History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 79

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

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II > Part 79

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Chas PSchreiner

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BIOGRAPHICAL

decided to try his hand at journalism. He pur- ert; Mary; Sanora, married George Dittenhae- chased the plant of the Norristown ( Pa. ) In- fer ; Lydia, married Thomas Montgomery ; and Sarah married John Minnon, of York. The maternal grandfather Linebaugh followed agri- cultural pursuits all his life. At the time of his death lie had the following children : Abra- ham, Daniel and Mary (twins), John, Jesse, William and Harry. dependent, and for two years was engaged in its publication. After the death of his father Mr. Shreiner disposed of his newspaper, and coming to York in 1880 became associate edi- tor of the York Dispatch, with which paper he was connected until his election to his present office, in 1902. His conduct of the office has Genesis Glessic was a farmer and was prominent all his life. His death occurred July 30, 1898. His wife, Mary Linebaugh, was married twice, her first marriage being to Dan- iel Machlin, by whom she had these children : Daiwalt; Salina, who married Edward Line- baugh; Mary, who married John M. Fishel ; Sarah, who married Solomon Wire; and Susan, who married Henry Kochenour. To Genesis and Mary Glessic two children were born, John Henry and William D. been so satisfactory that he has been honored with re-election to a fifth term. Mr. Shreiner is an experienced writer, and as a delegate rep- resenting the city of York at the meeting of the League of Third Class Cities, held at Wilkes- Barre, Sept. 6, 7, 8, 1904, read a paper on the "Taxation and Assessment of Property" which attracted marked attention, and was published in the Wilkes-Barre newspapers, accompanied by a likeness of Mr. Shreiner.

On May II, 1865, Mr. Shreiner married Sallie K. Kinzer, of Kinzer's Station, this being a historic point named after that family in Lancaster county. Three children came to this union, Edward dying Dec. 28, 1897, in his thirty-second year. The survivors are: Harry K., who is employed at the Baldwin Locomo- tive works, at Philadelphia, and Rebecca Triss- ler, who now presides over the home, her mother having died Aug. 9. 1900.

Mr. Shreiner affiliates with the Heptasophs and is an elder in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. He is a man of the strictest probity of character, administering his office with that painstaking care more frequently observed in the old days than at present. In political affil- iation he is a stanch Republican, and is a valued worker in the local ranks of the organization. In the social life of the city both he and his wife have been prominent and helpful factors. He is found allied with the forces of law and order and good government in every movement which comes up for consideration in the com- munity, and is a tower of strength in shaping the moral tone of the city. The esteem in which he is held is universal.

WILLIAM D. GLESSIC, M. D., one of the successful physicians of New Freedom, Pa .. was born Dec. 29, 1855, at Cross Roads, York county; son of Genesis and Mary (Line- baugh) Glessic.

Joseph Glessic, the grandfather, was a farm- er who had these children : Jerry ; Genesis ; Jo- seph : William : Caroline, married George Eck-

William D. Glessic, after attending the public schools, entered the Stewartstown Col- legiate Institute under Prof. Maxwell in 1874-5, after which he taught school for one year, and then attended two terms at the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md. He was graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, in 1880, and commenced practice in Lancaster county, where he remained for one year, remov- ing to York county, where he has continued ever since.

On May 29, 1895, Dr. Glessic married Miss Nettie E. Wilson, one of the twelve chil- dren of William S. Wilson, of York county. She was a successful teacher for a number of years, and greatly beloved by her pupils. Dr. Glessic has been very successful profession- ally, and he has gained a position of import- ance in his line. While never seeking office he has always taken a public-spirited interest in the welfare of the town, and has generously supported every movement which his judg- ment has led him to regard as beneficial. He is universally esteemed, and occupies a high social position. He is a member of the York County Medical Society.

WILLIAM K. BURNS, who died Dec. 26. 1905, was a leading citizen of Monaghan township, York county, conducting a first class, comfortable hostelry at Siddonsburg. He was born in Monaghan township. Feb. 18, 1834. son of George and Mary ( Kerr) Burns.

Thomas Burns, his grandfather, came from

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Loch Lomond, Scotland, to America and locat- ing in Pennsylvania, settled in York county, where he spent his life in agricultural pursuits. He married Mary Fisher, by whom he had these children, Thomas, William, George, Catherine, Elizabeth and Mary. Religiously these good people were Presbyterians, while politically Mr. Burns affiliated with the Demo- cratic party.

