocation until 1850, having passed much of the inter- vening time in Reading, Pa., and in Virginia. He purchased a fine farm in York township, and there followed his trade in connection with the operation of his farm. Few men were bet- ter known or held in higher esteem in the coun- ty than he, and his name merits a place of honor upon the list of the representative citi- zens of this section of the Keystone State. He died in 1877, at the age of seventy-three years and eight days. In 1848 Daniel Markey was united in marriage to Sarah King, who was born in York county, in 1815, being a daughter of Peter and Susan (Miller) King, and her death occurred in 1891. Both she and her husband were laid to rest in the Stumps cemetery, York township. Daniel Markey was known throughout the State by reason of the superior quality of hats which he manufactured, and he was not able to meet the demands placed upon him in supplying his trade, so extensive did it become. Of the chil- dren of Daniel and Sarah Markey the follow-

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ing brief record is given : David J. is our imme- ( Neiman ) Felty, settlers of York county. diate subject ; Mary, who was born Sept. 19, Elizabeth (Felty) Slagle died in 1848. 1859, is not married and resides in the home of David J .; Louisa is the wife of Edwin Dietz, and they reside at Brillhart Station, York township; Susan, who is unmarried, is likewise making her home with Mr. Markey.

David J. Markey secured his early educa- tional training in the school at Spry, York county, and thereafter continued to assist his father in the work and management of the home farm until his honored sire was sum- moned from the scenes of earthly endeavor, and since that time he has carried forward the work of the family homestead, which he now owns. It is eligibly located on the Chanceford pike road, in York township, and is one of the model farms of that section of the county. In 1902 Mr. Markey erected his present fine residence, which is of modern design and con- veniences, and there he and his two maiden sis- ters reside, being the only representatives of the family name in the county, as he himself is a bachelor. They have a host of friends in the community and the home is a center of cordial hospitality and cheer. In politics Mr. Markey is a stalwart Democrat, and has served two terms as auditor of York township. His parents were members of the German Baptist Church, and his sisters are active members of the Zion Reformed Church, of the city of York. Mr. Markey has in his possession an interest- ing and valuable heirloom-a Bible published in 1763, one of the first ever issued in German- town, Pa. It is in an excellent state of preservation and of great historic value.

JACOB N. SLAGLE (deceased), for many years treasurer of the Hanover Savings Fund Society, was born in Heidelberg (now Penn) township, York county, Oct. 20, 1843, son of Adam and Elizabeth (Felty) Slagle, and grandson of William and Mary (Eyster) Slagle. William Slagle was born in Adams county, near Oxford, about the year 1799. He acquired the trade of carpenter, which he fol- lowed for a number of years. Later he devoted his attention to farming and in 1852 purchased a farm in Heidelberg township, which he con- tinued to operate in connection with his trade until his death, in 1873. His wife, Elizabeth Felty. was born in Penn township, York coun- ty, in 1809, daughter of Henry and Mary

Jacob N. Slagle in his youth attended dis- trict school in Penn township, acquiring a good knowledge of the common branches. Later he was a student at a private school. His edu- cation ended, however, in his fifteenth year, and for several years thereafter he was various- ly employed, in 1866 becoming a clerk in the Hanover Savings Fund Society. In 1879 he was made treasurer of the society, which posi- tion he filled until June, 1901. This banking institution is one of the oldest in York county, having been organized in 1835, and it is one of the substantial banking houses in that part of the State. It has the heaviest deposits in Hanover, and perhaps in York county. Mr. Slagle was one of the stockholders of the bank, and also the owner of valuable city prop- erty.

Mr. Slagle was married, in 1878, to Miss Alice O. Bair, of Hanover, daughter of Ed- win and Delilah (Gitt) Bair. To Mr. and Mrs. Slagle one son was born, Jacob, who is a manufacturer of confectionery. Mr. Slagle was a member of Patmos Lodge, No. 348, A. F. & A. M., and of Major Jenkins Post, No. 99, G. A. R. He was a member of Emanuel Re- formed Church, to which Mrs. Slagle also be- longs. Mr. Slagle passed away in July, 1906.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 72

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