George Burns was born in Monaghan township, where he followed his trade, that of a cooper, for. many years, but from. 1843 to 1875 he conducted the hotel later owned by his son, William K. Mr. Burns was twice mar- ried. By his first wife, Mary Kerr, two chil- dren were born, William K. and Thomas. Mr. Burns then married Lydia A. Kinter, by whom he had two children, Mary and Laura, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Burns still sur- vives and is living in Bowmansdale, Cumber- land county.

William K. Burns remained at home until the age of twenty-one, at which time he started clerking in a store at Siddonsburg, which he continued for a number of years, and then en- gaged in farm work. Later he became clerk in his father's hotel and after the latter's death became proprietor of the hotel. Mr. Burns leased the hotel from 1887 to 1897, during which time he purchased a piece of property in Monaghan township, which he im- proved, and in 1897 returned to the hotel busi- ness, which he carried on until his death, as stated, Dec. 26, 1905, and on the 29th follow- ing he was laid to rest.

In 1873 Mr. Burns married Catherine E. Myers, daughter of Jacob D. Myers, of York county ; she died in 1886, at the age of forty- one years. In 1897 Mr. Burns married Miss Mary E. Barlup, daughter of Charles H. Bar- lup, a native of Monaghan township, and one child, Mary R., was born to this union.

Mr. Burns, politically, was a stanch Demo- crat, and was very prominent in public affairs. The hotel was never in a more prosperous con- dition than under his guidance, and Mr. Burns was favorably considered in financial circles throughout the township. Possessing many of the business attributes which made his esteemed father so successful, he combined also a pleasing manner, which won both business and personal friends, and his death was sin- cerely mourned.

MICHAEL HOKE bears a name which for at least three generations has stood for honesty, industry and influence in the annals of York county. The grandfather, Michael Hoke, was one of the devout Mennonites, who a century ago aided in the development of the county. He was twice married, and his first wife was a member of the well known Hershey family. He was of German descent, and throughout life was a diligent and prosperous farmer of York county.

Michael Hoke, the father of our subject, was born in Jackson township, York county, in 1818. He was a man of versatile abilities, and while pursuing the vocation of farming for many years was also actively engaged in vari- ous enterprises, which the resources of his time opened to vigilant and far-sighted young men. Acquiring the trade of wheelwright and black- smith, he later served an apprenticeship as a machinist at Nashville, Pa., and was a mer- chant for some time at the same town. He married Anna Martin, who was born in York county, near the State Line, and he died in 1863, comparatively young in years.

Michael Hoke, our subject, was born in North Codorus township, York county, Nov. 17, 1840. His early boyhood days were spent on the farm, from which he attended the pub- lic schools at Spring Grove, and later at the old Moul schoolhouse. In 1860 he began an ap- prenticeship at the machinist's trade with Sam- uel Fitz, and after completing his trade he re- mained with his employer for ten years. In 1870 he formed a partnership with Isaac Shaf- fer in the grain business under the firm name of Hoke & Shaffer. In 1880 feed was added to their line, and by adding coal the business was further extended and continued until 1890, when Mr. Hoke purchased the interest of Mr. Shaffer, admitted his son to partnership, and changed the name of the firm to M. Hoke & Son. Soon after they engaged in the burning and shipping of lime. A series of modernly constructed kilns were erected along the line of the Pennsylvania railroad, the stone coming from the celebrated Rock quarry of Adams county. The lime thus produced possessing a superior quality, the firm have succeeded in building up an extensive business, which ex- tends to the States of Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Maryland. They now deal in cement, plaster, feed, coal and hair.

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Mr. Hoke is also owner of a good farm in Bonte in forming the Bonte Cordage Company, York county.

In November, 1865, Mr. Hoke married Harriet Reed, of Adams county, daughter of John and Mary Magdalena (Dubbs) Reed. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoke Have been born six children, as follows : Paul A., who is engaged in business with his father; Mary Elsie, the wife of H. A. Smith ; Anna, who married Wil- liam Ray, and resides in Philadelphia; Mazie M., at home; and John R. and Edward M., at home. In politics Mr. Hoke is a Democrat, and for two years he served as a member of the city council. Among the fraternal orders he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 327, and also of the Royal Arcanum. He and his wife are active members of the Reformed Church, in which he has served for several years as deacon and elder. While serving his apprenticeship he was drafted for army service in 1862, and served nine months. He is one of the substantial and successful business men of Hanover, of that type which brings growth and prosperity to the community in which their careers are centered.

JOHN GREENAWAY, who now holds the position of vice-president and superintend- ent of the Hanover Cordage Company, of Han- over, Pa., was born July 5, 1860, in the County of Armagh, Ireland, near Belfast, the center of the linen industry of that country. He there acquired a good common-school educa- tion after which he entered the employ of the leading linen yarn manufacturers of Belfast, learning the trade of preparing and spinning master. Possessing a natural aptitude for me- chanics Mr. Greenaway, on the completion of his trade thus acquired, decided to seek a larger field of activity, and in 1883 came to America. On his arrival in this country he at once entered the employ of the Ludlow Manu- facturing Associates of Ludlow, Mass., was later with the A. H. Hart Company, New York City, their place being known as the Elm Flax Mills, and also at other leading manufac- uring establishments in this country. The op- portunities thus presenting themselves, he with his natural aptitude for mechanics gained a thorough knowledge of the business in which he was engaged.

Mr. Greenaway on Jan. 29, 1900, assisted Mr. Frederick W. Weber and Mr. George H.

Limited, locating in Hanover, Pa., and be- cause of his wide experience and skill in the manufacturing of twines and cordage was elected to the position of vice-president and superintendent of the company. When in April, 1903, Mr. George H. Bonte sold his interest to Mr. H. N. Gitt and Mr. C. J. De- lone, and the entire interests were sold to the newly incorporated company known then and now as the Hanover Cordage Company, he was again elected to the position of vice-presi- dent and superintendent, in which official ca- pacity he has since continued.

In September, 1886, Mr. Greenaway mar- ried Marcella Cartwright, of Dundee, Scot- land, where are located some of the largest jute manufacturing establishments in the world. Incidentally it may be mentioned that Mrs. Greenaway comes from a family who are thoroughly versed in that industry. To Mr. and Mrs. Greenaway have been born seven children, as follows: Jennie, John Nicholas, Christiana, William Thomas, Ellen Elina, Laura, and David, all of whom are now living with the exception of Christiana. Mr. Green- away in politics is a stanch Republican and both Mr. and Mrs. Greenaway hold member- ship in the Emanuel Reformed Church of Han- over, Pennsylvania.

SILAS M. BIRNSTOCK has passed many years of his life in Wrightsville, where he is engaged in business.

The Birnstock family is of German origin, Henry Birnstock, father of Silas M., having been born in Germany, Nov. 4, 1837. His father, Frederick Birnstock, was also a native of Germany, where he lived and died. He was a mason by trade and married Johanna Funk, by whom he had the following children : Hen- rietta, who married in Germany, and with her husband, Mr. Schueler, came to America and settled in Lawrence, Mass., where she now lives; Henry, father of Silas M., who was a soldier in the German army during the Franco- Prussian war, a locksmith by trade, living in Germany ; and Ferdinand, deceased. Until he was fifteen years old Henry Birnstock attended school in his native town. At that time one of his mother's sisters was coming to America. and asked that Henry might accompany her. His parents gave their permission, and the boy

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and his aunt sailed from Bremen on a sailing vessel bound for Baltimore, Md. After a six weeks' voyage they landed, and went at once to York, Pa., where four other sisters of Mrs. Birnstock were already settled. Henry imme- diately entered the shop of D. D. Doudel to learn the tinsmith's trade. He served an ap- prenticeship of five years and three months, after which he worked for Mr. Doudel until the outbreak of the Civil war. In April, 1861, at the first call for volunteers, he enlisted in Company A, 16th P. V. I., for three months' service. The regiment was recruited in York county, and sent to Harper's Ferry. Thence the regiment returned home and was dis- charged. Mr. Birnstock again enlisted. Aug. 20, 1861. in Company I, 76th P. V. I., for three years under Capt. McIntyre. Col. Powers commanding. The first engagement in which he took part was at Pocataligo, S. C., under Colonel, afterward Major-General, Terry, then commanding the brigade. In this battle he was wounded in the left cheek by a minie ball. He also participated in the engagements at Hilton Head, S. C., Fort Pulaski, James Island, Secessionville, Morris Island, Fort Wagner (both assaults), destruction of Rich- mond and Petersburg railroad, Chesterfield Heights, Swifts Creek, Drury's Bluff, Green Plains. Cold Harbor, Wier Bottom Church, Bermuda Hundred, siege of Petersburg (mine explosion). Chapin's Farm, assault on Fort Gilmer and Fair Oaks. On the organiza- tion of the company Mr. Birnstock was ap- pointed sergeant, and he left the army as first sergeant of his regiment. He received his dis- charge and was mustered out of the service Nov. 28. 1864, at Harrisburg, Pa., having served three months beyond the time for which he enlisted.

On returning from the war Mr. Birnstock returned to his old employment in the tinsmith shop of Mr. Doudel, in York, where he re- mained until 1869. In that year he located at Wrightsville and bought the tinsmith business from the estate of Henry Huber. The store was then in the basement of the dwelling house and the workshop in the stable at the rear. In 1872 Mr. Birnstock purchased the adjoining brick building to which he moved his store, and erected a workshop and warehouse on the rear of the lot. There he continued the business until 1898, when he sold it to his sons, who

continue it under the firm name of Birnstock Bros. Since 1880 Mr. Birnstock has had an' interest in the Wrightsville Hardware Com- pany, of which he is one of the original direct- ors. The company was incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, and in 1898, on the death of its first president, Col. Frank Magee, Mr. Birnstock was elected to that position, which he has ever since occupied.

Mr. Birnstock is a member of the G. A. R., and past commander of Lieut. R. W. Smith Post, No. 270. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., F. & A. M., and of the Royal Ar- canum. In politics he is a Democrat ; he has served as chief burgess and in the town coun- cil, and as a member of the school board. He adheres to the faith of the Lutheran Church in which he was reared.

On Feb. 2. 1865, in York, Mr. Birnstock married Barbara Weisman, of that place, daughter of Adam Weisman, deceased. The children of this marriage are as follows : Silas M. ; Harry D., of Wrightsville, who mar- ried Minnie Kinard; Charles F., of Wrights- ville, who married Edith McElroy; William IV .. of York, who married Jennie Yesler; and three children, who died in infancy.

Silas M. Birnstock was born in York, Feb. 23, 1867. and when he was two years old his parents moved to Wrightsville. There he at- tended the public schools, his first teacher be- ing Miss Annie Moore. He graduated at the age of sixteen under Prof. Gardner. His father had intended that he should go to col- lege, but he was not very fond of study, and did not care to avail himself of this oppor- tunity. As a boy he enjoyed working in his father's tinsmith shop, where he was allowed to do odd jobs, and earned as much as fifty cents a day. On leaving school he began to learn the plumber's trade, and finished his ap- prenticeship at the age of nineteen. He now de- cided to try his future in the West, going first to Ashton, Ill., and, after working at his trade there for a time, traveling to Tacoma and Spokane, Wash. In Tacoma he was thus em- ployed for nearly a year, then for seven months was with a surveying party of the Northern Pacific railroad, between South Bend and Che- halis, Wash. Returning to Tacoma he worked at his trade a few months, after which he re- turned to the East. He soon married and set- tled in Wrightsville, doing a thriving business

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in hardware, plumbing and tinning. In 1898, born in Newberry township, and received a Mr. Birnstock, and his brother, Charles F., bought their father's well-established business, which they conducted under the firm name of Birnstock Brothers. They have greatly en- larged its scope, increased the stock, and have a flourishing trade. Mr. Birnstock has been superintendent of the Wrightsville Water Supply Co. since its organization. On July 8, 1901, he bought out the Columbia Steam- Ferry & Tow Boat Company, which is now incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, Mr. Birnstock being treasurer, his brother, Charles F., secretary, and his father, president. His steamboat "The Mary" is the finest boat that ever plied between Wrightsville and Co- lumbia, being 92 x16 feet in dimensions, with a capacity of 190 passengers, and a draft of twelve inches, light. The boat makes con- nections with all trains from Lancaster and York.

Mr. Birnstock's marriage to Edith L. Og- den, daughter of George Ogden, of York, took place in that city Nov. 25, 1891. They have one child, Henry Ogden, born Nov. 12, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Birnstock have a very pleasant home, an hospitable center for their many friends, and the latter is an active worker in the Presbyterian Church. Like his father Mr. Birnstock votes the Democratic ticket, his first presidential vote being cast for Cleveland. He is not an office seeker, but was once a candi- date for sheriff of York county. Fraternally he is connected with Riverside Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is past master ; is a member of Chihuahua Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Wrights- ville ; and a charter member of Lodge No. 213. B. P. O. E., of York. He is essentially a self- made man, and owes his success to his own en- ergy, perseverance and ability.

EPHRAIM K. COBLE, late a prominent citizen and land owner of Goldsboro, York county, was born in 1831, in Newberry town- ship, this county, son of George and Henrietta (Kauffman) Coble.

Casper Coble, grandfather of Ephraim, was born in Newberry township, where he fol- lowed farming. He died at Ball Hill at an ad- vanced age. The children born to himself and wife were as follows : George, Abraham, Peter and John, all of whom are deceased.

George Coble, father of our subject, was

common school education. He followed farm- ing in York, Dauphin and Lancaster counties, and finally settled in Cly, Newberry township, where he lived retired up to the time of his death, which occurred in his eighty-second year. He was buried in Pine Grove cemetery in Newberry township. Mr. Coble married Henrietta Kauffman, who lived to an advanced age. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Coble were as follows: Solomon died in active service during the Civil war; Ephraim is our subject ; Jessie died at Pittsburg; Lucy died in Dauphin county; Catherine died in Lewis- berry; Moses died from injuries received on the battlefield, having been removed to a hos- pital in West Virginia; Andrew died in New- berry township; Washington lives at York Haven: Reuben died young; Mary married John Fink, deceased, and she resides in Colum- bia, Lancaster county ; and Mary died in Golds- boro.

Ephraim K. Coble received but a scanty education, at the age of seven years being sent out to fight his own way in life. He was first engaged with a Peter Bair, on his farm in Newberry township. In 1858 he married Sarah Jane Palmer, daughter of George and Catherine (Hoffman) Palmer, of York county. During the Civil war Mr. Coble enlisted in Company K, 143d P. V. I., Capt. J. S. Little, commanding, and took part in a number of engagements, and in the battle of the Wilder- ness was severely wounded, being shot in the hip, the thigh and the shoulder, and losing a finger from his left hand. These injuries did not, however, incapacitate Mr. Coble and he served three years, or to the close of the war, when he returned to Newberry township. He was then employed by Abraham Shelley, of Cly, as a man of all work, remaining with him thirteen years, and accumulating enough money by the end of that time to purchase a small tract of land in Newberry township, where he remained about seven years. In 1875 Mr. Coble returned to Cly, and bought a tract of about twenty-five acres, put up four fine buildings, and followed farming. At the time of his death, March 5, 1905, he was liv- ing retired, feeling that his many years of la- bor earned him a rest.

To Mr. and Mrs. Coble three children were born : Angeline married William Brunaw

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and lives at Cly ; Sadie died in infancy ; and Carrie (deceased) married Robert Aucker of York.

Politically Mr. Coble was a stanch Repub- lican, but he took no active interest in politics. He was a valued member of the United Breth- ren Church, of which he was a liberal suppor- ter. Mr. Coble started in life on his own re- sources, and climbed the ladder of success, truly self-made man. He had an excellent war record, and was highly esteemed and re- spected by all with whom he came in contact.

GEORGE W. THOMAS. It illustrates the character of this well known citizen of Hanover that when he returned home from the Civil war he appreciated the value of ad- ditional education and did not scruple to again place himself under the direction of the public schoolmaster, just as he had unfalteringly fol- lowed the commands of cavalry officers during the closing years of that memorable conflict, which forever cemented the national union.

George Thomas, the paternal grandfather of George W., was a native of Scotland, and when a young man migrated to America. He married Mary Glessner, and settled in Han- over.

Emanuel Thomas, son of George and father of George W., was born in Hanover in 1818. He acquired the trade of a coachmaker, which he followed through his active years. He married Sarah A. Smyser, who was born July 21, 1826, daughter of Jacob and Annie M. (Eisenhart) Smyser. Eight children were born to Elmer and Sarah A. Thomas, name- ly : George W .: J. A., a dentist at Hanover ; Edward C., deceased; Mary Antoinette, wife of William Strayer, of St. Paul. Minn .; How- ard S., living in Maryland, near Stone Cottage : Cora E., deceased; Emma Grace, who married Emory Swartz: and Carrie, who married Wil- liam Melhorn, of Hanover. The father, Eman- uel Thomas, died in October. 1880, aged sixty- two years.

George W. Thomas. the eldest of the fam- ily, was born at Hanover June II. 1847. His education was received in the public schools of the little city and he was still a boy when he enlisted in the military service of his country in Company E. gth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Col. Russell commanding. The courageous

and patriotic lad saw active and arduous serv- ice with the regiment, and for a time per- formed scout duty. At the expiration of the term of service in June, 1865, he was honor- ably discharged. Being still of school age, he re-entered the public schools of Hanover and continued his studies to the end of the year. He then learned the trade of carpenter with Edward Steffy, with whom he remained for rung by rung, practically unaided. He was a .a year or two. In 1867 Mr. Thomas started

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 79

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